Page 148 of Ghost

“What are you doing?”Red had stopped walking and was looking over Judith’s shoulder as she sat writing.

“I’m updating the books, dumb ass.”Judith pushed a strand of hair behind her ear.“Ellen is going to expect things to be up to date, which they will be if I can just get it finished.”She looked at Red over her shoulder.“It would go much quicker if you weren’t here.”

“Yeah, right.”Red started pacing again.“So, you can get the dough for yourself and leave me holding the bag?Not likely.And won’t they be suspicious if it is all updated?”

Judith shook her head.“This is the dummy book.The one that will pass inspection.The real books are behind the bookcase.”

Red stopped and looked behind the bookcase.“I don’t see anything, are you sure it is still there?I need to see it.”

Judith sighed heavily and pushed herself away from the desk.“Why are you always so difficult?”She knelt down, pushed her hand behind the bookcase and came out with a ledger.“There’s just enough room behind there because of the baseboard.It sits right on top and unless you have a flashlight, you’d never know it was there.This,” she said holding it up so Red could see, “is the real account book that haseverythingin it.Only we know what’s in there and it’s going to stay that way.We only need a few more months then we’ll have enough to cash in and get away from here for good.”

* * * * *

Francis slowly appeared before Sharon and Mason.“Mason, we need to take a stroll before you retire.Sharon should accompany you.It is urgent we speak.”

Sharon turned towards Mason.“Why don’t we take a stroll through the rose garden?”She looped her arm through Mason’s.“It’s just so warm inside still.”

“Uh, sure.”Mason looked around quickly.“I’d like that.”

Once they were outside, and well away from the house, Francis reappeared.

“There are two sets of books,” Francis told them both.“The one that Judith is going to show Ellen is a fake.Therealgeneral ledger is behind the bookcase, resting upon the baseboards.”

“Oh wow,” Sharon gasped.“Wait till Gerald hears that.He’s going to blow his top.”

Francis chuckled.“He knows.We were spying on Judith and Red while they were collaborating.They are also suspicious of the lockbox that Mason has re-hidden.There is a camera in the upstairs hallway.”Francis scowled.“I fear that Red character could be dangerous, so I am advising that Sharon find a way to notify the police.Not only can they hear what goes on in almost every room of the house, they can also see as well in all the main rooms.There are several cameras set up in each main room.”

“Eww,” Sharon said and shivered.“That’s just gross and creepy all at the same time.”

“It also means we need to be doubly careful,” Mason said.“If they see Ellen or me talking to thin air, they will think we’re crazy and possibly make things even more dangerous.”

“Agreed,” Francis responded, nodding.“We must all be careful.Red is already looking in the attic.He was able to see when you opened the hidden door to the attic using the camera.Gerald and I were able to mask your footprints left in the dust up there.”Francis seemed to fade a bit, letting Mason see through him for the first time in a long time.“It has taken a lot of out us both,” he added, speaking of Gerald.“I fear for Ellen and your safety to be honest,” Francis’ brow was creased.

Mason turned to Sharon.“Martin has one of those mobile phones.See if he can’t lend it to you or get him to call the police first thing in the morning.”

“See?”Francis smiled, which looked a bit forced.“As I told you; those devices will become very handy and I suspect, used more and more.Perhaps you should invest in one of those companies?”He quickly turned to Sharon.“You must be careful young lady.As it stands now, I am in fear of everyone’s safety!”

Mason rolled his eyes.“Can we just get through the night before I get the business lecture I know is coming?”Mason also looked at Sharon.“Please be careful.I have a feeling that Francis is right.That Red character seems dangerous.”

Francis laughed.“You have come to know me too well, my love.I will leave you for now.I am feeling quite drained.Good night, Sharon.I shall see you in my bed, Mason.”