Page 51 of Ghost

"W ho is he talking to ?” Red asked Judith.

“Who knows? It’s like when he and Ellen were talking.

They both acted like there were others in the room when there wasn’t.

” Judith looked up at Red who was standing next to her as they watched the monitors.

“I mean, I can understand that old bag being nuts at her age, but this...?” She pointed to Mason who seemed to be alone in his room having a conversation with no one but himself.

“Hurry, see if you can see where he goes.” She pushed Red out of the office door.

* * * * *

Ellen was nursing a cold drink, which turned out to be a gin and tonic, when Mason came out onto the veranda.

“Hello, all,” Mason greeted the people mingling outside.

“Evening, there, Mason,” Martin Royale greeted jovially. “I was just telling Fred here that there ain’t a place on this Earth as pretty as Hobonny.

“Nope, none at all,” Freed agreed.

“May I get you something?” asked Sharon.

“I can get it myself, Sharon, if you’ll just tell me where everything is.”

Sharon laughed. “Best not. The cook here isn’t happy when there is anyone in her kitchen.”

“I’ll just have a beer, then.”

“You’ll need to be a bit more specific as to what kind of beer. There are quite a few to choose from.”

Mason looked at Sharon a moment. “Surprise me. I tend to like a nice pale ale.”

“What? No bourbon?” Ellen asked, a wicked smile on her face.

“Oh no, you’re not getting me drunk tonight!” Mason looked at the Royales. “Word to the wise; do not sit and drink with that woman,” he said pointing towards Ellen. “She’ll drink you under the table.”

Both Royales looked wide-eyed at Ellen, then at Mason.

“Did you get your chores done?” Ellen asked Mason as he took the rocking chair next to her.

“I did.” Mason leaned in closer to Ellen. “Did you have a chance to speak privately with Gerald?”

“I did.” Ellen looked around casually. “We had a nice stroll through the rose garden.”

Mason nodded. “It creeps me out that they can hear what we’re saying.”

Ellen snorted. “I’m just glad we found out. Can you imagine the fallout if it had been a guest here?”

“Not to mention the... stuff.”

Ellen nodded. “Indeed. However, I think Francis would have been able to point us in the right direction had that occurred.”

“That’s if they didn’t immediately high-tail it out of here.”

“I’d not thought of that, but true.” Ellen glanced at Mason.

“I plan on asking Judith to have a look at the books first thing in the morning. I do not intend to give her a chance to try and hide anything. I want to make sure that you and Francis are there. Francis will be able to spot anything that seems irregular. I’ll have Gerald keep an eye on that Red character. ”

“Smart.”

“Here ya go, Mason.” Sharon handed him a beer and had one of her own in her hand. “I’ve never had a Japanese beer before. Thought I’d give it a try.”

“Cool.” He took a big sip of Sharon’s choice of beer. “Not bad. I’ll stick to an American beer, thanks.” He sighed after a sip of his own beer.

Sharon took a drink. “Yeah, I agree. Not bad, just not... good.” She leaned in close to Ellen and Mason, “Where are they?”

Ellen’s eyebrows rose slightly. “Why, whoever do you mean, Sharon?”

Sharon rolled her eyes. “Causing trouble if I know Gerald.”

Mason laughed. “Yep. Probably.”

Ellen sighed. “I would have to admit, he does seem to cause trouble when there is no need.” Ellen looked at Mason. “He was like that in life too, but he’s a good man and I love him dearly.”

“I love you equally, my love,” Gerald whispered as he slowly appeared, Francis next to him.

“And I also, my dear, sweet cousin. However, as I recall, you were one to cause plenty of trouble all on your own. I can remember the times....”

Ellen held up her hand. “There will be no telling of long-forgotten secrets cousin.” She leaned forward a little. “I have a few to tell myself, so watch yourself.” She looked at Mason and then back to Francis. The look on her face spoke volumes making Francis’ smile fade.

“Oh, this should be good,” Mason chuckled. “Spill the beans, Ellen. I want to know all.”

“Mason, secrets only stay secret when one never speaks of said secret.” Ellen smiled sweetly.

“Ready for another beer?” Sharon asked.

Mason downed what little was left in his bottle. “Yep. You?”

“Yep.” Sharon took the bottle from Mason. “Back in a flash.”

“Please don’t,” Mason laughed.

* * * * *

Ellen looked down the long table as the last of the dessert dishes were being removed. Judith was holding the door, checking that things were going well.

“Judith, dear,” Ellen motioned for Judith to come closer. When she was next to Ellen, leaning over, Ellen said, “I’d like to have Sharon bring me my coffee by seven-thirty in the morning. I’ll be down for breakfast before eight.”

“I do have a call I need to make to a bride around that time, but I will make sure there is someone here to help in serving.” Judith spoke smoothly, but Mason could see her shoulder’s tense a bit.

“I’m sure the bride will be thrilled and no worry about having anyone to serve.

Sharon will happily step in. After all, if the bride has already booked in, the call probably won’t be too long unless there has been major changes, am I right?

” Ellen once again asked a question, when there was no answer to be given.

She automatically assumed that the bride had already decided on Hobonny and given the deep breath that Judith had just taken, Ellen had been right.

“Of course,” Judith said as she quickly stood up. Ellen had rattled her cage but good. Mason was trying hard not to laugh. Damn, I need to learn how she does that.

Ellen stood up. “Would anyone care for an after-dinner drink out on the veranda? Maybe we can catch a sea breeze outdoors.”

Everyone gladly followed Ellen outside, where there was a slight breeze. Even with both windows open in the dining room and with a fan going, it was warm inside.

Mason went with Sharon to fetch drinks for everyone. They walked down the long center hallway towards the kitchen. “I wonder if there is enough beer for me to have a bath in it?” Sharon asked. “I could get a good chill and drink all at the same time.”

Mason laughed heartily. “If so, can I join you?”

“You will do no such thing,” Francis said, popping up in front of them.

Sharon laughed. “Jealous, are we?”

Francis frowned. “Yes.” He straightened up his waistcoat and then locked his hands behind his back.

“You guys crack me up.” Sharon giggled and walked right through Francis.

“I feel violated,” Francis said, looking sad. “I’m not used to that.”

“What, being stood up to or being walked through?” Mason shook his head in amusement.

“Either.” Francis slowly faded away.

Mason and Sharon had several more beers after that. They said goodnight to Ellen and the Royales.

Sharon leaned in close to Mason. “I know there’s something big going on and I‘m sure you can’t say anything, but I just hope ya’ll are being careful.

There is something... evil going on. I can sense it but can’t put my finger on it exactly.

I’d put money on it that it has something to do with that Red guy. He has a really dark aura.”

Mason took a moment and then only nodded.

* * * * *

“T hey’re onto us,” Red said as he paced back and forth in the small office.

“Will you stop pacing? You’re distracting me.”

“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 has everything in 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. The real general 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.”