Page 90 of Ghost

Chapter Thirty-two

“This is the portraitof Francis’ father,” Ellen pointed out.The massive painting was hanging over the fireplace in the parlor.“It wasn’t long after it was completed that he went missing.”Ellen turned to face Mason.“There is no question in my mind now that Imogene had something to do with it.If she was able to kill her own child, then she’d by no means find it hard to murder her husband.The whole matter infuriates me!”

Mason could tell that Ellen was furious because her face had gone bright red and her lips tight and white.He hugged her from the side.“She can’t hurt anyone else, and she is where she belongs.”

“Yes, I know.”Ellen shook her head.“I only wish we knew where he was so that he could have a proper burial is all.”She turned towards Mason.“Speaking of which, why don’t we go over to the family cemetery and see where you think Francis should find his final resting place.”

“Can we look around the house a bit more first?”

Ellen took Mason’s hand.“Yes, of course, my dear.I apologize, I should have realized this might be a little difficult for you.”

Mason only nodded.He greatly appreciated her knowing how he was feeling when it came to the thought of burying Francis, whom he knew wasn’t alive, but who was not really quite dead to him either.

At the top of the stairs was a portrait of Imogene.While she had been pretty when she was younger, she was no great beauty either.

“I have often wondered why Colin married her.”

“That was Francis’ father’s name?”Mason looked a little closer at the painting.

“Yes.Later I was told that it was an arranged marriage, which was common back then.But still...she wasn’t a pleasant person to be around, even when I was a child.”Ellen tugged at Mason’s arm.“Come along.Just looking at that picture gives me the heebie-jeebies.”

“Yeah, I know what you mean,” Mason replied.He looked over his shoulder as they were going back down the stairs, and it felt like the woman was sneering at him...again.

Mason took a deep breath as they exited the house by the backdoor.“I guess I’m about as ready as I’m ever going to be.”

Ellen looked at him, a knowing expression on her face.She only nodded as she led the way to the family burial plot through the rose garden, which was in full bloom.Mason wasn’t exactly appreciative of it right then.

“There’s plenty of room here, so why don’t you find a spot that you think will be most fitting,” Ellen said, her voice quiet.

Mason looked around at the well-kept cemetery.“I have no idea.”He looked to Ellen for guidance.“Would he want to be next to his mother?”

Ellen looked around for a moment and then she slowly smiled.“Here.”She walked over to a spot and turned to face eastward.“When the old marsh is put back into place, this will face it.I think Francis would be most appreciative of that idea.”She looked to Mason.“Don’t you believe so?”

Mason smiled.“Yes.I think he would approve of that idea.”Mason lifted the small disposable camera and took a picture.“I’ll ask just to make sure.”

Once they were back in the car, Mason could tell that Ellen was tired, but happy.It was almost two in the afternoon, and they’d been gone since eight that morning.Thankfully, the drive was less than two hours.

“If you want to drop me off by the drugstore and go on home, I’ll just catch a cab home,” Mason said to Ellen when they were getting close to the city limits of Savannah.

“If you don’t mind, I’d like to see the photos,” she remarked.

Mason looked at her questioningly.“Are you sure?”

Ellen patted Mason on the knee, which seemed to be something she was fond of doing.“Yes, I’m sure.We can get a coffee or something at that little café just up from there.”

“Okay.I just don’t want to wear you out is all.”