The Ghost of Jeopardy Belle Page 7

  “I can’t be sure. It’s pretty close, as far as timelines go.”

  “This other McIntyre, the younger boy, I wonder what his name is. Hannah told me that she believed I had some authority with the ghost because I own the house now. She thinks if I knew his name, I could command him to leave. Any chance we’ll find it in here?”

  “I’ve looked for years,” he confessed as he opened a folder. Seeing my expression, he quickly added, “But today might be my lucky day.”

  I accepted the folder and skimmed through the lists of births and deaths. Geesh, Jesse had put in a lot of time on this. After a few minutes of paper shuffling, I sat back and closed my eyes. This wasn’t the time to get a headache, but I could feel one coming on. The house was quiet except for the ice cracking in Jesse’s glass. I half expected to hear that light tapping again at the back door. For a moment, I wondered what it would be like for Jesse to meet Marisol. Would she like him? Surely she would have. He was kind and loving, just like Eddie used to be before the drugs sucked his soul dry. And then my house phone rang. I gasped and put my hand on my chest. “Excuse me. That must be Hannah.” I picked up and said, “Hello?”

  “Jerica, this is Ben, Ben Hartley. I’m on my way to Summerleigh. I have something to tell you. Please, promise me you’ll wait for me to arrive.”

  “Wait for what, Ben? Are you okay?” I looked at Jesse, who raised his eyebrows.

  “It’s something I should have told you a long time ago. I’m driving down. Be there in about an hour.” And with that, he clicked the phone down and the line went dead.

  “Ben?” I held the phone up and put it back on the receiver. I turned to Jesse and said, “You’re never gonna believe this, but Ben Hartley is on the way here. He says there’s something he has to tell me.”

  “Well, I guess we might as well keep plowing through. There is a chance I missed something. I mean, this is a lot of information. You ready to dig deep?”

  My stomach was growling, but my fear was growing too. I chewed on my bottom lip, wondering what in the world Ben wanted to tell me. And why couldn’t he have told me on the phone? Or the other day? There was nothing to do but wait. I took my seat beside Jesse and began shuffling through the papers, looking for any reference to the McIntyre family that I could find. This might be the slowest hour of my life.

  I suddenly snapped my fingers. “Wait a second. That book. I found a book in the potting shed, and I’ve been meaning to show it to you. I think I put it in the bookcase.”

  “What book?” Jesse looked up from a land owner’s record he was flipping through.

  “I found it a few months ago and forgot all about it. It was the day I heard the girls giggling outside the potting shed.” I rifled through the bookcase in the living room and found the dusty old book in a drawer. “Here it is. The writing is faint, but I think the name inside is McIntyre.”

  I leaned over him as he examined the cover. There was no title, and the cover appeared a bit worse for wear. It wasn’t a large book, more like a journal. He flipped it open and laid it on the table in front of him. “Hey, turn that light on. You’re right, this ink is pretty faded.”

  “I think it’s some sort of record. Maybe for plants? Was Mr. McIntyre a botanist?”

  “Not that I know of. I wish I understood all these notations. Look, there are several columns, but the headings are too faded to read. Maybe these are flower species? I need a magnifying glass to make this out.”

  “I don’t have one.” I peered closer. “The more I look at it, I don’t think those are flower names. Aren’t those usually Latin? That one there,” I said as I pointed at the page, “that’s C-L-A-U-D-E-T-T-E something or other. And that one there, A-R-, is that an I? Or an L? It could be A-R-I-C-E-L-I. Grab a pen, Jesse. Hey, I’ll use my phone to magnify the writing.”

  “Brilliant,” he said as he slid the book to me and reached for a notebook.

  Surprisingly, the hour didn’t drag by. By the end of it, we were looking at a list of names, places and strange descriptions. At the very back of the book, we found the faint signature of Jameson P. McIntyre.

  At least we’d solved one mystery and confirmed the name of one of the McIntyre sons. Little did we know that things were about to get even stranger.

  Chapter Ten—Jerica

  Jesse and I were still waiting for Ben to arrive. So far, he was a no-show. The afternoon was burning away; we were losing daylight, and I began to feel anxious. Not just at the idea of going into the house at night but because Ben had seemed so frail when last I saw him. I couldn’t understand his change of heart. He’d done everything he could to make sure I came to Summerleigh, leaving me those keys and walking out of the Sunrise Retirement Home without another word. If he hadn’t shown up, I would never have fallen in love with the place and the long-lost Belle family. Now he wanted to send me back to Virginia?

  Yeah, color me confused. I checked the clock again. It was after four now. If he was coming from Jackson, he should’ve been here an hour ago. I turned to Jesse, unable to hide the worry I felt.

  “Does Ben have any relatives in the area that you know about? Someone we could contact?”

  “No. I can’t think of anyone. But you know how Ben is, Jerica. He’ll be here soon, and if he’s not, we can contact the state troopers or somebody.”

  Someone tapped on the front door, and I hoped and prayed that it was Ben Hartley. Instead, it was Hannah. I’d been so worried about Ben that I completely forgot about her. She was here with two people I didn’t know, so I gathered she’d gotten my voicemail that I wanted to move forward with our investigation into Summerleigh.

  “Hey, Hannah. Please come in. I’m so glad you could make it.”

  Hannah clutched her purse as she always did and smiled nervously before introducing me to her friends. “Thanks for inviting me. These are two of my colleagues, Amy Whitehead and Rex Nylund. Both have a lot of experience in the paranormal field. Amy’s here to help me with the technical aspects of our investigation, and Rex has other skills. He’s a sensitive.” Amy nodded, and Rex extended his hand. I shook it politely and invited them into the kitchen where Jesse was tidying up our research to make room for them.

  “Hey, Hannah,” he said, glancing over his shoulder. “Hey, y’all,” he said politely to Rex and Amy as he arranged his papers in the plastic bin and slid it out of the way.

  “Jesse, I didn’t know you were here,” Hannah said, giving him a sunny smile. That was a rare thing—she was friendly but not one to smile much. I invited everyone to have a seat around the table. Since we were one chair short, I pulled the extra one up from its usual spot near the Princess telephone.

  Rex said, “I hear you have a negative entity at Summerleigh. I can’t say I’m surprised, considering all of the history that’s happened on this property. What is it you hope we can do for you, Jerica?”

  “I’m hoping to get rid of him. I mean, if he were the peaceful sort of spirit, I wouldn’t mind him being there. But slamming doors and scaring people? I can’t have that happening all the time.”

  “Hannah told us that the activity ramped up when you guys began to renovate. That’s not uncommon. Any particular hot spots?” Amy asked in a soft voice as she whipped out a notebook and pencil.

  “Yes, that is correct. The house was empty for quite some time before I got here. I was hoping to change all that. I think most of the activity happens on the second floor, in the nursery and the attic.”

  Rex leaned forward and rested his chin on his folded hands. “I want you to understand that I am a sensitive, but I’m not an exorcist, so I don’t have any special skills for ousting ghosts. But I will be glad to lend whatever skills I do have to help you navigate this situation. I understand it can be frightening to have that activity happening around you.”

  Jesse nodded in agreement. “The doors on the top floor slammed so hard I thought the place was going to fall in. It was the scariest darn thing I’ve ever seen. If I hadn’t seen it myself, I’m no
t sure I would believe it. We’ve been working in that house for weeks and have not had any problems. But now, it’s straight-up dangerous. Jerica, tell them what happened to you today at the river.”

  All eyes were on me, and I fought the urge to kick Jesse under the table. Since he brought it up, I told the group what happened earlier and then concluded, “And Mr. Daughdrill was standing on the bank watching. Like he wanted me to drown, like he expected me to die. I guess I can understand why he would want to come after me. At least Harper went to her grave not knowing what a monster he really was, but I know him for who he is. He was never the kind of man who liked it when a woman had the upper hand on him. I know the type.” I avoided looking in Jesse’s direction. I hadn’t meant to drop hints about my past like that.

  “That’s not quite true. She knew. Harper knew,” a voice from behind me whispered. I spun around to see Ben Hartley standing in my kitchen drenched with sweat.

  “Ben! I didn’t hear you come in. Please have a seat. Would you like something to drink?” Ben’s face looked pale, and his lips were colorless.

  “Yes. Water, please.”

  “What happened to you, Ben?”

  “I had a flat, and I’m not as spry as I used to be.”

  I handed him a glass of water and said, “These are my friends, Ben. This is Hannah, and this is Amy and Rex. They’re here to help me with the house.”

  With shaking hands, Ben sipped the water. “I don’t think you understand, Jerica. Some of those spirits can’t be pacified, and no amount of pleading with them is going to change that. They are dead and gone, and there’s nothing more you can do for them.”

  The kitchen was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. I didn’t want him to get worked up again, not after what he’d been through already. In an attempt to steer the conversation in another direction I asked, “What do you mean, Ben? What did Harper know? Did Mr. Daughdrill die that night?”

  Ben put his empty glass on the table and buried his face in his hands. He sobbed, and I put my arm around him. What was it about this man that made me want to protect him? He seemed so broken, but I had no idea why. Hannah, Rex and Amy excused themselves and hurried off to the living room to give us some privacy.

  Jesse grabbed some tissues and handed them to him. Ben said, “I’m so sorry, Jerica. I don’t mean to blubber like a child. And I know it was a long time ago, but it doesn’t make it any easier. You understand.”

  I nodded. “Tell us what happened. What did Harper know?”

  “Daughdrill didn’t die that night. She told me about it later, after we had become better friends. She and Addison were like my own two sisters. I admit I had a bit of a crush on Harper back then. Maybe I still do. Old man Daughdrill hated me. He’d complain to Mrs. Belle when I came around, but she didn’t say a word to Harper. I think she was proud of her, thankful in her own twisted way, but she would never say so. Oh no. She was never the kind of woman to admit she needed anyone. But really, she was needier than everyone.”

  “Go on, Ben. Tell me more about Harper.”

  “Mr. Daughdrill started coming around the school to see Addison. He would bring her presents like jewelry, but she never left with him. Harper was always there, running defense. But he was a master at manipulation, and he succeeded in driving a wedge between them, at least for a little while. Before he died, he practically moved into the house and took over. Her mother didn’t say a word.” Ben began to tear up again. “Harper wouldn’t want you to be in danger, Jerica. Please promise me you’ll stop the renovation. Let sleeping dogs lie, Jerica. Go back home and have a happy life.”

  Jesse couldn’t hide his surprise. “Why, Ben? You haven’t given her a reason except to say bad things happened to the Belle girls. We know that. Don’t you think it’s time to let some sunshine into the place? Let Summerleigh breathe again?”

  “You can’t see it. You see the house and want to love it, but nobody is happy there. Nobody is ever happy at Summerleigh. John Belle thought he could fix the place up. Look where it got him. Jeopardy, Addison, Harper…they’re all gone. You don’t understand. You haven’t seen what I’ve seen.” He sobbed again.

  I cast an eye at Jesse and nodded my head toward the living room. Thankfully, he got the message and immediately left to apologize to Hannah and her friends. I heard the front door open and close as they left. I’d have to call her later.

  More than anything, I wanted to know who that little boy was, but it wouldn’t be today. Ben Hartley was in no shape to drive home, and I couldn’t in good conscience ignore his wishes. Not while he was here, anyway. I sat quietly and waited for him to regain his composure. Jesse returned and sat at the table with us. I was glad to have him there.

  “Now tell us everything, Ben. What have you seen at Summerleigh that makes you so afraid?”

  “I’ve seen the devil there, Jerica. And he’s not going to leave. It was his place before they ever built Summerleigh. This is old land. Lots of deadly things happened here. Even the local native tribes avoided this patch of land. I tried to warn Harper. I told her what I knew, what my grandfather told me, but she didn’t listen. Not until it was too late.” Ben sounded confused, and it set off alarms in my nurse’s brain. I know these symptoms, don’t I? “At least she made it out alive. I am glad for that. I loved Harper Belle, you know. It broke my heart when she married that Hayes fella, but it is what it is. Water under the bridge.” He wiped at his eyes again. “When I lived here, I woke up to find flowers on my doorstep every now and then. How about you?”

  I glanced at the flower on the table. It had withered a bit but was still a vibrant shade of blue. My heart sank. I wanted to believe Marisol had brought me those flowers. Had I been wrong?

  “Yes, I’ve found flowers a few times.”

  “Ah, but you never know who’s bringing them. Be careful what you invite into your home, Jerica Poole. Be really careful. Some things aren’t that easy to get rid of.”

  Jesse stared hard at the old man, and I could see the uncertainty on his face. Ignoring the icy-cold feeling I had, I glanced at the clock. Suppertime. That’s what Ben needed, food and some rest.

  “Jesse, how do you feel about grilling some pork chops? I’ve got some in the refrigerator. Are you hungry, Ben?”

  “Yes, but I thought you wanted to hear everything.”

  “I do, but right now I want to eat. Why don’t you get freshened up while Jesse and I whip up some grub?”

  “That would be lovely. Thank you. I’ll do that.” He wandered off to the bathroom. Of course, he didn’t have to ask where it was. He’d lived here. He knew this house inside and out. And he knew Summerleigh.

  Jesse touched my arm. “I hope you don’t intend to let him stay here. Something seems off about him. I know you want to see him as a sweet old man and everything, but I can’t shake the feeling that something is wrong.”

  “I agree. But the less he hears about the house, the better off he’ll be. I don’t think Ben is well. I really don’t. Let’s cook supper and go from there. Thank you for being so patient with him. And me.”

  Jesse grinned down at me and said, “Just show me the way to the grill.”

  “Just out back on the patio.” I kissed his cheek playfully. He paused, like he wanted more, but Ben came back into the kitchen.

  “I’m not interrupting you all, am I?”

  “Not at all, Ben. Have a seat while I prep these chops.”

  And for the next few hours, nobody talked about Summerleigh or ghosts. It was nice to pretend that everything was okay. Unfortunately, it was just the calm before the storm.

  Chapter Eleven—Harper

  “Loxley wasn’t at school today, Momma. Can’t we go see her?”

  A haze of cigarette smoke swirled around my mother’s face, and she wore her usual lost expression. She always looked like this when she’d spent the previous night drinking, and she did that more and more as of late. “She’s better off with Dot. In fact, you’d all be better off.” And she was still
drunk.

  I hung up the phone and stared at the back of her head. Her hair was unbrushed and unwashed. She wasn’t dressed either. Addison and I would have to hoof it, and quickly, if we were going to make it to school on time. One more tardy and I would face Mr. Alfred’s wrath. And possibly his paddle. Too bad he couldn’t paddle Momma.

  “Where’s Jeopardy this morning? Jeopardy?” It of course wasn’t Jep but Addison. She came into the kitchen wearing new shoes, and her hair was brushed and tidy.

  “Morning, Momma. What’s for breakfast, Harper?” she said as she frowned at the empty table.

  Am I the only sane one around here?

  “You don’t have time for breakfast, your majesty. We’re walking to school this morning,” I said as I picked up my books from the table and slung my purse over my shoulder.

  “I can’t walk to school in these shoes. They’re brand new!” she whined as she pursed her pouty lips. “Grandfather would be so mad if I scuffed them up before he saw me in them.”

  That woke Momma up from her stupor. She rose to her wobbly feet and put her hands on the table to steady herself. “What did you say? Who’s buying you shoes, Addison Lee?”

  Addison backed away from Momma, and I pushed her behind me as I reached for the back door. “We better go, Addison.”

  “Okay,” she said as she scurried out of Summerleigh. “Bye, Momma.” I could hear her voice breaking up as she sailed down the back steps.

  “Addison, you get back here!” Momma shouted after her.

  I closed the door and left Momma to stew in her own juices. I caught up with Addison around the corner of the house. The overgrown hydrangeas made the perfect hiding spot. “Come on out, Addie. She’s too drunk to follow us to school. Take your shoes off if you’re worried about getting them dirty, but the walk might be hard on your feet.”

  Addison clutched her notebook to her chest and looked down at her shoes. “These are the nicest shoes I’ve ever owned.” She didn’t take them off, and we walked together down Hurlette.