Page 13 of Monkey Business

“Gus.”

“No!” Gus disappeared, and Noah stared at Trak.

“I’ve never seen anything like that,” said the big Viking. “It’s as if he has dementia or Alzheimer’s.”

“Is that possible for a ghost?”

“It’s possible he had it in his living body, but usually, in death, that all goes away. The ghost doesn’t usually experience pain. I felt pain when he ran away.”

“Something is very wrong,” said Trak. “We need to find out more about the victims in the truck and whether or not he is capable of harming anyone here. So far, it’s been harmless pranks of stealing items, but…”

“What?”

“He said he couldn’t board the boat the other day. He said he tried but was left on the island.”

“Alright. So?”

“So, how did he steal the items at Belle Fleur? How did he steal the tools, fabric, all of it? He is able to get to the main property.”

“He doesn’t remember,” said Noah. “He truly doesn’t remember, or he’s pretending.”

“I don’t think he’s pretending,” said Trak.

CHAPTER SEVEN

“Pops, we really need some help with this,” said Miller, staring at his father. He felt hopeful that Matthew would help if he could, but none of them truly understood their father’s powers and abilities yet. “Gus doesn’t feel evil, but he doesn’t remember anything right now. Is that possible?”

“It’s very possible,” said Matthew. “Something could have affected him before he died, inhibiting his cognitive abilities. Or they were impaired before death, and since he hasn’t fully transitioned one way or another, he’s still behaving as he did in life.”

“Could he have been hit on the head?” asked Trak.

“It could be that. It could also be what Noah suggested. Dementia or Alzheimer’s in conjunction with something else. Drugs. Violence. Any of it.”

“Pops, can you just tell us if he’s evil? Should we worry about him?” asked Gaspar.

“I don’t sense evil,” said Matthew. “But I’m not sensing good either. It’s as if I cannot read his soul at all. He is confused, which is confusing me.”

“No offense, Matthew, but that doesn’t exactly give me the warm fuzzies,” smirked Ian. “If he’s dangerous, we need to know about it. He’s been on the main property and didn’t know it, didn’t remember it.”

“That is troubling,” frowned Matthew. “I’ll go out and speak with him. See if I can find out anything else for you.”

“Thank you, Matthew,” nodded Nine. “Archie, I know this is a lot to ask, but can you and Eagle Feather keep an eye on him?”

“It’s not too much to ask at all,” said the ghost. “I’m happy to help in any way that I can.”

“Oh, no,” muttered Charity.

“Oh, no? Oh, no, what?” asked Gaspar. He heard thundering footsteps coming down the hall and Noah sticking his head in the room.

“We need assistance,” said the big man. “Come. Now!”

They ran out of the office and into the grove of Belle Île, where their newest ghost was turning in circles. Naked. His arms were held out wide, his head held to the sky as Matthew approached him slowly. Archie and Eagle Feather came from the other side, Grip and Franklin standing by.

“Gus? Son, I need you to look at me,” said Matthew.

“I’m free. I’m free,” he laughed. “It feels wonderful to be free.”

“Yes. Yes, it does, but there are ladies present. We should probably get you dressed, and then you can be free another time.”

---