Slowly, he lifted his hands up in the air, palms up, digits all moving in a come-hither motion like they were reacting to the beat of a song.
“Those present here, gather round.
“Be welcomed by my light.
“Reveal yourselves for all to see,
“for I promise you safety.
“So mote it be.”
Then he blew a long stream of air like he was blowing out the candles on a birthday cake, only he moved his head from side to side.
It was as if we’d been in the dark and a light switch had been flipped up. The interior of the small café was suddenly filled with people. Elyse and the High Priestess looked pleased, Chance stared at his own hands in wonder, while Cassi whipped her head around in awe, taking in all the apparitions surrounding us.
Their appearance seemed to fuel Carli’s energy, and she shook off her fatigue with a flip of her head. “My friends, I have felt your energy. It’s so nice to see your faces.”
Cassi reached over and clasped her wife’s hand, beaming. “We want to thank you for the warm welcome you gave us in this place and for all the helpful vibes you’ve released. We couldn’t have come so far without you.”
A woman dressed in what appeared to be 1920s clothing stepped forward. “It’s been such a joy to watch the love you’ve given our old store. This space represents love, family, and community to me and my husband.” A man with a thin, neatly trimmed black pencil mustache came to her side and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. “I must admit, we weren’t sure at first—” Her own tinkling laughter cut her off as her cheeks went scarlet.
Her husband kissed the top of her head. “But you two love each other as well as we did.”
Oh, they meant they hadn’t been sure about the wives being lesbians. Harry had spoken about watching the world evolve from the confines of Willowhope Manor, but I’d never considered all the spirits floating around out in the world andwhat they must think of how the world had changed around them.
“It’s beautiful to witness,” the woman continued.
Several ghosts, all dressed in a variety of clothing depicting the time period they were from, nodded vigorously.
Huh. Amazing how much more open-minded a bunch of ghosts who’d passed on were than so many living in the world around us today.
“Thank you so much,” Carli said.
Chance stood, smiling gently at each of the assembled. “I’m not demanding any of you move on, but if you’d like…”
A Black man in his mid-twenties, worrying a cap between his hands, stepped toward Chance. “I’ve been waiting a long time for my sister. This was her favorite place. She came in here for ice cream until she couldn’t travel no more, but…”
He glanced around. “She never came to me after she died. These spirits have become my friends”—he motioned at the other ghosts—“but I’m tired, and I reckon’ I’m ready to find out what’s?—”
“Holy shit!” I yelled, cutting him off and causing several of the spirits to flicker in and out in surprise. Even Cassi jumped a little. Pops chuckled from where he stood behind Elyse. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to scream. But”—I beamed at the young man—“I think I’ve met your sister.”
“You know Bessie?” he asked, features twisting in confusion. “But she died?—”
Chance gasped. “How’d I miss that? You look like you could be twins.”
It wasn’t surprising he’d missed it. Bessie had lived to a nice old age, retaining that appearance in death. But her brother…well, if this was how he’d looked when he died, my heart hurt for all the days he’d been deprived of. Since her death, she’d beenresiding out at Beckoning Pond—behind the manor—with all of the other ghosts that King liked to spend time with.
Lee blinked out and back, standing nearer the guy. “You’re Ms. Bessie’s twin brother, Beau?” He reached out and shook his hand. “Your sister goes on and on about you. The great adventures she sent you on…wow. It’s an honor.”
Moisture gathered in the corners of Beau’s eyes. “I loved those stories. I used to wonder if she had a touch of the sight, you know? I didn’t get to live my life, but with the stories she told, it was like I somehow got more experiences.”
Elyse sniffed, dabbing at her face with a handkerchief. “She does. She has more than a touch, but somehow, since she passed on, your spirit has been blocked from her, so she’s been living out at Beckoning Pond at Willowhope Manor waiting for you.”
“Oh. Can you take me to her?” he asked, body vibrating with excitement.
“It would be my honor.” Pops took Beau’s hand, winked at Gran, and they were gone.
Chapter 5
