Ghost of a Shadow Read online

  I pretended I had one last day with her. I gave her one last hug, one last “Good-bye, Ruby. I’m so going to miss you.” Oh, Rufus, I miss her so much! I miss her every day.

  Wow. Sorry to bum you out on your first day. I’ll try and cheer you up next time.

  I never told anyone about that, so thank you for listening, Rufus. I’m still sad, but hopefully I’ll feel better soon.

  I think that’s enough for today. Until we meet again… Darn, that just made me think of Christopher…again.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  It Was the Best of Times

  Sadie closed Rufus and placed him on her lap.

  Christopher. Your name brings back so many memories. I have to stop thinking about you. I’ve been doing so well, but now I’ve thought about you twice today. I have to stop doing this to myself.

  She allowed herself a satisfying stretch on the window seat. Then her eyes turned toward the night. She looked up at the full moon, its soft yellow glow illuminating a vast expanse of the sky as well as the ground below.

  The moonlight hit the yard just right. The view was marvelous. There were still woods behind her house. The oaks, magnolias, and cypresses integrated to form a thick treeline. These were the trees the construction workers hadn’t knocked down. They hadn’t destroyed these surroundings yet like they had in some of the other towns her family drove past. When she and her parents had first moved here, the woods ran as far as she could see in every direction. Sadie felt sad whenever they chopped a tree down. Her heart ached when she felt their hurt, their sadness. Why can’t they leave the trees alone?

  Sadie imagined a whole world out there, where hares, armadillos, and panthers spoke civilly to one another, where she understood what they were saying. She had felt that way back when Ruby was still with her, like she grasped everything Ruby thought and vice versa.

  Then, as often happened, she thought of Gramma Rose.

  I miss you, Gramma. It’s not as bad as it was, but it still hurts. I miss our perfect days together. I miss going on long drives in your convertible to the ocean. I miss camping and hiking and our long talks. I especially miss all the movies we went to and talked about afterward. My sleepovers with you were some of my most memorable experiences ever. I wish I had that escape right now.

  One sleepover in particular stood out from all the rest.

  “Sadie, Gramma’s here,” her mother had called out.

  “Okay, Mom. Coming.” Sadie ran over to Gramma Rose for a hug and said good-bye to her parents.

  “Have a fabulous time, honey.”

  “I will. I always have a great time with Gramma.”

  Gramma had brought Barnaby along for the ride as usual. He was the only cat Sadie knew who acted more like a canine than a feline. Balancing his back two paws on her thighs and front two paws on the dashboard, he watched everything that happened as they rode along.

  His coat shone a wondrous iridescent navy. Everybody thought he was gray, but Sadie and Gramma saw him differently. Barnaby was one cool kitty and never got distracted from his sightseeing. As Sadie’s nails scratched behind his ears, he purred along happily…in total bliss.

  As Gramma turned left onto her block, Barnaby seemed to be checking out the street sign. Sadie couldn’t be sure. She never knew if he was really doing these things or whether she imagined them. He felt human, like a family member hanging out with her and Gramma.

  As they pulled up the driveway, Sadie could have sworn she saw a dark cloud cross her grandmother’s face. That’s weird, she thought. It was only for a second, but the cloud had been there.

  “Is everything okay, Gramma?”

  “Of course, Sadie! What could be wrong on such an enjoyable day when we’re together?” She winked and climbed out of the car.

  Sadie knew she saw something, certainly the concern on Gramma’s face, but she let it go and followed her inside.

  Gramma’s home was completely different from Sadie’s. It was two stories, unlike the ranch house where she and her parents lived.

  Gramma Rose said Grampa Henry loved their antique furniture, but once he’d passed, she needed to remodel. The Scandinavian furniture had clean lines and fit Gramma’s personality better. The two things she saved for sentimental reasons were the high-backed chairs. They resembled thrones made of purple velvet and were decorated with carvings. Sadie felt like royalty sitting on them. She was happy Gramma didn’t give those away.

  Mom and Dad, on the other hand, had changed their modern furniture as often as they could afford to. It was as if they didn’t know what they liked. One couch would be too firm; the other had that sinking feeling.

  Gramma’s entryway displayed a grand staircase, adorned with pictures around its curve. Photographs filled nearly every room. She and Grampa Henry had been United States Peace Ambassadors and had traveled the world frequently. These days, Gramma chose to explore many places she hadn’t seen closer to home. She started with her own state first, leaving for weeks at a time and surprising Sadie with souvenirs upon her return.

  As Sadie settled into the familiar surroundings, she spotted Gramma taking an extra moment to look at the photographs. She looked as though she were reliving beloved memories. Her face wore a mixture of longing and serenity. In the next moment, however, she was her usual cheerful self.

  “It’s always such a special day when you’re here, Sadie. We have a lot on our fun-time schedule, starting with Barnaby feeding.”

  Sadie smiled. Gramma is the silliest.

  “Come on, Barnaby. Lunch time,” Gramma sang.

  Barnaby came running and gave Gramma a sideways look.

  “Yes, I know, Barnaby. We’re running a little late today. You saw the traffic on the way over.”

  Her explanation seemed to pacify him. Gramma placed his salmon and peas in his favorite bowl on the floor, and he dug in. Barnaby loved to eat.

  “Look how Barnaby loves his salmon and peas, Sadie.”

  “Are you sure, Gramma? I wouldn’t like that combination if I were him.”

  “Meow.” Barnaby lifted his head, squinted, and made moony eyes at Sadie.

  “See, Sadie. Barnaby’s seal of approval.”

  After he finished, there was always some mushy food left on the bottom. Sadie knew how ridiculous it sounded, but every time she looked in his bowl, she saw pictures of another cat, a tree, a bird, or something else. Always something other than leftover cat food.

  “Gramma, do you see that face in the bottom of Barnaby’s dish?”

  “Of course, honey. Barnaby’s quite the Pawcasso.”

  Sadie’s smile grew. “Ha-ha, Pawcasso. That’s funny, Gramma.”

  Gramma smiled too. “Yeah, you know me, Sadie. I’m a laugh riot. Now that Barnaby’s fed, how about we take care of ourselves? Would you like that?”

  “Yes, Gramma. You know I love everything you make.” Sadie hopped up on the kitchen counter and pulled a wooden spoon from the canister near the cooktop. “What are we making today?”

  Gramma knew how to cook and bake everything, and Sadie loved to help.

  “I thought we’d make stuffed crepes. How does that sound?”

  “Awesome.”

  Making the batter took a few minutes, and Sadie gave the bowl a final stir before settling in to watch her favorite part. Gramma tilted the pan, poured in the batter, swirled it around, and then, as each one started to form, she flipped it over.

  Sadie watched with awe. After Gramma had cooked all the crepes, they sat at the table and stuffed them. They had their choice of sweet fillings of blueberries, sweet cherries, chocolate chips, cotton-candy cream, and sprinkles. Sadie knew Gramma had provided the creative choices just for her. After they rolled the crepes tightly, tucking in the edges, Gramma put them back in the pan until they were golden brown. Topped with hot fudge and whipped cream, they were unbeatable for taste.

  “Go on,” Gramma offered. She always let Sadie take the first bite.

  Without hesitation, Sadie pressed her fork into
the crispy crepe, which contained a little of everything, and heard that perfect crunch. Next she mopped up the toppings with the first bite.

  She closed her eyes, sighing as she chewed. These crepes were more delicious than the last time she’d had them.

  “Wow, Gramma. You’ve outdone yourself.”

  “Perfect.” Gramma brightened. “I’m so pleased you like them.”

  “Mmm. How could I not? You’re the bestest cook ever.”

  “I don’t know about that, but thank you.” Gramma handed Sadie a napkin and poured her a glass of milk.

  “What would you like to do now?” she asked after they finished eating. “Watch a movie?”

  Sadie nodded.

  “What would you like to watch?” Gramma asked, already knowing the answer.

  They laughed after they’d both proposed Willy Wonka at the same time.

  “Jinx.” Sadie giggled, crossing her fingers.

  Gramma chuckled. “Don’t you ever get tired of that movie?”

  “No, it’s my favorite. “I love Charlie’s relationship with his grandpa. Then the end of course, when Charlie gets the factory by giving back the candy. I love that something like that could happen when you do the right thing.”

  Sitting on the sofa with a big bowl of buttery popcorn between them, Sadie and Gramma Rose crunched their way through the movie.

  “Do you think you’d give back the candy like Charlie did?” asked Gramma.

  “I hope so. I’d like to think I would, but you never know what you’ll do until your integrity is tested. I’m sure you’ve always done the right thing, haven’t you, Gramma?”

  Gramma laughed and turned slightly to face Sadie. “Nobody’s perfect. It’s from our mistakes that we learn the most, but I think that once a lesson is learned, or if we reach deep inside ourselves when faced with a tough decision, we can somehow do what’s right for all involved. Do you understand what I mean?”

  Sadie nodded. “I think so. I always want to be like Charlie.”

  Gramma put an arm around her granddaughter. “Do your best. Try to be kind to everyone, Sadie. We all make mistakes, my girl. It’s part of being human.”

  Sadie jumped at the sound of the doorbell after dark, and Gramma dropped the empty popcorn bowl on the coffee table. Barnaby rushed from upstairs to accompany her to the door.

  Sadie listened, but the conversation was muffled. She glanced over her shoulder and saw a black hat hovering behind Gramma’s head. The visitor wasn’t invited inside. In fact, there was an intensity to their short discussion. The deeper voice remained calm, but Gramma’s sounded abrupt and raised. “Not now. It’s the worst possible time. No, I haven’t. Thank you. Good night.”

  Sadie knew by Gramma’s tone that she was upset. “Who was that?”

  “Just a salesman. They come at all hours. It’s annoying.” She paused for a moment then continued. “Sadie?”

  “Yes, Gramma?”

  Gramma twisted her wedding ring round and round on her finger before looking into Sadie’s eyes. “Please come upstairs with me. There’s something I need to show you.”

  A heaviness settled in the pit of Sadie’s stomach. “Is everything okay?”

  Gramma nodded with a half-smile before climbing the stairs. Sadie followed.

  “I’ll wait in the bedroom while you brush your teeth and put on your pajamas,” directed Gramma.

  After Sadie finished getting ready for bed, she went into the bedroom she always stayed in at her grandmother’s. Then she crawled into the bed next to Gramma, who sat there wearing an unusual expression. Her eyes focused on Sadie. Though she’d said she was okay, Gramma seemed sad and concerned.

  She waited to speak until after Sadie had settled under the blankets.

  “Look, my girl,” Gramma said, pulling something out of her pocket. A different “Gramma voice” emerged—one Sadie never had heard. It was serious and soft, as if she didn’t want anyone else to hear. “Sadie, I have something for you.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes. A present. A very special present that you must keep safe.”

  “What is it, Gramma?” Sadie wondered as she sat straight up.

  “Do you promise you’ll always keep it safe?”

  “Yes, Gramma. Always. I pinky swear. Is this why you seem so serious?”

  “Yes, a little bit. I don’t want you to worry, but you have to know that it’s important.”

  “I understand, Gramma. You can count on me.”

  “Okay then, Sadie. I trust you’ll keep this treasure safe. Thank you.” She handed Sadie a small music box.

  A perfect purple rose sat atop the ornate golden box. It played a sweet and gentle song. Sadie recognized it as “Lara’s Theme,” the one Gramma always hummed.

  “This is an incredibly rare music box. In fact, it’s the only one like it in this world. When you play it, I’ll always be with you.

  Sadie whistled, surprising herself. “Gramma, I promise. I’ll keep it safe.”

  “You’ll see its abilities grow as you do.”

  Sadie looked confused. “What does that mean? How can a music box have abilities or even grow for that matter?”

  “You’ll know it when you experience it, Sadie. Take care of it, please.”

  “It’s enchanting. Can I show it to anyone, like Mom and Dad? Is there anything I need to know? Like where it came from?” A shiver ran up Sadie’s arm, the one holding the gift.

  “For now I’d like you to keep it to yourself. If that changes, I’ll let you know.”

  “Okay, Gramma. Thank you so much. I love it, especially the purple rose on top.” Sadie hugged and kissed Gramma before running her fingers over the tiny flower. Then she opened the lid. She listened to the song a second time then placed the music box on the nightstand.

  Gramma tucked her in. Sadie hummed the song from the music box. Then Gramma planted a kiss on her forehead. “Good night, my sweet Sadie. May you always live with peace and love in your heart.”

  As long as Gramma was with me, I always did.

  Sadie shifted her neck from where she’d been staring out from the window seat. It was bittersweet to snap out of those memories, the last one being the echo of Gramma’s footsteps on the stairs. She rose to retrieve her music box and listen to its song. She hardly noticed Rufus falling to the carpet. It’s surprising how strange that conversation with Gramma still seems, she thought. I never did get the chance to ask her where she got this music box.

  CHAPTER NINE

  Guilty or Gardening?

  Frank Reid crawled out of bed and pulled the covers up around Marj, careful not to wake her. She’d been up late, looking over Finn’s homework in preparation for his home-school tutor. Frank was glad she liked doing it, as it wasn’t his favorite chore. He woke early, as he always did on Saturdays, enjoying a few leisurely minutes over a cup of coffee before taking on the rest of the day.

  He shuffled downstairs in his robe and opened the front door to fetch the paper. Spring had arrived in full bloom, and though it was only the second week of April, they were already enjoying the glorious wash of color in Marj’s immaculate flower garden.

  He picked up the Hallstown Gazette and stopped short. Dozens of bright-yellow daffodils, orange tulips, and fragrant lavender hyacinths littered the yard, torn up from the roots and tossed into the grass like weeds.

  Frank went back inside the house, closed the door, and tried to shake off the image he’d just seen. He began over again, opening the door, sure that it had all been a mirage.

  But it wasn’t an illusion. Someone had ripped out all of Marj’s flowers. Frank reentered his home in time to catch Finn’s gleeful eyes spying on him from around the corner by the stairs. Something wasn’t right.

  “Finn, do you need something?”

  In a singsong voice oddly out of place, Finn hummed, “No, no. Nothing at all.” He plopped onto the living-room rocking chair and gave it a push.

  A slow shiver began at the bottom of Frank’s spin
e and worked its way up to the hair on his head. He looked at Finn, who was happily rocking away. No, it can’t be. I need to talk to Marj.

  With halting steps, Frank climbed the stairs and entered their bedroom. He hesitated before waking her, but a quick glance out the window to the mayhem below set his resolve.

  “Dear?”

  “Yes…What is it, Frank?” Marj mumbled groggily.

  “Marj, we need to talk.”

  “Now? Are you serious?” She yawned then sat up and wiped the sleep out of her eyes.

  “Yes, I’m afraid I am. You might want to splash some water on your face first.” Frank sat on the bed next to her, pulling her close for a sideways hug. His expression transformed from one of compassion to fear.

  Marj, brow furrowed, sat up and searched her husband’s gray eyes. “Frank, what’s wrong? Are you okay? You don’t seem yourself.”

  “I don’t know how to say this, but I think Finn might have pulled up all the flowers in your garden.”

  Marj’s light-brown eyes grew wide as she got out of bed. “What are you talking about? The flowers are still in the garden, surely?”

  “I was just outside. Every last one was yanked out of the ground. I hate to tell you, and I hate even more to implicate Finn, but—”

  She shook her head. “Finn? It can’t be Finn. I don’t believe that for a second. I won’t believe it. Did you see him do it? Do you have proof?”

  Frank sighed. “I don’t have any proof, just a feeling. When I came back inside, he was watching me. It was like he was waiting to see my reaction.”

  “I think I could use that cold water now, if you don’t mind.” She hurried to the bathroom.