A Grave Conjuring Page 27

  I made a crooked smile. “I’m an underachiever. I tried my hand at social work, photography and my latest venture was in acting school. I pretty much got booted out of everything I tried.” I could just about laugh now about my parents kicking me out of the nest. The nest I’d landed in—if I decided to stay, that is—was pretty feathered.

  “You just haven’t found your passion yet. That’s all.” Her face had turned serious and she leaned over the table folding her hands primly together.

  I couldn’t help the chuckle which bubbled in my throat at her words. “Seriously? C’mon Gwen. You can’t tell me that delivering mail is your passion.” Talk about underachiever, especially if she’d studied physics.

  She took a breath and her head fell to the side, looking down at the table. “No… but it’s my job.” She lifted her eyes at me. “My family’s my passion.”

  My cheeks flared hotly and I looked down into the cup of coffee. “Sorry about that crack. You did the right thing. Life sucks sometimes, doesn’t it?” I couldn’t imagine looking after an aging parent and worrying about money. “So it’s just you and your dad living together?”

  “Yup. My brother, Sean, lives in Toronto. He’s a Customs Broker. I was always closer to my dad anyway, so it made sense for me to look after him.” She shrugged her shoulders and smiled. “It works for all of us.”

  She hadn’t mentioned anything about her mother and I wasn’t asking. I’d already put my foot in my mouth once. “So, what do you do for fun? I noticed that military college. Must be lots of guys around here.” She also hadn’t mentioned a boyfriend. Maybe we could hit the night life sometime, even if she was worlds away from Cerise and the Greenwich Village club scene. Gwen wore very little makeup and she certainly didn’t need it, not with those eyes.

  Her eyebrows bobbed high before she tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “There’s no shortage of single men in this town, that’s for sure. In addition to the military college there’s a huge military base in Kingston.” Her lips pulled back in a small grimace. “I’m not into the bar scene though.”

  I smiled thinking of Cerise and me hitting nightclubs until four in the morning. It seemed like another lifetime now. “So what do you do for fun?” I took a sip of the latte and smiled. Surely there was something fun to do in this town.

  “I swim, read, and play with the dog.” Her face flushed and she blurted it out. “There’s the odd date... meeting someone online but that hasn’t worked out too well, so far. Lots of frogs but no princes. How about you?”

  Well that answered one question, although my gay-dar hadn’t picked up any vibes. “Different swamp but same old frogs although some of them were more like alligators. I had a boyfriend for about a year but we broke up.” A picture of Barry flashed in my mind. Was he still seriously hooked on Minecraft? It had gotten boring being with a man-child.

  “You know, I don’t live that far from your grandmother’s. You should come over for a swim in the pool.”

  That could be fun. She seemed okay, and having a friend close by would be a welcome break to my routine with GM. “My grandmother takes a nap every afternoon. I like to spend time with her, but anytime after four, I’m free.”

  “Hey! That’s perfect then. My house is the white clapboard farmhouse, about a ten-minute walk past yours but on the opposite side of the road. You’ll see “Jones” on the blue mailbox. Come by tomorrow for a drink and a swim.” She glanced at the watch on her wrist and then sighed. “I’d better get going. I promised Dad I’d take him to the casino after work. It’s our Friday night ritual—a prime rib dinner and the slots. He just about breaks even most times.”

  “He ever think about playing poker there?” If GM went with him, it would sure increase his odds of winning. If she could have one of her ghosts tag along and peek at the cards for her. I smiled mischievously at the thought. “Well, thanks for the coffee. Next time, the treat’s on me.”

  She rose to her feet and flipped a few coins on the table for a tip. “So, I’ll see you around four tomorrow?” She had a genuine smile when she looked down at me.

  “Absolutely! Good luck at the casino.”

  She shook her head and laughed. “Wait till I tell him I met Mrs. York’s granddaughter! He’ll be thrilled. That house is a bit of a legend around here.”

  My eyebrows pulled together and my smile faltered. My grandmother’s words rang in my ear, ‘I bought this house for its psychic energy’ . Did everyone know about it? “What? What do you mean?”

  “I’ll tell you tomorrow! It was nice meeting you. Gotta run.” She turned and wound her way through the tables and customers. Her hand rose in a wave and then she was out the door.

  I held the paper coffee cup between my hands and looked down at the lacy remnants of foam still clinging to the inside. Now that I was alone, my mind wandered back to the morning I’d spent with my grandmother, specifically her desire I could follow in her footsteps.

  I felt uncertain though. All my life until I came here, I never had any psychic or paranormal experiences. The only ghosts I had seen before were in movies. Maybe it had something to do with that house? That, and whatever latent ability I had—was roused when I went there. I mentally scoffed. Yeah, GM had nothing to do with my burgeoning talents. Yeah. Riiiight. But she was so positive I always had this ability... that she’d sensed it the day I was born.

  And still, I only had a vague notion of the dangers involved. Who the hell were the “enemies” GM referred to?

  I drained the last of the latte and got to my feet. It was still too soon to make up my mind about all of this. Maybe the answer would become clear to me in a few days. It was time to go back and face the music. For sure, Lawrence would be pissed about my taking the car without permission. Well, screw him.

  FOURTEEN

  LAWRENCE WAS WAITING AT THE TOP OF THE FRONT STEPS when I drove in the driveway. He ambled down the stairs, his arms folded over his chest as he walked around the car, inspecting it. His lips were pursed as he looked over the shining surface for any scratch or dent.

  I got out of the car and met him eye to eye. “The car’s fine. I just needed to get out for a bit.” My fingers rose high and I dangled the keys in front of his nose. “It’s GM’s car, right?”

  His eyes narrowed and he snatched the keys from my hand. “She’s awake now. She worried when I told her you had taken the car and gone off.”

  “Well, I’m back now.” I tucked my purse strap higher on my shoulder and hummed a tune walking up the stairs. If he was expecting some sort of apology or explanation, he wasn’t getting one from me. GM would understand when I talked to her. She was more in touch with the way she’d been at one time—carefree—than Lawrence ever was. He acted like he was born old.

  Pushing open the slab of a front door I knew there was plenty of time to take a quick shower and be dressed for cocktails with GM. With a bit of luck, my bedroom would be empty. I didn’t need any more appearances from the other side... at least not today.

  Heading up the staircase, my nostrils flared when I caught a whiff of what Lawrence was cooking. Yuck, ham! I hate ham for dinner. Yes, it’s contrary—I love it in a sandwich, but not for dinner. I wondered if Lawrence knew this somehow. Sure wouldn’t surprise me if he did. Talk about passive aggressive. I sighed; I’d just choke it down.

  When I stepped up into my room and looked around, I breathed a sigh of relief. Everything was in order and my camera was still on the desk where I’d left it.

  Forty minutes later, in a sleeveless cotton shirt dress, my hair styled and fresh makeup, I was ready for the next session with GM. I paused on the stairway and considered that for a moment. Dressing for dinner? Cocktails first? Had I dropped into an episode of Downton Abbey? I smiled and continued into the living room. I wondered what the old dame had in store for me this time.

  GM was standing at the window, gazing out at the front yard. She turned when I entered. “You really must warn Lawrence before you take the car again, Keira. That Ca
ddy is his pride and joy.” Her gaze drifted to the floor for a moment and then she looked up at me. “Actually, why don’t we get you your own car? It would be easier on dear Lawrence.” Her chin rose and she grinned. “Something fast and sporty.”

  Was she trying to bribe me now? The house hadn’t been enough that she thought giving me a car, now, would do the trick? “GM, I still don’t know if I’m taking you up on your offer. Buying a car for me... I don’t know.” I moved to the sideboard and poured two drinks from the silver canister. As I handed the glass to her, I grinned, “Maybe a rental would do.”

  She shook her head and patted my arm. “You remind me too much of myself, sometimes. We’ll get Lawrence to take you in tomorrow to get you set up with a car.” As we ambled to the sofa, she continued, “He’ll make sure you get your bank card for the account I set up for you.”

  I stopped short and my mouth fell open as I stared at her.

  She smiled. “It’s not much. Just a couple of thousand. I trust if you take it into your head that you’re going back to New York, you’ll let me know first.” She settled herself on the sofa, tucking the silk folds of her jacket into her lap.

  OMG! I was completely beside myself as I sank into the soft cushion on the other side of the sofa, looking at her. “That’s very kind of you, GM.” A part of me knew it was just one more piece of the grand design to keep me here to continue her work but still, considering my own parents had cast me off penniless, I was nevertheless floored.

  “Nonsense. You need money to get around and besides...” She reached over and squeezed my knee. “You’re family.”

  As I was about to take a sip from the drink, her hand rose to halt my arm. “Can you hold off on that for just a few minutes?”

  My eyes narrowed and I set the glass on the coffee table. “Sure. Any particular reason?” She was up to something.

  She laughed and brushed a hair from the black fabric of her pants. “Indulge me. I want you to sit back and close your eyes.”

  My eyebrow rose as I stared at her and settled into the upholstery. I took a deep breath and placed my hands on my lap and shut my eyes. The air was still and the only sound was the tinkling of her gold bangles on her wrists. The sweet scent of roses filled my nostrils again.

  “I want you to picture your drink sitting on the coffee table. Get a clear image in your mind. Smell the sharp aroma, see the icy droplets on the sides.”

  My mouth watered at the thought of the tart, lime drink. I could taste it, feel the cool drink going down my throat. Underlying these thoughts was the question of why I was doing this.

  “Focus, Keira.”

  Okay, okay. The glass, not its contents. I emptied my mind of everything but the glass. It pulsed and the outside became sharp in my mind.

  “Picture the glass sliding across the table toward me.” Her voice was soft and I could feel her gaze boring through me.

  The glass. Moving slowly across the polished surface. I could feel my hands tighten together as I willed the glass to move.

  “Relax your body. There is only the glass. It wants to move. Go with it. There is energy pushing on it. You just need to focus more pressure.” Her words were barely a whisper.

  It seemed like minutes had transpired before she spoke in a normal voice. “Open your eyes, Keira.”

  I jerked back when I saw where the glass was. It was halfway across the table! I looked over at GM. Had she tricked me and moved it?

  “I didn’t move it, Keira. You did.” Her gaze was soft and dreamy but her chin drooped lower. The fine lines crosshatching her cheeks were more pronounced the way she held her head.

  “Are you sure? C’mon! I did that? Just by willing it to move?” I stared at the glass and for a moment my legs felt like strands of spaghetti... total mush, not even al dente. This was unbelievable. I sat back and blinked a few times, my brain totally fried.

  “Yes. You willed the glass to move, capturing its energy and the energy around it with your mind.” She looked over at me and smiled. “Not bad for your first time.” She huffed a sigh. “My first time, the glass only moved an inch. I wasn’t even sure it had moved.”

  My head turned and I looked at her wide-eyed. “You do this? I got this ability from you.” It was a statement not a question. “Show me what you can do.” I jerked my head indicating the chair across from us. “Can you move that chair?” I’d be seriously impressed if she could do that.

  “Certainly. But I’m not going to.” She leaned forward and handed me my drink. “You’ve earned it. Go ahead.”

  There was a pause and I swallowed half the glass in one gulp, waiting for her to continue. It tasted even better, knowing what I’d done!

  She glanced over at me and then she spoke, “This isn’t parlor games, Keira. I only practice telekinesis when I need to. For you... well, you’re learning at this stage. It’s my job to guide you. Practice on small objects and you’ll become stronger. But be respectful of this power. Don’t use it against people and don’t use it frivolously, to show off.”

  I giggled. “Me? Show off? I’m taking this on the road, GM. I’ll give David Copperfield a run for his money!”

  She shook her head from side to side and sighed loudly. “What am I going to do with you, child? You are my Karma.” She picked up her drink and took a long sip.

  “Of course, you mean that in a good way, right?” Even I couldn’t keep a straight face when I said that.

  “Get me another drink. I need it with you around.” But her eyes laughed when she looked at me, extending her glass.

  I polished my gimlet off and licked my lips before popping up out of the chair. I spun around and looked at her. “Wait. Maybe I’ll will the pitcher over here and get it to pour for us.”

  She reached out and her hand gave me a swat on the behind. “Get on with you, smart-ass!”

  As I walked over, carrying our glasses, I pictured the Disney movie, Beauty and the Beast, the teapot flying around and the dancing candelabras. I was living the dream. This was a talent I could have fun with, despite GM’s warning.

  ***

  When we took our seats at the table and Lawrence stood at the sideboard slicing the horrid ham, I was sorely tempted. Just a slight nudge at the back of his knees to make him falter... not fall, but just have to step quickly to keep his balance.

  “Keira!” GM’s mouth was set in a straight line and she glowered at me.

  Damn! That was another trick I wanted to learn. Her ability to read minds. I spied the linen napkin next to my plate and closed my eyes. Picturing it lifting and settling on my lap. I sat there quietly concentrating for a minute before one eyelid crept open to peek. Only the corner of it had lifted and now rested on my plate.

  “Patience. At this stage, having a clear mind is essential. I’m afraid the gin isn’t helping your cause.” GM chuckled. By itself, her own napkin lifted, snapped with a flourish and then gently spread itself on her lap. She looked over at me and there was a twinkle in her eye.

  I stuck out my tongue. “Show-off.”

  Still grinning, she shrugged. “Tomorrow, we’ll do more exercises. After you get back from town and take me for a ride in your new car.”

  Lawrence was about to set the platter of ham garnished with golden pineapple on the table but he paused and his eyes were wide, staring at GM

  “I hope that’s okay with you, dear. I told Keira you’d take her to town and get her a car. I tried to talk her into purchasing one but she seems bent on renting.” Her smile was sweet and innocent when she gazed up at him. “Oh, and she’ll need to stop at the bank to get her card and do all that sort of thing.”

  “Pamela. Are you sure about this?” His eyes darted to me before looking back at her.

  “Of course. Even if she decides to leave at some point, she’ll need money and transportation. I know the Caddy is your baby.” She cleared her throat and took the platter from his hand, effectively ending any argument on his part.

  I could picture it now... .a red Mi
ata or a Ferrari. I could get used to this.

  FIFTEEN

  AFTER GM WENT TO BED, I tried my luck a few times at the telekinesis trick and failed miserably. I decided to get caught up on email and social media. For once, there was no ghostly activity and I didn’t know whether to be happy about that or irritated. I had to pick up my own clothes and tidy up my room.

  I sighed as I bent over to grab the blouse I wore last night and stopped cold. Wait a minute. I stood up and gave my head a shake. What the hell? Just a few days ago I was freaking out because of Molly’s picking up after me. Molly? What the hell? A freaking ghost had been in my room! Of course I would freak out!

  But now, standing there, holding the blouse I was irked because she’s falling down on the job? What. The. Hell? In just a few days I had gone from a perfectly normal twenty-three-year-old to some weirdo who’s comfortable with ghosts flitting in and out of her bedroom.

  I couldn’t help but laugh at myself as I tidied up.

  I sent Mom a quick email, but got bored with everything else. Honestly, Facebook, Snapchat and all the other stuff online paled in comparison to keeping the universe safe, you know?

  I shut off my computer and phone and climbed into bed. I cuddled under the covers and said out loud, “Good night Molly. Good night Sam.”

  It was the most peaceful night’s sleep I had in quite some time.

  ***

  The next morning I chose a short flared skirt and loose silk top for my trip into town to get the car and banking squared away. When I went down to the kitchen to rustle up some breakfast, Lawrence was sitting at the small table with his laptop open. I poured a glass of milk and popped a couple slices of bread into the toaster before turning to look over at him. I wasn’t looking forward to the drive, alone in the car with the old goat but hopefully, I’d have my own wheels on the ride home.