Ghost Writer - Pandora Pine Page 0,55

the first time in days.

“Which case? The ghost in the machine or the door-knocker at The Beecher House?” Fitzgibbon wore a slight grin.

“You’re not going to believe it, but they’re the same case.” Jude could hardly believe himself.

“Actually, I do believe it. After getting a second chance with Jace, and Baby Aurora coming into our lives the way she did, I have absolute faith the universe knows what she’s doing.”

“She?” Jude asked, raising an eyebrow.

“You know the universe is a woman. If it was a man, the universe would be a messy pit, and everything would smell like B.O.” Kevin laughed. “Now go. I’ve got work to do. I can’t be chatting with you all day.”

Jude snapped off a mock salute and went in search of his husband. Cope’s chair had been empty when he’d gotten a look over his monitor. Knowing Cope, he was probably over in the bakery getting more coffee. After the night they’d had, it was going to be the only thing that would save them.

He walked through the office and into the store. Cope was standing at the checkout counter talking with their new checkout assistant, Dawn, who seemed to be introducing Cope to a young woman Jude had never seen before. Cope turned around just as Jude was approaching.

“There’s my husband now.” He reached a hand out to Jude. “Peg, this is Jude.” Cope gave their joined hands a squeeze.

“Peg? As in Peg Waller from The Beecher House?” Christ, Fitzgibbon had hit the nail on the head when he said the universe knew what she was doing.

Cope nodded. “The very same.”

“I didn’t know you’d gotten in touch.” Cope mentioned wanting to holler for Bertha Craig and Madam Aurora, but he hadn’t said anything about getting in touch with Peg Waller.

“I didn’t. Peg walked into the store and asked for me.” Cope was all smiles, looking as if his spirit had been refreshed.

“I asked for both of you, actually, but Cope was walking past when I said your names.” Peg was a beautiful young woman with shoulder length brunette hair and dark, soulful eyes. She was thin and wore a pair of black capri pants with a black and white polka-dotted blouse. The woman was perfectly put together, if you didn’t notice her trembling hands.

“I’ll take you back to our conference room.” Jude offered Peg his arm. “Is there anything we can get you?”

“How about a good night’s sleep?” Peg laughed, but it sounded hollow.

Jude could feel her fatigue. Peg was practically hanging on for dear life. He knew whatever story she was about to tell them would knock their socks off.

25

Copeland

Not only had he grabbed a coffee for Peg, Cope also ordered some of Cassie’s famous passionfruit muffins. The girl looked like it had been a while since her last meal. Being haunted by a malevolent spirit could chase away one’s appetite.

When Cope walked into the conference room, Peg was sitting across from Jude and the two of them were making small talk over the sunny weather.

“Here we go. I brought you something to nibble on. Our friend owns the bakery next door. These muffins are the star of the show.” Cope set everything down on the table. He didn’t miss the grimace on Peg’s face when he turned to shut the door.

“Thanks.” Ignoring the muffins, Peg went right for the coffee, wrapping both hands around it as if she were cold.

“Why don’t you tell us your side of the story?” Jude asked gently.

“My side of the story?” Peg’s voice was tight. She looked as if she were about to lose her temper.

Cope knew exactly what Jude was talking about, but if Marc had kept their visit secret from her as he supposed the man had done, Jude’s question would have made no sense. It also might serve to put the already nervous woman further on edge.

“What brought you in today?” Cope put on a bright smile in hopes it would distract the obviously exhausted woman.

“My house is haunted. Only, my husband doesn’t think so.” Peg’s features were still tight, but her shoulders had slumped a bit, hopefully indicating she was feeling a bit more relaxed.

So far, what Peg was saying tracked with what Marc had told them. Cope had a feeling the stories were about to diverge. “Tell me why you think the house is haunted.”

“A few months ago, I was lying in bed when I heard banging. It sounded like an angry fist pounding on a wooden door. I woke Marc up,