Ghost Gone Wild (A Bailey Ruth Ghost Novel) Read Online Free Page A

“What for?”
    “No phone?” I suppose my shock was evident.
    “Who needs a landline?” He was disparaging. “That’s for geezers.”
    I kept to the main point. “Do you mean we can’t call the police?”
    He rubbed his temple. “My cell’s gone.” He didn’t speak as if this were a complete surprise. “Maybe it’s out in my car. I toss it on the seat a lot. Bulges in my pocket.”
    He started for the door.
    I gripped his arm and admired its muscular firmness. “Wait. I think it’s safe enough. Let me take a look first.”
    He looked incredulous. “Listen, I don’t believe in this OK Corral stuff. But if somebody was sniping at me, I’m the guy to look. What do you think I am, a weenie?”
    “I’m better equipped.” As soon as I stepped onto the porch, I could disappear. “Just wait right here.” I hurried toward the door.
    He was right behind me. “Lady, let’s cut the drama and the fairy tales. The C of C is a fine group, but I doubt it sends ladies out at this time of night, and even if it did, nobody’s handed you a marshal badge.”
    I stopped and faced him. “Don’t be difficult. I am here on a mission to protect your sorry carcass.” I slapped my fingers to my lips. Wiggins always feared that his emissaries might forget in the heat of the moment that they were
on
the earth, not
of
the earth and succumb to worldly emotions.
    Such as irritation.
    I forced a smile. “Truly, it’s much safer for me to go out and check the grounds.” Since the cat was out of the bag, I might as well be forthright. “See, I’ll disappear—”
    I glanced at the mirror behind the bar. No matter how often I appear or disappear, I enjoy the quick swirl of colors. At first there is a delicate hint of change in the substance of the air, the merest flicker of pastels. Colors brighten, deepen, and there I am, copper red hair, eager face with a spatter of freckles, obviously up for anything. Disappearing is dramatic, too. I was fully there—in the moment, for all who appreciate Zen—with eager green eyes and a merry smile and fashionable clothes. I admired the cunning trim on my lavender sweater. . . .
    My smile slid away.
    I stared at the mirror. Red hair. Green eyes wide and staring. Lips parted in dismay. I reached up, tugged at a strand of hair. I fingered a flamingly visible curl and gazed in disbelief.
    Nick’s expression was desperate. He cracked the knuckles of his right hand. “You got someone I can call to help you out?” His attempt to soothe sounded like a sheep bleating. “Oh damn, I forgot. I don’t have a phone.” He struggled for air. “Try taking a deep breath. Looking cross-eyed at your hair is pretty weird. Look, why don’t you go home?” His voice rose in hope.
    I ignored him, pressed my eyes shut. I would think, as I always did,
Disappear
, and I would disappear. I eased open one eye.
    Both eyes.
    I stared at my unmistakable image in the mirror. I gave myself a little shake. Okay, how about different clothes? I shut my eyes, thought:
Green silk dress, high heels, very high heels with a natty little strap over the instep.
    My eyes jerked wide and gazed in despair at the lavender sweater and charcoal gray slacks. I patted my arm, slapped my palms together, stamped my right foot on the floor. “I can’t disappear. My clothes won’t change! What am I going to do?”
    He gestured toward the bar. “How about a drink?”
    I walked toward the wet bar. Nearer and nearer came my image in the mirror. I slapped the countertop, stared into green eyes stretched wide in disbelief. “I’m stuck. How could this happen?”
    “Lady, do me a big favor. Walk outside and get in your car and go home. It’s been nice to know you. And I’m sorry if I miffed you about the Chamber of Commerce. Whatever your survey is about, check the yeses and I’ll make a donation. A great, big, fat donation. Look, it’s late.” He glanced at the clock. “Almost ten.” He spoke as if the hour were incredibly