Chapter Seven

“Can I buy you lunch this time?” Parker said as they climbed the few steps to the B and B’s porch.

There went those fluttery little somersaults in her stomach again, sending tiny shivers down her spine. “Sure, if it wouldn’t make you late for your work.”

“It’s okay. There’s advantages to being able to set my own hours.” He hesitated, and she saw the sea captain’s ghost nudge him. “Miss Dee knows I have to eat, and she wouldn’t want you to go hungry.”

“Then, yes. Lunch would be great. Let me wash up really quick.”

Renee walked into the house, then ran up to her room. She pulled off the heavy sweater and T-shirt. Her hands trembled as she untied her boots and yanked off the thick socks. She grabbed one of the two nice shirts she’d brought and put on her flats. Her jeans looked okay after she brushed off the few leaves clinging to her legs. She only had to neaten up her hair, and presto, ready for lunch with a handsome man.

“What’s your hurry, dear?” Gran said when she appeared. She winked and grinned. “As if I didn’t know.”

Renee fluffed her hair a little. “Parker asked me to have lunch with him.”

“Do tell.”

“Gran, are you up to something?” She stared at her grandmother, who tried to look innocent. “Yep. I know that look in your eyes. You’re up to something. I never could stop you from matchmaking, could I?”

“No, and you never will. At least, not until you find the right man who makes you happy.” Her grandmother started to fade. “Have a good time.”

Renee took a shaky breath to calm her racing heart and walked with a sereneness she didn’t feel down the stairs. “I’m ready. Let’s go.”

Parker made her want to constantly giggle like a teenager. She never got this flustered with her previous boyfriends, and Wayne had never given her a fluttery stomach. How could Parker Callahan make her insides go all wobbly? She’d known him precisely two days. Whatever it could be, she liked it.

They went back to the diner and found it as busy as ever. This time, they sat at the counter and ordered sandwiches. After several attempts to talk over the loud voices and the clatter of silverware, they gave up on having any kind of conversation. They ate quickly and Parker paid the check.

“Wow, we made it right before the rush,” she said as they pushed their way outside through the people trying to get in. “Is it always like this?”

“Just between eleven and one. The pizzeria on the next street over is just as busy.” He walked over to his truck. “I have deliveries to make for my brother. When you’re ready to go back, wait for me here on Main Street.”

“How will you know what time to come get me?”

He climbed in the cab and leaned out the window. “It’s on my route from my brother’s shop and nursery to the B and B. I’ll see you.”

She smiled. “Sounds like a plan. I’ll see you here later.”

Renee waved as he drove off. What should she do first? The store fronts enticed her to come look, but she wanted to know more about the woman in the woods. She walked toward the town circle to look for the library or historical society. Next to the town hall, she found the library. Finding information on the woman would be easier if she knew what year the incident happened. She squared her shoulders. No matter. She could do research with the best of them.

She stepped inside and took a deep breath. The wonderful, indescribable smell of old books filled her senses. Libraries and bookstores always had that distinct smell. Gran had told her books held the aroma of undiscovered worlds and hidden knowledge, of love lost and love found. She wiped the corner of her eye. This would be yet another pastime she’d never get to do with her grandmother again.

Gran appeared at her side. “Quit being maudlin, Renee. You came here for a purpose.”

Renee clamped a hand over her mouth and swallowed her shriek. “Gran, you scared the heck out of me. Stop it,” she said in a harsh whisper. She took a deep breath and let it out. “You’re right, though. Let’s start at the information desk. They may have an idea of where we should look first.”

Renee’s greeting faltered as she watched two ghosts behind the librarian argue about how the current editions of the newspapers should be filed. “Excuse me,” she said. “I want to find some information about a tragedy in the woods to the north of Warner’s Bed and Breakfast.”

“The historical society would know more about it.”

“Great. Can you tell me how to find them?”

He pointed to the stairs. “They occupy the whole top story. Go on up. I’m sure they can help you with anything you want to know.”

“Thank you.”

As Renee climbed the stairs, she saw more ghosts flitting around. “I didn’t know so many ghosts could occupy the same place at the same time,” she said, keeping her voice low. “Why do think they’re hanging around?”

“Book lovers will always be near the books they loved in life. I’m sure that’s their reason for staying here. Maybe you should talk to them and find out for sure.” Her grandmother chuckled. “I suspect you’ll learn more than you wanted to know about ghosts before your trip is over. You need to interact with the spirit world more. You have the gift. You should make some use of it.”

She scowled. “Thanks, Gran. I’ll take it under advisement.”

At the top of the stairs, a plaque stated she’d found the Garland Falls Historical Society. Renee hoped she could get some answers here. She walked over to an attractive thin, older woman with salt and pepper hair, standing at a small desk. The woman turned around and removed her wire framed glasses.

“May I help you?”

“Hi. My name is Renee Tate. I wonder if you could answer a few questions for me about the property around the Warner Bed and Breakfast.”

The woman stared hard at her. “I bet you want to know about the Lily McGee murder.”

“How did you know?”

She folded her arms and stood there, looking like she was ready for battle. “It’s the one story anyone wants to hear about when they come up here. Why do you want to know? If you’re a reporter, I won’t tell you one word. That poor woman’s name has been the subject of speculation for far too long. You need to let her rest in peace.”

“I promise I’m not here for any sensational reason.” She swallowed, trying to moisten her suddenly dry throat. “I’m staying at the bed and breakfast. Parker Callahan mentioned it to me when we were in the woods. He offered to help me find a specific oak tree so I can spread my grandmother’s ashes. When I sensed a strangeness in the woods, he told me what happened.”

At the mention of Parker’s name, the woman’s hard stare softened. “If Parker told you, then I’ll recount the tale.”

“Do you know him?”

The woman stood off to the side and pointed to the name plate on her desk. Sara Callahan. “You could say that. He’s my youngest son.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Callahan. I want to know the story so maybe I can figure out how to bring her poor spirit peace.” Renee shot a look at Sara, who raised her eyebrows, a ghost of a smile on her lips. “I mean, I’m an amateur ghost hunter. I try to help ghosts.”

“I see.”

Why did Renee think Sara didn’t believe her lame cover story for one minute? No matter. As long as she could find out what happened to Lily McGee, she’d let Sara believe anything about her she wanted.

She led Renee over to a glass case with several newspaper articles in it. Renee fidgeted under the woman’s gaze. She felt her grandmother’s hand on her shoulder and tried to quiet her nervousness. Sara smiled, giving Renee the impression she had passed some sort of test.

“This is Garland Falls’ only major crime,” she said. “The townspeople never cared for Lily’s husband. It’s rumored he had a vicious temper and started fights with almost everyone he met. People always said the man had badness inside.”

Renee stared at the articles, her gaze lingering on the picture of Lily’s husband. Edmund McGee didn’t look like any kind of romantic figure. Heavy brows, deep set eyes, and a scowl to scare anyone made her believe he had violence inside him. She stared harder at Edmund’s picture. He looked vaguely familiar, but she was sure she’d remember a scowl that fierce.

Poor Lily. The only picture of her was fuzzy and out of focus. Renee could still make out her thin and frail appearance. How did such a delicate woman end up with such a man? How could her parents let her? Did they know about him and his temper? Why didn’t they try to save her?

“What happened?”

“Most of the story is speculation.” Sara gazed at the articles. “The version I was told is this. He’d been over in the next town, drinking and carousing with his friends. When he came home, he saw Lily had packed a suitcase. She told him she decided to take their child and leave. He didn’t love her or their baby so she would let him live his life the way he wanted. She ran, he followed, and the rest is too terrible to talk about.”

“What happened to the baby?”

“Some say the fairies took the child. That they raised him or her as one of their own until the child could make its way in the mortal world. Others say Lily’s husband disposed of the child somewhere outside of town.”

Renee gazed at the woman. “What do you think?”

She smiled. “I’d like to think the fairies took the baby. If so, I hope the child found happiness in their realm.”

“I hope so, too.” Renee shook Sara’s hand. “Thank you for telling me. I’d better go. I need to buy a few items before I return to Miss Dee’s. Parker will be picking me up soon. I hope you’ll let me come here again. I bet this town has a fascinating history.”

“I have all sorts of stories I could tell you.” She walked Renee to the door. “Come back any time. I’ll be glad to have you.”

Renee stepped out on Main Street, the tragic story not far from her thoughts. She stopped and caressed the petals of a rose bush outside of a candle shop. “I hope the fairies did rescue your baby, Lily. I hope you’ll talk to me so I can help you.”

She walked into Mac’s General Store. Wooden floorboards creaked under her feet and the salty, buttery scent of popcorn filled the air. She picked up a basket and wandered through the store. She turned to go down another aisle and stopped when a tall man stood there, staring at her.

His long brown hair was beginning to silver, and he’d pulled it back in a ponytail. He had muscular arms and wore a black apron, the pockets stuffed with pens, stickers, and small pads of paper. His blue eyes sparkled when he smiled as he walked over to her and shook her hand.

“I’ve never seen you here before,” he said. “I’m Mac. Welcome to my place. Are you new in town or here for a quick visit?”

“Renee Tate.” She swallowed hard. “I’ve got a room at Warner’s for a couple of weeks. I’m on a kind of vacation. I’m here to spread my grandmother’s ashes.”

“Sorry to hear about your loss. Up at Warner’s, eh?” He rubbed his chin. “You know Parker Callahan and his brother Lucas?”

“I know Parker. I haven’t met his brother yet.”

The man nodded toward the door. “Well, now’s your chance. Howdy, Lucas. What can I get for you today?”

“Hey, Mac. I ran out of ties for the plant stakes. I’m not due for a supply delivery for another couple of days. You have any on hand?” Lucas stopped when he saw Renee. “Hello. I’m Lucas Callahan, and you are?”

“Renee Tate. I know your brother. Miss Dee asked him to help me out with a small task.”

Lucas took her basket and accompanied her as she walked through the store. “I can’t believe he lied to me. I asked him if anyone interesting had checked in up there and he said no.”

Mac laughed. “Better rein it in, Lucas. Don’t make me tell your wife what you’re up to when she’s out of town.”

Lucas grinned at him. “Aw, Blair knows she’s the only woman in my life. I just want to be polite to our new guest.”

“Thank you for the help, but I really have to go.” Renee took back her basket and bit her lip, trying hard not to laugh. It appeared Lucas considered himself a real ladies’ man. Even if he wasn’t married, he’d have no chance with her. Definitely not her type. “I need to pay for my stuff and go wait for Parker. He should be here any time now. And I’d love to meet your wife. Does she know what a charmer you are?”

“Of course.” He winked. “Why do you think she married me? She couldn’t resist my sparkling personality.”

Lucas shivered and frowned over his shoulder. Renee covered her mouth as her shoulders shook with hidden laughter. Her grandmother loved Parker but didn’t seem quite so enamored of Lucas. She couldn’t understand why. Lucas had the same tawny color hair, but he had light green eyes. The brothers had the same muscular build, broad shoulders, tapered waist, and long legs. However, Lucas wore a black cowboy hat, talked quite a bit, and was a huge flirt.

Lucas took the plant ties Mac handed to him. “If you want some real conversation, I could tell you a lot about the town and show you around. I’m sure you’ve noticed Parker doesn’t say a whole lot.”

“I’ve noticed, but I don’t mind.” Renee put the basket by the register. She slid her credit card, signed the card reader, and grabbed her bag. “I have to go. It was nice to meet you.”

She hurried outside and waved at Parker when she saw his truck turn the corner. She jumped in and breathed a sigh of relief. She glanced at him when he didn’t go right away.

“What?” She hooked her seat belt and sat back. “I’m ready if you are.”

He frowned. “Are you okay?”

She nodded. “I’m fine. I met your brother in the general store.”

He continued to stare at her. “Did he do or say anything inappropriate? You want me to talk to him? You never know what kind of nonsense will come out of his mouth.”

“No, he was polite. I just think he’s…pushy.” She held his hand for a moment. “I like nice guys who don’t talk much.”

He glanced at her hand on his. “He used to be a lot worse before he got married. He can’t help it.” He shrugged. “It’s who he is.”

As he put the truck in gear, she saw him smile a little. If she had to guess, Parker had lost a lot of girlfriends to his older brother. Good thing Lucas had been taken off the market.