Ghosted: Brutal Deaths and Powerful Anger (Part II)

Ghosted: Brutal Deaths and Powerful Anger (Part II)
“That’s what the hell I’m talking about,” he said, patting him on the shoulder. “You never let anyone speak ill of your family.” He dusted the glass off his recliner and took a seat. “And you’re going to replace my damn Remy, too.” He motioned for Robert to return to his seat. “Relax, I didn’t mean anything I said. I just needed to push you so you could see what you’re really capable of. You realize that you smashed glass without touching it, right?”

Looking down, Robert covered his mouth. “How is that possible? My powers aren’t strong enough to do anything like that.”

“Oh yes they are, you just never have had a reason to explore them. Robert, sometimes the movies get it right. People who die violent deaths have a type of anger in them that always remains. It’s a driving force of their ability to move things even when they aren’t in their apparition form. Your powers are rooted in the desire for revenge.”

He crashed down onto the couch and shook his head. “I would never hurt anyone, and if I wanted to harm Loralai, I would have done it a long time ago.”

“My bloody hand begs to differ. I’m just glad it will heal quickly,” Heubert said, holding it up. “I never said it’s about revenge on her; I said it’s about revenge. For example, just now I verbally caused harm to you, and you physically retaliated. Your powers are strong; you just have to learn how to use and control them.” Seeing every emotion wash over Robert's face, he chuckled. “Relax, kid. You’re not going to go on a rampage. Just because you have the power doesn’t mean you will go nuts. There are plenty of souls who have died brutally and like you, won’t react unless provoked by the right ammunition.” He smirked. “And apparently that little lady and your child are the things that will set you off. You still want to tell me you’re unsure how you feel about her?” 

“You set me up.”

“Eh, call it what you want, but I look at it as being a friend. Think about how things went down. You decided to die rather than be married to that maniac that killed you. Hell, let’s be honest, you never wanted to marry her cash-hungry sister either. If you did, you would have asked the one question everyone does when they die.” He placed his hand on his chest, smearing his blood on his robe. “Mr. Heubert, please tell me how to find her. Is there a way? Even when I’m not here, I can’t locate her. Please, I’d do anything,” he said mockingly.

Robert hadn't thought about that, but it was true. He’d never once asked about Riley; in fact, she had been a part of what he was so desperate to get away from the day he died. “You’re right,” he said. “I guess if I did love her some part of me would be curious about what happened to her, but I really don’t give a damn.”

“I know you don’t. I’ve been doing this for some time. You never really wanted her, at least not the real you didn’t. Not the one who broke a vow of celibacy for a beautiful stranger that got you naked with only a beer and a comfy couch.”

“When you say it like that, it sounds filthy and demeaning,” Robert replied, grimacing. 

Heubert shrugged. “Just telling it like it is. You’ve hardly said anything to anyone since you’ve been here and yet here you are on my couch asking for advice. This pregnancy is going to be hell for the both of you with no guarantee of the outcome. So I suggest you dig into your powerful anger and learn everything you can about being a ghostly family man.” 

“ I can do that.” Robert said, nodding. “Wait, did you just call us friends?”

“Hm, guess I did. Eh, what the hell. Most of the dead get on my nerves with all their questions, but you’ve always been alright with me… pending you replace my damn Remy of course.” He smiled. “Now, go figure out how to get her to talk to you. It’s your last night of the month.”

Standing, Robert headed to the door, but paused. “Any advice on how I can learn to make my powers stronger?”

“Come see me the week before you physically return. Best to get started while you're in that form and your powers are the strongest.”

“Okay. Are you going to get one of those angry souls to help me out? I promised Molly I’d work harder at making friends, so that would be good.”

Heubert shook his head. “Nope. I’m going to train you myself. You're on your own in the making more friends department.”

“But you said–”he furrowed his brow–“Heubert, how did you die?”

He sighed. “Robert, let’s just say my head and hands are still missing.”



Robert burst into Molly’s apartment with only one thing on his mind. They were going to sit down and hash out whatever they needed to before he left. Three weeks was a long time not to talk to one another in the conventional ways others did, and he refused to let that time pass with them at odds over something that couldn’t be changed. “Molly!” he yelled as he searched for her. “Molly! Where are you?!”

“I’m in the bathroom, but can we talk later? This isn’t the best time,” she said low.

Making it to the bathroom, he stood outside the door and stomped his foot. “Now listen here, woman, I want to talk this thing out, so we’re going to right now!” He closed his eyes and rubbed his forehead. “Fucking hell, I’m sorry. I was trying something I saw on a western once, but it sounded horrible coming out of my mouth. Let’s rewind, okay? Mols, I know you’re upset about everything, but it’s my last night, and I really don’t want to leave without us talking things through.”

“I’m not upset anymore. This just really is a good time, Robert.”

He stared at the door. “Are you serious? Molly, did you hear what I said? It’s my last night. You won’t see me for three weeks. There’s something I need to tell you, and I get that you’re mad but we really need to talk.” There was silence on the other side, and he inhaled sharply. Knocking on the door, he decided to try one more time. “Molly, please come out.”

“O-okay, but don’t freak out.” The door slowly opened and for the second time of the day, Robert’s eyes grew three times their size. Molly looked down at her shoes and rubbed her protruding belly. “I told you this wasn’t a good time,” she said.