Ghosting Around (Watty Awards 2012)

Chapter Seven

“I’m going to be a lawyer, Mum!” My ten year old self decided, “I’m going to discover a big mystery and solve it all by myself.”

My Mother regarded me with admiration, “Yes you will, darling, and I will be so proud of you.”. I had smiled at her happily, my future set. My path for my life decided.

-

“I just got asked to join a law firm in Edinburgh, Mum! Can you believe it?” I asked excitedly, “After I graduate from university next year, I’ll be a real lawyer.”

“You know how much I wish for you to have a job here, darling. But I am proud of you.”

I heard a distant shout that entered my thoughts, “No!”. Meredith dived in front of me as George pulled the trigger.

The sound of the shot resounded through the room and I gasped. My hands searched my chest frantically and I found nothing. Coming out of my shocked trance, I spied Meredith on the floor. She had collapsed and was crumpled next to the wall. I raced over to her as I heard the gun fall to the floor. George had dropped the gun as if it were on fire. Backing away from the gun, he leant up against the opposite wall and slid down. His face a mask of horror.

I ignored him and knelt down near Meredith. She had her hands clamped over her stomach and blood was escaping her body quickly. I placed my hands over hers and applied pressure to stop the flow of blood, “Come on Meredith, you can make it.”I begged. She groaned from the intense pain and took deep breaths.

A small smile replaced her grimace from pain. She wrapped her hands around mine, entwining her fingers, “Miss Devonshield,” She began. I interrupted her, “Call me Alina.”

Nodding her head, she continued, “Alina. It is my time, please let me go.”.

Tears ran down my face and I sniffed loudly. Meredith smiled weakly and whispered, “Thank you.”.

Her eyes drifted closed and her grip on my hand lessened. Fluttering her eyelashes for the last time, a small sigh escaped her lips and her body relaxed. I lifted my fingers to her throat and felt her pulse decreasing. With a final beat, her heat stopped.

A cold feeling swept through me and I looked around the room. Derek was standing near Meredith’s body; his face a mix of emotions. With a gasp of surprise he lifted his head to see the transparent form of Meredith beside him. She was clothed in a white dress and her hair was flowing, free from the bun. She looked carefree and happy.

Raising her hand, she placed her hand on top of his heart. I stood up from my position on the timber floor and looked between the two. Meredith smiled sweetly at Derek and he enveloped her in a hug. I smiled at the moment and brushed my tears away, blurring my vision. Meredith’s form began to fade and she pulled away from Derek. She glanced over at me and laughed in happiness. Looking back at Derek, she kissed his cheek softly and faded into nothingness.

Noticing George in the corner of my eye, I stalked towards him, “You are going nowhere,” I instructed. He nodded feebly and continued to stare at the floor. I pulled my phone out of my front pocket and dialled 999. Within seconds, I heard the serious tone of the man on the other line, “Police emergency.”. After describing my situation, a police vehicle was despatched and within a matter of minutes I heard their footsteps stomping around the house. I gave George a pointed stare and he remained where he was.

Quickly grabbing the lantern, I raced back up the stairs and spotted a burly policeman, “Down here!” I pointed. He called out to the others and they followed me back down the stairs. Their footsteps filled the silence as I held the lantern high, illuminating the dark corridors. Once we were at the room, I motioned for them to enter.

The captain instructed three men to cuff George. A few more were instructed to investigate the room and I saw them moving towards the trap door, muttering suspicious questions under their breath. I shrugged my shoulders and watched as George went without fighting, finally surrendering to his punishment. I followed them back up the stairs and out to the police vehicle.

Before he ducked his head to enter the vehicle, he stared at me with a blank expression. His eyes were bottomless pits of hatred and despair. A shiver ran down my spine and I spied Derek in the corner of my eye. He was staring at George with disgust. I stepped over to him hesitantly and he spotted my movements. Lifting his head, his stare moved to me and his expression softened. I leaned into his transparent body and he wrapped his arm around my shoulder.

“So you’re a lawyer, huh?” Derek questioned. I smiled sheepishly and scanned the outside of the house. More police had been called in to investigate the scene, but for the moment the front yard was silent.

I looked up at Derek, “I guess I forgot to tell you that.”. Derek chuckled from my response and I laughed. I spotted the familiar string from my sweater which was twirled in a curl and tucked it back in. Bright lights from the police vehicles flashed in the dark night and distant sirens filled the silence. I puffed a breath and a small, white cloud formed.

Thoughts for the future were stored away for later and I just enjoyed the moment with Derek. An older policeman walked over to me, notepad in hand. His uniform was crisp and sharp and his chin was lifted in pride. He had a receding hair line and he looked tired, but his eyes were a distinct, piercing blue.

Behind him I saw the flurrying motions of the police as they had seemed to have discovered what was under the trap door. Voices echoed throughout the house and glances were made my way. I was snapped out of my thoughts when the older policeman spoke, his face crinkling in various places, “Miss Devonshield. Would you please be able to relate today’s events?”.

I nodded, slowly wrapping my arms around my waist, “It all started when I found a key.”.