I looked around at the space. Was he hiding behind a box? No way had he left. I didn’t trust him. If he had gone, I knew he’d return. I had to help Mindy. She was my best friend and I couldn’t let her down.
“I know you’re still up here. Come on out.” My voice carried across the space.
No answer.
“Come out, come out, wherever you are,” I sang.
I was now playing hide-and-seek with a ghost. Awesome. I walked around the attic, the floor creaking with each step. I picked up Mindy’s discarded Ab Roller and set it to the side. Peeking around a dress form and finding nothing, I figured it might be time to give up. From all the way downstairs, I felt the tension flowing up from Mindy and Callahan. I knew they were wondering what the heck I was doing. I had to hurry.
After looking around the small space, and not finding my cranky ghost, I had no choice but to leave him up there. Sweat beaded on my forehead. I had to get out of there before I had a heat stroke. I knew this ghost was playing games with me. Before I gave up for good, or gave up the ghost rather, I stepped out of the attic, pretending to leave. I’d play his game better than he did. I waited a few seconds, then eased back in. Sure enough, he was back in the corner, lounging against the wall and puffing on that ghostly cigarette. He thought he was so smart. I would outsmart him.
“Ha, I got you.” I pointed.
He scowled. “What the hell do you want with me? Leave me alone.”
“I told you what I want. I want you to leave this house.”
“No!” He tossed the cigarette on the ground and crossed his arms in front of his chest.
Was he pouting? I felt like if I offered him an ice cream cone he would leave just like a kid.
I wiped my forehead. “Look, it’s hot in here. Why don’t you come with me and we can discuss this situation in depth.”
There was no way he would agree to this, but what other options did I have? I had to at least ask.
He looked me up and down. “Yeah, okay. You’re good-looking enough. I guess I can go with you.”
I rolled my eyes. “Gee, I’m flattered. Thanks a bunch.”
Chapter Three
I made my way back down the stairs with Mr. Fine breathing in my ear.
When I reached the bottom step, Callahan and Mindy rushed over.
“What happened?” Mindy asked.
“Okay. Try to remain calm…” I said.
That was like telling her to try and not eat a piece of chocolate. It wasn’t happening—we loved our chocolate. There was no way to break this to her gently. Her eyes couldn’t get any wider.
I continued, “There was someone in your attic.”
“Oh my God. A living person?” she screeched.
Callahan started up the stairs, but I grabbed his arm to stop him.
“No, no. It was a spirit, but he disappeared. I’m pretty sure he’s gone.” I crossed my fingers behind my back.
Okay, I hated lying to her, but there was no need to cause her any more stress right now. She’d been through so much lately.
I quickly added, “I just think he was in the wrong house. It happens from time to time… nothing to worry about.”
Mindy scowled. She didn’t look convinced.
“Do you want to spend the night with me?” I asked the question, but I secretly didn’t want her to take the offer. I was a terrible best friend, I know. But I wanted alone time with Callahan. If Mindy really needed me though, I’d drop everything to help her, and she knew that.
Mindy looked around the room, then back at me and Callahan.
Her shoulders slumped as she exhaled. “I guess I’ll be okay here. If you’re sure the spirit is gone?”
I glanced to my side. Unfortunately, I was all too sure that the spirit was no longer in the attic because he was invading my personal space at that moment. Mr. Fine winked at me, then took another puff from his cigarette. Maybe all those cigarettes were the reason for his passing. I had to get rid of him soon so that I wouldn’t have the constant cigarette smell following me around like a dark cloud. I was allergic to the smoke.
“Did the ghost say anything to you?” Mindy asked.
“Like I said, I think he was just a little confused and didn’t know