Possess (13 page)

“Yes. He drowned in his bathtub.” Aggie nodded, a sad glint in her eyes.

“Did you ever –” I started, but looked down at my hands as my mouth went dry and I found it hard to form words.
How could I ask her something like this? Wasn’t it bad enough bringing this up?

“Finish your question, Harley.” Aggie’s tone was sincere, as if she had a sense of what I might ask.

“Did you ever suspect it wasn’t a suicide?” I fought off the hint of dizziness as I replayed the horrific scene from last night, the feeling of helplessness as I struggled to breathe.
Was that what happened to him?  Was that what Brody’s ghost had to say to me?
Aggie’s lips pinched together in a small pout and her green eyes stared off at the road.

“It never made sense to me. Brody would have never committed suicide. As hurt as he was, he would have never killed himself over what happened. As far as the drugs, the worst that boy ever did was smoke a few joints with me and Nolan when we were teenagers.”

“Don’t ask me how I know, but I have a strong feeling that he was murdered.” I told her. Aggie took a quick glance in the rear view then made a sudden shift onto the shoulder of the road and pulled the car in park before turning to me, her eyes intense as they stared into mine.

“Harley, I don’t know who else you may be talking to, but it would be in your best interest not be saying things like that.” I wanted to feel threatened by her words, but they came off as more of a warning than anything else.

“But if he was killed wouldn’t you want to know why? Wouldn’t you want the person responsible put away?”

“Harley, now you stop and you listen to me!” She undid her seatbelt and twisted to face me, “finding out the truth will not bring Brody back. The only thing it will do is stir up a wasp nest that neither myself, my uncle, or Nolan want to deal with
ever
again.” Her hand gripped my shoulder as she spoke.

“I- I’m sorry, Aggie. I didn’t mean to...”

“It’s fine. I just think you need to leave this one alone...and if something is happening in that apartment, you
need
to move out.”

I nodded, looking out the window once more as she pulled back onto the road and Midtown came into view. I wanted to do as she said. I wanted to leave it alone. But all I could think about were those green eyes with tiny flecks of gold and brown as they stared at me from the mirror – and the blurry figure that had held me under water. There was no longer any question to what he was trying to tell me. Brody had been murdered and he needed someone to know who killed him.

Alannah

After Aggie and I arrived back at Finley’s I quickly said goodbye before leaving with Remy. Nolan didn’t seem too thrilled about my leaving and demanded I take his number in case something else happened.

“I’ll be fine, Nolan.” I told him as I zipped up my jacket and slipped Remy inside.

“Harley, ya keep saying that…”

“If it makes you feel any better, I won’t be taking baths any time soon. Only showers from now on.” I said with mock seriousness. His frown only deepened as his eyes bore into me.

“And if ya have a seizure during a shower?” Nolan raised an unamused eyebrow.

“Then I suppose I'll end up with another concussion,” I shrugged, feeling exasperated. I knew he was concerned, but I didn't feel right staying here again. I needed to do what my mother had said. I needed to find out what Brody was trying to say. Maybe he just wanted his murderer brought to justice and then he would leave me alone.

“You should just stay here another night,” his tone was pleading, “or with Aggie if you’d feel more comfortable there.” Nolan’s bright eyes reminded me of deep freshwater pools as they pulled at mine.

“I can’t, Nolan. I have something to take care of. I’ll see you tomorrow for work, okay?” I hated that look in his eyes. It made me feel terrible, like I'd just kicked a puppy or something. I could imagine him using it to get his way in the past, whether it was an extra cookie from his mother or trying to steal a kiss from an unsuspecting girl. Realizing his attempts to stop me were futile, he finally moved out of my way after handing me a slip of paper with his phone number scribbled neatly on it.

It was late afternoon when I exited Finley’s, cradling a purring Remy in my jacket as I eyed the various storefronts and businesses with interest. I wasn’t even sure exactly what I was looking for. After talking to my mom, I didn’t know if any stores like the metaphysical shops she frequented even existed in Midtown.
Look around the head shops, Harley.
Remy purred and nuzzled against my tummy, keeping me nice and warm as a gust of wind whipped around me. After wandering around a bit, I had remembered where I saw a head shop, and right next to it was a store named “Morrigan’s Realm” with a painting of a black cauldron on the window. 

The knowledge my mom had given me on paganism, which I had assumed was useless, was actually coming in handy.
Who would have thought that?
As I pulled open the heavy wooden door to the shop, I was greeted with the familiar scents of incense like Dragon’s blood, Nag Champa, and Opium that tickled my nostrils. Remy stirred slightly at the new smells, but I could tell he was asleep now. I could just see my mother feeling right at home here. To the right side of the store a small staircase led up to a door with charms hanging from the doorknob. My mom had similar ones hanging on our front door for protection. The rest of the store was filled with the usual pagan staples such as candles, gems, books, and jewelry. I would have to come back and get my mom something from here another day. 

“Well hello.” A woman’s voice caught my attention from the back of the store.

“Hello,” I turned around as a fair-skinned woman with loose strawberry blonde ringlets that fell well past her shoulders, walked toward me. “Is this your store?” 

“Why yes, it is, my child.” Her smile formed lines in her delicate skin as she watched me with lively gray eyes. “My aren’t you an exotic beauty? Look at that gorgeous raven hair and those stunning blue eyes.”

My mother was French and my father was Brazilian. While it gave me a nice year-round bronzed complexion, normally I cringed at the term “exotic” in reference to my mixed background. From her though, I didn’t mind. She let out a soft laugh as one of her hands gently patted my cheek and a warm, comforting feeling melted over me at her touch. She had a familiarity to her that I found soothing. Perhaps it was because speaking with my mother left me feeling homesick and everything in here reminded me of her, but I could sense this woman was someone I could trust.

“Thank you, miss . . . um?”

“Alannah. My name is Alannah, darling.” She winked at me.

“Then thank you, Alannah. I’m Harley.” Her grin was infectious, and I found myself beaming back at her. 

“Harley, eh? I bet you’re a feisty one, aren’t you? Got to be, with a name like that.” She laughed. “Well, it’s nice to meet you.” She took my hand in hers, giving it a friendly squeeze before her cheerful expression faded. The smiling gray eyes turned dark as she studied me, her forehead wrinkling in deep thought. 

“Harley, there’s someone here with you.” She spoke a minute later. Out of instinct I swiveled my head around, but found nobody around us. “There’s a man with you. I’ve seen him around before, but it’s been several years now.” Alannah’s gaze was fixated on something unseen near the front of the store.

“Brody?” At the name, a look of recognition flitted across her eyes. She nodded, sending an involuntary shiver through me as her eyes returned to mine.

“Yes, he's been trying to tell you something,” her lips pursed and a pained expression brought out the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes.

“He
was
murdered, wasn’t he?” My voice was frantic with excitement. Had I actually found someone that could help me? 

“Yes, dear, he was.” Her voice was hesitant as her hand still held mine.

“Well, then who did it? He can tell you can’t he? Ask him who!”

All I wanted was to get this over with. If she could communicate with him then maybe this whole ordeal would be over by night’s end. She only frowned at me, squeezing her eyes shut as if there was a harsh light in the room.

“Alannah?” Her hands squeezed mine tighter before her eyes finally opened.

“If only it were that easy, darling.” She shook her head, the troubled expression still deep within her gray eyes. “He isn’t very strong right now. He can only show me images. Some spirits are stronger than others and sometimes they grow stronger when they are near certain places, people, or objects.”

“Like his old apartment. He broke all my mirrors.”

“Mmm. He was trying to get your attention. You don’t look like you really believe all this.” Alannah’s smile returned for a brief second. “He needs you to believe it though.”

“Well, I believe it now. He nearly drowned me last night!”

Alannah only shook her head.

“No, Harley. He was showing you his death.” She said, finally unclasping her hands from mine. “Some spirits use their own memories to reach out. You’ve been having nightmares that aren’t yours, haven’t you?” My breath caught in my throat at her words. The image of Claire’s frozen corpse made my stomach churn. “Mmm, I thought so.”

“Why doesn’t he just show me who killed him then?” I didn’t mean to raise my voice at Alannah, but I couldn’t for the life of me understand why Brody didn’t just show me an image of the killer if he couldn’t come out and say it.

“Because he never saw their face. I can tell you it’s a man, but that’s it.”

Of course…

“Great, so I am looking for a man? That certainly narrows it down for me.” Sarcasm colored my words as I looked toward the front of the store in annoyance. Alannah showed no offense though, her lips pulled into a straight line as she glanced toward the empty corner of the room once more.

“Not just a man, Harley. You already know him.” Alannah’s words jarred me.

“What do you mean I know him? From where?”

My mind was reeling.
How well do I know this man? When did I meet this man? He had to know more.
Alannah looked down sadly, disappointment in her gray eyes.

“He can’t tell me that, only that he felt their energy around you at some point. I’m sorry, Harley.”

“So then why should I help him? I have no idea who this person is and neither does he! Besides, what good will it be if I do find out? Brody’s already dead. I’ll just get a new apartment.” I couldn’t control the outburst that escaped as my whole body trembled in anger. Alannah flinched as I flailed an arm around then quickly grasped my wrist and forced me to look at her. Her face was grave, forehead pressing down over her eyes as she watched my angered expression.

“Harley, moving somewhere else is not going to get rid of Brody. He isn’t just haunting the apartment anymore. He’s haunting you. This isn’t something you can just walk away from.”

“What are you talking about?” I pulled my hand from her, taking a few steps back.

“When I first touched your hand I had a vision. I saw you die. You were lying in the snow, bloodied.” She hesitated, “I can’t be sure...but I think it’s the same man that killed him.”

“If you can sense it’s the same man then why can’t
you
tell me who he is?” My voice was sharp as I stared at Alannah in disbelief. 

“It doesn’t work like that, Harley. I only get small glimpses. Sometimes it’s enough, but most times it’s not.”

I felt a sick, cold feeling rising in my stomach as I turned for the door. This couldn’t be real. None of this was possible.
There are no ghosts, no deadly premonitions. She’s just a crazy old woman. Nobody is trying to kill me.
My feet stumbled beneath me, unwilling to run despite the urge.

“I knew you were a feisty one, Harley.” Alannah’s hand clasped around mine, stopping me a couple feet from the door. “Now you listen. There is a lot more in this world than you can understand or accept right now, but I’m certainly not just some crazy old woman.” Those bright gray eyes of hers conveyed a knowing look as she spoke. “I don’t just make this stuff up. I’ve helped the police on cases before with my abilities to see things so don’t you just run off into the evening freaking out. I’ll talk to a few of my police friends about Brody. Come by here around this time tomorrow, okay?”

“Fine, tomorrow.” I mumbled before she let go of me. I wandered into the street, my mind detached from reality as her words haunted me…just like Brody.

I saw you die.

My only comfort was that the first snow hadn’t hit Midtown yet.

But it would be here soon.

Then what? 

The Sausage Incident

I felt Nolan’s eyes watching me from the kitchen as I walked into the pub the next morning, but I didn’t bother looking up at him. Despite an uneventful evening and restful sleep, I felt drained and lifeless. Even without shattering glass or visions of Claire, I could still feel Brody’s presence and I could still feel the weight of what had just fallen into my lap. Find his murderer or face a similar fate. How in the hell would I even figure out who it was? 
Not just a man, Harley! You already know him.

I pushed open the swinging door, glancing in Nolan’s direction to see those blue pools studying me, concern etched at the corners of his eyes. How many men did I already know? How many male customers did I see and talk to on a regular basis? It could be anyone. For all I knew, it could be Nolan. I averted my eyes from his.
No. Definitely not Nolan. What reason would he have to kill his best friend?

“Harley, ya look a little ill, ya alright?” Nolan’s voice cut into my thoughts as I hung my coat and scarf on a hook in the back.

“I’m fine, Nolan,” I answered as he clanked a few dishes against the counter behind me.

“Hmmph. Have ya had breakfast yet?” He asked as he slid scrambled eggs onto two dishes. I had the feeling even if I said yes, I was about to have another one.

“No, but I’m not too hungry.”

“Why don’t ya sit and eat something? I don’t need ya passing out because yer starving yerself.” He placed the plates on either side of the small break table, along with two glasses of orange juice.

“So, you’re feeding me so I don’t injure myself on the clock again?” I snorted as I sat down across from him. His plate was stacked high with eggs, sausage, and biscuits. Mine had a hearty serving, but it was nowhere near the portions of yesterday’s breakfast with Aggie – “ultimate breakfast” as I had officially dubbed it. Nolan frowned at me as he took a bite of his own food.

“No, I just thought ya could use a good breakfast.” There was that look again, like I had just kicked a puppy across the room.

 “Thank you.” I said in a softer tone, looking down at my plate as I dug my fork into the eggs and sausage.

“Yer welcome.” I could see the corner of his mouth pull up into a smile in my peripheral.

“Mmmm. Oh god, Nolan, your sausage is delicious!” I couldn’t help myself as the moan left my lips.
Oh god, had I really just said that out loud?
A loud clank jarred me as Nolan’s fork hit his plate and I looked up to find him staring at me. His eyes were wide and his hand was still up by his mouth, sans the eating utensil. He blinked for a second then pulled his mouth shut, trying not to choke on his food as he erupted in laughter, banging a fist against his chest.

“You know what I meant, Nolan.” I scowled, keeping my eyes down as I took another bite, decidedly not touching any more sausage.

“Oh...yes,” he nodded, still laughing as he tried to eat. “Right!” His shoulders shook as he tried to calm his laughter, his head bent over his plate.

“I think I’ll go sit out at the bar and finish this.” I didn’t bother looking up at him, my cheeks burning with embarrassment.

“Awww, come on, Harley.” He called after me, still giggling to himself. “It’s okay to like my sausage!”

After the sausage incident, I had done my best to keep myself busy on the front end of the pub. Only venturing into the kitchen when absolutely necessary to avoid running into Nolan. Sure enough, nearly every time I had to head back there I came within inches of colliding with him. Every time, the same stupid grin from breakfast would cross his lips.

“Aww come on, Harley. It was funny.” He called after me the last time I bumped into him. I returned to my current table, hiding the amused smirk that his teasing brought to my lips. Despite the initial embarrassment, I was glad to have something else distract me for a while. I didn’t want to think about the conversation with Alannah yesterday.

“Here’s your food, sir.” I smiled at the elderly man as he set aside his newspaper. He looked down eagerly at the steaming dish I placed in front of him.

“Thank you, dear.” He winked at me with a warm smile. I had to admit, I really preferred the early lunch customers to the drunken evening ones. Many of the older folks came around then and they generally gave me nice tips. Every now and then one of them would leave me a piece of hard candy. Something I could see my grandmother doing when she was still alive. The old man returned to his newspaper while his plate cooled and I headed behind the bar for a couple of refills.

“Well, hello there.” Aggie’s voice crept up behind me as I was in the middle of refilling a diet coke.

“Good morning, Aggie.”

“So what’s all this business about you liking Nolan’s sausage?” Her voice had that familiar sing-song tone to it once again. I failed to hold back a giggle as a group of older women turned their attention to us, eyes wide with horror at such unladylike discussions.

“Those customers heard you, you know.” I turned my face, hiding it from the women as I smirked at her. She nodded cordially toward the women then pulled me into the kitchen, keeping an eye out for Nolan.

“You know I couldn’t resist,” she smirked. “Still though, he made you breakfast?” She wiggled an eyebrow, a jocular gleam in her eyes.

“He was already making breakfast for himself. It’s not a big deal.”

“Oh, I think it is. Men don’t usually cook women breakfast.” Aggie said staunchly. “Just proves my point. I told you Nolan likes girls with a well-fed arse.”

“Oh hush.”

“Ugh, don’t be so daft, Harley. The guy likes you, and you could do a
hell
of a lot worse.” She nudged my side before moving past me. “Now back to work.” She gave me a smack on my butt then took off into the front, leaving me gawking at the swinging door.

“What was that all about?” Nolan’s voice held an amused tone as I looked back towards him
. Just how much of that conversation had he caught?

“ I...um...nothing. I have to go get refills.” I mumbled, slinking backwards toward the front.

“Harley!”

“What?!” His shout startled me, causing me to jump as the swinging door just barely missed me.

“Watch where you’re going.” He smiled and shook his head before turning back toward his office.

As soon as it hit six in the evening, I pulled off my apron and tossed it on a hook as I quickly wriggled into my jacket. I was wrapping my scarf around my neck when Nolan stepped out of his office, glancing out toward the front before turning his attention to me.

“Yer not wasting any time getting out of here tonight.” He smirked as he leaned against the door frame. I fought back the smile that threatened to surface on my lips once again.

“I needed to run by a store before they close.” I said, as I slipped the strap of my bag across my chest.

“Oh,” He nodded, “I thought ya might be upset because of this morning.”

I pulled my lips tight but the corners curled up as I shook my head at him.

“No, I'm over it.”

“Ya should do well here then if ya can take a good teasing every once in a while.” Nolan laughed, watching as I zipped up my jacket. His blue eyes seemed to twinkle as he smiled at me. I liked
this
Nolan, the one that seemed to smile and joke more. If only he would stick around. “Well, I best not be keeping ya from yer business.” He stood up straight, looking back to his office before his eyes flickered to mine again, cheerful and bright.

“Yeah, I need to get going.” I gave him a warm smile as I turned for the front, “I'll see you in the morning.”

“Be careful getting home,” Nolan’s voice was soft as he his gaze held mine and seemed to charge the air around me

“God, why don't you two just kiss and get it over with?” Aggie's voice cut in, instantly breaking whatever strange pull I’d started to feel and causing me to look away awkwardly. Nolan turned toward Aggie with a sharp stare, but she only flashed her usual unabashed grin before disappearing back to the front with a tray of food. Nolan cleared his throat, his hands shoved into his pockets as he turned back towards me for a moment.

“Night, Harley.”

“Night.”