Raisin the Dead (11 page)

I nodded, frankly amazed at her knowledge. “How are spirits contacted, exactly?”

“We use a Ouija board. You know what that is?”

“Yes, that I am familiar with. My cousins had one, but my mother wouldn't let me play with it. She said it would lead to devil worship.”

Kendra rolled her eyes. “Love your mom, but she's clueless. It won't lead to devil worship or anything like that. None of my friends or I worship the devil. It's merely an instrument. So, once Mr. Baldelli's spirit is conjured, he, and someone else, like me, for instance, will use kinesis to rotate the pointer, which is actually called a planchette, to answer questions by pointing to the Yes or No on the board, or to various letters to form sentences.”

“Can I tell Jimmy, or whomever, what questions I want him to ask?”

“Usually, the questions come to the people who are in charge of the planchette,” explained Kendra.

“That's it?” I'd expected something more complicated.

“Pretty much.”

“How many spirits have you contacted?'

“We've contacted seven. So see, we have a track record.”

“Good to know.” I didn't want novices for this serious activity.

“We'll all hold hands and close our eyes. One of us, not you or Olivia or Emily, will begin by saying a prayer, to, you know, cleanse the environment and chase away negative vibes.”

“Makes sense, nobody wants negative vibes.”

“Exactly. Then, we'll ask Mr. Baldelli to give us a sign of his presence. Like some taps or something. Of course, it's important for all of us to be open to whatever Mr. Baldelli's sprit wants to share. I'll tell you this, though. While we want to be welcoming to his spirit, we won't put up with rudeness.”

This was a new one for me. “Spirits are rude?”

She nodded. “Can be. We had one that was. We politely asked it to leave.”

“I see. You really know your stuff.” I crossed myself twice for good measure and wondered if I should put Father Davidson on speed dial.

“My friends and I could become famous if this works,” Kendra went on. “Oh, I won't leave you and Olivia in the lurch at the bakery. Don't worry about that. I'm so excited about this! Where do you want to have it, in your apartment? The bakery?”

“No!” I didn't want Sean to get wind of this. Something told me he wouldn't be for it. He'd bust me for unlawfully contacting the dead, harboring a ghost, or some such thing. In addition, I didn't want the aforementioned hounds of hell inhabiting my apartment (just in case my mother was right, you understand). I also didn't want them to inhabit the bakery. I'd prefer they not have my addresses at all. I certainly didn't want them wandering around Dottie's house creating havoc. She'd probably ask me to move out and take the hounds with me.

Kendra thought. “Okay. How about we take my father's boat out on the lake and do it there?”

“Will a séance on the water work?” I didn't want the devil and his minions trying to drown any of us. Or Philip Baldelli drowning us because he was miffed at being called back from heaven, or wherever he was.

“Of course it will, silly. It doesn't really matter where we have it, but I think the closer we are to where he lived, the better. We can dock near Mr. Baldelli's house. Our success actually has to do with the realm and the level he's on.”

I stared at Kendra, realizing how little I knew about her life outside of Bread and Batter. “Level? What level? What realm?”

“Jason has done some studying on the spiritual world, and we believe when someone dies, their spirit has to go through certain levels and realms before they arrive at their final destination with Elvis.”

“Excuse me? Elvis, as in Presley? What does he have to do with anything? He died before either of us was even born.”

Kendra laughed. “I happen to love Elvis Presley's music. My grandmother has all his records. Anyway, that's what Jimmy, Jason, Tiffany, and I call the Higher Power. It's really God, but Elvis sounds more fun and personal, doesn't it? We don't want to offend anyone, so we call the higher power Elvis.

“We think a spirit travels through different realms to meet Elvis, or whatever they want to call their higher power. If we catch Mr. Baldelli's spirit before he's gone too far, it will be easier to talk with him.”

“I see.” Although, I didn't. Not at all. I'd never heard of this. It wasn't something my Sunday school teachers promoted, that's for sure. I was more of a St. Peter at the pearly gate and angels with harps standing on fat, puffy white clouds kind of woman. However, I was also an open-minded woman, so I listened, fighting my instinct to cart Kendra and her friends off to see Father Davidson this very afternoon.

“When do you want to do this?” Kendra asked.

“Not tonight. I have a date with Sean. I'd like Olivia and Emily with me. Is that okay? Will your father's boat hold all of us?”

“That's fine. They'll be plenty of room for all of us. How about tomorrow night at nine thirty?”

I was still skeptical. “Do you have a license to drive the boat?”

“I've been boating since I was eight, and yes, I have a license. We aren't going far, don't worry. We're staying close to shore.”

I agreed, hoping my two best friends wouldn't think I'd lost my mind. Again, I should add. I'd feel better having them with me. I hoped Sean would be otherwise occupied, and therefore wouldn't question my plans for a girls' night out.

“It's all settled then.” Kendra said. “I can't wait to tell Tiffany and the rest of—”

The door jingling interrupted Kendra's sentence. We looked up at the same time, but I'm sure Kendra's heart didn't plunge into her belly the way mine did.

Felicia Adams sauntered to the counter, her eyes fastened on the cupcake display. Surprised doesn't accurately begin to describe my feelings. She was dressed in chic faded jeans, the kind with the strategically placed holes, along with a plain white t-shirt. On her, they looked like haute couture from a runway in Paris.

I recovered enough to greet her. “Hi. Felicia, right?”

She jerked her head up. “Do I know . . . ? Oh yes, Polly, isn't it? Yes, I'm Felicia. I'm Sean Corsino's sister-in-law. We met when I first came to town, I remember now. I don't think he mentioned you owned a bakery. How quaint.”

“Yes, we've met, but my name is Molly, not Polly. My partner, Olivia, and I own Bread and Batter Bakery. Today was the bakery's fifth anniversary.” I had a feeling she knew who I was.

Her pale gray eyes lowered to our display case again. “Congratulations. Six chocolate cupcakes.” Her eyes met mine. “Sean adores chocolate.”

I picked up a box to put the cupcakes in. If she was trying to make me jealous by mentioning she was buying cupcakes for Sean, it wasn't working. “You're planning on staying for a while then? Sean mentioned that you'd left town.”

“I took a tour of the wine country around here. It's nice, but not comparable to France, naturally. Don't you agree?”

“I've never been to France, so I can't say.”

She trilled a laugh. “Of course you haven't. Yes, I am staying for a while. As long as Sean needs me.” Her eyes met mine again. Her catty smile lacked warmth, reminding me of the evil Maleficent in
Sleeping Beauty
. “I'm sure Sean told you he was married to Jordan, my identical twin sister. She was the love of his life. I don't know why he moved up here.”

“Maybe it's what he wanted,” I suggested trying to maintain my composure. “As far as dealing with her death, I think he has.” I taped up the box with her cupcakes in it so securely she'd need a blowtorch to remove them.

Lowering her voice, she leaned towards me. “I'm not so sure. You don't know him like I do. I don't think he knows what he wants. It's too soon after Jordan's death. He won't forget her by running away. We're all so concerned about him, especially his parents.

“He's not a country boy; we can't see him being happy here for the long run. I'm surprised he's not dead already from boredom. I would be, that's for sure. What in God's name do you people do around here for entertainment?”

I clicked my tongue in annoyance. “Somehow we manage. I'm not sure why you're staying if you find our town so unacceptable.”

She pulled back. “I didn't mean to insult your little town. I'm here because I love Sean as if he were my own brother, and he belongs back in New York City, with people who care about him. He needs some help seeing that.”

I was sure her feelings for Sean were anything but brotherly. Something was up.

“What do you mean by ‘people who care about him'? Molly and Sean have been involved for a few months now,” injected Kendra as she sidled up beside me, interrupting my thoughts on Felicia's agenda. “They're deliriously happy. I'm sure he told you that. They're totally sweet together. I hope someday someone cares for me someday the way Sean cares for Molly, and vice versa.”

I'd hug Kendra later for that. I can't say I wasn't happy to see Felicia's smug smile slip a tiny bit. “Plenty of people here care about him. He's made a life here and we love each other. He'll tell you himself that he's happy in Destiny, Felicia. If he hasn't done so already.”

I paused, hoping my words sunk in. “I don't think you need to decide what's best for him. He's capable of deciding that for himself. I'm not sure why you think he needs you.”

She snatched the box of cupcakes from me and slapped her credit card down on the counter. “I understand what he's going through the way no one else can. We loved the same woman, after all.” She studied the perfect oval nails on of her hands. “I'm sure you've lost someone close to you. It's funny what grief does to you, isn't it?

“You do things that you would never do in your right mind.” Tears glittered in her eyes when she looked up. Somehow, she managed to keep them from spilling down her cheeks. “Like move to some tiny town to wither up and die.”

“Sean is not withering nor dying.” I set her straight. “Do you actually know anything about him?”

“Of course I do. I also want to say that we all miss Jordan terribly, Sean most of all. Look, I know you two are seeing each other, but really, do you want to be the rebound woman?” She eyed me from head to toe. “You're decent looking enough. I'm sure you're smart. You can probably have your pick of men. If you can't find one in this town, then maybe the next one. I'd hate to see your heart broken. Haven't you lived here your entire life? You must know a lot of available men.”

If someone was walking around town with an award for Best Actress in a Dramatic Role, I'd have dragged them into Bread and Batter and demanded they give Felicia a trophy. I noticed her tears had mysteriously dried up. Hated to see my heart broken, hah! She didn't give two hoots about my heart.

“Yes, I have,” I replied, not sure what how long I'd lived in Destiny had to do with anything. “I love it here. My bakery is successful and this town is like family.” I didn't bother adding that sometimes that can be a royal pain in the patootie.

“I thought so.” She leaned in. “You have that country girl look. You wouldn't feel at all at home in New York City. All the activity would make your head spin, but that's the life Sean is used to. Yes, I'm aware he thinks he's in love with you.” Her expression morphed into one of pity. She shook her head slightly to indicate the irrationality of that on his part.

If I had an airsickness bag handy, I'd have to use it. More than once. I squinted at her in disbelief. Country girl look? What did that mean? It wasn't as if I had my hair in braids, was sporting chubby pink cheeks, and had on a gingham dress covered with a white apron while churning butter in front of her. Well, that's what came to mind when I heard “country girl.” I don't know anyone who dresses that way, no matter how country they are.

“He's really not,” Felicia continued. “You aren't the first woman he's been with since Jordan's death, you know.” She sighed. “Oh, the relationships are all fine for a while, but no woman will replace Jordan in Sean's heart. Believe me.”

“I'm not trying to replace her,” I explained, although I was probably wasting my time. “I respect what Sean had with her, but you can't expect him to mourn your sister forever. I didn't know her, but if she truly loved him, I'm sure she wouldn't have wanted him to.”

“I'm only trying to spare you heartache, not be a bitch. Cut your losses before it's too late.”

She was lying about my not being the first woman Sean had been with since Jordan's death, but I declined to call her on it. Sometimes it's best to let people ramble. You learn more that way. Even if it were true, I trusted Sean. Our relationship is built on honesty. I had no reason to doubt he loved me.

I was concerned initially about being the rebound woman, but I'm not now. I resented Felicia's intrusion on our relationship. “I'm a big girl, Felicia. I don't see that Sean's and my relationship is any of your business. If he's not happy here, or with me, I'm sure he'll let me know. He's fully capable of speaking up and he certainly doesn't need rescuing. You're wasting your time.”

Her tight smile returned. “I'm sorry. Forgive me. You're right. It's not my business. I hope you'll forgive my chutzpah. Nevertheless, I pray you'll do the right thing and let him go. He needs to come home.” She didn't wait for a reply before turning and heading for the he door.

Olivia came in as Felicia rushed out. She quickly hopped out of the way so Felicia wouldn't mow right over her. She turned to look at Felicia's retreating back as she crossed the street. “Wow! She was in a hurry. What's wrong, Moll? Everything okay? Who was that?”

“No,” I replied. “I mean, yes, everything's fine. Sort of.”

Olivia laughed. “Okay, that makes sense.”

“That was Sean's sister-in-law, Felicia,” Kendra explained. “She was trying to make Molly feel bad about her relationship with Sean. She wants Molly to let him go so he can return to New York City. I'm sure he'll set her straight.”

“She had kind of a weird look on her face. Does she want him for herself?” Olivia asked.

“You read my mind,” I responded. “She's up to something. I feel it. Sean doesn't think too highly of her, I know that much, but she's his wife's identical twin. What if he falls for her in an effort to replace his deceased wife, Jordan?”

“You've got nothing to worry about,” Kendra assured me. “Sean's into you. I bet he'll tell her to go home and leave him alone.”

I cast Kendra a doubtful look. “He'd supposedly already done that. She came back.”

“Don't be upset.” Olivia put her arm around my shoulders. “He isn't going to listen to Felicia. Eventually, she'll have to give up. Are you seeing him tonight?”

I nodded. “We're going out for dinner.”

“Well!” exclaimed Olivia. “There you go! You can tell him all about her visit and let him take care of it. Right?”

I nodded, chewing on my lower lip as I stared out the window. Sean had already told Felicia we were in a serious relationship. I had the sinking feeling she didn't care. I recalled what Sean said about her having some kind of mental issue, which made me think of the murderous nun with a mental issue. I stopped thinking before my overactive imagination had me lying dead on the bakery floor with Felicia standing over me, a bloody cleaver in her hand, laughing maniacally.

“Let's talk about something happy. Tell Olivia about your séance plans,” said Kendra.

Olivia stared at me, shock rendering her speechless for a few seconds. “You're having a séance? You hate that stuff.”

“I do, but with my mom being questioned in Philip's murder, anything is worth a shot.”

Olivia held the back of her hand against my forehead. “Nope, no fever. Are you serious?”

“She certainly is,” Kendra answered for me. “My friends and I are going to see if we can reach Philip's spirit. Molly wants you and Emily to come along.”

Olivia's head swiveled towards me. “You do?”

I nodded. “I'd feel more comfortable with you both there. Do you mind?”

Olivia didn't say no, but she didn't look thrilled. I couldn't exactly blame her. I wasn't sure I was up to sitting on a boat in the dark trying to summon a spirit. I shivered despite the warmth in the bakery. Father Davidson's face floated in front of me. I took that as an omen. The problem was I didn't know if it was a good or bad omen.

“I guess if Emily's up to it, I'll go,” gulped Olivia, her voice matching the doubtful look on her face. “If it will help.”

“I have no idea if it will or not,” I confessed. “It's worth a try, don't you think?”

“Definitely,” said Kendra. “You never know. We really might find out who killed Philip.”

“I'm going over to Emily's to see if she'll join us,” I told the girls.

I walked over to Barking Mad Books and pushed the door open. I waited while Emily finished up with a customer. A few more were browsing the shelves.

“Hi,” she greeted me. “What's up?”

“I have a favor to ask you.”

“Sure. What do you need?”

“I'd like you to join me for a séance. Olivia's agreed. I want you to be there as well.”

The surprised look on her face mimicked Olivia's. “A séance? You aren't a séance person. You hate scary movies and Halloween. You're afraid to read Harry Potter, for heaven's sake. What are you doing a séance for?”

“Maybe Kendra and her friends can contact Philip. I don't want my mother arrested for murder.”

“You're kidding, right? Please tell me you're kidding. You can't contact someone's spirit. I don't believe in that stuff and neither should you. It's phony. You mother will not be arrested. I can't believe Sean would seriously think she killed Philip. I can't believe you're partaking in a séance. Now I've heard everything.” She finally took a breath. “I don't know, Molly. This doesn't sound like the best plan I've ever heard.”

“So you'll come along?” I held my breath while she considered my proposition.

“You really want to do this, don't you?”

“Yes. I know it sounds weird, but what if it actually does work?”

“I think you know better than that.” She tried glaring at me and failed. “Okay. I'm in. If it were anyone else, I definitely wouldn't, but I can't say no to you. I'll probably regret it, and have to sleep with all the lights on for a month, but yes, I'll do it. For you. But if Philip Baldelli actually shows up, I don't think I'm going to hang around for too long.”

I hugged her. “Thank you. Kendra explained it all to me. It sounds easy enough.”

“So when is this séance supposed to take place?”

“Tomorrow night at nine thirty. I'm not sure where we're meeting. I'll let you know.”

“Lucky for you my calendar is free. I had better check on my customers. We'll talk later.”

“Thanks again, Em.”

“I hope you get something out of it. Other than nightmares. I hope I don't have nightmares.”

***

“Emily's in,” I told Kendra and Olivia when I returned to the bakery.

“Wonderful,” said Kendra. “I texted everyone while you were over at Barking Mad Books. They're excited. Jimmy is going to lead. I expected that. He's good. He's got a sensitive spirit and is open to anything happening.”

“Where are we meeting? I told Emily I'd let her know.”