Ghostly Mistakes

Chapter One

Lizzy Gordon risked another look behind her as she ran the last few yards to her car.

“Nothing…there…nothing there!” She repeated the words, not to convince herself, but to keep her mind occupied until she was safe behind glass and steel. There was something there, all right. If she didn’t get into her car now, that something would have her for a quick snack. She pressed her remote as she neared the car; blinking headlights reassured her the doors were unlocked. She slammed the car door closed just seconds ahead of the presence bearing down on her and slid towards the center of the car, jerking as a malevolent ghost crashed into the door.

“That was much too close!” Realizing they were squeezed shut, she opened her eyes and made an attempt to slow her breathing before she hyperventilated. The presence outside the car was furious and pushing hard against the metal of the door.

“Sliding home on your ass again, I see.” The amused southern drawl drew a startled yelp from Lizzy before she could stop it.

“Damnation, Carl! Don’t do that to me again!” Scooting back into the driver’s seat and jamming the key into the ignition, she peeled out of the cemetery, leaving a dust cloud boiling behind her. “And why are you here? I told you to keep out of my way!”

“Aw, Lizzy baby, is that any way to treat your back-up?” His smooth southern drawl raised her hackles instead of calming her down as he probably intended.

“Carl, I’m not your baby and you are most definitely not my back-up! I’m only in this mess because you can’t keep your promises!” Growling in frustration, she risked a look in the rear view mirror at her passenger. Oh, man, he was just as hard to look at as the last time she’d seen him.

Driving faster than was safe on a gravel road, Lizzy willed her pounding heart to settle down. Gravel turned to concrete a mile from the cemetery as she sped back to the highway, only slowing down enough to make the turn without rolling the car. She headed towards Indianola, Mississippi, the closest decent sized city near Belzoni on her map. She’d reserved a room at a Day’s Inn once she arrived in Belzoni, before going to the first cemetery. It was only a thirty-minute drive between the two towns and she preferred larger rather than smaller, rationalizing she stood a better chance at locating a decent place to eat. Lizzy finally slowed down to just over the speed limit once she was in sight of the Producers Feed Mill lights that signaled the even smaller community of Isola. Taking a deep breath, Lizzy glared at her passenger using the rear view mirror.

Two weeks ago, she was living a fairly normal life in Jackson, Mississippi, managing a small emergency medical clinic. Yes, she had the odd deadbeat to deal with, but nothing dramatic or dangerous. She liked it that way—boring. Instead, here she was sneaking around in the middle of the night in backwoods Belzoni, Mississippi, an angry spirit on her tail and the meddlesome ghost who started the whole fiasco in her back seat. Lizzy felt like she was jinxed when it came to men and considering her track record, most people would probably agree. Gripping the steering wheel, she fumed over the situation. It never failed—when she found herself metaphysically bound to a ghost it turned out to be a whopper of an adventure. Oh, for a simple haunting or displaced body.

Staring into the rear view mirror at her latest male attachment, Lizzie planned to look for a new career as soon as she managed to rid herself of Carl. Something where there would be less chance of hitchhiking ghosts. She could manage a dry cleaners or maybe a bookstore. She loved to read. Anything that paid the bills would do, if it would keep her chances of hooking up with dead dudes to the bare minimum. Nothing like spending all your vacation and sick time looking after a ghost who should have finished his earthly business before he died!

It wasn’t like all of the spirits she’d found bound to her were huge hassles, but lately, most of them were. Case in point, Carlton Taylor. Her most recently acquired spirit knew his time was short and still managed to die without fulfilling his promises. Just like a man to think he had all the time in the world. They could cheat death and lift fully decked out monster trucks over their heads.

“Carl, are you sure there’s no one who would remember where your great-grandmother, Augustine Rhodes, is buried? It sure would be a lot easier than exploring every cemetery in the county.”

“No, there ain’t nobody around who keeps up with all that stuff since Momma died.”

“Well, your Momma isn’t here, Carl, and that leaves me walking blindly from marker to marker. Since you’re so insistent on hanging around me at all hours, you can take half of the next one and help me look. She’s your great-granny!”

“I can do that. So long as there ain’t no protection around the place. I can look as good as you.”

“I doubt that, Carl, you’re about two weeks gone and starting to get ripe.” She couldn’t help throwing it in his face. He’d been a thorn in her side nearly every day since he’d had the nerve to die in the medical clinic she managed.

Two weeks ago, Carl traveled to Jackson on business. As the president of a cooperative of catfish farmers, he met with potential buyers to market their fish. Since he was very successful in securing lucrative deals, the others were content to let him run that side of the operation. They were all part of the same network of southern farmers leading a roller coaster life in the Deep South. They worked hard and played harder, earning just enough to keep afloat. Their wives and girlfriends sported new cars and designer clothes while the men hunted and fished out of the best that money could buy. Most of it was on credit backed by the next Lent season’s projected sales.

Carl should have waited until after he got back to Belzoni to have his heart attack instead of stumbling into their office right at closing. They had one LPN and one physician left on duty when he walked in, sweating like a prizefighter and clutching his left arm. Recognizing the look, Lizzy pushed the emergency bell at the front window and rushed out to the waiting area in time to grab him before he collapsed. Among the three of them, they managed to haul him to an exam room and an oxygen hook up. Lizzy called 911 while the doctor and nurse worked on him until the ambulance arrived.

Later the doctor told them the man never had a chance, it was a massive heart attack already evident on his electrocardiogram, but they had done their best. She’d been in charge of keeping the oxygen mask on while they did CPR and administered medications so she was the last one to look into his eyes before the lights went out. She knew it had been a grave mistake. His spirit latched onto her like a leech the minute it left his body. She didn’t have time to shield before they were bound. Now she was stuck with him until his unfinished business was finished.

“You’re just mad ‘cause that little haint back there scared you.” The southern drawl was back in force with a hint of spite.

“You bet your ass it scared me! You should be just as worried. If that thing had caught me, you’d not only be stuck in the nether-lands, you’d be chained to it as well.” Lizzy shivered at the thought. She’d already endured one nasty possession; she never wanted to repeat that experience again. And definitely not with Carl along for the ride!

“Didn’t it just want you to finish something he hadn’t done? What’s the big deal with that?” Carl’s tone was softer now and had lost the exaggerated southern drawl. He might even sound a little nervous, but Lizzy didn’t check the mirror again.

“Carl, some spirits aren’t stuck here. They don’t want to leave. They want to be alive again and aren’t above inhabiting someone’s body to do that. It’s called being possessed, like in the movies. They take possession of people to use them and in the process, usually manage to drive them insane.”

“Oh,” Carl barely whispered and was silent for a moment. “I didn’t realize that. I wouldn’t have done that, Lizzy. I have to say, though, I was pretty upset when I realized I was dying because I paid that witch to give me another year to set things straight. I wasn’t supposed to die yet!”

“Carl, you can’t cheat death no matter what she told you. She couldn’t have extended your life a minute longer than you had.” It was the second time they’d had this conversation. Carl refused to believe he’d been duped.

For all his weaknesses, Carl believed in keeping promises. That belief being the very reason he’d latched onto her when he realized he was about to die. He’d made a promise to his mother on her deathbed to find the resting place of her grandmother and right a wrong that had been done to her at death. He hadn’t bothered to find out what that might involve, though. Comfortable he had plenty of time to deal with it later, he promptly forgot about it after his mom’s funeral and went on with his life. Then, two weeks before he made the fatal trip to Jackson, Carl had a dream he would die while he was there. He wasn’t ready to die, and still had too many things to finish.

He approached Esther Sorez, the local Vodun Mambo or Voodoo Priestess, and bargained for another year to get his house in order, so to speak. She got a thousand dollars cash and his “hidden” bank account, as well. Figuring she knew her stuff since she knew about the hidden account, he agreed. Esther did whatever she did and said he was fine until a year from that date. Pleased with his transaction, and thankful for the fact he didn’t need to wear any sort of smelly gris gris to make the magic work, Carl went on with his life. When he realized he was going to die he knew the witch had double-crossed him. Furious, he latched on to Lizzy as soon as he left his mortal body. Spirits always recognized a channel as someone they could use in the absence of their own bodies.

“So have you been possessed before?”

“Yes.” Hesitating, cold chills ran up and down her spine just thinking about it. “They put me in a mental hospital thinking I was schizophrenic or something. I was only sixteen.”

“Why’d they do that?”

“I nearly killed my first boyfriend.” Even all these years later the memory was enough to make her nervous. Hands gripping the steering wheel until her knuckles turned white, her breathing quickened with the anxiety the memory produced. Lizzy really didn’t want to think about it right now, but Carl could be persistent when he wanted to be.

“Damn, girl! Why’d you try to kill him?”

“I didn’t try to kill him, the spirit that possessed me tried.” She hated hearing the defensiveness in her voice. Licking her lips, without much success since her mouth was dry from all the action, she hoped he would leave it at that.

“How did you get rid of it?” Stifling the urge to scream at him to leave it alone, Lizzy sighed and focused on relaxing the death grip she had on the steering wheel before she broke something.

“I don’t actually know if you can get rid of spirits once they possess someone, Carl. I mean I guess you can. Maybe exorcism isn’t that uncommon, and they just don’t advertise about it.” Risking a glance in the rear view mirror, she found he wasn’t as gross to look at this time. Obviously he was too busy being nosey to concentrate on sliming her back seat.

“Once they committed me to the hospital, and I’d been drugged and shocked, the spirit couldn’t really use me anymore. I was locked up in a hospital where he couldn’t have me running around doing his bidding. Since I wasn’t useful, he moved on, leaving me behind paying for his antics.” Lizzy shuddered at the memory of those horrible months of confinement. She was eternally grateful she didn’t remember most of the first part.

“So, were you born a ghost magnet?”

“A ghost magnet? I don’t know how you managed to land your wife, because your manners are horrid!” Lizzy had long since decided she was a loser magnet, but now she had a new term to use. “No, I wasn’t born a channel for spirits. I fell through some ice into a pond when I was young and thought I could ice skate. They said I drowned but they were able to revive me because the water was so cold. When I recovered, there were ghosts everywhere wanting to talk to me, wanting me to tell people they were okay, not to worry. It was scary for a ten year old, I can assure you.”

“I ended up in a coma for five days and when I woke up, there were spirits and ghosts following me everywhere. I thought I’d died and gone to hell, but I hadn’t.”

“I guess that was scary. For a kid, I mean,” Carl said.

“You don’t know the half of it. I learned to keep it to myself because people thought I was crazy when I talked to myself. They thought I was weird anyway. I managed, even though they kept me up all night and chattered all during school, but it wasn’t easy. Then the evil spirit found me and I ended up locked up.”

“How did you manage to convince them to let you out?” She’d nearly forgotten Carl was in the backseat and jerked when he spoke. “I mean did they just realize you were okay, you’d been cured?”

“No, they kept me fairly doped up most of the time until I quit taking the meds on my own. Some of the other patients taught me how to pocket the pills they gave me. They helped me learn how to survive inside. If it wasn’t for them, I probably would have gone insane.” The hitch in her voice spoke volumes concerning her feelings about that time in her life. She rarely allowed those memories to surface. They were much too painful.

“I didn’t know or really care at the time how I managed to get released. I was just relieved to be free, and able to do what I wanted, and sleep when I wanted. It felt like I was inside for a lifetime.” Her voice trailed off as memories, unbidden, surfaced to bring back some of the fear and hopelessness she’d felt back then.

“I met a few others like me, channels for spirits. The one positive outcome was I learned more about my abilities. There was an older man who told us all about what was going on. Well, when he was lucid. He’d been possessed so many times he’d sort of flipped out.”

“How did he help you? Tell you how to get rid of ghosts? Carl leaned over, propping his arms on the seat backs.

“He helped us realize we weren’t crazy and taught us how to shield ourselves from the evil ones. He said if you were strong enough you could get rid of wraiths, the evil spirits. He couldn’t tell us how, though. I promised myself that if I ever got out I would learn everything I could about channels, ghosts, spirits and possession. Lizzy bit her lip thinking about the past and resisted the urge to shiver.

“Later, I found out they released me when the government cut their funds. Once you showed improvement, you got to try again.” No, that wasn’t sarcasm in her voice—bitterness maybe, but not sarcasm.

Silence fell over the interior of the car while Lizzy closed and bolted the door to that part of her life she rarely visited. The memories still carried enough strength to upset her when she allowed them to surface and right now she had enough on her plate to worry about.

“Once we finish settling your spiritual debts, Carl, you have an appointment with your destiny that you better not be late for.”

“I know, I know.” The southern drawl sounded a little more natural and less drawn out. “I’m really sorry I got you into this. I was just so angry when I realized the witch had double-crossed me!” A deep sigh, followed with a telling sniff, clued her in he was close to crying.

“Aw, come on, Carl. You’re a man, for Pete’s sake, don’t get blubbery!” Lizzy ran her fingers back through her hair, pulling tightly at the roots to keep focused. “I’ll find your great-grandmother’s grave and do whatever has to be done to set it right. Just try and keep out of my way, okay?”

The ‘uh huh’ from the back seat was all she got in response, but it was enough for now. Something flashed in the corner of her eye from the road behind her, catching her attention. Glancing at her side mirror, she saw the blue lights about the time it registered she was driving on the wrong side of sixty.

“Oh, great!” Her hands were already sweating on the steering wheel from her close encounter with the menacing spirit, and her recent trip down memory lane hadn’t helped the matter. Slowing down and signaling she was pulling over, Lizzy blindly grabbed for her bag with her right hand. “A ticket is just icing on the cake now.”

“I’m….”

“Don’t say a word!” Lizzy cut in quickly. “Not one word and behave while I handle this.” Rolling down her window with one hand, and digging in her bag for her license with the other, she ignored the indignant harrumph behind her. Intent on locating her driver’s license, Lizzy mumbled beneath her breath about crazy ghosts, and nearly screamed for the second time that night when she glanced over towards the driver’s window into the darkest eyes she’d ever seen.

“Sorry to startle you, ma’am. I assumed you knew I was standing here.” The deep voice sounded warm and inviting, but held just enough amusement to spoil the effect. He’d bent over slightly from the side of the door looking down at her.

“I did, I’m just—nervous about being out here at night by myself.” Plastering what she hoped was a nervous smile on her face, she did her best to appear normal, if only nervous to the highway patrolman.

“The speed limit through here is fifty-five, ma’am. It’s sixty another two miles down the road, though.” Taking her license and registration as she handed them through the window, he surprised her when he also asked for her car keys.

“My keys? I mean, why?” Lizzy’s heart slammed into her throat. What was going on? Why would he take her car keys? A sound in the back seat shot her anxiety level a notch higher as she stole a quick glance in the rearview mirror. Carl was not cooperating.

“I’ll give them back to you once I check your license and registration. It’s just a precaution, you understand.”

His smile almost reached his eyes this time and Lizzy realized she wanted to see what the result would be if it did. She’d bet it would soften that stern look on his face. Those dark eyes with his chiseled features made him one of the best looking men she’d ever met in person. Absently, she handed the keys to him, watching him in her side mirror as he walked back towards his car. The backside wasn’t hard to look at, either. He had a real nice ass. Lizzy realized she wasn’t that far from drooling over the man. What had brought that on? A whine from the back seat acted like a slap in the face, popping the fantasy bubble almost before it started. She couldn’t help but cringe at the sound of Carl’s voice.

“Why’d you go and give him your keys? Something about him is wrong, girl. You mark my words!” Damn, Carl was riled up again, his southern drawl even more irritating than usual. “You can’t trust him. It’s obvious he ain’t from around here.”

Lizzy figured it had to be part of his original personality to be obstinate and easily riled up, now that he was dead. Most spirits she’d dealt with lost a lot of their personalities after death, but some were so extreme, they still sported them beyond the grave. It was just her luck to get the obstinate ones.

“I told you to stay down and keep quiet.” She pushed as much authority and command into her voice as she could muster, having to talk without moving her lips. The handsome highway patrol officer was watching her as he radioed in to check her license. The headlights from his car acted like a spotlight on her. He leaned into his side of the patrol car, never taking his eyes off her, to grab the hand piece and pull it out through the window to talk.

A solid bump against her car seat jerked her attention back to Carl, against her better judgment. Slouched in the middle of the back seat, his massive body nearly reached either side of the small, economy Nissan she was driving. When he moved over towards the middle for a better view, his knees had bumped the back of her seat. Now he just glared at her in the mirror with a pissed off expression. Yep, defiant all the way and something more—he looked nervous. This puzzled her, but she’d have to think about that later.

“Okay, Ms. Gordon.” He’d done it again. She stifled a yelp when the highway patrolman’s voice pulled her back from her thousand-yard stare in the rear view mirror. How had she managed to miss him walking back to her car? If he noticed her jump, he didn’t let on.

“Everything seems to be in order. Since you’re from Jackson, you probably don’t know the roads here very well. I’m letting you go with a warning, but you need to pay closer attention in the future.”

Passing the warning slip, her license, and registration back to her through the open window, he smiled, and this time it made it all the way to his eyes. A twinkle of light blinked softly from their dark depths, transforming his angular face into one that held warmth and maybe even an invitation to get to know him better. She’d been right, the smile reaching his eyes made all the difference. Pity she couldn’t stick around to find out more about him. Knowing there wasn’t a chance she’d actually pursue these thoughts gave her an added sense of adventure in fantasizing about the sexy, dark patrolman.

“Thank you Officer...” She quickly checked his name badge, “Wildhorse. I’m really sorry. I’ll slow down and pay closer attention.” With the nervous smile still on her face, she blindly stuffed the warning slip and her license into her bag without turning her head away from him. Pulling the seatbelt back across her lap, she finally managed to look away and concentrated on fastening the belt. Looking back to her window, she was surprised to see he was still leaning down over her window watching her with an odd expression on his face.

“Was there anything else, officer?”

“Is there something wrong, Ms. Gordon? You’re acting really nervous.” Lizzy had trouble focusing on what he was saying. Her eyes lingered just a second longer than they should have on his mouth, wondering how he would taste on her lips. Jerking her thoughts away from that idea, she increased the wattage on her smile until she knew it had to be blinding. What was wrong with her?

“No! No, officer. Nothing’s wrong. I’ll just go now.” Grabbing for the ignition to start the car, if finally dawned on her why he was still leaning over her window. He had her keys. Groaning with embarrassment, she let her head fall forward, resting briefly against the steering wheel before turning it sheepishly towards him. Her car keys dangled down from two long fingers.

“Guess I need those, don’t I?” A jittery giggle escaped before she could control it.

Conscious of the heat coloring her face, she reached for the keys. Lizzy’s startled eyes met his when he didn’t let go of them right away. Confusion replaced the embarrassment on her face when he pulled her hand a little farther out the window using the keys as a rope.

“Drive safely, Ms. Gordon.”

It wasn’t the quiet way he said it, or even the concerned look reflected in his eyes, she noticed. It was how he turned his head slightly to the side as if listening to something only he could hear. Then he let go of her keys, and backed away from the car. Lizzy shook her head, exasperated with herself.

Great! Now she was projecting her little gift on other people. Slamming the keys into the ignition, she started the engine and made sure he was headed back to his patrol car before pulling out onto the highway. Gripping the steering wheel with both hands to keep them from shaking, Lizzy still didn’t have her breathing under control when she rolled into Indianola some twenty minutes later. Carl hadn’t said a word the rest of the drive and when she gathered her remaining courage to check her rearview mirror, he was gone. Thank God for small gifts.

****

Her room at the Day’s Inn actually seemed fairly comfortable despite the stale smell of cigarette smoke lingering in the carpet and draperies. She’d requested a smoke-free room, and the door verified it was supposed to be, but someone had obviously ignored that sign. Cranking up the fan on the air-conditioner to circulate the air in hopes it would freshen the room some, Lizzy set the thermostat at sixty degrees. With the humidity as high as it was she figured the only way she’d be able to sleep would be to drop the temperature by 20 degrees or more, making the room ice-cold. Especially after the night she’d had.

With a hot shower to relax her and an ice-cold Diet Coke soothing her ragged nerves, she felt much better. Add in the fact that Carl remained off her radar, and she was bordering on absolute happiness.

Funny how being comfortable could erase all the stress and strain of the last few days. Well, maybe not all of it. She rolled her shoulders to loosen the remaining tension she still felt clinging like a second skin. Despite the long day behind her, the adventures since arriving in Belzoni, and the luxury of an uninterrupted hot shower, sleep seemed out of reach. The warm June night with its sticky humidity sucked the air right out of her lungs, making it an effort to breathe until the room began to cool off. The painstaking tour through the cemeteries concluding with a fifty-yard dash had provided the exercise she’d needed after her trip up from Jackson that morning.

The encounter with that sexy highway patrolman, the high point for her day, took over her thoughts as she relaxed, her bare feet propped on the air conditioner. Lizzy could still see those dark eyes when she closed hers, and the way his lips curved into that slow smile. What was it about the man? She felt almost giddy just thinking about him. Try as she might there was no way to erase that ‘kiss me’ mouth from her mind. Just imagining how his lips would feel against hers, or how they’d taste if she ran her tongue around them, drew a sigh from her. This really wasn’t like her at all.

Determined to steer her thoughts away from the tall, dark officer, Lizzy forced her mind to focus on what she needed to do the next morning. It took more than a casual effort to make that change in her head. Groaning out loud as she dropped her feet to the floor, she pretended it was due to stiffness, and not the X-rated fantasies centered on a certain off-limits man in uniform. Disgusted with her self-control, or lack of it, she rubbed her hands over her face. Right now she needed to sleep and replenish her strength. She’d have to be able to shield against wandering spirits when she continued her search tomorrow. The presence she’d encountered earlier that night had very nearly gotten the best of her. If she hadn’t been shielding....

Normally they didn’t chase you and weren’t supposed to be able to leave the cemetery without hooking up with a live soul. Once buried in holy ground a spirit was confined until the day of reckoning, or so she’d believed. Either the cemetery had never been blessed or that particular spirit had become a wraith.

Shaking her head as she tugged back the covers on the king-sized bed, it dawned on her she’d mistakenly thought this would be an easy case to close. When she planned the trip to Belzoni, Lizzy thought locating the grave would be a straightforward process, leaving her plenty of time to work on unlocking the metaphysical chain that bound Carl to her. Unfortunately, it wasn’t going according to plan. But then it rarely did, she reminded herself as she slipped between the covers. A brief smile stole across her face when the image of a sexy pair of dark eyes stole into her thoughts before she managed to drift off to sleep.

Chapter Two

Watching the Nissan with its puzzling occupant pull back onto the highway, Officer Jacob Wildhorse wondered what it was about Lizzy Gordon that struck him as off. With her thick, dark auburn hair and those light blue eyes, she was a cute little thing. In another situation he’d have liked to get to know her better, find out what her hair would feel like brushing across his bare chest. He was sure her eyes would flash bright when she laughed and smolder when she was aroused. Yeah, another time and another place he would have made it his business to find out all about her, but he didn’t have that luxury at the moment. He had an agenda and it didn’t include romantic interludes, no matter how tempting the woman in question.

Most people were a little nervous when they got pulled over. He was used to that. But Lizzy kept looking in her rear-view mirror as if she were watching for something, or someone. Was she being followed, or did she think she was being followed? Why wouldn’t she have said something if she was worried? He figured she would have, unless she had something to hide. There didn’t seem to be anything sinister about her, but there was something not quite right about the entire situation. He just couldn’t quite put his finger on what it was he sensed about her.

With the back of his wrist, he wiped off the thin sheen of perspiration beading up along his forehead. He sighed, resigned to never really knowing what Lizzy might be hiding. Cruising up and down US-49W, his section of the Delta, his thoughts switched from her to work as he caught his next call of a reckless driver heading the wrong way on the four-lane. Another drunk heading home, he guessed. Hoping for the best, he bumped up his speed, hitting his lights at the same time.

Jacob inherited his Native American heritage from both parents. His mother was half Cherokee, half Cajun, while his father had been half French and half Apache. His mother still lived on the reservation out in Oklahoma with his sister and her family. She was a powerful spiritual adviser among their people, and Jacob held both his father’s shaman calling and her gift of spirit talking. Though she wanted him to follow in his father’s footsteps as a tribal healer and council representative, Jacob felt compelled to live outside the tribal community. He was restless and his spirit guide encouraged him to look outside the reservation. For what, he wasn’t sure, only that, according to his spirit totem, he’d find the answer one day.

Though many Native Americans no longer practiced or even believed in the old ways, Jacob did, knowing his spirit guide helped him in his work every day. Between his guide’s help with discerning truth from fiction and his own sixth sense of impending danger, Jacob managed to head off potential disasters before they occurred. When a car passed by, if something wasn’t right, he knew it. Sometimes it was just a feeling he needed to watch them, but sometimes that feeling came with snatches of thoughts, providing him intimate knowledge about the driver or passengers. Jacob had one of the highest arrest records of his district and more importantly, one of the safest stretches of highway in that part of the state.

According to his spirit guide, he would be moving in a new direction soon. One offering him something he was missing, requiring a change in his present career. Since it would never occur to him it could be anything outside of law enforcement, he wondered if he would be looking in the direction of the FBI or even Homeland Security. Still, despite his faith in his totem, he sometimes wished his spirit guide would be a little more direct. More often than not, he was left with more questions than answers.

Jacob carried both the Puma and Lynx animal totems with his dreams. He learned from the Puma how to balance his power as a law enforcement officer and his strength of character as a man. He learned from the Lynx how to use his sixth sense and how to just be still and watch.

Thankful for another night without death or disaster on his shift, he watched the sun rise over catfish ponds with their paddlewheels stirring the water, infusing it with the oxygen necessary to keep the catfish alive. Another sweltering summer day promised to send more to the bottle earlier than usual. He knew it was only a matter of time before someone got past him and caused a major accident along his stretch of road. Summers in the Mississippi Delta proved to be one of his hardest seasons as a highway patrolman. People here lost their good sense when the summer heated up. Smiling tiredly as the sun finally made it out of the ponds to begin its climb across the sky, he pulled onto the highway towards town.

He pulled into the parking lot of the Indianola Huddle House before heading home. His three-room rental outside of town included a small kitchen, but he preferred to take most of his meals out when he worked in Indianola. Removing his hat once he walked through the door, Jacob strode into the restaurant, heading straight to the back where he normally sat. He nearly made it all the way to the back before realizing someone was already sitting there. Surprised, he stopped to examine the occupant of his booth. No, it wasn’t just someone, but Lizzy Gordon from his speeding stop not five hours earlier.

“Well, I see you made it safe and sound, Ms. Gordon.” The chuckle escaped before he could smother it. She jerked her head up from the menu and upset a salt shaker in the process. Nervous filly, he decided, remembering her skittishness from before. Her frantic attempt to right the salt shaker while brushing the salt off the table only reinforced his earlier conclusion. Something wasn’t as it should be with the redhead. Since she’d crossed his path once again, he took it as a sign to find out what she was so nervous about.

****

Looking up, way up, Lizzy recognized the handsome officer from much earlier that morning. His dark eyes, sparkling with laughter, added appeal to the sobering smile fighting to take over his rugged face. No doubt her clumsy reaction gave him the smile. He must think her a complete ditz.

“Yes, I did.” Her voice cracked, adding to her embarrassment. Clearing her throat and struggling to appear unconcerned, she cursed the tremor in her voice. “Did I forget to sign something, officer?”

“No.” That smile again. “I normally eat breakfast here in the mornings and noticed you sitting alone back here. Thought you wouldn’t mind some company.”

Without waiting for an invitation, he scooted in the booth across the table, dropping his hat on the seat next to him. His thick, black hair seemed almost blue-black to her and briefly she wondered if it was the lighting in the restaurant, or if his hair was truly that rich in color. He cleared his throat, and Lizzy realized he was looking at her, probably expecting her to say something.

“Sure, company would be nice.” Small talk not being one of her strong points, she was at a loss for conversation and, frankly, with him so close, she wasn’t able to think straight, anyway. “You eat here every morning?”

“Most mornings when I’ve worked the night before. Depends on how busy I’ve been, and if I need to unwind before heading home.”

“Stopping people who are speeding at night must be pretty stressful. I mean never knowing how they’ll react and all.”

Lizzy closed the menu, clasping her hands in an attempt to hide their shaking. The handsome officer continued staring, an amused glint in his eyes. The way his eyes drilled into hers had her wondering if he could read her mind. Surely she was being ridiculous. Where was Carl, anyway? No way he would allow an opportunity like this to pass by without harassing her. Subconsciously she knew his absence was significant, but she remained preoccupied with appearing calm around the sexy patrolman.

Thankfully, the waitress chose that moment to make an appearance, saving Lizzy from saying something stupid and embarrassing herself again. The harried woman smiled warmly at Jacob as she set a steaming cup of coffee in front of him.

“You want your regular Jacob, or are you going to change up on me today?”

“The usual is fine, Debra, thanks. Ms. Gordon, know what you want yet?”

Across the table, Lizzy started having to think about breathing as well as concentrate on placing her order. What was wrong with her? Men normally didn’t affect her like this. In fact, they usually irritated her more than anything.

“I’ll have an order of scrambled eggs and toast with a Diet Coke, please.” She swallowed nervously, handing her menu back to the waitress.

“You visiting here, or just passing through?” Jacob’s dark eyes gave away nothing of what he was thinking as he took his first sip of coffee.

“I’m just visiting for a few days.”

“Got family around here?”

He was fishing for information, but why? Immediately it dawned on her that she was acting as if she did have something to hide. Maybe she did, but it wasn’t anything sinister. She just needed to keep her penchant for attracting ghosts under wraps, was all. She’d be the first to admit she didn’t have a good track record when it came to men. And men in law enforcement always seemed to put her on the suspect side of their lists. Taking a deep breath she focused her attention on the one sitting across the table from her.

“No.” Fighting the urge to cross her arms took a great deal of effort on her part. “I was passing through on my way home from a meeting and thought I’d spend an extra day or two exploring the area before heading back home. A friend of mine was from around here, but he died recently,” she said. “He talked about his home town, Belzoni, as well as Indianola quite a bit.”

“Belzoni is a bit small, but quaint. There’re still a few shops and a restaurant or two around there, but not much else. Indianola is a nice little town, though. Small town feel but still large enough to have some decent places to eat and shop.” He propped his elbows on the table, holding his coffee cup with both hands. Steam curled up from the cup as he raised it to his lips. Lizzy followed the movement, unaware she focused on his lips as they parted when he took a sip of the coffee.

A plate of scrambled eggs with two pieces of toast plopped loudly down in front of her, causing her to jerk and break the spell. Lizzy inwardly shook herself, and redirected her wandering thoughts and eyes to spreading grape jelly on her toast. Concentrating on her plate, adding salt and pepper to her eggs, she thought he would be busy eating as well, but she felt the weight of his gaze settle on her.

Uncomfortable with the feeling, Lizzy looked up as she raised her fork with a bite of egg and found him watching her over the rim of his cup. There was just the hint of a smile on his lips, but his eyes betrayed nothing of what he was thinking as he took another sip of the coffee. Something about him both excited and frightened her. She couldn’t afford this sort of weakness right now. She had a grave to locate, and a ghost to get rid of. Forcing her eyes downward, she licked grape jelly from her fingers, and wondered if she’d get through breakfast without choking on something. It took all her energy to finish eating, willing her eyes anywhere but up at his. Deciding she needed to say something to break the tension that threatened to overwhelm her, she blurted out the first thing she could come up with.

“You don’t sound like you’re from around here, yourself.” Cringe, that was almost as bad as talking about the weather!

“No, I’m originally from Oklahoma.” Pausing to swallow, he never looked up. “I’ve moved around some, and Indianola’s where I am right now.”

Lizzy frowned to herself. He obviously didn’t seem to feel the same sexual draw she did, and maybe that hurt just a little bit. Whoa! Where had that come from? She was falling all over herself like some silly schoolgirl. Swallowing a piece of toast, she had to take a hurried sip of her Diet Coke when she nearly choked on it. She was old enough to know better! It didn’t matter it had been several years since she’d had any sort of personal relationship with a man. This was absurd! Between her irritating glow-in-the-dark hitchhiker, a lost grave, and malevolent spirits floating around in the area, she so didn’t need another distraction. No matter how hot he looked in a uniform.

Allowing her eyes a quick peek she groaned inwardly as he delivered a bite of pancake dripping with syrup to his mouth. The sight of his lips closing over the pancakes, the tip of his tongue cleaning a drop of syrup from his upper lip, mesmerized her briefly, but she managed to drop her gaze before he caught her watching him this time. She really needed to clamp down on her hormones!

“Think you’ll stick around here?” Now, where had that come from? Lizzy briefly wondered if she’d allowed a spirit to possess her again without realizing it. This was not like her! She’d be gone in a day or two at the most, so how long he planned to live here really didn’t matter one way or the other. She just had to find that damn grave and cut her tie to Carl. Thinking about Carl and the long, hot day ahead of her proved sobering. She’d needed that.

“Hadn’t thought about it much, really.” Shrugging, Jacob mopped syrup from the plate with his last bite of pancakes.

Lizzy caught the shrug despite trying to avoid his gaze. Since he hadn’t elaborated, she was relieved to let it drop.

“Planning to live in Jackson the rest of your life?”

Startled yet again, she dug into the remainder of her egg with a vengeance, trying to appear nonchalant.

“Maybe, hadn’t thought about it.”

She tried to keep her eyes on her plate. Honestly, she tried, but there was just no way to prevent their roaming towards the man sitting across the table. He wasn’t the first good-looking man she’d ever seen, so what was it about him that made her feel so—off balance? His smile gave her heart flip-flops and drove every sane thought from her mind. Her obvious discomfort amused him, which only served to irritate her more. Good, that was how men usually affected her!

Draining the last bit of coffee from his cup and adding a crumpled napkin to his plate, Jacob acted overly pleased with his meal. No doubt she’d been the entertainment portion!

“I hope you have a nice visit here, Ms. Gordon. Drive safely.” Winking, he unfolded himself from the booth and headed towards the counter to pay his ticket. His boots walking on the tile couldn’t be heard in the noisy restaurant. Until that moment, Lizzy hadn’t realized it was so noisy. The entire world had disappeared for the short time she’d sat across from him.

Lizzy watched the man walk towards the front counter, providing another interesting view, and despite her earlier resolve to focus on the problem at hand, she only just managed to keep from drooling. It took even more restraint to keep from leaning out of the booth to catch every second of that walk to the front. His long legs kept a smooth gait the entire trip, but it was his ass she couldn’t drag her eyes away from. She jerked her head back around, and sat upright in the booth until he’d left the building.

Even if she was in the market, which she most definitely was not, the man was obviously not interested in anything other than her safe driving. He’d never looked back. Shaking her head, Lizzy grabbed her ticket and headed to the counter. She needed to snap out of this and get on with why she was here. Next stop Belzoni, and the courthouse. She needed to talk to someone about a map of the area, and the location of as many cemeteries as she could plot on it. The sooner she found that grave, the sooner she could put this whole mess behind her and head home.

****

Pulling out of the parking lot, Lizzy offered up a silent prayer Carl would give her a break and remain out of the picture for now. He wasn’t very good at being quiet, and she needed to be able to concentrate when she talked to the clerk at the courthouse. He tended to act out even worse when she had an audience. Nothing seemed to please him more than putting her in some type of situation where she had to either ignore him, or lose her cool and make a fool of herself. People tended to get nervous around her when she talked to herself. Especially if she argued.

It was a straight shot to Belzoni, and her directions for the courthouse said to turn left at the four-way stop on the highway. Since it was such a small town, she had no problem locating Main Street and the courthouse. Now if she could only locate that grave as easily, she’d be on her way home in no time. Lizzy parked in the side lot a good distance from a fenced-off area in the back, which appeared to be the prisoner’s exercise yard.

A game of hoops, in progress when she first drove up, stalled as she headed towards the nearest door of the courthouse. Lizzy ignored the catcalls and lewd comments aimed her way. Instead, she focused on projecting her most friendly persona in hopes of enlisting the help of someone in a like mind. Pulling the heavy door open, she groaned inwardly when the morning’s heat didn’t immediately give way to the refreshing coolness of air-conditioning as she’d hoped. Maybe they didn’t have air-conditioning in the big entry area but would have it in the individual departments. One could always hope.

The records department was fairly easy to locate using the signs posted along the walls. She lucked up finding a friendly clerk, as well. The woman introduced herself to Lizzy as Josie Hollows. Pleasant looking, with dark brown hair, she was probably in her forties though she really didn’t look her age. It was her manner and speech that led Lizzy to believe she was older. Following the clerk across the room to where a counter provided a good surface to spread her map out, she noticed the box fans around the room and sighed. One out of two ain’t bad.

Once Lizzy had the map anchored with a box of Kleenex on one end and a pencil holder shaped like a catfish on the other, Josie bent over and stuck her finger on it.

“Okay, here we are right now.” She pointed out the highway Lizzy had just come in on. “Here is Highway 49, and over here is Goat Hill Road.” She laughed shaking her head as she traced out the route to get to the road.

“You know, not many people keep up with where their family is buried anymore. Why, I bet more than half of the young folks nowadays don’t even know where their own grandparents are buried.”

“You’re probably right. That’s why I’m digging around now. If my friend had bothered to keep up with his family, he wouldn’t have needed me to look through records and cemeteries hunting for her.” Lizzy smiled brightly playing along with the nice Ms. Hollows. The woman was right. If Carl had tended to his family business, she wouldn’t be here now.

“Well, now, here are the only older cemeteries I know about in Humphreys County.” She tapped each one on the map for Lizzy to highlight. “There’s a good chance she might be in one of the older church cemeteries along the edges of the county line, though. Back thirty or more years ago, people didn’t pay much attention to county lines and wouldn’t have known if they were just a few feet or yards into a different county.” She pointed out several on the lines both east and north on the map and Lizzy marked them with the highlighter.

“If most of the cemetery and the church were in Humphreys County, like as not, they’d just say she was buried in Humphreys even if she was ten feet over the line.”

Drawing a red X over the ones she’d already explored the day before revealed there were only three more in the immediate area and four further out into the county, with two additional cemeteries on the county line. Since Carl had no idea where his great-granny was buried other than in Humphreys County somewhere, she would need to check all of them until she located her plot.

“Well, I have a map, and a plan now.” Folding the map and thanking the clerk for her help, she made sure her face reflected just how appreciative she was of the help. In truth, she wanted to find Carl and see if garlic or Holy water would hurt him once she found out just how big this project was turning out to be.

“Not at all! I don’t get many interesting things to look up around here these days. Mostly the three D’s, land deeds, death certificates and divorce papers.” Her smile appeared genuine and Lizzy had no doubt it was. The records clerk seemed to enjoy her job and it showed.

In a noble attempt to be positive one of the sites would yield fruit, she marshaled her thoughts along the way of how to proceed once great-granny’s plot was located. She could plan out the next step in the process of cutting Carl loose. Locating the grave was only part of the challenge. They still had to find out what would have to be done to satisfy Carl’s debt to his mom. What great wrong had to be righted was still as big a mystery as where she lay buried. Realizing she was yet again fuming over Carl’s failure to find out what he’d actually promised to accomplish, Lizzy forced the anger down to focus on the positive.

“Good thoughts!’ Forcing a smile to start her off, Lizzy began listing the things she could look forward to once she gained her release from Carl. She would once again be able to watch her favorite TV shows without his constant interruptions. Food! Eating without his gross outs at the table. The smile was nearly natural now. The thought of being able to shower without the fear Carl would pop in to torment her was more than enough to strengthen her resolve. She’d even begun to keep a towel in the shower for when he made one of his impromptu visits. With the closest cemetery now looming ahead of her, she found it easier to shed her worries over what she still had left to accomplish. For about five minutes.

Chapter Three

“Thinking about me and you in the shower again, hon?”

Stifling a very nasty curse, Lizzy growled low in her throat. “Carl, where have you been? It isn’t like you to fly off for more than, oh, an hour at the most!”

“That bear that pulled you over last night gave me the creeps. Couldn’t stand being near him.”

“Bear?” She glanced over to the passenger seat where Carl was actively molting all over it. Thank goodness it was metaphysical, though she wasn’t sure she would be able to sit on that side even after fumigation.

“Yeah, you know, Smokey the Bear. Didn’t you watch Smokey and the Bandit?” He looked at her like she was from another planet, and she wasn’t the one sloughing great hunks of goop!

Trying to hide her grimace in a squint from the sun in her eyes, Lizzy just shook her head knowing he would continue without bothering to wait for an answer from her. When he broke out in song instead, she nearly wrecked the car making the turn onto a gravel road.

The first cemetery was located outside the Belzoni city limits, off Goat Hill Road. The gravel road soon changed to dirt about a mile out. Arriving in a cloud of dust at their destination, Lizzy frowned at the neglect of the little church cemetery. Once the last relative of someone buried in a country cemetery died, there was no one to look after it. Little by little, the graves were claimed by nature to become lost in a sea of grass and a mountain of vines.

Pulling as far off the road as was safely possible, Lizzy managed to make it out of the car without sliding into the ditch and landing on her bottom. She really didn’t want to even try jumping the ditch. There had to be an entrance somewhere along the road hidden by all the overgrown weeds. After walking a little farther, she located the narrow entrance crossing the ditch. Vines covered it, making it nearly invisible.

She could make out the steps leading up to the site where the church once stood. Nothing appeared to be left of the structure other than the steps, but she wasn’t interested in finding out enough to wade through the chest high grass. Being careful of where she stepped, she prayed she didn’t disturb a snake. Here and there the hint of an angel’s wings or the top of a cross poked above the drying weeds and sticky vines. With so many of the stones broken and crumbling on the ground, walking through the maze of weeds and headstones would be tough. There were areas where the weeds stood nearly as tall as she did, adding to the hazardous part of the task.

Closing her eyes and drawing in a deep breath, Lizzy focused, centering herself as she raised her mental shields before attempting to enter the cemetery proper. Just by stepping onto the grounds, she knew the last burial had been well over forty years ago. There were restless spirits lingering just as there were at all cemeteries. The older the cemetery, the fewer that remained still holding out hope for something better. Of course, those that had lingered this long were also the strongest, with the most to gain should they be able to attach themselves to a channel. The cool touch of the grave whispered next to her skin, sending chills along her spine. Her shields would protect her as long as she stayed focused.

Lizzy, envisioning a cloak, wrapped her shields tight around her and began to search among the graves for Carl’s great-granny. Not wanting to stir anyone up or end up with another tag-along, she refrained from calling out to her and relied instead on reading the markers. Nothing worse than waking an entire cemetery of restless spirits at once! She still had nightmares from her Vicksburg experience. If she couldn’t be sure of the names on the markers, she’d delve into the grave to learn who occupied the plot, but only if she had to. Slowly picking her way over broken stones and through scratchy briars, she stopped at each plot to check for a name.

“So, is she here?” Carl asked just as she took a step around a broken stone.

Ignoring him, she continued checking, keeping a tight hold on her shields. Carl just didn’t understand how difficult this was for her, and his tomfoolery was only making it more difficult, not to mention more dangerous.

“Well?” He shot above her and plopped down on top of a marker. She gave him her best glare and a soft growl, baring her teeth before moving around him.

“Did you check out by the fence line?”

“One more word, Carl, while I’m trying to keep from busting my ass out here, and I’ll turn around and head back to Jackson and wait until my next vacation comes around!”

An hour later, and still no great-granny to show for her scratched and bruised legs. Wearing jeans had helped, but hadn’t completely protected her legs. Lizzy was just about ready to choke Carl to death, only he was already dead so it wouldn’t do her any good. Besides, she really didn’t want to get him stirred up because he could get worse. When he continued floating along beside her asking one question after another, she held her tongue. She shook her head. Even if she did give up and head back to Jackson it would really only punish her. Carl had all the time in the world and, so far, he was having way too much fun complicating hers! Until he had something to lose he wouldn’t listen to her, and right now, she wasn’t quite desperate enough to threaten having herself committed and medicated so he’d be stuck in limbo until she died.

Having finally exhausted every possible plot, and some empty ones along the fence line, Lizzy carefully picked her way back to the narrow area close to the steps of the crumbling church. She moistened her dry lips with her tongue as she walked across the ditch, scooting along the edge next to the car. With the image of Carl’s sloppy body oozing all over her passenger seat fresh in her mind, she nixed the idea of climbing across from the street side to the driver’s seat. She’d risk the ditch before she scooted her butt across that seat.

Climbing into the car without slipping proved to be a little easier than she’d thought, but she had to hang onto the steering wheel while she hung out of the open door to grab the handle and pull it closed behind her. The effort left her panting. Her clothes, already dripping from the humidity, clung to her as she leaned her head against the wheel to rest and catch her breath.

“No luck, huh?” Carl sighed on the opposite side of the windshield. “Wish I could talk to someone on this side to find out where she is. I thought great-granny would be up here for me to just ask, but I haven’t been able to scare her up. Get it? Scare her up?”

When Lizzy didn’t comment he peered at her through the windshield contorting his face in different styles intended to get a rise from her. When this didn’t work he slid partially into the car through the windshield and propped his elbows on the dash, his chin on his hands.

“Sure would make all this a lot easier if she was around to ask.” Sighing dramatically, his blubbery lips poked out a little farther than would be believable if he wasn’t a ghost. She could feel the air stir against her forehead where he leaned on the dash, and the thought of his foul breath touching her face jerked her upright.

She let her breath hiss out between her teeth in an effort to control her temper. It wouldn’t do any good to lose her cool because it only stirred him up more, she reminded herself again. Looking through his ethereal body to see the road ahead of her, she fought the urge to beat at him, knowing she’d just get cold, slimy sensations for her effort. When she turned the car around in a clearing half a mile from the cemetery, Carl rolled across the dash and slithered further into the car where he settled himself in the passenger seat at last.

“Sure do miss being able to have a shot of good whiskey. I could use one right about now. All this searching’s taking its toll on me.”

Screw stirring him up. He’d stirred her up now. “Carl, if you can’t offer a constructive idea, then keep your mouth shut!”

Grinning mischievously, he mimed zipping his lips closed and then proceeded to talk anyway, about everything from whisky and its benefits to Lizzy needing to watch out for that highway patrolman.

Once again her thoughts turned to how good he looked in his uniform. The way he smiled made her heart flip. She could spend hours exploring that mouth, finding out how it would feel to wrap herself around him.

Carl interrupted her daydream, jabbering with his mouth closed. Only a ghost could talk without opening his mouth and she, a complete fool, fell head first into the trap. Carl was in his element now; jumping form one subject to another while he played with things in the glove compartment without opening it. Banging them around until she thought she’d go crazy from the noise. When he stuck his head through the compartment door it took all her willpower not to bang on the dash above it just for spite.

Five hours later found her driving up to her third cemetery, thoroughly disgusted with her lack of success so far. After this one, she needed a break and something to eat besides the cereal bars stashed in her bag. The water was just about gone and, even though her hair was pulled back into a ponytail, she was hot and sticky. Strands of it lay plastered to her sticky neck, wet with sweat, and itched all down her back.

Lizzy picked her way through waist-high grass, and fell over yet another broken marker. It was either her eighth or ninth for the day. Rubbing her shin to dull the pain, she climbed to her feet, and silently prayed this would be the one. The palms of her hands were raw and sore, not to mention the multiple bruises and cuts up and down her jean-clad legs. Some had bled enough to cause the denim to stick to them. She honestly didn’t think her legs would survive another blind walk.

Exhausted, hot, and seething from the continued litany from Carl of wrongs committed against him, Lizzy smiled wearily when she discovered that the cemetery proper wasn’t as overgrown as the outer edges were. Taking a deep breath, she reached out with her mind and searched for the ages. Most of these were at least fifty years old, some even older. This brightened her smile considerably. It had possibilities.

It was no wonder she didn’t sense the spirit in the condition she was in, but it was no excuse either. Halfway through the cemetery, she felt an icy tendril curl around her waist. Clamping her mouth down to smother a curse, Lizzy tightened her hold on her shields and refused to let it flow through her. Lingering spirits often tried to catch a ride with anyone who acknowledged them and held even a small amount of psychic ability. The last thing she needed right now was another hitchhiker to vie for her attention.

The spirit last night had gotten angry when she’d ignored it, refusing to recognize it for what it was. Normally they lost their strength when you ignored them, but occasionally a wraith developed from a really strong spirit, and ignoring them really pissed them off. Once she allowed fear to take root in her mind, it gained even more power. This one didn’t appear to be as strong or as persistent, but she wouldn’t take a chance. Actually it only seemed to be curious…lonely, even. She’d like to keep it that way.

She strengthened her focus on her shields. The spirit pushed lightly once more and then moved on. Sighing in relief, she continued reading markers as she walked on, keeping her focus trained on the ground ahead of her.

“No luck yet, huh?” Carl’s drawl was so close it startled her and she almost fell over yet another half hidden marker.

“Carl, don’t distract me now, of all times! I’m tired and it’s getting harder to keep my shields up. If I pick up another spirit, your problem will shift down a notch in importance. I can’t fix more than one problem at a time. You need to remember that.”

Picking beggar’s lice from her socks, Lizzy didn’t bother to see where the insufferable specter had planted himself to watch this time. As much as she hated seeing them when she was attached to one, it was usually best to keep a spirit in sight when they were present. Spirits had a strange sense of humor once they didn’t have corporal bodies to weight them down. She was just too tired right now to worry about it. She had a whole cemetery to keep under wraps for now and that took precedence.

“Sorry, got tired of floating around here with no one to talk to. Everyone in between is busy trying to move on. There aren’t that many of us in the area, anyway.” Lizzy cringed. His pouting voice grated on her nerves. Plastering a smile on her face, she turned towards him anyway.

“Well, try not to distract me. I need to be able to keep my head clear when I’m doing this.” Lizzy returned to her task, trying to shut out the bloated form of Carl sitting on the headstone behind her. Stopping occasionally to inquire of a grave without a marker, the end of the cemetery was just ahead. Reading the name from the last marker to be a man, she wanted to cry with frustration. She wasn’t here. Thoroughly exhausted and ready to head back to town, Lizzy tripped over a large rock hidden in the taller grasses on the edge of the cemetery. She fell head first into the grass, hitting her shin on the offending rock in the process. Damn! This was the last straw!

Carl floated over, hesitating only a second before asking, “Are you okay, Liz? That looked like it hurt.”

“Yes, it hurt, you idiot!”

“Hey, I was just checking on you! No need to get testy!”

Getting to her hands and knees, she sat back on her feet and struggled to catch her breath. She wasn’t sure if the skin was broken or not, but she already had a knot forming to complement the collection of scratches and bruises dotting her legs. There would be no more cemetery walking for her today. Taking a small bit of comfort in that thought she relaxed and it hit her. The air around her felt cooler than it should be. Lizzy concentrated on the ground beneath her and felt the telltale movement of a spirit beneath her. Panicking, she realized she’d relaxed enough to let her shields down and she was practically hugging the grave! When nothing attempted to latch on to her she mentally brought up her shields once again.

Who was down there? Had she missed a headstone? She crawled carefully on her hands and knees and explored the ground where she’d fallen.

“What are you doing? Do you need some help?” Carl hovered just above her, unable to be still or silent for very long. His presence interfered with whatever she was feeling from the grave, confusing her senses until she swayed from the dizziness.

“Back off, Carl, you’re in my way here.”

Lizzy knew the minute he moved far enough away. The spirit, resting patiently beneath her, stirred and responded to her gentle probing. Without Carl’s incessant chattering and his ethereal presence interfering, she finally discovered whom she’d fallen on, Carl’s great-granny Augustine. She no longer felt the pain in her shins. She continued probing beneath the surface to locate the outline of the grave itself. The relief of finally finding her drove all other thoughts from her mind. Looking around her for an idea of where she was in relation to the other markers led her to another realization. Great-granny was outside the cemetery in an unmarked grave. Why was she buried out here? No sooner had she asked the question than the answer was there. Great-granny finally stirred enough to make her presence known.

Sitting back on her feet, shaking with exhaustion, but giddy with excitement, Lizzy looked up to search for Carl. He wasn’t sitting on any of the nearby tombstones or hovering above her.

“Off pouting, no doubt.”

Standing up with a slight wobble, she brushed off her clothes while looking around the cemetery for the pesky ghost. Naturally when she needed him he disappeared, but she couldn’t get rid of him when he drove her nuts.

“Carl! I found her.” No use yelling. If he’d left her reach, all the yelling in the world wouldn’t find him.

“You found her? Really?” Carl’s image popped back into focus directly in front of her face, so close she backed up a step to focus on him. “What has to be done? Can we do it?” Zipping around on the other side of her, he began calling.

“Granny? Granny, where are you?”

Fighting down the urge to tell him to zip it, Lizzy just held her hands up in front of his face.

“Hold off a minute and I’ll get to that.” Brushing the dirt off her arms and elbows, Lizzy located a relatively clear spot to sit while she filled Carl in on the details.

“Your great-granny was accused of witchcraft and the church refused to allow her to be buried in sacred soil. That’s the wrong your mother wanted you to right. She has to be exhumed and buried in the cemetery to fulfill your promise.”

“Granny Augustine wasn’t a witch. She made herbal teas and poultices for the sick.” Carl’s squinched his face up into a scowl. “That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard! She didn’t hurt anyone or turn anyone into a toad or nothing.” Crossing his arms in a huff, Carl zoomed over her head and plopped down on one of the few fence posts still standing on that side of the cemetery.

“The church labeled her a witch because she used herbs for healing, Carl. She was thrown out of the church, and when she died, they refused to allow her to be buried in the cemetery on blessed ground. No services were preached, and only her immediate family attended her burial.”

Shaking her head as she gazed down at the ground, Lizzy realized just how similar her situation was to great-granny’s. Instead of being called a witch, she was labeled as crazy, and shut away in an asylum, forgotten and ignored by friends and family alike. Great-granny was buried and forgotten, a blemish to be covered up. Hugging her knees to her chest, the bruises and scrapes along her shins reminded her of where she was. Embarrassed to find she was crying, Lizzy hastily brushed the tears from her eyes and got up from the ground.

“Since she wasn’t a witch in the first place it really shouldn’t matter, then.” Spreading his arms he floated upwards off the fence post. “I was worried it’d be something impossible to fix.” Shrugging as if that were the end of it he made a loop in the air and disappeared with a disgusting sucking sound like when you try to pull your foot out of a mud hole.

“Hey, wait a minute. It’s not that simple!” Angry that he took it for granted she could fix it for him without a problem, Lizzy jammed her hands on her hips, yelling towards the spot where he’d just vanished.

“Huh?” His face popped back into view just inches from her feet. In that position he looked as if he’d been buried up to his neck. “What d’ya mean it’s not that simple?”

“It would have been just that simple had you taken care of this when you were alive. Now that you’re dead....” Sighing tiredly, she shrugged, palms up.

“She has to be moved, Carl, and I don’t know how to get her moved. I think a relative has to have her exhumed and moved. I’m not even sure about that much!” Secretly pleased at the sudden change in Carl’s expression, she had to purse her lips to hide her smug smile from him.

“You mean we can’t fix it?” The sick look on his already sallow face was more than pitiful. He drifted slowly down to the ground until he stood next to her, his head hanging down dejectedly.

“I mean,” Lizzy threw up her hands in exasperation at the niggling feeling of shame. “It’s going to be more difficult than you realize, given that it involves church and state.” Looking back towards the excommunicated great-granny’s grave, she mulled over what all might be involved with having her exhumed and moved. An idea occurred to her.

“Carl, do you think your third cousin would listen to me if I approached him about moving her? I could say you wanted her buried next to you or next to your mom.” Lizzy let her voice fade, as Carl immediately shook his head no.

“Junior won’t do anything that’ll cost money. He’s tighter than my wife when it comes to that.”

“Okay, how ’bout we see who owns this land and approach them about having the cemetery enlarged just enough to include your great-granny? The trees over there block it from the farm land, anyway, so they wouldn’t lose more than a yard or two of land they aren’t even farming.” Glancing towards the field just to the other side of the giant oaks, she felt a chill along her spine, causing her to tighten her shields and probe the area for other spirits. Her gaze swept past what was left of the old church and returned to focus on the problem in front of her, namely Carl and great-granny.

“We get a preacher to say a prayer or bless it or something and then she’ll be buried on sacred ground.” Thinking over the idea while Carl bobbed up and down waiting, she decided it sounded like a good alternative to her. “What do you think?”

Carl cocked his head to one side, obviously thinking it over.

“Yeah, that should do it.”

“Okay, back to the courthouse to find out who owns the farm land, and then we’ll see what’s necessary from there.” Lizzy stretched, rolling her shoulders in an effort to loosen the kinks that developed as a result of walking around with her head down. She headed back to the car and made sure to skirt the cemetery boundaries to avoid stirring anyone up again.

She was relieved to have found the grave, and exhausted from the massive search leading up to it. Lizzy threw around solutions in her mind while she drove towards the courthouse. There really weren’t a lot of options, but she would try them all to rid herself of one very pesky ghost.

Chapter Four

Jerking back behind a partially rotting wall of the old church, Rutherford Andrew Monroe waited impatiently until the lady was safely in her car and heading down the road. His mouth curled into a sneer. What was she doing way out here? He felt sure he’d seen her somewhere before, something about her seemed familiar. Maybe it was her hair. That dark red color seemed to be popular with a lot of the women in town these days.

“Look like sluts, if you ask me.” Only whores dyed their hair that dark so they would stand out when they went out bar-hopping. “’Course I’m not complaining, so long as I get to sample the goods.”

But what was it she’d found so interesting in that graveyard? R.A. had watched impatiently as the fool woman walked around the entire cemetery stopping to look at nearly all of the plots she didn’t fall over. She was looking for someone, that much was obvious. There hadn’t been a church burial out here going on fifty or so years. He’d thought for sure the bone yard would be forgotten by now, all grown up and snaky like it was. If she had a relative out here and started visiting regular like, he could have a big problem.

Angry and frustrated, R. A. slammed his hand against the wall. It creaked in protest, but it didn’t faze him and he ignored the stinging to his palm where a splinter pierced his hand. He was too busy working out what needed to be done about the situation. First he needed to get to his truck before she made it around the loop. If she proved to be a problem he would have to take care of her. He had a lot at stake and time was running short.

Pulling out behind the woman when she made her turn off the gravel road, R.A. snickered over the fact she’d just made a loop back to where his truck was parked, making it easy for him to fall in behind her.

“City folk. Don’t have no sense of direction. Just follow the map like it’s laid out for ya’ instead of looking for the short cuts.”

’Course he wasn’t complaining because it kept her away from his barn and gave him time to make it back to his truck so he could follow her. He downed the rest of the warm beer, crushing the can in his hand and tossing it through the open back window into the truck bed.

“Let’s just see where you’re headed, and what you’re up to, city girl. If we have to dance, I’d like to know a little something about ya’.”

****

Lizzy caved to her body’s demands for something to eat and drink. Actually it was more for something to drink than anything. Her mouth, so dry her tongue kept sticking to the roof of it, felt more like the inside of a crock pot after you poured out the Rotel dip, warm and sticky dry. She made a quick pit stop at a convenience store on the highway, and she still managed to make it back to the courthouse parking lot a little before four. Small towns did have one advantage, after all. A trip across Jackson would have taken nearly an hour, without stopping for groceries.

Carl hovered close, more like her shadow than a ghost. She could feel him just over her shoulder as she walked towards the courthouse doors. The combination of the thick, cold air touching the back of her neck and her imagination of how he’d looked earlier in her car, bloated and slimy, was enough to throw her off food for a month. Mostly, though, it irritated her and he knew it.

“You know, Carl, it wouldn’t hurt you to back off some.”

“Am I tailgating you, honey?” His southern drawl even more pronounced, for her benefit, no doubt.

“Don’t honey me, Carl, I’m hot and sweaty and in no mood for it.” Lizzy hissed between her teeth.

“I knew you were my kind of woman. I’ve got you all hot and bothered and I ain’t broke a sweat yet.”

Growling under her breath as she stepped into the courthouse, Lizzy could only hope he’d be quiet while she talked with the clerk. Oh, and Lord, let that nice Ms. Hollows be available. If Carl would behave for just a few minutes she could handle another day or two around him. Where could she work that a ghost would never show up? If she could figure that one out, she’d apply immediately and request room and board as part of her salary!

This time locating a clerk proved to be a bit more difficult than it had been that morning. Still, it gave her time to school her expression before scaring someone into thinking she was there to kill everyone. Carl had that effect on her. The clerk she finally located was male and a little too friendly for her taste. He introduced himself as Hank Saunders and told her to call him Hank right off the bat. She was beginning to wonder if all of the men around this part of the state were like that. He actually reminded her a little bit of Carl.

“I’d really like to see Ms. Hollows if she’s still here. She’s already been helping me, and knows what I’m working on. I hope you don’t mind.” Flashing her best flirty smile, Lizzy felt his interest increase.

“Well, now, if she’s too busy, you just let me know what you need and I’ll take good care of you.”

His smile put hers to shame as he emphasized the word ‘good’. In fact, it was so wide it showed a missing molar on the top. He was all charm and self-assurance. When Josie Hollows walked into the room, Lizzy all but hugged the woman with relief.

“Well, you’re back again, I see.” Her eyes lit up as she walked over to the counter where Hank was leaning in towards Lizzy. “Thanks, Hank, I got her. She was here this morning.” Signaling with a nod of her head for Lizzy to follow her to the next room, she cackled when Lizzy nearly ran over her in the process.

“I’m sure glad you’re still here. I need some more help.” Did that sound too desperate?

“Don’t you worry none about ‘ole Hank. He’s as harmless as a mouse, but a bit persistent. Now, what can I help you with? Did you find the grave you were looking for?”

“Yes, I did, and your directions were easy to follow, just perfect. I really appreciate that.”

Lizzy caught sight of Carl behind the clerk. He nonchalantly brushed his sloughing skin off to the floor, settling his massive bulk on the stool next to the counter where they were standing. Lizzy worked hard to keep the distaste off her face as she made her request.

“I need to find out who owns the land where this cemetery is located.” Unfolding the map she’d brought inside, she pushed it across the counter towards the clerk and pointed to the highlighted spot indicating the cemetery.

“Hmm, let me look and see what section this is.” Josie carried the map with her and crossed the room to the large county map hanging on the wall.

She tapped her finger on an area and, repeating numbers under her breath, headed to the shelves housing giant ledgers. They reminded Lizzy of the one Mickey Mouse used in the cartoon version of Scrooge. Josie wrestled one of the big books down and carried it back to the counter, plopping it on the counter across from Lizzy. A faint cloud of dust rose to tickle her nose at the same time the musty odor reached it. Lizzy fought not to sneeze while Josie chewed her bottom lip, turning pages. With a satisfied slap of her hand on a page, sending up another cloud of musty dust, she turned the book around to face Lizzy, then rapidly tapped her finger on one of the entries.

“Here it is. Part of twenty-seven acres owned by Rutherford Andrew Monroe. Most folks around here call him R.A.” Then smiling mischievously, she leaned in towards Lizzy and whispered. “Actually they call him R.A. Moron, but not to his face, mind you.” Lizzy couldn’t help but smile. Then Carl added in his two cents.

“Everyone thinks he’s a little slow, but I know for a fact he’s smart. He’s got something big going on out there. No one knows what, but don’t let him fool you, Liz.” Carl zipped off the stool settling on the counter top next to where she stood. “He’s bad news.” Sitting this close, the gooey flesh of his cheeks reminded her of molding bread dough, forcing her to swallow hard to keep from gagging.

“Uh, so is the cemetery next to his land or how is it located in relation to it?” It was a struggle to keep her attention focused on Josie. She wanted to tell the disgusting lump of moldy dough to move over some, but she really didn’t want Josie to have second thoughts about helping her. Instead, while Josie walked back to the big county map to compare numbers, she glared at Carl. She jerked her head back towards the other side of the counter, trying to get him to move further away.

“You need something, honey?” Grinning smugly, he remained where he was. He moaned suggestively when Josie unknowingly leaned through him to adjust the ledger on the counter before returning to the map.

“Okay, here it is.” Josie pointed to an area. “He owns the land surrounding the cemetery. Since cemeteries are protected by law and can’t be disturbed or moved without a court order, he doesn’t actually own it. Now, if he wants to petition the court to relocate the entire cemetery he could, provided none of the relations to those buried there object, but it would sure cost him.” She shook her head at the thought. “He just plows around it when he plants.”

“So, how do you know were the cemetery’s lines are that would be protected as you said? You know, so that a grave located a little away from the others wouldn’t be overlooked?” Lizzy’s relief at locating the grave was beginning to fade. She wasn’t at all sure this was going to work like she’d hoped. In fact, some of her earlier far-fetched solutions to the problem were beginning to look more appealing by the minute.

“Well, the cemetery’s measurements are recorded in this ledger. It tells how far from the center of the road closest to the cemetery to the edge of the grounds. There’s an eight-foot easement and then from that point it’s measured as forty-two feet wide and has a length of just short of one hundred and twelve feet. The old Church has the rest of the footage.” Josie suddenly shivered. “Hmm, seems like a draft came through.”

Carl walked through the clerk to look at the ledger himself, causing Lizzy to struggle to smile without looking ill. The image of Carl’s soggy body moving through that of Josie’s turned her stomach. Worried her face looked like she’d bitten into a sour grape, she picked up the map and turned as if looking for better light. Thank the good Lord the poor woman didn’t have a clue what was going on around her!

“So, does he own the land the church is on, or is it still owned by the church or…” Lizzy hesitated, realizing she didn’t have a clue how a church was owned. “Does anyone actually own a church or the land it’s on?”

“Now, that’s a long answer for you, so I’ll jump to the short one. R.A. owns the land the old church sits on. It just went empty once all of the remaining members either died or moved their membership. When it wasn’t large enough anymore to sustain a full time preacher they alternated services with Gibraltar Baptist church over in Isola for a few years. Can’t say I remember who handled the actual sale, but it was sold to R.A. in 1989.”

Obviously reminiscing about something their conversation brought to mind, Josie smiled sadly and then, shaking her head, cleared her throat. “If you need to know more, I can pull the records, but it will be tomorrow because I’ll have to go downstairs and find them. We box up everything we can and store it downstairs. There’s not enough room up here now for the current files.”

“How can I locate this Mr. Monroe instead? I’d like to talk to him about it.” Moving a little farther down the counter and away from the blurry, superimposed image of Carl over Josie, she hoped to draw the clerk away from where Carl was looking over the ledger.

“Oh, goodness, are you sure you want to talk to him? He really isn’t very friendly. What did you want to ask him about? I mean, you can clean up around the grave and put out flowers and such without needing to talk to him.” Josie’s forehead crinkled her distress.

“Well, it seems that my friend’s relative is buried a little outside of the cemetery and I want to be sure he’s aware of it. I mean, the graves out there are so grown over and difficult to find, it would be easy to miss one that’s not in line with the rest of the graves.”

“Oh, my. That’s odd. That particular cemetery was one of the more prominent ones at the time. There’re even records of everyone buried there, along with births and weddings. There weren’t any divorces back then, mind you.” Josie appeared doubtful Lizzy knew what she was talking about. “Are you sure the grave is out of line?”

“Well, I’m fairly sure, but I’m going to go back and do some, um, cleaning around it. It should be easier to tell once it’s not so overgrown.” Deciding to quit while she was still in Josie’s good graces, Lizzy smiled and began refolding her map to indicate she was ready to leave. “I really appreciate your help with all this. I would have wandered around the county trying to locate cemeteries for days, otherwise. Thank you so much.”

“Oh, don’t worry about it. Like I said, this is what I do and you’ve broken up a really boring day with your searches.” She smiled warmly as she closed the huge ledger and carried it back to the shelves. “You come on back if you have any more questions.”

Lizzy waved and nodded heading back towards the door. Uneasy, she wondered where Carl had gone. Though she valued her alone time since they had become bound, she also needed to find out what he knew about this R.A. Monroe guy. It looked like he would be their only hope of settling Carl’s debt. If he balked at having the cemetery lines redrawn by another eight or ten feet she was screwed! Yep, some of those outlandish solutions were looking better and better all the time.

She needn’t have worried that Carl had wandered too far off. His reclining image graced the hood of her car when she emerged from the courthouse. Lizzy ignored the mess he was leaving on the front of the car, and reminded herself that none of it was real in this dimension. But she would drive through a car wash on the way back to Jackson, if not before. Ignoring his obvious attempt at getting her goat, she slid behind the wheel and fastened her safety belt, hiding her smile when he plopped into the passenger seat. He was frowning so hard it was nearly a pout. Once on the road again and heading back towards Indianola and her motel, she got to the point, taking Carl by surprise for a change.

“Okay, Carl, spill it. What do you know about this R.A. guy?”

“Just what I said back there, he ain’t slow like people think. Most of us farmers knew better, but the town folk didn’t know. He has something going on over by his place, but I don’t know what it is. Since he’s on the other side of town from where our fish farms are, we didn’t see that it was any of our business so long as he didn’t bother us.” Carl thrust his arm through the side window glass, letting it hang so that anything they passed along the way went through it.

“Carl, get back in the car. You’re making me nervous. It’s hard enough driving around a strange town not knowing where all the stop signs and signal lights are, without worrying about hitting something with your arm hanging out like that.” She felt like screaming. His annoying habits were taking a real toll on her nerves.

Grumbling under his breath, Carl pulled his arm in and slouched back in the seat. The pout was evident, even though she didn’t turn to look directly at him. Her peripheral view was more than enough to assure he had complied. His entire demeanor was much like that of a fuming teenager intent on causing as much trouble as he could for his parents. Hell, raising children after dealing with defiant ghosts and demanding spirits should be a walk in the park if she ever managed to meet someone crazy enough to deal with her—handicap.

About the time they approached the Isola city limit sign, the suffocating smell of the feed mill hit her. The pungent odor seeped in through the vents and, despite her desperate attempt to breathe through her mouth, it managed to choke her. The overwhelming stench, added to the sight of Carl’s molting body in the seat next to her, was almost more than she could stand. Gagging and coughing as she passed the feed mill, she realized if there had been anything in her stomach she’d have lost it for sure. Unconsciously, she sped up, trying to get upwind of the smell. Then, realizing she was speeding, backed off, swearing at the entire situation. She really didn’t need to attract any attention by getting pulled over again. Twice in as many days would be too much of a coincidence.

Her thoughts turned unbidden to a certain man in uniform. She didn’t think she had ever seen a man who filled out his clothes any better than Officer Wildhorse. She couldn’t help but wonder what it would feel like to run her hands through his ebony hair. She would love to tug handfuls of it pulling his mouth down to hers.

Her hands ached to touch him. Touch his body to feel the strength in his arms—in his legs. She wanted to feel his arms around her, his mouth on hers. Just thinking about that long hard body pressing against hers made her blood run hot with need. Her body needed his.

God, what was wrong with her? She didn’t need anything from the man. She had more than she could handle at the moment and besides, she and relationships never went well. Concentrate, Lizzy, or you’re going to be stuck with Carl for a long, long time.

“So, how do I find this guy? We need to, well... I need to talk to him to see about having the grave included in the cemetery.” With the odor finally dissipating now that they were farther upwind of the mill, Lizzy resumed her initial line of questioning with Carl concerning R.A.

“He won’t be hard to find. This is Friday night and most of the guys hang out at either the VFW or one of the bars outside of town. We can check ‘em out after you finish eating. Most of the joints don’t get busy ‘til about nine anyway.”

“I can’t wait.”

Carl cackled like an old woman at the obvious sarcasm in her voice. “Aw, come on honey, it’ll be fun! We can cut a rug and knock back a cold one together.”

“In your dreams! Now, if you want me to look for this guy tonight so you can cruise the bars, you best keep your disgusting body and eyes out of my shower or I’m going to have an early night tonight.”

“Bitch!” But he disappeared along with the residue he usually seemed to leave behind.

Itching and sore from all the falls and bumps, Lizzy was relieved to see the motel sign. Despite the time, nearly six, she was able to park directly in front of her room. A leisurely, private shower and she would be ready for food. Carl would keep out. She was fairly certain of this because he wanted to go haunting and wouldn’t risk ticking her off tonight.

She decided to check the phone book for R.A.’s address. Flipping through the pages, she located a Monroe Farms with a phone number but no address. Well, if worse came to worse, she could try calling him. She figured talking with him face-to-face would give her a better chance at convincing him to go along with her plans. If he agreed to help her, Carl was a gone ghost.

One tepid shower later, she was dressing in faded jeans and a T-shirt when Carl popped in through the window. “You about ready to go, yet?”

“I’m ready to go eat, and you’re not invited to that! Why don’t you meet me back in my car in, oh…” she looked over at the clock on the bedside table, “An hour, which will be about eight. How’s that?”

“What am I supposed to do?” The all-familiar whine was back in his voice again.

“I don’t much care, Carl. Just don’t show your face around me while I’m eating.”

Chapter Five

The first “joint” they entered just outside of Indianola was located off a gravel road. A row of motorcycles lined one side of the parking lot. Lizzy realized quickly she was going to have trouble with the guys if she lingered here too long. Carl scanned the crowd and told her none of the guys R.A. normally hung out with were present, so they left before anyone took a notion to add her to their lap.

It was the third one they checked just outside of Belzoni that Carl claimed would be the right one. Lizzy was beginning to wonder if he was jerking her around, until he pointed towards a large scruffy looking man with slicked back hair sitting at the bar. He motioned her over to the side so they could talk. The music was loud, making it nearly impossible for anyone to have a normal conversation. It wouldn’t look good for Lizzy to be seen talking loudly to herself. Instead, she had to let Carl stand close enough she wouldn’t have to yell and could keep from looking obvious that she was talking. She hoped.

“That’s Bubba Nash, one of R.A.’s buddies. If he’s here, R.A.’ll show up at some point. What are you planning to do when he does, anyway?”

“Nothing, just follow him when he leaves to see where he lives. Then I can have a chat with him tomorrow. Somehow I don’t think approaching him in a bar would work out too well.”

“Uh, you’re planning to close the place down, then?” Amusement and obvious anticipation lit up his face like a kid on Christmas morning.

“You’re saying he’ll stay till close? What time do they close?”

“Well, officially, they stop selling beer at midnight, but they don’t shut the doors for good ‘til everyone leaves. Some nights it’s one a.m. and some nights it’s two. Just depends on what’s going on.”

“Grand!” Lizzy rolled her eyes before moving away from the wall and Carl to find somewhere to park and watch the guy at the bar.

The place was crowded, but not as smoky as she’d feared. It was basically one huge room with a couple of pool tables, about ten small tables with chairs and a jukebox against the back wall. A small square bar surrounded by a variety of stools occupied a chunk of the back near the center of the room. The bartender wore jeans and a black tank top that showed off his bulky build and an entire museum of tattoos. Slinging a dirty looking cloth over his shoulder, he poured another drink for one of the men slouched over the bar. There were probably twelve or so men already in various stages of inebriation and only three or four women, though she really wasn’t sure about one of them. Warning bells went off inside her head, reinforcing the initial intuition she’d had when they walked through the doors. It was going to be a rough night.

No sooner had the thought crossed her mind, till someone grabbed her arm, pulling her towards his table.

“Hey there, honey, you look like you could use a drink.” The voice came from a nearly bald giant of a man who was as thin as he was tall. “You sit right down and let Burt here buy you a drink. Whatcha’ havin’?”

“Oh, thanks, but I was just going to sit over there and wait for a friend.” Pointing vaguely off to the other side of the bar, Lizzy realized she was in way over her head when a chair scooted beneath her.

“Naw, you can wait right here for your friend. Table’s right in the middle of the room and by the door, can’t do better than that!” Leaning on the table across from her, he smiled. “I’m not dangerous, just like to talk’s all. So, what can I get you from the bar?”

“Well, thanks, Burt, just a beer will be fine. Whatever’s on tap.”

“Now that’s my kind a woman.” He slammed his hand on the table laughing and ambled off, leaving her alone at the table wondering what to do next.

“Can’t you keep your mind on business and leave flirting for another time?”

Drawing in her breath through clenched teeth, Lizzy slowly counted to ten before looking over to where Carl was hovering above the table next to hers.

“Carl, don’t start!” Then realizing what he was up to, “You’re horrid, Carl! Stop leering down her top right now! I’ll leave if you don’t stop this instant.”

“Sorry, hon. did I miss something?” Burt slung one long leg over his chair and sat next to her with the two beers. His face looked confused and unsure all at the same time.

“No, sorry, I was just talking to myself and it’s so loud in here, I had to talk loud.”

“Right, okay,” he said, taking a generous gulp of his beer and smiling. “I haven’t seen you ‘round here before, you new or visiting someone?”

“I’m just passing through. Took a long drive back from Memphis on business and decided to make a mini-vacation out of it.” Carl continued floating above the tables, checking out various cleavages as he hovered by. She really had to get this R.A. fellow in her corner fast!

“...farming around here for generations.” Burt was giving her his family history. Seemed like family history was all-important in who you were here. “My son’s already helping out with some of the daily work around the farm and he’s just twelve. Course, my ex doesn’t let him visit as much as I’d like....”

Lizzy smiled and nodded without really paying attention. She was keeping one eye on Carl’s antics and another on R.A.’s buddy at the bar. About the time she was ready to excuse herself to the ladies’ room, Carl shot across the bar and superimposed himself over poor Burt.

“There he is, told you he’d be here. He’s the one with the Hank Junior hat on, wearing the western shirt.”

“Uh, I see.” Answering Carl without alarming Burt turned into a challenge. “Sounds interesting.” Carl frowned at her answer making Burt’s face appear even thinner than it was. The result nearly caused her to shudder.

“Uh, yeah, guess mucking out the horse stalls might be interesting if you’ve never done it before, but my son, Tommy, isn’t much into that part of running a farm. He likes driving the tractor and the combine more.”

This brought Lizzy back to the conversation fast. “Your twelve year old son drives your combine?”

Laughing loud enough a few heads turned their way Burt nodded his head. “Well, yeah. Most kids around here learn to drive by the time they’re ten or so. They drive the tractors and farm trucks on the farm and help with getting the crops in.”

Carl, realizing he was losing her attention, moved his ethereal self over to the other chair and leaned back through it. “Okay, so we’re gonna just lay back and do nothing for now, is that right?”

“Uh huh.” Lizzy nodded her head more at Carl than Burt. The noncommittal grunt was about all she could come up with, under the circumstances. “Look, can you excuse me a minute? Think I need to visit the ladies’ room.” Standing up quickly, she smiled at the man, realizing he was still eye level with her when she stood. Burt hastily followed suit, surprising her with his manners.

His “Sure, I’ll be right here when you get back,” followed her as she headed to the restrooms in the back corner of the building.

Pushing through the crowd that had grown while she sat listening to Burt, Lizzy hoped the bathroom wouldn’t be as crowded. She needed some air and a chance to think. She was surprised to find a rather large facility for such a small joint. There were actually three stalls with doors. Imagine that.

Since all three were occupied, she took the time to look at her reflection in the mirror and nearly screamed when she turned around to find Carl sitting on top of one of the stalls. Since the music was still fairly loud in the bathrooms, she still needed to yell to get his attention. Instead, she clapped her hands loudly and pointed at the floor directly in front of her. Her scowl, firmly in place, left no doubt about her disgust with his latest stunt.

“What? I’m not hurting anyone.” Glaring down from his perch over the stall door, he realized she wasn’t kidding. Carl rolled his eyes, zooming down to her level when she continued glaring up at him. She growled as softly as she could, to be heard above the music, but not enough to carry to the occupants in the stalls should any of them be sober enough to care.

“Carl, you have to quit all this messing around. Hellfire! You must have been the biggest letch in Humphreys County!”

“I couldn’t do all this when I was alive.”

Lizzy jumped, not expecting such a fierce retort. Carl rarely acted anything but obnoxious or whiney. It took her by surprise, and then he surprised her again with an abrupt change when he sighed dramatically, shaking his head.

“Can’t do anything else like I am now, might as well have some fun. It’s lonely over here.” No whine to his voice this time. He seemed a little dejected even, which wasn’t like the Carl she had come to know and detest.

The middle stall door opened and an obviously over-her-limit-of-beers-for-the-week woman emerged to stagger to the sink. Lizzy took advantage of the empty stall, closing the door behind her. Carl’s smirking face popped through the door to leer at her before she even relaxed. “Peek-a-boo!” Okay, maybe she’d imagined the dejection.

“Get your molting ass in here in one piece and listen to me.” She hissed.

“What?”

“We need to keep up with R.A. and follow him when he heads home. How late do you suppose he’ll hang around, since it’s only a little after ten now?”

“Like I said, he usually stays till close but he might decide to move on to Checker’s over on the other side of midnight. He likes the waitresses there.” Carl’s wink was overkill.

“Great, more driving. Maybe he’ll hang here. I need you to pay more attention to him and alert me if you see him start to leave. I can’t look too interested in him or he’ll notice if we turn up at the next place he goes.”

“Okay, that’s not a problem. I can watch him and ogle the ladies at the same time. I multi-task, you know.” His smug smile dared her to say something. She wouldn’t give him the satisfaction.

“Fine, but we lose him and you’re going to end up permanently floating in never-never land.” Lizzy opened the stall door through Carl and headed straight for the bathroom door. She was going to be sure she kept an iron curtain around her from now on once she got rid of Carl. They just got crazier and crazier every time she picked one up.

An hour later, the smoke was getting to her. Her eyes burned and she’d developed a cough, as well. Excusing herself from Burt’s fairly tame company, Lizzy decided on a quick walk outside for fresh air. Carl nodded at her when she headed for the door from his vantage point over a group of girls sitting at the bar about four stools down from where R.A. and his buddy were huddled together. A little fresh air and she could endure another few hours, she hoped.

She’d managed to walk about thirty feet from the door when a pair of strong arms picked her up from behind, swinging her up on the hood of a car. Too surprised to even yelp as she rolled over to slide back down, she found herself looking directly at a bearded face sporting a familiar, leering smile. They all had them around here, she sighed. The stranger’s hands remained firmly encircling her waist, his body leaning in against the car with her legs on either side. Sheesh, how had he managed that so quickly?

“Well, well, little lady, what’cha’ doin’ out here all alone?” Slurred words greeted her accented by whisky breath and a cigar chaser.

“I’m waiting for my date. He’s on his way out now.” Lizzy went for a bored, confident look. He’d catch on that she really didn’t have a date if she protested too much.

“Riiight, a date. I’m sure he let cha’ head on out all by your lonesome.” He leaned over closer to her, until she was almost lying flat on the hood of the car to keep his face away from hers. “I think we can have us a real good time without him, don’t you?”

Lizzy gave the man the bored look again, digging her nails into his hands at her waist. They were huge and not moving despite her frantic clawing. She by no means had a small waist but his hands were big enough they still nearly encircled it. Changing tactics, she went for the tender insides of his wrists, digging her nails in. But he out maneuvered her, grabbing her wrists with his hands. Stretching her arms above her head, he clamped one massive hand around both her wrists, pinning them to the hood. Giving her another toothy grin as he leaned over her, laughing, pleased with himself. His lower part of his body made contact with hers, letting her know just how pleased he really was. Okay, don’t panic.

“Look, you’re really making a mistake here. My boyfriend’s gonna take this real personal if you don’t let go of me right now!” Lizzy clamped down on her rising fear, pushing as much outrage in her voice as she could muster. He’d just get off on the fear in her voice and things were already going downhill.

“Now you ‘spect me to believe you got a man inside just let you waltz out of his sight like that?” He shook his head a knowing smirk turned his mouth mean. “I think you’re just wanting some real action with a real man.” He pushed against her emphasizing his words. “Like me.”

Hot breath blew along her neck as he leaned in closer until his face was close enough for her to see the dilated pupils and know she was in real trouble. The fumes nearly suffocated her as she began struggling in earnest. Despite her resolve to stay calm and not stir her captor up any more than he already was, one look into his drug-glazed eyes decided her reactions for her. Furious she’d allowed herself to get in this situation in the first place, she let the anger inside go, fueling her resistance. With a wild yell, she jerked her head forward fast. She smashed it into his face and felt the sickening crunch of the cartilage in his nose.

He roared, cursing as the blood poured out, but he didn’t relax his grip on her wrists. Instead, his other hand left her waist to drop down to his and something shiny glinted when he snapped his wrist. Click. Lizzy knew the motion and knew the sound. He had a switchblade out now. Yep, this was getting out of hand quick!

Chapter Six

“Liz, baby! Can’t I trust you to stay out of trouble for even one minute?” The voice deep and familiar startled them both, but Lizzie couldn’t place it in her present situation. “Man, she’s trouble alright, I can promise you that. But she’s my trouble, if you don’t mind.”

Jacob moved closer out of the shadows to her left and Lizzy couldn’t hold back the relieved sigh. He leaned against the next truck without an indication he was going to do anything. From her position she could tell he had something in his hand but she couldn’t see what it was. Her attacker evidently could, though, and frowning, he moved back from her just a little. She watched him close the switchblade in his hand and pocket it. He didn’t want any part of Jacob—he was going to back down. Thank God!

He kept one hand on her wrists but it no longer hurt. Turning sideways without moving away from her, he gave Jacob a long, calculating look before he shrugged. He let go of her and backed away with his hands out by his sides. He didn’t walk off right away, but before she could recover enough to slide off the hood, Jacob took the man’s place pinning her between his legs. Jacob didn’t let the man have his back but stood watching him with a lazy smile.

“You know how women are.” He winked as if he were a co-conspirator. “Don’t give ‘em enough attention and they think they have to make you jealous.” He’d curled his arm around her waist when she sat up pulling her against his chest.

“She didn’t look like she was nobody’s business when she walked out here. Could a told me.” The last he directed at Lizzy with a sneer so close to the one Carl sported, Lizzy wondered again if all males from the area suffered from the same illness.

“I told you I was waiting on my date. You just didn’t want to hear it.” She whined the way she’d heard some of the women in the bar whining earlier. Wrapping her arms loosely around his waist, Lizzy leaned her head against the hard muscles of his chest and felt them quiver beneath her cheek. She could play the part just as easily as he could, but deep down she wanted to slap the man for his condescending comments.

“Liz, you really have to stop trying to make me jealous. I wasn’t ignoring you, honey. I was just talking to my buddies.” Jacob’s deep voice played along her spine even as it resonated from his chest. Her face lay against the soft cloth of his shirt, absorbing the sound along with his scent.

Jerking away from him, she realized she actually enjoyed the feel of him against her face. No! No way would she start thinking like this. When he leaned in towards her, eyes bright and intense, Lizzy knew a moment of panic. His slow deliberate crowding of her space forced her back against the hood until she lay stretched out beneath him. Jacob’s hands flat on either side of her, his fingers mere inches from her thighs, forced all thought from her mind as her awareness of him exploded. Electricity arced between them, the tingling sensation in her fingers allowed a measure of sanity to take over.

“Um, I think he’s gone now.” The tingling in her hands also alerted her they were no longer by her side but had managed to find their way to his broad chest. Instead of pushing against him they were almost caressing him, absorbing the feel of him and the energy rolling off him in waves. Swallowing despite the dryness of her throat, Lizzy couldn’t take her eyes from his face. When his smile broadened, letting her know he was aware she wasn’t comfortable with him continuing to lean over her, his hips between her legs, she wasn’t sure what to think. Was he drunk? Was she in as much trouble with him as she’d been with the stranger?

“Don’t worry, Liz.” Jacob shook his head then chucked when she jerked at the sound of his voice. “I’m not drunk and I won’t hurt you.” The twinkle in his dark eyes emphasized the teasing note in his voice. He leaned in so close their lips were nearly touching, only a breath apart. Then just as suddenly they changed to something hard, darker, and he pulled back from her.

“Don’t you know better than to wander around the parking lot of a bar alone? I don’t know how things are in Jackson, but around here, it’s just asking for trouble.” It wasn’t anger in his voice, but some emotion just as dark turned his words into a growl and filled his eyes until she thought she would choke on the thickness surrounding them.

“Unless, of course, that’s what you were looking for. Did I interrupt something instead?” His hand easily caught her wrist before her hand could connect with his face. The quick flash of fury in her eyes matched the smoldering darkness in his. They stared at each other nearly a full minute before Lizzy found her voice.

“I needed some fresh air, the smoke was suffocating!” Indignant, she drew in a deep breath as the air calmed around them, trying to calm her own emotions before she said something she’d regret. “Let me up.” Punctuating each word with a push against his chest using her one free hand, she hoped he’d let her up.

Once again she drew on her anger to hide the telling tremble of her lips. She struggled to slow the gallop of her heart pounding in her chest and in her pulses. Giving her trembling hands another excuse for touching him, Lizzy pushed against his chest again. The way he’d talked to her, insinuating she’d been asking for trouble, infuriated her. She didn’t know what to think about him. In fact, his close proximity was playing havoc with her entire thought process in general. It didn’t help he wasn’t in uniform. Instead, tight black jeans fit him like a glove and the button-down, soft, gray shirt emphasized his broad shoulders, making it much more difficult to separate the highway patrolman from the sexy hunk standing in front of her. Actually, leaning over her. Making it worse, her legs straddled his waist, leaving her no doubt his state of mind at the moment. Nope, best not think about that! But it must have shown on her face, because Jacob pressed his advantage shamelessly by pushing against her until she was left with no doubt he was aroused.

“You seem to have a nose for trouble, Ms. Gordon.” His hands moved to her waist and before she realized what he was doing, he’d swung her down from the car. “I’m not sure it’s safe to leave you alone.”

Lizzy swallowed, shrugging without comment, not trusting her voice right then.

“I’ll walk you back inside and make sure you don’t pick up any more…” clearing his throat noisily. “…Admirers on the way. How’s that?”

“Fine, I guess. I need to get back inside, anyway.” She tried for nonchalance, not pulling it off very well considering her hands were spread flat against his chest. Cursing under her breath, she fought to gain control over her rampant hormones, knowing full well she’d never manage to fool him now.

****

Jacob lightly touched her elbow to steer her towards the door. He nearly jumped out of his skin when he felt the quick jolt of energy between them. What was it about her that he wanted to push her back against the car and kiss her until she begged him not to stop? Dismissing the urge as just that, a natural urge, he clamped down on his baser instincts, intending to use his intellect to figure out what she was up to. She had secrets, he could tell even without his spirit guide’s hints. Obviously there was something he needed to find out concerning her or he wouldn’t keep running into her. A nudge from the other side is what brought him to the bar in the first place. Bars weren’t his idea of fun or even a pleasant way to pass the time, and they didn’t appear to be hers, either. So, what was she doing here?

Guiding her back through the entrance, he negotiated a path inside the crowded room but was completely taken aback when she stopped, indicating Burt Compton’s table was where she was sitting. Now how had she hooked up with Burt? Were they together? No, maybe he really didn’t want to think about that, after all.

“Well now, Officer Wildhorse,” Burt smiled standing up and stuck his hand out in greeting. “Didn’t realize the little lady was waiting on you or I might have warned her about you.” He winked, obviously pleased with himself.

Jacob shook the man’s hand, and then took the seat across from Lizzy. This should be interesting. Maybe an occasional night out wasn’t such a bad idea after all. He decided he might just enjoy the entertainment.

“Now, how did you manage to snag a table with Burt? He’s about the nicest farmer around this area.” Smiling, he noted she looked uncomfortable with both of them sitting at the same table. Was it because she was caught in an obvious lie or was she actually waiting for someone else? Why did that last thought bother him more than the fact she was probably lying?

“Oh, he was kind enough to offer me a seat, and I was waiting,” her eyebrows lifted slightly, “for you to show up.” She was nervous, all right. He noticed she kept glancing towards the bar.

“Burt, how’s that son of yours doing? He hasn’t been over at your place in awhile now, has he?” He liked Burt, glad it was his table Lizzy had chosen. Burt was a talker but harmless. He didn’t seem to be looking for anything more than a friendly ear to bend when he was out on weekends. He didn’t go out when his son was visiting, but the boy hadn’t seemed to be around the last few months. Jacob lived not more than a half mile from Burt.

“No, his mom don’t like him spending his time out on the farm doin’ chores. She thinks he’s better off hanging out with them rich Indianola boys.” His eyes reflected his disappointment as well as the toll it was taking on him. “I’ve tried to tell her honest work’ll keep him out of trouble, and make him appreciate what he has instead of wishing for what he don’t. I worry about him hanging round those boys. They get into trouble plenty, but they never seem to have to own up to it.”

Jacob could feel the worry radiating from the other man. “How ‘bout I keep an eye out when I’m on patrol? If I see anything to worry about, I’ll check into it.” It bothered him to think that a man with Burt’s genuine affection for his son would be denied the opportunity to be a father.

“Now, Officer Wildhorse, that’s a fine thing. I’d really appreciate that. Makes it a bit easier to rest at night.” Burt’s voice held more than sincerity. It held respect.

“It’s Jacob. Call me Jacob. We’re neighbors and you’ve been a good one, helping me with that drainage problem I had.”

Burt’s lanky body shook so hard when he laughed Jacob wondered how the man’s bones didn’t poke out. The farmer took a swig of the beer and, clearing his throat, started on what Jacob knew from experience would be a good tale.

“Now Ms. Lizzy, you would’ve enjoyed seeing your beau knee deep in mud and stuck like a bug on a windshield.” Burt’s eyes were smiling again as he warmed to his story. “Thought I might have to get my mule out of pasture to haul him out!”

Lizzy’s face was a study in seriousness as she attempted to hide her amusement at the man’s words. Jacob watched the uncertainty in her eyes when theirs met briefly before she turned back to listen to Burt. Obviously uncomfortable with deceiving the farmer, Jacob had to wonder what her reasoning was behind the deception, but he’d have to wait until they were alone to question her. Until then, she could just squirm.

Jacob only half listened to Burt’s rendition of the event when he noticed again Lizzy kept allowing her gaze to drift to the bar every few minutes. A slight frown marred her face for a brief moment before disappearing when she noticed he was watching her. Who was she looking at over there? Most of the men at the bar were pretty rough. There were a couple of fairly nice looking women sitting there but… Oh no, he wasn’t buying that explanation. He’d felt her reaction when he’d nudged between her legs earlier and it definitely pointed towards the opposite sex as an interest.

“Butt naked?” Her astounded voice jerked him back to the conversation at hand. “You stripped down to your birthday suit and cleaned up in plain view of your neighbors?” The incredulity that he’d actually stripped was not lost on him. He enjoyed the look on her face as she pictured him hopping around the front yard trying to shed his clothes before rinsing off the mud caked to his body. Then the realization of what she was thinking blossomed rosy on her cheeks. He couldn’t help reinforcing the image she must surely be dealing with in her head.

“The only humans around were Burt and me, as far as I know, so I wasn’t much worried I’d shock anyone when I stripped down. Sure was hard peeling the muddy things off, though.”

“You’d have enjoyed the show Ms. Lizzy. It was a pretty sight, indeed. If I’d been sitting on my tractor while he did that mud dance of his, I’d of fallen off laughing for sure.” Burt shook his head as he thought back to the moment.

“Do you still have that drainage problem or have you managed to fix it?” Obviously fighting the urge to giggle, she raised her eyebrows at him. “Word gets out you do a dance in your birthday suit when it rains hard, you might end up with an audience.”

“Naw, I finally got that problem fixed once I found the beaver dam clogging the creek that ran by the house. Took some work, but it stays fairly dry out there now. I just keep an eye out for any sign the critters are setting up housekeeping again.” Jacob didn’t even try to temper his smile. He just wished she hadn’t managed to recover so quickly from her earlier blush.

“That fixed my pasture problem at the same time, so I was mighty glad you found the dam. I’d ‘bout decided I needed to build up the land some and re-plant it.” Burt took another swig, nodding his head.

Suddenly, Lizzy jumped up from the table, nearly knocking over her chair in the process. Jacob followed the direction of her gaze and, finding it led to R.A. Monroe, nearly growled out loud. Why would she be interested in that low-life? Stamping back the emotions threatening to overflow with just the thought that she would be interested in the man, he caught her attention. The struggle to hide his personal feelings concerning R.A. obviously failed when Lizzy dropped her eyes and abruptly turned to Burt to take her leave.

“It’s time I head on back to Indianola, now. Burt, it was really nice meeting you. I appreciate you letting me sit with you tonight.” Lizzy smiled, genuinely appearing to have enjoyed meeting Burt and sharing his table. Burt unfolded his lanky body, standing up to shake her hand.

“The pleasure was mine.” He beamed down at her and turned to Jacob when he stood to follow her outside. “Jacob, great to see you again, stop by the house when you have time for some coffee or a beer.”

“Thanks for the offer, I might just do that.” He meant it, too. Then his attention switched back to Lizzy, where was she heading and, more importantly, why.

Catching up with her before she managed to get her car door open, Jacob pushed in close to her so the door wouldn’t open wide enough for her to climb behind the wheel.

“What’s your hurry? I thought we were having a nice visit with Burt.”

A nervous smile froze on her face when she realized he was blocking the car door. Their eyes locked for an instant and then she managed a not-so-fake yawn, her hand still attempting to pull the door open against his weight.

“I had a long drive yesterday and I didn’t sleep well last night. I thought I’d best head back before I get too tired to drive. Safely.” The last obviously added for his benefit amused him. He let his face relax into a smile.

“Maybe I need to drive you back, then. How much did you have to drink tonight?” He hoped she would take the bait and get indignant, distracting her from whatever reason she had for following R.A. Because that was what she was planning to do, he was sure of it. “You didn’t seem all that steady on your feet earlier. Let’s see how you walk now.” Jacob donned his patrolman voice and attitude for good measure.

“What?” Her eyes grew large when it registered he was accusing her of being tipsy. “I’m not drunk! I only had two beers over nearly…” he smiled as she checked her watch. “Four hours!”

Those amazing green eyes flashing with indignation mesmerized Jacob. He could look into her eyes forever. But, reality was, she had other plans for the night. Plans that included R.A. and not him. That thought easily pulled him out of his distracted state and helped him focus on preventing her from meeting up with the bastard.

“I think it best if I either follow you or take you back to the motel. You don’t seem intoxicated, but I can’t be sure you won’t fall asleep on the way.” He couldn’t help but smile as he continued. “It’s late and you said yourself you’re tired.” Let her wiggle out of that one. He wasn’t letting her go anywhere alone and definitely not if it included R.A. He was dangerous and it was only a matter of time before someone managed to uncover what he was hiding.

“Look, Jacob. I really appreciate your helping me out earlier and that you’re worried about me now, but I can take care of myself and I don’t need you or anyone watching out for me. So, no thanks on the ride or the escort.”

Catching him off guard with her soft tone and easy smile, Lizzy managed to jerk the door open, knocking him backward a step in the process. The opening was just wide enough to slide in behind the steering wheel before he could recover. She jammed the keys into the ignition, pulling the door shut at the same time and gunned the engine as soon as it turned over. Without looking back, she pulled forward heading in the same direction R.A.’s dirty Dodge Ram took minutes earlier. Jacob cursed, running for his own truck, determined not to let her out of his sight.

Chapter Seven

“Oh, please, don’t let him get away.” Lizzy prayed out loud. “Lord, I can’t handle another night of bar-hopping while Carl cleavage-bobs!”

Relief poured over her when she caught sight of the dirty Dodge Ram he’d driven off in. Slowing down to keep from overtaking him but staying close enough she could keep a distant eye on the truck, she wondered what she was going to do now. He skirted the direct routes into Belzoni so she wasn’t sure where he was going. She was almost positive he would live somewhere close to his land—near Belzoni. So why was he heading out of town? Lizzy risked a glance at her watch. It was early by some standards at only eleven thirty, so he was probably heading to another bar and not directly home. If he did stop at another joint, she was staying in the car with her doors locked till he wandered back out again. No more bars for her tonight.

The miles drug by as he passed all the major turn-offs and continued down the highway heading in the general direction of Indianola. The dirty truck didn’t appear to be in any hurry, giving her the faint hope he would be heading for home, after all. He might live between the two towns, giving him easy access to both places. Once he settled in for the night she could head back to her motel room with his home address. That would give her the option of stopping by his house the next day to talk instead of calling him on the phone. Lizzy wanted to approach him face to face with her request instead of using the phone and giving him the advantage of distance to brush her off.

When he continued through Indianola and turned off the highway on the other side of town, Lizzy swore softly. Carl hadn’t mentioned any bars on this side of Indianola, but why else would he drive through Indianola at this time of night? This was nearly an hour away from his land. That’s a lot of road time for a farmer.

Thinking about Carl, she wondered where he had flown off to and why. She hadn’t seen him since she returned from her earlier ill-fated stroll outside the bar. It always worried her when he disappeared like that. Even more annoying was that it had made her job all that more difficult, keeping an eye on R.A., and dealing with both Burt and Jacob. She was positive Jacob was suspicious now. She’d all but driven over him in the parking lot to follow R.A. Lord, she didn’t need him looking over her shoulder.

Gritting her teeth, Lizzy called out to Carl in her mind first, and when he didn’t pop out of the glove compartment or, even worse, the steering wheel, she called out loud. No luck, or good luck, depending on how you looked at it, she supposed. Despite his annoying habits and nasty appearance, she really could use his help right now. Tailing someone was not part of her routine job duties as an office manager. She was worried R.A. would realize he was being followed or she would lose him on some dark, country road. Sheesh! She could get lost out here in the dark and never find her way back to town.

The Dodge Ram finally slowed, pulling into the drive of a nice looking, ranch-style house about five miles off the main highway. Lizzy drove past the house without looking in that direction. Once she was sure he couldn’t see her, she made a U-turn and parked on the opposite side of the road about one hundred feet from the end of the drive. Obviously he lived here instead of Belzoni. Maybe he was up to something illegal as Carl suggested and kept his home as far away from it as possible.

She waited for him to go inside before driving in front of the house again on her way back to the highway. When he didn’t immediately open the door and go in, she knew something was wrong. Had he noticed her following him after all? Scrunching down in the seat to hide from him should he look her way, Lizzy continued to keep an eye on him through the steering wheel. It was difficult to see her quarry from her position down the road. Keeping her head out of view made it even harder, but she didn’t want to be spotted. A flash of light under the carport caught her attention and she clearly saw another man outlined by the light behind him when he opened the door.

So, it wasn’t his house after all, she thought, interesting turn of events. She couldn’t make out any details of the man’s face who answered the door. The light behind him kept his face in the shadows. Who was he and why had R.A. driven all this way at eleven thirty at night? She still didn’t know where he lived and couldn’t risk sitting outside the house until he decided to leave. She’d have to call him in the morning after all, unless she managed to come up with a better plan overnight. When the door closed behind the two men she waited another five minutes to be sure they weren’t looking out the window to see if anyone had followed, before easing past the house with her lights off. There was nothing she could do until the next day, so she might as well head back to the motel.

Lizzy drove into Indianola heading for her motel. She really needed a good night’s sleep. Aware of just how tired she was when her eyes watered from oncoming headlights, she paid close attention to the road and fought to keep her eyes open.

Just as she passed Wal-Mart, Carl popped into the passenger seat. His entrance, as normal as possible for a ghost, was not normal for him. It proved to her something was off with him since the bar. Well, other than his being deceased. Normally he would generate an entrance that would either scare her half to death, or at the very least startle her. Instead he’d just appeared in the passenger seat without either a boo or a disgusting noise.

“Carl, where have you been? I had to follow R.A. by myself and I nearly lost him!” Despite her annoyance with him, she was too tired to do more than half-heartedly complain. Plus, she could tell something was wrong. “What is it, Carl? You’re not your usual, irritating self.”

“That cop showed up again. Something ain’t right about him, Lizzy girl, you better watch yourself. Every time he shows up I get a weird feeling all over and I have to leave. He gives me the creeps.” Carl’s shiver made his sagging, sallow skin jiggle. Glaring at her as if it were her fault, he settled deeper into the seat.

“What is it about him that creeps you out?” Concentrating on her speed limit and the road ahead took extra attention until Carl popped in. Now she was fully awake and curious as to what would chase a ghost away. Should she be afraid of it?

“I don’t know! That’s just it. He shows up and I want to leave—need to leave. I don’t want to be anywhere near him. Go figure.” Crossing his arms his mouth pinched into a sulky expression. He was obviously put out his night had been interrupted.

“Well, whatever it is that sends you packing, I need to figure out how to can it and keep it handy for when I’m ready to choke you!” Lizzy didn’t bother keeping the sincerity out of her voice. Carl knew how she felt about him.

“So did you find out where he lives? Did you try and talk to him?” Carl startled her when he bounced back onto the subject of R.A.

“I still don’t know where he lives. He drove outside of Indianola, turned off the highway, and ended up stopping at a house about five miles out. It wasn’t his house because he didn’t go right in.” Lizzy filled Carl in on what she’d observed. “I didn’t try and talk to him. It’s after midnight, Carl. I doubt he’d be in any mood to be generous.”

“Humph”

“Hey! Don’t cop an attitude with me.”

“Why didn’t you stick around until he left and follow him home? Then you’d know where he lived.”

“Because I would rather not get caught following him and if I’d stayed there was a good chance he’d have spotted me. Besides, I don’t know how long he might have stayed there.”

“Where there a lot of trucks? He could have been playing poker, I guess.”

“No, there wasn’t. Just his truck and a car.” Exasperated that she was letting him push her buttons over this, Lizzy counted to ten and growled back at him. “I don’t have much of a choice but to call him on the phone in the morning. I really thought a face to face might give me an advantage to getting him to see our way, but a bar is no place to talk business and, so far, we don’t have any idea where he lives. I should have asked the clerk at the court house.”

“She didn’t seem real hot on you talking with him about the grave. She knows something about him and just ain’t telling, is all. Probably overheard the cops talking about him.”

Pulling into the closest parking spot to her motel room, Lizzy hoped Carl would take a hint and vamoose for the night. She really hated it when he wanted to stick around. He talked non-stop and she needed rest if she was going to deal with R.A. in the morning, along with whatever evolved.

As if he knew what she was thinking, he promptly dove through the windshield and continued through her motel door before she managed to get her key card out. So much for wishful thinking. Lizzy sighed wearily and pushed the card into the slot. On hearing the click and seeing the red light change to green, Lizzy steeled herself to demand he leave her alone for the night.

Carl had taken a chair at the table, already geared up to argue over how to handle R.A., no doubt. Biting her lower lip, as she turned to close the door she thought she saw someone slip into the shadows at the back of the parking lot. Turning the deadbolt and the slide bar to secure the door, she peeked around the edge of the curtain to catch a glimpse of the shadow again if it moved.

“What are you looking at?” Carl’s soft voice whispering in her ear tore a screech from her as she jumped back from the window and right through Carl. The sickening Jell-o like sensation of moving through Carl was more than she could stand. Hand over her heart as it galloped wildly, and shivering despite the heat, Lizzy glared daggers at Carl. His spirit was bone cold to touch.

“I swear Carl! You have to be the most...” she let the sentence trail off at the look on his face. “What? Carl, what is it?” His image wavered, the troubled look on his face even more alarming.

“I need to go, Lizzy. He’s back. Oh, Lord, he’s back. You watch yourself around him. I don’t trust him any further than I can spit.” He faded in and out as he warned her, his face already sallow and loose, appearing warped and contorted almost as if he were in pain.

“Who’s back? Watch out for who, Carl?” It didn’t do her any good to yell at him because he was gone. Fear clouded her mind. She didn’t know what to do. Then she remembered that Carl wasn’t able to stick around when Jacob was close by. He was the one who was back making Carl need to leave. That was one mystery Lizzy would dearly love to figure out.

It had to be Jacob! Had he followed her when she followed R.A.? Surly she would have noticed. He hadn’t driven down the road outside Indianola where the house was because no one passed her. Neither had she seen anyone when she drove back to the highway. Maybe he’d just waited here for her to show up, making sure she made it back safe. That seemed the more logical explanation. Otherwise she’d have to start thinking up a good explanation of why she’d been following R.A. Monroe and she just wasn’t at her best this time of night. The best defense was always to have a good offense, so she’d bluff.

Unlocking the door, Lizzy stepped outside. She propped the door open with the safety bar. A smug smile graced her face when the tall patrolman stepped out of the shadows. His long stride ate up the space separating them, putting him in front of her before she could decide what to say. It hadn’t helped that the sight of him heading towards her in those black jeans pushed all rational thoughts from her mind. She managed to plant her hands on her hips ready to do battle before he surprised her by grabbing her arm and shoving her towards the door.

“Hey! What is this? Let go of me, you bully!” Lizzy tried to wrench her arm from his grasp, but he had the door open and her inside too fast. “What is wrong with you?” Her eyes, sparking fire when she turned them on him, quickly smoldered under his dark angry gaze. Something in them scared her enough she froze.

In that moment she wasn’t altogether certain Carl was wrong about Jacob. And now she was alone with him in her motel room. What had she been thinking, opening the door without actually knowing who was out there? Lizzy ignored the bruising pain his grip on her arm caused and slowly raised her head to risk another look into his eyes, gasping at what she saw.

Chapter Eight

Lizzy stood helpless, gazing into eyes that seemed to burn with their own darkness. Jacob’s face echoed their fury and she nearly whimpered out loud. Clinching her jaw, she refused to believe he would harm her even though she trembled in fear. She could always tell when she was in danger and though the fear ate at her insides, she felt no immediate danger from him. Instead, fear recognized fear and she realized it was his.

“What in the hell do you think you’re doing following a man like R.A. Monroe around in the middle of the night?” Anger rolled off him in hot waves. ”Do you not have any sense of self preservation? First you wonder around alone outside a bar and then you follow a strange man around who could be a criminal, for all you know. Is this your idea of fun, chasing men around?”

Shoving her against the door until it slammed shut, her back pressing tight against it, Jacob glared down at her. The dark fire burned in his eyes making him look wild, almost feral. He pushed a knee between her legs and grabbing her hair with his free hand, jerking her head back and to one side wrapping it around his hand.

“Because if you’re just looking to get laid...” He stopped abruptly; a horrified expression marred his face. His eyes drifted downwards to where his hand mercilessly gripped her arm the other tangled in her hair. Jacob let go, slowly backing away until the edge of the bed stopped him and he could go no further.

“I’m sorry. Oh, God, I’m sorry. I don’t know what I was doing.”

The sincerity in his voice, his expression of horror at what he’d done, started to do, spoke volumes. It took two tries for Lizzy to find her voice.

“It’s okay. I’m okay, just don’t do it again. I don’t like to be man-handled.” She resisted the urge to rub her arm, not wanting him to know just how much he’d hurt her. She was sure there would be a doozy of a bruise there. “Why were you following me, anyway?”

Jacob didn’t answer right away, just continued looking down at his hands in disbelief. After a moment he realized she’d asked him a question and looked back up.

“I—I was worried about you. You looked frantic when R.A. left the bar, so I followed you to be sure you got back to the hotel okay.” He ran his hand through his hair, sitting down hard on the bed behind him. “When you headed towards Indianola, I figured you really were tired and it was just a coincidence you left right after that bastard did.” Lizzy watched him rub his hands up and down his thighs as if to wipe the feel of her off his hands.

“But you didn’t turn into the motel. You kept driving. You followed him through town and over to one of his buddies’ house.” Looking over to where she stood near the door, his eyes pleaded with her to forgive him even as he demanded answers. “What’s going on, Lizzy? Are you in some kind of trouble?”

She was at a loss for words. She couldn’t tell him the truth. He’d think she was crazy! ’Course, he probably already thought she was crazy. Could she tell him half the truth?

“Following R.A. around will get you hurt, Lizzy. He’s a dangerous man. No one knows what he’s into, but it’s not legal.” He took a deep breath and looked down before he asked the next question. “Who is he to you?”

Licking her lips she decided to take a chance and tell him as much of the truth as she thought he could handle.

“My friend who died recently was trying to find his great-grandmother’s grave. He’d promised his mom he would find where she was buried and have a marker made for it. I sort of promised to help him locate it and then he died. He was so insistent that he had to do this, I felt like I should finish it for him.” Anxiously she watched his face for any sign of how he took her partial confession. “She didn’t have a real one. Marker, that is.”

“What does getting a tombstone put on someone’s grave have to do with R.A.?” Jacob’s expression remained closed but he watched her face closely. Lizzy knew he was looking for something to show on her face. Something that would give away the secret she was still keeping.

“I found her grave, but it’s outside the cemetery line. The property she’s buried on belongs to R.A.” Lizzy crossed her arms, hugging herself, hoping to hide the fine trembling in her hands.

She didn’t like telling half-truths anyway, but for some reason, it bothered her more telling them to this man. Even with the energy from his earlier anger still crawling up and down her skin she hated lying to him. Because deep down, she knew his anger had originated in his fear. He’d been afraid for her. Why though? He really didn’t even know her that well.

When he stood up and began pacing, she noticed he still kept on the other side of the room as if he didn’t trust himself near her. Maybe he figured she wouldn’t want him getting too close to her again. Maybe she didn’t.

“I think he has to give permission for me to put a marker on her grave. I couldn’t find an address in the phone book, only his phone number.”

“Why didn’t you call him?” Jacob’s voice, quiet and still sent a chill through her body. His expression had changed to guarded somewhere during her explanation.

“I probably should’ve done that, but I wasn’t thinking. It seemed like talking to him face to face would be better than calling him on the phone.” Shrugging, she walked closer to him but stopped when he moved back a step. Another chill caught her by surprise and she nearly shivered.

“Someone I talked with mentioned he went out on the weekends so I thought if I tried approaching him while he was having a good time he’d be a little less—um, obstinate.” Warming to her story, Lizzy glared at him before continuing. ”Only, you showed up and I didn’t get a chance to talk to him before he left. Since I didn’t know where he lived and hadn’t gotten to approach him at the bar, I had to follow him. I thought if I followed him and found out where his house was I could drive over in the morning and talk to him about it. I don’t know why I thought it would be a good idea, but I wanted to get this taken care of so I could go home.”

Jacob’s eyes bored into hers as if he were looking into her soul. Could he possibly read her thoughts? That was crazy. Actually, talking to ghosts was crazy. At the very least he’d know she wasn’t telling the entire truth. Lizzy smiled weakly, realizing he hadn’t moved since she’d started talking. His expression remained unreadable as he leaned against the wall across the room. Taking her by surprise, he shook his head and smiled. A weary expression crossed his face.

“You don’t lie very well, but you think fast on your feet. I have to give you that.” He nodded towards the small table with two chairs. ”Want to sit down and level with each other on this?” He didn’t move while she weighed her choices, allowing her to decide the next move.

“Sure, have a seat. I have Diet Coke and water, or I can make coffee if you want it.” Lizzy wasn’t sure why she offered unless it was habit, or worse, nerves. When he just shook his head no and sat at the table with his back against the far wall, she realized there would be no putting this off. Taking the chair across from him she willed her hands to be still and uncrossed her arms so as not to look defensive. His voice startled her and she jumped.

“Okay, let’s talk straight about this before someone gets hurt.” Leaning forward, his arms on the table in front of him, he was back in control, serious and all business. ”R.A. is a very dangerous man. The local authorities are watching him closely for some reason. I don’t know what they suspect but it’s serious enough they’ve consulted the FBI about him. You need to stay away from him, Lizzy.” Jacob cocked his head as if listening to something. Then his eyes widened slightly before refocusing on her.

Alarmed, she sat back in her chair. ”What? Why are you looking at me like that?”

Jacob tempered his expression. ”I think we both have secrets. I’m just not sure what to do about it right now.” There was a hint of a smile on his face like the ones she’d gotten used to. It seemed odd that not fifteen minutes earlier that same face had held so much anger his eyes pulsed with the emotion.

“Secrets? What do you mean?” Lizzy fought down the surprise in order to keep a puzzled expression on her face. She had an odd feeling about where this conversation could lead. He had to be able to read her mind, or at the very least, her emotions. There was no other explanation for how he knew so much.

“Let’s leave it for now and concentrate on how to resolve the headstone issue without getting you into more trouble.” His eyes finally warmed following his smile.” I’ve decided trouble follows you like ducklings follow a momma duck.” Jacob chuckled when her expression darkened at his analogy.

The effect of Jacob’s laughter made her uncomfortable. She reacted to him much too easily and this bothered her even more than she cared to explore. There was something about him. Carl was right, but just not about what that something was.

“I didn’t ask for your help with this…officer.” She allowed a tinge of anger to seep into her voice. She needed to find a way to make him back off. She had her hands full without any outside distractions, and he was most definitely a distraction. One she instinctively knew could get her into a whole different type of trouble.

He didn’t even attempt to hide his smile.

“Jacob. My name is Jacob and you aren’t getting rid of me that easily. You can accept my help willingly, or look over your shoulder the entire time you’re here. It’s your choice.”

The rich sound of his voice was mesmerizing. His effect on her scared her on a primitive level. Lizzy fought her body’s betrayal with anger. It was the only weapon she could use while her body ached to touch his and her mind screamed in refusal.

“I still didn’t ask for your help.” The breathy quality in her voice fed her anger. Curling her fingers into her hands, allowing the nails to bite deep into her palms helped center her and give her focus. ”Why do you even want to help me?”

“Because you need my help. Because there’s something about you I can’t put my finger on, something different. You stir things up every where you go.” Leaning across the table, his eyes captured hers, holding her gaze captive, so that for a brief moment she really was helpless.

“You stir me up.” It escaped his lips despite his obvious attempt to stop it.

Her tongue darted out to moisten her bottom lip. She bit down allowing the pain to break the pull of his eyes. The feelings he awoke in her were both thrilling and frightening. Lizzy hadn’t been so attracted to anyone in a long time.

“So, how do you plan to help me?” Relenting reluctantly, she decided it would be easier to allow him to help with what he could than it would be to fight him each step she took. She would have to be careful around him, though. He had some sort of sixth sense that was far too accurate for her comfort.

“Why don’t you call R.A. later in the morning and ask him about putting a marker on the grave to see how he reacts. If he’s fine with that, then your problem is solved. If he balks, then we can look at what your options are after that.”

“I’d already planned to do that anyway, so I can live with that.” She allowed a smug expression to fill her face, knowing it was petty. “I’m also planning to go back to the cemetery and clean around the grave.” She didn’t add that she planned to measure the cemetery lines using the measurements from the courthouse. She wanted to verify that Carl’s great-granny actually was outside the line. Pleased with her plans for the day, she hoped this would satisfy Jacob so he would stop following her.

Jacob nodded his head in agreement and stood up. ”Sounds like a good idea, just be careful. Especially if R.A. doesn’t agree about the headstone.”

Lizzy jumped to her feet when she realized he was leaving. That had been too easy. He wasn’t giving up that quick, she was sure. When he stopped and turned before opening the door she knew it was the but she’d been waiting for.

“I’ll swing by and check to see what R.A. had to say later on in the morning. What time do you plan to call him?” He waited expectantly for her to answer, the corners of his mouth twitching against the smile he was holding back.

“Really, there’s no need for you to do that. I’m not sure what time I’ll call him.” She yawned effectively. “It depends on what time I wake up.”

“Then I’ll come by and give you a wake up knock around, say, eight thirty.” Looking down at his watch, Jacob continued, “That’ll give you nearly seven hours of sleep. Get some rest and I’ll see you in the morning.” With that final statement sounding more like a threat than a promise, he closed the door behind him and tapped the door lightly outside to remind her to lock up.

Lizzy was furious with herself. She hadn’t said anything to discourage him from coming by in the morning. Not that the arrogant man had given her a chance. Turning the deadbolt and sliding the safety bar closed, she snarled at herself. “Stupid!” Now what would she do? Disgusted at her lack of action, she stomped to the shower, wishing it could beat away her uneasiness over Jacob. She would shower and then go to bed. There would be enough time to answer that question when she woke up in six hours.

Chapter Nine

Dressed and sipping a Diet Coke at eight the next morning, Lizzy didn’t bat an eye when Carl materialized from out of the TV. She hadn’t exactly slept well, but more than she had expected after her late night. Or make that ‘early morning’ conference with Jacob. Still, she desperately needed that first Diet Coke of the day and resented being interrupted by Carl.

“What did he want? Why was he following you?”

“Carl, did you drink coffee when you were alive?” She didn’t open her eyes or move from her position. Comfortable leaning back with her feet propped on the opposite chair, her coveted cold drink in her hands.

“Huh? What does that have to do with anything?”

“Did you drink coffee when you were alive?” Lizzy repeated her question slowly with emphasis on each word. She figured he was close by and didn’t want to ruin her brief moment of happiness by opening her eyes and finding him in her face or sitting on her feet. Eeew!

“Uh, yeah. I always had a cup as soon as I got up. Why?”

“Because since you did, you should remember how it felt when someone interrupted that first cup.” She opened one eye and looked pointedly at her drink. “Let me finish my drink in peace or you will not rest in peace. Do I make myself clear?” Purposefully she kept her eyes on her drink until she heard him move further away.

Carl ‘harrumphed’ and floated over to the bed where he promptly collapsed, seeping fluids all over the covers. She wished she’d kept her eyes closed now and promptly closed them again. Sighing quietly, she took another slow sip of the deliciously cool drink. She would have to ask for clean sheets and covers so she could sleep on the floor tonight. There was no way she would sleep in that bed now.

The sound of sucking noises only a few seconds later left her cringing all over, even as she squinched her eyes tight against her own imagination. She really didn’t want to know what he’d done to make that sound. It had to be bad, whatever it was, and she so didn’t want to know. No use putting him off, he’d just find another way to annoy her.

“He says R.A. is being watched by the local authorities for something, and is very dangerous. Said they’d even talked to the FBI about him. Jacob was warning me to back off of him.” Shifting her chair sideways at the table, Lizzy managed to avoid looking at the decomposing remains of Carl on her bed. Then, carefully neutral, she added. “I wouldn’t get comfortable if I were you, he’s coming back this morning to see what R.A. has to say when I phone him in a little while.”

Carl shot up from the bed and yelped at her. “Why are you calling him? I thought we were going to see him?”

“I’m trying to keep Jacob off our backs, Carl. Besides, we still don’t know where R.A. lives and asking around will take time. I’m hoping this will satisfy Jacob and he’ll go on about his business and stop following me around. I’m still planning to go back to the cemetery to measure and see just how much outside of the line your granny really is.”

“Jacob?” Carl screeched. “When did you get on a first name basis with the man?” The accusation in his voice almost sounded like he was jealous. That thought didn’t sit well with her at all.

“Carl, he isn’t the enemy. And I don’t like your tone of voice. You are not my keeper.” Lizzy’s voice dropped low, holding the promise of retribution. Jumping to her feet, she paced, making sure to stay on the opposite side of the room from Carl.

“Thing is, Carl, I’m still not sure what we’re going to do if R.A. refuses to allow us to either have her exhumed and buried inside the line or have the cemetery enlarged to include her. You didn’t exactly come with an easy quest, might I remind you.” Lizzy tossed her empty drink bottle into the trash, and headed for the door. She had a pretty good feeling Jacob was close by. She’d noticed Carl’s fading presence as she paced. “You might want to vamoose, your nemesis is arriving.”

“Huh? How did you know that?” His puzzled expression faded quickly, his eyes growing larger, a groan slipped out. ”Yep, you’re right. I can feel the pain already.” Then he was gone.

“Oh, why can’t I have that effect on him?” She whispered under her breath as she opened the door.

****

“Trying to sneak off?” Teasing her with a twinkle in his dark eyes to confirm it, Jacob stepped up to the sidewalk. Less than three feet away from her and it didn’t seem close enough. He found he wanted to touch her and realized his hand had already moved out to do just that. He was always in control of his thoughts and feelings. Nothing, no one, affected him this way. Irritated with himself, he dropped his hand to his side before it betrayed him further.

“No, just stepped out to get some fresh air. My room was supposed to be no-smoking but someone couldn’t read.”

Jacob noted her expression to be carefully neutral. Following her gaze to where Chasing Dog had stopped to sit next to him, her expression lightened some, leading him to wonder what she was thinking.

“This,” he indicated the dark brown lab mix, “is Chasing Dog, Chase for short. He’s a friend of mine.” He waited for her reaction. His father had taught him much could be gleaned from a person’s reaction and interaction with animals. He also trusted Chase’s intuition concerning people.

“Hi, Chase, pleased to meet you.” Lizzy smiled, looking down at the dog sitting by Jacob’s feet. “What did you do to deserve being shackled to a man like Jacob?” Amusement seeped its way into her initially serious expression. After presenting her hand, palm up for his approval, she ran it lightly along the dog’s head and neck, scratching behind his ears. Chase responded with obvious pleasure by leaning into her ministrations, his tail thumping against the concrete. It was a definite stamp of approval as far as Jacob was concerned. No sooner had he thought it, than Chase rolled over to allow his new friend to rub his belly, as well.

He was relieved his initial gut feeling about her was reinforced by Chase. He still felt like she was hiding something or that there was something not quite right about her story, but she must be a good person at heart for Chase to allow her such liberties. He wasn’t a trusting dog and usually took longer to make up his mind.

“Let’s go make that phone call and see how R.A. reacts to your little problem.”

‘It’s not my problem. I’m just trying to finish something my friend wasn’t able to.” Annoyance replaced her earlier smile for Chase as she stood up with her hands on her hips. ”You’re really exasperating, you know that, don’t you?”

Jacob only chuckled, reaching around her to open the motel door. Chase trotted in behind them and casually lay down in front of the door once it was closed behind them, his version of standing guard. His dark eyes missed nothing and followed them as they headed to the table by the bed where the phone was.

“You know, I bet Chase is more interested in riding in the back of a truck than sitting in a stuffy motel room.”

He didn’t bother responding, since she hadn’t really asked a question, but he noticed she acted nervous as she dialed the number, her hands were shaking. Leaning against the dresser, Jacob watched as she wrapped the cord around the finger of one hand. Her hands continued to tremble, leading him to wonder what had her on edge. She didn’t act scared really, just nervous. Was it because he was there? Had he upset her last night more than he’d realized? He still couldn’t believe how he’d acted. No, reacted, he’d reacted to her following R.A. He hadn’t tasted fear like that since he was a child. And it had been fear all right, fear for her that had tasted bitter on his tongue.

Watching Lizzy as she fiddled with the cord on the phone, Jacob found himself wondering what she would taste like if he kissed her. She smelled of peaches, as if she bathed in them. The scent was light and fresh, but not a perfume. She’d pulled her rich, auburn hair back from her face and natural curls flowed wildly down her back. He’d decided it must be naturally curly since it didn’t all curl in the same direction. He could easily imagine his hands tangled in that hair, gazing down at her sprawled across his bed. Suddenly his focus shifted as she dropped the phone back in its cradle.

“He doesn’t answer and I didn’t want to leave a message. I don’t have a cell phone for him to call me while I’m out. I’ll try again later this afternoon.” Jacob could hear the disappointment weighing heavily in her voice. “I want to head out to the cemetery and clean the grave off before it gets much hotter outside.”

Picking up a bag by the bed and her car keys off the bedside table, she stood, waiting for him to move towards the door. When he didn’t immediately move in that direction, the expression on her face changed from resigned to questioning and then to irritated. Jacob rested his hands on his hips and shook his head.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to go out there until you’ve talked to him and know where he stands on your request. That cemetery’s in the middle of nowhere, and we don’t know what the locals think he’s up to.” Jacob hoped he could talk her out of driving out there alone. He had a feeling she’d end up in trouble.

“I can’t see him bothering me, especially when I’m only walking around the cemetery. If he shows up I can ask my question and get it over with.” Her expression changed to puzzlement. “Aren’t you supposed to be working tonight? You should be sleeping instead of harassing me about phone calls and cleaning around a grave.”

Jacob laughed out loud, surprising both of them. He realized she was trying to get rid of him. “Nope, I work seven nights on, seven nights off and this is my week off but I’ll take the hint and leave. Chase and I have an errand to run this morning. I’ll check on you later to be sure you’re okay and not buried next to your friend’s great-grandmother.” Moving soundlessly to the door, he waited for Chase to stand before he looked back and winked at Lizzy. “Be careful and watch out for ghosts.”

Lizzy burst out laughing as soon as the door closed behind him. Ghosts? If he only knew! He was gone now so she could head out to the cemetery to take the measurements and clean around the plot before it grew any hotter. She really didn’t want another long day out in the heat. Measuring and cleaning off the grave shouldn’t take more than a couple of hours, tops. After that she could explore some and try R.A.’s number again. She hoped to get as much as possible done before Carl showed up. She didn’t especially need him for anything right now, but not knowing where he was or what he might be up to always made her uneasy.

Closing the motel door behind her, she was sure Carl would pop in on her once she forgot to watch for him, probably while she was driving. He got some perverse pleasure in startling her. Hell, in the beginning he’d managed to nearly scare the living daylights out of her. Now she was able to avoid screaming and settled for yelps and curses. Guess with time on his hands and no one to gossip with, it was about all the fun he had. Well, unless she took him out bar-hopping so he could boob-bob. Ugggh! Don’t go there, she reminded herself.

Nearly an hour later, she finally pulled up next to the cemetery. Stopping for gas and filling her small cooler with ice and bottled water had eaten up more time than she’d planned. It was close to ten now and heating up quickly. The little cemetery looked untouched and with no wind, the only sounds that could be heard were insects and an occasional bird. Both of which quieted when she closed her car door.

It didn’t take long for them to resume, though, as she carried the cooler and her bag of supplies into the shade of the closest tree to the cemetery. She pulled out the giant tape measure she’d bought at the hardware store the day before. It was a bit awkward to handle at first, but after playing with it in her room she’d figured out the best way to use it without either cutting up her fingers on the edges or dropping it on her foot. Deciding to get that part out of the way first, she left the rest of her things in the shade.

Placing a large rock in the center of the road, she secured the end of the tape measure under it and slowly unwound the tape as she backed carefully down in the ditch and back up before stopping where a weathered fence post stood marking the boundaries of the cemetery. It checked out almost to the inch she realized, pulling the measurements out of her pocket. Back to the street, she removed the rock from the road, anchored the end of the tape against the fence post and slowly unwound the tape as she made her way through the tall grasses, doing her best to avoid the graves as she moved. Maintaining her shields tightly in place, she sighed in relief when no one attempted to stop her for a chat. At exactly four feet two inches, she stopped, and turning to see where she was, groaned out loud. The tape had her a good three and a half feet short of the edge of the grave. Great-granny was definitely outside the lines.

Lizzy marked the spot measured to be the outside boundary with another smaller rock she’d brought with her. Then, retracing her steps, rolled the tape back up. There must have been a fence all the way around the grounds at one time because she could still see the occasional broken pole sticking above the grass. There was only one visible above the grass on the side close to great-granny’s though. More than likely R.A. or one of his field hands had removed them so they could use the extra room to turn their tractors and combines around at the end of a row. That was probably the reason most of the markers on this side were broken and laying on the ground, as well.

Curious, she decided to measure the distance between the adjoining field and the cemetery boundary. Using the large rock to once again anchor the end of the tape measure, she moved out towards the field and stopped about where the end of the rows began, twenty-eight feet. There were several large oak trees between the field and the cemetery, about thirty feet apart. If he planned to ever use the extra land he would have to cut them down and either dig up the stumps or burn them to the ground. Seems like that would be an awful lot of work for only a few feet of extra planting space, she mused.

Lizzy began the arduous task of weeding the area around the stone marking the grave of great-granny Augustine. She could feel where the casket lay beneath the earth and traced its outline by pulling the weeds by the roots from the ground, making an edged-like boundary surrounding the grave. The area directly over the body she trimmed close to the ground with cheap scissors. Part of a rough stone stood where her head would be and after the area around it was cleared, it was obviously part of an old hand-chiseled marker. She could make out a partial date of maybe January or November, but not the year. She could pick out a few letters as well. Maybe if she made a rubbing of the stone, she could read more of it.

She made her way back across the cemetery to the shade tree where she’d left the cooler and her bag. Locating a bottle of water and the needed paper and pencil, she returned to the grave and its battered marker.

Lizzy secured the paper over the inscription using masking tape and rubbed the pencil’s edge back and forth over the paper, marveling as the letters and numbers emerged, pale gray against the black background. It required two pieces of paper to cover the entire stone and ensure she didn’t miss anything. Numbering the pages to mark how they should be placed, the thought crossed her mind that the presence of the marker might help with enlarging the cemetery, without needing to have the body exhumed. Lizzy carefully folded the papers, intending to puzzle over the inscription once she returned to the motel.

She spent the next thirty minutes cleaning the remaining weeds from the site, making sure the entire area above great-granny Augustine’s resting place was as neat as possible. As she gathered the debris to discard beneath the oak trees between the field and the cemetery, a smile tickled her face in response to a trickle of energy from the spirit of Carl’s granny. She was pleased Lizzy took the time to clear her resting place.

It puzzled her, though, as to why Carl’s great-granny hadn’t sought her own justice for being left out of the cemetery. Surely if anyone had a reason for spiritual release, it would be her. When a soft laugh rang in her ears, she realized great-granny was happy as she was. It didn’t really matter to her where she was buried, but it had mattered to her family so she waited for them to be satisfied. What did it matter if it took a few extra years, she had nothing but time. Lizzy smiled and, nodding her head, picked up her supplies and the rubbing to head back to town.

“Maybe you could find your great-grandson over there. He seems to be lonely and is giving me fits over here.” Lizzy didn’t expect a response so when it came she nearly dropped the stuff in her arms.

“He’s too caught up in his own sorrows to see any of us, but that will change.”

Lizzy understood that all too well. Everything was about him right now, and how to take care of his problems, satisfy his needs. Once he moved past the selfishness and anger, he’d find there were others besides him over there.

Lizzy chose to walk outside the lines in case there were any restless spirits waiting for her to pass. The grass was not as tall close to the giant oaks, which lent a measure of shade to the cemetery and separated it from the field of soybeans owned by R.A. Monroe. Lizzy walked carefully through the grass, managing to stay on her feet and avoid the fire ant hills sprinkled generously around the area. Not ten feet from great-granny’s grave Lizzy felt a knock and the all too familiar tug of a spirit looking for a ride. How had one managed to slip from the cemetery with its anchor in its grave? Had she missed a tag-along until just that moment?

She calmly reinforced her mental and spiritual shields before turning to retrace her steps to locate the origin of the tug. A few feet over from great-granny and closer towards the field was the distinct energy of a grave much newer than great-granny’s. In fact, it was probably the newest grave in the cemetery. Lizzy concentrated and was able to read the ground’s disturbance to place an age of less than five years on this one. Why would anyone be buried here in the last five years? The youngest grave she’d detected earlier in the cemetery was nearly forty years old.

Lizzy sank to her knees in the grass at the edge of the plot and sent her spirit searching to communicate with the one who’d approached her.

“Who are you? Why are you buried here?”

Moving her open hands inches above the ground that held a body not five years dead, she tried again to focus on the energy just below the surface. She could feel the stirrings in the energy but no one answered her. Patiently she waited allowing her own spirit to gently probe beneath the ground. When the tug came again, she was sure of it this time. It pulled against her, entreating her for help. There was someone buried there all right.

“Who are you?” Nothing.

“I need to know who you are. Tell me.” She wasn’t prepared for the anger or the outrage that spewed out from the grave. Her spirit recoiled from the onslaught of pain and fear that poured over her from beyond.

“Revenge! I want revenge!”

Knocked off her feet, she quickly scrambled backward from the unmarked grave to relative safety. At least she hoped it was safe enough. With a sinking feeling, Lizzy realized she’d probably stumbled on the reason R.A. was being watched. What this could mean for her and even more importantly for Carl, she wasn’t sure just yet, but the indications weren’t good.

Someone either R.A. or one of his buddies had killed was buried here. Who had they killed and why? Lizzy wasn’t keen on venturing back for more information, but she needed to know as much as possible. Even with her shields firmly in place, a spirit fueled by righteous anger could latch hold of her if it had gained enough strength. Anger and rage fed into strength and this spirit radiated anger. Gritting her teeth, Lizzy climbed back to her feet, mind made up to try again. Gathering her shields and her courage she took a step forward to call out once again when a cold wind moved through her, raising goose bumps along her arms. Carl poured out of her with a sickening sucking sensation, taking the breath from her even as she tried to gasp.

“No! Don't!” His voice, thundering in her head sent pain like shards of glass through her body. His fear tore through her, palatable and bitter on her tongue. When she could see beyond the pain again, Carl’s ethereal body stood between her and the hidden grave, clearly trying to shield her from something he perceived as dangerous. Of course, Carl was safe. He was already dead.

Chapter Ten

Lizzy dropped to her knees, drained of energy and feeling a little sick after having Carl use her as a portal. He remained between her and the hidden grave, fear and worry showing in his eyes. Oddly enough, his face looked almost normal without the usual decay and sloughing she’d become accustomed to.

“Lizzy, are you okay? I’m sorry ’bout popping out like that, but I had to stop you! He’s dangerous.” Carl moved in squatting down to get a closer look at her. “I can’t help you up, do I need to try and scare up someone?”

She burst out laughing. Something about the image of Carl floating down the road trying to attract someone’s attention to help her was just too humorous for words. Her laughter must have worried Carl even more because he stood up and began looking around frantically.

“I’m okay, Carl,” she managed to get out, her laughter dying down a bit. “This is just too bizarre even for me.” Pushing up with her hands, she managed to gain her footing, slowly standing back up. She was still weak but decided Carl needed reassuring before he flew off and caused a wreck somewhere. The thought brought an involuntary giggle, another unusual event for her. She didn’t giggle.

“I think we need to head back to the motel and rethink our strategy, Carl. This complicates things. You can tell me more about the dead dude over there once we are far enough away he can’t manage a trip to visit.”

“I’m all for that, hun. He’s really angry and I don’t think you’re going to like what he’s talking about one bit.” Carl gave a shudder, leading Lizzy to wonder what she’d managed to fall into this time.

Stopping to pick up her bag and cooler, she plodded towards the car where Carl stood waiting. Once she was close enough, he winked at her before pointing his hands over his head like a diver would before diving into a pool. Carl jumped high into the air, diving into the trunk of the car before emerging with a giant smile in the front seat. Lizzy could only shake her head at his obvious attempt to lighten the atmosphere. Guess it was hard to despise him at the moment when he’d stopped her from possible harm, and acted the fool to make her laugh. She was certain though he would bounce back into her bad graces soon enough.

Just as she finished loading her bag and cooler into the back seat, a hand settled on her shoulder. Lizzy whirled around ready to fight. The man standing in front of her didn’t smile so much as smirk, but he raised his hands and backed up a step.

“Uh, sorry, I just wondered who you knew buried out here. Ain’t seen anyone around here in years.” He smiled then, but it wasn’t a friendly smile and was a long way from reaching his eyes.

“Sorry, I didn’t hear you walk up.” Lizzy swallowed realizing she finally stood face to face with R.A. Monroe. “I was just clearing off around a grave. My friend’s great-grandmother is buried here and when he died I promised to clean it up and fix her headstone for him.” She nearly jumped when he turned his head and spit.

“This land around it is mine. I’m R.A. Monroe.” Sticking his hand out, he waited expectantly.

Lizzy smiled her friendliest smile and hesitated only a moment before shaking his hand. “I’m Lizzy Gordon.” Fighting the urge to wipe her hand down her pants leg, Lizzy figured in for a penny in for a pound. “I’m glad to finally meet you! I’ve been trying to find out how to reach you.”

“You have, huh?” He dug both hands into his pockets and looked puzzled. “What’cha wantin’ to talk to me about?”

“My friend’s great-granny’s grave is on your property and I wanted to ask if it would be okay for me to have a new stone made and the cemetery boundaries redrawn to include her grave. It’s outside the line for some reason.” Rolling her eyes she shrugged looking as puzzled as she could manage with her insides quaking. “Don’t know why they’d put a fence up around the cemetery and not include her grave.” Lizzy tried to sound matter of fact, maybe a little silly, so R.A. wouldn’t think there was anything unusual about her request.

“What do ya’ mean, redraw the boundaries? The graves out here are all so old, no one cares about if they’re in line or not.” Suspicion clouded his face as he tilted his head, no doubt trying to read her.

“Oh, I know,” she smiled coyly, trying a new tactic. “My friend was just so upset when he realized he was dying and hadn’t taken care of her grave. He begged me to fix the marker. I’m sure you understand how important family is.” She let her eyes rest on him expectantly, clasping her hands loosely in front of her.

“Yeah, I can understand that, but why worry about where the grave is? It’s not like she’d going anywhere, ya’ know?” He chuckled over his own joke, shaking his head.

Lizzy laughed with him, trilling like a silly schoolgirl. “Oh, goodness, you’re right about that.” Shaking her head, she smiled back up at him. “If you ever sell your land or if it gets divided by your kids after you’re gone, the grave will be well marked inside the cemetery, whereas right now, it could be overlooked.”

“Humph, ain’t gonna sell my land and don’t have no young’uns to worry with. Don’t see nothing happening with the land no time soon.”

“Maybe you’re right. It is a lot to go through, really. I’ll just find out who is administrator over this old church and cemetery and be sure she’s listed on the books and they have a note where she’s buried. That ought to take care of everything.” Allowing a look of satisfaction to cross her face, she watched him relax. “Did you say it would be okay for me to have a new headstone made?”

“Uh, don’t guess that would be a problem.” He shrugged. “Sure, go ahead.” She could tell he wasn’t really pleased about that part, but refusing would have given her a reason to be suspicious.

“Thanks, I’d best get going now. It’s hot as fire out here.” Smiling she opened the door to her car and was about to climb in when he grabbed the top of the door with his hand.

“What were you doing over there by the trees earlier? You were on your hands and knees.” His voice was casual but nothing about him looked casual to Lizzy. There was hardness in his eyes and around his mouth.

“Oh, I dropped my ring when I pulled my gloves off and had to find it.” She held her right hand up to show him her class ring. “It’s a little loose and fell off when I pulled the glove over it.”

“Good.” He said quietly. “Glad you found it.” He smiled and held the door wider for her to settle in the driver’s seat before closing it behind her. “You be real careful now, there’s lots of unsavory folks around here who don’t cotton to strangers poking into things.” His smile was even darker as he lightly slapped the rooftop before heading back towards the field.

As she started the car and backed out of the churchyard, it suddenly dawned on her to wonder where he’d come from. There wasn’t a truck or car anywhere she could see, and neither had she heard one drive up the road while she’d been out in the cemetery. Where had he been hiding and why? It worried her, but not nearly as much as his parting comment had.

“Carl? Where did you go?” He hadn’t said a word or shown his face while R.A. had been talking to her. What was up with that?

“I’m here. I was hiding in the cooler.” He popped through the passenger seat and smiled. “Figured I better lay low and not cause you any problems with him showing up like that.” Settling his form on the seat he shook his head. “He isn’t buying your story, I can tell.” He looked thoughtful and, if possible, serious for once.

“Thanks, I appreciate that. It was difficult enough acting normal around him without having to deal with you at the same time.” She found herself smiling at him to soften the dig. He’d been good during the last hour and helped her out at the cemetery. She could be nice.

“Maybe we should just forget the whole thing.” After a few minutes Carl’s voice, soft and a little sad, startled her.

“What?” Lizzy caught herself before she hit the brake. “You don’t get to move on until you satisfy your promise.” Slapping the steering wheel with her open palm, “We can still handle this, Carl, we just have to regroup, is all. Besides, I don’t want to wonder if you’re somewhere watching me dress or about to pop out of my bra when I’m working!” Faking a dramatic shiver, she cut her eyes to see how he reacted and then quickly back to the road ahead.

Silence, then a curt, “Thanks, Lizzy,” Followed by a sigh and once again, Carl disappeared.

****

One solitary shower later, Lizzy sat on the bed despite her earlier resolve to avoid it. Propped up by pillows, she held a pad and pencil in her lap. She needed to put everything in black and white to figure out what her next step needed to be. Lizzy believed in lists, so dividing the paper into two columns, she labeled one side what she knew and the other side what she didn’t know. Once she had the lists filled in she could compare the sides to see what stood out.

Okay, what she knew. Carl’s great-granny was buried outside the cemetery lines. The land surrounding the cemetery belonged to R.A. Monroe. Between the cemetery and the trees bordering both the field of soybeans and the old church was an unmarked grave. The tenant of said grave had been dead less than five years and he’d been murdered. R.A. wasn’t keen on having anyone mess around the cemetery or the area in general. R.A. had said yes to replacing the headstone, but didn’t want the lines re-drawn. The local authorities were watching R.A. and suspected him of something illegal.

So what didn’t she know? Can a priest or preacher bless the grave and satisfy the promise Carl made? Does the cemetery have to be re-surveyed or can they just include her grave as if it was always part of the cemetery? If they had to re-measure the cemetery to include the grave, can R.A. prevent it? What did she do about the unmarked grave and its occupant? Who was buried in that grave? Who killed him? Why? Were there other bodies buried out there?

There were more questions than facts on her pad. Reading over them again, she tried to find any alternatives she hadn’t already listed. Rubbing her hands over her face in frustration, she couldn’t see any easy answers jumping out at her. There was no way this was going to work out without trouble. Trouble she could do without. Rubbing her eyes, Lizzy felt a twinge of hopelessness for the first time. She didn’t give up, couldn’t give up. She needed a break, something to take her mind off the problems for a little while.

Jumping off the bed she tossed the lists aside and decided to walk next door to the Indianola Pecan House. Every Christmas they set up a small store at the North Park Mall in Jackson. She loved their cheese straws. They sold pecans in every way you could make them, from praline pecans to Jack Daniels pecans. There were all sorts of other food item such as dips and fudge, and even some pet treats as well. It would be a crime to actually be in Indianola without buying some of their Praline Pecans. In fact, she just might get some of the cinnamon ones, as well.

The store wasn’t as busy when she walked through the doors as it had been earlier that day. The wonderful scents of food, candles and an assortment of spices filled her nose as soon as she entered the building. Taking her time, Lizzy strolled around the entire store, stopping to marvel at the hand-carved figures from compressed crushed pecan shells. Picking up the figure of a dog, she immediately thought of Jacob and Chase. Biting her lip, she replaced the dog and moved to the tasty goods. Selecting a large bag of cheese straws and smaller bags of the Cinnamon Pecans and the Praline Pecans, Lizzy drooled over the fudge but passed it by. She would savor her treats for weeks once she made it back home. The entire bag of cheese straws probably wouldn’t make it home, though.

Jacob’s truck pulled along side of her as she carried her bounty back to her room. Rolling his window down, he smiled, eyeing the packages bearing the Indianola Pecan House labels.

“Hey, what cha’ got there, little girl?” His voice pitched low and dramatic, he hung out the window.

Lizzy hugged her packages close to her chest, turning away to protect them. “Not for you!” She made a run for her door and had it unlocked but didn’t make it inside before Jacob was leaning into her from behind, making growling noises low in his throat.

“Don’t try and hide it from me, I’ll just have to take it from you.” He nearly fell on the floor when she suddenly pushed open the door and jumped nimbly to one side.

“This is for me for when I go home. You live here and can buy your own anytime you want!”

“Right, make me feel guilty, so I can’t take it from you.” He faked a little boy pout and put his hands behind his back.

“Good, ’cause you’re not getting any!” She tucked her bounty in one of the drawers of the chest and then headed to the bathroom. “Be right back, so don’t go near them!”

Jacob laughed softly and, seeing the notes on the bed, turned his attention to them instead. It never crossed his mind not to look, he was curious by profession. Picking up the two sheets of paper, he read the first two lines and quickly scanned the rest before putting them back where he’d found them. He’d returned to the chest, leaning against it just as she opened the bathroom door.

“Hey, you better not have been in that!” she warned. “What are you doing here, anyway? I thought you and Chase were spending the day together.” He watched her expression freeze at the sight of her notes on the bed. A too-bright smile crossed her face as she quickly gathered the papers and made to straighten the bed and covers before dropping them in the drawer of the bedside table.

“We did, Chase needed a break so I dropped him off at the house and came here to see if you’d had supper yet.” He pretended he hadn’t read her notes and didn’t just see her hiding them. Instead, he walked over to the table and sat down.

“Supper?” Lizzy glanced at the clock on the bedside table. “I haven’t, but it’s only a little after three.”

“I figured you could call R.A. while I’m here and see what he says and then we could have an early supper and talk about it.” Jacob already knew from her notes she’d talked to him earlier at the cemetery. “Thought you might like someone to bounce ideas off in case he isn’t receptive to letting you mess around out there.” Watching her reaction he waited, his spirit guide urging him to move cautiously with her.

“Oh, well, I’ve already talked to him. He showed up at the cemetery as I was leaving. So, I don’t need to call him now.” Her smile faded a bit and she licked her lips nervously while he tried not to stare.

“Good, you don’t seem the worse for it. So, did he agree to let you put a headstone on the grave?” He waited for her answer, wondering if she would lie or tell the truth or something in between.

“He doesn’t mind a headstone but he wasn’t too keen on having the county assessor re-measuring the cemetery.” Sighing, a poor attempt at a smile crossed her mouth as she joined him at the table. “He’s sure worried about having anyone on his land, that’s for sure.”

“Most folks around here guard their land like it’s gold. I guess for some of ‘um, it is. Their crops are their life. Did he threaten you in any way?” He decided it was the in-between version, but she hadn’t lied, just omitted some of the details so far.

“Well, he wasn’t nasty or anything, but he did warn me that people around here don’t like for anyone to poke into things, as he called it.” She shrugged as if it wasn’t that important. “I’m planning to find the church that’s connected to the cemetery and talk to the preacher about it. I just want to be sure her grave is protected from being covered up or moved without anyone knowing it.”

“Sounds like a plan, but I think you need to take that warning a little more serious. R.A. is dangerous, Lizzy.” Her confession concerning the warning worried him. She obviously knew she needed to treat the man like he was dangerous, but she was trying hard to make light of it in front of him. Why? Jacob sought his spirit guide’s wisdom. Nothing, except, “be cautious and listen.” Wouldn’t hurt to have a little more information, but no amount of fuming or pleading would give him any more than what he had now.

“I remember, and believe me, I was careful around him. I just acted like a silly woman worried about getting a headstone put on a grave.” Lizzy smiled brightly and then sobered. “He’s a spooky person. I can promise you that. I don’t want him mad at me about anything.”

Jacob sighed. She wasn’t volunteering anything more. He’d just have to try talking it out of her. “How about a tour around the area, see some sights and then we can stop by Pea Soup’s for supper.”

“Pea Soup? You have to be kidding? Is there really a restaurant called that?”

Laughing at the disbelief on her face he nodded his head, “Yep, but I’m not sure I’d call it a restaurant, it’s more like a burger joint that serves more than just burgers.” He stood up and waited for her follow.

“How did it get its name?” Lizzy grabbed her purse and followed him to the door.

“It’s named after the owner. His nickname is Pea Soup and the name stuck for the business. I think it has an official name, but Pea Soup is all I’ve ever heard it called.” Jacob closed the motel door behind them and moved ahead of her to open the passenger door of his truck.

“Besides catfish, steak sandwiches and hamburgers, they have an open-faced roast beef sandwich that’s real good. They also have shakes, sundaes and ice cream. Most anything you normally see at a burger joint.” Climbing in on his side, he started the truck. “First, the grand tour of Indianola and vicinity.” Pulling out into traffic he grinned at her, “Then casual dining at its most down-to-earth.”

“Do you provide tours when you’re not pulling people over for speeding?” Lizzie teased.

“Just to VIPs.” He couldn’t help the warm smile, he felt like a school kid with his date sitting next to him in the truck.

Lizzy’s smile faltered a bit and he wondered if he had spooked her. What was wrong with him anyway? Sure, she was a really nice looking woman and he couldn’t help but enjoy her company. Unlike a lot of women he’d met, she didn’t seem hung up on how she looked or on trying to impress him. She was just her, and he liked her. A warm feeling settled deep inside him. Something he’d have to explore when he was alone.

Jacob carried her around town, showing her the courthouse, the hospital, the downtown shopping area, and where some of the scenes in one of John Grisham’s books had been filmed when it was made into a movie. He knew the area and tried to make it interesting by providing pieces of history or trivia along with the view. He pointed out Delta Pride Catfish and explained the rudiments of catfish farming and harvesting. He knew quite a bit about the subject for a Midwestern transplant.

“It’s one of the main industries around here, and many of the people I end up pulling over are either from catfish farming families or catfish processing families.” He smiled when he talked about pulling them over. “I could live off catfish for life if I took even half the offers I get while I’m writing out tickets. Most of ‘em are frequent flyers, and I do mean flyers!”

“So, they harvest catfish like they do cotton or wheat? That’s really weird. I mean I can’t imagine putting out a dozen poles to catch that many fish.” The image she described tickled him and he couldn’t help but chuckle. Shaking his head with a smile he figured he better set her right on that, at least.

“No, they seine them, actually. Several men get into the ponds while others using a boat help drag a net across the pond until the net ends up at one side of the pond. Then they fasten the ends to a winch and haul the fish up in the net. The ponds aren’t real deep, about four and a half or five feet at the most.” Jacob drove by some of the ponds to show her what they looked like up close.

“The nets are emptied into compartments on a truck filled with water from the pond. The compartments are aerated to keep the fish alive till they get to the plant. Then they are emptied into a scale to be weighed before dropping them into a holding tank so the trash can be removed.”

“Trash? You mean people dump trash in the catfish ponds? Why?” Clearly that idea didn’t set well with her and Jacob knew he had to clear her mind about trash.

“Not trash like garbage,” He fought to control himself. She wouldn’t like him laughing at her, he was sure. “Trash refers to trash fish such as gar, brim or even carp. Other things they find to pull out are turtles and snakes.” Jacob couldn’t hold back the chuckle this time when her eyes went wide at the mention of snakes.

“Occasionally some prankster will let a harmless snake go through on the conveyer belt to the kill floor and the room clears out faster than if the building was on fire.”

“I, for one, would be one of the first to vacate the building, I can assure you!” Her shudder at the idea of a snake heading for her on a waist-high belt made him smile, but he wisely hid it from her.

“The turtles are saved for the turtle farmers to pick up and take back to their farms. They add them to their turtle pens.” When she laughed at this and rolled her eyes he realized she didn’t believe him.

“Really, they raise turtles here for the meat and eggs. Turtle soup and turtle eggs are a delicacy in some countries.”

“It sounds like they’ll raise just about anything around here. What else is left, other than something normal like cows or horses or chickens?”

“Well, fresh water shrimp, crawfish, emus…”

“E-what?”

He couldn’t help laughing this time and didn’t hide the fact he was having a great time showing her the area.

“Emus, look like ostriches. There’re several emu farms around here. Their eggs are a delicacy like turtle eggs but are much larger. Oh, and the oil is supposed to be good for arthritis and dry skin. Emu meat is low in fat and it’s considered to be even better than chicken or turkey meat. I’m not really wild about it, myself.”

Jacob continued acting as tour guide, offering all sorts of obscure facts and information about the area until they pulled up at Pea Soup’s. Spending time with her was easy and refreshing. He liked the way she smiled, and the fact she could laugh at herself. He hadn’t counted on being this attracted to her. He hadn’t been surprised to find himself sexually attracted to her, but this was different and it bothered him. He didn’t have time for a relationship right now. He was about to move in a different direction, according to his spirit guide. He couldn’t afford to become distracted.

****

All of an hour later, supper finished, it was time to head back to her hotel. Lizzy had enjoyed the exchange with Jacob as he showed her the sights and educated her on things about the area she would never have known otherwise. His easygoing personality and wealth of knowledge would have led her to believe he lived there most of his life, except he’d already told her it wasn’t true. It suddenly dawned on her that she could learn to like being around him and would miss him once she went back home. This startled her and something must have shown on her face.

“Is something wrong?” Jacob’s voice sounded cautious as if he wasn’t sure he wanted to know what she was thinking.

“No! Nothing’s wrong, I just realized I didn’t know anything about this part of the state and still wouldn’t if you hadn’t offered to show me around. There’s so much interesting to learn out here, and I would’ve just left without knowing any more than I did when I drove into town.” She smiled at him. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome.”

They pulled back into her motel parking lot, laughing over Jacob’s story of how his sister tied his braid around a fence post once. He was supposed to be doing chores, but had snuck behind the barn and fallen asleep against the corral post, instead. She’d snuck up and tied his long braid around the post and then waited until she was between the house and the barn to call him for supper.

“That’s why I don’t keep my hair as long as I did when I was on the reservation. I could never trust her not to use it against me.”

“I like your sister, and I haven’t even met her!” Lizzy jumped down from the truck before Jacob made it around to open her door. She wasn’t used to having her door opened since she didn’t date, and hadn’t thought about his coming around to open it for her. He’d done the same thing at the burger joint.

“Would you like to come in for a minute? I can make a cup of coffee for you.” She wanted to be polite, but she also wanted to talk to Carl about what they should do next. It was then that she realized Jacob hadn’t once brought up R.A. or what her plans were concerning the headstone. That was odd.

“Thanks, but I need to stop by the grocery on my way home so I’ll pass on that invitation.”

“I really enjoyed the tour and the catfish at Pea Soup’s, thanks for taking me.” She made sure her sincerity was evident in her voice. She’d had a wonderful time.

“It was my pleasure.” He lightly touched her cheek with one finger, letting it slide down to her chin before allowing his hand to drop back to his side. “Stay out of trouble and I’ll check on you again later.” He didn’t wait for her to say anything, but jumped back into the truck and waved as he pulled out of the parking lot. Lizzy stood outside her room and watched the taillights until they disappeared down the road. Then she drew in a deep breath and opened the door to her room. Her instincts were right on target. Carl lay pooling on her bed with muddy boots all over the spread. Back to his tricks again. She’d known it was too good to last.

Cringing at the sight of him, she wanted to change her mind about needing to talk, but knew it was necessary. He only did things like this to aggravate her. He enjoyed making her mad so she’d just ignore it and maybe he’d quit. Yeah, right. Closing the door behind her, Lizzy steeled herself for a long evening. She was concentrating too hard on dealing with Carl so she missed the little jolt that warned her of danger close by.

****

R.A. was angry at the turn of events. The woman was spending time with that patrolman that worked the Indianola-Belzoni stretch. He’d been extra careful to keep under the man’s radar in more ways than one. Now, in the space of a few days, his plans were being threatened by a slip of woman and some old biddy’s grave. Something would have to be done about this Lizzy Gordon, but he’d need to be careful with the man sniffing around her. He’d need to make it look like she’d gone back home if it came to that.

If all she really wanted was to put a new headstone on the grave, that would be fine, but something told him she wasn’t going to be satisfied with that. He had a bad feeling she was trouble. He didn’t have time for her kind of trouble and his associates wouldn’t be happy to find out about her. He needed to take care of her before they arrived if she proved to be a problem. He couldn’t afford to take a chance where she was concerned.

R.A. had invested heavily in this venture. It wasn’t just the money that was at stake, it was the other part of the investment that worried him—the part that involved the cemetery and that nosey woman. Yeah, he’d have to handle her personally. Maybe he wouldn’t mind that so much after all. His soft laughter echoed as his thoughts turned to a small woman with auburn hair and the look he would put on her face.

Chapter Eleven

“Think you could project something a little cleaner while you’re lounging on my bed?” Lizzy closed and secured the door behind her.

“Don’t you think you’re spending a little too much time with lover boy?” Carl’s voice dripped with honey, but she could sense the poison hidden within it.

“Carl, don’t start. We’ve got enough trouble without you acting all crotchety.” She pulled her notes from the drawer before taking a chair at the little table. She still wasn’t sure where to go next and Carl was obviously not going to cooperate.

“Look.” Carl plopped down in the opposite chair startling her. “He rubs me the wrong way, okay? Something about him isn’t right.”

“Carl, something about me isn’t right, namely you! I’m more worried about how to handle R.A. right now than why you don’t like Jacob, so let’s just drop it and concentrate on one thing at a time.” She felt his struggle to change gears and didn’t need to look at him to know he wasn’t happy about changing the subject.

“Well, we already know he’s a murderer. Just turn him in and he’ll be out of our way.”

“And how do you propose I do that? I can’t go to the police, or to the sheriff and tell them a ghost told me R.A. murdered him and then show them where the body is buried. One, they’d never believe me, and two it would give us away with R.A.” Carl’s earlier boldness disappeared, leaving a deflated ghost with a bad skin disease behind.

“Besides, we don’t know if R.A. is the one who killed him, anyway. The spirit said he wanted revenge but he didn’t say who he wanted it from.” Lizzy watched Carl’s face as he mulled it over in his head.

“I guess you’re right. All I got from him that made any type of sense is that he’d been murdered and he hadn’t been the only one. He wanted you as his slave to get his revenge.” Carl rested his flabby chin in his hands, elbows on the table. “I don’t think this guy was very old, either. Like maybe just a teenager.”

“Oh, man, a kid?” Shuddering at the thought of a kid murdered and left in an unmarked grave, Lizzy settled her hands on her hips. Even though she wanted to help the spirit, the idea of becoming a slave to any ghost was enough to turn her stomach, but especially to one with as much hate and rage as she’d felt leap out at her earlier. They needed to work another angle for now. The possibility it was a teenager lying unknown in the ground sickened her, but only reinforced that she needed to steer clear of R.A. The knowledge that he killed someone, or at the very least knew about it, made him that much more dangerous. He had a lot to lose and Lizzy knew from past associations that once you killed the first time, it got easier.

Something nagged at her subconscious, though. Like why hadn’t someone reported a kid missing? How old of a kid was it and why would they end up dead on R.A.’s land? Would he kill someone just for trespassing? It had happened before. Surely there’d be a report if a child or even a teenager had gone missing, unless they were a runaway from another city or even another state. Determined to put it out of her mind unless she had no choice, Lizzy reviewed their other options.

“You know, it might not be a bad idea to locate the church in Belzoni that’s affiliated with the cemetery. The church might have records indicating she was buried at the cemetery even if she wasn’t officially buried in the cemetery.” Standing up, she paced the room, thinking out loud. “I doubt anyone is still alive who would know about the witch thing, as long as it’s been now. We might even be able to have them include her grave as part of the cemetery without needing to have the lines redrawn or a survey done.”

Carl perked up as she thought out loud, nodding his head rapidly in agreement. “You’re right. There couldn’t be anyone around who’d remember her. It’s been over fifty years, almost sixty.” The idea obviously appealed to him and when he smiled, his drooping skin filled out, changing his appearance until he didn’t look quite as sickly as before.

“Let me look through the phone book and make a list of the churches in Belzoni. I’m pretty sure it was a Baptist church and cemetery, but if we come up empty I want to be able to check the other churches as well. I suppose if no one claims the old church we could contact the director over the southern conference and talk to him.” Pulling the phone book out of the drawer she returned to the table flipping through the yellow pages to the section she needed.

“I vote we find the right church on the first try.” Carl shifted on the chair. “I have a bad feeling about R.A. and you.”

“Carl, even if he doesn’t believe my story, he isn’t about to do anything to call attention to himself, not with a body buried on his land. Don’t worry about him right now. Let’s just concentrate on this and maybe we won’t have to deal with him at all.”

“I think you’re wrong about him, Lizzy, just like you’re wrong about Jacob, but it won’t hurt to check out the church angle, either. Just be careful and keep your eyes open. I’m gonna sniff around and see if anyone’s out on my side.” He disappeared into the ceiling above her. Just as she started making notes from the phone book, his head popped out of the pages, startling her, so that she threw the pen over her head.

“Forgot to mention I really love those praline pecans in your drawer over there.” And he was gone again just as fast.

“Damn you, Carl! Now I’m going to wonder if you oozed through them or not!” She stood up with her hands balled into fists by her side. Then as she bent to pick up the pen it dawned on her the same drawer held her underwear, as well! Groaning, she let her head fall forward to hit the table with a smack and the buried it in her arms. Maybe she could code and bill insurance forms for a doctor’s office from her home and never need to go out for anything. She could have supplies and her meals delivered….

****

Lizzy pulled into the parking lot of Faith Baptist Church in Belzoni a little after ten a.m. the next morning. Her earlier phone call secured a meeting with the church secretary who assured her that if they needed to consult the Reverend Coggins he would be available. The light green pantsuit with her hair pulled back into a clip near the nape of her neck gave her the appearance of a mature woman concerned about her friend’s family buried in an old cemetery. She felt like dressing the part would get her farther than alienating herself by wearing shorts to church.

When she walked into the church office an older woman in her mid-fifties or early sixties stood up from behind a desk and extended her hand in greeting.

“You must be Elizabeth Gordon, It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Tabitha Belden.” Enfolding Lizzy’s hand in both of hers, she smiled warmly and squeezed. “Sit down, sit down and tell me what it is you need to know about the old cemetery. We don’t find many people interested in their ancestors these days.” Tabitha sat behind the desk folding her hands and waited for Lizzy to speak.

“Mrs. Belden, I really appreciate your taking the time to meet with me and on such short notice.” Lizzy kept a soft smile on her face in an effort to play her part. She’d dealt with social politics as an office manager for several years now and could hang with the best of them.

“Oh, dear, call me Tabitha.”

“Thank you, and you must call me Lizzy.” Acknowledging the offer with a slight nod, she drew in a breath to steady her nerves. “Tabitha, I’m trying to find out about a friend’s great-grandmother who was buried out there about sixty years ago. He and I have been working on our family trees, you see, and became quite close. We located our relatives and visited their graves, making sure we had the right person, and we tended to their sites.” Lizzy smiled, looking down to where her hands were folded in her lap for a brief moment.

“Unfortunately, my friend died before he finished his. I’ve been trying to complete it for him so his family will have a comprehensive history of their ancestors and where they lived. It was something he was very passionate about. One of the projects he’d planned was to put a new headstone, one that matched his mother’s, on his great-granny’s grave. He died a few weeks after locating where she was buried, before he could see to having the stone placed.” Lizzy wrung her hands nervously in her lap and looked up at Tabitha, a sad expression on her face.

“Oh, dear, how sweet he would even think about that. He must have been a man who doted on his mother. It’s too bad he died before he could see to it himself.” Tabitha nodded her agreement and waited for Lizzy to continue.

“He talked about it so much I felt like he would want me to do this for him. I’ve had the stone made exactly like his mother’s, but need to be sure I have the right spot before I have it set.”

“So, there isn’t a marker where you think she is buried?”

“Actually there’s a broken marker but part of the information is missing. I was able to read a birth date, which matched his great-grandmother’s and part of a name that could be hers, but I want to be sure.”

Tabitha nodded. A look of understanding appeared on her face with just the right amount of somberness to show respect. Standing up, the secretary turned to the shelves behind her desk and began looking over the shelved books.

“I know we have the ledger for that church and the cemetery here somewhere. Let me look and see….”

After moving several books around, she located the one she sought. A musty odor escaped when she opened the book. Watching her carefully turning the brittle and yellowed pages past births and weddings, Lizzy had to squelch an urge to tell her to hurry up. Finally, the woman reached the section containing deaths and burials.

“Okay, here we go. Now what was her name and what year should I start looking for her death?” She glanced up at Lizzy with an expectant smile.

“Her name was Augustine Rhodes.” Lizzy all but held her breath waiting to find out what would be recorded in the ledger about Carl’s great-grandmother. Would they even have her listed at all? If she was excommunicated they might not have even recorded her death.

Another few minutes of carefully turning pages ensued with Lizzy barely able to keep from tapping her foot on the floor. Maintaining her demure and proper decorum was beginning to weigh heavily on her. She wanted to jump up and grab the book out of the old woman’s hands to look for herself. Finally, though, she clapped her hands together with a triumphant smile.

“You found her? Wonderful! Does it give a plot number or section?” Lizzy couldn’t believe her luck was finally turning. Well, Carl’s luck, as well. Then, just as quickly, her heart sank at the puzzled look on the secretary’s face.

“Hmm,” Tabitha murmured quietly. “She’s listed here as deceased November twelfth, nineteen forty-two, but I don’t see her listed on the cemetery roster itself. That’s odd. Might she have been buried in another cemetery, maybe to be near another relative?” With this she stood up and returned to the shelves of books.

“I don’t think so, my friend was positive she was buried in that cemetery. He had something from his family that indicated she was buried there. Silently she prayed there would be nothing more listed about her anywhere. Since her death was recorded and Lizzy had a partial stone, they might just get away with having the preacher pray over the grave when she added the new marker. Surely that would satisfy Carl’s debt.

“Oh, goodness.” Tabitha returned to the desk with a thick dusty book, reading from one of the pages. Lizzy felt her hopes fade at the shocked look on the woman’s face.

“What?”

“Well, I’m not sure how to say this, but the woman you’re asking about was kicked out of the church not long before she died.”

“Why? I mean why would anyone be kicked out of the church? Especially a woman?” Lizzy hoped her voice portrayed just the right amount of astonishment laced with outrage.

“It says here she practiced witchcraft.” This with raised eyebrows.

“Witchcraft? You’ve got to be joking!”

“Oh, no, they were very serious about this. There’s a long narrative concerning their evidence and decision. It seems she cursed someone who later went blind and threatened another who fell and broke a leg. Oh, yes, they were quite serious about this.” Tabitha’s stern voice spoke caution to Lizzy.

“I suppose back then they were much more superstitious, but today, no one would believe any of that. Surely they wouldn’t kick someone out of the church under the same circumstances would they?” Lizzy smiled, laughing lightly at the idea.

“Well, no. Such things aren’t done nowadays, but times were different back then. I don’t think this could be your friend’s great-grandmother in the cemetery because she wouldn’t have been buried there.” Tabitha sounded very sure of that fact.

“I’m positive it’s her. The date of birth and the partial name are too much of a coincidence don’t you think?”

The woman opened the original ledger with a frown reviewing the list of burials once again. Not finding what she wanted she just shook her head and closed the book.

“I don’t see anyone with a similar name or date of birth, but I don’t see how they would have allowed her to be buried in the cemetery when she was no longer a member. It just wasn’t done.”

“Perhaps she repented on her death bed and they allowed her back in to be buried. Is that a possibility?”

“Hmm, I don’t know. I’ve never heard of anything like this to be honest with you.” Sitting back down her face held more of an annoyed look than anything.

“I thought accusations of witchcraft were more in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, not the twentieth!”

“It is unusual, but you have to remember, this was, and still is, a very religious community.” Steepling her fingers the secretary pondered for a few minutes longer and then, deciding on a course of action, beamed at Lizzy.

“Why don’t we go out there and take a look at the marker you found.” Tabitha stood up from her chair.

“Oh, well, yes,” Lizzy stammered, trying to think. “I could show you what I found if that would help. You’ll want to change clothes, though, and wear sturdy shoes. It’s badly overgrown out there.” Hoping the nosey, shortsighted woman would change her mind, she made sure to let her know it would be difficult to walk. She couldn’t very well refuse to show her without appearing to be telling a lie.

“Goodness, yes. I’m sure it is in bad need of maintenance. I’ll make sure something is done about that during our next board meeting. This was a blessing to remind us of our duties with the cemetery out there.” Tabitha made a notation on her calendar and then clapped her hands like a child about to have an adventure.

“Why don’t I meet you out there later this afternoon when it begins to cool off a bit? Maybe five-ish?” Smiling brightly, Lizzy took it as an omen of trouble to come.

“That sounds fine. I need to change clothes, as well, if we are going to climb around in the weeds and brush.” Flashing her own smile, Lizzy stood to leave. “I do appreciate all your time and I hope I’m not dragging you out in this heat for no reason.”

“Nonsense! A field trip will be a wonderful diversion when I spend so much of my time inside this office. Besides, I have family buried out there and should check on their graves occasionally. I’m ashamed to say it’s been years since I last visited.” She didn’t follow Lizzy towards the office door but stood rigidly behind her desk, watching her leave.

Lizzy’s jumbled thoughts refused to settle down as she started the familiar trip back to Indianola. It was obvious Tabitha Belden wasn’t as modern as she’d presented herself. Or, maybe it wasn’t that, at all. Maybe it was all about appearances. Maybe the real issue was she didn’t want a witch buried in her family’s cemetery.

“Doesn’t look good from here, Lizzy girl.” Carl’s face appeared through the roof of the car over the passenger seat. “You look really serious.”

Cringing at the glimpse of the head hanging upside down from the roof, Lizzy swallowed back the nasty retort she’d been about to snap out, opting instead to ignore his childish pranks and focus on their problem.

“That’s because the situation is very serious. Your great-granny is listed as deceased in their ledger, but isn’t listed on the cemetery’s plot record.”

“That’s good news, isn’t it?”

“It would’ve been good news if there hadn’t been a church diary discussing her behaviors that pointed to witchcraft. It made it very clear they kicked her out of the church. Now we have the church secretary meeting me at the cemetery this afternoon to look at the marker.”

“Uh oh, she’s gonna know the grave’s outside the cemetery lines.” Carl floated on through the roof and slumped in the passenger seat. “Couldn’t you figure out a way to keep her from going out there?”

“Don’t you think I tried? I mentioned how overgrown it is out there, and that she would need to change clothes, but that was fine with her. Seems she has family out there she wants to check on.”

“Well, at least you won’t be alone if R.A. shows up. Maybe she’ll relent and agree to let us add her to the cemetery.” His voice sounded hopeful, but Lizzy didn’t bother to share her thoughts on appearances and social standing with Carl.

“I want to see what she suggests and if she even appears to be open to the idea of including the grave, but if she isn’t receptive, I’m planning to talk to the preacher and appeal to his Christian beliefs and sense of fairness. Maybe he’ll pray over the grave if nothing else.” Lizzy sighed, already tired and it was barely noon. She toyed with the idea of a quick nap before heading back to the cemetery.

“If she doesn’t see it our way, I’m gonna fly through her a time or two and give her a real chill!”

“Don’t make trouble, Carl. Don’t you think we have enough already?”

Lizzy prayed he would behave but didn’t hold out much hope. He was thinking seriously about it, she could tell. Carl was childish when it came to common sense. He acted on his emotions much too easily.

Pulling in the motel parking lot, Lizzy managed to convince Carl she needed a nap in order to be on her toes that afternoon. To her surprise, he vanished as soon as she asked. Stretching out on the bed without bothering to pull back the covers, she replayed the meeting with Tabitha Belden over and over in her mind, trying to decide what to expect at the cemetery. Frustrated at not being able to read the woman clearly, she fell asleep with a vague sense of disaster floating around in her head.

****

She dreamed of him. She reached out and touched the side of his face with her fingertips. When he cupped her cheek in his hand she rubbed her face against it. His hand pushed behind her hair and caressed the back of her neck, pulling her closer to him. Her breath hitched as he lowered his head to hers and brushed his lips over hers.

The feel of him against her sent chills down her back even as she warmed her hands against his chest. Smooth and muscular, she pushed them up to wrap around his neck. His arms tightened around her, holding her close to his body. His mouth tasted her lips then brushed lightly along her jaw, sending a wave of heat through her bloodstream. It flowed like molten lava through her veins.

The heat began to center low in her belly, promising pleasure beyond her wildest dreams. His hands moved lower, pushing beneath her blouse until they rested on bare skin. Electricity popped between them and when he unfastened the buttons of her blouse, she sighed. His mouth trailed along her neck, down towards her breast. When his tongue reached out to caress her nipple, she woke up hot, and wet, and alone.

****

Lizzy made it to the cemetery at a quarter to five that afternoon, feeling much better after her nap. Carl didn’t show up, or at least not so she could see him, and this worried her. The earlier sense of doom in her head had migrated to her gut and that always meant trouble. She just wasn’t sure if Carl would be the instigator, or if it would come in another form, such as R.A. Monroe. Moving carefully among the graves, shields firmly in place, she decided to walk a grid around the cemetery roughly in the same area where Carl’s great-granny lay buried. Plagued by curiosity, she wanted to know if there were other excommunicated bodies outside the cemetery.

So intent on holding her shields and feeling for graves, Lizzy almost missed the arrival of the Belzoni Faith Baptist Church Woman’s group. Only when the unmistakable tramp of feet and chattering voices reached through her concentration did she look up and nearly have a stroke. Instead of one woman, there were five elderly women heading her way. The leader, Mrs. Tabitha Belden, dressed in a pair of light blue knee shorts and matching blouse, adjusted her wide brimmed hat and greeted her with a beaming smile.

“I was afraid we were going to be late, but there was no help for it. June needed help getting her boots on. She doesn’t go anywhere without them during snake season.” She indicated a tiny gray haired lady who had to be in her nineties, wearing knee pants with knee-high, black, rubber boots. The little lady smiled broadly at Lizzy, raising a hand to wave.

“Oh, that’s fine, I was just walking around the outside to locate the fence posts where there are still parts of them left.” She said, scrambling to cover her shock and dismay at the entourage Tabitha had in tow.

“Well, let me introduce you to my friends. We all have someone buried out here, you know.” She turned to the group just behind her and began the introductions from left to right.

“Gertrude James with the flowered hat; June Pillow with her boots; Opal Langley in the lovely green pantsuit; and Rose Wade holding the Bible.” She smiled at each of the women as she turned to indicate Lizzy. “This is Lizzy Gordon from Jackson who is here to see about updating a marker for a friend of hers.” She didn’t elaborate, allowing Lizzy to relax just a bit.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, ladies. I think it’s cooled off enough so we might not melt while we’re out here.” Her smile had to be so big by now it was unreal. Nervous, she waited for Tabitha to make the next move.

“Why don’t you show us where you found the marker?”

Nodding her head in agreement, Lizzie led the group to the broken and worn makeshift marker. Indicating the stone in question, she pulled from her bag the rubbing she’d done the day before and waited for their reaction.

“Oh, my,” Tabitha managed after a few minutes of studying the marker and the rubbing. “I think you’re right, it is her grave, but she is most definitely outside the cemetery lines.” She turned to the others with compressed lips. They all nodded their heads in agreement.

“That’s what I was just noticing when I checked for the fence posts,” she fibbed, crossing her fingers under the paper. “Isn’t it sad that she was buried like this?” She hoped they would agree with her, but didn’t hold much hope from the looks on their faces. The group shook their heads, tisk tisking their tongues in obvious disapproval of the poor woman buried before them. Lizzy could swear they had rehearsed this on the way.

“Lizzy, I’m not sure there’s anything we can do to help you with this. She was buried there for a reason, and I just don’t think it would be right to show disrespect for our ancestors by including her now.”

“What about disrespect for her? She was kicked out and prevented from being buried next to her own relatives. I would think that would be a greater show of disrespect, don’t you?” Lizzy struggled to keep the condemnation from her voice. She knew she was fighting a losing battle, even as she asked.

“She was accused of being a witch. If she were included in the cemetery now, it would be sacrilege. Christians are buried on sacred ground, not witches. Besides, it’s been over fifty years, why does it matter now? She’s gone.” Clearly assured the discussion was over, Tabitha turned to the other ladies and they began touring the cemetery—discussing relatives as if Lizzy no longer existed. She’d been dismissed.

Stamping down her irritation, she knew any further argument from her would only make things worse. She picked up her bag and headed for the car. She was determined to locate the Baptist preacher and discuss the situation with him. If nothing else, maybe he would pray over the grave, anything to satisfy Carl’s debt. This was ridiculous! They either believed the rubbish about witches or decided that Augustine Rhodes didn’t meet with their approval for acceptance into their cemetery social club. Considering the shape the place was in, Lizzy felt sure that once this day had passed they would never think about the place again.

No sooner had she started back towards her car than Carl showed up, growling and fussing like an old woman. Instead of heading for her, he headed straight for the group of women surrounding an especially tall monument at the edge of the cemetery, closest to the church ruins. Lizzy had no time to stop him and could only watch in horror as he dipped and rolled through and around the five women, giving them chills and sending their hats flying. With no breeze to account for their loss of hats and their uncomfortable sick feelings, Tabitha turned to Lizzy with fire in her eyes.

“You must be her relative and not some fictitious friend as you led us to believe!” Tabitha all but screamed. “You’re a witch just like she was. How dare you step foot on holy ground and work magic against God’s children!” Her voice rose with her fervor and the other woman nodded their heads frantically in agreement with her.

“You have to be kidding,” Lizzy began, but was cut off by the woman’s ranting.

“Leave this place, now!” The zealot raised her arm and pointed to the road. Her “get thee behind me, Satan’s” and “thou will not suffer a witch’s” were cut off when Carl changed tactics and focused on popping in and out of her face.

The sensation must have bothered her, since she stopped yelling and put her hands up to her face, pressing them into her cheeks. The other ladies were in a tizzy, praying for deliverance or clapping their hands in excitement. June and Opal seemed to be having the time of their lives! Lizzy tried to get Carl’s attention to stop him, but short of announcing to the church ladies a ghost was playing havoc with them, there wasn’t much she could do. An announcement like that would assure her place as a witch in their eyes beyond all doubt. Trying to reach him with her mind wasn’t working, either. Carl paid no attention to her, and she knew the only way to stop him now was to leave so he would either have to follow her or leave this plane of existence.

“I’m leaving, but you’re all wrong. I’m not a witch. You’re all grown women and should know better.” Lizzy managed to keep her voice calm, allowing an edge of haughtiness for good measure.

Once she made it back to the car, Lizzy risked a look behind her. They stood in a circle holding hands and praying out loud for deliverance while Carl sat above them on the tall monument laughing so hard his image blurred. Mentally counting to ten before demanding he get his butt in her car, she forced every ounce of menace into her mental voice, making sure he knew just how angry she was with him. Despite her obvious fury with him, Carl was still laughing uncontrollably when he popped into the back seat. Biting the inside of her lip in exasperation, she knew it wouldn’t do any good to talk to him till he settled down. Carl, however, didn’t see a problem with talking to her.

“Oh, come on, Lizzy, why are you so mad? They deserved it! They were talking about my great-granny!”

“Right, Carl, and now your great-granny may lose any chance she had to obtain the holy privilege of a final resting place inside the cemetery. That means you don’t have a chance of moving on! Not to mention poor me, here!” Lizzy fumed, hissed between her teeth and growled at him in an effort to control herself. “Sometimes, Carl, you act like a spoiled brat!”

“Hey, they can’t do anything to stop us! They’re just old women.”

“Whine, whine, whine! They aren’t just old women, Carl. They speak for their church and they’ll sabotage any chance we have of appealing to the church members, if it comes to that.” Sighing tiredly, she continued in a calmer voice. “I’ll need to get in touch with Reverend Coggins without the ladies’ group around. He isn’t there today, so I’ll have to come back and see if I can catch him later.”

“I still think you’re wrong about those old biddies. Who’s going to believe them and think you’re a witch? You’re not a witch—a bitch sometimes, but not a witch.” Leaning through the car seat as he talked, Carl quickly ducked back through the seat before Lizzy’s hand could smack through him. Instead, she glared at him in the rear view mirror.

“I don’t care if they think I’m a witch. I don’t live here and will never see them again, but they’re the ones who will influence everyone against us. So, instead of a few old women to deal with, we have an entire church against us! And it won’t take long, either.”

Carl didn’t say another word during the trip back to Indianola. He appeared to be sulking in the back seat while she mulled over the events of the day in her head. Things were looking dire in her mind. Unless she could convince the good Reverend to pray over the grave, she was about out of legal options. Well, other than approaching Carl’s cousin. If he would have her exhumed and buried next to Carl, it would solve their problem. Unfortunately, this brought up the other side of that problem—R.A. Monroe. Somehow she doubted he would sit idly back and allow a body to be exhumed on his land where not ten feet away another body lay conveniently hidden. Who knows how many more there are out there? She really didn’t want to find out.

Lizzy’s heart did a little flip flop at the sight of Jacob’s truck in the hotel parking lot as she pulled in. Carl must have sensed his nemesis close by as he cursed nastily, groaning as if really in pain before popping out. Gee, she really needed to figure out what there was about Jacob that repelled Carl. She’d like to bottle it and use it like perfume. Maybe she just needed to glue the man to her side, instead…well, maybe not. Heat suffused her face in a red-hot blush as she squelched the visual from her mind.

****

“Would you like a Diet Coke or a bottled water?” Lizzy held up the Diet Coke she’d pulled out of the mini-fridge once they were inside. When he shook his head no, she closed the door and opened her drink, taking a long pull from the cold bottle.

Jacob leaned back against the wall by the TV, watching her as she held the cold bottle against her forehead for a minute. Her flushed face made him wonder if it was the heat or something else. When she drew the cold bottle, wet with condensation, down one side of her face until it rested against her throat, his eyes followed the movement, drinking it all in.

“So, where do you stand with your friend’s quest? Have you gotten the stone placed yet?” He watched her closely, noting she averted her eyes and fidgeted before answering.

“No, not yet, I’m going to order it tomorrow. I fooled around today and went by the church that has the cemetery’s records and talked to the church secretary. Just wasting time, I guess.” Jacob noticed she didn’t look at him. She was hiding something.

“Did you find out anything interesting?”

“Interesting? Well, not really, I don’t guess.”

Jacob almost laughed out loud at her obvious uneasiness about the subject. She was hiding something all right and not doing a very good job at it, either. When she walked by him to set her bottle on the table, he reached out and touched her arm. He only meant to get her attention so he could convince her to grab a bite to eat with him. Electricity popped between them when he touched her, startling him. Her reaction was just as strong, and he couldn’t help but tighten his grip on her arm. When she didn’t pull away but only looked into his eyes, he fought for control. He’d never wanted to kiss someone as much as he wanted to kiss her now.

“Jacob?” The huskiness of her voice decided it for him.

Chapter Twelve

Jacob groaned his frustration, pulling her towards him. He swung her around and pushed her back against the wall. One hand cradled the back of her neck as he let the other one find her check, caressing it with the back of his fingers. He gazed into her eyes, searching them for any sign of resistance before slowly lowering his mouth to hers. Lizzy’s sudden intake of breath quickened his heartbeat and the moment their lips met, he knew she would be addicting. If he gave in to his physical needs, he would never be able to get her out of his system. Groaning against her cheek, he hesitated only a second before taking possession of her mouth with his. He tasted and teased her bottom lip with his teeth and tongue until she opened her mouth, allowing him greater access.

He felt her relax into his arms, her mouth hungrily exploring his. The sensation was heady, forcing him to slow down, fearing he would take her against the wall. She was driving him crazy with her soft moans and kittenish mews. Somehow he had to regain control for both of them. She would hate herself and him, too, if he let this go on. The warmth of her body against his called to him intimately and he wanted to respond. He knew she couldn’t help but feel his arousal pressed against her. He could feel her answering need in her kiss and in the racing of her pulse where his thumb rested against her neck.

Reluctantly Jacob pulled back, separating them by mere inches, his breath as ragged as hers. Both hearts beat out of control while both attempted to regain control. Her mouth, swollen from their kiss, trembled as her tongue sought to moisten her lips. That simple act was nearly his undoing. Resting his forehead against hers he took a slow, deep breath.

“I’m not sure what just happened. Something about you drives me wild when you’re near,” he confessed, still breathing faster than he would have liked.

“Guess that makes two of us, then,” Lizzy answered, equally winded. “This can’t work between us. I live in Jackson and I’ll be leaving soon.” Her gaze met his briefly before lowering.

“I know. I’m not sure where I’ll be next. I don’t stay in one place for very long.” Jacob gently lifted her chin with two fingers searching her face, for what, he really wasn’t sure. “I don’t do one night stands, Lizzy, and that is what this would end up being.”

“Neither do I,” she whispered. Then standing on tiptoe, she used both hands to pull his face down to hers and inhaled him, wrapping her arms around his neck and head to hold him to her. She knew this was wrong and she would kick herself later, but he felt so right, so good. She didn’t think she had the strength to stop—to pull back and walk away. Did she even want to?

The kiss answered a need she hadn’t realized was there. It opened a place inside, empty for so long, where no one ever reached, no one ever cared to reach until now. Jacob’s soul called to hers in that empty place, filling it with warmth. She instantly knew in her heart he was the only one for her, but she also knew her little secret would prevent anything more from developing. It would be best to stop while she had some control, and before she saw the horror and disbelief in his eyes. That would hurt far more than walking away now would.

Drawing back from the comfort his mouth offered, Lizzy let her hand caress his cheek down to his chin before dropping both hands to her side and looking up into his dark eyes, bright with passion and need. They understood her reluctance, matching it with their sorrow. Stepping back, his hands by his sides, he gave her room to slip out and put space between them before bowing his head and turning around.

Just the sight of her across the room, her hair mussed from his hands, made him tighten once more in need. She was his other half; he could feel it. But how could anything come of it when he still had his own journey to complete? His spirit guide had been far too quiet when he was preoccupied by thoughts of her. He worried his physical and emotional feelings were interfering and the added guilt both angered and frustrated him.

“Jacob,” Lizzy had to swallow and start over. Her voice cracked. “Jacob, I’m not sure what to do about the marker at this point.” Her voice trailed off when he walked over to the table and picked up her bag.

“Let’s go.”

“Where?”

“I’m hungry and we need a less—intimate place to talk right now.” Holding her bag out he waited for her to decide.

Something else she liked about him, she suddenly realized—he didn’t push. She smiled and took the bag from his hand ready to ease back into their previous comfort zone. It wouldn’t be the same, but it was safer.

“Pea Soup’s?” she asked as he closed the door behind them.

“No, thought maybe pizza. What do you think?” Jacob opened the passenger door, waiting for her to climb in before closing it.

“Sounds good. Don’t think I’ve had pizza in several months,” she said when he climbed in on the other side. “They have Pizza Inn or Pizza Hut here?”

“Both, actually. Indianola isn’t that small of a town. Now Belzoni, they have their Taco Bell and KFC all in one building.” He laughed when she raised her eyebrows in disbelief. “Honestly! They’re owned by the same parent company.”

“So, which one are we going to eat at?” she asked as he pulled out into traffic.

“Pizza Inn is closer and I’m starved.”

“What kind of toppings do you like?”

“Everything but olives, what about you?” Looking quickly over towards her, Jacob smiled reassuringly. He could feel the tension in the truck and knew she was uncomfortable. He didn’t want her to feel that way around him.

“That’s fine with me. I don’t like olives, either.” She relaxed once she realized he didn’t see her as a tease.

After ordering their drinks and pizza, Jacob decided to bring up the cemetery again. He knew it was a subject guaranteed to spark some controversy between them, and he figured they could use that right now. He might end up with some bruises over it, but anything would be preferable to the strained conversations and uneasy silences between them now.

“What is it you’re not sure about with the headstone?” He asked.

“The grave’s outside the cemetery line and I’m a little afraid that R.A. could remove the stone once I’m gone. I would really feel better if there was some way I could have the grave included in the cemetery, you know?”

Jacob could hear the worry in her voice, along with something else he couldn’t put his finger on.

“I’m not really sure how the law reads for cemeteries outside the reservation. I know reservation law states burial grounds can’t be disturbed without permission from the council and that isn’t given easily.”

“My understanding is that all cemeteries are protected by law and as long as there is some sort of marker or there are documents to support that a cemetery exists on a specific plot of land nothing can be done to them. I just don’t trust that R.A. will leave the marker alone, I guess.”

“You’re thinking that since there’s no one around to check on it, he’ll just move it one day?” Jacob shrugged in question. “Why would he move it? What does he have to gain over such a small area?”

“If he decides to sell and the new owner doesn’t know about the grave outside the cemetery, they could decide to plow all the way to the cemetery line or something. I don’t know, it just worries me, I guess.” Lizzy’s frustration was apparent in her voice.

“You’re not thinking of approaching R.A. again are you?” Jacob felt his heart thud at the thought she might try and talk to the man again.

“No, but I am thinking about having a lawyer look into how to legally protect the grave. I’m sure a survey will need to be taken and R.A. isn’t going to like that one bit.”

“What happened when you talked to the church in Belzoni about it?” Jacob changed the direction of the conversation on purpose. He still thought she was leaving something out about what she’d gotten into earlier that day. He also enjoyed seeing her squirm when she had something to hide and didn’t want to lie. It was cute how her face pinked up and she wouldn’t look at him.

“They had her date of death as November twelfth, nineteen forty-two, but they didn’t have her listed in the cemetery log with a plot number. I suppose she could’ve been buried after they moved the church, or maybe whoever saw to her burial knew she wanted to be buried next to someone important to her.” Rolling her eyes, Lizzy sighed in frustration. “I didn’t think to write down the names on the stones near her. I should have. I’ll do that tomorrow when I go back to talk to Reverend Coggins.”

“You’re going back over there tomorrow?” Jacob’s interest was piqued. “I’ll go with you and you can show me where she’s buried.” He waited to see how she would react to his offer.

“I wanted to talk to the Reverend and was going to just check who was buried next to her, is all. You’d be bored, I’m sure,” Lizzy said.

“I’d feel better if you weren’t alone at the cemetery and maybe I can help somehow.” Jacob smiled, deliberately ignoring her blatant plea that he not go. “If you don’t think it would be a good idea for me to tag along when you talk to the preacher, you can drop me off at the Police station there in town and I can talk with some of the guys there. We all know each other.”

Lizzy obviously wasn’t able to come up with a reason he couldn’t go along. Jacob knew he should be ashamed of himself for placing her in that position, but he needed to keep his eye on her for his own peace of mind. He still had an uneasy feeling she was in danger. He knew she was keeping something from him and it bothered him, but until she headed back to Jackson, he wasn’t taking a chance.

The pizza arrived, cutting their conversation short. For the next thirty minutes they concentrated on eating and bargaining for slices. Jacob consumed by far the greater amount of the large, loaded pizza, but Lizzy managed to eat three slices herself. She’d obviously been hungrier than she thought. They drove back to the motel in silence. Nothing was mentioned about Lizzy’s planned trip to Belzoni until Jacob waited at her door while she unlocked it.

“What time do you want to head to Belzoni in the morning?” He watched as she pushed the door open and turned on the light inside.

“I’d like to get there early to talk to Reverend Coggins before he gets busy and then we wouldn’t end up in the heat at the cemetery. Would seven-thirty be too early for you?” She was obviously nervous and Jacob would have backed out if he weren’t so worried about her.

“Chase and I’ll pick you up. He loves exploring new places.” Without waiting for her reaction, he quickly kissed her on the forehead and closed the door, knocking lightly to remind her to lock up.

****

Lizzy was up and dressed by six thirty the next morning, having not slept much at all. She was nervous about riding to Belzoni with Jacob, and she couldn’t help reliving the intimate moments before they’d gone to eat. She savored them, wanting to repeat them, but knew it could only lead to more pain. Her musings were cut short by the appearance of Carl in his normal flamboyant manner.

“We gonna go talk to that preacher this morning?” Carl floated out of the middle of her bed as she brushed her hair and pulled it back.

“I’m going, but you won’t be tagging along this time.” Lizzy grinned as she gave her hair one last brush. There was one positive aspect of having Jacob accompany her there.

“Why not? You still pissed ‘cause I gave those ‘Holier than Thou’ women a case of the chills?” Carl sat up on the edge of the bed, watching her as she brushed her teeth.

“Carl.” Lizzy rinsed her mouth and the toothbrush. “You really screwed that up, you know.” She wiped her face on the hand towel and tidied up the sink area before turning to face him. “You’re not going because Jacob’s going, and you don’t seem to be able to hang around when he’s near.” She didn’t bother to hide her smug smile.

“What’s he doing, going with you?” Carl’s voice was loud and he buzzed over so that his face was inches from hers. “He’s trouble, Lizzy, and with him around, I can’t be there to help you when you need it.”

“I think he can handle trouble just fine, Carl, and probably without getting me labeled a witch in the process.” Picking up her bag she checked to be sure she had what she needed in it. “Besides, I didn’t ask him, he volunteered, and I wasn’t really sure how to say no without arousing his curiosity.”

“Oh you’ve aroused something alright. His....”

“Carl. Don’t go there.” She stuck her finger in his face, and then through it. “I’ve had just about enough of your mouth. Shut up and shoot out. He’ll be here soon enough, and I don’t want to be pissed when he gets here.” She turned around to pull the drapes open and expected him to be gone when she turned back around. Instead she was face to face with his skeleton—arms raised over his head in a menacing pose. Startled, she shrieked at the sight, and then burst out laughing. He just couldn’t behave no matter what.

“Carl, just go for now, okay? I’m trying my best to figure out what to do about your problem so give me some room.” Shaking her head she deliberately walked through him, stifling a shudder as she did.

“Right, I’ll go, but you mark my words, Lizzy girl, he’s gonna hurt you before it’s over with.” Carl followed her as she plopped down at the table, his bones clacking noisily. “If you let him, he’s gonna use you and walk away.” His determination to make his point annoyed her.

“Don’t worry, Carl, I’m a big girl, and I can take care of myself when it comes to men. I’m not jumping into bed with him, and if I did, it sure as hell wouldn’t be your business, so scram.” She deliberately picked up her book and opened it to read.

Throwing up his skeletal hands, Carl harrumphed and then all of a sudden collapsed into a pile of bones. The bones melted into the floor until there was nothing left to see. Lizzy wanted to laugh at his antics, but resisted so as not to encourage the clown.

The sound of tires on pavement drew her eyes to the window and Jacob’s truck parking out front. She smiled in anticipation and then dampened her smile when it dawned on her she was looking forward to seeing him. She’d have to school her reactions or risk stirring things up again. She was positive neither of them would be able to stop next time.

Throwing open the door before he could knock, she smiled her welcome before focusing her attention on Chase. He wagged his tail in appreciation while she scratched behind his ears.

“Looks like she’s glad to see one of us, Chase.” Jacob smiled in amusement as she hugged the dog again before answering him.

“I’m glad to see you, too.” Checking to be sure she had her key card before she closed the door, Lizzy followed them both back to the truck where Jacob opened her door and Chase climbed in the back. “He doesn’t get to ride up front with us?”

“Not when I have company, he doesn’t.” He turned to look at her before starting the truck. “I’m a glutton for punishment, so I’d rather not have anything between us for the ride out.”

Lizzy blushed, quickly turning her head to look out the passenger window. Jacob’s soft chuckle said he hadn’t missed a thing. She was going to have trouble if he wasn’t going to cooperate, and it looked like he wasn’t.

“Since we’re in your truck, do you plan to drop me off, and then come back to pick me up?” Lizzy decided to talk business and take both their minds off anything intimate.

“No, I’ll just park outside and wait on you. I brought a magazine with me and in the shade it’ll be plenty cool enough this time of morning. Then once you’re finished we can head right out to the cemetery before the sun makes it much higher in the sky.”

Jacob pulled into the Faith Baptist Church parking lot a little before eight a.m., taking out a Popular Science Magazine from beneath the seat. “Just take your time, I haven’t read anything from this issue yet. Been a little preoccupied the last few days.”

Lizzy sighed and jumped down from the cab of the truck. If he was going to continue the teasing, they were going to have to have a long talk. He wasn’t helping her one bit with his comments. She switched gears and hoped the good reverend would already be there without the church secretary to intercede. She found the door unlocked and headed straight to the office door she’d found the day before.

The door was open a crack and she could see a light was on in the room. Knocking softly, she called out, “Hello?”

“Come in, come in. I’m just having a cup of coffee.” The warm voice matched the man she found sitting behind an old desk of dark walnut with signs of use apparent in the scratches and dents that covered the sides and legs. The preacher stood and extended his hand when she entered. She closed the door behind her.

“Reverend Coggins? I’m Lizzy Gordon.” Shaking his hand, she found it to be warm and firm. “I hope you don’t mind that I came so early, but I wanted to talk to you before you got busy today.” She was nervous and was sure it showed on her face as well as with the tremble in her hands.

“No, not at all, have a seat and tell me about yourself.” He sat back in his chair once Lizzy was seated across from him and waited for her to speak.

“I’m from Jackson and I came up here to take care of some business for a friend who died recently. He’d been in the process of locating his great-grandmother’s grave to replace her tombstone with one to match his mother’s.” Lizzy felt guilty at lying to the preacher and hoped God wouldn’t strike her dead for it. “I’m planning to have the marker placed this week, but I was hoping you could help me with a problem.”

“What sort of problem? I’ll be glad to help if I can.” He leaned forward as he spoke. “It’s admirable that you would carry on his plans. You must have been close.”

“The grave is located outside of the cemetery’s lines and I wanted to see if it could be included in the cemetery records so there would be proof she is buried there.” Lizzy waited to see how he would answer.

“What cemetery is this?” He looked perplexed so Lizzy felt sure no one had talked to him about it so far.

“The old Baptist Church cemetery out west of town. It’s supposed to be the one affiliated with this church.” Lizzy hesitated but decided honesty was best if at all possible. “I talked with your church secretary yesterday and she found where great-grandmother was listed as deceased, but she wasn’t included in the cemetery plot records because they’d kicked her out, claiming she was a witch.”

Reverend Coggins’ eyebrows elevated at this, but it was the only indication he was shocked or surprised. Standing up, the Baptist preacher circled around the desk and left the room, only to return less than a minute later with the same ledger Lizzy had seen the day before. He opened it and once he found the page he was looking for, smiled expectantly at Lizzy.

“Her name?”

“Augustine Rhodes”

“You’re right, she isn’t listed here.” He thumbed through the pages and located the listing of deaths. “She is here, as you said, with her date of death. I find it strange they would list her date of death in the book after they’d excommunicated her from the church, don’t you?” At his smile and observation, Lizzy only nodded in agreement.

“You’re sure of where she is buried?”

“Yes sir, there’s a partial stone still marking her grave, so I’m sure.”

“Well, I would think that despite her location outside the line, the grave would be protected by law but I can see your apprehension over this. Let me investigate further and we’ll see what can be done to satisfy your concerns.” He smiled and closed the ledger carefully.

“I really appreciate your help with this, Reverend. I would just feel better if there were some record of her resting place.” Lizzy smiled and tried to keep from becoming too excited since there was still a chance he wouldn’t do anything.

“Why don’t you call me back or come by sometime Wednesday. That’ll give me time to do some research and talk to some people to see what may need to be done. How is that?” He asked as they both stood up.

“That’s fine. The new headstone should be ready by then, anyway, and you can let me know what I need to do.” Lizzy shook his outstretched hand and turned to leave but thought to ask one more question. “Reverend Coggins, would you be willing to say a prayer over her grave when I have the new stone placed? It would really mean a lot to me if you could do that.” Lizzy hoped her voice wasn’t pleading but sincere.

“I’d be happy to, Ms. Gordon. It never hurts to pray and where two or more are gathered, he will be there. I’ll see you Wednesday, then.” He walked her to the front of the church, opening the door for her.

Just as she waved goodbye, Tabitha, the church secretary, drove into the parking lot and jumped from her car the minute she cut the engine. “What are you doing here?” She hissed at Lizzy.

“The Reverend Coggins and I had a private meeting this morning.” She smiled demurely at the flustered woman. “Nothing that would concern you.” With this, she strode to the truck where Jacob was sitting in the back reading his magazine, Chase hanging over the side, his tail wagging.

“Don’t think you can have anything done about that woman’s grave. We’ll fight it all the way, do you hear me?” Her voice carried but she wasn’t yelling. That would be unladylike, Lizzy was sure.

Without bothering to acknowledge her statement, Lizzy smiled at Jacob as he jumped out of the truck and opened the door for her. He didn’t say a word, only closed the door and got in on the driver’s side. Waiting until they were clear of the church parking lot, he turned and raised his eyebrows in question.

“He’s going to check into what can be done and I’m to meet with him again on Wednesday to discuss it.” She shrugged feeling the burden lift ever so slightly from her shoulders with that thought. Just maybe he would be able to do something.

“And?” Jacob asked expectantly.

“And what?”

“The parting shot from the woman in the parking lot. What was that all about?” He glanced quickly at her as he turned onto the highway that would take them to the cemetery.

Lizzy swallowed and rubbed her temple absently as she leaned against the passenger window, the coolness of the glass felt good. “That was the church secretary and she isn’t really very supportive of having the grave included in the cemetery ledger.”

“Why not?” His obvious puzzlement reminded her of just how little he knew about what was going on. She was so tired of the secrets and stories. She’d never been one to tell fibs and now it was becoming a frequent deed for her.

“The church excommunicated her prior to her death, claiming she was a witch.” Lizzy just gazed out the window without adding anything more. She waited for Jacob’s reaction, wondering if he would laugh.

“That’s a bit archaic today, isn’t it? She honestly doesn’t want the woman buried there because she was accused of witchcraft, how many years ago?” He sounded as amazed as Lizzy had felt the day before.

“That’s about the gist of it.”

“That’s really ridiculous. I’m sure the preacher will figure something out to keep everyone happy. I don’t think you need to worry anymore. Just wait and see what he comes up with.” Smiling as he turned off onto the dirt road that led to the cemetery and old churchyard, he missed seeing Lizzy just nod her head without saying anything.

Once the truck rolled to a stop, Lizzy jumped down from the cab before Jacob made it around to open her door. Chase joined her, looking up with what appeared to be a doggy grin on his muzzle. Laughing at her own imagination, she led Jacob and Chase to the plot, being careful to avoid the hidden grave as she walked.

“Here she is.” Stopping next to the broken stone, she waited for Jacob to say something. Instead, he surprised her by walking around the plot and on down to the first partial fence post, exposed where she’d pulled back the grass and brush on her last visit.

“I wonder if there are any other graves outside the line.” Jacob continued walking around the periphery. “It’s possible they continued to bury folks on outside the line once the cemetery filled up isn’t it?” He continued walking around though Chase remained by Lizzy. “These fence posts don’t look more than twenty, maybe thirty years old. I don’t think they were here as early as the 1960’s even.”

“I suppose there could be other graves, but I didn’t find any other markers or partial stones. I looked hard for them, I can assure you.” Lizzy wondered were he was going with his line of thought. She had an uneasy feeling about it.

Jacob retraced his steps and headed around the opposite direction, stopping next to the hidden grave Lizzy had made sure to avoid. Kneeling, Jacob looked along the line of the ground in several directions before standing up and rejoining Lizzy at the foot of great-granny’s grave. Here he once again kneeled and appeared to be checking the level of the earth over her grave, as well.

“Lizzy, there are several other areas outside the fence line that look like where someone might be buried. It’s possible, although I don’t know how anything could be proven short of digging up the area.” He paused before continuing. “I know there’re devices available that can locate changes below the ground, but getting one here would be pretty expensive. Don’t know if it would be worth it or not.”

He seemed to be talking more to himself than to Lizzy so she didn’t answer, but waited to see what he would say next. Something about him was different, she realized. He acted too nonchalant about the whole thing. Then it dawned on her that he seemed to know where the hidden grave lay. Alarmed, she realized maybe Carl did know what he was talking about. Good Lord, she’d just about given herself to a murderer the night before! It was the only explanation for how he would know where the body was buried!

She nearly screamed when he walked up behind her and touched her shoulder. “Hey, it’s just me! Why are you so jumpy?” His amused smile only strengthened the idea he was guilty. Jacob was taunting her for some reason. Did he know she knew the grave was there, or was he just enjoying the charade? Lizzy didn’t know what to do next. He’d realize something was wrong if she didn’t get control of herself and calm down. How did she always end up in these messes?

“Was there anything else you wanted to look at or are you ready to head back now?” He was standing close to the hidden grave again as he waited for her to answer.

“No, no. Nothing else. I’m ready to go when you are.” She smiled nervously and moved towards the truck walking around the grave trying to make it look like she was choosing her footing to avoid the higher weeds. When he moved closer and put his hand at her elbow she nearly yelped again and jerked it away, but caught herself in time and tried to relax instead.

“Are you okay? You’re shaking. Is something wrong?” His eyes seemed suspicious to her. He was almost smiling! He knew that she knew! What was she going to do? Just as Lizzy decided to make a run for the truck, Chase began barking and growling at her. What was going on? Even Chase was in on it! Glancing back to where Jacob stood next to her, the glint of metal startled her as he pulled a gun from behind him out of the waistband of his jeans and pointed it towards her. “Don’t move, Lizzy. Don’t make one move.” He warned his voice like ice. His dark eyes were steely as he pointed the gun in her direction.

Lizzy was terrified and frozen in place. She couldn’t move now if she wanted to. Dear God, she wanted out of the mess with Carl, but not this bad! The last thought she had as the gunshot echoed in her head was that now she would be stuck with him for eternity! Her luck with men hadn’t changed after all!

Chapter Thirteen

Falling backwards with the echo of the gunshot ringing in her ears, Lizzy landed hard on her back, knocking the wind out of her. For a few moments, she couldn’t breathe and believed she was dying. She couldn’t take in a breath, or let one out, though her mouth worked convulsively trying. Finally, a breath and then two came in painful gasps. It was then she realized the only pain she felt was in her lungs. Jacob hadn’t shot her but how had he missed at such close range?

“Liz!” Jacob’s worried face hovered above hers with Chase pushing under his chin to land a wet tongue on her cheek. The ringing in her ears all but obscured Jacob’s voice when he spoke to her again.

“Are you okay? It didn’t bite you, did it?” His hands moved quickly over her legs, pushing her jeans up to check the skin beneath.

“What?” Lizzy gasped and tried to sit up only to find she still couldn’t catch her breath.

“The snake, did it bite you anywhere? Show me!” Jacob’s voice, edged with worry was harsh and demanding.

Lizzy tried again to sit up. “What snake?” Following his gaze to where she’d been standing, the remains of a water moccasin lay less than three feet away. Its head missing from Jacob’s expert shot, but there was enough of the nearly three-foot body to be sure of its deadly species.

Shaking her head ever so slightly as she turned back to where Chase lay on the ground next to her, his head now in her lap, Lizzy finally managed a deep breath. Jacob hadn’t tried to kill her, after all. She’d let her imagination run away with her, and as a result nearly gotten herself bit by a snake, one she should have seen, if not felt, as close to her as it had been.

“Thank you. I didn’t even see it.” Her voice shook, not at the thought of being bitten by the snake now, but with the realization she’d believed Jacob had tried to kill her.

“Here, let me help you stand up.” He effortlessly hauled her up with a hand under each arm until she was standing within inches of him, her face level with his chest.

Lizzy took a step back and, looking up, smiled weakly. “I think I’m ready to go back to the motel now. That was a little too close for me.” When he put his hand on her elbow to steady her as the walked back to his truck, Lizzy didn’t pull away. Instead she let him lead her and even welcomed it for a change. Nothing like a brush with death to knock down a few personal rules, even when it wasn’t the death you’d expected.

****

The drive back from Belzoni was made in silence, each deep in their own thoughts. Jacob glanced uneasily at Lizzy staring out the passenger window. She’d been nervous while they were at the cemetery before the incident with the snake. In fact, she’d almost seemed afraid of him. What changed between the church and the cemetery? Why, all of a sudden, was she afraid of him?

Pulling into the motel parking lot, Jacob parked next to Lizzy’s car, but didn’t make it around the truck in time to open her door. She was already out and trying to pull her key card out of her bag when he took it from her trembling hand and unlocked the door for her. He and Chase followed her inside, closing the door behind them. Dropping her bag on the bed before heading for the bathroom, Lizzy hesitated and turned to Jacob.

“I’m,” she hesitated. “I need a shower, okay? I’ll try not to be too long.” Lizzy closed the door with a click behind her leaving Jacob standing next to the table, and Chase lying on the floor in front of the door.

He knew she was upset over the near miss with the snake, but something more was bothering her. Whatever was wrong began in the cemetery before she’d nearly stepped on the moccasin. Thinking back, it dawned on him she’d thought he was going to shoot her! Why? What had suddenly convinced her he meant to harm her? Running his hand through his hair, Jacob paced around the room, searching back in his memory of what could have put the idea in her head.

“You,” his spirit guide whispered. “You know about the grave, and it showed in your manner as you searched the burial sites.”

“Spirit, how did I show it?” Jacob stopped and sat on the floor next to Chase waiting for the answer. He knew from experience his spirit guide didn’t like his pacing and would disappear from his mind if he raised his voice.

“Your eyes hold all you feel and know in them. They told her you knew.” Jacob groaned as he thought back to how he’d walked around the hidden grave, knowing where it was from her notes. He’d made it a point to look all around the area and point out the differences in the ground. He’d teased her with his knowledge and hadn’t realized it. But she had.

Jacob knew he needed to admit his prior knowledge to her and how he’d learned it. Her anger over his snooping would be preferable to her fearing him. She must have thought he knew about the grave because he was the killer. She really didn’t know him, and after his behavior the day before, it was no wonder she would come to that conclusion.

Noticing the clock by the bed, he realized Lizzy had been in the bathroom for nearly an hour now. Worried, he knocked lightly on the door, calling out.

“Lizzy? Are you okay in there?” When there wasn’t an immediate response, Jacob knocked again only louder. “Hey, can you hear me? Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine.” Her muffled response behind the closed door did little to reassure Jacob. When the door opened a crack and the steam from the shower escaped, he was able to see her peering out at him.

“Are you planning to come out tonight?” He tempered his voice as if talking to a frightened child.

“I didn’t remember to grab my robe.” Lizzy confessed, keeping the door open only a crack. “Would you mind handing it to me?”

Jacob smiled and, taking the dark green, terry cloth robe off a hanger, stuck it out towards the door, turning his head discreetly in the other direction. He felt her brief tug as she pulled the robe from his hand and then a soft click as the door closed behind her.

He sat leaning back in one of the chairs by the table when she emerged, garbed securely in the soft robe. The realization she was nude beneath the robe caught him off guard. His groin tightened and he swallowed hard to keep from groaning out loud. He didn’t want her to know where his thoughts were taking him.

“I thought I might order a pizza delivered if that’s okay with you.” Discreetly adjusting his jeans as he stood, Jacob grabbed the phone book from the table by the bed and turned to the food section in the yellow pages.

“Um, I’m not real hungry right now, but sure, that’s fine.” Standing in front of the mirror, she unfastened her hair so that it hung loosely about her shoulders. While he stood with his finger on the phone number to order the pizza, she slowly pulled the brush through her hair from crown to end, over and over.

Blinking his eyes several times, Jacob realized he’d been standing there like an idiot watching her brush her hair and getting turned on like a randy buck. She was only brushing her hair. Deliberately turning his back to her, he picked up the phone and dialed the restaurant to order a pizza. Once he hung up, Jacob realized he didn’t have a clue what he’d ordered and hoped it would be edible. His entire body was attuned to the woman behind him brushing her hair.

“How long?”

“Huh? How long what?” He turned around trying to focus on what she’d asked and not on what his imagination was playing out in his mind’s eye.

“How long until the pizza’s delivered?” Her brow furrowed slightly in question. “I need to dress before it gets here.”

“Oh, they said forty-five minutes, they’re short staffed.” He couldn’t keep his eyes from wondering over her; the knowledge that beneath her robe she would be totally bare fueled the fire spreading within him. The memory of the snake ready to strike burned fresh in his mind. He knew she could have died from the bite considering how far they were from town and the knowledge propelled him towards her before he knew what he was doing.

Jacob wrapped his arms around from behind so they both faced the mirror. His eyes bored into hers through the mirror, passion simmering beneath the surface. He lowered his mouth to her neck, his eyes never leaving hers, holding them captive as he lightly kissed her neck, trailing his lips down till they reached her shoulder, pushing aside the robe. Still, he didn’t release her eyes. Gently, he nipped at her shoulder with his teeth, feeling her shudder ever so slightly. His tongue glided along the skin where his lips had just kissed, his teeth just nipped, and moved back up the length of her neck to just below her ear, where he nibbled again.

Lizzy drew her breath in sharply as his mouth closed over her earlobe and gently sucked. A sound escaped her lips and his body pushed against hers as their eyes remained locked in the mirror. He was sure she could feel his arousal through her robe, his body tight against hers. His need to feel her wrapped around him filled him with need. Her eyes held smoldering passion just below the surface, still wary of him, despite her obvious attraction.

Jacob’s body kept hers pinned to the cabinet as his hand caressed the side of her face and then, cupping her chin, drew her head back as he bent and claimed her lips with his. His mouth hungrily dined on the sweet taste of her lips, his tongue taking advantage of her position to delve into her mouth and explore. Her low moans fueled the fire already burning out of control within him. Her mouth demanded his and his hand slipped into the robe finding her breast soft and warm in his hand. She leaned into him now instead of away from him.

His other hand felt for the sash of the robe and released it so that the robe’s edges slid open to the point where her body held it in place against the cabinet. Jacob released her mouth, searching for her eyes in the mirror. When she slowly looked back at him, her eyes, heavy lidded, dropped down as his thumb found her nipple, already taut. He began to tease it. He used his other hand to raise her head up so that her eyes met his in the mirror once again.

Lizzy’s breathing was already jagged but as his fingers explored her breast, massaging and lightly rubbing back and forth over her nipple, it caught in her throat and Jacob lowered his mouth once again to her neck to taste the light sheen of sweat that glistened on her skin, Feeling the pulse at her neck wildly beating from his attentions tore a groan from him even as she pushed back against the swell of his erection. The pressure of her pushing against him left him breathless, his own pulse beating so that he felt it in his throat.

Jacob dropped both hands to her robe and separated it until he could cup both breasts in his hands. He rubbed his face against hers, capturing her eyes in the mirror once more with his.

“You’re beautiful.” Voice husky with need, he swallowed and gently squeezed her breasts before suddenly turning her around and cupping her face in both his hands. “I want you so damn much it’s killing me.”

He took possession of her mouth, but it was hers that drew them deeper into passion as she pressed into him and wound her hands around his neck. Drawing back, he searched her face for any sign of uncertainty or worry. Finding none, he slipped the robe off her shoulders so that it pooled around her feet. Reaching for her again, he felt his heart plummet when she stepped back away from him.

“Wait, it’s my turn. You have on too many clothes.” Lizzy smiled softly and reached for his shirt, unbuttoning each button deliberately until she reached the waistband of his jeans, then she looked up at his face, watching his reaction as she unbuttoned them slowly until finally unzipping them.

“You’re driving me insane.”

“That’s the plan.”

“It’s working.”

Lizzy slid her hands down either side of his waist into his jeans and the waistband of his briefs to slide them all down at the same time until he sprang free and she could gaze at him. Running her hands back up his chest, she slid his shirt off his shoulders and down his arms. It joined her robe at their feet.

Jacob shivered at the touch of her nails against his skin. She ran them over his chest and then down to his waist and around to cup his buttocks in her hands. She pulled him against her so that he was caught between them hard and hot and more than ready. His knees were weak with the sheer pleasure of her skin against his. He groaned in frustration before picking her up and setting her on the counter.

“Whew!” She gasped feeling the cold tile beneath her. A smile blossomed on her face, the first open one he’d seen in hours. “That’s an eye opener!” Laughing easily, she bent forward and kissed him.

Jacob chuckled, bending over to suckle her breast, drawing first one nipple then the other one into his mouth, pulling on them until she moaned his name. He grazed his teeth across the taut peak of one and then took in as much of her as he could manage before releasing it to repeat the process on its twin. Lizzy held his head tight to her chest, wrapping her arms and then her legs around him.

“I want you, Jacob. I’m just not sure where that will leave us.” She gasped as he ran his tongue lightly across the nipple he held gently between his teeth.

“I know, we need to talk about this, but I can’t stop. Dear God, I can’t stop.” He ran his hand between them to find her wet and ready for him. Fighting for control, he inserted a finger and then another as she contracted around him, groaning her own frustration out loud. Her legs squeezed his waist, drawing him closer to her as she kissed him hard. He felt her tightness around his fingers and knew neither of them would last long.

Drawing back slowly he stepped out of his shoes and the jeans, but bent to pull a foil packet from the pocket. His breathing ragged, he managed to tear the package open but it was her hands that smoothed it over him, making it sensual as she rolled it down a pull at a time until he was thrusting in her hands and he grabbed her shoulders to stop her teasing.

“Now.” She breathed the simple word into his ear and Jacob drew her towards him until his shaft, thick and heavy with need, rested just outside her, pushing forward almost of its own accord.

Lizzy wrapped her legs around his waist again and pulled them towards each other. Gasping when he pushed inside her, his thickness stretching her, Lizzy shuddered.

Jacob pulled her forward again, picking her up off the counter with his hands, cupping her buttocks and settling her on him until he was buried deep inside her, deep in the moist warmth of her body. Fighting to remain still while she adjusted to him, her breath hot against his check, he felt her relax.

As much as he wanted to take her right there on the counter or against the wall, Jacob swallowed hard, waiting long enough to walk with her, still impaled on the hard length of him, over to the bed. Kneeling with one knee on the bed, he eased her back against the coverlet before drawing out to the end of him and plunging back in before Lizzy could gasp.

He began moving inside her, one long stroke after another. A slow rhythm that nearly cost him his sanity until she began lifting her hips to meet him stroke for stroke. Her anxious moans urged him faster. He fought to keep from losing control so soon, intent on pleasuring her, instead. He could see the fire build in her eyes as well as feel it in her frantic movements.

Jacob leaned over her, taking her mouth with a kiss so that when his thumb found that sweet spot in the moist warmth of her and began stroking it as he stroked with his hard length, he captured the first screams of her orgasm and swallowed them in triumph as she bucked beneath him. Lizzy raked his back with her nails before curling her fingers into her own hands as he continued his sweet torment of her body with his.

Lizzy shuddered beneath him once more, as Jacob plunged into her warmth over and over, building his own spiraling need so that he hung on the edge of release. Driving into her one last time he came undone. Her hot core contracted around him sending him over the edge and it was her mouth this time that swallowed his cries. His hands dug into the coverlet beneath them as he collapsed on top of her, gasping for breath before rolling over, pulling her with him so that she wouldn’t bear his weight.

Jacob wrapped his arms around her and curled her into his body, spooning her from behind. The smell and feel of her felt right. She felt like home. He fell asleep with this thought on his mind.

****

Lizzy emerged from sleep with the vague feeling that something was different. At roughly the same time, it hit her what was different. Jacob was there with her. Not only with her, but wrapped around her. One arm lay heavily over her breasts and one leg curved across her hips. Panic set in, but she squelched it, breathing through it to keep from waking him up. What in the world had she done?

Stifling a moan, she felt her body blush all over as the memories of what she’d done, they’d done, came back to her. She slowly turned her head to look at the clock and realized she’d only been asleep about thirty minutes. She felt Jacob stir beside her and held her breath hoping he would continue to sleep a little longer. She needed to think this through before she had to face him.

A knock at the door caused her to jerk, jarring Jacob in the process. He was instantly awake and grabbing for his pants. Chase barked a short quick bark as he stood at attention in front of the door.

“What is it?”

“Someone knocked on the door. I suppose it’s our pizza.” Lizzy pulled the sheet around her wishing her robe were closer to the bed. She nearly yelped when the knock came again. Chase whined at Jacob as he sniffed the air.

“Coming!” Jacob called out as he grabbed her robe from the floor and threw it towards the bed. Bouncing from one foot to the other, he pulled his jeans up. He pulled on his shirt, heading to the door. Without buttoning it, he glanced back towards her to see if she had her robe on.

Lizzy hadn’t waited around once he’d provided her the robe. She grabbed it, covered herself and headed to the bathroom, shutting the door behind her as Jacob told Chase to stay, then opened the motel door.

She hastily pulled the robe on and tied the sash. This was a teenager’s nightmare so what was she doing in the middle of it? Groaning out loud this time, Lizzy sat on the toilet and buried her face in her hands, embarrassed. When the door suddenly opened without a noise, she squealed, nearly losing her seat.

“Sorry, didn’t mean to startle you. The pizza’s here, good thing they were a little late.” His smile was genuine giving her heart an extra beat. “Come on, you need to eat it before it gets cold.” He held out his hand for hers.

“Um, I’m not sure I can eat anything. Maybe I’ll just get dressed in...” She wasn’t able to finish her sentence because Jacob grabbed her hand and pulled her toward him. His shirt was open and her hand found the warmth of his smooth chest.

“Lizzy, don’t do this. We need to talk, I can tell, but relax and eat, you need to eat something.” His face held concern as he walked backwards pulling her with him into the other room. When the back of his legs hit the edge of the bed, he fell backwards, Lizzy along with him.

“You’re all anxious and jumpy. You don’t have to be that way.” His dark eyes stared up into hers a serious expression in them. “Relax, okay? Let’s eat and then we’ll talk.” Chase whined from the other side of the room.

Lizzy just nodded and started to slide back off him but felt her robe ride up as she did. Jacob’s grin told her he was aware of the problem and that her sliding down the length of him hadn’t been one bit uncomfortable. He gave her a break, though, and sat up, standing her back on her feet.

“I’ve got the pizza on the table and a Diet Coke open for you. Chase is going to have a fit if we don’t either eat it or give it to him.” He pulled a chair out for her and sat across the table, pulling a slice from the box as he did.

Lizzy took a sip of the cool drink, forcing herself to relax. She shivered as the sharp tingle of awareness traveled up her back. When he held a piece of the pizza out to her, she took it, smiling tentatively before taking a bite. It was good! Before she realized it, she’d eaten two pieces.

“Guess I was hungry, after all.”

“Told you so.”

His smug smile should have made her mad, but he looked too cute. Sneaking a piece to Chase, she smiled at the dog as he gobbled it down, wagging his tail in appreciation.

“Jacob, I know this didn’t mean anything. I mean…”

“Wait.” His brow furrowed an angry glint in his eyes as well. “Don’t say that, because it did mean something. You’re not going to try and tell me otherwise.”

“You live here, Jacob, and I’m going back to Jackson as soon as,” she hesitated choosing her words, “as soon as I can get the headstone placed and know it’s taken care of.” She winced when he stood up, letting the chair fall over behind him.

“That doesn’t matter. You can’t sit there and tell me you didn’t feel anything and that you can just drive back home like nothing happened.” The anger in his voice filled the air around her.

“No, I wasn’t going to say that, Jacob. What I am saying is that you have a life here and mine is in Jackson. I’m not sure where that leaves us. Or if there even is an us.” She stood up and deliberately walked to the chest to find clothes to put on. She was shaking and wasn’t sure why. Even when the first tear slid down her face, she couldn’t believe she was crying. She knew better than to get involved with anyone, and going to bed with them was even worse.

“I’m sorry.”

Jacob’s words were low so that she wasn’t even sure she heard them. When his hand brushed her hair back from her face from behind, she didn’t turn around but pulled a drawer open and grabbed a T-shirt.

“I don’t mean to belittle what we did, Jacob. I’m just being honest with myself, with both of us.” Still not turning around, she looked for socks, using the T-shirt to wipe the tears so he wouldn’t see them when she had to turn around.

“We made love, Lizzy. You can say it because that’s what we did. I’m not sure where we go from here, but you’re not going to just drive back to Jackson like nothing happened.” He let his hand settle on her shoulder squeezing it gently before pulling her back to lean against him. He wrapped his arms around her.

Lizzy closed her eyes and allowed her head to rest against his shoulder. What would it hurt to let herself feel what he was offering. It couldn’t hurt any more than it was going to, anyway. Just this once, to enjoy what was there and worry about the rest tomorrow.

Turning slowly in his arms, she wrapped her arms around him and savored the feel of his warm skin against her cheek. It felt so good to be held like this, so right. Why couldn’t it work out? Banishing this from her mind, she looked up and smiled at him.

“Okay, let’s just deal with the rest when it happens. I can’t lie and say I’m not affected by you, because I am. You feel good to me, Jacob.”

“Good, now let’s go back to bed and you can tell me what you’re going to do tomorrow. I’ll let Chase out for a second while you get comfortable. I’m not leaving tonight, so deal with it.”

His smile was warm, but there was a seriousness about his face that told her he meant it. He wasn’t going anywhere. Lizzy just nodded and dropped her arms so he could take the patient dog outside. Once he’d closed the door, she let out a breath and made peace with her decision. Just this once she wouldn’t run away until afterwards.

Chapter Fourteen

The insistent push of a cold nose against the back of his neck finally stirred Jacob out of sleep. He could wake instantly with the sound of a knock or the ring of the phone, but Chase’s cold nose meant home and nothing was wrong, he just needed to wake up. He enjoyed that sort of alarm clock even if it was wet and cold. The added weight of Lizzy’s head against his shoulder and the faint whiff of peach shampoo drifting from her hair only added to the contentment he felt waking up this morning.

Opening his eyes, he smiled at the sight of her, still sleeping in his arms. Sometime during the night, he’d thrown his leg over hers, pinning her to the bed, her head on his arm. Which, he realized now, was very much asleep. Chuckling softly, he slowly attempted to extract his arm from under her, laying her head back on the pillow. Trying to scoot away without waking her up and without the use of one arm proved next to impossible. Opting instead to roll over, he landed on the floor, realizing too late the bed wasn’t that big.

Chase managed to sidestep him and keep from being crushed, but was instantly hovering over him to be sure he was okay. Since he’d landed on his face, the idea of a cold nose on another part of his anatomy spurred him to action. The musical laugh above him was even more of an incentive.

“Are you laughing at my butt?”

“No, I’m laughing at you for falling out of bed!”

“If I hadn’t been trying to keep from waking you up, I wouldn’t have fallen.”

“Don’t pin the blame on me!”

“Here.” Jacob extended his hand upward towards her. “Give me a hand up.” When Lizzy grabbed hold of his hand and prepared to pull him up, he pulled down instead and she rolled off the bed to land on top of him.

“Whoa.” She yelped, laughing. “That was crazy. I could have hurt you.”

“Could have? I think you did.” Jacob sputtered with laughter, and they both squealed when Chase dove on top licking and nosing them in concern.

Moving out from under Lizzy, he gave Chase a rowdy head rub before getting to his feet. Holding his hand out to help her up, he wasn’t surprised when she just raised her eyebrows and, ignoring it, got up without his help.

“You think I’m going to trust you after that?” Her eyes sparkled with laughter, giving Jacob another jolt of heat.

“I’m taking a quick shower, care to join me?” He waggled his eyebrows, nodding towards the bathroom.

“I sort of doubt there’d be anything quick about it if I did. I think I’ll just wait for you to finish. Don’t use up all the hot water.” She waved him off and, pulling her robe off a chair, slipped it on.

Jacob closed the door behind him and turned the shower on, adjusting the water to a tepid temperature. It hit him, as he stepped into the shower’s spray like a sucker punch in the stomach. He was humming! He didn’t hum.

****

While Jacob showered, Lizzy took advantage of the shower’s noise to make a phone call. She needed to make the arrangements for a headstone to be made for Carl’s great-granny. Pulling out the note pad where she’d made notes when Carl described his mother’s, she hoped it would be a close enough match. With Carl banished while Jacob was close by, she had to rely on her memory and the notes she’d made. She couldn’t waste anymore time getting it ordered. Jacob, as well as the preacher, would expect it to be ready.

Even though she was thankful not to be plagued with Carl’s insistent chatter and obnoxious habits, this was one of those times she really needed to talk with him. There were still too many questions unanswered, and the other unmarked grave to deal with. She couldn’t just leave the poor boy hidden away like that. He deserved a proper burial and his family deserved to know what happened to him. She’d have to think of a way to discover it or have someone else discover it once she left. Dropping her head into her hands she felt totally overwhelmed again. She would have to worry about that later. She needed to get Carl’s situation settled first, and with any luck, the good Reverend Coggins was going to be able to help her take care of that pretty soon.

Two hours later, grabbing a couple of sausage and biscuits to go, coffee for Jacob and a Diet Coke for Lizzy, they pulled up at Jacob’s house outside of town. He had some errands to run that afternoon and didn’t think Chase would want to stay confined to the back of the truck all day so he insisted she ride with him out to his place so he could drop the dog off. He would drop her off at the motel on his way back. Chase jumped out of the truck bed as soon as it rolled to a stop, heading towards a row of trees out back of the house.

“He’s got some rabbits back there that drive him crazy. He runs around their briar bushes waiting for them to come out so he can chase them. I don’t get it, he’s one of the most intelligent mutts I’ve ever been around, but he goes out there everyday to wait for them.” Jacob waited for her to enter the house once he’d unlocked the door.

“It’s just a game, Jacob. He knows better. He just entertains himself that way and probably the rabbits expect it of him now.” Lizzy noticed right away how comfortable the place felt. He had family photos sitting on several of the tables and comfortable pillows and throws on the chairs. She was impressed at how warm and homey it was. Not only that, it reflected him.

Following him into the kitchen, she realized he was talking about the place and how it suited him. It had one bedroom, a den, and the eat-in kitchen off to the side. Lizzy admired the curtains on the kitchen windows. They looked handmade and were colorful with geometric designs.

“My sister made those for me and sent them when I moved out here. She wove the cloth herself.” His pride of her and her work showed on his face.

“You’re kidding. They’re beautiful.” Lizzy fingered them, finding the cloth to be soft but with body to it. “How did she get the designs on the cloth?”

Laughing, Jacob wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her to stand in front of him. “She’s a master weaver. She teaches weaving and fabric design at the local college at home.” He pulled her tight against him, his fingers laced behind her just above her butt.

“I’m not surprised! Does she take orders or make things for the public? I’d love to order something from her.” Lizzy struggled to lean around Jacob, looking at the curtains again.

“I’m sure she would be happy to make something for you.” Chuckling he turned her away from the curtains again. “I’ll ask her, but you’ll have to give me an idea of the colors and pattern you like.” He leaned sideways when she did, trying to block her view of the curtains in a playful move.

“Hey! You’re supposed to be gazing up at me in adoration, not ogling my sister’s curtains!”

Lizzy punched his arm good-naturedly knowing she had a silly smile on her face. He was entirely too smug and sure of himself. She felt comfortable with him, which was something that surprised her. She rarely felt comfortable around any man, and especially not one she was attracted to. Maybe it was because she knew she would be leaving him behind when she went home. The thought dampened her mood, leaving a sick feeling in the pit of her stomach. Banishing those thoughts from her mind, she snuck an X-rated squeeze from the man in question, laughing when he bent over to protect himself.

“You don’t want to start something you aren’t going to finish!” He growled as she scooted away from him.

“Start what? I’m not starting anything.”

“Really? Maybe I’m the one starting something then.” He lunged for her and missing, chased her into the den where he caught her before she got the door open to race outside. Trapping her against the door, he turned her around and raised her arms over her head, pinning them to the door with his hands.

“Where were you planning on going?” He kissed her chin and then her forehead. “I have the keys to my truck in my pocket.” He kissed each of her eyes and then her nose. “Somehow I don’t see you walking back to town in this heat.” He lightly ran his tongue over her lips before kissing them. “So, did you need a ride somewhere? I’ll take you for the right price…”

Lizzy laughed and bit him on the chin. “No funny business. You have errands, you said, and I want to talk to my friend’s cousin about the headstone.”

Jacob dropped his head so that their foreheads bumped. “You are so cruel. Teasing me and then saying no.” He yelped and jumped back still holding her hands to the door above her head when she brought her knee up playfully.

“Cut the sweet talk and let me go, buster. We’re burning daylight, and I would rather not have to deal with country roads at night.” Lizzy pulled against his hands as she spoke.

Jacob laughed and let go of her hands, jumping out of reach in case she decided to retaliate again. When she only shook her head and made to open the door again, he reached out, pinching her on the butt before retreating to the kitchen and safety.

“Let me grab some water and a pack of peanut butter crackers. I’m not sure how long it’ll be before I finish and I don’t want to be without.” His voice followed her out the door, muffled from the other room.

“I’m going to say goodbye to Chase if he’s made it back from his jaunt. I’ll be out by the truck.” Lizzy closed the door behind her scanning the tree line for Chase. The sun already beat down with the intensity of a furnace reflecting off the hood of Jacob’s truck. Shielding her eyes with her hands, she whistled even though she couldn’t see the dog across the field. He still hadn’t shown up when Jacob joined her, juggling several water bottles and a paper bag. Obviously, the rabbits were much more interesting than saying goodbye to Jacob and Lizzy.

****

Lizzy drove past the wood frame house in desperate need of a new paint job. James lived two blocks from the Indianola hospital on a narrow street lined with similar houses, some brick and some sporting vinyl siding. She’d been relieved to find that Carl’s cousin didn’t live outside of town, after all, and turned into his drive after turning around at the end of the street. The gravel and brick drive looked as if it had been added later and wasn’t an original part of the yard. The brown grass dotted with dandelions and other weeds butted up against the porch where two wilted azalea bushes attempted to grow next to the steps.

She wasn’t too thrilled about this, but she needed to see if she could use Carl’s distant cousin as back up if worse came to worse and she needed to relocate great-granny. Speaking of Carl, where was he? It suddenly occurred to her he hadn’t popped up after Jacob dropped her off at the motel. Maybe some of whatever it was about Jacob had rubbed off on her! Now that was incentive to mess around with Jacob if she’d needed one. Na, she couldn’t be so lucky.

Sighing with resignation, Lizzy made a visible attempt at brightening her smile as she stepped up on the porch. She had no idea what to expect of Carl’s third cousin, James Harris, otherwise called Junior by everyone, according to Carl. He might be a nice sociable man, but tight with his wallet, or he could be just as aggravating as Carl. Maybe it ran in the family. She needed to be ready for the unexpected. If Junior figured out she wasn’t the old friend she was claiming to be, he could cause trouble. And she didn’t need more of that by any means!

Hearing the drone of a TV inside, she rang the doorbell, When no one answered the door right away, she rang the bell again, leaning in to listen to be sure it worked. The muffled ring of the bell assured her it did, so she waited. This time, the sounds of movement could be heard, followed by footsteps drawing nearer to the door. Lizzy stepped back just before the door opened and a gruff looking man peered through the screen.

“Yeah? What do you want?” He squinted as he opened the door a fraction.

“Mr. Harris? James Harris?” Lizzy smiled brightly and held out her hand in greeting.

“Uh, yeah.” The puzzled look on his face coupled with his hesitation at shaking her hand gave her the idea that Junior wasn’t used to people being openly friendly with him unless they wanted something. Great, she thought to herself, just great.

“I’m Lizzy Gordon, Carl’s friend from Jackson?” She took his hand when he held it out, shaking it enthusiastically. “You’re Junior, right? He told me about you. I wanted to come by and introduce myself and all before I went back home.” Stepping back a half step, a thoughtful look in place, she clasped her hands in front of her. “You look just like he described you.”

Junior smiled uncertainly and opened the screen wider. “Didn’t realize he talked about me much.” His uncertain smile made her uneasy.

“Oh, well he really didn’t talk about you that much, but he mentioned you as the closest relative he had outside his wife. Told me what you looked like, and that you didn’t much like visiting folks.” Lizzy backed off a bit on the smile and changed it to one that was closer to embarrassment instead.

“Actually, he said you two got along fine, but didn’t have much to do with each other. I guess I tend to pretty things up when they aren’t all positive.”

“That sounds like him, alright.” Junior chuckled out loud. “He did a lot of socializing and stuff with his catfish farming friends, and I ain’t too outgoing myself so we didn’t cross paths very often.” Hesitating a second, he shrugged and stood back in the doorway, holding the screen door open wider. “Come on in and you can tell me what else he had to say.”

“Thank you, I’d love to talk to you just a minute. I’m planning on leaving in the next couple of days. I was just finishing up some things.” Lizzy stepped inside the house noting the shabby furniture and dull green carpet. Despite the worn carpet and furniture, the rooms she could see appeared clean and well kept. Junior wasn’t a slob, by any means.

“You can sit on the sofa if you want. I have ice tea and pop if you want something to drink.” He appeared to be nervous as she sat on the sofa. He really wasn’t used to company.

“Oh, ice tea sounds refreshing if you’re sure you don’t mind,” Lizzy smiled encouragingly. It would be nice, as hot as it was outside.

“No trouble. I’ll be right back.” Junior shuffled off to the back of the house where she could still hear a TV playing. Looking around she realized that Junior probably didn’t have the money to move great-granny. He might consent to it if she figured out a way to cover the cost, but he wasn’t going to be of much help otherwise she was sure. Leave it to Carl to muddy the water.

“It’s sweet tea, hope you don’t mind, but I always fix it that way.” He handed her the cold glass and sat across from her with a glass of his own. “How long had you known Carl?” He took a drink and sat the glass on a coaster on the table next to him.

“Oh, not long. He was in Jackson several times a year on business. We mostly talked about his family. He liked talking about them and about Indianola and Belzoni. He liked being part of the catfish business up here and seemed to enjoy representing the industry when he was in Jackson.

“Yea, that’s Carl for you. He liked to be the center of attention more than he liked actually working.” Junior’s pursed lips hinted at a smile, but he only shook his head. “He went to Jackson pretty often and his wife was none too happy about it.” He leaned back in his chair and crossed his legs. Taking another sip of his tea before setting it on the heel of his boot, the rumpled distant cousin cleared his throat before continuing.

“Ah, he was married, you know that, don’t you?” Junior studied her face, watching her closely for some sign she hadn’t known.

“Oh yes, he talked about his wife and kids.” She put her hand to her mouth as if in shock at what he was thinking. “You don’t—I mean we weren’t—Carl and I were just friends! I would never date a married man!” The thought of dating Carl at all gave credibility to her face without having to work at it.

“Oh, well, I didn’t mean to accuse you of anything, but Carl had a roving eye.” Junior looked sheepish but didn’t apologize.

“Oh, no, we just talked about his family was all. I mean, I didn’t have one, so he liked telling me about his. I think it helped both of us ‘cause he missed his mom and granny so much.”

“Yeah, Carl’s mom was a great woman. She was always nice to me and invited me over for Sunday dinner every week. Carl doted on that woman. Shame he didn’t dote on his wife the same way.” Sighing, he just shook his head.

“Well, that’s why I’m here in town anyway. Because of his mom and great-granny, that is.” She hurried on when he gave her a startled look.

“See, Carl made a promise to his mom before she died. He promised to move his great-granny next to her. Said when he died, he wanted everyone to be in the same cemetery, but he didn’t get around to that before he had that heart attack.” Lizzy smiled sadly at Junior and took a sip of the tea. It was really good, she realized.

“Carl wasn’t much on thinking ahead. Always thought there was plenty of time to take care of other things, like mending fences amongst his relatives.” The sad look that fell over Junior’s face left a guilty taste in Lizzy’s mouth.

“I guess I really should be going, I appreciate the tea. It was very refreshing.” Getting to her feet, Lizzy smiled. “I just wanted to come by and say hi and offer my sympathy for your loss. I didn’t know him that long, but he was nice enough, and I knew how much he wanted to be sure his great-granny was moved close to his momma. I just haven’t been able to figure out how to do it, so I might as well head back home.”

“You were actually going to see to having her moved?” Junior stood at the same time she did, his face showing total disbelief.

“I was hoping to see if it could even be done and then approach you or his wife about that, but she doesn’t seem too broken up over Carl’s death so I decided to leave that be.”

“She wouldn’t believe you for a minute, but I think it’s right nice you looked into it. If I had the money, I’d see to it myself, now as I know. Carl’s mom and my mom were second cousins and I remember how close she and my mom were.” His face looked sad a moment, but he smiled and headed towards the door. “Thanks for stopping by to talk. It means something to know he mentioned me, and that he thought about his momma and great-granny like that. I always wondered if he thought about anyone other than himself.”

Lizzy clamped down on her lower lip to hold back the comment on the edge of her tongue. No use in speaking ill of the dead, she reminded herself, even if it was Carl. Nothing would come of it and at least Junior felt better about the man. She was glad she hadn’t asked him about helping her exhume the grave. Not only could he not afford, but she didn’t want to involve him in whatever was going on with R.A. Monroe.

“Thanks for letting me say hi and for the ice tea. You take care, Junior.” At his nod and wave, Lizzy walked back to her car and headed back to the motel. One more door closed. She actually heard this one slam behind her.

Back in her room, Lizzy sat at the table and took stock of the situation. If praying over that grave didn’t work then she was just about out of options. Short of digging the woman up herself and reburying her, she didn’t know which direction to look next. Add to that, the problem of the hidden grave, and Lizzy felt like she was batting zero.

“You slept with him!” A voice boomed like thunder from behind her. Lizzy nearly fell out of her chair trying to stand up and turn around.

“What in the hell do you think you’re doing?” she yelled back at Carl once she was able to breathe again. “You scared me near to death! Don’t ever do that again!”

“Me?” He growled. Anger flashed from his eyes. “You went to bed with a bear! Not just any smokey, either, but the one I keep telling you has something weird about him.” He stormed through her to the other side of the room, oblivious to her sudden yelp at the feeling.

“Carl, you aren’t my mother or my father. I can sleep with whomever I choose and there is nothing wrong with Jacob!” She followed him across the room, glaring back just as darkly. “You’re just pissed because you can’t be around him. It takes away some of your control. Well, deal with it! You’re dead and that means you don’t get control!”

Lizzy realized her anger had grown nearly strong enough to taste and, shaking her head, struggled to crush it down inside her. It wouldn’t do any good and they needed to talk. Lizzy rubbed the back of her neck, trying to smooth the tension kinks Carl had caused.

“Look Carl, we need to think about what our options are if Reverend Coggins prays over the grave for us and it doesn’t help your problem.”

“Our problem.” He quickly corrected, obviously still steamed. “I think we have another problem to think about, as well, now.” Carl plopped down on the bed a dejected look on his sallow face.

“Another problem? What?”

“R.A. is acting odd. He followed you to my cousin’s house and then once you left, he went in.”

“Why didn’t you say anything when you saw him?” Lizzy couldn’t believe he’d let his anger over her and Jacob interfere with something that important. Her own temper flared to life again.

“I couldn’t! He’s all over you and I had to wait until you didn’t feel so much like him. I’m telling you there is something different about that man.” At her raised eyebrows Carl raised his hands in defeat. “Okay, okay, but the fact remains, I get can’t be anywhere close to you when he’s around, and after you two have been all over each other like dogs in heat.”

Ignoring his crude comment Lizzy began to pace, trying to think what was next.

“Damn, what could R.A. be up to? Why would he follow me unless he has something to hide?”

“He does have something to hide! There’s a murdered kid buried on his property.” Carl’s head swiveled back and forth as he watched her pace.

“What does he have to gain by seeing your cousin? Did they know each other?” When a sheepish expression appeared on his face, Lizzy just shook her head. “Never mind, you two weren’t very close, were you? You wouldn’t know who he hung around with on a regular basis because you pretty much ignored him.” Lizzy threw up her hands and attacked the mini-fridge for a Diet Coke when she made it back to that side of the room. She could use the kick from the caffeine. Carl’s head rotated almost all the way around to follow her.

“So, what do we do about that hidden grave?” Carl carefully kept his face neutral and his voice calm.

“I don’t know, Carl, I’m thinking. The body will have to stay where it is until after I leave. Then I’ll send an anonymous tip to the sheriff’s office with enough details to arouse their interest so they check it out. It would help if I knew the kid’s name. They could check and verify he was missing first, which would reinforce the tip.” Pulling deeply on her drink, she sat down next to Carl. “I’m more worried about great-granny’s grave than I am about the other one, right now.”

“Yeah, I know. Liz girl, if this doesn’t work, we might have to figure a way to get her grave excavated.”

“Exhumed, Carl.” Correcting him without really thinking, Lizzy felt the niggling of an idea in the back of her mind. Maybe that was just what she needed to do anyway, draw attention to the murdered teenager.

“Well, dug up, then. Same difference.” Eyebrows bunched in confusion he looked over to where Lizzy sat perfectly still, drink half way to her mouth and an odd expression on her face.

“Uh, Lizzy? Something wrong with you?”

“What if they discover the hidden grave and the tip hints at other graves around the outside of the cemetery?” Without acknowledging Carl’s question she stood up and began to pace again. “They’d check the entire area out once they had proof of one grave.” Stopping in front of Carl, she chewed her bottom lip, not really looking at him but through him.

“Lead them to the hidden grave, but hint at other graves as well. Maybe give a vague description of where great-granny is buried but don’t lead them directly to it.” Lizzy resumed her pacing, picking up speed the more excited she became. “If they find it on their own, they’ll have to check it out.” Carl’s head bobbed back and forth, keeping up with her frantic pace.

“Then Junior will need to find out they dug her up and demand she be buried next to you or your mom.” She could feel the excitement at the idea build.

“Sounds good in theory, but I’m not so sure that’ll work.” Carl’s interruption startled her as she almost fell trying to stop.

“Why not?” She couldn’t read his expression. Either it was the unusual gray color or the droopiness but Lizzy couldn’t tell what he was thinking.

“She’ll be in a coffin and the dead guy,” Carl pointed at her, making a face, “won’t be. I think that’s gonna stop them from digging any further, don’t you?”

“Sure it will, but by then, Junior can get wind of it and have them move her. I mean she’s basically already dug up, what would be the problem with moving her then?”

“Money, for one thing, and paperwork for another.” Carl gave her a weary look, making his jowls hang even farther from his mouth.

“I guess you’re right. Just seems like something has to work.” Lizzy threw her empty bottle in the trash. Disgusted with the turn of events so far, she started to turn the TV on to catch the news and weather when Carl suddenly rose to the ceiling.

“He’s back, got to go now! If you two are going to….”

“Don’t say it, Carl. I mean it.” Before she could fuss anymore at him, he disappeared. “Sometimes that is a little too convenient!” She muttered under her breath. Moving to open the door for Jacob, she was startled when he pushed the door open so hard it slammed back against the wall.

“Just who the hell are you?” Jacob’s voice stung like shards of ice. The coldness in his voice matched the look in his eyes.

“What do you mean? You saw my driver’s license and checked it out. I’m Elizabeth Gordon!” Fear burned inside her, the bitter taste of bile threatened to make her sick, but she held it back. Something wasn’t right. What had he found out? How?

“I know your name, what I don’t know is why you’re here. It isn’t because you were passing through on your way back from a meeting.” He advanced on her, kicking the door shut behind him. “And you didn’t know Carl Taylor as well as you claim.” The steely set to his mouth told her all she needed to know about where she stood with him now.

Jacob was dead serious and wasn’t going to back off. Nothing she said would make any difference, as angry as he was, and maybe it wouldn’t matter, anyway. His errands had been to check up on her, obviously. He hadn’t trusted her to begin with, only played her to suit his needs. Her own anger woke out of shock and she latched onto it with a vengeance.

“You checked up on me?” Indignation seemed out of place, but she was beyond caring. It was all falling apart around her. “You didn’t have errands to run, you went digging into my life to see what nasty little secrets you could find.” Jacob didn’t seem to hear what she was saying, he continued as if she’d never said a word.

“In fact, you work at the clinic where he died. So don’t try and wiggle out of this. Just what kind of game are you playing?” His hands flexed at his sides as Lizzy watched them curl into fists, then relax, over and over, driving her anxiety and anger even higher.

“What does that prove? He came there for help.”

“Did you figure out he was loaded and think you might be able to squeeze a little money out of someone? Cook up an affair to blackmail his family with?” Taking another step towards her he laughed wildly. “Only there isn’t anyone left but his wife and two kids.

“So, what all did you find out about me to back up your little conspiracy theory? Did you find out about my years in a mental hospital? It that what tipped you off? Makes me a prime candidate for evil, doesn’t it!” Lizzy’s eyes stung with the effort of holding back the tears. Nearly blind from them swimming in her eyes, she almost missed the flinch when she mentioned the mental hospital. It didn’t stop him, though.

“So, what now? Swindle some money from them by claiming his great-granny needs a headstone? You plan to take the money and then run, is that it?”

“Maybe you and Carl did have an affair and when he showed up at the clinic and died right there in front of you the opportunity was too….”

“My relationship with Carl is none of your business.” She emphasized the last few words with her finger in his face. “I don’t have anything to say to you about it.”

“Like hell, you don’t!” His eyes widened in astonishment that she’d even say what she did. “I trusted you to tell me the truth. I was even helping you try and figure out what to do. You involved me in whatever scheme you have going on and I intend to find out what it is.”

“There’s no scheme. I’m just trying to get a headstone put on a grave that’s on some asshole’s land. Check and see. I’ve ordered the stone.”

“I already have and you ordered it yesterday. Why hadn’t you already ordered it? Was I getting to close to what you really have going on?”

He’d never believe her if she told him the truth and more than likely he’d have her locked back up for lunacy! All in the space of a few minutes, her world was crashing down around her again and she was helpless to stop it. Taking a deep breath, she made her decision. Probably the hardest one she’d ever made in her life.

“I’ve done nothing wrong, so you might as well just leave.” Swallowing back the tears threatening to fall, she made sure her face showed nothing of the devastation enveloping her. He couldn’t know how much this hurt.

“We’re not finished with this. You owe me an explanation.” Jacob moved so fast she didn’t have time to think about anything but the menacing look in his eyes.

Pinned against the wall with his hands at her shoulders, Lizzy knew he wouldn’t hurt her on purpose, but he wasn’t exactly thinking clearly right now and could hurt her without meaning to. She knew he would never be able to forgive himself if he did. She’d let her own anger over the situation get the better of her and fed his anger in the process.

“I don’t owe you anything, officer.” She raised her chin just a fraction, standing her ground. He’d hear the word ‘officer’ and come around. His instincts and training were too much a part of him to forget it.

Jacob froze, his dark eyes searching her face almost desperately. Dropping his hands from her shoulders his gaze drilled into hers, probably looking for some sign of her innocence. She saw how much he wanted to believe she was innocent, but it was too late. Too much had been said and it was better this way, anyway. They could never have any sort of future together. When he didn’t find what he was looking for, he turned around and left, slamming the door behind him.

Lizzy all but collapsed, sliding down the wall until she was slouched on the floor more like a puddle than a person. Tears etched their way down her face even as she vowed they wouldn’t. How had he gotten under her skin so easily? How had she fallen this deeply in love in so short a time? She couldn’t run away from it or deny it anymore. She was in love with him. She knew when they made love she would be leaving and he would be staying. Somewhere deep down inside, though, she’d held out hope that maybe this time it would be different and just maybe they could work something out. So much for hope.

All the frustration and aggravation of the last few days spilled over in her tears until she sobbed like a child, curled up on the floor. The disbelief and betrayal on his face haunted her, leaving her sick inside at the knowledge he would never have anything but anger for her. Her heart empty and fragmented, totally spent from crying, she waited until she could breathe without hiccupping to get to her feet. She didn’t have the luxury of walking away. She still had Carl and the problem of how to set him free.

Pacing back and forth in the room, she thought up all sorts of ideas and dismissed them just as quickly. Time was no longer a luxury for her. Forget that she was on vacation and only had a few days left. With Jacob angry at her, so to speak, she was sure he’d compromise her cover of being Carl’s friend. Lizzy decided the only thing left to do was to end this here and now. There was only one option left open for her. Great-granny had to be moved. She’d exhume the grave herself and rebury her tonight. It wasn’t exactly legal, but she’d run out of time now. It wouldn’t be easy, either, but she’d long ago learned nothing in her life ever was. She knew Jacob would talk to Reverend Coggins and stop any plans he was making to help her. If she didn’t do it tonight she’d never be able to do it at all.

She’d need a few things from the store. Plus she’d also need to wait until full dark before arriving there. Lucky for her, the cemetery was far enough back from the main road that no one lived close enough to notice her out there. She hoped. Making a list, she packed her suitcase so it would be ready when she finished at the cemetery. She’d need to leave as soon as she got back from the cemetery. Lizzy checked around the room to be sure she had everything packed and, grabbing her duffle bag, headed to the store. She needed a shovel, more bottled water and several cans of mosquito repellent, as well as a container for great-granny’s bones. There was no way she would be able to dig up the entire coffin and move it, alone.

As she locked the door behind her, she wondered if those citronella candles would be a good idea. They would offer a little extra light to see by and fumigate the area she worked in. She was still too upset over the look in Jacob’s eyes when he’d turned to leave.

****

The truck parked the next isle over from where Lizzy pulled into a vacant spot in the store parking lot. Its driver waited till she had entered the store before pulling the gun from the glove compartment and checking to be sure it was loaded. He placed it on the seat next to him and sat back to wait. He wasn’t worried she would slip by him. He already knew where she was going.

Chapter Fifteen

Lizzy cut the lights once she turned onto the gravel road leading to the cemetery. Driving slowly the last few miles, she used the light of the moon to locate the cemetery. Scattered clouds drifted over the luminous moon here and there, but she could see well enough to stay on the road. The cemetery suddenly appeared on her left, so she eased forward, locating the entrance for the old church. Pulling her car onto the grass between the church and the cemetery, she turned it around to face the road but kept it as far back as possible, to help shield it from the odd passing car. She wanted a straight shot back to the road once she was finished, though.

Lizzy quickly scanned the area after getting out of the car to be sure there was no one around before grabbing the new shovel and bag of supplies. Locating an open spot in the cemetery free of a grave would be her first move, so she would be able to move great-granny’s remains as soon as she unearthed them. As much as she detested the idea, she had already made peace with the fact she would need to move the bones and leave the coffin where it lay. She’d decided to put the bones in a plastic container. It would keep her dry and free of dirt if nothing else. It was better than a garbage bag and she’d bought a small pillow she would cover with a pink satin cloth to make it more personal.

Walking the cemetery in the dark, illuminated by a sliver of light hanging in the sky, Lizzy felt the spirits of several of the nearby graves calling out. Holding tight to her shields, she concentrated on finding a new resting place, an empty spot large enough for the plastic coffin. She’d nearly given up when she located a small area near the back of the cemetery between an infant and a teenage boy who’d died of polio at the age of fifteen. Pleased, she left one of the bags to mark the ground, making it easier to locate in a hurry. Taking up the brand new shovel, Lizzy donned the gloves and crossed the cemetery to begin to dig.

****

Jacob slammed the truck door behind him as he looked around for Chase. Where was he anyway? As if the dog heard his name, he came running around the side of the house with his tongue hanging out.

“Guess you did hear me, didn’t you, boy?” Unlocking the door, he waited for Chase to follow him inside before closing it behind them. No use slamming it, too, he admonished himself.

“Why did she lie to me, Chase? She could have told me the truth and explained why she was interested in that cemetery.” Jacob scratched the dog’s head absently before heading to the kitchen for a beer. Knowing he’d end up tripping over something if he didn’t turn on some lights, he opted instead to sit at the kitchen table in the dark.

“Spirit Guide, why didn’t you warn me she was lying?” Jacob waited impatiently turning the beer can around and around in his hands without opening it. The cold can quickly warmed in his hands, water beading on the sides, as did his frustration at the silence in his mind. What good did it do him to know things about strangers but not be able to tell when someone he knew wasn’t being honest?

“Perhaps when you are as smitten with someone as you are with this woman, you can’t hear me when I talk to you.” The Spirit Guide’s voice filled his mind and his heart. He knew this was true but it didn’t sit well with him. The spirit talked to him when he was open and listening. He hadn’t been doing much listening in the last day or two. Instead he’d allowed himself to be bowled over by Lizzy and her Oscar-worthy performance.

“Do not judge her so quickly. She’s not deceitful, son. She holds a secret within that keeps her from honesty with you. She has not lied for the sake of gain nor has she hidden the truth to hurt you. Think carefully on this, Jacob. This is a fork in the road on your journey and you must choose your direction with care.”

Chase, feeling Jacob’s frustration or the Spirit Guide’s presence, whined softly at his feet. Jacob rubbed his hands over his face, stumped over the cryptic message his Spirit Guide left. He never offered advice in plain English. Jacob usually found himself solving a puzzle or puzzling over a riddle. The absurdity of this last thought made him wince. He needed a shower to wash away some of the cobwebs as well as the tension in his body. He almost groaned out loud as he stood up, feeling the tightness across his shoulders and back. How long had he been sitting there like that? A nice, hot shower could only help at this point. The warm beer forgotten, he headed to the back of the little house.

“Come on, Chase. You can guard the door against intruders.” The dog cocked his head to one side and followed Jacob to the bathroom where he promptly made himself comfortable near the door. Jacob smiled down at the dog.

“At least I wasn’t the only one she fooled. You’re supposed to have an excellent judge of character. What happened?” Pulling his shirt over his head, he chuckled when the dog tilted his head left and then right as if he were thinking. Chase’s keen awareness concerning his moods and the many conversations he had with the dog often made him wonder if Chase could really understand, or if his Spirit Guide talked to Chase more than he talked to him.

Free of clothes now, he shrugged at the dog and turned on the shower, adjusting the temperature to his liking. Without realizing it, his mind turned to Lizzy and what she might be doing right now. That one thought was enough and he groaned out loud, pounding the wall with his fist before stepping into the spray. Chase didn’t flinch from his position by the door and only rested his head on his paws while Jacob attempted to shower away his frustration and grief.

****

The shovel was heavy to begin with, but after nearly thirty minutes of digging, it felt like she’d been lifting weights for over an hour. Her arms were already sore and protesting with each new shovel of dirt. They ached and trembled with each new effort to lift the shovel. Stopping to rest, Lizzy grabbed a bottle of water from her pack and drank the entire thing. Viewing the hole from a few feet away, she sighed, the urge to cry almost too strong to overcome. She’d dug a decent sized hole, but it wasn’t nearly deep enough to reach the coffin. At this rate, she’d be lucky to have great-granny’s remains above ground before two a.m. She still had to dig the new grave to relocate her. Granted, it wouldn’t need to be nearly as deep or large, but it would take time, regardless.

Finishing off the bottle of water, she made sure to tuck it back into the bag. Time to get back to digging. Grabbing the shovel leaning against a marker, she had an eerie feeling of being watched. She looked around but didn’t see anyone and hadn’t heard anyone, either. Chalking it up to nerves, she rammed the shovel into the hard earth. As she stepped up on the blade to push deeper into the dry soil, Carl poked his head out of the ground in front of the shovel. His sudden appearance startled her, but she just kept on digging. That had to be where the uneasy feeling had come from. Carl was on his way to make her life even more miserable than it was. If the shovel went through his neck, it wouldn’t hurt him and it would give her a little silent satisfaction right about now.

“Hey, girl! What are you doing?” Floating out of the ground he settled himself on top of the nearest marker. Then realization donned on him. “Uh oh, something went wrong if you’re digging up great-granny.”

“Yeah, you could say that.” Sarcasm dripped like syrup as she stomped on the shovel with enough force to bury it a good four inches in the concrete-like earth. “Jacob found out I didn’t really know you before you died. So, he’s suspicious about what I’m doing here and why I’m so interested in this grave.” Another shovel of dirt landed to the side.

Carl moved closer to where she was digging managing a careful expression before he asked, “What did you tell him?”

“I told him he needed to leave. I didn’t have anything to say to him. He wasn’t going to believe me if I told him the truth.” Without looking up, she continued digging, throwing the dirt to the side. When some of it went through Carl, he grimaced and moved over.

“What if you get caught out here, Lizzy? Someone might see you and call the police.”

“Outside the city limits, Carl, they’ll call the sheriff’s office.”

“Don’t pick straws with me, girl, you know what I’m saying.” Carl stuck his hands on his hips and glared at her. His face didn’t drip skin or look pasty now. He was too caught up in what she was doing to maintain his usual sickening illusion.

“Carl, it’s no use.” She couldn’t keep the weariness out of her voice. “We aren’t going to be able to take care of this through legal channels. Reverend Coggins isn’t going to bless the tombstone or see to having the cemetery enlarged once Jacob talks to him.”

Lifting another shovel full of dirt, Lizzy flung it to the side with a grunt. “This is the only option we have left.”

“Wish I could at least help you dig.” Carl actually looked guilty and a little sad. “I mean I know it’s hard work, digging Yazoo clay this time a’ year.”

Looking down, he mumbled grumpily. “You know, it really sucks to be a ghost sometimes.” A shovel of dirt landed at his feet.

“You can help me another way.” Lizzy stopped digging and leaned on the shovel. She was beginning to get winded. “Watch the roads for me and let me know if anyone turns down one that’ll bring them by here. I can stop and lay on the ground while they pass by if I know ahead of time.”

“Yeah! I can do that. I’ll float up and keep watch for you.” His enthusiasm so genuine it was almost childlike. He quickly shot upwards, hovering above her to stand watch. “Nothing so far!” He called down almost immediately.

Lizzy grimaced but waved briefly before she started digging again. She actually didn’t feel quite as anxious about being alone now. Plus, he was helping and he was out of her way. Good thing no one else could hear him, though, she thought to herself as she tossed another shovel of dirt to the side. His voice was pretty loud.

Over and over she buried the shovel deep in the ground, tossing the dirt to the side as she deepened the hole. After what felt like an eternity, the shovel hit something solid, sending shock waves up her arms. Using her hands to brush away the dirt, Lizzy confirmed it to be wood before she started enlarging the hole. Twice while she lifted out shovels full of dirt Carl called out a warning of an approaching car. Lizzy either flattened to the ground or ducked into the hole. The cars passed by without slowing.

“How are you doing down there?” Carl called down.

Lizzy waved him down so she could whisper. “I’m to the coffin, but I have to dig out enough to open it.” She wiped sweat from her eyes using the hem of her T-shirt. “If I can find the top part that opens separately from the rest of the coffin, it will cut down on the digging.” Weariness rasped in her voice as she picked up the shovel again, arms and hands trembling with exhaustion.

“You’re doing great! A lot faster than I thought you would be, considering how hard the ground is out here. I wish I could help with that part.” Carl flashed a tentative smile before flying back to his perch to continue his watch.

Lizzy thought he sounded like a football coach giving his team the halftime pep talk, but she actually appreciated it. She could use the support after all she’d dealt with today, let alone the entire trip! Despite the progress she’d made so far, there was still a lot of digging left for the night. Beyond exhausted and unsure how she was still able to lift shovel after shovel of dirt with her muscles quivering as they were doing now, she prayed for a little more strength to see her through this. Settling into a rhythm of dig, lift, and throw, she managed to clear dirt from around the edges of the casket’s top three feet exposing the area where the coffin would open.

Checking the time on her watch, Lizzy found it to be just after one in the morning. If she could manage to get the lid up and the remains removed in less than an hour, she would stand a fairly good chance of finishing up before the sun rose. The biggest hurdle left now was dealing with great-granny’s remains. Would they be merely bones now or something a bit more? Oh, she really didn’t want to do this. Her most fervent prayer asked that there only be bones left in the casket.

Shoving the edge of the shovel’s blade into the crack between the lid and base, Lizzy shoved hard, using her foot to kick the shovel deeper into the crack. Once she had the blade part of the shovel as far as she could manage between the lid and base, she lifted the handle up while still applying pressure to the blade. Prying with all her might, the first splintering sound brought a noise from her mouth before she could prevent it. Her arms, already rubbery from digging, burned and ached with the effort of prying up the lid, but after what felt like an eternity, it finally gave.

Lizzy almost fell over the top of the casket when the shovel slid effortlessly inside. Breathing heavily from the effort it took to break the lid open, she leaned on the casket briefly to catch her breath and prepare for what she would find when she opened the lid. Closing her eyes for a moment, she knelt on top of the still partially buried casket and grasping the splintered edges of the lid, pulled upward until it rested against the opposite side. The stale smell of decay mixed with the rich smell of earth as Lizzie opened her eyes to what was left of great-granny Augustine Rhodes.

****

Jacob couldn’t sleep. He tossed and turned till the sheets no longer graced the bed but lay in a heap on the floor. Frustrated, he pulled a pillow over his head and groaned into it. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw Lizzy. Her sassy smile and auburn hair troubled his dreams so that he woke only to find the clock hadn’t moved much more than the last time he woke to look. This was useless, he realized at two o’clock. He might as well get up and dress, he wasn’t going to get any more sleep tossing and turning than he’d already gotten.

He pulled on jeans and a T-shirt before starting the coffee and freshening up Chase’s water. While he waited for the coffee to make, Jacob let his thoughts turn back to Lizzy since there wasn’t much point in trying to put her out of his mind. Why had she lied to him about knowing that Carl fellow? What did she gain in all this? The bubbling of the automatic coffee pot signaling it was finished hardly registered as he thought back over the last few days. She was more interested in having a headstone placed on this Carl’s great-grandmother’s grave than anything else.

Without thinking about it, he poured coffee into the mug, puzzling over Lizzy’s secrets. Taking a rather large gulp, he nearly dropped the cup and spewed coffee from his mouth as the hot liquid burned its way down his throat. Chase wandered in at the noise and choice words added for good measure. Cocking his head to the side, the dog stared up as if to ask, “What is wrong with you?”

Couldn’t blame him for wondering, Jacob thought to himself. He didn’t normally walk around in a daze. Something about that woman had him all tied up in knots. He couldn’t believe it was just the physical part of their relationship that drove him to distraction. He’d never been a slave to his sexual desires. No, something about her called to him on a spiritual level and he just couldn’t figure out why.

The early morning sounds of birds just beginning to wake drifted to him when he opened his back door a few minutes later. Chase followed him outside and stretched out next to where he sat on the top step, waiting for the sun to rise. It would still be over two hours before the first rays peeked above the distant tree line to illuminate the rice fields that bordered the land his rental sat on. Now, the frogs were croaking and the cries of the early morning birds searching for breakfast created a melody that Jacob enjoyed listening to in the predawn stillness.

“You know, Chase, she really seemed more concerned about the grave being on R.A.’s property than about the headstone, now that I think about it. I wonder why?” Cradling the mug in his left hand, Jacob scratched the dog’s ears. “Why would it matter to her if the grave was in the cemetery or out of the cemetery?” Chase whined on cue watching Jacob’s face for his signals.

“And where does the hidden body fit into this, the one she mentioned in the notes I read?” Absently, he ran his hand up and down the dog’s back as he mulled the problem over in his mind.

“The description of where the body is fits with the way the ground dips there. How did she know about it in the first place and what did she know about how it got there?” When the dog continued to stare at him, Jacob shook his head, chuckling out loud. “I’m sure you’re just eaten up with curiosity yourself, aren’t you, boy?”

Chase licked his face and settled his muzzle in Jacob’s lap. Scratching him behind the ears, he set the coffee on the step beside him. Once the sun rose, he’d decided what his next step would be. He needed to talk with Lizzie again, only without all the fireworks, and find out what was going on. He never should have busted in on her and accused her like he did. It was no wonder she hadn’t attempted to explain anything, it wouldn’t have done any good, considering the foul mood he’d been in. Now that he’d had time cool off and step back to think about it, he wanted to hear her side. He couldn’t believe he was so far off base as to think she was someone he could love, only to find out she wasn’t who she’d said she was.

Raising the coffee to his lips again, Jacob was careful to sip and not gulp. The richness of the dark roast filled his mouth with flavor and the smell wafted to his nostrils reminding him of waking up in the pre-dawn hours to the smell and the knowledge his father was up and preparing for work. He’d wait for the sun to rise and then he’d change and go visit Lizzy. They needed to have a talk. Chase whined in agreement before leaning into Jacob and resting his head against his stomach. Chase was right, he needed to apologize as well, but first he’d hear her out.

****

Lizzie sighed in relief, letting her breath out in a long hiss. She hadn’t realized she’d been holding it while she forced the lid of the coffin open and back on its hinges. The remains of Carl’s great-granny were merely bones in what was once a pretty lavender dress, from what she could make of it. Careful to keep from tumbling the loose dirt into the coffin, Lizzy reached down and gently lifted the skull and upper torso of the skeleton to test how she would hold together. The instant sag and drop of the skull and neck from the shoulders answered that question almost instantly. She’d have to make sure all the bones made it to the other grave, so the box she’d brought with her would come in handy.

Climbing back out of the freshly dug hole, she grabbed the plastic box with its satin lined pillow in the bottom and dropped it back into the grave. Just before she followed it, Lizzy felt a stir of unease along her skin. Something or someone was out there, but she didn’t actually see anyone as hard as she tried to, looking around her. Taking another moment to search the area with her senses, she couldn’t place the origin of her unease and, unable to sense it now, wondered if her imagination was playing tricks on her. Probably her guilty conscience paying her back for the lies and half-truths she’d told over the last week. Wiping the sweat from her forehead with the back of her arm, she added to her sins to feel guilty about, digging up a grave and moving it on the sly. Surely God would forgive her this, since it was for a good reason.

Shaking free the remnants of worry clinging to her soul, she slid back into the open grave and began the arduous task of transferring each bone from the coffin to the box making sure she didn’t miss a single one. Thankfully, the hand and foot bones remained nearly intact. Reaching into the bottom of the casket still mostly covered by dirt was almost more than she could stand. The final few bones were too far into the casket for her to reach without climbing inside a few inches. The thought of becoming trapped in the casket crossed her mind several times as she carefully moved each bone to the box.

Once all the bones were accounted for and safely tucked into their new coffin, Lizzy closed the lid and lifted it over her head to the edge of the hole. Thankful to have completed the most objectionable part of the night, Lizzy rolled her shoulders to loosen the kinks and shake off the remainder of her unease. Recovering the shovel, she moved to the spot she’d chosen as great-granny’s new resting place and, after checking to see if Carl was still on duty, began to dig. The ground was as unyielding here as it had been on the other side of the cemetery. Relieved she wouldn’t have to dig as large or deep a hole, she ignored the burn in her back and shoulder muscles as she lifted yet another shovel of dirt. Despite the gloves, she had blisters on nearly every part of her hands. In fact, she had blisters on top of blisters and some of them were bleeding now.

It only took about forty-five minutes to dig a roughly three foot square grave that was all of four feet deep. The box would be well below any landscaping plans that might occur over the coming years and with its close proximity to little Esther C. Pennington, it was highly doubtful another grave would ever be dug in that spot. Lizzy lowered the box into the hole with as much care as she could. Carl stood across the new grave from her when she tossed the first shovel of dirt into the hole.

“Wow, you did it!” His eyes held hers for a moment so that she knew for certain just how relieved and appreciative he truly was. “Thank you, Lizzy. I can already feel the pull.” He glanced upward and then back to her, his expression softer and relaxed.

“Carl, I bid you peace and eternal rest.” She smiled at him and felt the beginning of his detachment as she once again shoveled dirt into the makeshift grave.

Lizzie had carefully lifted several large chunks of ground with the grass intact to one side, so once she had the dirt packed back into the hole, she could replace the large pieces to make the ground look as undisturbed as possible. She wouldn’t be able to do as well with the original grave, but since that wasn’t supposed to be a grave and wasn’t part of the cemetery anyway, she hoped it wouldn’t be noticed before it settled back into place. The weeds surrounding the old cemetery would hide the site from anyone passing by. The only person who might notice would be R.A. Monroe and she would be long gone by the time he noticed, at least she hoped so.

Setting the last piece of grassy earth over the grave, Lizzy gently pushed it back into the ground and carried the excess dirt with the shovel to the edge of the cemetery. It took three trips to remove the extra dirt from the area but it would keep the casual observer from noticing the change in the earth. Before tackling reburying the now empty casket, Lizzy bowed her head and prayed for a blessing of the earth and Carl’s great-granny. She prayed for peace for them all, including herself in the prayer. Somehow she didn’t see peace finding her anytime in the near future. Jacob’s image and the memory of his lovemaking would see to that.

One last tug took her breath and she knew Carl was free. She was free. Smiling to herself and taking in a lung full of fresh air, she headed back to the other grave to fill in the hole. Lizzy leaned the shovel against a nearby marker and, getting to her knees, reached down to close the casket lid. Just as her fingers touched the edge of the wood, Carl’s head exploded into view from the lining of the casket, fear etched deeply on his face. Startled, she sat back hard on the ground with a gasp. What was wrong?

“Lizzy, watch out!” He zoomed right through her taking her breath as he went. “R.A.’s behind you, run!”

Gasping desperately, she rolled to her feet and, jumping over the grave, took off across the cemetery towards her car. She managed to make it to the other side without running into a marker or falling over any partially hidden ones, but a hard knock to the back of her head sent her sprawling. She felt the gravel and dirt at the edge of the cemetery dig into the palms of her hands and her knees. Already blistered and bleeding, her hands burned as if they were on fire. The fall knocked the wind from her and she lay face down, fighting to breathe around the pain in her hands, knees, and head.

“Where do you think you’re going, bitch!” The voice close to her ear sent her heart into overdrive, beating hard against her ribs. She had a moment to wonder if it would explode through her chest before she once again focused on the heavy breathing just to her left.

“Get up!” Rough hands grabbed her by one arm jerking her upward. “You should have left well enough alone instead of sticking your nose where it don’t belong.” R.A.’s face hovered into view, visible from her near kneeling position. She could see the anger in his eyes along with something that frightened her even more, wildness. His eyes were bright with it and she had a minute to wonder if he was on something before he grabbed her by the hair and pulled her the rest of the way to her feet.

“I have too much at stake to allow you to mess around out here. My partners don’t want any type of publicity. But you’re stirring up trouble with this marker thing you’ve been pushing and now, you’ve gone and dug up an empty coffin! That’ll draw attention and I can’t have that.” R.A. shoved her back towards the cemetery and the cruel smile on his face before he pushed her forward scared her all the way down to her toes.

“I’m not doing anything that will draw attention to you. I’m covering the coffin up and going to leave it like it is. I don’t want anyone to know it’s empty any more than you do.” Lizzy knew her words were falling on deaf ears, but she had to try. She wouldn’t die without fighting. It just wasn’t in her.

“You won’t get away with this. Someone will miss me and come looking.”

“Naw, you won’t be missed. I took care of that.” R.A. shoved her hard as they reached the edge of the cemetery. “Get in.” His cold voice sent shivers down her spine as she realized what he wanted her to do.

“I’m not going to climb into that casket for you.” Holding her head up, Lizzy looked straight into his eyes. “You’ll have to kill me before I let you bury me alive.” She meant it, even though she didn’t want to die. Being buried alive wasn’t the better of her options. She really didn’t like enclosed places.

R.A.’s hand connected with her face before she realized what he was doing. The sharp sting and sudden blow threw her off balance and she fell backwards into the hole. The back of her head connected solidly with the edge of the open lid and darkness crept over her even as the pain began. Her last thoughts before she succumbed to the beckoning quiet of unconsciousness centered on a darkly handsome man who for a few hours had made her feel whole again. Then all was dark.

****

Just after four a.m., Jacob knocked a third time on the door to Lizzy’s motel room. Something inside his chest tightened while he’d waited for the sun to rise and when his Spirit Guide urged him to seek his answers from Lizzy right then, he knew something was wrong. It had taken him all of twenty minutes to make it back to the motel. Chase nosed around the window whined and barked a quick short bark before growling low in his throat.

“What is it, Chase? Isn’t she in there?” Jacob tried to look through the pulled curtains and finding he could see nothing, decided to check the office to see if she’d checked out. A cold feeling of dread settled into his stomach. Something was wrong. He could clearly feel it now. Jacob ran with Chase beside him.

“Sir, she checked out late yesterday evening.” The clerk looked bored and wasn’t actually paying much attention to Jacob. His reddened eyes focused on the TV and some music video it was turned to.

“How did she pay?”

“Huh?”

Jacob leaned forward until he was barely an inch from the clerk’s face his badge out and in plain view now. “How did she pay for her room?”

“Uh, I’m not supposed to…Hey! You can’t….” The clerk’s protest died on his lips when Jacob climbed over the counter and began digging through the drawers looking for the receipts.

“Where are they? I don’t have time to search, she might be in danger.” Either because of the desperation in his voice or the fact that he finally managed to focus on Jacob’s badge spurred the young man into action. Pulling out a stack of receipts from a drawer he quickly located the right one and handed it over. Jacob read it and looked back to the clerk.

“Says she called and told you to bill it to the card she had on file. Did she turn in her key card?”

“No, they don’t always do that and we make new ones, so I wasn’t worried about it.” His eyes, wide with fear, darted back and forth before he continued. “Uh, she didn’t really call to check out, though.”

“What do you mean? You have it here on the receipt that she called.” His face must have held something frightening to the young clerk because he backed up a step before answering.

“A man called and said she was checking out to head home. Said just to put it on the card she’d left on file when she checked in.”

“Is that company policy, to take a check-out over the phone when someone besides the cardholder calls?” The menace in Jacob’s voice was apparent even to his own ears, but he didn’t much care at this point. Something was going on.

“No sir, but he said she’d already left so I went ahead and checked her out after I checked the room. Everything was packed up and gone. Figured I needed to be sure I got the payment.” The clerk backed up all the way against the wall, leaving him with nowhere to run and Jacob blocking the only exit from behind the counter.

Jacob slammed his fist against the counter top, crushing the receipt in his hand. Glaring at the frightened clerk, he vaulted back over the counter and sprinted towards his truck, where Chase already waited in the back. He didn’t believe she’d gone home without finishing whatever it was she’d come up here to do. He just needed to figure out what that was and he’d be able to find her. Hopefully, it would be in time. His gut instinct told him something was bad wrong, but it was his heart that told him he’d screwed up and it might have caused Lizzy her life.

****

Lizzy struggled to open her eyes, the pain pounding in the back of her head keeping rhythm with her heartbeat. Her ears were ringing loud enough she could barely hear her own breathing. She tried to move her hand to check the back of her head and found she couldn’t move either of them. Something slick and heavy was on top of her, making movement nearly impossible. Why couldn’t she open her eyes? What had happened?

Struggling against the pounding in her head to think back to what had happened, she froze. Fear rose in her throat and the taste of bile had her choking even as she struggled to calm down. She couldn’t afford to lose control. The repugnant smell of decay and the musty odor of rotting cloth triggered the memory and with that memory, realization. She was inside of the coffin. It wasn’t that she couldn’t open her eyes. They were open. She couldn’t see because it was too dark to see inside the coffin. She was buried alive!

Chapter Sixteen

Jacob’s hand tightened around his cell phone before he said goodbye, hanging up. The realization he was on his own in locating Lizzy scared him. Even his Spirit Guide had been silent despite numerous attempts to call him. Running her bankcard number to find out where she used it last would help pin down what she was doing and maybe her location. Jacob knew without the “official” paperwork of a warrant it would take more time, but finding out it could take a couple of days moved his anxiety level up another couple of notches. He knew she didn’t have that long. His instincts said she was in danger and they were never wrong. Too bad he couldn’t obtain a warrant based on his instincts. Chase whined at his feet, picking up Jacob’s anxiety.

“I know, boy, I feel it too.” Scratching between the dog’s ears, he searched his memory for a common thread in everything he knew about her and her activities.

It all came down to the cemetery and that grave located on R.A.’s land. Why was it outside the cemetery’s boundaries? And why did it matter? What did talking with the preacher about the grave have to do with the rest of it? It was all connected, but he wasn’t sure how. Then there was the hidden grave he’d read about in her notes at the motel. Who did the grave belong to and how did she know about it? What he did know suggested Lizzy was mixed up in something a little more sinister than simply placing a headstone on an unmarked grave.

“Chase, I need help with this. It feels like I’m going to be too late.” Jacob leaned back in the chair huffing out his breath and running his hands through his hair in frustration. This was wasting time. He should have driven to the cemetery as soon as he’d learned it wasn’t Lizzy who’d made the call checking her out of the motel. Everything connected to that cemetery and his gut instinct said that’s where she would be now. Jumping to his feet, he startled Chase into scrambling for the door. Just as he grabbed the truck keys, his spirit guide spoke.

“You must follow your instincts, son, and not allow your emotions to cloud your mind. You will be able to feel her once you conquer your own self doubts.”

“Self doubts? I don’t understand, you’re my guide and I follow you.” His stomach churned with the knowledge that something was about to change. “What are you saying, Spirit? You aren’t going to help me?”

“Son, you grow dependent when you should grow stronger. I am your guide, not your leader. Lead, son, with your heart and soul. This is how you will know your destiny.”

Jacob felt his heart slam into his chest as he struggled to breathe. The sudden absence of his Spirit Guide’s presence left him feeling raw and vulnerable. Had he truly grown complacent, depending on the Spirit to guide his every step? Even as a cold sweat broke out over his body, he knew the answer. Yes, he’d placed all his trust and acceptance on his Spirit Guide, accepting none of the leadership himself. This was why he’d been unable to see his true destiny. Why he had been unable to tell that Lizzy wasn’t being completely honest with him.

He should’ve known she was in trouble even before he’d discovered she’d lied about knowing Carl. If he’d been listening to his instincts instead of waiting for his Spirit Guide to tell him… Jacob growled his frustration, surprising Chase and himself when he slammed his fist into the wall next to the door. The plaster gave, allowing his fist to connect with the wood frame behind, jarring all the way up his arm into his shoulder. The pain wasn’t far behind, but he ignored it. Extracting his hand from the plaster he shook it, flexing it experimentally, fairly sure he hadn’t managed to break anything, but it was going to hurt like hell for a while.

“Chase, I’m such a fool! I’ve been so wrapped up in my own destiny or what I thought was my destiny that I’ve ignored what’s been right in front of me the whole time!”

“Come on, boy, we’ve got to find her! I feel like her time is running out.”

Without bothering to lock the door behind him, Jacob jumped into the truck, knowing Chase was already in the back waiting for him. As he pulled onto the highway heading for the cemetery he prayed fervently his selfishness wouldn’t cost Lizzy her life.

****

Stifling the scream rising in her throat, Lizzy struggled to remain calm. She knew if she panicked it would use up what precious amount of oxygen she had left. She concentrated on slowing her breathing and heartbeat in an effort to control the fear. She wouldn’t last long if she gave in to hysteria, she reminded herself. Better to focus on a way out, instead.

Maneuvering her arms away from her body, she drew her hands up towards her chin until she could press her palms flat against the coffin’s lid and push. The satin lining gave beneath her hands with a scratchy crackle, attesting to its state of decay. Ignoring the shower of debris landing on her face, she squeezed her eyes closed for protection. They weren’t helping her see, anyway, she thought angrily. Lizzy pushed against the lid with all her strength. When the lid didn’t give even an inch she stopped to regroup. She didn’t need to waste energy, not to mention her oxygen, when it hadn’t budged. That meant R.A. had covered it with dirt. She truly was buried.

She let her quivering arms fall from over her head, the effort of pushing against the lid turning them to jelly. Her hands crossed over her chest much like she’d seen corpses portrayed in old movies, Lizzy continued to fight back the claustrophobia hovering at the edge of her sanity. There had to be a way out! She wouldn’t allow her mind to think about anything else and once again raised her hands to the lid to trace the edges for a hidden spring or latch. Surely there were safeguards in case someone closed themselves up in one of these. Why they would do something so stupid, she couldn’t imagine, but people amazed her every day with their ingenuity.

As her fingers crept along the crevice between lid and side she found herself thinking about Jacob and how he’d been so angry when he’d stormed into her room. Her heart tore anew, remembering the expression on his face. She didn’t want to die without a chance to explain. What he thought about her and whether he believed her or not didn’t seem to matter right now. All that mattered was getting out of this mess and convincing him she hadn’t meant to deceive him. No matter what else he might think about her, she didn’t want him to believe her a fraud.

****

Pushing the truck to its limit, Jacob concentrated on Lizzy and where she would be. He was sure she’d gone back to the cemetery, but was she still there? He should be able to feel her spirit if she was in distress but all he could feel at the moment was his own anxiety. He needed to calm down and focus.

One thing he knew deep in his gut though, R.A. Monroe was behind whatever was going on with Lizzy. Would he kill her given the chance? Jacob didn’t want to think about it, but he knew the answer. To protect whatever he had at stake, yes, he’d kill her without a thought. He was fairly sure the hidden body mentioned in Lizzy’s notes was R.A.’s work.

Glancing at the clock on his dashboard, he cursed at the time, nearly five-thirty. Time was important, he could feel it. As he approached the cemetery, dust obscuring anything behind him, he nearly lost control of the truck when Lizzy’s fear broke through and surrounded him with desperation. His own breath felt cut off till he was gasping and fighting to stay in control of the truck. Sliding off the road and into the ditch, the truck ground to a halt, throwing Jacob against his seatbelt, and Chase bounced against the cab with a yelp.

Without bothering to try and drive out of the ditch, Jacob climbed out of his seatbelt and the cab of the truck even as Chase jumped from the bed. The two of them raced towards the cemetery and Lizzy. Scanning the area quickly without seeing her he began to panic. He wasn’t going to find her in time. Struggling to breathe around the panic and his mounting fear, Jacob closed his eyes and reached out. Chase whined combing the ground until, with an excited yap, he caught Lizzy’s scent and ran with it, Jacob close behind.

When Chase stopped in front of him and began digging frantically, his heart slammed into his throat, the bastard had buried her! This was the grave she’d been obsessed with. He located the shovel tossed out into the field and dug along side the dog. Dear God, he couldn’t be too late! Chase’s whines and short yelps gave him hope. Even as he dug at the earth in a state of frenzy, his spirit sought Lizzy’s to reassure himself she was alive and to comfort her with the knowledge they were there.

Neither he nor Chase heard the truck in the distance. They were too intent on digging, Chase’s yelps and barks mixed with the sounds of dirt being shoveled and thrown to the side. Once a fair size hole appeared, Chase moved back for Jacob to dig deeper. The dog worked at pulling back the dirt from the edges. Ten minutes, fifteen—how long had they been digging? How long had she already been in there?

When his shovel hit wood, he nearly yelled in relief but dug faster instead to clear the top. He could see how only part of the ground showed signs of activity despite a good job of packing the grass back down. Odds were it would be the part of the casket that could be opened for viewing. If he could just get that part uncovered he knew he could break open the top and get air to her quicker.

Chase’s barking grew more frantic and Jacob realized the dog knew time was running out. Throwing the shovel to the side, he stretched out on the ground with his body angled down into the grave so he could dig with his hands around the edges of the casket’s lid. He could feel a small opening below the lid’s edge where breaking the original seal had prevented the lid from closing tightly. He managed to pry it up just a hair.

“Lizzy! We’re here. Chase and I are here, honey.” Jacob pulled hard on the lid without moving it. “I’m gonna get you out, just hang on. Hang on.”

Scooting back out of the hole, he grabbed the shovel and pried it into the crack below the edge. Worried he would hurt her with the shovel if the lid suddenly gave, he changed position to angle farther away from where she lay and began straining with all his might to pop the lid open. Praying silently for strength the entire time, his concentration so intense, he fell backwards when the lid suddenly gave and banged hard against the side of the hole.

Jacob scrambled over the dirt and down into the hole to pull Lizzy out of the coffin. Her eyes were closed and he couldn’t tell if she was breathing or not. When she didn’t respond to his voice, he panicked. Pulling her free of the coffin, Jacob struggled to haul them both out of the hole and above ground. Laying her flat, he leaned in, praying to feel her breath against his cheek or see her chest rise.

When neither happened he growled out his anger in a single word, “No!”

Refusing to give up, he started breathing for her, pinching her nose and breathing into her mouth until her chest rose and fell in his rhythm. Feeling for a pulse at her throat, he felt the fluttering of butterfly wings struggling to beat.

“Breathe, dammit! Breathe!” He continued giving her breath after breath, letting her lungs deflate between each mouthful of air he gave her.

Just when he was about to collapse with exhaustion and loss of hope, she gasped, coughing convulsively. Jacob took her face between his hands and kissed her eyes and forehead, barely managing to turn her to the side before she threw up. Pulling his shirt off, he wiped her face and as she continued to struggle to breathe, he pulled her into his lap, enveloping her in a hug. He ran his hands all over her, checking for injuries.

“Dear God, Lizzy. I’ve never been so frightened in my life!” He smoothed his hands over her face, pushing her hair from her eyes as she continued to gasp and cough. “You’re all right, honey. You’re gonna be just fine.” He pulled her tight against him again, kissing the top of her head and forcing back tears of relief from his eyes.

Chase whined pitifully, crawling towards them, and pushed his head into Lizzy’s lap. Her hand caught his fur, grasping it tightly in her fist like a lifeline. Jacob could feel her relief even though she hadn’t uttered a word. The business of breathing had taken precedence over all else, and rightly so.

The whine of an airplane engine caught their attention and all three of them stilled instantly. Jacob squinted into the skyline towards the old church. The plane wasn’t far out, but still too near the horizon for him to see. His inner alarm bells told him this was important and evidently, Lizzy thought so, as well. She struggled to crawl out of his lap even as he released her. As if of one mind, they all three crouched low to the ground as the plane drew nearer to the old church.

Lizzy’s voice croaked in a whisper, “It’s going to land here. I think this must be R.A.’s partners.”

“Partners in what?”

“I don’t know, but he was highly upset that I’d dug up Carl’s great-granny. Said he couldn’t afford for his partners to know I had caused problems.” Lizzy didn’t notice the look Jacob gave her when she mentioned that she’d been the one to dig the hole. “I think drugs, but there’s something more going on than just drugs.”

Just as the plane touched down on the other side of the clearing by the church, a silver SUV pulled onto the turn row at the opposite side of the field and sped towards the plane, rolling to a stop directly behind the church. No one exited the plane until the SUV skidded to a halt in front of it. Dust billowed forward from its momentum and once it cleared, the doors opened and R.A. Monroe and one of his cohorts jumped out. The second man reached back into the truck and pulled out a young boy, his hands tied behind his back.

Jacob hissed between his teeth. “I don’t like the way this feels. I’m going to ease back to the truck and call for back up. Stay down and don’t move.”

Before Lizzy could answer him, he was backing away from her on his belly. Still breathing compulsively after nearly suffocating, she wasn’t in a hurry to move anywhere, or so she thought, until the doors on the plane opened and two men Hispanic men jumped out of the cockpit. They opened a panel on the side of the small plane and pulled two young boys out of the cramped space. The boys held their hands over their eyes, shielding them from the morning sun and crouched as if they couldn’t quite stand up straight after their flight. The two men herded the boys ahead of them towards R.A. and the young boy standing in front of him. Not being able to hear what they were saying was frustrating. She needed to get closer.

Casting a quick look back to where Jacob had disappeared, Lizzy made up her mind and began carefully scooting towards the old church with Chase crawling beside her. If she could get to the church wall, she would be within range to hear what they were saying. It took a good five minutes to reach the wall without giving herself away. She eased as close to where the four men and three boys now stood as she dared.

“…trip went as planned. No trouble.” This from the taller of the two men from the plane.

“Got us a runaway to make an example of for the new boys there.” R.A.’s voice carried easily across the field. “Maybe they won’t make the same mistake he did.” All four of the men laughed. The young boy being held by R.A.’s accomplice whimpered when the man shoved him to his knees.

“I think you will find these two a little more cooperative. You can set your example after business.” The shorter of the two strangers turned to the other and nodded his head. “This batch is very good. You will not find a purer cut anywhere.” The other man opened a duffle bag for R.A. to examine. R.A. nodded his head at the two strangers and, picking up a briefcase, opened it for them to see.

Even from where she crouched behind the church wall, Lizzy could make out the distinct color of money in the case. They exchanged bag for case and the two young boys were pushed towards R.A. She could tell they were confused and frightened but wasn’t able to hear what they were saying.

“You speak English don’t ya’, boys?” R.A. yelled at them. “You speak English around me or you don’t speak at all!”

“Si, yes, sir—we speak English.” One of the boys answered quickly before nodding his head rapidly up and down.

“Good, ‘cause you need to be sure and understand this, boys. You don’t give me no trouble and stay where I put you. I don’t care if you get thirsty in the middle of the night. You don’t leave unless I give you permission. You understand that?” R.A.’s voice was loud and harsh. Both of the boys cringed in unison while nodding their heads rapidly.

R.A.’s partner stepped behind the boy kneeling on the ground and grabbing his hair, pulled his head back sharply exposing his throat. He pulled a knife from his boot and held it to the boy’s throat with a smile. “See, when you don’t obey the boss, you pay the price.”

Lizzy’s eyes were wide with shock at what was about to happen in front of her. Without thinking, she screamed “No” at the top of her lungs and ran directly towards them. She had no idea what she would do when she reached them, her only thought to stop him from slashing the young boy’s throat. She barely registered that Chase was beside her as she ran.

Having radioed in for back up, Jacob headed back in a running crouch to where he’d left Lizzy when he heard her scream ‘No’ in the direction of the church. Abandoning his attempts at stealth, he ran full out towards the church the scene unfolding in front of him. The two men held the arms of the two young boys while Lizzy and Chase fought off R.A. and another man. Another young boy with his hands behind his back lay unmoving on the ground near them, but Jacob couldn’t tell if he was alive or dead.

He reached them just as R.A. hit Lizzy, knocking her down. Chase was tearing at the leg of the other man. Jacob grabbed R.A. from behind, tearing the man off her in a single move. The partner managed to pull himself free of Chase and threw the dog across the ground where he rolled, unharmed. R.A.’s partner recovered his knife from the ground as he moved to help the other man, but Lizzy managed to trip him as he passed by. Fighting the pain from the punch R.A. had landed, she crawled over and, rolling him over to make sure he didn’t get back up, she found he’d fallen on his own knife and was bleeding from the chest.

Hearing the sound of the plane’s engines roaring to life, Lizzy got to her feet and ran towards the plane to stop them from getting away. The taller of the two men had the boys by their arms and attempted to push them back into the cramped space hidden in the plane’s fuselage, but they were fighting him and he couldn’t handle both of them at one time.

She jumped the man from behind, knocking him into the side of the plane and down to his knees. She followed him all the way to the ground and when he didn’t move, she realized luck had been on her side once again. His head was bleeding where he’d hit it a solid lick on the wheel housing of the plane when he’d fallen with her on his back. He wasn’t dead but he wouldn’t be a problem, either. Lizzy grabbed the boys in a hug and, along with Chase, moved them away from the plane and its danger.

Chase whined urgently and Lizzy could see Jacob on the ground with R.A., throwing punch after punch into his face. Jacob blocked a punch and got one of his own low into the man’s gut, managing to roll away from him and get unsteadily to his feet. Crouched in a fighting stance, he lunged towards R.A. again, just as the man drew his gun.

Lizzy screamed in denial, diving for his legs to throw him off balance, but the gun went off even as she tackled him. Terrified she’d been too late, Lizzy got up and rushed to find Jacob lying face down on the ground, blood pooling beneath him.

“No, no, no, Jacob. You can’t die on me! I won’t let you!” She pulled him into her lap and held pressure over the wound with all her might.

“Not that bad,” he gasped a smile at the corners of his mouth. “If you weren’t hurting me, I’d say it didn’t hurt a bit.”

A barrage of gunfire startled them both making Lizzy curl over Jacob to protect him. When it stopped just as suddenly, she looked up to find that while she’d run to Jacob, R.A. had reclaimed his gun and had been about to shoot them when back-up in the form of a half dozen county and federal officers arrived to stop him. She closed her eyes in prayer and kissed Jacob’s forehead before the emergency crew took over and separated them to take care of Jacob. He was going to be okay and so was she.

****

The Humphreys County sheriff’s office pieced the whole story together with the help of the local Drug Enforcement Agency who’d been monitoring R.A.’s actions for several months. Though the shorter of the Hispanic men and the apparent leader got away, they’d managed to stop a dual cocaine trafficking and slave labor operation all at one time.

There proved to be several bodies buried around the cemetery, most were young Mexican boys but one was found to be the brother of R.A.’s wife, whom everyone thought was living in Mexico. He’d threatened to expose R.A.’s operation once he found out about the young boys being recruited for slave labor, so R.A. silenced him after the man had already told everyone he was going back to Mexico.

The boys were all treated and cared for before being sent back home to Mexico to their families. They’d learned a hard lesson about trusting strangers and thinking there was always an easier way than the right way. It was a lesson they wouldn’t soon forget.

Jacob was fine but he’d be out of commission for several weeks perhaps months for physical therapy. Luckily the bullet missed anything major but passed right through him. He would spend the night in the Delta Regional ICU before being transferred to a private room. Lizzy spent that night in the ICU waiting room, despite being told she needed to be in a room herself. She wasn’t letting any more space than was necessary come between her and Jacob until she could tell him the truth about Carl and why she’d come to Belzoni.

When visiting hours were announced, she hurried to his unit to reassure herself he really was going to be okay. Despite the pallor and IV tubing connected to his uninjured arm, he looked like a million bucks to her. When he caught sight of her worried face, his smile warmed her from the inside out and was all the encouragement she needed to pounce on him in the bed. Careful of his left arm and shoulder, she hugged him close, planting a sloppy kiss on his mouth before drawing back to look deep into his eyes. She loved his eyes.

“If I wasn’t tied down, I’d hug you back.” His eyes twinkled when he indicated his IV tubing and the board taped at his elbow to keep his arm straight. “I thought I’d lost you back there, Lizzy.” The sudden seriousness in his eyes unnerved her.

“I thought I’d lost you, too.”

“Naw, I’m too stubborn to die.” Jacob reached out stiffly with the arm taped to the board, to brush a stray strand of hair away from her face. “Don’t ever scare me like that again. I don’t think my heart could stand it.” His gaze was intense as he searched her face for something he wasn’t seeing.

“What?” She frowned at him. “What is it? Why are you looking at me like that?” Now she was alarmed. Jacob’s mouth was set in a grim line.

“You still need to tell me just what all the secrecy was over you being here.”

“I know. I plan to, but maybe we should wait until you’re in a private room and have had some time to rest up…” her voice faded with the no nonsense look on his face. “Maybe not, then.” Lizzy just shrugged and pulled a chair closer to the bed so as not to be overheard. She really didn’t want the nurses to decide she was suffering from oxygen deprivation.

“Ever sense I nearly drowned as a child, I’ve had this ability.” She began looking at his hands instead of his face. “I channel the dead. I can hear them and see them when they are in limbo or haven’t made peace with their death and are still hanging around, so to speak.” She risked a quick peek at Jacob’s face but wasn’t able to read what he was thinking. “So, when Carl died in the clinic where I worked, he jumped on me to help him finish something he’d promised his mother he’d do before she died. Only he died before he could do it so….”

Jacob tightened his grip on her hand to get her attention. “So, you see dead people, right?” Lizzy jerked her head up, eyes wide with uncertainty, to see amusement twinkling in his eyes, his mouth fighting a grin. She realized he’d just made a joke and didn’t appear surprised at all. Did he think she was making it all up?

“I’m serious. I attract ghosts like a dog in heat. I have to shield myself or they bind themselves to me. The only way I can get rid of them is to help them complete whatever it is that keeps them earthbound.”

“I believe you, Lizzy. I suppose we both had secrets from each other.” Jacob winced as he tried to find a more comfortable position. “I hold my mother’s heritage of Spirit Talking. My Spirit Guide helps me determine the truth and with that comes the responsibility to use it wisely.” A sheepish look on his face, he squeezed her hand again.

“Something I didn’t pay attention to this time because I was attracted to you. I am truly sorry, Lizzy. I should have known you were in trouble and prevented it, but I allowed my feelings to get in the way and it placed you in serious danger.”

“Hey, you’re only human. You can’t lock your feelings away all the time.” Her eyes strayed to a more intimate spot. “Besides, I sort of like your feelings.”

Chuckling and then groaning at the pain that shot through his shoulder, Jacob shook his head. “So, were you able to help Carl move on?”

“Yeah, but that part, you might not like and really don’t want to know about.” She squinted up at him, worried he would push it. When he just shook his head and smiled, she relaxed.

“I could use a hug about now.” Jacob held out his good arm in an invitation. “Don’t pull loose any of these wires and they won’t know a thing.” He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively causing Lizzy to giggle like a schoolgirl. “Come on, have a seat up here were I can kiss you, woman, I thought I’d lost you.”

Lizzy sat on the edge of the bed and leaned over to kiss him. His good arm awkwardly cradled her against his chest as he lowered his head to take advantage of her upturned mouth. The kiss was like a balm to all the pain and fear built up inside of him since he’d first realized she’d withheld the truth from him. The hurt, the anger, and the fear all rushed out at once until he was sure he’d banished them with the demand of his mouth. He felt her hands on him, caressing his cheek, grasping his hair and knew she felt the same raw need.

His kiss banished most, if not all, of her uneasiness surrounding her confession of being a ghost magnet. Still, the niggling in the back of her mind kept her from being totally at peace in Jacob’s arms. Well, arm, she corrected herself, looking at the bandage covering most of his shoulder. She wished she could stay there the rest of the night relishing the experience but she knew the nurse would show up any minute to run her out. Cuddling closer, she savored the feel of his warmth beneath her and the steady beat of his heart against her ear.

An unexpected chill raced down her spine even as the goose bumps erupted along her arms. No, no, no! She screamed in her head. Not now! The voice sounded almost apologetic when it came.

“Uh, ma’am? I could really use some help.”