A Boat, a Banshee, and a Breakdown Page 5

  “Jail can do that too, but I don’t recommend it. Forcing yourself doesn’t create discipline or get you over those tendencies. It’s like you’re a kid and you have to follow the rules. You’re an adult. You can avoid massive luxury, you don’t make that much money. You can go back to teaching if you want. You can help Ivy. Clean at one of the bars. Volunteer at the rehab. If you give up all your power, is it really discipline or is it the easy way out?” I asked.

  He frowned and began to eat.

  “Ivy needs you. I need you,” I said.

  “Ivy has you. She’ll be fine. Eli messed with her head and I’m sorry but she’s strong. She’ll bounce back. She loves that bar. She’s your best friend.” Greg smiled.

  “She’s not communicating. I’m worried she’ll follow Eli around the world instead of taking care of herself. She blew off Brody on their wedding day. She needs to come back and handle her life. That’s what being an adult is. You’re her family. You need to be there for her,” I said.

  Greg swallowed hard. “I had a panic attack when I tried to talk to Ivy. You were just off on the honeymoon. I failed. I told you that I’d talk her into coming home and report Eli. When I got Ivy on the phone, I freaked out. I couldn’t breathe. I’d failed her and why should she listen to me?”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t know. How did I not sense that?” I had really messed up.

  He smiled. “It’s not about you. I didn’t let the emotions out, I kept them in. I panicked but no one saw it. No one knew. I hide things well, unlike Ivy who wears her heart on her sequined sleeve. I buried it and went to a place where I knew I couldn’t screw up. I just had to obey.”

  “Being friend with monks is nice but you don’t really want that life, do you?” I asked.

  “I don’t want to get anyone else hurt,” he said.

  “Ivy is an adult. She trusted Eli. We all can make bad calls and trust the wrong people. It’s part of being human.” I tried to eat. “Please, come back. You can sleep in the library with the animals during construction. How austere is that?”

  Greg stared at his food. “Banshees aren’t a danger. They’re just ghosts. Some say they have unfinished business and might be triggering deaths but most say they are just mourning their relatives. Coming to escort them. It’s a ghost that’s scaring people or a demon that’s imitating a ghost.”

  “Thanks. Want to help me with this family? They’re reclusive bayou folks,” I said.

  Greg sighed. “You can handle it. You should feel bad for Brody, he’s the only truly innocent person in this mess.”

  “You and Ivy are both victims of Eli. He drew you in and that demon manipulated you,” I said firmly.

  “Demons are everywhere. The end is coming, De. It won’t get easier,” he said softly.

  Chapter Six

  My patience was beginning to wear thin. “If the end is near, do you really want to spend it hiding a monastery or fighting demons?”

  “I don’t know,” he said.

  I texted Paul to come pick me up. Gunner had dropped me off but I wanted to go somewhere useful. Somewhere help made a difference. I hadn’t seen our rehab since coming back.

  “Okay, Greg. I hope you’ll keep in touch.” I sat back and waited for my husband. “You’ll let me know if you hear from Ivy?”

  He nodded.

  “Mary Lou could use your help with that charity house. You could live in the guest house in the gardens,” I suggested.

  “What do I know about helping young women?” he asked.

  I laughed. “According to the Vatican, priests are supposed to have all the answers. Even marriage counseling. Are you doubting them?”

  He finally cracked a real smile. “I missed you.”

  “Me, too. You’re still my friend even if you never want to help with a case again. If you want to be a monk and be silent for a year. You don’t want to cut me out,” I informed him.

  “Thank you,” he said.

  Paul walked up.

  “That was fast,” I said.

  He leaned down and kissed my cheek. “I was down the street grabbing lunch. Everything okay?”

  “Sure. I wanted to see the rehab. Gunner dropped me off here. I wasn’t sure how long I’d be. I should’ve brought a car but it was a weird morning,” I said.

  “Greg.” Paul extended his hand.

  “Paul.” Greg stood up and shook hands. “I’m glad you had a nice trip. Sorry for any drama.”

  “No problem. You’re welcome back anytime,” Paul said then turned to me. “Now for you, FYI. Brody is working at the rehab today.”

  “Does he hate me?” I asked.

  Paul smiled. “No, but he’s raw. Hurt. But he’s having a good day today.”

  I sighed. “That’s something. We need to start putting our friends back together and moving on, whatever that looks like. Rip the band-aid off now. He’s been helping with the bar and I need to thank him, at least.”

  “Smart. I’m going to grab a cake for the rehab. Afternoon treat with coffee in support group and I’ll pay your bill. Meet you at the car?” he asked.

  “Thanks.” I squeezed his hand.

  “Thanks,” Greg said.

  Paul nodded and headed inside.

  “He’s good for you,” Greg said but his hand shook when he reached for his glass of water.

  “I know. I feel a but coming,” I said.

  “Blind faith in anyone is dangerous,” he said.

  I smiled. “That’s progress. I know, I don’t have blind faith in anyone. Maybe God and my angel but I bug the crap out of my angels. People have flaws and make mistakes. We look out for each other and that’s what matters. Expecting perfection from yourself or anyone and you’ll be disappointed.”

  “Eli brought out our flaws. He seemed so...solid.” Greg needed to punish himself for a bad choice.

  I stood up and slung my purse over my shoulder. “You’re always welcome at the mansion, Greg. Just Uber or take a cab and we’ll cover it. It’s not about money or work. You need to forgive yourself and I don’t hear confessions. I’m too busy with future problems.”

  Patting his shoulder as I left, I headed for Paul’s car. He waited patiently for me.

  “That didn’t go great,” he said.

  “No, but he’s strong. He’ll get worse before he gets better but you might need to talk to him. He’s too much of a friend for me to help him,” I said.

  “Anything you need.” He put a hand on my knee.

  I smiled but deep down I wondered if it was me. Did I burn out my friends? Was it Eli or was it me working them too hard? Ivy and Greg both—were Matt and Gunner next? Paul might last a few years...I wouldn’t do that to people I loved, but had I?

  Paul had to lead his support group and it was the perfect time to bug Brody. He was on the computer working the front desk.

  “Hi, miss me?” I tried opening with a joke.

  Brody looked depressed and dressed without any flair or hint of style. He didn’t dress in drag all the time like Ivy used to, but he normally was friendlier and smiling with colorful clothing choices.

  It was all gray and drab today.

  “I missed Paul. The staff was running like crazy. The docs who covered were good but not the same,” Brody said.

  “Brody, I’m sorry. I don’t know what to say. Is there anything I can do to help?” I offered.

  “I know you care. I know you want to help and I appreciate it. But De, you don’t have the answers to everything,” Brody said without looking up from the screen.

  I put my purse on the counter. “I know that. We all thought Ivy had bridezilla jitters or whatever. I want to help you, if I can. You’ve been helping here and at the drag bar. I want to pay you for your time and whatever else I can do. A bonus. A vacation.”

  “Paul and I talked about it. He’s going to make sure the pay is taken care of. I like the work. I just never know if...”

  “If Ivy would walk through the door. I get it. I wish I had answers or suggesti
ons. I know she’s safe and working things out.” I didn’t know if they’d end up together in the future or not.

  “I might not be enough for her,” he said.

  “She might not be ready for marriage. A lot of people want a wedding but they don’t get what it takes to be married.”

  Brody raised an eyebrow. “Personal experience?”

  “Nah, I know Paul was the right guy. There are always adjustments and compromise. That’s adults sharing a space and a life. But I wasn’t fixated on the bride thing, it just happened. That’s sort of my life. Stuff just works out or it doesn’t. Don’t put your life on hold, you deserve to be happy,” I said.

  “Thanks. If I could find Eli—” Brody said.

  “Stop that thought. Revenge isn’t the answer and Ivy is a big girl. Eli may have put fear or doubts in her head but running off like that wasn’t fair. People get cold feet. They can rush into things or panic afterward. It’s better she stopped it before the wedding than freaking out after,” I said.

  “True,” Brody agreed.

  “You were good for Ivy. Everyone thought so. Greg, Matt, all of us. I wanted you to know that,” I said.

  “Feels like we’re breaking up,” Brody said.

  “You and me?” I teased.

  “You’re always going to take her side,” he said.

  I nodded. “If I have to take sides...she’s always been there for me. She’s my friend. I need to stand by her and help her...if she ever comes back. Hopefully, everyone makes up and it’s happy in the end.”

  “How do you trust someone after something like that?” he asked.

  I shrugged. “Talk it out. See if you can. But you have to listen, not just listen enough to get some good comeback and attack. Whether the goal is reconciliation or closure, the blame game helps no one.”

  “Maybe I’ll be ready to talk by the time she gets back,” he said.

  “Any idea when that might be?” I asked.

  “No, she’s not talking to me.” Brody laughed.

  “Everything with Ivy is a production.” I rolled my eyes.

  Paul walked out of the meeting room. “Cake is served, if you want any.”

  “Thanks. Sugar helps,” Brody said.

  “I’m good, thanks.” I smiled at Paul.

  Paul frowned. “You’re annoyed.”

  “Ivy. Running wild in Europe.” I closed my eyes.

  “So, she’s not with Eli?” Paul asked.

  I groaned. “I sincerely hope not. I’m texting Gunner to come and get me. We need to research the MacLand family. Maybe invite the mother over to the mansion to talk. I don’t trust it when I’m surround by MacLands.”

  “Research is good. Be safe.” He kissed me. “We don’t need the MacLands sacrificing you to the banshee.”

  “Don’t even joke about that.” I playfully punched his arm before pulling out my phone.

  Gunner and I set up at the angel bar, the pinkest and fluffiest bar in all of New Orleans. The manager here hadn’t flaked so things were running just fine.

  “I did more research. The MacLands are in talks to have a reality show. The deal isn’t done yet so this might be a push to show they have an edge. Something other swamp shows don’t, the paranormal,” Gunner explained.

  “Why do people want to be famous?” I asked.

  Gunner shrugged. “They think their lives will change. Everyone wants the magic bullet.”

  “Seeing their house, I can’t blame them for wanting something better for their kids and grandkids. I just can’t believe they’d go this far. If no deaths happen...” I closed my eyes and tried to connect with the ghost.

  Nothing.

  “Death!” I called.

  “What’s wrong?” Gunner asked.

  “I can’t link to the ghost,” I said.

  “Calm down,” Gunner said.

  “What?” I stared at him. “Death should help track down this ghost.”

  “You didn’t want to stay around their house and now you’re working remotely. What’s up? You don’t call Death for every little thing. Not this much,” he said.

  Gunner was right.

  “I didn’t feel safe at the house. It’s all a publicity stunt. They can tape us there. Some of them are afraid of the deaths but some are trying to use it. I don’t think a ghost would like being used. So why isn’t she helping me to deal with it?” I asked.

  “We need to go there without the family. Maybe go straight for the boat? They all seem attached to that. It’s a big part of their gimmick,” Gunner pointed out.

  I nodded. “You’re right. I’m trying to rush through it to help Ivy, Greg, and Brody. I want to go after Eli.”

  “You can’t blow off this case. If you feel there is nothing, fine. But if there is a murder or death you can stop, you know you’ll hate yourself if you don’t.” Gunner wagged a finger at me.

  I smiled. “Thanks. We’ll see what I get tonight. I might visit the boat. I might invite Mrs. Butch to the mansion to talk, just her. No one else on our territory.”

  “Now you’re thinking. Slow down. Everyone is aware of Eli and hunting him down won’t change the past.” Gunner gave me a list. “Deaths associated with the banshee timeline. Most are accidental. I pulled all the details I could.”

  “Thanks.” I began to read as my phone binged.

  Frankie: You need to come home ASAP.

  I closed my eyes and reached out with my mind.

  “What?” Gunner asked.

  “We need to go home.”

  I texted Frankie: On my way.

  Chapter Seven

  I sensed a lot of energy but nothing deadly dangerous when I approached the front door. Was it a burst pipe or cut wire?

  Walking inside, I was tackle hugged by Ivy.

  “Thank God.” I hugged her back.

  “I’m sorry I scared everyone.” She released me. “I thought I was ready and then I started thinking about marriage and Brody wanted kids. I wanted to go on a trip and share things with him and suddenly I saw myself tied to a stove cleaning up after everyone.”

  “Calm down.” I ushered her into the kitchen. “Tea?”

  “I’m fine. Water is good.” Ivy sat down and sighed. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to crap on marriage in general. You just got married. Congratulations!”

  “Thanks. Relax. It’s just me,” I said.

  Ivy’s hands were trembling. “I know. I just feel like I lost myself.”

  “Is Eli with you?” Gunner asked.

  “No, I dumped him in Paris. I mean, he hung around for a bit but I was sightseeing and he was lecturing. It’s one thing not to screw up other people’s lives—especially kids. But if I’m single, the only person I’m hurting is me.” Ivy studied her nails. “I need to get a new set put on.”

  “Greg and I were worried about you,” I said.

  “Sorry, I didn’t mean to worry you guys. But that Eli got in my head and if I go to Hell, fine, but I’m not dragging people down with me.” Ivy went for the fridge and pulled out a bottle of wine.

  “Drowning your sorrows won’t help,” Gunner said.

  “Frankie went back to work?” I asked.

  Ivy nodded and poured the wine anyway. “He’d better not touch my room.”

  “He’s not. Paul and I are camping in Greg’s room until the construction is done but you’re welcome to stay.” I got Ivy a glass of water as well.

  Gunner pulled out his phone. “I’ll let Matt and Greg know Ivy is back safe.”

  “No!” Ivy shouted.

  “Ivy, people worried about you.” I wanted a bit of that wine right now.

  “Matt is fine. I don’t want to worry Greg right now. He’s been texting me. I don’t know what he’s up to but I don’t need religious lectures. He’s been fasting and sending me bible quotes. I love him but he’s off, too,” Ivy said.

  “Agreed. I’m trying to get him to move back here rather than re-up with the church. I don’t know what to do,” I admitted.

  Ivy sm
iled. “We’ll figure it out together. No more Eli.”

  “Damn right! His intentions might be good but he’s too vulnerable and smooth at the same time.” I shook my head.

  “What?” Ivy asked.

  “He’s convincing but lets the demons in so you can’t trust anything he says or does.” I looked at Gunner. “Matt needs to try and track down Eli. I just need to know if he gets back in the States.”

  Gunner nodded.

  “He’s evil,” Ivy said.

  “No, he’s into the power. He played the game through the training to be an exorcist, but somehow he got infected. Demons have power and that power is a rush. I don’t want him surprising you or Greg, that’s all,” I said.

  “Greg, I’ll check on him tomorrow or when I’m up to it.” Ivy put on a big smile. “How’s married life?”

  “I’ll go check on Frankie,” Gunner said.

  I laughed. “Girl talk has been in terribly short supply.”

  “Sorry. Mary Lou has been busy with her girls. You need more girlfriends,” Ivy said.

  “Darla has been around a lot. She’s...stable,” I said.

  Ivy rolled her eyes. “Stable.”

  “Considering she deals with haunted real estate, that’s an important piece of it.” I shrugged.

  “True. Frankie seems to like her.” Ivy smiled.

  I nodded. “Which makes him dealing with his powers easier. It’s not just me, he and Darla work on stuff together and I’m here if they need me.”

  “And Paul?” Ivy asked.

  “He’s good. Not working on his powers right now so much as we’re catching up after the honeymoon.”

  Ivy huffed. “De.”

  “Marriage is good. I’m not tied to a stove and I’m too old to bother trying to get pregnant,” I said.

  “Not true, plenty of women in their forties get pregnant,” Ivy teased.

  “I’m fine not being one of them. My life is crazy enough. My work is not exactly safe for kids. It’s okay not to want them,” I said. “Paul and I agree on that.”

  Ivy nodded. “Agreeing on the big things is half the battle. It’s my fault. I thought I was on board but I’m not sure I’m ready for marriage.”