Ghostly Deceits (A Harper Harlow Mystery Book 3) (12 page)

Josh’s mouth dropped open as he took Harper’s admission in.

“Wow, I feel so much better,” Harper said.

“I don’t think that guy does,” Hal said, waving an invisible hand in Josh’s face. “In fact, if I didn’t know better, I would think he’s about to pass out.”

I
t was
as if all the oxygen had been sucked out of the room.

“Can you repeat that?” Josh said, finally finding his voice after what felt like eons of uncomfortable silence. “I think I may have misheard you … or had a stroke.”

“I’m pretty sure you didn’t mishear me,” Harper countered. “If you need time to wrap your head around all of this, though, I understand. For the record – and for those with wax buildup in their ears – I can see and talk to ghosts.”

“But … .” Josh broke off and glanced at Jared. “Did you talk her into doing this so I would learn my lesson about prying?”

“No.” Jared’s face was unreadable as he kept his eyes on Josh and reached out for Harper’s hand. “Come here, Heart.”

Harper took Jared’s proffered support and moved closer to him. She understood what he was doing – building a protective wall around her with his mere presence – but she was hopeful it wouldn’t be necessary.

“This has to be a joke,” Josh said, shaking his head. “You’re messing with me.”

“I’m not messing with you,” Jared said. “Harper can see and talk to ghosts. It’s true.”

“And you believe this?” Josh looked as if he was thirty seconds away from calling the men with the straightjackets to haul Harper and Jared off to a padded room. “You believe she can talk to ghosts? Forgive me if I find that a little hard to believe.”

“I understand this is probably difficult for you,” Harper said. “Jared wanted to tell you the truth from the beginning, but I was the reticent one. I wanted one weekend of peace and quiet without people looking at me like I’m crazy … just like you’re doing now.”

“I’m sorry if you think that’s how I’m looking at you, but … well, I might be looking at you a little bit that way,” Josh conceded. “It’s just … that is the most ludicrous thing I’ve ever heard. Jared, you’re a police officer. How can you believe that pile of crap?”

“Because it’s the truth,” Jared replied evenly.

“Are you pretending to believe it because she gives you sex?” Josh pressed. “I mean, I guess that makes sense in the grand scheme of things. She is hot.”

Jared scowled. “I’m not pretending to believe it. I honestly do believe it. Harper is gifted.”

“But … that’s just … you can’t possibly … this is unbelievable.” Josh couldn’t grasp a coherent thought to anchor himself with.

“Josh, Harper was nervous about admitting what she could do because you and I have been friends for a long time,” Jared explained. “She’s usually pretty forthcoming with stuff like this. She owns a ghost hunting business, after all, and she doesn’t generally hide who she is.

“She was uncomfortable telling you even though I told her you would understand and accept her gifts from the start,” he continued. “I’m starting to rethink that belief given your current attitude, but she was worried and wanted a problem-free week.”

“And what changed?” Josh asked. “Did Casper climb in the bathtub with you guys?”

“No,” Jared said, making a face.

“That might explain your hopping soap theory, though,” Harper mused.

Jared didn’t want to smile and yet he couldn’t help himself. “See. I told you it was a legitimate phenomenon.”

“Wait, so you guys just expect me to swallow this ghost thing whole and not question you on it?” Josh asked. “If so, I’ve got a rude awakening for you, because this is the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard in my entire life.”

“And I’ve got a rude awakening for you,” Harper said, refusing to back down. “Hal Baker is dead. He remembers going to dinner yesterday, but he can’t remember anything after that. He woke up in the library, but I looked around and couldn’t find a body or any sign of a struggle. His body is out there somewhere and we need to find it.”

“Did you hire Hal to do this?” Josh asked. “I would deserve it if you did. I’ve been something of a pain to you guys because I thought Harper was hiding something. This is a great way to pay me back. Ha, ha. You got me.”

Harper rubbed her forehead as she tried to figure out a way to make Josh see the truth without completely losing his mind in the process. Jared stepped in and took the decision away from her.

“We’re not joking with you,” Jared said. “If we were, we would’ve owned up to it by now. As it happens, you’re making Harper more and more uncomfortable with each ill-conceived word you spout. I don’t need you making her feel bad about this. She’s amazing, and you’re the one looking like a douche for having a problem.”

“Jared, it’s okay,” Harper said, keeping her voice low. “I’m honestly used to this. That’s why I knew he wouldn’t be as cool about everything as you thought he would be.”

“But … .” Josh’s face was plaintive as his eyes bounced between Harper and Jared. “Seriously, this is the best prank ever. When did you guys think of this? Is this what you were talking about in the library when Harper grabbed you?”

Jared shook his head, disgusted, and then turned his full attention to Harper. “We need a map of the property and blueprints for the house,” he said. “I want Hal to have something to look at to jar his memory. For all we know he died of natural causes – yes, I remember what Zander said and know that’s not the norm, but it’s still a possibility – but we need Hal to remember where his body is.”

“You cannot be serious,” Josh muttered, flabbergasted.

“There’s a map of the grounds in the library,” Harper said. “I saw it when I was in there earlier.”

“We’ll start there then,” Jared said, grabbing Harper’s hand and moving toward the door. “When you get over yourself, Josh, you’ll be able to find us in the library. Don’t bother following us unless you’re ready to apologize to Harper. I’m not kidding.”

“
D
O
YOU
see anything on this map you recognize?” Harper asked Hal ten minutes later, fighting to keep her voice pleasant even though she wanted to strangle the temperamental ghost.

“If I knew where I died I would tell you,” Hal said. “I’m not playing games. Trust me. The last thing I want to do is leave my body out there to rot so I won’t be able to have an open casket.”

“Ugh,” Harper said, making a face. “Why would you want an open casket?”

“Why not?” Hal asked.

“Because people will be looking at you when you’re dead and it’s weird,” Harper answered. “Study that map and make sure nothing looks familiar. We’re at a dead end if you can’t remember where you died.”

Harper ambled over to the chair Jared sat in and rested her hand on his wrist. He flashed her a warm smile when he glanced up, but Harper could read the worry in the depths of his eyes.

“I’m sorry for what I did,” Harper said. “I knew it was a mistake, but I was tired and I didn’t want to play games when I knew there was a body out there to be found. I should’ve found a better way. What I did was … absolutely moronic.”

“You didn’t do anything stupid,” Jared argued, patting his lap to entice Harper to sit down. Harper did just that and Jared wrapped his arms around her waist and cuddled her close as they waited for Hal to come up with a solution to his missing body problem. “I honestly thought he would understand.”

“Jared, I’ve been through this a few times in my life, and he’s not acting differently than most other people,” Harper said. “No one ever believes I can do what I do right off the bat. That takes time.”

“What about your parents?”

“They didn’t believe me and my mother thought I was troubled when I told her my grandfather visited me the night he died,” Harper replied. “My father would play along when I was little – like the ghosts were my imaginary friends – but I know he didn’t really believe me at the time. It meant a lot that he pretended to, though. I think that’s why I get along with him better than my mom. She took longer to believe me … and she was harsh about her disbelief when she wanted to be.”

“They eventually came to believe, though.”

“They did,” Harper confirmed. “After knowing things I shouldn’t have been able to know so many times they lost count, they ultimately gave in and embraced it. I wouldn’t exactly call either of them proud, but they stand up for me now and they believe.”

Jared traced Harper’s high cheekbone with his thumb as he studied her profile. “What about Zander?”

“He believed from the beginning,” Harper said, smiling at the memory. “He never once doubted what I could do. He claims he fell in love with me the moment he saw me and knew we were going to be best friends forever. It took me longer to fall in love with him because I always worried about what people thought about me, even before I could see ghosts.”

“You don’t seem to have that problem now,” Jared said. “Well, for the most part, I mean. I thought you were being ridiculous when you insisted on telling everyone you ran haunted ghost tours for a living. I didn’t … understand … what you went through.

“I do now,” he continued. “I’m sorry. I should’ve listened to you. I won’t make that mistake again.”

“I learned about self-esteem as I grew older,” Harper said. “It wasn’t a lesson I sought out. It just kind of … happened. I think Zander was a big part of it because he didn’t care what anyone thought about him. I loved him so much it rubbed off on me because I was desperate to protect him.”

“I think Zander probably protected you when you were younger, too, didn’t he?”

Harper nodded. “He’s always been loyal.”

“And I didn’t believe you when I found out,” Jared said, his eyes somber as he thought about his initial meeting with the feisty blonde. “I was just like Josh. I thought Mel was pulling my leg. I thought you were obviously crazy and Whisper Cove was small enough that everyone indulged you because you were too cute to lock up in a nuthouse.”

“I don’t think you’re supposed to say nuthouse,” Harper said, rubbing her nose against Jared’s cheek and causing him to smile.

“Loony bin?”

“Much better.”

Jared blew out a sigh and briefly pressed his eyes shut as he cuddled Harper close. “What about Quinn?”

Harper stilled at the question, surprise washing over her. “What about Quinn?”

“I know you don’t like talking about him and I’m okay with that,” Jared cautioned. “I worried I was going to be jealous of him for a time, but it turns out I’m not. I actually feel bad for the guy. I am jealous of Zander some of the time, but that’s another problem.

“When it came to ghosts, though, did Quinn believe you right away?” he continued. “Did he have faith in you before I did?”

“It’s not a competition, Jared,” Harper said. “Does it really matter?”

“I’m going to take that as a yes,” Jared said, making a face. “I’m sorry I didn’t believe you sooner. I feel really badly about doubting you now. I wish I could take it back.”

“Jared, you need to understand something about Quinn,” Harper said, fidgeting as she licked her lips. “I cared about him, but … I already feel closer to you than I ever did to him. That might frighten you away, but it’s the truth.”

“It doesn’t frighten me away,” Jared said, kissing her ear. “It makes me feel good. I still don’t like that he believed you before I did. It makes me feel like an ass.”

“He only believed me because he came to town looking for my help to talk to a ghost,” Harper pointed out.

Jared narrowed his eyes. He realized he’d never heard the true story behind Harper’s romance with Quinn – not that he wanted the gritty details – and he had no idea how they met. “I don’t understand.”

“Quinn came to me because he wanted to communicate with the ghost of his sister,” Harper explained. “I don’t want to go into private details that he wouldn’t want spread around, but he was so desperate to find out who killed her he was losing sleep.”

“Did you help him?”

“His sister was long gone,” Harper replied. “I tried, but … she was gone. Quinn finally accepted there was nothing he could do and decided to let it go. The next thing I knew he moved to Whisper Cove and asked me out on a date.”

“That’s … presumptuous.”

“Says the guy who showed up at my office with flowers and candy and kissed me until I relented and forgave him,” Harper shot back.

“Yes, well … we were already technically dating when I did that,” Jared said. “Besides, we’re talking about him and not me. Everything I do is to be considered cute and charming. Other guys are a different story.”

“I hadn’t dated anyone in a long time when Quinn showed up,” Harper said. “He was nice and attractive. We went out and we were relatively happy.”

“Do you still miss him?”

“I guess I should feel guilty for saying no, but I don’t,” Harper replied. “Before your ego balloons up, I’m not sure I really missed him before you turned my life on its head. I’ve been used to his absence for a very long time.”

“Would you miss me?”

“Oh, I see you’re fishing for a compliment,” Harper teased.

“I’m just looking for insight,” Jared clarified.

“I would miss you terribly,” Harper said. “Why do you think I was so angry when you didn’t call while you were at your mother’s house?”

“I think you like being angry because it gets you going,” Jared answered, pressing a soft kiss to her lips. “I’m still sorry about how Josh reacted to this. I honestly thought he would do better.”

“You can’t force him to accept something he’s not ready to accept,” Harper said. “He might surprise you if we give him a little bit of time.”

“I guess,” Jared said, resting his chin on Harper’s shoulder. “How long do you think Hal is going to be?”

“I have no idea,” Harper answered, glancing at the concentrating ghost. “He’s doing the best he can.”

The duo lapsed into a comfortable silence that was only interrupted when Josh barreled into the room. “Fine. You’re not lying. I accept it and want to help. There. Are you satisfied?”

“This guy is such a boob,” Hal said.