Vivian nodded and moved her chair closer. “That’s perfectly normal. A ghost’s memory is intertwined with their death. The more horrific, the less they can recall. I’ve seen ghosts who can’t remember their names, and others who can recite what they ate for breakfast when they were ten.”
Ella closed her eyes. “I remember flashes, beautiful gowns, dancing…” Her lips trembled as she continued. “A clock tower, fear…so much fear.” Her eyes opened, and they were filled with confusion. “How did I die?”
“You drowned,” I said in a hushed tone.
“Oh, I don’t remember.”
“You probably feel disassociated, like your death happened to someone else. That’s normal too. It doesn’t mean we can’t help,” Vivian said.
“That’s right,” I added, trying to sound reassuring. “The royal family assigned a detective to your case. He seems very…” I paused. What was I supposed to say? I couldn’t tell her what I really thought. Besides, my feelings for the man had no bearing on his qualifications. “He seems very capable.”
“He does?” Hope colored Ella’s voice, making it rise in pitch.
“Mostly.” I fumbled for something to add and questioned my sanity. What did I know about solving a murder? I wasn’t good atmyjob, let alone someone else’s, and yet Ella’s circumstances struck a chord with me. She needed my help now more than ever. I couldn’t turn my back on her, even if the urge to stick my head in the sand seemed like the safer bet. An odd fascination gripped me: What would happen if I saw this through? I had to admit, I was scared to find out. Everyone always told you to face your problems, but no one ever mentioned what to do if you failed at that too.
“You know, there is one thing I remember.” Ella smiled, the action brightening her features, making her appear almost human again.
Vivian latched onto this in excitement. “What is it?”
Ella pointed at me, and dread blossomed in my chest. “Were you able to get all the pumpkin pulp off your lawn?” she asked.
Droplets sputtered onto the tabletop as Vivian choked on her tea. “Pumpkin pulp?”
Ella’s grin widened. “Tessa tried to turn a pumpkin into a carriage, and it exploded. There were seeds and goo everywhere.”
It figured that would be her one remaining memory. The only witness to my garden mortification, and even the erasure of death couldn’t keep it hidden.
I pursed my lips in irritation. “Yes, well, most of it’s still there. I’ve been busy.”
“I see.” Vivian fiddled with the sleeves of her robe, but I knew she was trying to restrain a giggle.
“Let’s stay focused on the murder, shall we?”
“Whose? Ella’s, or the pumpkin’s?” Vivian teased.
My eyes narrowed into slits. “Ella’s.”
Vivian winked and pushed out of her seat. “In that case, there might be a way you can help solve Ella’s murder and get the money you need to pay Argus.”
“Don’t forget my fines.”
“I thought you had enough for those.” Vivian crossed her arms over her chest.
“I did, but I had a run-in with Argus after I left your shop. Also, fun fact, your wig was useless. It’s now ruined and smells like a wet animal.”
Vivian tsk’d and glanced at Ella. “That was my favorite wig.” She dug into a drawer on the other side of the room and pulled out a scroll. “A royal messenger delivered this today. I’m supposed to hang it in the window.” Unfurling it on the table, she placed a candle at each end. Ink-stained calligraphy covered the parchment. I read to the bottom and realized Vivian’s intentions.
“You want me to collect the reward money?”
“Exactly. The royal family is offering a fortune to anyone who helps capture Ella’s killer. That person could be you. There’s just one part you won’t like.”
I drummed my fingers on the table. It wasn’t a bad idea. The money would solve my problems, and Ella would find the peace she needed to cross over.
“What’s the part I won’t like?”
“You’ll need help from the royal detective.”
I slammed my teacup against the table. “Absolutely not!” Dark liquid spilled over the rim, pooling onto the glass. “I have no intention of asking that man for anything. He’s smug, thinks he knows everything, and gets a distinct pleasure from ordering me around.”
