Page 56 of Ghost in the Cupboard

“I think he’ll tell you when he’s ready,” I responded. “If that’s good enough for you.”

It took her a moment to answer, but Sal finally indicated that she would respect the request. She watched me a moment longer, as if trying to figure something out, glanced at the diner window, then back to me. She started to say something, but decided against it at the last moment.

Shaking the bag at me, as if waving goodbye, she headed to the diner door. Before she could pull the door inward to let herself out, I stopped her.

“Watch out for Gary,” I said. “Keep an eye on him.”

Sal’s brow furrowed as she considered me.

“He has all of you,” I said. “But I think he feels like he’s alone a lot. Now. Just keep an eye on him.”

Sal’s frown didn’t disappear, but she nodded before heading out the door.

“Going to the bathroom, Si!” Ginny bellowed from the back of the diner.

“Okay!” I bellowed back. “I’ll just be up here, waiting to hand out meals!”

She didn’t respond, but I knew Ginny had heard me. The Lunch Counter isn’t that big, after all. I sighed and propped myself against the counter with my elbows and turned my head to stare out the front window. I ignored the ghost but watched the people and cars in the distance over at The Eternity Inn.

The Grove Gossip would have all the theories and speculations, mixed in with a version of the truth, the following day. I wouldn’t have to wait long before everyone knew what had been found. Then cops would be coming around asking questions. As far as I was concerned, I knew nothing about Marcella Washington’s disappearance.

She had been found, after all. The cops knew she had been murdered.

I’d done enough.