The Ghost Of Margaret Houg

The Ghost Of Margaret Houg Elton Varfi London, nowadays. The wife of a powerful and chatted banker dies but, a year after the death, the sons of the lady say they have seen the ghost wandering around the villa. It is a matter of fact? It's a nightmare? There is something murky in the affair? London, nowadays. The wife of a powerful and chatted banker dies but, a year after the death, the sons of the lady say they have seen the ghost wandering around the villa. It is a matter of fact? It's a nightmare? There is something murky in the affair? It's up to Ernest Devon, a former policeman from Scotland Yard now private investigator and his friend Roni, solve the complicated case, which develops between blackmail, suspicions and a brutal murder. In the background runs the personal sentimental story of the protagonist who defends with tender obstinacy his impossible love for his ex-wife. Elton Varfi UUID: 8a806db0-0524-11e8-8d9a-17532927e555 This ebook was created with StreetLib Write http://write.streetlib.com (http://write.streetlib.com) Index 1  Chapter 1 (#u6472a6aa-da59-573d-a12d-db64b9194169) 2  Chapter 2 (#u851da0e1-0103-5c7f-8ccc-2a3633d714b9) 3  Chapter 3 (#ud9b5b691-a8d0-5c0b-8246-ab27de815dd5) 4  ?Chapter 4 (#litres_trial_promo) 5  Chapter 5 (#litres_trial_promo) 6  ?Chapter 6 (#litres_trial_promo) 7  Chapter 7 (#litres_trial_promo) 8  Chapter 8 (#litres_trial_promo) 9  Chapter 9 (#litres_trial_promo) 10  ?Chapter 10 (#litres_trial_promo) 11  Chapter 11 (#litres_trial_promo) 12  Chapter 12 (#litres_trial_promo) 13  Chapter 13 (#litres_trial_promo) 14  ?Chapter 14 (#litres_trial_promo) 15  Chapter 15 (#litres_trial_promo) 16  ?Epilogue (#litres_trial_promo) AUTHOR’S NOTE The present book is a work of pure fantasy. Any reference to names of people, places, events, historical facts, whether they really existed or existing, is to be considered purely coincidental and unintentional. 2012 - 2018 © Elton Varfi All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced in any form. Requests for publication and / or use of this work or part of it, in a context not being the only private reading, must be sent to: [email protected] Translator Eva Melisa Mastroianni The Ghost of Margaret Houg London, nowadays. The wife of a powerful and chatted banker dies but, a year after the death, the sons of the lady say they have seen the ghost wandering around the villa. It is a matter of fact? It`s a nightmare? There is something murky in the affair? It`s up to Ernest Devon, a former policeman from Scotland Yard now private investigator and his friend Roni, solve the complicated case, which develops between blackmail, suspicions and a brutal murder. In the background runs the personal sentimental story of the protagonist who defends with tender obstinacy his impossible love for his ex-wife Author Elton Varfi was born in Durazzo (Albania) in 1977. He lives and works in Palermo. He’s a passionate reader of horror and detective stories. His first detective story "The Ghost of Margaret Houg," was translated in Spanish and English. From 2009 to 2012 he was the administrator of the blog “The enigma of the Albanian language”, which can be consulted at http://eltonvarfi.blogspot.it (http://eltonvarfi.blogspot.it/) Chapter 1 That morning Ernest was already feeling tired and he didn’t want to answer the phone that was ringing nonstop. At last, he got up and picked up the phone. On the other side of the phone, he heard his friend Roni’s voice that seemed weirder than usual. That day looked like his friend had kicked in high gear and Ernest didn’t even have the time to say hello before getting filled up with questions. “ Hey, smart-ass! How come you have not been in touch for a week? Not even answer the phone! It looks like you no longer need money! Did you win the lottery or something?” “ No, Roni, I have not won any lottery and to be honest some money would be handy, but I don’t get what money has in common with you,” Ernest replied ironically. “ Some friend you are! I go out of my way for you and this is how you repay me?” “ What?” Ernest replied, who wasn’t really getting the meaning of that. “ I’ll be there in half an hour, so I can explain you everything,” Roni said, ending the call. Ernest remained clutching the receiver and a smile on his face, denoting its strong concern for this unusual behavior of his friend. Actually, he was glad to see that Roni was his best, and maybe only friend, but he was feeling exhausted because of the night before; so he decided to take a shower. He strangely was in a good mood again, but he didn’t really know why. Maybe it was the long and relaxing shower or maybe the thought of Roni’s arrival that would always make him feel good. He was the only one who had got him through during difficult times, giving him courage and supporting him in every decision. He had been by his side when he was dropped out of the Homicide Squad of Scotland Yard and when Luisa had broken up with him. Ernest didn’t know what he’d do without Roni. While these thoughts alternated in his mind, there was a knock at the door. It was Roni. “ You’re in good shape,” Ernest said to his friend, which, as soon as he saw Ernest’s expression, knew that something was wrong. “ It's been a very tough night, yesterday, hasn’t it? And don’t tell me no, because I know you very well. You can’t trick me,” Roni kept talking. Ernest nodded and Roni continued: “I bet you saw Luisa or am I wrong?” Ernest, who wasn't expecting anything else, replied: “Yes, I saw her by chance last night and I acted like an idiot. I couldn’t say a word, we just greeted each and she went away. Later on, I called to invite her over for dinner.” “ And her?” Roni asked, of course her answer could not be positive, given the condition in which he had found his friend. “ Well ... she didn't even answer my call.” “ So? That’s strange? If she’s not home she can’t answer your call. You shouldn't let this bring you down.” “ Don’t try to make me feel better, Roni, it’s useless. It’s over now. But the angriest thing is that I’ve not yet figured out what brought her away from me. I thought that, by leaving my investigator job, we would get closer and instead she left me.” After Ernest's breakdown, they stayed silent for a few minutes. Then Roni got up and asked him: “By the way, you're still a private investigator or did you resign?” and without waiting for the answer he continued, “I have a job for you.” “ What is it about?” Ernest asked. “ I don’t know exactly, but you'll work for a very important person.” “ And who would this third person supposed to be?” Ernest asked again, intrigued by the offer. “ James Houg.” An approving whistle came from Ernest’s lips: “The banker?” he questioned. “ That's him in person. So, what do you think?” “ Tell me something, Roni, but how do you know Houg?” “ He is a fan of antiques and he often comes to my shop. That’s how we met,” Roni said and continued “recently, he got a problem to solve and needs a hand with it. I told him about you and he said you're exactly the right man he’s looking for.” “ I thought you said earlier that you did not know what it was about?” Ernest asked, looking at his friend in the eye. “ Yes... yes... I know nothing, but a little advertising never hurts; then you are on the ball and I just told him the truth. I’ll tell you one last thing: if you decide to accept Houg’s proposal you would earn a lot of money.” “ Listen, Roni, I think you know more than just what you say, my friend, and I frankly don’t understand why you do not want to tell me the truth. However, at this moment I want to do something and above all I need money and therefore I am willing to talk to Houg and understand what it is about.” “ Then, do you agree?” Roni said almost yelling with joy. “Don’t worry, I'll talk to Houg and I will set an appointment; you instead try to put you on track and look better.” “ This will be very difficult, since Mother Nature has been very little generous with me,” Ernest answered laughing. “ You are joking, my friend. Now I really have to run away because I have many things to do,” and Roni went out after having greeted his friend. Ernest remained alone again, but Roni’s optimism got him so much that he was considering the possibility of calling Luisa to invite her out for dinner. After various second thoughts he called her, but Luisa did not answer and Ernest remembered that she was working at that time. He did not know what to do and having all day to fill up in some way, he decided to go and meet Luisa at the shop where she worked. Along the way he was puzzling on how she would react to his invitation, since lately she decided to avoid meetings with him. But then he thought that he had nothing to fear, since they had been married for two years. While thinking, he did not even notice he had already arrived at the shop where Luisa worked. He stayed outside for a while, but then he gathered up his forces and went inside. He quickly spotted her, she was there, more beautiful than ever, and Ernest understood that he loved her like he had never loved any another woman in his whole life. He could stay still there for hours and hours just looking at her, and he would’ve never gotten tired of it. For a moment he wanted to go back and let sit all, but then he gathered up his courage and approached. “ Hi Luisa,” he said. Luisa seemed glad to see him and that made him feel good. “ Hello, Ernest, what a nice surprise; what brings you here?” she asked. “ I wanted to apologize for last night.” “ To apologize? For what?” Luisa asked as she truly could not understand. “ Well ... last night I wanted to invite you out to dinner, but I did not and so I would like to fix it tonight, what do you say?” “ I was afraid it was something much more serious,” Luisa replied, relieved by Ernest’s response. “Unfortunately tonight I can’t because I have already made plans with a friend. I’m really sorry, maybe next time,” Luisa concluded, but Ernest had no intention of giving up. “ So, let’s do tomorrow night,” he tried to insist. “You choose the restaurant, I don’t really...” “ I can’t tomorrow as well,” she interrupted him and continued, “unfortunately, I have other plans, but I promise that as soon as I’m freer I'll call you and we’ll spend an evening together.” “ Okay, no problem. I just wanted to spend some time with you. That’s all. I’ll wait for your call then,” Ernest said, trying to sound calm, but in reality he was a mess. “ Well...” Luisa said “I certainly didn’t want to disappoint you, but...” “ No, no disappointment at all, I assure you,” Ernest interrupted her and continued “I’d better go now. You have to work. See you soon, darling.” Ernest was sure that Luisa was not that busy as she said, but he could not understand why she did not want dating him. Without thinking about it, he stopped at a pub, went in and chugged down various bottles of beer. Chapter 2 It had been three days and Roni had not showed up. Ernest was in a confused state; he could not remember how many liters of beer he had been drinking, but certainly it had to be many, since he was feeling awful. He was sitting, his eyes stared into space and he did not want to do anything, he did not even want to move, and he remained motionless even when the door opened and Roni came in. “ For Christ's sake! I had never seen so many empty beer bottles in one single room!” Roni exclaimed, impressed by the scene in front of his eyes. “ Finally my friend Roni showed up! But where the hell have you been all this time?” Ernest asked, trying to tidy up a little bit the mess surrounding him. “ I had things to do, but I can see that you did not waste any time and you tried to give your life an aim.” “ I beg you, Roni, I'm ashamed enough and I don’t think I deserve your stupid comments. These three days I have been alone just like a dog and I thought...” “ You have seen fit to drink until losing consciousness.” Roni interrupted him, and, without giving him time to answer, he continued, “Anyway, I'm not here to judge you, but to tell you that in less than two hours we must be over Houg. Now get up and firstly get a shave and then take a good shower. Is that clear?” Ernest obeyed without saying a word. While he was in the shower he could hear Roni’s upset voice. “ And yet I remember perfectly well I told you to improve your appearance. When I saw you, you've looked like a zombie, and you made me a very bad impression. Luckily I know you, but if a stranger had seen you, he would have thought you were a suspicious individual escaped from an asylum.” Ernest was slowly and quietly dressing up, not caring about what Roni was saying because he didn’t want to argue with him. When he was done, he simply said he was ready. Even Roni looked calmer; besides he worried about his friend and he felt bad when he saw him in that state. They both went out silently and only when they got in the car Roni said: “Houg lives out of town, on the hills where he has his family residence. Please, Ernest, listen to him carefully and in the end you’ll be the one to decide if you want to accept it or not.” “ Don't worry; I won’t ever make you look bad. Firstly I’ll listen carefully to your friend Houg and then we’ll see what happens.” In Ernest’s words there was a bit of irony and Roni decided that it probably was better not to speak anymore, at least not until the arrival at Houg’s house. Ernest had tried to imagine how the house of a millionaire could be, but as soon as he saw it he was amazed. That house looked like a castle and all around there was a green well-maintained lawn. Ernest noticed how Roni wasn’t impressed at all and that’s why he thought that he had been in that house several times. They got through the opened main gate and headed towards the house. From the gate to the house there was a distance of about half a mile and the two friends were walking on a small street which was the only paved part among all that green. When they arrived in front of the door, Roni rang the bell and someone opened the door. A woman appeared who had to be the maid, given the way she was dressed up. As soon as the woman saw Roni she exclaimed: “Good morning, Mr. Ewin! Please, come on in, I'll tell Mr. Houg right away.” “ I see you’re known here.” Ernest told his friend as soon as they entered. “ Yeah, lately I’ve been coming here quite often.” Roni answered. They got in and Ernest was more and more impressed from the beauty of that house. His attention had been caught by a huge painting hung on one of the walls representing a beautiful woman with long black hair; she was wearing a white dress holding a red rose in her hands; but her gaze was attracting him the most, it was so intense and penetrating that Ernest couldn’t stop looking at it. “ It is the portrait of my dead wife.” A voice said behind his back. Ernest turned and saw a tall man, with white hair and beard, dressed in a very elegant way. “ Let me introduce myself, James Houg. You must be Mr. Devon, if I’m not wrong.” “ Please, call me Ernest, sir” the investigator said. “ Very good. Well, Ernest, it’s a big pleasure meeting you.” Houg said and he shook his hand. Ernest was embarrassed and stuttered something like “My pleasure”. Houg turned to Roni and said: “This is my dear and good friend Roni. You’re looking good.” “ Yes, luckily I’m quite good, thanks. As you can see I kept my promise and I brought you Ernest. I’m sure he will be a big help for you.” “ I hope so as well, to be honest.” Houg said and continued “Can I offer you something to drink?” “ Not for me, thank you.” Ernest answered while still standing focused on appreciating that extraordinary house. Houg grabbed a bottle and filled up two glasses, one for Roni and the other one for himself. Then he finally noticed that Ernest was still standing and invited him to have a seat. “ Please, take a seat. I need to talk to you.” That's what I'm here for.” Ernest said, very curious to know what it was about. “ Well… it’s a pretty funny situation, to be honest, but it could be pretty dangerous for my son” Houg started and continued after taking a sip from the glass he was holding, “Less than a month ago, to be exact on the night of 13 October, my son got rushed into emergency to the hospital, in a state of total shock. He didn't say a word for weeks. Until a few days ago. The first person he had talked to right after what happened was me and when I knew the reason why my son was in such a state, I was stunned. Anyway...It seems that he's seen a ghost.” “ A ghost?!” Ernest exclaimed being not able to believe his ears. “ I see that our friend Roni didn’t tell you anything about that.” Houg said turning to Ernest who was still surprised for what he had heard. “ No, to be honest he didn’t tell me anything at all.” Ernest replied, confirming Houg’s hypothesis. “ I didn’t say anything ‘cause I didn't want to spread any rumors, considering the bad events of last year.” Roni said looking into Houg’s eyes. “ Sure, but I see no reason why Ernest shouldn’t know about it, considering that he is your dearest friend and also the man who can help us.” Houg piled on in a disapproving tone. “ To be honest, I don’t see how I could help you.” Ernest intervened, who didn’t really understand why he was involved in that situation. Houg stayed silent for a while; then, turning to Ernest said: “You could help me because I’m a very rational person and I don’t believe in ghosts; so, either imagination played a trick on my son and therefore he believed he had seen his mother’s ghost, or there is something else; anyway, I think that in all of this there is a logical explanation and I would like you to find out what it is.” “ Well, your son saw his mother’s ghost’ Ernest asked, surprised of that sentence said almost in a rush. “ Yes, that’s right, I apologize for not saying it earlier, but I almost forgot it.” Houg replied. “ But, you can’t forget that easily that is your wife’s ghost.” the investigator made notice with a provocative tone, and instinctively his eyes landed on the painting representing Houg’s wife. There was a moment of silence and the banker lowered his eyes but Ernest, who looked very sure of himself, deep down he was feeling uncomfortable with being in front of that man so massive who even when he was talking about ghosts it seemed like he was talking about the most natural thing of the world. “ You’re right, but this story embarrasses me and I can’t wait for you to accept my offer and resolve the mystery.” Houg said as to justify his embarrassment and his strange ways. “ First of all I haven’t received any offer yet and in second place I don’t think I’ll resolve everything with a magic wand.” Ernest answered. “ If you had to decide to accept my offer you can put yourself the amount on the check; I'm fine with it. I really hope you’ll accept because your friend and I have faith in you.” Houg concluded. Ernest was about to answer when a girl came into the living room. From the looks of her uniform she had to be a maid. She was a really pretty girl with short blonde hair. As soon as she saw the two men who were talking to Houg, she took a step back, almost scared. “ Tell me Rebecca, what’s up?” Houg asked. “ Oh… I apologize. I thought you were alone. I won't intrude any longer,” the girl muttered and she quickly got out of the room. “ She’s my children’s nanny and she was the one to find my son in the shocked condition I was telling you about.” Houg said and then continued “I’ll give you the other explanations only in case you accept my offer.” “ In that case, I’ll let you know” Ernest answered and motioned towards Roni that the visit was done. “ I hope to have your news as soon as possible” Houg said escorting them to the door. Ernest nodded his head and got out heading towards the car. Roni instead stayed behind and he stopped to talk with Houg. “ This is all a bit weird.” Ernest commented with Roni once they had left. “ What?” Roni asked. “ Everything. The ghost story; Houg who wants to engage me to solve the problem. Doesn’t it make any sense to you?” “ No, personally I don’t see anything weird about it. I just hope you're not sore at me for not telling you anything.” Roni answered. Listen, I don't understand something. Why would a person with Houg’s influence and power want to hire me for this case? If he wanted, he could have an army of investigators, not to mention the fact that he can count on the total availability of Scotland Yard. Why just one man? Why?” Ernest wondered again, muttering to himself. Roni felt anyway as if he wanted to talk: “Yes, all that you're saying it's true, but if you paid attention you must've guessed he had a bad experience a year ago, when his wife died. The majority of the press talked about that for a long time and some newspapers even wrote that the fault of his wife's death was his, Houg’s.” “ What do you mean by it was Houg’s fault?” Ernest asked intrigued. “ Well…it’s not very clear. I only know that his wife spent her last months of life in a psychiatric hospital because she was suffering from a major depression. It seems that she had become violent and dangerous so it wasn’t possible to keep her at home. The official version on her death is that she died after a strong nervous breakdown that caused her a heart attack. In certain articles it even came out that it was suicide and that Houg had given her a hand.” “ In other words: a murder.” Ernest interrupted him, then asking “But why on earth would he do that?” “ Nobody knows it. Someone wrote that being him a famous businessman, a wife in a state like that represented an embarrassment.” “ This fails to convince me. How can a man kill his own wife just because he feels embarrassed?” Ernest muttered shaking his head. “ In fact that's all talk. After a while they didn’t speak about the case anymore and Houg declared that he would have sued all the journalists who did similar insinuations. After all, it was clear to everyone he loved his wife.” “ Even this is really weird.” Ernest said and continued “Why did the newspapers write that a suicide was simulated?” “ I don’t know this.” Roni replied. “ But is it possible that a strong nervous breakdown can cause a heart attack? “ I don’t know Ernest, that is why you have to talk with a doctor, I can’t tell you anything. But why are you so interested in this story?” Roni asked who couldn’t understand where his friend was going with that. “ Our Mr. Houg is full of enigmas, don’t you think?” Ernest considered. “ He’s just a rich man, and like all the other rich men he is very envied and much attacked. Naturally he has made some mistakes, but saying that he is a murderer it’s a bit exaggerated.” Roni replied. “ But why did the newspapers write that a suicide was simulated, how does this make sense? If the cause of death was a heart attack why should've a suicide been simulated?” Ernest asked again, demonstrating he didn’t care about Roni’s words. The latter was becoming nervous for his friend's obsession. To Roni the story of how Houg’s wife died was the past and now cleared. He wanted to change subject, but he knew that with Ernest this was very difficult. Once he set his mind on something he didn't hear the end of it. “ But it’s very weird, don't you think? Really weird! Thinking about it, the official version doesn't make sense… I mean… on Mrs. Houg’s death certificate I suppose it’s written that she died after a heart attack, but someone wrote that a suicide was simulated. I keep asking myself why.” Ernest kept talking and it looked like he was waiting a reply from Roni. “ Please, Ernest, stop repeating the same thing a hundred times! However, that is history, and it doesn’t matter and after all they were all talks and nothing more!” Roni exclaimed and to change subject asked “Anyway, did you see what a beautiful nanny has Mr. Houg?” “ Yes, she’s a really pretty girl. When I saw her she looked like someone I know; maybe I’ve already seen her somewhere, but I don’t remember where.” “ She gave me the same impression as well when I saw her for the first time. But this happens because she has a too common face.” Roni said, happy that the conversation was taking another turn. But he didn’t calculate Ernest's ability to keep anchored to a subject until he didn’t see the light. “ I guess you know which newspapers wrote about Houg and his wife's death, right?” “ Pretty much all of them, but now I don’t really remember which ones because it was more than a year ago. Tell me the truth Ernest, why are you asking me all these questions now? Why are you so interested in how Margaret Houg died?” Roni asked to his friend. “ Because I’ll be the one to face Mrs. Houg’s ghost and I believe I should know how she died, don't you think?” the detective answered, staring at his friend’s eyes. “ So that means you’ll accept the offer?” Roni asked impatiently. “ Of course. How could I reuse an offer like this? I won’t even have to work a lot, since Houg already gave me two trails to follow.” “ What would these two trails be?” Roni asked again. “ One: there will have to be a logic explanation. Two: his son’s imagination could have caused everything…” Ernest replied, who looked a bit too nervous. “ You don’t really like Mr. Houg, or am I wrong?” “ Especially, he doesn't look like a very clean person.” Ernest replied again and continued “I’ve known him for a short while, but I think he’s not saying all the truth and I don’t like his arrogant way of speaking.” “ Personally I think he’s very kind.” Roni commented. “ It could be. But I didn’t like him trying to affect me, saying that maybe his son imagined everything.” “ I don’t think Houg wanted to affect you. He’s just worried about the situation and he tried to give you his opinion about it. I don't see anything bad in this. Anyway when you think you’ll communicate your decision to Houg?” “ As soon as possible; even though the story Houg is telling doesn't really convince me.” “ Should you need my help, just ask me and I’ll be glad to give it to you.” Roni said, but Ernest was thinking and it seemed like he wasn't listening to him at all. “ Okay, I understood, I won't talk anymore.” Roni replied and stayed silent. At the same moment the phone rang and James Houg picked it up. “ So?” voice asked from the other side of the line. “ I think we can do it. I’ll give you an answer very soon.” Houg said. “ Very good, Mr. Houg, I see you’re starting to understand.” His interlocutor replied and brutally hung up. Houg was left with the phone in his hand for a few minutes, and then he put it down and gout out of the study. Chapter 3 Luisa didn't know what made her call Ernest and invite him to dinner. Now it was too late for a do-over, soon he would come to her. She knew that during dinner the conversation would have taken a turn that she definitely wouldn't like. Ernest would ask legitimate questions, but she wasn't ready to answer and he would feel bad once again. She was feeling stupid, but the thing that made her feel worse was that now she couldn't do anything anymore; she could just wait the collateral effects of her brilliant idea. She was thinking about these things when the doorbell rang. Luisa went to open and she felt terribly guilty when she saw Ernest with a big rose bouquet in one hand and a bottle of wine in the other one. “ The roses are for you, the wine is for me instead.” Ernest said, feeling the happiest man on Earth. “ They're beautiful, but you didn't have to do all this.” “ No trouble! You decided to assume the hard task of feeding me and this is the least I could do in return.” Ernest answered smiling. Luisa was stunned in front of the door, grabbed the rose in her hands and she didn't know what to say. Ernest didn't look like he had lost his ability to speak and so asked: “We'd better get ourselves inside.” “ Yes, of course, I’m sorry. Be my guest.” Luisa said, freeing the way. “ It is nice, here, very delicious.” Ernest said as soon as he got in, but he didn't get a reply “You seem to be settling in all right” he kept talking. “ Yeah, to be honest I'm doin' real good here,” Luisa replied, placing the flowers in a vase “It's not bad, really. I’m thinking about moving here. What do you say? ...Do you like the idea?” “ I don't really think it’s a good idea that you…” “ Hey, what's wrong with you? I’m kidding, Luisa! I haven't gone mad just yet.” Ernest interrupted her “Tell me the truth: you're not happy at all of having invited me, or am I wrong?” “ No, no. But it makes me weird having dinner with you again after all this time.” Luisa said, trying to smile. “ It's only been ten months, it's not a long time,” he muttered. “Anyway I really appreciated your invitation and I see nothin' wrong with having dinner together. It’s the most normal thing in the world to me and it doesn’t...” “ When did you become such a talker?” Luisa interrupted him, smiling happily. “ What do I spy with my eye? Luisa is smiling, I can't believe it.” Ernest said, kidding her. Maybe you couldn't talk about proper laughs, but she certainly was friendlier. Ernest got closer and hugged her to manifest all his approval. “ Everything good, then?” continued him “See, you don’t need too much to feel better.” “ Well done, you became a talker with a wicked sense of humor. I wasn't expecting this from you.” “ I know, unfortunately you have a wrong idea of me, but anyway...So, and what’s this delicious smell coming from the kitchen?” “ You’ll see it in a while.” Luisa answered. “ You're such a good cook. You cooked me such good things; even in these times I miss your meat dumplings…” “ How's work?” Luisa interrupted him, as if she wanted to change topic, “Now you're a private investigator, aren’t you?” “ Yeah, but to be honest I didn't have a lot to do. Recently, though, I received a serious offer.” “ What is it about? If you don't mind me asking...” Luisa questioned. “ I’ve to go chasing after a... woman.” “ Some jealous husband sent you after his wife?” Luisa hypothesized, smiling, “I can't imagine you as a peeper.” “ No, you're wrong, it's not about that. It would be easier. The thing is even more complicated than what it seems. Unfortunately I can't tell anything more.” “ I understand, professional secret. I’m not asking you other questions. Now, we’d better enjoy our meal, I think dinner is ready.” Luisa said and went into the kitchen. Ernest took a seat at the table and just as he was about to sit the phone rang. Luisa got out of the room and picked up the phone: “Hello? ...Yes, he's here. I’ll put him on. It’s for you.” She said to Ernest, who got up very surprised and curious about who was looking for him. His surprise grew when from the other side of the phone he heard Roni’s voice. “ Roni, what do you want?” he asked, “What happened?” “ I know that this is not the right moment to bother you, but it happened again.” “ What?” “ The ghost appeared again and Mr. Houg is waiting for us.” “ I don't care about the ghost, about Mr. Houg and about you, Roni. I haven't had dinner yet and I have no intention of moving from here. Okay?” Ernest answered very angry. Roni though had no intention in giving up. “ I know that you’ll hate me to death, but in ten minutes I’ll be there, so I can take you to Mr. Houg’s house.” Ernest couldn't believe it. He finally got to be alone with Luisa and Roni was ready to ruin everything because of that damn ghost that had found the right night to make her apparition. His thoughts were interrupted by Luisa’s voice: “Is something wrong?”She asked. “ Unfortunately yes.” Ernest replied, “Roni is arriving and I have to go away with him.” “ I'm really sorry!” Luisa said. “ Not as sorry as I am. Fate is against us. Looks like we can't stay in peace us two, huh?” Luisa didn't know what to say. She was looking at Ernest and from her eyes you could tell she was really sorry. “ Well, there will be further opportunities to date, don’t you think?” Ernest didn't answer quickly. He looked at her in the eyes and he really wanted to believe that there were going to be other occasions, but knowing Luisa he knew that it would've been very difficult. “ Now it’d be better open the wine bottle, at least we make a toast.” he said. Luisa nodded and brought two glasses. “ This toast is for us two, hoping that we can see each other again as soon as possible, Roni permitting.” Ernest said and got his glass closer to Luisa’s who did the same thing. They had just started drinking, when the doorbell rang. “ Here he is.” He said. Luisa went to open the door. “ Good evening,” Roni said “Sorry to disturb you, but it’s an emergency.” “ Yes, Roni, we know how much you’re sorry, but now we’d better go.” Ernest said greeting Luisa and going out. Roni did the same. After closing the door Luisa stayed still in the living room, thinking about what had happened. Ernest had messed her up. Maybe she still loved him! Maybe it was only cuteness? A strong smell of burnt brought her back. “ Oh no!” she said “Dinner went down in flames!” While they were heading towards their cars, Roni was looking at Ernest who strangely seemed calm. “ We’d better go with mine,” Roni said “Don’t worry. We’ll use yours later on.” Ernest obeyed, he went towards Roni’s car and they left. Roni couldn't speak; he knew how much his friend cared about that night, but with his big surprise it was Ernest who asked him what happened. “ Well, I don't know much. Mr. Houg phoned me warning me that the event happened again.” “ The event?” Ernest asked. “ Yes; clearly he was referring to the ghost. He sounded really worried about it and he immediately asked about you.” Roni ended and with the corner of the eye looked at Ernest, which kept looking calm though. “ Who did it appear to, this time?” the investigator asked, “To his son again?” “ Probably yes, we’ll know it soon.” “ You're right, Roni, soon we’ll know how things are. It’s weird. In this moment I should've been dining with Luisa and I’m not. I should be mad at you, but I’m not. Can you explain me why?” Roni looked at him in the eyes for a while and tried his best to give an answer. “ I'm really sorry about the dinner, but I’m happy to see that you’re not angry. I can't tell you why. Even though we’ve known each other for years, I’ve always tried to understand you, but I think you’ll stay a big mystery to me.” Ernest, after having listened to Roni, started laughing and gave him a pat on the back. “ I'm talking seriously, you really are a mystery,” the antiquarian continued. “ Instead, I find out tonight for the first time that you’re really reckless when you drive. I’d like to arrive to your friend’s house in one piece, bit if you keep driving like this the odds are just a few.” Ernest made him notice. “ Don’t worry; we'll arrive safe and sound.” In the meantime in front of Ernest’s eyes the shadow of Houg’s house appeared that kept getting bigger as they were getting closer. Roni didn't slow down not even when, got past the gate of the mansion, they got the internal road. That house was beautiful, but at night it looked sad, it looked like there wasn't anyone living inside it; it was lifeless and it made you dread by looking at it. Arrived at the entrance, Roni hit the brakes abruptly. They got out of the car and they didn't even have the time to knock that the housekeeper had already opened the door. “ Mr. Houg is waiting for you in his study,” she said, gesturing them to follow her. They followed her in silence, climbed the stairs and arrived in front of the door of the study that was open. “ Please, take a seat,” the housekeeper said again, taking two steps backwards. Getting into the room, Ernest observed her face and understood she was scared. As soon as Houg sensed that they were there, he suddenly got up and headed towards them. “ I don't know how to apologize for disturbing you at this hour, but I couldn't avoid it, seeing that the ghost has appeared again.” Ernest approached the armchair in front of Houg’s desk, then, turning to the banker, said: “I already knew that. To be honest, I was hoping to hear something more.” “ This time, my daughter saw her,” Houg muttered; then he went to sit in front of Ernest. “ And where was your daughter when she saw her?” Ernest asked. “ In her brother’s room. She was keeping him company because Rebecca, the nanny, had gone into town.” “ But where did the ghost appear?” Ernest asked again. “ In the family’s chapel that is behind the house; you can see it as well from that window,” Houg answered, showing the window that was at his left. Ernest just turned his head to take a look, but he didn’t do anything else. “ Can I talk to your daughter?” Ernest asked. “ Sure,” Houg said and pressed a grey button he had on the table. Not even thirty second passed and the housekeeper entered the room. “ Please be so kind as to call Barbara. Tell her that Mr. Devon needs to talk to her,” Houg said. The housekeeper nodded and went out. Silence fell in the study. Roni, who was sitting on the couch on the right of the desk, wasn't making a sound. His silence was due to the fact that the story was making him enthusiastic and he couldn't wait for Houg’s daughter to arrive to understand what she had seen. Houg instead put his head into his hands and, lost in his thoughts, he mentally drifted away from the room until when, back in himself, he said: “I’m so shocked that I didn't even offer you something to drink.” “ I'm good like this,” Ernest said. I’d like to drink a shot of brandy instead,” Roni said. “ I agree with you, a shot of brandy is what we need,” Houg said and he headed towards a minibar to take the bottle and two glasses. In the meantime Ernest went near the window and looked outside in the search of the chapel. It was plain dark outside and instead the room where they were was lit up so Ernest couldn't see anything. After a while a beautiful girl arrived, accompanied by the housekeeper. “ She’s my daughter Barbara,” Houg said turning to Ernest. “And he is Mr. Ernest Devon and he’s here to help us,” Houg said again turning to his daughter this time. “ Are you a Ghostbusters, Sir?” Houg's daughter asked ironically. “ No, I’m not, miss,” Ernest replied. “ So, are you a medium, an exorcist, something like that?” “ Neither am I,” Ernest answered calmly. “ Then, I don’t see how you could help us,” Barbara said, but Houg intervened:“Please, Barbara, it’s not nice to answer this way to our guest; he’s a private investigator and he’s also very smart. He wants to ask you some questions to better understand the situation and I’d be glad if you answer.” Not a word did Barbara speak, then she noticed Roni and she got closer to greet him; then, she turned to Ernest and said: “Well, Mr. Devon, you can start questioning me, I’m ready.” “ First of all I’m not going to question you, Miss. Like your father said earlier, I just want to ask you some questions to understand what you saw.” “ Well. I saw my mother's ghost and I assure you I'm not crazy.” “ Where were you when you saw it?” “ I was in my brother’s room. Rebecca had gone out and he couldn't sleep; I looked outside the window for a second and I saw something moving in the chapel. I turned off the light to see better and…” Barbara stopped and turned her head to her father, who encouraged her to continue. “ And then I saw my mother's ghost,” she continued. “Right after I turned the light back on and I called Mary Ann which quickly ran to me. I told her everything and she looked outside the window, but she didn't see anything.” “ But are you sure that it was a ghost?” Ernest asked. “ Well, yes… yes… I’m sure, at least I think so.” “ What makes you think that it was a ghost and not a flesh-and-blood person?” “ Because a flesh-and-blood person must be crazy to do what I saw and then because I observed the face and it was really my mother's and, since she died more than a year ago, it had to be a ghost. I can’t find any other explanation. But actually, a doubt remains…” Which doubt?” Ernest inquired. “ If I saw my mother, or at least her ghost, why am I so much frightened? After all, she’s my mother; but in that moment I almost fainted.” “ Now, please, try to remember the entire scene.” “ I turned off the light, and then I looked outside the window. At first I didn't notice anything strange, but then I saw a woman and I could swear that she was my mother. She had a long white dress that touched the floor and she had a red rose in her hands. Maybe she felt my gaze on her, because she looked at me and she smiled at me, almost as if she wanted to mock me. Then she started some kind of dance. She was slowly moving her arms and head; they were really weird movements and for all the time her gaze didn't leave the window. I didn't have the courage to look anymore and I called Mary Ann.” “ But Mary Ann didn't see anything, right?” Ernest asked. “ Exactly, she didn't see anything.” Barbara answered. “ Was this silhouette inside or outside the chapel?” “ I saw her on the stairs, and then I don't know, I can't remember very well.” “ Did your brother see anything?” “ No… I don't think so. He just got worried because he saw I was nervous.” “ Where is he, now?” “ He’s sleeping. Luckily Rebecca came back early and my brother falls asleep fast with her.” “ I’m done, for the moment, Miss. Should I have some questions to ask you, I hope you’ll be available.” “ Of course...” Barbara said turning to her dad to have the permission to go. After receiving it, she greeted Roni and Ernest and left the room. “ What do you think?” Houg asked Ernest right after his daughter’s exit. “ I still don’t know what to think. It is sure that it’s not a simple matter,” the investigator answered. “ I know that well, otherwise I wouldn't have asked for your help…” Houg said standing up and proceeding: “At least now we know that my son didn't make up anything.” “ Why did you think your son could have made up everything?” Ernest asked surprised. “ Because he's a kid and you know how kids are: too often they fly with the fantasy. Just a simple light reflection and they see dragons, monsters or ghosts,” Houg replied. “ Anyway, I need to talk to your son as well. In the meantime, if you agree, I’d like to see the chapel,” Ernest said. “ I’ll accompany you.” Houg said and pressed again the button on the desk. After a while the housekeeper entered the study. “ Did you call, Mr. Houg?” she asked. “ Yes, Mary Ann, we need a flashlight,” he said. The housekeeper got out and the others followed her. Arrived downstairs, Mary Ann brought the flashlight. They went out in the garden. Houg led the way, Roni and Ernest followed him. Once outside, Houg pointed at the chapel with the flashlight. Ernest immediately noticed the stairs and tried to imagine the exact point where the ghost could have appeared. When he got in front of the chapel he turned to the house and asked Houg: “Where's your son’s bedroom?” “ Second floor, the third room from the right,” Houg answered. Ernest localized the room, and then he took the flashlight and headed towards the stairs of the chapel like he was looking for something. “ Nothing at all,” he said after a while. “ What were you hoping to find?” Roni asked. “ Something, anything.” Ernest replied mysteriously, and then he climbed the stairs and entered the chapel. Houg and Roni followed him without saying a word. Ernest turned the light several times trying to lighten up the various parts of the chapel, but it seemed as he didn't find anything. Then, suddenly, the flashlight lit up a door. “ And this?” Ernest asked. “ It's the access door to the family cemetery,” Houg answered. “ Can I go in?” Ernest asked. Before Houg could answer, Roni intervened: “Don't you think it's a bit too much going in a cemetery at this time of the night?” “ What's up Roni? Are you scared, maybe? You can wait here, if you want. Me, instead, with Mr. Houg's permission, I would like to take a look at the family cemetery,” Ernest replied in a mocking tone. “ But of course you can go, even though I frankly don't really understand what you hope to find,” Houg said. Ernest approached the door and opened it. A breath of cold air hit his face in the instant when he went out. He made light with the torch to read the names written on the graves. He stopped when he read ‘Margaret Houg’. He got closer to see better and he noticed that on the grave there was a red rose and underneath it there was something. He took the object with his hands to understand better what it was and he noticed that it was a tarot. Taking a better look at the card, he read: “The death.” There was something strange; he heard a weird breathing, it seemed like a tired breathing, maybe of someone scared. He then decided to put the card in his pocket, took the rose and turned around. It was a huge surprise and he almost started screaming. Houg was right behind him and Ernest didn't hear him arrive, so he wasn't expecting to see him. He had a labored breathing. He was scared. “ What's up?” Houg said. Ernest didn't answer right after, he waited about ten seconds and then asked: “Did you put the rose here?” “ No,” Houg answered. “ We should probably go inside, now,” Ernest said and headed towards the exit. They walked all the chapel down and just before getting out, the flashlight turned off. “ Maybe the batteries are dead,” Roni said coming down the stairs with Houg. Ernest stayed behind for a moment and he felt observed. He lifted his head to Houg’s son’s bedroom, but he didn't see anything. The three men went back inside the house and took a seat in Houg’s study. “ So, you didn't put the rose,” Ernest commented as soon as they sat down. “ Absolutely not, maybe it was my daughter, even though I have high doubts on this.” “ Why?” “ Because, knowing my daughter, I don't think she could do a thing like this. Since her mother died she has never gone to visit her grave. Barbara is a hostile and stubborn girl, and, between us, we don't really get along. To be honest she didn't get along with my wife as well. That’s why I highly doubt that she could've placed that flower…” Houg said. “ Maybe your son, then?” “ Oh no, he doesn't get out of the house. The only time was when we admitted him, a month ago. It’s been over a year since he went outside.” “ How old is your son?” “ Twelve years old.” “ And doesn't he go to school?” “ Three times a week he gets private lessons,” Houg answered promptly. While the banker got up to light up a cigar, Ernest got the tarot out of his pocket and placed it on the desk. Houg took it in his hand, looked at it and then asked: “What is it?” “ I found it together with the rose on your wife's grave,” Ernest said. Houg held the card in his hands, he looked surprised. “ What does it mean?” Houg asked again. “ Only one thing, Mr. Houg. Who put that on it knows very well the meaning of that card. Someone here in the house knows how to read tarots?” Ernest asked. “ No, no, no one,” Houg said and then continued: “All this is ridiculous. Someone put a card with a death symbol on my wife's grave? Do you think this means that I and my family are in danger?” “ I don't exclude it, Mr. Houg.” Ernest replied. “ This is a nightmare, and I’d like to get out of it as soon as possible. I’m not afraid for myself, but for my children,” Houg said. Ernest took a look at the clock and said: “It's pretty late, Mr. Houg. Roni and I really have to go. Tomorrow morning I'll be here again and we'll talk about this again.” “ Okay, I’ll lead you to the door,” Houg said. They went down the stairs and headed towards the living room. Ernest turned around and his gaze stopped on the portrait of Margaret Houg. For a while he felt shivers down his back. “ See you tomorrow, then,” Houg said to Ernest when he got to the door. “ Yes, Mr. Houg, I'll be here as soon as possible,” Ernest answered. Houg said goodbye to Roni, then he turned around again to Ernest like he wanted to tell him something, but then he changed his mind and got back inside the house. The two friends left in silence and only after a few kilometers Roni commented: “It's a great mystery, don't you think?” “ Looks like it,” Ernest replied. “ I was left with no words. It’s a good mess. It won't be that easy.” “ Yes, I know that it's not going to be easy, but who plays these little games will make a mistake in the end and I'll be ready to put him with his back on the wall,” Ernest answered and then added:“At least I hope so.” “ Let's wish that all of this ends as soon as possible and mostly that nobody gets hurt,” Roni said. “ If it’s like I think, it's very probable that this entire story will finish very soon.” “ Don't tell me you already have a suspect?” Roni asked. “ Maybe.” “ Come on, don't play the mysterious, speak!” Roni encouraged him. “ Houg’s daughter.” “ What does she have to do with this?” Roni asked surprised. “ Well… first of all, did you hear what his father said of her? That she's a hostile girl and they don't really get along; secondly, nobody has seen the ghost except her; thirdly: did you also notice the resemblance to her mother, or not? Possible conclusion: she wants to make a despite to her dad and she plays at telling stories of ghosts.” “ I'm sorry but this version doesn't convince me because: one, her brother saw the ghost at first, and he was even admitted in hospital because of this; two, it is true that she's a hostile girl, but it seems too much inventing this just to make a despite to her father; three, I don’t understand what the resemblance with her mother has to do with this,” Roni made clear. “ Maybe I’m wrong. The fact is that I’m tired and a little off. But in his story there’s something odd. It doesn’t convince me at all.” “ Why not?” “ Because she says he has seen the ghost in her face, but we were in the chapel as well and we were forced to use an electric flashlight to make light, or am I wrong?” “ This is true,” Roni answered. “ So, how did she manage to see the face well, if the chapel was in the dark? And then, how can she remember well all the movements, if she says that she saw her just for a few seconds?” “ I don’t know, Ernest. It’ll be better that you make it clear with her tomorrow.” “ Of course, I’ll do it.” Ernest answered. “ But the thought that it could really be a ghost doesn’t even touch you?” Roni asked. “ Don’t talk nonsense, it doesn’t exist any ghost! Have you ever seen a ghost that plays with card or puts roses on graves?” “ Okay, never mind,” Roni answered and didn’t talk for the rest of the journey. Arrived in the point where Ernest had left his car, the investigator lifted his head and looked in the direction of the window of Luisa’s apartment. “ I really think that she’s sleeping at this hour,” Roni said smirking. Конец ознакомительного фрагмента. Текст предоставлен ООО «ЛитРес». Прочитайте эту книгу целиком, купив полную легальную версию (https://www.litres.ru/pages/biblio_book/?art=40208351&lfrom=688855901) на ЛитРес. 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