Ghost in the Polka Dot Bikini: A Ghost of Granny Apples Mystery by Sue Ann Jaffarian Read Free Book Online Page B

you were as soon as Tessa gave me your name,” Sandy told her. “I’ve seen your television show. Think it’s first-rate. And you’re very skillful at keeping your personal talents out of the limelight. To most, you’re probably just a lovely and talented show host. But I knew the moment I first saw you onscreen that you had the gift.”
    Quickly, Emma gave Phil a summary of the conversation.
    When she was done, Sandy asked, “You finally divorced from that scoundrel Grant Whitecastle?”
    “Yes,” Emma answered, no longer surprised at what Sandy said. “Nearly a year now.”
    The ghost looked Phil Bowers up and down. “I see you traded up.”
    Emma snorted with laughter.
    “What?” Phil asked.
    “She said you’re an improvement over Grant. Said I traded up.”
    Phil glanced at the ghost. Even though he couldn’t see her, he winked in her direction. “Damn straight she did. Nowhere to go but up from that fool.”
    With the sun officially down, the air was getting cooler. Phil drew Emma into him for warmth, holding her tight.
    “Sandy,” Emma continued, “I saw a small entry in a book about your sighting of a bikini-wearing ghost. But there was no mention of her in the other books I saw on Catalina spirits.”
    “That’s correct. A few longtime friends knew I could see the spirits. The man who wrote that book was a friend and island resident. He passed away about a year after its publication. When he asked my permission to include it, I said yes, as long as he didn’t sensationalize it.”
    “How long have you known about Tessa?”
    “I started seeing her spirit many years ago. As far as I can tell, almost as soon as she died.”
    “In the late sixties?”
    “That would be about right. For years, my husband and I came down here every evening for the sunset. One summer night, Howard and I were sitting here enjoying ice cream cones, and there Tessa was, playing in the surf plain as day.”
    “Could your husband see her?”
    Sandy shook her head. “No. He didn’t have the gift. But he knew I did and made his peace with it.” She again looked Phil over. “It helps to have an understanding mate.”
    Emma turned her head toward the surf and waited a moment before speaking again. “I don’t think Tessa has crossed over yet, Sandy. Have you?”
    “My, yes. Couldn’t wait.” The ghost’s voice took on excitement, and a wide smile crossed her hazy face. “But even before I died, I knew I’d come back here again. Howard and I still watch the sunsets together most nights, though he’s not as diligent as I am.”
    “But what about Tessa? Have you encouraged her to cross?”
    “Yes, I have. I’ve tried to explain to her that it’s a simple thing, but important, to complete the process, like checking in and being accounted for, then she can come back. But she’s stubborn. She’s waiting for a man and is sure he’s returning to her right here in Avalon.” The ghost sighed. “I think she’s afraid if she crosses over, she’ll either miss or forget him.”
    “Tessa died forty years ago. If the man she’s waiting for was in his twenties, then he’d be in his mid-sixties now, possibly older. He could already be dead.”
    “I don’t think he is, Emma. Just a feeling I have.”
    “Did she tell you his name?”
    “Only name she ever said was Curtis.”
    Emma passed along the information to Phil. “So,” he said, “we’re looking for a man named Curtis, who is older and used to come here on a boat.”
    Emma addressed the ghost. “Sandy, we want to help Tessa. Is there anything, anything at all, you can remember that might help us find this Curtis? I think he’s the key to helping her.”
    “Not this minute, but if I do, I’ll find you. I’d like the child to move along as much as you would. I know it sounds odd, but she’s become like a daughter to me over the years.”
    “Doesn’t sound odd to me at all, Sandy. I have a daughter almost her age. I’ve wanted to help Tessa as soon