“Meet? He’s, uh, he’s inside the mirror,” said Luke. “Wait. Grandma!”
They all covered their ears, including Hezekiah. The man appeared to be in his mid-forties, although considering how he was dressed, it was possible he was much younger.
“Luke Robicheaux, don’t you yell at me like that again,” said Irene suddenly appearing with Matthew. “What on earth is your problem?”
Luke pointed to the mirror, Irene and Matthew both turning, smiling at the figure.
“Mornin’ Hezekiah. I hope my grandson didn’t scare you,” said the old woman.
“He didn’t, Irene. It’s lovely to see you both,” he smiled.
“Grandma. Why didn’t anyone know about Hezekiah?” asked Luke.
“Claudette and Gabriel know. I guess we all forgot to tell you. They’ve been workin’ on findin’ a solution to get Hezekiah out of that mirror.”
“I almost hate to ask,” said Eric, “but why is he stuck in that mirror?”
“A curse. What else?” she said frowning at them. “Hezekiah is a fine-lookin’ man and was even finer in his day. Creole good looks with that beautiful skin and those big brown eyes. He was seen as quite a catch.
“Before you ask, he was here around 1832 or 1833, he can’t quite remember. An old woman who brought spices to the house saw him lookin’ at himself in the mirror. We think she wasn’t right in her head and thought he was bein’ vain. Truth was, he was just admirin’ the mirror.”
“Okay, so can’t we just do something, or say something to get him out of the mirror?” asked Cam. Irene gave him a strange look and shook her head.
“Boy, don’t you think I woulda done that? I’m workin’ on it, so is Claudette and Gabriel.”
The door to the massive dining area opened and Trevon walked in with his son, Smith. The new baby seemed much older than he was, already holding up his head and laughing at everyone.
“Sorry to bother you, Luke,” said Trevon, “I just needed to come through and borrow a book.”
“You’re not bothering anyone, Trevon. While you’re here, this is a new, uh guest, Hezekiah.”
“Oh. Oh, wow. Well, nice to meet you, Mr. Hezekiah. This is Smith,” smiled Trevon. The little boy reached forward, touching the mirror and Hezekiah smiled, placing his hand against the boy’s through the glass.
In a sudden cloud of smoke and mist, Hezekiah stepped forward.
“I-I’m free,” he said in a cracking voice. “Two-hundred years and I am free because of this beautiful child. Thank you!”
“What just happened?” asked Luke.
“Hezekiah is an ancestor of Trevon’s,” smiled Matthew. “His son, an innocent child was able to break the curse by willingly reaching out to touch his hand.”
“I’m related to him?” asked Trevon.
“Distantly,” nodded Matthew, “but it was enough to free him of the curse. Little Smith had nothing but innocence, goodness, and kindness in his heart and that’s all he saw in Hezekiah. Always trust children and dogs for first impressions.”
“What now?” asked the man. Matthew stared at him and shrugged.
“Well, ideally you should have moved on but you’re still here. You’re welcome to join our band of spirits, Hezekiah.”
“Grandpa,” whispered Luke.
“Luke, we’ve never turned anyone away before and we won’t start now. Will we?”
“No. No, I guess we won’t, Grandpa. Hezekiah, what was your profession when you were alive?”
“I am, was, a doctor,” he smiled. “I trained in Europe and came here hoping to do the same. That old witch didn’t like me much because she hoped I’d marry her daughter.”
“Well, you’re here with us now. Safe,” said Matthew.
