Even Butcher cracked what might have been a smile at that, while Lily's gentle laughter chimed like silver bells.
The next arrival made everyone pause.A ghost in elaborate Chinese robes glided forward with serene dignity, her silk garments flowing like water around her translucent form."I am Master Li Wei," she said in accented English."I bring greetings from the Eastern Spectral Council and expertise in silk cultivation dating back one thousand years."
"Welcome, Master Li Wei," Leahnora said with a respectful bow."We're honored by your presence."
As the registration continued, Evangelina found herself studying each new arrival with growing unease.There was something about that kept nagging at her.The ghosts all seemed pleasant enough, but there was an underlying tension in the air that she couldn't quite identify.
A particularly rotund ghost in chef's attire floated up to the table, his translucent toque hat askew."Auguste Dubois!"he announced in a thick French accent."Master of ze cuisine from ze court of Louis XIV!I bring recipes that have been lost for centuries, and ze passion for cooking that transcends even death!"
From the fence, Mrs.Wilson called out, "Did he say Louis XIV recipes?"causing a ripple of excited chatter among the spectators.
Just then, three boisterous spirits materialized together, jostling and elbowing each other like old college friends.The first, a tall ghost with a wild grin, spotted Murphy through the fence and let out a whoop.
"Murph!Still brewing trouble, are ye?"Finnegan O'Malley made exaggerated drinking gestures that caused Murphy to beam with pride.
"Finn, ye mad bastard!"Murphy called back, waving enthusiastically."Try not to burn down the sacred grove!"
Beside Finn, his companions—Chester ‘Chet’ Wickham, who looked like he'd stepped out of a 1920s speakeasy, and Beauregard “Beau’ Ashworth III, with his Southern charm and mischievous eyes—were already sizing up the weekend's possibilities with obvious delight.
"Boys, we are going to have some serious fun this weekend," Chet declared, rubbing his ghostly hands together."Did you see that dame, Vivienne Crawford?She's the bee's knees!"
"Now that's exactly what I'm worried about," Roam muttered, as he watched the trio swagger toward the registration table.
"They're just having fun, Roam," Maisie said softly."I'm not sensing any bad vibes, especially related to the falls.It's giving me good energy tonight.”
Sean moved closer to Maisie, and Uma felt that uncomfortable twist in her chest again as she watched their interaction.
"So, you can sense if the water is in danger?"Sean asked, and Uma found herself listening hard to hear what they said.
"I can sense negativity, yes," Maisie replied."Some of these spirits may carry unresolved business.But I'm not sensing any danger as it relates to the falls."
"You sure about that?"Sean pressed, and Uma could see that his worry was professional, not personal.The realization helped ease some of her territorial feelings.
"Yes," Maisie said thoughtfully."I'm sure no one here has more than a curiosity about the water.Except for maybe Mr.Lennox.The author fellow.But his interest seems superficial at best."
Roam, however, was studying the crowd with the sharp focus.He’d seen too many threats materialize out of nowhere."Sean, anything in your briefings about potential troublemakers in this group?"
"No.Again.They've all been vetted," Sean crossed his arms with confidence.
As if summoned by their conversation, another ghost materialized—though "materialized" was generous, as this spirit seemed to hover at the very edge of visibility.A small, mousy woman in simple, outdated clothing who appeared to be carrying an armload of papers and notebooks.Uma caught a glimpse of pencils somehow tucked into her wispy hair and wire-rimmed spectacles perched on her nose as she drifted silently in Cornelius's wake, so unobtrusive she was nearly invisible.
Evangelina's expression sharpened as she noticed the ghost."Interesting," she murmured.
"What?"Roam followed her gaze and finally spotted the barely-there figure."Who is that?"
"Someone who's very good at not being seen," Evangelina replied thoughtfully.
The ghost approached the registration table hesitantly, glancing repeatedly toward where Cornelius was greeting other spirits with his effortless charisma.
"Name?"Honey asked kindly, squinting slightly as if having trouble focusing on the translucent figure.
"Evelyn," the ghost said quietly, so softly that Uma had to strain to hear."Evelyn Marsh."
Honey consulted her list."I don't see...oh, here you are.You're registered as Mr.Lennox's literary entourage.The late registrations."
Something flickered across Evelyn's ghostly features—an expression too quick to interpret but intense enough to make Evangelina take notice."Yes," she said simply, adjusting the bundle of papers with nervous energy."I work...worked with Mr.Lennox."
The way she said it made Honey's heart ache."You are most welcome here, Evelyn.Please enjoy the weekend."
