“It’s Christmas; miracles happen. Go on now, take your break,” Rose-Marie ordered, shooing her away.
“Rose-Marie, honestly, we’re not lying. Why would we? Walker and I had a conversation with a guy called Pete.” I went to describe him, and Rose-Marie’s face softened.
“That’s Pete, he died a year ago. As I mentioned, Adam, miracles can happen. I just hope he managed to help you. Pete helped many people in life with his advice and his listening skills.”
Rose-Marie walked away, and Walker and I swapped a shocked glance. I glanced out of the window and saw Pete standing across the street. He tipped an imaginary hat at me and then faded before my very eyes.
What was it with England and ghosts!?
Lady Catherine
“Peter,” I said as he appeared at The Black Cat.
“The task is completed, Mi’lady,” he replied with a tilt of his head.
“Adam has finally faced the truth?”
“I put it to him in a way he couldn’t ignore. Made that brain of his think.” He tapped his temple with two fingers.
“Well done, Peter. I don’t know why, but I sense Adam and his family are important to the future. He needed saving.”
“Well, Mi’lady, I did my best.” Pete smiled.
“Are you going to rest now, Peter?”
“No.”
I cocked my head, interested in his reply.
“There’s too much pain in the world. If I can fix at least some of it, I’ll be happy.”
“Good for you, Peter. I thank you for your help with Adam. Now I just have to sort my own wounded chicks out.”
Peter tilted his head and disappeared, no doubt back to the town where he was happiest. I looked around The Black Cat and noticed a chill and flicked my fingers. Fires blazed, and the air warmed. The Black Cat gave off a cheerful atmosphere, as it should. The inn had been created for travellers hundreds of years ago and would remain a welcome haven.
Mariah
The new guests had arrived, and Trudy had taken them to their rooms. They were settling in and unpacking. Most of them seemed amused at Terry bringing them in the horse and cart, but there’d been a lot of exclamations about the scenery and snow. A couple of them had appeared standoffish, but that was their choice. Julie was ecstatic about having a full inn to cook for.
I’d been feeling ill all day and took myself off to my apartment. I just needed a nap.
???
“Mariah, are you okay?” Benedict asked.
I shot upright and leapt out of bed, and my stomach rebelled. I just made the bathroom in time.
“Damnation, Mariah!” Benedict exclaimed as he hurried after me and pulled my hair away. I couldn’t answer him as I threw my guts up. Finally, I sat back and leaned weakly against the bath.
“Seems I’ve picked up a tummy bug,” I muttered.
Benedict nodded before hurrying out and returning with a glass of water. “Drink this.”
“Let me brush my teeth first,” I said and shoved upwards. I sat back as my stomach heaved again, and I hugged the toilet.
???
“Stay in bed. I’ll get Julie to make some broth,” Benedict ordered when my tummy had decided it was empty.
