“No, we have four new ghosts that seem to be requesting our help without actually speaking.” Shep frowned at him, tilting his head. “Let me back up.”
Luke spent the next thirty minutes walking through the stories of their four lost ghosts. Shep took copious notes, making sure nothing was left out. When Luke was done, he set his pen down and stared at the other man.
“You know, I always wondered what happened to the psyche after suicide.”
“Just the psyche?” asked Luke.
“Yes. The body is the body. It deteriorates, dies if you will, turns to dust. But what happens to the mind, the spirit of someone who does something so horrific and painful? I guess this answers my question a bit. They’re stuck between two worlds.”
“I can’t imagine being in so much pain as to take your own life,” said Luke. “We had a man, a teammate who took his own life here on the property. I wonder why we never saw him.”
“Maybe he took care of any loose ends, anything that had to be tied up he did it. Did he tell you why he did it?”
“Yes. He left a note. It was all complicated,” frowned Luke. “Can you help me understand more?”
“I’ll do my best. I would say for the most part, most people who die by suicide have a mental health issue, diagnosed or undiagnosed. The undiagnosed is what we worry about.
“It may be a form of depression or substance abuse disorder. People can feel lonely, depressed, or isolated, even in a house or room full of people. Some might have had a traumatic life experience, such as men and women in combat. What’s confusing for friends and family members who deal with people with depression, is that many of the warning signs of suicidal feelings are also signs of depression. They often think, ‘oh it’s the same old thing’ or ‘they’ve said that a million times’.”
“Are there specific warning signs?” asked Luke.
“There can be but not always. They could exhibit changes in eating and sleep habits or they suddenly lose interest in their usual activities or hobbies. Some people will pull away from their family or friends, fearful that they might see what’s happening. Younger individuals will sometimes act out, their behavior irrational or they could even run away.
“In extreme cases we see alcohol and drug use, suddenly not caring about personal appearance, people taking excessive risks, even a fixation on death or dying. Some people might even complain of physical ailments that doctors can’t find a reason for. We hope they dig in on their symptoms, but many do not. It can be stomachaches, headaches, and extreme tiredness.”
“Jesus, I never thought about all of this,” said Luke.
“Because you’re mentally healthy and strong,” he smiled.
“Don’t ask my wife to verify that,” smirked Luke. “I should have spoken to you at length when you arrived. We have a lot of new medical personnel and I just haven’t had the time to say hello to everyone.”
“It’s fine, Luke. We’re all busy.”
“Yes, that’s what I understand, Dr. Hot Pants.” Shep laughed, shaking his head.
Luke could see how the women thought he was good looking. His dark brown hair was a little longer than it should be, flopping boyishly around his head. He had big green eyes with thick black lashes, almost appearing feminine. He was about six-two, easily two-hundred pounds with a perfect smile.
“Well, they can call me whatever they like. Everyone has been absolutely professional and I’ve never met any medical personnel better trained. I’m so grateful to be here.”
“We’re grateful you’re here. I may call on you if we can get these ghosts to talk to us. I’m not sure what you can do but maybe if they speak to someone, they’ll be able to move on.”
“I’ve never counseled a ghost before but always willing to try something new,” he laughed.
They left the board room of the clinic and the nurses all watched as the two men walked past them. Ajei just smiled at her husband, giving him a wink. Turning, she raised a brow at the nurses who giggled and went the other way.
With the Belle Fleur magic at play, it wouldn’t be long and Shep would not be by himself.
CHAPTER NINE
“I’m not supposed to let you into her apartment but I called her ex-fiancé and he said it was fine. He was a nice young man, always trying to help her.”
“Help her?” asked Eric.
The landlord had been willing to do anything to find out why Morgan took her own life. He said her lease was paid through for two more months and he wasn’t in a hurry for anyone to take everything out.
“I’m sure you already know this but she was depressed. Seriously depressed. I couldn’t figure out why. She was so talented and everyone wanted her work. She had that exhibit at the hotel that was enough to bring in plenty of money for her plus she was always doing commissioned work for art collectors.”
He opened the big industrial door to the space and the smell of paint thinner and developing solution hit their noses.
