The endorsement made Ben happy, glad to know that George’s previous owner wasn’t a fake.
“With all the spooky stuff you and Erik deal with, George should feel right at home,” Jenny added.
“That was one of the things that made us sure he was meant for us,” Ben replied. He didn’t mention the ghost.
“How are we set for the autumn festival?” Jenny asked.
“Erik and I both have our presentations or tours ready,” Ben told her. “I’m hoping we’ll have good attendance. The topics are pretty popular, so I think we should do well. Our agents signed up for shifts at the booth, so we’re covered. I’ve got a new banner for this year for the Nolan Rental Real Estate booth and a bunch of cute Halloween-themed pencils to give away, as well as a case of candy.”
“I should probably personally sample the candy, for quality control,” Jenny replied with a broad wink.
“Of course,” Ben agreed. “And for anyone who fills out a rental agreement, we’ve got a variety of gift certificates plus a cute little eraser that looks like a house.”
“I like it,” Jenny said. “What’s Erik doing?”
“He doesn’t have a booth, but he’s holding an Open House in the store with special sales,” Ben replied. “I imagine George will be the life of the party.”
“I really appreciate that you and Erik were on the festival committee,” Jenny said. “Gotta keep getting new blood. I remember what the off season was like before we started doing special events, and it was pretty lean sometimes,” Jenny added.
Ben knew that the local library, school district, community college, merchant’s guild, and art council all worked together to bring a broad variety of concerts, seminars, speakers, and festivals so that there were plenty of reasons to visit Cape May in every season, even when it was too cold to swim.
“That’s one of the reasons I decided to come back and stay, even before I met Erik,” Ben said. “It wasn’t the sleepy town I remembered from visiting as a kid.”
“I honestly think that fall is our best time, next to high summer,” Jenny said, helping to sort brochures for the booth. “There’s the Awesome Autumn Festival, the big Halloween bash that seems to last all of October, and a bunch of stuff around Thanksgiving with concerts and theater and special dining packages for people who don’t do the family get-together thing. And then Christmas, hoo boy! We’re not exactly Nashville or Dollywood, but we do Christmas and New Year’s Eve up right.”
Ben smiled at the community pride he heard in Jenny’s voice. His aunt and uncle had been deeply involved in Cape May for decades, and that held Nolan Rental Real Estate in good stead when newer competitors tried to break into the market.
“The man who owned Trinkets before Erik bought it was also pretty involved,” Ben observed. “Erik’s tried to step into the roles he held, where there’s a good fit.”
“He was a nice man and did a lot for the community. Including getting rid of troublesome ghosts before anyone got hurt,” Jenny added, dropping her voice.
“Did anyone take over the tarot shop after Mrs. Thomas passed?” Ben asked.
Jenny shook her head. “We expected someone else to come in—seemed like a natural fit on the boardwalk, at least for the summer. But it sold to a stage magic shop that sells all kinds of props and tricks.”
If Mrs. Thomas had forewarning about her death, Ben wondered if she chose to end the shop’s presence rather than risk her legacy with a new owner, especially if she knew she wouldn’t be around to make sure things were done right. Ben’s phone alarm went off. “Since it’s quiet and I’m caught up on email, I thought I’d eat lunch at home and see how Erik and George are doing.”
“Go,” Jenny told him with a shooing gesture. “Take your time. I’ll see you later in the afternoon.”
“Thanks,” Ben said.
Erik was busy with a customer when Ben got to Trinkets, but he found Susan and George in the break room, where George was eating a kibble lunch, and Susan had a sandwich and coffee. Ben grabbed his sandwich from the fridge and poured himself a fresh cup of java.
“How’s it going?” Ben asked.
“I think George is going to be good for business,” Susan replied. “He sits where he can look out the window, which means everyone can see Trinkets now has a dog. We’ve had a lot more foot traffic than usual.”
“Nice to see he’s earning his keep,” Ben joked. “Jenny is okay with him coming to work with me and just reminded me we can’t take him into any of the pet-free units.”
“He gave the side-eye to the items on display that Erik says carry a trace of residual energy. Then he spent about ten minutes growling at the safe in the back room.” Susan raised an eyebrow. The implication wasn’t lost on Ben. The safe was warded, but like with the haunted window, it was the place for “spookies” that needed to be sent into isolation.
“How about the shop ghosts?” Ben asked. Trinkets had a few resident spirits who didn’t cause trouble or want to move on, so Erik let them stay.
“I think they were checking each other out,” Susan said with a laugh. “We had more cold spots than usual, always near George. He’d perk up, stare at nothing very intently, and then go back to sleep. I guess they decided they could co-exist.”
“They say animals can sense supernatural energy,” Ben replied. “And given his previous owner, he’s probably more sensitized than regular dogs.” He gave Susan a recap of what Jenny had told him about the tarot reader, and she nodded.
“I had friends who stopped in for readings, and they believed she had real talent,” Susan replied. “Some of them went regularly, or at least whenever they had a hard choice to make. I don’t know whether it’s really something supernatural or just a way to open your mind to possibilities, but it worked for them.”
