AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Eltz's journal
5
Believ
From the heights, the manor house scans the comings and goings, an immutable sentinel of this village that would be almost picturesque, if I forgot the reasons for my presence.
Everything seems to be leading us into its depths, when I would rather just poke around. Not only am I not welcome wherever I go, but I don't want to draw attention to our clandestine investigation. I take a leisurely stroll toward the town hall. If I'm lucky, the latest obituaries will be posted along with the ads. Given the size of this community, such an event shouldn't go unnoticed, and neither should a guy like my ghost.
I cross the square under the curious gaze of a handful of pensioners and carefully inspect the displays. Marriages, births, and deaths are well listed in chronological order and according to a strangely contrasting color code. No trace, however, of a recent death, and even less of a victim as young as my deceased.
“Looking for something, miss?”
“I...”
What can I possibly say? “Yes, of course, my ghostly friend here would like to know who he is and what he died of. Could you enlighten us?”
Ridiculous!
Especially since, if those who used my services hadn't wanted to hide it, I would be in possession of his identity. Except that nobody has a clue.
“I'm meeting a friend. A rather tall man, dark, with light eyes and a three-day beard. Rather muscular...”
“So, you think I'm muscular?” interrupts the ghost, a sexy smile revealing his perfect teeth, which I forgot to mention.
Did I say that? Did I?
My cheeks flush, as if he had caught me salivating over him. Which is certainly not the case; the guy's dead. D-E-A-D. Well, okay, pretty much dead-turned-ghost, but dead all the same. It must be too long since I've only had to deal with crumbling old fogies—if not already dead—if I’m going to start drooling over the first good-looking guy who comes along. I promised myself it wouldn't happen again; when you consider what the last time was like...
The old man listens, distracted, impervious to my stiff's words, before shrugging and shaking his head.
“There's nobody here who fits that description, or I'd know. You don't often see visitors around here, you know. I'd have noticed. You here on vacation?”
“That's right! In fact, I passed a lovely building on the way here. Do you know who owns it?”
“Are you talking about Sir Jones's mansion?” he asks, pointing to the heights where the property I'm interested in is located.
“I suppose so. Do you know if it's possible to visit it? I'm passionate about architecture. I'd love to have a look around.”
“Not that I know of. The previous owner wasn't much of a conversationalist. As for his successor—his nephew, as I understand it—I've only seen him once or twice in the village. Not much of a people person, if you know what I mean.”
This isn’t the way to achieve my goals.
“It's a pity, but I imagine there are other wonders to discover in the area.” I smile as I walk away. “I'll call my friend, who must simply be running late. Thank you for your help, sir!”
“As far as being late, I'm late! I even missed my own ascension,” my ghost sneers as I return to my bike.
“Miss!” The old man hobbles after me. “His family has always been loyal to our congregation. If you'd like to meet him, he never misses a service.”
I thank him with a nod and step back to think. It's Saturday, so I suppose we'll be able to catch a glimpse of the famous Sir Jones at Mass tomorrow.
In the meantime, we're still in the same place, and just imagining how I would feel in my ghost's place gives me mild anxiety. How can we prepare for the future when no one has the slightest idea what it holds for us, when logic would have us believe that it doesn't exist?
I have to help him. Whether I like it or not, he's a step I've taken as a Sin Eater. Most of the time, it's simple; sometimes, not so much. It's just an obstacle to overcome before I can help the next soul.
“Any suggestions?”
“Not really,” he replies, once again adopting a serious air.
