Page 26 of Ghost in the Cupboard

“If Heaven and Hell exist, why are so many of these things still floating around?” I asked. “I’m sorry, my friend, but if Heaven or Hell exist, I’ve yet to see proof of it. Sometimes, when I pass on a message for a ghost, they seem to go…somewhere? They move on or whatever, but I have no idea what that means. Regardless, how can you trust a ghost?”

“Well, couldn’t you give the cops the information the ghost gave you and that’ll set them on the right path?” Ginny asked. “Give them something to chase down?”

“I suppose,” I said. “But, one, you have to get the cops to believe you can talk to ghosts. Two, you have to believe ghosts always tell the truth. Three, you have to understand that even ghosts can be wrong when they’re not necessarily being deceitful. And lastly, you could easily give cops bad information that takes them off the right track and stalls or ruins their investigation. Ethically and morally, I do not get involved with crimes. Period.”

“Fine!” Ginny threw her hands up comically with a huge grin. “Don’t help the cops! I get it! Don’t summon spirits on national T.V. or have branded merchandise. Don’t wear shirts that show your pecs or tight pants that—”

“Stop it.” I warned her.

Ginny cackled.

“Do what feels best to you, Si,” Ginny said. “That way, when you become a ghost, you can know you were ethically and morally superior and float around waiting for the promise of a heaven that never existed.”

She turned back to the prep table, grabbed her knife, and started chopping onions once more, proud of herself.

“Hey,” I said, “I have to live—and unlive—with myself for eternity. It’s not just Heaven that can be a reward.”

She gave me a quick wink and went back to the onions. I bent down to grab the sack of potatoes and heaved it up into the prep sink. As I began to rip the bag open to wash the potatoes, my eyes drifted up to look out at the main part of diner. The ghost that had been following me was at the front window, as always, staring me down.

One thing I hadn’t told Ginny about working with police—the main reason it’s a bad idea—is that you easily become a suspect.

For the purpose of self-preservation, it’s always best if the cops think you’re a fraud.