Ghostfinders 02 - Ghost of a Smile

heavy machinery?”
    “Think about it,” said Happy. “If a man were to walk through the space where the machines manifested . . . they’d tear him apart.” And then he stopped and shook his head slowly.
    “No. Sorry, JC, but very definitely no. I told you, I sensed emotions—raw and harsh and wild.”
    “You’re all talking nonsense,” Tiley said firmly. “Ghosts are the restless spirits of departed people. That’s it. I’ve read all the books, and I believe what’s needed here is a lay exorcism.”
    “Not a bad idea,” said JC, walking back to join the others. “But first, I think we should hold a séance. Summon up all the players, so to speak, so we can get a good look at them. Get some idea of what this is all about. I’ll say it again. Albert Winter didn’t just die here. There was more to it than that. There was purpose, and intent, to his death.”
    “We don’t have a medium,” said Tiley, concentrating on the one thing that made sense to him.
    “Actually we do,” said JC. “A medium is a link between the worlds of the living and the dead. And there is one member of my little team who fits the bill perfectly. Kim, dear, come forward and make yourself known, would you?”
    Kim came floating out of the shadows, smiling brightly, only hovering an inch or so above the dusty floor. She allowed herself to become semi-transparent, to make it clear what she was. Graham Tiley and his grand-daughter stared at her with open mouths. Susan actually fell back a step, and Tiley had to grab her to steady her. They huddled close together, for mutual support. Kim stopped a tactful distance away and gave them both her most charming smile.
    “Hi,” she said. “My name is Kim, and I’m a ghost. Please. Don’t be afraid. I don’t bite. I’m part of the team.”
    Of the two, Graham Tiley seemed the most affected. He breathed heavily, his eyes fixed unblinkingly on Kim. He looked like he would have turned and run if Susan hadn’t been holding on to him. He finally closed his mouth with a snap, swallowed hard, and nodded slowly to Kim.
    “Dear God . . . All these years, looking for ghosts and spirits, for some actual sign that the soul survives . . . but I never saw anything. Not even sure I really believed, deep down . . . But here you are. I was right all along. You’re a ghost. I can tell, I can feel it . . . Oh my dear, are you trapped here? Is something holding you to this world?”
    “Yes,” Kim said happily. “JC, my love, my very dear. Isn’t he wonderful?”
    “Get away from her, Gramps,” whispered Susan. “Don’t talk to her. She can’t . . . She can’t be . . .”
    “I’m not worthy of her,” said JC. “But believe me when I tell you, no-one is holding Kim anywhere against her wishes.”
    “Like to see anybody try,” said Kim.
    “How did you . . . die?” said Susan.
    “I was murdered,” said Kim. “But JC avenged me.”
    “You never believed,” Graham Tiley said to Susan, a slow smile coming to his lips. “Don’t worry; I always knew you were here to keep me company. So, a real live . . . real dead ghost. Right before us. What do you think of your old gramps now, eh, Susan? Not so daft in the head after all?”
    “We should get out of here,” said Susan. “We shouldn’t be here. This isn’t right! It isn’t natural!”
    “It’s only a ghost!” said Tiley. “A person, with the body removed. Get a grip on yourself, child, and stop embarrassing me. Talk nicely to the young lady ghost. She looks to be about your age.”
    “What do you say to a ghost?” demanded Susan. “Hi, nice to meet you, how’s your ectoplasm? Give me a break, Gramps, my whole world has just been turned upside down and inside out, and the pieces have fallen all over the carpet. You talk to her. I’m going to find a corner and mumble quietly to myself.”
    “Youngsters today,” said Tiley. “No stamina.” He smiled at Kim. “It is nice to meet you, young lady. Are you sure there’s nothing keeping you from passing on? I’d be happy to help . . .”
    “The only thing keeping me here is my JC,” said Kim. “And I wouldn’t be parted from him for all the worlds that may be. I had to die to find true love, and I won’t give it up now.”
    “Well, well,” said Tiley. “My first real encounter with a spirit. Not at all what I’d expected, but still, most exhilarating! Pardon me for asking, my dear, but if you’re a ghost, why can’t you speak to whatever ghosts might be