Wilmington, NC 03 - Murder On The Ghost Walk

forensic anthropologist who examined the bones assured us that chips he found on Reggie's ribs were consistent with entry wounds caused by the .38 caliber bullets we found. The bullets had lodged inside his torso. Over the years they settled among the bones."
    "Did Mrs. Burns hear gunshots?"
    "You'd think she would have, but she says she didn't. She's a little hard of hearing . . . "
    "Oh, yes, that's right . . . "
    " . . . and those brick walls are as thick as a fortress. She might have been inside her own house when the shots were fired, and only came out on the porch later."
    "What about Shelby? Was she shot too?"
    "No, Ashley. Mrs. Campbell died of other causes. The anthropologist found multiple unhealed fractures, meaning they occurred at the time of death."
    "What does that mean?"
    "You sure you want to hear this?"
    "Yes."
    "Her skull was fractured, her neck was broken. She also had a broken right arm, right hand and foot."
    My hand flew to my own neck. "How awful! Poor Shelby. Are you saying someone beat her to death?"
    "Not beaten. Her injuries are consistent with a serious fall. We think she fell or was pushed down the stairs."
    "Oh, no! That long staircase."
    Nick took my hand in his. I looked into his eyes. They were warm and caring. He shared my concern. He was solid and reliable. He's everything I want, I thought.
    "I'm sorry, Ashley, I've upset you, and that's the last thing I want to do."
    "It's OK . It's not your fault. I insisted on knowing."
    The waiter came up, presented us with the check. I reached for my wallet. "Put that away," Nick said. "I insist. I invited you. You're my guest."
    "Well, thanks," I murmured.
    He started to get up when I reminded him, "You said you needed my help. What do you want me to do? I'll help any way I can."
    "Let's get out of here first. I'll walk you to your car. We'll talk outside." His hand felt warm on my back as we threaded our way among occupied tables.
    Outside, a bracing coolness had spread over the coast. I stood with Nick at the edge of the crowded parking lot. Luxury automobiles filled every parking slip, except his and mine. The night was quite dark but lights from the marina danced on the water like a constellation of stars.
    Nick moved close and his nearness took my breath away. "What do you want me to do?" My throat was dry, my voice husky. I wasn't even sure what I was asking.
    He cleared his throat. I figured him for the sort who found it difficult to ask a favor. "Ashley, I know you're on the guest list for the benefit at Thalian Hall tomorrow night."
    "You sure know a lot about me."
    "Sorry. It just seems that way. I'd like to be your date for that party. If that's OK ."
    His date? My stomach turned flip flops.
    Nick explained in a rush. "As your date, I'll fit right in. The other guests won't question my being there. Maybe they'll stop thinking of me as a cop long enough to open up. I hope I’ll learn something. Many of the people the Campbells socialized with will be at that party, and I'd like a chance to talk to them in a social setting. I think I'll learn something."
    I opened my mouth to reply but his phone chirped again. He mumbled a few replies--I couldn't make out the words --and ended with, "I'm on my way."
    He disconnected, looked at me. "So what do you say? Will you let me take you?"
    So that's what this evening has been about. That's why he was nice to me, so concerned about my problems with Mama. He's using me. What an idiot I am to think romance was happening between us.
    I took a deep breath and pulled myself together before I could say something foolish. "Sure, Nick, we can do that."
    He reached out a hand and placed it on my arm, gently. "I've upset you, Ashley. I'm sorry. I wish things could be different. But right now, this investigation is my top priority and you're the only person I can turn to."
    "No explanations necessary, Detective Yost. You got what you came for . I'll meet you at the party at eight." I hurried to my car.
    "No, Ashley. Wait!" He ran after me. "I'll pick you up. It's the least I can do."

15

    I felt way too forlorn to face my empty house. I sat in my car for a moment, wondering what to do next. I watched Nick's car pull out of the lot, taillights winking as he merged with the traffic at the intersection of Eastwood Road.
    Shelby Campbell had tumbled down the stairs to her death, before or after Reggie was shot. Nick said the news would be broadcast at eleven. I thought about Teddy. I couldn't let him hear