Wilmington, NC 03 - Murder On The Ghost Walk

setting. Martha Stewart tapes her shows from Turkey Hill Farm in Westport and her house is a lot older than mine. Don't tell me no one ever died in it!"
    "Died maybe. But murdered?"
    "Well, when my house is finished, it'll make her drafty shack look like an outhouse. My ratings will skyrocket. Then I'll be offered product endorsements and that's when the money gets big. I envision Wal*Mart giving me a line of sheets and towels, paint, that sort of thing. Besides, the costs of fixing up the house are tax deductible. I thought you believed in me, Gordie, sweetie. Stick with me just a little longer. I'll make you rich, filthy, filthy rich. You'll see."
    Gordon sighed deeply. "Cecily is getting suspicious."
    "She should be suspicious," Mirabelle murmured huskily. The door banged as Mirabelle pressed against her man.
    "Not here. Cecily's around somewhere."
    "No, she's not. She went upstairs with her gal pal Muffie."
    Gordon groaned. "Mirabelle, stop! Cecily's asking questions about the money. She wants to know where it's invested and why we aren't getting a return on it."
    "You'll think of some excuse to pacify her, my love. You always do. Darling, be a dear and be patient for just a little longer. Then you'll get all your money back plus heaps of interest."
    "That's not good enough, Mirabelle. I'm sorry to put you in a bind, but it can't be helped. You've got to repay me now. I've got my own problems. Besides, Cecily earned that money. I never should have loaned it to you."
    "Well, you can't have it now. It's tied up and there's no way I can get it out."
    "Then you give me no choice, Mirabelle. I have to call my note. You do remember you signed a note, don't you? Well, I'm calling it!"
    "Oh, I don't think you'll do that, darling," Mirabelle said with saccharine sweetness. "You wouldn't want your precious Cecily to know you gave me an unsecured loan for a half million dollars, would you?"
    "You're threatening to destroy my marriage?"
    "I wouldn't put it that way, darling. Let's just say I'm protecting my interests."
    "I'd like to slap that smirk off your face."
    "Why not kiss it off, Gordon darling." Mirabelle laughed suggestively, and pressed against him again.
    He pushed her away. "Our affair was a mistake. I love my wife. She's been hurt once because of my weakness. I won't let you hurt her again."
    "How touching. Where are the violins?"
    "Be careful, Mirabelle. I won't let you destroy my marriage. And I want my money. Now, step aside and let me pass!"
    Gordon Cushman, another member of the Campbells' inner circle.

1 7

    I counted to ten then pushed the door open and left the dim theatre. Gordon and Mirabelle were nowhere in sight. That Mirabelle was a steel magnolia of the worse sort. Why, she was blackmailing Gordon.
    As I maneuvered through the crowd, someone called my name and grabbed my hand. Betty Matthews, one of my favorite people, a community leader, president of the Historic Preservation Society.
    "Ashley, I've been looking all over for you. Come, sit here with me." She patted the spot beside her on the round velvet "pouffe" that dated from 1900.
    Betty was naturally elegant, with ash blonde hair she wore swept gracefully off her face. Her bones were good and her skin was tanned from days on the beach. Smile lines creased the outer corners of her pale gray eyes.
    "Hi," I said, joining her. Betty is always sunny and optimistic, nothing seems to get her down. She usually cheers me up. "Looks like we're sold out tonight. The Society's treasury will certainly benefit from this turnout."
    "Sure enough," Betty agreed. "I couldn't be more pleased. We should make enough tonight to replenish the coffers. ”
    She peered into my face. “ Land sakes, girl , how are you holding up? How dreadful for you to be the one to find those skeletons. Now, you must persevere and not let anything interfere with the restoration of Campbell House. Why, I've told everyone in town how much faith I have in your ability to restore the mansion to its former glory. I just know you'll do us proud. Campbell House will be the showplace of Wilmington again."
    "Thanks, Betty. Having your support means a lot to me."
    She patted my hand. "You have that. In abundance. I know Mirabelle isn't the easiest person to get along with. She's had a run-in with just about everyone in town. That woman's got more enemies than friends."
    "So I hear."
    "Well, I surely hope she doesn't plan to change the name of Campbell House to Morgan House," Betty said.
    I