Conjuring Sight (Becky Jo Chronicles Book 1) (8 page)

“What is it?” I ask, looking at the mixture in the bucket suspiciously.

“It’s just a concoction of salt, various herbs and seeds, and soil full of iron. Throw it like you would throw feed to chickens. Make sure some lands on all the graves.”

I try to pick up the heavy bucket, finding I can barely drag it. Knowing she has a plan, I ask, “And what are you going to do while I’m lugging this thing around?”

She smiles creepily in the beam of her flashlight. “I’m going to play hide-and-seek with a zombie.”

Suddenly, lugging around a bucket of salt doesn’t seem so bad.  I set straight to work, scattering the mixture as I drag the heavy bucket. I’ve never fed chickens before, but I do my best. If this stuff will make it difficult to make more zombies, then it’s worth wandering around the dark graves.

Even for February, the air is bitterly cold. I pull my hat down over my ears before throwing salt on a grave in an isolated corner. I don’t understand why we’re doing this during the night, but Sunny must have a pretty good reason. Still, I wish for daylight and the warmth of sunshine.  I’m just happy she left me her flashlight.

“Mama?” a child says behind me.

I turn to find a young girl wandering among the tombstones. There is no question in my mind she passed long ago. I watch as she runs behind a tall headstone and disappears. I quicken my pace. I don’t want to spend more time than I have to in the cemeteries.

I see three more ghosts as I work. There is a lovely young woman holding a child and a man wearing a coat and tie. Despite my friendship with Henry, the ghosts still unnerve me. The setting doesn’t help. No matter what anyone says, graveyards are scary. I drag the bucket to the next section of the cluster of small cemeteries. Unfortunately, I can’t lift it over a fence.  My mind races. I’m not sure what course of action I should take. I could go for Sunny, but I have no idea where she is, and it might take all night to find her. Or I could find a stick or something to use as a lever. I decide to try the second option. It’s better than wandering around forever.

After some searching, I find a pathetic branch. Still, I hope it will do. I place it under the bucket and push down. It snaps it half. The bucket doesn’t move at all.

“Becky Jo!” a voice calls in the distance.

“Clara, I’m here!” I yell with return. I’ve never been so happy to hear her voice.

She comes running into the light of the flashlight, throwing her arms around me. “I’ve been so worried! When you didn’t show up for our walk, I came looking for you!”

I can’t believe I forgot to tell Clara I was going to help Sunny! I mentally berate myself.

“I’m so sorry,” I apologize. “I forgot to tell you I was helping Sunny tonight.”

She lets go of me. There is a fierce look on her face. “Never do that again! I knew Marina was working late, so I was worried you were hurt! And you shouldn’t be in the cemeteries after dark!”

“I’m helping Sunny with a project,” I say vaguely, hoping she’ll let it pass.

Like a good friend, she doesn’t. “What kind of project brings you to the cemeteries after dark?”

It’s time to see if our friendship can survive the insanity of my life. I take a deep breath.

“I was attacked by a zombie, and Sunny is seeing if she can stop him from attacking someone else.” I sound completely nuts and fear her reaction.

Her face grows very sober. “It has been many years since Virginia City was plagued with the Cursed. This is grave news.”

“I know it sounds crazy,” I try to explain.

She shakes her head. “My people are well aware of the dark forces. How can I help?”

I am relieved by her reaction. I gesture to the bucket. “You can help me lift the bucket over this fence.”

The work goes a lot faster, and it is a lot less frightening with Clara’s help.  She’s incredibly strong and hauls the bucket around like it’s nothing. I continue to throw the salt mixture while we talk about shoes. Even though we’re both on the short side, neither of us likes a high heel. Comfort beats out fashion in this aspect. We’re so busy talking that I barely notice we’ve returned to the place where I started.

“That’s it. We got them all.” I dust salt off my hands.

Clara puts down the bucket. “Do you think Sunny would mind if I took the leftovers to my family burial grounds?”

“No, she would be happy to have it protected. I’m sure she’ll want to take care of all the local cemeteries.”

I’m shining the light around the cemeteries, wondering where Sunny went when the light dims and then turns off. We’re thrust into darkness. I laugh fearfully.

“Beck Jo, are you all right?” Clara asks in the shadows.

Before I can answer, I am knocked to the ground. I hit my back on one of the gravestones.

“Squaw, you will regret that!” booms a voice I’ve heard before. It causes chills to run up and down my spine. The zombie has found us.

I blink my eyes, wishing they would adjust to the darkness quicker.

“Clara, are you hurt?” I call.

“Stay down!” she replies.

I blink my eyes some more as two silhouettes become discernible before me. With her small build, Clara is no match for such a creature. I watch in horror as the zombie attacks her. I’m just as surprised as he is when she moves out of his way, grabbing his head as he passes. She uses his momentum to push him into a cast-iron fence post. He disappears.

I blink several more times. “Where did he go?” I ask.

“I destroyed him,” she answers like it’s the most normal thing in the world. “The Cursed are strong, but they are not smart.”

“How do you destroy one?”

She shakes her head while shaking the flashlight. It turns back on. “My people have been destroying them for centuries. You need to stay away from them and leave them to me!”

I look around the cemetery. There is no sign of the corpse. “Where did he go?”

She spreads some of the salt by the cast-iron fence. “Once something pierces the area between their eyes, the Cursed turn into dust. Sunny’s mixture will keep the unknown witch from assembling this particular monster again.”

“You impaled him between the eyes on the fence, and he turned to dust?” She nods. I chuckle wearily, thinking of my ability to see ghosts. “Stranger things have happened.”

We both bust up laughing. Now, we just have to let Sunny know he’s gone.

*     *     *

Over the next two weeks, my life falls into a comfortable rhythm. I walk each day with Clara, study, practice the violin, play each night with Henry, and there aren’t any more zombie sightings. Also, the scary ghost hasn’t bothered me since Henry starting coming to visit, and I am grateful.  Then, in the second week of March, there is a change. Marina has found me a world-class violin teacher, Maria Ilyich, the soloist for the Moscow Symphony Orchestra. Maria has agreed to teach me via the internet. Because of the time difference, I begin my lessons in the evening, and it is after one particularly grueling lesson my fleeting normalcy is gone.

I’m putting my violin away when I feel the air temperature drop in my room.

“Henry, did you come to play early?” I ask. I smile as I turn around.

I jump when I find it isn’t Henry in my room.

“Ma’am, I have been beyond generous.” Colonel Blair’s ghost frowns at me. “I allow you in my territory – all I have asked in return is for you to leave me alone.”

“I’ve completely left you alone,” I answer with confusion.

“Perhaps you can explain why you have played your violin each evening for the past week at precisely the moment I walk past your room?” he demands.

“That’s just when my lessons are held,” I say defensively, not understanding why this would be a big deal to a ghost.

“You will have to rearrange your lessons…”

I cut him off. “I will not rearrange my lessons so I don’t bother you while you haunt outside my house.”

“You are being unreasonable!”

“So are you! I think I played my pieces very well tonight. I don’t understand why they would bother you?”

“Why did you have to move here?” He begins to pace with aggravation.  The sound of his boots is familiar – very familiar.  “You are extremely bothersome!”

“How can I be bothersome when you’ve barely spoken a couple sentences to me?” I counter, knowing he is the ghost who has been bothering me. “You’ve haunted me, but you don’t talk to me!”

“I have tried to scare you away and barely spoken to you because I am a damned soul, forced to walk this earth because of my unforgiveable sins!” He marches to the wall.

“I don’t believe that,” I say quietly. “Henry isn’t an unforgivable soul, nor is he damned. We both know he is too innocent to be damned.”

“Then, why is he here instead of in heaven with his parents?” Colonel Blair demands.

“He has unfinished business. You all do.”

“What unfinished business?”

I shake my head. “If I knew, I would tell you.”

He takes an aggressive step forward, and I frightfully take a step backward. “I have no unfinished business! I am simply damned for all the lives I took during that cursed war! Do as I have asked and leave me in peace!”

He vanishes.

I am very well aware that even if I completely stopped playing the violin, Colonel Blair would find no peace.

*     *     *

“Henry, why is Colonel Blair so sad?” I ask that night as he plays with blocks.

“His mama dead, his papa dead,” Henry answers, too busy playing to look at me.

I wrap a sweater tightly around my arms. Henry is a cold companion. “You don’t have a mama or papa, either.”

“Have Gabe and Massa James,” he responds.

“Are you here because of them?” I ask.

He smiles. “I sing for Massa James.”

“Don’t you get tired of hanging in the tree every evening?”

Henry stops playing, staring off into space.

“I’m sorry, Henry,” I quickly say. “I don’t want to upset you.”

“Bad men,” he whispers.

“Yeah, they were really bad men. I’m sorry I brought it up. I just wish I could help you. It’s not fair that you have to live in limbo.”

Taking a practice test for the HSAP on Marina’s laptop, I glance at a stack of blocks and smile. Henry has built the most intricate model of the Blair Mansion on my floor including stables filled miniature horses and perfectly placed trees. I make a mental note to buy him some more Legos because I can’t wait to see what he will come up with next.

Out of the blue, my light starts to flicker as the room grows very cold. The laptop screen goes blank. The very air seems to press against me, freezing me into place. I can’t even move my mouth to call for Sunny. Fear fills my mind. The spirit feels very different from the other ghosts who have haunted me.  I know for certain this isn’t Henry or Colonel Blair visiting.

“Caulbearer,” an airless male voice says.

I struggle against the hold over me but in vain.

“Veiled girl, ask the conjuring woman about conjuring change,” says the voice.

I am released; my lights stop flickering, the room warms up, and my work returns to the computer screen with the addition of the words, HELP US!

*     *     *

“Yes, I’m pretty sure it was Gabe, but what do you think he meant about conjuring change?” I ask, drinking a cup of hot soy coco while trying to warm up after the haunting.

Sunny has been unusually silent since I told her about my latest visitation. She merely shakes her head.

“He told me to ask you,” I say. “Why would he do that if you didn’t know what he was talking about?”

“He is a very presumptuous ghost,” Sunny finally speaks. “I can’t believe his nerve, actually asking to conjure something like that! I mean, seriously! I don’t even know where to begin conjuring what he’s asking for.”

“What are you talking about?” I ask.

“I hope you can hear me, ghost!” she shouts. “You can’t go around asking for favors like that!”

“What exactly did he ask for?” I demand.

“I’m not entirely sure, but it doesn’t matter because it’s not going to happen!” She angrily puts a bowl of granola in front of me.

She begins banging around in the kitchen and muttering to herself about the insolence of certain spirits.

“Did the squirrel come back?” Marina gives Sunny a strange look as she walks into the kitchen.

“No, I just stubbed my toe,” she returns, and I’m pretty sure she’s telling the truth because she has kicked a few cupboards shut.

“Are you all right?”

“I’m fine.” She passes Marina her breakfast. She changes the subject, “What are our plans for Easter?”

Marina swallows noisily. “That is something I need to discuss with the two of you.  Mr. Harrison has asked me to go to China to check on several of his investments. If I leave this week, I’ll be back by March twenty-fourth.”

“That’s nearly a month away,” I say.

“Yes, it’s not ideal timing.”

“Becky Jo, and I can take care of things here for that long, as long as you make sure you’re home on time,” Sunny interjects, giving me a knowing look. She turns back to Marina. “Do what you need to do to quickly return home.”

*     *     *

I silently pray William Bright’s words,
O God, you are both the light and the guide of those who put their trust in you. Grant us in all out doubts and uncertainties the grace to ask what you would have us do; that the Spirit of wisdom may save us from all false choices, and that in your light we may see light.
There has been a lot on my mind since the earlier haunting. I don’t understand everything that is going on, but I want to understand.

“Gabe,” I say nervously, thinking of his terrifying previous visit. “What did you mean about conjuring change?”

I know he’s there before I see him. Fear settles on me, and I must force myself to breathe. Sunny says that Colonel Blair is a powerful spirit, but so is Gabe.

“There is a way to change things, to conjure change,” Gabe says as he materializes in front of me.

“Sunny doesn’t know how to do it.” I am intimidated by his enormous stature and his intense, dark eyes, so I pause slightly. “Why was she so upset with you?”

“It is dangerous. Failure would mean…”

“Death?” I ask.

He shakes his head. “Most would prefer death. In conjuring, failure can mean many things, but in this case, failure would send your mind into oblivion.”

“Uh-uh!” Sunny makes me jump when she storms into the room. “Ghost, I only have a small idea of what you’re asking, but I know it’s too much! Becky Jo is too young, and I don’t even know how!”

“Witch, I know it’s dangerous, but I’m not thinking of myself,” Gabe replies.

“Speak up, Ghost. I do not have the gift of sight.” Sunny holds tightly to a polished rock in her hand.

“I said that I am not thinking of myself,” Gabe shouts for her sake, making the lights flicker overhead.

“Neither am I,” Sunny responds.

Gabe walks through my bed, stopping right in front of her.

“It’s not your decision,” he says loudly, looking at me.

“What are you two talking about?” I ask.

Sunny sighs heavily. “Witches have powers to do many remarkable feats. However, to do what he is asking would be very dangerous. Marina would never approve.”

Gabe changes the subject. “Becky Jo, if you could have one impossible wish granted, what would it be?”

It’s the question all the kids ask themselves –
If I had one wish, what would I wish for?
Of course, you can’t wish for more wishes, so what do you ask for? Many things come to mind: world peace, the eradication of hunger and disease, world-wide civil rights, equal access to education… The list could go on and on, and these are just the selfless wishes. There are a couple selfish wishes I can’t completely disregard, the security of money and getting Mama back. But those are very selfish thoughts, indeed. Money is just money, and I know Mama is strumming a harp on some fluffy white cloud because if she didn’t make it to heaven, God is not good. No, my wish would be to help those around me.

“Could I really wish that Henry and you hadn’t been killed?”

Gabe shakes his head. “It’s not that simple. You can’t wish to change something that has already happened.”

“Then, how can I help you?” I ask with confusion.

“You could ask for the opportunity to go back and stop Samuel yourself, but it is too dangerous. Remember what he said about falling into oblivion?” Sunny says. I nod my head. She continues, “If you waver, whatsoever, in your resolve, you get lost between places.”

“I’m still confused about how I could help.  Are you actually saying that I could go back in time to save them?”

“You would only need to stop Samuel from killing James,” Gabe rejoins the conversation. “Henry and I wouldn’t have been lynched if James would have been there.”

“Gabe, I know you mean well, but I am not talented enough to send Becky Jo back in time.  You know that type of magic is unpredictable,” Sunny interjects. “Also, you would be putting her in grave danger. She is extremely young.”

He looks at me thoughtfully, as though there is much on his mind.

“Once again, I say it is for her to decide,” Gabe says sternly before leaving through the wall.

*     *     *

I look out my window at a sky full of stars with much on my mind. Sunny is completely against the very idea of me trying to save Colonel Blair. She’s convinced it’s too dangerous. I don’t know what I think. Deep in thought, I put on a jacket and slip out the door. I need to clear my head with fresh air and exercise. I am soon walking the desert, wishing for someone to talk to.

My life always seems the same; everyone is just out of my reach. When Mama was ill, I had to pretend to be the strong one. Now, Marina is the strong one, and I have to allow her that. Perhaps we’re too much alike, but Marina needs to feel she’s in charge at the moment. Sunny is more than a little crazy, I don’t want to bother Clara, and my other friends are ghosts.

So deep in thought, I don’t realize where I am until I trip over a large rock. It’s dark, I’m all alone, and I just walked into Gold Canyon, the site of the Blair mines. Remembering Colonel Blair’s warning, I stand up and slowly begin backing away from an open mineshaft. I don’t want to disturb any spirits, especially a murderous one. Colonel Blair is bad enough.

I know I’ve failed when the air grows very cold. I feel something grab around my ankle. I am painfully yanked onto my back.

A disembodied voice cackles, “Who do we have here?  It’s been too long since I’ve had a bit of fun!”

I kick at nothing, even though it won’t do any good. I’m right, the ghost simply laughs louder. Grabbing at rocks, I try to slow myself down, but the spirit is too strong. In the moonlight, I see the mine entrance drawing closer and closer. My hands frantically reach for sagebrush roots, all in vain.

“Once a murderer, always a murderer; isn’t that right, Samuel?” someone says loudly. I recognize Colonel Blair’s voice, and there is a dangerous edge to it I haven’t heard before.

“You should know that better than anyone, nephew,” he says it with disgust.

My leg is released.

“We have talked about you leaving the living alone,” Colonel Blair says. Even though I can’t see him, I crawl in the direction of his voice.

“That was ages ago,” Samuel dismisses him. “I’ve grown tired of this forsaken canyon! I want to have some fun!”

“Virginia City is better without you haunting in its borders. You will remain here.”

“No! I’ve decided to leave!” The ground trembles beneath me, and my ankle is grabbed again. “Besides, do you honestly think the girl would prefer you to me?”

Colonel Blair says nothing, but his answer is loud and clear. Samuel begins woefully screaming in the dark. For a second time, I am released.

I jump to my feet. Large rocks tumble down the hills. I have to get out of Gold Canyon before two ghosts bring it down on top of me. I duck and dodge rocks, falling down several times. I’m grateful when I come to the mouth of the canyon.

I run all the way home, not stopping until I lock myself in my room. I am putting my talisman around my neck when a shiver runs up my spine.

“YOU STUPID, STUPID GIRL!” Colonel Blair yells as he storms through my wall. “Damn it! Why the hell didn’t you listen to me?”

“I’m sorry. I made a mistake,” I say apologetically.

“Sorry? You’re sorry?” he growls, seeing the wounds on my hands.

I jump as he kicks Henry’s beautiful Lego buildings. Toys fly across the room. He continues to kick at the toys until the whole display is destroyed, laying in pieces on my floor.

“Leave us alone! Leave us all alone!” he yells before vanishing.

*     *     *

Sunny and I spend a quiet Easter together. Sunny makes a terrible tofu-ham, but the chocolate Easter bunny Marina sent helps make up for it. After dinner, we sit back and watch a college basketball game. For being a passive vegan, Sunny is far too enthusiastic about the sport. She even swears at the screen when the other team makes baskets. I really don’t mind. I can’t concentrate on the game anyway. I am too busy eating the ears off my chocolate Easter bunny and thinking about ghosts.

Although I am grateful to Colonel Blair for rescuing me, on two separate occasions, I’ve decided he is a complete jerk. Since the incident in Gold Canyon, Henry hasn’t visited. Each morning he sings
Dixie
with his head hung low in sorrow as he sneaks peeks in my direction. It’s completely infuriating! Slavery was outlawed in 1865 with the passing of the Thirteenth Amendment, yet Henry calls Colonel Blair, “Massa James” because he was his master and still acts like it. Colonel Blair was Henry’s master. How could I ever respect someone like that, ghost or not? I would love to help Henry and Gabe, but I don’t know if I could ever take the risk of conjuring myself in the past in order to help a former slave owner.

I am deep in thought when Gabe walks through the entertainment room. He gestures for me to follow him. Knowing Gabe would never make a frivolous visit and incite Colonel Blair, I quickly grab a sweater.

“I’m going for a walk. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

Sunny is so involved in her game that she absentmindedly nods as I go out the door.

I run to catch up to Gabe, but he easily stays ahead of me. Then, quite suddenly, he disappears. I look around in confusion until I hear voices.

“Put a rope around their murdering necks!” yells a man.

I stop walking when I see the mob under the hanging tree. Poor Henry and Gabe are bruised and bloody with their arms tied behind them. The frenzying crowd puts nooses around their necks.

“I would allow you some last words, but you didn’t give my only nephew any last words before you killed him! He survived the Yanks, but he couldn’t survive his treacherous niggers!” Although he never materialized in Gold Canyon, I recognize the greasy Samuel Blair from Sunny’s photographs.  He sneers at Henry and Gabe.

Without warning, Henry is violently wrenched from the ground. We all hear his neck break. There are cheers from the mob as they throw rocks at Henry’s swinging body.