Ghost Whisperer

IT WAS AN evening like any other. Ed Tanner worked late on a project with impossible deadlines. He built software for a high-tech company, Dysnatech, near Seattle.

The sun had long since set, but he kept on working at his computer.

“I’m tired. I can’t see what’s wrong with this stupid code,” he said aloud.

“Perhaps you should go home, Ed. Tomorrow, everything will become clear.”

Ed stood in his cubicle, and looked over the wall, and saw his co-worker, Blake. Blake was a typical middle-aged programmer. Married, gaining too much weight, slightly bald. He enjoyed going out for lunch, perhaps too much. He got his work done, which often meant working long hours.

“Perhaps I should go home. Can I tempt you with an after-work beverage?”

“Not tonight, thanks. I have to get home to my wife soon, or she’ll wonder where I am.”

“Maybe next time, then,” he said.

Blake nodded as he typed on his computer.

Ed saved his work, locked his computer screen, and packed up his few items. The company was working on several government contracts, and he was required to protect everything. He knew of others who got fired for leaving their computer open to prying eyes.

“Good night, Blake!”

“Good night,” said Blake from the adjacent cubicle.

With his work ID and keys, Ed left.

Ed walked outside the office building where he worked. He looked back at the building. The lights were on where Blake worked. Ed figured Blake’s wife knew where he was by now.

He’d parked his car on the street nearby, as during the day the parking lot was usually full. He rarely arrived early enough in the morning to get a spot.

The street was darker than the parking lot, and he walked on autopilot. Ed only paid casual attention to his surroundings, knowing where he’d parked his vehicle. This evening he’d made a critical mistake.

Suddenly, a figure appeared in front of him, causing him to stop.

“Hello?” said Ed.

The figure said nothing. He just looked at Ed and smiled.

It took Ed a moment to realize he wasn’t smiling at him, but behind him.

Ed begun to turn and look behind him, but too late! Another person struck him on his head from behind him. It was “lights out”, and he crumpled to the sidewalk.

Darkness. Ed was disoriented. His mind was foggy.

Afterward, there was light. A bright light shining in his eyes. Someone had pointed a flashlight at him and held his eyes open.

He tried to tell them to stop, but no words came out.

Finally, the lights went away, leaving him in darkness again.

Ed’s mind felt like a computer rebooting. No worse, it was more like an unwanted Windows update. It takes over your computer and leaves you helpless as you watch a spinning progress indicator. All he could do was wait.

Time passed. He sensed the passing of time, unable to do anything else.

Finally, he opened his eyes just a small amount. Light came in, and it hurt!

“Hey, this one’s coming around!” a voice said, somewhere nearby.

“Uhh,” said Ed.

“Just lie still. We almost lost you,” said the voice.

This made little sense. What had happened?

He lay still while they poked and prodded him. His mind cleared a little.

Eventually, he fell back asleep.

The next morning, Ed awoke. Nurses performed various tasks, then propped up his pillow. He discovered he was in a private room in a hospital.

“How are you feeling today, Mr. Tanner?” asked the doctor who had arrived. He didn’t wait for a response as he consulted a chart on the end of the bed.

Ed sat quietly and waited.

“You’ve got a nasty bump on the head, likely a concussion. Also, we almost lost you at one point. The EMTs had to resuscitate you multiple times.”

“That explains my presence here,” said Ed.

The doctor looked at the chart again.

“It says your co-worker discovered you outside your workplace. He called 911.”

“Oh. I’ll have to thank him when I see him next.”

After checking several things, the doctor left.

The nurses also left, having completed their work for now.

Sara Manning pulled into the hospital parking lot. She parked her Honda Civic, paid for parking, and entered the hospital. Sara worked as a Detective Lieutenant, working for Seattle PD. Her assignment was to interview a mugging victim.

Her heels clacked on the floor as she walked with a purpose. This job required a sergeant, but none were available. Muggings rarely lead to an arrest, as victims were mostly unreliable witnesses. This was another busy work task. After her promotion to Lieutenant, she hadn’t found her niche, with a team that supported her. Until then, she did whatever tasks came her way.

She entered the elevator and pressed the button. She pressed it again until the door closed. This was taking too long.

Sara approached a nurse at the nurses’ station, showed her badge, and got directions to the victim’s room.

Sara entered Ed’s room. She showed him her police credentials.

“Ed Tanner, my name is Detective Lieutenant Sara Manning. I was hoping you can answer a few questions for me?”

Ed looked at her. She was mid-thirties, brunette, and impatient.

“I’ll try, Lieutenant.”

“Your co-worker discovered you face down on the sidewalk. What can you remember of the event?”

“I was walking to my car when someone stepped in front of me. A moment later, another person hit me from behind. That’s all I can tell you.”

“Hmm. Can you describe the person who stepped in front of you?”

“It was too dark to identify them. I remember little.”

“Were they male or female?”

“Male, middle-aged, about my height.”

“Did they say anything?”

“No. I think they were a distraction. It worked, as I didn’t see it coming.”

The Lieutenant thought for a minute.

“We believe they took your phone, your wallet, and your keys. We located your car across town. It’s now in our impound yard.”

“That’s good news, I suppose. If they got my wallet and keys, did they break into my apartment?”

“We sent someone over there to check. You got off lucky there. The building super is changing the lock for you.”

“Good. I’ll see him once I get out.”

“Do you know anyone who wishes you harm? Anyone with a grudge against you?”

“No. I keep to myself. I go to work and go home when I’m tired.”

“There was no CCTV where they assaulted you. So, unless you have anything, we’ve no leads to pursue. I’m sorry.”

She handed him a business card.

“I understand. Thank you for coming to talk with me.”

Soon after, she left.

That evening, Blake arrived. He sat down in a chair beside his bed.

“Hi Ed. Good to see you’re awake.”

“I’m alive because of you. You called 911.”

“I discovered you lying face-down on the sidewalk. I wasn’t sure you were still alive. There was blood everywhere.”

“Well, you saved my life. I won’t forget it.”

“I told them at work. Your job is waiting for you when you return. They’re also putting more lights around the building and CCTV.”

“That’ll help with the next attack. Actually, some folks steal the cameras for their grow ops, I hear.”

“They got Mart to pick up your project. They couldn’t change the deadline. He said your notes were helpful.”

“Oh, good. I hope he’ll finish it in time. That deadline was tight.”

“Well, it’s not your problem anymore,” Blake said with a grin.

Ed wasn’t sure if it was beneficial. Likely, Mart would get all the credit or blame. Ed’s contribution would be forgotten.

A nurse entered his room to do the usual tests, writing the results on his chart. Blake used the opportunity and stood up to leave.

“Ed, I’ll take my leave now. Don’t worry about work. Call me if you need anything.”

“I’ll be released in a few days. I’ll call you when I know more.”

“Sure,” he said. Then Blake left.

A few days later, the doctor cleared Ed to leave the hospital. He called Blake to drive him home. Ed met him outside the front entrance.

“Hello, Ed. How’re you feeling?” said Blake.

“Much better, thanks.”

Ed got in the car. His clothes had dried blood stains from the attack. On his head, he had a white bandage.

Blake handed some cash to Ed.

“Until you get your credit cards sorted out,” he said.

“Thanks!”

“No worries.”

Blake started the car, and they left the hospital.

Soon, they arrived at his apartment complex. Ed said goodbye to Blake, who left.

He turned and walked to the supervisor’s unit. After a brief talk, he got his new key.

Ed opened the door to his apartment after several days away. It had that smell from having the windows closed for days.

He opened the windows, then sat on the sofa.

That's when a ghost suddenly appeared in front of him.

“Hello, Ed,” said the ghost.

“Aargh!!” said Ed.

If the ghost wasn’t between him and the door, he would have bolted. The ghost was slightly transparent, and Ed could see through him.

“Please calm down, Ed. I’m not here to do you harm. I need to talk to you.”

“You do?”

“Yes. I need your help, and I can help you too.”

This was new, and Ed did a double take.

“Huh?”

“My name is or was Ian Ross. I was murdered.”

Ed pinched himself. Perhaps he was dreaming.

“What are you? Why are you here?”

“I’m a ghost. The spirit of the late Ian Ross. You can call me Ian.”

“But I can see you! I can see through you.”

“Yes. We can help each other because you can see and hear me.”

“Huh? I still don’t understand.”

“I saw when they attacked you. Something happened to you. I could sense something changed within you.”

Ed scratched his head carefully.

“I changed? I got hit on the head. Perhaps this is a symptom of my concussion.”

“No! For a moment, you died. At that point, we connected. I felt a bond.”

“A bond?”

“Yes! That’s why you can see me.”

“So, I died and now I can see you?”

“That’s what I just said.”

Ed looked around the room for some kind of hologram projector. He didn’t know anyone who might do this to him.

“This is a lot to take in. If this is a prank, it’s a terrible time,” said Ed.

“It’s not a prank. I’m real. I’m here right now.”

“And you want to help me?” asked Ed.

“I do, and I need your help too.”

“I’m still trying to grasp that ghosts are real, and I have one in my apartment right now.”

“Nice apartment, by the way. Don’t drink the milk in the refrigerator, it’s gone bad.”

“In case you don’t remember, I’ve been away.”

“I remember,” said the ghost. “I saw you get mugged.”

“You saw me?”

“Yes, then we connected. At that point, I followed your attackers.”

“Wow! This is beyond weird.”

“I learned where they went. I can help you get your wallet back.”

“As long as I don’t get hit on the head again. I don’t think I can survive another attack.”

“Agreed. If you died for good, that wouldn’t help anyone.”

“Ok, what’s next then?”

That evening, Ed and the ghost left the apartment. They travelled on foot, as he was without a car. His car was still in an impound yard.

Ed caught the 532 bus northbound. The bus driver didn’t see the ghost, nor did any of the passengers. They sat down in a vacant seat.

“You best not talk to me here, or they’ll think you’ve gone mad,” said the ghost.

Ed looked around at the other passengers. He smiled, thinking their opinions weren’t that important to him. He looked at the ghost and nodded.

Later, the ghost stood ready to get off. Ed followed him and they were the only ones who exited at the next stop. Ed watched the bus drive away.

“Alright, what next?” he asked.

“They drove your car and dumped it a block from here.”

“Lead on.”

The ghost walked or floated along, and Ed walked behind. He could guess why they left his car here. The street lights were few, and no CCTV cameras.

Soon, they stopped.

“They left your car here, but they took your wallet and went this way.”

The ghost pointed in a direction. Ed walked beside the ghost.

“Is it much further?” asked Ed. He worried for his safety. He’d just survived one attack, and this area didn’t seem too friendly.

“Nearly there. I’ll have to check they’re in before we go inside.”

Ed stood on the sidewalk against a wall. The ghost floated through the wall and was gone.

Ed had half a mind to leave and return home. He was unaware of what lay beyond the wall.

Then, the ghost’s head popped out of the wall beside him. Ed jumped.

“It’s all clear. They’re out.”

Ed looked at the ghost.

“Oh, right! I forgot you can’t get in this way.”

He stepped out of the wall and walked around a corner. Ed followed.

The door to the building was unlocked. Ed eased it open. He didn’t want to make a noise and alert anyone. Despite the ghost’s claim they were out, he was cautious.

He followed the ghost through a couple of rooms. Then he saw a pile of wallets, keys and phones. These villains had been busy!

“Too bad I didn’t bring a flashlight,” said Ed.

“Perhaps use a phone?”

Ed picked up a phone. The battery was dead. He picked up another. This one lit up, so he used it to search the piles of booty.

About 10 minutes later, he had his wallet, minus cash, and his phone. No keys, though.

“Two out of three,” said the ghost.

“Right. Now let’s get out of here.”

They quietly exited the building into the street.

Ed made a note of the address, intending to pass it onto the police. Then he and the ghost returned to the bus stop.

As they waited at the dimly lit bus stop, Ed looked at the ghost. He had taken him to find his wallet and phone. He had the proof in his pocket.

“Thank you, Ian,” he said.

Ian looked at him.

“That’s the first time you used my name,” said Ian.

“You delivered on your promise to help me.”

“Yes, I did, didn’t I?”

“That means a lot. And you said you need my help?”

“Yes. Perhaps we can wait until we return to your apartment to discuss.”

“Of course. I don’t want others to think me crazy,” said Ed with a smile. He also wondered what he’d need to do to help this ghost. He had a limited set of skills.

Soon, the bus arrived and Ed climbed aboard for the return home.

Back home, Ed was tired. It was past his bedtime. His head ached, and he wanted to lie down.

“Ian, I’m tired and I need some rest. Can we continue this in the morning?”

“I’ll be back tomorrow.”

“Too bad you can’t bring breakfast with you,” Ed said with a grin.

“That’s one thing I miss, a hearty breakfast.”

With that, the ghost disappeared.

Ed went to his bed and was soon asleep.

Outside Ed’s apartment, the ghost wandered around as if on guard. He didn’t need any sleep, and Ed was his only chance. He couldn’t let something happen when he was this close.

The next morning, Ed awoke. As his eyes focused, he discovered the ghost standing by the wall in his bedroom.

“Woah! Are you here to haunt me?”

“No. I’m here to continue our discussion.”

“Ian, please wait in the other room. I need to shower and change,” said Ed.

A few minutes later, Ed arrived in the living room. The ghost, Ian, was standing by the coffee maker.

“I would’ve made you some coffee, but I have a problem.”

He waved his hand through the coffee maker. It passed right through.

“I see your problem. Let me handle it.”

Soon, Ed had a pot of coffee brewing.

“So, Ian, please tell me what I can do to help you,” said Ed.

“My business partner murdered me. He hid my body, so I’m listed as a missing person. I need help to bring my killer to justice.”

“That sounds challenging. Tell me more.”

“I recall finding some financial irregularities, so I took them to show my business partner, Sam Clifton. The next moment, he stabbed me from behind. Then everything went black. That’s about all I remember,” said the ghost.

“And no one has discovered your body?”

“No, or there’d be an investigation. I’m sure Mary, my wife, suspects something. Without a body, I’m left without justice.”

“So, we need to find your body and any other evidence that proves he killed you.”

“Yes.”

“You realize I’m not a detective. I have no skills in this area,” said Ed.

“I understand that, but you’re the only one who can see me. You’re my one chance.”

“I’ll have to talk with your wife, visit the business, and maybe talk with your partner, Sam.”

“Talk with Mary first,” said Ian.

“Should I tell her about you?”

“I’m not sure how she’d take it. You best say you knew me.”

“That’s hard to believe. We don’t run in the same circles.”

“Well, you figure something out. I can provide you with information to back it up.”

“Ok. First, I’ll get my car out of impound. Then I’ll need directions to your home.”

ED TOOK THE bus downtown, to the SPD impound lot. After completing paperwork, he got access to his car. His keys were in the car! Ed examined the car for damage, and it didn’t seem too bad for the experience.

He got in and tried the ignition. It started, and he drove gently out of the lot. The ghost of Ian Ross materialized in the front passenger seat.

“Well, I’ve got my car back,” said Ed.

“Good. So now we can go visit Mary?”

“Yes.”

The ghost provided Ed with directions, which took them to a town home complex. They parked in a guest parking spot and got out.

“Is Mary likely to be home?”

“I don’t know since I died, but she used to work from home.”

“Well, let’s find out.”

Ed was glad to get started on paying back Ian for his help. He didn’t enjoy owing people, or ghosts, for things. It made him feel out of balance.

Ed walked up to the front door and pressed the buzzer. The ghost of Ian stood beside him.

The door opened to reveal an attractive woman in her mid-thirties. Women made Ed feel nervous, and he suppressed the urge to throw up.

“Hello, my name’s Ed. I’m a friend of your husband, Ian, and I’m trying to find him.”

She looked at him, surprise on her face.

“You know Ian??”

“Yes. I was hoping I could talk to you. Maybe it will help me find him, or find out what happened to him.”

She stared at him for a minute, trying to figure something out.

“Well, you best come inside.”

She led him into a dining room and offered him a seat. They both sat down. Ian stood by the wall.

“My husband has been gone for about a year now. You said that you knew him?”

A year? Ed looked at the ghost, who shrugged.

“I didn’t know it was a year since I died. Time is different once you die,” said Ian. Of course Mary didn’t hear that.

“I haven’t seen him in the last year either. I suspect something bad happened to him.”

“You knew him, but you didn’t keep in touch for a year?” asked Mary.

“I was busy with things of my own, and didn’t realize he’d dropped out of contact. Recently, I returned, and tried to reach him. I’m sorry, I’m not good at keeping in touch.”

She gave him an evaluating look.

“Ask her about the business,” said Ian.

“What about his business? Or his partner, Sam?”

“Well, Sam runs the business in his absence. I didn’t get involved in their business.”

“How well do you know his partner, Sam?” asked Ed.

“Not very well. After Ian left, he’d come round to check on me. He's been absent for some time.”

Ed pondered for a moment.

“Has the police been any help?”

“No. They think he just ran away with someone. They found no trace of him.”

“Do you mind if I search for him?” asked Ed.

“Go ahead. I’ve done all I can. The police gave up. If you can find anything, so much the better,” she said.

“If I discover anything, I’ll keep you informed.”

She smiled a half-smile, suggesting she didn’t think he’d find anything.

Ed stood up and Mary escorted him to the front door.

“Good bye. Hopefully, I’ll be in touch soon,” he said.

Ed walked back to his car.

Ed drove home, with Ian sitting beside him in the car.

“We have to decide our next move. I’ve got nothing to take to the police yet,” he said.

“Agreed. The last thing I recall before I died, I was at work.”

“So we should examine your workplace, preferably when Sam is out.”

“How about tonight?”

“Agreed. We’ve a few hours to kill, and I’m tired. Guess I’m not fully recovered yet.”

Ed parked in the underground parking of his apartment building. They took the elevator up and entered his apartment.

“Hey, I was going to send in an anonymous tip on where we found my wallet!” said Ed.

The ghost nodded. Ed pulled open his laptop.

“It says I can call the Crime Stoppers hotline on their website to report anonymously.”

Ed launched a VPN and opened the site.

“This should hide my IP address.”

The ghost watched as he entered the address and details where they found his wallet.

“Done!”

“So the cops will discover the wallets and stuff. They’ll close lots of cases,” said Ian.

“I hope so. That’s as close as I’ll come to revenge. I’m not really into confrontation.”

“You best bookmark that website. You’re going to need it again.”

Ed bookmarked the site.

That evening, Ed got into his car. Ian materialized in the front passenger seat.

“Hello, Ed.”

“Woah! I expected you to arrive, but you startled me.”

“Sorry, Ed. I can’t open the car door.”

“I’ll have to get comfortable with it. So, directions to your work?”

The ghost provided directions. Ed drove within the speed limit, not wanting to get stopped on his way to breaking into a business.

Soon, Ed pulled over across from the building.

“It looks quiet from here. Do you want to go check first?” asked Ed.

“Be right back.”

Ian blinked out while Ed sat and waited. A few minutes passed. A car drove by, and Ed watched it go off into the distance.

Suddenly, Ian returned.

“All clear, Ed.”

“Good. Now, how do we get in?”

“Follow me.”

Ed followed the ghost across the street and to a side entrance. Ian pointed behind a post.

“See that lockbox? The code is 1911,” said Ian.

Ed punched in the code and a door opened, revealing a set of keys.

“Use the big one on this door.”

Ed unlocked the door and entered. Ian pointed to a small panel.

“The code for the security alarm is 3776.”

Ed turned off the alarm. So far, so good.

“Take me to the location where you died,” said Ed.

Ian floated along, with Ed walking behind.

Soon, they arrived in an office area.

“This is where I remember I was when I got stabbed.”

“Well, this is your workplace. Tell me if anything is different. I’m uncertain what to look for.”

Ian looked around, gliding about the room.

“I don’t know. Obviously, my body isn’t here. A rug was on the floor, and the desk contents are different.”

“We need to find evidence, proof a murder happened,” said Ed.

Ian looked around some more, then shrugged his shoulders.

“Ok, if he killed you here, he had a year to dispose of the body. Float around this entire premises. Go through walls and check out closets. Find your body.”

Ian floated off through a wall while Ed stayed, checking items on the desks. Dust on certain desks suggested they hadn't been used recently.

Ed looked for bloodstains, but found none. It happened a year ago.

Soon, Ian floated back through a wall and stopped in front of Ed.

“Well, what did you find?” asked Ed.

“I haven’t found my body, although I think I can feel it’s somewhere nearby.”

“That’s good. Can you sense the direction it’s in?”

“I don’t know. It’s like a slight tingle feeling.”

“Try moving about ten feet that way. Tell me if the tingle gets stronger or not.”

Ian floated forwards for a bit.

“Definitely stronger.”

“Good. Use that tingle as a guide. Keep moving until it stops getting stronger, then change direction.”

Ian smiled. He floated off again, through a wall.

A few minutes later, Ian returned.

“Well, I think it’s in the yard,” said Ian.

“How do I get there?” asked Ed.

“Follow me. You’ll need one of those keys.”

Ian led the way, with Ed following. He unlocked a door and stepped out into an enclosed yard.

“So where now?” asked Ed.

Ian floated around and stopped in a corner of the yard. Ian looked around. The ground was hard packed earth and gravel.

“Do you think he buried your body here? Check under the ground.”

Ian slowly sank through the ground as though it were quicksand. Ed wondered what kept ghosts from sinking or falling out of cars on the move. He’d have to ask Ian later.

Ian floated back out of the ground. “I’ve found it!”

“We have our first piece of evidence! He must have hidden your body there after he killed you.”

“Yes. It may have some of his DNA evidence to prove he murdered me.”

“This proves he hid your body here. It may not be enough to prove he did it. We need more evidence, like a dagger with your blood and his fingerprints.”

Ian shrugged.

“We should leave and lock up as we leave. I’m not ready to reveal we were here.”

They left the yard and Ed locked the door. Ed returned to the side entrance, re-set the alarm, and exited. He locked the door and returned the keys back to the lock box.

Ed looked around and returned to his car with Ian in tow.

“Ian, I’m going home to get some sleep. Meet me at my place in the morning.”

Ian vanished.

The next morning, Ed awoke in his apartment. He expected Ian to be waiting for him, but he was alone.

Ed showered and dressed and put the coffee on. It was then Ian materialized.

“Good morning, Ed,” said Ian.

“Good morning. I’m glad you let me get up before appearing. I just put the coffee on.”

Once the coffee was brewing, Ed sat at the dining table.

“I’ve been thinking about our next step.”

“Oh, yes?”

“We know where he buried your body, but we can’t take it to the police yet.”

“Why?”

“They need to get a search warrant. That requires them to show probable cause. It would also tip off Sam. He could move the body before they got a warrant.”

“Oh. Yes, we don’t want to tip him off yet.”

“I can’t provide testimony, as I can’t name my source and I wasn’t really there. We need the testimony of someone who worked at your business when you went missing. They need to be loyal to you. Is there anyone who fits that?”

“We could try talking to Tony. He works or worked in production.”

“Do you have contact info for him?” asked Ed.

“Not anymore. It used to be in my phone, so I didn’t commit the number to memory. ”

“We need to track him down. Any ideas?”

“Mary might have his number.”

“Then that’s where we’re going next.”

Ed walked up to Mary’s front door and pressed the buzzer. He was experiencing nervousness. It didn’t help with Ian standing nearby.

The door opened. Mary was looking at him.

“Back already?” she asked with a half smile.

“Might I come inside and talk with you?”

She smiled and moved to one side. Ed stepped through the doorway and proceeded to the dining room.

“Would you like a coffee?” she asked.

“Yes, thank you.”

A few minutes passed and two coffees sat on coasters on the dining table. Ed and Mary sat facing each other. The ghost of Ian stood where Ed could see him. Mary looked at Ed expectantly.

“I’m certain your husband is dead. I also believe his partner Sam is responsible,” said Ed. He’d decided he’d share that much.

Mary looked at him, incredulous.

“You got that much in twenty-four hours?”

“Yes. Er, no, perhaps I knew before our last visit. I’m more certain now,” said Ed.

His flustered state amused Mary.

“But I can’t prove it. We don’t have enough to justify a search warrant. The police have your testimony that he never returned home one day. We need an employee to give testimony that they suspect something happened.”

“You want an employee to give testimony?”

“Yes, perhaps Tony. He was loyal to Ian. His testimony might convince a judge to issue a search warrant.”

“How do you know Tony?” she asked.

“Careful…” said Ian.

“I recall Ian mentioned him.”

“Well, I recall Tony was let go nearly a year ago.”

“Since Ian disappeared?”

“Yes.”

“There might be a connection. Do you have a phone number for him?”

“Maybe, let me check.”

Mary checked her phone and a notebook.

“Found it. I don’t know if it works, 206-555-7358.”

Ed made a note of the number.

“Thank you. I’ll contact him, and perhaps he can help us get the search warrant,” said Ed.

“Thank you, Ed. No one has done as much for Ian. I hope you reach him.”

“I need to convince the police to take action.”

“Well, if you continue at this rate, you might succeed.”

Ed stood, and Mary escorted him to the front door.

“I’ll keep in touch,” said Ed as he left.

Back in Ed’s car, Ian materialized, full of enthusiasm.

“So, our next step is to contact Tony and get his help.”

“He doesn’t know me. How can I convince him to help?”

“You may need to disclose more to him to gain his trust. I’ll help you.”

“All right. I’m already way out of my comfort zone.”

Ed pulled out his phone and called Tony. It answered on the third ring.

“Hello?”

“Hello, my name is Ed Tanner. I’m a friend of Ian Ross, and I’d like to talk to you. Would it be ok to meet?” asked Ed.

There was a pause. Ed was about to say something.

“You know Ian? I don’t remember any Ed. What’s his favourite food?” asked Tony.

“Pizza. I used to order in when we worked late,” said Ian.

“Pizza,” said Ed.

“Perhaps a lucky guess.”

“He used to order it in when you worked late.”

“Ok, do you know a bar called Gorn’s on Vinton Street?” he asked.

“Gorn’s is on Ballard, not Vinton. He’s testing you again,” said Ian.

“Gorn’s is on Ballard. Is that the one you mean?” asked Ed.

“Yes. My mistake. Meet me there at 6pm.”

“Ok, I’ll see you then.”

Ed hung up the phone.

“We have some time to kill. I’m going home to rest,” said Ed.

“Right. I’m going back to visit the workplace in the daytime. I’ll meet you at your apartment later.”

Ian winked out of existence. Ed turned the ignition and drove back to his apartment.

Just before 6pm, Ed parked in the street near the bar. Just then, Ian materialized in the front passenger seat.

“Ayah! You startled me again,” said Ed.

“Sorry, Ed.”

“Come on. I need you to recognize Tony.”

They exited the vehicle and entered the bar. Ed ordered a beer and took it to a booth against the back wall.

“Hey, Ed, that’s Tony,” said Ian, pointing toward the entrance.

He pointed at a short, dark-haired man who stood near the entrance looking around. Ed stood and waved him over.

“Tony, hello. I’m Ed,” he said as he held out his hand to Tony. They shook hands and sat down facing each other.

“So, talk. If I don’t like what I hear, I’m leaving,” said Tony.

“I believe Ian is dead. I also believe his partner Sam is responsible,” said Ed.

“That’s a big accusation. Can you provide any proof?”

“If I did, I wouldn’t need your help. Tell me, do you believe in ghosts?” asked Ed.

“How are ghosts relevant to this?”

“A few days ago, a mugger hit me on the head and I died. The EMTs resuscitated me, but during that brief period of death, I connected with the ghost of Ian Ross. He asked me to help him get justice.”

“You’re kidding, right?”

“No. This is where I provide proof. Ask me for information only Ian would know.”

“This is insane! I’m leaving.”

“Please! Sam killed Ian about a year ago. He buried the body in the yard at work. Just ask me anything.”

“The first wrong answer I’m leaving. What did Ian say during our last meeting?” asked Tony.

“He told me about some accounting issues. I promised to investigate,” said Ian.

“You told him about some accounting issues. He promised to investigate.”

Tony looked at Ed.

“I’m certain nobody overheard that. When my son was six, what present did he give me?”

“I gave him a train set. Tell him he said his kid broke it within a week,” said Ian.

“He says he gave you a train set. He also says that your kid broke it.”

“You got that right. You should take your show on the road,” said Tony.

“Ask him if he still has that beater of a car. He won’t get far in it,” said Ian.

“Ian asks if you still have that beater of a car. He said you won’t get far in it.”

Tony looked at Ed and laughed.

“I had my car in for a service recently. It runs fine.”

“Tell him unlikely if his cousin Nikko did the service,” said Ian.

“He says unlikely if your cousin Nikko did the service.”

Tony looked at Ed.

“Ian, is that really you??”

“I died, but somehow my spirit remains. And only you can see me or hear me,” said Ian.

“He says that he died, but his spirit remains. Only I can see or hear him.”

“He snuck up behind me and stabbed me. I need help to get justice,” said Ian.

“He also says that Sam snuck up behind him and stabbed him. He needs your help to get justice.”

“It’s my fault. I pointed out the irregularities, and he got killed for it,” said Tony.

“Ask him about giving testimony and getting a warrant.”

“Ian asks if you can talk to the police and give a testimony. We need probable cause to get a search warrant. Then the police can dig up his body,” said Ed.

“Sure. Are you certain he buried the body in the yard?”

“Yes. Ian found it there last night.”

“And I found something else today. Sam’s wearing my Rolex!” said Ian.

“And Ian says Sam is wearing Ian’s Rolex.”

“I remember his watch. That might be enough. The body is evidence of a crime, but the watch points at Sam.”

Ed pulled a card from his pocket and handed it to Tony.

“This is a card for Detective Lieutenant Sara Manning. I think she would be the one to approach,” said Ed.

“I’ll do so tomorrow. Ian was a decent guy. He deserves closure.”

EARLY THE NEXT morning at the Seattle police station, Sara Manning was enjoying her first coffee when she received a call from the front desk.

“Lieutenant, there’s someone here to talk to you.”

“I’m coming now,” she said.

Sara left her office and arrived at the front desk. She approached the man waiting there.

“Hello, how can I help you?” she asked.

“My names Tony Codella. I have information about a murder that happened about a year ago.”

People reporting crimes were often a waste of time. They came to complain about a neighbour or someone they didn’t like. This was likely more busy work.

He had her business card in his hand, and Sara wondered where he’d got it. She hadn’t given many cards out since she’d got promoted.

“Please follow me.”

She led him to an interview room, set up the recording device and sat facing him across the table.

“Ok, tell me what you have.”

Tony recounted how he used to work at this company, where he believed one partner killed the other partner. Sara listened as the story unfolded. The more he spoke, the more she realized this was genuine.

“So, you’re saying he buried the body somewhere on the business premises?” she asked.

“Yes. If you check your missing person reports, that’s when he went missing.”

“I’ll prepare an affidavit for you to sign. Then we can apply for a search warrant.”

“No problem. I should have done this sooner. Ian’s widow needs closure,” said Tony.

Soon, Sara had an affidavit form prepared, and Tony signed it.

Both Sara and Tony missed a ghost watching their interaction, because it was invisible to them. The ghost floated through the wall and was gone.

That morning, Ed woke up in his apartment. He showered, dressed, and got a coffee.

Ian hadn’t appeared like he had recently, leaving Ed unsure what to do. The next move wasn’t in his hands.

He opened his laptop and checked through his email. Various stuff from work, but nothing he needed to respond to. Ed was glad he had nothing outstanding, but a little anxious as normally, he lived a life filled with tasks to complete. He expected something bad approaching.

Ed picked up a book he’d wanted to read and cracked it open. No matter how he tried, he couldn’t get beyond chapter one.

Later, Ian materialized.

“Ed, good news! I followed Tony this morning. He went to the police and gave a statement. They’re getting a search warrant now,” said Ian.

“That’s fantastic! So hopefully, they’ll find your body and your watch. Then Sam gets arrested.”

“It may take a while. I’ll follow the police around to check on their progress.”

“Sure. Tell me if there's anything else you require. Otherwise, I’ve done my part. I’m glad to have done what you needed.”

With that, Ian disappeared. Ed was relieved by the positive turn of events. He sat down on the sofa and picked up his book. Perhaps now he could make some progress.

Later that day, Ian reappeared.

“Ed, you’ve got to help me. I’ve discovered where he hid my car. There’s a lockup garage about a block from our business that Sam used,” said Ian.

“Sure. Give me the address.”

Ian gave him the address and Ed picked up his phone. He called Tony.

“Hello,” said Tony.

“Tony, this is Ed. I have a message from Ian. Please call the detective and tell her Ian’s car is in a lockup garage near the business.”

“Oh, I know the address. I’ll call her now.”

The call ended.

“Ian, he’s calling the detective now.”

“Ok, I’ll go check on the police, and see how they’re doing.”

Ian disappeared again. This frustrated Ed. He just had to wait patiently for updates.

Ed turned on the TV and watched some news programs. Some politician had done something embarrassing again. Opposition were making a big issue out of it. Same old story.

Meanwhile, Sara Manning was directing the search of the business, including using ground-penetrating radar, to search for a body buried in the yard.

Her phone rang.

“Lieutenant Sara Manning,” she said.

“This is Tony Codella. I have another location for you. The business owns a lockup garage nearby. I suspect he hid the victim’s car there. I’ll text you the address.”

“Thank you. We might cover that with the same search warrant, since it’s owned by the business.”

“Excellent.” Tony hung up the call.

Sara waved at a sergeant. “Sergeant, I’ve a new location for you to check. Your objective is to locate this car.”

“Yes, boss. Will do.”

She gave him the address, and he left on his task, gesturing to a couple of uniformed officers on his way. It was funny how the hierarchy worked.

Shortly, the technician operating the ground-penetrating radar called out to Sara. She hurried over to him.

“Did you find something?” she asked.

The monitor showed an image of a skeleton buried below them.

“Yes. It’s here! Right where he promised it would be.”

“Bring the crew in to dig it up.”

Ian reappeared part-way through a cooking program.

“Ed, they found my car! They’ve impounded it for forensics. They’re digging up the yard at work.”

“That sounds like progress to me.”

“It’s the most progress since I died, thanks to you!”

“You found me my wallet and my phone. I promised to help you in return. Any news of Sam?”

“Not yet. They have to gather evidence first.”

“Ok, well, I suggest you continue to watch the police for progress. If you need further help, you know where to find me.”

“There’s one thing you can do for me.”

“Go on,” said Ed.

“Once they recover my body, my wife needs to hire a lawyer. With a death certificate, she inherits my share of the partnership. She has to move fast before Sam gets away with the lion’s share.”

“I can do that. I’ll go there in the morning, unless you think it’s not soon enough?”

“No, that’s fine. I’ll go back to work and check on their progress.”

Ian disappeared again. Ed returned to his program. They were cooking something with mushrooms. He didn’t usually eat mushrooms, but he needed the distraction.

Later that day, her sergeant approached Sara.

“Boss, we’ve dug up the body.”

“Good job. Have the coroner transfer it to the mortuary. I want to prioritize identification and cause of death,” she said.

“Will do, boss.”

“I’m going back to the office to prepare an arrest warrant for Sam Clifton. Finish up here when you’re done. Any news on the car?”

“Exactly where you said. I sent it to forensics for analysis.”

“Good job. See you later.”

Sara left the crime scene and headed to the office. This was easy. Almost too easy. As she drove, she went through a mental checklist of evidence she needed to gather. She still needed to tie her suspect to the murder. Perhaps the coroner would have something.

Ed rose and brewed a pot of coffee in the morning. Ian materialized, all excited.

“They’ve found my body! It's heading to the coroner.”

“Then I’ll visit your wife to pass on your message. Would you like to join me?”

“I would, Thanks!”

Ed found it amusing to have a happy ghost on his hands.

Soon, Ed arrived outside Mary’s house and pressed the buzzer. Ian stood beside him. He still felt nervous.

The door opened. Mary stood there.

“Back again?” she asked with a grin.

“Yes. I’ve got news and a request of sorts.”

“Do come in.”

Ed stepped through the doorway and proceeded to the dining room.

They sat facing each other around the table. Ian stood to one side.

“Mary, the police found your husband’s body. Most likely, they’ll call you to identify the body soon,” said Ed.

“Wow! Where did they find him?”

Ed glanced at Ian before focusing on Mary.

“The killer buried Ian’s body in a yard at their workplace. The police have also recovered his car.”

She thought for a moment.

“And that was your news?” asked Mary.

“Yes.”

“And your request?”

“Please retain the services of a lawyer. Once you get a death certificate, you inherit half of the partnership. Your lawyer has to secure what belongs to you before Sam squirrels it away. This is a time to act fast.”

“Wow! I hadn’t thought of that. It makes sense. Do you have a lawyer in mind?”

“Ed, she knows a good one. He helped us in the past,” said Ian.

“I don’t, but I think you may know someone. He helped you a while back.”

Mary looked at him with a funny expression.

“You’re right, I know someone!” she said. “It’s funny, but you sounded so much like Ian when you said that.”

Ed shrugged.

“I found Ian. You must take care of yourself now. I’m not a lawyer,” he said.

“Thank you, Ed!”

“One more thing. You remember Ian had that nice watch? Do you have a picture of him wearing it?”

“Yes. It’s a Rolex. I bought it for him as an anniversary gift. I’ll have to search for a picture, but I probably do.”

“Show it to the Lieutenant when you see the police. I have a premonition that it’s important.”

“Ok, I’ll play along and do that.”

Ed stood, and she showed him to her door.

“Ed, thank you for all you’ve done.”

“I did it for Ian,” said Ed.

As he returned to his car, he noticed Ian was absent.

Sara was gathering and organizing all the evidence for this case.

• They had a body, and a cause of death, stabbing. They even had the murder weapon.
• Forensics were checking for fingerprints and DNA, although after a year the chance of finding something was slim.
• Forensics were also examining the car.
• She’d invited the widow to come and identify the body.
• She’d sent a team to apprehend her suspect, Sam Clifton. Soon, she’d interrogate him and confront him with the evidence.

Her phone rang. It was the front desk.

“Lieutenant, there’s someone here to talk to you.”

“I’ll be right there,” she said.

At the front desk, she met Mary, the widow.

“I got your message. I’m here to identify my husband.”

“Please come with me,” said Sara.

They took the elevator down to the morgue, and soon enough, Mary identified her husband’s remains.

“We’ve already matched the dental records,” said an attendant. “but the body is a year old. No chance of fingerprints or DNA.”

“That’s my husband. He’s wearing his wedding ring. But where’s his watch?” asked Mary.

“Was there a watch on the body?” asked Sara.

The attendant looked through a list on his clipboard. “No watch, Lieutenant.”

Mary took a picture out of her purse.

“This is a picture of his watch. I also found the receipt for it. A friend had a premonition it would be important I show you this.”

“This is perfect! Thank you for bringing it with you,” said Sara.

She took the photo and the receipt. If she could find the watch, it might tie the suspect to the murder.

“When can I get a death certificate?” asked Mary.

“The coroner has already prepared the death certificate. I have it here for you,” said the attendant. He handed her a piece of paper.

Mary looked at the certificate and put it in her purse.

“Thank you. I have to get lawyers involved to secure my business. Please let me know the outcome of your investigation,” said Mary.

After Mary left the building, Sara returned to her office. A sergeant was waiting there.

“Boss, we brought Sam Clifton in. He’s in interrogation room one with his lawyer.”

“Very good. Let’s go talk to him,” said Sara.

Sara and her sergeant entered the interrogation room. Sam Clifton and his lawyer sat on one side of the table. She noticed Sam was wearing a nice-looking watch, but kept that to herself.

Sara started the recording machine and everyone said their names for the tape.

She placed a picture of the deceased Ian Ross in front of Sam.

“This was your business partner, Ian Ross. We just dug up his body from your yard, together with the murder weapon,” she said.

Sara placed another picture in front of Sam. This showed the body and a knife. Sam stared at her, but remained silent.

“Ian Ross was murdered at your place of business and buried in the yard. We found his car hidden in a lockup garage owned by your business nearby.” Sara placed a photo of the car inside the garage in front of Sam.

The lawyer spoke at this point. “Lieutenant, you have evidence my client’s partner was murdered and his body buried in the yard at the business. Do you have anything that ties my client to this murder?” he asked.

“I was coming to that.”

Sara took out her phone and took a picture of Sam Clifton. She made certain the watch was in the picture.

“Sam, that’s a nice watch you’re wearing. Could I see it, please?” she asked.

Sam looked hesitant, but lifted his arm.

“No, could you please take it off your wrist and hand it to me?”

He paused before taking it off and handing it to Sara.

“This is a nice watch? Where did you get it?” asked Sara.

He looked at his lawyer but said nothing. Sara examined the case back of the watch. It had a serial number, and an engraving “To Ian, from Mary.”

Sara placed the watch in an evidence bag. She pulled out the receipt and the picture of Ian wearing the same watch.

“The serial number of this watch matches an invoice provided by Mary Ross. This picture shows Ian Ross wearing the same watch, which he wore on the day he went missing.”

The lawyer looked at his client with a “you idiot” face.

“Lieutenant, I’d like a few minutes to consult with my client,” said the lawyer.

“Of course,” said Sara.

Sara stopped the recording. She and the sergeant left the room.

A few minutes later, they returned. The lawyer spoke.

“We’d like to discuss a plea deal, Lieutenant.”

“There’s no death penalty in Washington state. What did you have in mind?”

“If my client pleads guilty of murder, the state can avoid a costly trial. Perhaps a reduced sentence.”

“You can discuss plea deals with the judge and the prosecutor. I think our time here is over. Sergeant, please read him his rights and book him for murder,” said Sara.

Sam was soon led away. The lawyer took his leave.

Sara returned to her office to complete the paperwork. This was a win for her. She’d caught a killer and closed a cold case.

Ed was at his apartment, wondering what the next news would be. Perhaps he’d return to work soon.

He sat on the sofa with his current book. It was a sci-fi novel about a crew aboard a spaceship, saving the galaxy.

Shortly, Ian appeared.

“Hello, Ian,” said Ed. “You got another update for me.”

“Yes, I do. They’ve arrested Sam. Mary has contacted her lawyer. Everything is going according to plan,” said Ian.

“Good. I’m thrilled for you. I suppose you’ll be moving on soon?” asked Ed.

“No, I think I’ll stick around a while, to ensure Mary is ok.”

“Of course. I’d do the same if I were you. Once her lawyer secures the assets from the business, she’ll be fine.”

“Absolutely. Oh, I met a few other ghosts. I told them about you and how you helped me. They might visit you,” he said with a smile.

“But I have no skills at helping them. We got lucky with your case.”

“That’s all right. If you can’t help, I’m sure they’ll understand.”

“I’ve already got a job and I’ll be returning to work soon. I won’t be able to help others.”

“Well, do your best. Perhaps you’ll surprise yourself.”

And with that, Ian was gone. Ed wondered what mess Ian had dropped him in.

A WEEK LATER, Ed was back working at Dysnatech. After his attack, they’d assigned his project to Mart. Until another project came along, he was working on software bug fixes.

He’d refrained from visiting Mary, Ian’s widow. The favour was done, and hopefully Ian had moved on by now.

It was mid-afternoon. As he sat in his cubicle, suddenly a ghost appeared near him. This ghost was wearing a business suit, although everything about the ghost was translucent.

Ed looked at him and almost spoke when the ghost raised his finger to his lips. That was different!

He cast his eyes at the other cubicles and nodded. No sense in getting a reputation for talking to himself. Ed stood and walked towards the washrooms. The ghost followed, floating along.

Ed passed the washrooms and ducked into a janitor’s closet and shut the door. It was rather cramped inside, but it’d do for some privacy.

“Hello, Ed,” said the ghost.

“Hello. I suppose Ian told you about me?”

“Yes. The name’s Price, Conner Price.”

“Pleased to meet you, I suppose. You realize I’m at work. You couldn’t catch me this evening, after work?”

“Sorry about that. Time is rather different once you’re dead. I need your help, and I’ve been searching for you for a while. How about I hang around your workplace until this evening and follow you home?” asked Conner.

“Ok, that works. I’ll get back to work then.”

Ed returned to his cubicle and continued working on bug fixes.

Later, Ed shut down his computer and stood.

“Goodnight, Blake,” he said over the cubicle wall to his co-worker.

“Goodnight, Ed,” came the reply.

Ed walked outside the building. Even though there were extra lights and cameras, he felt wary. He wanted to avoid another attack. He’d parked closer to the building, and under a streetlight. As he walked, he kept looking around for attackers.

Once inside his car, Conner materialized in the front passenger seat.

“Hello again, Ed.”

Ed didn’t have an answer, so he started the car and drove back to his apartment. The ghost sat quietly, looking outside as he drove.

Conner followed him into his apartment.

Ed sat down on his sofa. Conner stood nearby.

“So, tell me. How can I be of help?” asked Ed.

“Recently, I died of a heart attack. I was working as a courier of sorts, and I died before I could deliver something. I need your help to fetch the item and give it to my boss.”

“What’s so important to you?”

“The item in question is of vital importance. I can’t rest until it gets into safe hands.”

“An item of vital importance? Whose safe hands?”

“As in national security. I can’t say more. You just have to fetch it, and I can give you a number to arrange the pickup.”

“It’s not something illegal?”

“No. But we need it secured, so it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. Foreign agents might use it to cause harm to the US. You’ll ensure that doesn’t happen.”

Ed was rather suspicious about this.

“So, where do I pick it up?” he asked.

“First, you need to get the key. I can guide you.”

“Is it in Seattle?”

“Yes. You’ll help me?”

“Why not? If it’ll give you peace,” said Ed.

Conner gave directions as Ed drove. It was to a waterfront location, north of the city.

“I was being chased by unfriendly folks. Before my heart gave out on me, I stashed the key here.”

Ed stopped the car, and they both got out. Conner floated over to a warehouse building. He looked around to ensure no one was watching. It was dark, and Ed couldn’t see anyone else.

“Can you see that ledge about six feet up on the wall? The key is up there.”

Conner pointed exactly to where he meant. It was easy enough for Ed to retrieve the key.

“Got it!” said Ed.

“Good. That key is for a bus station locker. I can show you where.”

They got back in Ed’s car and drove off. Five minutes later, Ed parked about a block from the bus station and they got out.

Ed followed Conner to the lockers. Hardly any people were present to see him.

“Locker 758,” said Conner.

After confirming no one was watching, Ed tried the key in the lock. It opened to reveal a duffel bag.

“Grab the bag and walk back to the car. Ignore anyone else.”

Ed did this. It was heavy.

Soon, he got into his car and drove off.

Back home, Ed opened the duffel bag while the ghost of Conner watched. All he could see inside was money, a gun, and some passports.

“There’s a thumb drive in the side pocket. You can keep the bag and contents. I don’t have any use for it.”

“Thanks!” said Ed.

He soon found the thumb drive.

“It contains some encrypted documents, with formulas for a weapon.”

After putting the bag in the closet, he took his laptop and plugged in the thumb drive.

Now Ed was in his element. He backed up the thumb drive to his cloud account. Then, he bundled a collection of e-books to about the same size, which he encrypted with a custom algorithm. He renamed the new file to match the old one and re-formatted the thumb drive. Finally, he copied the newly encrypted file onto the thumb drive.

The file looked identical, but it was harmless. It would consume a significant effort to decrypt the contents before anyone would realize.

“What was all that?” asked Conner.

“I was just checking the contents of the thumb drive. It’s all good.”

He unplugged the thumb drive and put it in his pocket.

“Now, how do I deliver the thumb drive?” asked Ed.

“We need to call. Just not from this location.”

“It’s late. We should call in the morning. Meet me here at 9am.”

Conner vanished. Ed went to bed. He figured he’d be late to work tomorrow.

The next morning, Ed awoke, dressed, and had coffee.

Conner appeared on schedule, which was unusual, as he’d claimed time was different for ghosts.

“Are you ready to arrange the pickup?” asked Conner.

“I am.”

He put on a red baseball cap, picked up his keys, and left.

Ed drove to a nearby train station. It was one of few places still having a payphone.

Ed parked nearby and walked to the station, stopping at the payphone.

“What number should I call?” asked Ed.

“703-555-6023,” said Conner.

He dialed and entered coins. After a moment, he heard a response.

“Code in please?”

“Tell them Diamond 9 4 0,” said Conner.

“Diamond 9 4 0,” said Ed.

There was no answer. Ed wondered what was happening. Perhaps this code had expired, like Conner.

“Please wait…”

Ed waited.

“When they return, tell them you have a pickup from Conner Price.”

“That code is no longer active.”

“I understand that. Please, I have a pickup from Conner Price,” said Ed.

“Conner Price is dead.”

“I know. He gave me something to hand to you.”

Another pause.

“Where are you now?”

“I’m at King Street station. I’m wearing a red cap.”

“We’ll meet you there in… seven minutes.”

The call ended. Ed replaced the handset and turned to Conner.

“They’re coming in seven minutes,” said Ed.

“Expect them in six, probably in a black van.”

Ed wondered what he was in for.

About six minutes later, a black van pulled up to the curb.

Ed approached the vehicle, expecting to hand over the thumb drive and be done.

Conner said nothing, but floated along beside him.

Two figures jumped out of the van. They put a bag on Ed’s head and hustled him into the van. The van sped off a moment later.

A female reporter, who was there to meet a friend, witnessed the extraction. She didn’t get the license, though.

Once mobile, Ed felt them cuff his hands behind his back. It was all very efficient.

A moment later, a needle pricked him and he was unconscious.

Ed woke up, tied to a chair in a cell. Conner stood nearby, unable to help him get free.

“Ed, I’m sorry. This shouldn’t have happened. This is not CIA protocol to detain US citizens in a black site. I don’t believe they’re CIA,” said Conner.

“Where am I? CIA??” asked Ed.

“You’re in a warehouse, somewhere near the waterfront. I don’t believe these people are on our side. Be careful what you say, as they might be listening.”

Ed nodded.

“They took the thumb drive. They’re examining it in another room nearby.”

In the dark room, Ed saw only Conner. No goons to guard him. Inwardly, he smiled, as he knew they were on a wild goose chase.

Later, a dim light turned on, and two men entered his cell.

“You’re Ed Tanner. You work at Dysnatech?” asked Goon #1.

“Yes sir,” said Ed.

“How did you get that item? How do you know Conner Price?”

“Keep it simple, plausible. More likely believable,” said Conner.

“He gave it to me, with instructions what to do if I didn’t hear from him.”

“Conner gave you the code to call in with??” Apparently, this surprised Goon #1.

“Stick to your story. The moment you change anything, they’ll jump on it.”

“Where am I?” asked Ed.

“You’re in a secure location, where we can figure out what’s going on. After that, you can go home.”

“Don’t believe that, Ed. Once they’re done with you, they’ll kill you. No loose ends.”

Ed shrugged and looked at Goon #1.

“I called in the number to arrange for you to pick up the item. That’s all he told me to do. I didn’t expect you to take me too,” said Ed.

Goon #2 said something in a language Ed didn’t recognize.

“These aren’t CIA. They’re foreign, likely Eastern block. This brings up a startling discovery. We have a double-agent back in Langley,” said Conner.

“Ed, do you have any knowledge of what was on the thumb drive?” asked Goon #1.

“No sir. I just kept it for Conner. I followed his instructions. Can I go home yet?”

They stared at him, expecting more. Ed kept quiet, though.

Eventually, Goon #1 nodded to Goon #2. They left the room.

“Good job, Ed. Say no more. You know nothing. I’m going to scout around.”

Conner floated through a wall.

Ed sat in the dark cell for a while. Eventually, Conner returned.

“Ed, they’ve moved away. I don’t know if or when they’re coming back. We need to escape now!” said Conner.

“But I’m tied to a chair!”

“Don’t argue. You need to get up. They’ll kill you when they return. Try leaning forwards.”

With some difficulty, Ed stood up, still tied to the chair.

“Now run back against the wall. Smash that chair!”

Ed half-hobbled, half-ran backwards and collided with the wall. No luck.

“Again!”

This time he hit the back right corner of his chair against the wall. He felt something give. With further effort, he pulled off the right arm of the chair.

“Now, untie yourself.”

Ed could now reach across and untie his arms from the chair, followed by his legs. He was free!

“Try that door. There’s nobody on the other side.”

Ed opened the door. To his surprise, he found it wasn't locked or guarded. On a table was his possessions (wallet, keys, phone). He grabbed them and stuffed them in his pockets. There were also some walkie-talkies in chargers.

“Which way now?” asked Ed.

“Wait here a moment,” said Conner. He floated off through a wall.

Soon, he returned.

“Grab one of those radios. Take this door, then the left door.”

Ed followed the directions, and soon they exited the warehouse building. Ed jogged/ran away from the area until he had a safe distance between him and the warehouse. At a major street, he hailed a cab.

Ed found his car, still parked in a parkade, near the train station.

Conner appeared in the front seat.

“Don’t go home. They know your name, and probably where you live,” said Conner.

“Oh, that’s reassuring. You’ve got me into a ton of trouble!”

From the parkade, they saw a familiar black van pull up outside.

“Quick, turn off your phone! They’re tracking you,” said Conner.

Ed turned off his phone.

“We’d best leave before they find me,” said Ed.

Ed drove to the exit, hoping to escape before the van arrived and blocked his exit.

A heart-pounding moment later, Ed exited the parkade onto the street. The van was nowhere to be seen.

“Turn on the radio you got. We can listen in to their comms.”

Ed picked up the radio and turned it on. There were bursts of foreign language that Ed couldn’t understand.

“They’ve lost your signal and are requesting instructions. We’ve lost them.”

Ed sighed with relief. But where could he hide? He left the city and parked in an industrial area.

“Ok, what’s next on your plan?” asked Ed.

“We must report the double agent to the CIA and get their help to remove the foreign agents. We’ll have to wait until tomorrow morning.”

“But we can’t trust the CIA. Perhaps another agency? Maybe Homeland Security? They have an office in Tukwila,” said Ed.

“Ed, I’d rather keep this in the family. We can go to the local CIA office.”

“Umm, the CIA doesn’t operate within the US. How can there be a local office?”

“That’s what we tell everyone, so they leave us alone. We just don’t call it a local CIA office. I’ll show you tomorrow.”

“You should tell me what to say. I'm unsure of how to convince them to take action.”

“I have something in mind. You’d best get some rest. I’ll patrol the area and wake you if needed.”

Conner vanished. Ed reclined his seat and closed his eyes. The adrenaline had worn off, and he was soon asleep.

The next morning, Ed awoke, still in his car. Conner hadn’t woken him, so no one had found him overnight.

Ed looked around outside. No sign of Conner. Not good. Ed was clueless about what to do. He needed a shower and some coffee.

Conner appeared in the front seat.

“Good morning, Ed. Ready to sort this mess out?” asked Conner.

“Yes. I’m angry, and I want a resolution. Coffee would be nice, too.”

“Our destination is the Seattle police headquarters.”

“Really?”

“At the police headquarters is the office of US Public Affairs. We’re going there.”

Ed started the car and pulled out onto the street. As he drove, Conner laid out his plan.

About an hour later, Ed parked in the underground parkade.

A FEW MINUTES later, Ed arrived at the office of US Public Affairs. Conner floated along beside him.

Ed glanced at the ghost before opening the door.

Inside was a modest waiting area with a reception desk. It was early, and no one else was about, so he approached the reception desk.

“Good morning. May I help you?” asked the cheerful-sounding receptionist.

“Yes, I need to talk with a senior case officer on an urgent matter of national security. Code in is Diamond 9 4 0,” said Ed.

Her demeanour changed instantly.

“May I see your ID?”

Ed handed her his driver’s license. It was all he had.

“Please wait here, sir. I’ll get someone to talk to you.”

She carded a door and walked through, taking his ID with her.

“Remain calm. Make no hostile moves. They may try to test you,” said Conner.

Ed noticed several wall-mounted cameras pointed in his general direction.

The receptionist returned about two minutes later. She gave back his ID.

“Please come with me,” she said.

Ed followed her through the door. Inside were several armed guards and a metal detector.

He smiled and nodded at the guards.

“Please empty your pockets into this tray,” said a guard. It sparked their curiosity when he placed a walkie-talkie in the tray.

After passing through the metal detector, he collected his things and followed the receptionist to a meeting room. He sat down at a large conference table and placed the radio in front of him.

She left the room. Ed noticed multiple wall-mounted cameras looking at him.

A minute later, in came a tall, dark-haired man. He sat opposite Ed and stared at him for a minute.

“You know the code you gave the receptionist is inactive?” he asked.

“Yes,” said Ed. “I needed to get your attention, so you’d take me seriously.”

“Well, you have my full attention. Now tell me why I shouldn’t have you arrested, or worse?”

“That code belonged to a recently deceased case officer. He died before he could complete his mission.”

“I’m not saying you’re correct, but if you are, so what?”

“He gave me something, with instructions, if he didn’t make it. Two days ago, I dialled Langley to arrange handover of the item. It wasn’t the CIA that met me, but the opposition. They abducted me and stole the item.”

“If that’s true, how come you’re here?”

“I knew they’d likely kill me, so I escaped. On my way out, I stole one of their radios. Now, they’re trying to recapture me. I heard them talking on the radio. They spoke in some foreign language.”

He picked up the radio and looked it over. Ed pressed his luck.

“There are two important points I want to stress. One, that Langley is compromised. You have a double agent. Two, there are foreign agents working in Seattle.”

He stared at Ed in surprise.

“Tell me, what was the name of this deceased case officer?”

“Conner Price,” said Ed.

“And what was the number in Langley you called?”

“703-555-6023. But don’t call it, because it’s compromised,” said Ed.

The man jotted down his answers in a notepad.

“Please wait here. I’ll have someone check out this radio. I’ll also check that number with Langley myself.”

“Ok,” said Ed. He didn’t really have a choice.

The man took the radio and left. Ed gestured at Conner, who nodded and floated through the door, following the man.

Ed sat quietly in the meeting room. Conscious of the camera, he refrained from doing anything to sabotage his objective. He needed them to believe him, and take action.

Conner was gone for a while. Fortunately, they didn’t tie him to a chair. Perhaps they’d offer him a coffee?

Finally, the tall, dark-haired man returned, carrying a folder. This time, he held out his hand.

“I didn’t introduce myself earlier. I’m Noah Johnson. We had to verify your claims before continuing.”

“What did you discover?”

Noah passed a document with a pen to Ed.

“I need you to sign this. It’s the Espionage Act. It says you can’t tell anyone about this or we kill you,” he said this with a grin.

Ed shrugged and signed the document. He didn’t think not signing a document would protect him. Noah took back the document and checked the signature.

“The number you gave was a direct line to a case officer in Langley. Conner Price reported to him. I had some of our folks take that radio outside and listen in. They heard chatter in Russian.”

“So, they’re still nearby?” asked Ed.

“It seems so. We’re going to track their signals.”

“I can give you the address where they held me. It’s a warehouse near the waterfront. The vehicle they used to capture me was a dark van. I didn’t get the license plate, though.”

Noah noted the address.

“Please wait here,” he said.

He was gone about two minutes. When he returned, he brought in two mugs of coffee.

“You looked like you needed something,” said Noah. He passed a mug to Ed.

Ed sipped the brew. He’d missed his morning coffee!

Conner returned and stood near the wall, behind Noah.

“We’ve sent squads to hunt down the foreign agents. You should wait here for your safety,” said Noah.

“Yes, as those foreign agents are hunting for me. Hey, wait, I have an idea.”

He handed his phone to Noah.

“They were tracking me by my phone, so I turned it off. Have your team turn it on, and it may lure the foreign agents.”

Noah nodded.

“I’ll do that. I’m just surprised that Conner trusted you with what he did. He broke the Espionage Act, which is punishable by death.”

“Perhaps he knew he was as good as dead anyway,” said Ed.

“Perhaps. I’ll return once we have the agents in custody,” said Noah.

He stood and left the room.

A few hours passed. Finally, Noah returned.

“Ed, the foreign agents are in custody. Here’s your phone back,” said Noah. He handed Ed back his phone.

“That’s good news.”

“We’re working on a case against the case officer in Langley. It may take a little while. Meanwhile, you’re free to return home. You should call in to your workplace.”

“Ah, yes. I’m absent without leave,” said Ed.

“I had a doctor’s note prepared for you. It says you had complications with your recent head injury. If they call the number on it, we’ll back up the story.”

Ed took the note and tucked it in his pocket. It looked genuine.

“That’s kind of you.”

“We take care of those who help us apprehend foreign agents. And remember you signed that Espionage Act. Don’t discuss this with anyone,” said Noah.

Noah handed Ed his business card.

“Thank you for your service to the CIA. If you need to reach me, the contact info is on the card.”

Ed stood and followed Noah past the armed security guards. Noah left him at the reception area. Ed left the office and returned to his car.

Without warning, Conner appeared in the front passenger seat of his car.

“You did well back there,” said Conner.

“Thank you. I followed your plan.”

“And they don’t see you as a person of interest. If you’re careful, they’ll lose interest in you pretty quick.”

“I hope so. I wish everyone would leave me alone.”

Ed left the parkade and merged back into traffic.

“While you were waiting in that meeting room, I wandered around and observed them. I’m confident they’ll clean up their mess.”

“Good. I’m going home to see if they trashed my apartment,” said Ed.

Ed pulled into the underground parking and took the elevator to his floor.

When he entered his apartment, it seemed the foreign agents had failed to visit. He checked the closet and found the bag. He’d better hide that money somewhere soon.

Ed turned to Conner.

“Conner, I’ve done my best to help you. I didn’t know your boss was a double agent. As it is, I helped to apprehend the foreign agents and I expect your boss will be in custody soon.”

“Yes, I think you did better than I’d hoped for,” said Conner.

“So, with your mission complete, will you pass on now?”

“I don’t know. I’m in no hurry to leave.”

“Good.”

“You might’ve made a successful agent, Ed.”

“No thanks, I don’t like all the danger. I want to go back to my quiet job writing software.”

“Alright. Take care.”

Conner vanished. Actually, Ed was relieved to be back home. He thought about his job and realized he had to contact his boss.

Ed scanned in the “doctor’s note” and attached it to an email explaining his absence. He said he hoped to be in tomorrow.

A few minutes later, he got a reply. There was no problem. He should take his time to recover. He had a good boss, one who valued him.

Ed put on a fresh pot of coffee and relaxed on the sofa. It felt good to be home!

He picked up his book to read, but was interrupted by the door chime.

“Who could that be?” he said aloud.

Ed walked to the door. All the foreign agents were arrested, or were they?

He opened the door to see Detective Lieutenant Sara Manning, only she looked a little translucent.

“Oh, crap!” he said.

“Mr. Tanner, we need to talk,” she said, looking impatient.

Ed stood there in shock, looking at the ghost of Sara Manning.

“Aren’t you going to invite me in?” she asked.

Ed shook his head.

“I’m sorry. Please come in. I didn’t expect your visit.”

Sara floated past him and into the living room. He shut the door and followed her in.

“You’re a ghost!”

“Yes.”

“And you died?”

“I did. I was pursuing a serial killer, and he murdered me.”

Ed needed a drink. This was too much to process. Of course, he didn’t keep any alcohol, so he poured himself a coffee.

When he turned round, she was still there, waiting for him.

“I met the late Ian Ross after I died. He told me what you did for him and suggested I talk with you.”

“I bet that was surprising. This seeing ghosts only started after I got attacked, you know,” said Ed.

“I understand that you almost crossed over, which changed you somehow.”

“Exactly. I didn’t ask for this. You’re the third ghost I’ve met since. You all want my help.”

“We closed a cold case because of your help. And you kept your name off our radar. If I hadn’t died, I might never have learned of your involvement,” she said.

Ed wondered how many other ghosts Ian had blabbed to.

“If I’d approached you with information about the murder, you might have viewed me as a suspect.”

“He who smelt it dealt it! That’s investigation 101 in police school.”

Sara had a smile on her face. Ed shrugged.

“You did well to get a former employee to talk to us. Once we found the body, everything fell into place,” she said.

“Ian helped me recover my wallet and phone after I got mugged. I owed him.”

She nodded.

“How come you came to my door? The other ghosts just appear in the room.” asked Ed.

“Old habits, I suppose. I’m new to being a ghost.”

“And how did you ring my door chime? The other ghosts pass through solid objects.”

“I don’t know. I had the intention of ringing it, and before my finger touched it, it rang.”

“Well, that’s a neat trick. You might do other things like that. It could be useful.”

She smiled.

“Anyway, I’d like your help to catch this serial killer. I think together we have an edge,” she said.

“No offence, but I just want to go back to my job creating software.”

“There's a dangerous serial killer on the loose. He’ll kill again unless we do something.”

“You tried and died for your troubles. I’m afraid if I get involved I’ll get killed too,” said Ed.

“Or the police will think you’re the killer,” she said.

“Exactly! If I’m to help you, you’d better tell me all you can. Then we’ll figure out what we can do.”

“Agreed.”

Sara looked at Ed.

“We’d finished with the Ian Ross murder case, and they assigned me to a joint task force to investigate a serial killer known as The Ghoul. I was following up on a lead, and stumbled onto him. He got the drop on me.”

“Did you see him?” asked Ed.

“Not at first. He snuck up behind me and cut my throat before I could react.”

“Then how did you see him?”

“Once I became a ghost, I floated out of my body. It was then I saw him. He was tall, over six feet, totally bald, and had dark eyes.”

“That helps. What else?”

“I followed him after he was done with my body. He left in a blue SUV, license COM4-555. I lost him after that.”

“That’s good. You kept your detective instincts to gather intel on the killer. That’s an advantage no one else has.”

“But I can only realize that advantage with your help.”

“Agreed. What else can you tell me about him?”

“He operates in the Seattle area. His victims died from knife wounds. He is skilled and fast, based on how quickly he killed me.”

“I don’t have access to all the resources your task force has. Can we narrow him down to a certain area?”

“I can show you where I died on a map, and I can tell you where other victims died.”

“Excellent, just a sec,” said Ed.

He opened his laptop and pulled up Google maps. Then he adjusted the map to the surrounding area. Sara pointed a translucent finger at a spot on the screen.

“There,” she said.

Ed placed a marker.

“Where else?”

She pointed out several places, and Ed placed markers.

“That’s all I remember,” she said.

“That’s a good start. I’m amazed you seem so calm about this.”

“Since dying, I don’t feel any panic. I’m dead, but I still have my sense of purpose. I want to stop this killer, and I need your help to do that.”

“How can I help? I don’t know how to tell them your description or the vehicle information without drawing attention to me.”

“Yes, if you’d approached me, I’d have you in a cell.”

“What if I sent an anonymous tip?” he asked.

“We give them a low importance. It might get missed in a sea of tips. This is better than a lead.”

“Well, a condition of my helping you is I don’t put my neck on the block. We need to think more about this. It’s getting late. Can you come back in the morning?” asked Ed.

She looked a little downcast. “Sure, I’ll meet you here at 8 am.”

With that, Sara Manning disappeared.

The next morning, Ed woke up early. He was shy around women and didn’t want her to catch him in the shower.

He did his morning routine and started a pot of coffee by the time she arrived.

“Good morning, Ed,” she said.

“Good morning, Sara. Ready to continue?” asked Ed.

“Absolutely. While you slept, I had an idea. Perhaps my police account is still active.”

“Do you mean we log into the police department, using your account?”

“Yes. I can remember my password.”

“I’ll have to use a VPN to hide my tracks.”

Ed opened his laptop and started the VPN. Sara gave him the address to connect to. After, she gave him her account information. He successfully got in after a few anxious moments.

“We’re in!” said Ed.

“They may disconnect us at any moment. Click on that to run a license plate.”

Ed clicked, then entered the license plate from the SUV. They waited.

“It won't take long,” she said.

Soon, the screen returned a name and address.

“What’re the chances that he used his own car?” asked Ed.

“Let’s find out. Click there to pull up his driver license photo.”

The computer showed the face of a bald, middle-aged man. His deep eye sockets made him look like uncle Fester from the Addams Family.

“That’s him. He’s the killer!” she said.

Ed got screen captures of all the information.

“Next, how do we tell the police?” asked Ed.

“We’re logged in as me. Let’s email the task force.”

“That’ll work. It’ll also direct them to search for who hacked your account,” said Ed.

“You said you’re using a VPN. So no worries.”

Sara directed Ed to wrap up all the information in an email and send it to the group distribution list.

“There, sent!” said Ed. “Now, I better log out before they track me down.”

He quickly disconnected from the police server.

“Thank you, Ed,” she said. “They’ll have to take action now.”

“They’ll also lock out your credentials.”

“It was worth it to send that email. I’ll watch them to see what happens.”

“Well, let me know how it goes. I plan to return to work tomorrow. I hope you catch your killer.”

Sara faded out and was gone. Ed sat on the sofa and picked up his book.

THE NEXT DAY, Ed returned to work, arriving early. He checked in with his boss before diving into work on bug fixes.

Ed sat in his cubicle all day, putting in a solid day of work. He was relieved no ghosts arrived. It was a welcome rest from recent days.

At a respectable time, Ed closed his computer and stood.

“Goodnight, Blake,” he said over the cubicle wall to his co-worker.

“Goodnight, Ed,” came the reply.

Ed walked outside the building. He kept alert for possible attackers as he rushed to his car. Fortunately, the walk was uneventful, and he drove off.

Soon, he parked at his apartment building and took the elevator to his floor. He entered his apartment.

Ed expected a ghost to appear in his living room, but none did. He’d had a normal day.

He read his book until he felt tired, then went to bed. It was a relief not sneaking out searching for bodies in the darkness or running from foreign agents.

Meanwhile, one of the foreign agents had escaped capture. He saw all his colleagues arrested and hid in a closet. He waited until everyone left before stepping out of the closet and leaving.

Later, he tried to call his contact in Langley. The number was out of service. This was when he realized he was alone.

He called his contact in Moscow. After exchanging pass phrases, he reported the situation.

“Stay hidden. We’ll send reinforcements. They’ll arrive in two days,” said the contact (in Russian).

After he got the arrival information, he hung up the phone. He’d better be ready for when they arrive.

Two days later, Ed received a visit from a ghost.

Ed sat reading in his living room when Sara appeared. He put his book to one side and looked at her.

“Ed, I have good news. The task force caught the serial killer!”

“Good evening. I’m glad for you. Will you be moving on, then?”

“I’m not going anywhere yet. I have a surprise for you,” she said. Sara gestured to someone Ed couldn’t see.

That was a preview of Ghost Whisperer. To read the rest purchase the book.

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