FOUR

"Wait a minute," Phoebe said. "Are we talking about the same person? The man I'm talking about is named Stephen Parker."

"Yes, that was his name. Oh, I'm Marie Campbell," the woman introduced herself belatedly.

"Phoebe Halliwell," said Phoebe. "This is Cole Turner."

"Nice to meet you. Steve is buried in that mausoleum," Marie nodded toward the spot Phoebe had conversed with the young man. " Where did you know him from?"

"Oh," Phoebe hesitated, "we, uh, met once. We just chatted a bit that's all. I really didn't know him that well I'm afraid."

"I see," Marie sounded disappointed. "I don't recall seeing you when I've visited before. What brings you by here? Have you lost someone recently?"

"My father is buried here," Cole interjected.

"I don't mean to pry, but you said you and Stephen had an argument?" Phoebe asked.

"Yes. It was stupid. He dropped his socks on the floor instead of putting them in the hamper. I got angry and we had a big fight. Then he stormed out and went to a little league game he had been getting ready for."

"Yes," said Phoebe. "He coached little league for underprivileged kids, didn't he?"

"That's right. He was coaching first base that day. One of the batters hit a wild pitch and it struck him in the head. The paramedics said he died almost instantly. We never had a chance make up. That's something I'll regret for the rest of my life."

"I'm sure he knew how you felt," said Phoebe. "Everyone fights. It doesn't change how you feel about them or how they feel about you. I'm sure if he could he'd tell you how sorry he was about it."

"I'd like to think so," said Marie. "I appreciate the kind words. Well, I have to get going. I have to be back at work soon and I'd like to say hi to Steve before I go."

"Certainly," said Cole. "Have a nice day."

"He must have been a ghost," said Phoebe as she and Cole drove out of the cemetery. "That's the only explanation. But why didn't I recognize him as a ghost? He wasn't glowing or transparent like most ghosts. He was just as normal as you or I."

"Not a ghost," said Cole. "A spirit. There's a difference."

"What's the difference?"

"A ghost is someone who's left something unfinished in life. They either haven't moved on or have come back to complete whatever that was. A spirit is someone who has never moved on. For them it's usually less something being unfinished than it is is something they wish they could change and are unable to accomplish now. Their regret keeps them from moving on."

"So they're just stuck here with no way to move on?"

"Sometimes," said Cole. "It depends on the circumstances and what they wish they could change. In this Stephen's case he could probably move on if he were finally able to tell Marie how he feels. To make up for what happened."

"We need to get back to the manor right away. If you're right we should be able to help Stephen finally rest in peace."