Chapter Four
If Wishes Could Come True
"Thank you for a truly delicious meal." Madame Tibaldi smiled happily at Martha. "I couldn't possibly eat another bite of your excellent cherry pie."
Before dinner, she'd brought in a large, well-travelled suitcase from her car and had used the guest bedroom to change into a flamboyant outfit of varying shades of orange, complete with a small red hat perched on the back of her head. The result was exotic and startling.
Seated with her at the kitchen table, the Gull Cottage residents had stared at her in awe, especially the children. They weren't quite sure what to expect next. But they were certain it was going to be unusual and delicious. They hurried upstairs to get ready for bed so they could come back in time to find out.
"You're welcome. I guess I'll fetch the coffee." Martha nodded, still regarding their unexpected dinner guest with a doubting frown.
"Thank you." The medium chuckled as she drew her empty coffee cup closer and sat back in her kitchen chair. "I can say I'm really looking forward to tonight's séance. It will be quite the rattling adventure, summoning up the Captain. I'm keen to see what he has to say for himself, the old salty, sea dog."
"Well, I've never heard such tosh," Martha replied severely as she carried the coffee pot to the table. "The only things that rattle around here are the chimneys and the window frames when the winds blow in from the southwest. Spooks and goblins live only in the children's fairy stories. Best place for them, too."
She sat in a vacant chair and poured their coffees. "You might as well go on up now and read one of them to Candy and Jonathan before they go to bed." She looked at Carolyn for confirmation. "I've never seen a ghost or any kind of apparition around here."
"Nor have I," Carolyn added, managing to tell the lie with a straight face. "It's as quiet as the grave. But I still don't want the children to be upset or frightened. We won't talk about the séance until they're both safely tucked up in their beds."
"Oh, of course, my dear. I wouldn't dream of upsetting the wee mites for all the gold and jewels in the wide world. But it's because you're both not open to feeling the vibrations," the medium admonished them with a wagging forefinger. "They're all around, you know. Why this house is positively leaking with spiritual activity."
"If it's leaking, then we'd do better calling in the plumber," Martha replied severely as she shook her head and sipped her coffee.
Candy and Jonathan appeared in the kitchen doorway, both dressed for bed. They stared expectantly at the little medium with wide eyes. They were waiting for the fun to begin. Their faces fell when they saw nothing was happening.
"We didn't want to go to bed until we'd wished Madame Tibaldi a goodnight," Candy stated in a hopeful tone. "It wouldn't be right. She's our special guest, after all."
"Yeah…" Jonathan nodded. "And not until after she's showed us another card trick or two."
"Are you going to stay the night with us?" Candy asked then. "Will you be here for breakfast?"
"Yeah, 'cause we don't want to miss a thing," Jonathan affirmed eagerly.
The medium clapped her hands with delight. "Oh, my dears, thank you for your very sweet invitation. Maybe next time," she replied quickly. "You see, I have my room already booked at the inn in town because I must be on my way first thing in the morning. I have another spiritual lecture to deliver in Bangor on Monday. I'm quite looking forward to it, and I must prepare."
"And we can't impose further on Madame Tibaldi's valuable time," their mother replied quickly. "She's a very busy woman."
She had been very careful not to mention the impending séance to either of her children. She knew they would worry if they thought the Captain was in any kind of danger of being exorcised.
She was beginning to have serious doubts herself, but they'd gone too far to turn back now. She felt deeply conflicted, but she still had to write her article and make enough money from it to pay the bills. She was at a loss to know what else to do for the best.
"But you're not leaving right now. You can still show us some card tricks?" Jonathan repeated hopefully.
"A card trick or two is your currency then, is it?" the little medium asked, her voice dropping into a soft Irish lilt. "Ah, it be a hard bargain you're driving, mo leanbh."
"Mo, what?" Candy asked, still staring at her in wide-eyed fascination.
"So young and innocent, with so many lessons still to be learned in this life…" Madame Tibaldi shook her head as she rose from her chair. "Come along into the living room then, and I'll teach you a thing or two about cards. I can also make them disappear; you know. It's a gift from my sainted mother."
"Groovy…" Jonathan approved doubtfully.
"Is that all right, Mum?" Candy asked. "Can we stay up a little longer?"
Carolyn nodded. "Yes, it's all right. But don't overtax Madame Tibaldi, now."
"We won't!" her children promised in unison as they each took one of the medium's outstretched hands.
"Ghosts, indeed…" Martha looked after them as she finished her coffee and began to wipe up any crumbs. "If you ask me, it's nothing but a bit of tomfoolery. Just as well you're not paying her a dime for her quack services."
"Yes, just as well," Carolyn agreed as she stood up to help with the clearing up.
In the living room, Madame Tibaldi seated herself on the couch and picked up the pack of cards from the coffee table. Candy and Jonathan sat down on either side of her. Scruffy jumped up beside Candy and sat looking on.
"Now, let's see…" The medium laid out a picture card on the coffee table. "The Queen of Hearts is a little girl… And the Jack of Hearts is a little boy."
She looked significantly at each child in turn as she continued to turn the cards. "And the Ace of Hearts is love. And the ten of hearts is a home. And the King of Hearts is happiness. Oh, that's marvellous."
"What is it?" Jonathan demanded to know, completely fascinated.
"Why, it's a royal flush," the medium assured him happily with a chuckle. "Ah, you two do make me feel so young again." She sighed wistfully. "It's been such a long time, since…"
"Since what?" Candy asked.
"Since I had the whole of a young life before me and so many stars in my eyes…" The medium patted her cheek affectionately.
"You're so funny, Madame Tibaldi," Jonathan replied. "I wish you could get to stay with us for a day or two."
"Well, that's up to your mother," Madame replied. "But maybe I could spare a day or two on my way back south again. If the spirits are willing."
"Great!" Jonathan approved. "We could go down to the beach and hunt for crabs! And make some sandcastles!"
"Ah, that all sounds wonderful…" Madame Tibaldi replied dubiously. "I'll be sure to look forward to that."
"Come on now, kids…" Martha appeared in the open doorway, still looking deeply suspicious about the medium's self-confessed abilities. "It's past your bedtime. You both need to go on up now and brush your teeth."
"Geez," Candy complained. "Madame Tibaldi hasn't had time to tell Scruffy's fortune yet."
"Oh, well, that's easy," the medium assured her, taking the dog's muzzle in her hand. "Scruffy is going to have a long life and sixty-seven children."
Jonathan giggled. "But he hasn't even got a wife."
"Come along, you two," Martha encouraged. "Say your goodnights and then upstairs you go. Your mother will be up directly."
"Okay. Good night, Madame Tibaldi," they both replied dutifully as they left the room with dragging feet and walked up the stairs.
"I'm going to get warmed up for the séance," Madame Tibaldi assured Martha. "You know, the spirits would love another one at the table," she wheedled. "Having the right numbers is important to them. Your healthy scepticism would be a bonus. I enjoy a good challenge."
"And I'll stay that way, thanks," The housekeeper replied. "There's no one I want to see that I haven't seen recently. After I'm done in the kitchen, I'm going to have an early night and go to bed with a cup of tea and the latest book by my favourite crime author. That'll suit me just fine."
She turned to leave. "And any ghosts you might happen to conjure up around here tonight had better leave again or they'll have to watch out for my broom in the morning. That's all I'll say."
She shook her head as she left the room. "Ghosts, indeed. There's no such thing. I swear the woman's more than a bit addled."
"Very well…" The medium grimaced as she tidied up her cards. "I guess we'll just have to make do with who we have then."
She glanced up at the Captain's portrait and smiled at his severe expression. "Not too long now, Captain," she said quietly. "I'll be knowing all your secrets. Even the ones you've never told to a single soul, living or dead."
"You need to write a good article. I get that…" Martha waved a dismissive hand as she walked back into the kitchen. "But the only thing that hair-brained woman can stir up around here are echoes," she continued severely. "The Captain's ghost, indeed." She filled the sink with hot, soapy water and began to wash the dishes.
"I must say, I do find her very interesting and original," Carolyn replied as she set out the coffee cups on a tray. "I'll write a great article and with any luck, we'll have some money left over for Jonathan's birthday party."
"Well, that's one conjuring I could live with." Martha nodded. "The children have been very good about it all since we moved here. They've made do with less and haven't complained one bit."
She raised one soapy finger. "Not that I'm complaining either. None of us are. We both know what it was like for you having to go on living with your parents back in Philadelphia after Bobby died. That was no picnic. What with your mother doing her best to get you married off again and that Cousin Harriet always pushing her nose in where it wasn't wanted or asked for."
"No, it wasn't any picnic," Carolyn replied slowly. "Moving us all here was the best decision I ever made. I love this old house."
"Me too." Martha nodded. "If only we could think of a sure way for us to make enough money to keep us all here."
"If I think of anything, you'll be the first to know." Carolyn gave her good friend a quick hug.
Suddenly there was a knock at the front door. "I'll get it," she said, walking into the foyer.
She opened the door to find her very nervous-looking landlord hovering on the doorstep. "Why, Claymore…"
"Ah, good evening, Mrs Muir…" Claymore dragged off his hat. "And I know what you're going to ask." He looked around significantly. "What am I doing here?"
"That thought did cross my mind."
Claymore shuffled his feet and looked hunted. "Well, I was invited, you know." He lowered his tone. "But, not by him, of course…"
"Oh, good evening, Mr Gregg…" Madame Tibaldi appeared in the open doorway of the living room. "It was totally fate, Mrs Muir. I met this very charming man in town this afternoon. We have become fast friends."
"Charming?" Carolyn stared at her. "Claymore? I don't understand."
"Oh, I can explain…" The medium waved an airy hand. "We decided that since this is his cottage, I figured the ghosts in it were his, too. And besides, his presence will enhance the success of the séance," she concluded significantly. "It will rid you both of all your troubles. The old biddy up in the attic and the Captain."
"Oh, Claymore, you're really tempting fate," Carolyn said softly, shaking her head at her terrified-looking landlord. "What have you done now? You know by now it's better to leave things as they are."
"Well, I'll have you know, I have my reasons," Claymore replied huffily as he sidled past her. "Hi, kids." He waved his hand at the stairs.
Carolyn turned and looked up to see her children standing at the top of the staircase. "You two go on back to bed, now. I'll come up and tuck you in soon. Claymore's just dropped in to talk with me about the lease." She gave Claymore one final shake of her head before she climbed the stairs and shooed her children before her.
Claymore sighed as he shut the front door behind him. He hurried into the living room. "Madame Tibaldi, just one thing…" he wheedled, flapping one hand at the Captain's portrait. "You won't let him hurt me, will you? I mean, we made a fair and honest bargain. I crossed your palm with a goodly amount of money. More than twice your usual fee. I expect positive results. I have a great deal riding on this night's work."
"Oh, I haven't lost a single client in the last twenty years," she assured him as they both turned toward the fireplace. "Particularly one who has paid me such a handsome fee in advance."
Claymore looked slightly less terrified. "Oh, and don't forget the two dollars for those herbs."
Madame Tibaldi shook her head. "Oh yes, those too. How can I forget when you keep reminding me? Believe me, I am worth every red cent."
"Good, good..." Claymore rubbed his hands in glee. "I can't wait to be finally freed from my life of torture. It has been very hard being me, you know."
The medium smiled at him. "Oh, I can see that! I don't need my spirits to tell me!"
They laughed comfortably together. Neither noticed the sudden spark of life in the portrait's painted blue eyes or the slight frown that gathered on its stern brow.
※※※※※
Carolyn shepherded her children along the hallway to their bedroom door. She opened it and Candy walked in toward her bed and climbed in.
But Jonathan stopped short. "Sorry, Mum, but I forgot my deck of cards. Madame Tibaldi still has them downstairs. I need them."
"All right. You can run down and get them. But come right back up," his mother said before she walked into the bedroom.
"Okay…" Jonathan ran back downstairs and entered the living room.
He was unseen by Claymore and Madame Tibaldi who were standing beneath the Captain's portrait. They were close together with their heads even closer.
"Now, you're sure you can get rid of him for me?" Claymore indicated the painting. "I mean, you're really, very sure. I've got a great deal riding on your success tonight."
"Oh, don't you worry about it," the medium assured him with a smile. "Within the hour, the ghost of Captain Daniel Gregg will be gone from this house forever. You may take my word on that. He will finally be at peace and out of everyone's life for good. Along with that old biddy up in the attic."
"Excellent! Bye-bye. Bye, bye, bye…" Claymore giggled as he waved a hand in mocking farewell at the portrait. "Oh, you have made my year and my fortune, Madame. I can finally have everything just the way I like them. All neat and tidy."
He giggled again. "I can't wait until Monday!"
"Oh…" Jonathan breathed as his mouth opened in shock.
He stopped and stared at them in horror. He shook his head as he picked up his cards and hurried out of the room.
At the top of the stairs, he passed his mother. "Thanks, Mum!" He waved his hand at her as he ran into the bedroom and shut the door.
"Brush your teeth and then get into bed. I'll be back up in a few minutes to tuck you both in." His mother looked after him in puzzlement before she continued on her way downstairs.
"Okay…" Jonathan waited before he opened the door a crack and looked out. When the coast was clear he slid quickly back into the hallway.
"Where are you going?" Candy called after him in a loud whisper. "What's happening?"
"Nowhere and nothing," her brother replied over his shoulder as he closed the door and hurried down the hall to his mother's room. "I won't be long."
He walked into the main bedroom, looking all around. "Captain? Captain? Where are you? I need to talk to you right now!"
Captain Gregg materialised in the large leather armchair beside the gas fire. "I'm here, lad. What tales do you bring to me tonight?"
Jonathan hurried to stand beside him. "I was downstairs in the living room getting my pack of cards just now when I overheard Madame Tibaldi and Claymore talking. They didn't know I was there." He quickly explained what he had heard.
"Oh ho, so they're planning to get rid of me, are they? That misbegotten pair of good-for-nothings. Ha!" The Captain sat up in his chair and put his fingertips together with a smile of wry satisfaction. "They will never get the better of me!"
He turned to his young informant. "But thanks for telling me, lad. I did suspect them of underhanded dealings when I watched them conspiring together under my portrait downstairs. This will add some extra spice to tonight's proceedings."
"But, can they, Captain?" Jonathan worried. "Get rid of you, I mean. Please say they can't. I don't ever want you to leave. Who would train me on how to become a proper sea captain like you were?"
"Of course, they can't remove me. Don't you worry about it, lad. In fact, I'm planning to have a little fun with our meddlesome medium and her erstwhile partner in crime. She has well overstayed her dubious welcome in my house."
"Oh, can I help?" the boy asked hopefully. "I want to. Candy will too." He waved one hand dramatically as if brandishing a sword. "To the brig with them! We'll keelhaul them in the morning and then make 'em walk the plank!"
"Why, of course, you both can help, lad. The more the merrier. I'll call you when I need you. Now off you go to bed and don't say a thing to anyone."
"Aye, aye, Captain!" The boy saluted, looking relieved as he walked to the door.
"Ah, there you are…" his mother said, kissing his forehead as she met him in the open doorway. "Have you stopped long enough to brush your teeth?" she asked as she let him go.
"Aw, sorry, Mum. I was just talking to the Captain. I'll go and do them now." Jonathan nodded as he headed for the bathroom.
"And what are you two up to, exactly?" she asked, as the ghost stood up from the armchair. "Jonathan looks overexcited."
"Madam…" he replied, folding his arms across his chest. "That ghost-calling fraud of a houseguest of yours is planning to get rid of me this evening. She is downstairs, scheming with that cursed Claymore right now."
"Get rid of you?" Carolyn stared at him in disbelief as she advanced into the room. "I don't understand. I certainly don't want that."
The Captain waved his hand. "Yes, get rid of me once and for all. That's what the séance is all about. And Claymore is at the bottom of it somewhere. He is far too eager."
"Well, I'll go right back down and cancel the whole evening." Carolyn looked him up and down before walking toward the door. "I won't stand for it. They have no right to do anything like that. This is my house."
The intense horror of losing him forever squeezed her heart until it became hard to breathe. She pressed the flat of one hand to her chest. She couldn't imagine her life without him in it now. Not after everything they'd been through.
"No, you will not do a single thing to prevent it," the Captain denied her softly. "Do you seriously think that my powers can be challenged by that pitiful pair? I have not been idle for the last hundred or so years. As you have seen, I can now do many things your common ghost cannot. My powers are extensive and awesome."
"Well, I don't know…" Carolyn looked confused and worried. "After all, she did feel your presence here in this house. She has taken quite a shine to you."
The Captain regarded her with sympathy. "If they succeeded, Madam, I would be the loser in every way possible. I would be gone, but you would have an exciting ending for your article. Isn't that what you are seeking?"
"No…" Carolyn shook her head. "I don't want that kind of ending."
Her breathing hitched. "It wouldn't be fair." She looked up at him, her lips drawn in a sorrowful line. "I could never want that. Not for all the money in the world."
"Nothing in this life is fair, my dear. And never is a very long time. I did warn you to get her out of the house when she first arrived," the Captain admonished with a stern forefinger even as he watched her with an expression full of regret.
Carolyn shrugged. "We both know why Claymore's here tonight. Any chance he gets to cancel my lease is a good day for him. He wants to do away with everything."
"Yes, I'm afraid my great-nephew has allowed his greed to override his usually healthy sense of caution about what I will do to him if I found him poaching on my land. It seems there's a great deal of money at stake and his weaselly good sense has evaporated. I will have to deal with him before he over-reaches himself."
"Well, we don't have to go through with all of this," Carolyn insisted, looking at him with haunted eyes. "I… don't want anything to happen to you. I'll tell Madame Tibaldi to go away and I will forget all about the article about her. I'll write something else to make the money we need."
"My dear, you were reckless in rolling the dice and inviting her here, without considering the consequences. No, Madam, I must insist this little affair continues to its natural conclusion," the Captain replied with an upraised hand. "The consequences of the séance not going ahead will be far worse than it going ahead."
His lips compressed. "Tibaldi's tongue is far too loose for my liking and if she spreads her lurid tales about us during her travels, it may invite any number of ghost hunters and swindlers to come calling at our door. Then all our peace and quiet would be eternally shattered beyond redemption. We would all have to move out and Claymore would take great delight in demolishing my house behind us."
"Blast…" Carolyn replied with feeling. "I hadn't thought of that. All I wanted was an article I could sell."
"Exactly my sentiment, my dear…" The Captain smiled at her vehemence. "However, we shall not reach that unfortunate consequence if we keep our wits about us. I'm looking forward to the challenge. Do not worry for me, my dear. I am made of much sterner stuff than a twittering fraud and a spineless jellyfish. They will come to regret ever setting foot aboard our ship." He shook his head as he slowly dematerialised.
Carolyn stared after him with deep concern. "But, Captain…" She waited, but there was no response.
She knew he was right. Of course, he was right. But it didn't make it any easier to take.
"Double blast…" She shook her head as she left the room to return downstairs with a heavy heart.
※※※※※
In the living room, Madame Tibaldi had commanded Claymore to move a drop-leaf side table into place beneath the Captain's portrait. She'd then covered the table with a large brocade shawl she'd brought down with her from her suitcase.
She was now seated, and two large white candles had been lit on either side of her. A bulky, oriental-looking urn stood on the other side of the table.
"Oh, you're just in time," the medium cooed as Carolyn entered the room. "Do come and sit down here beside me, my dear. Then we can finally get started. All the players are assembled."
"Oh, but, Madame Tibaldi…" Carolyn tried to say as she ignored the Captain's dire warning. "I really don't think that this is at all the best thing for —"
"Oh, pish tosh, my lovely lady…" The medium waved a hand and beamed at her. "Soon all will be well. You must have faith. I have never let a single soul down yet and I do not intend to start tonight. The spirits are all around us here and they are restless."
"Yes, but, I…"
"May we please get on with this," Claymore inserted testily, squirming in his chair. "Time is money. And I'm fast running out of both." He looked around the room fearfully.
Carolyn frowned at him. "Well, we both know why you're here, Claymore."
"I'm merely looking after my interests," he retorted swiftly. "Surely they are your interests, as well. No one can be comfortable in this dreadful old house."
"I am more than content to go on living here," Carolyn responded tersely.
"Now, now, that's enough bickering, you two. Let us begin. We must spread our hands on the table with our fingertips touching each other's," she instructed.
Carolyn placed her hands flat on the tablecloth. She inhaled deeply and bit her inner lip with frustration.
The medium sat up in her chair. "Now we must keep in mind that every circle is a unique chemical compound in our efforts to reach the spirits. And this is our circle, so we must concentrate."
She noticed that Claymore was still looking around the room. She smacked his hand smartly, making him jump and bluster.
"I'm concentrating. I'm concentrating," he assured her.
The medium nodded before she said, "If there are any spirits present who wish to speak to us, give us a sign…"
She paused, looking all around the room. Nothing stirred and no one replied.
She grimaced and tried again. "If you can hear us, give us a sign…"
Up on the bend of the staircase, the Captain and Jonathan had positioned themselves. The boy was holding a basketball in his hands.
"Now, lad…" the Captain whispered. "Let it go…"
"Okay…" Jonathan grinned as he allowed the ball to fall from his grasp and bounce slowly down the stairs. They listened to the astonished gasps from the three in the living room.
The Captain waved silently to Candy, who immediately began stomping up and down on the spot. She grinned as she let out a quavering moan that echoed within the staircase.
"What was that?" Claymore whispered as he cowered in fear, mumbling to himself. "Or should I say, who was that?" He began to quiver. "He's here now. I just know he is! Oh, I feel sick…"
"Oh, for heaven's sake, Claymore…" Carolyn rolled her eyes. She'd already guessed who was behind the noises outside the room.
"Yes! I hear you! We hear you!" the medium exclaimed excitedly. "Now, can we see you? Can we please see you? Show yourself!"
She looked all around. "Would you give us just a tiny glimpse of your presence? Can we see you, spirits? I command you to materialise for us immediately!"
Hiding outside in the foyer, the Captain signalled to his companions in crime. Jonathan nodded as he tossed a saucer into the air. The Captain waved his hand to direct it to pass into the living room and before the people seated around the table.
"Oh, no!" Claymore looked as if he was about to pass out.
"Don't be so silly," Carolyn muttered, shaking her head as she kicked him sharply in the shin under the table.
"Ow!" he protested, jumping in his chair.
"Oh, the spirits are surely romping around here tonight," Madame Tibaldi declared happily. "They're all around us. Everything is leaking from everywhere into this very room! Oh, it's all so exciting!"
She braced herself, sitting up commandingly. "Spirits!" she ordered sternly. "We're ready to receive the spirit of Captain Gregg. I command him to appear!"
Carolyn tried to intervene. "Madame Tibaldi, this is silly. I'm not at all sure —"
"Shhhh!" the medium ordered with an upraised finger. "You mustn't disturb the spirits. I'm going into a deep trance now. I'll transitize…" She nodded to Claymore who looked relieved and concerned all at once.
The medium closed her eyes and began rocking backwards and forwards, moaning and chanting. "Phylogenies, Jedediah, Ezekiel, Hezekiah and Abraham… hmmmm… Erasmus, Sophocles, Demosthenes and Luke… hmmmm… hmmmm… hmmmm… Diogenes, Thax and Hypogynies… hmmmm… hmmmm… hmmmm…" she murmured, still swaying in her chair.
Carolyn and Claymore stared at her as the list of exotic names went on and on. Neither know what to think about any of it. Carolyn glanced toward the door but could see no one.
The medium finally paused, frowning as she opened one eye. "I don't think I've forgotten anyone..." She shrugged, closing her eyes again. "Too late now, anyway. Captain Gregg, can you hear me? Do you hear me, Captain?"
Behind her and invisible, the ghost walked to his portrait and began to move it from side to side, making it creak. Carolyn and Claymore turned to look at it.
"If you can hear me, give us a sign. Any sign that you are there…" Madame Tibaldi begged, turning her head from side to side. "Send us a message…"
In the distance, a rising wind began to wail. Within it, a man's voice could be heard faintly moaning. Outside the house, thunder rumbled and a single bolt of lightning flashed in a jagged ribbon across the sky.
"Give us a sign, any sign…" Madame Tibaldi continued to demand, swaying from side to side. "Are you there, Captain Gregg? I mean you no harm! Speak to me!"
"I'll give you a blasted sign…" The Captain walked to the urn and lifted it into the air, waving it in wild circles.
Carolyn and Claymore stared at it, transfixed. No one noticed the stifled giggles from outside the room as the two children peered through the cracks of the half-open doors.
A thin stream of smoke started to curl from the vessel, swirling higher. Claymore began to whimper, cringing back in his chair as the urn swirled past his head, barely missing him.
Madame Tibaldi's tone rose higher. "Captain Gregg, if you can hear my voice, answer me with yours. I want to hear you…"
Carolyn tried not to laugh. But the whole situation was truly silly and outlandish. She was beginning to understand her fears of losing the spirit who haunted the house were not about to materialise any time soon.
Claymore pointed with a quivering finger. "I know it's him, Madame Tibaldi! I know it's him! Because it's been aimed right at my head! He wants to kill me!"
The urn turned away from Claymore and settled back on the table. Madame Tibaldi opened her eyes and stared at it. "Oh, Captain, if you are within the sound of my voice and can hear it, answer me with yours!"
She paused, looking all around. "Do you hear me? Do you hear me, Captain?"
A disembodied voice replied, sounding far away and echoing. "I hear you…"
"You… you do?" Madame Tibaldi gasped, looking quite overcome. "Can I… may I see you too?"
More smoke and a disembodied moaning began to emanate from the urn on the table. Then the Captain's face appeared in the smoke, large and luminous, and looking completely annoyed with the whole affair.
"Ohhh, it's him!" Claymore quailed, pointing in fear. "It's really him! I told you he was here! Don't let him hurt me!"
"Ohhhh…" Madame Tibaldi looked shocked and excited. "It is him! Good heavens to hallucinations! I did it! I did it! I actually did it!" she babbled.
Carolyn stared at the face in the smoke, now beginning to worry that their plan was not going right, after all. She wanted to demand they end the séance right then and there, but her voice dried in her throat. All she could do was hope none of this was truly real.
Madame Tibaldi gasped as she recovered herself. "Oh, my goodness. You're much handsomer than your portrait," she fluttered. "Oh, my dear, yes. I can see why all the ladies loved you. Such stern eyes and such a commanding presence. I'm all aquiver!"
"Why have you summoned me?" the Captain demanded icily, looking bored and deeply annoyed.
"I don't like this…" Carolyn divided her worried glance between them. She felt frozen and unable to intervene in what was unfolding against her will.
"Well, there is something that must be done, Captain," the medium replied. "For your own good and for the sanity of this dear lady…" She laid a quick hand over Carolyn's and patted it.
"Oh…" The Captain looked unconvinced. "How is that any of your concern? This is my ship and I command here!"
"Don't talk about it, Madame Tibaldi!" Claymore blustered. "Do it, do it! Make him begone!" He clapped his hands together in midair.
"Claymore…" Carolyn warned in a terse whisper. "Stop it!"
"Oh, Captain, I'd like you to stay. I really would. We could talk about old times. But I can't stop the spirit forces," the medium said. "They're all around us and begging you to finally join them. Don't you want that? You know you want that! You need to leave this house forever and be with your own kind! You must see what is right and proper for this dear, sweet lady…"
She rolled her eyes in Carolyn's direction. "I mean, what could someone like you have to offer her? No, no, no. It's much better this way."
She sat back and closed her eyes. "By the mysteries of the deep and the flames of banal…" Her voice rose. "By the powers of the east and by the rights of Hectie… I exorcise thee to begone forever…"
"No, wait!" Carolyn tried to intervene. "Stop this right now! I insist!"
The medium didn't listen as she threw her arms wide. "Begone, Captain! Begone, forever!"
Swirling in the smoke, the Captain looked shocked. Spooky noises and moans could be heard and then he vanished completely. Only the smoke remained, curling up lazily into the air.
"Ah, ha, ha, ha!" Claymore exclaimed excitedly, bouncing in his chair. "You did it, Madame Tibaldi! You did it! He's gone! Old Spookface is really gone! Oh, ho, she's done it! Oh, my stars, I'm so happy! Now my way is clear!"
"No… No, he can't be gone…" Carolyn stared at the urn as Claymore continued to chortle his delight. "He just can't be gone. He just can't…"
She wiped one hand at her eyes, trying to hold back her tears. "I won't believe it. None of this is real…"
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