“Richard,” Ken mentioned. “That’s the name of the guy that took our Ashley away.”
“Oh, I’m sorry.” Richard apologized. So that’s why…
“Kenny, do you not remember?” Kelly reminded him. “The other Richard and his wife Donna have disappeared and are already presumed dead.”
“What?” Ken shook his head. “I don’t believe it. Unless I see their confirmed bodies, I don't think they’re dead. I thought I could finally avenge our daughter, but I...” He hung his head low.
How could he have acted so foolishly and selfishly? Ken knew the Richard standing before him had nothing to do with Ashley’s death. Still, hearing that name again and meeting the stranger with similar qualities, not only reminded him of the past, but it also made his blood boil. It also didn’t help that he was being too friendly with Kelly, either, especially on his first day. Ken didn’t think straight and ended up getting more people involved with his problems than intended. It was the opposite of what he wanted.
“I owe you an apology.” He raised his head back up to face him. “I’m sorry for everything, if there’s anything I can do to get your forgiveness...”
“It’s fine, don’t worry about it,” Richard replied. He scratched the back of his head and chuckled.
“Thank you. If there’s anything we can do to help, let us know, ok?”
“Sure thing.”
While that was going on, Fawn went over to Ashley for one last chat.
“Ashley, why didn’t you tell us you were a ghost?” Fawn inquired.
“I’m sorry for lying to you, but I needed help trying to get to my parents.” Ashley looked away. “And, I didn’t know if I could trust you or not yet...”
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“But, you couldn’t have talked to your parents sooner?”
“I can only do that when taking over a body. They need to have the special ability to communicate with the dead in the first place.”
“I see, how odd.”
Ashley turned to face Fawn. “Thank you for helping me though, I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“It’s not a problem.” Fawn returned a smile at her. “Happy to help.”
“Now that things are resolved here, I can finally move on.” Ashley closed her eyes. “It was nice meeting you.”
“Yeah, same here. See you real soon.” Fawn waved goodbye as Ashley ascended to the higher plains.
Once she left, the room got quiet again. Nobody was sure how to break the ice and speak, if they should at all.
“Well, that was something,” Richard said. “I think it’s about time we head back.”
“Are you going to be okay?” Kelly asked. “Will you be able to make it back safely?”
“Night time’s fast approaching,” Ken added. “Rates are going up, wanted criminals may still be rampant. Not to mention, the cops will be all over the city.”
“Oh, right, I forgot about that,” Richard muttered.
“Hey, here’s a thought. Why don’t you stay here for the night?” Ken suggested. “After all, it’s the least we can do after... you know...”
“That’s a great idea.” Kelly clasped her hands together and chirped.
“Sure, I’ll take you up on that offer,” Richard replied. “Do you have any room for me?”
“There’s room on the couch if that’s alright with you.” Ken pointed at the lime green couch. He pulled a switch, and it transformed into a bed.
“Sweet, thanks for the hospitality.”
The group got ready for bed after having a crazy day and night. Fawn tossed and turned on the carpet. Her mind kept thinking about what to do for the next plans on finding her parents’ killer. Although they’re helping others along the way, she and Richard end up going a few steps back with every attempt at trying to find clues.
Perhaps I should find another method for finding clues in the morning. She thought, closing her eyes. I can’t falter, I must avenge them. No matter what.