Chapter Eight

Jody’s confidence rapidly grew as she set her bag down by the front door. With her energy partially renewed and a new direction in mind, she expected this mess to be cleared up in no time at all. Her newfound advantage had her sprinting across the room with purpose, her gaze never wandering from Fiona. I can and will do this.

Deciding to speak plainly, she sat across from the little girl. Sure, she understood Fiona was young and would probably find answering questions about her life difficult, possibly even painful. But her plan wouldn’t succeed unless the kid stepped up to the plate and gave her the needed information. A lot rested on the outcome of this conversation, but Jody kept her hopes high. Before laying the details out for Fiona, she worked out what to say in her head. Knowing as little as one misspoken word could lose the little girl’s interest had her biting her lip to restrain the urge to start questioning the child.

“Fiona, I want you to listen carefully to what I’m saying to you. I haven’t been able to help you because spirits typically don’t seek me out until their loved ones are right there with me. That’s how my gift has always worked in the past.

“Even though you’re here and able to speak with me, it’s not possible for me to communicate with your folks because I don’t know who they are. I know you’re desperate to talk to them, sweetheart, so I’ve come up with a plan. Some of the things we have to discuss may be difficult, but you and I are going to work together to get this problem resolved. We’re going to try to figure out who you are, and how I can get in touch with your parents, okay?”

Fiona’s reaction was immediate. The air around Jody crackled, and the temperature dropped. To keep from shivering, she folded her arms around her body. Hope, manifesting as jubilance, rushed off the child’s spirit and enveloped Jody like a cool, January breeze. Experiencing Fiona’s exuberance for the first time, she couldn’t help but smile. The child’s excitement was just as palpable as her other, more sorrowful emotions.

Celebrating this breakthrough, Fiona clapped her hands together as she butt bounced on the couch. The kid’s whole spirit seemed to shine brighter.

Sending a silent call out to the Universe, Jody prayed she wouldn’t disappoint the little girl. Never having to seek out a spirit’s loved ones before had her a bit nervous. For that matter, she’s never had to question a ghost, either. In the past, spirits simply told her what to say to the loved ones that needed to hear their messages. For both their sakes, she mentally crossed her fingers and hoped this crazy idea was possible.

“I know you don’t understand how this works, but I can’t magically transmit your message to your parents. If that were possible, I’d do it in a heartbeat for you, Fiona. But, as I said, I don’t know who your people are and don’t have the faintest idea where you lived or even when you lived. The type of contact you and I have is all new to me, so we’re both just going to have to be patient while we try to figure this out together.”

Studying the child sitting across from her, Jody realized by the intensity of Fiona’s expression that her words had finally started to sink in. Just because she wanted to talk to her parents, didn’t mean it would be easy or even possible. This plan may work, or it may not, but trying was a whole lot better than doing nothing. Only time would tell what kind of success they’d have.

“I’m going to ask you some questions that will help us find your folks. I can’t promise this idea will work, but we’re going to give it our best shot.”

There was a distinct tug on Jody’s heartstrings when Fiona’s face brightened with eagerness. The child’s willingness to do anything to talk to her parents, no matter how scary all of this must be for her, inspired Jody.

Being in such close proximity to the little girl had her empathic abilities working on overdrive. The kid’s emotions were all over the place. She felt the full weight of Fiona’s underlying deep sorrow at being separated from her family as if it were her own heartache. Layered with the little angel’s suffering, joy at the possibility of finding her parents left Jody’s eyes brimming with tears of happiness. While having no idea what Fiona’s message would be once she could finally pass it along, she knew in the end, that wasn’t what mattered. The most important thing was bringing peace to this child’s soul.

As those thoughts ran through her mind, she was suddenly struck with an epiphany. This situation wasn’t just about closure for her parents—it was Fiona’s journey as well. Even in spirit, the poor baby would never be at peace until her mother and father knew she was safe. The love this child had for her family, even at such a tender age, bowled Jody over.

More than anything, Jody wanted to make this family meeting a reality for Fiona. Her heart told her this reunion would be the only way the sweet baby girl would have the ability to move on and attain any semblance of peace.

The thought of little Fiona being stuck in this wandering state, endlessly searching for her parents, ripped through Jody’s soul. Under no circumstance could she allow that to happen. That kind of tragic outcome served to solidify Jody’s determination. Despite anything which had come to pass and no matter how physically demanding, she’d go to hell and back if that would help Fiona’s cause. After all, while she still had a life to live, that part of the child’s existence was over. Sadly, this new course of action felt like the little girl’s last chance for closure. Jody swore to Heaven above not to fail her.

An interesting thought crossed her mind as she opened her mouth to speak. This little girl’s journey might be what Jody’s abilities had been preparing her for her entire lifetime. This task felt that important. She cringed as the selfish thoughts of personal gain crossed her mind. Those feelings should never commingle with her gift. Even though the thoughts were self-absorbed and she knew them to be wrong, she couldn’t help but think that by assisting Fiona, she might get some closure herself. Instead of being a catalyst of change to her abilities, maybe the little girl was her vehicle leading to closure—an end to her gifts.

All of those off-the-cuff readings, all of those spirits from the past, maybe, just maybe, led her to this one point in time. Perhaps she would be free of this so-called gift once this last arduous task met with completion. That reasoning could explain why this situation had been so trying for her.

How many times had she heard the climax to any trial or journey in a person’s life often ended with a bang? Many times! This baby girl sitting in front of her could be her bang! Maybe whatever penance Jody owed the Universe would be paid in full, and she’d be able to live like a normal person. She could potentially have friends outside of her inner circle again. Maybe even a man to focus her attention on rather than spirits. It wasn’t clear how much more her mind and body could endure while being connected to the spirit of this little girl, so she had to get her ass in gear.

With renewed purpose, Jody lovingly squeezed Fiona’s tiny hand to get her full attention. If she couldn’t calm the child’s staggering emotions, she’d be overwhelmed herself, and they wouldn’t get anything accomplished.

“Fiona, how old were you when you died?”

She held up four fingers and wiggled them. “I’m four years old.”

It would be a waste of time asking how long ago she had died. Her experience with spirits in the past taught her time meant nothing after a soul crossed the veil. The child could have been dead a year or ten years. Fiona would have no way of knowing.

“Do you know your last name?”

Fiona’s head tilted slightly. Her eyes glazed over signaling her focus had turned inward. The kid was trying her best to remember. As difficult as it was, Jody waited silently for the child to go through her memories. She prayed the little girl would remember this vital piece of information. Fiona’s gaze eventually fell back on Jody’s face.

After what seemed like a lifetime, the child finally broke her reverie and spoke. “My mommy always used to tell me I have McCarthy blood in me.” As she conveyed her family heritage, Jody felt Fiona’s contentment as if it were her own. “She said no matter where I went, I’d always have family nearby.”

She was momentarily mesmerized by the beautiful smile that blossomed on the child’s face. As unshed tears of pride pooled in Fiona’s eyes, Jody went numb with a sense of childlike yearning that only a mother could fill.

“My mommy was right. I’m surrounded by family, and they’re all really happy to see me. They all love me, and I’ve never, ever met them before!” Her hand rose to her mouth, but not in time to stop the unexpected giggle that escaped. Leaning forward and conspiratorially whispering, Fiona spoke as if telling a great big secret. “The boys are all wearing skirts.”

“That’s good, Fiona.”

Jody was thrilled to get some of the answers she needed to track the girl’s family down. Having more success than she could’ve ever hoped for boosted her optimism that things were finally turning around for them. All of her anxiety started to disappear as she thought of poor little Fiona being able to rest in peace sooner rather than later. Knowing the child might soon be able to speak with her parents had her heart feeling as though a heavy weight had been lifted. Hopefully that sought after discussion would end the torment in which everyone involved must’ve felt since her death.

With a clear mission, Jody ran from the room and returned with her laptop. Barely able to contain her excitement, she searched Google for the name Fiona McCarthy. A squeal escaped her lips when several hits popped up. But as she scanned the results, her enthusiasm took a big hit and left her feeling as though she’d just splattered against a brick wall.

Apparently, the name Fiona McCarthy was more prevalent than she’d originally realized. Dammit!

Fiona’s young age made it easy to skim through those links which had nothing to do with the child. There were pages for authors, psychologists, Facebook accounts with that name, Twitter accounts, and on and on. Her only hope was to find an obituary or perhaps newspaper article about the little girl, but nothing relevant jumped off the page. Her little Fiona was nowhere to be found on the Internet.

Knowing she was on the right path, Jody refused to let this setback discourage her. She refocused her attention on Fiona. “Do you know what your mother’s name is?”

“Mommy.”

Wishing she had more experience questioning small children, Jody stifled a chuckle while chewing on her bottom lip. “Something other than Mommy. Think, Fiona. What did your dad call your mother?”

The child’s face lit up. “Sugar.”

Jody grimaced with disbelief. “Your mom’s name is Sugar?”

“Yep. Daddy calls mommy Sugar Momma.” Fiona nodded with certainty.

“Okay,” Jody replied, even though this wasn’t exactly what she wanted to hear. Maybe Fiona could help her out with other information.

“Did your mommy ever teach you how to use a telephone?”

Fiona excitedly nodded and clapped her hands together.

Jody secretly crossed her fingers. “That’s great! You are a big girl! Did your mommy tell you what your telephone number was?”

“Yep! 911.”

Jody wanted to laugh at the giddiness Fiona displayed. She was certain the little girl thought she had scored a whopping one hundred percent with her answers. Fiona continued to bounce around.

“My mommy taught me how to punch 911 on the phone.”

“Hmm. Okay.” The words trailed out slowly. Jody couldn’t help but smile at the adorable little girl.

“My mommy said if I ever needed help, I could call 911. She said there’d always be someone there to help me.” Out of the blue, the child’s head suddenly bowed, and her bottom lip disappeared between her teeth. “I don’t think that’s true, though. I’ve tried calling 911, and they can’t hear me either.”

Jody’s heart went out to the little munchkin. She’d apparently tried everything she could think of to talk to her parents.

“Your mommy is a very wise woman, Fiona. Unfortunately, calling 911 only works when the person is alive.”

The little girl’s features relaxed, and Jody could see her relief as she learned her mommy hadn’t fibbed. Her response was a sweet, toothy smile and an understanding nod.

“Did your mother ever tell you what city you lived in?”

The child’s face scrunched up as she pondered the question. Her tiny finger punctuated her thought process by tapping her chin. “She used to say she was proud to live here.”

“That’s good. Did your mom ever say where ‘here’ was?”

Fiona thought long and hard and then did a happy, little butt-bounce on the couch. “Yes! We live in Merica.”

“Merica?”

Fiona’s head pitched forward. “Yep. Merica.”

Jody held her groan inside. “Do you mean America?”

Fiona jumped from the couch and did a high-spirited victory dance. “Yes! America! Let’s go talk to my mommy and daddy now!”

Trying her best not to let defeat claim her, Jody leaned back against the cushions and rubbed her eyes. She had to figure out the best way to approach these questions. Apparently, her sleuthing skills were sorely lacking. She had no experience questioning or even talking to young children, which had become obvious by the way this conversation was going. Her inability to ask the right questions the right way had turned her idea of getting the answers she needed into a big, fat zero. Worse, with each moment that passed, Fiona got more excited which only served to drain her precious resources further.

“What about the name of a town or a state? Do you remember if she ever mentioned Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale, or maybe Arizona? That’s where I live.”

Fiona inserted a finger in her mouth and chewed on her nail. Clearly, the child was struggling to remember any small detail about where she lived.

Jody didn’t think pushing her any further with these kinds of questions would yield any usable results. The little girl just didn’t know. At least she had a name and an age with which to start. Even though she’d failed to find any useful information online, Jody was sure Nathan would be able to help her. He’d be at the art gallery tonight for Terry’s show. With his police background, he’d certainly know where to start. She’d just have to be patient and beg for his help later.

Relaxing her body, Jody tried to think outside of the box. Was there anything else that could be done right now? An image of Fiona in the hospital bed flashed into her mind, prompting an idea. “Fiona, do you remember when we first met, and you took me to your hospital room?”

The child visibly shrank in front of her. Dropping her head, the sweet baby girl’s gaze focused on her lap. She nodded affirmatively but clearly didn’t want to discuss her passing again.

“You told me that you visit with your mommy. Do you think it would be possible for you to take me to your home where your mother lives the way you took me to the hospital?”

Before Jody had a chance to think further about what she’d just asked, Fiona jumped up and quickly ran toward her. The impact felt as though she’d been hit by a speeding truck. Her breath left her body, and she found herself freefalling through what appeared to be a deep, dark tunnel. She scrambled to gain some purchase before crashing at the bottom. Her equilibrium destabilized as her body rolled and pitched out of control. Being propelled at such a high rate of speed prohibited her from knowing which way was up or down. As dizziness overtook her, she had to concentrate on not passing out. God only knew what would happen if she lost consciousness.

Landing with a resounding thump, Jody immediately wondered if any part of her body had been broken. Struggling to regain her senses, she noted Fiona’s nervous giggle. She immediately questioned why the little girl’s uneasy laugh was heard in her mind instead of with her ears.

Focusing her attention outward, she found herself staring at Fiona’s cute little shoes. It took a moment for her brain to catch up but as it did, her body started to quake from shock. Only then did she realize, her visual viewpoint was from the child’s perspective, not her own. What the—

“Sh-h-h!”

Horrified, she watched Fiona’s finger disappear from view then move in an upward arc toward her own face. As if Jody had been the one to brandish the shut-up gesture herself, she felt the pressure of the little girl’s finger at her own mouth.

“My mommy doesn’t let me say those kinds of words.”

Uh-oh, Jody thought before panic could take root. Everything she saw was through Fiona’s field of vision. Some piece of her was now somehow a part of Fiona. She glanced at the black toaster and then the checkered tablecloth. It didn’t matter where she looked, all of it was seen through the child’s eyes, not her own.

Careful not to speak aloud, Jody thought, “What in the hell is going on here?”

Fiona giggled again.

Aghast, Jody asked without speaking, “Can you hear what I’m thinking?”

“Of course, silly. I jumped inside you and brought part of you with me.”

Agitated, Jody refused to allow her thoughts to linger on what Fiona had just said. She’d have plenty of time later to figure out what had just transpired to protect herself from this experience ever happening again.

Jody couldn’t stop worrying about what was happening with her body while her soul was here with Fiona. Visions of her physical body moldering without the soul to keep it alive zipped through her mind, making her more than a little tense. Having no idea how long she could remain within the child’s spirit spiked the need to act quickly. It became imperative to find something with an address. As soon as that task had been completed, she’d figure out how to get the hell out of Dodge, or in this case Fiona, and back into her own body.

They continued to sit on the floor while Jody formulated a plan. Distracted, she couldn’t help but watch through Fiona’s eyes as the little girl playfully tapped her toes together. Click, click, click.

If she had control over her own teeth at the moment, they’d be gritted with tension as the image of Judy Garland flitted across her mind. She tried to erase the thought of ending up in Kansas, fearful it might actually happen.

“Where does your mom keep the mail?”

Fiona jumped up, making Jody queasy and feeling as though she’d throw up from the motion. Clearly not in control, she didn’t like this situation one bit which turned her attitude surly. Attempting to distance herself from her fear, she focused instead on a feeling of urgency. Since the child could hear her thoughts, maybe she’d be able to pick up on her emotions as well. Hopefully, this action would light a fire under Fiona and get her to pick up the pace to find an address.

Trying her best to get used to seeing through Fiona’s eyes, Jody decided to concentrate on her surroundings. Everything appeared so big and tall. Across the room, she spied what looked like a stack of mail on the kitchen counter.

Sensing Jody’s thoughts, the little girl sashayed toward the countertop and raised herself up on tiptoes. Her tiny hand disappeared over the countertop as her arm stretched as far as it could go.

Jody could feel the girl’s fingertips barely touching the corner of the envelopes. Out of frustration, she spit out, “Can’t you just float up and get them?”

Fiona’s little curled up fists landed on her hips. “This is not my fault. You’re heavy! I can’t lift us both.”

Jody couldn’t help but chuckle at the situation. She could feel Fiona’s frustration as if it were her own, and who knew? Perhaps it was. The absurdity of being swept up in a four-year-old’s body was a situation she wanted to escape as soon as possible. The only way to make this bizarre experience worthwhile would be if she could get her hands on a piece of mail to find an address.

“Calm down, Fiona. This shared body experience is all new to me, too. What if you and I both think about jumping at the same time? Maybe if we jump together, we’ll be able to grab some of the letters and knock them to the floor.”

Fiona’s delight at being helpful was unmistakable. Jody could barely handle the giddiness being relayed to her directly from the little girl’s soul. She suddenly felt a strong desire to skip around the kitchen island. Since she hadn’t skipped anywhere for years, she acknowledged the child-like compulsion more than likely had been influenced by the little girl who’d somehow kidnapped her spirit.

“I can count to three,” Fiona exclaimed excitedly. “Looky! One.” She held her pointer finger out so Jody could see it. “Two.” She added her middle finger. “Three.” Her ring finger popped up.

“That’s good. You count to three, and we’ll jump together.”

“One. Two. Three,” Fiona called out. Together, they jumped, and Fiona’s fingers landed on the corner of the mail. As gravity took its course, they held on as best they could while falling back to the floor. The envelopes flew through the air around them, scattering everywhere. Jubilant from their success, they mentally high-fived each other as letters rained down on them.

Bending down to the now scattered pile of mail, a loud gasp sounded from behind them. “Who’s here?” The woman’s terror laced shriek filled the room.

Fiona spun toward the voice leaving Jody dizzy and seeing stars. They each caught a glimpse of a woman’s bare feet running from the kitchen. With each heavy footfall, her scream faded into the distance.

At the same instant, a deep, penetrating fear swept through Jody, paralyzing her. She used every last ounce of energy she had to stifle her scream. Had Fiona’s mother seen the little girl, or had the mail being propelled across the room frightened her? In those brief seconds before everything went black, she recognized the gut-wrenching fear she’d just felt wasn’t her own or Fiona’s, but that of Fiona’s mother.