| General Fiction posted October 9, 2024 | Chapters: |
...33 34 -35- 36... 
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Payback goes both ways!
A chapter in the book Spirited Justice
Spirited Justice Chap 35
by Begin Again
| Background "Beauty, Brawn, or Brains" was a global platform showcasing women's diverse talents, yet murders, accidents, and deceit haunted the pageant worldwide. Was there a common link or merely coincidence? |
A frosty breeze swirled around the car's interior as Eleanor's ghostly figure shimmered and materialized in the back seat between Jenna and the Enforcer.
Her not-so-friendly face leaned toward the man responsible for kidnapping her daughter, and she sneered, "Where do you think you're taking my daughter?"
The fear on Bryce's face didn't resemble the confident Enforcer as his eyes widened in shock. Still holding the gun, he rubbed his eyes with the back of his hand. "What the hell? Who are you?"
Jenna giggled. "She's my mother."
Bryce waved the gun at Eleanor. "How'd you get in here?"
Eleanor smiled. "Easy. I'm a ghost."
Bryce snarled, "Listen, lady, I don't know how you did it, but I don't believe in ghosts."
"I get that a lot." Eleanor vanished.
Bryce blinked and then stared at Jenna. "I don't know how you did that, but don't do it again."
Jenna shook her head. "Trust me, I didn't do it."
Without any warning, Eleanor reappeared in the front seat next to Henry. The car swerved, leaving the road, as he struggled to steer it, leaning as far away from the woman in his front seat as possible.
Henry gasped, and his eyes darted to the rearview mirror, searching for Bryce. "What's happening?" he yelled.
Eleanor laughed and reached to touch his arm. "Sorry! I should have introduced myself. I'm her mother."
The car swerved wildly, weaving across the road. "How'd you —"
"Get in here?" Eleanor raised an eyebrow and grinned. "Funny you should ask." She leaned close to him, whispering, "I'm a ghost."
Panic raced through Henry, and he slammed on the brakes. The car jerked to a halt, tires screeching. Bryce barked from the back seat. "Get out! Both of you — get out of the car. Now!"
Jenna exhaled. "Gladly." She opened the door and exited quickly, hurrying toward a grassy area. She'd hoped Eleanor was right behind her, but when she glanced over her shoulder, it was the Enforcer still waving his gun.
He said, "Stop right where you are," his agitation evident in his sweating. This wasn't anything like he had planned.
Henry joined him, stammering, "Bryce, what — are you — doing?"
He snarled, "What's it look like, Henry? I'm done playing games with this broad and her magic tricks."
Henry looked at Jenna, then behind him, and finally, he stared at Bryce. "Where'd — the other woman — go?"
"There's no other woman, Henry. It's some magic trick she's playing. And it's going to stop right here."
Jenna didn't like him waving the gun around, and she had no idea where her mother had disappeared. Slowly, she inched backward, putting more space between the men and herself.
"Don't move! You think I'm afraid of your ghostly tricks?" The Enforcer laughed — this time, he sounded like a crazed maniac. "I'm going to show you a trick." His finger twitched on the trigger. "Let's see what your ghost mom does while she watches you die."
He raised the gun and aimed directly at Jenna.
Gasping for air, Jenna cried, "Please, don't shoot me!"
"Where's your mom? Isn't she brave enough to watch?" Laughing hysterically, he pulled the trigger.
Terror ripped through Jenna as she instinctively dove to the side, rolling across the grass.
In an instant, Eleanor stepped between Jenna and the Enforcer. The gun fired, and the bullet sailed through Eleanor's transparent form. Her figure trembled, and a jolt, like a lightning bolt, shot through her.
Her face contorted as the strange sensation ripped through her shimmering body.
The Enforcer laughed hysterically. "Hey, Mom, you want another one?"
He lifted the gun to fire again, but this time, Eleanor faced him without any fear in her eyes. She moved forward, regaining her strength. With each step she took, the Enforcer took two backward.
Eleanor's voice was calm but cold, "You can't hurt me. I'm already dead, remember?" She raised her arms, and suddenly, large red and orange balls appeared. "Now it's my turn — shall we see if I can hurt you?"
The Enforcer's grin vanished. He wasn't so brave anymore. He took a step backward and stumbled. Eleanor tossed one of the balls, which exploded with a fiery blast as it hit the ground. Scrambling to his feet, he raced toward the car while Eleanor tossed another ball. The flames shot into the air.
Eleanor moved toward the car, calling, "Don't go yet. I'm just getting started."
Still crouched on the ground, Jenna called out, "Mom!" She could hear sirens approaching. "Stop, Mom. The police are almost here."
At the car door, Bryce stopped and took one last look, bravely pointing the gun at Jenna.
Eleanor's eyes locked on him as if daring him to pull the trigger. He hesitated, his bravado crumbling. "Remember — it's just magic."
Bryce snarled, trying to hide his fear. "To hell with this!" He jumped into the car, slamming the door. Henry hit the gas and raced down the gravel road, leaving a trail of dust behind.
Eleanor ran to Jenna, returning to her usual self again. She knelt beside her daughter and brushed her cheek. "You're safe now."
Jenna reached for her mother's hand, trembling. "Were you going to —"
"Kill him? No, but I sure put a scare in him." Eleanor grinned. "I don't think I've had that much fun — ever."
Jenna looked down the road as the car disappeared. "But they got away."
Eleanor grinned. "I don't think so."
*****
Meanwhile, Danni popped into their car, using her ghostly talents as it raced from the scene. Undetected, she placed a tracker in Bryce's pocket, knowing that Garth would pick up the signal. He'd know where they were going. Another little surprise for the boys!
Mentally, Danni patted herself on the back, satisfied her job was done!
Despite knowing that the crew had rescued Hilda and Sophia, a few mercenary thoughts flashed through her mind, but she resisted.
As she was about to leave, Danni's naughty side took over. Why not have a little fun? With a flick of her ghostly fingers, she turned on the radio and spun the dial. Was it just a coincidence that the familiar tune of "Who you gonna call — GHOSTBUSTERS!" blared from the speakers, filling the car with a ghostly glee.
With wide eyes, Henry snapped his head toward Bryce, stammering, "I suppose — you think that's — funny?"
Bryce's hand shot to the radio dial, shutting it off in a panic. Choking on his words, he managed to mutter, "I didn't do that!" A shiver ran down his spine as he frantically checked the car, but there was no one to be found.
Danni smiled and decided one more time wouldn't hurt.
Suddenly, "They're coming to take me away, ha, ha!" with its haunting laughter echoed from the speakers. The words bounced off the car's interior.
Enjoying their hysteria, Danni couldn't resist one last drop of fun. She moved close to the front seat, materialized, and asked, "What's up, boys?"
Now under Danni's control, the car swerved wildly across the road as Henry desperately slammed on the brakes. The tires squealed in protest as the car jolted to a sudden stop. In a heart-pounding moment, both men frantically clawed at the doors, struggling to find the handles, and finally stumbled out of the vehicle, their breaths coming in ragged gasps as they scrambled across the grass.
Satisfied with her revenge, Danni returned to the crime scene to check on Jenna. She chuckled, knowing Eleanor would be proud.
*****
Donatelli whipped the police cruiser off the road, steering it onto the grassy area. His breath caught in his throat as he surveyed the scene — Jenna and Eleanor wrapped in each other's arms.
The detective, torn between his professional duty and personal feelings, let his emotions take charge. Without thinking, he rushed toward the two women but focused on Jenna. "Are you alright?" His hands settled on her shoulders, and then he pulled her into a protective embrace.
Jenna trembled against him, welcoming his arms. Her breath was shaky as she whispered, "I'm fine — I think. I'm glad you're here."
The reality of what had just happened — her mother had shielded her from a bullet. Bile rose in her throat, imagining what could have happened. "Mother saved me."
Jenna hesitated to leave the comforting warmth of Donatelli's arms, but she also knew how much she owed Eleanor. Her eyes met his for a moment, and then she moved to embrace her mother again. "I — I don't know what to say. How did you know what would happen?"
"What? He couldn't kill me. I'm already dead." Eleanor managed a small chuckle as she still felt the aftereffects of the bullet passing through her ethereal body.
"It's not funny, Mom. Something — I don't know what, and neither do you — but something could have happened. You sacrificed yourself for me."
Eleanor squeezed Jenna, knowing her daughter was right but unwilling to reveal that. "I did what any mother would do. I protected my child." She felt Jenna tremble and tightened her hold, suddenly realizing things could have gone terribly wrong.
"Well, Eleanor, I am thankful that you were here. I am always amazed at your accomplishments, but this one is extraordinary." He put his arm around Jenna while keeping eye contact with Eleanor. His voice was thick with emotion as he tried to express his gratitude, mumbling, "Thank you."
Danni dramatically cleared her throat as she arrived on the tender scene, abruptly shattering the emotional moment.
Matthew jerked away from Jenna, letting his arms fall awkwardly to his sides. Danni watched them with amusement. She crossed her arms as she leaned against a nearby tree. "Should I come back later, boss?"
Heat flushed the detective's face, and he stepped away from Jenna, rubbing the back of his neck to hide his discomfort. Shaking off his embarrassment, he looked at Danni before returning to police business. "What about the tracker?"
"My job is done!"
"And they weren't any the wiser?"
"Well — they don't know about the tracker, but they know I was there."
"Danni!" Both Eleanor and Donatelli gasped her name at the same time.
Danni chuckled. "Come on, Eleanor, if you had the chance for a little ghostly payback, wouldn't you have taken it? Later, when I fill you in, you'll love it."
Matthew's phone buzzed, and he quickly retrieved it from his pocket. He answered, "Garth! Have you picked up the tracker?"
He nodded as he listened to Garth's brief response and ended the call. "The team is tailing them as we speak."
Her not-so-friendly face leaned toward the man responsible for kidnapping her daughter, and she sneered, "Where do you think you're taking my daughter?"
The fear on Bryce's face didn't resemble the confident Enforcer as his eyes widened in shock. Still holding the gun, he rubbed his eyes with the back of his hand. "What the hell? Who are you?"
Jenna giggled. "She's my mother."
Bryce waved the gun at Eleanor. "How'd you get in here?"
Eleanor smiled. "Easy. I'm a ghost."
Bryce snarled, "Listen, lady, I don't know how you did it, but I don't believe in ghosts."
"I get that a lot." Eleanor vanished.
Bryce blinked and then stared at Jenna. "I don't know how you did that, but don't do it again."
Jenna shook her head. "Trust me, I didn't do it."
Without any warning, Eleanor reappeared in the front seat next to Henry. The car swerved, leaving the road, as he struggled to steer it, leaning as far away from the woman in his front seat as possible.
Henry gasped, and his eyes darted to the rearview mirror, searching for Bryce. "What's happening?" he yelled.
Eleanor laughed and reached to touch his arm. "Sorry! I should have introduced myself. I'm her mother."
The car swerved wildly, weaving across the road. "How'd you —"
"Get in here?" Eleanor raised an eyebrow and grinned. "Funny you should ask." She leaned close to him, whispering, "I'm a ghost."
Panic raced through Henry, and he slammed on the brakes. The car jerked to a halt, tires screeching. Bryce barked from the back seat. "Get out! Both of you — get out of the car. Now!"
Jenna exhaled. "Gladly." She opened the door and exited quickly, hurrying toward a grassy area. She'd hoped Eleanor was right behind her, but when she glanced over her shoulder, it was the Enforcer still waving his gun.
He said, "Stop right where you are," his agitation evident in his sweating. This wasn't anything like he had planned.
Henry joined him, stammering, "Bryce, what — are you — doing?"
He snarled, "What's it look like, Henry? I'm done playing games with this broad and her magic tricks."
Henry looked at Jenna, then behind him, and finally, he stared at Bryce. "Where'd — the other woman — go?"
"There's no other woman, Henry. It's some magic trick she's playing. And it's going to stop right here."
Jenna didn't like him waving the gun around, and she had no idea where her mother had disappeared. Slowly, she inched backward, putting more space between the men and herself.
"Don't move! You think I'm afraid of your ghostly tricks?" The Enforcer laughed — this time, he sounded like a crazed maniac. "I'm going to show you a trick." His finger twitched on the trigger. "Let's see what your ghost mom does while she watches you die."
He raised the gun and aimed directly at Jenna.
Gasping for air, Jenna cried, "Please, don't shoot me!"
"Where's your mom? Isn't she brave enough to watch?" Laughing hysterically, he pulled the trigger.
Terror ripped through Jenna as she instinctively dove to the side, rolling across the grass.
In an instant, Eleanor stepped between Jenna and the Enforcer. The gun fired, and the bullet sailed through Eleanor's transparent form. Her figure trembled, and a jolt, like a lightning bolt, shot through her.
Her face contorted as the strange sensation ripped through her shimmering body.
The Enforcer laughed hysterically. "Hey, Mom, you want another one?"
He lifted the gun to fire again, but this time, Eleanor faced him without any fear in her eyes. She moved forward, regaining her strength. With each step she took, the Enforcer took two backward.
Eleanor's voice was calm but cold, "You can't hurt me. I'm already dead, remember?" She raised her arms, and suddenly, large red and orange balls appeared. "Now it's my turn — shall we see if I can hurt you?"
The Enforcer's grin vanished. He wasn't so brave anymore. He took a step backward and stumbled. Eleanor tossed one of the balls, which exploded with a fiery blast as it hit the ground. Scrambling to his feet, he raced toward the car while Eleanor tossed another ball. The flames shot into the air.
Eleanor moved toward the car, calling, "Don't go yet. I'm just getting started."
Still crouched on the ground, Jenna called out, "Mom!" She could hear sirens approaching. "Stop, Mom. The police are almost here."
At the car door, Bryce stopped and took one last look, bravely pointing the gun at Jenna.
Eleanor's eyes locked on him as if daring him to pull the trigger. He hesitated, his bravado crumbling. "Remember — it's just magic."
Bryce snarled, trying to hide his fear. "To hell with this!" He jumped into the car, slamming the door. Henry hit the gas and raced down the gravel road, leaving a trail of dust behind.
Eleanor ran to Jenna, returning to her usual self again. She knelt beside her daughter and brushed her cheek. "You're safe now."
Jenna reached for her mother's hand, trembling. "Were you going to —"
"Kill him? No, but I sure put a scare in him." Eleanor grinned. "I don't think I've had that much fun — ever."
Jenna looked down the road as the car disappeared. "But they got away."
Eleanor grinned. "I don't think so."
*****
Meanwhile, Danni popped into their car, using her ghostly talents as it raced from the scene. Undetected, she placed a tracker in Bryce's pocket, knowing that Garth would pick up the signal. He'd know where they were going. Another little surprise for the boys!
Mentally, Danni patted herself on the back, satisfied her job was done!
Despite knowing that the crew had rescued Hilda and Sophia, a few mercenary thoughts flashed through her mind, but she resisted.
As she was about to leave, Danni's naughty side took over. Why not have a little fun? With a flick of her ghostly fingers, she turned on the radio and spun the dial. Was it just a coincidence that the familiar tune of "Who you gonna call — GHOSTBUSTERS!" blared from the speakers, filling the car with a ghostly glee.
With wide eyes, Henry snapped his head toward Bryce, stammering, "I suppose — you think that's — funny?"
Bryce's hand shot to the radio dial, shutting it off in a panic. Choking on his words, he managed to mutter, "I didn't do that!" A shiver ran down his spine as he frantically checked the car, but there was no one to be found.
Danni smiled and decided one more time wouldn't hurt.
Suddenly, "They're coming to take me away, ha, ha!" with its haunting laughter echoed from the speakers. The words bounced off the car's interior.
Enjoying their hysteria, Danni couldn't resist one last drop of fun. She moved close to the front seat, materialized, and asked, "What's up, boys?"
Now under Danni's control, the car swerved wildly across the road as Henry desperately slammed on the brakes. The tires squealed in protest as the car jolted to a sudden stop. In a heart-pounding moment, both men frantically clawed at the doors, struggling to find the handles, and finally stumbled out of the vehicle, their breaths coming in ragged gasps as they scrambled across the grass.
Satisfied with her revenge, Danni returned to the crime scene to check on Jenna. She chuckled, knowing Eleanor would be proud.
*****
Donatelli whipped the police cruiser off the road, steering it onto the grassy area. His breath caught in his throat as he surveyed the scene — Jenna and Eleanor wrapped in each other's arms.
The detective, torn between his professional duty and personal feelings, let his emotions take charge. Without thinking, he rushed toward the two women but focused on Jenna. "Are you alright?" His hands settled on her shoulders, and then he pulled her into a protective embrace.
Jenna trembled against him, welcoming his arms. Her breath was shaky as she whispered, "I'm fine — I think. I'm glad you're here."
The reality of what had just happened — her mother had shielded her from a bullet. Bile rose in her throat, imagining what could have happened. "Mother saved me."
Jenna hesitated to leave the comforting warmth of Donatelli's arms, but she also knew how much she owed Eleanor. Her eyes met his for a moment, and then she moved to embrace her mother again. "I — I don't know what to say. How did you know what would happen?"
"What? He couldn't kill me. I'm already dead." Eleanor managed a small chuckle as she still felt the aftereffects of the bullet passing through her ethereal body.
"It's not funny, Mom. Something — I don't know what, and neither do you — but something could have happened. You sacrificed yourself for me."
Eleanor squeezed Jenna, knowing her daughter was right but unwilling to reveal that. "I did what any mother would do. I protected my child." She felt Jenna tremble and tightened her hold, suddenly realizing things could have gone terribly wrong.
"Well, Eleanor, I am thankful that you were here. I am always amazed at your accomplishments, but this one is extraordinary." He put his arm around Jenna while keeping eye contact with Eleanor. His voice was thick with emotion as he tried to express his gratitude, mumbling, "Thank you."
Danni dramatically cleared her throat as she arrived on the tender scene, abruptly shattering the emotional moment.
Matthew jerked away from Jenna, letting his arms fall awkwardly to his sides. Danni watched them with amusement. She crossed her arms as she leaned against a nearby tree. "Should I come back later, boss?"
Heat flushed the detective's face, and he stepped away from Jenna, rubbing the back of his neck to hide his discomfort. Shaking off his embarrassment, he looked at Danni before returning to police business. "What about the tracker?"
"My job is done!"
"And they weren't any the wiser?"
"Well — they don't know about the tracker, but they know I was there."
"Danni!" Both Eleanor and Donatelli gasped her name at the same time.
Danni chuckled. "Come on, Eleanor, if you had the chance for a little ghostly payback, wouldn't you have taken it? Later, when I fill you in, you'll love it."
Matthew's phone buzzed, and he quickly retrieved it from his pocket. He answered, "Garth! Have you picked up the tracker?"
He nodded as he listened to Garth's brief response and ended the call. "The team is tailing them as we speak."
 Recognized |
Danielle "Danni" Delahanty -- Ghost Detective
Eleanor Bennett -- Beloved Ghost Advisor
Matthew Donatelli -- Detective
Jenna Bradford -- Journalist and Pageant Consultant
Naomi Henderson -- Lawyer/ex-lover of Donatelli -
Arthur Beckett - deceased lawyer, friend, and enemy of Naomi
Patti Beckett - ex-wife from a nasty divorce
Hilda - a pageant contestant and medical researcher
Klaus - Hilda's older brother and protector
Johan - a supposed friend of Hilda's family with a connection to Jose
Angelo Carter - a private investigator with a dark side
Carlos Hernandez - a Mexican landowner with power
Jose Hernandez - Carlos's son - a reckless playboy
Alejandro - Jose's childhood friend
Garth Woodman - FBI Agent
Tango and Poppa - FBI agents under Garth
Allie - his love who died of cancer (an investigative reporter)
Dr. Rosa Galotti -- Morgue Medical Examiner
Emily - Jenna's faithful assistant
Lila - a pageant contestant who was murdered for her research
Thomas Whitaker - Lila's father
Sophia - Lila's sister (blind)
Max - Sophia's best friend and guide dog
Pays
one point
and 2 member cents. Eleanor Bennett -- Beloved Ghost Advisor
Matthew Donatelli -- Detective
Jenna Bradford -- Journalist and Pageant Consultant
Naomi Henderson -- Lawyer/ex-lover of Donatelli -
Arthur Beckett - deceased lawyer, friend, and enemy of Naomi
Patti Beckett - ex-wife from a nasty divorce
Hilda - a pageant contestant and medical researcher
Klaus - Hilda's older brother and protector
Johan - a supposed friend of Hilda's family with a connection to Jose
Angelo Carter - a private investigator with a dark side
Carlos Hernandez - a Mexican landowner with power
Jose Hernandez - Carlos's son - a reckless playboy
Alejandro - Jose's childhood friend
Garth Woodman - FBI Agent
Tango and Poppa - FBI agents under Garth
Allie - his love who died of cancer (an investigative reporter)
Dr. Rosa Galotti -- Morgue Medical Examiner
Emily - Jenna's faithful assistant
Lila - a pageant contestant who was murdered for her research
Thomas Whitaker - Lila's father
Sophia - Lila's sister (blind)
Max - Sophia's best friend and guide dog
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