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Index
1 Chapter 1
2 Chapter 2
3 Chapter 3
4 Chapter 4
5 Chapter 5
6 Chapter 6
7 Chapter 7
8 Chapter 8
9 Chapter 9
10 Chapter 10
11 Chapter 11
12 Chapter 12
13 Chapter 13
14 Chapter 14
15 Chapter 15
16 Epilogue
AUTHORS NOTE
The present book is a work of pure fantasy. Any reference to names of people, places, events, historical facts, whether they really existed or existing, is to be considered purely coincidental and unintentional.
2012 - 2018 © Elton Varfi
All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced in any form.
Requests for publication and / or use of this work or part of it, in a context not being the only private reading, must be sent to: elton2577@gmail.com
Translator
Eva Melisa Mastroianni
The Ghost of Margaret Houg
London, nowadays. The wife of a powerful and chatted banker dies but, a year after the death, the sons of the lady say they have seen the ghost wandering around the villa. It is a matter of fact? It`s a nightmare? There is something murky in the affair? It`s up to Ernest Devon, a former policeman from Scotland Yard now private investigator and his friend Roni, solve the complicated case, which develops between blackmail, suspicions and a brutal murder. In the background runs the personal sentimental story of the protagonist who defends with tender obstinacy his impossible love for his ex-wife
Author
Elton Varfi was born in Durazzo (Albania) in 1977. He lives and works in Palermo. Hes a passionate reader of horror and detective stories. His first detective story "The Ghost of Margaret Houg," was translated in Spanish and English. From 2009 to 2012 he was the administrator of the blog The enigma of the Albanian language, which can be consulted at http://eltonvarfi.blogspot.it
Chapter 1
That morning Ernest was already feeling tired and he didnt want to answer the phone that was ringing nonstop. At last, he got up and picked up the phone. On the other side of the phone, he heard his friend Ronis voice that seemed weirder than usual.
That day looked like his friend had kicked in high gear and Ernest didnt even have the time to say hello before getting filled up with questions.
Hey, smart-ass! How come you have not been in touch for a week? Not even answer the phone! It looks like you no longer need money! Did you win the lottery or something?
No, Roni, I have not won any lottery and to be honest some money would be handy, but I dont get what money has in common with you, Ernest replied ironically.
Some friend you are! I go out of my way for you and this is how you repay me?
What? Ernest replied, who wasnt really getting the meaning of that.
Ill be there in half an hour, so I can explain you everything, Roni said, ending the call.
Ernest remained clutching the receiver and a smile on his face, denoting its strong concern for this unusual behavior of his friend. Actually, he was glad to see that Roni was his best, and maybe only friend, but he was feeling exhausted because of the night before; so he decided to take a shower.
He strangely was in a good mood again, but he didnt really know why. Maybe it was the long and relaxing shower or maybe the thought of Ronis arrival that would always make him feel good. He was the only one who had got him through during difficult times, giving him courage and supporting him in every decision. He had been by his side when he was dropped out of the Homicide Squad of Scotland Yard and when Luisa had broken up with him. Ernest didnt know what hed do without Roni.
While these thoughts alternated in his mind, there was a knock at the door. It was Roni.
Youre in good shape, Ernest said to his friend, which, as soon as he saw Ernests expression, knew that something was wrong.
It's been a very tough night, yesterday, hasnt it? And dont tell me no, because I know you very well. You cant trick me, Roni kept talking.
Ernest nodded and Roni continued: I bet you saw Luisa or am I wrong?
Ernest, who wasn't expecting anything else, replied: Yes, I saw her by chance last night and I acted like an idiot. I couldnt say a word, we just greeted each and she went away. Later on, I called to invite her over for dinner.
And her? Roni asked, of course her answer could not be positive, given the condition in which he had found his friend.
Well ... she didn't even answer my call.
So? Thats strange? If shes not home she cant answer your call. You shouldn't let this bring you down.
Dont try to make me feel better, Roni, its useless. Its over now. But the angriest thing is that Ive not yet figured out what brought her away from me. I thought that, by leaving my investigator job, we would get closer and instead she left me.
After Ernest's breakdown, they stayed silent for a few minutes. Then Roni got up and asked him: By the way, you're still a private investigator or did you resign? and without waiting for the answer he continued, I have a job for you.
What is it about? Ernest asked.
I dont know exactly, but you'll work for a very important person.
And who would this third person supposed to be? Ernest asked again, intrigued by the offer.
James Houg.
An approving whistle came from Ernests lips: The banker? he questioned.
That's him in person. So, what do you think?
Tell me something, Roni, but how do you know Houg?
He is a fan of antiques and he often comes to my shop. Thats how we met, Roni said and continued recently, he got a problem to solve and needs a hand with it. I told him about you and he said you're exactly the right man hes looking for.
I thought you said earlier that you did not know what it was about? Ernest asked, looking at his friend in the eye.
Yes... yes... I know nothing, but a little advertising never hurts; then you are on the ball and I just told him the truth. Ill tell you one last thing: if you decide to accept Hougs proposal you would earn a lot of money.
Listen, Roni, I think you know more than just what you say, my friend, and I frankly dont understand why you do not want to tell me the truth. However, at this moment I want to do something and above all I need money and therefore I am willing to talk to Houg and understand what it is about.
Then, do you agree? Roni said almost yelling with joy. Dont worry, I'll talk to Houg and I will set an appointment; you instead try to put you on track and look better.
This will be very difficult, since Mother Nature has been very little generous with me, Ernest answered laughing.
You are joking, my friend. Now I really have to run away because I have many things to do, and Roni went out after having greeted his friend.
Ernest remained alone again, but Ronis optimism got him so much that he was considering the possibility of calling Luisa to invite her out for dinner.
After various second thoughts he called her, but Luisa did not answer and Ernest remembered that she was working at that time.
He did not know what to do and having all day to fill up in some way, he decided to go and meet Luisa at the shop where she worked. Along the way he was puzzling on how she would react to his invitation, since lately she decided to avoid meetings with him. But then he thought that he had nothing to fear, since they had been married for two years.
While thinking, he did not even notice he had already arrived at the shop where Luisa worked. He stayed outside for a while, but then he gathered up his forces and went inside.
He quickly spotted her, she was there, more beautiful than ever, and Ernest understood that he loved her like he had never loved any another woman in his whole life. He could stay still there for hours and hours just looking at her, and he wouldve never gotten tired of it. For a moment he wanted to go back and let sit all, but then he gathered up his courage and approached.
Hi Luisa, he said.
Luisa seemed glad to see him and that made him feel good.
Hello, Ernest, what a nice surprise; what brings you here? she asked.
I wanted to apologize for last night.
To apologize? For what? Luisa asked as she truly could not understand.
Well ... last night I wanted to invite you out to dinner, but I did not and so I would like to fix it tonight, what do you say?
I was afraid it was something much more serious, Luisa replied, relieved by Ernests response. Unfortunately tonight I cant because I have already made plans with a friend. Im really sorry, maybe next time, Luisa concluded, but Ernest had no intention of giving up.
So, lets do tomorrow night, he tried to insist. You choose the restaurant, I dont really...
I cant tomorrow as well, she interrupted him and continued, unfortunately, I have other plans, but I promise that as soon as Im freer I'll call you and well spend an evening together.
Okay, no problem. I just wanted to spend some time with you. Thats all. Ill wait for your call then, Ernest said, trying to sound calm, but in reality he was a mess.
Well... Luisa said I certainly didnt want to disappoint you, but...
No, no disappointment at all, I assure you, Ernest interrupted her and continued Id better go now. You have to work. See you soon, darling.
Ernest was sure that Luisa was not that busy as she said, but he could not understand why she did not want dating him. Without thinking about it, he stopped at a pub, went in and chugged down various bottles of beer.
Chapter 2
It had been three days and Roni had not showed up. Ernest was in a confused state; he could not remember how many liters of beer he had been drinking, but certainly it had to be many, since he was feeling awful. He was sitting, his eyes stared into space and he did not want to do anything, he did not even want to move, and he remained motionless even when the door opened and Roni came in.
For Christ's sake! I had never seen so many empty beer bottles in one single room! Roni exclaimed, impressed by the scene in front of his eyes.
Finally my friend Roni showed up! But where the hell have you been all this time? Ernest asked, trying to tidy up a little bit the mess surrounding him.
I had things to do, but I can see that you did not waste any time and you tried to give your life an aim.
I beg you, Roni, I'm ashamed enough and I dont think I deserve your stupid comments. These three days I have been alone just like a dog and I thought...
You have seen fit to drink until losing consciousness. Roni interrupted him, and, without giving him time to answer, he continued, Anyway, I'm not here to judge you, but to tell you that in less than two hours we must be over Houg. Now get up and firstly get a shave and then take a good shower. Is that clear?
Ernest obeyed without saying a word.
While he was in the shower he could hear Ronis upset voice.
And yet I remember perfectly well I told you to improve your appearance. When I saw you, you've looked like a zombie, and you made me a very bad impression. Luckily I know you, but if a stranger had seen you, he would have thought you were a suspicious individual escaped from an asylum.
Ernest was slowly and quietly dressing up, not caring about what Roni was saying because he didnt want to argue with him. When he was done, he simply said he was ready. Even Roni looked calmer; besides he worried about his friend and he felt bad when he saw him in that state.
They both went out silently and only when they got in the car Roni said: Houg lives out of town, on the hills where he has his family residence. Please, Ernest, listen to him carefully and in the end youll be the one to decide if you want to accept it or not.
Don't worry; I wont ever make you look bad. Firstly Ill listen carefully to your friend Houg and then well see what happens.
In Ernests words there was a bit of irony and Roni decided that it probably was better not to speak anymore, at least not until the arrival at Hougs house.
Ernest had tried to imagine how the house of a millionaire could be, but as soon as he saw it he was amazed. That house looked like a castle and all around there was a green well-maintained lawn. Ernest noticed how Roni wasnt impressed at all and thats why he thought that he had been in that house several times. They got through the opened main gate and headed towards the house. From the gate to the house there was a distance of about half a mile and the two friends were walking on a small street which was the only paved part among all that green. When they arrived in front of the door, Roni rang the bell and someone opened the door. A woman appeared who had to be the maid, given the way she was dressed up.
As soon as the woman saw Roni she exclaimed: Good morning, Mr. Ewin! Please, come on in, I'll tell Mr. Houg right away.
I see youre known here. Ernest told his friend as soon as they entered.