“You found me,” I whisper, crying tears of joy.
He rubs his cheek against mine, breathing me in as he holds me tight.
“I never lost you. Who do you think has been ringing the doorbell this whole time?”
I bury my face in his neck. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know. I couldn’t see. I was so confused.”
He murmurs against my ear, “It’s okay. I told you I’d wait forever if I had to.”
When I raise my head and stare at him through watering eyes, he smiles a smile of such beauty, it takes my breath away.
I say, “The life jacket was a nice touch.”
“I thought so.”
“Was that you during the séance or was I doing all the knocking and special effects?”
“That was me. But all the other stuff that went on in the house was you. The flickering lights, the open cupboards, the TV going on and off…I’m sorry to say, you made it pretty miserable for the Wainwrights.”
“Wow. I’m dead and melodramatic. You’d think making it to the afterlife would give a person a certain perspective on things.”
He says gently, “You were traumatized. Give yourself a break.”
“And my wedding ring falling through the ceiling? The coin that kept getting moved? I suppose that was you, too?”
“None of that matters now. What matters is that we’re together.”
“But wait, how come I didn’t understand what was happening, but you did?”
He smiles. “Maybe I’m just smarter than you are.”
“That isn’t even a little bit funny.”
All around us, the golden light grows brighter. I feel a pleasant urgency, an upward pull that increases with each incremental lift of light. I want to surrender to the pull, but I have something I need to ask first.
“Why did you postmark all the letters from prison? Was that a clue about your past?”
He smiles. “More like a clue about the future.”
“What do you mean?”
“Washington State Penitentiary is where a certain asshole is being held on charges of murder. I’ve been thinking we should pay him a visit.”
I recall how Fiona told me that schizophrenics can see ghosts and can’t help but laugh. “Oh, Aidan, you’re diabolical.”
The golden light surrounding us grows brighter. Then he takes my face in his hands and kisses me. In his lips, I taste forever.
That and something almost as sweet:
Revenge.
Epilogue
Transcribed from the notes and session recording of March 16 conducted by Dr. Patrick Templeman, forensic psychiatrist, with Michael Reece, currently awaiting trial on charges of first-degree murder.
Dr. Templeman: Thank you for joining me today, Mr. Reece.
* * *
Michael Reece: It’s Doctor Reece. And you say that as if I had a choice in the matter. They brought me down here in handcuffs. Have you noticed the handcuffs?
* * *
Dr. Templeman: How are you feeling today?
* * *
Michael Reece: I wonder how many times you’ll say the word ‘today,’ before you get to the point?
* * *
Dr. Templeman: As you’re aware, Mr. Reece, my objective is to determine your current mental capacity to stand trial, as ordered by the court.
* * *
Michael Reece: The court can kiss my ass, and so can you. And it’s Doctor Reese.
* * *
Dr. Templeman: Do you understand the charges brought against you?
* * *
Michael Reece: Let me tell you something. You’re not the only person in this room with a big degree. I’ve got three of them, all right? PhD, Masters, etcetera, all from Ivy League schools. Your medical degree doesn’t impress me.
* * *
Physician’s note: Patient is visibly agitated. Pronounced tremor of left hand is evident, possible side-effect of antipsychotic medication.
* * *
Dr. Templeman: You have been administered a daily dose of oral fluphenazine to alleviate your symptoms since your arrest, is that correct?
* * *
Michael Reece: Are you the best they could do? You look about as competent as that public defender they assigned me.
* * *
Dr. Templeman: How is your relationship with the attorney? Do you feel he’s adequately described the charges brought against you?
* * *
Michael Reece: That idiot couldn’t adequately describe the color of a turd. They let anyone pass the bar these days, apparently.
* * *
Dr. Templeman: Can you tell me what the charges against you are, please?
* * *
Michael Reece: Seriously?
* * *
Dr. Templeman: I’m trying to evaluate if you understand what’s happening to you.