Inevitable by Michelle Rowen Page B

money. She got in the way when they pulled the trigger, and then—” His voice broke and he drew in a ragged breath. A silvery tear slipped down his cheek.
    Emma inhaled shakily. Ryan glanced at her to see that her eyes were glassy. It was painful, but Ryan knew she had to get the ghost to tell his story, to deal with what was keeping him earthbound for so many years. It was the only way, other than exorcism, to deal with a haunting like this.
    â€œIt happened on our anniversary,” Harold said. “She died in my arms. I was so furious that I stormed at the cop with my gun held up and he shot me without hesitating. Both of us dead because of my stupid mistake. Now I’m here, in the hotel that I couldn’t keep going—our nest egg. Everything I chose led to pain and death. And every year on our anniversary I feel that pain like it was only yesterday.”
    Emma’s face had paled. Ryan moved to put his arm around her. It was worth the risk of contact. He still wasn’t certain that Harold could control himself. Ghosts held a whole lot more power than even they were aware of, especially when they were distraught.
    â€œHarold,” Emma said after a minute of silence passed between them. “Look at me. Please.”
    He raised his gaze to hers and there wasn’t anger in his eyes anymore, only sadness.
    â€œLorraine specifically told me that she forgives you. No matter what happened, she forgives you. And she loves you. She’s waited all this time for you to forgive yourself. For you to return to her. But you’re delaying her peace and happiness— your peace and happiness—because you won’t forgive yourself.”
    He frowned deeply. “I don’t understand.”
    â€œYou need to forgive yourself for what you did,” Emma said, raw emotion in her voice. “Forgive yourself and go to her. Don’t you see that this day—your anniversary, the day that you died—has power in it? I could feel it the moment I set foot in here. She can’t leave where she is because it’s not her decision. It’s yours.”
    Harold looked defeated. “I can’t leave this hotel.”
    â€œHave you ever tried?”
    His jaw set, he looked down at the floor and shook his head.
    â€œShe loves you—that’s not something that should just be ignored! Do you still love her?”
    â€œOf course I do.” His voice broke.
    â€œThen go to her,” Emma said firmly. “And stop wasting more precious time.”
    Harold glanced at Ryan who still stood warily watching the ghost, barely believing what he’d seen with his own eyes.
    Finally, Harold nodded. “I could see our house from the fourth floor. That’s why I stayed up there. I had no idea she was waiting for me all this time. I couldn’t see her.”
    â€œYou didn’t want to see her. You were afraid. But it’s time for you to gather your courage and go to her.”
    Ryan nodded. “She’s waiting for you.”
    Harold raked a ghostly hand through his hair. “Thank you.”
    Then he faded from sight.
    Emma let out a shaky sigh and looked at Ryan. She was smiling. “Come on.” She grabbed his hand and pulled him into the room in front of them. They stood by the window and looked across the way toward the restaurant.
    â€œCan you see her?” Emma asked, leaning against Ryan’s side.
    He squinted at the distance. Yes, he could. Lorraine stood on the veranda of the restaurant—the veranda of the house she’d shared with Harold. A pale silver glow approached her and it solidified into Harold’s form. He ran up the stairs and embraced his wife.
    Then, only a few moments later, they both disappeared in a soft flash of light.
    â€œSo what does that mean?” Ryan asked. “They found their peace? They’ve moved on?”
    Emma didn’t answer. It was dark in the room, the lights had stopped