Moonlight Dancer by Mona Ingram

you I can sense people around me?”
    He nodded slowly.
    “And do you remember at the dance it was as if I became someone else?”
    His grip tightened on the steering wheel. “I remember.”
    “I know who it is.” It was a relief to share it with him and the words spilled out. “It’s my great great aunt Charlotte. She used to live in the farmhouse and she died of a broken heart.”
    “Charlie, come on.”
    “No. Wait.” She reached across the seat and touched his shoulder, silently begging him to hear her out. “There’s more. She fell in love with a cowboy from Montana. His name is Harm Rogers. They were going to elope, but he was killed. Her trunks are still in the attic, all packed and ready to go. I’ve felt her presence up there, too.”
    “But what does this have to do with you?” He was looking straight ahead, but she could tell he was frowning.
    She had to keep trying. “I’m not sure, except for the fact that I’m related to Charlotte. But I do know one thing; I’m supposed to help them”
    “Help them?” This time he looked at her. She didn’t need any special powers to see his disbelief…it was written all over his face. Her heart sank.
    “Yes, help them.” She took a deep breath. “You see, I’ve talked to Harm twice. In the dance hall.”
    “Whoa there.” They were nearing the farm. He pulled the truck over to the side of the road, turned to her and tipped his Stetson to the back of his head. “I want to make sure I’m hearing this right. You’re telling me you’ve talked to a ghost?” He searched her face. “You’re serious, aren’t you?”
    She nodded, unable to trust her voice.
    “I can’t believe I’m asking this, but what did he say?”
    She had lost him; she knew it from the tone of his voice. But she’d come this far, she had to go on. Fighting back the tears that burned behind her eyes she sat up straighter, composing herself to speak.
    “I saw him for the first time the day before yesterday. We only exchanged a few words before we were interrupted. But today he came again and we talked for quite a while. Jason, he told me how Charlotte still comes to the dance hall looking for him!” In her eagerness, she edged closer to him. “You see, her parents didn’t want them to be married. They were to meet at the dance hall on the evening of the full moon. After he was killed she continued to go back every time the moon was full.” She tilted her head, trying to coax a smile out of him. “Kind of romantic, don’t you think?”
    His face remained stony, but Charlie refused to be put off. He might not be able to accept what she was telling him, but she was going to finish. Besides, it was helping her to put it all into words.
    “Anyway, she died of a broken heart but according to Harm she still comes to the dance hall looking for him. He can see her but she can’t see him.” She threw up her hands. “He thinks I can help them get together. Crazy, huh?”
    He slid across the seat and for a moment Charlie thought he was going to kiss her. But he simply stared into her eyes.
    “What are you doing?” She backed away from the intense scrutiny.
    “I was looking to see if your pupils were dilated.”
    It took a moment for his words to sink in. When they did, she pulled back as though she’d been slapped.  “Jason Fleming, that’s a low blow.”
    “Come on, Charlie. You’re taking this whole thing too far.” He pounded a fist against the steering wheel. “This is reality, and trust me, there are no ghosts in reality.”
    She stared at the stranger beside her. “You don’t believe me, do you?” She gave a strangled laugh. “Don’t hold back, I can take it. You think I’m making this up, don’t you?”
    His beautiful eyes had turned cold. The gentle blue of summer skies had turned to ice. “I don’t know what to think Charlie.”
    “Well I do!” She yanked on the door handle and stepped out into the blazing afternoon sun. She swung the truck door as