Free Gypsy Spirits by Marianne Spitzer

already living in the woods?”
    Taking a deep breath to stop herself from screaming, she said, “We discussed this before. I didn’t invoke or summon anything with made-up words. Besides spirits don’t live anywhere, they’re dead.” 
    Daniel jumped on her words so fast it made her head spin. “So you do believe in spirits because you said they’re dead.  How do you know if they’re living or dead? What do you know about the spirits you’re not telling me? Your mom probably knows more, too. We should ask her. Let’s go now.”
    He was heading back toward the Jeep in a hurry. 
    “Daniel,” Annamarie called, “We need to discuss this rationally. If you ask my mom about spirits, my dad will call yours. Your parents might try to have you committed. Besides whoever heard of a living spirit? Everyone will be sure you’ve gone mad.”
    “You’re right,” Daniel said. “Talking it over might help us find answers.” 
    They walked into the house in silence. Both exhausted, they took a long needed nap waking around dinnertime.
    ***   
    It was a warm night, but not hot. Annamarie suggested they sit outside and watch the stars and discuss recent incidents. Daniel smiled tentatively. They settled into lawn chairs while they gazed up into the night sky. Annamarie’s suggestion they go over the events bit by bit and try to come up with ideas seemed to appeal to Daniel, who by now had calmed down.
    Thinking it might be the best time to bring up her concern about Garret, she asked Daniel directly if he had any idea whether Garret was into something that could bring trouble back onto any of them.
    Expecting Daniel to get angry, he looked at her and said, “Until last night I would’ve said no.” 
    His answer surprised her. She asked him to continue.
    Daniel recalled Bulk saying, “Maybe it was ‘them.' Bulk would have said ‘spirits’ if that was what he was referring to.”
    “Garret could be into some illicit activity since he always seems to be on edge and has a lot more money than he could make repairing cars.” 
    Daniel nodded, “That makes sense. I stopped by the repair shop last week during my lunch hour, and Garret was talking intently with two rough looking guys I’ve never seen. Garret threw a large piece of canvas over what looked like auto parts as soon as he saw me walk in.” 
    “That sounds suspicious. Do you think Garret’s in trouble, and one or both of those men could be responsible for Ben’s death and not spirits?” 
    Daniel shook his head. “I don’t know. If that’s true Annamarie, then they were up there to kill Garret and maybe Bulk. They mistakenly murdered Ben. They could’ve killed me, too.”
    Chills ran down her spine. Shaking, she was barely able to whisper, “You can’t die on me, Daniel Logan. I love and need you too much.” 
    Daniel stood up and put his arm around her. “Let’s go inside.” 
    They walked into the house, and Daniel headed for the bedroom to lie down. Annamarie sat down when the phone began to ring. She answered. It was her mom.
    ***
    “Annamarie, is it true? Is Ben dead and did someone burn down the cabin last night?” She sounded frantic.  
    “I’m not sure Mom. The sheriff said they found a body. Ben is missing. There was a smell of gas at the cabin, but the cabin didn’t burn down. Only the porch and a small area inside were damaged. The coroner is coming in from Oaklin to investigate. No one is sure of anything right now. We’ll have to wait for answers.” 
    “I can’t believe this is happening here in Timmus Woods. Things like this happen in other places. It’s so sad I could cry. Oh, one more thing before I hang up. Have you spoken to Maureen?”  
    Annamarie told her what happened at the lake and how upset Maureen was. They had a mystery in Timmus Woods, more like a horror movie taking place in their backyards. People would be talking about this for months--maybe years.
    Hanging up, Annamarie knew all the talk was