Chapter 139

"Ann!" My voice shook as I reached for the white cloth, my trembling fingers slipping through. I missed my chance to see her one last time. "Ann, I'm so sorry," I whispered, leaning over her body, regret overwhelming me.

"Amanda, it's okay," a gentle voice said. I looked up, startled. There she stood—Ann, looking exactly as I remembered, vibrant and serene. I couldn't believe my eyes; she was the first spirit I'd encountered since my own death.

"Ann?" I whispered, uncertain.

"Amanda, it's good to see you, but I have to leave soon," she said.

"Leave? Where are you going?" I asked, grasping her hand. It was cold, like marble, yet real. I could feel it.

She gazed longingly at her parents, who were fighting for justice. "My only regret is not being able to care for them in their old age, and then there's him..." She gestured toward a handsome young man, the one who'd met her at the airport.

"I was molested in Shadowmoor. I didn't feel good enough for him. Someone as amazing as he deserves better. I wanted to be by his side, watch him marry, have children, give him bellflowers on his wedding day... but I can't be with him anymore."

Ann began to fade. How could this be happening? She'd just died.

"Amanda, I don't have much time. Be careful. I saw the man at the auto repair shop—he killed me."

Something felt wrong. I tried to hug her, but as I did, her body shattered and vanished. Her last words echoed: "Amanda, I was murdered. Someone wants to cover..." She disappeared before finishing.

"Ann!" I screamed, but only heard her parents' anguished cries. Her voice was gone. I opened my palm, as if her touch still lingered. Where had she gone? Why was I still trapped?

So many questions flooded my mind. A whirlwind of emotions left me trembling, my thoughts a chaotic mess. Ann's words confirmed my suspicions: it had to be Nicole. She feared Ann would talk to the police, so she'd killed her cruelly.

Hatred overwhelmed me. Why did Nicole take her anger out on others? Ann was innocent. The suspect was seen at an auto repair shop, but with so many in the city, where could he be? And what was his connection to Nicole? Why did Ann disappear while I remained trapped? What did I need to do for justice?

The hospital said Ann's body was already weak, and the Hammond family would take it for funeral arrangements. Robert seemed perplexed and suggested checking our marital home. Chase readily agreed. Perhaps he, too, found the situation too coincidental and wanted to help uncover the truth.

When we arrived, Robert's eyes immediately fell upon the statue in the yard. My heart pounded. My remains were hidden there. Would he find them?