Page 7 of Ghost in the Night

“Okay,” I say. “Let’s go.”

“Yes!” Robby jumps in the air and runs to put on his sneakers.

“Did you know there are twenty-two historic squares in Savannah?” Robby asks in the back seat as Dad drives us through downtown Savannah. I was lucky enough to copRobby the last ticket for the tour. So used to being alone on these treks, I honestly don’t mind the company.

“I do now,” I say. Each square is like its own little park, with lawns, bushes, flowers, and plenty of those live oak trees.

We drive past Forsyth Park, the largest park in the city. Kinda like what Central Park is in New York. It has a giant bowl-shaped fountain that is lit up at night.

I take out my camera and try to steal a few shots from the car.

“Oh! So you’re into photography?” Lena asks. “Of course you are. I remember that your mom loved taking photos too.”

An uneasiness prickles at my side. “How did you know my mom?” I ask.

Dad locks eyes with me in the rearview mirror, then focuses back on the road.

Lena takes a breath, like she’s steadying herself. “I met her at one of your father’s shows, maybe a year before she had you. She loved Savannah.” She pauses, then adds, “I know you will too.”

Daddy gives Lena a quick look that he thinks I don’t catch. I put my camera away and gaze out the window, staying silent.

Daddy finds parking. The streets are packed with people heading down to River Street.

“All right now, you two stay real close together,” Lena says as we get out of the car.

“Yes, ma’am,” Robby says.

“I mean it, now. Don’t go venturing off alone.” She grabs Robby close and pulls him into a tight hug, showering his head with kisses.

I give Dad a look, mouthing,Can she chill?

Daddy coughs over his laugh and tucks his chin. “You know the drill, Mony love. You got your phone? Your bag?”

“Yup.”

Robby wiggles away from Lena and grabs my hand, pulling. “Come on!”

Dad softly takes Lena’s arm. “You promised me ice cream, woman.”

Lena bites her lip and looks at me. “Just … keep an eyeon Robby, will you?” she whispers to me. “His brain is sharp, but his eyes may not be.”

I give her the thumbs-up. “Got it. See you guys later.”

I watch Lena and Dad walk away, trying to ignore the pinching in my gut. They look like they’re on a date. Not holding hands, but it almost feels like they don’t need to.

I lead Robby over to Madison Square (not to be confused with Madison Square Garden in New York, where my Knicks play basketball). We sit down on a dark green bench to wait.

Redbrick paths cut into a square that is surrounded by beautiful historic homes, with a church on the corner. Grandma would say that’s a good sign. In the center of the square is a large bronze statue of a man holding up a flag. The curly live oak tree branches seem to be bowing toward him.

“You sure this is the right spot?” Robby asks.

I check the confirmation email. “It says to meet at eight thirty. ‘Your tour guide will arrive, wearing a green Orbs and More tour vest.’?”

“Orbs and More?” Robby scoffs. “Oh brother.”

“What? I thought you wanted to go on a ghost tour.”

“I wanted to get out the house for a change. Ain’t like this stuff is real.”