I thought maybe folks might forget there are actually four ghosts who visit Scrooge. I had actually forgotten about Marley until I started writing this (and so, went and reread the original tale) and I'd thought maybe, just maybe, readers might think Keller was actually the Ghost of Christmas Past, so doubt would exist as to whether or not Ray was dead.

Reading through comments, it seems as if most of you are smarter than that. *g* Still, it was worth a try!