Read Online Spirit of the Revolution by Debbie Peterson - Free Book Online Page A

door a couple of knocks before she stuck her key into the lock and turned the knob. After she let herself in, she headed for the living room.
    “Kay-Kay, I’m here,” she called out.
    “Hey, Jo,” said Carolyn as she exited the kitchen, carrying her famous bread dip. “Sit down and make yourself comfortable, girl. I have all kinds of munchies set out, so we can just dive in and eat. As usual, I’m starving half to death, and I have so much to tell you!”
    “More drama in the archeological field again?”
    “Yes, and you can’t believe the idiotic thing Mason’s group did this time. They all but ruined an entire dig site. But, we’ll discuss that later. First I want to hear about your house now that you’ve settled into it,” Carolyn said as she tucked a piece of her short dark hair behind her ear.
    “Speaking about my house, before I forget”—Jo withdrew a key from her pocket and handed it over—“here’s the key to my kingdom; guard it well.”
    “Thank you very much.” Carolyn placed it on the shelf, and then settled into the chair opposite her. “So, tell me all about it.”
    “The house is perfect, Kay-Kay. Having six full acres of lush property makes my surroundings peaceful and quiet. I can play my violin all night long if I want to without worrying about the neighbors. You really are going to have to come out on one of your days off and see the finished product for yourself. Maybe even come and spend the weekend with me sometime? Spending an entire weekend with me might give you some well deserved rest,” she baited.
    “As if.” Carolyn rolled her eyes, lifted a glass to her lips, and took a drink. “When is the last time I had a whole day that I could call my very own? Ray Brennan or one of his cohorts, always has something they want analyzed, cleaned, or preserved. One would think that since Ray hired Paul Sanders, some of the load would shift onto his shoulders. But I’ve yet to see much difference. Still, I do want to come out and see the transformation of your house. So, maybe one of these days in the not too distant future, I’ll show up on your doorstep with overnight bag in hand.”
    “Said without an ounce of conviction, but, here’s hoping anyway.” Jo picked up her soda, tilted the glass in Kay’s direction, and then took a drink.
    Carolyn waved a hand as she retrieved the beautifully wrapped gift on the coffee table and held it out toward her. “Yes, well, in the meantime, here’s a little something from me to you. And, if you don’t hurry and tear the thing open, I swear I’ll do it for you.”
    Jo laughed as she accepted the gift and placed the box on her lap. She shook her head then and tsked. “This goes against the grain, you know.”
    “I don’t care, so get over it,” Carolyn replied.
    After Jo drew in a deep breath, she took hold of the paper and ripped it away from the box. Carolyn leaned forward. Her eyes lit up in expectation as Jo lifted the lid. She gasped in surprise as she removed the gorgeous eighteenth-century brass bed warmer from its nest.
    “Oh, wow, Kay-Kay.” Her fingers traced the intricate etching. “This is perfect. Thank you so much. Where on earth did you find it?”
    “Of all places, a garage sale.” Carolyn shook her head as she stuffed an olive into her mouth. “I can’t believe how cavalier some people are with antiques. Anyway, let me tell you about Mason.”
    After catching up on all of the gossip and exhausting all the girl-talk, Jo turned to the subject of ghosts. She refrained from telling Carolyn about Mathias and the boys, knowing they chose when and to whom they revealed themselves. Nonetheless, she wanted a better understanding of her situation.
    She took another sip of soda and set the glass on the coaster. “So tell me, if one had to do a factual, serious report on ghosts, what kind of information do you think it should contain?”
    “One of Nan’s kids needing information again?”
    “No, but it’s something