Read Online The Ghost of Valentine Past by Anna J. McIntyre - Free Book Online Page B

honestly can’t afford to pay what you normally charge.”
    â€œI told you, we can work something out.”
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    February 13, 2015
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    â€œ D anielle ? Danielle?” Brian repeated.
    â€œOh…I’m sorry,” Danielle gave her head a quick shake. She looked over at Brian and smiled.
    â€œWhere did you zone out to?”
    â€œI’m sorry, I was just thinking of something. Now, what was it you wanted to know?”
    â€œI was wondering why Heather is staying at Marlow House.”
    â€œOh…that…her house has mold.”

Chapter Eight
    W alt had changed from the beach apparel he had been sporting in Danielle’s dream back to his normal attire—a three-piece suit, circa 1925—and his feet were no longer bare. He stood in the middle of the entry hall and watched as the responders processed the crime scene. They were preparing to move the body.
    Earlier, they had discovered what they believed was the murder weapon, a fishing knife. Upstairs, officers combed through every room, but so far, they hadn’t found anything else related to the crime. Walt had already completed his own search. He looked for the second body, but so far, he hadn’t found it. Perhaps it was outside.
    He suspected the younger man, who had been watching Danielle sleep, was somehow connected to Morris’ death. Had the killer murdered them both? Or perhaps the younger man was the killer, but had met some fatal accident when fleeing the crime scene, which would explain his appearance earlier.
    Peter Morris’ spirit had fled the premises, but Walt knew there was no guarantee the ghost wouldn’t return. Spirits often felt connected to the site of their death, especially when it was a violent one. Walt himself had stuck around Marlow House after his murder, and Darlene seemed connected to Pilgrim’s Point, where she had been killed. Walt found the thought of sharing Marlow House with a spirit of Morris’ ilk highly repugnant.
    He preferred to believe Morris had moved on, and if he hadn’t, then Chris or Danielle would simply need to convince him to leave permanently. However, at the moment, Walt was more concerned about the spirit of the younger man. Who was he? And where was his body?
    Upstairs, Max was in the attic with Bella. While Max wasn’t thrilled about having the younger female cat trail after him, he was getting used to it. Walt had given him a firm lecture, preaching the necessity of exerting patience with the smaller feline, who was practically a kitten in comparison. He reminded Max it was only a temporary situation. As soon as Heather was able to return to her own house down the street, the unwanted cat would go with her. Bella no longer hissed at Max. Instead, she found it far more amusing to pounce on his tail when he wasn’t looking.
    Walt was about to go upstairs and check on Max and Bella when he heard an officer call out from the parlor doorway, “You can’t come in here.”
    Walt turned to the front door. It was open, with crime tape blocking the entry.
    Ian stood on the front porch looking in. “What in the hell is going on? Where’s Lily? Danielle?”
    Ian sounded frantic. Sadie was nowhere in sight. Walt assumed Ian had left the golden retriever at home across the street, and had rushed over when he’d woken up and seen the police cars parked out front. Walt smiled. He really does love Lily.
    â€œOh, Mr. Bartley, it’s you. I’m sorry, I didn’t recognize you,” the officer said. “But I’m afraid you can’t come in; this is a crime scene.”
    â€œMy god, Lily? Danielle?” Ian looked prepared to leap over the tape.
    â€œMs. Miller and Ms. Boatman are fine. They went down to the station with Mr. Johnson and the others, to give their statements.”
    â€œWhat happened?”
    â€œI’m sorry; I really can’t discuss it at this time. Like I said, this is an active crime