Page 54

Rowan

I’m trying to outrun my anger, but it isn’t working all that well. After several miles, I’m viciously thirsty, and the dog is shooting me worried looks. Like maybe she deserves a drink and a treat for all this exercise.

When I reach the busy part of the waterfront, I slow to a walk and catch my breath. It’s a Friday evening in June, so the sidewalk is packed with tourists and couples holding hands. Clouds are brewing overhead, and the wind is kicking up, and I predict within the next few minutes everyone will scurry into the nearby bars and restaurants.

In the distance I hear a band playing a Jimmy Buffett cover. It might even be Harrison’s band. For fifteen years I didn’t see his face. And now I can’t seem to get away from that man.

I can’t believe he put Natalie on the back of that motorcycle. Sure, he gave her the only helmet. But that was so stupid . If he’d gotten pulled over, he’d end up in court again .

And I can’t believe I threw myself at him last night. I’m so angry at both of us. He has to go.

I stop walking and check the time. Maybe I can find some take-out food to split with Natalie. Lickie and I can have a drink at one of the restaurants’ outdoor areas while I wait for the food.

While I’m weighing tacos versus fried fish, I pull my phone from my fanny pack and glance at it. Beatrice has called me. Twice. But she didn’t leave a message.

It’s odd to get a call from her on a Friday evening, so I call her back.

“Hey!” she answers a little breathlessly. “God, do you have a second? I’m freaking out a little.”

My skin prickles. “Why?”

“I was doing a little work on our extra project...”

“Yeah?”

“Don’t get too excited. I found something a little confusing. I have a little theory, and I want to run it by you. But...” She laughs, and it sounds nervous. “You know how I hate it when people talk about ghosts?”

“Yeah?”

“I’m not a believer. But I keep hearing a weird sound here...”

“You’re at the mansion?” I ask.

“Yeah. And I swear to God, I keep hearing a baby crying. It’s so creepy. Would you, uh, come and listen? I feel like I’m losing my mind.”

What the hell? “Okay. And you’ll share your theory with me? I’ve been doing some digging of my own.”

“Of course I’ll share.”

“All right. Give me thirty minutes to get there.”

“Thanks. You’ll appreciate what I’ve found.”