Page 16 of Kiss Marry Kill

She started crying. “I knew you wouldn’t believe me. I knew you’d think I’m crazy.”

I held out my hands. “No. I didn’t say that.”

“Your face did.”

Sighing, I said, “Janelle, you’re not being fair. Of course I’m going to question what you just said. Anyone would.”

“But you said I could tell you anything.”

I had said that, hadn’t I?

“You can.” I moved to her and gingerly patted her shoulder. “You definitely can tell me anything, but naturally, I’m going to have a reaction. Depending on what you say.”

“I swear,” she sobbed. “I’ve seen her. Just as clear as I see you right now.”

Grimacing, I asked, “Does she… say anything?”

She blew her nose, looking miserable. “No. She just stands there and stares at me.”

“That’s odd.”

She glanced up, her face wet with tears. “Is it?”

“Well, I’m no expert on ghosts, but why visit you if she’s just going to… stare?”

“I think she’s trying to warn me off.” She gave a little hiccup. “She still wants Archie all to herself.”

“But… she’s dead.”

“I know,” she wailed. “But I guess her love is eternal or something.”

She was borderline hysterical, so I moved even closer to her and placed one hand on her shoulder. “Janelle, you need to calm down.”

She looked up at me, obviously struggling to do as asked. Her usually porcelain skin was bright red, and her eyes glittered with fear. “I’m terrified, Dr. Thornton, but I don’t want to give Archie up.”

“Of course not.” I sighed. “Listen, I suspect you’re very worried about the wedding. Most people go a little kooky right before their nuptials. They say getting married and buying a house are two of the most stressful things for people. You’re very young, but you’re about to take Archie’s hand in marriage till death do you part. That would make anyone freak out. It’s a huge step.”

She nodded, her gaze clinging to mine. “True.”

“Are you always alone when you… er… see Archie’s… dead wife?” I felt like a fool saying that out loud.

“Yes.”

“See, don’t you find that odd? If she’s a real ghost, why would she only appear to you when you’re alone? From what I’ve heard, ghosts just show up when they feel like it. That’s why they have those silly ghost walking tours, etc.”

She frowned. “What are you saying?”

I grimaced. “I think the stress you’re under is… making you obsess about your biggest insecurity: Archie’s first wife. You’ve already admitted you feel inferior.”

“You really think it’s all in my head?”

“I do.” Mostly because I didn’t believe in ghosts. I was a man of science. If ghosts existed, why weren’t they everywhere all the time? That was how I looked at it. If you asked me, the place would be crawling with spirits if they trulywalked among us.

She blew out a shaky breath. “She sure seems real.”

I tilted my head, studying her. “Maybe try touching her if she appears again.”

She widened her eyes. “What?” she shrieked. “I can’t do that!”