Page 9 of Wedding Cake Carnage
I bite down hard over my lower lip. So it turns out the B&B was haunted, after all.
“Well…I think…that’s perfect, because rumor has it, Greer and Winslow here are looking to adopt. I think the three of you make a fine looking family.” If your last name is Manson.
The little girl lets out another roar, albeit far more tamed. “I don’t want to bede-dopted! I want to scare people and make them run screaming into the night. And none of these residents at this ridiculous inn are afraid of anything.” She snaps her neck in Greer and Winslow’s direction. “Don’t you dare call yourselves ghosts. You’re nothing but balls of worthless air! I can’t stand either of you!” She stomps off and the floor rattles in her wake as she disappears right through the living room wall.
“Wow,” I muse. “It looks like you’ve bypassed the toddler years and dove straight into preteens. Good luck with that. Noah and I are having dinner with my new family. Feel free to cause an electrical short that will send us running for Nash-free pastures.”
“Lottie.” Greer makes a face. Both Greer and Winslow were present when Carlotta dunked the news over my head like a platter of cold spaghetti. “They were kind enough to arrive early and they’re patiently waiting for you. Your brother is a hottie, by the way. And I happened to once know both Kelleth and Aspen.” Her lips curve with malicious intent. “I dare you to ask Aspen about her time at the Elite Entourage. If I’m right, she still serves her wares to men with fat wallets.”
“What?” both Noah and I say at the very same time.
“Greer, the Elite Entourage is a glorified prostitution ring. I’m not asking my new sister if she turns tricks on the side.”
In all honesty, it was Greer who used to turn tricks on the side, and that’s exactly what landed her in this ghostly predicament to begin with. Just the thought of Aspen putting herself in the same line of danger makes me shiver.
Noah leans in. “Any news on that tiger?”
I asked Carlotta to give Greer the heads-up.
“None,” she says. “But as soon he shows up, I’ll be the first to let you know. I’m dying to see him. Lord knows I love me a sexy cat.” She lifts her shoulders in turn and Winston howls with laughter.
“Great.” I’m about to take Noah and head for the dining room when a thought hits me. “Oh, and one more thing—you’re both officially recruited to help find Everett.”
Winslow inches back and his mouth opens, but I cut him off before he can protest.
“I don’t care about the laws you’re bound to. There’s a missing man in this world and he belongs to me. You will help me track him down, you will walk through walls, through concrete, through continents if need be to help me get him back.”
“Lottie.” Greer looks affronted. “You realize we have a higher authority to answer to.”
“And you realize I can have this B&B haunted by a very scary little girl who happens to wield a machete. I’m sorry to force your hand, but time is ticking and I’m terrified that if any more of it slips by, Everett will be the next to join you on your haunting spree.”
A flicker of light catches my eye from down the hall and I spot Lea hiding behind a wall curling her finger for me to head her way.
“Excuse me a moment.” I trot over, inadvertently leaving Noah behind as well.
“I heard you.” Her nose twitches as if I let an offensive odor fly. “Call off those ninnies. They have no intention on looking for anyone outside of this B&B. I can see it in their lying souls. I’ll do it for you. And I’ll produce results.”
“You will?” I tip my head her way, filled with suspicion.
“That’s right. And in exchange you’ll make sure I’m put in charge of this haunted hovel. Greedy and I Move so Slow will be given an eviction notice as my payment. I don’t want them here cramping my spooky style. I’m taking over the haunting of the B&B. You know what they say—one is deadly. Three’s a crowd.”
“Do you really think you can bring back Everett?”
Her eyes squint as she presses out the hint of a naughty smile. “I’ll bring back anyone you want me to.”
“You’ve got a deal.”
I trot back and wave to Greer and Winslow. “Never mind,” I say and Noah and I head in the opposite direction.
“What happened, Lot?”
“That little spook just assured me she’d bring Everett back home to me where he belongs.”
“That’s up for debate—the back to your home where he belongs part,” Noah mutters as we head over to the dining room.
The chafing dishes are lined up like silver orbs over the granite counter in the back. Bodies mill around, each with a drink in hand, while laughter abounds throughout the room.
“See that?” I give Noah’s hand a quick tug. “They’re all having a great time. They don’t need us. Let’s go to Mangias.” I try to make a run for the door, but Noah reels me back.