Читать книгу Haunting at Remington House - Laura V. Keegan - Страница 30

Peering out the living room window, Vivian noticed Billy walking along the beach. At his side was a woman. Vivian couldn’t tell from this distance who she was. Maybe it was one of the Larson’s daughters, here for the winter break.

Actually the woman with Billy looked too old to be one of the Larson girls though, even from this distance. Something about her movements—the way she was leading Billy, showed more self-assurance and control than that of one of the Larson girls. She’d talk to him later, she thought, as the doorbell chimed. Right now she had more important things to take care of.

Vivian looked forward to her appointment with the masseur her friend Mila was sending over. Mila had booked the session with Kenneth weeks ago. He was in great demand, and as Vivian opened the door to greet him, she knew why. Oh, yes, this would be a lovely evening.

“Hi! You must be Kenneth. I’m Vivian. Come in.” She took his arm and led him up the stairs to her room. Yes, she’d talk to Billy later. She had more important things on her mind right now.

***

On the shore, the young woman walked slowly beside Billy. She led him away from the water’s edge toward the cliff. He followed without hesitation.

“So you know Mr. Gardner?” Billy asked. “That’s funny. He moved here a couple of weeks ago, too.”

“Small world. He and I crossed paths once—for a while. He was very interested in me. It wasn’t mutual. The relationship didn’t go well. It’s really an odd coincidence that he’s here. I hope you’ll let this be our little secret. I’m here to get away from just about everyone and everything. Tom Gardner can’t know I’m here,” the beautiful young woman said with a sweet smile. She took Billy’s hand and brought it to her cheek. “I fear for my safety if he finds out. No one can know about me. Only you. Okay, Billy? Promise?”

“Sure, no problem. I get it,” he agreed, feeling his face flush as she squeezed his hand. He managed a weak smile, trying to hide his embarrassment. He was so happy to have her holding his hand. There was no way would he do anything to jeopardize this friendship. Who knew where this might lead?

Elise dropped his hand, running ahead of him up the beach. She disappeared behind a rocky cliff jutting out into the sandy shore. Billy raced after her. How did she get there so fast?