Читать книгу Haunting at Remington House - Laura V. Keegan - Страница 36

“Tom!” Cassie hopped down the metal steps of the train. “Give me a big hug! You look wonderful, big brother.”

Tom released Cassie, held her at arm’s length. “So do you, Sis. God it’s been a long time. I’m so glad you’re here.”

“Hello, Tom,” William said, as he helped his young daughter down to the platform. “Cassie’s right. You look well. The ocean air obviously agrees with you.” He firmly shook Tom’s hand.

Tom exclaimed, “Is that Lizzie? I can’t believe how much you’ve grown, little lady! Come here and give me a big hug.” He wrapped his arms around the child and held her tenderly. “I’ve missed you guys.” He smiled at his sister and her husband. “How was the train trip?”

“Long, but relaxing. Beautiful landscape. A perfectly lovely trip,” Cassie said looking around the nearly empty station. Old-fashioned, black filigree street lamps lined the platform. Twinkle lights sparkled in barren tree branches. “What a quaint station. I feel like we stepped back to the turn of the century,”

“Whole town’s like that. Very old-fashioned. Come on, Joe’s waiting for us. Let me help you with the luggage.”

“Is Joe the man who’s been helping you at Remington?” Michael asked.

“Yeah. He also drives a taxi, one of two in town. Great guy, you’ll see.” Tom picked up two suitcases and motioned with his head for everyone to follow. Joe came running and took the suitcases Cassie was carrying.

“Joe, this is my sister, Cassie Wellington, her husband, Michael and their daughter, Lizzie.”

“Pleased to meet you,” Joe said. When they reached the cab, Joe shook hands, then he and Tom loaded the bags into the trunk.

An hour later, after all the luggage had been carried into the house, everyone gathered around the dining table. Nellie brought in trays of hot chocolate, ham sandwiches, potato salad, and chips. Halfway through her sandwich, Lizzie started falling asleep. The second time her chin dropped to her chest Cassie said, “Time to get you to bed, little one. Come on.” Cassie led a worn-out Lizzie to the spare bedroom upstairs and tucked her into bed.

“Mama, leave the light on please. Where’s Buster?” Cassie handed her the well-worn rabbit. Lizzie snuggled under the down comforter, the blue bunny tucked tightly to her chest.

“Nite, Lizzy. I love you. Sleep tight”

“Nite, Mama.”

Leaving the door slightly ajar, Cassie went downstairs. She poured herself a hot cup of coffee before bundling up in her heavy parka and joining her brother and husband who were out on the terrace watching the evening sky. “Truly lovely. You must be so pleased to have found this wonderful old house.”

“Without a doubt,” Tom said, focusing his binoculars out on the water. “Something’s jumping out there.” Tom handed the binoculars to Michael. “See if you can figure out what it is.”

“The pounding surf’s hypnotic isn’t it?” Cassie leaned against the porch wall and closed her eyes. “I can practically hear the waves call my name. I read that the ghost of a woman who drowned off the Isle of Westmoor haunts this coast. Maybe it’s her that you see.” Cassie opened her eyes. “Stop laughing at me. I’m serious. You both know I believe in spirits.”

“Tom! I can’t believe it.” Michael handed the binoculars back to Tom. “Look, Cass is right, it’s the ghost of the mermaid.” He burst out laughing.

Cassie stuck her tongue out. “Enough abuse! I’m going to bed. Goodnight.” Cassie smiled, gave Tom and Michael a peck on their cheeks, then closed the terrace door.

“I love that woman!” Michael said, offering his flask to Tom. “Whisky?”