AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I’m not pretending.”
Ray gave me a pointed look. “But youarehiding. It doesn’t take a genius to see that much.”
“My grandfather dedicated his life to protecting me. I’m not going to screw it up now.”
“Protect you from what? If you’re as powerful as you seem, I’m not sure what or who you need protection from.”
“I can’t talk about it.”
“Can’t or won’t?”
“I’m sorry, Ray. I’ve said as much as I’m willing to.” I turned toward the house and walked straight into Nana Pratt.
“Lorelei, a handsome young man is here.” She sounded surprisingly breathless for someone without working lungs.
My skin tingled as the handsome young visitor activated the ward. “You don’t recognize him?”
“No.”
I rounded the house to see Officer Leo leaning over the side of the bridge to admire the moat. He was out of uniform, wearing black sweatpants and a Notre Dame T-shirt. Sweat pebbled his forehead.
“Officer Leo, what a surprise.”
He grinned at me. “I’m sorry. I know I should’ve called first, but I didn’t intend to stop here. I went for a run and when I saw your place, I turned and jogged straight through the gate.”
“He looks thirsty,” Nana Pratt whispered, appearing to forget he couldn’t hear her. “Offer him a drink.”
“Would you like a glass of water?” I asked.
He used the bottom of his T-shirt to wipe the sweat from his face. “If you don’t mind, that’d be great.”
“May we join you?” Nana Pratt asked. Her question was injected with so much hope, I couldn’t bear to refuse her.
He followed me into the house, along with the two ghosts.
“Holy guacamole, this place is incredible.” Officer Leo looked like a kid in a candy store as he wandered from room to room with eyes like jumbo lollipops. “You’re like a witch living alone like this, away from civilization.”
I bristled. “I am nothing like a witch.”
He gave me a lopsided grin. “Not a fan, huh?”
For a moment, I forgot he was human. Then it occurred to me that he meant the witches from Disney movies and fairy tales.
I made a quick recovery. “No warts on this nose,” I joked.
His attention was drawn to the banister. “This staircase is awesome.” He ran his hand along the wood grain.
“Do you know anything about historical houses?”
“Not a thing, but it doesn’t mean I can’t admire a job well done.”
“Isn’t he a handsome young man?” Nana Pratt said with a satisfied sigh.
“He is. Dumb as a stump too,” Ray remarked.
“What makes you say that?” Nana Pratt asked. “He’s an officer of the law. He can’t be that stupid.”
Ray snorted. “No comment.”
