A Charmed Life (Halloween LaVeau Book 5) by Rose Pressey Read Free Book Online

into their suitcases. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. No way were they here for a room. It couldn’t be. I just refused to believe it. I hated to be so suspicious, but I just couldn’t get over the past events enough to believe that this was real. I didn’t think anyone would blame me for feeling that way.
    I opened the door and stepped out onto the porch. For a few seconds I watched the women. They hadn’t even noticed that I was out there. They were still shoving clothing into their suitcases and trying to get the tops closed.
    Finally, I said, “Excuse me, ladies, is everything all right?”
    They spun around and looked at me with startled looks on their faces. For a moment, they didn’t say anything. Finally the taller woman said, “We’re here for rooms at your beautiful inn.”
    Just as I had suspected. Maybe I should have learned my lesson from the last encounter, but I was determined to confront these women also.
    I raised an eyebrow. “So you’re looking for rooms, are you?”
    The women placed their luggage on the steps. The brunette said, “Yes, we need rooms.”
    I crossed my arms. “How did you find out about my place?”
    “The lady in town directed us here,” one of the women said.
    “Oh, is that right? And who is this woman?” I asked.
    The other woman said, “I don’t think we got her name, sorry.”
    Okay, now this was going to sound rude, but I had to blunt with them. “If you’re here for the Book of Mystics, it’s not here.” I stared straight at them, not backing down.
    They gave me confused looks again, but I wasn’t falling for it. “I’m afraid we don’t know what you’re talking about.” Williamina stiffened, as if offended by my words.
    Sure, likely story. I wouldn’t fall for their innocent act.
    The women picked up their bags and moved down the steps. “If you don’t have a room for us we can leave.”
    Now just like before I felt bad. “No, wait, I have two rooms left.” I moved down the steps after them. “My name is Hallie LaVeau. I’m the proprietor,” I said with a smile.
    The women stared in unison. My magic might have improved, but my customer service skills hadn’t. I wasn’t going to win an award for bed-and-breakfast of the year that was for sure. I stared, wondering if they were going to volunteer their names. After a few seconds of awkward silence, I realized that they were not.
    “I have two lovely rooms if you’d like to see.”
    The women stuck their noses up in the air and then grabbed their bags. I fully expected for them to turn around and stomp the other way down the driveway. I didn’t see a car. Had they walked here or taken a cab? They must have noticed my look.
    One of the women said, “The Uber driver dropped us off.”
    The women walked up the steps and stopped in front of me. The auburn-haired woman nodded and said, “We’re ready to see the rooms.”
    At least they hadn’t left. I really needed to get myself together. “Please come in,” I said, motioning over my shoulder. 
    They stepped inside the foyer and looked around critically. They reminded me a lot of Cora. They would probably check for dust too. Once I gave them the papers to fill out I would find out their names.
    I handed them the keys and said, “I think you’ll like the rooms.”
    They gave me a look that said, We’ll see about that.
    I tried to pick up on any strange vibes, but I just couldn’t quite put my finger on anything. Maybe my instinct was off. I waited as they filled out the information and then handed it back to me. I looked down at the names. Beth Sallee and Williamina Hamilton. I figured I’d remain formal for the time being and call them by their last names only.
    “Nice to meet you, Ms. Sallee and Ms. Hamilton.” I attempted my most polite hostess smile.
    They peered into the other rooms. The brunette asked, “Where are the rooms?”
    “They’re up on the third floor.” I gestured.
    “Oh, no, that won’t work for us. It’s