Dark Memories (The Phantom Diaries, #2) by Kailin Gow Read Free Book Online

me.
    “It’s Christmas Eve,” Luis reminded me. “It’s going to be murder getting a flight back.”
    “That’s right,” Kristine said. “Listen to Daddy. We’ll just end up spending the night at the airport.   Might as well stay here.”
    Michelle’s eyes widened with fear and her lips parted to argue.
    I reached for Kristine’s hand and held her gaze. “I’ll get us a flight back,” I said in a firm tone that left no room for argument.
    After sopping up every drop of gravy with a crust of bread, tasting the cherry and mincemeat pies and drinking two cups of tea, Kristine was finally ready to rise from the table.
    Michelle began clearing the dishes, obviously anxious to have her possessed daughter on her way to being cured.
    “We’ll go up and get our bags,” I said, gesturing to Kristine to follow me up.
    Instead of coming to me, she turned to hug Michelle.   “I’ll never forget this dinner.   I’ll never forget tonight.”   She kissed her on one cheek, then the other and back to the first.   “I love you, Maman .”
    Michelle’s eyes glistened with tears.   Though she had no idea who Kristine really was, Michelle gathered her in her arms and squeezed tightly.   Whether meant for Annette, Kristine or both of these women lost in their own hell, Michelle exuded love, warmth and a desire to sooth away whatever pain her daughter’s body was going through.
    “I love you, too.   I hope you can come back again soon for a real visit.”   She pulled back, cupped her daughter’s cheeks and kissed her forehead.   “Now go gather your things before you really do miss the last flight.”
    Kristine nodded, obediently and demurely; so unlike the Kristine I’d always known.
    But the moment she exited the kitchen and came towards me, the wicked glare I’d come to know so well, returned.
     

 
    Chapter 5
     
    Annette
     
    I could feel Kristine’s fury building up inside me and there was nothing I could do.   Every rejection Eric handed her only infuriated her more. Her agitation crushed me more and more, leaving me weaker and discouraged.   The frustration alone was killing me and I feared that every moment she possessed my body she gained that much more control.
    Kristine sang with Eric throughout Christmas Day, but I feared her control of my voice wasn’t as it should be. My every attempt to aid her had been ignored as she insisted on doing this her way, but her lack of emotion was startling and she couldn’t find it in her to be convincing in her portrayal of Adelle. We would resumed performances tomorrow and only time will tell if she’ll be able to maintain my public’s adoration.
    “You’re getting better, but we need more time.” Eric’s dismay was evident as he stared blankly at the music sheet. For all the hours we’d been in the music room, little had come of it. Kristine was scant better than she had been to begin with.
    “I’m sorry, but Annette’s pulling at me from every side. It’s exhausting just keeping her down. Every time I try to hit a note, she’s poking me in the ribs, as it were. I think she’s deliberately trying to sabotage by attempt to gain the stage.”
    Eric scratched his head and rubbed his eyes. I could see how exasperated he was becoming.   The perfection he’d spent so many months working on was on the verge of being ruined.
    “You talk to Annette, if you really want this to work,” Kristine said.  
    She put her hands on my waist in the way she had a habit of doing. It felt prissy and arrogant, and I wanted to fight her into a more suitable stance.
    “Tell her to stop fighting me,” she went on.   “If she could relax and let me get through this, I’m sure I could make the show a greater success than it is.”
    His eyes bore through mine and I knew he was reaching in for me. Tender and concerned, his gaze lacked the harshness he usually reserved for Kristine.
    I’m here, Eric. Don’t give up on me. I’m fighting as hard as I