Dark Passing (The Ella Reynolds Series) by Liz Schulte Read Free Book Online

downstairs to have a peaceful dinner with Martha. What I found in the kitchen wasn’t a peaceful dinner, however. It was a dinner party. I was in the process of turning around and retreating to my room when Martha spotted me.
    “Ella! I hope you don’t mind, but I invited some friends over to meet you. I thought it would be a nice welcome to Jackson. Maybe you’ll like it here so much we’ll tempt you into staying.”
    I forced a smiled and wished for the days when I still would’ve walked away. Believing I was insane gave me a certain latitude where my behavior was concerned. “Great.” I failed my attempt at enthusiasm, but hoped I at least hit the mark for pleasant. Martha had been nice, and I didn’t want to offend her.
    “We’re waiting on one more guest—someone you know.” She winked at me.
    I scrambled to think of whom I knew in Jackson. She wouldn’t have invited Jennifer, would she? I couldn’t imagine she’d be up for an impromptu dinner party, but maybe. I silently cheered her on. It would be amazing if she could get herself out of the house and conversing with the public. I still didn’t do well at that. The doorbell rang and Martha scurried off to answer it. I stood awkwardly on the edge of the kitchen and watched the people laughing and talking. A fit middle-aged man with thin, wire rimmed glasses turned to me.
    “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ella. I was glad to hear you were in town. I’m a fan.”
    “Thank you. What is it that you do?”
    “I own a bookstore. My name is Victor, Victor McCoy. Sheriff Fagan said you agreed to do a book signing?”
    I must’ve nodded.
    “Wonderful! We’ll have to meet to go over the details. People will be so excited to have you here.”
    “Um, yeah. That’d be great.”
    “Wonderful, wonderful. No talking shop tonight, though. Don’t want to ruin Martha’s dinner party.” He smiled and looked toward the door.
    Martha was there, but not with Jennifer. With Fagan. Could this night get any freaking better? Martha clasped her hands in front of her and spoke. “I guess we should make some introductions so our guest of honor won’t feel so out of place.”
    Holy Jesus, she can’t be serious. But she was.I had the distinct impression the universe was getting revenge for the last couple months. Each person in the room turned to stare at me, and I did my best not to squirm. I wished I’d told Gabriel where I was. Fighting with him would’ve been a hundred times better than this. One by one, everyone introduced themselves. Of course there was Fagan—freshly shaven, not a hair out of place, and bright blue eyes taking in every nervous tick I had. Next to Victor were Peggy, the high school principal, and her husband Donald, a manager at a farm equipment plant. The last couple was William and Lola Laurie, some sort of politician and his real estate agent wife. They all watched me expectantly. It took me a moment to realize it was my turn to introduce myself.
    “Oh, sorry. I’m Ella Reynolds. Writer, recluse, and not very good at things like this.”
    Everyone chuckled and began talking again as we were seated. I managed to speak the bare minimum and forced a smile whenever necessary. When dinner was over, I let the manic smile drop from my face and edged toward the stairs and freedom. I didn’t see Fagan headed in my direction until it was too late. He cut me off and ushered me into the living room.
    “I didn’t know you were staying in Jackson.”
    “Yeah…”
    “You don’t like me very much, do you, Ella?”
    “I can’t say that I do, Sheriff.”
    He laughed. “Please call me Carter. I could be a very good friend to have on your side.”
    “When you aren’t trying to use me to your advantage or keeping evidence from me, you mean?”
    “Using you to my advantage is a necessary evil. We’ll both gain from it. You’ll get your new book and become even more famous. I’ll win the election… I don’t see why you’re so bent out of