Forevermore by Cindy Miles Read Free Book Online Page A

Finally, I can take no more. I have to get to school.
    “Never mind,” I say, and start to walk away. I take about five steps.
    “He’s shown himself to you, then?”
    I stop and turn, seeing a hint of amusement in his gaze. That’s when I decide I like Ian Murray. I sigh a quiet breath of relief. “Yes. He has.”
    Ian Murray throws his cigarette down and crushes it with his boot. “Och, but that didna take long,” he mutters, chuckling. “He must fancy you.”
    Fancy me? That would mean that the ghost likes me, which doesn’t seem to be the case.
    “Well, he’s got a funny way of showing it,” I respond, my heart racing. “He keeps trying to scare me away, and he’s doing a good job of it. Do you know his name?” I ask.
    Ian grins, then hooks the shears by the handles over one forearm. “Logan Munro.”
    “Logan,” I mutter. I can hardly believe I’m saying the name of a ghost , who I’ve actually met in person. Sort of, anyway.
    I look at Ian. “So he’s … real?”
    Ian nods. “Been here at Glenmorrag for as long as I can recall.” He cocks his head and scratches beneath the brim of his cap. “One can often hear him playing his flute. He was a musician in life, I believe.” Ian pauses. “So he spoke to you, lass? Tried to scare you off?”
    Logan’s angry, beautiful face comes to mind, and I nod. “Yes, and he was … super mad.”
    Ian thinks a moment. “Do you wish to speak to him again?”
    I don’t even hesitate. “Yes,” I say quietly. “I do.”
    “Right. Then all you have to do is call his name. If he wants to visit with you, he’ll appear. If no’, then, well” — he gives a half-cocked grin — “he simply won’t. A mind of his own, that lad.”
    I search Ian’s face. “Am I going insane?”
    Ian barks out a laugh. “Nay, young miss. ’Twould be natural to think you are seeing things. But the lad can only show himself to those who actually believe in spirits. And, you’re in the Highlands now, gell.” It takes me a second to realize gell — with a hard g — means girl . Ian looks at me a minute before adding, “ ’Tis a mystical place filled with enchantment.”
    I peek down at the space between my feet, a little embarrassed. “Do … you know anything more about him? Like why he might want me gone?” I glance up, chewing on my lip and waiting for an answer.
    Ian lets out a long sigh. “Well, that I dunna know. Logan is a somewhat mysterious lad. I’d guess he lived here about two hundred years ago, but he doesna remember why or when he came to the castle. I myself suspect he may have been murdered, the poor soul. That’s why his spirit cannot rest, why he roams the castle grounds.Legend has it that if a ghost’s murder is solved, he can then finally rest in peace.” Ian looks sad and thoughtful. “Mayhap the lad will tell you more himself. That is, if he fancies to.”
    The talk of murder has me trembling a little. This castle has so many secrets. I glance over my shoulder, knowing Niall must be waiting for me.
    “Do the MacAllisters, uh, have they seen him?” I ask.
    Ian Murray slowly shakes his head. “Nay. The laird knew of him when he was a wee lad, but at some point” — Ian shrugs again — “he grew up and stopped believing.”
    I think that’s pretty sad. “What about Elizabeth MacAllister?” I whisper.
    A stony expression crosses Ian’s face. “I’m no’ sure, but I suspect that even if she did believe, young Logan wouldna show himself to her.”
    I bob my head in understanding. I probably wouldn’t show myself to her, either, if I could help it. “Okay. Thanks, Mr. Murray.”
    “Ian,” he says with a kind smile.
    I smile back. “Ian.”
    He continues his hedge trimming, and I turn and make my way out of the maze.

 
    A s Niall drives me to school, I think about what Ian had said, about Logan showing himself only to those who believe in ghosts. When did I begin believing in ghosts? It must be a new development.
    I look over