Ghost Killer by Robin D. Owens Read Free Book Online

he—they—did for play.
    Desiree grinned. “We rock climb.”
    That was just crazy.
    “All the restaurants and hotels should remain open through the end of the month.”
    “That’s good.”
    “It is. More options.”
    Tony tugged at his wife, gently. “The car will be here in a while. You make sure you
     call, Clare, if you need any help.”
    She still didn’t think there was anything he could do. “I will.”
    Before they left, Desiree planted herself in front of Clare, the woman’s expression
     turning serious, perhaps even deadly. “I want you to call me every day,” she stated,
     slipped a card from her pocket. “My numbers are here.”
    Clare tried a smile and took the card. “I’m hoping it will be only four days.”
    Desiree nodded. “I understand you want to send the ghost on before Friday and the
     beginning of the Cruisin’ the Canyon event.” Desiree shrugged. “But who knows how
     long it might take? We all know, though, that plans turn to shit.”
    “We haven’t done much planning,” Clare grumbled, disliking that part. It was pretty
     much find the ghost and kill it somehow, all too vague.
    Enzo appeared, sitting and panting beside her.
I am sorry that she is not coming with us. She might maybe be able to help.
    Interesting the phantom dog might think so, but Clare wouldn’t put anyone she liked
     in the way of an evil ghost, especially if they could only “maybe be able” to help.
     She was torn as to whether she wanted Zach with her. Well, she definitely wanted Zach
     with her, but didn’t want him hurt at
all
.
    Desiree still watched Clare with concern. “You take care.” She held out a hand.
    Clare took it, caught the slight unfocus of Desiree’s eyes. No doubt she scanned Clare’s
     aura again. The other woman nodded, appearing more satisfied than she had before.
     But this was a female operative, who’d faced death—probably often. Clare set her shoulders.
     She’d faced death, too, twice, in each of her previous cases. Of course, only death
     had threatened, not some spirit-sucking-evil-turn-you-evil-too thing. She swallowed.
    “One last item,” Tony Rickman said. He tipped his sunglasses down, stared at Clare.
     “You know Creede is the only town in Mineral County, so it’s the county seat. If the
     ghost manages to eliminate Creede . . .”
    “But no pressure.” Clare raised her hands palms up.
    Tony barked a laugh, slid his glasses back on. “You’ll do, Clare Cermak.”
    Desiree hugged Clare. “Call me if you need me.”
    The couple turned and walked back to the Mercedes hand in hand and Clare’s heart twinged
     at the thought she might never see them again.
    *   *   *
    Clare had showered, tidied up the house, prepared it for her being away, and packed
     before Zach arrived, looking tense. He bussed her lips, glanced at his watch, and
     said, “The car will be here shortly, are you ready? Get any time to research Creede?”
    Since he seemed to want to avoid talking about his mother, Clare said nothing, but
     she took his wrists, opened them wide, and stepped up to him, hugging him. Yes, his
     muscular body thrummed with tension. He grunted and air escaped him and his arms came
     around her, holding her gently. “I’m not fragile,” she murmured into the top of his
     chest. Not like his mother.
    His hand slid over her head. “No, you aren’t.”
    She looked up at him. “I’m actually very strong.”
    “I know it.” He dropped his head, sniffed at her. “You smell great.”
    “I’m clean.”
    “And you’re wearing that great spicy, exotic, woodsy-whatever perfume we like.”
    “Yes. And no to your earlier question, I had no time to research Creede.”
    “Right. Got a beer?”
    “Absolutely. Do you think they serve food and drink on the plane?”
    “Probably. I had a good breakfast, did you eat?”
    “Not much.” She patted her tote. “I have granola bars in here.”
    “That’s going to be sufficient for you,