Ghost Town by Phoebe Rivers Read Free Book Online Page A

suspect that everything she tells her clients is both true and untrue. We can each uncover what’s true if we are willing to look for it. There’s often a truth that’s deeper than the words we hear.”
    A few minutes later, I biked alongside Lily, thinking about what her mother had said. Was there something about Lady Azura I wasn’t seeing?
    We made a quick pit stop at Elber’s, so I could pick up the items on Lady Azura’s list, and then hopped back on out bikes.
    â€œWe need to stop at visitor’s info,” Lily said as we pedaled onto the boardwalk. “Great-Aunt Ro works there. She likes to keep fresh flowers on her desk. These are for her.” Lily held the bouquet in one hand and used the other to steer. “You hungry?
    Uncle Lenny will give us slices.” She pointed the bouquet toward Lenny’s Pizzeria.
    â€œIs everyone on the boardwalk related to you?” I asked.
    Lily pointed to an older man in a Speedo suit sunning himself on a bench. “Not him, thank god,” she replied, and we both cracked up. “But everyone else, probably.”
    â€œReally?” With the exception of my dad’s sister, we didn’t have any close family.
    â€œThe Randazzos and the Morellis—that’s my mom’s side—pretty much run Stellamar and the towns nearby. They’ve been living here for over a hundred years. And everyone has lots of kids.” Lily rolled her eyes. “I mean lots . We’re talking if my whole family left tomorrow, the population would be cut in half.”
    â€œThat’s so cool.” I loved my dad, but it could get quiet with just the two of us.
    â€œSometimes,” Lily agreed. “Other times it’s like that family Thanksgiving dinner when the annoying relatives won’t leave— ever . But I like Great-Aunt Ro.”
    Lily ran in and delivered her flowers, then we parked our bikes, and walked along the pier. The faintaroma of grease tinged the salty air. The food stands were just opening their doors, getting ready for the early lunch crowd. I listened as Lily told me about the different games of chance: which had the best prizes, which were the easiest to win, and which ones no one stood a chance at winning.
    â€œReady for a scare?” David called from his post at the haunted house.
    The large Victorian manor was painted a dark purple with black trim. In the late morning light, the chipped and peeling paint was visible. Seagulls swooped overhead.
    â€œYou can’t scare me,” Lily boasted.
    â€œThat’s what you think.” David gestured toward Midnight Manor. “I bet you’ll scream.”
    â€œYou’re on!” Lily grinned, delighted by the challenge. “Let’s show him, Sara. Nothing can scare us!”
    â€œUh . . . well . . . I’m not really into haunted houses,” I muttered. “I’ll just hang here. You go.”
    â€œThere’s nothing scary in there, believe me,” Lily prodded.
    â€œI don’t have any money for tickets—” I began.
    â€œWe don’t need money. David’ll let us in.”
    David nodded. “Just don’t tell.”
    Lily linked her arm with mine. “Come on, Sara. You can’t live in Stellamar and not laugh at Midnight Manor. It’s, like, a requirement.”
    A woman had died in this house. Was she still in there—waiting for me? I didn’t want to find out. I glanced at Lily’s hopeful face. I really did want to be friends with her. I wanted to have fun and laugh at the Midnight Manor like generations of kids in Stellamar did.
    â€œLet’s do it,” I agreed. I gazed at Midnight Manor. How scary could a run-down boardwalk attraction be—especially during the day?
    A few minutes later, I was plunged into darkness. The sun, the boardwalk, the beach seemed miles away. Icy air swirled about me as I followed Lily through narrow hallways, sporadically lit by