Haunted by Heather Graham Read Free Book Online

small town we have had a few pretty grisly murders. Why can’t you just accept the fact that something strange is going on?”
    â€œPenny, you’ve wanted nothing more than a real ghost for years.”
    Penny shook her head, suddenly troubled. “Ghosts…that cause a cold spot, or breeze by, or…I don’t think this is a good ghost,” she murmured.
    She patted his desk, rummaging through the unopened letters. “What about that letter you got from Harrison Investigations? Call Adam. You respect him. He was friends with your grandfather long ago.”
    He groaned.
    â€œPlease, Matt. You’ve suggested that maybe someone is breaking in, or doing something to make it appear that there are ghosts. Adam can tell you what’s real, and what’s not.”
    â€œWhat he perceives as real,” Matt muttered.
    â€œHey, I’ve followed some of what he’s done. Last year, he and some of his colleagues proved that the haunting of an old mining camp was nothing more than two modern prospectors digging for gold.”
    â€œGreat. I call in Ghostbusters and become the laughingstock of the town. I might as well find a new place to live.”
    Penny shook her head. “Matt, maybe they can just do the same thing here.” She hopped off the edge of the table. “Please, promise me you’ll think about it, at least.”
    She left him, closing the door softly in her wake.
    Matt walked to his own set of French doors out to the wraparound balcony. The moon was full. In the distance, he could see the vague shape of the mountains, and the sweep of the valley. God, he loved this area. Loved the house, the stables, but mostly, just the natural beauty of the area.
    He returned to his desk, reflective. Clara’s face had been marked, as if she had been hit. He still didn’t believe in ghosts, but…
    He reflected on the number of people who lived on the property. Penny, Sam, Clint, Carter, even Clara now and then, and through the years gone by, various friends and relatives. Could someone have set the place up so that it appeared haunted?
    He strode to the Lee Room, searched under the bed, in the closet, all around. Nothing.
    Still…
    He returned to his own suite, toyed with Adam Harrison’s letter for a moment, and picked up the phone. He dialed Harrison’s number. They spoke briefly. “Matt, good to hear from you.”
    â€œYou weren’t certain that you would?” Matt queried dryly.
    â€œNope. Not this time.”
    â€œYou know I don’t believe in the supernatural in any way, shape, or form.”
    â€œI’m aware of that.”
    â€œIf you come down here, I’m only having you because I think you’ll be able to prove that I don’t have ghosts.”
    â€œMaybe,” Adam agreed.
    â€œWhen can you come?”
    â€œMy schedule is a bit of a mess, but…I’ll arrange to see you soon.”
    â€œAnd according to your letter, Adam, you’re going to pay me? ”
    â€œYes. And like I said, I am anxious. I’ll arrange something as soon as possible.”
    â€œYou can usually find me around lunchtime at the Wayside Inn.”
    â€œAll right, my office manager will call, set a date.”
    â€œGood,” Matt said. “Look forward to seeing you, Adam.”
    Adam Harrison was still talking when Matt hung up the phone. He stared at it, already thinking that he had made one hell of a mistake.
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    On the other end, Adam Harrison, too, stared at his phone. He did so with fond amusement. He’d always liked Matt. “My boy. You’re about to learn a lesson. All the courage, brain power, and brawn in the world can’t cut it against a real ghost,” he said softly. “Ah, well.”
    He had meant to warn Matt that he wasn’t even sure he could come himself right away, that he’d be sending his topnotch aide.
    But he didn’t want to call back. Matt Stone