Krewe of Hunters 1 Phantom Evil by Heather Graham Read Free Book Online Page A

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    â€œDead man,” he said with a grin and a shrug.
    By the time he acquired the drinks, the hostess returned to lead them to a table. Angela had always liked Irene’s; the food was delicious, there were fine white cloths on the table, and the noise level was at a gentle hum.
    Angela couldn’t help but note the way Jackson fascinated their server. She herself had set out to dislike the man, or, ifnot dislike him, set up a reserve against him. She knew that he knew a great deal about everyone on his team, while the team knew almost nothing about him—or each other. Though tall enough to stand just an inch or so above most men, he had an easy courteous manner and a slow smile that appeared to enchant everyone around him. Perhaps it was natural that he should attract attention.
    â€œSo, here we are, one day in. Body—discovered,” he said, taking a swallow of his scotch on the rocks.
    â€œIt was only logical,” she said.
    He laughed. “Only logical. That man has been buried beneath the stairs since Reconstruction, and you found him in an hour.”
    â€œI’m an extremely logical person,” she said, running her fingers up the stem of her wineglass.
    â€œSo, what’s your story?” he asked her.
    â€œYou know my story. You have the dossiers. I start the questions.”
    â€œOkay, shoot.”
    â€œWhat’s your background?” she asked.
    He grinned. “Obvious, I’d say.”
    â€œAmerican Indian. What kind?”
    â€œCheyenne.”
    â€œAnd what else?”
    â€œEnglish—well, Scottish, originally, but my mom grew up in London.”
    â€œCool. Are your parents alive?”
    â€œNo. My mom died from cancer eight years ago, my father had a heart attack four weeks later.”
    â€œI’m sorry.”
    â€œSo am I. And you?”
    â€œMy folks are gone. You know that. They died in a plane crash.”
    â€œAnd since the plane crash—”
    â€œMy turn,” she interrupted. “Do you know your family—or families?”
    â€œYes, of course, very well. I like family. You? What is your feeling for your brother?”
    â€œI adore him. My turn. Siblings?”
    â€œNo.”
    â€œAh. You’re an only child,” she said gravely.
    â€œYes. I’m so sorry.”
    She shrugged, grinning. “I’ve met a few people who were an only child within their household, and they came out okay.”
    â€œOuch. Preconceived notions.”
    â€œNo, it’s just that, rich or poor, a person who has siblings has had to share upon occasion. There will always be a time when what happens in a sibling’s life is more important. That’s all.”
    â€œAh, but I’m Cheyenne,” he said, a quirk of amusement on his lips.
    â€œAnd that means?”
    â€œWe’re all about community, and the People.”
    â€œI see. Leaning back on your pedigree,” she said solemnly.
    â€œDon’t forget that part of me is clansman,” he said.
    â€œAll for the good of the clan?” she asked.
    He laughed. “We’re big into standing up for one another in feuds,” he said. “Actually and honestly, I do play well with others.”
    Their server arrived with their food orders. She opted for another glass of wine and Jackson decided on a second scotch. He laughed and teased the pretty girl serving them, pleasantly,and not obnoxiously, Angela noted. He was still smiling when she left them at the table with their fresh drinks and plates of food.
    â€œDo you see ghosts?” Jackson asked her.
    She froze, startled by the sudden impact of the question. She had to force herself to swallow her bite of food.
    â€œDo you?” she replied.
    He took another sip of scotch, and his eyes met hers squarely. “I believe that the world is full of possibilities. Do I believe in ghosts like the ones on TV? No. I’m pretty sure that if ghosts exist they are around both