Nocturne by Syrie James Read Free Book Online Page A

to bottom with historical fiction. To Nicole’s surprise, five entire shelves were devoted to the works of Patrick Spencer, the world-famous writer who’d penned fifteen historical novels, every one a New York Times bestseller, and three of which had been made into films.
    “I see you like Patrick Spencer. He’s one of my favorite authors, too.”
    “Is he?” Michael returned with interest.
    “Yes. I love his Dr. Barclay series. I just finished the latest one a few minutes ago.” She indicated the book she’d brought with her, now lying on the coffee table, then turned back to run her fingers over the familiar spines of the books on the shelves. “And the Dr. Robinson series—it’s fascinating and so well researched, don’t you think?”
    He didn’t answer, instead asking quietly, “What do you like best about his work?”
    “Well, I love the way he weaves actual historical events into his story lines. Like the books about the Civil War—I always learn something and it brings the period to life for me. And the ones that take place in that little country village in Victorian England—he writes with such exquisite period detail and evocative language, I always feel like I’m being transported back in time.”
    “Do you like the characters?”
    “I love them. They’re all so memorable and true to life. Even though they lived hundreds of years ago, their problems are still relatable—and he always includes such a haunting love story. Once I start reading one of his books I can never put it down, and at some point I always end up in tears.”
    Although Michael didn’t respond, Nicole noticed a strange glint in his eyes and suddenly felt self-conscious. She sighed. “I’m babbling, aren’t I? Sorry, I get like this when I talk about Spencer’s books. I can’t help myself. I’ve read every novel he’s ever written, some of them three times.” She glanced back at the shelves. “But you must feel the same way. I mean, look at this. You’re even more of a die-hard fan than I am! You have every single one of his books, in hardcover and paperback! And multiple copies of some.”
    For some reason Michael looked peculiarly uncomfortable.
    Studying the books in the case more carefully, Nicole realized that he didn’t just have Patrick Spencer’s entire collection in English; he had many dozens of foreign editions as well, which she’d never seen before. “You must have a copy of every foreign language title Spencer ever published. Where’d you get all these?”
    Michael seemed to be struggling to hold back a smile. “I . . . collect them.”
    Nicole pulled out one volume, which—judging by the artwork on the cover—clearly was from the Dr. Robinson series, but the alphabet was foreign to her. “Is this Russian?”
    “Bulgarian.”
    “Wow. You put my collection to shame.”
    The look on his face was such an odd mixture of guarded pleasure and unease that Nicole didn’t know what to make of it. What was going on? Why couldn’t he look her in the eye?
    And then it hit her.
    Everyone knew that Patrick Spencer was the pseudonym for an author who was not only rich and famous but famously reclusive. He so fiercely protected his privacy that he never revealed any personal information about himself, allowed no biographical details or photographs on his book jackets—ever—and he never did interviews. Some journalists thought he might be English, while others were certain he was American. No one had a clue where he lived, and no one knew his real name.
    “It’s you, isn’t it?” Nicole said softly, staring at him. “You’re Patrick Spencer.”

CHAPTER 6

    H E KNEW THERE WAS NO POINT in denying it. No matter how many excuses he dreamed up, she’d probably see through them. Well, he thought, maybe this was a good thing. Maybe it would help divert her attention, and explain away some of the other . . . oddities . . . so that she wouldn’t suspect his darker secret.
    It was funny, though. Jhania