October Ghosts (A Southern Romance Monthly) by CJ Hockenberry Read Free Book Online Page A

young man. But you did go into shock. Luckily this young lady was able to help you. As for my being the Medical Examiner, I'm still a doctor, and I was a general practitioner in my heyday. So you just relax and concentrate on breathing and let me take a look at you."  
    Matt nodded. He wasn't in any condition to stop him. The doc was a unique looking character, with thinning hair and a gin-blossomed nose the shape of Jimmy Duranti.  
    "Henry and my dad are good friends," Phil said as he settled on the edge of the coffee table, facing the little grouping. "We were discussing having him at the house tonight and tomorrow for the rehearsal and taping."  
    "A doctor?" Margo said.  
    "It's part of the city ordinances for filming. We have to have a medical professional on set, and Henry offered to do it at no cost. As long as he could bring his niece and her friend on set. And one of them is a doctor, an ER physician. So we were buttoning up the details when you called."  
    "And I can say," Dr. Coleman said as he shined a light in Matt's eyes. "If this is a chronic problem for Mr. Hunt, then I think it's in your best interest to have myself and Dr. McNally-Wallace on hand."  
    Matt couldn't agree more. Especially if his ex was free and in town. Christ…what if she got into the Barrett House and rigged something in there to kill him? Idiot…stop thinking like that or you're going to end up a basket case . He listened to Margo and Phil talk as the doc did a quick but very thorough physical, down to listening to his lungs with a stethoscope and having him take very deep breaths. Slow…deep breaths.    
    The doc finished examining Matt and had the two of them help him to his feet and onto the couch. He leaned into the cushion and continued to breathe.  
    "How's he doing, Henry?"  
    The doctor set his bag on the coffee table and his hands on his hips. "He's okay. But he's going to be tired. He started going into shock and that always takes a lot out of anyone. So if you have some time to rest, I'd do it now."  
    Matt shook his head. "No time. We have to tell Chloe. And we have to tell the Sheriff."  
    Margo spoke up. "She might back out if she knows about what happened in New Orleans. Oh and I already spoke to the Sheriff."  
    Matt half turned to look up at her. "What did he say?"
    "Nothing much. They don't have anything to go on, or anything that proves she hung the witch up. There's nothing they can do."  
    "Oh," Dr. Coleman said as he looked at Margo. "Are you talking about the effigy over in Mesa Cove ?"  
    "Yes. Are you friends with Chloe?" Matt said.  
    "She's one of my niece's friends. I watched her grow up. I hate that someone did that to her."  
    "Me too," Matt said and then checked his watch. "We have to go." He pushed himself up off the couch. Margo grabbed his shoulder when he wobbled.  
    "I really think you need to rest," Dr. Coleman said.  
    Matt pointed to his inhaler on the floor. Margo grabbed it and he shoved it into his pocket. "I know. But I've got a job to do so everyone can get paid. And Chloe's going to meet us at the Barrett House. I have to tell her what's up. She needs to know."  
    Margo sighed. "I'll drive. Phil, we'll see you there tonight? And Dr. Coleman?"  
    Phil nodded and proceeded them out of the apartment. Matt locked the door and turned to see the doc looking up at him. "What is it, doc?"  
    "You're really worried about Chloe, aren't you?"  
    Matt nodded and held onto the railing as they descended the steps. "Yeah I am."  
    "You like her?"  
    He paused before he answered. He wanted to check his feelings. But he didn't answer until they hit the last step. "Yes. I do. I really do like her."  

CHAPTER EIGHT

    Chloe felt a blanket of relief cover her shoulders when Matt stepped out of a blue sedan. A tall, statuesque blond stepped out from the driver's side.  
    Kevin pointed. "Okay…that's Margo Richmond, the tech side of the hunting team. There were lots of rumors about the