The House on Lake Jasper: A Tilton Chartwell Mystery (Tilton Chartwell Mysteries Book 1) by Anne Kelleher Read Free Book Online Page A

anyone?”
    “Not for me,” says Tilt.  She’s starting to feel worn out, as if the house is a giant energy siphon.  For the first time, it occurs to her that maybe spending the night in this house is less than a good idea.  But she’s so tired now, and she doesn’t remember passing any other inns or motels on the dark roads here. 
    “I’ll have a cup,” says Aubrey. 
    June reaches for Aubrey’s cup, then pauses as Chuck enters the room.  “Tilton,” he says, “could I trouble you to move your car?  I’m going to have to leave for the night, I’m afraid.  But I’ll be back bright and early in the morning.”
    Surprised, Tilt gets to her feet, and goes in search of her bag.  Behind her, she can hear Chuck talking in low tones, too low, to really hear what he’s saying, by way of explanation.  She finds her keys as a deep sense of disappointment hits her.  Don’t be ridiculous, she thinks to herself.  Why on earth should it matter if this guy leaves for the night? 
    She’s almost to her car when she hears him behind her.  “Hey,” he says, as she reaches for the handle.  “You probably didn’t hear what I said back there.   One reason I accepted this job… my ex-wife and kid live up here… two towns over but just a couple miles away as the crow flies, or a kid can ride a bike.  Murdstone thinks it’s Bobby…Bobby and a bunch of kids he’s starting to run with in the last few months.  I’m going over to his mother’s house, and deal with this tonight, if I can.”
    He comes a few steps closer, and she can see the growth of beard on his chin, the shadows under his eyes.  He takes her hand, leans closer.  For a split second, Tilt wonders if he’s going to kiss her.  Don’t be ridiculous, she thinks.   “Just do me a favor,” he says.  His breath tickles her ear.  “Lock your door tonight.”
    Tilt pulls back, shocked.  “Lock my door?  Why?”
    He gazes down at her, his eyes gentle, kind and dark with as many secrets as the lake.  “I don’t have time right now.  Just promise me you’ll do it.  Please.”

 
    Chapter Nine
     
    Tilt watches the lights of the little orange beetle fade into the night.  She feels alone, for some reason, almost bereft.  The darkness settles around her like a soft cloak, the night air heavy with the mist drifting across the lake now in wide swaths.  The only light is from the windows, dim rectangles of dull gold light lying across the spring green lawn.  The house crouches behind her, less like an old lady than a gargoyle. 
    Don’t let them forget . 
    Sarah.  Tilt looks up, around.  Is that you? 
    The air is colder now, dank with the scent of water and rotting leaves.  The mist gathers, taking on form, shape and substance.  Don’t let them forget.  
    The whisper fades and the mist dissipates as the front door opens.  “Tilton?”  Aubrey’s peering outside, wrapping her arms around herself.  “Are you still out here?”
    “Yes,” Tilt calls back. 
    “What are you doing out here?” 
    “Looking for ghosts, I guess.”  Tilt’s shoes crunch on the gravel as she walks slowly back to the porch.  The closer she gets to the house the drier the air feels, but just as heavy…if not even heavier… than nearer the water.  She pauses, on the lowest step, and looks out across the lake. 
    For a split second, she thinks she sees a flash at the end of what looks like it could be a dock, extending out from the shore. 
    “Find any?” 
    “Did you see anything out there just now?”  Tilt points toward the end of the dock. 
    “No,” says Aubrey emphatically.  “And I don’t think I want to.  This place is starting to creep me out, Tilt.  And I’m not sure why.”
    Tilt smiles, then shrugs.  “Welcome to my world, little sis.” 
    “I guess that means you did?  See something?  Just now?”
    Tilt sighs, nods slowly.  “I thought I saw I flash of light at the end of the dock.  And I know I heard