The Secret of Strange Waters (The Light Keeper Series Book 2) by Kelly Hall Read Free Book Online Page A

for me to continue. “It’s nice always knowing where he is and that he’s always there for me.”
    “Do you...” she started, her face turning pink. “You know, get together ?” She turned away, embarrassed.
    “No, and just so you know, our parents have no idea we‘re even a couple.”
    “Really? Wow. How?” Her mouth hung open as if she didn’t believe me. “Sorry, I figured you’d certainly—well, by now.” I must have turned pink myself, because then she apologized. “I’m sorry, it’s really none of my business. I shouldn’t have asked you that.” She peered down at her wet red nails as I painted the last fingertip.
    “It’s okay. We’ve come close. It’s complicated, really.” I needed to steer the conversation away from the tiny bundle if I wanted to keep it together. Luckily, Holly was easily distracted.
    “Hey, nice ring. Did Talon give you that?” she asked.
    I glanced down at the ring that had belonged to Alyssa. “No. I found it, actually.” I couldn’t tell her too much, or she might never come back.
    “Wow! I never get that lucky,” she said, shaking her hands to dry the polish. Her nails were prettier than mine and natural.
    Hunter came out of Talon’s room and stood in my doorway. “Oh no, don’t paint her all up with that mess, she don’t need it.”
    “It’s only my nails, silly.” She held out her hand. Hunter appreciated Holly’s natural beauty. She rarely wore makeup, and though her hair was plain and straight, she was beautiful.
    “You two about ready? I‘m starved.” He rubbed his stomach, looking over his shoulder at Talon who came up behind him and peeked in.
    I slipped on my shoes and grabbed my handbag. “We’re ready when you are,” I answered.
    Hunter opened the door for Holly on the way out. The whole night, he was a perfect gentleman. He let Holly choose seafood and which theater we went to. It was really strange to see him act so civilized. No joking around, no pranks—it must have been hard on him. He even sat through the movie quietly, and he’s usually the guy everyone shushes. He was too busy staring at Holly to even laugh at the funny parts. He passed on popcorn, and I even noticed he was wearing cologne and a new shirt. He was rather handsome, really, and the two of them were too cute together.
    After nearly an hour of driving on our way back home, we turned on Bragg Road. Holly peeked back at me. “Hey, can we look for the Bragg Light?” This was the usual reason for people to come down the road, but we just happened to live on it.
    I didn’t answer. Talon nudged me where she couldn’t see. “We better get back home,” I said, hoping to deter her.
    “Have you guys ever seen it? You must have, living out here on the road,” she continued.
    “Oh sure, lots of times,” Hunter replied.
    Holly cleared her throat. “It’s swamp gas, you know. I’m not sure about all that ghost stuff, but I guess it could be real.” She looked back at me again. “You ever see it, Lily?”
    “Once.” I didn’t know what more to say. I couldn’t tell her that I was the Keeper of it; that I could control it with my mind and use it to see the past and future.
    “You have? Really? I want to see it, too.” She nudged Hunter, growing excited. “Let’s try for a little bit. It will be fun! Please.” I heard a plea in her voice. I should have known Hunter would give her what she wanted. Minutes later, we were creeping slowly down the road again, looking out into the darkness. Only this time, I was quite sure the Light wouldn’t appear, and if it did, it would be all my doing.
    “Is it scary, Lily?” Holly laid her head on Hunter’s arm as he threw me a glance in the rear view mirror.
    “Yeah, it kind of is. I really want to go now.” I tried to sound scared.
    “Me too,” Talon agreed. “We could be out here all night. It’s not like it appears when you want it to.” He gave me a shrug, and we tightened our lips to keep from