Winds of terror by Patricia Hagan Read Free Book Online

eggs into a large bowl, and whipped the golden nuggets into a creamy froth. Then she buttered bread for toast and fixed a large pot of coffee. When everything was ready, she stepped out onto the porch. Sniffing the clean fresh air, she glanced about and saw what she was seeking—the climbing roses that entwined along the porch railing. After picking several, she returned to the kitchen and arranged them in a tiny vase for her aunt's breakfast tray.
    Addie didn't eat much. She listened in silence as Melanie launched into an animated conversation about the changes that she wanted to make in the house.
    "Oh, and I almost forgot," Melanie said as she snapped her fingers. "Butch should be here today."
    Addie's hand paused in midair. "Butch who? I don't want strangers in my house, Melanie."
    The girl laughed with delight. "Oh, Butch never stays a stranger for long. Butch is my dog!" Then she went on to describe the little black-and-white Boston terrier that Robert had given her the day before he left for Korea. "He's been my constant companion, and I couldn't leave him behind. I didn't think you would mind. He's really a very good dog. I'll get Mark to drive me to the depot to pick him up after lunch."
    Addie had stopped eating and lay back upon her pillows, looking very distressed.
    "Aunt Addie, what is it?" Melanie was alarmed, and she leaned forward anxiously. "I didn't think you'd mind. I love Butch so much, you see. I've had him since he was a tiny puppy, and I guess he's special because it's the last thing Robert ever gave me."
    "It's not your having the dog that bothers me," Addie

    said, sounding very tired, very distressed. "Todd won't: let you keep him. Don't you remember Snowball?"
    Melanie sat straight up. "I always knew Todd killed Snowball, but no one else would believe me I And you thought so, too! Why didn't you say so?"
    Addie shook her head. "What good would it have done? I knew the boy was evil, a descendant of the Devil himself, but no one else wanted to believe me. I kept silent whenever I could make myself. But I always thought Todd killed your little dog, Melanie, and I'm afraid for you to bring another one here." Addie looked at her with such sympathy that Melanie knew that the old woman really did believe her nephew returned from his grave to continue his evil ways I
    She took a deep breath. "Aunt Addie, Todd might have killed Snowball, but he won't harm Butch. Todd is dead. He can't hurt anyone, and you must stop thinking any other way."
    Addie finished her breakfast in silence, and Melanie was relieved to see the old woman eat so heartily. Then Melanie helped Addie into a chair while she put fresh sheets on her bed. "There," she said, smiling with satisfaction when she'd finished. "Doesn't that look comfy?" Then, she got a basin of warm water and towels and washcloths. When she returned, she gave her aimt a bath. Once she had her dressed in a fresh gown, she helped her into bed and tucked the crisp, clean covers about her.
    "I'm going to start cleaning the house, and I'll check on you when I bring your lunch," Melanie said at the door. "If you need anything, just ring your bell."
    "Melanie ..."
    She stopped in her tracks.
    Addie's eyes were wide with fear and her face was pale. "Melanie, don't bring that dog here, please!"
    Melanie forced a laugh. "You stop reading so many ghost stories, Aunt Addie. You'll love Butch." She didn't believe in ghosts, and it bothered her that she'd let the old house get to her the night before. Moreover it bothered her to see her aunt suffering from hallucinations and nightmares; it wasn't good for her heart She decided she'd call the doctor later in the morning and tell him everything.
    Mark was in the kitchen, devouring the rest of the

    bacon and eggs. "How is she this morning?" he asked, in a voice that said he couldn't care less.
    Melanie told him about her dog and about Addie's being afraid Todd would come back from the grave to harm it. Her cousin merely nodded, then