Free Thirteen Chances by Cindy Miles Page B

noticed the furious clouds swirling overhead. The air had grown colder, and the drops were coming a bit faster. She started for the gatehouse, her walk brisk. She was on a mission now, and it included having a little chat with four sweet, seemingly innocent B and B owners. They knew a lot more than they’d let on; she was willing to bet money on it. And Emma wanted to know a lot more about the ghost roaming the lands of Arrick other than that he was incredibly grumpy, an incredible bully, and … incredibly sexy.
    Once inside the gatehouse, she turned to look at the courtyard. Gray and bleak, yet somehow … utterly striking.
    Sort of like the original owner, she imagined.
    “Meanie,” she said out loud as she left the gatehouse and made for the manor.
    As soon as Emma was out of sight, Christian emerged in the courtyard.
    Things were not working out as planned.
    “Well,” said Godfrey, who materialized beside him, “ ’twas rather interesting.”
    Christian grunted.
    “I,” said Justin, appearing between them, “especially liked the sword-stabbing part.” He elbowed Christian in the ribs. “Quite effective ghost trickery, aye? You big meanie.”
    “I must say, ’twas a first, indeed,” added Godfrey, chuckling. “I flinched.”
    Justin laughed, placing his hands on his hips. “Damn me, but did you see how she dangled purposely from the steps?” He shook his head. “Clever girl, if you ask me.”
    Christian glared at both of them. “If I weren’t already dead, I’d throw myself off the seawall, just to escape you.” He moved from between them before he clunked their heads together.
    Godfrey and Justin merely laughed.
    Christian shook his head and began to walk.
    “Where are you going now?” asked Godfrey. “You’re not going to try and strangle her, are you?”
    “ ’Tis plain to see she’s no’ goin’ to frighten, Chris,” called Justin.
    Christian stopped, staring straight ahead. “Suggestions?”
    Godfrey and Justin caught up to him. Justin slung an arm over his shoulder. “Aye. Stop harassin’ the poor lass. You canna change fate’s design, boy.” He gave Christian a shake. “You just can’t.”
    Godfrey approached. “You’ve only a fortnight, lad, and some of those days have already passed. Use the rest of your time together wisely.” He gave a grim smile. “Enjoy her.”
    Christian sighed. “I thought you’d say that.” He turned and met his friends’ gaze. “But I fear I’m compelled to try it my way.” With that, he continued to walk.
    “Well, dunna try pokin’ her with your blades again, lad,” said Justin. “She’ll only laugh next time.”
    Christian continued to walk until he could no longer hear his idiotic friends’ laughter.
    And as he disappeared into the mist gathered at the gatehouse, he knew without a shred of doubt that they were absolutely right.

Chapter 8
    Just as Emma laid her stuff down by the bench in the foyer, Willoughby’s melodic voice rang out.
    “In here, love!” she called from the kitchen. “Just in time for tea and a fresh batch of cakes!”
    Emma scowled at the kitchen door. She knew all the little tea-brewing, cake-baking conspirators would be in there.
    Conspiring.
    But before Emma could approach and interrogate, the phone rang. One of the sisters answered, then called, “Emma, dear! ’Tis for you!”
    Just then, Millicent came bustling out of the kitchen, waving the cordless in front of her. “Here you go!” she said happily.
    Emma took the phone and grinned through her teeth. “Thank you.”
    “Right!” she said, r’s rolling, and then darted back into the kitchen.
    Emma lifted the phone to her ear. “Hello?”
    “So. How is it?”
    “Zoë! What are you doing calling here?”
    “I don’t know. I have a few minutes before I meet with the cake lady and thought I’d check in on you.” She lowered her voice. “Find anything interesting there?”
    Emma couldn’t help it. She snorted, then choked.
    “Are you