Free The Haunting of Annabelle by Carl East Page A

was
something she needed right now.
    The days passed so quickly, that when an
offer for a spot on the runway came from a new designer, she
graciously declined. Perhaps if she wasn’t so available it would
increase her appearance value. Playing a little hard to get never
hurt anyone and besides, what did she have to lose? Shrugging her
shoulders, she switched gears to concentrate on packing a suitcase
for the weekend real estate trip. She needed to include her workout
clothes, a pair of good walking shoes and a few mix-and-match
pieces that would go from day to night. Might as well check to see
what the area had to offer if she was going to purchase real estate
there. Years of heading out to last minute shoots made the packing
a snap, the only thing left was her cosmetic and toiletries
case.
     

Chapter 2
     
    The train platforms were crowded with people
heading out of the city to homes or vacation spots. Her destination
was announced, and she noticed while boarding that there appeared
to be a fair amount of people with carry-on bags heading out for
the weekend. Heading to her reserved seat, she spent the time
reviewing her notes on what she had found out about the town so
far. Several banks, restaurants, small theater groups and a lake
nearby were obvious pluses. The town already had riding stables and
sailing docks on the lake. She reviewed the information on a small
resort that offered skiing in the winter. What they didn’t have was
an upscale bed-and-breakfast for the young trendsetters that loved
to be catered for. The time passed quickly and when she checked her
watch, she realized the distance they’d travelled from the city.
Probably the main reason why the town still had opportunities
available—the train arrived just as the evening lights were coming
on in the quaint streets.
    As promised, a cab was standing by with the
local driver holding up a homemade sign with her name on it. He
hurried to take her piece of luggage, and said arrangements had
been made for her to stay at a local hotel, which turned out to be
a quaint mom and pop organization. The old Victorian House had
flowers on the path leading up to a wide classic front porch with
assorted rocking chairs, seats and tables that invited guests to
relax. The couple that greeted her at the front desk still used the
classic sign-in book, but the operation was updated to handle
several credit cards. A room off the entrance had been converted to
a seating area and was prepared for cool nights with a fireplace
ready to be lit. Comfortable chairs were scattered around and
several bookcases lined the far wall.
    Her bag was promptly carried up to a room
that faced out to the front of the home, and looking down, she saw
people strolling the storefronts under the old style streetlights.
The room was more than comfortable, if a little small, and it had a
bathroom with shower stall. Everything was as neat as a pin. She
was grateful for the offer of a light meal when she finished
unpacking. The couple offered country breakfasts and family style
meals, which were included in the room’s price. If enough notice
was given, they even packed picnic lunches for those hiking or
going to the lake.
    Settling down later that night, she was
eager to walk through the property she was considering. Her last
thought as she drifted off to sleep was the softness of the pillow
she was resting on and she dreamed of color swatches and bedding
accessories.
     

Chapter 3
     
    The singing of birds woke
her up earlier than usual. The absence of city sounds like the
familiar taxicab horns blaring made the sounds of birds almost
surrealistic. Her eyelids were coaxed open by the light streaming
through the front windows, and suddenly an aroma reached her nose,
and her brain kicked in. I definitely
smell coffee , was her next thought as she
pushed her feet into her slippers and headed for the
bathroom.
    She tidied the room and headed down the
stairs to the smells of bacon cooking and bread