Free Audrey Claire - Libby Grace 02 - How to Blackmail a Ghost by Audrey Claire Page A

does that mean?” There we were out on the street with Sharon standing like a zombie, and me trying to learn all I could about Ian. I should be home with my son living a normal life. Ordinary didn’t exist anymore, and yet, I was not depressed. I was beginning to accept it, even find fulfillment. Well, after I settled this murder business.
    To my surprise, Ian answered my question. I wondered if he did so because he felt guilty for pushing Sharon and going against his promise not to manipulate my interviewees while we were out.
    “I can hide myself so that no one can sense me. There are different degrees of this, such as occupying a room while others do not notice. They may walk right by and not see me.
    “Interesting. Can you do it whenever you want?”
    “I can.”
    “Will it work on me?”
    “I have not tested it.” He peered at me in the darkness. “I have had no reason to hide from you as yet.”
    His statement warmed me, but I shook the feelings away. “Please, undo what you did to her, Ian. I don’t want to rake through people’s minds against their will. It’s not right.”
    He flared his nostrils and sighed. I knew his patience also wore thin when it came to my morals, but he gave in. “What I did was not very strong. When I am out of her presence, it will wear off.”
    “Good.” I tugged at his arm, and we turned to head down the street at a normal pace. “I remember the women who showed up at your door every day to try to get your attention. I thought it was because of how handsome you are.”
    He stopped walking. “Is that your opinion of me?”
    I bit my tongue.
    “Liberty?”
    “Good night, Ian. I’ll see you tomorrow night.”
    I left him standing there alone and retuned to my home in the blink of an eye. Ian’s and my relationship needed no further complications.

Chapter Eight
     
    I decided it might be better for all involved not to take Ian with me the next time I talked to someone, and since I didn’t get to talk to Sharon at all, I put her at the top of the list. My idea was to invite her out for a jog. I caught her on a day when she was leaving the office early and pretended to be just running by.
    “Oh, hey, Sharon,” I called with a bright smile and a wave. “Just out for some exercise. Is this a half day for you? Why don’t you join me?”
    My little speech came out too rushed and totally unnatural, but I didn’t have time to kick myself and think of something else. I kept the plastic smile in place and hoped for the best. The harried secretary, who was a bit overweight but nothing more than most of us fought with, bristled. “Are you implying I am fat, Libby Grace?”
    “What? No. I-I-I.” This was not the response I had expected. Women were always looking for gym partners or walk buddies, and Monica hated to sweat or exercise. I had never had a problem with that because I enjoyed running alone. However, it never occurred to me Sharon might be offended. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you. I would never call anyone fat. I just thought we could spend some time together and get to know each other.”
    “O-Of course.” Sharon lowered her voice and leaned closer to me. “It’s the mayor. She’s such a cold— You know. There’s no pleasing her. I had to fight to get the afternoon off even though half the time I’m just reading at my desk anyway.”
    I recalled the last time I visited the mayor’s office. Sharon had been enjoying a romance novel. I had had the feeling she did so in secret.
    “But isn’t this a busy time for you?” I asked. “With the festival and permits and so many tourists in town?”
    She waved her hand. “The mayor hobnobs with them not me, and the permits for the vendors are requested and approved or disapproved weeks ahead of time. My part is done.”
    “Oh, okay, that makes sense.” I struggled to think of an excuse to get the conversation around to Sadie and her death, but nothing came to mind. “How about I buy you lunch,