The real estate office was bright and cheerful, with large potted plants in each corner and flowers on the counter. The young receptionist was happy to buzz the agent for him, and a minute later, a woman with dark, perfectly coiffed hair and a red business suit strode out from the back.
“Mr. Trent?”
Steven stood and offered his hand, which the woman shook firmly. “Ms. Smithe,” he said. “Thank you so much for taking the time.”
“Not that much time, Mr. Trent.” She held out a single key on a ring. “This will open the front door.”
Steven took the key from her. “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome. The electricity and water are still on, and the heat's set warm enough so the pipes won’t freeze when the temperature drops. It is a little chilly in there, though, so if you’re spending the night, I’d recommend dressing warmly and bringing a good sleeping bag.”
“Will do.” He debated briefly, then decided that he had nothing to lose (he had the key in hand, after all). “Ms. Smithe, have you experienced anything in the house? Anything supernatural?”
The young woman behind the desk looked up.
Ms. Smithe glanced at her, then back at Steven, her eyes narrowed. She stepped closer and smiled tightly. “Mr. Trent,” she said in a low voice, “It is a house. It is a property that I am trying to sell. And that is all. Mr. Lacey has requested that you be granted access, and that’s his right. But I would appreciate it if you left me out of it – and didn’t go blabbing your mouth and making my job harder.”
Steven tilted his head. “You did see something, didn’t you?”
Her smile vanished, and she turned around. “Slide the key into the mail slot tomorrow morning.” Then she walked back to her office. “Good day, Mr. Trent.”
Steven heard a door slam.
The woman behind the desk watched her go, then looked back at Steven. “This is about the Lacey place, huh?”
Steven shifted his eyes to her. “Yes, it is. Why?”
The woman nodded. “I figured. She doesn’t like that house. She’s supposed to show the house and everything, but every time someone wants to see it, she has some excuse why she can’t show it, and has one of our trainees do it.”
“Has she said why?”
“Not as such. I do remember her saying something about a baby…but I’m pretty sure the Laceys don’t have any kids.”
Steven nodded, pressing his lips together. “Well. Thank you for telling me this.”
“No problem. Only…” She craned her neck to look down the hallway, then turned back to Steven. “Just don’t tell her I told you, okay?”
Steven smiled. “You got it. Have a great day.”
She sighed. “I’ll try, but I’m guessing she’s in a foul mood now; she’s a total bitch when she’s in a bad mood.” She again glanced quickly down the hall. “Don’t tell her I told you that, either.”
Tara Martin – exceptionally accomplished neurobiology major with a troubled past. Steven Trent – confident political science major with an irresistible attraction to Tara. Paul Stratton – history major who is able to hear spirits. Together, they make up the Society for Paranormal Researchers at their prestigious New England University. When they’re not in class or writing papers, the three friends are chasing their passion….ghosts.
When the group learns of a local retired couple trying to sell a house they claim is haunted, they decide to investigate. As the clues unfold, a familiar spirit interrupts their investigation and Tara finds her life in danger. Can her friends save her before it’s too late?
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Genre – YA paranormal, NA paranormal
Rating – PG-13
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