01 Flip That Haunted House - Haunted Renovation Read online

  Once the drink was stirred to her satisfaction, she settled onto the velvety cushions of the sofa, grasping the glass in her left hand.

  “Listen, Alabama, my husband was a dirty rat.” She took a gulp. “Sure, he was fine before we married, but it didn’t take long for him to show his true colors.” She studied the glass, not meeting my gaze. “I caught him in more than one indiscretion. He’d chase after any little tramp who looked his way.” She took another gulp.

  A motive—now I knew she had one. My feet fidgeted from side to side. I longed to get the heck out of there. The front door called my name.

  I shuffled from one foot to the next. “I’m very sorry,” I stammered.

  What else could I say? She made me feel very uncomfortable. “I’ll go measure the room.” I gestured. “If you’ll excuse me…” I slipped out of the room, thankful for the excuse to escape.

  She slurped her drink as I calculated the dimensions of the room. My measuring tape couldn’t move fast enough.

  When I finished, I tossed my supplies back into my purse and said, “Mrs. Cooper, er, Julia…” I waited for her to down the swig. “I must be going, Julia. I took the measurements I needed. I’ll get to work on this project right away—I know you’re in a hurry.”

  “Thank you so much, Alabama.” She jumped up.

  “I’ll be in touch soon,” I said.

  “Please do try to hurry. I can’t tell you enough how much I need this done.”

  “I will. I promise.” I rushed my words. I’d have promised almost anything to get out of there.

  She trailed me to the front door, finishing off her olive along the way. I stepped out onto the porch, still holding my breath. Thank goodness, I made it out alive. Without a doubt, that was one of the most uncomfortable experiences I’d ever had. To top it off, if she wasn’t the killer, then I hadn’t learned a thing to lead me to the real one. Julia had reason to kill her husband, if what she said was true, but it didn’t seem as if she wanted me dead. I almost felt sorry for her. Almost.

  She waved and I hurried away as if she was chasing me with an ax. I swallowed, trying to shake off my uneasy feeling. My skin felt hot and my mouth dry. Sweat beaded on my forehead.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  I hopped in the car.

  “Wow. I haven’t seen you walk that fast since that sale at Bath and Body Works.”

  “Yeah, she gives me the heebie-jeebies.”

  The engine of my old Volvo roared to life, I hit the gas and sped away. Once out of the subdivision, I made a beeline for Sweet Suzie’s.

  “I need to hurry if I want to catch Suzie before she closes for the day. I can’t wait to tell her the news.”

  “She is quite the town nosy-parker.”

  Maneuvering around the squad of ladies entering the restaurant next door, we slipped in the door.

  “My daughter’s boyfriend said they got the autopsy report back,” she stated, as I entered the shop.

  Seems she had news for me, too.

  “I assume we’re alone?” I glanced around the store.

  “Yes.” She smiled as she arranged the display of figurines in the corner of the store. “Hi, Lacey, good to see you. Sorry about the ankle.”

  “Why, thank you, Suzie. Nice to see you again, too. I’m checking out the candles.” Lacey crutched away, leaving me alone with Suzie. Although, if I knew Lacey, she was all ears while pretending to browse.

  “Payne was killed from blunt force trauma to the head.” She grimaced.

  “Oh, God. How horrible.” I shuddered. “And to think I was almost the next victim.” My hand flew to my mouth. My nerves had unraveled from a sturdy cord to a frazzled hair-like thread.

  “You must have just missed the killer.” She stared as if trying to read my expression, and then continued, “I also found out Ron Spencer hightailed it out of town right after you found Payne. Suspicious, huh?” She arched an eyebrow.

  “Really? That's interesting. That’s the partner, right? I can’t believe Mr. Spencer had no involvement with the sale of the house.” I picked up a peaches and berries scented candle and gave it a whiff. The smell of comfort food—maybe it would ease my stress level.

  “Ron wasn’t any easier to work with than Payne. You got off lucky by only dealing with one of those scoundrels.” Suzie placed another figurine on the display.

  “A perfect team, huh?” I sniffed another candle.

  Suzie furrowed her brow. “Ron was picky about which projects he wanted to be involved in and I don’t think Payne liked it none, either.”

  “Sounds like a nice guy,” I quipped. “But why did they continue to work together if they didn’t see eye to eye?”

  “I don’t know. In many ways they were alike. They loved money and you know how dollar signs influence people.” She shook her head.

  I nodded. “Oh…I can’t believe I almost forgot to tell you. It’s the main reason I stopped by.” I placed another homemade candle on the counter for purchase. Sure, I didn’t need it, but I couldn’t resist the aroma.

  “You mean you didn’t come by just to see me?” She placed a hand on her hip and chuckled.

  “Well, of course I did. But that’s not the only reason.”

  The bell on the door jingled and we looked up.

  “Hey, you!” Lacey said, while hugging her husband.

  “Hi, Rob.” I smiled.

  “Hey, Alabama.”

  “Rob, this is Suzie, the owner of the store,” Lacey said.

  “Yes, I think we’ve met at the picnic a few weeks ago.” He shook her hand.

  “What are you doing here?” Lacey asked.

  We stared waiting for his answer.

  “I saw Alabama’s car and thought I’d stop in and steal you away. Want to grab a bite?”

  “Well, I feel so special. Alabama, you want to go?” She looked at me.

  “Oh, no, you two have a good time. I’ll call you later.”

  “Are you sure you’ll be okay?” She whispered.

  “I’ll be fine.” I nodded and smiled. “I’ll call you.”

  “Okay, if you’re sure.” She hesitated. “Call me.” She mimicked a phone at her ear.

  “Nice seeing you again, Lacey. Rob.” Suzie smiled.

  “I won’t be a stranger.” Lacey winked at Suzie.

  “Bye.” Rob called over his shoulder.

  I waved as they made their way out the door.

  After watching them move out of view, I turned to Suzie. “Now, where was I? Oh, yeah. I just came from Julia Cooper’s house.”

  “Details,” she demanded, rushing over to the counter as fast as her short legs allowed.

  I filled Suzie in on the whole sordid scene at Julia’s. Pants-down-around-his-ankles story, and all. She listened with her mouth gaping open.

  “I can’t believe how uncomfortable I felt standing there, listening to her layout all the fine points of her husband’s infidelity. She filed her fingernails the whole time and sipped on the martini. It was horrible.”

  “I can only imagine. You should have run right out of there.”

  I didn’t know if I should admit to Suzie about my sleuthing, so I kept it quiet.

  “You know, he even had an affair with Julia’s best friend, she’s a librarian,” Suzie said with an arched-eyebrow grin.

  “You’re kidding?” I chuckled.

  “Nope. I swear.” She held her hand over her heart as if ready to pledge the allegiance. “Apparently, they were caught around the card catalog. He was trying to file her books. If you know what I mean?” She slammed the cash register shut.

  I burst out in laughter. “That is awful. Well, I’m just glad I got out of Julia’s house alive. I’m not looking forward to any return visits, either.”

  “So, are you still decorating for her? It wouldn’t make you too uncomfortable?” she asked.

  “I think so.” I shrugged. “Until she makes an attempt on my life, I guess I’ll give it a try. I need the extra money.”

 
“Good idea.” Suzie laughed.

  “But, yes, it will be unnerving for me. What’s her deal, anyway? I don’t know anything about her. Just that she’s originally from somewhere in Texas.”

  If anyone knew the details, it would be Suzie.

  “She met him when he was on a business trip, as far as I know. She keeps to herself a lot. I’ll ask around and see what I find out.”

  “Okay. Well, thanks for the news. Keep me updated, all right?” I said, as I made my way to the door.

  “You know I will.” Suzie waved as I stepped onto the sidewalk. The bell chimed marking my departure.

  Birds chirped and people chatted as they strolled along the street. I curved around an elderly couple and I had almost made it to my car when out of the corner of my eye I saw someone dash behind the building across the street. Something told me the person had been watching me. Did the person know where I lived? I quivered at the thought. What the heck was he doing anyway? He vanished from sight as quickly as he’d appeared. Maybe Payne’s killer had found me.

  I tried to use a car as a shield, ducking behind it. A young woman pushing a stroller with one hand and holding onto a toddler crying for ice cream with the other hurried by and eyed me suspiciously. As I peeked my head around the back of the car, so did the person hiding behind the building. His beady eyes held my gaze and his hands remained in his coat pockets. Did he have a gun in there?

  The same face that had terrified me the night I had discovered Payne stared back at me. Nick Patterson, the custodian, watched me. As if spellbound, he didn’t move a muscle. Head tilted, arms dangling, and eyes void. After a few seconds, he darted back behind the building again. What the heck?

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  I ran for my car, stumbling over the curb. I righted myself and hurried forward. In a daze, I scrambled for my car’s door. I hurried into the driver seat and slammed the door shut.

  My gaze stayed on the bank across the street as I fumbled with the keys. With my hands shaking, I finally thrust the key into the ignition. Thank goodness for small favors, because my old clunker purred to life yet again. I waited for a car to pass so I could make an escape. And as I paused, unless my eyes played tricks on me, I saw a woman walk behind the building where Nick had stood. Maybe I needed glasses, but it looked exactly like Julia Cooper. Why would she be there with Nick? As I pulled away, the tires squealed and I got the heck out of Dodge.

  I glanced at the road behind me every few seconds the entire way to Maple Hill Road. If a car came anywhere near mine, my heart rate spiked. A pick-up accidentally pulled out in front of me and I gave the driver a horn-lashing I normally wouldn’t have. But under the circumstances, I saw every car as a potential enemy. Without further incident, I made it to the house. When I pulled up, Sam and the guys were loading the van. I climbed out of the car, my heart rate still high, and glanced over my shoulder to see if Nick Patterson or Julia Cooper had followed me. The coast was clear, at least, I thought. They were nowhere in sight. I didn’t mention my brush with death to the gang. All they cared about was the spirit world anyway.

  “What happened? I thought you were staying until tonight?” I asked. My nerves were still shaken from the event.

  “I think we got all we need.” Was the only answer Sam gave.

  Sam and Nate headed back inside and I followed to help with the rest of the equipment. They grabbed a handful and I walked through the parlor searching for something to carry. In my haste to help, I forgot about the cables strewn about the floor. I stumbled, flying across the room, grasping for anything to save my fall. Maybe I could add circus act to my list of jobs. With my face smashed into the hardwood floor, I couldn’t help but wonder how ridiculous I looked.

  “Are you all right?” a baritone voice asked.

  “Uh-huh.” I mumbled not looking up as I tried to get on my feet. “I’m a little shaken up, but nothing seems to be broken.” I took his extended hand.

  Then I realized whose hand I held.

  I smiled in spite of trying hard to hold it back. “Wait a minute. What are you doing here?”

  Reed stood in front of me with a big grin on his face. My cheeks flushed.

  “I’m helping find the ghost. What else?”

  “Seriously?”

  He nodded. “Yeah, sure. You piqued my interest with all your mumbo jumbo talk. I’m facing my fears.”

  I rolled my eyes. “Very funny.” Was he serious? I couldn’t tell with him.

  “Are you okay? What happened?” Sam asked as she stepped in the room.

  “Nothing. I’m fine. I forgot about the cables.” I brushed off my pants and ignored Reed’s sexy smirk.

  “Maybe if you’d stuck around you wouldn’t have forgotten.” She snapped.

  A loud crash boomed from across the room and we all jumped. You never get used to the unexpected noises. A camera setting on the windowsill had fallen, landing in the middle of the room. Sam retrieved the camera inspecting it for damage while we all exchanged puzzled looks.

  “Looks as if someone wants us to know they’re here.” Sam glanced at Reed as if she expected him to run kicking and screaming from the house.

  The air in the room turned thicker. A sense of negative emotion and fear filled the house, now more than ever. No doubt, some of the sensation came from me, not just the ghost. My fear of the future sent off an aura that was undeniable. Another loud smash reverberated from somewhere in the house. My stomach clenched. I cringed, expecting the worst. It sounded as if a chandelier had fallen, but from where I didn’t know. We all ran to survey the damage and destruction. Only problem was, we weren’t sure where the noise had come from.

  “Let’s split up,” I said. “We’ll search every room.”

  “Sam and I will look around down here. Why don’t you guys search upstairs?”

  Sam headed into the kitchen and I went to the library. Nate, Steve, and Reed each went separate ways. The row of windows overlooking the front yard sat to my right as I entered the library. A fireplace centered the wall in front of me. On the left, a wall full of mahogany bookcases stretched to the ceiling. The whole house seemed to be alive at that moment. Although, I didn’t see a soul in the room, I felt eyes watching. I looked for shadowy figures in the dark corners, but found none. Nor did I find the source of the noise. After a thorough search yielded nothing, we were left scratching our heads. Sam and I returned to the dining room to find Reed standing beside Steve and Nate with a worried expression across his face.

  “Find anything?” Nate asked.

  “Nope. Not a thing,” Sam said.

  “Did you?” she asked.

  They all shook their heads.

  "Things like that been going on all day?" I asked.

  "Nothing that loud,” Steve said.

  “You should have been here and you would have—”

  “Known. I got it,” I snapped.

  “Why don’t you two quit bickering,” Nate said.

  As the words left his lips, my missing water bottle flew from across the room, as if by unseen hands, barely missing Sam. She ducked her head just in time to dodge it. Where it had been, I had no idea. Another dimension, perhaps?

  “I think the ghost must be angry we’re here.” She let out a deep breath as she stood up.

  Or, it didn’t like her. The spirit activity was picking up.

  “Are you all right?” I asked, moving over beside her and touching her arm.

  “I think I need to go get my bible and the holy water.” She moved beside Nate. “Things are getting serious. What if one of us became possessed?”

  I pictured Sam confined to her bed, head spinning around, and a priest trying to cast out the evil spirits.

  Reed scoffed. He’s so smug, even after seeing the paranormal in action.

  “Come on, Sam. We aren’t going to become possessed. What’s gotten into you? I think we have an angry ghost here, not a demon.” I looked at Reed and smirked.

  “Well, all in all, I think the investigati
on went well.” Nate ran a hand through his hair. “With the evidence we collected, and the first-hand encounters. I hope we caught the camera and water bottle on video. That would be awesome.”

  “Yeah, I think it’s safe to say, this place is haunted.” Sam huddled close to Nate. Was she actually scared? Tough girl Sam wasn't so tough, after all.

  “Well, I knew that already, guys. I told you this place was active.”

  They gathered the remaining equipment and headed toward the door.

  “I’ll call you, Alabama.” Sam winked at Reed again. I guess she’d gotten over the fear and was back to flirting. With that, they walked out, leaving me to face the spirit—and Reed.

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  The ghost would be more ticked off than ever and I was left alone to deal with it. Sure, Reed was here, but he couldn’t help. I didn’t need a knight in shining armor, anyway.

  “You need someone to talk to?” Reed asked.

  “Excuse me? Why do you ask?”

  “You look as if you need to talk.” He shoved his hands in his pockets.

  I ignored the dimple in his cheek.

  “Did you really help out with the ghost hunt?” I looked down and studied the scratches on the floor.

  “Maybe.” He shrugged. “So, the house is really haunted, huh?”

  “Yep. You saw with your own eyes.” I paused, and turned my back to him. “This may sound crazy, but I think someone is trying to kill me.” I couldn’t believe I’d blurted it out like that. I’d put myself out there to Reed. What would he say?

  “What? What are you talking about?” He asked with shock in his voice.

  “This blue car tried to run over me, twice.” Breaking my gaze from the window, I turned toward him again. “And when I came out of Sweet Suzie’s today, the custodian from Payne Cooper’s office was watching me with his beady little eyes. And I’m pretty sure Payne Cooper’s widow was there, too.” Okay, I sounded nuts.