2 The Haunted Fixer-Upper Read online

  Would I be able to handle the house? I figured I could be in and out in a couple of months, even if the other fixer-upper project I’d done before had taken a lot longer. This time, it would be different because I had experience. I’d learned how to do plaster with the other home and Reed had taught me to tile a floor, and they weren’t stick on tiles either. The one thing that was missing right now was my best friend, Lacey. I missed our time together though. There was nothing like talking over a cup of coffee with your best friend. One thing was for certain, I wouldn’t give any money to a contractor this time before they even did any work. I’d learned the hard way last time and lost money in the process.

  I looked off into the distance. It wasn’t terribly far from here to the plantation. I wondered if the man in the woods could make it this far. The last thing I needed was to run into an escaped mental patient roaming the woods. I shuddered at the thought and hurried back inside. When I entered the cabin, everything was quiet. The water from the shower had been shut off and Reed was nowhere in sight. I tiptoed over to the bedroom and found Reed passed out on the bed asleep. Was I outside that long? He must have been tired.

  I watched him sleep peacefully for a few seconds, then eased back out of the bedroom to call to my best friend back in Kentucky. I hoped I wouldn’t wake her, but I wanted to share the news about the house and I had to tell someone about the strange man I’d seen. The event was sitting heavy on my mind.

  Lacey and I had been friends forever. We had a ton in common. Lacey had special psychic ability and investigated the paranormal with the rest of our team. Too bad she wasn’t with me now. Maybe she could tell me if anything strange was in that old house. Her psychic ability would be invaluable in this situation. Not that I’d care much if the place had ghosts. A haunting just added character to a house. Reed’s aunt had a gift of talking to the dearly departed too, but she was back in Kentucky. Maybe if I goggled for psychics in the area. Another paranormal research team may know of someone who could help in that department.

  Lacey answered with a rushed hello on the first ring.

  “Did I wake you?” I asked.

  “Hold on a second.” There was silence for a few seconds, then she said, “I had to go into the other room. I’m on an investigation. Lots of ghosts in this house.”

  “I wouldn’t have called so late but I couldn’t hold my excitement any longer,” I said.

  “Oh no. What have you done now? I don’t think I have enough money for bail, Alabama.”

  I rolled my eyes even though she couldn’t see. “Oh, will you stop. I found another house.”

  “Uh-oh. And don’t roll your eyes at me either.”

  “Hey, the other house turned out okay.”

  She snorted. “That depends on who you ask.”

  “Never mind that,” I said.

  “So what are you trying to tell me? Are you buying a house?” she asked.

  I sighed. “To be honest, I don’t know. But I can’t lie and say that I don’t want it.”

  After describing the beauty of the place to Lacey, I told her about the other strange event.

  “So he was just watching you from the woods?” she asked. “Got to tell you, Alabama, that’s a bit creepy.”

  “A bit creepy? It’s a lot creepy.”

  “Maybe he was just hunting.” The hesitation in her voice let me know she didn’t believe that for two seconds.

  “Yeah, for what? People to murder?”

  She let out a deep breath. “Just be careful. Hey, before you hang up, tell me about Reed’s family.”

  I paused. “They’re nice.”

  “That’s it? They’re nice? What about his uncle?” I knew without seeing her that she had a huge scowl on her face.

  “I’m not sure.” I lowered my voice in case Reed had woken up. “Something’s going on between them.”

  “Well, find out what and call me back. And for heaven’s sake, be careful, Bama,” Lacey said.

  “You say that like I always get in trouble,” I teased.

  “Well...” She laughed. “Just come home soon.”

  “You got it.”

  Chapter Six

  The next day, after renting a car that with any luck wouldn’t break down, I convinced Reed to make a trip to visit the car dealer who owned the planation. As we made our way into town, I decided to ask Reed about his Uncle Lou.

  “You know, I couldn’t help but notice that there might be a little tension between you and your uncle,” I said.

  Reed could pretend that his expression didn’t change, that his jaw didn’t tense, but I knew something was wrong. I saw it.

  “Everything is fine.” He didn’t look at me as we drove down the main artery of town. “I just want you to have a fun time while you’re here with me.” He cast a quick glance my way.

  “I am having a great time, but I want to make sure you’re okay.”

  He flashed a fake smile. “Yep, everything is fine.”

  His answers were on repeat. I was getting nowhere with this topic. I’d have to talk to his uncle. If there was a problem, I was going to fix it. For now, I’d let Reed off the hook and change the topic.

  “What do you know about the plantation? You said it had been torn down?” I asked.

  “Like I said, a lot of kids liked to go there for a good scare.” Reed steered the car into a right turn.

  “Has it always been abandoned?”

  He shook his head. “No, a man and woman lived there a while back.”

  I looked at him. “Really? What do you know about them?”

  Reed’s appearance remained tense even though we weren’t discussing his uncle anymore. It must have still been weighing on his mind.

  He shrugged. “I know she was a teacher at the high school in town.”

  “When did they sell the house?” I asked.

  He kept my hands on the wheel and his gaze focused on the road. “Um. They didn’t as far as I know.”

  I quirked a brow. “What do you mean? They had to sell it. They didn’t just walk away one day.”

  He avoided my gaze as he steered the car around a corner. Reed was acting funny.

  “Is there something you’re not telling me?” I pressed.

  He chuckled nervously. “No. You’re letting your imagination get the better of you.”

  I narrowed my eyes. “Well, can you blame me? You are acting weird.”

  He gave a lopsided grin. “Thanks a lot.”

  I crossed my arms in front of my chest. “So you didn’t answer the question. Did they just walk away?”

  He paused, then said, “I think they did.”

  A chill ran up my spine. “That’s weird.”

  “Not much weird about it. I think they just couldn’t afford it,” he said in a nonchalant tone.

  Reed pulled into our destination and I didn’t have a chance to ask more questions, but I would later. I wouldn’t drop the subject that easily.

  The car lot sat at the corner of two busy streets. Melody had been right, the place looked like a castle and a federal-style home had had a baby. Only problem was that the two didn’t look good together.

  Black iron bars covered the windows and a fake tower had obviously been added on the side of the once-lovely home. Stone had been added to the façade. I knew that underneath that was the beautiful original masonry work. It was a shame to see the house changed so drastically. I hadn’t seen it in its original condition, but I knew that this was a match that didn’t go well together. The place stuck out like a giant medieval sore thumb.

  All different makes and models of used cars filled the lot. Reed had a hard time finding an empty spot to park the car. Not another vehicle would fit into the space. All the cars would have to be rearranged to get to others. The parking arrangement was like an intricate puzzle that probably only the owner of the place could solve.

  As soon as Reed and I hopped out of the car, a salesman swiftly approached. He had a bounce in his step as if he’d just downed severa
l energy shots. I hated to say he was the clichéd image that came to mind when you thought of a car salesman, but he had the persona down to a T. His dark hair was slicked back against his head and he wore black slacks with matching shoes so polished that I almost saw my reflection. The sleeves on his white button-down shirt were rolled up to his elbows and his bright green and white polka dot tie screamed for everyone to take notice. Since we were the only people on the lot, I sensed he was eager for a sale.

  Before the salesman had a chance to speak, another car pulled up, screeching to a halt only a few inches from the man. Reed pulled me closer to him. The driver of the car jumped out and stomped over to the car salesman, stopping just inches from his face. The angry man wore ripped jeans and a too-tight black T-shirt. His sand-colored hair fell to his shoulders in waves and his skin was tan as if he’d spent a lot of time in the sun.

  “I need to talk with you,” the man demanded.

  “I’m with customers right now. We can talk later.” The salesman had an Irish accent that I hadn’t expected. He looked at us and gave a wide fake smile.

  “You’ve put me off enough and now I want my money.” The man’s fists were clenched by his sides.

  The salesman shifted from foot to foot. “I don’t have your money right now.”

  “Well, I guess I’ll have to take it out of your ass.” He invaded even more of the salesman’s space, if that was even possible.

  Reed moved a few steps forward. “Stan Kern, is that you?” Reed asked the angry man.

  The guy looked over with a frown. When he focused on Reed’s face, the frown disappeared and was replaced with a smile. “Well, if it isn’t Reed O’Hara. When the hell did you get back in town?”

  I glanced over at the salesman and he looked as if a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. At least Reed had caused a distraction and had gotten the guy to calm down. Reed and Stan shook hands.

  “I just got back a few days ago. Stan, this is my girlfriend, Alabama Hargrove.” Reed touched my arm lightly.

  “Nice to meet you, Alabama.” He eyed me up and down.

  I attempted a half-hearted smile. “Pleased to meet you.”

  The meeting was a little awkward considering he was about to clobber the salesman.

  “Sorry about this.” Stan looked at the salesman and frowned. “I’ll expect my money tomorrow.” He pointed at the salesman.

  The salesman cleared his throat. “Well, I’ve got a few things going on…,” he said in a shaky voice.

  “I don’t want to hear your excuses. Pay up or you’ll be sorry.” Stan pointed at him.

  The glare in Stan’s eyes told me he was serious about that threat. Reed cleared his throat and Stan slowly turned to look at us.

  “So, um, Stan, what are you doing nowadays?” Reed interrupted, trying to distract Stan from his threats.

  “I’m still a contractor.” Stan cast a glance toward the salesman, then pulled out his card and handed it to Reed. “Give me a call,” Stan said.

  Every word out of Stan’s mouth seemed more like a command than general conversation. He wasn’t much for pleasantries obviously.

  I wasn’t sure what the men’s argument had been about, but there was clearly some bad blood there. I was just thankful Stan hadn’t pulled out a gun or knife. I’d hate to have to pummel the guy with my giant purse, but I would if need be.

  Reed took the card, glanced at it. Stan plastered a smile on his face as he looked at me. I forced the sides of my mouth to move upward. I’d be nice even though my skin crawled when this guy looked at me.

  “We’ll get together before you leave,” Stan stated.

  Reed nodded and stuffed the card into his pocket. “Yeah, sounds good. I’ll give you a call.”

  I wasn’t sure I liked the guy, but if Reed was friends with him I guessed that he must be okay. Stan stomped back to his car. The door on his green Dodge moaned as he swung it open and then hopped behind the wheel. Yes, something about the guy definitely rubbed me the wrong way. I wasn’t sure if it was his voice, his actions, or just the all-around bad vibe he put off. Did the salesman really owe him money? Unless he wanted serious bodily harm, he should probably pay up.

  Chapter Seven

  Reed and I looked at the salesman, who plastered a smile across his face. “I’m terribly sorry about that.”

  “That’s quite all right,” I said.

  “Welcome to Millerton Quality Used Cars. What can I do for you folks?” he asked as if nothing strange had just happened.

  I guessed he had the philosophy that if he ignored something it would go away.

  The man continued before we had a chance to answer. “Looking for a car? I have the best deals in town.” He waved his arms through the air in a grand motion. “I’m Gordon Millerton and I own this car lot. I’ll give you a deal you can’t turn down.” He took a business card from his pocket and handed it toward Reed.

  I spoke up before Gordon Millerton got too carried away. I didn’t want Reed driving away in a new truck. The last thing we needed was a lemon.

  I waved my hands to catch his attention. “We’re not looking for a car.”

  “A truck? I have several on sale right now.” He gestured and looked around the lot, hoping our eyes would follow.

  I shook my head. “No, we’re not here to buy a vehicle.”

  A scowl spread across his face. He didn’t look so friendly now.

  “Well, I’m not interested in anything you have to sell.” He turned around and started walking back toward the ‘castle’ house.

  I looked at Reed and he shook his head. “What a great guy. Come on, Alabama. I doubt we’ll be able to talk to him about the house. He’s obviously a jackass. No wonder Stan was mad at him.”

  “No, wait, let me talk to him. When he finds out we may want to buy something else I’m sure he’ll change his tune.” I hurried toward the man. “Excuse me, Mr. Millerton, but we’re here to talk to you about the McKeeley Plantation.” I thought I’d have to tackle the guy to catch his attention

  “Oh, another one worried about what I’m going to do to the place, huh? Well, it’s none of your business.” He waved me off.

  I continued to chase the man as he hurried toward the building. “No, I wondered if you’d be interested in selling the house? Is it for sale?”

  He stopped, turned around, and looked at me. A big smile spread across his face. He was a true salesman. “I’m so sorry. I get a lot of harassment because of what I did to this house.” He pointed toward the building.

  I nodded, but didn’t tell him that I thought his creation was butt-ugly and the harassment somewhat justified. “That’s okay. I understand.”

  Reed had walked up behind me.

  The man looked from me to Reed. “I’d be willing to sell the plantation for the right price.”

  By the gleam in his eyes, I could tell that he had a high dollar amount in mind.

  “Come on in and we can discuss it.” He motioned over his shoulder.

  I smiled at Reed as he followed me up the stairs. “What do you think?” I whispered.

  “I think he’s nuts,” Reed answered.

  Well, yeah, that was pretty obvious.

  We followed Gordon up the old stone steps toward the building. I expected to see remnants of a historic home but almost everything appeared to be new. What looked like stumps from rose bushes lined the stone path toward the home. My gosh. Had he even destroyed those?

  The old doors had been replaced with new fake wooden ones. The floor was now carpet. I hoped he’d just covered the old hardwoods that had probably been there rather than ripped them out. Very little hints of the grand home it once was remained. The inside had hints of the grand home it had once been. Too bad it was buried under this man’s weird designs. To each their own, but it was a shame to see the house changed so much. If he’d wanted a castle then why hadn’t he built a new one? Maybe he’d wanted this prime location to sell his cars. I guessed the historical society was lucky that he
hadn’t torn the house completely down.

  His office was painted in a dark burgundy color, like the shade of those awful pickled beets my mother always ate, and a metal of armor stood sentinel in the corner of the room. A large metal desk took up most of the space in the middle of the room. Files littered the top. It didn’t look as if he followed a strict filing system. Didn’t Melody say he was her boss? Was she the accountant? Or did she sell cars?

  “Please have a seat.” He gestured toward the two metal chairs in front of his desk.

  “Thank you,” I said, as I took a seat. “My name is Reed O’ Hara and this is Alabama Hargrove.” Heat rushed to my cheeks. “I mean, this is Reed and I’m Alabama.”

  “Nice to meet you folks,” he said as he shook Reed’s hand and winked at me.

  I glanced around the space. He had framed photos of different castles. What else, right? Why was I not surprised? This guy was obsessed.

  “So what’s this about the McKeeley place?” he asked.

  “Well, we’re interested in the place.” I looked at Reed to see if he was backing me up on that statement.

  “I must admit I’m a little shocked that you showed up now. It’s quite a coincidence. I’ve been thinking about selling the house.” He folded his hands together and placed them on top the desk. “The place is more than I have time to take on right now. I bought another house in addition to this one and the plantation. I just don’t have time to work on all of them. I like to oversee all the work to make sure it’s done correctly, so you can imagine how time-consuming that can be.” His accent was more apparent the more he spoke.

  “That’s understandable. So you’re interested in selling the place?” Reed asked.

  “Yes, I’ll let it go for the right price.” He looked from me to Reed.

  “How much?” I blurted out.

  Reed glared at me. It wasn’t like that wasn’t a valid question though. Would it really be that easy? They always said if it seemed too good to be true, then it probably was. Gordon told us the price and surprisingly it was less than I’d expected.