The Haunting of Crawley House (The Hauntings Of Kingston Book 1)

by Dorey, Michelle

  “Hey Lawrence. What time do you want to go into town?” I leaned back against the counter and forced a smile.

  For once, he managed to smile when he looked up. “Keira. Sometimes your grandmother forgets how simple life can be. I’ve called the bank manager and the car rental agency.” He shifted the screen of the computer away from him and extended his hand. “All you need to do is pick out the car you want and I’ll let them know which one to bring out. “ He glanced at his watch. “The bank representative will be here with the paperwork and your card in fifteen minutes.”

  Holy cow! I almost choked on the milk I’d just taken a sip of. Lawrence was good. I could see why GM had kept him around so long. And better yet, we both avoided being in the Caddie together. I stepped over to the computer to see the selection of cars. There were sedans, four by fours and trucks. I scrolled down and then my eyes lit up.

  “That’s the one.” I pointed to a fire-engine-red Miata.

  He leaned over to see what I’d selected. “Are you sure about that? I mean you could have a sporty jeep or something just a little sturdier. That one’s a tin can for God’s sake.”

  “Nope. That’s the one.” I spun around and tried to keep from skipping across the kitchen floor. The fact that he hated it; well, that just sealed the deal. My toast popped up and I busied myself buttering it and spreading marmalade, all the while eavesdropping as he placed the call.

  I picked up the milk and the plate of toast and left the room. GM was probably in the sunroom waiting for me. When I entered, she looked up from the book she was reading and plucked the glasses from the end of her nose.

  “Well, don’t you look nice today!” Her gaze took in the princess-heeled sandals and up my bare legs, to my neckline. “I remember wearing skirts that short. Those were the days.” She smiled and her fingers tugged the high collar of her blouse even higher on her crepe neck.

  “Thanks. I dressed thinking I was going into town. But Lawrence has it all covered.” I sat down and arranged the plate and milk before me. Again, the delicate aroma of roses seasoned the air in the room. GM must be wearing a scent, because I only notice that aroma when she’s nearby.

  She cut me off before I could ask her what brand of perfume she used. “He’s such a wonder, that man! What would I ever do without him?” Her gaze became unfocused as she looked into her yesterdays and a small smile played across her lips.

  I looked at her as I munched on the piece of toast. Although I couldn’t share her affection for the old coot, he did something wonderful for GM. Had they ever... uh, done it? No. Erase that image right off my retinas. GM and Lawrence? No way. The toast was a lump going down my throat. Got to get my mind out of the gutter before I choked to death.

  “What’s on my training schedule for today, GM? Do you have a new way to scare the hell out of me or am I going to work on making dinner napkins float?” I blinked as coyly as I could. Which was, to be honest, pretty good. I had lots of practice with Dad. He always fell in line when I played the coy card.

  “The coy card doesn’t work on women, Keira; you know that.” She winked at me and then her chin rose high, barely able to keep the corners of her lips from twitching.

  I jerked forward. “That! I want to know how you do that GM! How do you know what I’m thinking? Now that’s a skill I’d like.” This could be seriously handy. I could go to the casino with Gwen and her dad and play poker. I’d clean out the table for sure. I’d give them the winnings since I didn’t have any money worries... not anymore.

  I paused and it hit me. That’s a complete turnaround from hitchhiking back to New York. Was I seriously considering taking my grandmother’s place now? I huffed a sigh. I was. Oh boy...

  “It’s a gift, not a skill, Keira. It develops in stages.”

  “What’s the first stage then?”

  She put her finger over her mouth considering for a moment. Then with a quick nod, said, “I suppose there’s no time like the present.” Leaning toward me, she said, “I’d like to see how you do with the banker and the car rental guy. When they arrive, I’ll be at your side. It’s common courtesy to shake hands and we’ll both have the opportunity to do that. I’d like you to sense something personal about them.”

  “Okay! Is there some trick to this? Do I have to say some magic words or something?”

  “No magic words nor spells, Keira. What you will need to do is clear your mind. With a clear mind you’ll be more receptive to their thoughts. If you have the gift, their thoughts... well, at least their feelings, will come to you.” She held up a finger. “But... especially at the beginning, you need to have a clear mind.”

  I blinked a few times hard, staring at her. “But I’ll be too excited to clear my mind. With a new car and money of my own, how can I not think of that? Can we find someone else to do this with?” It wasn’t fair. She knew how excited I was about the car.

  “Relax. It’s just the first attempt. And a car is just a car. You’ll own many over your lifetime. The important thing is you must begin to take your role seriously; and that begins with training.” She leaned forward and covered my hand with hers. I could feel a pulsing sensation, a warm energy from her touch. As she held my eyes, she said with an intensity I never saw before, “I won’t be here forever, Keira. You must learn now, while there’s time.”

  It hit me like a wall. My eyes smarted and my throat grew tight. In one more second I’d be crying. “Don’t talk like that, GM.”

  “Keira, it’s the truth... I’m a very, very old woman. And this is important work.”

  “I know! I know! But... you’re not... really, really sick, are you? I mean... you’re not dying now, are you?” I was shocked at myself at how big a part of my heart this woman already occupied. I couldn’t call her Nana out loud just yet... but the idea of her being gone...the very idea of such a loss hit me like a wall.

  She made a half-assed attempt at a smile, and said, “No. I’m not dying.”

  I huffed out a burst of air. “Whew! You scared the hell out of me there, GM. More than Molly and Sam put together!” I tried to laugh lightly, and it came out like a cough. “Look, promise no more talk of you not being here and I’ll work on clearing my mind, okay?” I mustered up a weak smile. “Hell, when we take the car out for a spin, I’ll even go the speed limit, alright?”

  She chuckled and sat back, letting go of my hand. “Let’s not go too crazy. Of course you’ll go fast. The faster the better.” Her hand rose and she tucked a stray lock of hair back into place. “One of my...” she cleared her throat, “...ahem, friends... used to say, ‘If you’re not living on the edge, you’re taking up space.’“

  I cocked an eyebrow at her. “A friend, huh?”

  She gave me a coy smile. Coy. Her coy put my coy to shame. “A good friend, Keira. A very good and very handsome friend.”

  I closed my eyes and shook my head. This woman! “Okay. What do you want me to do to get ready for this?”

  “Finish your milk and then sit back. You need to think of yourself as that empty glass. Nature hates a vacuum. When you’ve calmed yourself and feel that void, the energy of the next person you touch will spill into you.” Her eyes were glazed and a little out of focus as she spoke. It was kind of like she was settling into the state of mind she’d described.

  I set the glass down and then eased deeper into the chair’s cushions, keeping my eye on the glass. I took a slow, deep breath and then closed my eyes, the glass still focal in my mind. As I exhaled I willed any thought or impulse out with the breath of air. I did this for the next eight breaths when the ringing doorbell broke my concentration.

  My eyes popped open and I stared at GM She smiled and nodded her head. “It’ll have to do, my dear. Lawrence will bring the bank person here.”

  I sat perfectly still, only slightly aware of the door closing and the muted sound of voices. As the footsteps neared, a woman’s nasal voice became louder.

  Lawrence appeared in the doorway and stood to the side, “Mrs. Yor
k, Edith Graham from your bank is here.” He turned and as a blonde woman in her late thirties appeared, he continued, “This is Miss Swanson, who is the account holder.”

  The woman’s gray eyes flitted to me and then settled on GM, moving sharply over with her manicured hand extended. “Pleased to meet you, Mrs. York.”

  GM gripped her hand lightly and nodded. She held the grasp for just a beat before glancing over to me.

  Right on cue, the woman turned to me, bending slightly as she held her hand out before me. “Miss Swanson. So nice to meet you.”

  As soon as my flesh met hers, the image of a teenaged girl flashed in my mind. She was standing next to a brick wall, smoking a cigarette and laughing with a group of kids. Worry. That was the feeling I sensed from the bank lady. Her eyes became questioning and she glanced at our hands before I released her.

  GM’s voice broke the silence. “Please have a seat, Mrs. Graham.”

  Lawrence moved to clear my dishes and the bank lady took a seat. She put a brown briefcase on the table and the next half hour was taken up with signatures and setting up the P.I.N. for my checking account.

  When she finally left, GM turned to me. “Well?”

  “She has a teenage daughter she’s worried about.” I couldn’t get the words out fast enough. I’d done it! I knew I’d read it right. This was freaking amazing!

  “Good work!” GM leaned forward and patted my arm. “She’s right to be worried. That kid is hanging out with the wrong crowd. She’s cutting classes and she’s pregnant with some punk’s kid. Poor Edith, consoles herself with a bottle of wine every night, which isn’t helping the cause. She’s trying, all on her own since that lazy husband left her. He doesn’t even provide child support.”

  My mouth fell open, the wind totally out of my sail now. “How did you pick all that up?”

  Her eyes rose to meet mine and she grinned. “Practice my dear. Years and years of practice.” She slapped the table and rose to her feet. “Now! Let’s go out to the front door. Your car is about to pull into the driveway.” She gripped her cane and still grinning like the cat who’d swallowed the canary, she tottered out the door.

  I was still smoked by all she’d picked up compared to my scant gleanings as I trailed her out of the room. The bell chimed again and Lawrence opened the door wide. Standing there was the most gorgeous hunk of male I’d seen in quite some time. He was about thirty, tall, swarthy complexion and the bluest eyes I’d even seen, stared back at me. For a moment, I paused, ogling this Adonis, my heart beating hard against my ribcage. I was totally glad my skirt was short and I looked hot.

  “Someone order a car?” His voice was smooth as creamy butter on a hot piece of toast. Ignoring Lawrence and GM he only had eyes for me.

  “I do! I mean, I did!” I gulped. Oh Lord, I sounded like I was in high school. My face burning, I rushed forward, brushing past Lawrence and slithering by Mr. Hottie. I took my time with the slither.

  There it was! The red caught the sun’s rays, burnishing it like it was a flame. The top was down, showing two dark leather seats tucked behind a smoke-tinted windshield. It was sleek and molded with headlights like eyes.

  “Keira!” My grandmother’s voice quietly admonished me, bringing me out of my ogling.

  Surely she didn’t expect me to be able to read the hot guy’s thoughts! I mean... it would be too much! I was in love with the car and in lust with the guy! I turned and extended my hand. “I’m Keira. The car’s for me.”

  His grip was warm and firm. “I’m Alex.”

  The flash in my mind made my cheeks get hotter still. He was picturing me naked. There was a king-sized bed, wine and candles. My body tingled and I quickly withdrew my hand. It was a good thing he couldn’t read my thoughts!

  GM had sidled up closer and she now gripped his hand, introducing herself while his eyes kept creeping over to where I stood. Her eyes widened a little and her chin rose higher.

  “I’ll need a credit card and your driver’s license, Keira.” Alex pulled his hand back and puzzlement was in the look he shot GM.

  “Sure. It’s... up in my bedroom.” Our eyes locked, and I didn’t need to be touching him to know what he was thinking.

  “Keira.” GM was being such a wet blanket.

  My smile dropped and I rushed across the foyer, feeling Alex’s eyes on my bare legs as I raced up the stairs. I was definitely getting his business card when I got back. Maybe I could give him a ride back to town. Maybe to his place? And maybe... I grabbed my purse out of my room and headed out of the room.

  When I got back down an older, gray-haired guy was standing next to GM. She was just giving him back a clipboard and a pen. Where was Alex? My stomach fell as I walked forward.

  “Hi Keira. I’m Phil Donovan. I came out here to run Alex back to the office. I’ll just need your driver’s license and we’re done here. You’ve got the car for as long as you want. Try not to get too many speeding tickets.” He laughed as he took my driver’s license and began copying down the numbers. “It just came from the dealership yesterday, you know.”

  “So it’s brand new?” I clapped my hands when he nodded. A brand new car!

  Lawrence came up from the driveway where the car was parked. “I gave the car the once-over. Not a scratch.” His eyes narrowed when he glanced over at me. “Make sure it stays that way.”

  Phil handed me back the driver’s license and car keys before shaking my hand. It was brief and just a hint of his quick calculations on the money he would get from this deal flashed in my mind. “Have fun with the car!”

  He turned to GM and then bounded down the stairs, and out to the driveway. A hand emerged from the driver’s side window in the beige sedan and waved to me. I hadn’t even got Alex’s business card. I sighed.

  GM’s eyebrows were high and her eyes were flinty watching them leave. It was Alex. There was something about him she didn’t like. Again, no need to be a mind reader to judge by the puckered, tight lips in her face. “Well, that’s that. Well? Are you taking me for a spin or not?”

  I didn’t have to be asked twice. I joined her and extended my elbow for her to hold as we walked down the steps.

  “Take it easy, Keira!” Lawrence pointed his finger at me before ambling back inside and closing the door.

  GM scoffed. “He worries too much! Just don’t break the sound barrier my dear. I have my limits too.” She smiled at me as I held the car door for her. I held her hand as she folded her body and plopped down on the seat. “My. This is low.”

  My stomach was doing cartwheels as I shut the door and hurried around the car to the driver’s side. When I got inside, there was that sweet new car smell mingling with the leather. “Here we go!” I turned the key in the ignition and orchestrated a four-point turn till I was nudging out the end of the drive. The sun beat down on my head and a slight breeze lifted my hair.

  Once we were on the main road, the acceleration, the motor purring like a kitten was liberating. The steering and handling were perfect, just the way I’d imagined. I sneaked a peek at GM and smiled. She’d put her seat belt on and her hand curled around the grip on the door, but her eyes were shining with excitement.

  “So what was so wrong about Alex? I could tell you didn’t like him.” I glanced over at her before turning back to watch the road.

  “Aside from his X-rated thoughts, you mean? He sure wasn’t thinking of his wife and three-year-old son.” Her eyebrow rose high when her eyes met mine.

  That jerk! His good looks and flirting seemed sleazy now. No wonder GM managed to get Phil to complete the transaction. Yuck! I was glad I didn’t get his card and if he dared to call me on some pretext of following up... I’d ask how’s the wife and kids!

  I smiled seeing the straight stretch with not a car in sight. My foot pressed the accelerator and we leapt forward. There was quite a bit of pep to this car. I eased off and turned into a road going off to the right. GM’s hair was a wild nest of feathery wisps around her face and she’d probab
ly had enough.