Ghostly Asylum

by Lily Harper Hart

  Zander ignored the sarcasm. “I have another good idea. I think I should bring Shawn along as extra security.”

  Shawn Donovan was Zander’s new boyfriend. Since Zander had never made it to a third date with anyone else over the entirety of his dating history, Harper was fairly convinced that they were already serious despite only dating for a few weeks. Still, that didn’t mean Shawn wouldn’t serve as something of a distraction for Zander on the island.

  “Can you focus on work if he’s there?” Harper asked.

  Annoyance flashed in Zander’s eyes. “Of course.”

  “Well … .” Harper chewed on her bottom lip as she feigned concentration.

  “I think it’s a good idea,” Jared interjected. “That’s one more person to act as security should it become necessary.”

  “See!” Zander jerked his thumb in Jared’s direction. “Listen to Captain Killjoy. He knows what he’s talking about.”

  “He’s in,” Harper said hurriedly, hoping to head off a fight between Jared and Zander. “I think it’s a great idea. I was just messing with you.”

  Zander stared at Jared a moment longer before shifting his gaze to Harper. “That’s good. I already invited him. He’s looking forward to the trip.”

  Zander flashed a winning smile before turning on his heel and stalking out of the room. Jared watched him go with a mixture of relief and agitation.

  “He could’ve at least shut the door,” Jared muttered.

  “I can’t because dinner will be ready in ten minutes,” Zander called from the hallway. “You can’t get naked until you finish your dessert.”

  “Since when is that the rule?” Jared asked.

  “Since I’m making blueberry pie.”

  “Oh, well … .” Jared smiled at Harper. “I love you but … blueberry pie.”

  “I’ve already been replaced in your heart,” Harper lamented. “I can’t believe it.”

  “You’ll never be replaced in my heart,” Jared promised. “It’s just … I love blueberry pie.”

  Strangely enough, Harper realized she was excited about the pie, too. “Will you still love me later? After the pie, I mean.”

  “I’m going to love you forever.”

  Harper found she believed him. “Me, too.”

  3

  Three

  “You’re early.”

  Michael Knox stood on the dock next to a large boat, the morning sun peeking through the clouds, and pinned Harper with a bright smile. They were due to depart to the island within the hour, and after a busy previous day packing and shopping, Harper’s group was packed and loaded for bear.

  Er, well, for the most part.

  “Most of us,” Harper replied, returning the smile. “Zander and Shawn are a few minutes behind us. They have all of the food.”

  “The food?” Michael furrowed his brow, confused. “I said I would provide the food.”

  “Yes, but Zander doesn’t roll that way,” Jared interjected, his eyes busy as they roamed Michael’s handsome face and broad shoulders. He realized he was taking stock as if Michael was competition – which was ridiculous – but he couldn’t stop himself. “I’m Jared Monroe, by the way.”

  Michael shook Jared’s extended hand. “Yes, Ms. Harlow mentioned she was adding a few people to her crew for this excursion. And what do you do for her?”

  Jared flashed Harper a hot look before reminding himself that he should probably be somewhat professional given the fact that this trip could mean a lot for Harper’s business prospects. “For this trip I’ll be serving as security.”

  “This trip?”

  “Jared is a police officer,” Harper supplied, resting her hand on Jared’s elbow in an effort to keep him tucked in at her side. “He’s also my boyfriend.”

  “I see.” Michael’s expression didn’t slip, but Jared was almost positive he saw a hint of disappointment flash in the depths of the man’s eyes. “Well, I guess I can’t blame you for not wanting to leave her alone with us Hollywood types.”

  “I never want to leave her alone,” Jared said. “That’s not the reason I’m tagging along, though.”

  Michael tilted his head, as if waiting for Jared to explain further. Instead Jared flicked his eyes to the parking lot where Eric and Molly were gathering coolers and bags from the back of Zander’s car.

  “Here comes the food,” Jared said, his lips curving.

  Michael widened his eyes when he realized exactly how many provisions Zander intended on bringing along for the trip. “Is he going to be serving five-course meals or something?”

  “He just likes to be prepared,” Harper explained.

  “Oh, was he a Boy Scout?” Michael’s expression was as innocent as the question, but Harper couldn’t stop herself from snorting.

  “Not exactly.”

  “He would never put up with the polyester blend of the shirt,” Jared volunteered, smoothly sidestepping Harper’s elbow when she moved to plant it in his stomach. “Hey, I was only speaking the truth.”

  Harper wanted to argue – and admonish Jared not to purposely push Zander’s buttons – but they’d already had a long talk about this exact situation. Harper worried that, once they were trapped on a haunted island together, Jared and Zander would start snarking at one another and not stop until one of them was pecked to death.

  “Is that everything?” Harper asked Zander as he approached.

  Zander nodded, seemingly happy. “I have everything taken care of.” He flashed a smile for Michael’s benefit. “Just because we’re going to be camping, that doesn’t mean we have to eat bad food, right?”

  “Um.” Michael shifted his eyes to Harper, conflicted. “I guess not.”

  “It will be fine,” Jared said, grabbing the end of the cooler Molly held and moving in tandem with Eric so they could load it on the boat. “There’s no such thing as too much food when you’re camping.”

  “I was just going to go the hot dog and potato chip route,” Michael muttered, widening his eyes as Jared grunted to lift the cooler over the boat wall. “What did you bring?”

  “Oh, a little of everything,” Zander replied. “Don’t worry. I have everything under control.”

  “He’s a great cook,” Molly enthused, her eyes going wide as she took in the boat. “Wow. I’ve never been on a boat this big before.”

  “Have you ever been on a boat?” Eric challenged, ice in his tone.

  Harper darted her eyes in their direction, her antennae up. They’d been especially snippy with one another of late and she didn’t know what to make of it. For months, Molly struggled with a heavy crush on Eric. He, in turn, had no idea she was alive because he had a crush on Harper. Once Jared got involved, Eric had a few bouts of attitude before conceding defeat. He’d been overly mean to Molly ever since.

  “I’ve been on a boat,” Molly fired back, her pert little nose wrinkling. “Of course I’ve been on a boat.”

  “Other than a bumper boat?” Eric pressed.

  “I … oh, shut up.” Molly turned her attention to the equipment Eric packed and grabbed the biggest bag, groaning as she heaved it over her shoulder. “Other than a bumper boat?” she mimicked under her breath.

  Harper pressed her lips together to keep from laughing. She could feel Michael’s eyes on her and attempted to remind herself that she was supposed to be acting professional. “So … where is the rest of your team?”

  “They’re checking out of the bed and breakfast we stayed at,” Michael replied, seemingly relieved to have something to converse about that didn’t revolve around Harper’s emotionally dysfunctional team and their eating habits. “It’s not like in bigger cities. We actually needed to check out rather than just leave. It was … odd.”

  “Whisper Cove is stuck in the past,” Harper supplied. “You get used to it after a bit.”

  “I guess that’s true of any place.” Michael rested his hip against one of the fence beams. “Did you ever consider moving on to a bigger area? Someone with yo
ur gifts would make a killing in a place like New Orleans.”

  “This is my home,” Harper replied. “I don’t want to leave. I mean, I don’t mind visiting different places, but I can’t ever picture myself living anywhere else.”

  “Well, it’s a lovely area.” Michael shifted his eyes to Jared as the police officer joined Harper on the dock. “And what about you, Mr. Monroe? Are you destined to stay in this area forever, too? I would think it’s too … small … to keep your interest long term.”

  The question could’ve easily had two meanings, but Michael asked it in such an innocent manner that Harper couldn’t decide if he meant to be a jerk or accidentally did it without realizing it.

  “Oh, I love Whisper Cove,” Jared said, rubbing his hand up and down Harper’s back. “I have no intention of ever leaving.”

  “But surely you must want to move on to a bigger police department,” Michael hedged.

  “Maybe some day, but that day isn’t today and that wouldn’t force me to leave Whisper Cove,” Jared said. “Most of the Michigan police departments don’t have residency requirements. Plus, if I wanted to go to work for the sheriff’s department or something down the line, I simply need to live in the county, not a particular community.”

  “Oh, yes, well … I see you’ve given this some thought.” Michael’s smile was back in place. “Good for you.”

  Jared slid his arm around Harper’s waist and anchored her snugly to his side. “It’s definitely good for me.”

  Thankfully, at that moment, Michael’s attention shifted to the parking lot. Apparently his team had arrived and he offered up a lame mumble before hurrying in their direction. Harper watched him go, amused, and waited until he was out of earshot before turning on Jared.

  “What was that?”

  Jared had the grace to be abashed, but only minimally. “He was hitting on you.”

  “He was not.”

  “He kind of was.”

  “He really wasn’t.”

  “Well, he was doing something,” Jared argued. “He’s definitely interested in you. That’s why he was trying to grill me about my future plans. I hate guys like him.”

  “Handsome men?” Harper’s eyes lit with mirth as Jared scowled.

  “Guys who think they can make other guys look bad in front of their girlfriends,” Jared corrected. “By the way, I’m much more handsome than he is.”

  “You definitely are,” Harper agreed, her gaze curious as she turned to watch Michael’s team stride toward the boat. “What do you think of him?”

  “I think he has excellent taste in women.”

  “Not that.”

  “I don’t know what to think of him yet,” Jared said. “He doesn’t seem like a bad guy. He’s a little pompous, don’t get me wrong, but I think he’s simply jaded by life.”

  Harper cocked an amused eyebrow. “Jaded by life?”

  “He seems to expect women to fall at his feet,” Jared explained. “When you didn’t, that only served to rev up his interest.”

  “Is that like some testosterone thing?”

  “Pretty much,” Jared confirmed. “By the way, if he doesn’t take heed of the obvious warning signs – and soon – then I’m going to have to beat you over the head with my caveman stick and carry you around for a little bit.”

  Harper knew she shouldn’t encourage him, but she couldn’t stop herself from laughing. “Oh, really?”

  “Really.” Jared linked his fingers with hers and pressed a kiss to her knuckles before sobering. “This is your last chance to back out. If you want to turn around, now is the time to do it.”

  Harper calmly met his gaze. “It’s going to be okay.”

  “I’m going to make sure of that.” Jared tugged Harper in for an extended hug, making a face when Michael returned and made shooing motions to get them to separate. “Are we in your way?”

  “I don’t mean to be rude,” Michael said. “I just don’t want to lose too much of the day.” He directed his team members toward the boat. “I thought we could do introductions once we set sail.”

  Harper nodded in agreement. “That sounds good.”

  “Let’s do it,” Jared said, pressing his hand to the small of Harper’s back to prod her up the walkway. “Ludington Asylum, here we come.” He said the words with a smile but couldn’t muster a lot of enthusiasm, worry momentarily overtaking him.

  How did we get ourselves involved in this?

  “YOU’VE ALREADY MET Lucy and she will serve as our on-set reporter,” Michael announced once everyone was seated and the boat was headed toward Ludington Asylum, one of the burly security representatives behind the wheel. “She’ll want to interview everyone at various times, although she’ll do her best to stay out of the action.”

  Lucy beamed as she glanced around at the assembled faces. “This looks like a great group.”

  Jared, who sat with his arm around Harper’s shoulders in an effort to lend her a bit of his warmth, leaned closer so he could whisper in his girlfriend’s ear. “She clearly has no idea what she’s gotten herself in to.”

  Harper smirked but didn’t speak, instead flashing a friendly smile at the woman.

  “This is Trey Mitchell and Finn Barton,” Michael continued, gesturing toward the two men pawing through camera equipment at the far side of the deck. “They’ll be with us the entire time. And that is Steve Walker and John Hopper, who will be providing our security.”

  Jared flicked his eyes to the well-built men, briefly locking gazes with Steve as they sized each other up. “Do you foresee needing a lot of security?”

  “No, but it’s better to be safe than sorry, right?” Michael’s smile was so wide it struck Jared as cheesy. “What about your group?”

  Zander took over immediately and started the introductions. “I’m Zander Pritchett and this is my personal security guru Shawn Donovan. I’m a Pisces, which means I’m a bit dramatic, but you’ll all grow to love me.”

  Jared rolled his eyes but couldn’t contain his snicker. “Oh, geez.”

  “That loud one over there is Harper’s personal bodyguard,” Zander announced, jerking his thumb in Jared’s direction. “He doesn’t have a very good personality and he has freakishly large man nipples.”

  “Hey!” Jared extended a finger. “Do you want me to come over there?”

  “The boat is moving,” Zander replied, adopting a pragmatic tone. “That wouldn’t be safe.”

  “Whatever,” Jared muttered under his breath.

  “This is Molly Parker, and in addition to having truly fabulous hair for the start of the fall season, she’s also our intern,” Zander continued, unbothered by Jared’s attitude. “She can help in just about any situation.”

  Molly preened under the compliment. “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.” Zander turned his attention to Eric. “This is Eric Tyler. He’s our equipment specialist. He monitors more than he gets involved; we don’t think less of his manly abilities because of it.”

  “Now I’m going to come over there,” Eric warned. He glared at Molly, who was belted in next to him, when she giggled. “Don’t you start with me.”

  “And the last member of our team is the second most important,” Zander said, flashing a winning smile for Harper’s benefit. “She’s my best friend and we started GHI together.”

  “I’m Harper Harlow,” Harper volunteered, keeping her tone even. “I can see … and talk … to ghosts under the right circumstances.”

  For the first time since hitting the boat, the cameramen looked interested.

  “You can actually see them?” Trey asked, impressed. “Most of the people we run into on stuff like this claim that they can’t see anything but rather they can sense presences.”

  “I’m not most people.”

  “She’s definitely not,” Jared agreed, squeezing Harper’s shoulder to offer her comfort. He understood she didn’t like being the center of attention like this. Ultimately she would have to answer a bevy of
questions – something he couldn’t save her from – but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t do his best to make an effective shield. “While we’re getting to know one another, though, I have a few suggestions for how we approach this.”

  Michael was clearly caught off guard by the statement. “Excuse me?”

  Jared refused to let the tone get to him. “My understanding is that this island is small, but the asylum itself has a tortured history.”

  “Why do you think we’re going?” Michael asked. “It’s bound to be a wild ride.”

  “Which is great … and exciting … and I’m sure it will make terrific television,” Jared said. “That doesn’t mean this little trip is without risk.”

  “Meaning?”

  “Meaning that I suggest everyone pair up with a partner,” Jared replied. “No one should go anywhere alone. We don’t want people getting separated.”

  “That’s half the fun of these television shows,” Finn argued. “There’s nothing better than watching some idiot who thinks he’s a ghost hunter – no offense, ma’am – wetting himself as he runs through the dark.”

  Harper bristled. “Excuse me?”

  “Don’t listen to him,” Jared warned, scorching Finn with a dangerous look. “I honestly don’t care what you do, Mr. Barton.”

  “Oh, please, call me Finn.”

  Jared ignored the ingratiating tone. “I don’t care what you do. Our team will be pairing up, though.”

  “We will?” Eric made a face. “Oh, let me guess, that means I get Molly. How … great.”

  “Like I want you as my partner,” Molly groused, turning away from him. “I’d rather be eaten by ghosts on my own.”

  “No one is getting eaten by ghosts,” Jared said. “You two are partners, though. That’s just the way things worked out. If you don’t like it … well … sorry. As for the rest, if you need to go somewhere and your partner isn’t available, find someone else to go with you. No one is to go anywhere alone.”

  “Wow, you’re really taking this seriously, huh?” Trey’s expression was smarmy. “Do you actually believe your girlfriend can see ghosts?”