“Someone like you.”
“That’s right.”
Although she boiled with anger, Melissa wouldn’t give Jana the satisfaction. “Have a nice day, Jana.”
Melissa turned her back on the woman and pushed the elevator button.
“Don’t forget what I said, Melissa. Roarke isn’t for you. This town isn’t for you.”
Without turning toward Jana, Melissa said, “This town isn’t big enough for the both of us? Please, Jana. You’ve got to have a better line than that.”
A creeping, odd sensation jumped up Melissa’s back, and she swiftly turned to Jana. What she saw sent a jolt of disbelief and overwhelming fear cascading through her. Jana’s eyes were red. Solid red.
“You’ll regret the day you ever came to Tranquil view,” Jana said, voice guttural. “You don’t know who you’re dealing with.”
Jana blinked and her eyes returned to their normal color. Melissa watched as Jana walked away. The elevator opened and Melissa couldn’t enter fast enough. When the doors closed and she punched the button for the third floor, she sank against the back wall and allowed trembling to rock through her.
Chapter 17
As Melissa stirred a little cream into her coffee, the spoon rattled against the side of the mug. She placed the small spoon on the saucer and held the big mug between both hands. Maybe the heat would help. She couldn’t seem to stop shaking. She’d used the key Roarke had given her to open the condo. She’d secured the door and set a pot of coffee going while she’d unpacked and hung clothes in the second bedroom. They’d left things in an awkward place this morning, and after those odd experiences today she didn’t know what to think. If she told him she’d seen a ghost, he would freak.
Snow came down in heavier flakes. Perhaps the haunted house tonight would turn out to be a bust. She wandered to the couch and plopped down with her coffee. That’s when she saw the open book on the coffee table. She needed a distraction from what had happened today. It all was too much, and it didn’t make any sense. Her gaze fell on the open page, and she noted the easy to read cursive handwriting—a woman’s handwriting most likely. She placed her coffee on a coaster and lifted the leather-bound book. Marking the open page with one finger, she examined the front of the book. It was plain leather, very expensive, and designed to appear antique. With more than a little guilt, she read the open page.
January 2
God help me to figure this out. It’s plain something is going on in this condominium. I should have given this more serious thought the day I walked into Tranquil View and felt the vibes. Vibes, if that’s what they’re called these days. When my son and I drove up here with the moving van the first thing I felt was the horror of what had happened. Why, why couldn’t I have felt that when I came to visit and saw one of the models? Yes, I thought it was imposing and grand and beautiful. Quite a few people thought it was strange I was moving into a place where so many people had lived and died.
The condo door opened and Melissa about came out of her skin. Roarke walked in wearing work clothes—a patched up blue sweater, jeans, and a tool belt. He smiled, but it was a wary grin that made her wonder if the awkwardness of this morning would continue. She felt a gap growing between them and it yawned like the Grand Canyon. She hung over the gorge by tender hooks.
“Hey,” he said. “Glad you decided to come back.”
She stood. “Things were strange between us when I left.”
“Were they?” He walked slowly toward her until he stood close. “I didn’t think that kiss was awkward.”
“No, not that.”
He put his hands on his hips. “You still don’t want to stay here?”
She rubbed her arms as a chill swept her. “I think maybe I want to stay here more than ever now.”
He frowned, concern evident. “Did something happen?”
She sighed. “Yeah.” She gestured to the journal on the table. “First things first. I saw this journal open. I started to read. I’m sorry if that is out of line.”
He looked down at the open book. “You found my mother’s journal. I forgot and left it there. I’ve been trying to read through it to see if I can find any clues. I’ve read through it more times than I can count. Every damned word.”
Relief flowed through her when he didn’t seem angry that she’d read it. “There’s nothing at all in it that tells you why she’s ... gone?”
“No. Other than her ramblings about the supernatural, that is.” He picked up the book. “Here. Read this last passage and see what you make of it. See if there’s anything in this last day that gives you a clue why she left or what happened her. I’ll take a shower and be right back.”
He flipped to a page close to three quarters of the way through the book and handed it to Melissa. She sank back on the couch to read while he went to his bedroom.
Roarke is such a good man, and I thank God he’s coming home from the war in one piece. It’s the greatest gift I’ve ever received. Yet in this condo I feel so alone. It was a mistake moving here. From the first moment I saw the building I knew bad things lived here. I thought I saw things, dark shadows around every corner even as I walked inside. Even as I walked toward the building, I saw shapes in the windows.
Melissa shuddered. His mother’s experience had been the same as hers.
The things I heard about this place growing up are so true. So real. The rumors of death and torture and evil are here in the walls, in the air and the earth. There’s no escaping the taint. No one understands. I’ve discovered I’m the only one in the world who believes this damned place is haunted. Well, that’s not entirely true. Henrietta and Melissa at the new age shop on the main drag. I think they understand there’s something odd about this place. But even then, I didn’t tell them everything that was happening to me here. I tried to tell my son about it but it didn’t take long for me to realize he wouldn’t listen.
My son has always been my rock, even when his father and I had bad times. Even when I discovered that I had bipolar disorder. Every day I feel blessed to have such a son. My heart is full of love for him.
I need to leave this place before it consumes me. For some time I believed my mental issues created everything I’ve seen and felt and experienced at Tranquil View. But I know that’s not true. I’ve taken my medication. These things are not hallucinations. Even Jana told me she believes the place is quirky. Plans to have a haunted house here ... well, I think that’s a bad idea. It will bring out the evil, as if it needed any help. The darkness will consume and eat anyone who stays here too long, as it has consumed me. The longer I stay the harder it will be for me to leave. This place wants me. I must leave here or die.
Melissa stared at the page, fascinated and afraid of unnamed things she couldn’t understand. She flipped through the pages, starting at the beginning. As she read, she formed a clearer picture of Roarke’s mother. Before long, she was full into the journal and enjoying what she read, except for the passages that referred to this place being haunted, and the way it disturbed Ruthie O’Bannion.
Before long Roarke appeared, zombie costume in place. “Do you want to come down with me to the haunted house or read the journal and relax?”
“How can I help down there?” She returned the journal to the coffee table. “Anything I can do?”
“Not a whole lot. Do you want to try going through it again? I know your last trip through was harrowing ... with Jilly’s problems.”
She hesitated, then decided it was just what she needed. “I think it’ll be good for me. I need to work some things out in my mind.”
As she stood, he walked up to her, and even knowing it was Roarke under that get up, she shivered. “Your costume is very effective.”
He laughed. “Good. It’s what I’m going for. Here’s to scaring the locals.”
“Will the haunted house be different on Halloween?”
“Steele Company wanted to add some electronic special effects. Jana requested it but they changed the
ir minds and said it was too expensive. She was pissed.”
“You wouldn’t think she’d be that interested in the haunted house doing well. Remember what Jilly told us about Jana coming to join that church? I really don’t get how she can act the way she does with us and claim to be holier than thou.”
“Because she isn’t. Simple as that.”
“I know, but hypocrites make me crazy.” She rubbed her arms again, cold to the core.
“Jana had a fit today when she heard what Steel Company is doing for Halloween, though.”
“What’s that?”
“They’ve scheduled a paranormal event. They didn’t tell her about it. They’ve rented out the rest of the apartments on this floor to tourists for a paranormal investigation.”
Her mouth fell open. “You mean like those shows on television?”
“Sort of. There’s this team in Denver that claims to be professional and they’re going to investigate the twenty-ninth and the thirtieth.”
“With the equipment and everything?”
“Guess so.”
Melissa smiled. “Now I’d like to participate in that.”
Roarke grunted. “Really? Why am I not surprised?”
She kept the smile. “It would be fun.”
He shook his head. “I told Jana I don’t know if I want to be a part of it, but she asked me ... practically begged me to help. There will be several people at this thing, not including the paranormal investigation team which is five people. Jana said she’d be there for it to supervise and be Steele Company’s representative.”
“Ugh. On the other hand, if Jana is going to participate maybe I’m not interested.”
“Something did happen to you today, didn’t it?” he asked.
“Yes, but it’s not serious. Nothing to worry about.” She felt like she was lying. In her mind it was serious as hell. “We can talk about it later. Besides, I have questions about your mother’s journal. I hope that’s all right?”
“I wouldn’t have let you read it without expecting questions. Maybe you can see something in it I can’t.”
“And help you find her?” Daring to make a move, she touched his jaw and brushed her index finger over his chin.
“Yeah.” Sadness clouded his eyes. He drew her close until the hard line of his body pressed hers. “Sorry about earlier today.”
“About what?”
“When I said it was just sex, I was trying to distance myself. But not because I want that ... because I thought maybe you did.” He brushed his lips along her forehead. “Not very damn mature of me.”
Relief poured into her on a wave. “You’re saying it’s more than sex?”
A smile broke over his face, genuine and warm. “Hell to the yes.”
She chuckled. “Love that saying, too. Goes along with the asshat and asswagon thing.”
He swept his hands up and down her back. “Damn it woman, I think we’re getting old when we can’t even keep up with current word trends.”
She snuggled into his embrace, loving the way he made her feel. “Last night it didn’t feel like we were old.”
“That’s for damn sure.” He cupped her face and pressed a teasing kiss to her nose. “Later tonight I want to learn more about you.” He peppered kisses to her cheek, then to the side of her neck. “Every inch.”
She shivered in delight and moaned. “Mmm. Sounds good. You’re going to be late to zombie work if we don’t hurry up.”
He released her with a quick kiss to the lips. “Zombie work my ass. Volunteer. I keep reminding myself I’m only a volunteer. I can quit this crap anytime I like, no matter what Jana says.”
At the mention of Jana’s name, Melissa decided to explain the incident earlier in the rotunda. “Speaking of Jana, there’s something you should hear before we go down there.”
He led her to the doorway. “Oh yeah?”
“I don’t think she’s given up on the idea of having you for her own.” She detailed what Jana had said, but left out the red eyes.
“Shit.” He sighed and gazed at the ceiling.
“Do you think she’s stalking you?”
“She needs a good screw and thinks I’ll give it to her.” He shook his head. “Not if she was the last woman on earth. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt if she saw you and I kissing. Think that would help?”
“Maybe she’d get the message. Think it’s too high school?”
“You’re right. It is.” He drew her into a short kiss. “Let’s do it anyway. I'll go with you and then head down to the basement.”
They left for the haunted house.
A crowd had turned up, and despite her apprehension, Melissa didn’t see anything she didn’t expect. Ghouls jumped out at her in the hallway, but nothing creepy appeared when she walked into the area where she thought she’d seen a figure on her first run through the haunted house all those days ago.
Before they reached the basement, the door burst open and one of the volunteers ran out. The young woman trembled and panted, her red-soaked dress in tatters. Her eyes were lined with coal black, and she had fake gashes all over her face. Her dark hair tangled all around her head, and her blue eyes bulged with distress. It was all for show, but the effect shocked Melissa for a second.
Roarke caught the small zombie by the arm and stopped her headlong flight. “What’s going on?”
Screams echoed from the basement.
“What the—?” Melissa started.
The small zombie put her hands to her mouth, then mumbled through her fingers. “We couldn’t get out. Everyone’s cell doors slammed and we couldn’t get out. There are two guests who got shut into the cells with the other zombies. They’re screaming.”
“You got out,” Roarke said.
“I was pushing and pushing.” The girl’s voice crumbled into a sob.
Roarke’s face turned grim and he released the girl to click on his flashlight and charge downstairs. Melissa swept past her and followed. Men and woman’s voices demanded that someone let them out. Other patrons, at least six of them, pulled and yanked on the doors trying to get them open.
“Stand back.” Roarke’s voice ordered everyone.
Roarke tried the first cell door, but the man standing next to it said, “I already tried that. Do you work here? You need to get my wife out of here.”
“I’m a volunteer. We’ll get everyone out of here. You know how to kick down doors?”
“What?” Despite the man’s Hitler mustache, his small stature made it doubtful he could kick anything as substantial as a heavy wood door. “These things weren’t made for kicking down.”
“We should call a locksmith,” the only other man in the group said.
“The doors open outward,” another woman said as if Roarke’s proposal was the stupidest thing she’d heard.
“Doesn’t mean they can’t be kicked down. I saw it done in Afghanistan,” Roarke said. “Everyone stand back on the other side.”
Roarke drew back and aimed a well-placed kick on the door. It slammed open, falling back into the wall, broken half off the hinges.
“God damn,” the skinny man said as his wife ran out along with a female volunteer zombie.
Everyone talked at once, ready to kick down the other doors. A second later, a mere blip in time, all the doors swung open on their own.
“Oh my God,” Melissa said.
In a mad dash for the stairs, the mob exited the basement. Angry and noisy, they left Roarke and Melissa standing near the first cell. Impressions flew at her. Cold. Dark. Murky. Several cells lined the walls, obviously used at one time to house the most insane patients, or, perhaps, the ones who proved harder to handle. Silence wrapped them.
Roarke’s expression had hardened to stone. “I half expect these doors to slam shut.”
Flabbergasted, she said, “Steele Company is going to make you pay for that door.”
“They can sue me.”
“What could have caused the problem with the doors?”
“Tremors. Maybe some microquakes.”
She’d studied enough geology and earth science in college to understand what microquakes would or wouldn’t do. “I’d think you’d need a much bigger quake. How likely is it that a quake could unbalance all the doors without us feeling it?”
His gaze went past her, into the semi darkness. “You’re right. I’m throwing theories out, but I have no idea how it happened.”
Melissa’s cynicism went up a notch. “Steele Company will be lucky if no one sues them.”
“Or if any of the volunteers come back for their big paranormal investigation.” Disgust colored his voice.
Footsteps clicked on the stairs, a woman’s high-heeled shoe. Jana appeared, pantsuit immaculate and face filled with indignation. When she saw Roarke, her expression eased into a smile.
“Roarke.” Jana planted herself next to him and ignored Melissa. “I heard about what you just did.”
“Yeah, sorry about that. Only way to get people out.”
Jana placed her hand on his shoulder. “That was so brave.”
Melissa wasn’t sure if she wanted to laugh or vomit. Instead, she kept quiet, wondering where this conversation would lead.
Roarke grunted in that manly, self-disparaging way, but otherwise didn’t respond. Jana didn’t let it go. She stepped into the cell where the door hung unevenly, broken by Roarke’s kick.
Jana fingered the doorknob. “Such strength.”
Melissa winced. God this woman wanted in his pants so badly, she didn’t mind acting like a twit in front of another woman to do it.
“Did you learn that in war?” Jana asked him as she stepped out of the cell.
Roarke shrugged. “Yeah. Did any of the customers want their money back?”
“No.” Jana smiled. “In fact, one lady said she liked it so much, she’s coming back for the paranormal investigation on Halloween.”
“Great.” His skepticism came through. “You mean they thought we set this up?”
Shadows Fall Page 20