Page 21 of Cordelia Manor
“So,” I quickly said to distract myself from thinking about that, “…what do you have in mind? About us, I mean.”
I didn’t mean that the way it probably sounded, and Cary blushed a bit and then smiled shyly. “There’s a dinner and show over at the local theater tonight. I’ve been given tickets and wondered if you’d like to join me.”
“What kind of show?” I asked, surprised he was asking me. Like, was this a date or something? Wasn’t I his boss? No, scratch that. I’d have to be able to pay him before I could be his boss.
“It’s a concert, actually. Drew Andreassen is performing. He’s sort of a local celebrity.”
The man’s name sounded familiar. “Wait, didn’t he open for Opia when she was touring?”
Cary shrugged. “No idea, but his style is similar to Opia’s, so maybe. He’s really quite good.”
I’d been a fan of the folksy Irish singer since I’d heard of her in high school. I’d only grown to love her music more over the years.
“Yeah, I mean, that sounds fun. But…” I said, and it was my turn to blush, “…is this like a date or something?”
Cary’s smile lines returned, and he shrugged noncommittally. “I’m not opposed to that, if you aren’t. Or this can just be a friendly attempt to start again. If you want it to be more, that’s entirely up to you, Evan.”
His jovial attitude was a good sign. He wasn’t putting the moves on me or pressuring me into anything. I knew I could be easy to manipulate, and a handsome man wouldn’t have to work too hard at it—especially one as charming as Cary Beacroft.
“Well, let’s just see what happens,” I said, and looked down at my hands, suddenly feeling shy. “But, I need to figure out what to do about a place to stay. I don’t have the funds to pay for a hotel, and I have no idea when or if I’ll sell the manor, so I need to be able to stay there for now. But I’d rather not put my life in jeopardy either.”
“We’re working on that,” he said, and I met his gaze.
“Weas in the incubus woman?”
Cary laughed. “No, her wife is our coven leader, but Christie isn’t usually involved in our day-to-day affairs. I don’t want to make this awkward again, but we spoke to Drew, the guy singing tonight. He’s a sort of specialist on the paranormal, and he thinks to truly deal with whatever’s going on there, you’ll need to face it head-on. We should be able to help, though.”
I sighed heavily and nodded. “Yeah, I got a similar message this morning,” I said, and when Cary tilted his head questioningly, I shook mine. “I’ve been having dreams since I got here, dreams of my great-grandmother and a kid. I think he was the son of the original owner, and she was the boy’s nanny. He’s also the one she was convicted of murdering, but I really don’t believe that’s what happened.”
“You say you’ve seen them in dreams?” Cary asked, sitting up straighter and clearly interested. “Have they communicated with you directly in any of them?”
“Yeah, I’ve seen them a few times now, but this morning was more of a vision than a dream. I was awake, at least it felt like I was, and my great-grandmother talked to me. Told me I needed to face the evil man, just like you said.”
“Interesting,” Cary said, and it looked as if the news had sent his mind racing. “Anything else?”
I nodded, unsure of how much to share since I had no discernable proof other than in my own mind. But with Cary listening so intently and looking at me with such concern, I felt I could trust him. “Yeah, the entity that attacked me. I think he’s my ancestor as well, the biological father of my grandmother. But I don’t think the conception of my grandmother was consensual.”
“We came to the same conclusion. I’m sorry that happened to your great-grandmother, and I’m almost sure that’s why this entity is after you. But with that knowledge, we should be able to fight him now.”
“I’ve been doing research too. He wasn’t a good man, and I don’t think anyone liked him very much. Not even his own son, maybe especially not him.”
Cary nodded, a sad but determined look crossing his face. “We all came to that same conclusion as well. Anyway, there’s no need to worry about that right now. You’ve been throughenough. I’d be honored to treat you to breakfast, then maybe we can drive up to Tillamook so you can meet my buddy Deke. His grandfather owns the hotel chain that leased the manor. I think Deke might be able to give you some insights and even help you figure out what to do with the estate while you’re preparing to sell it.”
I looked at him, shocked. “Wow, that would be helpful. Really helpful. I need to figure something out, and that sooner the better.”
“Tillamook is just north of here, and it’s a pretty drive. Also, they have great cheese and ice cream. It’ll be fun.”
I shrugged, and secretly wondered if the trip would also count as a date too. “Sure, that’d be great. But I need a shower first.”
“I’ll give you some time. I’ll go grab another cup of coffee from the lobby and wait in the car. Do you mind eating breakfast over at Al and Christie’s? I know Christie wants to apologize for yesterday.”
I couldn’t stifle my groan. “Ugh, well, I guess if I’m going to stay in a small town, I have to make nice with the locals.”
Cary chuckled. “Especiallythoselocals.”
“Yeah, that’s fine. Just give me a few minutes to get ready.”
Cary ventured back downstairs while I climbed into the shower. I can’t say I wasn’t engulfed in reservations about remaining in town, let alone confronting an evil spirit even with his help. Ghosts, witches, the life-altering events of inheriting an estate. Was I truly prepared to handle all of it?
