Page 8 of The Haunting
Something was going on, and I wanted to understand what. Neither was pleased to see us.
“This is the Washington Manor?” I asked.
“No, that’s not right. It’s the Washington Inn; we drove past a sign,” Kate said with a frown.
“It is indeed called Washington Manor, but it was bought over a hundred years ago with the intent of making this a hotel,” Jacques replied.
“Ah, that makes sense,” I drawled, but I still felt something was direly wrong.
“The rain has lightened ever so slightly. May I suggest that you fetch what you need? Jacques and I don’t have enough dry clothing for you.” Eden spoke, glancing at Jacques.
“Stay, I’ll grab your cases,” Drake said, shooting Chance and Calamity a look. In other words, my husband was telling them to remain behind and protect us. Drake was also clearly unnerved by the strange atmosphere.
A crash sounded from somewhere deep inside, and Eden and Jacques swapped a concerned glance while the rest of us jumped.
“As we stated. Some parts of the building are not safe; that merely confirms our words,” Jacques said, and I frowned.
“Daniel, I’m freezing,” Sabine murmured, and Daniel and Lucian both straightened.
“Suitcases! I’ll fetch yours,” Daniel said, eyeing Lucian.
“Well, I’m more of a warrior than you,” Lucian quipped, and Daniel scowled.
What on earth did that mean? Puzzled, I looked between them, wondering if I should ask.
“Right, whoever is collecting cases, please hurry,” Jacques said and opened a door. A gust of wind blew hard and nearly slammed it out of his hands.
Drake closed in on me. “Stay with the group,” he whispered in my ear and kissed me before rushing outside. James and Inglorious followed him as Daniel and Lucian also left.
Vladimir hesitated, and I called out to Emmaline. “Come and join us, honey.”
Emmaline and Vladimir swapped glances. Slowly, she moved towards us, and Vladimir kissed her and then hurried after the others.
“Thanks; it feels a little lonely not knowing anyone,” Emmaline replied.
“I can imagine how threatening this must seem,” I offered in a friendly tone, but Emmaline shook her head.
“Oh no, I’m not threatened. Trust me, Vladimir and I can take care of ourselves. But it is a very unusual situation,” Emmaline replied.
Nanci sent shivers up my spine when she said, “This reminds me of that film based on the Agatha Christie book,Ten Little Indians.”
Shit, why did she have to say that?
Kate
In horror, I gaped at Nanci. Did she really go there?
“Why would you…” I broke off and gazed at her.
“Say that? It’s true. We’re all strangers caught in a creepy-assed hotel, and we’re trapped and can’t get out,” Nanci retorted.
Sabine and Maggie moved closer together and regarded the rest of us suspiciously.
“Shut up!” I hissed, and Nanci shrugged with a grin.
Vladimir was the first to return, carrying a single case, a handbag and a rucksack. He hurried over to Emmaline and examined her. Satisfied she was okay, he turned to our reluctant hosts. “Sorry, I’m dripping even more water.”
“It will mop,” Jacques said with an airy wave.
