Total pages in book: 40
Estimated words: 40037 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 200(@200wpm)___ 160(@250wpm)___ 133(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 40037 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 200(@200wpm)___ 160(@250wpm)___ 133(@300wpm)
Simon’s face flashed in my head.
“There are.”
“And what about your new wife?” Don Enzo chuckled. “Will she have a mysterious death too?”
I frowned.
The Don continued, “I wasn’t sure if you would move forward with this arranged marriage or not. While I was sure that you would go down the alter, I would not bet on your wife’s or her family’s survival.”
My frown deepened. “I don’t plan on killing her.”
Curiosity laced his words. “You don’t?”
“You sent my mother’s wedding ring. How could I kill her?”
“Hmmm.”
“Or have I put too much symbolism to your action? Did you not intend for me to take this marriage serious?”
“You didn’t miss the symbolism. I hoped to see you with someone one day.”
“You did?”
“Santino, you’re a loner at times. It worries me. Perhaps, the hopeful part of me imagined that the ring would go on someone’s finger that could be a powerful partner.”
“And you see that in Kashmere?”
“I see the possibilities of you two uniting and being a powerful couple.”
My heart warmed. “Interesting.”
“However, if you don’t see it, then marry her and after a few months, kill her.”
Movement sounded behind me.
I turned and spotted Kashmere strolling in.
She wore a robe that was partly open. Red silk pajamas covered her sexy body. She held a bible in her hand.
My cock jerked in my pants.
Don Enzo’s voice filled my ear. “Do you think you will eventually kill her?”
I’d forgotten I was even on the phone.
I gritted my teeth. “We’ll see, Don Enzo. For now, I must go.”
“I understand. Keep me updated.”
“Good bye.” I hung up.
Kashmere strolled forward. “If I was interrupting, I can come back later.”
I put my phone on the nearest dresser. “I only want to talk to you.”
“I saw you near the balcony.” Kashmere shook her head. “It’s best that you give the windows and balcony some space.”
“Why are the shutters on there?”
“Because you can’t go out there at night.”
I leaned my head to the side. “Why not?”
“It’s due to the ghosts.”
Although spooked, I forced myself to grin. “Ghosts? You’re not serious.”
“I am. I would show you the view, but I hate seeing grown men piss their pants.”
I widened my eyes. “You can see them outside right now?”
She nodded.
“You’re not fucking with me?”
“Why would I?”
“Your balcony was open and nothing came through.”
“That’s different.”
“Why?”
“For some reason, they never go over there.” She waved the Bible. “Anyway, That’s why I brought this. My people are putting them in all of your men’s rooms. The word of God protects you from spirits and maintains—”
“Hold on.” I held up my hand. “You have ghosts around here?”
“Yes. They only come out at night.”
“Ghosts?”
“Yes. Disturbed souls hanging around due to unfinished business.”
“W-what do they look like?”
Shockingly, a bored expression covered her face. She shrugged. “They’re like shimmers of green energy just beyond visibility. They slip in and out of sight, but you see them if you look.”
A shiver ran through me. “You said they have unfinished business?”
“Definitely. They want more than death could give them, so much that their spirits rushed back to where they were killed and remained.”
“But, what do they want?”
“My grandfather claimed that the ghosts couldn’t find rest in their bodies.”
“Why not?”
“Because their bones are at the bottom of Dream Lake.”
“O-kay.”
“My parents used to say that the ghosts craved revenge.”
“Hmmm. I actually can appreciate that. If someone wrongly killed me, I would hope my spirit could rush back and haunt the land forever.”
She smiled. “So, you’re not the most forgiving person?”
“Not at all.” I quirked my brows. “You told me what your family thinks about the ghosts. But what are your thoughts?”
“Personally, I think the ghosts want the lake gone and the horror of what happened to them exposed to everyone so that it won’t ever happen again.”
I made a note to discover the history of Killer Crows and Dream Lake.
She sighed. “I know this is odd. I was supposed to explain this tomorrow, since. . .you’ll be living here.”
Oh shit. I will. Won’t I?
“Okay.” A nervous chuckle left me. “Since there are ghosts, why haven’t you all moved away from here?”
“The ghosts like us and it’s our land. They also protect us.”
“How?”
“Many times rival gangs, burglars, and even assassins have crept on our property at night and been killed instantly. If you mean harm for us, then they will come for you.”
“And if you don’t mean harm?”
“They’ll usually let you wander a little at night. Although my sister said that the ghosts like to play with humans.”
“And. . .” I gazed at the shutters. “You’re keeping us from going outside because you think they may play with us?”
“Definitely and. . .they don’t like white people.”
“They’re racist ghosts?”
“They have their reasons.”
I studied the shutters. “When I was close to the balcony, I. . .heard something on the other side.”
“They’ll try and talk to you. I’m supposed to warn you to not listen to them.” Kashmere frowned. “They used to bother my sister’s husband all the time. He was always drunk and sneaking away from her. It really messed him up.”