The Discovery

Lynn Warren – “The Discovery”

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The Discovery Book One: The Curse of the Midnight Star By

Lynn Warren ADVANCED READER COPY: DISCLAIMER This Advance Reader Copy is the property of Lynn Warren. The Advance Reader Copy may not be sold, rented, loaned, or copied. This is an uncorrected copy and may differ slightly from the final published novel, which will be available from Triskelion Publishing in July 2004. This work is copyrighted as of June 2004 by Lynn Warren.

Lynn Warren – “The Discovery”

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Camille promised the tea would soothe her nerves. The young Creole worked in the household for nearly eight months now. Camille was a pretty girl with a shy smile, polite manner, and soft cocoa skin. She’d offered a special herbal brew to her mistress as a way to calm her fears while spending time alone at the old plantation. Susannah trusted her even though she was leery of the strange ritual she’d witnessed in the bayou. Susannah Forrester’s hand shook as she raised the dainty china cup to her lips and drank the tea. A black tea, it tasted earthy with just hints of spice and something Susannah didn’t recognize. The wind rattled through the trees outside whipping up strength for the oncoming storm. She drank deeply ignoring the scalding liquid as she swallowed. The house frightened her enough in the daylight. In the dark, during a storm, Susannah found it difficult to control the fear edging along her spine. Moving through the parlor into the library, Susannah refused to look out across the grounds of Scarlet Oak as shadows crept along the darkness. She saw things in the shadows, things people shouldn’t ever witness. Lightning blazed across the sky turning the landscape into a frightening display of monstrous creatures. Running for the library, she tripped on a hallway runner and dropped her cup. The delicate china shattered against the wood floor and Susannah stifled a scream. Must not wake the children, her husband warned her about involving the children in what he deemed fantastic behavior. Lyle was a hard man not given to weakness and Susannah thought he left her alone so much to exploit hers. Closing the door, she quickly drew the heavy drapes to keep the storm at bay. Lyle didn’t understand. Susannah didn’t believe anyone could, but she felt terrible things in this house. Dark, hideous shadows and the most awful sounds came from Scarlet Oak Manor. Why was she the only one who heard? A dull scratching echoed across the room. It traveled up the stairs as if long, jagged claws made their way toward her. Cold, wet fear slid up her spine turning to icy that dripped down her shoulder blades. Susannah knew it was in the house again. Sniffing, searching with hot red eyes and a lust for blood. She’d seen it. The hungry snapping jaws chasing her down the staircase one night shortly after they’d moved in. She found Lyle drinking in the parlor furious with her behavior and demanding she be a proper wife. He thought she was weak, foolish and he wouldn’t take any woman making him seem trivial or unimportant in the eyes of the town leaders. Thunder roared outside as rain pelted the windows.

Lynn Warren – “The Discovery” Susannah moved closer to the fireplace, watching the flame flicker and pop. It entranced her watching the orange and blue of the fire, Susannah’s breath stilled in her chest. Lightning flashed a wicked tongue striking a tree outside. The branch snapped off and flew against the glass. Susannah screamed.

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CHAPTER ONE The canopy of trees created an unnatural darkness as the black sedan pulled into the long drive leading up to Scarlet Oak Manor. She rubbed her eyes tiredly and did her best to stifle a yawn. Fog curled misty fingertips around the ancient oaks and Special Agent Lynsee Frost suppressed a shudder. That was odd, she generally didn’t react to scenery, but she knew part of it was from lack of sleep. Roused out of bed at three in the morning and told you were on a plane in an hour, didn’t give you much chance to get the brain in gear. Lynsee made it to the airport with eight minutes to spare and expected to find one of the junior agents partnered with her on this one. Imagine her surprise when Lynsee met up with her supervisor, Jack Navarre, at the gate. She wished mightily for a cup of coffee, but the plane began boarding and she fell in stride with Jack. He informed her in his typical, brusque manner that the New Orleans field office deferred to New York on this missing person case. Five women missing and now, a body found dumped at a property created havoc. Under restoration, the historical plantation called Scarlet Oak Manor had an interesting past, but the current situation brought a lot of attention when the daughter of a prominent community member was one of the missing. She’d always wanted to visit New Orleans, but not on a murder case. She probably wouldn’t have picked late summer for a visit either. Hurricanes and humidity that was nearly tangible weren’t on her list of top tens. What started as a high profile missing persons case escalated to murder over night. Lynsee found herself traveling up the dark and gloomy drive. Adjusting the air conditioning vent, she avoided looking at the man traveling with her. Looking at him made her think about things she had no business considering. But, it didn’t stop her. Somehow, she always managed to catch her tongue or her hands before making a complete ass out of herself. Jack Navarre. The call came at six-fifteen, finally. It was over and Lynsee Frost was divorced. After three years of hell, most of which she blamed herself for, if only she’d seen the signs. Cal’s abuse finally turned physical one night she got home late and that was the last straw. Lynsee left and filed for divorce the next day. Surprisingly, the authorities arrested Cal three days later for extortion and Lynsee continued to judge her decision to get involved with Cal.

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Now, she sat in the lounge of the hotel drinking tequila. The other agents on the missing persons case in Detroit had long since gone to bed and Lynsee was certain she’d passed the last four hours in a pleasant blur of anejo. “Don’t you think you’ve had enough?” Lynsee blinked back her somewhat blurred vision and tilted her head up to focus on Jack’s nearly black eyes. “Maybe. It’s hard to tell.” He slid into the seat across her and reached for the half-empty bottle. Tilting the tequila, he poured himself a shot. “I’ve been watching you for three hours. You’ve had enough, Lynsee. Do you want to tell me what this is about?” Raising her glass, she saluted him and sipped. “My divorce is final.” She knew a lot of people she worked with knew about the messy divorce and when her husband split her lip open. Of course, Cal didn’t understand what he was dealing with when he did that. Lynsee broke his nose and wrist. She could’ve done more if her neighbor hadn’t called the cops. “This is your idea of a celebration?” She knew Jack waited to see what kind of answer she would give. Lynsee was certain Jack knew all about Lynsee Frost and her ex, even more so now, since as of next week, upper management assigned Lynsee to his unit and he was her new boss. She wondered how Jack liked working with her though and she hoped he was impressed by her ability didn’t begin to scratch the surface. “Are you sorry?” Lynsee laughed a harsh, cutting sound. “You bet I’m sorry. I’m sorry I ever met the sonofabitch and I’m sorry I was stupid enough to get involved with him. I’m surprised the cops didn’t try to arrest me when they did Cal.” Jack’s lips pressed into a line. “They tried.” She remembered the fury burning in his deep brown eyes when he saw Lynsee’s bruised lip. She knew without a doubt if her ex ever came near her again what he’d do to the man. “What?” Lynsee rubbed her face and eyes, “Oh hell, why didn’t I think about that. I suppose there’s going to be an investigation then.” She imagined her career in shreds and she’d end up a bounty hunter in Detroit instead of the job in NYC she coveted. “No. You had nothing to do with that. The Bureau saw no reason to pursue an investigation.” Later Lynsee found out he wasn’t going to tell her that he’d spent several days placing a solid barrier around her, she was a good agent, he wasn’t about to let an ex destroy the makings of a brilliant career. She sighed knowing Jack saw the first glimmer of tears in her eyes. “Wow, that would’ve been the kicker to three really bad years.”

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She reached for the bottle again and Jack’s hand closed over hers. “You need some sleep. It’s been a hard day all around.” He stood up and she nearly stumbled after him and fell against his side. Jack’s arm went around her waist to steady her and ended up pulling her closer to him. His body reacted instantly and so shockingly, Jack lost his concentration. Her scent filled his nostrils and his arm contracted sharply drawing her closer. Holding her, he managed to dig some cash out of his pocket and tossed it on the table. Walking to the elevator, he’d swear she fell asleep on her feet until the doors closed and the car jerked to a start. She lifted her head from the crook of his neck and Jack tried to not to think how uncomfortable she’d be if she remembered this. They were dangerously close to breaking a least a dozen rules of conduct most she didn’t even know about since her promotion hadn’t been posted yet and technically he wasn’t her boss. Yet. “What kind of cologne is that?” The question startled him as she held onto his suit jacket. “I don’t know, something my sister got me for Christmas.” “Smells good.” Jack’s dark eyes filled with compassion. His heart ached for the trust that another man destroyed in her, would she ever find that trust again? He hadn’t and he hadn’t been in love since before his own marriage ended. The elevator slid to a stop and the doors opened. “Where’s your room?” She staggered out the elevator and gripped the door. “Down there, last one.” Gritting his teeth, Jack cursed fate and anything else that caused the heightened awareness coursing through his veins as she wrapped an arm around him to steady herself. Her head leaned on his shoulder and Jack felt the sudden urge to run his fingers through that shiny gold hair. She stopped in front of her door and pointed with a silly grin on her face. “This one.” “Where’s your key?” Lynsee fumbled in her pockets and came out with a keycard. He took it from her and slid it into the lock. He shoved the door open and guided her inside intending to get her tucked into bed and get the hell out of the room. Teetering on the edge of potentially kissing his career good-bye or giving in to the brilliant shades of desire clouding his vision, Jack wondered if it would be worth the price. He closed the door, flipped on the light, and turned to find Lynsee in the middle of the room with her shoes kicked off, her jacket dumped on the floor and her blouse unbuttoned. Then he understood the

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answer, it would be worth any price. Jack never realized such a hunger could exist and it hit him so hard he nearly fell backward. Wishing like hell that he could blame his reaction on alcohol, Jack stepped back and licked his lips. “I’ll see you in the morning.” “Jack?” His hand was on the door handle. Jack knew right from wrong and he knew what this was. She was next to him before he could inhale his next breath. “Lynsee, you’re drunk. You’ve just officially ended a large part of your life and you’re feeling it. This would be a mistake.” Lynsee blinked once more and clarity washed over her eyes sharpening the blur. She straightened, leaving him room to open the door. “The last three years of my life were worse than I could ever imagine. I’ve spent too long trying to deaden any feelings, any sensations, any hopes, Jack.” She touched the hand that held the door handle. “Do you know what it’s like to be cold inside? To not feel anything? And to realize that I did this to myself, I put myself into that relationship, no one else did.” She let go of his hand. “I need someone to make me feel again, someone who can show me I’m still alive.” Wiping tears from her cheeks, she pushed her hair back. “Jack, I need you to wake me up.” Alarms exploded in his head and he shut his eyes tightly. He wasn’t a saint by any stretch of the imagination. His fists clenched against the doorframe. “There’s at least a dozen reasons I should leave.” He heard the silky fabric of her blouse slip from her skin and fall to the floor. “Bring me back to life, Jack. Please.” The words were his undoing. He clicked the lock on the door and turned to look at her. Muscles in his throat clenched, blood sped through his veins. He moved to where she stood and one hand grazed her silky shoulder. Thunder roared in his ears while he cupped the side of her face. Any hint of doubt on her face, he’d stop. Walk out the door and chalk this up to brief insanity. What he saw there was desire, excitement and something glorious in those gem colored eyes. He knew what it was like, the chill deep down in your soul. There it ached waiting for some connection to another. He lowered his head, “Bring me to life.” The instant their lips met, Lynsee felt the sharp jolt snap through her system followed closely by a longing so internal, so primal she gasped aloud. Drawing in a mix of their breaths, Lynsee kissed him once more and parted her lips needing so much more than what was offered. She’d never been tempted before, never craved anything or anyone like this. His tongue brushed passed her lip and Lynsee’s fingers tangled in his black hair. Her skin tingled as his hands traveled down her back and freed her bra.

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Lynsee snapped back into the present like a rubber band and sat stiffly in the car. Timing was everything and hers just plain sucked. Jack Navarre. Her boss and she blamed him entirely for the New Orleans field office releasing this case to them. If Jack wasn’t so damned good at his job, she wouldn’t be here right now. The D.C. office got the call from New Orleans and the Agent in Charge automatically received a referral to the New York office and Jack Navarre. When it came to high profile or strange missing persons cases, Jack usually received the call. Otherwise, she’d be on the missing persons case in Raleigh with Dorian and Beth. She wasn’t sure where the humidity would drip the most. The joy of summer in the south, moisture that made you long for iced drinks. “Oh this is going to be loads of fun, isn’t it?” Safely ensconced in the black sedan, Lynsee watched the crowd of law enforcement and onlookers milling about the long drive and the grounds. “How much of the crime scene did they trudge through already?” “I think we’ll start with the owner and the landscaping group and move from there.” She watched as he steered the car past the line of reporters and police cars up to the circular drive. “Nice crowd.” Jack tilted a glance at her. “You’ll start with the landscaping crew.” Lynsee got a look at the backhoe and disgruntled workers held up by the discovery of the body. As soon as the car stopped, Lynsee pulled her coat off the back seat and climbed out of the car. Well, it wasn’t that intolerable yet and she could smell magnolia’s and some sort of fruit blossoming nearby. Lynsee pulled the jacket on, dug her ID out of the pocket, and closed the car door. She watched Jack move off in the direction of the police and forced the blaze of heat in the pit of her stomach to go away. It was a long, long time ago and he’d made it abundantly clear what happened between them was a mistake. So why the hell couldn’t she get over it? One night. Nearly three years ago and Lynsee knew she hadn’t been the same since. Her divorce was final and she decided to celebrate such as it was, with getting plowed. She’d wasted four years of her life in a destructive relationship and freedom was well earned. Imagine her surprise when after a couple of whiskeys, Jack walked in. He drove her home, listened to her cry and she nearly crumbled to the floor when he told her he knew all about her ex-husband. If Lynsee thought about it, that would’ve shocked her. Jack Navarre knew everything about everyone and managed to keep everything about himself locked in some deep,

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dark place. Jack was a hard man, a tough boss and people knew that. He was one of the best agents in the Bureau, but no one got close. Except Lynsee for one night and that night haunted her. She wanted more, the hunger so real it was nearly physical. She’d never had that kind of connection, experienced so much passion. All her life, love eluded her and she knew thiscould never happen with Jack. Rules, regulations and Jack being Jack, didn’t leave much hope of Lynsee discovering if there was really anything there. She didn’t know why she held out hope after two years, why just looking at the man made heat pool in her belly. Maybe she wanted the unattainable because it was safe. If you couldn’t have it, there wasn’t any question of screwing it up. Lynsee grinned to herself, nothing about Jack Navarre was safe. Turning her mind off anything but this case, she squinted into the sunlight and walked over to the fountain. Lynsee tossed the jacket over her shoulder and wished she’d worn slacks. From the dark mud trudged aside by the backhoe, this could end up a dirty job. “Hi there.” A group of cops guarded the crime scene tape. One of the locals chatted with a sexy location reporter. Lynsee slipped under the tape making sure the police got a good look at the badge. She smiled at one of the landscapers leading against the fountain. She flashed the badge and ID. “Who found the body?” “I did.” The young man looked green around the gills. Lynsee moved a bit closer. “Where?” “Over here.” He pointed to a hole near the garden. It backed up to the bayou. Dark, swampy and a bit on the spooky side, she imagined settled in the bayou making visibility difficult. If the killer dumped a body here, the bayou seemed more logical. Lynsee considered, the opportunity. A killer would logically put a body where you wouldn’t find it. A trip into the bayou for her, no doubt, as she glanced down at her new shoes and growled. She followed the man’s gesture over to where the backhoe parked. Irritation flickered briefly along the base of her spine when she saw that the body was gone. Glancing back at one of the cops, she placed a pleasant smile on her lips. “Please tell me the ME was the only one that moved the body.” One of the cops stepped up. “Yeah, this morning.” “Has anyone else meddled with the crime scene?” “What?” “Moved anything? Walked around the area, stepped on something, anything like that?” “No, I don’t think so.”

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Lynsee motioned for the cop to follow as she walked over to the soil where the body laid. She addressed the landscaper in a professional, calm tone. “What time did you get to work?” The man pursed his lips. “About a quarter till six.” “Is that the time you show up every morning?” He nodded as Lynsee took a pad and pen out of her other pocket. She pulled the cap off with her teeth and tucked a lock of pale gold hair behind one ear. “Did you notice anything out of the ordinary? Somebody not show up for work or someone that wasn’t supposed to be there?” The man shook his head and frowned. “How about women? Do you get a lot of girls around here?” Lynsee’s eyes shifted back up to the man. “Just people applying for jobs?” “I guess so. Didn’t pay much attention, you know?” Lynsee nodded. She wasn’t getting much more information out of him. “Anybody else notice anything?” “I don’t know. I was the only one on the backhoe at the time.” “Who else was on the morning shift?” The young man pointed out four other landscapers. Lynsee slipped her pen in a pocket and wandered over to the police holding a line of onlookers. Somebody might’ve known the young victim and if they did, it would be the first step to a suspect. Jack glanced across the scene focusing on Lynsee while she interviewed the landscaping crew. Sunlight caught her long, yellow gold hair and shimmered. Muscles tightened in his stomach and he automatically turned away to look at the owner of Scarlet Oak Manor. Taking off his sunglasses so he could get a good look at the man, Jack slipped them inside his suit coat. Dark brown nearly black eyes focused on the classically handsome man standing across from him holding a clipboard. Remy Terreau appeared haggard. Jack understood why. An expensive enterprise such as turning a property like this into a resort didn’t need bad publicity. Terreau came from a wealthy background, but the heir to throne decided to strike out on his own and make a career in the hotel business. “How long have the renovations been going on?” “Too long.” Jack let his gaze drift over the massive grounds. There were painters focusing on exterior of the main house and he saw another company down the road at the guesthouses painting with a pale ivory color. “Any idea how many people have had access to the property the last month?” Remy scratched his head. “I’m not really sure. Thirty, fifty. I’d have to look at the purchase orders and call on them.” “Do that. I need names.”

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“Of course.” Jack couldn’t help but looking over where Lynsee interviewed the landscapers. Remy moved in front of him and called out to a girl on the patio. “Meghan, could you bring us some iced tea?” The young woman nodded and Remy shifted blocking Jack’s view. “You don’t think anyone working here was responsible for this, do you?” “I really can’t say. I need a list of all the people you’ve hired in the last month.” Remy flipped a few sheets off the clipboard and handed it to Jack. He looked over the names quickly. “How many of these people are working today?” “Six.” Remy motioned for Jack to follow him up onto the patio where the girl placed the iced tea. “Thanks, Meghan.” He gestured for Jack to sit. “I can have them ready for you to speak with. Look Agent Navarre, all I want to do is get this hotel up and running. I don’t need any bad publicity.” Jack walked up the steps to the patio and sat down at the table across from Remy. Most people would’ve noticed the gorgeous antebellum architecture or the scent of flowers in bloom. “I don’t intend to create publicity, bad or otherwise.” Jack sat down and swirled ice in the tea. He didn’t pay attention to anything that wasn’t in direct correlation to his case. Right now, it wasn’t about the where the body was found, it was more who had access to this property and why did they choose it. “Any idea why someone would dispose of a body here?” In order to figure out the why, he needed Remy to provide the link. Remy sipped his tea slowly. “Do you want my opinion or what the locals would say?” “I’m sorry? There’s two answers?” Jack took out a small notepad and began scratching notes. “Let’s start with your opinions first.” Remy cocked a brow at him. “Please tell me you don’t think I had anything to do with this.” “Not at the moment, but the jury’s out on your staff.” “We’re out of the city, that’s an invitation. The property is old and until recently dilapidated. The bayou borders the property as well so there’s always that opportunity, I suppose.” Remy ran a hand through his dark hair. “We started work on it about six months ago. Contractors, architects, designers, you name it. This place has been as busy as a shopping mall. I can’t imagine anyone having the opportunity to do this.” “Do you know any of the missing girls?” Remy coughed and wipe the moisture from his lips with his hand. “No, I don’t know any of those women. If you don’t believe me, I can have it verified. Also, I was out of the country when they were abducted.”

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Jack nodded. He didn’t think Terreau was guilty of anything, he took another look around the premises, except biting off more than he could chew. “Always have to ask. Now, you want to tell me what the locals would say.” The man pursed his lips, seeming to contemplate his response. Blue eyes squinted in the sunlight. His finger rimmed the top of the iced tea glass following the line of condensation. “Do you believe in haunted houses, Agent Navarre?” Jack’s lips tilted into an off center smile. “Excuse me?” “Haunted houses, ghosts, curses, do you believe in that sort of thing, Agent?” Glancing over at the police, he noticed Lynsee didn’t take much time mobilizing them into searching for other bodies. Jack had an uncomfortable feeling that this wasn’t the only victim buried on this site. “No, Mr. Terreau, I don’t believe in any of those things unless it’s Halloween.” “Mmm-hmm, well, the locals are pretty attached to the history of Scarlet Oak Manor.” Shrugging he sipped on the iced tea. “I suppose any house this old would come with a great deal of history.” “I see. So the local residents believe the property is haunted?” Jack continued his note taking wondering if Remy Terreau tried to deceive him on purpose. Distract him by this foolish notion of a haunted house and give the killer more time. “Why is that, Mr. Terreau?” Remy laughed. Not an unpleasant sound, but a bit out of place, Jack thought. “I believe it would have something to do with the curse.” “Is there some reason you consider this a joke, Mr. Terreau?” Jack pushed the tea aside as the flash bomb temper of his ticked away. “If you think it’s entertaining, then perhaps, you’d like to continue this conversation in an interrogation room?” “One second.” Terreau held up his index finger and dashed into the hotel. He returned a moment later with a stack of old documents and three books. “Here, this is everything I know about the Curse of the Midnight Star and Scarlet Oak Manor.” “Mr. Terreau, I can assure you, I’m not interested in fiction. Only what happened to the victim.” Jack got to his feet. “If you could have your employees that worked yesterday, come over here. I’d like to ask them a few questions.” “I’ll send them right away.” Remy started to gather his documentation. “You might want to take a look at this stuff sometime, Agent Navarre. It’ll scare the crap out of you.”

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“Do you think this has anything to do with the curse?” Lynsee brushed back a strand of hair that broke loose of the ponytail. She turned her head in the direction of three police officers. “What?” Two female officers and one male stood sipping coffee and controlling the crowd, one of the women seemed surprised she’d been overheard. “I’m sorry?” “What curse are you talking about?” The woman smiled sheepishly. “The Curse of the Midnight Star, of course. Everyone round here knows about it. How that young Creole girl got involved with the plantation owner.” “You’re kidding, right?” Lynsee tried not to smirk. Her practical nature was deeply embedded in her psyche and superstition never surfaced. The other officer spoke up, “No. It’s pretty serious business. In fact, most people know about it. People passed the story on for over a hundred years now.” Lynsee motioned back at the crowd. “I see. Is that what’s up with the crowd?” “People think the place is haunted.” A smile creased Lynsee’s full lips. “Haunted? Really?” She’d make a note of that except Jack wouldn’t find it entertaining. “Has anyone done a search of the grounds yet?” “For?” “Okay, Officer Blake.” Lynsee made a point of the name. “Let’s try it this way. When you spoke to the witnesses did anyone mention knowing the victim?” “Why would they do that?” “From that I take it no one has searched the grounds.” The amusement she felt earlier evaporated and she grit her teeth. “Weren’t there five girls missing from that nightclub? It’s a logical assumption that there could be others here.” Lynsee moved passed the trio and over to the line control. She crooked a finger at the officer holding the line. “I want you to move these people off the grounds. Now. Same with the reporters. There is nothing to see here.” “What does the Curse have to do with this murder?” Positive the question came from a reporter, Lynsee turned away. “You two get anyone left to start searching the grounds. Start in the grounds by the guesthouses, she walked over to the crime scene where three other officers stood. The two police officers followed her. “Search the area near the cemetery, and the bayou.”

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“Ma’am, I understand you aren’t from around here. But I can guarantee, you don’t want to go out into the bayou unless you get a couple of croc hunters. As for that cemetery, I don’t think anyone’s going in there.” Lynsee pasted her best professional smile on. She was used to the good ol’ boy routine that permeated much of the south. However, it was going to get any nicer out today, and she had the feeling it would be a long day anyway. “I’m not ‘ma’am’ Officer,” she checked his uniform, “Gerard. I’m Special Agent Frost or if you can’t get around that just Frost.” Her smiled widened. “Trust me, Officer, I’ve heard all the frost jokes so just get on the phone and get somebody from the Crime Lab out here along with any spare cops. I want the grounds searched and I don’t care if this is the Haunted freakin’ Mansion. You’re going to search the grounds starting now.” “Agent Frost, we’ve got eight men out here now. They haven’t found anything.” Lynsee pocketed the notepad. “Do you think you can manage to get the press and the gossip hunters out of here?” Wishing she wore hiking boots instead of heels, Lynsee headed off in the direction of the bayou. One of the female officers chased after her. “You really don’t want to go into the bayou. Seriously, Agent Frost. You don’t. If there aren’t crocodiles, there’s worse.” “I’ll stay out of the reptile’s way.” Lynsee made her way along the perimeter of the large property. Already she decided Magnolia wasn’t her scent. It was too sweet and it hung in the air longer than she would’ve liked. Making her way toward the rear of the property, she kept her eyes on the ground looking for telltale signs. Drag marks, broken limbs on the bushes, Lynsee searched for anything out of the ordinary and to her disgust, found absolutely nothing. She followed a path she assumed would let out along the back of the property only to glance up and find that she stood in front of an old rusted gate leading into the cemetery. She took hold of the wrought iron gate and glanced up at the sky. Grey clouds bubbled up from the south. The air was cooler now, which was odd since the sun still shown blindingly down on the vanilla white paint of Scarlet Oak Manor. The stark grey of the cemetery drew her eyes. It seemed to overtake the rest of the landscape creating a morose black and white scene where the white seemed faded to a dull gunmetal color. Lynsee squinted at the sun, but past that gate seemed dark and excessively gloomy almost like stepping into some surreal landscape. She glanced back briefly toward the main house finding color and sound.

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Odd, how the closer she got to the gate, the colder the metal became. Lynsee rubbed her shoulders with her hands, and felt for her cell phone and then slipped a hand inside her jacket to check her gun. It was reassuring, but bizarre that when she shoved at the gate, it was as if someone pushed back against her. Locked, no? Lynsee bent her head and checked the mechanism. She thought maybe it was jammed, but then she noticed the small man gate at the edge of the cemetery. Leaning into the ancient gate, she pushed and nearly stumbled into the overgrown weeds in the family cemetery. Cursing her high heels, she tore dried vine away from the shoe and her ankle then swiped at the dried brush attached to her long coat. An icy wind blew across her as she straightened and tucked a strand of dark blonde hair behind her ear. Seriously strange, moments ago she’d shed the jacket as the humidity crawled across the property and now chills danced across her. She’d never heard of this type of phenomena in New Orleans, in fact, she was certain weather stayed constant. Her eyes swept clinically across the graveyard. Yes, indeed, this would give anyone the creeps late at night with the moon high and eerie shadows from the willows stretching out. The tombstones scattered across the acre in a haphazard fashion. Some, eroded with time, the names of those resting faded. Lynsee made a point not to cross over any of the sites. Obviously, a family cemetery that was common for the wealthy Southern lifestyle a hundred years ago. Fog rolled in across the plot and Lynsee stopped, curious by its origin and the bizarre pocket of weather emanating from the cemetery. Shouldn’t the air be moist to produce fog? Too weird. Halfway through the cemetery, Lynsee paused. Casting another glance along the undisturbed grounds, she didn’t think any of the kidnap victims were here. She turned around half intending to head back to the main house and nearly stumbled over a large marble headstone. She put her hand down to catch her fall and contacted the headstone. An icy cold burn traveled the length of her arm and Lynsee recoiled sharply. Her breath caught as if someone wrapped his cold fingers around her throat. She managed to regain her balance and her eyes narrowed on the headstone. What the hell was that? Marble was cool to the touch. Not like that. Moving around to the front of the headstone, she rubbed the muscles in her arm trying to stimulate the blood flow. She read the chiseled marble and lifted a brow. Lyle Forrester, master of Scarlet Oak, died in 1862 survived by none. Nice. Lynsee’s lips settled into a line. Interesting epitaph, survived by none. Lynsee barely had a chance to read over the history of Scarlet Oak before they arrived. Obviously, Lyle was a lonely fellow or a grumpy old bachelor with too much money to marry.

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The fog closed in on another gust of wind. The gate swung open hard and creaked back banging on its hinge. Lynsee jumped at the noise. Heading for the entrance to the bayou, she waved back at the tombstone. “Nice seeing you, Lyle.” The gate clinked shut behind her and Lynsee stepped into an overgrown portion of the bayou. Water trickled in a slow moving pool of green water, long tangles of trees created a dark canopy overhead. Lynsee chose her footing carefully, not wanting to end up in loose sand or worse, soaking wet in the pool. Vines twisted along the edge of the water making a path nearly unrecognizable. Picking her way through the dense, jungle type growth, Lynsee didn’t notice the fog until she climbed over a rotting log. With her hand on the damp wood, she took a critical look around deciding that this would be a hell of a place to dump a body. “Help me!” The words drifted past rustling through the trees causing the leaves to flutter. Tilting her head, Lynsee listened carefully. Nothing. No wind, she couldn’t even hear the water anymore. Straightening away from the log, she concentrated hard on her surroundings. She couldn’t hear any scurrying of small animals in the underbrush. Lynsee glanced up. Where were the birds? The first thing Lynsee thought was alligator. Lurking somewhere along the trail waiting for her an unsuspecting snack which she did not intend to become. Lowering her eyes from the treetops, Lynsee slowly reached inside her jacket and unholstered her nine millimeter. Oddly, the path opened up a bit ahead of her and Lynsee crouched slightly, looking for the slitted eyes of a large reptile. Fog licked at her feet and Lynsee wondered if it was wise continuing. Then, she heard it again. A soft, whispery voice calling for help. Definitely a woman, or a young girl and she sounded frightened. Lowering the gun, Lynsee moved carefully along the path, noting how dark the bayou became as greens and blues blending into grey just as the cemetery had. A curtain of willows draped thickly over the path. Lynsee used one hand to part the branches and went through them sideways to reveal a small clearing. Adjusting her eyes to the dark, Lynsee reached into her jacket and pulled out a small penlight. The beam wasn’t enough to illuminate the clearing but she could get a look at the area by sections. “Help me!” The words whispered gently in her ear and Lynsee spun around shining the light into the edge of the clearing expecting to find a young woman standing beside her. A trickle of nerves glanced at the base of her spine. “Where are you?” Frantically, she passed the light around the area and saw no one.

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The light flashed across a few branches and she stopped. She took two steps forward staring at the things hanging from the branches. Twigs tied with twine into stick figures and stars suspended from the same twine hung over a mound where it was obvious there hadn’t been anything to disturb it for a very long time. Lynsee shown the light on one of the stick figures and tilted her gun slightly to reach out for it. “I would not do that, if I were you.” In one fluid motion, Lynsee swung round leveling the gun and light in the direction of the man’s voice. Her heel came against a large rock and she used it to brace herself as she got a good look at her visitor. Fairly tall, with short, dark hair slicked back and pale green eyes, the man wore a suit with a long coat and it reminded Lynsee of another era. “Do you work here?” The man shook his head. “Who are you?” He ignored her seeming to step back further into the shadows. “Hold up there buddy. I’m a Federal agent. Now what are you doing out here?” He pointed to the twigs. “You don’t want to disturb those.” A soft breeze picked up and the stars and stick figures twirled from the strings. “Why is that?” Lynsee glanced back for a second and let her eyes go where the mound of dirt hid. Was that a grave? “Don’t disturb the ground!” The man yelled at her with such a vicious edge, Lynsee focused her attention on him. “You must not touch that.” Lynsee had a pretty good idea why he didn’t want her to disturb the ground there. It had all the markings of a gravesite although, she wasn’t certain it was fresh. “Down on your knees.” The man seemed confused and agitated. “Do not disturb the ground.” Flashing the light back into the brush she realized that the mound eroded with time revealed a glimpse of something suspiciously like human bones. Eyes adjusted to the dim light enough to forego the flashlight and she angled back another step while monitoring the man and dropped the flashlight into her pocket. “Okay, I’m done being friendly. Get down on your knees now.” “You don’t understand!” The wind picked up blowing one of the stars so that it brushed against Lynsee’s face. Lynsee pushed it away from her face and the man screamed in rage. She dropped to her knees and prepared for the man to attack just as her cell phone rang. Blinking, her eyes now accustomed to the shadowy light she scanned the area and saw no sign of the man. The only sound was the soft whisper of a woman crying, “Thank you.”

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The phone rang insistently and Lynsee experienced a shudder run through her entire body as she flicked it open the cell phone. “Yes!” “Lynsee?” The voice on the other end spoke in low, quiet tones. “Where are you?”

“That’s a good question.” Lynsee blinked as the fog and shadows seemed to recede back into the swamp as if someone vacuumed them up. The last remains of afternoon sunlight streaked across the ground, flickering along the edges of the bayou. Bending carefully, over the grave, she glanced back in the direction she came from. “Out in the swamp. I found some remains, Jack.” “Tell me where you are, I’ll bring a couple of Crime Scene investigators with me and they can gather the evidence.” Lynsee holstered her gun certain the man she’d spoke to wasn’t coming back. “Go out through the back of the cemetery, there’s a rough trail that leads about half a mile out to the bayou. You’ll see, it’s like something out of a horror movie.” “Terrific.” Jack sounded anything but excited at the prospect. “Give me ten minutes.” “Jack, there was a guy out here, warning me off the scene. He may have something to do with this.” Lynsee picked the flashlight out of her pocket and tapped it against her knee, the dim light reappeared, and she clicked it off. She used the end of the flashlight to gently lift some of the dirt away from the exposed bone. “He vanished into the bayou when I found the remains.” “Vanished? What do you mean by that?” Lynsee blew a stream of air over the bone, revealing part of the arm. Even in the shadows, she could tell this was an older gravesite. Lynsee got to her feet and brushed off her pant legs. The remains here looked to be at least fifty years old. Well the good thing was, none of the missing girls were out here. Lynsee sat down on a log facing the bayou. Jack’s analytical nature was something bordering on anal at times. “I looked down, saw the remains when I glanced back up where the guy was, he wasn’t.” “All right. I’ll be there in a few minutes.” He disconnected the call. “Jack, this isn’t—damn.” This wasn’t anything for them. Maybe a forensic archaeologist from New Orleans or if it were of historical significance, then she could see exhuming the site and testing the grounds. However, that wasn’t going to be any of the FBI’s concern. “You won’t find it.” Lynsee whirled around, biting back a squeak of alarm. Her heart slammed into her chest as she faced the man who seemed to have the interesting ability of being able to disappear into the bayou.

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Lynsee’s hand went to the handle of her Walther. The man held up his hands. “I’ve looked already.” “What are you talking about?” “It isn’t here, I’ve searched this spot thousands of times.” “What isn’t here?” Lynsee fingered the gun. Something odd and very disturbing about this man, something that curled the edges of her nerves, she didn’t like the sensation much. “The Midnight Star.” A dark blonde brow rose. “What is the midnight star?” “Agent Frost!” Lynsee turned at the sound of Jack’s voice. Several men and women slipped into the glade with flashlights and crime scene kits. Occasionally, she wished she were still in forensics. Digging around in a crime scene where anthropology came into play always intrigued her. Glancing over her shoulder, she shook her head at her own stupidity. “Damn it.” The man was no where in sight. Tramping across the damp ground, she met Jack and the others. She pointed at the grave, “Over there.” Jack’s eyes narrowed slightly in dim light. The figures hanging from old tree limbs reminded him of a horror movie. Interesting, apparently people in New Orleans took their haunted Manors seriously and did not mind adding their own ambience. Jack watched a moment as the crime scene unit began their investigation. Then his eyes went to Agent Frost. Her face was flushed with anger, her cornflower blue eyes sharp with anger. He tilted his head catching her attention. “Agent Frost?” “Damn it,” she hissed quietly. “He came back and disappeared just as fast as he did before.” “Who?” “The closest thing to a suspect I’ve seen so far.” “Which way?” Lynsee shoved her flashlight back into her pocket and pulled the jacket closer around her. “That’s the trouble, Jack. I didn’t see him when he showed up and I never saw or heard him leave.” The agitation was there. Simmering below the surface, Lynsee Frost didn’t like to lose. And this, she would categorize as a loss. “Come on, let’s leave them to it. We’ll take a look around, see if we can find your mystery man.” Jack nudged her a bit with his eyes then turned heading for a flashlight. He picked it up and glanced back at Lynsee. “Where was he last?”

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Glancing down at her soggy heels, Lynsee moved up to Jack. She pointed into some of the thick moldy sage colored vines. “Right there.” Jack clicked on the flashlight, directing the beam where Lynsee indicated. He leaned closer, avoiding the mud. If a man had stood there, where were his footprints? Ignoring her shoes, Lynsee bent down next to him. She looked quickly at him and a frown tugged at her lips. “I don’t understand.” “Where did you first see him?” Lynsee moved about ten feet from him. Jack joined her and again, no footprints. No sign of anyone out here except his Agent. Lynsee Frost was not the skittish type. Not in the least, but the atmosphere certainly lent itself to the rumors Terreau mentioned. “We’ll take a look at the perimeter on the way back to the Manor.” She was solid and she didn’t see things that weren’t there. Jack gestured with the light. “I don’t get this. I’ve got footprints all over the place. Where are his?” They began walking in the direction of the bayou. Jack stopped abruptly. “You said you didn’t hear him approach.” Turning he headed back to the glade, with Lynsee trailing him. He stepped as carefully as possible. Avoiding the water though wasn’t easy. Odds were whoever Lynsee saw, didn’t come from way of the bayou. He would’ve been a wet, noisy mess. “Let’s head back.” At the glade, Jack noticed Lynsee had indeed discovered a grave. Perhaps, it disturbed her more than she wanted to admit. This job got to everyone eventually. Starting for the trail he didn’t wait for Lynsee knowing she would catch up without a problem. He heard the snap of several twigs as she caught up with him in a dense little strip along the path back to the cemetery. “Jack, I saw what I saw.” “I believe you.” “Why?” Using his forearm to nudge aside some of the low hanging willow limbs, Jack noticed mist curling around his ankles. “Why do I believe you? That’s an odd question.” He held the branches back for Lynsee to pass. She brushed by him and the muscles in his stomach clenched. Air trapped in his lungs sizzled and popped waiting for him to exhale. The tips of his fingers tingled wanting to reach for her. Always the same, but recently it became harder to control the reaction. In the thousand moments she casually touched him in the past, he managed to recover quickly and put it out of his mind. He was an observant man. His degree was in psychology, he studied human nature and behavior. Why didn’t

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he recognize his own when it came to Lynsee Frost? The intensity rolled through him hotter and faster than anything he’d ever felt in his life and it didn’t go away. He wanted her, each day, each hour, whenever he saw Lynsee, it was worse. After three years, he expected it to get better. It didn’t, he went to bed at night wanting her and woke each morning bathed in sweat. At this point in his life, he wasn’t sure how to handle it, he didn’t know what to do about her anymore or his reaction. It took every ounce of self-control not to drag her into the bushes and pull her into his arms. Instead, he allowed anger to cool the fervor. His eyes darkened into the anger and fed it instead of desire for a change. He bit the inside of his jaw hard enough to taste blood. It was enough to regain control. “Why would you believe something with no evidence to support it?” “Because I trust the person giving me the information.” He heard her come up behind him and take hold of his arm. Jack clenched his teeth as she tried to drag him to a stop. “You trust me, but I can see it in your eyes, Jack. You think I was out here talking to myself.” Glancing pointedly at his arm, he felt a bit weary, tired even, when he saw the alarm in her eyes. Instantly, the sharp tang of regret slapped at him. “It’s been a long day, Lynsee. Sometimes we talk things out, to get a feel for the case.” Lynsee released her grip on his arm. “I’m not talking to myself. I don’t do that.” She turned her head sideways. “Except when I’m doing laundry.” Her eyes blazed at his. “I saw a man. I spoke to him not once but twice.” “I already said I believed you.” “Screw this!” Lynsee stalked past him ignoring the slosh of mud on her pant leg. “Let’s get the hell out of here.” The cemetery loomed ahead and Jack considered the picture it presented. Something dark seemed to drift over the historical graves and settle there. If Jack were a suspicious man or one prone to believing in otherworldly occurrences he might think the cemetery was the perfect setting for a mystery. His lips twisted wryly, he’d met a few guys at the Bureau that really got into this stuff. It wasn’t anything that Jack considered personally, he had enough real life issues to deal with. He caught up to Lynsee as they walked into the cemetery. Her ruined heel caught on an old vine and she stumbled forward. Jack didn’t think, he merely reacted and hooked his arm around her waist, catching hold of her before she could hit the dirt. “Remind me to throw these fuckin’ shoes away.” She laughed, a bit uneasily as he straightened and shifted his weight. Uncomfortably, he let her gain her balance, loosening his grip so she could use his arm to stabilize herself.

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“You didn’t know you’d be slogging through a bog.” “Yeah, right.” She pushed her hair back in distaste nearly snarling at him. “Maybe you’re right, I spent all morning listening to the locals talk about haunted mansions and cursed Creoles, I suppose it would be easy to superimpose that into something.” She stomped through the cemetery, her very presence lending color to the bleak gray landscape. This place was so dreary while Lynsee was so vibrant. He licked his lips, realizing he probably needed a drink at this point. Alcohol would dull his senses and maybe if he was lucky he wouldn’t be so tuned to Lynsee then. A flutter of wings behind him caused Jack to turn. Sitting on a headstone was a large black bird that Jack assumed to be a crow. All he needed now was Edgar Allen Poe to appear in the mists to make the whole Halloween image complete. The bird watched him a moment with an eerie intelligence before taking flight. Jack glanced down at the headstone and read the name: Lyle Forrester. A previous owner or some historical relation to the property that Terreau would turn into a trap, Jack held back a slight smile at the notion. The bird regarded him a moment longer before taking off for a large magnolia tree as the sun dipped low in the sky. He figured the drive back to New Orleans was forty minutes at least and it looked like they’d be back at Scarlet Oak in the morning. Lynsee would want to know about the old grave and he had a feeling that something wasn’t quite right here. “Hey Jack?” Jack’s attention went quickly to where Lynsee stood next to Remy Terreau. The younger man had a very practiced, charming grin on his face as he looked at Lynsee Frost. Jack had to remind himself that it was none of his concern. “Mr. Terreau has offered us a couple of rooms at Scarlet Oak as opposed to going into the city tonight.” “Really?” Terreau faced him, “If it’s convenient. The rooms are ready. Our kitchen isn’t up to snuff yet, but we can provide meals for you.” Jack’s eyes slid over to Lynsee, “That’s fine.” They hadn’t checked into the hotel in New Orleans yet, it would take only a phone call to cancel the reservation. Since they needed to come out to Scarlet Oak tomorrow anyway, this would only get the assignment done quicker. “We’ll get our bags.” Lynsee followed him out to the car and he popped the trunk. “I spoke to several employees. One of them, Meghan was quite talkative and more than willing to point out potential suspects.” He reached

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in and pulled out his black overnight bag and Lynsee’s dark blue one. “Meghan recognized the victim, Jennie Riverton, as a girl who used to show up in a lot of the clubs a few months ago. Apparently, Jennie took a liking to Meghan’s ex-boyfriend.” Slamming the trunk, Lynsee took hold of the handle of her bag. “Meghan out for a little revenge?” “Maybe.” Jack considered a moment. “I think her and the ex-boyfriend deserve some checking out.” Lynsee nodded, “Easy enough. I’ll call Robin when we get up to the room.” She stopped a moment and Jack turned. The old plantation was magnificent piece of architecture, but he wondered if maybe the soft ivory and huge blossoms surrounding the entrance appealed more to Lynsee’s softer side. It was getting harder and harder not to look at her. Jack forced his eyes away and followed Terreau and Lynsee up the stairs to the front door of the old plantation. He drew in a deep breath focusing on the heavy scent of flowers blooming around them. What would it be like? A lazy summer day watching the sun streak pastels across the horizon barbequing ribs and drinking a cold beer with her at his side. Damn it. If he didn’t get control of this, whatever the hell it was, he’d be forced to either transfer Lynsee or himself out of the Missing Persons Unit. And that would be a damn shame because he’d lose and exceptional agent that way. Jack clenched his jaw and let the door to Scarlet Oak Manor slam behind him. Polished marble, antiques and soft muted colors designed to impress and soothe met him as his eyes took in the front parlor of Scarlet Oak. Obviously, Terreau spent a fortune refurbishing the property. No wonder he was a bit on the antsy side. With this much cash invested, you really did not want things going wrong. Lynsee pulled off her muddy heels and hung onto them with a finger. “I’ve got two suites the adjoin each other. You can test them out, see if they’re worth the price I plan charging.” Terreau winked at Lynsee and she grinned back at him. “They’ve got wireless internet and a fax line if you need it.” He motioned toward the massive staircase in front of them. “Right this way.” “That should be fine.” Lynsee shifted the heels into the other hand and took hold of the banister. “I don’t know what the kitchen has right now, but I will have them call up and get your preferences. It’s either that or a Cajun place up the road about ten minutes.” “Whatever you’ve got in the kitchen’s fine. We’ll try to stay out of your hair as much as possible.”

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“Trust me, Agent Frost, anyone who is as pretty as you isn’t in the way.” “Is that a dose of Southern charm?” Terreau laughed and suddenly Jack decided it was pleasant at all. Neither was his flirtation with his agent. “I’m actually not from the South, but charm’s something I’ve always tried to practice.” The young entrepreneur stopped at the top of the stairs and Lynsee pointed at an old photograph on the wall. Jack’s eyes narrowed slightly noting the slight shake of her hand. He glanced quickly around and saw the entire hall lined with old photos. Automatically, he stepped closer. “What is it?” “That’s the man.” Her voice came out hoarse and she coughed slightly. Terreau’s blue eyes went dull with confusion. “What man?” Lynsee’s gaze went to Jack’s, ignoring the hotel owner. “He is the one I saw in the bayou.” Tilting his head slightly, he examined the photo over her shoulder. “Are you sure?” “Positive.” Terreau gave a hoot of laughter. “That’s impossible.” “Why is that?” Jack leveled a dark stare in Terreau’s direction and the man pressed his lips together tightly. “It’s a photograph of Lyle Forrester. He owed the plantation over a hundred years ago. I’m pretty sure he wasn’t the guy you saw out in the bayou. I know everyone talks about ghosts around this place, but I think it’s all kinda hokey.” He led them down the ivory hall decorated with sconces and small tables filled with lavender potpourri to two rooms on the end. “Here we are.” He unlocked the first room and gestured for Lynsee to enter. “It’s lovely.” Terreau nodded, “Great, that’s what we’re going for.” He stepped in and unlocked the adjoining door then handed Lynsee one key and Jack the other. “I’ll leave you to it then.” He walked out of the room.

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“You okay?” “I’m great. Super.” Lynsee sank onto the edge of the bed and lowered her head. She rubbed the back of her neck as her mind thumbed through what she thought she’d seen. “I saw a ghost.” She shook her head as the dregs of a headache dripped into her system. “Jesus, what the hell kind of place is this?” “Lynsee, you didn’t see a ghost.” The flame blazed through her and she didn’t know if she wanted to take a swing at him or rip his clothes off. She’d seen a ghost! How the hell did you process that? A blurry mix of emotion fluttered to her feat like a deck of tumbled cards. Lynsee couldn’t even begin to assimilate that. She didn’t believe in ghosts, the paranormal, X-files, whatever. She relied on what she saw with her own baby blues and those babies told her things. Like she had just seen Lyle Forrester. But it couldn’t have been Lyle Forrester. Lyle Forrester died over a hundred years ago. Of course, wasn’t that how you became a ghost? “Lynsee?” The scratchy, rough timbre to his voice caused goose bumps over her skin. Dealing with the tight edginess he created in her became harder every day. The yearning pealed through her as if she were a bell swinging in the wind. She lifted her head and saw something in those dark eyes akin to comfort. “Agent Frost, I’m speaking to you.” “Then what did I see, Jack?” She stood up, a bit whoozy and reached out for a chair. “We’ve worked together over three years now, and you know, I don’t imagine things.” Her knuckles went white on the back of the chair. “Because I would love a reasonable explanation here.” “If I had a reasonable explanation, I’d give you one.” He moved closer. “I’d say someone was out creating as much publicity as possible for a hotel opening in a few months.” There was power there, so much power and tightly wound control that Jack Navarre gave the impression he could do anything, anywhere or anytime. He was of average height, but built like a train with midnight black hair and eyes so dark, she often wondered if they simply mirrored his soul. She’d known him for a bit over three years and his dark complexity and immense intelligence always intrigued her. She never got tired trying to pick his brain. The brilliance in him never ceased to amaze and she wanted to get inside, find out what made Jack Navarre tick. No one really knew. A lot of people perceived Jack to be tough, hardass and unmovable. They’d be correct, he’d witnessed a lot in the course of duty. Things darkened the soul and removed pieces of your humanity if you let it. She’d seen

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the darkness in him and the sharp brilliant light. Jack Navarre was all work and no play after his divorce, people said. He was a bleak horizon that you didn’t involve yourself in if you ventured into his personality. She’d give her right arm if he would let her inside and that was a very sad, nearly pathetic fact. “Now, we’ve got work to do so you can table this business and get back to the reason we’re here or,” he stepped in front of her demanding she look at him just buy the imperious stance, “I can call Glenn and find out if there’s an opening for you with the X-files.” “I didn’t know you had such a grand sense of humor.” His eyes flashed. “I’m not kidding.” She stood, standing toe to toe. If she put her heels on, she’d be two inches shorter than him. Jack stepped back and Lynsee’s mouth opened, closed and she floundered a moment in shock. Recently, he practically jumped out of his skin if she touched him. Lynsee wasn’t sure what that was all about. Even after they’d slept together he’d been remarkable casual over incidental contact. But in the past few months, Jack exhibited a weird reaction. It made her amazingly uncomfortable. She touched people upon occasion and this seemed as if she carried some contagious, nasty disease. “You’re serious about that? Really? Because I said I saw a ghost? Or because this is an excuse.” Lynsee backed up giving Jack his space. She was sure he held his breath until then. “An excuse?” Lynsee tossed her overnight bag on the bed, unzipped it and dug out her Cliế. “Yeah, an excuse.” “I’m not the one who thought she saw a ghost.” She powered on the Cliế and searching for the phone number she needed. “That’s true and it’s probably a good thing because your pragmatic, analytical mind couldn’t deal with that.” She flipped open her cell phone and starting dialing, refusing to look at him. She’d call in the background checks, get something to eat and forget about what she saw. “Hang up.” Lynsee turned ever so slightly, “Excuse me.” “Hang up the phone, Lynsee.” She snapped it shut on a note of irritation, reminding herself to call Chris back and tell apologize for hanging up on her. Shrugging, she eyed him carefully. “Okay, what?” “Do you truly believe you saw a ghost?”

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“I don’t know.” She tucked an errant strand of hair behind her ear and rubbed her dry lips together. It’d been a seriously long day, she needed some sleep and a shower, not necessarily in that order. “I listened to several people over the course of a couple of hours inform me the property is cursed by something called the Midnight Star and that man I spoke to was either a ghost or a dead ringer for one.” She waved the phone at him. “It’s got me curious enough to wonder who was buried out in the bayou.” “I can understand that. You’ve got a very curious nature.” “Does it make me a liability, Jack? Someone you can’t count on?” She couldn’t help it, this time she touched him, resting her hand gently on his shoulder. Something tingled along her arm and down her spine. “Because I don’t know if I could take that. I want you to trust my abilities.” The idea of Jack thinking less of her as a colleague was enough to snap her in two. It hurt beyond reasonable belief, forcing her to consider it wouldn’t only disturb her as a colleague. It cut far too deep. “Lynsee, there is nothing that would ever make me lose faith in you.” His long fingers stroked down her cheek. “Nothing.” Every ounce of sanity fell away from her in that instant. She wanted, no damn it, she needed. And because of who they were, where they were in this life, she could never have. At this second, she’d throw all of it away. The career would fly right on out of the window if she had the tiniest chance with Jack Navarre. She breathed in a sigh of relief. “That’s important to me. Especially now because it’s all I have now, Jack. I can’t lose this. I just can’t.” Her chest squeezed, crushing down on her and Lynsee tried to draw a breath. “There wouldn’t be anything left.” She could see it in his eyes, the indecision, the discomfort. A hole needed to open up in the floor and swallow her. Not embarrassment, no they’d been too intimate for anything to embarrass them at this point. She didn’t want to do anything to disrupt the delicate balance. What she told Jack was the truth, she had the job. No pet. No boyfriend. No lover. Better yet, she was divorced. That was generally a selling point. Barely an apartment to speak of, it was a place to crash. That was all. Her parents didn’t speak to her. She was an only child and the job didn’t give much leeway for a lot of partying with friends. She was dedicated to the Bureau and if she were honest to herself, to the man standing in front of her. He cuffed her under the chin. “Don’t sell yourself short.”

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Super he treated her like a kid sister or worse, an androgynous colleague when all she wanted was to wrap herself around him. The phone rang. She hated it. Shattering the tenuous grasp between them, golden webs ripped apart by the shrill ring of the blasted telephone. Jack strode over to the bed and picked it up. “Yes?” He listened a moment and Lynsee did her best not to look at him. “That would be fine. Yes, fifteen minutes. All right.” He replaced the receiver. “Dinner is catfish and all the fixin’s.” He grinned at her and Lynsee nearly fell apart inside. “It’ll be up in fifteen minutes. I don’t know about you but I want to get cleaned up a bit.” He walked to the adjoining door and closed it behind him. Lynsee dialed the number at the FBI, requesting Criminal History reports on the employee at Scarlet Oak and her ex-boyfriend. After getting off the phone with Chris, she figured she had ten minutes for a shower before dinner arrived. Her dry cleaning bill would be horrendous. Stripping out of the muddy suit, she tossed it aside and stepped under the blast of icy water. She picked up a bar of lemon and verbena scented soap and scrubbed her body hard enough it tingled beneath the water. Lynsee rinsed, shut the spray off, and stepped out reaching for a towel. Water streamed down her face from her soaked hair. She pushed the dark blonde hair away and caught a glimpse of her reflection in the mirror. She expected a tall, athletically lean blonde in the mirror. She didn’t scream, at least the dry crackly noise coming out of her mouth couldn’t classify as a scream. It caused Lynsee to stumble back reaching for the towel rack. It wasn’t her looking back, but a nude Creole woman with a pendant around her neck. Lynsee wiped madly at her eyes. Air hissed out her teeth as the first rattle of fear slithered around her ankles. Jesus Christ! What the hell was this? Blinking, she wiped the water from her lashes with the towel and stared at the mirror. This just didn’t make any sense, not at all. She was a rational person. Things like this clashed against her being especially when they freaked her out. The clammy sensation climbed up her leg as the young woman stared at her in the mirror then suddenly, her skin seemed to age in a matter of seconds. Lynsee’s blood pooled, turning to ice. The image in the mirror smiled softly at her and Lynsee thought she heard whimpering. She reached out with a towel to wipe the steam from the glass, hoping to wipe the image away. Instead, she got a clearer look at the Creole woman. Lynsee curled her fingers around the marble sink, hanging on. The girl was quite pretty and a piece of her wondered if this wasn’t something for the

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tourists. Lynsee slid her gaze around the room looking for a projector of some type and saw nothing. Her vision tilted as the impact of this thing in the mirror dug in with long, sinister nails and took hold. Her mouth dried to sand, her lips felt parched as the hot tears slid down her cheeks. There was something there, if she believed in the paranormal she would’ve said anger, sadness. Deep, dark anger. The image shifted suddenly and the expression on the girl’s face turned vicious. Skin peeled away, to reveal aging and disintegrating to a horrible skeletal expression. She’d seen her share of horrific things, but this reached out passed her shield and hit her right between the eyes. It let out a wretched scream and Lynsee fell back against the wall and slid to the floor. Burying her face in a towel, the uncontrollable sense of fear invaded her body as a virus. “Room Service.” Jack heard the sharp knock on Lynsee’s door a second time. He waited another moment and then opened his door. “I’ll take it in here.” He opened the door and the young waiter wheeled the cart inside. “Would you like me to set it up for you?” “No, that’s fine.” Jack dug several bills out of his pocket and passed them to the young man. He closed the door, wheeled the cart to the adjoining door, and knocked. “Lynsee, I’ve got dinner.” No answer, he waited a beat and knocked again. He didn’t think she went out again, but he wasn’t positive. Knocking on last time, he turned the knob and found the door open. “Lynsee?” Wheeling the cart in ahead of him, Jack checked the room. He saw her overnight bag spilled open on the bed and her soiled suit across the chair. “Lynsee, are you okay?” His attention went to the bathroom. The door cracked open and from inside Jack heard a soft cry. “Jesus!” He didn’t think to knock just stuck his head through the door and saw the crumpled woman on the floor. “Lynsee, are you okay?” She didn’t raise her head, didn’t even acknowledge him. An emotion he wasn’t familiar with clutched at his chest. Fear, panic, he wasn’t certain which because there was something else clouded the scene. Jack reacted, moving into the bathroom. It was hot, steamy, and damp. He ignored her nudity only concerned with whether she’d hurt herself somehow. He knelt beside her and reached up took hold of the towel. Gently, he tugged the towel from her face. She was white as sheet, her complexion cold and clammy. The brilliant blue of her eyes dazed and faded. “Come on, babe. Look at me.” Cupping her chin, he turned her slowly to face him. “It’s

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okay, come on.” She resisted at first and it stunned Jack to touch her and feel the iciness of her skin. “It’s okay, Lynsee.” Her eyes came slowly to his and it scared the hell out of him. “Are you hurt?” He did a cursory exam searching for something that might give him a clue. A soft whimper came out of her mouth and she began to shake uncontrollably. “Okay, come on. We’re going to get you up.” Jack tossed the towel aside. He did his best to get his arm around her back for some leverage. “You’ve got to help me out here. Come on, babe, we need to get you up and into bed.” His touch with clinical and efficient, quickly running his hands over her limbs checking for breaks. If she was hurt, he didn’t want to do anymore damage. Satisfied she hadn’t broke any bones, he shifted his weight and rotated her upper body so that he could get a grip under her arms. “Ready?” He didn’t wait for an answer, but simply rocked back on his heels and hoisted Lynsee up from the floor. Wrapping an arm around her, he walked her out the door and grabbed hold of the hotel’s courtesy robe in the other hand. “You’re all right, come on. Easy.” He moved to the bed and stopped. “Let’s get you warmed up.” He put the robe on her and tied the belt. “Jesus, how long were you in there? You’re so cold.” Reaching around her, he pulled back the bed linens. “Come on, get inside and it will warm you up.” He tucked the blankets up under her chin. “I’m cold.” Relief flooded through him on a deluge. Fear did dreadful things to people, he’d seen it cripple agents in the past and ruin their lives. Jack didn’t know what would happen if something like that ever hit Lynsee. It scared him more than anything else did about their work. And this, right now scared the crap out of him. “I’ll turn up the heat, hang on.” He found the thermostat and cranked up the heat. Maybe he ought to take her to the hospital, but what would he say? She saw a ghost and just slipped into oblivion. That was a straight shot right on out of the FBI. Loosening his tie and unbuttoned the first two buttons on his dress shirt, then shed his suit coat. He left both over the back of the chair and went to the cart with the food. He’d ordered a pot of coffee with dinner and picked up a mug. Pouring two cups, he added a bit of sugar to Lynsee’s. He went back to her and sat his cup on the nightstand before sitting beside her, “Can you drink this?” He helped her readjust the pillows and then held the cup to her lips. She nodded, “It’s good.” Her hands shook as she put her hands around his and sipped at the coffee. Cold and clammy, they permeated the heat of his skin and left him uneasy. “Take it easy.” She drank nearly half the cup. He set it aside after she let go of his hands. “You’ve got to tell me what happened, Lynsee. What can I

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do here?” Her teeth clicked together as she shivered under the covers, he didn’t understand it, her symptoms said flu. But he knew, that illness didn’t come on that quick. “I’m cold, Jack.” Her voice sounded raw and weak to him. This definitely wasn’t the strong, hard-headed woman he knew. “And I’m scared.” The scratchy, rawness in her voice shook him to the core and for a moment Jack was at a loss. It tore through old wounds, digging deep with ragged dirty claws, the sinister form of fear. He’d never seen her this frightened or shaken about anything ever. She was rock solid and strong and to see her crumble it nearly killed him. “What can I do?” This rattled his cage, shaking loose things he didn’t even want to consider. “Do you want me to call a doctor?” She shook her head, “No, no doctor.” He watched her shudder beneath the blanket and wondered if it was fear that kept her chilled. “You have to tell me what happened, Lynsee. What scared you this badly?” “Jack, I’m cold.” He swiped at the sweat running down his forehead from the heat blowing in the room. “I’m calling a doctor.” He reached for the phone, hooking a finger around the cradle. Lynsee’s hand snaked out and caught him around the wrist with surprising strength. “No doctor.” She licked her lips and swallowed hard. The tears that rolled down her cheeks were nearly Jack’s undoing. “I—need you.” Jack wiped damp hands on his slacks as what was left of the ice around his heart melted. He stood up and kicked off his polished dress shoes then came around the other side of the bed. Moving slowly, he sank on to the bed and pulled her, bed linens and all into his arms. He brushed the damp, tumble of blonde hair from her face and leaned his cheek against hers. “Okay, you’ve got me. I need to know what happened, Lynsee. What scared you?” “I’m not crazy, Jack. I know that.” She faced him and her eyes bore into his, a shiny bright blue. The soft pink of her lips a mere breath from his caused his heart to slam against his ribcage. Jack knew he should reassess the situation, but he’d gladly suffer through the sudden physical discomfort to find out what happened. “No, you are not crazy.” He rubbed his hands up and down her arms over the blanket. “Not at all.” “I saw something in the mirror. A reflection.”

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“That’s reasonable.” The chill within her wasn’t easing off. Jack flipped back the blanket and sheet and pulled her tense body up against his. She sighed, wrapping her arms around him as if he were some sort of life preserver. “It wasn’t of me.” She nestled her cheek against his the pulse at his throat and it took his iron will to keep it steady. “It was someone else—in the mirror, looking back.” Jack nearly growled under his breath, “Lynsee. . .” His jaw tilted and he rubbed it against the silky mane of hair. Using his chest as leverage, she leaned over the top of him. The air in Jack’s lungs bled out on a ragged hiss. Her hair trickled over his arm effectively pinning him even though she applied no pressure. “What I saw, oh God. I don’t know.” She shook her head, tilting it to one side as if that would shake the bad thoughts away. He cupped the side of her face, holding it still. She leaned into it, relief dribbled across him as her cheek warmed to his touch. “It, sorry, she was looking at me while I looked into the mirror.” Jack didn’t even begin how to comprehend this. “Okay.” Ideas began to jumble together, sorting and filing. “Was it a two way?” “No, hell, I wish it was. It was a young woman, around twenty. Naked except for a pendant around her neck, I didn’t get a good look at it.” Sliding his hand away, he watched her closely. “I thought I just had water in my eyes or something.” “What happened next?” His voice seemed softer and he didn’t know if it was her being so close or what he knew was coming next. “I watched as her skin peeled away and her body disintegrated before my eyes.” Jack drew in a sharp breath. “A ghost?” His eyes narrowed. He focused on her voice and the rapt mixture of trepidation and awe sailing across her face. “You’re sure?” A lone tear ran down the side of her cheek. Jack couldn’t help himself. His thumb stroked it away. “I know what I saw. If I could take it back, my God, I would. This isn’t anything I wanted. I could’ve gone my whole life without seeing this. But twice in a day?” She let her arm slid down to his waist. Her chin rested on his chest as she looked him in the eyes. “What am I a magnet or something?” “I don’t know.” His lips twisted into a mock smile, then quickly frowned. “I have no clue how to approach this.” Drawing in a deep breath, he held it as she shifted closer to him bringing on a wash of heat in his blood. The rest of him was hot enough with the blaze of the heater and remaining fully clothed under a blanket Jack was surprised he hadn’t burst into flames. “I can send you home tomorrow, finish this case out by myself.”

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“I don’t need a psychiatrist, Jack.” He realized one of her legs was in between his and his eyes nearly rolled back into his head. “I’m not crazy. You know that as well as I do, I’m as solid as they come. But, we’re dealing with something else here.” “We’re here on a missing person case.” “I know. Trust me, I know.” She slid closer if that was possible, and the hospitality robe fell open giving him a shadowy glimpse of cleavage. She gave a small smile and it finally carried light to her eyes. “One good thing, if I am crazy. It gave me an opportunity to touch you again.” She dipped her head slightly, “I didn’t know how much I missed that.” He was sweating. Heat cascading off every tautly stretched muscle in his body as one hand gripped her hip. Need sharpened across a stone and it seemed to slice deeper into him carving away at his control. “Lynsee.” Meant as a warning, he tried pulling away, but with her lying across him, it was impossible. But he could pull back emotionally and he did. It was his only salvation. She was in no condition to make these type of choices. He’d taken advantage once, he refused to do so again. “You need some sleep.” Using his best clinical behavior, he eased her into a position against his side and held her loosely in his arms. He could act as protector and save his own sanity. “I’ve got you, you’re safe.” “I know. I’ve always known that.” He kissed her temple. “Go to sleep.” “You’re so warm.” Her leg curled tighter around his thigh and Jack’s eyes went cold. “Lynsee, go to sleep. You need sleep more than you need anything else.” She shifted away, “Right.” He didn’t move for what seemed like eons waiting for the sound of her steady breathing. When he was positive she slept deeply, he slid his foot out and disentangled from her embrace. He tucked her in around a few more pillows then stood for a moment simply watching Lynsee as she slept. Using the arm of his sleeve, he wiped the sweat away and decided it was time to find out what the secret of Scarlet Oak Manor actually was. Jack slipped on his shoes and walked into the bathroom. Flicking on the light, he took a long look around the room. It looked everything like a normal bathroom and not a haunted one. His eyes slid over his reflection as he checked over the mirror. Turning on the water, he dampened his hands. Using his fingers, he ran them through his unruly black hair to flatten it down. The rest of the water he splashed on his face trying to clear his thoughts. Then he began to run his fingers over the rim of the mirror. Lifting it off the nail, he sat it gently on the floor. The mirror was ornate, old, and probably terribly expensive. Jack didn’t care about the price. He bent down to examine the back of the mirror to

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see if there was a lens hidden inside. No wires, the only thing Jack saw was the bracket where the mirror hung on the wall. He moved to the light switches and went over them just as carefully. Still nothing out of the ordinary and he wasn’t sure if it was more disturbing that way or if he’d found a bag of tricks. Jack walked out of the bathroom to check on Lynsee. She slept deeply so Jack thought it was safe to leave her for awhile. He adjusted the thermostat and on the way out, picked up the faxes they’d received on the owner of Scarlet Oak, and the two employees. Just as he expected, they were all clean. Jack tossed the sheets of paper on the desk and picked up his jacket and tie. Even though Mr. Terreau didn’t have a criminal record, Jack wouldn’t put it past the entrepreneur to orchestrate these little hauntings for the tourists. What better way to test it out than an FBI agent? Slipping on the jacket, Jack buttoned his collar and headed out the door. It was time for a private chat.

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He had a search warrant in his coat pocket that he wouldn’t use unless it was necessary. Whenever there was a homicide, Jack liked all the ducks in a row when it came to paperwork. He headed down the massive staircase and glanced at his watch. At a quarter to twelve, he didn’t know if there would be any awake, but he wasn’t adverse to rousing Terreau out of sleep. Although most millionaires he’d met worked till the wee hours. Jack noticed the parlor remained lit along with a room beside it as he stepped into the living area. He headed for the light streaming from under the door and knocked sharply. “Come.” The voice belonged to Terreau and Jack stepped inside. The younger man glanced up and surprise shown clearly in his eyes. “Agent Navarre, you’re up late.” “Sometimes that happens.” Jack closed the door behind him with a resounding click. “I can imagine.” Terreau pushed aside the paperwork he engrossed himself in and flicked off the desk lamp. “Is there something I can help you with?” Jack walked slowly into the room, ignoring the lush, warm surroundings and focused only on Terreau. “I think you can, Mr. Terreau.” He moved easily and drew a chair out across the desk from him. “Why did you buy this property?” “Scarlet Oak?” Terreau folded his fingers together. “This place has always held an allure for me. When I found out it was on the market, I knew it would make an exceptional resort.” Jack glanced over at the paperwork and the glass of wine on the desk, then he eyes went back to Terreau’s. “Why is that?” The other man’s eyes narrowed slightly, considering. Then he took hold of the wine glass and sipped. “Why do I get the feeling this isn’t a friendly conversation?” “Because it isn’t, Mr. Terreau.” Jack leaned forward ever so slightly. “You see, I’m wondering why you and your staff made such a point of telling us this house is haunted. I’m wondering why strange things occur and what you may have to do with it.” The other man’s hand shook as he lowered the wine glass. “Strange things? Agent Navarre, I’m not sure what you’re referring to.” “Is that so?” “I thought you were here on a missing person case.” “It started out that way, when we have a body though, that changes things.” Jack smiled. “For all concerned.”

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“Didn’t we go over this all ready? I wasn’t even in town.” “True and while I don’t believe you had anything to do with the murder, I am curious why you’re trying to block our investigation here.” “What?” Jack pushed away from the desk and stood up. “You heard me Mr. Terreau, I would like to know why you’d be interested in slowing us down.” The other man shook his head. “Why on earth would I do that?” Jack shrugged, “See? That’s what I’ve got the problem with. I can’t figure out why it would benefit you in the least.” He moved away from the desk. “I would think a person in your position would want this all cleared up with the grand opening of the resort just around the corner.” “That’s right, I told you all that.” Jack’s eyes dulled, a sure sign of irritation and one to avoid. Dark pieces of coal focused on Remy Terreau. “Then why the whole haunted house business? I don’t understand that.” Terreau raised his hands. “I don’t understand what you’re getting at.” “Let me spell it out for you then.” Jack moved so suddenly, most wouldn’t react quick enough. Terreau managed to get out of his chair before Jack got hold of him. Terreau was taller than he by about four inches, but Jack had the weight and the muscle. His hand went into Terreau’s chest and he pushed him up against the wall. Terreau cringed slightly, “Is this really necessary?” “You tell me.” Jack pressed harder. “I want to know who the hell is trying to frighten Agent Frost. Playing ghostly little games and tricks in an effort to stall this investigation is only going to keep us here longer, Mr. Terreau.” Leaning closer, he used his upper arm to squeeze. “I don’t like people messing with my agents. It makes me very angry.” “Jesus Christ!” Terreau coughed and didn’t resist. Instead, he sagged farther against the wall. “She really saw Lyle Forrester?” “I don’t know what she saw, but it wasn’t a ghost.” Terreau’s blue eyes sparked. “Are you really that sure? Because I’m not anymore. Honestly, I tried to tell you. This place has a past.” He cleared his throat. “A not so nice past from the rumors.” “Lots of places do, but most don’t have the FBI conducting an investigation on the premises.” Terreau coughed again, and used one hand to push lightly at Jack’s arm. “Can we just?” He used his eyebrow to indicate where Jack pinned him. “I don’t think the FBI’s investigation has anything to do with what’s going on here.”

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Jack considered and while a part of him wanted to smack the man in the face for flirting with Lynsee earlier, he thought better of it. Releasing him abruptly, Jack rounded the desk and sat down. He folded his arms and glanced patiently as Terreau returned to his chair. “Then explain to me, Mr. Terreau, exactly what is going on at Scarlet Oak Manor.” “How much time do you have?” Terreau straightened his shirt and sat down slowly. Jack took another look at his watch and smiled. “Oh, I’ve got all night.” “We made need more time than that.” Terreau drained his glass. “You want a drink or are we still doing this official thing?” “I’m fine, but you go ahead.” Terreau poured himself another glass and then turned and picked up a stack of paperwork. He dropped it in front of Jack. “Here’s the documentation I offered you earlier. Maybe with what happened to Agent Frost, you’ll consider it now.” “Want to give me the condensed version?” Dawn slid through the window with golden wings. The glow from the sun hit Lynsee smack in the eyes and brought her instantly awake. She stretched lavishly and unwrapped herself from the bed linens. “I’ve got some breakfast here if you’re interested.” Lynsee’s head jerked around to find Jack sitting at the desk near the door. He had a cup of coffee in one hand and a fistful of papers in another. Rubbing the heel of her hand into her eyes, she pushed her hair back. “What time is it?” “Seven.” “How long have you been up?” Jack glanced at his watch. “Today? Or total?” Lynsee rolled her feet onto the floor. “That answers my question.” She started for the bathroom and hesitated. Jack must’ve noticed because he sat his coffee cup down. “Want to use the one in my room?” She swallowed and shook her head. “No, I’m good. Is there more coffee?” Lynsee put her hand on the doorknob of the bathroom. “I’ll be back in minute.” Jack nodded. Lynsee splashed water on her face, ran a brush through her hair, and brushed her teeth. She reached around into the closet and picked up the dark suit. Slipping out of a tee shirt she knew belonged to Jack, Lynsee dressed quickly. She would not linger on last night. Using a dark brown eyeliner, she

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concentrated on her blood shot eyes instead of what it felt like in Jack’s arms. She dropped the liner in her cosmetic bag and picked up a pale lipgloss. She buttoned her jacket and opened the door. Jack poured her a cup of coffee and continued reading the papers in front of him. “Do I owe you an apology?” “For?” “Last night. Going all freaky on you.” Jack laid the stack of papers aside. “That’s true.” He lifted his eyes, dark, shiny and with so much depth to them, Lynsee held her breath. “I will ask you again if you want to go back to New York.” “What? And miss New Orleans? No way, Jack.” “Okay.” Lynsee sat next to him and lifted the cover off the room service tray. “I’m starving.” She picked up a plate of eggs, bacon, and toast then reached for the cup of coffee. “What are you reading?” “I started with the Criminal history of our employees and moved into the story of Scarlet Oak Manor.” “Really?” “This is like something Steven King would write. Based on what happened to you last night, I’m wondering if you should read it.” “You’re starting to make me think that when we get back you’ll recommend I see the Bureau’s psychologist.” The look he gave was unsettling at best. Lynsee decided to focus on her breakfast. The phone next to Jack rang and Lynsee did her best not to jump as he lifted the receiver. “Navarre.” His eyes went to Lynsee and held. “We’ll be right down.” He hung up the phone. “They found another body on the property.” “Explain to me why a plantation needed a Keep?” Lynsee didn’t address anyone in particular but the grin came from Remy Terreau. “An interesting story, back during the Civil War era they were used for weapons storage and other not so nice things.” He put his hands in the pockets of his slacks as he strolled elegantly toward the large building. “We’ve got it locked up right now while the designers and historians work on the place so we’re ready for the opening.”

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The path down to the Keep filled with wild daisies and exotic orange flowers Lynsee didn’t recognize. She trailed behind Jack and Remy as the two men moved quickly down the trail toward a building that resembled something out of the Alamo. “You’re leaving it like this?” “For the tourists. Historical aspect and all that.” The police and Crime Scene investigators assembled around the back of the Keep near a stretch of swamp. “You appear quite happy this morning, Mr. Terreau.” “As happy as I can be considering you kept me up till two a.m. this morning.” Remy slowed his pace so he could walk beside her. “At least, I get to see Agent Frost again even if it has to come with a dead body on my property.” He scratched his forehead. “This is beginning to give me a complex.” “You don’t need to be out here, Mr. Terreau. In fact, I’m sure that there’s plenty of things you could be doing elsewhere.” Remy stopped, bowed slightly. “I’ll take that as hint, Agent Frost. Let me know if you need anything.” He grinned again, “Or if you’d like to have dinner with me.” “With any luck, Mr. Terreau, we’ll be on a plane for New York this evening.” She’d heard the harsh whip of Jack’s voice on many occasion, but this seemed unusually cutting. Remy squeezed her shoulder as he walked by, “Great restaurant, Cajun. You’ll love it.” He strolled off and Lynsee swore Jack’s teeth clacked together. The rounded a corner of the Keep and Lynsee noted the building locked tight along with a keyless entry. She examined the security with a cursory glance and had the air ripped out of her lungs when Jack pushed her up against the side of the building out of sight of the law enforcement brigade. “Since when do you like to flirt with suspects?” “Excuse me?” Lynsee tried not to breathe, the aftershave he wore intoxicated more than any flowers. It was dark, oak, and cedar with something oriental. The flare in his eyes got her attention quicker than if he’d shouted at her. “What did you say?” “You heard me.” “I heard you the first time,” she hissed and started to move away only to find Jack’s chest in the way. “We’re here on a case. Not a dating pool.” Lynsee opened her mouth, closed it then drew in a deep breath. “Maybe I should just go back to New York.” Jack shrugged and turned his head away. “You’re call.”

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“Somehow I don’t think it is.” She kept her voice low refusing to draw attention to them and cause a scene. Her stomach bucked and bounced as a fear she’d never realized exploded across her. What if Jack Navarre lost faith in her ability to do her job? Where would she be? Who would she be? The anxiety tripped up into her chest and catapulted around her ribcage. Where the hell was all this coming from? “Is there something I should know here?” Jack started around the corner and Lynsee took hold of his arm. Biceps clenched under her grasp and Lynsee couldn’t help but remember how it felt last night when he held her in his arms. Warm, protected and safe and now, he attacked with ferocity of a guard dog. “Jack?” He shifted his gaze back at her, cold and hard. “We’ve got a job to do here, Agent Frost. If you can’t do it, maybe you need to get out of the way.” His voice remained low, tightly in control, but she sensed anger there and a deep frustration. “You know, Jack, I get the feeling this has more to do with us than any case we could be working.” She felt the muscle tighten. “I will fall in just the way you want, but at some point in time, we have to finish this.” He twisted his arm and broke her grasp. “There’s nothing to finish.” Lynsee held up her hand in defeat. “You’re right.” She rounded him and headed by. “My mistake, nothing here.” She moved fast, heading toward the crime scene. “Lynsee!” She didn’t turn around and thanked her lucky stars when her cell phone rang. She veered off from the crowd and flipped open the phone. “Agent Frost here.” The woman on the other end of the line identified herself as a scientist from the New Orleans lab. Lynsee listened intently as the woman explained the bodies found in the grave were remains of a female and possibly three children. The results weren’t back yet but it appeared they were around a hundred years old or more. “When will you have all the tests back?” “If I turn it over to the forensic archaeologists we’re looking at a few weeks.” “It can’t wait that long. Is there someone who can do the tests now?” Lynsee’s hair lifted in the light breeze and blew across her cheek. She brushed it away and glanced over at the gathering of law enforcement as Jack conducted them with skill. “How long would it take?” There was hesitation. “A few days?”

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“Two days.” The demand was there and she smiled as the woman on the other end of the line received and understood it. “Two days. Meanwhile, I’ve got the preliminary reports on the murder victim. Do you want me to fax them out to you?” “Get the ME’s report and the tox screen.” Lynsee concluded the call and walked over to where Jack stood looking over the crime scene. “Tina Mathers, twenty-two. She’s got bruising around her neck.” Lynsee directed her gaze toward the victim. The bruising was obvious and the torn clothing with bruises running down her thighs were a sign of something just as sinister. “Signs of a struggle?” Jack shook his head. “Not here, the body’s been moved.” Lynsee’s eyes narrowed, “Why make this a dumping ground?” “Somebody with a grudge. Although the Terreau doesn’t know any of the missing girls and from the condition of the body, this girl’s been dead awhile.” “Agent Navarre!” The shout came from one of the police officers knee deep in bayou water. Jack looked up as did Lynsee and the officer waved at them. “Over here, another one!” “Christ,” Jack turned away from the first girl and strode over to a thick section of reeds. Lynsee followed determined not to ruin another pair of shoes and hung back as the Criminalists moved to preserve the scene. “This is not looking good.” Jack flashed her a black gaze and turned back to the body twisted in a disturbing pose amongst the plant life. He kicked off his shoes and socks, rolled up his slacks, and waded out to get a better look. Lynsee watched as he examined the body carefully with the Criminalists, Jack was thorough there was never any doubt about that. The sun glinted down across the water and Lynsee swore she could actually see the vapor of humidity rise in the air and coat them. Drops of perspiration trickled down her back as she walked back to the first body and calculated the distance between drop points. Scarlet Manor was a gated property. Terreau mentioned they’d employed security while the construction and decorated was underway to prevent thieves. Somebody was getting on to the property too easily, dumping bodies and waiting for them to clean up the mess. It was too deliberate.

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Turning away from the scene, Lynsee took out her digital assistant and found the numbers for the bartender at Noir Lune the club the girls went missing from. Scheduled to work the late shift, Lynsee decided it was time for a trip into New Orleans. She noticed someone hand Jack a towel as he slogged out of the water and it took him at the most two minutes to dry off and put his shoes back on. He walked over to her slowly. His face was composed of harsh angles seemed cast of granite while his eyes turned black and colder than she remembered ever seeing them. “Ready for a tour of New Orleans?” Lynsee smiled, “Funny, I was just thinking that.” A gleam hit his eyes and Lynsee’s heart sped up nearly skipping a beat. “Were you?” Jack starting walking and Lynsee fell in step next to him. “I figure we’ll start with the ME and then on to the night club.” “Sounds like a plan.” “Do you need to pick up anything before we head out?” Lynsee shook her head watching his profile. His dark black hair glimmered with nearly blue highlights in the sunlight. They picked their way out of the crime scene and walked to the rental car. He unlocked the passenger side and opened the door. “In that case, let’s get going.” She slid into the seat and let part of her brain focus on the murders while the other side tangled with Jack’s constantly shifting moods. The man never was outlandishly jovial, but this harshness was not his norm either. Maybe it was her, how did you normally deal with ghostly sightings? Maybe she was freaking him out and not for good reasons. Lynsee tilted her head back against the headrest as Jack started the engine. God, she was so sick of being alone. Being lonely never figured into her plan, she had her career and it took a good 18 hours of her day usually. It wasn’t as if she didn’t have offers either and on the rare occasion over the past three years she’d taken someone up on the offer, it’d only left her feeling empty and even more alone. God, where the hell was all this coming from? She glanced over at Jack and found his eyes hidden behind the dark sunglasses he used when driving. If only Jack Navarre would offer, she’d give her right arm for that. The sensation fell on her as if a ton of bricks crashed down on her naked body. The pressure made Lynsee inhale suddenly while the sharp biting sensation tore over her skin. Realization trembled through and she wondered just how pathetic Jack would really think she was if he knew she might be in love with him.

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That was the only plausible reason behind her loneliness. There were plenty of guys around, but she didn’t want them. Strike that, she didn’t feel anything with them. Nothing, no spark, no craving, no mind harnessing need, Lynsee blew a self-depreciating puff of air out. Yep, she was a sad case. Reality stood as clear as any cement roadblock. Jack didn’t want a personal relationship with her and with the way she’d acted on the case so far, she couldn’t blame him. It certainly didn’t make it better, the raw gnawing of vicious teeth chewing on her didn’t ease either. It hurt, more than she imagined it ever could, knowing that Jack would never look at her that way. That he could want to touch her, make love to her or need her as much as she needed him. “You okay?” Jolted out of mindless wanderings, Lynsee leaned forward. “Fine.” She glanced around as Jack sped up on the highway. “Perfectly fine.” She adjusted the air conditioning. “You think the killer knows the girls don’t you?” “Or he thinks he does.” “Stalking them or simple opportunity?” “No,” Jack changed lanes and the car took the exit off Ten and headed into New Orleans. “This is too well planned.” In a matter of minutes, they were cruising down Canal Street and Lynsee let the atmosphere sweep her away with the charm of the South. It would make a fantastic trip to explore the ins and outs of the Cajun town. Eat, drink and oh shit, there it was again. Lynsee whipped her hair back with both hands and unbuckled her seatbelt as Jack parked the car next to Noir Lune. “He needed help.” Jack climbed out of the car, “Yeah, he needed help.” Jack locked the car and waited for her as she came around the front. “Let’s see what the bartender says for himself.” “Hmmm. . .” Jack held the door open for her and they headed into the dark, speakeasy styled nightclub. Several barbacks worked setting up the tables, while a disc jockey seemed preoccupied with his selection of music for the evening. It was an old habit, but they both withdrew their IDs simultaneously. Jack spoke at the disc jockey, “Good afternoon. This is Agent Frost and I’m Agent Navarre. We’re with the FBI.” “Here ‘bout those girls, hmmm?” The man shifted his earphones and pointed. “The bartender’s the only here right now that worked that night.”

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The bartender shouted across the bar. “I don’t know any more than I did when it happened.” Jack inclined his head allowing her to take the lead. She spent twenty minutes with the bartender and wasn’t any closer to a solid lead by the time they left. The bartender remembered seeing the girls that weekend with at least a hundred other women and “horny guys” as he so eloquently put it. They walked out of the bar and headed for the car. “I’d say the morgue is the next stop.” “Great.” The Medical Examiner gave them the preliminary autopsy reports on the victims. Strangled and two of the girls raped, the news wasn’t much of a surprise. Jack kept a shuttered expression while Lynsee felt the light of anger burn in her eyes. The ME indicated the girl’s tox screen came back positive for a rather infamous “Date Rape” drug. A serial killer? Jack glanced at her over the report. “I’ve got something else for you, Agent Frost. I thought you might be interested in this.” She passed a file to Lynsee and walked over to her computer. “What’s this?” “Preliminaries on the bodies you found out in the bayou. Looks like a mother and three children.” “Really?” The woman nodded. “I don’t have an exact age but from the condition of the remains, I’d guess at least a hundred years old.” She shrugged, “Who knows? Maybe it’s the missing Forrester family.” “Who?” Jack stepped forward. “Thanks, doctor. We’ll be on our way now. Let us know if anything comes from the other tests.” “No problem.” He gripped Lynsee by the arm and propelled her out the door. “Let’s go,” he whispered under his breath. Lynsee felt his fingers dig sharply into the muscle of her arm as he led her quickly outside. “Since everyone seems intent to think that Scarlet Oak Manor is haunted. Let’s not disappoint them, shall we?” “Would you like to tell me what the hell you’re talking about?”

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“You wanted to see New Orleans, right? Well, we’re going to the French Quarter. Time to check out some of the local flavor.” “Local flavor?” “I thought we might check out a few voodoo shops.” He closed the door behind her and ran around to the driver’s side of the car. Stunned, she stared at him. “Why do you want to go to a voodoo shop?” Jack started the car and pulled into the street. He headed south toward the French Quarter as Lynsee searched the information they currently possessed. “I noticed in the tox screen, two of the girls ingested an herb that’s common in voodoo.” Lynsee’s brows rose alarmingly. “And you know this why?” He flashed beautiful white teeth in an incredible grin that nearly stopped Lynsee’s heart. “You thought I was just a pretty face.” Jack expertly negotiated the traffic. “The psychology degree didn’t come out of a vending machine. I took a semester in world religions and picked it up again at the FBI’s Behavioral Institute.” “You might have told me.” Jack swung the car into a spot outside a French restaurant and pulled the keys out of the ignition. “You didn’t ask.”

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The spicy scent of a seafood stew filled the air and Lynsee sniffed. “You buying lunch after we’re done herb shopping.” Jack eyed her carefully and Lynsee winked. “If you’re good.” “You have no idea how good I can be, Jack.” He stopped outside a shop and gazed at her with those sharp black eyes. “We have work to do.” “Will it always be work, Jack?” She couldn’t believe she just said that. Her eyes darted away as he moved by her and opened the door to the voodoo shop. Just when she thought they might maintain an even level here and she leaped on the scale. Biting the inside of her lip, she followed Jack into the shop. A rich, heady floral incense filled the air as they walked inside. At first glance it resembled an attic where every piece of junk and precious treasure vied for space amidst the dust and other strange scents filling the small shop. Lynsee took a moment to get a feel for the place and it left her unsettled at best. A few customers milled around but that wasn’t it. Animal parts, or at least that was what the store represented them as starred at her from jars and bottles. Lynsee backed up a bit and walked over to a stack of books while Jack walked up to the cashier. Focusing on the many sundries the shop offered, Lynsee promised herself she’d put in for two week vacation when she got back to New York. She needed to get out of Jack’s sight and she really needed him out of her head. Out of her heart was another matter. Yep, that was it, she only needed a bit of time away. Maybe a hot beach and some tanned men and Jack Navarre would be only a figment of her sad imagination. “Well, hello!” A melodious voice leaned over her shoulder. “I can tell you that I never expected to see an FBI agent in here.” Lynsee turned to find the bright blue gaze and fabulous smile of Remy Terreau. “Hi.” “Hi yourself.” He inclined his head toward Jack. “What’s going on?” “Checking a few leads.” “Interesting. I wouldn’t have thought your leads would lead to a voodoo shop.” Lynsee folded her arms over her chest. “I wouldn’t think a resort owner would frequent a voodoo shop.”

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“Normally, no.” He grinned, watching Jack. “But my chef insists that some soup recipe requires an herb sold here. So?” He shrugged, “Here I am.” Wagging a finger at her, Remy grinned. “Keep in mind if the soup is terrible, he’s outta there.” Remy put a casual arm around her shoulder. “Come on, Jack’s talking to Miss Lacey. Her great great grandmother or aunt or something worked at Scarlet Oak Manor when the Forrester’s owned the property. She’s got some amazing stories. I could tell you most of them over dinner.” “Is that so?” Lynsee shrugged his arm of her shoulder and smiled coolly. The old black woman pointed with a crooked finger. “You think she’ll betray you.” Jack’s eyes slid sideways. He shifted his weight and saw Remy Terreau put his arm around Lynsee. Rage flooded through him in a wild frenzy and he heard the old woman chuckle. “You be careful out there, Mr. FBI man. He’s waiting for an opportunity.” “What?” The black of his eyes nearly blazed red as Terreau led Lynsee over to them. “He’ll take advantage of your jealously.” Jack gripped hard for control and felt the clawing of jealously rage over him even as Lynsee easily slipped out of his embrace. “Miss Lacey, do you remember selling that herb I mentioned?” “We sell a lot of that herb, Agent Navarre. Boys are always buying it hoping to get lucky.” She dug around in a deep jar on the counter and waved what resembled a dried blossom in front of Jack’s nose. “You best take her while you’re of right mind. He’ll hurt her if he gets a hold of you.” “Who? Terreau?” Miss Lacey waved the blossom under his nose and Jack inhaled deeply, unwillingly. “Remy Terreau is a flirt but he don’t hurt women.” Jack could practically taste the scent, something musky and dark but with a pretty rose afterthought. She crumbled the blossom across his hand. “She’s seen him. I can sense the fear in her. Either you claim that girl, Jack Navarre or Lyle Forrester will.” “Hi, Miss Lacey, how are you this afternoon?” “Well enough, you young scalawag, Remy.” She batted her lashes at him. “You promised me some pecan pie the next time you came in.” “That I did, ma’am. And I must apologize. I’m having the devil of a time finding a good chef for Scarlet Oak.” The woman grunted. “It’s no wonder.” Remy smiled, “Now Miss Lacey, don’t be frightening my friends.”

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The old woman focused her eyes on Lynsee and Jack had the urge to step in front of the stare. “She’s not for you, Remy. Now, take your hands off her.” Remy laughed. “How do you know that, Miss Lacey? She’s lovely and I’m always a goner for a pretty woman.” Lynsee smiled, a bit embarrassed and Jack curled his fingers into dried blossoms wishing it were Terreau’s throat. He brushed the dust aside and pulled his attention to the shop proprietor. “Do you remember anyone in particular that might’ve bought the herb in the last ten days?” “Oh heavens! Let me think.” She clucked her tongue and turned a sharp brown gaze on Jack and then moved it to Lynsee. “At least four high school boys, a few young girls off experimenting, I’m sure. Michael Burrell, he’s always in here and I think a friend of his something about ceremonial purposes.” “Do you have names and addresses for these people?” “Oh goodness. Let me think, yes, yes. I know all them at least a couple of years now.” Lynsee moved out from under Terreau’s arm and Jack experienced an immediate sense of relief. She handed the old woman a business card. “Could you get everyone’s name and address if you have it for us?” Lynsee smiled sweetly and Jack saw the old lady melt. “Sure thing, dear. I give you a call as soon as Kathleen comes back. She’s got all the lists. Out to lunch right now with a new beau, but as soon as she comes back, I’ll call you.” “Thank you very much, Miss Lacey.” “Oh no problem. You’re a pretty thing; you keep your eye out for this one. He’s a scamp.” She chuckled and poked at Remy. “Don’t worry, I’ve got my eyes open.” Miss Lacey’s eyes narrowed. “You stay sharp, girl. There’s only one for you, and he’s the one who will keep you safe.” Lynsee cleared her throat and glanced from him to Terreau then back to Miss Lacey. “Thank you, Miss Lacey. I appreciate it.” “No thanks necessary, you need to keep a sharp eye.” “Oh, I will.” Miss Lacey dug under the counter and produced a small copper charm. “Keep this, girl. While you’re here.” She placed it into Lynsee hand and Lynsee politely put it into her slacks pocket. “Thank you for your help.” The old lady nodded, “I’ll be calling you.”

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Jack started out of the store and halted abruptly when he heard Terreau. “Have dinner with me.” Jack didn’t wait to hear Lynsee’s answer. He slammed out of the store and rounded the corner of the building. He wanted to put his fist through the stone but Jack would’ve happily settled for Terreau’s pretty face. Luckily, Lynsee came out the door first. She walked around the corner, heading for the rented car when Jack stepped out from the alley and took hold of her. She squeaked in alarm as he pulled her into the alley and pushed her up against the wall. Lynsee frowned at the impact, but didn’t make a sound. He could hear his heart beat loudly in his ears as the roar of blood raced to his groin. His fingers tangled in the long, gold silk of her hair and jerked her head back. His eyes bored into hers and watched the fiery blue flash. “I don’t want him touching you.” Rage snapped at him and couldn’t control the lash of desire. His mouth grazed against her jaw line and Lynsee leaned back. “He isn’t touching me, Jack.” Her breath shuddered against his mouth and Jack shifted his body pressing his rigid hardness into her thigh. She closed her eyes and slowly opened them. “That’s the point, no one is, Jack.” She brushed her cheek over his mouth and the softness nearly became Jack’s undoing. Her eyes sparkled brilliantly. “I’m having dinner with him, that’s all.” “No.” One hand drifted down to her neck and felt the muscles tense. “I don’t want you near him.” “Spoken as what, my boss? Sorry that isn’t going to cut it. I can’t take this anymore.” She took hold of his arm to push him away. He let his hand slide out of her hair, down her shoulder and under the curve of her breast. Her breath came out on a hiss. Oxygen burned in his lungs. “You blow hot and cold, Jack and I can’t keep up with that. One minute we’re on the same page, the next we’re not in even in the same country.” A bucket of cold water thrown at him had the desired effect. What Lynsee said dripped over him with icy results and Jack stepped back. A vicious glare of bright blue blades leveled on him then her eyes went lower. “That’s the kind of shit I’m talking about. You’re body says one thing, your mouth another. Two minutes ago, you were ready to go at it against the wall.” She pushed at him deliberately. Ripples of anger shimmered off her falling hotly around him. She was right. God, he wanted her and it was the last thing either of them needed. He swallowed, his throat suddenly dry as desert sand. “You can’t want this.” She was beautifully vibrate while he was hard and rough around the edges. “You can’t want me.”

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She moved slowly her arms going around his neck as her fingers twined into his hair. “For God’s sake, Jack. For an observant man you can’t see two feet in front of you.” Lynsee laid her lips gently against his and Jack felt the world twist and crumble. “Hey Lynsee, where’d you run off to?” Bitterness swamped him, as the taste of her, so amazingly sweet, seemed utterly sad at that moment. Jack untangled her hands from his neck and stepped backward. “Go on,” his voice was raw. “Jack?” “There you are,” Terreau came around the corner. “I’ve got reservations at a fantastic place. You are going to love it.” Jack watched Lynsee walk away with the other man as he promised to tell her all about the history of Scarlet Oak Manor. She threw a look back at Jack that was icy. “This is not over.” Jack watched as she disappeared down the street with Terreau. He dug the keys out of his pocket and walked to the car. He saw the old woman from the voodoo shop watching him with a steady eye. “He’s going to move on you, Agent Navarre and he’ll use your feelings for that girl to do it.” Jack’s lips tilted into a slight smile. He nodded at the old woman and climbed into the car. His drive back to Scarlet Oak was primarily an effort to shift through the information on the case. Darkness fell over Scarlet Oak Manor. Rain was in the air, as clouds drifted over the sky covering the stars. The sounds of the bayou drifted over the property in a melodious chorus of chirps and hoots. Jack sat on the front porch with a handful of paperwork in one fist and a glass of Jack Daniels in another. Mist swirled around the trees giving the wooded landscape and eerie appearance. Jack ignored it, swallowing the whiskey and setting the glass aside. He rubbed at his dry, gritty eyes. Lack of sleep combined with the irritation that he knew he overlooked something on this case. Something pertinent and it ate at a corner of his mind. Jack set aside the paperwork and contemplated pouring another drink. “She will betray you.” Jack lifted his head, looked around and saw nothing except the flicker of leaves in a night breeze. Shaking his head, he poured another drink. He raised the glass to his lips and squinted out into the shadowed trees. Something moved. He heard the snap of a twig. Slowly, Jack lowered the glass and put it on the table. His eyes narrowed and he made out a figure breaking towards the Keep. Jack got up; none of the

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employees worked this late. From what Jack had seen so far, not many were anxious to roam the property at night. One thing Jack learned a long time ago in the Bureau. People rarely realized when you watched them. Jack jogged quickly off the porch and followed the figure into the heavy growth leading down to the Keep. He moved with the grace of a large cat, silently trailing behind what appeared to be a young man. He walked with the confidence of someone familiar with the property and the knowledge that no one would be around this time of night. Jack paused a moment watching as the man released the lock on the Keep and moved inside. The heavy door squeaked closed and Jack took a moment to examine the lock. Not picked, whoever was in there had a key. Interesting. One thing for sure, there was only one way into the old storage building and Jack stood in front of it. The years of training kicked in Jack relied on that and the surge of adrenaline. Pulling his gun out of the holster, Jack released the safety and yanked open the door. Construction dust filled the air and Jack squinted as his eyes focused on a small lantern burning in the corner. “FBI!” Jack used part of the door as shielding while he shifted in behind a heavy wooden table with iron handles on it. “I’ve got the door blocked, you aren’t getting out of here without me seeing you.” A shift in the dirt floating overhead and Jack turned suddenly. He leveled the gun on the man standing five feet away. He was young, early twenties, and clearly surprised. “Hold on, I haven’t done anything.” “Did you want to start with trespassing?” The man inched forward and Jack shook his head. “I wouldn’t.” “Hey, how do I know you’re FBI and not some nut.” “Right now, who I am doesn’t matter as much as the gun pointed at your chest.” The young man sighed and leaned against the wall. “Got me there.” “What’s your name?” “Etienne Fabron.” Jack pursed his lips. “All right, Mr. Fabron, what are you doing here?” “Looking for a job.” Jack’s eyebrow lifted. “At eleven-thirty at night? You a vampire, Mr. Fabron?”

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Fabron smiled, “Doubt it.” His hands went for his jeans pockets and Jack shook his head again. “Look, I know I’m not supposed to out here. But I thought if I was familiar with the place, Mr. Terreau would hire me, you know?” He flashed an innocent smile, which Jack didn’t sense was innocent at all. “Let’s go.” Jack gestured with the Glock. “No problem.” Fabron held his hands up and started by Jack when there was a thud and a moan from behind a pile of wood. Jack froze, glancing back but couldn’t make out anything in the dim light. But he’d definitely heard a moan. Fabron was in the open doorway when Jack came up behind him. “Don’t move.” He put one large hand on Fabron’s shoulder. “Down. On your knees.” Jack pushed and Fabron went willingly. “It wasn’t me, I swear to God, it wasn’t me.” Wondering what exactly he’d stumbled upon, Jack heard tires turn up the gravel drive. He saw the headlights of Terreau’s luxury car and Jack dug into his pocket and flipped open his cell phone. “Lynsee.” The phone dialed automatically and in a moment, he heard her voice answer. “It’s Jack. Join me down at the Keep would you? We’ve got some visitors.” Jack clicked the phone shut. It wasn’t more than five seconds and he heard footsteps. Lynsee’s for sure, and the other’s no doubt belonged to Terreau. “Who’s in there?” “I don’t know.” Fabron had his fingers linked behind his head and his arms shook. “Honestly, I don’t.” “But you knew someone was in there.” “I didn’t.” Lynsee jogged up in front of Fabron, she quickly noted Jack’s drawn gun. Her own was drawn and pointed at Fabron before he could blink. Terreau wisely backed up. “I’ll go call the police.” Jack nodded and angled a black gaze at Lynsee. “Keep an eye on him, I’m going back inside. I heard something in there.” Lynsee took a prone stance on Fabron and Jack went back inside the keep. He walked quickly toward the direction of the moans. There were tarps, paint buckets and other construction materials scattered about. The light flickered, casting shadows around the room. Jack waded through the wood and dirt then stopped. There was another thud from beneath a stack of trash. Jack glanced around and shoved the gun back into the holster. Digging through the trash, he picked his way through drop cloths, buckets, food and then he found what appeared to be some sort of trap door. He jammed the bolt lock back and yanked the door open.

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He saw her, lying tied in the corner, beaten and bruised. “It’s okay, my name is Jack Navarre. I’m an FBI agent.” He reached down and pulled the gag from around her mouth. “Can you stand up?” She was filthy, her clothes torn to shreds and her brown hair matted to her face. Tears streamed down her dirt-streaked cheeks and she nodded weakly. There wasn’t enough room for Jack to get down in the hole and pull her up so he got down on his knees and leaned across the hole, reaching out for the girl. He encouraged her, watching the slow, painful movements until she was on her knees reaching out to him with bound hands. Jack untied her wrists, noting the bruising up and down her arms. He wished he knew she had any broken bones because this was going to hurt her and she’d been through enough already. “Okay, I’m going to pull you out, it’s going to hurt, but we’ll be as careful as possible.” She winced and hung on to him bravely as he hoisted her out of the hole. Jack put his arm around her and led her out of the Keep. “We’ll get you to the hospital.” The girl was crying openly now. “What’s your name?” “Naomi.” “Naomi Morreau?” She nodded as they found Lynsee and Fabron where he’d left them. “We’ve been looking for you and your friends.” A distant wail of sirens filled the air pleasing Jack as he walked the girl forward. Fabron twisted around to look and he shook his head adamantly. “I swear to God, I didn’t know she was in there.” “Shut up.” Lynsee stepped forward, compassion lacing her features for the young woman. Her eyes went quickly to Jack. “I told Remy to call an ambulance. Just in case.” She kept the gun on Fabron while assessing Naomi’s state. Ambulance and police surrounded the Keep and quickly stabilized Naomi before loading her into the vehicle. Handcuffed and being propelled toward the nearest police car, Fabron screamed back at Jack. “For God’s sake! I did not do this! But I think I know who did.” Lynsee nudged Jack. He waved off the police officer and took hold of Fabron, spinning him around to face him. “Then I highly suggest you start talking, Mr. Fabron, because I’m well passed the point of finding you entertaining.” “Okay, last week, I think it was last week, I’m not sure.” Jack shoved the younger man up against the unmarked car. “This isn’t helping you.”

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“At one of the bars, there was a guy I knew from high school bragging how he scored with five chicks in one night.” Fabron smirked. “If you saw this guy, you’d know it was a joke. Michael Burrell is one ugly bastard.” “Go on.” Jack felt Lynsee come up behind him, watching Fabron, carefully. “I didn’t really think anything about, didn’t connect it that’s for sure. But then I heard they found a body out here and I know Michael hated Mr. Terreau.” “Why is that?” Fabron grimaced, “Michael applied for a job out here a couple of weeks ago. Since he’s got a record, Mr. Terreau wouldn’t hire him.” “That seems pretty harsh,” Lynsee stepped closer. “Do you think Michael Burrell put the bodies out here. Because I think he might’ve had help.” “Not me,” Fabron yelped and straightened against the car. “That wasn’t the only reason he might’ve hated the owner of Scarlet Oak. People think the place is cursed and offering up some living to the dead might placate the spirits, you know?” “No, Mr. Fabron, I don’t know.” Jack leaned in and Fabron cringed. “Now, I don’t suppose you know where Mr. Burrell is this evening.” “I haven’t seen him for a few days, he’s usually hold up in that dump of his off Chantrelle.” “An exact address?” Jack waited as Fabron rattled off the address then handed the younger man to the police officer. “If you’re story checks out, you’ll be out by morning.” He slammed the car door closed behind Fabron and turned to the other officers. “Let’s go. Call in some backup, if this is the guy, we don’t want him getting away.” “We can’t get a warrant this fast.” Jack stood outside the dilapidated home of Michael Burrell with Lynsee and several skittish police officers. “We don’t need a warrant. Take a look.” He motioned to the bedroom window with the blinds wide open. Burrell appeared past out nude over a chair while a nude woman lay bound to the bed. Jack drew his gun, backed up by Lynsee. He took a moment to glance back at her. She knew her job and him, probably too well. His trust in her remained implicit and bound as tight as commitment.

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Rapping loudly on the door, Jack shouted. “Michael Burrell! This is the FBI, open up.” No sound from inside so Jack reached down and tried the door. The latched released and both agents went to the sides of the doorframe for cover. The drone of a television filled the living room. “Looks like a Meth house.” Jack shook his head, his eyes skimming the vicinity. “Looks worse.” He stepped cautiously inside, securing the perimeter. A sharp pungent odor of urine, sweat, and burning herbs assaulted his nostrils. Turning his head, his eyes narrowed. “Don’t inhale.” Lynsee moved in behind him. “Wow, no kidding.” She wiped her nose with the back of her hand. Swinging into the living room, she moved by Jack and into the kitchen. “Clear.” He started down the hallway and Lynsee joined him. Three bedrooms and a bathroom all just as filthy as the last and all empty as he and Lynsee approached. Lynsee tapped him on the shoulder, the master bedroom door cracked open. Jack gestured for a quick approach and the pair went through the master bedroom in a blinding rush. Jack went low, Lynsee high and the both stopped short at the sight of a man in his late twenties passed out on the floor of the bedroom wearing a pair of tattered jeans. On the bed was a woman resembling the last missing girl. Holstering the gun, Jack pulled a pair of handcuffs off his belt. He spun Michael Burrell onto his face and slapped the cuffs onto him. “Okay, let’s get out of here.” Lynsee ran down the hall and signaled the police. “We need an ambulance.” Skirting the edge of the bed, Jack checked the girl’s vital signs. She was unconscious and nonresponsive. Jack leaned over the bed and put his arms around her body. He lifted her up out of the filth and carried her down the hall and out of the house. A police officer pulled a blanket out of his squad car and they wrapped her up in it before laying her gently on the lawn. Two other officers dragged Burrell out of the house and shoved him into another car. Minutes later, an ambulance arrived. Jack and Lynsee watched as the paramedics stabilized the girl before loading her into the ambulance. Jack rubbed the muscles in the back of his neck trying to loosen up some of the knotted tendons. Lynsee laid her hand on his shoulder, “You ready to get out of here, now? I think we’ve done all we can here.” Exhaustion laid a heavy veil over him, he was tired both mentally and physically. “Yeah, let’s go.” “I’ll drive.”

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Jack passed over the keys and waited for Lynsee to give orders where the police should send their reports in the morning. His eyes felt scratchy and dull while the rest of his body seemed on it’s last legs. Lack of sleep, or maybe it was simply the alcohol jarred around the torn nerves. And this, whatever the intensity with Lynsee tore the last of his senses to shreds. Jack got into the car and leaned his head back, closing his eyes. “You okay?” Lynsee settled in and started the car. He could practically feel her eyes on him. Soothing and as always, inquiring. Jack smiled. “Just tired.” “You didn’t sleep last night, did you?” “Not much.” “Christ Jack, I am sorry about all this.” “No need.” He watched as the traffic faded into the distance. “I’ve been sleeping too much lately as it is.” He must’ve dozed off. The next thing he remembered, they’d stopped and Lynsee stood outside the passenger side holding the door open at him. “Let’s go, Jack. There’s a nice bed upstairs.” “It’s only nice if you are in it.” Jack rubbed his mouth; certain he hadn’t said it aloud. Pushing himself by her, Jack rocked back, dazed with sleep, and caught hold of the door. The tips of his fingers tangled in Lynsee’s hair and his eyes found it hard to focus. “Sorry, maybe too much Jack Daniel’s.” “No problem.” They walked into Scarlet Oak and made it up the stairs without a word. Lynsee looked at him for a long moment before unlocking the door. “Get some sleep.” “Yeah.” He shed his clothes so fast he wasn’t sure where he dropped them, if they were in a pile or just strewn across the room. At the moment, he didn’t care. Sometimes it was difficult to comprehend the inhumanity he witnessed. Burrell apparently kidnapped the girls and used them for sexual slaves until he grew tired of them. Or until he simply killed them in some drunk or drugged out haze. He flipped on the light, ignored his reflection in the mirror, and turned the shower on full. He really didn’t need to see bloodshot eyes or the haggard lines running from the corners of his eyes. He needed a shave too, but that would simply have to wait. Steam rose instantly and Jack stepped under the spray. The hot water sizzled along his weary muscles. He put his hands on the front wall in front of the faucet and let it pound into his back.

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Bowing his head, he turned the heat down to a reasonable level and allowed the water to sluice over his tight muscles. His black hair streamed into his eyes and Jack tasted the remnants of sweat on his lips. He raised his face to the shower and closed his eyes. God, he needed sleep. This case took more out of him than he ever imagined. He didn’t hear a thing, but he felt her the second she stepped into the shower next to him. Every cell in his body froze. The tension he felt before was nothing in comparison. Muscles and tendons twisted as her hands slid up his pectorals and down his ribs. “Christ, Lynsee!” He tossed the hair out of his eyes and raised his head. “I told you this wasn’t over.” She stroked down the muscles in his stomach and her fingers dug into his hipbone. He nearly went down on his knees when she pressed her breasts into his back. “What are you trying to do to me?” Turning his head, he fixed his eyes on her. Exquisite. Water drenched her gold hair and slid down a perfectly toned, athletic body. “I can’t take this, you know?” He couldn’t control the reaction of his body. “Not now.” “I don’t want you to take it.” She picked up a bar of soap and rubbed it between her hands creating suds. “I want you to take me, Jack.” Running the soap and her hands over his back and down his buttocks to muscled thighs, Jack shuddered. His mind blurred while blood sang wildly through his veins on a sharp electric current. Her hands went over each inch of him and Jack bit the inside of his jaw to keep from shouting. She bathed him with a slow sensuality driving him slowly out of his mind as his entire body begged for the sweet liquid intensity Lynsee’s body promised. Turning, he watched his footing in the small quarters. Jack’s lungs burned with each breath he took. “You know this is wrong.” He was within inches of her and harder than he ever remembered being in his entire life. If she stepped out of the shower, walked away now, it would kill him and it would probably be the best thing she ever did. “Do I look like I care?” Both her hands curled around his rigid length and soaped the tip until what blood that remained, slammed into his shaft. “If you want me to stop,” Lynsee moved closer, tilting her head so that her face came just under his chin, “You need to say something now. Because I’m going to kiss you, Jack.” She nudged his chin with her jaw, bumping gently to align his lips to hers. Her mouth edged, hungrily over his, teasing. Jack closed his eyes sinking a raging river of sensation. Tasting, nipping until his body hummed wherever she touched. “Give me the soap.” He

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curled one hand around the soap the other he cupped her face. His mouth crashed down on hers, devouring senselessly. Tongues stroked hotly as he delved into a delicious nectar. Meteors streaked through her body and cut a path into her bloodstream of blinding white heat. Lynsee melted into Jack as he took control of the kiss. Her heart beat a tattoo in her chest and his large hand removed the soap from hers and began a slow massage starting at her collarbone. He rubbed slow circles over her creating rich vanilla scented lather. Lynsee inhaled trying to steady the trembling inside. He glided the soap over her abdomen and swirled it around her navel. “Oh God,” left her lips on a shuddering moan as she dug her nails into the tight sinew of his shoulders, as she desperately tried to steady the rush of fever. Like molten glass, every touch echoed over her skin, heating and directing it to his will. He dropped the soap and both hands slid around to cup her ass. He squeezed the muscle and Lynsee bit her lip to keep from yelling at him. Tepid water poured over her body as his dark head dipped. All sensation ceased in and around her, she couldn’t feel anything except Jack as he tongue teased around tempting her hot, wet core. God, she couldn’t take this! Now wasn’t the time for slow, luxurious lovemaking. Every cell in her body poised for explosion as Lynsee gripped hold of his soaked hair. “Stop!” Water dripped from his spiky black eyelashes as he leveled onyx eyes on her. His voice, edgy and dangerous came out raw with the same pent up desire flashing in his eyes. The same desire she prayed nightly she would someday see and now her heart practically sang with it. He eyed her carefully as his fingers bit into her hips and he rose up from the tiled shower. “Now is a hell of a time to say stop.” Lynsee closed her eyes, cupping the sides of his strong face. The feel of his beard against her palms tingled. “I can’t take anymore.” She fastened her lips on his and tasted fire and the beginnings of anger. Pulling back a mere breath, she lifted her eyes to his, “Jack, I want you inside me. Now, for God’s sake, I’ve waited too long for this.” She wrapped her arms around his neck then using the seat in the shower raised one leg around his waist. “I have to know this is really happening that it isn’t some sort of crazy dream.” He planted his feet, bending his knees slightly to accommodate her as his hands reached up to cup her ass. His tip teased her hot, silky core until Lynsee jerked his hair. “Hard and fast, Jack, that’s what I want.” The intensity in his eyes bore through her as he brought her other leg up and wrapped it around his waist. He plunged into her hard and tore the breath from her lungs. As he crashed into her, she felt

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her essence meld into his creating a supernova on the verge of detonation. Energy crackled, hissing around them as she leaned further into Jack riding the crest of a violent storm. Jack drove into her hard and fast just as she’d demanded. He adjusted his footing, bracing his foot on the shower seat creating a new and glorious angle. Slipping deeper inside, Lynsee moaned against his neck. She’d been right, this was everything, and he was everything. One arm tightened around her waist while the other used a hand bar for leverage. He buried his shaft to the hilt and ground against her moving with deep, delicious strokes. Shafts of light, maybe it was her soul, splintered and broke away in a thousand pieces. Muscles clenched and tightened around him as Lynsee’s nails raked down his back. She came hard and fast, clutching around his shaft while he drove her into oblivion. His eyes darkened, if possible to blue-black flame, as he tilted his body once more stroking faster and Lynsee thought she heard him shout over the roar of the storm as hot seed pumped inside her.

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“God damnit, Lynsee, that wasn’t supposed to happen.” Jack slammed his hand into the wall tearing his eyes from her gorgeous, athletic body as she toweled off. He was the one with the control. He was the one who knew the rules and what they meant to their careers. She was just as driven as he when it came to the job and he didn’t want her to have regrets. He bit the inside of his jaw and squeezed his eyes shut before facing her. Jack didn’t give a damn about regrets or consequences but he knew he needed to protect Lynsee. Jack opened his eyes to look at her face. Hell, who was he kidding? He needed to protect her from him. His appetite, far from quenched, Jack fisted his hands trying to expend some energy. Now that he’d had her again, the hunger was darker, more riveting than he could ever imagine. “Well,” she pulled back long hair, darker wet, and squeezed it against the towel. “Now we know how you stand on the issue.” She tossed the towel over the chair. “I can’t say I’m surprised but I was hoping we’d at least get through the night.” He heard the pain there, carefully hidden over a layer of heat. He caught it just a brief instance, but pain clouded her blue eyes. It tore him apart to know he caused it, that because he couldn’t control himself he hurt her. He walked over next to her, completely comfortable in his nudity. Touching the side of her face, he felt his eyes shimmer and burn. “I don’t want to hurt you.” Lynsee nearly snorted at him. “I think I’ll just go sleep in my room. We’ll get back to New York in the morning and you can forget all about this.” She started for the connecting door and Jack’s fingers bit into her upper arm before she took two steps. “Like hell.” “Jack?” “Do you think this is easy on me?” Jack pushed back his hair as waves of fatigue hit him like a hot blast of wind. He was beyond exhaustion and it made it harder to concentrate on her. “Do you think I can for one second forget about this?” The need was so surprising in its assault that Jack found it easier to give in then bother fighting. “I look at you and I need to touch you or go completely insane. I can’t though. Do you understand that? It isn’t fair to you or your career.” “You’re not going to let me decide that?” She tossed the towel on the chair. “I can’t. I don’t want you to do something that eventually you will regret.”

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She touched him and it bent and bound him to her again. The cell in his body seemed to go nuclear every time she touched him. The explosion rippled over him creating waves of need. “I don’t regret it, Jack. Jeez, I’ve existed on memories of the last time we were together for three years.” She smiled so sadly it cut a swath through him. “I can last another three on this.” The honesty floored him. He couldn’t breathe. Brain cells dulled at the mere idea that a woman this clever and beautiful would essentially pine for him. He wrapped her in his arms and rested his cheek against her temple. “How can you want that? You deserve more. You’re a beautiful, smart woman, Lynsee. You could have any man you wanted, any time.” “I am prepared to take whatever I can get from you.” “Why?” The scent of her skin filled him and he felt his body grow hard at the contact. He was out of his mind to do this. “You’re who I want. The others don’t compare.” Jack shook his head, trying to clear the fog of desire. “Did you give anyone a chance?” Her eyes glistened and he could see the tears lurking. “I can’t.” “Why not?” It was slow, excruciating torture to watch Lynsee and see the pain, the longing in her eyes. “Because that would mean I’d given up hope.” It nearly brought him to tears. Lynsee bared pieces of herself to him with no guarantee and did it willingly. “I don’t know what to say.” He bent his head slightly to gaze down at her. “I’ve been married to my career for far too long and you are dedicated to yours.” She wasn’t much shorter than he was but they seemed to fit together undeniably well. Trailing his hands between her shoulder blades, he sighed. “Come to bed, Lynsee. We’re both tired and I need to hold you.” He took her to bed and drew her close, neither of them noticed the wind and rain pummeling the windows outside. The chants came from the bayou, under the light of a blood red moon. They sang together, the workers at Scarlet Oak and he tolerated their peculiar mannerisms only because of the one called Camille. She was the one he would take each night out beyond the Keep while Susannah waited for him inside. She thought it was their primitive magic that held him, he sneered at the notion. It was her pretty body and wild passion. That held him tighter than any mystical curse created with chicken blood. Scoffing at the notion of voodoo and their magics, Lyle waited for Camille to come to him. The wind blew through the night carrying clouds and a hell of a thunderstorm. The rain began spitting large

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fat drops across the ground. Lyle waited, irritation rising. He didn’t like a woman that kept him waiting. He was an important man and they damn well better respect that. Finally, she arrived. Beautiful, young Creole woman ready to go down on her knees without a moment’s hesitation, Lyle watched as she quickly disrobed. He stared at her body, a lascivious glare coming to his eyes. He reached out and took hold of the pendant around her neck. She wore it always, tucked under her clothing. A sapphire the nearly the size of his fist drew the glow of the moon and hypnotized him. As he pushed his way deep inside her, his hand clutched at the gem. “You will give this to me.” “I can’t Mr. Forrester. I’m sworn to keep it, till I give it in love, that’s what my Grandmerẻ made me promise.” Lyle took hold her hair, “What do you think we’re doing here, girl?” “This isn’t love, Mr. Forrester. It’s ruttin’” He didn’t know the first time he stuck her, but the sound echoed in the thunder across the night sky. Lyle let the rain fall washing the blood from his hands. He picked the girl’s limp form up and took it inside the Keep. Yanking the pendant from her throat, he decided to make a gift of it to his wife. “Jack? Jack? Wake up, wake up!” He woke with a start to find his hand wrapped around Lynsee’s head. She pulled at his arms, shaking him fully awake. Dazed, he listened to the rain pound on the windowsill. “Christ, are you all right?” His hands immediately fell away. “I’m sorry, I was dreaming.” He touched her cheek, praying that he hadn’t hurt. Fear hit him hard and fast while he struggled with remnants of the dream or nightmare. The idea that he might eventually lose the tenuous hold he had on her nearly choked him. He reached out to stroke her hair. He saw his hands shake and knew without a doubt what it would cost him to give her up. Never in his entire life had he experienced such an achingly new emotion. “I’m fine, a bit nervous at the moment, but okay.” Sun slanted a shadow over her cheeks as he continued to watch her intently. “Do you want me to order up some breakfast?” She rolled over him and looked at the alarm clock, “It’s five-thirty.” “In a minute.” She raised a brow, “You okay?” “I don’t have nightmares.” Jack propped himself up on an elbow and rubbed his eyebrow. “I never have.” “That’s probably a good thing.”

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“But this, it started off with me watching and by the end it felt like I was the one killing the girl.” Lynsee leaned closer and stroked his stumbled cheek. Concern clouded her eyes. “What girl?” “I don’t know it was strange, from their clothes and the Keep, it looked like it was a long time ago.” Her eyes narrowed slightly, “What did the girl look like?” He thought a moment, as with most dreams the images faded with consciousness. “She was young, black, but light completed. A pretty girl but there was something about her eyes. She had a pendant around her neck.” Lynsee licked her lips and cleared her throat. “A pendant? What kind of pendant?” Jack remembered the sudden obsession in the dream with the pendant. “A large sapphire.” Lynsee rolled over onto her back and brought her hand up to her rest on her forehead. “Oh boy.” “Does that mean something to you?” He shifted once more so that he could look at her. Jack knew without a doubt, he’d never tire of looking at Lynsee Frost. She could so easily become his own obsession. The corner of Jack’s lips lifted, wasn’t she already? A secret obsession that wasn’t so secret anymore. “Last night at dinner, Remy –“ “Do I want to hear this?” She slanted her eyes at his. “Depends.” She sat up and plumped the pillow. “Remy Terreau is a very charming man and he knows how to use it.” She baited him and he simply inclined his head and raised a brow. “He spent most of the night talking about the resort and the history of Scarlet Oak. It’s not such a nice history, you know?” “I read the press kit.” “Lyle Forrester liked women. All kinds and he used his power to get them. His wife played the dutiful spouse and they had four children.” She blinked as he picked up a lock of the shiny hair and toyed with it between his fingers. “He had an affair with one of the servants, a girl of Creole decent. Apparently, she worked at the Manor and Mrs. Forrester developed a relationship with the girl. Her name was Camille.” “Go on.” Jack let his hand trail down her uncovered breast. Fire blazed through his veins and he tapped it down, hard. “According to Remy,” Jack decided just then that he didn’t like her calling him ‘Remy’ or anything else for that matter. Remy Terreau was tall, handsome, and wealthy. Several things that Jack wasn’t and while he held a supreme amount of confidence and strength, he knew a lot of women would

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hesitate to pick Terreau. Built like a lineman, with a heavily muscled frame he wondered if Lynsee preferred the more elegant looking Terreau. Lynsee must’ve noticed that gleam in his eyes and smiled. She reached out to place his hand directly on her breast. “Try to keep up with the big picture, Jack. Remy explained that Camille made friends with Susannah Forrester. Mrs. Forrester was frightened of the house, especially at night and Camille often brewed her a soothing tea if the master was out of town.” “Camille practiced voodoo and had a good deal of herbal knowledge.” It was hard to concentrate on the conversation when his hand seemed to have a mind of its own. He swallowed. “Was Camille’s plan to be the next Mrs. Forrester?” She sucked in a breath as his fingers rolled over her nipple. “Maybe that was the ultimate plan, but I think she started off trying to help Susannah Forrester.” “So what happened?” “It’s hard to say with all the rumors and stories over the years. But at some point in time, Lyle saw that necklace and evidently wanted it.” “Ah.” “He took it.” “That’s not surprising.” “Here’s the thing though,” he felt the muscles in her abdomen twitch as his fingers skimmed over them. “He took it without love, without her permission. He killed Camille and stole the pendant.” Jack leaned back ever so slightly. “Let me guess, that stone had some sort of voodoo charm on it.” “Or curse.” “Curse? Really?” Lynsee smoothed her hand over his chest. “Remy thinks that Forrester gave the pendant to his wife as a token for his indiscretions. But since the stone wasn’t given in love, the curse came into play and all those who touched or tried to possess the stone would endure the wrath.” “Wrath? Sounds like you’re into this whole thing now.” “Maybe, “she touched his lips with a delicate caress and Jack froze. The desire would never fade and he wondered at what point he would fall hopelessly in love with her. “Jack, the woman you saw in your dream is the same girl I saw the other night in the mirror.” He sat up, quickly, and then drug her up beside him. “What?” She nodded. “It sounds exactly like her. Pretty, young Creole wearing a large sapphire.”

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“Okay, what do you think that means?” She shrugged, lying back with her arms behind her head. “How the hell do I know? I’m not a para-psychologist.” “Neither am I and we’ve got a plane to catch back home.” “What are you saying?” “It’s your call. If you think there’s something here. Tell me and I’m with you.” He leaned over her and couldn’t help himself. He brushed his lips over hers. The softness delighted him, the taste lured. “Your call.” “You’d stay?” She seemed surprised and Jack wondered what other doubts she might possess. “It’s a cold case but murder is murder.” Jack could call the New York office and inform them of the other gravesite Lynsee encountered. They would wait till the Mitochondrial DNA results came back and put an identity and then they would go home. Jack wasn’t sure that was a good thing. What happened when they got home? Did the go back as lovers? Or simply forget? He didn’t know that he could. Or if he would ever wish to, but right now, he knew he wanted to make love to her once more. “Well, all right then. I’m surprised but intrigued by the whole thing.” “I thought you might be, and if you did see a ghost, well, I want the same opportunity.” “Funny man,” she slithered beneath him. “Are you going to make love to me now or do I have to pounce on you again?” Jack laughed, pleasant and with more happiness than he’d ever known. “I want to make love to you.” “What are you waiting for then?” “Ah Lynsee, you have no idea.” “When do you expect the coroner’s report, cher?” Lynsee smirked a bit at the endearment. He’d started using the French phrases at dinner and she wondered if he was conscious of it. “Hopefully, this afternoon. If we can get a hit on a living relative, from COTUS then it’ll be quicker.” “Isn’t that a criminal report? You think her ancestors are criminals?” Jack stepped up behind her. Funny how she could sense him, the power, the strength gave her a deep sense of security. “You said ‘her’, Mr. Terreau. Why?”

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Remy shook his head. He seemed baffled by Jack’s attitude toward him while Lynsee thrilled quietly at the note of jealously. “I just assumed, it’s not like I was there, Agent Navarre.” “So what are you worried about?” “I didn’t know I was worried.” Lynsee deliberately clattered her cup of coffee onto the saucer. “Why don’t wait for the ME before we speculate, hmmm?” When Remy turned his back on Jack to address her, she grinned. Maybe it was cold, but Jack needed prodding along and she was more than happy to see someone else do it. “I’m heading into New Orleans later this afternoon. Since you’re investigating that grave, I thought you might want to talk to Miss Lacey again since she’s a relative of Camille.” “What did she know about the necklace?” Remy turned his head at Jack. “The Star?” Jack nodded, “What happened to it?” “How should I know? It disappeared the night that Susannah Forrester vanished. Supposedly, she was wearing the gem at the time. A lot of people who believed in Camille’s curse thought it was the cause.” Remy’s lips twisted as he pondered the idea. “I’m not sure, Lyle Forrester was said to be a violent man. He probably killed his wife too.” “And his children?” “I don’t know.” “Interesting.” “Why don’t you come along too, Agent Navarre? You seemed to have developed an interest in this whole thing, eh?” Lynsee noticed the dig and her eyes gleamed. Whatever Jack’s issues with them having a relationship, she intended changing his mind. One way or another, this FBI agent would get her man. Her cell phone rang and she stood up to answer it. “Frost.” She moved away from the table leaving the two men to glare at each other. She knew Jack’s protective nature and appreciated it, but his dislike for Remy Terreau bordered on jealously. Listening while the scientist identified himself, Lynsee kept her eyes adverted from Jack and Remy while the man explained his call. “I’m with the Crime lab in New Orleans, Agent Frost. We got a hit on your Mito DNA sample. Let me tell you, someone owes me a big favor cause I’ve been working on this for about twenty-two hours now. Guy’s name is Aaron Denali, busted a few years ago on an assault charge.”

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“Interesting, can you fax all this over to me? Give me Mr. Denali’s last known whereabouts as well if you could.” “That’s easy enough, he’s listed as deceased.” “What happened?” “Not sure, I will send it over to you. Maybe you Feds can dig it up.” “I’ll wait for your fax.” “It’s on its way now.” Lynsee hung up the phone and stepped over to Jack. “We got a hit on the DNA sample.” “You’re kidding?” She shook her head, pleased this wasn’t some weird, wild goose chase. At least they had a tangible link to the present now. Even if the man was dead, she might still be able to hit some of the other living relatives. “I’m expecting a fax and then we can head into the city.” Jack inclined his head, “I’ll be waiting.” She sprinted back into the hotel and up the stairs. Luckily, the scientist faxed the document right away. For some reason, Lynsee did not feel comfortable up in the room alone. If she put a name a on it, she might call it a presence. But since she refused to contemplate what that meant, she snatched the documents off the fax and nearly ran out the door. Jack waited for her leaning against the porch railing while Remy looked at the morning newspaper. “Well?” “Aaron Denali appears to be a descendant of the victim. Unfortunately, Mr. Denali died in a traffic accident four years ago.” She passed the papers to Jack and turned to look at Remy. The entrepreneur turned an exotic shade of green. “Who did you say?” Lynsee’s eyes narrowed as Jack examined the paperwork. “A man named Aaron Denali.” Remy appeared close to puking. Jack’s eyes lifted, took a look at Remy then slid a knowing glance at Lynsee. “Mon dieu!” Remy shook his head and Jack smiled, stepping forward. “Something wrong, Mr. Terreau?” Lynsee watched the interchange. Something seriously disturbed Remy and from the imperious look on Jack’s face, he had a real good idea what that was. “Mr. Terreau?” Remy scratched his head. “You said Denali?” Lynsee nodded. He sighed. “What is it?” “Jack laid the paper in front of Remy. “Do you want to tell her or should I?”

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Blue eyes clashed with hers. Lynsee turned her head slowly to gaze over at Jack. His sharp eyes flitted quickly back to Remy and Lynsee knew Jack had information. She tilted her head back at Remy and arched a brow. Jack didn’t particularly care for Remy that much was obvious. Remy didn’t help matters by trying to avoid the questions. These questions weren’t going away. Especially when it was partially Remy’s fault that these issues arose on Scarlet Oak to begin with. Remy remained silent. Jack’s lips twisted in a mixture of disgust and dismay. Lynsee’s wasn’t sure what was going on, but it wasn’t your average power play. “You are related to Aaron Denali, aren’t you, Mr. Terreau?” Remy lifted his eyes, pleadingly. “It’s not what you think.” “Then tell me what I think.” “You think I’m an opportunist trying to make the most out of a rumor or worse a hundred some odd year old murder.” Remy stood up. He was taller than Jack, but there was power, dark, rich and potent with Navarre. Lynsee waited. “Is that what I think?” Jack moved and it reminded her of a panther stalking. “Because that isn’t all I’m thinking since according to your family tree, you’re related to Susannah Forrester.” “How do you know that?” “Not common knowledge, which, I have to admit surprised me. I figured you’d go after every ounce of publicity you could dig you hands into.” Jack smiled and it wasn’t a friendly smile. “So, I am curious, why that little tidbit is so buried in your family tree.” Remy straightened sharply as if Jack stabbed him. “Why would you even look?” “I have to consider everything, Mr. Terreau, I told you that before. I’m really interested in why you would hide that. On a publicity side, seems like a good idea to let it be known. The new owner of Scarlet Oak Manor, a distant relative of vanished woman and all that.” Jack sensed his anxiety. “You don’t understand the stigmatism attached to this property. When I bought it, the locals talked. The place is cursed, it should be left alone. Imagine what they’d say if they knew the owner was a long lost relative.” “That really isn’t my concern.” “Mon ami, I am not after your woman. If you don’t know that, you are a fool. And some how, Jack Navarre, I think you’re anything but a fool.” The bright flash of anger hit Jack smack in the forehead. Terreau faced Lynsee, “Yes, Denali is my mother’s maiden name. And yes, Susannah Forrester is a relative. I suppose everyone will know now.”

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“Well now, that’s a surprise.” Lynsee smiled slightly. “Then I would say we know who was in that grave, don’t we, Jack? Even without the results. All the stories lead to an interesting conclusion.” She saw it then, the simmering anger. Smoke practically floated off him. The coldness in his eyes stunned her. “Jack?” “Please Lynsee, the man is hopelessly in love with you, and everything’s a threat because he’s unsure. You’re not helping things here, he would be more than happy to kill me at this moment, I’m sure, but I need your help.” Remy obviously didn’t understand it wasn’t wise to antagonize Jack. In fact, he seemed bent on baiting him into a fight. Before Jack could move, Remy stepped up to him. He angled his strong jaw directly at Jack. “Go for it, if you think it will help, but I think, mon ami, the issues you have to deal with must be settled between you and Lynsee.” “Mr. Terreau, what the press or anyone else knows about your connection to this property doesn’t matter to me in the least. However, a murder does and while you aren’t directly involved, your name does have the nasty habit of reappearing.” The anger was nearly palatable and Lynsee moved between them quickly. Remy might not think Jack was dangerous. That was an incredibly foolish mistake. Jack was the most dangerous man she’d ever met. Escaped criminals, serial killers, psychotic prisoners, she’d encountered plenty of them in her career. Jack Navarre was a frightening conglomeration and you’d be very wise not to press the issue with him. She placed a hand square on Jack’s chest. “Step back.” Her palm flattened hard against solid muscle. Remy cleared his throat, coughing slightly as if he suddenly understood the danger. Lynsee kept her eyes solidly on Jack. “I’m going to go get my car keys.” Quickly, he gave way and walked into the lobby closing the door behind him. Lynsee licked her lips and kept her focus on Jack. “What’s this all about?” “He lied.” Jack looked pointedly at her hand. Lynsee curled her fingers into the material of the crisp white shirt then let them fall away. She felt the vibrating intensity partially from anger and another element she couldn’t quite place. “From the beginning he could’ve told us the truth. Instead, he let’s us believe in the whole fairytale. If I hadn’t had Chris go into his family pedigree, we never would’ve known.” “We know you’re thorough, Jack. That isn’t the point and you know it. Normally, you wouldn’t care about a hundred some odd year old relationship.” Her voice softened. “Are you going to be able to deal with this?” Her index finger wiggled between the two of them pointing suspiciously.

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Guilt hit his face so plainly she could wipe it off with a cloth. “I don’t know.” She wanted to touch him, but saw the shields fall into place as clearly as if they were steel. “There isn’t anything there, Jack. Use that damn analytical mind of yours and look. He isn’t the least bit attracted to me and if you’ve got any doubts on my position, well, I guess I’m not as good as I thought I was.” Trust was such a tenuous issue. Maybe it wasn’t all trust either, they just didn’t know yet where they both stood in this scenario and what they wanted out of it. It made it harder, made the footing much more slippery. She found the trail full of hazards but it was all worth it. His smile reminded her of lightning. God, it was probably the most beautiful thing she’d ever seen and it was gone so fast, she nearly thought she imagined it. She wanted it, all of it and only with him. She knew there wouldn’t be anyone else like him ever in her life. He inhaled deeply and she watched the rise and fall of his chest. “I think I’m in love with you.” Time stopped. Her throat closed off, even though her lungs seemed to believe she stood at the top of Mt. Everest. The ringing in her ears might be a dizzy spell or some sort of crazy bells singing with joy. Her eyes dilated as she stood staring at the amazingly complex man in front of her. Now she was hallucinating, pretty soon she’d find herself in some psychotic haze. Jack had this odd smile on his face and her brain seemed to experience a short-circuiting with all the flash and pop of an electrical fire. “Everybody ready?” Remy trotted down the porch stairs and headed for his car carrying a briefcase and an overnight bag. “I just got a call, one of the men I was interviewing for head chef missed his flight and only has today before going back to London. I’ve got to fly up to South Carolina and meet him then hopefully, be back tomorrow for some other interviews.” He loaded his bag into the trunk unaware of the tension in the air. Lynsee simply stared into oblivion until she felt the touch of Jack’s hand on her shoulder. “It’s okay.” He pointed her in the direction of the car, “Let’s get this finished up.” He opened the car door for her and Lynsee sank into the backseat of the car. Remy pulled out and started down the long door. Massive oak trees cradled the drive up Scarlet Oak Manor almost like a huge drapery, hiding its secrets from prying eyes. Her eyes flickered at the shift and glow of sunlight hitting the dense leaves. In the distance, she caught a glimpse of the man she’d seen her first day here, moving toward the house. She couldn’t move, her mouth wouldn’t open as every muscle in her body froze in place.

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Any other time, she would’ve shouted to the other men in the car, “There’s your damn ghost.” Right now, her entire experienced the numbing shock of hearing something she never believed would come out of Jack Navarre’s mouth in eight hundred bazillion years. Did she actually hear him say that? Or was it more likely some other bizarre delusion that appeared while people inhabited Scarlet Oak Manor? Reclining further into the backseat, she listened to the hum of conversation occurring between Jack and Remy. They chatted like old friends heading off to the bar. Lynsee closed her eyes and rubbed her temples. If she got migraines, she would have one now. How the hell did she figure this out? Wait until they were alone again and say, ‘Gee Jack, did you say you loved me?’ How nutty was that? Squeezing her eyes tighter, she fought back the sudden need to burst into tears. They arrived at Miss Lacey’s in under an hour. Jack climbed out of the car and opened hers. He didn’t look at her, seeming engrossed in Remy’s lament about chefs. Remy moved to the door and started inside. Lynsee couldn’t stand it, the suspense, the lack of absolute knowledge. She reached out to catch hold of Jack’s suit jacket but let it fall when Remy glanced back at them. “Do you think Miss Lacey will remember anything?” “She’s as sharp as a tack.” Remy grinned, “Don’t let those gnarled bones fool you, she’s got a mind like a steel whip.” The door jingled with a small bell as it closed behind them. Incense burned in a jasmine cloud through the small store, while a few teenage girls appeared to stock the shelves. Remy headed for the stockroom after grinning at the young women. Jack rolled his eyes at Lynsee while the teenage girl’s fluttered their mascara lashes at the tall entrepreneur. “We’re not interrupting anything are we?” Lynsee fell in step next to Remy while he opened the stockroom door and motioned her inside. “No, I called her while I was in getting the keys. She’s expecting us.” A smirk lit Jack’s face, “How nice.” Lynsee directed a hard glance back at him. “Try to not show your lack of faith.” “In voodoo? Lynsee, I know more about this religion and it’s darker side than you’d ever what to delve into.” Jack held her back a moment. “The Vodoun religion has been around since the eighteenth century. They believe nothing happens by accident. Life is a sacred cycle. The universe is all one, each thing affects something else. Science realizes this.” He turned slightly and lowered his

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voice. “We mirror souls of the living and the dead.” He held Lynsee’s interest, keeping an eye out for interruptions. “Their ceremonies feature any of the pantheon of gods with sacred days through the year. They believe in spirits that can possess the body of participants during these ceremonies.” “Creepy.” “We should compare notes sometime, Agent Navarre.” Miss Lacey stepped forward from behind a shelf full of ingredients Lynsee didn’t even wish to decipher. “Come on, come on, I’m brewing some special tea.” “That wouldn’t be Camille’s blend, would it?” The old woman laughed motioning them into a small office with four chairs. Remy sat closest to Miss Lacey, leaving Jack and Lynsee to sit beside each other. Candles filled the room, some lit, others burnt down to stubs, collections of herbs, fresh and dried stacked in boxes along the walls. Miss Lacey poured the tea and offered cream and sugar. “No Jack, I don’t think you’re ready for something like that. Besides any visions you have at Scarlet Oak should be your own, not ones of my making.” He smiled and Lynsee marveled at the effect. Miss Lacey nearly melted into the palm of his hand. “I pray I never am.” Jack added cream and sugar, then sipped at the tea. Lynsee knew, for a fact, he never drank the stuff so it only added to the charm. “What were they trying to do, Miss Lacey? Gaslight Susannah Forrester?” Lynsee added cream and sipped the floral tea. It was naturally sweet and actually quite good. “I’m sorry, I don’t watch television much.” The woman feigned confusion but she could see the ploy. Jack smiled gently and took another swallow of the tea. “Do you think Camille might’ve been trying to make Mrs. Forrester think she was insane? Maybe at the bequest of Mr. Forrester.” “I don’t know for certain cause I wasn’t there. From what I know of Camille though, the girl might not have had traditional education but she was clever enough. A smart girl probably in too much of a hurry to get places.” Remy seemed to consider this carefully. “You think that Camille was in league with Lyle from the beginning?” “It makes sense.” Jack finally gave up on the tea and Lynsee smiled secretively. “The information you gave me on the Forrester clan leads me to think they weren’t a terribly happy family. At least, not in the eyes of Susannah Forrester.” “You think that Forrester coerced Camille into disposing of the wife?” “He certainly wouldn’t be the first man to use a mistress to do his dirty work.”

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Miss Lacey refilled Jack’s tea. “Lyle Forrester was a bastard of a man. He knew Camille took pity on Susannah and he used that. He wanted the sapphire for himself and when Camille wouldn’t give it too him, he took it.” Very sharp eyes turned to Jack then to Lynsee. “I think you know that now.” Jack pursed his lips as knowledge filtered into his eyes. Exactly what was the old woman implying? Or more likely what did she want him to believe she knew? Anyone else might think that the woman with her mystical powers could get inside a man’s head or his dreams. Since Jack didn’t think anyone was privy to his dreams, he addressed Miss Lacey in a quiet tone. “What would I know that I couldn’t read from archives or old family histories?” Lynsee readjusted her position in her chair taking out her PDA. Jack slid her a look out of the corner of his eye while keeping his attention on Miss Lacey. “Miss Lacey, we’re treating this as we would any homicide. I know it was a very long time ago and most of the information we have can’t be verified so anything you provide that could assist us would be appreciated.” “You know about the pirate, right?” A gleam hit Jack’s eyes and for a moment, he thought she tried pulling his leg. He lifted a brow and noticed that Lynsee stopped writing. “Pirates? No, nobody mentioned pirates.” The incense began to creep into his head with the first sharp threads of a headache. Terreau shifted uncomfortably and Jack nearly laughed aloud. “Miss Lacey, you wouldn’t be trying to fool me would you?” The woman appeared mortified at the very idea. She huffed and folded her arms across an ample bosom. “I most certainly am not. I’d never do such a thing. Not to an FBI man that’s for sure.” “All right then, tell us about these pirates.” Miss Lacey took a sip of her tea, seeming to mull things over a bit. Jack figured this was a story she knew by heart. Probably past down from generation to generation and Jack settled back for a bedtime story. “Captain Bartolomero was a feared man. He sailed around Madagascar and Sri Lanka wreaking havoc for several years. But then as would happen to most powerful men,” she smiled slowly at Jack then at Lynsee, “he fell in love with a woman in Jamaica.” “What does this have to do with the Forresters, Miss Lacey?” “I’m getting there, girl. Just give me a moment.” A smirk appeared on his face and he flashed Lynsee a knowing look. Chastising her kept his mind centered on the case at hand. He refused to think about his admission to her or her somewhat strange reaction.

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His refusal to concentrate on that matter didn’t keep him from tossing things around in his brain. He’d been married once before and it ended badly. Kathleen was the only other woman he opened himself up to and she smashed his heart and much of his self esteem about against the rocks when she left him for another man. She wanted a normal man with a normal job and a life. Jack didn’t fit the bill. Now, he realized what a good thing their divorce actually was. They were so wrong for each other it wasn’t even funny. Two polar opposites in personality with no common ground did not a happy marriage make. It made him a bastard, he knew it, but what he felt for Lynsee made what he had with his wife such a pale comparison. He didn’t know if he could maintain a long-term relationship. Hell, until Lynsee, the thought never crossed his mind. Yet, he opened himself up to her and now he was very curious and more than a bit anxious to see what she did with it. The muscles in his stomach clenched at the uncomfortable idea that she would do the same as his ex-wife. Miss Lacey tapped her nails on the table, You listenin’, Agent Navarre?” Jack smiled, caught dead to rights, and Miss Lacey continued her story. “Before he left her, Bartolomero gifted the woman with a gem. It was a sapphire that shown with a midnight flame. As big as a man’s fist, the stone belonged to her as a treasure of love lost. She kept it with her always.” “And then she moved to New Orleans.” Terreau announced and Jack gestured for the rest of the story. They still had a visit to the Medical Examiner and with any luck they’d know the cause of death and they could get the hell out of New Orleans. “So where is the stone? And why is it supposedly cursed?” Lynsee’s question shook Jack completely into the present. He looked from Terreau who shrugged on to Miss Lacey. The old woman reached behind her, picked up a cloth bag, and poured the contents into her hand. “The stone disappeared the night Susannah Forrester vanished. A gem that powerful pulls those who would want it for material gains will find only pain and sorrow.” “You would think if Lyle Forrester’s main objectives were that gem and get rid of his wife, he would’ve taken it.” “Do you believe Lyle Forrester stole the Midnight Star from Camille and then gave it to his wife after he killed her?” The disgust on the old woman’s face appeared as sour as unsweetened lemonade. “If that’s the case, the bastard deserves everything he’s got.” She clasped his hands together and began shaking what sounded like dice in her hands. Terreau’s eyes grew larger and inclined his head. “What do you mean by that?”

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The old woman cast a small, secret smile at them. “I think you already know the answer to that question, Agent Navarre.” She tossed the objects out on the table and Jack wondered if they were stones or if the composition was bone. Miss Lacey glanced over the stones then looked directly at Jack. “You’ve seen them now, heard them. Something’s stirred up the spirits at Scarlet Oak and I’d say it was the two of you.” A glint of humor struck him at this whole conversation. “Now, why would you say that?” She pointed a finger at Lynsee, “She found the body. Disturbed the place where Lyle Forrester hid her away all these years. I think Susannah may be trying to tell you something.” “Oh?” Her finger glided over the stones. Jack watched. Lynsee appeared intrigued by the display while Terreau became decidedly uncomfortable. He understood that. Jack knew the practitioners of voodoo found themselves caught in between fear or a weird sense of curiosity when it came to outsiders looking in on the religion. Jack viewed voodoo as he did anything else, with an analytical eye applied toward the case at hand. “She never did any wrong in her life outside of marrying Lyle Forrester. She was a trusting girl and he took her far from her home and left her in that house. There were already disturbing things going on there before the Forresters ever took up residence. He did nothing to comfort his wife only fed the fear growing there. If the girl was mad, it wasn’t just because. He had a hand in it and if he enlisted Camille, she would’ve had the power to frighten. Her great grandmamma was a high priestess and Camille was well on her way to becoming one as well.” Jack noticed Lynsee struggle to regain an official stance on questioning the old Creole woman. “Do you think he was abusive to his wife?” “He was vicious in life; his spirit is vicious in death. He will stop at nothing.” She lowered her voice, “You both must take care.” “Miss Lacey, if you’re speaking of ghosts, I’m afraid you’ve got the wrong audience.” The old woman laughed then. “I know that, girl. But I sense things.” She looked to Remy. “The boy knows that even though he doesn’t believe. You’ve seen him, I’d lay odds on that one. If you take nothing from this, know the only thing that will defeat something as evil as that man is the power inside. It won’t be an easy path you take, but you will both have an important decision to make.” Jack’s brow creased and he slid a glance at Lynsee. If it got any more mystical in here, he’d think they’d entered the haunted house at Disneyland. He slid his chair back and slowly got to his feet.

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It signaled the end of the interview. Politely, he shook the woman’s outstretched hand and she gripped his elbow. “Thank you, Miss Lacey for your time. We certainly appreciate your help.” She shook her head at him as Lynsee rose as well. “You mark my words, the only thing that will save you is each other.” Shaking Lynsee’s hand in the same manner, she moved around to give Remy a hug. “Thank you, Miss Lacey.” Remy stood, smiling broadly bringing her hand to his lips. “Let me know when that chamomile and rosemary are ready.” “You be a good boy, Remy Terreau. There’s a lot waiting for you.” “Oh I will.” They left Miss Lacey’s shop quickly and in silence. Once they were outside, Remy turned to them and motioned the cab waiting. “I almost hate to do this to you, but I really need to interview this guy.” He unloaded his briefcase and overnight bag from the car and passed Jack the keys. “It’s all yours, and you’ve pretty much got Scarlet Oak to yourself. Most of the staff is off for the holiday.” He winked at Lynsee, “Can Jack cook? If he can, you are set. The kitchen and pantry are stocked, the wine cellar is yours for the taking, and if you’re still here when I get back, I’ll take you both to party on Bourbon Street.” He waved at both of them and ran to catch the cab. A suspicious part of Jack’s mind debated spending whatever time they had left in New Orleans well within the city limits.

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The Medical Examiner appeared harried by the time he and Lynsee arrived. Of course, it was the lunch hour and maybe she was more interested in Italian than in a hundred and forty year old murder. Jack didn’t blame her, his body tensed every time Lynsee brushed near him. New York would settle things, he could get back into a rhythm. Now matter what Lynsee’s reaction was he could control things in New York. While the ME dug around in the computer for her ‘cause of death’ Jack simply watched Lynsee. If possible, he fell deeper in love with her and she hovered over the ME in a sterile gray morgue. Jack let his thoughts go to her rather than allowing antiseptic scent to irritate his nose. Lynsee looked over at him once as if she could feel the intensity of his gaze. Who was he kidding? He could feel the raw need, the desperation in the darkest regions of consciousness and he wanted her so badly it nearly crippled him as he stood watching. How was this ever going to work out? Two very driven, career oriented people who created some sort of furnace level of lovemaking together. What exactly was the plan here? Jack existed on plans. He lived for organization. What happened between and Lynsee Frost created the antithesis of everything. He couldn’t walk away, not now. There was far too much at stake and he wouldn’t gamble with Lynsee. He needed her far too much and his career seemed more like a job without her in his life. “Ah here it is, cause of death.” Jack’s ears perked up. “The adult female died of blunt force trauma to the skull. That was pretty obvious when the skeleton came in.” She fiddled with the mouse and came up with another screen. “The children were harder and I’m still not exact until I get a few more tests back. I think they were buried alive.” She held up several photos of the remains. “This one has what looks like a deep incision into one of the bones.” She tilted the photo so Lynsee could get a good look.” “Right here,” she ran her index finger over the incision. “This is at the collarbone. Like maybe the killer tried to cut something off from around the child’s neck.” “Oh Jesus.” “Yeah, not pretty. You know most people think Lyle Forrester killed all of them.” Jack moved closer and ran his hand up Lynsee’s back only to soothe and completely out of view of the ME. “So we’ve heard.” He let his hand drop at her waist. “Any more physical proof of this?”

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“Like I said, all the tests aren’t back yet. We’re not as quick as the Bureau, you know, not as much fancy equipment, I’m sure. All the signs point to the mother killed first and the kids tossed into a grave with her.” Lynsee cleared her throat. “Can you print a hard copy?” “Sure.” The ME clicked a few buttons. A stack of paper printed out in front of Lynsee. “There you go, now I’m late for lunch.” “Thanks.” Lynsee scooped up the paper and headed for the door. She thumbed through the report as Jack held the door open for her. “Well, what do you think? We’ve got an identification and a cause of death. What else can we do with a hundred year old case?” Jack unlocked the passenger side and held the door for Lynsee to climb into the car. Jack lowered his body into the driver’s side and started the automobile. He glanced at his watch, it was actually later than he thought. They could catch an early dinner or go back to Scarlet Oak, pack up and take a late flight. “Still my call?” “You bet.” Lynsee grinned and his heart melted. He backed the car out of the parking spot and into traffic. “You hungry?” “Starving.” “How about I take you to dinner for being such a sport?” Jack didn’t know how much of a sport he was, but he was game. At least for now, he drove the car down to Bourbon Street. “In that case, we’ll have to find something expensive.” “My treat and I don’t care as long as it’s Cajun something. I can’t go back to New York without one Cajun story.” Maneuvering the car into a parking space, Jack didn’t expect to hear a dig come out of his mouth. “You could’ve had two, I think if I wasn’t along.” Jack got out of the car and rounded the front of it. A restaurant Terreau recommend was three doors down. Lynsee caught hold of his arm at the fender of the passenger side. “What was that supposed to mean?” He shook his head, “Nothing. Forget it.” “Okay, stop for a minute.” She leaned against the car. Jack’s legs turned to cement. He didn’t want to do this. Not here, his skin turned icy and he gestured for her.

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“Let’s get something to eat.” “Jack?” She caught up with him and planted her feet. “What’s going on? He drew in an unsteady breath. He’d made a mistake. By telling Lynsee how he felt about her, he’d put her in an uneasy position and he tripped right along after her. Somehow, he’d fix it. Pain flickered inside his chest and pushed it’s way up into his skull and out his eyes. He shouldn’t have done that. Kept his damn mouth shut and let her find a guy more suited to her. Deliberately he avoided her seeking gaze and started walking. If he’d just thrown a punch at her, Lynsee knew the shock snapping through her body couldn’t become any sharper. The stinging pain zipping over her skin grew as he spoke, “I made a mistake. I shouldn’t have said that to you.” “What?” Her eyes blurred as he held the door to the restaurant open for her. “What?” She followed him into a bright, jazzy restaurant filled with fabulous scents and sounds of bluesy music. It made her queasy and she suddenly felt light headed. The hostess seated them right away since they seemed early for the dinner crowd. A young waiter approached to take their drink order. “Tequila, lime twist, please.” She took the menu from him and buried her nose in it while leaving the coroner’s report on the table in between her and Jack. Jack ordered an iced tea then glanced over the menu. He ordered jambalaya while Lynsee went with the etoufeế. Lynsee waited in silence for the drinks to arrive. She kept her eyes averted, glancing about the restaurant seemingly engrossed in the atmosphere. All the while, she picked through her harassed mind piece by piece to find something that made sense. Something had to of triggered Jack’s abrupt one eighty and whatever it was, she’d damn well better figure it out. She just got him. There was no way in hell she could lose him. No way. She’d had sex before, the good, the bad and the ugly of all that. But this, it was so much more. He was necessary to her existence. He had to realize that. “There’s a vertebrae broken in the neck of one of the children. It looks like they could’ve been strangled.” The waiter delivered the drinks and Lynsee sipped at the tequila. It went down her throat as if she swallowed flaming gasoline. “That’s what I was thinking.” So this was how they played now? Business as usual, except the pent up tension between them seemed to shimmer with something else. Something edgier, more desperate now that they’d tasted one another, Lynsee sensed the hesitation even understood it, but she’d never expected this. She figured they’d be civil. No, that wasn’t right,

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friendly. They could at the very least stay friends. She wasn’t certain they’d been friends to begin with but this, whatever this was, wasn’t acceptable. “Okay, we’ll file the paperwork on this and be done with Scarlet Oak Manor.” Just like you’re done with me? A vile thought crawled into her brain. God, he knew all this time how she felt about him. She barely kept it bottled up inside, avoiding touching him or looking at him too long. Suppose this was simply a freebie and she only got what she deserved? “Yeah.” “I can see if we can get a flight back to New York tonight if you want.” Someone stabbed a long, rusty knife into her chest. Lynsee swallowed the rest of the tequila. Jack was in a hurry to get out of here. Screw this shit. If she was miserable, why couldn’t he be as well? She could be nice and agree but at the moment, Lynsee felt anything but nice. A vicious streak swam in her veins and she felt obliged to ride along. “You know, I’m really beat. Tomorrow’s early enough for me. You can head back tonight if you want.” There. Slam. Ball in Jack’s court and he could stay or go of his own accord. This time she raised eyes as sharp as diamonds at it him and waited for his response. He restacked the ME’s report and slid it along the table. The food arrived and Jack became very preoccupied with his dinner. It was probably the most uncomfortable hour of her life. Tempted to order another tequila, Lynsee abstained in favor of grinding her teeth into the ice cubes. The dinner tasted heavenly except it seemed to fall into her stomach like cardboard. Tenacity, Lynsee considered one of her strong suits, she would hold patient until the time came for her to move in on Jack. She couldn’t take it any longer. “You want to just call this a slip up and be done with it?” Jack raised his head. The blackness in his eyes lit with a flame of temper. At least, she got that much out of him. “Is that what you want? Was it a mistake?” “I can only answer that for myself.” God, she was so in love with this man. She’d hold onto whatever shred of hope, no matter how tiny to keep him. She’d waited so long to feel like this and she wasn’t going to let Jack Navarre or anyone else rob her of a chance at happiness. They had a right to it and deep down she knew Jack wanted it, needed it as much as she did. They left the restaurant without another word between them. Dipping low on the horizon, Lynsee watched the sun streak golds through the clouds as night fell. They rode in silence, punctuated by stilted conversation. Lynsee shifted in her seat to face him, ignoring the tug of the seatbelt as Jack turned up the long drive to Scarlet Oak. “You never said whether you were going back tonight.”

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“Leaving you alone out here isn’t a good idea.” “I’m a big girl, Jack.” Even in the dim light, she felt the burn of his eyes. At least, she could still provoke anger. “I don’t want to mess up your plans.” “You already have, Lynsee.” The words fell softly over her, a poisonous fog. “Isn’t that just swell? Would you like to tell me what you mean by that? Because I’ve got to tell you, Jack, I’m in a bit of bind. I could’ve sworn we were on the same wavelength, but I’m obviously out of practice with these kind of things.” She threw up her hands in exasperation. “I don’t know what to say, how to act around you now.” “What kind of things?” Jack pulled off the side of the road onto the shoulder, hit the brakes, and slammed the car in park. The headlights illuminated up the drive of magnificent oak trees creating a silvery glow. A bit eerie, very dramatic and it made Lynsee wary. Jack undid his seatbelt and got out of the car slamming the door behind him. She watched him come around the other side of the car and he reached for the door handle. “Get out.” A warning trickle of nerves attached to the base of her spine. She moved slowly reaching for the door when Jack jerked it open. “What’s the deal?” “Get out of the car, Lynsee. I think we could use a little air here.” He parked the car about a block from the main entrance so, were they walking the rest of the way? Confusion slapped her coldly in the face but she did as he asked. The air swathed them in a thick, damp blanket making it difficult to breathe. There was so much moisture in the air, her clothes felt sticky. A storm brewed and Lynsee wondered if the actual storm was electrical or emotional. She heard a rumbling of thunder in the distance and figured it could just as easily come from the temper she’d pulled out of Jack. She planted her feet and put her hands on her hips. “Okay, I’m out. You making me walk the rest of the way or what?” Frogs sang along the bayou and Lynsee’s unease grew. She didn’t like noises of anything but traffic. The nature sounds were unpredictable. “You know,” Lynsee looked around, “this place is giving me the creeps.” Jack moved so quickly she didn’t have time to react. His strong fingers curled around her arm and spun her around. The curve of her back pressed into the fender. Releasing her arm, he stepped back a pace. “I don’t want to hurt you.” “Then don’t.” She thought he meant physically, but disregarded that quickly enough. Very well trained in self-defense, she didn’t worry about physical fights. “You want to go a few rounds, see who goes down first?” It interested her though, a sparring match between the two of them.

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“You’re pushing me into a corner.” “Am I?” Lynsee inclined her head. “How’s that? It seems to me, maybe you need a push.” Deliberately, she shoved at him. “I’m a logical woman. Explain to me what happened. That’s all I want to know. How could you flip so easily on something like this?” She pushed the issue, moving her body so that she skimmed the fabric of his suit. It was so damn hot out here. She figured she’d die of heatstroke soon. “I told you I am sick of this blowing hot and cold. So what do you do?” She glared at him and at least she hoped he had the decency to feel remorse. “You tell me you think you’re in love with me.” Then his eyes drifted away and she knew he tried tuning her out. She trailed her fingers around the front of his lapel. “For a man very careful with his words, I’m having a hard time understanding why you’d say that if you didn’t truly mean it.” “Don’t push this.” His jaw clenched. “I told you, I don’t want to hurt you.” “Yeah, Jack. That’s what you said.” She wanted to see his eyes, she could try deciphering what went on in his mind then. Reaching for his chin, he beat her to the punch and took hold of her wrist. His eyes flashed dangerously. “What part of this do you think doesn’t hurt? The part where it was a mistake to say you’re falling in love with me? Or just the sleeping with your employee part, is that giving you second thoughts?” She took hold of his lapels and jerked forward. “Which is it, Jack?” “You and I both know that this can only end badly. I’ve got to look at the big picture here. Especially since you refuse to.” He bent his arm, forcing her hand to his waist. “Do you really want to be put in this position? What’s it going to look like with the Bureau?” Snaking his fingers into her hair, he jerked her head back. His chin skimmed over hers. His mouth was so close their breath mingled. “Jack, I know you’re married to the job. I pretty much am too. But there’s got to be more, don’t you think?” Her heart sped up slamming into her chest as the muscles in her stomach tightened. Warm, syrupy heat slid through her body and she fought a losing battle to keep her concentration. His hands in her hair reminded her of a delicious massage. “Even if it’s not with me, you can’t want to spend your entire life alone.” When he touched her though, all coherent thought shifted out of her mind. Her fingers curled around his belt loop. “What makes you think it could be anyone else but you?” The echo of his heart beat against her breasts and she knew without a doubt that this was real. This insane intensity bouncing through her body, he felt it too. “Then tell me what’s the big picture?” Her voice sounded raspy to her ears. Control slipped and Lynsee bit out a shuddering breath. Desire flooded over her creating its own momentum. She used his chin as leverage and forced his mouth down. She snapped at him with sharp teeth, drawing the fullness of his lower lip into her mouth.

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The half snarl, half groan became her reward. His hands contracted sharply around her waist as she threaded her fingers through his thick black hair. She released his lip with her teeth only to lavish the area gently with her tongue. She cupped the side of his neck, bending his head closer so she could use her teeth on his earlobe. “The big picture is what happens after. Have you thought of that?” “When it comes to you, I’ve had a hard time thinking of anything else. I just never believed, never thought you were interested.” “You’re kidding?” “No. I didn’t think you thought about me at all.” His mouth grazed down her jaw line. “Obviously, we’re having trouble getting on the right page.” Rain fell in large drops, trickling over the oak leaves and dancing around them. Warm, sweetly scented they ran down her neck in rivulets. His mouth came down hard on hers. She tasted him, rich flavors like the tannins in a luscious Cabernet. The mix intoxicated and Lynsee’s head swam. She thought of nothing else for nearly three years. She’d never got this close to him, honestly, she didn’t believe anyone could. He seemed so determined to keep emotions out of his life. She’d finally breeched his defenses and he wanted to shut it all down. “Lynsee, stop this.” She lifted her head and eyed him. With one hand, she brushed the wet hair from his face, then smoothed down his jaw. “No, I can’t.” She caressed his cheek, enjoying the day’s growth of beard. “I’ve waited too long for you. For this.” “God damn it, I’m your boss and this could ruin your career.” The hand around his waist went down to his crotch. He was hard, ready, and willing. He only needed to realize it himself. She cupped him and rubbed. Jack groaned against the nape of her neck. “Lynsee, think about this.” “I can’t think with your hands on me.” His lips ran over her throat. “That’s it. Give in.” “Why do you want this?” “I don’t want this, Jack. I want you. When are you going to get that through your head? That’s all I ever wanted.” His lips grazed over hers and the scrape of his beard caused her to gasp in pleasure. She wanted him inside her, now. “I had chances, other choices, but they weren’t what I wanted.” “Why?” His tongue touched the corner of her mouth while his hands went up the front of her blouse and tore it open. “Tell me why?”

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His teeth nipped, stroked and finally his mouth claimed her in a wild fury. Nothing mattered. Not the rain, the wind, the lightning nor the thunder, the only thing she experienced was raw, bone melting fusion as Jack melded them as close as possible through the wet material of their suits. “Because I am in love you, I have been for three fucking years.” The admission put her unprotected and in the line of fire, but she was so far past caring it didn’t much matter anymore. Anything he asked, she would gladly give. He was worth anything. Anywhere, anytime, no matter how long it took, she’d wait for him. “Oh hell,” Jack pressed his lips against her brow. They shouldn’t do this, but she ripped him open wide and he only needed her. She was the balm that soothed his angry soul. Every wrong in his life, Lynsee Frost somehow made it all okay. He never expected this; the complete and utter power of this floored him. He was completely unfamiliar with the intensity entangled inside this complex emotion. Jack would give his right arm to figure out a way to make it work. “She will betray you!” Jack’s head rose at the noise. On the other side of the car, near the trees, a man stood watching them with rapt intensity. Terreau mentioned most of the staff took the holiday weekend off. Jack’s eyes narrowed peering through the rain as he bent over Lynsee. This was not a hotel worker. He resembled the photo of Lyle Forrester. Through the wind and rain, he saw. His lips grazed along her ear. “Lynsee, your ghost is standing by the trees.” She jerked in his arms. “Easy now,” his mouth touched her ear. “Easy.” Jack’s eyes went to where the man stood while he kept up the pretence of making love to Lynsee. “Good description, Lyns.” His mouth went down her cheek while every muscle in his body tensed to spring. “And he seems terribly interested in us.” “Let me up, Jack.” He kept her down across the hood of the car. “Wait a second, let’s see what he does.” “So you can see him?” “Of course I can see him. I never doubted that.” He brushed back a lock of blonde hair. Jack kept one hand on Lynsee while priming himself to head after whoever that was on the side of the road. “Let me up.” She squirmed beneath him and Jack shoved the sensation back to the far corners of his mind. The need was still there, but now the instincts reacted of their own accord. “One second.” Jack moved Lynsee gently aside and leaped over the hood of the car. The figure disappeared in the trees. “Go up to

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the house!” Jack turned back, drawing his gun. The flash of desire extinguished in his eyes as he watched her draw her blouse closed. She drew her gun as well, but Jack shook her off. “Go back to the house. We’re the only ones here tonight, remember?” “No way.” She rounded the car and followed him into the woods. “You’re stubborn, you know?” Twigs snapped along the soggy earth as Jack wiped rain from his eyes and charged into the grove after the illusive man. Between the darkness and the heavy rain, visibility was minimal. With Lynsee right behind him, Jack scanned the wooded drive. He caught a glimpse of something weaving through the trees and ran after him. Mist rose from the soil twirling fingers around the trunks and vines as Jack and Lynsee raced after an unknown assailant heading for the bayou. “If he gets to the bayou,” Lynsee panted, “we’re screwed.” “Don’t I know it.” He stopped, held up one hand signaling Lynsee to do the same. She skidded to a stop a few feet away from him, heedless of her open blouse. Her skin shimmered in the sliver of moonlight and Jack turned his head away. “Listen.” No sounds. Nature generally made sounds in the night. Crickets, frogs, night birds and the wind, but the entire grove seemed like a morgue. “I don’t hear anything.” “That’s the point.” Jack moved around her and then he saw the man behind a small shrub. Jack reacted with lightning reflexes. “Don’t move! FBI!” The figure rotated to move and Jack ran after him. “I said don’t move!” Jack shoved his gun into his holster, confident Lynsee would back him up if the man had a gun. Then he crashed through the shrub and tackled him around the waist. A thousand flash bulbs burst in his eyes while hot blue flame spiked and crackled through his entire body. Ice and heat collided all through his body. It took him a matter milliseconds to realize the only thing he had a hold of was himself. Lying on his back, writhing in agony, Jack knew he just fell naked into a power transformer. Energy sparked and danced over him while Jack tried to catch his breath. His lungs burned while muscles contracted rolled into a spasm. He wished he could compare it to a gunshot wound, but this was so much more excruciating. “Jack! Jack!” Lynsee knelt over him, gently touching his shoulder. “My God, are you okay?” Jack peeled his eyelids open to look at Lynsee. Shock swept through him as the man he thought he’d tackled stood over them. Sweat ran in a river down his back. The only heat in his body came as Lynsee brushed his forehead, stroking a lock of hair out of his eyes. Pushing up on his elbows, Jack slid

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up on his side and raised his head. It no longer seemed as if someone stood on his chest and whatever burns he endured didn’t affect him as he stared hard at the man who suddenly appeared a bit translucent. “You don’t belong here.” The man started to fade. “You won’t find it.” The man they assumed was Lyle Forrester seemed to drift into the mist. The grounds came alive with night sounds, water flowing, wind rustling through the trees and frogs singing in the distance. Tempted to keep his head cradled against Lynsee’s breast, Jack drew in a deep breath and pushed up. He winced slightly as his palm hit the ground. “Steady there.” Lynsee helped him gain his balance. “I’m okay.” Jack took a step and found his legs rubberized. He stumbled slightly, recovered, and moved out of the grove. “I think we should get out of here.” Ignoring the stinging in his palms, Jack brushed mud and twigs off his suit jacket. “Yeah, I’ve had enough fun for the night.” “No, I mean let’s get out of here. Go back home.” “We’re not going to get a flight out now.” Jack emerged from the trees and headed for the car. He waited for Lynsee to join him. “My head is splitting in two. I’m tired. I need a shower and do something about these.” In the dim light, he held out his hands. He wasn’t a doctor, but he was sure those were burns blistering his skin. Ghost burns? Had anyone done any research on that?” “Damn Jack, you need to go to a doctor.” “I’ll be fine. Give me some ointment and a shot of bourbon. It’ll be okay.” Lynsee got into the car as he lowered his body slowly behind the wheel. Air hissed through his teeth and he started the car and pulled up the drive. “Good thing we’re not going too far, hmm?” He parked the car in the newly surfaced parking lot and gingerly opened the door. Nothing like going head to head with a ghost to get your heart pounding, Jack got out of the car and started for the entrance to Scarlet Oak. He noticed Lynsee dragging her heels and stopped. “My hands sting, Lyns. I’d like to get this taken care of, you know?” The lighting on the porch revealed what he thought, flaps of skin from broken blisters covered his palms. “Jack, seriously. I don’t think it’s a good idea going back in there.” A dark brow rose, and he fought back a smirk. “Now, you want to give this up? Where’s your sense of adventure? You got us into the ghost story and now you want to walk away. How many horror movies end like that?”

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“I have no sense of adventure. Especially when it comes to ghosts. And the crack about horror flicks isn’t exactly comforting.” Jack gestured for her to open the front door. Lynsee sighed. “This isn’t a good idea.” Jack walked into the lobby of Scarlet Oak. “Imagine the stories we’ll be able to tell. Especially, if we can positively identify Susannah Forrester’s killer.” Lynsee closed the door, triggering the alarm and lock the way Remy told her to do before he left. “I’m going to take a shower.” He stopped and took hold of the banister. “Alone this time, okay?” “Okay, I think I will take a look around. Remy said there was chocolate in the kitchen.” Jack left and moved up the stairs. Guilt stung almost as much as the burns.

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Lynsee didn’t know what to make of Jack’s deliberate warning. She was simply too tired at this point to argue with him. She’d give him time to take his shower then check in on him to make sure he was okay. The burns on his hands looked painful, but she knew Jack tolerated pain well. She’d been on a case with him when he a bullet tore into his shoulder last year. The man barely blinked when he’d thrown himself into the assailant’s path and took him out. She’d never forget that, especially since the shooter’s next target was her. He’d been her savior on so many occasions. Could it be that was the attraction between them? Was the bond simply a misplaced sense of hero worship? Lynsee let her tired brain sort through her rationality over Jack Navarre. He’d saved her life on a number of instances. Physically once, and emotionally, well, he didn’t know it but the night they spent together helped her put her life back on the right track. He’d shown her a path that didn’t include abusive husbands. He’d been there to bounce difficult cases off of, advise and counsel and he would always help her put pieces together when she lost track of the puzzle. Pushing the huge door open that led into the kitchen, Lynsee suddenly wished she cooked. The kitchen was an absolute wonder. Filled with every type of oven you could wish for, three dishwashers and appliances she wasn’t even certain she knew what people used them for. She managed to find a teakettle and some oolong tea with jasmine and put it on the six-burner stove to heat. She needed chocolate. Actually, a stiff drink would work but Lynsee had the uncomfortable feeling she would require all her facilities this evening. She found a chocolate mousse in the fridge and happily contented herself swallowing spoonfuls of the light, decadent dessert. What to do about Jack Navarre? She could leave the Bureau. It would burn off a small piece of her, so much of what made up Lynsee Frost was in the FBI. How could she exist each day, working with Jack side by side and knowing she couldn’t touch him. Hold him. That it would all be off limits. That would kill her just as quickly. The water boiled and Lynsee poured a cup. Letting the tea steep, she washed out her dessert dish and shut off the stove. Lynsee put the dishes into the drying rack and picked up her cup of tea. She imagined that Remy Terreau would make a fortune off Scarlet Oak before all was said and done. The property was gorgeous and the amenities were already remarkable.

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Lynsee blew on the steaming tea then took a small sip. She glanced at her watch, a bit surprised at the time. It was later than she thought. Her nerves weren’t as shredded, the tea or maybe the chocolate helped. That gnawing uneasy sensation still danced around her stomach. A draft of cold, icy air blew through the kitchen. Lynsee turned around checking for an open window. When she didn’t see any opened, her eyes went up to check for a vent blowing air conditioning down on her. The vent was in the center of the kitchen. Lynsee’s eyes shifted around the room as the bright light dimmed. Her fingers nearly snapped the handle off the teacup when she saw the young Creole serving girl glide across the kitchen floor and pick up a ghostly tea service. Lynsee tried to scream while Camille went about preparing the tea but her body refused to move. The girl mixed several herbs to the black tea and poured boiling water into the pot. Apparently, if Camille could see her, she didn’t care and Lynsee’s entire body locked in place watching the scene. “Camille?” Fear crawled up her ankles and along her spine and pooled oily and black in the pit of her stomach. She swallowed the remainder of her tea forcing the bile from her throat as the scent of Camille’s tea reached her nostrils. She wasn’t familiar with herbs but she knew the smell of Nightshade just by Jack’s description. Camille definitely set out to poison her mistress. At this point, Lynsee didn’t know if she cared why. Obviously, murder was the name of the game. The serving girl and the master of the house wasn’t anything new. Maybe a hundred years ago, it was, but now, it was old hat. Lynsee’s eyes watered slightly and she opened her eyes wider. When would these paranormal occurrences end? Right now, she just wanted out of this house and now wouldn’t be fast enough. Camille floated out of the kitchen with her tea and Lynsee did precisely what any other FBI agent would do. Setting the chilled tea on the counter, she followed the ghost. Her limbs moved stiffly as she trailed through the parlor after Camille. Lynsee figured that if she didn’t touch the entities, she’d remain safe. She followed a ghost. Good grief, who would ever believe this? Stunned, unsure, she stood at the base of the staircase and waited while Camille took the tea upstairs. Lynsee wasn’t sure what to do. She wasn’t a ghost hunter, she didn’t know squat about the paranormal. Hell, until she stepped onto the property line of Scarlet Oak, what she knew about hauntings you could write on her fingernail. But, she sensed it now. The terrible unease inside the house as if a violent storm brewed waiting to explode on the unsuspecting.

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She wondered what room Camille planned on going into since she thought Susannah would spend a lot of time downstairs if she was frightened being alone. Logic didn’t seem to apply on this case so who knew why Susannah would go upstairs. Remy Terreau’s office was downstairs, but a hundred years ago, who knew? Colors faded blending hazily around the parlor. Lynsee blinked then rubbed her eyes in an effort to clear the fog. Maybe this was all just some strange nightmare, she’d wake up back in New York, and the fog would lift to a bright sunny day. Lynsee’s breath caught in mid-choke as she spun around the room. Her heart pounded against her ribcage while air burned in her lungs. Her stomach twisted sharply and the sting of bile rose in her throat. While the paint on the walls still appeared new, it was a different color. Softer, more muted than before as if she stepped into a faded picture. She no longer heard the whir of the air conditioner and all the electric lamps suddenly appeared as if they were antique oil lamps. She sprinted out of the parlor and headed for the front door. Her heels gripped the wood floor and held as she skidded to a stop. With one hand, she took hold of the door handle and yanked. The door did not budge. Checking the lock did no good because there weren’t any locks visible anymore. Lynsee rubbed her forehead. Why hadn’t she thought of this before? Of course, why on earth would anyone think the house would lock them in? She ran back to the parlor and tried to formulate a plan of attack. Lynsee inhaled sharply as her head spun like some wild merry-go-round. Her vision blurred with tiny spots of light dancing in front of it. Her icy fingers reached out to catch hold of the banister. Screw following the ghost, what the hell was this? She charged up the stairs heading for Jack’s room and pounded on the door. “Jack, open the door!” She glanced back to see Camille eyeing her warily. Lynsee ignored her and continued to hammer the door. “Jack!” He must still be in the shower. Lynsee gave up on getting him through normal channels and ran into her own room slamming the door behind her and clicking the lock. Her heart smashed against her ribcage as Lynsee sucked in the dusty smelling air. Spinning around, she examined her once beautiful, modern room. This looked as if she’d just stepped into a freaking time warp. Fear slithered up her spine and nestled in her throat. This just wasn’t the least bit fun anymore. Lynsee headed for the adjoining door and to Jack. A wall and a painting met her there. Lynsee stopped, wedged into place. This wasn’t right. She ran her hands over the wall searching for seams. Nothing. Absently, she reached down and pinched her

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arm. She felt the pinch and knew if this was a dream, it was a hell of a nightmare. Deliberately, she slowed down and let her mind assess the situation. The analytical portion began to sift and weave through the information she contained on the previous residents of Scarlet Oak. Camille often took tea to Susannah who lived in a world of fear while residing on the property. Lyle appeared only interested in Lyle and whatever benefits he could reap from a mistress and a wife. There were children involved but as of yet, she didn’t see them as a part of this. Not much information to go and she only speculated about motives. Did people act differently once they were ghosts? Did you get a new agenda? What created this time shift, if that’s what it was, Lynsee had absolutely no experience in this sort of phenomena, and it scared the crap out of her. This just didn’t happen, except in the movies and Lynsee wasn’t part of any horror flick. She needed to get hold of Jack. Get him and get out of this nuthouse. Cell phone. Running to her bag, she snatched the cell phone up and dialed Jack’s number. It automatically went to voice mail that could be one of two things, Jack’s phone wasn’t on, or he was on the line. Digging around in her overnight bag, she pulled out a tank and a pair of jeans. She didn’t need to run around a damn haunted house in a torn blouse and dress shoes. Sliding into her jeans, Lynsee zipped them up then pulled the tank over her head. She slipped on track shoes and headed out the door straight for where Camille entered moments earlier. One way or another, she needed to see what took place in there. Maybe if she saw Camille gave Susannah the poisoned tea, the spirits would settle or whatever grumpy spirits did and they could leave. Lynsee clung to that hope as she moved down the hall toward the library. Snapping her holster to her hip, she clipped the cell phone to her front pocket. She couldn’t let that oily blackness of fear get hold of her now. It was imperative to keep a cool head and treat this like any other case. If she could do that, she’d solve this riddle and she and Jack might stand a shot at a happy ending. First things first though, inhaling, she tapped down on the anxiety rippling along her spine and left her room. Lightning flickered outside through an upstairs window. Thunder rattled the glass and Lynsee kept her mind focused on the task at hand. Miss Lacey thought these ghosts wanted to tell them something. They definitely had her attention now. She nearly laughed at the preposterous report she would never file on this case. Miss Lacey said Lynsee was the one who disturbed the spirits. She’d uncovered all this and now the ghosts

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felt she was some sort of kindred spirit with Lynsee there. She didn’t like that idea much, no not much at all, but if this was how it had to be, she’d work her way through. She reached the door, and paused a moment. Camille appeared not to know she existed. Maybe in this plane of existence, she was simply an observer. She wasn’t a medium or a psychic so she seriously hoped it stayed that way. Her encounters with Lyle Forrester weren’t pretty or pleasant. What he did to Jack, she still couldn’t the image of Jack’s body somersaulting as sparks danced over him out of her head. She doubted she ever would. Because of that, she preferred to keep personal contacts with ghosts to a minimum. Drawing her gun seemed frivolous, so Lynsee twisted the knob and pushed the door open wide. She wasn’t surprised what was a hotel room a few minutes ago, now looked like a library with stacks of old books covering the walls. A huge fireplace sat in the corner. In front of the fireplace sat a woman Lynsee assumed as Susannah Forrester. She was pretty with ash brown hair piled high on her head and troubled brown eyes. She held the cup of tea to her breast rocking back and forth slowly. Lynsee couldn’t tell if she muttered incoherently or sang a song of some sort. The room, even with the fire roaring cast a chill over Lynsee. She rubbed her arms, absently moving closer to Susannah. “Susannah?” Lynsee wasn’t exactly sure why she spoke. God knew she truly didn’t want to initiate any contact with these entities. But she felt such compassion for Susannah, for what happened so long ago. “Is there anything I can do?” As soon as that left her mouth, Lynsee nearly groaned at her own idiocy. There wasn’t anything she could do here. Nothing at all. These people were all dead and long since gone. Only some strange remnant of energy remained, hanging on to this time for some bizarre reason. From the small amount she’d read on the subject, ghosts remained attached to something terribly disturbing that occurred or to an event they felt compelled to complete no matter the time or the cost. Murder was a tragedy that could hold a soul. Lynsee would swear to that one. Susannah fit in that category, as did Camille. But why was Lyle Forrester still hanging around? He didn’t die under mysterious circumstances. They’d stayed in this hotel two nights so far and the ghosts picked tonight to do an all out show. Lynsee watched while Susannah sipped her tea. Tilting her head slightly, she sniffed the air, the scent of lavender seemed to cling to the dusty smell. She surveyed the room understanding why Susannah would find comfort here. Books, candles flickering around the room inside hurricane shades and a comfortable wingback chair which the ghost sat in. Lynsee glanced back at the door where she’d entered.

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All the research Jack gave her on the history of Scarlet Oak was back in her room. Lynsee lips twisted, considering. If she left, Susannah might vanish. Of course, she needed that information if she had any hope of figuring out what she now considered a challenging case. With an analytical gaze, Lynsee took one last inventory of the library and walked out the door. She let the door close with a soft click and hurried down the hall to her room. The storm continued to blow outside as Lynsee ran into her room and locked the door. She tried Jack on the cell phone again. She wasn’t even mildly surprised to get no answer. Obviously, the force in this house didn’t want her contacting Jack. Wasn’t that a nifty trick? Divide and conquer. Well, Scarlet Oak had no idea what it was facing. She couldn’t blame whatever was running the show here, because Jack would seriously kick some ass. She’d kick some serious ass too. If only she could find out who was responsible for this haunted house. Lynsee locked the door to her room gaining a bit of security then headed for the stack of documentation. She picked it up and sat at the desk with a lit lamp, skimming through the pages. She sensed there wasn’t a lot of time here and she needed an edge. Forty minutes into the documents, Lynsee’s unease grew. This just wasn’t a happy place. In fact, in its long history, Scarlet Oak Manor never boasted a happily-ever-after scenario. But when Lyle Forrester and his family bought the plantation, the locals hoped for the best. The plantation made a fortune. Forrester became one of the most powerful men in New Orleans. With that power came corruption and to Lynsee, Mr. Forrester didn’t have far to go down that path. It appeared well known that he liked women and alcohol. His wife pretended not to notice the frequent trips out of town, the servant girls, but it struck close to home when one of the girls turned out to be Camille. Someone that Susannah considered friend and she betrayed her mistress with her own husband. Lynsee imagined the utter desolation. A lonely house, children, and a husband with his own agenda, Lynsee shook her head in dismay. Swept away into a mystical culture of voodoo, Susannah never stood a chance with these people. What Jack mentioned about voodoo though, it wasn’t a violent religion. Miss Lacey indicated that Camille wasn’t beyond stretching the rules especially if it was to her benefit. Throw in a bit of paranormal energy, and who knew what could happen to a young girl when showered with the attention of a rich man? There wasn’t much information on Camille. Not anything new that would aid in the investigation of Scarlet Oak so it forced Lynsee to look deeper. If she couldn’t find anything about Camille, maybe she could find something about the missing sapphire.

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That gem appeared to cause a great deal of trouble. Camille had it, Lyle wanted it, but the notes reported it last seen on Susannah’s neck. Jack dreamt of Lyle stealing the sapphire off Camille’s dead body. Did he give to his wife as some sort of placation? He wouldn’t have been the first husband to shower his wife with a gift after cheating on her. When Susannah and her children disappeared, why didn’t she take the sapphire? A stone that size could buy her freedom from Lyle Forrester. Lynsee hadn’t noticed the sapphire on either ghost. Of course, Camille might’ve worn it under her dress. If she still possessed it, Lynsee hurried through the remainder of the documents. “Oh hell.” She found it at the end. Lynsee ran her hand through her hair. She should’ve seen this one coming a mile a way. Historical records weren’t always accurate, and then there was the problem of hearsay. Lynsee re-read the page. She shoved the paper aside and stood up. Glancing at her watch, Lynsee began to pace the room. A prickly sensation lodged in the base of her stomach. Tonight was the night Susannah Forrester and her three children vanished. “Shit.” Lynsee knew this wasn’t going to be fun. Caught in the middle of some bizarre horror movie, her mind rolled. She only wanted to go home. “Shit” Instead, this house seemed very determined to show them something and it didn’t plan to let the go until they’d seen it. The sapphire. Camille. Susannah. And Lyle Forrester. Once corporeal beings now entities destined to repeat a moment in their lives where everything changed, for the worse. Lynsee’s eyes narrowed slightly. Fear clung to Scarlet Oak as if it were palpable. A ribbon of greenish fog drifted over the floor and under the door, she could almost see it if she looked hard enough. She didn’t want to look, she’d been drawn into this bizarre scene against her will. She sucked in a breath and steadied the jagged knots in her stomach. She swallowed hard and stepped out the door. She wondered what the Bureau’s psychologist would think of this place. By the time it was over, Lynsee had the nasty feeling she’d give her first hand knowledge. Time to find out what Susannah Forrester did the night she disappeared.

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Icy blasts of water hit Jack square in the face as he tried to assemble his scrambled cell structure. Christ, what the hell was that anyway? He’d never been electrocuted but he’d bet that shock Mr. Forrester sent through him was a close second. The hair on his arms still stood straight up. Jack absently ran the bar of soap of down his arms and over his chest. His skin tingled and it wasn’t a nice feeling. Luckily, the only part of him that suffered any damage were his palms. His body knew he’d gone eight rounds and the guy simply kicked his ass. Bone crushing exhaustion nearly strangled him to the point that he couldn’t get a coherent thought to ramble through his brain. Jack soaped his body and quickly rinsed off. He craved sleep and only that. That wasn’t exactly true. He craved Lynsee. With every fiber of his being, he knew how hopelessly in love with her he really was. He hadn’t meant to tell her like that, she deserved candlelight, flowers and champagne. But damn, he wasn’t ready for this. He thought he had a handle on his emotions and what a fool he was to touch her and not think he wouldn’t totally fall. He wanted her in his life, morning, and night and if it took him another twenty years to convince her, he’d spend each day trying. Life simply didn’t matter without Lynsee Frost in it. Jack climbed out of the shower and toweled off quickly. Dragging a comb through his thick, wet hair, Jack brushed his teeth and headed for bed. Pulling on a pair of sweatpants, he never noticed the storm outside or the odd change to his bedroom. His eyes nearly closed by the time he climbed between the sheets. He fell into a deep dreamless sleep so quickly it was almost unnatural. Just as unnatural as the fog rolling into the room from under the door, it glowed. A strange green color slipping into the darkness of the room, while Jack slept on it crawled over the edge of the bed with a slow purpose. Ice formed on the inside of the glass windows. Crystals splintered and grew along the panes as Jack’s eyes flickered in a deep REM sleep. The cold in the room woke Jack and he rolled over reaching for the blanket. He didn’t bother opening his eyes, simply grabbed the covers, and pulled them over his shoulder. The fog curled over his body covering him in the mist. “I decided I have use of you.” Lyle Forrester materialized beside the bed. Startled out of sleep, Jack sat straight up in bed, rubbing his eyes. He couldn’t see anything in the fog. He blinked, giving his pupils a moment to adjust to the lack of light in the hotel room. “You are rather a thorn in one’s side, aren’t you, Mr. Navarre?” “Agent Navarre.”

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“Hmm, yes. I don’t understand that actually, but it doesn’t matter.” Lightning flashed across the windowsill as Forrester reached out to grip Jack around the throat and haul him out of the bed. Jack’s eyes bulged as he saw a skeletal hand yanked him out of the bed. Jack fell on the floor when Forrester dropped him. Sweat dripped off his forehead and into his eyes even as frost continued to form on the inside of the window. His breath came out in tiny puffs of smoke as Jack starred at the malevolent creature in front of him. “What the hell do you want?” “The Midnight Star.” “That figures. I’m supposed to know where it is?” The sting of Forrester touching him burned along his throat. “Even if I did, what good would it do you now? In case you haven’t noticed, you’re dead, Mr. Forrester. A big sapphire is certainly the least of your worries.” “Trust me, it isn’t anything that escaped my notice. Isn’t that what you do?” The ghost moved in the mist to look out the window. “Find things?” “Not jewelry.” Jack moved to his knees and slowly pushed himself up to his feet. “Definitely not pirate’s jewelry. I find people, Mr. Forrester, generally people who are still living.” “Pirate’s?” Forrester voice came out in a high-pitched hiss. Jack found that intriguing the only part he noticed was ‘pirate’. That led him to believe Forrester’s entire reason for still existing was that gem. “What do you know of this?” Jack levered back on his heels and got to his feet. “A pirate sailed around the Ivory Coast a hundred years before you ever existed. He found a gem in Africa, and I use that term loosely because it was supposed to be the size of a man’s fist, then brought it with him when he made port in Jamaica gave it to a woman he fell in love with.” “A pretty story, isn’t it?” Forrester moved closer to Jack. “But that isn’t all there is to that stone.” Unconsciously, Jack stepped back. The scent of death clung to the air. It was something he’d smelled before. The sinister overtones though, made him grip whatever hold remained in his sanity and find out what sort of phenomena occurred here. “The Star is the reason we’re still here!” The fetid breath clogged Jack’s nostrils but he held his crowd. “Who cursed the stone?” Forrester turned away. “A vile relative of Camille’s. Practitioners of the dark arts, they turned the Star into something wicked.” “They did?” A sliver of moonlight peeked out from the clouds. Jack got a good look at the ghost in the dim light. Evidently, grabbing hold of Lyle Forrester created some adverse effects. It was

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encouraging to know that he wasn’t the only one suffering from ill effects after the encounter. “What did they do to it?” “Charmed it, cursed it, how should I know?” “Black magic? I’m not really a believer of that. Did you have your mistress use that on your wife? Make her a little crazy and easier to manipulate?” Forester lifted a ghostly slash of brow. “Really? Considering you are conversing with a ghost, I think now would be a good time to start believing. As for Camille’s motives, well, they’re hardly worth discussing now.” “You were the one who saw it last, Mr. Forrester,” Jack moved, hedging his bets and hoping for the best, “And I’m thinking since you murdered Camille, you would know where the sapphire went.” A flash of lightning lit the room and he became aware the hotel room no longer resembled a hotel. Faded wallpaper, scarred wood flooring covered by an expensive rug caught Jack’s attention. “I didn’t murder her.” The ghost seemed taken aback. “And, of course, I’m Lyle Forrester.” “What would you call that then? I saw what you did to her.” Jack drew in a slow breath. Where was Lynsee? The jagged edge of fear stabbed him under the ribcage, if this insane spirit did anything to harm her, he’d find a way to tear him to shreds. When they got out of this haunted hotel, he would take her far away from New Orleans. No water, no pirates, ghosts or voodoo curses, Jack had had enough of this to last several lifetimes. They needed to forget and he needed to hold her and make sure she was all right. He had a bad habit of going on the defensive with her. He knew why. She crushed every defense mechanism he ever created and stripped her raw. But at that point, he was entirely hers and every ounce of him breathed for only her. Now, he’d damn well better make sure he had the opportunity to tell her everything. Jack composed his thoughts. Showing Lyle Forrester anything but stoicism could endanger Lynsee. He’d cut of his arm to avoid that. If she got hurt, it wouldn’t matter if anything happened to him. “I was under the impression you were an educated man. Educated men don’t believe in curses.” “I don’t like your attempt at sarcasm.” “No attempt, Forrester. Just trying to figure out what’s going on here.” “The curse of the Midnight Star isn’t something to be trifled with.” “Is that so?” Jack cocked his chin at the translucent entity. “Let me show you.”

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CHAPTER NINE Lynsee trailed Susannah down the hallway and into the bedroom of the first child. After seeing the effects of touching one of these ghosts, she kept tight to the corners to avoid any interference. She’d given up trying to communicate with Susannah or Camille. In fact, outside of Camille’s delivery of the tea, Lynsee didn’t see her at all. She wasn’t sure what that might mean. Did Lyle murder Camille this night as well? That would’ve been a lot of unaccounted people for one evening’s work. How would Lyle explain the absence of five people? It didn’t matter how respected he was in New Orleans society a hundred years ago. People would’ve noticed missing wife, children and she was fairly certain that Camille would’ve had friends and family as well. How did he get away with it in the first place? Red flags practically screamed at Lyle Forrester for the perpetrator. Yet, all accounts had good ol’ Lyle living happy and carefree for the next forty years or so. Why didn’t anyone pay attention to this? The storm echoed dully in her ears making Lynsee curious as to the origins. Was this a storm from the past? She glanced over at Susannah as she pulled the second child out of bed. She was already jittery and anxious. As she pushed the child forward, Lynsee gasped in shock. The Midnight Star hung around the small girl’s neck, the chain tangled in her yellow curls. Susannah kissed the little one’s cheek as she took her by the hand. She reached down to hoist the smaller child into her arms before moving to the adjoining room, and Lynsee assumed, the final child she would vanish with that night. Lynsee toyed with reasons a mother might forget another child as she watched Susannah wake the ghostly figure of a small boy. The boy rubbed his face and started to cry. Susannah did her best to soothe them, but even now, Lynsee could see the abject fear streak across her face. She spoke softly to the boy and Lynsee thought she heard Susannah say something about a monster chasing them. That would’ve been the hallucinogens kicking in in the tea. How terrifying this must’ve been for them. Lynsee stepped forward in an effort to reason with Susannah but caught herself as they came rushing out heading for the door that would lead to the staircase returning downstairs. There was no reasoning now. No hope. Lynsee raced out the door as she heard Susannah scream. Window glass crashed where a tree limb broke in due to the thunderstorm raging outside. It appeared to pick up an animosity of it’s own,

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bent on destruction. She watched from the top of the stairs as Susannah ran as fast as she could with three children in her arms, running for her life. With one hand on the banister, she pushed away to start down stairs and crashed into Jack. He grabbed her in his arms and steadied her as she got her balance. Lynsee bit her lip to keep from screaming. “God damn it, you scared twelve years off me.” Tempted to kiss him senseless, she refrained, trying to steady her pulse instead. “I’m sorry, I thought you saw me.” He inclined his head and gestured to where he stood. She nearly hugged him. Relief washed warmly over her creating security. “What’s going on?” “You didn’t see them?” “Who?” Jack shook his head. “Susannah Forrester and her children just went downstairs.” Lynsee started down the stairs and when Jack didn’t fall in step, she turned back. “One of the kids was wearing the Midnight Star.” Jack’s eyes gleamed or maybe it was simply an illusion in the weird lighting. “Which way did they go?” “Down the stairs, after that, I’m not sure.” She smiled, “I lost track of them when I crashed into you.” “Well, it won’t take too long to search the house.” “Maybe, but if you don’t mind, I’d prefer we stick together now.” “Why is that?” Lynsee stopped on the last step. She looked up at Jack who kept his eyes on the surroundings. “I guess you didn’t notice when you got out of the shower that our surroundings have changed a bit. When I got upstairs to my room, our adjoining door was gone. I tried knocking on the other, but you didn’t hear me.” “I apologize. I would’ve come to the door if I’d heard it. I must’ve been in the shower.” Lynsee stepped off the step and glanced around the parlor. “I tried your cell phone too. Did you shut it off?” “Cell phone?” Jack asked quizzically, then coughed. “Oh yes, yes. I shut it off as soon as I went into the shower.” Lynsee nodded, “That figures.” She moved toward a hallway and pointed. “Got any preferences? Where would a frightened woman and three children go to hide?” He pointed down the hall where Lynsee stood. “Let’s go this way.”

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They started down the hall when Lynsee heard Susannah scream from behind them. She sidled past Jack and squinted into the parlor. Susannah’s eyes widened in terror and Lynsee practically felt her anguish as she started up the stairs for her last child. “She didn’t intend to leave her.” Lynsee said it loud enough for Jack to hear. But it was more an affirmation than anything else. She was simply relieved that Susannah hadn’t knowing left her last child alone. Susannah slipped on the stairs, clutching for the railing as Lynsee ran into the parlor to assist. “I wish we could help her.” She felt Jack come up behind her and place a hand on her shoulder. For a second, she thought he might hold her back. But what was the point of that? A bright flash of lightning hit the room followed by a blast of thunder that exploded through the walls. Susannah screamed spun around and froze as if she’d seen them. “Oh dear God! Run!” Lynsee rocked back on her heels, stunned senseless. Susannah eyes were wild with fear as she scrambled back down the stairs. “You can see us?” Susannah nodded. Lynsee looked back at Jack. “They didn’t pay any attention to me earlier.” “They?” “Susannah and Camille,” she whispered quickly as Susannah crept down the stairs. “I wonder what’s changed?” “Who knows? Susannah slid down the stairs, carefully avoiding Lynsee and Jack. “You must run! He’ll kill you.” With a glance toward the kitchen, then back at her and Jack, Susannah made a break for it and ran as if the devil chased her. “Run!” Lynsee frowned. Her brows drew together in a crease. She tilted her head back at Jack as he let his hand fall. “What was that?” Jack shrugged. “That didn’t make any sense at all.” Lynsee paced the parlor, wondering if she should follow them into the kitchen and try to communicate with the ghost of Susannah Forrester. A thin silver of ice swept up her ribs at the idea. Susannah had been adamant, frightened out of her mind. “You don’t suppose—oh man, Jack. You were in the shadows, she probably thought you were Lyle Forrester.” “I don’t look anything like him.” “That doesn’t matter. She couldn’t see you and in her current state of mind, any man could be Lyle Forrester.”

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“Indeed.” Lynsee pressed her lips together and her neck jerked slightly at the word. Weird. Jack didn’t say things like that. She turned her body fully to face him, leaning across a sofa table where a hurricane lamp remained lit. She adjusted the flame making it brighter she took a good look at Jack. Dull flashlight level at best, Lynsee frowned as she studied him. Her eyebrows went up finding him in sweatpants, a t-shirt and barefoot. She’d seen Jack in varying degrees of black suits over the years. Rumpled in sweats was not one of his looks that Lynsee was familiar with. She glanced down at his feet. “You want to go get some shoes?” “What?” “Aren’t your feet cold?” This time, Jack appeared confused. “What?” “Jack, in case you didn’t notice, it is freakin’ freezing in here right now.” His lips twisted into a crooked smile. “No, I hadn’t. I guess I was so concerned about you that I didn’t take the time to put on shoes.” She pointed to the stairs. “Let’s go. Susannah isn’t going anywhere. You can put some shoes on before you freeze to death.” “I’m fine. Let’s get the sapphire.” Jack started for the kitchen and stopped. “I mean, let’s find out what happened to Susannah.” He took three steps before she grabbed hold of his shoulder. Even through the cotton of his shirt, Jack’s skin nearly froze her fingers. Lynsee snatched her hand back. “Jack, your skin is like ice. God, are you trying to catch pneumonia on top of all this other craziness?” With his face in shadow, Jack folded his arms and leaned against the wall. “Lynsee, I thought you wanted to solve this mystery. Why are you determined to act like my mother all of a sudden?” “What are you talking about?” Lynsee started forward and suddenly stopped. “I’m sorry for showing a bit of concern.” Something wasn’t right here. Jack’s entire demeanor was a bit off. No, it wasn’t only a bit off, it was way the hell off in left field. Rule of thumb, Jack always wasn’t into casual clothing, even when he slept. And she couldn’t imagine him running around barefoot either. She bit the inside of her lip as the ice crystallized and went down her spine. What happened? Was this some sort of remnant after the lightning strike his body received touching Lyle Forrester? Did it jumble his senses? All of them? All at once? Suddenly, she wished she had some experience with the paranormal. Of course, if she did, she probably would’ve steered clear of Scarlet Oak Manor in the first place. This case evaporated into a

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myriad of bizarre happenings and she was utterly at a loss. Ghost, curses, there was just no way to piece this together. And now, Jack acting oddly created a trepidation rushing through her like none she’d ever seen. This was something completely out of her realm and she’d considered Jack the anchor to this wild storm. Now, it appeared her anchor was lost at sea. “What’s it going to be, Lynsee? You going to tuck me into bed? Or are we going to find that stone and what happened to Susannah?” Lynsee swallowed, “I swear to God, if you get sick, I’m not going to feel the least bit sorry for you when I’m basking in the sun somewhere with a margarita.” Jack pushed off from the wall. “I won’t mind.” He waited for her to shove the kitchen door open and then walked after her into the kitchen. Lynsee hand automatically went for the light switch, which wasn’t there. “Damn it, I hate this. Hang on a second.” She ran back into the parlor and scooped up a lit hurricane lap. Turning the flame up as much as possible, Lynsee scanned the old kitchen. “I like it the way it was when we first showed up.” A dry goods bin, and an island in the center of the kitchen were pretty much the entire kitchen array. She noticed an old wooden stove in the corner that antique collectors would die to get their hands on. Using the light, she walked the kitchen then came back to Jack. She shrugged. “Any ideas? I don’t think they went out the back door, do you?” Jack pointed at a small door in the corner of the kitchen. “The cellar.” Lynsee turned and looked at what she thought was the pantry. “Susannah likes to hide there.” “Okay, let’s go. Maybe we can figure this out with the two of us.” Lynsee moved for the door holding the lamp ahead of her. She opened the latch and noticed a skinny staircase leading downward. She squinted and thought she saw the glow from candlelight. Taking hold of the handrail, she started down the stairs. Silky cobwebs blew in the musty air and Lynsee assumed the cellar wasn’t used a whole lot. Halfway down the steps, she stopped. She could hear the sobs of the children mingled with Susannah’s. “Why are they down here?” Wind rattled and moaned outside and Lynsee listened to rain pelt the doors leading out of the cellar and into the backyard. Jack put a comforting hand on her shoulder, firmly guiding her down the stairs. It took a moment to focus, but she found Susannah and the children huddled around several candles, sitting together on an old chair.

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Susannah’s head lifted as soon as they stepped into the cellar. She shook her head violently, her face streaked with tears. “No, please!” Her eyes scorched Lynsee. “I told you to run from this place. Why did you stay when you had the chance to flee?” Lynsee began to approach but halted when Susannah huddled against her children. Instead, Lynsee found a crate and gently sat the lamp down. Then holding out her hands, she moved closer to the ghosts of Susannah Forrester and her children. “There isn’t anything I can do to change what happened, Susannah. But I want to understand and if I can help you, I don’t know release your spirits from here then we can leave as well.” She gestured back at Jack who leaned against the shaky banister. Susannah clutched at her children. “I won’t let you hurt them.” Lynsee’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Why would I hurt them, Susannah? I don’t know if you can understand this but I work for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. I don’t hurt people, I try to help them. That’s why I want to help you.” She moved closer as Jack shifted away from the banister and angled his body opposite hers. Lynsee looked over at him and noticed he watched the child with the sapphire around her neck. “He will hurt us.” How did she respond to that? She was damn sure that Lyle Forrester would hurt them. Tonight. Lynsee kept her voice quiet, soothing. “I know.” Jack moved behind her, but Lynsee kept her eyes on Susannah’s. “Why?” She angled her head considering Susannah’s question but Jack responded. “It’s the way it worked out, Susannah.” The woman, Lynsee really couldn’t consider this pathetic creature as anything else. If this occurred in their time, Lynsee would’ve seen to it that the Forrester clan was in protective custody far away from Lyle Forrester. “I’m sorry, Susannah. We’re about a hundred and fifty years too late.” The ghost pointed at her. “You brought him.” “I brought who?” Lynsee turned to look at Jack, utterly baffled. Susannah’s grip on the children loosened almost as if she resigned herself to what would happen. The child wearing the sapphire clung to Susannah’s arm as she watched Jack. “Him.” Lynsee’s head swiveled back to Susannah. “Who, Susannah? Who are you talking about?” The storm suddenly stilled and Lynsee heard the tiny links of a chain shift from behind her. She turned slowly and stared awestruck.

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Jack hand the Midnight Star in the palm of his hand. And it was solidly real, not filmy like the apparitions were. Lynsee opened her mouth then snapped it shut, hearing her teeth clack together. Susannah pointed directly at Jack, “Him.” The briefest flash of a second caused Lynsee’s vision to blur. She blinked, feeling a shudder travel from her toes up to her jaw. It was a hideous sensation and it robbed her of her sensibilities and shook her to the core of her being. Since she backed into him, he’d behaved strangely. He hadn’t spoke the same, and he looked at her with a distinct disdain that she’d never seen before. Lynsee rotated and moved closer to Jack pretending to exhibit an interest in the sapphire. “Gorgeous, isn’t it?” Jack nodded and raised his head to grin at Lynsee. Lynsee’s eyes widened as she stared at Jack. The man she was looking at was not Jack Navarre. Oh shit! Jack had the most beautiful, dark brown eyes she’d ever seen. The man who looked back at her had pale green eyes. Lyle Forrester. Oh shit! The moisture in her mouth turned to dust. She knew not to react. She’d been with the FBI far too long to reveal emotions when you needed to remain remote. The idea that some entity was inside the man she loved was enough to make her puke on the wooden floor. Jack smiled at her and her stomach pitched and rolled. It looked like Jack, sort of sounded like him, but that wasn’t Jack holding the gem and eyeing her lasciviously. “It’s very pretty, isn’t it, Jack?” Lynsee wracked her brain. She desperately wanted a plan. She wasn’t a priest. She didn’t exorcise ghosts or spirits or whatever the hell was inhabiting Jack at the moment. She knew there wasn’t anything she could do to save Susannah and the children. As much as that tore at her heart, she had to keep an eye on the ball and concentrate on Jack. No matter what happened here, Jack Navarre was her future and she’d be damned before she would let some psychotic ghost keep his filthy paws on him. “Very pretty.”

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And there it was, if Lynsee listened hard enough, she would’ve heard it to begin with. The voice. It didn’t belong to Jack. His voice was husky, sexy, and low like fine aged whiskey with a New York edge. This was higher pitched and more anxious. He wanted that gem. Even in death, his mind fixated to it. Lynsee couldn’t begin to understand the power of a blue gemstone but it wasn’t for her to debate. Her entire focal point was on finding a way to get Lyle Forrester out of Jack’s body. Susannah shuddered against her children as thunder smashed around them. Lynsee watched as the candles flickered from the gust of wind. Lynsee closed her eyes, silently willing this night, this entire scenario to simply end. Her eyes opened to the same scene and she knew, there was only one way to play this. Lynsee reached behind her back and drew her gun. Every ounce of her hated herself as she leveled it on Jack’s chest. “Get out.” Jack drug his gaze away from the sapphire and if Lynsee wasn’t sure before, she was now. This was not Jack Navarre. He raised an eyebrow at her, bemused. “What?” Lynsee touched the safety. In her heart, if she had to shoot Jack, she was going for the ankle or at worst the knee, but this thing didn’t need to know it yet. If she had to shoot him, she wanted to make damn sure Lyle Forrester didn’t like it at all. “I said, get out.” Jack, no not Jack, Lyle Forrester frowned. “I don’t understand, Lynsee.” “Don’t call me that.” “Lynsee?” “Shut up.” He tilted his head. “I don’t understand.” Lynsee smiled a distinctly evil smile. “Let me explain it to you then. You are in someone else’s body. If you do not vacant said body immediately, I will shoot the one you are occupying.” To illustrate her point, Lynsee fired six inches away from Jack’s bare feet. Damn, another clue if she would’ve paid attention. The bullet tore into the concrete and spit dirt around his ankle. The essence of Lyle Forrester had the good sense to pale. If she killed the body he currently occupied, Lynsee figured Lyle would hit the road as well. And Lyle did not know she wouldn’t kill Jack even if it were to save herself. “You wouldn’t shoot me. You’re a woman.” He moved toward her and Lynsee recalculated. She slid back on step, not because she was afraid of him but to give her a better shot if she needed.

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“I keep forgetting your age, Lyle.” She smiled brilliantly and found a plan. God, she hoped it was a plan. “Women shoot people all the time in this century.” He held up his hands. “That isn’t why you won’t shoot me.” He moved closer and Lynsee realized he planned making a run for her gun. Now she was incredibly thankful for all the time she spent at the shooting range and that her marksman rank was that of an Expert. “Why won’t I shoot you, Lyle?” “You won’t harm him.” Her eyes went cold. He wouldn’t use her feelings for Jack against her. She would not let him. Because of that, she let him continue to inch toward with his hands stretched out in mock surrender. She prayed she was right about this because if she wasn’t, things were about to get ugly. “Are you sure?” She angled the barrel of the Glock at him. “Because if you aren’t a hundred percent certain of that, you’re taking a big risk here. Who knows if I shoot Jack that it won’t kill you as well? You really want to take that risk?” Lynsee’s eyes went sharply to Susannah’s and the children. The one that wore the sapphire stared at her with such big sad eyes. The moment her eyes were off him, Lyle Forrester launched Jack’s body at her. Instinctively, she knew it as her body moved fluidly out of his trajectory and Lynsee fired one shot designed to clip Jack’s bicep. A gamble she knew for a few inches on the wrong side and she would hit Jack square in the chest. The bullet exploded from the barrel with a deafening roar and Lynsee prayed her shot was accurate. A howl of pure rage came out of Jack’s mouth as blood streaked his arm. Lynsee dodged as Jack went down on his knees clutching his bicep and screaming viciously. Relief sped through her as her eyes found the bullet’s impact in a two by four across the cellar. He dove for her across the floor and hooked her about the ankles pulling down with one arm. Lynsee rolled and slammed her elbow into his shoulder before straddling him. She inched her knee into his good bicep to hold him down. She glared into the pale green eyes and pointed the Glock. Her hand shook slightly and she immediately clapped her other hand over the grip to steady it. She pointed it directly at Lyle’s forehead. “Believe me now?” She hated doing this but one quick blow to the injured arm and watched Lyle rage beneath her. Foam formed around his mouth as he spit at her, “No!” “Get out, or the next shot is going to hurt a whole fucking lot more!” Then she saw the flicker, deep in his eyes and the color wasn’t green. Those eyes were brown. “I’m sorry, Jack.” She slammed the butt of the gun into his bicep. “But you’ve got to fight him off.” He reached out with both hands

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and flipped her over his head screaming violently in pain. A vicious blast of cold rocked the room as Lynsee sucked air into her lungs, her eyes rolled back into her head to stare at Jack’s prone form. Still hanging onto her gun she rolled over onto her side. Bright flashes of light zipped across her vision then faded as she pushed up to her knees, one hand clutching her stomach trying to regain the breath that Jack knocked out of her so easily. Damn, she should’ve considered that. Lyle Forrester seemed a slender tall man when he was living. Jack on the other hand had the body of a train. Figured, Lyle would learn how to use that physical power. Wind swept through the cellar, and nearly through Lynsee back. The images of Susannah and her children bled into mist as some gross greenish fog drained out of Jack. It seeped slowly out of the cellar. Instantly, the cold vanished and Lynsee needed to blink twice before reality crept in. She nearly cried out in joy. The house appeared restored back to the present. Scrambling to her feet, she ran over to Jack who rolled slowly off his back and grabbed his bleeding arm. He glanced at her his eyes hazy and unfocused, “I’m not even going to ask.” She jammed her gun into the holster and practically crawled over to Jack.

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“Jack, come on. You’ve got to stand up.” His body shook uncontrollably with chills. It felt as if his body fell through an ice-fishing hole and simply bobbed up and down in icy water. His vision swam. “Jack, we need to get you upstairs and warm.” His teeth chattered as his body experienced a sudden tug. Lynsee tried to lift him, wrapping her arms around his chest and pulling up. Blood ran down the side of his arm, he didn’t feel anything but cold. “What happened?” His throat hurt. “Can you get up? We need to get you upstairs so I can take care of your arm. I saw a first aid kit in the kitchen.” “Yeah, I can. Hang on a minute, let me get a breath.” His body continued to shake. Lynsee lifted and this time he pushed up with her. The strength of Lynsee Frost continued to surprise him, not just physical strength, but her mental and emotional constitution simply amazed. She wrapped an arm tightly around his waist and rotated slowly toward the stairs. “Easy now. We’ll get you upstairs and warm and take care of your arm.” “About that—” “It was the only thing I could think of.” She stepped up on the first step the same time he did using half her body to leverage him. Too bad he was still freezing, her breasts pressed into his back felt amazingly good. He could feel the heat of her skin begin to permeate the black cold. Lynsee opened the door leading into the kitchen and the hair on Jack’s arms stood up at sudden temperature change. She guided him over to the kitchen island and gently pushed her into the chair. “You shot me?” That blew his mind what there was of it anyway. His brain seemed full of scrambled thoughts and cotton. He wondered if he shook his head what would come rattling out his ears. She nodded rummaging through the kitchen cabinets and coming up with a first aid kit. Lynsee dropped the kit onto the island in front of Jack and snapped it open. “I nicked you.” His eyes widened slightly as she doused his arm with alcohol and gently wiped a cloth over the wound to dry it. The sharp stinging pain actually felt good. His entire body appeared caught in some bizarre stupor where all his instincts slowed to a crawl. She unscrewed a tube of over-the-counter antibiotic ointment and liberally applied it to the inch and a half gash across his arm. “I take it I deserved it.”

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She stopped her ministrations to watch him for a moment. “You don’t remember any of it, do you?” Jack shook his head, he was just thawing out as it was. Lynsee frowned, considering. “Take me to Vegas for a week when we get out of here and I’ll tell you all about it.” She put a sterile pad on the wound and lifted his other hand to hold it in place while she took out some gauze to wrap the wound. He took hold of her hand after she taped the bandage. “Tell me about it now.” “Jack, we need to get you to a hospital.” She reached up with her other hand and touched the side of his face. “Damn, you’re still cold.” “I can think of a lot of ways to warm up.” She smiled and it reminded him of a bright ray of sunlight cutting through dawn. “As much as I would love that, I want out of Scarlet Oak now.” He twined his fingers with hers and brought them to his lips. “Tell me what I did, Lynsee. I didn’t hurt you did I?” “No.” She inhaled slowly and moved closer. “I think something happened when you touched the ghost of Lyle Forrester. I don’t know for sure but it seems a logical assumption.” “Okay.” If he could just absorb some of her heat and intense energy, he thought he’d be okay. He was weak as a puppy and seriously disoriented. But he needed to know what happened to him, the how and the why could come later. “Then what?” “I’m not sure really.” She moved away from him and put the articles back into the first aid kit. “The house locked us in as soon as we came inside. Then it changed like we were in a time warp.” She appeared as confused as he by the occurrence. “I tried to get to you but evidently, Mr. Forrester had other ideas.” Jack pushed his hair off his forehead with one hand. “I remember waking up. No, hang on a second, I remember Forrester yanking me out of bed and dropping me on the floor. I saw ice all over the windows. It was freezing in there. He said something about having a use for me and I could help he get to the sapphire. That’s all I remember until you shot me.” “Nice.” Her eyes darkened as he slid out of the chair and straightened. “I’ve got to tell you, I like you a whole lot better with dark brown eyes.” He raised his head and his lips turned down in a scowl. “Riddles aren’t good right now, Lynsee. I feel like I’ve been on a three day bender.” “Sorry.” She watched him take a couple of steps and inclined her head letting the long blonde hair fall into her eyes. “You good?” “Slow, but steady enough.”

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“Okay.” She pushed the kitchen door open for him that led into the main parlor. “Try to follow this, because I only plan on saying this once, mostly because I don’t want to think about it anymore.” Jack shuffled up to her and stopped. The more he thawed out, the more brain wave activity appeared to flow. Every muscle in his body ached in protest. A complete train wreck and Lynsee kept beating around the bush. “I should’ve noticed it right away but I was so damn glad to see you again.” He brushed past her on his way through the door. Nerve endings screamed in awareness, whatever happened to him seemed to have some sort of kinetic energy attached to it. His nostrils filled with her scent, light and intoxicating. His body nearly strained forward into her and he forcefully pulled himself back to a reasonable distance. “You’re not making any sense yet.” Jack needed to sit a moment before tackling the stairs. Heat flooded his system forcing the cold out but the extreme warped his equilibrium. He half leaned, half sat on the arm of a sofa in the parlor. “I know that. It’s hard to explain and still remain believable.” She examined the parlor with an analytical gaze seeming satisfied at her findings. “We went into the cellar and found Susannah Forrester with her children. She was scared witless and I’m pretty sure we got caught up in some weird replay of the night she and the children disappeared.” His arm ached. She seemed reluctant to tell him all of this. Getting to his feet, he stepped over to her and brushed back the long strands of hair. “What did I do?” “You touched the sapphire. That’s when I realized we were in trouble. That and the fact Susannah kept warning me against you.” She met his eyes directly. “Your eyes weren’t brown. They were green.” “What?” “Somehow, Lyle Forrester possessed you.” Jack’s eyebrows rose. That sort of thing wasn’t possible. Was it? He didn’t remember how he got downstairs or why he had bare feet. His mind reacted slowly not sharp and easily the way it normally did. Most of all, he trusted Lynsee. She wouldn’t make something like this up. He drew in an unsteady breath. “Okay, I’m not liking this scenario much. But it certainly explains a lot.” “I didn’t like it much either. I wasn’t sure shooting you would work. But I think it scared him more than anything.” “So he’s gone?” She smiled, “Yeah, he’s gone.”

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He wouldn’t try to cope with the ramifications of this. Not yet. Maybe not for a long while, he would simply fold it up and drop it into some dark corner of his mind to take out and study later. “Let’s get out of here.” “I am so with you on that one.” Jack took hold of the banister with his good arm and used it get his momentum going. Lynsee stayed behind him as a guard. “We need to talk.” “We’re talking right now, Jack. We need to get out of Scarlet Oak first. I will feel much more comfortable out of this building.” Lowering his head slightly, he watched his feet take the steps. He would not file this away as he wanted. Too many things connected here. Most of them ran their way right back to Lynsee and he refused to willingly hurt her in any way now. God knows what he could’ve done to Lynsee while Lyle Forrester inhabited his body. He knew the man’s reputation and had seen his cruelty, it wasn’t anything he enjoyed being a party to. When he reached the top of the steps, he faced Lynsee. “I got you into this and I never thought anything like this would happen.” “Jack, you didn’t hurt me, okay? You flipped me onto my back that was a pretty slick move, but you only knocked the wind out of me.” “I don’t know what I would do if I ever hurt you.” Lynsee leaned forward and pressed a kiss to his mouth. He wanted her to linger. God knew he wanted her to touch him, but it seemed so fleeting, more like that of a long lost friend rather than a lover. “Don’t forget, I’m the one who shot you.” His lips curled into a smile, but sadness held in his eyes. He knew she could see it. “That I will remember without a problem.” He wanted to touch her, reassure himself that he hadn’t lost her in this paranormal wasteland. His eyes took hold of hers instead and used them to ask so many questions. She turned away, sliding her gaze to the door of her room. “We should get packed.” “Yeah.” She shifted her body to move by and Jack stopped her with his voice. “You okay?” She nodded and pasted a smile on her lips that seemed much too forced. “Yeah, I’ll be glad to get home though.” Jack watched her slip away, as easily as leaves drifted on the wind. She closed the door behind her and Jack nearly wished she’d shot him in the chest than to see that empty look in her eyes. Countless mistakes littered their history, he couldn’t begin to sort through all of them and wonder how to make them right. But he knew in the very depths of his soul that he couldn’t take anything back when

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it came to Lynsee. He wanted all of it just as he wanted all of her. Jack glanced at the closed door one last time, he tilted his head slightly certain he could hear her crying, before turning away. Lynsee fell against the door as it closed behind her and promptly burst into tears. She’d seen it and somehow they both knew it was over. A nova burst of flash and fire that burned hot and fast for such a brief space in time. An unbearable pain centered in her chest and held as she dipped her head. It wasn’t right, it just wasn’t right to be allowed to feel so much for someone and then have it ripped out of your body without any consequence. There was no doubt in her mind now that she wouldn’t be able to take this. She couldn’t see Jack Navarre every single day and never be able to touch him again. The idea of systematically torturing herself for the rest of her life didn’t appeal to her in the least. The grim acceptance in his eyes told her everything she didn’t want to see. Jack wanted to put this case and what happened here far, far behind him. The reality of that was quite possibly the most painful thing she’d ever experienced. Maybe if she hadn’t shot him, hell, she didn’t know anymore what was right and what was just a figment of her imagination. Of course, she thought when they’d made love that there was something more there than lust. Lynsee picked up her overnight bag, shoved her suits and shoes inside, and zipped it closed. So what did she do? Walk away? Give up? Angrily, she swiped at her tears. She’d been in love with him too long. She’d suffered to many defeats when it came to Jack. She couldn’t take another. In the bathroom, she scooped up her cosmetics and bath supplies then dumped them into the big pocket on the front of her bag. Use that rational mind, how could they work this out? She knew he wanted her, could practically feel it when he moved close to her. In his eyes, she saw the pain, the confusion. His eyes would shimmer with an emotion so intense when he watched her at times that it humbled her to witness it. She’d hung her hopes and dreams on that look and she couldn’t stand it if he took it away. There it was, the golden ring flashing and glittering right in front of her outstretched fingers. Lynsee knew she must move on this or take the chance of losing Jack. This was her one best chance and her reaction time to this became a crucial point. Jack wanted to talk. She snatched up her purse and bag and started for the door. She stopped in mid-stride as Lyle Forrester appeared in front of her. She dropped her purse and released the handle on the overnight bag. “You didn’t have enough?”

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“Not nearly.” He smiled a very sinister twist to his small teeth. “I’ve a feeling you’d be worth the effort. From my experience in Mr. Navarre, you were quite the wild cat.” “Like you’d ever be able to find out, Lyle.” He continued to smile. “I just need to wait for Mr. Navarre. His body is weak enough now, invading him would not be difficult.” This time Lynsee smiled. So Lyle Forrester wasn’t just about that sapphire. He was truly psychotic wanting to inflict pain wherever he could. “I think Jack might have something to say about it.” Lynsee’s hands went behind her back and fingered the handle of the gun. “It won’t do you any good this time.” “Something’s got to get rid of you.” “You would think so.” He moved closer and Lynsee automatically stepped back. There was no way in hell she would let him touch her. Not willingly, not after seeing what he did to Jack. He wasn’t going to sink his nasty little claws into her. Lyle rubbed his hands together as he approached. “It’s getting chilly in here, don’t you think.” He watched Lynsee with those bleak green eyes and she was terribly tempted to scream. The back of her leg bumped into the side of the bed and that’s when the ghost made his move. He leaped at her with the power of a small hurricane, sending her backward onto the bed. He pinned her down and Lynsee got an up close and personal look at the entity that called itself Lyle Forrester. The first thing she noticed were his eyes. Cold like jade and completely without expression or feeling, Lynsee couldn’t remember seeing eyes like that on a living being. Lyle Forrester seemed to describe the sensation of death. He had no physical weight but something held her down on the bed much like an electric fence. She didn’t struggle preferring to hold still offering little resistance in hopes of finding an opportune moment to kick Lyle Forrester in his protoplasmic balls. She’d love to shove them right up into his throat. “You think you can stop me?” Her eyes went hard. Lyle forced one of her arms up over her head. His face leaned close. “You smell good.” His breath smelled of death and decay. Not surprising since that’s what he was comprised of now. She turned her face away as his tongue came out of his mouth. “Mmm, this could be quite entertaining.”

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She coughed, clearing the stench out of her lungs. “I’ve got news for you, Lyle. If you think you’re going to rape me, you’re seriously mistaken.” “I can do what I wish to you.” Holding her breath, she raised her head so she could snap at him. “You are dead, you son of a bitch. Your equipment has turned to dust and you can’t manipulate anything in the physical world.” The rage in him blew across her in a violent, cold wind. He screamed at her, shrill, vile threats that Lynsee simply ignored. She endured the brunt of the assault with her teeth clenched until she felt icy fingers touch her bare skin. “Still so certain I can’t hurt you?” Terror struck her on a multitude of levels. Each time she tried to kick at him, her body experienced the sharp sting of electric pulses zapping. She bucked and swore only to have him exert more force pushing her farther into the bed linens. Bile rose in her throat as his icy touch skimmed over her breasts. “Get the hell off me.” “Oh, I think not. You’re far more entertaining than Agent Navarre. It’s been a long time since I’ve experienced anything this exciting.” Lyle inched Lynsee’s tank up as she struggled beneath him. What she wouldn’t give for a corporeal attacker that she could smack the hell out of. Damn, he stank. It disgusted her on so many levels she didn’t know how to comprehend it all. “Jack!” She screamed at the top of her lungs. Not sure how he could help or if there was anything that could stop Lyle Forrester, Lynsee knew she must try something or this freakin’ ghost would rape her. She screamed at the top of her lungs until her throat burned. “Help me!” The adjoining door smashed open and Jack bolted through the doorway. Lynsee twisted her head and half her body at the sound. It got Lyle’s attention. Jack froze. Lynsee’s eyes beseeched him silently. Jack moved slowly, stalking. “You don’t know when to quit, do you?” “You got in my way, now I will get in yours.” “I don’t think so.” Jack kept coming and Lynsee watched the murderous glare in his eyes as they darkened to black. Lights danced across the room and it seemed other spirits of Scarlet Oak glided in to watch the fray. Jack walked closer and held his hands palms out to Lyle. “Come on, Forrester. It’s me you want and we both know it.” He gestured Lyle to come forward. “Let’s go.”

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“Do you think that’s wise, Agent Navarre? The last time you didn’t fair so well.” Lyle pushed up slightly from his position on top of Lynsee. His weight remained on his arms but she couldn’t feel the electrical pricks any longer. She shut her eyes for a moment in relief. Lyle seemed intrigued by the challenge while Jack, oh hell, he looked like he would tear Lyle to shreds. “Willing to take that chance?” Jack didn’t give the ghost a chance to respond. He leaped across the bed like a lineman spotting the quarterback with the ball ten yards behind the line. Jack’s arms wrapped around the energy of the malevolent force and drove him to the floor. “Don’t touch her again.” Lynsee sat up on the bed just as Lyle got to his feet and shoved Jack into the wall. A thunderous whirlwind broke into the room. Lyle roared as the mini tornado hurled debris, blinding Lynsee in the fury. She scrambled off the bed heading for Jack. Her feet hit the floor and she suddenly found herself upended. The window shattered behind her and glass sprayed over them. Tiny pieces of broken glass bit into her bare skin. Paper, dirt, and furniture began moving about the room. A chair slammed into Jack’s leg blocking his path as Lyle took hold of her around the waist. “Are you willing to die for her, Agent Navarre?” The small dancing lights suddenly converged on Lyle and he backed away from them dragging Lynsee to the edge of the window. “I’ve got nothing to fear, Agent Navarre. What about you?” He needed to shout over the roar of the wind as he forced Lynsee out the window in a lightning flash. Lynsee screamed, propelled backward out the window. Her arms flailed seeking any kind of hold. Blinded by the debris swirling out the window and lights flashing in her eyes, she fought for any type of foothold while Lyle battled to drop her out the two-story window. Blood made her fingers slick as she found the glass shards still caught in the window ledge. On some level, she knew only seconds passed but it felt more like hours. Her hands slipped, she lost the ledge and suddenly she dangled high above a newly landscaped rock garden. Strong fingers went around her wrists and secured. With dirt stinging her eyes and tears running down her face, she looked up into Jack’s face. His lips twisted into a cross between a grimace and a smile. “I’ve got you.” Her feet continued to search for a hold while Jack began to pull her upward. His gaze shifted sharply away from her and she knew Lyle wasn’t finished with them yet. “You can’t have her, Forrester. She belongs to me.” “Are you willing to die for her?” The voice echoed eerily around them. “Yes, damn it. I’d die for her. Now let her go, you son of a bitch!” Shifting his weight, Lynsee watched helplessly as Jack planted his feet up against the wall.

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The wind ceased. The light zipped out the window carrying the murky image of Lyle Forrester into the woods. The hold on Lynsee’s body vanished and she managed to hook her toes into a piece of siding. Sunlight streaked across the rooftop as dawn came through a haze of purple and violet clouds. Jack gritted his teeth and pulled hard. It felt as if her body remained embedded in cement. “Grab my hand!” He released her with his left hand, forcing her to grab hold of his injured right arm. Jack leaned out the window to hook her other arm and lift. “It’s okay, I’m not letting go.” He yanked her up with both arms in through the open window. She collapsed in a heap in his arms as he sank down on the bed. She heard the tinkle of glass and felt a gentle breeze. With her head against Jack’s chest, she turned her eyes to watch the window reform into the pretty paned glass it was minutes before.

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He tugged his t-shirt off over his head, still cradling Lynsee in his arms. He uncurled her hands long enough to examine them and wipe the blood from the wounds. Her cuts seemed superficial and would heal quickly, it would come as a relief if she would stop shaking. Jack wiped his brow with the back of his hand. God, this place should be condemned. Too bad ghosts didn’t count as a good enough reason to shut a place down, Jack would gladly celebrate that day. But right now, his only concern was the woman in his arms. He brushed her tangled hair from her face and tilted her head up. “You okay?” She sniffed and pulled back slightly. Jack noticed her cheeks flushed, embarrassed by the whole thing. “I suppose.” She wiped tears away with the back of her hands and lifted those clear blue eyes to his. “How about you?” “Yeah, I’m okay.” Just thinking about Lynsee hanging out of a two-story window was enough to strike terror in his soul. It nearly paralyzed him when her hands slipped off the ledge. He would’ve swallowed the glass if that’s what it took to save her. Never in his entire life had anyone meant this much to him, it crushed him to a pulp the idea he could lose Lynsee. Tears shimmered in his eyes as he stared at her. He couldn’t let go. Just like he couldn’t let go at the window. “Jack?” Her voice was odd, a bit scratchy. He grimaced while she simply stared at him. Everything he was, each emotion inside poured into a pool at her feet to observe. He swallowed hard, forcing the raw edgy feeling out of his throat. His eyes burned and his heart smashed with the power of a bass drum in his ribcage. His hands slid down her shoulders. “Listen to me for a minute, okay?” She nodded, “Sure.” “I meant what I said back there.” His head inclined toward the window as his hands rested on her knees. Lynsee shook her hair back and pulled it out of sides of her tank. “I know that.” She touched his mouth with the tip of her fingers. “I won’t be able to forget it either.” His eyes went to slits as her touch created a searing effect in his bloodstream. Uncertainty clouded his vision, but he knew if they just left these unresolved feelings they’d avoid each other and them until those feelings drifted away and became only a memory. She put her hands on top of his. “Do you want to get out of here?”

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He smiled, he’d have to remember how good she was about dropping things in his lap. The look in her eyes troubled him. Already, she began closing down and shuttering her emotions away from him. He wasn’t going to let her do that though. Not after he’d seen what was inside. The brilliant colors and flashes of temper and incredible incites that were Lynsee Frost defined and because she’d let him see those, he wasn’t about to go back to his dreary gray life. “Don’t do that. Don’t close down on me.” His voice was gentle. With one hand, he stroked her cheek, then he inched his fingers around her neck to bring her closer. “I couldn’t take that, Lynsee.” “I don’t understand.” His lips brushed across hers, soft and coaxing. He could feel her sway closer. “Yeah, you do.” He kissed her gently, rubbing his lips over hers. “I want to make love with you, now, here in this godforsaken house to prove to them and us—” “What?” She moved closer to him, pressing her breasts into the crook of his arm. He raised his head and kissed her temple. “I told you before. Now, I’m sure.” His mouth grazed the curve of her ear. “Will you believe me this time if I say it?” “Keep touching me and I’ll believe anything.” Jack moved fast. His hands went up to her shoulders and he rotated his body until he was above her on the bed. He smiled a wicked grin. Lava pumped through his veins and straight into a rock hard erection. “I want you to hear this before things get carried away.” “Then you better hurry.” She ran her hands down the muscles of his chest. With teasing fingers, she edged around the waistband of the sweats. “I love you, Lynsee Frost.” He leaned into her, bracing his weight on her elbows. “Now and forever, I want you with me. Do you understand?” “Jack, you don’t need to say that.” Her eyes were shiny and she tried avoiding his. He cupped her chin and brought her gaze back. She blinked back tears creating dark, spiky lashes. “Really, it’s okay. I’m good with anything, whatever it is we might share. Really.” “No, you aren’t.” She sniffed loudly as her hands skimmed back up his chest to the muscles around his neck. “You’re right, I’m not.” “That’s okay. I wouldn’t want you to be.” She pulled him closer. “You know I’m in love with you.” He cocked a brow at her. “I kind of suspected, but you never know. I’ve been wrong before.”

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Lynsee pulled up and assaulted his mouth with her own. She plundered him, tangling her tongue with his and stroking lushly. Her body twisted beneath him nearly driving him to spasms. She yanked off the tank and rolled. She pinned him with her thighs and laughed at his shocked expression. “How do you want it, Jack? Hard and fast or slow and easy?” She slid off him and peeled the jeans from her hips. Jack’s entire body tensed when she tugged the sweats of his hips and tossed them on the floor. She climbed back on top of him and angled her hips over his hard shaft. “Last chance.” He gripped her hips and lowered her slowly down. Blood pounded. She was hot and slick and each stroke in her tight grip brought him closer to utter ecstasy. She rode him with a slow lazy rhythm until he couldn’t stand it any longer. She rocked over him drawing him deeper inside as she rotated her hips and leaned back to stroke. Jack’s cells imploded with a force of energy that caused him to gasp for breath. This type of desire would never satiate or burn out. He would want her body forever and a day and be hopelessly in love with her until he drew his last breath. Lynsee picked up speed riding him so hard a sheen appeared over her flawless body. He felt her tense and automatically clutched her buttocks so that he could drive himself deeper inside. She screamed her release collapsing against him as stars burned a pattern across his eyes. He didn’t look back as he held the door open for Lynsee and they stepped out of Scarlet Oak Manor into a brilliant day. The humidity didn’t seem nearly as oppressive as they moved out of the haunted plantation and met Remy Terreau hustling inside. The owner of Scarlet Oak grinned at Jack and Lynsee. “How was your night?” Jack sent a look to Lynsee she read clearly and walked up to Terreau. She patted him on the shoulder as she went by. “I wish you a lot of luck with this place.” Terreau glanced at her quizzically as she jogged down the steps off the patio. “What’s that all about?” Jack debated for a moment. He didn’t know if Terreau was ready for the answer. He was certain the dynamic owner of Scarlet Oak Manor was not aware of things that went bump in the night around his new resort. “Mr. Terreau, if I were you, I would give serious consideration in selling this place.” “What? Why?” Terreau appeared shocked that something was amiss in the resort. “Was something wrong with the room?”

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A small smile appeared around the corner of Jack’s lips. “You could say that.” He slung his bag off the patio. “I will copy you on any other information we receive on Susannah Forrester’s murder, but right now it remains unsolved.” Terreau nodded, “I understand.” He stepped in front of Jack and gestured toward Lynsee. “You two will come back when we open as my guests, mon ami?” Jack laughed, “Not on your life.” He caught up with Lynsee at the car and opened the trunk to load the bags. A small sedan pulled into the slot next to them and he and Lynsee watched with great interest as Etienne Fabron climbed out and strolled by them. Lynsee leaned against the hood of the car and folded her arms, “Mr. Fabron, what an interesting surprise to see you here.” Fabron stopped and hit her with a dazzling smile. It faded the minute he noticed Jack. “Nice to see you again especially under more pleasant circumstances.” Jack moved slightly and felt pleasure at Fabron’s twitch backward away from him. “What would those be?” Fabron smiled again, “I’ve got an interview this morning with Mr. Terreau. This place is gorgeous! I’m really looking forward to working here.” Lynsee swung away from the hood and headed for the driver’s side, she tilted her head at Jack. “I suppose we should wish Mr. Fabron luck.” Jack opened the passenger side, he looked back at Fabron. On a bet, something wasn’t quite right with that guy but nothing he could put a finger on. “I think Mr. Fabron has all the luck he needs.” Jack got into the vehicle as did Lynsee as Fabron whistled his way toward the main entrance of Scarlet Oak. Lynsee started the car and backed out of the parking lot. “Something weird with that one.” “Hmm, yes. I think he’ll fit in nicely.” Jack snapped his seatbelt in place and watched Fabron shake hands with Remy Terreau. “What time’s the flight?” “Depends.” “On what?” Lynsee turned the rental down the drive and Jack noticed the relief on her tired face. He was sure a dark thunder cloud just lifted from them as the car left Scarlet Oak Manor. “We’ve got two weeks off.”

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“You’re kidding? How’d you manage that?” Jack smirked, “I’ve got connections.” “Okay, so what are my options?” She flipped on the air conditioner. “I liked Vegas for one. Maybe while we’re there I can convince you to marry me.” Lynsee slammed on the breaks hard. Luckily, Jack timed the reaction well enough to keep from smashing into the airbag he knew would deploy any second. “I’m sorry, what did you say.” “You heard me.” He shifted to face her. “We can eat, drink, gamble and lay around a man made beach and I don’t ever need to hear about ghosts again.” Lynsee swallowed hard, She brushed a lock of hair back with shaky hands. “Sounds real good to me.” “Do you want me to drive?” She shook her head. “No, I’m okay.” “Oh I almost forgot.” Jack’s smile got a bit wider. “Your pal Remy offerered to comp us a room when Scarlet Oak opens.” Lynsee laughed so hard Jack thought she’d burst into tears. She hit the accelerator and threw Jack against the seat. “Hang on baby, we’re heading for the desert.”

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