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Jane rested a hand over her aching heart. “No, she passed away three years ago. That’s when I officially took over.” Actually, she’d taken over the year before, when Grandma Lily’s health began to decline.
“I’m sorry for your loss.”
“Thank you. I miss her so much, but at least I get to visit with her often. We just had tea last week, in fact.” Moving on. “Anyway. I was raised here. I know the land and its residents better than I know the town’s people.”
“I get it,” he said, projecting a new emotion. Understanding. “Trees and monuments never let you down, and the dead never leave.” Then he cleared his throat, as if uncomfortable. “What’s that building?” He pointed as they paused. They’d reached the end of the cobblestone path and the start of a gravel driveway. “It’s not on the map.”
Up ahead was a hill topped by the backside of a one-story version of the Victorian cottage. The white exterior had yellowed over time, the wood in need of serious repairs. Ivy grew over one side and encroached upon the roof.
“That’s the official business office, such as it is, and what I wanted to show you. I removed it from the map because I’m never in it. But the original cobblestone path begins at the porch and leads to Autumn Grove. At night, this is the easiest track to follow, with the fewest twists, turns and skunks.”
He made a notation. “Why don’t you use the building?”
“Oh. That’s where the ghosts live.”
He missed a step, and she laughed.
“Teasing. Only teasing,” she told him, and he huffed a breath. “I simply prefer the convenience of the cottage.” The memories of working with her grandparents. “Plus, it isn’t about to crumble into dust.”
“Understandable.” He stashed his notebook in his pocket. “If it’s okay with you, I’d like to have a look around.”
“Of course. Come on.” She stepped forward, only to stop when he pivoted in front of her again, stopping her. “Yes? May I help you?” she asked, her heart thumping now. How did he resemble every romance-novel hero she’d ever read about? Even the paranormal ones. “Is there something else on your mind, Agent?”
“Please, call me Conrad,” he suggested, and for some reason, she blushed.
Knowing she was blushing made her blush even harder. Argh! Thank goodness for the hat. The shade reduced her ridiculous reaction to a common courtesy.
Whoa, whoa, whoa. Had he just said his name was Conrad? She gulped. A drool-worthy man with a name that began with C. Her kryptonite.
They were going to date and break up, weren’t they?
“I’m Jane. I mean, you already know my first name. But feel free to use it. Everyone else does. A few times, I’ve been called Jay Bird.” Rambling again.
He pulled his gaze from her and scanned the area, saying, “Sheriff Moore mentioned you live out here alone.”
Had he asked the sheriff about her? Well, duh. Of course, he had. Suspect #1, remember? “I’m not technically alone. I have Rolex.”
“And he’s terrifying, but he’s not a genuine form of protection.” The handsome agent rubbed the back of his neck, obviously feeling awkward. He’d lost both his sternness and his outer aura of charm. “I’d feel better knowing you had more security.”
She would, too. “I’ll look into hiring someone, I promise.” It was called window shopping, and she did it often for a groundskeeper. Didn’t mean she had to purchase anything.
When she attempted to move around him, he followed, blocking her.
“I’m sorry, Jane, but I’d like to view the property alone.” He reached into his jacket pocket and handed her a business card. “If something new occurs or someone frightens you, call me. Also, you’ll need to keep out of the crime scene. We’ve sectioned it off. Do not bypass our tape. I’ll be in touch if I have any other questions.”
He walked away, not waiting for her response. Clearly, she’d been dismissed.
Jane pressed her tongue to the roof of her mouth and shook her head. See? The reason why dead people made better friends than living ones.
“Oh, one more thing, Miss Ladling.” Special Agent—Conrad—paused his step to glance over his shoulder and slide his sunglasses into place. “Don’t leave town.”
Chapter Three
Archie Dillion
Never Killed a Man That Didn’t Need Killing.
Plot 54, Garden of Memories
“Don’t leave town,” Jane muttered as she and her hearse puttered along the road, catching the eye of anyone nearby. With a turn here and there, she passed the most expensive inn, the Manor at Prospect Street. A historic bed-and-breakfast and event room boasting Aurelian Hills’s most luxurious rooms and finest dining experience.
One more turn, and she reached a gate blocking the wealthiest neighborhood from the rest of the town. Of course, the rest of the town knew the code, so…
The metal bars lifted, allowing Jane to enter. When she crested a hill, she spotted the first mansion. A sprawling estate made of white stone and tall glass, with a breathtaking manicured yard.
