Page 169 of Charon's Crossing

"You can't really be surprised." Kathryn's smile was pleasant but her tone was cool. "Surely, you've had a full report from Elvira."

"Sorry?"

"Or from Hiram. Or Amos."

"I'm sorry, Kathryn. I don't know what you mean."

Kathryn sighed. "It doesn't matter. Actually, I'm glad you came by. I wanted to speak to you about selling Charon's Crossing."

"Yes? Well, that is why I'm here this mornin', to tell you—"

"I've decided not to sell."

"Kathryn," Matthew said sharply, "don't tell her that."

Kathryn glared past Olive's shoulder to where Matthew stood in the door to the sitting room.

"Mind your business," she said.

Olive's eyes widened. "I beg your pardon?"

Kathryn smiled at the realtor. "I wasn't talking to you, Olive. Look, I changed my mind about getting rid of the house. I. meant to tell you sooner, but—"

"Dammit, Kathryn!"

"Dammit, Matthew!"

Olive screwed her head around and glanced nervously over her shoulder. "Who are you talkin' to, Kathryn?"

"Olive, I want you to take this place off the market."

"Off the...? But I don't understand."

"Nor do I," Matthew said grimly. "Nor will anyone with half a brain."

"It's my decision to make, not yours."

"Well, of course it is," Olive said, "but why have you changed your mind?"

"What a good question." Matthew smiled coolly and folded his arms. "Go on, try explaining yourself to her. Tell her you've decided to give up your life for a ghost and see what she says."

"I don't have to explain anything!"

"No," Olive said, "of course you don't. It's only that you've taken me by surprise, especially since I've brought the most wonderful news."

"What news?"

"I've found a buyer!" Olive said triumphantly. "An excellent buyer, I must say. This gentleman owns half a dozen exclusive health and beauty spas in the States and he's been thinkin' of expandin' and, well, he thinks Charon's Crossin' will be just perfect!"

"Sorry. You'll have to explain that it's not for sale."

"Oh, but he's made a fine offer." Olive leaned forward, her eyes bright. "Of course, he wants to see it himself but I've shown him photos, told him it needs lots of work—"

"Well, untell him. Charon's Crossing isn't for sale."

"But why?"

"I'm going to live here, that's why." Kathryn swung the front door open.

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