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I left them to argue and stood on the bridge to observe the state of the moat. Algae had spread across the surface and a faint unpleasant odor permeated my nostrils. The heat and humidity were likely accelerating the growth of harmful bacteria. If I played my cards right, the moat could be another deterrent, except I didn’t want a gross ring of mold and mildew around my house. I pictured myself floating on a black inflatable swan across crystal clear water, reading a book in the sunlight.
“Much better,” I said quietly.
“Much better? Are we looking at the same moat?” Ray asked.
I hadn’t realized he’d joined me on the bridge. “It will be when I finish it.”
“You need help.”
“I’m fine. There’s no rush.”
He pointed to the algae. “That gunk tells a different story.”
“Patience is a virtue,” I said, striding toward the house.
“Except when you’re searching for my missing granddaughter,” Nana Pratt called after me.
“One more word and I’ll make sure you’re inside the house the next time Camryn Sable’s shamans come to visit,” I shouted, walking backward to face them.
Nana Pratt recoiled in horror. “You said sage wouldn’t hurt us.”
Ray looked down. “She said it can form a bridge between worlds. Like this one.”
Nana Pratt cast a sidelong glance at him. “How is it like this one?”
“This bridge connects Lorelei to the outside world.”
“This is different,” Nana Pratt said. “Lorelei doesn’t need a bridge.”
Ray’s gaze shifted to me. “I think she would agree with you. I think she would be perfectly content with a moat and no bridge.”
“That doesn’t make any sense,” Nana Pratt said. “Then how would she get anywhere?”
I locked eyes with the older ghost. “You’re finally starting to understand me, Ray.” I turned on my heel and retreated inside the house.
CHAPTER11
Ipoked a bubble of paint on the wall, and it flattened. I’d either have to repaint this section or hang a picture over it. Given my current workload, I was voting for a picture.
Slowly I lowered my arm; the fine hairs stood at attention. There was no chill in the air. Far from it—the hot, humid air was smothering me.
Somebody breached the ward.
“You have company, Lorelei!” Nana Pratt’s voice rang out. “Oh, and he’s very attractive.”
I noticed that she’d poked her head through the front door and left the rest of her body on the porch, as though that somehow didn’t violate the rule.
“Should I fetch my parasol?” My voice cracked with sarcasm. “Perhaps I can invite him to take a turn around the cemetery.”
She glowered at me. “I was only warning you in case your ward didn’t work.”
“It worked.”
“Are you sure? I didn’t hear anything.”
“There’s no wailing siren.”
“Too bad. I’d like to be alerted to visitors.”
