Dragon's Touch (Book 1 Linty Dragon Series) Read Online Free Page A

paled. A sheen of sweat covered his face, drops of moisture dribbled down from the corner edge of his brow. With undivided attention, I watched as Charles sucked in a breath while looking at Drake.
    “What it is, Uncle Charles? Are you ill?”
    He shook his head. “I thought this dragon’s eyes just flashed like flames of fire. Did you see it?”
    Wary of admitting that I had, I smiled gently and laid my hand on his arm.
    “I think you must be tired from your trip. Drake is a statue, as are all the others. Maybe the way the overhead light reflected in his eyes caused you to think that.” I motioned Uncles Charles toward the foyer and into the sitting room. “Why don’t you take a seat, you’ve had a long journey.”
    Over my shoulder, I sneaked a narrow-eyed glare at Drake. It seemed I wasn’t the only one seeing things.
    “I’m sure you’re right.” Charles checked his watch. “It’s late in the day, a meal and a good night’s sleep is what I need.” Uncle Charles scurried away from the dragons, hauled his top coat on and made tracks toward the door. Moments later, he’d backed his car from the parking spot and turned down the drive as though he couldn’t get away fast enough.
    Instantly, I marched toward the dragon. Drake’s eyes grew bright when I ran my hand over his scales. “You’re so beautiful. You nearly gave Uncle Charles a heart attack,” I murmured softly and pet-like, I stroked his body.
    We have to protect the secrets, Linty. You and I are bound by tradition to do so.
    Wait a minute, I’d just spoken to a dragon statue and he actually replied. Holy shit. Had he communicated with me by way of mind whispers, or had I imagined those raspy words like the ones before? Had I lost my marbles? Had my cheese slipped off my cracker? Had my cracker crumbled? If anyone became aware that I spoke to Drake, I’d be locked away in the nearest insane asylum. I had to be careful.
    My thoughts were interrupted when the phone rang. I answered the call with a pensive hello.
    “Linty, I’m so glad you’ve arrived, my dear,” Mrs. Douglas said. “You must be tired from your trip, and hungry, too. I’ll be over shortly with a bite of supper for you.”
    Before I could utter a sound, the line went dead. I shook the phone, said hello again and realized Mrs. Douglas, Gran’s housekeeper, had hung up. With a sigh, I set the phone in the charger, shuffled to the sofa and sank into the deep confines of the soft cushions. What a day. I leaned my head against a pillow and closed my eyes for a moment.
    How long I’d been asleep is anybody’s guess. It wasn’t until footsteps sounded on the wooden floor that I awakened with a start. Mrs. Douglas stood in the doorway, her expression kind as she stared at me, and I glanced around.
    “Mrs. Douglas, I’m so glad to see you,” I said as I flew off the sofa and hugged her. The woman had been Gran’s housekeeper for many years, and I’d grown up thinking of her as family.
    “I’m so sorry about Essie. She tried to hang on as long as she could, in hope that you’d get here before she passed.” Mrs. Douglas looked me over, shook her head, and said, “You’re tired, why don’t you sit and relax, I’ll bring a tray in for you.”
    “Don’t go to any trouble. I’d just as soon eat in the kitchen as long as you keep me company,” I answered.
    “If that’s what you prefer, I’d be happy to do so.” Mrs. Douglas wrapped her arm around my shoulders and we strolled toward the kitchen.
    Seated at the table, I waited for what I knew would be delicious fare. Mrs. Douglas, a rail thin woman with graying hair wound into a bun on the back of her head, was the best cook ever. Many a time she served Gran and me wondrous meals, followed by home-baked cookies and milk. We’d watch the sun set and enjoy the light snack on the rear patio. I’d never been disappointed over the meals she prepared, and wasn’t now.
    A bowl of hearty vegetable stew and thick slices of