Lingering Touch: The Summer Park Psychics, Book 3 Read Online Free Page A

“I wish you would stop.”
    “I don’t know what to say.”
    “Forget it. I’m just glad you’re away from your mother. I’ve been trying to get you out of that pit since we met. Garrett’s going to get a deep discount on his next piece for accomplishing that.”
    “A pit? I’ve been living in a mansion.”
    “That’s putting lipstick on a pig. Your mom could suck the joy out of a sold-out opening show. I’ve seen her do it. Belittle your accomplishments and demean you in front of a room full of people.”
    Rachel’s laugh was tinny and hollow. Jazz could only imagine the things echoing in Rachel’s mind. Ghosts were probably easier to deal with than memories of her mother’s passive-aggressive abuse.
    “You’re the one who makes the sales,” Rachel said.
    “Stop. Now you’re doing it to yourself.”
    “You sound like Garrett.”
    “Good. If we all remind you to disregard the crap she’s told you over the years, it might help you to stop telling yourself the same lies she taught you.”
    Rachel’s eyes filled with tears and she muttered, “Thanks.”
    This topic was too sensitive. Jazz needed to distract Rachel. Immediately.
    Jazz nodded and asked, “Will it disrupt the energy if I touch the necklace?”
    “It’s best if others handle it as little as possible.”
    The silver chain had come in a velvet bag. Rachel slid the finished necklace into the little pouch and handed it to Jazz.
    “I’ll see that she gets it tonight,” Jazz said. “But what about you? How do we get all these ghosts to leave you alone?”
    “I can take care of myself.”
    Jazz grabbed Rachel’s hand and held on tight. “We take care of each other. Now more than ever.”
    Rachel was trying to say something, but only little coughing sounds came out. If her throat was as tight as Jazz’s, it was no wonder.
    No more talking. No more thinking. Just this offer of comfort.
    She knelt next to Rachel and pulled her into a hug. Rachel buried her face in Jazz’s hair and hugged her back, hard.
    Jazz pulled away and sniffed. “You need me—you need anything—you call. Understand?”
    Rachel nodded.
    “Okay.” Jazz put her hands on Rachel’s cheeks and kissed her forehead as she stood. They both needed time and space to collect themselves, to give the emotions and memories they had stirred up a chance to settle. “Give Garrett my regards. And be sure to lock the door after me.”
    Rachel nodded. She didn’t walk Jazz to the door. It was probably for the best.

Chapter Two
    Finn splashed cold water on his face, hoping it would chase off the aftereffects of his latest nightmare. It didn’t.
    He dried off, then chucked the towel on a pile of dirty clothes. He needed to do laundry, but hadn’t been able to motivate himself to do much of anything lately. Dad was stuck doing all the dishes and Daphne was cooking for them both. Finn needed to get this under control.
    Letting out a snort, he shook his head. Nothing was under control.
    He ran his fingers through the tangled mess of his hair and it stayed standing on end. He needed a shower. Dammit, he was going to shower. And get dressed. And leave the apartment. Today.
    “Finn! Get in here.”
    After he found out what Dad needed.
    “Coming.”
    In his thirties, and his dad still shouted for him like he was a kid. Finn shook his head as he headed for the kitchen.
    Dad was sitting at the table, a grim expression deepening the lines on his face where time had left its mark. His hair was almost entirely gray, though it had once been dark brown. He was chewing on his lower lip. The upper was hidden beneath a full mustache.
    “What’s up?”
    Finn was already in the room when he noticed Daphne leaning against the counter. Her dark curls hung loose around her shoulders and she stared at him with warm brown eyes. She was already dressed for working the bar downstairs—jeans and a plaid flannel shirt with the sleeves rolled up.
    Finn was in his boxer-briefs.
    “Dad, warn me next