MacGowan's Ghost Read Online Free Page B

was. Good grief . The intensity of that green stare unnerved her—although she thought she hid it quite well. Nice, strong jaw, though, and that heavy Scottish brogue, which at times completely puzzled her, was made even more appealing by the deep, smoky pitch—
    â€œAllie?”
    She blinked, turned, and grabbed clean panties and a bra from another drawer. Tossing them both on the bed, she glanced over at her nearly transparent friend. “Yes?”
    â€œTsk-tsk, love. Lost in your thoughts, hmm?”
    Allie mock frowned. “Mind your beeswax, pal. I was just thinking about what I might learn tonight.”
    The crooked grin on Dauber’s face stretched deep across his cheeks. “Indeed.”
    â€œWell,” Allie said with a clap. “I am going to shower and then rest before dinner.” She cocked her head. “What are you going to do? Tell me you’re not going to sit in here and watch me sleep.”
    Dauber flicked an imaginary bit of something from his sleeve. “Whilst a favorite pastime of mine, indeed, the watching over of you, I think instead I shall wander down to the wharf. Quite an interesting town, so it seems.” He gave a nod and another smile. “Until later, love.”
    Dauber faded until he disappeared.
    â€œBye,” Allie said to herself. She smiled at the space of air her friend had just occupied, scooped up her overnight bag containing shampoo, conditioner, razor, lotion, soap, and other girl stuff, and stepped out into the hallway. She scooted across to the bathroom, anxious to wash the ten hours of airport/airplane germs from her hair and body. Then, she thought, a nice cozy nap before dinner . . .
    Â 
    Slowly, Allie cracked open first one eye, then the other. At first foggy, her vision adjusted to the dim, hazy late-afternoon light in the room.
    As well as to the small figure standing beside her bed. A young boy. Staring. Scowling.
    Allie blinked, and for a split second the outline of another figure—a woman?—stood directly behind the boy. It quickly vanished.
    â€œAre you here to oust me mates from my home?”
    Allie turned on her side and propped her head on the heel of her hand. She studied the boy. Auburn hair, with an adorable cowlick just off-center at the forehead, a creamy complexion, and the widest, bluest pair of eyes she’d ever seen. A half dozen tiny freckles trekked over his nose.
    At present, those very blue eyes scrunched into an accusing stare.
    â€œWell, are you?” he said in a strong Highland brogue.
    Allie looked him directly in the eye. “I wouldn’t think of it.” She smiled, sat up, and stuck out her hand. “My name is Allie.”
    The young boy, who looked to be about six or seven, gave her another in-depth inspection, and gripped her hand in a surprisingly strong shake. “Aye. And I’m Jake.” He cocked his head to the side. “Are you going to stay here, then?”
    â€œFor a while.” Allie rubbed her jaw. “You’re the boy I saw downstairs when I first came in. Do you live here?”
    â€œAye.” He toed a knot in the wooden floor. “Me mates says you are here to oust them.” He narrowed his eyes. “You’re no’, are you?”
    â€œWhat do you think?”
    One narrow shoulder lifted in a shrug. “Me da says aye.”
    â€œIndeed, miss,” a voice said from out of nowhere.
    â€œWe do know for a fact your employed intentions.”
    Had Allie not been completely used to ghosts and spirits materializing out of thin air, she would have yelped when the two young spectered gentlemen sifted through the wall and came to stand before her. Instead, she gave a short nod and smiled. “How do you do?”
    Both gave a slight bow, and the shorter one, who still topped her by several inches, met her gaze. “I fear I’ve seen better days, miss. Himself has indeed employed you, aye?”
    â€œHimself?” she