McCann's Manor Read Online Free Page A

glittering silver and rhinestone waistband.
    Liz smiled through gritted teeth, reached across the huge dress and hugged her hostess. Kim waited for her obligatory hug and said, “You know, we didn't come here to put on a show, Gracie. Of course, we'd be willing to do some readings if that'll make your friends happy,” she lied; she wasn't willing at all.
    Grace beamed, tapped each one of them with her fairy wand and said, “We have a number of famous celebs here tonight, you know. That's why Wade and I decided to have a costume party. That way, the poor dears can be treated like ordinary people for one evening at least."
    Liz shrugged her shoulders and stifled a chuckle at being tapped with a magic wand. “That's our Gracie, always thinking of the comfort of others,” she observed.
    Grace gave a feigned blush, ducked her head. “Oh, now, you know I do try.” She said in her best imitation of a Southern Belle. “I wanted Wade's birthday to be the best and it was the only way all his friends could feel comfortable about coming,” she said.
    "The place looks fabulous, Grace. You have really outdone yourself this time,” Liz observed. She looked around the living area. Multicolored ribbons and frothy lace hung from the second floor loft. Fresh flowers adorned every flat surface—tables, shelves and stands. Wheatgrass centerpieces with colorful picks laden with shrimp rolls and cheese cubes stood along the buffet with chips, chili con queso on a warmer and fresh vegetables cut and arranged in exotic patterns. “I know Wade must consider himself fortunate to have you for a sister,” she added, rolling her eyes at Kim. How does she manage to blush on cue? Liz wondered. Acting must run in their genes.
    Kim read the look Liz gave her, cleared her throat, bit her bottom lip to keep from laughing. “Yes, indeed. And where is the birthday boy, Grace?” she asked.
    Grace looked around the room, but failed to find Wade. Shrugging she said, “He was right here just a minute ago. Now, where could he have gone? You two make yourselves at home and I'll find him.” She floated away into the crowd.
    "Oh, no, Grace? Rats! Me and my big mouth. Now we will be supposed to follow the two of them around all night until she makes the announcement that her psychic friends are ready to begin the freak show,” Kim complained.
    Liz chuckled, “Relax, kid. Something tells me she's already told her illustrious guests about her friends the psychics and that we're already under their intense scrutiny."
    Kim looked around the room and to her dismay, saw several pairs of eyes looking at them. “Great. I should have told her we expected to have our anonymity too."
    Liz let out a string of giggles, then patted Kim on the shoulder, “Come on, Kimberly Dawn, lighten up! We should be having a great time. I mean, here we are hobnobbing with some of the elite of the universe and all you can do is bristle because they know who we are?"
    "Yeah, but do you think this is fair? I mean, she's put us on the spot again. She has all these unnamed guests here expecting to stay that way and they all know we are psychics and...” She focused at a point to the left of Liz's face and said, “Oh, hello, Wade, how are you?"
    A tall, dark-haired man in a vampire suit swooped in next to Kim, his fangs bared, and encircled her with his black satin cape. “Kimberly, how wonderful to see you again. I'm so glad you and Emma could make it."
    Liz smiled and held out her hand to Wade, “Wade Buscher; aren't you the charmer, though!” She said, “It's Liz , Wade. Happy birthday."
    Wade staggered a bit, but took her hand and pecked at it with his lips. “Of course, how stupid of me; I meant Liz,” he said, a look of triumph on his face. He did love riling her, didn't he? “Great to see you. We've several surprise guests tonight. Can you pick them out?"
    "Are you challenging me?” she asked with a smile, careful not to show her disapproval. Regardless of what she