Deadly Obsession Read Online Free

morning?”
    â€œWe’re finishing up on another job in town. Then I have to arrange for a backhoe to dig up the lines, and order more parts for the interior. It’ll take a day for both of those to make it out here, so the plumbing issues won’t be resolved for a couple days.”
    Jillian sighed. “I was hoping to move in as soon as the plumbing and electricity were turned on.”
    He nodded. “If I don’t have to replace the entire septic system, it’s possible to be in in a couple days. But don’t bank on it.” He tipped his ball cap. “Night, Miss Taylor.”
    â€œPlease, call me Jillian,” she said.
    â€œYes, ma’am.” Bob hurried toward his four-door truck with Bob’s Building written in faded red lettering across the side panel. His team of carpenters was already inside, ready to go home.
    Jillian opened the screen door. Every time she did, she had the tingly sensation of déjà vu.
    A loud thump was followed by a string of curses at the back of the house.
    Following the sounds, Jillian arrived in the kitchen, where Mitchell Knowlton held one thumb with his other hand, dancing around the yellowed linoleum floor.
    â€œAre you all right?” Jillian asked.
    Mitchell turned so fast he didn’t take into account the corner of the old upper cabinets, which had yet to be thrown out, and smacked his head on the sharp edge. He clamped his lips tightly together, his face turning a bright red. “Smashed my thumb,” he finally grumbled, alternating between pressing his fingers to his forehead and his battered thumb. “Should have listened to my wife.”
    Jillian chuckled. “Did she tell you not to hit your thumb?”
    â€œNo.” He frowned. “She told me not to take this job.”
    â€œWhy?” Jillian asked, taken aback by Mitchell’s revelation.
    â€œShe says the place is haunted. Something bad happened here almost two decades ago. When the last owners moved out, no one would buy it. All the old-timers think it’s because it’s haunted.”
    This wasn’t the first time she’d heard the stories. No matter what everyone else said, the house called to her like no other. She’d be damned if she was scared off by tales of ghosts. “You’re not an old-timer, Mitchell.” Jillian crossed her arms over her chest. “Do you believe this place is haunted?”
    He shrugged and gathered his hammer. “No offense, but I think you’re crazy trying to restore this big ol’ house. It’s more than a single lady can manage on her own, much less maintain the yard.”
    â€œYou didn’t answer my question.” She tapped her toe, her brows raised in challenge.
    Mitchell shoved a hand through his sandy hair. “Don’t know about ghosts, but I have a weird feeling about this place. None of the other old houses I’ve rewired made me feel like that.”
    â€œWell, I think it’s a grand ol’ house. And if there are ghosts, I bet they’re just as grand as the house. If it makes you feel any better, plan your work when there are others in the house. Maybe ghosts don’t like crowds.”
    â€œAh, now, Miss Taylor.”
    â€œJillian,” she corrected.
    â€œI better stick to Miss Taylor. If my wife hears me callin’ you Jillian, she’ll let me have it.”
    Mitchell wasn’t much older than Jillian, but he and his wife had been married for seven years and had two small boys.
    â€œIn fact, I should leave if you’re going to be here for a while. She doesn’t like me to hang around after hours. Especially...”
    â€œIf I’m here.” Jillian smiled. “Don’t worry. I don’t plan on stealin’ Caroline’s man.” She winked. “I’m not in the market for a relationship, legitimate or clandestine. I just want my house fixed so I can move in as soon as