Scaredy Cat Read Online Free Page A

myself up. I was completely tangled in the sheet.”
    Quinn blew out a breath. “I think the last nightmare I had was of a chocolate cake that was trying to eat me. That was after my nephew’s birthday party, and I’d overindulged. I’m sure the dream stemmed from guilt. How do you eat all this sugary stuff and stay so small?”
    Blake shrugged. “I’m a nibbler. I seldom sit down and eat an actual meal. One pack of cookies may last me a month.”
    Quinn looked at the crap in the cart she was pushing. If that was the case, Blake was set for life on snacks. “So…you dream of ghosts…and demons, too?”
    “No, those haunt me when I’m conscious,” Blake said as she rounded the corner of the aisle.
    Quinn’s flip-flops actually skidded to a halt as Blake’s statement settled in, then she took off. When she rounded the aisle, she nearly plowed over Blake, who was looking at the potato chips. “You’re gonna have to elaborate on that last comment. Are you telling me that you believe that you’re possessed? Is that what you meant about characters whispering to you?”
    Blake looked as though she were trying to decide between barbecue and plain chips. She tossed both bags into the cart. “My imagination runs rampant and leans toward the dark. You may see an old house and admire the architecture. I look at it and see ghosts in every window. Not literally,” Blake said as she waved a hand when Quinn blanched. “That’s how my imagination works.”
    “Okay,” Quinn said slowly. “Where exactly do the demons come in?”
    “The news mostly. It’s hard for me to comprehend that people commit the heinous acts that they do, so I demonize them. I’m sure you never read Behind His Smile . It was about a congressman that was possessed.”
    “Was he a Republican?”
    Blake nodded.
    “I might actually read that one.”
    “I think I’m done.” Blake looked over the baskets.
    They headed to the checkout where Glenda was ringing up Tom Watley. Instead of taking her time, Glenda tossed all of Tom’s items into one bag and hurried him as he tried to use his bank card on the machine. Poor old Tom looked stunned when Glenda snatched the card from his hand and swiped it on her side. She handed him the card and receipt and literally shooed him away like a stray animal. She returned to her lazy pace when Blake began loading her things onto the conveyor belt.
    “Are you new in town, sugar?” Glenda asked as she studied Blake.
    “Yes.”
    “You must be renting the Meyers place then. I saw a moving truck in the driveway when I passed there yesterday.” Glenda smiled, and it reminded Quinn of a dog baring its teeth. “I’m the president of the Ladies’ Auxiliary, we usually welcome in the new residents. I can’t believe Dawn didn’t tell me about you.”
    “I won’t be staying that long,” Blake said as she continued to load stuff onto the belt so high that it almost blocked Glenda’s view of her.
    Grant walked by and appeared surprised to see Quinn standing behind a full cart. “Hey, Quinn, move on over to the next register and I’ll check you out.”
    “I’m with her,” Quinn said with a smile and pointed to Blake, “but thanks, Grant.”
    Grant looked as though he were about to speak to Blake, but Tom caught his attention. Glenda continued to move at a snail’s pace, and Quinn almost regretted not taking Grant up on his offer.
    “You must have a large family.” Glenda eyed the mound of groceries.
    “Yes, five kids and two very mean dogs,” Quinn lied with a smile.
    Blake looked confused, and Glenda glared. “I don’t see any dog food,” Glenda said as she filled a bag with canned goods.
    “They don’t feed them, that’s why they’re so mean. The dogs just eat whatever comes into the yard—the mailman, birds, cats…nosey neighbors.”
    Glenda ignored her and turned her attention back to Blake. “What does your husband do?”
    “He makes exotic weapons, axes that could chop a brick in half.