Haunting Melody St. Claire

Chapter One

Golden light spilled over Haven, Texas. Melody stood at the window and watched her hometown settle into its evening routine. One she'd followed until the night of the fire. With her family gone and everything burned to ash, it was almost impossible to put the pieces of her life back together. She fingered the delicate chain of her grandmother's necklace.

The front door opened with a loud bang and Melody jumped. She spun around and came face-to-face with a disheveled and smiling Kassa. "Sorry about taking so long." The homeowner carried a plastic laundry basket. "I brought some necessities. Light bulbs. Some matches. Couldn't find a lighter, oddly enough."

Melody watched the woman move with a grace she envied. She reached out and Kassa brushed by her. "I got it, honey." She dropped the basket on one of the draped pieces of furniture. Dust flew up in swirls and Kassa coughed.

The door banged shut and Melody jumped again. Her heart slammed in her chest. "What was that?"

Kassa grinned. "Resident ghost. He doesn't like the door being open."

Melody arched an eyebrow. Right. "More like the wind." She wrestled up a tentative smile. "It's an incredible house. Are you sure you don't mind me staying here for a while?"

Kassa waved a hand and the soft jingle of a dozen bracelets punctuated the gesture. "It's been in the family forever. This old thing might as well get some use. Stay as long as you like."

Melody eyed the beautiful architecture of the home. It had great bones. A little TLC and the place would shine. "Don't tempt me."

Kassa dragged a sheet off a piece of furniture. The high-backed chair was lovely but slightly faded. It was a beautiful mix of delicate woodwork and comfort. Most of the furniture in this room seemed to be designed that way. Kassa wiped her palms against her faded jeans. "Well, that should be a good start. How did the first night go?"

Melody's hair lifted with a slight draft of air. She'd have to find that leak before winter hit. "It went great." You're lying through your teeth. It was another night without sleep. Every sound and creak of the old house had set her nerves on edge. "You know, new house, new noises." She gripped the curved back of a well-worn chair. "Why is this house empty? I mean it's gorgeous. A bit drafty, but beautiful."

"That's easy." Kassa grinned and raised her hands toward the ceiling. "It's haunted."

"Haunted?" Heat rushed to her face. "You seriously believe in ghosts?"

Kassa's expression turned sly. "Yep, I sure do. There's one particular spirit who keeps running off the living. I hear he's quite the heartbreaker." She winked. "Feel free to check out the house. The attic has some old family stuff I'm trying to sort through, but you're welcome to roam anywhere you like."

"Thank you."

"There are some cleaners and fresh linens in the basket as well. Make this house yours." She narrowed her eyes at Melody. "Just don't break anything."

Melody jerked back as though slapped. "What do you mean by that?"

"I'm sure you wouldn't mean to. If you do, tell me immediately so I can get it repaired."

Melody opened her mouth to ask more questions.

Kassa waved. "I've gotta run. You know where I am if you need me. Later, honey!"

Melody barely raised her hand in return before Kassa was out the door. She watched the eccentric young woman power down the sidewalk. Ghosts? Running off the living, huh?

A soft touch against her cheek startled her. She gazed around the quiet room. A shiver ran down her spine.

"There is no one here." She forced her fingers to release the old chair and strode across the elegant little sitting room. It was probably a stray hair touching her face.