A Haunted Theft (A Lin Coffin Mystery Book 4) Read Online Free PDF Page A

Martha Hillman.” What Viv really meant was that Lin needed to keep an eye on the woman, but she didn’t want to voice that aloud in front of the guys since neither one of them knew that Lin had a visit from the Wampanoag ghost and now felt a duty to investigate.
    John drained the liquid from his glass and stood up reaching for the appetizer platter. “Let’s go take our walk around town.” The group had planned to have appetizers and drinks on the boat and then walk around town for a while before ending the evening by getting ice cream. They cleared the tables and put leftovers in John’s fridge, and then left the boat as the sun dropped down below the horizon.
    The streetlamps flickered on and light poured through the windows of shops and restaurants and pooled in shimmering golden puddles on the brick sidewalks. The chatter of people’s conversations filled the air and an occasional burst of laughter punctuated the festive atmosphere as tourists and islanders strolled through town and around the docks.
    Lin loved the feeling of warmth that ran through her body when Jeff held her hand as they wandered through the cozy streets with Viv and John. The four chatted about their jobs, the weather, sports, how busy the summer had been, and about a new restaurant that recently opened in town. Viv suggested that they try out the new eatery soon and proposed a much-needed day at the beach for the upcoming weekend. The others heartily agreed with both of Viv’s ideas.
    John and Jeff went into the ice cream shop to get the treats while the girls sat down on a bench to wait for them.
    “Have you seen the Wampanoag ghost again?” Viv kept her voice down.
    “No.” Lin held the slight hope that she might not see him again. When the ghosts came to her for help, she felt the obligation to do what she could for them, but she always worried that she might fail at what was required to give them peace. “Maybe he won’t appear again.”
    “Doubtful.” Viv rolled her eyes at her cousin. “That hasn’t happened before has it? The ghosts keep showing up until the issue or whatever is bothering them is resolved.”
    Lin watched the exit of the ice cream shop to see if Jeff and John were emerging. “I’m not sure how to figure out who stole the basket. I guess I need to talk to the employees who worked at the exhibition. I’m not sure how to approach them in a way that will justify my questions.”
    Viv perked up. “The exhibition is still going on. I’d love to see it.” A glint showed in her eyes. “We could chat up the employees while we take in the exhibit.”
    A grin formed over Lin’s lips as she turned to Viv. “You’re a genius, you know.”
    “Oh, I know,” Viv said seriously and then broke into a chuckle. “What would you do without me?”
    Lin started to answer when someone who was walking down the street on the opposite sidewalk caught her eye. The man was tall and thin and had a full head of silver-white hair. “Isn’t that Nathan Long, the Nantucket basket god?”
    Viv followed Lin’s gaze and she practically swooned as she stared at the man. “That’s him. Oh, how I would love to apprentice with that man. He has an amazing wealth of knowledge and his work is incredible.”
    “Maybe you can take another class with him.”
    “ If he ever offers one again.” Viv frowned. “It won’t be any time soon.”
    John and Jeff approached each carrying two ice cream cones. Ice cream drips rolled down the sides of the cones and, taking their treats, the girls licked up the little streams of cream before it could dribble onto their hands.
    The four wandered through town enjoying the cool treats as they headed back in the direction of John’s boat. The guys walked side by side talking about island real estate and the girls followed a few steps behind.
    “John’s doing well now.” Lin commented on how John was overcoming his anxiety about showing unoccupied homes to prospective clients.
    “Yes, thank God.”