A Specter of Justice Read Online Free PDF Page A

walking in on our discussion.
    â€œDo you know if the contingent from the Asheville Apparitions will come in some special garb?” I asked Nakayla.
    â€œYes, black robes and turbans. Don’t worry. I checked your lease. Nothing prohibits a tenant from conducting Satanic rites.”
    â€œIf I’m evicted, I’m moving in with you.”
    Nakayla shuddered. “Now that’s a scary thought.”
    Nakayla and I were not only business partners but also lovers. I’d suggested combining households several times, but she insisted on maintaining her own place. Her space, as she called it. She wasn’t ready for working together and living together. I’d give up my apartment, ghosts and all, if she ever changed her mind.
    â€œLooks like Shirley drove some of her friends,” Nakayla said. “Four people are getting out of her car. Look at those cult outfits. Jeans and shirts.”
    Shirley started walking across the lawn with a man and two women.
    â€œObviously disguises,” I said. “Do you know them?”
    â€œNo. She just gave me a head count. There’s you, me, Cory, Shirley, and Hewitt. I’ve never met any of the others.”
    â€œI hope they’re workers and not just talkers,” I said. “The problem with volunteers is you can’t fire them.”
    More cars pulled into the parking lot and Nakayla waved to the approaching group. Through a smile of gritted teeth, she whispered, “Remember, this is Cory and Shirley’s event. Don’t turn into a chief warrant officer and try to run things.”
    â€œThat only happens when the moon’s full. Believe me, I have no interest in doing anything other than telling my little story about Helen.”
    Nakayla and I led the volunteers through the lobby to the corner of our meeting room farthest from the mailboxes.
    â€œPlease help yourself to drinks and snacks,” Nakayla said. “We have a few more people coming, but we might as well get started.”
    I watched them form a line in front of the assortment of goodies. Cory and Shirley stood back, letting the others go first. Cory’s right arm was in a sling held tight against her side. I walked over to them.
    â€œCory, I’ll get you some food when the line clears.”
    â€œThanks, Sam. Go easy on the cookies.”
    I turned to Shirley and gestured to the three people who rode with her. “Who are your guests?” The man had thinning, gray hair and I guessed he was close to fifty. The two slender women looked like they were in their early forties.
    â€œThe blonde’s Molly Staton and the brunette’s Lenore Carpenter. They’re fellow members of Asheville Apparitions. The guy’s Jerry Wofford. He heard about the event and called the office. He owns the new craft brewery in town.”
    â€œWhich one? We’re being overrun with them.”
    Asheville boasted so many craft breweries that it had been designated Beer City, USA, four years in a row. National brewers were now moving in.
    â€œCrystal Stream Beers.”
    â€œNever heard of them.”
    Shirley grabbed my arm. “Don’t tell him that. He’s not only making a cash donation, but he’s supplying beer for the event. It’s a good way to get his brand known.”
    â€œI wouldn’t drink anything but Crystal Stream. What are some of the labels?”
    â€œLabels?”
    â€œYeah. Does he have an ale or a porter? Most breweries offer a variety.”
    Shirley stepped in front of me and turned her back to her guests. “Damn it, Sam. I didn’t think to ask.”
    â€œDon’t worry. I’m sure he won’t keep them a secret.”
    Shirley moved on to welcome other guests. The two women she’d pointed out came toward me, broad smiles on their faces.
    With her bright blue eyes and short fair hair, Molly Staton looked more like a member of a neighborhood book club. The only hint of the hereafter was