Deception at Dark Hall (The Briony Martin Mystery Series) Read Online Free PDF Page B

ones.”
    She decided not to mention Sharlyn’s impersonation of Ben. If she accused Daniel of being in cahoots with the medium for some unknown reason, it would only cause Paige more concern. Plus, she was unsure as to whether what she’d experienced tonight was really a gift, as Daniel put it, or something not to be dallied with. Her nerves continued to ripple beneath her skin. Although Miss Dark had tugged her earlobe the same way Ben always did, her voice hadn’t sounded anything like his. A good night’s sleep would most likely help put the evening into perspective.
    “Has Daniel ever mentioned that Miss Dark is blind?” she asked.
    Paige was shocked. “No. Never. Is she?”
    “I think so.”
    “You think? You’re not sure?”
    Briony remembered the way the beautiful woman had stared into her eyes as if she could see deep into her soul. She answered Paige’s question with a question. “What purpose would she have for faking blindness?”
    Paige shrugged. “Sounds like a night you’ll never forget. You must be exhausted. I’m sorry I forced you to go.”
    “It’s all right, but I am ready for bed. Getting up early this morning and traveling has caught up with me.”
    “Let me show you to your room. Mark moved your luggage upstairs already.”
    “That was nice of him.” Briony wrapped her arm around Paige’s waist and they started up the steps side-by-side. When they reached the guest room, Paige whispered, “I nearly forgot.”
    She gently shoved Briony into the room and then closed the door behind them. “I don’t want to wake Mark and the baby.” Her face broke into a wide smile. “Your detective phoned here tonight. He’d called your house, and your mother gave him my number. I took a message.” She withdrew a slip of paper from the pocket of her dress and handed it to Briony.
    Blood surged through her veins like a speeding train. “John called here?” She could hardly believe it. After three weeks of worrying and wondering if he was sick, dead, or simply not interested anymore, he’d gone to the trouble of tracking her down! That meant the world and more.
    Paige had taken the message, so she’d heard his voice and knew what he’d said. She stood before her friend grinning like a satisfied cat that had licked up a full bowl of warm milk.
    Briony opened the paper and skimmed the note. “John profusely apologizes for not having phoned before now, but he’s had laryngitis!” She chuckled, and a sense of relief swelled her breast to know he wasn’t hurt and he still cared about her. Her jaw dropped open when she read the next line. “He’s taking time off and is planning a visit!”
    “It’s about time,” Paige said. “You’ve been far more patient than I would have been.”
    “It’s been the longest three months. He wants me to call him tomorrow to confirm that I still want him to come, and then he’ll make arrangements.” She pressed the paper to her chest and forced a rising squeal back down her throat. Paige wouldn’t be pleased if she woke the baby.
    “I take it you still want him to visit.”
    “You bet. He’s all I’ve been thinking about since I came home from Maine.”
    “I’m happy for you,” Paige said. “I can’t wait for you to speak to him tomorrow.” She hugged Briony. “I’ll let you get to bed now so you can dream about John. Thank you again for going with Daniel tonight. Good night. Hope you sleep well.”
    “I have a feeling I won’t sleep at all now.” She smiled. “Good night.” She closed the door and stared at the note in her hand. Picturing John’s rugged face, her body heated like a flame at the remembrance of the kisses they’d shared. Her skin prickled with excitement. He was coming to see her!
    ~ * ~
    The next morning, she woke to rapping on the bedroom door. “Come in.” She rose onto her elbows and rubbed her knuckles over her eyes.
    The door opened. Paige’s face was twisted into a frantic mask. “Amanda’s running a high