Haunted Ground Read Online Free PDF

estate.  This was the only home Brendan had ever known, and now he was being banished, possibly forever.  Jasper wouldn’t relinquish hold on the estate after getting a taste of power.  He wanted to be the undisputed master, and the best way to accomplish that was to get rid of his older brother once and for all.
    Jasper shrugged, turning his face to the fire.  “Go to mother’s kin.  They’ll take you in, if only for mother’s sake.  Uncle Caleb’s always had a soft spot for you on account of having no sons of his own.”  He turned as Meg entered the room once again, quiet as a mouse.  “Meg, draw a bath for Brendan,” he called out, signaling that the conversation was over.  Brendan rose to his feet and silently left the room.  He needed to think before he acted, and not do anything rash.  Jasper was his brother after all — his blood. 
    ***
    The water was steaming hot as Brendan shed his clothes and got in.  He’d talk to Jasper in the morning and get him to see sense.  He could just stay out of sight for a while and hide out on the estate.  There was no need to leave.  Jasper was just surprised by Brendan’s arrival and fearful for his position within the family.  If their father had truly signed over the estate to him, then there was nothing Brendan could do but accept Jasper as the heir.  They could both live off the estate.  God knew there was enough for a dozen men.  Brendan sank deeper into the water, enjoying a few moments of bliss before scrubbing the grime of the past few weeks away.
    “Brendan.”  Meg slipped into the room, quietly closing the door behind her and kneeling by the tub.  “I tried to tell you before, but didn’t get the chance.”
    “It’s all right, Meg.  We’ll work it out.”  Brendan tried to reassure her, but deep down, he wasn’t feeling very confident that Jasper would be willing to work anything out.  In this instance, he held all the cards.  “Why aren’t you at home with your children?” Brendan asked, surprised that Meg was still there.  At this time of the evening women were at home seeing to supper and preparing their children for bed. 
      “Brendan, I have to talk to you,” she whispered, watching the door with a look of naked fear in her eyes. 
    “What is it, Meg?  What’s happened?”  Brendan touched her face, needing to see her smile, but her lips were pursed and her eyes darted hither and thither as she began to soap his back.  “I have no proof, mind, but I believe father didn’t die of natural causes.  He was in robust health just days before he collapsed,” Meg whispered urgently.  “Jasper had father make out a deed naming him heir.  Father wouldn’t have done it, but he was so angry after you left, he was ripe for the picking, and Jasper was relentless in his campaign to become the heir.  Father died only a few days after the deed was signed.  I think Jasper had a hand in it,” she murmured.  “I wouldn’t put anything past him these days.”
    Brendan turned to face his sister, his mouth opening in a silent O of shock as her words sank in and took hold, painting his homecoming in a different light.  “Are you suggesting that Jasper killed him?” 
    “Was there anything to suggest that he had?” Brendan asked, his mind reeling.
    “About a week after Father died, I’d gone to see Old Bertha.  Remember her?”  Old Bertha had been called ‘Old’ for as long as anyone could remember, although she likely wasn’t older than fifty.  She was a wisewoman, skilled in the ways of healing and midwifery.  Everyone in the surrounding area came to Old Bertha for medicinal potions, love charms, and just good old advice.
    “The boys were running a fever and I went to fetch some willow bark.  We fell to talking and Bertha happened to mention that Jasper had been to see her recently.  Now, why would Jasper, who’s not been ill a day in his life, go to see Bertha? Hmm?”
    “What are you suggesting?”