Oxford Shadows Read Online Free PDF

baby’s born. He even knew it’s supposed to be a girl.”
    Silence bounced between the paneled walls. Staring back and forth between Jackson and Ollie, Madison took stock of their frozen expressions.
    “What did Rupert say?” Ollie shifted his glasses up his nose.
    Needles started prickling along Madison’s legs, and she uncrossed them in an attempt to halt the tingle in its tracks. “I haven’t yet told him in detail what happened.”
    Jackson sprang to his feet, causing her to jump. He began pacing the room, his muscular legs clad in well-fitting jeans. He might be a yoga addict, but most guys she knew wouldn’t take him on in a fight.
    “Did he even want to know the details?” His resentment for Rupert hadn’t gone away.
    “Don’t hold that against him. If someone’s to blame, it’s me.” Here we go again.
    “Stop, please. Both of you.” They turned toward Ollie. “We should concentrate on finding out more about this ghost. Madison, can you tell us anything specific about him? Does he have a name?”
    The pronoun “we” instilled warmth in Madison’s heart. This time around, she wouldn’t be alone.
    “Last night I had a dream. The same man with a young woman. I can only remember a few glimpses of what happened. Somewhere in Italy. Florence, I think.”
    Jackson remained stock still on the other side of the room. He was leaning against the wall, his arms crossed in front of his chest, staring at her.
    She shut her eyes and rummaged through her memories, calling upon the images buried in her subconscious. “He gave her a flower.” She squinted as if the gesture would help sharpen her memories. “A lily, he offered her a lily.”
    Neither man reacted, but she knew the lily was important. It mattered.
    “Shouldn’t you warn Rupert’s stepmother?” Ollie asked. “But what good will that do? She’ll think you’re crazy.”
    “No, don’t tell her. Not yet anyway.” Jackson straightened up. “We need to find out more about the man and why he appeared to Madison at that precise moment.” He checked his watch. “I have a class in half an hour, and I’m in London tomorrow. Let’s reconvene in two days, same time.” Pointing at Madison, he added, “If anything happens—and I mean anything—call me on my cell right away.”
    He chastised her as if she was a ten-year-old and she stood in reaction. Her gaze met his in a challenge. A challenge he ignored.
    “I’m leaving. Knock yourself out, guys. The fridge is yours in the meantime.” Jackson grabbed his jacket and keys and left.
    “He shouldn’t make that kind of offer. I’m starving and his housekeeper keeps the fridge full of yummy stuff, like Nutella.” Ollie loved Nutella. He came up on his feet. “Should we treat ourselves?”
    Ollie’s appetite was a fair match for hers, but where he hid the calories on his willowy frame remained unclear. Madison wanted to eat, but first she had a present for Ollie. She wasn’t sure if the moment was right. She wasn’t even sure the gift was appropriate.
    “There’s something I’d like to show you first.”

6

    WHAT DID YOU HIDE from Jackson this time, Maddie?”
    Ollie’s question pricked her ego. She wasn’t a naughty kid causing mischief.
    “It’s nothing to do with what we discussed.” She took a few steps toward her satchel that lay at the foot of the sofa and extracted a leather-bound volume. Holding it tightly against her chest, she fought off her last doubts and prayed for Ollie not to freak out. “I have a present for you.”
    The monoline of his eyebrows raised two notches on his forehead. She gestured toward the sofa and they both sat back down on it. Her hands lay flat on the front cover of the book.
    “I went through all the pictures I’ve taken since I arrived in Oxford.” She stalled. He stared at her, and his scrutiny prevented her from forming fully blown sentences. “I made … I made a selection”—she hesitated—“of pictures of her.”
    Ollie recoiled,