Spirited Away Read Online Free PDF Page A

wooden, medieval shield in use as a hearth screen.
    She set her site kit on the floor and walked to the shield. She skimmed her hands over the aged wood and steel straps. It measured at least six inches thick and was painted yellow, with a black and green mystical creature rampant in the center. The animal, whose origin Andi didn't recognize, had a sapphire-colored eye. She turned and smiled at Jameson, her waterlogged state forgotten.
    "Dragonhawk's crest, right? Is this dated?" She fingered the creature.
    "Yes, my lady." The old steward beamed, unable to hide the pride in his voice. He cleared his throat.
    "Thirteenth century, I do believe." He glanced around the room, then walked across the hardwood floor to a small door. "The lavatory, Dr. Monroe." He took a step inside, pulled back the curtain on the tub, then stepped back out. "Everything you need should be here." Jameson gave her a somber look. "I do apologize for tonight's events, Dr. Monroe. I hope these facilities suit you."
    Andi reassured him with a pat on the shoulder. "Jameson, I'm used to staying in a tent during an excavation." She looked around the room and felt another ping of excitement. "This is way more than I expected. And don't worry. I'm quite used to the he/she mix-up. And no excuse for myself—
    I'm sorry for being rude earlier." She gave a lopsided grin. "I suppose I should check on the guard at the front gate. I sort of ... pushed my way through."
    "Not to worry, my lady. Will is a sturdy lad. He'll be fine." Jameson gave Andi a low bow, then stood and straightened his already-straight suit coat. "Have your bath and then hasten down to the kitchens for a late supper." Turning on his heel, he walked out of the chambers, pulling the heavy oak door behind him.
    Andi looked around the room and shook her head. Walking over to the window, she threw open the sturdy wooden shutter. While she'd expected the tangy balm of fresh air, she was instead met with double-paned glass. Funny—while a good portion of the castle had been modernized, a greater portion hadn't. It fascinated her. She flipped the twin latches at the bottom and shoved the glass up.
    The rain had slowed to a light sprinkle, and a moistened, mid-June sea breeze wafted in. The briny air washed over her, comforted her. What good fortune she had, being selected for such a fantastic job. Thanks, Kirk. Had it not been for his connections with the coroner, another private firm might have been chosen.
    Smiling to herself, she grabbed some dry clothes from her bag, along with her toiletries, and stepped into the bathroom. God, this was great! She could hardly wait to get started. After the initial inspection of the site in the morning, she'd get a lift into the village and start with a verbal investigation. She wanted to know more about the legend of the missing knights before laying out the grid. There was a great chance the two could be connected.
    Her stomach rumbled—loud. The pack of digestives pilfered from the mess tent in Northumberland had long ago worn off. She was starving. Ooh, fish 'n' chips. A craving to visit one of the chip shops in the village tweaked her stomach. Steaming batter-fried haddock, a heap of fried chips smothered in vinegar and brown sauce all wrapped up in thick, white paper ... yum.
    With a spring in her step she set to her task, anxious to meet Jameson in the kitchens and, not only eat, but ask a few questions about the lords of Dreadmoor, past and present—
    "What?" Andi peered around the doorjamb. Hadn't someone just spoken? "Hello?" Her gaze crossed the empty chamber. With a shake of her head, she ducked back into the doorway. On second thought, she flipped the lock.
    Either she was going crazy, or she'd just heard another whisper. It was the same message from earlier.
    Save them.
    Chapter Three
    Tristan materialized in front of his man at the bottom step in the great hall. Jameson, damn his arse, gave him a deep, scolding frown.
    One gray eyebrow lifted. "Have