Sword Play Read Online Free PDF Page B

too.” I nodded at Ashley. “They freak me out.”
    “Since when?” Amy asked suspiciously. She knew me too well, and probably remembered the pet spider I’d named Charlie.
    I brushed my hand across my forearm. “It’s gone now.”
    And so was Kip. Thank goodness! If he showed up again, I’d have to have a serious girl-to-ghost talk and tell him firmly to stay away.
    Before Amy could ask any more questions, I faked a yawn and said I was going to bed. Once in my room, I sank wearily on my bed.
    What a night! Moving back home had been a mistake.
    Like old Ebeneezer, I was being haunted by ghosts of the past. Not-so-dearly-departed Kip wanted my help, my ex-teacher wanted to help me, and my very presence had terrified a young girl. I hadn’t even been back a full day and the past was dragging me down like a heavy chain, tightening its grip around me.
    I glanced over at my suitcase, still unpacked, and wished I had the courage to leave before it was too late.
    Or was it already too late?
    I could understand Leanna disliking me, but her terror was beyond normal. Why would she be afraid of me? Did she think I was into black magic or part of a satanic cult? Did she believe all the exaggerated rumors about me after her brother died? Did she think I caused his death?
    Or maybe her fear was about something else entirely. Kip had asked me to help an unknown girl. Did he mean Leanna? Was she in some kind of trouble?
    My sisters would know. I could count on Amy to tell me anything, but I wasn’t so sure about Ashley. Would she be more loyal to her friend or her big sister? I was afraid to find out.
    Before moving in with Nona, I’d been close to both of my sisters. More of a second mother since Mom was busy with society commitments and scheduling the twins’ singing and dancing lessons. Unfortunately, Mom never scheduled any “fun” time. So I took the girls to movies, played games, and had gossip sessions in our tree house. But when I moved out, we drifted apart.
    Sighing, I sat up on my bed, catching my reflection in my dresser mirror. I still looked the same: green eyes, slim shape (not enough shape up top, much to my dismay), and long blond hair with a black streak. The black mark of a seer seemed darker and wider; a dividing line separating me from my family. And I longed for the easy friendship I used to have with my sisters.
    Past Halloweens the three of us celebrated our traditional “Homemade Halloween.” After movies and popcorn, we’d gather in my room and exchange Halloween gifts. This secret exchange started a few years ago when I found a vintage copy of Nancy Drew, The Sign of the Twisted Candles, at a yard sale and gave it to Amy on Halloween. Ashley wanted to know if I had a gift for her, too.
    Thinking fast, I went into my room, found a ball of rainbow colored yarn and quickly crocheted a chain bracelet. To my surprise, Ashley loved the simple bracelet. On the next Halloween, the girls wanted to exchange gifts again. I agreed but added a rule that only “homemade” gifts were allowed and it had to be a secret.
    Of course this year, the tradition was over.
    There was a tap at my door. It was Amy.
    “So what made you gasp?” Amy demanded as she plopped beside me on the bed.
    “I told you—I saw a spider.”
    “Since when are you scared of little spiders?”
    “It wasn’t little, it was huge.”
    “I didn’t see it.”
    “I swatted it away.”
    Amy shook her dark head. “You’re lying.”
    “How can you accuse me of such a thing?” I tried to sound outraged.
    “I read enough mysteries to know how to tell when someone isn’t telling the truth. You didn’t meet my eyes and your voice got squeaky. I don’t have to be as good as Nancy Drew to know you’re hiding something.”
    “Nancy could learn something from you,” I said with a rueful smile.
    “I knew you wouldn’t panic over a spider. You looked like you saw a ghost.”
    I paused. “I did.”
    “Really?” she asked. “So what’s