The Last Daughter (Tales of the Scrimshaw Doll) Read Online Free PDF

Maybe he’s just doing a good deed for a new neighbor. You are a new neighbor, you know.”
    The stranger nodded at her. “You from Louisiana?” he asked. When her eyes grew wide, he motioned to the Louisiana license plate on her car.
    “No, I’m from Louisiana and she’s from Texas.”
    “Trent, don’t lie to him!”
    “Why would he assume you’d drive a car instead of a truck?”
    Rayna shook her head and laughed. “Don’t mind him, and we’d appreciate you hauling off the trash. We wouldn’t know where to take it, would we, Trent, or even what day the garbage men come.”
    “Yeah you can have all the garbage you want. It’s all free. And there’ll be more next week and the week after. That is...if you’re doing a good deed for a new neighbor.”
    The guy nodded again and heaved the remainder of the black bags into his truck.
    “You go help him,” Rayna whispered. “And be nice.”
    Trent winked at her and did as he was told.
    ****
    Late evening they were still sorting, listing, filing, and researching. Rayna stood and stretched her back. “This is pretty tedious work.”
    “Don’t think you’re getting paid enough?” Trent teased.
    “I’m not complaining. My payment will be when I find something else that links me to this place.”
    “What do you mean something else? What links you?”
    Her hand flew to her chest, and she turned her back to him. “I meant something other than my strong feeling.”
    “No, I think you found something. In your room? What was it?”
    She shrugged. “There was a comb and brush set in the dresser drawer. I got a flash of a woman brushing her long hair, but I couldn’t see her face so...I’m not sure that counts as anything really.”
    “Of course it counts if you’re having flashes of memory. That’s great. But what if that’s all you ever get—just flashes?”
    She was shaking her head before he even completed his sentence. “I’ll get more. I’ll find something.”
    “And if you don’t?”
    “I will.”
    “But if you don’t?” he challenged.
    “Why are you being so negative? I know I will. I can feel it.” She stood in the middle of the room.
    “Are you doing your all-encompassing circle dance again?”
    She laughed and held out her arms, turned slowly in a circle. “I know you think it’s silly but I can really feel it, Trent. I’ve lived in this house. I don’t know when or for how long, but I know it for certain. And I know I’m not manufacturing these vibes.”
    He grinned. “Good, I’m glad.”
    “Why?”
    “I think those vibes are because you enjoy having me as a roomie.”
    “Aw, Trent.” She laughed, crossed the room, and kissed him on the cheek. It was an affectionate you’re-a-great-pal type kiss, but when she saw the intense look on his face she regretted doing it. His eyes darkened, grew serious. She was certain he was going to speak, say something he couldn’t take back. Too soon. Too soon. Not yet . Feeling anxious, confused, she turned away from him and pointed to the wall paper.
    “So what’s the plan for those huge green and brown leaves? Got one?”
    He cleared his throat and moved away from her. “If you see a good place for a tight finger grip, start tearing. I’ve been wondering what’s underneath that hideous design.”
    “Seriously?” she asked. When he nodded, Rayna moved to a window and studied the yellowed paper closely. Within seconds, she’d worried a corner loose and tore it away. “Another hideous design,” she said. “My goodness.” She busied herself along the window frame. “Trent, we’re going to have to rent a steamer. There are at least three different wall papers and could be more. Come see this.”
    Trent joined her, watched her tear until a third one was visible.
    “See. That one’s ancient—and sealed tight.”
    He shrugged. “I think we can probably use some warm water and wallpaper removal solvent to get this one off. Might be a good change of pace.”
    “Yeah, a