The Lingering Dead Read Online Free PDF Page B

Rebecca’s crossed legs. “Put your legs down. Ladies do not sit like that.”
    She immediately unfolded them and let her feet dangle toward the floor. “Oh, of course. Sorry.” Rebecca stared at the package in Charlie’s lap. “Open it, already!” She giggled. “This is so exciting.”
    Charlie smiled. It was just like it had been, that sunny fall day in 1896, when her father had brought home a similar package, wrapped in paper and twine, and both of them had sat in nervous anticipation on the living room sofa, watching him undo the twine and pull the secret surprise from the paper. Only it had not been much of a surprise at that point, having become something of an annual, family tradition.
    The twine sprang loose from its tightly wound bow and Charlie pulled it off, carefully unfolding the paper to reveal the tissue-wrapped contents. It was a polished wooden box, about half the size of an ordinary shoebox, delicately inlaid and hand-painted on top with a scene of two young girls running through a meadow, carefree and hand in hand.
    â€œOh, Charlie! It’s so pretty. What is it?”
    She lifted the lid, the hinges inside bringing up the painted porcelain figurine of the two girls from the painting, posed together in a dance. Charlie reached down and turned the delicate, golden key on the side, winding up the music box to play.
    â€œIt’s us,” she said. “Old Man Wilkens makes them. He’s a woodworker, and quite good actually. His papa taught him all he knows, and he was the best in the world.” Classical music chimed away as the two figures turned in unison, and Charlie handed it to Rebecca. “Here. You can add it to our collection.”
    Rebecca gingerly took the box into her lap. “Our collection?” She stared lovingly at the gift, uncomprehending for a moment, but then her eyes widened with realization and she looked across the room at the mahogany curios cabinet in the corner, the glass shelves inside filled with similar boxes. “Oh! We collect them.” She nodded as if in complete understanding. “Of course. How wonderful. Charlie, it’s beautiful. Thank you.” Her arms reached out and embraced Charlie, squeezing her tightly. “I love you so much.”
    Charlie closed her eyes and breathed in the sweet scent of her hair. Yes, things were all coming together so well. It was all so perfect, like it had once been and would be again. “I love you, too, Becca.” She pulled back and kissed Rebecca, taking the blade from her pocket and grasping her hand. “Sisters forever and always?”
    Rebecca stared lovingly at Charlie. Her smile could not get any bigger. “Forever and always, Sis.” She turned her palm over in Charlie’s hand, offering it to her without thought.
    The blade delicately scored Rebecca’s palm and Charlie brought it to her mouth, sucking at the blood that welled forth. She could taste the love in that energy that filled her, and a part of her wanted to keep drinking until the last of that feeling filled every part of her and every last drop of blood was gone.
    Then the cold touch of the dead brushed across her. Charlie traced her tongue over the wound, sealing the skin, and dropped Rebecca’s hand. Someone was approaching. Someone strong with the energy of the dead, a feeling she had not felt in over a hundred years.
    â€œCharlie?” Rebecca’s smile faded. “What’s the matter?”
    Her stomach knotted in panic, and Charlie leaped to her feet. “I just remembered something. I need to go.”
    She groaned. “Oh, but why?”
    â€œStay here!” She took Rebecca’s face in her hands, eyes aglow with power. “Do not leave the house or even open the door until I get back.”
    She nodded. “OK. What’s wrong, Charlie?”
    â€œNothing. Just stay in the house and do not answer the door if anyone comes.”
    Charlie