The Sibyl Read Online Free PDF Page A

this really is a huge change for you.”
    “I’ve already signed the contract. I don’t
think I have too much of a choice now.” I squeezed his hand. “I may
not act like it, but I am grateful to you for this
opportunity.”
    “I know you are.” Elliot looked at the
elevator ahead of us. “Come on. Let’s go meet my old man and get
this over with.”
    
    I was speechless when Elliot opened the door
labeled 1013 and our new place was exposed. This wasn’t like my
little one bedroom place back in Georgia. The foyer was small, but
it opened up to a great room with floor-to-ceiling windows. The
furniture was modern; a mixture of greens and blues that worked
well to make the space seem inviting. I looked to Elliot who
grinned as he gestured for me to go explore my new
surroundings.
    I ran from room to room as if I were a kid
instead of a college graduate. The kitchen was just as modern as
the great room with appliances that gleamed beneath the recessed
lighting. There was a half bath fully stocked and three bedrooms
off the hallway. I was exploring the master bedroom when I heard
voices filtering down the hallway.
    “Eva’s in here somewhere, Dad. I thought she
should take a look around first.”
    “Indeed. I heard the meeting went well this
morning.”
    “It did. We’re both signed up and ready to
go.”
    I could hear footsteps against the wood
floors so I checked myself in the mirror. Hair was still in place.
Face was still put together. I took a breath, smiled, and stepped
out into the hallway. They were standing by the television and I
could see the family resemblance immediately. Both were tall. Both
dark and brooding. The only real difference I could see between
them was stature. Joseph Lancaster wore his power like a cloak.
Elliot was more casual, slouching despite the expensive suit that
fit him so well.
    “Hello.” I smiled and extended my hand. “Eva
McRayne. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Lancaster.”
    “Same.” Joseph Lancaster clasped my hand in
both of his and smiled. “I’ve heard much about you from my son. I’m
sure the two of you will do quite well at this little project of
yours.”
    “It’s not a project, Dad.” Elliot frowned as
his father released my hand. “We’re going to be doing serious
research for the show.”
    “Of course.” Joseph extended his arm for me
to take. “I hope to hear all about your meeting with Connor. And
you let me know if there is anything you need. My son is quite
independent, so I’m counting on you to contact me, Ms.
McRayne.”
    I looked back to Elliot as we left the condo
and noted how dark his features had become as Joseph led us out of
the building. I wanted to ask him what was wrong. I had questions
about why he was so different when his father was around. But I
couldn’t ask them. Not here. Not now.
    Instead, I let myself get swept up by Joseph
Lancaster as he talked about the television business. Life in Los
Angeles. Everything but the son who sat quietly in the
background.
    ***
    Our lunch date with Joseph went surprisingly
well. We made small talk through most of it, giving Joseph all the
details of the meeting. It wasn’t until Elliot excused himself to
go to the bathroom that Joseph asked me the question no one else
had bothered to concern themselves with.
    “Eva, surely you don’t believe in this
nonsense. Elliot has always been,” He paused long enough to sip on
his wine. “Curious about the afterlife.”
    “No.” I tilted my head to the side as I kept
an eye out for Elliot’s return. “I don’t believe in ghosts and
ghouls. Never have.”
    “Then why are you here? Fame and
fortune?”
    “I don’t want to be famous. But the fortune?
I don’t expect to make a mint, Mr. Lancaster. But the money did
factor into my decision.”
    Joseph chuckled. “It always does. Tell me,
have you considered how your life is going to change if this
project takes off? You’ll be hounded by the paparazzi at every
step. Your life will no