The Silent Ghost Read Online Free PDF Page A

convinced of Tanisha Costello’s motives. Card or no card, she still might not have called. She’d arrived at Tanisha’s doorstep at nine-thirty, a somewhat reasonable hour on a Saturday, hoping to catch the journalist off guard. Noting Tanisha’s hesitance and disheveled appearance, a thought occurred to her. “Of course, if you’re not alone, I could come back later or even tomorrow.”
    In answer, Tanisha opened the door wider. “You’re here now. You might as well come in.”
    Kelly entered the apartment, standing awkwardly by the closed front door. Her eyes scanned the place for any signs of ghosts, but even Granny wasn’t present. She’d disappeared as soon as Kelly pressed the downstairs buzzer.
    The apartment was a huge loft with exposed brick on two main walls, hardwood floors, and large windows. It was partitioned into living, dining, and sleeping areas with tasteful rugs and well-positioned furniture. To the right of the door was a kitchen area with the latest appliances and a long counter separating it from the rest of the loft. On the far end, in front of one of the brick walls, a king-sized platform bed with a leather headboard stood sentry next to a wide double door, opened to reveal a dressing area and bathroom. To the left of the front door, in a corner, a large L-shaped desk was set up, designating a home office. It was covered with files and papers. Next to it, hung on the wall, was a large cork bulletin board with notes of various sizes and colors tacked to it, along with some photos. The entire loft was furnished in a chic blend of modern and antique furniture, with an unfussy décor of rich earth tones and the occasional burst of color.
    Tanisha studied Kelly, hands on hips as if still trying to decide whether to let her stay or throw her out. “How did you find where I live?” she asked. “I don’t give out my home address and this place isn’t in my name.”
    “This is a really nice loft,” Kelly observed, avoiding the question. She stepped further into the apartment and looked out one of the large windows. It provided a great view. “I didn’t realize budding journalists fresh out of Columbia were paid this well.” She turned to look at her hostess. “Or are youloft-sitting?”
    “You’re not the only one in the room with a rich daddy.” Tanisha indicated for Kelly to take a seat on the sofa, a trendy sectional in a dark brick red covered with throw pillows in an African-inspired print.
    “Would you like some coffee?” Tanisha offered, having recovered from Kelly’s surprise visit. “I just made a pot.”
    “Sure. Thanks.” Kelly took a seat on the sofa.
    “I’m guessing you take milk and sugar.”
    Kelly nodded. “Just one spoon of sugar.”
    Tanisha poured coffee into two large, dark orange mugs, adding milk to both, sugar to one. While she waited, Kelly examined the books and knickknacks on the coffee table.
    “If you know about Columbia,” Tanisha said, handing Kelly the mug with both milk and sugar, “you did your homework. You just didn’t search deep enough. I hope you’re not planning on being a journalist, because digging deep is what it’s all about.” She took a seat on the opposite side of the sectional.
    With her free hand, Kelly held up one of the books from the coffee table. It was a large novel with a dark, brooding cover. “Your father is Gino Costello, the big-time crime novelist?”
    “Guilty.”
    “Phil, my mom’s boyfriend, loves his stuff.” She put the book down. “I just bought one of your dad’s books for him for his birthday.” Kelly leaned forward, somewhat relieved. “So you know what it’s like, being the kid of someone famous.”
    Tanisha offered up a half laugh. “Well, not like you. People don’t pay any attention to the families of writers. Most folks couldn’t pick my dad out of a crowd, even though they’ve read all his books. So it’s pretty easy for me to slip under the radar. But I do understand your