The Straight Crimes Read Online Free PDF Page A

too.”
    Harper felt her nerves take over and decided to change the subject. "Hey Nik, look." Harper pointed at one of the tents and an old wooden sign with blood red lettering on it that read ‘Psychic’.
    "That’s Brielle Holloway. She’s sets up a tent every year.”
    "Does she live here?”
    "Yeah, just a few blocks from the pier, in the old Alvarado House.”
    "What's that?"
    “The murder house.”
    “Really?”
    "The former owner went crazy and murdered her family before killing herself. Since then, a lot of strange incidents have occurred.”
    “Like what?”
    “Piano music playing in the middle of the night, screaming, and all kinds of eerie sounds. That’s if you believe in ghosts and all that junk."
    "You don’t?” she asked.
    “It’s hard to believe in something you can’t see.”
    “I know, but sometimes you’ve just gotta take a leap of faith.”
    “I guess you’re right.”
    “I take it you’ve never spoken to her.”
    "Never.”
    “Do you know anyone who has?”
    “No. She charges sixty bucks a session.”
    "Damn," Harper swore. "That's a lot."
    "You’d actually wanna go?”
    "Don’t look at me like I’m crazy. I’d love to, but I ain’t got that kind of money. Oh well, maybe someday.”
    "Would you settle on riding the Ferris wheel with me instead?" Nik asked.
    “Really?”
    “Yeah, why not?”
    “I seem to remember you sayin’ rides were for kids.”
    “I lied.” He smiled. “It’s the best part of a carnival.”
    “So you were too afraid to tell me you still like kiddie rides?”
    “It’s not just about the fun. It’s all about the views you can see from up there.”
    “Yeah, right.”
    “You aren’t gonna make me ride alone, are you?”
    Harper grinned. “’Course not.”
     
    As they waited in line, Harper watched Nik reach for her hand. Then she noticed a couple of people staring and quickly pulled away.
    For a moment, she wondered if he’d only accidently brushed it. While they ascended in the carriage, she secretly wished he’d try again so she knew for certain. Despite her fears, the warmth of his skin felt exhilarating.
    They made their way to the very top of the Ferris wheel, overlooking the entire town. The cool breeze wafted off the water and across their timid bodies.
    Harper noticed the way the lights flashed against Nik’s attractive face as he looked out at the lake. He was breathtaking. It took every ounce of her civility to keep from reaching across the seat and placing her mouth on his big, soft lips.
    Nik glanced at Harper and caught her gazing at him.
    It was obvious she was embarrassed as she quickly looked away.
    “You like the view?”
    “The view?” she asked, confused as to which one he was referring to. Harper’s face immediately turned red.
    Nik flashed a smile to ease the tension. “You can see everything from up here.”
    “You’re right,” she said, feeling relieved he hadn’t called her out. “The lighthouse still looks tall up here.”
    “It is.”
    “Climbin’ to the top is probably a good workout, huh?”
    “Yeah, sometimes I run up the stairs. You’ll have to come with me and check it out sometime.”
    “I’d like that, especially when it’s stormin’ like you said.”
    “Just let me know when.”
    Harper pointed down. “I like the marina and all those ships too. Do y’all ever go boatin’?”
    “When I was younger we did. My parents have a speed boat we’d take on the smaller lakes up and down the coast.”
    “Did y’all ever ride on Lake Michigan?”
    “No, the waves are too strong for our tiny boat, but I’ve been across it on a ferry once.”
    “Really, when?”
    “It was a few years ago. I was headed to Wisconsin to visit my uncles, Jimmy and Robbie, for the summer.”
    “Sounds more fun than drivin’. I’ve never been on one of those big ships.”
    “You’ve gotta try it. Most of the way I kicked back with my eyes shut, letting the sun beat down on me. After that got boring, I’d write