Page 14 of Haunted Eclipse

“Seven o’clock?”

“See you then.” She pushed back her chair and stood up.

As I headed back to the shop, I thought about the possibility of making a trip to Whisper Hollow. The hair stood up on the back of my arm. It wasn’t exactly the most charming place to visit.

Once I returnedto my store, I called Brenda back. “So, tell me more about this dream.”

“We were out near a forest, and it was very dark. I’m not sure where we were. The woods were dense—the same type of woods we have around here, only they seemed go on and on. Little globes of light were floating through the trees, bouncing through the air. They reminded me of fireflies, only they were much larger. About the size of golf balls.

“There was snow on the ground, a lot of it, and we were trying to make our way back to a trail that we knew would lead us out of the forest. But we got lost. Everything got a little mixed up at that point. Suddenly, we were running, slogging through the snow trying to get away from some creature that was chasing us. Whatever it was, it was big and scary and smelled fetid. Then, you screamed for me to duck and I did. The next moment, I woke up in a cold sweat. Does that make any sense to you?” Her voice sounded shaky. I didn’t blame her, nightmares were rough.

“Do you have any idea of where we were?”

“I don’t know, but it wasn’t Midnight Point, and it wasn’t on the island. I think we were somewhere in the Olympics.” She sighed, then added, “I feel better for having told you.”

The Olympic National Forest ran across the whole Olympic peninsula. The towns bordering it—Port Townsend, Port Gamble, Port Angeles, Whisper Hollow, Forks, Aberdeen-Hoquiam, and Ocean Shores—encircled three sides of the national forest.

While Forks didn’t have sparkly vampires, unless they were wearing sequins, it and all of the other towns had soaked up theancient magic of the massive old-growth trees. The peninsula was filled with ghosts and creatures from other dimensions and ages unknown. A dark, feral energy permeated the entire area, and it kept out anyone who didn’t belong there.

“Let me think on it for a while,” I said. “Try not to worry. I’ll let you know if I come up with any insights. Meanwhile, I’m making some headway on your case. While I haven’t found the right person yet, I know what kind of man to look for. So try to focus on that. You know, positive things. And if you have any more dreams like that, let me know.”

“Before you go,” she said, “you also do readings and psychic investigations, correct?”

“Yes, I do. Why? Do you know someone who needs my help?”

Brenda paused, then said, “I actually might need more help than just finding a man. Last night, I could have sworn that was somebody in the house with me. I woke up feeling like someone was watching me, so I got up and looked around. The house was empty, but the feeling wouldn’t go away. After that, I took a sleeping aid and finally went back to sleep but then I had that dream. I don’t know if the incidents are connected, but I feel uneasy today.”

I frowned. It could be psychological. Now that she was actually looking for a new partner, she might be afraid, given her late husband was abusive.

“Keep an eye on things. Let me know if it continues. Maybe it’s the weather? I know that weather can affect a lot of things, including our moods.”

As we said goodbye, I realized thatmyentire mood had changed. I felt pensive, and as I glanced outside, it started to snow again. I walked over to the window. The sky shimmered with that silvery tint that accompanies snowstorms, and I had afeeling that the French toast warning was going to be an actual French toast emergency.

I spentthe afternoon doing some research. Starlight Williamswasactually a star witch, from an old family of star witches. She was married, with two children, but when I did some more research, I discovered that several other members of her family lived with her in Whisper Hollow, including two brothers and several cousins. They were part of the socially elite of the town, and I jotted down the names of everyone I could find.

I decided to close up early and go shopping before everybody flocked to the stores to stock up for the weekend. As I drove into the Canberry Market’s parking lot, I almost slid into another car, the slush was so slippery. Tonight would drop below freezing, and turn this entire lot into a skating rink by morning.

I parked as close as I could to the market, cautiously making my way up to the sidewalk which was covered by the awning. They had salted the walkway, so it was easier going. The falling snow was light and feathery, but it was already sticking.

The market was bustling as I grabbed my cart and headed for the dairy aisle. I filled my cart with eggs and milk, and several varieties of exotic cheeses that I wanted to try, as well as cheddar and mozzarella.

As I turned the corner to the meat aisle, I saw Stuart Waterline. He was looking over the steaks. Stuart had been my high school sweetheart, and he was the sheriff of Midnight Point. He looked almost the same as I remembered him—tall and wide-shouldered, with dark brown hair and hazel eyes.

“Stuart? Is that you?” I push my cart over to the beef section.

Stuart looked up from the steaks, his eyes widening when he saw me.

“Maisy? You have to be kidding me! I didn’t know you were back in town.” He set down the ribeye he had been examining, and held out his hands. I gave them a quick squeeze before letting go.

“I moved back a couple months ago.” I glanced at the meat. “So, any good specials?”

“I’m not even sure I knew where you’ve been all these years. I heard you got married, but that was about it. It’s been so many years!” A glint in his eyes told me he was glad to see me.

“I was living in Seattle,” I said. “And don’t talk aboutso many years. I’m not that old!”

I grinned, realizing I was truly glad to see him. He had always been polite, as well as a lot of fun. In fact, he had been my first. I lost my virginity to Stuart Waterline in the back of his Ford Mustang.

“You know you’ll always be eighteen to me, at least in my memory. What brings you back to Midnight Point? Are you here visiting your aunt?”

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