Page 18 of Edge of Wonder

“That sounds like a lot of pressure for a young kid.”

“It was, and I didn’t handle it well, sneaking off whenever I could. Which only made the situation worse. My family must have hated me. But I wanted to travel and make a name for myself as a ghost hunter, not follow some predestined script.” He stopped, realizing the grip on his mug was too tight. Flexing his fingers, he eyed the exits before exhaling a breath. “I didn’t—no, I don’t—want to be tied down to anyone. Ever.”

“Present company excluded, of course.” I joked.

Sebastian tipped his mug in my direction. “Contrary to expectations, your company so far hasn’t been dreadful.”

I pressed a hand against my chest. “You flatter me, Sebastian. I can see why the ladies chase you through the streets. Thanks to you, I can die happy.” I smirked. “Oh wait, I’m already dead.”

Sebastian set his jaw, then drained his drink in one big gulp. “Enough about me. We need to focus on your unfinished business.”

“Right. The task at hand.” I secured the ribbon in my hair and tossed my wavy locks over my shoulder. “I’m looking forward to finding the man who’s in anguish over my demise. He’ll probably need a final love letter to help him come to terms. You’ll have to read it to him for me.”

Sebastian’s gaze snapped to mine. “Like hell, Alice! I’m not doing that.”

“It’s your job.”

His jaw clenched. “Forget it. He can go to his grave without it.”

My lips trembled, trying to keep in a laugh. “Then you’ll have two ghosts on your hands. I thought you said you were good at this.”

Sebastian shoved aside his half-empty bowl. “Historically speaking, when a mysterious death is involved, it’s always the significant other. If you had a lover, it’s far more likely he’s the culprit. He’s not wandering the moors reciting poetry.”

I folded my arms across my chest and gave him a weary look. “Wow. You might be the least romantic person who ever lived.”

“What can I say? It’s a gift.”

My eyes narrowed. “Did your parents not care for each other? Were you starved for love as a child?”

He signaled for another drink. “Your questions are borderline invasive. But don’t worry, I come from a very loving family. Even if they were uncompromising in my education and my future.”

“Then why are you so disbelieving in love and fate?”

He let out a dry laugh. “At first, it was probably an act of rebellion, but once I got out into the world, I realized the truth. Do you have any idea how much betrayal, loathing, and downright infidelity I see in my line of work? It’s a plague. One shining example doesn’t change facts.”

“So you choose quantity over quality?”

“No, I choose reality. And I have no intention of succumbing to a fatal attraction.” He looked desperately toward the bar, and when his drink wasn’t on its way, he settled for his own distraction. “Didn’t you mention something about a painting before we left? What was that about?”

“That’s right!” I clapped my hands together, his past taking a back seat to my more pressing issue. “I almost forgot. Last night, while you were getting your beauty sleep, I did some investigating, and I found a clue inside a painting.”

“What kind of clue?”

“In the background of Julian’s portrait, there’s a fancy key, and a necklace inscribed with my name. They have to be connected to my past.” My voice rose in excitement. “And the best part is I’m almost certain the painter saw me while he was in Julian’s cottage. He might know more. We have to find him.”

“Do you know his name?”

“No. But there can’t be that many artists in the village.”

“Well, considering it’s our only lead, it’s worth checking out.”

The barmaid returned with his drink, and he tossed a few coins onto the table. Sebastian held up an extra coin and signaled her closer.

“What can I do for you, handsome?”

“I need some information.”

“I got all kinds.”

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