Read an excerpt . . .
“We talked about all the upgrades and improvements I want to make to the house. She’s fully on board. Speaking of Aunt Issy”—Drew clasped his hands together— “since the girls are spending Halloween with their mom . . .”
Hope’s shoulders sagged at the reminder that her plans had blown up. She’d been looking forward to taking Ethan’s daughters, Becca and Molly, trick-or-treating. She also had a container of beef stew in the refrigerator waiting to be reheated and served from a pumpkin-shaped tureen before they all ventured out in the dark, chilly night to go door to door in the neighborhood and then on Main Street. But Ethan’s ex-wife, who was now out of rehab, had other plans, and they included Becca and Molly.
“I’m wondering if you’d like to help me hand out candy at Osbon House? Aunt Issy hasn’t been feeling well this week, and this morning her doctor put her on bed rest for a few days. How about it? Are you in?” He pressed his palms together and gave her a pleading look. “I could use the help.”
“Hmm . . . handing out candy on Halloween in a haunted house?” A smile stretched across Hope’s face at the prospect, even though she didn’t believe in ghosts. It would be fun scaring the bejeebers out of the little trick-or-treaters. “Heck, yeah, I’m in!”
“Thank you, thank you, thank you.” He clapped his hands in victory. “My mom is going to a séance—”
“Your mother? A séance?” Hope wasn’t sure if she had heard correctly.
“I’m not even asking her why. Heaven help the ghost who gets summoned. Anyway, my cousins have plans so they can’t pitch in. We’ll be going nonstop once the sun sets.”
Hope didn’t doubt that claim. Since moving out of Fenn House, Issy’s home for decades had been a stately Victorian set at the edge of Main Street. Its spooky reputation stemmed from a murder-suicide a century ago. Each decade, the tale grew bigger and drew curiosity seekers hoping for a paranormal encounter, especially on H
alloween.
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