Ghost of a Chance (30 page)

Authors: Katie MacAlister

Tags: #humor, #paranormal, #funny, #katie macalister, #paranormal adventure and mystery

BOOK: Ghost of a Chance

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The sun was shining brightly two weeks
later. The sky was blue, the birds sang happily, people on the
streets outside the building that was the local head-quarters of
the Akashic League paraded up and down the streets, enjoying the
warmth of a sunny summer day.

“Stupid bright sun,” I muttered to myself as
I jogged down the steps to the sidewalk. “Stupid singing birds.
Stupid happy people.”

“Man, she’s really cranky. Is she going to
be like that all day? If she is, someone had better book another
appointment with my therapist, because it’s sure to traumatize
me.”

I gritted my teeth at Pixie’s cheerful voice
and stomped my way down the sidewalk to the parking lot, trying
desperately to ignore the voices of the three people following
me.

“Pixie, my dear, you’re just going to have
to get used to Karma’s little ways. It won’t be easy, but I’m
confident you can do it.”

“Tortured,” I heard Pixie say.

“Eh?” my father asked.

“It’s
Tortured
Pixie. I told that you
before the trial.
Deus
, do you have Alzheimer’s or
something?”

“No, but I do have an itchy sweet tooth, and
I see an ice cream place. Want some?” Dad asked in unusually good
humor.

“OK, but you’re buying.”

Dad shot Adam a meaningful look before
following Pixie into an ice cream shop.

To my surprise, Adam looked intensely
uncomfortable. “I think this is the point where I’m supposed to ask
you out.”

His declaration startled me out of my blue
funk for a few seconds. “Oh, please—I’m not in the market, and
besides, I didn’t think you were… er… free.”

“Nita isn’t my girlfriend, if that’s what
you’re thinking.” He made a wry face. “She was a few years ago, but
the relationship more or less fizzled out with me gone so much of
the year. We’re now what is ubiquitously referred to as ‘just good
friends.’ ”

“Ah. Well… I’m not looking for a romantic
relationship, not that you’re offering one. Just… er… so you
know.”

He nodded, resignation evident in his face
for the few moments it took to walk to my car.

“Oh, come on, Karma, you should be
celebrating,” he suddenly said in a disgustingly cheerful tone.

I glared at him as I unlocked the door.
“Celebrating? I was looking forward to a nice quiet jail cell,
where I could spend my time reading and making license plates, and
not having to work for the Akashic League anymore.
You
can
celebrate; you’re sitting pretty with the League confirming your
ownership of the house. But for me…
double wergeld
, Adam.
Double wergeld is unprecedented in the League! It’s never been
bound to anyone before!”

Tiny little laugh lines appeared next to his
eyes. “Yes, but you’re free. And I know the involuntary
manslaughter verdict rankles, but it’s a hell of a lot better than
murder. So they slapped another wergeld on you; it’s not like
you’re unused to it.”

I looked upward for a moment, praying for
patience. “Oh, no, it’s not a big deal. It just means I am going to
be at the beck and call of the League for the rest of my life. I
get to spend long, endless years doing whatever they demand.”

“Ah, but you won’t be alone during those
long, endless years.” The laughter in his voice was rich.

I banged my forehead a couple of times on
the roof of the car. “I was sure the League home would take Pixie
back. I never thought they’d insist that she stay where she is… I
killed my husband, for Pete’s sake! I can’t be a good model for an
impressionable girl to be around!”

Adam laughed at the sob that accompanied my
words, his hand warm on my shoulder as he gave it a sympathetic
squeeze. “They seem to think your experiences make you the perfect
person to handle Pixie. I have every confidence that you’ll handle
both Pixie and the double wergeld with aplomb. Besides, I’ll be
here to help when you need it.”

“I have a horrible feeling you’re going to
regret uttering those words,” I said, straightening up to rub my
abused forehead. Despite my glum warning, I felt a little spike of
hope. I’d coped with a lot in my life… How much trouble could one
teen and jobs every now and again for the League be?

Famous last words, people. Famous last
words.

ABOUT THE
AUTHOR

For as long as she can remember, Katie MacAlister has
loved reading. Growing up in a family where a weekly visit to the
library was a given, Katie spent much of her time with her nose
buried in a book.

Two years after she started writing novels, Katie
sold her first romance,
Noble Intentions
. More than fifty
books later, her novels have been translated into numerous
languages, been recorded as audiobooks, received several awards,
and have been regulars on the
New York Times
,
USA
Today
, and
Publishers Weekly
bestseller lists. Katie
lives in the Pacific Northwest with two dogs and a cat, and can
often be found lurking around online.

You are welcome to join Katie’s official discussion
group on Facebook, as well as connect with her via Twitter,
Goodreads, and Instagram. For more information, visit:

Official website

Official Facebook
page

Official
discussion group

Katie does
Twitter

Instagram
Katie

Goodreads
Katie

OTHER BOOKS BY KATIE
MACALISTER

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EVEN
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