Almost Midnight (Shadow Falls: After Dark #3.5)(114)

Fredericka nodded and glanced up. Calm flowed into her from Holiday’s touch and yet the realization that she had seen a ghost, actually seen her, spoke to her, brought on a fresh wave of panic. “So she’s really…?”

Holiday nodded.

“Damn!” Fredericka closed her eyes and concentrated on breathing and not freaking out. But how could she not freak out? She’d seen a ghost. Not just once but three times.

Holiday must have sensed her rising panic, because she put her other hand on top of Fredericka’s. “It’s okay.”

Fredericka opened her eyes. “What’s okay about this? Name one thing that’s okay about this.”

“I know it’s scary, Fredericka, but just think, you will be able to help her and her brother.”

“How?” Fredericka asked.

“Linda Hart needs to cross over. Usually they stay here for a reason. And her brother needs answers.” The fae lifted one brow. “Everyone needs answers.”

Even in her panicked state, Fredericka knew Holiday was referencing back to the envelope containing letters from her dad. As if Fredericka didn’t already have enough crap to worry about at this moment.

Holiday sighed. “Does she know she’s dead?”

“How would I know? I didn’t know she was a ghost so it’s not as if it came up in conversation.”

Holiday just smiled as if she had patience to spare. Something Fredericka completely lacked right now.

“Does she show signs of being injured?” the camp leader asked. “Does she have wounds?”

“No. She … looked fine.” Fredericka thought a minute. “She did look dressed for summer and not winter.”

Holiday nodded. “According to the paper she went missing six months ago. So that would make sense.”

Suddenly, Fredericka recalled seeing the police come to Brandon’s door. “They don’t think her brother did it, do they?”

“No.” Holiday looked down at the paper. “It says here that he didn’t come into town until a few months ago.” She leaned back, moving her hands from Fredericka’s. “Have you gotten a look at his pattern?”

Fredericka nodded and remembered that before she’d seen Linda again, it had been a subject she’d longed to discuss with the fae. “He’s around seventy-five percent human. He has were and then a smaller amount of fae.”

“Is he aware of this?”

“That’s what I wanted to ask you. I mean, he’s never said anything about being anything. But he has some of the were abilities. He has the sensitive hearing and is fast and strong. And I know it came from his grandmother because he mentioned she liked wolves. Is it possible that he still doesn’t know?”

“Very possible. Were blood is one of the most likely to go unnoticed. Anything less than half were and they usually don’t turn with the moon and their abilities ebb and flow with lunar cycles. A lot of humans who believe in the full-moon craziness are actually part were and don’t know it. Other than slightly elevated body temperatures, for some there are no obvious outward signs.”

Fredericka took a gulp of air and remembered how warm it felt to be close to him.

Holiday leaned in a bit. “You don’t think his grandmother told him anything?”

Fredericka shrugged. “He called her an odd duck.”

Holiday picked up a pen. “So maybe she told the family, but no one really believed her.”

Fredericka just nodded. “So I shouldn’t tell him?”

“No.” Holiday frowned. “However, it’s believed that just being around someone who shares the same type heritage will trigger a mixed breed into awareness. And if he was told by his grandmother, it’s very possible that he may see some truth in it.”

“Would that be so bad?” she asked.

Holiday hesitated. “It could be.” She rolled the pen in her hand as her frown deepened. “Which basically means that your working for him could bring about some complications. I know this means a lot to you, but are you sure that this is worth it?”

“Of course it is!” Fredericka answered quickly. “This is my dream. Please.”

“I…” Holiday set the pen down and hesitated as if contemplating. “I don’t want to rob you of your dream, Fredericka. But Mr. Cannon came by earlier and said he was concerned about you.”

Fredericka stiffened. So she’d been right. Cary had already started initiating her punishment. Her first impulse was to tell Holiday of Cary’s threat. But why? She’d believe him over the word of a rogue’s daughter every time.

“He explained that you just haven’t been yourself and your studies are slacking. I know hearing about your dad has probably upset you. I just don’t want you taking on more than you can handle.”

“I can handle it,” Fredericka snapped, and she would, just as soon as she figured out how to handle Cary. “And I told Brandon I would help him paint after school tomorrow.”

The concerned look didn’t fade from Holiday’s eyes. Had Cary told her that he thought Fredericka was interested in Brandon?

Holiday nodded. “I wouldn’t recommend getting too friendly with him.”

“I’ll be fine.”

“Even with the spirit?” Holiday asked.