HauntingMelodyStClaire by Ditter Kellen and Dawn Montgomery

Chapter One
     
    Golden light spilled over Haven, Texas. Melody stood at the
window and watched her hometown settle into its evening routine. One she’d
followed until the night of the fire. With her family gone and everything
burned to ash, it was almost impossible to put the pieces of her life back
together. She fingered the delicate chain of her grandmother’s necklace.
    The front door opened with a loud bang and Melody jumped.
She spun around and came face-to-face with a disheveled and smiling Kassa.
“Sorry about taking so long.” The homeowner carried a plastic laundry basket.
“I brought some necessities. Light bulbs. Some matches. Couldn’t find a
lighter, oddly enough.”
    Melody watched the woman move with a grace she envied. She
reached out and Kassa brushed by her. “I got it, honey.” She dropped the basket
on one of the draped pieces of furniture. Dust flew up in swirls and Kassa
coughed.
    The door banged shut and Melody jumped again. Her heart
slammed in her chest. “What was that?”
    Kassa grinned. “Resident ghost. He doesn’t like the door
being open.”
    Melody arched an eyebrow. Right. “More like the wind.” She
wrestled up a tentative smile. “It’s an incredible house. Are you sure you don’t
mind me staying here for a while?”
    Kassa waved a hand and the soft jingle of a dozen bracelets
punctuated the gesture. “It’s been in the family forever. This old thing might
as well get some use. Stay as long as you like.”
    Melody eyed the beautiful architecture of the home. It had
great bones. A little TLC and the place would shine. “Don’t tempt me.”
    Kassa dragged a sheet off a piece of furniture. The
high-backed chair was lovely but slightly faded. It was a beautiful mix of
delicate woodwork and comfort. Most of the furniture in this room seemed to be
designed that way. Kassa wiped her palms against her faded jeans. “Well, that
should be a good start. How did the first night go?”
    Melody’s hair lifted with a slight draft of air. She’d have
to find that leak before winter hit. “It went great.” You’re lying through
your teeth. It was another night without sleep. Every sound and creak of
the old house had set her nerves on edge. “You know, new house, new noises.”
She gripped the curved back of a well-worn chair. “Why is this house empty? I
mean it’s gorgeous. A bit drafty, but beautiful.”
    “That’s easy.” Kassa grinned and raised her hands toward the
ceiling. “It’s haunted.”
    “Haunted?” Heat rushed to her face. “You seriously believe
in ghosts?”
    Kassa’s expression turned sly. “Yep, I sure do. There’s one
particular spirit who keeps running off the living. I hear he’s quite the
heartbreaker.” She winked. “Feel free to check out the house. The attic has
some old family stuff I’m trying to sort through, but you’re welcome to roam
anywhere you like.”
    “Thank you.”
    “There are some cleaners and fresh linens in the basket as
well. Make this house yours.” She narrowed her eyes at Melody. “Just don’t
break anything.”
    Melody jerked back as though slapped. “What do you mean by
that?”
    “I’m sure you wouldn’t mean to. If you do, tell me
immediately so I can get it repaired.”
    Melody opened her mouth to ask more questions.
    Kassa waved. “I’ve gotta run. You know where I am if you
need me. Later, honey!”
    Melody barely raised her hand in return before Kassa was out
the door. She watched the eccentric young woman power down the sidewalk.
Ghosts? Running off the living, huh?
    A soft touch against her cheek startled her. She gazed
around the quiet room. A shiver ran down her spine.
    “There is no one here.” She forced her fingers to release
the old chair and strode across the elegant little sitting room. It was
probably a stray hair touching her face.
    She picked up the basket and hauled it to the kitchen. “I
don’t believe in ghosts.” Melody deposited her burden on the table and pulled
out the