Moonlight Mile by Catherine Hapka Page A

be physically fearless when trying new things, and she’d come off often enough to get over any fear of falling she might have had.
    But this was different. Breezy never stumbles, shethought uneasily. Isn’t it kind of strange that he did—just when I was thinking how perfect he was? Just when I was convincing myself that the whole Serena thing was a figment of my imagination?
    â€œDo you want me to call the stable?” Jordan still had her phone in her hand. “Or should I get off and hold him while you catch your breath?”
    â€œNo, I’m good.” Nina checked her girth, then walked Breezy a few steps to make sure he really was okay. He seemed fine, so she swung back into the saddle. She forced a smile as she glanced over at Jordan. “I’ll just tell Great-Aunt Serena not to let it happen again,” she quipped.
    Jordan gasped. “Do you think Serena had something to do with this?” She didn’t give Nina a chance to respond. “Of course she did! Duh, I totally should’ve realized it myself. Oh, Nina—this is getting really scary now! What are you going to do?”
    â€œDo?” Nina gave Breezy a nudge to start him walking. “I’m going to finish this trail ride, that’s what I’m going to do.”
    â€œNo, I’m serious!” Jordan urged her horse forward tocatch up. “You have to do something about this Serena situation before it gets even worse. I mean, you could be in danger, you know?”
    Nina rolled her eyes, trying not to shiver at her friend’s words. “What am I supposed to do? Call someone in to do an exorcism?”
    â€œMaybe,” Jordan replied seriously. “Or maybe you need to look into this whole voodoo thing, you know? Maybe there’s someone who could help you, like, banish Serena’s evil spirit or something.”
    Nina rolled her eyes again. “Please.”
    â€œNo, listen, this could seriously work.” Jordan stared at her. “If voodoo is what’s giving Serena the power to hurt you, maybe you need to fight fire with fire!”
    â€œLet’s not get crazy here,” Nina said firmly. “I’m not hurt, okay? And I’m pretty sure the whole Serena thing is all in my head.”
    Jordan cocked her head. “ Pretty sure?”
    â€œTotally sure,” Nina corrected. “Anyway, like I was saying, I just found out she’s buried in St. Louis Cemetery. I think I’ll go there and see her grave—maybe talk to hera little, apologize for using her life for a silly costume.” She smiled. “Put my mind at ease. Psychology, not voodoo, you know?”
    Jordan looked unconvinced. “I guess it’s worth a try. Do you want me to come with?”
    â€œSure, that would be great,” Nina said. “I might not believe in ghosts, but it’s still kind of creepy being in a cemetery all alone.”
    â€œNot that you’re likely to be alone at St. Louis,” Jordan pointed out. “You’ll probably be fighting hordes of tourists to get to Serena’s grave.”
    Nina laughed. “True. Come on, let’s get these guys back to the barn, and we’ll head up there right away.”
    Twenty minutes later, Breezy and Freckles were back in their stalls eating hay and the two girls were heading for the exit. On the way, they passed one of the grooms. He called out a greeting.
    â€œWhere are you two off to?” he asked with a grin. “Looks like you’re in a hurry.”
    â€œSt. Louis Cemetery,” Nina replied. “We, uh, want to check it out. Um, school project?”
    The groom glanced at his watch. “Hope it’s not due tomorrow,” he said. “Because St. Louis closes at three, and it’s past four thirty now.”
    â€œWhat?” Nina traded a glance with Jordan. “Are you sure?”
    â€œPositive. My brother used to be a tour guide there.”
    â€œOh.”