Read Dark Memories (The Phantom Diaries, #2) for Free Online

Christmas traditions,
New Orleans
weather and Annette’s career took up the next hour and while Kristine seemed to let Annette take the lead on occasion, the effect was no less confusing for Luis, Michelle and Joana.
    Glances went back and forth between the threesome and Luis occasionally shot me an accusatory glare.
    “Oh, I almost forgot, Annette,” Joana said as she reached for her purse and pulled out a small box wrapped in silver paper and topped with a simple bow. “I wanted to give you a gift before you return to
New York
. A little something to keep New Orleans close to your heart.”
    Kristine accepted the gift with skepticism. Her eyes narrowed far more than she should have allowed them to and her suspicion was thick, filling the room. “Thank you. I wasn’t really expecting any gifts.”
    Luis and Michelle exchanged a concerned look.
    A childish giddiness took over as Kristine slowly tugged on the ribbon. Her anticipation overtook her suspicions and she smiled.
    I nudged closer to peer into the box as she pulled up the lid. A beautiful red cross encrusted with rubies lay on a cushion of satin.   No sooner was the box open and she’d glimpse the cross that she dropped it. I discreetly glanced at her fingers to assure they’d not been burned, her reaction to the sight of the cross was so strong.
    Realizing she had no intention of picking it up, Joana quickly swooped down to pick up the offending article.
    “It is truly beautiful, Joana,” I said, knowing as the words came out that it was a futile attempt to cover up Kristine’s inexcusable reaction. “New York could never offer such an exquisite piece.”
    Joana nodded, but her eyes remained on Kristine. “I know how much you loved the one I gave you last year and I thought you would like this one as well. It’s infused with holy water.”
    The tension that took over Kristine was surely visible from across the room. Her hands clenched and she bit her lip repeatedly. Again her parents exchanged odd glances.
    “Dinner will be ready in an hour,” Michelle said following a discreet wink from Joana.   “Annette, I was hoping you would help me with the festive pies for the neighbors. I know how much you love making them and I’ve waited for you to be here before starting.”
    “Oh, of course, Maman.” Kristine glanced at me and I tried to convey with my eyes her need to let Annette out during this time. If she noticed, she did a good job of ignoring it.
    “I hear she’s well-loved in
New York
,” Joana said the moment Kristine was out of the room.
    “Yes, incredibly so. Her public can’t get enough of her. She has an unforgettable voice and a stage presence that is rarely seen in someone so young and inexperienced.”
    “She always had a charming way about her; an ability to draw people in.” She glanced at the doorway through which Kristine and Michelle had disappeared and brought her gaze slowly back to me.
    “Evenings in
New Orleans
are always a treat. Have you had a tour of the grounds? Luis puts special effort into making it a wonderland well worth strolling through.”
    Her tone was just firm enough to indicate that this was an invitation I was not to refuse.
    “Have you known Annette long, Eric?” Joana asked the moment we were outdoors.
    “From the very first day she arrived.” I followed her as she took a path that led to a small pond at the far end of the property.
    She stopped walking suddenly and turned to look at me. Her eyes scrutinized every inch of my face and I felt she could see my soul. “I know men, young man, and I know how men can play with the heart of a young woman, especially someone like Annette. As strong and intelligent as she is, her youth leaves her with much to learn about the ruthlessness of men.”
    “I assure you I have only the…”
    “I have no doubt of your intentions.   I can see the love in your eyes and I feel the depth of anguish you now feel for her. I only hope that your love is not simply for