Read Dark Water: A Siren Novel for Free Online Page A

bodies,” I reminded her softly. “I saw how fast they disintegrated in the lake. I had to for that very reason—to know there was no way they’d come back.”
    She sniffed, brushed at her eyes. “You’ve been through so much, Vanessa. More than any sweet, young girl ever should. And I just want to do whatever I can to make you happy, to help you move forward.”
    “Um, have you seen where we are?” I motioned to our surroundings when she looked up. “Coffee-table books could be written about this place. Entire travel magazines could be devoted to its architectural marvels and natural splendor.”
    She smiled. “It’s not bad.”
    “It’s amazing. And I’m the luckiest girl I know.”
    She started to say something else just as my cell phone rang. I took it from the table.
    “It’s Paige. I’ll call her back.”
    “No, no. Take it.” Mom jumped up, patted down her windblown hair. “I’ll freshen up and check on your father. Say hello for us.”
    She kissed the top of my head and hurried inside. I poured another glass of water and answered the phone.
    “Aged grape.”
    “Is this some sort of riddle?” I asked. “Because it’s been a long day and my brain’s not exactly firing on all cylinders.”
    “It’s not a riddle,” Paige assured. “It’s the official new color of Betty’s Chowder House.”
    “So you went with purple. Louis must be freaking out.”
    “There’s been some pot banging and pan slamming, but no total meltdowns. Besides, aged grape is a solid compromise. It’s still in the blueberry pie family but more sophisticated than sweet. And it’s going to be just the face-lift we need to attract new customers.”
    “It sounds great. I can’t wait to see it.”
    “You and me both. Now, what’s wrong?”
    I forced the water I’d just sipped down my throat. “What do you mean?”
    “You said it’s been a long day. Why? Did something happen at the open house?” She gasped. “You saw him, didn’t you? You saw Simon.”
    I poured another glass of water and drained it before answering. “Yes. Through a window about a hundred feet away.”
    “You didn’t talk to him?”
    “Not a word.”
    This was followed by silence. I knew she was pouting on my behalf.
    “But it’s okay,” I said. “At least I know he’s still around, right? He didn’t flee town the second Caleb told him I was here.”
    “That’s the dullest silver lining I’ve ever heard.”
    I couldn’t help but smile. But then I remembered her other question and the expression faded.
    “Something did happen at the open house, though. Besides that, I mean.”
    “Hang on. I’m going to the dining room for privacy.”
    On the other end of the phone, doors slammed and voices grew louder, then softer. While Paige moved, I did, too. I went to the farthest corner of the patio and faced the house to keep an eye on Mom and Dad. He was feeding her something from a pot on the stove, so I guessed I still had a few minutes before their return.
    “We’re good,” Paige said. “Start talking.”
    “Okay, so everything was fine for a while, but then—” I stopped myself. “Did you just say you went to the dining room for privacy?”
    “Yes. It’s totally empty right now.”
    “But it’s still dinnertime.”
    “I guess people are eating at home tonight. Anyway, keep going. What happened?”
    I took a deep breath and tried to ignore any reservation I had about sharing what I was about to. This was too big to keep to myself, and Paige was the only one I could tell. Plus, if it meant what I thought it did, she needed to hear it sooner rather than later.
    “People know,” I said quietly.
    There was another second of silence. “Know what? Which people?”
    “At the lake house today, I went outside for some air and found a few people behind the boathouse.” Through the wall ofwindows, I watched Dad kiss Mom’s cheek. Mom put her arms around his neck. “They were talking. About the lake boiling.”
    The silence