Read Haunted Fixer-Upper, The for Free Online Page B

always been abandoned?”
    He shook his head. “No, a man and woman lived there a while back.”
    I looked at him. “Really? What do you know about them?”
    Reed’ s appearance remained tense even though we weren’t discussing his uncle anymore. It must have still been weighing on his mind.
    He shrugged. “I know she was a teacher at the high school in town.”
    “ When did they sell the house?” I asked.
    He kept my hands on the wheel and his gaze focused on the road. “Um. They didn’t as far as I know.”
    I quirked a brow. “What do you mean? They had to sell it. They didn’t just walk away one day.”
    He avoided my gaze as h e steered the car around a corner. Reed was acting funny.
    “ Is there something you’re not telling me?” I pressed.
    He chuckled nervously. “No. You’re letting your imagination get the better of you.”
    I narrowed my eyes. “Well, can you blame me? You are acting weird.”
    He gave a lopsided grin. “Thanks a lot.”
    I crossed my arms in front of my chest. “So you didn’t answer the question. Did they just walk away?”
    He paused, then said, “I think they did.”
    A chill ran up my spine . “That’s weird.”
    “ Not much weird about it. I think they just couldn’t afford it,” he said in a nonchalant tone.
    Reed pulled into our destination and I didn’t have a chance to ask more questions, but I would later. I wouldn’t drop the subject that easily.
    The car lot sat at the corner of two busy streets. Melody had been right, the place looked like a castle and a federal-style home had had a baby. Only problem was that the two didn’t look good together.
    Black iron bars covered the windows and a fake tower had obviously been added on the side of the once-lovely home. Stone had been added to the façade. I knew that underneath that was the beautiful original masonry work. It was a shame to see the house changed so drastically. I hadn’t seen it in its original condition, but I knew that this was a match that didn’t go well together. The place stuck out like a giant medieval sore thumb.
    All different makes and models of used cars filled the lot. Reed had a hard time finding an empty spot to park the car. Not another vehicle would fit into the space. All the cars would have to be rearranged to get to others. The parking arrangement was like an intricate puzzle that probably only the owner of the place could solve.
    A s soon as Reed and I hopped out of the car, a salesman swiftly approached. He had a bounce in his step as if he’d just downed several energy shots. I hated to say he was the clichéd image that came to mind when you thought of a car salesman, but he had the persona down to a T. His dark hair was slicked back against his head and he wore black slacks with matching shoes so polished that I almost saw my reflection. The sleeves on his white button-down shirt were rolled up to his elbows and his bright green and white polka dot tie screamed for everyone to take notice. Since we were the only people on the lot, I sensed he was eager for a sale.
    Befor e the salesman had a chance to speak, another car pulled up, screeching to a halt only a few inches from the man. Reed pulled me closer to him. The driver of the car jumped out and stomped over to the car salesman, stopping just inches from his face. The angry man wore ripped jeans and a too-tight black T-shirt. His sand-colored hair fell to his shoulders in waves and his skin was tan as if he’d spent a lot of time in the sun.
    “I need to talk with you,” the man demanded.
    “ I’m with customers right now. We can talk later.” The salesman had an Irish accent that I hadn’t expected. He looked at us and gave a wide fake smile.
    “ You’ve put me off enough and now I want my money.” The man’s fists were clenched by his sides.
    The salesman shifted from foot to foot. “I don’t have your money right now.”
    “ Well, I guess I’ll have to take it out of your ass.” He invaded even more