Total pages in book: 51
Estimated words: 47359 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 237(@200wpm)___ 189(@250wpm)___ 158(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 47359 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 237(@200wpm)___ 189(@250wpm)___ 158(@300wpm)
“Very much so,” Lara said. “Would you also have any books on vampire legend or lore?”
“I do,” Desmond said and went to scan a couple of shelves before returning and handing Lara three books. “These two vampire books are the best I have of the lot. The others repeat much of what has already been written.”
The books smelled musty with age, and she carefully scanned the delicate pages. She knew with a quick glance that she would take all three as long as they weren’t too pricey. “How much for the three?” she asked.
“The book on Mull is old and hard to come by, though certainly not in demand. On the other hand, there is a demand for the vampire books.” He robbed his chin. “A hundred dollars should do it.
A bit steep, but Lara felt they were essential not only to help write her chapter, but the vampire books would also give her social media material. “Sold,” she said before she could give it more thought.
“I’ll ring them up for you while you have another cup of tea,” Desmond said and refilled her cup before taking the books from her and walking to the front of the store. “It is a shame you don’t have time before you leave to speak with Michael Valaine. He has amassed a unique library on unearthly creatures, and he is a direct descendent of Thaddeus Valaine. Unfortunately, he doesn’t see anyone unless they have an appointment. He is a very busy and very private man.”
It was the second time that name was mentioned to her, which naturally got her curious. She had such limited time before she was to leave, though perhaps she could arrange a phone interview with him once she was home. When Desmond returned with her books and receipt, she said, “I have kept you long enough, Mr. Hargrove.”
“Desmond, please, and it is getting late. I’m sure Martha warned you that she closes the bed and breakfast for the night as soon as Main Street shuts down. Spring and fall are a different matter, but we don’t get many tourists in the winter since we’re not near any ski resorts. And when a winter storm hits, it’s not easy to get in and out of Mull.”
“Then I best be on my way before the storm hits.” Lara stood, slipping into her jacket and tugged her knit hat down on her head, and over her ears, before putting on her gloves. She thanked Desmond again for all his help and the hot tea and was out the door after a peck on the cheek from the old charmer.
Main Street was deserted, the streetlights turned low, and the night so eerily quiet that it had her quickening her steps as she made her way to Martha’s Bed & Breakfast. She tripped on her own feet and a chill crept through her when she thought she caught sight of a shadow moving along the street opposite her. Was it the cold, dark night that had her jittery, the talk of vampires, or the complete silence?
She was startled when she thought she spotted it again, and this time she knew she wasn’t wrong. Someone was following along with her on the opposite side of Main Street. Her heart began to beat harder as she hurried her steps. Two more blocks to the bed & breakfast or was it three?
Hurry, Lara, hurry!
Her skin prickled with fear and her breathing quickened.
She yelped when she saw the shadow dart across the street so fast that it blurred before her eyes. He was on the same side as her. She would have to pass him, but would she see him? Was he hiding?
She stopped abruptly when she realized she was in front of the bed & breakfast. Two blocks, it had only been two blocks. She sprinted up the few steps and tore open the door. Once instead, the door closed, she threw the lock.
“I was just going to have a look outside for you. Desmond called and said you were on your way not to lock you out. He’s such a sweetie and a hottie as well,” Martha said with laugh.
Lara smiled, feeling relieved and somewhat silly. Everyone she had met from Martha to the waitresses who had served her lunch and dinner at the local eatery, and to Madge at the library and Desmond had told her how safe and quiet this town was.
“I know your car service doesn’t arrive until twelve tomorrow, but I was wondering if you could possibly vacate your room by nine in the morning?” Martha asked. “When a major snowstorm is expected, I always close up the place and go stay with my sister and her family. Don’t want to be marooned alone here for days. Gets too boring.”
“Not a problem,” Lara said thinking it an unexpected opportunity. “And don’t worry about breakfast. I’ll grab something at Molly’s Place.”