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    Teen Haunted House Mysteries Bundle: Ghost Girl in Shadow Bay & Teen Ghost at Dead Lake
    Teen Haunted House Mysteries Bundle: Ghost Girl in Shadow Bay & Teen Ghost at Dead Lake
    Teen Haunted House Mysteries Bundle: Ghost Girl in Shadow Bay & Teen Ghost at Dead Lake
    Ebook441 pages7 hours

    Teen Haunted House Mysteries Bundle: Ghost Girl in Shadow Bay & Teen Ghost at Dead Lake

    By R. Barri Flowers

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    About this ebook

    Teen Haunted House Mysteries Bundle contains two complete YA ghost mystery novels by bestselling author R. Barri Flowers, including Ghost Girl in Shadow Bay and Teen Ghost at Dead Lake.

    Ghost Girl in Shadow Bay

    Three years after her father was killed, sixteen-year-old Peyton Delaney, her mother, Melody, and new stepfather, Vance McIntyre, relocate to Shadow Bay, Minnesota and move into an old Victorian. They are unaware of the house's dark history--fifty years ago, a jealous husband snapped, murdering his wife, her lover, and sixteen-year-old daughter before killing himself.

    But when Peyton begins to have nightmares about the crime and is haunted by a ghostly teenage girl named Caitlyn, she begins to investigate with the help of the caretaker's cute son, Bryant. As the two delve into the supernatural mystery surrounding the house, they discover that the events that led to the tragedy of fifty years ago are somehow intertwined with the present. In other words, history is repeating itself and Peyton, Bryant, and their parents are being drawn into a disturbing case of jealousy, possession, revenge, and murder, while seemingly powerless to prevent the inevitable from taking place all over again.

    Caitlyn is a ghost who has had to relive the nightmare of being murdered by her father for half a century. When Peyton and her family arrive at the house where Caitlyn’s spirit has remained trapped, she feels a connection to Peyton and knows instinctively that it will take the two of them to not only free Caitlyn at long last, but to prevent her tragedy from becoming one that Peyton too must endure.

    Teen Ghost at Dead Lake

    When sixteen-year-old Paige Preston and her mother relocated to Dead Lake, Michigan, they were unaware that a seventeen-year-old previous resident of their house had killed himself by jumping off a cliff into the lake six months earlier. But was it really suicide?

    Noah Snyder is a ghost. At least he thinks so. Only he's not sure how he died. He recruits the attractive Paige to help him get to the bottom of the mystery so he can move on. Before he died, Noah was the captain of the boys swim team and popular at Dead Lake High School. He had also suffered from depression after losing his father when Noah was just a boy.

    Paige, who had initially believed she was dealing with an imposter Noah, is stunned to find out that he is a real ghost and that there were more than a few people who may have wanted him dead. Being attracted to a cute teen ghost is no small feat as Paige tries to adjust to life in a new town and help unravel the mystery of his death. In the process, she soon finds herself in danger, as someone wants to keep a deadly secret at all costs.

    Praise for R. Barri Flowers

    “Great mystery and I loved the narration. The narrator really brought the story to life! I will highly recommend this mystery to my friends and family!” -- Amazon reviewer on Ghost Girl in Shadow Bay

    "This was like 'Sweet Valley High' meets 'True Blood'.... Fans of the 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' series will enjoy this series. Great for young readers!" - Jessica's Reviews on Count Dracula’s Teenage Daughter

    “This book has some serious potential with a really unique idea!... I think my students would really love this book.” -- Brittany Elsen, Book Reviewer on Count Dracula’s Teenage Daughter

    “The story was fast paced and had a lot of twist and turns... I would recommend this book for people who enjoy a good vampire YA book, it's packed with teenage drama and triangles that will keep you turning the pages.” -- Ordinary Girlz Book Reviews on Out for Blood

    “A very interesting concept and world that Flowers has written. With the introduction of a few more key players, I see some real potential in the future of the series.” -- Hot Off the Shelves on Out for Blood

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherR. Barri Flowers
    Release dateJul 6, 2014
    ISBN9781310702426
    Teen Haunted House Mysteries Bundle: Ghost Girl in Shadow Bay & Teen Ghost at Dead Lake
    Author

    R. Barri Flowers

    R. Barri Flowers is an award winning and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of romantic suspense, mystery, thriller and crime novels, with twenty Harlequin titles published to date, such as Honolulu Cold Homicide and Special Agent Witness. Chemistry and conflict between the hero and heroine, attention to detail, and incorporating the very latest advances in criminal investigations, are the cornerstones of his crime thriller fiction.

    Read more from R. Barri Flowers

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      Book preview

      Teen Haunted House Mysteries Bundle - R. Barri Flowers

      TABLE OF CONTENTS

      Ghost Girl in Shadow Bay

      Teen Ghost at Dead Lake

      Count Dracula's Teenage Daughter – Bonus Excerpts

      Danger in Time – Bonus Excerpts

      About the Author

      GHOST GIRL IN SHADOW BAY

      A Young Adult Haunted House Mystery

      Copyright 2011 by R. Barri Flowers at Smashwords. All rights reserved.

      Cover Image Copyright Melanie DeFazio 2014

      Used under license from Shutterstock.com

      GHOST GIRL IN SHADOW BAY is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, business establishments, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

      Smashwords Edition, License Notes

      This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

      PROLOGUE

      Caitlyn shivered suddenly, which was kind of weird, since she wasn't even alive. At least not in the way most breathing, talking, walking, and laughing out loud human beings were. Yet her soul was very much alive and restless. Caitlyn longed to be free of the shackles that bound her to that house like a prisoner far longer than she should have been.

      Soon she would have that freedom. And the peace Caitlyn's spirit had been denied would be hers at last.

      She looked through dark, billowy curtains out her upstairs bedroom window. Maple and mulberry trees rustled in the wind, as if they also sensed the unrest in the air. Caitlyn could see the bay she fondly remembered swimming in everyday in the summer. It was always a beautiful shade of blue. If only she could put her feet in just one more time. But that wasn't possible—at least not as things now stood. Spirits were incapable of such, no matter how strong the desire.

      Maybe there was a way, the girl thought dreamily. Her gaze turned to the road leading up to the house. She saw the tall boy passing by. He stopped suddenly and looked up at the window, seemingly right at Caitlyn. Of course he couldn't see her. Ghosts could only be seen by those who were connected to them in some way.

      It would be fun to get to know him. Too bad it wasn't possible.

      Caitlyn frowned as he resumed walking. His dog came up behind him and the boy put a leash on its collar. They passed by the house and headed toward the caretaker's cottage.

      The girl looked at the road again. Soon they would come. More specifically, she would come and rescue Caitlyn from the nightmare she had lived for so long now that it hurt to even think about.

      Then she heard her father coming and grew frightened. She tensed when he entered the room. He was tall and sturdy, with raven hair and thick sideburns. A grimace contorted his face. He nodded to her in silence and she read the sinister satisfaction in his cold eyes.

      It was about to happen all over again. She cringed at the thought.

      But deep within, Caitlyn was optimistic that the time was near when her dreams would finally come true.

      The two spirits vanished.

      ONE

      Peyton Delaney sat pouting in the backseat of her stepfather's Lexus LX 470. She doubted that her mother, seated in front next to the man she had married six months ago, cared. Otherwise she wouldn't have made her leave California and all Peyton's friends to move across the country to Minnesota, of all places. But when her stepfather, Vance McIntyre, was offered a new job as sales director for an advertising firm, the decision was made.

      She was about to be stuck in the middle of nowhere in the dead of summer and there was nothing Peyton could do about it, other than voice her displeasure through stone cold silence. And the occasional barrage of complaints. But even that could only last so long.

      At sixteen, this was the second major blow dealt Peyton in recent memory. Three years ago her father was killed in a car accident.

      I'll just have to find a way to deal with this unwanted move. Dad would tell me that.

      I'm hungry, she complained, tossing back her long blonde hair. Can't we stop at McDonald's or something?

      We're almost there, Peyton. Melody Delaney-McIntyre glanced back at her daughter. After we make sure the house is still standing, we'll find a restaurant.

      Peyton rolled her green eyes. Whatever.

      When her mother and stepfather had twice come to scout the town of Shadow Bay, Minnesota and pick out a house to purchase, Peyton had chosen to stay behind and savor every last moment of home and spend time with her friends.

      You just might surprise yourself and like it here, Vance said. The town has character, history, and plenty of open land one can only dream about in San Diego.

      Yeah, right, Peyton said. "This is your dream, not mine."

      It's our dream of a better life for all of us, her mother said. Give it a chance, honey. Is that too much to ask?

      Peyton sighed. I guess not.

      She was acting like a spoiled baby instead of a girl less than two years away from adulthood. But Peyton wouldn't hide her resentment over a move she never wanted.

      As the car turned off the main road to head down a winding lane, Peyton caught sight of the bay. It was wide, sapphire blue, and very inviting. She couldn't wait to dive in, imagining the water was a perfect way to cool off in these parts. The view disappeared and it was back to open land dotted with farmhouses and livestock.

      She noted a guy about her age playing in a grassy field with a German Shepherd. Beyond them was a cottage, where Peyton assumed they lived. When he heard their car, the boy looked up, seemingly in a straight line at her. Peyton thought she detected a smile on his lips and smiled back.

      He's really hot. Maybe life in Shadow Bay has promise after all.

      Vance pulled the car in the driveway of a big white Victorian that stood on a hill.

      Well, this is it! he said as if they had won the lottery. Home sweet home.

      Peyton wasted no time getting out, if for no other reason than to stretch her legs after they had driven nonstop for several hours. She peeked in the direction of the guy with the dog. Both were gone.

      She hid her disappointment and turned to her parents who were patiently waiting.

      Do you want to see inside? her mother asked.

      Or we could just camp out here on the lawn and make it our home, her stepfather joked.

      At six-four, he towered over Peyton's mother.

      Peyton sneered at him. She glanced at the house before zeroing in on one upstairs window in particular. Peyton saw a girl standing there. She took an involuntary step backward and shivered.

      What is it, honey? Melody asked.

      There's someone looking out the window.

      Where?

      Peyton pointed to the bedroom window, but the girl had vanished. I could've sworn there was someone—

      I'm sure it was only your imagination, moving to a new house and all.

      Either that or the caretaker's inside and heard us drive up, Vance suggested, digging a key out of his pocket.

      Peyton was inclined to agree, all things considered. But she had a bad feeling about the place. For some reason it reminded her of the Amityville Horror movie that she and her friends had rented and watched one Saturday night. She'd had nightmares for a week afterwards.

      Peyton was thankful that evil spirits and wayward ghosts didn't really exist.

      * * *

      The movers arrived later that afternoon with the furniture and other household items. Suddenly the place began to look like a home someone actually lived in.

      Peyton sized up her room. It faced the front of the house and was painted a pretty shade of violet. She sat on the loft bed as if for the first time and felt a sense of comfort when looking at her computer, television, and beanbag chair. If only her best friend Erica had also relocated to Shadow Bay, it might actually be livable.

      Peyton sighed and resigned herself to having to make new friends locally.

      She stood up and looked out the window. It occurred to Peyton that this was the same window where she thought she'd seen the girl looking out at her. But when they had gone through the house, there was no one to be found, to which Peyton breathed a sigh of relief.

      Must have been the light or shadows, she thought. Or maybe it was the gothic nature of the old house and atmosphere that spooked her.

      She headed out of the room, wondering what secrets a house that was probably a hundred years old or more had buried within those walls.

      Peyton wasn't sure she wanted to find out.

      * * *

      Caitlyn watched with interest as Peyton left the room.

      She's so pretty. I wish my hair was golden like hers.

      Though wanting to follow her, Caitlyn realized she couldn't yet. Her father would be very angry if she did and make trouble for all of them.

      She drifted to the window and looked out. Peyton had sensed her there earlier, just as Caitlyn had sensed that Peyton would arrive here to save her.

      I knew you would come one day and rescue me from decades of solitude, pain, and regret.

      When that time came, she would be as light as a feather and ready to feel her spirit released and soul at ease.

      Caitlyn smiled at the mere notion, replacing the perpetual frown that had seemingly been etched on her face forever.

      TWO

      Peyton could hear muffled voices when she came down the stairs. She saw Vance and her mother standing in the living room with a man. They all turned her way as Peyton strode in.

      There you are, Vance said, as if he had been expecting her at that precise moment.

      Melody took her hand. Peyton, this is Mr. Neville. He's the caretaker for this house and the property.

      Hi.

      Hi, Peyton, he said in a hearty voice. Call me Luke. Everyone else does.

      Peyton smiled at him. Vance also wanted to be called by his first name instead of dad. She was grateful for that, as Peyton could never imagine anyone ever taking her real dad's place.

      And that's my son, Bryant, Luke said, nodding in his direction.

      Out of the corner of her eye, Peyton spotted movement. She turned and met the steady gray eyes of the guy she had seen with the dog when they first arrived. Nearly as tall as his father and Vance, he had dark hair.

      And he was even hotter up close.

      Hey, he said, and Peyton decided that even his deep voice was appealing.

      Hey.

      Bryant grinned and Peyton couldn't help but blush.

      Luke started to speak again. Anyway, as I was saying, we've been doing what we could to get the place ready for you.

      Looks like you've done a great job, Vance said.

      Wish I could take credit for everything, but I can't. The last owners were responsible for most of the renovations. My part, with some help from Bryant, has mainly been seeing to the grounds and doing some minor repairs on the exterior and interior.

      Think I'll go out for some fresh air, Peyton said. She hoped Bryant might get the hint and follow.

      She sat on a cedar glider and waited for maybe thirty seconds before Bryant stepped out onto the porch.

      Peyton smiled brightly. Hi, she said again.

      He grinned. Mind if I sit?

      She scooted over a bit in response, nerves giving way to enthusiasm.

      Bryant joined her on the glider. So you're from California, huh?

      Yup, Peyton said proudly.

      What city?

      San Diego.

      I've never been there before.

      I'll bet you'd like it.

      Why do you say that?

      Year round gorgeous weather, the beach, ocean, laidback lifestyle, fun things to do; oh and did I mention the beach?

      Bryant laughed. I think so. I get the picture. You're probably right, that would be a cool place to live. Not to say that Shadow Bay doesn't have some good things going for it.

      Peyton wrinkled her nose. Like what?

      Me, for one. He chuckled, sticking his chest out.

      She couldn't argue the point. What else?

      Lots of things. Tennis, sailing, hiking, swimming in the bay, dances, plays, concerts—you name it.

      Peyton had to admit it sounded like fun, starting off with getting to know him. Okay, so maybe I shouldn't prejudge without giving the place a try.

      Exactly.

      Guess I just wish I'd had more say in moving here.

      Did your dad get a job transfer or what?

      "More like what. He got a better job. And Vance is my stepfather. Peyton wanted to make that perfectly clear. My dad died three years ago."

      Bryant cocked a brow. Oh, sorry.

      That's what everyone always said. No one was sorrier than she was, especially since this had pretty much ruined her life.

      She changed the subject. So how long has your father worked here?

      About a year. We moved to Shadow Bay from Minneapolis, two hundred miles away. After my parents divorced, they sold the house and went their separate ways. I decided I was better off staying with my dad till I graduate next year.

      From Shadow Bay High? Peyton hoped he would say yes.

      Yeah.

      I'll be going there in the fall. She was suddenly excited about it.

      As a junior...?

      Peyton hesitated, as if it was a bad thing to be a year behind him. Yeah, afraid so.

      It's cool. Bryant laughed. I'm seventeen and had fun being a junior last year. You will, too.

      I'll take your word for it. Peyton found herself laughing with him. Already she liked Bryant Neville.

      Anyone ever call you Bry?

      Never. But you can if you want.

      Are you sure?

      He shrugged. Why not? At least if I heard the name from behind, I'd know it was you.

      True. Peyton grinned.

      The door opened and Luke came out. He smiled at Peyton before nodding at his son.

      Gotta go, Bryant said, getting to his feet.

      Peyton stood also, wishing they could have talked longer. Nice meeting you, Bry.

      He smiled crookedly. You, too. See you around.

      You can count on that.

      Peyton wondered if he had a girlfriend. Or was he single like her, waiting for that special person to enter his life?

      * * *

      That night Peyton used her iPhone to video call her best friend, Erica Reed.

      Miss me? Peyton asked, gazing at Erica's attractive caramel face bordered by thick, curly brown hair.

      What do you think? Erica asked. It's just not the same here without you, Peyton.

      Same here. She was lying on her bed staring at the ceiling.

      So what's it like there anyway?

      Kind of creepy—at least the house is, Peyton said, though not sure why it made her uneasy other than the girl who wasn't really there.

      "You mean like Amityville Horror type creepiness?"

      Don't remind me. Peyton gazed at shadows on the wall. "It's not that bad really, but definitely not a place I'd want to live for the rest of my life."

      Have you met any of the neighbors yet?

      Peyton sat up, folding her legs beneath her. "As a matter of fact, I met the caretaker and his very good looking son, Bryant."

      Oh really? Tell me more—

      Peyton refrained from getting too carried away after only one meeting, but couldn't hold back her enthusiasm over wanting to get to know Bryant better.

      Sounds interesting, Erica said. Send me a video of him and I'll give you my honest assessment.

      I'll do that, Peyton promised. She was sure Erica would agree that he was definitely a hottie.

      Erica warned Peyton against getting her hopes up about Bryant till she knew his full story and if he was open to dating the new girl in town.

      Peyton was more than willing to see how things went with Bryant before getting too excited. She had a feeling, though, that he was just as much taken by her as she was by him. Only time would tell if that was true and, if so, what they would do about it.

      * * *

      Caitlyn watched as Peyton slept soundly. Even in the darkness, she could see her clearly as though a ray of light were shining down. So pretty and sleeping like an angel.

      Moving forward, Caitlyn touched her cheek. Or tried to, but her hand went right through. Peyton reacted as if someone had disturbed her, frowning before she rolled over and into a fetal position.

      Caitlyn floated to the other side of the bed for another look at the girl who had moved into her house and bedroom. She knew Peyton had taken a liking to the caretaker's son. Caitlyn liked him, too, but he was not hers to have.

      She only wanted to be released from her captivity and Peyton would be the one to make that happen.

      Caitlyn tried again unsuccessfully to touch Peyton. She jumped as if feeling her touch.

      It was starting to happen, Caitlyn knew instinctively. A surge of joy mixed with despair crept through her. Already she felt a kindred spirit with the girl who came to Shadow Bay—with good reason. Peyton Delaney would give Caitlyn back the life she had longed to reclaim and, in the process, Peyton's own life would be saved from the real danger she faced.

      THREE

      Peyton stood barefoot outside as the shutters rattled and tree branches banged against the house in the howling wind. It was eerily dark and rain pelted her like daggers, soaking Peyton's nightgown. She sensed danger all around her as if being pursued by hungry wolves.

      Though her feet felt like they were stuck in quicksand, Peyton managed to lift them and move toward the house.

      She put her hand to the cold, wet, doorknob, twisting till it opened.

      Peyton felt like she was sleepwalking across the plank flooring and past antique furnishings that were unfamiliar to her. She stopped at the bottom of the stairs, almost afraid to go up, as if something or someone were preventing her.

      Then she heard voices. A man and woman were arguing heatedly. It sounded like her mother and stepfather. And yet it didn't. Peyton felt compelled to investigate, even if part of her was reluctant to do so.

      Reaching the second floor, Peyton moved almost zombie-like down the long hallway. The combative voices were nonstop and louder as she drew near the bedroom.

      The door was only slightly ajar. Light filtered out and onto Peyton. She tried to peek through the slit, but couldn't see anything. After taking a deep breath, she pushed the door open.

      Standing at the foot of the bed was a man Peyton didn't recognize. He was around her stepfather's height and build, wearing what looked to be outdated clothing.

      The man turned her way and Peyton saw his menacing dark eyes. But it was as if he never saw her. She gazed at the bed. A woman was lying there, partially wrapped in a blanket. Fear distorted her face like a grotesque mask. Peyton thought she bore a strong resemblance to her mother, yet was somehow different.

      Mom? Is that you?

      The woman reacted, looking through frightened eyes, but said nothing.

      From her periphery, Peyton became aware of someone else in the room. Another man, half-dressed, was standing there.

      Peyton didn't pretend to be clueless to the scenario before her. Obviously two men were interested in one woman. The mystery was why were all three in her parents' bedroom?

      She faced the other man and Peyton saw that he now held a shotgun, as though it had appeared out of thin air. And it was pointed at the man wearing only pants.

      She shuddered when the sound of a gun going off echoed throughout the room. He was shot in the chest and literally lifted into the air and flung against the wall like a mannequin.

      The man now aimed the shotgun at the woman. Panic stricken, as if this would somehow mean the death of her mother, Peyton screamed and lunged at the man. Only she seemed to be moving in painfully slow motion and, before reaching him, the gun went off.

      Peyton, heart pounding, turned toward the bed, terrified of what she might see...

      * * *

      There was something heavy holding Peyton down preventing her from breaking free. Through the sound of her screams, she heard her name being called:

      Peyton, Peyton, honey, wake up...

      Forcing her eyes open, she looked into her mother's worried face.

      Mom— Peyton's throat felt dry and her body was drenched with perspiration.

      Yes, it's me, sweetheart.

      She looked beyond her mother and saw Vance.

      That must've been one bad nightmare, girl, he said. Your wailing was enough to raise the dead.

      Nightmare? Peyton was still trying to come to grips with reality.

      That's all it was, Melody said soothingly. First night in a new house jitters.

      Peyton sighed, sitting up. Just a stupid dream. She was relieved and embarrassed at the same time. It was a dream unlike any she'd ever had before.

      And one she hoped to never have again.

      Sorry. Guess I was really spooked. The images were still as vivid in her head as if Peyton were watching in person.

      Melody kissed her cheek. The good thing is, now that you've gotten it out of your system, you'll probably sleep like a baby from here on out.

      Peyton smiled at the thought, masking the uneasy feeling that there was something more to the sinister dream.

      When alone again, Peyton could imagine Vance actually shooting her mother and another man for whatever reason and getting away with it.

      FOUR

      Peyton woke up to sunshine flooding her room. She had all but forgotten the nightmare that had paralyzed her with fear and total helplessness. She washed her face and got ready for a morning jog.

      Downstairs, she found her mother in the kitchen making breakfast.

      You're up, Melody said.

      Yeah. Peyton yawned.

      No more bad dreams?

      Not that I can remember.

      That's good to hear. Not sure any of us could take many more nights like that. Her mother's brow furrowed. Whatever was going on, it really spooked you.

      Peyton grabbed a piece of toast and bit off a corner. "I dreamt about someone shooting a woman who looked a lot like you in this very house. A man was shot, too, but it wasn't Vance."

      Melody cocked a brow. Oh, dear. That's awful. She filled her mug with coffee. At least it wasn't real.

      Thank goodness for that. Peyton went to the refrigerator and took out a fruit drink. Where's Vance? She had noted from her window that his car was gone.

      He went to the office to meet the people he'll be working with.

      Peyton gulped down some of the tangerine drink. Won't you be lonely here without your friends? I know I will!

      Not counting Bry, who may turn out to be more than a friend, if things went her way.

      That's what texting, instant messaging, e-mail, snail mail and the phone are for. Besides, I have my web design business, Vance, and you to keep me company. And I'm sure I'll find friends among our neighbors as well.

      Too bad dad can't be here with us. Peyton immediately regretted her words. Wishing for something that would never happen wasn't very smart or healthy.

      He is here with us, honey, Melody insisted. We can't see him, but your father's spirit will always be here watching over us like a loving and devoted angel who wants our lives to move forward.

      I know.

      Peyton realized there was no turning back the hands of time, as much as she may have wanted to. Her mother was entitled to be happy, even if it had to be with someone other than Peyton's father.

      In the meantime, Peyton had to focus on finding her own happiness in Shadow Bay.

      Bryant Neville came to mind.

      * * *

      Peyton jogged along the sidewalk at a leisurely pace. She saw the cottage where Bryant and Luke lived. No sign of Bryant or his dog. She was disappointed and hoped to bump into them on the way back.

      Peyton had just rounded the block when she spotted Bryant walking his dog. Excitement coursed through her and she decided that maybe they wanted some company.

      Hey, Bry, she called out, catching up to them.

      He looked at her with surprise. Hey! What's up?

      Nothing other than my morning run. Well, more like a power walk in this case.

      Let me guess—you ran track back in San Diego?

      Yup, sure did. It was either that or piano lessons.

      Bryant laughed, producing dimples in his cheeks. Sounds like you made the right choice.

      Who's your not so little friend here?

      This is Hugh, Bryant replied, petting the dog's head.

      Hi, Hugh.

      He jumped up playfully, practically knocking Peyton off her feet.

      Guess he likes me.

      No doubt about it. Bryant grinned.

      Peyton resisted the urge to continue running as planned, preferring to spend the time with her new neighbor and his dog.

      So do you have a summer job? Or do you just work with your dad? She hoped he didn't take her questions the wrong way.

      Yes and no. Bryant rubbed his nose. When I'm not helping out my dad, I have a part-time job at a department store. I stock shelves, tag items, and basically do anything they need me to.

      Cool. Last summer, and just before we moved here, I worked at a local mall. The pay wasn't much, but I got to buy lots of nice clothes at a discount.

      Yeah, and probably check out all the guys passing by, right? He grinned.

      More like the other way around, she teased.

      Hey, I believe it! You're definitely worth checking out.

      Peyton blushed. The truth was, most of the guys she knew were too into sports or themselves to pay attention to her.

      Bryant stopped to let Hugh do his thing near some bushes.

      Afterwards, they headed back.

      How was your first night in the new house? Bryant asked nonchalantly.

      Peyton looked at him as though he could read her mind. Or maybe her dreams.

      It was a bit scary, to tell you the truth—after I went to sleep.

      Nightmare, huh?

      You could say that. Peyton couldn't believe she was telling him about it. Not exactly the way to get a guy to like you. What if it was a big turn off?

      I'm not surprised, Bryant said. I've had a few myself since we moved here, but I never told anyone.

      You haven't told anyone until now. "Please don't tell me you think the house and cottage are haunted?"

      He chuckled. Only if you believe in evil spirits. I don't. Not yet anyway.

      Neither do I!

      Then maybe it's something in the water, he suggested.

      She batted her eyes. Yeah, right. Heard that one before.

      No, really. Most of it comes from the bay. With the runoff from the sewage treatment plant and contaminants, well, you just never know what it might be doing to our bodies and minds...

      Eww, that's gross! Peyton wrinkled her nose at the mere thought of ingesting polluted water.

      Don't worry, Bryant said, laughing. The water's not that bad, really. Once your body gets used to it, the mind usually follows, along with hopefully some peaceful nights of sleep.

      Peyton was sure he was teasing, making her like him all the more for having a sense of humor. And he had helped turn her attention away from one bad dream.

      She took out her cell phone, figuring this was as good a time as any to videotape him and his dog, if Bryant didn't mind. I told my friends back home I'd show them who my new friends are. Right now, it's you and Hugh, she said honestly.

      Bryant grinned. Go right ahead. He bent down next to his dog. We're happy to star in your video and say hello to your friends in San Diego.

      Peyton laughed, as Bryant seemed to have fun playing to his audience and getting Hugh to cooperate.

      She sent the video to Erica and wasn't surprised that Bryant made a favorable impression on her.

      He's a catch, she said in their FaceTime chat that evening.

      Tell me something I don't know, Peyton responded.

      The dog's a cutie, too.

      Yeah, Hugh's great, Peyton agreed.

      Looks like they feel the same way about you, Erica told her.

      Seems that way. Peyton refused to jump to conclusions, but things certainly seemed to be moving in the right direction where it concerned Bryant.

      * * *

      A week later, convinced that Bryant was exaggerating about the contaminated bay, Peyton went for a swim. She had to admit it was nice to have a bay practically in your backyard. Wasn't the same as being right on top of the ocean like in San Diego, but definitely trumped the typical boring swimming pool.

      The water was chilly, but pleasant. Peyton, who had been swimming since she was five, tried the breaststroke for a while, then the backstroke and butterfly. She went under the water, enjoying being surrounded by it, before coming back up for air. Beginning to tire, she started to swim back to shore.

      But before she could reach it, Peyton suddenly felt herself being pulled under. Startled, she held her breath and looked around, not sure what—or who—grabbed her ankles and yanked her down forcefully. Were there actually sharks in Shadow Bay?

      There was only murky water.

      Maybe I blacked out or something for an instant.

      Peyton's eyes widened when she suddenly found herself staring into the face of a girl around her age and size. She had long dark hair and blue unblinking eyes. Her lips were discolored and pursed into something resembling a grimace. She was wearing what looked to Peyton like some kind

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