“That did not just happen,” she said.

Oh, but it had, and I knew just the ghost who was responsible. Clearly Constance had some feelings about me speaking to Christina’s dad. But I didn’t want to freak my friendly neighborhood librarian out with that bit of information. “I must have left the book on the edge of the counter.”

“You didn’t touch the book.”

“I did. I picked it up when you came around the desk. I wanted to get the title. Thought I might give it a try.”

She narrowed her eyes. “You’re working with the ghost, aren’t you?”

We stared at each other a half second before she laughed. “Your face. I’m kidding! I don’t really believe in ghosts. My grasp on reality is tighter than that.”

I laughed weakly. “Back to your father, you don’t think he’d mind if I asked him a few questions?”

“Mind? My dad loves talking about his theatre days! Don’t be surprised if he breaks out into I am the very model of a modern major general. Wait, that’s The Pirates of Penzance, isn’t it?”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Brynn, we should hang out.” Christina put a hand on my shoulder. “I can catch you up on the last century.”

“I’d like that.”

I helped pack up the microfilm, then headed outside. I would have waited for Christina’s dad at the library, but the first round of toddlers made their way in for story time, and while they were certainly adorable, they were also very loud, and I wanted some time to think. Not that I really knew what it was I was supposed to be thinking about. Constance obviously wanted me to talk with her former co-star, and I just had to wait to find out the reason why.

Initially I thought I’d stay outside on one of the park benches, but the crisp wind had picked up again, sending me looking for warmth.

I headed down the sidewalk when I heard, almost on cue, a loud creak in the wind.

The sign for Charmed Treasures.

I peeked in the front window of the town’s only gift shop and florist.

Once again, I couldn’t help but note it had undergone some changes since I had last been inside. Before, all of the merchandise had been of the lacy and delicate variety, but now there were some new items added to the mix. Take the window display. The shop had always sold finely woven tablecloths, but now they were showcased flowing out from what looked to be a cauldron.

Hmm.

I opened the door. Instead of twinkling bells greeting me, a creepy laugh track started up. “Well,” I said to no one in particular, “Muah ha ha, yourself.”

I took a quick look around before stepping farther into the store.

“Hello?”

No one answered.

I looked back at the door. The open sign was clearly up. Shouldn’t be a problem if I looked around. I headed toward the refrigerators filled with flowers at the back of the shop but was waylaid by the rows of handcrafted soaps stacked against the side wall. Those were new too. As I walked over, a bouquet of scents greeted me. I picked up one of the individually wrapped bars and brought it close to my nose. It had a very unique scent. One I was sure I had smelled before, but I couldn’t quite place it. I put it down and moved on to a table covered in linen nightgowns. I placed my hand gently on the front of one of them. They were beautiful quality—the scalloped trim at the bottom looked hand sewn—but a little frilly for my taste. Next, I walked over to a glass case filled with jewelry, but before I even got to look, I was startled by a short shriek.