Charon's Crossing

Amos nodded stiffly. "Very well."

"And the realtor. Olive. Was that her name? I'd like to see her, too."

"I can only convey your message, Miss Russell. I cannot guarantee—"

"Tomorrow," Kathryn said firmly. "I have only seven days to spend here and I want everything settled before I leave. Please keep that in mind."

What he was keeping in mind, Amos thought sourly, was that this arrogant, contentious female couldn't leave Elizabeth Island quickly enough to suit him.

Addressing him as Amos, indeed! And handing out orders...

Who did she think she was?

"I shall do my best," he said coldly.

Kathryn's chin lifted. How was it possible to dislike somebody you hardly knew? Amos Carter was the most pompous, insufferable man she'd ever had the misfortune to meet.

"I hope so," she said, every bit as coldly. "Now, if that's all, I'd like to unpack my things."

She was dismissing him, was she? Back straight, Amos marched to the door. At the last second, he turned and smiled pleasantly.

"There are a few things I should tell you," he said. "The woman who cleaned the house stocked a few foodstuffs in the refrigerator."

"Thank you."

"I've made arrangements for a car to be delivered to you in the morning, as you requested."

Kathryn folded her arms. Impatience was etched into every line of her body.

"Good."

Amos opened the door. The heat and the scent of the tropics swept in on a breath of salt-tinged air.

"There is one last item..."

She sighed, and he knew she was doing her best not to let him see that she could hardly wait for him to shut up and leave. It made his parting shot all the sweeter.

"And what would that be, Amos?"

"I don't suppose you've ever heard of jumbies or duppies, have you?"

Kathryn looked at him as if he'd spoken in tongues.

"Jumbies? Duppies? What are you talking about?"

"Spirits, Miss Russell. Ghosts. Do you believe in them?"

"No. Of course I don't."

Amos smiled. "Good. In that case, it won't concern you that the locals claim that Charon's Crossing is haunted."

He put on his Panama hat, tipped the brim, and shut the door after him.

Chapter 3

Catherine was here.

And she was alone.