“We’re almost there,” Charlie said as if reading her mind. “Rain slowed us down a lot.”
“Didn’t know it rained like this out here.”
“Probably just because my dad is in the area.” At seeing her face, he cleared his throat. “That was a joke. Sorry. I’m making you more nervous, aren’t I?”
“Yes, but I get it. Joking to cope.” Stacey smiled weakly.
“One way of putting it,” he replied grimly.
Through the front window of the car, Stacey saw it. It was as if it appeared out of nowhere, conjured up by Charlie’s joke. Through each wipe of the windshield, she could see a magnificent house before them. It looked more like a manor than just a house.
“Wow,” Stacey breathed. “This looks like something I’d picture out of an old novel or something.”
“It isn’t haunted,” Charlie replied, and she looke
