Page 17 of Leafpoint Lighthouse

I was brought up to respect and treat women kindly. Not to abuse them or worse. I’d seen plenty of drunken louts who thought nothing of raising a hand to a woman. To make one fear me had me holding back. Sure, I had the excuse of the evil I had to imprison and keep away from humankind. But in the light of Lyra’s grief, that failed to help my conflicted emotions.

Finally, I took a deep breath and acted.

“Flee,” I intoned.

At first, I wasn’t sure Lyra heard me. She sat up and stared blankly at the door. To add to the atmosphere, I rattled the drawer again, but Lyra didn’t react. There was an expression of complete desolation on her face, and it was slaying me.

Slowly, Lyra climbed to her feet.

“No,” she whispered, and then she exited Leafpoint. Leafpoint shoved her disapproval at me and then left me alone. Oh well.

Lyra

I was struggling to make sense of what I’d heard. Despite how upset I’d been, the word ‘flee’ had definitely been said. But there’d been no one there. Was someone playing tricks on me? I didn’t understand. There would be a simple explanation, as ghosts weren’t real. Why would anyone go to such lengths? What did trying to convince me that the lighthouse was haunted achieve?

“Are you okay?” Mrs Penrose asked as I entered the hotel.

“Yes, thank you,” I answered dully. Mrs Penrose looked at my face and shook her head.

“You’ve a visitor, but may I suggest a shower first?” she said kindly.

“Who is it?”

“A property developer,” Mrs Penrose replied with distaste.

“Tell him I am not interested and to leave,” I murmured and turned towards the stairs.

“Miss Jasper!” a man exclaimed, and I sighed. Guess he wasn’t going away. “My name is Keith Keating, and I represent Homes for You.”

Recognising the company’s name, I shook my head. “Look, I don’t care about whatever you’re selling,” I said in the same dull tone. Mrs Penrose sent me a worried look.

“Oh, no! It’s what we can offer you! Today, it’s fairly common to be land-rich but cash-poor. Did you know Leafpoint Lighthouse sits on five acres of land?”

“Yes. I’m aware of what I own,” replying, already done with this conversation. How dare this man try to shame me as poor?

“Homes for You are very interested in buying the property to develop,” Keith said with a greedy light in his eyes.

“It’s not for sale.”

“Oh, but you haven’t heard the offer yet,” Keith chortled, looking amused.

“I don’t have to because I’m not selling.” I refrained from saying I couldn’t if I wanted to. Something deep inside warned me not to mention The Trust.

“Come now. Listen, we are open to discussion.” Keith smiled, which I disliked.

“Good for you. I’m not. And as I’m sure you can see, I’m tired, dirty, and need a shower. The lighthouse and land are not for sale,” I stated. With that, I began to leave.

“We’re offering one hundred thousand,” Keith called, and I stopped.

“So, in addition to not giving a toss that you’ve been told no, you also think I am stupid. The land is worth at least five times that with planning permission. Don’t insult me. Go away.” I flapped my hands in irritation.

“Two hundred and fifty thousand. That’s a lot of money for someone like you.” Keith smirked.

Desperately trying to remain calm, I took a couple of deep breaths. “Mr Keating, I’ve stated very clearly: I’m not selling. The land is not for sale. I’m not interested. If you won’t go, I’ll phone the police and take out an injunction against your company.

The idiot glared in anger, and I stomped off.

“Leave!” Mrs Penrose ordered.