Page 65 of Eternal Obsession

“What a wonderful surprise, Ingrid,” Elizabeth said. “When I saw your name on the list this morning, I couldn’t wait to see you.”

“Why surprise? Didn’t you put my name on the list?”

“No, darling, but I’m so pleased you are here. We have so much catching up to do.”

“If not you, then whom?”

“Your boss?” Elizabeth asked.

“No, he said he hadn’t.”

“A colleague, then?”

“No.”

“Well, obviously someone has tried to get rid of you for a week from the station, and I am very happy that they did. I’m proud of you. You’re really getting into this detective thing. Making enemies already, darling?”

Ingrid was thoughtful. “I know I can be a bit honest sometimes. Perhaps I’ve ruffled a few feathers?”

“So, my love, how are those nightmares of yours?” Elizabeth asked.

“Oh, God, I don’t get one for months, then . . .” Ingrid trailed off.

“My course can be pretty intense.”

“No, I don’t think so. And there was something else, too.”

“Something else?”

“Don’t go doing that psycho thing on me, Elizabeth.”

“I’m sorry. Force of habit.” Elizabeth winked. “Something else?”

“It’s a bit spooky.”

“You know how I love spooky.”

“Well, I was having that same-old-same-old nightmare.”

“I’m sorry, love. Go on, tell me about it.”

“As I woke out of the dream I felt someone was touching me. You know, on my face and my hair.”

“That’s interesting.”

“When I got up to look around the flat, no one was there. I checked everywhere—rooms, cupboards, under the bed. Nothing. I left my window open, but I’m three floors up so no one could have jumped up there.”

“I love that quaint apartment of yours,” Elizabeth mused.

“My dream. Come on, what does it mean?”

“And I adore its high ceilings. Isn’t it Victorian?”

Ingrid nodded. “The dream?”

Elizabeth became mindful. “What do you think it means?”

Ingrid sighed as she really thought on it. “I’m scared of the unknown.”