A Ghost at Stallion's Gate Read Free Page A

to a small patio with a garden. We call it the secret garden because it is completely private.” He held out his hand, offering me the key.
    I took the key. “Thank you. This is perfect.”
    Darren nodded agreement. “Okay then, I’ll just be a moment getting your luggage,” he said and turned to leave, but then he did a turnaround. “Ah, I forgot to mention that the refrigerator is stocked with a few courtesy items, should you require anything additional, please, just ring the front desk.”
    “Thank you,” I replied and then went into the bedroom, dropped my purse on the chair that was off to the side of the queen bed. I returned to the front room. Darren had my suitcase and tote bag in hand.
    “Shall I leave these here, or take them into the bedroom?”
    “Here, is fine.”
    “Then I’ll be on my way.”  Darren turned to leave and I stepped forward to give him a tip, but he seemed to sense what I was trying to do and turned back around. “Oh, I forgot, all gratuities are included in your lodging.” He clasped his hands together, determine not to take a tip. “Enjoy your stay.” He turned and left.
    The cottage was beautiful. The rooms were painted a warm ivory color and the furnishings were in various hues of burgundy reds, in variant patterns of solids and floral. The color scheme was just like the dozens of rose that decorated the exterior. This was a style of country Victorian at its very best. I couldn’t resist going around to all the windows and opening each one a little. True to Darren’s description there was a rose bush at every window and all the bushes were in full bloom. The spicy fragrance was heavenly and better than any candle or potpourri scent I ever had. “Thank you Alex,” I said aloud.
    “You are quite welcome, only the best for you, if I have anything to say about,” I heard a phantom voice say.
    A mist of cold air enveloped me. I turned to see Eric Blackthorne standing right behind me. “So, my ghost has come along for the ride?” I asked him.
    “My dear Shannon,” he bowed slightly, “never will you be without my company in times of need.”
    “Eric, is this about that horrid room of horse trophies?”
    “Shall we be comfortable?” He turned, and without waiting for my reply went to the living room. Eric sat down in an overstuffed wing chair.
    I sat across from him on the overstuffed sofa.
    “Whose idea was this inn, yours or Alex’s?” I asked.
    “Oh, Alex, I assure you. Of course, I am in full agreement; otherwise, you’d not be here. By the way, did the innkeeper, Darren, seem a bit nervous?”
    Eric’s comment caught me off guard, but I have to admit that Darren did seem a bit nervous. “Yes, now that you mention it, I guess he could be described as nervous, or maybe he’s new at being an innkeeper and he’s trying his best. He made me feel welcome.”
    “He is quite new at this innkeeper business. By trade, he’s a magician. Catch his act this coming Sunday and you’ll see a totally different personality.”
    “Really? Darren Kelsey is a magician? Why, that must be the connection to Alex. You mean to say, that Darren is a member of the Magic Castle, too?”
    Eric smiled. “Not only that, but you’ll probably meet magicians while lodging here. Among professional magicians, this is a favorite place for lodging in the Los Angeles area. In fact, you quite well may be the only lodger here who is not a magician.” He smiled and appeared quite charmed by that knowledge.
    “Eric, this is exciting news. Will Darren perform at the Magic Castle, and if so, how can I get invited to it?”
    “Darren gives a show in the main parlor of this inn every Sunday afternoon. Guests are, of course, invited. The Magic Castle, that’s a little different. Give a hint to Alex, he’ll take you as his guest. Generally speaking, it is not open to the public.”
    Disappointed, I nodded, and looked around, “I would like to unpack, I’ve agreed to meet a photographer over at