Dark Room Read Free Page A

news. I saw Jonah’s truck. Lunch has arrived. Not a minute too soon, either. My stomach’s growling like something out of a horror movie.”
    Shrugging off her coat, Jill continued to talk as she ran her fingers through her hair to dry it. She was more striking than beautiful, with red-gold hair, dark eyes in contrast, and a wide, sensual mouth. And when she smiled—which she did often—her entire face lit up.
    “It’s a good thing corned beef has renewing powers,” she informed Morgan. “My afternoon’s going to be crazier than my morning. Back-to-back meetings, first with our accountant, then with our new software designer. Pushed to save money, then pushed to spend it. By six o’clock, my brain will be fried.” She waved away any outstanding concern. “Not to worry. I’m picking up the winter solstice decorations on my way home. The last of the office will be decorated tomorrow morning. Oh, and I’m meeting Mom for dinner. We’re going over the final party details.”
    Jill rubbed her palms together for warmth, her eyes sparkling as she contemplated the holiday celebration Winshore was hosting for its clients. “You won’t even recognize Mom’s gym when we’re through with it. Lighting, music, decorations. And enough food to sink a ship. It’ll be fantastic. Before I forget, Dad left a message on my cell. He’s flying in from D.C. tonight. So save some time.”
    At long last, Jill stopped to catch her breath, and Morgan found herself marveling, yet again, at her friend’s tireless energy. That was Jill—the whirlwind. She lived life to the fullest, and pushed all the boundaries in the process. She was all about reveling in whatever the world had to offer, and if anyone existed who didn’t like her, Morgan didn’t know about it. Jill was a proverbial breath of fresh air, a sister in all ways but blood, and Morgan adored her.
    “Morg?” Jill was eyeing her speculatively, her brows knit with concern. “You okay?”
    “Fine. Just hungry.”
    With a quick sideways glance, Jill verified that Beth was on the phone with a client. Then she crossed over and pulled Morgan aside, lowering her voice as she spoke. “No, you’re not just hungry. You’re exhausted. It’s no wonder Dad’s worried about you. Which, in case you haven’t figured it out, is why he’s coming here straight from the airport. Did you have another bad night?”
    Morgan shrugged. “I’ve had worse. Then again, I’ve had better. It’s par for the course these days.”
    Jill frowned. “Maybe I should cut back on the whole decoration thing, at least for this year.”
    “Don’t you dare. Your holiday spirit has nothing to do with my nightmares. If anything, it diverts me.”
    “Not really. You’re a mess.”
    “I know.” Morgan didn’t try denying it. “I’m not sure why they’ve hit me so hard this year. Dr. Bloom says it’s a subconscious vicious cycle. Reading my mother’s journals triggered a stronger-than-usual connection to her and my dad; that connection prompted me to delve deeper into her journals, which, in turn, triggered more nightmares.”
    “But the nightmares were worse than usual even before you found those journals buried in that box of your mother’s things. It’s been weeks since you were yourself.”
    Morgan sighed, massaging her temples. “I just have this weird, creepy feeling. I can’t seem to shake it.”
    Before Jill could reply, the front door buzzer sounded, followed by a rhythmic knocking and a bark of “Lunch!”
    No second announcement was needed. Jill hurried over and yanked open the door. “Hey, Jonah,” she greeted the teenager who tromped in.
    “Hey.” Tall and gangly, Jonah was swallowed up by his down parka and boots, with only a lock of sandy hair and the puffs of cold air he was exhaling visible. But the telltale aromas of deli meat wafting from the brown bag he carried were the only ID required.
    “You’re a lifesaver.” Jill snatched the bag, opening it for an