MacGowan's Ghost Read Free

pass up the chance to go to Scotland? Even with twelve cases pending, who in their right mind would do that?
    â€œMs. Morgan?”
    Snapping out of her thoughts, Allie glanced at Dauber, who lifted a brow, and then she cleared her throat. “Yes, Mr. MacGowan. I’m sure I can help you. But first, I need you to send me the link to your pub and inn. You have a Web site, don’t you?”
    â€œAye.”
    â€œGreat. Just e-mail me the link, and I’ll be in touch.”
    Mr. MacGowan sat silent on the line for a moment, then, “Your Web site describes you as a paranormal investigator. Does that mean you oust unwanted spirits, Ms. Morgan?”
    Allie thought a moment. “I communicate with unsettled souls, Mr. MacGowan. It’s been my experience that they haunt for a reason, and usually it’s a reason even they aren’t fully aware of, and I try to find out why. Haunting is all the control they have left in a mortal’s world. I work with them to resolve whatever unsettled matters they may have. More times than not, their souls become mended and they move on.”
    Again, momentary silence. “I’ll be waiting to hear from you, then.”
    They disconnected, and Allie sat for a moment and stared at her laptop screen. Wow! What an opportunity! She’d always wanted to encounter souls from the medieval era, not to mention a crumbly castle or two.
    â€œYou’re going, then?”
    Allie gave a nod. “I’d love to, but we’ll have to see. I’m not so sure I sold my services to him. First, I’ll check out his Web site, just to make sure the inn and pub is what he says—and that he’s indeed the proprietor and not some sort of serial killer.” She rubbed her chin. “I get the feeling he’s pretty desperate. And legit.”
    Dauber mimicked Allie’s movement and rubbed his pointed chin. “I daresay those unsettled souls must be stirring up quite the mishmash. I wonder why.”
    Allie met the questioning gaze of her ghostly friend. What would she do without Dauber? She’d met him on her very first unofficial case in Raleigh. God, what was she? Nineteen? A sophomore in college, she’d stumbled across the willowy ghost sitting on the corner pew in the small campus chapel. A handful of other students was present. No one saw Dauber but Allie, and it was the first time she recognized the fact that she had a gift. After her accident . Their gazes had met, and Dauber had blinked several times in what Allie could only believe was dismay over having a mortal actually see him.
    And they’d been fast friends ever since.
    Allie pulled her thoughts back to the present. “I don’t know, Dauber, but I bet it’s going to be a lot of fun finding out just what’s up in the Highlands of Scotland.”
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    Odin’s Thumb Inn and Pub
Sealladh na Mara
Northwest coast, Scotland
October, a week later
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    â€œRight. Fifty quid, then, lass.”
    Allie Morgan blinked. “Pardon me?” Quid? What the heck was that?
    The cabdriver, a tall, lanky guy, around thirty, with a pair of soft brown eyes, grinned. “Your fare. Fifty sterling pounds.” He winked. “Quid.”
    With a smile, Allie nodded. “Gotcha.” Digging in her backpack, she pulled out the bills and paid the man. “Thanks for a spectacularly wonderful drive.”
    The driver’s grin widened. “Aye, and thank you for the spectacularly wonderful tip.” He stuffed the bills in the console and inclined his head. “Stayin’ at Odin’s, then, are you?” he asked.
    Allie gave a nod. “I sure am.”
    The cabbie studied her for a few seconds, then shook his head and grinned even wider.
    â€œWhat?” Allie asked, gathering her bags. “What’s so funny?”
    The driver chuckled. “Oy, lass, I’m sorry.” He lifted a brow. “Do you know much about Sealladh na Mara,