Kindred Spirits Read Online Free Page B

being caused by a spirit. It just hadn’t shown itself to me. Yet.
    â€œActually, Lily—” A stream of icy water sprayed me in the face! I shielded my eyes with my hands. Water spurted as if by magic from the faucet. I hadn’t even touched the knobs. Then I saw the hand.
    A thumb covered the faucet just enough so the coldwater sprayed me. In slow motion, a body materialized. A small eight-year-old boy. Short hair tucked into a wool cap. Dark eyes filled with mischievous glee. Old-fashioned clothes.
    I reached around him and turned the water off.
    â€œGotcha!” the boy cried. He jumped in delight. Sparks of pent-up energy prickled around his body.
    Henry. The boy’s name was Henry. He was one of the spirits who lived in the house. Henry was kept locked in a closet way up on the third floor, because he was trouble.
    Big trouble.
    What was he doing down here? I wondered.
    I knew the answer immediately. Eleanor and Dwight had let him out. They’d probably opened every closet in the house by now.
    There are secrets behind those doors, I thought, annoyed. Things that need to stay hidden.
    Suddenly I sensed Lily watching me. No longer laughing. Just watching from across the kitchen.
    I bit my lip and tried to think. Henry caused destruction wherever he went.
    He broke things. He tore things. He’d knockedover the sugar and spilled the milk.
    Henry eyed the kitchen, plotting his next trick, unable to stay still.
    Lily eyed me.
    I closed my eyes. Water dripped down my face. Think, think. I had to get Henry out of here. But how? I couldn’t talk to him. Not in front of Lily.
    â€œSara, what just happened with the sink? We should go get Lady Azura. I’m telling you, stuff like this happens in the movies sometimes. It’s almost always something paranormal that caused it. Like a ghost, or—”
    No, no, I couldn’t talk about this with her right now. Not with Henry running rampant. I’d learned firsthand that he could be dangerous if he wasn’t dealt with.
    Henry darted across the kitchen.
    What’s he doing? Where’s he going?
    Nothing stood in his way. No pans, no pots, no spilled sugar. His feet never touched the ground.
    He was heading right for Lily!

Chapter 4
    I had to stop Henry!
    â€œNo!” I cried. Henry was inches away from Lily.
    Suddenly he dropped to his knees. His small, shimmering hands reached out. Then he turned to me. “It’s a doggie,” he said, his voice a breathless whisper.
    â€œWhat?” Lily asked me. “Why’d you yell?”
    Buddy sprawled contentedly by Lily’s feet. Henry pointed to him. His mouth formed an O of surprise. His outstretched arms twitched.
    â€œI thought I saw a bee,” I told Lily, swatting at the air. “It’s gone.” I hated lying. My stomach was on fire.
    â€œMay I pet the doggie?” Henry asked. He leaned closer to Buddy.
    Neither Lily nor Buddy seemed to sense Henry. Buddy stayed fast asleep.
    Would it be okay? I wasn’t sure. I nodded ever so slightly at Henry.
    He scooted even closer to Buddy. His small hand, visible only to me, tentatively touched Buddy’s back. He gently rubbed the dog’s brown fur. Slowly at first, then faster. Long, loving strokes. Henry’s body relaxed with each stroke. The electric current around him dimmed.
    Eyes closed, Buddy rolled onto his back. Henry rubbed his belly. Buddy’s hind legs fluttered with delight. His stubby tail wagged furiously.
    â€œCheck out Buddy.” Lily tipped her chin toward her dog. “He’s awfully happy.”
    â€œWhat do you think he’s dreaming about?” I asked nervously.
    Lily’s eyes gleamed. “I totally know.”
    â€œWhat?” Could she sense Henry?
    â€œMason. He’s excited to see Mason tomorrow, and he’s excited because he knows you’re going to get together with Mason!”
    â€œOh, please!” Relief, fear, and my guilt