Strange events are heavy on Barker Christian's mind this summer at Northshire Inn along Lake Erie. Although the inn feels sleepy, romantic, and hidden, innkeeper Barker knows all its annoying in and outs, and supernatural and grating secrets. Barker's very much aware of the drug use that occurs in room 202, and there are disturbing ghosts in room 112 that haunt the paying guests. Nor can he forget about Radcliff Roberts, the famous horror writer in room 210, who is up to something naughty during the evening hours. Two other strange events occur: Matty Lavender, lead singer of The Thorns, is missing; and a watercolor artist appears on the opposite side of the pond that some guests can see and others can't. Barker stays grounded by his interest in Cal Pipp, the inn's maintenance man. Cal is breathtaking, easy on the eyes, and someone Barker's heart desires. Only problem is Cal doesn't know Barker likes him. Until summer heats up, ghosts materialize, and a different side of Cal appears ...

The Men of Northshire Inn

Maddy O’Dee manned the post: all smiles, cheerful, bright-eyed. She was one of my favorite employees, adding an abundance of sunshine to any dark day. She beamed a smile at me, winked, and said, “Good morning, Lovey. Looking bright.” Lovey. Her pet name for me; I didn’t mind.


“David told me to tell you to meet him in the dining room. He wants to talk to you about your attack in room 112. I’m sorry about your terror.”


“I don’t know what it was,” I told her.


“Well, maybe David can get to the bottom of it. There’s fresh coffee and Danish.”


“Thanks, Maddy,” I told her, and continued my day.


The inn bulged to its capacity, swelling. All twenty-four rooms were booked through the patriotic holiday. Breakfasters filled the main dining area. Guests chattered around the four tables. David stood near the coffee bar.


I moved up to him and he provided me with a pleasant, “Good morning, friend,” and a cup of coffee with matching saucer. “Shall we sit?” he asked.


Chapter 6