Trying to Live With the Dead (The Veil Diaries #1)

by B.L. Brunnemer

Rory was giving out chores for the week when I felt a familiar chill run down my neck. I froze, my heart slammed in my chest as my throat closed. I lifted my head slowly. Standing between Tara and Rory was the dead man from earlier today. His clothes looked like they were from the forties. His eyes were on me; he knew I saw him. Damn it. Pain ran up my jaw and down my chest. “Alexis?” I barely registered Tara’s voice as the man started coming toward me. I held up a hand, palm out, and motioned for him to back up. He stopped and stepped back; the relief on his face made my heart ache. When he was far enough back, the pain eased; my throat loosening. I finally took several deep breaths. “Tara, go upstairs,” Rory stated calmly, his eyes never leaving my face. I shook my head as I was getting to my feet. “I’ll take him outside,” I mumbled as I hurried upstairs to get my sketchbook and pastels. I came back downstairs and hurried across the living room. I needed to get outside before the ghost decided he wasn’t waiting anymore. “What is going on?” Tara asked loudly. I ignored her and headed for the back door. “Are you sure you got this?” Rory asked. I kept my focus on getting to the door without the man getting too close. I nodded, opening the door and flipping on the back-porch light. “You have five minutes, Lexie, then I’m coming out,” Rory said. I waved that I understood and shut the door behind me. The dead man stepped out through the wall of the house. “I’ll listen, but you...