The new maid heard weeping beneath the mansion. Opening the heavy basement door, she found the missing wife, starved and chained. As gasps filled the dark room, the wife grabbed her hand, whispering, “Run before he hears you, or he’ll make you my replacement.” Suddenly, footsteps echoed on the stairs…

a shadow against the hallway light.

Chapter 3: The Ghost’s Ledger

I froze, the dust rag trembling in my grip. My mind raced, searching for an excuse, any lie that could save me from the venom pooling in her eyes.

“A… a coin, ma’am,” I lied, my voice cracking. “I found a silver coin behind the books. I was going to put it on the desk.”

Verónica moved with continue reading …