Ghost Aria by Jeffe Kennedy Page B

question. “I wasn’t thinking.”
    Sanchez sighed. “Is that the only thing you were afraid of, Christy? Did something else happen?”
    Did the chandelier fall or not? She wanted to shriek the question. She clamped down on it, keeping her voice even. “Like what?”
    â€œI understand you’re seeing Roman Sanclaro.”
    It took her a moment to adjust her thoughts. Roman? “Um, yes. He’s an old family friend. What does that have to do with anything?”
    â€œHe’s waiting for you outside. He’s been quite concerned about you. Is there anything you need to tell me?”
    She no longer had to fake being confused and a little dumb. She had no idea what he meant. Sanchez drew her aside, farther away from the prop shop doorway. “Did Roman Sanclaro hurt or threaten you?”
    â€œWhat? No.” Her thoughts lost some of the fog and she focused on him. “Is he a suspect in the murder?”
    His face stayed impassive. “The investigation is ongoing. Do you have information to share with me?”
    â€œAh . . . no. No! I’ve known Roman practically my whole life. He would never hurt anyone.” Her voice shook, everything catching up with her.
    Sanchez’s gaze flicked away and, despite his professional poker face, she could practically read his thoughts. They all said that kind of thing, the families—even the wives and girlfriends—of serial killers. She sounded just like those poor people on TV, bewildered, unable to believe the evidence before their eyes.
    â€œI know you have my card already—here’s another,” Sanchez was saying. “Call me anytime you want to talk.”
    Christy nodded, folding his card and sliding it into her jeans pocket. His intelligent gaze held both a plea and a warning.
    â€œEven if you feel afraid for no reason, I want to hear about it.”
    That was a laugh. He had no idea the things that currently frightened her. “Could I ask a favor?”
    Sanchez raised an expectant eyebrow.
    â€œI’m really sorry I caused so much trouble, but could you not call the owner of the theater about this?”
    â€œCarlton Davis? Typically I wouldn’t, unless there had been an actual crime.” Christy breathed a sigh of relief, which the detective didn’t miss. “I’m aware he’s your father, Ms. Davis, so let me give you a word to the wise. Honesty is always the best policy.”
    With a little salute, Detective Sanchez pulled down the tape and went into the prop room, asking someone to release Christy’s belongings to her.
    With trepidation, she followed him. All of her desperation to see had fled, and now she almost couldn’t bear to look. Like the girl she’d been, she wanted to cover her eyes and peek through her fingers.
    There were her things, sitting on the workbench where she’d left them. Up above, the chandelier rested, regal under its thick coating of dust and cobwebs. Underneath, the concrete floor was bare and clean.
    But in the corner, catching her eye, a shard of crystal glittered.

In Master of the Opera Act 3: Phantom Serenade , Christy’s obsession with the Master’s dark sensuality jeopardizes her relationship with Roman, her job—and possibly her life. . . .
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    Coming February 6, 2014!

About the Author
    Jeffe Kennedy is an award-winning author with a writing career that spans decades. Her fantasy BDSM romance, Petals and Thorns , originally published under the pen name Jennifer Paris, has won several reader awards. Sapphire , the first book in the Facets of Passion series, has placed first in multiple romance contests, and the follow-up, Platinum , is climbing the charts. Her most recent works include three fiction series: the fantasy romance novels of A Covenant of Thorns , the contemporary BDSM novellas of the Facets of Passion , and the post apocalyptic vampire erotica of Blood Currency. She is currently working on