Shadow Silence by Yasmine Galenorn

toward the center of the downtown area.
    Whisper Hollow was alive and bustling. Regardless of the small population, the town never seemed empty. It had its share of regular ghosts. I could sense and see them walking the streets. Most, I never bothered with. My grandma Lila had let them roam, as well. They weren’t doing anybody any harm, and seemed content to meander through the town without upsetting anybody.
    I ran over my shopping list in my mind. I wanted to find gifts for Bryan and Peggin, obviously, but also Aidan—my grandfather—Ivy, Ellia, Deev, and a few other people. It felt good to have friends again. When I had been living in Seattle, managing a coffee shop, I had acquaintances, but never anybody to really hang out with.
    And I had rarely dated. Once guys found out that I could speak to their dead mothers and girlfriends and find out just what kind of people they really were, they seldom asked me out again. Or they just wanted an easy lay, and the fact that I wore an F-cup bra never failed to bring in a certain group of fetishists as well.
    That reminded me, I needed new bras. Big boobs meant a lot of wear and tear on the support system, and I went through bras every six months, even though I treated them with loving care. I was passing Elsa’s Lingerie & Lux Shop, so I dropped in for my first stop of the day.
    Elsa was in her eighties, but she was also still as pulled together as she had probably been every day of her life. She never went anywhere without her coral lipstick, her gloves, and her Dior handbag.
    â€œKerris, how are you?”
    I smiled and leaned on the counter. “I need new bras, Miss Elsa. Did you get in the brand that I like?”
    â€œRight here—Elomi, 38F. Are these the styles you wanted?” She showed me two different choices, and I bought two of each.
    Purchase in hand, I gave her a little wave and headed for my next stop. Peggin’s gift was easy. I knew she had been eyeing a new dress, but had bemoaned the cost. She wouldn’t be able to buy it now, not if she was going to buy the house, and I also knew what shoes she wanted to go with it. The vintage shop where she had found it also carried new retro designs. The dress had a flared skirt, fitted bodice, and was printed with a gothic floral design in plum and black. The shoes were chunky heels, also a plum color to match. I askedthe clerk to box up both and, shopping bags in tow, headed for the coffee shop. Bryan should be there by now.
    The Broom & Thistle was one block over from the vintage clothing shop, on Third and Cedar. I pushed through the doors just as another bone-chilling gust of wind swept past. Shivering, I glanced around the shop, hoping to see Bryan. He was there and he jumped up when he saw me, hurrying to take my bags.
    â€œWhat do you want? Sit down and get warm while I order your drink.” He pressed his lips against mine while maneuvering me back to the table.
    â€œTriple-shot hot mocha, heavy on the chocolate and whipped cream. And a slice of cherry cake, too.” I hustled into the chair, taking the bags back from him to set by the wall. We were next to a window, but the shop was well insulated. Even so, I could still feel a slight chill radiating through the glass. This winter was going to be a cold one.
    As I waited for Bryan to return, I saw Nelly bussing tables. The Broom & Thistle was owned by the Brannons—Nelly was also a lounge singer and took part in the local theatrical group, and Michael was an excellent swordsman, as well as a member of the Crescent Moon Society. Michael was Irish through and through, and Nelly also had Irish roots.
    Whisper Hollow was steeped in three ethnicities—Irish, Russian, and Native American. And the three backgrounds jostled with each other to attempt to create a comfortable mix of heritages.
    Bryan returned, drink and cake in hand. “For you.”
    I cupped the mocha with my hands, grateful to feel the heat radiating