Silly superstition. She followed Grady through the labyrinth of corridors. “I would never find this by myself. How do you know the way?”
“I’ve explored this old place many times.” He stopped in front of a door and rattled the locked knob. “Except for this room. Barry has it locked up tight. He won’t let anyone in it.”
Alanna touched the cold knob. “What’s in here, do you suppose?”
“No idea.”
“Does he ever go inside?”
“Nearly every night before he goes to bed.”
Her curiosity was truly piqued now. Barry was so indulgent with her. Maybe he would allow her access.
“Maybe he’s an ax murderer and he keeps his toys inside,” Grady said, grinning.
She rolled her eyes. “You really do hate him, don’t you?” Still, she couldn’t help giving the door one final glance before following Grady to her bedroom.
Nineteen
Alanna thrust the curtains aside and allowed sunshine to stream into the room. She needed the brightness to wash away the nightmares of the night before. Every muscle in her body screamed with pain, and she hobbled as she went to the dresser. She wore a flowing skirt and loose top so nothing chafed her sore skin.
Her fingers caressed the wood of the music box, worn smooth by the touch of so many hands over the decades. She found the winding mechanism and twisted it. The lovely strains that tinkled out made her aches disappear. She had to find out about this melody and this box. Could it possibly be the same one her sister had? And if it was, how had it come to be here in this mansion? The tune haunted her, and she wasn’t sure how to go about discovering the name of the song. Maybe Barry would know.
She ran her fingers over the smooth wood again. Practice was what she needed today. Playing her fiddle with her mates would get rid of this unsettled sensation she carried.
Her door opened, and Barry thrust his head in. “What are you doing with that, Alanna?”
She turned with a smile that ebbed when she saw his dark expression. “I heard it playing last night and found it in an abandoned room. I quite adore it, Barry. My sister had one like it. In fact, I was wondering if it might be the same one. How did it come to be here?”
“It’s been here as long as I can remember. I’ve never asked where it came from.”
“Do you recognize the tune?”
“No.” He stepped in. “It needs to be returned to the room where you found it.”
“Please let me keep it?” she coaxed. “Who can enjoy it otherwise?”
His attempt at a smile was more of a grimace. “I’m sorry to disappoint you, sugar, but I can’t let you keep it here. Feel free to listen to it in that room anytime though.”
“You don’t really believe there’s a banshee, do you?”
He didn’t answer as he reached past her and closed the lid to the music box. The abrupt cessation of the delightful sound pained her. He lifted it in his hands and took it out. Alanna followed him, still disbelieving that her doting husband would deny her something that meant so much to her.
When he disappeared around the corner, she decided to see if he might take it to the padlocked room Grady had shown her. Her bare feet made no sound on the floor. When she reached the place where the corridor branched off, she saw Barry disappear around another bend. She followed him through the twists and turns of the halls until she was thoroughly lost.
She saw Barry pass the padlocked door and return the music box to its original location. She paused and leaned against the wall by the padlock until Barry exited the bedroom and shut the door. He stopped when he saw her standing there.
“I neglected to ask how you’re feeling this morning,” he said, his smile breaking out.
“I’m a little sore, but I will soon be to rights when I get a chance to practice with my mates,” she said. She turned and yanked on the doorknob. “Why is this locked? None of the other rooms are.”
He took her arm and pulled her away. “It’s just got my business papers in it. I don’t trust Grady not to meddle, so I lock it up.”
His tone held tension under the casual words. She realized she didn’t believe him. As far as she knew, he’d never lied to her before, but somehow she knew he wasn’t telling her the truth. It made her more determined to see what was inside that room. But judging by the way he moved her along at a fast clip, she knew better than to ask for admittance. Maybe later.
Right now she needed her band, her music. And she needed to be finding out what Jesse was doing at the estate last night.
She tugged her arm out of Barry’s grasp so he would slow. “I’ll be meeting Ceol in Charleston today to practice. What car do you want me to take?”
He stopped walking and stared down at her. “I’ve got a conference call that will last several hours. I can perhaps take you after my business is concluded.”
“I’m perfectly capable of driving myself. I’ve gotten quite used to cars on the opposite side of the road. I need to practice most of the day.”