The Company She Keeps

By Elizabeth Maxim

Sin City = Haunted City...
All Caelin Montgomery wanted was a vacation. It wasn’t turning out that way. If it wasn’t noisy hotel guests keeping her up, it was noisy ghosts, one of which is just way too sexy.
It’s bad enough that Camden Reyes’ life was cut short, but his greedy uncle made it look like a suicide, destroying the singer-photographer’s reputation while at the same time profiting from it. When Caelin Montgomery shows up in his hotel room and can see and hear him, his desire for revenge is stoked, along with the fires of passion.
In love with the same woman...
Mark Reynolds, manager at the Pacific Institute for Paranormal Research is on a working vacation. When his interest in a beautiful woman lands him right in the middle of the supernatural, he learns that investigating the paranormal is better than being at the center of it. Still, there is Caelin...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Elizabeth Maxim
• Release date: Feb 19, 2012
• ISBN: 9781452417752

Elizabeth Maxim

If Elizabeth were to map her life’s journey, it would resemble the chaos of a Pac-Man game but out of this chaos came the foundation for her stories. She draws from knowledge, personal experience, and imagination in creating strong independent characters who steer their own destiny... often with a little help from love.Elizabeth studied alternative medicine with an MD for several years before earning a doctorate of philosophy in that field. She also holds a bachelor's degree in holistic childcare. Currently living in the Pacific Northwest, she is the author of multiple books, fiction and nonfiction, as well as two blog sites.You can follow Elizabeth at elizabethmaxim.com.

Book preview

Prologue

Old Ship Saloon, May 2011

Since most of the tables were filled with people watching the game, Mark Reynolds took a seat at the bar.

Haven’t seen you for a while.

The manager of the Pacific Institute for Paranormal Research gave Bill Duffy a weary smile.

You want your usual?

Mark nodded, glanced up at the TV. An IPA was set in front of him.

Hungry?

Nachos, he replied, grabbing the beer and glancing around. A crowd of young professionals sat at various tables.

You seem kind of distracted; not your usual self. Everything okay at the office? The ghosts giving you a hard time?

Mark’s smile tightened. ‘I have to go on vacation.

The owner of the bar slid a rag over a nearby spill. Don’t think I’ve ever heard of someone complaining about having to take a vacation before. You Type A or something?

No, it’s not that. We’re short a man. Matt’s on administrative leave.

After several weeks, the lie was coming a little easier.

I wondered why I hadn’t seen him in here. He okay?

He’s fine.

Mark hoped that, at least, was the truth.

Haven’t seen Lucas much either.

He’s been putting in a lot of overtime, making up for Matt. I know Kerry comes in here.

That she does, along with that new boyfriend of hers, Nick.

Mark’s smile turned genuine. Nice guy.

He seems like a big improvement over the last one.

Agreed.

The owner walked to the opposite end to take an order. A waitress loaded drinks onto a tray before heading over to a crowded table. Mark admired the way she was able to balance the heavy weight. Like so many servers, her well developed triceps stood out.

So, who’s forcing you to take a vacation if you’re short a man?

Still admiring the waitress’ trim form, he sighed. The boss.

Cairlean?

Mark nodded, drank deeply. He actually flew up here and ordered me to take a vacation.

That right? Huh.

Mark’s smart phone vibrated. Pursing his lips, he reread the text.

Now isn’t that interesting? he murmured. He glanced up as a plate of nachos was set before him. I think I just got an answer to my dilemma.

Yeah?

This deserves a toast. He tapped his now empty glass. Hit me again.

Crunching down on a chip, Mark considered the interesting turn of events.

Chapter One

Las Vegas, June 2011

Caelin Montgomery slouched in a food court chair, oblivious to the cacophony of sounds coming from the crowded casino. She twirled a soda straw, her eyes gazing at, but not really seeing the laminate tabletop in front of her. Whatever had made her think to take a vacation in Las Vegas? She may as well have chosen the Times Square of the spirit world for all the rest she was getting.

The idea had been to immerse herself in a place so filled with people and chaos that she could forget, for a little while, just how crazy her life had become. By observing the zaniness, she’d hoped to distract her senses to the point she could recover some of her equilibrium. Unfortunately, it hadn’t worked out that way.

She’d considered switching rooms again, but discarded the notion. She’d already changed hotels, for all the good that did. Apparently, Las Vegas was one haunted city.

Excuse me, is anyone sitting there?

Slowly, she dragged her gaze away from where it had wanted to linger and looked up.

I’m sorry, I -. The guy stopped, shifted uncomfortably. I don’t know how to do this.

This is interesting. She couldn’t remember ever seeing a guy so flustered.

What is it you’re trying to do?

I’d like to join you.

Was he serious? She didn’t exactly consider herself a femme fatale, nor did she think she looked particularly unapproachable, dressed in jeans, sneakers, and a San Francisco Giants sweatshirt. She smiled.

Have at it.

He sat across from her and thrust out a hand. Mark Reynolds.

Caelin Montgomery.

Caelin?

It’s short for Caelinda.

Pretty, he replied, his brow furrowing.

One side of her mouth went up. His expression didn’t exactly match the comment.

I’ve heard it before.

You have?

I’m trying to remember where. He shrugged. It’ll come to me, I’m sure. I couldn’t help but notice you looking a little -.

Yes?

I don’t know. I was going to say down but it was more like distracted. Are you alright?

Is this your pickup line, then?

What? No, no. I -. He sighed. Boy, I’m making a mess of this, aren’t I?

Was this guy some kind of kook? She glanced around, searching for someone with security, just in case. She turned back, giving him her attention. She had to admit, he had her curiosity. Cute, too.

I was walking through the casino on my way to check out the lions, and you caught my attention.

Because I looked distracted.

Actually, no. It was your sweatshirt. I’m from the Bay Area. Then I saw you and you were sitting here alone and I didn’t see a ring on your finger, so I started to make my way over here.

She remained silent, letting him continue. There was such an intensity about him.

As I got closer, I hesitated. You seemed -.

Distracted.

Yeah, but something else. I don’t know. He let out a sigh. It bothered me.

Because I looked distracted?

Maybe unhappy is the better word.

Oh hell. You aren’t a shrink or psychologist, are you?

No, definitely not. I just felt -.

Either this guy was an idiot or he was a nerd. No one could end up this tongue tied. Especially over her.

"Don’t sell yourself short."

She flinched. Buzz off, she shot back, mentally. Damned interfering ghosts.

"I was just trying to help."

Stop trying to help. And get out of my head while you’re at it.

She looked across to see if he’d noticed. He was frowning. Yep, definitely noticed. Damn. He probably thought she was the idiot.

You didn’t lose a bunch of money did you? he asked, concerned.

I don’t gamble.

He laughed and she smiled. It was a rich deep laughter that painted him in a whole new light. He was actually kind of sexy once he relaxed.

Hey, he said, pointing. Do you want a refill? I’d like to grab one myself and I’d be happy to get you one.

Sprite.

The line was a half a dozen deep so she had time to study him while he waited. He stood a little over six feet and had a slim build. She wouldn’t call him wiry but she doubted he pumped iron. Still, he seemed healthy, in shape. A runner maybe?

He had brown hair and brown eyes. She’d also noticed his hands, which he’d kept flat on the laminate as he sat. His fingers were long and fine, reminding her of a pianist. She wondered if he played. The piano was her favorite instrument. Almost any tune could be played on it and she floated away to nirvana.

Here ya go.

Startled, she glanced up.

One side of his mouth went up as he set the cup down. Lost in thought?

You could say that.

He sat across from her and thrust his long legs beneath the table. I’m a good listener, if you have something to get off your chest.

Oh yeah, she could see it now. Well, I’m a psychic whose abilities almost got me killed. Yeah, that’d go over real well. Still, it might be interesting to see how fast he could run for the hills. In the end, she shook her head.

Thanks. I’m just tired. I didn’t get much sleep last night.

Noisy neighbors partying in the next room?

No, noisy ghosts wanting to talk.

She shrugged. Jet lag.

So, you’re not from the Bay Area?

I will be.

Yeah? Where are you moving from?

Chicago.

Good ol’ Chi-town.

You’ve been there?

My best friend in college ended up there. I’ve been out to see him a few times over the years. I try to always go in the summer. He smiled. I bet you’re looking forward to saying good-bye to the snow shovel.

And the bitter wind and gray skies.

What’s bringing you out to the Left Coast?

I wanted a change.

Boy, was that an understatement.

Do you know where you’ll be staying?

Not exactly.

Have you ever been to San Francisco?

"No, but I’ve seen Bullitt and The Dead Pool."

For several seconds he said nothing, just stared. Then he laughed outright.

I don’t know whether or not to believe you but I like the way you think. Since you seem to favor spontaneity, how about having dinner with me? Craftsteak? Say, in two hours?

Watching Caelin walk through the casino, Mark sipped his soda and considered that maybe this vacation wouldn’t be a bust after all. He hadn’t actually wanted to come but his team had assured him they could handle everything in his absence.

I don’t like leaving you when Matt’s not here, he’d argued.

Kerry Murphy, friend and employee, had waved him off. Things are slow right now. Even if we had a last minute contract come in, Lucas and I can handle it.

No doubt, the material sciences engineer had agreed. Get outta here. You haven’t taken a vacation in all the time I’ve worked for the institute. You’re due.

Overdue, is more like it, Kerry had added. And if, by some chance, we get swamped with people needing us to chase the boogie man? Nick said he’d pitch in.

Nick isn’t an investigator.

Although he liked Kerry’s new boyfriend, he’d worried about his lack of experience.

No, but he’s a university professor which means he’s damned good at research. Come on, quit worrying.

While his team made a good argument, what had sealed the deal was the opportunity to meet up with an industry colleague who was going to be in Vegas for a conference this week. When he’d gotten her text page at the Old Ship Saloon, it had sealed his choice of travel location. Lucas hadn’t agreed.

Then it isn’t a vacation, he’d groused, it’s work. You should have taken Cairlean up on his offer and stayed at his place in Malibu. God knows that’s what I would have done.

What the hell would I do in that big house on the hill?

Watch ocean sunsets with a beautiful woman?

Ah, Lucas, you’re such a romantic.

Mark glanced at his watch. Ten minutes, which meant he’d better get a move on.

The Lion Habitat was crowded with families and Dr. Furet was short. Mark had given himself plenty of time so he could look out for her. He had great admiration for the clinical researcher and was honored she’d made time for him. Being well respected in her field, he knew her schedule at the conference would be tight.

Mark, it’s good to see you again.

He smiled as her lovely French accent washed over him.

Dr. Furet. He held her hands and leaned down, kissing her on each cheek. I know it sounds cliché, but you truly look radiant. Congratulations, by the way.

Miles didn’t understand why I couldn’t have attended the conference when it comes to Paris, so I reminded him I would be a brand new mother by then, with no time.

Why don’t we sit down? He steered them to an area as far away from the crowds as was possible. Can I get you something to drink?

No, thank you.

I appreciate your taking time out of your busy schedule to see me.

I was only too happy. Visiting with friends is much more relaxing than work.

Speaking of. How is your project going?

She smiled, nodded. We are making excellent progress. The results are promising. We should be releasing a preliminary report in six or so weeks.

Wow, I’m surprised you made the time to come here.

I have a wonderful assistant who is more than capable. I’ve been training her myself, since I want her to stand in for me while I’m out with the baby.

Do you know whether it’s a boy or girl?

Miles knows, because he saw on the ultrasound, but I made him promise not to give it away. I want to be surprised.

Make sure your assistant includes me on the list of announcements.

She nodded. And how are things at the institute?

Slow at the moment but I’m proud to say we’ve turned a corner. Thanks, in great part, to the testing we’ve been doing for the military.

Getting your share of the pie, yes? Good for you.

As managing director of the Pacific Institute for Paranormal Research, Mark had been only too happy to discover that while the Cold War had ended, the US government’s interest in psychical research had not. Over a period of eighteen years, some twenty-one million dollars had been spent on various aspects of gathering and analyzing data related to paranormal phenomena. Recently, some of those dollars had flowed their way, thanks to the connections and influence of their CEO.

I know your schedule is full, Dr. Furet, so I won’t keep you. Once I learned you were about to become a mother, I knew you wouldn’t have time to mentor us in our research. I was wondering if you could recommend anyone.

Your IONs connections weren’t able to help?

Everyone is already committed to multiple projects. Three of them suggested I contact you.

She nodded and set her briefcase on the small table. Elegant hands, with freshly manicured nails, worked the lock.

Here. She handed him two business cards. My assistant, Nathalie Beauchamp. She is truly amazing. She is still in school but I promise you will not be disappointed.

How much of a retainer fee do you think we should expect?

The petite Frenchwoman smiled. As she is still at university, I believe she would be more than happy to negotiate.

In exchange for -?

Ah, Mark, you are too clever.

Simple deductive reasoning Dr. Furet. I don’t know anyone who works for free.

As a matter of fact, I am aware of a likely asking price. I have no doubt you will be able to meet it, however.

You have my curiosity.

She read your paper on Nick D’Antonio’s past life regression work. He is the beau of your lead investigator, yes?

Yes, as well as one of her roommates. So, Ms. Beauchamp has an interest in reincarnation, does she?

Ah, yes, but I believe she will want something other than back notes.

He smiled, nodded encouragingly.

Nathalie, she is herself a psychic, yes? She said she is certain there is much more to the story than what has appeared in any of the reports. She would love to interview Monsier D’Antonio, or barring that possibility, Madame Murphy. Do you think either of them would be amenable to the idea?

In exchange for helping us with our studies on the effects of prayer on remote events? I’m sure something could be worked out. May I ask what her expectations would be? Even in the age of technology, projects spanning continents can be tricky. We’re talking about nine hours difference in time.

Claudette Furet’s laugh had a musical quality, reminding him of wind chimes.

I will share a secret. Nathalie has been yearning for a trip to the United States since she was a child. She would prefer to go to New York, I think, as she has heard it is the Paris of your country, but I am certain she would be more than happy to see San Francisco.

I think I could persuade Cairlean to pick up the tab for her flight and if she’d be willing to stay at Kerry’s place, she could avoid the expense of lodging.

She will be delighted. I cannot wait to tell her.

Mark knew there would be no problem. There was more than enough room in the flat his lead investigator rented. Nick rented a room but he never slept in his own bed. In fact, Mark wouldn’t be surprised to find the two headed toward the altar in the not too distant future, a prospect that pleased him. He liked the parapsychologist and was happy she’d finally found someone who not only treated her well, he didn’t mind what she did for a living. The open-mindedness beneficial to dating a psychic was, unfortunately, a rare quality.

Speaking of dates -. He glanced at his watch.

I’d better let you get going. I’ve taken enough of your time as it is. Thank you again for meeting with me.

He leaned down as she stood on her tiptoes and kissed his cheeks.

It was a pleasure to see you again, Mark. Congratulations on your wonderful progress and on your report. I know how important it is to have your theories go through peer review and come out in a positive light. I hope you enjoy your vacation in Las Vegas.

And I wish you a bon voyage and bon chance with the birth of your little one.

Chapter Two

Because Caelin’s mind was on the man she’d agreed to have dinner with, she didn’t hear her name being called. When a hand touched her shoulder, she flinched and let out a startled yelp.

Caelin, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize you didn’t hear me. How are you?

Could this vacation get any worse?

I’m well, Dr. Harris, how are you?

Couldn’t be better, but I wish you’d call me Richard. Dr. Harris makes me feel old. I just finished registration.

Registration?

For the conference?

Conference? She knew she sounded like a parrot but she honestly had no clue what he was talking about.

IRVA?

IRVA? Understanding dawned. Oh god. How could she have forgotten?

Caelin, are you feeling okay? You look a little pale.

She smiled weakly. Jet lag.

Have you registered yet? I can walk over to the ballroom with you. His brown eyes were full of concern.

I’m not actually here for the conference.

His mouth dropped open slightly.

I’m on vacation.

Vacation? You?

She shifted uncomfortably. How could she possibly explain? Of course he would think she was here for the Remote Viewers’ conference.

Caelin, there you are. Wearing a look of apology, Mark Reynolds was walking briskly in her direction.

I misunderstood where you wanted to meet. It just dawned on me that you meant the registration desk. He smiled sheepishly. I’ve been over at the concierge.

It’s okay. I was just on my way to see if you were hanging out near the taxi stand. She glanced at the Chicago resident standing quietly by her side.

Of all the luck.

Dr. Harris? This is Mark Reynolds. Mark, this is Dr. Richard Harris.

They shook hands and, like men protective of the same woman, took each other’s measure. She was not impressed. In fact, she was decidedly uncomfortable.

How the hell am I going to explain?

Caelin and I were just headed out, Mark said, smiling.

Dinner, she added, lamely.

Don’t let me keep you. Mark, it was nice to have met you. Caelin, how long are you here for?

Only a couple of days.

I understand. I can only take about three days of this place, myself. I hope to see you around.

Neither she nor Mark said a word until the doorman shut the cab door.

Where ya goin? the taxi driver asked.

Bellagio, Mark replied. He glanced over. I have a feeling the MGM just got a little small.

She smiled, looked into his eyes. It’s probably not what you think.

Well, I don’t think he’s an ex-boyfriend, but I still got the impression you weren’t up for an intimate chat with the good doctor and a few of his friends.

How did he know there would be friends?

You’re awfully perceptive.

I’m just used to reading people. It comes in handy in my profession. Besides, he was holding a binder. People who attend conferences usually come in groups.

Caelin was quiet for the short ride over to the luxury casino. He guided them to a place called Olives.

It’s a little early for dinner but the bar is open, so we can have a drink while we wait. You look like you could use something a little stronger than soda.

Her mouth dropped open slightly and she wondered if she should be insulted or not.

"Just because you look like you need a drink doesn’t mean you aren’t beautiful."

She snapped her mouth shut. If you don’t leave me alone, I’ll switch rooms, she mentally shot back.

It was actually a valid threat. Ghosts tended to hang out in a place of their choosing. They were also territorial, so if she switched hotel rooms, it was unlikely the spirit would follow her, lest it find the new room already celestially occupied.

Although the ghost didn’t respond, she doubted he’d remain silent for long. In her experience, once a spirit found someone who could hear them, they never shut up.

Mark raised his glass. Cheers.

She sipped her chardonnay and glanced around. A contemporary restaurant, Olives made for a cheery atmosphere even without a dinner crowd.

You know, we’re lucky you ran into Dr. Harris.

We are?

We get to enjoy an early dinner. I didn’t know what I was going to do with myself while I waited another hour. I’m not much of a gambler either.

We picked an interesting place for a vacation, considering neither of us gambles. She cocked her head. Or are you on vacation?

I guess you might call it a working vacation.

No. He couldn’t be -.

In her stomach, the butterflies took flight.

God, she hoped not. She was actually starting to like the guy. He seemed nice and he had come to her rescue.

So, what do you do for a living? he asked.

I’m in the process of changing careers, actually.

Being a psychic was proving a bit too hazardous, but she doubted he wanted to hear that little fact at this stage of the game. That’s why I’m moving to San Francisco.

Do you have a job waiting for you there?

She shifted, drank deeply. Actually, no. I -.

Difficult to explain?

Um, yeah. God, could she sound any more like an idiot?

He waved his hand dismissively. You don’t have to talk about anything that makes you uncomfortable.

I appreciate your understanding.

Besides, it keeps a mystery about you. I like that.

"I like him."

She gave a mental hiss.

"I’m going, I’m going. But before I do, I’m telling you, I like him."

Is the wine okay?

What? Oh, yeah, it’s fine.

Your table is ready.

Caelin was grateful for the host’s interruption. She had to remember she wasn’t back in Chicago with people who were used to her blanking out periodically.

Non-psychics often became uncomfortable about things they didn’t understand, so she spent what little socializing she did around others of her kind, which meant she had a very limited circle of friends. As a result, she considered herself socially inept. In point of fact, this was the first real date she’d had in quite awhile.

A waiter appeared by their table. He gestured. Can I get you another glass of wine?

Yes, thank you.

Same for me. Mark relaxed into his chair and gave her an easy smile.

Are you looking for work? In San Francisco?

No, actually, I’m taking a bit of a break.

Like a sabbatical.

Exactly.

I think it’s a fantastic idea. It prevents burnout. A few Bay Area tech companies have such programs. I have friends who take advantage, though some of the workaholics resist. I think the ones who take the time off are happier for it.

And you? she prompted, eager to divert the conversation away from herself. What do you do?

I work for a small company that does investigative work. I have a team of three who report to me, although one of them is on a leave of absence, which is why I’m here.

Is that what you meant by a working vacation? You’re here in Vegas recruiting?

She liked that idea infinitely more than his being involved in paranormal research.

No. My boss ordered me to take a vacation. I’d been doing double duty since Matt left and Cairlean -.

Cairlean? Interesting name.

Our CEO, Cairlean Sullivan. He’s Irish. Anyway, he insisted I take some time off.

"For how long have you