Hearts of Evil

By Lauralynn Elliott

After horror author, Lily Grey, has a bad experience in the city of Atlanta, she moves to a small town on the Florida panhandle, Eden Beach. Little does she know, this small town has dark secrets and a history of violence. Lily finds herself attracted to the sheriff, Rob Vega, but he seems to be dealing with his own demons. As she does more research on the town, she is horrified, yet fascinated by the murders committed in this deceptively pleasant little town. Lily learns more from a preacher she meets in a little church on the beach, but she knows he is hiding something, too. She soon realizes she is in danger, and even though the sheriff would do anything in his power to protect her, there are powerful forces at work. Will Lily and Rob be able to overcome the evil that lurks in this little town? Or will Lily fall prey to the Hearts of Evil?

This book is full of mystery, horror, and the supernatural with a little romance thrown in.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lauralynn Elliott
• Release date: Feb 10, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310057212

Lauralynn Elliott

Lauralynn Elliott is an independently published author of paranormal and fantasy romance books, as well as some horror. She started the indie journey several years ago and has never regretted it, loving the freedom to publish what she wants when she wants. You will find everything from vampires and ghosts to elves and wizards in her novels and novellas. She enjoys putting a little bit of a different twist on some of the old ideas about our favorite fictional characters. Lauralynn lives in the southeastern United States with her husband of many years. She has two grown sons whom she adores. Reading, playing computer games, and spending time with friends are some of her favorite activities.

Book preview

Hearts of Evil

Lauralynn Elliott

Copyright© 2014 Lauralynn Elliott

Smashwords Edition

Cover Design by Anya Kelleye

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return it and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This book is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to any person living or dead is purely coincidental.

Prologue

Ten years ago

Levi Parker poured himself another shot of Scotch and walked unsteadily to the window overlooking his lush lawn. Although it was only eleven o’clock in the morning, he deserved a drink. Several drinks. After the letter from his bank announcing the foreclosure of his house as well as his car dealership, he deserved to get stinking drunk. How was he going to tell his wife? She knew nothing about the gambling debts he had to pay, nor his payments to the numerous prostitutes he had shared a bed with. Not to mention the extra money he had to pay the pimps when he roughed one of the girls up from time to time.

He surveyed his property, and felt such a pang of regret, he swallowed the whiskey down in one gulp and went for another. He was going to lose it all, and none of his extra-curricular activities had been worth it in the long run. Had they?

It wasn’t long before he was so inebriated he could barely stand. He plopped himself down in his oversized armchair…another possession he would miss…and quickly fell asleep, his glass slipping out of his hand and making a thud loud enough for his wife to come and see what had happened. He didn’t see her move silently into the room, nor did he see the sadness that came over her face as she looked at him before walking back out the door.

As Levi slowly came awake, he saw it was almost dark in the room, shadows lurking in the corners, causing him to shiver. Then one of the shadows broke away and moved closer to his chair. Standing before him was something out of a nightmare, a creature made of black smoke with eyes that burned red as fire.

Wh…what…. was all that would come out of Levi’s mouth.

What am I? Who am I? the creature said, laughing, the sound like something from the deepest pits of hell.

I’m dreaming! This has to be a dream.

"As a matter of fact, Levi Parker, you are dreaming. Although, it’s really more like a vision."

The creature moved closer, and Levi shrank away as much as he could in the chair. He hoped he would wake up soon because this was the worst nightmare he had ever had.

Levi Parker, I have a proposition for you. A man such as yourself should never want for anything, isn’t that right? A man of your…tastes…should have unlimited resources to pursue whatever pleasure you desire. The creature was in his face now. What if I could give you anything your heart desires? What if I could make sure you never wanted for anything? Would that be something you might be interested in?

Suddenly, the wheels were turning in Levi’s head, his greed overcoming his fear. What would I have to do?

It would be so simple. All I require is a few of your friends to agree. Friends who might be in the same situation you currently find yourself in. Do you think you could help me with that, Levi Parker?

Levi found himself nodding. After all, if this creature could give him back what was about to be taken from him, it didn’t really matter what he needed to do. He would do it.

Is that all? What will they have to agree to?

The creature rumbled in laughter again, and Levi’s fear threatened to overtake him again. But, no, he wouldn’t quake in terror. He had to find out what would restore him back to the comfort he deserved.

As with all things in life, there is a balance, a price. Are you willing to pay that price?

Levi nodded again. Anything. Just tell me what to do. I’ll do anything to keep from losing all I have.

Very well. Then the creature moved closer and whispered in his ear.

Levi leapt up from his chair, awake and fully sober. What had happened? Then the dream came back to him in all its horror and fascination. He felt an uneasy, unfamiliar stab of guilt in his gut, but he pushed it down. He knew what he had to do. He was a survivor.

He called his wife’s name, and she came down the stairs in her robe, frowning at him. She wasn’t used to being summoned this way. In fact, she wasn’t used to being summoned at all, considering he ignored her most of the time.

What is it, Levi? I was just settling down with a book and a cup of tea.

We’re moving, Michelle. I just got a job offer.

A job offer? But what about the dealership?

I’m selling it all. The dealership, the house, everything. We’re going to start a new life.

What? Where?

He grinned. I’ve been offered the job as mayor of Eden Beach.

Chapter One

Present Day

Lily shivered as the cool air came through the open window where she stood gazing out at the ocean. It had been a mild November day on the Florida panhandle, but the evening air had a little bite to it. She glanced over at the bags she had set down on the floor that afternoon and sighed, knowing they wouldn’t unpack themselves. Dragging herself away from the window, she took her suitcases to the bedroom and started taking her things out, hanging and folding as she went. After her clothes were put away and her toiletries were stowed in the bathroom, she decided to take a walk down the beach. Her beach. The little cottage she had just purchased had a private shoreline, and there weren’t any houses close by. This stretch of the beach wasn’t prime property, although she found it charming, with its overabundance of dunes and seagrass. As she walked, she felt herself relax slightly, although it would be a long time before she let her guard down completely.

The little town of Eden Beach wasn’t even on most maps, and that’s just the way she liked it. After the dangers of Atlanta, she was ready for somewhere quiet and safe…well, as safe as any place could be. No place was really safe, was it?

When she had gone about a half mile, just a little past her property line, she saw a little church set back from the beach, almost obscured by palms and tropical plants. She had almost missed it. Curious, she walked through the sand up to a cobblestone path that led to the entrance. Lily hesitated for just a moment, then decided it couldn’t hurt to just take a look. She hadn’t really expected the door to be unlocked, but the handle turned easily. The vestibule was delightful, all polished wood and stone. She cautiously entered the auditorium, and saw the floors in there were also stone. Stained glass windows adorned the sides of the small church in rich jewel tones, mostly reds. The pictures were beautiful, depicting different scenes from the Bible. The beauty of this little church almost took her breath away, and for a few minutes, she forgot the ugliness of the city and the things that had happened to her there. Only peace dwelled here.

Hello, said a voice behind her.

Startled, she whipped around and saw a man in clergyman’s clothing standing there looking amused. She gave a nervous little laugh and said, You gave me a scare. I’m sorry, I hope I’m not intruding. But this place is just beautiful, and I had to explore a little. I hope that was okay.

He smiled, and it lit up his whole face. This preacher was a handsome man. I don’t mind at all. Thank you for your kind words about our little church. I happen to agree with you that it’s beautiful.

I’m Lily Grey. I just moved here today, and I was exploring the beach. I saw this exquisite little church and had to see what was inside. It’s even lovelier on the inside than the outside.

I’m Tim Holden. Nice to meet you.

He held out his hand, and as Lily took it, she realized his skin was unusually cool. And there was something unsettling about his touch. She took her hand back as quickly as she dared, not wanting to offend him.

Have you been preaching here long? she asked.

His eyes took on a faraway look, and she was beginning to think he wasn’t going to answer. Then he said, A very long time. It seems like forever.

But it can’t have been that long. You’re too young.

He frowned, and she was afraid she had said something wrong, but then he smiled. I guess it just seems like a long time. So, Lily…may I call you Lily? What brought you to our little town?

She hesitated. She didn’t want to get into the details of what really brought her here. So she said, I was just tired of the hustle and bustle of Atlanta. I had to get away and find somewhere a little quieter.

But won’t you be bored living here? We only have a population of about five hundred people. Surely you’ll miss the excitement of the city.

"I’m perfectly happy to be away from the excitement."

What do you do for a living, Lily? Won’t it be hard to find something here?

I’m a writer, so it really doesn’t matter where I live.

Ah, he said, grinning, no wonder you want some peace and quiet. The excitement lives in your pages.

She grinned back at him, delighted that he actually understood. Yes, I get enough excitement in my books. I write horror.

He looked troubled. Aren’t there enough horrors in the world without having to write about them? I’m surprised you wouldn’t be happier writing a nice romance.

Not my thing, preacher, she said.

Please, call me Tim. Don’t you think it would be better for your mental well-being to write something other than horror?

I’m sorry you don’t approve. What could possibly happen just because of what I’m writing?

He looked startled. Forgive me, I didn’t mean to offend you. I just…never mind. It was very nice to meet you, Lily. Now I must get back to my duties.

He disappeared through a door behind the pulpit so quickly, she almost didn’t see him go. What a strange man. Very attractive and very odd. As she exited the church, she wondered if she ought to come back here for a service. Maybe after she had been settled in for a while. She was going to have to get back on good terms with God after the way she railed at him following what had happened to her in Atlanta. She shuddered at the memory and shut that part of her mind back down before she drove herself crazy with fear. She was safe here. Nothing was going to harm her in this small town.

Lily walked back to her cottage and made herself a cup of tea before settling down in front of her laptop to work on her latest book. She had just started typing when she heard a knock on the door. Frowning, she went to see who it was, surprised that anyone would be visiting since she didn’t know anyone here. A little thread of panic shot through her, but she tamped it back down. There was no one to hurt her in this little town.

When she opened the door, she was surprised to see a man in uniform standing in front of her. Can I help you?

He smiled, although it didn’t reach his eyes, and said, I’m Sheriff Roberto Vega. I just came to welcome you to our town.

Although the man was obviously Hispanic, he had no trace of an accent. He looked like the dark, brooding type, and was very good-looking. But he didn’t seem to be very happy to be here…or maybe he wasn’t happy that she was here.

It’s very nice of you to stop by and welcome me. I was just having some tea. Would you like some?

Well, he said hesitantly, if it’s not too much trouble.

She got the idea he wanted to come in whether it was too much trouble or not. His hesitancy seemed to be an act. There was something disconcerting about this man, but she wasn’t really sure what it was. It just felt like there was hostility coming from him, even though he had been perfectly polite. Maybe she was just imagining things.

Lily poured a cup of tea from the pot she had brewed and added sugar at his request. He sat down on the sofa, and she took the chair directly opposite. There was a moment of silence that made her uncomfortable, even though Sheriff Vega looked perfectly at ease. She had no idea what to say to him and was beginning to think they were both just going to sit there waiting the other out. Then he spoke.

I was a little surprised to see someone from a big city settle down in our little town.

How do you know I’m from a big city?

I saw your tags.

Oh. Well, I was tired of the city. It’s dangerous and too fast-paced for me. I wanted somewhere quiet so I could write and not worry about anything or anyone bothering me.

He frowned. What do you write, Miss Grey?

I write horror, Sheriff, she said, almost defensively.

That’s a strange choice for a woman, don’t you think? he said with raised eyebrows.

Remembering what the preacher had said earlier, she said, So, you think women should only write romances?

Now I didn’t say that. I just don’t think writing horror is a good idea. It breeds thoughts that people shouldn’t have.

It’s just fiction, Sheriff. It doesn’t hurt anyone.

Please, call me Rob. And I’m sorry if I offended you, Lily. Is it okay to call you Lily?

This conversation seemed to be going a lot like the one she had had with the preacher. Sure, you can call me Lily. It’s a small town, after all. I guess everyone is on a first name basis, right?

"This town is a little wary of strangers, Lily, so it might take a while for folks to get used