Finding Midnight

By T. Lynne Tolles

Life raising a hellhound is no easy task. Unforeseen problems can and will arise at every turn. If things weren't crazy enough juggling a job, dating a vampire and being stalked by a demon, then life in Paradise is about to get a whole lot worse for Summer when her landlord demands she unearth the RAT or the BROOM will have her head.
What does that even mean? Is the landlord insane? Summer's best friend Tori thinks so. Top it off with a visit from a fallen angel, a dragon, and Summer's got herself a whopper of a mystery to solve.

• Language: English
• Publisher: T. Lynne Tolles
• Release date: Aug 6, 2014
• ISBN: 9780982987674

T. Lynne Tolles

T. Lynne Tolles can be found most days, juggling one of two cat muses and a laptop, tripping over an ancient Newfoundland dog and washing a never-ending pile of laundry. When life doesn’t get in the way, she writes paranormal romances for new adults. Her passion for witches, ghosts, and vampires together with a light-hearted wit are reflected in her loveable characters and the adventures of mystery they unravel to find their happily ever after.

Book preview

Finding Midnight

T. Lynne Tolles

Copyright

Troll Publishing

Copyright 2014 T. Lynne Tolles

August 6, 2014

Smashwords Edition

ISBN 978-0-9829876-7-4

Cover art: Jennifer Meyer

Digital formatting: Author E.M.S.

All Rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews, is illegal and punishable by law.

Publisher’s Note:

This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, places, and events are the work of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, locales or events is coincidental.

T. Lynne Tolles

Table of Contents

Copyright

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

About the Author

Chapter 1

Summer Raines looked over her shoulder getting one last look at Holy Cross Orphanage where she’d spent the first twenty-one years of her life. In one hand she held the keys to the pawmobile and in the other she held a mysterious manila pouch hidden among the swaddling when the nuns found her on the steps of the orphanage.

A barrage of emotion and memories raced through her head—the old squeaky iron bed, the smell of chalk and bleach, the scratchy worn blankets, and the midnight giggles with Tori. These were in her past now. Starting the SUV, the blast of cool air from the vent hit her face. She suddenly felt the traces of tears she hadn’t realize she had shed.

She pulled out of the orphanage’s parking lot and headed out onto the street. The fibers of the light brown carpet that covered the small SUV moved in unison as wind rushed through them. The giant flopping ears that adorned the vehicle making it look like a giant dog on wheels, jerked around violently as did the tail that Summer saw moving around from her rear view mirror.

Dr. Stuart, Summer’s boss and the owner of the veterinarian clinic called Paws and Whiskers, was quite a character and thought an auto that looked like a dog was the perfect way to advertise the clinic—that and a license plate of PAnWSKR. Of course, he drove a nice BMW, while Summer, his vet-in-training, drove the Paw Mobile, as he called it. Summer would never admit to Dr. Stuart, but she actually kind of liked it. After all, it was a new vehicle; she didn’t have to pay insurance or monthly payments and it was more or less hers to use.

Sitting at one of the many stop lights in town, Summer thought back on the conversation she’d had with Sister Mary Louise about the mysterious pouch she’d given her that now lay on the seat beside her.

Summer, my sweet girl…what a glorious day this is. I’m so proud of you, I think I might just explode, the young sister said as she embraced Summer tightly.

Thank you, Sister, Summer said with a slight bow of her head.

Sister Mary Louise pulled away, cupping Summer’s cheeks as she had done so many times, and sat on the edge of the creaking bed. With excitement, she slapped her thighs through her black garb.

This is an exciting time for a young woman. You are about to embark on the world as an adult, and start making decisions of your own on the path God has set in motion for you. Very exciting, indeed.

And sad, too, Summer pointed out.

Now…let’s not dip into the pool of self-pity. It’s time for you to spread your wings and take flight like all little ones must.

With a crack in her voice, Summer admitted, But I don’t even have a place to go.

Aw, but you do, dear. Arrangements have been made for you to live at Midnight Manor.

That creepy house on the other side of town?

It’s not creepy; it’s in need of some love, that’s all. Besides you won’t be in the Manor, but in a cottage on the grounds—and it’s free, the sister said.

Free? How bad is it?

It’s cute, albeit in need of painting inside and out. Ms. Midnight said you could use any furniture in the barn. There is already a bed, a small sofa, and a little kitchen table inside the cottage. I’m sure you and Victoria will have it whipped into shape and looking adorable in no time. The only stipulation is that you run errands on occasion for Ms. Midnight and maintain her herb garden.

Herb garden? Summer asked with lilt of excitement.

Yes. I thought that might pique your interest, my little green thumb. Ms. Midnight is getting up there in age and it is has become harder and harder for her to maintain it. It’s quite overgrown now, but I understand it was once rather lovely. Sister Mary Louise reached inside her pocket, revealing two keys on a keychain.

This small one is for the gate to the property, and this bigger one is for the cottage, she said as she handed them to Summer. Sister Margaret cleaned the cottage a bit and had groceries delivered, so you should be all set.

Tonight? So soon?

No time like the present, the sister said. Why?

I don’t know. It just feels so rushed, Summer said wiping a welling tear from her eye.

It’s a good thing, my dear. You must have known once you graduated, the Reverend Mother would push to free up your bed for another child in need.

Well, yes, but I didn’t think it would happen so quickly, after all, I have to work this afternoon.

I thought you’d be excited to have your own place, Sister Mary Louise said, rather puzzled.

I am and I’m grateful. It’s just happening all so fast, Summer said.

Yes. Sometimes God throws a curve ball at us, and it can seem a little scary because we don’t know what he has planned. But he does have a plan, a glorious plan, and he’s always there to pick you up when you fall. Of course, I’m here too, and I’ll be checking on you whenever the Reverend Mother will allow. You’ll be fine, my dear. I know you will. Oh…I almost forgot the most important part, the sister said, scrambling for something in her pocket.

That’s when she received the unopened envelope sitting on the passenger seat, staring at her. What was in it? Why was she so scared to open it? She didn’t know, as she glanced at it, blank worn paper and the lump made from its contents. It would have to wait since she was pulling into the parking lot of the veterinary office and she was already late.

She locked up the SUV and raced into the office. When she rushed through the door, a bucket of glittering confetti and shredded office paper showered her. She slapped a hand over her heart, alarmed and surprised by the congratulatory greetings, and toot toots of silly little party horns.

Oh my God, I…Thank you everyone, Summer said, still taking in the surprise. Tori tooted her horn, two inches from Summer’s ear and jumped up and down. Victoria Cobb was Summer’s best friend and a fellow resident of the Holy Cross Orphanage. She worked as the receptionist at Paws and Whiskers and obviously had a marvelous time concocting the confetti and shredded paper to perfection.

Summer thanked her with a hug and plucked a few pieces of paper from her friend’s hair. This week the color of choice was black and it played well with her, torn, extreme, Goth attire craze. No one but the sisters at Holy Cross and Summer knew the true color of Tori’s hair.

Though the two girls were opposites in many ways, the pair of friends kept each other grounded. Summer reminded Tori that not all people were bad and Tori reminded Summer that not all people were good.

Among the others patting Summer’s back and hugging her were Dr. Stuart, Katie Petersen who helped as a nurse and aid, and Tommy Sinclair who delivered supplies. Katie had made cupcakes and helped Tori with the banner taped over the receptionist desk for all to see, Congratulations, Summer! and all over were signatures and paw prints of animals she had helped to make better.

Summer was admiring and reading the names on the sign while drinking a cup of soda when Tori hopped over and pointed to a very special paw print.

Aw, Summer said when she saw the name next to the three-toed print.

That’s right. Even Baron signed, Tori said. Poor Baron had been caught in a metal trap and no one, not even his owner, was able to get near him in his pain, but Summer calmed him by humming a lullaby she learned as a girl. She had been a teen back then, but she always had a magic touch with animals.

A few more congratulations were said before they had to get back to work, and Tommy, the delivery boy, had to leave for the next stop on his route.

Adjusting her lab coat and washing her hands of sweet sticky frosting, Summer asked, So what’s on the docket today, Doctor?

Oh, just the usual. A couple of routine check-ups. Mr. Smitt is bringing in Dragon Lady again. Poor man doesn’t understand why the iguana is shedding its skin. I don’t know how many times I have to tell him it’s normal, but he’s so worried he’s sun burning her with the heat lamp and that is why she’s peeling, Dr. Stuart explained.

I suppose it’s better he shows her too much attention than not enough, Summer replied.

So true. Then later this afternoon I have surgery lined up for a neuter on the Olsens’s new pup, Hercules. After that, do you want to go to Pepe’s Pizza and celebrate your graduation? It’s on me.

Can I take a raincheck? Seems I’m moving into a new place this evening. The sisters at Holy Cross got me set me up at Midnight Manor.

Nice area, that side of town. A little spooky, but nice, the doctor noted.

Yeah. I’m a little nervous about it, since I’ve never seen the cottage I’m supposed to live in. All Sister Mary Louise said is that it needed some love and paint, both inside and out. What does that mean anyway? she said while prepping a tray of things for the checkup.

Hmm. Knowing the sisters, it probably means a good scrubbing and a LOT of paint. We could schedule your pizza celebration at the cottage later this week and make it a BYOPB—Bring Your Own Paint Brush—and have Pepe’s delivered. Between you, me, Tori and her new beau, we’ll have that place painted in no time. It’ll be fun, he said as he puttered around the lab.

That would be really great, Doctor Stuart.

Good, then we’ll set the wheels in motion for that. In the interim, my little apprentice, why don’t you take Mrs. Hamilton and Oscar to room two, Dr. Stuart said.

Right.

The rest of the day was business as usual—or as usual as it was in an animal clinic. Between appointments, Summer had asked Tori to come with her to the cottage. Tori agreed and rearranged her date plans with her boyfriend, Nick, so he would pick her up at the cottage. Summer was thankful she could count on Tori whenever she needed her.

Chapter 2

It was early June and the days were getting longer and longer, so by the time Tori and Summer headed for the cottage, it was eight o’clock but not dark yet. While driving, Summer asked, So what’s the breaking news you mentioned to me before I headed into surgery with Doctor Stuart?

Oh right. You know how I was telling you that I felt Nick was hiding something, Tori said.

Yeah.

Well, it’s huge. I caught him in a lie and we got into what looked to be a big knockdown, drag out fight when he stopped suddenly and admitted he was a vampire.

Oh, come on. I may be gullible, but I’m not falling for that, Tori.

I didn’t believe him at first either, but then he explained the logistics of it and even showed me his fangs, Tori said, practically squealing.

Next you’re going to tell me you are a vampire, Summer joked.

Don’t be ridiculous, Summer. If I was a vampire I wouldn’t be riding in this wacky car. I’d fly to the cottage in bat form and meet you there. Besides, you know me; I don’t take someone’s word for truth without some kind of proof to back it up.

So you’re telling me Nick is a bona fide, blood sucking vampire? Summer said.

That’s what I’m telling you.

Why would he admit something like that? Summer asked.

Oh, I don’t know, maybe because he really likes me? Tori said in a huff, crossing her arms across her chest.

Tori, that’s not what I meant. I mean, a secret like that exposed? That could cost him his life.

I know, but it’s not like I’m going to tell anyone.

But you just told me, Summer noted.

Well, duh? You’re my best friend, but I’m not going to tell anyone else.

So did you break it off with him, then? Summer asked.

No…why would I? Tori asked.

"Oh, I don’t know, maybe because he’s a vampire?"

Are you kidding? I think it’s the coolest thing ever. I mean, he’s gorgeous, he’s dark and mysterious, and to top it all off he’s a vampire. It’s like a goth girl’s dream come true, Tori giddily exclaimed.

Aren’t you worried you might be his next meal?

No. Tori’s brows furrowed. He explained his eating habits and it’s not like in the movies, you know, where they go all crazy ripping apart people, blood squirting, limbs flailing. Some feed on people, but most feed on animals.

Animals? So he goes around killing animals? Summer said, swerving the car a bit.

No. He doesn’t kill anything. He’s no worse than a mosquito, or any number of animals that feed on blood. He just wants to survive, like any other living being. Vampires and other hematophagous are less cruel than some animals. For instance, a lion will kill its prey, where a hematophagous doesn’t; it just takes what’s necessary to live.

I’m sorry, Tori. You’re right. I never really thought about it like that. I guess it’s not so far-fetched to think there could be a species of human that does the same. And you’re right; they don’t usually kill their meal. I’m really not trying to make you mad. I’m just worried about your well-being and your safety.

Nick isn’t going to hurt me, Summer…he said last night that he loved me. That’s why he wanted to come clean with his secret. He didn’t want to get any more attached to me if I couldn’t handle what he was.

He loves you, huh? That’s big! How do you feel about him?

I really, really like him, maybe even love him too. I’m not sure yet.

As long as he’s not killing anything and has no plans on hurting you, I guess I’m cool with it as long as you are happy, Summer said as she pulled up to Midnight Manor’s gate and turned off the doggy mobile.

*****

It was still light out as they made their way to the huge ornate wrought iron gate. At some point in its lifetime the gate had been white, but now the paint was peeling and the iron rusting, making the gate appear to bleed.

This has got to be the coolest place in the world to live, Tori said, looking through the bars of the gate as Summer searched her pockets for the keys Sister Mary Louise gave her.

I think you mean the creepiest place in the world, Summer corrected.

Are you kidding? It’s great. Look. Tori pointed excitedly. "You even have

Reviews for Finding Midnight

[leesalogic · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I received this book via Library Thing's Member Giveaways.Ella inherits her beloved grandmother's estate, which includes a big rundown house that she chooses to restore and live in. It gives her a good opportunity to escape her mother, a drug addict not above mooching off others' kindnesses and wallets.Ella finds herself in danger and haunted by dreams she can't understand. She will have to fight for what belongs to her and choose who to trust when it seems there are many who would exploit her inheritance and are willing to kill in the process.Mirror of Shadows is a good, light beach read. I did find the plot line predictable and Ella was far too naive, but that didn't stop me from enjoying this mystery romance with just a touch of gothic drama.

[bookworm1954 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved this book! I finished it in one day, that's how good it was. It grabs you from the very beginning and keeps you until the end. fabulous read. Very well written, flowed wonderfully. The characters were very well developed, I felt like I knew them all, the good ones and the bad. I highly recommend this book to all readers. It is a fast read, you will love it, as I did! I received this book through member giveaways to give an honest review.

[willowone_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I was given an E-edition of this book for the purpose of writing a review.This was one of those books that had me from the first page. I ended up reading it all in one sitting. It was full of mystery, intrigue, suspense, action, drama, a little romance and a small amount of believable paranormal activity (if you believe in the paranormal, of course).Ella McKaye has just graduated from college when she gets the news that her beloved Grandmother, Rose Grey McKaye, has died. Ella is devastated and after the funeral is quite stunned when the family lawyer take Ella aside and informs her that she is the sole heir to her Grandmother's estate. Upon discussion Ella finds that her Grandmother was a very wealthy woman and that her Grandmother has been the sole source of any income her Mother ever had. Ella's Father died when she was very young and out of a sense of responsibility to her son, Rose supported Ella and her Mother by setting up a trust that took care of them. Ella's Mother finds out about the inheritance after looking through Ella's belongings while she slept. Thinking they have hit the mother load, she is busy making plans of all the things she can do and buy when Ella wakes up and see's that she has been snooping in her things. When Ella asks her Mother what she is doing she states that she is looking at all of the things they can do with their new found wealth. Ella must then break the news to her Mother that there is one stipulation in the will and that is she can never give, will, bequeath or loan any of the inheritance to her Mother. If she does not agree with the terms the estate will be sold and the proceeds will go to the town and various charities. At hearing this, Ella's mother becomes enraged and begins to talk very badly of her mother-in-law. Ella tells her to stop and not to speak of Rose in that manner. Ella's Mother promptly kicks Ella out of the house. Ella has no where to go so she opens up the papers the lawyer gave her and sets out in search of the mansion that is part of her inheritance. No one has lived in the home for many years so it need a lot of work and TLC. With the help of the lawyer who is like an uncle to her Ella decides to make a go of living in the run down property while fixing it up. What unfolds is a good story about family, trust and secrets. Ella had no idea life would become so complicated or dangerous so quickly.I enjoyed the ups, downs, twists and turns of this story. Being a sucker for a happy ending I wasn't disappointed. A few characters were predictable but I was able to overlook that with the storyline that was just begging to be read.

[bella55075 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I won this book through an Early Review Giveaway. I loved this book. I thought the characters were great and the plot line was great. I thought Ella & Jeremy's characters complimented each other perfectly. Of course the "villain's" wouldn't be any good if they don't make you talk back to your book. Which they are. I hope by the ending that there is more to come from these two . I look forward to seeing.

[autumngirl70 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The story starts with the death of Ella’s grandmother and with Ella discovering details regarding her inheritance. The story is aimed at New Adult as there is no bad language or sex in it.

I liked the characters in this book, especially Ella and Jeremy (and not forgetting Boo the kitten!)

The ‘mirror of shadows’ in the title didn’t play a huge part of the story just set the scene and moved it on when needed. It had a touch of paranormal about it and I enjoyed the ‘mirror’ aspect of it.

It was a little predictable and Ella was very naive but I’m not sure if that was because of the intended audience. Overall though a good read and something I would recommend for the age group indicated (and those of us who are very slightly older!) 4/5