Lost and Found

By Linnea Alexis

After Haley Monroe’s estranged husband drops dead, she discovers he left her with a whole lot of debt and most of her family heirlooms missing. Too bad the only person who can help sort through the mess and clear her name is her late husband’s attorney...her only one-night stand and a man she never thought she’d see again.

Attorney Eli Libertini jumps at the chance to help Haley clear up the financial mess. He’d like nothing more than to reconnect with his hookup from spring break ten years ago—the woman he’s never been able to forget.

Thrown together in a dark fairytale adventure, the twosome uncovers a web of hidden heirlooms, ghostly encounters, and mysterious storage units about to be auctioned. They’ll have to forget the past in order to regain their shared passion and have a future.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Decadent Publishing
• Release date: Dec 28, 2014
• ISBN: 9781613337820

Linnea Alexis

Linnea Alexis stopped stirring up trouble in the corporate world a few years ago and now satisfies her appetite for adventure by writing about second chances. She writes Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, and Historical Romance where flawed heroes and heroines find their Happily Ever After. Find her at www.linneaalexis.com.

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This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Lost and Found

Smashwords Edition

Copyright © 2014 by Linnea Alexis

ISBN: 978-1-61333-782-0

Cover art by Syneca Featherstone

All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work, in whole or in part, in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher.

Published by Decadent Publishing Company, LLC

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www.decadentpublishing.com

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Lost and Found

By

Linnea Alexis

A Beyond Fairytales Adaptation of

The Brothers’ Grimm’s: The Stolen Farthings

Dedication

I’d like to thank Louisa Bacio for always challenging and encouraging me to do my best and never give up, my first reader, V.S. Morgan, for her honest advice, and my family and friends who’ve stood by me and my dreams.

And a special thank you to my editor, Laura Garland, for her support and for making this story as good as possible.

Chapter One

Once upon a time….

Haley Monroe tugged at the neckline on the bodice of her wench costume, trying to cover her cleavage. I’ve never been to a Renaissance faire before. And I’ve definitely never dressed like this. Ever.

What if someone she knew recognized her wearing something so outrageous? She scanned the crowd clustered in the dirt-packed area, dreading she’d spot a familiar face. Seeing only jugglers juggling, dancers dancing, and jousters jousting, the tightness left her shoulders.

Do you think my top is too low cut? What if I have a wardrobe malfunction? she asked, bending over and jiggling a little.

Her best friend, Anne, gave a dismissive wave. Even if you do, believe me, no one is going to complain. She grinned her approval of Haley’s ensemble. And, my dear, I must say, you look quite spectacular. She stood a couple of inches taller than five-foot-five Haley, and her dark hair was a sharp contrast to Haley’s auburn locks.

But don’t you think it’s a bit on the scandalous side? I swear I’m going to spill out of this top. She gave the bodice another tug.

Don’t worry about it. Just have fun, Anne said. That’s what Renaissance faires are all about. Once a year, you can kick up your heels, lose yourself in the event, and go back in time. And if you look around, you’ll discover you aren’t the only wench here. You’ll fit right in.

Scanning the area, she noticed scores of other wenches, many in costumes far more risqué than her own. A wave of relief swept over her.

Anne secured the laces on her own black velvet vest and adjusted the neckline. Nothing will lift you out of a funk faster than behaving like a wild and wanton woman—something you’re not but should be. And the best part is no one here gives a damn. You need to have fun. Maybe you’ll meet someone. You deserve to find someone who’ll treat you a lot better than Allen ever did.

Hearing her late husband’s name made Haley’s gut clench. Thanks for conjuring up the evil ghost from my past.

Her friend’s smile disappeared into a thin line. I swear to God, I hate that man. I don’t mean to speak ill of the dead, but he sucked all the fun out of you. Her eyes moistened, and her voice softened. I’m sorry, hon. I didn’t mean to resurrect the devil. But it’s been six months. I thought by now…. I’m sorry.

To put her companion at ease, Haley linked arms with her. Don’t feel bad. Allen was a cold-blooded bastard. It’s going to take a long time—maybe forever—to get over his miserable ass. I lucked out to have you as my friend. I could never have gotten through the past six months without you.

It’s about time you got back into the swing of things, girlfriend. You can’t shut yourself up in your condo or antique store forever. It’s been too long since you hooked up with someone.

Six months ago, Haley walked away from her marriage and bid adios to her lying, cheating, manipulative husband.

Six months ago, she’d survived property negotiations so nasty she’d sworn off men forever.

Six months ago, she’d been granted a legal separation—but gained a whole lot of debt when her estranged husband suffered a fatal heart attack two months ago.

She squared her shoulders and lifted her chin. You’re right. Today, I fully intend to have a good time. And I won’t let anyone or anything stand in my way. Filled with new resolve, she pulled in a determined breath. Where to first?

Let’s mingle. It’ll give us a chance to check out the men and places to eat lunch. Anne glanced at her watch. I don’t know about you, but if I don’t eat pretty soon, I’m going to start gnawing on my own arm.

The aroma of meat roasting wafted in her direction, reminding her she’d been too excited to eat breakfast. Her mouth watered, and her stomach growled, begging to be filled.

Haley followed her nose to a grassy area where families feasted on roasted turkey legs and corn on the cob. Children licked ice cream cones and sat on tree stumps and benches.

The smile slipped from her face, and a chill engulfed her like a storm-filled cloud. Goose bumps rose on her arms, and she rubbed them, trying to shoo away her anxiety. He’s here.

Who?

Allen. I can feel his presence…his eyes staring at me.

That’s impossible. He’s no longer among the living, or have you forgotten? If he never attended a Renaissance faire while he was alive, I can’t imagine his ghost showing up now.

Anne was right, but Haley couldn’t shake the feeling he lurked nearby.

What’s going on over there? In an obvious attempt to distract her, Anne grabbed Haley’s arm and pulled her in the direction of a small stage. A short, gnome-like man with a long, bushy gray beard, sat cross-legged on the floor. He dressed in Christmas colors—green britches and a red shirt. A steel pipe lay at his feet, and a large, furry spider sat on his shoulder.

People gathered near the stage and dropped money into the hat on the floor in front of him. Despite the enthusiasm of the crowd, his presence sent a shiver down Haley’s back.

She narrowed her eyes and scrutinized him. Who is that strange-looking little man?

He’s the traveling bard, Nicodemus, Anne explained. He’s here every year. And he spins some mighty interesting tales. Let’s listen to what he has to say.

Haley’s heart raced. She had no interest in sticking around.