Matanzas Moon

By Elizabeth Raven

Love, intrigue, and the pursuit of Ghosts! All the best things in the afterlife!

Lost in her quarter-life crisis, eccentric Bridget Quinn abandons her Vet School aspirations to open a metaphysical store in St. Augustine, Florida. Adept in Palmistry, Astrology, and Tarot, she discovers her dormant gift of clairvoyance in this notoriously haunted city. Mediumship proves to be a pesky affliction when Bridget’s attempt to help a ghostly visitor implicates her in a series of vicious murders!

Nick Maddox, a ruggedly Adonic but rigorously skeptical cop, investigates the ghastly crimes. Despite their conflicting beliefs, Nick realizes his urges for Bridget extend far beyond his police obligations. Frustrated by the lack of tangible evidence, he finds more questions than answers as he pursues paranormal justice and Bridget’s love.

RIP Ryder, a rakish and rebellious ghost tour guide, helps investigate -- simultaneously complicating Nick and Bridget’s impetuous dance of courtship. Her heart dangling between Nick and RIP, Bridget stumbles into a web of mystery and mayhem. Can they catch the killer before another murder? Exactly how do you handcuff a ghost anyway?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Elizabeth Raven
• Release date: Nov 19, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310514029

Elizabeth Raven

Elizabeth Raven is a wife, mother, and Veterinary Professional hovering in the shadows and moonlight of relentlessly sunny Jacksonville, Florida. Her Paranormal Romance Series, Matanzas Moon (Book 2: ABLAZE to be released in December 2015) is set in St. Augustine, FL integrating the authentic ghost legends of the Nation’s Oldest City into a lively, narrative driven plot. Daylight hours are spent indoors working, reading, cooking, or spending time with family, friends, and her four black cats. Otherwise, she can be found dancing, socializing or joining Ghost Tours whenever her imaginary friends let her out to play!

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

St. Augustine, Florida: Late August 

Bridget strolled along St. George Street; the salty breeze welcomed her as the early morning sunshine peeked above the Matanzas Bay. Sightseers emerged from their Inns and Guest Houses, eager to explore the Ancient City as the shopkeepers and street merchants opened for business.

After grabbing breakfast at The Bunnery Café, she strolled back to her shop on Hypolita Street, relishing the mild weather and the quirky vibe of her new hometown. Today was the Grand Opening of Lunatique! Unable to contain her excitement a second longer, she turned the key to unlocking her shop. Breezing over to the service counter, she powered on the audio system and selected her LUNATIQUE playlist of dreamy New Age, Classical, and Celtic music. She gently coaxed her fluffy black cat, Barnabas, off her computer keyboard to log on. Slothful and disgruntled, he scouted for a more favorable perch among the books, herbs, crystals and miscellaneous occult paraphernalia neatly displayed throughout the store. High atop the burdened bookcase lining the wall, his slumber could continue -- free from human tyranny.

The latte she gulped was nearly as delicious as the reality of this moment. She wanted to yell from the rooftops. Instead, she settled for her captive audience of fuzzy, perpetually idle felines. We’re off to see the Wizard! She announced with a flourish, prancing to the store front to flip the sign to OPEN.

Glancing through the shop, she confirmed everything was pains- takingly perfect. Specular beams reflected the morning sun from the suspended crystals scattered around the shop creating a disco ball effect. Silvery scarves draped lavender walls as jewel toned pendant lamps dangled from the ceiling. She’d achieved the desired ambiance of being inside a genie bottle. The best part was the parlor: a step-down area near the front. Dozens of herb bundles hung from silk ribbons overhead, dry- ing in the warm sunshine pouring through a bay window overlooking Hypolita. The parlor, furnished with a Victorian sette and two coordinating chairs stuffed with velveteen pillows, was a dreamy place to get lost in a book, people-watch or visit with friends… and cats.

Now, for the first customer… Any minute now… Coming through the door… Any. Time. Now.

She sighed, brushing a strand of long, red hair away from her face. Smoothing her black dress, she fidgeted with the pentacle charm hanging around her neck. What was she thinking? It’s not that easy. She sipped more ultra-sweet coffee to buffer her bitter doubts. Maybe more advertising would’ve helped… Perhaps a larger banner? A press release? Categorically listing the various coulda–shoulda–wouldas only reinforced her suspicions a few more business classes while in college may have been in order… Considering the abrupt change in her career trajectory.

Regardless, she stood by her decision. In another semester, she could re-apply for Vet School, and her family had urged her to continue working at the University of Florida Small Animal Medical Teaching Hospital in Gainesville. But Bridget needed fresh air and a new start. Schlepping her three cats and all her worldly possessions to St. Augustine was bold; foolish was the adjective she’d heard muttered by weary family members. Even so, pursuing her dream of owning a Mystical/ Metaphysical shop just felt right in that unexplainable way that evades common logic. Bridget was keenly aware how crucial it was she NOT flake out this time.

She spent the last two and a half weeks working feverishly to establish Lunatique. Renovating, decorating and stocking the store with an impressive assortment of Tarot decks, mystical jewelry, incense, herbs and herbal supplies monopolized her time and energy. Books, upon books about natural magic, herbology, astrology, alternative religions, and all manner of occult curiosities poured in to fill the shelves and display cases of the quaint shop. Bridget sweated every detail, keeping herself sequestered, with only her cats for company, as she arranged and rearranged her growing inventory.

Today was her big day! Glancing at the clock, she felt a light nudge against her leg. She reached down, reflexively scooping up an armful of purring kitty. It was Mortimer, her other fluffy black cat, charming her for his morning treat. Lavishing him with affection, she walked through the back door of the utility room with a stairwell leading to her loft. With the shake of the canister, the other two cats raced in for their share of the kitty crack. The clinking of wind chimes at her entrance door was music to her ears. My first customer!

To her delight, this was the first of many customers parading through her store that day. End of day sales were beyond her expectations, and she enjoyed meeting so many diverse and interesting people. Bursting with a rush of accomplishment, Bridget yearned to join the throngs of people roaming the city streets tonight in search of fun and festivities. Party Time!!

Nightfall in the Ancient City is magical! Inhaling deeply, Bridget eagerly absorbed the vitality crackling in the air as she walked the cobblestone streets. Couples, holding hands in the moonlight, ambled leisurely past huddles of tourists and local ghost enthusiasts enjoying one of many ghost tours throughout this haunted domain.

She turned into St. George’s Tavern; her personal party for one had begun. Sliding up to the bar, she ordered her old stand-by: a Lemon Drop shooter and a Red Apple Vodka Martini. Drinking alone was not by choice, but the direct result of focusing solely on her shop with no efforts made to socialize until now. Her only friends in this town were her cats. It was time to mingle with a different species.

After downing the shot, Bridget made her way to the back of the building in search of entertainment. Considering the small size of the bar, she wasn’t surprised by the absence of a pool table, but her eyes twinkled when she spotted the dart board. Putting her quarters up, she took a seat at a nearby table to wait for her turn to play. Sipping her pretty little glass of poison, she squinted to see through the smoke floating around the dark, crowded room.

Crash! A commotion broke out among the dart players, and their dispute rapidly became riotous. Fists were flying, and the excess supply of testosterone in the room could choke a mammoth!

Eager to escape, Bridget grabbed her purse and drink, heading for the front of the tavern. A table beside her overturned as a slew of profanities projected above the din of chaos. Her senses overwhelmed, she glanced over her shoulder and blindly hurled herself toward the door. Thud! Splash! She opened her cringed eyes to see the contents of her now empty martini glass soaking the front of a City of Saint Augustine police officer’s uniform. Damn.

She craned her neck as her eyes trailed up to find an un-amused look on the intense officer’s finely chiseled face. Cuff me now… Bridget thought, unable to deny her instant attraction to his unparalled virility. The level of masculine hormones in the room just skyrocketed!

Step aside, Miss, he said, his strong jaw set with determination. His blue eyes fixed intently on the rumble ahead.

Yes. I was just leaving, Bridget mumbled and ducked past the towering officer. At 5’9", Bridget’s height was well above average, but this guy was a giant!

Nobody leaves, his voice rang loudly, with authority. Two other uniformed officers joined him as they charged the rowdy men who were still spitting hateful threats at each other; their spirits still doggedly engaged in the fight, as their impaired bodies lost momentum.

Slumping onto a bar stool, Bridget ordered another martini. This could take a while. So much for a night of celebration… I should have just stayed home to watch movies or read with the cats. Her fingers drummed the bar top as her face rested in her other hand. She watched as the brawlers were cuffed and escorted out of the bar by St. Augustine’s finest. Well, not THE finest... HE was making his way through the crowd talking to witnesses.

Finishing her drink, she signaled for another but reconsidered. Tomorrow was her second day on the job; even though she was the boss, best take it easy. Maybe a beer instead...

May I see your identification, Miss. Bridget felt a tap on her shoulder that sent a delicious jolt throughout her body. Bridget whipped around in surprise. Her gaze locked onto his glacier blue eyes, realizing it was now her turn for questioning.

Oh… She riffled around in her bag and handed him her driver’s license, Sure.

Bridget Quinn, from Gainesville, he said, examining her license carefully. He glanced at her face, comparing it with the picture. His gaze coolly swept her features noting her delicate left nostril jewel and her multiple tragi, helix, and industrial ear piercings. Are you visiting?

Umm, no. I just moved to St. Augustine a couple of weeks ago. I opened a shop on Hypolita Street, she replied. Anxious to flee back to her loft, she summarized, Look, Officer, I don’t know either of those guys. I wasn’t paying any attention; really, just in my own little world... I put my quarters up for the next game and sat down to mind my own business. I have no clue who or what started the fight... Just drunk guys being dicks, I guess... Hearing her verbal faux pas, she stole a look at his handsome face in time to see his lips twitch for a microsecond as he made some notes on his very official looking police notepad. Sorry... Damn liquor.

Thank you for your time, Miss Quinn. I assume you won’t be driving tonight… He said dismissively, squinting at her near empty beer mug.

No, Sir, Bridget muttered, stuffing her license back in her bag.

Oh, Miss Quinn? He added as she climbed off the stool to leave. Be sure to update your license with accurate information as soon as possible, he said soberly.

With a quaint smile and a flutter of her eyelashes, Bridget replied flatly, Consider it done. Turning on her heel, she marched out the door.

It’s such a gorgeous autumn night...she begrudged on her way back to the shop. Too bad my excursion turned into an epic fail…She rounded the corner onto Hypolita Street and noticed a poster for a missing cat was hanging on a lamppost. Though she abandoned her career in Veterinary Medicine, she always felt an ache when she sensed animals may be in danger. Inspecting the picture of the missing pure white cat, she made a mental note of its blue left and green right eye, vowing silently to keep a lookout for him.

A few shops up, she saw the shadow of a familiar figure. Jinx?! Bridget exclaimed as the pixie blond stepped into the light quizzically to see who was calling her.

Bridge?! Jinx cheered as both girls ran to each other for a big embrace. Long time, Stranger!! How’s it going?! Bridget asked with a broad smile.

Yeah, long time! …Great! Everything’s fabulous!! I moved here in January; been working at The Poseidon Spa at Casa Monica, Jinx chirped, reaching up to rumple her spiky blond hair. Eh, I was ready for a change... You?!?

Just got here a couple of weeks ago. That’s my shop up there. You should come by! Bridget invited, relieved to find a friendly face. I’ve been a complete hermit. I miss all my friends! I went out tonight, but it was a total bust. Any good happenings around here?

Sure, we’ve got a few places to hang. If we really want to get our dance on, we can go to Factory in Jax this weekend, Jinx offered. You need to meet my new boyfriend, Drake!

Sounds great! Bridget agreed. Maybe Saturday night? Jinx was an old friend from Danse Noir and Ascension, the local Goth clubs in Gainesville. They had similar taste in music, art, and literature and had become quite close until Bridget secluded herself after her Vet School rejection.

They exchanged numbers and said their goodbyes with promises of getting together soon. Back at her loft, Bridget settled in for the night. Bridget buriedherself under her covers. Memories of her good times with Jinx and the boundless potential for adventures in this intriguing city promised sweet dreams.

CHAPTER TWO

The relentless Florida sun glared in Bridget’s eyes, and she instantly regretted the martinis. Realizing she was immobilized by sleeping felines, she considered her escape options. Tiki, the slick black princess, must be dethroned if Bridget hoped to emerge from her comfy bed.

Soon, Bridget was showered, dressed and ready to open Lunatique for Day Two. Unlocking the shop entrance, she noticed some activity across Cordova Street at Flagler College. Professors and Administrators feverishly bustled around the stately campus. Fall semester starts in two weeks. Bridget momentarily yearned for the days she spent at UF but dismissed the sentiment. New semesters are exciting, but so is being the proprietor of a mystical store, she reminded herself.

The day zipped by quickly and profitably. Fifteen minutes after closing, Bridget sat at her computer to order more merchandise when she heard a knock at the door. Peering out the window into the darkness offered no clues, so she rose to answer it. A mature red-haired lady in a white Victorian dressing gown stood, hunched and trembling, outside the threshold.

Good Evening, Bridget greeted her warmly as she welcomed her odd visitor. How can I help you? Never one to judge others based on peculiarity, Bridget ignored the ice cold lump forming in her gut.

How do you do? the Lady ventured cautiously as she stepped past Bridget into Lunatique, her breath quickening and her eyes darting around the room.

Locking the door behind her, Bridget ushered the troubled lady into the parlor area. My name is Bridget Quinn, she offered, hoping to encourage a relatively normal conversation with no luck. The Lady perched tensely on the crimson crushed velvet settee, silent. Her state of catatonia was excruciating for Bridget. Taking a deep breath, Bridget sat across from the Lady. Making eye contact, Bridget leaned forward and began with as much patience as she could muster, Ma’am, I can see you need help. I am happy to do whatever I can... Let’s start with a name.

Just call me Alice, she whispered after several moments of continued despondence, as she stared off into the distance, entranced.

That’s a start. Bridget continued, Ms. Alice, what brings you here tonight?

I-I cannot bear it any longer... Alice insisted as tears streamed down her colorless cheeks. ...They’re starting to return… The noise... The laughter... They are mocking me! She paused, looking away, ashamed.

"Who’s mocking you?" Bridget studied Alice, who had the poise of a refined and dignified lady. It was hard to imagine who would be taunting her.

Alice whipped her head around, locking onto Bridget’s gaze, ALL of them!! She sobbed. "They know he’s unfaithful! They think I am insane!! He’s banished me! … For… for her!"

Shifting uncomfortably, Bridget searched the room with her eyes for any available tools or wisdom to help this distraught woman. With a flash of inspiration, she reached for her trusty Robin Wood Tarot deck. Here. Let’s do a quick Reading and see if we can figure some things out. Maybe it’ll help you feel better, she suggested hopefully.

Dabbing her eyes with an embroidered handkerchief, Alice nodded as Bridget handed her the deck. Deep concentration lined Alice’s face as she rearranged and mentally poured her anguish into the jumbled cards while contemplating her dire circumstances.

Once shuffled, she handed the deck to her hostess who laid them on the table in a Celtic Cross spread. Biting her bottom lip with chagrin, Bridget clicked her tongue ring against the roof of her mouth as she studied the cards arranged before her. Seven out of ten were Major Arcana indicating extremely powerful and prominent forces affecting the situation in question. Just shoot me, she thought. It may as well spell out doom, gloom, misery and despair!! Now I have to tell this poor, hysterical woman that the worst has yet to come!

Ms. Alice, it seems as though you’re experiencing a lot of conflict and anguish in your situation, Bridget shared diplomatically as Alice gave confirmation. You were deceived, and your heart was broken a long time ago. Many harmful influences are involved, such as jealousy, anger, revenge, violence, and hate. You find yourself in a precarious balance choosing between the lesser of two evils. Bridget summarized. You recently sought help from someone else for this situation, and it seems your trust was betrayed…

Alice’s hand flew to cover her mouth in horror as she gasped, Sweet Heavens! What have I done?

The years she spent soothing injured pets and their owners in emergency circumstances honed Bridget’s gift for diffusing tense situations. She was quite adept when restoring emotional balance for others but often struggled to balance her own. Reaching for Alice’s hands, she was shocked as a profound chill coursed through her body from the contact.

Alice, relax she coaxed softly. Stay with me. Their eyes met again, and Alice visibly softened. "The road ahead is not easy. It will get worse before it gets better…"

Just as Alice began to interject, Bridget held her finger up to silence her. "BUT, it’s still possible to resolve this matter to your benefit! Let me explain. First, understand that a Tarot reading is like taking a snapshot of your current dilemma. These cards help us evaluate how you got here and what obstacles prevent you from what you want. Armed with this knowledge, we can go forth and make