Wandering Spirits II: Wandering Spirits Anthology, #2

By Kim Cox, Elizabeth Delisi, Chris Grover and 2 more

Delve into a captivating anthology of haunting tales where mystery intertwines with timeless love, transcending the boundaries of life and death.

Prepare to be enchanted by the pages of Wandering Spirits II, a collection of compelling stories that explore the realms of the supernatural and the enduring power of love. In this anthology, five talented authors take you on an unforgettable journey filled with suspense, heartache, and unexpected twists.

Kim Cox's "Get Out or Die" introduces Lana Malloy, who discovers a chilling new ability while helping a young widow communicate with her deceased husband. As Lana faces an angry ghost determined to cling to the living, she must tap into her latent strengths to overcome this terrifying threat.

In Elizabeth Delisi's "Lucifer's Last Laugh," Kirk Marsden finds himself making a deal with the devil after a fateful accident. To escape the clutches of Hell, he must reveal his true self to someone who genuinely cares for him. But in a world driven by money and superficiality, finding such a person becomes a daunting task.

Chris Grover's "Believing in Dreams" follows Nicole James, who embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind a mysterious dream. Guided by an elderly woman and drawn to a house from a faded photograph, Nicole must unravel the secrets that connect her to the past and shape her future.

In "'Neath Hallowed Halls and Ivied Walls" by Maureen McMahon, Stacey Christian and Peter Mansfield reunite to mourn their beloved professor, only to find themselves entangled in a web of ghostly encounters and perilous revelations. As they confront the malevolent forces lurking within their alma mater, their long-standing connection is tested like never before.

Sheryl Hames Torres presents "Enigma," a gripping tale where Brace Adams finds himself entangled in the mystery surrounding a blind woman waking up beside a murdered man. With her memory erased, Brace must shield Riley from the sinister forces closing in while deciphering the truth before it claims them both.

Immerse yourself in a captivating anthology that weaves spine-tingling suspense with heartwarming moments, offering a spellbinding blend of genres to keep you engrossed until the final page.

Don't miss your chance to delve into these mesmerizing stories—get your copy today and embark on an extraordinary literary journey.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kim Cox
• Release date: Oct 1, 2016
• ISBN: 9781536545364

Book preview

GET O UT OR DIE

(Lana Malloy Paranormal Mystery: Book 2)

KIM COX

Copyright © 2016 by Kim Cox

Dedication

To my son, Travis, who shares my love for reading and who graciously read over GET OUT OR DIE.

A special thank you to the Book Launch Team for proofreading.

CHAPTER 1

I can't believe your husband is angry with you, Lana Malloy said to her new client, Angelina Fuentes. After all, he died almost a year ago and hasn't haunted you until now. He hasn't assaulted you or anything like that, has he?

No, Senorita. My Mario only moves things to where I can't find them. He wants me to lose my mind or something. A tear trailed down her cheek. Why does he do this?"

Angelina, of Spanish lineage, had long black hair and eyes almost as dark. A young woman who'd lost her husband way too soon.

Lana closed the space between them, holding Angelina's hands between her own as she sat beside her on the cloth, flowered sofa. Angelina's lavender scent permeated the air around them. That's not Mario's intentions at all. She closed her eyes to concentrate. He came back to try to help you. To let you know it's okay to live your life and maybe one day to marry and be happy again. Little Mario needs a male influence in his life, too.

Why does he say this? Does he not love me?

It's because he does love you that he wants you to have a happy life. Even when that life must be without him.

Mario, who had been watching and listening all along, became irritated at Lana. Why can't you get through to her? She has to understand that she can love again. That I won't be angry if she moves on.

Lana nodded her head to let Mario know she understood. Mario floated closer to her, looked down at his wife, his dark eyes brooding sadly. Mario was still a handsome man. She understood Angelina missed her husband dearly and she may not be ready to move as Mario wanted her to do.

Angelina broke down. I can't. Mario was . . . is my everything. Her shoulders shook as she sobbed loudly. Lana would never get used to the emotional strain of dealing with broken hearts.

Mario pushed his fingers through his dark hair with a grimacing look on his face. Lana couldn't make out the jumble of thoughts that ran through his mind. He appeared to contemplate what to do or say next in order to help her convince Angelina. Then a sudden whirl of cold air surrounded Lana. A suffocating iciness spread throughout her chest. She wanted to scream but couldn't.

What about Rodriquez?

At the sound of Mario's voice, Angelina jerked her head upward. She searched the room before bringing a frightened gaze back to settle on Lana. Where did that come from? she asked, her voice unsteady.

Lana knew what was happening but was incapable of stopping it. This was a first for her. Never had one of the spirits sent his voice through her.

From me. Lana felt her lips move beyond her control, but the voice wasn't her own. She was a bit leery of this herself. One thing was certain; Mario planned to get his point across. At first, she'd been stunned by the change, but then she struggled to reclaim control. Frustration overcame her as she tried as hard as she could to dispel the presence manipulating her.

When Angelina stared at Lana, she squinted causing wrinkles to form around her ordinarily youthful eyes. She snatched her hands from Lana's, jumped out of her seat, clutched her rosary to her chest, crossed herself and backed away, praying to herself silently. Don't be afraid. It is only me, your beloved husband. I won't harm you.

Angelina stared at Lana in disbelief. Is it really you, Mario? What do you mean? Rodriguez knows we can only be friends.

Why?

Because he's your best friend and I love you. I always will.

Rodriguez has loved you for a long time, even before I did.

I swear, Mario, Rodriquez and I, we . . . I . . . never did anything to shame our marriage.

My poor Angelina, I know that. This is not what I mean. He is a true friend and you, a loving and loyal wife. But I'm dead now. Both of you should move on. He loves you. Let him make you happy.

With her fingertips, Angelina smoothed her dark tresses while her big brown eyes reflected the turmoil going on in her heart.

Lana's sympathy went out to Angelina, but she continued to struggle against Mario's intrusion. This couldn't be happening to her. She cared for Angelina and Mario, but this was a violation to her.

As Lana continued to concentrate on ridding him from her body, the spirit started to leave. She wasn't sure if she was driving him out or if he was leaving of his own accord. Just when she thought she'd freed herself of the unwanted spirit, it latched onto her again.

Now, I must return to where I belong, Mario continued. Promise me you'll at least try to move on, to live a good life.

I will. Angelina dotted the tears from under her eyes with the pink tissue she'd held in her lap. I will try. I promise.

Thank you, my love, he said, and then he was gone.

When the spirit finally left her, Lana dropped to her knees then rolled onto her side. She coughed to clear her throat before speaking. Are you okay, Angelina? she managed to croak, her voice harsh. Her entire body shuddered from the possession.

Yes, I will be alright. While kneeling by Lana, Angelina hooked her arm through Lana’s and tried to help her into a nearby chair. Lana waved her away. Are you okay, Senorita? You don't look so good.

Yes. I'll be fine. I just need a glass of water.

Angelina rushed to the kitchen and while she was gone, Lana tested her legs, but she wasn't able to move them yet.

Angelina held the glass for Lana who leaned on one elbow and drank the water. The feeling in her legs began to return, and she was eventually able to roll onto all fours. Angelina helped Lana stand upright, and lead her to the nearest chair.

"How did he do that? Angelina asked.

I'm not sure. This was the first time that’s happened to me. And not a thrilling first either.

When Lana felt she could stand alone, she patted Angelina on the back of her hand and stood up. If you're sure you're fine, I need to leave. I have a case coming up that I need to research before visiting the client's home.

Angelina stood and gave her a hug. Thank you, Senorita. I appreciate all that you have done. Without you, I would not have known why my Mario was scaring . . . I mean, visiting me. She smiled and held up her hand. Please wait. I have something for you. She hurried back into the kitchen.

Lana twirled around slowly, taking in the essence of the Fuentes's spiritual home. On the desk sat a small statue of Mary, mother of Jesus, a crucifix and the Bible. She ran her fingers along the sacred book, thumbing through many well-worn pages and wondered why Angelina had come to her, but she wouldn't ask, wouldn't pry. That was between Angelina and her church.

Turning the other way, she saw family photos on the mantel of little Mario wearing a white gown. It must have been his first communion. There was another one of him between Angelina and a man Lana recognized as the older Mario. What a lovely family they'd been.

That was the problem with her gift—so much heartache surrounded those she tried to help. It was funny how she witnessed such grief day in and day out but still never completely got used to it, and she knew she never would.

Dark, rose-colored paint peeled from the walls of the apartment's living room, but the home was spotless. The tables smelled of fresh polish and when Lana leaned over one, her own reflection glowed back at her. Angelina returned, unfolded some well-worn bills and placed them in Lana's hand. Please take this.

I can't. I told you, there's no charge for this type of service. Lana pushed the bills away.

But you have to make a living. Her eyes pleaded with Lana.

I make a fine living solving mysteries, and my aunt left me a few dollars when she passed over to the other side. Lana smiled when she remembered it had been her aunt who’d helped her get into this line of work. Her first case had been to solve Aunt Lucy’s and Lucy’s fiancé's murders, with, of course, her aunt's help—not to mention that of the fiancé and the fiancé's nephew. A nephew to whom Lana was now engaged. Funny how life worked out.

She could hardly wait to see Tony tonight and tell him about her new ability and to get his thoughts. Maybe he could help her figure out a way to manage it. She'd always known the possibility of being inhabited was there, but that didn't make the intrusion any less startling or easier to accept. She'd thought all she would've had to do was will the spirit to leave her and it would. She hadn't foreseen the lack of control that followed Mario's possession of her. Some psychic she was, huh?

Refolding the bills, Angelina shoved them into her apron pocket. I don't know how I can ever repay you.

Just be happy like your husband requested. That's payment enough.

A couple of tears escaped from Angelina's eyes. Lana touched the woman's cheek just before walking through the opened door. Take care of yourself, little Mario and Rodriquez.

I will, Senorita, Angelina said, waving and blushing.

As Lana walked outside into the late afternoon sun, a swish of wind whipped her hair into a frenzy around her face and a few fallen leaves into a whirlwind around her feet. She jumped around them and slid into the seat of her aunt's old Mustang, wondering if that was Mario making an exit, satisfied his mission was accomplished. Although she still felt badly treated by Mario, she did understand why he'd done what he did. She just wished he'd asked first.

Lana brushed the wind-beaten hair from her face and drove off, content to have helped one more person communicate with a loved one.

This case had definitely been easier than the next one would be. She'd talked with the client over the phone that morning. The family was beside themselves with fear, but still refused to leave their estate even for a short time. It seemed their ghostly inhabitant wanted them out and not next week, but now. Lana hoped her new gift wasn't available to this spirit. Maybe Tony could help her figure out how to block this newest skill unless she wanted to use it. It had taken her by surprise. More surprises, she didn't need.

From the information she'd gathered from her preliminary research of the estate and family, the house dated back to the Revolutionary War days, and the last occupant was Adam O'Kelley—a direct descendant of the Irish Lieutenant Jamie O'Kelley from the war. General Washington himself awarded the house to the Lieutenant for his valor during battle. The question was, which descendant inhabited the house—Jamie, Adam or one of the others in-between? More documents awaited Lana tonight. She didn't want to face an angry ghost without being fully prepared

CHAPTER 2

Turning onto Meadow Avenue, Lana caught sight of Roxie Thomas out of the corner of her eye. She was getting the mail from her box and Lana waved to her. Roxie tucked her head down, clutched the envelopes to her chest, and ran head-on into a row of hedge bushes surrounding her front yard. Untangling herself, she twirled around them and pushed forward until she reached the safety of her own home, never looking back.

Lana hated what had happened last year with Roxie. They hadn't spoken since. Now, whenever the woman saw her, she always ran the other way. It'd been her great aunt Lucy who scared the wits out of her, but ever since then and since the news came out about Lana talking with the dead, Roxie steered clear. Lana had always felt sad for Roxie, the way her husband belittled her, and she wished they'd been closer. It didn't look like that would ever happen.

On the upside, she hadn't caught Roxie peeping through her windows again. As Aunt Lucy had said, One nosey neighbor learned her lesson. That's for sure.

Lana rushed into her beach house to change before Tony arrived.

* * * *

Tony Calabria drove around wondering how he would broach the subject with Lana tonight. She'd put off setting a date for their wedding going on six months now, and he couldn't figure out why. He knew her love for him was sincere. Her business was flourishing, so she couldn't still think that he would be marrying beneath him, which had been a silly thought anyway. She must realize by now that all he had was hers. Maybe she was afraid of commitment, scared of being hurt again.

Last year, on their first date, she'd admitted she'd been hurt by a man who lied to her repeatedly during their relationship. It had been hard for her to accept Tony’s love at first, but eventually, she'd begun to trust him and his love for her, so why did she resist setting a date.

* * * *

As Lana applied the finishing touches of mascara and blending her blush, she heard a car pull into her driveway. She darted through the house to make sure everything appeared tidy. A few of her research papers had somehow drifted onto the sofa, and she snatched them up as her doorbell rang. She threw them onto a chair in her office on the way to the door. No business for a while tonight. Out of sight, out of mind, Lucy used to say. Lucy seemed to be on her mind a lot this week. She missed her so much.

Lana peered through the peephole. Tony hid something behind his back when she opened the door. Hey. Come on in.

Tony reached over to kiss her cheek and handed her a bouquet of mixed wildflowers. Many women preferred roses, but Tony knew Lana’s tastes well.

Oh, how beautiful! What's the occasion?

I hope there's an occasion, but we'll see.

Uh-oh! Lana immediately knew what that meant. Tony pressured her every chance he got to set a date for their wedding, but she wasn't quite ready. She wanted to marry Tony, but they'd both been through so much heartache. She only wanted to be sure before they actually went through with the nuptials.

Then why had she said yes to his proposal if she wasn’t ready to set the date?

Cause you're being a ninny, she heard her aunt say. Never did know what was good for you, even when it's staring you in the face.

Hush.

Excuse me?

I wasn't talking to you. I was ...

I know. It's Lucy. Love you, Lucy.

Love you back.

Lucy said she loves you, too. Well, I'll just put these in some water. Lana paused at the sink and poured herself a glass of water before returning to Tony.

Lucy left as fast as she’d entered. That’s the way her visits had been for the last year. Pop in. Pop out.

Where you want to go tonight, love?

How about Taco Bell?

Tony starred at her. Lanaaaa.

What? I just feel like a taco for a change.

You're a cheap date, and I mean that in a loving way. His grin lit his blue eyes with sparkles that warmed her heart.

Plus, we're going to have to make this an early night. I have to research a case.

Not again! He loosened his tie.

Yes, again. This one is going to be tough.

Taco Bell it is then. He wrapped her sweater over her shoulders and walked her outside. It was a bit chilly for mid-June. What's the case? he asked while he helped her into his sedan.

On the way to the restaurant, she told him about the new case. The ghost wants them out of his house.

He drove into the parking lot. What are they going to do?

So far, they refuse to leave. I just feel for their kids. You know they have to be scared.

Maybe you can make them see sense into the next time you talk to them. Tony parked the car and walked around to open her door.

When they were settled at the table, Lana munched on a taco while Tony devoured his taco salad. She wiped the salsa off of her chin. Do we have plans for the fourth? she asked between bites.

Well, most of my family is estranged, in jail or passed on, but I called Derek and he said he could come for a visit as long as we didn't have any strange holiday plans this time.

Lana couldn't help but laugh, remembering the Memorial Day séance they'd had the last time Derek came home. Tell him nothing is scheduled at this time, but we can't make any promises. I'm looking forward to seeing your brother again. What's he up to now?

He's still working with the disabled and living like a bum. I've offered him a job in the company, but he said he didn't want to fall into his old ways. I must say I was pretty relieved he turned me down. Derek can't handle too much success or he turns into our father. He seems much happier living the life he has now.

I thought you said, he was going back to medical school.

Tony wiped his mouth and balled up the napkin. He’s doing that too.

"I’m glad you two are close and talking regularly again.

Me too.

* * * *

After they ate, Tony drove Lana back to her house where they decided to watch television before calling it a night.

Lana had too much on her mind to get into the program—a documentary about how some scientist thought the world had first been civilized by aliens. Tony draped an arm around her, and she snuggled deeper onto his shoulder, wrapping her arms around his waist. He kissed the top of her head. She caressed the exposed skin below his collar. He hauled her onto his lap, his passion for her evident. Tony left a line of kisses down her neck.

He placed his hands under her legs before he stood to carry her into the bedroom. When he started to undress, she pushed the shirt off his shoulders, grabbed his belt and pulled him toward the bed.

She undressed, sat on the edge, and when he bent to kiss her she pulled him into bed with her.

Lana?

Huh, she asked, her breath short, her voice thick. She’d lost herself completely in his lips, his touch.

Have you decided?

On? She placed kisses from his jawline, down his neck and over his chest.

He combed through her hair with his fingers, forcing her to look at him and to concentrate on his words. He kissed her forehead. The date?

Date?

Our wedding date? he asked, continuing to kiss her neck.

She pushed him off of her and jumped out of bed. You want to talk about this now? Lana turned and grabbed her robe from the door hook, tying the belt.

What are you doing? He caught up with her before she could leave the room, clutched her elbows and hauled her to him.

He started to kiss her again, but she stopped him with a hand to his torso. Stop. She walked away, retrieved his shirt from the floor and threw it to him. Didn’t I ask for time to set the date?

Yeah, well, you’ve had some time.

What? A day? Tony, I can't deal with this or you right now. Please leave. When I'm ready, I'll let you know.

He put his shirt on and buttoned it. I want to marry you now, not two years from now.

Why? I'm not worth waiting for? she asked, stomping down the stairs and leading him back to the entertainment library room combination.

That's not what I meant and you know it.

I really need to work tonight and it's getting late. She picked up his suit jacket from the back of her couch and handed it to him.

Guess that's my cue to leave, he said, joining her. But I want an answer soon. What are you afraid of?

I'm not afraid of anything. I'm just not sure I want to get married right now, that's all. She edged her way closer to the door.

A cold presence filled the room. You're not getting any younger. Don't forget what I told you—you never know when Old Man Ripper will come calling.

Butt out, Lucy! she yelled and then immediately regretted it. She didn't hear from her great aunt much anymore, and when she did, it seemed she usually yelled at her. I'm so sorry, Lucy. Please forgive me.

You're forgiven, Dearie.

Tony trailed his fingers up and down her arms and then cupped her chin, angling it to where he could look into her eyes. She felt them moisten. Don't worry, love. I'll wait. I don't mean to pressure you. It's just that I love you so much that I want us to begin our life together, and the sooner the better.

Lana wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned into him, and his lips closed in on hers.

She stood with her back against the door after showing Tony out. She loved him and couldn't let him get away, but she wasn't ready to set the date, and to be honest, she wasn't sure why.

Lana realized she still hadn't spoken with him about the experience she'd had at the Fuentes’ home. The new case had taken precedence, and then the argument over the lack of a wedding date had wiped it completely from her mind.

* * * *

Tony slid into his car, balled his fist up and hit it against the steering wheel. Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!

He hadn't meant to argue with Lana over the wedding date again. Idiot! What in this world had made him think that broaching the subject before sex would be a good time? Idiot! He hammered his steering wheel again.

He'd only wanted to bring it up and see if she was ready to commit. He just couldn't understand her or her reasons for postponing making what seemed like a simple decision to him. He couldn't help but feel a little insecure. It's not like he hadn't had heartache too. One divorce and one broken engagement before Lana didn't help his ego.

Lana's not setting a date made him nervous and caused him to believe she'd changed her mind about marrying him, and that was one thing he didn't want. No matter what it took, he promised himself he would take a step back and stop pressuring her. He didn't want to chase her away with his self-doubt. And he was sure that was a good possibility. She would set the date when she was ready. No amount of coercing on his part would cause her to do it any sooner.

CHAPTER 3

Lana poured over the estate papers well into the wee morning hours, but she didn't learn anything new. She needed more recent information. She decided to sleep on it and call the clients in the morning.

She rose at sunrise to get an early start. While she finished her breakfast of cold cereal she sat at her desk and made the call to check in with her new client, who had told her she was an early riser. As long as she called after seven, it was okay. Mrs. Ramsey, this is Lana Malloy. We talked earlier about the spiritual disturbance in your home.

Yes. Please call me Ellie. Have you learned anything new?

Thank you, Ellie. Just the background of the house and its inhabitants. In my experience, it's normally the most recent occupant before you or you would've probably heard about a ghost’s inhabiting the house sooner. Adam O'Kelley was the only one to live in the house within the last fifty years.

Many years ago, Adam told us that his family changed their last name to just Kelley.

Yes, that's right. Anyway, I don't believe it's anyone older than Adam unless the person was there long before Adam died. While he was alive, did he ever mention his house being inhabited by ghosts? If so, the spirit may be angry because he left it to someone not blood related.

Ellie took a long breath. No. But, Uncle Adam . . . I mean Adam . . . was Larry and Dan's godfather. They have called him uncle since they were toddlers, and I did too after I married into the family. I don't think he would mind our living in his home. It has to be someone else.

Well, I'm pretty certain. Everything so far points to Adam. I'd like to do a little more research. What I need is from you and your husband is for you to obtain more recent records for me.

What type of records?

Personal and business records, since Adam and Dan's father were partners in the accounting firm. Contracts between them and their clients, say for the last year of the business before Adam died, and anything else between Adam and Dan's father, Sean. Personal accounts and journals, if they kept any, would be helpful as well.

I'm not sure. The client's records are confidential.

I'm bound by confidentiality laws. I would lose my license if I was to share that information. Lana couldn't put her finger on it, but Ellie seemed a bit hesitant.

I'll have to check with Dan. I'm a bit confused. I thought you'd just come to our house, communicate with the ghost, get him or her to leave, and then we could move on with our lives.

In a perfect world, yes, but caution is preferable to running headlong into something when I don't know what I'm dealing with. She didn't want to tell her about her newfound fear. Helping a willing spirit move on to the other side is a lot easier than communicating with an angry ghost who doesn't want to leave. I would prefer for you and your family to move out temporarily, but you've refused. Lana covered the phone and let out a sigh. The Ramsey family didn't understand, but she hadn't planned to get into a conflict or a huge conversation about it today.