Scamming Death

By S.A. Hunter

Gran is the most important person in Mary’s life. Mary would do anything for her. So when Eddie, a freshman at her school, asks Mary for help with his grandma, she can’t say no.

But what he wants is an exorcism.

Mary goes to meet his grandma with misgivings. She’s not sure how she’ll break the truth to Eddie. Elderly people can change. They can stop recognizing their loved ones. They can act like completely different people. Alzheimer’s can do that. Dementia can do that. But a ghost can do that as well.

Eddie’s grandma is possessed. But the ghost swears that she’s protecting the elderly woman because there’s something scarier than ghosts at the nursing home. An angel of death stalks the building.

With Eddie and her friends, Mary must find the angel of death and stop them, but how do you stop an angel? Mary will have to figure that out before the angel strikes again.

• Language: English
• Publisher: S.A. Hunter
• Release date: Sep 22, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370068104

S.A. Hunter

S.A. Hunter lives in Virginia and works in a library. She is the author of the YA series Scary Mary as well as other fantasy novels. Visit her online at www.sahunter.net or email her [e-mail]

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Scamming

Death

S.A. Hunter

Book 5 in The Scary Mary Series

© 2016 S.A. Hunter

Summary:

Gran is the most important person in Mary's life. Mary would do anything for her. So when Eddie, a freshman at her school, asks Mary for help with his grandma, she can't say no.

But what he wants is an exorcism.

Mary goes to meet his grandma with misgivings. She's not sure how she'll break the truth to Eddie. Elderly people can change. They can stop recognizing their loved ones. They can act like completely different people. Alzheimer's can do that. Dementia can do that. But a ghost can do that as well.

Eddie's grandma is possessed. But the ghost swears that she's protecting the elderly woman because there's something scarier than ghosts at the nursing home. An angel of death stalks the building.

With Eddie and her friends, Mary must find the angel of death and stop them, but how do you stop an angel? Mary will have to figure that out before the angel strikes again.

~Dedication~

As always, I want to thank my parents for their love and support. I also want to dedicate this to a very special member of my family: Caper. We went through some rough times together this year, but we made it. I've loved the sixteen years I've had with you so far and look forward to many more.

If you wish to be notified when I publish a new book, please sign up for my mailing list. (I promise not to spam you.)

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License Notes:

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people unless permitted by purchase agreement. If you would like to give this book to another person, please download an additional copy for each person.

This is a work of fiction. All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Cover design by Karri Klawiter

https://artbykarri.com/

The Scary Mary Series

Scary Mary

Stalking Shadows

Broken Spirits

Strange Girl

Scamming Death

Other books by S.A. Hunter

Unicorn Bait

Dragon Prey

My Demon, vols. 1-3

CHAPTER ONE

Ms. Hellick

Mary stared into her locker with a doleful expression. Why couldn't there be a homework fairy who visited during the night and left neatly completed worksheets at the bottom of lockers? Mary had even left a blank worksheet as an offering, but it was still lying there, as blank as the day before, just a little more crumpled because a book had fallen on it. She fished it out and put it in her bag. She'd have to work on it during class. It wasn't a big deal, just a minor annoyance. She was sure to finish it before fifth period, when it was due.

She slung her backpack over her shoulder and slammed her locker shut. She turned to go to class, but was blocked by a five-foot freshman. He was staring at her with big round eyes. Mary gave him a glare and moved to go around him.

Excuse me, Ms. Hellick?

Ms. Hellick?

Mary stopped and turned to the boy. What did you just call me?

Oh, no. Did I pronounce it wrong? I'm so sorry! Is it He-lick?

She frowned and shook her head. No, you got my last name right. Why'd you 'Ms.' me? Do I look like a freaking teacher to you?

The boy gulped. No, nothing like one! But I thought, since we haven't been introduced, that I shouldn't presume to address you by your first name.

It took Mary a moment to process what the boy had said. It was way too wordy for a high school hallway. She squinted to look at him more closely. He was kind of pudgy and pale. This boy clearly didn't go outside much. She couldn't determine with one hundred percent surety his area of geekdom, but she'd hedge D&D due to his mildly ostentatious manner of speech.

What do you want? she asked.

Um, I'd like to hire you?

She blinked. What?

The boy straightened, and in a surer voice repeated, I'd like to hire you.

Mary's face closed down. I don't do parties or Show and Tell. Then she strode away.

Gran had been offered those types of gigs before, and when money had been really tight, she'd taken a few. She'd gone to a couple of birthday parties and read fortunes for the guests. Mary had tagged along once and had been disgusted. The guests had wisecracked and made fun of Gran. They hadn't taken her seriously at all. She'd been on the same level as a dancing bear to them: something to point at and laugh about. Gran had tried to take it in stride. She'd hammed it up, doing a few simple card tricks, but once it was over, she appeared tired and unhappy.

Wait! I really need your help, please! It's about my grandma!

Mary stopped. The kid sounded sincere, and she could never say no to grandmothers. She wheeled around to face the kid again. He clutched the straps of his book bag with white knuckles and still watched her with his too big eyes.

What's the job? she asked.

I need you to exorcise her.

Mary's eyebrows lifted. What?

They say it's dementia and Alzheimer's, but I know it's not her looking at me through her eyes. It's someone else.

Mary's heart went out to the boy. She was grateful Gran was still as sharp as she'd been when Mary was younger, but they didn't joke about her coming down with Alzheimer's. It was too possible and scary to make light of.

Look, what's your name? Mary asked, realizing she probably shouldn't call him kid, though she felt years older than him at the moment.

Eddie, he said.

Look, Ed, dementia and Alzheimer's are awful diseases. They can make loved ones act like completely different people. They can even scare you if they get angry or violent, but you gotta just accept that they're sick and love them.

Eddie frowned. I know all that. But it's different with Grandma Mona. Come by the nursing home. You'll see. I'll pay you two hundred dollars just to come by.

Mary wasn't too proud to admit that the offer of two hundred dollars got her attention. But if she took his money, she'd basically be robbing him. Why don't we just go by and see her? I'll check the place out and then decide if I can actually help you or not. She was sure she couldn't, but she couldn't bring herself to outright deny the kid.

Eddie bobbed his head. Great. Meet at the front of the school after classes?

Well, she didn't have any plans today... I don't have a car. Can we get there by bus?

Yeah, it's easy.

Okay, I'll meet you out front at the end of the day.

Eddie's whole body visibly relaxed and his face brightened. Thank you so much. This means a lot to me.

Mary nodded, though her lips were pressed together in a thin line. She wasn't looking forward to the end of the day.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

When lunch arrived, Mary headed for the art room. It had turned cold and wet outside, time for all the freaks and rejects to migrate indoors. The room was filling up when she got there, so she was glad to see that Taryn and Rachel had claimed them a table.

She sat down across from the two girls. Hey, how's it going?

They both shrugged. Fine, Rachel said.

A hand dipped under Mary's hair and brushed the back of her neck, making her shiver. She turned to Kyle as he sat down beside her.

How's your day been? he asked.

Standard, except during TAB a freshman asked me for help.

Brave of him. What'd he want?

For me to meet his grandma. He thinks something paranormal is wrong with her. But I think he's deluding himself.

Rachel and Taryn had both leaned forward to listen in.

What's going on with her? Taryn asked.

Rachel had asked Mary if it was all right to bring Taryn into the loop about her abilities. Mary hadn't been sure, but had nervously given the okay. Thankfully, theater folk were a very superstitious lot, and Taryn had accepted the news about Mary without any disbelief.

He said she's been diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer's, but he's sure that something else is wrong with her. He says she doesn't act like herself. But that's what those illnesses do. It's awful, and I feel for him, but I'm not going to say his grandmother's possessed to make him feel better.

That's tough, Rachel said.

And really sad, Taryn added.

Are you going? Kyle asked.

Mary sighed. I told him I'd go with him after school today.

Kyle grimaced. I've got practice.

And we've got rehearsal, Taryn said. Rachel had signed up to be a stagehand for the next school play. Taryn had the leading female role.

It's all right. I already asked him if we could get there by bus, plus I think it's better if we go on our own. It'll make it easier for me to break it to him gently.

The others nodded.

What about Gran? Maybe she should go with you? Rachel asked.

I'd rather keep her out of this. You know how I don't like hospitals? Well, for Gran, it's nursing homes. I'll be all right.

Kyle took her hand and rubbed it. Be careful, okay?

I'm going to an old folks' home.

Old folks can be scary.

The way he said that made her grin. Is there a story there?

Nope. He answered far too quickly and decisively.

Her eyes narrowed.

He changed the subject before she could needle him for info. So, Tyler is having a party Friday night. Do you think we can go?

Mary's first inclination was to say no. Tyler was a textbook jock. He walked around expecting people to get out of his way and for everyone to bend to his will. Mary had always tried to steer clear of him and his crowd, but Kyle was in that crowd, or at least he was when he wasn't hanging out with her. He got along great with her friends. She had to at least try to make nice with his.

Yeah, sure. What's the party for?

Oh, you know, general shenanigans. His parents are out of town.

She could see it clearly now: loud music, kegs, people acting stupid. She'd better bring aspirin. Sounds great.

Kyle smiled and leaned over to kiss her on the cheek. He did that pretty often. She suspected he liked how it made her blush. She was still shy about public displays of affection.

"And you are coming to the play Saturday night, right?" Rachel added.

Mary doggedly nodded her head. Yes, of course. We wouldn't miss it. You're going to be great, Taryn.

Taryn ducked her head a little bashfully. Thanks. I'm really glad you're coming.

Wouldn't miss it for the world, Kyle said.

Mary squeezed his hand under the table. He could go out and do all sorts of other things that he liked better, but he hadn't hesitated to agree to go to the play. He was going to see a school play for her. She could go to a party.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Mary searched for Eddie at the front of the school, but it was hard to find anyone among the swarm of students exiting the building.

Mary, over here!

Through the swarm, she saw Eddie waving. She made her way over to him.

What bus do we need to take?

The seven will get us there. Thanks again for doing this.

She nodded, and they walked to the bus stop. Some other students were there waiting already. They gave Mary and Eddie curious glances but didn't approach them.

Eddie, how long has your grandmother not been herself?

Like, as soon as she moved into this place. She was getting forgetful. She left a burner on the stove lit, and it caused a small kitchen fire. Mom convinced her to move into this place. I thought it was a good idea. I mean, I didn't want Grandma to have an accident and hurt herself, and the fire really shook us up. I helped move her in and everything was normal, but when I went back three days later, I could see something wasn't right. She didn't know me. She pretended she did, but she had no clue who I was. The docs say it's normal, that the Alzheimer's will do that, but why would she pretend to know me? Then on later visits, I noticed other stuff. She started eating things she'd never liked, like carrots. She'd always hated them. But then one night, I watched her eat the whole serving that came with her meal. She's hated carrots all her life, but now, suddenly, she's eating them without any qualms. The docs say that's normal, that the meds may be changing how stuff tastes, but why'd she even try the carrots? She told me that she's hated them since she was a little girl. Her grandmother made her eat them once, and she puked all over the table because of it. I know she wouldn't have eaten the carrots unless something really strange was going on.

Mary didn't comment, though what the docs had said was unfortunately true.

The number seven pulled up. They got on together and stood in the aisle since all the seats were taken.

Has your mom said anything about this? Mary asked.

Eddie shook his head. She trusts the docs. She's upset, but she's slowly letting Grandma go. I haven't told her what I think. I know how crazy that would sound, but I thought you'd understand.

And Mary could understand. It was much easier to blame demons or monsters than an incurable disease. She just hated having to be the one who told him the incurable disease was the thing actually lurking in the shadows.

They rode the bus for about twenty minutes, and then Eddie pulled the cord to make sure the bus stopped at the next stop. When the bus pulled over, Mary followed Eddie off. The stop was in a residential neighborhood. There were nice private homes on either side, but there was one, a larger wood-frame house, that stood out. Several additions had been added, and it had a sign in front.

Eddie stopped in front of the building. This is it. Gentry House.

There was a large covered porch that ran across the front of the building. It had white decorative posts and railings. On the porch were large wooden rocking chairs. Several were occupied. From the outside, it appeared like an idyllic place to spend your final years.

Does your grandma know we're coming?

Eddie shrugged. No, but it's okay. We drop by all the time to check on her. Though Mom hasn't been coming by as often lately. I think the changes are starting to bother her, but she would never admit that.

Mary didn't comment, but she felt truly bad for Eddie and his mom. It sounded like they were both struggling to come to terms with what was happening to Eddie's grandmother. She again wondered how she was going to break the news to Eddie. He seemed like a nice kid. She didn't want to upset him, but she couldn't lie to him. Maybe she shouldn't have come. Maybe it would've been better to let him keep pretending that his grandma was possessed rather than having to face the truth.

The first thing Mary saw when they entered the building was a reception desk. It was set up by the stairway with a small sign asking visitors to sign in. A middle-aged woman wearing scrubs and a cardigan was sitting behind the desk, reading a magazine.

Hi, Pam, Eddie said to the woman.

She looked up from her magazine. Hello, Eddie.

How's my grandma?

Oh, she's fine. I'm sure she'll be glad to see you.

Eddie signed in and stepped back to let Mary do the same. She put down her name and copied the name of Eddie's grandmother for who she was visiting: Mona Loeser. Seeing the last name made her frown. She'd once had a teacher with that name, and she'd hated her.

Pam inspected the sign-in sheet after she'd finished, and her eyes flicked to Mary in silent suspicion.

Pam, this is Mary, Eddie said. I brought her to meet Mona.

The nurse kept staring at her. Mary knew she didn't look like their usual visitor. She was wearing a Bella Morte T-shirt, Docs, and black jeans, plus her standard eyeliner, pale foundation, and black lipstick. She hadn't dressed that morning with the thought that she'd be going to a nursing home. She'd dressed that morning with not much thought at all, except that clothes were probably a good idea and she needed makeup to cover how tired her eyes looked.

Eddie tapped her arm. I see her in the day room. Come on.

He went through to the other room. Mary moved quickly to keep up, knowing Pam was still watching her.

The day room was a large, open room with tables and sofas scattered throughout it and large windows to let in the light. Various elderly people were sitting in there doing different things. Some were reading, some playing board games, and a few were sleeping.

Eddie cut through the room to a woman sitting alone at a table playing Solitaire.

"Grandma,