In The Shadows

By R.D. Wylder

Eden Malone is the hard-drinking, hard-loving author of a number of successful paranormal novels. Lately though, her passion for writing just hasn't been the same. Her publisher, Marge, suggests a retreat of sorts to a 'haunted house' she remembers from her youth. Far from being a dilapidated shack, Eden finds the Foley homestead has been upgraded to a comfortable, modern affair. Maybe this is just the time away she needs, especially if she gets to spend it with the feisty and beautiful Kendall. But some things can't be banished by a few repairs. What was invited into the Foley house lives there still and Eden will soon learn that the darkness has its own needs.

• Language: English
• Publisher: R.D. Wylder
• Release date: Nov 30, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370124855

R.D. Wylder

Who am I? The short answer: R.D.Wylder. The long answer: a poet, an aspiring author, a lover of the written word, and so much more. Things I like: old horror movies, classic tales by authors such as M. R. James and J. Sheridan Le Fanu, animals....and writing.

Book preview

IN THE SHADOWS

Published by R.D.Wylder at Smashwords

Copyright 2016 R.D.Wylder

Thank you for downloading this ebook. This book remains the copyrighted property of the author, and may not be redistributed to others for commercial or non-commercial purposes. If you enjoyed this book, please encourage your friends to download their own copy from their favourite authorized retailer. Thank you for your support.

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 1

Eden Malone knocked back her fourth scotch of the day, savouring the smoky flavour. It was barely noon, but so what? She was a woman who could hold her liquor, and she’d held it in many different shapes, forms, and sizes over the years. It wasn’t as though she had the slightest buzz going anyway. That was a privilege typically reserved for mid to late afternoon, but not today. The comforting burn down the back of her throat was like a lover’s caress, but she’d seen enough lives destroyed by one too many stupid decisions. She didn’t particularly care for endangering others or, more importantly, herself. Besides, she wanted to enjoy this afternoon’s drive and she’d already decided the only way she could do it was with a clear head.

If asked, she would probably say that her attempt at sobriety was damn near heroic. Unfortunately, heroics aside, it didn’t seem to be a cure for the melancholy that was presently afflicting her. She capped the decanter and restored it to its rightful place in her amply stocked bar. She couldn’t quite put her finger on it but for some reason the apartment that had become her sanctuary over the years seemed to be closing in on her. It could be her recent reintroduction to fresh air and wide open spaces, or it could just as easily be the book that lay carelessly opened on the bar counter.

She didn’t know why she kept the scrapbook in the first place. She certainly didn’t know why she cared. It wasn’t like the freaks that foamed at the mouth over her books were the most intelligent of the lot, although she would never let her ‘loyal fans’ know how she truly felt about them. Not as long as they still had money in their pockets. Nonetheless, she felt compelled to collect as many of the reviews as she could get her hands on. It was a habit she was almost certain would lead to an ulcer one day, especially since her popularity of late had been steadily heading down the toilet. She recalled, with a cringe and in vivid detail, the last conversation she’d had with Marge.

*****

Beecher Publishing was as cutthroat as they came and Marge Beecher was the head pirate. When her husband had, quite inconveniently, keeled over from a heart attack ten years ago, many speculated that control of the company would have been handed over to one of their three sons. Instead, Marge herself had taken the reins and transformed an average printing press into one of the most successful publishing houses in the country. The woman seemed to have an uncanny ability to ferret out the next big market and, while many similar companies had gone under with the advent of the digital age, Beecher Publishing had flourished. Marge, at the ripe old age of 65, had mastered the art of altering her persona to suit her needs so well that Eden had long ago given up trying to figure out what was real and what wasn’t.

All that mattered was the woman had a bloodhound’s nose for the market, and the teeth to stand her ground; a fact that had afforded Eden a ritzy penthouse apartment with a view of the adjoining park that many would kill for...well not literally. Still, you never knew which side of Marge was likely to make an appearance on any given day and Eden felt a bit like a kid on her way to see the Principal as Marge’s secretary, who bore a striking resemblance to a Rottweiler, buzzed her in.

Marge Beecher’s office was designed to intimidate, as were the power suits she insisted on wearing. Today’s was a dark brown number that blended in with the toffee coated walls and the rich mahogany furniture. The ornate desk lamp and wall sconces lent the room an air of a bygone era and Eden wished she had thought to bring her laptop so she could scribble down some choice phrases for her next book. Marge was perched in her favourite leather chair and if her expression was meant to convey any pleasure or warmth then it failed miserably.

Hi Marge. How are you doing? Eden knew her voice sounded a little too cheery for her liking but she couldn’t help it.

Sit down Eden. We need to have a little chat.

Marge Beecher was never one for pleasantries, not when you could just get down to the business at hand. She opened a desk drawer and took out a copy of Eden latest manuscript, which she’d tentatively named Scarlet Lullaby.

What, pray tell, is this Eden?

You know very well what it is Marge. That earned her a raised eyebrow but she decided to plough on anyway. Look, I know it’s a little rough around the edges, but that’s what editorial teams are for right?

It’s not rough around the edges as you so nicely put it Ms. Malone. It’s utter and complete bullshit. I couldn’t convince my dog to buy this book even if I put the money in her mouth and pointed her ass to the bookstore.

It’s not that bad. It was that bad, and Eden knew it, but she certainly wasn’t going to admit it.

You’re right. It’s not that bad. It’s much, much worse. What’s going on with you Eden? I work with writers. I built my business off of writers. I know everyone goes through a rough patch now and then, but your work has just been going downhill. You know it. I know it. Every damn critic out there knows it. Marge let out an exasperated sigh and leaned forward, propping her arms on the desk. I’ve been giving you chances because you’ve made this company a lot of money and I was hoping this was temporary but, at the rate you’re going, I’ll barely be breaking even if I keep you on.

So you want me to find another publisher? Is that it?

No. Marge pinched the bridge of her nose, as if hoping to fend off an impending headache. Against my better judgement, I’m going to give you one more chance to get your act together. You don’t believe in what you’re writing any more Eden, and your fans are beginning to pick up on it.

Why would I? Eden was dumbfounded. Surely Marge wasn’t going crazy on her. No one in their right mind would. Sure there’s some sick shit out there, but come on, this is make believe.

I know that Eden, and most of your readers do too, although some of the kooks are really into it. Don’t you read your fan mail?

I never touch the stuff. She’d stopped right after a fan started sending her love letters supposedly written in his own blood. At least she hoped it was his. She’d turned the letters over to the police and washed her hands of the whole experience, literally.

Hmm, you might have something there. Marge leaned back and

Reviews for In The Shadows

[Dos · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Oh please I need a book 2. It’s such a cliffhanger! I want to know what the future holds for Eden/Rebecca, her adventures, and how true love will lead them back to Kendall.