Dark Shadows of the Past: The Greek Isles Series, #4

By Angel Sefer

A heroine on the run… A brave police detective with secrets of his own… Danger and passion collide as her deadly secret won't stay buried for long, and the mob is on her trail…

Christina Connors wakes up on a freezing hard surface surrounded by spine-chilling darkness. Realizing that she has been dumped in an alley next to a dead body, she searches her mind for an explanation, but it's terrifyingly blank. As the fog lifts, memories of terrible events come crashing down.

When Police Detective Dan Mallory finds Christina injured and terrified, he is enchanted with her beauty and resilience. But his instincts tell him she is more than a simple jewelry designer in the wrong place at the wrong time. When she disappears from the hospital, he feels responsible, but his suspicions grow. Is she indeed an innocent victim or a deceitful charmer who stole his heart?

Christina and Dan find themselves caught in a deadly game of conspiracy, murder, and vengeance. While the detective is fighting to save Christina, she's desperately trying to conceal her real identity. But her secret won't stay buried for long, and the truth could mean death for them both.

The non-stop action and passionate romance unfold in Atlanta, the Blue Ridge Mountains of Northern Georgia, and on the Greek Island of Kefalonia—the fascinating setting of 'Captain Corelli's Mandolin' in the aquamarine waters of the Ionian Sea.

Dark Shadows of the Past is the fourth novel in the award-winning, bestselling Greek Isles Series where passion flares and danger lurks around every corner. And it was voted among the 50 Best Indie Books of 2015 on Read Freely.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Panagiota Kalofolia
• Release date: Mar 28, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386520467

Angel Sefer

Multiple award-winning, bestselling author Angel Sefer was born in Athens, Greece and has studied and worked on both sides of the Atlantic. She holds a degree in Economics and divides her time between the corporate world and her true passion: writing mystery, thriller, and suspense romances where passion flares and danger lurks around every corner. Angel lives in Athens, Greece, with the two loves of her life—her son and her husband—and is a member of several writers groups. The Greek islands—alluring destinations that cast a spell on the visitor from the very first moment—are among her favorite settings. She has written a series of standalone mystery romance novels—The Greek Isles Series—each taking place on a different island. In this series, dark mysteries mingle with sizzling romances while the exquisite beauty of the enchanting Greek Islands will steal the reader’s heart away. Angel has also started a new collection of novellas full of passion, danger, and intrigue—The Alluring Love Collection.

Book preview

Dark Shadows

of the Past

A novel of

The Greek Isles Series

Angel Sefer

Copyright 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 Angel sefer

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported License.

Attribution — You must attribute the work in the manner specified by the author or licensor (but not in any way that suggests that they endorse you or your use of the work).

Noncommercial — You may not use this work for commercial purposes.

No Derivative Works — You may not alter, transform, or build upon this work.

Cover Design by Shari Ryan

Edited by Jacy Mackin and Vicki Sly

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to similarly named places or to persons living or deceased is unintentional.

Library of Congress Control Number: 2015909236

Dedications

In memory of my late mother, Helen, a wonderful mother and my best friend, who will always be remembered for her love, kindness, and wisdom. She will live in my heart forever.

In memory of my late grandmother, Lili, whose unconditional love and encouragement inspired me throughout the years.

Dedicated to my beloved family in Greece and the USA for all their love, guidance, and support—especially to my wonderful husband, Bill; my loving father, Dimitris; my amazing Aunt Angie; and my adorable son Dimitris.

––––––––

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Epilogue

Note from the Author

About the Author

More books and collections by Angel Sefer and your free copy of Blooming Love

Chapter One

Christina opened her eyes and looked around, startled. Where am I? She was lying on a freezing, hard surface, surrounded by spine-chilling darkness... A frosty wave of fear washed over her, making her shudder. She peered through the eerie shadows while trying to track any noise, but nothing... Dead silence. Her senses worked overtime. Oh, my God! What happened to me?

She tried to sit up, but a sharp pain shot right through her head. A moan escaped her lips, and she instinctively shut her eyes. I need to move... I need to get up, she thought, but her body wouldn’t respond. Shivering, cold, and immobilized, she screamed with all the strength she could muster, but the sound that came out of her mouth was no louder than a whisper.

She drew a deep breath, trying to calm down the thundering of her heart. Think, girl! Think! What happened? Where am I? How long have I been here? Creepy thoughts and questions bombarded her mind, but it had gone completely blank. I’m going to die... Tears welled up in her eyes, as she lay there helpless and defeated.

***

Feeling someone touching her arm, her eyes flew open while her heart fluttered like a scared little bird. In the dim sunlight shining from behind the tall buildings surrounding the area, Christina saw a man leaning over her. Shrinking away from him, her breath caught in her throat.

Don’t worry, the man said. His deep, masculine voice sounded calm and reassuring. You’re going to be all right. The ambulance is on its way.

Christina looked at him, bewildered. He seemed tough but not aggressive. With her heart still thundering in her chest, she drew a deep breath and looked closer. He appeared in his mid-thirties, with broad shoulders and well-built muscles. He had a handsome face with dark brown hair and the most amazing blue eyes she had ever seen. Those eyes were staring at her intensely, hypnotizing her...

The penetrating noise of a siren startled her. Shifting her eyes away from his gaze, she scanned the surroundings. Stunned, she realized that she was lying on the ground, in an alley. What on earth am I doing here? she wondered, anxiously. People milled around them; some were police officers in uniform. I must have passed out, she contemplated, as she hadn’t heard anyone approaching.

Don’t worry, the man repeated, and his encouraging tone of voice drew her from her thoughts.

Christina tried to say something, but no words came out of her mouth. She stared at him in despair, feeling weak and helpless.

I’m Detective Dan Mallory. The man introduced himself, responding to the question in her eyes. Can you speak?

I think so, Christina whispered with great effort.

What’s your name? he asked. His eyes watched her closely.

Sophia... I mean, Christina, she whispered. Christina Connors. Seeing the inquiring look in his eyes, Christina bit her lower lip. I need to be careful, she cautioned herself.

Can you tell me what happened to you, Christina?

She thought for a moment but couldn’t recall much about yesterday’s events. What’s wrong with me? Why can’t I remember what happened?

The detective peered at her curiously. He started saying something else, but the siren of the ambulance turning into the alley covered the sound of his voice.

Christina turned toward the ambulance and then back at the man. Instinctively, she reached and grabbed his hand. He seemed surprised but held her grip in his for a few seconds until the paramedics approached them.

She kept her eyes on the detective, while men in white uniforms took her pulse, checked her body for any broken bones, and finally, put her on a stretcher.

As they raised the stretcher and started pushing her toward the ambulance, she glanced over and was shocked to see a body lying a few meters away, next to a trashcan. A jolt of fear shot right through her. Who’s that? Is he dead? With great effort, she lifted her head to see better but felt dizzy and collapsed back down as an oxygen mask was placed over her face...

***

Hours later, she opened her eyes and recognized the white, sterilized environment of a hospital room. A nurse was leaning over her, checking her pulse. Christina made an attempt to speak.

Don’t try to talk, the nurse urged her. You’re still very weak.

Why am I here? What’s wrong with me? Christina managed to whisper before she started coughing violently. A sharp pain in her chest brought tears to her eyes.

Try to remain calm. You have two broken ribs, and it makes it hard to breathe.

It hurts...

I know. We’ve given you medication to reduce the pain and make it easier to breath.

How serious is it?

The CT and MRI scans verified that no jagged edge of the fractured bones has damaged any internal organs or major blood vessels. So, there is no serious damage besides the ribs that should heal within a couple of months. Other than that, there are only a few scrapes and bruises.

Then, why are you keeping me here?

The doctors want to keep you overnight to make sure you’re okay since you were found in an alley freezing.

Christina felt her mouth going dry. I’m thirsty, she whispered.

The nurse raised her a little bit, helped her drink a few sips out of a paper cup, and lay her back softly. As soon as she hit the pillow, Christina drifted off to sleep.

***

When she woke up, darkness stretched outside the window. Everything was quiet, except the machine beeping next to her. Glancing toward the open door, she noticed a policeman standing with his back to her room, obviously guarding her door.

Am I under arrest, or is he here for my protection?

Taking a deep breath and closing her eyes, she tried to recall yesterday’s events. How did I end up in that alley? How did I get hurt? So many questions tortured her, and no answers came to mind whatsoever.

The previous afternoon, she left her office at the headquarters of Century Jewelry Company—a large chain of jewelry stores throughout the eastern United States where Christina worked as a designer. Arriving at her friend Johnny’s apartment—a small place on the second floor of an old building—she rang the bell at the main entrance, but Johnny didn’t answer. She rang again and waited for a couple of minutes, but nothing...

Christina took out her cell phone and called Johnny. His phone was turned off, and she was transferred to the answering service. She left a message and was getting ready to leave when she saw Mrs. Stanley—the old lady who lived on the first floor of the building. The silver-haired, chubby woman was coming around the corner with her little white poodle running next to her. As soon as she saw Christina standing by the front door, she smiled at her.

Good evening, Christina said cheerfully, loud enough for the almost-deaf old lady to hear her.

Good evening, Mrs. Stanley replied, coming up the steps and opening the front door of the building. Come in.

I rang the bell, but there was no answer.

Maybe he’s not in.

But we were supposed to meet here, Christina retorted. Maybe he’s just running a little bit late, she continued, more to herself than the lady.

Mrs. Stanley smiled and disappeared down the corridor, with her dog running behind her.

Christina stood there for a minute, trying to decide whether she should leave or wait for a few minutes. Johnny could be hours late.

As a freelance photographer, Johnny had no set schedule. When an assignment cropped up, he’d travel whenever and wherever, forgetting everything else. Typically, Christina was one of those things left waiting, which was why they usually met at her place. Too often, she’d been left waiting for hours in a restaurant or bar with strangers trying to pick her up.

However, today Christina wasn’t sure what time she’d be able to leave her office. So meeting at Johnny’s place was a better option than him having to wait outside her apartment.

Voices drew her from her thoughts. It was the detective she met in the alley talking to the policeman outside. As he glanced at her, Christina swallowed hard. Those blue eyes of his made her pulse accelerate.

A moment later, he entered the room and came close to her bed. How are you feeling?

Okay, I guess, Christina responded, even though she didn’t feel that way at all.

He remained silent for a moment, searching her face.

She could tell a battle raged inside him. He’s anxious to question me about yesterday’s events, she realized, but then again, he can probably see I’m in no condition to be interrogated right now.

Am I under arrest? she inquired with great effort, glancing at the guard standing outside her room.

Of course not, he responded. He’s here for your protection. Until we know what happened to you in that alley, we have to take precautions and make sure you’re all right.

I understand, Christina said simply and breathed out, relieved.

***

Dan stared at her as she lay there helpless. Despite the scrapes on her lovely face and a nasty bruise on her left cheek, she was gorgeous. Golden brown curls spread over the pillow and huge, green eyes looked at him so innocently, it made his pulse accelerate.

Pull yourself together! he reprimanded himself and took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. But then his eyes rested on her full lips, and a jolt of desire shot right through him. This is no time for having such thoughts. I have to concentrate on the case, he reminded himself, irritated, and drew his eyes from her face. Hastily, he pulled out his notepad and checked his notes.

Can you tell me what happened in the alley? he asked her in a professional tone and glanced at her face again to see her reactions.

Christina remained silent for a couple of minutes, probably trying to pull her thoughts together. I’m not sure what happened... All I remember is bits and pieces...

Dan examined her face closely. She seemed to be telling the truth. Don’t you remember how you ended up there or how you got hurt?

Christina closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. Suddenly, her eyes flew open. What about the body I saw out there? she inquired alarmed, staring at him straight in the eyes. You must help me! she pleaded, grabbing his hand.

He squeezed her hand in his, feeling how soft and delicate it was. Staring into her eyes, he gave her a reassuring smile. Don’t worry, he said. You’re safe now.

Hearing voices outside, he unwillingly let go of her. Is there anything you can tell me? he asked hastily.

I’m sorry; I just can’t remember much.

Did you know William Beavers? Dan insisted.

Who is William Beavers? she asked, sounding confused.

He’s the man whose body was found next to you in the alley. He used to be an attorney in Marietta, he explained, in an effort to help her remember something.

No. Christina shook her head in despair. I’ve never heard of him.

At that moment, a nurse walked in and asked him to leave.

I need to talk to her, he protested. It won’t take long.

I’m sorry, Detective, but it’s late, and the patient needs to rest, she said firmly. You can come back in the morning.

He looked at Christina for a couple of seconds. I’ll be back, first thing in the morning, he said and left the room.

***

Christina felt numb inside and wanted to drift off to sleep. However, anxiety and gloomy thoughts kept her awake. A threat was hovering over her, and it was imperative to remember how and why she ended up in that alley. Her life depended on it.

Gradually, as if a fog lifted from her mind, yesterday’s events crashed down on her...

After watching the old lady walk away, Christina decided to at least check Johnny’s apartment, hoping he’d overslept after a late night. She climbed the stairs and walked down the narrow corridor, avoiding a couple of boxes with trash left behind by previous tenants having moved out since the old building was going to be demolished. The only ones left in there were Johnny and Mrs. Stanley.

Approaching his apartment, loud voices echoed toward her. She recognized her friend’s voice as he argued with two other men.

Christina hesitated outside the door; hand raised to knock. Should she interrupt? Would it be better to come back later? Just before her knuckle rapped against the wood, the deafening blast of a gunshot and a creepy cry ended the argument inside.

A scream escaped her lips as she frantically took off toward the staircase. Stumbling over a box, she tumbled down the flight of stairs. Landing on her back, a sharp pain shot right through her ribs, making it hard to breathe.

Help! she screamed desperately, but the deafening noise of Mrs. Stanley’s TV covered every other sound.

A short, muscular man, dressed in black, with a nasty scar on his face, appeared at the top of the staircase. Christina’s breath caught in her throat when she saw the brutal look in his eyes as he lunged down the steps.

If I don’t make it out of here, I’m dead! She placed a shaking hand against the wall and the other on a clay pot of a dead plant and managed to stand up and stumble for the front door. Just one more step and I’m there... Ouch! Pain shot right through her right arm as the man grabbed her and swung her around violently. Instinctively, Christina rammed her knee into his groin. A loud moan escaped his lips and letting go of her arm, he bent over.

Christina made it to the door. She grabbed the handle and opened it. A breath of fresh air hit her in the face. Seeing a car turning into the dead-end street, she opened her mouth to scream, but a filthy smelling hand shattered her attempt and pulled her back inside. The man fell backward on the floor pulling Christina down with her back against him. Deriving courage from the terror rushing through her veins, she drove her right elbow into his ribs and rolled away from him.

You bitch! he barked, and jumping to his feet, he kicked Christina in the stomach with all his might. As she doubled up in pain, she caught a glimpse of Mrs. Stanley appearing at her apartment door.

Terror-stricken, the lady tried to slam the door shut. However, the man was a lot faster and shoving her violently, he went inside the apartment after her.

No! Christina screamed unable to move.

A minute later, her assailant rushed back toward her. Christina’s eyes widened in horror as she saw blood dripping from the knife in his right hand.

He dragged her off the floor, up the stairs, and down the corridor toward Johnny’s apartment while Christina twisted and turned, kicking and screaming, trying to free herself from the deadly grip.

When they reached the apartment, he let go of her arm and grabbed her wrist. He twisted her arm behind her back and forced her inside. Scared and bewildered, Christina scanned her surroundings as the metallic smell of blood hit her nostrils, making her want to puke.

Johnny was sitting on a chair with his hands tied behind his back. His face was all cut up and bruised, and blood was dripping from the side of his mouth. His right knee was covered in blood all the way down his leg to a revolting dark pool on the floor.

Christina bit her lower lip to prevent from screaming. Anxiously, her gaze flew from Johnny to the short, bulky man standing next to him, and then, to the tall, bald-headed one, standing by the window.

Where the hell have you been? the short one asked Christina’s assailant.

That bitch gave me a hard time! he growled, twisting Christina’s arm even harder, bringing tears to her eyes.

While the tall man had made no move since Christina came in, the other one came toward her, and turning to Johnny he asked in a harsh voice: What do we have here?

Leave her alone! She has nothing to do with this, Johnny yelled at him.

Christina felt her heart sinking, hearing his squeaky voice.

Well, maybe she has. Maybe she hasn’t. We have to make sure, though, don’t we? the man replied coldly.

I told you; she has nothing to do with all this. Let her go! Johnny pleaded.

The guy ignored him, and coming closer to Christina, he grabbed her chin with one hand and forced her to face him. Who are you? he commanded.

Christina shook, unable to utter a word. A scream escaped her lips when the man still holding her wrist twisted her arm tighter behind her back.

Who are you? the short one repeated the question coldly.

Christina. Connors, Christina rushed, and her voice sounded no louder than a whisper.

And what were you doing out there in the corridor? the man demanded.

We were supposed to have dinner, she replied and glanced at Johnny frightened.

She’s just a friend, Johnny interrupted.

"Well, maybe we should ask your friend about the tape," the man said.

I told you! Johnny growled. She knows nothing!

We’ll see about that! he said and approached the tall one still standing by the window.

The two of them talked for a few minutes, every now and then glancing toward Christina.

A moment later, the short one came back toward her. She’s coming with us, he said firmly.

No! Johnny cried out. Leave her alone!

The man paid no attention to him. He waved to the man who was still holding Christina, and she felt a sharp pain in the back of her head. Then, she woke up in the alley...

Oh, my God! What about Johnny? Christina wondered, feeling the hair on the back of her neck standing on end. Frantically, she sat up and despite the pain in her chest, she yelled to the policeman outside.

The policeman rushed into the room. What’s wrong?

Please... Christina cried out as the policeman rushed toward her, calling out for the nurse at the same time.

Please...help him! Christina exclaimed in agony and pushed away the nurse who had rushed into the room and was trying to make her lie back down.

I’m going to give her something to relax, the nurse said, and the policeman nodded in agreement.

No! Christina protested. I don’t want to go to sleep.

Please, Miss Connors, the nurse insisted, checking her pulse and her blood pressure.

Johnny is in danger! You must help him.

Who is Johnny? the policeman inquired.

Miss Connors, you blood pressure is too high. If you don’t calm down, I’ll have to give you something to do it for you. Please, take a few deep breaths, and the nice police officer will listen to you.

I need to calm down. I have to explain to them about Johnny. I want to speak to the detective, Christina said, taking deep breaths.

He’ll be here first thing in the morning, the policeman assured her. But if it’s something urgent you can tell me, and I’ll contact him immediately.

Yes! Yes, it’s urgent. Tomorrow morning might be too late.

Without a word, the policeman turned on his heel and walked outside the room. Christina saw him talking on his radio and breathed out in relief. The detective will listen to me, she thought. He will know what to do.

***

Wild thoughts whirled around in her mind as she waited for the detective. Who were those people? How did Johnny get involved with them? He wasn’t the type of guy to have dealings with people like that. But then again, she realized, what do I actually know about Johnny?

They had been casual friends for a while, but she didn’t know much about his work or his life. She only knew he was from Denver and had no close relatives.

Thinking back, it struck her kind of odd having run into him on several occasions in Birmingham and meeting him again a few months later in Atlanta after she had moved here. Johnny didn’t remember her from Birmingham at all, and Christina hadn’t thought much about it back then. However, what if things weren’t the way they seemed? What if he did remember her? Then why would he lie about it, and what did he know about her?

A chill caressed her spine. Oh, my God! Will the nightmare ever end? Will I ever be able to have a normal life and stop being afraid?

Up to now, she’d been successful in hiding her past, and no one had ever suspected anything. Why would they, anyway? Everything had happened so long ago, and almost everyone, who knew Christina’s real identity, was dead...

But what about Johnny? she wondered once more. What if he somehow knew who she was? What if he had followed her here from Birmingham? Don’t be ridiculous, she reprimanded herself. Stop being paranoid and seeing enemies everywhere! But then again, her mother’s tragic death had made her realize that her father’s people were ruthless, and they would stop at nothing to find her and