Shadows and Shades

By Anthony Stevens

The ability to see ghosts  branded her an odd child. Foretelling the deaths of family and friends has tested her ability to love. Can Inara, love yet again and break her curse?

Note: This is a short paranormal romance at twelve thousand words.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Anthony Stevens
• Release date: Apr 15, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386165842

Anthony Stevens

I’m an olde pharte Technogeek, Author, Photographer, Leathercrafter, Gearhead, SCAdian history freak, Cosplayer, and Graphics enthusiast. I’ve gone by the handle Master Anthony Stevens from time to time, or just MAS. In Spanish, that is… MAS que los de mas, MAS de todo o’ MAS que nada. I’m a cat lover (seems to be a writer thing, eh?) and although I have traveled a great deal, I’m currently living in south Florida. My own favorite reading matter is SciFi, Fantasy and of course, Paranormal Romance.

Book preview

Chapter 1: The First Time

This Monday was different . The moment her mother hugged her and tried to leave, Inara clutched the young woman's leg and begged her not to go. The little girl appeared terrified. When the day care teacher pulled her away, she started screaming and crying, hysterically.

Hwa Young Anderson had been leaving her daughter at the day care every day for the last six months. Normally, Inara got along great with the other kids and kept everyone amused with stories of her imaginary friends.

Hwa Young glanced at her watch and realized she was already going to be a few minutes late to an important business meeting. She blew a kiss as she pulled away from the pretty brick building with the all-important playground alongside. Inara scrunched up her eyes, screamed once more, then buried her face in the shoulder of the woman holding her.

That is when they heard the squealing tires and sickening metallic crunch. A loaded dump truck had blown the light and tee-boned her mother's econo-box.

Inara stopped screaming and only sniffled a few more minutes. They took her in the back office and tried to talk, but she just clung to whoever was nearby and stared at a blank spot on the wall.

Chapter 2: No Such Thing

The parent-teacher meeting had gone well as usual. Her teacher was proud of the fact she was very quiet and attentive in school. Inara's grades were good and she was already reading chapter books in third grade. I must admit I am still a bit concerned about how she seems to prefer being alone. Some of the other kids have been teasing her about her imaginary friends. I find this a bit worrying. Perhaps it is time for some counseling?

Tom Anderson nodded and said he would look into it. As soon as they got home, he told his mother what had been suggested.

Grandmother Anderson had another suggestion. Let me talk to her a bit first, Thomas. Maybe a little girl-to-girl chat can save us a visit with the shrink.

That Saturday, Tom was working a weekend shift at the EmergiCare Center. His military medical training had translated well into a position as a Physician's Assistant. Gramma knew they would have plenty of time for girl talk.

The older woman knocked on Inara's door. Can I come in?

Of course, Gramma! Inara gave her a big hug and an air kiss. What are we going to do, today? Can we go someplace?

Perhaps we can go out to lunch in a little while, but first, I wanted to talk with you a bit.

What about, Gramma?

Your teachers have told us you're still seeing imaginary friends. She tried a soft smile. Don't you think you're a bit old for those kind of games?

Inara rolled her eyes and lifted her hands in an expression of exaggerated disgust that can only be managed by an eight year old. That's just it. I don't know why nobody believes me. They aren't imaginary. They are really there. Most of us have them standing around. They're all over the place. You even have one that follows you around, too.

Oh? I have someone following me? Tell me about them.

Oh, you won't believe me. Nobody does. Even when I tell some of the kids at school, they either don't believe me, or if they recognize the person, they get really mad and say nasty things about me.

Her grandmother hugged her. I won't say nasty things about you. But I really do want to know what you think you're seeing.

Inara looked at the bookcase, by her bed. He's standing over there right now. His arms are folded and he's looking at both of us.

What's he look like? Is he handsome?