Metaphysics of a Dead Ex-Church Girl: All Spirit Bookstore Mystery, #1

By Melissa Ransom

Meet Stacy Cisco, owner of All Spirit Bookstore in Rano, South Carolina. After losing her parents in a car crash and gaining a generous inheritance from them, Stacy pursued her one true passion. She left her career as a Financial Data Analytics Manager and opened her bookstore for spiritual, but not religious people in her hometown.

But when Stacy finds her young employee, Candice, strangled to death the day after the bookstore grand opening, she is devastated. Candice was just starting college while also discovering her own spiritual path after growing up in a fundamentalist church.

The evidence points to Candice's current boyfriend, John, as the murderer but Stacy does not agree that he did it. Determined to expose the truth, Stacy begins her own investigation which lead her to an abusive ex-boyfriend, angry family members, and church members with scandalous secrets. Can Stacy figure out who killed Candice so she can get serious about developing a relationship with her former high school best friend, Marques?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Melissa Ransom
• Release date: Jun 27, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386387718

Melissa Ransom

Melissa Ransom is the author of the All Spirit Bookstore Cozy Mystery series. She lives in Columbia, South Carolina with her boyfriend and two children. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from Claflin University. In her spare time, she likes to read cozy mystery books and spiritual books which inspired her to write the All Spirit Bookstore Cozy Mystery series. She is an Ordained New Thought Metaphysical Minister with the International Metaphysical Ministry.

Book preview

Chapter One

Stacy sang along to Our Thoughts are Prayers sang by Carol Manson as she gathered her notes for her bookstore meeting. It was official: All Spirit Bookstore opened tomorrow. Stacy flashed back to the horrible circumstances which led to this dream realized.

The promotion party was at a bowling alley in Atlanta. Coworkers from all departments came over to Stacy congratulating her on her promotion to Manager in the Accounting Data Analytics department at Homp Accounting Firm. She was getting ready to bowl her turn when the dreaded call came through her cellphone from her aunt. She found out her parents died in a car accident on their way back from vacation to Miami, Florida. It was surprising when she found out how much money her parents left her in the will. Wanting to be closer to the family she had left and start her own business, Stacy moved back home to Rano, South Carolina to follow her dreams as a spiritual bookstore owner. She moved into her parent’s three story home, and invited her favorite cousin, Grace, and her two kids to move in so she did not have to live alone.

Good morning, Stacy. I come bearing donuts.

Stacy shook her head back to reality as she observed who came in the door. Candice Harper, one of Stacy’s college sales associates, came in the room with a box of Krispy Kreme donuts. Stacy smiled and gave Candice a hug. Candice was a beautiful young woman. She had a light skin tan complexion and long black relaxed hair in good condition. Seeing Candice with bone straight hair makes Stacy second guess her decision to stop getting relaxers and revert back to her natural roots.

Thanks for bringing the donuts. Please take a seat. We are waiting for the other ladies to arrive. Stacy grabs the donuts from Candice to put them on the table which has coffee, tea, lemonade, and water.

Candice took in her surroundings as she sat in a plush chair at one of the three tables. She wore a red baby doll top with black dress pants.  The women are in the Power room, one of three meeting rooms in the bookstore. The other two meeting rooms are Passion and Serene.  The bookstore also has a kitchen, restroom, storage, and Stacy’s office. 

Stacy sat in the plush chair next to Candice. She flashes back to her interview with Candice and remembers she was a former church girl from Harper Only ministries. She had mentioned in her interview how her parents forced her to go to church as a child, but she hated it. Her uncle was the bishop of the church. Stacy tried to remember everything the women she hired had told her. 

So Candice, how was your day today? You are attending Rano tech to gain an Associate’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Management?

Yes, Candice said.  I had classes this morning. I am still in the general classes. The classes are difficult. I was not the best high school student, she laughed.

Well, I was mediocre myself but my parents pushed me to be better. It is amazing what you can do if you set your mind to it. You will realize this too.

Stacy glanced at the time on her phone, 6:55 pm. Her assistant manager, two other employees, and her resident spiritual minister needed to be here before they could discuss tomorrow. She wanted to start at 7:00 pm.

I hope the other ladies arrive soon. I am so excited for tomorrow. I noticed you arrived early today.

I am excited too. I came early because I needed to get out of my house. Candice pushed her hair behind her ears. Living with my parents is not working anymore. They hate I abandoned Christianity to become a follower of the New Thought spiritual path. I honestly want to move out as soon as I can. Candice suddenly burst into tears. Stacy got up, hugged Candice to her, and patted her on the back.

I hope you can move in with friends. I will do my best to help you in any way possible.

Stacy went to get a paper towel from the snack table and handed it to Candice. She felt bad for her. Stacy was so thankful her parents never forced religion on her. Her mom sometimes went to her home Baptist church. Her dad grew up United Methodist, but he did not go to church while Stacy was growing up since his parents forced him to go like Candice.

Stacy looked up to see Shanteya and Tina walk in the meeting room. Shan was Stacy’s assistant manager, and only full-time employee. She was a single parent with a teenage daughter, Tina, who worked at the bookstore. She also had a son in middle school. The mother and daughter dressed alike in blue straight leg jeans and black heels. They both wore bob style sew-ins installed in their hair the color of caramel which contrasted well with their beautiful dark brown skin, When Stacy interviewed Shan she really needed a job. There were many qualified people Stacy interviewed for this position, but no one touched her like Shan did. Her husband was in the army and died in the line of duty three years ago. Shan got an online Bachelor of Science degree in Management, but she stayed at home with her kids most of her life so she did not work other than the Commissary a couple years. Once her husband passed away, she had to get a job to support her kids. She moved back here in her hometown of Rano, SC, and worked at a thrift store at her church bookstore. Even though she considered herself a Christian, her beliefs were progressive so she fit in with the culture of the store.

Stacy got up to welcome the ladies with a hug and told them they could get refreshments. After the women grabbed snacks, they greeted Candice and took seats right next to her. The ladies had already met when Stacy had an orientation, and the first planning and training meetings for the store. Today was the last meeting to iron out the details for the grand opening tomorrow.

Ladies, said Stacy, it looks like Tasha and Harmony are running a little late so we will give them a few minutes to get here before we start this meeting.

Shan looked over at the stereo system as Karen Drucker’s I Don’t Have to be Perfect played on it. May we turn on Rickie Byars Beckwith music? Shan asked.

Stacy smiled. Ever since Stacy introduced Rickie BB’s music to Shan, she was hooked. Shan knew nothing about New Thought before working at the bookstore. Stacy had to introduce her to New Thought books and music. Shan did her research on all things New Thought since being hired so she was ready, and able to help sell books.

Stacy turned her IPod to The Spirit of God is Upon Me by Rickie BB, and they all sang along to Stacy’s favorite song. Stacy loved this atmosphere. Being able to listen to the music she loved at work. Being around other spiritual-minded people all day. Helping others find their own spiritual journeys through books. She wanted to pinch herself because it all still felt like a dream to her.

A few minutes later, Harmony and Tasha walked in the meeting room together. Harmony was Stacy’s best friend, a licensed minister, and professor of interfaith studies at Rano State University. She would be using Stacy’s meeting rooms to hold classes every Wednesday night and spiritual sessions on Sundays. Harmony was biracial with curly brown hair. She wore her beautiful hair down in ringlets today. She had on a flowing flowery dress which was her signature look. Tasha was a student at the same HBCU Harmony taught at. She took her Religion required course, and was one of her best students. Tasha was a marketing major in her junior year. Today, she had her natural hair in a braid twist out.

Welcome ladies! Please help yourself to snacks and refreshments, said Stacy. We will get started on this meeting so everyone can go home, and get ready for tomorrow. The women walked over to the table to get donuts, and tea as Stacy walked to the podium with her notes.

Everyone, let’s go over everything for tomorrow. I know we’ve been meeting many times to iron this out, but I want to make sure everything goes well, and we all adhere to the agenda. First, I would like everyone to arrive by 8:00 am tomorrow so we can set up, and get the store ready. The store will open at 10:00 am. I will say a few words to begin the celebration. Then we will serve lunch by Grace starting at 11:00 am. A few meats on the menu are: hot dogs, hamburgers, ribs, and chicken. We will also include vegan and vegetarian options. A few sides are macaroni and cheese, green beans, and shrimp pasta salad. We know folks will only come to eat free food, but any exposure to developing your own spiritual path is a good thing. They all laugh at Stacy’s comment.

"Moving along on the agenda. We will have Haley Moss book signing. She is the author of the best-selling New Thought book, You Can Make It Happen Wherever You Are.  We will raffle five copies of her book and bookstore gift cards. You all should remember your assignments for tomorrow so please let me know today if you have any issues with your assignments. We will close the store at 8:00 pm, and clean up so everyone can leave by 8:30 pm." Stacy mentioned a few more items for tomorrow, and noticed it was getting later than expected.

The women jumped in surprise at a loud banging on the door.

Candice, are you in there? Candice get your behind out of there. Why are you not at home? I don’t have time to wait for you. We have a party to attend.

Candice looked alarmed. I am so sorry, Stacy. I told my boyfriend, John, we finished at a certain time today.

We will break now, said Stacy. I will see everyone tomorrow morning. Come in great spirits for a successful grand opening. I will go get the door for your boyfriend, Candice.

Stacy walked to the front door and opened the door. A man resembling Lil’Wayne with dreads in his hair, and tattoos on his arms, walked through the door. Hi John, I am Stacy, I am the owner of this bookstore. I don’t appreciate your rude manner when talking to Candice. Please show her respect.

John looked Stacy up and down with a disgusted look and brushed past her to where Candice was and grabbed her arm to pull her.

Stop it John, you are hurting me, Candice screamed.

Shan came in from the meeting room and snatched John’s arm and pulled him away from Candice. Oh no sir you need to change your attitude.

John let go of Candice.

I apologize for my actions, he said. I had a bad day at work and would like to get to my homeboy’s house, and blow off steam.

Harmony came in the room and approached John.

I can have a talk with you to discuss this further if you like. I am a licensed minister and can pray with you about the situation.

John’s face lit up instantly as most men did when they saw Harmony. John decided to take her up on the offer, and they went into the Serene Meditation room.

Candice let out a sigh of relief. I have never seen John act this way. I know he has a temper, but it is never towards me. He must have had a bad day at work.

Stacy gave Candice a serious look. Candice, be honest, has John ever struck you? You can be honest with us.

Candice gave a horrified expression. He is not abusive. My ex-boyfriend, Todd, was abusive towards me. I had to cut him loose before he killed me.

Candice, I want to believe you. He sounded scary trying to get in here.

Yes, John is rough, but I do not believe he would ever hurt me, exclaimed Candice. We are going to a party tonight, and I am staying at his place. My parents are unaware I am staying with him because they would frown upon it given the fundamentalist Christianity they practice. I am considering moving in with him, but it may be too soon.

John and Harmony walked out of the meditation room. He looked ten times better than he did before he joined Harmony in there.

Come on babe, let’s get our dance on at this house party!

Yay, your mood has improved now. Maybe we will enjoy ourselves tonight.

John gave Harmony a hug while he thanked her. John and Candice left the store like two love birds. To be on the safe side, Stacy watched them out the window. They got into their separate cars and drove away.

Stacy turned to Harmony to give her a hug. Thank you so much best friend for diffusing the touchy situation. I am forever grateful you will conduct your church here at my bookstore. You know I love spirituality books which I have been reading them for a while, but with teaching others about it, I lack in that area. Book referrals I can do but the teaching and preaching, I am way too shy so thank you.

No problem at all Stacy. I am always here for you. John lost his job today at Homey’s Grocery store. He was a produce worker there. They are downsizing so he lost his job. I can understand his anger, but soothed him with a meditation practice which worked for him. He is eager to come to my service on Sunday so I am always excited to get new members.

Fantastic! Well ladies, thank you all again for coming tonight. Let’s get home so we can be ready for a fabulous grand opening.

***

Stacy got out of her silver Chevrolet Impala. The car was a birthday gift from her parents last year. She adored this car. Her family was a Chevy family.

Stacy lived in the gated community of Halowy Lane. It was the wealthiest neighborhood in Rano, South Carolina. She walked in the front door after she keyed in her code to unlock the door. Stacy stepped in the house which was clean thanks to her cousin. Without her cousin’s help, the house would be a pig sty right now. Her cousin possessed the woman skills Stacy did not have. She could not cook, clean, or perform any of those responsible things very well. She believes it is due to being spoiled her whole life and never having to pick up after herself. Growing up, they always had a cleaning service, and cook who performed all of those tasks. When she left to go to college and graduated, she hired others to clean her apartment, and she mostly ate take out. She also ate microwave meals, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and occasionally cooked on the George Foreman grill her childhood cook gave her as a present. From time to time, she did receive cooking lessons from the cook since her mother did not want her to be too much out of the loop for domestic tasks. If she retained any of the cooking lessons, she could not tell you. She preferred to pay others who liked to do those tasks to help her out with her weak points.

Hi Aunt Stacy, said Hayden.

Stacy smiled at her cousin’s eight-year-old son as she walked into the living room. He was on the PlayStation 4 playing a shooting video game. Stacy could not tell you which one it was since she knew nothing about them. Her cousin made sure he could only play the PlayStation in the living room versus having it in his room because he would get no work done. 

Hi Hayden, I hope you had a great day today.

Grace walked into the living room and yelled at Hayden to get off the game to go clean up his room. Grace wore her long hair up in a bun per usual since she cooked and cleaned most of the day. She owned her own business cooking and cleaning for several businesses through Rano, SC and surrounding areas.

Dinner is ready for you cuz if you are hungry. Today, I cooked grilled pork chops, green beans, baked macaroni and cheese, and biscuits.

Yum sounds great Grace. What would I do without you?

Stacy walked into the kitchen. She noticed the counters filled with the finishing touches of the food Grace had prepared for tomorrow’s grand opening. She made the sides early, but would do the actual meat grilling once there so it would be as fresh as possible for the customers.

Stacy pulled a plate from the cabinet to fix her plate. She had a traditional yet modern kitchen with plenty of space. It was a great size for Grace’s business.

Grace sat down in the chair next to Stacy and talked nonstop. She was a very talkative person compared to Stacy which was another thing Stacy loved about her cousin.

So I finished the sides for tomorrow. I put them in the refrigerator ready to go: three pans of baked macaroni and cheese, three pans of string beans, three pans of baked beans, three pans of mashed potatoes. Out on the counter here are the desserts for tomorrow: banana pudding, pecan pie, apple pie, sweet potato pie, cheesecake, red velvet cake, chocolate chip cookies, raisin cookies, and peanut butter cookies. Patty and I have been working hard to make sure your grand opening is a success. I even had my mother helping which you know is strange considering she can’t cook and does not understand why you are running a crazy spiritual bookstore since she thinks you should be Baptist like us.

Stacy put a piece of pork chop in her mouth. She savored the taste of the juicy pork chop. She was always a fan of grilled pork chops.

The menu sounds divine, Grace.  I am so excited to see who will show up tomorrow. Most people will only be there to eat, but like I was telling my coworkers, anyway I can help others start their own spiritual journeys is a huge thing for me. If it helps them be physically nourished and slightly exposed to spirituality, I have done all I could.

Grace drink a sip of water from the cup she has in front of her.

Several of my friends from the Baptist church will be there. Most of them are interested in a few books you have so I am hoping they will buy several of your books while they are there.

I hope so too. We have a lot to offer of different genres so there is something for everyone I believe.

Grace’s phone started ringing. She pulled her iPhone out of her pocket to see who was calling. She slammed it down on the table. I wish Norman would stop calling me. He is a no good dirty husband who I wish I never met.

Norman was Grace’s husband who she was currently in the process of divorcing. He was a gym teacher at the local elementary school. She found him in bed with another teacher from the same school he taught at. She never forgave him so she left him which is why she decided to move in with Stacy.

Stacy shook her head. You don’t mean it. He helped give you those two beautiful children you have. Things may have not worked out, but always remember this when he is aggravating you.

You are right, Grace said resigned. I will go to bed now so I can get an early start on setting the food up for tomorrow. You have a goodnight Stacy.

"Goodnight cuz. Tomorrow will be one