October Surprise

By Jake Astor

An elite team of political operatives gaslight a medium, cutting her off from the spirit world and manipulating her online and in real life. Their intent is to drive her to attempt an act of political violence against their client, a controversial Governor who is trailing in the polls. The idea is create an October Surprise; something that will dominate headlines and give their candidate an unstoppable political bounce a week before the election. The only thing they haven’t counted on is that the medium is the real deal. So is her spirit guide. And the ghost isn’t happy about being cut off from her work.

14,374 words

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jake Astor
• Release date: Sep 27, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463729601

Book preview

OCTOBER SURPRISE

Jake Astor

Copyright © 2018 AlchemicalMediaCo, LLC. All rights reserved

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system now known or to be invented, without permission in writing from the author, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper, or broadcast.

Book cover designs by QuarterbackTB

Book interior layout by CirceCorp Design

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

October Surprise : I Part

October Surprise : II Part

October Surprise : III Part

October Surprise : IV Part

October Surprise : V Part

October Surprise : VI Part

Skeptic Promo

Skeptic : Intro

Esme couldn’t avoid the woman’s gaze. She tried looking away, staring at the table as if the carefully arranged flowers and crisp white tablecloth might suddenly provide an answer. The client’s desperation was evident. But even the photograph remained silent. She was young, the client. Too young to be widowed. Her upper lip was curling between her teeth as she waited patiently for some kind of reassurance from Esme, some sign. But nothing was coming. No one was showing up. The young widow bent forward, trying to catch Esme’s averted eyes.

It’s alright. It’s alright if there’s no response. Esme heard the client say. But it wasn’t alright. It might never be alright again.

She wanted so badly to help the woman. To hear her husband’s voice. He seemed kind in his photograph, bright, slightly mischievous eyes. She could stall for a moment perhaps. Like the others. The field was full of charlatans who made general comments fishing for information. A scrap they could weave into a moment - an affirmation that secured the client’s cash. But Esme just sighed.

I’m sorry. I’m very sorry. But I am not getting anything. I can refund your —

No. No. Please. The woman seemed insistent, trying to hold back her tears. I know you tried.

Esme wanted to protest but nodded. She had tried. This was not a science. Results could not be guaranteed. Still she did not want to feel like a charity case.

I insist, Esme stated. Her grey eyes set on the client as she reached for a small deposit bag and unzipped it.

The young widow looked grateful as Esme counted out 8 crisp twenties. The client must have stopped at a cash machine, she thought to herself. Esme would be avoiding the machine. Her account was overdrawn. The machine would know that and keep her card.

Thank you, the young widow said slipping $40 back toward Esme. I’m sure next time you will…

No, Esme declared, a little too emphatically, I doubt there will be any difference.

The young woman sniffled, composing herself. She was shifting from desperation to compassion. It must have felt good for her to change her focus if even for a moment, Esme thought. How can you be so sure?

The spirits have deserted me. Esme tried to manage a smile.

The widow shook her head, not believing. But everyone said you were the best.

I had help.

And now…?

And now she’s no longer there.

She?

I don’t know her name.

A mystery woman…? The client laughed nervously. I thought all spirit guides were exotic Indians or ancient Greek kings.

Esme nodded. She glanced away quickly. This was already more than she had ever told anyone about the Lady.

And why do you think she’s deserted you? Esme remained silent, clenching a smile as her eyes wandered, searching for something to fix her attention on. Sorry, the client said. "I didn’t mean to pry. But of course she had.

The young widow now felt uncomfortable. She thanked Esme again. On the way to the door, she inquired whether if it would still be okay to call, Just in case. Esme nodded, adding Of course. in