Trinity Rose

By Sebastian Chase

Falling in love with a ghost can have profound consequences...
Trinity Rose sounds like the perfect woman for John—beautiful, intelligent, and caring—but she lives out of state. Despite this, they begin an online relationship that quickly evolves into love. Then John receives a disturbing call from Trinity in which she cries out for help. The line goes dead and he hears nothing more from her. Believing something horrible has happened, he makes the trip to the town where she claims to live and tracks down her house. Trinity is not there, the current occupants inform him; she died decades ago. Feeling the victim of a sick joke, John returns home heartbroken, not realizing that his ghostly girlfriend has hitched a ride with him. When she materializes, he feels both fear and attraction—but the dark secret she carries will forever alter his destiny.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sebastian Chase
• Release date: Nov 30, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463905913

Sebastian Chase

Sebastian Chase is a Navy Veteran, former programmer, and surgical technician. He has written for enjoyment for several decades starting with short stories and poetry, which evolved into lyrics for local bands. He grew up in a military family, which led to extensive world travel, including living for two years in Iran when relations were better with the United States. He has also toured Western Europe, Eastern Ukraine, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates. Stateside, he grew up in Virginia, California, and Washington State. He now calls Denver, Colorado home where he lives with his wife and son in the shadows of the beautiful Rocky Mountains.

Book preview

Prologue

He gave it the proverbial snowball's chance in Hell of succeeding. John Williams had suffered a string of heartbreaks after giving the club scene a try, so hoping to turn his love fortunes around, he decided to give online dating a chance. The decision point came when he had put the idea to his friends during one of their marathon poker games. Most were skeptic, but the one who seemed happiest of them all, Sam, had met his wife online.

It was the best decision I ever made, Sam gloated as his wife brought in a tray of appetizers.

Yes it was, she said, setting the tray on the table and kissing her husband passionately. John smiled, knowing that was the kind of relationship he wanted—tender, loving, supportive. It was worth a shot.

Later that night, he returned home by Washington's Metrorail, feeling pleasantly buzzed by the strong drinks he had consumed too many of. With a tall glass of cold water, he sat down at his computer and found what seemed to be a promising dating website. Still smiling with newfound hope, he composed a heartfelt personal ad.

SEEKING MY SOUL MATE: I have heard that there is someone out there for everyone—a special soul that you share both the joys and sorrows of life with. I would like to find my someone. I am a recent college grad with a decent job. I've been told I'm handsome, a little over six-feet tall, swimmer's build, brown hair, brown puppy dog eyes, a good sense of humor, and of course able to leap tall buildings and outrun speeding locomotives (okay, maybe that's pushing it!). Despite being stable and secure, I feel that something is missing from life. I know she's out there and that she also wants to smile and laugh and love. Together, let's find a mystical connection and ignite a fire that carries us through life.

Feeling a sense of nervous unease, John lingered with the pointer over the icon to post the ad. He knew this could change his life forever, and he was right, it would.

Lured by hope, but possibly more by the beautiful women in the banner to the side, he clicked the mouse. There, it's done.

Scrolling through several ads of local women made him second-guess his decision, as they didn't seem much different from the club girls he had come to know and loathe. John yawned and decided he was being excessively picky and probably just tired. There had to be the perfect woman out there for him, but tonight she would have to wait. He shut down the computer and called it a night.

Several days went by and he received numerous responses, but none seemed quite right. A couple women had young children, which he wasn't ready for yet, and one was covered with tattoos—not his thing. Yet another had dropped out of high school and was now a waitress with a long story of suffering. He admired her for persevering, but he really wanted a lover who was his equal professionally. The most disturbing one though was from a man who said he liked the picture John had posted along with the ad. The man sent him an overly graphic picture with his reply, which made John double-checked that he was in the man-seeking-woman category. He was. The Internet is haunted with some disturbed trolls, he thought, shaking his head and deleting the message.

Near the week's end, just as he was about to give up, he received a promising response at last.

Dear Seeking My Soul Mate,

Your personal jumped out at me like a glowing star in the darkness. Everything you are and everything you want, I want also. I gazed at your picture and felt a familiarity (a mystical connection?) that shocked me to be honest. It was like I knew you. So here it goes…my name is Trinity Rose Crenshaw. I am in my early-twenties, black hair, blue eyes, nice figure, recently out of college and currently living in Alabama (I hope that's not a huge problem!). I don't have many digital pictures, but an older one from high school is attached. I hope you feel what I did when seeing yours. You have already brought a smile to my face and I hope that is just the first of many. I can't wait to hear back from you. Sweet dreams…Trinity.

Alabama! John said in disgust. Not a huge problem? Wrong. Long-distance relationships were hard; he had firsthand experience with his military father always being away from him and his mother. It wasn't an experience he wanted to relive.

With his hope all but dashed, John clicked on the woman's attached picture out of curiosity. It opened and his heart paused before slamming brutally against his ribcage. Trinity Rose was familiar; she had been in his dreams a few times over the years, of that he was certain. This changed everything. With trembling fingers, he pecked out a reply.

Chapter 1

"Seeking my soul mate was the title of his ad. I'm not kidding, Reilly, I saw it! You are sooo romantic, John!" Cory teased.

Hey, women like that stuff, John Williams defended, sitting at the table in Cory's dining room playing poker with his three friends.

What about what guys like? Reilly asked, setting his beer down. If I ever did one of those online ads, I'd title it, seeking a woman who loves football and sex…in that order. Now that would make a happy relationship!

Cory erupted in laughter before regaining control. "Instead of watching football and getting some, John will be shoe shopping with his girlfriend, because women like that stuff, too."

Knock it off guys. A good relationship is about give and take, right?

Yeah, she gives and I take! Reilly blurted.

No wonder you're still in your mommy's basement, John teased.

Being the only married man here, Sam interjected. I can speak from experience. John is right, but so is Reilly. You have to find a woman that has things in common with you. It's not all about what she likes and what you like, but about what you like together.

Spoken like a true Dr. Phil…a drunk Dr. Phil! Cory blurted. What's it been, about a month now, John, and you claim this is the woman for you?

Well, she is pretty special.

Dude, you haven't even talked to her on the phone!

We email all the time. Her family is difficult. They're old school and don't believe in Internet dating.

Personally, I think she's a guy. What kind of twenty-three-year-old chick lives with her parents? Reilly asked. No, she's a guy, you know, like what happened to that football player? He picked up the beer and chugged it.

Spoken like a true expert on living with parents, John rebutted. "She just graduated college and is looking for work, and she's not a guy. Come on, can we just play cards?"

They've got a good point, Sam said. You gotta at least talk to her, man, to know if she's right for you. Ideally, meet in real life. She could be a whack job just playing you.

Thanks, Dr. Phil. I'll keep that in mind. The phone vibrated on the table next to John. He quickly sat his cards down and picked it up.

Cory rolled his blue eyes and exclaimed, Oh come on! Seriously? You can't wait five seconds? It's your bet! Cory laid his cards on the table, a look of disgust on his face.

Just give me a sec, John said.

I'll use this impromptu intermission to take a leak and fetch some beers, Reilly said, standing.

What is it now? Cory asked. "Has her heart stopped beating because you haven't emailed her today? Oh Johnny, where are you my love, my soul mate, my mystical connection?"

Have some respect, John scolded, feeling irritated as he pulled up email on the phone.

I'll have some respect once you at least talk to her in real life, and even more if you ever actually meet her. Seriously, Reilly might be right; it could be a guy messing with you. We just don't want to see you hurt, John.

Thanks, but I can take care of myself, he said, distracted by the email from Trinity he saw on the screen. Excuse me for a minute. John stood and walked out of the dining room, the subject of the email worrying him. It read, 'I feel so lonely tonight'.

Christ, Cory muttered, sliding his fingers through his unruly dark hair.

In the semi-darkness of Cory's living room, John sat on the edge of the couch and opened the email. Hello, Johnny. I am so tired of being alone now that I know there is someone like you out there. Forgive me for sounding so down, but I dream of a day when we can be together. I would just fall into your arms and be content there forever. Oh Johnny, my angel, I have never felt this way before. I am trying to work up the courage to tell my parents about us. I'm sorry for how they are, and fear they will take what little contact we have away when they find out…and then where would I be without you at all! Please, please understand. I need you; I want you in my life. I miss your words so much…where are you, Johnny? Where are you? Forever yours, Trinity.

John inhaled deeply and then looked up, knowing that if one of his friends caught a glimpse of this email, they would laugh until the sun came up. With the coast clear, he typed his response: My darling Trinity, I am here and I understand the difficult situation you're in. I am there with you in heart, always. I'm playing cards with my friends tonight like I told you earlier. They're warning me, saying you might not be who you say you are, but I try not to listen to them. Still though, it would be heaven to hear your voice. Maybe there is a payphone nearby and you could call me? They also have cheap cell phones at the store that you could hide from your parents, and then we could text all night long! I'll pay for it. Just a thought. Let me know what you think.

Come on, John! Cory called from the dining room.

Coming! He continued typing: Have to go. They're waiting for me. Soon, I hope we can talk. Please try. John stopped and considered for a moment. He had yet to profess to Trinity that he felt sure he was falling in love. He felt it very strongly now, considered maybe it was the beer doing the feeling, and then dismissed that notion. I love you, Trinity. I really do. He paused, knowing this was a big moment, and then hit send. There, done, he thought, if that doesn't convince her to find a phone, nothing will.

John! an exasperated-sounding Cory yelled.

Friends since college, Cory was not shy about offending John at all. Actually, he wasn't shy about offending anyone, having grown up on the rougher side of life starting when his birth mother placed him in a basket and dropped him off at a church. It culminated when a promising college football career derailed from allegations by women that Cory was, as usual, offensive. This caused his academics to slide from which there was no recovery. Whoever his mother was, John thought, had made Cory an angry, bitter man, and offensive...and a great friend.

Okay, okay! John said, standing. He walked back to the dining room, happy to see a fresh round of drinks on the table. He took his seat, grabbed his Bud Light, and killed half the bottle in one gulp.

There you go! That's our boy! Reilly encouraged.

Drinking like that can only mean one thing, Cory said. You're nervous. What happened? The four of them picked up their cards.

Nothing. Where were we?

Your bid, Sam said.

Oh yeah, I see your five and raise you five more. John slid two poker chips to the middle of the table.

Bullshit, Cory blurted. She either said she loved you or she's calling it quits. Which is it?

Neither, John said, caught off guard by his friend's insight. Are you going to call or fold?

Fine, just dis your friends. I hope it doesn't come back to bite you, buddy. Call. Cory slid his chips across the table, followed by Sam and Reilly. What 'cha got?

John fanned his cards face up on the table.

You raised on a pair of fours? Reilly cried out.

It's called a bluff, John said. Obviously didn't go over so well. Just as he was reaching for his beer, the phone vibrated in his pocket.

Damn right it didn't. Reilly slapped his cards down. Three tens.

John felt a strong urge to get his phone and see if Trinity had responded, but restrained, tired of harassment.

I'm out, Sam said, putting his cards on the table.

As they say, read 'em and weep. Cory laid his cards down. Full-house.

The phone vibrated again, and John could no longer resist temptation. While Cory scooped up his winnings, he pulled the phone out and went straight to email. There were two from Trinity. His heart throbbed with anxious worry. Neither had a subject line.

Here we go again, Cory said, stacking chips and giving him the evil eye.

John clicked on the first email. My dearest Johnny, I love you, too! We will be so happy together! My mother is coming, have to go!

Is she confessing she's a guy? Reilly asked.

No, John whispered, feeling an odd floating sensation that gave him brief vertigo. He clicked on the second email. Real quick, I will call you tonight, Johnny. Soon, I promise! John sat there dazed, but with an edge of nervous excitement growing in his belly.

What is it? Cory asked.

She said she's going to call tonight, John answered, his voice full of wonder.

Hallelujah! Cory yelled. Don't sound so shocked, that's how real relationships are supposed to be.

Yeah, I just didn't expect… He stood fast. Guys, I'm sorry but I've got to go.

But… Cory started.

Yeah, me too, Sam said. The wife will think we went to a strip joint if I come home too late. He stood.

Fine, then. Just when I was starting to get lucky, everybody ditches me, Cory said.

We'll do it again next weekend, John consoled.

But leave the phone home this time.

Yeah, sure. Thanks for the beer. They walked towards the front door.

Any time, Cory said. What do you guys say to Saturday around seven?

Sounds good, Sam said. But can we do it at my house. Jeannette can make some appetizers.

That woman has got you wrapped, Reilly said as Cory opened the front door.

But she's a good cook, Sam said.

True, I'll be there.

Me, too, Cory confirmed.

I have to visit my parents during the day, but I'll be back by seven. Can't refuse free appetizers.

How's your old man? Cory asked as John stepped outside.

Not good, I'm afraid. Mom said he could go anytime. The stroke really messed him up.

He's a fighter. Anytime can also mean twenty years from now. You drive safe, okay?

Sure thing. He turned to go to his car in the driveway.

And John, Cory said, making him stop. Be careful with the chick, too. There are all kinds of freaks out there in the world. Scary types who will suck you dry in a bad way.

John was about to argue, but instead just said, Okay. He continued walking, not realizing just how right Cory was.

Chapter 2

On the drive home, John rested the phone on the passenger seat next to him; ringer volume all the way up. He was tempted to speed, not wanting to talk to Trinity for the first time behind the wheel of his Camry, but he knew that the cops would be on the look out at this late hour on a Saturday night. Having drunk more than a couple beers, he wanted to play it safe. With extra vigilance, John made his way down Maple Avenue in Vienna, Virginia, the eclectic shops and restaurants of the small city just outside the nation's capital lining the street on either side of him. Jammin' Java to his left was still packed, the coffee house and music club trending hard with the local hipsters lately. John smiled, remembering some fun times there, and then turned his head forward. Red taillights jumped out at him and he hit the brakes as fast and hard as he could. The machinegun sound of antilock brakes rattled the car as the front-end dove down. He clutched the steering wheel with both hands, prepared for impact, clinching his teeth and knowing he would get a DUI for this. With less than an inch from the rear bumper of the car in front of him, the Camry stopped. The traffic light ahead turned green.

Jesus Christ, he murmured. Next time, it's a taxi or the Metro. The car ahead proceeded forward, seeming unaware at how close they had come to being rear-ended. John let some distance build up from the car, and then started forward himself. A few minutes later he turned left on Nutley Street, drove a few blocks and then turned right onto his road. Here, it was as if the city were in another Universe. Tall trees lined either side of the road, swaying softly in a gentle breeze under the pale light of a half-moon.

John pulled into the drive of his seventies-era brick rambler rental that he hoped to buy and restore when money was better. He switched the car off feeling tense, whatever buzz he had before gone due to the adrenaline rush of the near rear-ending. In the darkness, he let out a sigh of relief, happy to have avoided a night in jail and the headaches of a DUI, but mad that he had let himself get distracted. The cell phone blurted out an electric chime startling him. Someone was calling.

Reaching over to the passenger seat, John was dismayed to find the phone missing, and then he saw the light from it under the seat. It had slid off when he had hit the brakes.

Damn! Yanking his door open, he hurried to the passenger side. He pulled on the door handle but it had auto-locked. Damn! he cried again. He hurried back to the driver's side, retrieved the keys, and pressed the unlock button on the FOB. Back to the passenger side, he ripped the door open and lunged for the phone under the seat, fearing he would miss Trinity's first call. He tapped the touch screen and put the phone to his ear.

Hello, John said, trying to control his breathing and sound calm.

Hey Johnny-boy, just wanted to make sure you got home safe.

Cory? he asked incredulously.

The one and only.

Yeah, dude, I'm fine. Thanks. I'll call you tomorrow. Feeling upset and not wanting to tie the line up, he took the phone away from his ear. Cory was still talking when John hung up on him.

He closed the door, remotely locked the car, and made his way through the dark to the house. Once inside, the tension started to ease. He had made it home safe and Trinity was going to call soon. The edge of excitement returned, and he looked at the phone just to be sure he hadn't missed any calls. Nothing. He took his jacket and shoes off while worrying that he might get an ulcer from the anticipation of talking to her. He knew he was being silly, like a nervous high-school boy, but he couldn't help it.

After retrieving a bottle of orange juice from the refrigerator, John made his way to his bedroom. He turned the bedside lamp on, thinking he really wanted a shower, but even more, he didn't want to miss her call. After taking a long drink of juice, he sat the bottle on his nightstand, fluffed the pillows and lay down with the phone resting next to him. Reaching to the nightstand, John grabbed the iPad sitting next to the orange juice bottle and booted it up. He pulled up his email and scrolled through his exchanges with Trinity—there were several hundred—until he came to one with an attachment icon next to it. He opened it, and expanded the attached picture. Lacking a digital camera, this picture was the only one Trinity said she had on computer, sent to her parents by the school for their approval. It was her high school yearbook photo. Still, she was incredibly beautiful and he gazed at her lovingly. Her cat-like blue eyes seemed to radiate fire, a passion for life, and perhaps a hint of mischievousness that mesmerized him. High delicate cheekbones, a perfect nose, and full cherry-red lips slightly parted in an enticing way. Long dark hair flowed over her shoulders, done in a style perhaps more appropriate for the eighties, but he assumed it was a southern thing and it did nothing to detract from her overall beauty. John knew she would be considered gorgeous, beyond a ten, in his world. Cory and the gang would be jealous once she hopefully moved in with him, but he could accept that. Heck, he would relish in it, he thought while smiling.

John picked up the phone and checked that the ringer was up just to be sure. He set it back down, and then started surfing the Internet to kill time. He wished she could have told him around when she would call. It was almost one in the morning now. What if she doesn't call? He couldn't believe that. She had said she would call, so she will. Trying to comfort himself with that thought, he began catching up on the day's news. Within twenty minutes, he fell asleep.

As John lay there, gently snoring, the light from the lamp dimmed noticeably and then returned to normal. The phone rang. His eyes shot open. He was lying on his side, the bedside clock resting on the table next to him. It was three-thirty in the morning. The phone rang again. He rolled over, blinking hard, trying to wake up. Finding the phone next to him, he sat up and looked at the screen. The calling number was listed as unknown.

Hello? His voice sounded rough and raspy as he answered. Taking his mouth away from the phone, he cleared his throat, listening to silence as he did so from the small speaker. Hello? he repeated, sounding a little better. For a moment, the silence continued, but then the line crackled to life with a static that sounded like it was from a television lacking reception.

Johnny? he thought he heard someone ask, but the voice was so buried in the static he wasn't sure.

Yes, this is John, he replied anyway, hoping he had heard correctly. Trinity, is it you?

Johnny, it's Trinity. Can you hear me? Her voice was stronger now, melodic and beautiful, just as he had imagined it would be.

Trinity! Yes, I hear you. I think we have a bad connection.

I'm at a payphone. I'm sorry about all the noise. It's uh…it's raining real hard.

Immediately he felt bad and worry crept in. You shouldn't be out this time of night, especially in the rain.

But I just had to talk to you, Johnny.

How far from home are you?

Not far at all. Did I wake you?

I drifted a little bit, but it's fine. I've been hoping you could call.

I had to sneak out. Dad went to bed late. God, I would love to be rid of him.

Yeah, I was thinking about that. How will your parents take it when they find out about us?

Not good. Not good at all. I've been thinking about it, too. Maybe I should sneak away before telling them?

Well, I'm sure they might be upset, but what are they going to do? It's not like they can cage you up and they're not going to beat you or anything. They'll come around. She was silent as the static intensified. Trinity?

No, I should sneak away first, she stated.

Trinity, they're not like…violent or anything are they?

I don't want to talk about them. I want to talk about us. Johnny, I love you.

His chest warmed and butterflies woke up in his stomach.