A Boat, a Banshee, and a Breakdown: Deanna Oscar Paranormal Mystery, #10

By CC Dragon

Deanna Oscar Paranormal Mysteries Book 10

A gator hunting bayou family all hear the cry of a banshee while on their lucky boat--who will be the next to die?

Deanna Oscar and friends are back to solve the spooky and paranormal problems in the Big Easy. A banshee returns every five years and kills at least one (or as many as five) members of a particular family. The family asks Deanna to help them end the curse or stop the wrath of this vengeful spirit.

Newly married and juggling a lot of upheaval in her social circles, De is happy to help but the banshee isn't cooperating or communicating. Is it a vengeful dead woman or a demon playing tricks?

Tortured souls, obsessive priests, Death, and gator hunters plus a very loud banshee make up just another case in the Big Easy--if De can only avoid any dead bodies this time...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cheryl Dragon
• Release date: Feb 27, 2019
• ISBN: 9781386250203

CC Dragon

Author of Cozy Mysteries and Romantic Suspense. Loyal Chicago girl who loves deep dish pizza, the Cubs, and The Lake! Addicted to amateur sleuths :)

Book preview

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A Boat, a Banshee, and a Breakdown

(Deanna Oscar Paranormal Mystery 10)

Copyright © Feb 2019

By CC Dragon

Cover art by Rebecca Poole

Edited by Mary Yakovets

Proofed by: Angela Campbell

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher.

Blurb

Deanna Oscar Paranormal Mysteries Book 10

A gator hunting bayou family all hear the cry of a banshee while on their lucky boat—who will be the next to die?

Deanna Oscar and friends are back to solve the spooky and paranormal problems in the Big Easy. A banshee returns every five years and kills at least one (or as many as five) members of a particular family. The family asks Deanna to help them end the curse or stop the wrath of this vengeful spirit.

Newly married and juggling a lot of upheaval in her social circles, De is happy to help but the banshee isn't cooperating or communicating. Is it a vengeful dead woman or a demon playing tricks?

Tortured souls, obsessive priests, Death, and gator hunters plus a very loud banshee make up just another case in the Big Easy—if De can only avoid any dead bodies this time...

Chapter One

Walking into our Garden District mansion, my stress and tension levels dropped. This was where I belonged.

Better? Paul asked.

I nodded as he and Gunner brought the bags in. Gunner had picked us up from the airport. The impromptu honeymoon was fun but being away from home was harder on me.

Did you get sick? Gunner asked.

No, it’s weird. Remember how I was off when we went to the casino to get Frankie? I asked.

Sure, Gunner said.

When I leave New Orleans, it seems like I feel weak or messed up. I liked New York and all that but I’m not strong like I am here. Wish I could explain it. Chicago was better but until I’m home, it’s like I’m missing...something. I heard the banging and drilling from upstairs.

Frankie and the crew working on the new bathroom? Paul asked.

Gunner smiled. Frankie is testing out a crew. They got that one house to rehab and are making plans for another. But he says this is a good way to see if the guys are reliable and good. Especially in a haunted location.

They’re not done? I asked.

Matt popped his head out of the kitchen. Just started a day ago. Trying to carefully demo a room with a cat and a dog around. I lock them in the library but they get out.

I hugged Matt, my old friend on the police force. Thanks. Ivy? I asked. My best friend had left her husband at the altar and ran off the day of her wedding.

Matt shook his head. Nothing. Greg hasn’t heard much either but he’s been sort of off on his own, too.

I’ll take these upstairs and see how good or bad it’s going, Paul said.

Thanks, but leave the one with the dirty laundry and I’ll get that started, I said.

He dropped the bag by the kitchen then headed up the stairs.

Tension? Matt asked once Paul was gone.

No, I mean I wasn’t my best self but I think that’s going to be any time I travel. Traveling is something we never really did before, unless you count the casino which ended up like work at a weird location. He’s great but I’m so plugged into things that it weirds me out. I walked into the familiar kitchen and took a deep breath. Home.

Gunner nodded. Case requests are piling up. One is pretty pressing.

Tomorrow. I promise. Any word from Brody? I was hoping things had magically worked themselves out but of course not.

No, he’s staying at Paul’s apartment. Working at the rehab but he’s been scarce. Can’t blame him, Matt said.

Guess not. I grabbed the bag of laundry and carried it to the laundry room off the kitchen.

The cleaning and errands guy is still coming around. He can do that tomorrow, Gunner said.

I smiled. I can start my own laundry. Then I’ll check on the progress upstairs. Greg has really been quiet?

Gunner leaned on the dryer. He feels guilty. He didn’t see what Eli was or Ivy was struggling with. Probably same as you.

I bit my lip. Ivy needed help and I wasn’t paying attention. Or I missed the signs. She’s one of my best friends, how could I just miss it?

Weddings make people crazy. Brody seems like a great guy. Why would we think he’s not Mr. Right for her? Gunner asked.

You or Matt find anything out on him? I know you probably ran his name through all the police stuff again, I teased.

Nothing dangerous or creepy. Some parking tickets and some debt, like most people in America. It’s their relationship, their business. I don’t think it’s anything huge. Of course, Ivy getting deep into whatever Eli was telling her—it’s possible it’s all in her head. Gunner wagged a finger at me.

I added detergent to the washer full of clothes then closed the lid. The washer whirred to work. I can see that. If I can’t help Brody, it’s best to leave him alone.

Ivy isn’t talking. We’ve all tried contacting her, Gunner said.

I rubbed my forehead. Greg has the best chance. They’re family.

Greg is deep in religious revitalization, Gunner added.

Frowning, I headed to the kitchen and grabbed a bottle of water. What does that mean?

It’s what he replied when I texted him that you and Paul were coming back tonight. I think it’s some sort of penance, Gunner replied.

Mary Lou will know. I headed for the front door.

Paul was on the stairs. Where are you going?

Mary Lou’s. I need to check on Greg, I said.

Paul met me at the door and hugged me instead. Sorry, but you need to sleep and get back to yourself. You can’t help people like this.

I’m fine. I tried to wiggle free.

Right. It can’t wait a day? Dinner and a good night of sleep in your own bed? he asked.

I dreaded going upstairs. Frankie remodeling the bedroom on the other side of mine so Paul would have his own bathroom and we’d have another walk-in closet was smart. The bathrooms in the old place were small and functional, not the lavish ones like in new homes. Even if remodeled, there was only so much that could be done. Adding one meant spurring off the current plumbing but it also meant a little privacy.

Marriage was good but a bit of mystery didn’t hurt in the bathroom area.

Fine. What’s for dinner? I asked.

Pasta? Matt suggested.

Or order something in, whatever works for you guys. I’m going to call Greg. I pulled out my phone.

Paul put his hand on mine. Now? Maybe wait until tomorrow.

I’m okay, I said.

Paul gently tugged my phone from my hand. You’re on twenty-two percent. Let’s throw this on the charger. You can bug Frankie while we get dinner.

I missed something with Ivy. I need to check on Greg. Ivy bailed on her own wedding, which is how Paul and I ended up with an impromptu wedding. As good as it felt being home, it was so weird not to have Ivy rushing down the stairs in a blingy outfit and hugging me. I missed her.

Greg survived our honeymoon without you. I get that you feel responsible but your friends are adults. Ivy, Brody, and Greg, all of them. You can check on Greg tomorrow when you’re rested. You’re still pulsing from travel. You won’t be any help until you’re back to yourself, Paul said.

He wasn’t wrong. I could feel my energy recharging, yet the guilt was getting to me.

Pasta, fresh sourdough bread? Matt taunted.

I need that. I nodded. I’ll check on Frankie. Make a lot because I’m starving, please.

Paul smiled.

"But tomorrow I’m back to work and I’ll find Greg. I don’t