In the Pass: Mysterious Journeys, #5

By Jo Carey

Fleeing to Russia seems a little extreme to Ally Jorgensen, but her boss convinces her that it's the perfect place to explore legend tripping sites while staying off the radar of whoever was behind the accidents that have recently befallen Ally and her friends and family.  

She hates the idea of running away, but the plan is for her brothers back home to work with Cerberus Security to determine who is behind the attacks. It seems even running to Siberia might not be far enough.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jo Carey
• Release date: Aug 26, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393983248

Jo Carey

Jo Carey grew up in the Midwest but her curiosity and gypsy-spirit has kept her on the move. She's lived in eight US states and spent three years living in Ireland. She has always loved creature movies, so creatures and bugs often show up in her books. Jo, a former information security compliance guru, writes fast-paced, character-driven stories in a variety of genres from medical thrillers to space operas and cozy mysteries. Her novels are filled with humor, romance, and sometimes creatures or aliens, or maybe even all of the above. She often builds her stories around a strong female lead character surrounded by plenty of hunky male heroes. Jo's been under fire on a golf course and climbed out the roof of an elevator in the Netherlands. Life hasn't been boring. Now residing in Texas, setting often plays a huge role in her stories. Jo was intrigued by the League of Planetary Systems, a world her husband, Frank, created for his science fiction books, and she now writes mysteries and other types of tales sets in that world. Jo was bitten by a cat, a fire ant, and a snake, before succumbing to the bite of the writing bug.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Who's the hunk? Jillian asked, when she opened the door for Ally.

Ethan or Alien if you prefer. Ally walked into the apartment she and Jillian shared and closed the door behind her.

I'll admit he looks pretty out of this world, but an alien?

Not AN alien. Alien is his nickname or callsign or something.

He's the guy you spent two weeks alone with on a deserted island? No wonder you didn't complain too much about your exile from civilization.

As frequently happened in Jillian's time as Ally's BFF, her friend's observations hit a little too close to the mark for comfort. Two weeks in the wilderness with Ethan had been enjoyable. Fun even. But now that she was back to her usual life in Misty Valley, she wasn't sure where things were going with them. He seemed interested when it was just the two of them, but since Miles came to the island to retrieve them, Ethan backed off leaving Ally to wonder if she misread his interest. Since her almost wedding to Craig, she didn't trust her instincts where romantic relationships were concerned.

Earth to Ally. Dreaming about being on a deserted island with Mr. Tall Dark and Muscular? I asked where that leaves things with you and Miles?

I'm still trying to sort that one out too, Ally said. I offered to drive Ethan to the airport in the morning, so maybe I'll find out if there's any plan to stay in touch.

XXX

When Ally drove up to the lodge Miles bought in Misty Valley, he and Ethan were standing on the porch with Ethan's duffel beside them. Morning, she said, as she got out of her car.

When Miles stepped in for a one-armed hug, she noticed his other hand held the go-cup she always used at his house. Thought you might like a coffee for the drive, he said as he squeezed her shoulder. Thanks for making the airport run. Sally's pushing me to get my writing schedule back on track. Sally was Miles' literary agent. Their recent trip to the Bahamas and Miles’ kidnapping had impacted the planned release of his next novel at the same time the publicity ramped up interest. You feeling OK? he asked.

Yeah. Just anxious to get back to normal. Whatever that is these days.

Why don't you spend the day catching up with Bo and Sven and what's going on with Mysterious Journeys? If you can come over for dinner tonight, we can regroup on your research.

Sounds good. Sure you don't need me sooner?

He grinned at her words. He needed her all the time, but he hadn't figured out quite how to tell her that yet. She was his research assistant and his best friend. He was working up to something more, but he didn't want to rush things. I need a few hours to rework the schedule and get my head back in the game. Tonight will be great. I feel like it's been ages since we had a chance to talk—just the two of us.

While she was talking with Miles, Ethan had dropped his bag in the trunk of her car and walked over to where they stood. Thanks for everything, Miles. Glad it all worked out. Ethan and Miles shook hands and did the back-slap half hug thing men do these days.

I'll be in touch, Miles said, and I'll see you for dinner tonight, Ally.

Ethan was quiet on the drive to the airport. Ally had hoped he’d say something to give her a clue whether they were going to pursue their relationship or not, but he kept silent. When they were about halfway to the airport, she decided the only way she was going to find out what his plans were was to ask him directly.

Look Ethan, I feel like we know each other well enough for me to be blunt. I feel like we've gotten close these past few weeks, and I'm wondering if it was just the circumstance or if I'll ever hear from you again.

To Ally, his silence spoke volumes. She sucked in a deep breath and tamped down her hurt feelings.

He hated pissing her off, but it was probably a good strategy for the moment. Ethan stayed silent until Ally pulled up in front of the airport terminal. Thanks for the ride, Ally. Stay safe. He got out of the car and waited for her to pop the trunk so he could get his bag. She walked up and stood in front of him.

It's been interesting, she said. I hope life is good to you. She hugged him and watched him walk into the terminal without looking back.

CHAPTER TWO

AllyOop, it’s great to have you back where you belong, Sven said as he and Bo walked into the Mysterious Journeys' conference room.

Ally was happy to spend the afternoon going over plans for adding new itineraries to the Mysterious Journeys' offerings and talk about ways to expand the business.

She wished things had gone differently with Ethan, but she was glad to be able to get her life back to normal. That thought made her smile. Most people wouldn't consider a legend tripping company very normal.

How did you enjoy being stuck on a deserted island with Alien? Bo asked before they got into the business discussion.

I just realized not everyone can say they spent a couple of weeks on a deserted island with an alien.

Or in the wilderness with an alien, Sven offered. Maybe we can use that for marketing.

Did you have any close encounters? Bo asked.

Not having that discussion, she said. What happened around here while I was gone?

XXX

Hi, Roomie, Jillian said when Allie walked in. Want to order pizza tonight so we can catch up?

Can't. I've got a dinner meeting with Miles. I need to grab a shower and change.

Which is it—dinner or a meeting?

Both.

But your primping, so you think it’s kind of a date.

Stop analyzing. Can we do pizza tomorrow night? I need an update on what's going on with you and Bo.

You mean you didn't grill him when he was with you in the Bahamas?

Of course, I did, but I want to get your version so I can keep my compare and contrast skills sharp.

Jillian's comments about dinner with Miles being a date made Ally late. She spent entirely too much time debating what she should wear. As she suspected happened often to women around the world, she ended up wearing the outfit she was in when she realized she was already late.

XXX

Ally was in the kitchen chatting with Miles' housekeeper Patrice, when he walked in. Did you get Ethan to the airport OK?

I did. He should be home by now. Are you getting back on track with your writing?

"It's going fine. Sally isn't happy that I want to maintain the schedule we