Nine Months Will Tell: The Storm Lord Trilogy Series, #2

By Sidney St. James

---a paranormal romance

From the novel… "Though the sunset was illuminating the horizon, the pathway through the tall woods behind the cottage was still dark. The tall aspens stood as if charcoal against the deep blue skies from the setting sun. The only color left was the orange pouring across the skyline to the west over the Pacific Ocean. Angel slung the Flaming Blue Sword over her shoulder and walked, not looking at the danger ahead, only at the rain-sodden path along the cliff, treacherous with slippery mud."

Continuation of the Storm Lord Trilogy in Chapter Two finds Angelica Thompson and Sheriff Kevin Connors expecting their first child. Her pregnancy comes as a surprise to her and Kevin because it is precisely nine months after their defeat of Ethan Knight in Chapter One of the Storm Lord Trilogy series.

The question now that arises for the two love-birds is whether the Storm Lord lost his life in their final battle in the first of the series or did he, somehow, survive the epic encounter.

 Angels appear in her dreams. Demons appear in her dreams. Death appears in her dreams!

It was in the last two weeks of her pregnancy she realizes her child's life is threatened by outside forces. Has the Storm Lord returned to her dreams…but, wait? Is he real? Who did she and Kevin kill in their first encounter if it wasn't the Storm Lord?

In the first book, Angel and Kevin begin their life together like a storybook fable. Kevin is the knight in shining armor who she meets, and who protects her and comes to her rescue when the Storm Lord threatens to take her life. She is beautiful with auburn hair that crowned her head to the middle of her back. What can we say about Kevin? He is the handsome and courageous divorced sheriff of Black Rock Cove. As in all fables, these two are made for each other. But, will they stay together when Kevin finds out the real truth about Angel?

Unfortunately, their lives, far from being made perfect, become complicated.

Angelica continues to be a hostage from the Evil One and his enchantments and sorcery. Kevin continues, along with the shapeshifting sea captain, the one able to wield the massive blue flaming sword, preparing for when they meet again.

Angel continues to discover more of the enchantments that hold her hostage. Why do all of the villagers in Black Rock Cove turn their backs on her when she comes to town? Why is it the FBI investigators continue to disappear overnight when in town to investigate the disappearance of so many children? Why are her nightmares getting stronger each day as she gets closer to having her first newborn? Why is her amulet beginning to glow again?

So many questions…so little time!

Angel is so, so ready to have her child. Nighttime temperatures collapse on the cliffs of Black Rock Cove…

"She stood up and peered out the window. It's not like when she lived in Denver. The window, for the most part, was her only connection to the outside world. Without it, she would feel like she was in a tomb. Already it was as quiet as a mausoleum.

A movement in the shadows had her frozen. Wait. It's no more than a rustle, but lately because of her dreams, in this failing light, her heart was on a hair-trigger.

More noise came from the front porch. Angel reached down and rubbed her pockets on her warmups, looking for her pepper spray, but both were flat!  "Jesus Christ!  Where did I leave my spray? Kevin is always getting on me for not carrying it with me!"

Freddie Krueger, move over. There's a new name in town! ETHAN KNIGHT.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BeeBop Publishing Group
• Release date: Sep 29, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393152330

Sidney St. James

Sidney St. James is an extraordinary author who has made his mark in the world of science fiction suspense. With a creative mind that knows no bounds, St. James weaves captivating tales that transport readers to thrilling and otherworldly realms. His unique ability to blend the elements of science fiction with heart-pounding suspense has garnered him a dedicated following of readers eager to embark on their next exhilarating adventure. Born with an insatiable curiosity and a love for all things speculative, St. James found his calling in the realm of science fiction. From a young age, he was drawn to the limitless possibilities and unexplored frontiers of the genre. Influenced by literary greats and inspired by the wonders of the cosmos, St. James embarked on a writing journey that would push the boundaries of imagination and captivate readers with their visionary tales. St. James' science fiction novels are a testament to their boundless creativity and meticulous attention to detail. With each page, readers are transported to intricate and fully realized worlds, where technological advancements, extraterrestrial encounters, and moral dilemmas abound. His skillful storytelling keeps readers on the edge of their seats, as they navigate through a maze of suspense, intrigue, and thought-provoking concepts. In addition to his literary accomplishments, St. James is an avid pickleball player. This dynamic sport, which combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, serves as a source of balance and inspiration for St. James. The strategic gameplay and the camaraderie of the pickleball community provide a welcome respite from the boundless realms of science fiction that occupies his mind. As St. James continues to push the boundaries of the science fiction suspense genre, his unique blend of imagination, suspense, and pickleball prowess sets him apart as a true force to be reckoned with. With each new novel, readers eagerly anticipate the next thrilling journey that St. James will take them on, whether it's unraveling the mysteries of distant galaxies or engaging in a high-stakes match on the pickleball court. Sidney St. James is a true visionary and an author whose stories and pickleball skills will leave readers and opponents alike in awe.

Book preview

BEEBOP PUBLISHING GROUP

BeeBop Publishing Company does not participate in, endorse, or have any authority or responsibility concerning private business arrangements between our authors and the public.

Publisher Since 1972

SECOND EDITION

Copyright 2019 by Sidney St. James

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission from BeeBop Publishing. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights.

Purchase only authorized editions.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Child actors – Fiction 2.  Granddaughters – Fiction 3.  Motion Picture Actors and Actresses – Fiction

4. Grandmothers – Fiction 5. City and town life – Fiction

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

BOOK DESIGN BY BEEBOP PUBLISHING GROUP

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

While the author has made every effort to provide accurate telephone numbers and Internet addresses at the time of publication, neither the publisher nor the author assumes any responsibility for errors or changes after publication. Further, the publisher does not control and assumes no responsibility for the author or third-party websites or their content.

Paperback

ISBN 9781393288657

Ebook

ISBN 9781393152330

Certain content is not suitable for anyone under eighteen years of age.

DEDICATION

To my wonderful daughter, Vanessa.

The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.

—- Psalm 34:7

CHAPTER ONE

Nine Months Later

Cool breezes flowed gently from the west off the Pacific Ocean. The seagulls chirped lightly in the evening sky, diving down to the beach chasing the scurrying hermit crabs for food. Minutes passed. Just off the rocks in Black Rock Cove, a shipwreck, once a grand shrimper from the nearby village, was shrouded by the late evening fog as it approached under cover of the frothy mist.

What was once the dusk continued to fold into nighttime. The view of the day drained away.  As daylight ebbed, so did the warmth of this December day. The wintry air swirled around Angel Thompson. All that remained was the chill of twilight and the promise of a cold, cold night ahead.

She returned from her late evening walk to the beach, the one she took at this time every nightfall. The cold offshore breeze blew right through her sweater. She bowed her head to one side, closing long lashes weighed down with mascara to keep out the sting of the salty mist that approached.

She sped up her return to the cottage, her hair falling loosely about her face, tousled, and tangled. When the sun finished its descent, her hair appeared brown. The ash-blonde streaks were lost in the dimming light of the rushing nighttime.

Angel rustled up a cup of coffee, stealing time out of writing her second book in The Storm Lord Trilogy Series. She leaned back in her comfortable chair to read her good friend’s newest children fantasy, Sissy’s in Trouble. The ink-like darkness continued to settle across the heavens, as it always does this latter part of the evening, enveloping the quaint little northwestern Oregon village, Black Rock Cove.

Kevin, who had stopped by for a sandwich before heading out on a call, walked by Angel, and covered her with a wispy wool Denver Broncos throw blanket. She fell off to sleep while reading.  He meandered over to the fireplace and placed a few more logs on the fire.

The hearth was Angel’s tiny sun for the beginning of the evening, casting long shadows over the burlap rug in the living room. It was so good to feel the warmth at last, even if it was from one direction only. The flames curled and swayed. They flicker danced this way and that way, side to side, crackling as they burned the branches that had dropped from the nearby Big Leaf Maple tree.

The sun had fallen, as did the temperature outside. Quietly closing the door behind him, Kevin headed off to work fighting crime in Black Rock Cove as sheriff of the small seaside village.

Angel slipped down in her chair. Her book laid across her chest. The nighttime birds made gentle coos this time of evening from the waving branches of the enormous Black Cottonwood tree by the front bay window. They were quietly at rest and peaceful. Too peaceful, for that matter.

Then, a low-set moan came from Angel’s lips.  She threw the light blanket off her. The book fell to the floor, and she held her hands, palms facing up as if she was trying to protect herself from imminent danger. Her face became covered with a thin sheen of sweat. She turned her head back and forth, scrutinizing every nook and cranny about her.

She stood up and peered out the window. It was not like when she lived in Denver. The window, for the most part, was her only connection to the outside world. Without it, she would feel like she was in a tomb. Already everything around her was as quiet as a mausoleum.

A movement in the shadows had her frozen. Wait. It was no more than a rustle, but lately, because of her dreams, in this failing light, her heart was on a hair-trigger.

More noise came from the front porch. She reached down and rubbed her pockets on her warmups, looking for her pepper spray, but both were flat...empty...zilch!  Jesus Christ! Where did I leave my spray? Kevin is always getting on me for not carrying it with me!

She remained still for a moment while looking around. Her panic ebbed. Finding someone this time outside one’s house was rarely good news, even when Angel knew it was probably Kevin, there was still suspicion.

Without warning, a young cottontail darted from the bushes near the front steps. Its white under tail bobbing furiously back and forth. The rabbit hopped up the steps and hastily rushed across the aged wooden planks. The hare’s earthen coat blended into the darkness. In a matter of only seconds, he was gone.

Angel began to laugh, all because of some little bunny rabbit. She stood up, her legs cramped from sitting so long.  A lasting pain from a cramp in her lower calf muscle caused her to lie back down. She leaned back and does what her Lamaze classes taught her, to pull her left toe towards herself with her right foot. It worked wonders!

Since nine months earlier, she had never learned to trust whether or not she was dreaming or wide-awake. She knew, this time, she was awake. She watched the logs flaming and crackling in the dark stone hearth, casting dancing shadows and elfish lights on the walls in the room.

She raised up in her reclining chair. Kevin. Kevin, are you there! She shouted to him but didn’t receive any response.

She hastened to her bedroom and threw on heavy warmups and her new Denver Broncos jacket. Kevin surprised her with them on Valentine’s Day. She rushed out the door and headed to the cove, her daily exercise. This daily routine she did each day, the same song, second verse. 

Finding herself running down the dark trail to the cove was like déjà vu, all over again! The heat of the daytime sun surrendered to the offshore breezes from the northwest. The tall grasses along the trail rushed by her pants’ legs. Angel must exhibit caution and needed to be careful where she was running. The winding trail wound along the cliffside, sometimes within five or six feet of the edge.

The soon-to-be mother continued to scuttle on and on, searching for what attacked her in her dream. Then, continuing to rush to the cove, she stopped and looked back in the direction of the cottage. Something was following her. Something was there!

Angel scanned the trail up and down and left and right. A sliver of the moon broke the overcast sky, giving enough light to distinguish the path.

Suddenly, a piercing howl of a wolf broke the silence of the darkness. She stopped, frozen in her tracks.

Who is it? What do you want? She stood motionless with panic welling up inside her, a blender of emotions. She felt the fear in her chest waiting to take over.

All by herself, less than a year earlier, she faced her adversary face to face. Jonathan Knight taught her to be brave and not run from anything. He taught her when fear was on one’s trail, walk with confidence right past because, just like the ghosts of a child’s bad dream, fear was only an illusion.

She continued to stare and noticed a slight glow of orange and red colors flowing down the trail in her direction. Beginning to show signs of panic, she turned and rushed faster down the path, away from the impending danger. The wind was howling. Her trek was like running against a hundred mile an hour wind blowing in her face. Winds so strong, they pushed her back, back into the jaws of the imminent peril getting closer and closer.

Wrapping her arms around herself, she bent over from anxiety. She was cold with fear.

Okay, Angel, get a hold of yourself. In my last two novels, I wrote that one is taught they need to fear nothing except fear itself. So, whatever the hell it is, I need not fear fear, for it is an illusion. Bullshit! Somebody come here and walk in my shoes right now. She stood focused on the strengthening glow coming her way.

There is no way! Angel finally realized there was no hope for getting away and stopped. She spun around and again faced the unknown force about to engulf her and glanced down at her watch. Kevin should be home any minute. The second-hand ticked like the timer on a bomb! She can’t stop it. She can’t reverse it. She can’t slow it down. Each click drew her closer to the danger stalking her.

Flailing out with all her strength, she screamed. No! What do you want? A quiver of resistance runs through her. Her heart pounded in her throat. Her fear refused to release its hold on her.

The evil force kept its distance from Angel, appearing just as cautious as she was from getting too close.

The evil one walked closer, close enough she could see his eyes. They were crazy. Even in the darkness, she could see how strong they glowed red, gleaming with evil intent.

He is going to rape me. Tear me to shreds and kill my little one inside. Angel watched him. He approached closer. Her heart continued to pound in her chest. She trembled, and yet, she didn’t move. She couldn’t move.

The amulet she wore around her neck began to give off warmth against her skin, and a slight glow appeared to encircle her. Her emotions continued to build, and when she thought she might explode, she took a deep breath and let it out slowly.

Then, echoing through the night from the apparition, she heard, Give it to me...Give it to me now, wench! He ordered in a voice of authority!

Oh, my God, the Storm Lord has returned. I will never forget his awful and fearful voice...just like when we battled him nine months ago. It is him! I know it’s him!

Angel struggled with her inner feelings, unable to fight the wind. She surely can’t go back in the direction she came without encountering the evil force between her and the cottage.

She stood up straight and took a step toward the apparition. She reached up and clasped the talisman that hung around her neck with both hands. The glow from the malevolent spirit lessened. It backed up from Angel.  Again, she stepped in the evil’s direction.

She knew facing the wickedness straight on was better than trying to continue running. 

From her experience with Angelica and Jonathan in their fight against the Storm Lord and his many apparitions, she realized a direct attack would be more successful than flight.

Whom am I kidding? A direct assault...no way, but I can’t run away against the wind. It is blowing entirely too strong. I don’t have the sword or the dagger. God, I wish Kevin would walk down this trail. Now, not ten minutes from now!

Give it to me, a deep command echoed out from within the red and orange mist of the glowing apparition. Give it to me now, or die, lassie!

She struggled with her inner feelings and knew quite well she was no match for the Storm Lord. Clenching the amulet tightly within her hand, she held it up high above her head.  The radiance grew brighter and brighter. The evil withdrew a step for each step she approached.

The charm is working! The evil one continues to back up. His glow is dimming. Angel recognized a direct attack was better than her continuing to run away.

The Storm Lord began to laugh. His presence bounced off the walls of Angel’s mind.  His manifestation was frightening.  He appeared to be gaining strength again. The large orange and red glow recoiled