When Spirit Calls: Gateway Ranch

By Johanna Riley

When spirit calls, it's not just the living who answer.

Psychic medium Elle Gordon has been called to the Gateway Ranch & Resort. A rogue spirit is tormenting the undead, preventing their cross overs. Using her connection to the other side, Elle is determined to stop the attacks. If only the hunky hotel manager, Caspian, would stop disturbing her process and focus. A shared goal of saving spirit convinces the couple to work together. Acknowledging and accepting their mutual attraction, their new bond amplifies their powers. But will that new strength be enough to put an end to the rogue spirit, or will it destroy them all?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Three Flames Publishing
• Release date: Feb 19, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393194415

Book preview

Dedication

To Joe, my very own romance hero, for putting up with my grumpy butt when I was out of the publishing game. And for supporting my decision to get back into the pursuit of writing.

Chris and Sherry, thank you for working side-by-side with me on this project, for motivating and encouraging me to get back on the horse.

Natasha, you are my constant cheerleader and sanity check (that in itself if a tough job!). Thank you for being the Blanche to my Rose (or are we more like Dorothy and Sophia? Ha!).

Chapter One

Elle Gordon eased away from the group. The growling creature in the corner of the basement, hunched in shadow, hackles raised. Cameras rolled, production crew whispered behind the lenses.  Mona and Derek, her parents and world-renowned ghost hunters—well, they claimed to be paranormal investigators—were about to capture their latest demon.

She tried to tell them, tried to lead them away. Their demon was none other than a deceased dog guarding his master whose spirit still clung to this life. The poor creature had led the team to the basement allowing Elle enough time to convince Chester to accept his after-life. Once the spirit had moved on, she went downstairs to help do the same for his beloved dog.

Now, as everyone’s attention was focused on the corner, she sidestepped until the dog-spirit saw her.

Shh. If you stop growling, they won’t be able to track you. As much as she resented being used by her parents for her psychic abilities, she felt a bit rebellious by using her powers to help the hunted move on—either to the ever after or to a safe zone.

The dog’s fear carried over the energy wavelengths. Poor baby. She didn’t blame him one bit for growling, but she worried if she didn’t get him out of the corner that he’d attack the crew. And once spirit drew human blood there was no happy ever after. Those spirits were chained to this side of the pearly gates or, worse, banished to their own basement hell.

You’ve got one chance, Red.

The energy in the room spiked. Mona’s Mel Meter chimed. Crap.

In her mind’s eye, Elle saw the bright light to her left. Red’s ever after opened. Mona turned and motioned for the camera to follow. Banging sounded from the first floor.

Did you hear that? Derek said from his place behind the camera. Sounded like someone’s in the kitchen. Mona and Derek and the crew ran upstairs.

Red whimpered in Elle’s mind. It’s okay. Chester will be waiting for you. Go now.

The Labrador wagged his tail and headed directly into the gateway. The light disappeared and she breathed a sigh of relief. Red and Chester were safe.

She joined the crew on the first floor.

Mona looked over, suspicion in her eyes. Where’d they go?

Elle made a show of feeling out the spirits. I don’t feel them anymore.

After a final sweep of the farmhouse, the crew called a close to the hunt. And none too soon for Elle. She was headed for vacation.

Before you go, dear. Mona snapped her fingers at her production manager, Jarold, who appeared with a black bag. We thought you’d like some equipment to record your investigation.

I’m going on vacation, not ghost hunting. Though, thanks to the bizarre phone call from a woman named Georgie, there would be some ghost hunting involved. Just not a hunt she wanted to record for her parents’ show.

Please, you’re going to one of the most haunted dude ranches in Texas. You’ll be hunting whether you plan it or not. We just want you to be prepared.

No use arguing with the woman. Elle took the bag. Thanks. Enjoy your trip to China. She bolted away from her mother before anything else could be said.

ELLE LOOKED AROUND the lobby of the Gateway Ranch. Several people milled around the overly large fireplace. Even with temps in the 30’s, the chance for Bandera, Texas, to get snow was slim. The wood fire warmed the lobby.

She searched the faces of the small crowd, searching to find some clue of the woman, Georgie, who had called her for help. The woman had claimed someone was stalking and harming spirt on the ranch. And Elle was ready to jump in and figure out who and why.

Next in line, a deep voice beckoned dragging Elle’s attention back to the counter. The pretty blonde who had been helping guests had been replaced by a tall, dark-haired guy with crystal blue eyes and broad shoulders. Elle gave a mental eye roll. Get a grip. He’s probably married with six kids.

The devil on her shoulder gave a wicked grin and elbowed her. If he was your husband, you’d happily bear his children.

She sighed and dragged her supersized suitcase to the counter. "Checking in for