The Eye of Evil

By Pelaam

FROM AUTHOR OF EXCITING LGBT ROMANCE, PELAAM

Book three in The Devil's in the Details series

Power corrupts... Sometimes it can be petrifying.

In the upcoming council elections of the rural town where he lives, Jason is working as assistant to his cousin Neil, a man who's as narcissistic as he is ambitious.

Almost running into Morena, the fortune teller from the visiting fair, Neil is able to turn the situation to his advantage and look good in the small community by offering free seats to the fair's big top.

Paranormal detective Garen begins an investigation into a death where the victim is turned to stone and finds an unlikely ally in the victim's housekeeper, Chloris Webling, a woman with powers of her own. However, when they are attacked by something that kills with fang and claw, Garen needs the help of his husband Luke.

Against his cousin's wishes, Jason begins a relationship with Anaru, the nephew of one of Neil's competitors. Jason's concerned that not only might Neil discover his deception and sack him, but also about the infected bite on Neil's forehead, which seems to be getting worse and making Neil more prone to furious outbursts than normal.

Luke comes to believe that the strange growth on Neil's forehead is a manifestation of the evil eye of the demon Balor and that the fortune teller is using Neil as a vessel for the demon.

When the battle begins, it pits Garen and his forces against Madam Morena and her deadly familiar, while Luke and Chloris track down Neil to prevent the demon from using him as a gateway into the human world.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pride Publishing
• Release date: Jul 7, 2020
• ISBN: 9781839430534

Book preview

Author

Pride Publishing books by Pelaam

Single Books

Dragon’s Lair

French Lessons

Firebird

The Devil’s in the Details

Sex Spells

The Red Thirst

Collections

A Little Bit Cupid: The Moment

The Devil’s in the Details

THE EYE OF EVIL

PELAAM

The Eye of Evil

ISBN # 978-1-83943-053-4

©Copyright Pelaam 2020

Cover Art by Erin Dameron-Hill ©Copyright July 2020

Interior text design by Claire Siemaszkiewicz

Pride Publishing

This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Pride Publishing.

Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Pride Publishing. Unauthorised or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution.

The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork.

Published in 2020 by Pride Publishing, United Kingdom.

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Pride Publishing is an imprint of Totally Entwined Group Limited.

If you purchased this book without a cover you should be aware that this book is stolen property. It was reported as unsold and destroyed to the publisher and neither the author nor the publisher has received any payment for this stripped book.

Book three in

The Devil’s in the Details series

Power corrupts… Sometimes it can be petrifying.

In the upcoming council elections of the rural town where he lives, Jason is working as assistant to his cousin Neil, a man who’s as narcissistic as he is ambitious.

Almost running into Morena, the fortune teller from the visiting fair, Neil is able to turn the situation to his advantage and look good in the small community by offering free seats to the fair’s big top.

Paranormal detective Garen begins an investigation into a death where the victim is turned to stone and finds an unlikely ally in the victim’s housekeeper, Chloris Webling, a woman with powers of her own. However, when they are attacked by something that kills with fang and claw, Garen needs the help of his husband Luke.

Against his cousin’s wishes, Jason begins a relationship with Anaru, the nephew of one of Neil’s competitors. Jason’s concerned that not only might Neil discover his deception and sack him, but also about the infected bite on Neil’s forehead, which seems to be getting worse and making Neil more prone to furious outbursts than normal.

Luke comes to believe that the strange growth on Neil’s forehead is a manifestation of the evil eye of the demon Balor and that the fortune teller is using Neil as a vessel for the demon.

When the battle begins, it pits Garen and his forces against Madam Morena and her deadly familiar, while Luke and Chloris track down Neil to prevent the demon from using him as a gateway into the human world.

Dedication

To my partner, with love.

Trademark Acknowledgements

The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction:

Lanson: Lanson-BCC Group

Facebook: Facebook Inc.

Olympics: United States Olympic Committee

Ziploc: S.C. Johnson and Son, Inc.

The Monkey’s Paw: W.W. Jacobs

Chapter One

Almost trotting to keep pace with Neil, Jason caught a glimpse of yet another kitschy poster advertising the fair coming to town. As he looked back toward his cousin, he gave a shout.

Watch out! However, Jason’s warning came too late as Neil barreled into the gaudily dressed woman, and with a roll of his eyes, he hurried to help them both.

"Why the fuck didn’t you watch where you were going, you stupid bitch?" Neil snarled at the woman, who regarded him silently.

You’re a man of great ambition. I see great things for you. You’ll make a great leader. The woman scrawled something on a couple of flyers for the fair then held them out to Neil. "For such a man, free entry to the fair and, more importantly, VIP treatment to see me, Madam Morena, Lady of Mystery."

For a moment Jason held his breath, waiting for another furious outburst from Neil, but instead, his cousin took the flyers.

"VIP? To include what exactly? Neil glanced back at Jason. Write it down."

From an inside pocket, Jason drew out his mini tablet and activated it, ready to tap in a verbatim account, as Neil would expect. Morena smiled at him, but the smile didn’t reach her eyes. They remained dark and fathomless.

"You will have your photograph taken with the owner of the fair and our top performers. You’ll have a box of honor inside the big tent, with a bottle of champagne. And for my personal offering, I give you free readings for the future. I will see those who stand between you and that which you desire above all else. I will show you the way."

At the woman’s voice, Jason shuddered. He knew it was all an act, but she’d done her part to perfection. She’d pegged Neil instantly. He was ambitious and could be very charming and charismatic, but he was also quick-tempered, ruthless and lacked empathy.

However, despite his lofty political aspirations, he was still lagging behind others who were standing for the local council, due to failing to engage with the very people he needed to vote for him.

The main issue for Neil was that most of the other candidates were long-standing or previous councilors, all well-known and respected, as well as long-term residents of the town. A newcomer like Neil is always going to find it difficult, even if he could charm the birds out of the trees. Jason sighed. From local council to regional, then a place on the list for Parliament, Neil had his future all planned out.

Did you get that down, Jason? Neil passed the flyers to him and Jason tucked them away.

Uh, yes. Jason glanced quickly at his handheld tablet and nodded.

Good. Now, make it two boxes. You don’t need anything special for the second one. Agreed?

Very well. Morena bowed.

Right. Neil gave a curt nod. We’ll be there opening night. Jason, make sure there’s someone from the local rag to report on it, and organize a family to be in the second box. Get that out on Facebook and to all my other media accounts. A random comment… You know the drill. Pick a good family and say it’s a gift on my part—a photograph with me at the fair, Mr. Nice Guy, showing the family to their box seat. That’s not only excellent publicity for me but good for your fair, too. Neil flashed one of his most charming smiles at Morena. A win-win situation for both of us. And I’ll even take you up on the fortune-telling spiel. If people see me going into your booth, tent or whatever, I’m sure they’ll follow suit.

"You’re a generous man. The pleasure will be all mine, I assure you. Until opening night…" Morena bowed again, gave Jason another ice-cold smile, then turned away in a swirl of black and purple.

Well, that worked to our advantage. I’m glad I ran into the clumsy cow. Neil’s triumphant expression didn’t immediately dispel the chill Jason felt.

If Madam Morena’s smile had been cold and humorless, Neil’s reminded Jason of a great white shark—a predator before it strikes.

Yes, I’m sure you are, Jason murmured then raised his voice. I’ll get on to my contact in the local paper when we’re back at the office and tee up the time and date. I hope you have a nice evening.

You’ll be there, too.

What? A fair was the last thing Jason wanted to go to.

I want to leave nothing to chance. Neil slowed down enough to pat Jason’s shoulder. You’ll enjoy it. Just make sure there are photo opportunities for me, then the rest of the evening’s your own.

Thanks. Jason glowered after Neil but doubted the man had even noticed the sarcasm in his tone. My stepmother was right about Neil. He was her nephew and had inherited the narcissistic streak that ran in the male side of the family. If it weren’t for Dad, I’d walk out tomorrow. But he needs me working or we risk losing the farm. And because I’m ‘family’, Neil is generous with my salary.

However, sometimes, when he saw the worst side of Neil, Jason wasn’t sure the salary was compensation enough. Those were the days when he imagined his father’s heartbreak if the family farm was lost. That was inspiration enough to keep going.

Just a little while longer. Once the elections are over, I won’t care about Neil and the farm will be safe.

Chapter Two

The day of the fair dawned brightly, and Jason groaned softly as he glowered at his clock radio. Even when he went to bed early, getting up first thing was still an effort. But at the moment, with Neil behaving like a slave driver, he was lucky to get five hours’ sleep a night.

It’s not even like I’m partying large. It’s all work, work, work.

With a sigh of regret, Jason left the warmth and comfort of his bed and shuffled to the bathroom. A hot shower and a cup of tea later, Jason was feeling more human and checked his cell phone.

Awesome. So far, no short-notice cancellations, so nothing for me to worry about until I get to the office. I hope Neil is in a good mood.

If he wasn’t, Jason didn’t know what he’d do. Neil’s bad moods could last a whole day, and he needed the man to be all smiles and congeniality at the fair.

"Well, there’s nothing I can do. Jason stared at his reflection and sighed. I’ll just hope, cross everything and see what he’s like when I get there."

Before leaving his apartment, Jason made sure to eat a substantial breakfast. He could never be sure when, or even if he’d get lunch. Quite often, he grabbed something like chips or chocolate, just to quell the hunger pangs.

Once in his car, Jason negotiated the morning traffic as normal, congratulating himself on finding an easy space to park in when he reached the underground car park he favored. Once out of the car, Jason locked it behind him and headed to the elevator.

The office was on the top floor, and the building was one of the highest in the town. Fits Neil perfectly, given how he looks down on people much of the time. Berating himself for having such negative thoughts, Jason made himself focus on what was still in need of organizing.

When he got out of the elevator, Jason headed straight to their office, wondering if Neil would even be in. On finding the door locked, Jason knew that Neil wasn’t there yet and wasn’t entirely sure whether he was irritated or relieved.

At least I’ll get chance to make a coffee and sneak a couple of biscuits.

There was a supply of tea, coffee and some sweet treats for visitors, but since Jason often bought them out of his own money, he had no qualms about taking a few and tucking them away in a small container in his drawer while the kettle boiled.

With his coffee on his desk and his biscuits safely hidden away, Jason turned his attention to firing up his computer and going through the many emails, ready for when Neil made an appearance.

An hour had passed before Neil finally turned up.

Coffee, Jason, black and strong. I went to bed late last night. Fuck, I’m tired. Neil didn’t stop, just carried on to his own office, and Jason sighed.

Fan-fucking-tastic. He needs to be at his best and he’s hungover. Thank all the gods that the fair isn’t until tonight. I doubt he could put up a façade long enough if it was earlier in the day.

There was nothing Jason could do. He made the coffee—strong, as directed—then took it through.

I made a pot, so there’s enough for another cup if you need it.

"I need painkillers, too. I didn’t bring