Zoey Matthews, the Undead Ghost, and the Demon: A Bridgeport Mystery, #1

By Heather Elizabeth King

An ancient manuscript. A dead ex. One last chance to take control of her life.

The only plan Zoey Matthews had that day was to take the first step in putting her life together after her husband left her for a younger woman. But her plans for a fresh start are sent spiraling out of control when the ghost of her murdered husband shows up in her swanky new loft. What would you do? If you're Zoey Matthews, you don't celebrate the fact that the philandering bastard is dead, you set out to prove you didn't kill him.

The list of suspects seems endless. Was it one of the nearly adolescent girls he'd been sleeping with behind Zoey's back? Maybe it was the sinister friend who dabbles in black magic? It could have been the pair of clueless thugs on the hunt for a missing artifact that they think Zoey has. A sexy and all too appealing celebrity artist new to town is on the suspect list, too. Last of all, the stuffy town mayor? If she doesn't figure it out soon, she may be next.

Zoey Matthews, the Undead Ghost, and the Demon is the first book in an urban fantasy series that features surprising plot twists, dark supernatural entities, sexy male characters, and a female protagonist who may not kick ass, but you could totally see yourself having a beer with her.

Get your copy of Zoey Matthews, the Undead Ghost, and the Demon today to read about Zoey's first journey into the supernatural.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pink Lily Books
• Release date: Jul 11, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393123453

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

How's it sound? I'd left my guitar on stage, but in my haste to get to my friends to find out if the second set was as good as I thought it was, I'd left the guitar strap hanging on my shoulders.

Nora and Kate eyed each other, grinning like matching Cheshire Cats.

You've got your mojo back! The place was so crowded Nora had to shout to be heard.

Yonika Layne, the owner of the bar, always had DJs fill the time between sets with music. Despite the fact that my music was rock, the DJ was playing dance music. It was a little confusing for the crowd. One minute they'd be jammed onto the floor in front of the stage, whipping their heads around, the next, DJ Freez was playing the latest group dance song.

A lot of people had come out to see me tonight, but I noticed many of the usual Thursday night crowd in residence as well. There were the single girls hoping to hook up, the single guys who weren't quite attractive enough to draw the attention of the single girls, and the business set who came to unwind after work.

You're amazing tonight! Nora leaned across the table and high-fived me.

She's right. Kate shoved strands of long, wavy brown hair away from her face and smiled at me. The second set was even more brilliant than the first.

Serious? I asked.

They nodded.

This was my first show in five years, practically the first time I'd touched my guitar in months. I hadn't had the heart to look at it since I'd found out my husband was cheating on me.

I was three months into my unexpected separation. For the last month, Nora and Kate had been dragging me out to Layne's every Thursday night, just like they used to. Layne's was a place where people knew me as a musician, not as Jonah's wife. I got to catch up with friends, hang with Nora and Kate in a safe, Jonah free zone, and start the healing process. I needed the friends, the crowd, the loud music, the beer. It was all like balm on my soul.

You better go make the rounds, Kate said. Jackie, from your old office, came by with her husband. The guys from the gym are at the bar. I haven't seen any of your sisters, but Cora told me she'd be coming by if she could get a sitter.

Eve and Charlie won't leave the kids, and Surrey is broke. She refuses to come out when she has no money.

So maybe Cora will show.

I wasn't sure we'd get much of a crowd tonight. I grabbed a Vienna Lager and swallowed thirstily.

Are you kidding? Nora said. Everybody's so angry about all this church business.

Ugh, don't remind me, Kate turned to look out the window toward the churches. What a mess. I just hope the warring factions can hold it together till Fall Fest is over.

After weeks of being caught between two battling churches, people need this, that's what I think.

But don't think about that right now. People came for fun and it's your job to give it to them. Kate leaned forward and stage whispered. What is Ronald McAlister doing here?

I looked to where she was pointing. Sure enough, Ronald McAlister and his wife Gwen were sitting at the bar, mixed drinks in front of them. As usual, Ronald was holding court. He was dressed inappropriately in a navy blue power suit. His jetty hair was combed back from his face and his dark eyes looked as cold and calculating as they usually did. At nearly sixty, he was still a very good looking man, unfortunately, his sour personality detracted from his looks.

He was talking to a handful of people at the bar, making wide hand gestures and occasionally glancing around the room to see who was looking at him.

Also as usual, Gwen looked terrified and uncomfortable. She was chain smoking, her eyes darting this way and that. She looked as though if someone actually said hello to her she'd drop dead on the spot. Her auburn hair was pulled up into a fancy updo and her makeup was flawless. She was really quite beautiful, but I could only imagine that being married to such a jerk had sucked the spirit out of her.

Is that how I used to look when I was with Jonah, I wondered? Is that what being married to a man like Jonah had done to me? I knew that deer in the headlights look all too well, and the feeling of not really wanting to be someplace, but knowing I didn't have a choice because that's where he wanted to be. I remembered what it was like to feel I was nothing more than an accessory in someone else's life.

I shook the thought off. That was before. Things are different now.

I'm free.

I made a mental note to go over to the inn tomorrow and thank Gwen for coming, maybe invite her to tea.

I don't know, I said. He's probably here for some informal business meeting.

Poor Gwen. Frowning, Nora looked our friend up and down. No offense to you, but she looks like she'd rather be anywhere but here.

Is that the mayor at the bar next to them? Kate asked.

Yep, Mayor Trudy Collins along with her husband, Tom, were also at the bar.

Who knew my show would be the go-to event for Bridgeport high society.

Well, don't think about them now. Nora spun twirled her finger. You've got to circulate.

I took a last swallow of beer, set the mug down, then turned and froze.

My heart skipped a beat at the sight of his kinky black hair and crooked smile. He was dressed in jeans and a silk, button up shirt. I think I'd gotten him that shirt for his birthday a few years back. He'd always looked good in royal blue.

For a moment, I convinced myself that he'd come to see me. That he'd realized how stupid he'd been to ruin our marriage over a twenty-one-year-old twit. For a moment I thought he'd come to tell me he still loved me.

And then I saw her.

She was sitting at the table next to him, just about in his lap. She was wearing a matching royal blue dress that was so tight I could practically see the bulge of her veins through the fabric. She smiled and waved at people who stopped at their table to talk to him.

The sight was so unexpected my knees actually went weak on me. I had to sit before I fell.

It's been three months, I said. He's not allowed to come here with her after only three months. Not after being married to me for ten years, together eleven years.

Nora swore when she saw them. What an asshole. Even with her blonde, Dorothy Hamill hair, she suddenly looked downright dangerous.

Why is he here? Kate demanded. It's been on the board for weeks that you're playing tonight. I'll tell him to leave.

No way, Nora interrupted. And let him know he's gotten to her?

It's not your choice.

Kate was part Irish, part African-American, with a heart as soft as a downy pillow. She'd let me crash with her for a full month when I left Jonah after finding out he'd been cheating on me.

I left my home so I could clear my head and figure things out; the separation was supposed to be a temporary thing, but three weeks after I was gone, the golem had moved in.

I'd never known it was possible to hurt so much, yet continue to breathe. Even with Kate as my constant companion I couldn't stop crying. She'd cooked Shepherd's Pie, decadently delicious lasagna, and all sorts of wonderful meals. She'd baked cakes, fed me double chocolate muffins, served me French toast in the morning, believing wholeheartedly that the endorphins released from sugar and good food would counteract the heartbreak.

It didn't work. In the last three months I'd lost twenty-five pounds. Though, to be fair to Jonah, it hadn't all been his fault. I'd started doing morning runs around Bridgeport in an effort to clear my head. Three months on and I was doing three mile runs four days a week.

But even with all that running the fact remained that I was now the quintessential thirty-something divorcee. At least I would be once our divorce was final.

I lifted my beer to my lips and swallowed, trying to wash away the dark thoughts. Tonight was supposed to be my night; my re-emergence into the world. My showing everybody that I was all right. My getting my life back.

I wouldn't let him ruin this for me.

No Kate, I said, it's okay. They can stay. I refuse to let him ruin my night. This is our place, not his. He knows that.

And it damn sure ain't hers. Nora added.

Kate reached across the table and gave my hand a squeeze. Okay. But just say the word and he's outta here.

Who's that guy with them? Nora asked.

What guy? I turned back toward the duo only to realize they were in fact a trio. I don't know him. I stared at him a moment longer, but still didn't recognize him.

Oh. My. Gorgeous! That guy is hot. What is he doing hanging out with them? He looks like that artist, Renfield Baker.

He does, Kate agreed. They could be brothers. Except, does Renfield Baker have brothers?

If he did, I'd so be about them.

My friends were right about the guy, he was very easy on the eyes. His wavy, dark blonde hair brushed the collar of his shirt. He had the kind of startlingly sea green eyes that made you do a double take, and that smile could only be described as unforgettable. His clothes, however, were odd. He'd opted for a white tee-shirt with something written in French across the front, and a massive red heart poised in the center of the word. He had an assortment of bangles and bracelets on each arm. The bangles and bracelets, in conjunction with that obscenely large red heart, should have emasculated him, but somehow they didn't. He was as near as a man could get to stunning, and I couldn't look away.

One of his green eyes shut, quite deliberately, then opened slowly.

He just winked at me, I whispered to the table at large.

And that very unforgettable smile was directed at me.

He lifted a hand and waved.

I turned back to my table. Last thing I needed was to be associated with one of Jonah's stupid friends.

Can you believe that?

We all looked up at the sound of a new voice. The German accent was too strong to be mistaken.

Yonika Layne stood beside Nora, a pad in one hand, a tall glass of beer in the other.

You'll be needing this, she slapped a third beer in front of me.

It was a tall mug, the beer so cold the glass perspired.

Are you trying to get me drunk? I asked, smiling genuinely now. I still have a third set to do.

I'll throw him out if you want. You just say the word. Him and the trollop.

Said trollop looked up as if she'd heard her name.

Kate scooted closer to me and stage whispered. She looks just like you. He's sick.

Yeah, me fifteen years ago, I snorted.

No, not fifteen.

It is uncanny, Layne decided. Same brown skin, same brown eyes, same facial features.

But your hair is different, Kate added. Yours is long, hers is more like Nora's, except it's black.

I lifted the beer to my mouth and took a slow swallow. The flavor was sweet on my tongue. I savored the crisp, delicious taste.

She drives the exact same kind of car I drove when I met Jonah.

But you're not a hood rat, Nora added. Tina is.

Why would he leave you for a woman who could be your double? Kate asked, sipping from her martini. Well, she's a tartier version of you.

You won't be alone long, Layne promised. Pretty little thing like you will have someone new in no time. She winked at me, then disappeared into the kitchen.

Thing is, I said, I don't want anybody new. I think I'd rather be on my own for a while. I don't trust men. I'm not ready to commit myself to someone.

Nora's eyebrows shot into her forehead. You cannot be serious.

Men are headaches. Who needs them?

Nora raised her hand. Me. Especially one like Mr. Sexy over there. She indicated Jonah's friend with puckered lips.

Zoey.

Nobody had heard or seen him approach, so it seemed like he'd materialized in front of our table like a genie. An evil genie who took away wishes instead of granting them.

He really wasn't that good looking, but for some reason women seemed incapable of resisting him. Our entire relationship had been spent with me practically beating women off with a stick. It had been exhausting.

What do you want? I asked.

Need a babysitter to watch your girlfriend so you can go out Saturday night? Nora laughed at her own joke.

Jonah ignored her. I need to talk. Can we meet for breakfast tomorrow?

I hope you're not serious.

I need help and I'm not sure...you'll know what to do.

Ask Tina to help you.

You're my wife.

Not anymore.

He looked down at the floor then met my gaze again. Please.

I'm busy tomorrow.

Please, Zoey. I don't have much time. It may be too late tomorrow.

For a moment I wondered if the look of panic on his face was real, but discarded the thought. I knew Jonah. He didn't do vulnerable unless he was out to get something. I'd given the bastard eleven years. He wasn't getting another minute.

I can't believe you have the nerve to walk over here and ask me to meet with you tomorrow. Meanwhile, you're here with another woman.

I'm sorry for everything. I was stupid. I'm breaking things off with Tina tonight. I want to make things right.

You cheated on me for two years with a child. She was nineteen when you started sleeping with her. There is no making things right. And I've moved on, Jonah. I don't want you back. I like my life now. Scratch that. I love my life now. It's so much better without you in it.

If you'd just let me try...explain, you'll understand.

I looked into his eyes. Are we done?

See, that's what I mean. Why do you always have to be such a bitch?

Nora shot to her feet like a bullet. Zoey told you to go.

With Tina, it's all smooth sailing. No arguing, no drama... He looked me up and down. And no saggage.

My mouth fell open. Without thinking I looked down at my chest, then back up at him.

Nora was coming around the table, hands fisted, cocked, and ready. Kate was on her feet now too, shouting at him to leave.

Too late, he slapped a hand over his mouth, as though he could unsay the things he'd just said. I didn't mean that, Zoey. I didn't mean it. I don't even know why I said it.

Is that why you came to my show? To ruin it? Haven't you hurt me enough? Just go away.

Jonah looked from me to my friends. I'm sorry, Zoey.

That son of a bitch! Nora shouted as he walked back to his table.

Are you okay, honey? Kate sat and slid her chair closer to mine.

I was out of breath, felt like I'd been punched in the gut, but I nodded and lied. I'm fine.

Bastard! Nora was saying.

I'm fine. Sit down, Nora.

Nora stood for a few seconds longer, staring daggers into my husband and his girlfriend, then went back to her chair and practically threw herself into it.

I can't believe I ever loved that man.

You're so much better off without him, Kate said.

I know I am. But it's like I never knew him. I picked up my beer, gazed at the amber liquid inside, then returned the glass to the table. I looked down at my chest again, then up at the girls. I sag?

No. they spoke in unison. You're perfect.

I jerked around in my seat when a screech rose from the other side of the room.

Jessica Layne, Yonika's twenty-year-old daughter, was looming over Jonah's table, finger pointed in his direction, screaming at him at the top of her lungs.

You liar, she roared. You cheater! You told me you left her and then you show up in my mother's restaurant with her?

Jonah began to stand but Tina beat him to it. Jonah? She asked, eyes fixed on Jessica.

Jonah looked from Jessica to Tina, then back at Jessica. You said you were going to Baltimore this weekend.

With that, Jessica hauled back and slapped Jonah so hard it rang in my ears.

Every dog has his day, Nora slid her chair forward to get a better view.

That's what you should have done, added Kate.

I wish I had.

You fucking that bitch, Jonah? Tina demanded.

Who are you calling a bitch, bitch!

Both girls started toward each other, fists raised, but Jonah moved between them.

It wasn't like that, Tina, he reached for her but she pulled away.

Then what was it like? Jessica edged closer, trying to get a hold of Tina's hair. I'd sure like to know.

He used your ass, Tina sang as she bobbed out of reach. What you think?

Bastard! Jessica screeched, then ran at them.

I can't believe I'm married to that man, I turned back to my table. If this wasn't so ridiculous, I'd be humiliated right now. I mean, seriously, what woman has to sit and watch two woman fight over her husband at her own show?

Ex-husband to be, Nora amended.

Exactly.

There was a shout, a thump, and another scream.

Again I turned to see what was going on in time to see Jonah hit the floor.

Now, in addition to Jessica, two overgrown thug types were standing at Jonah's table. From the look of things, one of the men had punched Jonah. At present, my cheating spouse was trying to pick himself up off the floor.

That's when I realized, the cute friend was gone. I hadn't seen him since he'd waved to me. When had he left?

You liar, the larger of the men said, drawing my attention again.

Nora raised a hand over her head like she was testifying in church. Somebody please tell me Jonah was not having sex with that man, too.

The accuser was a red-head, looked well over six and a half feet tall, and had to have a good three hundred pounds of muscle on him. His skin was pale white and he looked like he could hammer nails with his fists.

Where is it? the other man asked.

Under any other circumstances the other man would have seemed oversized too. He topped six feet easily and was a mass of muscle. His dark brown skin glistened under the restaurant lights, making me wonder if he'd oiled himself up with Baby Oil before he'd come in. He had short dreads and a deep, rough voice.

Where is it? he demanded a second time. This time, however, he dragged Jonah up with one hand and held him still while red plowed a beefy fist into Jonah's stomach.

Upstaged, Jessica and Tina stared on, open-mouthed.

Jonah gasped, grabbed his middle, and doubled over.

He fell onto the floor when Baby Oil man let him go.

Tina shrieked and bounced up and down.

A lot of good that'll do, Nora clapped, clearly enjoying herself, unless she's trying to distract those guys with her tits.

Could be, Kate said, thoughtfully.

I'm not sure if anyone else noticed when Jessica back-pedaled to the kitchen. From the look of the room, everyone was fixated on the one-sided fight.

That Jonah wasn't well liked in the community was evidenced in the fact that it took a good minute before anyone intervened.

Layne appeared from the back, a rifle in hand, and two of her bouncers following in her tracks.

This is a family establishment, she announced, despite the reams of smoke drifting into the air and the copious amount of beer being consumed in every corner of the room. Get out!

The two men stared at Layne with matching looks of alarm that would have been comical if they had not been about to beat Jonah to death.

Red seemed to be considering Layne.

Standing in the center of her restaurant, blonde hair braided down the middle of her back,