Return Like a Goddess: Surprise Goddess Cozy Mystery, #5

By A.M. Canavan

It's a tale as old as time, finding that a goddess can change.

Evangeline Lewis walked away from life as a goddess, but that doesn't mean her powers are gone. Far from it. Her life on the road has been filled with chaos, adventure, and every bit of freedom she didn't have in Surprise. She's perfectly content, or so she tells herself. Until she finds out that someone is abducting those who can't protect themselves. Suddenly, the life she left behind is standing in front of her, and Eva doesn't have a choice but to return.

Her investigation brings back those she abandoned, and the mistakes she made by leaving. Faced with her past, the future, and everything in between has never been more difficult. A world she's never seen, and monsters she didn't know existed stand in her way.

While Olympus is still reeling from her return, an invisible monster is creating terror in Surprise. Eva must find her place in a world where she no longer belongs, rescue those who have been taken, and somehow manage not to fall apart.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Canavan Novels LLC
• Release date: Jul 6, 2020
• ISBN: 9781386347644

Book preview

1

Waves crashed along the shore, the only reminder for Evangeline Lewis that she wasn’t back in Surprise. After all, six months had gone by in the blink of an eye.

Lake Havasu was everything that Surprise wasn’t. Hot, on the river, and a haven for people looking to have a good time and escape their lives. With a look at the margarita in her hand, Eva felt like every other person without a care in the world around her. She stretched her toes, feeling the warm sand against her skin, and sighed deeply while soaking in the late-morning sun. After taking another sip, Eva set her glass down and smiled. She was never going back to Surprise.

Children splashed in the water, drawing Eva's attention to the roped-off swimming area. Eva and Detson had been staying at a hotel right on the beach, which she hadn't minded in the slightest. Detson insisted on renting a suite that had two bedrooms even though Eva told him that they could get single rooms close to each other for less money.

What's the use in being one of the first gods, if I can't spend the money that our company's earned through the years. Besides, I only have pocket change from being a cop in that podunk little town.

Eva bit her tongue, refusing to point out to him that Surprise was actually a city in its own right. After all, he was the one footing the bill for everything. All she had to do was sit on the beach and enjoy herself. It was completely different from the time she'd spent in Surprise.

An overly feminine giggle had Eva turning her attention away from the children who were still splashing in the water. Detson was walking up, his latest flirt tightly attached to his arm with a ridiculous smile on her face. Eva pretended to gag, which made Detson smile broadly.

Niece, he greeted. What are you up to this fine morning?

She's your niece? His date turned up her nose at Eva, which had her rolling her eyes.

Really, Detson. Can't you find anyone else to torment?

No can do, Asteria. We've got plans. Plus, your phone keeps going off in your room, and it woke Peaches up. He spoke calmly, like he hadn't just used her real name in public, like it was nothing.

Eva's heart started to race, just like it had ever since the first time she discovered who she really was. Her eyes shot daggers at Detson, who just stood there with a stupid smile on his face.

I like that name, Asteria. His date said. It reminds me of something my grandma would like.

Eva snorted. Thanks, she said and then turned back to Detson. Did you bring my phone, or did you leave it?

What do you expect me to do? I'm not going to go into your room. It's your space and I value my life.

I told you not to go into my room if you were going to leave food everywhere, Eva said defensively. You kept leaving pizza all over the place. That's not my fault.

She completely ignored his outstretched hand. She rolled out of her beach chair and stood up, wiping the warm sand from her arms and legs. Eva squinted up into the afternoon light, and tried to regain the sense of peace she'd had earlier before Detson appeared on the beach. It was useless, chaos broke out whenever he was around. He couldn't help it, though.

Let's go on an adventure today. Detson interrupted her thoughts. I'm feeling the itch to do something fun.

He glanced to the side, eyeing the girl on his arm and Eva struggled not to roll her eyes again.

Oh, look. The girl on Detson’s arm squealed. They have a beach bar. I’m gonna go get a drink. See you in a few.

Detson let her go, and Eva watched him not even think twice about the woman who’d just walked away.

You’re such a bad person, Eva muttered. That poor girl doesn’t stand a chance.

She’ll be fine. He countered. She’s not even going to remember me in the next five minutes.

Eva watched the girl from across the beach, feeling a pang of heartbreak for her. It was the life of a god, though. Detson couldn’t let her remember him or their time together, especially if he wanted to keep his identity a secret.

This place is a lot different than Surprise, she said for what felt like the millionth time since they’d left. It’s like I never lived before then. Now that I’m away everything feels brand new.

The contemplative statement surprised her, especially since Eva and Detson spent their time having fun rather than getting introspective.

You’re going to go home, he said smartly. I’ve known since before I invited you to leave. But you need to live, to understand what it is that you’ve given them.

I’m not going back, Eva said stubbornly. There’s too much to do here.

Detson rolled his eyes, and then Eva saw that he was watching the girl from earlier. She’d already moved on to another guy.

Doesn’t it ever get lonely? She tilted her head to the side, and took another sip of her drink. Knowing that they won’t remember you?

It’s the life of a Titan, Detson sighed. I can’t bring a mortal into my life for any significant period of time it’s too dangerous.

Eva thought about what he said, and she felt grief hit her unexpectedly. Not only for him, but also for her.

I’m sorry. The words fell from her mouth, and she didn’t bother trying to say anything else. He knew of the loneliness that came with being a god away from Olympus, just like she did. They’d seen enough of it over the past six months.

Before either of them could say anything else, a shadow fell over Eva’s chair. You haven’t been answering your phone calls.

Eva looked up into the youthful face that Hecate was wearing. Along with a black dress that would be better suited for an after party than the beach and a pair of chucks. When Eva pointedly stared at them, Hecate shrugged.

There’s no way I want to get sand between my toes. Besides, this is important.

Detson sighed. Come on. It’s only been like two days since you left. Can’t I get a moment of peace.

Eva laughed. You missed her and you know it. When Detson didn’t say anything in response, she shrugged. What’s going on? Why are you back so soon? I thought you had some crazy witchy stuff to take care of in Ireland. When there wasn’t an answer forthcoming, Eva finished her drink and reached for another one. I’ll just wait until you tell me, then. Don’t mind me. I’m just getting day-drunk.

There’s something weird going on in Surprise. Hecate grumbled. I was hoping that you’d know. Maybe you’ve talked to Eris or something.

Nope, Eva popped her lips as she spoke. I’m not answering my phone anyway, and I’ve purposefully ignored calls from Eris too. She’s mad at me, because I left.

Hecate scoffed. I’m sure she’s not the only one. Still that’s no reason to ignore everyone, though. I’m sure if Darwin had thumbs you wouldn’t be capable of stopping him from giving you a piece of his mind.

Eva swallowed the doubt that rose up into her throat at the mention of the ancient tortoise that’d been her house mate for the past year that she’d spent in Surprise. She didn’t say anything, though. Instead, she focused on living in the moment, enjoying the peace of mind she felt by not constantly having a problem to solve or an emergency that needed her attention.

There’s something strange happening, Hecate finally said. Her voice was filled with solemnity, and Eva sat up straighter while she waited for the rest of the story. I can feel it in the air, with the shift in seasons. There’s nothing there, telling me what’s happening or what I can do about it. I just feel it.

Sometimes you horrify me, Detson smiled grimly. But I can’t do anything about their problems. And I promised Evangeline that I’d stay with her as long as she was out of Surprise. So, neither of us are going to be much help.

Hecate looked over at Eva, but Eva couldn’t do anything except shrug. She swore to herself, more than once, that she wouldn’t go back to Surprise unless the world was ending. She wore her nonchalance like a shield, and hoped that there wasn’t a way for Hecate to read her mind. If she did, Eva’s lie would come out and nothing would stop it.

I have to find out what’s happening. Hecate looked away, out toward the water and the boats that were cruising by. I know you’re not ready to go back yet, Evangeline. But when you are, I’ll be there for you.

Eva swallowed deeply, trying to gain a sense of self control that seemed impossible at the moment. When breathing didn’t do the trick, she closed her eyes as well. Flashes of her life in Surprise filled her mind, just like it did every time she let herself think of Olympus and everyone she loved.

By the time she opened her eyes again, Hecate was gone and Detson was staring at his phone like Eva hadn’t spent the last few minutes trying not to hyperventilate.

You’re getting better, he murmured quietly while still scrolling on his phone. Six months ago, the panic attacks were so bad that nothing I did would help. Now, you’re handling them on your own, in just a matter of minutes. The concern in his voice was the reason Eva stayed.

He’d picked up her pieces, literally. When he invited her to go, have a little bit of chaos in her life, Eva had thought he was crazy. Still, she’d gone without question. The first night when she’d panicked in the dark of the night, he was there to hold her and remind her that everything was okay.

There was literally nothing that happened in the past six months that Detson hadn’t handled for her, and he’d even given her back the strength she thought she’d lost.

She choked up a little bit, mostly from emotion and only slightly from all the alcohol that she'd been drinking throughout the day. Thank you, she said. I don't know what I would have done if it hadn't been for your help.

Oh that's easy, Detson laughed while still looking down at his phone.

Eva rolled her eyes and tried not to slap him for being rude. It was just one of the many things he did that was slightly annoying. She couldn't change him, and it wasn't her job to either.

What then? Since you're so smart, what would I have done without you? Eva picked up her drink, not surprised in the least that it was full again. Detson loved to use his powers, and making sure that their drinks were always full was just a tiny use of them. Or so he claimed.

You'd have come into your full powers surrounded by those minor gods, and you'd have destroyed the little world they've built for themselves. This time he did look up from his phone, with a mischievous smile on his face. And while I'd have loved to see that chaos, I'm having fun at the Surprise Police Department, and I want it to be there when I get back.

That was the biggest surprise, for Eva. Detson loved actually working with the police department.

Remind me again, why you love your job so much. She drained her glass, and set it down, needing to take a break from drinking the sweet ambrosia. Ever since her powers manifested themselves completely, ambrosia was the only thing that could get her drunk, and Eva didn't have a handle on it quite yet.

Because, Detson answered while sounding exasperated. I enjoy the chaos. Mortals are always ready for fun and games. Seriously you never know what to expect, and I enjoy that. Being around those mortals, the ones who live and breathe chaos every day for breakfast, that's my happy place.

The way he lit up while talking about it reminded Eva of Surprise. When a god was truly happy, they shone with their power from within. The titans weren't any different.

Now, he went on and completely ignored the fact that Eva had tried to distract him. Tell me what you think you'd have done in Surprise if I hadn't brought you away from all that craziness?

I don't know, she said honestly. It never once crossed my mind in all this time that I'd be unable to control my powers around them.

Detson sighed, and then plopped down into the chair next to her. She looked over at him to see that he was staring out into the water, watching the waves crash along the shore. Eva turned away, giving him the moment that he seemed to need to process what he was going to say. She glanced to where the mortals were still laughing and congregating. Idly she wondered what her life would be like if she'd stayed in Texas. Long before she lived her life in Surprise, Eva had lived in Texas as a mortal. Just as quickly as the thought entered her mind though, it left. Eva hadn't really lived before Surprise, and she knew it.

Eva. You couldn't sleep through the night. You couldn't control your visions there, and the man that you loved, tried to murder you in the middle of the night. The reasons don't matter. You were traumatized. Staying there would have been like adding gasoline to a fire and standing too close. You'd have exploded like the falling star that you are. Detson didn't look at her, so there's no way that he could see the tears that had started to silently leak out of her eyes. "You are so much more than a minor deity. You're a Titaness. You are all of the power in Olympus combined and then packed into a tiny little package. You're like a magical little cupcake, and there's nothing that any of those gods could have done. It's why I brought you here. To a city surrounded by desert and water, to absorb the magic leaking from your pores for the first few weeks we were here."

Eva watched as he rubbed his hands together, still avoiding her eyes.

That's why I summoned Hecate, to help you control your magic. In much of the same way that she helped me out in the darkness of the world so long ago.

She didn't turn away from him. Not while he stood up, and not while he walked away leaving her alone on the beach once more. She was still watching him when he called back over his shoulder. Let's go have some fun. Something tells me that we don't have much longer for chaos. I can feel it in the air, everything's about to change again.

Eva wiped her cheeks, catching the remaining tears, and got up to follow Detson. After all, he hadn't led her wrong yet.

2

"Y ou've got to be kidding me. Eva looked at the puzzle that Detson had thrown onto the floor in their hotel room. This doesn't look anything like fun. It’s crazy. There's no way in hell that I'll be able to get this done or that we'll be able to get it done."

Detson held the box in his hand. "Come on. It's only a thousand pieces, if none of