The Interactive Cemetery: A Mystery About Spirits, Holographs, and Murder

By Jolene Little

Former model Crystal Stevens and her partner, Dusty, have created a holographic Halloween event. There is only one problem: the event location is a cemetery. Admired and pursued by many, only one man tempts her, Detective Chance Cooper. Sparks fly and things heat up when the two meet. To help friends and to raise money for charity, Crystal sings at events. Sometimes this requires her to become her alter ego, the angel in black. Naturally intuitive, she has more than one reason to visit the haven of eternal rest.

Detective Cooper is investigating serial murders near the cemetery. It becomes a hands-on investigation when the killer targets Crystal. Swearing to protect her, he decides that she will require his close personal attention. His only problem is, how do you protect a stubborn, independent woman that every man desires including himself? Her partner says she has secrets. Can he uncover them in time to stop a serial killer and capture her heart?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Balboa Press
• Release date: May 4, 2019
• ISBN: 9781982227074

Jolene Little

A native of Washington State, Jolene comes from a military family, the sixth of seven children. She laughingly says that she learned how to march before she could walk. Jolene worked as a teacher for McChord Air Force Base/J.B.L.M. for 20 years. She now enjoys retirement, writing romantic mysteries and her blog on Facebook “Angels Speak.” You can sometimes find her walking dogs, Max and Sophia, gardening, or sharing a laugh and conversation with friends. The Interactive Cemetery was written to honor creative people who are no longer with us. Talent and heroism come in many different forms; Acting, writing, music, athletics, bravery, and yes, even intuition. Look deep within yourself, and you will find someone truly remarkable...be your own inspiration and never give up. Jolene has a handsome adult son, who she fondly says looks like a “Young Elvis.” Like all Mothers, she says that he is and always will be, the light of her life. Coming from rainy Washington, when asked about how she likes the weather...she simply replies, “I’m not sugar, I won’t melt.”

Book preview

CHAPTER

1

T HE SHADOW PEOPLE had come to her again last night. Calling out and knocking, trying to warn her. In her mind, she could see them, hear them. It was late, she refused to answer their call. The boundaries had been set. Many tried to storm the barriers to get to her…but the door held fast.

Grabbing her helmet Crystal moved quickly to her motorcycle, like a woman on a mission, which she was. Sleep had eluded her until late last night. Too many visitors, who often forgot the hour, and would stay till dawn if she let them. Shaking out her long dark hair, mentally checking off items from the list of her days activities. Hoping the adrenaline from the ride would clear her head.

Mourners did not expect or need a motorcycle riding woman in shorts and a tank top bidding their loved one goodbye. Better the mystery of the veiled woman in black, dressed in the classic Hollywood style of long ago.

Sweeping her hair up once more, she twisted it and shoved it into her helmet. Straddling her motorcycle, she was ready now for the ride to Millennium. Hitting the accelerator, knowing the need to hurry she headed for the highway.

The motorcycle was her savior in heavy traffic. She could ease in and out or slip right down the middle between cars. Freedom on two wheels, her escape from both the mundane and insane things that often tried to push her from this world into the next. What some people called a quirk, was a unique facet of her nature. Crystal Rose Stevens chose to occasionally assist the owners of Hollywood’s Millennium Cemetery. Knowing the owners most of her life, she felt oddly comfortable at what they called a Haven of peace or the final stop for so many.

Her father died in a tragic accident when she was just sixteen years old. The Manetti family had helped her through the grieving process. In return, she found her alter ego, becoming the mysterious lady in black. Her character was reminiscent of the famed torch singers of yesteryear that her parents had loved so much.

It had been eight years since her father passed and now Crystal was twenty four years old. She had blossomed and become the rose of her middle name. Her personality had many pedal soft layers. She was tall, with an enviable hourglass figure. In using subterfuge, she found her own haven. Her alter ego was an escape from the unknown. A strange release that benefited others. Stepping back in time she sought to amplify a voice from the past. Singing quieted the spirit and provided refuge to the lost. Through music, others knew peace.

Crystal’s appearances were for people suffering loss. The angel dressed in black, touching their hearts, brightening a world suddenly gone dark. Customers saw her as a beautiful accessory in a cold lonely place. Momentarily they were transported in time, back to old Hollywood once more. One ray of sunshine that helped them escape the loss, and depression brought on by the funeral.

Transformation was essential, and her time was growing short. The funeral would begin in just a few hours. To complete the illusion, she needed to change her clothes. Once again becoming the voice of the past.

The quirky long-legged swan, now a sparkling diamond. Some men would be put off by her height of five foot nine inches. Hesitation would become regrets. The local gossip magazines implied that the long-legged jewel, could choose any man to escort her. Business partner and longtime friend Dusty Rivers was her favorite choice.

Discovered by modeling agencies, when a swimsuit clad Crystal was photographed by a lake. Encouraged by family and friends, she accepted their job offers. Looking toward her future, she started her youthful career at age twelve. Her height and beauty were an advantage instead of a hindrance.

The jobs eventually enabled her to travel and pay for her college degree. Learning from the mistakes of others in the industry, she avoided the pitfalls that sometimes came with fame. She invested wisely, generating dividends and saved much of her sizeable income for a rainy day. Crystal could have continued modeling, but she wanted to create items for tech savvy users. Besides in the modeling world she was considered old by some at twenty four.

Slowing down as she drove through the cemetery, she noticed a large man to her left on the hill near one of the mausoleums. She had seen him several times. He was wearing overalls and a miner’s hat, probably visiting someone’s final resting place up there, she supposed.

Giggling, Crystal thought he would have made a great Frankenstein for their Halloween event. It only took a moment, before she chastised herself for the thought as she pulled up to the building. After all, the man couldn’t help his height or large size.

Leaving her helmet on the motorcycle, she headed toward her office. Having made up time on the road; she now had a few minutes to breathe. Silently, she stepped through the door of the funeral home. Thankful that it was early enough to walk unobserved to her office dressing room located in back.

Stretching, she examined the contents of her closet. Choosing a sleek, form fitting, long black dress with gloves and matching shoes. A shiver ran up her back as she felt a cool breeze move through the room.

Gift or curse as some called it, she knew when spirits were around. Having inherited her grandmother’s gift as a psychic medium. Due to her abilities, she chose to avoid large crowds, especially places connected with strong emotion, and the spirits they attracted. Millennium was the exception.

Many people thought her aversion was due to shyness, or over sensitivity. Those people were the ones who really didn’t know her. Mediumship was a gift she had possessed all her life. When the energy around her felt right, she was far from shy and attracted others like a moth to a flame.

There were some spirits with more energy than others, they could manifest, so she could hear and see them, when not in a meditative state. Over the years she had learned ways to keep most of them from bothering her, except at certain times. The shadow people would periodically overcome the blockades she set and follow her. She didn’t like peeping Toms so in her mind she told them to get out, or she would use other methods to force them out. The temperature of the room warmed up and Crystal resumed her temporary disguise.

Simply put her job was that of a professional mourner, a seat filler or a beautiful decoration. Her services were offered as part of a package. The funeral home or cemetery created the bereavement packages. Crystal received a portion of their sales. She tried to refuse the money, but they insisted.

Fortunately, due to her success in business and modeling, the added income was not needed. She chose to donate the money to several pet charities. She didn’t want to profit, from the grief of other people.

The Manetti’s had been there when her grief might have broken her spirit. Now she was there for them. The visits were her way of paying them back.

She had met the Manetti’s when they lived in Texas. They ran the local funeral home. She passed no judgement on their occupation. It was a necessity in all cities and towns…large or small.

They had the opportunity to join family members in a partnership, which ran the Millennium Cemetery. It was an easy decision for them, enchanted by the bright lights of Hollywood. They sold the local business and moved to California. Her family had visited them a few times while on vacation in southern California.

When she wasn’t attending funerals, she was working with her friend Dusty. Crystal had helped engineer a holographic program for outdoor events. They became co-owners of a company, they named Hollow World. Knowing their company concept would be in demand by the Hollywood movie industry, they based it in southern California.

Together they had created a special interactive holographic program. Upon viewing, it had a life like appearance, day or night. The holograms were part of a Halloween event. Their company was currently testing and installing holographs throughout the cemetery. Movie, television and recording studios, plus wealthy patrons all wanted interactive holograms now.

The holographic ghosts were triggered remotely, or pressure activated to surprise those who walked by. Together they had created a much simpler cost-effective program for holograms and holographs.

Hidden laser and photographic technology was used in the process of creating the lifelike 3-D personas, complete with speech capability. The new high-tech process was patented but there were still those who wanted to steal the technology.

Crystals job with the funeral home had given her the idea to create the event, after all she was responsible for sales and marketing. The ability to communicate with spirits, helped her to get the okay from a few recalcitrant occupants…who had yet to cross over to the other side. Most of the deceased encouraged her to follow through with the project. Thinking it would be the first party opportunity they had in years.

Sometimes the spirits would appear to her in a dream and other times follow her around until she agreed to talk to them. She was basically the local high frequency radio they tuned into. Hoping by connecting with her, she could solve a problem or add a little pizzazz to their boring afterlife.

The spirits seemed to chatter more now. They wanted to ask her about the changes that were being made all around them. They were amazed and curious about the holographic designs, that were soon to become part of the cemetery.

Some were not happy about being the newest form of entertainment in the neighborhood though. Referring to the holograph installation as the creation of a modern wax museum. She would gently remind them, that the spirit majority rules, and suggest that they take a vacation somewhere else, until after Halloween.

Today’s funeral was for Vince Domino. He was a crime boss whose killers had yet to be identified. Crystal could see him hovering near his family and chose to keep her distance. Beneath her veil she was able to observe the mourners as they entered the room for the service, or to say one last goodbye. A few seemed to have a gloating satisfaction as they viewed the body in the casket. Like a cat with a dead mouse, or a victorious representation of hunter vs hunted.

She could hear Vince’s wife cry softly Vince, Vince, I told you to watch your back. Domino’s sons sat stoically by their mother’s side comforting her. There were guards at the door watching all who entered. They were stationed there to make sure that there were no accidents during the funeral service. It was then that she noticed the tall man, at the back of the room, leaning against the wall. He held a notepad in his hand and was watching her with avid interest. Well dressed, with short blond hair, Crystal guessed he must be six foot six inches tall. He had broad shoulders and seemed to exude an air of confidence and strength.

The man awoke feelings in her that she had buried long ago. It was probably best that they stayed buried because she had no desire to become involved with a criminal…even if he was downright sexy.

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Detective Chance Cooper had thought he might pick up a few tips about the murder at Domino’s funeral. The crowd looked like the Friday night lockup at the police station. There were a lot of familiar faces that he had booked before.

One very mysterious face covered by a veil intrigued him. She was dressed in old Hollywood style, reminiscent of Jane Russell and other curvaceous beauties of the bygone era…or perhaps a dark-haired version of Jessica Rabbit. Much to his appreciation, and that of several others, the woman’s curves and long legs were not hidden from view, like her face was.

He made a personal note to find out more about her…wishing he could pick her up, instead of taking notes. Chance loved a mystery, but he hoped she was not the old mobster’s mistress. He wished he could see her face, wondering if it was as lovely as the rest of her. He was curious, why like him, she sat by herself away from the others.

Chance had been a criminal investigator for almost ten years. He settled in Los Angeles a little over two years ago. Transferring his investigative expertise to the police department. He now worked for them as a detective. He started out with cold cases. His success in solving them had prompted the department to value his insight and increase his workload. Now he was usually one of the first men called to investigate a new murder scene.

His reminiscing was interrupted, as he watched the veiled beauty glide by following the others. She placed a small bouquet of black lilies tied with a dark ribbon on the base of the casket. The kind of lilies that Joe Valentine liked to leave his late friends.

She sensually walked away with the grace of a cat. The scent of roses drifted over as she walked past him, out the side door into the main entryway. He was not the only one watching though, so were the old man’s son’s, with a deep predatory interest.

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Hey, Cupcake. Crystal whirled around to see the ghost of Vince Domino grinning at her.

Thanks for the flowers…they were a nice touch. It’s always nice to have friends. Crystal smiled and said, we aim to please. She was used to spirits occasionally dropping in.

Cookie, I want one of those holograms. Vince told her quite frankly while smiling.

You will need to convince your family. They are not cheap, and we need an invoice before we can create them. Crystal firmly told him, as she thought about the back orders they were working on now.

Not to worry, I will invade their dreams until I get what I want. Vince said with a bit of laughter in his voice.

Just don’t invade my dreams, I have sage and I’m co-owner of the holographic business. Whatever you say Cupcake, expect an order soon. Vince grinned and began to fade away. Crystal just nodded for she wanted to escape the scene. needing to ground herself with fresh air and sunshine, somewhere away from the dead if that was possible.

Unfortunately, she did not move fast enough. The door opened and out slid Dominic Bull Domino, Vince’s oldest son. Bull stomped toward her and she stiffened her spine, and imagined a white light protecting her from the charging beast.

Bull Domino was followed silently through the door by Chance. Bull put his hand around her small wrist, twisting it as he pulled her toward him, in a demanding voice. Who sent you? sweeping his hungry eyes over her.

No one sent me, I am with the staff of Millennium funeral service. Crystal raised her chin stubbornly responding to the brutish man.

Taken aback for a second Chance quickly recovered and stepped in to put his arm around Crystal’s waist.

Sweetheart, our assistance is needed by another customer…shall we go?

Unsure of whether she was jumping from the frying pan into the proverbial fire, she nodded hesitantly. Crystal looked Bull straight in the eyes, and then at her wrist which he grudgingly released.

Vince shook his head at his son’s clumsy interruption for he recognized the detective who walked out the door with the lovely Crystal.

Thank you, sir, for your rather timely assistance. looking up into the steel blue eyes of the tall gentleman she had been admiring earlier.

I can find my way safely back to my office from here. Crystal was trying her best to discourage the man. She was grateful for the assistance but was wary of strangers. Especially those she met at crime figures funerals.

Chance smiled, for he wasn’t going to let her get away that easy. He wanted to know her name and unwrap any other information she could give him. She had said she was with Millennium funeral services. Chance was secretly hoping she wasn’t the staff mortician. My name is Detective Chance Cooper.

Chance grinned as he watched her lovely mouth, and red lips drop open into an Oh of surprise. He couldn’t quite see her eyes through the veil, but they appeared to be green.

I hope he didn’t hurt your wrist?

It was Crystals turn to be surprised, but she recovered quickly from having misidentified him as a criminal, and quietly replied to his question.

Not really, I am quite alright. It is a pleasure to meet you Detective.

Please call me Chance. He replied pleasantly, rather enjoying the whisper soft purr of her voice.

I couldn’t help but overhear that you were on the Millennium staff. Crossing his fingers, he asked what do you do, and how long have you worked here?

Crystal couldn’t help but smile, and almost laughed at the detective’s question, for she knew what he was probably thinking.

I help ease the grief process of the families at the funerals. I have helped since I was a teenager. I attend some, but not all the funerals. When asked, I place flowers on the graves or caskets of the departed.

Chance didn’t realize he had been holding his breath until he heard his loud exhalation of air.

May I ask your name please. Chance requested, as he thought to himself that it probably wasn’t that long ago that she was a teenager.

Yes, he was a detective and he only wanted to talk to her because he thought she was somehow involved with Vince, or his sons.

My name is Crystal Stevens. Now if I you can please remove your hand from my waist, I need to change and get to work.

Chance looked at her quizzically and couldn’t help but inquire about the fast turnaround.

Another funeral? He somewhat regretfully released the arm he had holding her waist.

No detective, I am also co-owner of Hollow World. I am sorry, but I am a little late.

Ms. Stevens, here is my card, if you need anything, or if you have any trouble from the Domino family, please call.

Is there a number I can reach you, in case I need more information Ms. Stevens?

Crystal licked her lips, raising her eyes to those of the handsome detective. His eyes brightened as he watched her tongue slide across her mouth. She proceeded to write her private cell phone number on the back of one of her Hollow World business cards. Their hands brushed as she handed it to him.

Please call me Crystal, good day detective.

Chance watched Crystal walk around the corner with a soft sway of her hips. He placed the card in his wallet, hoping they would meet again. His heart beat a little faster, matching the smile on his face as he walked thoughtfully back to his car.

Crystal rather enjoyed the banter she had with the handsome detective. Quietly pondering the man, she crossed her fingers, wondering how soon he might have more questions for her. His voice had a sexy quality, smooth but deep. Like fine whiskey when you drank it. She also enjoyed the electricity that passed between them when they brushed hands. Changing out of the dark outfit she wiggled back into her shorts, tank top, and tennis shoes. Pulling her hair up into a ponytail, she put on her pink helmet and walked out the side door. Stepping onto her motorcycle and lowering her visor, Crystal roared off passing Chance as he pulled in behind her. Chance may not have recognized the motorcycle or the clothes, but the legs were unforgettable. Memorizing the license plate number Chance decided Crystal was clearly a woman he wanted to get closer to…much closer.

CHAPTER

2

C RYSTAL PULLED UP behind the large Hollow World building and into the company’s private garage. Parking her motorcycle, she walked into the factory.

Hi Dusty, sorry I’m late. Vince wants a hologram. Dusty grimaced and looked at her with mock fury.

Aren’t we busy enough without you taking hologram orders from dead people?

Bubbling with laughter Crystal strolled over to her desk to dive into the work orders that the factory had been creating. Crystal had known Dusty all her life. Dusty was her brother Morgan’s best friend and shared an avid interest in all thing’s science. Crystals beauty, and the friendship between Morgan and Dusty, kept students from teasing her for being a science geek, and straight A student.

Having shared neighboring ranches, their love of experimentation created many advantages. They devised simpler more efficient methods to speed up the ranch work. Crystal was five years younger than both her brother and Dusty. The two came to think of her as Morgan’s pest of a little sister.

Both computer whiz kids, shared a geeky interest in all things technical. Luckily their wealthy parents sent them to space and tech camps. Dusty graduated from school and entered the Marine Corp, followed by Morgan a few months later. Her information exchange between her older brother, and mentor, temporarily ended during their time in the service.

Crystal kept herself busy while they were gone. Expanding her portfolio increased demand by advertising agencies. Elevating her to top model status. Thanks to her independent nature, she enjoyed traveling for various assignments. She was educated by private Tudors and accompanied by her grandmother until she turned eighteen. Her only escape at this time was through the books that traveled with her. Her grandmother didn’t want her wasting her time on cell phones, or the internet unless it was for her education.

Crystals Mother always said Dusty looked like a western movie star. She only added fuel to the fire, when she commented on the dusty mix of red, brown and blond colors in his hair. The highlights all depended on how much sun he had that year.

His eyes were a changeable blue. With a name like Dusty Rivers, Hollywood would have loved him. His parents said he was born on a drought year so that’s why they named him Dusty, like the river in his last name. Dusty was her best friend now and she hoped he no longer considered her a pest. He was one of only a few who knew of her special gifts.

Knowing Dusty was a good sport, Crystal used him in some of her modeling assignments as her model partner. Dusty complained that he felt like a shirtless Ken doll, in a leather vest. He couldn’t say no though, to his best friends’ younger sister.

In High School and college Crystal continued to model for numerous magazines to pay for college expenses. She put aside a great deal of money from one campaign for Harley Davidson, where she sat on a motorcycle in a very short Santa dress.

The company had such huge sales that they gave large bonuses to both Dusty and Crystal. The money she made through modeling and appearances helped to fund Hollow World during their lean start up years.

Hard work and long hours had helped them to refine the holographic program. They amplified and shrunk the cameras, receivers and base speakers. Their company could now use it in an outdoor environment with sound emanating from the holographs. The cemetery design for Halloween had famous actors and actresses giving a biography of their accomplishments or welcoming guests in a friendly manner.

Musicians would sing or play an instrument. Western heroes would ride a horse through the cemetery and disappear. Stagecoaches would race down the road with ghost horses pulling them. The holograms were triggered to go off at certain times and places. The result was a fairy tale interactive park that would bring in money for years to come. People long dead and forgotten would be remembered again.

The holographs looked like real people, fully dimensional in all directions. The installation involved a large specialized crew working round the clock. The grave yard shift in the cemetery was the best time to test the holograms. Unfortunately, the late-night testing also added to the creep factor.

The technician’s imaginations would go wild at