Murder Avenged: Helena Foster Paranormal Mystery, #1

By Mary Ann Carman

Death paid a visit and ripped out her heart

 

Her future shattered. Helena Foster emerges as a sleuth with a vengeance after her fiancé's murdered. Instead of her every day nursing career, she wants to find the twisted person who murdered the love of her life. Her normally optimistic demeanor's tested.

 

Though she's seen death and the difficulties people experience after a tragedy, this blazes a new trail into misery. The community of Mission Park rallies around her and an unexpected figure enters to help and support her.

 

While exploring the library for solace from her suffering, the murderer seized Helena. She's bound, gagged, and blindfolded. No one knows where this executioner is holding her.

 

Suddenly the murderer drags her out of her captivity and throws her bound and gagged into the back of his vehicle, and drives to who knows where.

As panic slips in, can she clear her thoughts enough to figure a way out of this situation and capture the evil murderer?

 

Buy Murder Avenged today!

• Language: English
• Publisher: My WordsWorth
• Release date: Oct 2, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201281465

Mary Ann Carman

Mary Ann Carman is the author of ten mystery novels and she’s currently in the planning stage on two more, one of which will be a non-fiction author manual/text. She is also the CEO/Founder of SWPenSlinger; a copywriting firm that guides authors and small business in their marketing ventures. Her latest mystery, A Silver Coin, is fifth in her Love After Life series and will be available before Mid-November 2020. She has found mystery to be her super power, even while working as an RN, she researched the special issues her patients were facing. Mary Ann’s first book, Never to Love, won Honorable Mention in the Jada Romance Novel of the Year Promotion in 2004. Joyce Lavene, the author of over 75 novels, said this about Never to Love: It reminded me how good a historical romance could be - and I loved the paranormal elements!  Mary Ann loves the Tucson weather, cooking & baking, crocheting and knitting, and of course reading. Changing recipes or patterns is like revising your plot lines to fit the narrative you’re aiming for. You can also find Mary Ann on Facebook, Goodreads, and BookBub. Sign up for her email list today to get updates and information on new titles. You can follow her on: Facebook   https://www.facebook.com/maryanncarmanthemacteam Twitter   https://twitter.com/Mary_Ann_Carman Google+   https://plus.google.com/u/0/+MaryAnnCarmantheMACteam Instagram   https://www.instagram.com/mary_ann_carman_ Pinterest    https://www.pinterest.com/macarman6                                                                    At her website, http://www.maryanncarmanauthor.com  you will find information about her and her other books. You can sign up for her newsletter to get the latest information or join the “First Readers Club” for free books.

Book preview

Murder Avenged

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Helena Foster Paranormal Mystery : Book 1

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Mary Ann Carman

Murder Avenged

a My WordsWorth Publication

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First Edition Copyright © 2015 Mary Ann Carman

Second Edition Copyright © 2021 Mary Ann Carman

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License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment. It may not be resold or given away. If you would like to share this ebook, please purchase an additional copy for each person with whom you want to share it. If you're reading this ebook and did not purchase it, or if it was not purchased for your use only, please return to the bookseller and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the author's work.

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Disclaimer

This is a work of fiction, a product of the author's imagination. Any resemblance or similarity to any actual events or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

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Previously Released As Something Old

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Cover Design by Marisa Darling of Cover Me Darling, LLC

Formatting by Debora Lewis at [e-mail]

Also by Mary Ann Carman

Clan Hewit Trilogy

Never to Love

All Will Be Well

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Helena Foster Mystery (Previously Love After Life)

Murder Avenged (Previously Something Old)

Something New

Something Borrowed

Something Blue

A Silver Coin

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Chronicles Between the Pages

It’s About Time

Life’s Eclipse

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Join Mary Ann’s First Readers Club and get access to her books before anyone else.

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Go to MaryAnnCarmanAuthor.com

or PM me on Facebook Messenger.

You can find Mary Ann on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/maryanncarmanthemacteam

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GoodReads:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9829218.Mary_Ann_Carman

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BookBub:

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mary-ann-carman

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Mary Ann Carman Shopify store has discounted pricing:

https://mary-ann-carman-books.myshopify.com

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

What’s next for Helena and Jeffrey?

Other books by Mary Ann Carman

About the Author

I dedicate this book to anyone who has lost a loved one.

Though you may not wish them to come back and stay with you.

I’m sure you carry them in your heart where ever you go.

I know I do.

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Now I have time to write, so I’m living your wish.

Thank you, Cisco.

Acknowledgments

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To my editor Amy Briggs: Without your guidance, to make my work the best it can be, I would be working blind. I couldn’t continue if I didn’t have your help.

To my First Readers Club: You keep me on track and let nothing slip by. Your words of encouragement mean the world to me.

To my Readers: Without you my work would never see the light of day. It’s for you that I continue to write. I hope you enjoy this story as Helena moves in a new direction with Jeffrey.

Thank you all for your help to make this an effort of love.

A Note from the Author

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Dear Readers,

Six years after publishing the Love After Life series, I decided the covers, titles, and even the series name didn’t reflect the direction the series took.

This was a perfect time to remedy that issue. Readers who loved the books in the Love After Life series won’t see much difference in the story, it’s just cleaner after a re-editing.

I appreciate you reading my work. I hope you love Helena and her adventures as much as I do.

Mary Ann

Chapter One

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Day 1

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The Sentinel could hardly believe his luck. As soon as those two leave, I can get things finished for tomorrow.

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Ross Wainwright surveyed the dining room. All the upholstered silver and black chairs were in place. The dark oak concierge desk was ready for the next business day. They had even swept the deep blue carpet clear of the crumbs dropped by last night’s customers. The Indigo servers and kitchen staff had taken forever to finish cleaning up after the evening meal. He brushed his hand over the gleaming mahogany bar, then leaned back against it and crossed his arms. He smiled.

With his shoulder, Jeffrey Irvington shoved open the door from the kitchen, walked over to the bar, and pulled out a stool to sit. He leaned one of his elbows on the surface and reached to pick up his cappuccino off the bar counter with the other arm, then took a drink. Oh, what a day, or should I say night! He swiveled on the stool and gazed over at his friend leaning against the dark counter. Tomorrow is my wedding! Can you believe it? I don’t think I’ll sleep at all tonight. He winked at his friend and a serious, questioning stare crossed his face. You are going to be here first thing in the morning to help set up, right? I’ll get here as soon as I can to help. It all must be perfect!

Wouldn’t miss is, Jeffrey. Of course I’ll be here. You know I’m so happy for you two. When have I ever let you down? He leaned in to pat his friend on the back.

Jeffrey slid off the stool and lifted his cup for one last sip. Well, if you wouldn’t mind taking care of the final cleanup, I think I’ll head on home and see if Helena needs any help getting the packing done. Jeffrey carried his cup into the kitchen. He held the door for a moment before walking into the kitchen. There was a new guy standing near the far counter. Jeffrey thought he should say something, but shook his head. I’ll talk to him tomorrow. Then he grabbed his jacket off the hook by the door and waved as he walked out into the parking lot.

***

The Sentinel walked into the storage room and closed the door behind him. He stared at the boxes stacked there, hands on his hips. I hope this doesn’t take long. Restacking these crates and boxes of staples and other kitchen equipment could be a pain, but it will be well worth it in the end. He gazed around the room and stopped at the adjacent staff room. Well worth it indeed.

He worked as fast as he could, but it still took hours to get them set up right. Can’t lose focus now. My goal is in sight. Stacking the last heavy box, he jumped down off the ladder to survey his work. Perfect. He smiled as he heard Ross leaving the restaurant.

Again he eyed the staff room door, opened it and stepped inside. He found the baggie and plucked it from under the sink, grabbed the small box from the refrigerator and some gloves, then sat at the table to get to work.

After the kitchen and dining room were as clean as possible, he walked to the door, drew his cell phone from his pocket to check the time. Done in less time than I thought. I still have time to have a glass of wine and get a few hours’ sleep. He closed the door, listened to the lock click in place, then whistled as he moved toward his Camry.

When he arrived home, he slid the key into the lock, closed the door behind him, and leaned back, relieved. He moved across the room to the rolling chair near the desk and booted up his computer to check his email. It will be great to move out of here when all this is over. He waited for the email screen to pop up. Finally, the program opened. Damn, nothing. Don’t even know why I bother to check it. Shutting the machine down, he allowed himself a few moments of bliss as he glanced out the window at the full moon.

He walked to the kitchen to retrieve the bottle of Lombroso he had chilling in the refrigerator, lifted a wine glass out of the dishwasher, then set the glass and bottle on the counter. When he opened the drawer, his cork screw was missing. Where did I leave it? Oh yeah, in the bedroom. He retrieved the cork screw and returned to the kitchen.

Once he’d poured his wine, he relaxed on the couch and turned on the television. Nothing on, I should have expected. I’ll get some sleep and be ready much sooner. He finished the last of his wine, then recorked the bottle and placed it back in the refrigerator.

His bed wasn’t made, but he didn’t care. Nothing made any difference until his mission was complete. Tomorrow. Then things would be different. He’d be flying high with delight. He smiled.

***

Helena Foster sat on the couch in the living room, going over her lists and waiting for Jeffrey to return from his restaurant, Indigo. Something old. Mom gave me an old locket and replaced the pictures with ones of when Jeffrey and I first met. Something new. Jeffrey had our champagne flutes engraved so sweetly. Something borrowed. Amy is loaning me a hanky she got from her mother. Something blue. I had my shoes dyed blue to match Amy’s shoes and maid of honor dress. Since I don’t have a silver coin and a quarter is too large, I’m going to use a dime. I think it will do it.

All the packing was done. Their parents had arrived yesterday and were probably sleeping by now at the Best Western. She smiled remembering last night’s dinner and was extremely pleased both of their parents got along so well. She’d seen her friend’s families have major in-law problems and was glad she and Jeffrey didn’t have to deal with it.

Helena’s flowers would be delivered to the St. Jude’s in a few hours. Amy Starller and Michael Ennis left their gown and tux at the church with her wedding dress and would change before the ceremony this afternoon. Jeffrey was changing at Indigo since he was taking care of the reception and getting the restaurant set up. Check off one thing I don’t have to worry about.

Jeffrey tiptoed up behind her and put his hands on her shoulders. She sighed, leaning her head against his stomach. About time you got home. She turned around and smiled up at him. He lifted her from the couch, pulled her into an embrace, and buried his face in her soft hair, inhaling the scent.

She pushed away to gaze up at the man she had fallen in love with back in college. Did you pick up the tickets?

Right here, he patted his jacket pocket. I think we’ll enjoy Europe. We’ve waited so long for this. Jeffrey dropped onto the couch, pulling Helena with him. We’re ready. Why are you still going over your lists?

You know how I am. I want to be sure. She pushed a stray lock of hair off his forehead.

He shook the hair back and laughed. Yes, I know how you are. I’m going to make sure you don’t worry about your lists any more tonight. Scooping Helena up off the couch, he carried her to the bedroom.

***

Helena woke to the sound of a siren. Shit! What now?

She glanced over at the pillow beside her and a smile turned up the corners of her mouth. Her hand ran over the place where Jeffrey’s head had been only a few hours ago. Didn’t think we’d get any sleep last night. She knew, deep in her heart, she was marrying the most wonderful man in the world. What could happen? Helena stood at the side of the bed, then scooped up her teddy and panties off the dresser. Mrs. Jeffrey Irvington. Has a nice ring to it. Holding her clothes in front of her like a bouquet, she paced to the bathroom for a shower.

The sound of the siren increased as she turned on the water. She nodded to the music playing in her head as she was waiting for the water to heat. When she stepped under the scorching water, Helena felt chills running up her spine. She allowed the smell of her lavender soap to relax her.

Helena dressed casually in jeans and a T-shirt, her hair still wrapped in a towel, then stepped to the front door of their cozy bungalow. She opened it to gaze out through the screen. The street was quiet now. Living on the main street of Mission Park had its benefits, one of which was watching the town grow and prosper. The unfortunate thing was it also had drawbacks since it was the only main street in the town. Police, ambulances, and fire trucks passed by their home.

Over the past year, she’d learned to turn a deaf ear, but today, something bothered her. She couldn’t put her finger on it, but she couldn’t dismiss it either. Something was wrong. Helena leaned against the door frame and tried to calm her senses so she could send out requests to the universe. She’d wanted today to be special, but something told her to be ready for anything.

While she watched the quiet activity of Mission Park, a familiar car pulled into the driveway. Michael jumped out and ran towards the door. She pushed the screen open a little, and he appeared surprised. Gasping to catch his breath, he put his hand on the doorjamb and bent over at the waist.

Sit down, Michael. You need to relax, catch your breath. Should I make you some tea? She noticed he was wearing his police uniform, not his street clothes, and the chill from earlier returned. He’s Jeffrey’s best man and was supposed to be off duty today. She pushed the screen door open further for him to enter.

Finally, he caught his breath and wheezed out his words. We don’t have time! He seized her wrist. I need you now! Jeffrey’s been hurt and...

Shit! I knew something felt wrong when I heard the siren. We’ve got to... Helena didn’t finish her thought, couldn’t finish. She pulled away from him, tossed the towel on the floor, and grabbed her purse. Let’s move! You can tell me about it on the way.

She grasped his arm as they rushed past her flower beds of purple iris and red tulips, across her yard, to jump into his old Pontiac. He turned on the siren and sped away. She didn’t know what was going to happen, but she knew her life was about to change, and not in a good way.

She grasped at the seat belt, her hands shook and it took a couple of tries to get it in place. Did you call the hotel? Our parents need to know. Need to be there.

No, I’ll call from the hospital. His mouth was a straight line. He was trying to hold something inside.

Michael, you’ve got to tell me what happened? Don’t keep me in the dark! Helena clutched Michael’s arm, then seeing what she’d done, pulled her hand back. Tears ran down her cheeks. She was cold, shivering, and the chills wouldn’t stop.

Michael slowed to take a corner, then sighed. Jeffrey was at Indigo like he planned. He was getting the restaurant ready for the reception. His plan was to change there before the ceremony instead of at the church. Michael almost lost control of the car when he turned another corner. He walked into the staff room off the storage area to get something. I’d gotten off duty and was going to help him when I heard the crash. A stack of boxes fell over, knocking him to the floor, almost like someone pushed them. He hit his head pretty hard. Blood splattered all over. He’s at the hospital now. He was unconscious when I got to him. One of the guys dialed 911 while I pulled the boxes off him. The others helped. Then we had to move back when the ambulance arrived. I don’t know if it was an accident or not. Doc said he’d know more at the hospital.

Oh God. She was tearing up the Kleenex she’d been holding to wipe her tears. It was shredded in her lap, but she didn’t seem to notice. Our parents will be... She lurched as the car turned into the parking lot.

Michael pulled his car up close to the emergency entrance. Helena was out of the car and sprinting towards the sliding doors before he had time to stop. She rushed through them and up to the desk. Where’s Jeffrey? she demanded of her friend June, who worked at the admissions desk. Helena clutched at her neck, trying to catch her breath.

She took a deep breath, then stared at her friend, who was pointing down the hall. June moved around the desk to Helena’s side. He’s down there. But you can’t see him now. You need to sit down before you fall over. June held onto her friend, who was pulling against her toward the waiting area. Neil is in there with him. Jeffrey is still unconscious. They have to take him to surgery.

Helena stopped to stare at her friend, her eyes searching for answers. Her eyelids fluttered, and both Michael and June caught her before she hit the floor.

Carry her over here, and I’ll get her some water. She’s dehydrated. She can’t lose it now; we have to keep her from fainting again. Michael helped Helena to a chair, and June handed her a bottle of water.

Helena took a drink, then turned to June. He was knocked down and hit his head when the boxes collapsed on him. What Michael... explain it to me.

Well, it’s not... let me sit down over here so we can talk. June tried to calm Helena.

I can’t talk now! I have to see Jeffrey! She pulled away and rushed down the hall. Neil opened the door as she was reaching for the handle. He stood in front of her so she couldn’t see into the room past his huge linebacker shoulders.

Damn it Neil, I need to get in there to be with Jeffrey. Get out of my way! But Neil wouldn’t budge.

You can’t see him now. We’re prepping him for surgery. You’ll be able to see him in a few minutes when we’re done, but not before. Helena gazed up into his eyes through spiked lashes. You don’t want to see him this way. She turned away from him and crumpled onto the floor, deflated. Neil picked her up as easy as lifting a piece of paper and led her back to admissions where June and Michael were waiting.

Keep her here until we’re ready. Neil handed Helena off to Michael, who nodded and