Sweet As Clover: A Maddie Carver Mystery, #1

By Mia Bishop

Dead men tell no tales…
..unless you're Maddie Carver.
 

After a life changing trip finds Maddie bound to a ghost and cursed, Maddie's small hometown starts to feel a lot smaller. With so many secrets to keep from the living and the dead, Maddie needs answers. Why can she talk to ghosts? And why is Nick, her bound spirit suddenly visible to other people?

While Maddie struggles to find the truth about herself and Nick, she finds herself in the middle of a tragic aftermath—one that will rock her entire town to its core.

Can Maddie continue to hide the truth about her abilities? Or will she come forward and put the dead to rest once and for all?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mia Bishop
• Release date: May 14, 2018
• ISBN: 9798201712631

Book preview

Chapter One

W hen are you going to stop haunting me? Madeleine glanced over at the handsome man standing in her room.

Nick leaned against the far wall giving her an admiring eye. I'm not haunting you, Maddie.

She frowned. Don't call me that.

It's your name.

My name is Madeleine.

I've heard your sister call you Maddie.

She's the only one who's allowed to call me that. And you only heard it because you're haunting me. You know, normal not-dead people can't listen in on other people's phone calls, by the way. The nickname part was a big fat lie, everyone called her Maddie, but she didn't want Nick thinking they could be all casual with this current living situation.

For the last time, I'm not haunting you.

You are a ghost who refuses to leave. You show up, follow me, and invade my privacy. What would you call it?

His crystal blue gaze dropped to the floor. I don't have anywhere to go. You freed me. I'm not haunting you. I just feel compelled to stay by your side.

Now she was pacing the kitchen. They'd had this argument a hundred times over the past six weeks. Six weeks since they'd met, had a one-night stand, and six weeks since Maddie's world had fallen apart and turned upside down at the same time. I didn't free you.

You did. Somehow, you did it. I hadn't been able to leave the building or break the cycle I was stuck in for forty years. He sat down on a stool and rested his elbows on the kitchen island. I'm sorry it bothers you, but I don't think I can leave you. I didn't intentionally set out to mess up your life.

You died ninety years ago, what happened to you those other fifty years? Maddie dropped her head and let out a sigh. Forget it. It doesn't even matter. I know it's not your fault, Nick. I just don't know how to deal with all of this. How in the world did we even… Her words trailed off. It was a foolish thing to ask, and from the smirk on Nick's face, he was enjoying where she was about to take the conversation. Never mind, it is never happening again.

His smirk widened. Why not? We had a good time.

You're a ghost, Nick. A ghost. I don't know how it's possible or if it is possible. Even if I didn't imagine the whole situation, it's never happening again.

His slight Irish accent deepened. Something she knew after six weeks of living with him only happened when he was upset. You didn't imagine it, and I know you enjoyed it.

Doesn't matter, Romeo. You lied to me. You got me to have sex with you under false pretenses, and let's not overlook the fact you've been dead for ninety some odd years and spent your spare time haunting an old high school building for the last forty years.

I didn't lie. I did my best to tell you the truth. I wanted you to know, but the curse I was under forbid me from coming right out and saying 'Hi, my name is Nick. I'm a ghost, and oh, by the way, I feel the need to make you a lucky woman.'

Gah. You are such a pig. You didn't make me a lucky woman.

No?

No, it was pure coincidence.

Coincidence that I was cursed to be a lucky charm for women who have sex with me and immediately after our encounter you get a call telling you that you've inherited your aunt's estate and are now worth millions of dollars?

Yes, coincidence. I was named the beneficiary. It wasn't magic.

Bull shite, and you know it. Your aunt's estate has sat in limbo without a beneficiary named for over twenty years, and suddenly you have been given the entire thing? He motioned towards the ornately decorated kitchen big enough for a full staff of servants but echoing from the emptiness. Look around you, doll. This is not something that normally happens to people.

A soft female voice broke the tension. He's right you know.

Maddie jumped and clutched her chest as she took in the sight of an older woman flickering in and out of sight. She wore a fur coat, black heels, and had the brightest orange hair Maddie hadn't seen since her aunt had passed away. Aunt Betsy? What… Taking a step back, she found comfort in the cold granite countertop currently keeping her upright at the moment. What the hell?

I'm a ghost dearie, seeing as how you slept with one I didn't figure you'd be all that surprised to see me. I mean it is my house after all.

You're dead!

Yes, I know that, but you don't have to be rude about it.

Rude? Maddie blinked and tried to wrap her brain around what was happening.

Well, you don't have to shout it at me. I'm dead, not deaf. And might I add I look fabulous regardless of my life-status.

Yes, well, Maddie creased her brow. You do look… Wait, why are you here? I've been in this house for over a month now, why haven't I seen you?

Her aunt's eyes sparkled with mischief. I didn't wish to be seen. I wanted to give you two lovebirds some time to sort your differences, but it's become apparent you have too much of the Carver stubbornness in you for your own good.

One, I'm not stubborn because I don't want a ghost haunting me. And two, why are you here?

It's my house.

I know that, but you died. A long, long time ago. Shouldn't you be at rest?

When did you ever know me to rest? I have things to do. I don't want to go anywhere. Besides, she glided across the room and slipped quietly into the seat next to Nick, lightly placing her hand on his arm and giving him an appreciative glance before turning her attention back to Maddie. I've been waiting for you. We have work to do.

What work? I don't even know what is going on.

The lad is right. He gave you luck. Because without your second-sight you would have never inherited my house. And he unlocked your sight when you slept with him. Your mother had it sealed away. She foolishly thought she could hide you from your fate. Same with your sister. Betsy tapped the side of her nose and grinned. But I knew better. I knew he'd come for you and you would be shown what you were really meant for.

Maddie finally shook herself from her confused stupor. Megan has this too?

You both have your own talents, but your sister is special, just like you.

Her head was already shaking in disbelief. There is nothing special about me, Aunt Betsy. I'm just a normal person.

To borrow a line from your handsome Irishman, bull shite. You are special. You can see us, Madeleine, that is special.

No one else can see you?

Not unless they've been touched.

Maddie's head snapped towards Nick. Touched by him?

Betsy snorted a laugh. Dear Lord, child. Not touched like that. Touched with second-sight. Like you. It's in your blood. You come from a family of gifted people. Your father is one. Your mother hated it.

Dad can see dead people?

Betsy nodded. You should go talk to him. Does he even know you've moved into my house?

I didn't tell him, but I'm sure Megan mentioned it, she replied cowardly. I didn't want to bother him. Besides, this is a small town, he's probably heard by now.

You have to forgive him at some point, Madeleine.

I know.

A long pause pregnated the air in the kitchen. Seconds ticked into minutes as Maddie pretended to be busy fixing herself a cup of tea. Betsy cleared her throat, I mean it, Madeleine Audrey Carver.

I know, I know. I will.

A shiver went up Maddie's spine a half second before she heard her older sister's voice. You know what?

Maddie spun around, eyes wide, and blinked. Megan was already halfway to the kitchen archway. Doesn't anyone knock in this house anymore?

Anyone who? It's just me. Megan came into full view of the kitchen and Maddie felt like the room was suddenly ten times too small. She couldn't breathe. She wasn't prepared to have her sister find her talking to two ghosts. Relief flooded her as soon as she'd had the horrifying thought, Betsy had said no one could see them without the second sight, and Megan apparently didn't have it. She breathed out a sigh. Megan was all smiles as she looked around the kitchen and then Maddie felt her world fall out from underneath her. Oh… Her eyes went straight to Nick. I see you have company. Am I interrupting?

Maddie blinked. You… You can see him?

She knew her face was sheet white when her sister nodded her head and gave her a confused look, Of course I can see him. I'm not blind you know.

Looking over at Aunt Betsy Maddie gawked. What about Aunt Betsy?

Megan looked confused and went to go slide into the stool at the other end of the island. What about her? She's dead remember? Pretty sure she wouldn't mind me stopping in to see the luckiest girl I know.

Ugh, don't call me that.

Nick coughed to cover up the laugh she imagined he was suppressing. Megan turned back to him and extended her hand. I'm Megan, by the way, she introduced herself, giving Maddie a sideways glance. Since my sister is too rude to introduce us properly. And you are?

Nick. He shook her hand. Nick Castle.

Castle? Are you related to Mercer?

Maddie choked on her sip of tea. I don't think so. Nick is, um, not from around here.

He nodded in agreement and Megan turned back to her sister. So you've had him around all this time, but you act surprised when I show up?

I haven't had him around all this time.

Yes, you have. You've been acting strange since you got home from that book fest you went to, I knew something was up with you. She jerked her head toward Nick and grinned. And he would definitely explain your current weirdness. Holding up a hand, Megan continued, Look, I'm not judging. Jeff was an asshole, so good for you, moving on and all, but don't treat me like an idiot and pretend that this, whatever this is, hasn't been going on since you got home.

Maddie slammed her mug down, sloshing tea all over the counter. It's just not what you think, and I don't even want to hear Jeff's name. I'd like to keep him buried in the past.

Maddie, this is a small town. You can't avoid him.

I can try.

Nick's head popped up. Who's Jeff? Is he the ex-fiancé who left you for your best friend right after you got fired from your job?

Yes, she answered dully. Did you have to remind me?

He shrugged, and Megan took up the conversation. Why avoid him? Look at you. I bet he's kicking himself for leaving you now.

Why? Because I inherited a bunch of money?

Well, that and the graveyard.

Maddie shuddered thinking about the graveyard. It was part of Betsy's estate, and after inheriting it, Maddie was given explicit instructions the graveyard property was never to be sold or given away and always maintained. What does the graveyard have to do with anything?

Haven't you heard about the new real estate deal Jeff is trying to broker?

No. Suspicion crept into her voice. She didn't like where this was going.

Some new developers came to him wanting him to try to broker a deal with the landowner, that would be you. Maddie rolled her eyes at the obvious statement. And Jeff has been talking all over town how easy it will be to get you to sign over the property to him. They are all convinced it's a done deal already. Megan stretched in her seat as the sound of her neck popping made Maddie shiver before shaking her head. I'd have thought he'd at least have spoken to you about it.

Maddie was keeping her eyes on her task of cleaning up the spilled tea. He's left a few messages on my phone, but I haven't listened to them.

You really should. It's a lot of money, maybe you should think about it.

The lights in the kitchen flickered, and a cupboard slammed shut. Megan jumped and whipped her head around. What the hell was that?

Wide-eyed, Maddie shrugged. What was what?

Is this freaking house haunted?

She waved off the comment. I think you've watched too many episodes of Ghost Hunters. Maddie looked up to see a glaring, red-eyed Aunt Betsy hovering dangerously close to Megan. And as far as the graveyard goes. Um, no. No deal. When I signed the paperwork, Mr. Orson explicitly told me if I ever sold the graveyard I'd be violating Aunt Betsy's terms and conditions. So the graveyard stays in my name. No one is getting it.

Betsy's eyes flashed and returned to normal, and her phantom vanished from the room. Megan nodded. Well, you need to make sure Jeff knows that soon. They've already submitted permits to city hall for demolishing it.

Maddie laughed. They can't demolish something that isn't theirs, so they've wasted their time and money. Besides, what sort of dick-head would destroy the resting place of people who've passed away.

Jeff, Megan retorted.

Good point. She placed her mug in the sink and whispered, What did I ever see in him?

Well, dad didn't like him, so I'm thinking that had something to do with it.

It was a rhetorical question, Megan.

Nick cleared his throat. What's Ghost Hunters?

Megan looked as if she were going to fall out of her chair. Seriously?

Maddie feigned a laugh. Sorry, he doesn't watch a lot of TV. He nodded, going along with the lie, but there was concern in his eyes as he stared down Maddie. She tried not to let the drilling of his eyes unnerve her. It's a show, Nick. On TV. These guys pretend there are ghosts and they go hunt them down.

His eyes opened more. Do they banish them?

No. She shook her head. It's just a show. It's fake. The TV hosts prey on people who think a ghost is haunting them, and then they just scare them more. I really wish they'd just take it off the air.

Megan interjected, They aren't preying on people, Maddie. You never know, ghosts might be real. Maybe these guys are doing a great service helping people.

Rolling her eyes, Maddie craned her neck to look over at her sister. Are you crazy?

No. I'm just saying it could be real.

And so could unicorns.

Don't be a bitch, Maddie. Just because you can't see something doesn't make it any less real.

Ain't that the truth. Maddie shrugged. Think what you want.

What Maddie thought was the guys on the TV were charlatans, and she hated that her sister ate up their tricks like the other millions of viewers. Now that she knew ghosts were real she wanted to make sure the people around her were safe, and her older sister's fascination with the supernatural was making the hairs on the back of her neck to stand on end. The silence in the kitchen broke when Megan started prying into Nick's life, and Maddie found herself only half listening as she remembered what Aunt Betsy had said. Megan had gifts too, but they weren't the same as Maddie's. So what was her sister's special talent? And how had their mother sealed their gifts away?

She was ripped from her thoughts when her sister squealed. You and Maddie met at the Book Fest she went to? I knew it!

Nick was nodding but not saying much else. Maddie squeezed her fists tight and gave both of them a death glare. It's not any of your business, Megan.

Oh yes, it is. My little sister goes off to some convention to clear her head and comes back with a handsome Irishman. I want details.

Maddie shook her head. Out, now.

Megan frowned. You are gonna have to tell me sooner or later.

With a finger pointed to the entryway, Maddie shook her head. Never, and you need to leave now. You've done enough meddling today. Come back tomorrow and snoop around for your dirty little answers some more.

You're seriously kicking your own sister out?

Yep.

Bitch.

Maddie laughed. Oh stop, I have to go take care of the graveyard, it's part of my duties, remember? I'll call you later.

A sudden sorrow crossed over Megan's face. Okay, you're really not mad at me?

No, never. Maddie gave her sister a quick hug. But I do have to go mow that place before it starts to rain. I'll call you later.

Alright. Megan looked over her shoulder as she was leaving to call out, It was nice to meet you, Nick. Hope you stick around.

He waved and the heavy front door shut behind her. Maddie slumped against the countertop. How in the world could she see you?

He shrugged in a way that made her stomach flutter. It was the simplest thing, like his lop-sided grin, things that shouldn't take her breath away but they did. He rapped his knuckles on the countertop as if figuring out his explanation, but he didn't say a word.

Nick. She stomped her foot. Tell me how my sister was able to see you and hear you? She couldn't see Aunt Betsy.

His shoulders slumped forward in a hunch. There are different kinds of ghosts, Maddie. She frowned at the use of her nickname but didn't interrupt him. I'm different, Betsy is different. And I'm sure you'll meet a whole host of things that don't fit into a nice and neat category.

She frowned. What does that mean? Do you expect more visitors?

You heard your aunt. You have a gift. It's only natural that spirits and other creatures are going to seek you out.

No. She shook her head so hard she almost gave herself whiplash. "No way. I don't want