A Haunted Passion

By Patricia Bates

RCMP officer Cooper Tylen finally found the house that called to his soul.

 

Nothing, however, is as it seems and he finds himself thrown into the chaos of the end of his long term relationship amid a grissly murder no one wants him to solve.

Rebel Hunter and his lover, Gideon Palmer have seen it all - and then some since their deaths. Cooper's arrival disrupts the quiet of their afterlives.

 

The past however will not rest, and a brutal murder stirs up old memories and a desperate race to keep their lover safe. Amid murder, mayhem, and a cover-up can Rebel and Gideon keep Cooper alive long enough to solve the case while protecting their own hearts?

 

Or will the curse of The House on Grissom Road take another life?

• Language: English
• Publisher: P B Publications
• Release date: Dec 10, 2021
• ISBN: 9781990536045

Book preview

Dedication

To my fans - your support is invaluable. My husband and son whose patience and support are so incredible and allow me to build my career. To my Critique sister who has been the harsh voice of reality and has taught me so much. Your time, patience, and guidance are so very appreciated. 

Acknowledgement

I want to take a moment to acknowledge Caralyn Young for her endless support, her insight, and her hard approach to getting things right. She is an amazing critique partner and a dear friend. There are no words to express my gratitude for her help and her guidance. She has helped me with ensuring this book meets and exceeds my fans expectations. Can’t wait for the next project :)

I also want to take a moment to acknowledge my PR lady Echo from Psst Promotions. Echo is truly amazing to work with and has become a dear friend. Her patience with my endless well of questions is boundless and so appreciated. 

Caralyn and Echo are a major part of my support team and have become my dearest friends. Blessings like them don’t come every day and I am so appreciative of their presence in my life.

Chapter One

The ping of a notification ripped Cooper’s attention from the book in his hands. Heart pounding he jumped, and looked to where his cell lay on the small table next to his chair. Bloody hell, what now?

He reached past the mug of his now-cold coffee and grabbed his cell, activating the screen with a swipe of his thumb. Brows drawn together, he stared at the notification of a text from an unfamiliar number blinked on the screen.

His throat tightened as he clicked on the envelope icon with a trembling finger. Opening the message, Cooper inhaled sharply. His heart leapt into his throat, a strange weightlessness settling over him. Was this the one? Could his dream home be on the market? Two years of searching and it still hadn't shown up.

It was the house.

A huge two-story farmhouse overgrown with vines and flowers filled the screen. Thick trees wrapped the house in a loving embrace, branches reaching out to the edge of the roof as if to offer support. An afternoon and a chainsaw would see the branches and vines trimmed back. A good pair of shears could prune the roses. Heck, he'd borrow his mother's sheers; she wouldn't mind.

The wooden slats of the exterior were a faded yellow as if the sun’s kiss had been too harsh. The color resonated with him. It was cheery; it called to him. Lush grass grew around the yard. The hint of a barn peeked from the left of the picture.

He wiped his mouth with a trembling hand, unable to tear his gaze away from the screen.

Beneath the image, a short paragraph caught his eye. He read the description twice, a strange calm invading his mind. The heaviness and shaky limbs he’d suffered with for weeks eased to an almost crystal clarity. On the edge of his seat, a strange giddiness filled him. He swiped up, scrolling through the pictures. With each new image, he squirmed, as if someone was controlling his movements, excitement building.

Yes, yes, it was the one. This house. That's it. The insistent whisper in his mind grew in volume.

The agent’s phone number jumped off the screen at him. He barely breathed. He clicked on it. Biting his lip, he held his breath. One. Two. Three. His pounding heart echoed in his ears as if to mock him and his impatience.

Good afternoon, Grissom Real Estate, Dianne speaking.

He cleared his throat, hoping it didn’t tremble when he answered the receptionist. Hi, my name’s Cooper. I’m calling about your listing. He fidgeted with the handle of his coffee cup, his attention darting from one spot to the next in the room. There was something pulling at him, driving the thrum of energy through his blood.

Do you have the MLS number? Bored, almost as if she weren’t focusing on him, her voice didn’t waver.

Yes, 102694. It's the old Georgian plantation house.

Her breath hitched, and Cooper frowned at the sound. Unease uncurled along his spine. He swallowed the knot in his throat as his fingers tightened around his cell.

A moment later, she coughed. My apologies, sir. One moment, please. That’s Jordan’s listing. Her voice shook. Before he could speak, the tiny sound of music filled his ear.

The hard edge of his chair bit into his thighs, the pain uncomfortable. A car door slammed beyond the window to his right. Shifting, Cooper glanced out the window and sighed. Nathaniel’s BMW sat in the driveway, his boyfriend climbing out of the driver’s side.

Jordan Michael here, how can I help you?

Rushed, desperate to get the words out before Nathaniel came in, Cooper addressed the man on the other end of the phone line, Yes, my name’s Cooper Tylen. I’m interested in listing 102694. I was hoping to set up a time to see the place.

Let me look that up. I remember the house, it's been on the market for a while now. The clatter of keys echoed over the phone line. Ah, yes. The old plantation house out of town. Keys clattered for a moment, the silence weighed down. How soon would you like to view it?

I could come out the day after tomorrow.

Would 1pm work for you?

Cooper nodded quickly. Even if he had to leave while still in uniform, he’d make it work. Reining in his excitement, he forced an even tone into his voice. Yes, it will, I’ll be there. Could you email me the directions?

What’s your email, Mister Tylen? I’ll have the directions and a map to you within the next ten minutes.

Cooper rattled off his email, watching Nathaniel carry his suitcase up the walk. He hung up, and the key in the door drew his attention. He stiffened, his shoulders hunched over. He set his phone aside and got to his feet ready to face the coming argument. On sock feet, he walked over to the narrow hallway and watched as the door swung inward to allow Nathaniel entry.

Nathaniel closed the door with his heel, a smile curling his lips. His eyes rested on Cooper for a moment before darting away to the closet doors. He tugged his jacket off and turned and hung it in the closet. Kneeling, he briefly glanced over his shoulder at Cooper, his grey eyes distant, as if he were looking at a co-worker or a stranger.

His jaw clenched. Cooper inhaled a deep breath. A niggling voice whispered in the back of his mind, teasing the dark thoughts into the light. Why was he always so eager to leave? Who did he go to? Surely he wasn't spending all his time with his grandmother. Stop it, just stop, Nathaniel hadn't done anything to doubt him.

Cooper walked down the hall and leaned against the wall, arms crossed over his chest. He tapped his fingers on his bicep, eyes locked on his lover. How’d your trip go? Cooper gestured to the suitcase sitting next to the front door.

Exhaustion wove through him at the instant brightening of his boyfriend’s features.

The trips came more frequently as if Nathaniel was tired of the simplistic lifestyle of small town Saskatchewan. Cooper’s heart clenched at the thought before he pushed it aside, refocusing on Nathaniel’s reply.

Excitement burst through the words. Nathaniel’s voice rose as his words rushed together. It was wonderful. Oh, man, Greece this time of year is simply beautiful. The water is warm, the beaches crowded, it's a veritable feast for the eyes. Honestly, I dreaded returning home, but hated to stay away. What about you? How was two weeks without me? Lonely?

Raising his chin, Cooper rolled his eyes at his man’s condescension. Busy. I picked up a couple of extra shifts. Oh, and I had to deal with your associate calling. Paul wants you to call him as soon as you can. It’s got to be important; he called about seven times in the last few days alone.

Nathaniel opened the closet door, creating a barrier between them. I’ll call him after I unpack. Nathaniel’s muffled words drifted through the door. I’m sure I can fix whatever the problem is.

Sure. Whenever. I have to run out to Grissom the day after tomorrow. I found a house.

Nathaniel slammed the closet door. He whirled, his loafers squeaked on the hardwood floor and his lips pinched in a tight white line. Grissom? Where the heck is Grissom? What house? What are you talking about, Coop? What’s wrong with—

Grissom’s south of here. It’s about forty minutes away from my folk’s place. The house is perfect. Six bedrooms, two stories, fashioned after the old Georgian Plantation style. On twenty acres, creek, pond, and—

A bottomless pit of debt. You'll be broke before you even sign on the dotted line, Cooper. Why wouldn’t you have waited to speak to me about this? Nathaniel stomped and passed him into the kitchen. Do you know anything about the area? What about my office? I have too many clients to just drop them. Did you take any of this into consideration?

Cooper ground his teeth at the interruption. What was it about Nathaniel? Why did he feel his opinion was the only one that mattered? Cooper followed Nathaniel into the kitchen. He watched Nathaniel pull out a bottle of rum from the cupboard and pour himself a glass.

I can’t believe you’d jump into something like this without my input. Is that how this is going to go?

His blood boiling, Cooper slammed his hand on the counter. It’s my money, Nathaniel. If I want to buy a house, I’m buying a house. As for your work, remote offices are a thing, you know.

Fury darkened his eyes to nearly black as he glared at him. Do not take— 

Through gritted teeth, Cooper stared at Nathaniel’s unfamiliar behavior. Was he for real? Back it up. Cooper pointed a finger at him. First, you are not my father. Don’t treat me like I’m some dumb kid. Second, this isn’t open for discussion. Now, you can either come with me, or stay here. I don’t have any fucks left to give. For now, call your partner back. I’ve got to get ready for work. Cooper headed across the dining room and down the hall, the slamming of a glass on the countertop loud in his ears.

Babe, please, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean anything. Nathaniel’s rushed apology nearly drowned out the sound of his rapid steps behind Cooper.

Of course, you didn’t. You never do. His voice hardened. He raised a brow. Cooper turned in the bathroom, pausing in the doorway to stare at Nathaniel. Welcome back. Slamming the door on Nathaniel’s stunned face, he sank back against the wood and exhaled a shaky breath.

A creaky floorboard preceded Nathaniel’s retreating steps. Cooper straightened, stripping out of the plain t-shirt and sweats he’d worn to start the shower.

Climbing under the hot spray, he reached for the body wash, his mind tangled. Four years together and Nathaniel was still trying to push him around. Did he think he was some dumb kid? Or was there something deeper, some fault Nathaniel could see that he couldn’t? Shaking his head, Cooper cursed under his breath, watching the suds swirl down the drain. Nagging fear curled along the back corner of his mind, poking at his doubts. If he was so wrong about his relationship with Nathaniel, what else was he wrong about?

Cooper threw aside the scrubby and finished his shower. A rough push, and the shower curtain pressed against the wall. He stepped out onto the mat and wrapped a towel around his waist.  Cooper rushed his shave, grimacing when he nicked his cheek. He grabbed a towel and patted his face dry, he walked out of the bathroom and down the hall to the bedroom.

Cooper stopped in the doorway. His jaw dropped. How dare he leave his suitcase half unpacked. He stalked across the room to clear a space on the bed with a shove. A pair of carefully folded socks tumbled from the edge of the bed, and Cooper smirked.

Good. Nathaniel deserved to hunt for the bloody things.

Clean boxers and socks in hand, Cooper pulled his uniform out of the closet. He hung it on the front of the closet door and sat on the bed. The thick mattress sank beneath his weight, the comforter bunching around his hips. He slumped in place. Why was it always a fight when Nathaniel got home? What was so bad about wanting to have a piece of his dream?

The rug tickled underneath his bare toes. Undoing the towel and letting it fall away from his still damp skin, he stuck one foot then the other into his boxers and stood to pull them up over his hips. Inhaling the woodsy scent of aftershave and soap, he closed his eyes. There was so little of Nathaniel  in the room. It was as if he lived alone. His chest ached at the thought, a sharp pain piercing through his defenses. Blinking, he looked across the room at the dresser where a few odds and ends sat next to the gun safe he kept his weapon in. A few simple pictures of him alone or with his folks.

From a distance, he could make out the sound of Nathaniel talking to someone, probably his partner at work. The other man’s voice was warm and open, unlike the tone Nathaniel used when he spoke to him. It was as if he were two different men.

Cooper licked his lips, the ache spreading in his chest. Why? What had set Nathaniel off about looking at the house?

No, he couldn’t focus on that. He was on duty in an hour. He had to get it together. Cooper snatched up his socks and, as he pulled each one on, the earlier emotional upheaval faded. The thin cotton the first chink in his armor, the first layer of a wall he desperately needed. Piece by piece, he separated himself from his life. Shoulders tense, he tugged down the white t-shirt he wore under his blouse. Snapping the crisp grey shirt on, he buttoned it carefully. With each button sliding through the holes, the wall formed in his mind.

Cooper reached for the navy blue breeches of his uniform. The material offered a level of protection, of emotional distance he needed. Taking them from the hanger, he snapped them out, and slid them on. The heavier material caressed his legs, fitting snugly around his thighs and cupping his ass. His fingers worked the button with ease, the rasp of the zipper loud in the silence. A careful hand smoothed down the creases at the pockets, fingertips tracing over the brilliant yellow stripe.

He tugged his vest on. Securing it over his shoulders and around his waist, his personal problems began to fade into a grey mist. He shrugged, adjusting it, and reached for his recorder, pen, and badge. He locked them in the appropriate locations, Cooper opened the closet door and pulled out his boots.

For the love of god, Coop, the bed’s going to get wet. Nathaniel bustled into the room, then snatched up the damp towel. You need to pay more attention. The house would fall down... He paused, turning to face Cooper. Are you paying any attention? I’m speaking to you.

No. Cooper shook his head, lacing up his right boot. I’m not listening, Nathaniel, I’m getting ready to go to work. A firm tug had the hem of his pants over top of his boots, and he straightened to look at Nathaniel.

That’s your problem, Cooper, you don’t pay any attention—

Excuse me. Cooper nudged him aside and pressed a finger against the front of the safe. It beeped and swung outward, revealing the cool grey interior and the Smith & Wesson 5946 rolled in its holster. He pulled it out and shook out the belt, securing it around his waist as he looked pointedly at Nathaniel. You must be exhausted. You should get some sleep.

What's gotten into you? I get back, and instead of a warm welcome, I get an argument and you storming out.

I’m not storming anywhere. Cooper closed the safe and shrugged. I’m going to work. If you wanted a warm welcome, perhaps you should've been more approachable. I’ll be back around nine tomorrow. I have some paperwork to fill out.

Cooper, baby, I’m sorry. I’m exhausted and I shouldn’t have taken—

Get some sleep. Cooper patted him on the shoulder. I’ll bring Timmy’s home tomorrow. Stepping around Nathaniel, Cooper strode down the hall and out the front door. The sting of disappointment buried deep into his heart, his lips aching. There hadn’t been a kiss hello or goodbye. The thought burned like acid through his mind, eating away at his heart. 

Tapping the front of his vest, Cooper put aside his emotions; tucked them away into a box, locking it with a black key. Later, he'd deal with the conflict in his home, much later.

He trotted down the three steps and hurried over to his Chevy pickup. He opened the door and hopped in the cab, facing the front of the house. From his vantage point he could see Nathaniel in the living room, pacing back and forth, the phone pressed to his ear. The older man’s hand waved wildly in the air, his movements almost clumsy.

Something had to change. Cooper shivered at the icy thought. There was too much truth in the words to be comfortable. Something was going to give, it was just a matter of time.

Chapter Two

Waves of green and gold swayed in the wind creating waves in the lush fields along the highway. The purr of the truck’s engine danced with the hum of music from the radio in the cab. Cooper tapped his fingers on the steering wheel while he reached over to shift as he approached the outskirts of Broadview. 

How much longer until we reach this hick town? Nathaniel glanced up from his cell, his sunglasses pushed high on his nose.

It’s not a hick town, Nathaniel. I wish you’d quit calling it that.

Whatever. How much longer until we get to this, Nathaniel paused, his mouth twisting. He cleared his throat. quaint little community?

Cooper clenched his jaw and glanced at him out of the corner of his eye. Still got another half hour. We’ll turn north at the 600 and then east along the thirteen-seventy. Seriously, you didn’t have to come. Considering how opinionated you were last night, it's safe to say we both know you didn’t want to.

Yes, well, I don’t want to see you get taken advantage of. An old property like this is bound to need a lot of work, and if—

Not again, Nathaniel. The only one worried about being bamboozled is you. His jaw cracked from the pressure of his gritted teeth. Cooper turned on his signal director and made the turn onto the 600 highway. Twelve kilometers up was the turn off, then it would be thirty kilometers to the farm. Coming at it from the west made the winding directions confusing. The house is in good repair. Everything is being tended. It’s going to be a great house.

Nathaniel huffed, but didn’t look up from his cellphone. 

A glance revealed Nathaniel’s scrolling had been replaced by a text conversation. Cooper’s stomach dropped. He refocused on the road, chin raised, fingers wrapped around the wheel with a white knuckled grip. 

Whoever he was texting had to be important. The notifications were nonstop. What the content of the conversation was, Cooper could only guess. It didn’t matter. Once again, Nathaniel had relegated Cooper to an afterthought. Anger stirred only to be ruthlessly crushed beneath an icy layer. He would not focus on Nathaniel. No, there were more important things to consider. 

He glanced down at the seat next to him, the plain manilla folder held everything he’d downloaded about the property. Cooper allowed a small smile and shifted on the seat. This was the house. He could feel it. 

Silence descended on the cab. It was much like their relationship lately. Nathaniel had other things to focus on, and Cooper - well he was an afterthought. The distance between them seemed to grow with each passing kilometer. Wiping a hand over his mouth, Cooper exhaled and reached over and turned the radio up. As Nathaniel reached for the dial, Cooper shot a look at the other man who shrank back against the seat. Resolved to ignore Nathaniel for the remainder of the trip, Cooper rolled his window down and thrust one hand out. 

The wind rushed over his fingers and he chuckled. The warm caress was relaxing, easing the stress of the moment. Memories stirred of summer days spent on the back of a tractor or a horse. Racing across the open fields, laughter and joy filling his world. 

A green and white sign raced toward them. Cooper narrowed his eyes. He eased his foot off the gas. Giddy, his heart racing, Cooper chuckled. Finally, he was close. A fine tremor raced over him and his feet itched to move. He shifted the leather seat crackled beneath him as he slowed to turn onto the side road. 

He pressed on the accelerator, pushing the pickup faster and the truck devoured the dirt road. A glance in the rearview mirror showed the thick cloud of tan dust, swirling and diving in his wake. Fields of yellow stretched out like a lover’s arms on either side of the road. The bitter scent filled the cab, a reminder of years gone by. 

My god, what is that stench? Nathaniel dropped his phone in his lap and turned and glared at Cooper.

Canola. It has a unique smell. Cooper gestured to the field on the other side of the glass. It’s a good investment crop; high dollar. The yellow blooms mean it's still too early to harvest. Still got weeks before it’ll be ready.

We really are in the middle of bumfuck nowhere.

Not hardly. The nearest major center is less than an hour away.

Major center?

Yeah, you know, with a convenience store. Manitoba’s only another hour’s drive. He reached for the sheet of paper on the seat next to him and held it up. We’re only about five minutes out.

Oh, joy.

Not sure how many times I can say it. You could have stayed at the house. Actually, it would have been better if you had, then I wouldn’t have to listen to you whining like a toddler on a road trip. Cooper tossed the page aside, his eyes scanning the road for the mailbox the realtor had said was at the end of the drive. His heart stuttered in his chest as he caught sight of an old fashioned mail box, the carved wood looking a little weathered. He tapped the break and turned down the drive. Thick trees lined either side of the driveway, towering over the gravel road. Sunlight dappled the ground, filtering through the branches to tease the grass. 

His gaze locked on the house. Cooper gripped the wheel, his heart pounding against his ribs. Yes. He couldn’t believe it. The house was real. 

The canopy of trees spread like a living curtain to reveal an oval drive in front of a massive house. Creamy yellow paint peeled around the upper story windows. Shutters hung on either side of the glass, the rich brown a stark contrast against the sun warmed yellow. Shrubs and bushes competed with the thick layer of vines climbing the north side of the house. 

Brilliant reds and yellows wove through the greens to paint a picture of roses lovingly tended. Thick green grass grew in the center oval in front of the house. A ragged-looking tree swayed in the gentle breeze, hints of red among the branches. 

A Nat-King tree, Cooper breathed, the truck rolling to a halt at the base of the wide stairs leading up to a wrap-around porch. He turned his head, his eyes widening at the sight of the old hip roof barn sitting next to a stand of trees. Behind it, a wind-break wall stretched out, the wooden slats weathered and grey. A corral swung out the side doors open, sunlight dancing through them. Facing the house, the hay-loft door sat open, the rope and pulley in place. 

Well, the real estate agent is late. Nathaniel reached for the door. But this could be a remarkable place. Going to cost a few dollars, though.

Nathaniel’s voice was a splash of ice water and Cooper jumped. Turning his head, he glared at Nathaniel and unbuckled his seatbelt and opened the door. He stepped out, his boots hitting the rocky ground, one hand wrapped around the door where the window was open. 

It's perfect. Cooper smiled over the hood of the truck. This is it, Nathaniel. This is exactly what I was—

Hold your horses. Cooper, you have no idea what condition the house is in. Or the taxes or anything about it. I doubt its move in ready. It would take weeks to modernize it. The cost of rewiring it alone could be worth more than the place is worth. You need to think of what we’d be doing here. I have a thriving—

Nathaniel’s voice droned on, a distinct whine sneaking in the longer he spoke. 

Cooper shook his head and walked back along the truck, rounding the truck box. Ignoring Nathaniel, he trotted up the steps, his hand tracing over the railing with care. The closer he got to the door, the lighter he felt. An energetic warmth buzzed beneath his fingers from the wood, the energy of the house reaching out to his soul. 

Are you even listening? Cooper, I know what I’m talking about. This place is going to eat away at any savings we have.

We? What ‘we’? Cooper snapped. "This is my home. I was meant to be here. If it takes a couple of bucks, it's worth it to me." 

Cooper glanced over his shoulder at the crunch of gravel. An older jeep drove up the road. Was it the realtor, Jordan? The vehicle stopped behind his truck and an older man got out. His thinning hair stuck out from his