Moonstone Vengeance

By Keith E. Smith

When Mick Harrison writes a novel, he is suddenly thrust into the world of Hollywood screenwriters, sexually abusive producers, and gang-related murders. Things go awry when a female executive tries to rape him, and it seems no one will listen to his claims of innocence. Fortunately for Mick his wife Megan does believe him, but a set of events forces her to repeat a crime that she has kept hidden for over twelve years. She feels compelled to participate in a murder once again. She used to question whether people are never beyond all hope. Now she knows for sure. Sometimes they just are.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Apr 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9781667833729

Book preview

Prologue

Selenite is a natural crystal mineral thought to harvest the protective energy of Selene, the Greek goddess of the moon. The milky white gem is commonly referred to as moonstone, and superstition says it can shield a person from stress, stabilize emotions, enhance one’s intuition, promote inspiration, and lead to success and good fortune in business, as well as ignite passionate love affairs.

According to devoted followers, the power of Selenite is enhanced if it is worn on the little finger of the dominant hand, or as part of a pendant or broach close to the heart. But more importantly, true believers in the magic of the moonstone are absolutely certain that if these guidelines are not strictly adhered to, nothing but trouble is sure to follow.

Chapter 1

Los Angeles, early March 2014

Illana Melendez preferred to be called Ellie, but her parents had always refused to be so informal, and she was not about to argue with them, not on her fifteenth birthday and especially not during her Quinceañera. She was eager to shed the uncomfortable floor-length yellow gown, slip into some chinos and a sweatshirt, and make a dash to the beach where her friends had planned a bonfire celebration just for her. But when the DJ began playing A Father’s Love, she knew leaving couldn’t happen, not just yet.

Ellie was stirred with emotions as her dad hugged her close. He was an awkward dancer, but she was certain all that the partygoers noticed was his love for her. When the music finally faded, he whispered, "I love you, mi hija. I know you’re anxious to get out of here, but there’s one more gift your mother and I would like you to have. Let’s go outside for just a minute."

On the patio he removed a silver ring from his inside jacket pocket, held her right hand, and slipped it over the middle finger. The last time I went to Tijuana to get my blood pressure medicine, I was walking by a jewelry store, and this caught my eye.  I went inside, and the owner insisted on telling me some of the history behind the white stone. It’s supposedly a very powerful talisman, but in order for the magic to work, you have to wear it on the little finger of the hand you use the most. I know it’s too big for your pinky right now, but not to worry. We’ll get it sized.

Oh, Daddy, it’s perfect! You know me so well. It’s not too gaudy, just simple and kinda elegant, and powerful you say?

I know it looks a little like one of those mood rings, but it’s not. This is a rainbow moonstone. As the story goes, it will protect you, keep you from bein’ all stressed out, and inspire success in whatever career you choose, and even improve the odds of you having a long and lasting romance, like me and your mom. And this particular ring is very special. It contains a secret you’re gonna love, but it would be better if I wait to show you after it gets dark. I know all this sounds like mumbo jumbo, but what the heck; even if all the sorcery, voodoo stuff doesn’t work, it’s still a nice piece of jewelry. I’m glad you like it. Happy birthday, Ellie.

A secret, huh? Sounds cool. Daddy, you called me Ellie, but you never like using my nickname.

I admit it’s not my favorite, but I’m okay with saying it once in a while if it makes you happy. But don’t expect your mom to change her ways. To her, you will always be Illana. She’s very stubborn, or should we say traditional. Now you better not keep your friends waiting any longer.

Thank you, Daddy. This has been the best day ever! I think the magic of my ring is already working.

Chapter 2

Los Angeles, late March 2014

Jason had been working only a few months for Thumbs Up, a local company that competed with cabs, city buses, Uber, Lyft, and other ride-sharing services. The L.A. company’s slogan simply stated, Thumbs Up will get you where you need to go, cheaper. Since he could make himself available or unavailable at a moment’s notice, the job was technically part time. Lately, however, to make ends meet he would stay on the road ten to twelve hours a day. But he was okay with that. Driving gave him a lot of alone time to think, read, write, or draw.

It had been a busy morning, but as usual there was a lull just before eleven, so he took the opportunity to park behind Nico’s Tacos, his favorite food truck. He was munching on a burrito when the dispatcher’s text showed up on his phone. He wolfed down the last bite of his lunch, accepted the job, and steered his eleven-year-old Chrysler 300 toward the Palm Terrace Apartments in Culver City to pick up Dulthea Sanderson.

What the heck kind of a name is Dulthea? he thought. Sounds old, like almost ancient, and she wants to go to Southern California Hospital, which looks to be about a three-mile trip. But Dispatch didn’t say anything about urgency or a wheelchair, so maybe this won’t be so bad.

When he arrived at the address, he noted that the apartment complex bore no resemblance whatsoever to its name.  There was a pair of three-story brick buildings, but there was no terrace, and the cracked concrete sidewalk that split the parched lawn into equal halves had almost no decorative landscaping, let alone a single palm tree.

Jason was on the lookout for a senior citizen when he spotted a lone female standing on the curb, but instead of a diminutive blue-haired grandma leaning on a cane or pushing a walker, he was looking at a twenty-something young woman wearing a sleeveless bright blue sun dress and matching shoes. Her long ginger-red hair was loosely tied just below her shoulder blades with a white ribbon, and he estimated she was about five-foot-eight. But most importantly, this lady was pregnant, very, very pregnant.

He pulled up, quickly opened his door, leaped out, rounded the hood, and stood directly in front of her. Green eyes stared back at him causing him to stammer. Hi, I’m Jason. I’m guessin’ you’re Dulthea Sanderson.

Please just call me Thea, and as you can probably guess, I’m in a bit of a hurry. I think we should get going.

As she spoke, he marveled at the smoothness of her skin, and even with no makeup she was strikingly beautiful. He glanced at the large fuchsia bag by her feet.  I’ll take care of that. Let’s get you loaded.

Given her condition, he opened the door to the front side passenger seat, where he’d decided she’d be more comfortable, and offered his hand for assistance. Thea waddled awkwardly forward, and using Jason’s arm for balance and support, she pirouetted off the curb, backed her frame toward the open car, and lowered herself into the seat. The strength of her grip was surprising, and though the efforts were obviously uncomfortable for her, he was amazed at how gracefully she accomplished the feat.

I know I’m as big as a whale, but with any luck this baby’ll be here sometime this afternoon. My water broke half an hour ago.

Oh my God, lady. Why didn’t you call 9-1-1?

Thea rolled her eyes, and whether unashamed or just currently unconcerned about propriety, she hiked up her dress and spread her knees as she swung her legs into his Chrysler. Listen, Jason, I don’t have a husband or a boyfriend to help me, and calling Thumbs Up was a lot cheaper than an ambulance. She groaned in obvious discomfort. "I figure it’ll take twenty minutes or so to get to the hospital. But we have to go, NOW."

The emphasis on now was not lost on Jason. He grabbed her bag, which was heavier than he expected, and placed it on the back seat. As he slipped the gearshift into Drive, he noticed she was sitting still with her eyes closed. Though her seatbelt was not fastened, her body language strongly suggested that it would be best not to mention it.

After the Chrysler had comfortably joined the flow of traffic, he flipped on the radio. The song Puff the Magic Dragon was playing. Thea opened her eyes and giggled. You listen to oldies? I was certain you were a punker or maybe a rap kinda guy. How old are you, Jason?

I’m nineteen. I used to listen to country, but most of the CW hits nowadays sound too much like hard rock.

He looked into the mirror and decided that he definitely needed a haircut. His clean, blond curls dangled limply over his forehead, down to the middle of his ears, and a few loose ends reached the nape of his neck. He also wondered about the two-week-old scruff that was barely visible on his chin and jaw. He wasn’t sure whether it made him look more mature or just too lazy to shave.

Well, I’m twenty, and I hope you don’t mind if I just ramble a little. I’m more comfortable if I can keep my mind busy. I’ve been in L.A. since I graduated from high school two years ago last May. About ten or I guess about nine months ago I was going through a real rough time. My car broke down, I was in debt up to my ass, and my personal life had gone to shit. I made a really bad decision and had unprotected sex with a married asshole who, it turns out, didn’t have the balls to leave his wife. Anyway, my parents live in Phoenix, and they’re not here ‘cause they don’t know about the baby. I never told them I was pregnant. Under the circumstances I just couldn’t.

Thea suddenly doubled over, and strange sounds began to erupt from her parted lips. Whew, whew, whew. A few seconds passed before she exhaled with a massive Wow!  Now that was a contraction! But the pain’s not too bad yet, and don’t worry, they’re still nine minutes apart.

Not much progress toward the hospital had been accomplished when exactly seven minutes later she exclaimed, Oh shit, here comes another one! 

The pant, pant, blow routine began again, and this one seemed longer and more intense. Jason wanted to hurry, but traffic seemed to bottleneck at the worst possible time. Once her discomfort began to subside, she returned to her upright position.  Dammit!  It’s bad enough the contractions are coming a whole lot faster than I thought they would, but now I need to pee.

We’re pretty close to the hospital, but there’s a Circle K just a couple of blocks over if it’s an emergency.

No, you don’t get it.  When I say I have to pee, I mean now, right now. I’m not kidding! I have to go now!

Thea spotted a large-sized plastic soda cup resting in the middle console. She grabbed it without asking, rolled down her window, and tossed the remnants of ice and Dr. Pepper onto the street. She used her left hand to brace herself as she scooted forward on her seat. I’m really sorry, but I just can’t wait. Please don’t look.

Keeping his eyes trained forward, Jason heard the warm spray begin to fill the cup. When the pungent, sour aroma of urine reached his nostrils, he was surprised by his reaction. Instead of being repulsed, he felt sympathy, even compassion. Peeing in front of a stranger had to have been embarrassing. When traffic forced them to a standstill, he heard the door open and looked in time to see her pour the liquid onto the asphalt. I’m so sorry, said Thea. Shit, you’re seeing the absolute worst of me. I bet you’ll be glad when we reach the hospital and this is all over.

Not to worry. My car has been through a whole lot worse, and I guess you’ll just have to trust me when I say this ride has gone a whole lot better than I thought it would. In fact, I hope it doesn’t sound too creepy if I say I think you’re very pretty, and I’ve actually enjoyed meeting you.

Moments later they were finally at the last red light before the entrance to the hospital. He pointed at a roundish white tower and said, We’re just about there.

Wondering if she’d heard him, Jason dared to sneak a peek and saw that Thea was staring into space.  A tear trickled down her cheek, and her hands were doubled into fists. Are you okay? Are you having another contraction?

It’s just that sometimes it seems like my life is beyond all hope. I feel so alone. And with that she grabbed her belly, folded herself in half, and said, Christ, this one hurts like a mother. Please just get me there.  I don’t want to have this baby in the front seat of your car!

He looked both directions, gunned the engine, and sped toward the emergency room entrance. I know you didn’t call 9-1-1, but did you notify your doctor?

Oh hell, I can’t lie to you. I mean you’ve practically seen me naked. I don’t even have insurance, much less my own obstetrician. I have no close friends, so there was no one I could call when I realized I was in labor. For the last few months, I’ve been goin’ to a free clinic, and they said that if I show up like this, ready to give birth any second, a hospital has to take care of me and my child.

Let’s hope they’re right.

He pulled up next to a ramp that led to a sliding glass door, but before he’d taken even a step toward the entrance, a slight young man in navy blue scrubs burst from the building and rushed toward them pushing a wheelchair. Hey, guys. Looks like someone got here just in time.

He efficiently helped Thea into the chair and turned to Jason. See that giant of a guy in the black and green safety vest over there? He’s with Security, and when he saw you racing in, he figured out why you’re here. He’s already contacted Cathy at the admitting desk. Give him your wife’s name, and he’ll show you where to park. I’ll take real good care of her, I promise.

But she’s not my wife.

Whatever you say. You better hurry it up. From the way she could barely move or stand, your partner here is probably already dilated to five or six centimeters.

I don’t know what that means.

Well, you’re gonna learn pretty darn soon. Remember, see Cathy when you get inside.

As Jason walked around his car, he watched as the wheelchair was pushed toward the entrance. Once they’d disappeared inside, he paused and gave serious thought to leaving. There’s no reason I gotta stay.  I don’t owe her anything.  Hell, I don’t even know Thea Sanderson. I got her here. My job’s done. I should head out.

But as he opened the driver’s side door, he glanced at the back seat and saw the hot pink bag staring at him. Shit! What am I gonna do with you?

He slid behind the steering wheel.  His only options seemed all too clear, he could drive off or go inside. For him the decision was actually a no-brainer. So, what if I lose out on a few fares. It’s the right thing to do.

But there was something more, something he couldn’t explain or completely understand, that propelled him to log into the Thumbs Up dispatch website. He checked off his current job as complete and clicked the out-of-service tab, all the while muttering to himself, What the heck am I doing? I hate hospitals!

************

Jason carefully pulled his car next to the security attendant, who was indeed immense. The older man was about six-four, at least two hundred fifty pounds, and had a booming deep voice to match his size. Congratulations. Is this you and your wife’s first baby?

Not wanting to lie, he chose his words very carefully. She’s not exactly my wife. Is that a problem?

No, not really. Unmarried couples having children seems to be a trend these days. I just need your names.

I’m Jason Morgan, and she’s Thea Sanderson, Dulthea if you need her proper first name.

He scribbled on a form attached to a clipboard, handed Jason a bright magenta card, and said, Place this on your dash, and you can park anywhere in the front two rows. Technically, you can stay for twenty-four hours.

Twenty-four hours! You’re kidding, right? Is it really gonna take that long?

Oh, yeah. I guarantee you could be here awhile. But don’t worry about your car. You focus on your family. The color of that card tells Security that the patient is in maternity. They won’t bother your vehicle or have it towed, no matter how long your baby takes. Do you know if you’re having a boy or a girl?

No, it’ll be a complete surprise.

I know firsthand that having a baby is scary, but I promise, everything’s gonna be all right.

Jason parked in the first available spot. He was not, by nature, overly inquisitive, but as he retrieved Thea’s bag, he wondered what she could possibly need that was so heavy. Looking inside he found a change of clothes that included panties, a bra, a white blouse, and a blue denim skirt. There was also a wallet and what appeared to be a makeup kit. But the real weight was provided by a textbook, The Screenwriter’s Bible by David Trottier, and a college-ruled spiral notebook with half a dozen different colored pens clipped to the top. Screenwriter, huh?  She wants to be a screenwriter?  I never saw that one coming.

He shoved the items back inside, replacing them in the reverse order that he’d taken them out, and walked with some hesitancy toward the emergency room entrance. Once again, he briefly considered leaving. I could just drop this off and go, he thought. She’ll be fine. She’s in good hands. But before the door had completely closed, he knew that wasn’t going to happen. I can’t leave, not now. She’s really scared, and besides it just isn’t right for her to have to go through this all alone. There should be someone with her, and I guess that someone has to be me.

The admitting nurse Cathy was at least five inches shorter than him, and though she was older, fifty at least, she was pretty in a plain, simple sort of way. She’d noticed Jason’s tight white-knuckled grip on the pink bag, but that wasn’t what concerned her. She’d grown used to seeing the varied ways newborn babies can cause adults to be anxious and apprehensive, but something else bothered her.

New fathers usually sprinted in from the parking lot, panting, out of breath, nervously wanting to know the whereabouts of their wives or girlfriends. But this young man had taken his time, and when he’d finally arrived, he’d simply said, I’m here for Thea Sanderson. She’s about to have a baby you know, and she shouldn’t be all by herself. The man outside said you’d help me, so will you point me in the right direction or maybe take me to her?

Cathy stared at Jason for a few seconds before saying, This is a little awkward, sir. Ms. Sanderson didn’t mention anyone else. In fact, she said she was here alone. We usually only allow the husband or the father of the child into the delivery room. Are you either of these?

My name is Jason Morgan. I can show you my ID if you want. Thea and I haven’t known each other long, so no, we’re not married, and I’m not the father. I can’t tell you anything about him. Hell, I don’t even know his name. I don’t meet your requirements, but come on, she needs someone, and since I’m here, I guess that means it’s up to me. I promise right now I’m Thea’s closest friend, so what do you say, will you please let me go in?

Cathy was moved by Jason’s plea, and after a short pause she said, I think you’re absolutely right. There should always be someone with every expectant mother, so even though I’m not supposed to, I’m willing to bend the rules this one time. See that nurse over by the elevator, the one with the Coke bottle glasses? I’m going to send you over to her, but before I do, there’s something you have to understand. From this point on everyone will assume you’re the father. They know I’m strict and that I wouldn’t let just anyone into the birthing room. Please just play along for now. And one more thing, Jason Morgan.  Promise me that you’ll take good care of her.

You have my word.

Chapter 3

Jason didn’t know what to expect, but the brightly lit room he was taken to was far more spacious than he thought necessary. Thea, wearing only a thin white hospital-issued gown, was lying on an adjustable-style bed that had been cranked to about sixty degrees. A plain cotton blanket had been draped across her chest down to just below her knees, and with arms extended, her fingers gripped two well-placed handles on either side. Her feet had been fitted with pink hospital socks and placed in uncomfortable looking metal stirrups. A tall nurse was at Thea’s left and gave Jason instructions. Move to her right and stay away from the equipment. Your job is to hold her hand and let these people do their jobs. It won’t be long.

Jason approached slowly, concentrating his eyes on hers, and though she’d seen him enter and watched as he moved closer, she still hadn’t recognized him.  He, as well as the doctor and two nurses, were all dressed identically, powder blue scrubs, hairnets, white booties, and surgical masks over their mouths. But as he neared, she finally saw her go-bag and suddenly realized who he was. Jason, what the … Why the hell are …

A painful contraction caused the last half of her words to be virtually incomprehensible as they came out muffled through gritted teeth. The doctor spoke calmly. Breathe, Thea, remember to breathe. You’re doing great. Sir, you need to try and comfort your wife.

Thea fairly screamed through the pain, He’s not my husband! He was my ride.

The doctor responded with unexpected bluntness. Okay then. Young man, Jason, is it? You waited almost too long, damn it. She should’ve been here over an hour ago. Don’t you know what traffic is like in L.A?

Jason started to defend himself but stopped when he heard Thea groan. Ughhh. The unintelligible sound was not loud, but the doctor responded quickly. It’s not quite time to push, Thea, not just yet, but it won’t be long now. Try to remain calm; everything looks good. I’m going to step out for a few seconds, but I’ll be right back, okay?

As Jason stared at the doctor, he felt Thea’s fingers reaching to get his attention. He turned and placed her soft palm against his hand and gently added reassuring pressure.

Thank you for not telling him that it was my fault we got here just in the nick of time.

It’s okay, but how are you feeling?

Before she could answer, she was gripped by another wave of pain. He felt helpless but continued to hold her hand. In between her rapid panting breaths she uttered, Jason, I don’t understand. Why are you here? You could’ve left my stuff at the front desk. I mean, hell, we just met.  You may not believe me, but I can take care of myself. This is definitely not your problem.

Listen, no way do I think you can’t handle doing this on your own. I mean, in the short time we’ve known each other, I’ve found you to be the most independent and maybe the most honest person I’ve ever met. You’re also very stubborn, but here’s the thing. A woman should never have to give birth with no friends or family with them, and for better or worse, it looks like I’m all you’ve got.

Well, thanks, I think. But there’s so much you don’t know. There are things about me that will definitely change your opinion about being my friend.

I doubt that, but it doesn’t matter. My mind is made up. I’m staying. You’re not doing this alone.

************

Five hours later

Jason felt a gentle nudge on his shoulder. The now-familiar tall nurse, who seemingly hadn’t left the birthing room even once, was attempting to wake him from a restless nap. Mr. Morgan, I’m sorry to disturb you, but it’s almost seven, and my shift is about to end. Before I leave, I wanted to ask if you were planning to spend the night? If you are, I’ll have one of the orderlies bring in a rollaway.

Yeah, yeah that would be great. I didn’t know that was allowed. Are all new mothers kept overnight? I mean is that normal? Is everything all right? Are they okay?

Yes, yes. Everything’s fine. We just insist that mother and child remain here awhile, but I promise it’s strictly for observation. You should be able to take them home in the morning. I’ll give you a little privacy while I check on the arrangements for a bed. By the way, have the two of you decided on a name?

Not yet. We haven’t really talked about it.

Well, that’s okay. There’s plenty of time. The important thing is that you have a healthy baby girl. I’ll be back in about ten minutes.

Jason tiptoed quietly. The tiny baby was asleep, swaddled inside a sterile-looking hospital bassinet. He smiled and was watching the child breathe when he heard Thea’s voice. Are you finally leaving?

Actually, they’re bringing in a bed for me. Is it all right if I stick around a little longer?

Of course. I’m glad you’ve decided to stay. I could’ve had this kid without you. I mean in a way I kinda did, but it was really nice having your encouragement and support. I’m grateful, and I’m not just being polite when I say you being here, helping me, well, it was nice.

Before the nurse left, she asked me about the baby’s name. I didn’t know what to tell her.

Thea sighed. Remember when I told you there was stuff that would make you change your opinion of me?

Yeah, and I said that couldn’t happen.

Well, here goes. I didn’t wanna’ get pregnant, not now, and I know I should’ve been more careful, but the bottom line is I’d convinced myself I wasn’t ready to raise a child. I don’t have a name ‘cause I wasn’t gonna keep my baby. I’d originally planned on leaving her on the doorstep of a fire station. It’s a story you see in the newspaper or on TV all the time, women dropping off newborns during the night and firemen finding them in the morning. I know it sounds shitty, but the bottom line is they’re taken care of.

But, Thea, look at her. She’s so tiny, so helpless. You can’t just walk out on her like that. As soon as the words left Jason’s lips, he regretted them, particularly when he saw tears begin to stream down her face.

You’re right, I know you’re right, and I’m not gonna do that. I can’t just dump her and walk away, not now. I couldn’t abandon her like that, not after I’ve seen her, not after I’ve held her. She’s mine. She’s part of me, and I promise I’m not gonna leave her, not now, not ever. She’s way too precious.

Filled with relief, he plucked some tissue from a Kleenex box and handed them to her. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything. It’s not for me to tell you what to do, but I’m really glad you’ve changed your mind.

Raising this baby will be hard, maybe way beyond what I’m capable of, but I’m going to try. She and I can do this. We’ll do it together.

Good, but she still doesn’t have a name.

I’ve been thinking about that. My two grandmothers were Chloe and Jean. I don’t know. What do you think? Is Chloe Jean too old-fashioned?

I think it sounds great, and if she doesn’t like it, she can always go by C.J.

At that moment the nurse returned and Jason asked, What time can Thea and Chloe go home?

The nurse smiled broadly. Chloe, huh. That’s very pretty. A doctor will come by to see them about nine in the morning. Unless there’s a problem, we can have them ready to take home by, say ten.

Jason grinned. Sounds like a plan. He bent over the bassinet where without hesitation he planted a soft kiss on the baby’s forehead. What do you think, Chloe Jean?

He wasn’t sure how well it would be received or even if it was the right thing to do, but he sat on the edge of Thea’s bed and leaned in close, his hands on either side of her shoulders, his face