Ghostly Allies: Helena Foster Paranormal Mystery, #3

By Mary Ann Carman

No ransom as terror fills in her heart

 

Not one person knows where Helena Foster's parents are or when they arrived in Maui, except for the kidnapper. Helena knows they are some place on the island, from the phone message she received while she was in Tucson. She must dig deep into her distinct memories of past trips to figure out what's going on and where to locate her parents.

 

Distressed by thoughts of where they could be, what they're going through, and who could have done this Helena to contacts local authorities. She soon recognizes they are also "talented" in supernatural ways, like she is.

 

Frustrated and worried, her emotions build to a peak before she looks for help from the Kahunas. Time moves at a snail's pace in Hawaii, but Helena becomes more assured when her parents contact her telepathically from the high country. Is that where they are being held captive?

 

How will she find them before the kidnapper does something else?e

 

Buy Ghostly Allies Today!

• Language: English
• Publisher: My WordsWorth
• Release date: Apr 25, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201329907

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

Ghostly Allies

––––––––

Helena Foster Paranormal Mystery : Book 3

––––––––

Mary Ann Carman

Ghostly Allies

a My WordsWorth Publication

––––––––

First Edition Copyright © 2017 Mary Ann Carman

Second Edition Copyright © 2022 Mary Ann Carman

––––––––

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.

* * * * *

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.

* * * * *

Previously Released As Something Borrowed

* * * * *

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

Helena Foster Mystery (Previously Love After Life)

Murder Avenged (Previously Something Old)

Alone in the Desert (Previously Something New)

Ghostly Allies (Previously Something Borrowed)

Something Blue

A Silver Coin

Chronicles Between the Pages

It’s About Time

Life’s Eclipse

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

––––––––

Go to MaryAnnCarmanAuthor.com

or PM me on Facebook Messenger.

You can find Mary Ann on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/maryanncarmanthemacteam

––––––––

GoodReads:

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

––––––––

BookBub:

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

––––––––

Mary Ann Carman Shopify store has discounted pricing:

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

I want to dedicate this book to all my readers.

A long ago trip to Hawaii took me back

to a different time.

Acknowledgments and Thanks

I have much to be thankful for. Especially all my friends and family, also extended family. Many of you don’t even know that I consider you part of my life.

I would like to thank my incredible editor, Amy Briggs. We work together and sometime we fight together, but in the end the book is better for it.

I must thank my formatter, Debora Lewis. She’s been traveling all around, but still found time to get this formatted and out so you could read it.I must thank the people who helped me make sure that the Hawaiian information was as correct as I could make it. Pamela Asbury Smith and Jon Blum. If not for them, my names and other spelling would have been inaccurate.

I also have to thank my first reader, Lisa Magiary. I’ll send the next book with a box of kleenex.

And last, but by no means least, my readers. The book is dedicated to you, but I must thank you as well. If not for you, there wouldn’t be any reason for me to continue. Thank you for your support.

Dear Readers,

Six years after publishing Something Borrowed, the third book in this series, I decided the covers and titles, and even the series name didn’t reflect the direction the series took.

This was a perfect time to remedy that issue all at once. Sorry if it’s confusing. Readers who’ve purchased and loved Something Borrowed 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

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments and Thanks

Dear Reader

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

So What’s Next for Helena and Jeffrey?

Other books by Mary Ann Carman

About the Author

Maui

Chapter One

Jeffrey and Helena slipped out of the group of well-wishers at Ross and Jody’s wedding. The warm January weather was perfect for the perfect couple, and the Catalina Park Inn was exactly the setting Helena had hoped for when Jody told her about it.

The eighty-year-old inn was full of charm and antiques. The gardens, despite not being as extravagant as some of the larger hotels in Tucson, had an ambiance you couldn't buy. They planted flowering cacti and other succulents throughout the grounds and colorful pots full of blooms sat along the patio. Helena hated to leave the peaceful surroundings, but she had to make sure the reception was ready—they were having it at her restaurant, A Capella. It was a wonderful ceremony, don't you think? At least there was a ceremony. Helena leaned into Jeffrey. Not like ours.

I don't even want to think about it. Jeffrey leaned back into Helena. It makes my head hurt. I hate to remember how I worried I wouldn’t see you again.

Yes, and getting the guy who murdered you.

Yeah.

Passing as quietly as possible through the gate, Helena cringed when it made a loud squeaking noise, then grinned at Jeffrey. They dashed across the street holding hands and made their way down the sidewalk through the park. People milled along tree-lined paths, which led to a peaceful circular pool and various ramadas. They watched as children threw Frisbees with their parents while others were playing music in small groups. It was a happy place, and Helena smiled over at Jeffrey.

When they reached Fourth Avenue, which at this time of the day was busy, they slowed a bit. The Tucson streetcars drove up the road and cars halted as it passed. Some drivers, not used to the trolly, shook their fists and shouted.

Helena held up the skirt of her vintage bridesmaid dress so she wouldn't get it soiled, then brushed her hair behind her ear. Fourth Avenue has all anyone could ever want. Must be part of why I love Tucson. 

It’s great, and it’s the reason I wanted to have my restaurant here in this historic area of town.

Helena smiled over at Jeffrey as they continued to walk down the sidewalk. Restaurants and shops lined the street made new by owners who loved the past. The shops were rather quiet today. Most were getting ready for the Spring Street Fair and were busy putting things in order. 

When they arrived at A Capella, they gazed at the building in awe of what they had made here. A tan and brown stucco building with vibrant purple awnings to shade the windows from the Tucson sun blended into the surroundings of this unique area. Streetcar wires traced across the sky above them and rails imbedded in the street below.

Helena was caught off guard when her phone rang. She glanced at Jeffrey and sighed. I’m glad it didn’t ring during the ceremony. As she pulled the phone from the pocket of her vintage bridesmaid dress, she saw her parents’ number on the screen. She turned the screen toward Jeffrey and she pointed to it. It’s Mom and Dad. They probably want me to wish Ross and Jody good luck.

He nodded as Helena pulled her hair out of the way.

She pushed the button to answer and put the device to her ear. Distress crossed her face as she listened. Mom? What's wrong? Mom–Mom? Talk to me!

She leaned heavily on Jeffrey’s arm, then peeked back over her shoulder to see if anyone saw them. Everyone was minding their own business. Not paying any attention to the singular lady in front of the restaurant.

What is it? Helena? He turned her around to face him, but she didn't answer him. Her cheeks were etched with tears and a touch of sadness or perhaps, fear. 

Jeffrey gripped her tightly, pulling her toward him. Her skin was cold and clammy.

Helena’s icy hand brushed against Jeffrey’s arm, which was encompassing her waist, to hold her up should she pass out. Her face was pale and strangely distant. Her eyes forebodingly dark.

When she opened her mouth to speak, dread captured her words. She was still holding her smart phone to her ear, but the connection was gone.

He pushed her through the door and down into a nearby vinyl-covered chair, then handed her a glass of water from a nearby table. Since the restaurant was empty and booked for the reception, no one could see the floating glass. The cool air of the restaurant enveloped them along with the savory aromas coming from the cooking by the restaurant staff. They were putting the finishing touches on the reception meal.

She swallowed hard and fixated on Jeffrey. When this is over, we have to get back to Mission Park as fast as we can. Then we’re going to Hawaii. Something—something has happened to Mom and Dad. Jeffrey nodded. She said little. I heard some pushing and shoving in the background. Then she said 'We’re in Hawaii. Get here as soon as you can. They got us. Oh no. It can’t be. There's Sa—' I heard her say something else, but then silence, like she turned the phone off. She sounded scared. She was still gripping her own phone tightly in her left hand.

She took hold of the glass, but her hand shook when she brought it to her mouth. Water sloshed down the front of her dress, soaking it.

She didn’t care. She gripped Jeffrey’s hand. Her parents were in danger and she had to be there.

* * *

Wedding guests entered the restaurant bantering among themselves. Jeffrey skimmed the restaurant, moving toward the door, then back at Helena.

His parents, the restaurant managers, walked in from the back, moving toward the guests. His mother’s gaze rested on Helena for a moment before returning to the guests. With the swinging door fanning the room, those delicious aromas of food wafted toward Helena. She closed her eyes and ran her tongue over her lips.

Color was returning to Helena’s face and Jeffrey felt warmth in her fingers again. The imminent danger of her parents’ abduction shoved away from the happiness of Ross and Jody’s wedding celebration.

Helena zeroed in on Jeffrey and smiled, still gripping his hand. He knew she wouldn’t bring her personal fears into the lives of her friends if she could help it. She nodded, then stood slowly, set the glass down, and moved to join the guests, her wet dress forgotten for the moment.

Jeffrey stayed close, but gave her some room to gather her wits as she approached the crowd.

Welcome to A Capella. She shook hands and mingled through the crowd until Ross and Jody arrived with the rest of the wedding party.

Laughter and a light-hearted air filled the room, but the memory of Helena’s fear still tugged at Jeffrey’s heart. He’d need to be even more watchful of her safety.

As soon as there was a break in the festivities, Helena moved up close to Jody. We have to leave. I’m so sorry to miss the rest of your reception, but—

No, you can’t leave. We’ve barely started. Jody gripped Helena’s hands. Jeffrey could read the worry in Helena’s friend’s eyes.

Helena drew her hands away. You’ll be fine. I’ll let you know what’s happening as soon as I find out anything. You and Ross will have a wonderful honeymoon. She leaned in to kiss and embrace her friend.

Jody nodded. Tears ran down her cheeks.

Helena brushed them away. Be happy. This is your day.

Jeffrey took one final scan of the restaurant and quickly dashed through the kitchen toward the car in the parking lot.

Jody nodded again, and they held hands until Helena finally pulled away again. Jody tried to grasp Helena’s hand again, but her friend was already gone.

Ross moved to stand beside his bride and drew her back to where people lined up to wish them well.

Jody took one last glance at the door to the kitchen as it rocked shut, then turned her attention to Ross and her guests.

Michael, Helena’s detective friend, stood beside Jody and watched Helena. He nodded.

Helena slipped through the door to the kitchen where the staff finished preparing the food. Those delightful aromas still tempted her, but she knew she had to leave. Everything will be okay.

Jeffrey was standing by the car in the back parking lot impatiently tapping his foot..

As she drove out of the parking lot, Helena dialed her Mission Park travel agent on her hands-free phone. She had to book a flight to Maui quickly. Then they headed toward Interstate 10 for the six-hour drive.

Hurrying away from the restaurant wasn’t the way she’d planned their exit from Tucson, but it was the way it had to be now. Her parents needed her. She remembered all the times her parents had rescued her from trouble. Now it was her turn to rescue them. But could she do it? Would she be there in time?

Helena and Jeffrey held hands, but barely spoke on the drive home. Jeffrey knew Helena was concentrating on the phone message and he wanted to help but didn’t know what to say. He knew how he’d feel if it were his parents in trouble.

* * *

Helena pulled her rolling suitcase from the trunk then she slammed the lid closed, and dashed toward the side door of the house. She fumbled with the keys.

Here, give them to me. He opened the door easily, and she rushed to the bedroom.

Helena dumped her dirty clothes onto the floor and