Luna's Quest: Celestial Investigation series, #2

By Mary L Ball

Luna Kast, surveillance specialist at Celestial Investigation stays

one-step away from danger. She meets Kevin Hollings.

He seems shy and levelheaded, but she's been duped before and

has no intention of making another mistake.

 

Luna and Kevin become friends, but she finds Kevin in the arms

of another woman and her latest case turns deadly.

 

Will Luna hold to her belief that God leads those who are faithful?

 

 "Luna's Quest" Celestial Investigation, book two. A Christian romantic suspense

based on three sisters. Their P.I. skills come in handy in the quaint town

of Mercy, North Carolina, a place where romance and mystery unite.

This novel is a 2022 with a new look and title.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Life Inspiring Books
• Release date: Apr 28, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201574949

Mary L Ball

Mary L. Ball is a multi-published Christian author and resides in North Carolina. Readers can connect with her on Face Book and her website.  https://marylball.weebly.com https://www.facebook.com/MaryLBallChristianauthor

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Sunbeams beckon everyone to rise in the small town of Mercy, North Carolina. A sky streaked with golden rays of light warmed Luna’s hands, which gripped the steering wheel on her way to the Sweet Shop to get Nellie , her assistant, a sugary indulgence . This was a tradition that had rubbed off on her and her sisters since they had taken over their father’s investigation firm. She parked her car close to the big donut sign, complete with red and blue sprinkles. Over the logo of the tempting indulgent another banner flashed, inviting customers to enjoy a non-fat vanilla latte.

Luna quickened her pace toward the double glass doors as the notion of a cinnamon roll, topped with icing made her mouth water.

She started to enter when a swish sound invaded her ears along with a sudden gush of air that fanned her backside and tossed the hem of her green skirt to the side. She turned her head, looked behind her and wrinkled her eyebrows at a young boy who weaved past on his bicycle just inches away.

Yikes. A man’s clipped voice rose.

Wetness splattered Luna’s silk blouse. She jerked and turned her head toward the entrance of the bakery. What in the world?

Luna frowned at the man and began to brush away the brown liquid, which flowed down the front of her blouse.

I’m sorry, but you appeared in my path so fast, I couldn’t stop. He eyed her soiled top and handed her a napkin from his beverage tray.

I know. Luna’s defeated sigh aired. That kid almost ran me off the sidewalk. She motioned over her shoulder.

I need to be careful. I wasn’t paying attention either. Please let me pay to have your shirt cleaned. I feel bad. The man gave her a bleak grimace.

She blotted the mocha stain. No, it’s my fault.

I don’t mind. I know a great cleaning service.

That’s not necessary. She touched the ends of her short hair. His blue eyes brightened behind a pair of square-framed glasses.

My assistant is going to wonder why her breakfast muffin is late. Luna moved to the side and took a step. Have a nice day.

Luna approached the counter as the man’s voice drifted her way. You have a good day as well.

Minutes later, she stepped inside Celestial Investigation. Here you go. Luna handed Nellie a bag.

Thanks. The assistant took the delivery and eyed Luna. What in the world happened? Were you trying to drink and drive again? Nellie grinned. 

No, I wasn’t. I learned not to do that a few years ago. The memory of her spilling a half-cup of hot cocoa on a pair of white pants made her brow knit together. This, she pointed to her lavender top, happened while I was trying to get our food. A boy on his bike almost ran me over. In my haste to prevent a collision I stepped into the path of a man with a large cup of mocha.

I see. Nellie stared at the stain. I’m not sure that will come out.

I’ll let the cleaners do their best. I’m glad I always keep a change of clothes in the office. Luna strolled to her desk and put a white bag from the bakery on her sister’s desk.

What on earth happened? Starr gaped at her, pushed her chair back and stood.

Luna shook her head. Long story short. I ran into a man and his beverage at the Sweet Shop.

Well, I hope it was worth it. A giggled filled the room.

He was handsome. His eyes were the lightest blue I’ve ever seen. They looked almost gray. Luna undid the top button of her blouse.

And. Starr made a loop in the air with her hand. Go on, there has to be more.

Luna grinned at her little sister who was in her early twenties, all grown and professional when she needed to be, but sometimes, still acted like a teenager. Okay. He’s the kind of man who looks good in glasses, about my height and has what Nellie calls a chiseled chin.

Starr shrugged. What’s a chiseled chin?

It refers to a man with high cheekbones, and a chin that’s balanced out perfectly.

Wow. Starr looked curiously at her sister as she made her way to the file cabinet. I need to transfer this to a USB. She held up the paper. Back to our conversation, that accidental meeting must have made an impression on you. She gave her sister a wide smile. "Did you have a long chat with him?

He was nice looking but we didn’t talk much. He apologized and offered to get my clothes cleaned. I declined and then he left.

That’s a shame. This man is the first guy I’ve heard you talk positive about since you broke things off with Greg. Back at her desk, Starr eyed her sister over the manila folder.

Don’t mention that man’s name. Luna shoved her purse away wishing her sister understood how it upset her to speak of her old boyfriend. First, Greg dated another woman while he claimed to be devoted to me, and then he gets involved in the kidnapping of our sister.   

Luna, what happened to Sunny wasn’t your fault. Greg was a slime ball. Starr laid the document she’d retrieved aside.

I know. Still, it bothers me that I didn’t use better judgement when it came to Greg.

Starr shook her head, He was a master at hiding things. 

I’m in no rush to try the dating scene again. Luna turned her attention to her blouse. I’m too picky when it comes to men.

"You want someone in your life that has values. We all do. There’s nothing wrong with that.

Thanks Starr. I’m getting out of these soiled clothes. She headed to the break room.

Luna slipped on her back-up top, white cotton with three-quarter length sleeves, brushed her short hair and pondered over the last part of her conversation with her sister. Her last boyfriend wanted everything to be fun and games. He never cared if the relationship grew. She tossed her dirty shirt in a bag and made her way back to her desk.

It seems unfair. Luna pressed her lips together when she realized she’d spoken aloud.

What’s not fair? Starr glanced from her computer screen to Luna.

I was thinking. I like my career, but sometimes I believe that being a P.I. gives men the impression that I thrive on fast life and adventure all the time.

People who are your friends know that’s far from the truth. You’re mostly a home body away from the office.

At her workspace, Luna added notes to the last case file. As she tapped on the keyboard Luna tilted her head toward Starr. I’m leaving at three. My shift at Fast Gas begins at four.

Okay. Starr moved her mouse. How’s the case coming along?

Slow. I hope I can help catch this man. Mr. Wilkes, the owner says he can’t stay in business much longer with a robbery happening every other weekend.

What do the police say? Starr stopped working and eyed her matte red nail polish.

They’ve tried but the lack of clues isn’t offering much help. Luna shrugged. The owner says he believes the authorities blame him.

Starr rubbed her brow. It seems the store is his livelihood. I know it’s not uncommon for business owners to pull scams, but I’m convinced he’s not responsible.  

I agree. These burglaries are about to bankrupt him. I’ve checked him out. He’s had the business for fifteen years. I don’t believe he wants to shut it down. Luna took a deep breath. This is Friday, another weekend.

Luna, be careful. You could get hurt trying to catch the bad guy.

Don’t worry little sister. I’ll watch my back.

Starr swiped a strand of her long blond hair from her face. Speaking of sisters, Sunny called.

I can’t believe she’d take time away from her honeymoon to check in with us. I hope she and Max are enjoying Martha’s Vineyard. Luna turned off her computer.

It sounds like they are. She wants me to have the carpet in the bedrooms cleaned before they return. Max is planning to live in her house and rent his apartment.

I’m glad Sunny and Max found each other. I know he’ll probably make Sunny mad with his tendency to be narrow-minded but she loves him. I’m sure they’ll always find a way to work things out.

We watched Mom and Dad often enough when we were small to learn how to turn the other cheek, even in relationships.

HAVE A GOOD NIGHT. Luna called out as an adorable little girl with bouncing curls, and her mother exited the store. She glanced at the box filled with cookies, which needed to a price. She had no experience as a store clerk. Of all the undercover work she’d done, this one challenged her the most. She busied herself by putting all the bills with Alexander Hamilton’s face in order. As she straightened the currency in the cash register, her cell rang.

Hi Starr. She grinned at the notion of her baby sister checking in on her.

How’s it going?

Fine. I’ll be closing in thirty minutes. Luna took a mental inventory of the shelves lined with snacks, and the soda fountain, which sat in the corner. I didn’t realize how hard store clerks have to work.

It’ll make you appreciate private investigating. Starr’s giggle flowed.

I enjoy my career.

I think we’re all blessed to have jobs we like. Starr paused, I’ll be gone all day tomorrow. Do you want me to pick you up Sunday? We can ride to church together.

Sure. I forgot you’re going to the Faithful Woman event. I’m sure the praise and worship concert will be wonderful. There’s always amazing talent there. Luna looked out of the large glass window. Several lights in the parking lot provided an almost daylight view. 

Starr sighed. I promise to bring you a CD.

Thanks. I’ll be here while you’re heading back from Raleigh.  

Watch out. Starr’s tone turned solemn. A stakeout in your car is different than putting yourself in front of the line of danger.

I’ve got this.

A low-ride, green vehicle pulled into the parking lot and a passenger got out. Sis, a customer is coming. I’ll see you Sunday.

A young man walked down a couple aisles and looked around. He rubbed his beard, tugged on low hanging jeans and ambled past the wall of carbonated beverages.  

Luna glanced his way. The door dinged. She turned her attention to an older gentleman, who headed toward the ice cream box.

The younger shopper grabbed a pack of gum and hurried to the counter. He dug change from the pocket of his faded, torn jeans. You new here?

She rang-up his sale I’m just filling in for someone else for a few weeks. The customer’s woolly face reminded her of one of those off-grid television shows.

He counted out a dollar-fifty and grabbed his purchase. See you later. He hustled outside.

The man with the ice cream came close to the counter. My granddaughter had to have a nutty bar. His eyes crinkled. 

I don’t blame her I like them too. Luna tallied the purchase.

Thanks.

Luna watched as the older man exited. Minutes later, she tallied her cash, locked it in the safe, set the store alarm and made her way outside. Another night had ended with no problems. Good, just doesn’t it help my case. She whispered as she got inside her car.

THE NEXT EVENING LUNA pulled into Fast Gas for another evening on her fake working shift, as she called it. A sports car sat at