More Than Just Shadows

By Bob Leone

Darkness closed in around her. The fear of being killed drove her onward through the forest. Her handcuffed hands swayed to and fro as she tried to keep her balance while running across the slippery moss-covered ground. High wet ferns caught on her jeans, soaking her pant legs. Is he gone? Has he given up? She slowed her pace to listen. I don't hear anything. She breathed in shallow pants, glancing around for any movement, a shadow, anything to indicate that she was still being pursued. She laughed nervously. Shadows, huh? With demons around, there are more than just shadows to fear. With her last year of high school coming to a close, all Lisa McGrath could think about was being reunited with her college boyfriend, Jason Parks. She was grateful that no demons had been seen for almost a year in their sleepy little hometown. But all good things must come to an end. Lisa was thrust into a new widespread demon infestation. Whether she liked it or not, she found herself back in the role of a Demon Hunter. In clashes with the demon hoards, she faced danger and death at every turn. Adding to her struggle, her best friend had been kidnapped and sentenced to death under the orders of a boss demon. But the one thing the demons didn't count on was Lisa not playing by the rules. Dynamite in a pair of jeans, she was about to blow it wide open or die trying. Adventure, fantasy, and romance all spun in an exciting Christian backdrop.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Oct 20, 2020
• ISBN: 9781098047719

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More Than Just Shadows

The Shadow Series

Bob Leone

Copyright © 2020 by Bob Leone

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Shadow Series Book One:

They Don’t Cast Shadows

Dedicated to my brothers and sisters:

Joe, Mary, Joanne, Ron, Randy, and Jeannette

Foreword

I believe the strength of a book is largely determined by the character of the author. Fortunately for us, Bob Leone’s heart is genuine and he lives out his faith. He has strategically written a fascinating fictional story to help us learn valuable lessons in a creative way. C.S. Lewis wrote in a similar vein about the spiritual realm in The Screwtape Letters. Lewis believed the Devil uses two equal and opposite strategies. One is to convince us he does not even exist. The other is to get us to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in the demonic realm so much that we forget the One who conquered and has the power over that spiritual realm. Lest we minimize the power of fiction, one need only remember the parables and fictional stories told by a man named Jesus. As I was reading the book, an intriguing question popped into my mind: What would you get if you crossed Buffy the Vampire Slayer with the Screwtape Letters? Read the Shadows Series by Bob Leone and you just might find out!

—Larry Bubb, Professor, International Speaker,

Recording Artist, Homiletical Humorist, CEO and founder of Larry Bubb Ministries

1

Jason Parks slipped his hands into the pockets of his parka and avoided the shallow puddles dotting the campus courtyard. It was midnight, cold, wet—the time when spring rain hung on, fighting summer’s arrival.

Exhausted from a long day of classes and working in Trinity University’s kitchen, Jason trudged up the stairs of Dorm F, hanging onto the handrail, eyes half-closed.

For the last nine months, weariness seemed to be his perpetual state. Jason sighed. It wouldn’t be long until summer vacation. His shoulders slumped as he reached his dorm room. A sock on the doorknob, Alex had another female visitor.

Jason slid his tall athletic frame down the wall, sitting on the hard concrete floor, waiting for Alex’s visitor to leave.

Alejandro (Alex) Horabuena tried hard to live up to his name. Horabuena in Spanish meant good time. If it wasn’t booze, chicks, or loud music, he wasn’t happy. The total opposite of what Jason needed for a roommate.

Trinity University was divided into three fields of study: Trinity Bible College, Trinity Business School, and Trinity Liberal Arts Institute. Why the Housing Board mixed up students no matter what their major baffled Jason. They certainly didn’t read his housing application. The college policy of two to a room, with no exceptions, didn’t help. He was a quiet Bible student, and Alex was a rowdy business major. Like oil and water, they did not mix.

Jason was awakened by his dorm door opening. A scantily clad brunette glanced down at Jason, smiled, blew him a kiss, and then wiggled down the stairs to her room.

In the moonlight shining in from the center window, Jason shuffled across the small room and flopped on his bed. He glanced longingly at the picture on his nightstand: Happy times last summer with his girlfriend, Lisa McGrath, riding horses in Cloverville, California, their hometown.

"Sorry, mi amigo, Tiffany just didn’t want to leave," Alex said from his bed across the dimly moonlit room. The small dorm room had basic furnishings: two beds, two nightstands with lamps, two study desks, and one shared closet. A rather large boom box sat at the foot of Alex’s bed.

Jason said, I keep telling you to have your trysts on Saturday nights. Jason yawned. I need my sleep.

I try, Alex laughed, but these girls just can’t get enough of me.

Jason reached in the little drawer on his nightstand and, thinking of Lisa, felt a tiny velvet box. He closed the drawer, smiling. Worn out, he rolled over. Goodnight, Alex.

"You know, I have been told by the girls in the dorm that they think you’re hot. There’re too many for me, mi amigo, Alex laughed. I’m willing to share."

Not interested. Goodnight.

As Jason yawned, there was a knock on the door.

I guess Tiffany wants to say goodnight. Alex laughed. "Entra, mi amor!"

A boy in plaid pajamas came in, shouting, Jason! I think Giorgio’s sick!

Jason’s second job as Residential Advisor helped pay for his college education. It meant anytime any of the two hundred students in Dorm F had a problem, they came to him.

Jason rolled out of bed.

Good thing you’re still dressed, Alex said, snuggling back under his covers.

Jason grunted and followed the pajama-boy down the hall to his dorm room.

In the room, he found Giorgio doubled over on his bed, moaning. The smell of vomit filled the room. He felt Giorgio’s forehead—hot.

Jason pulled out his cell phone and dialed 911.

Jason sat at the edge of the bed. What did you have to eat?

Just some leftover crab cakes, the boy moaned.

How old? Jason looked around the room. Most roommates bought a small refrigerator. They didn’t.

I don’t know, a couple of days maybe.

Probably food poisoning. Jason yawned, knowing that he would probably lose another hour of sleep before this ordeal was done.

*****

In the foothills above Cloverville sat the McGrath Horse Ranch. Red painted barns and a white two-story home with red trim sat comfortably in a clearing in the surrounding pine forest.

Lisa McGrath sat on her bed early Saturday morning, smiling, as she received a text from Jason. Her blue eyes sparkled as she read that her boyfriend was leaving college for the weekend and couldn’t wait to see her.

Lisa brushed back strands of her long blonde hair; she knew in her heart that Jason was having a hard time paying his own way through college.

He always arrived so tired after working two jobs; plus, the three-hour drive from Trinity City to Cloverville didn’t help either. She loved him deeply and missed him, but when he was here, Jason hardly ever wanted to do anything, sleeping half the time.

Last summer was filled with fun and adventure, except for Terror Week and her almost dying. Lisa was hoping that with school out next month, Jason would get back to his old self, back to a time when they rode horses, went out with friends, and did fun things; but during the last nine months of college, she only saw him on weekends.

Ping! Lisa’s cell phone notified her of an incoming text message.

Tina: Me and Eddie R going 2 the Roxie 2nite, U and J wanna come?

Lisa: Time?

Tina: @ 5. then Bud’s, K?

Lisa thought, Jason will be tired as usual, so he won’t want to go anywhere, especially to the movies. But if I let him sleep beforehand… Hmmmm, good plan.

Lisa then sent a text back to Tina: K.

Tina: *smiley face* emoji.

Since Tina and Eddie had been going steady, Lisa hardly saw her best friend, Tina, anymore…alone, that is. With Jason gone, Lisa had felt abandoned by her. Sometimes she just needed to confide in her best friend. Tina just hadn’t been there for her.

Lisa stared at the heavy white cotton jacket and reinforced trousers hanging on the closet door with the brown belt she just earned. It was her Krav Maga martial arts class uniform. She started Krav Maga as a therapy to help her get over the trauma of Terror Week, but it had also really helped her occupy time while Jason was away. She had excelled at an extremely fast pace to the surprise of Yosef, the master teacher.

Lisa decided to go horseback riding to clear her head. She slipped her phone in the back pocket of her jeans as she walked down the stairs from her bedroom. Her mother met her at the bottom. Mrs. McGrath was a good-looking forty-year-old with dirty blonde hair and a deep tan. With a large grin, she said, So Jason will be here soon?

Her parents adored Jason since he single-handedly saved the town during Terror Week. Well, Lisa’s gift helped a little too.

Yes, Mother, in about three hours.

That poor boy always looks so run down. Too bad his rich father won’t help him out.

That’s his father’s choice, Lisa said. I’m going for a little ride.

Okay, have fun, but remember, not too fast. The roads are slippery from last night’s rain.

Lisa looked to the ceiling. Yes, Mother.

Just be careful, okay?

Even if I wanted to go fast, which I won’t, Lucky knows the condition of the roads.

Yes, your horse is smart that way.

Lisa looked back at her mother standing in the doorway of the two-story ranch house and smiled. During Terror Week last summer, her parents were so different. Now demon-free, they were back to their normal happy selves.

Terror Week—that was what everyone in Cloverville called it. Demons, witches, warlocks, animal sacrifices, demon possession—you name it, they had it.

But that was all over now. For eleven months, Lisa had not seen a demon or an angel.

Lisa entered the barn and reached for Lucky’s riding equipment. Lucky whinnied in anticipation as she brushed him and threw on a saddle pad. Lucky had the bulky look of a Quarter Horse, although the bay horse was not purebred. Lisa quickly put on the saddle and equipment.

Soon, Lisa rode Lucky out of the barn and down the long driveway away from the ranch.

*****

Lisa! Lisa’s mother called up the stairs. Jason’s here!

Lisa skipped down the stairs, taking two steps at a time.

Slow down, Lisa’s mother said, he just pulled in front of the house.

Lisa dashed outside as Jason was getting out of his blue four-wheel-drive pickup.

She leapt up into his arms, throwing her arms around his neck. They kissed, swinging around, Lisa’s feet flying, and Jason holding onto her slim waist.

Lisa’s mother smiled, standing in the doorway, glad that her daughter had found such a wonderful guy.

Jason slipped her back down onto the ground. Hi, sweetie.

Hi, my love, Lisa responded with a smile.

Jason! Lisa’s mother called. You want some lunch?

Jason whispered, What I really need is to lie down. I only got four hours of sleep last night.

Get a little to eat. Then you can rest, okay? Lisa whispered.

Thank you, Mrs. McGrath, Jason said, smiling, as they walked up the steps to the front door.

They entered the small farmhouse kitchen. A white table, with ceramic rooster salt and pepper shakers in the middle, sat in the center of the room, surrounded by four chairs.

While Jason sat down, Lisa took a plate out from the white rustic cabinets and placed it on the table.

Mrs. McGrath said, Enjoy. She placed a high-stacked sandwich on his plate. Turkey and Swiss, your favorite.

Thank you, you’re too kind, Mrs. McGrath, Jason said.

Mrs. McGrath smiled. Anything for my future son-in-law.

Mom! Lisa blushed. You’re so embarrassing.

Jason smiled, winking at Lisa.

Lisa poured Jason a glass of milk and gave him a peck on the cheek.

Lisa’s mother said as she was leaving, Enjoy your lunch. And remember, Lisa, your bedroom door stays open.

Yes, mother, Lisa said, rolling her eyes. She sat down next to Jason. Sorry about my mom.

Don’t worry about it. I knew that the subject would come up eventually.

My mom and dad got married right out of high school, Lisa said. So she thinks if you find the right person, you should get married.

Jason smiled. Well, I certainly have found the right person. Jason leaned over, and they kissed. But we aren’t in any position to talk about that. I’m barely surviving at school as it is.

I’m meeting with Carol after church tomorrow to talk about what I should do after I graduate next month.

Carol? Who’s Carol? Jason asked.

Mrs. Carol Emery, the pastor’s wife. She told me to call her Carol.

Carol. Huh. I didn’t even know her first name. By being away so much, I feel like I don’t know half of what’s going on.

Well, the half you do know is that I love you.

That’s the best half.

Tina and Eddie want us to go with them to the movies this afternoon.

He yawned. I’m so beat. I don’t know if I can stay awake. Especially not in a dark theater.

Well, it’s not until five. Lisa stood and massaged his neck and shoulders. So you can go upstairs and sleep for five and a half hours before we have to go, okay?

Jason closed his eyes, enjoying the massage. That will work.

Lisa thought, Score one for womankind.

*****

Lisa and Jason walked up the stairs to her bedroom. Jason flopped on the bed on his back, sinking his head into her pillow. Her lingering fragrance from the pillow warmed his heart. Lisa pulled her cell phone out of her back pocket. Leaving the door open, she threw her phone on the bed and then climbed onto the bed, straddling Jason.

She kissed him delicately on the cheek, then gently on the lips. His mouth was warm and moist. Lisa reached around Jason’s neck and pulled him toward her. He reached around, kneading her back. She moaned. They kissed deeply, each getting more and more excited. Their bodies pressed together.

Jason gently pushed her off. We’ve gotta stop or I won’t be able to.

Lisa stared at the ceiling. I know he’s right. I wish he wasn’t…

Lisa stroked his raven hair, then down his handsome face, her hand going down gently past his chiseled jaw, feeling his large muscular chest through his T-shirt and stopping at his well-defined abs. Her bedroom eyes gazed longingly at him.

He held her hand gently. We must not until we’re married.

When? She sighed.

Soon, I hope. Right now, I can’t see a way.

I’ll be graduating in a month. I could get a job.

Jason placed his hand gently on her cheek. I love you so much.

I love you, Lisa said while getting up. You better get some rest. Time goes by fast.

He smiled. Yes, ma’am.

Sleep, she said. She smiled as she left the room.

He sank his head deep into the pillow. The last thing he heard was the light tapping of her footsteps going down the stairs.

*****

While Jason slept, Lisa changed into some thigh high socks and a blue knee-length skirt with a matching blouse. She then leaned over and kissed Jason. Wake up, Jason, you have a few minutes before we need to go.

Thanks for letting me sleep. I needed that. Jason stretched out his six-foot-one-inch frame. He rolled out of bed and entered the bathroom, shutting the door behind him.

Lisa grabbed her pink winter coat and sat at the edge of the bed.

Ping!

Lisa stood, pulling her phone out of her back pocket. Getting it out in any other position was impossible.

Tina: Where R U?

Lisa: Just leaving, C U.

Tina: K.

Jason said, I’m ready.

Lisa and Jason walked down the stairs, and as they reached the bottom, Lisa’s mother said, You guys going out?

Going to the movies with Tina and Eddie. Won’t be home for dinner. We’re going to eat at Bud’s.

Okay, have fun.

Once in Jason’s truck, Lisa moved Jason’s jacket over as she slid next to him.

*****

Jason parked his truck and put on his parka. The cool mountain air scented by the pine forest around them felt refreshing as they walked hand in hand to the Roxie theater.

By the way, I never asked. What’s playing, anyway? Jason asked.

Lisa laughed. Oh, something we can relate to. You know, a Marvel movie about demons and such.

We had our fill of them, all right, he said, punching the air.

Jason! Eddie shouted as they approach the theater. Eddie was a lanky six-and-a-half-foot-tall eighteen-year-old, too uncoordinated to play sports.

Jason and Eddie gave each other a fist bump. Tina and Lisa laughed, hugging each other, best friends since kindergarten. Tina was a pretty teen with natural red hair and a nose full of light little freckles. She was average height, two inches shorter than Lisa’s five feet seven inches.

When they went up to the box office, Eddie said, I got it. I’m working after school at O’Leary’s. Eddie paid the cashier in the glass booth.

How did you get that Job? Jason asked.

Bubba put in a good word with his old man.

Cool. I’ll get dinner then.

Tina laughed. Like I wouldn’t do that if I were you. Eddie eats like a horse.

They all laughed as they went into the brightly lit theater lobby. The smell of popcorn was strong, lightly meshed with the smell of the old carpet.

Jason laughed inwardly. The same carpet since I was a kid. He could still see the stains of multiple accidental spills from the Saturday morning kiddy shows, a few to his discredit. It was a warm feeling being back in his hometown.

Glancing at the prices and knowing Jason’s limited budget, Lisa said, I don’t need any popcorn or anything since we are going to Bud’s after.

They all agreed and passed the colorful concession counter. A young teen collected their tickets, tore them in half and directed them into the theater. The Roxie only had one screen, one theater—small town. The auditorium was half full, about a hundred people seated. They found four seats together near the middle. Jason could feel his shoes sticking to the floor as they worked their way between the rows to their seats. Tina and Lisa sat together with Jason and Eddie on either side.

Hey, Jason’s here! someone shouted, and that began a cheer of Cougars! Cougars!

Jason stood and laughed as he bowed.

When he sat down, Lisa smiled, rolling her eyes. Wow! I’m dating a popular high school football player.

It’s a small town. Jason smiled modestly. They still remember me playing from last year.

Lisa wrinkled her nose and smelled the air.

What’s up? Jason asked.

I haven’t smelled that odor since last year, Lisa said. Either someone’s playing a prank with rotten eggs or there are demons nearby.

Do you see any around? he asked, eyes wide.

She scanned the auditorium. Nope.

Tina nudged Lisa. What’s going on?

Nothing, I thought I smelled a demon.

Demon? Tina’s eyes widened. Like, I thought they were all gone. The lights dimmed, the auditorium quieted, and the previews began.

They are. Lisa smiled. I guess I just get nervous in dark places… I guess. This assured Tina, and she turned back, giggling with Eddie.

Out of the corner of her eye, Lisa saw a red flash. She turned her head and saw another red flash from the other side.

What’s wrong? Jason whispered.

I don’t know. Probably nothing, Lisa whispered.

Suddenly right in front of her, she saw a fiery dart fly across the auditorium and land on a man’s head.

"There are demons here!" She whispered in Jason’s ear.

Are you sure? he whispered back. They haven’t been around for almost a year.

I just saw some fiery darts that the demons throw, Lisa whispered, then pointed. There goes another one.

Demons threw fiery darts into people’s heads, putting evil thoughts and suggestions without the victims knowing it, for they were invisible, only seen by Lisa’s special gift.

I’m going to go check it out, Lisa whispered, starting to rise in her seat.

Jason started to stand. You want me to come with you?

I’ll yell if I get in trouble, she whispered as she got up.

Jason smiled. What happened to that timid girl I met last year?

I’ve learned a lot since then, she said, giving him a Wonder Woman hands-on-hips pose. And you know that I’m not completely defenseless.

No doubt, Jason whispered proudly. Not since you earned your brown belt.

Lisa smiled. I had to do something to keep me busy while you were away.

She walked to the back of the auditorium, following the little red lights on the sides of the carpet.

She looked across the faces of the patrons lit by the flickering light from the screen and spotted a demon in the back by the exit door.

Barakah, Lisa said in a low voice to the demon who possessed her father last year. What are you doing here? I thought you all were sent to the abyss.

McGrath, you can see us again? the surprised demon said.

I haven’t seen any demons since last year.

We’ve been around. The lizard-looking demon laughed. It shouted out, Hey, Zafir, the McGrath girl can see us again!

Lisa’s eyebrows furrowed. Why don’t you just leave?

We haven’t broken any laws, Barakah said.

Yeah, Zafir said, the other reptilian-like demon as it approached.

So why don’t you go. Just stay away from me and my friends, Lisa said, returning to her seat. And everyone else, for that matter. She could hear the demons laughing, ignoring her words.

Lisa sank into the saggy theater seat in a huff.

What happened? Jason whispered.

I’ll tell you later, Lisa whispered. The movie’s starting.

Jason stretched his arm around Lisa. She leaned comfortably into his shoulder.

As she watched the movie, she tried to ignore the occasional fiery dart flying across the auditorium.

*****

Bud’s Soda Shop was a favorite place with high school students. The soda shop was decorated in the school colors, green and white stripes. Cougar football team pennants and pictures decorated the walls. Tina and Eddie were already seated under a picture of Jason stretched out, catching a winning pass.

Jason went up to the counter and ordered an extra-large half-pepperoni/half-Hawaiian pizza.

I ordered the pizza, Jason said as he took a seat next to Lisa.

Pepperoni, I hope, Tina said.

Jason laughed. Yes, I think I know what everyone wanted. Turning to Lisa, he winked. And half-Hawaiian for my love.

Lisa smiled, giving him a peck on the cheek.

Eddie stood and said, What does everyone want to drink?

After they gave him their preferences, Eddie left.

So what happened in the theater? Jason asked. You haven’t said a word about it.

Barakah and Zafir, the two demons who possessed my parents last year, were in the movie house, Lisa said bluntly.

Like, I thought they were all gone! Tina exclaimed, wringing her hands nervously.

Eddie asked, Thought who was gone? He set the tray with their drinks on the table.

Tina grabbed onto Eddie’s arm as he sat down. Lisa said that the demons are back.

I didn’t say that they were back, Lisa said. They told me that they never left.

Then why didn’t you see them? Tina exclaimed, looking around nervously.

"Evidently, for