Sinister Obsession: Helena Foster Paranormal Mystery, #5

By Mary Ann Carman

 

 

The word WITCH repulsed her, it must have been a joke, or was it?

 

Unable to find her ghostly husband, Helena ventures to Tucson where she feels he's with his parents. She finds him watching over his mother in St. Mary's Hospital after she'd been mugged behind Helena's restaurant.

 

She could sense the evil traces on her mother-in-law. It seemed clear her job was to walk through the darkness and destroy the wickedness.

 

With the help of a new friend who has links in the spirit and earthly world, Helena learns to channel her powers. She senses she's the target the malevolent being is focused on, so she will have to be the one to end his reign of terror. Facing him is life or death, but her family's safety and future is at stake. Can she defeat the soul-sucking evil or will she lose everything she ever loved?

 

There's a new witch in town!

 

Learn More - Buy Today!

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mary Ann Carman
• Release date: Mar 14, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215073100

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

Sinister Obsession

Helena Foster Paranormal Mystery : Book 5

Mary Ann Carman

My WordsWorth

Contents

Title Page

Also by Mary Ann Carman

Acknowledgments and Thanks

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

So what’s next for Helena and Jeffrey?

Special Note from Mary Ann

About the Author

Sinister Obsession

a My WordsWorth Publication

First Edition Copyright © 2020 Mary Ann Carman

Second Edition Copyright © 2023 Mary Ann Carman

All rights reserved.

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.

Previously Released As A Silver Coin

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.

~ ~ ~

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

Up to No Good

Helena Foster Paranormal Mystery

(Previously Love After Life)

Murder Avenged (Previously Something Old)

Alone in the Desert (Previously Something New)

Ghostly Allies (Previously Something Borrowed)

Left for Dead (Previously Something Blue)

Sinister Obsession (Previously 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.

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

This book is dedicated to everyone who’s had to deal with Deamons in their past. Deamons are not always of the supernatural variety. They are sometimes things that keep us worrying and unable to sleep at night. You will find the answer... look inside yourself... your power is there.

"Action is the foundational key to all success."

~ Pablo Picasso

Acknowledgments and Thanks

There are so many people to acknowledge regarding the publishing of this book. I apologize in advance if I missed anyone...it was not intentional.

I want to thank all my friends and family who helped me get through this past year. It’s been a long haul, but worth it in every possible way. I’m so grateful to have you.

My editor extraordinaire, Amy Briggs, through it all, we finally got this into print! A thousand thanks.

Also my incredible cover designer, Marisa Wesley at CoverMeDarling.com. You are amazing.

If it weren’t for my formatter, Debora K Lewis, all my words would be lost. She puts it all together.

Last but certainly not least, my readers. Thank you all for your support. I hold you in my heart.

Dear Readers,

Three years ago when this book was published as A Silver Coin, I had no idea that a second edition would be written. With the new editing came a new title, series name, and the direction of the series change.

I’m sorry if you were confused. This is the last book re-written in this series. Helena Foster Paranormal Mystery will continue, and Helena will always be learning about her talents, powers, and life. I hope you’ll stay with us, and that you love Helena as much as I do.

Mary Ann

1

Helena:

My bungalow wasn’t far from Amy’s bakery, but I couldn’t move fast enough to get home in time. In time for what, I wasn’t sure, but my heart was racing out of my chest. The source was probably in Tucson; it felt near but far away at the same time. One minute I sat enjoying coffee and a cinnamon danish, and the next the sensation hit me like a two-by-four. I had to get out of there so I could breathe. I’m sorry, but I gotta leave. See you girls later. The only thing I was sure of was it had to do with Jeffrey. I sensed his pain burning in my heart.  

The twitching nerves started in my feet, ran up my legs, and eventually traveled through my entire body. It wasn’t long before it reached the top of my head and the tips of my fingers.

I staggered like a drunken sailor down the street toward our bungalow, the erratic stride pushing me forward. I moved like a slow-paced zombie in a marathon. People passed me, but I paid little attention to the stares they gave me or the barking of their dogs. I was glad to be on my way home.

~ ~ ~

With the door unlocked, I shoved it open and entered the office, then dropped into a desk chair.

Jeffrey! Jeffrey, where are you! I shivered from the cold empty sensation I felt inside.

I realized after a moment the house was dark and silent. No lights were on, no sound. Nothing. This is odd. I couldn’t even hear the birds which were usually clustered in the immense oak tree out back. A chill passed over me.

Jeffrey! Where are you? I need you!

I pushed myself out of the office chair and into the living room, then collapsed onto the overstuffed sofa. I leaned forward and held my head in my shaking hands. I felt so alone, a sensation I hadn’t had in, well, forever.

Christy materialized on the couch next to me. I hardly noticed until she touched my right shoulder lightly. A frosty ooze flowed through my veins, even more than the chill I’d experienced in the office. I pulled back to the left and stared at her hand above my shoulder. Christy usually materialized when Jeffrey was nearby. They were both helpful in locating Terri only a short time ago.

A sudden bit of sadness filled Christy’s face. He’s gone. She floated up and moved across the room, then faded in and out as if the circuit breakers for the Universe were clicking on and off.

Gone? He can’t be! He would have told me or said something. My chest tightened; I couldn’t accept his absence. As my senses pinged around the room as I searched for any trace of him. He must be playing a joke on me. I’m sure of it. No, that’s not right.I can’t feel his presence at all, not even a whisper.

Christy followed my gaze as it moved around the room. She inched in closer to stand in front of me. He tried to shake off some kind of irritation, but he couldn’t. Whatever it was, it startled him. He stiffened then was gone. I don’t know what caused it. I can’t sense where he is, but I had to let you know. I hope you can find him. I think he needs you now as much as you need him. She faded more than before, then she poofed out. What’s happening?

~ ~ ~

I sat on the couch with my hands clasped together, to hold the shaking to a minimum, eyes closed, and picturing Jeffrey’s face. I still had no inclination whether he was close or if he even heard me.

I needed to try something else. Pulling my cell phone out of the pocket of my blue jeans, I hit speed dial for A Capella; there was no way I’d be able to dial it correctly.

Bob and Pat were Jeffrey’s parents and they managed the Tucson restaurant for me. Pat had sensitivities similar to mine. I needed to talk to her.

It rang twice before I heard Bob’s shaky voice. A Capella, how can I help you?

Bob, it’s Helena. Is Pat around? I need to talk to her.

Oh, Helena, I’m sorry I got sidetracked. Things have been off the past day or so. I should have called you. Pat’s in the hospital. She collapsed after being attacked in the parking lot a few days ago. She’s doing okay though; I stopped in this morning, and she was fine. She should be back in the restaurant soon. I’ll tell her you called.

No, Bob, are you okay? How did this happen? Was it A Capella parking lot? Did you call the police? I had so many questions and realized that Bob wasn’t acting right. My heart ached, and now I knew where Jeffrey was. Bob, I’ll be there in about six hours. What hospital is she in?

You don’t need to. She’ll be okay. I can let her know you called and—

No, Bob, I need to. Which hospital? I want to drive straight there.

She’s at St. Mary’s Hospital. Should I let her know you’re coming?

No, I want to surprise her. I’ll call you when I get closer.

Guess I’ll see you for dinner then. Have a safe drive and let me know when you get into town.

All right, Bob. I’ll see you this evening. Take care of yourself and I hope I can get some answers at the hospital. He truly wasn’t fazed at all about his wife being attacked, Bob wasn’t acting like Bob at all.

~ ~ ~

Flint:

My excitement built like a fever at my core. I pulled my lighter from the front pocket of my old torn jean jacket with my left hand, I allowed the sense of anticipation to relax as I rolled the metal spark wheel down to ignite the fluid. Flick. Flick. Flick.

My plans were in place. Even with the minor bump from the idiot kid who screwed up the attack on Helena’s mother-in-law and released the power I gave him. Well, he won’t worry about it now, will he?

As I turned to the side, I saw the smile on the kid’s face as he rested on the couch. The drugs worked nicely so far, but it won’t be long now.

As I watched, the kid’s smile contorted into a pain-filled sneer, his body drew back, or tried to, from something unseen. He shuddered and whimpered before coming to a stiffened halt with a death glare on his face. His head tipped back at an awkward angle, eyes and mouth opened wide, his face reddened to crimson, as if burning from the inside.

Now on to more pleasant things, like forcing Helena Irvington to give me what I want. Flick. Flick. Flick.

~ ~ ~

Helena:

How could I explain to Bob things weren’t as peachy as he thought they were? Since nothing is happening in Mission Park, it has to be Tucson. My parents were on vacation in Europe. I wasn’t sure I could reach so far with my energy so low. Besides, one of them would have called me if something was wrong. So, I guessed I better get the old Mazda packed and call the hospital to let them know I’d be leaving for an unknown time. Standing up slowly, I realized as soon as I got Bob on the phone my shaking slowed and it stopped altogether once I made up my mind to drive to Tucson. Yeah, the problem is in Tucson.

~ ~ ~

I tossed in a variety of clothes, my laptop, pens, and paper—After dropping my suitcase into the trunk of my Mazda, I called the hospital and both Eureka, the bakery where I enjoyed my coffee this morning, and Indigo to let them know too. I also called Michael so he’d know I’d be out of town. With everyone notified, I backed out of the driveway and down the road to Tucson.

~ ~ ~

The roads out of Mission Park weren’t too crowded. Small towns were easy to drive around in. On the other hand, the freeway got much busier as I was passing through San Bernardino to get from the State 215 to the US10. Once on US10 it was smooth sailing most of the way.

Good thing my AC works, driving through Palm Springs and Indio on the way to Blythe it gets pretty hot, especially now in the middle of summer. When I turned on the radio, I got nothing but static. Should have had the system replaced. Can’t pick up anything out here.

The drive was ho-hum, especially without Jeffrey to talk to. Desert, desert, and more desert. Truckers packed the freeway transporting goods around the country. They were the only change in the scenery throughout most of the trip.

As I closed in on Phoenix, I watched cautiously for the road signs. It was so easy to get turned around and end up on the State 17 toward North Phoenix if I wasn’t careful. I’d done it too many times to count. After I headed South again, I could almost relax. The Tucson exits were coming up closer, and I was sure I could find the solution to the problem and get back home before the end of the week.

Still an endless desert, but there were mountains to break up the monotony, at least a few more than there were near the freeway in California. I saw more and more road signs telling me about all the wonderful sites to see in the town of Marana, and the city of Tucson. Wished I had time for site seeing, but I had bigger issues to deal with.

I stayed as close to the speed limit as I could and still pushed the boundaries of safety. I had to get to St. Mary’s Hospital in one piece, but as fast as possible. When I finally passed the sign for Marana, I called Bob at A Capella and left a message saying I was close and would call from the hospital when I got there.

The freeway, of course, as it does traveling into a larger city, was busier, but I had my goal in mind and didn’t let all the traffic sway me from it. I had to get to Pat and find Jeffrey and I hoped the police detective I’d met and worked with in the past was still on the force.

I’d contact him if I needed additional help. I didn’t think I would need to, but it was always good to have a backup plan.

~ ~ ~

Flint:

When I walked through the glass doors to St. Mary’s, the cold was exhilarating. I was an invisible evil, and no one paid any attention to one more person walking down the hallway to the elevators. I was sure the older Irvington lady was okay so far, but it was the younger one I was intent on finding. She wasn’t there yet, but I could taste her presence in the air.

Then the elevator opened, and I stepped out as other visitors stepped in. They didn’t even excuse themselves when they walked passed me. How rude humans are. I found the room easily, but couldn’t get in. There was a shield of some sort guarding the door. Well, I’ll fix it soon enough. I turned around and left. I’ll be as patient as possible, but not for much longer. Flick, Flick. Flick.

2

Helena:

St. Mary’s Hospital was easier to find than I thought. I took the St. Mary’s freeway exit; the drive felt like it was less than a mile away from the freeway. I found a parking spot as soon as I pulled in, stopped the car and took a deep breath of cool air before stepping into the Tucson heat.

My nerves were on edge. I was worried about what I would find when I got in to see Pat, but I needed to know what was happening.

I walked through the parking lot, and glanced around at the enormous complex of St. Mary’s Hospital. So many buildings; not at all what I was used to at Mission Park. The entrance in front of me with its sleek glass doors opened as I moved toward them, issuing a blast of cool air. When I stepped up to the desk, the girl was busy on her phone.

Hello. I took a deep breath and leaned my elbows onto the counter. I need to know what room Pat Irvington is in, if you could check for me, please.

The girl nodded to me, set down her phone, and then turned to glare at her computer typing in Pat’s name. She stood and leaned forward, pointing down the hall toward what was probably the elevators. She’s in Critical Care. When you get off the elevator turn towards the nurses’ station. They can direct you from there. She turned back to her phone and continued whatever she’d been doing before I interrupted her.

Knowing how hospitals worked, I stepped back outside and called Bob at A Capella. I wanted to let him know I was in town, but I wasn’t sure when I’d see him. I had to leave another message. Something still isn’t right at the restaurant, Someone always answers the phone especially during the day when the place is opened. I needed to see Pat, then maybe I could figure out what to do next.

Back inside, the cool air refreshed me. I walked down the hall, past the gift shop to the elevators. I pushed the button, and the doors opened immediately to reveal Jeffrey leaning against the back of the elevator in the corner. He looked frightful. Paler than usual, even for a ghost.

After the door closed, I moved over and pulled Jeffrey into my arms. I had to comfort him as much as I could, but without knowing what was happening, it was difficult. He wasn’t saying anything, so I pushed him back and stared him square in the face. You’re exhausted. When was the last time you restored your energy?

He studied me before speaking. She’s okay, so far. I’ve been monitoring her and talking to her as much as possible, but she needs to talk to you. To answer your question, I’m waiting for Christy before I re-energize. He faded out instead of walking with me when I got off the elevator. He’s acting odd and out of sorts. What’s this about? I guessed he’dreturned to his mom’s room. I’d know shortly and prayed I’d learn more about the unfortunate events which caused Pat’s attack and Jeffrey’s disappearance and odd behavior.

All hospitals have different operating procedures in place. St. Mary’s Hospital seemed to be a lot like mine in Mission Park. I tiptoed to the nurses’ station and waited for the nurse to be free from her charting.

She jerked, startled. Can I help you?

I hope so. I’m trying to find Pat Irvington. The girl downstairs told me she’s in critical careand I needed to talk to you.

Okay, let me call the nurses’ station inside to let them know you’re here. One of them will be out to get you. I gather you are family?

I stepped away, but then glanced back. Yes, her daughter-in-law from California.

Okay. You can wait over there. She pointed to a row of chairs against the far wall in a separate room. "It might be a few minutes; you’ll probably want to sit in there