Cold Stone Corpse: Helena Foster Paranormal Mystery, #6

By Mary Ann Carman

Two grisly murders discovered in almost as many days

 

Helena Foster was called by her friend Chief Bueno to Saguaro National Park to meet and assist as a special consultant. After the medical examiner finished, Helena is mystified to learn Jeffrey's wedding band was in the mouth of the corpse.

 

Helena discovers information about a shapeshifter, but when the shifter is found, she too has been gruesomely murdered. Her head sat on a pillow, eyes disturbingly wide open, while her torso remained at the foot of the bed.

 

Weary from her endless search for answers, Helena is pulled from her dreams by an entity intent on terrifying her away from the investigation. He drags her into his damp, dark, and musty underground hole. Blindfolded and unable to move, she can hear is creepy evil laughter. Frightened like never before but opposed to defeat, she fights to see daylight again.

 

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• Language: English
• Publisher: My WordsWorth
• Release date: Jul 3, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223952701

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

Cold Stone Corpse

Helena Foster Cozy Paranormal Mystery: Book 6

Mary Ann Carman

My Wordsworth

Contents

Title Page

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

So what’s next for Helena and Jeffrey?

Acknowledgements and Thanks

Other books by Mary Ann Carman

Special Note from Mary Ann

About the Author

Stone Cold Corpse

a My WordsWorth Publication

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.

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 the wonderful readers group Dining Diva’s That Sometimes Read

You all know who you are and you are the most awesome readers in the whole world.

But you already know that!

1

The clouds are dark and disturbing. I’d better get moving before the storm hits. I don’t want to be driving in a downpour. I jammed the last suitcase into the trunk and slammed it shut before squinting at the clouds in the west again.

Jeffrey and Christy poofed into the back seat of my old Mazda, making themselves as comfortable as possible.

I’ll run in fast to make sure I didn’t miss anything then we’re off. Okay? Jeffrey nodded and Christy continued to stare out the window from the passenger side. I glanced at the sky again before running into the bungalow we’d been renting the past few years.

I dashed back to the car and closed the door only seconds before the sky opened up and dumped buckets of rain on us.

With the key in the ignition, I twisted the wiper lever to the on position before backing out of the drive way for the last time. I tried hard not to get emotional, but tears filled my eyes as I stared at the bungalow where we’d made so made memories. I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Ready? I received no reply. I wiped the back of my hand across my eyes and backed out of the driveway, on to Tucson, our new home.

As I drove inland, the rain let up and the traffic was sparse most of the way, especially after passing the Palm Springs area. For diversion, I turned on the radio and sang for a while and took in the sights. I saw an occasional cactus and a few farms along the freeway until I reached the outskirts of Phoenix.

Then I turned off the radio for total quiet. I need to pay attention here. I’ve not driven in this much traffic for years. I lifted my gaze to the rear view mirror and found the back seat was empty. I had a feeling Jeffrey and Christy had decided to make their own way. Exactly what I get for traveling with ghosts.

I tried not to change lanes on the busy freeway, it was crazy, and the drivers somehow knew when a person wasn’t from the area. Guess the license plate gives them a clue.

After I cleared the busiest part of the Phoenix traffic and was driving south on I-10 through Chandler, I felt I could breathe again. The beauty of the long stretches of desert toward Tucson was a sight to behold, miles of nothing but dirt, rocks, and the mountains in the background. I couldn’t wait to walk the Sonoran Desert again.

As I traveled closer to Tucson, the weariness from the trip overcame me. It was, after all, a six and a half hour drive, alone, since my companions left me who knows when. I needed to stop and walk around for a while, stretch my legs. There was no way I could complete the journey without a break.

I drove passed the Pinal Air Park and continued down I-10 to the Marana Road exit where I pulled into the Chevron and filled up the tank. Then I moved the car to the side of the building. I could walk around to get the blood flowing again. I was incredibly content to have a desert surrounding me. I felt like I was in heaven.

When I started out again, I turned the radio back on to a news blast from a local station. A body was found in the Saguaro National Park West late this afternoon. US Park Service is checking into the matter. No further information is available. We will keep you posted. Wow, wonder what happened?

~ ~ ~

Todd sat at his computer reveling at the end of another novel. He would start a new one soon.

A light rap on his office door brought him back to reality. Beth, his next door neighbor and girlfriend stuck her head around the door. Okay for me to intrude?

Of course. He waved her inside.

She pushed his books and papers out of the way and sat on the corner of his desk, careful not to let them fall off the edge. She paused and glanced over Todd’s head out the window for a moment.

What are you and Michael up to?

Startled, Beth stayed focused out the window, and didn’t answer his question.

Earth to Beth, I said what are you and Michael up to?

Oh, sorry, I was scanning at the mountains.

Todd turned to see what she saw, but the mountains were the same. He glanced down at his hands. I need to take Beth on a trip soon, someplace exotic.

Finally she replied to Todd’s question. Oh, about Michael, were not doing anything. Ever since Michael and Mere were transported out of the book it’s been a little strange around here. I think you need to find him a place soon. He won’t find it himself, you know.

Yeah, you’re right. I’ll start his story soon. He’s getting too comfortable here.

Loud booming noises caught them off guard as Michael bound up the stairs and into the room. I want to see the desert. Can we leave now?

Todd turned at Beth and she nodded. I think it’s an awesome idea. Standing, he put his arm around Beth as they both watched Michael whoop his way down the stairs and out the front door.

~ ~ ~

Todd drove his ‘03 maroon Pathfinder West on Cortaro Farms Road across I-10 then South a short ways to Picture Rocks before finally reaching Sandario Road to enter Saguaro National Park. It wasn’t the scenic route, but it would get them out to the desert. They would be closer to the places where Michael liked to hike and run around the saguaros and other cactus.

On the drive, Michael leaned forward toward the front seats. I want to stay here, in Tucson. I don’t want to be too far away from you two. I love you guys. Michael touched Beth’s shoulder then slid back into his seat and returned to playing a game on his phone.

Todd knew Michael was still emotionally a child though his body was an adult. He’d not had to grow up, being a character in a book. Todd glanced over toward Beth.

She was watching the desert.

Todd drove over the dirt roads of the park until he reached Signal Hill, their favorite picnic area. Wild Dog Trail was great, but not for today. Sometimes they even brought a lunch. Signal Hill was devoid of hikers. Great, no one around. Michael can be himself.

Michael hopped out of the car as soon as Todd stopped, and he ran up the trail. Todd stepped out too and shouted across the desert. Be careful and watch out for prickly pear!

Michael stopped to gaze back over his shoulder for a second, then continued on. Todd leaned into the car. We didn’t bring any food, but we can still sit at the picnic tables. Beth nodded and stepped out of the car.

They hadn’t made it to Signal Hill before Michael rushed back gasping and out of breath. He was shaking all over.

Beth seemed worried when she glanced over at Todd then back to Michael. What’s wrong? Did you run into a cactus? Find an exciting petroglyph? She started pulling at his arms trying to turn him around so she could see what his problem was.

Michael brushed Beth off and shook his head between panting breaths. No, no, I found something you have to see. It’s gross. He grabbed Todd’s hand and started pulling him down the trail. Beth followed, being careful around the prickly pear and cholla cactus which covered the area.

A short distance away there stood a large rocky outcropping. Michael stopped. It’s on the other side. You need to walk off the trail, and it’s not a petroglyph.

Todd followed Michael’s direction. He returned quickly, brow furrowed and eyes darting around. He clasped Beth’s and Michael’s hands then rushed away from the area. We need to call 911. There’s a dead man back there.

~ ~ ~

Chief of Police Gil Bueno of the Tucson Police Department, laughed shaking his head. I’ll be in my office for a few minutes, then I’m leaving for the weekend. You guys have a safe one. The day had been long, as most days were in homicide, but he was excited at the prospect of his two days off with his wife Audrey.

Gil opened his office door and grimaced at his desk piled with papers. Monday, I’ll get this cleaned up on Monday. Then as he turned to lock the office, his desk phone startled him. He returned to answer the phone. Bueno here. He paused, listening. They found a body where? In the National Park? Another pause and he sat to write himself a note. Right, the park rangers are already on scene, understood. So why am I being notified? Dang my weekend is shot. They have their own detectives or special agents and... oh, they requested me personally. It’s strange, but okay. I’ll call when I get on scene. So much for the two days off.

Gil rushed out of the Westside Police Services office toward his car. As he slammed the door his phone dinged with directions. He glanced at it quickly, he knew the area and didn’t need directions. It won’t take me long to get there.

When Gil arrived at the crime scene he found the park rangers searching the area for evidence. One was talking to a group of young people near a car. Some were scanning the ground for clues, and one stood by the yellow crime scene tape further down the trail. Gil called back into the station to let them know he’d arrived.

Checking over the scene from inside of his cruiser, he still didn’t understand why he’d been requested. They usually contact the sheriff office detectives. He took a deep breath and stepped out of his car. Picnic area is clear—crime scene tape a ways down the trail—starting a ground search is redundant since the agents are already examining every spec of dirt they can find. Gil walked over to where the young ranger stood patiently on guard by the yellow tape. So, I hear you have a body. Where is it?

The young ranger aimed his thumb over his shoulder in the direction of a rocky outcropping. Gil lifted the yellow tape and stepped under then around the huge boulder to find the body of a man sticking out of the rock. He could only see the body from the waist up, the rest was inside the rock. Gil shook his head and ran his fingers in his hair. The red tape involved will be unbelievable. How did the body get in there in the first place? Gil swiveled to scan the empty desert. He drew the back of his hand over his brow.

Turning around, Gil squatted to get closer to the body. It appeared to be mummified and clearly it had been there for a while. Guess I’ll wait until the medical examiner gets here to learn more.

Gil stepped around the cactus and back onto the trail. Something was bothering him, the face, though it had been difficult to recognize, it was somehow familiar. Gil noted the time in his notebook and his observations.

He moved over to the young ranger again. Who’s in charge here?

The young ranger glanced up at Gil. Special Agent Boyd, Sir.

The name rang a bell. Gil had done training with a guy named Boyd. The sound of a boot scuffing on the rocky sand caused him to turn around. Oh wow, it is you.

The man held out his hand. Great to see you again, Gil, and thanks for coming. I know you’re wondering why I requested you. You have a history of solving some of the strangest cases, and I think this qualifies as one of the oddest I’ve ever seen.

Gil smiled. Well, yes. Somehow those cases fall in my lap, even when they’re not in my sector. Would you mind if I called in a friend of mine as a consultant?

Boyd shook his head. Gil, you call anyone you need to so we can get this off my books. I’ve called the park geologist since we’ll have to dig the body out. We need to make sure we’re not destroying things while we take care of this.

Thanks, Boyd. Gil moved back to his car to call Helena, since Boyd had given him the okay.

Her voice on the phone sounded totally exhausted. Yeah, this is Helena, talk fast I’m tired!

This is Gil, I know you’re tired, but we have an issue out here in the desert, and I need your expertise to figure it out. Get a couple hours sleep then meet me at the Saguaro National Park West by Signal Hill. See you soon. With the call taken care of, Gil walked over to the ranger who was talking to the young people.

The ranger stepped back when Gil arrived. Gil stretched out his hand and the ranger shook it. He glanced up to search for a place they could talk. . Let’s take this up to the picnic area. I think it’s a bit more comfortable to talk and you can sit. They all moved carefully around the cholla cactus and walked to the picnic area. Gil noticed the ranger hadn’t accompanied them. He found the deputy talking to Boyd and gesturing toward Signal Hill. Wonder what that’s about?

He turned his attention back to them. . I’m Detective Gil Bueno with the Tucson PD, and you are?

I’m Todd Fairfield, this is my girlfriend Beth Fergus, and Michael. Todd glared at Gil. Before you ask, we talked extensively with the park ranger and told him what we know.

Gil raised an eyebrow then took a seat on the cement bench across from them. I understand, but if you don’t mind could you please repeat it for me.

Todd seemed a bit miffed and he glanced at Beth, but eventually he consented. We visit the desert and hike like tons of other folks. His focus swayed to the rangers then to Michael. Oh, sorry, Michael likes to dash around. We wait for him over here. He came back relatively quickly today. We were surprised. He told us he found something he thought was unusual—gross, he called it. Then he pulled me down there. Todd pointed to the outcropping. I walked around where Michael pointed and saw the body. We returned to the car and hadn’t touched anything. Beth called 911 and the park rangers showed up shortly after.

Gil watched and nodded. Thank you. Do you know who the victim is, or was?

Todd turned to Beth, but she shook her head. No, I’ve never seen him before. I don’t know anything about why he’s there.

Gil was satisfied they had no more information. Okay. He stood. I’ll be talking to the rangers. Please wait here until they are ready to let you leave. They may have more questions.

Todd glared at Gil. Can I walk to my car and get a couple of blankets? It’s getting a little chilly.

I’ll have one of the rangers bring you some blankets to keep warm. I don’t know how long this will take.

Todd nodded and put his arm around Beth’s shoulder.

~ ~ ~

I must have dropped off to sleep as soon as I made my way up the stairs. I didn’t even care the car wasn’t unpacked. I figured Jeffrey and Christy, my ghostly sidekicks, could take care of themselves. Not sure what Gil wanted really, but I needed sleep.

The bright fallsunset shone across my face waking me. I tossed the covers off and sat up, then felt and heard my stomach rumble for food. Dressing quickly in the clothes I’d tossed on the floor, I rushed down the stairs to the kitchen. I opened the refrigerator and pulled out anything I thought I could make into a sandwich.

I was about to sit down and take a bite, my mouth watering from hunger when Jeffrey popped up in front of me. If you don’t hurry Gil will have left the crime scene. We need to hurry up and get out there.

It took me a moment to recall the phone call. When my memory kicked in I wrapped up the sandwich and returned it to the fridge, grabbed my purse and rushed out to the car. I was surprised the freeway wasn’t packed with cars, but once off the highway the scenery was scrub brush and a few farms until I arrived at the park. When I stopped at the Visitor’s Center I explained why I was there. They waved the twenty-five dollar entrance fee, but advised me to be careful and stay on the graded