A Haunting of Revenge: A Cozy Mystery Tribe Anthology, #8

By Aconite Cafe, Verena DeLuca, Kathryn Mykel and 6 more

A Caterer's Guide to Halloween and Havoc by Jessica Thompson
When she is dragged to a Halloween party at a spooky house for the epic food, Violet never thought that mystery and havoc would haunt the party. When two people are poisoned, will Violet find the creep before the police make a terrifying mistake?

Friday Night Frights by Brittany E. Brinegar
Samantha Brown is a high school reporter with a nose for the truth. When she's sent to Goodnight, Texas to cover a haunted stadium on Halloween night she expects to debunk the myth. But when a football player vanishes from the field all signs point to the ghost.

Can Samantha find the culprit before the scoreboard hits zero? Or will the ghostly twelfth man secure a spooktacular victory?

Azure and the Case in Haunted, Texas by Verena DeLuca
Dragons are talented, resourceful, and irresistible.
Humans and Supernaturals need my talents more than they will admit.

Discover my latest adventure in lending a talon to a necromancer.
All while keeping my Hailey in the dark that other magical fun exists.

A Fright to Remember by Casey Jones
It's Halloween! Margot Parish is visiting her first Haunted House… and it's going to be her last. Her fun, spooky night takes a grisly turn when the host is found dead! It'll take more than tasty cupcakes to get to the bottom of this one!

A killer hides in the smoky halls of Hader's House of Horrors! No two rooms are alike, and the place is packed with suspects… and motives for murder. The last thing Margot wants is another mystery to solve, but with the doors locked and the killer loose, she doesn't have any choice!

Hellbenders and Haunted Mills by Rune Stroud
Beast witch, Autumn, heads out to investigate a supposedly haunted old mill with her cousin, Ivy. When they get there, however, they're met not by a ghost, but by a fugitive holding a gun.

Can Autumn and Ivy stay alive long enough for Ivy's deputy brother to rescue them? Or will they have to rescue themselves?

Graveyard Shift by Kathryn Mykel
Farmer PF Kin pours pride and joy into his work–a pumpkin farm so fruitful that it spills into the neighboring property, and he will stop at nothing to purchase the land before his dreams of sweeping the county fair are squashed.

Will PF solve the mystery before it's too late, or will his gourds be gored?

Rougarous and Babysitters by Jann Franklin
Mel's mother sabotages her Saturday night by hiring her out as a babysitter. Mel is less than pleased, but rallies to beat the clock and protect the household from a monster. Is the creature really a dark family secret, or an act of revenge?

Potions and Pocketknives by Patty Joy
Kelly Green's sleuthing skills are put to the test as a killer strikes at friends and coworkers in Eagle Point State Park, leaving festively gruesome displays in their wake. Why would anyone target the park rangers?

Can she find whodunit before she loses her new love?

Enjoy Kelly Green's newest adventure, with colorful characters and memorable murders, that will have you at the edge of your camp chair.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Aconite Cafe
• Release date: Jan 4, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215642108

Book preview

COPYRIGHT

A Haunting of Revenge

Published by Aconite Cafe

P.O. Box 845

Hamilton, TX 76531

www.AconiteCafe.com

© 2022 Aconite Cafe

All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law. For permissions contact: [e-mail]

Cover by Aconite Cafe

A Caterer’s Guide to Halloween and Havoc © 2022 Jessica Thompson

Friday Night Frights © 2022 Brittany E. Brinegar

Azure and the Case of Haunted, Texas © 2022 Verena DeLuca

A Fright to Remember © 2022 Casey Jones

Hellbenders and Haunted Mills © 2022 Rune Stroud

Graveyard Shift © 2022 Kathryn Mykel

Rougarous and Babysitters © 2022 Jann Franklin

Potions and Pocketknives © 2022 Patty Joy

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This book was made possible because of our dedicated Patrons. Thank you for your support!

Don Berryhill

Nathan Hunter

Edmund Koundakjian

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A CATERER'S GUIDE TO HALLOWEEN AND HAVOC

By Jessica Thompson

1

What kind of party are you taking me to? Violet spouted when she saw her friend’s Halloween costume.

Laurel sat in her Tesla wearing not much more than a corset and leotard with fuzzy accessories. Glittery lotion covered an expanse of olive skin and her milk-chocolate-colored hair was pulled up in pigtails, which swung as she leaned over to grin at Violet. What? This party is always the best, but like I said, guests have to dress up. Like, way up. Can’t you tell I’m a cat? She pointed to the black ears on a headband and a long tail sticking out from between her back and the seat.

Yeah, but I thought you meant to put a lot of effort into my costume. That kind of ‘dress up’, not ‘look really sexy’ kind of ‘dress up’. Violet climbed in the open passenger door. Five minutes earlier she had been glowing with pride over her detailed Rey costume, her hair even the perfect color and length to pull off the special updo, but now she was wondering if anyone else at this party would even recognize a Star Wars character.

Both. You look great! Laurel dabbed at her lipstick in the visor mirror. Everyone will know who you are, you’re not trying to get a date, and you get to carry a lightsaber, so don’t worry about what my snobby friends think!

They’re snobby? Violet shrank down in her seat. Why did you want me to come to this thing again?

It’s Halloween! Of course you have to go to a party! Laurel snapped the visor up and sped down the street before Violet could change her mind. Both of our husbands are out of town, I got a babysitter, you have an epic costume, and mostly, this party is incredible.

"I remember now, I am excited for the food, Violet cracked a smile. You said the food at this party is always life-changing."

And the worst part is that no one appreciates it! They’re just skinny socialites that don’t eat! Laurel made a wild hand gesture. As soon as I got the invitation, I knew I had to bring you. I mean, the food, the costumes, and he always rents a different spooky place. Last year it was the Driskill Hotel and we all heard these spooky noises!

Violet pictured the party girls she'd seen in some of Laurel's photos. How can anyone go to a party and not eat the food? She sighed. Where did you say it is this year?

Some big old house in Barton Springs. Laurel shrugged. I didn’t look it up, but we can ask my friend, Sterling. She always knows everything that's going on.

For the next ten minutes, Laurel drove as she gushed about the catering from last years' Halloween party and Violet nodded, impressed. From the individually-carved truffle fries that looked like severed witches' fingers to the exquisite scotch punch with realistic eyeballs floating in it, it was clear no expense or effort had been spared.

They pulled up to an old brick mansion with a tangle of pristine cars outside. The house couldn’t have been less than a hundred years old, with columns, turrets, and a widow’s walk along the top of the roof. But none of the cars out front could have been more than two years old, with the exception of one classic hearse that looked like it must be from the 1960’s.

Violet was already feeling intimidated before Laurel dragged her inside, but then she just wanted to hide in a bathroom. The music was loud, alternating between cheesy Halloween classics and thumping EDM that Violet could feel through the old wooden flooring. Half the guys were not wearing shirts and at any one time one was flexing somewhere in the room while someone else was throwing back a drink. The girls were even less relatable to Violet. Not one girl was wearing more than a bathing suit over a perfect body with long, freshly-curled hair and eyelashes.

Laurellll? Violet moaned, but Laurel only continued to drag her, snaking through the stuffy room that smelled of expensive perfume, liquor, and sweat, while somewhere people started chanting chug, chug, chug!

Sterling! Laurel squealed, then put her hands on Tinkerbell’s extremely pale shoulders and kissed the air beside both of her cheeks. "Did I just see Mila and Jackson here?"

That’s right! The blonde sang, wobbling the big bun on the top of her head. "And Brinkley."

No way! Laurel’s eyes popped.

What, do they not like each other? Violet looked between Sterling and Laurel.

Oh hi, Violet! I’ve heard so much about you! Great costume. Sterling leaned forward and waved at the air in front of her in a friendly way, making her tiny sheer wings flutter. Yeah, so, long story short, Brinkley and Mila have always had this rivalry-thing, no one really knows how it started, but it really blew up when Mila was seriously dating Jackson, like, we were waiting for news of a ring, but then, rumor has it that Brinkley stole Jackson, then suddenly they were dating and Mila gained like ten pounds. Sterling paused with a scandalized face.

Violet tried to reciprocate her raised eyebrows and dropped jaw to feign interest in the love triangle between people she didn't know, but it felt foreign to her. So Brinkley and Jackson are dating now?

That’s the thing. Laurel narrowed her eyes. They only dated for a couple weeks before Brinkley dumped him, so it looks like she did it just to steal him from Mila. Just to hurt her!

Chyeah! Sterling said.

Ouch, Violet said, But they’ve . . . worked it all out?

Nuh-uh, Sterling said. In fact, this is the first time they have seen each other since the breakups, any of them, so, you know, expect fireworks!

A girl in a spot-on Beyonce Barbie costume stumbled up, Laurel, is it hot in here, or is it just me?

Brinkley! You’re smokin’ hot! Sterling giggled and gave Violet a conspiratorial wink, but Violet noticed the sweat beading on Brinkley’s brown face.

No really, like, remember I have that adrenal deficiency? I need to know if I have a fever and need to take my meds or if I just need to walk outside for a minute. Brinkley leaned her face forward. Will you feel me?

Well, it’s a little hot, but . . . Laurel shrugged and laid a hand on Brinkley’s cheek. Whoa, girl! You’re burning up! Are you okay?

Yeah, I’ll be fine, I’ll just take my meds. Brinkley fanned at her face with a perfectly manicured hand. Be right back.

Violet watched as Brinkley grabbed a sparkly clutch that matched her costume, then strode to the grand staircase.

Ugh, did you see that? A tiny, pale girl dressed as Sandy from Grease with a huge, yellow wig had come up to Sterling while Violet wasn’t watching.

No, what? Laurel asked. You mean Brinkley getting a fever?

"Yeah, I mean, I was trying to patch things up with her, like trying to explain my side, hoping she would apologize, but then she fakes a fever to get out of the conversation," Sandy huffed.

Sterling huffed in solidarity, then her smile returned impossibly fast. Violet, this is Mila. Mila, this is Laurel’s friend Violet. The caterer that she told us about.

Violet usually loved being a caterer, but in this moment she felt another pang of embarrassment. She wasn’t a trust fund kid like everyone else here must be. Laurel would never treat her like it, and Sterling seemed nice enough, but she realized that a lot of these people might view her as beneath them because she actually worked for a living.

Hi, have you tried the golden snitches? They’re gold leaf and artisanal chocolate! Mila grinned like she was committing a crime by eating them, and liked it.

Violet’s shoulders relaxed and she smiled. Not yet, but now I definitely will!

Mila grinned around at the group. Must make the rounds, ciao!

When she was gone, Sterling leaned in and stage whispered. I bet she’s going to find Jackson. I heard she’s still in love with him and wants to get him back, so she’ll probably try while Brinkley is upstairs and can’t watch. But what she doesn't know is that he's upstairs too.

Oh, that reminds me, Laurel chirped. Violet and I were wondering, what’s the story with this house? I mean it’s old and amazing, but Jackson always seems to get a place with a story and then spread it around and play it up.

Sterling laughed. Well, I heard that this house is haunted by the ghosts of the lady that used to own the house and by her husband’s mistress, I guess during the Civil War her husband was so afraid that she’d get carried off by Union troops that he kept her locked up in the attic, until one day he got so crazy that he poisoned her and his mistress in this house so that no one else could have them.

Ew, Violet said, casting a wary glance in the direction of the attic. What happened to him?

I don’t know, but they say you can sometimes hear the two ghosts screaming at each other, like they are still arguing over the house in death. Sterling’s smirk slowly grew into a wide, malevolent smile.

Chilling! Laurel said.

Wicked, Brinkley drawled, appearing at Violet’s elbow, taller than she had been while wilting from a fever. Now she looked perfectly composed without a trace of sweat. She held a martini glass with a buttery, golden liquid that smelled like cream soda, caramel, and booze. Violet assumed it was spiked butterbeer. Hi, I’m Brinkley. Are you the caterer-friend that Laurel said she was bringing?

Yeah, hi, Violet said, blushing. I’m Violet, and yeah, a caterer.

That’s awesome, Brinkley said with just a wisp of condescension as she tilted her head and sent her high ponytail swishing over a bare brown shoulder. Have you tried the longhorn steak cubes? The ones with the syringes sticking out of them?

Violet’s ears perked up. Ooh! Not yet, but– Whoa! Violet jumped and grabbed at Brinkley’s arm as Brinkley stumbled forward, spilling her drink on everyone's shoes.

Oh sorry, I . . . just . . . Brinkley trailed off as her knees buckled.

Violet tightened her grip and reached for Brinkley’s other arm as she tried to steady her, but she went slack under her grasp. Laurel!

Laurel turned, just in time to save Violet from crumpling under the weight and to help lower Brinkley slowly to the ground. The crowd around them buzzed and cried in astonishment as Brinkley flopped on the ground with Violet and Laurel on their knees beside her.

Sterling! Call an ambulance! Violet called out as the sound died down into a low din of murmurs.

It took a moment for Violet to realize that there was another rush of sound and voices behind her. It sounded as if, on the other side of the room, the news had traveled and rippled and now caused another crescendo. People jumped amid cries and gasps. Violet laid a hand on Brinkley's forehead, but Laurel shot to her feet and pushed off through the crowd. She returned a moment later, craning her neck to keep her eyes on the hubbub on the other side of the room. You'd better ask for two ambulances!

2

Hi, we have two people that have passed out, we need two ambulances, at least, oh gosh, this is such havoc, what if it’s something in the food, or the punch? Sterling rambled into her phone.

Violet felt a surge of panic wash over her and closed her eyes against the scene. The rushing in her ears blocked out every other sound. What she wouldn't give to be at home with her husband's arms around her, telling her everything would be all right. Her husband. That triggered another thought.

Don! Violet called into her phone to her husband’s friend who was an Austin police detective. She almost had to yell over the ambient noise of people chattering in nervous voices, but at least someone had turned off the Halloween music. I think we need you here. It might be a crime scene, and I’m kind of freaking out.

Are you okay? Where are you? Don asked in a somber voice.

Yeah, I’m okay. It’s not me, but I’m at this Halloween party, and remember Jake is out of town, and two people just passed out.

Was it drugs? Have you called an ambulance? The sound of a car door closing thumped behind Don’s voice.

Yeah, an ambulance is on its way, but . . . well, the two people that passed out are bitter rivals. Their names are Brinkley and Mila. And they are the only people that have passed out, and it happened at exactly the same time, and Don, they aren’t waking up! Tears pooled along Violet’s lower eyelids. It may be silly, but I’m scared.

No, you’re right, Don said slowly, concentrating. That does sound suspicious. You were right to call me. And you know, treat it like a crime scene . . .

Until we know it’s not, Violet nodded as a tear escaped from each eye. Thanks for coming, Don.

It’s alright. I am on-call tonight anyway. I think everyone is because it’s Halloween. Now where are you? Can I get an address? Don asked.

Violet handed her phone off to Laurel for the precise location as Violet bobbed for a better view of Mila. She also lay on the ground, but it looked as if she had had a harder fall. A martini glass was smashed next to her tiny frame, her legs were sprawled, and her huge yellow wig was askew. Violet even thought she saw a spot of blood on the wig as someone pulled it off and fanned her with it.

An Aquaman that reminded Violet of the real Jason Momoa came racing down the stairs. Brinkley? And is that Mila?

Violet stuttered as Laurel handed the phone back to her, not knowing what to say, into the phone or to Aquaman, until he grabbed Laurel’s elbow, What happened?

Hey Jackson. Laurel gave a knowing glance at Violet. Yeah, Brinkley and Mila passed out, but ambulances are on their way. It’s okay, they probably just got too hot or something. I know Brinkley had a fever and had to take her steroids to curb it about ten minutes ago.

They’ll be fine, Sterling reassured him, squeezing his bicep with a big smile and sparkling eyes. Don’t worry about them . . . It’s still a great party!

And I just called my detective-friend. If they need to investigate, he’ll take care of it, Violet said.

Yeah, Don is great. Oh, Jackson, this is my friend, Violet. Laurel said, putting her arm around Violet’s shoulders, making her realize that she must look shaken. I, um, I was telling her how amazing your party is every year. She’s a caterer, so I was especially telling her about your gourmet catering.

Oh, yeah . . . Jackson tried to shake off his shock, but he still seemed antsy as he watched Elle Woods fan Mila with her wig and Morticia dipping the tips of her fingers in a water glass so she could flick droplets onto Brinkley’s face. It's all . . . Harry Potter themed . . . this year. Dragon steaks, golden snitches . . . have you tried the miracle berries?

Sterling squealed, Ooh yeah! They cast a spell that makes the lemon wedges taste like lemon drops!

Cool, Violet said, without gusto, But . . . Mila. I’m not really sure . . . I mean, she looks pretty bad. What do you think happened?

What do you mean? Jackson snapped, looking at Mila again.

She looked really pale, and just . . . I don’t know . . . Ugh, I hope Don gets here soon!

The front door creaked open, admitting six EMTs who walked straight to their patients, followed closely by Don in a polo and khakis. His disheveled, dark hair told Violet that he had probably been asleep in his clothes.

Don! Wow, you got here really fast, Violet said, reaching out for him in desperation.

Well, I was on call, ready for something to go wrong. It’s Halloween, after all. But I didn’t expect it to be you! So how is everyone? Everyone else okay? Healthy?

Yeah, no one else has passed out, Laurel sighed with relief.

I’ll ask around, make sure no one else feels queasy. Sterling said.

Or strange in any way, Don added. Sleepy, queasy, heart racing . . . anything.

Yeah, sleepy. Violet thought hard, trying to remember every little detail. She didn’t seem sick, she just passed out. More like she suddenly fell asleep.

I knew you were the right person to have on the scene. So, what else? Don asked. You know these people, so what's the inside info?

I don’t know them, I just met everyone. Except for Laurel.

Well, still, like I've told you, you've got a knack for this. So what have you seen?

I wasn’t here for very long before it happened. Violet picked at her fingernails. Brinkley was hot, does that matter?

Maybe, Don said. I’ll tell that to the medics before they take off.

Don followed the EMTs out the door, this time following Brinkley’s stretcher to her ambulance that sat in the street with its lights blinking red in through the door.

Violet, Sterling, and Laurel stood for a long moment, watching Brinkley getting loaded into the ambulance and receiving an