Capturing Life's Midnight

By Amy Shannon

Matthew Garris is trying to come to terms with what he wants out of life when a madman not only takes him, but several other men in Sars Springs. Things are not what they seem when the suspect becomes the victim.

Losses are felt as body parts start appearing all over town and the morgue is identifying them as relatives. When a close relative is found among the dead, the family tries to keep it together. Dr. Raina Markum goes on a hunting expedition in order to track down the evil that is haunting the town.

Will the pain of losing limbs and loved ones overcome learning about the dark secrets of the terrorists of the town? What will happen when the evil is not only from a deep ancient past, but a familial relation that shocks the family into deciding if blood is truly thicker than water?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Amy Shannon
• Release date: Dec 19, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215781616

Amy Shannon

Amy Shannon is an author, professional book reviewer and literary consultant. Amy is republishing and publishing some for the first time, her MOD Life Epic Saga, which has over 67 volumes, and 9 bonus books.

Book preview

Capturing Life’s Midnight

Amy Shannon

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Essence Publishing

Ballston Spa, NY 12020

https://essenceenterpriseus.com/essence-publishing

2023 Edition

Copyright © 2023 by Amy C Shannon

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permissions of the author, except by a review who may quote brief passages in a review to be printed in a newspaper, magazine, or journal.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Thank you for downloading this ebook. This book remains the copyrighted property of the author and may not be redistributed to others for commercial or non-commercial purposes. If you enjoyed this book, please encourage your friends to download their own copy from their favorite authorized retailer. Thank you for your support.

Credits:

Cover Illustration Copyright © 2023

Cover design by Amy Shannon

The Entire MOD Life Epic Saga

1 Unwritten Life

2 Rewritten Life (Best Read after Unwritten Life)

3 Unwritten Life's Paths to Destiny (Best Read after Rewritten Life)

4 Written Life's Past Meets Present (Best Read after Rewritten Life)

5 Life's Written Past

6 Life's Unwritten Future

7 Another Written Life

8 Life … Rewritten

9 Unwritten Life & Death

10 Life's Healer

11 Life's Hindering Hope

12 Life's Binding Ties

13 Life's Resurrection

14 Life's Infiltration

15 Life's Revival

16 Life's Depths of Souls

17 Life's Explosion in Time

18 Life's Connections

19 Life's Collision

20 Life's Intersection

21 Life's Final Destination

22 Life's Generations

23 Return to Life

24 Life's Resolution

25 A New Unwritten Life

26 Life's Dissolution

27 Life's Linear Souls

28 Life's Choices

29 Life's Passions

30 Life's Awakening

31 Life's Vengeance

32 Life's Heartful Depths

33 Life's Quaking Souls

34 Fractured Life

35 Life's Drowning

36 Life's Exploration

37 Life's Curative

38 Thicker than Life's Blood

39 Life's Salvation

40 Capturing Life's Midnight

41 Life's ReEvolution

42 Life's Soulful Intentions

43 Life's Jagged Flames

44 Life's Rising Depths

45 Life's Doomed Immortality

46 Life's Raw Enforcement

47 Life's Deemed Corruption

48 Life's Inherent Immorality

49 Life's Retrospective Legacy

50 Life's Torturous Souls

51 Life's Passages

52 Life's Tribulations

53 Life's Spirituality

54 Life's Revitalizations

55 Life's Rapture

56 Life's Sacred Retaliation

57 Life's Fiery Resuscitation

58 Life's Experimentation

59 Life's Redemption

60 Life's Humanity

61 The District Life: Districtive

62 The District Life: Disarray

63 The District Life: Disassembled

64 The District Life: Disapparent

65 Life's Return: Home Sweet Sars Springs

66 Life's Return: The Practice

67 Sars Springs: The finale

Bonus Series:

B1 Life's Perspective: Matthew Garris (Best Read after Life's Binding Ties)

B2 Life's Perspective: Bill Wheeler (Best Read after Life's Binding Ties)

B3 Life's Perspective: Perspective: Mike Dix (Best Read after Life's Connections)

B4 Life's Alternate Path: Destiny ... Rewritten (Alternate Path Parallel to Unwritten Life & Death to Life's Binding Ties)

B5 Life's Alternate Path: Destiny ... Crossroads (Alternate Path Parallel to Life's Resurrection to Life's Depths of Souls)

B6 Life's Alternate Path: Destiny ... Intertwined (Alternate Path Parallel to Life's Explosion in Time to Life's Connections)

B7 Sars Springs Handbook (Best Read after Life's Torturous Souls)

B8 The Interview: Life's Revelations (Best Read after Life's Fiery Resuscitation)

B9 M.O.D Life Epic Saga Character Guide

Introduction

Matthew Garris is trying to come to terms with what he wants out of life when a madman not only takes him, but several other men in Sars Springs. Things are not what they seem when the suspect becomes the victim.

Losses are felt as body parts start appearing all over town and the morgue is identifying them as relatives. When a close relative is found among the dead, the family tries to keep it together. Dr. Raina Markum goes on a hunting expedition in order to track down the evil that is haunting the town.

Will the pain of losing limbs and loved ones overcome learning about the dark secrets of the terrorists of the town? What will happen when the evil is not only from a deep ancient past, but a familial relation that shocks the family into deciding if blood is truly thicker than water?

1 Sunset

THE SUN SET slowly on the horizon, streaming rays of pink and blue lights through the fog that settled on the small town of Sars Springs. The night lights twinkled off Spring Tower as the stars slowly appeared in the darkness and shined their faded glow in the becoming of the night sky.

Matthew Garris slowly walked out of the Garris-O’Roark Engineering Foundation. He took a deep breath and walked toward his car. He smiled as his sons, Matt and Kyle, headed to their own cars.

Dad? Kyle Garris asked.

Matthew turned around and smiled. Ky?

Kyle walked over to him. Got plans?

Nothing special. I’m going to grab a bite and head home. Don’t feel like cooking, he said.

Matt O’Roark limped over to him. Dad, what’s wrong?

It’s nothing. It’s just been a long day, Matthew said. You two, go on. I’m sure your wives are waiting for you.

Not tonight, Matt said. Kay is working late.

So is Ava. We were just going to grab a pizza, Kyle said.

Oh, well, if you two want to come over for dinner. I’ve got cold beer in the fridge, Matthew smiled.

Sounds good to me, Matt said. We’ll pick up the pizza and meet you there. The three men headed to their cars.

Matthew opened the refrigerator as Matt and Kyle walked in the kitchen. We got three pizzas, Matt said. Bella’s specialty.

Good, I can’t wait, Matthew smiled as he handed out the beer.

So, Dad, tell us, Matt said, as Matthew sat down at the table.

Tell you what?

You’ve been quiet for the past few days. It doesn’t have anything to do with the fact that Mom moved back into her house, does it? Matt asked, as he took a bite of his pizza.

Of course not, he said. I am curious as to why she moved out of Eric’s home.

You’d have to ask Raina, Matt said.

Oh, she knows? Kyle asked.

Yes, but she seems to know everything, Matt laughed.

True, Sparky is one of a kind, Kyle said.

Dad, do you think this is your chance? Matt asked.

I don’t know. Alex and I tried before…

Matt shook his head. Actually, you two just slept together. She was being pursued by Dad and Mike, too, remember?

I remember, Matthew said. I was still married to Emma.

You cheated on Mom? Kyle asked.

Yes, but we were separated at the time. I told her all about it. She wasn’t happy, but we worked through it. I was in love with who Alex, and I used to be, but this time, it’s different. I was hoping that she’d come to me after Jim hurt her, but she didn’t. Eric found her instead.

So, what are you going to do? Kyle sipped his beer.

I don’t know. I’ll just be her friend and see how it goes, Matthew said. I care about her. Yes, I love her.

We know, Matt said. You keep doodling her name all over your sketches.

I do?

Yes, Kyle laughed. That blueprint you did for the new city line had Alex’s name all over it. I had to white out her name and recopy it.

Oh, sorry, he said.

Dad, just figure out what you want to do and go for it. You’ll never know unless you try. You’ve been on the sidelines for too long, Matt said.

It might be weird with me and Jim, though, Matthew said.

You’ll always be brothers, Matt said. Dad won’t let that cause a problem.

I hope not. I do really wish he’d get a real girlfriend and not a play toy, Matthew said.

He’s still in love with Mom, Matt said. But you probably have the better chance.

We’ll see, Matthew sighed, as he sipped his beer.

Alex O’Roark was about to sit on her sofa when there was a knock on her front door. Oh, Eric, she smiled.

Eric Carleno kissed her cheek. I see you’re settled in.

Yes, please, come in, she smiled. No one saw you, did they?

Eric closed the door and held her close. He kissed her passionately. No, it’s very foggy out tonight.

She gazed up into his eyes. I hate this, you know.

So, do I. I just do not want you in danger, he lightly touched her cheek.

I don’t like being alone, she cried. I don’t want to be without you. I hate this.

Eric took her hand and led her over to the sofa. I will stay here with you. My staff will make it like I’m at home.

She gazed into his eyes. How long do we have to live like this?

Alex, if you want to really be without me, I will leave, he said.

It’s not that. I just hate having to fake a breakup because Enrique is gunning for you.

I am sorry, Eric said. The problem is that he wants me dead, so he can get to you.

I know. It’s all my fault, she buried her face in her hands.

It is not your fault, my love, he kissed her softly. We will work through this. Alex, I will find him. I promise.

Alex laid her head on his shoulder. I do so love you. I don’t want to be without you. Please, stay with me tonight.

Of course, but there is one more thing we need to discuss.

What’s that?

Mr. Garris, he said.

I can’t help the way Matthew feels, any more than I can help the way Jim still feels about me.

Matthew is very vocal about the way he feels about you. I would not be surprised if he makes a move now that we’ve … um … broken up.

What should I do?

Whatever you feel you must do, Eric said. Date him if you want or just…

"You want me to date Matthew?"

I don’t want you with anyone but me, Eric said.

Stay with me tonight. I don’t want to discuss this problem anymore. I just want you and I together. Please, she cried.

Eric took her hand and led her up the stairs. He lay next to her on the bed and curled up close to her. I need to hold you. It’s been so long.

She gazed into his eyes. I love you, Eric, she kissed him softly.

I love you, too, he held her close.

Dr. Steven Welch looked up from his desk as his son, Dr. Martin Welch, knocked on the door. Son, what brings you here?

Carey is working late, and I was wondering if you wanted to get some dinner, unless you had plans.

Sounds good. I was supposed to meet Lex for dinner, but she cancelled.

Is everything OK with Aunt Alex? I heard she moved out of Eric’s house, Martin said.

Yeah, she didn’t discuss it with me, but I think that she’s all right. I’m sure she’ll have a line of men asking her out soon enough, he laughed, as he took off his lab coat and hung it up on the coat rack.

I heard that both Matthew and Uncle Jim want her, Martin said, as they walked down the hall.

Jim always has and always will. Matthew … well, he does. He’s been wanting her for a long time.

Poor Aunt Alex, Martin said.

Yeah, must be such a pain choosing between multiple people, Steven laughed.

It could be a headache … especially if she still loves Eric.

I’m sure she does.

Jim O’Roark stood on the roof of Spring Tower and stared down at the fog as it lightly lingered over the town below. Terry Markum walked up behind him. Jim?

Jim sat down on the bench and smiled. Oh, glad you could meet me.

What’s up?

I’m not keeping you from home, am I?

Nope. I called Raina and told her I was with you, he smiled. So, what is it?

Um, what’s going on with your father and Alex?

Have no idea, Terry said, as he opened the brown bag and pulled out two beers.

You can’t be serious, Jim said.

I know that Alex talked with Raina last week, but it was private, Terry said. Dad said Alex moved out, but that was the end of the conversation.

So, they broke up?

I’m guessing. I don’t think people stay together once they move out, but there could be another reason, Terry said.

His business? Jim asked.

I don’t know if it’s business or not. I do know that Corleone is in the same line of business as Dad is.

Corleone?

Enrique Corleone. I’m sure you’ve heard of him, Terry said.

Oh, yeah, I know who you’re talking about, Jim said. I don’t know a lot about him. I guess I should pay more attention when the boys talk about work.

You should, Terry said. I get the update from Joshua. He’s been working directly with Dad’s security.

Is our town in for another mob war? Jim asked.

"I’m not sure. I do know that Mr. Corleone has the hots for Alex," he said.

Is Alex in trouble?

I don’t know. I really don’t know this man too well. Jim, I just hope he’s not anything like the late Cardoza, Terry said.

Me, either, Jim said, as he sipped his beer.

My wife couldn’t handle another one of him, Terry said.

At least Corleone hasn’t set his sights on your wife, Jim said.

I know, but if he directs them at Alex, I assume he’ll be disappearing very soon.

Dr. Raina Markum sat on the porch as she read through her book. She looked up as her son, Logan, walked up on the porch. What brings you here? she smiled as she closed her book.

I didn’t mean to interrupt, Logan said, as he sat next to her.

You didn’t. I was just reading, she smiled.

Logan tilted his head and read the title of her book. "DNA Sequencing Reductions?" he laughed slightly. Interesting?

Very, she smiled. Want to hear about it?

"Nah, I’ll wait for the movie," he laughed.

Cute, she kissed his cheek. So, did you eat all ready?

Yeah, he said.

What’s wrong?

It’s nothing, Logan said.

Logan, tell me. Are you lonely?

A little, he said. It’s just so quiet.

When are they coming back?

I really don’t know, Logan said. "Ever since he manned up, he’s just … I don’t know. He doesn’t share anything with me anymore."

What are you looking for from him?

I don’t know. Mom, when I was with Cam, he wasn’t … I don’t know … so feminine. He was a man, and we had a great relationship. Mark is wonderful, and I do love him, but the past few years, he’s found himself and I don’t think that I fit in his life anymore.

Are you sure? He’s just in Pennsylvania with Mike and Melissa.

I know. I know. Some issue with their old building, but still. He just left. He didn’t tell me he was going until he was packing. I don’t even know the issue in PA. I didn’t even know they still owned the building there.

Logan, want some advice from your old mother? she smiled.

You’re not old, but I’d love some advice, Logan took her hand.

While he’s off doing whatever, don’t think about Mark. Think about yourself. Take a few days off and figure out who you are. You’re more than just Mark’s husband and the Fire chief. Have some fun. Go out with the guys. Get drunk with your brother. You know, revel in the quiet instead of dwelling on it. Maybe you and Mark need space. Maybe you’ll have a stronger relationship or maybe you’ll end up separating. I don’t know but find out who you are. Once Mark figures out what he wants, you two can see if you want the same things.

Mom, thanks. I do need to ask you something, he said.

Sure, she smiled.

You and Dad … it took you two forever to tell each other that you loved each other. Once you were together did you ever feel like it wasn’t as good as what you wished for?

Actually, no, it ended up being better. Yes, we’ve had problems. We’ve separated and even divorced. In those times, we had to figure out who we were. People change. Yes, sometimes, you want something so bad and when you get it, it’s not as good as you hoped, but I don’t think that’s the case with you and Mark.

You don’t?

Nope, because you two are just hitting some bumpy roads. Logan, if it ends up ending right now, it’s always possible that you two will find your way back to each other. Before you make any decisions though, talk to each other. Now, go and take care of yourself.

I didn’t mean to take you away from your reading, Logan said.

It’s not my everyday reading, she laughed.

Oh, a new project? Logan asked.

Yes, actually, Raina said. Jason called me. Head Agent Leo Flores is coming to town and wants to meet with me regarding some patients in the FBI hospital in DC.

Wow, and he requested you?

Well, Jason said he requested me, but I have a feeling that Jason recommended me.

I’m sure he requested you. I just didn’t realize that you’d work with the FBI again, Logan said.

I haven’t decided. Between you and me, a doctor that was working on some of the patients was I guess … rogue.

He hurt patients? Logan asked. "Sounds like the old stories that you told me about the old FBI."

Well, I hate having to look back on ancient history, but when Al and Hank were working for the FBI, there were a lot of experiments done. Not only to Momma and me, but Greg and Randy, too.

Mom, be careful. I don’t want anything to happen to you.

I can handle a meeting with Agent Flores. It’s not like I have to deal with Dr. Theo Hoffman.

Logan looked at her. "Who did you say?"

Dr. Theodore Hoffman, she said. You know him?

I’ve heard of him, Logan said.

From where?

He was in the garage the other day. I was talking to Greg and this man came into have his car fixed. He said he was new in town, but Greg’s shop was recommended to him.

Well, it is the only mechanic’s garage in town, Raina said. But that’s good to know.

Mom, be careful, he