Aja Minor: Island of Lost Souls (A Psychic Crime Thriller Series Book 6)

By Chris Bliersbach

Aja and SHIELD almost met their demise by trying to take down the Black Widow. Now a new nemesis has taken over her trafficking operation.

Aja narrowly escaped dying, being incarcerated as a traitor, and suffering a catastrophic rift in her relationship with Marsha. All just to have the Black Widow avoid capture, pivot, and sell her trafficking operation to some unknown U.S. billionaire.

Complicating matters, three U.S. Senators who tried to eliminate SHIELD through budget cuts are missing. Fueling rumors that they may somehow be involved in the billionaire’s nefarious operation. And then there’s the not-so-little matter of Aja’s former paramour joining the team to work on the SPIDA project.

Will Aja’s former paramour be the key to making SPIDA a reality? Or will her presence corrode the bond between Aja and Marsha? And can Aja and the SHIELD team overcome their past failure, solve who’s behind the operation, and rescue the abused and exploited children? Or will this case spell doom for Aja and the SHIELD team?

Aja Minor: Island of Lost Souls is the sixth book in the Aja Minor psychic crime thrillers series. Fans of fierce female protagonists with unique powers who overcome adversity will find a home in this series.

A portion of the proceeds from this series are donated to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, established in 1984 to help find missing children, reduce child sexual exploitation, and prevent child victimization.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Chris Bliersbach
• Release date: Jan 26, 2024
• ISBN: 9798215438497

Chris Bliersbach

Chris Bliersbach is originally from Minnesota but now thaws out in Nevada. In 2019, after 38 years in healthcare, he pursued his dream of becoming a writer. He has since published 17 books, primarily in four thriller series.The Table for Four series is a medical thriller about a blockbuster cure for Alzheimer's that has ominous and unforeseen consequences. Books in this series include Table for Four, Dying to Recall, and Memory's Hope. A portion of the profits from this series are donated to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America.The Aja Minor series is a psychic crime thriller about a teenager who discovers she has unique powers, earning her an invitation to join the FBI. Books in this series include Aja Minor: Gifted or Cursed, Aja Minor: Fountain of Youth, Aja Minor: Predatorville, Aja Minor: Spider's Web, and Aja Minor: Shanghaied. The sixth book in this series, Aja Minor: Island of Lost Souls, is scheduled for publication in January 2024. A portion of the profits from this series are donated to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.The Slaughter Minnesota Horror series is an occult thriller about a vengeful old lady terrorizing a Northern Minnesota town. Books in this series include Old Lady Ketchel's Revenge, Hagatha Ketchel Unhinged, and Hagatha's Century of Terror.The Metronome Man series is a serial killer thriller about a man whose abusive and neglectful upbringing breeds an unhealthy obsession and murderous rage. Books in this series include The Metronome Man: Bad Timing, The Metronome Man: Dead on Arrival, and The Metronome Man: Not My First Rodeo.He has also published a standalone inspirational romance novel Loving You From My Grave, and two poetry books, Little Bird on My Balcony and Adilynn's Lullaby.

Book preview

Aja Minor: Island of Lost Souls

By Chris Bliersbach

Copyright 2024 Chris Bliersbach

All rights reserved

The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the publisher.

ISBN: 9798215438497

Cover design by: Tatiana Fernandez, Vila Design

Table of Contents

Prologue

Dedication

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

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Acknowledgment

About the Author

Dedication

To Aella Mae

Prologue

Team, I want to introduce you to two exceptional people, Dr. Ledbrinker announced as Mei-Xing and Dr. Wang stood beside her.

Aja was halfway to her chair when Marsha shot her a look that was a combination of How could you? and We’re so done. She pushed her chair back, got up, and marched in a huff toward the door.

The tension and unfolding drama made Dr. Ledbrinker stop her introduction mid-sentence, only to suddenly realize her faux pas.

Marsha, wait. I’m sorry. I should have…where are you going? she said as Marsha shouldered past her, opened the conference room door, and slammed it shut behind her.

As Marsha stormed down the hall, she heard the conference door open behind her. Thinking Dr. Ledbrinker or Aja may be following after her, she yelled a warning.

Don’t you dare follow me in here, she said, disappearing into the ladies' room and locking herself in a stall.

When the restroom door creaked open, Marsha screamed.

I told you not to follow me. Now get out!

Miss Marsha? It’s Mei-Xing, she said meekly.

Marsha was shocked upon hearing Mei-Xing’s voice. Her anger was now only amplified by the fact that it wasn’t Dr. Ledbrinker or Aja who came after her.

You, I definitely don’t want here, Marsha spat bitterly.

I want to tell you what I told Miss Aja.

Well, I’m not going to listen or believe anything you say.

And I’m going to say it anyway.

You’re wasting your breath.

Well, I’m lucky to be breathing. So I’ll spend it the way I want. I’m only alive because of Miss Aja’s father and Mr. Trig. And while you might wish me dead, I only want happiness for you and Miss Aja, Mei-Xing proclaimed and then paused. When Marsha didn’t say anything, she continued.

I respect people and their relationships. What we did would never have happened if I knew about you and Miss Aja. But I didn’t. And her mental and emotional state was compromised by the nanobot. It was all part of the Black Widow’s plan.

Okay, you’ve said your peace. I’m glad you’re not dead. Now leave me and Aja alone and go and enjoy your new life in America, Marsha said dismissively.

Mei-Xing didn’t immediately respond as she searched for the most polite and delicate way to couch her words.

Did you hear me? Marsha asked in frustration.

Yes, Miss Marsha, I heard you. But I’m afraid it won’t be that simple.

Why not?

Painted into a corner, Mei-Xing had no choice but to break the news.

Because Dr. Ledbrinker has invited Dr. Wang and me to join your team.

What?! You can’t be serious, Marsha shouted, angrily exiting the stall and getting right up in Mei-Xing’s face.

Mei-Xing didn’t flinch and stood her ground.

I wouldn’t joke about that, Miss Marsha. Put yourself in my shoes. I was deceived and had to leave my home and family because the Black Widow had a price on my head. Now, every day, I live in fear that she will hurt my family, she lamented, tears welling up in her eyes. Of course, I’m serious. I want to do anything I can to stop her, she sobbed. Covering her face in shame with one hand and propping herself up with the other hand on the bathroom countertop to keep from crumbling to the tile floor.

Marsha wouldn’t have believed it possible, but her malice toward Mei-Xing evaporated, and she inexplicably wrapped her arms around her. Their long embrace was cathartic, and their tears cleansing. In that transcendent moment, Marsha found respect and empathy. While Mei-Xing found support and acceptance. After emotionally pulling themselves together, they left the restroom, arms around each other’s shoulders, until they reached the conference room doors.

Chapter 1: Drama, Always Drama

I was mortified when Marsha stormed out of the conference room and shocked when Mei-Xing chased after her. I was so overjoyed when Mei-Xing returned my butterfly pendant that I didn’t foresee the tsunami on the horizon. I even misread the pendant’s incessant vibrations as Heather’s happiness at our reunion rather than what I now knew was a warning. It wasn’t until Mei-Xing, Dr. Wang, and I followed Dr. Ledbrinker out of her office and into the conference room that I realized the problem. There was fire in Marsha’s eyes. But by then, it was too late.

I began to cry, and Dr. Ledbrinker was uncharacteristically flustered and equally paralyzed. The team around the table was baffled and stunned into silence as I sat on the floor sobbing with Amanda and Jazz kneeling beside me, trying to understand my grief and console me. But the last thing I wanted to do was divulge the reason for Marsha’s outburst.

Did you and Marsha have a fight or something? Amanda asked. Why did she just storm off when you came back?

I just continued to cry. Unable and unwilling to answer her questions. I finally composed myself, and Amanda and Jazz helped me off the floor and back into my seat. I looked at Dr. Ledbrinker, whose face was a mask of pain and regret. I could tell she knew not giving me a chance to prep Marsha before Mei-Xing was introduced was a grievous error. It was uncharacteristic of her as a psychiatrist but not entirely surprising. We were all caught up in the excitement of SHIELD having a new lease on life.

Meanwhile, the rest of the team grew restless, hoping for some explanation. I began to think that neither Marsha nor Mei-Xing would return. And if they did, there’d almost certainly be physical and emotional evidence of a catfight.

I was about to get up and look for them when the conference room door opened, and they walked in smiling with no hint of tousled hair, wrinkled clothing, or injuries. Although I could tell that both of them had been crying.

I’m sorry for my rude exit earlier, Marsha announced. And I know you’re all probably wondering what caused it. But it’s over now, and it won’t happen again. And I have this young lady to thank for helping me, she said, looking at Mei-Xing before sitting beside me.

Thank you, Miss Marsha, Mei-Xing blushed. But I think we helped each other, she said, returning to her place beside Dr. Ledbrinker.

Well, alright, Dr. Ledbrinker exclaimed, unable to fathom what could have transpired between the two to cause such a reversal in Marsha’s attitude.

I looked at Marsha, my eyes beseeching her to give me some kind of sign.

It’s all good, she whispered, smiling and patting me on the thigh.

Dr. Ledbrinker, having finally regained her bearings, asked the team to introduce themselves to Dr. Wang and Mei-Xing. Who, in turn, described their roles at the Black Widow’s Laboratory and the circumstances that made them risk their lives to seek refuge in the United States.

And it is exactly for this expertise that I’ve asked Dr. Wang and Mei-Xing to join us in helping develop SPIDA in the right way. For good, not evil, Dr. Ledbrinker announced.

The team erupted in applause, and Richie added, Welcome to the team, above the din, as Dr. Wang and Mei-Xing smiled and bowed.

We are honored to join you, Dr. Wang said after the applause died.

Yes, thank you. We already feel so welcome, Mei-Xing added, looking at everyone around the table, her eyes lingering a bit longer on Marsha.

Now I was definitely curious about what happened between them. And even felt a slight twinge of jealousy. However, the questions spinning in my head were put on hold as Dr. Ledbrinker had more surprises for us.

I have another announcement to make. But I think I’ll let Tia do the honors. Tia? Do you want to tell the team some more good news?

Yes, I’d be happy to Dr. Ledbrinker. Thank you, Tia began. Dr. Saanvi Sherwood, a nanotechnology expert, will also join us on loan from the CIA's Directorate of Science & Technology. I know some of you have met her already. But for those who haven’t, Dr. Sherwood has a joint MD-PhD degree from Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Plus, she’s a Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering and an expert with the National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure - the organization coordinating the research and development efforts of 20 federal agencies, universities, and national laboratories across the country.

So you’re saying she’s a slouch, Richie interjected sarcastically. Earning a few chuckles around the table.

Tia just rolled her eyes and didn’t dignify his comment with a response.

Excuse me, what is a slouch? Mei-Xing spoke up, unfamiliar with the expression and feeling left out of the joke.

A slouch is a lazy and incompetent person, Tia replied. And Richard was just joking.

Yeah, Marsha chimed in. He tends to joke a lot, Mei-Xing. That’s why you should probably ignore what he says like all the rest of us do!

Alright, alright. Enough banter, Dr. Ledbrinker interrupted. I have a few more things to say before we adjourn this meeting. Now, to piggyback on what Tia said, my intention with bringing Dr. Wang, Mei-Xing, and Dr. Sherwood on board is to divide and conquer. Tia and Josh will join them as the SPIDA Development Team. While the rest of you will focus on finding the missing kids that the Black Widow sold to a U.S. billionaire. You’ll be what I’m calling the Search and Rescue Team. That way, we don’t have to rob Peter to pay Paul. Questions?

What about the Black Widow? Aren’t we going to try to bring her to justice? I asked.

Yes, but that is secondary to the primary mission. And while you’ll be on separate teams, that doesn’t mean there won’t be collaboration or crossover from time to time. For example, Aja will have to occasionally work with the SPIDA Development Team.

Do we have to ask you for permission to work with the other team? Mei-Xing asked, coming from a very rigidly controlled and authoritarian work environment.

No, Mei-Xing. I trust that you all will do the right thing. I don’t want to get too bureaucratic or go overboard about this. I only ask that you keep me informed if you think your involvement with the team will cause an extensive absence from your home team. I realize this is probably much different from Zhizhu Enterprises, and it will take you and Dr. Wang some time to get used to how we do things. Just know you can always call me if you have a question or are uncertain about something.

Thank you, Dr. Ledbrinker, Mei-Xing replied.

And you don’t even have to wait for Dr. Ledbrinker to leave the room before getting up from your chair, I added.

Mei-Xing looked at me as if I was some heretic, and Richie piped up.

What? The Black Widow made you sit there until she left the room? What kind of crap is that?

Yes, it’s a sign of respect. It’s customary in China to show deference to your superiors. Mei-Xing explained.

So this meeting must blow your mind, Richie replied.

Confusion crossed Mei-Xing’s face, and I was about to jump in to translate, but Richie beat me to it.

I’m sorry, blow your mind, is an expression that means extremely overwhelming, exciting, or impressive.

Thank you, Mei-Xing smiled. Yes, everything has been a bit overwhelming since coming here.

I’m sure it has, Dr. Ledbrinker cut in. And I’m available any time to help you make the adjustment. But I’m confident you and Dr. Wang will find our approach more effective and personally satisfying. So let me wrap things up so the teams can get down to business.

Thank you, Dr. Ledbrinker. And I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to hold up the meeting.

No apologies necessary, Mei-Xing. It’s all good, she replied, then turned her attention back to the group. Now, one of the things that will make communication and collaboration between the teams more challenging is that the SPIDA Development Team won’t be working here after today. You’ll be stationed at NBACC at Fort Detrick in Frederick, Maryland. Dr. Wang and Mei-Xing, NBACC is the National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center – a secure, world-class research laboratory where you will have everything and more at your fingertips to expedite SPIDA development.

Where is it, and how will we get there? Dr. Wang asked.

It’s 40 miles from here. But we’ve secured housing for you and Mei-Xing at Fort Detrick. So you’ll be within walking distance of the laboratory. Trace will drive you there after the meeting and help you get your security clearances. Then, you’ll have the rest of the day to settle into your new homes. Tomorrow at 0800 hours, Dr. Sherwood will pick you up and take you to where you’ll be working.

What about us? Josh asked.

What, Joshy? Do you expect Dr. Ledbrinker to give you a house too? Richie quipped before Dr. Ledbrinker could answer.

I have to hand it to you, Richie. You’re quick with your comic relief, Dr. Ledbrinker remarked.

Yeah, too bad he isn’t that quick when it comes to doing his real job! Marsha shot back. Causing Richie to give Marsha a sour look.

Alright, you two. Obviously, everything is back to normal around here. Now, Josh, you can either make the commute daily, or I can arrange for both of you to stay at a hotel in Frederick during the week. Your choice.

Josh looked at Tia, who leaned over and whispered in his ear.

We’ll take the hotel, Josh replied.

Okay, I’ll make the arrangements and let you know. As for tomorrow, report to the Nallin Farm Gate at 0800 hours, and Dr. Sherwood will meet you there after she picks up Dr. Wang and Mei-Xing.

Will do, thanks, Josh replied.

You sure you two want to stay at a hotel together? Richie asked. The last time you two stayed at a hotel together, you were abducted by the Black Widow’s henchmen and dumped in some fleabag motel in Seekonk, Massachusetts.

Yeah, but we also fell in love, and now I’m happier than ever, Josh countered.

Me too, Tia chimed in, throwing her arm over Josh’s shoulders and leaning into him in a modified seated hug.

Okay, okay, give the lovey-dovey stuff a rest. Save it for the hotel.

Dr. Ledbrinker chuckled and then forged ahead. As for the Search and Rescue Team, I’d like a briefing first thing tomorrow morning on your plan to accomplish your mission and any resources you may need. Now, are there any last questions before we adjourn?

When no one responded, Dr. Ledbrinker adjourned the meeting, and everyone went on their way except the Search and Rescue Team members – Marsha, Richie, Amanda, Jazz, and me. While I was anxious to talk privately to Marsha about Mei-Xing joining the team, I had to put that on hold. Knowing the sooner we came up with a plan, the sooner we could go home and hash things out.

So, what’s our plan? I asked.

There’s five of us, Richie began. I say we divide up and choose one of the five territories. I dibs the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Divide up and do what? Marsha asked, confused.

What else? Catch some rays and party! I hear a white sandy beach and a tropical drink calling my name!

Come on, Richie. It’s time to get serious, I scolded irritably.

Okay, I’m sorry, he apologized at the exact moment Marsha came to a sudden realization.

Oh my God, Aja! she exclaimed. I just noticed you’re wearing your necklace. How did you get it back?

I reached up and laid my hand on the butterfly as I replied. Mei-Xing somehow retrieved it and gave it to me when I went to Dr. Ledbrinker’s office.

How thoughtful, Marsha replied, suddenly sounding less enthusiastic about her discovery.

There was definitely unfinished business between us, and the mere mention of her name was like picking the scab off a wound, making it bleed again. But now was not the time to try to clean and dress the wound. So, we moved on and stuck to the business at hand. After some back and forth, breaking for lunch, and resuming our deliberations, we had cobbled together our plan.

As the first step in the plan involved Richie doing some preliminary computer sleuthing, Marsha and I were free to do as we pleased. I wasn’t surprised when Marsha suggested we go home. We both knew a threat had disturbed the equilibrium in our relationship, and we had to address it before it sent us into a tailspin.

Chapter 2: Everything Unravels

Marsha hadn’t even started the car yet when her inquisition began.

So, when did you know she would be joining SHIELD?

I had hoped to start our conversation with an assumption of trust, but Marsha chose a different approach. Putting me immediately on the defensive.

Like two minutes before you did, I shot back. Why do you assume I had previous knowledge I purposely hid from you?

I don’t know. Maybe it was because Dr. Ledbrinker specifically called you to her office before the meeting. I mean, why was that necessary? And why not invite both of us? It was like you were getting special treatment.

I don’t know, Marsha. You’d have to ask Dr. Ledbrinker. But I didn’t have a clue what I was walking into when I got to her office.

Okay, let’s assume you’re telling the truth, she began.

No! I shouted. Fuck that, Marsha. There is no assumption. If I said it, it’s the truth. Why suddenly do you think I’m trying to hide something and that I’m lying?

We hadn’t even moved from our parking space, and I felt our relationship crumbling.

Well, let’s just say I’m still not over your past deceit and infidelity. So when I see you bouncing happily into the conference room with your former lover, it’s hard not to think the worst.

Deceit? There was no deceit! I owned up to it. Even though the implanted nanobot caused me to be unfaithful.

Talking in your sleep is not owning up to it, Aja. Had I not been there to overhear you and confront you, I wonder if you would have ever told me.

Marsha seemed content to drive this discussion and our relationship off a cliff. I needed to find a way to turn things around. Or at least slow our approach toward the approaching chasm.

I assure you I would have told you, Marsha. And as for being happy when I entered the conference room, it was because I was reunited with my necklace. So tell me, if you thought the worst, why did you come back to the conference room, pat me on the leg, and tell me everything was all good? What happened between you and Mei-Xing?

Don’t try to shift the conversation, Aja. I know you too well. Okay, you were happy to have the necklace back. I get that. But how did Mei-Xing get it?

I don’t know. I didn’t ask her.

Oh, how convenient. Now I know you’re full of shit. You want to know what I think? she asked, pausing briefly more for dramatic effect than to give me time to respond. I think you gave it to her. Or you left it at her place after a wild night of what? Munching on some Chinese sushi?

You know what? I said, opening the car door. You can go home without me. I’m not going to listen to your crude comments and baseless accusations. Let me know when you’re ready to have a productive conversation, I fumed, stepping out of the car and slamming the door behind me.

I was striding across the parking lot on my way to Dr. Ledbrinker’s office when Marsha zoomed by me in her car, heading toward the exit.

I burst into Dr. Ledbrinker’s office and parked myself on her couch in a huff.

Oh, no, I was afraid of this, she said, getting up from her desk and coming around to join me. Before I ask what’s happened, I have to apologize. I should have met with you and Marsha before introducing Mei-Xing to the team.

It’s not your fault, Dr. Ledbrinker. I thought Marsha and I had moved past all this, but I guess not.

Well, maybe you had, but bringing Mei-Xing into the picture obviously stirred something up. I, of all people, should have known what chaos bringing her onboard might create. This is my fault. Now, how bad is it?

Real bad, I said, then gave her the blow-by-blow summary, which led me to her office.

Do you want me to call her? I feel like I need to apologize to her. Maybe that would help.

You can do what you think is best, but after the way she spoke to me, I don’t want to be anywhere near her.

That’s understandable, and I’m sure your Dad or Jazz would be happy to put you up for the evening. But what about tomorrow, when you have to work together?

I can’t imagine being able to do that. What if I go work with the SPIDA Development Team?

"I’m not so sure