Death Coach, Vampires: Death Coach, #2

By Sandra Wickham

Amy Cameron has almost come to terms with coaching the dead for a living. When the mysterious vampire ghost seeks her help, she reluctantly agrees to coach a teenage girl who isn't doing well with being a recently turned vampire. Meanwhile, Amy's cousin, Carme is hit with inexplicable nightmares, newfound fears, and the eerie presence of Ghost Blood. Amy is forced to put her trust in her new vampire client, family, friends and ghostly allies to save Carme's life. Loyalties will be tested as a battle brews against vampires and shadows of the past.

 

"Readers are sure to find much to love with Amy, Carme, and the gang in this fantastic new paranormal mystery series."  -Skyla Dawn Cameron
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sandra Wickham
• Release date: Mar 16, 2024
• ISBN: 9781777705152

Sandra Wickham

To be filled later

Book preview

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Chapter One

My ghost client left the office after she promised to tell her friends about me but I wasn’t sure how I felt about it.

We had a deal now, the dead and me. I met with them in an orderly fashion and they’d leave me alone outside office hours. I still got the occasional unwanted visitor, but I would redirect them to Carme and her ghost cat, Fidget. Carme always said I shouldn’t complain. It was a living, so to speak.

Today marked a monumental achievement. After defeating my stepfather’s spirit, I had finally finished with the ghosts I’d promised to help. It had taken nearly four months and I was torn over what should come next. Technically, I should go back to training living clients. After helping dozens of spirits, they had started to win me over. Maybe coaching the dead wouldn’t be such a bad career choice even if it was impossible to explain at social gatherings.

Carme would join me soon. It was Friday and she’d want to check all the appointments for next week. She was far more than my administrative assistant and my cousin, she was vital to my dealings with the dead. Carme and Fidget worked together to book the ghosts for appointments. Fidget acted as the interpreter. He’d also had great ideas on how to get payment from the ghosts. Some had hidden cash stashes, some knew where precious gems or other monetary items could be claimed. Carme had even gotten one to sell their ghostly services to psychics to make money. Somehow, the payments always made their way to us.

Carme and Fidget were at swim practice for her upcoming Special Olympics meet. Fidget would watch from a distance, of course. Even as a ghost cat he wouldn’t get near the water, but he never let Carme out of his sight. For reasons still unknown to me, he was one of the most powerful spirits we’d ever encountered. I felt better knowing he was always with her.

I hugged my favourite coffee mug with both hands even though it was empty. Aunt Jodene bought it for me and it read, I ain’t afraid of no ghosts. I had to admit it was pretty funny. She gave it to me after she’d fully recovered from having my client’s spirit hiding in her body. Aunt Jodene and Carme meant the world to me and I would still be afraid of the dead if it weren’t for them.

In the rare silence my mind drifted to Nik. I hadn’t heard from him for a couple days. He had decided to go to Nepal for awhile to look into opening a meditation retreat there. We’d agreed to continue dating and see how it went. We were only a month into it and I wasn’t really sure how it was going.

Are you going to put anything in that cup?

It was Myst, my ever present spirit sidekick. We still didn’t know who she had been in life, but while battling my stepfather we’d discovered she was my guardian angel --an uppity, sarcastic one, but I had grown used to having her around.

I’m just enjoying the quiet. Well, except for you, of course.

Myst gave a snort. If I had a choice, darling, I would be somewhere else. Alas, here I am.

Go take a break. I’m fine.

If you insist, she said. I didn’t feel anything change, didn’t hear her leave, but her peppermint scent disappeared. All ghosts had predecessor scents. My stepfather’s had been moldy leather. My client Mary’s, dead because of him, had been lavender.

The door opened and Carme came in, untying her long blue winter coat. It hadn’t snowed yet this winter, but the temperatures were lower than usual for February in Vancouver.

Hey. She didn’t give me her usual smile and didn’t close the door behind her. Her hair was dry, which wasn't normal for after swim practice. She had on her favourite, pale pink track suit with a sparkly unicorn on the front.

I came out from behind my desk. Did practice get cancelled?

Carme threw her coat over her desk chair. No. It didn’t. She plopped down dramatically.

Usually, she was extra careful to enunciate her words because having Down syndrome made her speech thick if she didn’t work at it. She was either upset, exhausted, or both because she didn't even try. I leaned against my desk and waited for whatever she wanted to tell me.

She let out an annoyed groan. I don’t like the water.

What? You’ve been swimming all your life. What happened?

She rubbed the back of her neck. The water scares me now.

Fidget appeared on Carme’s desk, glared at me with his one good eye, then sat down. While I’d fought against communicating with the dead, Carme had always wanted to. Fidget was the only ghost Carme could see. I had brought him from the spirit realm he was trapped in and she’d never been happier. He continued to hate all humans except for her. Carme petted him, which was a bit odd even to me, since she couldn’t feel him and I was pretty sure he couldn't feel her, but they both liked it.

Her shoulders drooped. I’m afraid of dogs now, too.

You are?

Fidget yawned. Dogs are idiots.

Carme shrank more in the chair. Big dogs. Mostly. Little ones even a bit. This was unlike Carme. She was a strong, capable and nearly fearless seventeen-year-old. Her anguished expression worried me.

I'm having nightmares, too, she added quietly. Every night. She looked up at me with those beautiful brown eyes. The meet is soon. Can you help me?

I didn’t see a new ghost around her, but maybe there was one who was able to hide from us. I studied Fidget. As if sensing my thoughts, the dark brown, one-eyed cat raised a paw and licked it. Don’t look at me. I don’t know what it is.

I believed him. If he had known anything, he would’ve already told Carme. When did this all start happening?

Carme moved a yellow crystal pendant back and forth on her necklace , her habit when she was nervous. Couple weeks.

Do you remember anything weird happening before?

Carme shook her head and stared at her feet. Were these side effects from when my stepfather had possessed her? It was brief. Not as long as Ethan. He’d had my stepfather controlling him the longest and had suffered the most for it.

Fidget jumped to his feet, back arched, fur on end as he stared out the open door. Carme stood, face paled. As much as Carme loved the world of the dead, we’d been through a lot lately.

I didn’t see or smell anything but something was going on. We had strong wards on the office in order to keep unwanted spirits out, but some ghosts could be strong enough to overcome them. There were almost no spirits Fidget was afraid of. The ghost cat let out a loud hiss.

Unless it was the other thing Fidget didn’t like. Vampires.

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The vampire ghost walked into my office through the open door as though he had a living body, or rather, an undead body.

Peppermint surrounded me. What is he doing here? Myst had come back. Perfect timing, or, maybe she’d known I was in danger. I wasn’t used to having a guardian angel.

He smiled, as though we saw each other all the time. Amy.

The truth was, I hadn’t seen him since he’d devoured my stepfather’s spirit months ago and I’d hoped I’d never see him again. He had stood at my side while I’d confronted my stepfather but it didn’t mean I trusted him.

What is it? Carme asked.

The vampire ghost, I said as I put myself between her and him. He’d sworn not to cause anyone harm or consume any ghosts without my knowledge, but I still didn’t know what his agenda was. Nor did we know how he existed as a ghost. What do you want?

He gave a nod toward Carme. If it makes you more comfortable, she and the cat can leave but I need to talk to you.

Fidget hissed. Happy to, blood breath.

I pulled Carme’s coat out from behind her. Can you go get us some coffee. Please, I added with emphasis because I knew she’d try to protest. I’d prefer you were safe.

Carme gave me a disgruntled look. Fine. She took her coat and slipped it on. Hey, Vampire Ghost. She raised her fingers and made air quotes. See you later. She grinned, then backed out the door and left with her ghost cat.

The vampire ghost smiled at her joke as he sat on the corner of her desk. He was tall, at least six feet four and made the desk look much smaller than it was. He no longer wore the same tight black shirt and pants as before. As far as I had experienced, ghosts always appeared in the same clothes. They wore what they died in or were buried in or a favourite outfit, but it was always the same. The vampire ghost, however, was no ordinary ghost. He could change form; I’d seen him as a shadowy wisp, as other people and as his horrifying real form. Now he chose an updated look, a white dress shirt under a long, light brown fitted top coat, with slim blue jeans and dark brown dress shoes.

Why are you here? I hoped it was a simple answer but figured it wasn’t.

He clasped his hands around his knee and leaned back. I told you there were people in my community who could use your coaching. There is one such young vampire who needs help.

Peppermint flashed past me. This could be very interesting or very dangerous. Or both, Myst said.

I flicked my hand past my ear as if swatting a fly, an action I’d developed when Myst interrupted. Do you mean they’re young in age, or they haven’t been a vampire long?

One side of his mouth turned up in a grin. It would be an attractive look on someone who wasn’t the undead dead, but I had seen the nightmare he’d become when he devoured my stepfather’s spirit. I would never forget those images.

In this case, both, he replied. A teenager. She’s having issues with being a new vampire and fitting into her coven.

You have covens? What does that mean, exactly?

Consider it a chosen family.

I narrowed my eyes at him. Chosen by whom?

This time his entire mouth turned up in a smile. Clever. Which is why I’m sending this young woman to you. She can tell you her situation herself. I will pay.

This is most interesting, Myst said.

I wasn’t done with my questions. Why this vampire? What is she to you? And what will you consider me helping her? That can be a grey area in coaching. I won’t fix her overnight. Also, how safe is it for her to be here? I need guarantees no harm will come to the people around me. Plus, how about some sort of guidebook on vampires for me before I dive into this?

He held his hands up, either in surrender or to get me to slow down. I don’t blame you for having these inquiries. If you didn’t I would be less impressed with you than I already am.

My brain zipped. Did he just compliment me?

Myst gave a haughty laugh. Don’t get those knickers in a knot. He’s not even flesh and blood. I flicked the imaginary fly again.

I have an interest in her coven from before this. He waved a hand indicating his spirit body. Whatever help you can give her to navigate things will be enough. I trust you.

Why do you trust me? I asked. Why my help?

He shook his head as though disappointed. You were able to retrieve me from the spirit realm I was locked in when no one else could. I have seen you in battle. I know what you are capable of.

More compliments. He’d offered to pay me to help this young vampire and though we were doing well, getting paid was always a good thing. It wasn’t what had me listening, though. It sounded like this young woman needed help. It was hard enough to be a teenager, let alone being thrown into an entirely different life and family. Where else could a teenage vampire go for help? Dammit. Fine. I need help with the world of vampires, then.

Vampires are simply humans, with a few adjustments and rules to follow. Your cousin Carme already owns books to help you. They are in her mother’s shop.

This didn’t surprise me, but it bothered me he knew. My jaw tightened. Stay away from Carme and Aunt Jodene.

He gave a single nod. As you wish.

I’m not sure if you’re being genuine or mocking me. You might trust me, but I don’t trust you.

Fair enough. Trust can be earned. As for your safety and those around you, I will guarantee that.

Great, I sniped. How are you going to do that?

It might have been a trick of my mind, but his face became shadowed, his eyes darkened. People do as I tell them.

I believe him, Myst said. He is extremely powerful. What must he have been like when he was alive?

He couldn't hear Myst, but he gave an impatient sigh. For her safety she will need to meet you after dark. You will be safe. Not all vampires are monsters.

You said not all, I pointed out. So some are. He shrugged in a way I knew he wouldn’t give more details.

When do you want me to see her?

He stood. Tonight.

Tonight? That doesn’t give me much time to get to know vampires.

I’m confident you’ll do your best. He headed for the open door. He could have vanished, gone through the wall or transformed into the smokey wisps he’d been when we’d first met, but he didn’t.

Wait, I called to his back. How will we know which books are accurate?

He glanced over his shoulder. I’ve marked them, he said and walked away.

I let out a long breath and sat back down. I guess we’re coaching vampires now.

Most interesting, Myst replied.

I sent Carme a text to let her know it was okay to come back up. She brought a coffee for me and its heavenly richness reached me from across the room. I rushed over to her and took it. She smiled at me and went to her desk but I could see she wasn’t herself.

We need to help her, Myst said. Her use of we surprised me a little. It was true, we didn’t always get along or see things the same way, but we did make a pretty good team. Plus, if it had anything to do with Carme, I knew Myst would do her best to help.

I dragged over the chair I used to use for living clients and sat beside her. How are you feeling?

I’m fine, Carme answered but then she shook her head. No, I’m not.

When is the swim meet? I asked.

She swallowed hard. In two weeks.

We will have to get you feeling better fast. You’ll need to be training.

I’d like that, she said quietly.

We know you’re having a fear of big dogs and the water. Anything else? Carme shook her head. I paused, waiting to see if she had anything to add. Can you tell me about your nightmares?

Her face paled a little, but she took in a deep, shaky breath. They’re horrible.

Was there any chance this wasn't a supernatural situation but rather a teenage girl going through something in her life? I didn’t see or smell any spirits. If Myst had sensed anything she would’ve told me.

Do you remember your nightmares when you wake up? I asked.

She bobbed her head in short, quick nods. Fidget appeared on her desk, then stepped down onto her lap. Carme waited until he’d settled on her legs. Lots of blood, she said slowly. Like, a lot.

That doesn’t sound very pleasant.

Fidget let out an indignant scoff and glared at me.

Myst laughed in my ear. Fussy cat, isn’t he?

That’s putting it mildly, I replied.

What? Carme asked. She could see and hear Fidget, but she couldn’t hear Myst. I was the only one who could, it seemed.

Nothing, I replied. Are there people in your dreams?

Yes.

Do you know any of them?

She scrunched her face up, then pressed her lips together. No. But, then I think I do.

Was a spirit causing this? Maybe one inside her I couldn’t detect? You said there was a lot of blood in your nightmares. Do you know where the blood comes from? Whose blood it is?

She pulled her legs up and hugged them to her chest. Mine.

Yours? My throat tightened. What happens in the dreams?

It’s dark. Carme rocked slightly. Something is following me. I run and run and run. But I can’t get away. Then there’s blood. Everywhere. She squeezed her eyes shut.

I leaned forward and gave her a hug. Fidget let out an annoyed meow and disappeared, but I ignored him and held my cousin tight. It’s okay, you’re safe.

We stayed in an awkward hug between the chairs for a long time. The coconut fragrance of her chlorine-free hair made me determined to figure out what was going on. I’d never seen Carme like this. She finally let go, sat back and grasped her necklace pendant.

As she sat back I saw something on her hand. Carme, what is that?

She moved her hand closer to her face to examine something red on her fingers. Is it blood?

Myst let out a gasp.

Fidget reappeared on her desk and hissed.

My cousin looked at me in confusion as blood flowed down her neck and splattered onto her pink sweatshirt.

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Chapter Two

Ijumped up and pressed my hand against Carme’s neck.

She fought my hands off, understandably freaked out. What is it?

Carme, let me--, I began but when she lowered her hands there was nothing on her neck, nothing on her hands or sweatshirt.

What? Carme asked in a whisper. We locked gazes. We had both seen the blood.

This is odd, isn’t it? Myst said, confirming she saw it, too. We couldn’t all have imagined it. Fidget paced on Carme’s desk, studying her, but gave no insight.

Carme, maybe you should up your personal protection? I tried to keep the worry from my voice.

Eyes wide, she nodded. I have to go to Mom’s shop.

I went for my coat. I’ll go with you.

We quickly walked along Commercial Drive from our office to Aunt Jodene’s shop, dodging Friday afternoon shoppers. An eclectic mix of people shopped the unique stores, markets and visited the many food establishments. People chatted as they weaved along the sidewalk, leashed dogs greeted each other, and the restaurants buzzed with happy customers. Even with Vancouver’s rapid growth, the Drive remained a little new age, a little nouveau chic and a whole lot diverse. It made it a welcome, relaxed place to be. Usually. Right now I was too worried for Carme. Scents hit me as various ghosts investigated me, but were quickly deterred by Fidget.

The Feathered Serpent’s new welcome sign flashed with rainbow lights. The shop had become much busier in the last few months. Nothing we’d been through had hit the news, but customers sensed there was something special about Aunt Jodene’s shop. Incense and relaxing music greeted us as we entered. Over at the large bookcase, Aunt Jodene had two customers huddled around a book. Carme and I made our way to the reading area at the back. Aunt Jodene used it for her psychic readings and people could lounge there with one of the metaphysical books she sold.

The shop had been through a lot during our fight with my stepfather. Once Aunt Jodene had been released from the hospital she’d given the place a small makeover. Carme sat in the new egg-shaped hanging wicker chair. Fidget appeared on top of it and gave me a potent stink eye for no reason except I existed. I sat in the newly covered easy chair. It was now a deep royal blue and felt smooth and regal.

Aunt Jodene threw us a concerned look as she moved to the counter with her customers. The two women paid for their wares as they continued to chat animatedly with Aunt Jodene. Their Feathered Serpent bags crinkled, echoing their excitement.

After the door closed behind her customers, Aunt Jodene came over and put a hand on her hip. Okay, what is going on?

Since Carme didn’t seem to want to answer, I did. Something supernatural is going on with Carme. We both saw blood. I drew my fingers down my neck slowly, remembering how real it had looked. But then it was gone.

My aunt tapped her chin and studied her daughter. Aunt Jodene and Carme looked a lot a like. Carme was a little shorter, but they had similar builds and the exact same brown eyes. Carme’s hair was a rich auburn but my aunt’s had turned completely grey. She wore it long, past her waistline. I loved Aunt Jodene's entire look. It was carefree and said, I don’t care what anyone thinks of me. Today she wore a long green, flowing dress with a dark red vest over top, several necklaces and her usual plethora of rings and bracelets.

Her wide sleeves fluttered as she reached into the wicker chair and gave Carme a hug. I knew you were going through something, but didn’t know what. She stood back up and turned to me. You don’t see any new spirits around her?

Not at the moment.

The spirit world