Redloch

By Jennifer Loren

In the town of Redloch, Tennessee, a killer lurks. TBI agent Eve James has been assigned to find him. She has long followed the case of Sebastian Ryker and now he has killed again, in Redloch. Eve races to Redloch to capture him before he can escape and before he creates another victim. She expects to have little difficulty, the town is small and surely someone has seen him and can lead her right to him. However, Redloch is not a normal town. Something odd is going on here and only Sebastian could be behind it. No one has seen him, and no one knows anything about any murders. The entire town is living in a world separated from the rest. Everyone in this happy go-lucky town is helping him, hiding him, but why? Eve struggles to understand the town's motives. All she knows is that there is talk of a curse, and of the Night Hag. She comes to you in your sleep and paralyzes you why you watch her unspeakable crimes. Is everyone haunted by this supposed curse? Has Sebastian caused this fear of the Night Hag? It is something he is likely to do. Sebastian is a known psychopath who has conned everyone he has ever met. He has been known to convince some of the brightest people into believing he would protect them from harm, all while he has his hands around their throats.

 Eve has never believed in curses or witches that haunt you in your sleep, at least until she came to Redloch. Upon her first night in Redloch, Eve finds herself face to face with the Night Hag and Sebastian's depravity, one and the same. To her surprise Sebastian doesn't hide from Eve, he welcomes her to Redloch, his town. He has been waiting for her.

 

"There is a Chinese proverb that says, it is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness."

Eve must find that candle before the darkness haunts her forever.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jennifer Loren
• Release date: Mar 15, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224094394

Jennifer Loren

Jennifer Loren graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology with a Fine Arts Degree, specializing in Architecture and Design. She currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her German shepherd, Nick. In addition to the vastly popular, top mafia romance and bestselling series, The Devil’s Eyes, Ms. Loren has successfully published bestselling romantic suspense novel Finding Ava and its sequel Reckless and the bestselling short story, The Hand That Holds Mine. Her mafia series, The Laws of Kings, and its sequel Dethroning the King along with standalone novel Undercover – Secrets & Lies have also been released with great reviews. Her writing genre is considered dark, romantic suspense, and mafia romance. Her books tend to have a lot of humor, which is why she is currently branching out into comedic books and children's books. Her first children's book, the award-winning The Awkward Puppy has been highly rated and loved by children and adults.  @JenniferLorenDE https://www.jenniferloren.com https://www.facebook.com/JenniferLoren.Author http://www.youtube.com/user/LorenJennifer Books By Jennifer Loren The Finding Ava Series Finding Ava Reckless The Long Road The Devil’s Eyes Series The Devil’s Eyes The Devil’s Revenge The Devil’s Son The Devil’s Masquerade: The Poison The Devil’s Masquerade: The Remedy The New Devil in Charge The Devil Forgotten Fate Escape The Laws of Kings Series The Laws of Kings Dethroning the King Undercover Undercover: Secrets & Lies Short Story The Hand That Holds Mine

Book preview

BOOKS BY JENNIFER LOREN

www.jenniferloren.net

UNDERCOVER

Undercover: Secrets & Lies

THE LAWS OF KINGS SERIES

The Laws of Kings

Dethroning the King

THE DEVIL’S EYES SERIES

The Devil’s Eyes

The Devil’s Revenge

The Devil’s Son

The Devil’s Masquerade: The Poison

The Devil’s Masquerade: The Remedy

The New Devil in Charge

The Devil Forgotten

Fate

Escape – Awakening the Dragon

THE FINDING AVA SERIES

Finding Ava

Reckless

The Long Road

REDLOCH

SHORT STORY

The Hand That Holds Mine

Copyright © 2024 by Jennifer Loren

All rights reserved.

Visit my website at: jenniferloren.net

Cover Designer: Bee at Bitter Sage Designs

Editor and Interior Designer: Jovana Shirley,

Unforeseen Editing, www.unforeseenediting.com

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either a product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales, is entirely coincidental.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright owner.

Any unauthorized distribution or use of this publication may be a direct infringement of the author’s and publisher’s rights, and those responsible may be liable in law accordingly.

ISBN: 9798883655691

CONTENTS

PROLOGUE

ONE

TWO

THREE

FOUR

FIVE

SIX

SEVEN

EIGHT

NINE

TEN

ELEVEN

TWELVE

THIRTEEN

FOURTEEN

FIFTEEN

SIXTEEN

SEVENTEEN

EIGHTEEN

NINETEEN

TWENTY

TWENTY-ONE

TWENTY-TWO

TWENTY-THREE

TWENTY-FOUR

TWENTY-FIVE

EPILOGUE

Jennifer Loren

PROLOGUE

THERE IS A CHINESE PROVERB that says, It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness. Nothing better explains my world and the solution to all of my problems.

My name is Sebastian, and I have been around the world and back again. I’m a born salesman and unafraid to deal with anyone. Charm is my gift. I can be whatever I need to be in order to get what I want. I will make a deal for a sell or exchange of goods that doesn’t exist. Organize a team to steal prized artwork or jewelry. Hack into a corporate system and steal secrets to sell to others. By the time anyone is aware, I have already disappeared into the darkness. It’s all a game for me, a sport I like to play, where there are fools and a champion. I have never lost a game. Life hasn’t always been good to me, but I have found a way to make it good for me. My crimes have made me a target of law enforcement agencies from around the world. The FBI, the CIA, The British Secret Intelligence Service and of course, Interpol. I am a prize to them all. With my collection of intellect and talents I was able to elude them for years.

Then, something happened that changed everything. A detective found me. I don’t know how she did it, but rather than being angry and revengeful, I was curious. Who is this woman? How did she come to be here? To know me so well that she was able to get ahead of me and lock me down? The questions gave way to curiosity. I have to know the ways of the woman who took me down. I have to know everything. How though? How do I lure her out of her protective bubble and out for me to use? There must be a way—or maybe a place. Shockingly the opportunity came to me.

When I first learned of Redloch, I was desperate for a place to hide away. I needed a place to be forgotten about and deemed an unlikely threat. I was told if I stayed in Redloch, I would be safe, to come and go as I pleased, to live like any other. From the moment I arrived, I was sure that all I had heard was true; I would find my peace in the town of Redloch.

Redloch has never been one to follow the trends; in fact, it stopped following anything outside of its small-town borders some years ago. The charm of the town never breaks. It takes hold of you and forces a smile on your face until you can’t breathe anymore. The hi, how are you in the sweet, southern Tennessee accent greets you at every corner. Always remaining cheerful, hopeful, for the beautiful days ahead.

My love for my new home turned into a mania. The cheery disposition can’t last. Something must break eventually.

Since I can remember, I have been obsessed with making trouble, to force anger. One by one, I seduced my victims into my web and broke them. It was so pleasurable, watching them squirm and scream my name with pleas of mercy and promises of devotion. Still, with each missing person, the town of Redloch never changed; she herself never broke. She continued on as if I had never appeared at all. Maddening, I have never felt so out of control of my own life.

I begin to believe it’s the town I have to destroy; it has some kind of hold on me. If I can separate from the town, the spell will be broken. I’ve tried smashing it, bulldozing it, and even setting it on fire, but nothing worked. The next morning, it would all be back the same. No matter how hard I tried, I wasn’t able to escape. Then, I realized the town’s spell is really on me. It wasn’t how the people reacted to me; it was how I saw them. How I believed it to be, and now, I only have one choice in order to escape. I have to bring her to me. I have to make her see me. She is the reason I’m here, and only she can get me out.

It’s time to kill again.

And this is the story of how I’ll escape Redloch.

ONE

AS WE CLOSE THE NIGHT out, the final score is Alabama 49, Tennessee 52. We will see you at the next game. It was too bad you couldn’t be here with us tonight. It was a big one. For now, so long, good luck, and good night, my friends.

Caitlyn turns off the radio.

Wow! They really did it! she screams with excitement.

Finally! Kyle shakes his fist in the air. How many games has it taken them?

How many coaches have they gone through?

I don’t know. I lost count. The real concern right now is, where the hell are we? GPS isn’t picking up anything, including us. Everything looks the same in the dark. Trees and more trees—that’s all there is. I hope these directions are correct. Kyle fumbles with a sketched map before Caitlyn grabs it from his hands and looks at the pictures on the front of the pamphlet.

This bed-and-breakfast looks beautiful. And it’s all yours. I can’t believe it took this long to get it all changed into your name. Death is so complicated. It must be worth a fortune. It says they are known for their waffles. I love waffles.

Well, I hope you’re not expecting me to make you waffles. The staff left yesterday, so it is just you and me for the weekend. Don’t get your hopes up for anything fancy. We can go into town and get a few things in the morning. For now, we will have to make do with whatever is left in the house. The lady on the phone did say the staff was leaving some food and drink left over from their last visitors. Hopefully, it is something good.

I could eat an entire cow right now. I wish we had stopped earlier. But, no, you were in a hurry.

I’m in a hurry for a reason, and I have explained it to you multiple times.

Caitlyn scrunches her face and throws a middle finger in his face.

Nice. I have known you since we were kids, yet you still have not matured any. Kyle smiles in her direction before grabbing her hand and lifting it to his lips. You always manage to make me smile though.

You think you’re so charming. It’s only because you’re so handsome. One day, you’re going to be old and gray, and all that charm is going to disappear. Right along with those abs you work so hard to keep up.

Kyle laughs as he slows the car to a crawl. Was that a sign? I think that was a sign. I’m going to turn around and see. He swings wide and whips the car around. It’s a small historical marker, easily missed if you’re not looking for it. Yeah, that’s it. The last marker to look for before we find the place. It can’t be much further.

Kyle smiles toward Caitlyn with a sigh of relief. Caitlyn grabs his hand, and they move on up the road toward the hopeful future they have long planned for.

The drive is quiet, and the scenery is still. The headlights creep around the curves, illuminating shadows and creating new ones.

Kyle! Look out! Caitlyn screams, gripping the dash.

The car screeches and swerves into the ditch. The wheels spin, and the blinker clicks off and on, off and on, off and on … 

Kyle lifts his head from the steering wheel, and with blurry eyes, he looks out into the darkness. He checks on Caitlyn, who is holding her head and looking dizzy herself.

Why is there an old woman in the road? This late at night? she asks, still vibrating from the adrenaline.

He holds his head, opening and closing his eyes as he tries to see straight. I don’t know. I’m going to get out and check the car.

I don’t think that’s a good idea. Let’s just go.

We’re stuck in a ditch, Caitlyn. We can’t go anywhere.

Then, call for help. There is someone out there. What kind of crazy person is out in the dark like that? An axe murderer—that’s who.

Axe murderer? Really? She looked old and feeble. Probably someone’s dementia-ridden grandmother. Let me just check and see if she’s okay and see if there is a way to get the car unstuck. Stay in the car. I’m not going far. Kyle steps out of the car and looks around carefully. Hello? Hello? Ma’am?

Caitlyn jumps out of the car and rushes to Kyle’s side.

I told you to stay in the car.

Her frightened expression eases him back down, and he takes her hand.

Ma’am, can we help you? Are you all right?

She steps into the light with her head down, her matted hair pressed against her pale, depressed face.

Kyle steps back with a gasp. You don’t look too good. We will call for help.

The woman steps forward.

Just stay right there, and we will get you help.

The woman steps forward again.

Kyle. Caitlyn squeezes his arm.

The woman steps forward again with a hollow breath.

Let’s get back in the car.

The two step backward slowly while the old woman moves toward them.

Can you talk, ma’am? We just want to help you, Caitlyn voices with a quivering tone.

The old woman lifts her head, and her sunken, cloudy eyes focus on them.

I don’t need help. Her gravelly voice echoes in the darkness and surrounds the couple like chains. She stops and smiles. You do. The old woman blasts toward them with a terrorizing screech.

Kyle holds up his hands while Caitlyn screams, dropping to the ground to cover her head. Both fight and battle for release, but opposing the old woman is a losing battle. Up close, her features are horrifying. Her gaunt complexion looks cavernous, and the couple’s breathing halts until there is darkness. The car lights go out, and all goes silent. Caitlyn continues to tremble, covering her head. Tears slip from her eyes and pool in the dirt beneath her. It is not until Kyle pulls her up that she notices the car is running again and the lights are back on. The woman is gone.

What happened?

I’m not sure. I think we might have hit our heads in the crash. Maybe exhaustion is taking over, and we are becoming unhinged.

We both saw it.

Saw what? There is nothing here. Kyle guides her to the driver’s side of the car. Get in, and when I tell you, put it in reverse. Slowly.

She does as instructed while Kyle leans on the back end and signals her to press the gas. The car lurches backward, and Caitlyn moves over and allows Kyle to slide into the driver’s seat.

Could it have been a ghost? she asks as they settle back into the car.

It is a historical area. A battle site. Near residents and their farms. It would make sense, but I’ve never seen one before.

Me neither, and I don’t care to see one ever again. Let’s get out of here.

Kyle nods and throws the car in drive.

Caitlyn pulls a tumbler from her bag. Don’t you dare say a word!

Hand it over. I could use a drink myself. Kyle takes the tumbler from her hands and takes a sip. He immediately winces. What is this?

Some kind of tea. It’s supposed to completely cleanse you of bad energies. Caitlyn explains.

Where did you get it? And why did you add alcohol to tea?

I didn’t make it for you. I made it for me. She says trying to take it from him, but he maneuvers out of her reach. Kyle! ERGH. I can’t get anymore of that tea. It’s only sold by this mystical lady outside of my hair salon.

You bought something off the street?

It is a very high-class hair salon.

Oh, well then that’s different. He laughs rolling his eyes.

Although, I have to say it’s not bad for street tea.

Kyle, you’re drinking it all.

Make some more.

I don’t have anymore! She only had a sample packet left. Caitlyn jerks the tumbler from his hands and Kyle smiles. Dammit Kyle! You asshole!

Stop pouting, just drink your rum straight from the bottle like you usually do.

You are such a self-centered prick sometimes.

Calm down, drama-queen. We can get you some more tea when we get there, which should be anytime now. Caitlyn folds her arms and leans away from him. He waits a few minutes before reaching over and grabbing her hand. Hey, once we get there, we can get naked, snuggle up together in that so-called ‘superb bedding’ by the ‘comforting fireplace’ with mugs of hot cocoa.

Maybe a little Kahlúa to go with it? Caitlyn giggles.

Kyle winks in her direction, yes, of course. We drink, have lots of sex and talk about our first ghost sighting. And hopefully our last. I think we have experienced just about everything in life at this point. He looks at Caitlyn and shakes his head. Next vacation, we go on a cruise. No driving, especially at night. It’s got us delirious.

Caitlyn sits quietly for only a minute. I have a really bad feeling. Maybe we should call somebody. Go back home and call someone to do this for us. Why are we doing this in person in the first place? Can’t we hire someone to handle this for us?

We don’t have a home anymore. Remember? We sold everything. This is the only thing left to sell. And you’re the one that wanted a weekend vacation on the lake, he says in a mocking tone. Besides, I want to see for myself how much this place is worth. I don’t trust anyone else.

Marcus! Marcus would do this for you. He adores you. Worships you. You can trust him.

Marcus took off years ago. I am not sure what happened to him. He must be hiding from the police. He was involved in some shady deals. They must have caught up to him.

Caitlyn leans out to look into Kyle’s eyes.

What?

What did you do? Marcus would never take off without telling you where. Kyle? What happened to Marcus?

I don’t know what happened to him. Why would you think I do?

She continues to glare at him.

Don’t look at me that way. I asked him to do me one favor years ago, before all of this, and I haven’t seen him since. Okay?

The air becomes strained, and the two lovebirds begin to distrust each other. The car stays quiet, except for the humming of the dark road.

To break the tension, Kyle takes her hand. Everything is going to be okay. We are going to handle this, and then we are off to paradise. Living our best life. This will all be behind us.

She forces a smile in his direction.

The journey continues when Kyle jumps and points ahead. Look. In the distance, the darkness lights up. That’s the lake over there. The house should be just on the other side. All this land is part of the house. He laughs. All of this beautiful land.

I can’t believe this. It’s so beautiful, and it’s ours. She smiles wide at Kyle.

See, I told you. We finally have everything we have worked so hard for. We deserve this, plus a free vacation. Kyle takes a deep breath.

This is going to be great, she reassures.

Hopefully, the old house looks like it does in pictures. I don’t want to have to spend a bunch of money to piece the old building back together.

I love interior design. It could be a lot of fun to fix an old place up. She leans into him and gives him a kiss on the cheek.

Don’t go spending money just yet. We don’t have all the money transferred, and we don’t have the time to be involved with a lot of renovations. I told you, until all the money is secured, we need to keep our finances—

URGH! I have heard this a million times. Yes, I understand. I wish you would just let go and live a little. Stop worrying so much.

It’s not worrying. It’s grieving the life I had. Remember? Remember what all I had to give up for this? For us?

Look, I’m so sorry your dream career is over because that psycho is back in custody.

He won’t be for long. I could tell by his confidence he’s already planning his next step. I don’t want to know what that step is. I just want to get this done and get as far away from here as possible.

He’s just one man.

No, he’s much more. That’s what scares me.

The silence in the car brings the once-joyful start to a much more somber tone.

The dark highway leads to a shimmering sign—Redloch Inn. Just Ahead.

That’s the name? Odd name for a bed-and-breakfast. That’s not what’s on the pamphlet. Kyle grabs the pamphlet from Caitlyn’s hands. No, yeah, the name has changed. Why would they do that?

The sign is nice. Looks new. Maybe they were trying to avoid bad reviews from the old name. From my research, it didn’t have many reviews. Wait! There’s the house, Caitlyn says with a smile.

It’s not exactly what I expected. Looks somewhat dated, Kyle complains.

No, it’s beautiful. The water, the mountains in the background, and a classic Victorian. I love it! Caitlyn squeals with excitement. Cheer up, Kyle. You’ll see. This is the start of a great life for us.

Yeah, great. At least it doesn’t look like it’s about to fall over. Although it is dark coming up that road. I thought this area was booming?

The streetlights are on.

Those aren’t streetlights. They didn’t come on until we pulled up. The house has to run them.

Could be motion streetlights.

What? Don’t be ridiculous, Kyle scoffs at Caitlyn as he jumps out of the car and looks around. There is nothing here, no sign of life at all.