When The Dead Speak: Northwoods Cozy Mystery, #4

By bill mcbride

Short Story-WHEN THE DEAD SPEAK

 

Have you ever received a text message that seemed too personal, too eerily familiar, as if it were from beyond the grave? 

 

Welcome to Havenwood, a tranquil town nestled in the Northwoods, where the impossible becomes reality when residents start receiving mysterious texts from deceased loved ones. Grief, hope, and skepticism collide as the community grapples with the implications of these messages, questioning whether they are genuine connections to the afterlife or a cruel deception.

 

Reverend Sam Bennet, still mourning the loss of his wife Sarah, finds himself at the heart of the mystery when he receives a text seemingly from her, expressing sentiments only she could know. His daughter, away at college, experiences a similar phenomenon, deepening the mystery and the emotional turmoil. As more townspeople report receiving messages, a sense of wonder and unease spreads through Havenwood, dividing those who cling to the hope of reconnecting with their lost loved ones and those who fear manipulation and deceit.

 

Driven by a mix of personal longing and his responsibility as a spiritual leader, Reverend Bennet embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind the messages. He is joined by Samantha, a tech-savvy young woman with a skeptical mind, and Esther, a kind-hearted resident still grieving the loss of her dear friend. Together, they delve into the digital footprints of the deceased, uncovering a web of secrets, hidden agendas, and a sinister plot that extends far beyond the borders of their small town.

 

Their investigation leads them to a shadowy organization known as The Shepherd, a group of digital operatives that specializes in exploiting grief and manipulating public opinion through sophisticated technology and psychological tactics. 

 

As they uncover The Shepherd's motives and their plans to destabilize communities, and pervert freedom of speech with deep fake a. i. technology Reverend Bennet and his allies face a crucial choice: succumb to fear and division or unite and fight back against the forces that threaten to tear their town apart.

 

"When the Dead Speak" is a captivating and thought-provoking tale that explores the impact of technology on belief, grief, and the human search for connection in the face of loss.

 

It is a story about the enduring power of community, the resilience of the human spirit, and the courage it takes to confront deception and choose truth, even when it challenges our deepest held beliefs.

• Language: English
• Publisher: bill mcbride
• Release date: Apr 29, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224102518

Book preview

When the Dead Speak

Chapter 1 - The First Text

Agentle breeze rustled the leaves of the towering pines surrounding Havenwood, carrying with it the scent of damp earth and pine needles. The setting sun cast long shadows across the tranquil town, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple. In the heart of Havenwood, nestled amidst the picturesque landscape, stood the Community Church, its white steeple a beacon of hope and solace.

Inside the church office, Reverend Sam Bennet sat at his desk, the dying light filtering through the stained-glass window casting a kaleidoscope of colors on the worn wooden surface. His brow was furrowed in concentration as he reviewed his sermon for the upcoming Sunday service. Five years had passed since his wife Sarah's passing, yet the ache in his heart remained as raw as ever. He often found himself seeking solace in the quiet solitude of the church, surrounded by memories of their shared life and the unwavering faith that had always guided them.

The peaceful silence was broken by the soft chime of his phone. He glanced at the screen, expecting a message from his daughter, Ellie, who was away at college. Instead, his breath hitched as he saw the name displayed: Sarah.

His heart pounded against his ribs as he opened the message with trembling fingers.

Sam, my love. Thinking of you, always. The lilies are blooming again by the porch. Remember the day we planted them?"

Tears welled up in his eyes as he reread the words. It was Sarah's voice, her gentle tone, her way of expressing love through simple observations of the world around them. The lilies she mentioned were a special memory, a symbol of their shared dreams for the future.

A wave of emotions washed over him: disbelief, longing, a glimmer of hope so intense it felt like a physical ache. Could this be real? Was it possible that Sarah, somehow, someway, was reaching out to him from beyond?

He reread the message countless times, his mind searching for a logical explanation. A cruel prank? A wrong number? But the timing, the specific reference to the lilies, it was all too personal, too perfectly aligned with his memories of Sarah.

His phone chimed again, another message from the same number.

Don't be sad, my love. I am at peace. Watch over Ellie for me.

His daughter. A fresh wave of tears streamed down his face. Ellie, his bright and spirited Ellie, who had borne the loss of her mother with such strength and resilience. Was she receiving these messages too?

He had to know. With trembling hands, he dialed Ellie's number. The phone rang several times before she picked up.

Hey Dad, her voice sounded tired but cheerful.

Ellie, he began, his voice thick with emotion. Have you... have you received any strange messages today?

A pause. Then, a soft gasp. Dad? How did you...?

He knew