Dullahan: The Haunting at Bordman's Crossing

By Mary Ann Poll

A sinister secret lies hidden in the swamps of East Texas. One which has been kept for centuries. A small town, a headless apparition, and a young man in a hospital hold the keys to unlocking the mystery. Four thousand miles away, Kat Tovslosky, Ken Melbourne and Bart Andersen prepare to leave Ravens Cove for a routine conference. What begins as a well-needed break becomes the fabric of most people's nightmares. For Kat, Ken and Bart, though, it's just another day in the life. Look out, East Texas, the Cove is coming to town. You might want to take cover. Because, you see, their all-too-familiar nemesis is waiting for them in the small town of Bordman's Crossing and will destroy anyone who gets in his way.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Publication Consultants
• Release date: Apr 1, 2017
• ISBN: 9781594337017

Mary Ann Poll

Meet Mary Ann Poll, an award-winning author often called America's Lady of Supernatural Thrillers. Her Iconoclast series is an extraordinary blend of the eerie and the uncanny, with a storytelling prowess that has won acclaim from readers and critics alike. Mary Ann's unique background sets her apart. Before becoming a renowned writer, she worked in administrative roles, honing skills that shine through in her well-organized and meticulously crafted stories. Her writings, often inspired by personal experiences and vivid imagination, offer a thrilling yet grounded journey into the supernatural world. Her books aren't just another ghost story; they are infused with values and emotions that resonate with readers. Her love for animals and family adds a relatable warmth to her tales, balancing the suspense with a sense of coziness. Mary Ann Poll's Iconoclast series is worth exploring if you're looking for a gripping series that combines spine-chilling suspense with profound insights. Her commitment to storytelling excellence and connection with her readers makes her work a must-read for anyone interested in supernatural intrigue. Dive into her world and uncover the awaiting mysteries. It's an invitation to explore the unknown, presented in a way that's both engaging and accessible.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Without a Trace...Almost

Kat waved to Ken. Slow down, Gram, slow down. Ken’s right here. Tell him. She pushed the phone into Kenneth Melbourne’s hand.

Alese?

Josiah is missing! You must find him! NOW! Grandma’s normally calm voice reached a fevered pitch and broke with the threat of tears.

Ken cradled the phone to his shoulder, grabbed a pen and shoved aside papers on the desk to find a blank piece. When did you see him last?

Yesterday. We had dinner, and he turned in early. He said he had a busy day today.

Grandma, that’s only a few hours ago. Maybe he just went for a walk. Kat shook her head and mouthed. Note.

Note? Ken whispered back.

Kat jerked the phone from his hand. Tell him about the note, Gram.

"Oh, I am so upset I completely forgot. He left a note. He said he had to go and didn’t know when he could come back. He said Iconoclast is… somewhere outside of Alaska. He didn’t know if he is in the United States or another country. He wouldn’t tell me where he was going because he didn’t want us—me—following him. Stubborn old goat!"

Ken took a slow breath. Gram, he’s a grown man. He can go where he wants.

HE’S LOOKING FOR ICONOCLAST!

Ken held the phone away from his ear. I can’t just tell the law enforcement world that Josiah Williams is missing and chasing a demon named Iconoclast. Do you see what I’m getting at here?

Of course I do, Kenneth. We need to go looking for him ourselves. Right now!

Where do you want to start, Gram? You don’t know where he’s going.

I didn’t find anything of help in his room, but, you’re a trained investigator. Maybe you’ll find a clue. Please say you’ll take a look. Please?

Ken Melbourne hung his head and sighed. Be there in an hour. He handed the phone to Kat.

Hey, Gram—yes, Gram, I’ll come. Yes, we’ll bring Bart with us. Yes, I promise. See you soon. Kat put the handset in its cradle and turned to Ken. I called her to tell her about the paranormal phenomena conference in Hayden, Texas and how the police fit in, but she didn’t give me a chance. She instead started panicking about Josiah. Now that he’s missing, I can’t just leave her.

Oh, yes you can! My Aunt Rose specifically asked to meet you. She only lives about an hour away from Hayden. Besides, Josiah can’t have gone too far.

You know that man seems to appear and disappear at will.

He’s human. There’s only one road out of here. If he’s leaving the state, he has to get on a plane or boat.

Or, hitch a ride with someone.

Maybe. In any event, he’ll be easy enough to track down.

I can’t leave Gram this way.

Ken’s blue eyes clouded threateningly. Gram is my family, too, Kat. But my Aunt Rose raised me. She is my blood.

I know. I just don’t know how—

How what? Wendy Hareling bounced through the station door, carrying two paper cups of coffee and a sack.

How I’m going to leave Ravens Cove when Josiah is missing. What you got?

Mocha for the lady; black, boring coffee for the gentleman. Wendy wrinkled her nose at Ken and turned to Kat. Josiah’s missing?

He is. Left Gram a note. Says he’s chasing Iconoclast.

Wendy shoved the brown lunch bag into Kat’s hand. Fresh cookies from Jo’s. They’ll help you think.

Kat opened the bag. The aroma of chocolate filled the air. She took a bite. Almost as good as Gram’s.

Wendy pushed a stack of files aside and balanced on the edge of Kat’s desk. Why would Josiah take off on his own?

I don’t know. Now I don’t know how I’m going to the conference. I can’t leave Gram like this.

Sure you can.

That’s what I said. Ken shouted from his office.

Would you leave Mrs. Tellamoot in such a state? Kat referred to Bernice Tellamoot who had become like a second mother to Wendy.

Wendy lifted Kat’s chin and looked her in the eye. No. I’d leave her in your capable hands. Just like you’re gonna leave Grandma Bricken in mine.

Oh, I don’t know, Wendy.

She just needs someone to hold her hand. I can do that. Pastor Paul will do that. This trip’s important. You need the aunt’s blessing before the marriage, right?

I wouldn’t put it that way, Ken answered.

Wendy’s eyebrows shot up. Really? How would you put it, Mr. I-didn’t-tell-anyone-I-have family-anywhere?

I mentioned my aunt.

Mentioned is right, Kenneth Melbourne. Like she had died years ago and you quoted one of her sayings, umm, ‘the saints preserve us’ or something like that. This was a shock, Kat answered.

Okay. Okay. But you know now. So, let’s go find Bart. The sooner we calm Gram down, the better.

Hey, Jenny. Kat waved to Bart’s assistant as she sailed past the waiting area of the mayor’s