Scares and Dares E-Book

Race Lucinda

• Herausgeber: MC Two Press
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2023

Beschreibung

Enjoy this clean, small town, paranormal cozy mystery by award winning and bestselling author, Lucinda Race. 

Welcome to Pembroke Cove, where witches and murders are multiplying.
It’s Halloween in Pembroke Cove, Maine, and witch-in-training Lily Michaels, with the help from her magical and non-magical friends, is determined to give the town a haunted house event they’ll never forget. There’s an extra reason to celebrate too, the engagement of Lily’s best friends, Nikki and Steve.

Of course, Lily’s boyfriend, Gage Erikson—a.k.a. Detective Cutie—will be helping, too. A few weeks earlier they finally went on their first date, it only took fifteen years after they graduated college to admit they were more than just friends. They’re not ready to jump into the marriage pool, but working together on the haunted house will be a great change of pace from solving murders.

But scares and dares don’t always add up to fun. With cauldrons, and potions, and vampires popping out of coffins, everyone thinks the dead clown on the floor is just part of the haunted house festivities. Until it turns out he’s really dead. With so many people in disguise, and magic and spells abounding on All Hallows’ Eve, no one is above suspicion. Lily, with her clue chalkboard, is always ready to solve a puzzle, but Gage is worried about her safety. As Lily and Gage race to unmask the murderer, will the clown-killer get the last laugh?
Scares and Dares is the fourth novel in A Book Store Cozy Mystery Series, although each book can be read as standalone. A sweet and clean cozy mystery with a guarantee the culprit is caught. Happy reading!

Leseprobe

Scares & Dares

A Paranormal Witch Cozy Witch Mystery

Book Store Cozy Mystery Series

Book 4

Lucinda Race

MC Two Press

Contents

Author’s Note

1. Lily

2. Lily

3. Gage

4. Lily

5. Lily

6. Gage

7. Lily

8. Lily

9. Gage

10. Lily

11. Lily

12. Gage

13. Lily

14. Lily

15. Gage

16. Lily

17. Lily

18. Gage

19. Lily

20. Lily

Chapter 1

A Free Story for You

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About the Author

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

Copyright © 2023 Lucinda Race

All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce, distribute, or transmit in any form or by any means. For information regarding subsidiary rights, please contact the Author Lucinda Race.

Editor Trish Long, Blossoming Pages

Cover design by Mariah Sinclair

Manufactured in the United States of America

First Edition October 2023

Print Edition ISBN 978-1-954520-51-6

E-book ISBN 978-1-954520-50-9

Author’s Note

Hi and welcome to my world of cozy mystery.

I hope you love my characters as much as I do. So, turn the page and happy sleuthing. If you’d like to stay in touch, please join my Newsletter. I release it twice per month with tidbits, recipes and an occasional special gift just for my readers so sign up here:

https:// lucindarace.com/newsletter/

and there’s a free cozy mystery when you join!

Happy reading...

**Special note to my readers: My books are drawn entirely from my brain. AI was not used in the creation or editing of this book.

Chapter1

Lily

QUICK NOTE: If you enjoy Scares & Dares, be sure to check out my offer for a FREE bonus at the end. With that, happy reading!

* * *

“Halloween is four days away.” Pointing at the calendar on the wall, I looked at my boyfriend, Gage; my best friend, Nikki; and her guy, Steve, who were relaxing around my kitchen table. We were done stuffing our faces with meat lovers and extra-cheese pizza. “I know it’s late in the game, but we’ve been tasked with taking over decorating and running the haunted house on All Hallows Eve. But if we’re going to be successful, we have to come up with a foolproof plan. Everyone in Pembroke Cove expects to be scared out of their boots after dark. So, we need to have two versions, one for the kiddos and an adult-orientated theme.”

Gage ran his finger around the edge of his glass. “That doesn’t give us much time to bring in volunteers and build the sets. I can reach out to Corbin Marks, and maybe with a little help from our favorite witches, my mom and your Aunt Mimi, along with you ladies, we can get it done in time.”

My familiar, Milo, stalked into the room and looked at the two dogs—Brutus, a great Dane Gage had adopted and Murphy, Nikki’s retriever—snoozing in front of the door. “My dear witch,” he grumbled good-naturedly, “you should have told me we were having guests. It appears I’ve snoozed through most of the fun if the sleeping dogs are any indication of what happened in here.”

Over the last few months, I had gotten used to my cat talking to me, and the only person in the room who could hear him besides me was Nikki. Both Gage and Steve were non-magical, and what they heard was Milo meowing whenever he spoke. I scooped him off the floor and held him close to my chest, nuzzling his head. “We’re planning the haunted house. Any good ideas?”

“Now, why would I have any thoughts on that subject. I don’t like anything that is scary. Humans are looking to get spooked when they don’t even realize right in their own backyards are witches, wizards, and a few other paranormal creatures.”

I gently turned his head to look at me. “Wait? What did you say?”

Milo tapped my cheek with his soft paw. “Put me down on the floor. I have things to do, and if you would read more of your book, Practical Beginnings, you’d know all that our small town has to offer.” He did little to keep the frustration from his voice.

Before I did as he asked, I had to know, “What do you mean others?”

“That’s for me to know and you to find out.” He wriggled out of my hands and slinked from the room without a backward glance.

Gage gestured to Milo’s retreating form. “What was that all about?”

“My familiar just informed me there are other paranormal beings living in Pembroke Cove and not just witches and wizards.” I gave Nikki a sharp look. “Did you know this?”

She shrugged but didn’t look at me. “It’s no big deal and nothing to worry about. Most of the time it’s just witches and the occasional wizard hanging out, and if anyone does come around, it’s in the spring.”

With her noncommittal response, I figured it was a topic of conversation left for another day, especially if we had five or six months before anyone showed up. But what kind of paranormals could there be? Maybe my book, Practical Beginnings, would shed some light on the topic. And when the guys weren’t around, I could get Nikki to open up.

“Alright then, let’s talk about what we can use from last year.” I got up and grabbed my laptop from the counter and sat back down. “I talked to Alice and Bea who were both on the committee last year, and Bea sent me some pictures of what they stored in the shed behind the animal shelter.” I tapped a few keys and turned the screen so my friends could see it. “We’re going to hold it at the grange hall like it’s been in past years, but I’m hoping we can have a hay bale walkway and place some skeletons around with spooky music and cobwebs. In the entrance we could have a mural that looks like an old mansion with ripped wallpaper that has fallen into disrepair or something.” My ideas were starting to flow so I kept going. “Then we can have areas with different scenes; some will have people as props, like the table with the domed platter and when the dome comes off, it’s just a talking head. It goes without saying spooky music and spiderwebs are everywhere inside. Then I’ll ask if Aunt Mimi could have a witch area with a cauldron, stirring up potions, and Nate could be her ghoul.”

Nikki grinned. “They’ll jump at the chance.”

I nodded. “I’d like to have a couple of vampires popping out of coffins, a mummy or two that’s animated or real, and maybe some people in armor that move around to scare folks.”

Gage rubbed his hands together. “A magic mirror and crystal ball are both good options. My mom would be happy to help.”

My enthusiasm seemed to be contagious.

Steve said, “What about doors opening and closing and candles everywhere?”

“Battery operated,” Gage interjected. “We don’t want to have to call the fire company. If we don’t get enough volunteers, the animated props can fill in where we don’t have live bodies.”

“There should be jack-o'-lanterns everywhere. I’ll bet Marshall Stone will donate to the cause and maybe he’ll even help carve.” Nikki sighed. “I love carving faces.”

“I’m sure with your kitchen witch abilities, they’re a work of art.” I snapped my fingers as my gaze slid to my witchcraft book. “We need a fake spell book that opens and closes on its own; Aunt Mimi can cast a spell for that. Maybe with a funny, but fake incantation on the page in case someone reads it.”

Nodding, Gage said, “Some well-placed lifelike rats and other critters that move, covered with glow-in-the-dark paint. And I’ll even buy some roses for my girl and she can let them die before using them at the entrance of the haunted house.”

I could feel the frown form on my face. Thinking of our most recent death in town where a local rose grower had been killed and I used this board to jot down clues and suspects two other times. But I didn’t say anything to cause anyone to go down that sad path. “I think we have a lot of good ideas. Let’s write them down and see who we can line up to donate or volunteer to help.”

Gage went to the pantry closet and pulled out my clue chalkboard. A chill raced over my arms when my mind drifted to the three murders in town. This time the board would be used for a happy occasion and that would kick the bad vibes right to the curb.

“Good idea. We can take pictures on our phone so if you find something that will work, text me, and I’ll add the information to our master list.” I took the chalk from Gage’s fingers and jotted down all the ideas we had come up with.

Nikki surveyed the list and smiled. “This is a good start. Now let’s see about getting people to help. Like Lily said, we don’t have a lot of time to make this happen, and I want to do all we can to give this town the most memorable haunted house ever.”

I flashed Gage an inquiring look. “Do you think Dax will help out since his investigation seems to have gone cold?” Dax Peters was the most recent, temporary transplant to our small town. He was a big city federal investigator on the trail of a real estate scheme that had infiltrated and had, in some ways, been responsible for two people dying in Pembroke Cove. The head librarian had been forcing people, who had secrets to hide, to pay bribes, and then a real estate agent was swindling people out of profits from selling their homes. All for hefty kickbacks from an unknown Mr. Big. Squaring my shoulders, I pushed all of those worries aside. We had fun to focus on and lots of it. The kids both young and old alike were looking forward to the haunted house.

Gage tapped out a text on his phone, and it quickly pinged with an incoming message. He grinned. “Dax loves Halloween and he’d love to help. Should I ask him to come over?”

I looked at our tiny committee of three plus me. “The more the merrier, but see if he’ll swing by the Sweet Spot and pick up a box of pastries if they’re still open. I’ll make coffee.”

Nikki smiled. “If I had known your sweet tooth was kicking in and you wanted dessert, I would have baked.”

Glancing at the wall clock, I said, “On second thought, just tell him to come on over. William will be closed by now.”

With a quick nod, Gage set his phone aside. “Dax should be here in about fifteen minutes.”

“Has he finally moved out of the motel?” Steve asked.

“Not yet, but last week, when he stopped in the bookstore, I asked him if he was thinking about making our little cove a permanent home, but he’s still on the fence. I’m sure it’s hard to uproot your life and move from a place where you live anonymously to a place where everyone knows when you sneeze.”

Gage raised an eyebrow as if asking me to expand on my conversation with Dax. I shrugged and said, “It was no big deal. With no leads to follow up on, he’s been reading a lot more.”

“There is a library,” Gage grumbled and I had to smile.

“Green has never been your color.” I dropped a kiss on his cheek before getting up to start the coffee.

Nikki joined me. “I’ll rustle up something sweet.”

Steve leaned back in his chair and grinned. “Sometimes it’s great being engaged to a witch.”

I dropped the glass carafe in the sink and didn’t care if it broke. “You’re engaged? Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Steve and I decided we’d work it into the conversation. It just happened this morning when I was up to my elbows in pie crust. It was so romantic.” A dreamy look floated over her face and she withdrew a stunning diamond ring from her jeans pocket and slipped it on her finger before placing her left hand over her heart. “Isn’t it beautiful?”

Gage got up and hugged Nikki and then vigorously shook Steve’s hand. “Congratulations. You’re one lucky guy.”

“Don’t I know it.” He wiggled his eyebrows and said, “Jump in; the water’s like a hot tub in winter.”

I couldn’t help but snort. “It took us fifteen years after we graduated college to go on our first date just a couple of weeks ago. We are so not ready to jump in and get engaged.”

Nikki gave me a long look. “You and Gage have been better friends than most married couples I know, and that is the basis of a good marriage. Look at me and Steve. It took us a long time to let our friendship develop into love, and now we’re getting married.” She grabbed my hands. “Please tell me you’ll be my maid of honor?”

Throwing my arms around her, I held her close. “Just try and stop me.”

Steve said, “Gage. Any chance you’d stand up for me?”

Gage clapped him on the shoulder. “No place I’d rather be.”

Nikki giggled. “We haven’t set the date yet but probably spring or summer.”

Steve said, “Or sooner if I can convince my future wife to agree.”

I overlooked that comment. “Like around the time when we might get paranormal company?” I hoped my question would prompt a response.

She clasped my hand. “Stop worrying about what may or might not happen. We should all have dinner on Friday and start talking about our wedding plans.”

I looked at Gage, and he said, “I’m free.”

Taking his hand and grinning at Nikki and Steve, I said, “Then we have our first official wedding planning night.”

A knock at the door stopped the conversation, and with a flick of her wrist, Nikki had a pumpkin cheesecake sitting on the counter. She gave me one of those smiles when she wasn’t trying to show off how strong her magic was and mine wasn’t. “It’s no big deal; I just summoned it from my house to yours.”

Gage opened the door for Dax.

He held up a hand in greeting. In his soft Southern drawl, he said, “Hey, everyone. Thanks for including me. Halloween is my favorite holiday.” He spotted the cheesecake on the counter and grinned. “Just in time for dessert too.”

I glanced at the sink and was relieved to see the carafe was in one piece after dropping it. “Come in. I was just making coffee and we can firm up plans for the big event.”

He pulled up a chair and sat down at the table, then noticed the open laptop. Glancing at this list, he said, “Impressive. But is there enough time to get this all done and ready in three days? You can’t count the day it opens to still be constructing the scenes. Then it’s all about the finishing touches.”

Gage grinned. “You have no idea what these ladies can do when they put their minds to it, and we have a list of volunteers to help too. Mine and Lily’s parents will pitch in as well as her aunt and Nate.”

Nikki said, “My parents don’t live in Pembroke Cove anymore, but Steve’s family will help.”

Steve took her hand and grinned. “Yeah, especially after we tell them our news. Everyone is going to want to be around.”

Dax looked around our group. “News?”

“I popped the question to my lovely Nikki, and she said yes.”

I swear if Steve were a witch, he’d be floating, and I knew that was possible based on what I had read in my book.

“That’s great. Congratulations to both of you.” His smile was wide, but there was a bit of sadness lingering in his eyes. Could it be he was still feeling like he was on the outside looking in? Hopefully, working on this event would change all that.

With the coffee pot turned on, I sat in the chair next to Gage. “Dax, tell us, do you want to be in a scene or just behind them?”

He sat up straight in the chair and grinned. “Are you kidding? I want to be a vampire lying in a coffin.”

I couldn’t help but shudder. There was something about the lore of vampires and vampire-themed movies that set my teeth on edge. I mustered up enthusiasm to say, “That’s one way to scare people coming through, but only after we finish with the kiddos. I don’t want to give a youngster the fright of their lives.”

Chapter2

Lily

Over the next three days, everyone who agreed to help with the haunted house was working like a whirling dervish. Thank the stars for the witches who came out and made light work of heavy lifting. Of course, I made sure that Dax and any other non-magical people who weren’t in the loop on our secret of the coven were staying busy. There was no way to explain props floating into place or just plain appearing from thin air.

From across the hall, I noticed Gretchen Wilson, a local real estate agent whom I had suspected of being involved with Teddy Roberts’ death, was pitching in too. I waved, and she smiled back. It was good to see her out and about. Which reminded me to add a note on my phone about how Aunt Mimi made every spell appear effortless. But that tutorial would have to wait until after Halloween was over.

I blew the whistle which dangled from a cord around my neck. Gage had given it to me as a joke but since I couldn’t project my voice above the din, this was the best way to get everyone’s attention. Silence enveloped the grange hall and every volunteer turned to face me.

“Before we wrap up today, I’d like to go over the checklist so we know what has to be finished overnight. A few kind souls have volunteered to stay with Corbin until the last cobweb and bat are hung.”

A loud round of applause broke out for Corbin, and of course people would guess Gage, Nikki, Steve, and Dax would be right beside me as I pledged from the beginning to be here all night if necessary so that we would open on time. I gave them a wide smile and Aunt Mimi said, “If anyone else wants to stay, pizza is on me.”

Flashing her a grateful look, I knew she must want to get home and spend time with her new husband Nate, but he nodded as he stood next to her. They went together like a full moon and the stars on a frosty fall night.

“Alright, so I’ll take a moment to review the list of scenes and who’s going to be running them. If you need anything else for your area, now is the time to speak up.” Everyone remained quiet so I kept going. “During kiddie hour, there will be no one popping out from behind curtains, nothing bubbling out of cauldrons.” I gave Mimi a pointed look since she had just winked at Nate. “Vampires will remain with coffin lids closed and the mummy and various witches will not scare anyone.” Giving a sharp look around the group, I said, “Clear?”

“Crystal like the ball, clear.”

I recognized the deep gravelly voice, but I wasn’t sure where Milo was hiding. On top of that, a crystal ball wasn’t always clear. I chose to ignore the comment.

“Now, after eight is when the spooks come out. It will be dark, and we’ll have signs posted that people should enter at their own risk. In other words, if kids go in and get scared, that is not on this committee.”

I could hear the murmur of agreement rumble through the group. “Nikki has been working on carving one hundred pumpkins, but she could use help getting them into place and we’re using battery-operated candles. Before you jump in to place them, see her for guidance.” I ran my gaze down the length of the clipboard and didn’t see anything else that I hadn’t checked off. Without looking up, I asked, “Any questions?”

“Just one.” A man I didn’t recognize was standing next to Gretchen, and he stepped forward.

“Yes?”

“I’m Victor Seidel, and I’m new to town. I was wondering if you could use an extra hand tomorrow night. Acting is my passion, and Halloween, well, that’s my time of year. I’m a great vampire.”

“We already have a vampire.” I glanced at Dax.

He took a step forward. “Lily, it’s okay if Victor wants to be the coffin guy. I’m flexible. I can be a wizard who reads a crystal ball or something.”

Aunt Mimi’s eyes widened. “Fortune tellers are typically women.”

He glanced her way. “True but we are in the twenty-first century, and there are men who might be sensitive enough to read a crystal ball.”

“Aunt Mimi, he has a point.” I made a note on my clipboard. “Dax, you’re our newest crystal ball expert.”

“I will give great fortunes to anyone who wants to sit with me, just wait and see.” He stepped back as if he wanted to blend in with the crowd.

“Victor, welcome to our little band of mischief and magic makers.” I scanned the group. “But remember, people, scares and dares don’t equal fun for little ones. Let’s roll up our sleeves and wrap this up for tonight and call it a day.”

The next morning the sky was a deep blue and the nip in the air stung my nose. I hurried to my car with Milo close on my heels. I opened the car door, and he hopped into the passenger seat. Sliding behind the wheel, I buckled my seat belt before looking at him. “Why don’t you stay home today or better yet hang out at the bookstore where you can take a catnap in the window?”

He gave me the one-eyed blink which was never a good sign coming from him. “If you insist on running this mockery of All Hallows Eve, I will be there in case you need something from me. After all, as your familiar, it is my sworn duty to help you in any way I can.”

“What did you swear on, a stack of fish?” I laughed at my own joke.

“Puh-leeze. Being your familiar is most difficult. You’re behind in your studies since you started your training late in life, and you’re determined to divide your time between work, your magic lessons, and Detective Cutie. I must take advantage of any free moments you have to continue your education.”

“Fair enough.” I started the car. “But I thought you wanted me and Gage to date.”

“Of course I do. The man makes you smile. Above all, part of my role is to make sure you have a happy life.”

I rubbed the top of his head. “Milo, you’re really a softie.”

He hissed. “Do not tell a soul. I’d get run out of the familiar union.”

I did a double take. “There’s a union?” What else did Milo know that I didn’t?

Before I could ask more questions, he said, “Drive.”

It wasn’t long before I was parked in front of the grange hall. I was surprised to see the front door ajar. Had I forgotten to lock it last night when we left? I hoped none of the decorations had been disturbed by any breeze blowing in. The cobwebs were delicate, and I didn’t have time to redo everything. But if needed, a spell or two could fix things up.

I hurried up the path and Milo ran off in the opposite direction toward the police station. As I walked inside and flicked on the overhead lights, a shiver raced down my spine as the spooky mood music kicked in. Even with daylight peeking through the gaps of the heavy curtains covering the windows, it was very spooky. “Hello. Is anyone here?” I walked deeper into the space. The silence was deafening. In another way that was comforting. I walked past each scene and took note it all looked exactly the same as when I left last night. I sighed in relief and then paused to look at Dax’s table with the crystal ball placed dead center and a ladder-back chair behind it. His back would be toward the curtain. I was hoping he’d keep an eye out to make sure there were no mischief makers. Tonight was about fun.

I sighed when I strolled by the vampire’s coffin and hoped it wouldn’t be too scary for the younger kids when they walked through. But Victor seemed to be on board with a gentle approach for the first hour. He was committed to handing out candy in his costume and skip the fangs until it was time for the adults.

Two hours later, volunteers began to arrive and all were dressed in their costumes. I slipped into the back and dressed in a long dark-purple velvet dress that I had embellished with moon and star appliques. The witches hat I wore was the same color and design. Despite not yet learning how to fly, I had a broom in one hand and a small black book with the word spells in gold paint across the front. It was blank and all for effect, but I thought this was a nice touch since my own powers were being discovered daily.

Aunt Mimi walked in dressed as a traditional witch and Nate was a wizard—so much for being her sidekick. She fluttered her fingers in the air and soft, spooky music filled the room and with another flick of her wrist all the mood lights came on and pumpkins were illuminated. I needed to work on that next. I could light real candles with a breath and intention, but to harness electricity, that was a different page in the book.

Nikki and Steve came in next and they were dressed up like mummies. Entwined in their bandages were colorful flowers but she had filled me in on her secret; she’d put a spell on the blooms and after eight they would become dried up and look like they had been dug up from a cemetery. I couldn’t picture it but trusted she knew what she was doing. Behind them was Dax, wearing a wizard outfit that had me stop short. If he was local, I would have guessed it wasn’t a costume but that he was part of our magical community. He had a distinct air about him that was, dare I think, magical. I hurried over to give everyone a hug and thank them again for helping.

Nikki said, “We have a long line of excited families just outside the door.”

“We’re just waiting for Victor and Gage to arrive; everyone else is in place.” The door opened and Gage strode in wearing a tan turtleneck and matching pants, and jutting from the top of his head was the end of a broomstick. When I laid eyes on him and laughed his eyes lit up the moment he saw me.

He brushed my cheek with his lips. “How’s this for a couples costume?”

“I didn’t know we were doing that. But you look great!” I took another look and said, “Is this your way of showing the world you’re my steady sidekick?”

“My lady is a witch and you wanted to dress up so I figured why not come as your broom. But I can’t take credit for the idea; it was all my mom.”

I looked around. “Where are Glinda and Burke? I don’t want to start without them.”

“Dad was parking the car so they’ll be right along.” He took in my outfit. “You look great but no black?”

“I’m channeling my intuition tonight to make sure all is running smoothly and purple is a good conduit; at least that’s what my book said when I consulted it.”

He pecked my cheek. “No matter what color you wear, you’re always the prettiest witch I know.”