Ghostly Fears

by Lily Harper Hart

  Ghostly Fears

  A Harper Harlow Mystery Book 13

  Lily Harper Hart

  HarperHart Publications

  Copyright © 2019 by Lily Harper Hart

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  Created with Vellum

  Contents

  1. One

  2. Two

  3. Three

  4. Four

  5. Five

  6. Six

  7. Seven

  8. Eight

  9. Nine

  10. Ten

  11. Eleven

  12. Twelve

  13. Thirteen

  14. Fourteen

  15. Fifteen

  16. Sixteen

  17. Seventeen

  18. Eighteen

  19. Nineteen

  20. Twenty

  Mail List

  Acknowledgments

  Books by Lily Harper Hart

  1

  One

  “And then Harper thought I was dead ... and cried. Jared was excited for a little bit because he thought that meant he would never have to share her again. Alas, I was only sleeping and all is right with the world.”

  Zander Pritchett, his eyes sparkling, told the story for what must have been the eighth time since returning from a mutual vacation with his best friend and her fiancé. The unfortunate target of his story, his boyfriend Shawn Donovan, merely shook his head and laughed at Jared Monroe’s stony expression.

  “That is not what happened,” Jared snapped. He was growing increasingly annoyed with the story. The first time Zander filled in his boyfriend, he expected a few dramatic embellishments. It was Zander, after all. That’s what he did. Every time the gregarious man told the story, however, it grew in size. “Also, I’m fine sharing Harper with you. She’s too much woman for one man.”

  For her part, Harper Harlow merely arched an eyebrow as she picked through the takeout Jared had brought for dinner. He went with their favorite diner — so it was burgers and fries all around — and she couldn’t help feeling a bit disappointed after the luxurious food they ate on the cruise ship for the better part of a week. It wasn’t that the burgers were bad as much as they weren’t decadent. She happened to love a decadent meal.

  “That was a compliment,” Jared offered when Harper didn’t immediately give him grief.

  “I’m sure it was.” Her expression was hard to read, which made Jared wonder if he was in trouble.

  “Actually, you’re just enough woman for one man ... as long as I’m that man.”

  Slowly, Harper’s lips curved. “I’m not angry. I was just thinking.”

  “About what?”

  “How much I miss seafood.”

  “Not me,” Zander countered. He seemed fine with his burger, which was out of place because he was the fussiest eater of their little group. “I’m happy for a little piece of home.” He turned a set of adoring eyes on Shawn. “I’m also happy for a big piece of home.”

  Jared mimed gagging, a response Zander often reserved for when he had to play witness to his best friend and her cuddly paramour, and grinned when Zander skewered him with a harsh look. “Oh, it’s not so funny when you’re the one on the receiving end, huh?”

  Zander rolled his eyes. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

  “Really? You used to do your ‘I’m going to throw up’ dance whenever I said something mushy to Harper when we were first dating. I remember it well. You said you based it on the New Kids on the Block.”

  “Oh, right.” Zander laughed at the memory, not embarrassed in the least. “I forgot about that. I’m awesome at that dance.”

  “You are,” Harper agreed, opting to sample her food. She was starving and there was no way Jared could procure blackened sea scallops at the snap of his fingers, especially in Michigan when winter was trying to cling to the area with ragged fingernails. “I remember when you spent weeks watching all the old boy band videos on MTV so you could learn the dances. You were convinced you were destined to be a backup dancer.”

  Zander’s expression was withering. “Um ... I’ve never been convinced that I should be a backup anything,” he countered. “I’m a headliner, my friend. I always have been. I thought I would be the face of the group, the one who gets all the attention while the others are left being bitter and jealous.”

  “Yeah, Heart,” Jared teased, amused despite himself. “How could you not realize that Zander is built to be the face of a group?”

  Zander ignored the sarcasm and barreled forward. “I’m being serious. I would be the Jordan Knight of New Kids on the Block.”

  Harper wrinkled her forehead as she doused her fries with ketchup. “Isn’t Donnie Wahlberg considered the most successful member of that group?”

  “Donnie is famous for being an actor. Jordan was the true musician ... and best dancer. Donnie didn’t stay in his lane. Everyone knows boy band members should always stay in their lane.”

  To Harper, the statement didn’t make a lot of sense. She bit into her burger and methodically chewed as she mulled Zander’s theory. “I like Donnie Wahlberg,” she said upon swallowing. “In fact, I much prefer him to his brother as an actor. I can’t say as I’ve ever really listened to New Kids on the Block’s music, but I’m betting he would be my favorite member. I prefer real music, though.”

  “How is ‘Step by Step’ not real music? They’re going to get to you, girl.”

  Harper recognized the lyric, but only vaguely. “You need to stop quoting boy band lyrics to me. It’s getting weird.”

  “Totally weird,” Jared teased. “Let’s talk about something everyone can enjoy. I know, let’s talk about how Zander passed out on the deck and drooled in front of half the ship.” Jared knew he was playing with fire before Zander’s expression turned to molten lava, but he was willing to risk it since they were no longer sharing a roof. He and Harper had their own house. Sure, it was only across the street — so that meant there wasn’t much of a buffer zone — but they had strong locks and it was cold out. Zander had been complaining about the frigid temperatures since they returned. He was unlikely to risk the cold for petty payback.

  At least Jared hoped that was true.

  “Did I mention that I’m sick of you?” Zander intoned. “I mean ... seriously sick of you. I’m so sick of you they need to think of another word for it. You are the Debbie Downer of our group. No, truly. You always have to suck the fun out of everything.”

  Sensing trouble, Shawn interjected himself into the conversation to direct Zander and Jared to a topic that wouldn’t cause fur to fly. “Tell me about the entertainment. I’ve heard they have great shows on cruise ships.”

  “We didn’t go to a lot of the shows,” Jared replied, his gaze never moving from Zander. Something unsavory looked to be silently passing between them and it made Harper and Shawn unbelievably nervous. “We had other things going on, like looking for Zander.”

  “I was never missing,” Zander shot back. “I knew where I was the entire time.”

  Harper cleared her throat to get everybody’s attention. “I don’t want to infringe on the completely unnecessary fight, but I’m going to. We don’t need this.” She was serious. “We’re all friends, right? We’re all in love with each other.”

  “I’m only in love with Shawn and you,” Zander countered. “I could take or leave him.” He made a dismissive hand motion in Jared’s direction. “I find him ridiculously annoying.”

  Jared wasn’t bothered by Zander’s opinion. “I’m only in love wit
h you, Heart. I like Shawn a great deal, don’t get me wrong, but I could take or leave your best friend right now ... especially after he horned in on our romantic vacation.”

  Harper’s heart dropped. She knew this argument was far from over. They’d gotten into it a few times in recent weeks. Jared wanted a romantic trip that consisted of just the two of them. Harper was all for it, until she remembered she and Zander had booked a work cruise years in advance. Luckily they’d thought ahead and purchased extra tickets in case they were in relationships when the cruise finally rolled around. That worked out well for Harper and Jared, but not so much for Shawn, who owned his own business and couldn’t get away.

  “Do you want to know what I think?” Shawn interjected, his tone forceful. He was used to the occasional territorial meltdown between the two men. They’d been going at each other since he became involved with Zander. At first, he found the group dynamics daunting. Now he was used to them. He wasn’t particularly worried about things getting physical between the two men, but it wasn’t unheard of for one (or both of them, quite frankly) to pout for a day or two. That put a strain on Harper’s mental health and Shawn’s patience quotient.

  “I always want to hear what you have to say,” Zander replied, a serene smile on his face. “You always take my side so it’s good for my ego.”

  Shawn sighed. He loved Zander, but he was a handful. “Well, I’m not on your side today.” He didn’t shrink when Zander’s eyes turned dark. “Don’t look at me that way. I think you’re both being idiots. From Jared’s perspective, though, it has to be difficult for him to listen to you tell the same story for what’s probably the fiftieth time.”

  “I haven’t told it more than two times,” Zander countered as Harper and Jared snorted in unison. “I haven’t.”

  “You’ve told it at least eight times since you’ve been back,” Shawn countered calmly. “I’m betting you told it a few times on the ship.”

  “Try twenty times,” Jared muttered.

  “I did not.” Zander was shrill. “I was very poised in the face of my almost death.”

  Harper focused on her burger so she wouldn’t have to take sides. Just like Shawn, she was sick of the arguments. She wasn’t sick enough to paint herself as a target for both men if they got angry enough, however.

  Shawn, apparently, was willing to be the designated bad guy of the evening. “I happen to believe that Jared was just as worried as Harper when they heard there was a body on deck and they couldn’t find you. You two may drive each other crazy, but you’ve bonded over one thing ... and she’s sitting on the floor stuffing her face.”

  Harper looked up guiltily, causing Jared to laugh as Zander smirked. “I’m just sitting here minding my own business,” she offered.

  “You are,” Shawn agreed. “I think it’s because you’re sick of the fighting. Next time there’s a group vacation, it’s probably best if we all go so we don’t have to deal with ... whatever this is ... again. I imagine you’ve had enough of it.”

  “I really have.” Harper was relieved to have someone in the room who understood her feelings. “I love them both ... but, boy, they are a lot to deal with.”

  Shawn chuckled appreciatively as Jared moved his hand to Harper’s back. Regret, bitter and strong, coursed through him. The last thing he wanted to do was make his fiancée uncomfortable. They were supposed to be resting, living it up before they all returned to their regular jobs. This was not the best way to get her to relax.

  “I’m sorry,” he offered, meaning it. “I didn’t mean to let this happen ... again.”

  “You never mean to let it happen. Sometimes you simply can’t stop yourself. I don’t want to fight, though. I just want to relax. Traveling always takes it out of me. This time is no different. Can’t we just have a moratorium on arguments for at least — I don’t know — seventy-two hours or something?”

  Jared nodded without hesitation. “I think that’s a fantastic idea.”

  “I don’t know if I can last that long,” Zander admitted. “I’ll do my best, though.”

  “That’s all I ask,” Harper encouraged. “I ... .” She trailed off when there was a knock at the door. “Is someone expecting visitors?”

  “Not particularly,” Zander replied, getting to his feet. “I haven’t seen anyone since I got back, though. I guess it could be my mother ... although I promised to stop in and see her tomorrow. She wants to hear all about my trip. I bet my near-death experience will really get her going.”

  Jared made a face. “Your poor mother.”

  “You haven’t met her,” Harper countered. “There’s nothing poor about her. Trust me. She’s a ... well, let’s just say there’s a reason Zander turned out the way he did.”

  “There really is,” Shawn agreed. “I thought she was going to be one of those sweet and doting women when I first met her. It turns out ... she’s something else entirely. I’m betting she was a helicopter mother before they were cool.”

  Jared had no idea what a helicopter mother was, but it didn’t sound good. He watched with a general sense of curiosity as Zander trudged to the door and opened it. The look of surprise on Zander’s face told Jared he wasn’t expecting whoever was on the other side of the threshold.

  “Can I help you?” Zander asked. “I ... are you lost?”

  The voice that answered was rich, deep and nuanced. “I don’t believe I’m lost.” He rattled off the address of the house. “I’m in the right location, correct?”

  “You are.” Zander took a step back and motioned for the gentleman to enter. He seemed confused ... even more so than usual. “You look familiar. I feel like I should know you.”

  “My name is Byron Jessup. I’m sure you’ve heard of me.”

  The name meant nothing to Jared, but it obviously meant something to Harper and Zander because the atmosphere in the room almost immediately changed.

  “Holy crap.” Harper scampered to her feet, her dinner forgotten, and joined Zander in front of the door. “You really are Byron Jessup, aren’t you? I can’t believe you’re here.”

  “Yes, well ... um ... I have a matter to discuss with you. You’re Harper Harlow, correct? I’ve seen you on television a few times, and you have quite the reputation in paranormal circles.”

  Jared had no idea what was going on, but the man’s sudden appearance made him nervous. He sensed something profound was about to go down. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be rude, but I’m not familiar with you.” He wiped his hands on a napkin before jutting one out in greeting. “Jared Monroe. I’m a detective with the Whisper Cove Police Department.”

  Byron accepted the proffered hand. “I know who you are. I had an aide research Ms. Harlow extensively and your name came up multiple times in conjunction with her.”

  “You had an aide research Harper?” Jared was becoming more and more uncomfortable with the conversation. “May I ask why?”

  “I find I am in need of her expertise.”

  Harper shifted from one foot to the other, uncomfortable. “Is this about Jennifer?”

  Jared felt as if he was wading through quicksand as he tried to keep up with the conversation. “Who is Jennifer?”

  Harper merely shook her head and remained focused on Byron. “I knew her because we went to school together. You probably know that, though.”

  “I do,” Byron confirmed stiffly. “And, as a matter of fact, this is about Jennifer. I was hoping you might be able to help me find her. You are a ghost hunter, correct? I want you to find my daughter’s ghost.”

  Jared openly gaped. “Your daughter is dead? Did something happen to her recently?”

  “My daughter is missing,” Byron corrected. “She has been for a long time. I happen to believe that she’s most likely dead. I want Ms. Harlow to prove – or even disprove, quite frankly – that assumption.”

  “You want me to prove it how?” Harper hedged.

  “I’m hosting a special event at my home.” Byron was all business. There was no
inflection in his voice, no emotion. He appeared to be nothing more than a businessman about to cut a deal. “I have invited some of the most renowned psychics in the country — and others like yourself — and the goal is to prove Jennifer is dead, hopefully somehow figure out what happened, and put her to rest. She deserves peace.”

  Harper remained rooted to her spot, flummoxed.

  “I’m still behind,” Jared noted. “Does someone want to fill me in?”

  “Not right now,” Zander replied, brushing off Jared’s question with impatience. “We’ll fill you in later. We’re talking to Mr. Jessup now.” His smile was so broad when he turned to the smartly-dressed visitor, it threatened to swallow his entire face. “We would be happy to participate in your event.”

  Harper opened her mouth to argue with her best friend but no sound came out and no one looked in her direction.

  Byron didn’t smile, simply nodding instead. “Wonderful.” He dug in his pocket and came back with two envelopes. “These are invitations to the event. Please contact my butler with your confirmation and he will handle room arrangements. Thank you so much for your time.”

  He turned to leave, but Harper stopped him.

  “Wait.” She appeared confused. “Just so I’m understanding, you want us to join forces with psychics and other ghost hunters to find Jennifer. That’s what you’re saying, right?”

  “It is.”

  “But ... why now?”

  “Don’t you think it’s time?”

  Honestly, Harper understood what he was trying to do. She wasn’t particularly fond of his attitude, though, and she didn’t like his description of the setup. “We don’t usually work this way,” she explained. “I’ve never worked with the sort of people you’re referring to and I’m not sure it’s a good idea.”