Zee Town Paranormal Cozy Mystery - Complete Series Omnibus: Books 1 - 6

by K E O'Connor

  “He seems like a decent guy A bit forward, though. After the dance, he tried to invite himself in to spend the night!”

  “Wow! He really is a fast mover. I do hope you said no.” Jen raised an eyebrow and grinned.

  “Of course,” I said. “The next day, he was in my office, asking me out.”

  “That’s great,” Jen said. “I’m glad you’ve found somebody.”

  “I may have more than one somebody.” I ducked my head.

  “Tell all.” Jen’s blue eyes gleamed with delight.

  “I got a Valentine’s card. It wasn’t from Grant.”

  “How do you know he didn’t send it to you?”

  “He seemed jealous when he saw it on my desk.”

  “Who’s it from?” Jen asked.

  “It wasn’t signed.” I twisted the deflated balloons I held.

  “You must know who it is,” Jen said. “You’re always solving puzzles.”

  I gritted my teeth. “Nick Morton.”

  Jen let out a laugh. “And you’re surprised to be getting a card from him?”

  “Yes! I’m surprised. We spend our time fighting and butting heads over his ridiculous schemes to persecute our zombies.”

  “I guess you don’t see the times he looks at you when you aren’t fighting,” Jen said.

  “What do you mean? Nick doesn’t look at me.”

  “He does. He gets this daft look on his face. His mouth hangs open and his eyes go glazed, like he’s seen something so beautiful it can’t be real. It’s about time he made a move on you.”

  “Nick doesn’t look at me like that,” I said. “He can’t like me. He’s always so mean to me.”

  “What he’s doing is classic,” Jen said. “Nick likes you but has no clue how to tell you. And he most likely thinks you hate him because you’re always fighting with him. And...”

  “Go on. Tell me what I’m doing wrong with the rest of my love life!”

  “No, it’s not like that,” Jen said. “I know you lost someone you cared about during the uprising. Maybe Nick did, too.”

  “I have no idea about Nick’s past. He’s a closed book. Nobody knows anything about him.”

  “Well, you’re part of a book club and you love to read. Maybe it’s time you opened that particular Nick Morton shaped book and had a look inside,” Jen said.

  I shot a glare at her. “That’s a terrible idea. We need to focus on the search.”

  “I am focusing. I’m also offering my best friend useful advice at the same time.” She nudged me with her elbow and walked away a few paces. “Nick’s a good guy.”

  I tried to keep my thoughts on our search, but they kept drifting to what Jen had said. Could it be true? Could Nick like me and was having trouble telling me? When we weren’t arguing, we got along okay. Plus, he was smart and dedicated to his work. And then there were his dark looks and lovely blue eyes.

  I shook myself. There was too much complicated history with Nick. If we dated, it would be one of those fiery, exhausting relationships. I wanted a quiet life. Besides, I was going on a date with Grant. Maybe he was my future.

  We searched for two hours, fortified at regular intervals by the food and drink Laura had brought along. The encroaching tide and fading light finally forced us off the beach before we’d made it to the caves.

  “Did anyone find anything useful?” I said as we congregated on the harborside.

  “I found this shoe.” Jen held up a dirty, flat, black ballet pump. “It could belong to anyone.”

  “I got nothing,” Laura said, her teeth audibly chattering.

  “I didn’t see anything useful,” Selina said. “Although, I found this interesting bone. I think it’s from a whale.” She held out the bleached looking specimen for us to inspect.

  “We need a plan to go around the stores.” My gaze drifted to The Flounder’s boat. I couldn’t face the stink of fish again or risk getting another pelting. I’d tackle him another day.

  “I could do with defrosting before I do anything else,” Laura said. “I’ll go to the post office tomorrow and ask questions. It’s too late to go there now.”

  “I’ll try Bill’s store now and see if I can find out anything useful,” I said. “It’s almost on my way home, so won’t take me long.”

  Jen looked at me and grinned. “Maybe that handsome new assistant deserves your attention.”

  I shook my head. “I’m simply looking for our zombies. I need to be thorough.”

  “Sure you do,” Jen said. “Be good. Don’t let him sweet talk you into staying over.”

  “What’s this?” Laura’s sharp gaze settled on us.

  “Cassie has a date with the hunky new guy, Grant,” Jen said.

  I swatted her arm. “He did ask me out. We’re going for lunch at the Boat Shed this weekend.”

  “That’s the guy with the piercing green eyes and hair down to his shoulders?” Selina said. “I’ve seen him dashing about town.”

  “It’s just lunch,” I said.

  “He sounds lovely,” Laura said. “I’ll report in if I hear anything of use at the post office.”

  We all said a speedy goodbye and headed our separate ways.

  I kicked as much sand off my boots as possible before heading into Bill’s store. Grant was behind the counter. He didn’t recognize me at first, I was so wrapped up against the cold.

  As I undid my layers, his eyes widened and a smile spread across his face. “Where have you been that you need to dress like that?” He walked out from behind the counter to help remove the scarf I’d become tangled in.

  “Beach walking with my friends,” I said as I finally unhooked the scarf and unbuttoned my coat.

  “That’s an interesting hobby for this time of year,” Grant said. “Let me get you a mug of hot chocolate to warm you up.”

  I smiled as I waited by the counter. Grant knew the way to a girl’s heart if he had hot chocolate on hand.

  He returned a moment later. Not only did the hot chocolate smell amazing, but he’d also put mini marshmallows on top. “Here you go. This will help to defrost the icicles.”

  I took a few sips. It was delicious. “Thanks. I hope you don’t mind me dropping by unannounced, but I wanted to see if you’d heard anything more from Chris?”

  “No, still nothing.” Grant returned to the other side of the counter.

  “And anything from Bill? Is he coming back next week?”

  “I hope so,” Grant said. “He called today to let me know things are going well. He’ll be back soon. I think he’s enjoying having time away from Zee Town.”

  I couldn’t imagine ever wanting to leave Zee Town. I loved living here. I rarely even took holidays. Why leave when you already lived in paradise?

  The store door opened. Two zombies ambled in. They looked around, waved at me, and walked out.

  “These zombies are a mystery to me,” Grant said. “There are all sorts of rumors about them online. I don’t know what to believe.”

  “They aren’t so complicated.”

  “I read that there are some zombies who have developed extra abilities since they’ve changed,” Grant said.

  “Extra abilities? Most of the zombies lose complex brain functions. If anything, they regress rather than evolve.”

  “What about the ability to be strong?” Grant said. “You must have encountered rabid zombies during the uprising. They seemed fast and powerful.”

  “That was to do with their bloodlust. The fact they were driven to feed to keep themselves alive. It meant they were motivated to run fast. I don’t think turning into a zombie gives you special abilities. It’s not something I’d want to try.” My fingers strayed to the scar on my palm and I gave it a gentle rub.

  “I’ve heard of a group doing experiments on zombies to see if they have a way of talking to each other telepathically, like a zombie hive mind.”

  I didn’t like the sound of that. “That seems more like something out of a movie or a comic book than real
life. Why would they need to do that?” I took another sip of my hot chocolate.

  “I don’t know, to plan a second uprising?” Grant shot a nervous glance toward the door.

  “The first uprising was an accident. It was a virus. There was no master plan behind any of that.”

  “You don’t buy the idea it was some big corporation who invented a vaccine and unleashed a virus? Then it went wrong and the vaccine didn’t work.”

  I laughed. “No, I don’t believe that. That idea is definitely out of a movie.”

  “I’m not so sure,” Grant said. “Big business can be ruthless when it comes to increasing their bottom line and maximizing profits.”

  My thoughts drifted to the theme park possibility. Grant had a point. “Even if that was the plan, it didn’t work. Zee Town is thriving. We’re happy to live alongside our placid zombies. I can assure you, they have no hive mind. They’re just trying to get by in this big bad world, like the rest of us.”

  Grant scooped a globule of marshmallow from his own hot chocolate and sucked it from his finger. “It’s interesting, though, all the ideas people have about zombies. I’m enjoying being a part of this community and learning about zombies by being around them.”

  “You’ll learn even more if you find Chris,” I said. “I enjoy working with Zara, my assistant at the tourism center. She’s gentle and kind to other people, especially other zombies.”

  “I’ll look into his whereabouts,” Grant said. “Or maybe employee a new zombie. Uncle Bill might be pleased that I’ve acted on my initiative and gotten extra help while he’s away. It would be fun to work with a zombie.”

  “You could try at the shelter for extra help,” I said.

  “What’s the shelter?” Grant asked.

  “We have a shelter for zombies who have no home or no human to care for them. There are always able-bodied zombies there who could do with something to occupy their time.”

  “Thanks. I’ll check the place out,” Grant said.

  I finished my hot chocolate. “I’d better get going. Thanks for the drink.”

  Grant grabbed hold of my hand and kissed the back of it. “You’re more than welcome, beautiful lady. I’ll see you for our date this weekend.”

  I nodded a goodbye, my cheeks burning with embarrassed delight over Grant’s affectionate display as I left the store.

  I was looking forward to our date. Grant was a good option, especially when I compared him to Nick’s surliness. Grant was funny, kind, and engaged in the world. What more could a woman want?

  Nick’s determined focus crossed my mind. He had a strong desire to do the right thing, although not always when I wanted him to. Plus, he loved Stool, and Stool adored him. Any man who loved animals had a kind side.

  Shaking my head, I hurried away. Nick Morton was too complicated for me. I knew what I was getting with Grant. He’d show me a good time, and it would be free from stress. That was all I needed.

  Chapter 16

  I shifted from foot to foot, my arm wrapped around my middle to keep out the cold wind as I waited outside the Boat Shed. I couldn’t believe how nervous I felt about my date with Grant. It was just a date with a nice guy, but the butterflies in my stomach wouldn’t settle as I checked my watch for what felt like the fiftieth time.

  Grant was five minutes late. I tried to ignore the idea that he might have stood me up.

  I’d spent ages choosing my outfit that morning and had settled on knee-high boots, thick dark tights, and a knee-length burgundy dress, my smart gray coat over the top. I could have done with a couple more layers, but I didn’t want to look too bulky.

  My straightened bob had already been messed up by the wind. I did my best to smooth it down as another blast hit me in the face. It would have made more sense to wait inside the diner, but if I got a table for two and Grant didn’t show, I’d look like such an idiot.

  I checked my watch again. I’d wait five more minutes. If he didn’t turn up, I was leaving.

  I stepped aside as a couple entered the diner, giving me a curious look as they did so. I felt like a fool waiting here for my date. What if he’d forgotten about it? Grant had seemed so keen the last time I’d seen him.

  The hands on my watch ticked past and the five minutes vanished. My butterflies settled. I’d been stood up. I pulled my coat around me and turned to leave.

  My eyes widened and my stomach flipped as I spotted Grant running toward me, an enormous bunch of flowers in one hand. He waved as he spotted me.

  “I’m so sorry I’m late.” He stopped and landed a kiss on my lips. “I got caught up at the store, then the help was late arriving, and I wanted to get you these.” He thrust the flowers at me.

  “You know how to make an entrance.” I accepted the flowers. “Thank you, these are lovely. You didn’t need to get me a gift.” I wished he’d turned up on time, rather than waste money getting me flowers and making himself late.

  “I wanted to get my special lady something nice.” Grant pulled open the door to the diner. “Shall we?”

  I nodded, deciding to let him off the hook. Anyone could get caught up and made late by things outside of their control. I should know, I often got distracted at work.

  We selected a small table by the window with an excellent view of the beach and studied the menu for a few moments.

  “The beetroot burger and dressed salad are nice,” I said to Grant as we placed our drinks order with the waiter.

  “Beetroot burger,” Grant said. “That sounds like an interesting combination.”

  “Your burger comes out bright purple, but it’s delicious.”

  “I’m up for a new taste experience.” Grant looked at the waiter. “We’ll have two of those, shall we?” He glanced at me, checking it was okay to order for us both.

  I nodded and passed my menu to the waiter. Beetroot burger was always my first choice when I came to the Boat Shed. It was a place that lived up to its name, having been a disused shed to store boats over the winter.

  It had been bought a few years ago and turned into a lovely rustic diner, with handmade wooden tables, a classic seaside theme inside, and a stunning view of the sea.

  “What’s new in your life?” Grant played with the salt and pepper shakers on the table.

  “Now the Valentine’s dance is over, I need to get thinking about the next event,” I said. “We have ten events a year. I always like to plan for each one.”

  “They must keep you busy,” Grant said.

  “They do, but I enjoy it. How are things at the store?”

  “All good,” Grant said. “Honestly, though, I’m not sure it’s for me long term. I’m happy to help Uncle Bill, but my ambitions run a little bigger than being his general dogsbody for the rest of my life.”

  “Maybe Bill will hand the store to you when he retires,” I said. “Would you like that?”

  Grant shook his head. “No, I don’t think it’s for me. My expertise lie in social media. I run a few websites of my own, blogs, that sort of thing.”

  “What are your interests online?”

  “This and that,” Grant said. “I make comments about things in the world and sell a few ad spaces to make money.”

  “That sounds interesting.”

  “It’s great fun,” Grant said. “You learn all sorts of interesting things online and meet some eccentric people. Not in the flesh. But I enjoy going into chat rooms and forums.”

  “I prefer meeting people face to face,” I said. “You should come along to more of our events if you’re staying in town for a while. It’s a great way to meet new people.”

  “I’d be up for that, especially if you’re there.” Grant flashed me a grin.

  “How long do you think you’ll be in town?” I didn’t want to fall for a guy who wasn’t planning on sticking around.

  “I’m not sure yet,” Grant said. “I’ve got some business to finish here and I want to make sure Uncle Bill has the help he needs.”

  “A few months?
A year?” I was digging, but there was no point in starting a relationship with someone who’d leave just as things were getting interesting.

  “It depends on how things pan out here,” Grant said. “Ooh, look the food’s coming.”

  The waiter served us two heaped plates of beetroot burgers and dressed salads, with a side order of fries.

  “This looks incredible,” Grant said. He ate half his burger in three bites. “You were right about how good these are.”

  I nodded and took a few minutes to sample my own food, enjoying the tangy combination of beetroot, roasted vegetables, and lemon rinsed salad. “Have you had much chance to explore the town?”

  “I’ve done a walk around a few times and been down on the beach. It’s too cold to be there long, though.”

  “It’s the place to go in the summer months,” I said. “When you’ve been here a few years, you get used to the icy blasts in winter. It hardens you up, living in Zee Town.”

  Grant grinned. “I do like it here. It’s somewhere I’d consider staying.”

  That sounded positive. “If staying with Bill isn’t an option, there are usually a few rental properties available if you wanted to stay for a while.”

  “It wouldn’t be hard for me to move my online business into town. All I need is a good Internet connection and a laptop, and I can do whatever I need to.”

  This was sounding even better. “Tell me more about your websites.”

  Grant waved his hand in the air. “It would bore you. It’s mainly me talking about today’s issues and making comments on what other people say. That makes me sound arrogant when I describe it like that.”

  He’d never struck me as arrogant. A little over enthusiastic, but that wasn’t a bad thing. “You’ll have to give me the details. I’ll look them up.”

  Grant smiled. “Will do. Now, tell me everything about Zee Town.”

  “What do you want to know?”

  “How do you get the zombies to behave so well?” Grant asked.

  “We don’t need to manage them if that’s what you mean,” I said. “The placid zombies are just that. They’re quiet and well-behaved. I get the impression they want a simple life. Somewhere they feel safe, where people can keep an eye on them, and where they can get help if they need it.”