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

by K E O'Connor

  “And why are you in my kitchen?” I went to stand, but Nick gestured for me to remain seated.

  “Making breakfast. I hope you like pancakes.”

  My eyes widened. “I love pancakes.”

  “I figured you deserved something after last night. After all, you caught Delia’s killer.”

  I drew in a deep breath as the memories from the previous evening reared up. “Have you heard anything from the station?”

  Nick brought in two mugs of tea, which he set on the table. “Ronald’s confessed to everything. Fleur was found packing in her bed-and-breakfast and confirmed what she’d heard in the warehouse. Ronald’s guilty. He pushed Delia down the stairs to hide his deception. The case is as good as closed.”

  “That’s great news,” I said. “What about Ronald’s wife?”

  “Trust you to think about the zombies,” Nick said. He returned to the kitchen and came back with two plates of pancakes sprinkled with chocolate chips and berries.

  My mouth fell open. “You really made these?” The delicious scent of cinnamon and sugar drifted toward me.

  “I’m a bachelor. I have to cook for myself.” He handed me a plate and cutlery and settled in a seat opposite me.

  “Sure, but I’m just, well, thanks.” I took a bite. They were as good as they looked. “So, Ronald’s wife?”

  “We’re looking into her family connections, but it seems Ronald was her main caregiver. No one’s coming forward to claim her. Maggie has an older sister, but she’s refused to have anything to do with her. For now, she’s staying here.”

  “All zombies are welcome in Zee Town,” I said. “Perhaps she’d like a new home with us.”

  “We’ll sort something out,” Nick said.

  I lowered my fork. “You realize the zombies in the warehouse weren’t being malicious. Ronald convinced them to take the dogs. He forced them into action. They wouldn’t have done it otherwise. Ronald was twisting their thinking. They’re innocent.”

  Nick tilted his head. “I’m not going to charge the zombies, if that’s what you’re worried about, but a re-education program won’t hurt. They weren’t the only ones interested in the dog show.”

  I groaned and rubbed my fragile feeling head. “The show! There’s still a day left of the dog show. I can’t do it.”

  “Don’t worry. I’ve been in touch with the remaining judge, Claire. She was shocked when she learned what was going on but is happy to finish things up. She said it’s only novelty rounds for the last day, and then the prizes are awarded. She can do that on her own.”

  “She’s right. There’s the fun stuff today. It’s a shame to miss it, though.” I looked at Stool. “I would have entered Stool in the bravest, most amazing dog in the world category. He’d definitely win.”

  Nick grinned and shook his head. “You have to rest. Selina’s on her way over to check you out. She’s spitting mad that you didn’t go to the hospital.”

  I shrugged as I ate more pancake. “The doctor would have told me to go home and rest. Speaking of which, you should go home. You must be exhausted after last night.”

  “I could do with some sleep,” Nick said, “but I’m good for now.”

  “I appreciate you staying,” I said. “I meant what I said last night. I like having you around.”

  Nick set his pancakes to the side. He rubbed the back of his neck. “You might not like me around after this.”

  I swallowed my mouthful of pancake. “What are you talking about?”

  He raked his hands through his messy hair. “I don’t know whether to show you this. There’s never going to be a good time, but you need to know.”

  My appetite vanished, and my last mouthful of pancake lodged in my throat. “Know what? What’s going on?”

  “Wait right there.” Nick vanished out the front door. His car door slammed shut. When he returned, he had a beige file in his hand, which he gave me.

  “What’s this?” I asked.

  Nick perched on the edge of his seat and clasped his hands together. “You know how Archer has all these secret military contacts.”

  “Sure. Hush-hush never to be talked about lethal people who stick to the shadows and use false names.”

  “Something like that. Archer’s got fingers in a lot of pies. And he’s done some digging and made use of his contacts.”

  “What about?” My stomach flipped over. Archer had been prodding for some time about my past.

  “Much like you, he hates a mystery.” Nick pointed at the file. “That is full of information about you. Your record.”

  “My record? I don’t have a criminal record.”

  Nick nodded. “True enough. I argued with Archer about this, but he felt it’s important you know everything. That we know everything about you and your... well, your past.”

  I set my plate down and my fingers clenched around the file. “Why is that important?”

  Nick moved to the couch and sat next to me. He caught hold of my scarred palm and turned it over. “Because of this. You never told me what happened to you. That’s a bite mark. You were bitten by a rabid zombie during the uprising, weren’t you?”

  I tried to yank my hand away, but he held on tight. “What if I was?”

  “I’ve always wondered if that’s the whole story,” Nick said. “The odds weren’t great that you wouldn’t turn into a zombie after being bitten. You know how this virus works. Or rather, we don’t exactly know how it works. When some people get bitten, nothing happens. Some of them turn; some of them don’t. You did, didn’t you?”

  I closed my eyes, my stomach filling with a cold ball of dread. “You read my file?”

  His fingers traced over my scar. “Archer looked through it. He wanted to know everything about you.”

  “And he told you?”

  “He told me,” Nick said.

  My blood turned to ice. “Neither you nor Archer have the right to pry into my past. It’s not important.”

  “Cassie, it is important. It’s what makes you unique. It’s what gives you the connection to the zombies.”

  “No, it doesn’t.”

  “Look at the file. It might help. It could—”

  “Get. Out.” Hot tears threatened behind my still closed eyes. It was wrong. They shouldn’t have pried. This had nothing to do with Nick or Archer.

  “No, I’m going nowhere,” Nick said. “I understand why you don’t want anyone to know about this. And I understand now why you’re so defensive and protective of the zombies in Zee Town.”

  “Because you think I’m still one of them?” I whispered.

  “No, I see you now. I see you’re human and full of warmth and kindness, but what happened to you changed you. Your bond to the zombies is strong, stronger than anything I’ve ever seen.”

  I opened my eyes and turned my head. “What do you mean? What have you seen?”

  “I did a short stint on protection duty during the uprising. I saw the experiments they did on people. People who’d been bitten. People who’d changed. You were tested on, weren’t you?”

  I looked at the file, anger filtering up my spine in a jagged arc. “You know exactly what happened to me if you’ve read this.”

  “You were a zombie, and you were cured,” Nick said. “That’s amazing. That’s why the zombies love you so much.”

  I swallowed and blinked away my tears. “Nobody knows if that’s true. You’re right. I was bitten during the uprising. I felt myself changing after the bite. I was terrified. Something was horribly wrong, and I went to the hospital. I was found by a doctor before I turned completely. He got me somewhere safe. He said there was a facility that might help. I was so scared and confused that I agreed.”

  “How long were you a zombie?” Nick asked.

  “Six months,” I said softly. “I lost track of time for a bit. Not all the placid zombies who were tested came through in one piece.”

  “You did,” Nick said. “Whatever they did to you, it worked. Why didn’t the
y replicate the cure for zombies from you?”

  “They tried,” I said. “They tested everything. They’d take blood every day to see if they could find out what the difference was. They ran tests and experiments on me a thousand times to see what triggered my return. In the end, they couldn’t find it.”

  “So, you went back to living a normal life?”

  I raised my eyebrows. “I’m hardly normal. You’ve called me the zombie queen for years. Since I was bitten and changed, I do have an affinity with zombies. I don’t like to admit it, but we get each other. They understand me.”

  “You control them,” Nick said. “Have you ever tried to control a rabid zombie?”

  I snorted. “You do remember the rabid zombie in Nancy’s garden? I couldn’t control her.”

  “She didn’t bite you,” Nick said.

  “She tried.”

  “But she backed off,” Nick said. “She didn’t want to hurt you once she knew.”

  “Maybe it’s not that,” I said. “I didn’t taste good. I was too much like a zombie for her to want to bite.”

  Nick was silent for a moment. “Who else knows?”

  “Only Selina. She gives me a monthly physical to make sure everything’s on track. Now you and Archer know, thanks to him sticking his nose where it’s not wanted.”

  “It doesn’t feel good to have someone poking around in something they shouldn’t.”

  I yanked my hand from Nick’s and stood. “True. And thanks. I’ve learned my lesson for good this time. I won’t get in your way ever again.”

  Nick stood, his expression stunned. “What do you mean?”

  “I won’t bother you again. You know why I’m protective of the zombies, you get why I have influence over them, and you know everything about a past I’ve tried to hide. I don’t want people to know.”

  “What if they do find out what happened to you?”

  “They do this!” I gestured at Nick, his face full of sympathy. “They treat me like I’m a freak.”

  “No, that won’t happen.”

  I snorted again. “Sure it will. I don’t need it. I don’t want your help. Please, leave.”

  “Cassie, you shouldn’t be alone.”

  “Yes, I should. If you don’t leave, I will.” I moved to the door.

  Nick followed me. “I wanted you to know that I get it. I understand. It changes nothing.”

  I pointed at the door. It did for me. I’d never revealed what had happened to me. It was a horrible, dark, and miserable time in my life. I didn’t need it brought up. I didn’t want people to treat me differently. Now, they would. Everything was ruined.

  “Don’t do this. Don’t shut me out,” Nick said. “We can talk about this. Or not. Whatever you want.”

  I turned my back. “I never let you in. Please, Nick. Leave. I don’t want you here.”

  Nick sighed. “Come on, Stool. Let’s go.”

  I waited until the door had closed before turning. My happiness at discovering Delia’s killer was gone. I grabbed the folder and flung it against the wall. Everything was spoiled. What was I supposed to do now?

  Epilogue

  One week later

  I checked the lane was empty before hurrying out my front door with Asadi and locking up behind me. I pressed my hand briefly against the cool stone wall. I wasn’t sure what to do with my cottage once I’d gone. I should sell it, but that idea made my heart ache.

  It was already late, almost midnight as I hurried away with a case in my hand and Asadi by my side.

  I’d done a lot of thinking over the last week. I’d avoided everyone, pretended I was sick, and retreated to my bed. And I had felt sick. Finally, my secret was out. Nick and Archer knew the truth about me. I was a freak of nature. I couldn’t stay here and let people stare at me and point fingers.

  That was why I’d made the decision to leave. I had to get away and make a fresh start. Once I was clear of Zee Town, I’d let the Council know I was leaving my job at the theme park with immediate effect. They wouldn’t miss me. Beth was doing a great job. Everything was running smoothly.

  I could reinvent myself. Maybe even travel and give talks to other communities about setting up their own placid zombie haven. Whatever I decided to do, it wouldn’t happen in Zee Town.

  I hailed a cab as we hit the main street, and I bundled my case and Asadi inside.

  “Where to?” the driver asked.

  I sucked in a breath. That was a question and a half. “Let’s just drive out of town for now. I’ll let you know when I find somewhere I like.”

  “You’ve got it.” The driver pulled away and headed toward the border gate.

  I rested a hand on Asadi’s head. At least I wouldn’t do this alone. Asadi had grown on me in the time we’d spent together. I hadn’t found anyone to take him, so for now, we were stuck with each other. That was fine by me.

  I looked at the buildings as we drove past, my gaze lingering on Jen’s salon, Laura’s diner, and the tourism office. There were so many memories in Zee Town. It broke my heart to leave everything behind, but I couldn’t stay. I felt cheated. Betrayed by the people I trusted. And I was still mad with Archer and Nick.

  Both had been calling and coming around the house every day. I’d ignored them. I’d only say something I’d regret if I had to face either of them.

  I blinked away tears as the harbor receded from view and we headed farther out of town, the stores disappearing and the countryside rolling in. This was it. I was actually leaving my home town.

  The driver slowed as we got to the high border fence. “This should only take a minute. The guys do a sweep of the vehicle and check I’m not trying to sneak anything out I shouldn’t.” He chuckled. “It’s not like I’m going to have a zombie hiding in the trunk.”

  I forced a smile. No, he had a hybrid zombie sitting in his back seat. “That’s fine.”

  My eyes widened, and my stomach clenched as Archer strolled out of the security office toward the cab.

  He froze for a second as he saw me in the back. His eyes traveled to the case. He turned and walked back into his office.

  “What’s he doing?” I asked. It was my bad luck that Archer was on duty tonight. It could have been one of a dozen guys, but it had to be him.

  “I’ve no idea,” the driver said. “And I never question these guys. They terrify me almost as much as a rabid zombie.”

  I sighed. There was nothing I could do but sit and wait.

  Archer returned a moment later. “Care to get out the back, Cassie?”

  I folded my hands in my lap. “No, I’m fine here.”

  He shrugged. “I can talk to you through the window.”

  “Driver, can you shut the window?” I asked.

  The driver’s eyes widened as he caught my gaze in the rear-view mirror. “You know this guy?”

  “I thought I did, but not anymore.”

  Archer pulled open the door. “Cassie, get out. I’ve been trying to talk to you all week.”

  I shook my head. “There’s nothing to talk about. Do the security checks on the cab, so we can leave.”

  “Are you going on holiday?” Archer asked.

  “No.”

  Archer’s nostrils flared. “You’re going for good?”

  I kept my gaze straight ahead and ignored the wobble in my chin. “There’s nothing for me here.”

  “What about your work? Your friends? What about all the zombies you claim to care about so much?” Archer asked.

  I just shook my head, knowing my voice would crack if I said anything.

  “Maybe you should get out,” the driver said. “I don’t want this guy to impound my car.”

  “That’s a great idea.” Archer’s gaze grew determined. “Cassie’s wanted for questioning. She can’t leave town. Help me get her case and her dog out of your cab before you also become a person of interest.”

  My head whipped around. “You can’t do that. I’m free to go anywhere.”

  Archer cau
ght hold of my elbow and tugged me out of the car. “Not until we talk. You can’t leave in the middle of the night and not tell anybody.”

  “I was going to tell people.” I shook his arm off my elbow. “Once I was out of here. They’ll understand.”

  “I don’t,” Archer said. “Neither does anybody else. Every time I see Nick, he snaps at me as if I’ve stomped on his favorite toy.”

  “I’m happy to hear that,” I said. “It’s no less than you deserve. You shouldn’t have snooped.”

  I turned as the driver’s door opened and watched in dismay as he pulled my case out and Asadi hopped out of the car.

  “No charge for the journey. Good luck.” He hurried back into his cab and zoomed away.

  “Thanks for nothing,” I said to Archer. “How am I getting out of town now?”

  Archer glanced over my shoulder. “You’re not. We’re going to convince you to stay.”

  I looked around as a car approached. Nick was driving, Laura sitting in the front seat. I squinted and saw Jen, Selina, and Stool in the back. “You told them I was here?”

  “Since you won’t talk to us, we made a plan. The first person to spot you on the move stopped you. They all want to see you,” Archer said. “Come into the office.”

  I scowled at Archer as he picked up my case, but there was nothing I could do. He’d never open the gate. I grabbed Asadi’s leash and followed Archer.

  “Take a seat.” He pulled out a chair.

  I shook my head and folded my arms over my chest. “Make this quick. I’m still leaving.”

  “Let’s wait for the others to arrive,” Archer said. “Just before they do, I want you to know I’m sorry.”

  I looked away, my frustration making me want to yell. “About what?”

  “Digging into your past. As I got to know you, I wondered if something had happened to you. It’s nothing to be ashamed of.”

  “I’m not ashamed, but it’s my past. I decide who gets to know about it.”

  Archer lifted a hand. “I was wrong. I shouldn’t have done it.”

  “Cassie!” Jen ran through the doorway and threw her arms around me. “I’ve been so worried about you. I must have sent you a hundred messages.”