The Harvest Club

  The crack of thunder startled Jessie.

  The scream stuck in her throat and then she saw him, his sinister face, lusting eyes, and sheer size. She screamed, dropped her keys and ran, realizing too late she was running toward the graveyard and wooded area just beyond. Stupid. Too late to run to Matt now. She gasped for breath, heart pounding in her ears.

  Making it through the graveyard to the trees, Jessie ran along them, hoping she was headed back toward the church and the lighted parking lot. He was closing in fast. Tripping over a tree root, she pitched forward into the darkness, sliding sideways down a steep embankment, grabbing at the muddy grass. She chocked off a cry as she fell several feet to a ledge below, hitting her head on something hard.

  She lay winded on her back, struggling for breath, looking up in the mesmerizing light show as a fork of lightning unfolded across the sky. On any other night it would have fascinated her, but now it was like a scene from a creepy movie. As she breathed deeply in and out her racing heart started to slow down.

  “Jessie, sweet Jessie…” The man’s mocking voice floated down to her. “I’ll be back to play another day.”

  The Harvest Club

  by

  Iona Morrison

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, organizations, places, events, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

  Text copyright © 2014 by Iona Morrison

  Originally published by Wild Rose Press

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the publisher.

  Published by AmazonEncore, Seattle

  www.apub.com

  Amazon, the Amazon logo, and AmazonEncore are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates.

  eISBN: 9781503977792

  Cover Designer: Debbie Taylor

  This title was previously published by Wild Rose Press; this version has been reproduced from Wild Rose Press archive files.

  Dedication

  In memory of Linda Gross who inspired me with the story of a church ghost.

  Also to Rob Morrison who encouraged me every step of the way.

  Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Chapter Thirty

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  A word about the author...

  Chapter One

  She had escaped at last! Jessie glanced in the rearview mirror as the New York skyline sank beneath the horizon. There had been days over the past few months when she’d felt she would nearly burst out of her skin with restlessness. No more! She smiled and turned her attention back to the winding road. Any mistakes she made now were her own. At least it would be her life. The one she chose, not Dad’s idea of Jessie’s best life.

  A Toyota with a dented fender cut her off with a blast of the horn as she speed dialed Katie on her cell. The driver gave her the finger. “Hi, it’s me.” She could barely contain her laughter. “I wanted to let you know I’m just leaving the city.”

  “What’s so funny?”

  “Just one of the locals sending me off in style.”

  Katie giggled. “I hate to tell you, but you’ll find that wherever you go.”

  “I know, but New Yorkers do it with such flare.”

  “I can’t wait until you get here.” Katie was at a near-squeal pitch, a familiar Katie trait. “I’m already making plans for us.”

  “At least let me get settled in first.”

  “I will, but I won’t let you become a recluse either. I’ve decided to make you my next project.”

  “That sounds a little scary.” Jessie thought for a moment. “No matchmaking, Katie, I mean it!”

  “Is your dad still mad?” Katie changed the subject.

  “What do you think?” Jessie switched lanes, passing the driver of the Toyota who had slowed down to turn. She honked and waved. “He’ll sulk for a while expecting me to come around and creep home with my tail between my legs.”

  “But you won’t because you’re just as stubborn as he is.” Katie’s grin was just about audible. Jessie smiled.

  “True, I am my father’s daughter. It took me long enough, but I finally discovered how to hold out against his guilt trips.” Jessie chuckled. “I should be there in a couple of hours.”

  “I’ll be waiting. Remember, turn left once you get off the highway on to the coastal road.”

  ****

  As Jessie rounded the headland on the coastal road, she caught sight of a sailboat taking on the waves. Fascinated, she pulled over onto the shoulder and got out to watch. Wow, was the boat in trouble? The wind whipped her hair into her face, and she pulled it into a ponytail without taking her eyes off the boat. One minute the vessel seemed to struggle against the force of the waves, and on the next one, the wind caught its sails and glided effortlessly across the water. Whew. A sense of relief filled Jessie as she watched the small craft until it became a tiny dot on the horizon, off on some new adventure.

  What an awesome welcome! Jessie took a deep breath and exhaled. She loved the smell of the sea air. As a matter of fact, she loved everything about the ocean. The sound of the surf, the sunsets, and the summer breezes off the water—those were only some of the many reasons she was moving to Blue Cove. She wanted this to be a new beginning, a laid-back lifestyle filled with long runs on the beach, wave watching, hanging out with friends. And maybe, just maybe, someone special to share this perfect life with, please. She looked up toward the heavens.

  Her ringing phone jolted her, and she fumbled it out of her pocket. “Hey, this is Jessie.”

  “Where are you?” Katie’s cheerful voice sounded in her ear.

  “Not too far away, but I’ll probably take a look around town before I get to your place.” Jessie got into her car and closed the door. “I’m so excited to finally be here that I’ve got to check it out.”

  “I can hardly wait to see you—so hurry!”

  Jessie turned the key, and the engine hummed to life. She had missed Katie! She could still remember the first time they met. Katie was standing on the sidewalk outside of the school, big tears falling down her cheeks as her mom drove away. One of the big boys had pushed her, knocking her pencil box out of her hands. Jessie had rushed over so sure of herself. “I’ll take care of you,” she’d told Katie as they picked up the pencils. “I won’t let that mean old boy push you again.” As if she could have stopped him. A smile teased the corners of her mouth. From that moment on, they had been best friends.

  Together again! Jessie took a deep breath. For
the first time in a long time, she felt relaxed and excited about life. The last few miles seemed to fly by, and soon enough Blue Cove came into view.

  ****

  Driving slowly down Main Street, Jessie looked around. How pretty! Beautiful old trees lined both sides of the street, and large ceramic pots filled with flowers decorated each corner and were spaced at intervals on the block. Most of the buildings had new façades, which added to the street’s overall appeal. Old fashioned lampposts and the smell of the ocean gave it that wonderful New England feel. It would be stunning with the changing colors of fall or a light dusting of snow in the winter.

  Jessie spotted the Cove Book Store. Katie had mentioned it, and that it was for sale. She still might buy it. Jessie filed the image of the brick storefront and weather beaten trim in her mind for later. A new name for sure. She frowned. Planters out front? Period hanging sign? Maybe some fresh paint on the trim…

  She turned to look at the other side of the street. Yes, there it was just where Katie had said it would be, First Community Church, a pristine white building complete with a steeple, a bell, and an office with her name on it. She had liked it on the internet; it was even better for real.

  A woman stood in front of the church staring at her. Jessie waved. The woman merely glared back and tapped her foot petulantly.

  ****

  Wow, so much for all the locals being friendly. Whoever was late was going to get an earful it looked like. Jessie slipped her car into a space in front of Java Joe’s, a cute little hole-in-the-wall coffee place. Definitely coffee time! Stepping inside she looked around. Nice, over-stuffed comfy couches, leather chairs, and modern art work. What a great place to hang out with friends. And it was right across the street from work.

  “Can I help you?” A young woman walked out of the kitchen.

  “Something smells wonderful!” Jessie looked up from the display case into a pair of deep brown eyes, accented by a garish dark green eye shadow.

  “We just took some fresh lemon blueberry scones out of the oven. Would you like to have a taste?”

  Jessie nodded and popped the piece of scone into her mouth. It was delicious, buttery, stuffed with blueberries and drizzled with lemon icing. She ordered two of them to go and a decaf coffee.

  “Are you passing through or just visiting?” The girl smiled as she slipped the scones into a white bakery bag. “I don’t remember seeing you before.”

  “Actually I’m moving here.” She smiled back at her, noticing the girl’s nose ring and multiple earrings.

  “Oh, you must be Katie’s friend. She’s been telling everyone about you.” The girl’s eyes sparkled. “My name is Molly. Welcome to Blue Cove!” Molly handed her the bag of scones. “I’m afraid that after New York you’ll find life here a little boring.”

  “I’m Jessie…” She reached for the bag. “Right now I have to admit boring sounds pretty good.”

  “Thanks for coming in.” Molly’s smile widened. “It’s nice to meet you.”

  “I’m sure I’ll see you again, Molly. My new job is across the street, and coffee is a necessity of life for me, even if it’s decaf.” Jessie dropped the change into the tip jar and turned to leave. As she stepped outside, the door closed behind her. The lady she had seen earlier was nowhere to be seen. Her friend must have finally showed up.

  ****

  Jessie noticed a car in the church parking lot and made a U-turn, pulling her convertible into the space next to it. It had been a long time since she had attended church on a regular basis, much to her parents’ chagrin, and here she was going to work at one. She might need to include a hard hat in her Monday attire, she smiled, just in case the roof fell in.

  She sipped her coffee, pulled out her cell phone, sighed, and made the call she had been dreading. Instant relief filled her, Dad didn’t answer, and she got his voicemail. Leaving him a quick message to let him know she had arrived safely, Jessie turned her phone off.

  ****

  She got out of her car, stretching her legs, and strolled toward the church entrance. But it was the cemetery on the other side of the church that called to her. It was a gorgeous day, too nice to go inside just yet.

  Katie, Jessie, and some of their friends used to go to the cemetery in their small town just to scare each other witless, especially on Halloween. The darker the night, the better!

  She smiled as she strolled between the headstones, across neatly trimmed grass. Katie would get them all worked up ahead of time with stories of the dead who roamed restlessly among the graves. She had been the instigator of such outings, and Jessie always followed her. Jessie chuckled at the memory. Following Katie had gotten her into plenty of trouble.

  Jessie paused to read some of the headstones. A few dated back almost a hundred years. Just ahead under the shade of huge maple tree, she saw a new grave. Making her way there, careful to stay on the path, Jessie stopped in front of the grave so she could read the memorial on the stone.

  Here lies the sunshine of our lives.

  Beloved Wife, Mother, Daughter, and Friend

  Gina Martin

  Born June 5, 1982, Died March 15, 2012

  It was a lovely area, well-manicured and maintained; fresh flowers filled the vases on each side of the headstone. A bench was placed directly across from the grave under the maple tree and offered a view to the woods behind the church. Jessie sat down and sighed with pleasure.

  As she sat, she calculated the years. Wow, this Gina was not quite thirty, only a few years older than herself. How had she died? Jessie frowned. Too young to die! She shook her head but couldn’t stop the tears that trickled down her cheeks. Annoyed, she wiped them from her face.

  “Every day is a gift, even though it’s not wrapped with a bow. Live it fully!” Her grandma Sadie had told her often, and lived it by example. Looking at the new grave Jessie couldn’t help but wonder about Gina Martin’s short life. What had she been like?

  Lifting her face, she saw movement at the edge of the woods. The impatient woman she had seen earlier in the floral dress gazed directly at her, never taking her eyes off Jessie’s face. Her curly short, brown hair framed her pretty face. She was surprised to see her again so soon. Her ride must have dropped her off here, after they’d gone wherever they were going.

  “Hello.” Jessie waved and smiled.

  The woman didn’t say a word but stood quiet and still, staring at her. Jessie looked away for a moment, and when she glanced back again, the woman was gone.

  ****

  “How rude, I wonder what her problem is!” Jessie stood and shrugged, then walked through the cemetery back toward the church. Climbing the stairs, she opened the door. “Is anyone here?” She stepped inside.

  “Can I help you?” A gray haired man shuffled across the foyer toward her, limping slightly. His smile was warm and genuine.

  “I’m Jessie Reynolds, the new secretary. I saw your car in the parking lot and decided to come in and have a look around before Monday.” She smiled back at him.

  “Welcome, Jessie. I’m James Morris.” He extended his hand. “Pastor Rick told the congregation we were getting a new secretary. I’d be happy to show you the church.”

  “That would be nice.” She shook his hand.

  Walking with James was a quick education in small town living. He seemed to know everyone and everything.

  Jessie made a mental note to be careful what she said in front of him because his ability to recall details from years ago was incredible. He showed her the offices, the sanctuary, and the rest of the church. Bringing her back to the foyer, he stopped at a wall with several photographs.

  “These are all the pastors who have served the church since it was built. This one here was the founding pastor; of course I wasn’t around yet.” He laughed. “I would have to be older than I already am.” He pointed to a painting and then went on to point out the photos of those pastors he had known personally. He told her a story about how each of them had made their way to First C
ommunity. When he came to the smiling face of a pretty, young woman with dark curly hair, he paused. “This is Pastor Gina Martin. She was such a sweet young thing. She’s dead, you know, murdered right outside the church a few months ago. They still don’t know who did it.” He shifted his weight to his good leg and leaned against the wall.

  Startled, she looked at James. “I just saw her grave.” Jessie turned back to the picture, feeling a little light headed. “She was a pastor here?” It…it looked a little like the lady she had seen in the woods. Not possible. She gave her head a tiny shake. A sister? Maybe just her vivid imagination at it again.

  “Yes,” he answered. “Gina was our Assistant Pastor, and we all miss her something terrible.”

  She could feel those pesky tears gathering again. “How many children did she have? Any…any siblings? She wiped an errant tear from her cheek.

  “Two children,” he said. “A boy and a little girl. They live with Gina’s parents at Rocky Pointe until the custody battle with their stepfather is settled. No siblings that I can recall, at least none that I ever met. Are you all right?”

  “Yes.” She cleared her throat and managed a smile. Why this deep sadness? She’d never met this woman. Tired, she decided. She was just tired.

  “James, I think I’d better get on my way. I still have to get settled in.” She offered her hand once again. “Thanks for the tour. The church is lovely.” She turned and walked briskly toward the front doors.

  Striving to keep up with her, he made it to the door in time to hold it open for her to walk through and then followed her out. He pointed to the tree where Gina’s body had been discovered. “She had several gunshot wounds, real messy, if you know what I mean. It’s a sad business, and the church is still trying to recover.” He paused. “I hope you’ll enjoy working here, and this won’t scare you off.”

  She mumbled a goodbye, bolted across the parking lot, and got into her car as fast as her feet would carry her. Wanting to speed away from the church, Jessie calmed herself first. She started her car, going over Katie’s directions in her mind. Why hadn’t Katie told her about the murder at the church? Was it a random killing? Or had Gina been a target? And who in the heck was the woman? Not a ghost, that’s for sure. She’d looked way too real. There was a story to be uncovered here for sure!