MORTAL FEAR

A CLAIRE THOMAS PARANORMAL MYSTERY

__________

A NOVEL BY LUCKY CABALLERO

First published by C-CORP PUBLISHING 2024

Copyright © 2024 by Lucky Caballero

All rights reserved.

Dedication

This book is dedicated to my good friend David Blair of Saxman, Alaska.

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

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

It is illegal to copy this book, post it to a website, or distribute it by any other means without permission. The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the Internet or via any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise), without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book. The publishers and the book are not associated with any product or vendor mentioned in this book. None of the companies referenced within the book have endorsed the book. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.

Lucky Caballero asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work. Lucky Caballero has no responsibility for the persistence or accuracy of URLs for external or third-party

First edition Mortal Fear

A Claire Thomas Paranormal Mystery Book 3

Copyright © 2024 by Lucky Caballero

Cover Art by Santoro

ISBN (XXXXXXXXXXXXX)

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

It is with David Blair’s permission and cooperation that he is used as a main character in this book, without compensation, etc. Collectively, David and I decided that David would make an excellent main character in this mystery story. I also want to thank David for his story ideas that helped shape this story. I hope you enjoy this paranormal mystery tale. 

PROLOGUE

No one noticed the dark-haired man and his male companion as they stepped off the plane on Gravina Island. The Ketchikan airport was small, and it took them only a few minutes to collect their luggage. Within minutes of arriving, the two men bypassed the airport ferry and climbed into a large skiff manned by a burly local. What was odd, was that all three men wore the same black and red woolen plaid coats and black woolen hats pulled down low on their faces. A heavy thick gray fog was rolling into the Narrows from the bay as the winds picked up from the sea. Within minutes, the skiff was swallowed in the wet, cold blanket of sea fog.

Chapter One

The whipping icy February winds lifted the powdery snow from the docks, piling it haphazardly into shifting snow berms that had grown rapidly over the past several hours. It was only a little past midnight, but the streets were empty and slick with ice. A lone dog roamed the dock next to the Visitors Center, looking for any scraps of food. He was large, with silver and black markings. His golden yellow eyes were wary as he cautiously navigated the icy dock beneath his paws. Frustrated at not being able to access the heavy trash barrel, he stood on his hindquarters and attempted to knock it over by rocking it hard with his front paws. He stopped suddenly and turned his head as the sound of terrified gasping and running footsteps came towards him in the darkness.

The dog ran, his furry feet sliding on the icy roadway as he crossed the street and hid in the doorway of a jewelry store long since closed for the winter. He smelled an odd scent as he lifted his nose. There was a memory in it. Something ancient stirred in his blood. He fought the urge to flee as the mesmerizing scene unfolded before him, compelling him to remain. The shadowy figure of a man running towards the Visitors Center caught the dim entry light that glinted off the heavy metal statue of fishermen close by. The man hit a patch of snow-covered ice and slid to his knees. His terrified eyes saw only darkness, but he felt the angry sinister presence that hunted him and heard its heavy breath. 

He was crying. The sharp chilling wind muffled the terror in his voice as he looked back over his shoulder. Something in the darkness behind him roared and he screamed again, scrambling wildly trying to get to his feet. He saw nothing in the engulfing inky blackness behind him. He moved quickly towards the corner of the building, as a loud grunting sounded close behind him, distorted by the shrill, ripping winds. The man whipped his head around to look behind him again, fear unfurled through him, thickening his blood, running as fast as he could towards the Visitor’s Center. He ran breathlessly towards the unroped sidewalk, nearly colliding head-on with the massive brass statue of fishermen that sat on the dock near the entrance to the street next to the Visitor’s center.

A light flickered behind him as he rounded the corner, illuminating only for a moment, the tall muscular beast that moved menacingly towards him. The streetlamp near the Visitor’s Center twenty feet away flickered on again, its dim flickering light revealed the wolf-like monster in front of him. The creature was massive, with fur as black as night and eyes that glowed with a reddish otherworldly light. It looked like a monstrous hybrid of human and wolf. It was larger than any wolf he had ever seen, with razor-sharp teeth, unnaturally white and salivating. The huge hulking thing advanced slowly, savoring the fear like it was a tangible thing. Reaching out a trembling hand to hold on to the cold metal of the statue, the man moved forward slowly, desperate not to slip on the ice beneath his feet. Panic sized the man’s entire body as he looked up into the glittering red eyes that bore into his. A brutal hatred consumed them as those eyes pierced his soul.

The creature roared, a long-fingered hand, tipped with razor-sharp claws, gripped the man’s neck, lifting him bodily. He screamed as choking panic engulfed the man as he realized he was going to die. His body spasmed as it fought for air, gagging, as wrenching nausea of fear rose to his dry, split lips, the scream cut agonizingly short.

“Please…I didn’t...” He whispered.

The creature’s long tapered ears shot upwards, an expression of disbelief flickered through its eyes and was gone, replaced by hate as its eyes penetrated his. It loosened its tight hold on his throat, baring its long deadly fangs, grimacing a terrifying smile that flashed across its horrifying face.

The massive, long black talons tightened its grip on the man’s throat, pulling him to his feet. He shivered violently despite the heavy gale-force winds that swept against them. Sobbing and gagging, the man began to fall slowly to his knees. The beast jerked him upright as it lifted him several feet in the air, before leaning down, shoving its face close to his. It’s hot, unnatural breath forced him to attempt to turn his head. A roar of blind rage ripped from the beast as it tightened its grip on him, screaming as it shook him. Razor-sharp claws wrapped themselves tighter around his neck, jerking him higher into the air.

The glowing red eyes seem to glow in the darkness, causing the man to freeze in terror, unable to scream. A long wolf-like snout with wide lips curled back to reveal sharp canine shaped teeth gleaming threateningly in the flickering porch light brightened. It swung its massive head, of glistening thick black and silver fur, and pinned its large wolf like ears to its head as the creature glanced up at the flickering light in obvious annoyance.

The man shuddered as the creature once again brought his face up to its own. Looking into its eyes, he saw only inhuman rage and an ancient hunger that burned with a life of its own. Neither saw nor sensed the presence of the shadowy figure who stood beneath the stairwell of a nearby restaurant, hidden within the pitch-black shadows. 

The man felt the bile rise in his throat and fought it as he struggled against the powerful hand that held him nearly a foot off the ground. It was all in vain, and he knew it. He couldn’t breathe, the creature was slowly strangling him as he dangled, his arms swinging as his fists weakly pummeled the creature’s shoulders and chest. The lamp suddenly brightened, and the man swung his fist at the creature’s head before trying to twist free. The creature ducked his head and shook him violently. The man continued to whimper, his bloodshot blue eyes, begging beneath the all-consuming terror. The creature smiled wolfishly as he lifted his other hand and with a sharp razor talon, he carved a deep symbol into the man’s forehead. Searing pain flooded his trembling body as his flesh tore easily beneath the creature’s razored claw. 

Blood ran thickly into the man’s eyes. Warm. Sticky. It flowed heavily down his face as his woolen red and black plaid coat became drenched around his collar. Crimson drops fell like snowflakes to the snow below him. He shivered violently as the icy gusting wind shot through him. The thing smiled, looking into his terrified, bulging eyes. Pulling him closer it licked the man’s forehead, wiping clean the blood, but only for a mere second. His scream choked off abruptly as the creature roared and sank his fangs viciously into the man’s neck and fed hungrily. The man trembled violently, unable to scream, fighting the terror that rose in his throat, paralyzing it.

Tears streamed down his face, diluted by the brutal onslaught of the salty sea spray that filled the wind as waves crashed violently against the dock. Blood ran freely down his jaw to drip with bright red droplets on the snow beneath his dangling feet. It seemed to savor its cruelty with an unholy glee as the man fell limp and the creature continued to feed ravenously before abruptly dropping the body at its feet and squatting down, ripping the jacket and sweater open, revealing the man’s bared flesh. It dragged its talons slowly across the man’s chest, carving deeply and resolutely. 

Within moments the creature stood on all fours and with one last look, it left the body lying next to the massive statue, staring sightlessly up at the black stormy sky, and loped off into the inky darkness, heading south. The shadowy figure remained unmoving within the darkness of the stairwell; his keen dark eyes remained watchful. 

Chapter Two

The wind howled through the streets just off the main dock of the small town on the island of Ketchikan, as I stepped out of my car. I wrapped my coat tightly around myself, trying to block out the icy gusts of air that threatened to knock me over. I had returned to the island as part of my ongoing work investigating supernatural beings brought on by my father’s mysterious death several years before, and I had started working with the chief of police, Joe D’Amico as an unofficial consultant of sorts. My older brother Nico was the island’s M.E. I had received an early morning call from Joe that there had been a brutal, ritualistic murder on the dock. And he was fairly sure that it was supernatural. Which, unfortunately, I had become something of an expert on. One thing I knew for sure was that the sudden appearance of a winter storm had just made everything more complicated.

As I made my way towards the town dock, I noticed the locals hurrying to take shelter from the storm. They shot me curious looks as I passed by, knowing full well that I was up to another paranormal investigation with the police and the island's shaman, Eli. I had met Eli during my previous investigation and discovery of the Kushtaka, and the two of us had since formed a strong working relationship and trusting friendship. As I entered the dock, I saw Eli standing by the fishermen’s statue next to the visitor’s center, his long salt and pepper hair whipping around in the wind. Next to him stood the Police Chief, Joe D’Amico, The coroner- my older brother Nico, and several officers. They turned in unison as I approached. The three officers fought the whipping wind as they tried to preserve the crime scene.

Joe glanced at me as he walked past. Smiling knowingly as I looked hard at him, blaming him because my being there was all his fault. I kept letting Joe talk me into coming down to these crime scenes, helping him investigate all his murder cases that appeared supernatural at the outset. I had decided after the murder of my father, his wife, and the Voodoo priest Sutton a year before that I had had enough of murder.

I failed at that too. I kept showing up at crime scenes against my better judgment. I was trying to sleep in on this blustery morning when my phone rang. It was Joe demanding I come to take a look at the body of a middle-aged man on the docks because it did not look right to him.

A normal murder was what he meant. Human-on-human murder. I sighed resignedly as I eased myself down the slippery rise and onto the dock that hid a deadly layer of ice beneath a dusting of snow and fought the wind to walk to where the body lay, bracing myself and walking with tiny steps towards it. Nausea again rose swiftly, and I clamped my lips tightly together as my throat tightened painfully.

"Eli, what's going on?" I shouted over the noise of the storm. Joe reached out a firm hand to steady me as I stepped around an icy patch.

"We have a problem," Joe replied, his voice barely audible. "There's been a murder." I walked unsteadily to where the body lay. 

I looked at him in amazement. “A murder! No! Are you certain?” I responded, my voice dripping in sarcasm. 

Joe whipped his head around at me, a confused scowl on his rugged face. I watched his expression change as he realized I was messing with him. He shook his head at me, uncertain how to respond as I turned my attention to the body.

It was a man in his early fifties, he lay crumpled on his side; his head hideously twisted as if his neck had been broken, his frozen eyes staring sightlessly up at the statue next to him. The expression on his frozen face was one of extreme terror. A frozen pool of blood fanned out around his head, slowly fading under the constant assault of sea spray and snow. His shoulder-length salt and pepper hair clung wetly to his face, drenched in bloody sea spray and snow, revealing a deadly wound on the side of his throat. 

It appeared that an animal of uncertain origin had torn through his throat so viciously that the victim was nearly decapitated in the process. The rain had washed most of the blood away, but a lot still clung to the wound. The beige Henley sweater beneath a heavy woolen red and black plaid jacket had been violently ripped down the center and was coated thickly with blood. Frank Whaley. I caught my breath sharply, shooting a swift look at Eli. Eli returned my look in silence, but his eyes said everything. Werewolf.

I felt a chill run down my spine. I had seen my fair share of supernatural beings, but the idea of a killer werewolf on the island during the worst-ever winter storm was a different matter entirely. If it was a werewolf, it would be a rouge. We had rules that almost all supernaturals follow, anyone not strictly adhering to the unspoken law, has forfeited himself and is endangering the rest of us with exposure to humans. Eli, Nico, and I were bloodline werewolves. So were Joe and two of his officers, but no one knew this but the supernatural community that hid in plain sight on the island.

Biting my lower lip, I crouched down to get a closer look at the gaping wound on his bloodless pale throat. I watched as Nico turned the body onto its side. As he inspected the neck wound, I noticed that it did indeed have deep fang-like puncture wounds around the outside of the bite but some of the flesh was gone and what remained appeared shredded and ripped. I knew that by now, I should be used to the sight of violent death, but I was not. Nausea rolled violently in the pit of my belly, despite the arctic air sweeping across the dock, hitting me full in the face. The icy rain and sea spray blew through my down coat. I shivered as the chilling wet wind seemed to sweep right through me.

Joe squatted down next to me, as we watched Nico roll the victim onto his back. Joe moved the torn fabric of the man’s sweater and coat aside to get a better look at the bloody gashes across his chest. I gasped involuntarily at the realization that the gashes were actually a symbol carved deeply into his chest. I clamped my lips tightly together. 

My eyes met my brother’s brown ones, and I could see laughter dancing in their depths. Nico always got a kick out of seeing me turn green, ever since we were kids. I frowned at him before turning away, grabbing the side of the statue to pull myself to my feet. I stood awkwardly, my head spinning along with my gut. 

I moved back a little to let the police photographers finish doing their job and walked back over towards the thick barrier ropes that separated the docks from the curving street and the Visitors Center. 

Joe stood by one of the thick white ropes, a dark fabric in his gloved hand. He held it up with his thumb and forefinger as he turned towards me, a frown moving across his rugged face.

“His woolen hat. I think he was being chased. He died over there…about twenty feet away.” Joe slipped it carefully into a brown paper bag and handed it to Officer Bailey. Joe searched through the snow, moving it with his feet but found nothing more.

A gust of icy wind and blowing snow slammed into me and I stumbled and fell, landing face down in the icy snow berm. I lay there for a few seconds, dazed. A pair of strong arms lifted me, and I found myself staring up into Lieutenant Charlie MacAvoy’s merry deep blue eyes. The lines around his eyes crinkled as he grinned down at me. 

“If I didn’t know any better, Claire, I would start to think maybe you ain’t cut out to be a crime scene investigator.”

I glared at him, yanking my hat down on my head. He guffawed loudly and let me go.

“I’m fine, thanks for asking. “I glowered and began moving slowly towards the steps. Charlie laughed again, joined by Nico and Joe. Slip sliding, I managed to make it to the stairs and sat down. Nausea rolled violently around in the pit of my belly as I watched my brother inspect the mangled bloody body some twenty feet from me, where I huddled at the side of the Visitor Center, sitting on the cold damp steps, trying to stay out of the rising gale force winds. 

Huddled up to the wall, I was out of the direct wind and blowing sea spray. I turned my eyes to the stormy sea with its powerful waves crashing wildly against the boulders and rocks along the shoreline, crashing violently against the dock, sending sea spray several feet into the air. 

The storm's full force would be hitting the Island soon; I could tell the winds had become even more deadly as it rocked the cars sitting in the parking spaces several feet from me. I stared at the blustery sea and the dark gray clouds that moved heavily across the rough waters, my thoughts on the victim Frank Whaley. What was he doing down here at night? Was he running from whatever attacked him? 

A sharp whine brought me out of my thoughts, and I realized that a large black and silver dog sat less than a foot away at the bottom of the steps. He stared up at me with such clear golden eyes that I instinctively knew what he wanted. He shivered and moved closer to me as the gusting wind lifted his fur causing the hair to dance wildly on his back. I held out my hand and he leaned forward to sniff it before jumping to sit beside me in my sheltered spot. He snuggled close, lying his massive head on my shoulder as he swiped my jaw with a quick flick of his tongue. I wrapped an arm around his shivering body, noting that he wore no collar. His black eye mask was perfectly shaped, intensifying his electric gold eyes. He watched me intently, pressing his body close to mine, seeking warmth. I was not exactly sure when I had made the decision, but we both knew that he was coming home with me. 

I sighed. There was not much evidence considering the heavy winds and rain that continued from the night before. Who would want to kill this man? I had heard his name from time to time, but I really couldn’t place his face. 

I turned and looked back towards the body. My stomach lurched again, and I turned my eyes away to find myself looking into Evan Wilder’s mesmerizing bright blue eyes as he walked towards me, a brilliant smile wreathing his normally stoic face. He looked every bit the mysterious vampire that he really was.

He had never explained why he had stayed in Ketchikan after he had told me he was transferring to a post in Palmer. Even though he had assured me his reassignment had nothing to do with my reluctance to have a romantic relationship with him, I had felt guilty. He believed it was because he was a vampire, and I was a half-human half-werewolf. We had remained friends, though neither of us ever spoke of his reassignment, which never happened, nor did I know why he had changed his mind and stayed here. Evan reached me, grinning widely as he took in my huddled posture and the giant dog leaning against me.

“You look like you are miserable. He called you out again, huh?”

“When have you ever known me to use any common sense?” I scowled up at the tall, muscular State Trooper who towered over me.

Evan nodded, chuckling. My common sense- or lack thereof was a running joke between us. His golden blonde hair ruffled slightly in the fierce winds that swept over us from the sea.

“I see you have a new friend. What’s his name?” He jerked his chin at the dog who watched him with interest. I looked down at my new companion, feeling suddenly very connected to him. I rubbed his head, realizing that I never considered a name. I shrugged my shoulders.

“I haven’t thought of that. What do you think would fit him, Evan?”

“What me?’ He looked taken by surprise. A thoughtful look crossed his face before he suddenly grinned at the dog. “Wolfen.”

I ran the name through my head several times while staring at the dog beside me. 

“Wolfen,” I repeated to the dog, and he wagged his tail, licking my fingers with a quick swipe of his warm tongue. “I think he likes it. Wolfen it is. Thank you, Evan.”

Wolfen bounded down the steps and reared up, putting his paws gently on Evan’s arm. Evan laughed and rubbed Wolfen’s massive head. 

“Welcome. It looks like he likes it too!” He laughed again and moved to sit down on the step below me, Wolfen quickly snuggled up beside him.

Eli walked up, looking at Wolfen with somber eyes, then back at me. He smiled oddly and shook his head as he sat down. “You adopt everything, don’t you?” He patted the massive dog on the head. “So, what have you got in the way of ideas here?” he waved his hand towards the crime scene.

“I’m pretty sure it isn’t human. It reminds me of the Kushtaka killings last year, but there’s something different that I can’t quite put a finger on. “I responded thoughtfully.

“I have the same feeling. We need to start looking for answers before someone else turns up murdered.” Eli stated as he rose to his feet. “I’m off to see what I can turn up. I have to run out to Saxman then I’ll head over to your house. I don’t want to be around that jerk Eddy Daniels any more than I have to.” Eli jerked his thumb towards a dandy-looking man who stood with his hands on his hips talking to Joe and Nico. Wolfen and I watched him disappear around the corner of the building as he headed toward the South End before turning to watch Councilman Daniels attempt to throw his weight around. Eddy had always been under the misguided impression that he was somehow important and strived to make others believe it too. But no one ever took him seriously- about anything, much to his chagrin. But it didn’t stop him from trying. 

He was what I called a cowboy afraid of horses. Had the whole cowboy look, an almost permanent cowboy hat on his balding head, but was deathly afraid of the Morgans that pulled the tourist around town. Apparently, the conversation hadn’t gone well, as Eddy stomped towards me, his leather bottom ostrich skin cowboy boots sliding ungainly on the icy path. His brown eyes glared into mine as he approached, trying to look dignified, but failing miserably and knowing it.

“Claire. Beautiful as always.” Eddy’s eyes softened.

“Thank you, Eddy.” I bit my lip to control the giggle that threatened to burst out.

He nodded. “Too bad those two won’t listen to you. If they did, you could make them follow my orders like they should.”

I swallowed a bark of laughter and forced my expression to remain serious and sympathetic. “Oh, no, Eddy. I don’t get involved in that.”

He grunted. “They couldn’t solve anything without your help, Claire. Not even Nico. Everybody here knows that.”

“Well, I don’t know about that, but it sure was nice of you to say so,” I responded, wishing he would just go away.

Eddy smiled sweetly at me and patted my arm before shuffling carefully to his truck. I waved back, watching him drive away, a deep sigh escaping. Wolfen sighed too as he sat down, his eyes watching me intently. I couldn’t help but laugh.

Wolfen and I stood in front of the thick rope barricade and watched the extremely light flow of traffic. It was too cold to be out this early in the morning. And being the weekend, only the ones working the weekend shift were forced to navigate the dangerously icy road conditions. The shops had closed since the first week of October when all the tourist and Cruise Ships ended their summer season. The island had returned to normal several months before.

I turned as Joe approached, raising his brow at Wolfen. I turned and followed Joe back towards the body.

“Eddy wants me to make you and Nico obey his orders.”

Joe seemed suspended momentarily before barking in laughter. “That was not unexpected. He wants us to report this investigation to him, not Mayor Tinsfield. I reminded him that he is a councilman and hasn’t been elected Mayor yet.”

“The election isn’t for another nine months!” I laughed.

“Right. Someone please tell him that. Walking around like he’s already mayor and all.”

“Highly unlikely anyone but his friends and his mom will vote for him.” I grinned. “After seeing the god-awful job he’s doing now, I highly doubt anyone else will vote for him. And we can’t afford to let his head swell any bigger. His hat won’t fit!”

Joe burst out laughing and choked on his coffee, sputtering hysterically as he struggled to breathe. “You kill me.” He whispered as I pounded on his back. He took a ragged breath and chuckled. “I sometimes forget your wicked sense of humor, Claire.”

“Certain people bring it out. I can’t help it.” I told him as we turned back to the crime scene.

Evan stood talking to Nico as the other officers began to bag the body. The two men shook hands and Evan turned to wave at me before getting in his patrol car. The dock's wooden boards creaked as his tires made loud popping sounds. He maneuvered his patrol car around the picnic tables in front of the tiny coffee shack driving cautiously across the slick icy surface. Nico and I waved at each other. I pulled my hat down over my forehead as I turned to Joe.

“I’m heading home now.”

Joe nodded, “We will meet you there in a few.” He looked down at Wolfen. “Is this your new family member?”

“Of course. Poor guy needs a warm home.” I told him.

“Is he…?” Joe looked closer at the dog.

“No! he’s just a regular dog, Joe.” Joe watched us get into my car. 

“Later!” I yelled, pulling out. Joe waved back before turning on his heel to walk back toward Nico and the crime scene.

Chapter Three

As I drove through the icy streets of Ketchikan, Wolfen happily rode shotgun beside me, his face pressed to the window glass.  I couldn't shake off the unease that settled in my bones. The brutal murder scene replayed in my mind, the memory still fresh and chilling. My thoughts strayed to Eli's cryptic words about the similarity to the Kushtaka killings, sending a shiver down my spine.

Arriving at my house nestled among the evergreen trees, pulling into the gravel driveway, I turned off the engine and sat for a moment, trying to figure out how to introduce my cat Tara to Wolfen.