Jerry McNeal 08-Mystic Angel, page 23
Also by Sherry A. Burton
The Orphan Train Saga
Discovery (book one)
Shameless (book two)
Treachery (book three)
Guardian (book four)
Loyal (book five)
Orphan Train Extras
Ezra’s Story
Jerry McNeal Series
Always Faithful (book one)
Ghostly Guidance (book two)
Rambling Spirit (book three)
Chosen Path (book four)
Port Hope (book five)
Cold Case (book six)
Wicked Winds (book seven)
Mystic Angel (book eight)
Uncanny Coincidence (book nine)
Spirit of Deadwood
Romance Books*
Tears of Betrayal
Love in the Bluegrass
Somewhere In My Dreams
The King of My Heart
Seems Like Yesterday
“Whispers of the Past,” a short story.
Psychological Thriller
Surviving the Storm
*A note from the author: With the exception of Seems Like Yesterday (which has been revised to be a clean read), my romance books have SEX. A couple of them have sex more than a few times. We are not talking close the door and turn off the lights sex. We are talking glow-in-the-dark condoms (King of My Heart). Surviving the Storm is a lot darker than my other titles and may not be for all readers. While I no longer write books where the lovemaking scenes are so detailed, I am not removing them from these early books, as the readers seem to enjoy them.
The Jerry McNeal Series
Mystic Angel
By Sherry A. Burton
The Jerry McNeal Series: Mystic Angel
Copyright 2022
By Sherry A. Burton
Published by Dorry Press
Edited and Formatted by BZHercules.com
Cover by Laura J. Prevost @laurajprevostphotography
Proofread by Latisha Rich
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—except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews—without permission in writing from the author at Sherryaburton@outlook.com. This book is a work of fiction. The characters, events, and places portrayed in this book are products of the author’s imagination and are either fictitious or are used fictitiously. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.
For more information on the author and her works, please see www.SherryABurton.com
I will forever be grateful to my mom, who insisted the dog stay in the series.
To my hubby, thanks for helping me stay in the writing chair.
To my editor, Beth, for allowing me to keep my voice.
To Laura, for EVERYTHING you do to keep me current in both my covers and graphics.
To my beta readers for giving the books an early read.
To my proofreader, Latisha Rich, for the extra set of eyes.
To my fans, for the continued support.
Lastly, to my “writing voices,” thank you for all the incredible ideas!
Table of 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 Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
About the Author
Chapter One
If Jerry had learned anything in the time since he’d resigned from the State Police Post and set out on his own, it was to listen to his feeling. That was why he didn’t hesitate to alter his course when his “feeling” urged him to venture into the town of Westerly, Rhode Island.
After having followed his instincts in and around the streets of the town, he now found himself staring at a red brick building in the heart of the city. The sign overhead showed the building to be home to a pizza restaurant. Gunter sniffed the air and licked his lips. That his ghostly partner was not currently dressed in his police vest was promising.
Jerry placed his hand on the door handle. “I guess we should go inside and see what’s what.”
Gunter led the way, stopping in front of a sign that read Wait to be seated. For a moment, Jerry thought the dog could read, then realized Gunter had merely keyed on a waitress clearing a table on the other side of the room. Though her back was to him, the energy surrounding the woman was one of troubled uncertainty. Okay, McNeal, you’re here. Now what?
The place was packed – all tables full except for the table the woman was cleaning. The waitress turned around and saw him standing there. A frown tugged at her lips. Jerry wondered if her disappointment was due to having another customer to tend to or the fact that he would be taking up a table that could have easily sat six.
She blew the hair from her eyes and managed a half smile. “Have a seat. I’ll be with you as soon as I can.”
Between him and the table in question were three tables pulled together. Each of the fourteen chairs was occupied, and from the empty plates and beverage bottles in front of them, it looked as if the group had been there a while.
Jerry started toward the empty table with Gunter at his side. A man at the combined table leaned toward him as he neared. “Word of warning, pal, the service sucks, and the waitress is a...”
Before he could finish, the woman sitting next to him elbowed him in the ribs. “Knock it off, Dan. The waitress is doing the best she can, and you are not helping any.” She shrugged and motioned to the beer bottles on the table in front of the man.
Instead of being deterred by the man’s warning, Jerry was even more convinced he was in the right place.
The man laughed and shook his head as Jerry continued to his table. “No skin off my back, man. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
As Jerry approached the table, he subtly pulled out the chairs, then sat with his back to the wall. Gunter made his way under the table and turned so that he was facing the room. Good dog, forever watching my back.
The waitress came out from the back, took the long way around the combined table, and made her way to where Jerry sat. Her dark hair was pulled back, and she’d fixed her wayward strands. With the exception of a touch of lipstick, her pale face was devoid of makeup, a good thing as her red-rimmed eyes made it clear she’d been crying. She offered him a menu. “I’m Susie. What can I get you to drink?”
Jerry waved off the menu. “I’ll have a bottle of Bud and a pepperoni pizza.”
She smiled. This time, it was genuine. “What size?”
“Large.”
Another smile. “You’ve got it.”
“Yo, waitress. Bring me another brewski.”
Susie passed the table without acknowledging the man, placed the ticket in the window, walked to the cooler, and pulled out two bottles of beer. On her way back, she put a bottle in front of the man and continued on without comment. She approached Jerry, twisted off the cap, and placed the bottle on the table. “You want a glass?”
Jerry took a sip. “Nope.”
“Hey, waitress. You’re not being very nice. I’m going to remember that when I leave my tip.”
Susie closed her eyes as if to steady herself.
Gunter shifted under the table. Jerry moved his leg to touch the dog in an attempt to settle him. “Do you know the guy?”
Susie shook her head. “I’ve never seen any of them before.”
The pull he’d felt that led him there had now turned into a tingle that crawled across the back of his neck. Jerry looked over her shoulder. “Tourist?”
“Maybe. I just know they’re not regulars. Your pizza shouldn’t be much longer.” She turned to leave and stopped by the table, collecting an armful of beer bottles. As she went to step away, Dan reached out and pinched her on her left butt cheek. Jerry was halfway out of his chair when Susie drew back her elbow, nailing the guy smack in the nose. The restaurant exploded in applause as the guy grabbed his face. When he brought his hands down, they were covered with blood, eliciting another round of cheers.
Jerry returned to his seat and smiled at Gunter, who still lay crouched beneath the table.
The reaction from those sitting at the table with the man were mixed. Half seemed incensed, and the other half seemed to feel the guy had it coming.
Jerry studied the girl sitting next to Dan, trying to gauge her reaction – there wasn’t any. No gloating. No feigning concern. Nothing. The lack of reaction worried him nearly as much as the deep scowl on Dan’s face.
Susie returned with a handful of napkins and the bill. Her face was now red, and her eyes brimmed with fresh tears as she placed the napkins on the table and mumbled her apology.
She didn’t wait for a response as she went from table to table, apologizing to the other guests. Another ten minutes passed before she reached his table with a bubbling hot pizza. She sat the metal serving tray on the table in front of him. “I’m sorry.”
“You have nothing to apologize for. The man was out of line.” Jerry said loud enough to be heard.
Susie blinked back tears and kept her voice low. “Maybe not. But I’m not sure the owner will agree. They have a nice place here and want to keep their good reputation. It’s not my fault service is slow. The other waitress went home sick a couple of hours ago.”
Jerry looked toward the kitchen. “They couldn’t call anyone in?”
“They did. But the girl has a kid and can’t get here for another hour.” Susie shrugged. “I thought I could handle it. It would have been fine if the guy hadn’t drunk so much.”
“I’d be glad to say a good word for you and tell them what I saw.”
Susie’s lips quivered. “Thank you. I only have a week left before I head back to college.”
An image of Rosie Freeman came to mind. Jerry rolled his neck.
“I was excited when that group first showed up as it had the potential for a nice tip. Now, I’m sure they will get out of here without paying their own tab. Sorry. I didn’t mean to complain.” She gave a weak smile and left, giving Dan a wide berth as she went to clear the table of a couple who was now at the counter paying their tab.
Jerry wasn’t as worried about Susie’s job as much as he was about her well-being. Dan had grown eerily quiet. Sitting sideways in his chair, his head pivoted, following the young woman’s every move.
Jerry leaned back in his seat and started in on his pizza, which was exceptionally good. As he ate, the people at the triple table began to leave – except Dan and the woman sitting next to him. Though she didn’t speak, the woman made no move to leave. She’s scared of him. As soon as the thought came to him, Gunter growled. Jerry knew the dog to be agreeing with him.
Jerry studied the woman for any physical signs of abuse. There weren’t any bruises on her face. The sweater she wore kept him from seeing her arms. The sweater. Jerry hadn’t thought anything of it before. It was cool in the building, and she wasn’t the only one with her arms covered. Several ladies seated around the room wore sweaters or had wraps draped over them. It was summer, and the air was often cool inside.
Still, something whittled at his senses. And that something told him if he let Dan walk out of here, someone was going to get hurt. Either he would stalk Susie to get his revenge or take his anger out on the woman sitting next to him who was doing her best not to draw attention to herself.
Jerry ran a hand over his head. You need a plan, McNeal. Preferably one that won’t get you arrested. He finished his slice of pizza, wiped his hand on a napkin, and took out his phone. He studied the device, debating his next move. His first instinct was to call Seltzer, his go-to guy whenever he had a problem, and then decided against it. Man up, McNeal, you need to stop creating trouble for the man. He could call 911, but so far, the guy’s only crime was not being able to control his liquor intake. Even that was debatable as the guy now appeared in total control. While he’d pinched her on the backside, Susie had done a fine job of handling that on her own. Only Jerry knew better. Picking up his cell, he hit redial, calling Fred’s number. The man answered. Jerry lowered his voice. “You have anyone in Westerly?”
“Rhode Island?”
“Yep.”
“What do you have?”
“I’d like to say it’s nothing but my…” Jerry started to say “spidey senses” but reconsidered. “Something don’t feel right.”
“You sick?”
Jerry had to give it to the guy. His voice sounded genuinely concerned. “No, this is cop stuff.”
“Something with my niece?”
“No. I haven’t made it to Mystic yet.”
“I didn’t know you knew anyone in Rhode Island.”
“I don’t. Or didn’t until a few moments ago. Listen, I don’t have time for twenty questions. I have a situation brewing. Can you help or not?”
“Give me your location. I’ll send someone.”
Jerry rattled off the address and ended the call. He raised his hand to get Susie’s attention and watched Dan as she approached. The guy swiveled in his chair and now sat facing them, watching their every move. Jerry kept his voice low. “Stay away from that table. No, don’t look. You know which one I’m talking about.”
“I’ve got to clean it.”
“Not yet, you don’t. Don’t even go near it. I want you to wait for them to leave.” Jerry didn’t want to scare her but couldn’t see any other choice. “I’ve got a bad feeling about him. He hasn’t stopped watching you since you clocked him.”
She looked Jerry in the eye. “These feelings; they ever come true?”
All the time. Jerry nodded. “Enough to tell you to stay clear of the guy.”
She rubbed at her arms. “My shift’s over in an hour. What if he doesn’t leave?”
“If he’s still here when it’s time for you to go, I’ll follow you home.”
Her right eyebrow lifted. “This better not be some sick new pickup line.”
Jerry smiled and shook his head. “I assure you I am not trying to pick you up.”
She sighed. “Too bad. I might have just let you.”
“Waitress, quit flirting and bring me another beer!”
Susie stiffened. “What do I do?”
“Ignore him. He gets out of that chair, and I’ll take him down myself.”
Her eyes flew open. “Are you a cop?”
Say no, McNeal. It’s not your fight. Then why am I here? Jerry rolled his neck. “Something like that.”
Susie’s shoulders relaxed. “Then why didn’t you say so? Geez, I feel better already. Wait, you’re not going to arrest me for smashing the guy’s nose, are you?”
Jerry shook his head. “I don’t arrest people. Besides, you weren’t even looking in his direction when it happened.”
Susie bit her lip and rushed off to seat a couple that had just entered. As she led them away, the door to the building opened, and a man stepped inside. Though he wore plain clothes, Jerry pegged the man as a cop the moment he entered. The way he paused just inside the door and scanned the room. The way his shirt bulged at his hip – giving just the hint of the gun hiding underneath. And the way the man’s gaze took in every table before focusing on Jerry sitting alone at his.
Jerry lifted a finger, and the man started in his direction. Just before he reached Jerry, Dan pushed his chair back, screaming obscenities with drunken slurs. The cop pivoted and tapped Dan on the shoulder. Dan came around with a right hook, but the cop was ready for him, grabbing Dan’s arm and twisting him around, slipping cuffs on his wrists before Dan knew what had happened.
The cop looked over at Jerry. “You McNeal?”
Jerry nodded.
“I’m supposed to give you a message.”
“I’m listening.”
“I was told to tell you that if you took the job offer, you could call for your own backup.” The cop pulled Dan to his feet and looked at Jerry. “Anything else I can help with?”
Jerry shook his head. “That’ll do it.”
The cop grabbed Dan’s arm, shuffling him toward the door. The woman who’d been sitting next to him grabbed her purse and hurried after them. Jerry wanted nothing more than to run after her and tell her she was making a mistake, but he remained seated. She was not who he was here for. Nor was she ready to heed his advice.
Chapter Two
Jerry sat in his Durango watching the front door to the building when the dash alerted him to a call. Recognizing Fred’s number, Jerry accepted the call. “Yes.”
“Did you get my message?”
“Yep.”
“Ready to accept?”
“Nope.”
Fred’s sigh was audible. “You know, it would be a waste to let all that talent go unappreciated.”
“I’m sure there are some that appreciate what I do. Susie, for instance. Did you get any word on the guy I called about?”
“Yes, it was a good call. The guy has had multiple assault charges. One for nearly killing a man.”
“And yet he’s still walking the streets.”
“My guys are onto him now. We’ll see he gets what he deserves.”
“Is it going to take him almost killing someone to put him away?”
“Hopefully, we can intervene before it comes to that.”
The more Fred spoke, the more his neck crawled. “Where’s the guy now?”
