Revisited (Redemption Series) Read online

  Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright

  About the Author

  Dedication

  Persons of Revisited

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  First published by The Writer’s Coffee Shop, 2012

  Copyright © Lindsey Gray, 2012

  The right of Lindsey Gray to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by her under the Copyright Amendment (Moral Rights) Act 2000

  This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced, copied, scanned, stored in a retrieval system, recorded or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

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

  The Writer’s Coffee Shop

  (Australia) PO Box 447 Cherrybrook NSW 2126

  (USA) PO Box 2116 Waxahachie TX 75168

  Paperback ISBN-978-1-61213-103-0

  E-book ISBN-978-1-61213-104-7

  A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the US Congress Library.

  Cover image by: © Maxim Timokhin

  Cover design by: Jef Bracke and Lindsey Gray

  http://www.thewriterscoffeeshop.com/lgray

  Lindsey Gray dreamed of being several different things as a child such as a doctor, an actress, and a chef, but none held her attention like putting pen to paper and creating her own world through words. Those words led her to The Writer’s Coffee Shop Publishing House and the rest, as they say, is history. Revisited, her third full-length novel, is the second in The Redemption Series, and she has no plans to slow her creations down any time soon. A mid-west native, Lindsey enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, reading on her new e-reader, and making life interesting at each and every turn.

  For the man who always inspires me, encourages my dreams, and helps me reach every goal I have set for myself.

  My husband, Steve.

  Abe North

  Age: Unknown

  Occupation: Angel, Shadow Walker, and an agent of The Manchester Group

  Relationship Status: Previously in a committed relationship with Becca Swift

  Last known location: Reading, England

  Physical description: Tall, trim build with sandy blond hair and piercing blue eyes, appears to be in his early thirties

  Debir

  Age: Unknown

  Occupation: Vampire and agent of The Manchester Group

  Relationship Status: No significant other

  Last known location: Bucharest, Romania

  Physical description: Light caramel-colored skin, messy chocolate brown hair, and cinnamon-colored eyes, appears to be in his late twenties

  Filipp

  Age: Unknown

  Occupation: Vampire and agent of The Manchester Group

  Relationship Status: No significant other

  Last known location: Bucharest, Romania

  Physical description: Chin-length jet-black hair and black eyes, appears to be in his mid-thirties

  Gideon

  Age: Unknown

  Occupation: Demon

  Relationship Status: Obsessed with Becca Swift and will stop at nothing to have her

  Last known location: On his way back to England from Iceland in the body of Ian Holt

  Physical description: Varies as he takes on the appearance of the body he inhabits

  Ian Holt

  Age: 29 years old

  Occupation: Concert pianist

  Relationship Status: Previously in a relationship with Lily Edwards, but before he was taken over by Gideon, he had shown interest in Becca Swift

  Last known location: On his way back to England from Iceland

  Physical description: Tall, lean build, silky black hair, cerulean blue eyes, and the abs of a Greek god

  Jefferson

  Age: Late 20’s

  Occupation: Caretaker of Leatherby Manor

  Relationship Status: No significant other

  Last known location: Reading, England

  Physical description: Medium build, light-brown hair, and soft green eyes

  Liam Caldwell

  Age: 23 years old

  Occupation: Vampire

  Relationship Status: No significant other

  Last known location: Bucharest, Romania

  Physical description: Dark brown hair cropped short behind his ears, cinnamon-colored eyes, and alabaster teeth

  Lily Edwards

  Age: Over 130 years old

  Occupation: Vampire and agent of The Manchester Group

  Relationship Status: Previously in a relationship with Ian Holt, but has been reunited with her husband, Ryan Edwards

  Last known location: Reading, England

  Physical description: Chestnut brown hair, cinnamon-colored eyes with gold flecks, and an alabaster complexion, appears to be in her early twenties

  Marla Palmire

  Age: Late 30’s

  Occupation: Deputy director of the FBI and liaison with The Manchester Group

  Relationship Status: No significant other

  Last known location: London, England

  Physical description: Thin and petite with deep brown eyes and short, dark caramel-colored hair

  Mr. Eli Manchester

  Age: Unknown

  Occupation: Founder of The Manchester Group

  Relationship Status: Widower

  Last known location: London, England

  Physical description: Average height, blue eyes, gray hair, and porcelain smooth skin, appears to be in his early sixties

  Mr. Ore

  Age: Unknown

  Occupation: Vampire and executive with The Manchester Group

  Relationship Status: No significant other

  Last known location: London, England

  Physical description: Tall and trim, jet-black hair and deep brown eyes, appears to be in his early thirties

  Nathaniel Archer

  Age: 30 years old

  Occupation: Consultant for The Manchester Group

  Relationship Status: No significant other

  Last known location: Unknown

  Physical description: Tall, muscular, and short brown curly hair

  Peter

  Age: Ageless

  Occupation: Archangel

  Relationship Status: No significant other

  Last known location: Reading, England

  Physical description: Tall, thin with messy brown hair and bright blue eyes, appears to be in his late twenties

  Rebecca “Becca” Swift

  Age: 31 years old

  Occupation: Special agent with the FBI

  Relationship Status: Previously in a committed relationship with Abe North, but had embarked on a new one with Ian Holt before they were
separated

  Last known location: Reading, England

  Physical description: Tall with curves in all the right places, blue eyes, and auburn hair

  Renee

  Age: 25 years old

  Occupation: Bar owner

  Relationship Status: No significant other

  Last known location: Reading, England

  Physical description: Petite, green eyes, and strawberry blond hair

  Ryan Edwards

  Age: Over 130 years old

  Occupation: An angel of death

  Relationship Status: Married to Lily Edwards

  Last known location: Reading, England

  Physical description: Tall and lean, jet-black, collar length hair, and blue eyes, appears to be in his mid-thirties

  Sam Fleming

  Age: Unknown

  Occupation: Angel and President of the Boston Branch of The Manchester Group

  Relationship Status: Once had a relationship with Anne Swift which produced Becca

  Last known location: Reading, England

  Physical description: Tall and lean, salt and pepper hair cropped short above his ears, and eyes that have a small rim of blue around his enlarged, black pupils, appears to be in his mid-forties

  The disheveled young man awoke with a start, realizing he was in his bedroom of his New York mansion. Sweat dripped from his temples as his heart pounded against his breastbone and his lungs attempted to expand. He tore the sheets back before setting his bare feet down on the cold hardwood floor.

  He neglected to grab his robe and raced down the hall toward his study, gooseflesh rising across the expanse of his skin. Clad in just his boxer shorts, he entered his sanctuary and dove for the book he needed.

  “Come on. Where is it?” he muttered, flipping through the pages while searching for the confirmation he desperately needed.

  He settled at his desk as his eyes roamed over each page. His nightmare had brought visions of demons in their truest form. He seldom had visions while dreaming, but when he did, he knew they were the most important ones. This particular demon was one who taunted him for years, yet evaded him at every turn. If he could find the demon, it might very well force him back into the ranks several were so desperate for him to rejoin.

  “Finally.” He settled on the entry he had read several times before. Gideon: the destroyer. Source of power embedded in his forearm.

  He sat back in his leather desk chair and expelled a shaky breath. He’d just experienced a vision of Gideon with Becca and another man. Then he saw Gideon transferring his essence into another body, his hand and forearm melding into the new body. Watching and unable to stop the scene had been terrifying.

  “Fuck!” He swept the papers violently from his desk.

  It had been years since Gideon placed a black mark on Nathaniel’s soul and determined to make his life a living hell. Day after day, night after night, he lived just that—a never ending cycle of pain and suffering.

  “If I could just …” He grasped at the remaining traces of the visions.

  In his mind, he saw Gideon walking with a dark haired man into a cave. He saw their flesh and bone become one as the molten lava vibrated its blistering light off the cave walls. He saw the body he had feared for a decade thrown into the fire, but could not make out the new vessel’s face.

  He knew who he needed to call, the one man who might make sense of it all, and the only one in authority who might listen. He took the receiver from the cradle before dialing the number he knew by heart. After three rings, he heard a click on the line.

  “Yes?” a strong female voice answered.

  “Give me Eli Manchester now, please.”

  Another soft click and then a faint whirring sound followed. “Voice identified. Nathaniel Archer. Your call will now be completed as directed.”

  He released the breath he had held. He hadn’t used the number in the last three years and was fearful he might not attain access to the only man who could help him.

  “Eli Manchester. Go,” the stern voice of his mentor answered.

  “It’s Nathaniel.”

  “Boy, what are you calling me for at this hour? It’s three in the morning where you are.” The edge of concern dripped from each word.

  “I’ve had visions of Becca and …” Nathaniel took a deep, shaky breath. “Of Becca and Gideon. Gideon has moved on to a new vessel. I’m not sure of the new identity other than some physical features like his build and hair color, but I am positive it was Gideon.” He gulped and waited for a reply.

  “Get to JFK as fast as you can. I’ll have a jet fueled and waiting.” The tremor in Eli’s voice was well hidden, but not well enough from his own flesh and blood.

  “Uncle, what am I missing?”

  “The girls need you now. Pack for a long stay and don’t forget your umbrella. It’s been raining for days.”

  “I won’t forget.” Nathaniel chuckled at the idea of an umbrella being of any real importance. “Are they okay?”

  “They’ll be better once you’re here. Safe travels, my boy.”

  The line went dead.

  Nathaniel Archer sat in his late father’s chair in his ancestral home. He hadn’t left it in over three years. He knew the mess he was about to get involved with might never bring him home again, but for them, he would do it. Lily and Becca had risked their existence for him. It was time for him to return the favor.

  Lily opened her eyes when she heard the floorboards creak as Ryan walked into their room at Leatherby Manor.

  “For you.” Ryan held out a large mug of her favorite crimson liquid.

  “Thanks.” Lily sat up and accepted his offering while he sat down next to her on what they had now dubbed “their” bed.

  “Feeling any better today?” Ryan threaded his fingers through hers before bringing them to his lips.

  “I’m still in a fog.” She sipped from her mug. The taste was a combination of things, along with something she had not expected. “What’s in this?”

  Ryan gave her a sheepish smile. “Human blood. At Sam’s suggestion, Jefferson made you a concoction to wean you off it. Sam thought a gradual withdrawal was the best course. You still have quite a bit of Becca’s blood in your system.”

  The fact she had willingly given up her existence for Becca, her adoptive daughter, and in return her daughter had given life back to her, made Lily uncomfortable. It was still a little too much for her to take in while she was still in such a weakened state. “I know. The real stuff has some interesting effects on me since I don’t drink it often.” Lily sat the mug on her nightstand, no longer thirsty.

  “What’s the matter? Is there something wrong?”

  “Yes.” She sighed. “I can’t explain why I’m still here, or what’s happening. So many thoughts are racing through my brain, but my body is moving like sludge stuck in a drainpipe. I’m not sure how to adjust.”

  “I have an idea.” Ryan retrieved a box from underneath the bed. “Open it.”

  Lily tugged on the lavender bow before removing the buttercup yellow paper from the rectangular box. She pulled the lid off to find a leather-bound book with gold lettering along the edges, accompanied by a black fountain pen.

  “I’m not sure where you’ve purchased your journals in the past, but this looks similar to the one I saw at the cabin. I thought writing things down might give you a little perspective.”

  Lily looked at him, then back down to the journal. It was exactly what she needed. If she hadn’t believed it before, in that moment she was positive. Ryan was her other half in every possible way. “I love you, Mr. Edwards.”

  “And I love and adore you, Mrs. Edwards, even though some of your decisions, as of late, might have been better received if they’d been discussed beforehand.” He gave her a stern look before he leaned in to kiss her. “You write and drink. You need your strength for what comes next.”

  “What’s next?” She wondered if he knew something she didn’t.

  “I ha
ve no idea, but I plan on finding out.” Another kiss and he was out the door.

  Lily removed the journal from the box and picked up the pen. With the book open and the pen uncapped, she began to let what the current year had brought bleed onto the pages in front of her.

  January

  The year started better than many in my recent past. I spent my birthday with friends in the town that had become another home in Iceland. Then the next morning, everything changed.

  I found Erik after he had died of a massive heart attack. Renee, his daughter, was devastated, and I did everything I could to keep it together for her. All the while, I wondered about the angel of death sent to carry Erik to the other side.

  That was when the Archangel, and pain in my ass, Peter, showed up. He’d been my friend, and even my mentor, for many years, but that didn’t mean he’d always be on my good side. His visit left me with more questions than answers, but soon I knew my life would never be the same.

  Oh, how right I was!

  After Erik’s funeral, I just needed to let loose for a while. I ran to the lake as I had many times before and sat in my favorite spot. That was when Ryan found me. My love, my life, my husband. He was right there in front of me. Everything I had done for over a hundred years was so I could be with him again. It was like forever and no time at all had passed. We were still the same young spirits who married on a beautiful spring morning all those years ago, but with so much more appreciation for every moment we could now spend together.

  It took no time at all to embark on a second honeymoon in Rome. We reunited as husband and wife, somehow thinking the other shoe wouldn’t drop.

  Even though I told all of them not to follow me, my daughter, Becca, my boss, Sam, and my ex-boyfriend, Ian, set out to find me. They made it as far as Renee’s pub before Liam, the last man of the Ahbmonite line, abducted them. Becca’s ex, Abe, was just a tad late and didn’t get to Liam before he took off with my friends. Abe and Renee found me in Rome and explained what had happened.