M.O.E.

By Linda Blum

Jonathan Winters was good looking, charming and a Manipulator of Energy or an M.O.E.. Hope witnessed first hand, how he manipulated women into having sex, and almost got caught in his energy web herself, but got out before it was too late. Jonathan, however, has designs on Hope and will stop at nothing to get what he wants, her.

Now it was time to turn the tables on him.

With the help of Judy and her psychic friends, Hope arms herself with tools to take him down. Dressing in various disguises, Hope and Judy set out to stop him, only to find out he has a faceless friend who is involved with him as well.

Judy and Hope soon realize that taking Jonathan and his friend down isn't as easy as it seems, especially when danger is lurking around the corner and Jonathan is in hot pursuit of Hope.

Will Hope fall prey to Jonathan's M.O.E. ways or worse?

Find out if the women succeed at catching the bad guys one more time.

• Language: English
• Publisher: eBookIt.com
• Release date: Mar 23, 2015
• ISBN: 9781456624552

Book preview

book.

Chapter 1

Get your hand off my boobs! Hope exclaimed.

Judy heard her friend’s shriek and came running over to see what was going on. When she got there she noticed Hope standing beside the fruit tray with her uncle, who had his hand on her chest.

Uncle Leo what are you doing? Judy asked horrified.

I’m so sorry, Leo apologized. I was going for the melon tray... He let the sentence hang.

Well these are not melons, Hope said removing his hand.

No, they sure don’t feel like it. They’re softer more supple, Leo said wistfully.

Uncle Leo! Judy scolded.

I’m sorry, I can’t see very well, he said then took off.

Her uncle's eyesight had been failing due to the onset of cataracts and at times he used this as an excuse for his unruly ways.

Judy turned her attention to her friend. Are you all right?

I guess, Hope said in an uptight voice.

I’m sorry about my uncle,

Judy said. Next time slap him hard.

There better not be a next time, Hope warned.

I wouldn’t count on that, Judy said dryly.

Just as the words came out of her mouth, the sound of a shriek resonated through the room. When Hope and Judy looked over, they saw Uncle Leo with his hand on some woman’s ass.

See I told you, Judy moaned.

What’s with that man?

I don’t know.

Hope was surprised to find Judy’s uncle at her family Christmas party. It appeared that Uncle Leo was dating Hope’s aunt Myrna. The two were an odd pair considering Leo was a fun loving, blind as a bat, horny guy and Myrna was a miserable, negative person.

Looking around the room Hope shuddered. Most of her relatives were miserable, negative lots that made people’s lives a living hell. The strange thing about them was they seemed to marry nice people. It always baffled her why good people would want to marry and procreate with them. What made matters worse was these desolate people outlived their significant others, which brought to mind the saying, only the good die young. She knew what that was like because her father died young while her miserable mother kept going.

Hope, what are you wearing?

Speaking of her mother.

A dress, what does it look like? Hope said sarcastically.

"Whatever it is, you look like a slut.

Hope had noticed this little black satin dress in the window at Fran’s Fashion and thought it would be perfect for her family Christmas party. She should have known her mother would not like it.

Like I care what you think, Hope shot back.

Well you should. You look like a prostitute.

Maybe that’s the look I want. After all, prostitutes make good money and have fun while doing it, Hope said mockingly.

Her mother glared at her before storming away.

That went well, Judy commented.

Remember how I told you if I turn out like any of these bastards that you can shoot me? Hope commented.

Yeah. You don’t happen to have that gun handy, do you?

Sorry, it’s against the law to carry.

Too bad, I could have taken pot shots at my mother. Judy laughed.

Aren’t you glad you came? Hope asked as she sipped on her drink.

Your family functions are about as much fun as mine.

I wouldn’t call this a function. It’s more like a torture chamber, Hope muttered.

Are you wearing the hematite necklace I gave you? Judy asked.

Hope pulled it out from under the top of her dress. Right here.

Is it helping? Judy asked.

Hope shrugged. I didn’t slug my mother just now, so I guess it is.

Judy laughed. She had heard hematite was good for transforming negative energy and protecting whoever wears it from negative influences.

I’m starting to wonder if I should have given you an outfit made of the stuff instead of that puny necklace, Judy commented dryly.

That might have worked better with this crowd, Hope sighed.

Judy heard the strain in her friend’s voice and knew she was feeling the effects of being around her family. It was hard not to be brought down by this negative bunch. How about I get you a drink? Judy said noticing her friend’s drink was gone.

Make it a double, Hope replied.

After Judy left, the conversation Hope had with her mother replayed in her head. he could still feel the sting of her words and tried not to let them bother her. At times like this she wished her father were still alive. He had a way of keeping her mother in line. Now that he was gone she ran amuck, not caring what she said or did.

This was par for the course since all of her mother’s relatives were like that. They would steamroll over you then had the audacity to turn it around so that they were the victims not you.

Hey Hope.

She cringed at the sound of her brother’s voice.

Hi Sid.

I heard you and Mom had a fight.

We did? Hope questioned.

"She said you got your nose out-of-joint when she gave me Dad’s school ring and that you weren’t coming over for Christmas.

Hope felt a stab to her heart at his comment. She didn’t know that her mother had given her dad’s ring to Sid. Everyone in the family knew that ring was supposed to go to Hope. As for her being mad and not coming to Christmas, this was news to her.

As she looked at her brother she saw a sadistic gleam in his eye. She learned a long time ago that Sid was a walking personality disorder who loved to stir up trouble where he could.

Have you taken your medication today Sid? Hope said sardonically.

What the hell are you talking about?

Just then Judy showed up with some drinks.

How’s it going Sid? she asked, handing Hope a plastic cup.

Fine, he answered absently.

He’s more than fine, Hope interjected. He’s doing great now that he supposedly has dad’s ring.

Judy looked on in confusion. I thought you were supposed to get the ring.

Well according to my dear brother, my mother gave it to him.

Why? Judy questioned.

Good question. Why did she? Hope asked.

I don’t know. Ask Mom, he answered.

Hope noticed his lack of eye contact and knew what had happened. Sid had made no qualms of letting everyone know that he should be the one to get Dad’s ring, and probably convinced her mom of this as well.

I think I will, Hope said as she strode over to her mother.

Her mother was talking with her sister Millie when Hope arrived.

Hope, how nice it is to see you, Millie said with a smile. I love your dress.

Thanks, Hope said eyeing her mother.

It shows off her figure nicely, her mother commented.

Hope shot her mother a disbelieving look at her positive comment.

Do you think I could talk to my mom for a few minutes? Hope asked.

Sure. I need a drink anyway.

Once Millie was gone, Hope went on the attack.

What was that crap about my figure? Hope ground out.

The dress does you justice, in a slutty way.

Hope felt ready to explode.

What is it you want to talk to me about? her mother asked.

Sid told me you gave him dad’s ring. Is it true?

Yes.

Dad wanted me to have it.

The ring was made for a man not a woman.

So?

So, it made sense to give it to Sid.

Hope wasn’t a materialistic person, but this ring was important to her. It belonged to her father, a man she truly loved.

You are such a bitch! Hope seethed.

Watch your mouth young lady, her mother warned.

By the way, Sid said you told him I wasn’t coming for Christmas this year.

I did no such thing, her mother retorted.

Well guess what? He was right. I won’t be there.

You will be at my place on Christmas day, she ordered.

Like hell.

Hope stormed away before she could hear her mother’s outburst. Judy caught up to her friend.

Are you all right?

Hope couldn’t talk as the tears streamed down her face. Judy took her to a quiet corner to talk.

I take it your brother wasn’t making things up this time, Judy commented.

Hope nodded.

It doesn’t make sense. Doris held onto that ring for ten years knowing that it was to be given to you, but instead she gave it to Sid. Why?

For years I’ve bugged her for that ring. At first she used the excuse that I was too young. Then she told me that she needed to get it sized. I realized after awhile that this was some sick game to her and she relished in the power of it all. After awhile, I gave up asking. I thought that if I showed disinterest in it that she would give it to me, Hope said.

Well it did just the opposite, Judy remarked.

Did it ever?

Why don’t you have Rick talk to Sid for you? I’m sure he can convince him to give you the ring, Judy said.

Hope shook her head. I try to keep Rick as far away from my family as possible.

So you decided to invite me instead of him to torture me. Gee thanks, Judy joked.

Hope laughed. Rick had to work tonight, lucky guy.

Damn, Judy said. I should have used that excuse.

I wouldn’t let you get out of it that easily. I would have dragged your ass here. Judy was about to comment, but was interrupted at the sound of someone shouting her friend’s name.

Hope, is that you!

She glanced up to see her cousin Joyce saunter over to their table. Beside her was a very handsome man. He was tall, over six feet, with a muscular build. His jaw was square with a little spattering of black stubble on it, his nose was thin, his mouth was wide and expressive, his hair was brown and fell loosely to his shoulders, and his eyes were ice blue and very captivating.

Hi Joyce, you remember my friend Judy.

Joyce shook her hand. Hi Judy, it was nice that you could join us.

Hope was taken aback by her cordial attitude.

I’m assuming you’re here because Hope couldn’t find a date again, she surmised.

There it was her family uncouthness at its finest.

You’re right. She is my date. I gave up on men and have turned to women. Hope countered.

Joyce was rendered speechless at her comment while Judy laughed. After Joyce composed herself she introduced the man beside her.

This is Jonathan Winters.

Hope extended her hand, Nice to meet you.

When their hands touched it sent an erotic thrill throughout her body. She looked up and noticed him staring intently at her. They were locked in a visual embrace until he raised her hand to his lips.

The pleasure is all mine, he said brushing a kiss along her knuckles.

The sensation of his lips on her hand made her lower extremities tingle in response.

Joyce’s eyes narrowed at his gentlemanly ways.

We should be going, Joyce fumed.

She turned to leave, but Jonathan didn’t follow. He was too mesmerized by Hope.

Jonathan, Joyce bellowed.

Reluctantly Jonathan let go of her hand and left.

Whoa! Judy whistled.

No kidding, Hope said a bit breathless.

I thought he was going to throw you on the table and do you right here.

She shivered at the thought.

I bet Joyce is giving her guy an earful for the attention he was giving you, Judy commented.

Probably, Hope agreed.

It’s a good thing Rick wasn’t here to witness this, or that guy might not have walked away in too good of shape.

Hope shuddered at the thought.

Judy noticed their drinks were getting low.

How about if I get us a refill, Judy offered.

Sure. While you do that I need to go to the ladies’ room, Hope said.

Judy headed for the bar while Hope went to the bathroom. The room was empty when she entered, which she was grateful for. She was still trying to come down from the Jonathan encounter. She touched up her lipstick, brushed her hair, and gave herself a once-over before leaving.

When she pushed open the door she walked into a man’s chest. His musky scent surrounded her, as did his arms as he tried to steady her. She looked into his eyes and was caught. When his mouth claimed hers she was a goner.

Chapter 2

Their tongues met, driving her crazy. She leaned into him trying to get close. When his hand reached inside her shirt and began stroking her breast, she was on fire. Her hand inched down as she undid his pants. The sound of a voice calling out interrupted them from going any further.

Jonathan... Jonathan...

Hope looked up into his handsome face. His eyes were filled with desire as he looked down at her.

There’s a back door, he whispered. We could leave and no one would see us.

Hope’s brain was spinning in confusion. A part of her wanted to go with him, yet she knew it wasn’t right, this wasn’t right. The sound of Joyce’s voice brought her back to reality. She shuddered at the thought of what she had done.

I’d better get going. She stepped away.

He grabbed her arm stopping her from leaving.

Come with me, he pleaded.

I can’t, she said.

Jonathan Winters, where are you? A voice shrilled in the background.

In a swift movement he grabbed her and pushed her into a large closet.

What the hell are you doing?

This.

He slammed his mouth over hers. His kiss was demanding. Hope tried to resist his assault, but her body wasn’t cooperating. Eventually she pulled away from him.

Stop that, she demanded.

No.

She glared at him.

I am not going screw around with my cousin’s date, Hope huffed.

We are not dating. I only came here as a favour to Joyce as she didn’t want to go solo.

That’s nice, but I’m not available, Hope said.

Jonathan grabbed her left hand.

I don’t see a ring on your finger, he said.

I live with my boyfriend.

A boyfriend is not the same as a husband. Boyfriends are dispensable.

They are not! Hope countered. I love the guy I’m with.

Jonathan snickered. Sure you do. That’s why you were swapping tongues with me.

Hope glared at him. I don’t know what happened back there, but that was not me. You put some kind of spell on me.

The words that shot out of her mouth sounded ludicrous, but yet somehow they rang true. It felt like he had weaved some kind of enchantment on her causing her to act like a slut. Thoughts of her mother’s words came crashing back to her.

A spell! Jonathan laughed. That’s priceless.

Whatever, Hope snorted. I’m out of here.

Hope went to leave, but Jonathan stopped her.

You can’t deny we are attracted to each other, he whispered in her ear.

Hope felt the pull of desire come over her as she looked into his eyes, but tried hard to ignore it. Jonathan went for her lips again, but she stopped him. She made a move for the door, but he stopped her again.

Please let me go, she pleaded.

I’ll only let you leave on one condition.

Hope groaned. What do you want?

Your phone number.

Hope began to protest, but was stopped.

It’s either that or I’ll never let you out of this closet.

Little did he know his threat was all for not, considering Hope would rather hide out in the closet than go back to the party. However, she would want to hide out alone, not with him.

Hope sighed. Oh, all right.

She grabbed a pen and piece of paper from her purse, wrote down her number then shoved it in his hand.

There, are you happy?

He just smiled.

Jonathan, you are really starting to piss me off, an angry voice screeched.

You better go, Hope warned.

He gave her a mind-bending kiss before making a quick exit. Hope was about to leave, but stopped when she heard Joyce’s voice.

"Where were you?

I was in the men’s room, Jonathan said.

You were gone a long time, Joyce huffed.

Sorry. I got sidetracked.

Well come on, I want you to meet my aunt.

Jonathan got pulled away, leaving Hope a chance to escape. Judy was at the table when she returned.

I was about to send a search party. What took you so long?

Hope told her what happened, censoring what she said. Judy gave a low whistle.

You didn’t really give him your number, did you? Judy questioned.

Hope shook her head. I gave him a number, but it wasn’t mine.

You just better hope Rick doesn’t find out about what happened. He’ll go ballistic.

Hope cringed at the thought. She wasn’t about to tell Rick, as she was still trying to figure it out herself.

Judy I really don’t want Rick to know about this, all right? I just want to forget it ever happened.

Judy looked at her friend with concern. Is there something you’re not telling me?

No, she said sheepishly.

Hope, Judy pushed.

No! Hope blurted. I just want to forget about Jonathan, all right?

Okay, Judy said reluctantly.

Hope made sure she stayed as far away from Jonathan as possible for the rest of the night. Jonathan, on the other hand, tried his best to do just the opposite, but failed. By night’s end, Hope had succeeded in avoiding him and made a fast exit. Jonathan smiled as he watched her leave. She may run from him, but she can’t hide. Now that he had her number he was planning to get what he wanted, her.

Hope woke up the next day with a headache. Some would assume it was from a night of drinking, yet it wasn’t. Spending time with her family always caused her head to throb. She chuckled at the thought of how both her and Judy were affected physically by their family gatherings. Judy broke out in acne while Hope got headaches. Both were a pain, yet Hope would have opted for a case of acne, as she had to go to work.

She rolled out of bed and headed for the medicine cabinet. When she opened the door she noticed the lone bottle of ibuprofen sitting there. Hope wasn’t into taking drugs, except for the occasional painkiller, so her cabinet was pretty bare.

She popped a few pills in her mouth then downed them with a glass of water. The phone rang just as she was putting the bottle back.

Hello, Hope croaked.

Tied one on last night, did we?

It was Rick.

No.

Well you sound like hell.

Gee thanks. I’m going to hang up now.

Seriously, are you all right?

She heard the concern in his voice and forgave him for the insult. She told him about her night, omitting the part about her encounter with Jonathan.

Sounds like fun. Too bad I missed it, he commented dryly.

You wouldn’t have if you had gone with me like we planned, instead of bailing, she griped.

You knew I got called into work, he said apologetically.

Rick had agreed to go to Hope’s family Christmas, but had to cancel. Being a police officer on a unit that worked 24/7 made it hard for him to make plans and keep them. It also meant that sometimes his work kept him from coming home at night.

You owe me, especially since you weren’t in my bed when I woke up this morning, Hope said.

Sorry. Rick yawned over the phone. It was a long night. I’m just wrapping things up here and then I want to go see Judy about some police business. After that I’m heading home. Will you be there?

Sorry I have to go to work.

Damn, he muttered. I was hoping to see you, as well as do other things to you.

Hope’s insides shivered at the thought of what he wanted to do to her.

You’ll have to hold that thought until I get home.

How about if I take you out to dinner tonight to make up for last night, he offered.

I’m afraid to accept in case you cancel again.

Hope said it as a joke, but Rick didn’t take it that way.

You must think I’m a total asshole, he said dejectedly.

Hey, I was just kidding. You know I think you are wonderful and I’d love to go out with you.

After she hung up, she began to feel guilty. Thoughts of Jonathan filtered through her mind. A part of her wanted to tell Rick about what happened, yet she still wasn’t sure exactly what went on.

Thinking back to the encounter, she remembers being pulled into his arms; then from there it gets fuzzy. She vaguely remembers kissing him and trying to unfasten his pants. She tried to recall exactly how this happened, but her mind went blank. That’s why she got the feeling Jonathan had some kind of control over her making her do things she didn’t want to do. This sounded crazy even to her.

Just then the phone rang.

Hi Hope.

Hey Judy.

You don’t sound good. Is everything all right?

I’ve got a headache, Hope groaned.

Why don’t you come over and I’ll do a Reflexology treatment to take it away. Judy offered.

Judy’s husband Ren had taken a Reflexology course and Judy decided to join him. She found the treatment fascinating and was starting to build up a small clientele.

Can’t I’ve got to go to work, Hope groaned.

I thought you took the day off after family events?

I normally do, but I had a meeting today so I couldn’t. Hope replied.

I was going to invite you over for breakfast.

Thanks, but I really have to get going.

They talked for a while until Hope hung up and got ready for work. Hope was the Head Librarian at the local library and her hours were flexible, so she could normally come and go as she pleased, except for today.

As she walked to the bathroom, her eyes strayed to the bed. She wished she could wait for Rick to get home and go in later today, but she couldn’t. She was meeting with the managers from other branches to go over their program schedule and had to be there.

Judy was making breakfast when Ren walked in. He came up from behind, wrapped his arms around her and gave her a kiss.

Good morning, he said.

Judy turned around to kiss him back. Good morning.

Jay raced into the room and sat down at the table.

What’s for breakfast?

Chop the heads off.

That was Judy’s nickname for soft-boiled eggs since you had to take the tops off to eat them.

Jay made chopping motions in the air in front of Sam, who got up and began jumping and barking excitedly, ready to play.

So how did it go last night? Ren asked.

I thought only my family was dysfunctional, Judy replied.

That bad?

Hope’s relatives are just plain mean, Judy said. They insult each other, call each other names, and are just plain miserable people. I can never figure out how Hope turned out they way she did.

Yeah, it does make you wonder doesn’t it, Ren agreed.

Hope and her aunt Millie are the only two nice people out of the bunch.

I’m sure Rick was thankful he got out of going last night, Ren said.

Judy was grateful that Rick didn’t go last night after Hope had that encounter with Jonathan. Her senses were still reeling over that. There was something Hope wasn’t telling her that happened between them.

When Judy first met Jonathan she got the strong feeling that he was a charlatan. She tried to tap into this to find out what that meant, but he didn’t stay long enough for her to examine this. After Hope’s run-in with him, she began to wonder. She wanted to discuss this further with her friend and hoped that she would meet with her today.

Ren noticed the troubled look on his wife’s face.

Judy, are you all right? Ren asked.

I’m fine, she lied.

Did something happen last night?

She shook her head. No.

Ren gave her a doubtful look. I think you’re full of it.

What is she full of? Jay asked.

Nothing, Ren replied.

Judy was glad for the interruption. She really didn’t want to tell Ren about Jonathan. While Ren and Jay were talking, Judy checked on the eggs.

Breakfast is ready, Judy announced.

She dished the eggs into their cups, got the plate of toast and carried everything to the table. Once breakfast was over, Ren headed off to work and Judy drove Jay to school. It was a snowy day, so the drive was slow. Along the way, they picked up Jay’s friend Dillon. Judy dropped the boys off at the door just before the bell rang then carried on to the restaurant.

The restaurant was bustling when she arrived. Judy always felt a sense of pride when she stepped through the doors of one the most successful restaurants in town. It’s success was due to the locale, it was situated long the picturesque Grande River, the menu was to die for, it was filled with variety of dishes to please many, her uncle set up a playroom for children that gave parents a chance to have a quiet dinner with their kids close by, and it catered to Kitshener’s German heritage, by serving cultural dishes. Another drawing card was the décor. Two stone fireplaces flanked the dining room, the walls were painted in earthy tones, and plants were scattered throughout the restaurant giving the place a homey ambiance. The tables were made of wood, the tablecloths were lace, and the one could sit either overlooking the river or reserve a quiet table to enjoy their meal.

Her uncle had worked hard to create a place where people could come and relax. As Judy looked around she noticed that many were doing just that, as there wasn’t an empty table in the place. She knew she was going to have to help her staff, but she had paperwork to do first. So, she advised her staff that she’d assist them as soon as she could.

When she stepped inside the office her heart caught. She could still envision Uncle Will sitting behind the desk. Oh how life can change so dramatically in the blink of an eye. Why, it seemed like yesterday that Judy was sitting in this very chair talking to him about her dreams and those damn symbols, hoping they would lead to her mother’s murderer. Well, lead them to the killer they did. Unfortunately it also led to his death, as well as the death of Aunt Vera. Who would have thought Aunt Vera had killed her mother in a jealous tirade over her father, than years later turn around and kill her brother because he found out, then herself.

Guilt washed over Judy as she thought back to all the times she felt something terrible was going to happen to someone close to her. Why could she never figure out that it was her uncle who was that someone? If only she did, then maybe he would still be alive.

As she contemplated her actions, a tingly feeling came over her. She searched the room until her eyes stopped on the ethereal figure sitting behind the desk. Judy smiled as she looked at her uncle.

She was never able to see spirits before her uncle died.

Would you stop this? Uncle Will pleaded.

Stop what?

Thinking that you could have saved me, he answered. Like I told you before, it was my time to go so nothing would have stopped the inevitable.

Judy held back the tears that were forming in her eyes. I know, but it still bothers me.

Well don’t let it. What’s done is done, he said. Besides, I may have left this earthly plane, but I’m still here in spirit to keep you in line.

That you are, Judy muttered.

I’m proud of you, Uncle Will said changing the subject.

His comment startled Judy. Why? she asked.

You are doing an awesome job at running my restaurant.

I can’t take all the credit, Ren helps out a lot.

I knew that man was good for something, Will joked.

That he is, Judy agreed.

Besides Ren’s assistance, you’ve have been doing well, her uncle said. I knew you would be. That’s why I had been bugging you to come back to the restaurant.

Another round of guilt washed over Judy at his comment. Her uncle had been trying for years to get her to work with him, but she always turned him down. Now she felt like a heel for being so reluctant to do so. She was always afraid that they would fight, until her uncle had pointed out that most of their squabbles happened when Judy was a teenager, and an unruly one at that. Judy realized he was right and decided to work for him again, only it was too late coming. Her uncle died the day she was slated to start.

Now Judy, her uncle warned. "You have to work on stopping that guilt trip of yours. It will do you no good. What happened in the past is done and over with. oncentrate on the here