Listen To The Marsh: The "Hanna and Alex" Low Country Mystery and Suspense Series, #8

By Michael Lindley

When a woman is found murdered in the marshes near Pawleys Island, suspects and motives prove elusive as Deputy Alex Frank leads the investigation to find the killer.

 

A quirky new neighbor next to Hanna's beach house on Pawleys Island, and a new partner for Alex with a troubling past, raise the tensions as the murder case remains unsolved and the body count begins to rise.

 

With fears that a serial killer is on the loose in the Low Country, Sheriff Pepper Stokes calls in the FBI to assist. An FBI profiler is assigned and dives deeper into the troubling investigation.

 

As Hanna is caught up in representing a friend in a tough divorce case, Alex's father, Skipper Frank and his wife Ella, add to the drama and chaos as their always rocky relationship faces new challenges and ultimatums.

 

And Hanna's former friend, Grace Holloway, seeks to work her way back into Charleston society and leaves a cluttered path of devastation behind her.

 

Here's what Goodreads and Amazon readers are saying in over 6000 Five Star ratings and reviews on the "Hanna and Alex" novels…

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Five stars for LISTEN TO THE MARSH!"

"Loved this book!"

"Can't wait to get the other books in this series!"

"It's one of my favorite series!"

 

If you love mystery and suspense with twisting plots, unforgettable characters and settings that will sweep you away, get lost in the lastest "Hanna and Alex" saga.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Michael Lindley
• Release date: Jun 19, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224494125

Michael Lindley

Michael Lindley's first three novels have debuted to strong critical and commercial success, each set in an idyllic locale and compelling historical context. His stories chronicle families and relationships challenged by seemingly overwhelming forces, yet offer redeeming outcomes of enduring love and commitment.

Book preview

Chapter One

Dawn in the Low Country of South Carolina begins with a glow to the east across the marshes as the sun presses up for the start of another day, the sky painted shades of red and orange on the clouds drifting in. The rookeries of sea birds and egrets and herons get restless in the sanctuary of the trees they've taken refuge in for the past night, squawking and jumping about to see which of them will be the first to head out for a day of hunting for sustenance. When the first takes off, the others flap away quickly to follow, not wanting to be left behind, a blizzard of wings against the sky.

Redfish cruise the shallow channels along the mud banks for shrimp and crabs, tilting down to feed on the bottom, their tails coming out of the water with patterns of black spots glistening in the coming sunlight. Other nocturnal predators like the big Carolina alligators start heading back to their daytime resting spots, while the day hunters begin their relentless quest for food. Among them, the fishermen brave the early morning to be the first to reach the best holding water along the marshes and out into the channels and ocean beyond.

Hanna Walsh drifted in that hazy space between deep sleep and the dawn of a new morning. She swept the hair away from her face and turned to feel the warm comfort of her husband, Alex, beside her. Nestling into his back, she listened to

his soft breathing. The curtains drifted slowly on a freshening breeze off the ocean through two half-open windows looking out across the beach on Pawleys Island. The scents of magnolia and last night's beach fires swept into the shadowy room. The air was still cool and she pulled the sheet and a light comforter up around her chin. Alex stirred and she pulled him closer, resting her face in the crook between his head and shoulders.

They had made love the night before and she realized neither of them had managed to stay awake after to find their clothes. His skin was warm against her and he smelled of soap and the lemon-scented shampoo he preferred. As always, his presence each morning was a reassuring reminder she had found a partner who deeply loved her and would do anything to protect her. Their marriage had given her a sense of peace and contentment she had never felt, despite the more recent calamities that had intruded on their lives.

Her thoughts wandered as she began to focus on the realities of the coming day. They had returned over a month ago now from a trip to the Florida Keys that was supposed to be a getaway to regroup and heal from a series of events that had left her emotionally drained and on the edge of a near breakdown. Key West had done little to help in that regard. A kidnapping, several violent deaths, and her own near-deadly encounter had only added to her anxiety and dark mood swings. She closed her eyes tightly to block the haunting images.

She was back at work now at the small law firm off the island that provided a steady if not exorbitant income. She had reluctantly decided to close the free legal clinic she had started years ago in downtown Charleston. After the tragic death of her close friend and assistant in an attack at the clinic meant for her, Hanna had determined she could never bring herself to work there again. She still dealt with serious guilt for leaving so many people who couldn't afford to pay for legal help. She was

somewhat encouraged that other agencies in town had helped to fill the void.

Alex had returned to work as a deputy at the Charleston County Sheriff's Department office near his hometown of Dugganville, just a few miles south of Pawleys Island. His boss, Sheriff Pepper Stokes, had convinced him to stay on after the Florida Keys trip where Alex was seriously considering leaving law enforcement to distance both himself and his wife from the dangers of that profession. In the end, Hanna was not surprised Alex had gone back to work, and she had certainly not pressured him to leave. These past few weeks had helped both of them get back into a routine they were growing more comfortable with. Therapy and Alex's steady presence were helping her begin to feel more balanced and secure.

The sound of footsteps coming up the stairs from the beach to the long veranda across the front of the house intruded on her early morning musings. She pulled back from Alex to listen more carefully. Through the open windows she could hear someone padding across the deck and then there were loud raps on the door. Hanna looked over at the clock next to the bed. It was a little past seven and she realized her alarm would be going off in just a few minutes to get her off to work on time. Three more knocks were enough to get her to throw back the covers and reach for her robe on the chair beside the bed.

Alex stirred and turned toward her. Who is that? he asked, still half asleep.

I'll go see.

She wrapped the tie of the robe around her waist and walked across the cool wood-planked floor of the old house her ancestors had built before the Civil War. At the bottom of the stairs, she could see across the long living room that fronted the house and the broad expanse of windows and a glass-pained door that looked out over the beach. Standing outside the door was a woman she didn't recognize, dressed in jeans and a white

blouse, her feet bare and her arms wrapped around a small furry creature. Who the heck...?

When Hanna got to the door, the woman was looking at the ocean, her right foot tapping impatiently on the old weathered deck boards. She looked to be in her 40s, and her short brown hair brushed her shoulders and swept around her face in the early morning breeze. She opened the door and the woman turned with a surprised expression.

Oh, I hope I didn't wake you!

Well ..., Hanna began but the woman kept on in an excited voice with a trace of the Low Country accent that Hanna was accustomed to, not far different from her own southern roots and dialect in Atlanta.

The woman stuck out a free hand, holding what looked like a little Yorkshire Terrier in the other. I'm Quinn Burke, your new neighbor. Just moved in last week.

Oh, Hanna replied in genuine surprise. She had been away and so busy at the law office she hadn't noticed anyone new moving in. The Kelly house next door had been for sale for several months, but she didn't realize it had been sold. You bought the Kelly's place?

Yes, still getting settled, but fell in love with the house when I found it.

Hanna extended her hand to shake. I'm Hanna. Welcome... would you like to come in? She stood back from the door.

Quinn Burke looked out again across the deck to the beach and ocean beyond, the hurried and somewhat panicked expression returning to her face. Actually, I'm looking for my other dog and wondered if you'd seen him. He's such a stinker and keeps running away.

Hanna stepped out onto the deck and reached out to pet the dog. She was greeted with a growl and bared teeth and pulled back quickly.

I'm sorry, Quinn said, admonishing her dog by closing her hand around its tiny snout. Bess can be a bit of a snot. Her brother, my other little pain-in-the-tush, didn't come back in this morning when I let them both out to do their business.

Hanna couldn't help wondering why the woman let the dogs out without a leash if one of them kept running away.

Any chance you've seen Corey running around over here? Quinn asked. I'm so sorry to bother you.

No, actually I just got up, but I'll keep a lookout.

Thank you, I'm sure he'll be back soon. He's still checking out the new area.

Yes, well again, welcome to the island. Can I get you a cup of coffee or something? Hanna offered.

Actually, that sounds great! Quinn replied. I still haven't found my coffee maker in all the boxes piled in my kitchen.

Come on in.

Hanna watched as the woman pulled a short leash from the back pocket of her jeans and secured little Bess to the leg of an Adirondack chair on the deck. Hanna closed the door behind them and the dog started barking a high-pitched protest. Well, that should get Alex out of bed.

Im so sorry, Quinn said. Should I take her home? No, my husband was getting up, too."

As if on cue, Alex came down the stairs dressed only in a pair of plaid boxer shorts. His short hair, dark and graying at the edges, was still mussed from sleep and his face flushed after the long night's rest. What in the hell...! He looked up when he saw Hanna walking into the kitchen with another woman.

Good morning, dear, Hanna said. Meet our new neighbor Quinn from next door.

Alex looked down in embarrassment as he stood in his underwear. I'm sorry, I didn't know we had company.

Oh, don't worry about it, Quinn replied, not trying to avert her gaze from Alex's half-naked body.

He walked across the room on bare feet into the kitchen to join the two women and reached out to shake hands. I'm Alex. Nice to meet you.

Nice to meet you, too. Just moved in next door. Quinn Burke nodded in the direction of the house to the north.

Let me put some coffee on, Hanna said and began the process. Quinn's lost one of her dogs. That's Bess out on the deck. The dog was still barking, though the sound was muted through the closed door.

My little Corey is still on the loose, Quinn said. Thought you all might have seen him.

Alex stepped back. I should get in the shower. Nice to meet you, Quinn.

Nice to meet you, too, Alex.

Hanna noticed her new neighbor unabashedly watching her husband's backside as he walked away up the stairs. She pushed aside her annoyance and said, Do you like anything in your coffee?

No, dark and black. Your husband seems nice.

Hanna turned in alarm from the open refrigerator, then said, Yes, he is.

Married long?

No, just over a year. He's my second husband, actually. Are you married? Hanna asked, sitting across the counter from her guest.

Quinn's face scrunched up in a grimace. I'm between men at the moment.

Hanna stared back waiting for more of an explanation but none came.

So, you were divorced when you met Alex?

She certainly is nosy, Hanna thought. No, I lost my first husband. He passed away several years ago. It's a long story.

I'm sorry, didn't mean to dredge up bad memories.

Hanna just shook her head, trying to push aside thoughts of her first husband's death. The coffee pot started to gurgle. She got up and pulled down two cups from the cupboard. The coffee was still brewing, but she poured both cups half full and handed one across the granite island to her new neighbor.

Thank you.

Both women took guarded sips of the hot beverage. Where are you moving in from? Hanna asked, trying to

get the conversation away from her two husbands.

Charleston, just down the road a piece. Needed a break from the city, and I can work anywhere. I'm a writer.

Oh, Hanna replied. We lived down in Charleston for many years. I had a small legal practice there.

You're a lawyer?

Hanna nodded then sipped again at her coffee before asking, What do you write?

Murder mysteries. I write novels. Under Quinn Burke?

Her neighbor nodded.

I'll have to look for them. I love to read a good mystery. Well, thank you. I should warn you, they're a little dark. Okay...,  Hanna  said,  struggling  with  how  best  to

respond.

I thought this place might give me some new inspiration. I've been growing a bit stale down in Charleston and ..., She didn't finish the thought.

Hanna waited a moment, then said, Well, I think you'll like it out here. Great people. Beautiful sunrises.

I'm sure I will. Look, I should get back out there and find my dog. Thanks for the hospitality and neighborly welcome.

Of course. I hope you find him soon.

Quinn got up to leave. Give my best to Alex, and you two have a great day.

I'll do that! Hanna showed her to the door and watched her unhook the little yapper from the chair. Quinn looked back and waved before starting down the stairs to the beach. Hanna shook her head and closed the door, not entirely sure what to make of her new acquaintance.

Chapter Two

Alex came down from upstairs, his hair still wet from his shower, dressed in his department uniform. Hanna had a quick breakfast on the counter of oatmeal and fruit for the two of them.

Our new friend is gone? he asked, sitting down and pouring coffee from a carafe.

Hanna hesitated. What? he asked.

"Oh, it's nothing really. What's on your docket for the

day?"

"Just another day protecting the world from chaos and

bad guys."

She smiled and came around to kiss him on the cheek. And you're so good at it. My own superhero.

Yeah, right. Actually, I've got a desk full of paperwork to sort through today. Pepper's on my ass to get things in order.

How is the sheriff really doing? He was so badly hurt in that shooting. I still worry about him.

He's fine. A few lingering issues and as grouchy as always... but you have to love the guy. He does a great job.

Give him my best. I have to run down to Charleston this morning for a deposition, then two more client meetings this afternoon. I might be late.

I can take care of myself.

I'm quite sure of that. She ate a spoonful of berries, then said. Just watch out for the new neighbor. She seemed particularly interested in your butt.

What?

Oh, nothing. I'm just being foolish. She came around and hugged and kissed him again. Can't blame her.

What are you talking about?

Hanna didn't respond, but poured another cup of coffee and returned to her breakfast.

I'm not too excited about two little barking dogs moving in next door. Maybe the gators from back in the marshes will get them.

Alex!

He just smiled back as he chewed.

I better get in the shower, too, she said, looking at the clock on the wall. I have to be in Charleston by 9.

Don't let me keep you. I might want to check next door on our new friend, Quinn. See if she found her dog yet.

Do what you think best, she replied, returning his sly

grin.

Alex was rinsing the dishes from breakfast and putting them in the dishwasher when Hanna came down, dressed and ready to leave for work in a navy blue business suit and light blue blouse appropriate for her more formal meetings in the city. Her sandy brown hair was still wet and pulled back behind her ears. The late summer sun had brought out a full array of freckles across her cheeks through her dark tan. A minimal amount of makeup was barely noticeable.

You look terrific, Alex said, coming out of the kitchen to pull her into his arms. Sure you have to stay late tonight?

I'd like to beat the rush hour traffic out of Charleston this afternoon. We'll see.

Drive carefully and be safe.

The old Honda never lets me down.

He kissed her on the mouth. Have a great day. I'll miss you. Call me when you're headed home.

She kissed him back, long and slow this time. I love you, Deputy Frank.

It's the uniform, right?

Hanna smiled and turned to leave. I'll call you later. "I'm right behind you. Just need to get a few things from

my desk. They both had small offices set up in a room down the hall. Be safe!"

That was his latest departure endearment. Be safe! We can only hope! she thought as she went out the door.

Alex was halfway to his office when his cell chimed for an incoming call. On the screen, he saw that it was his boss, Pepper Stokes.

Where you at, Alex? the old sheriff barked. About ten minutes out.

You know where the county road runs out to the Miller place?

Sure do. What's up?

Meet me out there. A couple of kids on ATVs found a body back in the marsh."

Alex felt his pulse quicken and a chill rush through him. Any more info than that?

No, that's all the dispatcher could get out of the kids. Meet me at the trailhead to the path that goes down to the marshes.

Will do.

The sheriff's cruiser was parked when Alex pulled up in his truck on the dusty road. Tall woods lined both sides of the road in both directions. Kudzu vines choked off many of the trees. The small pull-off was littered with beer cans and fast food

bags. Stokes was out of the car talking on the radio, the cord on the mic pulled out from inside. Alex got out and walked over as Stokes ended the conversation.

Got the medical examiner, Oshikawa, coming out, Stokes said, but we'll take a first look. See what we're dealing with.

Man or woman? Alex asked.

Don't know. Like I said, the kids wouldn't talk. I'm sure they've taken off. Don't want to get involved.

Let's hope they didn't mess up the scene, Alex said, thinking back to other investigations compromised by sloppy work or unintended consequences from bystanders trying to get a closer look.

Let's go, Stokes said, reaching for his hat on the seat in his cruiser. Both men locked their vehicles and started down the narrow dirt path through the woods, Pepper Stokes leading the way. Ravens squawked up in the trees and the sound of a low- flying airplane could be heard off to their right. The morning heat was building quickly and Alex felt the sweat start to bead on his neck and forehead.

Wasn't clear from the call how far down the trail we need to go, Stokes said over the sounds of the birds and other woodsy noises. If I remember, it's not far to the marsh and the trail runs out pretty quick.

Alex could smell the dank funk of the marshes up ahead. Probably low tide, he thought to himself. The receding waters exposed mud and all that was previously hidden beneath the surface. Maybe even a dead body, he thought.

They had gone another few hundred yards when Alex saw Stokes raise his right arm for them to stop. Here we go.

Alex came alongside and looked out over a seemingly endless swamp, the ebbs and flows of the waterway cutting deep furrows through the marsh grasses. The sky above was mottled with low-hanging clouds drifting to the east.

Stokes pointed to their left. Over there.

At first, Alex didn't see anything, but what appeared to be a lump in the mud suddenly took on the recognizable shape of a human form. He and Stokes moved as close to the marsh edge as they could without sinking into the deep muck. Alex saw crabs scurrying about the body, some obviously feasting on the decaying flesh. The body rested in the middle of a channel that was about twenty yards wide.

Looks like someone dumped them here during a higher tide, Stokes said. How else does anyone even get out there except by boat? We're gonna need some planks to get over the mud when the techs arrive. Otherwise, we'll sink up to our damn asses.

Alex realized that at least part of what he had smelled earlier was coming from these decaying remains. The indelible odor of death.

Chapter Three

Hanna was approaching the outskirts of downtown Charleston, and the distinctive high twin towers and cables supporting the Arthur Ravenel, Jr. bridge over the Cooper River loomed far ahead. Highway 17 into town had been typically snarled with traffic and a country music station had helped keep her mind occupied as she slowly made her way into town. During a commercial, the lyric, If I don't come back, don't come lookin! kept sounding in her brain.

Her phone buzzed on the seat beside her. She reached over for it and saw a number on the screen with no caller identification, so not in her Contacts. Then she recognized the number and knew why a name hadn't come up. She had deleted Grace Holloway from her contacts over two years ago. Their nearly inseparable friendship had come to a cataclysmic end when the woman betrayed her with several others in shocking fashion, leaving Hanna's husband dead and her life in ruins. After serving time in prison for her transgressions, then gaining early release, Grace had tried on several occasions to reconnect and redeem herself, but Hanna would have none of it. She was in no mood to take her call. It was too fine a morning, despite the traffic! she thought as the call went to voicemail.

When the phone rang again, Hanna cursed, Oh bloody hell! What now?

She took a deep breath and took the call.

How many times do I have to tell you to leave me alone! Hanna nearly shouted, her good mood rapidly slipping away.

Hanna, Grace began in her deep Carolina accept, how are you, honey?

I'm not your honey!

Hanna, please give me a moment. I know there's nothing I can ever do to make up for the past.

Grace, don't even start! Then, she cried out when she had to hit the brakes hard when the car in front of her suddenly slowed down. Really Grace, I don't have time for any of your nonsense. Stop calling me!

I just wanted you to know that I've married a wonderful man...

Married! Hanna was incredulous. Grace's last husband, a lecherous creep who got on the wrong side of an international terror ring ended up with several bullets in his head along with another lawyer from his firm he was having an affair with.

I know, it was a whirlwind! Grace gushed. Grace, really, I don't...

Hanna, I just wanted you to know that I'm trying to put the past behind me and get on with a new start.

"Fine, just do it without me!" Hanna said bluntly, not regretting her harsh tone in the least. She was reaching to press the button to end the call when Grace kept on.

"All the money issues, everything is going to be okay now.

Jason is such a dear... and rich, too!"

Hanna couldn't even respond, shaking her head as she looked out at the long line of traffic snaking toward the bridge.

Hanna?

Grace, I need to go.

I just thought you should know. Jason used to work with Ben and Phillip at the firm.

Hanna quickly put the loose ends together. Jason Starke had worked with her husband, Ben, and Grace's husband,

Phillip, at the same downtown Charleston law firm. Hanna had always been suspicious of Jason Starke's role, along with Phillip Holloway, in covering up the failed land deal with the mob that had led to her husband's murder. Several questions started racing through her mind, but she didn't want to encourage Grace by continuing the discussion. Finally, she managed to reluctantly reply. I hope you're both happy, Grace.

Thank you, dear. That means a lot.

There was a momentary silence where neither woman knew how to respond. Then Grace said, I really wish we could start fresh, Hanna.

Not going to happen! Hanna fired back quickly. Really, I need to go. She pressed the red button on her phone screen to end the call. She felt her nerves pulsing and cursed herself silently for even taking Grace Holloway's call. Not going to happen!

Hanna walked out of the Charleston County Courthouse into the heat of the midday sun, having just completed the deposition of a key witness in a suit she was pursuing on behalf of one of