Heather Graham - Dying Breath

Buried alive...

As a teenager, Vickie Preston survived an attack by a serial killer. That was the first time she saw a ghost. Now the city of Boston is being terrorized—someone is kidnapping women and burying them alive, but cruelly leaving a glimmer of hope for the authorities by sending a clue about their location. Vickie is pulled into the investigation when her name is mentioned in one of the notes. And as a historian, she has the knowledge to help uncover the graves the killer known as the Undertaker is choosing. But she also has another, unique lead: the spirit of one of the victims is appearing to her in dreams.

Special Agent Griffin Price is on the case for the Krewe of Hunters, the FBI’s special unit for paranormal investigators. He feels particularly protective of Vickie, since their shared past is connected to the threat that currently surrounds them. With the killer accelerating his plans, time is running out for more victims hidden around the city. Vickie is becoming closer with Griffin, but she’s getting too close to the danger, and every breath could be her last.

Praise for the novels of

New York Times bestselling author

Heather Graham

“Each new book involving the Krewe of Hunters takes the reader on a dark adventure where speaking to the dead is an everyday occurrence, the past and present collide and compelling characters find a sense of belonging. Graham’s skill for rendering her world in such vivid detail makes readers want to know more about the real-life locations she draws from.”

—RT Book Reviews

“Intricate, fast-paced, and intense, this riveting thriller blends romance and suspense in perfect combination and keeps readers guessing and the tension taut until the very end.”

—Library Journal on Flawless

“Riveting mystery...interesting history, sweet romance with a second chance at love.”

—Fresh Fiction on Darkest Journey

“Graham is a master at world building and her latest is a thrilling, dark, and deadly tale of romantic suspense.”

—Booklist, starred review, on Haunted Destiny

“The Krewe is back! Graham excels at weaving history, finding the proper balance between past and present and keeping a story fresh and authentic, with Haunted Destiny being no exception. The chaos and camaraderie of the characters are captured with vivid detail, and the identity of the killer will keep you guessing until the very end.”

—RT Book Reviews

“Graham is the queen of romantic suspense.”

—RT Book Reviews

Dying Breath

Heather Graham

www.mirabooks.co.uk

To the great and amazing state of Massachusetts

and my family there.

Some people marry for money...

When I was eighteen and madly in love, I could have married

to acquire my in-law family, the most wonderful group of

people one could imagine, stemming from the Miro and

Pozzessere tribes. All in all now, that is well over a hundred

people—and every one of them is wonderful!

This book, though, is especially in memory of Uncle George,

my whist partner, cribbage instructor and so much more.

He taught about decency, kindness, generosity and

compassion in the best possible way—

simply by very quietly maintaining all those qualities himself.

For Auntie Dee, the best aunt anyone could imagine,

who has always called me her niece, and never her in-law.

For Kenny, Doreen, John, Bill, Ashley, Eric, Anna and Alex—

I am privileged to have you all in my life.

CAST OF CHARACTERS Contents Cover Back Cover Text Praise Title Page Dedication Cast of Characters 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 Epilogue Copyright

Victoria (Vickie) Preston—historian, author

and youth-group leader

Griffin Pryce—special agent with the FBI’s Krewe of Hunters

Jackson Crow—field director, Krewe of Hunters

Bertram Aldridge—serial killer, in prison

Chrissy and George Ballantine—family friends of Vickie’s

Dylan Ballantine—Chrissy and George’s teenaged son,

now a ghost

Noah Ballantine—Chrissy and George’s young son,

nine years old

Friends and family

Lucy and Dr. Philip Preston—Vickie’s parents

Roxanne Greeley—Vickie’s best friend

Hank Fremont—Vickie’s high school boyfriend

Mario Caro—runs local family restaurant Pasta Fagioli

Local law enforcement

Detective David Barnes—Boston PD

Lenora Connor—hypnotist

Carl Lumley—private security

Donald Baugh—private security

Students in Vickie’s youth group

Art Groton, Hardy Richardson, Cheryl Taylor,

Cathy MacDonald, Jan, Frank, Ivan, Gio, Cindy and Sasha

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text Buried alive... As a teenager, Vickie Preston survived an attack by a serial killer. That was the first time she saw a ghost. Now the city of Boston is being terrorized—someone is kidnapping women and burying them alive, but cruelly leaving a glimmer of hope for the authorities by sending a clue about their location. Vickie is pulled into the investigation when her name is mentioned in one of the notes. And as a historian, she has the knowledge to help uncover the graves the killer known as the Undertaker is choosing. But she also has another, unique lead: the spirit of one of the victims is appearing to her in dreams. Special Agent Griffin Price is on the case for the Krewe of Hunters, the FBI’s special unit for paranormal investigators. He feels particularly protective of Vickie, since their shared past is connected to the threat that currently surrounds them. With the killer accelerating his plans, time is running out for more victims hidden around the city. Vickie is becoming closer with Griffin, but she’s getting too close to the danger, and every breath could be her last.

Praise Praise for the novels of New York Times bestselling author Heather Graham “Each new book involving the Krewe of Hunters takes the reader on a dark adventure where speaking to the dead is an everyday occurrence, the past and present collide and compelling characters find a sense of belonging. Graham’s skill for rendering her world in such vivid detail makes readers want to know more about the real-life locations she draws from.” —RT Book Reviews “Intricate, fast-paced, and intense, this riveting thriller blends romance and suspense in perfect combination and keeps readers guessing and the tension taut until the very end.” —Library Journal on Flawless “Riveting mystery...interesting history, sweet romance with a second chance at love.” —Fresh Fiction on Darkest Journey “Graham is a master at world building and her latest is a thrilling, dark, and deadly tale of romantic suspense.” —Booklist, starred review, on Haunted Destiny “The Krewe is back! Graham excels at weaving history, finding the proper balance between past and present and keeping a story fresh and authentic, with Haunted Destiny being no exception. The chaos and camaraderie of the characters are captured with vivid detail, and the identity of the killer will keep you guessing until the very end.” —RT Book Reviews “Graham is the queen of romantic suspense.” —RT Book Reviews

Title Page Dying Breath Heather Graham www.mirabooks.co.uk

Dedication To the great and amazing state of Massachusetts and my family there. Some people marry for money... When I was eighteen and madly in love, I could have married to acquire my in-law family, the most wonderful group of people one could imagine, stemming from the Miro and Pozzessere tribes. All in all now, that is well over a hundred people—and every one of them is wonderful! This book, though, is especially in memory of Uncle George, my whist partner, cribbage instructor and so much more. He taught about decency, kindness, generosity and compassion in the best possible way— simply by very quietly maintaining all those qualities himself. For Auntie Dee, the best aunt anyone could imagine, who has always called me her niece, and never her in-law. For Kenny, Doreen, John, Bill, Ashley, Eric, Anna and Alex— I am privileged to have you all in my life.