Heather Graham - Darkest Journey

They say it’s about the journey, not the destination...

Charlene “Charlie” Moreau is back in St. Francisville, Louisiana, to work on a movie. One night, she stumbles across the body of a Civil War reenactor, the second murdered in two days. Charlie is shocked to learn that her father—a guide on the Journey, a historic paddle wheeler that’s sponsoring the reenactment—is a suspect.

Meanwhile, Ethan Delaney, new to the FBI’s Krewe of Hunters, is brought in on the case. He and Charlie have a history of their own, dating back to when he rescued her from a graveyard—led there by a Confederate ghost!

Charlie arranges a Mississippi River cruise so she and Ethan can get close to the reenactors, find out who knows what, who has a motive. They discover a lot more as they resume the relationship that ended ten years ago...but might die, along with them, on the Journey.

Praise for New York Times bestselling author Heather Graham

“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

“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, starred review, on Flawless

“With an astonishing ease and facility, this talented and hard-working writer can cast her stories in any genre.”

—Charlaine Harris, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Sookie Stackhouse novels

“A masterfully created psychological thriller...leaving readers shocked and enthralled.”

—RT Book Reviews on The Hexed

“Dark, dangerous and deadly! Graham has the uncanny ability to bring her books to life, using exceptionally vivid details to add depth to all the people and places.”

—RT Book Reviews on Waking the Dead, Top Pick

“Murder, intrigue...a fast-paced read. You may never know in advance what harrowing situations Graham will place her characters in, but...rest assured that the end result will be satisfying.”

—Suspense Magazine on Let the Dead Sleep

“Graham deftly weaves elements of mystery, the paranormal and romance into a tight plot that will keep the reader guessing at the true nature of the killer’s evil.”

—Publishers Weekly on The Unseen

“Suspenseful and dark.... The transitions between past and present flow seamlessly, and the main characters are interesting and their connection to one another is believable.”

—RT Book Reviews on The Unseen

Darkest Journey

Heather Graham

www.mirabooks.co.uk

In memory of one of the finest friends I was ever privileged to know.

Greg Varricchio

Incredible musician, husband and father, Greg made hard times easier, brought laughter and smiles to so many so often, and lived every day with honor and an incredible ethic. The world is truly a poorer place without him.

CAST OF CHARACTERS

The Main Players

Charlene “Charlie” Moreau, actress

Ethan Delaney, FBI agent, Krewe of Hunters

From the Movie Set

Brad Thornton, writer and director

Mike Thornton, cameraman

Luke Mayfield, sound

Barry Seymour, electric and lighting

Jennie McPherson, makeup artist

Grant Ferguson, actor/extra (responsible for budget and accounting)

George Gonzales, in charge of location, setting and props

Jimmy Smith, actor/extra

Blane Pica, actor

Harry Grayson, actor

Krewe of Hunters

Thor Erikson

Jude McCoy

The Civil War Dead

Anson McKee, Confederate cavalry captain

Ellsworth Derue, Union medical corps

Other Characters

Jonathan Moreau, Charlie’s father, historian and tour guide on the riverboat Journey

Emily Watson, café owner

Farrell Hickory, owner of Hickory Plantation and Civil War reenactor

Albion Corley, professor and Civil War reenactor

Nancy Camp, Charlie’s high school friend

Randall “Randy” Laurent, high school friend of Ethan’s, parish detective

Sherry Compton, high school friend

Terese, Ethan’s great-grandmother

Chance Morgan, photographer

On the Journey (Celtic American Lines Ship)

Timothy Banks, captain

Gerard “Gerry” Amerind, doctor

Haley Howell, nurse

Rebecca Jennings, nurse

Ricky Simpson, entertainment director

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

Chapter 16

Extract

Copyright

Prologue

West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana

High School

“What are we doing?” Charlene—Charlie—Moreau demanded, surprised that both her escorts—senior girls high up in the hierarchy of one of their high school service clubs, the Cherubs—had suddenly taken hold of her arms. “Where are we going?”

She’d started out blindfolded in a car with five of her friends—all of them giggling girls ready to claim the prestige of being a Cherub. They’d been accepted into the club. They’d gone through ridiculous weeks of pledging—running, fetching, even doing homework for the “older sisters” in the club, and now it was their final night. Their great hazing. But the five of them had been split up about twenty minutes earlier; she’d been put in a car with Nancy Deauville and Sherry Compton, who’d gently led her out a little while later.

Now both girls were gripping her arms, nothing gentle about it.

Nancy Deauville laughed softly. “They say your mama’s family has the ‘sight.’ We’re just leaving you where you’ll have to ask some of your ghostly friends for help.”

“Come on! What are you going to do? Tie me up in the Grace Church graveyard?” Charlie asked, feeling her temper flare.

“Oh, Charlie, no!” Nancy said.

Sherry giggled. “We’re tying you up outside the graveyard—in the unhallowed section.”

“That’s ridiculous. And dangerous,” Charlie said angrily, a spark of fear entering her. “Three girls have been killed close to here, just north of Baton Rouge!” Her mom had been emphatic about her being careful, about her staying in the company of friends. A serial killer was at work in and around Baton Rouge.

“Don’t be alone, Charlie,” her mom had warned sternly. “He’s preying on young women who are on their own. Make sure you stay with your friends.”

Charlie had thought these people were her friends. Now she wasn’t so sure.

She tried to wrench free, but someone stronger had her arms now, and she heard multiple footsteps nearby.

Nancy and Sherry weren’t alone. They’d met up with others.

The two were superrich brats whose dads held great positions with one of the local oil companies—while her dad was a hardworking historian!

She didn’t know why she was pledging anyway, except that Cathy Corcoran, her best friend, had insisted that they at least try. The Cherubs were respected at school, plus they had the best parties.

Charlie had managed to handle the weeks of doing what the older girls asked. She’d even shocked Nancy, dropping a pack of cigarettes on her lap after the other girl had demanded that she get them, even if she had to beg, borrow or steal them. Charlie hadn’t had to do any of those things; someone on one of her dad’s tours had left a pack behind on the dock.