| Mystery and Crime Fiction posted January 24, 2025 | Chapters: |
...14 15 -16- 17... 
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Eleanor and Doyle Clash
A chapter in the book Veil of Secrets
Veil of Secrets - Chap 16
by Begin Again
Danni crouched near the bushes, her heart sinking as her eyes landed on Donatelli's prone form. He was lying on his side, partially hidden by the overgrown foliage, blood staining his shirt and pooling beneath him.
"Matthew," she cried, her voice breaking as she knelt beside him.
His eyes fluttered open at the sound of her voice, a weak smile tugging at his lips.
"Danni," he rasped, his voice barely audible. "Knew you'd show up."
Tears stung her eyes as she touched his cheek, her voice trembling. "Of course I did. You think I'd let you do this without me?"
DeLuca appeared behind her, his breath catching as he saw Donatelli. "Jesus," he muttered, pulling out his radio. "We need medics at the front. Now!"
Danni leaned closer, her voice low and urgent. "Matthew, hang on. Help's coming."
Donatelli's breathing was shallow, his words slurred. "Don't — let him — get away," he managed, a burning fire in his eyes.
Danni's brow furrowed. "Who?"
Donatelli's eyes closed, and a deep gasp slipped from his lips. Danni screamed. "Donatelli, don't you die on me! Who did this?"
His lips moved, but she couldn't hear what he said. She placed her ear by his mouth, tears brimming in her eyes.
"Was it Grayson? The mob? Matthew, tell me so I can make them pay."
Donatelli gave the faintest nod before his eyes fluttered shut again.
"Stay with me, Matt!" Danni pleaded, her voice rising.
DeLuca knelt beside her, placing a steadying hand on her shoulder. "He's still breathing. He's not going to give up without a fight."
Danni nodded reluctantly — her gaze locked on Donatelli's pale face. She could feel the faint pulse of his life slipping through her fingers, and her frustration boiled beneath the surface.
Suddenly, Garth's voice crackled over the radio, urgent and panicked. "Donatelli, come in. I'm at the Vineyard, and I can't find Rebecca. Do you copy?"
Danni's fingers trembled as she reached for Donatelli's blood-splattered radio. She swallowed and picked it up, pushing the button as she did. "Garth, it's Danni. Matthew's been shot."
"Shot? Where? By Grayson?" Garth's voice escalated. "Is he —"
"He's alive, but he's holding on by a thread. Is Eleanor with you?"
"No, just Antonio and me. Tango and the guys are on their way. I notified dispatch for more backup." Garth took a deep breath. "I gotta go. Tango's here. Hang in there, Danni. He's a tough one. He'll make it."
Danni's eyes flickered to Donatelli as she answered, "I know. He's got to for Jenna and Maggie." She swallowed hard and mumbled, "For all of us."
An icy breeze, far colder than usual, swirled around Danni and Deluca. The detective shivered, pulling his jacket tighter. "What the heck was that?"
Danni lifted her tear-stained face and glanced around. "Eleanor."
Eleanor's form materialized near the driveway, her eyes dark with rage as they landed on Donatelli's bloodied body.
Her breath hitched, her form flickering as she took a step forward. "Matthew," she murmured, her voice heavy with emotion.
Danni stood, moving to Eleanor's side. "He's still alive," she said quickly, her tone urgent. "But it's bad. And there's more."
Eleanor turned to her, her eyes narrowing. "What do you mean?"
Danni hesitated, glancing between Eleanor and Donatelli. "Garth's at the Vineyard, and Rebecca's missing."
Eleanor's form rippled with unease, the weight of the revelations settling over her. "Rebecca and Matthew. How could this all be happening at once?"
She shivered as she dropped to her knees beside him, her hands hovering over his wound. "Matthew—"
Donatelli's eyes fluttered open briefly, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Eleanor," he said weakly.
Eleanor's voice trembled as she leaned closer. "Danni and I are here. Just hold on. You're going to be okay."
But even as she spoke, her energy rippled with fury. Her gaze snapped toward the driveway, where the faint vision of Doyle's car speeding into the dark burned in her mind.
"Eleanor, he was coming to talk to Grayson. Do you think he did this?" Danni's voice was etched with worry. She hoped for answers, someplace to direct her pain.
Eleanor rose to her feet, her form solidifying with an intensity that made Danni step back.
"No, it wasn't Grayson." Eleanor's eyes appeared blank as she stared into the darkness. "It was Doyle."
DeLuca gasped. "Are you sure? Why would he return to Bayside?"
A coldness emanated from Eleanor. "It's Doyle, and I don't have all the answers, but I am sure he's here to destroy us."
DeLuca grabbed his radio and started rattling off information about the location to the dispatcher. He continued to bark orders into his radio, his voice sharp and
commanding. "Secure the perimeter. Nobody leaves without being cleared first."
As the paramedics lifted Donatelli onto a stretcher, Eleanor drifted toward the driveway. Danni hurried after her, grabbing her arm. "Where are you going?" Danni asked, her voice sharp.
"To finish this," Eleanor said coldly. Her form shimmered and vanished.
*****
The roar of Doyle's engine echoed along the winding country road as he pushed the car to its limits. His knuckles tightened on the wheel, his mind racing.
Suddenly, blindingly bright headlights appeared in the distance. Doyle squinted, his heart slamming against his chest, as a massive semi-truck pulled out onto the road ahead. His passenger braced himself.
"Shit!" he shouted, slamming on the brakes.
The car skidded, tires screeching as it swerved violently to avoid the truck. The vehicle hit the shoulder, flipping twice before landing upside-down in the ditch.
The impact threw Doyle clear of the car, and his body hit the ground with a sickening thud. He lay still for a moment, gasping for air as pain radiated through his body.
A chill crept over him, making his breath hitch. He rolled onto his back, his vision blurry, and froze when he saw a figure standing above him.
"Eleanor," he muttered, his voice trembling.
Her form was solid now, her eyes burning with an intensity that made him flinch. "John Doyle," she said coldly, stepping closer.
Doyle scrambled backward, his hands clawing at the dirt. "Stay away from me!"
"You shot Donatelli," Eleanor continued, her voice low and filled with fury. "You've hurt too many people. Your reign of terror ends now."
"Don't do this," Doyle pleaded, his voice shaking. "I didn't mean to —"
"Don't lie to me," Eleanor snapped, her energy surging like a storm.
Doyle tried to stand, but his body gave out, leaving him sprawled in the dirt. "Please —"
Eleanor's gaze hardened as she knelt beside Doyle, her face inches from his. His gasps were shallow, his body weakened but still fighting against the inevitable. She leaned closer, her voice low and unyielding.
"You deserve worse than this," she whispered, her words cutting through the tense night like a blade. "You're never going to hurt anyone again."
Her hand hovered over his chest, trembling as she considered what she wanted to do — what she could do. Doyle's eyes widened as he recognized the fury radiating from her, but he was too broken to form a coherent plea.
Eleanor's energy surged, and Doyle convulsed violently, a gasp escaping his lips. She drew back, her form flickering as her emotions battled for control. For a fleeting moment, her vengeful thoughts urged her forward.
She smiled — a dark, sadistic smile exposing a different Eleanor. Any sign of the loving, caring woman was gone. Her hand reached into the air, and a glass bottle appeared in her grasp. "Your favorite, I believe."
With slow deliberation, she uncorked it. "Let's have a drink to old friends." A chuckle gurgled from deep inside her body. "Sorry, I don't have any glasses." She tipped the bottle to her lips and swallowed. She hated the taste almost as much as she despised the man lying on the ground.
She poured the liquor over him — the liquid soaking his clothes and filling the air with its sharp scent.
Doyle's head lolled to the side; his breath ragged as he groaned, desperately pleading, "Don't do this."
Eleanor lit a match, the small flame flickering in the darkness. She held it inches from him, the firelight dancing in her eyes. "Margaret and Donatelli send their regards," she said, her voice as cold as the night.
But as the flame trembled in her fingers, she froze. Her conscience stirred, and the weight of who she was — who she had always been — held her back. She blew the match out with a steady breath, letting the darkness reclaim the night.
Her fingers curled into fists. "You're not worth it," she said through gritted teeth, her voice shaking. She pulled back and stood, her piercing gaze locked on him.
Doyle's rasping laugh broke the silence. "Couldn't do it, could you?" he croaked, his voice filled with spite even in his weakened state. "You're just like the rest of them — weak and pathetic."
Eleanor's lips tightened into a thin line, but she didn't respond. She took a step back, her form glowing faintly in the moonlight. "You don't deserve mercy," she said, her voice steady. "But I won't become like you."
A loud pop behind her startled her as she turned away.
She spun around in time to see flames licking at the car's engine. The wreckage finally gave way, and sparks flew as gasoline began to pool and ignite. The fire surged, creeping toward the ground near Doyle.
"No —" Eleanor's voice faltered as the flames found the gasoline-soaked earth. The fire raced across the ground, igniting Doyle's clothes before he could scream.
Flames consumed his body, the eerie glow reflecting in Eleanor's eyes. She stood frozen, the heat washing over her, her hands trembling at her sides. She had stopped herself — but fate, it seemed, had other plans.
The acrid scent of burning fuel and fabric filled the air. Doyle's cries rose briefly, but the roar of the flames drowned them out. Eleanor didn't move; her expression was unreadable as she stared into the fire.
"I gave you a chance," she murmured, her voice almost drowned out by the crackling blaze. "You chose this."
Eleanor's hands trembled at her sides — not from fear but the storm of emotions roiling inside her. The energy pulse from the smoldering wreckage mirrored the raw fury still coursing through her. She had done what needed to be done. Doyle's reign of terror was over, but it didn't feel like a victory.
She closed her eyes, taking a deep, steadying breath. The faces of those she cared for flashed in her mind: Margaret's car crash, Donatelli, bleeding out on the ground, his life slipping away; Althea, trembling in the shed, hiding from a world that had betrayed her; and now, Garth's voice, raw and desperate, calling her name.
"Eleanor."
She heard it again, louder this time. His pain and fear were evident, pulling her back from the brink of the void threatening to engulf her.
"Dammit," she muttered, running a hand through her hair as if trying to ground herself. "There's too much."
For a brief moment, Eleanor felt the weight of it all pressing down on her, threatening to crack the carefully constructed composure she'd maintained for decades. Even for a ghost, this was too much. The rage she had unleashed on Doyle still burned hot in her veins, but now, guilt crept in, insidious and unwelcome.
Matthew. Her friend. Her partner in so many cases. She had felt his pain ripple through the spiritual plane like a knife to her chest. He needed her. Althea, so fragile and broken, needed her. Travis is still missing. And now Garth — Garth, who had always been steady and strong — was calling for her, his voice shaking with fear for the woman he loved.
Eleanor's fists clenched as she tried to focus, but the chaos swirled in her mind, threatening to overwhelm her. "Pull it together," she whispered harshly to herself. "They're counting on you."
The wind shifted, carrying Garth's voice to her again. "Eleanor! Please!" His cry pierced through the haze of emotions, grounding her.
She opened her eyes, her expression hardening with resolve. She couldn't afford to fall apart. Not now. There would be time later to grieve, process, and question her choices tonight. But for now, she had to keep moving, though she didn't know how.
A familiar warmth washed over her, cutting through the cold chaos of her thoughts. Her breath caught as she turned, and there he was — Charles. His presence was radiant yet familiar, his soft eyes filled with the same love she remembered from years ago.
"Charles," she whispered, her voice trembling. Her composure cracked for the first time that night, and a single tear slipped down her cheek. "You shouldn't be here."
"And yet, here I am," he said gently, his tone steady and calm. "I couldn't stay away, Eleanor. I felt you — your anger, your grief. You don't have to carry this alone."
She looked away, her hands trembling. "I've already lost so much. Matthew's been shot, Garth is falling apart, and Rebecca's missing. I can't —" Her voice broke. "I can't lose anyone else, Charles."
He stepped closer, his hand touching hers. "You're stronger than this, Eleanor. You've faced worse, and you've survived. You've held all of us together, even when we didn't deserve it. You can do this."
Eleanor shook her head. "But at what cost? How many more people do I have to lose? How much more can I give?"
Charles's expression softened, his presence radiating reassurance. "You're not doing this alone. Look around you — Matthew, Garth, even Jenna, and baby Maggie —they're all here because of you. They need you to be the Eleanor they love."
She closed her eyes, letting his words settle over her like a calming balm. "I'm so tired, Charles."
"I know," he said softly, his voice filled with understanding. "But you're not finished yet, and you don't have to be. I'll help you however I can."
Eleanor met his gaze, her own filled with unshed tears. "Stay with me."
Charles smiled faintly. "For as long as you need." He tilted his head slightly, his expression growing more serious as he pulled her close, pressing his lips against her silver hair. "Forever, Eleanor, forever.
Book of the Month contest entry
 Recognized |
Summary:
Eleanor discovers Miriam is missing and trapped in a mirror by Cornelius Webb, whose schemes threaten the Vineyard. Rebecca meets Grayson Webb, a manipulative descendant of Cornelius, while a missing boy tied to the Vineyard raises the stakes. Althea Cascio, connected to both the Vineyard and the Mob, fears for her son as Grayson abducts her under Cornelius's orders. Antonio, MiriamâÃÂÃÂs first love, returns to help and reveals the Vineyard's dark history to Rebecca. Eleanor and her allies work to protect the Vineyard as GraysonâÃÂÃÂs alliance with Zhang collapses, leading to betrayal, violence, and a confrontation between Grayson, Doyle, and Cornelius. Donatelli is wounded during DoyleâÃÂÃÂs escape, leaving the group fractured as the danger grows.
Donatelli is critically wounded by Doyle during a confrontation. Danni, Eleanor, and DeLuca rally to save him, but chaos ensues as Rebecca goes missing. Eleanor tracks Doyle, confronting him after his car crashes. Her fury burns hot, but she ultimately spares him, only for fate to seal his end in the wreckage's flames. Overwhelmed by the nightâÃÂÃÂs tragedies, Eleanor is grounded by Charles's comforting presence, renewing her resolve to protect those she loves.
Main Characters -
Spirits from the past -
Eleanor Bennett - ghost detective
Danni - jr. ghost detective working with Matthew Donatelli
Cornelius Webb - Miriam's nemesis and murderer
Miriam Cascio - Trevor's murdered bride, Rebecca's grandmother and protector of the Vineyard
Antonio Maggio - Rebecca's grandfather and Miriam's first love
Bayside's Community --
Jenna Bennett - Event planner, Eleanor's daughter, Maggie's mother, Donatelli's love
Matthew Donatelli - Bayside's lead detective and Maggie's father
Rebecca Cascio Stillwell - recently inherited the Vineyard after discovering her adoption
Garth Woodman - FBI Agent and widower (Allie) and potentially interested in Rebecca
Joseph DeLuca - Bayside detective
John Doyle - Ex-judge, nemesis to all, and escaped prisoner from Joliet State Prison.
Vince Rossi - mobster and Doyle's cellmate and escaped prisoner
Grayson Webb - grand nephew and recently inherited the Webb Estate
Althea Webb Cascio - mother to Travis and half-sister to Rebecca
Travis - missing boy
Phil Henderson - Bayside family lawyer
Pays
one point
and 2 member cents. Eleanor discovers Miriam is missing and trapped in a mirror by Cornelius Webb, whose schemes threaten the Vineyard. Rebecca meets Grayson Webb, a manipulative descendant of Cornelius, while a missing boy tied to the Vineyard raises the stakes. Althea Cascio, connected to both the Vineyard and the Mob, fears for her son as Grayson abducts her under Cornelius's orders. Antonio, MiriamâÃÂÃÂs first love, returns to help and reveals the Vineyard's dark history to Rebecca. Eleanor and her allies work to protect the Vineyard as GraysonâÃÂÃÂs alliance with Zhang collapses, leading to betrayal, violence, and a confrontation between Grayson, Doyle, and Cornelius. Donatelli is wounded during DoyleâÃÂÃÂs escape, leaving the group fractured as the danger grows.
Donatelli is critically wounded by Doyle during a confrontation. Danni, Eleanor, and DeLuca rally to save him, but chaos ensues as Rebecca goes missing. Eleanor tracks Doyle, confronting him after his car crashes. Her fury burns hot, but she ultimately spares him, only for fate to seal his end in the wreckage's flames. Overwhelmed by the nightâÃÂÃÂs tragedies, Eleanor is grounded by Charles's comforting presence, renewing her resolve to protect those she loves.
Main Characters -
Spirits from the past -
Eleanor Bennett - ghost detective
Danni - jr. ghost detective working with Matthew Donatelli
Cornelius Webb - Miriam's nemesis and murderer
Miriam Cascio - Trevor's murdered bride, Rebecca's grandmother and protector of the Vineyard
Antonio Maggio - Rebecca's grandfather and Miriam's first love
Bayside's Community --
Jenna Bennett - Event planner, Eleanor's daughter, Maggie's mother, Donatelli's love
Matthew Donatelli - Bayside's lead detective and Maggie's father
Rebecca Cascio Stillwell - recently inherited the Vineyard after discovering her adoption
Garth Woodman - FBI Agent and widower (Allie) and potentially interested in Rebecca
Joseph DeLuca - Bayside detective
John Doyle - Ex-judge, nemesis to all, and escaped prisoner from Joliet State Prison.
Vince Rossi - mobster and Doyle's cellmate and escaped prisoner
Grayson Webb - grand nephew and recently inherited the Webb Estate
Althea Webb Cascio - mother to Travis and half-sister to Rebecca
Travis - missing boy
Phil Henderson - Bayside family lawyer
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