The Holy Oak Haunting (The Braddock & Gray Case Files Book 19) by H.P. Bayne

Author:H.P. Bayne [Bayne, H.P.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Bayne Independent Publishing
Published: 2025-10-30T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 18

Cal Holdfast lived in a large two-storey house on a leafy street filled with idyllic homes straight out of a magazine.

Dez was far from an architectural expert, but he knew quality when he saw it. Eva adored this style of house enough that they’d toured a few when they were searching for a family residence. All had been out of their price range, but Eva held out hope they’d get there one day.

“My wife would kill for a house like this,” Dez told Parker as the three of them climbed out of his car.

“It’s a lovely part of town,” Parker said. “Not the absolute oldest standing residences in Holy Oak but not far from it. This property has housed the Holdfast family since its construction in the nineteen-thirties.”

Dez studied the facade—big yellow door, a sweeping veranda and intricately carved trim along the eaves. Mostly though, his eyes scanned the large windows, locking onto each in a likely pointless search for something within them. “Cal grew up here then?”

“He did. His parents inherited it from Cal’s grandfather. Cal, in turn, inherited it from his folks.”

“So was Cary living here when he died?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

Dez’s gaze switched to Sully, wondering what, if anything, he saw. Sully answered the unspoken question with a head shake at Dez. Nope. Nothing.

Dez held a relieved sigh in check.

With Parker in the lead, they made their way to the front door. En route, they passed by a long driveway at the end of which stood a single-car garage. Nothing was parked in the drive, although it was possible the garage was currently being used.

“He usually leaves his car out until wintertime,” Parker said as though sensing the turn of Dez’s thoughts.”I don’t think he’s home, but let’s check anyway.”

Parker pressed a doorbell to the right of the entry, then stood back and watched the door expectantly. No one came. While Parker gave it a second attempt, Dez walked along the veranda until he stood in front of a big bay window. Risking the derision of nosy neighbours, Dez cupped his hands against the window and pressed his face between them, granting him a partial view inside. No sign of anyone from this vantage point.

Parker was having no luck either. Stepping back from the door, he met Dez’s eye. “Probably not home. I’ll check the backyard and the garage. Wait here.”

With Parker on the move, Dez turned to Sully, whispering his question to avoid Parker’s overhearing. “You getting anything?”

Another shake of the head. “Nothing—at least not the kind I can sense.”

Which meant if Cary Holdfast had become earthbound after death, he hadn’t made his way home.

“Guess that’s a good thing in a way,” Dez said. “Still, I’d love to find Cal.”

“Me too,” Sully said.

His tone got Dez’s attention. “What’s going on?”

Sully pinched at his lower lip for a moment. “I don’t know. Just a feeling. Something’s off.”

A couple of minutes passed before Parker returned, shaking his head as he rounded the corner from the driveway.

“No one seems to be home,” he said.

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