The Grave Robber

  A Charley Davidson Novella

  By Darynda Jones

  The Grave Robber

  A Charley Davidson Novella

  By Darynda Jones

  1001 Dark Nights

  Copyright 2023 Darynda Jones

  ISBN: 979-8-88542-022-8

  Foreword: Copyright 2014 M. J. Rose

  Published by 1001 Dark Nights Press, an imprint of Evil Eye Concepts, Incorporated

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination and are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or establishments is solely coincidental.

  Book Description

  The Grave Robber

  A Charley Davidson Novella

  By Darynda Jones

  From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Darynda Jones comes a new story in her Charley Davidson series…

  Eric Vause is done.

  Done with ghosts. Done with hellhounds. And definitely done with asshole demons, mostly because he’d been possessed by one. Even now, five years later, the rage he absorbed from the creature has yet to wane, so he decides a road trip is in order. Surely some cool air, great scenery, and a case of Dos Equis will shake things loose. Unfortunately, supernatural events happen everywhere. When he meets up with a friend whose partner’s daughter needs help with a pest problem—aka, a ghost—Eric takes that as his cue to leave.

  Until he sees her.

  He can tell Halle’s house isn’t the only thing that is haunted. The hopelessness behind her eyes tugs at something deep inside him. Something all too familiar. The fact that she’s the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen has nothing to do with his change of heart. And he vows to leave her in his rearview the minute he takes care of the poltergeist. Then again, vows were never his strong suit.

  **Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.**

  About Darynda Jones

  NY Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Darynda Jones has won numerous awards for her work and her books have been translated into 17 languages. As a born storyteller, Darynda grew up spinning tales of dashing damsels and heroes in distress for any unfortunate soul who happened by, certain they went away the better for it. She penned the internationally bestselling Charley Davidson series and is currently working on several beloved projects, most notably the Sunshine Vicram Mystery Series with St. Martin's Press and the Betwixt and Between Series of paranormal women's fiction. She lives in the Land of Enchantment, also known as New Mexico, with her husband and two beautiful sons, the Mighty, Mighty Jones Boys.

  She can be found at http://www.daryndajones.com

  Also From Darynda Jones

  DARK PROTECTORS

  Fated

  Claimed

  Tempted novella

  Hunted

  Consumed

  Provoked

  Twisted novella

  Shadowed

  Tamed novella

  Marked

  Teased novella

  Tricked novella

  Tangled novella

  Talen novella

  Vampire’s Faith

  Demon’s Mercy

  Alpha’s Promise

  Hero’s Haven

  Guardian’s Grace

  Immortal’s Honor

  Garrett’s Destiny

  THE LAUREL SNOW THRILLERS

  You Can Run

  You Can Hide

  You Can Die

  THE ANNA ALBERTINI FILES

  Disorderly Conduct

  Bailed Out

  Adverse Possession

  Holiday Rescue Novella

  Santa’s Subpoena

  Holiday Rogue Novella

  Tessa’s Trust

  DEEP OPS

  Hidden

  Taken novella

  Fallen

  Shaken novella

  Broken

  Driven

  Unforgiven

  REALM ENFORCERS

  Wicked Ride

  Wicked Edge

  Wicked Burn

  Wicked Kiss

  Wicked Bite

  SCORPIUS SYNDROME SERIES

  Scorpius Rising novella

  Blaze Erupting novella

  Mercury Striking

  Shadow Falling

  Justice Ascending

  Storm Gathering

  Winter Igniting

  Knight Awakening

  SIN BROTHERS

  Forgotten Sins

  Sweet Revenge

  Blind Faith

  Total Surrender

  BLOOD BROTHERS (Continuation of Sin Brothers)

  Deadly Silence

  Lethal Lies

  Twisted Truths

  MAVERICK MONTANA SERIES

  Against the Wall

  Under the Covers

  Rising Assets

  Over the Top

  Acknowledgments from the Author

  Thank you, Dear Reader, for giving me another opportunity to play in Charley’s world! Eric and Halle’s story was so fun. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I loved writing it.

  A special thank you to Liz, Jillian, M.J., and everyone at 1001 Dark Nights. What an honor it is to work with you.

  And thank you, Chelle, from the very bottom of my grammarly-challenged heart. You rock so hard. So, so hard.

  Discover More 1001 Dark Nights authors and their amazing stories…

  Click here to explore.

  Lara Adrian

  Dylan Allen

  Jennifer L. Armentrout

  Kristen Ashley

  Tessa Bailey

  Sawyer Bennett

  Shayla Black

  Lexi Blake

  Lauren Blakely

  K. Bromberg

  Claire Contreras

  Tina Folsom

  Melissa Foster

  Heather Graham

  Donna Grant

  Liliana Hart

  Larissa Ione

  Alexandra Ivy

  Lorelei James

  Darynda Jones

  Lisa Renee Jones

  Laura Kaye

  J. Kenner

  Corinne Michaels

  Elisabeth Naughton

  Laurelin Paige

  Carly Phillips

  Jennifer Probst

  Kristen Proby

  C.D. Reiss

  Christopher Rice

  Carrie Ann Ryan

  Kendall Ryan

  Kennedy Ryan

  Kylie Scott

  Jill Shalvis

  Gena Showalter

  Cherise Sinclair

  Susan Stoker

  Tijan

  Rachel Van Dyken

  Skye Warren

  Laura Wright

  Joanna Wylde

  Rebecca Zanetti

  Discover More Blue Box Press authors and their amazing stories…

  Click here to explore.

  Jennifer L. Armentrout

  Kristen Ashley

  Xio Axelrod

  Sawyer Bennett

  Steve Berry

  Lexi Blake

  Audrey Carlan

  Robin Covington

  Kaylea Cross

  Jay Crownover

  Avery Flynn

  C. W. Gortner

  KL Grayson

  Cristin Harber

  Lynn Raye Harris

  Liliana Hart

  Larissa Ione

  Suzanne M. Johnson

  Laura Kaye

  J. Kenner

  Kimberly Kincaid

  Gennita Low

  Randy Susan Meyers

  Corinne Michaels

  Monica Murphy

  Carly Phillips

  Kristen Proby

  Christopher Rice

  Lucinda Riley

  M.J. Rose

  Kennedy Ryan

  Cherise Sinclair

  Susan Stoker

  Rachel Van Dyken

  Samantha Young

  Table of Contents

  Book Description

  About Darynda Jones

  Also from Darynda Jones

  Acknowledgments from the Author

  Discover More 1001 Dark Nights Authors

  Discover More Blue Box Press Authors

  Foreword

  Author’s Note

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Discover 1001 Dark Nights Collection Ten

  Discover More Darynda Jones

  An excerpt from The Graveside Bar and Grill by Darynda Jone

  Discover the World of 1001 Dark Nights

  Special Thanks

  One Thousand and One Dark Nights

  Once upon a time, in the future…

  I was a student fascinated with stories and learning.

  I studied philosophy, poetry, history, the occult, and

  the art and science of love and magic. I had a vast

  library at my father’s home and collected thousand
s

  of volumes of fantastic tales.

  I learned all about ancient races and bygone

  times. About myths and legends and dreams of all

  people through the millennium. And the more I read

  the stronger my imagination grew until I discovered

  that I was able to travel into the stories... to actually

  become part of them.

  I wish I could say that I listened to my teacher

  and respected my gift, as I ought to have. If I had, I

  would not be telling you this tale now.

  But I was foolhardy and confused, showing off

  with bravery.

  One afternoon, curious about the myth of the

  Arabian Nights, I traveled back to ancient Persia to

  see for myself if it was true that every day Shahryar

  (Persian: شهريار, “king”) married a new virgin, and then

  sent yesterday's wife to be beheaded. It was written

  and I had read that by the time he met Scheherazade,

  the vizier's daughter, he’d killed one thousand

  women.

  Something went wrong with my efforts. I arrived

  in the midst of the story and somehow exchanged

  places with Scheherazade – a phenomena that had

  never occurred before and that still to this day, I

  cannot explain.

  Now I am trapped in that ancient past. I have

  taken on Scheherazade’s life and the only way I can

  protect myself and stay alive is to do what she did to

  protect herself and stay alive.

  Every night the King calls for me and listens as I spin tales.

  And when the evening ends and dawn breaks, I stop at a

  point that leaves him breathless and yearning for more.

  And so the King spares my life for one more day, so that

  he might hear the rest of my dark tale.

  As soon as I finish a story... I begin a new

  one... like the one that you, dear reader, have before

  you now.

  Author’s Note

  This book contains elements of suicide that some may find disturbing.

  If you or someone you know is in crisis or emotional distress, there are resources available—all day, every day.

  Remember, the world is a better place with you in it.

  The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

  The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support.

  Within the United States, just text or call: 988

  Online chat: suicidepreventionlifeline.org

  Chapter One

  My body is less like a temple

  and more like a bar and grill.

  —Meme

  I needed to get drunk. Or laid. Fortunately, I was in the right place for either if I played my cards right. Unfortunately, I hadn’t shaved in three days. Was the scruffy biker look still a thing? I had my eye on a saucy redhead, a server in the bar I’d ridden twenty hours to get to. I never dreamed I’d drive two days to drink in a bar I’d never seen, in a state I could barely find on a map, but I realized rather quickly why my high-school buddy had set up shop in northern Idaho. The lush countryside and abundance of lakes proved intoxicating. Much like the beer I currently nursed, thanks to a dispute that involved a gas pump, a broken card reader, and an irate blonde.

  I shook out of my thoughts with gritted teeth and studied my friend’s grunge-worthy establishment. Exposed metal rafters, corrugated walls, and neon signs were the foundation of Jason’s decor. But the coolest thing about Cruisers was a road that cut through the building, created by two large garage doors at either end. It allowed bikers to ride through and show off their pride and joys while other patrons cheered them on. The tradition created a type of subculture among the local riders and enhanced the spirit of camaraderie and brotherhood—something I understood very well.

  After the most recent celebration died down, the patrons applauding a vintage Indian Chief that gave the air a smoky hue as it passed through, I refocused on the guy I hadn’t seen in more years than I cared to admit. Jason Vigil. Tall, slim, and athletic, with dark hair and an easy smile. The scrapper hadn’t changed at all. And he’d done well—not that I was surprised. But to have the bar filled to near-capacity at four in the afternoon on a weekday attested to the popularity of the place. And its owner.

  While employees hustled to get ready for the evening rush, including the redhead, another biker revved his engine, and the scent of gasoline set me on edge yet again.

  “I’m not kidding,” I said to Jason, veering back onto the same highway I’d been trying to exit for half an hour. “She went ballistic for no reason. How the fuck was I supposed to know she’d been waiting for that pump? And was it really worth all that?”

  I tipped an icy bottle of Corona to my lips and drained the last drop as Jason fought a grin. He gestured to another of his servers, summoning a curvy brunette to our table.

  “Hey, handsome,” she said to me, but the constant glances she’d been throwing Jason’s way for the last half hour, ones full of adoration and those little cartoon hearts, told me exactly where her interests lay. And she planned on keeping them there.

  Jason frowned regardless. “This is Eric.”

  “I figured.” She flashed me a flirtatious smile. It was hard to blame her. The girl lived off tips. And the heated glare I received from Jason as a result was well worth the C-note I’d drop on the table before leaving. “Eric Constantine Vause,” she said, giving me a thorough once-over. “That’s probably the coolest name in recorded history.”

  I couldn’t have stopped the arrogant grin that took over my face if I’d tried. “I like to think so. I take it Jason told you about his slightly younger, much better-looking partner in crime?”

  Jason cleared his throat a little too loudly.

  She laughed and picked up the empty bottles. “I’m Betty. Two more?”

  I nodded, and she took off toward the bar, swaying her hips for Jason’s benefit and gifting me another chance to study a kid sitting alone on a stool. One who looked like he’d only recently given up training wheels yet was currently downing his third shot of whiskey despite that fact.

  He raised his hand for another.

  I shook my head, checked my watch, and went back to drawing on a napkin. Not the way I usually expressed my creativity, but desperate times and all that. “Anyway,” I said, the agitation fizzling, “someone should check the water here. Chick was unstable as fuck.”

  Jason finally caved and let a shit-eating grin spread across his face. “She was beautiful, I take it?”

  I stopped drawing and gaped at him for a solid thirty seconds before tossing my pen onto the table and leaning back in my chair. “Fuck off,” I said under my breath, dangerously close to sounding like an impetuous child. She was beautiful. Breathtaking. But that had nothing to do with the current situation.

  Jason took the beers from Betty with a nod of thanks and placed both on the table in front of me. “I’m sorry, man. I wouldn’t have invited you if I’d known this would happen.”

  “Liar.”

  “No, really. This trip was supposed to be relaxing. A chance to get away from it all.”

  I wrapped my fingers loosely around the neck of one of the beers and took a long draw, feeling like shit for whining about something so meaningless when I should be catching up with my oldest and dearest. “It is. It will be. I just need to chill.”

  I honestly couldn’t figure out why the incident bothered me so much. Maybe because I could already see the headline. Video Goes Viral When Undermedicated Woman Loses Her Shit at Gas Station.

  All because I’d pulled into a nearby convenience store to top off before hooking up with Jason. The pumps were all taken, save one. I’d eased into the spot and turned off my engine, only to have a woman driving a black Chevy short bed at the next pump get out of her truck and start screaming at me. Apparently, the card reader at her pump wasn’t working, and she’d been waiting for the one I’d pulled into.

  No clue how I was supposed to know that.