My Soul to Keep

The story, which takes place in the nineteen-seventies, is about a young couple, Dan Merak, an electrical engineer in his mid-twenties, and his wife, Kim, an avid autograph collector. It is told in the first person by Dan, who Kim has persuaded to transfer from Boston to the southern branch of the company he works for, which is in Washington, D. C.
The story opens with them en route to Washington, D. C. Upon their arrival they discover that Kim is being stalked by a spirit which is determined to murder her. Dan enlists the aid of the famous parapsychologist, Dr. Edmond Franz, an Austrian. Dr. Franz acknowledges the plight of the tormented couple, and probes Kim's subconscious to reveal a spirit who occasionally emerges; a colonial girl named Gabriela.
As the plot develops, the stalking of Kim intensifies. Dr. Franz, sympathetic of Dan's desperation, becomes his mentor and introduces him to the Out Of Body Experience, the only way for Dan to fight for Kim's life. Dan is then confronted with a deviation from his inherent beliefs. Dan must die in order for Kim to live. An account is given of Dan's struggle within himself to overcome his mortal fears as he enters death's corridor in his attempt to cross over to the other side.
Together, in a colonial setting established for the task, Dr. Franz and Dan experiment with methods previously utilized. Through various encounters Dan unravels spirits which influence the intriguing outcome.