“I expected you sooner.”
“I demand you do whatever it is you do and get whoever or whatever is protecting my house to leave me alone. If I want to take my girls out of the house, I will. You or no one else has the right to stop me. I don’t want Hope and Faith involved in whatever insanity Kellie will find this time,” Max yelled not caring who heard him.
“The protection is there for all of you. It will protect Kellie and the girls from anything or anyone who would cause them pain. Your reasons may be sound to you, but taking the girls will tear Kellie’s heart out. The protection will stop you from hurting her in any way.”
Max snorted, “Right, what can they do really?”
“They could rip you into a million bits and scatter you across the field behind your house or disintegrate you in less than a heartbeat. However, they are aware of your love for Kellie and the girls. They are also aware of Kellie’s love for you. They wouldn’t kill you, but they’d remove you from the situation.”
Max laughed, “Remove me? I’d like to see them try. I insist you stop this now.” He strode from one end of the porch to the other and stopped to glare at Claudia.
“I have no control over what they do; however, since Kellie cares for you I’m sure they would only toss you out of the house. That is unless they felt overly protective and then they could throw you across Lake Michigan, onto an island in the Pacific, or on a mountain top in the Himalayas where you could be cave mates with a Yeti.”
“A Yeti, they’re a myth. Have you lost your mind?” Max questioned his blue eyes radiating the anger he felt.
“Are they?” Claudia countered. “Never doubt what you cannot see. Go home, love and support your wife and daughters. She’ll need you.” Claudia stepped back and closed the door.
Max fisted his hands ready to pound on the door but knew it wouldn’t do any good. He tried to think of a way to get around the protection that encircled his wife and daughters, but the horn blast from the paramedic van broke his thoughts. His five minutes were up. He’d find an answer later he decided, and he sprinted back to the van.
~ * ~
Kellie pulled into the costume shop’s parking lot and turned off the ignition. The silence in the car was the cue the three kids needed to unbuckle their car seat belts and begin bouncing in excitement.
“Let’s go, let’s go,” Ethan’s excited voice filled the SUV.
“Yes, Mommy, let’s go,” Hope chimed in.
Faith, the quiet and patient twin, sat and smiled at Kellie although her eyes danced with excitement.
“Okay, I’m ready,” Kellie turned to Taylor. “Are you?”
Taylor laughed and shook her head, “No, but we need to do this. At least the parking lot is relatively empty. Maybe the store won’t be a small riot.
With Ethan’s hand firmly in hers, Taylor led the way into the costume shop. Kellie and her girls followed closely behind. “All right,” Taylor said. “If you look at the rows of costume packages, you’ll see what the costume looks like. There’s no need to pull the packages from the shelves or open them. Do you understand.” Her comment was meant for her overly excited son, but all three children nodded.
Faith and Hope headed for one side of the store while Ethan dashed off to the other. Taylor shrugged, and they each followed their children. Faith stopped in the middle of the first aisle staring up at three fairy princess costumes. One was pink, one green, and one blue. Kellie was sure Faith would ask for her favorite pink, but the little girl gushed, “Oh, Mommy, I’d like the blue one, please. It has pretty flowers on the skirt and bigger fairy wings. Look at the crown. Oh, Mommy, it’s beautiful.”
“That was easy,” Kellie murmured while she pulled a costume in Faith’s size from the stack on the shelf. “What about you, Hope? Do you see anything you like?”
“I don’t see any beautiful English lady costumes. That one is close,” Hope pointed up at a costume of a pioneer dress.
Kellie suggested, “We could add a pretty scarf as a belt and buy a parasol.”
“What’s a parasol?” Hope asked.
“It’s a small, frilly umbrella that ladies like Miss Annabelle carried.”
“Oh,” Hope’s eyes brightened. “I’d love to get one. Do they have some here?”
“Let’s look,” Kellie held out her hand. Hope grasped it, and Faith followed clutching her costume package to her chest with one hand and the back of Kellie’s coat with the other.
Both girls saw a display of brightly colored parasols and Hope chose a yellow one. Kellie found a scarf that matched and Hope was as excited as Faith with her costume.
Ethan’s voice carried across the store. “That’s it, Mom. I want to be a hero firefighter. When Uncle Max took us to the fire station, I met the firefighters. They’re all heroes and save lives. Please, Mom.”
A minute later Ethan, holding his costume, and Taylor met Kellie and the girls at the register.
Kellie smiled, “I didn’t think the excursion to the firehouse made such an impression on Ethan. I hope Hunter won’t mind that Ethan is excited about a career different than his dad’s.”
Taylor snorted, “Can you picture Ethan trick or treating in a three-piece suit and tie telling people he’s a CPA.”
Kellie stifled her giggles as she paid for her girl’s costumes. She turned to Taylor and said, “No, I can’t, but I bet he’d be adorable.”
Taylor nodded, paid for her purchase, and the group headed for Kellie’s SUV.
On the drive home, the three children were busy looking at their costumes having been warned not to open them until safely inside their houses. Neither Kellie nor Taylor wanted to search for any small pieces of costume the kids were bound to lose under or between the seats.
Taylor’s cell phone dinged. She pulled it out and whispered to Kellie. Fortunately, the children were sitting in the back seat ogling their costumes. “It’s a breaking news alert. The police reported they identified the body found buried in the woods at the edge of town as the missing Oaklin college student, Zachary Vanderson.” She glanced at Kellie and bit her lower lip.
“Could that be the mysterious ‘Z’ mentioned in the journal I found at the cabin? If he was left without a…,” she cringed and pointed to her head hoping the kids weren’t paying attention. “It has to be connected to what they found in Mrs. D’s freezer.”
“I understand what you’re saying,” Taylor answered glancing over her shoulder to see if any of the kids listened to Kellie and her. All three were talking among themselves. “It could be. That would make sense to me. I wonder what Uncle Mike thinks.”
“You ask him,” Kellie suggested.
“No thank you. Call that reporter at the paper that always asks for an interview. Maybe you could work out a trade.”
Kellie smiled, “Maybe.”
As they pulled into Kellie’s drive and stopped, Taylor’s phone dinged again.
“Busy day for the news?” Kellie asked.
Taylor looked at her phone, and her face paled.
“What?” Kellie whispered.
The kids were busy climbing out of the car ignoring their moms and Taylor whispered, “Two bodies were discovered. One in Oaklin and the second here in Malone Springs. Unconfirmed reports say both bodies were drained of blood.”
“And it begins,” Kellie grimaced. “Don’t worry. We’re safe. The kids are safe. Our homes are safe.”
“Kayla,” Taylor stammered. “I have to go get her from my mom’s. Please watch Ethan.”
Kellie grabbed her arm before Taylor bolted from the car. “Take a breath and wait a minute to calm yourself. Your mom’s house is also protected. Remember, everyone we love is protected. I’ll watch Ethan, but please calm down. You don’t want to get into an accident.”
Taylor nodded.
Kellie climbed out of the SUV and announced. “Taylor’s going to pick up Kayla. I have cookies and milk for those who want to stay here.”
Taylor shot Kellie a smile and ruffled Ethan�
�s red hair knowing cookies and milk would keep him from arguing with her about staying behind when she went to her mom’s. “I’ll be home soon,” Taylor promised and ran toward her garage.
~ * ~
Kellie settled the kids at her table with milk and cookies when her phone chirped. It was a text from Lance.
Did you hear the news reports?
She answered his text:
Yes, we need to talk. I’ll call you after I send the kids to Taylor’s
in a bit. See if you can get any more info.
Kellie slipped her phone into her pocket and spoke with the children until Taylor returned.
“I need to talk to Lance. Can you take the girls home with you for a while? I don’t want them to overhear me.”
“Of course,” Taylor answered. “I’ll send them home in time for supper. Let me know what Lance says.”
“Will do.” Kellie helped the girls with their jackets and the kids happily followed Taylor to her house for cartoon time.
Kellie walked into her den and dialed Lance’s number and pressed the speaker button. She dropped into her desk chair and rubbed her hands over her face. Geared up to face the situation she waited for Lance to answer.
“Hi, Kellie”
“Hi. Have you learned anything new to help us?”
“No, and whoever this entity is, she hides well.”
“Why do you think that?”
“If she’s responsible for the two bodies drained of blood, Claudia’s spirits can’t seem to detect her presence. She’s hiding well. She may have someone collecting blood for her.”
Kellie shuddered. The thought of an evil spirit attacking people was bad enough, but another person even if it was Mrs. Donahue’s nephew draining people of blood frightened her. She drew in a deep breath and asked Lance.
“Could we be dealing with a vampire?”
“No. Well, highly doubtful. I never heard of vampires that needed the brain and eyes of their victims. She may have been a vampire and morphed into something more, or we’re dealing with a new creature. There are legends and beliefs in the power of consuming blood and organs to gain strength.”
“I have the feeling she was trapped in the past, and Mrs. Donahue’s nephew found a way to wish her into the present.”
“I think you’re right. I made a few discreet inquiries at a bar last night where I heard Ronnie Donahue hangs out. No one has seen him for quite some time. The people I spoke with said his girlfriend, Alyssa, hasn’t been around either.”
Kellie tapped her fingers on her desk and wondered aloud.
“They’re afraid and hiding.”
“I think you’re right. I’ve searched on-line for any information and sent it to you. It isn’t much, but I found her last name and where she works. I called today and asked for her but was told she quit. Kellie, I know this is a delicate subject but do you think you could talk to Mrs. Donahue and see if there is anything about Ronnie she might know that we don’t.”
“I could do that tomorrow. I’ll bake brownies or muffins in the morning and see how she’s doing. I’ve wanted to do that anyway. Maybe she knows something.”
“Great. I’ll look into who or what we’re fighting. I’ll head for the university library tonight. They have an excellent selection of folklore and monster research books.”
“Good luck. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
“Bye.”
Kellie heard Lance’s phone click off and she pressed the end key. She pushed herself to her feet and headed for the kitchen. She had a pot roast in the slow cooker, and whether or not Max came home in time for dinner, she and the girls needed a good meal.
The sound of the garage door opening surprised Kellie. “Daddy’s home, daddy’s home,” both girls called at once as they launched themselves toward the laundry room that led to the garage.
Max opened the door and pulled Hope into a big hug. He set her down and repeated the hug with Faith. “How are my girls today?” He asked.
“We have costumes for Halloween,” Faith answered. “I’m going to be a fairy princess.”
“Why does that not surprise me,” Max smiled at his excited daughter.
“I’m going to be Miss Annabelle. Mommy bought me a parasol that English ladies carried when Miss Annabelle was alive.”
The look Max shot at Kellie could have frozen lava on a July afternoon.
“Wash up for dinner girls,” Kellie said.
When the girls left the kitchen, Max strode up to the kitchen island that separated him and Kellie. “Why in the world did you allow her to get a ghost costume,” he snapped.
“It’s not a ghost costume,” Kellie retorted.
“Miss Annabelle is a ghost.”
“I bought her a Western pioneer dress. It has a long skirt, and she’ll carry a parasol. No one will think she’s a ghost. What’s wrong with you?”
“Me? What about you contributing to the girl’s fantasy about dressing like a ghost?”
Kellie slammed the drawer she just opened. “It was Hope’s idea, and it’s easier to let her wear the costume than explain why she can’t. She’s a smart child, and I don’t want her to realize what is going on here. Both girls already know something isn’t right, but they feel safe. If I try to explain why she can’t be like Miss Annabelle, it will frighten her.”
“You’re impossible, and I can’t do a damn thing about it. I certainly don’t want to share a cave with a Yeti.”
Kellie bit back a laugh. “Are you planning a trip to the Himalayas?”
“Don’t be smug. You know perfectly well what Claudia told me. Your friendly protectors can toss me on a mountain top.”
“I haven’t talked to Claudia today. I had no idea the spirits can do that. I’ll be less worried about prowlers now.” She smiled hoping to calm her husband.
“You’re impossible,” he hissed and snapped his mouth closed when the girls came back in to show off their clean hands.
Dinner was quieter than the exchange between Kellie and Max before they sat down to eat. The girls talked about the costumes, Halloween, the party they’d have at school, and how much candy they would receive trick or treating. Kellie ate her meal in silence allowing Max the time with the twins. Whenever Hope mentioned trying to look like Miss Annabelle and how Kellie would style her hair to look just like the ghostly image living in her room, Max glared at Kellie.
Kellie listened to the girls and Max while sending up a silent prayer that Max would try and understand that whatever was happening in their lives was not her doing. After supper, the girls disappeared into their room to read and color while Kellie cleaned the kitchen.
Max stood across the room and watched her. After several minutes of his scrutiny, she turned and said, “What?”
“I’m trying to figure out how you can calmly clean the kitchen when your children’s lives are in danger, and your entire world could come crashing down on you at any minute. I think you’re in over your head this time. You’ll drown alone in evil this time. Stop it now.”
“First, if I don’t clean the kitchen who will? Second, I have no intention of allowing whatever is out there to hurt anyone else, if I can stop it. Third, what makes you think I’m doing this alone?”
He threw his hands in the air. “Oh, I forgot. You have Lance to help you. Taylor’s afraid of fog so you don’t want her involved, but Lance can help you. How convenient.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Whatever you want it to mean. You don’t need your family and friends, but you’ll allow him to help.”
Kellie fisted her hands on her hips. “I can’t believe this. You’re jealous. You made it clear you didn’t want to be part of this. You threatened to take the girls away from me and are sleeping in the guest room. You turned your back on me and are jealous because I have a friend who is capable and willing to help me. You should be grateful he’ll help. I can’t do it alone.”
“You’re right about one thing; I don’t want to have an
ything to do with this mess. If it goes wrong, the girls need a parent around. I’m going to bed.”
Kellie turned her back to him and finished loading the dishwasher refusing to allow Max to see the tears in her eyes. He was acting impossible, and Kellie prayed he was acting out of love and fear and not indifference. She refused to accept that he could turn off his feelings that quickly. They shared so much since they met. He’d helped with battling spirits before, but becoming a parent may have changed him. She understood that. It had changed her, too, but this evil that entered their lives wouldn’t go away on its own. She needed help and Lance was the only person she knew capable of offering that help. Max had to realize that, he just had to for her sake and the girls.
Chapter Eight
After dropping the girls and Ethan at school and stopping for a few necessities at the store, Kellie settled behind her desk in her office. Rufus nuzzled up beside her feet. She leaned over and patted his head. “You’re still my friend.” He barked and licked her hand. Kellie smiled knowing the sweet dog would lay down his life for her. He nearly did once, and she’d never forget it. “Here goes, Rufus, let’s see if I can talk Dan Riley into giving up any information.”
Kellie dialed the newspaper office and asked for Dan Riley’s extension. When he answered, Kellie swallowed and spoke. “Good morning, Mr. Riley. This is Kellie Conley Noles.”
“Kellie, how nice to hear from you. Are you ready to give me that interview? I hear we have a new strange occurrence in town. My readers would love to know if you’re responsible or have pertinent information.”
“I believe we can help each other, Mr. Riley.”
“Possibly. We could meet and talk.”
“All right.”
“When and where?”
Kellie needed whatever information he might have as quickly as possible. “Coopers, fifteen minutes.”
“I’ll be there,” she heard him hang up his phone. She grabbed her purse and headed for Coopers.
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