little shelf.”
“No kidding? How did it get down here?”
“Haven’t a clue. Looks as if she got interrupted while she was writing it.”
Samantha looked back to the letter. “I noticed that. Odd that it would find its way down here. This . . . uh . . . time rift, or whatever it is, isn’t limited to the window seat. Didn’t you say you found a handkerchief outside in the garden?”
Jack nodded. “I did.”
“And you both could see certain features of her room, and you were able to pass the yearbook back and forth?”
“Yeah . . . What are you thinking?”
“Nothing,” She shrugged and took a bite of her burger, swallowed and added, “Just that this house could be the connection. I wonder if anything other than the letters have gone back.”
“Just the yearbook . . .”
“Are you missing anything?”
“Not that I’m aware of. Besides, I’m not sure it works that way. I think it has to be something that existed back then. Nothing modern.”
“Um.” She sat back and wiped her hands on a napkin. “What makes you say that?”
“Jewel didn’t mention finding anything that belonged to me.”
“But you never actually tried sending something to her other than the letters?”
“Like what?” He polished off his fries and took a long sip of tea.
She shrugged. “Anything. Just to see if it was possible.”
“I guess I was too concerned about finding out more about her and telling her about the things that had changed. We did talk about how the window seat had scratches, but no, I never tried to send her anything.”
“That’s okay, you still can.” She handed the letter to Jack. “Why not write something on the back of this, letting her know how you found it. Include something from the present to see if she gets it?”
“I’d planned to write Jewel now that I know what room she’s in—I have to find out if she is all right.”
“Okay, I hear you, but do you think there’s a chance that crazy husband of hers might discover it?”
“Hadn’t thought about that.” Jack rubbed his hand across his chin, his lips turning downward. “You could be right. It’s like we’re playing a game, and I don’t know all the rules. One wrong move and Jewel loses. What do I do, Sam?”
Sam’s face filled with compassion. “I’m not sure—I wish I did. If he has her drugged, and she’s as confused as the letter indicates . . . writing her might be dangerous. Maybe, at this point, just write to this Addie person. At least until we have a better feel for what condition Jewel is in. I’d love to know how the note even got here. My thoughts . . . the housekeeper stashed it someplace safe out of the eyes of Hunsdon the Terrible. We can only guess why she didn’t finish it, but I bet she comes back for it.”
“So you’re saying write to the housekeeper and make her aware of where I found it. Ask her what this room is, and if it’s safe to leave messages here?”
“Yup. And it wouldn’t hurt to include something from the present, just to see if it’s possible for it to travel backward . . . or however this works.”
Jack regarded Samantha as she sat there, wondering for the thousandth time how incredible it was that this woman was so accepting of this whole bizarre situation. He was so lucky to have found someone with her unique beauty inside and out.
“What? Have I got ketchup on the end of my nose?” She swiped her face, trying to rid it of the perceived stain.
He shook his head, his lips curving upward. “No, you’re just . . . just . . . Have I told you how thankful I am to have you in my life?”
She looked away, fidgeting with a loose string on her shirt. He watched amused as the color rushed to her cheeks. “As a matter of fact . . . but, you can tell me again. A girl never gets tired of hearing it.”
“Well, I am . . . very grateful that I walked into the library that d—”
“Oh—the library!” Samantha interrupted him. “I almost forgot why I stopped by in the first place. Today, I came across something on Hunsdon. I’ve been going through the old copies of The Virginia Medical Monthly, and you’ll never guess what I found!”
Chapter 28
Addie hobbled after her employer, her mouth gone dry, her knees shaking with every step. She forced wooden legs out of the house and into the garden, afraid of what she’d find when they reached Culpeper. She puffed, trying to keep up with his long strides.
He knew. He hadn’t spoken a word, but those ice cold eyes said it all. What game was the doctor playing? Was Culpeper’s accident a ruse? Was he luring her to her death? She imagined him spinning around and accusing her. Hadn’t she seen what he could do? Oh, she was a dead woman.
Her thoughts tumbled together as they walked along in a hot, suffocating silence. A mixture of fear and anger brewed inside her until her stomach cramped. “Dr. Wiltshire, please, I need to catch my breath. These old legs don’t move as fast as they use to.”
He slowed his pace, tossing her a patronizing glance. “Of course, forgive me.”
Addie fanned her flaming cheeks, bending slightly at the waist to draw air into her lungs. “What happened? Is he okay?”
“Not good, I’m afraid.”
She pressed her lips in a hard, flat line. “Were you there when it happened? Did you see anything?” Any minute, he would drop the charade and turn on her.
He pursed his lips in thought before answering. “He was on the ladder, and when I addressed him, he startled and fell.” The words were matter of fact, unapologetic. “I fear he is in a bad way. Shall we?” He made a gesture that indicating they should continue.
When they reached the garden, Addie saw the broken figure of Culpeper on the ground. The ladder lay beside him. He was still—too still. Addie’s heart leaped, as she gathered her skirts and stumbled toward him.
With much effort, she lowered herself to his side. Blood oozed from an ugly gash on his temple. Several scrapes and abrasions spattered the wrinkled old face, chin and arms. His leg bent beneath him at an odd angle. He remained deathly quiet. The thin skin at the base of his neck throbbed slow, faint.
“Culpeper.” She placed a hand on his sleeve. “What happened? Are you all right?”
His lids flew open, blinking as if trying to remember where he was. Then suddenly, the whites of his eyes bulged as he looked around and took several gulps of air. He opened his mouth but snapped it shut when he spotted Dr. Wiltshire standing above him. Clearly he wouldn’t answer as long as his employer loomed over him.
“Dr. Wiltshire, would you please run to the pump and bring Culpeper water. I’m not sure he can speak. These old legs of mine don’t move as fast as they used to.”
“Of course. I won’t be but a moment.” His words were calm, but his smile was the most chilling she’d ever seen. Could he see through her ploy? He turned to retrieve the water.
Addie knew they didn’t have much time. “Culpeper . . . please, what happened?” Her words rushed out as she clung to his hand. “Did Dr. Wiltshire do this to you?”
Wide-eyed with fear, he locked an intense gaze on her and nodded. “Pushed . . . ladder. Danger.” The words hissed from his lips like steam through a kettle. Each word a great effort, as pain racked his body. His expression glazed. He reached for Addie, a feeble attempt for urgency, but his fading strength was evident.
“No, don’t move.” Addie comforted. “Be still.”
He collapsed against her, still gripping her arm. “Be . . . careful.” The words wheezed from his parched lips, his countenance waning before her eyes. His hold slackened, his gaze drifted from Addie’s to stare past her. The determination in his face drained. His expression traveled far beyond the sky . . . he was gone.
Sweet Lord. Addie’s heart drummed hard against her ribs until she feared they might break. Culpeper dead! She was to blame. Dr. Wiltshire had done murder just to send her a message! That’s why he’d brought her out here, why he’d left her alone. How
long did she have before he killed her too? Would he keep her alive, playing with her like a cat toys with a mouse, or would she suddenly meet with some accident? She imagined her motionless body crumpled at the bottom of the stairs, or Dr. Wiltshire dragging her by her heels to dispose of her lifeless corpse. Don’t lose it, old girl. A tremor of fear shook her.
“Here’s your water.”
His voice sent her scrambling. She cried out in fright.
“Dear Addie, seems I’m always startling you. You’ve grown rather jumpy of late.”
“He’s dead,” she blurted out. “He’s dead and doesn’t need the water now.” It was a stupid thing to say, she was in shock she supposed. “You knew that, didn’t you? Are you planning on killing me too?” Fear made her bold, rash. She couldn’t stop the words flowing from her mouth. She was signing her own death warrant, but still they came.
“Addie . . . Addie, what are you babbling about? Kill you? Why . . . I’d never harm you. I need you. Culpeper . . . well . . . that’s unfortunate.”
“Unfortunate! You can’t tell me you didn’t intend for this to happen. Miss Jewel was telling the truth. You did attack her, and now you’ve murdered Culpeper. What’s to stop me from going to the police?”
His jaw twitched, but his eyes only revealed amusement. “That’s quite a story . . . and how do you propose to prove it?”
“You’re not even going to deny it?” Her chest heaved with indignation.
He shrugged and folded his arms in a noncommittal gesture. “Should I? Let’s say you do call the police. What will they find when they come to investigate?” He issued her a smug look, visibly enjoying himself. “They’ll discover a woman that belongs in a mental asylum, but for the devotion of a loving husband that has protected her all he can. She’ll start babbling about men from the future . . . and when she doesn’t get her medicine, she’ll have to be restrained. They’ll have no choice but to lock her up. Trust me, the asylum isn’t a place you want your worst enemy. There is no evidence that I’ve done any of the things you say. Culpeper had a terrible—albeit untimely—accident . . . that’s all. When it comes down to it, we both know the authorities will take the word of a respected doctor over a confused old woman who fills her head with mystery novels. Who knows, they may even decide you’re the one that’s gone off the deep end and commit you right alongside Jewel.”
Addie blinked. Hopelessness washing over her, not for herself but for her young mistress. “You’re insane,” she whispered. The full weight of understanding pinned her to the ground.
“Do you think so?” He raised a finger to his chin as if pondering the statement. “Perhaps . . . I prefer to call it passionate. You see, I have every intention of saving Jewel from herself, and I’ve decided that you are going to be the one to help me. I like you, Addie.”
She snorted, growing nauseated. “The feeling isn’t mutual.”
“Pity. I thought we worked rather well together—I do.” He continued. “You’re strong in spirit, determined, but most importantly you adore Jewel.” He laughed a mirthless tone. “It seems she’s bewitched us both, the little minx.” He paused, his expression growing serious. “I need you to take care of her while I’m away at the hospital. Obviously, I can’t be in two places, so it’s important I have someone I can trust. I know you now understand the seriousness of the situation if you should decide to betray me . . .” He allowed his words to trail off.
“You’re ruthless. I won’t help you—”
Before Addie had finished, Hunsdon seized her by the throat. His powerful fingers squeezing like a vice until her eyes felt as if they’d spill out their sockets. “Oh, I think you will. Not because you want to, but because if you don’t . . . she’s going to suffer. I trust you don’t want more blood on your hands, do you?” He released her, stepping back, giving her time to consider.
Addie clawed at her throat, guzzling in fresh air. “Why . . . not . . . kill me, and be done with it?” She gasped.
His mouth turned down in a show of disgust as he splayed his fingers as if for inspection. “I believe I just explained your usefulness, besides killing is such a repugnant thought. It is sometimes a necessary evil, but I do not enjoy it. I’m not a monster, Addie. We’ll talk about that soon enough, but for the moment, we need each other.”
She shook her head. Her mouth gaped with stunned disbelief. What had Culpeper ever done? “How could you harm Culpeper with such callousness? He was such a gentle soul.”
“Unlucky, too, I suppose. Truly . . . I meant to warn you, nothing more. Quite bothersome he didn’t survive, but he’s expendable. Take heart, you are essential . . . for the moment anyway.”
She swallowed hard. An icy numbness coursed through her even as the sun shone down hot and sticky on her skin. Her throat hurt. Her head spun.
“You don’t look well, old girl. Perhaps you should go inside where it’s cooler. I suppose it’s up to me to take care of this . . . mess.”
He dismissed her then, rolling up his sleeves, but all she could do was stand there dazed. She didn’t remember returning to the house, didn’t recall going to her room, closing the door, or falling into a heap in her chair. But she did collapse, melting into a puddle of tears—something she hadn’t done since her dear Rupert passed twenty years earlier. When she finished, she dried her eyes and squared her shoulders. She determined she would find a way to free Miss Jewel and herself from this insanity.
*****
Addie rose and headed for the kitchen to prepare lunch. How would she carry on as if it was any routine day when the bottom had dropped out from beneath her? Her hands shook, even as her mind scattered in a thousand directions. She supposed she’d have to bide her time—she considered going to the police, but she needed proof. She’d have to wait until she had something besides her word against Dr. Wiltshire’s. Who on earth would believe the doctor was capable of such evil? Oh, Addie, even you were a fool, she admonished. How had she lived with the man this long and not seen it?
She fixed a tray of sandwiches, potato salad, and ice tea. Never mind Dr. Wiltshire despised cold cuts. She dared him to say a word against her. He sat at the table, fingers pressed together as she placed the meal in front of him. His dirty deed performed, he’d washed, changed, and waited as if nothing out of the ordinary had occurred that morning.
“Ah . . . there you are. I’m famished . . . all that digging I suppose.”
Oh, Lord! Her pulse doubled as she ran a nervous tongue around her dry lips. “I need the key to take Miss Jewel her lunch.”
“You sure? I bet if you check in that apron of yours, you’ll find an extra set. That is how you’ve been letting yourself in and out of her old room, isn’t it?” He smiled a most unnerving gesture. “Sit down, Addie.” He indicated the chair across from his. The place Miss Jewel used to occupy. “You and I need to lay it all out on the table, as it were.”
She eyed him for a long time, taking a deep breath. “All right.” She eased the chair out and lowered herself, folding her hands in front of her.
He helped himself to a cold chicken sandwich, taking his time to chew carefully. “Not bad. I can only assume that knowing my aversion to finger foods, if you’d planned on poisoning me you’d have done so with more flair than this.”
An odd mixture of emotions assaulted her—regret that the idea hadn’t entered her mind, coupled by the horror that she actually now considered the possibilities. The awareness left her almost speechless. “I’m not a murderer,” she sputtered,
“No, of course you’re not. Nor am I. But should something accidentally happen to me . . . well . . . let’s just say I’ve made provisions that Jewel will be the one to suffer for it. They’ll come to arrest her and take her away. I have proof . . . she’s tried to kill me before, and be assured Addie, everyone will believe her capable. I hope that I never have to expose her, but . . . you’ve already forced me to do one distasteful thing . . . Don’t get any heroic ideas that you can rescue her.” He took a mouthful of po
tato salad, rolling it around on his tongue. “Now . . . you may keep your keys—though I have no idea how you found an extra set. Let’s not pretend any longer, shall we? You know all about me, and I about you. It will be much easier—don’t you agree? You will give Jewel her medicine just as I have instructed, and I won’t need to check up on you because I know I can trust you. I have your assurance you won’t try to cross me. If you do, she’ll pay . . . are we clear?”
Oh, he was pure evil. The devil himself, Addie thought as she gave a terse nod. How could a human being stoop to such depravity?
“Oh . . . and Addie, one more thing.” He traced his finger along the edge of the table, pausing for effect. “It isn’t just Jewel’s life you hold in your hands. I’ve just learned my dear wife and I are expecting a child. It would be a shame if something should happen to either of them, wouldn’t you agree?”
Chapter 29
1967
After the altercation with Nurse Albrecht, I didn’t feel much like going out. I wanted to be alone. I entered the bedroom, lay down on my side, and watched the floral curtains sway from the breeze of the air conditioner vent. Betsy was downstairs waiting, but I didn’t have the energy to get up and tell her I’d changed my mind.
That’s when I spotted the folded piece of paper. I sat up, blinked my surprise, and yanked it from the nightstand. The tiny hairs on my arm rose. Someone had been in my room, and I had a good idea I knew who . . .
Unfolding it, I read the same bold, black lettering that had been on the first note. The message read: STOP PRETENDING. WE BOTH KNOW YOUR SECRET!
My heart hammered. I almost dropped it as the harsh words cut through me. Why was someone taunting me? I thought of the confrontation in the hall—Nurse Albrecht had been near my door. She obviously hated me. Was she the one leaving these cryptic messages? My head spun as questions assaulted me. Why did she hate me so much, what was she trying to prove, and should I confront her? Did I really want to provoke her with no proof?
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