by Sable Hunter
“I can’t believe I’m asking you these questions. Did they tell you where their bodies were?”
“No,” Angelique surprisingly said. “The newly dead can’t always find their voice. My experience tells me their ability to communicate with the living comes with time and experience. There are those who have no desire to interact with this world and they don’t attempt to do so. There are others who want to be noticed and who have something to say, they find ways to make themselves known. Kathy and Lea appeared to me, but they did not speak. What they did do was lead me to their bodies. I followed them back to the abandoned well. They stood by their resting place and waited for me to join them. There’s something else I need to tell you also, Detective Garrison.”
He waited patiently. “What is that?”
“There are others.”
“What others?”
Elizabeth, Arabella, Evangeline and Nanette all watched the exchange with interest. Obviously, the detective was hearing much more than he bargained for.
His apparent incredulity, however, did not deter Angelique from finishing her story.
“Detective Garrison, there are other bodies buried in that same plot of land near the well where you found Kathy and Lea.”
“What are you saying, Miss…Miss Angelique?”
“Angelique Fontenot. Detective, what I am saying is that the small area of land right behind the Townsend’s on Cypress Creek seems to be a killing field. I saw, perhaps, five or six other women walk toward me from out of the wooded area. Not all of them were silent. One young woman with long blonde hair didn’t seem afraid to speak to me. She walked up, as close as I am to you. She looked as real as you do, also.
“She said, ‘You can see us.’
“I replied to her that I could.”
“She said, ‘We have been waiting for so long.’”
Detective Garrison was entranced, hanging on Angelique’s every word. “What else did the ghost say?”
“She said all of their families deserved to know what had happened to them. They all want to be found, Detective. There are at least half a dozen lost souls waiting to be discovered. I promised I would bring you to them and you would find their bodies and let them go home. Maybe you will find evidence of the killer‘s identity with one of their bodies.”
The next words of the detective were short and sweet.
“Take me to them.”
As Angelique and Elizabeth readied themselves to go with the detective, Nanette rose and prepared a plate of food for them to take to the grieving woman. “Tyler, I’m a good listener, if you need to talk.”
He leaned on the counter and took her up on her offer. “I wasn’t satisfied with the autopsies, so I haven’t released the bodies of Kathy and Lea to Ms. Townsend. What puzzled me was the complete absence of trace evidence. That tells me the killer knew exactly what he was doing. If Ms. Fontenot is able to lead me to other victims, perhaps one of them will give us a clue to the killer’s identity.”
Nannette folded her arms over her chest and smiled at the young man. “I like you, Tyler. We will do everything in our power to help you and these poor lost souls. And the smartest advice I can give you is to trust us.”
* * * *
Elizabeth decided not to go on the sad walk with Tyler and Angelique. She knew that they would walk through the haunted woods behind the Townsend home and mark spot after spot where a body lay buried. And Tyler would take down name after name as the gruesome tale unfolded. Instead, she stayed with Rachel Townsend. They were close to the same age and Elizabeth could not help but think back on the sadness this woman had caused Arabella. She realized, however, the pain inflicted on her daughter paled beside the torment Rachel was going through at the loss of her only child and grandchild. Elizabeth invited her to come and have lunch with them on Christmas Day, but Rachel had said she would be going to her sister’s house. While she issued the holiday meal invitation, another one came to her mind. She wondered if the detective had family, and if he didn’t, would he want to spend another day with her? She decided it wouldn’t hurt to ask.
After Angelique and Tyler Garrison had returned to the house, the detective told her they suspected there might be more to find on her property, and asked if it would be okay for them to look while she visited her sister. Rachel told the detective to do whatever he thought best. Elizabeth wanted to leave, but apparently, the detective had a few more questions.
“Mrs. Townsend, I know I asked you this yesterday, but maybe you’ve had time to think on things a little more. Can you think of anyone who would have wanted to harm Kathy?”
“I’m sorry, Detective. I don’t have a better answer for you today than I did yesterday. I can’t think of anyone who would want to hurt my daughter.”
“Have you spoken to Lea’s father?”
“Oh, yes. Johnny has been here. As you know, Kathy and Johnny have had a rocky relationship. She took her maiden name back after the divorce, but Johnny never gave up. He loved Kathy and his little girl so much. He is absolutely devastated. He said he talked to you and told you he would cooperate fully. He is heartbroken. I don’t suspect him in the least.”
“Well, to tell you the truth, I don’t either. His alibi checks out, he was on a business trip and stayed in the room with another guy, who vouches for his whereabouts the whole time. As you know, we took Kathy’s computer and we even checked the hard drive on your computer. We found nothing that would raise any suspicions. Am I missing anything, Mrs. Townsend? Think hard, am I leaving any stone unturned?”
“I can’t think of anything. We didn’t go many places, just around town and to church.”
“Is there anyone in your church you suspect?”
“Well, good heavens, no.”
“Well, that’s all the questions I have for now, but if you think of anything, please call me. Right now we have no leads, no suspects, and no explanation at all on who might have murdered your family.”
She promised to call him if she had any information to share.
After he finished with Rachel, the detective drove the other women home. Elizabeth lingered outside. The detective stood by his car door, seemingly, as reluctant to leave her as Elizabeth was for him to leave.
“This is truly amazing. I have never met anyone like your family, Elizabeth.”
“I like you Detective Garrison.” Elizabeth was very straightforward.
“I like you too, Elizabeth Landry.”
“Would you like to eat Christmas dinner with a bunch of witches?” She pulled no punches.
“I’d be delighted. What time shall I arrive?”
“Be here at eleven in the morning and enjoy the day with us.”
“I fully intend to do that, Miss Elizabeth—more than you know.”
“Oh, I know everything, Detective. I even know what color underwear you’re wearing.”
“Well, damn.”
* * * *
Arabella had made potato salad, baked ten dozen sugar cookies and stuffed a stocking for everyone—including Detective Garrison—since she knew how her mother felt about him. She felt so torn. Ignoring the fact that it was Christmas Eve, she had finally broken down and phoned the home of Jade’s fiancée, but a housekeeper had explained to her they were all on a ski trip and she didn’t a have a lot of information on Mr. Landale. The only thing she found out from the woman was the news that Jade was still alive, but very badly injured. Arabella’s heart hurt, but she had pushed for more information. The housekeeper said she did not know what hospital he was in, or maybe she just wouldn’t tell Arabella. One startling revelation had come out—the housekeeper had let one important fact slip that changed everything—Kate Thompson was no longer engaged to Mr. Landale.
Jade was no longer engaged to another woman! Arabella wanted to shout it from the rooftops. She couldn’t wait to tell Evangeline. She soon got the chance, the day was winding down and Angelique gathered them all to have some of the fragrant jambalaya and bread. When everyone had taken
their seat, she made the announcement, “I called Kate Thompson’s house and I found out a couple of things.”
“What did you find out?” Evangeline asked between bites of French bread.
“Jade is alive, but badly injured, and Kate Thompson is no longer his fiancée.”
“Do you think that woman broke up with him because of his injury?” Angelique asked.
“Yes, I do. And I hate he had to go through such a betrayal, but I am also happy he is not involved with anyone else, either.” Arabella realized her feelings were very tender and conflicted. “Tonight, I intend to find out what Tranquility means.”
“You will,” Nanette assured her. “This is meant to be.”
Arabella wished she felt as confident as her grandmother did. “Speaking of good looking men, what happened with Detective Garrison?”
“He’s coming for dinner tomorrow,” Elizabeth happily reported. “As for what happened at Rachel’s, Tyler had agreed to begin an extensive excavation the day after tomorrow.”
“I will be glad for those poor souls to find some comfort. Now, if we can only find the killer.” Angelique looked pointedly at Nanette.
Nanette picked up on her train of thought. “Let’s follow last night’s routine. Double-check the windows and doors and everyone wear their red flannel bags. Tomorrow is Christmas Day, so let‘s all get a good night’s sleep.”
Chapter Six
Arabella was so tired all she did was tuck the dream pillow underneath her own, hold on to the small shape as if it were a direct link to Jade, and before long fell, easily, asleep. Exhaustion forced her into a dreamless state for a few hours, but soon her heart overrode her tired body.
She became aware of a celestial wind, which blew the stars across the sky. Enchanted Rock glowed with a strange light and, as always, a hawk cried in the distance. She stared out over the rock and saw him coming from the farthest side of the dome. Her heart dancing with joy, she ran to meet him. She leapt into his arms and he caught her easily. Their lips met with passion and relief. Kissing him deeply was not enough. She wanted all of him. Tearing her mouth from his, she showered his face and neck with kisses. “You’re real—it’s all true! I found your picture on the Internet. Then, I found your engagement announcement and I thought I would die. I talked to her housekeeper and she told me the wedding had been called off and I came back to life.”
“I want to make love to you. This may be our last few minutes together.”
What he said made no sense to her. Their time together had just begun. Arabella was convinced she would be able to find him in only a matter of days. Regardless, she could no more resist him than she could deny her next breath. He eased her lace camisole over her head.
“You are undoubtedly the most beautiful woman in the world.” He reverently cupped the underside of both breasts and lifted them, tracing the shell pink nipples with his fingers. “Arabella, you are perfect—so delicate. Your skin is so soft. I can’t get enough of touching you.” He easily picked her up and carried her to a bed of grass nearby. Laying her on her back, he gazed down at her. “You have made Hell bearable for me. I will never forget you. Let me love you, please.”
“I want you, Jade, desperately.” She held up her arms and welcomed him. He lay down beside her and caressed her face. His eyes studied her features, as if committing them to memory for eternity. He bent down and began kissing her brow, then playfully kissed down the bridge of her nose before capturing her jealous lips. Their tongues intertwined, tasting the passion that had arisen so quickly. His fingers teased her nipples and soon she was lifting her hips up from the ground in the soundless rhythm of life. His hand moved lower and eased the satin panties down her legs and out of the way.
Leaving her lips, his mouth began a tortuous, incredible journey down her throat, over her breasts, past her navel and into the petal-soft folds of her femininity. This had to be a dream, because nothing could have felt so good. He sweetly kissed every inch of her, his tongue foretelling the wonders to come. Moving upward, he found her pulsating, ultra-sensitive pearl and licked the little bud with the tip of his tongue until the constellations crashed and the sun exploded in the sky.
“Hold me, I’m afraid I’ll disappear.”
He did not let her leave him. Ridding himself of his jeans, he covered her with his body. He cradled her until she stopped shaking and her breath returned to near normal. When her eyes met his, for the first time she felt shy. No one had ever done the things to her this man had, even if it was in a dream. Putting aside her reticence, she stared boldly at him, reached her hand down between them and touched the hard, hot erection eager for attention. “Please, inside me, please.”
He raised himself up, sat back and gently spread her legs. With one hand, he opened her tight depths, which were moist and aching to be filled. Never leaving her gaze, he lifted each leg and placed them on either side of his thighs. She trembled in anticipation.
“Guide me, Arabella.”
Realizing what he wanted, she reached out and closed her hand around his thick, engorged penis. His cock moved in her palm and she was fascinated at the life she held in her hand. Arching her hips, she drew him closer until the head of his member touched the moist heart of her vulva. Ever so gently, he eased himself down into her. The warm, wet haven stretched to accept his entrance.
The interior muscles of her womanhood contracted around his hard, male heat. There was no pain, only pleasure. His driving need thrust into her again and again, and she felt her desire change from joyful acceptance to a burning hunger. As he maintained the pumping strokes, her legs involuntarily wrapped around his waist and she pushed herself even deeper onto his rock-hard shaft. She watched his face as the emotions of overwhelming sensation flowed over him. She had never known how insatiable she could be, as she moved to meet him—lifting her hips to rock against him; hot, wet, and with voluptuous abandon. She did not want this dream to end; she relished every moment and every sensation. Soon, however, urgency began to build and her hands clutched his arms as her entire world condensed down into the pounding strokes that built and built until she could not hold her release back one more moment—she climaxed rapturously in pulsating waves of ecstasy.
The ripples of bliss kept her hips rocking as Jade neared his peak. He adjusted her hips so he could raise himself up and sit upright while he continued to pump into her ultra-sensitive core. “This is paradise, baby. I want you to feel so good. Let me play with those tits, again. You like that, don’t you?”
That he remembered how sensitive her nipples were pleased her. As he rode her to another pinnacle, he massaged her breasts and teased the swollen tips. She had not known she was capable of feeling the euphoria of another climax, but as he increased the speed and the intensity of his movements, she again felt herself building to another earth shattering release. He went with her this time, groaning—his magnificent body shuddering with uninhibited satisfaction.
After savoring every nuance of pleasure, he pulled himself from her and lay down next to her side. Pushing her damp hair back from her face, Jade tenderly kissed the tears from her eyes. “Listen to me Arabella. I have to tell you how happy you have made me. My ordeal is almost over. I heard the doctor say my situation is hopeless and they plan to unhook me from the machines and let me die. My organs can be of use to other people and I realize since there is no hope; I am worth more dead than alive. The only regret I have is leaving you.”
She had tried to interrupt him several times, but he had kept two fingers over her lips until he could finish talking. Finally, she reached up, pushed his hands away and cried, “No, no, no—I will come to you. Just tell me how to find you, please don’t leave me. I will come to you, immediately. Tell me how to find you!” She pled with him in a voice, which clearly told him her heart was breaking.
“I know all of this is futile, nothing can be done for me. I am selfish, though; I would love to see you. Come to me if you can, I am at a place called Tranquility. Remember, when yo
u come, it will appear as if I am just a shell. You won’t know by looking at me, but I can hear and understand everything that goes on around me.” His words tore through her soul. He forced her to look at him, realizing the winds of reality were about to sweep over them. “Thank you for the most wonderful times of my life. You are unbelievable, a beautiful dream come true.”
Arabella woke herself up with weeping. Like a child, she wanted to be comforted. Leaving her bed, she sought the consolation of her mother. Walking barefoot down the hall, she gently opened the door of Elizabeth’s room and crept in to curl up next to the woman who always knew the right things to say, and how to heal every wound.
“What’s wrong, baby?” Elizabeth asked as she became conscious of no longer being alone. “Oh, Arabella, it’s Jade isn’t it?” She leaned over and turned on the bedside light. “We will find him.” As always, when they were together—words, on her part, weren’t always necessary. She reached over and gathered her grown daughter into her arms. “Don’t cry, sweetie. We will fix this.” She glanced over to the digital clock on the bedside table. “Baby, this is five-thirty on Christmas morning, the best day in the world for miracles. Go take a shower and get dressed. I will get Mother up and we will get ready, too. After you’re dressed, we will look this Tranquility up on the Internet, and then we will high-tail it out to see about this fella of yours. He may be in the wrong political party, but if you love him—that’s all that matters to me.”
