Reclamation

by Sophie L Osborne

  “Mmm, it’s there in my back yard – I’m not making any of this up. I didn’t know what it was at first, but, a friend of mine took a closer look at what appeared to be a marble post, and after reading the inscription on the post – there was no doubt that it was, in fact, a gravestone!” Laurie added, firmly.

  “Oh, my God,” Myrna said, as she closed her eyes and shook her head, with a look of trepidation, seizing her face. She felt culpable for not following up with Laurie after she’d purchased the property, and being superstitious by nature, she truly believed that Laurie experienced what she did because of those artifacts that were left behind.

  “I’m sorry. I’m very sorry hun. I hear you. If you say that we promised to clear those things away from your land, then I’ll see to it that it gets removed,” Myrna promised.

  “Well, the lock is fused to the latch, so I hadn’t had the chance to break out the hatchet, or metal cutter –” Laurie said.

  “Honey, with all of your money, I know you can afford to call a locksmith – a hundred locksmiths!” Myrna interrupted jokingly, followed by a high pitch, exaggerated laugh.

  “I don’t know about the, all that money part!” Laurie added, with a laugh suggesting that her humble net worth was a drop in the bucket compared to the clear majority of Myrna’s typical clientele that had purchased homes in Chestnut-Field, and neighboring vicinities. “I’m ready whenever you’re ready to meet Mr. Pierre – can’t wait to hear what he has to say. What you’ve told me really made me curious about the family who lived in my home…” Laurie added as she stood up donning her red cardigan.

  “Well, that makes two of us hun; let’s get outta here!” Myrna set a generous tip on the table while gathering her leather handbag and gaudy, designer sunglasses, immediately exiting the café with Laurie.

  “Lauren – you know, I’m not surprised about the unnatural things you’ve seen at your home either. There were little rumors floating around about that place dating back to when my mema was a little girl – as I mentioned earlier, so it isn’t a coincidence that after all these years, something strange would resurface,” she confessed. Laurie was silent.

  “I wish I knew about this stuff before – I’ll admit, I love my home, but… I don’t want trouble…trouble of any kind – from the living, dead, spirits, animals, or anything!” Laurie said, laughing, but meaning every word.

  “I don’t want to scare you or put you on edge any more than you are hun – but, I’ll be honest with you. You know what they say – there is almost, always some truth behind every story; even this one.” Myrna added. Laurie shuddered at Myrna’s select choice of words; they were precisely what she didn’t want to hear.

  The two women were off to the Renaissance Senior Community, where Mr. Pierre lived. The assisted living community was less than an hour away from their current location; it took them about forty-five minutes to arrive after finding a parking space and entering the building.

  They marched towards the welcome center, like two detectives on a hot lead. They entered through glass sliding doors, into a clean, well-lit, lounge area with very modern, attractive furnishings. The woman behind the desk was dressed in business casual attire and wore a welcoming smile that lit her face.

  “Hello ladies, how may I help you all today?” greeted the soft-spoken, young woman.

  “Good day ma’am, we’re just fine! Is there a Mr. Pierre living in your community – Jacques Pierre?” she looked over to Laurie and whispered through the side of her mouth, “I think Jacques is his first name.” Laurie shrugged – Myrna directed her attention back to the young receptionist.

  “We’re here to meet with him briefly – my name is Myrna Baldwin, I’m a family friend,” Myrna explained, with a certain dubiousness that lingered in her voice.

  “Let’s see…Yes, Mr. Pierre does live here,” she said, smiling fondly. “And, may I ask who is visiting?” The young woman inquired.

  “Well, as I said – I’m a friend of his family, and this is Laura – she, bought a new home, and wanted to know more about the family who lived there. Mr. Pierre grew up in a house across the street from her home, and he’d be the fittest person to give her the information she needs.” Myrna explained.

  “Oh, okay – well. I’ll let him know that the two of you are here. I know he’ll be glad to have visitors. Please, have a seat, and he should be down shortly.” Replied the receptionist, sounding confused about the nature of their visit.

  “Thank you, hun!” Myrna added.

  Both women sat in the airy lounge, anticipating Mr. Pierre’s arrival. Laurie impatiently counted down the seconds that seemed to stall. A nagging feeling in her gut abounded, warning about some lurid unearthing that was about to unfold.

  As she sat nervously, awaiting Mr. Pierre’s arrival, her uneasy feet trembled in her shoes; she initiated the entire meeting and by all means, had to accept the consequences of her insatiable curiosity. As if the discovery of Avery being her estranged kindergarten friend, Mark wasn’t tough enough to digest in a day; she didn’t care for any more surprises.

  Some positive news, I need good news, she thought. News that her psyche could handle, but at the same time, Laurie knew that she had to be prepared for whatever was coming her way.

  Hey, Brother!

  Avery couldn’t wait to bid farewell to the sweltering Texas heat; he detested visiting the gorgeous, Lone Star State during the hotter months. His fluttering thoughts compounded his irritability and were a distraction on this trip. Once he had landed on home turf, he reviewed a few reports and returned some phone calls, then headed back to his residence where he hoped to have some much-needed alone time with his new fascination –Laurie.

  When he approached the driveway of his plantation home, Laurie’s Land Cruiser was not there; she must still be out meeting with her employees, he reminded himself silently, as he put the gear of the Defender in park. At a second glance, he saw Jessie’s Lamborghini that was seeking shade under the oak trees, as though hiding out, while surveying an unsuspecting prey.

  Avery was curious to know Jessie’s thoughts on the entire situation – although Jessie made it no secret that he was indifferent about Laurie. But, after meeting her a few times after, Avery wanted his brother’s opinion on Laurie Gallagher. He needed to know if it was rational for him to have such strong feelings for Laurie – only after knowing the tantalizing, beauty for a few weeks. He knew he could rely on Jessie’s blatant honesty since Jessie had a sound reputation for offering raw, advice to those near and dear to him.

  He was entering the house when Jessie greeted him at the front door. Jessie surprised him, stopping him in his tracks.

  “Hey, what the heck are you doing home this early? Back from your trip already?” Jessie asked, while opening the door letting his brother in.

  “I was about to ask you the same thing man – I live here, ‘memba?” Avery responded, banteringly, as they embraced, and entered the shelter of the house. “Nah, I uh, finished up early and ah, came by to check on Laurie – to see what she found while I was gone…I mean – what do you think about everything bro?” Avery questioned as he ditched his bags at the front door, darting straight towards the refrigerator, fetching a cold beer. He grabbed the amber bottle, twisted off the bottle cap and took a long swig of the malted, specialty brew that came from the family’s private distillery. It was just what he needed to let the meandering thoughts escape from his crowded mind, making room for more meaningful matters that the universe had recently ushered in.

  Jessie leaned against the counter and folded his arms, as he watched Avery savor his drink. “I haven’t seen her since…I figured that she left when you did, but then I saw her vehicle the other night – strange, she’s either anti-social, or very shy.”

  “No, she’s still here. I was hoping that she would’ve gotten the chance to know you all,” Avery couldn’t hide his disappointment. “Where’s mama?”

  “She left yesterday, and she wants to see you,” Jessie info
rmed him.

  “Okay…so how’d it go? Did she meet Laurie?”

  “I don’t think so, I mentioned that Laurie was staying here, and she didn’t ask any questions – maybe she was uncomfortable with a stranger – your guest, staying in the house while you were gone and decided to leave?”

  “Ah, I doubt that was the reason she left!” Avery interjected.

  “Well – you know mama, and that’s all there is to be said about that,”

  “Meh, I dunno,” Avery said, sounding defeated.

  “Did you get the chance to tell her about what Laurie saw in her home? Did you ask her for help?” he asked, revved up, with curiosity.

  “No, I thought it would be best if you and Laurie were present if we’re going to get into that type of stuff – I don’t know Laurie or, the details of her problems, so I didn’t feel comfortable bringing it up,”

  “Mmm, that’s reasonable,” Avery agreed. “What do you think – about, Laurie?”

  “Well, your girl sees ghosts – what do you call people like her – ghost whisperers?” Jessie added, teasingly.

  “Listen dumb azz, you were there too when we pulled up the information on all those websites! There is some sort of truth to what she’s saying – she would have to be a complete psycho to be making those things up,” he paused and took a breath, then pressed the cold, bottle-mouth against his full, ruddy lips. Avery continued. “I think it’s just too much of a coincidence with everything we’ve found so far – as foolish as it may sound – I believe her, I believe her. After my experiences – I’ll never doubt anyone about what they’ve mustered up the courage to confess to another person when it comes to seeing ghosts and things like that. It takes a lot of courage to come out and, and tell people about that stuff – it’s not often received very well by many – you’re a prime example!” Avery professed, passionately.

  “Look, people don’t have casual encounters with ghosts, okay! And your past experiences and Laurie’s are two completely different issues, and you know it,” Jessie said, sternly.

  “Jess, whether we believe her or not – we ought to respect what she’s saying!” Avery said, with much conviction, as he was beginning to feel the depth and girth of her dilemma.

  “Avery. Avery. You know her for, let’s see – three-four weeks or so? At this early in the game, A – you probably don’t even know if she’s a lunatic.” Jessie reasoned.

  “Gosh – quick to judge, are we? You might wanna watch it – sounding a bit too much like mama there, Jess.” Avery said, in his lover’s defense.

  “Wait – let me ask you this,” Jessie said, while walking over to him, attempting to seize his unwavering attention. “Why did she divorce Matt? I haven’t heard you address that issue yet! Or – was it he who called it off? And why is she here inviting problems into your life?” Jessie asked as his pale blue eyes intensified, demanding the truth about Laurie; questioning things about her that no one around them was immediately able to answer.

  “When Matt called me, he said that his ex – Laurie, needed help with ideas getting her company kick-started,” Avery explained as he recalled his brief conversation with Matt. “When he said his ‘ex’ needed help – I said, I was sorry to hear that things didn’t work out – he said, no biggie – shit happens and left it at that,” Avery explained.

  “What did she tell you?” Jessie pressed on with his cross examination.

  Avery began questioning his judgment about Laurie. Uneasiness seeped into his pores from the brew of many, unanswered questions that Jessie’s heated discourse seemed to bring to the surface. It reminded him that there was so much about this woman – this perfect, stranger, that he didn’t know.

  “Nothing – she didn’t say anything about Matt,” Avery confirmed, wearing a worried look on his face.

  “And you’re perfectly okay with not knowing? How – w-why? This is sooo unlike you A?” Jessie added.

  “Look, we’re just getting to know each other, okay – it’s not like I’m going to ask her to marry me, you know? Relax – I’m sure if she were a loose cannon, Matt would’ve mentioned it!” he said, as though not only trying to convince Jessie, but also, to reassure himself that his instincts about Laurie were right.

  “I highly suggest you talk to him!” Jessie proposed bluntly.

  “You’re out of your mind – that’s not necessary!” Avery exclaimed, with a scowl.

  “How could you not ask? Aren’t you just a little curious?” Jessie questioned, visibly annoyed at his brother’s seemingly foolhardy stance.

  “Look, it’s nice that you care about what happens to me and all, but – I’m a big boy – I can take care of my own affairs, Jessie. And any questions I have will be directed to Laurie and not Matt! I’d never undermine her like that – are you kidding me!” Avery asserted.

  “I’d hate to see you get caught up in a bad situation, innocently…I’d check her out if I were you,” Jessie advised his reluctant brother.

  “Talking about checking her out – I saw you checking her out, fool – you’re just jealous – admit it!!” Avery teased, as he threw the bottle cap at him. Jessie caught it, then flicked it back at Avery, hitting him on the nose.

  “Ahhh!!You little shit you!!” Avery jested. The two men erupted in play for a brief moment, like two idle, lions’ cubs on a lazy day on the Serengeti Plains.

  “Alright – I’ll admit, she’s – she’s stunning, which is enough reason to believe that she’s too good to be true, but you just swallowed everything she threw at you – hook, line, and sinker?” Jessie scolded.

  “I did a thorough check on her, and she has an excellent record. She’s a great business woman, with a solid reputation – period! I’m highly impressed with her as a person and as a prospective business partner.” Avery said, hoping to ease his brother’s criticism of the woman who he had developed very strong feelings for.

  “If that’s what your gut’s telling you – then, who am I to tell you otherwise?” Jessie reasoned.

  “Now, this haze of – I don’t know how to label what she’s going through; bad luck perhaps. It’s hard to piece together, and it hits hard on her credibility…she doesn’t deserve this – she’s just too genuine of a person,” Avery said, while finishing up his beer.

  “Oh… about that – what’s up with the investigation?” Jessie asked.

  “I got a text from Bryan on my way here. He’s stopping by tonight to discuss what he’s found. He’s got the lab results from the mysterious hair strand – huh, dying to know about that one.” Avery was thoroughly immersed in what was happening, and it showed in his obsession with every, lingering detail that emerged.

  At first, he wanted to believe that the entire ordeal was a prank, but as time progressed, the sparse, but the compelling information they’ve obtained led them to a different juncture, indicating that they were possibly dealing with some other entity – perhaps, from the spirit realm.

  Avery, felt his old self resurfacing once again; a self he abhorred. As a child, he went through the process of purging the corrupt data that infected his mind, after years of suffering from repeated night terrors. With intensive therapy, he was finally able to hone the coping skills, convincing himself that his thoughts were not real; they were merely misguided distortions created by his brain, reflecting deep-rooted, unresolved, feelings – that’s all.

  But, fast-forward twenty-five years into the future. Hearing someone who he’d never spoken to about his past night terrors professing to see that wretched, haunting, banshee that crawled on his bed, and clawed at the sheets as her pitiful sobs crippled him with a terror, like no other was horrific and nauseating. It wasn’t just a few similarities she spoke of; her description entailed such vivid details, details that mirrored the demon in his childhood nightmares.

  Should he dare tell her, adding to her confusion? A confusion that perhaps, was not entirely hers, but, in some ominous way – theirs?

  Chateau de Laborteaux

  Mr. Pier
re managed to walk down to the lounge with the help of a wooden cane. He was a slim, neatly dressed, elderly man with a noticeable curvature to his spine; something expected of anyone who had lived to be 118 years old. He wore a well-pressed, peach colored, shirt jack with khaki slacks, and a pair of dark brown, leather, loafers that were worn in – but, they boasted of the shine that a pair fresh off the assembly line would have.

  “Lauren, that’s him – that’s Mr. Pierre!” Myrna alerted Laurie to the centenarian who approached them with a large, jovial, smile on his well-groomed, tan, creviced face.

  “Mr. Pierre?” Myrna asked.

  “Bonjou ma’am – that will be me!” replied the elderly man, in a loud, quivering, but yet, cheerful voice.

  “I’m Myrna Baldwin – I’m the granddaughter of Keith and Gloria Baldwin?” Myrna paused for a response from Mr. Pierre who seemed to be in good spirits.

  “Oui! Oh, dear – Captain, Keith Baldwin was your grandpere? Back in the days, we use to have drinks down by the shops and wharf together, and look at the nice ladies passing by. We served in the Navy together and there, ah, he met his darling wife – your grand-mere! Very nice people, um hum.” Mr. Pierre informed her as he lowered himself slowly onto the plastic chair.

  “Ahh, so you remember my papa! Oh, that put a smile on my face, Mr. Pierre!” Myrna said as fond memories of her grandfather appeared like déjà vu in her mind, making her feel like that eight-year-old who looked forward to kettle popped corn and the Friday evening trips into town.

  “Oui!! – He was a good friend! And, he decided to get out of the service, and ah…then he went into real estate.” Mr. Pierre paused, removed his glasses, and began wiping it slowly in a circular motion with a folded piece of tissue paper. He clutched the folded napkin with his clubbed fingers, moving it from one frame to the other, in a somewhat ritualistic manner, then, returning it, and his glasses to their respective places “If I remember, he did good things for himself after the service. And…and he was a smooth talker – always know how to get what he wanted, bless his soul!” Mr. Pierre reminisced, as he seemed to have a vivid recollection of his youthful days. Laurie was relieved to glean that he was as coherent as he was; she was hoping that he would recall events of his past neighbors; the Laborteauxs, with the same exactitude.