Lena (Gypsy Spirits Book 3)

by Marianne Spitzer

  Annamarie was in mid-sentence when she made the first cut into the pie. She jumped back as nickel sized pitch black spiders came pouring out of the pie as if a fountain had been opened full force. Everyone scrambled from the table. Bonnie and Deb ran to protect the kids. Sam turned on the water spigot to wash the spiders from the table. By the time he turned around, the entire back of the house was covered in spiders. They were crawling over each other to get to the roof and across the garage.

  Brian and the twins were crying. Bonnie and Deb tried to take them around to the front of the house and their cars, but the spiders covered the side of the house and began crawling on the grass toward them. Sam sprayed them with the hose set on jet spray hoping the water’s force would kill some, but every time he knocked dozens off the house more filled the space he cleared.

  The spiders filled the grass and closed in on the terrified family walking backwards away from them. Annamarie said, “This is Daniel’s doing. He knows I’m terrified of spiders.”

  Lena stepped forward, lifted her arms and shouted, “Enough!”

  The spiders were gone. Not one could be found. Everyone looked at Lena. “Well, I had to do something and it was all I could think of. The amulet did the rest. I told you it has amazing powers I’m not aware of.” She laughed.

  They hurried into the house and settled in the parlor. Sam said, “Daniel is getting bold. He knew most of us can’t be harmed by the spiders, but he knew what would scare Annamarie more than anything. We need to figure this out.”

  “We need to change the subject,” Steve glanced at the kids. Lena brought them more cupcakes from the kitchen and sat with them.

  Steve continued, “I ran into Carolyn today at Ray’s. She’s in town visiting her mom.”

  Bonnie asked, “How’s she doing, I haven’t heard from her in a long time.”

  “She’s doing great. Works for a lawyer, married, two kids.”

  “Good for her,” Annamarie said. “I always worried Bulk would hurt her when he was hanging around with Daniel and Garret.”

  “Carolyn told me she ran into Bulk’s brother. Bulk or Eddie as he’s calling himself now is doing great. He lives in Arizona, is a construction supervisor, he’s married, and has three kids.”

  “I’m glad he got away with his life and his sanity before Daniel dragged him down completely. Garret wasn’t so lucky. I hope Bulk remains happy and sane.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Eddie Sanstun stood at his grill keeping his eyes on the burgers and his three kids playing on the swing set. He smiled as the kids chased each other around and giggled.

  “Penny for your thoughts,” his wife Denise asked.

  “Just had a flashback to a time when my brother and I shared a tire swing in the backyard.” He flipped the burgers over.

  “You don’t talk about your childhood much and I’m worried it’ll cause you to be stressed out again if I ask. I heard you tell your brother he was welcome here anytime, but you’d never go back to Timmus Woods. Was it that bad?”

  “It was great until my parents were killed. Even after that, my brother did his best to make my life as happy as possible.”

  She walked up and put her arms around his waist, “Was it Daniel, you used to mumble about him in your sleep.”

  “Daniel was emotionally ill. He truly believed that spirits lived in the woods back in Timmus Woods.” He turned to look at her.

  “I know, you told me about his fears and how it affected you and Garret not to mention what he put his family through.”

  “There’s more I never told you.” He shifted the burgers to the cool side of the grill, took Denise’s hand and walked to the picnic table.

  “You don’t have to talk about it.” Her eyes softened when she looked at him.

  “I think it’s time. You know I had a breakdown after Garret was killed. When I left on that bus out of Timmus Woods, I think I still needed doctor’s care. The further away the bus drove, the more relaxed I became. I convinced myself all my troubles were behind me.”

  Denise reached for his hand, “I’m sure it helped you emotionally to get away. You seemed happy when I met you.”

  “I was. When the bus stopped here, I loved the scenery so much I decided not to continue to California. People back in Timmus Woods thought I was in Miami. I felt safe. Then I walked into the diner and the most beautiful woman in the world set a cup of coffee in front of me and said hello.”

  Denise blushed.

  “Once I had the construction job and you agreed to go out on a date, I forgot about the horrors I left behind. Unfortunately, they came back when we visited my brother. Daniel’s death only convinced me that the spirits he believed in were real. I had nightmares while we were at my brother’s place. Daniel and Garret were calling me to join them.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me how frightened you were? I know the visit stressed you out.” Denise fought the tears she felt forming. She needed to be strong.

  “I was afraid you would think I was crazy and leave me.”

  “Never!” She grabbed his hand.

  “When we left, the further away we rode on the bus, the better I felt. The nightmares were so real. I believed that Daniel and Garret were after me. Maybe it caused stress and panic attacks from losing my two best childhood friends in horrible ways, but I don’t ever want to go back.”

  “Then we won’t,” she said. “Arizona’s our home and we’ll never even drive toward the Great Lakes.” He laughed, picked her up, and swung her around.

  “I love you, Denise Sanstun.” He put her down and kissed her. They heard giggles behind them.

  She glanced over his shoulder and whispered, “We have an audience. Maybe we should eat those burgers.

  The five Sanstun family members sat at their picnic table enjoying a wonderful family dinner.

  The next three days were quiet in Timmus Woods. The sudden deaths of the Wallace brothers shook the entire town to its core. Rumors were whispered about alcohol or drugs. No one fully understood what had happened to their peaceful town. George and Maureen Logan returned to town. When they stopped at Ray’s for lunch, George overheard a bit of the gossip.

  His booming voice silenced the diner, “Those two young men worked for me for several years. They worked on detailed insurance claims and policies. If either had been drinkers or drug users there would have been errors made. There never were. The next person who mentions such idiocy, I’m going to punch in the nose.” His fists balled up at his sides as his face reddened.

  Maureen pulled him into a booth, “Remember your blood pressure.”

  George took a calming breath, looked at his wife and said, “Okay, but I mean it. If someone else lies about those young men, I’ll hit them. They were like sons to me. Losing both of them is like losing Daniel again.”

  “I know, dear,” she patted his hand thinking this was Annamarie’s doing. Who else would want to hurt George so badly? She knew it wasn’t an accident. It was Annamarie and she was a witch.

  Daniel said, “Tomorrow is the funeral for the guys in the truck and I can feel my parents are back in town.”

  “We could have some fun with this,” Garret replied.

  “Yes, I think we can. Let me think.”

  The following morning arrived too quickly for Annamarie. She hated funerals and now she was attending another. After losing Grandpa Logan, Garret, Daniel, and then Tim, she hoped it would be a very long time before she had to attend another. Although she had burned her black dress after Daniel’s funeral, she had purchased another one several years later knowing that a proper black dress was a wardrobe essential.

  Lena popped into her room. “Mom, I don’t have a black dress. What do I wear?”

  Annamarie smiled at her teenaged daughter trying to act as an adult. ”Honey, you’re still a teen. You’re not expected to wear black. Wear that pretty deep blue dress with the short puffy sleeves. You’ll look nice and be cool. It’s supposed to get hot today.”

  “Ok
ay,” Lena called out as she ran back to her room.

  Sam rolled over and said, “You can tell Lena is your daughter. You two are so much alike. You worry about the oddest things.”

  “It’s not easy being a woman having to dress properly every day. You put on a dark suit and are ready for any situation.”

  He laughed at her and she hit him with a pillow.

  Sam pulled into the parking lot of Good Shepherd Church. The lot was filling up, but before Sam could park Lena asked him to pull over near the path that would take one through the oaks that lined the edge of Blessed Heart Cemetery. Sam shrugged and pulled over. Lena jumped out of the car and Sam and Annamarie watched her walk the short distance along the path. When she arrived at the edge of the cemetery she lifted her hands toward the sky and repeated out loud the words that she heard in her mind. She hurried back to the car. “Okay, we can go to church.”

  “Did I just watch you cast a spell?” Annamarie’s eyes were big as she looked at Lena.

  “I’m not sure. As soon as Sam pulled into the parking lot my amulet felt warm. I knew Daniel and Garret were near. They can’t enter the church, but could cause trouble at the cemetery. I walked to the edge, lifted my hands, and repeated the words I heard whispered in my head. Maybe it was a spell or Grandma Magdalena. Whatever it was, I had to do it to keep people safe.” Lena smiled and opened her car door. She leaned back in and said, “Aren’t you coming?”

  Sam looked at Annamarie and shook his head, “She’s just like you.” She glared at him.

  If Annamarie had any doubts about what Lena felt they disappeared as she approached the church. A young man from Walker’s funeral home was there to welcome them and opened the door. Annamarie noticed his beautiful green eyes when he welcomed her and then saw them turn black as night, he smiled an evil smile and his eyes became green again. The soft welcoming appearance on his face returned.

  Annamarie hurried into the church and whispered to Sam, “Lena’s right, Daniel’s outside. I’ll explain later.” They found seats next to her parents. Both light gray caskets were closed and sat side by side at the front of the church. They were surrounded by numerous large floral arrangements. Since the caskets were closed, those attending the funeral found seats instead of passing the caskets for a final goodbye. The immediate family was in the first pew near the caskets. Lydia appeared half-asleep and leaning on Bernie. Annamarie assumed she had been given something by the doctor. She remembered Daniel’s funeral and the only reason she didn’t ask for something to help her get through it was that she knew she was pregnant.

  Pastor Anders walked to the pulpit and began the service.

  Annamarie’s mind wandered during most of the service. She knew Daniel must have been responsible. It was possible he and Garret had possessed Trent and Travis and caused the accident. His actions have turned deadly against people who could cause him no harm. Annamarie knew they had to stop him and soon. Movement in the front of the church pulled her back to the service. She watched the pall bearers lift the caskets and carry them toward the door. She knew the hearse would drive less than a block to the cemetery. Those wishing to attend the graveside service would walk along the short path through the oaks.

  Lena whispered to her mom, “Don’t worry, Mom. On our way into church, my amulet warmed. I knew all I had to do was think the words I said in the cemetery and the parking lot would be safe from Daniel and Garret.

  Annamarie looked at her daughter, “Magdalena told us you would learn more and more from the amulet as you grew. I never thought it would give you this kind of power.”

  “Neither did I, Mom, but it’s great because I can help. I have a terrible feeling Daniel and Garret have something awful planned.”

  Annamarie put her arm around Lena’s shoulder as they left the path and entered the cemetery. They noticed that Travis and Trent would be buried near the back two rows from Daniel. Annamarie mumbled, “I wish they would have them further away, but Daniel’s spirit roams the woods and the guys are in heaven.” She felt tears sting her eyes.

  “I know, Mom, especially because this is Daniel’s fault. I don’t know how I know, I just know.” Lena felt her mom shudder. “It’s okay, Mom, we’re all going to be okay.”

  The graveside service was short, but touching. Annamarie noticed George and Maureen walk toward Daniel’s grave before the end of Pastor Ander’s prayer. She could tell by the shaking of Maureen’s shoulders that she was crying. Lena looked at her mom and said, “I’m going to go hug Grandma Maureen. I think she needs it. I’ll come to the luncheon with them. You go ahead. Plus Daniel is my biological father. People would expect me to stop at the grave.”

  Annamarie touched her cheek and said, “You’re wise beyond your years. I’ll see you back at the church.” She watched Lena approach Maureen and their embrace. Lena was right, Maureen needed her. Annamarie loathed Maureen, but she still had to accept that she was Lena’s grandmother.

  Sam walked up to her and took her hand, “Ready to go to the luncheon? Your parents have already walked back to the church.”

  Annamarie smiled and nodded.

  Annamarie kicked off her heels when they arrived home. She curled up in the large leather parlor chair, dropped her head back, and sighed. “I don’t want to go to another funeral for a very long time, if ever.”

  Sam sat on the sofa across from her, “They’re part of life.”

  “I know, but when Daniel’s involved, it’s murder. However, there’s no way to have Daniel pay for his crime.”

  “Once we’re rid of him he’ll pay. He’ll never be able to harm anyone again.” He smiled at her hoping to ease her tension.

  Deb walked into the parlor with a cup of coffee. “Hi, mind if I visit for a while? Steve’s taking a nap. He’s got the six to midnight shift.” She sat cross-legged on the floor. “I’m glad it’s not six to six the way it was before the sheriff hired the extra deputy. Brian’s upstairs with Lena. I think he has a crush on her.” Deb smiled.

  Sam stood, “I’m going to get out of this suit. You two women don’t need me around when you talk.” He winked at Annamarie as he left the room.

  “Do you think Daniel will cause more trouble?” Deb gripped her cup with both hands and took a sip.

  “Yes, Lena told me she feels he’s up to something big, but not sure what. Her amulet helped her keep everyone safe in the parking lot and cemetery. Daniel had possessed one of the young men from Walker’s at the church doors. I saw the man’s eyes turn from green to black and back to green.”

  Deb’s eyes grew large as she listened. “Are you sure?”

  Annamarie nodded. “I didn’t understand why he would turn back to the man from Walker’s so quickly until Lena told me how she was able to protect the parking lot. It must have caused Daniel to leave. Standing outside the church was as close as he could get. He wanted me to know he was waiting, but Lena got him first.” She smiled at the thought of her daughter’s power.

  “Lena has the ability to know what is going to happen most of the time. I feel safer. It’s a shame she has to carry such a heavy burden at her age.”

  “I agree, but one thing that will help us is Daniel’s immaturity. He’s still thinking with the mind of a twenty-one year old. You remember how he was. He never acted his age. Lena is more mature. Travis and Trent would still be alive if Daniel or Garret hadn’t driven the way they did. It was childish to possess the body of the Walker’s employee to try and scare me. Whatever he’s planning will be juvenile, I’m sure. We still need to keep our eyes open to all possibilities.” She leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes. “He frightens me to this day.”

  Daniel’s anger grew as he discussed the afternoon with Garret. “I can’t believe that brat put a spell on the parking lot and cemetery. All we could do was watch from above. Can you believe she had the nerve to hug my mom when they were at my grave?”

  “She might be more of a problem than the Gypsy spirits in the pines. At least the witch taught us how to
hide from them. We can’t break through whatever it is Lena does. It felt like I hit a brick wall,” Garret grumbled.

  “She has powers, more powers that her Gypsy ancestors. We need to be careful. I have a feeling she might find a way to kill us.”

  “Then let’s leave. Run like Bulk did. We can enjoy life by possessing bodies whenever we have the urge for food or women. Let’s not take the chance she could kill you or us.”

  “No, I want my life back. We have to be sure the ancestors are dead. Annamarie will disappear as will Lena. I’m a Logan and I want to live my life as a Logan not only enjoying what I can by possessing someone else.”

  “Okay, but we still have a problem. If you kill the ancestors before Annamarie brings Michael home, he’ll also never be born. How will we give him to the witch? If we don’t give him to her soon, she’ll take our powers and the Gypsies will find us.”

  “Damn, you’re right. We need to find a way to convince Annamarie to bring him home.”

  “How?”

  “I’m not sure…yet!”

  Steve found himself walking in the pines. It was dark although he knew it was afternoon. He was taking a nap before work. He saw the campfire in the distance. He thought who’s burning something out here. They know better. It’s been too dry to burn in the midst of the pines. He hurried to the source of the fire only to find he was at the Gypsy camp.

  Josef said, “Welcome, Steve. Come sit by the fire. We need to talk and you’re the only one dreaming. You’ll carry our message back to the others.”

  Steve nodded and sat. “What can I do to help? I know Daniel and Garret were responsible for the accident and two deaths. What else are they capable of and how can I help you stop them?”

  “We are not sure, but we are very worried they will try to harm more people. We know they can’t possess bodies long without the eyes changing colors. That will not stop them. Magdalena has the feeling Michael is somehow involved.”