Finding Midnight

by T. Lynne Tolles

  Finding Midnight

  T. Lynne Tolles

  Copyright

  Troll Publishing

  Copyright 2014 T. Lynne Tolles

  August 6, 2014

  Smashwords Edition

  ISBN 978-0-9829876-7-4

  Cover art: Jennifer Meyer

  Digital formatting: Author E.M.S.

  All Rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews, is illegal and punishable by law.

  Publisher’s Note:

  This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, places, and events are the work of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, locales or events is coincidental.

  T. Lynne Tolles

  Table of Contents

  Copyright

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  About the Author

  Chapter 1

  Summer Raines looked over her shoulder getting one last look at Holy Cross Orphanage where she’d spent the first twenty-one years of her life. In one hand she held the keys to the “pawmobile” and in the other she held a mysterious manila pouch hidden among the swaddling when the nuns found her on the steps of the orphanage.

  A barrage of emotion and memories raced through her head—the old squeaky iron bed, the smell of chalk and bleach, the scratchy worn blankets, and the midnight giggles with Tori. These were in her past now. Starting the SUV, the blast of cool air from the vent hit her face. She suddenly felt the traces of tears she hadn’t realize she had shed.

  She pulled out of the orphanage’s parking lot and headed out onto the street. The fibers of the light brown carpet that covered the small SUV moved in unison as wind rushed through them. The giant flopping ears that adorned the vehicle making it look like a giant dog on wheels, jerked around violently as did the tail that Summer saw moving around from her rear view mirror.

  Dr. Stuart, Summer’s boss and the owner of the veterinarian clinic called Paws and Whiskers, was quite a character and thought an auto that looked like a dog was the perfect way to advertise the clinic—that and a license plate of “PAnWSKR.” Of course, he drove a nice BMW, while Summer, his vet-in-training, drove the Paw Mobile, as he called it. Summer would never admit to Dr. Stuart, but she actually kind of liked it. After all, it was a new vehicle; she didn’t have to pay insurance or monthly payments and it was more or less hers to use.

  Sitting at one of the many stop lights in town, Summer thought back on the conversation she’d had with Sister Mary Louise about the mysterious pouch she’d given her that now lay on the seat beside her.

  “Summer, my sweet girl…what a glorious day this is. I’m so proud of you, I think I might just explode,” the young sister said as she embraced Summer tightly.

  “Thank you, Sister,” Summer said with a slight bow of her head.

  Sister Mary Louise pulled away, cupping Summer’s cheeks as she had done so many times, and sat on the edge of the creaking bed. With excitement, she slapped her thighs through her black garb.

  “This is an exciting time for a young woman. You are about to embark on the world as an adult, and start making decisions of your own on the path God has set in motion for you. Very exciting, indeed.”

  “And sad, too,” Summer pointed out.

  “Now…let’s not dip into the pool of self-pity. It’s time for you to spread your wings and take flight like all little ones must.”

  With a crack in her voice, Summer admitted, “But I don’t even have a place to go.”

  “Aw, but you do, dear. Arrangements have been made for you to live at Midnight Manor.”

  “That creepy house on the other side of town?”

  “It’s not creepy; it’s in need of some love, that’s all. Besides you won’t be in the Manor, but in a cottage on the grounds—and it’s free,” the sister said.

  “Free? How bad is it?”

  “It’s cute, albeit in need of painting inside and out. Ms. Midnight said you could use any furniture in the barn. There is already a bed, a small sofa, and a little kitchen table inside the cottage. I’m sure you and Victoria will have it whipped into shape and looking adorable in no time. The only stipulation is that you run errands on occasion for Ms. Midnight and maintain her herb garden.”

  “Herb garden?” Summer asked with lilt of excitement.

  “Yes. I thought that might pique your interest, my little green thumb. Ms. Midnight is getting up there in age and it is has become harder and harder for her to maintain it. It’s quite overgrown now, but I understand it was once rather lovely.” Sister Mary Louise reached inside her pocket, revealing two keys on a keychain.

  “This small one is for the gate to the property, and this bigger one is for the cottage,” she said as she handed them to Summer. “Sister Margaret cleaned the cottage a bit and had groceries delivered, so you should be all set.”

  “Tonight? So soon?”

  “No time like the present,” the sister said. “Why?”

  “I don’t know. It just feels so rushed,” Summer said wiping a welling tear from her eye.

  “It’s a good thing, my dear. You must have known once you graduated, the Reverend Mother would push to free up your bed for another child in need.”

  “Well, yes, but I didn’t think it would happen so quickly, after all, I have to work this afternoon.”

  “I thought you’d be excited to have your own place,” Sister Mary Louise said, rather puzzled.

  “I am and I’m grateful. It’s just happening all so fast,” Summer said.

  “Yes. Sometimes God throws a curve ball at us, and it can seem a little scary because we don’t know what he has planned. But he does have a plan, a glorious plan, and he’s always there to pick you up when you fall. Of course, I’m here too, and I’ll be checking on you whenever the Reverend Mother will allow. You’ll be fine, my dear. I know you will. Oh…I almost forgot the most important part,” the sister said, scrambling for something in her pocket.

  That’s when she received the unopened envelope sitting on the passenger seat, staring at her. What was in it? Why was she so scared to open it? She didn’t know, as she glanced at it, blank worn paper and the lump made from its contents. It would have to wait since she was pulling into the parking lot of the veterinary office and she was already late.

  She locked up the SUV and raced into the office. When she rushed through the door, a bucket of glittering confetti and shredded office paper showered her. She slapped a hand over her heart, alarmed and surprised by the congratulatory greetings, and toot toots of silly little party horns.

  “Oh my God, I…Thank you everyone,” Summer said, still taking in the surprise. Tori tooted her horn, two inches from Summer’s ear and jumped up and down. Victoria Cobb was Summer’s best friend and a fellow resident of the Holy Cross Orphanage. She worked as the receptionist at Paws and Whiskers and obviously had a marvelous time concocting the confetti and shredded paper to perfection.

  Summer thanked her with a hug and plucked a few pieces of paper from her friend’s hair. This week the color of choice was black and it played well with her, t
orn, extreme, Goth attire craze. No one but the sisters at Holy Cross and Summer knew the true color of Tori’s hair.

  Though the two girls were opposites in many ways, the pair of friends kept each other grounded. Summer reminded Tori that not all people were bad and Tori reminded Summer that not all people were good.

  Among the others patting Summer’s back and hugging her were Dr. Stuart, Katie Petersen who helped as a nurse and aid, and Tommy Sinclair who delivered supplies. Katie had made cupcakes and helped Tori with the banner taped over the receptionist desk for all to see, “Congratulations, Summer!” and all over were signatures and paw prints of animals she had helped to make better.

  Summer was admiring and reading the names on the sign while drinking a cup of soda when Tori hopped over and pointed to a very special paw print.

  “Aw,” Summer said when she saw the name next to the three-toed print.

  “That’s right. Even Baron signed,” Tori said. Poor Baron had been caught in a metal trap and no one, not even his owner, was able to get near him in his pain, but Summer calmed him by humming a lullaby she learned as a girl. She had been a teen back then, but she always had a magic touch with animals.

  A few more congratulations were said before they had to get back to work, and Tommy, the delivery boy, had to leave for the next stop on his route.

  Adjusting her lab coat and washing her hands of sweet sticky frosting, Summer asked, “So what’s on the docket today, Doctor?”

  “Oh, just the usual. A couple of routine check-ups. Mr. Smitt is bringing in Dragon Lady again. Poor man doesn’t understand why the iguana is shedding its skin. I don’t know how many times I have to tell him it’s normal, but he’s so worried he’s sun burning her with the heat lamp and that is why she’s peeling,” Dr. Stuart explained.

  “I suppose it’s better he shows her too much attention than not enough,” Summer replied.

  “So true. Then later this afternoon I have surgery lined up for a neuter on the Olsens’s new pup, Hercules. After that, do you want to go to Pepe’s Pizza and celebrate your graduation? It’s on me.”

  “Can I take a raincheck? Seems I’m moving into a new place this evening. The sisters at Holy Cross got me set me up at Midnight Manor.”

  “Nice area, that side of town. A little spooky, but nice,” the doctor noted.

  “Yeah. I’m a little nervous about it, since I’ve never seen the cottage I’m supposed to live in. All Sister Mary Louise said is that it needed some love and paint, both inside and out. What does that mean anyway?” she said while prepping a tray of things for the checkup.

  “Hmm. Knowing the sisters, it probably means a good scrubbing and a LOT of paint. We could schedule your pizza celebration at the cottage later this week and make it a BYOPB—Bring Your Own Paint Brush—and have Pepe’s delivered. Between you, me, Tori and her new beau, we’ll have that place painted in no time. It’ll be fun,” he said as he puttered around the lab.

  “That would be really great, Doctor Stuart.”

  “Good, then we’ll set the wheels in motion for that. In the interim, my little apprentice, why don’t you take Mrs. Hamilton and Oscar to room two,” Dr. Stuart said.

  “Right.”

  The rest of the day was business as usual—or as usual as it was in an animal clinic. Between appointments, Summer had asked Tori to come with her to the cottage. Tori agreed and rearranged her date plans with her boyfriend, Nick, so he would pick her up at the cottage. Summer was thankful she could count on Tori whenever she needed her.

  Chapter 2

  It was early June and the days were getting longer and longer, so by the time Tori and Summer headed for the cottage, it was eight o’clock but not dark yet. While driving, Summer asked, “So what’s the breaking news you mentioned to me before I headed into surgery with Doctor Stuart?”

  “Oh right. You know how I was telling you that I felt Nick was hiding something,” Tori said.

  “Yeah.”

  “Well, it’s huge. I caught him in a lie and we got into what looked to be a big knockdown, drag out fight when he stopped suddenly and admitted he was a vampire.”

  “Oh, come on. I may be gullible, but I’m not falling for that, Tori.”

  “I didn’t believe him at first either, but then he explained the logistics of it and even showed me his fangs,” Tori said, practically squealing.

  “Next you’re going to tell me you are a vampire,” Summer joked.

  “Don’t be ridiculous, Summer. If I was a vampire I wouldn’t be riding in this wacky car. I’d fly to the cottage in bat form and meet you there. Besides, you know me; I don’t take someone’s word for truth without some kind of proof to back it up.”

  “So you’re telling me Nick is a bona fide, blood sucking vampire?” Summer said.

  “That’s what I’m telling you.”

  “Why would he admit something like that?” Summer asked.

  “Oh, I don’t know, maybe because he really likes me?” Tori said in a huff, crossing her arms across her chest.

  “Tori, that’s not what I meant. I mean, a secret like that exposed? That could cost him his life.”

  “I know, but it’s not like I’m going to tell anyone.”

  “But you just told me,” Summer noted.

  “Well, duh? You’re my best friend, but I’m not going to tell anyone else.”

  “So did you break it off with him, then?” Summer asked.

  “No…why would I?” Tori asked.

  “Oh, I don’t know, maybe because he’s a vampire?”

  “Are you kidding? I think it’s the coolest thing ever. I mean, he’s gorgeous, he’s dark and mysterious, and to top it all off he’s a vampire. It’s like a goth girl’s dream come true,” Tori giddily exclaimed.

  “Aren’t you worried you might be his next meal?”

  “No.” Tori’s brows furrowed. “He explained his eating habits and it’s not like in the movies, you know, where they go all crazy ripping apart people, blood squirting, limbs flailing. Some feed on people, but most feed on animals.”

  “Animals? So he goes around killing animals?” Summer said, swerving the car a bit.

  “No. He doesn’t kill anything. He’s no worse than a mosquito, or any number of animals that feed on blood. He just wants to survive, like any other living being. Vampires and other hematophagous are less cruel than some animals. For instance, a lion will kill its prey, where a hematophagous doesn’t; it just takes what’s necessary to live.”

  “I’m sorry, Tori. You’re right. I never really thought about it like that. I guess it’s not so far-fetched to think there could be a species of human that does the same. And you’re right; they don’t usually kill their meal. I’m really not trying to make you mad. I’m just worried about your well-being and your safety.”

  “Nick isn’t going to hurt me, Summer…he said last night that he loved me. That’s why he wanted to come clean with his secret. He didn’t want to get any more attached to me if I couldn’t handle what he was.”

  “He loves you, huh? That’s big! How do you feel about him?”

  “I really, really like him, maybe even love him too. I’m not sure yet.”

  “As long as he’s not killing anything and has no plans on hurting you, I guess I’m cool with it as long as you are happy,” Summer said as she pulled up to Midnight Manor’s gate and turned off the doggy mobile.

  *****

  It was still light out as they made their way to the huge ornate wrought iron gate. At some point in its lifetime the gate had been white, but now the paint was peeling and the iron rusting, making the gate appear to bleed.

  “This has got to be the coolest place in the world to live,” Tori said, looking through the bars of the gate as Summer searched her pockets for the keys Sister Mary Louise gave her.

  “I think you mean the creepiest place in the world,” Summer corrected.

  “Are you kidding? It’s great. Look.” Tori pointed excitedly. “You even have your own persona
l graveyard—how cool is that?”

  “Swell,” Summer said with little enthusiasm, fumbling with the key. The lock was old and rusty and Summer had to wiggle the key back and forth before the lock finally turned. The gate squealed as it relented and admitted them passage. Tori was aflutter and she appeared to Summer to be frolicking like a faerie as she stepped inside the gate.

  The Manor itself was straight ahead but no lights were on, as far as Summer could tell. It looked abandoned and run down. She thought back on what Sister Mary Louise said about the house only needing a little love. Summer thought to herself, more like a whole lot of love and its own construction crew.

  She followed the happily dancing Tori as she pointed out all the creepy highlights on their way to the tiny cottage. It was nestled in the far right corner of the property, backed up against the dense woods and foothills to Plumas National Forest. Several hundred yards from the house, Summer noted the cottage was indeed in need of paint…and a new screen door, a new roof, a good trimming of shrubs, vines and vegetation around the house and about a gazillion other things.

  To the left was a view of the graveyard Tori was so thrilled about and a tangled mess of vegetation Summer could only assume was the herb garden she would be in charge of getting into shape. As they stepped onto the little porch, the floorboards creaked painfully and Summer was sure her foot would go completely through if she didn’t watch her step. She found the keys again to unlock the cottage door. The whole time, Tori jabbered on about how great the manor, the grounds, and the “cute” cottage were.

  Summer found a wall switch inside the doorway and flipped it up, revealing the contents of the room. Though it was in dire need of paint, Summer was pleasantly surprised. It had lots of windows, a tiny stone fireplace, what looked to be an overstuffed loveseat, a little kitchen and a tiny table with two chairs. French doors set on one side opened to what looked like a sun room. Two doors could be seen from where she stood, one she hoped was a bathroom, and the other she assumed was the bedroom. Tori flew around the little cottage, flipping on lights and checking behind doors and cabinets.