Paranormal After Dark: 20 Paranormal Tales of Demons, Shifters, Werewolves, Vampires, Fae, Witches, Magics, Ghosts and More

by Rebecca Hamilton

  Lucy’s father was a positively delicate looking man: thin and fragile, with pale flesh that seemed reminiscent of onion skin. He was delicate in constitution as well; in the whole time she’d known Lucy, Adelaide had never heard him speak a harsh word. At that moment in time, however, his eyes were steady and focused. “Look around, Eli.”

  Her father looked taken aback. “We’re at war, John. This town has train depots, they’ll be gone soon enough.”

  “They’ve evicted us from the house.” Mr. Daingerfield hoisted a chair into the wagon. “Military business or something like that. We have nothing left, Eli. My home is gone. It won’t be long before they take over the Armory. I’m leaving before it’s too late; this town is damned.”

  “But John—”

  “The stress of this is killing my daughter.” Mr. Daingerfield put a final crate into the wagon, then brushed his hands on his pants. “You would do the same, if you were me.”

  “I suppose I would.”

  Esther and Paul, two of the Daingerfield’s servants, stiffly stood on the walk beside the wagon. Neither had said a word during the exchange between Adelaide’s father and Lucy’s father; they acted like they didn’t even hear what was going on. Seeing the wagon was full, however, obviously prompted Paul to say, “Should we ride in de wagon, sir, or walk behind ye?”

  Mr. Daingerfield spoke like he was instructing a child. “You’re not coming with us, Paul. You’re staying here.”

  “But we’s part of de house, sir.” Paul stressed. “Youse got the rest of de house in de wagon.”

  Pulling his hat off and gently rubbing his temple, Mr. Daingerfield closed his eyes for a moment. “You’re free now. I don’t want you to come with me.”

  “But, sir,” Esther whispered, “we don’t know what being free is.”

  Mr. Daingerfield shook his head and, ignoring his former servants, extended his hand to Poppa. “It has been a pleasure, Eli. I’ve never known a more fair shop keep. You’re a good man.”

  “As are you, John.”

  Annie looked up at Lucy, shading her eyes from the sun. “Lucy?”

  “I suppose this is the end of the Ladies Society. And the Six.” She leaned over and handed Annie a pale leather bound book. “For our Mission. You’ll need it here, I’d wager.”

  Annie answered for everyone. “Be alert. Be cautious. And always be attuned to Those we can’t see.”

  Lucy continued to stare down the street, towards the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers. “And then there were five.”

  Mr. Daingerfield swung up into the seat of the wagon and grasped the reins in one hand. “Ladies. You have been wonderful company for my daughter.”

  Adelaide stepped back from the wagon. “Goodbye, Lucy.”

  “Goodbye Addy.” Lucy still would not meet her eyes. “Goodbye Annie, Sarah. Perhaps we’ll see each other in happier times.”

  Sarah was the only to respond. “Perhaps.”

  Mr. Daingerfield snapped the reins; the horse lurched forward. “May God save your souls.”

  Adelaide, Annie, and Sarah stood together, watching in silence as the overloaded wagon lumbered down Shenandoah Street. Slowly, it made the sharp turn up High Street and for a moment, Adelaide thought all their belongings would spill out on the Confectionary’s stoop.

  “She’s gone.” Sarah shook her head, her expression of disbelief and amusement. “I can’t believe she’s gone.”

  Adelaide cast a glance at Esther and Paul. Judging by the bewildered, uncomfortable looks on their faces, she had the feeling they couldn’t believe it either.

  * * *

  SHE SNUCK OUT of the house that night to be with Thomas. It was becoming their ritual—even when they didn’t make love, they just laid in his bed together, touching, talking and kissing until he walked her home before sunrise.

  That night, though, he was more insatiable than usual. His mouth and hands were everywhere; he pinned her down and took her from behind before rolling her over and cradling her in his arms, his rhythm switching from frantic to slow and intoxicating. The climaxed together, his lips curled up in pleasure and his forehead against hers.

  As their breathing gradually returned to normal, they laid together in a comfortable silence; their legs in a sweaty tangle. The room was lit by a solitary candle and the glow reflected on his damp skin. With her head pressed to his chest, she trailed her fingers down the curve of his upper arm and biceps.

  He pressed his lips to her temple. “I have to tell you something.”

  “You can tell me anything.”

  He didn’t say anything for a moment. She could hear the steady rhythm of his heartbeat and, in the silence of the bedroom, she heard the pace quicken. Finally, he took a deep breath and said, “You heard about the riots in Baltimore?”

  “Yes.”

  He sighed. His arms tightened around her body. “Understand... I have a duty to my home.”

  Panic welled up in her throat. She knew where this was going—this was a conversation she didn’t want to have. “Harpers Ferry is your home.”

  “It is now,” he trailed his fingertips down her ribcage and then gently cupped her hip, “but Massachusetts is where my family is, it’s where I was born. You know that.”

  Tears seared her eyes. She pulled away from him, pressing her palms to her face. Crying would make him feel worse, but she couldn’t hold it back. He couldn’t leave her. Not like this. “But you’d be... one of them. You’d be against us.”

  “No, no, sweet love.” He pulled her hands from her face and kissed away her tears. “It isn’t a matter of the Union or slavery or anything; it’s loyalty to my home. I’m going back to Massachusetts. I don’t want you to think I’m a coward or less than a man—it’s my duty.”

  Her tears flowed freely. “You can’t. Thomas, you can’t, you won’t come back.”

  He pulled her into his arms, cradling her body against him, and with one hand, held her jaw steady. His eyes were locked on hers. “I swear to you, I’ll come home. And when I do? I’m going to marry you, Adelaide. I’ll never let you go.”

  She choked back a sob, but nodded.

  “Look at me.” He touched his forehead to hers. “I’m coming home to you, Adelaide Cooper. Rebel shot is no match for Massachusetts steel.”

  She managed to smile. “I love you, Thomas.”

  He held her tightly, his body trembling as he struggled against the tears welling in his eyes. “God, I love you too, Addy. And it’s going to be okay. I am certain the war will be over quickly. I’m only going to enlist for three months and just think: I’ll be back here in time for Christmas.”

  She pressed her face against his chest. “Do you really think so?”

  “That’s what everyone is saying.” Thomas tilted her chin up and trailed his finger along her jaw line. “Besides, I have to come back. Do you really think that David Hamilton can handle the work for both of us at the Armory?”

  She managed a weak smile and shook her head.

  “Of course not.” He pressed his forehead to hers and then kissed her; deeply, urgently. “Stay with me tonight.”

  She nuzzled her face against his and nodded. It didn’t matter to her how late she finally stumbled home or if her father disowned her. The town could think of her as a whore—she didn’t care. All that mattered was him: the feeling of his skin and the soft pressure of his lips against hers. With war, came death.

  And she desperately didn’t want to lose him.

  It was borrowed time; this perfect place of desire and lust and happiness that she’d fallen into could crumble at any moment. All she wanted was to hold him and touch him and pretend he was hers for the rest of her mortal life. That he adored her more than anything. That she was his.

  Please let me keep this memory. Just this one.

  Chapter 15

  May 1861

  “ADDY, I’M READY to walk down to Market Street if you are.”

  “I am.” Adelaide grabbed her market basket w
hile at the same time attempted to tie her straw-hat ribbons around her neck. “Is Poppa down at the shop?”

  Robert nodded and rested his head against the doorframe. “You don’t need a lot, do you? It’s such a hassle going to the market now.”

  “We only go on Wednesdays.” Adelaide followed him down the steps. “Though, if you want my opinion, Rebekah should be going; at least sometimes.”

  Robert pulled his hat down to block the sun. “I agree. Baby Lizzie’s what, two now? Rebekah hasn’t lifted a finger since she married Poppa.”

  “Useless.”

  “Even more than you.”

  Adelaide elbowed her brother in the ribs, but laughed. It felt good to laugh, she’d felt melancholy since Thomas left the Ferry. She hadn’t heard from him at all—and it terrified her. He could be busy, of course, but there was that nagging fear that he’d been hurt. Or worse. The thoughts consumed her; it chewed at the back of her mind every day. Sometimes just breathing was an unimaginable task. “Just marry Annie Frankel, Robert, be done with us.”

  He laughed. “Who would bother you, then, Adelaide? Luke? Certainly not Levi.”

  Once around the house, Adelaide inwardly groaned as they approached the guards posted at short intervals along Shenandoah Street. They were like a small stone in one’s shoe—irritating and impossible to ignore. It had been almost a month since they’d lined up along the street to, supposedly, guard the citizens’ best interests. It was her opinion they were more interested in harassing anyone who passed.

  She and Robert walked past the first two guards without incident. The third guard, however, held his hand up and motioned for them to stop. Adelaide recognized him from her last trip down Shenandoah Street. His head was shaped like a lemon. “Hold up, a moment. Where are you two headed?”

  “Market Street.” Robert motioned towards the open air market. “My sister is going to purchase some vegetables. Just like last Wednesday.”

  “Where are you coming from?”

  “Our house.” Robert motioned back towards the house.

  “And where would that be?”

  “Ferry Lot.”

  “Where?”

  Robert pointed towards their house. “Right there, on the corner.”

  “What streets would those be, sir?”

  Robert sighed impatiently. “That would be Shenandoah Street and Potomac Street.”

  The guard nodded slowly. “Do you have your pass on you, sir?”

  Robert shoved his hand in his pocket and withdrew a square of paper that identified him as a Harpers Ferry citizen. He handed it to the guard, who looked it over and slowly nodded. As he handed it back, he stared at Adelaide with beady, black eyes. “You too, Miss.”

  She handed him her pass. The way he looked at her made her feel uncomfortable, like he was scrutinizing even line of her figure; constructing in his mind what she must look like in her corset.

  Finally satisfied, the guard waved them on.

  “I heard this morning that North Carolina has seceded as well.” Robert smiled encouragingly. He was probably just happy she was outside for once and not moping indoors. “Isn’t that where your friend moved?”

  “Lucy Daingerfield was not my friend, Robert. That ended when I took up with Thomas.”

  “Such lewd behavior. I had no idea you had that kind of conduct in you.” He glanced at her and chuckled. “I’m proud of you, Adelaide. You’re not a snooty society girl like I thought you’d be.”

  “I never had any complaints from Thomas—that I can assure you.”

  As they neared the next guard, he held his hand up. “Could you stop a moment, folks? I just have a few questions to ask you.”

  Adelaide groaned.

  “Where are you two headed this fine morning?” He drawled when he spoke, making him sound like he came out of the back woods. He probably did.

  Robert pointed at Adelaide’s basket. “We’re going to the Market House, down there on Market Street.”

  “Where did you come from?” The guard asked. “What area of town?”

  “Ferry Lot.” Robert jerked his thumb behind him. “Down by the Armory.”

  “Ah.” The guard looked down the street. “What’s your name, sir?”

  “Robert Randolph.”

  “Do you have a pass, on you, Mr. Randolph?” the guard looked at Adelaide. “You too, Miss.”

  They handed him their passes and, once he was satisfied, continued down the street.

  By the time they reached Market Street, all but three of the guards had stopped their progress. It was infuriating to Adelaide and felt like such a waste of time. Why stop them? They lived in Harpers Ferry—they weren’t the enemy. She knew better than to pose this question to Robert; especially not in the open like they were.

  “I just need a few things.” She glanced at the displayed produce. It was a good thing, as it seemed the last few times they went to the market there was less and less food. What was available often seemed to be inferior quality, like it was left out in the sun too long.

  She picked up a Ruffled Yellow tomato and experimentally squeezed it. Ruffled Yellows were her favorite, not because of their flavor, but because of their pretty, pleated texture. If nothing else, they would make a good base for stew.

  After placing a few Ruffled Yellows in her basket, Adelaide turned to the picked over piles of Brandywine and Cherokee Purple tomatoes. There weren’t many good ones left. She’d have to make do with some undersized pieces—but it was better than nothing.

  Robert took the basket from her. “What else do you need?”

  “Beans, potatoes, lettuce.” She ticked them off on her fingers. “We’ll see if any fruit looks good.”

  “It doesn’t. Trust me.”

  They pushed through the crowd towards the bean display. Yellow pea pods, Great Northern, Navy: plenty to choose from, which was a pleasant surprise.

  As Adelaide debated between a handful of Great Northern and Navy beans, a uniformed guard pushed his way beside her. She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye; he was doing the same to her.

  “Excuse me, ma’am.”

  Her breath caught in her throat. “Yes?”

  He looked her in the face. “Not you. Her.”

  The woman beside Adelaide partially turned, it was Mrs. Wilson. “Can I help you, sir?”

  “Are you William Wilson’s wife?”

  Her eyes narrowed. “Yes.”

  The soldier motioned towards another group of guards near the entrance to the market. “You’ll need to come with me, ma’am.”

  “Excuse me?” She took a step backward. “I haven’t done anything wrong.”

  “Ma’am,” the guard was irritatingly patient, “if you come quietly, this will be a lot better for you.”

  “Better for me?” She turned to Adelaide with pleading eyes. “I told you, I haven’t done anything.”

  “Ma’am, we need to speak to you about some comments you and Mr. Wilson made of late about the Union.”

  “This is unbelievable!” Mrs. Wilson squawked like a plucked rooster. “I am a private citizen!”

  The guard snatched her basket away from her and threw it on the ground. Adelaide had to take several steps to the side to avoid being hit. “I’m not going to tell you again. We’ve read some correspondence sent to you—”

  “You stole my mail?” Her mouth gaped open. “How could you do that? I’m an old woman; I haven’t done anything!”

  Another guard grabbed Mrs. Wilson’s arm. “Ma’am, don’t make us carry you out of here.”

  The woman’s shoulders slumped and, with an exaggerated limp, she allowed the guards to lead her from the market. Adelaide could hear her loudly complaining as they pulled her down the street, insisting that she was innocent of all charges.

  Robert shook his head and stepped around his sister. “Let’s hurry it up, Addy. I don’t want to be out here any longer than we need to be.”

  She dumped some beans in the basket. “What are they talking a
bout?”

  “You know how old Mr. Wilson is.” Robert handed her a head of lettuce, but kept his eyes on the soldiers still loitering around the vegetable stalls. “He never shuts up about the glorious old Union. If he keeps it up, he and his wife will be keeping house up in Yankee territory before long.”

  “Can they just drag her away like that?” Adelaide picked through some potatoes and placed a few into the basket. “I thought the military had rules.”

  Robert shrugged. “Don’t worry about it.”

  “Where do you think they took her?”

  “I said don’t worry about it.” Robert looked around nervously, like someone might overhear them. “Look, do you have everything?”

  “I just need some fruit.” Adelaide nodded towards the baskets of apples. “Just get some of those. I wonder if they charge more for the worms in them?”

  Robert withdrew a rolled up cloth sack from his pocket and pushed his way over to the apple baskets. Once he had filled the sack and paid for all the stock, he sharply grabbed Adelaide’s arm and pulled her out to the street. “The last thing I need is for your mouth to get us sent to the guard house.”

  “Oh, calm down.” she snapped. “You overreact.”

  Robert scowled, but didn’t respond.

  Halfway down Shenandoah Street, Adelaide noticed David Hamilton strolling along the street, darting around mud puddles. He caught sight of them and immediately headed in their direction. “Friends! It is not a glorious morning?”

  “Something like that.” Robert muttered. “Are you on lunch from the Armory?”

  David swept his hat off and smiled broadly at Adelaide. “No, I’ve quit.”

  “Quit?” She repeated, her eyebrows twitching up in surprise. “But why?”

  “I’ve enlisted.” David puffed up his chest proudly. “Friends, you are looking at Private Hamilton of the Second Virginia Infantry, Company K.”

  “Well, now, David.” Robert slapped him on the back. “That is wonderful!”