ABANDONED SOULS
(A Kellie Conley Mystery)
By Marianne Spitzer
© June 2014
This book is a work of fiction. All names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to persons living or dead, events, locations, or organizations are purely coincidental. All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced without the written consent of the author.
Acknowledgements
There are many people I would like to thank for their help and understanding while I wrote this book, but first and foremost, I want to thank God for all His blessings. I also wish to thank my family and friends for their patience while I disappear into my writing world especially my son, Lance, for his unwavering support. Last, but by no means least, I want to thank my readers for their support.
Abandoned Souls
A Kellie Conley Mystery
Chapter One
Marilyn woke, face wet with tears again. She pulled the blanket up to her neck. Nearly spilling her glass of water as she reached for the light, her fingers found the switch. The room was quiet and empty. Anxiety attacks in her sleep, her doctor suggested when she couldn’t remember any recurring nightmares. She would wake with a feeling of foreboding and bits of fleeting dreams. However, the black cloth covering her head and a sense of pressure on her face and mouth felt more like a memory than a dream. The overwhelming scent of rotting leaves and being cold seemed real. She rolled over and wiped her tears on the sheet. There had to be a reason for the dreams or memories and she was determined to discover it.
Fearful of confiding in her doctor that her great Aunt Lilian had spent several years in a psychiatric hospital and the sleeping pills the doctor prescribed weren’t working, Marilyn cancelled her psychiatrist appointment. She needed to solve this alone. Perhaps a college friend who had been through her own struggles might be able to help.
The sun was beginning to rise and brighten the woods that surrounded the house. Marilyn looked out at the trees not yet budding. Spring was late this year. She could see through the trees to the old cemetery that sat on the edge of the property. Several mausoleums scattered through the cemetery added mystery. A narrow drive cut the cemetery in half. A brick arch shaped bridge covered a dry creek bed. No one knew how long the creek bed had been dry. Several old graves abandoned under the bridge had unmarked headstones. Rumors were rampant in the nearby town as to who or what might be buried under the abandoned tombstones. The county had scanned the ground. Convinced the bodies were properly buried under the bridge; the county closed their investigation. Their conclusions didn’t stop the rumors.
The sunlight pushed Marilyn’s fears to the back of her mind. You're foolish. They’re only nightmares she thought as she rose and dressed for the day. Calling Kellie for help isn’t fair to her. She has a busy life and lives too far to drop by and help me with something I can’t explain. Get over it, Marilyn. She decided to reschedule the psychiatrist appointment, but not to mention Aunt Lilian. She’d call tomorrow, the next day, or maybe next week. Today she wanted to forget everything, go into town, shop, and have lunch out.
#####
Kellie opened the patio door and let Rufus out for his morning run. She closed it quickly. It was chilly out, and she didn’t expect the wind to blow into the kitchen. Winter had been snowier and colder than usual, and spring was slow to arrive.
Stories of what happened at the Gotz Manor House spread like wildfire via digital media. The mayor of the nearby town released a statement explaining the explosion was an accident caused by a gas leak. The body found in the rubble was the director of the company that managed the house and its property. The two teenagers found days earlier had been accidentally killed when they trespassed in the house at night. Foul play was ruled out. That should have been the end of it, but the flood of information about the manor house being haunted grew daily.
The wife of the elderly man who was either pushed or fell down the basement stairs was interviewed and mentioned Kellie. Agreeing with the woman that her husband had been pushed caused a media frenzy. Kellie did her best to distance herself from the affair. She changed both her home and cell numbers, and that helped. She still received quite a bit of mail. The reporters stayed away from her front door after she had a white picket fence erected, and a sign that stated the house and yard were protected by a security company.
One afternoon when the reporters were particularly bothersome, her Uncle Mike showed up with two additional police cruisers. An officer arrested two reporters trying to climb over the fence, and the rest received a piece of Detective Mike Stellion’s mind. More interesting news stories eventually pulled the reporters in different directions and Kellie’s life returned to normal.
#####
Kellie’s cell rang as she let Rufus back in the kitchen. She noticed it was Randy calling. Kellie let the call go to voicemail. She needed coffee and felt her relationship with Randy was moving too fast. Needing to take a step back she tried to find ways to keep busy and not see Randy every day. The children’s charity she was involved with kept her busy enough to slow down the relationship.
The aroma of coffee wafted through the kitchen, and Kellie knew it was ready. As she poured a cup, her cell rang again. It was Randy. Her heart prevailed over her misgivings, and she answered the phone. She was falling for Randy although she still felt it was too fast.
“Hi, Rufus and I were outside,” her little white lie made her feel guilty. “Sure, I’d love to. I’ll be ready at six. Bye.”
She set the cell on the table and looked at Rufus. “Well, boy so much for slowing down. We’re going to dinner and a movie. I know he’ll want to stay over, and I’m not sure how to tell him no.”
Rufus barked at her, and she laughed. “You’re right, I’m a pushover.”
#####
Kellie lost herself in the paperwork piled on her desk until her phone rang again near noon. It was Taylor.
“Hi, I was thinking about you earlier.”
“Oh, yeah, why?”
“I’m trying to figure out how to slow things down with Randy without hurting him. He’s moving like a racecar.” She could hear Taylor laugh.
“Maybe he’s afraid of losing you. He won’t have to worry about Drew. Hunter just called me from the courthouse.”
“It can’t be positive news. Everyone was so tense when I testified about him trying to pull me out of the house and hitting me and Rufus. Mrs. Adamson was there alone. I know Mr. Adamson couldn’t be there because they were calling him as a witness. She looked so sad and lost. I almost wished Drew would walk free if he changed.”
Taylor said, “I agree, but he did too much. Mr. Adamson stopped short of saying Drew stole the money, but he had to admit Drew forged that check. The bank had already filed the report of the forgery.”
Kellie leaned her elbow on her desk and rubbed her forehead with her free hand. “Did Hunter say whether or not the District Attorney mentioned that I was a Malone? I asked him not to do it.”
“Hunter said that never came up, but the judge knows you. Everyone knows you in this town. You’ll always be a Malone in Malone Springs, and it carries weight whether you want it to or not. Using your maiden name doesn’t fool people. Kellie Conley will always be a Malone underneath.”
“Gee, thanks, you made my day.”
Taylor said, “Sorry. Getting back to why I called. The District Attorney asked for five years for the forgery and five to ten for your attempted kidnapping. He also asked for an additional year for hitting you.”
“Oh my, that could be sixteen years.” Kellie shook her head. “What happened?”
“The defense attorney asked for the sentences to run concurrently, but t
he D.A. said this was a serious case and asked that the sentences run consecutively. The judge agreed with the D.A. and gave Drew five for the forgery, seven for the attempted kidnapping, and a year for the battery charge.”
Kellie felt a tear form in the corners of her eyes, but she blinked them away. He had been her husband. She once loved him dearly. Hearing he could spend thirteen years in prison tugged at her heart a bit, but she remembered all he did, the physical pain he caused her, and how he nearly killed Rufus.
“I feel bad for the Adamsons, but maybe Drew will finally come to terms with all the pain he caused.”
“I agree. I should go, so I have time for a quick bite before lunch is over. I’ll see you later.”
“Okay,” Kellie said. “I’m going to the movies and dinner with Randy. We’ll be home late. Give Hunter a hug for me. I know it has to bother him. He and Drew were best friends.”
“I will, bye”
Kellie took a deep breath and leaned back in her chair. Well, that’s over for me. It’s just beginning for Drew and the Adamsons. Drew will probably blame me. I hope his parents don’t, she thought.
Her phone rang again, and her Uncle Mike gave her the same news Taylor had. It rang a second time and Andrea wanted to tell her what went on, too, but she was also worried about Cole.
“He won’t talk to me, Kellie. We went to court together, and after he asked me to drop him at the park. He said he needed to be alone. I’m worried about him.”
“Cole has a big heart. He always looked up to Drew. He’s shocked about the outcome. Give him some time, and he’ll be home. If you need me call anytime.” They chatted for a few more minutes, and Andrea said she had to get back to work.
Kellie’s sympathy for Drew was nonexistent. She yelled out loud. “Drew Adamson, I wish you could hear me. You had the world in your hands. A wife, a college education, good job, and parents who would have walked through fire for you not to mention good friends, and you blew it all for what you could get out of a bottle.” She threw her pen across the room.
“Rufus, want to go for a run? I could use one.”
#####
After their run and her shower, she called Randy. It went straight to voicemail. She let him know she wasn’t in the mood to go to a movie, but if he brought the pizza she’d go pick up a few comedy DVDs they’ve meant to watch.
Spending the rest of the day doing chores around the house and paperwork she did her best to ignore Drew’s plight. The door chimes broke into her thoughts. She hoped Randy would take her mind off Drew completely.
While she placed the plates and glasses on the table, she gave Randy a quick rundown on Drew’s sentence. Randy slipped his arms around her waist and said, “I know you have mixed feelings since your marriage ended, but he can’t hurt you now. You’re safe.”
She leaned back against his chest and sighed. “You’re right. The past should stay there. I have a future to face.” She turned and kissed him.
After pizza and two movies, they let Rufus out. Kellie said, “It’s nice to watch him run around the yard and not worry that shadow is out there, too.”
“I agree and I hope you don’t run into more spirits.”
“Me, too,” she said as she let Rufus back in the house.
#####
Randy understood Kellie was tired and was happy to snuggle until they fell asleep. She lay there thinking, how do I let him know this is moving too fast? Maybe Taylor and Andrea will have an idea.
Lost in her thoughts, Randy thought she had fallen asleep. He whispered, “I love you Kellie more than I ever thought I would. You’re the woman I want to spend eternity with and longer. I wish I could say it to your face.”
Kellie did the best she could to control her breathing so Randy wouldn’t know she heard him. She didn’t have any idea how she would answer him.
He kissed her cheek and whispered again, “I’m going to marry you, Kellie. I have been looking at rings. I’ve narrowed it down to three. When I decide on the best one, I’ll buy it.” He kissed her again, snuggled closer, and fell asleep.
Kellie’s eyes popped open. What in the world do I do now? It’s too late to call Taylor. I’m going to have to bring it up somehow at breakfast. I don’t want to get married again for a long time even if I love Randy. I don’t love him enough to say yes to getting engaged. How do I get myself into these predicaments? No more men for a long time!
She managed to fall asleep only to wake again close to four in the morning. “What?” She thought Randy had said something to her.
Then she heard a soft voice encircle her, and she knew another spirit had found her. “Please help us. We’re alone, and we weren’t guilty.” Then the room grew quiet.
She rolled onto her back and said, “Not again.” Randy mumbled in his sleep, and Kellie got up to walk off the tension she felt. Knowing another spirit needed help bothered her. She worried what trouble might happen this time. “I guess they’ll let me know next time they visit,” she whispered. Rufus padded into the kitchen behind her and pushed his nose in her hand.
“Okay, it’s early, but I’ll let you out.” Rufus was back in a few minutes, and Kellie headed back to bed.
#####
She lay there mulling over what she would say to Randy in the morning. If another spirit needed help, she couldn’t pull him into it even if she loved him enough. Kellie’s feelings solidified, and she knew she wasn’t going to marry Randy. Drifting off to sleep she prayed for the right words.
The alarm jolted her awake. Randy’s loving smile let her know he was oblivious to her feelings. She smiled back and managed to slip out of his reach when he moved closer to her. “I have an appointment this morning and I need to take a quick shower.”
The shower’s water hid her tears. Kellie’s heart was breaking by what she was about to do. She did love him, but if she was honest with herself she wasn’t ‘in love’ with him. Not yet anyway. Maybe down the road, but she couldn’t expect him to wait for the day that might never come. Drew burned her worse than she knew. She said a silent prayer that someday she could completely trust and love someone.
#####
“How hungry are you this morning? Should we make a big breakfast?” Randy asked.
“I’m just going to have cereal. I’ll help you prepare something more.” She smiled at him.
“Pour me a bowl of cereal, too while I scramble a couple of eggs and make toast. Do you feel all right? You look like you have a headache.”
She sat staring at her empty cereal bowl and rolled her head. “I tossed and turned a lot last night. I had a few odd dreams. My neck’s a bit tight, but I’ll be okay.”
He set his plate on the table, and she poured cereal into her bowl. She didn’t have an appetite. Watching him devour his breakfast, she wished he ate slower. Picking at her cereal, he asked her again if she was all right.
When he wiped his face after finishing eating, she took a deep breath and said, “I’m all right, but I need to talk to you about something.”
“That doesn’t sound good. Come on spill it. You’ll feel better.” His blue eyes crushed her heart when she looked into them.
Glancing back at her bowl, she said, “I wasn’t asleep last night, and I heard what you said.”
“Oh boy, I wanted it to be a surprise. You should have said something last night. Proposing in bed is more romantic than the kitchen table even if I don’t have a ring yet.” His smile nearly made her heart skip a beat.
“That’s why we need to talk. I can’t marry you. I love you, but I’m not in love the way I should be if I were going to marry you. I’m sorry.”
“You’re sorry. The best you can say is you’re sorry. I love you with all my heart. I took you to my home. I’ve stayed here. I would have died for you at the Gotz House when the ghost attacked all of you. I spent hours searching for you in the cold. No one does that if they’re not in love. How long have you known?” He stood, placed his palms on the table, and stared at her.
“It hit me last night when I heard you say you wanted to marry me. I’m not ready to marry anyone. I don’t know when I will. It isn’t fair to you.”
Randy hit the table hard. Kellie jumped when he yelled, “It has nothing to do with me. You’re sorry Drew’s going to prison. I was just a toy to keep you busy until you could get him back. Well, have fun with prison boy, I’m outta here.”
Rufus was barking and barking. Randy yelled at him to shut up, and Kellie yelled at Randy to leave Rufus alone.
“Even the dog is more important. I’m glad I found it out now before I bought that ring and made a bigger fool of myself.” He stormed out of the house and slammed the door.
Kellie sat at the kitchen table and wiped the tears from her eyes. He was wrong. She didn’t use him nor did she want Drew back. Randy was angry. She couldn’t help that and better now than later. Looking at Rufus, she said, “I’m going back to bed.” He followed her.
Chapter Two
Randy’s anger grew as he stormed toward his truck. The engine roared to life, and the truck left skid marks on the street as he drove off. His fist pounded the steering wheel. “You’re a fool, a damn fool. Mom was right when she said I’d be sorry if I asked a rich girl to marry me. Now she can have Drew, her ghosts, and whatever else she finds amusing,” he yelled.
His truck screeched to a halt in front of the construction job. They were roofing a newly constructed home. His crew was there and working well without him. He slammed his truck door and marched up the dirt in the front yard to the ladder. He began his climb to the second story roof.
“Morning, boss,” Chris said as Randy climbed onto the roof.
Randy grunted as he inspected what Chris and Tony had accomplished. “Well done. Let’s finish today. It may rain tomorrow.”
“It’s been going well. Lots easier when we don’t have to remove the roof first,” Chris said.
Randy nodded and looked off in the distance toward Kellie’s house. He felt his anger rise, but didn’t want to let his crew know Kellie dumped him. He continued to walk around and inspect the construction to be sure the roofing job would be secure. He stepped over a stack of shingles when Chris called to him.
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