The Cornelius Saga Series (All 15 Books): The Ultimate Adventure-packed Supernatural Thriller Collection

by Tanya R. Taylor

  “It’s okay, Max. It’s me...Nana. Remember?”

  Max was now standing at attention. Sara was sure as he gave her eye contact that he was looking straight through her. Seconds later, she noticed he was staring in the direction of the swinging door which led into the kitchen.

  “Max...”

  Just then, he took off through the swinging door, into the kitchen and pushed open the unlocked screen door adjacent to the carport. By the time Sara got to the carport, she saw Max running across the street towards the neighbors’ house. Having long dropped her crochet, she hurried behind him and out of breath, found him scratching frantically at the Morrisons’ front door.

  “Max! What on earth are you doing?” she cried, completely shocked by his behavior. “You get down from there now!” She went to grab his collar.

  Suddenly, the music stopped and the front door swung open.

  “What is it?” Cindy asked. Her anger and annoyance were plainly visible.

  “I’m sorry, Mrs. Morrison, but our dog got away and was already here by the time I was able to catch up to him,” Sara replied. She noticed a wild, almost crazed look in Cindy’s eyes and wanted more than anything to get Max away from her. She also realized that Max had appeared to almost magically settle down once the music had stopped.

  “You must keep a better handle on your dog, Mrs. Cullen. There are laws in every city concerning the confinement of pets.”

  “I’m familiar with the laws. I’ve been living in Mizpah all of my life and as you can see, I’m no spring chicken.” Sara flashed a smile.

  Cindy sighed, glancing at the dog who seemed as mild as any could be. “Well, if you don’t mind...” She started closing the door.

  “Uh, excuse me!” Sara leaned in before the door hit her nose.

  “Yes?”

  “If you don’t mind, could you please not play your piano so loudly? It seemed to have disturbed our Max, for some reason.”

  “Really?”

  “I’m afraid so.”

  Cindy arched her brows, then said, “I’ll do my best to keep that in mind.”

  “Thanks. I appreciate…” The door slammed in Sara’s face before she finished her thought.

  “Wow,” she muttered softly. “Let’s go, Max. We need not ever come here again.”

  She and Max returned home and this time, Sara made sure to slide the latch across the screen door to prevent Max from making the same mistake twice.

  8

  _________________

  Mira could tell that Sara wasn’t at home when they arrived because the old Park Avenue was not in the driveway. Glancing across the street from their house, she also noticed the For Sale sign was no longer in their former neighbor’s yard and the split-level house now looked occupied. She could tell by the red curtains seen in the front windows.

  “Your mom’s not home,” Bobby commented as he pulled his truck in front of the yard.

  “She probably made a stop somewhere after picking up Rosie from school. It’s only 4:15 now.” She checked her watch. “Hey, I have an idea! How about you park a little ways down like you’re heading towards Cornelius’ house so they won’t know we’ve arrived? Mom hardly ever looks that way whenever she’s coming or going, so she won’t spot your truck. After all, they’re not expecting us ‘til seven.”

  “Great idea!” Bobby laughed. “I can’t wait to get Rosie spooked. She’s gonna jump right outta her skin.”

  “Just don’t overdo it, okay? Won’t want Mom to have a heart attack.”

  “Gotcha! Let me get your bags then I’ll park the truck.”

  He got out and grabbed the bags while Mira searched for the house key on her ring of about a dozen keys. She still had an old dormitory key on the bunch from when she attended college, as well as a couple of apartment keys from where she lived in L.A. after Rosie was born. The dormitory key was what they used before they changed the locks to a swipe system.

  “Aren’t you ever gonna part with some of those keys on there?” Bobby asked as she sorted through them.

  “Just never had the time,” she replied. “Ah! Here it is.”

  Heeding her instruction, Bobby quickly took the bags to Mira’s bedroom and hid them in the closet, then he dashed outside to move the truck. They were both like two excited, thrill-seeking kids looking to give their besties a good scare.

  Bobby was back before Mira could finish freshening up. She felt a bit exhausted from the trip, more mentally than she was physically. The entire time she never stopped thinking about her dad and missed him terribly. It reminded her a little of how it was right after he’d passed away. He’d consumed every moment of her waking thoughts with wonderful memories and she’d missed him so much her heart literally ached. She realized it was the anticipation of this big step she was about to make that awakened everything that had lain dormant for so long. Then, there were times while in New York and also on the plane that she thought of Karlen Key and how instrumental she’d been even in Rosie’s life—helping to save her life once: the day Mira’s beloved father risked everything to make sure his granddaughter didn’t meet a grisly end. How she cherished those memories! Yet, the weight they seemed to now carry.

  She yearned for a strong cup of coffee, but knew if she drank it, she’d probably have more trouble than she needed getting to sleep that night. It was rest and relaxation that her mind and body screamed for more than anything.

  Stretched out on the couch, she weakly smiled at Bobby who was peeking out the front window occasionally. “You’re just like a li’l kid! We’ll hear Mom’s car when it pulls up, so you might as well just relax.”

  He sat on the sofa across from her and elevated his feet on the center table ahead.

  “Get your feet down!” Mira barked. “If Mom dreams someone’s feet are parked up there, there’d be Hell to pay.”

  Bobby promptly placed his feet on the ground. “You’re right. I forgot how picky she is with the furniture.”

  “She’s always been that way ever since Wade and I were kids. This house was always spotless and the furniture was to be handled with care.” Her eyes scanned the room. “Believe it or not, not much has changed in all these years. Even Max knows what to do around here from what’s completely forbidden. Mom trained him well.”

  Bobby grinned.

  “By the way...” Mira sat up, “…where’s Max? He would’ve been at the door the moment we walked in.”

  “Yeah, that’s true.” Bobby got up and started looking around.

  They called out to the dog, but got no response. And after checking all the rooms, they figured he must be outside.

  “We can’t go outside to check on him,” Bobby remembered. “Your Mom and Rosie can pull up at any minute and there’d go our plans.”

  “You’re right.” Mira sat down again.

  Bobby switched on the television, but kept the volume at a low. Twenty minutes later, they heard a car pull up on the carport.

  Bobby got up and peeked out of the window. “It’s them! Come on!”

  They quietly hid behind the kitchen door. Max entered first, wagging his tail. And to Mira and Bobby’s dismay, he made an immediate U-turn toward the back of the door. They knew he’d blow everything, so after a quick glance at each other for confirmation, Mira and Bobby popped out from behind the door and cried: “Surprise!”

  “Mom! Bobby! You’re home!” Rosie happily ran toward them and hugged them tightly, as Sara stood there with her jaw dropped, and hand to her chest.

  “My goodness!” Sara exclaimed. “You two almost gave me a heart attack!”

  “Sorry, Mom!” Bobby hugged Sara and planted a kiss firmly on her cheek.

  “It’s okay. I’ll live.” Sara grinned. “What on earth are you two doing here already? Wasn’t your flight for seven?”

  “Yes, Mom.” Mira put her arm around her mother’s neck and kissed her. “We finished shopping and decided we might as well come back early if we were able to catch an earlier flight. Besides, I miss
ed home and so did Bobby.”

  “It was me you missed. Wasn’t it, Mom?” Rosie chimed in.

  “Oh, yes! You and Mom, and Max...”

  “And work?” Sara said, resting the grocery bag on the counter.

  Mira gave her a reprimanding look. “Not at all, Mom. I was glad to get away for a few days, believe it or not.”

  Sara smiled.

  Mira and Sara walked over to the couch while Rosie and Bobby went and got comfortable at the kitchen counter. Rosie took the opportunity to get updated on their every move while they were in New York City.

  “So, how did everything go while we were away?” Mira asked her mother.

  “Everything was good. Quiet,” Sara replied. “How was your trip? And did you find your wedding dress?”

  “The trip was fine.” Mira crossed her legs. “And yes, I found a beautiful wedding dress.”

  Sara was beyond thrilled. “Where is it? I wanna see it.”

  Mira got up. “Come, let me show you.” She turned to Rosie. “Rosie, you wanna come see my wedding dress?”

  “Yeah!” Rosie couldn’t dismount the stool fast enough.

  Sara and Rosie eagerly followed Mira to her room while Bobby stayed and played with Max.

  “It’s absolutely lovely!” Sara exclaimed as Mira laid the white sleeveless gown with shimmering beads across her bed.

  Rosie was speechless at first, then softly said, “Mom, it’s so beautiful!”

  Mira saw Sara’s eyes brimming with tears. “Mom, stop that!” she cried. “I’m not even walking down the aisle yet and you’re already tearing up!”

  Rosie went and hugged her grandma.

  “I’m just so happy for you!” Sara exclaimed. “I was beginning to wonder if this day would ever come. You don’t know how happy all this has made me.” The tears were flowing now.

  Mira was smiling and she hated to know watching her mother get so emotional had caused a tear or two to slide down her cheeks as well. She quickly dried them. “Enough of this! Time to put the dress away.” She picked it up and hung it in the closet. That’s when Rosie returned out front to keep Bobby company.

  Sara sat on the bed. “Eight weeks more, huh?” she said.

  “Uh huh. About there,” Mira replied.

  “It would be so good to see Wade, Norma and Tommy again. Everyone will be together again.”

  “Yes.” Mira sat down as well.

  “I’m so proud of you, Sweet Pea.” Sara looked into her eyes.

  “I’m proud of you too, Mom.”

  “For what?” Sara was puzzled.

  “For being a good Mom to me and an equally wonderful grandma to Rosie. For being strong after all the difficult situations you’ve been through in life, especially after...”

  Sara patted Mira’s knee. “I know. I know what you mean, honey.” She sensed the sadness in Mira’s heart. “You and I both know your dad won’t be missing anything, right?” She searched her daughter’s eyes. “No one knows that better than you and Rosie.”

  Mira nodded slowly.

  “So, cheer up! This is a happy time–not a sad one. Everything’s going to be just perfect.”

  “I know. Thanks, Mom.” She cleared her throat and opted to change the subject. “I see they’ve finally sold Mrs. Sinclair’s house, huh?”

  “Yep. We’ve got new neighbors.”

  “I thought so. Have you met them?”

  “Uh huh.” Sara nodded.

  She gave Mira the rundown on the Morrisons and what she should expect. She knew it was all her daughter needed to hear to steer clear of Cindy Morrison, in particular.

  “She sounds like a real tyrant!” Mira said.

  “Seems so. Either her husband is an angel or he’s just got the patience of Job to be able to deal with her. But you know what they say, ‘for better or worse’.”

  “Well, that won’t entirely apply to me when we’ve tied the knot. Just letting you know.”

  “What do you mean, Mira?”

  “I’m walking down the aisle based on what I was presented with when I made that step. If Bobby is loving and kind toward me before we went and got married, that’s precisely what I expect after the wedding. If he suddenly turns into a tyrant, deal’s off! It’s as simple as that.”

  Mira could tell she’d stunned her mother.

  “Don’t get me wrong, Mom!” She quickly sought to clarify herself. “If Bobby continues to treat me well, I’d stand by him no matter what. He’d have to be sure to honor his own vows to love and cherish me. Sorry, it’s just the way I see it and there’s nothing you can say to change my mind, Mom.”

  Sara shook her head. “I’ll be praying for you, honey. I’ll be praying every day.”

  Mira chuckled.

  9

  _________________

  After Bobby left that night, Mira immediately went to bed. Since arriving home from the airport, she managed to get no more than a twenty minute catnap, while Bobby chatted with Rosie and Sara. Mira always had trouble falling asleep in the daytime. She was convinced it was because her mind wasn’t settled as it considered everything that was still left to be done and sometimes because a ghostly visitor managed to infiltrate her quiet time. Nevertheless, on those rare occasions when she was able to drift off, it was amazing what even a few minutes of shuteye did for her. Her body’s reaction to a mere twenty minutes’ snooze was similar to how it reacted to a two or three hour sleep. But that night, as Mira stared up at the ceiling, she realized dreamtime wasn’t coming anytime soon. A full hour had passed and she was completely restless.

  She sat up, slipped on her bedroom slippers and decided to get a glass of milk.

  While walking through the living room, she went over to close one of the curtains that had been left open. It was then that she noticed something outside in the dark—in the Morrison’s yard, right out front where the For Sale sign used to be. Something appeared to be protruding from the ground. Mira moved closer to the window. The nearest streetlamp on that side of the road was standing at least twenty-five feet away from the Morrisons’ house, yet it emitted enough light for her to see what she could have sworn looked like…a human hand. Thinking that mere exhaustion was temporarily playing tricks with her mind, she shut her eyes, then opened them again. This time, whatever she saw was moving and it was evident that more of it had protruded. First, there were the fingers, then the forearm all the way to the elbow.

  “My God!” Mira gasped.

  She kept her focus on the limb that was wiggling out of the compacted dirt into the still air. Then suddenly, she saw another hand pop right out of the ground as if the earth on that side was softer. She knew this was not fatigue-related, but was stark reality. Suddenly, a head popped out. It appeared to be that of a woman’s. Her hair was long and matted with what looked like slime or mud. She was twisting her head from side to side as if trying to work a crick out of her neck. Convinced it was one of the most terrifying sights she’d ever seen, Mira stood and watched as this entity pushed its way completely out of the ground, got down on all fours, and crawled away in crab-like fashion. It was just as fast as those little critters too, as she watched it quickly head toward the Morrisons’ front door.

  It remained on the dimly-lit porch for at least thirty seconds, apparently contemplating its next move, when suddenly it sprang up on top of the roof, then climbed up the shingles toward an open window. To Mira’s surprise, the woman looked back at her before she crept right in.

  Mira was horrified by what she’d witnessed, knowing it was a very bad sign. For a while, she stared up at the window the woman climbed into and cringed inside for whomever inhabited that room.

  What crossed her mind was that she’d never sensed any paranormal activity on that property for as long as she lived in the neighborhood. However, she knew that night was going to be a busy night for whomever the ghostly intruder had come to see.

  As troubling thoughts consumed her mind, Mira finally drifted off to sleep around midnight. She’d found h
erself worrying about the Morrisons—the neighbors she never met, and based on her mother’s accounts pertaining to the wife, whom she wasn’t sure she ever wanted to meet.

  10

  _________________

  A few days later…

  Barely a word was spoken at breakfast. John was reading the newspaper and Ashley mostly fiddled with her pancakes.

  “Is there something the matter, Ashley?” Cindy asked. “You’ve barely touched your pancakes.”

  Ashley didn’t care to respond. After all, she’d had a hard night—the whispers, the sudden drop in temperature inside her bedroom again, clawing on the window and no matter how many times she got up to check, nothing was ever there. She’d barely slept a wink and realized there was no use running to her parents again. After all, no one believed her and she was pretty sure that no one really cared. Her mother’s subtle threat of taking her to see a “professional” was enough to keep whatever she was going through to herself. In her mind, going to see a “professional” usually paved the way for a weird diagnosis and ended in the person’s confinement in a mental facility. That was not going to be her. After all, even if her father wasn’t convinced she was totally nuts, he’d likely go along with whatever her mother’s wishes were. She refused to go down like that.

  “I’m not that hungry,” Ashley replied, nonchalantly, leaning on the table.

  “Elbows off!” Cindy snarled. “You know better than that, young lady.”

  Ashley rolled her eyes as she removed her arm.

  The teeth of Cindy’s fork came to a screeching halt on her plate. “Did you roll your eyes at me?” The look on her face was intimidating.

  John lowered his newspaper. “Cindy, give the kid a break, will you?”

  On that, she rested her fork down. “Give her a break? From what, John? This family? Is that what she needs a break from? This young lady was given everything she ever needed and most things she wanted from she was a little child. Many children out there would kill to have a family like ours and all that comes with it. This beautiful house, two loving parents, a very good education, new clothes on her back. Yet, this girl is obviously dissatisfied.”