Whispering Pines

by Mavis Applewater

  “Hot enough for you?” Wyatt merrily asked as he sauntered in.

  “That’s it,” Faith growled. “You’re a dead man.”

  “Charlie,” Todd cautioned.

  “Yes?” She glared over at him.

  “Hells bells, woman.” Wyatt waved at her. “You were always wound a little tight. A little crude, not to mention crass, at times. But you’re a newsman, it’s expected. However, during our internment you’ve made me miss my mother. I had her committed after she started strolling around Safeway wearing nothing but a pair of flip-flops and a smile.”

  “Someone give me a gun,” Faith said coldly.

  “Damn it, Charlie!” Todd slapped his fist on his thigh. “You’re starting to scare me. Can you explain to me why you opted for more time here? You don’t have the same passion for this that you once had. I thought you had a girl waiting for you back home. That’s what you keep saying.”

  “I’m the one waiting,” Faith muttered. “She’s… Hell, I don’t know what she’s doing. We were kind of at odds when I left.”

  “So,” Todd said carefully, “in your infinite wisdom, you decided to hide here? I can think of better places to hide. Hawaii comes to mind. Hell, sitting on my grandma’s porch back in Indiana sounds better than this.”

  “Yo, Todd,” Faith snarled. “Did you come all this way to take pictures or hand out love advice? ‘Dear Abby’ you ain’t. It’s bad enough my hands are tied here. Now, I’ve got you and knucklehead here telling me I’m cranky.”

  As the words spewed out, Faith felt the venom behind them. The boys were right. She had been a bitch on wheels since she arrived. True, it wasn’t out of character for her, but this time was a lot worse. In the past it had been born out of frustration, from the situation, or the limitations put on her by the still ever-present old boys network.

  Breaking up with some girl had never affected her this way. Then again, she wasn’t entirely certain she and Shawn had broken up. And Shawn wasn’t just some girl. For the first time in her adult life, Faith had fallen hard. She still didn’t understand why Shawn had reacted the way she had.

  The most frustrating part was that for at least a few more months, she could do absolutely nothing about it. She was stuck in the middle of a war, becoming close to young men and women who might be dead before the sun set. Again, not a new experience for a seasoned reporter. Yet, this time around, it tore at her. She no longer possessed the steely reserve she needed to do her job.

  “I don’t belong here anymore,” she ruefully confessed.

  “No, you don’t, Charlie,” Todd said sadly.

  “And I’m stuck here for at least another seven months. Time to pull my head out of my ass.” She was determined to get her edge back. Her life of crawling around creaky old houses with Shawn was over.

  “Have you talked to this girl since you’ve been here?” Wyatt asked.

  “No,” Faith said reluctantly. “What would I say? I still don’t understand why she flipped out.”

  “Ask her.” Todd stated the obvious.

  “Sure thing.” Faith scowled. “I’ll just drop an e-mail asking why she freaked out about this job. Very romantic.”

  “Wait,” Todd said. “She got pissed at you because you took a job? That doesn’t sound right.”

  “I don’t get it either.” Faith shrugged, not realizing that was part of the problem. She just didn’t understand. Each time she thought of writing Shawn, she was at a loss as to what to say. Should she apologize? And if she did, just what was she was supposed to apologize for?

  She spent many nights sitting in front of a computer, trying to work up the right words, before she had an inkling of what had upset Shawn. By then, Faith had been gone for over two years and felt there was nothing she could say.

  When, finally, she was about to go home, she felt she needed to get Shawn back. She was completely clueless as to how she could make that happen.

  Chapter 10

  Stewart, Massachusetts

  1912

  In many ways, my sister-in-law seems to be a kindred spirit, Anna thought happily as she brushed out her hair before preparing to retire. Catherine seemed just as disgusted and distrusting of the captain as Anna was. Each time Horatio spoke during the evening meal, Catherine seemed to restrain herself from speaking her mind.

  When the two women had retreated to the kitchen to clean up the dinner dishes, Anna’s suspicions were confirmed. Catherine admitted that she was fighting an internal battle to refrain from informing her older brother that he was nothing more than a pompous, bullying, blowhard.

  The only regret Anna possessed regarding her newfound friend was that Catherine would probably grow weary of the captain’s bullying and simply leave. Anna sighed heavily, already regretting the day Catherine would leave her. Neither Catherine nor the captain were in good spirits after Mr. Van de Meer left. Anna feared the worst.

  She placed her brush down on the bed and went to the door. She was careful when she opened it, hoping not to awaken the captain. The last thing she wanted was one of his late-night visits. She listened carefully to ensure that he wasn’t wandering about. When she heard nothing except the wind, she stepped softly out of her room and closed the door quietly behind her.

  She crept along the hallway and up the staircase to the third floor. Her heart fluttered as she timidly raised her hand and tapped on the door. She trembled slightly when the door opened a crack. Her heart leapt when Catherine’s warm smile captured her.

  “Good evening, Sister,” she said shyly and lowered her gaze as Catherine continued to smile at her.

  “Good evening, Sister,” Catherine responded warmly, her voice caressing the nervous Anna’s fragile heart.

  “I just wanted to see if you were settled in for the evening,” Anna said, feeling suddenly silly for her late-hour visit. “Is there anything you need?”

  Anna timidly looked up at her sister-in-law when she failed to respond. She could have sworn that Catherine was blushing. Anna brushed aside the foolish notion, rationalizing that it must have been the dim lighting playing tricks on her.

  “I’m fine, thank you,” Catherine responded softly.

  “Well then, I bid you a good night and sleep well.” Anna felt oddly reluctant to leave.

  “Sleep well.” Catherine leaned down and lightly brushed her lips against Anna’s cheek.

  Anna released a small gasp when Catherine’s body brushed against her own. She felt flushed, and her skin burned where Catherine’s lips had touched her. “Good night,” Anna said before fleeing from Catherine’s gaze. A wash of confusion and heat coursed through her body as she quickly retreated back towards her own bedroom.

  “What are you doing out of your room?” Horatio blocked her bedroom door. She trembled beneath his cold, glaring look. “Well?”

  “I was just checking on Sister,” she said, her gaze downcast.

  “Leave her be,” he said in a nasty tone. “I wish to be rid of her as soon as possible.” He grabbed Anna roughly by her arm. “I have need of you tonight.” He closed her bedroom door behind them.

  Anna felt sick as she removed her nightgown and climbed into her bed. She reclined and waited for him with her eyes closed. She waited to hear the bed creak as he joined her. She said a silent prayer that he would be quick about his duties and leave. She never understood why he still demanded her services, since he seemed extremely displeased with her.

  Catherine seemed distant the following morning as they prepared the morning meal. “The servants leave every day at dusk and don’t return until after the morning meal?” Catherine finally inquired while Anna went about preparing her husband’s breakfast.

  “Yes.” Anna smiled, happy to finally hear her sister-in-law’s voice.

  “Always?” Catherine asked, still not looking at Anna. “Even when he’s away?”

  “Yes,” Anna answered, not understanding why Catherine refused to look at her. All Anna could think about last night was the chaste kiss Catherine
had placed on her cheek. There had been something in Catherine’s touch that held her captive even as the captain was making his feeble attempt in her bed.

  Silence reigned once again as they continued preparing the meal. “Have I done something to offend you, Sister?” Anna finally asked, weary of the silence that was strangling her.

  “No,” Catherine said flatly, her gaze meeting Anna’s for a brief moment.

  Anna cringed when she caught the accusing look in Catherine’s eyes before she looked away. “He’s my husband.” Anna felt suddenly betrayed.

  “I understand,” Catherine muttered in a weak voice.

  “Do you?” Anna asked harshly.

  “Yes.” Catherine sighed and looked deeply into Anna eyes with a gaze that seemed filled with sadness and regret.

  “Don’t pity me,” Anna said coldly and then turned away, her arms filled with plates of food.

  “I don’t.” She heard Catherine’s weak sob from behind her.

  Later that day, Anna still felt the anger linger as she tried to distract herself by working in her garden. She felt her skin prickle when a shadow was cast over her. She didn’t need to turn or look up to know that Catherine was standing above her.

  “I’m sorry, Sister,” Catherine said tenderly.

  Anna ignored her and focused on her precious flowers.

  “I forget my place. It was wrong of me to say or imply anything,” Catherine said. Anna could feel the anger and tension slipping away as she was lulled by the soothing sound of Catherine’s voice. “I just cannot abide the way he treats you.”

  “Nor can I, but I have no choice.” Anna finally lifted her gaze to look up at Catherine, who was peering nervously down at her. She shielded her eyes so she could see Catherine more clearly. “I can’t even vote.”

  “There are places where you could,” Catherine said in a conspiratorial whisper as she knelt down beside Anna. Anna smiled at Catherine’s sudden playful attitude.

  “So you wish to whisk me away to California?” Anna played along.

  “If I could,” Catherine said in a suddenly serious tone.

  Anna was taken aback by the strange sense of warmth that spread through her body from Catherine’s simple jest. Catherine looked around nervously, and Anna wondered if she was teasing her.

  “You could divorce,” Catherine suggested in a hushed tone.

  Anna clutched her bosom when a wave of panic rushed through her. “And then what?” she asked fearfully as she looked around to ensure that there was no one nearby who would hear their conversation and go running to her husband. “Lose my son? My home? I’m without an education or a penny to my name. My family won’t take me in, since it was my father who sold me to your brother.”

  “But you’ve thought about it?”

  “Yes, I’ve considered fleeing with my child,” Anna confessed. “Taking Richard and running off one night while the captain’s away at sea. Never to look back, and to be truly free for the first time in my life. Yes, dear Sister, I’ve thought about it every day since the moment the captain placed this cursed band on my finger.” Anna was almost shouting as she held up her hand and showed Catherine the simple gold wedding band that to her signified her enslavement. She calmed herself before she continued. “As I’ve said, I would have nowhere to go. And do you think that the captain would simply allow me to leave?”

  “No. My brother’s very careful when it comes to his possessions,” Catherine said bitterly. “He would never allow you to leave or free his heir from his grasp.”

  “No, he wouldn’t,” Anna said in a defeated tone. “I doubt that he cares for either of us, but it would wound his pride. He would never allow us to be free.”

  Anna felt a warm tingling when Catherine brushed her fingers across her cheek. “I wish I could bring light to your eyes,” Catherine said sadly. Her fingers lingered on Anna’s face.

  “And I to yours,” Anna replied softly, covering Catherine’s hand with her own. They sat there, each unwilling to move as they stared deeply into one another’s eyes. Anna was experiencing the strangest sensation of excitement as she leaned into Catherine’s touch.

  Chapter 11

  New York City

  Spring 2005

  Every inch of Faith Charles’s body ached. It’s good to be home, she thought as she looked down the bustling New York City sidewalk. Now I just need to find out if I’m still welcome. She sighed as the last conversation she had with Shawn replayed in her mind. What was I supposed to do? Faith shouldered her bag and headed towards the hotel she would be staying in while she tried to track down the quirky little ghost hunter.

  “Salvation,” she said with smile as she neared the hotel. Visions of a hot bath and a comfortable bed filled her weary mind.

  “Ms. Charles?” a voice called out to her just as the doorman was opening the door for her.

  Faith turned and saw a dark-haired woman approaching. “Yes.”

  “Faith Charles?” the brunette asked her eagerly.

  “Are you with the network?” Faith asked.

  “No.”

  “You don’t have a summons, do you?”

  “No.” The woman smiled. “I’m not a process server.”

  “Stalker?”

  “No, Ms. Charles.” The woman chuckled. “As charming as you probably think you are, you aren’t my type.”

  “Well, what do you want?” Faith was eager to end the conversation and check into the hotel.

  “My name is Delia St. James.”

  “And?”

  “I’m one of the owners of Whispering Pines, and I’d like to talk to you,” Delia said. Faith trembled with fear.

  Chapter 12

  Stewart, Massachusetts

  1912

  “What a glorious day,” Catherine sighed happily, linking her arm in Anna’s.

  “Hard to believe we’ll soon have snow,” Anna said. “And with the snow, my son will be returning. Richard will be home soon. I’m counting the days.”

  “We could—” Catherine began to say when they entered the small shop.

  “Hush,” Anna cut her off. “Husband owns most of the town. Many will do anything to be in his good graces,” she said in a quiet voice.

  “My dear brother,” Catherine sneered, looking like the words tasted foul.

  “I know what you were suggesting,” Anna said while she perused the bolts of fabric. “As I said before, he won’t allow us to go quietly. The risk of his wrath is far too dangerous.”

  “There must be a way.” Catherine appeared desperate to find the solution.

  “If there is, I’m unaware of what it could be.” Anna’s shoulders slumped in defeat.

  Chapter 13

  New York City

  May 2005

  “Just how does one acquire a white elephant like Whispering Pines?” Faith yawned as she stirred her coffee. They had been sitting for almost half an hour in the small coffee shop she had allowed Delia to drag her to, and the woman still hadn’t explained what it was she wanted.

  “The old-fashioned way. I inherited it,” Delia said with a sad smile.

  “Lucky you.”

  “White elephant is an apt description,” Delia continued. “Ownership of Whispering Pines is a huge responsibility that sucks you in. You can’t tear it down or sell it. Despite the trust my grandfather set up, renovating it has proven to be impossible over the years.”

  “Hard to find good help?” Faith quipped.

  “To say the least.” Delia sighed. “The noises, the apparitions, the garden in the back blooming overnight, and one out of every ten workmen running from the kitchen in a blind panic, aren’t helpful.”

  “So you know?”

  “Yes. We’ve always known about the kitchen,” Delia said. “It can be unpleasant for anyone, but if you’re batting for the wrong team it can be dangerous. My poor Uncle George was never the same after his one and only visit to Whispering Pines.”

  “Uncle George a bit light in the loafers, is he?�
� Faith teased with a knowing smirk. “So hire a straight crew.”

  “First of all, my grandfather was very big on gay rights even before homosexuals called themselves gay. Tolerance and working for change is a lesson he passed on to his children, and they passed it on to us,” Delia said. “Second, how do you know if someone is in the closet, or in denial? That kitchen is the best gaydar on the planet.”

  “Oh, so Grandpa was light in the loafers as well.” Faith yawned.

  “No, his mother.”

  “Your grandfather was Richard Stratton? That poor man. Wait, you know about Anna and Catherine?”

  “Yes,” Delia replied. “It wasn’t a secret. I don’t know how my grandfather found out, but he knew that his mother and aunt died because of the love their shared. At least, that’s the way it’s always been explained to us. How did you know?”

  “I was there,” Faith said. “Shawn, I mean, Dr. Williams, saw them together. And I could feel how they cared for one another.”

  “And that’s why I’ve been looking for you,” Delia said. “In the history of Whispering Pines, only six people have ever spent the night in that house. The captain, Anna, Catherine, my grandfather, and after the captain’s death, you and Dr. Williams are the only others who have been able to sleep there.”

  “Trust me, I didn’t sleep much.” The memory of her visit played out in Faith’s head. She felt the blush rising to her cheeks as she recalled how she and Shawn made love together for the first time.

  “Ms. Charles, I’m straight and I’ve never lasted more than an hour in that house,” Delia said. “Whispering Pines has a secret that you and Dr. Williams finally revealed. Despite what my grandfather knew, he was never completely certain that the captain murdered them.”

  “Oh, yes, he did. Dr. Williams saw the whole thing.” Faith blanched. “So, what do you want from me?”

  “As I said, ownership of Whispering Pines is a huge responsibility. And part of that responsibility includes finding and putting Anna and Catherine to rest. What I want, what I’m asking for, is that you and Dr. Williams return to Whispering Pines.