Beth brought her aunt a cup of tea. Aunt Marge took a sip and continued.
“I would get rid of it, but Albert is Janelle’s great-grandfather and she believes she has a claim on that part of the house. It’s where she stays when she visits. Albert tried for ten more years to make something of his life and continued to fail. One day he was found hanging in the attic of the main house. My grandfather believed he killed himself in our house to make some twisted gesture that he could do what he wished.” Kellie could see her hands were still trembling a bit when she took another sip of tea.
“That’s an interesting story, but I’m not sure who or what would want to frighten you now. You have been living here for years. Would anyone else benefit from the sale of the house?”
“I don’t think so. Do you Beth?”
“No. We have a small family. Janelle is an only child. She’s had a sad life. She lost her parents and her grandparents. Her great-grandfather had two children. He had a son but lost a daughter. His wife died in childbirth, and the baby girl was stillborn. My great-grandparents only had one child, a son. My paternal grandparents had two children, my dad and Aunt Marge. My parents have two children, but there are eight years between us. My brother is still single and has moved to Australia to live a free life of sun and surf. Janelle is my only cousin. Neither of us has children or is married. I can’t think of anyone who would want the house or to scare Aunt Marge. My parents moved to Arizona, and I came to live with Aunt Marge. Janelle’s parents passed away last year. My parents, my brother, Janelle, Aunt Marge, and I are all that’s left of the Devenly family.”
“Would it be all right if I walked through the house? Maybe I’ll notice or hear something. I never know what will get my attention.” Kellie turned her head to the side and looked at Aunt Marge and Beth.
“Sure, follow me,” Beth smiled.
The first and second floors were beautiful. The furnishings were well cared for, and Kellie didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary. The attic was dark. Two small windows added little light. Beth flipped a light switch and overhead lights lit the entire attic. Kellie walked around. It reminded her of the attic of the Malone mansion. She felt her skin crawl, and a sense of evil enveloped her the way it had whenever her grandfather’s spirit was near. She was standing in the middle of the attic when she felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand up.
“Where did your great-grandfather hang himself?”
“Right where you’re standing.”
Kellie nodded, “Let’s go downstairs. Would Janelle let me see where she stays?”
“Maybe, let’s ask.” At the bottom of the stairs, they walked down a short hall and knocked at an old door. It looked out of place in the well-kept home. “This is the way Janelle’s great-grandfather built it, and Janelle refuses to fix anything.”
The door opened, and Janelle glared at them. “What?”
“Kellie was wondering if she could walk through your rooms. She might get a sense of what’s bothering us.”
“You guys are crazy, but what the heck. Come on in, look for the ghosts.” She laughed.
Kellie walked through the living room into the kitchen. She felt cold encircle her body. Her body ached, and she was overcome by extreme sadness. Fighting back tears, Kellie returned to the main house as fast as possible.
Beth and Janelle followed. “What’s wrong?” asked Beth.
“I don’t know. I felt very strong emotion in Janelle’s kitchen. I’m not sure what caused it.”
Janelle was laughing as Beth walked Kellie out. Kellie assured her she would try to figure out what was going on and call her. Rufus jumped in the car and laid in the backseat as Kellie pulled away from the house.
“There’s something evil in that house Rufus. I felt evil in the attic and another spirit in the kitchen. I think it was a young spirit overcome with fear. Maybe the internet will have answers.”
########
Kellie spent an hour on the internet, but didn’t learn anything more than Beth had told her. The Devenly family was typical of families that settled in the area in the eighteen-hundreds. She couldn’t find any scandals or criminals in the family. The worst was Janelle’s great-grandfather’s inability to profit from any business he started.
The shadow laughed knowing Kellie could sense spirits and see their misty figures, but she felt safe at home. She never saw him or felt his presence.
Kellie leaned back in her desk chair. She ruffled the fur on Rufus’ head. “Well boy, looks like we have a real mystery here. The house has something evil in it and no clues as to what it might be. Aside from old Mr. Devenly hanging himself, there’s nothing out of place. No ancient burial grounds, murders, or illegal activity in the area. I’ll have to try and see if any of the locals know anything. Maybe their local library is worth a try, but for now dinner and a movie.” Rufus barked and followed Kellie into the kitchen.
########
Dinner was quiet in the Devenly home. Janelle’s anger flashed in her eyes, but she kept it under control. Beth had a light hearted conversation with Aunt Marge. When Janelle finished eating, she dropped her fork on her plate.
“I’m going to my apartment.” She stood, rushed out of the kitchen, and left the clean-up to Beth.
She stormed around the apartment mumbling to herself, “I’ll be damned if they’re going to keep me from getting money by not selling this house. I own this apartment, and since it sits on the land, I own a share. I’ll force that old woman to sell one way or the other.”
Janelle noticed the light had turned green on her e-reader. Great, she thought, I’ll be able to finish my book this evening. She unplugged the cord, and placed it on top of the e-reader, as she passed the small table on her way into the bathroom.
Busy brushing her teeth and looking into the sink instead of the mirror, she was unaware of the figure that had crept up behind her. Unaware, that is, until the e-reader cord dropped in front of her neck, and she was pulled into a standing position. Unable to scream at the face she saw in the mirror, she clawed at the cord around her neck.
The face in the mirror smiled at her struggles, and she fell to her knees. He pulled the cord tighter. She couldn’t breathe, her chest felt as if it were on fire, her head pounded, and her vision began to dim. The room grew dark as she slumped to the floor. The last sound she heard before death overtook her was his diabolical laughter and his words, “You’ll never sell this house.”
Chapter Three
Taylor knocked on Kellie’s back door. Rufus began barking, and jumped up at the door’s window when he saw Taylor. He jumped and spun several times before Kellie came to the door. Rufus could also see the shadow standing next to Taylor. It disappeared before Kellie could get to the door.
Kellie opened the door smiling at Taylor. “I knew it was you before I came to the door. You and Hunter are the only ones who get him that excited.” Rufus was doing his best to jump up on Taylor. “Down, Rufus,” said Kellie.
Taylor backed up. “No, Rufus, I have to go to work. I don’t want to be covered in dog hair.”
“Do you have time for coffee or tea?”
“No, I just wanted to pop over to ask if you’re free for dinner tonight. Cole and Andrea are coming, too. I have a huge pot roast and veggies in the crock pot now. It’ll be good.”
“You know I can’t resist your pot roast. What time?”
“Six?” Taylor hugged Kellie. “Have to run.”
Kellie closed the door behind Taylor, and Rufus lay on the floor and whined.
########
Aunt Marge enjoyed her tea and cinnamon muffin on the back patio. She decided to watch the morning news and headed for the parlor. Glancing down the hall toward Janelle’s door something caught her eye. Beth had just stepped out of the shower when she heard Aunt Marge call her name. She sounded frantic. “Beth, please come here.”
Beth grabbed her robe and rushed downstairs. “What’s wrong, Aunt Marge?”
Aunt Marge was standing
at the bottom of the stairs where the short hall led to Janelle’s apartment.
“Look,” she pointed toward Janelle’s door.
Beth stopped on the steps and stared at the single black velvet rose that lay in front of Janelle’s door.
Aunt Marge looked at Beth, her eyes filled with fear. “Someone was in the house again last night.”
“Aunt Marge, maybe it’s Janelle. She could wander around the house at night. She wants you to sell the house.” Beth wrapped the robe around her tighter.
“I’ll find out. Aunt Marge marched up to Janelle’s door and pounded on it. “Janelle, open the door and come out here.”
Beth walked up beside Aunt Marge and knocked on the door. Calling Janelle’s name, she tried the door. The knob turned. “I’m going in and wake her up if she’s sleeping. For all I know, she’s sitting at her table laughing while drinking her coffee.”
Beth entered the apartment and could see the bathroom on her way to Janelle’s bedroom. She saw Janelle lying on the bathroom floor. “Aunt Marge, call 911. Janelle’s ill.” Kneeling next to Janelle, she saw the bruise on her neck, felt for a pulse, and hurried back to Aunt Marge. Her aunt was doing her best explaining to the 911 operator that Janelle was ill, but she didn’t know what was wrong.
Beth took the phone. “This is Beth Devenly. My cousin Janelle is dead. Yes, I said dead. Please send someone.”
Aunt Marge’s face became pale, and Beth thought she might collapse. She helped her to the sofa. “I’ll make you some tea.”
“No, don’t leave me alone,” she grabbed Beth’s arm.
A few minutes later they heard sirens and saw a police cruiser and a Paramedic Unit pull up in front of the house.
Two police officers were at the door when Beth opened it. The officers were followed by two paramedics. “Where’s the body? Are you sure she’s dead?”
“Yes, follow me.” Beth led the paramedics to Janelle’s bathroom. She went back to sit with Aunt Marge, and explained the morning’s events to the officers.
One paramedic returned and spoke to the officers. The older officer disappeared into Janelle’s apartment.
The brown haired officer who introduced himself as Officer Rawlings said, “The paramedic confirmed your fear. I’m sorry for your loss. The coroner’s van will arrive soon and take your cousin to the medical examiner’s office. Detective Kiel will also be here soon to finish the initial investigation.” He excused himself and joined his partner.
The second paramedic walked into Aunt Marge’s parlor and asked if he could check her vitals. She looked shaky and pale. Aunt Marge agreed. “Your blood pressure is a little high. Do you usually have high blood pressure?”
“No, it’s fine at the doctor’s office.” Aunt Marge reached for Beth’s hand.
“It’s understandable under the circumstances. Are you feeling well? Do you have any chest pain or difficulty breathing?” The paramedic listened to Aunt Marge’s heart.
“No,” Aunt Marge shook her head. “I’m just shocked Janelle is dead.”
The coroner arrived while the paramedic spoke with Aunt Marge. Beth showed him into Janelle’s apartment.
Detective Kiel spoke to Beth about what she knew. He took notes and joined the coroner.
The coroner spoke to Detective Kiel. “You’re right, looks like she was strangled with the cord lying under her body. I’ll check and see if it’s our murder weapon, but I’m sure it is. You’ll get my report.” The coroner walked through Aunt Marge’s parlor, wished the two women a nice day, and disappeared out the door heading to his van. Two men brought a gurney in the house and removed Janelle’s body.
Detective Kiel said he would be in touch, and not to allow anyone into Janelle’s apartment. Beth closed the front door, leaned against it, and took a deep breath. She shuddered when she saw the yellow police tape across Janelle’s door. Aunt Marge called her name, and she hurried to her side.
########
Kellie finished her jog with Rufus, took a shower, and sat on the back deck. Rufus was chasing a squirrel and barking when it raced up a tree out of his reach. A sudden chill caused Kellie to feel goose bumps rise on her arms. She recognized the chill. It wasn’t natural. Feeling it might be a warning, she tried to shake it off. Nothing was wrong. Was it?
“No,” she mumbled to herself. “All the bad spirits are behind me.” She decided to spend the afternoon at the mall. Shopping always took her mind off her problems.
The shadow smiled.
Walking through the mall didn’t help her shake the odd feeling something was happening that would pull her back into a situation she’d rather ignore. She bought a pretzel and an iced coffee, and began to make her way back to the opposite end of the mall. Seeing Drew’s mother, Kellie decided the proper thing to do would be to say hello. When Drew’s mother saw her, she crossed to the opposite side of the mall and disappeared into a large dress shop. As Kellie passed, she could see Mrs. Adamson peeking out at her from behind a rack of dresses.
“Weird,” she mumbled. She decided to head home.
########
As Kellie drove past the small strip mall, she noticed a sale sign near the street advertising fall scented candles were now available at her favorite candle shop. She felt some trepidation when she parked the SUV. She was parking in the lot where she had been kidnapped two years before. She pulled into a spot near the shops and far enough from any other vehicle to give her a sense of safety. You have to get over the anxiety you feel about this parking lot, Kellie thought as she slammed her car door and headed toward the shop.
Meandering through all the shelves filled with candles and decorations, she found a lovely silk leaf centerpiece in fall colors for her dining room table. She walked around the displays searching not only for her favorite fragrances, but for the perfect pillar candle to fit the centerpiece. Loving the baking scents in candles, she found nutmeg, cinnamon, and one labeled fall spice. She put two of each in her basket and then found the pillar candle in a soft orange with a spicy scent. Finding the perfect candle made her smile.
“Hi Kellie,” said the cashier. Kellie shopped for candles often enough that the owner, Layla, knew her by name.
“Hi, I had to come in when I saw you had the fall scents. I love these.” She placed her candles on the counter.
As Layla rang up the candles and wrapped them to keep them from breaking, she asked, “Are you settled in your new house?”
“Yes, it has been a few months, but it did take a bit of doing. I had to shop and purchase a houseful of new furniture.” Kellie smiled.
“Sounds like torture.” Layla smiled back.
“It was sheer torture.” Both women laughed as Layla packed Kellie’s purchases in a brightly colored shopping bag.
She handed the bag to Kellie, “Enjoy your candles, come back and see me soon. Have a pleasant day.”
“I will thanks, you, too.” Kellie left the candle shop with her purchases. She placed the bag in the back of her SUV and when she shut the back a voice behind her made her jump.
“Still buying candles? You’d think you’d be more careful especially in this lot. You didn’t even see me.”
She spun and the anger flashed in her eyes. “Drew Adamson, you’re acting like a jerk. Leave me alone. If you were so concerned that I should be careful here, you shouldn’t have spoken to me before I saw you. You shouldn’t have spoken to me at all.” Kellie walked to her car door and could hear the door unlock before she reached it. She breathed a sigh of relief. She didn’t want to deal with Drew today or any day.
“Poor rich Kellie. Couldn’t afford a bodyguard? You have enough money for everything else. Enough to ruin everything you touch including me. Divorce is the best word in the world.” He ambled to the wall of the building and leaned on it.
“Are you drunk? You can’t even walk straight. Go home or go anywhere just leave me alone.” He said something she didn’t hear because she had climbed into her vehicle and closed the door. The music from a CD
drowned out any sounds Drew was making.
He didn’t move while she drove away, but her hands were shaking. He had changed, and it unnerved her.
########
Kellie slammed her backdoor when she arrived home. She caught herself before she tossed the bag on the floor. There were glass candles in the bag. Drew had intimidated her, and that made her angry. He used to love her and made her feel safe. Now she had no idea what he was thinking or why he was so angry with her.
Rufus was barking at her and jumping in circles. “Okay, boy, it isn’t your fault Drew’s a jerk.” She ruffled the fur on his head, opened the back door, and watched him race to his favorite spot near the back fence.
Kellie walked into the living room and looked out the window at the neighborhood children playing in the cul-du-sac. She lay her hand on her abdomen feeling the twinge of emptiness she often felt when she saw small children. Kellie had gotten over the guilt she felt for the miscarriage caused by her falling down the stairs. She knew it happened when she was fleeing from her grandfather’s spirit. If she hadn’t fallen, he would have killed the child another way. Drew hated the old man for what he had done, but then turned his hatred toward Kellie. She didn’t understand why, but he left her and their marriage was over.
Dropping into a chair, she picked up the phone. “Hi, it’s Kellie. Can I speak to my dad, please?”
She and Peter, her biological father, had gotten closer while her marriage to Drew fell apart. She felt comfortable enough to begin calling him dad and he was thrilled. He became her rock. Peter was there for her at her worst times.
“Hi, Kellie. What’s up?” Peter’s warm voice came through the phone.
She explained her encounter with Drew, and they had a nice chat. Kellie felt better, and Peter was determined to speak to Drew. “You don’t have to do that, Dad.”
BLACK VELVET ROSES Page 2
