“Yes, I do. You’re still my daughter, and I won’t allow anyone to treat you that way.” They agreed to disagree and made plans to have lunch the following day.
The shadow stood behind Kellie and smiled. Rufus growled.
########
It didn’t take Peter long to find Drew. He had seen him a few times since the breakup, and he had a gut feeling Drew liked to drink after work. Knowing his favorite bar was the Pizza Pub, Peter headed there after work.
He walked in and saw Drew sitting on a stool at the end of the bar. A shot and a beer sat in front of him. He downed the shot and followed with half the beer. The bartender set another shot and beer in front of him when Peter walked up. “We need to talk, Drew.”
“I don’t need to talk to you or anyone else,” mumbled Drew.
“Fine, then listen. You stay away from Kellie. The next time you frighten her, I’ll teach you what being frightened feels like.” Peter laid his hand on the bar and stared at Drew.
“You don’t have the right to do anything for Kellie. You were a coward and left her mother alone. Get outta my face.” Drew picked up the shot glass and downed the whiskey. The bartender slid a fourth shot glass in its place.
Peter’s hand balled into a fist. “You know darn well if the old man hadn’t threatened me and my family and then killed his own daughter, Alexis and I would have married and raised Kellie. I loved her mother.”
“Yeah, yeah, so you say. You’re a coward.”
“What does that make you for walking away from Kellie?”
Drew swung at Peter and missed. Peter grabbed Drew’s arm and twisted it behind him. The bartender removed the whiskey before Drew had a chance to drink more.
Peter said, “This is a warning kid. Even at my age I’m bigger and stronger than you. You hurt Kellie again or try and hit me again; you’ll find out just how strong I am.”
Peter let go of Drew’s arm and strode out of the Pizza Pub.
“Hey, where’s my shot?” Drew yelled.
“You’re done,” said the bartender. “Get out and don’t come back, Drew. We don’t allow fighting here, and you lost your right to be a patron.”
Drew struggled getting off the barstool and stumbled out mumbling the entire way. The bartender followed him cell phone in hand. “Drew, wait. Give me your car keys.”
“Go to hell”
As Drew tried to unlock his car and get in, the bartender called 911. He could hear the sirens as Drew started his car and began to back up. The squad car pulled in before Drew could pull out. The bartender smiled when he heard Drew cursing at the officers as they handcuffed him and placed him in their squad. “When will they learn not to drink and drive,” he said as he made his way back into the Pizza Pub.
########
Beth insisted Aunt Marge leave the house for a while. She’d take her to lunch in town. They could stop at the small country store Aunt Marge loved, and buy some of the hand-made candies.
“That sounds nice, Beth, but can we stop and light a candle for Janelle first? I also want to stop in the church office and make an appointment for planning Janelle’s funeral. We don’t know when they’ll release her body, but we need to be ready.”
“Of course, Aunt Marge. Let’s leave now and stop at church first. I need to make a call before we leave.” Beth left a message on Kellie’s machine informing her of the morning’s horror and asked her to call back later in the afternoon.”
########
Detective Kiel walked into the Medical Examiner’s office. “Hey, doc, got anything for me on the Devenly case?”
“She was strangled with the electrical cord from behind. Scratch marks on her throat were from her fingers. She most likely tried to pull the cord off. The attack would cut off her air supply immediately. She’d become weak, and collapse. She didn’t have time to fight back. This is one murder you’ll have to solve by what you can find at the scene.” The Medical Examiner held a clipboard and jotted down a few notes. “One last thing, I didn’t find any foreign fibers or fluids on her nightgown or body.”
“Thanks, doc.” Detective Kiel shoved his hands into his pockets and walked down the hall away from the office. His men had made a clean sweep of the crime scene. He hoped they missed something. This case was getting cold, and the day wasn’t over.
He drove back to the Devenly home and knocked on the door. He explained to Beth that he needed to check the crime scene again. She opened the door wide.
“Has anyone been in the apartment?”
“No, sir, but we found a black velvet rose lying on the floor outside the door this morning. The house was locked up tight. We’re waiting for a locksmith to have the locks changed. Aunt Marge is terrified someone may have found a way to get in.”
“It’s a possibility. Do you have a key for the apartment?” Detective Kiel pulled out his notepad and wrote a few words.
“Yes, in case of an emergency when Janelle wouldn’t be here. Aunt Marge has it well hidden in the kitchen. If someone gains access to the main house, I don’t know how they could get into Janelle’s.” Beth rubbed her forehead and looked at the detective.
“I’ll try to figure that out, too. I’ll be in the apartment.” Detective Kiel walked away leaving a bewildered Beth standing in the parlor.
Beth’s phone rang. It was Kellie. She offered her condolences, knew the family would need a few days of peace and quiet, she’d do investigating for them, and call later in the week.”
########
Kellie hung up the phone and sat at her table. She looked at Rufus and said, “What have I gotten myself into this time?” Rufus barked twice. “That’s exactly what I was thinking.” Rufus barked again.
Kellie ran upstairs to dress for dinner at Taylor and Hunter’s. It was a casual dinner with friends. She chose dark jeans and a light blue, button down blouse that brightened her blue eyes. Pulling her long blonde hair back, she secured it with a pearl clip at the nape of her neck.
She let Rufus out the back door. He could run and play in her and Taylor’s enclosed yard while she had dinner with her friends. Hunter opened the door, and Rufus tried to push his way in, but Hunter said, “Not tonight, boy, only humans at dinner.” He laughed as he closed the door on a barking Rufus. “C’mon, in Kellie.”
The shadow watched from the trees in the field behind the two houses.
Cole and Andrea arrived a few minutes after Kellie. The friends sat and did their best to discuss their lives, but Kellie sensed there was a problem.
“All right,” she said after about fifteen minutes. “Something is going on. You’re all acting weird. What’s up?”
Cole shifted in his chair, “Umm, it’s Drew.”
“What about Drew? I saw him last week during lunch at the Pizza Pub. I was there with a friend who’s helping me plan our children’s charity and Drew was there downing beer. He had several. Is that what you want to tell me?” She shook her head. “Is he drinking too much? I can’t help him. He also spoke to me today outside the candle shop and was nasty. I spoke to my dad about it. He’s going to have a word with Drew.”
“That’s only part of it. Drew may be admitted to Springs Rehab for alcohol and possible drug abuse.”
“What,” Kellie’s eyes widened. “Drugs and Drew, that sounds impossible. He counsels kids against drugs. If they want to admit him to rehab, it means he’s been using for a while. Do you know how long?”
“Since college with the alcohol and at least a year with pot, maybe more,” Hunter added.
“This is crazy. We were married. How could I not know?” Kellie stood and strode to the window, and looked out into the street. They were divorced, but she didn’t wish him ill, and she fought the tears she felt in her eyes.
“None of us knew,” Cole said. “From what his dad told me he only drank beer until he was hired by the counseling center. He began to drink vodka and smoke pot when he had to face the fact that ghosts exist. Worried he would lose his job; he drank more, and his work got
sloppy. When everyone left the mansion for good, he went home because he thought he could hide it from his parents. They never questioned his odd hours the way you would.”
Hunter said, “That’s when he began to smoke pot and who knows what else.”
Kellie turned, “That explains why Mrs. Adamson hid from me today at the mall. There was no way she would’ve been able to speak to me without saying something about Drew. I feel for her.” She sat in the chair next to the window and leaned her elbow on the arm.
“None of us knew what was going on until Mr. Adamson called me,” Hunter said. “He thought I might know what was going on. Drew was arrested for getting into a bar fight outside of town. He tested positive for alcohol and drugs. The sentence was probation with drug and alcohol counseling. If he breaks his probation, he’ll be in rehab for thirty to sixty days in lieu of jail time. Drew got off easy. He showed up drunk at court and threatened to punch the judge. Drew’s been fired, too.”
Kellie leaned her head in her hand. “So much makes sense now. How many times did he lose his temper at odd times? He was angry when we spent too much time at the Petal Gate Asylum. I bet he needed a drink and was afraid to sneak something. His nerves seemed to be shot, and he couldn’t handle what was going on at the mansion. I thought it was me. I’m beginning to understand why he was so cruel at times. It was the alcohol or drugs. They killed our marriage, and I think he was drinking today” This time her tears ran down her cheeks.
Taylor walked up to hold Kellie’s hand. “It wasn’t your fault. Drew succumbed to the pressures of work, the terror at the mansion, and your loss. I think he blamed himself for you losing the baby. He wasn’t as strong as you are.”
Hunter’s cell rang. He listened. “Yes, sir, I understand. If there’s anything we can do, please call.” He looked at his friends. “Drew was arrested this afternoon for attempting to drive drunk. The police caught him before he could leave the lot at the Pizza Pub. He’s in jail and will be transferred to rehab without being released. I can’t believe he broke probation. Mr. Adamson said he’s also lucky they aren’t keeping him in jail and are allowing him to go to rehab.”
“I know he blamed himself, but he also said he had made peace with it. It still hurts me, but it must have been worse for Drew. He always felt he needed to take care of everyone. The pressure got to him.” Kellie wiped the tears from her eyes. “There’s nothing I can do for Drew except pray. The four of you will have to be his friends and help if you can.”
Taylor smiled at Kellie. “We will. I think dinner is ready. Do you think you can eat after hearing all of this?”
“I’ll try.”
The five friends enjoyed Taylor’s dinner, but the conversation was subdued. Kellie stayed for an hour after dinner. She hugged everyone, called for Rufus as she left Taylor’s, and walked the short distance home. Walking into her kitchen, she took her shoes off and threw them across the room. She had fought the pain, sadness, and loneliness of a dissolving marriage for so long and made her way to the other side. Now she learned nothing she could have done would have mattered. The feelings returned but in the form of anger.
“How could he blame me for our marriage falling apart? He was solving his problem with alcohol instead of trying to stay together. I’m glad he filed for divorce before it became worse,” she yelled into the empty room.
Rufus barked.
She dropped into a chair, and Rufus laid his head in her lap.
Chapter Four
Quiet descended over the Devenly house. Aunt Marge was sound asleep while Beth tossed and turned. Close to four a.m. Beth woke to an odd scraping sound. Aunt Marge appeared in her doorway. “Did you hear that?”
“Yes, do you know where it’s coming from?” Beth sat and pulled on her robe.
“The attic,” Aunt Marge whispered.
They heard heavy footsteps crossing the attic floor. The footsteps seemed to stop in the middle of the room. Both women heard a loud thud above their heads. It was followed by a piercing shriek that echoed through the entire house. Beth grabbed the phone and dialed 911. Two officers arrived within minutes.
Beth explained what they heard, and the officers entered the attic with their guns drawn. The attic was well lit, and they couldn’t find an intruder. They checked the rest of the house including Janelle’s apartment and told the two frightened women the house was clear. The officers left telling Beth they would be back if needed.
Sitting on the sofa sipping the tea Beth had prepared for her, Aunt Marge heard a whine. It was barely audible at first, but soon both women could hear a child crying. It sounded as if it were a small child afraid or in pain.
Beth walked toward the hall, turned and said, “It’s coming from Janelle’s apartment. The police were just in there, and it was empty. I can’t go in; the police tape is still up.”
Aunt Marge marched up to the door, “This is my house.” She turned the doorknob, pushed the door open, ducked under the police tape, and entered the apartment. Beth followed.
Neither woman could find anyone, but as they left, they heard a soft whimper coming from Janelle’s kitchen. They hurried out and closed the door.
“I know something is haunting this house. Tomorrow you need to call Kellie again. Maybe she can figure this out. We also have to go to the church and plan Janelle’s funeral. I need sleep,” Aunt Marge yawned.
########
Kellie’s eyes popped open. She heard something, but not sure what. She lay quietly in bed hoping she didn’t have a prowler. No, she thought, I have an excellent security system. Hearing a soft whimper she got up to look for Rufus. He was asleep in his usual spot. She heard the whimper again. The whimper turned into a child’s frightened cry. It encircled her.
“Who are you?” The whimpering stopped.
“Where are you?”
“In daddy’s kitchen.” The whimpering started again but grew distant and quieted. Kellie knew the spirit was gone. She glanced at the clock and saw it was a little after four a.m.
Kellie climbed back into bed and mumbled, “Here I go again. Will spirits bother me forever?” She lay back and eventually fell asleep.
########
Drew woke in the small room at the rehab facility. He sat on the edge of the bed and rubbed his face with both hands. “I need a drink, but there’s no way I can get out of here until they think I no longer crave alcohol,” he mumbled. He was grateful he didn’t crave the pot. How many kids had he recommended get help in rehab?
He dropped back onto the bed mumbling, “No wonder those kids hated me and always asked for a different counselor when they were released. This place sucks. What’s wrong with drinking? It would never have gotten out of hand, if not for Kellie.”
Drew rolled over and punched his pillow. “How could I have ever gotten involved with a woman who sees ghosts and had an insane grandfather? Can I get revenge on a ghost? He ruined my life. I lost my job. He killed my child. I’ll find a way to get my revenge.”
Drew lay back and contemplated his future. His thoughts were jumbled in his withdrawal.
########
Aunt Marge moving around the kitchen woke Beth. It was only seven, and they had plenty of time before they needed to keep their appointments with the funeral director and their pastor. She rubbed her eyes and walked down to the kitchen.
“Good morning, Aunt Marge. Why are you up so early?” Beth stifled a yawn.
“I tried to sleep and then I remembered the funeral director asked if we had pictures of Janelle he could use to make a collage. I only have a few. Maybe Janelle kept more in her living room closet. I know she kept two old cigar boxes with pictures in there, but I was afraid to go back into the apartment alone.” Aunt Marge sipped her tea.
“I’ll go with you. We’ll be in and out in no time.” Beth poured hot water over the tea bag in her cup.
The phone rang. Beth said she’d answer, and Aunt Marge should enjoy her tea.
“Hello. Yes, I understand. Thank you for calling.”
“Who was that?”
“It was the detective in charge of Janelle’s case. He said they finished their investigation here at the house. We can remove the police tape and go in the apartment.” Beth removed the tea bag and mixed a spoonful of sugar in the tea.
“Good,” said Aunt Marge giving her knee a slap. “We’ll have it torn down as soon as possible. I have always hated that apartment, and now it holds the memory of Janelle’s death.”
The back door flew open, and a cold wind blew in chilling both women. It scattered papers on the counter and blew into the living room causing the newspapers to fly around the room. As both women looked at each other they heard a book fall over on the second floor, and the attic door slam shut. Loud footsteps echoed through the house followed by a painful screech. Beth hurried to close the door wondering if a cold front had passed through, but the early fall weather was warm.
“We have a ghost,” said Aunt Marge. “This proves it. I’m getting the boxes of pictures before more happens.”
Beth followed her and both women stopped when they saw the stairs leading to the second floor scattered with black velvet roses. Beth ran up and saw the roses continued down the hall and up the attic steps.
“We should move out, Aunt Marge. We do have a ghost” A loud crash could be heard in the attic, and one of the roses lifted off the stairs and floated toward them. It landed at Aunt Marge’s feet.
“No, we’re not leaving. This is my home and even if the roses mean death, I’m staying.” Every rose except the one at Aunt Marge’s feet disappeared.
Aunt Marge picked up the rose and walked to Janelle’s door. She opened it and dropped the rose on a table and showed Beth the boxes of pictures she wanted. Beth carried them back to the parlor.
She placed the boxes on the table in front of Aunt Marge and hurried to take a shower. When she returned Aunt Marge had a small pile of pictures on the table and was holding one. Her hands were shaking.
“What is it Aunt Marge? Whose picture is that?”
BLACK VELVET ROSES Page 3
