BLACK VELVET ROSES

by Marianne Spitzer

  Mrs. Stewart saw Kellie enter the E.R. She was on her feet by the time Kellie entered the waiting area. “How are they?” Kellie whispered.

  Mrs. Stewart threw her arms around Kellie. “They’re hurt, but will be okay. Taylor’s in x-ray. They think she broke her wrist and possibly the bone connected to it. Hunter’s having an MRI. They know his leg is broken, but not how severe. They’re also concerned he has broken ribs. They were hit head-on. Thank God they aren’t dead.” She began to cry and Kellie held her close. Growing up next door to the Stewarts, her affection for Mrs. Stewart was deep.

  The nurse let the Stewarts know that Taylor was back from x-ray. Mrs. Stewart held Kellie’s hand and the nurse said, “Family only.”

  Mr. Stewart spoke up, “Kellie is Taylor’s sister. She’s coming with us.”

  “Of course,” said the nurse. “Follow me.”

  Randy arrived in the waiting area and nodded at Kellie when she turned and looked at him. Her heart beat faster knowing what a good man he was and Taylor and Hunter would be all right.

  ########

  The shadow hung on the side of the road near the trees and two wrecked cars. He smiled as they pulled the body of the driver out of the second vehicle. It didn’t matter if someone died. He had succeeded in his quest. With the driver dead, he could never tell them about the shadow and if Hunter mentioned the shadow people would assume he was in shock. Hunter and Taylor weren’t dead, but that was all right. They were injured and out of the way. Hunter would be in the hospital for a while and Taylor would stay by his side or close. She wouldn’t be going home and Kellie would be alone. He was stronger now and could take on Kellie alone. All that stood in his way was the dog. Plans for removal of the annoying dog were forming in his mind. He laughed knowing no one could stop him.

  ########

  Taylor smiled when her parents and Kellie walked into the room. “The nurse told me only family could visit.”

  “Your dad told the nurse I was your sister. How are you?” Kellie held her tears in check seeing Taylor wasn’t badly hurt.

  Taylor’s mom could only hold her hand and cry. Her dad stood stoic at the doorway. Kellie felt he was also holding back tears.

  “The doc said I cracked a bone in my wrist when it hit the car door, but my arm is fine. They will be in soon to put a cast on it. He said the few bruises on my face would heal quickly. How bad is it?”

  “You look beautiful,” Kellie said. “You have a few small bruises from the air bag. Be happy they are there. It kept you from hitting the dash.” She did her best to smile. “When you want to go out you can cover them with makeup.”

  “What about Hunter? Is he back yet?” Taylor’s voice began to crack.

  “No, hon,” her mom said. “MRI’s take time and they are doing a good job of checking his leg and ribs. Try not to worry.”

  The doctor arrived and placed a cast on Taylor’s wrist. He then added a removable wrist brace as extra protection and in case she needed to wash her fingers that stuck out the end of the cast. Both were a nice shade of pink. Taylor whispered to Kellie, “This one is prettier than the blue ones I wore after the visit to the Gotz Manor.” Kellie smiled and shook her head.

  “Hunter’s doctor will be in to see you soon. As far as I’m concerned, you can be discharged. They’ll give you a script for the pain medication you were given when you first arrived. Don’t try and be brave, if you have pain take a pill. You won’t get addicted.” He smiled at Taylor.

  Mr. Stewart shook the doctor’s hand and thanked him profusely for taking good care of his daughter. He was always a man of few words and Kellie was surprised to hear him speak so freely.

  A nurse arrived with a wheelchair for Taylor. “Hunter will be back in a few minutes. I’ll take you to his room. His parents are waiting there, too. It might be a good idea if your family goes back to the E.R. waiting area. You can’t have too many people in the room.”

  “Of course we’ll wait in the waiting room. Taylor needs time with Hunter. We’ll be waiting for you hon.” Mrs. Stewart hugged Taylor and Mr. Stewart nodded.

  “Tell Hunter we’re all here for him. I’ll call Cole and Andrea for you,” Kellie said.

  They watched the nurse push Taylor down the hall and around a corner. All three turned and headed back to the waiting area. Mr. Stewart went for coffee. Kellie filled Randy in on Taylor and said they were waiting on word about Hunter. She introduced Randy to Mrs. Stewart and excused herself to make a call to Cole and Andrea.

  Kellie walked outside for some fresh air and to make her call. She could see Randy getting Mrs. Stewart to laugh. Must be one of his crazy construction stories she thought.

  She bit her lip as she waited for either Cole or Andrea to answer. Kellie didn’t have to wait long.

  “Hi Kellie,” Andrea’s soft voice came through the phone.

  “Hi,” there was no hiding the stress in her voice.

  “What’s wrong Kellie? I hear it in your voice.”

  Kellie explained about the accident and they were waiting for a report on Hunter.

  “Okay, Cole’s in the basement. I’ll tell him and we’ll be there as soon as we can. Thanks for calling.”

  Kellie slipped her phone back in her pocket. She entered the waiting area in time to see Mr. Stewart walk back with fresh coffee and a plate of cookies. He said, “They were having a bake sale in the hospital cafeteria for the pediatric wing. I couldn’t resist.”

  Kellie smiled and said Cole and Andrea were on their way.

  ########

  Hunter was returned to his room and Taylor was at his side tears streaming down her cheeks and dripping on his hospital gown. “I’m fine, Taylor. It doesn’t hurt any longer and I can breathe better.”

  “That’s because there are pain meds in your IV,” she said kissing his cheek. “We’ll know soon how bad the breaks are.”

  No sooner than she spoke, the doctor entered the room. “You look better, Hunter. The pain meds must be working. I have some good news and some not so good news.”

  “Okay, tell me the worst first.”

  “Your left tibia is cracked and you have two cracked ribs on your left side. The good news is none of them are broken completely. They’ll still take the same amount of time to heal and you’ll need a wheelchair, but no surgery. That’s also good news.”

  “Wheelchair, why can’t I use crutches? We have a two story house.” Hunter frowned and knitted his eyebrows.

  “Crutches would be fine if not for the cracked ribs. It would be too painful and your ribs wouldn’t heal properly since we no longer bind them. Binding your chest keeps you from breathing deeply which could cause pneumonia. You’ll need to do deep breathing exercises. It will hurt at first, but get better.” He was making some notes on Hunter’s chart. “We’ll get a cast on that leg and I would like you to spend at least tonight in the hospital. Even though you’ll be using a wheelchair, you’ll need a bit of PT to learn the safe way to get out of the wheelchair and onto a chair or use the bathroom. Just getting up and hopping on your good leg doesn’t cut it. Your left leg is going to weigh a lot more with the cast. Any questions?”

  “I’d like to stay with him tonight,” Taylor said.

  “You were also hurt and need a good night’s rest.” He smiled. “I’ll have maintenance move a second bed in here. There’s plenty of room. Someone will be right in to set your leg, Hunter.”

  Mr. O’Neil said, “I need to find the restroom and I’ll let Kellie know about Hunter.” He hurried out of the room.

  Hunter whispered to Taylor, “We need to talk alone and with Kellie. It’s about her shadow figure.” Taylor’s eyes grew large and she nodded.

  ########

  Cole and Andrea arrived at the E.R. Seeing Randy and Kellie; they hurried over to find out Taylor and Hunter’s condition. Kellie filled them in as best she could. “I’m sure they’ll want to see you when Hunter’s cast is on and his mom will leave his side. I’m a little worried about Mrs. O’Neil. She loo
ks like she may collapse.”

  Cole said, “She’s very emotional. Once she knows Hunter’s okay, she’ll be fine.” He sat down and dropped his head in his hands. He looked at Andrea and said, “Growing up is too stressful. Last year a ghost tried to kill me, Drew’s been in rehab, and Hunter and Taylor are here after an auto accident. We need to go somewhere nice on vacation.”

  Andrea took his hand and smiled. “Take a deep breath sweetie, everything will be all right.”

  The O’Neils walked into the waiting area and spoke to Kellie. “Taylor and Hunter would like to talk to you alone for some reason. We’re going to the cafeteria to get something to eat. Anyone want to join us? Oh, Hunter is a bit groggy; they gave him more pain meds when they set his leg.”

  The Stewarts followed the O’Neils down the hall in the direction of the cafeteria.

  “I wonder why they want to see me alone,” Kellie said. “I’ll be back.”

  ########

  Kellie walked into Hunter’s room and saw Taylor and Hunter whispering. They looked serious and she wondered if she should disturb them. “Hi,” she said.

  “I’m glad you’re here,” Hunter said. “We need to talk.”

  Kellie pulled a chair next to Hunter’s bed. Taylor was lying on the bed on the opposite side of Hunter. Tears welled in her eyes as she looked at Kellie.

  Kellie covered her mouth with her hand, “Is something wrong with you, Hunter, more than your leg and ribs?”

  “No, physically I’m going to be fine. I have cracked ribs and a bone cracked in my leg, but they will heal in time. This is about your shadow stalker.” He spoke slowly without moving. Kellie knew he was in pain.

  “My shadow stalker?” She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “What do you know?”

  “It caused our accident. Taylor was leaning back with her eyes closed singing along with the radio. She didn’t see it. One minute it wasn’t there and the next it was in the middle of the road. Then it flew directly at the oncoming car and it swerved toward us. I assume the driver was trying to avoid the shadow. He hit my side of the car head-on. It was awful. The staff has kept the police out of here so far. I’m going to have to lie. How do I mention a shadow?” Taylor was fighting sobs at this point trying not to lean on Hunter.

  “You can tell them you have no idea why the other car crossed the center line, but the other driver will surely bring it up. I don’t know what you’ll say. The police will think he’s crazy.” Kellie bit her lip and shook her head. “The driver will have a lot of explaining to do.”

  “That’s not a problem,” Hunter whispered. “I overheard two nurses discussing the accident and asked one of them about the other driver. I could see by the look on her face before she told me. He didn’t make it.”

  “Oh, no,” Kellie said. “This is my fault. The shadow’s after me and attacked you. I don’t know why. I’m so sorry.” She covered her face with her hands trying to hide her tears.

  Taylor said, “We only told you so that you could stay safe. We won’t be home if you need us. You should stay with Uncle Mike and Aunt Rita, but how can you explain it? Maybe you could stay with Cole and Andrea.”

  “No, I can’t put them in danger. I have Rufus and Randy won’t let me stay alone. He’s in the waiting room. I’ll talk to him and be back so you know what’s going on.” She hugged Taylor and kissed Hunter on his forehead.

  “Rufus,” Hunter whispered. “Where is Rufus? He can’t be alone. The shadow will kill him. I love that dog.”

  “Calm down, Hunter. Rufus is at Randy’s house and safe. I promise to make sure he stays safe.” She held his hand.

  “Okay,” he closed his eyes and fell asleep.

  “They gave him strong pain meds,” Taylor said.

  “I can see that. Please assure him we’re all fine and I don’t want you to worry either.” She hugged Taylor.

  ########

  Kellie hurried to the waiting room and passed the O’Neils and Stewarts as they wanted to see their children. She found Randy, Cole, and Andrea and sat down next to them.

  “I have something to tell you.” She related Hunter’s story. Andrea immediately offered her a place to stay, but she refused. “The shadow might follow me. It has already hurt Hunter and Taylor. You need to stay safe.”

  “You’re coming home with me,” Randy said. “We’ll swing by your place, grab a few things, stop for some take-out, and head to my place. Kellie began to argue, but he said, “It’s a bit late to barbeque, but the mousse is already made and waiting.” He smiled at her.

  “Okay, let me run and tell Taylor where I’ll be.” She hurried to the hospital room and returned quickly. There were too many people in the room, but Taylor knows she would be at Randy’s. Tomorrow they’d figure out what to do.

  Kellie hugged Cole and Andrea goodnight. “I whispered to Taylor that you two are waiting. Their parents are leaving soon and you can visit.”

  Chapter Twenty-three

  They stopped at Kellie’s before heading to Randy’s. Kellie ran upstairs to toss some things into an overnight bag. In five minutes, they were back in Randy’s truck and drove away from Kellie’s house.

  ########

  The shadow fumed. He had planned on getting to Kellie while she was in the house alone and the dog was outside. She was with that man. He would bide his time until she returned alone and the dog was outside. If he tried to attack the dog again, Kellie might stay away. He needed to get to her. The dog was only a small obstacle now.

  ########

  Leaning back in Randy’s truck, Kellie said, “I’m so grateful Hunter and Taylor will be okay. They have been through too much, especially Taylor. Her ordeal in that dungeon was horrible. We all need some peace.”

  Her cell rang. She looked at Randy, “It’s Claudia.”

  “Maybe it’s good news.”

  Kellie’s hand trembled as she answered the phone. “Hello. What? Are you sure? No, I don’t doubt your abilities. What can I do? Okay, I’ll be sure not to be alone. Yes, I’ll tell them.”

  “You look like someone jumped out and scared you. What did Claudia say? Is it that bad?”

  “She told me to tell Hunter and Taylor to get well soon.” His eyebrows furrowed when he looked at her. “I don’t know how she knows these things, but she does.”

  “That’s not what upset you.” He glanced at her and then back to the road.

  “Evidentially, Gordon Otto’s sister hates me as much as he does. She would sue me, but she doesn’t have proof of the transactions between her father and my grandfather. It was mostly a verbal agreement. Her anger and hatred are festering. Somehow Gordon has been able to tap into it and pull strength from it. She tried to have a séance, but it didn’t work. However, Gordon was close and drew on her anger. Claudia believes he now can use electrical jolts and possibly fire along with the soot. She’s not sure of the jolt’s strength or how large a fire he could start. My grandfather was able to burn down Kyle’s barn with the wave of his hand.” Kellie looked out the side window. She didn’t want Randy to know how much fear was building in her heart and mind.

  “Electrical or fire! You’re never going home again. He’ll try and electrocute you or burn you alive.” His knuckles were turning white as he gripped the steering wheel.

  “Claudia said she’s going to try and learn what we can do. She said Gordon was a decent young man who would have gone into the light had he died in a car accident or fall. He was killed by his father. That’s diabolically evil and sick. Gordon has zeroed in on that aspect and it’s turned to hatred.” She reached for his hand as he pulled into his garage and parked.

  “Okay, let’s try and forget this right now. I have a ton of ribs and fixins in back. Let’s eat and try to enjoy it. I made sure they added a few beef bones for Rufus and there’s the chocolate mousse in the house.” He smiled and she did her best to return his smile.

  ########

  Kellie woke in an empty bed. She remembered Randy had to be at the construc
tion site early. The cold weather would arrive soon and he would need to shift to indoor jobs.

  He told her last night, “I don’t get as many jobs and I’ll have more free time.” He grinned just before he kissed her.

  Rufus was snoring. Randy must have let him out before he went to work. Kellie was glad for that. She mumbled, “Now I can just enjoy this bed and watch the morning news.” The TV woke Rufus. He walked up to the bed and looked at Kellie then turned around and lay back down. “Crazy dog is looking for Randy. He’s my dog and he prefers Randy. Ugh, men! Human or animals, they stick together.” After the news she showered, ate a quick breakfast, and left.

  Rufus jumped in the back seat and they headed home. She was talking out loud and Rufus laid his head on her headrest to listen. “I know we’re supposed to have someone with us, but we can handle anything, right Rufus?” Rufus barked. “Halloween’s over and the children’s charity will be planning our annual Christmas Ball. I have a lot to do. We’ll grab all the paperwork and head back to Randy’s. Sound good?” Rufus barked. “I agree, we’ll be in and out before the shadow knows we’re there.”

  ########

  Drew had not driven far from Malone Springs. He knew his parents would never call the police and report the theft. Having every intention of heading to California, his need for alcohol was stronger. About ten miles from town he saw a small motel with an attached bar. He checked in and headed for the bar. One beer can’t hurt and I could use a quiet day or two at the motel. I hate the way my parents hovered, he thought.

  Drew woke with a headache. He wasn’t sure what day or time it was. Anger had been building in him toward Kellie. “I need a beer.” When he saw the bar was closed to repair a broken water pipe, his anger exploded.

  Stomping to his car, he sped out of the parking lot to the nearest convenience store. A six pack of beer was soon sitting next to him. He pulled into a nearby park and drank three of them in rapid succession. He gripped the steering wheel, “I’ll never get to California this way. The muffler sounds like it’s going, and who knows what else. I need a better car. Kellie’s SUV would work and I bet she has money at home. She owes me.” Drew raced out of the park and headed to Kellie’s.