Haunting at Remington House. Laura V. Keegan

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СКАЧАТЬ Lindeman, and this lovely woman is my sister, Helen.” He continued brushing Elise’s hair, pulling the tangles roughly.

      “Elise, we’re pleased to have you here. But perhaps we should clear a few things up for you,” Helen said. “This is our house. Gabe’s and mine. We have lived here for a very long time and plan to go on living here. You must know, if you stay, you will abide by our rules. Do you understand that, dear?” Helen stroked Elise’s shoulder.

      “For the most part, we‘ve left you alone the few last weeks. But to be very honest, we feel you are beginning to intrude,” Helen said. “We have our own plans—you’re starting to interfere. Perhaps if you could tell us what you want, we could help you and then you could move on. Or,” she put her hand on her brother’s shoulder, “maybe, you would like to join Gabe and me. We would enjoy that—on our terms of course. It is our home, after all. But we think you could fit in nicely here. With us.”

      Furious, Elise flailed her arms at the old ones. Her fists met empty air. The two had vanished as quickly as they had appeared. Once again the room filled with the foul scent of decay. Another subtle reminder they had been there. Elise picked up her cherished gold hairbrush, its finish now dull and discolored. “Well, we’ll see who stays here. And whose rules we live by. I’m not afraid of you shriveled, old ghouls.”

      Helen and Gabe heard her of course. “Well, we’ll her give her some time to come around. After all, she needs us, doesn’t she, Gabe? And if she can’t see things our way, well, we’ll deal with her when—if —that time comes.”

      The two, tired and somewhat dejected, silently dragging their feet, retreated to a small, dark room at the back end of the hallway. “Time to rest, Gabe.” Helen held her brother’s hand affectionately and closed the door.

      Chapter 33

      “Tom!” Cassie hopped down the metal steps of the train. “Give me a big hug! You look wonderful, big brother.”

      Tom released Cassie, held her at arm’s length. “So do you, Sis. God it’s been a long time. I’m so glad you’re here.”

      “Hello, Tom,” William said, as he helped his young daughter down to the platform. “Cassie’s right. You look well. The ocean air obviously agrees with you.” He firmly shook Tom’s hand.

      Tom exclaimed, “Is that Lizzie? I can’t believe how much you’ve grown, little lady! Come here and give me a big hug.” He wrapped his arms around the child and held her tenderly. “I’ve missed you guys.” He smiled at his sister and her husband. “How was the train trip?”

      “Long, but relaxing. Beautiful landscape. A perfectly lovely trip,” Cassie said looking around the nearly empty station. Old-fashioned, black filigree street lamps lined the platform. Twinkle lights sparkled in barren tree branches. “What a quaint station. I feel like we stepped back to the turn of the century,”

      “Whole town’s like that. Very old-fashioned. Come on, Joe’s waiting for us. Let me help you with the luggage.”

      “Is Joe the man who’s been helping you at Remington?” Michael asked.

      “Yeah. He also drives a taxi, one of two in town. Great guy, you’ll see.” Tom picked up two suitcases and motioned with his head for everyone to follow. Joe came running and took the suitcases Cassie was carrying.

      “Joe, this is my sister, Cassie Wellington, her husband, Michael and their daughter, Lizzie.”

      “Pleased to meet you,” Joe said. When they reached the cab, Joe shook hands, then he and Tom loaded the bags into the trunk.

      An hour later, after all the luggage had been carried into the house, everyone gathered around the dining table. Nellie brought in trays of hot chocolate, ham sandwiches, potato salad, and chips. Halfway through her sandwich, Lizzie started falling asleep. The second time her chin dropped to her chest Cassie said, “Time to get you to bed, little one. Come on.” Cassie led a worn-out Lizzie to the spare bedroom upstairs and tucked her into bed.

      “Mama, leave the light on please. Where’s Buster?” Cassie handed her the well-worn rabbit. Lizzie snuggled under the down comforter, the blue bunny tucked tightly to her chest.

      “Nite, Lizzy. I love you. Sleep tight”

      “Nite, Mama.”

      Leaving the door slightly ajar, Cassie went downstairs. She poured herself a hot cup of coffee before bundling up in her heavy parka and joining her brother and husband who were out on the terrace watching the evening sky. “Truly lovely. You must be so pleased to have found this wonderful old house.”

      “Without a doubt,” Tom said, focusing his binoculars out on the water. “Something’s jumping out there.” Tom handed the binoculars to Michael. “See if you can figure out what it is.”

      “The pounding surf’s hypnotic isn’t it?” Cassie leaned against the porch wall and closed her eyes. “I can practically hear the waves call my name. I read that the ghost of a woman who drowned off the Isle of Westmoor haunts this coast. Maybe it’s her that you see.” Cassie opened her eyes. “Stop laughing at me. I’m serious. You both know I believe in spirits.”

      “Tom! I can’t believe it.” Michael handed the binoculars back to Tom. “Look, Cass is right, it’s the ghost of the mermaid.” He burst out laughing.

      Cassie stuck her tongue out. “Enough abuse! I’m going to bed. Goodnight.” Cassie smiled, gave Tom and Michael a peck on their cheeks, then closed the terrace door.

      “I love that woman!” Michael said, offering his flask to Tom. “Whisky?”

      Chapter 34

      Cassie and Mary spent the morning rearranging the furniture in Cassie and Michael’s bedroom. Cassie loved the thought of waking up to a view of the Atlantic. What a sinful luxury, pure indulgence for the soul. She smiled at Mary, wishing the young woman was more talkative and comfortable with her. She felt a little out of place. It seemed like everyone here knew everyone else.

      Cassie was dying to have a good chat with someone besides her brother. She wasn’t used to the silence that seemed to prevail in her brother’s house. Besides the constant roar of the ocean, it seemed little else was going on. Oh, well. For today, she’d settle for getting acquainted with everyone.

      Cassie asked, “So, what do you do with yourself here in Ravenswood?”

      “I work part time at the vet clinic, and I go to the local college. I’m studying veterinarian medicine.”

      “Wow, that’s great. I love animals, too. I guess you have several years of school left then?”

      “Yeah, I still have another four years—I won’t be going anywhere for a while. I plan on staying here after I graduate. I love it in Ravenswood. The local vet needs a partner, there’s no one to take over his practice when he retires, so he plans on working me in.”

      “Sounds like a solid plan. Good for you.” It took several hours to get everything to Cassie’s satisfaction. There was still more clothing to be unpacked, but that wouldn’t take long. Cassie could tell Mary was beginning to relax and enjoy herself. A special rapport was building between them as they worked side by side.

      Mary СКАЧАТЬ