| Mystery and Crime Fiction posted March 30, 2024 | Chapters: |
...4 5 -6- 7... 
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Sandra uncovers a few things
A chapter in the book The Unwilling Heir
The Unwilling Heir - Chap 6
by Begin Again
ENDING OF CHAPTER 5
Sandra jumped at the sound of a voice beside her. The young waitress stood near Sandra's table as she spoke, "There's our grieving widow now." She chuckled and added, "Sorry! I didn't mean to startle you." She laughed again and walked away.
Sandra turned her head to see Madeline getting out of the car. Without her black veil, she looked different today, much younger and sexier. Sandra's attention shifted to the passenger getting out of the passenger seat. He walked around to the driver's side, laughing and saying something to Madeline. He wrapped his arms around her and leaned in for a kiss. It wasn't a friendly peck on the cheek; instead, they locked lips in a passionate show of affection.
Sandra choked on her coffee and spewed it all over the table, shocked by what she saw. She could see he was in uniform.
Very interesting! Now, that wasn't a friendly kiss and hug by my standards. And your husband just died. Hmm! Was he the same officer who came to the mansion the day Noah died? Maybe I should have listened better to what James said about that day. Was the officer there to console the widow or to cover up a murder?
Sandra pulled a five-dollar bill from her pocket and tossed it on the table.
What other secrets is Willow Creek hiding?
*****
CHAPTER 6
As Sandra leisurely strolled along the wooden boardwalk, she couldn't help but admire the charming store windows that showcased a variety of delightful handmade crafts, freshly baked goodies, and trendy fashion wear. Each store had unique displays of treasures that piqued Sandra's curiosity and filled her with wonder. Despite the town's relatively small size, the stores offered a vast selection of intriguing items that left her feeling pleasantly surprised, but it didn't stop the thoughts nagging her.
Charm can only go so far, Sandra. Don't forget that Willow Creek has secrets lurking everywhere, including at the mansion.
Thoughts of the mansion reminded her that Lorrie would be worried if she didn't return soon, so she quickly retraced her steps back to her car.
Opening the door to her car, she noticed something strange - a small piece of paper was tucked under her windshield wiper. She couldn't imagine who could have left it there. The only people she knew in town were James and Lorrie. The waitress at the diner, who had been so kind to her earlier, came to mind, but Sandra couldn't think of anything else the waitress might want to tell her. She stepped around the car door and moved closer so she could reach the paper.
As she unfolded it, her heart began to race. The message on the paper read —
Go home! Unless you want to make the cemetery your permanent address.
Sandra gasped and looked around, but there was no one in sight.
It's a threat! Who would do this? And why?
Now, she knew something sinister was happening in the town, and somehow, she was part of it.
I need answers, and I'm going to get them one way or another.
As she drove towards the mansion, darkness had already enveloped the countryside, and time had slipped away. The message she received earlier had left her with a lingering sense of unease. The road was dark except for the pale moonlight, filtering through the tall maple tree branches and casting eerie shadows across the winding road, playing with her imagination. Yet, she was determined not to be afraid.
As Sandra rounded the curve, the cemetery was on the left side. The mansion was further down the road. The iron gates towered above the hedge line. She slowed the car to a crawl, staring at the enormous gates and beyond. She should have driven past, but her decision was made.
As she drove through the gates, the gravestones rose around her like silent sentinels in the night. The crunch of gravel beneath her tires echoed through the stillness, and a shiver ran down her spine as she peered through the windshield, straining to see anything beyond the inky blackness of the sky.
Then she saw it — flickering lights or torches in the distance. They seemed to be moving. Curious, she stopped the car and got out to take a better look, but they were gone. The night was chilly, and the silence was broken only by the sounds of crickets.
Am I imagining things now? I know something was there.
Rubbing her eyes, she strained, hoping to see the lights again. To her surprise, they were there again. She counted the blobs — one, two, three, four, five. Her body tensed as she watched, wondering what or who they were.
A male voice broke the silence, "You shouldn't be here."
Sandra's heart skipped a beat, and she trembled violently as a cold chill ran down her spine. His hand touched her shoulder, and she let out a piercing scream that echoed across the cemetery. Her eyes widened with terror as she spun around to face the speaker.
Her voice cracked. "Judge — Parker?"
He took hold of her arm and led her towards the car. "I didn't mean to scare you, but being in the cemetery at night is unsafe."
Sandra was confused as her eyes darted around the area. "Where did you come from?" She pointed across the grassy hill. "There were lights. Did you see the lights?"
The Judge questioned her, "Lights? No, I don't think so. Could it have been my flashlight?"
Sandra shook her head and insisted, "There were five lights, possibly torches, on the top of that hill."
"I don't see anything, dear. It's getting late, and you've had quite the day. If you don't mind, you can give me a ride to the mansion, and we can talk. I know a shortcut through the cemetery. I'll show you."
As Sandra walked towards her car, she kept glancing at the gravestones and the hill, searching for any signs of movement.
I know I saw lights! And how did the Judge suddenly appear out of nowhere? Who is he really? Why was he here, and what wasn't he telling me?
As she slipped behind the wheel, she glanced up the hill again and then at the man beside her. He was holding the note she'd found earlier and frowning.
"I'm sorry, but it was lying on the seat when I got in. Where did it come from?"
Sandra pursed her lips and sighed. "Someone put it on my windshield while I was in town. Probably some kid is playing a joke on the new person in town."
"A joke? It doesn't seem funny to me." The Judge studied the message. "Did it scare you?"
"Scare me?" Sandra rolled her eyes and forced a smile. "Why would it scare me?" She hoped he couldn't see the goosebumps covering her arms. "Like I said, it probably was a silly joke."
But I'm not laughing! And neither are you, it seems.
The Judge gave Sandra directions, "Follow this road around the curve and then take the fork to the right. The mansion's only five minutes from there. I walk this way every night."
While Sandra watched the road, her passenger seemed content to look out the window and remained silent for the remainder of the trip.
So much for talking. I'm not crazy. I saw those lights, and I think you did, too.
*****
The grand Victorian mansion loomed above the trees as Sandra's car pulled into the driveway, casting an impressive shadow over the grounds.
"You can drop me here if you don't mind. I will walk around to the carriage house. James is expecting me." He opened the car door. "Thanks for the ride, but I recommend staying out of the cemetery at night. You never know what might be lurking in the darkness." He closed the door, waved, and disappeared down the path as Sandra drove closer to the house.
Lorrie turned on the outdoor lights, illuminating the pathway to the porch. The bubbly housekeeper greeted Sandra at the door with a warm smile. The delightful aroma of pot roast filled the air.
"I was beginning to worry. You were gone for a long time." They both entered the home, and Lorrie closed the door. "You've missed dinner, but I'd be happy to warm you a plate," Lorrie offered, noticing Sandra's weariness.
"I didn't mean to worry you, Lorrie. I just had a lot on my mind." Sandra looked around for her suitcase. "I just think I need some rest, but thank you."
Lorrie continued to fuss, "If you change your mind, there's always leftovers in the fridge." She smiled, "Now go ahead and get some rest. I had James carry your suitcase upstairs before returning to the carriage house. I've prepared you a hot bath and turned down your bed."
"Oh, I didn't mean to be a bother."
"No bother. You go ahead and relax now. A good night's sleep will make everything look chipper in the morning. You wait and see."
Sandra doubted that was possible, but as she climbed the stairs, she had to admire the mansion's interior. The intricate details of the chandelier and the antique decorations were a testament to the mansion's rich history. She couldn't wait to bathe and crawl into bed, but she wondered if sleep would come.
Lorrie's voice echoed up the stairwell as Sandra reached the top landing. "Goodnight."
*****
Sandra stirred from her sleep and fumbled for the lamp on the nightstand. She rolled over in the large four-poster bed and swung her legs over the edge. Her stomach rumbled and growled, reminding her that the scone with jam she had earlier could hardly pass for a meal. Her mouth was already watering as she thought of the pot roast waiting in the refrigerator.
The chilly night air had made the room's temperature drop. She slipped on her fluffy housecoat and warm slippers and tiptoed to the door, unsure of where Lorrie's bedroom was in the large house. She listened and then quietly opened the door.
As she stepped into the dimly lit hallway, she was struck by the beauty of the tiny sconces that illuminated the walls with a soft and warm glow. The plush carpet beneath her feet made her feel like she was walking on a cloud, muffling the sound of her steps. She hesitated momentarily as she approached the stairs, unsure whether to go down.
Am I crazy, or do I hear voices? It's strange that Lorrie didn't mention any other guests. Could it be the Judge meeting with James? But it's so late.
She leaned over the banister, peering into the darkness. She couldn't see their faces, but she could hear their heated argument.
"This is getting out of hand! It was supposed to be simple."
"We couldn't have known she'd go to your office and discover the book."
"Well, she says she has it." James lowered his voice. "How does that affect you, Bill?"
"It's her I am worried about, not me. If they learn the book has been discovered, things could get ugly. She won't be safe. Someone has already threatened her."
Sandra shivered as she listened.
Who are these men? They're talking about me and the book. One of them must be James. Are the others the men from the cemetery? What does the book have to do with the mansion?
Ryan's voice was frustrated as he spoke, "We didn't bring her here for the book. And tonight, the Judge says she saw the lights in the cemetery. You know she isn't going to forget it. I bet she starts questioning you, James, as soon as she sits down for breakfast."
"Seeing the lights is a problem. How do we explain that away?" James shook his head and paced the room.
"First, the book, then the lights. And don't forget the note. How long before she discovers who we are?"
Benny's voice was laced with anger. "That's not finding Noah's killer. The book has nothing to do with his death, does it?"
James intervened, "We need to calm down. Screaming at each other won't solve a thing. We brought her here, but not to put her life in danger. If that's the case, we need to send her packing."
"James, we both know if she smells a story, she's not going anywhere."
*****
"Are you alright, deary?"
Intent on the conversation below, Sandra didn't hear nor expect Lorrie to approach her from behind. She bumped her head against the railing. "Ouch! She rubbed her head as she bolted to her feet,screamed and then stammered, "Lorrie, I thought —"
"Child, you'll catch a chill sitting in this drafty hallway." The housekeeper swept a wisp of gray hair from her face. "You should be in bed."
Knowing she was caught red-handed eavesdropping, she shrugged and said, "I heard voices arguing."
"Arguing? No, child, just some men having a meeting of the minds. Pay no, never mind to them. Come along. I brought you something to eat."
"But they were talking about me and —"
Lorrie slipped her arm around Sandra's waist and steered her back to the bedroom. "Stop your fretting. Here I thought you were tucked away, fast sleep. Now, I find you're roaming the cold hallway. Tsk, tsk, that will never do."
Once inside, she tossed back the comforter and waved for Sandra to climb in.
Her guest continued to clamor about what she'd overheard, "Lorrie, those men —"
"If you catch the death of cold, you'll not find any of your answers, so get in bed, and I'll give you a serving tray before the plate gets cold again. I lit a fire so the room will be toasty in a minute or two." She patted Sandra's legs under the comforter. "Let things be for the night."
Drained and confused, Sandra snuggled under the covers, thinking maybe Lorrie was right.
As the housekeeper prepared to leave, she stopped at the doorway and winked. "There's a stairway at the end of the hall leading to the kitchen. Just in case, you might want more to eat. It's shorter, so I use it a lot."
She opened the door, adding, "Now, I'm sure the men are wondering what the screaming was about, so I have that to attend to." She shook her head, mumbling, "My work is never done, it seems."
With a final glance at Sandra, she added, "Now, deary, I see you stewing over there. Just don't go jumping on the train before it even pulls into the station. You get something warm in your stomach and a good night's rest, and I am sure the men will be sitting down with you in the morning."
ENDING OF CHAPTER 5
Sandra jumped at the sound of a voice beside her. The young waitress stood near Sandra's table as she spoke, "There's our grieving widow now." She chuckled and added, "Sorry! I didn't mean to startle you." She laughed again and walked away.
Sandra turned her head to see Madeline getting out of the car. Without her black veil, she looked different today, much younger and sexier. Sandra's attention shifted to the passenger getting out of the passenger seat. He walked around to the driver's side, laughing and saying something to Madeline. He wrapped his arms around her and leaned in for a kiss. It wasn't a friendly peck on the cheek; instead, they locked lips in a passionate show of affection.
Sandra choked on her coffee and spewed it all over the table, shocked by what she saw. She could see he was in uniform.
Very interesting! Now, that wasn't a friendly kiss and hug by my standards. And your husband just died. Hmm! Was he the same officer who came to the mansion the day Noah died? Maybe I should have listened better to what James said about that day. Was the officer there to console the widow or to cover up a murder?
Sandra pulled a five-dollar bill from her pocket and tossed it on the table.
What other secrets is Willow Creek hiding?
Sandra jumped at the sound of a voice beside her. The young waitress stood near Sandra's table as she spoke, "There's our grieving widow now." She chuckled and added, "Sorry! I didn't mean to startle you." She laughed again and walked away.
Sandra turned her head to see Madeline getting out of the car. Without her black veil, she looked different today, much younger and sexier. Sandra's attention shifted to the passenger getting out of the passenger seat. He walked around to the driver's side, laughing and saying something to Madeline. He wrapped his arms around her and leaned in for a kiss. It wasn't a friendly peck on the cheek; instead, they locked lips in a passionate show of affection.
Sandra choked on her coffee and spewed it all over the table, shocked by what she saw. She could see he was in uniform.
Very interesting! Now, that wasn't a friendly kiss and hug by my standards. And your husband just died. Hmm! Was he the same officer who came to the mansion the day Noah died? Maybe I should have listened better to what James said about that day. Was the officer there to console the widow or to cover up a murder?
Sandra pulled a five-dollar bill from her pocket and tossed it on the table.
What other secrets is Willow Creek hiding?
*****
CHAPTER 6
As Sandra leisurely strolled along the wooden boardwalk, she couldn't help but admire the charming store windows that showcased a variety of delightful handmade crafts, freshly baked goodies, and trendy fashion wear. Each store had unique displays of treasures that piqued Sandra's curiosity and filled her with wonder. Despite the town's relatively small size, the stores offered a vast selection of intriguing items that left her feeling pleasantly surprised, but it didn't stop the thoughts nagging her.
Charm can only go so far, Sandra. Don't forget that Willow Creek has secrets lurking everywhere, including at the mansion.
Thoughts of the mansion reminded her that Lorrie would be worried if she didn't return soon, so she quickly retraced her steps back to her car.
Opening the door to her car, she noticed something strange - a small piece of paper was tucked under her windshield wiper. She couldn't imagine who could have left it there. The only people she knew in town were James and Lorrie. The waitress at the diner, who had been so kind to her earlier, came to mind, but Sandra couldn't think of anything else the waitress might want to tell her. She stepped around the car door and moved closer so she could reach the paper.
As she unfolded it, her heart began to race. The message on the paper read —
Go home! Unless you want to make the cemetery your permanent address.
Sandra gasped and looked around, but there was no one in sight.
It's a threat! Who would do this? And why?
Now, she knew something sinister was happening in the town, and somehow, she was part of it.
I need answers, and I'm going to get them one way or another.
As she drove towards the mansion, darkness had already enveloped the countryside, and time had slipped away. The message she received earlier had left her with a lingering sense of unease. The road was dark except for the pale moonlight, filtering through the tall maple tree branches and casting eerie shadows across the winding road, playing with her imagination. Yet, she was determined not to be afraid.
As Sandra rounded the curve, the cemetery was on the left side. The mansion was further down the road. The iron gates towered above the hedge line. She slowed the car to a crawl, staring at the enormous gates and beyond. She should have driven past, but her decision was made.
As she drove through the gates, the gravestones rose around her like silent sentinels in the night. The crunch of gravel beneath her tires echoed through the stillness, and a shiver ran down her spine as she peered through the windshield, straining to see anything beyond the inky blackness of the sky.
Then she saw it — flickering lights or torches in the distance. They seemed to be moving. Curious, she stopped the car and got out to take a better look, but they were gone. The night was chilly, and the silence was broken only by the sounds of crickets.
Am I imagining things now? I know something was there.
Rubbing her eyes, she strained, hoping to see the lights again. To her surprise, they were there again. She counted the blobs — one, two, three, four, five. Her body tensed as she watched, wondering what or who they were.
A male voice broke the silence, "You shouldn't be here."
Sandra's heart skipped a beat, and she trembled violently as a cold chill ran down her spine. His hand touched her shoulder, and she let out a piercing scream that echoed across the cemetery. Her eyes widened with terror as she spun around to face the speaker.
Her voice cracked. "Judge — Parker?"
He took hold of her arm and led her towards the car. "I didn't mean to scare you, but being in the cemetery at night is unsafe."
Sandra was confused as her eyes darted around the area. "Where did you come from?" She pointed across the grassy hill. "There were lights. Did you see the lights?"
The Judge questioned her, "Lights? No, I don't think so. Could it have been my flashlight?"
Sandra shook her head and insisted, "There were five lights, possibly torches, on the top of that hill."
"I don't see anything, dear. It's getting late, and you've had quite the day. If you don't mind, you can give me a ride to the mansion, and we can talk. I know a shortcut through the cemetery. I'll show you."
As Sandra walked towards her car, she kept glancing at the gravestones and the hill, searching for any signs of movement.
CHAPTER 6
As Sandra leisurely strolled along the wooden boardwalk, she couldn't help but admire the charming store windows that showcased a variety of delightful handmade crafts, freshly baked goodies, and trendy fashion wear. Each store had unique displays of treasures that piqued Sandra's curiosity and filled her with wonder. Despite the town's relatively small size, the stores offered a vast selection of intriguing items that left her feeling pleasantly surprised, but it didn't stop the thoughts nagging her.
Charm can only go so far, Sandra. Don't forget that Willow Creek has secrets lurking everywhere, including at the mansion.
Thoughts of the mansion reminded her that Lorrie would be worried if she didn't return soon, so she quickly retraced her steps back to her car.
Opening the door to her car, she noticed something strange - a small piece of paper was tucked under her windshield wiper. She couldn't imagine who could have left it there. The only people she knew in town were James and Lorrie. The waitress at the diner, who had been so kind to her earlier, came to mind, but Sandra couldn't think of anything else the waitress might want to tell her. She stepped around the car door and moved closer so she could reach the paper.
As she unfolded it, her heart began to race. The message on the paper read —
Go home! Unless you want to make the cemetery your permanent address.
Sandra gasped and looked around, but there was no one in sight.
It's a threat! Who would do this? And why?
Now, she knew something sinister was happening in the town, and somehow, she was part of it.
I need answers, and I'm going to get them one way or another.
As she drove towards the mansion, darkness had already enveloped the countryside, and time had slipped away. The message she received earlier had left her with a lingering sense of unease. The road was dark except for the pale moonlight, filtering through the tall maple tree branches and casting eerie shadows across the winding road, playing with her imagination. Yet, she was determined not to be afraid.
As Sandra rounded the curve, the cemetery was on the left side. The mansion was further down the road. The iron gates towered above the hedge line. She slowed the car to a crawl, staring at the enormous gates and beyond. She should have driven past, but her decision was made.
As she drove through the gates, the gravestones rose around her like silent sentinels in the night. The crunch of gravel beneath her tires echoed through the stillness, and a shiver ran down her spine as she peered through the windshield, straining to see anything beyond the inky blackness of the sky.
Then she saw it — flickering lights or torches in the distance. They seemed to be moving. Curious, she stopped the car and got out to take a better look, but they were gone. The night was chilly, and the silence was broken only by the sounds of crickets.
Am I imagining things now? I know something was there.
Rubbing her eyes, she strained, hoping to see the lights again. To her surprise, they were there again. She counted the blobs — one, two, three, four, five. Her body tensed as she watched, wondering what or who they were.
A male voice broke the silence, "You shouldn't be here."
Sandra's heart skipped a beat, and she trembled violently as a cold chill ran down her spine. His hand touched her shoulder, and she let out a piercing scream that echoed across the cemetery. Her eyes widened with terror as she spun around to face the speaker.
Her voice cracked. "Judge — Parker?"
He took hold of her arm and led her towards the car. "I didn't mean to scare you, but being in the cemetery at night is unsafe."
Sandra was confused as her eyes darted around the area. "Where did you come from?" She pointed across the grassy hill. "There were lights. Did you see the lights?"
The Judge questioned her, "Lights? No, I don't think so. Could it have been my flashlight?"
Sandra shook her head and insisted, "There were five lights, possibly torches, on the top of that hill."
"I don't see anything, dear. It's getting late, and you've had quite the day. If you don't mind, you can give me a ride to the mansion, and we can talk. I know a shortcut through the cemetery. I'll show you."
As Sandra walked towards her car, she kept glancing at the gravestones and the hill, searching for any signs of movement.
I know I saw lights! And how did the Judge suddenly appear out of nowhere? Who is he really? Why was he here, and what wasn't he telling me?
As she slipped behind the wheel, she glanced up the hill again and then at the man beside her. He was holding the note she'd found earlier and frowning.
"I'm sorry, but it was lying on the seat when I got in. Where did it come from?"
Sandra pursed her lips and sighed. "Someone put it on my windshield while I was in town. Probably some kid is playing a joke on the new person in town."
"A joke? It doesn't seem funny to me." The Judge studied the message. "Did it scare you?"
"Scare me?" Sandra rolled her eyes and forced a smile. "Why would it scare me?" She hoped he couldn't see the goosebumps covering her arms. "Like I said, it probably was a silly joke."
But I'm not laughing! And neither are you, it seems.
The Judge gave Sandra directions, "Follow this road around the curve and then take the fork to the right. The mansion's only five minutes from there. I walk this way every night."
While Sandra watched the road, her passenger seemed content to look out the window and remained silent for the remainder of the trip.
So much for talking. I'm not crazy. I saw those lights, and I think you did, too.
*****
The grand Victorian mansion loomed above the trees as Sandra's car pulled into the driveway, casting an impressive shadow over the grounds.
"You can drop me here if you don't mind. I will walk around to the carriage house. James is expecting me." He opened the car door. "Thanks for the ride, but I recommend staying out of the cemetery at night. You never know what might be lurking in the darkness." He closed the door, waved, and disappeared down the path as Sandra drove closer to the house.
Lorrie turned on the outdoor lights, illuminating the pathway to the porch. The bubbly housekeeper greeted Sandra at the door with a warm smile. The delightful aroma of pot roast filled the air.
"I was beginning to worry. You were gone for a long time." They both entered the home, and Lorrie closed the door. "You've missed dinner, but I'd be happy to warm you a plate," Lorrie offered, noticing Sandra's weariness.
"I didn't mean to worry you, Lorrie. I just had a lot on my mind." Sandra looked around for her suitcase. "I just think I need some rest, but thank you."
Lorrie continued to fuss, "If you change your mind, there's always leftovers in the fridge." She smiled, "Now go ahead and get some rest. I had James carry your suitcase upstairs before returning to the carriage house. I've prepared you a hot bath and turned down your bed."
"Oh, I didn't mean to be a bother."
"No bother. You go ahead and relax now. A good night's sleep will make everything look chipper in the morning. You wait and see."
Sandra doubted that was possible, but as she climbed the stairs, she had to admire the mansion's interior. The intricate details of the chandelier and the antique decorations were a testament to the mansion's rich history. She couldn't wait to bathe and crawl into bed, but she wondered if sleep would come.
Lorrie's voice echoed up the stairwell as Sandra reached the top landing. "Goodnight."
*****
Sandra stirred from her sleep and fumbled for the lamp on the nightstand. She rolled over in the large four-poster bed and swung her legs over the edge. Her stomach rumbled and growled, reminding her that the scone with jam she had earlier could hardly pass for a meal. Her mouth was already watering as she thought of the pot roast waiting in the refrigerator.
The chilly night air had made the room's temperature drop. She slipped on her fluffy housecoat and warm slippers and tiptoed to the door, unsure of where Lorrie's bedroom was in the large house. She listened and then quietly opened the door.
As she stepped into the dimly lit hallway, she was struck by the beauty of the tiny sconces that illuminated the walls with a soft and warm glow. The plush carpet beneath her feet made her feel like she was walking on a cloud, muffling the sound of her steps. She hesitated momentarily as she approached the stairs, unsure whether to go down.
Am I crazy, or do I hear voices? It's strange that Lorrie didn't mention any other guests. Could it be the Judge meeting with James? But it's so late.
She leaned over the banister, peering into the darkness. She couldn't see their faces, but she could hear their heated argument.
"This is getting out of hand! It was supposed to be simple."
"We couldn't have known she'd go to your office and discover the book."
"Well, she says she has it." James lowered his voice. "How does that affect you, Bill?"
"It's her I am worried about, not me. If they learn the book has been discovered, things could get ugly. She won't be safe. Someone has already threatened her."
Sandra shivered as she listened.
Who are these men? They're talking about me and the book. One of them must be James. Are the others the men from the cemetery? What does the book have to do with the mansion?
Ryan's voice was frustrated as he spoke, "We didn't bring her here for the book. And tonight, the Judge says she saw the lights in the cemetery. You know she isn't going to forget it. I bet she starts questioning you, James, as soon as she sits down for breakfast."
"Seeing the lights is a problem. How do we explain that away?" James shook his head and paced the room.
"First, the book, then the lights. And don't forget the note. How long before she discovers who we are?"
Benny's voice was laced with anger. "That's not finding Noah's killer. The book has nothing to do with his death, does it?"
James intervened, "We need to calm down. Screaming at each other won't solve a thing. We brought her here, but not to put her life in danger. If that's the case, we need to send her packing."
"James, we both know if she smells a story, she's not going anywhere."
*****
"Are you alright, deary?"
Intent on the conversation below, Sandra didn't hear nor expect Lorrie to approach her from behind. She bumped her head against the railing. "Ouch! She rubbed her head as she bolted to her feet,screamed and then stammered, "Lorrie, I thought —"
"Child, you'll catch a chill sitting in this drafty hallway." The housekeeper swept a wisp of gray hair from her face. "You should be in bed."
Knowing she was caught red-handed eavesdropping, she shrugged and said, "I heard voices arguing."
"Arguing? No, child, just some men having a meeting of the minds. Pay no, never mind to them. Come along. I brought you something to eat."
"But they were talking about me and —"
Lorrie slipped her arm around Sandra's waist and steered her back to the bedroom. "Stop your fretting. Here I thought you were tucked away, fast sleep. Now, I find you're roaming the cold hallway. Tsk, tsk, that will never do."
Once inside, she tossed back the comforter and waved for Sandra to climb in.
Her guest continued to clamor about what she'd overheard, "Lorrie, those men —"
"If you catch the death of cold, you'll not find any of your answers, so get in bed, and I'll give you a serving tray before the plate gets cold again. I lit a fire so the room will be toasty in a minute or two." She patted Sandra's legs under the comforter. "Let things be for the night."
Drained and confused, Sandra snuggled under the covers, thinking maybe Lorrie was right.
As the housekeeper prepared to leave, she stopped at the doorway and winked. "There's a stairway at the end of the hall leading to the kitchen. Just in case, you might want more to eat. It's shorter, so I use it a lot."
She opened the door, adding, "Now, I'm sure the men are wondering what the screaming was about, so I have that to attend to." She shook her head, mumbling, "My work is never done, it seems."
With a final glance at Sandra, she added, "Now, deary, I see you stewing over there. Just don't go jumping on the train before it even pulls into the station. You get something warm in your stomach and a good night's rest, and I am sure the men will be sitting down with you in the morning."
*****
"Are you alright, deary?"
Intent on the conversation below, Sandra didn't hear nor expect Lorrie to approach her from behind. She bumped her head against the railing. "Ouch! She rubbed her head as she bolted to her feet,screamed and then stammered, "Lorrie, I thought —"
"Child, you'll catch a chill sitting in this drafty hallway." The housekeeper swept a wisp of gray hair from her face. "You should be in bed."
Knowing she was caught red-handed eavesdropping, she shrugged and said, "I heard voices arguing."
"Arguing? No, child, just some men having a meeting of the minds. Pay no, never mind to them. Come along. I brought you something to eat."
"But they were talking about me and —"
Lorrie slipped her arm around Sandra's waist and steered her back to the bedroom. "Stop your fretting. Here I thought you were tucked away, fast sleep. Now, I find you're roaming the cold hallway. Tsk, tsk, that will never do."
Once inside, she tossed back the comforter and waved for Sandra to climb in.
Her guest continued to clamor about what she'd overheard, "Lorrie, those men —"
"If you catch the death of cold, you'll not find any of your answers, so get in bed, and I'll give you a serving tray before the plate gets cold again. I lit a fire so the room will be toasty in a minute or two." She patted Sandra's legs under the comforter. "Let things be for the night."
Drained and confused, Sandra snuggled under the covers, thinking maybe Lorrie was right.
As the housekeeper prepared to leave, she stopped at the doorway and winked. "There's a stairway at the end of the hall leading to the kitchen. Just in case, you might want more to eat. It's shorter, so I use it a lot."
She opened the door, adding, "Now, I'm sure the men are wondering what the screaming was about, so I have that to attend to." She shook her head, mumbling, "My work is never done, it seems."
With a final glance at Sandra, she added, "Now, deary, I see you stewing over there. Just don't go jumping on the train before it even pulls into the station. You get something warm in your stomach and a good night's rest, and I am sure the men will be sitting down with you in the morning."
Sandra Monroe - fledgling investigative reporter
Annie - Sandra's loyal assistant
Les - Sandra's boss
Detective Ryan Hamilton
Judge William Parker
Benny Gonzales - currently unemployed
Lorrie - the housekeeper
James Matthews - writer living in the mansion's carriage house
Noah Wakefield - deceased
Madeline Wakefield - widow
Pays
one point
and 2 member cents. Annie - Sandra's loyal assistant
Les - Sandra's boss
Detective Ryan Hamilton
Judge William Parker
Benny Gonzales - currently unemployed
Lorrie - the housekeeper
James Matthews - writer living in the mansion's carriage house
Noah Wakefield - deceased
Madeline Wakefield - widow
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