~*~*~ Scarcliffe Hill~*~*~
The Town Halloween Forgot
Part II
It continued to rain the rest of the week. Sherri was up early at 6:00am, reaching for her rain jacket, she locked the doors behind her. Driving into town, the rain came down in buckets it seemed as she drove her Toyota into the parking lot, opening her umbrella, getting out of her car and walked into the deli grocery combination gas station, as she greeted the owners. After picking up some food items, placing them on the counter. She talked with Mrs. Evans for a few minutes, when her husband joined the conversation. “Good morning, Miss Dalton, Your out early.” Mr. Evans greeted Sherri.
“Hello, how are you doing?., I thought I would get an early start, stop at a few places then pick up a few things before I go back home.” Sherri replied. “We heard what happened out at Your place a few weeks ago. Sam said. Barbara immediately giving her husband and look of disapproval. Sherri laughed. “I guess it is all over the town, then“. “ Apparently there was someone at the farm in the early hours of the morning having a very heated argument and when the lights were all turned on, they decided to take their quarrel elsewhere.“ She replied. Sam ignored his wife’s look. He looked between the newcomer and his wife.
“Well, someone needs to tell her.” Sam stated disgruntled. “Tell me what?” Sherri’s look was one of curiosity. “You may as well tell her now, Sam before every one else starts wagging their tongues at her.” Barbara said. Sherri laughed. “Tell me what, Mrs. Evans?” Sherri looked at the store owner and her husband…searching their faces. “Miss Dalton You’ve bought the most famous haunted house and land in the history of Brookshire and in all of the state of Kentucky to put it mildly.” Sam Evans said.
Sherri was shocked., surprised. “Haunted!?“ She laughed. “Mr. Evans surely You and Your wife don’t believe these tales?“ Sherri questioned him, this was incredulous. “I’m sorry honey my husband gets over zealous at times., it has been the talk here in this town since I was a child, Miss Dalton, no one knows what really happened to Mr. McGuffey…no one knows for certain what may have happened to his grandson, he simply vanished., but the talk is there were horrible, horrible things that happened in that house and the farm itself over 100 years ago, it has been rumored that terrible atrocities were committed in the house and on the grounds and no one throughout the years, had ever wanted to buy the old place.. that is, until You came. Mrs. Evans finished..
“My beautiful old villa is not haunted, Mr. And Mrs. Evans… I can assure You, I’ve not seen any such apparition of an elderly man or any one else for that matter.“ Sherri stated. “I’m sure You haven’t.“ Mrs. Evans attempted to reassure her. Sherri was clearly upset. She interrupted her. “I don’t believe in spooks, ghosts, apparitions, that sort of thing,.“ Sherri stated. She paid for her groceries. Smiling at the couple.
‘Will I see You at the dance tonight?“ She asked instead. Barbara Evans smiled. “Yes, we plan to be there, we’ll see You tonight then.“ Mrs. Evans smiled. They both watched as Miss Dalton backed her car toward the steps of the store then turned, driving in the direction of the library. ‘She is a nice young woman, Sam I like her, we don’t want to upset her.” Barbara said to her husband. “Well, dear somebody had to tell her, better us then someone else in the town, or something happening to her, someone else would surely make it seem as though it is nothing, when it will possibly get a whole lot worse then it already is, I don‘t want to see her get hurt, do you?” He stated, looking at his wife. “Of course not.” She replied.
Sherri walked into the small yet organized town library. She spoke to Mrs. Haskins with reference to her home and property. A Look of surprise played across the elderly petite librarian’s features. “Sure honey, we have some old magazines and newspapers and some of the older articles are available in the back. She stated. Sherri spent a better part of an hour, searching through musty magazines, and an assortment of newspaper articles. There was a table which displayed older archives dating back to the 20’s and 30’s and some looked to have been earlier, but she would have to save her search for another time. Checking her watch, it was almost 9:00am Anne would be getting up if she had not already. She briefly flipped through the microfiche and saw a very old photograph, of a man in uniform, perhaps he had been one of the original owners of her villa.
Yet, . Nothing she found, nothing out of the ordinary about the old villa or its grounds. It would have to wait.
Sherri was preparing breakfast at 9:30am that morning. When Anne had just finished getting dressed, coming down the stairs into the kitchen. The sheriff’s deputy arriving in the wee hours of the morning three days ago. It had all seemed like a dream to Sherri, even her conversation with the owners of the store. When suddenly her friend; Anne had been ready to leave . Sherri had talked her in to staying for the Halloween dance that evening. Tom would be there and Sherri thought the deputy was a good man. ‘Have You decided what You are going to wear for the dance tonight?” Anne asked her. Breaking her reverie. Sherri turned as Anne was pouring coffee into a cup, then sitting down on a stool at the island.
“Um, I’m not sure, I did see some things while searching the attic this morning, there were some old gowns and what looked to be like uniforms in a trunk, after breakfast., you can look through them and decide if there is something that You like.” Sherri said. Anne half smiled over her cup… “That is if they still have the dance.” Anne exclaimed.
“I’m sure they will, I’ll give Tom a call later, to make certain we won’t be the only people there.” She smiled. ‘Did you leave earlier this morning?” Anne asked her. “Yes I drove into town and bought a few more things at Mrs. Evans store, but left ShyAnne here with You.” Sherri reassured her. “I hate to burst your bubble, Sherri but this place gives me the creeps. I get the willies every time I walk down that hallway upstairs….those paintings on the wall , before You reach Your bedroom….She paused. “Maybe it’s just me…but it is strange.. I’m sorry, this place just spooks me.” Anne stated.
Sherri was surprised, she never thought any thing especially something like this bothered her friend.
“But, there is nothing wrong with this place, Anne it’s just an old house that has needed someone to restore it to its former beauty, it’s my home, I live here, are you telling me that You don’t want to come back?” Sherri asked her friend. She searched her face. “Yes, I’ll be back, don’t worry….but I just wish.” Anne didn’t finish. ‘What?” Sherri asked her. “Oh, nothing…it’s nothing, shall we explore Your attic?” She smiled trying to appear more enthusiastic than she truly was. Sherri put away the breakfast dishes. When there was a knock at her front door.
Anne stayed in the kitchen, she didn‘t feel like entertaining company. It was the Deputy Sheriff; Tom Lowery. “Hi Tom. Opening the door inviting the tall handsome deputy sheriff into her home. Tom paused taking off his hat, following her into the kitchen. He spotted Anne. Sherri saw the exchange between the two and smiled to herself. “Hello, Anne how are you?” Tom smiled. Anne smiled in return. “Doing good, Tom we were just about to search for hidden treasures in Sherri‘s attic” She half laughed.
The expression on Tom’s face was one of surprise. “Oh, I’ve disturbed you.” He exclaimed, embarrassed. “No, no You are fine, it can wait.” Sherri stated a little too quick. Anne searched her face. A look of amusement showing in her eyes. She would talk to her friend, later. Sherri, ever the incurable romantic was trying to match make. Anne laughed to herself. They sat at the kitchen island while Tom enjoyed another good cup of coffee.. Explaining, earlier he had thought he would stop by and check on them after the incident a few nights ago.
They decided to meet at Sherri’s and would ride with Tom to the dance. It pleased Tom that Anne seemed to like him, too. They visited another hour and Tom stated he would be by to pick up the ladies around 7:00pm that evening. Anne, teasing had asked him if he would be wearing a costume. He laughed. Stating that his uniform was his costume.
Later, after doing some light household chores, Sherri had prepared them some lunch and began sifting through the old trunk in the attic. ShyAnne bounded up the steps and loudly stretching out, laying down beside them, rolling over on her side. Sherri looked at her dog. Laughing. ‘You sure are loud, Shy girl.” She commented. When her beautiful German shepherd Collie mix thumped her tail on the hardwood floor in reply. She lifted out of the trunk, some heavy material., it was a silver gray shirt with gold piping at the sleeves and down the sides, distracted momentarily.
“What is this?” Anne asked her. Sherri handed her what looked to be like a uniform of some kind. “It looks like part of a uniform.” Sherri said. “Isn’t there better lighting up here?” Anne asked. “I’m going to have the electrician to install better lighting sometime next week.” She stated. They searched the old trunk, the clothing inside smelled damp, having a musky odor to them. They found candles, a gold pocket watch, a few more items, Sherri peered at the engraving on the back of the watch.
The inscription read To Edward M. Mc Guffey with Love Rebecca Julene Sinclair. At least Sherri had a few other names for which to go by. She put the pocket watch inside the pocket of her blue jeans. “Oh!” Anne exclaimed. ‘What is it?” Sherri was startled, then realized what had caused her friend’s reaction of surprise and delight. “Look at this dress, it is beautiful, the bead work is exquisite.” Anne exclaimed. “It looks like a wedding dress.” Sherri commented. Anne stood up, holding it to herself. “Oh, Sherri, do you mind if I wear it for the dance tonight?” Sherri laughed. “Of course not, wear what You like.” Sherri stated. ‘This is gorgeous.” Anne said. Sherri smiled as she continued searching through the old trunk, she found a pair of trousers, they looked like they were a match to the gray shirt. Then dawning struck her. “Do You realize what this is!?” She asked her friend.
Anne was admiring the wedding gown. “No, what?’ ‘These are the clothing and belongings of a Confederate soldier, Anne.” Sherri stated. “Help me get this truck down the stairs.” Sherri asked her. “It’s awfully heavy.” Anne said, eyeing the heavy truck with skepticism. “I Know but let’s try, I’ll carry the heaviest side.” Sherri stated. They lugged the huge metal chest down the pine steps of the attic and down the steps into the kitchen. They were both out of breath from the struggle. “There must be gold in the bottom of that thing!” Anne exclaimed. Collapsing in the chair at the island bar.
Sherri rummaged through the trunk while Anne held up the dress checking for any tears in the material, there were not any, it was in good condition. Amazing, considering the period it was probably designed. ‘I wish I could find a veil of some sort to go with it, This is going to be fun.” Anne said. Sherri glanced up at her friend.
Then brought out the rest of the uniform, it did look like a Confederate soldier’s uniform from the photographs she had often seen in History magazines, movies and period clothing stores for Historical Reenactments she had browsed through in Amarillo. It too also seemed to be in good condition, with the exception of a faded red stain near the side pocket, Sherri looking closer, noticing a small hole. She went still, realizing what it was. The soldier had been wounded perhaps mortally. An unexplainable sadness washed over her. “He was probably shot.” She stated. “What!? Who was shot?” Anne asked her, alarmed. “The soldier….the man who wore this uniform was probably killed in action.” Sherri explained.
Anne looked at her friend, Sherri handing her what looked like a long outer coat of a Confederate uniform. Anne looked at it, then saw the bullet hole. ‘Probably so, Sherri, so sad what happened, how our nation’s history is overshadowed with so much tragedy and needless bloodshed on our own soil. ‘I wonder if he was Edward M. McGuffey?” Sherri said. “I don’t know.” Have you noticed the time?” Anne asked. It was 6:30pm ‘Oh my goodness, I’ve lost all track of time. Sherri said.
Anne smiled. “Tom will be here any time soon, have you decided what You will wear?” She asked. “No not really, I’ll be back, I thought I saw another trunk over in the corner near the stairs.” “I’ll go ahead and get dressed.” Anne exclaimed. ‘Ok I’ll be down in a few minutes and get ready, myself.” She walked up the stairs to the door that lead up to the attic. Pulling on the other trunk, it wouldn’t budge, it was heavier than the first one, there wasn’t any way possible they could get this one down the stairs without help. She noticed there was a lock on the trunk. She searched in the corner, finally after rummaging through some old boxes and metal tool boxes, finding a metal bar that looked like it had been used at one time for a garden hoe of some sort.
She pried and pried until finally the rusty lock gave. She opened the lid and inside were all sorts of bills, they looked like Confederate money… She put them inside, searching deeper into the trunk and saw a red dress trimmed in lace and red beading. She bent over to pull it out when she felt a cool breeze blow across her neck. Looking around, she searched for any open windows, the small one facing the front of the house was slightly ajar. She walked across the room, closing it. She turned around to walk back to the trunk, taking the dress downstairs with her, having found her costume, for the evening when she saw a shadow pass by the other window that faced the flower gardens.
Sherri walked toward the other room, her hand turning the doorknob . She had discovered the other room earlier that morning, while exploring the attic, when she heard Anne yell from downstairs. She nearly jumped out of her skin. “Have you found any thing, Sherri!?” Sherri laughed. “Spooks, right…Yes, I think so!” She laughed. She decided she would check later, walking back to the trunk picking up the ruby red dress and started to close the door behind her, when she thought she had heard a noise, caught a glimpse of something….in the room but closed the door behind her, taking the steps down to the second floor.
Standing at the window, facing the courtyard, was a tall man, his appearance, pale, cloudy. He watched as the woman closed the door behind her, he turned back to the window staring out. He was dressed in Dove gray, his shirt of the same color, wearing a large outer coat, its cuffs had been lengthened and were trimmed in gold with gold and silver buttons, his matching pants were trimmed in gold, the hat he wore, bore the distinct insignia of the 4th Kentucky Infantry Regiment of The United States Cavalry.
Sherri finished the final touches to her hair, she had decided to wear in an upsweep befitting the period of the red gown. She searched through an array of jewelry and found her Ruby and Diamond necklace her family had given her for her graduation gift. It was her most prized possession. She walked out of her bedroom to a surprised Anne.
‘Wow! Sherri You look just like the woman in the painting down the hallway.” Anne exclaimed breathless. Sherri laughed, her friend had the tendency for the whimsical on occasion. “You look lovelier than lovely in your white satin and lace wedding gown.” Sherri hugged her friend. Anne looked at her reflection in the mirror…..”Geez, if I didn’t know better, I would say we have stepped back in time.” Anne stated. The doorbell to the downstairs foyer rang. ‘It must be Tom.’ Sherri said.
‘Do you think he likes me?” Anne asked her. As they walked down the steps into the living room. “Like You, I would say he is thoroughly captivated with you!” Sheri smiled. Anne laughed. “Sherri Dalton, you do have a way with words.” Anne exclaimed. Sherri invited Tom in and he took in the period dresses of the two most lovely ladies in all of Scarcliffe Hill and Brookshire. He grinned. “Are you ladies ready to be introduced to the townspeople?” He asked. ShyAnne whimpered behind them.
Sherri turned around looking at her dog. ‘We won’t be gone long, ShyAnne, be a good girl.” She rechecked her dog’s bowls of water and food. ‘I guess we are all set, then.” Sherri exclaimed. Wishing they could take ShyAnne with them, even though they had been here for four weeks now, it was still new territory for her pet. Tom noticed Miss Dalton looking back at her dog.
“You can bring her too, Miss Dalton if You want, the dance will be out doors in my uncle‘s barn, he wouldn’t mind if you brought her along.” He said. “Really? Alright I don’t mind then, come along ShyAnne.’ Sherri said. Anne smiled at Sherri. The Big dog followed them, hopping up into the backseat of the deputy sheriff’s SUV when Sherri held the door open.. Tom realized the dog was quite attached to its owner and obviously the feelings were mutual, he smiled to himself.
The barn had been festively decorated, with Autumn leaves and orange and gold lights strung throughout the rafters. Huge torchiere lanterns stood ; their warm glow lighting the walkways to and from the barn, pumpkins and gourds strategically placed on the sawdust dance floor. Paper streamers of orange black and gold were draped over chairs and the stall doors with arrangements of Autumn flowers and vases with orange candles lit at every table…. Cardboard boxes decorated into ghostly, ghastly Halloween faces.. Sherri and Anne exchanged smiles.
“It looks like this is a grand affair.” Sherri replied. Taking in all the new faces of those she had yet to meet. Some were not dressed in costume, but were dressed in Denims and overalls, checked shirts. But the majority had came dressed in costume.
Marie Antoinette and Marc Antony, Dolly Madison, Benjamin Franklin, Betsy Ross, Paul Revere and His Raiders, Chris Columbus and Queen Elizabeth, Puritans and Quakers, Cleopatra and her entourage’ Dracula and his Bride, Frankenstein and his Bride. There was even Zorro upon his steed. So many faces milling about the refreshments and food. The Bluegrass and Folk Bands were “ Willow Creek, Dusty Rose of Old Kentucky, and a relatively new comer; Silver Dollar Band” They were all dressed in period clothing of the Victorian era.
A man dressed as The Phantom of The Opera grabbed Sherri before asking her if she would like to dance to a waltz. She laughed in fun as the masked marauder seemed to be enjoying himself. Anne watched her friend as she was being waltzed across the sawdust dance floor. Anne smiled her way. “Are you enjoying yourself?” Tom asked Anne. “Yes, your uncle and his wife decorated very nice, and the food is delicious.” Anne replied.
“Your friend seems to be enjoying herself.” Tom noticed. “Who is the man dressed as, what is he?….Anne paused. “The Phantom of The Opera isn’t he?” Anne looked at him. “Yes, I believe he is, but I don’t know who he is, it’s sometimes difficult to tell with their costumes, but Jerry James, came as Dracula, I don’t know who that is.” Tom said. Anne continued to watch her friend a moment longer until she noticed a spectacle outside the back of the barn’s double doors. Tom saw too. “I’ll be right back, it looks like Frank Tompkins and Old Ben Dailey have had too much Pumpkin juice.” Tom said in disgust. Anne half laughed. “Pumpkin juice?” She smiled as Tom made his way through the crowd of dancers, to the back of the barn.
The song ended and Sherri started to thank the tall stranger for the dance when he pulled her close, whispering in her ear, before the second song began . “You and your friend are in danger.” He said in a raspy voice. “What?” Sherri asked him. He looked at her through his mask, his dark gaze impenetrable , she couldn’t tell if he was serious or this was some sort of a Halloween joke. She grabbed at his shirt sleeve, when he started to move away. ‘What did you say?” He never answered her. “Don’t say something and then walk away, what did you say?” She asked him. She started to follow him, but decided it was for the best that she didn’t. He turned around once, looking back at her then disappeared into the night.
Sherri was physically weak. She searched the faces, but every face seemed to be spinning. She tried to regain her balance, her composure, searching for Anne. Someone came up behind her tapping her lightly on her arm. “Having fun?” Anne had found her. Sherri turned to look at her friend. ‘Let’s go find something to drink. Where is Tom?” Sherri asked her.
“Are you alright, Sherri.. Anne paused searching her friends features, she was pale. Who was that man who grabbed you leading you out on the floor?” ‘I have no idea who he was, but I need to talk to Tom as soon as You see him.” Sherri stated. ‘Why, is something wrong?” Anne asked. “Is every thing alright ladies?” Tom was at their side. “Please sit down ,Tom.” Anne asked him. “The man who grabbed Sherri taking her out on the dance floor upset her.” Anne explained. Tom was instantly alert, searching the costumed faces and those whom wore blue denims and overalls, accessorizing them with a flair of Halloween and Autumn handkerchiefs, and straw hats. He didn’t see the stranger dressed in the opera get-up.
‘What is it, what is wrong?” Tom inquired. “He said that Anne and I were in dander, before he left the dance floor, it was all he said…he never said who he was, or why we were in danger, just that me and my friend he said.” Sherri stated. “Hold on, I’ll be right back.” He replied. “Tom you aren’t leaving?” Anne asked. “No, I’ll make a phone call and be right back.” He reassured Anne. He phoned the police station, giving the dispatcher a description of the stranger who had whisked Sherri Dalton onto the floor earlier that evening, then proceeded to nearly scare the daylights out of her. Dispatch stated they would check in to the incident. Anne touched Sherri’s arm. ‘I am so sorry this has happened, Sherri, but I had a feeling, there was something not right about that place, something has been wrong from the beginning, I could just feel it.” Anne said.
Sherri looked around the room, her eyes following the dancers and those sitting at tables engaged in conversation. Occasionally someone would glance their way with curious expressions. “Have you seen ShyAnne?” Sherri asked. “I saw her earlier.” Anne replied. Searching for her dog, finally spotting her just inside the back door, she was laying with her head between her paws, Sherri had to smile. It seemed ShyAnne was bored with the festivities and had dozed off. “I’ll be right back.” She said.
With leash in hand, Sherri walked the few feet to the back of the barn, nudging the German shepherd collie. Thumping her tail in reply. ShyAnne let her owner know she had been playing possum. Just then someone reached out grabbing her. From behind The Shepherd Collie sprang to her feet, growling as she lunged for the stranger who had grabbed her master. Instantly Tom was there, Sherri held her dog, attempting to soothe her. Anne ran to the back of the barn. When she frantically reached her friend, She let out a blood curdling scream. The music had stopped, all eyes were watching as the scene unfolded.
“Who is this maniac, Tom!?” Anne said. Tom grabbed the man, when he began to put up a fight, Sam Evans shoved him to the ground, while Tom handcuffed him. Once secure the deputy sheriff, ripped the mask from the man’s face, instantly recognizing him. Pete Jenkins, what’s the meaning of this!?” Tom demanded. But Pete Jenkins wasn’t talking, if he did he would be dead. “Oh, I just thought I had a little fun was all, no harm done.” Pete tried to shrug it off, he laughed in an effort to hide his fear, regain his composure and remain calm. Tom walked with Sherri and Anne to the front of the barn, they sat down at a table while Tom took the Jenkins man outside to an awaiting police cruiser. Barbara and Sam Evans came over in an attempt to comfort Sherri.
“You alright honey? Pete Jenkins is a trouble maker.” Barbara said. Patting Sherri’s arm. ‘I’m ok Mrs. Evans, thank you.” Sherri replied. “That’s a nice dog you got there, Miss.” Sam commented. Anne laughed. “Yes and obviously one very protective of her owner.” She said. “I saw that.” Sam replied. Barbara could see that the young woman was still visibly shaken. If you need any thing, please let us know, Sam and I were on our way out the door when someone said there was trouble in the back, we saw that your dog had gotten the best of Pete, and Sam here got quite a work out.” Barbara couldn’t help but chuckle. Sherri reached down and rubbed ShyAnne’s ear. “Yes, she has always been protective and thank you Mrs. Evans thank you both.” She said acknowledging Sam’s help. ‘Think nothing of it.” He said.
The ride back was a silent one. Sherri had no idea what would happen next. The stranger in the mask warning her of impending danger, the attack on her tonight in a crowd of people. What was going on? ‘If you would like, Miss Dalton, I will stay at your home with you and Anne tonight if You would like.” Tom offered. “Yes, I would appreciate it, if you would Mr. Lowery.” Sherri answered. “That settles it then, I’ll swing by my place and pick up a few things and we’ll be on our way.” He said.
They stopped at a one story Ranch style brick home. Tom invited them in. Anne went inside with the deputy while Sherri waited outside in the SUV with ShyAnne. She absently rubbed her dog’s hair. Thinking of the past events within the last few days. Funny how she felt so at home in her newly remodeled villa, yet there was the very real possibility that someone may not want her there, but why she could not understand. At this point she wasn’t sure whom she could trust any longer. Even Tom seemed reluctant to incarcerate that man who had attacked her tonight. Every one seemed to be behaving a little strangely as far as she was concerned, with the exception of Anne and the Evans’. Something strange was going on in this town, she couldn’t quite put her finger on what it was but something wasn’t right. But she was going to find out.
Tom and Anne talked on the drive to Sherri’s house. When the lights shown from the yard. Sherri thought she saw movement beyond the gate. “Is that someone, at my gate?” Sherri asked. “I didn’t see any thing, but I’ll check as soon as You ladies are inside and settled.” Tom offered. ‘Sherri, every thing is going to be alright, Tom informed the police department of what he believes is going on.” Anne said as they walked up the staircase into Sherri’s bedroom.
“Hopefully he will find out soon, because if not I am going to make a few phone calls to Amarillo and have my dad to contact one of his former Military friends.” Sherri stated with a serious calm to her voice. “I don’t blame you, but I hate to say I told you so, someone doesn’t want you here , Sherri….someone is trying to really scare you, I‘m almost hesitant to say this, because I don’t want to scare you, but I am afraid whoever is doing this or behind this, might try to hurt you, are you aware of this?” Anne asked her. Sherri slipped the red gown over her head, then reaching into the dresser, pulling out a pair of silk pajamas from the top drawer.
‘That’s too bad, this is my home and here is where I am staying, regardless of whom wants what, I hired an attorney to thoroughly check this place, I did all the right things in order and legally, I’ve invested most of my inheritance into this house and farm, I don’t care whether there are ghosts rattling their chains all night long or screaming headless goblins, that go bump in the night or spooks or whatever else the townspeople say, this place is haunted by, this is my home, it is paid for and I am not leaving, I intend to stay.” She stated firmly. Anne watched her friend. “I just don’t want you hurt, that is all. She replied.
Sherri placed her hands on Anne’s shoulders. “Look, I know you are afraid and I know you are afraid for me, but you know what I think, I don’t believe this place is haunted at all, I believe someone is trying to scare me away from my home because they are after something….what I don’t know, yet.” Sherri said. Anne was silent. ‘I don’t know, you may be right.” she finally said. “I believe I am, I believe there is something someone is after and they must want it awfully bad to go to this extreme.” She finished.
“I’m going to go change and I’ll meet you downstairs.” Anne said then left the room. She walked into her bathroom, immediately seeing the red stains all over her vanity mirror. The words were written either in paint or lipstick. “How original” She spoke out loud. “Get out……Get out before it is too late for you too!!!!” She was furious. Someone had broken into her home, vandalizing it. She checked her jewelry armoire, her desk in the spare bedroom making certain nothing had been stolen. Every thing appeared to be in order. Tom took samples and dusted for fingerprints, the police department would know something in a day or two since they would have to send the evidence off to the lab in Kinsington.
Afterward they gathered in the kitchen downstairs, had sandwiches and hot cocoa. Tom discussed his childhood, and naming some of the town's most interesting people, how Scarcliffe Hill’s past history, during the 1800’s had once been a community in itself; a suburb on the outskirts of Brookshire. At one time it had been a thriving town. The Owner of Donagher Coal Company had leased some of the property from Old man Mc Guffey’s grandparents and tried to take over the entire farm when some of McGuffey’s family ran them out of the town.. But he had known McGuffey’s grandson; Nick Travers. His mother; the daughter of Andrew.
Tom had his suspicions about the former owners grandson’s disappearance. ‘Everyone believed that he had been the one to murder his grandpa and then fled town to avoid prosecution.’ He said. Sherri listened to the deputy sheriff’s recount of the town’s history which he hadexplained it been handed down by his dad and grandparents. Anne got up from the island to refill her cup when she noticed a bright light shining from one of the upper barns. Puzzled.
“What is that?” Anne turned looking first at Sherri then to Tom.. ‘What is what?” Sherri asked. She got up, followed by Tom. “Oh No!” Tom said. The barn is on fire!” He looked at Sherri. “I’ll phone the fire department.” He stated. Heading for the phone in his SUV. ShyAnne whimpered at the door. “Oh no you don’t, I’m not letting you out of my sight.” She said to her dog. “I cannot believe this!” Anne said.
Sherri never commented. “Where are you going?” Anne asked her. “I’ll be right back I’m going upstairs to try to bring down some old hoses I saw up there earlier in the attic.” She took her stairs two at a time. Anne looked around in the empty kitchen, in to the living room, she couldn’t help it, this place might be lovely but it gave her the creeps. She felt a shiver move up her spine . Those portraits of no doubt the Mc Guffey long since gone, Ancestors and goodness knows who all, she didn’t understand why Sherri insisted leaving them hanging on the wall in her hallway. She had even had a couple of them restored. Tom walked back into the house. “The fire department is on its way.” He said. Looking around the room. “Where’s Sherri?” He inquired.
“Oh, she said she was going upstairs to search for some hoses or something she had found earlier.’ Frustrations was evident in her voice. Sherri topped the stairs to the attic, opening the door she switched on the overhead cord for the light. Dim lighting illuminated the room. She quickly scanned the room for the old fire hoses she had spotted earlier in the day. When suddenly there was a gust of wind, the door slamming loudly behind her.
She turned around to grab the fire hoses. When she saw him. Standing in a ghostly light, a man dressed in chivalrous uniform. Sherri knew what she was seeing was unlike any costume for any reenactment she had ever saw. ‘Don’t be afraid” He said. ‘Now would be a good time to show a little fear.” She said. The apparition seemed to smile. His hair dark in color had a slightly gray cast to it, his eyes as dark as a raven’s wing. Sherri could not believe what she was seeing, she should pinch herself, rub her eyes ….do something…. except she knew she was fully awake, this wasn’t a dream.
“They are trying to scare you away…..they, ruined my great grandson, murdered him and then blamed his grandson.” The man simply stated. As his eyes seemed to bore into Sherri’s own. “Who are they?” She asked. “The Donagher’s.” He said. “There is more treasure then your eyes could ever hope to see buried on this land, they wanted it, they killed for it they will murder you if you are not careful.” He said to her. Take heed and hear my words, do not let them run you off this land, it is meant for you to be here…I have waited long….so long for help to come….to clear my great grandson’s name.”
“But how… how can I do that….where is he what can I do?” Sherri asked him. Yet he vanished seemingly into the very walls. She didn’t have time to think right now, she must get the hoses to the barn. She gathered them together, carefully, swiftly going down the steps. Riding in the deputy’s SUV She had hooked the hoses up to the spigot in side the courtyard. Water gushed, sputtered. At first a stream, then full force. “Here let me help you with that.” Tom offered. They had gotten the raging fire down to a minimum by the time the fire trucks arrived. The fireman continued to fight with the fire, while Sherri ,Anne and Tom stood back watching from a safe distance.
Around 3:00am they went back to the house, exhausted. Sherri knew this would be on the local news, so she decided to place a call to her brother first then to their parents. Kevin was concerned for her safety, but she reassured him everything would be alright. He said he would call their parents for her, she needed to get some rest, he would visit her tomorrow. ‘Kevin, I need you to check something out for me.” She said. ‘Sure thing sis, I’ll do that first thing in the morning, if there is any more problems tonight, give me a call I’ll be there.” He finished. They ended their conversation.
“Who were you talking to?” Anne wanted to know. “My brother.” She replied. ‘Oh is he doing alright?” Anne asked. ‘Sure he said he is driving up tomorrow evening to spend some time with me.” Sherri informed her friend. ‘That will be good, because I need to be heading back to my place, tomorrow morning Sherri, I hate leaving you here, but I’ve got to get some things taken care of.” Anne stated. ‘Of course you do, I understand.” She reassured her. They said goodnight. Sherri closed her bedroom door behind her.
As she lay there in the darkness, she wondered, whether Nicholas Travers was still alive, and if he didn’t murder his grandfather, then where was he? Why did he run…and where to, was the real question. Sherri soon found out that same night.
In the early hours of dawn, Sherri awoke to a faint noise at her bedroom door. ShyAnne raised up from her position on the floor beside the bed. Her deep low growl, warning her master, something was wrong. Sherri slowly raised up in bed, reaching for her pistol in the top drawer of her nightstand. Patting ShyAnne’s side. The noise seemed to be coming from within her closet, not her bedroom door at all. A Shadow moved into the center of her room, yet the bedroom door was closed. She cocked the trigger on the pistol. “Please don’t do that.” The voice said.
“Give me one good reason why I should not drop you where you stand here and now.” She stated in a deadly calm. The tone in the woman’s voice, brooked no argument from the stranger. “ I am not here to hurt you, I am hear to try to help you and I need your help.” The Voice said. Sherri wondered why the man’s voice sounded so familiar, then realizing it was the voice of the masked marauder from the Halloween Dance.
‘You are the one who warned me at the dance a few nights ago.” She stated flatly. “Yes, I am Nicholas Travers, I am the grandson of Andrew Mc Guffey.” He stated. Sherri felt her heart sink, he had came back to claim the villa and its land. Nicholas seemed to have read her mind. “I am not here after the house, I am here because I had hoped you could help me, clear my name, clear my family’s name.” He stated…and I am here trying to protect you whether you believe that or not, I need your help.” He stated.
“What reason should I even trust you?” She asked him. He studied her face. ‘I suppose the same reasons maybe I should be cautious in trusting you, after all I am the one who has the bounty on my head, I am guilty of murdering my grandfather without ever having had the chance to prove myself that I am innocent.” He looked at her.
Sherri realized ShyAnne was alert, yet she was now only watching the man. Perhaps he was telling the truth. They talked for several hours until early dawn peaked in the sky. ‘I am not sure what I can do to help you, Mr. Travers but I will try.” She said to him. “That is all I ask., your father knows attorneys in Amarillo, Texas?” He inquired. She didn’t even want to know how he knew about her father and or that she and her family were from Amarillo, she was afraid to ask.
Nicholas once again seemed to read her mind. “I will explain everything, later.” He smiled. “But for now you need to get those people out of your house.” He said. ‘Where are you going? She whispered. “I will be around, not far.” He said. He turned around and went inside her closet. She got up, watching him, he seemed to just vanish; disappear. My, she thought to herself she felt like Dorothy, in Oz for ghosts seemed to come and go so quickly here and definitely this was not in Kansas.
Walking to her closet, upon closer examination, she realized he had went through a hidden door. Sherri learned that the walkway lead to some type of underground tunnel, perhaps the house had been used as a place to hide others, perhaps runaways searching for freedom. What ingenuity. The tunnel lead she and her dog to an opening what seemed to be a cave of sorts. Walking through its opening she came out into daylight.
Looking around, in front of her was a river. By the time she had returned, she checked her clock, it was nearly 5:30am How was she going to get some sleep? Supposedly every one believed Nicholas Travers was either deceased or simply vanished after supposedly murdering his grandfather. It all seemed like a horrible nightmare yet this was her life.
The next couple of days, Sherri continued her research at the library after meeting with her older brother. Her dad deciding to fly down with a friend of his to look into such an incredible story his oldest son had relayed to him. Sherri felt she had gathered enough information and evidence from the library and the town of Kensington to have several towns people prosecuted, and some whom she would have never believed to be behind The Mc Guffey murder and several more it seemed.
She decided to stay home on Halloween night, though a few kids had ventured to the villa for candy and refreshments. Sherri recognized Barbara and Sam Evans with their grandchildren. They visited for a few minutes and were on their way for more Trick or Treats.
Tom and Anne had been out most of the day and came by to visit with Sherri. They had decided if she would like, they would stay the night, again, after all it was Halloween they had teased her.
All three watched a movie in the family room. Sherri was tired and thought she would call it a night. Anne hugged her and Tom said goodnight.
Sherri was awakened at 3:30am when suddenly there was a loud boom. “Sherri!, Sherri! Get up, wake up!” Anne’s voice was frantic from outside her locked bedroom door. “Tom has been shot!” She screamed. Sherri opened her door, ShyAnne bounded ahead of her. “What? What do you mean, Tom has been shot!?” Sherri asked. “He was making his rounds, checking your place, when he said someone came from out behind the trees and shot him with a rifle.” She was clearly distraught.
Everything seemed to move in slow motion. Anne stopped dead in her tracks. When she saw movement behind her. Her eyes widened in horror. “A Ghost….a ghost!! Anne was pale as a sheet. Sherri turned around and saw the Confederate soldier standing at the top of the steps. He pointed his finger, at first Sherri didn’t realize what he was pointing at, then it dawned on her that he was pointing at Anne. Apparently Anne couldn’t see him and was instead looking at the hideous creature that appeared from out of nowhere, coming toward them, screaming and wailing. Suddenly, men and women dressed like those from the Colonial period, began walking up and down the staircase, going into the living room and kitchen of the old villa. They were talking, laughing as though they didn’t see Sherri or Anne.
‘Do….do you see all those people?” Anne asked her. “Yes, I see them, it’s incredible isn’t it, I see them yes, but It is still almost unbelievable.” Sherri stated. “Please Sherri, let’s get out of here!” Anne cried. “Anne you go on ahead with Tom, an ambulance should be here any minute now.” Sherri reassured her friend. Anne was shocked. “Please say you are leaving with us, Sherri you cannot think to stay in this place now?” Anne was beyond shocked. ‘I cannot believe you, Sherri Dalton.” Anne said anger evident in her voice. ‘This place means more to you, than your family, your friends?” She said.
“No this place does not mean more to me than my family and my true friends that is, but this place is still my home and the only home I have and neither you, Tom Lowery or The Donaghers or any one else is going to drive me out of my own home.” She stated. “What!? What are you talking about?” ‘Yes what are you talking about?” A man walked out from one of the other spare bedrooms. William Donagher, I presume?” Sherri asked.
Though she was not surprised although apparently he was as the look of shock played across his hard facial features. “You’ve went to a great deal of trouble Mr. Donagher to try to run me out of my home, fake shootings, arguments, ghastly hideous faces, people dressed in Colonial garb, paying men to attack me, all for what Mr. Donagher?” Money, perhaps gold is that it?’ Is that why You had Andrew Mc Guffey murdered and many others, so you could take his land, so you could mine it believing you would find gold here….You’ve been mining on this property for many years
Mr. Donagher, you haven’t found any gold yet have you.., yet you have blood on your hands, your had an innocent man murdered in cold blood so you could get your hands on his property and conveniently and neatly framed his only living heir; his grandson.“ Sherri said with a calm voice.
William Donagher had underestimated this woman. Sherri had been prepared. You won’t live to tell about it though will you Miss Dalton, Andrew McGuffey was an old man nobody cared about and that wayward drifter of a grandson of his was the perfect solution to a big problem, Miss Dalton.” William stated in a deadly calm. ‘Well that depends, Mr. Donagher, you see I have had some help, I have had some, what you might say, help from the most unlikely source., and once I was made aware, you and your men were continuing to mine on my property and were involved in many accidental deaths twenty years ago and the fact after I had purchased the land and villa you ignored the fact you were trespassing on private property, your attempt to have me permanently removed..
I began doing some research.., I also had my dad’s attorney from back home to do some sleuthing himself and you would be surprised what they came up with. You are an evil man William Donagher and all that you have done to the McGuffey family, you will surely pay.” Sherri stated. Sherri was aware of the big galoot attempting to slip in behind her. “Kevin!” Sherri stated.
Anne was shocked to see Sherri’s brother, her dad and several police officers come from behind some type of panel in the wall where they had been standing evidently the entire time hearing everything. She knew it was over, they had been caught, and for her involvement in this, when Tom had talked her into trying to get Sherri to leave the house, she never had bargained for this, that these people would actually try to murder her, yet she knew Sherri knew she had betrayed her.
Yes, knowing full well, though her heart was breaking that her own best friend was somehow involved with this when she had overheard she and Tom talking when she was on the staircase with the hoses the night of the fire.
The next morning, She had taken ShyAnne outside for her early morning walk when she noticed fresh tracks that lead to the basement. She found food, there was empty soup cans, cartons of milk and various juices and other soft drinks. The other room upstairs in her attic lead into yet another smaller room and inside the closet she found a partially hidden walkway, the old villa was honeycombed with hidden compartments and walkways. The Mc Guffey family had been Abolitionists after they came to The New Country. They had worked together for many years helping to free an oppressed people.
There had been atrocities committed on this land but not by The Mc Guffey family or their ancestors, their names at least cleared as well as a Great grandson; Nicholas Travers… The evil had been committed by The Donaghers; their familes, had also dated as far back when they first sailed to The United States from Ireland during 1712 and had been at war with The McGuffey family, since. When all started over a parcel of land in their beloved Country, bad blood existed between the two families. After an ancestor; Maureen McGuffey had wed Thomas Donagher and his father murdered Maggie’s father over a small tract of that land. Perhaps now the restless spirit of Edward M McGuffey could rest in peace, for a wrong had at last been corrected since many generations ago.
The End………….
s.a.l. *KyBluebird* |
