"Oh, I see." Mrs. Constantakis nodded. "So where are you bunch coming from?"
Sara hesitated for a moment, knowing how nosy her neighbor was. "We started off at the State Records Office this morning to do some research, then we ran a few more errands and here we are…"
"State Records Office? For what?" Mrs. Constantakis asked.
"We just wanted to find out some information about the Ferguson property up ahead," Sara replied.
"Cornelius Ferguson's property?"
"Yes, Ma'am."
"Why didn't you just ask Mable?" The woman was amazed that Sara hadn't thought of it.
"Mable who?"
"Mable Ferguson! She lives a good ways up on the southern side of Cornelius's land. She's his grand-daughter. Has a house there on a small portion of the property. You know that land is acres and acres long."
Sara was shocked by the news; Mira and Wade too. Mira knew right then that Karlen had been guiding them the whole time through the perpetual blabbering of Bertha at the Records Office and now Mrs. Constantakis.
"Yes, Ma'am. Do you know what color her house is?" Sara asked.
"Color? You don't need no color. Her house is the only one sitting at the front southern end of that land. No one else is anywhere near her."
"Thank you, Mrs. C. Can I offer you a ride home?"
"For what, dear?" The woman was flabbergasted. "I need to stretch my bones. I keep telling Charlie he needs to do the same thing, but he wouldn't listen. You know how men are. But in the event that he stiffens up like a board right there on that bed and can't move a muscle, Nurse Sara Cullen is just a couple of doors away." She winked.
"We'll see you later, Mrs. C." Sara smiled and drove off. She passed their house and made the semi-circle detour back around to the main road. They were on their way to Mable Ferguson's residence.
9
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Sara rang the doorbell. Wade and Mira stood anxiously behind her.
Mable Ferguson's house was a single-storey structure on slightly elevated land. The white, trimmed peach abode was encircled by a white, low-level wall with galvanized iron spikes on top.
A slender, middle-aged woman came to the door. She was dressed in a pink and yellow floral robe and had several rollers in the front of her hair. "May I help you?" She asked.
"Hi. I'm Sara Cullen and these are my children, Wade and Mira. We don't live far from here. I was just wondering if we can have a few moments of your time."
"What's this about?" The woman asked abruptly, unmoved by the fact that another female was standing there with her children—regardless of how innocent they appeared to be.
"It's about your grandfather, Cornelius Ferguson," Sara added. "Look, if you would be so kind to allow us just a few moments of your time, I can tell you why we had to come here."
The woman gave the request some consideration, then invited them inside.
They all sat in the living room. Sara, Mira, and Wade bunched together on the couch and Mable sat in a smaller armchair, facing them.
As if prompted by something otherworldly, Mira said to her mother, "Mom, can we just tell her what's going on?"
Sara was startled by Mira's suggestion, not wanting this woman to know about her daughter's odd experiences. "Are you sure, honey?" Sara sought confirmation—all the while, Mable looked on wondering who in the world these people were and what they could possibly have up their sleeves now that she so foolishly let them through the door.
Sara looked at Mable. "Ma'am, what I'm about to tell you… I, myself was shocked to hear when my daughter, Mira, told me. A short while back, she and her brother, Wade here trespassed on your family's land and came upon your grandfather's house. Well, Mira saw something—someone inside that house…"
"You've seen the black girl too?" Mable gaped at Mira.
"Yes, Ma'am," Mira answered softly.
"Oh, my." The woman shook her head as if disheartened by the revelation.
"I'm sorry, Ma'am. The children should've never ventured onto that property. They very well should've known better than that."
"She's searching… even after all these years. She's still searching," Mable uttered, close to tears.
Sara and the children were astonished by the woman's reaction.
"I always hated what my grandfather stood for," Mable continued. "I am a Christian woman, Mrs. Cullen. I don't approve for one second what my grandfather did to that girl and her boyfriend."
"You've seen her too. Haven't you?" Mira asked.
Mable nodded. "For most of my life. She has not appeared to me for a few years now, but I still see—as plain as day—the pain in her eyes, her blood-soaked gown. Whenever I close my eyes, I see her—if only for a second. I know that's why no one could live in my grandfather's house after he died. Karlen Key is haunting the place and has done so ever since he snuffed the life out of her." Mira watched as Mable took turns squeezing and rubbing the back of each hand as she spoke. "Some years ago, I reached out to some of Karlen's relatives and apologized profusely for my grandfather's actions. I know it pained them even more to know that he never faced prosecution and no official charges had ever been brought against him for what he had done to their loved one. But they know that my grandfather couldn't dodge God's justice. Karlen's family appreciated my taking the time and having the consideration to reach out to them. I was amazed by their level of compassion and forgiveness. After reaching out to them, I thought sure I would never see Karlen again, but I still did for a good while. I also reached out to Andy Anderson's surviving children. Andy was the gentleman Karlen was to marry had she lived. His family weren't so accepting of me though—seeing that I am Cornelius's grand-daughter and all. They said that Andy's entire life was destroyed because of my grandfather's actions."
"I'm sorry," Sara interjected. "But it's not your fault. You are not your grandfather."
"I know that, but I am a product of him, nonetheless. His blood runs through my veins—that's hard for folks who's been so mistreated to simply overlook. "
"Mrs. Ferguson, would you be willing to give us the address of Andy's relatives?" Sara asked. "Perhaps, by us reaching out to them and Mira telling her story, they may be ready to extend that forgiveness."
"I would be happy to."
Mable got up and went into a back room. She returned a few minutes later with a piece of paper in hand. "This here is his son's name and address."
Sara gratefully accepted the note and she and the children stood up to leave. "You are a wonderful person, Mrs. Ferguson. It was really a pleasure meeting you today."
"Likewise, Mrs. Cullen. Feel free to stop by anytime you have some free time on your hands so that we can get better acquainted. I don't get much visitors and it would be my pleasure," Mable replied.
They started out the door.
"Oh, and Mira…" Mable started.
Mira looked back.
"You and your brother… do take good care of yourselves."
"We will, Ma'am. Thanks," Mira said.
As they drove off, Sara, Mira, and Wade had a really good feeling that everything was going to fall into place just as it has been up to that point.
Feeling relieved, Mira said: "Are we going there now, Mom?"
"No, honey."
"Why not?!" Wade exclaimed from the back seat.
"We can't do everything in one day, kids. I have to go home and prepare dinner now. I didn't think we were going to be gone all day long. We'll go and pay George Anderson a visit after church tomorrow," Sara responded.
"We're going to church?" Wade asked.
"Yes. I know we've missed a couple of Sundays…"
"A couple?" Mira felt the need to interject.
"Okay… more than a couple." Sara admitted. "I'm not proud of our prolonged absence from The Lord's House, but we're going tomorrow, okay?"
"Cool," Wade said.
"Father Bob won't recognize us," Mira asserted.
"'Course he will," Sara smiled, pulling onto
their driveway.
Michael was still in bed when Sara walked into the bedroom. The curtains were still closed and he was snoring lightly. His usual routine on Saturday mornings was going outside and doing yard work until Wade returned home to help him. Wade rarely ever passed up on the opportunity to get away from the house for a while. He and Mira shared that quality. But it appeared obvious to Sara that Michael did nothing all day, except sleep.
Not wanting to disturb him, she tip-toed out of the room and quietly shut the door behind her, then went over to Mira's room where the kids had started a game of cards.
"I just want you to know that your father is asleep, so please keep the noise down in here, okay?"
"Sure, Mom," they each answered.
Sara went to get dinner started. In a way, she was glad that Michael was asleep, so that hopefully, when he awoke, the food would be ready. As she worked, Sara's mind drifted onto the events of the day— Bertha in the Records Office, all the documentation they looked at, Mrs. C telling them about Mable Ferguson, and Mable being the link that would connect them to Andy's relatives. Reflecting on those events, Sara was certain that they were all in the Divine Plan where all the dominoes fell into its proper order down the line. She felt proud to think that her own daughter could be the one to help a poor, lost soul find the freedom that had evaded her for so long—in life and then in death.
Two hours later
When Michael came out of the bedroom, Wade and Mira were at the table finishing up dinner and Sara was at the sink washing dishes. He hailed the kids, then sat down at the counter.
"You're finally awake, sleepy head," Sara said to him, while putting a bowl in the rinse water.
"Was really tired." Michael's voice was groggy.
"You slept all day? We got here around 4:00 and you were out cold."
"Yeah. Pretty much."
"Hungry?" Sara asked.
"Very."
"Well, go over to the table. I'll bring you some dinner."
Michael went over and sat next to Wade. He shuffled the boy's hair before sitting down. Wade looked at his dad wondering if his real dad was inside that human body.
"Enjoyed your meal, Mira?" Michael asked as Mira ate her last forkful of pasta.
"Yes, Dad," Mira answered.
"What did ya'll do today?"
Sara looked over.
"Nothing special—just ran a few errands with Mom," Wade answered. "Are you feeling okay, Dad?"
"Sure. Why'd you ask?"
"No reason. You've been sleeping a whole lot today," Wade replied.
"Yeah, I was. I just felt so tired since I woke up this morning. I haven't been sleeping very well these past few nights. I think I might've only gotten about two or three hours each night for the past week."
"Really?" Sara asked. "I know you mentioned a couple of times that you hadn't slept well, but I didn't know this has been happening all week. That's terrible. What do you think is causing the insomnia?"
"I have no idea," Michael lied.
"Well, you sure made up for it today, Dad," Wade said. He was so happy to be sitting next to his father and actually having a conversation with him for a change. It reminded him of when he was much younger—of the times his dad used to show interest in him and Mira.
That night, sensing that her husband's rigid demeanor had floated off somewhere into the abyss for an unannounced period of time, Sara pulled out her black negligee—the one Michael used to love for her to wear. After a long bubble bath, and knowing the children had fallen off to sleep, Sara lotioned up all over and slipped on the light, sheer garment. She stepped into the bedroom where Michael was lying shirtless with a hand behind his neck, watching television. He looked her way.
"Wow! You look… beautiful," he said.
Sara had not heard Michael utter such words to her for at least a full decade. Right then, she too was wondering where the real Michael had gone and who was this inside Michael's rock hard body. She slowly advanced toward him and he quickly sat up, feet outside the bed. She stood in front of him and he stood up and held her closely in his arms. As he kissed her lips, it took him to a place he had long deserted, but fondly recalled. In recent years, their love-making had been replaced with mere sex, but tonight, the love aspect of the act was returning. In Michael's mind, he didn’t know if their love-making that night was going to be the start of something new and refreshing within their marriage or if their love-making would symbolize the end of it.
"Where is my husband?" Sara asked, lying in his arms after a full hour of intense intimacy. She was whispering, "Thank you, God; Thank you, God" the whole time.
"I'm right here," Michael answered softly.
"It can't be. I'm ashamed to say it, but my husband is not this loving."
"He is now," Michael replied, not sure that he should have said that as he still hadn't decided what he was going to do about Hollie.
They eventually fell asleep in each other's arms. Michael's night was peaceful and uneventful.
10
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"Wake up, kids! Remember we're going to church today." Sara felt buoyant that morning—almost like she was floating on air. She went back to her bedroom and into the closet, passing Michael who was lying awake in bed. She sifted through the clothing in order to make a selection.
"Can I go with you?" Michael asked, standing in the doorway.
Sara looked at him, disbelieving her own ears. "What did you say?"
"Can I go to church with you?"
"Are you okay, Michael? Did you find out you're going to die or something and just not letting me know?"
Michael managed a smile. "I don't think I'm gonna die right now, but you never know…"
"Oh, honey… of course, you can join us! We'll be so glad to have you come. The kids will be elated!" Sara went over and hugged him tightly. Suddenly, she was feeling desirable and appreciated again for the first time in a very long time. Michael had inexplicably transformed into the man she always wished he would become and she desperately hoped that side of him was there to stay.
* * * *
He sat on the pew next to his wife and children feeling like the worst person that ever walked the earth. Listening to Father Bob speak on love and respect was another nail in Michael's coffin. He wanted to block out everything and just focus on the here and now, so that in spite of the decision he ultimately made, at least he knew he was creating some good memories for a change after being responsible for so many bad ones.
Father Bob greeted parishioners at the door after the service. On spotting Michael, he reached out and shook his hand briskly. "Michael, it's great to see you again! How have you been?"
"I'm doing well, Father… and happy to be here today," Michael responded. Sara and the kids glanced at each other with a smile.
"How long has it been since you were last here?" the balding priest asked.
"Um… maybe about a year or two… or a couple more than that." Michael was clearly embarrassed.
"Well, it seems like I need to reserve a day or two for confession just for you, Michael. I expect to see you soon."
They all laughed and Michael felt that Father Bob may be right on the button. He hadn't been anywhere near the confessional in many years.
They drove away from church, each member of the Cullen family feeling like they were an actual family again—a team. Mira and Wade started joking in the back and Sara, in the front passenger seat, was talking Michael half to death like she usually did. However, this time, he actually engaged in the conversation.
A few minutes after leaving church, Mira said: "Mom, when are we going to do that thing?"
Sara looked back at Mira, then at Michael.
"What thing?" Michael asked.
Sara sighed. "Michael, we have to take a detour to 236 Moody Road."
"Why?" Michael insisted. "What's on Moody Road?"
"Someone we really have to see. Pull to the side for a minute. Will you?"
Michael gla
nced through his rear-view mirror and cautiously swerved to the side of the road near an intersection. Sara turned to face him.
"Honey, there's something I need to tell you…" She looked back at the kids to offer a hint of re-assurance. However, the expression on Wade and Mira's face indicated that they weren't sure they shared their mother's sentiments. "We haven't told you this, Michael, but Mira has seen that woman she told us about several times since that night."
Michael glanced back at Mira who was sitting directly behind Sara. "What woman?" He asked knowingly.
"The colored woman with the blood-stained dress," Mira said.
"Since then, Mira's even been having dreams and visions of what actually happened to this young woman," Sara continued.
Michael sighed, then came to a sudden, much needed release of his pride. "I've seen her too," he quietly confessed.
Everyone's eyes were on him.
"You have?" Mira was startled.
"Yes. Several times. She's appeared to me several times. That's why I barely got any sleep for the past few nights."
"Michael, why didn't you tell me?" Sara asked in amazement.
He shook his head. "I don't know. I guess I was ashamed to know that I, as a grown man, was afraid—of a ghost."
"What did she say to you?" Mira asked.
"Nothing… absolutely nothing."
They went on to explain to Michael the events of the previous day and how they were about to pay Andy Anderson's son a visit.
"But why do we have to see him?" Michael was confused.
Sara and Wade looked at Mira for the answer.
"I'm not sure myself. All I know is it's a strong feeling inside that tells me that he has to go to the Ferguson house," Mira replied.
"Did the ghost tell you that?" Wade asked.
"No. She didn't. It's just a strong feeling that I have."
"I thought we were going to Mister Anderson's house to sit and speak with him and then hopefully, try and get him to let go of the past in order to allow healing for himself and his family. I don't know… but my thoughts were that once they are able to do this, then Karlen Key can be at peace," Sara said.
The Cornelius Saga Boxed Set Page 8