“No, Kellie, no. Please sit down. Your baby was an innocent. The baby was protected from the moment of conception from evil. There was absolutely no way he could take your baby’s spirit. I’m so sorry. I should have thought to tell you this earlier.”
Kellie nodded and sat back down slowly. Her knees shook so hard she held onto the table for support. A few deep breaths and the knowledge her baby wasn’t part of the old man helped to calm Kellie.
“Are you okay?” Drew was at her side trying to help her.
“Yes, I’ll be okay now. I saw my mother’s spirit attack him, and he disappeared.”
“Her love surrounds you, and helps to keep you safe. That love can also send the man’s spirit out of our world to where it belongs. However, if he destroys her spirit first, there may be no stopping him,” Claudia said.
“What’s the answer?”
“I have tried to feel that with all my strength, and the only answer I see is love. I feel his evil in this house, but I also feel love. The love is stronger providing you remain strong. He will make a move. Your mother and your love for each other will be part of the answer, but I’m not sure of when or exactly how. I see it, but it’s like looking through a veil or mist. I can’t gather details.”
“Okay, thanks, Claudia. If you come up with anything else, please let us know.”
After Claudia finished her last sip of coffee, she said she had to leave. On her way out of the parlor she turned and said, “I saw Cole in a vision and his arm was strong. He’ll be fine.” She waved and headed out the door.
Hunter said, “I sure hope she’s right about Cole, but the rest of it is strange. I’m not sure we’ll be able to figure this entire mess out.”
“Maybe not,” said Kellie. “But we’ll sure try.”
Chapter Twenty-one
Drew went in search of cheese cloth. He returned with a fairly large piece he had cut into seven squares. Placing them on the able he said, “We can divide the mixture into seven portions, but I’d like to keep a little and toss it into the secret room. It may not keep him trapped, but it has to cause him some distress. We need every opportunity to lessen his strength.”
Good idea, “Taylor said. “But why seven squares? There are only six of us.”
“Right, but Cole is in ICU right now. They don’t allow anything non-medical in there so we’ll have to hide this. When he’s well enough to be moved to a regular room, we may not be able to retrieve it so we’ll need an extra.”
“Good thinking,” Kellie commented.
Drew divided the seed mix and placed some on each square. The girls placed rubber bands around them. Then they followed Drew to the secret room. He quickly opened the door, tossed the balance of the seed mix toward the cot and slammed the door. Before they could get back to the main house, they heard the groaning and rattling in the walls.
“I think he was in there. He doesn’t sound happy,” Kellie laughed. She felt the strong urge for revenge surge through her and hoped he was suffering.
“Let’s get the other three to Andrea and Cole at the hospital,” Hunter said. The four friends left and felt secure that they had slowed down the old man.
The figure in black writhed in pain.
########
Andrea forced herself to eat a meal. She didn’t have an appetite, but she did it for Cole. She had to stay strong for him. After her meal, she met her friends in the ICU waiting room.
“I’m so glad you’re here. Cole will be happy to see you. He can only have one visitor at a time and might be too tired to see all of you.”
“Then Drew should go in first.” Kellie explained about the seed pouches. She also told Andrea about Claudia’s prediction about Cole.
Andrea smiled and said, “I hope she’s right. I agree Drew should go in and explain to Cole about the seed pouch. He’ll have to hide it in the room, but I think it’ll ease Cole’s mind if he knows where it is.”
When the Burnett’s returned, Drew said hi, and hurried to Cole’s room. Cole looked a bit pale, but much better than he had the first night he was brought in.
“Drew, good to see ya. Where’s everyone else?”
“One visitor at a time. That’s the rule.”
“I keep forgetting because I would like more people in here, but they tell me it’s too stressful and I need rest.”
“How are you feeling?”
“I’m not sure. They have pain meds dripping in me constantly. I can move my fingers a little and have good blood flow. They tell me that’s good news.”
“It sure is.” Drew couldn’t hide his happiness that his friend was doing so well.
“What’s going on at the mansion and with the old man? Because I’m here, don’t hold back. Andrea’s trying to protect me, but I need to know,” Cole tried to move, but was too weak.
“I understand. Don’t worry about Andrea. We’ll take care of her.” Drew walked up and placed his hand on Cole’s shoulder.
Drew continued, “We have a plan. Claudia has come up with more exotic seeds. I tossed some in the secret room causing an angry response from the old man, the walls rattled,” Drew laughed bringing a smile to Cole’s face. “We put the rest in pouches. I know you can’t have stuff in ICU, but if I hook this somewhere under your bed no one will know.”
“Great idea.”
It took Drew less than a minute to find a spot that he could hook the rubber band to and the little pouch was secure. He prayed it would keep Cole safe.
“Andrea took a week’s vacation to be here with me. They are being good about letting her sleep in here each night and shower in the nurse’s dressing room. When the week is up, I’ll most likely be in a regular room. If she needs to return to work, she needs more sleep. You have to convince her to stay with you. She can’t go back to our place alone.”
Drew placed his hand on Cole’s shoulder, “Calm down. I agree. I’ll talk to her. We’ll do our best to protect her.”
They heard a little cough and saw Kellie waiting.
As he left, Drew said, “See ya soon, Cole.”
Kellie entered the room. “I won’t stay long. Hunter and Taylor want to say hi, too. I did want to tell you that I don’t want you worrying about any of the financials. This happened at my home and everyone thinks it was an accident. It won’t raise any eyebrows if I pay whatever isn’t covered by insurance. Also, you and Andrea will have enough money to live on. She told me the disability payments are a bit low and you both might move back home. Don’t. I’ll make sure you have enough to take care of everything. I love you, Cole. You’re Drew’s best friend. I’m fortunate enough to have whatever it takes to help you. Please let me do it.”
Cole nodded, tears forming in his eyes. Kellie smiled and kissed his forehead. “I’m going now and let Hunter see you. I’ll visit soon. Feel better.” She slipped out the door.
When she entered the waiting area she saw Drew and Andrea in a deep conversation. He looked up when he saw Kellie. “Tell her we both agree about the medical bills and living expenses.”
“Yes, and I told Cole the same thing. This happened in my home, and the damned old man is my grandfather although I shudder at the thought. Not only is it my responsibility, but I can do it, and you’re my friends. I couldn’t let you move in with his parents. Do you really want to do that?”
“No,” Andrea said laughing through tears.
########
Kyle called Kellie to inquire about Cole. He was alarmed about the old man’s ability to kill. It convinced him that he had made the right decision.
“Becky and I have been talking. She’s terrified of what happened to me when the old man set the barn on fire. With all our animals gone, we don’t have anything to do here each day. The barn is gone, and we’ll have another one built after the new house is finished. Until then we’re leaving town.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. What are you going to do?”
“Thanks to you, we have enough money to do anything we want. We’re going to spend
a few weeks in the city near mom’s nursing home. Maybe seeing me on a daily basis will help her. When mom is transferred to the rehab facility, I’m going to take Becky on a vacation anywhere she wants to go.”
“She’ll be thrilled, but having you healthy is what she wants most.”
“I know, but once the baby comes, we won’t have the alone time to vacation. The doctor said she can travel, and I’d like to see the Grand Canyon and Mount Rushmore. Becky would love to visit The Alamo and the Rockies.”
“That sounds like a great vacation. Stay safe and send me post cards.”
“We will, and you stay safe. The old man is after you. I’m hoping we’ll be far enough away to avoid him.”
“I do, too. Have fun.”
Kellie smiled as she ended the call. She was happy Kyle and Becky could find some joy after all they had been through. She sighed knowing they would be out of harm’s way. The old man had taken one baby. He wasn’t getting to Becky’s. Her fists tightened and she fought tears as she recalled losing her child.
Thirty minutes later Kyle called Kellie again.
“Becky had our bags packed when I finished talking to you. We put the suitcases in the truck, and headed out. The old man was standing in the middle of the road at the county line. Swerving to miss him, I glanced in my rear view mirror as we passed him. He was standing in the middle of the road shaking his fists at me. His screams could be heard from a block away. I hit the gas; he turned into black dust, and was gone. Please be careful. Do you know why he didn’t follow us or try to attack the truck?”
Kellie answered, “I think his power is limited. Perhaps, he’s stuck here in the county for some reason. I don’t understand it, but if he didn’t follow you, I think you’re safe.”
“I hope you’re right. If I see him again, I’ll call you.”
“Thanks. Try and enjoy the vacation.”
“We will.”
Kellie walked in circles around the foyer wondering what the old man was doing. Anger filled her heart, she felt her chest tighten, and her head ached. The anger transformed into hatred. She would find a way to end his reign of terror.
She didn’t hear from Kyle for the rest of the week. She hoped it meant they were safe.
########
Five days later Cole was moved to a room on the second floor. Andrea was thrilled he was out of ICU, but the nurses insisted she go home to shower and sleep. Cole was out of danger. In a day or two she could spend the night in his recliner again. Cole insisted she go to Kellie’s. Andrea finally gave in and took a taxi to the mansion.
Everyone was happy to see her and that Cole was improving. Mrs. Decker was so excited she began to prepare all of Andrea’s favorites. Andrea was exhausted and fell asleep on the parlor sofa in the midst of their conversation. Kellie covered her with a blanket and pulled the blinds down on the windows.
Mrs. Decker said dinner would be ready in about thirty minutes. Andrea had been asleep for over four hours. The four friends were discussing how nice it was to have good news about Cole.
Drew sighed, “Maybe life will get back to normal soon. I was very concerned we would lose Cole.”
Hunter was about to say something when Andrea’s scream pierced the air. They ran to the parlor to find Andrea standing in the middle of the room with the old man’s arm around her throat. Kellie reached for her pouch of seeds.
The old man’s garbled voice spat at her, “If you try that little trick again, I will break her neck before you can get to those seeds. Get out of my way. I am going to take her with me. This time I will be sure to have enough time to absorb her spirit as she dies.”
None of the four moved. Drew’s eyes darted around the room for something to use as a weapon. Taylor pressed tightly against Hunter. Kellie’s eyes flashed anger and her fists formed at her sides.
“Have it your way. It will not be as enjoyable, but when I break her neck here she will be dead.” His diabolical laugh echoed through the house.
Mrs. Decker had locked herself in the pantry. She held a rolling pin in her hands for protection. Austern watched from the dining room door wondering how to help. He was about to call Claudia when Kellie moved.
Kellie yelled, “You will not take my friend.” She ran toward them hands outstretched.
The old man picked Andrea up by the neck and tossed her into the wall. She fell to the floor and crawled into the corner. Whimpering and in pain, she curled into a ball. She covered her face with her hands, but peeked out through the space between her fingers. The old man grabbed Kellie’s arm, twisted, and pulled her to him. He whispered, “You will be last, child of my blood. With your strength and spirit nothing will stop me.” He pushed her to the floor and strode back toward Andrea.
White light emanated from Alexis’ portrait and flowed down over the old man. He cursed as he tried to fight the light that surrounded him. The old man struggled with the light and screamed. He twisted and turned. The walls and floor shook.
Mrs. Decker hiding in the pantry peeked out and saw Austern. “Are we having an earthquake?
“No, it is the old man. Stay in there until I tell you it is safe.” Mrs. Decker closed the door and sat on the floor.
The white light dragged him down to the floor. The figure in black tried to pull himself back to his feet. He was knocked back down by the light. Rolling around on the floor, he appeared to be wrestling. The light grew brighter. He screamed again. The front window cracked. The light doubled in size. He tried to stand, but could only get on his knees. When the white light covered him completely, he disappeared and the light flashed as quickly as lightening back into the portrait.
Drew coaxed Andrea out from the corner where she crouched. “Is he gone?” she asked.
“Yes, it’s okay. Stand up.”
He spun toward Kellie and roared, “Why didn’t the pouch protect her? He was able to grab her in her sleep. This is your fault. He’s your grandfather.”
Kellie shook her head, tears forming in her eyes.
“I don’t have my pouch. I left it with Cole,” Andrea whispered.
“You had one for Cole and one for you. Why didn’t you take yours?”
“When they moved him, I knew his pouch was in the old room. I put one in the closet with his clothes and gave him the other. He was alone. I thought I’d be safe here with you.”
“The old man may not be stronger, but he’s smart and knows everything. He knew which one of us was vulnerable. It might be a good idea if we all leave for a while. I think Kyle and Becky had the right idea, but we’re not going as far. Maybe Claudia can come up with some answers, or we can find out something else that will work. Claudia said the answer lies in our love for each other and my mother’s love. That means whatever we need to do must happen here, but we can’t stay. He’s too close,” Kellie stated, walking to look at the broken window.
Austern coaxed Mrs. Decker out of the pantry. As soon as Andrea finished her dinner, Kellie told Austern they would be staying at the Royal Hotel. They also had kennel facilities to keep Rufus. She told him that he and Mrs. Decker could have the time off.
“Oh Austern, you live here, too. If you don’t have a place to go, I can get you a room at the hotel.”
“Thank you, Kellie, but I’ll be fine. I have family I can visit.”
Kellie smiled and the five friends hurried out the door followed by a bounding Rufus. Mrs. Decker left quickly. Austern packed a small bag, turned off the inside lights, and left the mansion to the old man.
Kellie had arranged to book a three bedroom suite at the hotel. She wanted to be sure they all stayed close. They made a quick stop at the hospital so Andrea could check on Cole. He was sleeping, but she tiptoed into the room to retrieve one of the small pouches of seeds. She never wanted to be without them again.
The suite was lovely and certainly merited the five star rating the hotel had earned. Drew said, “This is almost as good as home.”
“It keeps us close and out of the house. We can enjoy ou
r stay,” Kellie answered.
A clock on the living area table struck eleven and they said goodnight. Kellie was busy brushing her teeth while Drew undressed. He was digging through his bag hoping he had brought his razor. Kellie hummed while she brushed. She looked up and saw the old man’s face staring back at her from the mirror. He smiled and his yellow teeth were more frightening than ever in the bright light of the bathroom. He waved at her and blew her a kiss. He laughed, but she couldn’t hear him.
She ran into the bedroom flailing her arms and trying to talk with the toothbrush in her mouth. Drew slowed her down. She took the toothbrush out of her mouth, and he wiped the toothpaste from her face.
“He’s here,” she yelled. “I saw his face in the bathroom mirror.”
Drew walked in the bathroom and looked into the mirror. He couldn’t find anything. At the same time they heard Taylor and Andrea scream. They hurried to the living area and found both young women trying to explain to Hunter that the old man was in their rooms. Taylor had seen him in the dresser mirror and Andrea in the floor length mirror.
Kellie’s eyes flashed with anger, she grabbed her cell, and called Claudia.
“I thought you said it was a good idea to leave the mansion for a while. How far do we have to go to get away from him? You should have been more specific.” Kellie insisted.
“He’s not there with you. He doesn’t have the strength to leave the mansion. He used what little strength he has left to appear before Kyle and Becky, and to control your imaginations for a few moments. I believe he wants you to think if he can get to you there, why not go back to the mansion? Don’t give in. Stay at the hotel and be happy. Your happiness weakens him, too. I doubt he will try to appear to you again. He’ll know it didn’t work this time and he won’t waste more of his energy. I see him planning a battle for your spirit. He’ll need as much strength as he can muster for that. Your mother’s spirit is also keeping him from physically leaving the mansion. Enjoy a vacation. You’ll need to be relaxed and strong.”
OLD MAN MALONE RETURNS Page 20