Andrea was busy calling Cole filling him in on all the details.
Hunter said, “I’ll tell you one thing, if Taylor and I are going to live here we are sealing that secret room permanently.”
“After we add whatever Claudia says will keep anything evil from coming around,” added Taylor.
They all agreed and laughed.
“I’m hungry,” said Kellie. “We’re the first ones back. I guess we’ll have to make our own dinner.”
“It’s nice to be home,” Drew stated. “I’ll take our bags upstairs, and then we can start on dinner. I’m suddenly hungry, too. It’ll be nice to get back to a quiet normal life.”
Drew grabbed their bags and headed upstairs. A few moments later he hurried down the stairs. “Kellie, we have to call 911 now.” His face was flushed and his breathing shallow.
“No we don’t. I’ll fill my Uncle Mike in about this later. No one else will understand what happened.” She turned to speak with Taylor.
He rushed up to her, grabbed her arm, and spun her around. “It’s not that. I found Austern at the foot of the second floor stairs. He’s dead.”
Chapter Twenty-three
“Dead? He’s dead? Are you sure?” Kellie felt lightheaded and began to sway. Hunter caught her and helped her to a chair.
Drew fumbled getting his phone out of his pocket and then dialed 911. “This is Drew Adamson. We arrived home to find our butler dead. Yes, the Malone mansion on Willow Way. Thank you. No, we won’t touch anything.”
He looked at Kellie. “The police are on their way.”
Kellie grabbed her cell. “Uncle Mike, oh my God. We got home and found Austern dead. Yes, Drew called 911. They’re on the way, but I needed you to know. We battled the old man. He’s gone forever, but I think he might have killed Austern first. What do we do? Okay, I will.”
She gripped her cell phone with both hands and fought back tears. “Uncle Mike said to wait for the officers and answer their questions. He has to finish an interview, and then he’ll be here, too.”
The doorbell chimed. Taylor squealed and grabbed Hunter. Drew jumped, grabbed his chest, and hurried to answer it. Officers Perkett and Watkins were at the door. Officer Perkett chewing on gum, frowned and asked, “You report a death?” Officer Perkett stood behind him shifting his weight from one foot to another.
“Yes, officer, he’s up there.” Drew pointed up the stairs and asked the officers to follow him. Austern’s body was in the same position. It wasn’t part of a nightmare as Drew had hoped.
“You touch anything, kid?” Officer Perkett looked at Drew out of the corner of his eye.
“No, sir.” Drew stood with his hands stiff at his sides.
“You found him like this when you got home?”
“Yes, but we’ve been gone for several days. I don’t know when this might have happened.”
“The coroner will. Grady, call the coroner’s office. I can’t tell if he fell or was pushed. He’ll have to determine if it’s murder or an accident.”
Drew stood by silently. The thought of murder never entered his mind. Assuming Austern fell, he was concerned how hard this would be on Kellie.
“Excuse me, officer; may I go downstairs to wait with my wife?”
“Yeah, I’ll wait here for the coroner.”
“Okay.” Drew ran down the stairs behind Officer Watkins. He headed for the library and the officer for his squad car. Officer Grady saw the detective arrive.
“Hi, Detective Stellion. Edgar told me to call the coroner. He can’t tell if the guy fell down the stairs or was pushed.”
“I’ll be inside with my niece.” He nodded toward the house. “Let me know when the coroner’s expected.”
“Sure thing.” Grady put in the call for the coroner.
########
Mike entered the library to the sight of five somber faces staring back at him. No one said a word. The three girls were crying. Turning his wedding ring around on his finger, Hunter stared at the floor, and then looked up when he heard Mike enter. Drew stood next to the window with his hands in his pockets.
“First, I need to know if all of you are okay physically,” Mike asked.
Everyone nodded.
“Then second, I need someone to tell me exactly what happened.”
Each friend looked in Drew’s direction.
Shoving his hands deeper into his pockets Drew said, “I took our suitcases upstairs, but before I could get to the bedroom, I saw Austern lying at the foot of the second story steps. I was going to check for a pulse, but his eyes were open and I knew he was dead.”
“No one else was home?”
They all shook their heads. “I gave everyone time off while we were gone,” Kellie said.
“The coroner will figure it out. Now, what’s the story about the old man being gone forever? He’s dead, Kellie. He’s been gone for over a year.”
“I know he’s dead, but he refused to accept it. He’s been hanging around here in spirit form harassing us and trying to kill us. We fought back with the help of Claudia the psychic and my mother. She finally was able to beat him and send him to hell or wherever he’s going to spend eternity. She told me he’d never be back or could ever hurt me again.”
“Kellie, Donna’s dead. She wasn’t here. We were at her funeral, remember? Are you sure you’re alright?” He scooted to the edge of his seat.
“Uncle Mike, not my mom, my birth mother, Alexis. She was here and fought her father for me. Alexis loved me. She always did, and proved it by saving me from him. My mother’s gone to the light now and is at peace.”
Mike sat on the loveseat, and scratched his head with both hands. He then did his best to get his hair to lie back down before he spoke again.
“Let me get this straight. All of you finally decided you had a ghost here and not a human intruder. He tried to kill you, and your dead mother’s spirit fought him and won. You had a psychic help you battle him, and now he’s gone forever? There never was a human intruder that followed you, lured you into the woods, or stabbed Cole among other things?”
Drew said, “That pretty much sums it up. I know you had a hard time accepting the fact that we had a spirit here, but it’s the truth.”
Mike leaned back. “I can ignore everything you never reported, but how do I blame a ghost for the death of the guard?”
Hunter said, “The old man was alive and in hiding when his grave was broken into. We’re not sure how many people were really involved. Couldn’t you accuse the same person who killed Ken Spencer, killed the old man, and maybe blame him for the guard’s death? You’ll know the truth, but it’ll be a case gone cold. Perpetrator or perpetrators unknown.”
“You watch too many police shows on TV, Hunter, but that might have to be the way it’ll be handled.” Mike rubbed his temples.
Officer Watkins entered the room. “The coroner’s here.”
“Thanks, Grady.” Mike looked at the five friends. “Stay put until I get back.”
########
Mike walked into the foyer and greeted Dr. Webster. “Hi Doc, the body’s on the second floor.” Dr. Webster looked around the foyer. “First time I’ve been in this house. It’s quite a place. Malone knew how to live. Well, let’s get a look at that body.”
Dr. Webster looked at Austern’s body, bent over to take a closer look, and made a few calculations. After taking several photos he stated, “He’s dead alright. Neck’s broken. I can see that from here. The question is did he fall or was he pushed. Falling down these stairs is what broke his neck. I’ll know more after the autopsy.”
Mike watched the doctor’s two burly helpers, which he had seen too often lately, place Austern in a black body bag, put him on a stretcher, and head for the stairs. From Drew’s vantage point in the library, he could see them at the top of the stairs.
Dr. Webster followed his helpers out the door. “I’ll call you later with my findings, Mike.”
“Thanks, Doc.”
“G
rady and I are leaving, too unless you need us for something else?” Edgar asked.
“No, we’re finished. Be sure I get copies of your reports.” He closed the front door and walked back into the library.
Sitting back on the loveseat, Mike stared at the five young people waiting for one of them to speak. The girls had quit crying and the guys appeared more relaxed. He sensed there was something wrong.
“Okay, what’s up? Something’s going on you haven’t told me.”
Kellie stood up and walked over to her Uncle Mike. “I know you’re hesitant in believing that the old man came back as a ghost, but during the fight he grabbed my arm. This was burned into it. After my mother fought him and left, it healed and I have this scar.” She held out her arm for him to see.
“What the hell is that? It doesn’t look like any tattoo I’ve ever seen. This happened today? It’s healed.” Mike frowned when he held Kellie’s wrist to take a closer look.
“Yes, I know. It’s like I’m marked. I’m going to see if it can be removed, but before I do, Hunter is going to see if he can find anything similar on file. He says it reminds him of a logo.”
“Your dead grandfather branded you with a logo?”
“I know it sounds insane, but it might be that he thought he could lose the battle and win by my being stuck with this forever.”
Mike leaned forward, placed his elbow on his knee and held up his head with his hand. He was flummoxed by all he had heard and Austern’s murder. The clock ticked for a full five minutes while Mike sat thinking it all over.
“I’m not sure what to make of this. The death will be reported, of course, but your encounter with a ghost will remain among you. If he’s gone, there isn’t anything any of us needs to do now. Try and stay out of trouble.” Kellie and Taylor did their best to smile and hugged Mike before he left.
Kellie sat back down with a thud and groaned. “I can’t believe Austern’s dead and worse, he could’ve been murdered. What if the old man pushed him or scared him and he fell? We’ll never know.”
“Not only that,” lamented Drew. “Austern was the only butler that would work here. You know Mrs. Decker will never come back when word of his death gets out. Sara and Lynn didn’t like it here, and we’ll never see them again. How do we care for a house this size?”
Kellie answered, “One thing I have learned is that the Malone name carries weight and money buys a lot more than you would expect. If I pay someone enough, they’ll work for us. I hope they decide Austern died of an accident. It’ll make finding help easier. I’ll call the employment agency as soon as we know.”
Andrea added, “We might also need a nurse for Cole. Now that the old man is gone, we could go back to our place.”
“That’s a good idea, but I’m paying for all of it. We made a deal,” Kellie said.
Andrea’s face lit up and her eyes sparkled. “I know. Cole and I could never afford it on our own. Thanks,” her voice soft and relieved.
########
Drew rolled over and kissed Kellie. “Good morning, sweetie,” he said.
She smiled at him, and then her face twisted in pain. “It wasn’t a nightmare? Austern’s dead, isn’t he?”
He pulled her close and whispered, “Yes, I’m sorry. I knew you had gotten close to him.”
“I’m getting tired of losing people I care about.” She wiped a tear from her eye. “There’s no one here to help, let’s start breakfast.”
They slipped quietly out of bed not to wake anyone. They found Andrea in the parlor. She brushed her light brown hair out of her eyes. “I spoke to Cole. I call every morning. He’s so happy we’ll be able to go home. He loves you guys, but since we’re married we’d like to be in our own place. I hope you understand.” Her smile brightened the room.
“Of course, but you’re welcome to stay here until Cole is released.”
“Thanks, I know the old man is gone, but being alone at night might get creepy. We’re hopeful Cole will be released within the week.”
“That’s wonderful news. We were going to start breakfast. Want to help?”
The three began wandering around the kitchen. Their hearts were not in what they were doing. Austern’s loss played on their minds. Mrs. Decker called and told Kellie she couldn’t work there knowing Austern might have been murdered. A few minutes later, Sara called and told Kellie she and Lynn wouldn’t be back to work either.
Hunter walked into the kitchen carrying the newspaper. “We made the front page.” He held it up for all to see.
“MURDER OR ACCIDENT AT THE MALONE MANSION?”
“Great,” said Kellie dropping her head into her hands. “More drama, I thought it would be over. Will this ever end? Let’s go out for breakfast, and then decide what we’re going to do.”
“Good idea,” said Hunter. “I’ll get Taylor.”
They all hurried, dressed and headed for Coopers, a nice family restaurant in town.
########
The five friends arrived home and were putting their coats away when the doorbell chimed. “I guess I’m the butler now. I’ll get it,” Drew said. He opened the door and was taken aback for a moment when he looked into the face of a man who resembled Austern in nearly every way. He thought this couldn’t be his ghost. The man’s tall stature, greying hair, and grey eyes reminded Drew of Austern. “May I help you?”
“Yes, please. My name is Claude Austern. I would like to speak to Kellie Adamson, if possible.”
“Umm, sure. Come on in.” He backed up as the Austern look-a-like entered. “Kellie, come out here please.” Drew’s voice quivered.
His voice sounded a little frantic. Kellie ran from the kitchen stopping dead in her tracks when she saw the strange man standing in the foyer.
“Who’s this?” She studied his face from across the room.
The man bowed slightly and answered, “I’m Claude Austern. Austern was my cousin.”
“Nice to meet you,” Kellie said taking in every detail of the man standing in front of her. “Please come into the parlor and have a seat.” Kellie, at a loss for more words, pointed behind her.
“Thank you,” Claude said following Kellie into the parlor and taking a chair. “Austern and I were very close. I used to be the butler at the Morgan mansion until elderly Mrs. Morgan passed on. Since then, I have been waiting tables. Austern spoke highly of you. During his Christmas visit he asked me to watch over you, if anything ever happened to him that seemed out of place. I have never known Austern to trip over anything. I don’t believe he fell. I would very much like to take his place as your butler. He said you needed someone to watch over the house. He explained everything about this house and Mr. Malone to me.” He smiled.
“I’m terribly sorry for your loss,” Kellie said.
“He was also your loss, Mrs. Adamson.”
“Please call me, Kellie.”
“Very well, Miss Kellie.”
Kellie thought not again. “Please,” she said, “I had this discussion with Austern, and if you work for me it’s only Kellie and no bowing. You would be my employee and not my servant. Do you prefer Claude or Mr. Austern?”
Claude laughed a deep hearty laugh. “Austern said you were a very decent, down to earth person. Claude, please. When Austern’s mother named him Austern Austern, it became confusing using our last names.” He then wiped a tear from his eye. “I apologize. I was only notified of Austern’s passing last night. My emotions betray me at times.”
“No need to hide them here. We’ve done our share of crying. We all cared for Austern very much.”
“I’m glad to hear that. He was a genuinely good person.” He handed Kellie a short resume and two letters of recommendations.
She looked through them and said, “You worked for the Morgan family for nearly thirty-five years?”
“Yes, our family started working there when Mr. Morgan and your grandfather were in business together.” He leaned back. “My father became their butler in the early 1950s, and when I wa
s a teenager I did odd chores for them. When my father retired, I took over his position.”
“I had no idea they worked together. I never saw any legal papers about Mr. Morgan.”
“If you don’t mind my saying, I always wondered if Malone and Morgan Investments was an up and up company. I heard a few things that made me think they had some secret and possibly shady dealings. I hope that information about your grandfather won’t cost me the chance to get this job. Austern said you were aware of Mr. Malone’s dealings.”
“I knew he was ruthless, but I never knew about Mr. Morgan. Do you know anything else?”
His fingers interlaced and thumbs tapping together he shook his head, “No, all I remember is seeing mail from time to time with their odd logo and wondered what type of investments they were into.”
“What kind of logo?” Kellie tilted her head, pressing her lips together.
“It was a capitol “M” with a smaller “M” dangling off the end of the first. It reminded me of a small lightning bolt.”
“Did it resemble this?” Kellie held out her arm.
Claude’s brow furrowed, “Exactly. How did you get that burn? It appears as if you were branded.”
“If Austern told you everything, then you know my grandfather’s spirit haunted this house. He did this to me. He’s gone now for good. He’ll never return,” she sighed and smiled.
Claude nodded and sat silently for a few moments.
“Yes, Austern told me about the old man’s spirit. It’s also part of the reason I’m here hoping to work for you. Perhaps I can help find out if he killed Austern.” He unlaced his fingers and leaned forward looking at Kellie.
“Our cook and maids quit when they heard about Austern.”
“Not to worry, I know an excellent cook. She worked for Mrs. Morgan and now works at a diner. Maids are easier to find. I know an excellent agency; however, you may have to pay a premium wage for them due to the circumstances.”
“I anticipated that.”
She looked at her four friends, “What do you think?”
Each of them looked at the others and nodded in agreement and smiled.
OLD MAN MALONE RETURNS Page 22