That got everyone’s attention.
Candy practically bounced. “I’m so glad that I’ll have something to talk about with someone at this thing,” she said, distastefully looking at their hostess.
“What do you design?” Bev asked, as she continued eating her salad.
Tori knew that if she threw out clothing, she was going to be talked to death about it, and she couldn’t pull it off. So, she went with what she knew.
“Women’s unmentionables.”
It was a good thing that Julian wasn’t drinking at that moment, or he would have choked. If Tori wanted to command the entire room, she now had every one’s attention, specifically the men.
Christina began giggling and Kane gave her the look.
“Oh, I see,” stated Bev, placing her napkin back in her lap, not willing to go there. Some topics were off limits to dinner conversation.
“Do you model it too?” asked Fredrick, leaning forward lecherously.
Before Julian could comment, Lorelei spoke, “Knock it off, Fredrick. That was beyond inappropriate, even for you,” she admonished. “Leave our guests alone!”
Tori stared at him. “I’ll answer that, Ms. Hesser, if you don’t mind,” she began. “Yes, I actually do. For my husband and him only, so you can take your hormones and bottle them back up. Your innuendos don’t make me uncomfortable. They simply make me want to knock you on your ass and bash in your overly white teeth.”
Julian choked this time.
Lorelei began laughing as her cousin went bright red. “Well said, Victoria.”
If he could, Julian would have made out with his wife right then and there. This was the fiery babe he fell in love with back in that swamp. She didn't take shit from anyone, including some hormone ridden rich man-child.
The conversation picked back up, and everyone went back to talking among themselves. When Julian could, he leaned over and whispered in his wife’s ear. “You better be modeling later, after you almost blew our cover,” he said, nibbling on her earlobe.
Tori ran her hand up and down his leg, just barely missing her favorite part of his anatomy. When his lips paused, the message was clear.
Bring it on!
Christina directed the conversation toward their hostess. “I hope you don’t mind me asking, Ms. Hesser, but I’m dying to know about the ghost who haunts this house.”
Julian was glad someone brought it up. It would lead into where he needed to take this conversation. Bonus employee points for Christina, for being on her game.
“Ah, yes. Everyone is always so curious about the ‘Singing Woman’. She’s been here as long as I can remember,” she offered.
“Me too,” stated Fredrick. “I’ve heard her, and the song she wails is so sad.”
“What’s the legend behind her?” Christina pushed further. “I know what the internet says, but what’s the real deal?” she asked. Part of her inquiry was work related, but a majority was for personal use. While here, she was going to debunk the ghost.
It appeared that she wasn’t the only one curious about that topic. Everyone was staring at their hostess, waiting for an answer of any sort.
She leaned back in her chair. “Well, from what I’ve been told all my life is that the woman who haunts the house is one of my great grandfather’s mistresses. He allegedly had quite a few, but this particular one is angry.”
“What happened to her?” asked Tori.
“I was told that she died of a broken heart, because Joseph Hesser wouldn’t leave his wife, Cherie, for her. So, she is forced to haunt the halls of this home.”
Bev Curry spoke up, “Generally, if someone is haunting a house, they died a horrible death,” she stated, and then realized that everyone was staring at her. “Or so I read on the internet.”
Lorelei shrugged. “I can’t tell you how she died or if she actually existed. I don’t even know her name,” she stated.
Julian made his move. “Are there any old journals or family Bibles that would mention it?”
The woman wasn’t sure. “I could ask Bruce if there are, but I’m not entirely sure. You all seem very interested in this ghost,” she stated.
“I am,” stated Bev. “I love the paranormal.”
Candy didn't really care either way, but it was something to do, other than smelly horses. They were disgusting. “I’m curious too.”
“Can I snoop in your family journals, if there are any?” Christina asked. “I’m not into horses all that much. It will give me something to do with my down time while my husband enjoys himself.”
Lorelei considered it. They did, after all, pay quite a lot to be there. If they wanted to dig around, so be it. “I’ll see what I can do for you,” she offered.
That seemed to appease everyone, and dinner was finished without much chitchat between them. Most of the conversations were held privately between the husbands, wives and couples.
“We’re going to be retiring to the parlor for after dinner drinks. I hope that you all join us before you turn in for the night,” Lorelei offered, standing from the table. She walked out, and Fredrick followed closely behind.
The Wests and the Currys wasted no time and were out of their seats, almost in a rush to catch up with the hosts. That only left Stephen and Katy Snyder as they finished their dessert. Tori could tell that the man was staring at her.
“Mrs. Wilshire, I’m a clothing designer and I’ve never heard of you, even in the lingerie world.”
Julian tensed.
Tori handled it with ease. “Oh, I don’t design under my real name, Mr. Snyder. I have a company name which I use. I’m simply here to enjoy the horses and the Kentucky Derby with my husband.”
“What label do you design under?” he inquired.
She stared him in the eyes, and once more tried to make it perfectly clear. “Like a writer has a pen name for privacy, I have the same thing in my life. I appreciate you wanting to know, but business is business and personal time is precious,” she stated once more, this time a little more sternly.
He nodded. “I understand, Mrs. Wilshire,” he answered. “I can tell you my label, if you wish to know.”
Tori interjected. “No, thank you. I’m not interested in talking business while on holiday, sir.”
Julian didn't like the glint in the man’s eyes. Something felt off about him, and it rubbed him the wrong way.
If he was insulted, Stephen Snyder gave no clue that it bothered him.
“But of course, Mrs. Wilshire. I meant no offense, and I pray none was taken.”
“No, none was.”
Tori could already tell that the man wasn’t going to let it go at any cost. It was like he was scrutinizing her, trying to get her to spill something. When he and his wife got up from the table, Tori glanced over at her husband. Before she could say anything, he read her mind.
“He’s going to be an issue,” Julian said immediately. “The man was like a pit bull. I don’t like him at all. I don’t want you anywhere near him, Tor,” he demanded.
While she wasn’t one to cave to Julian’s demands, or his overbearing comments, this time she threw him a bone.
“Okay, Jules.”
“Right now, he’s online Googling Victoria Wilshire,” stated Christina softly.
Julian knew what this all meant. “We better get moving on this case, and fast. We may not have a cover for very long if he keeps digging.”
They all agreed.
Time was of the essence.
Chapter Five
During drinks, there was more discussion about the ghost, and also the derby. The couples all mingled, some sticking closer to others. Tori and Julian immediately stayed with Kane and Christina. It gave them the perfect chance to look like they were socializing, and yet they were free to work.
“What’s the plan, Julian?” Kane asked, sipping some mint julep that his hostess was trying to push off as a beverage. It was like drinking liquid toothpaste or mouthwash to him. Where he was from you drank
beer or whiskey, and not this girly crap. Even his babe wasn’t having it. She was sipping a cup of tea.
“We’re going to take a look around the house tonight when everyone falls asleep,” Julian admitted. “I want to check out the kitchen as the first room we search. Eventually, we’re going to need to hit the bedrooms up, but that’s going to be tricky. We need to wait for the guests to be gone for the day.”
He got it. “Want my help?”
Julian shook his head. “No. Tori is going to be my partner in this. I think it looks less suspicious if I’m wandering around with my woman. No offense, but you’re not my type.”
Tori and Christina snorted.
“That’s okay, Kane-ykins. You’re my type,” teased Christina. “Really, that’s all that matters.”
At the nickname, Julian started to snicker. “Oh, wait until I tell Justin, Kane-ykins. He’s going to have a field day with this one.”
The big man crossed his arms over his chest and glared at Christina, trying to get the message through. She wasn’t supposed to use their cute little nicknames in front of the boss. In fact, they should be reserved for when they were buck naked and in their bed.
She saw the telling look, and instead of getting nervous, she simply patted him on the ass. “Nice try, but you don’t scare me, so put it away, big guy.”
Kane let out a long exasperated sigh. His woman was incorrigible. There was no way to stop Christina from running right over him.
Tori scanned the room, focusing on all of the couples there. They were having cocktails in the lounge, and she found the actual surroundings fascinating. “This would be a good place to hide something,” muttered Tori under her breath. “Look at all the shelves,” she said, indicating the book lined walls. Maybe the Bible was placed somewhere in the stacks.
“Yeah, hiding any book here would be like leaving it in plain sight,” Christina stated. “It would take hours to go through each of these books.”
“I’m going to bet the family went through this room already. If you’re looking for a lost book, why not look where the books are kept,” Julian suggested. “But, I’ll ask Jamie when we get her alone, just to be sure. If we’re lucky, we can cross this room, off our list.”
“Works for me,” Tori answered, faux yawning to draw attention to her. Then, she raised her voice slightly, so that everyone would hear her. “Goodnight, Kane and Christina. We’ll see you tomorrow,” she stated, heading for the door with her husband.
On her way out, Lorelei addressed her, “Don’t forget our ride tomorrow morning, Mrs. Wilshire. I’m looking forward to admiring your horsemanship skills.”
Tori waved and smiled. There was no way in hell she would ever forget about that. She was itching to get into the saddle and ride Knight. The Hessers could analyze her all they wanted, as long as she got on that horse.
As they headed up the stairs, behind them were other couples heading out too. This was perfect. Now, they wouldn’t have to wait too long to wander the house in the dark.
It was time to get down to business and find that missing Bible.
* * *
Two Hours Later
It didn't take long for the rest of the house to settle down. Once the last person had climbed the stairs, and all the lights were extinguished, Tori and Julian headed out of their room. When their door opened, Kane’s did the same not far away.
Giving them the thumbs up signal, he watched them wander down the stairs to the kitchen. While they were wandering down there, he’d monitor the hall to see if anyone exited their rooms.
Navigating the grand staircase was relatively easy, since the staff had left the lights dimmed for their guests. Yet, something felt off. Maybe it was simply because the house appeared to be eerie at night, especially after hearing all the ghost stories at dinner and during drinks.
Julian led his wife through the shadowy downstairs, gently holding her hand and keeping her close by his side.
If they got caught, he had every intention of attacking and mauling her mouth in an attempt to make it look like they were having a little make out session alone in the dark. It was better to be caught in an intimate moment than rooting around in the family’s private possessions.
Once in the kitchen, Tori hit the light above the stove. It illuminated the room, brightening everything enough so that they could both open cabinets and tap walls, looking for anything hidden away.
Before arriving, they did their research online. This estate, at one time, had been a plantation and part of the Underground Railroad. Where better to hide slaves on the run, than at an estate that used them to harvest their cotton?
Julian suspected that there had to be some secrets to the house, since it predated the civil war. If he was a gambling man, he’d bet his career on it. This grand estate just screamed of long gone mysteries.
They searched for quite a while, and all that they located were quite a few dust bunnies, making a nest underneath the stove. Well, whoever ran this kitchen was a neat freak.
Just as they were closing up the last cabinet, they heard the approaching footsteps.
Shit!
They were caught.
Tori, who was closer to the stove, quickly grabbed the tea kettle and hit the ignite button. As the figure walked around the corner, she feigned being frightened.
“Oh God! You scared the hell out of me,” she said, placing her hand on her heart in mock terror.
“I’m so sorry! I heard moving around in here, and I wanted to make sure that it wasn’t a guest needing anything,” he offered, hitting the kitchen light.
“I wasn’t feeling so well, so we came down to make some tea, but this room is a little overwhelming,” Tori stated, covering for their presence there.
He smiled easily at the couple. “I’m Chef Thomas Kilpatrick. If you like, I can make your tea for you. It’s not a problem. I was up planning tomorrow’s menu in my quarters.”
Tori walked toward him, hand outstretched. “I’m Victoria Wilshire and this is my husband, Julian. I would appreciate your help. There are too many cabinets! I don’t think I can even find a tea cup in here.”
He motioned toward the stools surrounding the massive island and chuckled. “A big house needs a big kitchen. What kind of tea would you like, Mrs. Wilshire?” he asked, pulling a basket out of the cabinet. Inside were so many teabags in pretty little packages.
Tori stared into the basket, contemplating her choice.
Julian was grateful that his wife was able to improvise so easily. You could tell that at one point she had been a Fed. She lied like a rug, and it was absolutely believable. His wife was accustomed to being someone else while on the job.
“I do believe that I need something to help me sleep. I’m afraid that all this ghost talk has me a nervous nelly. I know that it’s silly, but it terrifies me!”
Julian fought hard not to laugh at her. His wife was priceless. Here she was, setting the conversation up for him to get information out of the man.
She was getting a big kiss when they got back up to their room. His babe was earning the Academy Award in the ‘kitchen bullshit’ category.
“I can completely understand,” he said. “When I replaced the last chef, he warned me about the happenings here at Hesser House. Even then, I wasn’t really prepared for what went on here at night.”
“Have you experienced anything unusual?” Julian prompted.
“Yeah, but nothing as bad as the previous chef, though. When he retired, he was in his seventies. I believe that he lived here and worked for the Hesser family starting in the nineteen sixties.”
“Wow, that’s a really long time to be an employee.”
He nodded as the tea kettle whistled. “He saw some scary shit,” he stated. “I beg your pardon, ma’am.”
Tori waved it off. “I curse like a sailor, you’re fine.”
Julian continued, “What did he see, exactly? I mean, there’s no such thing as ghosts, right?”
Thomas shook his head
enthusiastically. “Oh, something lives in the halls of this house, that’s for damn sure. One night, the old chef was working in the pantry doing an inventory. He thought that he heard weeping in here, and when he came out no one was around, but there was a puddle of blood and footprints. It scared him, but by the time he managed to get to the overhead lights, it was gone. He told me that he wouldn’t have thought twice about it, except it happened around the same time every year.”
Tori mulled that over.
The chef lowered his voice. “He also told me that when he first started here, the staff would talk about one of the first employees at Hesser House. Apparently, the legend says that she disappeared without a word to anyone. Everyone who worked here told the tale of the owner’s wife. She didn't look too kindly on the young girl climbing all over her very rich husband. So, the story goes that she took care of the situation behind her husband’s back. For years, he was completely lost when his favorite mistress went missing.”
“So the wife killed her?” Tori asked, feigning shock. “Oh my!” She’d kick someone’s ass for even looking at Julian, let alone getting in his pants.
It would be a bloodbath.
The chef nodded. “No one ever found a trace of the dead girl, but it’s said that her ghost haunts Hesser House, trying to find justice.”
Again, this confirmed what Jamie had told them.
He continued, “They used to say that her soul was tormented because of the death, and that the blood the chef saw was hers. Well, it’s assumed to be hers.”
“So, she was killed here?” Tori asked, feigning nervousness, as she slid closer to the protection of Julian’s body.
He shrugged. “No one can confirm or deny that, but the staff thinks it was right here in the kitchen. They also tell the tale of how after she went missing, Cherie Hesser began losing her mind. Her husband nearly had to have her committed.”
Julian was fascinated. The more they heard about this place, the more it sounded like they weren’t only looking for a lost book, but now a murdered woman.
Lost & Broken (LIttlemoon Investigations Book 2) Page 8