“So maybe… we should look into that idea we came up with last year. Cedar Oaks doesn’t currently have a museum, and there’s enough historical material in the castle to easily fill one wing. We could offer lodging in the other, and maybe include an upscale restaurant in there somewhere,” Miles said.
I looked up at the castle.
“And what about the main house? The original part of the estate?”
“Live there if you want… or not, if you don’t,” Miles said.
“Please tell me we don’t have to decide before getting married. Because I’m not sure how I feel about it!”
“At this point, I don’t think your parents are going to stand up and object if we haven’t made a decision by the nineteenth,” Miles smiled.
“Good,” I laughed.
“It’s a big decision, not one to be entered into lightly. Just think about it now and then. I wouldn’t want to start that project until after we graduate, anyway.”
Miles and I unloaded the vehicle and said hello to Polly, then carried our things inside and put them away. Night and Pandora wandered about, investigating.
Polly chatted with me, as I hung up my clothes and my wedding dress.
“That is just perfect, dear. You’re going to be a beautiful bride,” Polly beamed, as I held the dress in front of me.
“I love it, too. I can’t wait!” My engagement ring flashed in the light, as if it agreed.
“Not much longer, Anika dear. Not much.”
Miles finished unpacking and joined us.
“Grandma Polly… where would you like to sit and talk? Anika and I have some things we need to tell you.”
“Well dear… there’s a sitting room just down the hall. Why don’t we go there.”
Miles and I made eye contact as we left the room. This was going to be very hard on Polly.
We sat in a small cluster of chairs, Polly in one, and Miles and I together on the loveseat.
Polly waited expectantly. Miles and I agreed that I would do most of the talking, since I was the one who heard what George Frank had to say about Polly’s son and daughter-in-law.
“Grandma Polly… we had a lot of strange things happen this year, some of which you know, but the rest of which you don’t. You know about the secret passages, and that the caretaker, George Frank and his girlfriend Bea Cochran, were trying to frighten you into thinking there was a ghost here at the castle. What you don’t know, is that they frightened the Henderson’s so badly that Mr. Henderson died, and Amelia Henderson was told if she didn’t leave, she’d be next.”
Polly held a hand over her mouth, astonished and dismayed, as I continued.
“This whole school year we’ve been bothered by women claiming that Miles was going out with other girls. I knew that wasn’t true,” I hurriedly added, seeing the shock that crossed Polly’s face. “I was with him during the times that he was accused of being with someone else.”
Miles joined in.
“This seems disconnected, but it all ties together.”
“It’s so eerily familiar,” Polly said as if to herself. “False accusation... Go on, dear. Tell me the rest.”
Miles continued.
“Last night, George Frank broke into Anika’s apartment.”
Polly gasped, and reached a hand toward me, which I took and held, as we listened to Miles talk.
“He wanted to kill both of us, and make it look like a murder suicide. That’s why he wanted other people to think our relationship was in trouble. George dropped the gun, and Anika picked it up. She saw Bea Cochran standing behind me, with a gun. Anika warned me and I got out of the way, and Anika shot her. Bea shot at the same time, missing Anika, and hitting and killing George. Bea is in the hospital. When she’s released, she’ll go to jail to await trial for murder and attempted murder.”
Polly was lost in thought, I figured she must be trying to process all the crazy events. I was right, but not in the way I thought.
Polly looked up.
“It’s so eerily similar,” she said. “To what happened to you before. Only this time, Sarah’s great-great-great granddaughter had a gun, and used it.”
Miles and I stared at Polly in confusion. What… was she saying?
Polly looked back at us.
“Come now, you two. Did you really think I didn’t know? Miles dear, you are uncannily similar to my grandson Miles, but I am his grandmother, even if I did fail at keeping in touch with him as much as I should have. You are very similar, and there isn’t another person alive today who would know the difference. But you are not identical.”
We stared in stunned silence. Polly found that amusing, and continued.
“Miles dear, when you’ve watched the shell that was once your grandson wither away after being comatose for eleven months, and then suddenly you appear, muscles fit and healthy other than for those gunshot wounds, and right after Anika proved your innocence too, now really. The doctors had no explanation for that, but I did. And the way you asked for Anika, as you came out from under the anesthesia after the second surgery to repair your knee! And how you watched Anika’s video over and over after it aired, and begged to know how she was doing, and what she was doing, and so concerned about with whom she was doing whatever she was doing every Sunday night when she went out… And then,” Polly turned to me. “I see you with Miles’ dog, and you a shadow of your former self, well how could I possibly not know! I don’t know everything, but I certainly knew enough.”
We just stared.
Wow. Polly was way more on the ball than I’d ever given her credit for.
Note to self, don’t underestimate people! Especially this person!
“Miles, dear… I knew.” Polly reached out and took his hand. “I lost my son and his wife to a car accident, and I lost my grandson when he was pushed from that cliff. Can you blame an old woman for wanting to hold on to the only remaining family? I was thankful that though I’d lost my grandson, I could adopt you as a grandson. Which is a little odd considering the actual age difference, you being so much older and all, but—”
Miles jumped up and hugged her.
Polly smiled at me, and patted his back, and I watched, utterly speechless.
Miles sat back, and there were tears in his eyes.
“You have no idea how I’ve hated lying to you all year,” he said, and Polly patted his cheek.
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you I knew, dear, I just wanted so badly to keep you as a grandson. I had a place for one after all, that my grandson would never return to fill. And you fit so nicely.”
“I’m honored that you want that, and I am more than willing to be your grandson,” Miles said.
Polly shook my hand which still held hers, and laughed.
“I’ve never seen you shocked into silence for so long, Anika, dear! Usually you’ve got plenty to say.”
I shook my head, trying to clear it.
“I—I—don’t—I can’t believe you knew, you had it all figured out,” I managed to say.
Polly laughed.
“I may act like a batty old woman sometimes, but I’m still plenty sharp,” she said, tapping her forehead. “And I’ve lived here for most of my life. I’ve seen things, this is an unusual house… nothing would surprise me.”
Polly laughed again.
“And the way you would talk to yourself,” she used air quotes. “No one has conversations with themselves such as I overheard, after you began working at the estate. Then, when Miles went to see you the morning after he was released from the hospital. This house does have four floors, don’t ever expect privacy when you’re on the grounds. I saw your reaction. You’re not the kind of girl to throw yourself at a young man you just met. Then the next time I saw you, the light had come back into your eyes. How could I possibly not know.”
Polly turned to Miles, and patted his arm.
“And that dog of yours. How many times over the years did I see her vanish into thin air, and later reappear… not a ver
y stealthy creature, is she!”
Polly held both our hands in hers again, as she looked at Miles.
“As far as the world is concerned, and as far as I am concerned, you are my grandson. I have a grandson awaiting me in heaven, and I have you here. You both just happen be named Miles.”
“You are by far the sharpest lady I have ever known,” I said, beyond impressed.
Polly patted my cheek.
“You’re pretty sharp yourself, Anika Riley soon-to-be Bannerman.”
After Polly went to bed for the night, in spite of the late hour, Miles and I took a walk in the garden. Miles was so happy, and I was still so shocked, neither of us would be able to sleep. I always thought Miles was happy before, but it was easy to see that a weight had been lifted.
We walked along the lit paths in silence. The stars overhead were dazzling in the clear night sky, and the scent of roses filled the air.
“I can’t even begin to express how glad I am that Grandma Polly knows,” Miles said. “I can handle not telling most people what really happened because it’s just too complicated, and it wouldn’t do any good, and would do harm. But Grandma Polly is different. It was her grandson who died, and for her not to know and be able to grieve his loss… but she did know, and wanted the same thing we did, all along.”
“I’m glad too,” I said, “for the same reasons. But I know it was harder on you, because you appeared in Second-Miles’ place.”
“I just realized,” Miles said, stopping suddenly. “We didn’t tell Polly about her son and daughter-in-law.”
“Oh, wow,” I said. “Yeah, she sort of dropped that bombshell on us, and we never finished the conversation.”
“Well,” Miles said, as we continued walking. “We’ll have to tell her tomorrow, then. I can tell you this, I don’t think I could have gone so far as to tell her about that, and call them my parents.”
“That’s why I was going to tell her,” I reminded him. “So you wouldn’t have to.”
“I am so glad she knows. I am just—so glad. A lot of bizarre things have happened in the past year, and a lot of stressful things, and dangerous. But so many good things have happened. I’m here, with you, we’re getting married in just a few days, Grandma Polly knows who I am… Anika, I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy in my life.”
“I can tell,” I said, smiling back at him. “You’ve got a million-watt smile.”
Miles grinned and swooped me into a hug, then spun me around and kissed me. Then he stopped to listen.
“Well, what do you know. There’s no one clocking us. I may never be able to kiss you for more than a few seconds at a time though, thanks to Jenny and Xander. They’ve got me conditioned.”
“Well,” I said, wrapping my arms around his neck. “You can try.”
Days later—well, not that long, but more than a few seconds anyway, we resumed our walk.
“Look up,” Miles pointed. “Do you see that?”
The moon glowed in the night sky, and I saw—
“Bats!” I shrieked, grabbing Miles’ shoulder.
Miles laughed, of course.
“They’re hunting mosquitos, not you. Although, the mosquitos do seem to be hunting you. We better get inside, I don’t think you’ll be very happy about it if you’re covered in mosquito bites on our wedding day.”
“No, I would not like that,” I said, as I slapped at one trying to get close enough to make a landing.
We hurried back into the house, and said goodnight.
Chapter 22
I waved from the garden, as Mom pulled into the long driveway. Doreen and Tryon waved back.
“How was your trip?” I asked, as they all piled out of the van, and Chip and Trixie ran to play in the garden.
“Great,” said Mom, as she hugged me. “How are you?”
I could see in her eyes she was haunted by what almost happened to me and Miles.
“I’m great, Mom. I am. All the bad guys have been put away for good.”
“Good.” Mom smiled, although her eyes were bright with tears.
“Good morning, Mrs. Riley,” Miles smiled, as he walked down the front steps to join us by Mom’s vehicle. “I’ll be glad to help you carry in your things.”
Mom hugged Miles.
“Thank you, that would be great.”
“How are you doing, sis?” I asked Doreen, giving her a hug.
“Good,” she said with a smile.
“You look good,” I commented with satisfaction. I was pleased to see her looking as healthy and happy as she used to, before becoming ill.
“How about you, busy boy?” I asked, holding out a hand to stop him from running circles around everyone, and giving him a hug.
“Good,” said Tryon, trying to wriggle free. He was far more interested in seeing his favorite new big brother.
“How’s my favorite little brother?” Miles asked, picking Tryon up and spinning him around.
Tryon squealed and laughed in delight.
“And how are you, Doreen?” Miles asked, a soft light in his eyes. He was thinking of his own sister, I knew.
“I’m doing very well,” Doreen smiled shyly.
We all pitched in and picked up a bag or two, and made our way up the stairs to the castle doors.
“We’ve got rooms for you on the second floor of the main house,” I said to Mom, as we followed Miles through the entryway and up the gently curving staircase.
Miles set Mom’s and Tryon’s bags inside of Mom’s room, and I showed Doreen to hers.
My sister’s eyes were bright, as she looked around at the beautiful bedroom.
“It’s so pretty,” she said, looking out the window at the rose garden below. She turned to look at me. “It’s like a fairytale. The castle, and… it’s like you’re marrying the prince.”
“You’re right, it is,” I smiled back at her. “I’ve seen the garden after the rain, and often thought that I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if a unicorn wandered onto the lawn.”
Miles tapped at the open door.
“Anika? Can I borrow you for a few minutes?”
“Sure,” I said. “I’ll see you later, Doree.”
I left her looking out the window at the garden.
“Did you tell Polly?” I asked, as Miles led me away from the bedrooms.
“I did,” he said, sadness clouding his eyes. “She’s understandably upset. She wants to say hello to your Mom and the kids, but needs a little time.”
“I really feel for her, I wish there was something I could do.”
“She’d like to see you, maybe you can do something for her,” Miles said, as he opened a door to one of the sitting rooms and ushered me in.
Polly sat on a sofa, a tissue in her hand. I sat down next to her, and gave her a hug.
“I’m really sorry,” I said.
“Thank you, dear. I’ve been sitting here thinking though, and what was done… was done. It makes me even more thankful that I have my new grandson, and soon a new granddaughter.”
She squeezed Miles’ hand and smiled bravely.
“We’re thankful to have you, too, Grandma Polly,” Miles said.
“Well now,” she said, clapping her hands together. “I want to enjoy this wedding. I won’t have George Frank or Alfred Sullivan or that Bea person, ruining it for us. Anika dear, you would be a great help to me if you will let your mother know what occurred. It will be in the news soon, if it isn’t already. Just let her know I don’t want to dwell on it, but focus on getting you two married, instead.”
“I’ll do that, Grandma Polly,” I said, giving her another hug.
“I’ll be along shortly and see you all at lunch,” said Polly.
Miles and I walked back down the hallways leading to Mom’s room. Tryon came skidding down the hall, and Miles caught him by the hand before he crashed into a wall.
“So what do you say, Try. Play outside, or play video games?”
“Outside!” said Tryon.
; “You got it,” Miles said, kissing my cheek as my little brother dragged him toward the stairs.
Mom was still in her room, hanging up clothing and going through her wedding planner.
“Hi Mom,” I said, as I sat on the edge of the bed. “We learned something the day before yesterday, and have only just been able to tell Polly. Her son and daughter-in-law who died six years ago, weren’t the victims of a drunk driver. It was pre-meditated murder. They were killed by George Frank. When he showed up at my apartment, he admitted it.”
Mom dropped the planner and stared at me.
“Polly’s son—Miles’ parents?” she asked.
I nodded.
Mom sat down hard on the edge of the bed.
“Oh, that poor boy,” she said, her eyes filling with tears. “And Polly. Why, that just breaks my heart.”
“I know, Mom. It is awful. If it makes you feel better, Polly and Miles did their grieving when the Bannermans died. It’s different finding out they were murdered, but they’re doing okay. Polly wanted me to tell you, and to let you know she wants to look ahead, and not in the past. She wants to focus on our wedding, so she’d rather not talk about it.”
Mom wiped her eyes.
“Okay. I won’t say anything. You know, I continue to be amazed at Miles. He is such a wonderful person, and he’s been through so much… lost so much.”
Mom wiped her eyes with the tissue I handed her.
“You okay, Mom?”
“Yes, yes—I’m fine,” she said with one last dab at her eyes.
“I’m heading out to the garden, Miles and Tryon are out there playing,” I said, as I looked out the front window and saw them bouncing a ball back and forth. “Do you want to come with me? We’re having lunch on the terrace, it’s getting close to time.”
“Sure, I’ll come with you.”
We stopped by Doreen’s room, and she joined us as we made our way outside.
“Miles,” Mom said as we approached. “Anika told me, and I’m just so sorry.”
She gave him a hug.
“Thank you, Mrs. Riley,” Miles said.
“Now I don’t want you Mrs. Riley-ing me, anymore,” said Mom. “It’s either Samantha, or… if it doesn’t make you uncomfortable, you can call me Mom, like Anika does.”
House of Shadows Page 29