The Hauntings Of Sugar Hill: The Complete Series

by M. L. Bullock

  I did my best to process the information, but imagining Jessica vanishing into thin air was beyond me. “What? It must have been some kind of illusion. A trick of the light!”

  “I wanted to tell you all this face to face, but I guess it can’t wait. Not anymore. Jessica was here for the wedding. She was late and decided to stay and help me. She had a spiritual encounter with Dominick and Annalee, and then she wanted to find Dominick. She said she wanted to figure out how to be with him, that she loved him.”

  “This is too incredible, Summer, and we’ve heard some incredible things before. I don’t doubt you, but how is that possible? I’m not sure I understand.”

  Summer’s sad voice broke my heart, but the thought of Jessica lost somewhere hurt worse. “That’s all I know. At least I have the police looking now. I read them the riot act, and they’re canvassing the grounds as a courtesy, they say. If she’s here, they will find her.”

  I closed my eyes for a second to stop the world from spinning. This had to be the pain medication. Had to be. “We’re on the way home, Summer. We’ll be there this evening. I’ll call you back when I know the flight number. If you could have the car there, that would be great.”

  “I’m sorry, Avery. I feel like I let her down, and like I let you down.”

  I bit my lip and looked at Reed for support. He brought me a glass of water and sat on the bed beside me. “Focus on finding Jessica. We’ll find her, you’ll see, and you can tell her yourself. Then we’ll all have a big laugh.” I smiled into the phone, hoping I was right, but knowing I probably wasn’t. Tears filled my eyes.

  “Call the house when you know what time your flight arrives. I’ll be happy to send Matthew to pick you up.”

  “Okay. Talk to you soon.” I hung up the phone while Reed made our flight arrangements. The question of whether we should stay or go had been answered. Home was calling, and Summer needed us. Jessica needed us. We couldn’t linger here any longer. I relayed the information Summer had given me, but neither one of us could really believe it.

  Reed was left to do most of the packing, but that didn’t stop me from coaching him from the bed. “Don’t forget that bottom drawer.

  “I won’t forget anything, Avery. She’s probably sleeping off one of her trances somewhere. You know how spacey Jessica can be when she’s investigating. Don’t think the worst.”

  “I don’t want to think the worst, but something has happened to her. Who should we call, Reed? What can we do?”

  Reed put handed me my purse. “Call whoever you want, Avery. I’ll get us packed up, and we’ll talk about it on the flight. We’ll be there in four hours, sweetheart. I’ll get the suitcases and bring you your clothes. What do you want to wear?” Reed asked as he grabbed handfuls of my clothing out of the chest of drawers.

  “I don’t know. A dress? I can’t wear pants. Oh, God, Reed! What could have happened to her? Summer says she disappeared…and I had a dream about her. I dreamed she was at Sugar Hill, but not with us, with Dominick and Annalee. And Summer said Jessica wanted to be with Dominick. That she’d gone back in time or something…”

  I broke down, and Reed knelt in front of me, hugging me. “Hey, what did you just tell Summer? Don’t think the worst. Not yet. We’ll find her sleeping in the gazebo or wandering in the woods. She used to walk in them all the time with Handsome. That’s probably what happened. She went for a walk and got lost. I think that medication is kicking your butt. You sure you’re up to flying home?”

  “If I have to crawl home, I’m going back to Sugar Hill.”

  “And I’ll crawl with you if necessary, but for now, let’s plan on taking the plane.” He gave me a soft smile. “Tell you what, Avery. Let me pack while you rest, and then I’ll help you get dressed. How’s that?”

  I felt so sleepy I could hardly argue with him. “All right, but just a few minutes. I don’t want to miss that plane.”

  “If I have to carry you in your pajamas, we’re going home.”

  He covered me with a blanket, and I reached for him. “I know why Handsome came to see me now, Reed. He wanted me to know. I should have known.”

  “No, Avery. You couldn’t know Jessica would disappear. You can’t see the future. None of us can.”

  I felt my eyelids get heavier and gave up the struggle. “Sometimes I do,” I argued with him, but sleep overtook me quickly, and unfortunately it was a dreamless sleep. Wherever Jessica was, she was on her own. I couldn’t find her or come to her.

  Jessica, can you hear me?

  She didn’t answer, but I heard a song play softly somewhere. A familiar song and a familiar voice.

  “Handsome! Is that you?”

  He didn’t answer but continued singing.

  Sunday is gloomy

  My hours are slumberless.

  Dearest, the shadows

  I live with are numberless.

  Little white flowers

  Will never awaken you.

  Not where the black coach

  Of sorrow has taken you.

  Angels have no thoughts

  Of ever returning you.

  Would they be angry

  If I thought of joining you?

  “Handsome? I can’t find Jessica. Help me,” I cried in my sleep.

  Soon there’ll be candles

  And prayers that are said, I know.

  Let them not weep.

  Let them know that I’m glad to go.

  Death is no dream,

  For in death I’m caressin’ you.

  With the last breath of my soul,

  I’ll be blessin’ you.

  When Reed woke me for the flight, I already knew how this would end. Still, I owed it to Jessica to try. Yes, we owed her at least that much.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Jessica Chesterfield

  My heart skipped a beat as I realized I’d done it. I’d made it back to Dominick. I wanted to cry, smile, and shout for joy, but there was no time for such jubilation. There he was now—Dominick, talking to Emilio Sota and his father. I waved at him, and he smiled back questioningly. I shook my head but couldn’t stop smiling. I loved this man with all my heart, but what about his real wife? What about the real Ophelia?

  Yes, what about Ophelia? What would happen if I managed to take her place? Would I consign her to death? Where was she now that I was here?

  I heard a sob behind me and spun around to see Annalee swiftly departing the ballroom. My anger rose as I watched Champion grin at her back and turn to give his wife an innocent look. The woman was a fool if she believed that dimpled smile. Why did he torment Annalee so? Yes, now was the time. Time to end this. I would confront him here while there were people about and there was no apparent danger to myself.

  “Brother-in-law, we haven’t danced yet.”

  He peered down at me, his wild dark eyes examining my own. “Forgive me for my oversight, sister-in-law. May I now have the pleasure of your company for a turn or two around the room?” I heard whispers around me, but I put out my hand and formally accepted Champion’s offer. A springtime waltz rose from the tiny orchestra’s strings, and we sailed about the room in broad sweeps. Dominick watched us furiously, but I carefully avoided eye contact. It was now or never. I had to play the hand I was dealt.

  “We seem to be causing quite a stir, Mrs. Dufresne. I hope your reputation will survive this dance. Heaven knows my wife looks extremely unhappy. I’m sure she’ll never forgive me. She’s a very jealous woman. We both know that your own husband will not object. I wonder that you could marry and stay married to such a man.”

  I didn’t play along. The song would end soon, and I would never have another chance like this. “I’m not who you think I am, Champion.” That wiped the smirk off his face.

  “What could you possibly mean? How very mysterious. Are you trying to enchant me, Ophelia? I must say I am intrigued. Did your husband put you up to this?”

  “I am not Ophelia Dufresne. My name is…well, that’s not important. I hav
e to warn you.”

  He pulled me close as the row of dancers turned together. This was a complicated dance and I was failing miserably at it, but I had to keep dancing. His arm was around my waist, and I could hear him breathing in my ear. He smelled of tobacco and brandy and something else, something spicy.

  “Yes, what could you warn me about, sister in law? You should know that your husband is watching and appears to be coming this way.”

  He spun me again, and this time we were face to face. “I know about you, Champion Dufresne. I know what’s happening at Thorn Hill. I have been there, you see.” Sashay, sashay. Step, step. Yes, I think I was getting it. It’s a place that has a special kind of power and is home to a very dangerous spirit.”

  I thought he would stop our dance, but he did not. I had his attention, and Champion continued to lead me around the room. His clamped jaw and tightened grip betrayed his anger. “What do you mean?”

  “You know it isn’t Annalee that’s tormenting you, Champion. It’s Ambrose, and that’s his house. Thorn Hill is his house. You are a fool to stay there.”

  “I see my brother has been filling your head with nonsense.”

  Then the truth became clear to me. He knew about Ambrose already! He knew more than anyone realized. In fact, I suspected he had dealings with Ambrose. I could feel it; I knew it from the touch of my skin on his. Yes, touch always betrayed betrayers. But treachery demanded a price, and he wasn’t immune from tragedy. In fact, it would hit him, and it would hit him hard. Unless he was willing to listen. This might be the way! I glanced over my shoulder while feigning a peaceful smile. Oh no. Dominick would be here in just a few seconds! I only had a little time.

  “You have to listen to me, Champion. Your wife and your son…Devon, right? He will die. They will both die if you don’t listen to me. You can’t make deals with the devil. He will demand a high price. They don’t have to die. You can save them! I can help you.”

  I gasped as he spun me around one more time. The song was about to end.

  No, please! Just a little longer!

  “You don’t know what you’re talking about,” Champion said vehemently. “You are mad, Ophelia.”

  “You must believe me, Champion. I know what will happen. I have seen it. Please don’t kill Dominick. Break the cycle and break the curse. You can be your own man with your own mind. Stop what you’re doing! If you don’t, you will lose everything you love. Please, don’t kill Dominick. Don’t kill my husband.”

  As the song finished, Champion released me. The room quieted, except for the sailing violins. Everyone watched us as he threw my hands down like they were two hot stones.

  Dominick rushed toward me and pulled me close. “What are you doing, Ophelia?” he whispered in my ear. I stared at Champion’s back as he walked away from us.

  My jaw quivered, and I resisted the urge to bawl my eyes out like a child. “I had to try. I had to make him see that he could change course. He could stop this if he wanted to. You don’t understand.”

  Dominick’s grim expression surprised me. “You should not involve yourself in our disagreement, Ophelia. Stay out of this.” The room began to buzz with whispers, but at least the music began to play again. “He has caused enough damage to the people I love. Ah, here is Emilio ready for a dance.” Champion had stormed off, and a few of the guests were speaking to him in calm tones.

  “Do you need any assistance, Dominick? I know your brother to be an extremely rude man. I am quite surprised to see him here. He is the last man I thought would come to Sugar Hill. Vulgar, evil man.” Emilio finished his punch and handed the empty glass to a servant who walked past with a silver tray.

  “No, Emilio. I need nothing except for my wife to keep her distance from him.” Dominick stiffened as he spoke and resisted speaking further about it. “Ah, here is another waltz, my dear. You have to dance. Emilio, won’t you dance with Ophelia? I have something I must attend to.”

  I had no time to object. Emilio De Sota offered a friendly compliment and swung me about with perfect poise. He was far taller than I, but he danced like a man who knew his way around a ballroom. I watched in horror as I saw Dominick slip out of the room, heading to the French doors that opened onto the porch below and the garden beyond. I saw Emilio’s father following him, carrying a case, one I knew. That was my husband’s pistol case!

  Oh, God! What was he doing?

  “Emilio, let me go! I have to stop this!”

  “Don’t interfere, Ophelia! He has to do this for Annalee! It’s the only way she can regain her honor. Please listen to me!”

  “No!” I screamed, bringing the festivities to a halt. I ran out the door while Emilio told the orchestra to continue playing. If I’d had any sense, I would have found the sheriff and begged him to make them stop, but that was foolish. The sheriff knew all about this. He knew and approved; that’s why he was here. In this era, many personal affronts were settled with duels. This would be one of those times. I ran past the servants who’d lined up in the hallway to watch their master die at the hands of his brother.

  “Move! Out of the way,” I shouted at every face that got in front of me. By the time I made it outside and down to the garden, the two men were pacing off with guns in hand.

  “No! Dominick! You can’t do this! Champion, stop!” Olive grabbed my arms and held me. “Annalee! Where are you?” I called around me but didn’t see or hear her.

  9…8…7…6…

  Oh, God! They were counting down…and then what happened? They would shoot at one another, of course. This couldn’t be happening!

  Suddenly, my sister-in-law’s voice rang out from the top floor. She shouted at Dominick to stop, but he pretended not to hear.

  I wrenched away from Olive and fell to the ground.

  5…4…3…

  I picked myself up, and my hands were bleeding from where I fell on the pavement. I ran toward Dominick, my back to Champion. My arms were outstretched, and my hands reached for my husband. A look of horror crossed his face as time seemed to slow to an agonizing crawl. Had time frozen all of us?

  “No! Ophelia!”

  Then I heard the gunshot and felt the fire burn through my back. The force of the shot sent me falling forward into Dominick’s arms. Immediately, he dropped his guns and held me, crying. “Ophelia! Ophelia! Please! Someone get a doctor! Don’t die, Ophelia! Don’t die, please, my love!”

  I tried to promise him that I wouldn’t die. That I would always be with him. That I’d traveled through time to find him…but the words wouldn’t come. I lost myself in his eyes. His beautiful eyes. I’d found him at last. I was with him finally.

  And then his lovely face faded away.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Annalee Dufresne

  Last night’s events seemed like a dream. I woke up this morning and began to pack my things. There had been enough sadness in my life. It was time to leave Sugar Hill forever. I would take Ida and go see the world. I had plenty of money, thanks to my brother, and I’d always wanted to take the steamboat somewhere. But first, I had something to do.

  I had to say goodbye.

  It was misting rain outside, which seemed appropriate. I walked to the pond, climbed into the boat, and sailed out to the gazebo. The place had seen better days. Maybe Dominick should tear it down. Just raze it and let the ground take it back. Let it finally die.

  I pulled the boat up on the shore and walked into the gazebo, half expecting to see Mother on one of the benches. Perhaps I would find her hiding in the greenery along with the faces of the concrete children. I never cared for those troubling statues.

  “Mother, I can’t see you, but I know you hear me. I know you are there. I’m leaving Sugar Hill. I’m taking the baby and leaving, and I can’t tell you where because he will know too. But if you can, why don’t you come with us? Watch over us. I love you, Mother, and I have done all I can for Dominick. He’ll have to do the rest on his own.”

  I sat on the bench and waited to hear
something, but I heard nothing except for the scratching of some squirrels and the fussing of blue jays. Finally, I got up to leave when a sudden breeze, soft and low, brushed around me. I heard her laughter. It was soft, pretty, and happy. She approved of my decision, and that was enough. I didn’t turn around. I didn’t need to see her. I heard her, and it filled my heart with joy.

  This would probably be the last time I heard her before I saw her in glory if either of us made it, but it was enough.

  Yes, it was all right to leave. Ambrose had been hovering near Ida, just waiting to pounce on her innocence like a spider. Just as Champion had pounced on me in my foolishness, and God only knew how many others. I would leave Dominick to his own fate now. He’d done all he could do to help me. I spoke to him early this morning about my trip. He was awake but had not slept much. He did not argue with me, asking only that I take a decent traveling companion and that I write to him occasionally. He couldn’t look me in the eye. He’d failed in his mission to kill Champion and had suffered in ways he couldn’t even imagine. I had to live with that.

  I chose Emilio as my travel partner, and I decided to marry him. Life was too precious and too short to live it alone. Today, I didn’t dress in black but wore a smart traveling dress of purple linen. I hoped it suited me. I’d had it for such a long time that I feared it might be out of style by now. But I had always loved purple. Purple like Ida’s eyes.

  When Emilio arrived, I could see that I worried for nothing. I was beautiful again to someone. And to myself. At least in that, Dominick had succeeded. I had my honor back.

  “Good morning, Emilio. Are you ready for an adventure?”

  He smiled so wide that I thought his face would crack, and it filled me with joy. I laughed aloud. That was a strange sound indeed, but I liked it. I would be happy with this man. He would never harm me, never betray me. He wanted nothing more than to make me happy. It pleased him to please me. That was what he told me when he proposed, and I believed every word of it. I would have known if he were lying to me. I knew liars well.