It didn’t take Annamarie long to decide and make her purchase.
They walked past the car on their way to the boutique and dropped off Annamarie’s shopping bags. They were headed for some upscale shopping. Bonnie and Annamarie smiled while they watched Deb get excited looking in the window.
“Here we go,” moaned Bonnie.
In a matter of minutes, Deb had tried on three miniskirts and settled on two of them. Deb had the best legs in school and loved to show them off. She found a pretty loosely knitted sleeveless white sweater with blue ribbon weaved through the white yarn and pearls around the neckline. She had to have it and added it to her purchase of the miniskirts.
Bonnie hated the boutique and left to go into the five ‘n dime. Bonnie always loved the odd little things you could find in the stores and could take an hour browsing. Annamarie was happy to see a soda fountain because she told Bonnie she was going to sit and rest her feet.
“Okay.” She disappeared down an aisle and Deb said she would meet Annamarie in a minute after she looked for something.
Annamarie thought it wasn’t mealtime, but “I’m thirsty” and decided to order a cherry cola rather than more milk. If I’m happy, the baby is happy was Annamarie’s reasoning. She also hoped the baby liked chocolate and peanut butter. For a second, she missed Daniel terribly and fought the tears, but quickly realized there was nothing she could do. Daniel died fighting the madman and had saved her and the baby. She loved him for that and this time she honestly believed Daniel fell to his death in the fight. She had no memory of pushing Daniel off the bluff. Annamarie calmly sat and finished her cola.
Bonnie and Deb finished their shopping and met up with Annamarie. They discussed where to have lunch and left the five ‘n dime. Deb drove them to their lunch destination where they enjoyed good food and conversation.
The conversation eventually came around to Carl, and Annamarie asked Bonnie if they were still writing and she said yes, but they were only friends.
“Are you sure?” said Deb.
“Yes,” said Bonnie--her face flushed.
“Sure,” mumbled Annamarie while she was finishing the chocolate shake she ordered rather than a glass of plain milk. “We’ll see when he finally comes home.”
Bonnie insisted they change the subject. Deb noticed the time and said they should be heading home or Steve would send out deputies to be sure she wasn’t buying half the town. Deb dropped Annamarie at home and the three girls said they had to do this again.
* * *
Annamarie took all her purchases into her parent’s house. She told her mom that she planned on going to the Logan house the next day to organize things a bit and bring her new purchases there and pack a few things she needed back at her parents’ home.
“Mom, I would like to go home by the end of next week and then maybe try going back to work the following week.”
“Are you sure you’re ready?”
“Yes, I think so. I’m going a bit crazy sitting around when I’m used to working. Everyone at the dairy is nice to me and I’ll be fine. I miss them, too.”
Paula understood she couldn’t protect her daughter forever, although she wanted to, and agreed with Annamarie that work might help her.
Chapter Five – Trouble
Annamarie woke to the birds chirping again. She wished she had dreamt of Magdalena. She knew that when she had a dream, her world was going to change. It would always change for the better.
A crushing ache pulled at her heart. It had been a week since she lost her precious Daniel. How could a week pass so quickly? She regretted not calling the sheriff that night. Worried that Daniel would be hurt if he and the sheriff were in the woods with guns, she decided not to tell anyone. Daniel and Nancy met the madman. He killed Daniel. It couldn’t have turned out worse had the sheriff been there. Daniel was dead. Nothing else mattered except her baby. More than anything, the baby mattered. Being a pregnant widow at nineteen was a horror she would survive. She promised the baby they would be all right. After all, they were Logans. Things would be fine.
She heard her mom in the hall and called out, “Morning, Mom.”
Her door opened and her mom’s head appeared. “Morning, dear, are you hungry?”
“Yes, I am, suddenly.”
“Come down and eat something. It’s important, you know.”
“I’ll be right there.”
Annamarie put on her favorite pink robe and went down to the kitchen.
“You have had that robe since you were fifteen. Don’t you think you should buy a new one?”
“I love it. It’s pink and cozy.”
“It’s August.” Paula couldn’t hide her amusement.
“I know, but it’s still comfy.”
“It must be the hormones. Here, start with your vitamin and orange juice.”
Annamarie made a face at the size of the pre-natal vitamin, but with the glass of juice, she managed to swallow it. While eating her breakfast, she told her mom something she had forgotten.
“Yesterday, when I was in Oaklin with Bonnie and Deb, we stopped at an appliance store. I ordered a new automatic washer and dryer for the house. I forgot to tell you, I need to go to the Logan house--I mean my house-- today. When I purchased the appliances, the salesman said I might need a plumber to run new pipes and a contractor to be sure I have enough room for the kitchen appliances I want to order.”
“We have a plumber right next door. I’m sure Don would help.”
“That’s what I was thinking, but before I have him come over, I’m having the contractor come today. He’s coming around noon.”
“You’re not wasting time.”
“I want go home soon.”
“I think all of this has something to do with Daniel.”
“Daniel?”
“Yes, the more the house changes, the less there is to be a painful reminder. I think it’s part of your grief process.”
“Hmm maybe, but Daniel and I discussed most of this on our mini-honeymoon. I’m so happy we went on our weekend get-a-way. We should have stayed away.”
Annamarie burst into tears.
“It’ll always be a wonderful memory for you to hold on to and share with your child. You should start a memory book with pictures and thoughts for the baby.”
“That’s a wonderful idea, Mom. Look at the time. I need to get ready. Elaine is meeting me at the house at ten o’clock and it’ll give me plenty of time before the contractor comes to organize what I need.”
They didn’t see the black fog swirl in the living room mirror or hear Daniel’s snicker. He was never going to let Annamarie live in his grandfather’s home, at least not peacefully.
* * *
Paula dropped Annamarie off shortly before ten o’clock. Elaine’s car was parked in the drive.
“I’ll drive my car home today, Mom, I miss it.”
“Okay, dear, I’ll see you later.”
Elaine opened the front door. She was happy to see Annamarie looking so well.
“I have been worried about you, but you look good.”
“I feel wonderful, Elaine.” Her eyes were sparkling
“Can I help you with all those bags?”
“They are maternity things I bought. I won’t need them for a while.”
“I can take them up for you.”
“Thank you. I ordered a new automatic washer. We can wait until it’s installed to wash them.”
“A new washer will be wonderful.”
“I agree.”
“Annamarie, I don’t know how to bring this up, but when I put your things away, what should I do with Mr. Daniel’s things?”
“I’m not sure. The closet in the room is small. Perhaps you could put them with Grandpa’s things, and when it’s time, I can go through all of them.”
“That’s a good idea, and I’ll still help you with both if you wish.”
“I’m not sure what I would do without your help.”
“Thanks, Annama
rie. I’ll be upstairs. You should rest.”
“I’ll join you in a little while. I have a phone call to make. I need to pack some things to take back to my parents’ house.”
“There’s hot water in the kitchen for tea, if you would like some. I can also pack your things.”
“Thanks.”
Daniel watched them through the window. They didn’t see him. He was fuming at the idea she would move his things from their room. His blue eyes turned black again. She’d be sorry. Annamarie felt a chill.
* * *
Annamarie made her phone call, prepared a cup of tea, and sat in the parlor.
She was enjoying her cup of tea while sitting in the big leather chair she loved so much.
The doorbell rang. Annamarie looked out the window and saw a blue pickup truck sitting in the drive. Hmm, she thought, the contractor must be early. She opened the door.
A gruff-looking man in a gray tee shirt and blue jeans forced his way past her.
“What do you want?”
“Your husband killed my brother.”
“My husband is dead.”
“You will be, too.”
Annamarie ran toward the study door and slammed it on the man’s arm when he tried to force his way in.
Elaine heard the commotion and called the sheriff’s office from the upstairs phone.
The man was doing his best to break down the door, but the solid wood held firmly. “I’ll get you, bitch.”
Elaine tiptoed down the back stairs to help Annamarie. The man saw her, ran toward the kitchen, and grabbed Elaine. Elaine screamed and Annamarie crept out of the study, holding Grandpa’s antique hunting rifle.
She walked into the kitchen and said, “Let her go or I’ll blow a hole in you.”
“Big talk, little lady.” He laughed as he let Elaine go and walked toward Annamarie. “That old gun is bigger than you are. It won’t fire. I’ll have to take it away from you.”
“Stop right there.” She gripped the rifle tighter.
Pulling out a large knife, he grabbed Elaine by the arm and said, “Make up your mind. Who dies first?”
“You,” snapped Annamarie as she pulled the trigger.
The startled man staggered backwards, hit the refrigerator, and sunk to the floor. Blood poured from the wound in his chest. His knife lay several feet from him. Annamarie kicked it across the room.
Elaine said, “I called the sheriff from upstairs.”
The sheriff arrived and walked through the open front door with his gun drawn. “Who’s here?”
“We’re in the kitchen, sheriff,” called Annamarie.
“What happened?
“He pushed his way in, tried to kill Elaine and I shot him.”
“Do you know who he is?”
“He said Daniel killed his brother and he was here to kill me.”
“Annamarie, sheriff, anyone here?” Steve’s frantic voice echoed in the big house.
“Kitchen,” yelled the sheriff. “Why are you here?”
“Greta called and thought you needed extra help since the other deputy was out chasing a speeder.”
“Not much to do here; pretty cut and dried. It’s a good thing Annamarie is an expert shot.”
“Daniel taught me. He thought we might go hunting someday.”
Steve took the gun out of her hands and made her and Elaine sit in the parlor. The sheriff asked if he could make a call and called the coroner once again. Dr. Webster said he would send his assistant since it was a single shot to the chest in self-defense. No need for a major investigation this time. The sheriff was relieved that the funny little doctor wasn’t coming, but his assistant was annoying.
Elaine said she would stay with the sheriff while Steve drove Annamarie home.
The coroner’s assistant was there for approximately five minutes. “Looks like self-defense, but the coroner will make sure.”
The two burly men the sheriff had seen in town too many times removed the body. The coroner’s assistant took two pictures of the blood on the refrigerator and floor and left.
Elaine said, “I can clean this up quickly, sheriff; no need to call the cleaning company.”
Sheriff Richardson agreed and drove back to his office.
* * *
Annamarie sat on her parents’ sofa, weeping and mumbling to the point where not even her mom could understand her. Steve explained what had happened and he caught Paula when she nearly fainted.
“Will this never end? What’s going on, Steve?”
“I’m not sure, Mrs. Schneider, but the sheriff will get the answers.”
Paula sat next to Annamarie and did her best to calm her down. She reminded her about the baby and if the doctor had to give her something to help her, it might harm the baby. Annamarie took a deep breath and began to calm down.
Lying on the sofa, Annamarie began to breathe normally and stopped shaking. She thought she smelled the scent of pine.
The doorbell rang. It was the sheriff. Paula wasn’t going to let him in, but he told her he only wanted to be sure Annamarie was all right. He didn’t have any questions.
Annamarie said she wanted to talk to the sheriff.
“Hi, Annamarie, how are you feeling?”
“I’m doing okay now.”
“I wanted to let you know everything is taken care of at your house, and Elaine has cleaned the kitchen. I also want you to know she told me exactly what you did. This is self-defense open and closed. You don’t have to worry about charges.”
“Thank goodness. I was worried how Elaine would deal with all of it.”
“No need to worry, she’s doing well. Stay with your parents for a while. I think it’ll be better to be with your family.”
“Thanks, sheriff, I plan on being here for a while.
The sheriff told Annamarie and Paula to try to have a good day and left.
“Have a good day? How can I have a good day after what happened? That man wanted to kill me.”
* * *
Annamarie eventually fell asleep on the couch.
She was in complete darkness. A tiny light burned in the distance. She began to walk toward it. As she approached, the light grew brighter. She heard the violin music before she saw the old man playing the violin. He smiled at her. She smiled back and started to dance slowly to the music. She felt drawn into the music as if it were part of her. The more she moved, the more she felt connected to the music. The music stopped abruptly, and Annamarie stopped dancing. She saw Magdalena near where the old man had been playing. She walked up to Annamarie.
Magdalena touched Annamarie’s cheek again and said, “You are safe now; the evil has passed and none will follow that can harm you. I will keep you safe from all danger. You and your child are protected.”
Annamarie woke refreshed. She didn’t remember the dream. She felt secure. She wasn’t worried about her child or herself.
* * *
Her mom asked, “Did you have a good nap, dear?”
“I must have; I don’t remember it.”
“Then you slept well. I dread having to tell your dad what happened when he gets home. He won’t want you to be out of our sight for a moment.”
“I can’t stay here with you forever.”
“No, but you can stay until the renovations are done on the house. You’re welcome to stay forever, but I know you want to live in your own home. If you wait until everything is new and working properly, you’ll have an easier time.”
“Daniel and I had some specific plans for the house. I wonder if I’ll be able to do this on my own.”
“You’re not alone. You have your family and friends. Also, you can hire construction workers. They’ll do exactly what you want. You told me that was what you and Daniel talked about.”
“Yes, we did, and I have some names of people to call. I was expecting one today when that evil man showed up. I thought he was the construction worker.”
“If your worker did show up, he’ll probably never want t
o return. It’s good you have other names to call.”
“I didn’t think of that. He must have come to the house in the midst of the sheriff’s investigation. Poor man must wonder about us, umm, me.”
“You have other names and the sheriff said Elaine cleaned the kitchen. Didn’t you tell me you wanted to redo the entire kitchen?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll make you a deal. You rest for a few days and I’ll go with you when you talk to the contractor. We could make an appointment for Monday.”
“You have a deal, and I’m going to ask him to stop here and see about moving your washer and drying to the breezeway. I could even have them put in a shower.”
“Sweetie, I know the Logan’s have money, but you might end up the poor Logan living in the big house, working hard, taking care of you and the baby.”
“We’ll be fine, Mom, I know it. I’m hungry. What’s for supper?” She wandered into the kitchen.
“Meat loaf and twice baked potatoes. You pick the vegetable.”
“That sounds delicious. How about tomato slices and cucumber slices. I can slice them.”
“You slice and sit at the kitchen table where I can keep an eye on you. I hope your dad’s home early enough tonight so he can eat with us. After today, I wish we could all be together.”
Paula received her wish and Theo was home early. He sat and listened in amazement about his daughter’s encounter with the would-be killer that morning.
He was unaware of Daniel’s black eyes watching from the small mirror in the dining room. He’d make sure they would all pay.
The family enjoyed a wonderful supper and managed to have a laugh or two. It was hard, considering the day Annamarie had, but her dad always found a way to make her smile. After supper, Annamarie said she was going to call Elaine and let her know she wouldn’t be back to the house for a while. She doubted Elaine would want to be there either.
Annamarie was right. Elaine was happy to stay away from the Logan house for a while. Annamarie hung up the phone, and was on her way back to the kitchen when the doorbell rang.
Chapter Six – Surprises
“I’ll get it.”
Theo was pouring Paula a cup of coffee when they heard Annamarie squeal, and then burst into tears.
Annamarie and Magdalena (Gypsy Spirits Book 2) Page 7