“Daniel and I have a safe deposit box. I need to put something in it.” It was a little lie, but it worked.
She was in and out quickly, and they finished their trip home. When they arrived, Paula said she would get her little money stash and Annamarie handed Carl the money she took out of the bank. It was what he thought he needed, plus a little extra.
Paula exclaimed, “Where’d the cash come from?”
“Me.” Annamarie sat up straight and smiled.
“But how…?”
Not ready to explain about all the bonds, Annamarie produced the bankbook with slightly less than $15,000 in it and said, “Mr. Townsend said I’m a wealthy young woman.”
“Damn,” Carl said, “No wonder you said you would pay for lunch. Don’t worry, Mom. The washer and dryer will be up here this weekend. If we mess up, Annamarie can hire a plumber.”
They all laughed and Carl left for his date with Bonnie.
* * *
Annamarie lay down for a nap and Paula finished her daily chores.
The sun was shining brightly and there wasn’t any sign of a campfire. Annamarie found herself walking in the meadow, humming a lullaby she’d never heard before. She was aware of the gentle breeze and pine scent. She knew Magdalena was near. She turned and saw her at the edge of the pines. They walked toward each other. If not for the difference in clothing, Annamarie would have thought she was walking toward a mirror. Magdalena smiled and said, “I know you have some concerns, my child, but you must not worry. The old witch will not bring you trouble. You and your child are safe from her.” Magdalena touched her cheek as before and added, “You are special, as is your child. No harm will come to you, we will see to it.” Annamarie turned and, for an instant, thought she saw Daniel at the edge of the pines. She turned again and Magdalena was gone.
Annamarie awoke from her nap, refreshed, and wondered who the “we” was of whom Magdalena spoke. Perhaps it was Daniel; she thought she saw him. She could ask her mom to read her dream, but was afraid of the answer. Daniel was a spirit. Magdalena was more than a dream. Annamarie tried to convince herself many times that Magdalena was a dream, but she knew better. She was a spirit. Maybe his spirit had joined her, but he threatened her. He was evil and couldn’t be connected to Magdalena.
* * *
Annamarie heard her dad’s voice and realized it was near suppertime. She had taken a long nap. Annamarie was happy to see her dad home in time for supper. She told him all about the will as well as about how angry Daniel’s parents were. Her Dad wasn’t surprised.
“I spoke to Daniel at your wedding reception and he promised to always take care of you.”
“He kept his word, Dad.”
“He might have had a wild side, but he was a man of his word.”
“I’ll have to remember that story to tell my little one. I want to start a journal and photo album with pictures so my child will always know her father.”
“Her?” Paula said.
“Well, I think of her as a girl. I’m not sure why.”
* * *
After supper, they retired to the living room to watch TV and to talk about their day. A little after seven, Carl and Bonnie stopped by.
Carl said, “Bonnie was worried about you and had to see you.”
“She’s my best friend. I would expect her to see me instead of spending more time with you,” said Annamarie, giggling. “Tell me what you did today.”
“We had the nicest day,” bubbled Bonnie. “We went to Oaklin and visited a lot of the quaint little shops they built on the new riverfront.”
“I couldn’t believe the change in only a year,” added Carl.
“We found a nice little restaurant lit only by candlelight and we had a wonderful supper. Your brother ate more food than I have ever seen anyone eat!”
Carl laughed and said, “It was so much better than what we’re served.”
They smiled at each other and Bonnie continued, “Then, we went outside to a table alongside the river and had dessert. It was wonderful, but the best part was after supper. We walked along the river’s edge and found a quiet spot with a pretty bench. We sat down and watched the water and then your brother gave me this.” She held out her left hand, and on her ring finger, was a beautiful ring with a square diamond in the center.
“I knew it!” Annamarie squealed. “Deb knew there was more going on between you two. You turned red at lunch when Carl’s name came up. This is wonderful. I’m going to have a sister and she’s my best friend.” Annamarie hugged Bonnie and continued, “This is perfect. You’ll both be my baby’s godparents. Won’t you, please?”
“How can we say ‘no’?” Bonnie said.
Everyone smiled. They were caught up in their happiness and they didn’t see the dark, gray fog appear in the mirror above the fireplace, or Daniel’s blue eyes watching them, biding his time. He would have his revenge on all who helped Annamarie steal his child. The lights in the house flickered and went out.
Theo said, “I’ll check the fuse box.”
While Theo was in the basement, Annamarie felt a tug on the back of her hair and fingers at her throat again, but this time the tug was strong and it hurt. She knew it was Daniel and sat in the dark, terrified of what he might do next. She knew she couldn’t confide in anyone. This was her battle. The lights came on and she no longer felt his touch.
Chapter Seven – Worry
While the Schneiders and Bonnie were celebrating the happy news, Maureen was complaining about her headache non-stop. George said she needed aspirin and brought her the bottle and a glass of water. When she tried to sit up, she was so dizzy she fell back onto the sofa.
“That does it. You’re going to the hospital.”
Maureen leaned on George and could barely walk to the car. She said her headache was getting worse.
George drove quickly to the hospital emergency room.
He hurried into the emergency room to get a wheelchair for Maureen. Her head hurt so badly that she didn’t complain for once. She was rushed into an exam room. Dr. Norse was called immediately.
The nurse had taken Maureen’s blood pressure and it was quite high. She wrote the numbers down and showed them to Dr. Norse when he entered the exam room. While Dr. Norse asked Maureen a lot of questions and examined her, the nurse began an IV. Maureen didn’t complain. It wasn’t like her. She began to cry.
“I’m going to die, aren’t I? I’m going to die before I get to see my grandchild. I can’t die; you have to save me. I want to be a grandmother and hold my precious grandchild. If you save my life, I’ll even be nice to Annamarie. Did you clean the floors with pine cleaner?”
Dr. Norse had injected Maureen’s IV with a painkiller and he knew it could cause her to become emotional or silly, but this was rare, even for her. He left to find George.
George was so worried that Dr. Norse was more concerned for him than Maureen.
“Calm down, George. She’s going to be fine, but you could end up in the bed next to her with a heart attack or stroke.”
“What’s wrong with her, doctor?”
“A high level of stress and anxiety brought on a severe migraine. Her blood pressure is also high. I gave her pain medication in her IV and she is talking strangely, but it happens. Don’t be worried. I’ll be in to speak with both of you in a minute.”
George walked into the room and Maureen said, “Dr. Norse isn’t going to let me die; he’s brilliant. Did you know they clean with pine cleaner here? I can smell it. I’m going to be the best grandmother in the world. Do you think Annamarie will let us see the baby? We have to be nice to our sweet daughter-in-law. She loved Daniel, too.” Maureen began drifting off to sleep.
Dr. Norse said, “I would like to keep Maureen overnight. The pain medication has helped her migraine and she’s asleep. I think she’ll sleep all night. She appears exhausted. We would also like to monitor her blood pressure. I was concerned at first that she was having a stroke. She could have one if she doesn’
t get her stress and blood pressure under control. I’ll discuss it with her tomorrow. If you come back tomorrow morning, I’ll talk to both of you.”
“Thank you, doctor. She’s under so much stress since Daniel… I hope you can help her.”
“I’ll do my best. Is there anything I can do for you? You don’t look like you’ve had much sleep.”
“I haven’t, but I’ll try this evening. I have those sleeping pills you gave me. I’ll take one.”
“Good idea, and in the morning you come back and we’ll help Maureen understand what happened.”
George shook the doctor’s hand and left.
He slowly walked to his car and sat behind the wheel for several minutes. He couldn’t go home to an empty house. Ray’s was closed and he wasn’t going to the Tangledbranch Saloon. He could drive into Oaklin and find someplace open, but he was too tired. He drove to the cemetery.
When he parked on Prairie Road, he thought he could tell approximately where they had buried Daniel. He sat watching the dark cemetery and fell asleep. George woke to a knocking sound on the driver’s side window shortly before daybreak. It was Sheriff Richardson.
“Are you all right, George?”
“Yes. Maureen was admitted to the hospital last night, and I came here to be close to Daniel. I’m not crazy.”
“Of course not; I understand. You should get more sleep or something to eat if you are going to see Maureen at the hospital this morning. Ray’s will be open in about five minutes. You can eat, and then go home and shower and shave. You don’t want to scare Maureen.”
“Thanks, Richardson. I could almost like you.”
“Same here, George. Drive carefully.”
George stopped at Ray’s for a quick breakfast and headed home. He showered, shaved, and put on a clean suit. Maureen would be shocked if she saw him in the same suit he wore yesterday. He didn’t want to add more stress to her life.
* * *
Dr. Norse walked into Maureen’s room and asked her how she was feeling. He was holding her chart in his hand.
“I’m feeling better physically than I have in a few weeks, but I still feel the stress and pain of losing Daniel.”
“That’s understandable, but it’s good you feel better physically. How’s the headache?”
“It’s gone completely.”
“Wonderful. Your blood pressure is also down. Maureen, you need to deal with the stress you’re under. I know you’ve had a terrible loss and the last month has been an unbelievable time for the entire town. You’ve had more than your fair share, but if you continue the way you’ve been, you’ll be back here in the E.R. However, it’ll be with a stroke and not a migraine.”
Maureen was so quiet, Dr. Norse wasn’t sure she was listening. “Maureen?”
“Sorry, I was thinking.”
“I hope it’s about what I said.”
“Yes, it was, and I’m going to do my best to change. Last night was quite a scare.”
A nurse came in the room and said, “Mrs. Logan’s husband is here.”
George walked in, said good morning to Dr. Norse, and kissed Maureen on the forehead. “How is she, doctor?”
“She’s going to be fine if she follows my orders. She said she would.”
“What about all the things she was saying last night? What about the pine scent she began to smell at home? She said it grew worse here. Was she hallucinating?”
“I don’t think so. Sometimes a migraine patient can be sensitive to certain scents. I don’t know why she thought she smelled pine. Science is not always perfect. We sometimes wonder about symptoms, too.”
“If she’s okay, I’m happy.”
“She will be if she behaves. I’ll send the nurse in to remove the IV and you can take her home. I’ll give her a prescription for a different medication than she’s on now. It should help.”
“Thank you, doctor. I’ll see that she takes them.” They shook hands and Dr. Norse left Maureen and George alone.
“Are you feeling well?”
“Yes, my headache’s gone. I still feel the pain of Daniel’s passing, but overall, I’m doing well.”
“What about smelling pine?”
“I vaguely remember it, but I no longer notice any pine scent.”
“We’ll be going home soon and you’re going to take it easy. I can’t lose you, too. I love you, Maureen, I honestly do.”
Tears formed in Maureen’s eyes. “You haven’t said you love me like that in a long time. I love you, too.”
The nurse removed the IV and helped her get dressed. She and George left for home, more peaceful than they’d been in days.
* * *
The phone rang in the sheriff’s office.
“Sheriff Richardson.”
“Good morning, sheriff. Dr. Webster here.”
“Good morning, Dr. Webster. What can I do for you?”
“I have the report on the man shot at the Logan house. One clear shot through the heart. I ruled it self-defense--case closed.”
“Good to hear; one case closed quickly. Thanks, doc. Send me the report, will you?”
“Will do and if we don’t see each other for a while, it’s okay with me. Good luck with your little town, sheriff.”
“Thanks.”
Both men hung up and the sheriff wondered if there were any more Brunes’ relatives out there, wanting revenge. He certainly hoped not. Thinking of more relatives brought the beginning of a headache.
“Hey, sheriff,” Steve’s voice interrupted the sheriff’s thoughts. “I have clearance to return to work. When should I start?”
“Now, your first assignment is to tell the borrowed deputy to go back to Oaklin.”
The sheriff reached for his aspirin. The day might get better with Steve back.
* * *
Annamarie slept late. She noticed the time on the clock and didn’t want to get up, but she remembered Carl was home. She wanted to see him before he went to the hardware store for the plumbing supplies. However, she remembered she hadn’t read Daniel’s letter. She didn’t want to read it. Mr. Townsend said that Daniel gave it to him the day they returned from their mini-honeymoon. It was the day before he was killed. She was sure it had something to do with his plan and was terrified to read it. She was afraid someone else might read it. She wanted to ignore the letter. She swallowed her fear, reached for her purse, and pulled out the envelope.
Tearing it open, she read, “My dear Annamarie, I’m giving this letter to Mr. Townsend for safekeeping. I hope you’re not reading it. If you are, it means something has gone terribly wrong with my plan and I’m dead. I can only pray you weren’t hurt. By now, my will has been read and you know I left everything to you. I’m sure my parents, especially my mom, will give you a hard time over it and try to take the house away from you. The house is yours, so don’t let them bully you out of anything. I have named you the beneficiary of my life insurance. The policy is in with the papers I took over to the big house. It’s in one of the drawers in Grandpa’s desk. Your dad can help with whatever needs to be done. Also, remember the bonds now belong to only you. Guard them well and never tell my parents you have the money. I’m sure Mr. Townsend will guide you through what you must do. I’m terribly sorry things turned out this way. I didn’t expect not to be here with you and I want you to be happy. Live a full life, Annamarie, and please find love again someday. Your heart is too full to walk through life alone. Keep our secret about my plan out on the bluff. I’m hoping Richardson was fooled and that he doesn’t know I planned to kill the man. Never mention your part in it. Magdalena will keep you safe from the spirits and other evil, I know it. Be well, baby, all my love, Daniel.”
“Ugh,” Annamarie mumbled as she fell back onto her pillow. “He leaves me a letter I can’t keep to remember him by. I have to burn this and soon, before someone finds it. I need a plan. Think, Annamarie, think.”
Tears filled her eyes as she remembered Daniel. She missed him terribly and her hatred for the
dead man who killed him was growing. She knew it wasn’t rational to hate a dead person, but he killed Daniel. She would never forget it. Daniel’s death had brought so much pain and worry into her life and her baby would never know her father.
Annamarie’s mind had erased all memory of the true events on the bluff. Her memory of the man and Daniel falling to their deaths was clear. She could never confide in anyone about the event, but she would always remember the horror of seeing Daniel fall while she hid in the pines.
Annamarie decided not to let the letter out of her sight. She placed it back into its envelope. She dressed quickly and made sure the shorts she chose to wear had pockets deep enough to hold the letter tightly. She smelled biscuits and hurried down to the kitchen.
“Good morning, squirt,” said Carl.
“Good morning. The biscuits smell good.”
Paula said, “They’ll be done soon.”
Paula and Carl continued their conversation about how to get all their separate errands done with one car. Paula had to grocery shop and Carl needed to buy the plumbing supplies.
“I have an idea,” said Annamarie, “Carl can use my car. Mom, you can drive him to the house to get it before you go to the store. I wanted it here anyway. I would say use Daniel’s Jeep, but Maureen might see you and call the sheriff. My car’s the perfect solution.”
“Sounds like a good plan to me,” said Carl.
Paula added, “I’d have to leave Annamarie alone when I shop unless you want to go along?”
“Not really, Mom. I’d like to stay home and relax, but I’m okay to be alone for the short time you’re at the store. The doctor said I was doing well. Should I call Deb to babysit me?”
“No, dear, I think it’ll be okay. I worry.”
“I know, Mom, and I love you, too.”
“That’s settled! Let’s eat,” said Carl.
They enjoyed a wonderful breakfast and Annamarie gave Carl the key to the garage and her car before they left. Her mom gave her orders to sit and read or watch TV and Annamarie agreed. She waved when they pulled out of the drive and watched them drive down the street. Closing the door, she felt her pocket to be sure the letter was still there.
Annamarie and Magdalena (Gypsy Spirits Book 2) Page 9