Annamarie laughed and said, “Maybe I’ll have both.”
Paula was going to protest when the waitress appeared. “What can I get for you ladies today?”
“Are you able to mix the chocolate and cherry for the malts together to make a chocolate cherry?”
“Sure, we have the syrup for both. I can mix ‘em up. Sounds good.”
“I’ll have one along with a cheeseburger and green salad.”
The choice of salad instead of fries brought a smile to Paula’s face. Maybe she’s growing up, Paula thought. “I’ll have the same except coffee instead of the malt. Ice cream isn’t a bad treat. We have some Neapolitan flavor in the freezer,” said Paula.
“I know, I couldn’t sleep thinking about the accident and I came down about 2 a.m. and had a bowl, but Dad’s going to be mad.”
“You didn’t, again? You ate the chocolate and vanilla and left the strawberry?”
“I had to, Mom. You know I hate strawberry and I think the baby does, too. Looking at the pink ice cream made me feel sick.”
“But a pink shake would be okay?”
“Sure, it’s cherry.”
“I don’t understand how a girl can love strawberry preserves, eat a pint of fresh strawberries, but hate strawberry ice cream.”
“Me either, Mom. It makes me unique and it’s why you love me.” Annamarie’s giggle was contagious and both women were having a good laugh when their food arrived. Annamarie tried the shake and said it was delicious.
They hurried out right after lunch so they could stop at the Logan house for Annamarie’s maternity things and Paula hoped to see Don before Theo came home from work.
Fortunately, Don arrived to their home early. He measured and took the number of the home supply store and said, “Paula, I’ll order the dishwasher and sink which will fit perfectly. It’ll take less than a day and you can surprise Theo. I promise to keep your secret.”
Annamarie asked, “I’m going to need someone to put in my dishwasher and sink, too. Would you be available? I’ve ordered them and you wouldn’t need to do the work until they’re done installing the cabinets.”
“I would be happy to add the dishwasher and sink in your kitchen. Let me know when the work’s done. I could even do it on a Saturday.”
“Thanks,” both Paula and Annamarie said when Don left, headed for home.
* * *
“We better get supper going. Your dad’s a bit late and he’ll wonder where his supper is when he gets home. We certainly had a full day.”
Paula turned on the oven and removed a meatloaf from the freezer, which she had previously cooked and frozen for an occasion when she needed a quick meal.
“Annamarie, be a dear and wash and peel a few potatoes. I don’t have time to bake them along with this meatloaf. We’ll make mashed. Hopefully, we’ll get it done before your dad gets home.”
An hour later, supper was done and Theo’s car pulled into the drive.
“How are my favorite girls?” he asked when he came in the side door.
“Fine,” they answered in unison.
“Only fine? Must have been a boring day.” He headed to get washed up for supper.
Paula and Annamarie stifled laughter so as not to give away the secret. Supper was fun with the three laughing and having a good time.
A short time later, the phone rang.
“Hello,” said Theo. “Yes, she’s right here. Annamarie, it’s Mr. Hanson for you.”
“Hi . . . no, I understand. I’ll see you Friday. Have a good night.”
“No work tomorrow?” asked Paula.
“No, the inspectors are going over the entire plant to see if anything might have caused Tim to smell something out of the ordinary. They’ll need another day and I have another afternoon off. It’s been a short week.”
“I’m sure you girls will find something to do.”
Daniel watched from the mirror and laughed, knowing he had pushed Tim off the ladder. He knew that Annamarie was aware of his actions and he hoped it frightened her. If not, he would make sure she was frightened.
* * *
Annamarie went to bed early, hoping for a good night’s sleep followed by a leisurely day without work. She closed her door and turned around to walk into her room, but walked into a brown murky fog. It felt and smelled like rotting leaves after a fall rain. No matter which way she turned, the fog followed her.
When she felt a tug on her hair, she screamed, “Stop!”
Her door flew open and her dad rushed in. “What’s wrong?”
There were no remnants of the fog or the musty odor.
“It’s nothing. Sorry, Dad. Some weird bug was buzzing around my head. I guess I screamed at it.”
“As long as you’re okay, that’s what’s important. Goodnight.”
“Nite.”
Annamarie sat on the bed and fumed at Daniel. She knew he was haunting her. Being aware that he couldn’t cause her great physical harm didn’t help much. Emotionally, his antics were taking a toll on her. She lay down to relax and fell asleep.
Music drifted quietly through the trees. Annamarie followed the soft violin sounds. She saw Magdalena dancing in the clearing. She turned and smiled at Annamarie. Walking up to her, Magdalena said, “Do not let your hatred for what is here sway you in a new direction. The new direction will cause evil to return. You must stay safe. Fight the new direction. Also, remember, Daniel will not harm you. He is trying to scare you. Josef is looking for him.” Annamarie drifted deeper into sleep.
Annamarie remembered her dream when she awoke, but was confused by the meaning. She wondered what new direction she should be wary of. Her life had changed dramatically and each day seemed to carry her in a new direction. At least Josef was looking for Daniel.
Lying in bed, she spoke out loud, “Magdalena, if this is a warning, I know you’ll show me the meaning.”
Annamarie’s mind drifted back to the night Daniel died. She remembered clearly that she and Daniel had withdrawn five thousand dollars from their account to give to Nancy. Nancy would give it to the madman who helped kill Ben and be out of their lives forever. She remembered Daniel leaving, possibly to meet Nancy. He didn’t share his thoughts with her. Her next memory was waking up on the floor with her mom, the sheriff, Elaine, and Steve hovering over her. She vaguely remembered the sheriff saying Daniel was dead.
She had no memory of what happened that night. No memory of accompanying Daniel and Nancy to the pines and watching the madman fall off the bluff or Nancy leaving with the money and the man’s truck. Her mind tricked her into thinking she was home waiting for Daniel. She had no memory of pushing Daniel off the bluff, tossing his rifle in the river, or planning on how she would act in the morning when she reported Daniel missing. There was a large hole in her memory and she wasn’t aware of any of it.
She rolled over, reached for the clock radio, and turned it on. She listened to music until she could smell breakfast cooking.
* * *
The week went by quickly. Annamarie, Paula, and Theo left church Sunday morning.
Annamarie said, “I enjoy having Sunday lunch with Maureen and George now. They have changed so much. Maureen is kind and buys me baby things. I wish Daniel were here to see how they have changed.”
“For your sake, I’m happy you get along. It’ll make life easier when the baby’s born,” Paula said.
“That’s for sure,” added Theo, “remember when Carl called her the dragon lady? She’s been tamed.”
His comment made Annamarie laugh, but she agreed. Maureen was a different woman.
Two hours later, they were on their way to George and Maureen’s. Paula, balancing a tray of homemade chocolate éclairs on her lap, “We should have George and Maureen over for supper. Maureen loves to make these Sunday lunches. Maybe we could invite them on a Friday evening.”
“That sounds great, Mom.”
Theo pulled in the drive and put the car in Park. He hurried around to open the door for
Paula. She laughed, “Are you being a gentleman or worried about the éclairs?”
“The éclairs, of course.”
George opened the front door. “Come in, Maureen is busy in the kitchen, but we can sit in the living room. Let me take the tray.”
He disappeared into the kitchen and Annamarie, Paula and Theo entered the living room and sat. George was back in a minute asking if Paula or Theo would care for some wine. Both declined.
Annamarie thought these lunches must be difficult for them since Daniel has been gone for less than a month.
George said, “Annamarie, you and I have a cause to work for and one which will keep us busy and fill our boring free time. We won’t have to dwell on the loss of Daniel all the time.”
“What is it?”
“A deputy from Oaklin has filed papers to run against Richardson for sheriff next year. First, there will be the primary in April and I’m hoping Richardson loses to this new deputy. If not, I’ll work twice as hard to be sure Richardson loses in November. I’m not sure who’ll be running in November. Second, If Richardson makes it to the race; he’ll face me every inch of the way. Annamarie, this is your chance to get him out of here for what he did to you and not working quickly enough to save Daniel.”
“I agree. Sorry, Dad, I know he’s your friend, but if he had found the madman sooner, Daniel would be here.”
Theo answered, “I understand how you feel, but I think the sheriff has done a good job. You have a right to your feelings, but you need to look at both sides before you make a decision. We know the sheriff. We don’t know his opponent. We have to see if he’s good for Timmus Woods or takes us in a new direction we’re not comfortable with.”
New direction, new direction, Annamarie thought. Dad said, “New direction.” Magdalena said to fight the new direction and not let my hatred get in the way. I hate the sheriff. She warned me. She must mean a new sheriff would be worse. Maybe he would look into Daniel’s death and find out he helped Nancy. He could think I helped them. What if I was arrested? Who would raise the baby? I can’t fight the sheriff. I can’t disagree with George. What do I do?
“Annamarie, Annamarie, are you all right?” Paula asked.
“Sorry, Mom, thinking about Daniel. I’m okay.” She was fighting panic at the idea of a new sheriff.
“Didn’t mean to upset you,” George said. “I wanted you to know what I would be doing and to let you know you can help. I’m sure your name will come up.”
Maureen called them into the dining room for lunch. Annamarie hoped the table talk would be more pleasant.
* * *
On the drive home, Annamarie leaned forward so her dad could hear her.
“Dad, I’m sorry, but I sort of lied to you before lunch.”
“Lied, about what?”
“George surprised me with his attitude about the sheriff and the election. I agreed with him so we wouldn’t have a fight. I don’t want a new sheriff. Sure, he put me in a jail cell, but he was trying to solve Ben’s murder and didn’t keep me like he said he would. No one could’ve caught the madman. We didn’t know who he was until he was dead. He’s been good to Steve and Deb since Steve shot Garret. I think he should stay the sheriff. Now, what do I do about George?”
“Between now and the primary in April, you are going to be too busy working, moving, and having a baby for politics. I’ll make sure George understands.”
“Thanks, Dad.”
“Your dad’s right; you can’t get all worked up. George is going to try and use Daniel in his battle against the sheriff. I think it’ll be too much for you. I’ll discuss it with Maureen, too. She’s turned into a mother hen and will understand,” Paula added.
Annamarie sat back and closed her eyes. Thanking Magdalena silently, she felt relief that Magdalena had helped her again. Wishing she could share Magdalena with others, she knew she had to keep her a secret.
Chapter Eleven – Moving On
Time moves forward no matter how hard you try to slow it down, Annamarie thought as she sat on her parents’ sofa, watching her dad putting up the Christmas tree. Bonnie and Carl left for San Diego and moved into a small apartment near the base with a pretty ocean view. Tim was slowly healing, but unable to return to work. All the renovations were completed at the Logan house and Don had installed a new dishwasher in Paula’s kitchen, much to Theo’s surprise. Annamarie was able to stay clear of George’s attacks on the sheriff. Sheriff Richardson won the primary and everyone was sure he would be reelected in April. Steve was back working full time and Deb was contemplating having a baby. Thanksgiving came and went, and although Maureen put on a wonderful feast, Annamarie was happy the holiday was behind her. She was beginning to look like the roly-poly doll Carl said she would. At nearly seven months along, she worried what the next two months would bring.
“Is the tree straight?” Theo asked, breaking into her thoughts.
“Yes, it looks nice.”
“You know how your mom loves Christmas. It has to be perfect.”
“It will be. It always is. Don’t mess up the lights.”
“Never.” Theo shook his head.
Annamarie was torn between being excited about the holiday or ignoring it. She decided against a tree at her home. Maybe next year, for the baby, she thought. Weekends at her parents’ with a tree would be enough. It was difficult without Daniel.
Her dad went to look for the lights and Annamarie lay down on the sofa. She fell asleep quickly.
She found herself in the forest. It was dark and cold and she was lost. A small light appeared ahead of her and she followed it. In a clearing, she saw Daniel. She was so excited to see him, but he turned and scowled at her. Garret Frant stepped out from behind him. She was consumed with fear. Daniel said, “Garret is here to help me. You won’t get away with killing me. We’re all coming for you.”
Her scream brought her mom rushing from the kitchen and her dad from the basement. They found Annamarie sleeping peacefully.
Paula looked at Theo and said, “Whatever nightmare caused her to scream seems to have left. I wonder how often she has terrible dreams.”
Theo, still holding a jumble of tree lights in his hands, shook his head. “I wish I knew. She has been through more than anyone should. Losing friends and loved ones, plus she had to shoot that man in the Logan house. Then, Tim’s terrible accident at work. She needs peace.”
Paula nodded as she returned to baking cookies. Theo began stringing lights on the tree.
* * *
Annamarie stood in the clearing. Daniel and Garret turned to mist and disappeared before her eyes. Sunlight appeared through the leaves and Magdalena walked out of the dense pines. “Do not fear, little one, I will always protect you. Daniel is trying to fight his way back, but I will do my best to keep him banished. He will never harm you or the baby.” Annamarie shook her head. “He may try to enter your dreams again, but he cannot harm you. He is only trying to scare you. I will always be near. You called for me and all of us heard you.”
Annamarie was confused and asked, “When did I call for you?”
“The morning you spoke what you thought was a curse. It was not a curse, but a calling out in need to your ancestors. The words had been stored in your heart since you were born. When you needed us, you called and we answered. Daniel believed you when you said it was a curse and I let you believe it, too. You were not ready to accept we are here and always will be. Sleep now, my child, I am watching.”
Annamarie mumbled softly in her slumber and drifted deeper into dreamless sleep.
* * *
The shops in Timmus Woods decorated for the holiday mostly because of sales they expected from people coming from other towns. Some of the unique shops attracted buyers from miles away. The antique and curio shop were popular, as was Mimi’s homemade soap and candle shop. On weekends, people would shop and have lunch or supper at Ray’s. Life seemed to go on as usual.
* * *
“But I don’t want to cele
brate Christmas twice, I want to ignore it altogether,” moaned Annamarie when her mom told her they were invited to Maureen’s and George’s for Christmas Eve supper. Her parents had always had Christmas on Christmas morning. Twice was too much.
Paula smiled. “George and Maureen are mourning Daniel, too, and they want to spend time with you on Christmas Eve the way they had for years with Daniel. We’re invited, too. It’ll be all right.”
“Will we have Christmas morning with you, me, and Dad? I don’t want more people.”
“It’ll only be the three of us and then we’ll go to church, but maybe we should invite them for Christmas supper. This is going to be a hard year for them, too.”
“Okay, supper I can handle. I don’t want them here when I open gifts in my PJs.”
“Gifts? Who said we’re having gifts?”
“Mom, not funny. I have all my shopping done. Deb helped me and it’s all stashed at my house.”
Daniel watched through the mirror and he was going to whisper to Annamarie when he was suddenly yanked back into the pines. A booming male voice made him cower against a tree.
“You will not go near her. If you do, I will turn you into tree mold and drop you into the deepest mountain crevice.” Daniel nodded in fear.
* * *
Christmas came and went and Annamarie dealt with her sorrow the best she could. Her family and George and Maureen spoiled her with a large amount of gifts for her and the baby. She purchased a lovely cradle for the baby to sleep in while she stayed at her parents’ home. The nursery at the Logan house was painted a beautiful shade of yellow and she chose curtains with colorful circus animals on them. Although she was still positive the baby was a girl, she fought the urge to buy the white nursery furniture, which would match her own bedroom set.
Annamarie was working at the dairy. Elaine worked for her full-time.
Mr. Townsend helped her cash in the bonds and worked with her and the financial advisor to be sure she had an income for life and a good-sized trust fund for her baby and any other children she might have.
Annamarie and Magdalena (Gypsy Spirits Book 2) Page 15