Paula sat quietly for a few moments before speaking. “Are you sure you aren’t imagining most of this and dreamed the rest?”
“Maybe I might if not for the fact that Sam also has dreams and a pine scent is associated with Magdalena and people who try to hurt me pay somehow and the pine scent plays a part.”
“Oh my dear, you mean Maureen?”
“Yes, and Tim at the dairy. They both said there was a pine scent before they had their accidents and before Maureen had her killer migraine.”
“This is a lot to take in. Don’t tell your dad; he’ll never understand.”
“Mom, you have a bit of psychic ability. You know when the phone is going to ring before it does and several times had a feeling good or bad news was coming before it did. Could I have it, too and connected with my great-grandmother?”
“My mind is open to any possibility and my grandmother doesn’t worry me if she is coming to visit you in your dreams. Daniel worries me if you think you heard him in the house and he broke a picture. Have you thought about having Father Mueller bless the house? If Daniel is a restless spirit, it might keep him away.”
“It never dawned on me, but from my dreams I learned Daniel and Garret have combined their spirits and are harder to fight, but Magdalena said not to worry because Josef is looking for them.”
“Josef?”
“My great-grandfather.”
“Yes, I know. I’m shocked you saw him, too. Wait here a minute.”
Paula returned in a few minutes with an old cigar box. It was her favorite way to save small items. She pulled out several black and white photos.
“Photos were uncommon when I was a small child, but were sometimes taken on special occasions. My mother was able to save these when our home was bombed during the war.”
Paula laid them out and Annamarie looked at each. She picked up one photo and said, “She looks older in the photo, but this is Magdalena.”
“Yes,” was all Paula could say.
There were several wedding photos of people Annamarie didn’t know and some first day of school pictures and one of a handsome young soldier in uniform.
She picked it up and said, “This is Josef, my great-grandfather, isn’t it?”
“Yes.”
“Then it isn’t my imagination, I saw him. My dreams are real and so are they. If they are real, then Daniel is real, too. Mom, what am I going to do?”
“First, have the house blessed and second, as crazy as it sounds, try to dream of your great-grandmother and talk to her. Do whatever she says to keep you and Lena safe.”
“I caused this, Mom. I did with the Gypsy curse, didn’t I?”
“No, since you needed her, she is here. Daniel was right about spirits in the woods. Your great-grandmother knew you would need her. I don’t know how, but she knew and they came. The entire family’s with her. You said there are more people. They could be aunts, uncles, cousins--I don’t know. I don’t have more photos for you to look through. I wish I did.”
“They don’t scare me, Mom. I wasn’t scared until Daniel came around.”
“Well, I think it’ll be okay. I have a good feeling. Let’s start supper. Remember, Sam is coming for supper tonight, so you’ll be here all day. We can talk more later.”
“C’mon, Lena, let’s go in the house with Gamma.”
Annamarie watched her precious daughter toddle across the backyard, heading toward the house. She knew she would fight to her death to protect Lena.
* * *
Annamarie and Sam had a lovely evening with her parents and Sam carried a sleeping Lena into their house when they returned home.
Relaxing in bed, Annamarie explained everything she and her mom had discussed. Sam understood a little more about what was happening. He also agreed it was a wise idea to have Father Mueller bless the house. They fell asleep in each other’s arms. When the clock in the parlor stuck midnight, the gong continued to chime well past twelve times, waking both Annamarie and Sam.
Sam mumbled, “We should have someone check out the old clock. I’m going to stop the chime.”
Annamarie was right behind him. When they entered the parlor, the clock stopped on its own.
“That’s plain weird,” said Sam.
“Maybe not,” Annamarie said and she grabbed his arm.
She pointed toward the fireplace and Annamarie and Sam saw the twelve porcelain birds Grandpa Logan had purchased for his wife. They were lined up in a straight row on the fireplace mantel.
“Daniel was here.” Annamarie’s voice quivered. “He’s the only other person who understands how important those birds were to Grandpa Logan and now to me. It’s why he chose them to leave a message.”
“What message?”
“That he can roam free through our home whenever he wants.”
“Maybe you’re right.”
“Lena,” she cried as she ran up the stairs.
They found Lena sleeping peacefully. Annamarie collapsed in Sam’s arms. He carried her back to bed.
“You call Father Mueller first thing tomorrow. I’m sure it will put an end to this.”
They heard the clock begin to chime again. Both raced back downstairs to see all the birds had been returned to their previous places and the grandfather clock still chiming.
Sam yelled as loud as he could, “Get out of this house and don’t come back. You’re not welcome here.”
They heard the back door slam with a thunderous crash.
“I think he heard you,” whispered Annamarie.
“I hope so.”
Lena slept through the latest intrusion into their home. Annamarie was convinced Magdalena was protecting her.
Returning to bed, they slept peacefully until morning. Sometime during the night, Annamarie remembered hearing Magdalena’s voice telling her to beware of the old witch. She would try to cause trouble, but Annamarie could warn her off by reminding Maureen her health would suffer if she tried to harm Lena.
* * *
Sam kissed a sleeping Annamarie and left for work. Shortly after, she heard Lena’s voice say, “Mama pamkiks.” It could only mean Elaine was making Lena’s favorite breakfast--pancakes. She pulled Lena onto the bed and said, “We’ll go down in a minute; Mommy has to make a call.” She phoned Father Mueller and asked about the house blessing. He said he’d be there around ten that morning.
When breakfast was over and Lena was happily picking flowers with Elaine, Annamarie was enjoying a quiet cup of tea when the doorbell rang.
“Hmm, nine o’clock, Father Mueller’s early.”
She opened the door to find an unhappy-looking Steve in his sheriff’s uniform at the door.
“Steve, is everything all right?”
“Yes and no. Annamarie, can I come in?”
“Of course.”
“Everyone is fine, but I have a court summons for you,” he said when he handed the legal papers to Annamarie.
“Court summons? What on earth for?”
She glanced at the first page and rage filled her heart and mind.
“Maureen is going to try and take Lena from me. It says here she claims I’m an unfit mother for a number of ridiculous reasons and Sam is not a reliable stepfather figure.”
“I know. I’m sorry, Annamarie. I don’t know what’s wrong with her.”
“Sam is a good man. He spent four years in the Army, two tours in Vietnam, and when he came home, he began working for his uncle in his garage. He’s good at what he does and is a responsible man. Maureen is evil.”
“I have to get back to the station. Call Mr. Townsend; he’ll know what to do. Take care of yourself.”
“Bye, Steve.” She closed the door and headed for the phone.
Mr. Townsend was aware of the summons. Maureen’s attorney had also sent the papers to his office. He assured Annamarie that Maureen did not have a case and they made an appointment for the following day to discuss the summons in detail.
“I’ll phone the custody attorne
y you spoke with previously. We may need his help with this. Don’t worry, he’s the best, and we’ll take care of the matter quickly.”
“Thank you. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Annamarie wasn’t going to leave this to the courts. She remembered Magdalena’s words and she would handle this herself.
* * *
The doorbell broke into her thoughts. She asked Father Mueller to come in. She told him about the summons and they said a prayer together for strength. He told her he would mention her need at Mass on Sunday, but withhold her name. She thanked him and he began the blessing.
She followed him from room to room, including those in the north wing, while he said prayers in Latin and blessed each room with holy water. When he was finished, he told her, “Not many young people ask for a house blessing.”
“Mom thought it would be a good idea.”
“That sounds like Paula.”
When he was preparing to leave, Annamarie handed him an envelope.
“For you and whatever the church may need. Would you like to come to supper next week? I’ll have Elaine make pot roast. I know it’s one of your favorites.”
“I’d be delighted. God bless you and your family, Annamarie. Have a nice day.”
“Thank you, Father.” Annamarie closed the door.
She intended to have a good day and was sure Maureen’s day was about to get much worse. She knew Maureen was back in the hospital with head pain. She had sent her flowers yesterday. Today’s message would be in person.
* * *
It was a little past two and Lena was down for her nap. Annamarie told Elaine she had an errand to run and would be back soon. She drove straight to the hospital, parked near the front doors and walked in. The receptionist was busy on the phone and didn’t look up. Annamarie knew Maureen’s room number and headed toward the elevator. Pushing the button for the second floor, Annamarie mulled over what she was going to say.
She walked briskly toward Maureen’s room. All the nurses appeared to have something better to do than pay attention to a petite young woman walking down the corridor. She stopped outside Maureen’s door, took a deep breath, and walked in. Maureen looked up and smiled. Annamarie pretended as if she hadn’t received the papers yet and Maureen was friendly.
“Hi, Maureen. How are you feeling?”
“Better, thank you. The doctor says if I remain calm, the damned black spot on my brain will continue to shrink. I hope he’s right.”
“I’m sure he is. Remaining calm is the key and not becoming worried or scared about anything. Listen to him this time.”
“It’s what I’m doing.”
“Is it?” Annamarie said as she approached Maureen’s bed. She picked up the nurse’s call button and placed it out of Maureen’s reach. “I think you’ve been up to no good again.”
“Whatever do you mean? And give me back the call button.”
“All in good time.” Annamarie leaned over Maureen’s bed and whispered barely loud enough for her to hear.
“I know what you’re up to. The papers came this morning. I also know what is causing the black spot and your headaches. The explanation is the same as the reason Daniel’s dead. He couldn’t be trusted either. If you don’t stop what you’re doing, you’ll be seeing Daniel sooner than you think.”
“What are you talking about? You’re crazy.”
“Am I? The black spot is punishment. You evil, old witch. You’re trying to ruin my life and take Lena. We won’t let you.”
“We?” Maureen was beginning to panic.
“Listen and listen carefully. Every time you even think about trying to take Lena or do any harm to me or my family, the spot will grow larger and larger. The pain will become unbearable. If you back off, act civil, and stay away from us, the spot will shrink. However, it’ll never disappear. It’ll be a constant reminder I can beat you at any game you try to throw my way.”
“You’re mad. Give me the call button. My head hurts.”
“I’m sure it does. Remember my words. If you don’t want to lose your mind from the pain or kill yourself to get away from it, then leave us alone. It’s growing at this moment. If you don’t believe me, ask Dr. Norse for a new x-ray. It’s larger now than it has ever been and you’ll begin to feel it shortly. Once you give up the plan to try and take Lena, it will shrink back to where it was before I walked in and you can continue your pitiful life.”
“You’re insane. You can’t control my health. I’ll prove to the court you’re crazy and I’ll have Lena forever.”
“I’ll see you dead first,” Annamarie said, throwing the call button on the floor. She spun and strode out the door, back down the corridor, and onto the elevator. No one saw her again. As the doors of the elevator closed, she heard Maureen’s scream echo through the halls.
* * *
While Annamarie walked to her car, got in, and drove home, nurses and Dr. Norse ran into Maureen’s room to see why she was screaming. They found her holding her head and rocking back and forth crying about how she was going to die.
Dr. Norse said, “You’re not going to die, Maureen,” while he injected a strong pain medication into her IV.
“Yes I am,” she screamed back. “Annamarie said I would.”
Dr. Norse looked at the nurse and asked, “Has she had any visitors?”
“I’m not sure doctor, I’ll go check.” Back in a few minutes, the nurse reported Mrs. Logan hadn’t had any visitors all day.
Feeling the effects of the pain medication, Maureen began to mumble she was cursed and Annamarie would kill her and she would see Daniel as a spirit if she didn’t stop trying to take Lena away.
Dr. Norse tried to explain that the stress Maureen put herself through by fighting for Lena was the cause of the attack and he advised she not go after custody of the child. She wasn’t well enough.
Maureen yelled at Dr. Norse, “You don’t understand. I demand an x-ray to prove the spot is growing larger than it has ever been. It’s Annamarie’s fault.”
Dr. Norse ordered the x-ray and called George while Maureen was taken to the x-ray department.
“I don’t understand it, George; she seemed better this morning. I was going to release her when she began screaming in pain. She thinks it’s Annamarie’s fault and she has cursed her somehow for trying to take custody of Lena. You need to talk her into remaining calm and drop any suit she has filed. She’s not well enough to care for a child and the stress will kill her over time. I would also recommend she see a psychiatrist to deal with her fears.”
“I’ll be right there and do my best, but she is adamant about taking Daniel’s child.”
“If she does, it may kill her and then what will she have accomplished? I’ll see you soon. I should have the results by the time you get here.”
George rushed to his wife’s bedside and Dr. Norse and the radiologist discussed Maureen’s x-ray.
Dr. Norse entered Maureen’s room with a serious look on his face.
“What is it, doctor?” George asked.
“The spot has increased in size five-fold. It is larger than it has ever been. If it grows much larger, it could also affect Maureen’s cognitive abilities. I’m concerned.”
“Let me talk with her, doctor. I’m sure I can convince her to see things your way.” George sat on his wife’s bedside and took her hand. “Maureen, you heard the doctor.”
“Yes, but it’s Annamarie who caused this. She cursed me.”
“No one can curse another. You are under too much stress and trying to take custody of Lena will cause more. No judge will give you custody with your medical record. Please give it up. Call your lawyer and drop the custody suit now. Maureen, please, I can’t live without you. Dr. Norse said it could kill you.”
George’s eyes filled with tears and Maureen relented. “Call my attorney, I’ll drop the suit.” She did what she promised. When she handed the phone back to George, a soft scent of pine filled the room, and Maureen fell asleep.
&
nbsp; Dr. Norse returned and checked Maureen’s vitals. Everything had returned to normal.
“We’ll let her sleep tonight and in the morning I’ll order another x-ray. If the spot is shrinking and I suspect it is, I can release her. We still have no idea what is causing the spot, but it definitely reacts to stress. You must keep her calm.”
“I’ll do my best.”
While Dr. Norse and George discussed ways to keep Maureen calm, Mr. Townsend phoned Annamarie to let her know Maureen’s lawyer had called to say the suit had been dropped. Annamarie smiled to herself and thanked Mr. Townsend for his call.
She knew Maureen had come to her senses and wouldn’t try to take Lena again.
* * *
Elaine left before serving supper, as a nasty storm was brewing. Annamarie would take care of supper. A grateful Elaine hurried home and passed Sam on the way. Sam arrived home as the first raindrops fell.
The wind picked up while they were enjoying supper and Sam said, “The radio weatherman said we could be in for quite a storm.”
“I hope we don’t lose power. I hate the dark,” Annamarie replied.
A flash of lightning lit up the kitchen and the thunder followed immediately, rattling the windows. Lena burst into tears. Sam picked her up and said, “It’s time we head for the basement.”
Annamarie had equipped the basement with enough candles and flashlights to ensure they wouldn’t be in the dark. There was also bottled water and packaged snacks for Lena plus a small toy box filled with toys. Lena played happily on the carpeted floor while Annamarie buried her head in Sam’s chest each time she heard thunder.
The storm lasted more than thirty minutes and when it seemed to be over, Sam said, “I’ll go up first to be sure everything is safe.”
He called down to Annamarie that the house was secure. She and Lena walked back upstairs to find many branches from the huge oaks in the yard broken.
“The wind had to be strong to cause those oaks to break. We should check the outside of the house.”
They walked around the house and barn and everything appeared in order. Sam walked around the garage while Lena found a puddle to splash in.
Annamarie and Magdalena (Gypsy Spirits Book 2) Page 19