Redemption at Shadow Lake

by J E Grace

  “I sure hope there is a good-looking woman attached to these hands,” he said in a slow, sexy voice.

  “You’re a hard man to get ahold of.”

  “Apparently, not too hard. You’re doing a fine job right now.”

  “Oh, stop. You know what I mean,” said Samantha going around to face him. “Can you stop for a minute. I have some news for you. It’s important.”

  “Okay. How about some coffee. I’ll make a fresh pot,” said Jonathan laying the rake against the side of the house.

  Samantha followed him inside, and they sat on the sofa while the coffee brewed.

  “So, what couldn’t wait. You’ve peaked my interest,” Jonathan said placing an arm around Samantha.

  “I received a call from the mayor today. He finally tracked down the owner of McClure Mansion, and I couldn’t believe it. He lives right here in Shadow Lake. Isn’t it exciting?”

  “Who’s the unlucky guy. That place needs a lot of work.”

  “Needing work or not, the property is worth a fortune even if the structure were torn down. But the thing is, the mayor also discovered that Robert McClure founded the town. It could be designated a historical landmark depending on what the society can track down,” said Samantha. She reached over taking both of Jonathan’s hands in hers. Jonathan gave her a strange look.

  “Jonathan, you’re the legal owner of the McClure Mansion.”

  Jonathan sat with various thoughts all running through his head at the same time. With the information he read in his mother’s journal, the news wasn’t as surprising as it could have been.

  Samantha waited for Jonathan to make a response to the news. She had to give him time to get over the shock.

  “Jonathan, say something.”

  “Samantha, I looked back through my mom’s journals again last night, and she had written to me in it apologizing for not telling me who my real parents were. She verified that my birth father was Adam McClure and my mother was Rachel Cummings. Rachel wasn’t married to my father. I guess there was a big scandal and she left town putting me up for adoption. No one ever saw her again.”

  “I know that’s probably not what you wanted to hear. We all have skeleton’s in our past, but we can’t let it define us,” said Samantha as she glanced over at the photo of a couple in the ballroom at the mansion that was lying on the table. “Wow, look at the clothes.” The dresses they wore were stunning. I could see myself wearing those.”

  “And I could imagine you looking even more stunning than they do. You’re looking at the only photo of my parents as far as I know.”

  “I’m happy you found it. Now the question that has plagued you for so many years can be put to rest. You know, God has always known who you were.”

  “You’re right. Well, are you up going back to the mansion with me tomorrow. I’ll have to call a structural engineer friend of mine tonight and see if he can meet us to access the restoration costs. I have to know what the expenses are when I sell. If I can apply for historic status, I’d like to keep the structure. It’s part of my heritage.”

  “You know how I feel about going into that place but for you, anything,” said Samantha giving him a quick kiss.

  “Love, you better do better than that. I missed you, you know,” he said as he wrapped his arms around her and she melted. She was just where she wanted to be.

  Chapter 34

  I t was a blustery October mid-afternoon when Jonathan and Samantha pulled up in front of the McClure Mansion. The force of the wind pushed Samantha back as she exited the Jeep. Jonathan exited right behind her, his camera swinging back and forth across his chest as he grabbed her hand. His other hand held a powerful lantern.

  The odor of leaves damp with moisture hit their nostrils, driven to them by the fierce wind. Overhead, the sky filled with clouds signaling an impending storm on the horizon.

  So far, their vehicle was the only one parked out front. The structural engineer should be arriving anytime.

  They rushed to the front of the mansion to gain shelter from the wind. Jonathan inserted the key, turned the knob, and the door pushed free.

  Inside they could still hear the howl of the wind as it whipped around the grand structure.

  As Jonathan and Samantha stepped towards the middle of the room the dampness from years of being vacant, overwhelmed them.

  “I wonder when the last McClure lived here?” said Jonathan walking through to the ballroom.

  “Now you know why you always had weird vibes when you took photographs. Little did you know that you were one of them. The last living McClure,” said Samantha looking up at the balcony area of the second story.

  “You never have told me why you rushed out of here so fast the day we met. I’ve always felt there was more to the story than you were willing to tell,” he said putting his arm around Samantha.

  She looked up into his eyes, her body shivered. “It had to do with a vision I saw here in this very room. The room was like it was in the early 1900’s. There was a grand ball going on. People were dancing and then all of a sudden; a man stared at me. It appeared he was trying to tell me something. Then I blacked out. When I woke up, I was lying on the floor. That’s when I ran outside and bumped into you. I got partway back to my house and felt something in my coat pocket.”

  “What was it?”

  “A key. I don’t know how it got there and it freaked me out. I parked on the side of the road for quite a while before I could drive the rest of the way home. I put it in a box on my dresser and finally brought it today in hopes of finding what it goes to.”

  “Show it to me.”

  Samantha pulled out the old key and handed it to Jonathan. He turned it over and over in his hands.

  “It doesn’t look big enough to be a door key, but I could be wrong. I think it unlocks a lockbox of some kind. The best bet is to check for any small passageways or small rooms in the basement,” he said placing the key in his pocket.

  “If I can get you to hold the lantern in the darkened areas, I’m going to try to snap some photos as we go,” he said lifting his camera from his chest. “Are you okay with this? I’m right here with you, so you don’t have to be afraid.”

  “I’m okay. Don’t leave me standing anywhere. This house still gives me the creeps,” said Samantha sticking close to Jonathan as he walked ahead.

  They were heading towards the dining room area when they heard a vehicle pull up out front. Jonathan looked out the windows facing the driveway and spotted a truck. A tall man with a heavy jacket on, clipboard and flashlight in hand, was heading to the front door.

  Jonathan and Samantha went to meet him. He shook Jonathan’s hand as he entered, the door blowing shut with a bang behind him.

  “I’m Mr. Casey, the structural engineer. Go ahead with your photos, and I’ll catch up with you later.”

  “Sounds good. I’m afraid to hear the bottom line though.”

  “Yeah, these big mansions like this can be money pits. Especially with all the expensive products used in this house. Of course, there are a lot of materials these days that look like the real thing but are much cheaper,” he said as he looked around.

  Jonathan and Samantha continued through the house. Samantha held the lantern as they made their way from one room to the other on the first floor while Jonathan snapped photographs.

  When it came time to climb the staircase leading to the second story, the hairs on Samantha’s neck prickled and a shiver ran down her spine. A sense of dizziness overcame her, and the room began to spin. She slumped down on the stairs, her back sliding down the wall causing Jonathan to turn with a start.

  “Samantha, what happened?” he said as he knelt down on the stairs next to her. He put his hand to her forehead and pulled it away wet with sweat.

  “Jonathan, I have to get out of here. I can’t breathe,” her eyes wide as though she had seen a ghost. Her breath came out in short spurts, and she made a couple of coughs.

  “Let’s get you outside
to the Jeep. There’s bottled water there, and you can sit for a bit.” Jonathan took her by the hand and led her back downstairs to the front door.

  The wind blew in as Jonathan tried to force the door open. After a couple of tries, they were outside and fought their way back to the vehicle.

  He led her over to the passenger’s side and helped her in, closing the door behind her. He went around to the driver’s side, got in, and grabbed the backpack pulling out water.

  Samantha took a couple of long gulps letting the cold liquid ease the feeling of tightness in her throat. After a couple of long drinks, she closed her eyes and tried to relax.

  “Are you feeling any better?”

  “Some. I think I’m just going to sit here while you finish up. Can you handle it on your own? I don’t know what happened in there,” said Samantha looking at Jonathan.

  “That’s okay. What I can’t get today can wait until later. I’m going to go back and check on Mr. Casey. I’m not even sure he can finish this up in one day either. I’ll be back soon,” he said kissing her. Jonathan opened the door, ready to face the elements again. He ran, half staggered his way back to the front porch.

  Samantha sat staring at the view around her. Why does this place give me the creeps? Each time she had entered the mansion, she had felt strange. Something evil had happened there. There was a dark secret hiding within the walls of McClure Mansion.

  She didn’t believe in ghosts. But, of course, she knew that Satan had demonic spirits at work on the earth. Could the evil inside come from them? Would I ever discern the truth? Maybe some things were better off left alone.

  Chapter 35

  J onathan entered the mansion which now seemed darker. The sun wasn’t out, so the clouds had darkened the sky overhead, letting less natural light inside.

  He had spent many a night thinking about the house. There had to be a reason why none of his relatives had stayed in the mansion for long. It seemed that it brought nothing but grief to its occupants. And then there was Samantha. How could he ask her to live here? It would make an excellent B & B, but what if the house had some historical significance. Wouldn’t the historical society be the way to go?

  Jonathan stuck his hands into his pocket and pulled out the key. Well, before he sold it, he needed to find out about the key.

  He set his camera down on the floor by the door and clicked on the lantern. He climbed the stairs back up to the second story and checked all the closet areas and anywhere else he thought might be a hiding spot. His boots clicked on the hardwood floors as he wandered down the hallways and opened the doors, not knowing what he might find behind each one.

  The bedrooms still had 1900’s bedroom furniture in each room. Some were even made up with the bedding as if the occupants had just walked off one day without giving it a second thought.

  Out in the hallway, Jonathan walked until he found the staircase to the third floor and when he reached the top, he met up with Mr. Casey.

  “Well, did you get all your photos?”

  “No. I’m going to have to come back when there’s more daylight. How’s everything going?”

  “Not bad. I’m going to finish up in the basement. If you get some photos of the rooms, maybe you can send some over to me. It sometimes helps if I have a question about something,” said Mr. Casey starting down the stairs.

  “No problem. It might be a couple of days though depending on my schedule.”

  “That’s fine. I’ll call you when I have everything together. Did your helper leave you?”

  “She wasn’t feeling well. I think the odor in this old house got to her. She had to get some air,” said Jonathan continuing to the basement with Mr. Casey.

  As they opened the door from the first floor and entered the basement, Jonathan couldn’t help but think back to the first day he met Samantha. She had been right where he was standing when she fled. He felt terrible for her. He knew what fear could do to a person and had lived in fear and discouragement for some time until God brought Samantha into his life. Thanks to their relationship, he was able to move on and think about the future.

  God had healed his heart as far as being able to love again, but there was still that ache in his heart for closure. He thought about the many prayers he had sent up to God wishing that he could find out who murdered Marilyn. He needed retribution.

  Jonathan followed Mr. Casey as he opened doors to the many basement rooms. Some were empty, others filled with stored items from the house; old broken chairs, barrels, an old sewing machine, broken toys, and a baby cradle. He wondered if it belonged to one of the McClure children, taking a moment to run his hand across the spindles.

  He shook off a chill that seemed to settle in his bones. His hand was getting stiff from the cold, but he was determined. Somewhere on the right he heard something rustle across the floor and caught the image of a mouse scurrying. Then he spotted a wooden box. Could it be what he was seeking? He walked over to check it out, and the mouse ran out from under it seeking shelter somewhere else.

  Removing an old burlap sack that draped over the top making dust fly into the air, he checked around the bottom of the box and spotted a small object sticking out from one of the corners. A key.

  On the front of the box was a padlock. Jonathan’s heart beat fast in his chest with anticipation of what he might find inside. That is if it fit.

  As he inserted the key and turned it, the lock popped open. He took a deep breath and pushed the top free from the box, and it fell with a thud against the wall.

  As he shined the flashlight inside, the contents came into view. There were pieces of jewelry with precious stones, a couple of scrolled pipes, and some envelopes full of papers. A small pouch lay in the bottom tied securely with twine.

  Jonathan slid the twine loose and pushed the bag open pouring the contents into his hand. Gold coins. Wow, these could be priceless. He put them back in the pouch and shoved it into his pocket.

  He was about to turn around when he sensed someone was entering the basement. Samantha’s arms came around him hugging him, and he could feel the warmth of her body as it made him tingle.

  “I saw Mr. Casey leave and I was beginning to worry about you. It took all the courage I could muster just to come back in here. It will be dark soon. I think maybe we should call it a day. What do you think?”

  “I’m about ready,” he said picking up the box and placing it next to the door. “There’s just one more room I want to check.”

  “Okay, but I’m going with you,” said Samantha not wanting to be alone one second in the house.

  Jonathan and Samantha walked over to a room at the far left of the basement. He pulled the door, but it was locked.

  “It’s locked. No, it couldn’t be. Jonathan reached into his pocket and pulled out the key. He put the key into the lock, the lock clicked, and they stood there wondering what they would find on the other side.

  Chapter 36

  J onathan pulled the door opened. A gasp escaped his throat. He collapsed falling to his knees, and his body shook as loud sobs filled the space.

  Even with his faith in God, there was no way to be prepared for the answer to his prayers. Sometimes what we ask for appears to be closure, but sometimes it’s more than we seem to be able to bear.

  Samantha knelt beside Jonathan and held him while he cried. The tears came like a waterfall, cleansing his soul, purging all the growing feelings that had accumulated for years. She cradled him in her arms crying with him until he felt he could move.

  Jonathan knew he had to open his eyes and take in the horror of the room even though every instinct inside of him told him to run. To get as far away from this place as he could. Then he began to feel the warmth and realize that Samantha cradled him in her arms and he opened his eyes and looked at her.

  “I guess I should be careful what I pray for,” he said with tears still running down his cheeks.

  “I don’t understand. What are you talking about?”

  �
��I asked God to put an end to my torment. To put closure to who murdered my wife. Samantha, the photos on the wall are of Marilyn.”

  “Oh, Jonathan, I’m sorry,” said Samantha hugging him. “Can you get up? Let me help you.”

  Jonathan took a deep breath. Seeing the room knocked the wind out of him. He knew without question that he was standing where the killer had stayed while he stalked his wife. His stomach churned, and he turned quickly just before the bile erupted from his mouth and hit the floor behind him.

  As he turned, he caught a flash of something in the shadows just to the left of the door. A bed?

  Samantha held his hand as he walked over to the wall. On the bed were the skeletal remains of someone. Samantha screamed, and Jonathan pulled her into his arms. She buried her head against his chest shaking.

  “Let’s get out of here. I have to call the police. That could be the remains of my wife’s killer,” he said ushering her out the doorway.

  They scrambled from the basement and around the side of the house until they got to the Jeep. They both got in. Samantha had Jonathan sit in the passenger’s seat and handed him the water. He took a couple of large drinks and lowered his head to the dash.

  “Can you call the police? I don’t think I can handle it right now,” said Jonathan his insides still shaking.

  Samantha fished her cell phone out of her pocket and dialed the police department and was told to wait until the officer arrived. She explained what they found a couple of times before they understood what she was reporting, gave the address, and then hung up.

  “They’re on their way.”

  Jonathan leaned over resting his head against her chest and tried to concentrate on the beating of her heart. He said a prayer. Thank you for answering my prayer. Now please give me peace and the ability to deal with the outcome.