by Deborah Heal
When they had praised the cookies, paid sufficient tribute to her horticultural expertise, apologized for not visiting sooner, and promised to come again, they left.
They planted the honeysuckle as soon as they returned and then painted the trellis with paint they found in the barn. Afterward, they decided that was not the best order of events, for the leaves got speckled with paint. But they still looked pretty good against the white trellis.
After they had all removed their muddy shoes and washed their hands, Abby set the geranium in its blue bowl on the kitchen windowsill, and everyone thought that it was perfect.
They invited Michael and John to the computer room to see the Beautiful Houses program, but when Merrideth tried to load it, an error message came up on the screen.
“Maybe the storm last night messed up something,” John said. “So what’s so special about Beautiful Houses?”
“Well, you see… the program lets us—”
“Abby didn’t think it was real. At first. But I knew it was Charlotte.”
“Who’s Charlotte?”
“That’s the girl who used to live here,” Merrideth said.
“I don’t know how it works,” Abby said. “Or even exactly what happens.”
“Abby calls it stalking Charlotte, but I call it—”
Abby squeezed Merrideth’s arm and telegraphed a warning before time-surfing came out of her mouth. Once that word was out, John would go from friendly to concerned. He’d probably start looking for the nearest mental health facility.
Why wouldn’t he? How could John possibly understand from mere words what they had experienced— what they had lived— in Charlotte’s world?
After all, Pat had brushed them off, and Kate had laughed when they had tried to tell her. And Customer Support had clearly thought they were insane.
No, it would be much better for him to see for himself.
“We’ll invite you back when we get it working again,” Abby said.
They thanked him again, and when he had driven off, Abby sat on the porch step next to Merrideth.
“Maybe it’s a good thing the program is down. We’d never want to get back to your schoolwork if we knew we could visit Charlotte.” Abby thought about some of the things that the minister had said that morning.
“And there’s so much more that I want to teach you.”
“By the way, I’m changing my name.”
“Oh?”
Merrideth grinned. “Yeah, I’m beginning to think Dad’s nickname for me isn’t so lame.”
“Good! ‘Merri’ will suit you perfectly!”
The End
You may read an excerpt from Unclaimed Legacy (book 2 in the series) below, but first…
A Note from the Author
According to The History of Macoupin County, Jonathan Miles, born in Kentucky 1820, pioneered with his parents in Brighton Township in 1832. He married Eliza Stratton, also a native of Kentucky and they had three children, one of them a girl named Charlotte. The town that bore his name grew up and thrived at the nexus of Miles Station Road and the Chicago & Alton Railroad, which he was instrumental in getting to run through the town. On more than one occasion, Abraham Lincoln took the train from his law office in Springfield, stopping in Miles Station to discuss a suit Miles had filed about nonpayment for lumber he had delivered to the railroad.
At the beginning of the Civil War Jonathan Miles formed a company of soldiers of the Twenty- Seventh Illinois Cavalry and had a brilliant career in the Union Army, being promoted to the rank of colonel in 1862. Jonathan Miles may or may not have actually helped fleeing slaves, but he was a staunch supporter of the cause. And there were several important stops on the Underground Railroad in nearby Brighton, including one at Dr. Thomas Brown’s house.
The stories told by Charlotte’s attic guests are inspired by the experiences of real people such as Booker T. Washington, Frederick Douglass, Andrew Jackson (not the U.S. president), Maria Adams, and many others. Their stories deserve to be heard, no matter how distressing. We must never forget.
For Further Study
Abolitionism and the Civil War in Southwestern Illinois. John J. Dunphy. Charleston: The History Press. 2011.
Growing up Black. Jay David. New York: William Morrow. 1968.
History of Macoupin County, Illinois: Biographical and Pictorial. Vol. 1. Hon. Charles A. Walker, ed. Chicago: S.J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1911
Slaves, Salt, Sex & Mr. Crenshaw: The Real Story of the Old Slave House and America’s Reverse Underground R.R. Jon Musgrave. Marion, IL: IllinoisHistory.com. 2004.
About the Author
I loved researching the "Olden Days" for the trilogy. It would have been so much easier to do if I could go back in time to see what it was really like. The characters in my books find a weird computer program that lets them do just that. Abby calls it "time-surfing." It's only virtual time travel because I didn't want them to accidentally mess up the whole space-time continuum thingy. But it's amazing all the same.
Some Christians might be a bit uncomfortable about this fantasy concept of time-surfing. But as Brother Greenfield says in Every Hill and Mountain, (book 3) "Our God is omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent. Hallelujah! If he wants to give us a gift like that, he can.”
It's an amazing gift, all right. Except sometimes Abby and her friends learn more than they ever wanted to know about people from the past. Still, studying their lives of people teaches them about God's love and goodness in a new way. From the distance that only time gives, they clearly see that God has a plan for his people, that He's in the business of redemption, that He makes all things new. I hope my readers get that. Writing about it reminded me, too.
I was born not far from the setting of Every Hill and Mountain and grew up “just down the road” from the settings of Time and Again and Unclaimed Legacy. Today I live with my husband in Monroe County, Illinois, the setting of my Once Again, book one of my Rewinding Time Series. I enjoy reading, gardening, and learning about regional history. We have three grown children, five grandchildren, and two canine buddies Digger and Scout (a.k.a. Dr. Bob in Unclaimed Legacy).
Let’s Keep in Touch
I’d love to hear what you think of Time and Again. If you enjoyed it, please write a review for it and post it wherever you can, especially on Amazon.com. Or if you’re not an Amazon customer, please post your review on my website.
And sign up to get my newsletter V.I.P. Perks (in the right sidebar of my website). You’ll get updates on new books in the series and insider information about contests, giveaways, and when my books are scheduled to be free or reduced.
I’d really appreciate it if you’d "like," "follow," or otherwise connect with me. Thanks for supporting independent authors.
My Website: www.deborahheal.com
www.facebook.com/DeborahHeal
https://twitter.com/DeborahHeal
Amazon Author Page
Goodreads Author Page
Book 2 in the trilogy: Unclaimed Legacy
If you liked Time and Again, you’ll love Unclaimed Legacy (book 2). The series gets better with each book!
You could buy Unclaimed Legacy on AMAZON .COM.
Or, you could be really clever and buy the TIME AND AGAIN SERIES BOXED SET books 1-3 at a discount off the individual price. you’ll still save money even though you already have Time and Again.
About Unclaimed Legacy
Abby’s weird computer program is working again. And it comes in handy when she and her friends agree to help the Old Dears next door with their family tree.
Except Abby and John learn more about one of the ladies’ ancestors than they ever wanted to know. Convicted in 1871 of murder and arson, Reuben Buchanan is a blight on the family’s reputation. But was he really guilty? Abby and John must get inside the mind of a murderer to find out.
And while they’re rummaging around in the Old Dears’ family history, they also find Nathan Buchanan, a heroic relative connected to the Lewis a
nd Clark Expedition—and a legacy waiting to be reclaimed.
But the most important discovery they make is that God’s promise to bless a thousand generations is true.
What readers are saying about Unclaimed Legacy
"Wow! Unclaimed Legacy is in a class of its own! There's no sophomore slump for author Deborah Heal.Unclaimed Legacy is an absolutely fantastic book. Unclaimed Legacy picks up right where Time and Again leaves off…and the action doesn't quit until the end of the book. I loved digging into the past with Merri, John, and Abby, and I'm anxious to finish the story with book three!…Unclaimed Legacy does deal with some weighty issues, like spousal abuse, infidelity, and drug use, so I wouldn't recommend it for kids younger than 13 or 14. But for older teens and adults I highly recommend Unclaimed Legacy. 5.0 out of 5 stars "
--R.Ritta
"Sometimes in a series, the author pours their heart and soul into book one and then fizzles out when it comes to book two. This is not the case with the Time and Again trilogy. Debbie actually puts more into this book, which gives it a lot of depth. Not only more quirks, mishaps, and excitement are packed into this book, but also hard hitting subjects such as murder, domestic violence, and drug trafficking too. It's only getting better, folks!…I can't wait to see what explorations Abby will have with her best friend Kate. I have a good feeling lots more adventure, mystery, and troubles await them. 4.0 out of 5 stars"
--C. Estrella
"A fantastic story geared to keep the reader entertained and on the edge of their seat through the whole book….I adored every single bit of this. It has just the perfect blend of history and action packed suspense to keep young adults glued to the pages as they work with the characters to uncover a crime from history ….She has mastered a home run here. This one easily rates a 5 out of 5 stars… and I hope it will work its way to the top of the best seller lists for young adults."
--Pirate Kat
An excerpt from Unclaimed Legacy, book two in the trilogy
Chapter 1
Abby managed to get her mascara on without smudging it. It was not an easy task, knowing that if she glanced at the other reflection in the mirror she’d see Merri’s sorrowful eyes staring back at her. At least she wouldn’t have to spend any time on her hair. Whatever she did, it dried in a mass of brown curls.
She smoothed on a bit of lip gloss and then, trying not to feel guilty, smiled encouragingly at the pudgy eleven-year-old beside her. “Come on, Merri, it’s just a lunch date. I’ll be home before you know it. And while I’m gone you’ll get to spend some time with your mom.”
Merri sat on the edge of the tub and morosely petted Kit Kat, her chocolate-colored cat. “But this is just the beginning. I’ll never see you again now that you’re going out with John.”
Abby was glad Merri wanted her around. It was a big improvement from her first two weeks at the old house in Miles Station. Thankfully, the troubled girl had finally begun to accept her help and her friendship.
“I don’t know if I’ll keep ‘going out’ with John. It depends. Besides, I’m your tutor; I can’t go away. You’ll be seeing me all summer.”
“What do you mean, ‘it depends’?”
“Depends on if he turns out like the last guy I dated.”
“The one who wasn’t interested in your personality?”
“Yeah, that one. But as for John… well, so far so good. He’s already earned a star in that department.”
“A star?”
Abby blushed. “Well…see, whenever I meet a guy I’m interested in going out with, I imagine a chart for him labeled Possible Marriage Material. Then I give him imaginary stars for things I like about him.”
“Like being tall and handsome?”
“He is that. But, I’m looking for character qualities.” Abby gathered the last of her things and zipped her toiletry case. “Like I always say, beauty is more than skin deep.”
Merri continued to pet Kit Kat thoughtfully and Abby wondered if she should stay and expand on the topic. She had already determined that her service project for Ambassador College included much more than tutoring Merri in academic subjects.
But John would be there any minute. She put her arm around Merri’s shoulder and said, “We’ll talk more when I get back.”
Merri’s mother Pat Randall poked her head past the door and said, “He’s here. You didn’t tell me he had a vintage Mustang.”
When Abby got downstairs she saw that John was dressed in khakis and a shirt that made his eyes look even bluer than usual. And then, even before she got close, she picked up the scent of the killer cologne he always wore.
“You clean up nice,” he said with a grin.
“Hi.” She mentally grimaced, just thinking about the last time he had seen her— wearing cobwebs in her hair and old paint-stained jeans. This time she was dressed better, in tan capris and a white camp shirt, but the circumstances were just as awkward. Merri, still sulking, was watching every move she and John made, and Pat was hovering like she was her mother instead of her employer, which was ironic, of course, since she spent so little time with Merri, her actual daughter.
“So, John Roberts,” Pat said, “what are you majoring in?”
“I’m in the pre-law program at the University of Illinois in Chicago.”
“Do you have a summer job?”
“I work at the Tropical Frost in Brighton,” he answered.
“That’s…nice.”
“He forgot to mention that he owns it.” Abby glanced at her watch and adjusted the purse straps that were already digging into her shoulder.
Pat seemed to be assessing John’s height. “I bet you played basketball in high school.”
“No, I’m not much into contact sports. But I did run track for a couple of years.”
Abby moved a little closer to the front door. John didn’t seem to get the hint. Her stomach growled and she wondered where they were going to eat.
Pat’s expression was serious, like it was her responsibility to screen for terrorists, serial killers, or other generally un-American guys. Maybe Pat was practicing for Merri’s dating debut. But at age twenty, Abby was out of practice with parental inquisitions. Her own parents hadn’t been so intense when she went on her first date in eighth grade with Jimmy Gale. Of course his mom had driven them to the junior high and stayed to chaperone at the annual St. Patrick’s Day dance. But still.
“What are your hobbies?” Pat continued relentlessly.
Abby glanced over to see if John was getting annoyed. But he was still smiling as if he enjoyed getting the third degree.
“I love reading—”
“What kind of books?”
“Mostly sci-fi. And I love music.” Pat opened her mouth and John quickly added “Classic rock.”
“Who’s your favorite Beatle?”
“Paul.” John blinked and darted a glance at Abby.
She smiled and nodded her head encouragingly. Pat folded her arms over her chest and frowned.
“I also restore vintage cars with my dad,” John continued. “Oh, and I like theatre. I’ll be in my college’s production of My Fair Lady this fall.”
Pat let her arms fall to her side and Abby wondered if that was a sign John had passed her test. She smiled and mentally assigned a star for patience to John’s imaginary chart.
“So, where are you taking Abby?”
“We’re going to see a few things in Alton and then have lunch at Genevieve’s.”
“Alton?” Merri looked imploringly at Abby. “I’d sure like to see what Alton looks like in modern times.”
Abby put an arm around Merri’s shoulder and said, “I’ll tell you all about it when I get back.”
“And when will that be?” Pat said.
“We should be back by 3:00.” John checked his watch. “Make that 3:30 or 4:00.” At last, he opened the door and said, “Well, we’ll be going now.”
Pat’s cell phone rang and she flipped it open, holding up a hand to signal for them to w
ait. “That’s great,” she said into the phone. “I’ll meet you in about twenty minutes.”
Merri’s face went from sullen to outraged in .002 seconds. “Mom, you promised we’d do something fun.”
“It won’t take me long to show my clients the house,” Pat said, closing her phone. “You can wait in the office for me, Merrideth.”
Abby understood Pat’s need to get her fledgling real estate business off the ground, but she also knew Merri needed her mother’s attention, especially since her father was so distant—both geographically and emotionally. She wondered again, if she should stay home with her. Maybe it wasn’t even ethical to begin a relationship while she was on a tutoring job.
“But, Mom . . .” Merri wailed.
“Why don’t you come with us?” John said, darting a look at Abby.
Abby’s mouth dropped open and she scrutinized his face. No guy she knew willingly hung around kids, especially not bratty pre-teens, and never on a date. She checked closely for signs of martyrdom, but John was actually looking excited at the prospect.
“Could I?” Merri said.
“If you’re sure it’s all right,” Pat said, looking relieved.
“Sure,” John said.
Merri turned to see Abby’s reaction. “Another star?” she asked, grinning knowingly.