Jenna stepped out of the car and went to her trunk which sometimes doubled as her portable office and pulled out a stack of documents, newspaper articles and a blueprint and headed toward the house. The weather could still be a little cool at night when the wind whipped up and she was glad she’d remembered to wear her jacket. Markie met her at the door and relieved her of some of her burden. “What’s all this?” Markie asked as they walked into the large kitchen. It always seemed to be the place where people congregated.
Sona had arranged a very comfortable sofa and chairs in the parlor but the kitchen was the heart of the home. The place where guests and family ate, drank and socialized. It always seemed to be the place where raucous laughter, clinking glasses and plenty of hugs were shared… along with the odd tear. Jenna so loved this house and its inhabitants and she very much hoped one day she would live in such a home. Hers always seemed to be the place where she completed her work and slept. It wasn’t a Home.
Sona saw her friend and dropped her oven mitts to go over for a warm embrace. Markie deposited the papers on the table in front of the bay window. “You didn’t answer. What’s this all about?” Markie asked again. “Is Sunny not here yet?” Jenna asked drawing out the anticipation. “You better tell her before her head explodes.” Sona giggled. “I was looking up some information on another Heritage property when I came across some stuff you might be interested in. I thought we could look at it after dinner.” Jenna said as she lifted the lid of the pot on the stove and peered in. “Mmm chili.”
Sunny eventually showed up and the foursome sat down for dinner. Emma was working out in Huntsville and Shaley was spending the evening over at Pippi’s house. “Can we see what you brought now?” Markie said as soon as the table was cleared. Sunny looked around questioningly. “You weren’t here when I came in sweetie. I spent half the day at the Town Hall going through the archives. You should see what I found.” Jenna took the file folder to the kitchen island and started looking for a particular photo. “This is a picture of the Church and Rectory back in the 1880’s.” She said laying the photo on the granite surface.
Jenna looked a little sheepish. “I kind of absconded with this stuff so it has to be returned but feel free to copy any of it that interests you… all of it if you like.” Jenna smiled. Sona and Markie moved in closer to the black and white photograph. “Look at the gingerbread around the porch of The Rectory. It’s beautiful! I thought what was on there was original but this is much more intricate.” Markie observed. While her friends studied the picture Jenna removed the remainder of the documents, photographs and clippings from the satchel. Markie’s attention was drawn to pictures of old stream boats. Sona took her time looking at those as well for different reasons. She loved the old costumes the people wore and imagined a much simpler time. The women wore long white dresses, black lace up shoes and floppy hats to protect them from the sun. The men wore slacks, button down shirts with ties and vests.
Sunny spent her time looking for buildings in the background of the photos that she recognized and that still stood in town. Sona had a dreamy look on her face as she went to the fridge for another bottle of wine. “Wine anyone?” She asked holding the bottle up for everyone to see. A “Yes please” came from Jenna but Markie and Sunny were content with their beer from the bottle. “There is history here. These pictures are bringing it all home.” Markie said. The group drank, chatted and examined the artifacts. “Hey listen to this. There were a number of steamships that travelled the Magnetewan. At some point the route was extended when the lock was built to allow access to the remote communities. These ships carried goods and passengers until the 1940’s. Funny thing was that of the six or so ships that travelled the river, three of them had significant fires that put them out of commission. Some deaths occurred as well… one of the ships sunk around here somewhere.“ Jenna pointed vaguely in the direction of the river.
Storm heard something only he could detect and ran to the front door. Momentarily Shaley and her furry companion bound into the heart of the home. “Are you hungry?” Sona asked her. “No thanks Auntie. I had a snack at Pippi’s house.” Shaley answered going to the fridge for a drink. “What’s all this?” Shaley asked, approaching the center island. “It’s the condensed history of Burk’s Falls and our house.” Markie joked. Shaley leaned over to get a better look at the old photos. “I know her.” She said. “Her name is Clara. She hangs out by the river or sometimes I see her on the other bank.” Shaley concluded.
Markie usually didn’t try to engage her in those types of conversations and preferred to leave the topics about the metaphysical to Sona. “Are you sure? What else do you know?” Sona asked curiously. She would love to verify some of the things Shaley said for her own curiosity at least. She would never allow her niece to be publically scrutinized after all she’d been through. Up until now the things Shaley had spoken about were harmless. “She always seems nervous or afraid looking over her shoulder all the time. Her father was a ship captain or first mate… whatever you call it. She talks about Jimmy and another man… the one she’s afraid of.” Shaley took a long drink of her juice. Sona took another look at photo of the smiling young people gathered on the stern of the ship. She wondered if one of those boys in the picture was Jimmy. ~
Chapter Nine
May 1928
Jimmy sat on a crate in the warm summer sun dangling and swinging his leg, a huge grin on his young face. He was looking forward to seeing the fair Clara. She rode the steamship on weekends from Burk’s Falls to Ahmic Harbor. Somewhere along the line they had struck up a conversation and he was smitten. She was just about the prettiest girl he’d ever seen and he could hardly wait to see her. Her family had connections to shipping in the area and he knew he was just a deck hand but he’d heard her father had started at the bottom and worked his way up. He intended to do the same.
His heart felt light with anticipation at seeing Miss Clara again. “Get back to work boy! We don’t pay you to lollygag.” The first mate said in a gravelly voice smacking Jimmy on the back of the head as he passed by. “Uh yes sir! Sorry Sir!” Jimmy stuttered. He scurried to his post below deck. Gideon was a mean piece of work and Jimmy didn’t want to cross him. Jimmy’s back held the scars that showed Gideon wasn’t above corporal punishment to make his point and bend the younger boys to his will. He was particularly fond of using his cane to administer such punishment.
Jimmy returned to his work station but he couldn’t help having a silly grin on his boyish face. He was going to see Miss Clara and no one could change that. The steamship chugged along and its whistle sounding three times signaling its approach to the dock at Burk’s Falls and the first major stop of their journey. Jimmy worked as fast as he could in hopes he would be able to slip away for a moment or two to catch a glimpse or a few words with Clara.
Jimmy asked his boss in the powerhouse if he could go above deck for a few minutes. “Ok kid but don’t let that bastard Gideon see you. He threw a crew member over the side once when he found him not as his station… and we didn’t go back for him.” Boss smiled remembering what it had been like to be eighteen. “Yes sir. I’ll be careful.” Jimmy snuck up the aft staircase peering around every corner for Gideon. He didn’t see the man but he did catch a glimpse of Clara. He dusted off his uniform and wished he’d taken the time to at least wash his hands.
Jimmy took a small black comb out of his back pocket and ran it through his unruly hair before approaching. “Hi Clara.” Jimmy said gently. “Oh hi Jimmy, I was hoping to see you today.” She smiled at him warmly, her big blue eyes twinkling in the sunlight. “I don’t have much time Clara. I wanted to ask you to be my girl.” He stammered. Clara’s eyes lit up. The sound of footsteps behind him reminded Jimmy that Gideon could be lurking nearby. “I think you’re about the prettiest girl around. Would it be ok if I came calling some time?” He asked hopefully. Clara looked positively giddy and nodded her head vigorously before leaning in and kissing him on the cheek. “You bette
r go Jimmy. I don’t want you to get into trouble.” Clara grinned.
Jimmy barely heard what she was saying he was so ecstatic while his own smile mirrored hers. “Please Jimmy you better go! Meet me after Church on Sunday. My family is having a picnic on the back lawn. I’ll see you there.” She said pushing him to go below before he got himself into trouble. Jimmy paused a moment longer. He didn’t want to leave Clara but she was right… besides he was going to see her soon. Jimmy whistled to himself as he descended the stairs. His head was so far in the clouds he bumped right into Gideon.
Gideon grabbed Jimmy’s face in his rough grubby hand and squeezed as hard as he could almost lifting him off the ground. Gideon pulled Jimmy’s face within an inch of his own. He was close enough to spray spittle on Jimmy’s face as he spoke. “What did I tell you? What the fuck were you doing on deck?” Gideon spat. Jimmy could smell the scent of spiced meat on his breath. Jimmy detected a sickening sweet smell of meat about to turn rancid. “I saw you with that girl. You’re not good enough for her you know. Her Father won’t let you anywhere near her.” Gideon mocked. “I’m seeing her again Sunday. She‘s my sweetheart!” Jimmy protested.
Gideon laughed a horribly cruel laugh. “You’re a fool! You’ll be on the bottom of the river if you don’t get back to work.” He said shoving Jimmy into a bulkhead. Jimmy scurried off as fast as his legs would carry him. Gideon wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “I’ll fix that little bastard.” He said making his way to the upper deck. Up top he spied the object of his attention… the young lady Jimmy had been chatting up. He put on his best smile and headed toward her. Clara was sitting chatting with some of the other regular passengers that often made the trip to visit relatives just as she did.
Gideon removed his cap as he approached her. “I’m sorry if our young Jimmy was harassing you Miss. I’ll have him immediately reprimanded.” Gideon said in a gravelly voice. Clara turned her attention from her friends and her smile faded when she saw who was addressing her. She didn’t like anything about this man. “Excuse me?” She said. “Jimmy will be reprimanded for fraternizing with patrons Miss. I’ll make sure of that.” Gideon said looking her up and down like some kind of predator. Clara understood perfectly what he meant in spite of his clumsy delivery. “There’s no need for that. It’s not necessary.” Clara smiled.
She wanted to be able to defuse the situation for Jimmy but she couldn’t make herself speak more than civilly to Gideon. “Oh it’s no problem Miss, its company policy that below deck staff not mingle with guests.” Gideon smiled showing his stained teeth. The smile only showed on his lips while his eyes only held contempt. Gideon stomped off. “I’ll teach that little peckerwood to fuck with me… and his high and mighty girlfriend. Who does she think she is?... that little bitch!” Gideon mumbled under his breath. ~
The long trip was coming to an end. Clara was pleased she’d been able to visit her Grandmother and take her some odds and sods, stay the night and return the next day. Her encounter with Jimmy had been wonderful and her heart felt happy and light… all in all a very pleasant weekend. She was very much looking forward to meeting Jimmy after Church. Her Father was a little protective of her and might object at first but she was sure she could bring him around to her way of thinking.
It was still early in the season and by the time they were about to pull up to the dock in Burk’s Falls the sky was already showing signs of twilight. The passengers stood to gather their belongings but Clara just craned her neck to see if she could get a glimpse of Jimmy.
A large bang assaulted Clara’s ears and she fell to her knees. She held her hands over her ears but when she removed them all she heard at first was an intense ringing. She tried to stand up but her equilibrium was out of whack. She reached for the handrail and began pulling herself up. The ringing that had so assaulted her auditory system abated slightly but just enough for Clara to hear the shouts and screams of the crew and passengers.
Smoke began to billow up from below deck and her eyes began to sting and burn. Tears streamed down her cheeks and she could barely make out the silhouettes of people. She thought she saw men whose clothes were on fire. They ran past her with their clothes totally engulfed in flame and she could hear splashes as they extinguished themselves in the river. They did whatever they could to alleviate the inferno. In their panic they jumped into the tepid water… anything to put out the flames and stop the burning.
Smoke filled Clara’s lungs and she began coughing uncontrollably. Her ears rang, her lungs spasmed with every breath and her eyes watered so much she could hardly see through the thin slits. Someone took hold of her and guided her to the break in the rail usually used for loading and unloading. Everyone who could walk was abandoning ship. The sky had become dark but everything in the vicinity of the steam ship took on an unearthly red glow.
Clara’s legs shook and she knew she was in very serious trouble. She had never been one of the local children who’d spent lazy summer days swimming in the Magnetewan. In fact she was a terrible swimmer and often found herself panicking when her feet couldn’t reach the bottom. The heat of the fire was becoming unbearable and she knew she would have to enter the water sooner rather than later. She felt hopeless and started crying but a hand slid in hers and held it tight. “We have to go into the water Clara. Are you ready?” Jimmy asked his beloved. “Yes” She said on the verge of another round of tears. “On the count of three then. One… two… three!” Jimmy and Clara jumped into the cool water. It was pitch black in the water all but the red glow of the inferno aboard ship and only the sound of hopelessness and despair broke through the chaos. ~
Chapter Ten
Emma dove off the dock into the river, She wanted to make her usual swim before hanging out with the kids and making sure they didn’t do anything goofy. Shaley, Pippi and Spencer promised to stay out of the water until she returned from the dock on the far side of the river. Emma often made the swim back and forth a couple rimes when she could get Markie or Sunny to shadow her. You just never knew when a cramp or god-forbid a water craft might come by and not see her. She made her way back across the river still feeling pretty good and the kids were playing lawn darts so she decided one more trip would help get the rhythm of her stroke down pat.
By the time she was half way across the second time and feeling the burn she took a big gulp of water as a swell from a passing fishing boat hit her in the face. She tried to keep swimming but she started to cough uncontrollably. Before she could fill her lungs again with precious oxygen something grabbed her ankle and pulled her under. Deeper and deeper she sank into the murky depths. Her lungs cried out for air while her brain tried to comprehend what was going on. She was an excellent swimmer and she knew there wasn’t anything living in the river that could possibly pull her under like that. What was happening? She quickly realized that none of that mattered right now she just needed to get herself to the surface before she became unconscious. ~
Shaley chased Pippi who had just beat her for the third time at lawn darts. She caught up to her friend and wrapped her arms around her. They both fell to the ground giggling. They rolled in the long unmown patch of Red Clover and Sweetgrass laughing and tickling each other. Suddenly Shaley sat up cutting short their wrestling match. Pippi continued to try to tickle her until she saw the serious but familiar look on Shaley’s face. Shaley stood up and looked toward the Magnetewan all residual playfulness faded. A cold chill ran through her all the way through to her core.
Pippi stood and went to stand beside her friend. “What is it Shay?” She asked. Shaley’s eyes scoured the river in all directions. Spencer stood nearby. “Shay… bad… code.” He said his pronunciation of cold sounding more like code. “Where the hell did Emma go?” Shaley suddenly looked worried. Each of the youngsters looked for signs of Emma. Shaley’s heart started to race in her chest. ~
Emma struggled to free herself from the claw like grip on her ankle. The cold from its appendage migrated up her leg and seeped int
o her torso feeling like icicles. Her lungs screamed for air and her brain fought to stay conscious. She kicked her strong legs and pushed her arms through the water desperate to reach the surface. She screamed into the depths with her last breath but of course no one could hear. She knew in her soul that this was how her life was going to end… ~
Both Shaley and Spencer ran as fast as they could to the edge of the dock. “Pippi get my Aunts!” Shaley called over her shoulder. Shaley didn’t stop when she reached the end of the dock and dove as far as she could into the lake. She’d become quite a strong swimmer over the past few years thanks to Emma’s tutelage. “Please Father help me!” Was Shaley’s mantra the entire time she swam to her Sisters’ suspected location. Something told her Emma was close by so she dove down searching with her hands and feet.
She was relieved when she found Emma’s wrist and she tugged as hard as she could. The water was too muddy to see anything but in her minds’ eye Shaley saw the man who’d hurt Ruby, his evil smile showing his blackened teeth. “Let go of her you son of a bitch! You can’t have her.” Shaley screamed in her mind as she pulled on Emma as hard as she could. Shaley had promised her parents she would be there for Emma and she intended to honor that promise.
Emma’s hand which had initially been gripping her own started to go slack. “NO!” Shaley screamed in her mind again as a ball of bright white light shot out of her abdomen. The ball of energy was larger than a basketball and radiated from her heart to below her navel. A wave of translucent ripples radiated out and away from her center 360 degrees like a tsunami of pure power. Emma’s almost limp hand suddenly clutched her sister’s wrist and Shaley was able to pull Emma toward the light.
The Crystal Visions: A Families Journey into the Paranormal Volume 2 Page 7