“What do you want to talk about?” She asked.
Alicia took a deep breath.
“I have something to tell you that’s going to be...very hard to believe but it’s the truth – every word,” she said as Maggie gave her a concerned look.
***
“Do you guys remember the night not along after I moved back in here that we talked about the dream you each had about your mom?” Jett asked.
Both Dan and Matt nodded.
“Yeah dad,” Matt said.
“Do you remember how weird you two thought it was that you had basically the same dream and how real it seemed?” Jett asked.
“Did that have something to do with this dream journal idea?” Dan asked.
Jett smiled.
“In a way, yes, but I’ll get to that in a minute. You see...there was a reason that dream felt so real,” he said.
Matt, having helped himself to Jett’s sandwich, looked up.
“Okay. Why did it feel so real?” He asked.
“Because your mom was checking up on you two,” Jett said as they and Linda Sue looked at him like he was speaking a foreign language.
“And you know this how?” Dan asked as he shot a glance toward his brother.
Before they could speak again, Jett pressed on.
“Because she told me,” Jett said.
“Dad –” Matt began but Jett cut him off.
“I know this is hard to believe but again, please let me finish,” he said.
Matt nodded as Dan and Linda Sue kept their eyes on Jett.
“Boys, I don’t know how, but your mom has made her way back to us,” he said as tears started rolling down his cheeks. “She comes to us in dreams. She can talk to us just like we’re sitting here talking right now.”
“Not that I’m doubting you, but if that’s true why has she just come to us that one time? And how long has this gone on?” Dan asked.
“Because she hadn’t come to me yet. After she did she couldn’t come to you until I shared this with you. She came to me the same night – after she visited you,” Jett said.
“Wait, wait, wait. If that’s true, why did you wait for so long to tell us?” Matt asked with more than a hint of annoyance in his voice.
“Because there are other factors – your safety for example,” Jett said.
“Our safety?” Matt asked.
Jett nodded.
“When I saw what you wrote about your dream,” he said to Dan and then looked to Linda Sue, “And when I heard about your dream and the encounter at Roe’s, I knew the time had come to tell you - all three of you.”
“So it was the same woman from the dream,” Linda Sue said, almost in relief.
“Yes it was and I’m so sorry you experienced that,” Jett said as he reached across the table and patted her hand. “But that’s why I had to wait. Until today, we didn’t know for sure there was a threat. Now we do.”
“A threat?” Matt asked.
“Who’s we?” Dan asked.
“We meaning your mom, me, Alicia, J.D., and Bud. Oh yeah, and Marie Atkins,” Jett said.
Dan sat processing the names.
“Marie Atkins? Who’s that?” Matt asked.
“Do you remember the dream you had about the crazy woman in the park?” Jett asked.
“That’s who that is? What’s her problem with me? Is she nuts or what?” Matt asked.
“J.D.? Bud?” Dan asked.
“First things first. Marie is likely the reason your mom is able to communicate with us. And also the reason for what I fear now could be a serious threat. And yes, Bud and Alicia have had conversations with your mom and J.D. just like I have,” Jett said.
Both boys were either too stunned to speak or could not believe what they were hearing.
“What is this threat you keep mentioning?” Linda Sue asked.
“In 1983, Marie died from an apparent suicide. We now have reason to believe that she was murdered. The person – or people – that killed her are now aware that Bud and I are onto them. Our hope was to move quietly and not attract their attention. We failed and I’m afraid they might use any of you for leverage against us. That’s why I wanted to tell you now,” Jett said.
“How does that explain the old woman in the dream and today?” She asked.
“My theory is this: The dream was a warning. The episode today was what you were warned about,” Jett said.
“But why did she say those things about me being dead?” Linda Sue asked.
“Mistaken identity. She thought you were my wife Rose and that Matt was me,” Jett said.
“Dad please, this is just so...so...far-fetched,” Matt said.
Linda Sue looked thoughtful.
“You do have to admit that one picture of your parents when they were dating looked a lot like us,” she said.
“Marie Atkins – wasn’t that Mallorie’s mother?” Dan asked.
“Yes it was,” Jett said.
“And didn’t mom help take care of Mallorie when she was a baby?” Dan asked.
“Yes she did,” Jett said.
“‘You’re dead. They told me you would die.’ That’s what she kept screaming,” Linda Sue said as her expression conveyed that she had a realization.
“I had the same thought,” Jett said.
“That’s crazy. This whole thing’s crazy. Mom died from cancer. She wasn’t murdered – she couldn’t have been. You can’t give people cancer,” Matt said.
“I know this is a lot to take in son – especially at one time – but trust me on this,” Jett said.
“Maggie! Dad, I need to call her,” Dan said as he got to his feet.
“Don’t tell me you’re buying all of this,” Matt said.
“A dream and an old woman were enough to bring you over here tonight. I’m not saying I understand any of this but I believe dad thinks there’s some kind of threat. I trust his judgment,” Dan said.
“Maggie will be fine. She has someone watching out for her and Alicia,” Jett said.
“Her dream...that was Marie Atkins wasn’t it?” Dan asked.
“That would be my guess,” Jett said.
“I’d just feel better if I called her,” Dan said.
“Then give her a call when we’re through here. Make sure she’s okay...but please don’t mention this conversation until Alicia has a talk with her,” Jett said.
“What are you going to do dad?” Matt asked.
“I hope that in the next couple of days that between Bud and me we can gather enough evidence to prove that Marie was murdered. Should we do that...I’m not sure what happens next,” Jett said.
“Is Uncle J.D. looking out for Maggie and Aunt Alicia?” Dan asked.
“Yes he is. You don’t have to worry,” Jett said.
“Let’s say you’re right about all of this. Who’s looking out for Linda Sue?” Matt asked.
“For starters, you and me son,” Jett said.
Linda Sue looked up.
“I appreciate it, I really do but I believe I’ll be okay. I actually feel better now that I know – or think I know – what’s going on,” she said.
“I saw how scared the old woman made you. I know how scared it made me. Don’t tell me you’re not afraid,” Matt said.
“I didn’t say I’m not afraid. But I’m not sure I need a bodyguard. I mean dad has a shotgun and knows how to use it,” Linda Sue said.
“I don’t want you out of my sight right now,” Matt said
“To be honest I would feel better if you stayed with us tonight. The boys can double up in the room next to you and I will be here as well,” Jett said.
Linda Sue looked to Matt and Jett.
“Think it would be alright if we went by the house and picked up a few things?” She asked.
“I think so,” Jett said finally allowing himself a slight smile.
“Think it would be okay to call Maggie now?” Dan asked.
“I can’t see why not,” Jett said as Dan left
the kitchen punching in the number on his cell phone.
As Matt and Linda Sue stood up to leave she turned to Jett.
“This is where the idea for the dream journals came from isn’t it?” She asked.
“Yes. I wanted to monitor things without arousing unwanted attention or causing undue worry. Looks like I failed. I’m sorry. I never intended to drag any of you into this,” Jett said.
“If this Atkins woman was murdered, you didn’t drag anybody into anything. Someone else made that decision. Helping to find justice just fell to you,” Linda Sue said.
“Dad? If I should see mom...what do I say?” Matt asked.
Jett smiled again.
“She’s your mom. You don’t have to worry about talking. Just enjoy it son,” he said.
***
Mallorie remained skeptical. Bud could tell from her expression and body language that she wasn’t convinced by his story.
“Let me get this straight. You’ve had conversations with your niece – who’s been dead for 10 years – and my mom – who’s been dead for 30 years,” she said.
Bud gave her a blank expression.
“That’s about the size of it,” he said matter of factly.
“And according to my mom, she did not kill herself, she was murdered and she wants you prove it?” Mallorie asked.
“I know it’s a lot to swallow,” he said.
“Bud! Are you kidding? It’s unbelievable. If it wasn’t so serious, it would be hilarious. Why are you even telling me this?” She asked with her voice rising.
Bud remained calm.
“I’m telling you this because I don’t know where this will go. Someone you know may or may not be involved in the murder, the cover-up, or both. And it might get dangerous before all is said and done. I want to protect you – just like I would’ve protected your mom in 1983,” he said.
“This doesn’t make any sense. Dead people can’t visit you. And why would anyone I know want my mom dead?” Mallorie asked.
“I know it doesn’t make any sense but please believe me. As to why someone would murder your mom...me and Jett are working on that and we’ll know soon,” Bud answered.
Mallorie shook her head. She was exasperated and overwhelmed.
“This is nuts. It’s like granny saying I have ‘spiritual gifts’ – whatever the hell that means,” she mumbled to herself.
“Spiritual gifts? When did she tell you that?” Bud asked.
“Ever since I can remember. And yet, you’re the one claiming to talk to dead people. It’s such bullshit,” Mallorie said.
Bud suddenly leaned forward.
“Wait a minute. Do you remember the night that Dan brought Maggie by here to check out the apartment?” He asked.
“Yeah,” she said somewhat taken aback by the apparent change in subject.
“Remember when you saw the mystery man in the apartment with them and no one could find him?” Bud asked.
“Yeah, the one that looked like Maggie’s dad. What does that have to do with anything?” she asked.
“That was Maggie’s dad – J.D. Blake himself,” Bud said.
“What? That couldn’t be. You said yourself he’s been dead for years. I’m sure you mean well but...Bud this is just too much. How did I see a dead man when two people were in the room with him and never noticed anything? Tell me, how is that possible?” Mallorie asked as she green eyes flashed a combination of frustration and confusion.
“Because, be it blessing or curse, you do have the gift,” said an oddly familiar voice from behind her in the deepening dusk.
Bud looked up – surprised but not shocked. Mallorie turned and saw the face that she knew only from old photographs. Her mouth opened but no words came out as her eyes widened.
As Marie approached, Mallorie slid from her chair and stepped back behind Bud, who never moved.
As mother stood looking at daughter, Bud broke the silence.
“I don’t think an introduction is necessary,” he said as Mallorie tightly gripped his left shoulder.
It had been some time since Bud saw Marie display anything resembling the current expression on her face. She looked at Mallorie with what Bud could describe as the look of a mother gazing upon a newborn child – love in its purest form.
“This is not how I intended for us to see each other again,” Marie said softly.
Mallorie could only stare in disbelief.
“Still think it’s bullshit?” Bud asked as he patted Mallorie’s hands.
“I-I don’t know what to think. H-how is it that...how can you be here?” Mallorie finally managed to get out.
“How is not important right now. What is important is that you listen to Bud. I did not kill myself. I would have never left you, please believe me. You were my reason for living – especially after your dad died,” Marie said as Bud noticed the tears forming in her eyes.
He felt the death grip on his shoulder loosen.
“My dad...I have so many questions,” Mallorie said as she stepped around Bud and made her way toward Marie.
“I’m sure you do and I’ll answer all of them when we have time to sit and talk. But right now is a dangerous time. I’m trying to watch out for threats to any of you. I’m not God. I’m not all knowing or all seeing – none of us are,” Marie said.
“What kind of threats?” Mallorie asked.
“People looking to kill Bud or Jett – even people close to them – because they are closing in in the truth. And you’re in danger because you do have the gift my beautiful Mallorie. The power you have can help in uncovering the truth and those responsible for my death know it. Be warned, they will stop at nothing to protect their secret,” Marie said.
“This gift...power...whatever it is – what is it? How do I use it?” Mallorie asked.
“You’ll know when the time comes. It’s always been there. You used when you saw J.D. Blake and you weren’t even trying. Trust your instinct,” Marie said.
“I hate to interrupt – I never thought I’d be the third wheel on my own front porch – but is there anything I can do to keep her safe?” Bud asked.
“Yes. Trust no one but Mallorie and Jett. And I heard what you said earlier. Please don’t blame yourself for my murder – you had no way of knowing. I had no way of knowing,” Marie said.
“Do you know who killed you?” Mallorie asked.
“Yes I do but I cannot take vengeance. I am forbidden from that – and that includes naming anyone – but I can influence others to seek justice on my behalf,” Marie explained.
“We’ll find them,” Bud said.
“But m – what should I call you?” Mallorie asked.
Marie smiled with the same radiance of Mallorie, Bud thought.
“Mom is fine. Do I look like a mama to you?” She asked.
“Maybe a hot mama,” Bud muttered as both women gave him a very similar severe glare.
“Can you tell me...will I get to see dad?” Mallorie asked.
Again tears formed in Marie’s eyes and her smile faded into sadness.
“I’m afraid...I’m afraid that you might and...I don’t know that I could stand that even now,” she managed to say without her voice breaking.
“Is that something we can talk about later?” Mallorie asked softly.
Bud noticed the similarities in their voices – their speech patterns and accents – in a way he had never before noticed.
“That and so much more,” Marie said as she reached out and took her daughter’s hands.
“I’d like that,” Mallorie said as she moved in and embraced her mom.
Marie squeezed her daughter tightly.
“And we can talk about your taste in men as well,” she said as Mallorie chuckled.
Bud shrugged and leaned forward and spat off of the porch.
***
“Well, there it is. I know it’s hard to believe sweetie but every word is true,” Alicia said.
Maggie sat in disbelief.
“I d
on’t know what to say. You talk to dad every night? And sometimes Aunt Rose drops by to visit. What am I’m supposed to say? Do you know how crazy this sounds?” Maggie asked.
“Just say you’ll trust me until you can be convinced otherwise,” Alicia said.
“And Dan and Matt know this?” Maggie asked.
“Jett told them tonight. I suspect you’ll be getting a phone call soon. It might be from a young man as skeptical as you and then again, maybe he won’t be,” Alicia said.
“Do you really think Dan believes this?” Maggie asked.
“I honestly don’t know. But what I do know is if he wants to he will. Honey, I’ve spent my life dealing in the absolutes of science and I’ve learned something: Life isn’t like that. There are no absolutes when it comes to those you love. Things don’t always to make perfect sense or even seem rational to be true,” Alicia said.
“Did any of this have something to do with you reading dad’s Bible today?” Maggie asked.
“Yes it did. I can’t scientifically say why all of this is possible. So I’m trusting in faith that the why is not nearly as important as the fact that it is happening,” Alicia said.
“Do you really believe that dad will actually visit me tonight?” Maggie asked.
“Have you ever dreamed of your dad before?” Alicia asked.
“Of course I have,” Maggie said.
“Did it feel like just a dream or did it feel so real it was like we’re talking now?” Alicia asked.
Maggie looked at her, somewhat puzzled.
“There was a dream a little while back...but this is crazy. It doesn’t make sense,” Maggie said.
“Let me guess. You were a little girl and your dad was young and sitting at his desk in the study. By the end of the dream he aged and looked like he did...the last time you saw him,” Alicia said.
Maggie gasped audibly.
“How could you know that?” She asked.
“He told me so that if and when you and I had this conversation that you would know the truth,” Alicia said.
Before Maggie could speak her cell phone rang.
Chapter Sixteen
Jett sat in the living room in his recliner when Matt and Linda Sue returned with her overnight bag.
“Where’s Dan?” Matt asked as he started toward the stairs.
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