Abandoned Souls

by Marianne Spitzer

  His wife walked up next to him and said, “I don’t understand it either, Cal. I think she’ll feel better when she wakes.”

  Cal grabbed his wife around the waist and hugged her tightly. The tears she had been fighting to hold back began to flow. Cal looked up at her and said, “I’m sorry, Audrey; I didn’t mean to make you cry.”

  #####

  Kellie arrived at the local emergency room in the middle of the night. The night nurse informed her that she couldn’t see Marilyn until morning and Kellie opted to wait in the waiting room. She woke when the sun began to peek through the windows and realized someone had covered her with a blanket after she fell asleep. She closed her eyes again and fell back to sleep.

  #####

  Marilyn woke at approximately the same time as Kellie. She felt a tad groggy and needed coffee. She buzzed for her nurse who told her she could call food services for breakfast. She gave her a menu and Marilyn ordered her breakfast and grumbled under her breath when they told her she could only have decaf coffee.

  Buzzing the nurse again, she asked, “I need my morning coffee. Why will they only bring me decaf?”

  “It’s in your chart, dear. No stimulants. That includes coffee and tea. Once the doctor clears you, you’ll be able to have what you want.” She smiled and turned to leave, but turned again and said, “Are you up to a visitor. It is a bit early, but a friend spent most of the night sleeping in the ER waiting room so she could see you. She’s a pretty girl with long blonde hair.”

  “That must be Kellie. Yes, please let me see her.” Marilyn no longer needed coffee to wake up. The memories of seeing her grandpa caused adrenaline to flow through her and sweep away her grogginess. I hope Kellie can help, she thought.

  #####

  As if her wish was granted, Kellie appeared in the doorway. Marilyn’s eyes opened wide, and she said, “Are you here or am I hallucinating again? I think my dead grandpa killed Shuland. I’m going crazy. They’re sending a psychiatrist to see me before they release me.” Tears formed in the corners of her eyes, but she fought them back.

  Kellie rushed to her side. “No, you’re not going crazy. I hoped a psychic would help and I spoke with Claudia. She was the one who let me know you were all right. Your second kidnapper, Tully, helped your grandpa, and your grandpa saved you. He did shoot Shuland. Both Shuland and Tully can never hurt you again.” She hugged Marilyn and Marilyn held tight until they heard the orderly clear his throat.

  “Anyone in here order breakfast,” his broad smile caused Marilyn to smile back and feel as if she was sane again.

  “That would be me,” Marilyn said.

  “I thought so,” said the young man carrying a tray. “You’re the one dressed for breakfast out.”

  This time Marilyn laughed.

  “Thanks,” she said as he set the tray on her table. Marilyn ate and explained what had happened to her.

  Kellie said, “You and I are the only ones who know about the tragedy of the people under the bridge. Both Shulands wanted revenge, but it seems the second one was violent. At least I think he was the only one. Clifford didn’t kill you, and he might not have killed the boys. Maybe his brother killed them, and Clifford wasn’t able to kill anyone. It would explain why he never spoke after being arrested.”

  “That makes sense and I heard him at the cabin say he wanted revenge for Clifford’s death. If Clifford had killed me when I was six, they might have gotten away with it. I wouldn’t know you now, and we wouldn’t have discovered the secret place in the cemetery. They wouldn’t have found the boys.” She ate the rest of her breakfast talking between bites.

  “That makes a lot of sense. You’re going to have to tell the sheriff what you heard, and your mom is going to find out.” Kellie raised her eyebrows and shook her head.

  “Yes, but I’m not going to tell her about the people buried under the bridge or anything else that was in my great-great-grandma’s journal until we look through the Carnfelder estate.” Marilyn finished her coffee.

  “You want to go with us? I thought you were going to hide in the car.” Kellie smiled.

  “After what I have been through, I can handle anything in the house. I want all the answers. Being kidnapped twice, nearly buried alive, and seeing my grandpa makes me need to know everything. Besides I need to know why my doll is there and if it’s possessed or attached to a spirit in another way.” She lifted her index finger ready to continue when the doctor appeared in the doorway.

  “Hello Miss Price, I’m Dr. Middleton. Your doctor wanted us to have a nice chat before he releases you.”

  “No problem,” Kellie said. “I’ll be in the waiting room.” She hurried out allowing the doctor to sit in a chair near Marilyn.

  #####

  Dr. Middleton asked Marilyn a few basic questions and Marilyn answered the way she knew the doctor wanted. When the doctor brought up her grandfather, she felt panic tighten her chest and pound in her head.

  She looked the doctor in the eye and said, “I have been thinking about that, and I didn’t have a good view. My head was being held in the dirt. I saw a man with a gray beard wearing a red plaid hunting jacket. It was exactly like the one my grandpa had. I was terrified and needed to be rescued. It could have been anyone, but I needed it to be my grandpa. I called out to him, but the man didn’t answer. After Shuland was shot, I turned and ran. I didn’t get a good look at him. It couldn’t be my grandpa; he’s dead.”

  “I’m glad you realize that. I think your combination of fear and panic caused you to imagine the man was someone you knew would save you. Your mind needed to feel safe and took you to a safe place. That would be with your grandpa. It’s not unusual. I don’t see any reason for you to remain hospitalized, but I would like you to resume seeing the psychiatrist you saw before your ordeal. You do have some panic issues to work out. It was nice to meet you. Enjoy your day,” Dr. Middleton smiled as she left the room.

  Marilyn exhaled and whispered, “I did it, and she believed me. Mom and dad will, too when I explain what the doctor said.” She closed her eyes and whispered, “Thanks again, Grandpa.”

  #####

  Cal and Audrey Price saw Kellie in the waiting room on their way to visit Marilyn.

  “Kellie, I’m surprised to see you,” Mrs. Price said.

  Kellie’s mind raced. How could she tell them a psychic told her Marilyn was safe? “A nurse called me while Marilyn was having her CT scan to let me know she was here. I couldn’t stay away. I have been so worried.”

  “I called you this morning and left you a voice mail. I didn’t know you were here,” Mrs. Price said.

  “I left home as soon as I heard and got here well after visiting hours. They allowed me to sleep in the waiting room.”

  “Well, we’re taking Marilyn home to our house today and you’re coming with us.” She hugged Kellie. “She needs a good friend right now.”

  “Marilyn and I will always be friends.” They walked together to Marilyn’s room.

  Chapter Eighteen

  After a quick stop at Marilyn’s to gather a few of her things, they pulled into the driveway of the Price home. Kellie parked in front of the house.

  Audrey helped Marilyn settle into her old room which still resembled a school girl’s room and showed Kellie to the guest room.

  Cal looked at his wife and said, “I should go into the office for a couple of hours. I haven’t been there much since we learned Marilyn was missing.”

  “You can’t leave. I haven’t been to the grocery store in over a week. I was going to do that now. You have to stay with Marilyn.”

  “Mom, Dad, no one has to stay with me. I’m an adult and yes; Shuland kidnaped me, but the man is dead. I’m fine. Kellie’s here and if it’ll make you feel better, I’ll get out dad’s hunting rifle and keep it next to me.”

  “I’m not sure, dear. Kellie might be in danger just being here.” She wrung her hands and paced in a small circle.

  “Don’t worry Mrs. Price. After my kidn
apping, I took a gun safety course and can shoot a handgun as well as a rifle. We’ll be fine.” Her smile did nothing to reassure Audrey Price.

  Cal interjected, “They’ll be fine Audrey. It’s the middle of the day; there are two of them, and to make you worry less, I’ll go down and get my hunting rifle.” He disappeared down the basement steps. He returned in a few minutes with his hunting rifle and handed it to Marilyn.

  Marilyn laughed, slung the rifle over her shoulder and said, “Feel better now, Mom?”

  Audrey threw up her hands, “I give up. I’ll be at the market. I’ll be home soon. Don’t answer the door.” She left with her husband right behind her.

  Marilyn leaned the rifle against the wall and plopped down on the sofa. “She’s treating me as a child except I’m now allowed to play with guns.” Her laughter was contagious. She and Kellie laughed until tears ran down their cheeks. When both caught their breath much of the tension of Marilyn’s kidnapping was behind them.

  #####

  The phone rang three times in ten minutes. They were all friends of Audrey’s, and Marilyn ignored each one. “Thank goodness for Caller ID, if I start to talk to one of those women I’ll be on the phone for an hour. Let my mom tell them I’m okay. I don’t want to retell my story.”

  “At least the sheriff took your statement at the Carnfelder estate and finished at the hospital. Everyone is dead. There isn’t anything else to say. The sheriff has his work to do now. I don’t think your mom wants to discuss it.” Kellie said.

  “You’re right, but I didn’t have time to tell my folks what we learned from my great-great-grandma’s journal. I never asked about the albums either. I was hoping to wait for a quiet weekend when we would have time. I certainly didn’t expect to get kidnapped the day you left.” Marilyn pushed herself up with her elbow and supported her head with her hand. “They’ll have a fit when I tell them.”

  Kellie added, “Tully, and Shuland are both dead. You’re safe. They should want to talk about it now. Just don’t bring your grandpa up again, and I think you’ll be okay.”

  “Maybe, but I still don’t have all the answers. Shuland was insane if he killed Tully because he left me alone. I wonder if the sheriff will learn anything and if he’ll share the news with me. “There are too many ‘ifs’ to suit me. After seeing my grandpa, I believe in spirits, and he explained why he was there. That’s one mystery solved. If he hadn’t come, I’d be dead.” She laid her head on the sofa and cringed.

  “Yes, but he was there. I think he’s here all around us,” Kellie added.

  #####

  Kellie spent the night in the Price’s guest room. After breakfast, Marilyn told her mom she and Kellie were going to do a little shopping in town and after Kellie would drop Marilyn off and head home.

  Audrey said, “I don’t know. You shouldn’t be alone. I’m worried the second man could come after you.”

  “Mom, we’ll be together downtown not in the middle of nowhere. We’ll be fine.” She hugged her mom. “Honest we’ll be fine. We could hide dad’s rifle in the back of Kellie’s SUV if it made you feel better.”

  Audrey smiled and shrugged. “Okay, just watch out.”

  Before they could get to the door, the phone rang. Audrey said, “Marilyn wait; it’s the sheriff. He wants to speak to you.”

  “Hello, Sheriff Korder. This is Marilyn. Yes, sir, I understand. That’s a relief. I’ll let my parents know. Yes, I can stop at the station this morning and look at the picture. Thanks, sir. Bye.”

  Marilyn set the phone on the counter and exhaled a deep breath.

  “What’s going on?” Audrey asked.

  “A man named Kurt Tullenger was killed the next town over the same day I escaped. They found his fingerprints in the cabin. Items discovered in his car link him to Shuland. The sheriff believes he’s Tully. He has a picture I can look at to see if it’s the same man.”

  “Oh no, he wants you to look at a picture of a dead man? That’s too much stress. I won’t let you go,” Audrey said crossing her arms.

  “No Mom, he told me he had a picture taken of the man from his license. I’ll be fine. Kellie and I have to leave.” She kissed her mom and left.

  #####

  “Sorry, we have to stop at the sheriff’s department before going to the bank,” Marilyn said slumping down in her seat.

  “No problem. Everyone will sleep better if we know Shuland wasn’t lying when he said Tully was dead.” Kellie flipped on her turn signal and pulled into the sheriff’s station.

  Marilyn grumbled, “My mom must have called my dad immediately. I can’t believe he’s here already. I know his office is down the street, but this is ridiculous. I see a battle in my future when I try to go back home. I may have to escape in the middle of the night and walk.” She scowled as she left the car to walk up to her dad.

  “Go back to work, Dad,” Marilyn said. “I’ll be here five minutes and you can’t help me. I have to do this alone.”

  “I know, but your mom wants to be sure the man is dead.” He put his arm over her shoulder.

  “I could call her. I have my phone.”

  “She worries. Cut her some slack.”

  Marilyn nodded as she walked into the station and told the desk officer why she was there.

  Kellie and Mr. Price sat silently waiting for her.

  Within five minutes, they saw her returning with a slight smile on her face. “It was him. Tully’s dead. Call mom and tell her I’m safe and to stop worrying please.” She walked right past her dad and out to Kellie’s SUV.

  Her dad waved on his way out, and Marilyn waved back.

  “What is with my mom? She hovers so much. That was no big deal. Sheriff Korder had a paper with six pictures on it. All I had to do was point to Tully, circle his picture, and sign my name. Easy and I’m relieved to know he’s also dead. If it doesn’t stop I swear, I’ll sell my house and move away. She’s more protective now than when I went to college, and I’m closer to thirty than twenty now. It’s time to let me grow up.” She slid back down in her seat.

  “Shh, don’t say those numbers. We’re the same age,” Kellie smiled.

  “Sorry,” Marilyn began to laugh.

  Kellie joined her, and the tension hanging in the car broke on their drive to the bank.

  Marilyn removed the journal and one copy of the pages. The additional copies she left in the box. On the way out, she used the copier meant for customers and made an additional copy of each page. She handed them to Kellie. “I want you to keep these in case everything else is destroyed. I’m not sure what my mom will do. I left copies here in case I need them for the sheriff, and I’ll need them for my book. This story has to come out even if my family is considered villainous, but I understand why they did what they did.”

  “I agree and I will keep these safe.” Kellie folded them and slipped them in her bag.

  “That’s good because I couldn’t sleep last night and wrote a synopsis of this story and a story proposal which I e-mailed to my agent. I’m going to write this if I have to self-publish. Those abandoned souls under the bridge deserve it. I hope we can collect all their names. I want to list them and as much info as I can in my book.” She bit her lip as she looked at Kellie.

  Kellie hugged her. “That’s a great idea and it might get all the spirits to speak to me. You need to take notes.”

  “I never thought about that. What now?”

  Kellie said, “A walk through town to see the shops again and build up an appetite for one more burger and fries at that great diner.” They linked arms and left the bank.

  “Just a minute,” that’s my phone. “I’m expecting a text.”

  Marilyn watched Kellie’s face growing serious as she read the text. “What’s wrong?” she asked.

  “Nothing, it’s just weird,” Kellie said. “I took all the pics of those strange carvings in the tunnel and sent them to Professor Rabler.”

  “He was our Archaeology 101 professor. We took that class just to fil
l three credits during the summer. Why did you contact him?” Marilyn asked.

  “I thought he might recognize the carvings and he texted they were ancient symbols for healing. He explained people often used them to draw the power of healing to themselves or a certain place. He asked where I found them. I’ll have to text him back. Sheriff Korder may want to speak to him.” Kellie explained.

  “That makes sense. If the crazy Carnfelder nephew used the tunnel, he might have tried to attract healing powers.” Marilyn raised her eyebrows. “I wonder what he did down there and at the house.”

  “It could be where he made his elixirs and potions. The carvings might have been his way of asking for help. Nothing else makes sense. Since everyone is dead, we’ll never know. Maybe he performed rituals before giving the kidnapped people the potions. That might have helped drive them crazy. Some who might not have been sick from the potions would have been branded witches if they spoke of rituals. Those souls buried under that bridge suffered. I need to help them.”

  “Do you think you can do it?” Marilyn’s face tightened.

  “I’m going to try my best.”

  “Okay, you text Professor Rabler and I’ll call the sheriff and tell him what we found. I’m not sure he’ll be happy.” Marilyn walked a few paces away and placed her call while Kellie texted their professor.

  Marilyn returned with her eyebrows raised and a forced smile on her face.

  “The call didn’t go well?” Kellie asked.

  “He told me he didn’t need a couple of meddling young women would be detectives doing his job and his people would have found out the same information in time. He did say he would call Professor Rabler. When I said he’s at Oaklin College, the sheriff grumbled ‘thanks’ and hung up.” Marilyn shrugged and then laughed. “It must be his grumpy day.”

  Kellie asked, “Does he ever have happy days?”

  Marilyn shrugged again, and both young women laughed as they strolled down the street looking into the shop windows.