Abandoned Souls

by Marianne Spitzer

  Marilyn stopped and looked at Kellie, “What do you suppose he’s going to do when I give him the journal pages. If I get arrested will you testify that we were together when we found them?”

  “Of course, what kind of friend would I be if I left you out in the cold? If you’re in jail, who’d go to the estate with me?” She poked Marilyn with her elbow.

  Marilyn inhaled deeply, “Mom always makes a big Sunday dinner, and I’m going to tell them after we eat. I’m not sure how well that is going to sit with them. I may be living with you.”

  “Anytime,” Kellie said as they linked arms and continued to window-shop.

  #####

  Sunday arrived quickly, and Audrey had insisted that Marilyn stay there until at least after dinner. “I’d prefer you stay here longer. I hate the thought of you being alone.”

  “I’ll be fine, Mom. The Shulands are dead, and so are the people who were helping them. It’s over.” She hugged her mom and helped her finish preparing dinner.

  Marilyn’s mind wandered to the conversation they would have after dinner. She couldn’t change her mind and hide the copies of the journal pages or burn the original journal. They were too valuable. Plus, she had made an appointment with Sheriff Korder for nine the next morning to discuss an important matter. She thought I hope I can get through all of this.

  Dinner was enjoyable and after dessert, her dad was going to watch sports when Marilyn spoke up.

  “Mom, Dad, there is something we need to discuss. It’s serious and important. It has to do with the reason for my kidnapping.” She pushed her chair back and stood. “I’ll be right back.”

  Cal sat with his brows twisted as he looked to his wife for some explanation. Audrey dropped her head and hid the tears she felt in the corners of her eyes, but she couldn’t hide the blush deepen on her cheeks. When she looked at Cal, he knew his wife had an idea what Marilyn was going to say.

  “What’s going on?” He demanded.

  Audrey shook her head, “Let’s wait for Marilyn.”

  #####

  Marilyn returned to the kitchen carrying the copies of the pages from her great-great-grandma’s journal. Her dad’s face scrunched in confusion and her mom wouldn’t meet her gaze.

  “Well, something odd is going on here. Do you know what this is?” Marilyn asked dropping the pages on the table.

  Her mom continued to look down, and her dad grabbed the pages, “What is this about, Marilyn?”

  “It’s about your family, Dad. I think you should read it. I have a feeling mom knows what’s in these pages. Do you, Mom?” Marilyn stared at Audrey.

  “Just let your dad read,” she replied.

  Cal began reading and from his facial expressions and changes in breathing Marilyn could tell he had never heard the story before today. He took his time absorbing every word. When he finished, he looked at Marilyn and asked, “Where did you get these?”

  “They’re from great-great-grandma’s journal. It’s her handwriting, and I have the journal in a safe place. It explains a lot.” Marilyn chewed her bottom lip and ran her hands up and down her thighs as she looked at her dad.

  “Explains what?” Cal demanded. “You don’t believe this do you?”

  “Yes, Dad. I believe every word. It is why they kidnapped me and why they killed the three boys. If I had been a boy, I would be dead, too. When Shuland kidnapped me the second time, he told me it was for revenge. Kellie and I had found the journal before he kidnapped me, so I knew what he meant. The Price, Moore, Bentron, and Clark families killed his ancestors, and he wanted our families to suffer. He might have been insane, but that was his reasoning. It didn’t matter that his family helped the crazy Carnfelder nephew kill townsfolk.” She lifted her hands and drummed her fingers on the table.

  Audrey spoke, “Are you telling me Kellie knows about this? How will we hide it now? I should have burned the journal years ago. Go get it Marilyn.”

  “No, Mom, I’m taking copies of this to the sheriff in the morning. The families deserve to know why their boys were murdered. What are you trying to hide and how long have you known?”

  Audrey sat silent.

  Cal’s anger grew, and he hit the table, “Answer her, Audrey.”

  “I first saw the journal when I was pregnant with you.” She leaned back and crossed her arms.

  “Mom, you didn’t say anything. If this had been made public maybe those boys would still be alive.”

  “I doubt that. Shuland would have enacted revenge regardless. The only thing that would have happened is the business your dad worked so hard to build would be ruined. The Price name would be tarnished. When I was pregnant with you, your grandmother showed me the journal. She said it must be kept hidden to preserve the Price name and the names of the other families. All three are pillars of the community. For goodness sake, Jimmy Clark’s dad is the mayor. Do you want his family ruined, too?” She stood, walked away from the table, and poured more coffee.

  “The Price name will live on untarnished. You accomplished nothing except to cause grief.”

  “No, when you were born a girl, your grandma and I knew that when you married the Price name would end, and there was no need to tell this terrible tale. Why do you think you’re an only child? I couldn’t take the chance of having a boy who could be touched by this someday.”

  “You said the doctor told you not to have any more children after Marilyn. It took us so long to conceive, I believed you that we might never have another. You lied to me for years, and now I find out you knew about this and never told me?” He stood so quickly he nearly toppled the chair.

  “I couldn’t take a chance. What if people ostracized us because of your ancestors? It happens a lot in small towns.”

  “Mom, the Price name is going to live on whether I marry or not. It is what my readers know me as, Marilyn Price. I won’t change it if I ever marry and you might as well get used to it. I’m writing a book about all of this. I’ve already finished the outline.”

  “You can’t do that. I forbid it.”

  “Let’s change the subject, Mom. Why are there no pictures of me in this house from my grade school years? I found a lot in grandma’s trunk.”

  “She kept them, too?” Audrey dropped her head to the table. “I couldn’t bear to look at them knowing the boys should have been in the photos. I guess I felt guilty although how was I to know what Shuland had planned? There’s no way to know what a sick mind will do.”

  “Okay, Mom, maybe I can understand that, but if you had told me about all this maybe I wouldn’t have been kidnapped the second time. Shuland almost buried me alive, and if not for grandpa, I’d be dead.”

  Audrey’s head snapped up. “You were hallucinating.”

  “No, I wasn’t and a psychic told Kellie that it was grandpa who saved me. You don’t have to believe it, I do.”

  “Okay, enough.” Cal shouted.

  “Sorry, Dad.

  “We are not responsible for what our ancestors have done. We can’t be held legally or morally responsible, and Marilyn is right. The sheriff needs to know. The case needs to close for good, but I need to tell the families first.” He grabbed the pages, his coat, and headed out the door saying, “I’ll be back.”

  “Happy now?” Audrey snapped. “You ruined everyone’s life.”

  “No, Mom, no one’s life is ruined. We’re all free.” Marilyn turned on her heel, went to the bedroom, packed her things, phoned for the town taxi, and returned to her house. She had the taxi driver set her suitcase in the garage and climbed in her car. Marilyn needed time away from family. She also needed groceries and craved chocolate. A slow walk through the grocery store was in order.

  Chapter Nineteen

  When Marilyn returned, she dropped her suitcase on the floor and placed the groceries on the table. She noticed the light blinking on her answering machine. Her Caller ID had let her know her mom called three times. She pushed the button and listened.

  “Marilyn, please, please,
call me. I don’t know where your dad is, he won’t answer his phone. I know he said he was going to visit the other families, but he should be home by now. He’s so angry with me. What do I do if he never comes home?” Audrey’s next few words were jumbled and mixed with sobs.

  Marilyn walked past the phone and then turned around and picked it up mumbling, “She’s my mom, what can I do?”

  “Mom, calm down. Please calm down, Mom. He hasn’t left you. Yes, he’s upset you didn’t share the info in the journal and probably more angry about not having more children. You’ve been married for thirty-seven years. He’s not leaving now. The worst is he’ll sleep on his couch at the office. He’s done that before when he’s angry. Besides who knows how much time he’s spending with the boy’s families.” Marilyn paced the kitchen as she tried to reason with her mom. “If he isn’t home in the morning, call me, and I’ll go by the office and talk to him. Yes, I still love you. Sit down and relax. Love you, too. Good night.”

  Marilyn immediately called her dad’s cell. He answered.

  “Hi, Marilyn. Yes, I’m at the office. I just need a little distance from your mom right now. I did see the three families, and all were relieved they had an answer. It helps with closure, but none understood why Shuland enacted revenge generations later except he must have been emotionally ill. I don’t understand your mom. No one is going to try and recall Mayor Clark or stop seeing me when they are looking for a home. Bentron Furniture won’t close and neither will Moore’s Automotive. Your mom worried for nothing. Okay, I’ll call her to let her know I’m alive, but I’m not going home tonight. Stop by the office after you see the sheriff in the morning, and I’ll buy you breakfast. Sleep well, angel.”

  Marilyn dropped into a chair happy that her dad would at least call her mom. The sun was beginning to set, and Marilyn began to feel uneasy. “I wish I had a security system installed while I was staying at my parents, but then I didn’t expect to come home this soon. I’ll call tomorrow. I can handle one night. They’re all dead. I’m safe,” Marilyn said aloud trying to convince herself. “I’m also going to the shelter tomorrow and get a dog.”

  She picked up the phone and called Kellie to let her know what happened with her parents.

  #####

  Marilyn woke early and was relieved the sun was up. The house was quiet, and night had been replaced by sunshine. She hurried through breakfast and drove to the sheriff’s office.

  Sheriff Korder stared at her when she walked in his office. “You know, I don’t need you and your friend helping me in any investigation.” He remained seated and continued to stare at her.

  “This isn’t going to help you solve anything, but it will explain Shuland’s motive. He was a sick man.” She handed him the copies of the journal. “I have the original in a safe place.”

  The sheriff read the pages and looked up at Marilyn. “This explains a lot and I agree he was one sick human being. Who’d expect this was a revenge crime from generations past. I have to let the families know.”

  “My dad did last night. He visited all of them, and they discussed it.” She leaned against the doorframe.

  “Well, thanks for bringing this to my attention. It helps to give us closure.” He dropped the pages in a drawer and said, “Enjoy your day, Marilyn.”

  Marilyn knew when she was being dismissed. She turned on her heel and left the sheriff’s station headed for her dad’s office.

  After a leisurely breakfast and both of them knowing Audrey acted out of fear and embarrassment, Cal decided he would go home. Marilyn smiled as she watched her dad’s car head in the direction of his home. She climbed back into hers and headed for the animal shelter.

  #####

  Marilyn walked in and explained to the young man behind the counter what type of dog she hoped to find.

  He smiled and said, “I think I have a dog you might like. Most of our dogs here are small, but we have one brought in three days ago. The family was moving and couldn’t take her with them. Follow me.”

  Marilyn saw the dog as soon as they entered the kennel. She stood in one of the larger cages in the back. Her tail wagged so hard her entire back end moved. “What kind of dog is she?”

  “The family who dropped her off said she’s a Dalmatian Springer Spaniel mix. She’s nine months old, nearly full grown, spayed, housebroken, walks well on a leash, and has had all her shots.” He smiled as he watched Marilyn interact with the caged dog.

  “Can we let her out and what’s her name?” Marilyn stood.

  “Sure,” he opened the cage. “Her name is Cassidy, but they called her Cass.”

  Marilyn dropped to one knee. “Come here, Cassidy.” The dog bounded over to her, but stopped before she knocked into her. “Good dog,” Marilyn patted her head and Cass sat in front of her and nuzzled her.

  “I love her coloring and shorter hair. She acts as if she’s ready for freedom and fun.” Marilyn nuzzled Cass.

  “Yes, we noticed that when she arrived. She looks like a Dalmatian with her spots except they are dark brown like a Spaniel. She’s unique.”

  Marilyn looked up at the shelter volunteer and said, “She’s not just unique, she’s mine.”

  She filled out the paperwork and wrote a check for the fees. Marilyn added extra to help the shelter defray costs, grabbed Cass’s leash, and left.

  #####

  Cass hopped into the back seat and rested her head next to Marilyn’s on the head rest during the drive home. “I think you’re mine now. I hope you like your new home as much as you seem to like me.”

  Marilyn laughed, and Cass barked. “Yup, we’ll get along fine.”

  When Marilyn and Cass arrived home, they took a walk around the entire yard. Marilyn hoped Cass would learn her boundaries, but decided to have the back yard fenced. Opening the back door and releasing Cass from her leash, the dog took off and ran throughout the downstairs, and Marilyn could hear her running upstairs. Not hearing any loud thumps, she assumed Cass wasn’t jumping on the furniture. Cass returned to the living room walked around in a circle three times and dropped in front of the fireplace.

  “I guess you found your favorite spot. After lunch, we’ll go to the pet store and buy you a bed and everything else we need. It’s a good thing the shelter sent us home with a small care package,” Marilyn said as she opened the small bag of dog food included in the shopping bag and poured some water in a separate bowl. Cass made herself right at home.

  As Marilyn ate her lunch, she said, “You have been well taken care of, but I wonder when you had your last bath. We could try that after we get home. I hope you like it.”

  #####

  Taylor called Kellie to tell her she and Hunter were able to get Friday off from work so they could make it a three day weekend at Marilyn’s.

  “That’s great,” Kellie said. “I’ll have to call Cole and see if I should bring Rufus there on Thursday evening or early Friday. I also have to call Marilyn. I’m sure she won’t mind, but I better check.” Kellie ended the call and dialed Marilyn’s number.

  Marilyn was thrilled they were coming for a long weekend, but not sure about going to the Carnfelder house. They’d hammer out a plan on Friday.

  Cass was playing with a toy Marilyn had purchased and wondered how she would react alone while she grocery shopped for the weekend. When Marilyn left, she listened and didn’t hear any barking or whining. A quick peek in the window made her think Cass was a good house dog as she was still lying on the floor playing with her toy.

  #####

  The week flew by and when the doorbell rang at noon on Friday Cass barked to let Marilyn know someone was at the door. “Thanks, girl,” Marilyn said as she opened the door.

  Cass ran between Kellie and Taylor nuzzling them wanting them to pet her. When Hunter dropped to one knee to try and get to know her, she backed up and growled.

  Taylor laughed and said, “I guess she doesn’t like boys. Smart girl.”

  “That should help if a man ever tries to sneak
in here again,” Marilyn said. “Speaking of strange men is everyone ready to go to the house? This afternoon would be a good time since kids are still in school, and most people are busy getting ready for the weekend. No one goes out there, but since it was mentioned in an article when Shuland kidnapped me last month, people might be curious.”

  “She’s right,” Hunter agreed. “Let’s take two cars again. I always feel better if we have more than one way to escape.”

  I’ll follow you,” Hunter said.

  Kellie added, “I’ll go with Marilyn.”

  Marilyn led the way through town to the Carnfelder house. On the way, Kellie explained about her lunch with Mrs. Jensen. “She understood that Randy and I were not ready to become engaged. When she learned that she seemed to cool a bit, and I haven’t heard from her again. She’s in so much pain; I don’t know what she’s thinking or feeling.”

  “It’s sad, but it’s better than if she watches your every move. If she ever sees you on a date or enjoying an evening out with a group of friends, she won’t think Randy should be there.” Marilyn turned off the highway onto a dirt drive.

  Kellie nodded, and Marilyn announced, “We’re here.”

  “Are you sure you can do this after your recent kidnapping?” Kellie glanced at Marilyn.

  “I think so and I’ll bet my grandpa is around somewhere.” Marilyn smiled.

  “Let’s hope so,” Kellie said as she climbed out of the car.

  #####

  Clouds were filling in from the west, and Hunter commented as he climbed out of his car, “It looks like a storm is coming.”

  Taylor grimaced. “A storm and a creepy old house is not a good combination.”

  Kellie on her way up the front stairs called back, “It’s not a problem, we’ll be inside and lightening doesn’t make the ghosts stronger.”

  “I hope not,” Marilyn added as she ran to catch up to Kellie.

  The four walked into the parlor and Taylor said, “This place is well kept for an old, abandoned house.”

  “There’s a legend of evil surrounding this place and people believe it’s haunted. The few kids brave enough to come out here don’t break things and remove their trash when they leave. When I was in high school I never knew of anyone who came out here.” She gazed around the parlor and up the marble staircase.