Happier Days in Time
Page 13
Ignoring Maggie, I asked my next question. “Why did you have your governess, Miss Ferndale, kill Sissy Ivanova?”
“Because she knew too much,” Peggy Sue said. “She knew Miss Ferndale had taken Janie from Mother Mary’s House and Sissy also knew about the baby.”
Knowing the truth spell Ambrose had also hit Peggy Sue with would wear off in a few minutes, I asked my last question.
“Peggy Sue, did you ask Miss Ferndale to kill your mother when you were a child?”
“Yes,” Peggy Sue said.
“No!” Maggie gasped.
“Mommy wouldn’t give me what I wanted,” Peggy Sue said, “so she had to pay for that.”
Jack Junior let out a wail, breaking the spell. Peggy Sue lurched and tried to take him from me, but I quickly sidestepped her.
“Give him to me!” she cried.
Shifting Jack Junior to my left arm, I made a fist with my right hand and knocked her out cold. “I owed you that.” With pity I looked at Maggie. “You need to call the cops, Maggie.”
During the next few chaotic hours, while the cops questioned Maggie and Peggy Sue, and Jack Ellington faced the crippling news about his wife, Rex and I managed to slip upstairs unnoticed. It was time to go home.
I knew the police wouldn’t find Miss Ferndale in her cottage when they went to arrest her. They would be contacted shortly and told that the FBI had had Morgana Ferndale under surveillance for years and had finally taken her into custody for the murders of Sophia Tipton, Suzanna Ivanova, and Janie Alderman.
I penned a quick new note to Maggie, changed into the dress I wore upon my arrival, sat cross-legged in the middle of the bed, and wished Rex well on his return home.
“Give all those grandkids a hug from me.”
“Will do, Lexi! Will do! Until next time, partner!”
Clutching my tourmaline necklace, I grasped the stone and breathed deeply. When I felt I was ready to go, I started my spell:
“From this time I must depart.
I've done my job and time can restart.
Bring me home, cosmos, I ask of thee.
In my own time is where I need to be.”
Chapter 23
I opened my eyes and smiled. Back in my own bathroom. Thank goodness! I quickly ditched the clothes and dropped the box in the clawfoot tub and pulled the curtain closed. I could take care of it later once Shawn was gone.
Pulling the bathroom door open, I dashed out into the hallway and peeked into the living room. Shawn was still napping, his sandwich resting on his lap. Jogging into the kitchen, I quickly finished making my sandwich and joined him in the living room.
“Hey.” I nudged him gently. “Wake up, sleepyhead. Time to watch a show and eat lunch.”
Blinking his eyes open, he gazed at me and smiled. “I feel like I’ve been asleep for days. I really needed that.”
Grinning, I took a bite of my sandwich and turned toward the TV. “What did you decide on?”
“You’re never gonna believe what’s on.” He unpaused the remote, and I nearly choked on the remaining sandwich in my mouth. “It’s a Leave it to Beaver marathon!”
About the Author
Jenna writes in the genres of cozy/paranormal cozy/ romantic comedy. Her humorous characters and stories revolve around over-the-top family members, creative murders, and there's always a positive element of the military in her stories. Jenna currently lives in Missouri with her fiancé, step-daughter, Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever dog, Brownie, and her tuxedo-cat, Whiskey. She is a former court reporter turned educator turned full-time writer. She has a Master’s degree in Special Education, and an Education Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She also spent twelve years in full-time ministry.
When she’s not writing, Jenna likes to attend beer and wine tastings, go antiquing, visit craft festivals, and spend time with her family and friends. Check out her website at http://www.jennastjames.com/. Don’t forget to sign up for the newsletter so you can keep up with the latest releases! You can also friend request her on Facebook at jennastjamesauthor/ or catch her on Instagram at authorjennastjames.