Phantom of Execution Rocks

by MJ Miller

  She turned back to see Andy spot them and watched as the tense look on his face softened. He was worried about Kat, true, but he could see for himself how special this was. She had a flashback then. The day she found herself in Andy’s arms, being cradled, comforted. The day she’d learned Annie had almost lost her life and she’d broken down. Andy had been there for her. And she could still feel the strength in him as he held her. Let her tears fall. Giving her the ability to let go, if only for a little while. It was the first time she saw through his alpha male persona. The first time she knew Andy Holman was different. The first time she knew that keeping him at a distance would be far more difficult than she thought. And now for the first time, she wondered why she did. Maybe it was time to let someone erase those scars Jack had left on her heart.

  “Andy, I’ve got something here.” The shout from Chris was expected yet startled everyone. He had been enthralled with the stack of books that naturally drew his attention. Then, shining his own phone light on the cover of one book in particular, he exhaled slowly.

  “Holy shit! It’s the log from the MorningStar! I’d know it anywhere. I’ve seen these before at the maritime museum.”

  Luce shook her head and rolled her eyes. “Language Chris, now we’ll have to edit that out.”

  “Let me see,” Andy said as he went to crouch next to Chris. “Good spot, Chris. Here, put these on,” he said as he handed him a pair of gloves, immediately putting Chris in charge of the journal. Luce had to admit, that was a brilliant move. They’d succeeded. The surprise discovery was captured on film. Now the real work would begin.

  Chapter Thirty-One

  It was a dilemma. How to open the journal and capture the amazing discovery using a key she’d received prior to filming. They sat in the library, contemplating the star attraction. It was decided that this would be a perfect scene for the show, the review of evidence. The book lay on the table in the center of the room, on display. The ultimate temptation.

  “This is the finale; you all know that.” Luce said quietly from her perch on the window seat, in the background. Jamie was filming, and she could be edited out easily.

  “This means the ship never went down.” Chris looked at Andy for confirmation.

  “Maybe, if this is for real. Could also mean the journal survived to be used again. Maybe it was a spare and used on another ship. We have to review the entries carefully. But the date stamped on the cover is kind of a giveaway.”

  “Well, it’s hard to read, but clearly it’s 18 something, not 1780, that’s for sure.”

  “Here’s what we know,” Chris stood and began pacing. “It’s a captain’s journal, presumably old, but well-preserved. And the front emblem clearly reads MorningStar.”

  “And it’s locked. We either find the key to open it, or risk damaging it to pick the lock,” Andy added. “Question is, where is that key?”

  Luce smiled, that was a fabulous way to set things up. She nodded to Jamie and gave him the signal to stop filming. Candid discussions didn’t need to be on camera and that was a good stopping point.

  “Sadly, as good condition as it’s in, we can’t risk damaging it,” Chris said. “We need to open it carefully, and then it needs to be scanned. Can’t leaf through it, the paper is too fragile. It’s a major undertaking.” Chris was right about that, but Luce was frustrated. If it were authentic, it may hold all the secrets needed to solve the mystery. If it were a fake, designed specifically to steer the investigation and the TV show, they’d be played big time.

  “We have to know what we’re dealing with.” Andy thought for a moment, then looked over at Chris. “Chris you have a scanner at the house, right?”

  “Affirmative,” Chris chuckled.

  “Assuming we find the key, can Annie get to work scanning it? Then we’ll really be able to comb through for clues. To its authenticity and to the ship’s disappearance.”

  “That’s perfect.” Chris smiled in gratitude. “Thanks. Annie knows being on set, especially in the basement area is a bad idea. Not just because she’d be at risk of falling, but probably mold and all kinds of things bad for pregnant women.”

  Annie rolled her eyes and laughed. “Hello, I’m right here! And I’m not a china doll. You all act like I’m accident prone or something.”

  “More like an accident magnet,” Luce laughed. “Now, detective, perhaps you can lend Annie a pair of those gloves you’ve always got tucked away?”

  “Got a whole box of them. Figured we’d need them. I’m like a boy scout, Luce, always prepared. You should see what else I brought!”

  With that, they all laughed, tension broken, leaving Luce grateful she wouldn’t have to edit that particular remark out of the footage. She also wondered exactly what he meant by it.

  It was a question that would go unanswered however, as the week flew by in a flurry of activity. They returned to the chamber several times, to examine and collect different pieces, opening various boxes and investigating their origins. They decided to reinterview Mrs. Bowers too, trying to get any hint of family lore about underground tunnels.

  “I’ve mentioned before, that there was a lot of activity along the shores here during the revolution. I’m sure they were used in some capacity by the colonial soldiers.” Mrs. Bowers seemed quite certain of that.

  “Is there a chance that perhaps the British used them?” Kat posed the question.

  “I’m sure that’s possible. I do know that Lionel Bowers himself was a staunch patriot, and I have no doubt the tunnels were used in a positive manner.” Her tone was a bit defensive, Luce noted. As if she wanted answers, but only if they proved her own narrative.

  Ultimately, solving the mystery would put to bed any misguided rumors or myths about Execution Rocks. Luce was certain of it. Whether or not it portrayed the Bowers family in a positive light, couldn’t be guaranteed. What if the tunnels were used by the British with permission? What if the Bowers were slave owners who left them to die on the rocks? Luce knew it was essential to keep Adeline believing the Bowers would end up heroic, not a source of family shame.

  “Mrs. Bowers, is there anything you remember, growing up here perhaps, about the tunnels or about the family ship business that might shed any light? Any odd stories?” Luce tried to sound as if this were just the next question on the list.

  “You know I didn’t actually grow up here. I lost my parents at a young age, went to live with relatives. I didn’t return until I 20.” Her tone was wistful now. Relaxed.

  “I had no idea, I’m so sorry,” Luce replied. “Forgive my intrusion.”

  “Not at all young lady, I was fortunate in many ways. You know, something I haven’t mentioned, perhaps now’s the time.”

  Luce and Kat both leaned forward. Something about her tone let them know she was about to reveal something important.

  “When I came back I arrived here at night; I still remember it vividly. It was a warm June evening in 1960. I spent the first night out on my balcony, just watching the peacefulness of it all. My aunt had arranged for me to come stay for a visit. The house was owned at that time by a trust, I wasn’t aware, but it seems that my father, in his infinite wisdom, had left it in his will that way. I could not inherit until adulthood. Anyway, I was out there, watching the water, the light from the lighthouse as it circled around. And there it was.”

  “The ship,” Luce murmured.

  Adeline smiled. “Yes.”

  “You saw it too, didn’t you?” She looked pointedly at Luce.

  “Not in 1960,” Luce chuckled. “But yes, when I was young. How do you know that?” Luce was sure she hadn’t mentioned it.

  “Your father. He attended one or two of our society meetings. I had a long talk with him.”

  Luce didn’t know what to say at that point. She’d had no idea.

  “So, you see, when Mrs. Holman approached about the dinner invitation, I was thrilled. She mentioned your name, you see. I knew. This was meant to be.”

  As she stood,
hands on the railing, eyes unfocused, she knew everything had changed. It wasn’t just her and Andy sharing weird experiences. Adeline Bowers shared them too. Her whole perspective was now changing. And so would Andy’s when she told him. She hadn’t seen him yet. He and Chris had gone off exploring something or other and she’d been busy with the interview. They hadn’t returned by dinner, which made her a bit nervous, but she’d occupied her time studying the footage and video chatting with Annie.

  She heard the door open from the other side of the balcony.

  “You look lost in thought, there, Luce,” Andy’s voice was low, husky and sent shivers over her bare arms. It was a warm night, and her shorts and tank were just enough to keep her comfortable.

  “I have news,” she said quietly as he came up behind her.

  “Do tell,” he whispered. She could feel his breath on her neck as he leaned in, placing his hands on her shoulders. She debated shrugging him off and decided against it. For once, she’d accept what was being offered, and leaned back into him.

  It was time to let him in, all the way. She just hoped it wouldn’t end in disaster.

  “Adeline Bowers has seen the ship too.”

  “I know,” he whispered, causing her to turn suddenly, palm on his chest, she looked up in surprise.

  “You know?”

  He smiled. “I do. Because I have news too.”

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  “Tell me,” Luce demanded. “Where have you guys been? You found something didn’t you?”

  Andy smiled and shook his head. “Patience, woman,” he chuckled.

  “Don’t you patience woman me, Neanderthal.” Luce pulled back and glared. “Out with it.”

  Chuckling, Andy took his time, tipped his head and studied her. He knew he’d tell her everything, but he enjoyed watching her torture herself trying to be patient. One of the few times Luce let go of her self-control.

  “Might as well sit, then, since I’ve got a story to tell.” Andy smirked, then grabbed the nearest lounge chair, and getting comfortable, reached over for Luce’s hand pulling her down to sit with him. With an exaggerated sigh, Luce gave in and leaned her back against his chest and got comfortable. As comfortable as she could with his arms around her waist, palms splayed on her ribcage, fingers tapping softy, and the air sizzling with something she hadn’t felt in a very long time. She licked her lips nervously, then took a breath.

  “Spill it detective,” she said quietly, wanting to know everything but not wanting to disturb the moment. And they were definitely having a moment.

  “We went back into the chamber,” he said quietly, then felt her stiffen. “Don’t worry, Lionel came with us, and we all took turns with our phones, so all of it’s on film,” he quickly added.

  “Good boys, go on,” Luce laughed softly as she relaxed once more.

  “First, Lionel started rattling on about his grandmother’s fixation with the ghost ship, which he said began when she saw it herself years ago. Why nobody provided this information from the beginning is bothering me a bit. And as startling as that is, it’s not the big news.”

  “Are you saying my news isn’t as important as yours?” Luce smiled as she asked.

  “Sweetheart, all your news is important to me,” Andy chuckled, knowing it wasn’t the time to rile her up. “But what if I told you we discovered another way in and out of the chamber?” He paused, waiting for her reaction. For once she’d surprised him by remaining quiet.

  “Go on.”

  “On the left side of the chamber, there was an odd shaped stone in the center of the wall. We all pushed on it but nothing happened. We checked around it for a hinge or a lever, but there was nothing. We almost gave up.”

  “Clearly you didn’t, though,” Luce huffed out. “What happened?”

  “Chris began feeling along the sides of the stone, and he realized there was a carved out niche on the left side. Most doors open on the right. But not this one. And it didn’t push in, it pulled out. Lionel managed to get his hand completely in the niche and pulled while we pulled him."

  "And?"

  " It opened.”

  “Wait. The hinge was on the other side?” Luce was trying to sort through it. Envision it in her head.

  “Exactly. If you came from the other side, you could probably push in. It led us into another passageway just like the entry from the beach, damp stone, no lighting. But when we came to a fork in the road, as it were, Lionel suddenly recalled something.” Andy paused, sensing her anticipation.

  “He said as a boy, he’d been playing in the basement, and one day discovered a tunnel. At least in his mind it was a tunnel. He’d gone exploring and had discovered something on the wall. An arrow scratched faintly into the stone. Chris shone his light on the wall in front of us as Lionel searched for it. And found it, pointing to the right. We followed it and discovered more markings; directional signs. Those arrows were there for a purpose, Luce.”

  He stopped then, and his arms tightened around her.

  “They led us to the basement, just under the library.”

  “And then?” Luce knew a bombshell was about to be dropped.

  “We went up the stairs, and through the secret door, where we found Mrs. Bowers, napping in a chair. She had a book in her lap.”

  “Wait, is that like, the end? Because I was expecting something more. Like you found the secret.” Luce’s voice rang with disappointment.

  “May I continue?” Andy grinned.

  “But of course, Detective, pardon my interruption,” Luce grinned and tipped her head back to look up at him. “Do go on!”

  “We tried to be quiet, you know sneak by her, not wake her, but just as we approached the door to the hallway, she called out, said something nonsensical,” he kept his voice hushed and suspenseful. “We all turned at once,” Andy continued. “She looked frightened. Lionel went over to her first and kneeled in front of her. She was so upset, he picked up the book from her lap and looked at it curiously. Then holding it up he nodded to us to come get it.”

  “What was it?”

  “A reference book on slave ships. The chapter she’d been reading was about the MorningStar.”

  “So, it was a slave ship? For real?” Luce wasn’t ready to settle for that. Not yet.

  “Well Adeline certainly thinks so. I’m not so sure and neither is Chris.”

  “We need to read the Captain’s journal. It’s the only way.” Luce sat up and leaned forward then, staying close enough for Andy’s arms to remain around her though as she turned toward him.

  “I hope that’s not the answer, Andy.”

  “There’s one more thing,” Andy spoke softly as he gazed at Luce. Wondering how she’d react to his next bit of information. “Something I’ve known but not mentioned.”

  “You’re keeping things from me?” Luce wanted to be annoyed, but the look on his face was genuine and nervous.

  “I am,” he nodded slowly, uncertainly.

  “Out with it.” Luce demanded gently. “Rip it off like a band aid.”

  “My fourth great grandfather owned a slave. My mother found it in a census record.”

  Luce waited, knowing there was much more to the story, and gave him time to find the words.

  “It was on my dad’s side. Edward Holman. Everyone likes to talk about how the North hated slavery, but I guess not all of them did. My mom stumbled upon a family bible at the historical society. She has a theory, based on the inscriptions inside. Maybe you and she can have a talk tomorrow. She’ll be at Mrs. Bowers little shindig tomorrow to celebrate the 4th of July. I’d rather let her tell you the rest.”

  “Maybe I’d rather hear it from you,” Luce said softly.

  “I don’t know if I can face your reaction Luce.”

  “What does that even mean?”

  Andy sighed, and knew she was right. He had to tell her.

  “I’m going to tell you, but please, allow my mother to fill in the blanks. I don’t know all the details. Dea
l?”

  “Deal.”

  “Edward Holman was married to Christiana Broch. They were childless. One day, Edward came home with a young black woman. A slave he’d bought at a nearby auction. Within a year, his son, Jonathan Holman, was born.”

  “And?”

  “What do you mean, and? It’s kind of obvious isn’t it?”

  “No, explain it to me.”

  “I’m descended from a slave... and her owner.” There, he’d said it. “I’m not who everyone thinks I am.”

  Luce studied his face. Saw the worry lines above his brow. His eyes locked on hers, as if asking for something, she just didn't know what.

  “Are you a murderer? Rapist? Pedophile? Embezzler? Grifter?” Luce exhausted her list.

  “No, of course not," he shook his head and frowned.

  “How long have you known?” Luce asked.

  “About 15 years I guess.”

  “So far longer than I’ve known you, then.” Luce prompted.

  “Yeah.”

  “Then for me, it’s part of who you are, the Andy I know and…”

  “Know and what?”

  Luce’s eyes widened and she regrouped immediately. “And since this isn't new for you, you're not stewing over it or shocked by it. Nor am I. And it’s time for me to get some rest,” Luce spoke quietly as she stood to go, Andy quickly following suit, grabbing her wrist lightly.

  “Talk to my mom tomorrow, would you?”

  Luce smiled. “Of course.” She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before slipping back into her suite. She knew staying out there any longer would lead to things they couldn’t take back. She also needed to consider what was bothering Andy about her knowing his ancestry. He thought it would affect her. That it would make a difference to her. But why? It was the why that would reveal how he truly felt. Either he thought she’d be put off by his black ancestry, or, the slave ownership. Hopefully, it was the latter. She could handle that. But if he thought it was race, then he didn’t know her at all.