Whispering Pines

by Mavis Applewater

  They moved quickly and gathered themselves together. Just as they made their way downstairs, Althea and the rest of the crew burst through the front door. “Thank God!” Althea blurted. Shawn just smiled and began to collect and check her equipment. “We’ve been trying to get in here all night,” Althea said, looking frantic.

  “How did the airing go?” Shawn asked, casting a shy smile over at Faith.

  “Great,” Lanie said. “The stuff from the kitchen blew everyone’s socks off.”

  Everyone started to babble on and on about how well the segment had been received. Shawn continued to pack up her equipment while she and Faith exchanged warm glances. She roamed the house, collecting her belongings. They had one more filming to endure, and then they were free to go and leave Whispering Pines behind them. Shawn checked her readings and played the tapes from the recorders. Her blood turned cold when she played back the one she had left in the small bedroom on the top floor. Shivering uncontrollably, she played it over and over again. Each playback confirmed what she had heard the first time.

  “Help us!”

  The words were garbled, and the sound was terrible. Each time Shawn played it, hoping beyond hope to hear something different, it was still the same. “I can’t,” she said with a hard swallow. For the first time in her life, she refused to help a spirit find peace. At that moment, Shawn was convinced there was nothing she could do.

  “What was that?” Althea was positively frothing at the mouth when she heard the recording. Dutifully, Shawn replayed it. Althea’s dark brown eyes lit up with excitement. “I can’t wait to get that on film. What does it mean?”

  “Don’t know,” Shawn lied. “Honestly, Althea, when are you going to learn that these things don’t come with an instruction manual?”

  “Now there’s an idea,” Faith said. “A playbook would have been real handy last night when all that funky-ass shit was going down.”

  “Last night was fabulous.” Althea sounded proud.

  “Easy for you to say,” Faith growled. “You were hiding in the van. Those of us who had a ringside seat for Spook Central were not amused.”

  “Save it for the camera,” Althea said with a cackle.

  As if on cue, the crew set up and Faith took her mark. While Faith began her story, Shawn couldn’t help but wonder what would happen between her and Faith once they left the old mansion. She had to bite back a snide comment when Faith admitted on camera that Whispering Pines was indeed haunted.

  Shawn filmed her commentary quickly, eager to leave the mansion as she felt Captain Stratton’s presence lingering around them.

  Once they had wrapped up everything, she and Faith stared at one another. Each seemed to be searching for something to say to the other. When no words were forthcoming, Shawn simply gathered up her heavy equipment. Without a word, Faith relieved her of some her belongings. They strode out to Shawn’s rental car and loaded the equipment.

  “I guess I won’t be getting a book out of this one,” Faith said in a light tone once the equipment had been packed away.

  “You could co-author one with me,” Shawn said as they both leaned against her car. Faith seemed to be lost in thought. “What is it?”

  “I just wish we could do something for them. Anna and Catherine. I wish there were some way to release them from this. It seems that they’re forced to relive everything. Some of it’s nice, but they still have to face losing one another again and again. And in a horrible way.”

  “They’re caught up in a vicious cycle. They’re asking for help, and I have no idea what to do,” Shawn said grimly. “A cleansing might help.”

  “Oh, please. Some idiot waving incense and telling them that they’re free to go. Do you honestly believe that no one has told them to get out before now?”

  “You’re probably right,” Shawn said. “It’s probably been tried already. I don’t know what we can do, other than finding their bodies and finally giving them a decent burial. Without that, they’re probably destined to remain trapped here. Personally, I don’t have the courage to go up against Captain Stratton again.”

  “Neither do I,” Faith agreed. “This has been the strangest twenty-four hours of my life.”

  “Mine, too.”

  “So where are you off to now?” Faith asked.

  “I have a room booked at a hotel a couple of towns over. It won’t take us long to get there. After we get cleaned up, you’re taking me to breakfast.”

  “Pretty sure of yourself,” Faith said with a brilliant smile.

  Shawn wondered if what had happened last night was just a fling for Faith. Her fears vanished the moment she felt Faith’s arms encircling her waist. Shawn turned to face her.

  “I’ll follow you,” Faith said with a smile before placing a promising kiss on Shawn’s soft lips.

  “Yes, you will,” Shawn responded confidently.

  Chapter 4

  Stewart, Massachusetts

  September 1912

  Anna wiped the tears from her son’s eyes. “I don’t want to go away,” Richard pleaded, the teardrops rolling down his chubby cheeks.

  “I know.” Anna’s voice trembled as she spoke. “I don’t want you to leave, but Father says it’s for the best.”

  “Why?” he pleaded once again.

  Why indeed? What kind of monster sends a five-year-old child off to boarding school? Anna gathered up her son’s belongings while her husband shouted for her to “bring the boy down!” The boy, not our son. Anna fumed. Of course, he isn’t a son to you, is he? Just another possession, like myself. Anna wearily escorted her only child down the staircase.

  She had long ago accepted her fate that had begun on that rainy night when her father woke her and her sisters and lined them up in the family room for the great Horatio Stratton. “That one,” the old man had grunted as he pointed to the small, redheaded sister, the helpless Anna. He had selected her to be his wife with no more interest than he would exhibit in selecting a pair of socks.

  Before she had a chance to realize the gravity of the situation, Anna was a married woman. In less than two days, she had been sold off, wed, and taken away from the only home she had ever known. Her wedding night wasn’t the magical event she had read about. It was a horrendous nightmare with Horatio lying on top of her, puffing and grunting like a hog that needed to be fed.

  The only bright spot in her dreary existence was her son. Thankfully, her husband ignored Richard. But he insisted on sending him away for his education, as though fearful that somehow Anna would spoil him. How can I spoil him when I’m barely allowed to speak to my own son? Before her blessed son’s birth, the only things Anna looked forward to were her trips into town and an early death.

  Anna ushered her still whimpering child down the staircase and handed him over to her husband.

  “Stop that sniveling!” Horatio barked as he backhanded him. Anna flinched in horror as she watched her son’s head snap back. “I will be returning after I deposit the boy,” Horatio said with a scowl. “The spinster’s coming to stay with us. Another mouth to feed,” he added in a bitter tone.

  Anna was confused until she realized her husband was referring to his younger sister. She possessed very little knowledge of the woman, only that she was unmarried. Anna wondered if Miss Stratton would provide at least companionship for her lonely days, or would she prove to be bitter and cold like Horatio?

  “Yes, Husband,” she responded dutifully as she patted her son’s head.

  While her husband took Richard to the train station, Anna busied herself preparing the small room on the third floor for her sister-in-law. The top floor of the manor had remained vacant since Horatio strictly forbade that servants or guests spend the night.

  “I don’t even know her name,” Anna said softly as she placed a small vase filled with asters from her flower garden. The small flower garden was one of the few joys, besides her son, that Anna was allowed to indulge in.

  “Catherine,” a sultry voice said from behin
d her.

  Anna almost knocked over the vase when she spun around. Her breath caught when she spotted the tall, elegant blonde standing in the doorway. “My name is Catherine,” the woman said, her warm brown eyes crinkling as she smiled.

  Anna trembled as she fought to control her breathing. “Mine is Anna,” she said and tore her gaze away, unable to understand why she had been staring or why her body was quivering. She took several quick breaths in an effort to calm herself. “Welcome to Whispering Pines,” she finally managed to say, forcing her gaze to remain on the tiny vase.

  “Thank you for welcoming me into your home,” Catherine said in a soft tone. Her gentle demeanor surprised Anna. Her gaze snapped up, and once again she shivered.

  “Where are my manners?” Anna babbled as she approached Catherine. “Please, allow me to assist you with your belongings.”

  “Thank you.” Catherine accepted in the same gentle tone as they carried her meager belongings into the small bedroom.

  “Wife!” Horatio bellowed from the main floor.

  Anna cringed. The only saving grace was that when Horatio shouted she was mildly safer than when he explained things in a measured, chill tone of voice. When his eyes darkened and his voice calmed, Anna knew all too well that meant trouble.

  “If you will excuse me?” Anna turned away, not missing that her sister-in-law’s lips curled into a sneer.

  Perhaps we shall become friends after all. Anna hurried off to answer her husband’s summons.

  “Husband?” She greeted Horatio respectfully, keeping her head lowered and her gaze locked on the floor. Over the years, she had spent so many hours looking down that she was now fully acquainted with every scuff mark, nail, and board in the flooring of the house.

  “I’m going into town,” he said curtly. “While I’m gone, try to find something for her to do.”

  Anna glanced up and followed his icy gaze to the staircase. Her breathing caught when she spied Catherine standing at the top landing with a defiant gaze. “Yes, Husband,” Anna meekly agreed, her attention never straying from the tall blonde. Horatio grunted in response.

  Anna didn’t move as the slamming of the door echoed through the house. She saw Catherine flinch at the loud banging and open her mouth to speak. Anna pressed her fingers to her lips, cautioning Catherine to remain silent. Anna listened carefully; she didn’t need to look out on the front porch to know that her husband was lurking around.

  Catherine watched quietly as Anna listened until she heard his heavy footsteps pounding down the gravel walkway. She released a tense breath as Miranda, the downstairs maid, passed by. “Miranda?” Anna called. “Once Miss Stratton is settled, bring her to the parlor for afternoon tea,” she instructed the girl without ever looking at her. Anna’s focus remained on Catherine.

  “Certainly, Mrs. Stratton,” Miranda dutifully responded.

  Anna nodded to her sister-in-law and went about her morning chores. Horatio expected her to tend to her duties regardless if he was away at sea or right under her feet. She had no relief since she was well aware that he paid the servants a little extra to keep a watchful eye on her. The only respite she would receive was when he was away and she was alone for the evening. After the servants left for the day, she would retire to her bedchambers and enjoy the quiet time with Richard.

  Every morning, Anna awoke and said a silent prayer that she would find her husband’s travel bag sitting in the foyer. That was the only way she knew when he planned a trip. Of course, many times he only pretended to travel so he could sneak back and catch her doing something she shouldn’t. Anna often wondered whether her husband was disappointed by her obedience and fidelity. If you wish to strike me, you evil sod, then just do it. I will not add kindling to the fire.

  By early afternoon, Anna sat in the parlor working on her needlepoint while she waited for her guest to join her. Catherine breezed into the room like a breath of fresh air. “Do sit, Sister,” Anna greeted her with a smile.

  “Thank you, Sister.” Catherine took a place on the small settee.

  Just as Catherine took her seat, Miranda entered with the silver tea service. “Miranda, I believe the captain would prefer we use the everyday china,” Anna told the maid. She knew that Horatio would be displeased if they entertained his sister with the good service. Miranda turned slightly pale, then nodded and returned to the kitchen. “Please, do not be offended, Sister.” Anna continued to neatly stitch the pattern she had been working on. “The captain is very particular when it comes to running the household.”

  “I can see that,” Catherine dryly responded. “The maid came so quickly it was almost as if she knew we were waiting.”

  “She did,” Anna said as their eyes met. Anna shivered once again as she gazed into Catherine’s soft brown eyes. She had the same eyes as her brother, but Anna could see and feel warmth that was absent from her husband’s gaze. There was something else lingering in Catherine’s eyes that Anna couldn’t place.

  “They watch you?” Catherine asked.

  “Yes.” Anna gave her sister-in-law a warning glance. “Perhaps after tea you will join me in the garden?” she suggested just as Miranda reentered the room with the proper tea service. “Thank you, Miranda,” Anna said as the tea was placed on the table.

  Miranda nodded and quickly left the room. Anna served the tea and offered a cup to Catherine. “I understand I have a nephew,” Catherine said with a smile as she accepted her tea.

  “Yes, Richard.” Anna carefully prepared her own cup of tea.

  “Where is he?” Catherine asked with enthusiasm.

  “He’s at school.”

  “Oh? I look forward to meeting him later today.”

  “He is away at school.” Anna was unable to keep the sadness she felt from slipping through.

  “Isn’t he much too young for that?”

  “The garden really is lovely this time of year,” Anna said, as if nothing were amiss. “I look forward to showing it to you.” She said a silent prayer that Catherine would understand it was the only place that would allow them the privacy to speak freely.

  Catherine set her cup down. “The tea was lovely. I truly wish to see the garden as quickly as possible.”

  Anna finished her tea with a smile, realizing that Catherine understood. She led Catherine out the front door, linked arms with her as they walked towards the back of the house, and began pointing out each flower she had painstakingly planted.

  “Anna, it’s beautiful,” Catherine said as they stepped past the woodshed and stable.

  The garden, Anna’s pride and joy, was spread out before them, just a short walk away from the main house. Once they were in the garden, Anna looked around to ensure that no one had followed them. She inhaled the soft fragrance of the autumn blooms and relaxed into the feel of her arm resting in Catherine’s.

  A strange, delightful warmth spread through Anna as she felt Catherine’s thumb absently brushing against her arm. “I finally understand what my mother tried to tell me,” Catherine said as they ambled through the garden.

  “What’s that?” Anna asked.

  “The only thing worse than being an unmarried Stratton woman is being a married Stratton woman,” Catherine said bitterly. “You’re a prisoner here.”

  “Yes,” Anna said without emotion. She had long ago accepted her fate. “My garden and my son are my solace.”

  “Richard can’t be more than a child.”

  “He’ll be six next spring. Thankfully, God gave him to me early in my marriage.”

  Catherine scowled. “He’s far too young to be sent to boarding school.”

  “I know. We should head back. The captain will be returning soon, and I must prepare the evening meal.”

  “I’ll be happy to help you. Our other brother paid Horatio to take me in,” Catherine said as they walked towards the house. “So it seems I’ll be joining you in captivity. Perhaps I can add to your solace?”

  “I’d like that.” Anna smiled, then she s
aw her husband rush into the house.

  “Where’s he going?” Catherine asked.

  “My bedchambers,” Anna answered dryly, as she guided Catherine towards the kitchen entrance.

  “And what does he think he’ll find there?”

  “A man.”

  “Have you ever given him cause to suspect there might be a man hiding in your bedroom?” Catherine asked.

  “Never.” They entered the kitchen and immediately began to prepare the evening meal.

  “How often does he search for your phantom lover?”

  “Every time he returns to the house, since the day we were married,” Anna said coldly.

  Chapter 5

  New York City

  January 2003

  Faith was shocked by what she had just heard. “You want to run that by me again?” She wasn’t at all pleased by the way Althea avoided making eye contact with her.

  “I’m sorry,” Althea said, her voice just above a whisper. “I don’t have anything for you.”

  “Althea, I know I’m a pain in the ass.” Faith wasn’t enjoying the fact that she was about to grovel. “I’ve been working for you for years now. All of a sudden you don’t have an assignment for me? What gives?”

  “Whispering Pines,” Althea said wearily.

  “Whispering Pines?” Faith didn’t grasp the situation. “As I recall, that was one hell of a shoot. In fact, it moved you up the food chain. I also recall the way you impressed the big boys was because I got smacked around and scared out of my wits. Not to mention what it did to Shawn.”

  “You’re also writing a book with Shawn,” Althea said. “And you went on camera confirming that Whispering Pines is haunted.”

  “If you hadn’t noticed, that place was Spook Central,” Faith snapped. “There isn’t a skeptic on the planet who could have gone on camera and denied that the place is haunted.”

  “A professional skeptic can’t admit it.” Althea had the grace to wince as Faith glared at her. “Not ever. In doing so, you ended your career as a skeptic. I’m really sorry, Faith. It was the best gig any of us have ever worked.”