Whispering Pines

by Mavis Applewater

  “Not a chance in hell,” Faith said flatly.

  “Please, hear me out.”

  “No. You don’t need me. I’ll be honest. I’d love to bring peace to Anna and Catherine. Their fate has troubled me since the day I left that house. But I’m not in any hurry to go back. Dr. Williams is the one who connected with them, and let me tell you, she isn’t in any hurry to walk back into that house, either.”

  “Yeah, she pretty much said the same thing,” Delia reluctantly admitted. “Only she added not for a million dollars and Julia Roberts strapped naked to her bed.”

  “That sounds like Shawn.” Faith laughed as she stood and picked up her bag. “I wish you luck, Ms. St. James, but as I said, I wouldn’t be any help. Dr. Williams is the gal you need, and knowing her the way I do, I suggest you try finding yourself another psychic.”

  “I’m sorry to have wasted your time, Ms. Charles. I just thought if the two of you worked together again, it might point us in the right direction. Or at least get her to talk about what really happened that night. The book you wrote together was a little vague.”

  “Well, there’s the other problem with your idea,” Faith said sadly. “At the moment, Dr. Williams and I aren’t on speaking terms.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that.”

  “Me, too,” Faith muttered as she lifted her bag strap onto her shoulder.

  “If you don’t mind my asking, what happened?”

  “Basically, I’m a jackass,” Faith said in a flippant tone. Delia gave her a strange look. Faith shrugged and left her sitting in the coffee shop.

  Chapter 14

  Adams County, Pennsylvania

  May 2005

  Shawn tightened her suede barn jacket in an effort to fight off the chill. It was a rainy day in Pennsylvania, and the house they were shooting at was full of bad energy. She tried to shrug off the nagging feeling that a telephone was ringing. It took her a moment to realize that the telephone wasn’t ringing in the house she had just exited. No, this phone was miles away. “Please, I need to find her,” she distinctly heard Faith say. She shook her head and tried to focus on the sounds, but they grew quiet and vanished.

  “Faith?” she whispered, wondering why her ex-lover’s voice was echoing in her head.

  “What was that?”

  “Sorry, Milo.” She blinked as the strange feeling left her. “What were you saying?”

  “I was saying that you’ve been in high demand since Whispering Pines,” he said. “I wish I had stayed.”

  “No, you don’t.” Shawn shivered. The memory of what had happened over two years ago had never fully left her. “I’ve never experienced anything like that place, and I hope I never will again.”

  “Still, spending the night with Faith Charles might have been worth it.” He snickered, thoroughly amused by his comment.

  “Back off, Milo,” Shawn said, not caring for his lecherous tone.

  “Whatever happened to her?” He apparently missed Shawn’s hostile glare. “She just seemed to drop out of sight.”

  “She got back with CNN a couple of years ago,” Shawn said with a hint of sadness in her voice. “Last I heard, she was in Afghanistan. Probably in Iraq by now. Hard to say.”

  Shawn didn’t have a clue where Faith was. Since her unceremonious departure, all Shawn had was one letter and sporadic mystical messages. Getting your mail via ESP quite often proved to be exasperating, not to mention unreliable.

  “Hmm. Probably for the best. Couldn’t be much work for her doing this since it’s her job to prove that we’re nothing but frauds. Whispering Pines ruined her.”

  “I suppose,” Shawn muttered as she tried to distract herself. A terrifying and amazing experience brought her and Faith together and later drove them apart. Mentally, she understood that Faith was unhappy in her newfound role as Shawn’s tagalong. Emotionally, she was still hurt by Faith’s sudden decision to run off. As much as she understood that Faith had to move on, Shawn never accepted the way Faith had handled things.

  “Shawn?” Milo asked, reaching out to her and accidentally grasping the sterling silver bracelet. The bracelet never left her wrist. Shawn had put it on the day Faith dropped the bomb, and she refused to take it off. Milo’s eyes fluttered shut as he began to hum in the most disturbing manner.

  “Bastard,” Shawn spat out, jerking her arm away. It was a hazard of traveling with the people she did. Occasionally, quite by accident, she would experience what she did to other people and someone would get a glimpse inside of her. It happened. There was no way around it. Still, it was considered to be poor etiquette to comment on what you’ve seen. Even worse was to try to dig farther.

  “I’m sorry,” he said as his eyes snapped open. “It was an accident! You and Faith Charles? She’s so arrogant and bitchy. Of course, she is hot. I’m confused. The woman I saw when I touched your bracelet was shy and nervous.”

  “Milo,” Shawn fumed. “Drop it. Wait. What do you mean she was shy and nervous? That doesn’t sound like Faith.”

  “Certainly not the woman I’ve met,” Milo said, sounding surprised. “But when she was picking out that bracelet, she was very nervous.”

  “You mean my parting gift?” Shawn sneered, holding up her wrist and showing off the silver band.

  “That isn’t what she meant it to be. She wanted it to be a promise.”

  “Right,” Shawn scoffed as she recalled the last time she saw her former lover. Faith had looked exhausted. She pleaded with Shawn to listen to her and accept the bracelet. Shawn had been too angry to listen to what Faith was trying to tell her.

  In the end, Shawn had stormed off after Faith practically shoved the bracelet at her. Shawn felt weak when she placed it on her wrist. Now, each time she looked at it, she had to remind herself that Faith was gone and their romance was over.

  “Dr. Williams?” the director called out to her, snapping her out of her thoughts. “We need for you to do your walk-through.”

  “This place sucks,” Shawn muttered in a dismal tone. “I hate places where there’s been a suicide. There’s so much pain.”

  Later that night, Shawn returned to her hotel room and called Deb, the woman she had been seeing. She enjoyed Deb’s company, but there was something missing. As Shawn took a soothing hot shower, she wondered how long she was going to keep lying to herself about her new relationship. Once again, she was forced to accept that being a psychic didn’t mean she knew anything when it came to her own life.

  She dried off her aching body and threw on a pair of tattered old sweats before reclining on her bed. She stared up at the motel’s drab ceiling and tried to convince herself that she just needed to forget about Faith and give Deb a chance.

  Her body erupted in a rash of goose bumps as a familiar sensation invaded her. She sat up quickly and stared at the door, knowing that she would hear a knock at any moment. She also knew whom she would find on the other side. The knock came and she climbed off of the bed. Her palms were perspiring as she reached for the handle. She hesitated and placed her hand on the door, trying to balance herself.

  Finally feeling prepared to face her visitor, she opened the door. She knew who was waiting on the other side; she just wasn’t expecting to find the woman looking so haggard. She spoke in a cold tone despite the rapid beating of her heart. “Hello, Faith.”

  Chapter 15

  Stewart, Massachusetts

  1912

  The morning brought a smile to Anna’s face as she finished descending the staircase and spied her husband’s travel bag sitting in the foyer. The hair on the back of her neck prickled with excitement when she felt another presence approaching from behind her.

  “Good morning, Sister,” she greeted Catherine without turning around. “I pray that you slept well,” she said brightly.

  “How did you know it was me?” Catherine asked as they made their way towards the kitchen.

  Anna gave Catherine a shy smile. “I always know when you’re about.” Anna herself didn’t
fully understand how she could simply feel Catherine’s presence when they had only become acquainted such a short time ago. “We should begin preparing the captain’s meal.” She brushed something from her white lace dress and reached up nervously to ensure that her long auburn hair was still neatly tucked into a bun.

  Anna felt relieved when Catherine simply smiled and nodded in response. The mood was light in the kitchen that morning as they went about preparing breakfast. Anna felt a sense of peace working alongside Catherine and knowing that the captain would soon be departing for what she hoped was an extended voyage. She found herself humming a simple tune.

  “You are in fine spirits this morning, Sister,” Catherine whispered playfully in Anna’s ear as she leaned in from behind her.

  Anna swayed slightly. Her skin tingled from the feel of Catherine’s breath caressing her neck. Catherine’s hands came to rest on her shoulders in an effort to steady her. Anna quivered when she felt Catherine’s body brushing against her back. She blinked her eyes in confusion as she leaned into Catherine’s touch.

  Anna stumbled slightly and reluctantly stepped out of Catherine’s embrace. “He’s leaving,” she said in a hushed tone, unable to look at Catherine. “At least, I think he is.”

  “Wouldn’t you know?”

  “There are times when he only pretends to be leaving.” Anna gathered up the food. Her heart was pounding in the most disturbing manner. She fought valiantly against the desire to look at Catherine. “Yet he hasn’t traveled in a long time. I pray that he’s really departing on a voyage.”

  Anna’s movements were halted when Catherine patted her lightly on the arm. “The more I learn about my brother, the less I understand,” Catherine said in a weary voice. Anna’s arm trembled, and she felt her skin warming from Catherine’s simple touch. She was unable to speak as she stared at her sister-in-law’s hand that was still resting upon her arm.

  “Wife!” the captain bellowed from the dining room.

  Anna’s eyes fluttered shut when Catherine’s fingers left her arm. She felt cold, as though she missed her touch. “Please be going,” she pleaded softly. Slowly she opened her eyes and steeled herself to serve her husband.

  After the morning meal had been served and the remnants cleared away, the captain announced his departure. He didn’t explain where he was going or how long he would be at sea. He just said he was leaving on a voyage and walked out of the manor. Anna smiled brightly as she listened to his fading footsteps.

  That evening, Anna was relaxing by the fire in her bedchamber, neatly stitching a piece of embroidery she had been working on. She felt at peace, knowing that she and Catherine were alone in the house. She was humming softly as she focused on the tiny stitches when there was a soft knock on the door.

  “Enter, Sister,” she called out eagerly, setting her embroidery down onto the table. She couldn’t stop the smile that emerged when Catherine stepped into her room. “Please, sit with me,” Anna said, watching Catherine make her way into her room.

  Anna’s throat felt suddenly parched when she noticed that the light of the fire illuminated Catherine’s nightgown in such a manner that Anna was treated to a glimpse of her well-sculpted body. Anna tore her gaze away and adjusted the collar of her own dressing gown as Catherine approached her and took a seat at the mahogany table.

  “Here,” Catherine said, holding out a tiny crystal glass filled with a dark liquid.

  “Sherry?” Anna asked, puzzled, as she accepted the glass. She shuddered when their fingers touched lightly. “I’ve never tasted spirits before.”

  “Then it’s high time you did, dear Sister.” Catherine raised her glass. “You cook for him, clean for him, raise his child when he allows it, at the very least you deserve a drink every now and then.”

  “If you insist.” Anna prepared herself for her first taste of alcohol. She took a tiny sip and was surprised by the warmth that invaded her mouth. “Interesting.”

  “If you enjoy this, you should really try rum,” Catherine said with a hearty laugh.

  “Sister?” Anna squeaked in surprise. “You are shameless.”

  “You have no idea,” Catherine said in a deep, rich tone that made Anna blush. “It’s good to be able to simply sit and chat without worrying about who might be listening.”

  “It is.” Anna took another careful sip of her sherry. “I enjoy the nights when the captain has been called away.”

  “I can understand why.”

  “This is nice,” Anna said softly. Warmth spread through her as she fingered the fringe on the white shawl that was draped over Catherine’s shoulders. The long fringe felt so light. The shawl was embroidered with large blue flowers and hung down past Catherine’s waist. “It’s so soft.”

  “Silk.” Catherine leaned back in her chair and sipped her sherry.

  Anna continued to sip her drink, her fingers absently playing with the silk fringe. She felt slightly light-headed as she placed her empty glass on the table. Her fingers continued moving through the fringe until they drifted to the light blue embroidery. She watched the steady rise and fall of Catherine’s chest, her fingers all the while lightly tracing the delicate pattern.

  Anna was mesmerized by the way her fingers tingled as she continued to trace the blue flowers. Her focus remained on Catherine’s breasts. She licked her lips without understanding why, as she noticed Catherine’s nipples pressing against the sheer material of her nightgown. Anna’s lungs fought for air, and she felt her face flush. She wondered if the sherry was causing the unusual stirring she felt in her stomach and lower anatomy.

  Anna’s eyes drifted up to Catherine’s full lips, which were parted slightly. The sight sent another rush of warmth through her small body. She leaned slightly closer as she noticed Catherine leaning forward to place her empty glass on the table. Anna had no sense of reason. Absently, her hands drifted along the shawl until her fingers were caressing the opening, which was dangerously close to Catherine’s breasts.

  Shyly Anna looked up to find Catherine watching her. She was mesmerized by the way Catherine’s breathing grew steadily heavier. There was something electrifying in Catherine’s flushed features. Catherine’s smoky gaze encouraged Anna’s fingers to continue until she felt the swell of Catherine’s breasts beneath her touch. Anna’s eyes once again drifted to Catherine’s inviting lips as her fingers slowly traced the supple curve of Catherine’s breasts.

  Anna’s heart pounded in a demanding rhythm that was mirrored by the strange throb emanating from her lower body. Her lips began to quiver uncontrollably. Catherine brushed Anna’s hair back from her cheek. Anna’s entire body was shaking as Catherine’s fingers glided down along her neck.

  Suddenly, Anna felt cold as Catherine jerked her hand away. Catherine jumped up and looked down at Anna with a stunned expression. Anna was terrified, realizing what had just transpired between them. “Good night,” Catherine blurted out before dashing out of the room. Anna looked down at her trembling hands as if the appendages were foreign to her.

  “Sweet Jesus,” she said, a horrific feeling filling her. “What have I done?”

  Chapter 16

  Adams County, Pennsylvania

  2005

  “Can I come in?” Faith finally asked in a weary tone as she ran her fingers through her long, dark hair. They had been staring at one another uncomfortably for a long time. Shawn chewed on her bottom lip, wondering if she should just refuse and send Faith away.

  But the sight of Faith looking so tired and pale tugged at her heart. She stepped aside and motioned for Faith to enter. She was careful not to touch her as Faith stumbled into the motel room.

  Shawn could feel her heart racing. In an effort to calm herself, she turned away from Faith and closed the door slowly, taking deep breaths. Her body failed to obey as she turned back to Faith, who was standing with her back to her, her shoulders slumped. She had never seen Faith looking so frail or so vulnerable. “When did you get back?” she asked, in an effort to calm b
oth of them.

  Faith rolled her neck before turning around. Her face was gaunt; her blue eyes were tired. She looked down at her watch.

  “Today?” Shawn asked, surprised.

  Faith dropped her bag onto the floor. “Shawn, I need to talk to you,” she said in an uncharacteristically shy tone.

  “No.” Shawn folded her arms across her chest. “You need a shower and a good night’s sleep. Then we can talk.”

  “Shawn, I—”

  “I’m seeing someone.” Shawn hadn’t meant to be so blunt or cold, but she felt it was best to get it out in the open before there were any misunderstandings. Internally, she knew that she had blurted it out more for her own benefit than for Faith’s.

  “That was quick,” Faith snapped.

  “No, it wasn’t,” Shawn said. “Faith, you’ve been gone for a very long time. I honestly didn’t know if I was ever going to see you again.”

  “Some psychic.” Faith sneered as she bent over to pick up her bag. “I’ll just get out of your way then.”

  “Stop,” Shawn said in a calm tone. “I can’t let you just wander off in the condition you’re in. You may be a jerk, and things between us may be a complete and utter mess, but it’s the middle of the night and you look as if you haven’t slept in days.” Shawn held up her hands, still careful not to touch Faith as she implored her to accept her offer.

  “You’re afraid to touch me?” Faith asked.

  “No, I just don’t want to see where you’ve been.” Or who you’ve been with. “Normally you can shut me out, but not when your defenses are down. And with the state you’re in, I don’t need to see you being shot at, or worse.”

  “I’m so tired,” Faith muttered. “I can stay?”