I went inside the house and set my purse on the entryway table, just as Miles appeared beside me.
“Hi,” I said.
“Hi back,” he smiled. “So what’s on the agenda today?”
“We’ve got a free day, free of other people, since Queen of Clean won’t be here until tomorrow. So now’s the perfect time to explore. I’d like to get acquainted with the house, maybe pick a room to start, and search through drawers and trunks and that sort of thing, for clues.”
“Let me start the grand tour then, but I warn you... it’s going to take a while.”
Boy, was he not kidding. I thought the marathon walk around the grounds was tiring.
“The house wasn’t built all at once,” Miles said. “The central portion of the estate is the original structure, as I’m sure you can tell. It’s the most elaborate, what with the towers and turrets, and sharply pitched roofs. And so many windows, all shapes and sizes.”
“I love that about it, there’s so much character.”
“As the family grew, the house was added on to in order to accommodate siblings and their families. That’s the purpose of the two large wings on each side of the main house. The first-born son, named Delevan until my brother’s death, lived in the main house with his family and parents, and sometimes grandparents. If Delevan and Sarah married as they intended, they would have returned here to live in the main house eventually. I know it sounds odd now, but at any given time the Bannerman estate housed both immediate, meaning first-born, and several extended, meaning sibling, families.”
“That does sound kind of odd,” I agreed. “Kids taking care of elderly parents I can understand, but wasn’t it difficult for a grown adult to try and have their own family and be an adult, while living in the same house as perfectly able-bodied parents?”
“That depends partly on who your parents are, I suppose,” said Miles. “As you can see though, the house is large enough to get lost in. There’s plenty of space for as much privacy as one could want. Still, I don’t think I would have stayed here forever.”
How ironic.
“Well the house certainly is massive,” I said.
Room, after room, after room… it just went on. Sitting areas, bedrooms, a ballroom, storage rooms, it didn’t seem as though it would end. And that was just the first floor!
I finally called for a lunch break. Maybe Miles didn’t get tired, or need to stop for food and water, but I did, especially since I so stupidly skipped breakfast. And it was way past lunchtime.
“How is your sister?” Miles asked, as I finished my sandwich.
“Hanging in there,” I said. “Not good, though. It really worries me. She’s so tired, her head hurts a lot of the time, and she’s sensitive to light and sound. Maybe that’s part of the headache, like a migraine. What’s worrying us lately though, is that she’s forgetting things. Like the times table, for example. She had that down hard and fast, now she struggles to remember it.”
Miles looked worried.
“Maybe it’s because she feels bad, she doesn’t have the energy to remember.”
“Maybe so,” I said.
My iPhone began to ring. “Excuse me for a minute,” I said to Miles, as I looked at it. I didn’t recognize the number, but answered anyway. It might be Polly.
“Anika! How are you!” squealed the person that used to be my best friend in high school. I was really surprised she called.
“I’m doing fine,” I said. Pressing mute, I told Miles, “it’s someone I knew in high school. She talks a lot, I may be awhile.”
“No problem, call me when you’re ready,” and he was gone.
I unmuted the call. Sheila was still talking a blue streak. Classes, parties, boys, parties, boys, classes, boys, boys, boys—she was getting on my nerves, she sounded so—shallow, actually. It’s true she wasn’t there for me when I needed a friend the most, but I didn’t remember her being this bad when things were good, and we hung out. Then again, I was pretty distracted my last year of high school with Dad being out of work, and my sister so sick. Maybe I just didn’t remember.
“So, what are you up to?” she finally asked.
“Working, and saving for college. Dad got a new job, which is great. For now we’re living in my Uncle Mark’s cabin, and Dad drives up on weekends.”
“Well cool, I better run. Talk later, Anika.”
I felt sort of put out with her. She didn’t even ask about Doreen, and I didn’t have a chance to tell her. I looked at my iPhone. She talked for fifteen minutes straight!
I walked to the entryway and up to Mission Control. Miles was there, studying the computer monitor.
“Well! I hope I wasn’t that shallow in high school,” I said. I also told him about the conversation, which still had me miffed.
“Whether you were then or not, you aren’t now,” he said. “Difficulty creates the opportunity to rise to the challenge, and grow stronger. Your family has been through a tough time, and that’s built character in you.”
Wow, I was flattered. I hoped I deserved that.
“Have a look at this,” he said, and turned the monitor to face me.
“I’ve thought it sounded like Lyme too,” I said, as I read. “But Doreen’s previous doctors tested her. The ELISA test came back negative, so that was ruled out.”
How thoughtful of him to want to help, though.
“The ELISA test is known for being inaccurate. Check out this statistic,” Miles said, pointing to the screen. “I’ve spent a lot of time reading articles and researching different topics to pass the time. I’m not saying that makes me an expert, and the subject is controversial. There are many, including the CDC, who don’t believe chronic Lyme exists. It could be worth checking out, though.”
I looked closer at the site Miles had open on the screen. I was surprised by what I saw. I wrote down the web address.
“I’ll give this to Mom when I get home,” I said. “This is definitely not a site I’ve ever looked at before. I doubt Mom has, either. Thank you, for doing this. Sheila didn’t even ask about Doreen.”
“Any time,” he smiled. “I hope it helps. I remember when my sister was nine. I can imagine what it’s like for you to see her suffer, and feel helpless.”
“Yeah, it’s pretty awful.”
“Earlier today, I also searched for museums like you suggested,” Miles said, clicking on a bookmark. “I found this one. I would have called, but you know…”
“Not one of your superpowers, huh?” I said. “Alright then, let me give it a shot.”
I called the museum, but unfortunately, they were unable to help us. A call to the Sheriff’s office led to my sanity being questioned, I’m sure. The person who answered the phone just couldn’t wrap their mind around why I’d want a wanted poster, also known as a handbill, from the late 1800’s. And I didn’t even tell them my real reason! So that was a dead end, no help there. Maybe if I knew the right person, or was an investigative reporter, but random citizen Anika Riley, wasn’t getting anywhere.
“Don’t be too disappointed,” said Miles reassuringly. “This is the most that’s been done toward proving my innocence in a very, very long time. Consider it one down, a whole bunch more to go.”
“Right, we’ve got lots of other possibilities to look into,” I agreed.
We continued the tour of the house, which I was beginning to realize would take more than a day to complete.
“This is a major workout,” I said, as we climbed the stairs to the second floor. “No wonder Polly said it was bigger on the inside, than on the outside.”
Miles laughed.
“It does seem that way. Maybe because of all the hallways and the maze-like arrangement of the rooms. It would be easy to get lost.”
“Thank goodness I’ve got such an excellent guide,” I said.
Miles smiled, and I smiled back.
Before I saw even half the house, it was time for me to head home for the day.
“Maybe we shoul
d just start searching tomorrow,” I considered. “If we wait until I’ve seen the whole estate, who knows when we’ll finally get started.”
“That’s a good idea,” agreed Miles. “I vote for that.”
Miles led me back to the entryway, which was fortunate. I might have been lost in the house forever, otherwise! We said good night, and Chip and I began our walk back to the cabin.
Following the cobbled path between the towering oaks, was like walking down the aisle of a dimly lit cathedral. The days were getting shorter, and the leaves didn’t let in much light even in the daytime.
Chip and I arrived at the cabin. I opened the back door into the kitchen and took a deep breath.
“What is that awesome smell? I’m starving now!”
Mom laughed.
“Well no wonder, running off without breakfast this morning. As for what we’re having for dinner, it’s a new recipe I’m trying out,” she said, as she lifted a pan out of the oven.
“Oh, wow, that is the best looking pizza I’ve ever seen,” I said, as I washed my hands at the sink and began setting the table.
“Thanks, I’m hoping it will also be the best tasting,” said Mom, as she cut the pizza into large squares.
“How’s Doree today?” I asked.
“About the same,” Mom said, concern washing over her face.
If only someday that question could be answered with “she’s doing better,” how happy we’d all be.
“And how about Try, what’s he up to?” I asked, right before my exuberant little brother nearly plowed me over.
“Hi,” he said, looking up at me as he held onto my knees.
“Hello to you,” I said, ruffling his short, curly blond hair.
“I’ll get this guy settled at the table,” Mom said. “Can you wake your sister, and see if she feels like eating?”
“Sure, Mom.”
I found Doreen asleep in the bedroom we shared.
“Hey Doree,” I said softly, brushing back her curls. “Feel like coming to dinner?”
She blinked, then looked up and blinked a few more times. I felt bad waking her, but she really did need more than just sleep. She needed to eat, too.
“Yeah,” she said.
I helped her up, and we made our way to the table.
After dinner, which was indeed the best pizza I’ve ever eaten, I got out my laptop and entered the web address Miles gave me. It brought up the homepage for the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society.
“Hey Mom, have you read this before?”
“Hmmm…” Mom peered over my shoulder. “Yes… well, no…. not this one.”
I handed her my laptop. Mom read for a while.
“Can you print this off for me?” she asked. “I’d like to take this to the next doctor appointment. And do a search and see if you can find any Lyme literate doctors in the area, and print that for me, too.”
“Will do,” I said. I glanced over at Doreen, asleep on the couch. The living room light was turned down low, so it wouldn’t hurt her eyes.
“I look forward to Tryon’s naps and bedtime more than I should,” Mom said with a sigh. “Doreen doesn’t complain, but she’s so sensitive to sound now. Tryon does his best to be quiet, but he is three, after all.”
“Yeah, I doubt there’s another three-year-old boy out there that does as good a job at keeping the noise level down,” I said.
Mom didn’t reply, and I thought about that for a minute.
“Mom, do you need me here? Did I do the wrong thing by taking the job Polly offered me?”
I wanted to help Miles. I would find a way to help him, no matter what, but I suddenly felt guilty about being gone all day.
“Oh, honey, no. Your Dad and I don’t expect you to live with us and help out with the other kids until they’re grown, themselves. You weren’t home all the time before we moved here, because of school and your previous job, so there really isn’t that much difference. This is the best chance you’ll ever have to rebuild your college fund. You did the right thing in taking it. I wouldn’t be a very good Mom to my already nineteen-year-old daughter, if I expected you to put your life on hold any more than you already have.”
I was relieved.
“Okay, Mom. Good. I was feeling pretty guilty.”
“Well, stop that!” Mom said, patting my knee. “I’m proud of you, and happy for you. There’s nothing to feel guilty about.”
“Thanks, Mom. And I can still help sometimes, even though I’m working during the day. I can take time off to babysit during doctor appointments, you know.”
“Thank you, Anika, that’s the best way you can help.”
Mom got up to replenish her mug of hot tea, and I went to the desk in Mom’s room, to print the pages she asked for.
There was a cool fall breeze softly blowing the next morning, as Chip and I walked to the castle. It wouldn’t be long before the changing leaves were changed. In spite of the chill, I enjoyed the walk. I loved the mountain air, full of the scents of autumn in the woods. Chip romped ahead, no doubt anxious to play with his friend Trixie. Every few yards he turned to look at me, encouraging me to pick up the pace.
I’d have to run full-out to be fast enough to suit him! I kept my own pace, and my frustrated yet loyal chocolate Chip stopped long enough for me to catch up, before leaping ahead again. From cabin to castle, that’s how he traveled. There was no risk he’d use up all his energy. He may not be a water dog, but in every other way he’s all Lab.
“Hello, Nate,” I waved, as Chip and I entered the castle grounds, and he took off to find Trixie.
“Good morning, Miss Riley,” Nate said, smiling.
“Your team is awesome,” I said, admiring what they accomplished already.
The piles of rose cuttings and weeds and overgrown vines from yesterday were gone, and more piles were rapidly taking their places, as the cleared area in the garden grew larger.
“I’m very pleased with your progress,” I said.
“I’m always glad to hear that,” said Nate. “I’m also glad we ran into each other, as I have a question for you. Would you prefer to have the entire grounds of the estate cleared before planting the beds, or plant as we go?”
I looked around and thought about that.
“I’d like the entire grounds to be completely cleared first. When all of the old growth is trimmed back or removed, then I’d like the beds planted as we discussed.”
“Very good, Miss Riley. That’s what we’ll do.”
“At the rate you guys are working, how long do you expect it will take to get to that point?”
Nate looked around and considered that.
“As long as we don’t get stalled by the weather, I’d say two weeks.”
“That sounds great! Thanks, Nate,” I said, as I turned and headed toward the stairs to the castle.
I unlocked the heavy door with the ancient key, and Chip and I went inside.
“Hi,” I said, as Miles appeared beside me.
“Hi back,” he smiled.
“Hello!” said Molly, from inside the arched doorway to the parlor.
Miles held in a laugh and stepped back, as I turned to Molly.
Note to self, before speaking to a friend that no one else can see, make sure no one else is around!
“How are you, today?” I quickly recovered.
“Just fine, Miss Riley. I got here a little early today, I hope it’s alright I let myself in.”
“Of course, Molly, that’s why I gave you a key,” I said.
“My team will be arriving in about ten minutes, and we’re all looking forward to getting started. Is there a particular place you’d like us to begin?”
“Yes, actually there is,” I said. “Start at the top of the main house, and work your way down. Then move to the west wing, then the east.”
“That’s just what we’ll do, then,” said Molly.
There was a knock at the door.
“That’ll likely be my girl
s,” she said.
I turned and opened it, and sure enough it was Molly’s girls, all fifteen of them, and all looked much happier than the not-Happy Cleaners woman.
“Hello ladies,” I said as they trooped in, looking around in awe. “I’ll leave you to your work, and head off to mine. If you need me, Molly, I’ll be in the east wing.”
I glanced at Miles, and he led the way. Which was fortunate, the house was such a maze, I might have ended up somewhere else!
“That was a close one,” said Miles.
I nodded, and looked behind me. There was no one there. They probably wouldn’t even get to the east wing and west wing halls today.
“I think we’re in the clear,” I whispered.
Miles smiled.
“You’ll have to be careful, people will start thinking you have an imaginary friend.”
I laughed, then clapped my hand over my mouth and looked behind me. Still all clear.
Miles laughed at that.
“Yeah, people will start thinking I’m crazy if they hear me having one-sided conversations.”
We walked on, winding down maze-like hallways and through large rooms.
“This house is just crazy big,” I commented. “Polly said there are places she’s never been.”
“Hmm. I think I’ve been through the whole house. But then again, I’ve had over a hundred and forty years in which to do that,” said Miles.
I laughed.
“I don’t have that long. We’ll have to search like mad to find the proof we want, if we have to go into every room to do it!”
Miles smiled.
“The wings aren’t likely to hold much. I wouldn’t bother with the majority of the bedrooms and parlors, at all. There are storage rooms that might possibly be worth searching, though. Since this is the least likely place for you to be discovered chatting away with your imaginary friend, it’s the best place for us to start.”
Miles stopped in front of a door, and opened it.
“This is the storage room furthest east in the east wing,” he said.
“That is just amazing to me, to think of having multiple storage rooms in one house,” I said.
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