by R E Gauthier
Kelsey made her way to the small window in the front of the house and sat down with her childhood journal. For as long as Kelsey could write down her experiences in sentences, at the age of five, she had kept track of everything she ever did, saw, heard, or felt. Lifting the cover, opened up Kelsey’s deep emotional void from losing Aisling. Tears ran down her face; this was the first time she had opened this book since after Aisling’s death. The smell was familiar even if it was now over twenty-one years older. This book served to be Kelsey’s only companion every night. She jotted down lessons learned, games they played, jokes they pranked, and most of all it’s where all of Kelsey stored her childhood dreams.
Through tears and some apprehension, Kelsey read the words before her. In the beginning, the sentences were childish and straightforward, but then they grew into emotion-filled, childhood experiences. Scanning carefully, Kelsey looked for the mention of Nanna’s lessons about their gift. Finding a notation on the sidebar about Nanna’s tea recipe, she read that she and Aisling had learned to block each other out so they could play hide and seek. Nanna described brewing a tea of yarrow and drinking it before saying the incantation: “Block out what you know. Keep your mind safe from everyone. Lock your heart’s secrets and protect you from all harm.”
Kelsey set the book down and looked out the small window that looked over the back garden. Where will I find some yarrow? If she were to ask Nanna, then her grandmother would know what she was up to, and that wouldn’t do. Pulling her phone out of her jean’s pocket, Kelsey scrolled to find Nikki’s contact icon, seeing it, she tapped the screen.
“Hey Mack, how goes the search for that spell?”
Kelsey giggled. “It’s not a spell, well not really. I guess you could call it that, but…yes, I found it.”
“So, how soon until you know it works?”
Kelsey didn’t know how long it took for the tea and incantation to work. She had been lying low at Nanna’s house for a couple of weeks after returning home from the hospital. Nanna seemed fine, and there were many days that Kelsey could easily see her grandmother had used Kelsey’s fear of her death to stop her from investigating that night over twenty-one years ago. “I’m not sure, but that’s where I need you to help me. I need to find some yarrow to make a tea.”
“Why can’t you ask…oh right. It’s spelled y-a-r-r-o-w?”
“Yes, I don’t even know where to begin looking. Do you think there are herbal shops or someplace that sells—?”
“That sells spell ingredients like eye of newt, wing-of-bat, or a big black cauldron.” Nikki giggled.
“Very funny. No, there must be a place or will I have to try an online order site?”
“Let me see. I found a small Natural Foods store in McMurray, and their website states they have loose herbs from A to Z. I can send you the address. I don’t see another place that’s closer.”
“Thanks, Nikki, that’s not too far from here. I hope this works. I’m going bat- crazy. I hate being idle for very long and these two weeks have been torture.”
“But it must be nice to spend some quality time with Nanna and Miranda. You don’t take time off much.”
“These last several months since Baltimore has seen me taking off plenty of time. Besides, I think I’m crimping on Miranda’s creative style.”
“Oh, no. Don’t tell me the honeymoon has ended.”
Kelsey laughed out loud. “I’ve been hiding from her from time-to-time, so she doesn’t get annoyed. It would seem I’m too distracting.”
Nikki chuckled loudly. “Where are you right now?”
“I’m up in the attic, sitting cross-legged on the floor.”
“Oh wow, that’s bad. Isn’t there a less dark, dusty place for you to hide?”
“I found my journal up here. I had enough of the annoyed stares from Miranda a few days ago. Nanna ran out of errands for me to run, so I went to Kenny and Muriel’s place to look in their attic. I spent three days going through all of the stuff up there. One day soon, that place needs a good cleaning. When I didn’t find anything, I began my search up here; in Nanna’s attic. All day yesterday, I spent the day looking through decades of family mementos. I was about to give up, and then today, I found a little corner with boxes, I recognized. The journal that I kept from age five to thirteen was tucked away with many board games, and pictures of Aisling and I.”
“Mack, it must have been very emotional for you. How are you?”
“It’s been tough going through childhood memories that once were filled with fun and laughter then taken away in one night.”
Nikki was silent for a few moments. “Did Nanna have any idea why you were up there or what you were searching for?”
“I told her that I wanted to find some of my old stuff to show Miranda. That seemed to appease any curiosity on her part.”
“Well, I should let you get to finding your yarrow and casting your spell.” Nikki giggled.
“I’m going to find a spell to turn you into a toad if you don’t stop teasing me.”
“A toad? At least a frog, then maybe a beautiful princess can kiss me and turn me back.”
Kelsey laughed; she started to say goodbye to Nikki when she thought she should ask her about Paul Washburg. Kelsey’s visions had been quiet lately, and she worried that she might have lost the connection to Washburg and his mother. “Speaking about fairytales, have you spoken to Torres lately?”
Nikki sighed. “I guess I deserved that.”
“Sorry, but your huge crush on her will go nowhere. She sees you as a younger woman, and I don’t think she’s into the sort of relationship you’re looking for.”
“What the hell does that mean? You make it sound like I’m into some mother-figure fetish.”
“Hey, I’m not the one who said it, all I’m saying is that a woman like Torres is into serious committed relationships not fun and no-strings kind of sex that you look for.”
“You have every right to think that is the sort of woman I’m looking for, but somedays I want what you have with Miranda. Speaking of which, do you have any plans for tomorrow night? This year you will have your first chance to celebrate the number one day for all lovers.”
Kelsey felt terrible for not thinking about possibly hurting Nikki’s feelings. Her best friend had always played the field when meeting women, but after her encounter with Jess Harrington, the Nikki, Kelsey knew, had changed. Afraid to cause any more loneliness for Nikki by describing the elaborate romantic Valentine’s night she had planned in Pittsburgh, Kelsey tried to turn the subject back to Torres and her investigation into Paul Washburg’s disappearance. “You didn’t tell me whether you heard from Torres. Has she any movement on her search for Paul Washburg?”
Nikki sighed again. “She did call me last night. She hasn’t heard from her contacts in D.C., but a friend in New York may have a lead on a man fitting Paul’s description. This friend of Torres is a private investigator, who works in upstate New York. He heard about a man inquiring about a senior facility for his aunt. Torres sent him photos of Paul and Nancy Washburg. The witness said that the man had on some mask, and Nancy wore a scarf and glasses, but he was sure it was them.”
“Nikki, why didn’t you call me as soon as you got this news?”
“Because I knew you had been annoyed about your visions not coming through clearly. Besides, Torres hasn’t been able to verify anything yet; we decided to wait until we could be sure.”
Feeling sorry for putting Nikki into this position, Kelsey apologized immediately. “I have been surly because I haven’t been able to see visions clearly, but I still want to put that sick bastard away for good. He thinks he got away with all the havoc and killing, but I’m still an FBI agent before my gift helped me, I was able to investigate and find depraved men like him. If this report pans out, we may have the first solid lead on his whereabouts, and I want to be there when he learns he didn’t go far enough away to hide from us.”
“I know, and I’m sorry I didn’t ca
ll to tell you, but you have also been dealing with having to try reopening your family’s case. And then there is this thing you need to do to block Nanna. How has she been lately?”
“I’ve been running errands, listening to Miranda and Nanna planning our wedding, and going crazy sitting here making sure Nanna rests. The thing is, I now believe even more that Nanna deliberately used her panic attack to sway me from my investigation.”
“She must be pretty desperate to keep you from learning the truth. It cannot be easy sitting around when you know your grandmother may know what happened.”
The pressure had been palatable on Kelsey. The weight of knowing that her dream of finally solving the mystery of her cousin, aunt, and uncle’s murders was upon her and she couldn’t find the one clue she needed to prove that they didn’t die the way the police had said they did. “I’ve been waiting for this opportunity my whole career, so now that I have it within my grasp, I’m not about to let anyone or anything get in the way. But until we can find what we need to reopen the case, I’m not going to sit around and let a man like Paul Washburg live free, thinking he got away with murdering all those people.”
“Well, Torres said she’d let us know if she gets any more information. Torres’s friend said that the man fitting Washburg’s description hadn’t made more inquiries about senior facilities. When and if he does, he’ll contact Torres. She is prepared to fly to upstate New York at a moment’s notice; she’s just as committed to finding Washburg as we are. I don’t think Torres likes letting someone like Washburg getting away with what he had, any more than we do.”
“I know she doesn’t and Nikki, would you like to come over for dinner tomorrow night? Nanna could use some company while Miranda and I go to Pittsburgh for the night.” Kelsey hoped that Nikki would agree, she had wished she would have thought of it sooner.
“You don’t have to give me a pity-task to keep me busy. I can always do what I usually do on Valentine’s Day. I don’t mind sitting alone watching anti-Valentine movies all night.”
Grimacing, Kelsey felt terrible for the self-pity she heard in Nikki’s voice. “This isn’t a pity-task. I would appreciate you staying with Nanna, so I’ll know she won’t be alone. Besides, Nanna has been asking about you. I think she’d be tickled to have someone other than Miranda and I to cook for.” Kelsey knew Nikki couldn’t resist Nanna’s cooking.
“Will she make me Scotch lamb with neeps and tatties?”
Kelsey chuckled. She knew Nikki loved Nanna’s roast of lamb in scotch ale with turnips and potatoes. “I’m sure we can arrange that. I better let Nanna know you’ll be here and get some shopping done. I’m going to need to stop at the butcher and the liquor store because we’re all out of lamb shank and scotch ale. My shopping trip will give me an excuse to get the yarrow for my tea as well.”
Nikki made a lip-smacking sound. “My mouth is watering now, when can I come tomorrow?”
“You can even come tonight if you want. We have plenty of room here. Nanna would love to have you. You should plan on staying overnight tomorrow as well because I booked a hotel room for Miranda and I.”
“I need to close up the office and make a quick stop at my hotel room. I can be there in an hour or so. What is Nanna planning on making for dinner, tonight?”
Kelsey liked the light, happy sound in Nikki’s voice. “I’m not sure she had anything special planned. I’ll let her know you’re coming for a visit. We can surprise you.”
“Okay, I better go and hurry and Mack…?”
“Yeah?”
“I love surprises, Nikki said as she ended the call.
Kelsey looked down at her silent phone. I hope Nanna will like this surprise, just as much.
Chapter Ten
East State Street, Sharon, Pennsylvania, February 14, 2012
Kelsey’s excitement was palatable as she drove along the East State Street in Sharon, northwest of Pittsburgh. She had waited for this trip for many months. She searched for just the right place to take Miranda for Valentine’s Day. When Kelsey found the Buhl Mansion Guesthouse and Spa in Sharon, looking like it had stepped out of a storybook, she knew it was the one. She wanted this day to be memorable as it was to be their first Valentine’s Day celebration. Miranda had described her love of buildings with turrets, so when Kelsey saw pictures of the Buhl Mansion, she knew they had to book a room there. She had many surprises in store for Miranda today.
Nikki had arrived yesterday much to Nanna’s delight. Kelsey had expected Nanna’s annoyance that Nikki was there to watch over her while Miranda and Kelsey were away. Nanna surprised Kelsey by announcing she would make Nikki’s favorite dish and Scotch Oatcakes as well. Nikki looked like she was in heaven when Nanna handed Nikki, her first plate of the yummy oatmeal and chocolate treats. Realizing she had nothing to worry about, Kelsey relaxed for the first time since Nanna’s hospital scare.
Kelsey’s plan to go to bed earlier than usual and get up this morning to start their two hours trip had gone without a hitch. Kelsey carefully made sure that Miranda didn’t expect anything about the surprise she had in store for her. Now, in the dim light of the early dawn, they saw the hotel lit in twinkling lights. The snow covered the expansive grounds as they drove through the wrought-iron gates. The newly-fallen snow clung to the bare shrubs and the rooftop of the hotel.
Miranda’s look of sheer delight as she saw the snow-covered mansion lit up with many lights, captivated Kelsey.
“Oh my, this place is spectacular. It looks just like a castle. Are we staying here?” Miranda asked touching Kelsey’s thigh.
Slightly distracted by the warm hand on her leg, Kelsey asked, “yes, do you like it?”
“Babe, it’s just like it’s right out of a fairytale…like the ones, my mother read to me. Look at that turret, oh my, I love it!” Miranda’s face was lit up like a small child.
Kelsey smiled so much, her face hurt. She was glad she had remembered Miranda’s memories of her childhood. The trip away will be the perfect way to spend a romantic Valentine’s Day with Miranda. “Then you don’t mind we drove all this way. I know I told you it was in Pittsburgh, but I wanted this to be a surprise.”
“The drive on the snow-covered highway in the dark was worth it, but if we had driven through one more open area with blowing snow, I would have told you to pull over until the sun was up.”
Kelsey’s big grin turned sheepish. “I’m sorry I caused you some stress, but I wanted to spend as much of this day with you here.”
“Is it as beautiful inside as it looks on the outside?”
“Well, from the pictures, I saw, it’s pretty special inside too. I have booked the Ladies Royal Court Package for us. I’ve spared no expense to make sure to pamper you as you deserve. I paid extra to check in early; that way we can settle into our room before our first massage.”
Miranda’s hand crept up Kelsey’s thigh. “I’ve missed you these past few weeks even though we’ve been in the same bed it’s not the same as being alone. I’m glad I packed a few items for you.”
Kelsey smiled thinking of the possible items Miranda may have brought. “I hope you don’t mind. I bought a few items for you as well. I wanted to make this day special.”
They drove through the archway leading to the visitor parking. Miranda’s eyes were filled with wonderment as she took in the opulent architecture. The snow only made it look like they had stepped into their very own wonderland. Kelsey couldn’t wait till her fiancée walked through the foyer because she was sure the pictures, she viewed online, wouldn’t do the actual grandeur justice. Parking the car, Kelsey hurried to open Miranda’s door. “I’ll come back for our bags later. I want to get inside and see if this place can stand up to all the high praise and reviews.”
Miranda stopped Kelsey’s progress and pulled on her coat lapels to draw her down for a long, deep kiss. “That’s okay because we won’t need anything from our bags right now.” She smiled as she planted another, even deeper kiss on Kelsey’s lips.
Kelsey’s knees went weak from the feelings the tongue inside her mouth stirred. Her eyes rolled back in her head, and her toes curled. Miranda’s hunger was palatable, and she hoped she could wait until they reached their room.
***
Kelsey sighed deeply. So Far, the day surpassed all of Kelsey’s expectations. When Miranda realized that they would be staying in the Grand Turret room, she couldn’t get Kelsey out of her clothes fast enough. The primal ferocity in such a petite woman caused her heart to beat a little faster just thinking about it. They barely made it to the large king-sized, four-poster bed before Miranda had Kelsey undone. Gasping for her breath, Kelsey teetered on the cusp of an orgasm as her bare back hit the silky, cool bed covers. They almost didn’t make their ten o’clock appointment for their couple’s Swedish massage. The Ladies Royal Court package came with their Swedish massage, an Essentials facial, and massage of neck and shoulder, manicures, hand massages, pedicure, and foot baths and finished off with a champagne lunch.
After their spa treatment, Miranda and Kelsey had the whole afternoon to get ready for their four-course meal in the sunroom at 7 pm. It didn’t take long for them to make their way to their room and try out the large jetted tub for two. Kelsey had roses delivered to the room as well as more champagne and strawberries. The two women hurriedly undressed to climb into the hot foamy water. The windows surrounding the tub overlooked the snowy gardens below. The deep rich shades of red wooden planking of the turret over the tub shone. Kelsey wanted to return to their room after their evening meal and have another bath with candles. She imagined how the candlelight would flicker off of Miranda’s hair and shine in her eyes as she made love to her against the marble of the tub.