~*****The Key****~ A Mystery Halloween # 3 ~Blue~

~**The Key**~

A mist from the river was rolling in while the rain softly falling against the window pane of Gloria’s Diner. Downtown business had slowed on that late rainy afternoon. People walking to and from their destinations, a few passed by the diner on their way to a variety of shops at the corner mall. A sea of multi-colored umbrellas looked like something out of a Thomas Kincaid Painting. It had been quiet with the exception of a dozen or so customers who had come in since the early bird breakfast rush hour. Not too unusual for a Friday, since most of the morning regulars wanted to get home, or pick up their children from day care or school after a busy work week.

Lana Shaw the owner, manager of the diner named for her mother Gloria, was sitting behind the counter during a brief break before the evening happy hour crowd, having a hot ham and cheese sandwich, glancing in the hand-held mirror, she brushed back her medium length auburn hair, before returning her hair—net then adding a West Virginia State ball cap when Julie Alexander better known to family and friends alike as Juls, walked in carrying a bright cornflower blue umbrella. Lana smiled to herself. Juls and she had become fast friends at their first meeting a couple years ago. She hailed from Corbin, Kentucky.

At the time a transfer senior Journalism major. A niece of her father Sam’s homicide detective partner. Together they managed the state--wide Cold Case Division. Her father had dreams, goals of expanding the division not only nationally but globally. Sometimes Lana believed there was more there between those two than met the eye. Her dad had not remarried after losing her beloved mother in an auto accident more than fifteen years ago, and his homicide detective partner had not married, she would often laugh and say she was married to her work. She wondered. Her father had said each year around this time he would retire. Though he had been showing her exactly what retirement looked like ever since he’d made the announcement and that had been several years ago. His police partner herself would be celebrating twenty-nine years with the department next year.

Though she had not had children of her own she definitely had taken her role as a stand—in parent to Julie very serious though not more than twenty-seven years old at the time, twelve years older than Julie when her older sister Mel and her husband James both architects were called to the Missions field to build homes for war--torn Ugandan natives when Julie had turned fifteen. She their youngest child and not wanting to leave her friends, her two older sisters, Michelle and Josie, all that was familiar to her, Meg had offered to help out. Their baby sister; Marlene and her husband Mike Mahaney, they already parents of three children, at first the family had thought Julie would love the idea of living with her youngest aunt, uncle and cousins, but it was her aunt Meg she had chosen to live with. It was a good choice. Julie felt fortunate blessed, she had two moms but then again they were all an exceptionally very close-knit family.



Today, her birthday, she the same age as her aunt was when she first went to live with her. Their two families had become one big family when Meg had joined her father’s cold case team, within two years they were partners and operated the state’s cold case division. She and her dad had moved to Kentucky from Chicago. Lana had again packed up went off to college then relocated to Shenandoah Junction in West Virginia. When Lincoln finished his tour of Duty as a Staff Sergeant for the Marine Corp during Desert Storm, he being the protective older brother, moved close by to watch over his baby sister.



Within a few years, Lana was able to buy the diner which was also large enough to contain her comfortable home upstairs. Since a little girl, Lana had always admired antiques. Her home held a variety of period pieces including an original Civil War Portrait of General Thomas Jonathan “Stonewall” Jackson himself and several more portraits of the Civil War period. The local school named after the legendary general wasn’t far from the diner. Juls had been doing very well for herself, landing a job as junior editor at the newspaper after graduation, some would smile and say like grandfather, like granddaughter, Julie was a lot like her grandfather John, in character and in ambition.



Perhaps his impeccable character and long- time friends, contacts didn’t influence the out-come, end result being accepted in a prestigious position right out of graduation, or maybe they did. Either way, it was alright with Julie, she had loved her grandfather dearly and sometimes when it was for the right reasons, it didn’t hurt when a person accepted a little assistance throughout life when it was needed. With her career off and going, she also purchased a 200 year old farmhouse six months ago with twenty acres of land out in the county. It gave her the freedom to raise farm animals, grow a vegetable, herb garden, flowers, rural enough to keep it serene, country and a drive less than two hours from Washington DC to keep it entertaining, interesting. Though here lately it had been strangely interesting, she had been noticing items missing, or moved from their original place in her home.

‘Look at you!” Lana said. She smiled noticing her best friend was all dressed up in a royal blue sweater, dark grey cardigan with matching jewelry and dark grey slacks. Greeting her dearest friend with a hug, exclaiming birthday wishes. Juls pulled out a stool at the counter sitting down joining Lana. How she did shine, the color seemed to bring out the silky dark luster of her waist length hair, though she rarely wore it down these days, it was so lovely like this when she did, with eyes the color of dark sapphires seemed to match the color of the sweater she was wearing.



Lana had shopped earlier in the week and had picked out a nice card for the woman who had become more like a sister to her. On the counter, there was a gorgeous crystalline blue vase filled with pink and white roses, Jul’s favorite. Not one given to show her emotions, she couldn’t stop the tears in her eyes when she saw the beautiful flowers surrounded in baby’s breath. Lana had found a gorgeous old grandfather clock at an estate sale in Woodstock, Virginia a few weeks ago having it delivered to Julie’s house, knowing she would love it for her new home. What surprised her though was the fact Lincoln had come by last night and showed her his gift he’d bought for her birthday. A white- gold bangle bracelet at locally owned TJ’s Jewelers, adding a heart charm for this special occasion. She will love it, she had said to him. She had secretly hoped her brother and her best friend would one day see what she did and they’d get together. But, she wouldn’t say a word, no, not her she wouldn’t be accused of what some people might call, meddling, but she’d call it as she saw it, she knew when two people were simply made for each other.

“How’s your day been?” Lana wanted to know. “It’s been a good one, actually I’ve finished the story on the missing oil baron’s daughter, Marileigh Wyans this morning and George seemed to really like it. George Fitzsimmons was the Managing Senior Editor at Shenandoah Chronicle in Shepherdstown . Sometimes he could be too assuming even over-bearing to a point, yet Julie standing her ground, gave back what she got. Though Fitzsimmons would be the last person to admit it, he respected the young junior editor and saw great potential. Lana smiled. “Well, that must be a relief considering how demanding he can be. I’ve wondered how you can tolerate his attitude at times.” She finished. Both women looked at each other laughing.



When Lincoln walked into the diner. ‘Hi sis, Juls how are you ladies this evening?” Lana took in his state of dress consisting of Camo, bright orange cap, when he sat down on a stool next to Julie. She knowing right away he had been somewhere hunting. “Get any- thing?” Lana wanted to know. She smiled giving Lincoln a playful wink, he smiled sheepishly in return as he glanced sideways at Julie then back to his sister trying hard to contain his amusement. “ A few squirrels.” Julie didn’t enjoy hear about hunting, though out of respect, she listened while Lincoln discussed the seasons and choice of weapons used during turkey season, deer, rabbit and various other animals. An animal lover since early childhood that would include wild animals as well, she was a member of several animal rights and protection groups. Both Lana and Lincoln knew this and most of the time spared her of the gory details of the kills he made. This evening, their mischief didn’t go unnoticed to her. She took it all good natured.



Raising chickens, as pets rather than for meat at her mini farm gave Juls so much satisfaction. The eggs she sold or gave away but always had more than enough for herself, she also supplied Lana’s diner with plenty. Including fruits and vegetables. “Happy Birthday, Julie.” Lincoln said. “Oh thanks, Lincoln.” Julie smiled. Picked up a magazine still lying on the counter when a customer had left it there after reading a page or two while waiting on their breakfast that morning. ‘Oh I meant to tell you, Meg called earlier to wish you a happy birthday too. She said she had tried calling you, then texting and couldn’t get through, your grandma phoned and then your mom. “ She smiled. Pausing to set Julie’s favorite beverage down on the counter while waiting for the baked chicken casserole in the oven with green beans, potatoes and a slice of peach cobbler, her mom’s recipe. Making a special dinner with dessert for the Birthday girl. The bell on the door rang as customers started coming in for their evening meal and those who enjoyed happy hour.



“Where’s Tom and Alan, I thought Sabrina worked tonight.” Julie asked. Alan was the new dishwasher and yet again had phoned in, so she had to call Ben asking him to come fill in for Alan, he informed her he had made out of town plans for his off day, so she contacted Terry Williams who worked a part-time schedule around his classes. He also bussed tables with Jonah Reid. Tom was one of four line cooks, Sabrina, one of five waitresses and she was late….again! In the employee pamphlet, tardiness three times, was grounds for discharge, the employee would be looking for employment elsewhere. She was thinking of letting Alan go, too. Though for the most part, the majority of her employees more than covered the diner’s customer needs as well as the maintenance, dishwashing, grills, ovens, racks, freezers. Yet, some of her employees obviously did have a problem with tardiness and Sabrina on a couple occasions didn’t show up for work at all.

Lana knew she should have let her go then, but she had cried and begged not to be fired, explaining she needed the money, her rent was due, she needed groceries, milk for the children, she had a little seven year old girl Stacie and five year old boy, Samuel to feed and she had problems finding someone suitable to care for them while she worked, she couldn’t allow any- one to watch after her children so Lana hired another girl so that Sabrina could work evenings nights instead while a neighbor lady, Miriam Johnston who lived less than a block from the diner babysat. People kept coming in, it didn’t take long for the diner to fill to over- crowded. Julie walked to the back, taking off her cardigan laying it over the desk chair in the office. Putting on an apron to protect her clothing, she started helping Franz, the supervising line cook with the platters, plates of food, filling water glasses taking them to hungry customers waiting at booths and tables. “It’s your birthday, I don’t expect you to do this.” Lana complained.



When Juls returned to the back kitchen for more plates of hot food. She laughed. “That’s no reason I cannot help my best friend when you are short-handed this evening.” She smiled good-naturedly. Lana was grateful, for the help, the better part of the next five hours, it was so busy customers were in and out, the diner had gotten noisy, and was extremely warm, she had felt a slight headache. Some of the locals, Gene and Anne Stephenson stayed for an hour or more visiting with family over a late supper. When Lana opened the diner for business, soon realizing it had quickly become a hang- out for the locals, a place where they could all gather together, experiencing friendly service, great food, catching up on one another’s lives or simply watching favorite sports or other shows, movies on the big screen tv.



Christmas had especially become a special time at the diner. Together; Lana, her brother and Juls as well as the diner’s employees would decorate a tree and the entire diner inside and out. Local businesses donated gifts for underprivileged children in and around the community, giving them a Christmas they otherwise wouldn’t have. The diner was also responsible for hosting the prettiest Halloween festival and Christmas play in Jefferson County. These events were Lana’s pride and joy.

Will Camerson and his brother Asa were the last customers sitting at a corner booth discussing a cattle sale. The kitchen spotless, the counter tops wiped down. Franz had left twenty mins ago while Lincoln had finished the last of the dishes leaving afterward, calling it a night. Sitting at the counter, slipping out off her shoes, her feet ached, Juls had been surprised with Lincoln’s thoughtful gesture, the bracelet was gorgeous. Some of the longtime regular customers had joined in Jul’s birthday celebration, laughing cheering her on. It was well after midnight by the time the women closed up the diner. Juls gladly accepted Lana’s invitation to spend the night, she was tired and it was too late to drive back to Shepherdstown even though it was only a ten to fifteen minute drive from the diner. Lana had built a fire to drive the chill from the livingroom.



Walking into the kitchen, returning with two hot mugs of cocoa, one with marsh-mellows for Juls. Sitting down on an over-stuffed chair, she took a sip. Mm delicious. Letting out a sigh. “Have you ever in your life been so tired?” She asked. “When I moved.” Julie smiled. “Yes! I remember that one, do I ever!?” Lana replied. “I cannot believe you bought that beautiful old grandfather clock at the Dawson Estate sale, I love it”, she went on to say, she had it put in the parlor off the main foyer. Speaking of, the clock and antiques. While rummaging through the upstairs attic, I found some gorgeous glass bottles, I’d like for you to look at them, tell me what you think.” I’ve also been meaning to tell you about some strange things happening at the house.” Evanwood Farm as Julie had christened her home, meant a great deal to her, she had completely redone, updated the kitchen, dining areas and two of the bedrooms, creating a master bedroom, bath walk-in closet complete with a reading area with the help of two incredible master carpenters a father and son; Paul and Shaun Hughes.



Strange things like what?” Lana wanted to know. “Well, you know how old houses have their creaks and pops and cracks, the other night, I would have believed there was someone on the stairway walking up and down, it was almost like they were pacing, then when I got up to go have a look, a red ball rolled down the hall past my bedroom.” “You mean you believe someone is getting into your home at night!? “Oh, I don’t know, I’m not sure, I don’t know what to think, I thought so during the day but now I’m not so sure. It first began about two weeks ago, when things have turned up missing or misplaced, at first it’s been little things, a plate here,

a bowl there, forks, spoons, now it’s a blouse, a coat, photographs, books, some of my files, paperwork. Just yesterday, when I returned from an errand in Harpers Ferry, I was going to stop by the house for a few minutes on my way back to the Chronicle, As I drove up the driveway, I looked up toward the upstairs bedroom that faces the North east side of the property when I noticed there was a light on upstairs, I haven’t any explanation but I do know it was a light I hadn’t left on.” Lana’s expression had turned from curiosity to concern. “Do you have protection, Juls?” Lana needed to know. “She smiled a reassuring smile. “Now, what do you think? Of course I do, do you think I wouldn’t after being raised by a homicide detective?” ‘Aunt Meg is always cautioning me, to pay close attention, to watch my surroundings, be aware of people’s behavior, you know how protective both she, mom & dad are, even grandma is cautioning me each time she calls me every Sunday evening.”



“Well, it wouldn’t hurt if you also had a dog.” She replied. “If it’s alright with you, I’ll call Lincoln in the morning, ask him to check around, find an even tempered German shepherd, well trained for your protection.” Julie smiled, knowing her best friend was being her sweet self. The two women talked for another hour or so and called it a night. 5:00am came early and even though Julie had the weekends off, she still had to open up the diner until she could find a suitable manager or at least a substitute, the responsibility was hers alone. Although she’d admit, it would be nice to have a day off through the week or on the weekend to just simply take the entire day and relax. When she had errands to run bills to pay or something important that required her attention, her brother always managed to come through for her, overseeing the operation of the diner for a few hours until she returned. Julie awoke, checking the clock on the side night table. The clock read 8:00am she couldn’t believe she had slept that long. She was up, showered, dressed and went downstairs into the diner where Lana was sitting at the counter talking to Lincoln and an older man she didn’t recognize until he turned his head, looking at her. Joseph Benjamin Wilson, better known as “JB” he had retired last year as West Virginia’s State Police Commissioner. “Good morning.” Lana was the first to greet her.



“Julie, you are acquainted with JB Wilson?” She asked. Julie returned their smile. “Yes, of course.” Lincoln spoke. “Juls, sis was telling us about some noises, missing or misplaced items at your place.” Though Lincoln looked unaffected, unemotional, Julie saw his jaw slightly tighten. She tried not to appear too concerned about the occurrences. Not really knowing what was happening to tell the truth. You could consider it fortunate if wood floors in a 200 year old house didn’t creak and make all sorts of noise, she could never go into the laundry room without the resounding thud she had been hearing since buying the farmhouse. Nevertheless, Lana and Lincoln planned on spending the weekend with her and JB Wilson would talk to Officers at the West Virginia State Police Post in Kearneysville. After the incidents with an assailant attacking several women on Sulphur Springs Road within the past month, they had increased their patrol. JB was familiar with Lana’s father, news traveled within the state police pipeline, he’d heard Sam Shaw happened to be one of the best cold case detectives out there and his partner, what was her name? Meg Weinwright was right up there ranking beside him. Though his own officers weren’t amateurs themselves.

They were all like family and looked out for one another, even after his retirement, several of the men would stop check in, sit around a while. He really enjoyed that. He would also talk to Steve Taylor who handled the K-9 Unit at Charlestown . He’d heard they were planning on retiring an eight year old female shepherd named Sasha out of Bardane after she was shot in the shoulder last Spring. Still a good sound dog but just couldn’t do the kind of strenuous work that was required on a weekly basis, if she hadn’t been placed already she’d make a good companion for Miss Alexander. He excused himself to make a quick phone call. Julie appreciated their concern, accepting their help. Actually she was relieved. Customers began arriving, Saturdays were very busy without exceptions. Lana checked the back, Frankie Donaldson had already arrived and was working the grill, when Jimmy Allen and Tom Gentry came through the back door. Relieved she returned to the front, hugged Juls, reassuring her she would be out at Evanwood Farm after she closed up the diner.



Lincoln had a couple errands to run and he’d be right behind her. JB Wilson reassured Lana, he would find a K-9 companion for Julie if Sasha had already been placed in a forever home. Normally, the K-9 Officers when they are retired, they spend out the rest of their lives with their handlers but Officer Mike Metcalf was not so fortunate, he did not survive the shooting. His widow felt like she and the children couldn’t continue to keep Sasha. In fact she was thinking of relocating moving from the area altogether. Julie stopped off at a quick mart, picking up a few grocery items for all of them over the weekend and drove on to her home. Inserting the key into the door, she heard the deadbolt click inside. The house felt a little colder than usual. She walked into the parlor, turning up the thermostat, took the groceries to the kitchen, sitting them on the island countertop. The house quiet, she could hear the ticking of the grandfather clock in the alcove of the parlor. It struck ten times, momentarily causing her to slightly jump in alarm. She looked around, in tune to her surroundings. Nothing. She heard not one noise. Until the grandfather clock struck another ten times.



Putting the groceries away, she walked into the parlor, opening the door to the clock, she checked the pendulum and the brass shell weights, and they seemed to be in working order. The key used to wind the clock was there with the door key. When she closed the door, she heard a tinkling sound. She was distracted when she noticed the red ball rolling across the dark mahogany floor of the parlor. It seemed to have come from the garden room. Quickly she walked into the room to catch a glimpse of a little boy about eight or nine running up the back stairs to the second floor. “Hey!” Julie called out. “Come back here!” She took the stairs two at a time, until she reached the second floor. She searched the bathroom, and the five bedrooms, including her own, nothing. Back downstairs she checked the parlor again, the kitchen, main floor bathroom, laundry and garden room, her office and library room, the exercise and recreational media rooms. She knew she saw a little dark—haired boy in this house. The only place she hadn’t checked was the attic where she had found a huge steamer trunk, some very old looking portraits and the unusual but very pretty glass bottles.



There was also a couple outbuildings she planned to go through sometime soon but with her work schedule, she hadn’t found the time to do that yet. She heard a car horn, she walked to the kitchen’s French doors and saw that Lincoln had arrived. Apparently he had an excited passenger. A gorgeous German shepherd. “My goodness Lincoln, JB wasn’t kidding when he said he’d find a companion for me.” She was so pleased. “What a beauty she is.” The serious expression on Lincoln’s face broke into a wide smile. “Her name is Sasha.” Julie held out her hand in greeting to the dog. Her clear bright eyes searched Julie’s face she only hesitated a moment then ran up to her to be petted, caressed. “Have you eaten?” She asked. “No, didn’t have the time.” He said as he looked around in the kitchen taking in the nice changes she’d made to the old farmhouse. Liking the white farm table with its bright long red benches on either side of the table. The matching white appliances, the sunny yellow paint on the walls giving it all a combination of a clean country old world feel. The nice sized island in the center of the room with red barstools and its half—moon pavilion. “Your place looks great Juls, I like what you’ve done to it.” “Thank You, Lincoln.” She finished adding pickles to the hoagies, sliced both in half, adding some cheese and chips, handing a plate to Lincoln. “I’ve seen an apparition.” She said.



There was complete silence. Lincoln had picked up his hoagie and halfway to his mouth, he stopped in midair. ‘What?” He said. “An apparition, I’ve seen an apparition-------a ghost.” She exclaimed. “I know what an apparition is.” He said. The look on his face said without saying how incredible, unbelievable is that! “The ghost is a little boy, he’s about eight maybe nine years old.” Once more there was complete cold as stone still silence. “I think he’s tied to this house, or maybe something in the house. I also think he’s trying to tell me something, send me some kind of message, or some such thing.” She finally said. “There, it’s out now.” she let out a heavy sigh as if she had been holding her breath. The noises you’ve been hearing, the lights left on, the red ball, it’s all to do with a ghost?” “That’s unbelievable, Juls. Not that I don’t believe you, I do but it’s just incredible.” After eating, they checked the attic, together dragging the old steamer trunk downstairs, prying off the lock, taking a look inside. Overwhelmed for a moment by the musty smell from inside. Old journals, letters had been wrapped in ribbons.



There was clothing, shoes an assortment of very old photos. While Julie and Lincoln were busy inspecting the contents of the steamer trunk, Sasha wanted to explore. She disappeared up the stairs. The sun was setting by the time they had finished searching some of the boxes, dressing bureaus in the dusty attic, there was still more to go through but it would take time and a lot of patience. “How about we stop for now and go through some more tomorrow as well as check the buildings by the barn?” Lincoln asked. “That’s fine, sounds good.” Julie nodded. She could hear the grandfather clock chime downstairs in the parlor. 10:00pm “Lana should be arriving within the hour.” She said. Just then the clock chimes ten times once again. “What’s with that clock chiming double?” He asked. “I’m not sure but I was in the process of checking it out when you arrived.” She closed the door to the attic behind her, then walking behind Lincoln to the second floor, the attic’s entryway was behind the kitchen next to the pantry. Perhaps once upon a time it had been used as a butler’s nook and the attic, living quarters for the servants. It was huge, a spacious grand old house, no doubt its history rich.



If the walls could talk. The stories it would tell. Just then Sasha came running down the hallway, with a red rubber ball held in her mouth. Julie and Lincoln looked at one another, when Sasha seemed to be following after something……..or was it someone? They followed her. Down in the kitchen’s pantry, she dropped the ball, and with her nose rolling the ball toward the entrance to the attic door. She wagged her tail at nothing--------no one was there, nothing but but air so it seemed. Apparently Sasha had found the little boy who haunted her farmhouse. After a few minutes of playing back and forth, Sasha seemed to grow tired. Julie convinced her to return to the living room after her exploration of every inch of the farmhouse. She seemed content and it was reassuring when she came and plopped down beside Julie’s feet. Both she and Lincoln sat in the living room discussing plans for Thanksgiving, Christmas with their families this year. They seemed to be avoiding what they should have been discussing. What all of this meant, what was really happening. Some things just couldn’t be explained. But what they both didn’t know, someone was watching them from the apple orchard and he was very much alive and possessed an evil sneer upon his face. Some things were better left alone and when that meddling girl bought the old farm, secrets had a way of getting out even two hundred year old secrets.



Something Carl Benoit and his family could not afford. His hopes dreams of state senator, dashed if the truth were ever known what had happened at the farm. Before that girl took possession of the place, even during the renovations, his man Adam Kensington’s attempt to divert her attention, was a near disaster while Jonas Jennings searched every- where in the house for that key! He’d even ransacked the attic searching, then looked in the upper floor bedrooms and had left a light on in the house when she had returned home unexpected early one afternoon, Jonas panicked and nearly ran into her as she walked into the rec media room. He’d forgotten himself how many rooms that old house had. He had learned from the former owner, some of the furniture he had sent to an estate sale in Woodstock including the old grandfather clock had somehow found its way back to the farm. Contacts had informed him that woman who owned the diner in Shenandoah Junction had bought the clock as a birthday gift. He’d have to have a talk with Jonas and his brother Damien about her and that brother of hers, the military hero. Julie saw lights coming down the driveway., Lana had arrived, it was a little after midnight, Julie had begun to feel a little uneasy, wondering what was taking so long.



She had stopped off to talk to Tyler Andersen, they had started dating a few weeks ago, but between both their schedules, his travel and responsibilities as Terminal manager with CSX Railroad and Lana’s diner, they didn’t get the opportunities to see one another as much as they would like. But it was soon to change once Tyler relocated to Shenandoah Junction from Baltimore, Maryland. He had lived in Upstate New York most of his life, moving to Virginia right on the border of DC, then finally Baltimore. On the route to Juls house, she’d called her dad, the signal on her cell phone fading in and out for some reason, must be the weather she thought absently. Trying once again, finally reaching him, she relayed the entire story to him and voiced her concerns about Julie. “I believe there’s more to all of this, Dad.” She said. “ Lana had yet to mention all of this to Lincoln, and had intended on calling her dad last night, but she had wanted to celebrate Juls’s birthday, the diner had been so busy, too but now with some free time, she was able to tell him about dating Tyler and that his cousin, Trisha Andersen had been hearing talk of two brothers from out at Harpers Ferry Road and they had been asking a lot of questions about her, about Julie, their entire family.

“I just sense something that’s not right about this. I’m very concerned about Julie, earlier today Lincoln and JB Wilson were able to find her a K-9 companion; Sasha a German shepherd, the police force had retired due to a critical wound or something that prevented her from performing her official duties. Her handler had been also shot and later passed.” She said. “ We attended his memorial service, Lana. He was a good man, he left behind a wife and three small children, I believe the youngest is having a real tough time dealing with his dad’s passing, I believe they are relocating near here as a matter of fact.” Sam said. There was a brief silence. “Dad, are you still there?” “Yes, I’m here, there was another pause. “Well you know, I’m due a little break, I’ll talk to Meg and a couple of the guys on the team, who should have taken a vacation eons ago. I know Big Jim has racked up enough hours



to vacation for a year or more no doubt some of the others, too. I think I’ll give them a phone call and we’ll make our way up there this weekend, spend some time with you and Lincoln, how’s that?” He waited for her reply. “That sounds great, Dad, we’re staying with Juls for the weekend and for however long it takes to make sure she is safe, that we’re all safe. I can’t wait to see you, but I’d kinda like to keep this between us, I don’t want to scare Juls, I think she is more upset about this than she is letting me know, I also think she suspects there is more going on than a little boy playing with a red ball.”

“Someone is searching her house while she’s away whatever it is they are looking for, they haven’t found it yet and they are starting to get desperate. We must find out who is behind all of this, she didn’t believe for one minute that Jonas and Damien Jennings were doing this by themselves though no doubt they would take the fall. “Lana, we’ll be there as soon as we can even if the others can’t make it, we will and we’ll take it from there, ok?” “The entire community will simply believe we’re all there on vacation, visiting family” Sam heard what sounded like relief in his daughter’s voice. After they ended their conversation, he immediately called Meg. It would be an eight hour drive, a little over five hundred miles but when Sam contacted Joe Suarez, he’d said he could be packed in thirty minutes and would meet him at his house The rest of the team agreed, count them all in too. The Cold case team were psyched about the history behind the farmhouse and the little boy ghost, and of ghostly sightings of soldiers from the Civil War who fought on the battlefield at Antietam, not far from Julie’s farm. Julie and Lincoln mentioned Sasha playing ball with the little boy, they had rummaged through trunks and old antique dressing bureaus an antique roll-top desk in the attic, and several boxes.



Tomorrow they would start on the rest of the trunks, and go look in the buildings out back by the barn. That weekend Sam Shaw with his Cold Case team from Kentucky drove to the entrance gate at Evanwood Farm, yes indeed; The modern day Cavalry had arrived. Lana informed her brother on what was happening when he watched three dark sedan’s enter Juls driveway. “So he believes there’s more that meets the eye here, too?” “Yes he does and he believes the ghostly little boy is the key to it all.” “Speaking of key”, Lincoln said. “Juls finally found a key, it had fallen down at the bottom of the grandfather clock, but apparently it had been hidden at the back, because there is a small ledge, that is easily missed, apparently it had been safely stored there, it’s a very old skeleton key. Obviously someone wants that key very badly but not knowing where it was located.” Lincoln finished. Juls greeted her Aunt Meg with a warm hug, so pleased to see her.



Sam informed her they all needed a vacation and thought they’d drive up and see how the renovations were coming along at her farmhouse, see the sights including the Civil War Battlefield, various shops and museums. “What beautiful country.” Marva Daniels the team’s profiler said. “It does remind you of Kentucky though, quite a lot.” She smiled. Lana and Julie both smiled. “Yes, it does.” They said at the same time. The rest of the team got out of the cars. Later parking them in the four-car garage directly behind the house. The doors closed, someone standing outside beside it couldn’t see there were any vehicles inside at all. The next morning, Lana had called Tom, he came out then went back opening the diner setting every- thing up while she was spending time with her family she’d said to him. She had to begin to trust the diner to someone else, this situation was vital. Tom reassured her she had nothing to be concerned about, to take her time enjoy her family, he had enough experience, and he was confident had every- thing under control.



While over breakfast, the team went through records, letters, old journals learning the farm had, had many employees working there at one time. The house’s history dated back to two hundred years at least. Saturday afternoon, Juls drove into town, buying more groceries, on her drive back, someone tried to run her car into the Potomac River. That same night; both Jonas and Damien Jennings made an attempt on Lana and her brother’s lives. Both men were apprehended at their residence and they sang like songbirds. Implicating not only Carl Benoit but two other prominent business men from the region, who apparently had ties to the murdered victims.



During the first American battle of 1812 until today, with further investigation many people had perished on this land. So many had suffered. According to the documentation found, much of the hired help had been tragically mistreated. According to more documents, journals, letters, found. Some of which were written by the hand of Ms Hannah O’Malley Graham, she had married a Confederate Officer from Virginia; James Garrison Graham. From Hannah’s journal entries, her husband was also a good man. Hannah herself possessing a deep faith; a Christian woman whose family had traveled from South Carolina had originally came from Belfast, Ireland.



One such entry was dated November 17 1865, Young Timothy was their only child; he often played with a red ball. He had disappeared one afternoon while outside at play, simply vanished it seemed into thin air. Hannah’s grief was raw, she had never forgiven herself believing there was something she could have done to have prevented what happened to her little boy. Her journal entries spoke of deep sorrow, and regret. An ancestor of Carl Benoit’s was suspicioned to have harmed the little boy, though there had never been any real proof. Witnesses who had encountered Benoit’s ancestor’s bizarre behavior toward the little boy. He had been tried and hanged. With further investigation, it was later uncovered He and several other members of Benoit’s descendants had been caught committing unspeakable crimes. After arrests were made, the investigation wrapped up, the case for little Timothy Graham still remained open.



Out of respect to his memory the Cold case team just didn’t have the heart to close the book. One Autumn afternoon, Juls was walking with Sasha through the Apple orchard along the river bank. Closing the jacket’s fleece, protecting herself from the chill, She placed her hands in the pocket of her jacket, feeling her fingers close around something cold, she removed it, to find that it was the same key she had found at the bottom of the old grandfather clock. She had almost forgotten about it. She had noticed an old trunk in one of the buildings near the barn. Walking there, she cautiously pushed aside the wooden door on the building. Apparently it had been used as a coach or carriage house at one time. The Duprez’, Benoit’s, The Armitage’s and the Graham’s who had owned the house and property generations ago, prominent families in their time.



How sad, Carl Benoit would attempt to have a family murdered simply because of his own selfish greed the evil some men will do. When Julie, found the trunk several days ago, somehow she had a feeling the gold key would unlock fit. But she wasn’t so sure that she really wanted to know what was inside. Bending down to get a better look at the opening, she inserted the key, turning it there was a soft click. She was almost holding her breath. When she raised the lid to look inside. She felt her heart break. Inside were the remains of her little visitor and his companion, a little dog. She felt the tears slide down her cheeks. How could someone harm a child?

Yes those who did this, paid, still little Timothy did not return to his mother, his father, it didn’t ease the anguish the sorrow and grief. They never learned of what happened to their little boy. That in itself, never knowing, must have been nothing more than a life sentence filled with sorrow. She contacted the authorities, her family. An interment was arranged for the little boy, even a marble stone was purchased. Perhaps he could now rest in peace…….. He never returned, Julie never saw the red ball roll across the floor or see Sasha run after it bringing it back to her. Maybe she was selfish, but she missed seeing that ball. They buried him beside the Oak tree, perhaps one that remained from the days when this same little boy and his faithful dog had played underneath its shade.

~The End~

Copyright © 2015 *KYBluebird*

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