The Haunting of Emily

By Anne McCourtie

In an effort to find closure regarding her husband's accidental death, Emily McLofflin plans to spend several weeks in an isolated cabin in northern Michigan while she attends a writer's conference. However, before she leaves the cabin to attend the two-day conference, unnerving incidents lead her to believe she may not be alone in the forest. The conference holds even more surprises.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Anne McCourtie
• Release date: Feb 8, 2012
• ISBN: 9781465965677

Anne McCourtie

I was born in Louisiana, raised in Texas, camped out in Oklahoma for a few years then finally migrated to Kansas where I gave up the gypsy life to marry John Huerter. My husband and I live in a rural area near Topeka. Our menagerie includes one dog, a pride of cats, a herd of horses, and assorted wildlife. They are an endless source of entertainment and inspiration. Besides writing, my passions include cats, crosswords and cryptograms. I also love all things mysterious. Over the years I have written everything from cookbooks to novels as well as short stories, poetry, children's books, and puppet plays. (Yes, I was a puppeteer back in my gypsy life.) An incurable optimist, I look for the good in everything and usually find it. I expect to be writing and publishing for years to come. Stay tuned.

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The Haunting of Emily

Anne McCourtie

Published by Anne McCourtie

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2012 Anne McCourtie

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Prologue

Come on, David…be there, Emily murmured into the phone. It was late and she was tired after her long trip. She had been trying to reach David on his cell phone for two days, but all she could get was the recording telling her the number was not available. She wondered if he had his phone turned off, although that wasn’t something that he usually did. They hadn’t seen each other in almost two weeks and Emily wanted to let him know she had made it home safely.

Once more she got the recording. In frustration, she hung up the phone and stood in the kitchen trying to think what to do. All she really wanted to do was go to bed. Finally, she decided to call the number she had for Justin and Marcy – the friends David was visiting – and leave a message with them. She knew they might have gone sailing and she had no idea what their itinerary was or if they even had one.

She dialed their number and waited for the beep. Hi, this is Emily McLofflin, David’s wife. I was just calling to let him know I made it back to Kansas City okay. Please ask him to call me when he gets in. Thanks. That was the best she could do. At least he couldn’t complain that she didn’t check in with him. Once more she played back the last message she had from him.

Emily darling, I miss you like crazy and can hardly wait to tell you about the trip. Wish you could be here with me. We’re going up to Thunder Bay for a couple of days. I’ll call you when we get back. Love you.

Emily smiled at his boyish eagerness. She could just imagine David, his blue eyes fairly sparkling with anticipation and his broad, enchanting smile lighting up the face she adored. She was pleased he was having a good time. He had so wanted to go sailing on the Great Lakes.

It was unfortunate she had to cancel going with him, but her career demanded it. She thought of herself as a late bloomer, which meant she felt she always had to make up for lost time, so the past week had been spent making the circuit of several bookstores where she was the featured author for promoting her latest children’s book. However, as much as she had enjoyed the publicity, she wished she had been able to go with David.

Emily happily anticipated David’s returning home. They had been married four years, yet she still felt a certain girlish giddiness when they were reunited after a long time apart. With a sigh, she carried her suitcase upstairs to the bedroom where she changed into her nightgown and crawled into bed. Soon she was sleeping soundly.

The next morning Emily was awakened by the sound of the doorbell. Groaning, she rolled over to look at the clock and was shocked to see it was already ten. She jumped out of bed and grabbed a robe.

I’m coming! she shouted down the stairs to the insistent ringer of the doorbell. Quickly she ran her fingers through her sleep-tousled, light auburn hair before opening the door. Confused and bewildered, she gazed into the face of a State Trooper.

Sorry to keep you waiting, she told the officer. I…I…was still asleep, she explained groggily. What’s going on?

Mrs. Trimble?

Yes? Emily said warily. She didn’t bother to explain about keeping her maiden name. Sometimes it was just simpler to be Mrs. Trimble.

Are you the wife of David Trimble?

Yes.

Ma’am, I’m Captain Maynard. I’m here to let you know that your husband has been involved in an accident.

The color drained from Emily’s face as she gripped the door handle with her left hand, steadying herself with her other hand against the doorframe. "What’s happened? Is he okay? Is he badly hurt?

Ma’am, may I come in so that you can sit down?

Apprehension filled Emily’s heart and her knees went weak as she nodded and stepped back. The trooper grasped her arm and helped her to a chair in the living room, then seated himself on the sofa before speaking.

Mrs. Trimble, according to the Coast Guard, there was a sudden, violent storm and your husband was washed overboard. I’m sorry, but he is presumed drowned.

What do you mean ‘presumed’? Don’t they know for sure?

No, ma’am, they don’t. You see, they’ve not yet recovered his body. They have searched for two days with no luck. I’m sorry. I wish I could give you more of the details. You’ll need to get in touch with the Coast Guard and they can tell you what they know up to this point. Here’s their number. He handed her a card. Is there someone that I can call to come and stay with you right now?

For a moment, Emily couldn’t speak. Her pulse pounded loudly in her head as she tried to focus the thoughts that were running like unruly children through her mind. This isn’t real! It can’t be real! Not my precious David! He can’t be gone. This is a nightmare and I’ll wake up any minute now. She sat there numbly, unable to move or talk.

The trooper waited patiently then gently repeated the question. At last Emily spoke, her voice barely above a whisper.

Yes…yes. I…I…have a friend…Sabrina. Her number is programmed into the phone in the kitchen. She waved vaguely at the doorway leading to the kitchen. The officer went to make the call, then came back and sat down again.

I’ll wait here with you until you friend arrives. She said she’d be right over. Is there anything else I can do for you, Mrs. Trimble?

Emily shook her head. Not unless you can make this go away, she thought. David…drowned? Not found? It was impossible. He was supposed to call her. He promised he would call. Her head hurt, she wanted to cry, but couldn’t. Where was Sabrina?

Sabrina didn’t bother with the doorbell as she rushed through the front door into the living room. She hugged Emily without speaking, then followed the trooper to the foyer where she spoke briefly with him before he left. She returned to the living room and sat facing Emily.

Emily, honey, what can I do for you? Have you had any breakfast? asked Sabrina, trying to be helpful but not sure what to do.

Emily shook her head. No…not yet. I…I…was in bed asleep…dreaming. Am I still dreaming, Sabrina? Please tell me I am, she begged as she looked into her friend’s eyes.

Sabrina choked back her tears and took Emily’s hand. I wish I could, Emily, believe me, I wish I could. But…no…it’s not a dream. I’m afraid David isn’t coming home.

Chapter 1

Emily ignored the ringing phone. Because she was busy packing and didn’t want to be bothered unless it was really important, she decided to let the answering machine pick up and she would screen her calls. She listened as her message played.

You have reached 963-2629. I’m sorry I am unable to come to the phone right now. Please leave a message after the beep and I will call you back as soon as possible.

Emily? If you’re there, pick up!

Recognizing her friend Sabrina’s cheery voice, Emily reached over, pressed the speaker button, and replied, Hello, Sabrina.

Emily, have you got me on that damned speakerphone again? You know I hate that!

Sorry, Sabrina, but I need both hands right now. Emily opened her closet and began looking through her clothes, trying to decide what to take with her to Michigan.

So what are you doing that you can’t take five minutes to talk?

I’m packing. Did you forget that I’m leaving in the morning?

No, I didn’t forget. That’s why I’m calling; to see if I can talk you out of this nonsense!

Sabrina, we’ve been over this before and you know you can’t talk me out of it.

Oh, you’re impossible! This is crazy, moving off to some place a thousand miles from home where you don’t know anyone.

I told you. I’m not moving. I’m going to a writer’s conference.

Emily, the conference only lasts four days; you’re planning to stay four months!

I know. I’m just taking a…a… sabbatical.

From what…life? For God’s sake, you don’t even have to slave away at a regular job like the rest of us do! I just don’t see why you can’t stay in Kansas City to take your sabbatical.

Emily couldn’t concentrate and talk to Sabrina at the same time. She finally gave up and picked up the receiver.

Sabrina, why don’t you just come on over to the house? Maybe you can help me pick out what to take and I’ll try to explain – again – why I’m doing this. Besides I need to give you a key and tell you about the plants.

Well, okay - if you insist. I’ll be there in fifteen minutes.

Good. And if you don’t have any plans for the evening, you can stay and have supper with me.

That’ll work. See you in a few.

Emily reached over and hung up the phone. She loved Sabrina, but she really didn’t want to have to explain her decisions to her best friend. However, she knew Sabrina wouldn’t settle for anything less. Emily sighed as she once more went to the closet and sorted through the clothes.

What was Michigan like in the fall? She had only been there once before and that was in early summer. From what Andrew had said, the weather was not too different from Kansas City, except that cold weather probably started earlier. She would definitely need to take warm clothing. Emily had to make sure to take everything she needed since she planned to be gone for at least four months, and she didn’t want to end up buying more clothes. She was still working her way through the closet when she heard Sabrina’s truck in the driveway. Leaning out the upstairs window, she called to Sabrina.

The door’s unlocked, just come on up. As Emily closed the window, Sabrina’s petite, trim figure bounded up the stairs, her curly blonde hair bouncing with every step. Emily envied the ease with which Sabrina kept a slim figure, while Emily had to struggle to maintain her optimum weight. She guessed Sabrina’s secret was that she never slowed down. For a woman in her forties, Emily thought, she seems to have boundless energy.

Emily, how many times do I have to tell you – keep your doors locked! This is Kansas City, not Podunk, Oklahoma!

Oh, Sabrina, you’re such a worry wart. Emily laughed as she hugged her friend.

That may be, but you mark my words, one of these days, someone will take advantage of your trusting nature and they’ll rob you blind. Probably while you’re standing upstairs just like this! Sabrina plopped down on the bed. So now tell me again why you’re doing this.

Well, Sabrina, I’m not really sure I can explain. I have just come to a point in my life that I need to figure out where to go next. I’ve had a really hard time since David died, you know. It’s been so difficult to focus on my work that even my publisher is wondering about me.

Yeah, I know, Emily. But it’s been two years now. You need to get on with your life. I know David was a great guy and all that, but he’s gone now. Sabrina touched Emily gently on the arm to lessen the harshness of her words. Emily sat down beside her on the bed.

You’re right. I know that. And that’s why I want to leave this house for a while. Everywhere I look, I’m reminded of him. We worked so hard together on this place. Not only decorating it, but creating the gardens. Not many men are interested in that type of thing, but David loved the gardens as much as I did and, well, we had so many things in common…we were so right together! Emily struggled to not give in to the despondency, which seemed to always hover near her, just waiting to take over. She cleared her throat. Anyway, I’ve got this great opportunity to fulfill one of my life-long dreams, so I’m going to go for it.

And what dream might that be? To get as far away from your best friend as you can? Sabrina brushed her hair from her forehead and stuck out her lip in a mock pout.

No, Sabrina. Emily laughed. If you knew me better, you would know I’ve always wanted to seclude myself in a cabin in the woods and write some great mystery novel. And now’s my chance.

Emily McLofflin, I’ve known you more years than I care to count, and you never shared that with me. I know…because I would have remembered!

Okay, okay, so you’re my best friend and you would have remembered. Well, now you know.

So why couldn’t you just rent a cabin somewhere closer to home?

Well, for one thing, I can use this one for free. All I have to do is pay for the electricity I use.

What about water? Or do you have to haul that from a creek?

Emily ignored the sarcasm. No, Sabrina. The cabin has running water. There’s a well and they’ve got a pump. In fact, it even has an indoor toilet!

That’s great. At least I won’t have to worry about you being eaten by a bear some night on your way to the outhouse!

Emily looked at Sabrina and they both burst out laughing. Now that would definitely be an embarrassing way to go. If it’s any comfort, I promise not to go outside the cabin after dark. Okay?

Well, okay, I guess. Sabrina smiled, So what’s for supper, anyway?

I don’t know. Why don’t you go downstairs and see what’s left in the fridge while I finish up here. We may have to order in.

Oh, I can wait. Let me help you with your packing. What do you have left to do?

Sabrina stretched out across the bed as Emily moved over to the closet once more and they began choosing her Michigan wardrobe. Sabrina would either nod yes or no as each garment was brought out. Before long, they were done.

Now can we eat? asked Sabrina.

Emily laughed, Yes, yes. I can’t have my best friend and comrade starving to death. I may need your help later. She grabbed Sabrina’s arm and pulled her up from the bed. Let’s go.

Emily led the way down the stairs and into the spacious kitchen she and David had designed. One of the advantages of having been married to an architect was the freedom to have a house that fit her image of a dream home. She could tell him what she wanted and David had the expertise to plan it. He often had suggestions, but they generally agreed on what they wanted. When necessary, they compromised on the features that caused disagreement, so it all worked out well.

One of those features had been the island in the center of the kitchen. Emily wasn’t sure she wanted it, but David insisted she would love it, so she agreed to have it built. As it turned out, he was right. She especially loved the convenience of the breakfast bar, which was part of the island.

Sabrina now perched herself on one of the stools at the breakfast bar while Emily surveyed the refrigerator. Hmm, not much in here. Some tuna salad and bagels.

Ugh! Thanks, but no thanks. How about some pizza? My treat. Sabrina grabbed the phone book and flipped it open, then found her favorite pizza place.

Emily wrinkled her nose in disagreement. How about lasagna instead? With a salad. Look up Valentino’s. They make a great lasagna.

Yeah, but they don’t deliver, do they?

No, but it’s not far. I’ll treat, if you’ll go pick it up, okay?

"I said I’d treat, so I will. You want to make the call?

Emily dialed the phone and placed the order, then hung up and turned to Sabrina. They said it would be about twenty minutes.

Okay. So while we’re waiting, tell me again about this long-lost family you found in Michigan.

Emily briefly went over how she had gotten on the Internet and found out there were several McLofflins who lived in Michigan. Then she learned about a park that had originally been a McLofflin estate of some kind. Apparently, it was a very unique piece of property and had been bought by the small town where a Nathaniel McLofflin had been born and raised. Emily joked that he was the only McLofflin she knew of who had been wealthy. It had been very exciting research and when she found out about the park, she just had to go see it.

Why in the world did you want to drive that far, just to see a park? Sabrina asked.

I guess it was like a pilgrimage for me. My mother died six years ago and as an only child, I felt very alone. Then I met David and he became my family, but suddenly he was gone, too. My dad was still alive, but he and my mom divorced when I was about ten, so I didn’t see much of him or his side of the family until he died last year. I sort of reconnected with them at the funeral. Then when I came back from Texas, just out of curiosity, I decided to look up McLofflin on the Internet. And you know the rest.

When Emily found out about the park, she called her Aunt Theresa and asked her about it. Theresa didn’t know about the park, but she did know about the millionaire, Nathaniel McLofflin, and remembered a story her father told about him. Papa told us that one time he went to apply for a job at the company Nathaniel owned and when he told Nathaniel he thought they were related, Nathaniel just laughed and said, ‘Yeah, everyone who wants a job here is related to me.’ Papa got so mad he told him to go to hell and slammed out of his office, Theresa had recalled with a laugh. Papa always was hot-headed and stubborn, she added.

Theresa also told Emily a genealogy had been done on the family, but she had no idea who had the chart. Papa had a copy of the chart and a book. He gave the book to your dad, but your dad lost it when he was in California. I think Geneva has the chart. Or maybe it was one of her kids…I just don’t remember.

Learning that little bit of family history made Emily all the more eager to go to Michigan. She decided to contact all the McLofflins she could find who lived within a hundred-mile radius of the park and see if they would be interested in getting together so she could meet them. Given how rare the name was and the fact that there was a cluster of them in the area around the park, she figured they were most likely in the same family. So she made the pilgrimage.

"Yeah, I remember how excited you were last year when you went up there and met your long-lost relatives. Cousins, weren’t they?

Fifth cousins. They were really nice to take time out to come and meet me. I kept in touch with them and through writing back and forth, I came to be invited to come back for a visit and stay at the cabin.

There you go again! Sabrina fussed. You don’t know these people! They might be criminal sorts or something.

"God, Sabrina, with your imagination, you should be the writer. The McLofflins are just ordinary people, like you and me."

Hmph! You may be ordinary, but I’m not, thank you very much.

Oh, Sabrina just go get the food, will you? Emily shook her head and laughed.

Sabrina slid off the barstool and headed for the door.

While she waited for Sabrina to return, Emily looked out into the back yard. Her gaze lovingly caressed the trees she and David had planted so joyfully that first year. The weeping willow had grown into a magnificent centerpiece which stood near the small pond David had made. Emily loved the haven they had created in the yard, but it was so lonely without David she seldom spent time there anymore. It was just too painful. Over and over she played the tape in her head – the doorbell, the officer standing on the doorstep looking at her so solemnly.

Emily had sat in stunned silence as the officer explained that there had been a boating accident and David was missing, presumed drowned. Later she learned from David’s sailing partner, Justin, that a storm had come up unexpectedly and David had gone to adjust the sails. Something happened and he was thrown overboard. Then all hell broke loose. The boat capsized and it was all Justin could do to hang on to his wife, Marcy, and keep the two of them from drowning. By the time they were rescued, there was no sign of David. The Coast Guard searched for two days, but his body was never recovered – only his empty life jacket. The team doing the investigation said it looked like a cleat gave way and David probably tripped or got caught somehow in the halyard and fell overboard.

Emily had no idea what a cleat or a halyard was, but it didn’t matter. All that mattered was that David was never coming home again and there was a cavernous, gaping wound in her life where he had been. She wondered if it would ever heal.

A banging on the door broke into Emily’s reverie. With a start she went to open it and found that safety-minded Sabrina had locked Emily in. She opened the door to see Sabrina standing on one foot, juggling containers of food and aiming another kick at the door. She stopped in mid-kick and grinned sheepishly at Emily. Sorry…no free hands to ring the doorbell.

Emily took one of the containers, then turned and went back to the kitchen as Sabrina followed. Soon they were devouring the food. Emily hadn’t realized how hungry she was until then. Before long, they had their fill and Emily offered to wrap up the leftovers for Sabrina to take home.

Oh, just leave it in the fridge. That way, when I come over to take care of the plants, I’ll have a snack.

Okay. Just clean up when you’re done with it.

Yes, ma’am! Will do.

Here’s the key. I think if you come by once a week, that should be enough. Emily then proceeded to give Sabrina instructions on caring for the plants.

Okay, I think I’ve got it. But if I know you, there are written instructions someplace, right?

Emily laughed. Yes. I’ll put them on the door of the fridge, so you’ll be sure to find them. I’ll also leave my itinerary there as well. It has all the places I’ll be staying and the dates I’ll be there. I’ll have my cell phone with me, but I’ll also leave you the numbers for both the hotel and my cousin Andrew. Please only call him in an emergency.

"Got it. So, are you all ready to go now?’

Pretty much. Just a few little details yet. I’m getting into the spirit of adventure now; I think it will be good for me to get away from here for a while.

Well, I hate to admit it, but you’re probably right. You’ve been moping around here far too long. It’s unhealthy. Like I said, I know you and David were the ideal couple and all, but it’s time to move on. Emily, accidents happen. There was nothing you could do about it, so let it go. It was not your fault. The stricken look on Emily’s face puzzled Sabrina. Are you okay, Em? she said gently.

Sabrina, you’re wrong. It was my fault.

What? How could it be your fault? You weren’t even there!

I know, but I should have been! We were supposed to go on that trip together. We had been planning it for a long time and then I won that award for my book and my publisher arranged several book signings for me, so I had to change my plans.

And so? I’m having a hard time seeing how that makes you to blame for David’s accident.

"Sabrina, there’s something I never told you or anyone else. It’s the reason I can’t seem to let go of the guilt.