Dead Wrong

By Janet LeClair

This modern Gothic transports the reader through uncharted worlds of astral projection, atypical surrogate motherhood and ethereal incursions into the lives of newlyweds, Andrea and Werner Krauss. South Florida sets the scene for this ghostly tale of reincarnation, rape, a life cut short and the settling of old scores by a woman two years dead.
When a series of Machiavellian events develop in her new home, Andrea pleads with her husband for reassurance, support and understanding in her quest to expunge an elusive specter. Though their lives may be in jeopardy, with Teutonic inflexibility Werner refuses to acknowledge belief in creatures from beyond the grave or concede any conscious notion of impending crisis. Elements clash and a bizarre power struggle ensues.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Janet LeClair
• Release date: Mar 5, 2012
• ISBN: 9781466080478

Janet LeClair

A writer of short stories, poetry, articles and journalism, Dead Wrong is Janet Le Clair’s first novel. A published writer and winner of several writing awards, this story received top ten honors from the National Writer’s Club. Four of her short stories have recently been published in an anthology, Tales From Beyond the Frost Line. Ms. Le Clair lives in Florida where her children reside and in Maine at the family home where she grew up. She enjoys snowmobiling, four wheeling and has freelanced as journalist and photographer for western Maine’s local newspaper The Original Irregular. Ms. LeClair is also a contributor to 'Tales from Below the Frostline' and co-author of 'Tales from Below the Frostline, Vol. II.' Both books are available on www.smashwords.com

Book preview

DEAD WRONG

Janet Le Clair

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2004 Janet LeClair

Discover other titles by Janet LeClair at www.Smashwords.com

Tales from Below the Frost Line

Tales from Below the Frost Line, Vol. II

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase and additional copy for each recipient. If you are reading this 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.

Table of Content

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty One

Chapter Twenty Two

Chapter Twenty Three

Chapter Twenty Four

Chapter Twenty Five

Chapter Twenty Six

Chapter Twenty Seven

Chapter Twenty Eight

Chapter Twenty Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty One

****

CHAPTER ONE

Andrea felt the palms of her hands start to itch and a chill slide across the base of her skull--a sure sign that something exciting was about to happen. Her sixth sense or what she liked to call her ESP vibes set off an alarm, sending shivers of anticipation trickling down the length of her spine. She fished a pair of sunglasses out of her purse hoping to disguise the flush she felt rising in her cheeks and the sparkle she knew glittered suspiciously in her green eyes. This eerie gift of prophecy could be a problem sometimes.

In front of the car heat waves shimmered above the pavement, giving the road a wrinkled, distorted look. A hissing air conditioner acclimatized the car interior, protecting the two women inside from the sultry heat of a Florida morning in October.

You won't be disappointed with this house. Millicent, the immaculately groomed Real Estate agent, looked concerned as she smoothed an imaginary wrinkle in her skirt. You did ask to see older houses with mature trees and foliage and something with immediate occupancy. This place has great potential even though it's been empty for a year and hasn't been kept up. A line formed between her eyes. If I were superstitious, I'd say this house was jinxed for me! Millicent smiled as if to dispel any doubts that she might be joking.

I've had a contract on this particular house three times and the deals have always fallen through. But, lately money's been tight and mortgages hard to get, she added hastily. By now the owner is very anxious to sell so you’re sure to get a bargain. She turned off the highway and onto a side road where giant banyan trees lined the median strip.

Along the street’s periphery, Royal Palms towered above thick shade trees. Andrea's attention focused on the lush lawns and dense foliage. This area appeared to be an older part of town, an ideal neighborhood in which to put down her own new roots. As they drove down the road, her vibes picked up in tempo like a radar detector nearing a hidden police car. She realized the house they were looking for couldn't be far away now.

Millicent pulled over to the curb and stopped. Well, here we are. With a flick of her manicured hand she gestured toward a house. A frown creased her forehead as she looked at the yard. She fumbled in her purse for the right set of keys. Oh dear, I called a lawn service to clean the yard but I see they haven't been here yet.

Andrea watched in surprise as Millicent stared toward the house with indignation, and then caught herself as though remembering her fee. Forcing a smile she turned off the ignition and pushed open the car door. Well, we're here now aren't we? Let's go have a look.

A sizzling Florida sun hung heavily on their backs as they walked up the driveway towards a faded FOR SALE sign displayed on the unkempt front lawn. Beyond the sign, a crooked tree drooped over the house like shaggy, tousled hair. Andrea scanned the yard. Some patches of lawn were a crisp brown, while in the shade, long shoots of tropical grass roots reached out as though searching for sustenance. Wildly growing shrubs flowered in disarray under the front windows. Several small trees bent to the ground like shrunken old men, burdened with the weight of time. Circling the house Andrea's dark eyes flashed with excitement as she made mental notes of items most in need of immediate repairs.

Hearing keys rattle behind her, Andrea turned to see Millicent tiptoeing over weeds, her highheels catching in the tall grass. An expression of distaste covered her face. She carefully picked a sand spur from her panty-hose before speaking. As you can see, it's a handyman special. I hope your husband is good with his hands.

Good with his hands? thought Andrea concealing a smile. I guess he is! But I'm not too sure if that talent includes house repairs!

She reached out and touched the faded, stucco wall. Heat radiated through her fingertips sending a tingling current through her slender arm. She knew then that her vibes were pinging right on cue, transmitting messages loud and clear. She remembered Werner's warning about appearing too eager, and tried to restrain her enthusiasm.

It certainly needs a paint job, Andrea remarked, dusting chalky residue from her hands and assessing the rest of the yard. She stepped back and peered up at the shade trees partially covering the roof, then back to Millicent who stood fanning herself with the Real Estate Listing book, beads of perspiration forming over her upper lip.

Let's go inside, said Andrea. It may be cooler in there. Directly in front of the house the crooked, tangled tree caught her attention again. The voluminous limbs spread wispy and full-blown over the roof and driveway. Dotted with tiny yellow flowers, long green shoots floated in the air like elongated fingers. The overhanging branches resembled giant hands hovering above the house and yard as though holding everything beneath captive.

Andrea leaned closer to examine the strange tree. Inch long, vicious thorns lay hidden in the stringy growth. The thick tree-trunk twisted from the ground into a spiral shape as though it had been wrung dry after a tropical storm. An unpleasant odor filled her nostrils and as she backed away her long, honey-color hair became entangled in one of the sagging limbs.

She felt a sharp pain and cried out as a thorn pierced her scalp. Instinctively, she raised her hand to her head and felt sticky dampness. Blood trickled across her fingers when she removed her hand. Hearing her cry out, Millicent hurried back toward her. After digging in her purse, she handed Andrea a tissue.

My God, Andrea, you're all bloody! Are you okay? she asked, hovering as Andrea wiped her smeared fingers and carefully dabbed the wound on her head.

I'm fine. Really. But I feel as though I've been vaccinated! These thorns are deadly! She could feel pain starting around the puncture wound and spreading toward the base of her skull. She held the tissue tight against her head to check the bleeding. Closing her eyes for a moment she wondered briefly what had happened to the positive vibrations skipping through her body only moments before. The cynical thought dissolved into nothingness as Andrea felt her willowy body being tugged toward the front door as though drawn by an invisible magnet. Let's go inside, she heard herself saying as though from a great distance. This place does have potential.

Inside the tiled foyer dust motes spun weightlessly in the breeze from the open door. Andrea inhaled the odor of stale, trapped air and dampness, the musty smell of mildew. This place smells like a crypt, she said, shuddering.

Oh, heavens, don't say that! said Millicent hurrying to the rear of the house and throwing open the sliding glass doors to the pool area. It's just been closed up for a while.

A gust of wind caught the filmy, white curtains hanging in the connecting archway, lifting them into the air. They billowed toward Andrea like a ghostly apparition. A chill assaulted her senses as cool air slid across her sweaty body. For a moment she felt giddy and leaned against the wall for support. The radiance in the sunny room seemed to dim, then fade. Andrea rubbed her eyes, blinking as Millicent and the room flickered then disappeared. It must be the heat, she thought, clutching the wall. I'm just not used to the humidity yet. A dizzy sensation of buoyancy bounced inside her head, an illusive feeling of vast spaciousness somewhere beyond the limits of time.

Slowly a roiling, smoky tunnel unfolded in front of her. Deep within the passage, misty gusts of vapor churned a colorless substance into swirls which expanded ever larger before exposing a bright, blinding light shining at the tunnel’s end. Andrea watched entranced, as in the distance a tiny, music-box figurine pirouetted. A full, green skirt flared on the female form as she twirled, scattering the wispy clouds. For a moment Andrea's heightened perception saw far beyond the confines of the room in which she stood, into the boundless unknown.

Her fleeting glimpse of the dancer came and went in an instant, fading away as swiftly as it began. Disoriented, Andrea shook her head trying to regain her grasp on reality. Leaning against the doorway, she steadied herself. Focusing her eyes on the room she took several deep breaths and swallowed hard, attempting to calm her pounding heart. As though in an echo chamber she could hear Millicent saying, Feel free to roam around. I'll wait for you outside.

She drifted erratically through the house, running her fingers along the walls, touching light switches and bathroom fixtures, opening closets as though having prior knowledge of their whereabouts. Trancelike, she opened cupboards and checked the pantry. Sensations of being in the right place overcame her senses and left her with a feeling of coming home.

When at last she stood on the patio, she stared as though hypnotized into the azure pool sparkling in the morning sun. Lifting her eyes slowly, she became aware of a canal flowing behind the house, pushed by a mild southeast breeze that rattled long, thick leaves on a banana tree.

Contentment surrounded her like a soft shawl. When she roused at last from her lethargy she saw Millicent staring at her.

This is the perfect house. Andrea's husky voice spoke in a monotone. It's right for us. I just know it is. She pressed a hand against her stomach. I feel it inside. As though released from a spell her eyes became bright, her pupils contracting in the sunlight.

Oh, I can't wait for Werner to see this! She grasped Millicent's hands, excitement replacing her trance-like state, and then stopped short. She'd really blown it now. So much for not appearing eager. Andrea's cold hands and transparent color drew a worried look from the Real Estate agent.

Don't you feel well? she asked. You looked as though you might faint. Your face is white. Andrea released Millicent's hands. She placed her cold hands against her cheeks.

I guess it's the hot weather. For a moment I felt strange. I must have been dizzy because I imagined a real weird scene. I'm all right now. She pivoted around taking another look at the house, pool and yard, giving herself a moment to erase the eager look on her face.

I'd like to come back tonight, Millicent, and show the house to Werner.

Together they closed and locked the doors, the mysterious interlude gone from Andrea's mind. She turned for one last look at the house before following Millicent to the car.

Hello there! A young woman emerged from the doorway of the house next door. She strolled across the front yard, her short, auburn hair glowing in the morning sun. Her generous curves were wrapped in tight shorts and halter top. Werner's going to like seeing that body next door, Andrea thought as she retraced her steps up the driveway.

I'm Carolyn Summers, she said extending a welcoming hand. Are you thinking of buying the house?

Nice to meet you, Carolyn. I'm Andrea Kraus. Well, the house sure needs a face-lift but I have a good feeling about it. Let's just say we're interested. Have you lived here long?

About a year and a half. My husband's company transferred him here from Atlanta. Say, I didn't mean to be nosey about your business, but it would sure be nice to have a neighbor again. Behind her, two young boys ran out of the open door, stopping behind their mother's legs. The younger one peeked around at Andrea. The blue eyes and tousled red hair left no doubt of their parentage.

Andrea knelt and shook the small sticky hand. Hi guys, she said. I'm Andy.

I'm Toby, said the older boy who looked to be about seven years old. Do you have any kids, Andy?

Just one and he's away at college this year. I miss him a lot. She looked toward the car to see if Millicent could hear her. Do you have any idea why this place has been vacant so long? she asked Carolyn, lowering her voice.

It's been empty since Ersilia died, she answered, appearing vaguely disturb. About a year or so. Not too long after we moved in. I know she had an operation. I think she might even have gone back to work for a short time. The next thing we knew she was dead. It was so sudden and unexpected. Quite a shock.

Was she an older woman? Andrea asked. I only wondered since the decorating is rather old fashioned.

No. Carolyn reached down to separate her boys who were wrestling on the lawn. She wasn't old at all. Mid- thirties I'd say. She was European though. Maybe she had different decorating tastes. Andrea's attractive face registered surprise. She died that young? From what?

I don't know the whole story, explained Carolyn, sounding uncertain. I only know what her kids told my kids. Nothing very definite. She seemed reluctant to divulge more.

Yeah, a little voice said from behind Carolyn's skirt, They didn't have a good daddy. My daddy says he was a bad man. Carolyn sighed and nudged the children towards the door of their house. Ersilia's husband didn't treat her very well, she confided in a low voice. I'm afraid the kids have picked up on some of our conversations. Listen, I have to go. If you're interested in the house, it's a quiet neighborhood. We like it here and the stores are close. It would be great to have young couple move in.

Andrea laughed. I have an eighteen-year-old son so we don't exactly qualify as a young couple.

You know what I mean, said Carolyn, following her boys toward the house. A lot of retirees move to Florida. Well anyhow, good luck.

Andrea stood alone for a moment then walked toward the car where Millicent waited, air conditioner running. It had been a most perplexing morning, a series of ups and downs with all the highs and lows of a roller coaster ride. The puncture wound in her head still throbbed and she could feel an emptiness rumbling in the pit of her stomach. Either her vibes had taken on new forms of expression or it was long past noon and lunchtime.

CHAPTER TWO

A procession of restaurants and car dealerships bordered Federal Highway, one of the major highways in Fort Lauderdale. Heavy traffic made driving difficult and directions hard to follow. Andrea balanced a map on her knee and kept glancing down as she drove. She recognized most of the major streets running east and west or north and south but the secondary roads were confusing. Many were dead ends that didn't connect because of canals zigzagging across the suburbs. Only the heavily traveled streets had bridges. The Venice of America, she mumbled under her breath. Her luncheon date with Sally called for courage as her navigational skills always turned out to be less than competent. Today she set out bravely on her own.

As she drove, memories of Sally and Connecticut drifted back, times when Sally was recently divorced and Andrea widowed. She recalled swapping babysitting favors for their sons, car-pooling to work, going to night classes and sometimes double-dating. She chuckled remembering the nights driving back from singles dances. They arrived home weak from laughter after rehashing the shortcomings of the men they'd danced with and fended off. She and Sally became close friends.

At work they shared an office. Andrea, Inventory Control Manager, Sally, scheduling work for machines that hummed twenty-four hours a day. She also recalled Sally's hurt face when the lay-off came. Business had been slow for some time, but Sally took her job loss personally and left not only the job, but also the state. For the past two years Sally's return address had been Fort Lauderdale. With house hunting out of the way, Andrea was grateful to have an old friend she to visit. Directly ahead of her on the right she spotted the restaurant, pulled off the busy highway and parked.

Inside the restaurant, Andrea scanned the tables looking for her friend. When she located Sally leaning on the bar, she barely recognized her. In the two years since Andrea had seen Sally, her plump shape had become bloated. A wide path of brown roots showed in the part of her dry, bleached hair. Hips which two years ago Sally called love handles, now more closely resembled saddlebags. Andrea took a deep breath and went to greet her.

Andy! With a cry of delight Sally enfolded her friend in her fleshy arms. Andrea's lips grazed Sally's rough cheek as the two embraced.

Oh Sally, I can't tell you how good it is to see you! They held each other at arm's length, and then hugged again. Sally stepped back shaking her head. You look great, Andy. You haven't aged a day. Honest. Sally turned to the man standing next to her. Andy, I'd like you to meet Bob, a buddy of mine.

Nice to meet you, Bob, Andrea said, extending her hand. The man's eyes quickly appraised her. He raised his eyebrows in approval before taking her hand and lifting it to his lips, an affectation she had always found irritating. For some reason it didn't bother her today.

My pleasure, Andrea. His voice was soft for a man, almost breathless. She refrained from leaning closer to hear his voice. I won't interrupt your reunion, he whispered, I saw Sally's car and just came in to buy her a drink.

When he smiled, his teeth were straight and white. He disguised his receding hairline by combing his hair forward from the back, a vanity she found amusing. She judged his age close to fifty, but a well kept-fifty. Their eyes met and held.

For a second Andrea fancied she could see inside his mind, see the sensory neurons exploding inside his brain. A magnetic spark flared between their psyches, a sizzling fusion of spirit that left her dazed. Looking down she realized he still held her hand. She pulled it away, wondering why she was so receptive to this man and yet someone who left her feeling uncomfortable. She couldn't put her finger on who--but he reminded her of someone.

He gave Sally a token kiss on the cheek. Have a nice lunch, ladies, he said, leaving a trail of expensive cologne in his wake.

Sally waited for the hostess to seat them before exclaiming, I can't believe you're married! He must be a good catch for you to leave your job. I've been dying to hear all about it ever since you called. Come on, give.

Andrea looked fondly at Sally as the waitress brought drinks and took their lunch order. At least her personality hadn't changed, she thought.

No, Sally, I certainly didn't plan on getting married. I was just sort of drifting along, working and raising Jamie. As she stirred her cocktail, her eyes suddenly clouded over. Then Jamie graduated and my world fell apart. Phil wasn't much of a husband as you know, but he did leave insurance for Jamie's education and he's off to college this fall. Andrea recalled vividly the sick feeling in her stomach as they filled out the college entrance papers several months ago. It had come as a shock to her that Jamie, her only reality for seven years, would be heading off