The Black Mansion

By Tristan Dent

Jonathan could hardly believe that he had inherited a mansion, especially from a relative that he hardly knew. Why would someone he barely knew give him a mansion and a large amount of land along with it? What would he find in the mansion; great wealth; great art; or perhaps the answers to why he had inherited the mansion? As Jonathan would soon discover a great gift would turn out to be a great curse.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tristan Dent
• Release date: Aug 7, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301053209

Tristan Dent

Tristan Dent was born on May 15, 1964 in the small town of Nobudua, Iowa. He spent all of his youth in South Western Iowa where he was a resident of a small farming community. He entered active duty in the United States Air Force and served his country honrorably. He later joined the United States Intelligence services where he performed covert operations in many countries around the globe. Tristan has always loved the outdoors and is an avid woodsmen. He enjoys hiking, fishing, and spending time with his trusty dog "Shep". Tristan currently resides in Hamilton, Montana where he spends much of his time communing with nature and writing.

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The Black Mansion

By

Tristan Dent

Published by B.D. Shaw at Smashwords

Text copyright © 2012 by B.D. Shaw.

Art and Photographic work copyright © 2012 by A.D. Shaw.

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Table of Contents

Chapter 1 - Florida

Chapter 2 – Inheritance

Chapter 3 – The Trip

Chapter 4 – The Mansion

Chapter 5 – Haunted House

Chapter 6 – History

Chapter 7 – Transformation

Chapter 8 – A Cut Above

Chapter 9 – Opening Day

Chapter 10 – Discovery

Chapter 11 - Intervention

Conclusion

Epilogue

Chapter 1 - Florida

It was the usual sunny day as Jonathan strolled down the beach. Tampa was beautiful this time of year, but when wasn’t it? The ocean was a beautiful turquoise color and the sun was setting and it looked as if the sun and water were joined into one. Jonathan was tired so he sat down in the sand and his mind was soon wandering. It had been a long time since he’d moved to Florida from his home in Glen Haven, Iowa, and even longer since he had spoken to anyone from there.

Life had become so complicated since he had left home, and it seemed a lifetime ago. As he lay on the beach, he was now drifting into a semi-conscious state and started to dream about his childhood. Life in a small farm town could be very entertaining for kids. There were always things to do and finding mischief was not a problem. Bikes were the primary form of transport for any self-respecting kid, but other forms were ok as well, roller blades, skateboards, etc... The line was drawn at any motorized form of transport mainly because it meant you were too old to hang with the pack.

The pack Jonathan hung out with weren’t the type of kids who usually got into trouble. Many kids in town were busy into drinking, smoking, vandalizing, etc... But this group was different, strange somehow. They were very much into outdoorsy types of activities, the kind that could earn you merit badges in the scouts. Everything from camping, to survivalist type training was in play for this pack. Derek Boshemp was the leader and the most gung-ho out of the bunch. He would teach the others in the pack how to hunt, kill, and skin animals with only a hunting knife. Not a small feat when you consider that Derek alone brought down deer, rabbits, and coyotes and did so by getting close enough to these animals that he could throw the knife and hit a vital organ. Jonathan got pretty good at these skills as well, but never quite matched Derek’s ability. Derek could knife prey from a distance that was unbelievable and seemed to revel in the blood and gore that would come as a result of the kill. Jonathan thought that this was a bit strange, but also participated in the carnage with Derek. Jonathan recalled that once, Derek took down a small deer and was cutting it up, showing Jonathan each organ piece by piece. Heart, lungs, stomach, liver, it was all good to Derek, and even better when he had someone to show and watch him do his work. He was damn good at the work and reveled in it.

As Jonathan drifted in and out of consciousness, he became aware that he was being watched.

Sir, are you OK? asked the man. Jonathan realized that someone was asking him a question. As he snapped to consciousness, he saw a figure standing over him. Sir, are you OK? the man asked again. Jonathan could now plainly see it was a beach patrol officer standing over him.

Yes, Jonathan replied, I’m OK.

What are you doing out here this late at night? asked the officer.

What time is it? Jonathan asked.

It’s nine o’clock in the evening, replied the officer. Jonathan was stunned, had he really been sleeping for hours?

I guess I just fell asleep out here and lost track of the time officer, Jonathan replied.

Well, you really shouldn’t be out here after the curfew hours that we are enforcing, said the officer. As I’m sure you’re aware, we have had a string of murders in the area over the past three months, and we are taking precautions to make sure we reduce the risks to the general public.

No sir, I’m not really up to speed on the murders in the area, can you tell me more about what is happening? replied Jonathan.

I can tell you what has been made public. To date, ten people have been reported as missing, and two have been found and not all in one piece, said the officer. The murders have been very gruesome in nature, in fact, we still haven’t found all of the body parts of one of the corpses, the officer continued. It takes a certain type of sick person to murder and mutilate people like this.

Yeah, I guess so, replied Jonathan. Well, thank you officer, I will be heading home now.

Ok, have a good evening sir, said the officer.

As Jonathan was driving in to work the next morning, his focus was now on all the work he had piled up in his email in-box. Jonathan truly enjoyed his work as a computer programmer for a large insurance company in the Tampa area. Logic and order very much appealed to Jonathan, which is why he enjoyed the work. He also enjoyed the isolation that his work allowed him. If he wanted to stay chained to his desk and not talk to another person, he really didn’t have to. This was another benefit that came with his type of work.

As he entered the lobby, Jonathan placed his badge into the security scanner and entered into the secured area. He went to his desk to drop off his backpack. Ugh, more phone messages! he said with a sigh. Time for coffee he thought as he headed to the cafeteria. Jonathan always enjoyed going down to the cafeteria, not so much for the interaction with his co-workers, in fact, most of his co-workers drove him insane, but the cafeteria held all the things that were good which, in this case, was coffee. As Jonathan went to the coffee dispenser, he noticed a crowd forming around the many TV screens which were positioned around the cafeteria. The clerk rung up his coffee and Jonathan paid and then moved toward the crowd surrounding the TV screen.

What is so interesting on TV? asked Jonathan.

Oh, Hi Jonathan, Darien said. We’re listening to the newscaster reporting that they have found another murder victim, and now, another person has gone missing.,

This is really getting out of hand! exclaimed Art. Why can’t the police figure out who is doing this crap? It’s obviously the work of a serial killer.

What makes you say that? Darien asked.

Well, let’s put together the information we know. There have now been five confirmed people missing, two confirmed murders, now a third person has been found, and another missing, said Art. Each time they find a victim, they only find pieces of the victim. Sounds like a serial killer to me.

Sounds pretty twisted to me, said Darien jokingly.

Jonathan took a long sip of his coffee and had a puzzled look on his face. Carmen looked at Jonathan and asked, What do you think about this Jonathan?

I don’t really understand the fascination with these murders? said Jonathan. I mean, people die all the time, and get murdered all the time too.

Not like this they don’t, said Carmen. This person is a real psycho and it’s a guy!

How do you know that? said Darien.

It’s a proven fact that over and over when a serial killer is on the loose, it turns out to be a white male, said Carmen.

Nothing like stereo-typing, said Jonathan. Well, I need to get to my desk, so see you later.

As Jonathan returned to his desk he turned on his computer workstation and began the day has he always had done. First, pick up phone messages, then to the in-box. As he listened to his first message, he was surprised to learn that it was a call from Kearney & Gurbels Attorney-at-Law. The message was as follows:

Dear Mr. Andersen, you have been named as sole beneficiary in the will of Mrs. Allison Black. Please call our office to setup an appointment so the formal reading of the will can proceed. WOW, Jonathan thought, I wasn’t expecting that. The name sounds familiar, but he couldn’t immediately place it.

Jonathan called the number he had written down from the message and a receptionist answered. Kearney & Gurbels law offices, may I help you? said the receptionist.

Yes, I am returning a call from your office regarding a reading of a will, said Jonathan. May I have your name sir? said the receptionist.

My name is Jonathan Andersen, he said.

Just one minute while I look your information up in our computer Mr. Andersen, said the receptionist. We have an opening tomorrow at one o’clock in the afternoon, will that work for you Mr. Andersen?

That will be fine, said Jonathan.

Excellent, we will see you then, goodbye, said the receptionist.

Chapter 2 - Inheritance

Jonathan spent the next few hours trying to determine how he was named in the will of someone who he didn’t even know. The name Allison Black didn’t even register with him, and he couldn’t relate the name to anyone in the immediate family. Was it possible this had been some kind of weird mistake or misunderstanding? Usually, lawyers don’t make mistakes like that and if there was any money involved, then it’s even more reason not to make a mistake. It just didn’t make any sense, but it was time to get to work so Jonathan started to read the mass of emails that had accumulated in his inbox.

The next day, Jonathan arrived at the law office ten minutes early. He was feeling very anxious and wanted to get this over with so he could move on with his life. He checked in with the receptionist and took a seat in the waiting area. The law office reminded him of many that he had seen on TV shows. Dark walnut wood paneling covered the walls, the carpets were a deep crimson, and classic art pieces decorated the lobby walls. The office projected a stately feel, almost like being in the presence of a courtroom, minus the jury and judge, of course. Jonathan reached for a magazine that was lying on a nearby table when the receptionist called his name.

Mr. Andersen, Mr. Gurbels will see you now, said the receptionist.

The receptionist led Jonathan down a long hall which was decorated similarly to the lobby. They entered a conference room which had one of the longest tables Jonathan had ever seen. It was obvious the conference room also served as a law library since the room had many book cases filled with volumes of law books. Jonathan took a seat at the table and waited for the lawyer to enter. Of course, Jonathan thought, this is just like going to the doctor’s office. You arrive early to your appointment, they make you wait and wait until you are late. Then they take you in to another room, to once again wait on the doctor. Hmm, sounds strangely familiar to what was occurring presently. Suddenly, the door opened and in walked the attorney. As he walked around the table, Jonathan noticed that he was impeccably dressed in an Armani suit which had obviously been tailored to fit. Tall and slim, Mr. Gurbels exuded the confidence of a man who knew the law, and who was in complete charge.

Hello Mr. Andersen, Mr. Gurbels said as he held out his hand to shake Jonathan’s hand. My name is David Gurbels and I’m a partner in the law firm. Jonathan shook his hand and was impressed by the very firm handshake of the attorney. Did my assistant explain the reason why you are here today? he asked.

Yes, but I’m confused as to why I’m here since I don’t recall anyone by the name of Allison Black in my family, said Jonathan.

Ah yes, I can understand why you would be confused, said Mr. Gurbels, as he seated himself directly across the table from Jonathan. Mr. Gurbels proceeded to open the manila folder which contained a document which he proceeded to read intently. After a few minutes of silence, he began to explain the contents of the document. It seems that you have been named as sole beneficiary to land in Iowa, he went on. Approximately one hundred acres of land which contains a house and outlying buildings has been willed to you by one Allison Black.

Who is Allison Black? said Jonathan.

She anticipated your question and has explained in the will that she was related to your mother, in fact she is your Aunt, said Mr. Gurbels. Apparently she has been estranged from her entire family for many years, which is why you didn’t know her.

That makes sense, I didn’t remember any mention of her from my mother, said Jonathan.

I did take the liberty of asking the magistrate in Glen Haven to take pictures of the property and house, here are the pictures, said Mr. Gurbels. As Jonathan studied the photos, he sensed something strangely familiar in what he saw. The house appeared to be very old, from the mid 19th century Victorian era. The photos also showed a large amount of woods on the property. Mr. Grubels then proceeded with the formal reading of the will but Jonathan’s mind was now focused on the house and couldn’t shake the feeling he had been there before.

Jonathan left the law office and really didn’t want to return to work, but did anyway. When he returned, he thought about what his next steps should be. After all, he now is a land owner of property in Iowa. Should he keep the land, sell it? How would he keep it maintained? Should he move to Iowa? What would he do there? God, its cold in Iowa and it’s so much different than the Florida that he had grown to love. Dozens of other questions were passing through his mind and he really wasn’t concentrating on his work. Jonathan then went down the hall to his boss to ask for the rest of the day off.

Jonathan drove home and as he entered the front door, he noticed his answering machine was flashing. I will get that in a minute, he thought. First, I need to relax. Jonathan went to the refrigerator to get himself a cold beer. He always enjoyed cold beer on hot days in Florida, and there were many hot days, which meant he drank many cold beers. Jonathan smirked at the thought of that. Jonathan pushed the button on the machine to replay the messages. Only one unanswered message glowed on the display and he pressed the button to play it. Hello Mr. Andersen, our realty office in Glen Haven Iowa was informed that you are now the property owner of the Black property near our city. Please contact our office so we can discuss the next steps needed to formally insure your ownership of this property. Wow, these guys don’t waste any time, thought Jonathan. I just found out today that I owned it, and they had already called me to get something worked out for the property, he thought. Jonathan picked up