Twilight Images: A Haunting Journey of Suspense

By Ethel Lewis

The death of Thad Connors parents ten years ago was ruled Murder/Suicide. The case had been investigated, the crime scene searched in great detail.
All findings compete. Case closed!

But Thad had his doubts. . . They had to be wrong. . . There had to be something more.

And after suffering gruesome and haunted nightmares for the past ten years he knew he could not let it go.

It would mean going back, opening old wounds and reliving old memories. But the truth had to be found. If not, . . . the nightmares might win, . . . he might forever be lost in their endless dark abyss.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ethel Lewis
• Release date: Aug 11, 2014
• ISBN: 9781501451492

Ethel Lewis

Born in Dallas, Texas in 1948"Texan born and Texan bred."Currently live in Galveston, Texas. I share my home with my four friends and companions---all of which have four legs and very furry bodies. Two cats, two dogs.What's that old expression? "Jack of all trades, master of none."That pretty well describes me. Earned a living grooming dogs and cats for thirty years, drove an eighteen-wheeler for nearly ten years. Raised two wonderful children, a son and a daughter--both now grown, have 5 grand-kids, and 2 great-grand-kids. Love 'em all.I recently retired, and am excited to finally find the time to do what I enjoy doing most - Writing the stories and telling the tales, born in my imagination...

Book preview

Prologue

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Thad Connors never saw either of his parents alive again.  The true details of all that happened were a bit vague . . . one dog-eared and yellowed newspaper clipping....

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FAMILY QUARREL ENDS IN DEATH OF TWO

On the evening of April 14, 1995, a Mr. and Mrs. Jim F. Connors were both found, brutally slain, in their family retreat, located high in the mountains a short distance from Denver, Co.  Apparently it was a case of Murder-Suicide.  It appears, after conducting numerous interviews with several close friends of the deceased that Jim and Ellen Connors were on the verge of divorcing.  A Mr. Tom Avery, coworker with Jim Connors at the assembly plant, where they had both been employed for the last twenty years, was reported as saying, Jim met this new girl, Luann Cody, if my memory is clear.  And anyway, he, Jim that is, told me himself that he was planning on leaving the missus, and running off with this new girlfriend of his.  He said, Jim did, that they was going up to the cabin for a secret weekend, and that as soon as they got back he was going to tell Ellen, the little wife, that it was all over.  But I reckon the missus found out about the little trip the two of ‘em had planned, and I just imagine she followed ‘em and gave ‘em both one hell of a surprise.  And then . . . well I guess only the Good Lord knows for sure.  I mean . . . I hear things got pretty darned messy after that.

Captain Eddie Jenkins concludes the report in saying, It appears, from all the evidence gathered at the scene of the crime, that Mrs. Connors surprised her husband, and the so called girlfriend, in the master bedroom of the secluded cabin.  Mrs. Connors fingerprints were found on the blood covered butcher knife, presumed to be the murder weapon that was found next to herself, and the mutilated body of Mr. Connors, her husband.  The body of the so called girlfriend, aforementioned to be Ms. Luann Cody, was never recovered.  It is assumed that she evidently fled the scene of the accident unharmed.

Jim Connors, 56, and Ellen Connors, 50, are survived by one child, a son, a Mr. Thad R. Connors, who currently resides in Pueblo, Co., where he is enrolled in CSU-Pueblo College.

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—-and nothing more.  Vague!  Now that was almost comical.  Thad shuddered, feeling his anger and frustration mounting, and exclaimed aloud in the silent room.  How about nonexistent?  He refolded the crumpled newspaper clipping and stuffed it back into the faded manila envelope that contained a few cherished mementos he had kept of his mothers’.  He had her favorite pearl necklace, a small oval, ivory backed mirror she always carried in her purse, and a battered photo of the three of them—-his mom, his dad, and himself—-on their last outing to the cabin.  It was the last photo that showed his mother smiling and looking so very happy.  He didn’t care that his dad was in the picture.  How many times over the years had he felt threatened to rip the picture in half?  To remove the face of his father?  But in the end, he had always managed to change his mind.  Maybe someday—-some long and distant day far into his future—he might want a reminder of the old man’s ugly face!

Thad placed the haunting memories, along with the envelope back into the trunk, and felt himself shudder as he closed the lid.

There had to be more—-something, anything—-and by God, Thad wasn’t going to rest until he uncovered all of it.  Even if it killed him in the process, he was determined to find the answers to all the nagging questions that had tormented his mind for the past ten years.  All of them, each and every one . . . even if it meant he would have to relive it all over again.  He had to know the truth.  He had to know it all . . .  even down to the very last morbid detail.

Chapter One

Dorothy Connors was busy packing Thad’s things when she heard him coming down the hall.  She turned with a welcoming smile, snapping the lock in place on the last suitcase as he stepped into the room.  Well, she ask, her face beaming, and it was easy to see she was pleased with herself that she had finally convinced him to go, are you about ready?

Are you trying to get rid of me? he grinned sheepishly.  I don’t leave until the weekend you know.

She placed a gentle kiss on his cheek and glanced back at the packed bags on the foot of the bed.  I know, sweetheart, she said.  I’ve still got you all to myself for a few more days, but I was just trying to help.  You know how you procrastinate . . . And I didn’t want us to have to be up all night Friday night trying to get everything ready for your little adventure.

He knew she was right.  He had to go back to the cabin, it was the only place left to go.  But calling it an adventure?  Maybe an adventure in hell!  But, hell or not, he knew it was his only hope.  What else could he do?  Everything else he had tried had only turned up a great big zero.  Dead end . . . no new leads, no new evidence.  Absolutely nothing.  For the past ten years . . . absolutely nothing!

And still, Dorothy might be right—-Thad thought about it almost on a daily basis, and in the end he had to admit it, even to himself—-she probably was.  But that didn’t make the decision to go any easier.  She couldn’t get off work for another two weeks, and that left Thad with having to make the trip all alone.  She would join him later . . . but two whole weeks?  How could he ever survive that long without her?

He reached out and pulled his young wife into his open arms and gave her a hungry squeeze.  Her hair smelled fresh and clean as he pressed his face into the crook of her neck.  Her curves melted into his.  If only she could see into his heart . . . if only she could see how much he truly loved and depended on her.

Do you have any idea of how lonely it’s going to be up there all by myself? he asked.

Yes, she teased, I think I really do.  She nestled closer and Thad smiled as he pressed a tender kiss to the side of her neck.  But just think of all the fun we can have catching up after I get there, too.

Thad had met Dorothy in October of 1999, his senior year at CSU-Pueblo.  And since that fateful day, nearly six years ago now, they had never been separated for even so much as one day.  He had always thought that love at first sight was something only dreamed about in romance novels or movies, but much to his surprise—-and to Dorothy’s as well—-it had happened that way for the both of them.

Dorothy was then, as she continued to be each and every day of his life since, the rock and strength by which he lived.  She knew him better than any other human being ever could.  Soul mates!  That was what they were.  And more important—-that was what they would forever remain.

He tried to smile then, but it turned out to be more of a mournful looking lopsided grin.  Okay, okay, he conceded.  You know you’re always right.  I am a big boy, and I know I can survive without you by my side for a few lousy days.

She slipped one arm comfortably around his waist and led him from the room.  Come on, she urged, her smile still bright, her thoughts still hopeful to cheer him up, give me a break.  I would gladly go along with you right now, but you know old man Thomas.  I love working with him and Mary Kate, it’s a fun job, but to hear him tell it, ‘Thomas’ Travel & Tours’ is the most important business here in Pueblo.  He’s just such a stickler about rules and regulations.  I already put in for my vacation for the last week in April and the first week in May, and he won’t budge even an inch and let me change it. If I could . . . you know I would.

I know, Thad grumbled.  And really . . . it’s alright.  He knew she enjoyed her job, and he was proud she did, so many people seemed to work dead-end jobs, with no real hope for advancement.  But not Dorothy.  She could see her future.  She saw herself running the small firm in the not too distant future when Mr. Thomas retired.  Besides . . . he continued, I’ll probably need all the extra time I can get to try and get the old place in any kind of order at all.  No one’s been up there in so many years . . . it will no doubt be filled to the rafters with cobwebs and dust.

He saw his wife shudder at the gruesome thought and couldn’t help laughing out loud as they stepped into the aroma filled kitchen.  Can I give you a hand with dinner?

Dorothy playfully slapped his hand away as he reached to lift a lid off one of the simmering pots on the stove.  Nope, she replied, reaching herself for a nearby wooden spoon, sitting on a pink, pig shaped ceramic spoon rest on the counter.  Everything’s under control.  You just need to wash up and have a seat.

And then, a short ten minutes later, after setting the table and pulling the salad from the refrigerator, she and Thad sat down to a delicious smelling dinner of her ‘secret’ recipe spaghetti and meat balls, smothered in a luscious thick mushroom sauce.

And once again, as so often he caught himself doing, Thad over did himself.  He felt stuffed, almost to the point of feeling miserable, but never once did she hear him complain.  Dinner was over, the dishes piled into a sink of soapy water, left to be done later, and he and Dorothy retreated to the sanctuary of their bedroom.  They had only a few more days left before his scheduled trip.

And tonight was tonight . . .

And tonight . . . Thad slept fitfully.

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Thad awoke with a start.  He felt his heart hammering at a full gallop, his lungs screaming for air.  His fists gripping the sheets at his sides into tightly balled up knots.  It was so dark, pitch black.  ‘Calm down, you’ve got to calm down,’ his mind lectured.  ‘Just take a deep breath and relax.’  He sucked at the air, finally pulling a refreshing breath into his aching lungs, and turned his head on the pillow, his eyes searching the darkness.  He stared at the clock on the nightstand.  The faint glow of the digital numbers cleared in vision.  It was 2:30 a.m.—-hardly the time to be waking up—-but what made him think tonight might be any different from all the rest he had experienced in the past ten years?

He felt cold, he felt wet, and for a long moment as he lay in the darkened bedroom, listening to gentle rhythm of his wife’s breathing on the other side of the bed, he caught himself praying that their king sized water bed might have sprung a leak.  But then—-with a shudder that rocked him to the soles of his feet—-he realized once again he was drenched with the icy cold perspiration of his nightmares.

Chapter Two

When Thad woke up again it was almost eight o’clock, and Dorothy had long since left for the office.  And as usual, she had let him sleep in.

Thad didn’t have to be at work until nine-thirty—-it was one of the advantages of owning your own business—-and even if he had to say so himself, he was proud of the way ‘Thad’s Landscaping and Gardening Services’ had taken off the way it had five and a half years ago.  He liked it that he had his freedom to more or less come and go as he pleased.  He liked being the boss.  His workers were all trustworthy, they knew what was expected of them, and they did Thad a good day’s work for the more than fair wages he paid them.  But this morning . . . there was even more to be thankful for.

He was glad, too, that Dorothy had let him sleep in.  If she had suspected—-had even one tiny doubt in her mind—-that he had had another nightmare the night before, she would surely have awakened him, just to question him over and over again, as she normally did on all the other mornings.  But . . . thankfully—-hopefully—-she didn’t suspect anything.  This was just another normal morning in sunny Pueblo, Colorado, and all was well in their little corner of the world.

Thad made a quick detour on his way into the kitchen.  Clad only in a worn pair of blue-jean cut-offs, and without even taking the time to slip his bare feet into a pair of shoes, he stepped into the spare bedroom.  It was his office at home—-he and Dorothy had made

Reviews for Twilight Images

[pomlover2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I recently received Twilight Images to read and review. I must say that I really enjoyed it. There was just the right amount of suspense to keep me guessing to the end. I don't want to give away the ending, but I thought maybe that's the way it would be.I would suggest to anybody that enjoys suspense stories to check this one out. Now I will look for more Ethel Lewis books to read. Thanks for the good read.

[authorhollynewhous-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book was amazing! It was exceptionally well written and engaging. It held me to my seat all the way through and I could not put it down until I had read it all in one sitting. The complex characters were magnificent and the story and plot was brilliantly crafted by an excellent storyteller! I believe I have found a new favorite author! Wonderfully done!

[scot2-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I received this book free from the author who asked for a truthful review. I liked the book. It took me a couple of chapters before I grew really interested, but the important thing is that I did. I liked the description and the many adjectives; they created a picture in my mind. The end did seem to come upon me without warning and all ends were tied up quite quickly. Worth reading and I'll read the next one by Ms. Lewis also.

[georgiann-4 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

For ten years Thad Lewis has been having nightmares. After his parents died in what the police said was a murder/ suicide. But Thad never believed that was the whole story. So he decides the only way to end these nightmares is to try to find out what really happened ten years ago. An intriguing tale about about a young mans quest for answers regarding his parents death.

[amyshan-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The story starts out pulling the reader in with curiosity as to the complete story of what Twilight Images are to reveal. Thad is a complex character that leads the reader through his nightmares in order to find the truth. Thad needs to find the truth behind his parent's death, even if the truth hurts. The story shows the burden of on the character, Thad, and even his wife Dorothy. The pain and tragedy takes a toll on the characters but it also brings strength. Sometimes the truth is within ourselves, even if we forget to remember. Well written story.

[deemelody-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Had me hooked from page one. Sat here and read the whole thing in one sitting. Awesome book. Well written. Nice to see a couple so much in love with each other and the true meaning of what being a friend is too. Rare these days rather in books or real life. I would recommend this book if you like reading about someone struggling with inner demons and trying to come to grips with loss and find an inner peace. Unanswered questions plaque Thad and we get to be a part of his journey. Really good book.