Redemption of Sacrifice

By Delores Cremm

An urgent call from Anne Barrett brings Christine, Rachel and Bonette home from Boston to prevent Antoinette's path of self-annihilation. Thoroughly positive she is suffering from a mental breakdown, Rachel and Christine tries to convince Antoinette that the phantoms are figments of her imagination until the delusions manifest a physical substance. Christine calls on the Vanderhaults to investigate the mysteries, and discover the hauntings at Gilbert Estate is a sinister plot to cover up murder and steal the manor's hidden treasures...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Delores Cremm
• Release date: Aug 18, 2016
• ISBN: 9781310210334

Delores Cremm

Born and raised in Dayton Ohio Currently working on BS of Accounting Studied Creative Writing at Sinclair Community College My work in progress: - Vengeance-Book 3 In The Vanderhault Saga - Fall of Devine Book 4 In The Vanderhault Saga - Loving you (Memoir of being in love with an Intersex) - Maddy Akers - Amazon's of Landis ( Erotica) -The Hem-Hem Man (Crime and Mystery) - Going Blind (Thriller) - Don't ask Don't Tell (Fictional Memoir of Andy Mcguire)

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Redemption of Sacrifice

By Delores Cremm

Published by Delores Cremm at Smashwords

Copyright© 2016 by Delores Cremm

Smashwords Edition License Notes: This eBook is licensed for the purchasers enjoyment and not to be shared or given away. If additional copies are required, please visit Smashwords.com for additional purchases. Thank you for your support

PROLOGUE

December 23, 1997- Province, Vermont

She's after me, Toni screamed losing her balance on several steps.

Rachel rushed to her aid as she slid down the long staircase.

There is nobody there, Rachel said checking her for injuries.

Yes she is, with half of a body insisting I wear a scarf and it fell on the floor.

Cris retrieved the silk garment as Toni said and tucked it under her shirt. She had come from the Barrett's quarters and witnessed her sister's fall. Rachel walked up the remaining steps and looked at Cris watching the scene and Mr. Barrett startling her when he came from the third floor. Where was he? Cris thought because their apartment was empty moments ago.

Toni that's Crissie, Rachel said pointing to her wife.

Cris went to the steps where Toni was sitting.

Where did you come from, Toni asked in a heavy breath, her eyes dilated to pure blackness and terror displayed at her core.

My room, she lied as her heart started to ache over Toni's despair.

Did you hurt yourself, Mr. Barrett asked in concern.

Are you mistaking Crissie for Kathy again, Rachel asked.

No! Toni shouted, Cricket doesn't look like her to me and this damn place is haunted. Kathy is coming from the grave to punish me for my cruelty and I wish I could take it back. I loved my mother but I didn't understand her illness, she cried.

Tears spilled down Rachel's face listening to Toni's rants. Cris's mind was preoccupied with the mysterious appearance of Mr. Barrett and the article she had concealed. A suspicious feeling entered her conscious. The scarf was not a figment of Toni's imagination and the third level of the estate was empty when she searched for the man to add the silver reindeers on the lawn. She called out to him in the living room of their apartment and went to the kitchenette. The bedroom door was open and she entered despite not wanting to intrude on their privacy. The restroom door was open which confirmed his absence but he came from that direction.

I need to use the car, Cris said looking at Rachel and walked away. Her mind riddled with questions and not ready to reveal her findings.

After leaving home, Cris arrived at Vanderhault mansion within minutes, urgently needing to tell Nette about the scarf she had in her purse. The servant led her to Nette's suite where she found her entertaining Lauren and Nicky.

Welcome little Cricket, Lauren greeted, motioning her to take a seat and giving the impression they were expecting her.

You have something for me, Nette smiled.

Yes, Cris responded, stunned by her clairvoyance.

Very well let’s see what you have and tell me your feelings, she smiled exposing her one glorious dimple.

Cris looked at Nicky and Lauren who took on seriousness beyond anything she had seen from them. She pulled the scarf from her purse and handed it to Nette.

This was lying on the floor when I came from the servant's quarters, and Toni had slipped down the stairs in a panic, she said.

Tell me what you feel, Nette interrupted, never acknowledging the scarf and searching her expression.

Toni isn't losing her mind and something else is happening in the estate, Cris said. Delusions cannot produce real items and someone is creating them.

Hmm, you pass the test little Cricket don’t be afraid of what you feel. I'm going to ask you not to reveal this scarf and your beliefs to anyone. Not even Rachel because the less she knows the better. Please trust me when I tell you we will find the answers for you, but I have a feeling you already know. Let's not speak of this again and I want you to go on as normal for Toni, Rachel and your safety, Nette warned.

I won't, Cris promised. She looked at Nicky and Lauren who were quiet during the conversation, rose from her seat and felt their loyalty.

Chapter One

Home for the Holidays

December 10, 1997 – Boston, MA

You always get this way in December, come on Crissie, Christmas should be wonderful this year and Toni is happy we are coming home, Rachel said concerned of her wife's melancholy.

I know I should be happy Rachel, but my mom died two days before this holiday and it hasn't been joyous for me since, Cris sighed heavy.

Sweetie, I can offer you comfort but we're your family now and been through a lot together. I am not being insensitive to your sorrows, Rachel added before Cris's acid rebuttal.

A knock at the door interrupted Cris's chance at reprimanding Rachel's. Nette saved her once again from another blow-up with the little emerald-eyed hellion she married. Rachel answered it alarmed at Nette's expression.

What is it Nette, Cris asked.

I just got off the phone with Mrs. Barrett and I'm afraid something is wrong with Toni, nothing physical her health is fine but she's drinking heavy and experiencing delusions of Aunt Kathy. Mrs. Barrett told me her recent episode was severe to the extent of her shattering a mirror and cutting up her hand, Nette swallowed and continued. She has not lashed out at anyone, only her ghost".

Oh my, Cris flinched at the news.

She's tortured, Rachel's voice cracked. It pained her thinking of Toni reliving torment alone in that huge estate.

I'm flying to Province in the chopper. Would you care to join me, Nette asked. I know you planned on driving but this will get us there quicker.

When are we leaving, Cris asked.

Within the hour.

Province, Vermont – December 1997

Rachel stared out the helicopter window in silence as thoughts raced in her mind of Toni's unhappy childhood and not understanding the debts of the impact on her. She never understood the violent episodes in the Gilbert home or aware of the circumstances behind Toni's rage until Kathy revealed the mental anguish she inflicted to satisfy her masochism.

The eloquent craft landed on the Mansion's landing pad and the propellers came to an abrupt stop. The pilot opened the hatch and waited for the passengers to descend. Nette turned to Rachel giving her a half smile in sharing her concerns for Toni.

Do you want to come in for a short visit before going home, Nette asked. Everyone is in residence she continued, Lauren, Nicky and Haden are here for the festivities.

No I think we should go on to Gilberts, Rachel said observing Cris's eagerness to see her sister.

Nette summoned an awaited car ready to take Rachel and Cris home then strolled across a snow-covered path leading to the manor.

Rachel held Cris's hand as they drove through the wrought iron gates of Gilbert estate; she noticed the outdoor carpeting had been removed. It was odd seeing the naked cinder blocks underneath. The snow-covered lawn shimmered as sparkling crystals but the house appeared desolate. Rachel shuttered at the thought of despair lurking within the home. Something changed in the three months after she and Cris left in September for school. The driver parked in front of the house and Cris got out of the car not bothering to wait. Rachel lingered for a moment watching her open the door, noticed the brilliant light illuminating from the foyer and Mrs. Barrett greeting Cris with excitement. Mr. Barrett came out to get their bags and the driver offered to assist the aging man.

Welcome home Rachel, we expected you on Friday, Mr. Barrett said, wrestling with the heavy luggage.

We flew in with Nette, Crissie was anxious to see Toni. Is she home, Rachel asked.

Yes, she had a big football party over the weekend and tied a good one on. Now the poor child's worn out and haven't left the house in two days, he chuckled.

Martin can take the bags up for us Mr. Ralph. Crissie packs heavy Rachel said, entering in the house watching the old man struggle. Hello Ms. B, she greeted Anne, who embraced and kissed her cheek.

I'll let Toni know you're here, Anne said starting up the stairs.

Rachel looked around the house and noticed it was spotless. Age had not interfered with the housekeeper because she kept up her duties or Toni helped in the care of the manor, she and Cris were meticulous about their surroundings. They shared common traits; both were neat and excellent cooks. Toni had servants, but she cleaned her own suite and prepared all her meals. Toni treated the Barretts as an extended family.

Rachel walked in the family room and took a seat across from Cris who was struggling to remove her boots. She laughed at her perils with the high calf soft leather because she knew in the fashion industry, the softer the material the harder the zippers.

Do you need help babe? She smirked as her eyes glisten in humor. I said you will have trouble with them, because the zippers stick.

Why sell things like this, if you can't get out of them, Cris said biting her bottom lip.

Toni appeared in the room groggy but delighted to see Cris and Rachel.

I thought you guys were coming in on Friday. I wanted to surprise you with the new porch carpet and Christmas decorations, she said stifling a yawn.

Sorry we spoiled your plans, Rachel said examining her appearance, which confirmed Toni was distressed. Her dilated pupils were not the only tale sign. Her grooming habits changed drastic and sure enough, Toni's hair was longer and she wore a wrinkled sweatshirt and unmatched pants. Even lounging around the house, she'd never wear mismatched wrinkle clothes or walked around in her bare feet.

We wanted to surprise you, Cris smiled.

Are you letting your hair grow, looking at her suspiciously Rachel asked.

Hell no, why would you asked that! Toni exclaimed.

Because I haven't seen it that long in years.

It's getting cut in the morning because it's driving me wild.

"I'm hungry, Cris interrupted. We didn't have time to eat and Nette only gave us an hour to pack.

I have leftover chili from my party. Only the mild version, Toni offered.

Great, because the spicy is too hot. Toni that stuff you make can burn your tongue off and I can't understand how you all eat it.

Crissie you have no guts, Rachel smirked.

Damn straight and keep eating that hot stuff, you won't have stomachs or taste buds. Finally, Cris exhaled as Rachel removed her boots.

Do you want some slippers, Rachel offered glancing down to Toni's bare feet.

No Toni's not wearing any.

Yeah, Rachel responded looking at Toni. What happen to your hand Ton?

I was drunk and shattered my mirror. Nana insisted I get it stitched up. I didn't think 5 was worth the trouble, but she's an old worry wart.

How did it happen? Rachel pressed.

Come on Rachel, I'm hungry and Toni promised me chili, Cris stopped Rachel's interrogation noticing her sister's uneasiness.

They went to the large kitchen, Cris and Rachel took a seat at the island counter while Toni got the leftovers from the refrigerator. This room was Toni's comfort zone even barefooted, she moved with ease setting plates and silverware for Cris and Rachel. She retrieved a bottle of wine from the portable rack and offered a glass. Cris refused but Rachel accepted. Toni sliced a loaf of soft bread and prepared a mixture of melted white cheese and soft herb butter for dipping. Her cooking was splendid and developed largely studying culinary at Peekskill University the past two years. She and Druzette attended together, although Dru proved more accomplished in baking but Toni's culinary skills were a natural gift. Cris's stomach growled inhaling the aroma of the cheese fondue and chili simmering. Toni chortled at her little sister's gastric gesture and felt happy to oblige her appetite.

I told you to eat breakfast Crissie, Rachel scolded playfully. It sounds like you got a bear in there, she laughed.

Toni placed the bread and fondue on the table, Cris picked out a healthy slice of the warm bread, tore it in half and dipped it