The Girls: 'Til Death Do Us Part

By Lisa Moreno

Natalie Grant’s deliverance lies in solving two murders from twenty years ago she believes are linked to best friend KT O’Neill’s recent suicide.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Nov 16, 2012
• ISBN: 9781624882609

Book preview

MORENO

PROLOGUE

Everyone’s got a secret cloaked by a deceptive story most want to forget and then there are those who fear if their deception ever surfaces lives will be indelibly altered. People have all kinds of moral dilemmas tucked away. Often, the passage of time allows them to become irrelevant, fading into passing shadows tracking the back of our minds. Then again, secrets that char our souls buried so deep smolder quietly waiting their turn to escape and their contents purged. These secrets obsess and abscess in our minds feeding the flames of self-destruction. Though life has changed immensely in the past 20 years, Natalie Grant’s recollections marooned within her psyche since 1988 assault her fragmented memories leaving her a blind victim to their haunts. Finally able to grip the reality of the past, resonating voices have assigned her the task of revealing the truth about the girls. After all, she was their leader.

This story is not only about conquering one’s inner demons, but also exposing something far more sinister than any of the girls could ever have imagined; a reality so deviant, so twisted, it defies comprehension and transcends the unimaginable. It is about surviving a destructive phantom of malevolence that parades as the voice of primal truth.

CHAPTER 1

CAITLIN’S STORY, KT

November 1, 2008

Cold, musky air pervades the single room chapel that serves as the funeral site for Caitlin (KT) O’Neill’s premature death. Here, just beyond the quiet, lies the forgotten town of Heaven’s Door, in the rural farming community of Macon County, Illinois. Nine closely bound Irish clans mourn the death of a kin. Outside, a brisk November day kicks up wind batting the walls of the simple chapel. The windows tremble shielding its mocking sounds. Its 150 year old cemetery shoulders the tallest headstones imaginable. They stand like sentries across an uncompromised prairie that spiral up a gentle rise ending at the foot of a grandiose church. A medieval gothic structure with pointed arches, tall tapered pillars and stained glass. It seems to be standing watch against the horizon holding court over this cement graveyard. However, the free-standing small chapel by comparison seems out of place.

The mourners have all been seated. The matriarch, Siobhan O’Neill, is sitting in the front right pew tucked between her three sons: Patrick, Liam, and Aidan and surviving daughter, Darcy. Caitlin’s father, Declan O’Neill had passed away the month before due to cancer. Yet, the expression on Siobhan’s face is peculiar. Not the expected look of a grieving mother.

Sitting in the back of the chapel is a 38 year old attractive brunette flanked by her mother and younger brother. Natalie Grant had been Caitlin O’Neill’s best friend since childhood and had flown in from New York the night before the funeral. Maggie Grant held onto her numb daughter. Kevin appears disconnected, yet holds his sister’s hand. Natalie sits trancelike. Underneath, deep in thought, she is trying to make sense of KT’s suicide and the haunting visions of the past 20 years.

Natalie’s memory is sketchy due to an injury she sustained from a car accident in June, 1988, leaving her mind trapped in an amnesia-filled void. Being here at KT’s funeral clicked something deep inside. The decision to dig up the past wasn’t an option anymore. Not now with KT gone. As the priest began the service, Natalie’s mind wanders back in time to when the girls were teenagers and she was about to leave for a sleepover at KT’s.

In spite of her arresting amnesia, certain memories were snapshot clear. Natalie could still remember that heavy, suffocating day vividly in her mind. The time is early July, 1986. She caught a ride with one of KT’s neighbor’s, Betty McCloud. Annie McCloud and Natalie shared ballet classes in Decatur. Mrs. McCloud assured Natalie it wasn’t an imposition to drop her off. The scenery to KT’s family farm seemed to change suddenly once they left the township of Decatur and entered the rural area of Macon County. They drove through an old rundown sleepy town. The first building that came into view was a convenience store with piles of junk heaped up against its paint weary walls. Natalie remembered thinking it was deserted until she saw a man walk out with a six-pack of beer. There were two large, lazy looking hounds sprawled out in the middle of the main street. Mrs. McCloud had to navigate around them. One propane/gas station, an Ace Hardware store, Fly & Tackle Shop, and a John Deere tractor lot commanded the left side of the street; a few vacant buildings and an Irish pub were further down on the right. The place looked all but abandoned save for a few weather-faded cars parked along the curbside. Some people were visible through storefront windows, but no one was outside. Hoards of flies and June bugs patrolled for sustenance. The hounds appeared to be their primary target buzzing them in a frenzied dance. The poor dogs constantly flinched and scratched at the blitz.

Natalie recalled an inexplicable eerie feeling creep over her while driving through this place. She relived the sensation tingling up and down the back of her neck. An old faded greeting sign placed mid-block caused her to glance to the right. There, through an open window, was an old woman standing beneath a ceiling fan just letting the blades of air tickle through her frail wispy hair and cool her face. She looked haggard. The locals knew it was always a battle dealing with the relentless heat and humidity that permeated Macon County this time of year. The decrepit looking woman caught Natalie’s eyes staring at her and abruptly turned away. Embarrassed, Natalie quickly glanced at the sign. It was adorned with small white painted river rocks embedded along its base. The top of the sign had some odd symbol she didn’t recognize with words beneath saying…

"Welcome to Heaven’s Door

Enjoy your stay"

Up ahead, an old army surplus store hugged the right side corner of the block. It had two deeply-carved log beams supporting a portico. A decaying wooden statue of an Indian Chief stood guard out front almost blocking the entry. Its dull crumbling paint had peeled away from the face leaving its eyes vacant and haunting. Though obscure, there was a narrow, rust-colored building set back a bit next to the surplus store. It had the same odd symbol over the doorway. Natalie remembered thinking it might be a Masonic Lodge or a place of worship. In white lettering below the symbol it simply said, Built in 1848.

Brought up a Protestant, Sundays were always spent in reverence. Natalie’s mom felt worshiping together kept families united. Natalie attended church simply to appease her. She had her own thoughts about the spiritual world; however, she held her feelings very private, deep inside. All she knew of God was abandonment. KT was an Irish Catholic, yet attended public school as far back as Natalie could recall. Natalie wondered why she didn’t attend St. Teresa’s Catholic School, but decided better to leave it alone. There were, after all, some secrets they just couldn’t share.

Down the road a bit was a small airfield where retired single-engine prop planes and crop-dusters sat as relics beaten down by the elements waiting to be salvaged. The rutted dirt runway had been taken over by a sea of tangled weeds and a plethora of berry vines that had climbed up, over and around the litter of spent bottles, disposed old sink, and the skeleton of a junked car. Natalie remembered the scene with a sense of foreboding. There was an active war going on here and the elements had clearly won a victory over this windswept God forsaken place. Once they passed the airstrip another curious sign placed again in the center of the block said…

"Leaving Heaven’s Door

Watch your step"

Natalie felt a sense of relief when she was on the other side of that sign. That town gave her the willies. Remembering it 20 years later was no different.

KT had told her the entire area was primarily Irish. Natalie, being an avid history buff, was enthralled by stories about the early days of Illinois. She believed her journalism roots came from her fascination with reading as a young girl. She recalled the many stories that punctuated the plight of the Irish and their flight from sure death.

The Irish families who migrated to Macon County, Illinois, were hard working farmers. Self-sufficient, their interaction with the rest of the community was left simply to attending church and school and selling their crops at market. These farms, though independent, existed with a coalescent mindset. They made their own rules, kept to themselves and rarely ventured out of their communities. Most of these original families arrived in New York escaping the Great Hunger that hit Ireland in the mid 1800’s. During the plague years, thousands upon thousands of Irish immigrants boarded coffin ships bound for New York harbor. Many migrated to Chicago first and then spread to the outlying towns.

As they drove on, she recalled seeing the sight of billboards and towering power lines emerge out of nowhere. Natalie felt like she had gone through a time warp as Heaven’s Door seemed to be suspended in another dimension. Now these visions triggered new sparks inside her head igniting lost memories. This time paralyzing fear wouldn’t deny Natalie her breakthrough. So far no one had noticed her mental preoccupation. Satisfied, she sunk back in time.

Lining the private road to KT’s farmhouse were various sizes of white painted river rocks. They were placed in unusual circular patterns on both sides of the driveway. Up ahead was a wrought iron gate with the O’Neill’s family name twisted in iron forming its letters across the top. The same symbol she had seen in town on the greeting signs acting as pedestals for the family name. The two-story farmhouse was painted a deep bottle green with white shutters. Flower boxes filled with beautiful blooms lined each window. Mrs. McCloud pulled up to the house and Natalie got out of the car thanking her for the ride. KT’s mother, Siobhan O’Neill, greeted her at the front door. Mrs. McCloud and Annie waved as they drove off.

Mrs. O’Neill was a tall, stout, strong-jawed woman dressed in a simple Irish linen frock. Dark, foreboding, wide-set eyes branded her broad face. KT shared her high angular cheekbones. Her black and gray hair was pulled back in a severe twist. Not a hair out of place the gray streaks looked almost surreal. The lines etched across her face spoke of hard living. She seemed pleasant enough, but Natalie still felt an uneasy chill run through her veins as she remembered their conversation.

Natalie, please come in.

Hello Mrs. O’Neill.

KT will be down in a minute or two. Please come into our living room. Can I offer you some freshly squeezed lemonade?

That would be wonderful, Mrs. O’Neill, realizing her mouth was parched. The drive out had left her drained and displaced.

I’ll be back in a minute. Make yourself at home.

Thank you, Natalie said politely.

Natalie took the time to look over her surroundings. Their living room held a collection of family photo’s all bunched up together on the mantle. There were so many photographs Natalie got lost looking. However, she noted that pictures of KT and Darcy were conspicuously missing. It seemed rather strange to Natalie, but she brushed it off at the time. Darcy was three years younger than KT. Natalie recalled thinking things just weren’t right with her. Once Natalie asked KT about her sister, but it was clear she didn’t want to discuss it. Her brothers were away at college so only KT and Darcy lived at home. All the boys attended Notre Dame, and it was common knowledge there were no free rides if you were born an O’Neill.

That sleepover has haunted Natalie’s memory all these years. Baffling, disconnected images passed in front of her eyes that night. Waking to hot, stagnant air, she remembered stumbling out of bed to open up the bedroom window and thought she saw someone being chased out in the cornfields. Natalie strained to see into the night, but only saw blackbirds fluttering about. She didn’t want to wake up KT. Accepting her eyes were playing tricks on her, she crawled back into bed. At 16, she was terrified. Now, at 38, she still was.

Remembering back when KT arrived at school Monday mornings she’d always be quiet and just stare vacantly into space. They never talked about it and KT seemed to snap out of it as the day moved along. Then Natalie’s mind switched back and she was sitting at KT’s funeral, away from the images of the past and the questions that haunted her.

Staring forward she couldn’t help but observe Siobhan O’Neill. Even though she hadn’t seen KT’s mom in years, Mrs. O’Neill looked incredibly old and worn. Her once striking face, now heavily-lined, reflecting the ravages of time and heartache. Natalie’s grief is palpable and hangs like a cloak choking the air out of her lungs. Even dead, KT still looks beautiful.

Natalie mused; I always figured I would be attending KT’s wedding…not her funeral! Mrs. O’Neill insisted that her wake be held at home the previous night, but Natalie’s plane was late and she couldn’t attend.

Thank God, she thought, Mom and Kevin are here by my side. Still, the musty air was making her lightheaded and dizzy. Her skin felt clammy and itchy. And her brain was being bombarded by swirling fireworks of memories.

As the funeral got under way, Natalie’s mind raced like a locomotive trying hard to find the proper track that would take her home, back through the empty corridors that held her prisoner and threatened her very existence. She challenged herself to persevere and step by step reconnect the memories that were so fractured in her mind. As she did, with tears flowing, she reminisced about KT when they were teenagers.

She was the girl that everybody wanted to emulate. Her crystal blue eyes were striking against her flawless milky white skin. Her coal black straight hair didn’t demand the tedious hours of work compared to Natalie’s curly locks. When KT smiled she flashed perfectly straight teeth that didn’t require braces like hers did. No one would argue that KT was the consummate head turner!

Natalie and KT did everything together: shared secrets, laughed, cried and got into their fair share of trouble. Natalie was happy to do whatever KT wanted. The two girls did talk about college, but both agreed a year’s break after graduating high school was necessary to cool their heels. KT’s mom just wanted her to graduate, get a job and move out. Natalie’s mom wanted her daughter to follow in her footsteps and go straight to Columbia University directly out of high school.

CHAPTER 2

GRADUATION DAY, 1988

Natalie’s memory spools forward to graduation day.

It’s June 17, 1988, and high school graduation ceremony has just ended. The graduates are all smiles and hugs. Each says their goodbyes to classmates with promises to stay in touch. A younger, vivacious Natalie offers to have a graduation slumber party at her home with her five best friends. KT, Melanie and Deidra Stuart, Emily Martin and Jennifer Lawson make up the group. All agree, then go their separate ways. Wanting to make sure her hair and makeup still looked fresh Natalie made her usual bathroom run and returned home with diploma in hand.

Back at home, she begins thinking about the plans KT cooked up with her brother Patrick. After all the girls were to show up at Natalie’s home, they would secretly head over to Whispering Lake to have a private party and go skinny dipping with the guys.

Patrick, KT’s oldest brother has two college friends from South Bend that he’s invited to come along and celebrate. KT’s brothers couldn’t get home in time to attend graduation, but promised they’d make it in time for her celebration dinner. The O’Neills would be caravanning with their friends, Colin Sullivan and Dylan Maguire.

Natalie recounts her telephone conversation with KT. Their young voices echo in her head.

KT, can I borrow those tight skinny pants of yours to wear tonight?

Not a problem. I’ve got a great halter top you should wear, too, definitely braless. Can you believe it, Nat, high school’s over and we’re finally free! I’m giving you a heads up now, I have dibs on Colin. His friend Dylan is no slouch either. And Natalie, you’ll finally get to meet my brothers in spite of all previous attempts. I bet you’ll like Aidan, and I think you’re his type, too.

Natalie could visualize KT’s young face like it was yesterday. Their conversation continues.

My mom still thinks I’m staying at your place for a sleepover party with the girls following my celebration dinner tonight. After my dad bowed out from coming to my graduation, she hasn’t questioned me about anything. I know she feels bad. Glad she didn’t hear Patrick and me scheming last night over the telephone about our secret party. Why shouldn’t we party at Whispering Lake? It’s on our property and so remote no one will have a clue we’re there. My mom thinks Patrick is dropping me off at your place before going out with his friends from Decatur. The night is ours for the taking! KT’s words were haunting.

Then Natalie heard her own innocent responses.

The lake is a great idea, KT. Don’t forget to bring your pants and that sexy halter top. Make sure to remind your brothers mum’s the word about what we’re doing. We don’t need any parents getting wind of our private little scheme. I also don’t think it’s a good idea that your brothers pick everyone up at my home. It’ll be too obvious. We have very nosy neighbors, but can you still ask them if they will drop you off here first. It’ll be more fun if you come with us, and I can change into your clothes before meeting them.

Sure, sounds good, but how will we get out to the lake? KT asked.

Natalie told her not to worry and cut the conversation short. She needed to concentrate on getting a viable plan together. She’d figure out an alternative means of transportation and decide who would bring the necessary items, food and such. KT’s brothers would need to pick up the beer.  After working things out and talking with the other girls Natalie called KT back.

Hello, hello. Is anybody there? Darcy, if that’s you just say hello, it’s Natalie.

Hello Natalie. The blackbirds watch me everywhere.

Give me the phone now, Darcy! I’m sorry, Natalie. Never mind her.

KT, is she OK?

OK as she’ll ever be. What’s up?

Everything’s set. Natalie went on to tell KT the intricacies of her plan.

Deidra and Melanie told their mom that there’s a school sponsored party in the gymnasium so she’s dropping them off at school at 8:45 p.m. Mrs. Stuart thinks they’re coming back to my house for the sleepover.  They’re packing a duffel bag with extra clothes. Mrs. S. won’t question it. Emily is walking over once her family dinner celebration is finished. She’ll be getting the snacks. At graduation, Jen’s mom offered to drop her over here after dinner so that’s fine. Mrs. Lawson won’t want to come in and gab with my mom so that won’t be a problem. I guess we’re all a go and the party is on. The way I see it everyone will arrive here by 9 p.m. Now all I have to figure out is how to get us over to Whispering Lake without attracting suspicion.

The dark labyrinth that has defined Natalie Grant’s mind all these years has now yielded a corridor she’s able to access. Like a blind person being led by a firm hand, she ventures on. It is a chance to let her courage strengthen her resolve while defeating the icy fear that has kept her memory frozen.

CHAPTER 3

REMEMBERING BACK

By this point, she had completely tuned out the priest’s long-winded sermon. The funeral would be filled with many lengthy eulogies and prayers. One thing Natalie knew about the Irish was that the dead are given every level of respect no matter how long it took. She would be able to let her thoughts wander uncurtailed. She was to give the last eulogy anyhow. Hopefully, she could solve the dark mystery that has shrouded her and her friends all these years. Natalie returns back to 1988, and the sound of her mother’s voice calling her from the kitchen echoing in her ears. She’s 17 again.

Natalie, would you please come downstairs? I need to talk with you.

Sure Mom, be down in a minute.

After losing her husband, Bernard Grant, to a bizarre boating accident in 1983, Maggie Grant took on the role of both parents. Aside from working as a full-time secretary at Caterpillar and doing part-time bookkeeping for the Callaghans, she tried her best to keep her two children involved in school. It was a stretch.

John Callaghan, of a neighboring clan and a close tie of the O’Neill’s, took over Bernard’s business after the accident. The bookkeeping only required Maggie’s time one night a week. Amanda Martin is Emily’s mother. Maggie and Amanda were best friends through college at Columbia. It’s because of this friendship that the Grant’s moved to Illinois from Minnesota years back when Natalie was eight and Kevin was five. Emily and Natalie were close in age so their friendship naturally blossomed.

Picturing Emily back then put a smile on Natalie’s face. Ironically, Natalie never lost clear memories of Emily Martin. She visualized her really thick curly red hair, piercing green eyes and easygoing personality. Unfortunately, her pretty friend harbored many phobias. Something happened to Emily when she was very young that left her scarred with panic attacks and paranoia, but she didn’t remember what it was and never discussed it. Natalie tried to protect Em from her paralyzing fears whenever she could. Emily, in turn, always tried to please her girlfriend. Natalie loved Rocky Road ice cream and Em knew it. Emily surprised her often with a double scoop cone.

Had anyone in the chapel noticed Natalie’s mental disconnect, they would have thought it odd to see her eyes closed with her lips moving as if engaged in active conversation.

Despite her disturbing detachment, Natalie knew she was still at a chapel. Her thoughts drifted to her grandfather’s funeral. She quaked inside. Remembering him dead brought paralyzing dread. That was five years ago. There was no family left, but her mom’s sister Mary Ann Hollister who was a nosy gossip. Fortunately, she lived in Minnesota and didn’t visit often.

She left the upsetting image and resumed thinking about the party plan. Transportation was their biggest dilemma now. Natalie knew she could ask her mom to borrow the family car. She had cleared the path earlier inferring that the girls had a surprise in store for her. This would cover for them leaving the house. Natalie could hear her mother’s voice calling out.

Natalie, where are you? I called you downstairs ten minutes ago. Young lady, I know you’re up there in your own little world, but I need you to come downstairs, right now!

Coming, Mom.

Listen Natalie, I know tonight is your celebration and all, but I just heard a message from Mr. Callaghan on the answer machine asking me to come over tonight and help him with a financial statement he needs to give the bank on Monday. You’re fine to stay here alone with your girlfriends, right?

Sure, Mom.

Need any money for refreshments?

No. The girls are bringing snacks. We’re good, Mom.

Kevin’s spending the night at his friend Gary’s so you girls will have the house all to yourselves. I’ll be home rather late. I kind of remember you saying something to me about having some surprise plans for tonight? Maggie cocked her eyebrow.

Yes, we do, but everyone’s being so secretive about it. I guess I’m out of the loop. Regardless, you know you can trust me. Mom, if we’re not here when you get back I don’t want you to worry. You know we’re all responsible and no guys would be stupid enough to hassle six crazy girls. You know our motto.

"We band together

All for one, one for all,

If you lose your way

We’ll hear your call."

Fine, Natalie, but whatever you do keep your wits about you. I don’t want to hear any gossip from the neighbors or phone calls from the police and keep the music down past curfew.

You’ve got my word, Mom.

I’m going to have to leave right away. The roads are a complete mess out on the expressway due to a terrible accident. Maggie grabbed a stack of papers and her purse.

Did anyone die?

Unfortunately, yes. It sounds like a dreadful situation. I just heard about it on the radio so I need to get going. Fridays are bad enough on the roads, but now it’ll be even worse. Have a wonderful time tonight. Love you.

Natalie kissed her mom and smiled. Underneath, she mused, Mr. Callaghan, you and your financial worries are the answer to my prayer. Natalie didn’t know how she was going to tell her mom the party had shifted locations and they wouldn’t be there most of the night. Fortunately, Maggie didn’t question Natalie’s phony story about being out of the loop. She would have balked had Natalie told her straight out they were planning a co-ed party at Whispering Lake. It was perfect--no argument, no debate.

At that moment her recollections hit a familiar void and Natalie rocketed to the present. What was it that she couldn’t see? She fought the emptiness that scrambled for space in her memory. Like a time traveler at warp speed, she jettisoned back to her old bedroom determined to push through.

Then it hit her, the answer was sitting right in the garage.

Dad’s car! It shouldn’t be a problem getting it to start. She remembered that nice mechanic installing a disconnect to prevent the battery from draining. He showed them how to flip the switch to reconnect it so the car would turn over. There should still be some old gas in it. Natalie would need to go to the gas station, but that was easy enough. Just driving to the lake would charge the battery up again.

Natalie recalled going to the garage and checking things out. She always made sure everything was A.O.K., or did she? Every once in a while Natalie would question her recollections. She was, after all, in uncharted territory. She slipped back.

She decided to call Em and share the good news, adding that it would be more efficient to meet at Miller’s Convenience Store, pick up the food and drive them both back to her home.

Then a flush came over Natalie’s face as her dad filled her thoughts. I guess this was meant to be, Dad. You’ll be celebrating my high school graduation with me, after all. It’s a little weird that you died down at the same lake where we’ll be partying. You called it our own, quiet, little sanctuary. Maybe, that’s why I’m so happy I get to spend tonight down there. Whispering Lake was, after all, the last place we were together.

CHAPTER 4

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

Another reel was streaming into focus. Her thoughts centered on Emily.

At Emily Martin’s home not far away, the anxious graduate was busy planning out what she was going to wear to the party. Natalie phones and gets Mrs. Martin who calls up to Emily to grab the extension. Natalie could hear their voices echoing in her head.

Hi Nat. What’s up?

I figured out how we’re all getting over to Whispering Lake. My mom has to work tonight so she took the car. She’s on her way over to Mr. Callaghan’s farm. I think between work and traffic she’ll be home really late. I checked my dad’s car out and it still has some gas in it. I flipped the ‘disconnect’ a family friend had installed. The car sputtered a bit, but finally turned over. I’ll bring jumper cables along anyway. We’ll need to add fresh gas and take a hose to it, but other than that it’s good to go.

Natalie, would you mind if I skip tonight?

What? Are you kidding? Natalie was caught off guard.

I’m afraid to go down there. That place really scares me.

Come on, Em, don’t let your fears get the best of you.

I have this terrible feeling deep inside and I just can’t shake it. Kind of like a premonition. Emily’s voice trembled.

Natalie sat rigid in the pew removing her hand from her brother’s grasp as she reflected on the newborn memories that were now crystallizing her tormented past. Reliving this conversation with Emily was a doorway she needed to keep open. Horrifying things that happened later on would eventually become clear. She fought herself back into the conversation.

"Em, why don’t you take one of those anti-anxiety pills your mother keeps for you? That should calm you down. You just have to go! This will be the best party of your life!"

OK, Natalie, I’ll go. Maybe those pills will help. I hate being like this--it’s so paralyzing. Emily’s mind had its own monsters.

Just stay by my side and I’ll keep you safe, Natalie tried to be reassuring. OK, here’s the plan. After dinner start walking toward Miller’s Convenience Store. I’ll meet you there. I was going to give you a list, but you decide what munchies to get. Chips and salsa, that kind of stuff. I’ve told KT to have the guys pick up the beer. They’re dropping her off here first and then we’ll all meet over at the lake. The other girls plan to be at my house around 9 p.m. so I figure we need to meet up by 8:45 to be back here on time.

Can we really pull this off, Natalie?

Like a hot knife through butter, Natalie responded.

Emily’s mother called out for Em. Natalie could hear Mrs. Martin’s voice echo through the receiver.

Emily, are you still on the phone? Can you hear me up there? I’d like to talk with you in the kitchen.

Yes, Mom. One second.

I’ll see you at Miller’s at 8:45. Bye. Emily hung up, but the receiver didn’t click off. Natalie figured Amanda Martin had forgotten to hang up the extension. She held on the line listening.

Coming, Mom.

Are you girls still planning to have a sleepover at Natalie’s? I spoke to her mom half an hour ago and she said she had to work tonight.

We’re still on, Mom.

Emily, is everything OK?

Sure, Mom.

You sound nervous, honey. Amanda Martin detected something.

I’m just excited about graduating. Emily kept a straight face.

I see, her mom relented.

Natalie hung up.

CHAPTER 5

THE DRIVE FROM SOUTH BEND

While Natalie was retrieving puzzle pieces that had been absent from her mind, it was a much higher mountain to climb to fill in the voids regarding events that she hadn’t witnessed. Building those blocks would require deciphering myriads of information she had received from family and friends trying to help her recuperate. She had heard all about the boys nightmare road trip. The local newspaper sensationalized that fatal accident and the massive gridlock that locked down a large portion of the I-72 for hours. Natalie’s keen imagination would allow her a leap of faith. It was mid-afternoon on graduation day and it was high time to bring in the boys.

Dylan Maguire and Colin Sullivan are caravanning with the O’Neill boys from South Bend, Indiana, to a party at a small lake in Macon County, Illinois, to celebrate KT O’Neill’s graduation from high school. Both guys are the cat’s meow. Dylan’s black wavy hair, green eyes and deep cleft turns heads. His athletic body another asset. Colin, at 6’4", has a chiseled face, straight blond hair, dark blue eyes and a body of an Adonis. Both could don the cover of GQ.

It’s supposed to be a wild, promising evening with six girls all anxious to let loose and party. Patrick has assured his buddies sex was a sure thing. This made the interstate drive worth the time and aggravation. Both are friends of Patrick’s from Notre Dame University. This is the first time Dylan and Colin are traveling out of town together. Tired, edgy and hungry, the frustration between the two becomes evident as the trip runs its course. All it takes is one nasty accident to bring out the worst in people.

Damn, how much longer is this drive going to take, Dylan? I know it’s got a be less than four hours from South Bend to Macon County, Colin griped.

Calm your heels, Colin. I didn’t figure on wall-to-wall traffic the whole way. We should be there in less than two hours. Hey bud, what’s that you’re holding in your hand? Dylan shot his eyes at the object.

Neat, isn’t it? It’s a medallion my dad gave me when I turned 16.

I’ve never seen anything like it before. What does it mean?

It’s an old Gaelic symbol called a triskelion. See these small stones around the edge, they form a spiritual circle that protects the person who wears it, Colin shared.

Holy cow, you’re not into all that pagan witchcraft stuff, are you? This is the 20th Century, Colin, not the Middle Ages!

Chill, Maguire. I figured I’d have time to see my father’s old friend, Daniel McCloud. I called him before we left and asked if I could meet him tomorrow. He lives in the area. Since no one outside our little group knows about the party tonight, I told him I’d call for directions in the morning. Who knows where we’ll be waking up? Sullivan smirked then continued.

I brought it along to show McCloud I’m part of the brotherhood. It’s kind of an old Irish thing, he toyed with it.

Hey, I’m Irish, and I’ve never seen anything like that. Dylan shot back.

"Yeah, you’re