Addressing Spirits

By Carla Foft

Cheryl Taran is a very practical woman employed as a records manager and computer analyst at her local police department. As a single mother, her life is hectic, but ordinary. That is until an old police case comes back to haunt her. Cheryl finds herself enmeshed in a real life paranormal investigation. But what she finds most disturbing to her peace of mind is the attractive man she meets lurking in the driveway at the haunted address.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Feb 24, 2011
• ISBN: 9781456719067

Carla Foft

Carla Foft's personal brushes with the paranormal sparked her interest in writing this particular novel. Her extensive experience in law enforcement records management and computer programming, as well as her training in nursing, add real authenticity to her material. Ms. Foft has a BBA in Management and an Associate Deegree in Nursing. She lives in Texas with her 15 year-old son and two rescue cats. Visit her website at www.carlafoft.com

Book preview

1210 APACHE STREET

1210 Apache Street

Chapter One

A DANGER TO HIMSELF OR others; that was their excuse for having kept him here for six weeks. Nolan walked down the hall to the meeting room and glanced through the tiny window of reinforced glass on the door. Yep, the whole recommendation committee was waiting for him with Dr. Madison at the head of the table. How many times had he been through this process before? It really didn’t matter. Kate, his case worker, had promised he would be released this time. His medication had been working and there was no way they could claim he was still a danger to himself or others.

Dr. Madison looked up from a file labeled Harlowe as Nolan stepped into the room and sat at the end of the table opposite from the state’s head psychologist. Kate Masters was sitting to Nolan’s left and smiled reassuringly at him when the discussion began. Nolan knew she was on his side today and was counting on that being the main factor in favor of his release.

Two days later, Nolan waited before the Honorable Judge Jack Bingham in the hearing room located on the campus of the State Mental Hospital. I’m going home today, he thought excitedly as he watched the judge finish with the patient just ahead of him. Damn, it’s about time. This place is like a prison, and I can’t wait to see the other side of those gates out there.

Mr. Harlowe, your recommendation committee believes you are medically stable and can return to regular society. How do you feel about this?

I’m ready to leave, Your Honor. I have a wife and five young children I haven’t seen for six weeks. I really want to go home.

Do you understand that paranoid schizophrenia is a permanent condition which requires life-long medical treatment and monitoring? You may periodically require adjustments in your medication levels and the current dosage may not always be effective?

Yes, Your Honor, Kate’s told me everything and I know I’ve got to take my meds all the time.

The committee has established that Mr. Nolan Harlowe is now stabilized in his treatment and no longer poses a threat to himself or others, therefore this court officially releases him from confinement at the Texas State Mental Hospital in Big Mount, Texas. Mr. Harlowe, you will be required to remain under the care of your assigned psychologist and will continue to have regularly scheduled meetings with Ms. Kate Masters until such time as this court releases you from those conditions. Do you understand these are requirements of your release and you may again be involuntarily committed to this facility should you fail to maintain these contacts as specified or should you again be declared to be a danger to yourself or others?

Yes, Your Honor, I understand. Thank you, Your Honor. I really appreciate this; you can’t imagine how much I want out of here…

I understand Mr. Harlowe; you are free to go now.

A thin man with blonde hair stood up from the bench seats in the courtroom and walked toward Nolan with his hand extended to shake, Hey, Buddy, it’s going to be great to have you back. You ready to go?

Thanks for coming to pick me up, Glen. I have to go get my stuff and then we can get out of this zoo.

As the two men climbed into Glen’s red car, Nolan stated, Man, you’re still driving this piece of junk? I can’t believe it still goes without being pushed.

Come on, Nolan, you’ve only been in there a few weeks. Do you think I won the lottery during that time or what?

Yeah, of course you’re right. It just felt like forever, you know what I mean? I’ve been so worried about Anita and the kids.

Sure, but you know I’ve been helping take care of things for you. Mowing the grass, fixing leaks, playing baseball, stuff like that.

Nolan stared at Glen with a thoughtful expression as he stated, Thanks, man. I’m sure Anita really appreciated everything.

I don’t mind, I just wanted to make things easier for everyone, you know? Those kids have been through a lot and Anita can always use more help. So, what’s it really like in that place, Glen finally managed to build up enough nerve to ask.

It was a mental institution, what do you think it was like? Nolan responded angrily.

I think most of us have seen too many movies or read too many books. We have all these preconceived ideas about places like that. You know horror stories about women like Nurse Ratched, patients walking around drooling and pulling out their hair, stuff like that.

What would you think if I said stuff like that does happen?

Glen glanced to his right, answering, I guess I’d figure you were just telling me what you thought I want or expect to hear. I mean, nothing can really be that bad, can it?

Nolan ignored the question and stared out the window of the car watching the mesquites and cactus go by. West Texas was such a hot dry climate in summer. More sand than greenery. He felt that the name of the town, Big Mount, was a joke. There was just a slight rise against the horizon with craggy outcroppings of rock and stunted scrub oak. Nolan was sure that the forty-five minute drive to his house was going to be the longest trip of his life.

The sun was almost straight overhead as the car turned into his quiet residential area. Three boys raced bikes up the street as Glen drove by. Nolan was amazed at their energy even in the triple digit temperature. His only positive thought was that he was thankful the air conditioner still worked okay in Glen’s old car. The vehicle pulled up to a neat, tan suburban home and Glen started to put the car into park as Nolan turned toward him. Hey, man, do you think you could go to the store and pick up some snacks for the game tonight? I’d really like to see Anita and the kids alone first, okay? Nolan asked.

Sure, Buddy. No problem. I’ll be back in about an hour or so. How’s that?

You’re great, Glen Cross, I don’t care what your mother says about you.

Nolan hesitated a moment at the front door before he turned the knob and yelled, "Anita, I’m home. Ben, Joe, Sonya, Susie, Paul, where is everyone? A small dog charged out from the kitchen area, into the dining room, barking boldly. Next came giggles and shouts as four children ran into the room giving him hugs and all talking at the same time.

Mom made a special cake, its chocolate, shouted the smallest boy.

You weren’t supposed to tell, dummy. It was a secret, the older girl squealed.

Daddy, did they put electrodes on your neck like Frankenstein? the older boy yelled.

Quit barking, Angel, it’s just Daddy, the youngest girl soothed as she bent to pet the small dog.

Another boy emerged more slowly from a separate room and stood back from the other children, watching sullenly without talking. He appeared to be just starting into his teenage years and was obviously older than the other four children. Nolan looked at him and asked, Hey, you going to give your old man a hug, Ben?

An attractive woman with dark brown hair walked in and watched the rowdy scene from behind the oldest boy until after Nolan spoke to Ben. She said, Give him some time, Honey.

I would think six weeks would be plenty of time, Anita.

His wife crossed the room and gave him a tentative peck on the cheek as she said, He’s just worried about me. It’ll be okay when he sees you aren’t going to hurt me again.

Yeah, well, I’m not that person anymore, Ben. Give your old man a chance.

Anita quickly attempted to change the subject as she looked back toward the open door, Where’s Glen? she asked curiously.

Nolan paused, staring intently at Anita. He went to pick up some food for the game, Nolan said as he walked to the front door and locked it with the dead bolt.

Ben looked up with a frightened expression and asked, He’ll still be coming here, won’t he Mom?

Anita laughed nervously and said, Your dad’s back now, Benjamin. I don’t think we’ll need Glen’s help that much anymore.

Nolan continued to stare at her and then said, Kids go up to your rooms. And take that damn yapping mutt with you, Susie. I want to talk to your mother for awhile.

As the children climbed the stairs, Ben looked back down and asked, You okay, Mom?

I’m fine, Ben, really.

So, sounds like Glen spent a lot of time here, Nolan growled ominously.

He slept here, Susie stated as she picked up the dog and followed the others upstairs.

Nolan frowned at Anita as she said, He slept on the couch, I swear.

Benjamin sure seems to think Glen’s the new man of the house. Maybe he’d be happier if I’d just stayed at the crazy house. Maybe you would too, Nolan shouted at her as several doors closed upstairs.

*****

Two hours later, Glen returned to the quiet, tan house and stepped out of his car carrying a sack of groceries and two large pizza boxes. He tried the door and discovered it was locked. After ringing the doorbell, he stared at the hedges thinking they needed trimming again. When no one answered, he knocked loudly and tried to look through the frosted glass windows in the front door. Finally, he pushed open the mail slot and shouted, Hey, y’all, I got pepperoni pizza and Coke. Anyone who doesn’t like it can starve!

Chapter Two

MARY FRANKLIN STOOD IN the middle of the living room watching the movers bring her favorite sofa into their new house. Carson had disappeared into his room and was playing on his bed that was pushed up against the wall with the race car curtains over the window. He reached into the toy box and pulled out his transforming robot which caused a ball to fall out and roll under the bed.

He liked his room because his ceiling fan had four different-colored blades on it and he thought it was really cool. In the corner there was a built-in cabinet with brightly painted doors and a fabric-covered pad on top. It was just the right height to sit on and look out the window. Between the slats of his bright red mini-blinds, he saw a boy playing in the park across the alley. Carson became excited as he realized that the boy appeared to be about his age. He just knew the other boy would like his large robot car too. He struggled to open his window, planning to yell across to the other kid. Then he noticed a woman in the yard to his right. She opened a gate onto the alley and called to the boy in the park, Kevin, what are you doing over there? You’re in deep trouble young man. Come in here and clean up your room.

Carson bounded downstairs into the living room with his car-bot and watched as his Mom directed the men in the proper placement of her grandmother’s antique china hutch. Mom, can I go see if Kevin can play? Carson asked as he watched other men bringing in the box with the breakable stuff in it. Carson knew it was breakable stuff because Mom told him what FRAGILE meant when the men had stamped it on the side of the box.

Who’s Kevin?

The boy next door. I heard his mom yell his name.

This isn’t a good time, Carson. I’d like to meet his parents and so would your dad. We need to wait until we can all go over together, Mary answered just before she cringed when the movers tipped the box precariously before they finally set it safely on the floor in the dining room.

Well, what am I supposed to do? Carson whined as he separated the parts of the giant robot in his hands.

Go play in your room, or better yet, go out into the backyard and play with Belle. You don’t spend enough time with your dog anyway.

Carson went out the back door letting it slam with a satisfying bang as he called for his black Chihuahua mix dog.

Greg Franklin stepped in from the garage and slipped his arms around Mary’s waist.

How’s it going in here, Honey?

Pretty good, I guess. I’m just tired and ready to get settled.

Sure, moving’s always a lot of stress. He patted her slightly rounded stomach and asked, Are you still cramping?

No, I think I just overdid some yesterday and needed a good rest. I’m glad we stayed with your sister last night. It was nice of her to let me put my feet up while she did all the cooking and dishwashing.

Yeah, it was great having Betty and Vance so close by in Big Mount. I hope we don’t regret moving from there.

We had to, Greg. That commute was just too long for you after you got transferred to Middleton.

It was only forty-five minutes, Mary

I know, but that makes an hour and a half every day. It adds up. That’s time you could spend with Carson instead of driving. Plus think of all the gas money we’re saving. And then there’s the fact that more time on the highway increases the risk of more traffic accidents.

Greg kissed her on the tip of her nose and said, Of course, you’re right. That’s why we moved. You’re always right.

Get back to your garage to play, Mary laughed jokingly as she began unpacking china and placing it carefully on the maple hutch which now stood proudly in her new dining room.

*****

Out in the yard, Carson tossed a stick for Belle to chase. She continued to run in frenzied circles around him, thrilled because he was out there paying attention to her. Carson spoke patiently to the dog when she wouldn’t fetch the stick, You just need more practice, Belle. I’ll get it and you can try again. Belle followed him to the stick and sniffed at it very disinterestedly. Suddenly, she spun away from the stick and gazed intently at Carson’s open bedroom window with her head tilted slightly to one side. She broke into frantic barking alternating with deep growls. Finally, she became silent but her line of vision never shifted from the upstairs room at the corner of the house. Carson stared upward, squinting at the window, What’s wrong girl? What’re you looking at? That’s my new room; you want to go see it?

The young boy started running for the back door while the dog remained sculpture-like, seemingly transfixed by the empty window.

Come on, Belle, let’s go ask Mom if you can come in for awhile, the boy pleaded. The dog glanced at him quickly, then turned her gaze back to the window and cocked her head to the other side. Carson walked back and picked her up to carry her into the house.

Carson, what are you doing bringing that ill-mannered mutt inside? You know she isn’t properly house-broken, Mary chastised when she saw her son carrying the dog toward the stairs.

She wants to see my new room, Mom. I’ll watch her real close. It’ll be real quick; she won’t have time to make a mess anywhere, Carson said hurriedly as he continued to carry the small dog upstairs.

If she messes, you clean, Mary shouted after him as he disappeared in the upper hallway.

Carson lowered Belle to the floor when he reached his bedroom door, and she began sniffing in tentative and ever widening circles. Let me find a ball, Carson said as he began digging through the box of toys sitting in the corner next to the window seat.

Belle growled softly as the ball slowly rolled out from under the bed toward her on the floor. Carson turned just after it came to a stop at the dog’s feet.

There it is. Cool. Let’s go outside and see if you’ll fetch this, Carson shouted as he grabbed the ball with one hand and tossed the dog up onto his shoulder with the other.

Belle continued to stare toward the bed, over Carson’s shoulder, as he rushed out of the room back to the stairs.

Chapter Three

CHERYL TARAN LOOKED UP expectantly as Captain White walked into her office. The Chief wants a report that shows how many beer and cigarette thefts occur at convenience stores close to the main bars in town right after closing time, he stated.

Cheryl flipped her waist-length, blonde ponytail over her shoulder to her back, grabbed a note pad and started writing. How about a three mile radius around Wild Joe’s, Bermuda Bill’s, and The Cactus? Cheryl asked. I can start the time frame at 0200 and go through 0400.

That sounds good. Run it for the last full year and e-mail it to me when it’s complete.

As he left, Cheryl pulled up the editor on the computer and began to write the requested program. Once it was compiled and running, she stood up to stretch and stepped outside of her office to see what was happening in the records department. Most of the clerks were hunched over their keyboards entering information from various police reports. Karen was placing paper reports into folders and Laura was helping a customer at the front counter. Everything looked like it was running smoothly. Cheryl heard her phone buzz and grabbed the receiver before the third ring. Middleton Police Department, Records Division. Supervisor Cheryl Taran speaking, she said automatically. Yes, I’m sure I can pull some statistics on that for you. Let me just get some information for your request and send it through the Public Relations Officer. Now you said you were with Channel Nine news?

Cheryl finished sending the theft report to Captain White and logged off of her computer. It had been another long day in her little back office and she was looking forward to getting home, although, she most likely still wouldn’t get a chance to rest much. Sally should be home from school and Cheryl knew she probably wasn’t going to be doing her chores. Being a single mom meant Cheryl would have to supervise chores, fix supper, straighten up the house and wash at least one load of laundry without any help from another adult. She insisted that Sally do her share of the chores, but it was always a challenge to make her daughter follow through. Cheryl figured it would almost be easier to do everything by herself, but then Sally would never learn how to do anything. Plus there was the issue of teaching responsibility and self-reliance.

As Cheryl headed across the main records area, several of the clerks said goodnight, and she answered them with a friendly smile and nod. Her thoughts turned to what imaginative dish she could make with hamburger tonight.

The next shift of police officers was leaving the briefing room for their cruisers when she started out the back door. Cheryl stood respectfully to the side allowing them to get out to their cars and on their way sooner. As each marked vehicle left the back lot, the officer would quickly touch off the lights and sirens for an instant to make sure they were functioning properly. The effect was a hustling-bustling atmosphere of chaos with a definite organized pattern of efficiency. Cheryl pulled out of her parking space after the last of the police units. She could feel herself relaxing as she drove the ten blocks to her home with a sense of satisfaction. She enjoyed her job and looked forward to work every day. But she loved her house and always felt a wonderful sense of peace and serenity when she got home. As she unlocked the front door, she could hear the stereo booming at full volume. Her cat, Cinder, came to meet her and purred cheerfully as he weaved around her calves leaving his black hairs on Cheryl’s cream colored slacks.

Sally, turn down that music and come here, Cheryl shouted as she kicked off her shoes with a thankful sigh.

I’m in the shower, came the muffled response from a back room.

Of course she was. All Sally did these days was wash, dry and style