My Secret (Scarata Mia)

By Hélène Lapaire Justus

Five years ago, Katteya Grays best friend, Gentle Fawn, died a violent death, and her case still remains unsolved. Katteya, a well-known shaman and psychic, has acquired some pretty strong investigative skills, assisting in criminal cases around the world. Now she has decided to put those abilities in action to discover the real reason for her friends brutal murder.

Her family estate, Moonbow, waits for her. Katteya not only must face the facts of her friends untimely demise; she also has dramatic ancestral issues to work out. The Gray family clings tightly to its secrets, and perhaps, as Katteya seeks the killer of Gentle Fawn, she may also solve some mysteries from her own shadowy past.

Encountering her old mentor and past classmates, Katteya navigates her home town and gets closer to the violent truth. Her mind is somewhat muddled by a newfound love interest, and the truth seems to be buried deeper and deeper beneath decades of mountain lies. Will Katteya solve the murder of Gentle Fawn, or will the secrets of Moonbow be her ultimate undoing?

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Nov 26, 2012
• ISBN: 9781475960365

Hélène Lapaire Justus

Hélène Lapaire Justus was born and raised in Saskatchewan, Canada. She is fluent in both French and English and studied to become a teacher’s assistant in each. Justus also received a writing diploma. She now lives in Alberta, Canada, with her husband.

Book preview

My Secret

(Scarata Mia)

by

Hélène Lapaire Justus

iUniverse, Inc.

Bloomington

My Secret (Scarata Mia)

Copyright © 2012 by Hélène Lapaire Justus.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

iUniverse books may be ordered through booksellers or by contacting:

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Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

ISBN: 978-1-4759-6035-8 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4759-6037-2 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4759-6036-5 (ebk)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2012921564

iUniverse rev. date: 11/15/2012

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Glossary of Words for My Secret

Here begins the shadow of a new life . . .

This book is dedicated to my long ago school friend Nicole Summerwind—without her time here on earth this book would never have been written.

If all would walk in sunshine, love and awareness how different Mother Earth would be.

Hélène Lapaire Justus

A very special thanks to my friend Rose Christie who without her help I would not have found the errors in the manuscript; to Tillie Tomkow who thought that I should have a nice photo taken; and even though my parents and my grandfather are no longer with me, I want to thank them for instilling in me the knowledge of my faith, for guiding me in the wisdom and belief that all creatures are created by One Creator and giving me appreciation of Mother Earth.

Hélène Lapaire Justus

Chapter One

The express train came to a halt, and as Katteya (Kat-tay-ya—

nicknamed Katt) Gray stepped down onto the platform she realized how much she had missed her home. The beauty and majesty of the mountains were still as intoxicating as ever.

There are no words to fully describe the beauty of the mountains. The rugged majesty of the silent, gigantic sleepers seem unattainable by any life form, human or otherwise. The high peaks with halos of cloud showed no evidence of such to the naked eye.

Each mountain displayed its own character. One range was covered with mist, having semblance to a mirage, ghostlike in appearance; some were more domineering than others; a few stood alone in full regalia, formidable and unreachable; some had ledges forming row upon row of white snow rings, even during the summer seasons; others exposed their whole face to the summer sun and winter snow; some feigned to have a topping of marshmallow, soft and light; and some were absolutely bare. Razor-sharp edges formed steep slopes with tapered summits stretching far into the blue, and others had flat tops resembling a fortress wall. Perhaps here the eagle, the hawk or any other bird of prey made their homes permanently.

The mountains were only partially separated by deep gorges forming vertical valleys with suspended meadows. The crevices on the mountains gave way to the imagination—that of a giant snowplow hollowing a path of ridges for animals to walk the slopes or that of a giant fork tines horizontally cutting deep crevices filled with fine granulated white powder, making ready for the meandering or hibernating of the bear or any other creature existing deep in hidden caves.

Katt noticed the rays of the sun forming a golden crown around and over the huge pinnacle her hometown had named Owl Mountain. The mountain was double peaked, and the pristine white caps glistened and shone like two mother of pearls leaving an eerie feeling that you were being watched by two huge owl eyes, ergo—Owl Mountain.

Here too among these giants boulders stood the dark assortment of kingly pine, the tall thin alpine fir, the trembling aspen, the lonely popular, the white birch and ever-present Tamarac. The coarseness and ruggedness of the land seemed foreboding and mysterious to anyone who did not know or understand it. But for Katteya Gray it was home and she loved it. The forest had been her refuge for many years and the mountains had been her protectors.

Creeks, rivers, large and small waterfalls meandered throughout this paradise. The spectrum of the rainbow colors dancing in, above and around the waters was unceasing. The cerulean sky flaunted its color on both the water and the mountains. Chances were that the blue of the sky would eventually host a grouping of clouds that would open up and give the mountains showers of light warm raindrops in the summer and huge white snowflakes in the winter. It was a rehearsed cycle that Katt found mystical.

She had nearly forgotten all of it. It was easy to do when you stayed away for so long and lived in a concrete jungle of pavement and people. But she had returned. She was home and it felt great… for the moment.

Five years. Had it been that long? She had lived five years in the big cities of the world making a ‘name for herself’ forgetting completely at times the comfort of the home fires and the people she had left behind. No, she had not forgotten everything but she had forgotten the rush the mountains gave when you live in harmony with them. Why had she been away so long? When she had first entered the city life she had missed Moonbow, her home estate, a great deal. Five years is a long time and the human mind and soul have a way of hiding and forgetting the past but memories have their way of making their return.

She had left to join the University mass. She had worked hard and spent many hours at the U working for a major degree in Criminology and a minor in Psychology. Her career now expanded the globe as a ‘Special Agent’ to the police forces throughout the world. Her forte was unraveling difficult ‘unsolvable homicides’ with the use of the degrees and parapsychology. She had received a psychic gift at birth by the Creator. Through cultivation, meditation and understanding she had acquired the knowledge of how to use this special gift from various persons during her growing years. She was always told and reminded that it was given to her for the betterment of herself and others.

She had just finished such a case when she got a phone call. Aunt Efie had called to see how Katt was and had also mentioned reading about Katt’s involvement in the apprehension of a serial killer in England. She had also insinuated that Katt sounded tired. The soft maternal voice had said that if Katt needed time to relax she surely would be welcomed home. And then Aunt Efie had volunteered information without Katteya asking about the state of affairs at home.

It’s been long enough now, dear. It is time to come home, she had said. Katteya had given it some thought and made the decision that she was right. It was time to face the past. Besides she had heard in her Aunt’s voice, an urgent plea for her to return. Katteya knew that Aunt Efie was not prone to emotional outburst but Katteya had picked up a slight tremor in the voice. Katteya remembered her words, We can’t talk on the phone, dear. If you could come home for a week or so it would be wonderful, adding, everyone would like to see you.

Katt also remembered the delivery of the envelope that had come in the post within a few days of Aunt Efie’s call. She remembered the jolt of ‘heated’ sensation as she had grabbed her mail from the mailbox. Her hand had stopped in mid-air. She had known the message inside was malevolent. One rather small plain envelope, 3 x 6 size, had fallen onto the floor. She had bent to pick it up. She remembered the spontaneous trembling that had caused her to drop it a second time. She remembered leaning against a wall and waiting for a few minutes for the trembling to cease, but it had not done so.

At the third attempt she became more focused and knew what to expect… when she had bent down to pick it up, the pain returned and she had nearly dropped it for the third time, but with sheer determination and control she had held on to it. Hands shaking and her mind repeating drop it she had torn it open and in doing so the small card had floated out and settled onto the floor. The words bounced off the card at her… Scarata Mia

Decision came swiftly and decisively.

She was home.

Had she done the right thing by coming home? Could she be of any help now or was she too late?

She spotted Aunt Efie not far off. Aunt Efie—Efie Brannigan. When she was growing up she had always called her Aunt Efie even though they were not related. She had been Katteya’s surrogate mother. Her height and her weight did not amount to much, small boned and thin, she stood probably five-foot nothing. She had a pleasant disposition but when crossed, she would never hesitate to speak her mind. Discipline was just and punishment always fair; she made sure that the one receiving the punishment understood the reason for it.

Katteya smiled to herself. She remembered well…

Mrs. Brannigan had managed Moonbow ever since Katteya could remember. She had been hired as a servant but quickly became the mistress of Moonbow although the estate belonged to Katteya’s mother and father. This little woman had been there when Katteya had needed comforting and advice. She had encouraged and guided Katteya all through her childhood, her teen years and also in her adult years. To Katteya, Efie Brannigan was her ‘mother’ and the sinew that solidified her past and her future together.

Aunt Efie had changed. Her deportment was still meticulous but she had grown old in the five years that Katteya had been away. Seeing Katteya, Aunt Efie started to run. As she approached Katteya, she stopped and then with what seemed a giant step for her to take, she grabbed Katteya and held her tight for a few minutes without saying a word. Katteya closed her eyes and heard the whispered greeting in her ear, "OH won wash teh . . . Scarata Mia"

Aunt Efie had not forgotten. Tears started to burn Katt’s eyes and she quickly tried to dismiss them. She gazed into the eyes of the older woman and in English and in what seemed one breath the woman blurted out the words, Welcome home baby. It is so good to see you. You haven’t changed much except perhaps a little more beautiful than ever. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I read in your telegram that you were coming home. I am so glad you are here. You do look little tired dear. Come, we will go to Moonbow.

Not replying immediately, Katteya looked around her and wished she had returned before or had never left Coolsprings. Actually that was not the truth. She had done the correct thing by leaving. She enjoyed visiting and working in Spain, England, Greece, Ireland… living in Italy… they were her world now. The world that existed before did not exist for her now but she should have returned for the funeral. Today, this was a respite, a visit mixed perhaps with a bit of challenge. Her future lay ahead in her ‘new world’, with her new friends and her new found desires and new challenges.

I missed Moonbow Auntie, and some of the people in it, but I missed the mountains even more. I am glad I came back… for now.

Aunt Efie smiled. She knew Katteya was tired and not at peace. The signs were very noticeable in Katt’s eyes, those big, black beautiful eyes… the eyes that showed so much emotion and passion. They hid nothing especially to Efie who knew her so very, very well.

I am glad you are back too, replied Efie with a little uncertainty present in her voice and posture. Tucking the young woman close, she continued softly, Come let’s go home. Moonbow is waiting for you and I’ll have you know it is as beautiful as ever. We have had a lot of rain in the past two weeks. I think it was getting ready to receive you and show you once more its splendor and beauty. Moonbow and the mountain are ready to receive you.

Katteya gave a short laugh. Her aunt always had a way to make Katt know that she was part of the human race. Katt remembered that when she was young Aunt Efie would always bring her back to reality by offering her cookies and milk and made her talk out the problem or thoughts that rambled around in her mind. Her teen years were no exception. Efie would always listen without interrupting the flow of some times unconnected thoughts and words that struggled in Katt’s mind. The cookies and milk did help. Katteya smiled to herself and wondered if Auntie had that in mind for her this time.

Katteya knew Max would collect her bags so she did not worry about them. Max was the fill-in chauffeur, butler, and mender of all things for the household. He was putting the luggage in the trunk as they approached the car. He greeted Katteya with his usual smile and manner by offering her a simple Hello Miss Katt. Welcome home. She was happy to see him and she told him so. As he opened one of the back doors of the Rolls-Royce, he gave her another cursory glance but said nothing as they got in.

The drive to Moonbow was splendid. Aunt Efie talked incessantly but Katteya paid little attention to what she was saying. Katteya could not recall the number of times she had traveled this serpentine road, and how each time the scenery captivated one’s attention at every turn and twist in the road. The undergrowth, the heavy dense bush of boreal forest and hard rock faces of the granite changed each time the road changed direction. It was unbelievable how these giant pinnacles displayed their many faces to its visitors and inhabitants alike.

It was great to be back, to see, to remember, to reinforce how strong and protecting these giants were. But she was back to what?

Her mind shifted gears as she remembered ‘the group’. There had been fourteen in all. Now only thirteen remained. Nicole Summerwind was gone. Like a mirror coming into focus she remembered them one by one.

Robert (Rob) Simmons, oldest of the group (a few years older than the others in the group although he did not act it), was well educated as an Engineering tech. Rob was tall, small boned, slender with wavy blond hair and eyes of a piercing azure blue. His build was not particular well proportioned in that his arms seemed too long for his body, but he carried himself well. More on the debonair side and seldom serious, he had a flippant attitude, which at times became annoying. Having fun was top priority. He had a nasty habit of always leaving you dangling in mid-air during a conversation. On the positive side of his nature, he was a good and caring friend. His friendship extended to everyone alike, and he seemed to have friends near and far. He loved good food and was very careful with money. He had left for South America two years prior to Katt’s leaving for University. He had been assigned to some special project in Brazil.

Agatha (Aggie) Simmons was his sister. Spoiled and an irritant most of the time to the group. She was much younger and had a nasty whining voice. Mousy and timorous by nature she was obsequious to her brother and others around her. She never once got angry but she would whine until she got her own way. She was whey-faced but had a pleasant elf-like appearance, with hair of a chestnut color to match her eyes. She and Rob were divergent in nature… she was short and dark, he was tall and blond; she was an introvert and he an extrovert. Katt was told that she now was the mistress of Hether House and cared for it meticulously. Nearly a recluse she seldom was seen outside the estate grounds.

Wes Forlund, the bully of the group… he always seemed to be in some kind of ‘enterprise’. He always had money and how he acquired it no one knew for sure. He was a fast talker and had irritating laughter with a mocking grin at all times even when he was angry. He was average height with straight blond hair and eyes of pale blue. His physique was well muscled. Wes was always dressed in the best of clothes. He had the attitude that ‘clothes make the man’.

The other wheeler-dealer of the group was Zachary Spendy. Many people thought that Katteya and Zach would physically have it out one day. They did not get along at all. However three years prior to her leaving Zach had changed his mind about her. He had gotten in some trouble with the law and Katt had helped him sort things out. Then things began to change for him. He grew up as he had said. He settled down and married another group member, Joslynne Nickels. She was a nice, pretty girl and quite athletic. She and Zach had always participated in sports and now were managing the Young Athletes Group for Sports (YAGS) in and around Coolsprings.

Bill Darring had become a military man. The cliché that would describe Bill was that he was ‘tall, dark and handsome’. He had the most beautiful smile and piercing brown eyes Katt had ever seen. He was always quiet and very aloof with an ‘immediacy’ about him. His deportment was that of a military man long before he ever became one. He and Katteya had a close relationship. They were only friends even though some thought that they suited each other and someday would perhaps marry. It was Nicole who had had a big time crush on him but to no avail. He never thought of her in any other way than a member of the group and a friend.

The other group members were Jamie Foxglove, model somewhere in California; Tanya Spinner and Cameron Good had made their commitment to each other permanently a couple of years after Katteya had left. They had purchased and ran the Coolsprings one and only Hardware Shop. Jim Forsight had become a Forest Ranger living in the hometown and remained single.

Shane Realgood was the youngest and quietest of the group. He carried his five-foot three corpulent body very well but had the most disorganized, carrot-red ‘moppy’ hair you had ever laid eyes on. He was a wonder kid with a pleasant perpetual smile on his round fleshy face. He cared about all things living, and was always ‘there’ when anyone needed his help. He accepted a person’s word without questioning the veracity of it. It was not surprising to Katteya that he accepted Nicole Summerwind so eagerly.

Steve Gratton had been the other forté of the group. Steve was strong physically, mentally and spiritually. His eyes were a soft blue. He had a piercing level stare and seemed to know what you were thinking of. He had a strong rich singing voice and loved to dance and so Katteya and he were paired off in the musicals at school. They had a very close relationship. He had been sensitive to her needs and her gift. They had often talked about it. Some thought that he and she should marry but to everyone’s surprise he had decided to join a religious order and become a priest. They had many conversations about his future so that when he had made the decision, Katteya had not been surprised. His non-judgmental attitude had made him the favorite with the group. He had left Coolsprings for the seminary approximately seven months prior to Katteya’s leaving for University.

It had been a good close-knit group. They had formed a choir and practiced constantly at the drop of a hat. Dancing as a group became fun and the practices were also fun filled times. They managed to perform at nearly all hometown and surrounding town functions. Life had been good. Then graduation day came, promises were professed but circumstances, life’s choices and priorities made the promises hard to keep.

Katt shook herself back to reality and to the question Aunt Efie was asking, Did you know that, Katteya? she was asking.

I am sorry Aunt Efie. My mind is a million miles away. I was thinking of the many times we have traveled this road and how it changes each time we do. I was also thinking of the group.

Aunt Efie reached for Katteya’s hand, patted it and went on, It’s o.k dear. I am so happy you are back. Your Mother will be happy to see you as well. You both deserve and need a good rest.

The fact that Mrs. Zorianna Gray was coming to Moonbow was certainly a surprise. Katt guessed it showed on her face because the next words that came out of Aunt Efie’s mouth were, I am sorry I forgot to mention it.

Katteya had hoped that she would have some time to herself before tackling the reason for her return. Simply put, she had come to the mountain to confront the past and the death of a friend, her best friend, Nicole Summerwind. She had not expected her mother to be at Moonbow as well. Her mother’s presence would make it more difficult for Katteya. Her mother and her had not seen eye to eye in a long time. It seemed that every time they were together, arguments rang out.

Was she the real reason why you called Auntie? asked Katteya

Nonsense. Stop talking silly, retorted Efie, you know why I called you. Listen to me. It is time that you face the fact that Nicole is dead and that she was murdered. Mantou needs to know what happened and since he could not phone you, I decided to do it for him. He needs your help Katteya, ‘your’ kind of help. Don’t you think that it is time you reciprocated and helped him?

Without thinking, Katteya replied, Yes it is. Efie, but I have to ask you something. Why did you send me the note? The phone call would have been enough.

What note? intoned Efie with a frown.

I got a note, a card in an envelope shortly after your call. I thought you had sent it, she answered frowning, thinking that the note had been from someone malevolent.

Efie became curious. What did the note say?

It… it merely said that it was time to come home.

You see my dear…

She didn’t finish her sentence. The young woman had turned her gaze towards the mountains once more. Efie wondered who had sent the card. She would ask more later, right now she had to make Katteya understand that it was also time to face her mother.

It is time that you and Zorianna communicate with the thought of understanding and the art of listening, Katteya. You must listen to each other’s words. You must speak to her Katteya and tell her how you feel and, I think, that if you listen to her side of things, you will perhaps be surprised at what you hear.

Katteya did not respond. She only knew that she did not want to be hurt again. She did not want to re-open old wounds but did not tell Efie that. It had been hard for her to leave five years ago and harder for her to return. She had to resolve things her way without her mother’s interference.

Efie sensed her feelings. I am sorry darling to have to be so blunt with you when you have just arrived. I think I know what you are feeling but I also know what your mother is feeling. Remember that, will you?

With eyes downcast and hands on her lap Katteya felt like a reprimanded child, but she had to admit that her aunt was right. It was time to make peace. She was tired of the struggle within her. She would try to talk to her mother calmly and listen to what she had to say.

Mother has a great ego and I have never been able to penetrate it, not as a child and certainly not as an adult. But I promise to try this time.

Efie Brannigan knew the conflict within this young woman and wanted to take it away from her but she knew she couldn’t.

She smiled and patted Katteya’s hand again, Thank you child. Besides, I think you will find your mother changed. I must tell you that the ‘mountain’ too has changed. Your mother has felt this change since her arrival two days ago. She asked me if I had heard from you and when I told her you were coming she actually showed tears. I think she is beginning to see things in a different light. It takes time for some people to grow and your mother is one of those people who is afraid to grow older. Some people in their lifetime must take two steps forward to make up for the step they have taken backwards. I also think that now she realizes she has lost so much by not being a true mother to you. She knows that she did things all wrong but she cannot undo what has been done. So try Katteya… try to meet her halfway?

Katteya agreed. They were after all, mother and daughter… there had to be some bond there somewhere.

Katteya wanted to change the subject, How is Mantou? Ramona?

They are fine dear. Her answer made Katteya turn. Efie’s voice sounded strange and forced. Katt tried to read the enigmatic face. She was about to ask how things really were with them when the Lion gates of Moonbow came into view. The gates had not changed. They were still a sight to behold. When the car drove up to the front door many more memories popped up in her mind.

The mansion, Moonbow, her home, still held that awe. The four huge beautiful tall white columns balancing the wide white veranda encircling the sides and front of the palatial residence, were to Katteya, the most attractive part of her home. The main color was a virgin white with a dark hunter’s green trimming the two big French windows which hung on either side of the ornate thick wooden double doors. Royal purple and white Clematis grew on either side of the doors adorning the brick between them and the windows. The veranda held the usual variety of green and white colored pewter tables and chairs. These were the nucleus for many colorful potted plants and for quiet afternoon talks with friends. The picture was breathtaking, wonderful and inviting.

The front doors were slightly ajar and as the car approached following the circular driveway all the servants that had been part of her youth and young adulthood were coming out to greet her as if she was queen of the mansion returning to her entourage. The feeling was that of a fairytale wonderland existing somewhere in limbo. This had been her world.

Katteya climbed out of the car. She felt the sting as tears veiled her eyes.

The first to greet her was Mrs. Meads. Mrs. Meads ran the house and the servants. Her duties included being the downstairs maid. She was approximately sixty years of age and a big woman with a taciturn disposition but she had a heart of gold. Nothing went past this woman. She had appeared on the scene when Katteya had been four years old and remained to witness all the skeletons in the closet. She and Max had married shortly after she arrived. Mrs. M. was still buxom and red-faced. She surprised Katteya as she stepped forward and gave Katteya a smile and a short squeeze, Welcome home, Miss Katteya.

Sally Henders stood quite still with her hands clasped together at her front. She had been Katt’s personal maid and the upstairs maid for about ten years. Sally was a ‘slow’ witted twenty-six year old with a Grade 10 education. She had come to Moonbow when she was sixteen years from a poor family and Aunt Efie had taken her on to help out wherever she could in the kitchen. Sally had taken pride in her work, had been willing to please and so was kept on. Two years before Katteya had left for university Sally had been asked if she wanted to be ‘Miss Katt’s’ maid. She had stepped into that position happily. Sally’s feelings were sometimes easily hurt, and at times she had a tendency to be hysterical specially when pressed. Katteya had learned not to ask too much of her but when she did she was specific in what she wanted Sally to do. Everything had worked out well. It was great to see her again and Katteya told her so.

Cook was new. Katteya did not recognize her. Aunt Efie introduced her as Mrs. O’Toole, ‘Mrs. ‘O’ for short’. She had been with the household for two years and an excellent cuisiniaire. Katteya was told that her cuisine was out of this world. Katt smiled and remarked, Hello Mrs. O. I am looking forward to your cuisine.

Mrs. O smiled at Katteya and said in her strong Irish brogue, It will be a pleasure to cook for you, Miss. I am sure you could use home cooking.

I certainly can. It has been a long time, retorted Katteya with a big grin.

We also have a new gardener Katteya, Efie said pointing towards a man to her right, This is Mr. Benjamin White. We simply call him Ben. He has been with us for two and a-half years and I don’t know how we ever managed without him.

Very prim and proper he simply said, Hows do yous do, Missy Katteya.

Katteya looked at him and saw a genuine smile and laughter in his eyes. She liked him immediately. Giving a cursory glance at the flowers skirting the driveway, and the colors framing the front of the mansion, she smiled and complimented, The gardens are beautiful, Ben. My aunt is lucky to have you.

Thank yous Missy. Eyes loves flowers.

His black face lit up as he gave her a wide grin. He was already a friend. Someone Katt felt sure she could trust if need be. Why did that thought come into her mind? She promised him a visit as soon as she was settled and added that she would like a tour of the grounds. His smile widened as their eyes met.

Katteya walked up the capacious steps onto the veranda and into the elegant foyer with twelve foot paneled walls of white oak. Gracing the west lengthy wall were the heavy antique framed portraits of her grandparents. She looked at her Grandfather’s portrait for a few seconds, and then advancing towards it, she touched it with her fingertips. Then stepped back. Facing the front entry was the expansive oak staircase leading to the second floor. To its immediate right was a narrow hallway that led to the dining room, kitchens, pantry and laundry area. This narrow hallway connected the front to back of the house.

To the immediate right of the front entry two French doors opened onto the room called the ‘French room’ where most guests were entertained. To the left, and west of the entry, an archway announced a small sitting area. This unpretentious room included a small tambour placed near the expanse window where Mrs. M used to give the orders of the day to the maids. On Sunday afternoons, Katteya would always find her at the desk writing letters. Katteya often wondered who was receiving all these letters. Across from the window and desk stood a door. The wall on both sides of this south door was adorned with a managerie of pictures and it opened into the Library. The library had three doors. The north door of the library opened into a second hallway connecting the two hallways together forming the top of the T. The library itself was a spacious room with volumes of books. It shelved books from the days of her great-grandparents to the modern age books of wisdom as well as fiction. Some stacks were from floor to ceiling. The room housed ancient and periodical knick-knacks that Aunt Efie refused to part with. This bibliothèque’s third door only led to the lower outside deck. In other words, in order to enter the Library, one had to enter either from the kitchen hallway or from the front sitting room. The only entry to the upper deck was from a small narrow door on the second floor which was always kept locked. The lower deck and upper deck were connected on the outside by means of a long staircase of wrought iron.

When Katt stepped into the familiar foyer she noticed that nothing had changed. The wall colors were the same and the same dark green carpet covered the floor. The only new piece was the old gateleg table sitting in the corner draped with a huge bouquet of fresh flowers.

Max dropped her bags by the stairs and Katteya noticed Sally giving her a second look and with some effort lifted the bags and ascended the stairs.

Aunt Efie turned to her with a slight smile, Your room is ready, my dear. I made you a promise not to change anything while you were away, and I have kept my promise. The room is as you left it. I had Sally clean and air it out yesterday.

Katteya gave her a big long squeeze, smiled and thanked her. She had understood and still understood so much about her. Katteya sarcastically thought, ‘she had understood things that Katteya’s mother had never been able to, and yet her mother was suppose to be the ‘clairvoyant’".

Mrs. Zorianna Gray’s premise was a career not a home. It seemed to Katteya that she did very little worrying about her daughter. To be fair, and to give Mrs. Gray the benefit of the doubt, perhaps it was because she knew that Katteya was in ‘good hands’. But when you are young, your thoughts are not so. Her mother had wanted a career and had made it happen. There was nothing wrong with that, except that Katteya did not have her mother around when she needed her.

Mrs. Gray had made a name for herself on stage as a psychic. She had told Katteya many times that she had been born for the theatre. Again Katteya thought sarcastically that ‘theatrics’ was a better word for it.

She would talk to her mother as Efie had asked. Between Katteya’s mother and father, wherever he was, the estate was still being taken care of and so were the servants. So perhaps she should not be too judgmental but the fact was that the hurt still remained.

Squeezing Katteya’s arm a little, Aunt Efie asked, Would you like to have some refreshment or would you rather go to your room and rest awhile? We can have a late dinner if you wish.

I think I would like to see my old room and perhaps I will take a bath. Where is mother?

She is resting. She will be with you a little later.

I see, is all Katteya could reply. Affectionately Katteya gave her a kiss on the cheek, looked into the teary eyes, and with tears in her own she spoke softly Thank you for your call. You were right you know. I needed to come back. I need to rid myself of the conflict that is so deeply cemented within me. It is hard to break free sometimes. I will try. Just give me time?

Mrs. Brannigan’s eyes never left Katteya’s face, and quietly said, Yes of course my dear.

Katt looked at her hard and continued, I know what I have to do, Aunt Efie. With mother here it is going to be a tough road but I will try my best to make peace with her. I promise you that. You were right I made a dreadful mistake by not coming home earlier but I couldn’t face it. I dreaded it. I still do. I was scared then and I am even more scared now. You know why.

Aunt Efie nodded her head in assent. She knew. She knew that the past had to come to a climax if the healing was to start. Useless words or nonsensical conversation at this time were pointless so she did not give an answer.

Katteya ascended the stairs to the vast emptiness of the poorly lighted second floor expanse. Eight rooms surrounded the huge open free space. There were no frills, no special decoration or furniture to break up that space. Her room faced south onto the front circle driveway. The splendor of the flowers in the circle center of the driveway and the face of Raven Mountain peeking into her bedroom windows gave her a sense of ‘welcome home.’ She sat on the large windowsill and looked out to see Owl Mountain to the east and Spirit Mountain to the west. The north side of the estate encompassed the Bald Eagle range; its highest peak called Bird’s Sanctuary. Remembering, she felt alive and very anxious to walk its path again.

Sally was still unpacking her cases when Katteya finally turned towards her room. It too was the same bright yellow color it had always been. The brass canopy bed sat against the same wall with coverlets made of chintz, dark hunter’s green in color. The carpet was a soft yellow and the curtains that hung from the top frame of the mullioned windows were a woven pattern of dark greens, muted and bright yellows.

Katteya turned to watch Sally for a few minutes. She had grown older but still tall slim, almost anorexic in body. Her hair was reddish-brown, not quite auburn in color, straight cut, and shoulder-length when it was not made up in a ponytail. Her eyes were light brown and rather expressionless. She had a permanent frown that presupposed that she was a sour person but that was not the case. She was a rather pleasant happy individual most of the time. Her freckles still covered the small round nose that sat insignificantly where it was suppose to sit. She was actually a very pretty girl… in a ‘cute’ sort of way.

Sally raised her eyes to meet Katteya’s. She seemed shy and unable to speak so Katteya started the conversation.

How have you been Sally?

Fine Miss Katt. You certainly have beautiful clothes. Are they all from Italy and New York?

Thanks. Yes, most of them.

It must be nice to travel like you do and have a home in Italy, she said shyly.

It is nice to travel but it is nice to be home, she paused for a moment thinking, ‘should she continue?’ From here I am going to New York to do some research and to attend a few shows so I brought clothes that I thought I should have but I guess I brought too much with me.

Oh no Miss. I think it is wonderful to have such nice clothes. What’s it like, Miss, to live in another country? asked Sally in a severe tone of voice, but before Katteya could answer she continued, I don’t think I would like it. I would like to travel and maybe some day I will be able to go somewhere too, but I couldn’t live anywhere else. Anyway Miss, she added as an afterthought, it’s nice to have you back.

I am glad to be back, if only for awhile.

Sally just smiled and said no more. She really wanted to ask more questions but she didn’t want to impose on ‘Miss Katt’ as Mrs. M had put it. Mrs. M had warned her that she was to do her work. She was not here to talk to ‘Miss Katteya’, so she quickly finished the work and when the last article of clothing was hung in the closet, she looked at Katteya with a huge smile and again reiterated that it was great to have Miss Katt home again".

Katteya had not heard her. She had turned to gaze at the huge sunlit edifice. It was regally showing off its sharp razor edged form for her benefit. So when Sally slipped quietly out of the room Katteya did not hear her leave.

Katteya had two things to on her mind, Mrs. Zorianna Gray, her mother and the secret of the mountain. Her best friend was murdered five years ago, so why was her murderer never found? She had come home to find the answer but she knew it would be difficult. Five years is a long time. The bonds formed then were not necessarily so now, but she did have one bond, Mantou.

She was anxious to see him. He was the reason for her return. To see Mantou and to regain her friendship with this man made her heart leap for joy. He was the great shaman, a man she had always respected and loved. He was her teacher of legends, faiths and beliefs. She had missed him.

Would he still be the same? Would he forgive her or had he forgiven her? Things change. There was a saying the more things change the more they stay the same. She wondered.

Chapter Two

By mid afternoon both decks were warmed from the sun. The upper deck shaded the lower deck giving relief from the sun.

It had been so long since she had listened to this world around her. Now she could hear the birds repeatedly singing their sweet songs and the rush of the wind whistled through the trees welcoming her home. She could see in her mind’s eyes the pathways that gave way to meadows deep in the mountains. She would soon walk these paths again.

She opened her dark eyes. The valley seemed to go on forever. She sat quite still and absorbed the familiar breathtaking panoramic view of the mountains, the kaleidoscope of flowers from Moonbow’s side garden and lush hues of the wild colors from the west meadow that extended as far as the eye could see. The estate’s gardens blended into this color scheme and led to a sheer drop of approximately twenty feet onto a ledge that was perhaps two feet wide. Her great-grandfather had had a huge four foot rock wall built along the edge of the sheer drop protecting all who might come near its periphery. It framed the precipice on one side and on the other Moonbow’s lush green lawn.

She had forgotten this peaceful atmosphere. Her life now was always so hectic. She was always on the run, always involved in some ‘police’ case or some project for others. She had very little time to enjoy her life, but this was the life she had chosen and had made for herself.

Here, for now, in this isolation, she felt once more the security and serenity. She recalled the carefree and happy days of her youth. Her grandfather had been one of her mentors and a great influence in her life. She had no real recollection of a father. She had been told that he was away most of the time in his lust for travel and work. She had probably acquired her desires to see ‘the world’ from him.

Katteya Gray’s other mentor had been Mantou, a Sioux shaman and the grandfather of her peer and closest friend known as Nicole Summerwind, named Gentle Fawn by her tribe. Ramona Sinoné, a Mexican lady and a friend of Mantou, had acted as surrogate mother to Nicole since early childhood. Nicole had lost her parents in a snow avalanche when she was very young.

As soon as they had met, the two girls had become instant friends. Mantou had taught them discipline of character, knowledge and values of life. The lessons had been sagaciously told and retold to them. He had repeatedly enforced that the precious gift of life came from God, Wakan Tanka; the lessons learned in life came from Ina Maka, and from the animal kingdom and the plant healers, their special knowledge was gained by watching and imitating them. All these combined to give life to anyone who would avail themselves of their powers.

From her own grandfather and reinforced by Mantou, they had been taught dignity, honesty and the true gift of friendship. Their grandfathers constantly instilled in them to always stand proud of who they were, and to be loyal to everyone who made up their world. To stand defiant to those who oppressed their world. Mantou had given her a new Sioux name, wah_Ku WON-cha meaning gifted one. He had given her the name because he knew back then of her sensitivities to everything that she made contact with, her physical and mental self. It had taken Katteya Gray many years of understanding herself and others before accepting the gift she had as God’s gift to her. Not only Mantou and her grandfather but even Aunt Efie and Dr. Reynolds had helped her understand herself and the true value of the gift. Even later her professor at the university had also realized it and been supportive.

Katteya had been on the upper deck for sometime, thinking about these things. She was sitting on a stretched chaise lounge with her eyes closed when she heard a soft sound. The narrow screen door of the deck creaked as it was pushed opened and without opening her eyes she knew instantly that it was her mother. Katteya had been informed by Efie that Lady Zorianna Gray, "the great mystic’ and her ‘trusted friend, Mr. Arthur LeBlanc’ had arrived a couple of days ago.

She was ambivalent at seeing her mother again. They always acknowledged each other but Katteya was not sure of the love that stood between them. The last meeting had not been pleasant. Irritation had set in when once more Mrs. Gray’s theatrical temperament had flared and too much had been said on both sides.

When her friend died Katteya felt alone and needed support. It had been Aunt Efie who had telephoned Katteya to tell her that Nicole, Gentle Fawn had died, and what the circumstances of her death had been; one month later, Aunt Efie had called again telling her that her grandfather had passed away. Katteya had been devastated by the deaths but she had not been able to come home for the funerals. Katteya had briefly talked to her mother then. Now she had to let her mother know how she felt but at the same time keep her promise to Aunt Efie.

Mrs. Gray gently approached without saying a word. She sat next to her daughter in the closest chair she could find without moving or re-arranging deck furniture. Whether Katteya was faking sleep or not she would sit there and wait till Katteya opened her eyes. Zorianna waited patiently for nearly five minutes and then finally unable to remain silent any longer she took a deep sigh and decided to start the conversation.

As she glanced at the far away ancient glacier she asked nonchalantly How have you been dear?

Katteya opened her eyes and looked at her mother. She saw a beautiful lady aged but still very striking in appearance. She had gained a little weight but was still trim. The two women resembled each other. Both had flawless skin, each had long blue-black hair, ebony eyes, slim of figure and medium of height. Both had regal deportment and both wore the same colors in dress. The likeness was uncanny. Except for age, the two women could have past for sisters.

Katteya was told that she was very much like her father in character. Perhaps like her father, Katteya found it easier at times to appease her mother by not saying a word of contradiction but at other times…

She vaguely remembered her father. Perhaps, besides his lust for travel, her mother was the reason why her father had been away most of the time. These were unfair thoughts but when he was home, she remembered hearing harsh, loud words being spoken behind closed doors. She could not remember a solitary time when he came home and actually showed any signs of real affection towards her or her mother. It seemed to Katteya then that he came home only to quarrel with her mother.

She did not answer her mother immediately. She saw in the older woman’s eyes something she had not bargained for, a forlorn look? Katteya held her mother’s gaze and replied in a hushed tone Fine Mother. And you, how have you been?

No hugs for your mother?

Yes of course mother, said Katteya as she reached for her mother.

It was a shallow hug, a typical upper class hug, a slight touch of the cheek then back to their own corners. It had been many years since mother and daughter had actually physically squeezed each other in a tight hold. In fact, Katteya couldn’t remember the last time when she had received an honest to goodness hug from her mother or had been at ease in wanting to give her one.

Katteya did not know what to say. The feeling of uneasiness persisted and something deep within her stirred and as hard as she tried, she couldn’t show her mother how she felt, not yet. Her guard was up. She got up from her chair, jammed her hands into her skirt pockets and started down the long staircase leading to the impressive gardens below.

Without hesitation Mrs. Gray followed and with determination and emphasis in her voice, she said Katteya we need to talk.

Katteya did not answer.

Not getting any response, her mother continued, Please Katt. It is important to me, really to the both of us.

Katteya did not answer. She kept her hands in her pocket looking far into the valley that lay stretched and opened in front of the two of them. She didn’t know how to reply or how to begin.

A nervous appeal manifested itself in the older woman’s voice as she tried once more, Please Katt talk to me.

Katteya turned to face her mother. It was not like her mother to be so tense. This was not the mother she remembered. Her mother was always sure of herself, this woman wasn’t. Something was wrong.

Katteya?

Katteya remembered the promise to Efie.

Choosing her words carefully, Zorianna spoke, without dropping her gaze Katteya, I am here to stay. I am here to help you. I want to help you. I have been keeping track of you. These past few months I have been reading about a Psychic who is helping police forces in special cases. You have traveled extensively, haven’t you?

Yes, I have but how did you know it was me? Katt replied defensively.

I knew that it was you by the description giving in the newspapers. That is one of the reasons why I wanted to see you here. I wanted to tell you how proud I am of you. I couldn’t tell you that on the phone, somehow it wouldn’t be the same. I wanted to see you, to make amends for what happened so long ago.

On the sixth rung of the steps, Katteya turned to face her mother. For a few seconds she merely looked at her mother. Then finally with self-control but with some irritation in her voice, she began Mother, I am not sure I can forget the way we parted. Harsh words were spoken, words that hurt. You made it quite clear that you did not approve of my choice in careers even though you hadn’t been around much in my growing years. I needed you then, I needed you when Grandfather died. He was your father. However, I’ll let that go. That is the past but now we have the future. Mother, you have to know that I am very proud of what I am and what I have become. The choice I made was hard then and it is still hard on me but frankly you were not part of my growing years and you of all people should have been there to help me. Now all of a sudden you want to play mother. I find that hard to accept especially when you had so many chances to step in. Did you not want to step in or is it because of what I have become of what I am that you didn’t?

Katteya that is not fair.

I think it is fair. I think, now that I am grown up you will take the bows and forget about Efie. That is the part that is not fair.

Efie? I would never do that to Efie. She must have told you how I felt and why I left.

"Yes, mother she did. But why did you not explain? Why did it take Efie to explain?"

Frustration set in again, but she continued, But again we are rehashing old feelings and speeches, aren’t we? We always seem to do that. We can never seem to get past this. I am just as guilty as you are. I won’t let go either, and I must. Mother, please listen. I returned home because Efie asked me and for Mantou. I thought about it constantly for a couple of days and then decided that she was right. It was time to face the past and Mantou, to rewrite, if I could, the chapters of my past. It was time to face the ghosts, to face Mantou. It is really for his sake that I came. Let’s just leave it at that, shall we?

No Katteya. I do not want to leave it at that. It is my turn to speak. I want to admit to you, that I was wrong. I was wrong because I was so afraid for you. You were so young, so gifted, pausing for a second, she continued, It doesn’t matter now. It is now that we have to deal with, and I need to tell you a few things that I should have told you a long time ago. We haven’t talked in five years Katt and in those five years things have changed for you and for me.

Katteya quickly interrupted her, Mother, I am here to find out what happened five years ago. I have not fully come to terms with Nicole’s death.

It was Zorianna who interrupted this time, Katteya, you must come to terms with it.

I am not sure that I can, she retorted as anger reared up its head. When I got Efie’s call, continued Katteya, "I wasn’t sure I should come but I must free myself of the guilty feeling that I am responsible for my best friend’s murder. I hurt and to tell the truth, I hurt a hell of a lot. Five years ago, I made a whole bunch of excuses for not be able to come home. I said to myself that Gentle Fawn’s murderer would be found, that they did not need me to find the murderer. Then later, I gave myself another reason or excuse for not coming home. I then told myself that Gentle Fawn had been murdered far too long ago for me to find the murderer. But that wasn’t the truth then, and it wasn’t the truth then and it isn’t the truth now.

Fair is fair, I really didn’t want to come. I didn’t want to face Mantou. I couldn’t face him and justify my reluctance to come home."

He would have understood.

Perhaps. Let me finish please. Then grandfather died of a heart attack, I thought my Creator was unforgiving. My world had shattered. Somehow, I had let everyone down. I was a coward. It was just easier to stay away, but now I see that it has become a millstone around my neck and I must rid myself of it.

She stopped and gave a big sigh, Then too, there is Gentle Fawn. She was so alive, so vibrant, so much wanting and giving. I wanted to remember her that way always. I thought that if I stayed away I would eventually stop hurting. But that hasn’t happened. I don’t want to hurt anymore mother, and I don’t want Mantou to hurt anymore. I want peace in my soul. I want peace for him.

She hesitated and returned to look at the valley, Aunt Efie’s call became my way out, my way home. She made it easy for me to come back. Not you.

She remained silent. She had said it all.

She had opened up to her mother for the first time and it was the first time her mother had listened without interjecting meaningless words.

Mrs. Gray did not know what to say. She walked to the walled garden in silence. Katteya followed her, each woman keeping to her own thoughts.

She turned to face her daughter and gently said, Katt, I am so sorry for everything. Will you let me have my turn to speak?

Katteya did not answer right away, but immediately in her mind Efie’s words came, ‘you promised you will listen’. She faced her mother and said All right mother. I will listen.

Katt, you are not to blame for anything. You are right, I did ask Efie to call you. There is something very wrong on the mountain. I feel something evil, and I am scared. People whisper and speak of weird happenings so I thought…

You thought what?

. . . that you could help, answered Zorianna without any hesitation.

Can you tell me what has happened? asked Katteya frowning.

Nothing anyone can put a finger on. There are sounds, noises, sightings of strange goings-on. Some here think we have been invaded, which of course, is nonsense, but others say that there is a creature, which I also think is nonsense, on the mountain that is evil and dangerous. Efie has told me that the talk in town gets pretty heated at times. Even some…

Mrs. Gray stopped talking as her foot kicked at a piece of loose grass away from its hiding place.

Mother? Keep going, even some what?