Shadows of Merrill Hill

By Sylvia A. Witmore

Toni Graysons car stalls one dark, foggy night in the Blue Ridge Mountains between Hendersonville and Brevard, NC. She is forced to abandon her car then walk straight up a mountain ridge following the only light she can see through the pounding rain.
When she finally reaches the house, it is very large and imposing. Just as she rounds the paved driveway, a car roars down the hill even though Toni calls out for their help. When the door opens, a small child is standing there with tears streaking her cheeks; she is lonely and waiting for her new mommy.

Toni is instantly drawn to the precious, beguiling Cindy Merrill, then comes across one person in the house who has been pushed down the cellar steps. Toni covers her up but there is no phone service because of the storm; then she finds that an uncle has died in his bed up on the third floor. She is not about to leave the child unattended but later when shes discovered by the mansions owner, sparks fly between them and Toni is instantly drawn into a world of mystery, intrigue and faces actual danger for the first time in her life.

Authorhouse has also published eight other books by Sylvia: WHEELS OF DANGER, TREACHEROUS HEARTS, THE VOODOO DOLL, A STRANGE ENCOUNTER, ECHO OF FOOTSTEPS, MADNESS AT MIDNIGHT, WHITE IS FOR WEDDINGS and MADNESS AT MIDNIGHT REVENGE. She is also working on an inspirational novel: 2009 A YEAR OF HEARTBREAK AND THE PROMISE OF RAINBOWS.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Feb 25, 2013
• ISBN: 9781481713689

Sylvia A. Witmore

Sylvia majored in Journalism in college but quickly changed to Creative Writing. She tried for 30 years to reach a publisher but was unsuccessful until 2008 when WHEELS OF DANGER was published by Authorhouse. Since then she has had more books published and this novel with be #11. Sylvia worked in Home Health for 29 years and retired in 2006 to keep two grandchildren and to write full time. Sylvia and CL were married for 40 years before his death in 2009. They have three sons, Chuck, Chris and Kevin and three daughters (not in-law) and ten grandchildren. Donovan is the oldest; Claire is 12, Chaz is 11, Lance is 10, Sherry is 10, Emma is 7, Eli is 6, Liam is 5, Bella is 3 and Kellen was born on 12/10/14. Sylvia loves to travel and spend time with her family. She is an avid reader and loves all kinds of puzzles.

Book preview

Chapter One

The night was so dark and foggy that Toni Grayson could barely make out the center line of the road in front of her. Hard rain pelted the windshield in torrential sheets as she struggled vainly to follow the winding, unfamiliar road around the almost desolate mountain. Her windshield wipers chose that particular night to be obstinate. One minute they swished violently across the rain-swept glass but the next time, only hummed and fluttered before ceasing altogether, making it absolutely impossible for her to see anything outside.

The rain seemed to let up just a little so she instantly thought her bad luck was about to end; but then the engine of the old sedan station wagon had different ideas; it went on strike, coughing and sputtering once before stalling completely. For several minutes she tried to restart the car but finally switched it off in disgust.

Darn! Darn it all…of all the times for this to happen, you old tin tub! You can’t desert me now; I don’t even know where I am!

She pounded the steering wheel in despair, allowing frustration and worry to completely override the sudden fear she was experiencing. She had not taken the time to reset the GPS when it slid off the dashboard earlier because a semi-tractor trailer almost careened into her after losing control on one of the high mountains. Her cell phone had lost its signal when she crossed the last county line on her way toward Brevard.

She tried to look through the windshield but the mist had accumulated more than ever since the defroster died along with the stalled engine.

She wiped the inside window with a soft napkin but there was nothing to see…only the empty, unwelcome blackness of the night surrounding her. The only lights around anywhere came from the headlights of her stalled car.

She was afraid to leave the safety of the front seat; she knew absolutely nothing about the mountains around here; she knew she was somewhere in the Blue Ridge Mountains but other than that, she was completely lost.

She had accepted a position with the head of Brevard College starting the end of August. Since she had not visited the mountains since she was a little girl, she wanted to see some of the sites around the Blue Ridge Parkway before she reached her destination so she left her parents’ home in Laurinburg, N.C. for what she hoped was a wonderful adventure in the mountains.

Unfortunately a rock slide off one of the high mountains caused a detour then the traffic almost came to a standstill when a truck and van collided around one of the sharp curves on the small road. She was almost a casualty herself but had managed to maneuver away from the truck that was out of control on her side of the road, but now all her good luck had disappeared.

She had followed the narrow, winding road for miles hoping to run into a small town with a decent motel where she could spend the night then reset her GPS so she could travel on to Brevard the next morning.

But traveling to a motel from here was no longer an option; her car wouldn’t move. Of course, she didn’t know the first thing about cars so she didn’t know what was wrong with it. She sat there for about ten minutes trying to decide what she should do next. She remembered passing a house several miles back with a light burning on the porch but she couldn’t remember exactly how far back it was now.

She turned off the headlights, leaving only the distress signal blinking before she pulled her rain-repellent jacket off the back seat then tied a crimson scarf over her dark hair before putting the car keys as well as her billfold inside a large shoulder bag. Grabbing the flashlight from the inside panel of the front door, she stepped out of the car into the rain, sloshing up to her ankles in cold water. Groaning audibly with a bitter taste in her mouth, she took a few forward steps, moving out of the mud puddle up onto the slick pavement of the road.

She looked around her but could see only inky, impenetrable darkness everywhere she looked. She started walking ahead; she knew there were no towns or houses close behind her so in spite of the terrible weather conditions, she knew that the road ahead was the only way she should go.

As she rounded the next curve she saw a faint, distant light way up on the hill above her. That was her destination. Maybe there was someone there who could assist her!

Holding tight on to her carry-on and the flashlight, she mentally called on an unknown courage hoping to find someone she could ask for assistance. She lowered her head against the late August rain and wind of the chilly mountain air, trudging onward. After walking only a few yards, she thought about the suitcases she left in the trunk but she couldn’t turn back; there was no way she could walk carrying any more of a load.

Toni lost all track of time. She was used to physical activity, but after a hard day of driving and facing all the bad luck she’d encountered since the detour, she wasn’t quite up to a long trek up an unknown mountain overgrown with weeds, briars and thick underbrush on such a terrible cold, foggy night.

As a result she was exhausted long before reaching level ground. As anyone can tell you, lights at night can fool you into thinking they are closer than they are; she walked, climbing seemingly for miles but was still a long way from that beckoning little light. To top that off, her high heeled shoes and thin nylon stockings were not fit apparel for mountain climbing in the dark with only a small flashlight to guide her.

Despite all the obstacles, she trudged on. She had to reach that light at the top of the hill; that was the focus of her struggles. She really needed help from someone living in the house where that small, beckoning light burned, because there certainly wasn’t any help in the total darkness behind her. Little did she realize she might find even more trouble when she finally reached that light.

She hugged her rain jacket closer to her chilled body, thanking heaven for the person who’d invented water repellent raingear. Thanks to the jacket, the thin Jersey dress beneath it remained quite dry except for the clinging skirt below her waist.

It seemed hours later before she found herself on a ragged, worn path of some sort. The going now was much easer than the jungle she’d just climbed through. Her stockings were torn in several places and her legs stung where they had been scratched by briars.

She tried vainly to protect her face from the wind-driven rain but occasionally would have to glance up to make sure that tiny twinkling light was still there, as the moisture relentlessly pounded down against her face. If someone in that house had turned off that light at any time, she’d never have made it.

Just then she heard the sharp sound of running heels on a graveled driveway nearby then the slamming of a heavy door. Another door opened then an ignition was switched on as a car engine flared into life, humming loudly as two big headlights illuminated the darkness in front of her.

Wait, please wait! I need your help! Toni cried out.

But the car roared on down the hill, its taillights blinking brightly as the brakes were applied around each curve, but the driver never slowed down. She watched it as it sped away then sighed helplessly. The car had been going too fast; they had not seen her flashlight or heard her cry out.

Finally she reached the driveway then looked up at the silence of the large house looming in front of her, formidable and dark-looking except for the one small light from inside the house that had led her all the way up the steep mountainside.

By now she could see the steps easily from the light spilling through the glass panes of that great, big door so she walked purposely up onto the porch. She stopped for a minute, trying to clean the mud off her shoes. She gazed around curiously before lifting the heavy brass knocker then she dropped her flashlight in the big shoulder bag.

She caught her breath, feeling a little easier now as she looked down at the luminous dial of her watch. It was only nine-thirty. It seemed as though it had been dark for hours because of the rainstorm; her thumping heart, aching head and spent muscles felt as if she’d walked all night.

Briefly she wondered what the people inside this big house would say when she asked them for help; that is if she could ever find her car again in this impenetrable darkness. The only directions she remembered distinctly had been straight up. She didn’t have the faintest idea of how far or how long she had walked.

The sounds of the night around her were audible now that her heart was slowing down to normal beats; cries of several birds and the weird echo of the mountains at night surrounded her. She heard crickets chirping and an old own hooted somewhere in a tree, as well as the far away call of a whip-o-will.

She realized now that those noises around her must have been present all the way up the hill but she’d not noticed them before. She had been far too preoccupied with her sorrowful plight and the hard luck that would place her stranded alone on a rainy mountain road at the mercy of strangers in a even more eerie setting. Right now she felt that she was in a remote, out-of-the way spot she probably would never have a reason to visit again.

Toni didn’t realize at that moment just how very prophetic her thoughts were, but certainly not in the way she had intended.

She reached out to grasp the brass knocker again as she tapped it hard against its base, moving restlessly from one foot to the other on the cold porch, waiting for someone to open the door. She removed the scarf as she shook out her dark, damp curls so her long bangs fell down across her eyes momentarily before she brushed them back with a shaking hand.

It seemed like ages passed while she stood there. Finally she hit the brass knocker for a third time in a frantic appeal for help.

Slowly the door swung open then, creaking and groaning loudly, letting a little light and warmth flow over her from inside the house. She was immediately reminded of the Inner Sanctum radio program her daddy had recorded while he attended college. Together, they had listened to them when she was small so she remembered the blood-curdling thrill that would envelop her childish body in a gruesome way each time the old gate creaked on the radio, inviting everyone within hearing distance inside to view its awesome horrors.

Her dad was a popular D.J. for a radio station there in Laurinburg, N.C. and while attending college, he’d recorded the old programs to use in a study program as he trained, working hard at his craft so he would be able to entertain people during his morning radio programs. Her mother was afraid that hearing those old, scary programs would upset Toni, but she loved every minute she and her dad had listened to them together.

At first she didn’t see anyone so she wondered blankly if the door could have swung open by itself. After all she’d heard no approaching steps or voices calling out a welcome to her.

Then she glanced down and the light from the hallway shone brightly on a child’s long, blond curls. There was a tiny, beautiful cherubic angel standing there looking up at her expectantly. Angel was the only word to describe the perfect child who was sniffing tearfully as she stood there in the hall with a forlorn, lost look on her face.

Hello there, Toni greeted her much brighter than she felt.

Hullo, she returned quickly, her rosebud mouth more than just a little somber.

She moved back from the door, opening it wider to allow Toni to step inside the hallway with the child as she closed the great door against the chill of the rainy night outside.

In the light from the hall she could see the little girl much better as she stood staring up at her. Her hair was more than just golden; it was a silvery, silky blond. Her dark blue eyes were wide and trusting in the small white oval of her face. Her little pink mouth had twin dimples on each side, deepening now in the gentle curve of a smile. Her skin was the color of pure ivory and looked as soft and smooth as velvet. There were pink roses in her healthy young cheeks but Toni saw the evidence of recent teardrops on her cheeks.

Then Toni realized that there were sparkling tears still shimmering in the long dark eyelashes surrounding the little girl’s eyes.

What’s wrong, honey? she asked, trying her best to remain calm.

She looked up at Toni as she questioned her softly. Are you my new mommy?

No, she answered in mild surprise. No, honey, I’m not.

Her blue eyes clouded over even more as fresh tears spilled down her cheeks. Her precious dimpled mouth puckered up in obvious disappointment.

I’m lonely, she muttered helplessly through her tears. I thought you were my new mommy!

Why did you think that? she questioned her gently, looking down the hall for someone in authority.

Daddy said she was pretty and would come tonight…and you’re pretty!

Oh, you darling child, she whispered huskily.

Toni’s heart went out to her as she sank down to her knees to gather her into her wet arms. She came willingly into Toni’s embrace as she sobbed brokenheartedly against her shoulder, her warm little arms clinging tenaciously to her neck.

I’m so lonely, she said through her tears. I don’t have anyone to play with me now.

Well, we’ll just have to see what we can do about that, Toni murmured, a lot more cheerfully than she felt.

The child spoke again, her breath soft against Toni’s throat. Daddy said when my new mommy came, I wouldn’t be lonely anymore.

Picking her up, Toni glanced around the hall momentarily admiring the shelves filled with antique pewter along the hallway. She entered the first room on the right then she walked over to a large blue sofa in a beautiful silver and blue room. There was a fire in the fireplace with a large screen around it…probably for protection to keep the little girl away from the smoldering coals of the fire.

With only one arm free Toni slipped out of her wet jacket, dropping both the coat and her shoulder bag on the floor beside them. She sat on the sofa with the child still in her arms. She smoothed her lovely hair back from her tearstained face. She took a tissue from a nearby box to wipe the moisture off her cheeks.

The child looked up at Toni then smiled as she spoke softly, her little dimpled hands caressing her face.

You’re a pretty lady; I like you; will you play with me?

Thank you but we need to talk first, Toni whispered to her softly, not knowing what else to say.

The child nodded trustingly as she leaned closer to her, shutting her eyes as she nestled against her breasts. She sighed deeply as if she was going to sleep. Toni pulled her back up in a sitting position, trying to force her to look at her.

My name is Toni Grayson. What’s your name, honey? she asked gently.

I’m Cindy; Cindy Merrill. Toni…that’s a funny name for a lady cause you don’t look like a man.

No, I’m not. My father’s name is Anthony; I’m Antonia but most folks just call me Toni. I don’t use that name very often.

I like Toni better, too, she said with childish logic. It’s easier to say.

I guess it is. She laughed again, agreeing with her. Where is your daddy now, Cindy?

She shook her head. I think he had to go see someone; he works a lot at night and he doesn’t have time for me anymore.

I’m sure he’s probably busy. How old are you, Cindy?

I’m almost five. She answered proudly as she held up four chubby fingers.

Toni smiled at her again as she squeezed her softly.

I see! Well, Cindy, I cheat a little about my birthday sometimes, too. But I go backwards, not forward. I want to be younger, not older.

Why? she asked brightly.

Oh, I don’t know. Silly feminine pride, I guess. We just have to feed our egos once in a while. Now, tell me something, Cindy. If your daddy’s gone, then who is staying with you here tonight?

Aunt Rae.

Where is your Aunt Rae now?

She fell down the steps to the cellar.

Did you say she fell down the steps? she asked quickly, alarm spreading like hot fire through her at the ominous sound of the child’s words.

Uh huh; it was dark in the kitchen and I was scared to go in there. Then the door closed so I ran to hide and wait for my new mommy.

And you said she fell? She asked again, suddenly more than just mildly surprised at the precocious child.

For a moment Toni wondered if she just might just have a vivid imagination so she looked at her closer. Her blue eyes were wide open, trusting, entirely without guile or mischievousness. She sensed that she spoke truthfully so Toni nodded again.

Isn’t there anyone else here with you, Cindy?

The servants are in the building back behind the kitchen. Uncle Tommy is in his bedroom upstairs but I’m scared to go up there or go outside at night by myself so I’m waiting to tell Daddy when he comes home.

Will you show me where your aunt is? she asked her softly.

Okay, she nodded affectionately as she willingly scrambled off her lap.

Toni took her hand as she allowed Cindy to lead her out of the room back into the hall. Toni glimpsed a beautiful antique loveseat beside the steps before they reached the kitchen door at the end of the long hall. She pushed open the heavy swinging door as they walked into a huge, old fashioned kitchen. She found a light switch just inside the door which illuminated the immaculately clean room. The stainless steel appliances were polished and glistened in the bright light, revealing beautiful wood cabinets all around the room above bright marbled countertops in a lovely shade of blue.

Cindy smiled up at her trustingly as she led her over to a closed door. She opened it, looking down into absolute blackness as a cold gust of wind pressed against her face. She turned around to walk back across the light blue tiles of the kitchen floor with Cindy. She placed her in a large chair across the room from the cellar door.

You sit right here, Cindy, until I see about your Aunt Rae. Don’t you move now! I’ll be right back.

The child shook her head obediently as Toni walked back across the kitchen floor toward the door leading down into the formidable, darkened cellar.

Chapter Two

Toni didn’t know what she thought she could do but she knew that she had to do something. At least until the child’s father returned home. Fumbling around on the wall beside the chilly steps, her groping fingers located a light switch. When she flipped it on, she looked down the steps, gasping aloud when she saw the crumpled broken body on the bottom step of the steep stairs.

She turned back around to glance at Cindy who still sat there in the chair where she had placed her.

I’ll be right back; I’m going to check on your aunt. Don’t try to come down those steep steps. You might fall, too.

Okay, Toni. She nodded promptly.

She seemed perfectly content to wait right there as she swung her legs in front of her, clasping her small hands together.

Slowly, Toni descended the steps, shivering involuntarily from the cold as she knelt down by the inert figure of a small gray-haired woman. Her face was twisted in a grimace of pain but her eyes were closed tight. Her right leg was buckled under her at a grotesque angle and she knew it was certainly broken.

In order to save her, someone had to restore warmth to her cold body before it was too late. Her pulse was weak and Toni could hear her labored breathing so she was still alive. She knew that she needed to get the woman into a warm bed, but even if she could manage her weight on those steep steps, she might injure her even more if she tried to move her. It would be better to find a pillow and some blankets then make her as comfortable as possible until someone else came to help her.

Toni murmured softly. Hang on, ma’am. I’ll be right back.

Of course there was no answer so she ran right back up the steps to the kitchen where she’d left the little girl.

Cindy, show me where your aunt’s bedroom is; I need a pillow and some blankets so I can make her comfortable until your dad comes home.

She nodded once then ran toward the back of the room holding her little blond head high. Toni followed her quickly to a second set of stairs leading to the floor above.

She’d never been in a house before that had both front and back steps leading upstairs but this one did.

After they came upstairs Cindy led her into a room with a small lamp burning beside a huge, canopied bed as she announced importantly.

This is Aunt Rae’s room; that’s her bed.

Toni took only a few minutes to gather up the blanket off the foot of the bed as well as a pillow and another blanket she found folded up on the chest by the window. Then she turned around to retrace her steps back downstairs with Cindy following close on her heels.

She hurried back down the cellar steps, cautioning Cindy to remain there in the kitchen and wait for her. She easily lifted the woman’s head, placing it on the pillow but as she did, she noticed a small gash on the hairline just above her ear. Then, she laid the quilt on the floor as she eased the woman’s weight off the last step down onto the quilt, making sure that her head was protected when she moved her. She tried her best not to move the broken leg as she removed the stocky shoes; she didn’t touch the nylons that stopped just beneath her knees. Then she quickly covered her with the warm blankets, tucking them all around her as she also pulled the edges over her lower legs, providing even more warmth around her still form.

Slowly she walked back up the steps to the kitchen where Cindy waited. She realized then that she was so tired she was trembling and her breath was coming out in short gasps.

Cindy was standing in the middle of the kitchen watching for her. When Toni glanced down at her hands, she realized they were covered with blood.

Ohh, Toni, are you hurt? Cindy cried out, looking with wide-eyed wonder at her hands.

Oh, no, honey; not me, but your Aunt Rae hurt her head when she fell. I have to wash my hands.

She’s hurt bad…. Cindy spoke again as her eyes grew wide with wonder.

Yes, but I’m sure she’ll be fine just as soon as your dad comes home.

Yes, she replied with childish logic. Daddy can make Aunt Rae feel much better!

Toni hurried over to the sink to run water over her fingers and wrists using soap to make sure she cleaned all the blood off her hands. Then she dried her hands with a paper towel. She turned back to face the small child.

I’m thirsty, she complained slowly.

Oh, Cindy, I’m sorry. Do you want milk or juice?

Some milk, please.

Toni nodded as she moved over to the tall stainless steel refrigerator/freezer unit in the corner. She easily found the carton of milk on the top shelf. She turned to look at Cindy again.

Where are the glasses, honey?

Cindy pointed to the cabinet right next to the refrigerator.

Toni found a small plastic glass so she poured some milk inside. Cindy murmured her thanks as she accepted the glass.

Toni waited until she had finished before she questioned her again.

Did you see your aunt fall, Cindy?

No, I was in the playroom with my dolls; I was thirsty so I ran to Aunt Rae to ask her for a drink.

Was she by herself?

I don’t know; I didn’t see her.

Then how did you know she fell?

I heard her cry out before she crashed.

Did she just yell out or did she say something?

She said, ‘no, don’t.’ Then I heard her scream.

Where were you?

I was standing in my playroom; I heard that loud noise from the kitchen so I ran to see what happened. It was dark in there then someone closed the door and told me to go back. They said Aunt Rae had fallen down the steps and I must stay away.

Do you have any idea where your daddy is?

No; he’s a doctor so he might be at the hospital.

I see. After the kitchen door closed what did you do?

I ran to hide in my favorite place; I was still there when you knocked; I was scared to come out until my daddy came home.

Where is your favorite place?

Come on, I’ll show you.

Cindy grabbed her arm to pull her into an alcove right off the kitchen. There was a built-in wooden cabinet with a mirror above it. There were several drawers on the right side but the left side had a door that swung out when Cindy pulled the handles. When she opened it, Toni could see a pillow, a small blanket, a couple of dolls and a stuffed rabbit lying on the floor. Cindy slipped into the empty space, showing Toni that there was plenty of room for her inside also.

Did you see the person when they ran by?

No, but the steps were heavy.

Steps like a man’s or a woman’s heels like I have on? Toni lifted up one of her shoes to show Cindy.

Heels like yours, I guess; I could hear them tapping on the floor.

Toni nodded; she had heard heels like that running across the paved drive before the car sped away. Evidently, there was some mystery going on here and the only witness was a four-year-old child who had the foresight to hide when she sensed danger.

Toni was beginning to think that maybe Cindy’s Aunt Rae had not fallen down the steps accidentally, but had been assisted by some unknown hands that might have pushed her.

Did you recognize the voice of that person in the kitchen? Could you tell if it was a man or a woman?

I don’t know; it just sounded funny but I was so scared; I just hugged my doll and blanket while I waited for my new mommy.

Toni had to shake her head at this extraordinary child. For a four-year-old she had a remarkable vocabulary and a mastery of speech most four-year olds had not achieved; someone had taken a lot of time with this child so she found herself admiring that unknown person right now. They had taken the time and used a lot of patience to teach her a world of manners. She was neither afraid nor upset about the aunt’s accident; she had just accepted it as fact.

Was that why you were crying?

I cried because Aunt Rae was hurt and I was scared and lonely; don’t leave me alone, Toni. Stay with me, please, she pleaded softly, her eyes wide and beseeching.

Cindy pulled herself up then wrapped her arms around Toni’s hips, hugging her tightly.

Toni bent down to kiss her soft cheek for just a moment before she whispered. We’ll talk about that later. Right now I want you to show me the room where your Uncle Tommy sleeps. We have to tell him what’s happened to your aunt.

It’s up there but it’s dark. Cindy pointed at the steps leading upstairs.

Okay, she whispered softly, tightening her hold on Cindy’s hand. Then, let’s go up there together, shall we?

Cindy shook her head slowly, her eyes widened with fear as she shrank away. No, it is real dark in his room…I’m scared.

I’m scared, too, sweetie, but we can find a light switch before we go into the room. I won’t let anyone hurt you, I promise. Now, come show me which room he’s in. I’ll hold your hand and keep you close to me the whole time.

The child obediently moved ahead as they climbed up one floor then up to the third floor into a dimly lit hall toward the last door at the end where Cindy stopped in her tracks at a closed brown door as she looked up at her.

Toni nodded then knocked gently on the oak panels.

Hello, sir! Are you awake? she called out hesitantly.

She listened closely but there was no response. Toni tried the doorknob, finding it unlocked. Slowly, she pushed it open. The light from the hall behind her revealed a motionless figure there in the huge bed.

She called out again. Excuse me, sir, are you Uncle Tommy?

She felt silly calling a strange man such a familiar term but knew no other name for him. Still there was no answer.

She found the light switch by the door, switching it on quickly. Leaving Cindy standing there in the doorway, she moved over to the bed, immediately sensing that something was very wrong.

The man’s rigid figure was far too still to suit her. She bent down over him on the bed. His erect stiffness was frightening so she touched his hand warily. His body was cold; there was no breath escaping from his parted lips. Toni had never been this close to death before but she instinctively realized that he would never breathe again.

Quickly, her heart beat shifted into high gear as horror claimed her next breath. She moved back across the room to where Cindy stood watching her with wide, round eyes. Toni picked her up in her arms, cradling her close for comfort as she tried to control the tremors in her own voice. She desperately tried to hide the terror she felt inside over this new discovery.

If she had not accidentally ended up in this huge house tonight because of car trouble, then this precious child would still be here alone right now with a dead uncle upstairs and a severely injured aunt lying helpless on the cellar floor.

He’s asleep, Cindy. Let’s not bother him until your daddy comes home. Come on, let’s go back downstairs now.

She walked back down the circular stairway with Cindy high in her arms, trying to glean some comfort from her warm closeness. The sweet scent from a recent bath still clung to her and Toni loved the sweet, innocent way she smelled. She stood her up in the hall downstairs then re-entered the warm blue and silver parlor where she sat down in a comfortable rocker.

Cindy ran to pick up a doll that she had left lying near the doorway then climbed up on Toni’s lap as she settled her warm, cuddly body against her chest as if she belonged right there. Her soft arms circled around her neck so Toni rested her chin on her shinning hair as Cindy hugged both Toni and her doll. Then she hummed an unfamiliar tune as they rocked before she sighed heavily then closed her eyes and leaned against her.

Toni shifted the child more comfortably in her arms as she looked around the tastefully decorated room. She appreciated the artistic designs of mountain scenes in the pictures around the room and the comfortable sofa and matching chairs that seemed to dominate the room.

Cindy snuggled closer to her as she whispered: My daddy is really good looking!

Really?

Yes, all the ladies really love looking at him.

That’s nice!

Yes, and he’s nice, too; he a good daddy, Cindy stated emphatically as she slowly closed her eyes finally relaxing limply against Toni.

Soon Toni also closed her eyes as she wearily leaned back against the high-backed rocker. She tried desperately to blot out the memory of the old, injured woman downstairs who just might be dying and the ghastly picture of the old man upstairs, already stiff and cold from the touch of death’s cruel hand.

Briefly she wondered frantically just exactly what she had stumbled onto tonight; she knew instinctively that whatever it was, there was indeed a lot of trouble and sorrow ahead for someone…this house of dark shadows tonight had many secrets and no matter how many questions she mentally asked, she was no where near finding an acceptable answer at this time.

The warmth and comfort of the beautiful room finally relaxed her tired muscles as the myriad thoughts in her whirling head finally eased. The warmth of the low blaze from the fireplace soothed her tense, aching back, somewhat dulling the pain sending her into some semblance of comfort; at first she had allowed the adrenaline of fear to move her arms and legs when she was trying to help Cindy and her aunt; but now she was as limp as Cindy’s doll.

The flickering fire in the hearth sent off gold, amber and orange patterns all over the walls of the lovely room; the moving shadows and eerie silence of the house almost hypnotized her. She relinquished herself completely to its magic.

Chapter Three

Toni must have dozed off in the comfortable rocker right along with Cindy, for the next thing she knew, she heard a startled exclamation. She opened her eyes quickly in sudden shock.

There was a vivacious redhead standing right in front of her, with a look of complete astonishment flitting across her pretty face. Her green eyes dilated in amazement as her pretty crimson mouth flew open in surprise.

Toni’s attention was immediately drawn to the tall handsome giant by her side. He was one of the most gorgeous men she’d ever seen. His hair was dark; she could see the bright shine of raindrops clinging to his hair but his eyes were bright blue just like Cindy’s with brilliant flashing lights evident in their depths. His smoothly tanned face and dark head jutted magnificently from broad, strong shoulders;