The Impossible Texan

By Muriel DeBuque as Luci

On the estate, Sarah Sommers lay in wait for her to come home after invading her dreams night after night.
When Sara did go home, the ghost showed Sara where some of the treasure and a journal could be found.
Trouble hit Sara right after moving to Austin. Finding herself pregnant, she didnt know what to do. Jackies parents came to Saras rescue then and all though her life in Austin.
There was mystery and murder in Saras life. Would she ever find out about the attempts on her life?
After her quadruplets were born, she found herself bringing them up by herself only to have them turn against her. Did Sara ever find out that Steven was keeping up two households. She thought he gone so much because of all of those overseas flights.
Little by little, her daughter Crystal was turning against her. The kids grandmother was behind all the misery Sara had, and finally her other children left to go to England, where Marcie and her children were.
Whatever happened to her husband and children? Sara finds herself back on the estate without them.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jul 30, 2013
• ISBN: 9781481760218

Muriel DeBuque as Luci

The golden age can be a great second start for a writer’s life, Muriel DeBuque thought as she sat at her computer one quiet afternoon. Her first book, The Estate in the Woods, has a five-star rating on Amazon.com and has been distributed worldwide. She closed her manuscript The Impossible Texan in hopes that it will be on the market shortly. Muriel has been married to her husband, Loren, for the past fifty-seven years. They have lived in the same house in the same town all this time, and they have four children, eight grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. As their children grew, their home filled with children from the town. They always knew there would be a pot of soup on the stove, a large pan of popcorn, and six-packs of Pepsi if they stopped in during the day or evening. And as her children grew up and left, so did all the children who had stopped in. Now her home is quiet but for the barking of their rat terrier, named Killer. She has written three novels and many short stories and poems. She put them into a box in the back of her closet. One quiet day, she pulled them out and read them. She thought about publishing them, and she sent the first one in. Muriel knew that of all that she has done over the years, it is her love of reading and writing poems, a family history book, short stories, and writing novels that she likes the most.

Book preview

PART 1

Remember When

Chapter 1

1969

The air was still, thick, and muggy when Sara North stood in front of the apartment building at Middletown College, Pennsylvania.

At eighteen, she had never been away from home before. Now she wondered if she wanted to be so far away. Her mother told her she would adjust—but would she? She was lonesome.

Middletown College, the best in the state, was on the application she had filled out. It had caught her eye and made her pick it. She wanted the best when she applied for psychology studies.

She pushed her light, honey-blond hair back from her face and started to study the crisscross pattern on the walkway leading to her apartment. She drew in a breath, drinking in the scent of flowers lining the walk.

She had stepped into adulthood—a grown-up. Moreover, the next four years would shape her for her future, teach her to be on her own. Here I go, she thought.

Sara Jane was a spoiled girl from the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains; at least that is what her grandfather told her. Leaving her home in Gooseneck, New York, made her wonder how she would do this year. She had left home to study, not to find a boyfriend.

All summer, Sara and her cousin Lori would tease each other about finding boyfriends.

Maybe you’ll find one who will make your heart pound and blood pressure rise, they said in unison. Like Uncle Arthur—no thanks, Sara stammered, with Lori echoing the same. He was abusive to his family. He had stored drugs in the old barn by the stables, sold them until he went to jail, and died at the hands of another.

Sara remembered what her mother and her aunt Sally had told them—Always keep someone close for protection. As if I need one, Sara had thought. She had her granny. However, Lori didn’t.

She knew Sarah Sommers’s entity wouldn’t follow; she stayed behind the walls or walked the estate grounds after dark. However, there was no way Sara was going to reveal this to her classmates.

The squeal of tires brought her thoughts rushing back to earth. A mattress flipped out of a truck and landed on the road. She turned and looked at the truck; it was worse than her great-grandpa’s.

A kid with carrot-red hair flowing down to his shoulders jumped out and threw the mattress back in the truck. When he noticed Sara, her ran over to her. Ohmigod, you’re like me. I’m sorry. I’m Justin O’Reilly, and you are?

I’m Sara North going in my first year. See you around.

She thought she’d call him Irish; he looked Irish. His bright, green eyes showed excitement as he stared at her. She shook her head and grinned. Oh, what a beautiful smile. As he walked backward to the truck, Sara whooped, What do you mean I’m like you? Hey, Irish, is this what college is like—meeting crazy kids?

His answer was a quick salute as he climbed back into the truck.

A limo pulled alongside Sara, and a girl with curly, black hair jumped out. Is this 5 Cedar Street? Sara nodded, and the girl motioned to the man who was with her and turned back to Sara. She held her hand out. I’m Jacqueline Alexandra Betterly. Call me Jackie. And you are… ?

Oh goodness, Sara thought. What an accent. However, she probably thinks I have one too. She’s as small as a New York minute. I’m Sara Jane North. I think we’re roommates.

Fifteen minutes into all the chatter, all of Jackie’s luggage and boxes were next to Sara’s in the living room.

When Dad leaves, we’ll get busy, Jackie said as she sat on a box next to Sara. Oh, by way, this is my dad, Jacques Edward Betterly. She watched him open the refrigerator door. Good God, Jackie. The ice box only holds two trays. I believe you need another ice box. He laughed with a deep voice.

Ice box, huh? Sara said as she grinned. He sounds like my grandpa.

Mort will deliver you a new one. Jacques tipped his big hat and left, and then he stuck his head back in. Jackie, when I get to Mort’s, I’ll call your mother. Do you have anything to tell her? Jackie shook her head.

Mort will deliver you a nicer one than this, he added, motioning to the refrigerator. He tipped his hat again and left.

As if Jackie could read Sara’s thoughts, she reached over and held Sara’s hand.

Sara was sitting on a box in the small living area and looking at the kitchen. The table was blue; four chairs were pushed up to it. A chain hung from a naked light in the ceiling putting a glare on everything. Need to get a shade! Sara mumbled, her hands flying toward everything in the room. Sara pointed at the floor. Ugh, black-and-white checkered floor will make us dizzy.

A full-sized window caught Sara’s eye. Nice, she said. So far the only thing I like is the window. Now, will that radiator keep us warm?

Jackie stared at her. You know what? You are as bad as my father.

Well, maybe. Does he help your mother around the house?

Jackie laughed. No! He wouldn’t keep furniture like this though. She pointed at the apartment-sized stove. If I complained, he’d change all this, but then he’d have bragging rights. So I’m not complaining.

All Sara could say was Eeeuw, a crappy kitchen. A door to the left of the stove went to a storage area for luggage and boxes they’d keep. She shook her head as if to clear it. Thank you for this, Mommy dear. She sighed. We have things to do now, she mumbled. Somehow, the place wasn’t as bad as it had when first looked at it. She wasn’t used to living in a place like this. Did her mother get this to teach her how to keep a home? She didn’t have to do anything at home besides keep her room clean.

Jackie picked up a two-piece green-and-yellow curtain set. All I can say is, eww.

Bedroom first, she added. After doing the kitchen, we’ll make a place to lay our heads down. She heard rain and gazed at the window. Boy, we got my things in just in time. She sat on a box next to Sara. Let’s change the subject. We’ll feel better. What about family? Do you have any brothers and sisters?

Yeah, an extended family, one roof. I have one brother and many cousins, aunts, and uncles. It will take me four years to tell you. So I will a little at a time.

It must be a large home then.

Sara nodded. There are forty rooms, three stories, a tower, and a couple of attics. One is for storage and the other—well, it tells a story. When we have time, I’ll tell you about it.

Jackie stared at her and didn’t say anything at the time, but she knew.

Do you have a big family? Sara asked. Tell me about yours.

Ohmigod, let’s see—one sister, Janice; my mom and dad. They have a horse and cattle ranch, though. That’s a lot of work. Her hand went up as if pushing air. Well, where do we start—kitchen or bedroom and bath?

Sara started to laugh and then rattled off the names of her family members: Lisa, Lori, Rose Marie, Andy, Sam, Wendell, and me. Then there is Aunt Sherri, Uncle Joe, my aunt Sally, and Uncle Arthur is dead. My grandpa Harold and grandma Barbara. She sighed. My aunt Sally, Uncle Arthur, Great-Grandma, and Great-Grandpa Sam have walked the stairway to heaven.

Chapter 2

Sara held a coin in her hand. Let’s toss a coin. Heads, the larger room, right? She giggled like she had when she was ten. Here goes, she said as she flipped the coin into the air and watched it swirl to the floor.

I get the bigger one, Sara said. Hee-haw.

Good, my room in Austin is big, said Jackie as a laugh bubbled up her throat.

The kitchen walls were done, the yellow stove hanged honey bear holders, and the pots and pans were in a cupboard by the sink. The dishes were in a separate cupboard. I think tomorrow we’d better go food shopping, Jackie said. She glanced at the frown on Sara’s face. Well, that’s what we call food shopping. What do you call it?

A laugh crept up her throat. While Mom shops for food, Sara answered, I shop for clothes.

You’re kidding, aren’t you? Jackie said and paused. Wow, you really mean it.

Show me how to do it. I don’t mind. Sara chuckled. Should I tell her I know how to cook? she thought.

Oh my God, Sara. You are going to learn.

Five hours later, tired and hungry, they sat on the couch. You do know how to cook, don’t you? Jackie asked.

Sara lowered her head and laughed. Some.

Oh, do you have a lot to learn, and I’m going to love to teach you. A loud laugh came from Jackie. She set a pan of homemade macaroni and tomato soup on the burner and turned it on. It looks good, Sara. Did you make this?

No, Anna, our cook, did. When I go home, I’ll bring some back. Anna canned three quarts for me, and Mom put them into the refrigerator when we got here. I had them in a cooler. When I go home, I’ll get more, she repeated as she put bowls and condiments on the table.

While they ate, Jackie said a couple of times how good it was. I’ll send Anna a note.

After the dishes were washed and put away, they pulled out their picture albums. You first, Sara said.

See my first-grade picture? Jackie began. I look like an old woman in that dress. Mom loved it, but I cried. It was that bad! That was years ago, and look at me now—all grown up. She let out a whoop.

She pointed to a picture of Sara’s dog. Look at that beautiful dog—a collie, isn’t it?

Boozer sounds as if he talks, and he even smiles.

Jackie lifted her hand as if she was waving. Get out of here! Really?

We got Boozer as a puppy, Sara answered. The boys taught him to seek and find and how to talk, and he really sounds like he does. He protects us, too. When someone broke into our shed and destroyed all seven bikes, Boozer barked until we paid attention. My mom’s store and Aunt Sherri’s beauty shop were destroyed. Grandpa got us new bikes, though.

Jackie asked Sara if she wanted a Pepsi, and Sara nodded. Jackie got two drinks, returned, handed Sara one, and sat down.

Thanks, Sara said and then continued. The first night we had Boozer, he went missing. Granny had gone to the office and taken him to her room because of his yipping. Grandpa Sam laughed at Granny and then at us. Boozer always followed Granny to her room after that.

She reached over and turned on the radio; Nights in White Satin played. Oh, I love this song, she said. In fact, I love any Moody Blues song.

Jackie pointed to a picture of a girl with Mary Jane shoes. I had a pair once and loved them.

Sara grinned. School pictures are the only time to wear them. The next year I couldn’t wear them—too small. So to the attic they went, and probably still are.

As the girls looked at the albums, a knock sounded at the door. A male voice called out, Welcoming committee. May we come in?

The two girls looked at each other and scowled. Jackie whispered, Who is it?

We’ll never know if we don’t answer the door, Sara answered. She opened the door, and four students walked in.

While they became comfortable, she took the albums to her room. And you are? she asked as she returned to the couch. She knew Mom wouldn’t like her having boys in the room. But then, Mom wasn’t there.

A girl answered first. I’m Marcie Randall, she stated as she sat on the floor in front of the TV. She pointed to the others. This is… ah…, she said as she glanced up.

I think we can speak for ourselves, Marcie, the boy with dark hair and eyes said as he sat down next to her. I’m Steven Rogers, from Texas, here to study aeronautics. He pointed to another boy standing by the door and said, This is Justin O’Reilly.

Justin glanced at Sara and smiled. How come you called me ‘Irish’ this afternoon?

Sara laughed. It fits you. She turned to the remaining new arrival. Now who is the last one here?

Jody Outwater, a doctor to be. He smiled and bowed to the girls.

Sara watched the boy with freckles and red hair. His grin was infectious. He walked over to the table and pointed to a chair. May I? he asked. Jackie nodded and gave him a big smile.

I’m…

Yes, I know, Jody interrupted. I heard you say—Jackie Betterly, from Austin, Texas. He laughed. Hey, so are the two crazies sitting on the floor. I’m in my third year, studying to be a pediatrician. It’s a drop in the bucket in years—so many more to go.

Sara grinned and glanced at Jackie, thinking, I don’t care for that Marcie.

As if the messages had transmitted over waves, Jackie thought, Yeah, I know. How do you like my redhead sitting with me?

Watching Jackie, Sara repeated, My—really?

Justin raised an eyebrow as he glanced from Sara to Jackie.

A crease began to form between Jackie’s eyes as she glanced at Justin. You heard.

He winked and smiled.

Suddenly, Steven moved from his spot by Marcie to the couch next to Sara. What is this gal studying to be?

I want to be a school psychologist. Did I hear you say something about being a pilot?

Yeah, that’s my goal. After my two years here are up, I’m going to Florida to finish training. Someday I’m going to build my own plane.

A smile started to curl the corners of her mouth. She glanced at Justin and thought, Justin, Steven is a good talker. She then averted her eyes to Marcie and said, And she will be… ?

Nothing, if she—well, never mind. Justin’s voice was cool.

Marcie looked as if she could shoot nails out of her eyes. Wow, Sara thought, a couple. But if so, why did he move over here? Not good. She looked at Justin, who was watching Marcie watch Steven. The girl looked angry. Daggers again, Sara thought as she gave Steven a ghost of a smile.

An hour later, after the students had gotten to know one another better, the door suddenly flew open and a boy with dirty brown hair staggered in. Looking confused, he blurted, Hi! I’m Seamus Chapman. Anyone want a joint? He needed a haircut, a shower, and a hot meal. He pulled a bag of weed from his pocket. I have enough for all.

Marcie snapped, Don’t bring that stuff in here, Seamus. You’re making a scene.

What’s the matter, Marc? You smoked one with me yesterday. He paused. Okay, no one wants one. I’m going. He laughed, opened the door, and tipped an imaginary hat. See y’all later.

Oh my God, Marcie said with a laugh, looking at Sara and Jackie. If we could drink here, I’d give both of you one.

Justin smiled as he sat down on the other side of Sara, looking as if he were in grade school and brain dead.

Chapter 3

At ten o’clock, Marcie stood up. Time for us to leave, she announced. She wore a frown as she glanced over at Sara. Daggers could shoot out of her eyes once again.

Steven looked around and smiled. See you around. He winked at Sara as the group filed out the door.

Ohmigod, Jackie! Did you see him? Sara began. He thinks he has such a dashing personality. He is arrogant and thinks he’s a ladies man—not my kind. He said ‘I’ ten times. She sighed as she picked up the soda bottles. I’m here to study for my future, not find a boyfriend. But… he is handsome.

First impressions mean a lot, huh? Jackie asked. "Well, what’s your impression of Jody, the doctor to be?

He’s nice. He’ll be a great doctor. And he’s handsome too.

As Sara and Jackie were straightening up the apartment, their departed company was walking to their respective dorm rooms. At the bridge, the group told Marcie good night.

The smell of night was in the air—crisp, fresh, awaking the senses as moths fluttered around streetlights. Steven didn’t hear Justin ask him a question or hear Marcie say good night. His thoughts were on the girl with the angelic face and golden blond hair. He drew his hand through his hair as he turned to Justin. Remember the dream I told you about? Well, that’s her. Wow!

Justin laughed. I’ve never seen you in a state like this, but I have to admit that she affected me the same way. Something about her makes you want to know her better.

Tell me about her! Steven said. Pick her mind. I’ve seen you do that before.

Justin shrugged. Sorry, not this time. Can’t read her. There were things he wanted to keep to himself. He glanced up. What about Marcie? I figured the two of you would be together forever.

I thought so, too, but now… oh, I think this girl is perfect," Steven replied.

"Harrumph. No one is—you know that."

Justin turned to Jody, who had been quiet for the last few minutes, and watched him throw his hands into the air.

Here we go again, Jody said. Are you ready for Marcie to dump on us when she can’t find him?

There was a catch in Steven’s voice as he mumbled, Time for a change, guys. He went to his room, kicked off his shoes, and slid his chair under his desk. He hated a messy room, and Justin was messy. Steven picked up Justin’s jacket and hung it in the closet. God, Justin, don’t you ever hang up your things?

"Tsk, tsk, Steven. Aren’t we touchy." Justin had not grown up learning to pick up his things. He did remove his boots, though, because he had to vacuum the floor.

Steven opened the fridge, pulled out a Pepsi and a hunk of cheese, and found a package of saltines. He sat down, grabbed a book he had been reading, and couldn’t remember one sentence. He put the book away and glanced around the room at the