Flutters: A New Beginning

By Penney Stevenson

This is a book of intrigue, love, heartache, new biginnings and endings. Its full turns and surprise. You'll enjoy your journey into what if this real happens.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Dec 16, 2013
• ISBN: 9781491842324

Penney Stevenson

This story is about my life and the wonderful animals that shared it with me. Know I want to share it with others so they can see the side of a wonderful gift that has been given to us on this earth. This story is for my father who passed away it is to give childern a chance to feel the love and paticence it takes to train and raise a foal after his mother has passed. I live on a small ranch in Oklahoma where I train and ride horses that are loving gentle and friends. I share my love of horses with others show them that you can gentlly correct a horse. I teach people to handle horses correctlly and ride with confendence. One thing most people make a mistake about horses is that they are dangerous yes but only if you don't listen to them they talk to us but we do not listen. Ever move they make of there ears body tail is what we call a tell.We have to learn to listen to join their world saddly most people just think and ride. I listen I teach others to listen and I teach horses to try to listen to us done right it is a wonderful and rich experience.

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AuthorHouse™ LLC

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Bloomington, IN 47403

www.authorhouse.com

Phone: [phone]

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.

© 2013 Penney Stevenson. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 12/11/2013

ISBN: 978-1-4918-4233-1 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4918-4228-7 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4918-4232-4 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2013922462

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.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

I dedicate this book to my grandchildren and friends who helped me through tough times in my life. Thank you Mark, Cindy, Sue, Charlie and Bill

Maria Stesson divorced in her fifties husband emailed her gave her clap and left

Mark Whistle ten years younger gray hair blue eyes retired from military service works for Airplane Company

Bill Ben business owner early fifties friend a divorce wife cheating just needs a friend to walk along and listen

Hank Steward Maria’s Boss at HRD

1st Realtor Mrs. Snozer Show Maria property

2nd realtor Linda Reazier Maria buys Devilens Ranch with her help

Lawyer Roger Chris

House cleaners Jenny Next, Tina Knock, Amy Messer, Deb Tool, and Jill Kendell

Fence builders John and Tuck Knock

Sheriff Preston Yank

Preacher’s daughter Anne Green

Girls: Jackie Tripper, Kate Pike, Mary Jester

Man with cattle: Trent Mailer Trevor Fairfield the fourth

Bob Glory buys hay

Chapter One

Maria stood looking at the front of a little house as the realtor Mrs. Snorze unlocked it. So far she had looked at four places none of them were what she was looking for. This realtor kept wanting her to look at the house not the land. To Maria the house wasn’t important she was interested in the grazing for her animals. Mrs. Snorze chattered on about the house, Maria tried to assess the land but was too polite to interrupt her.

This is a two bedroom they just redone the kitchen as you can see it’s quaint and cozy. The bedrooms and bathroom are down here. This is just perfect for a single lady. There was no room for a washer and dryer. The bedrooms were small she didn’t think she could fit her bedroom suite in it. What do you think? I’d like to look at the property. There are fifty acres fenced and a little barn. Let’s go look at the barn, shall we? Mrs. Snorze said. Maria reached down, took a hand full of dirt there was a lot of clay in it. As they walked toward what she was calling a barn Maria looked the grass over. The barn was a shed that would never hold her tack, but the grass was good it was a lot better than the three previous places. The fences need some attention. She looked a little field over, it could be made into a hay field with a little work. There are fifty more acres you could buy if you wanted more land. Thank you Mrs. Snorze, I’ll think the places you showed me over and let you know if I decide on any of them. Maria stood looking at the place as Mrs. Snorze drove away. It had been a waste of her time she was ready to move away from the ugly life she’d been living to begin on a new adventure hopefully happier.

Well tomorrows another day maybe then she’ll find something. She got in her truck and headed down the road, she made a wrong turn and wasn’t sure where she was. She slowed down to see if the next road had a sign of any kind. No, but it had a For Sale sign. Maria decided to take a look as she drove down the road she could tell the fences needed repair, half mile down the road she came to two twelve foot metal gates. They hadn’t seen paint in years, they were just rust. The For Sale sign sat to the side, she got out of the truck to look at the gate, and the detail was amazing there where rose buds entwined then eventually shaped into hearts with butterflies, dragonflies and bees. The detail made you think they could fly off into the sky.

She wiped the For Sale sign off so she could see the phone number. They probably wanted too much but it wouldn’t hurt to look. She punched in the number and listened as it rang on the fifth ring she heard a voice. Hello this is Linda for R and R realtors. Hello this is Maria Stesson, I’m standing out here by one of the properties you have for sale not sure what road it’s on but if you could I’d like to see the place. Sure I could show you it. The only thing I can tell you about it is there are two big iron gates going into the place. I’m standing here looking at them. Linda knew where she was, it was the Devilen Ranch no one had been able to sell it in years. Is it possible to view the place today, Maria asked? Sure it will take me fifteen to twenty minutes to get there. Is it all right if I open the gates and go look around? Sure go ahead and I’ll get there just as fast as I can. See you soon. Linda needed a sale maybe she could show her something else. Linda grabbed her brief case and headed for her car, the Devilen place hadn’t been showed in ten years. But at least she had someone interested in buying a place that was a start.

Maria had to shove hard to open the gates they had not been opened for some time. She got back in her truck and drove up the drive. There was a line of trees over to the left the drive split to the left but she decided to go straight. As the trees cleared there were corrals and a riding arena that had been neglected and needed repair. But Maria smiled as she got out and looked at the arena there was an apartment and it would work for her. She picked up a hand full of dirt it was good then she looked around at the grass, yes good sweet grass to fatten cattle on. Maria could see the top of what she thought was the a house so she got back in the truck and went back to where the road had split, trees lined both sides, full and lively and looked like they were dancing to a waltz as they swayed gently brushing against each other. As she came around a bend, there in all its regal majesty stood this mansion. Maria stopped and stared at it she had never seen a house with so much character. It seems to be welcoming her, asking her to come in.

She continued to the front entrance. She turned the truck off and sat looking at the workmanship and design of the house. Then she got out taking a closer look trying to see the design carved in the stones that the walls of the house were made of. She touched a butterfly and it felt as if it fluttered under her hand, it felt good and warm as if it were alive. It made her laugh as it seemed to tickle her hand. Then she touched a dragon fly it too made her feel as if it could fly off the house. There were rose bushes lining the front of the house except where a set of double doors were near the left end. She took a look at the front door made of solid wood and hand carved with roses, butterflies, dragon flies and bees. So much hard work and everything being pulled together in the design, the place was amazing. The roses need attention and the grass mowed no one had been here in a long time.

She was sure she couldn’t afford the place but she was going to look it over while she was here. A car was coming down the drive and Maria turned and smiled, it pulled beside Maria’s truck. Hello I’m Linda Reazier, we talked on the phone. Hello how nice to meet you I’m Maria Stesson. Are you looking for a lot of land? I’m not sure at this point. Trying to find something for me and my livestock. Let me see if I can get the doors open and we’ll take a look in the house. As the doors opened there was a foray, the two twelve foot glass doors engraved with the butterflies, dragon flies and bees with the roses. The work was astounding. Linda unlocked the glass doors as they swung open you came into a sitting room with eight big glass doors leading out to the back, the sun lit up the room when Linda pulled a dust filled curtain back. Maria pulled back several more to allow the room to come alive. The floor looked like it was marble. The crystal chandler had light bouncing all over the room making it look like rainbows on the wall. The room needed cleaning and a little paint.

Marie smiled as she watched the light jumping from one place to another. There were stairs that curved to the second floor with an iron railing with the same design as the iron gates at the entrance. She liked how whoever designed it tied everything in. They walked to the right of the door and found the dining room, then into the pantry, all the cupboard had glass fronts, they were engraved with the dragonflies, butterflies and were full of dishes. Then into the kitchen that would make any chef jealous; a walk in freezer and refrigerator, a six burned professional stove with two ovens, cupboards that would hold as much as a small store counter space to make anything you could dream of. Then they walked down a hall. There was a maid’s room with a small kitchenette with a door leading to the outside and a small fenced in patio. On the right side there was a bathroom and laundry room.

As they walked back toward the sitting area they noticed a door but it was a small closet. They walked across the sitting room to a pair of doors Linda slide them back and there was a fully filled library. The shelves were full of dusty books there was a ladder that slid along a railing so all the books were accessible. There were ten shelves in each case full of reading material. Maria thought it was mahogany, a deep rich brown red wood. The floor was wood of a lighter color then there were large rugs with rich colors and intricate designs. There were couches with end tables and lights so you could sit and read for hours. Two big windows to allow the sun light in. She guessed the ceiling was twelve foot and had a design in it. Then they went to two doors to their right, it was a den but someone had knocked holes in the wood which would not be cheap to fix. There was a large desk sitting in the middle with rich green walls that met the wood. Shelves had what looked to be law books. Linda stood looking at the mess. I think someone’s been looking for something, this wasn’t like this last time I was here. Maybe you should call the police have them investigate. First I better call the owners see if they are having something done. Will you excuse me a minute. Is it alright I keep looking? Sure go ahead.

Maria walked on down the hall, to her left she found what she thought was a ball room, there were mirrors lining the left side of the wall and a mural painted on the other side of couples made to look like they were dancing, the floor was hardwood and she’d bet when it was clean it was smooth and shiny. She walked to a stage with double glass doors leading out to the front of the house. She stood looking out, the view was astounding. When she turned around she noticed that it looked like one of the mirrors were slightly open so she went to investigate as she opened it she discovered musical instruments. A grand piano set under some of the instruments. Maria ran her hand along part of it, You should be in your place on the stage, not hidden behind a mirror. she said. Then she headed out to see what was on the other side of the hall. She opened a door, there wasn’t much in it and it was very dark. Maria couldn’t see a light switch. So she went to check out the next room, it was a bedroom with old antique furniture it was covered in three inches of dust. She went back to the sitting room and smiled at how warm and inviting the room was. She pulled back even more curtains and opened a door to let fresh air, it was as if the house sucked in deep and filled itself with fresh air.

She could hear the realtor on the phone with the owner. Yes, Mister Devilen, I know you want the place sold. Maria tried to not listen in but she was glad they wanted to sell. She was about to climb the stairs when she heard Linda call her name. I’m right here Linda just heading up the stairs to see the bedrooms. The sheriff is on his way, it might be a good idea not to wonder around. Linda you’re afraid someone’s still here? Well the Sheriff said there could be. No, I think they been here some time ago there are no footprints in the dust and the holes have dust along the edges, whoever did the damage is long gone.

It’s been month’s sense someone has even been in here, the dust is three inches thick they would have left prints. How long has it been sense you’ve been here? I would guess a year no one has been in this house mice and rats only thing scurrying around. They’re doing damage need to have an exterminator come clean it out. Shall we go see the bedrooms no one has been up the stairs? Linda gave in and went up with Maria, the first bedroom had to be the master bedroom it had walk in closets a huge bathroom. Maria liked the big tub, two could fit in it. It was a little out dated but then so was she? The house seemed to be filling Maria full of hope and joy. Maria seem to feel younger more alive as they checked out each room and she hoped to buy the place.

They heard someone calling them, they walked to the balcony, and it was the Sheriff. Hello Linda you in here? Hello Preston, we’re up stairs checking out the bedrooms, we’ll be right down. Maria followed Linda down the stairs Preston couldn’t take his eyes off Maria she was elegant gorgeous and a body that didn’t stop. Her hair was a medium blond, she looked to be late thirties, her smile made you want to grab her and kiss her lips. Then she got close enough to see her eyes, they were green and inviting.

Preston, this is Maria Stesson, she and I found the damage. Marias smile became gentle and alluring as she spoke it was like a whisper and you tried hard to catch every word. So glad to meet you Sheriff Preston. Nice to meet you, he said as he shook her hand he could feel she wasn’t wearing a ring. Mrs. Stesson you’re not from around here. Please sheriff, call me Maria it’s not Mrs. Stesson. If you come with me I’ll show you the den and the damage, Linda said. Sheriff, do you mind if I continue to look at the place I need to get back to Bellton before long? Go ahead, if you find anything else let me know. I will, Linda, I’m going back up and check out the upstairs rooms.

Maria went up the stairs as Linda and the Sheriff went to the den she walked down a hall to her right she found a room in the center with bedrooms extending around it. She opened double doors and found a toy room full of old toys. A baseball bat and glove sat in the corner, she bent to run her hand over the glove it needed oil the leather was dry. Someone had used it, now it sat rotting in a corner covered in dust. There were double doors across the room they led to the other side of the hall then there were double doors to the left she opened them and found more toys on shelves and boxes. There were old games, dolls, a rocking horse so much she could not fathom all of it. All the toys were covered with dust but looked to be in could shape. Shame for all these toys to go to waste no one playing with them Maria thought. The Devilens must have had a boy and a girl.

Maria found a door leading to the attic she went up just far enough to peak around, it was jammed full. She could see a baby crib and a bassinet. She saw double doors leading to the outside, she could see all the way up the drive to the road. She went out and walked around the outside balcony it covered half the house. The view was breath taking and if she was right, most of the property was visible from it. She went all the way around to the master bedroom, she loved to see the barn and arena she was hoping to buy the place, she somehow belonged here, she was home. Maria worked her way back around to the door she had come out. She locked it and she headed down the stairs back into the sitting room. She stood looking out the glass doors and she could see what looked like a swimming pool. The grass was up to Maria’s ankles and thick as she stepped out into the lawn.

Linda was just finishing with the sheriff as Maria went out the doors to see if what she saw was a pool. Linda caught up with Maria as she reached the pool. Well this is going to be a costly repair. There was green sludge in the pool and stagnate water. Linda how many acres are there? There is over six hundred on this side and over in front of the house a little over four hundred on the front side. What were they asking for the place? Over a million when they first put it up for sale. How many years ago was that? Over fifteen I’m guessing. How did you know that? Toys and house are dated. How many were killed here? Two, Mister and Mrs. Devilen were murdered. So the kids don’t want the place?

Most people are afraid of the place. They ever catch who killed them? No, they never found out who killed them. Let’s look at the land we can take my truck around the fence line. Maria and Linda walked to her truck and got in. Maria drove down the front of the place and along the fence line that looks like a stock pond. How long ago were the murders committed? About eighteen years ago, Linda changed the subject. Linda dug in her papers, There are four stock ponds, and I think it says five wells. The fences are no good that’s going to take some off the price, pool no good. But the land was fertile and rich. Maria could see a herd of cattle grazing, a few mares and foals, hay being baled, big garden. She was set on buying the place.

Think they’d carry some of the note, say at two percent. I’m offering them two hundred fifty down and another hundred thousand over ten years. Maria pulled up beside the house. I’ll see, Linda said and got out of Maria’s truck, she walked a ways form the truck and was talking to someone. She turned her back to Maria. Chuck Devilen was glad to sell the place. Linda offered him fifty thousand less so she had a little room to negotiate. He agreed to the amount without question and he’d be glad to care fifty thousand dollars on the place at two percent. He didn’t need the money but he would be glad to get rid of the place. Linda came back to the truck, You have a deal two hundred thousand down, fifty thousand at two percent over ten years. He took even less?

He figured the place needed a lot of repairs said he was glad someone wanted it. He’ll fax contracts in morning. When can you come sign and give me a check? Around four, after work, when can I move in? It’s your place as soon as the contract is signed. I guess I better find a lawyer to check the contract over make sure there’s nothing funny in it. I know someone that might be able to check it out after I get it. Want me to call him? Sure, I don’t know anyone around here.

Linda called Roger Chris, Hey how are you Roger, got a lady here needs to have some contracts looked at in the morning you got time to do that? You want to talk to her this is Maria Stesson. Marie this Roger Chris. Hello, Mister Chris, would you have time to look over some contracts in the morning so I can have them signed and be in my home tomorrow evening? Mrs. Stesson I’ll have time to do that for you. How much are you going to charge me? Six hundred dollars to do that for you. When do you need the money? I need a hundred today and the rest tomorrow. I’ll get Linda to show me where you are or send a check with her. That would be fine, talk to you soon, by Maria. Good bye Mister Chris. Well that’s settled thank you Linda.

Would you show me where his office is and is there a place I can get something to eat, I haven’t had a thing all day. There is a diner in town and Rogers office is just down on the left my office is across from his. Well let me lock this place back up and we can go. I’ll help I’m starving. Maria went upstairs and checked all the doors while Linda got the down stairs ones. As Maria was coming down Linda was locking the last glass door. Ready to get something to eat? Yes will you join me Linda?

I’ll pay Mister Chris then join you at the diner. Don’t lose me on the way into town, I was lost when I came across this place. Hopefully I can find my way back here tomorrow. Maria followed Linda into town she went to her office and Maria went to Mister Chris office. She gave his sectary a check she said Mister Chris had to step out so she headed for the diner. Linda got to the diner five minutes after her. Maria had an ice tea and was relaxing as she joined her. Did you look at many places before the Devilen place? A few none of them were what I was looking for. The Devilen place is a much bigger house then I was looking for but I like it. Well you’ll have plenty of room for your children. ‘I could have a whole herd in there and not know it. I’m going to need help cleaning it know anyone would like a job."

Hey Jenny you want a job? Sure do things were real slowly. This lady is going to need some help cleaning her place up. Maria this is Jenny Next she runs a cleaning service. Hello, Jenny when would you be available? Tomorrow I haven’t got anything this next week. So you know the Devilen Ranch? That place is haunted. So you don’t want the job? I didn’t say that I just prefer to do it during the day time. If I wanted you to come around four to help clean up a room and the kitchen could you arrange it? Sure but that house is going to take a crew to clean it up. ‘You want the job hiring the crew and seeing the jobs done? Give me an estimate tomorrow after you see the place. I’ll call you if I can get things done earlier. I’m hoping I can get off work a little early and get myself set up for the evening."

Maria’s and Linda’s food came as Maria entered Jenny’s phone number in her phone Maria noticed Mark had been trying to call her. She texted him that she was just sitting down to eat diner she would call after she got back on the road for the motel. Maria eat half of the order she was more tired than hungry. Linda how do I get back to Bellton? Go straight up this highway here what motel you in? The Town and Country on Treasure Lane. First light take a left it should be about a mile on your right. You look exhausted. I am ready to sleep so I can go to work then get myself into my new home. If I can manage to get off earlier I’ll call you. Thank you Linda I’ll see you tomorrow.

Maria got in her truck and headed to the motel she texted Mark she should be back there in twenty minutes. The phone rang hello Mark, how are you baby. Where you at honey. I’m headed to Bellton about twenty minutes from the motel. Where are you? Waiting for you at the motel? Great I was hoping to see you this evening. You have any luck finding a place? Yes can I tell you about in a few minutes? Sure I am waiting at your door. See you in just a little bite.

Maria could see the motels sign she was ready to rest as she pulled up to her room Mark got out of his car. He came around to the driver’s door and kissed Maria as she got out. Here open the door will you baby I have to get my bag. No you go open the door I’ll get your bag. Maria didn’t want to argue so she let him grab her bag. She went into the room and kicked her boots off. She started the shower and stripped as Mark entered the room. She climb in Mark joined her. You that wore out Honey? Yes the shower is helping I looked at four places before I bought this one. I feel like I walked a hundred miles checking the pastures and fences. Maria decided not to tell Mark everything about the place she wanted to see his reaction when he seen it. I’ll have to rebuild fences and lots to clean up but it’s a nice place trees, some roses, room for a garden. Grass is good should be able to add to my herd have fat cattle. When do you get to move in after I sign the papers it’s all mine. I’ll have to make payments for ten years but got a good rate two percent.

Maria smiled and kissed him then washed his back she rinsed off and climbed out. Mark followed she got dried off and stuck on a pair of pajamas. Mark put on boxers and they climb on the bed to watch television. Maria lay in his arms snuggling until she feel to sleep. Mark had set an alarm it was a good thing because Maria was sound asleep and she would have been late to work.

Good morning honey you weren’t kidding about being tired. Mark kissed her and made love to her. They jumped in the shower and washed then they both dressed, better hurry not time for breakfast for you Maria. I’ll grab a cup of coffee on my way in to the office. Want me to pick you up a sandwich and bring it to you? No but thank you I want to try to get off a little early so I can sign papers early then get myself into the house to clean a little before bed. Make sure we have everything Mark I’m staying at the house tonight going to check out and go to work. Maria gave Mark a kiss and was off she checked out as Mark was getting in his vehicle.

She had grabbed a cup of coffee and jumped in her truck she had eight minutes to get to the time clock she was standing drinking her coffee with five minutes to spare. Her Boss Hank Steward came up to her. Good morning Maria. Good morning Mister Steward. Everything going ok for you Maria? Yes sir things are running pretty smooth. Good come see me after you get punched in and settled for the day. Yes sir be there in just a few minutes.

Maria hurried to her station checked to make sure everything was in order then headed for her Bosses office. She knocked on the door. Come on in. Maria had brought a tablet in case she needed to write something down. Have a seat Maria I just wanted to let you know how pleased we are with your work so far. Thank you sir, is there anything you think I need to improve on? No, but I may give you a step up in a couple of weeks if you’re interested. Yes, sir I am. Good I like to hear that.

Did you find a place to live? Yes, sir I have to sign papers after work and I can move right in. So would you like to get off early and take care of all that? Yes sir, as long as it won’t affect my job. I have one thing I want you to do there were some packages given to you from the production center yesterday. They had no address would you take them back to them around ten then go pick up what mail you can for the day. Then you can leave at lunch. Yes sir and thank you. Maria I expect an invitation out to see your place one of these days. Yes sir I’ll do a barbeque. I think it will surprise you do you ride sir? Use too years ago. Well I’ll get my buckskin out and we’ll take a ride around the place. That’s sounds like a deal.

Maria was all excited as she got things around and took care of mail separating it for each office it was a minute to ten as she headed for production at ten exactly she knocked on the boss’s door for production. Sir, these packages were sent without any address if you give them to me, I’ll see they are sent on their way. I’m glad you found those they weren’t ready thanks for bringing them back. You’re welcome sir do you have anything to go out in the mail. Just these two letters thank you. You’re welcome sir Maria said, and took the letters.

Maria had heard that the production guy sent fake packages he was hiding stuff when the boss came around checking out each department. Maria headed to the fourth floor got all the mail they had and let the secretaries know she was going to be gone by noon. She had a tray of mail and one parcel by the time she got to the second floor and had delivered all the mail she had. The second floor had four trays of mail. She managed