Death in the Land of Spirits

By Linda W. Ostrander

Mike Mullins, acclaimed investigative reporter, and his wife Annie, leave their high-pressure careers in New England and move to the tiny southwestern town of Organ, New Mexico. After discovering ghosts in the house next door, Mike seeks to solve a forty-five-year-old murder case. With the aid of new friends and police, he pursues the killer through New Mexico and Mexico to the famed Mayan pyramid of Chichen Itza. Does the killer get what he deserves? Are the family members satisfied with the outcome? Can the departed now rest in peace?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Linda W. Ostrander
• Release date: Sep 6, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463883945

Linda W. Ostrander

As a mother, grandmother and teacher, Linda W. Ostrander has had many years of experience listening to teens’ stories. She created the fascinating fairy tales in the PRINCESS AND OWL TALES and PRINCE AND OWL TALES, for teens, young adults, parents, teachers and counselors who may identify with the problems of the princesses and princess in the stories. These books do not have any adult content!During her fifty-year teaching career Linda taught students of all ages, individually and in classes, at Adelphi Suffolk College, Southampton College of Long Island University, Bunker Hill Community College, Lesley University, Cambridge College and The University of Phoenix. She particularly enjoyed her many years mentoring teachers in Master’s degree programs. Also a pianist and composer, Linda holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Oberlin College, a Master of Music degree from Smith College, a Doctor of Musical Arts in Music Composition from Boston University, and a Ph.D. in Cultural Studies from The Union Institute.

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PREFACE

Mike Mullins, acclaimed investigative reporter, and his wife, Annie, leave their high-pressure careers on the east coast, and buy a small farm in Organ, New Mexico. They want to buy the property next door, although they believe it is haunted by the ghosts of Eva and Jacob Holst. Mike succeeded in reversing the verdict that convicted Jacob of the murder of his wife, Eva, but there remain many unanswered questions. Who was responsible for Jacob’s conviction? Why did no one come to his defense? Why was there no autopsy?

With friends and family Mike delves deeper into the history of the Holst House and its ghosts. He pursues the one responsible for Jacob’s death through a New Mexican ghost town and the Yucatán Jungle to the famous Mayan monument at Chichén Itzá. Does the killer get what he deserves?

CHAPTER 1

OLD FRIENDS

It was a beautiful, warm day in May, and Mike and Annie had just finished teaching their last classes for the spring term at the university. They decided to celebrate by going to lunch at The Bistro, their favorite Las Cruces restaurant.

Annie, I feel so good to have gotten through this year without any crises. No problems with our farm, and no student emergencies.

Me, too. I was concerned that with a new baby and students to supervise, I would find it too much!

You see, honey, Dr. Clarke was right. She knew you were the right person for the job!

How did you feel about your students, Mike?

I enjoyed working with them, that is, most of them. Did you have more problems with Julie Alport?

A few, but I think she’s settled down a bit. She’s in the second year of her master’s degree and I’m a little concerned about what she might choose for her final project.

Did she give you any idea what she wants to do?

No, not yet. That’s what worries me. I have a conference with her later to discuss it.

What do you think she wants to do?

I think she wants to dig deeper into the Holst case, and try to determine who was to blame for Jacob’s ‘Guilty’ verdict.

You mean, Judge Leonard?

No, I mean Chief Ralph Arnette.

They had just sat down at The Bistro when Bob and Marge Dunlap came in.

Mike motioned them to their table and asked, Did you plan this or is it a coincidence?

Didn’t Annie tell you, Mike? She and I planned it. No, but I think it’s a great idea, Marge.

Barbara took their orders and the four jumped right back into their conversation.

What are the two of you up to these days? Marge asked.

We just finished our last classes for the spring term, so we’re celebrating, Annie informed her.

Yes, I know the feeling well, having taught many courses at the university myself, Bob commented.

I enjoyed most of it tremendously, Annie revealed. It’s so re- freshing to deal with students and help them stretch their perspectives.

What courses were you teaching, Annie? Marge asked.

"I taught Writing and Research for graduate business students.

Next term I’ll also be working with them on their research projects. That sounds very interesting, Annie. So, now you have the

summer off. How is your vegetable business going?"

Very well. I’ve added several new varieties of non-GMO veggies. "Bob, I don’t like to bring it up, but have you heard anything

about the trial and whether there will be any further investigation?"

I heard a comment, Mike, that makes me think there is some- thing happening.

Can you tell me?

I was at the courthouse the other day for another matter, and I overheard Ron Duarte, an attorney who works in the Criminal Division, say to a secretary that he needed to look at some files from 1972, and he received access to them.

That doesn’t sound good.

I know. How many 1972 cases could they be investigating? Next time I’m at the courthouse I’ll poke around a little more. Have you seen Chief Arnette lately?

"Just once, at The Shake Place. He has only a few months ‘til retirement."

I’m sure he can’t wait. He had an excellent record and I hope nothing happens to change that.

He was only twenty-one when he was the Officer in Charge of the Holst Case. It’s extremely difficult for anyone that young to buck ‘the powers that be.’

Bob, did you know Judge Leonard? Somewhat. He heard a number of my cases. Did you find him reasonable?

Yes, I would say he was reasonable, but… But what?

"He just never seemed to want to delve very deeply into matters.

He was very conservative."

You mean, he took the easy way out? Yes, I would say that.

That gives me reason to wonder why there was no autopsy.

I agree. I think I’ll talk to my friend, Chief Arnette, about that. "You know him better than I do, Bob. Maybe it would be good

for you to talk to him. You could give him a heads up about what you heard. Maybe he’ll go into more detail with you."

Yes, and maybe he could use some legal advice!

Okay, you guys. Enough shop talk. I want to hear about the new baby, Annie.

Martha Rose is a sweetheart. She sleeps through the night, hardly ever cries, and smiles all the time.

"But she hasn’t reached the terrible twos yet!’ That’s just a few months away."

Who’s taking care of her when you’re not home?

"Usually, it’s María—the wife of our farm manager, José. Other times I have a high school girl watch her. Nancy is just eleven, a little young to have that responsibility."

I’d love to come over to see the baby, and get some fresh non- GMO veggies, Annie.

Just give me a call. I’m not teaching this summer, so I have more free time, Marge.

"Mike, how is José doing? Does he still have heart problems? He’s doing better, Bob, since Arnold Streicher, the parapsychologist,

has been working with him on his nightmares. He hasn’t had the terrible chest pains lately and he’s doing well supervising the farm."

I’m glad to hear that, Mike. I’d hate to think that he was going to follow in the footsteps of the others who succumbed to the Ghosts of Greenwood Hills.

We think the ghosts have left the Holst House for good. Did you know that Eva and Jacob appeared to Annie and me, and seemed to be saying ‘goodbye?’

I don’t think you ever told me that, Mike.

I’m just beginning to come to terms with my feelings about spirits. I’m now willing to admit that I have seen ghosts and angels. As I told Reverend Anaya, ‘I believe in all things visible and invisible,’ and I’ve started attending his weekly group meeting.

What do you talk about, Mike? Marge asked.

"Whatever issues members bring to the group. We started with Reverend Anaya’s subject for last year, which was Spirits in our Lives."

I think I might like to attend.

That would be great, Marge. It would be nice to have another friend in attendance, Mike responded.

I meant to tell you, Marge, I’m teaching a class on Organic Gardening at 3:00 this afternoon in our greenhouse. Would you like to come?

I’m sorry. I have an appointment today, but maybe next week, Annie. I’ll call you.

Hope to see you soon, Mike said as their friends got up to leave. "Wait a minute, Mike. We didn’t have any dessert. I have time.

Don’t you want some of their fabulous cheesecake? Oh, yes. What would you like Annie?"

I’ll share a piece of Mocha Cheesecake with you, Mike. I’m still watching my girlish figure, you know!

Ok. What are you guys going to have? Mike asked. Lunch will be my treat.

Thank you, Mike and Annie. We’ll have to take dessert ‘to go’ because Marge has an appointment. Would you like to share a piece of Death by Chocolate Cake with me, Marge? You know, I’ve always said I’d rather die eating a piece of chocolate cake than any other way!

CHAPTER 2

MEETINGS

Mike dropped Annie at home with just enough time to prepare for her 3:00 Organic Gardening Class.

I’m going to meet with my students now. I’ll see you later, Annie. Have a good class!

Good luck, Mike. I hope everything goes well with Julie.

As she entered the greenhouse, Annie greeted José and his wife. "María, thanks for watching the kids today. Is Martha Rose

alright?"

"Yes, she should be waking up from her afternoon nap soon. Nancy and Buddy are at my house with Missy and Tomás. Now that school is out they have lots of time on their hands, but I watch them closely, Annie."

"I know you do a good job, María. Thank you. I’m going to set up for my class now."

"Señora, please let me help."

"Yes, José. Could you please set up eight chairs in a single row over there? And I’ll need the white board here in front."

"I’ll be right back, señora."

Annie and Mike felt so fortunate to have José and María to help them manage the farm and take care of the children. José had lived in the same little house on the Mullins’ property ever since he was a small boy. The only problem was José’s failing health after seeing the ghosts.

When he returned with the white board Annie asked, "How have you been feeling, José?"

"I’m a little better, señora. Since the spirits have left the Holst House, I think my heart beat is much steadier."

"I’m so glad to hear that, José. Would you please go out and show the guests where they should park, close to the greenhouse? There will be six people coming today, all in separate cars, I think."

A tall, thin woman whom Annie didn’t recognize entered the greenhouse.

May I help you, ma’am?

I’m looking for Annie Mullins.

I’m Annie Mullins, the owner of this property. Are you interested in some plants?

Yes. I want to start an organic herb garden. Can you advise me what to grow?

I have only five minutes before my class in non-GMO gardening. These are the herbs that I’ve started. I’m going to talk about them if you’d like to stay for the class.

Thank you. My name is Barbara Alport. I’d like to stay. Are you by any chance Julie Alport’s mother?

Yes, I am. Do you know her?

No, but my husband, Mike, has been advising her on her reporting.

Oh, yes. We appreciate that.

Please excuse me, Barbara. My students are arriving. Feel free to wander through the greenhouse until we begin.

As he drove back to town, Mike was thinking about what to say to Julie Alport about her thesis. Her reporting on the Holst case in The Valley News had been very unfeeling and Mike had spoken to her many times about her ethics. He had worked so hard for so long with those who were involved in the story of that haunted house.

In contrast, Julie had made Charles and Nina, children of Jacob and Eva Holst, as well as Nina Ann, the granddaughter, relive the worst parts of their lives. After Julie upset everyone with her first article, Mike tracked her down and tried to help her. An experienced investigative journalist, he voluntarily took on the task of guiding her, but it took every ounce of restraint for him to do so. Now she was his student and advisee in the master’s program at the university.

As he drove into the university parking lot he saw Paco, one of his farm workers.

"Hola, Paco. ¿Cómo estás? ¡Muy bien! Gracias, señor."

Are you taking courses this summer?

Just one, a night course. I wanted to take it this summer so I won’t have such a heavy load in the fall.

"Good idea, Paco. None of us have had much chance to talk lately. We’ve all been so busy."

That’s true, sir. I mean, I know I have.

"How do you and Raul like living on the farm, Paco?"

We love it. Both of us grew up in El Paso, which is such a huge city. The little house on the farm seems like Heaven!

"I’m glad to hear that, Paco. I’ll see you later. I have to go to a meeting now."

Yes, sir. Thanks for allowing us to live there! It’s much better than a dorm. ’Bye, sir.

The classroom was beginning to fill up. Mike was going to meet with twenty-five second year students. He would meet with his new advisees another day.

Today Mike wanted to get all his second-year students off to a good start on their master’s projects. This would give them time over the summer to do some research and begin writing their proposals.

Mike liked to keep the instruction informal, but he had decided to begin by going over the standards for the master’s project.

Since you are all Journalism Majors, I’d like you to think about this project as an assignment for a newspaper. It must meet the standards and ethics of the profession. Tell me what you’ve learned about them.

Several students spoke about truth and accuracy. Others mentioned accountability and impartiality.

"You’re right about the importance of truth, accuracy, accounta- bility and impartiality. In addition, I’d like to emphasize the maxim, Do no harm. You may run across situations in which there is tension

between what you think the public wants to know and what your subjects want you to reveal. Can someone give an example?"

Julie Alport’s hand shot up.

I can. In my first article about the Holst case, in my haste I overlooked the feelings of the Holst children. Professor Mullins pointed this out to me.

What did you do about that, Julie? one of her classmates asked. "I realized that I should tone it down and show readers the human

side of the case," she replied.

Yes, she did, Mike supported her. That was very important, because the Holst children made it clear they didn’t want any publicity. They have lived with their hidden feelings and sorrow for forty-five years.

Was that the case about the Ghosts of Greenwood Hills? some- one asked.

It was.

And did the ghosts finally leave the house?

We think we saw them leave as the fire burned the house down, Mike answered, and quickly moved on.

"Regarding the code of ethics, please refer to The Privacy Act and The Freedom of Information Act, as well as The Journalism Code of Ethics on the internet. After choosing your topic, I’d like you to make a list of the ethical standards that are involved in your study and how you’ll handle them. We’ll meet individually, either in person or on the internet, to discuss your progress."

"Now, let’s talk about choosing a project. The first assignment will be to write a Proposal, which has several sections. Your topic is called The Problem. You’ll find guidelines for that in your handbook. Think of your project as an assignment from a newspaper. It could be a series of articles, or a case study on state, local or international affairs, science and the environment, or health issues. If you want to do another type of subject, please run it by me first. Are there any questions?"

I have an idea for a project right now. Can we talk for a minute after the meeting?

"Yes, Julie. I can see you and a few others today. Raise your hand if you want to meet today. Okay, I’ll meet with Julie, Barbara, Joe, Mark, and Judy in that order.

"Everyone, please sign this roster to show you met with me today and I’ll contact the rest of you for an appointment. Make sure I have your proper email address and phone numbers. Your topic should be something that you are passionate about. However, it isn’t just the excitement of the investigation that you need to get you through the project. It’s your dedication to the process—the art of framing the topic, structuring it just right so the readers will be immediately engaged, developing the ideas, finding answers and bringing the whole to a satisfactory conclusion for readers and those personally involved.

Please get started right away. Don’t delay ‘til the fall. I’ll be available all summer. I’m not going out of town. Have a good break!

CHAPTER 3

THE PROBLEM

Julie Alport sat down in the chair beside Mike’s desk. Alright, Julie. Tell me your ideas.

"As you know, I’ve been very interested in