The Oliver

By Robert M. Hahn

Ben Ledet is a troubled man. It hadn’t been the accident which led him to this lonely place. It also wasn’t that his son Bryce was now blind or that his wife, Val had been anything less than supportive. No, it was Ben himself who had shattered his family and worse, he knew it.

Now left with only his loyal dog Cannonball by his side, Ben purchases an antique Oliver typewriter and soon cryptic messages are being left on the old machine. Samuel Abbot, the Oliver’s original owner had been murdered more than a century ago, but it seems that he has now charged Ben with solving the crime.

A choice is to be made however. Will Ben follow Samuel’s clues or risk losing his own sanity entirely? What Ben Ledet couldn’t know however, is that his new ghostly friend may just be the answer to his own prayers

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Jul 30, 2016
• ISBN: 9781365295508

Book preview

The Oliver

Also available from Robert M. Hahn

Pepper Jack’s

Jack Noel is a simple and unassuming man who prefers his daily routine. However when his quiet world is turned upside down, he takes a fateful trip that will lead him on the adventure of a lifetime.

Landing on a tiny Florida island known as Pepper's Key, Jack meets the mysterious and stunning, Cassia Dahl, owner of the famed Pepper's Restaurant. The opposite of Jack, Cassia longs for adventure and love, but it is her pet cat, Pepper who adores her most.

Something sinister is brewing off of Pepper’s Key however, and soon it will force Jack to be someone he never thought possible. But will it push the strangers together or will Jack Noel realize that his visit to the tiny island may have been the biggest mistake of his life?

*Find a preview of Pepper Jack’s at the end of this book!

Acknowledgments

This book would not have been possible without the love, support and knowledge of many people. To my wife, Alicia, without you my words have no meaning. I love you always. To Mother Marti Wright, thank you and know that I love you without end. To Leroy Coffee, you are the father you don’t have to be and my rock of support and encouragement. To my mother, Sue Ann, thank you for all that you do and for always believing in me. To my wife’s parents, Debby and William Mr. Bill Bugbee, you are truly the greatest and thank you for allowing me to pick you brains so often! To my sister, Rebecca Forster, your belief in me makes me a better writer. To the Edwards family, Tina, Nate, Jaclin, Aubree and Lil’ Nate, thank you for welcoming me into your lives and providing such humorous inspiration! Tina, I also thank you for providing me the medical knowledge needed to ensure accuracy within this book. To Nikki Rourk, thank you for being such a supporter and the one I consider my first true fan whom I’m not married to! To my father Robert Charles, rest in peace Dad and know I love and miss you. To my grandmother, Sadie Stallings, I love you very much. To Thomas Pop Stallings, you were the grandfather you didn’t have to be. Know that I love and miss you. To my grandfather Melvin Forehand Sr., I miss and love you and thank you for keeping my picture so close to your heart. To my uncles Don and Melvin Bud Forehand, thank you both for being the fathers you didn’t have to be. I love you both. To the Scott family from Garland, PA, know that you are all considered family and the source of great inspiration to me. To all the others who may have helped me in anyway, be it providing support during my stresses or expertise when I needed it, thank you. To you, the reader, thank you endlessly for allowing me to do what I love the most in this life! This book is for all of you!

With great fondness,

Robert M. Hahn

Contact

Links to my Facebook, Twitter, and Pintrest accounts can be found on my website at:

robertmhahn.com

The Oliver

One

The bright flashing lights blinded him and Benjamin Ledet struggled to keep pace. The speeding ambulance tore through the small town of Silkwood, while in the seat beside him, his wife Valerie was inconsolable. Though he tried desperately to concentrate on driving, Ben could only think of his son Bryce, who was being attended to in the screaming white box he was currently chasing. Through red lights, sharp corners and agonizingly unaware drivers, Ben refused to lose sight of the alternating red strobes as the ambulance driver bobbed and weaved in an effort to save the young patient’s life. Ben knew they were close to the hospital but for now he and Valerie could only pray for their son.

It had been a busy week around the Ledet family home. On Tuesday Cannonball, Ben’s massive Leonberger puppy had once again retrieved himself a snack from the garbage, which of course had resulted in a trip to the vet and a hefty bill for a simple case of diarrhea. Nothing, Ben knew though, was ever simple with a dog of Cannonball’s growing size. Meanwhile, Ben himself had been busily working on his latest novel. His publicist was anxiously awaiting its arrival while his agent booked signings and radio spots. Though he was often required to travel, Ben’s marriage to Valerie had never seemed hampered however, perhaps due to her own daunting work schedule. For Benjamin and Valerie love and happiness came as easily as slicing through their own piece of wholesome American pie.

Valerie Ledet had also had a full week, having to pick up extra shifts at the hospital when one of her nurses fell ill. Though Ben had recently found his way onto best seller lists and the family for once had no financial worries, Val continued to work. The charge nurse of the delivery ward at St. Vincent Memorial, she loved bringing new life into the world and seeing the expressions of joy the faces of her first time parents. Val had never given any consideration to leaving St. Vincent. She had been on the hospital registry for nineteen years, the first few of which she worked tirelessly as she and Ben struggled to make ends meet. Valerie had always known that her own time as a mother would come and that life had its own time-line. For the Ledet’s however, the road to parenthood would be a long and difficult struggle. Then in late August, seventeen years ago, a fateful phone call brought the same smile to Val that she had seen countless times to her own face for the very first time.

The busiest week of all had belonged to young Bryce Ledet. He had been diligently studying for his midterm exams and as a star hockey player for the Silkwood High Spartans, he had also spent the week preparing for the season’s final game. Bryce was the child of every parents dream. His popularity among his peers had often masked the fact that he was a quiet and solemn young man who was more concerned with his grades than his friends. At seventeen Bryce was tall and athletic with natural charms that never left him without the company of a pretty classmate on a Friday night. His hockey talents and perpetually high test scores meant his family’s mail box was continuously full of elegantly designed pamphlets boasting beautiful college campuses and letters from coaches pining for Bryce’s early commitment.

Saturday, for the Ledet family, had begun with its usual fashion. No one talked about the game as Ben and Val let their son work things out in his own mind. The embroidered Silkwood High duffle bag had been loaded hours ago and Bryce’s skates were sharpened and laced. His lucky puck had been tucked securely in place under his seat in his Father’s Jeep and as a final measure to the successful ritual; his mother had made her famous veal parmesan which Bryce always insisted upon as his pre-game meal. Bryce Ledet, like most athletes was a superstitious creature of habit.

It was cool inside the arena. Benjamin Ledet sat crouched on the edge of his seat with a posture that would have greatly irritated his grandmother. He clung tightly to a wool pageboy hat in his lap and Valerie gripped his leg with great anticipation. Their eyes burned from the constant stare as they watched their son glide quickly over the ice. The Spartans led by two goals to none in the third period and Bryce had scored both of them. Never had he scored three goals to net the elusive hat trick. Now as he stepped on the ice for another shift in his final high school game, his focus was clear and unwavering.

The deep bellows of the goal horn where still sounding off as Benjamin Ledet’s pageboy cap flew through the air with almost perfect accuracy landing at his son’s skates as Bryce stood celebrating his third goal of the game. The ice was littered with baseball caps and other hats of all type and color, though Bryce knew the brown faded pageboy as his fathers and as his teammates collected the other hats from the ice, he skated the pageboy to the bench and read the note taped inside. We are so proud of you. Love, Mom and Dad.

The Silkwood High School Spartans led the Marrison High Wolves by four goals late in the final period and Bryce Ledet was on the bench when his coach tapped his shoulder, signaling him for his next shift. The Wolves had the puck and Bryce was racing to get back on defense.  He saw the windup, knew a big shot was coming and Bryce Ledet hit the ice. Sliding in front of the Wolves player, Bryce did all he could to block the hard slap shot as it was fired only a few feet away from him.

***

The ambulance made a hard left and bounced wildly across a dip in the hospital entrance. Ben Ledet’s Jeep hit it even harder. Inside the hulking beast, two paramedics desperately worked to stabilize the young athlete as they took turns berating the driver for his recklessness. A much slower and cautious right turn saw the fading of overgrown holly bushes give way to the ambulance port and emergency room entrance where a half dozen staff members with various types of equipment were waiting and ready. Bryce was rushed through the open doorway as his mother leaped from Ben’s Jeep, following closely behind.

It felt like an eternity had passed since Benjamin and Valerie had set among the other parents, gleefully discussing all the details for a party honoring the Spartans’ season. There had only been a few seconds left in the game and as the scoreboard indicated it had been all but over. They had laughed and carried on polite conversation, even as Bryce had stepped onto the ice for his last shift. His last shift; Ben felt a tear begin to form and did his best to stifle it as he tried to be strong for his wife.

Valerie was fairing far worse. For nearly twenty years she had worked at this very place. The hallways of St. Vincent had always been a place of warmth and of love to her. Even though she had been aware that in other wings of the hospital people died and families mourned, she had always known she was fortunate to be here. She brought life into the world and witnessed the warmth and joy of St. Vincent every day. Now, however, Valerie sat in a hard plastic chair in St. Vincent’s ER, and felt nothing more than fear and deep sorrow. For the first time, she hated this place that for so long had been her second home. She struggled to wipe away the fountain pouring from her usually bright almond eyes. Through her pain, though, she could see Ben sitting next to her. He appeared to be holding her, though she felt nothing of him.  She was numb except for the terror which must engross any parent whose child’s life is in danger.

Chief of Staff Dr. Joseph Hammond had been a member of the hospital since, as he put it, the bricks of St. Vincent were first carved. No one knew his true age and new staff members were often told to watch for the old man with long gray hair. He’s a vampire’s ghost who roams the halls and drinks blood. They were told.  The good-hearted doctor, however, also enjoyed the pranks and knowing full well that a bit of hazing was part of the experience he often had a bit of fun with the newbies himself.  Often at Halloween Dr. Hammond would dress as a Vampire and once had even run an impromptu blood drive just to scare a new orderly who was slacking too much in his duties. The doctor loved his work and he loved his staff more. As Chief of Staff he had hired most of them, memorized all of their names and knew their families from various hospital gatherings, many of which he had paid for himself. Dr. Hammond also knew that beyond the double doors at end of the hallway sat a waiting room and a mother he knew all too well. He wondered if the many wrinkles that shrouded his face would make room for one more.

Valerie Ledet almost appeared hopeful as she realized it was Dr. Hammond stepping through the double doors to bring news of her son. If Val could have wished for anyone to tend to Bryce it would have been Dr. Joseph Hammond. Ben read his wife’s expression and knew she was relieved at the site of the elderly, gray haired, man. They both stood to meet him, though they were still frightened to hear the doctor speak.

How is he? Val’s voice cracked.

Bryce is stable. He’s out of immediate danger, though he’s still not conscious yet. Dr. Hammond’s tone was sincere. There is some difficult news I have to share however. Hammond added, motioning for them to sit.

Val and Ben braced themselves, clutching one another as they reclaimed their seats while Dr. Hammond took a seat across from them.

Preliminary tests, Hammond began carefully, show that Bryce’s heart stopped and abruptly limited blood flow to his brain. From what we can tell thus far…Dr. Hammond’s words slowed and he appeared as though he might suddenly tear up as well.  I’m so sorry to have to tell you, but we’ve diagnosed Bryce with cortical blindness.

Valerie’s tears were immediate. Ben held her close and tried to remain sturdy for her.

Ben’s eyes looked through the doctor. What exactly does cortical blindness mean? He managed to ask, fearful he knew the answer that would come. Is it permanent?

Unfortunately, Hammond replied, I’m afraid in most cases it is. Once he’s awake I think it best that he hear it from you both. He’s going to need all the support you can give and you will need to be as strong for him as you possibly can.

Val tried to compose herself, choking back tears as she tried to speak How did this happen?

What happened to Bryce, Hammond answered, unsure if Val’s question was really directed at him, is that when he was hit with the puck the force of it resulted in cardiac arrest. A lack of blood to the brain, particularly the posterior cerebral artery... Dr. Hammond paused.

He took a knee next to Val and placed a weathered hand on her shoulder. I’m truly sorry. Things could have been much worse though. Hammond’s eyes were filled with sorrow. If you need anything at all, please don’t hesitate to call. For a moment Dr. Hammond shared their grief before rising quickly to his feet. I’ll let you back to see Bryce as soon as I’m able. Dr. Hammond walked swiftly through the waiting room doors and out of sight.  Before disappearing, however, Valerie had noticed her beloved Chief wipe his eyes as he left them.

For a while the time passed with excruciating slowness as Ben and Val sat motionless and quiet, each trying and failing to understand the news they’d just been given. An hour passed before Ben found the strength first. He’s gonna be alright ya know. his voice struggling with uncertainty. Bryce is a heck of a strong kid.

That’s just it. Val’s tears fell hard. He is just a kid.

At a loss for anything else to offer, Ben Ledet pulled his wife into him allowing her to grieve.

Val, Ben’s voice whispered to her, Bryce is alive.

Inside room 14 of the critical care unit of St. Vincent Hospital, Ben Ledet stared at the blue and white checkered floor reliving the words of Dr. Hammond and contemplating how he would ever tell Bryce such heart breaking news. On a chair in the corner of the room his wife had not so much fallen asleep as simply given her eyes a break from the endless stinging waters they had produced throughout the night. Ben was thankful for her rest. He didn’t want her to end up in a room beside their son. While Val napped he had snuck away, only long enough to retrieve a semi-warm cup of murky coffee. Now as he sipped it by the small window in Bryce’s hospital room, he could see morning light creeping in from the world outside. He peered behind the window’s curtain before retreated quickly as he cursed silently at himself. He felt guilt that he could watch a sunrise, knowing Bryce never again would.

Val stirred in her chair, her jacket falling to floor. Her eyes were red and swollen and for a brief moment she looked around the room confused. Ben was afraid to speak; worried that any words he might offer her could cause her to begin to cry uncontrollably again. His beautiful wife looked as though she’d been taken a trip to Hell itself. Her light brown hair was unusually disheveled, her clothes were beginning to wrinkle and her skin was pale. Still she was beautiful in Ben’s eyes, though he knew that under different circumstances she would never want to been seen this way by the nurses she worked so closely with. 

As Ben walked toward her, Val brushed her hair away from her face and nearly gave him a slight smile. Kneeling, he gently kissed her forehead, though Valerie couldn’t help but peer around him to view the bed in the center of the room. She couldn’t recall a time when Bryce had appeared so weak. He had never been one to become ill, even as a child and Val did not want to believe this was her son, laying here with all manner of wires and electrodes blanketing his body and an oxygen tube supplying fresh air to his lungs. An IV bag hung above his bed and his eyes were covered with gauze.  She felt her heart break and her own eyes began to moisten. Ben held her tightly as they sat in silence, both anticipating the moment Bryce would wake up and wonder why he couldn’t see.

It was shortly after eight in the morning that a nurse came to check Bryce’s vitals. Val knew only that her name was Nancy and not much more. She was caring and gentle and her demeanor was that of a stranger who cared greatly for others. Perhaps it was preferential treatment, Ben thought, but it mattered little as long as Bryce was attended to. Nancy walked to the window and pulled the curtain to the side allowing warm daylight to fill the room.  Before leaving, she cheerfully informed the Ledet’s that Bryce’s vitals were good and that he could wake up at any time.

It had been only a few minutes since Nurse Nancy had left them, that in silence of the room Ben and Val heard the rustling of sheets as Bryce stirred from his sleep.

Hello? The shallow, scratchy voice of Bryce Ledet called.

Bryce? Val quickly moved toward him.

Are you there? Bryce called out searching for the sound of his mother’s voice.

We’re both here. Ben answered calmly.

I can’t see you. Why can’t I see you?

Val leaned over and pressed the call button on the side of the hospital bed.

For a few seconds