SKYE Full Circle (A Skye Wilder Paranormal Mystery Romance Book 3)

By Merabeth James

Skye’s journey continues when she discovers an old Amber Alert with her picture on it and decides to find the family she never knew she had. Changing her appearance, she applies for a job at the Black estate, so that she can assess the situation there before she decides whether or not to reveal her identity. Shocking discoveries follow one after another until she seeks revenge in quite a spectacular way.
Just as she finds closure there, a letter reaches her from the now deceased Margaret Standwood telling her she has inherited Radcliffe House with one stipulation. She must stay there...alone...for a full six months. Knowing it was most likely another trap...that dead or not....Margaret was still very dangerous, she also knows that it may be her only chance to find out what had happened to Tina...find the box of souvenirs from Margaret’s kills...and maybe find a way to put an end to her evil though she was beyond the reach of earthly justice now.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Merabeth James
• Release date: Jul 20, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005569570

Merabeth James

There are six things important to me...well, most important to me: To love unconditionally, to always keep a sense of 'wonder', to always be kind, to find joy in simple things, to never take myself too seriously, and to make sure I don't leave this earth with a list of "if only I hads".I've taken many 'leaps of faith' in my time and, so far, have landed on my feet or, in one case, on a dilapitated houseboat with my dog, and a lot of enthusiasm. I named her 'Sanctuary Annie' and hoped for the best. I knew nothing about boats, couldn't swim and wondered how long she would stay afloat. In the middle of the night, when my dog jumped up to join me on the antique Victorian bed I had moved on board, I would check to see if he was wet, knowing, if so, we were both in big trouble. But Sanctuary Annie hung in there, even surviving a hurricane, when others around her were not so fortunate.Living in the small marina, with the sea as my back yard, I found a profound sense of peace..and the love of my life....my Jim, captain of 'Wings', a beautiful racing sloop that flies across the water, when the wind fills her sails.I often think how much I would have missed out on, if I hadn't taken that leap of faith and followed my heart. Life is meant to be lived and I intend to keep on doing just that.

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This book is entirely a work of fiction. All characters are entirely fictitious and do not represent any persons living or dead. Product, business, location names used remain the property of any all trademark holders and do not represent an endorsement or association of any kind either expressed or implied.

(copyright 2017 Elizabeth Repka all rights reserved)

SKYE

Full Circle

CHAPTER ONE

The next day she buried Gray Cloud in the little cemetery under the pines next to her mother. He would be with them, and some day so would she. But not now. Change was in the wind, her mother had told her. Would that change be found in the envelope she hadn’t dared open? Maybe it was time to find out.

As she went back to the cabin, she thought about what she was about to do. It could change everything. Did she dare risk that? She’d stashed the envelope out of reach on top the kitchen cupboard, so she couldn’t see it and be tempted. Standing on a chair, she brought it down...looked it over...and hesitated once again.

Carrying it back to the cemetery, she sat down next to Gray Cloud’s grave. Tears filled her eyes then spilled down both cheeks unheeded. She needed something...anything to divert her thoughts from a loss that hurt so bad she wasn’t sure she could bear it. A strange foreboding stole over her as she turned the envelope over and over in her hands. She flung it away once then retrieved it. Finally, she opened it. There was a letter inside addressed to her. Much of what it said, Amos had already told her...all but the last part that read:

If you have opened this, you want the truth. My secret is in here. If you need to know more, ask Martin. He was there when we found them. Please forgive me. I love you.

Your Grandpa Amos.

She shook the envelope and a piece of faded fax paper drifted into her lap. It was an Amber Alert dated nearly thirteen years earlier. A five-year-old missing child named Celia Scranton. It was her picture...her face...and it felt like someone had just kicked her in the stomach. She had a family somewhere she never remembered except in bits and pieces mostly embedded in dreams. Should she find out what happened...find this other family who had by now moved on with their lives...or was that a Pandora’s box best not opened?

She thought about her options. She could choose to destroy it and continue her life haunted by dreams of the past, or find this family she had once belonged to and end them. Number one wouldn’t resolve anything. She would still feel as though a piece of her was missing and the nightmares would continue. Choice number two was the unknown. She would be stepping off a cliff and hoping the landing wasn’t too hard, but maybe her family still grieved for her. Maybe they hadn’t moved on with their lives. Maybe she could heal their pain.

She sighed and looked around at her home in the valley where she had everything she could ever want...the place she was happy. The only place she’d ever felt happy, and her decision could change all that. Mama, I need your help right now. You told me change was in the wind, so I think you knew this might be coming. Please help me decide what I need to do.

Martin knows more. You need to go to him, an invisible Annie whispered as she brushed back a stray strand of golden hair from her forehead and planted a kiss in its place.

She left as suddenly as she had come, and Skye thought about what she’ d said. Grandpa Amos’ letter had told her the same thing. He was there when they backtracked her trail and knew what they’d found. She would go to him and hear what he had to say. He’d been her friend...her Grandpa Bear... for as long as she could remember. He would help her decide what she needed to do.

Firm in her resolve, she was on the way a few minutes later. Driving up the road that snaked its way through the mountains, she let her mind drift back to the early days when she was locked inside herself...unable to communicate with those who rescued her...who gave her a home. Nightmares had offered glimpses into the past. Nightmares her mom had soothed away in the long dark hours. Her thoughts returned to Gray Cloud. He had been a gift to help heal her, and he had in so many ways.

Her grief welled up again in a choking wave that had her pulling off the road. I miss you so much, she whispered as she leaned her forehead against the steering wheel and gave way to her tears.

Their time together had been so short. He had waited for her to come home to him before he let go. She had wanted something...anything to divert her from the pain of his loss and had opened that Pandora’s box. Now she had a decision to make that might change her life forever.

Wiping her tears away on her sleeve, she took a deep steadying breath and drove back on the road. A few minutes later, she pulled up in front of Martin Tall Bear’s cabin where she was greeted by a flurry of dogs and chickens. He was mending his fence line when he saw her pull in and hurried her way. One look at her face and he knew what had happened. She flung herself into his arms, and he held her close.

He is not of this earth any more, but he is not gone, he told her gently. But you know that already.

Skye looked up at him with her heart in her eyes. He’s with them now...Mama, Pappa and Jesse. But it’s not the same. I miss him so much I can’t seem to stop crying, and that’s why I’m here. I need to talk to you about something.

Then come with me. We will sit, and you can talk about all that is troubling you, for I see in your eyes it is more than you’ve told me so far.

The dogs followed them to the porch then flopped down in the dirt at the bottom of the steps as they took their seats on his handmade chairs. Skye leaned back with a sigh and looked around. The small tin roofed cabin was tucked into the side of the mountain. To the right, a small creek meandered among the trees and rocks. A cow stood knee deep in its water watching them.

I wonder if Blue Belle remembers me after all this time, Skye mused.

You are not one easily forgotten, Martin told her dryly. Not tell me what I need to know to help you.

Aunt Lena is the only other person who knows some of what I am about to tell you. Grandpa Amos confessed to drinking the day when Papa and Jesse were killed. That’s why he kept blaming himself when everyone else was calling it an accident. He was impaired and couldn’t get out of the way. His words. He also had another surprise for me. An envelope in a safety deposit box that he said contained the truth if I wanted to know it. Added that if I was happy where I am, I should let things be as they are. I opened it because I was hurting so badly I needed something to divert my pain.

Martin nodded. From the look on your face, it was like smacking your thumb with a hammer to forget a headache. Am I right?

Yep! she told him with a heavy sigh. There was an Amber Alert inside. It was issued for me. Apparently, my real name is Celia Scranton, and I was five years old at the time. I have a family somewhere that probably thinks I am dead. Grandpa Amos wrote that you could tell me more...that you were there when they backtracked my trail after I was found.

Martin’s eyes were troubled. This is the first I have heard of this. None of us there that day which included Jake knew of this Amber Alert. Amos must have learned of it later. We all thought those found there were your parents. They were in an old-line shack left over from the LCC Timber Co several miles from where you were found. He was a Taggert from these parts and the last of his family. He had shot himself in the head. She had been strangled. A case of murder suicide Amos said. There was a teddy bear lying next to the woman. There was nothing to say who she was. No one to return you to, so Amos wanted to give you to Annie to ease her grief. It seemed a good plan.

So no one but Amos ever knew the real story...that I’d been kidnapped?

He shook his head. No one. Do you plan on finding this family?

I’m still not sure. Is there anything else you remember?

He shook his head. It has been a long time...no...wait…I do remember one thing. She had a rose tattoo on her left wrist. I had forgotten that till now. I think before you decide, we should take another trip into the mountains. Perhaps to Fern Valley. It was a happy time. You need to remember the happy times here to take with you into what lies ahead.

I’d like that, she told him. It will strengthen me...maybe help clear my head.

Then it is settled. I will come to you tomorrow morning, and we will go up into the mountains and feed your soul. I have one I would take with me if you don’t mind.

Your Sarah?

Martin nodded. She will be there, too. But see that one under the bush?

Skye looked where he was pointing at the scrap of gray fur and black button nose that protruded through the leaves. A puppy?

Sort of. I’m not sure if he knows what he is. He is of Gray Cloud’s line out of Silver Gift, but there the similarity ends. He has much to learn. Would having him with us be painful for you?

She shook her head though she knew he would stir up memories of Gray Cloud on their last camping trip there. Something that would be both good and bad.

Then it is settled. Let me introduce you to the pup. He has yet to be named.

Skye smiled. Oh no you don’t. I know a trick when I see one. You think if I name him, he will be mine and that’s not going to happen. I never want to hurt like this again.

Try to remember all that you had of him and ask if the joy outweighs your grief. But you are wise to be wary. This old Indian can be tricky.

He’ll have to be known as ‘No Name’ until you change that. I will see you in the morning for breakfast. Right now I’m headed down to Aunt Lena’s. I know she’s worried about me and curious about the envelope.

Then you can take care of two things at once, he told her as he walked her to her truck. I am glad you came to me. Tomorrow I will see how much you remember of your early training. Send my regards to that old woman.

She gave him a warm hug he returned then climbed in her old pickup truck and headed down the mountain. She found Lena hanging up her wash. Caught me hangin’ out mah drawers. Come on in and tell me all ya cain bear to tell, she told her as she drew her into a fierce hug knowing all too well what must have happened.

Skye began to cry again and Lena remembered her terrible grief when Annie died. Thar...thar...cry it on out. No one cain hold on to thet much pain and not have it bubble over or fester inside. Tears are healin’. Thet and time though no one believes it when they’re smack dab in the midst of sufferin’.

Skye looked up into her eyes. I can’t explain how I feel. It’s like Gray Cloud was home. I know I have you and Grandpa Bear and now Doc, but with my mom gone he was home. The center... the core... the heart and now there’s just a hole. An aching hole I’m busy filling with tears. I want to scream. I want to yell. I want to curse. I...

I tole yore ma once to do that very thang when she war grievin’. So do it! Loud and long as ya like. It might jest make ya feel a bit better and every bit is a good thang.

So that’s what she did. She screamed and yelled and cursed till she was hoarse while tears ran down her cheeks. When she had worn herself out, Lena wrapped her arm around her shoulders and led her inside her rusty old singlewide where she pushed her gently into a kitchen chair. Now thet ya got thet out of yore system tell me how Ah cain hep ya.

He’s in the cemetery next to my mom. I opened the envelope just to....

She faltered and Lena continued, Ya needed a distracshun. Ah know. Do ya want to share wat ya found inside?

Skye took the tissue Lena handed her and blew her nose. My real name is Celia Scranton. I was kidnapped and Grandpa Amos knew all along. He gave me to my mom to make up for what he did. I’m wrestling with trying to find this family or leave things as they are.

Lena sighed. Ah cain’t be tellin’ ya wat to do if thet’s wat yore thinkin’. Me? Ah’d let be. It’s bin a long time and those folks most likely have moved on with their lives.

But what if they haven’t? What if they’re hoping and praying that one day I’ll be standing on their door step?

Lena shook her head and sighed. Don’t ratly know wat to say to thet. Say ya go thar and meet them, then wat?

Skye managed a wan smile. I don’t honestly know. I do know that I’ll be coming back here. This is my home. You are my family with far more claim to me than them as far as I can see.

Sounds like ya got mor’en enough to gnaw on bee-fore ya decide, Lena told her as she patted her hand and hid her own tears. Change was coming and she feared the worst. Ah’ll put on the coffee pot and ya cain have ya a slice of mah Zookeenee bread. Fresh baked. Had more of them zukes than Ah could manage as ya well know since Ah brung a ton of ‘em up yore way.

While Lena busied herself, Skye looked around the tiny kitchen that smelled of all the dried herbs and flowers dangling from their hooks in a strange mix of scents that was quite pleasant. Mismatched jars with stuck on labels filled the shelves that covered every available wall space. Lena had retired from midwifing barrin’ any unforeseen need but still doled out her homemade remedies and potions that had earned her the title of witch or granny woman depending on who was asked.

Looking into the living area, everything was just as she remembered it except there was no Ray-bid. She remembered often seeing the old raccoon with the tattered ear either sleeping in Lena’s old recliner or snuggled up there in her arms. She sighed. She could feel her grief, too, like a palpable thing. It had seeped into the very walls and yet she was trying to comfort her.

Suddenly, as though conjured up by her very thoughts, she saw him. A scruffy, gray and black ‘bandit’ scurrying across the floor. He’s here! she called to Lena. I just saw him pass through the screen door in a hurry.

A totally surprised Lena dropped the coffee mugs she was carrying. Ya truly saw him? she asked...her faded blue eyes filled with both wonder and hope.

Almost plain as day. He never really left you.

Lena’s eyes filled with tears she dabbed at with the corner of her apron. Seems like Ah’m always cryin’ over one thang or another these days. Do ya think he’ll let me see him, too?

One of these days you’ll be sitting in that recliner over there or lying in bed and you’ll see him snuggle in next to you. After Gray Could...after Gray Cloud passed on his spirit visited me. He was young again, and we played together till he vanished in the mist.

Jest known’ he’s still underfoot, makes this here ole woman happier than she cain say, she told her with a radiant smile. Thet ole coon meant everything to me. Now let me dig up a couple more cups. Coffee’s ‘bout ready. Let’s see if we cain find us some happier things to talk on while we et. All our tears have us both lookin’ like some red eyed varmit crawled in outta them woods.

Skye managed a smile. Any special species?

Don’t know. Most any kind will do.

***

Skye had milked Buttercup, fed the chickens and was waiting on the porch when she heard Martin Tall Bear’s pickup make the final turn. Running down the steps, she reached him just as he climbed out. A gray and white puppy jumped down after him and landed hard knocking the wind out of him with an ‘umph!’

He is not the best judge of where to put his feet or his nose as you can see from the bee sting on it, Martin told her. He is excited to begin the journey where everything is new. That kind of wonder is not a bad thing to have. You had it once, do you remember?

She thought about their trips up into the mountains and the discoveries she’d made. I remember you telling me about the possum and her babies.

He nodded. That was when I first learned of your gift. You had asked if the mama possum saw the dead babies she could not suckle.

Skye smiled. You understood and accepted me just as I was and still am.

"I have lived long enough to know there is much we cannot see, hear, or understand unless we do all three with our hearts.