Shielded Past

By Patti Morelli

Shielded Past is riveting and full of suspense. So many questions need to be answered. We find out about Kates life in foster care after being abandoned by her mother. We meet Annie Collins, her best friend since their high school days.

Kate meets her ideal man and they purchase their dream home. This home was restored to its magnificent grandeur by her husband Gregg, and it is here that the intrigue begins. There is a light that shines every evening from the adjacent abandoned Marlboro Psychiatric Hospital in New Jersey, and with this, the suspense commences. We journey with Kate and Annie as they seek answers to the source of the light.

It is not only the light they are seeking answers to, Kates past is also in question. Her seemingly bright future becomes more clouded by the unknown as the questions multiply. Kate wants to know who she is and finds out rather quickly that she was lucky to be shielded from her past. The forces that must be contended with are both dark and light. The two are not always distinguishable, and knowing who to trust is not always obvious. When Kate finds out her real surname, it connects her to a family she never knew existed. With the help of her new found family the past is unravelled and the truth about her parents is revealed.

Kate must now live with the memories of the horrors that were inflicted on her loved ones. Meet the man and learn his reasons for torturing so many innocent victims. The suspense does not end here.

There are questions that still remain. Was there a connection to her dream home and her past? Why does Kate and all those who love her feel that she is in danger?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trafford Publishing
• Release date: Jun 24, 2015
• ISBN: 9781490760964

Patti Morelli

This is Patti’s second book published through Trafford Publishing. Patti’s first book was written under a pen name. In January of 2015 her first book received the Gold Seal of Literary Excellence Award from Trafford Publishing. Patti has lived a full life. She has achieved success in business, politics, marriage, motherhood, and all of life’s challenges. Years ago as Patti toured the grounds of Marlboro Psychiatric Hospital, her vivid imagination conjured up this story. Her love for suspense and mystery novels inspired her to write this book. With the assistance of her editors, Karen Platone and Janice Nelson, Patti feels that this has been a joyous collaboration of three powerful women with brilliant literary minds. One idea three minds could only be triumphant. Patti’s collection of inspirational poems can be viewed at www.pattimorelli.com.

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Copyright 2015 Patti Morelli.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the written prior permission of the author.

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.

ISBN: 978-1-4907-6097-1 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4907-6098-8 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4907-6096-4 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2015908750

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.

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and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

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Trafford rev. 08/21/2015

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Contents

Chapter One Whirlwind

Chapter Two Dream Home

Chapter Three Family Addition

Chapter Four Friends Forever

Chapter Five Seeking Answers

Chapter Six Searching The Truth

Chapter Seven Family Reunited

Chapter Eight To Give Thanks

Chapter Nine A Mother’s Tale

Chapter Ten Pandora’s Box

Chapter Eleven Joshua’s Tale

Chapter Twelve Joshua’s Tale Continued

Chapter Thirteen Moving Forward

Chapter Fourteen The Baptism

Chapter Fifteen Follow The Name

Chapter Sixteen True Identity

Chapter Seventeen My Friend

Chapter Eighteen The Evil Within

Chapter Nineteen My Obsession

Chapter Twenty The Interview

Chapter Twenty-One Another Union

Chapter Twenty-Two The Horror Begins

Chapter Twenty-Three My Father

Conclusion

TO MY NANNY

Your kindness and tenderness is a part of me

Forever my beautiful Magic Flower

Your essence and love is never forgotten

TO MY CHILDREN

Tara, Lauren and Patrick

All of you, have given me the strength

To become the person I am today

Without you there is no me

No words could ever express my love

You have fulfilled my wants, my hopes and my dreams

SPECIAL THANKS

To

MY EDITORS

Karen Platone and Janice Nelson

How special these months have been working with the both of you

I thank you for seeing my vision and understanding my crazy mind

We have had our own personal triumphs throughout the years

How special is it for us to achieve this together

I thank you for not only being here now, but always

For once I am speechless, what I feel for the both of you is love

CHAPTER ONE

WHIRLWIND

K ate, a 34-year-old woman employed as a regional manager of the perfume division for a well-known, high-end designer, lived in Manhattan with her husband of two months. Her job took her to different locations within the Tri-state area. Today, she was dropping off special event items to the sales team at the Freehold, NJ store. This would be the first time she has seen the team since her wedding. As soon as she walked into the perfume section, they surrounded her, bombarding her with questions.

How was the honeymoon? Where are you living? Do you want to start a family?

She was overwhelmed, but warmed by their excited attention and her own fresh memories. She answered all of them, smiling into the circle they made around her saying that she would like to buy a home and start a family in the near future.

Suzie, (a member of her team) overheard this and told Kate about a beautiful home in Marlboro, New Jersey, the town north of Freehold. Suzie’s husband was a realtor and worked on homes that were going up for auction from the State or the Municipalities. She showed her a picture of the home on her cell phone and explained that whoever purchased it would be getting a rare deal for well under the market price.

The reason for the pricing was that it was once part of the Marlboro Psychiatric Hospital. The facility had been closed for years and the home was to be sub-divided and sold separately. Suzie said that her husband would be available on the weekend if she wanted to view it.

Kate said, I’ll have to speak to Gregg this evening. Could your husband send me the information on the house?

That night when Gregg came home Kate was on the telephone, with pen in hand, writing down the information.

Thank you Tom, my husband just came in and I will discuss it with him. Please send me the information, and I will call you back. Thank you again for everything.

Kate hung up the phone and said, Gregg, one of the women I work with, Suzie’s husband is in real estate and she told me about a house that seems to be a great investment. The State is putting it up for auction next month.

Kate called Gregg over to her computer so they could view the house together. The picture was of an older colonial home with all the doors and windows boarded up. The listing stated that there were 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a den, living room, eat in kitchen, library, and solarium. The house sat on 5 acres of preserved property.

Gregg said, It looks interesting, how far away is Marlboro?

It’s about an hour from Manhattan but only 30 minutes to Newark Airport. Kate answered, pausing. "The location is great for me, it’s central New Jersey, I could be at most of my stores within an hour. You would have access to not only Manhattan but also the airport.

She continued on, in a lower, softer voice, I know we haven’t discussed purchasing a home of our own, but look at the starting bid.

Gregg looked at the bid. Kate could see his eyebrows rise and his entire face peaking with interest as he said, It’s too good to be true.

Then he said, Call Tom back and ask if we could see it this Saturday, and also ask him how the bidding process works.

ANTICIPATION

On Saturday, Gregg and Kate drove to Marlboro where they met Tom at a shopping center. They followed his car to a long landscaped entrance where a large weathered and fading sign read, Marlboro Psychiatric Hospital. They drove on a winding road, passing 5 cottages that were boarded up. They were all painted dark green. The paint was chipped away here and there, in large sections, having been gnawed on by the wind and sun. Some of the cottages seemed to be buckling, ruptured by time and gravity. Still, they stood neat and determined, each one with a like expression fashioned by the contrasting wood that boarded them up. Kate thought to herself that they were more fit for restoration, than a wrecking ball.

They drove up to the side of the house and met Tom near the porch. He explained that the hospital had been closed for over ten years. He told them tidbits of history and that the Head Psychiatrist of the Hospital had always resided there.

They walked around the house, shadowed by its huge expanse. Kate loved the towering majestic columns and the sprawling front porch. Gregg loved the Spanish tile roof. Tom explained that the sale was AS IS. There would be no inspection and it must be bought sight unseen. This was the reason the bidding began so low. They walked around the property enchanted by its bucolic splendor. It was beautiful.

Gregg commented on the numerous trees, You would never find these trees in a newer development, some of them are over 100 years old.

They are amazing. Kate said, looking up as she slipped her hand in his.

Well what do you think, should we go for it? Gregg asked.

"I think it’s right; I feel like something brought us here, I can’t explain it," replied Kate.

Well, then that’s the answer, we’ll move to suburbia, and raise our family in this home, Gregg said.

Gregg put his hands around her waist from behind and he was swaying her from side to side as they looked at the house with awe.

It’s going to be quite a home; we’ll bring it back to life and restore it to its original beauty.

Kate seemed mesmerized, and with a hint of reticence in her voice she spoke to Gregg dreamily, It looks like an old face, aged and full of wonderfully complicated details.

Silently she wondered if what they could not see had the same enduring, but worn charm as what they could see.

They filled out paperwork and to Kate’s surprise Gregg put in a bid for $50,000 over the asking price.

Gregg told Tom, I don’t want to lose this house; my wife loves it too much.

Tom replied, I will call you the day of the auction. I have a good feeling about this.

In the car Kate didn’t say much, she was daydreaming and thinking to herself, over and over, I’m going to have a home. She found herself drifting back to her past. Lost in thought, she floated backwards. She never had a real home; she was raised in foster care. By her fourteenth birthday she had lived in 5 different foster homes.

THE PRESCOTTS

When she was a freshman in high school she moved into a housing complex on the lower east side of Manhattan. There, in the Prescott’s two-bedroom apartment, she finally had a family. The Prescotts were considerate people and Kate was always grateful to them for taking her into their home.

The Prescotts had raised their three children and were an older couple. When Mr. Prescott became disabled they became foster parents in order to subsidize their income. They weren’t offensive people, but were not affectionate either. The only affection she had known, in that home, was an occasional pat on her shoulder from Mrs. Prescott as she said, You are a good girl.

Mrs. Prescott’s life had been hard. She worked full time, took care of her husband, and then cooked and cleaned well into the night until fatigue finally forced her to rest. Mrs. Prescott never asked for help, but by the age of fifteen Kate started cooking and cleaning to help her out. Mrs. Prescott always thanked Kate for help, and Kate could remember the almost constrained look on her face when she did. Mrs. Prescott never had anyone help her, not even her own children. Her children were very different than Kate.

Tammy was the Prescott’s youngest and only daughter. Tammy was more than ten years older than Kate. It was after Tammy had gotten married that Mrs. Prescott fostered Kate. Kate thought it was strange that none of her children would visit her regularly. They would go months sometimes without visiting their parents or even calling them. Kate would think to herself how lucky these children were to have parents who loved and provided for them. She wished that she had the chance to have a real family. She knew that she would treat them respect and love.

Mrs. Prescott would always have to make the initial phone call to see how her children were doing. The conversations were short; they went through the usual question and answer periods. Kate could tell there was no real concern on their part of their parents’ plight in life. When they did come to visit, it was Mrs. Prescott that would do all the fussing. They were all spoiled, and did not offer any assistance to their parents at all, but Tammy was the worst.

She purchased a home in Long Island and never invited her parents to spend the weekend or even to visit for the day. She would tell them that there was not enough room for all of them. Kate knew there was no room in Tammy’s life for Kate. She would have liked having an older sister, but Tammy wanted nothing to do with Kate. She was jealous of Kate and Kate could not figure out why.

Mrs. Prescott was a smart woman but had no formal education. Whenever there was an opportunity, she would constantly reinforce the importance of an education and a college degree to Kate. On the few occasions when Tammy visited, Mrs. Prescott would talk about these topics too. Kate could hear Tammy’s disdain for her mother in her voice. She would sarcastically say to her, Oh mother, get over it. None of us got a college degree and we are sorry that we all disappointed you. You have your Kate now, she’ll graduate college, probably with honors, she does everything perfectly. Her remarks made Kate very uncomfortable and a light went off in Kate’s head as to why Tammy disliked her. At least Kate didn’t have to try to avoid Tammy and her nasty comments since Tammy hardly ever visited.

The holidays were always the worst for Mrs. Prescott. She would try to make each holiday joyous, but it was difficult since Mr. Prescott was set in his ways and being disabled made him very angry at times. He would try to help out, get frustrated, and then would give up because he couldn’t do very much with the use of only one arm. So Mrs. Prescott would have to do the holiday shopping, decorating and cooking.

Truly the worst times was when one of her children would call, just a few days before a holiday, and cancel on her. They would use the excuse that they had to spend the holidays with their in-laws but Kate felt that wasn’t the real reason. One Christmas all three children cancelled. Mrs. Prescott never cried in front of Kate but she could see the hurt on her face.

So as the years went by it was the three of them. Kate remembers one Christmas Eve in particular; it was the year before she graduated college. She had never seen the Prescotts drink, but this year an old friend, who had once lived in the building, had come by for a visit. She was a lovely woman full of life and quite funny. She brought Christmas gifts for the Prescotts, all alcoholic in nature. The Prescott’s drank that evening and reminisced about the good times and when they were all young. It was wonderful to hear them enjoying themselves. Kate believed there was a time in their lives when the Prescotts were happy and carefree. That night she saw a glimpse of what the Prescotts once shared in the past and it made her feel good.

After her friend had left Mrs. Prescott said to Kate, Do you know if I hadn’t taken you in I would have spent these past three years alone with only my husband. Thank you, Kate, for being everything my children are not. I am so proud of you. You have far exceeded my expectations for you. Promise that you will not become like them looking down on us once you have become successful in your life.

Never, Kate said to her. I owe everything to you and Mr. Prescott. Mrs. Prescott smiled at her and said, You say that now, but when you meet a man and he becomes a part of your life, you will be embarrassed to bring him into this home. There was a time when my children were content to live in this little apartment, but you can clearly see that in these last few years, they never come.

Mrs. Prescott this is the only decent home I have ever known. Do you know how horrible it was in the orphanage? And in the other foster homes? I will never forget how the two of you took me in and took care of me. She went to walk over to embrace her but Mrs. Prescott had turned away. She probably would have cried if Kate had embraced her. Kate understood and was fine with that.

IN THE CAR

Kate? She looked at Gregg surprisingly.

Didn’t you hear a word I said, he murmured as he turned the car on to the highway. Sorry, I was just thinking about the past

Were you thinking about me and the first time we met? he said with a smile and gave her a wink.

I always think of that day, it was one the best days of my life.

What were the others? he asked.

She responded back, The day I met Annie, my college graduation and the best day was, as she was finishing the sentence she took his hand and said The day you married me. He squeezed her hand gently. He smiled with such admiration towards her.

Kate drifted back thinking of the day she had first met Gregg.

LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT

She had met Gregg at the Macy’s in Herald Square, where she was working the Christmas rush and assisting her girls. When Gregg came to her counter something magnetic tugged inside her chest. He wanted to sample a new men’s cologne and he insisted on Kate helping him. As he came closer her stomach did a strange and funny thing. It was as though a real butterfly was inside her, fluttering. He was flirting with her and asked if she had plans for New Year’s Eve. She thought he was kidding, but he wasn’t.

I’m new in town and I don’t have any family and the holidays are so lonely. Could you take pity on this lonely guy and have dinner with me on New Year’s Eve?

His words seemed to ramble on. They poured out of his mouth, and, transfixed on his face, she found it difficult to listen. He gave her his business card.

Think about it, I’m really a great guy, please call me. My name is Gregg Lawson, Kate.

Kate was taken aback when he said her name and then Gregg pointed to her nametag and she smiled.

I’ll have to think about it, you seem like a nice man, she said to him. Gregg grinned as he walked away; he never did buy any cologne that day.

As the distance between them grew she waited for her insides to rejoin her frame. She had tried so hard to remain cool and professional, but his words took her on an elevator ride that stopped on every floor with a counterbalanced jolt.

As soon as he left Annie came running over and said, Wow! Now that’s a good-looking man. Annie had overhead the entire conversation. You’re going to call him right, because if you don’t, I will.

He was nice looking wasn’t he?

Yes, so are you going to call him?

Yes, Annie, I will.

The absence of longevity and safety that one particular home could have given her had left Kate guarded. Even in early childhood she was oblivious to any of the young boys that showed any interest in her, even if it was only as a friend or playmate. She saw herself as always having to move on. There was no foundation upon which she could have built the concept of trust.

At college she made it a point not to notice the young men that were in her classes. She did observe a few of them watching her at times, but she would walk a little faster, or turn to look away. She didn’t have time to date seriously or become involved with anyone. Studying so diligently, helping Mrs. Prescott, her internship, these things had filled her world and had made it easy not to address the subject of romance. She had met a few of her classmates for study dates in the library, but she always lost interest quickly.

The one unwavering bond in her life was with a girl she had met in her early teens, Annie. This staunch allegiance took the place of any family she might have known and loved.

Kate called Gregg. It wasn’t an easy thing for her to do. She felt giddy, almost silly, and realized that the only men she had ever called were business associates or doctors. She rehearsed several times, and with a very un-steady hand took the little leap of faith. It was all she had thought about for a week. The moment she heard his voice, she knew she was no longer a girl who could simply turn away. She was a woman; enraptured by a man she did not know. He was at the wheel, and she was ready and willing to go wherever he would take her. It made no sense, but Kate felt for the first time, as if she was above the clouds.

He had reservations at the Plaza Hotel and Kate met him there. He was waiting in the lobby and from afar Kate could see what an attractive man he truly was. He was over 6 feet tall, and had brown wavy hair. He was wearing a black tailored suit with a green shirt, which brought out his clear green eyes. His smile, his smile was what Kate noticed first.

He started walking towards her and said, You are so beautiful, you are absolutely ravishing in that that dress.

Kate being shy, put her head down, felt the blood rush to her cheeks and said, Thank you.

Kate knew how good she looked this evening. She was working in the mall earlier that day and had her hair and make-up done. She was wearing a black sequined dress with a sexy little slit on the right side that showed just enough leg. The top was fitted, but not too tightly. It showcased her toned arms and sleek waist. Kate was a beautiful woman, but never knew how gorgeous she appeared to others. She had natural blonde, wavy hair, shiny and fluid. Her light blue eyes darkened around the pupils. She appeared to be taller than five feet, four inches because of her exceptional posture.

He put out his arm and said, Shall we go in? Our table is ready.

Kate took his arm as he led her into the restaurant. It was grand. She had always heard about the The Plaza but had never been inside. The waiters wore white gloves and they pampered them with impeccable service. He told her that he grew up in Chicago and that his parents had been killed twelve years ago in an automobile accident. He was twenty-two years olds, in his senior year at college, when it happened. He went on to get his masters in Architectural Engineering and never returned home. Since that time he lived wherever there was work. Kate listened attentively, but did not tell him about her childhood in foster care.

After dinner they went on a carriage ride through Central Park. It was cold and Gregg wrapped his arms around Kate as he said to her, in a soft voice, "I’ll keep you warm."

Normally, Kate wouldn’t have liked someone touching her so quickly. It was only their first date, but there was something different about him that made her welcome him into her personal space. It felt right. Kate, turned her head slightly and whispered, "Okay."

In the carriage they could hear the voices and noises in the distance of people celebrating the arrival of the New Year. Being a gentleman, Gregg kissed her on her cheek, Happy New Year, Kate. She returned the kiss, barely brushing his cheek. This year is starting out to be amazing, he said while looking into her eyes. She thought he was going to kiss her on her lips, but he didn’t. She was a little disappointed but was relieved that he was willing to wait.

It was a magical evening. He hailed her a cab and asked if he could see her again. The thought of saying good-bye was almost painful. As she stepped into the cab their hands let go and she answered, Yes.

The following week they went on another date. They talked every day, and became a couple before she even realized that, aside from work, they rarely did anything separately.

A year and a half had gone by and they were out to dinner at the Plaza Hotel. Gregg insisted on their doing this once a month. It had become their place. There were roses and a small gift box sitting on the table when they arrived.

Gregg looked at her with his head to the side. His face only hinted a smile, and his voice was steady and serious. Kate could feel the endearment in his stare as he said to her, I feel this is the appropriate place to ask you to be my wife, since this is where we shared our first date.

He then took the ring from its gilded box and bending down on one knee said,

Kate, I need you to be my wife. I have been so lost for so many years and the first time I saw you I felt like I was home. I love you. Would you share the rest of your life with this lonely man?

Kate was sobbing with happiness. She loved Gregg and threw her arms around his neck as she said, Yes, yes, yes.

Gregg reenacted their first date by taking the carriage ride through Central Park. Kate could not stop staring at her gorgeous engagement ring the entire evening. Gregg looked at her saying, When the New Year rolls in this coming year you will be my wife and we will be celebrating every New Year’s Eve here in this park until the day we die. He leaned over and kissed her passionately.

They were married six months later at City Hall. Kate could not believe how in just one year and a half this one man had turned around her entire life.

Kate had kept her promise to Mrs. Prescott. She and Gregg would have dinner weekly at the Prescott’s apartment. Mr. Prescott truly enjoyed Gregg’s company.

BACK HOME

As Gregg was parking the car in front of her co-op, she just looked at him and thought to herself, how lucky she truly was, for now the possibility of owning a home was no longer a dream, it was about to become a dream come true. Kate and Gregg had been living