Saving Lost Souls

By Manon Riendeau

Who know what life hold for us, for Jackie Johansson her life change after a life threatening car accident gave her a new ability, to communicate with the dead, however she wasnt expecting that her own life would be in danger just by helping out ghosts. A change for better or for worse? Only time will tell what her future hold for her and her son as she embark in an adventure of finding a serial killer while keeping her sanity. Will she make it out alive? Or will she become a ghost herself?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Mar 27, 2012
• ISBN: 9781469149547

Manon Riendeau

Manon Riendeau was born and raised in the countryside of a little town in the province of Québec, growing up she learn the subject of ghost from her mother. Her first experience was at ten when a friend of her passes away at the age of eleven. Not knowing of his passing that day, she saw him waving at her as she headed for home. Now today in her forty’s she had learn how to help souls who need assist to cross over. With her son and two dogs, she tries to enjoy and take advantage of what life hand to her.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

SITTING IN HER living room on a mid April afternoon, looking at a Harry Potter movie, Jackie Johansson, a 40 year old woman, known to her friends as a giggling, bit overweight, piercing blue eyes and shoulder length red hair, was lost in her thought again. As her 3-year-old son Derek is napping on the couch, her thought were back on last Tuesday when she was with her gynecologist for the results of her pap test.

"I’m sorry to announce some bad news to you Mrs. Johansson but the test results came back and just as I expected, confirms that you have ovarian cancer.’’

Jackie was taken aback. She drops her head in shock. Dr. Granger took her hand.

Nevertheless, you’re at the beginning, I will guide you throught one step at a time, and with a hysterectomy and some chemotherapy you should make it out just fine. At least we found it in time.

It seems to come out of nowhere. Like a bad dream, you don’t know if it real or not.

The news from her doctor was devastating, and sure didn’t help the situation that she was already in. Jackie felt so alone. She didn’t seem to have control over her own thought.

Who is going to take care of my son, surely not Frank; he has trouble taking care of himself. And I can’t put Nicky throught being a single mother. She will go crazy.

Desperate thought were filling her brain once more, while tears started to rolls down her cheeks. Jackie was taught to not count on anyone but herself.

While growing up, her parents taught her that asking for help was asking for pity. So even if she was in deep shit, she would always find a way out.

Then there is her husband Frank, a five foot ten, medium built, brown eyes, with a drinking problem, was gone with one of her friend to another job interview.

He never seems to hold a job more than a month or so, furthermore she is so unwell and weary of having to rupture her mind on where the next paycheck is coming from to pay the bills.

Where exactly is my head going these days? How can this be happening?

She slowly withdraws herself in a world that cannot do her any harm. That has been happening a little too often lately. She drifts in a daydream that only a Harlequin book can come up with.

Why couldn’t her life be like that? her mind slowly float into a dream where she is next to the shore, she see herself thin and beautiful, enjoying the sounds of the waves, peace covering her soul, a gentleman walking with his dog passes her by, a simple hello, a lingering look, then a chat, next thing you know mutual feeling are growing for each other.

Their lips are about to meet, when a voice come up from behind and says:

Mommy I want some juice please.

Jackie wakes up from her romantic getaway to see Derek awake with a smile on his face. She smiles back; at least he was one of the best things that happen to her in life.

Ok, how about cookies, and milk. she said as she gets up to go the kitchen.

Later that afternoon, Frank walk throught the door, and with a grin on his face yells out.

Hey Jackie, are you in the kitchen?

Yes I am. she answer back not really paying any attention.

While you’re in there, bring me a beer, I’m tired of all this running around for nothing.

What an idiot, how do you expect to get a job if you don’t run around?

She thought to herself. Since his working accident 5 years ago, it has become a living hell to have him around the house 24/7. She felt like a prisoner in her own home, always having to justify her outing and being his servant at all time of the day and night.

Yet she knows that she doesn’t have the guts to tell him off or even leave with Derek because of financial problem. So she only has herself to blame.

If I tell him what I will be going through in the next month he won’t even try to get a job, instead he would use my health problem as an excuse not to go back to work. And god knows he won’t help me either.

She also notices that his beer seems more important than Derek. As she thought of this, her past came creeping up in back of her mind, reliving bitter memories, a first husband who only did what he wanted and she was not to be in his way, and now she is going through a déjà vu all over again.

Why do I do this to myself, I guess I rush in too fast in a relationship, while having many lovers in between my husbands, and thinking that marriage would change everything, tell me just what the hell was I looking for in the first place.

"Where is my beer for Christ sake?" Frank yells out from the living room.

I’m coming, just hold your horses. She yelled to him, and then thought.

I just don’t know how I am going to explain to him that I have cancer?

She knows exactly what will be his reaction.

I can’t raise the boy without help, who will lend a hand; you can’t do this to me. This is your job.

As she came in the living room with his beer, she asks the same old question.

So how did it go today? He took a sip of his beer and retorted.

The usual, they ask about my working experience and then the fatal question, am I physically capable to handle this job, as soon as I tell them about my back problem it’s the same response that I had everywhere else, don’t call us we will call you.

Derek ran in the living room and put the television on at his favorite cartoons show, seeing his dad on the couch he runs up and gives him a big hug then sits himself down for an hour of entertainment in front of the TV.

Frank seems to be lost in his thought when he suddenly look up at Jackie and said.

Oh by the way, I have another job interview tomorrow.

Jackie looks at him with dismay.

And at what time is that?

She had another appointment with Dr. Granger tomorrow.

At 11h30 A.M, why?

He saw her face change and was wondering what could be more important than his interview.

Don’t tell me that you have plan tomorrow too.

Jackie shook her head affirmatively yet wonder what exactly what to tell him.

Do I tell him about it now or not, no I just don’t feel ready for that yet.

He was staring at her with a strange look on his face and still waiting for her to answer.

Well are you going to answer today or what. she turned to him and said.

"I have my doctor appointment with Doctor Granger tomorrow at 10h00.’’

To her surprise, his reaction was not as expected.

No problem, I’ll go with you, then you can follow me when your finish.

Yes this is a problem, she doesn’t want him there, and she must find a way to stop him from coming in the doc’s office with her. She didn’t notice that he was still staring at her.

Hey, are you alright, your white as a ghost, is there something wrong again.

Asking her with his tone of voice that meant I don’t have time to worry about you.

Oh great, now it show in my face, I’m going to have to be a better actress than this.

Her mind is spinning and she feels sick.

No I’m just tired and didn’t get much sleep last night.

Oh ok, what for supper?

He asks as he sips his beer. Staring at her, with "his answer me now woman’’ look.

Well I was thinking that it would be nice if we ordered out for tonight, it would give me a break and it would be fun to have something different for a change.

I want hot dogs and French fries.

Derek yell out all exited that he might eat his favorite meal; Frank on the other hand had the same response.

I’m not really in the mood for takeout, and we don’t have the money for that either. Can’t you cook up something real quick?

Her hands turn into a fist, her anger started to boil up inside. God how she would just love to hit him once, wouldn’t that feel just great.

But as usual, to avoid an argument she would simply get up and go to the kitchen. Derek follows her hoping that he gets his favorite meal just the same.

As usual he never has any money for that, but when it comes to beer he has enough for it.

Tears were swelling, up and gently slipping down her cheeks.

She was thinking of Derek and what will happen to him if she wasn’t there anymore, her no good excuse of a husband has trouble lifting his ass to give her a hand, let alone raising a child.

The anger was creeping back up again, yet she looks down and that’s when it hit her; she realizes what was the reason that is keeping her alive. A little angel named Derek.

The next morning, everybody got up early, had breakfast and then got ready to leave.

As she close the door of the house and jumps into the van, Jackie has been thinking on how she plans to stop Frank from coming in the doctor’s office with her.

She turns to checks and sees if Derek was well tied in the back, he giggle while playing with his toy.

Mommy, look at my truck

She nodded her head and smiled at him, all the while she knows that today will be hell.

She looks up at the sky and asks.

"God I’m going to need lots of strength and concentration to understand and deal with the information about the surgery and chemotherapy that Dr. Granger is going to explain in details, I really don’t need him on my back as well.’’

She looks at the house to see if he was coming out.

Frank is such a freaking pig-headed mule. He wants to control and know everything but without giving anything back in exchange.

Frank finally gets in the van, start it, back’s up and then speeds’ away. Jackie felt her head bop from front to back with the abrupt gesture of Jack driving.

What is your problem, we are early so why the hurry all of a sudden.

I want you to finish early at your doctor so that I can get a head start to impress the new director that I have a meeting with.

He smiled at her, yet again without more information.

Jackie’s cheeks are burning up, her blood pressure was rising high, tired of his pushing around, her frustration was building more and more, but at least it’s gave her an open door not to have him around her.

Well then, all you have to do is drop us off and go, we can wait for you to come back at the little cafe on the corner on St-Peter’s street, we’re in no hurry. It will do us some good to get out of the house a bit.

"No, you don’t understand, it a lunch meeting and I may have a couple of drink with him, I can’t drive back. I want you to hurry and then wait for me in the van so that I don’t have to pay a taxi home.’’

That was the last straw, he thought only of himself again. He didn’t even think of Derek who would be waiting in the car without any lunch.

That selfish son of a bitch, just who does he think he is?

Jackie blew into a volcanic explosion and started screaming at him.

"Look here Frank, are you the only one that exist on this planet or what, I am not your slave and I don’t need to do everything that you ask me, so just drop us off at my doctor cabinet and go do what the hell you want. That your specialty isn’t it, only thinking of me myself and I. Well I’m going to start doing the same thing, I’m going to see my doctor and find out just how far the cancer has spread and when will the surgery be schedule. Then I will make sure I have someone to take care of MY son, and help me once I’m home and you can go and have a drink with whomever you want. I won’t miss you at all, because I am so tired of all your bullshit."

That did it, she had lost control; never in the 13 years that they have been together has he ever seen her like this. Frank was in shock to see such anger and rage coming out of a woman he has knows as a gentle and quiet person.

However, before he could answer her, a loud crashing sound was heard. He never saw the red light at the intersection. Neither the blue Honda civic on the left that was coming at full speed, it didn’t have time to break.

The initial shock of the blow was so violent, that the van was push in the right hand lane were a red Buick regal had trouble avoiding the crash.

As the car swerved, it hit the passenger door where Jackie was seated.

There were screams coming from all over; Frank head hit the driver door window with such a blow that his neck snaps, Jackie’s legs were trap under the twisted metal which was keeping her prisoner. The initial shock was so strong that it took all her strength in her body to stay awake and alert.

"Derek, are you all right, say something to mommy.’’

She wasn’t able to raise her voice much, and was hoping that he was able to hear her, as she stops to listen; she heard a faint cry coming from the back.

Oh lord please let him be ok, please.

She started crying when she heard a voice from outside the vehicle.

Can anybody hear me? Is everybody in there all right?

Please help.

Her voice was so low that it sounded more like a whisper.

Save my son, he is in the back seat, please find him, and don’t let him die.

Her voice was slowly fading away.

I found him, he seem to be still breathing.

The man had open the sliding door, check Derek pulse then untied the seatbelt, before taking him out of the child seat he check for any broken bones or internal injuries.

Don’t worry, I am a registered nurse with the St-Rose hospital, your son is ok, only shaken.

Jackie sighs knowing that her son was safe. Although she felt some terrible throbbing in her legs, she tried to move but pain seems to be all over her body. The nurse tried very hard to get her door open and reassuring her that help was on the way.

She turn to look at Frank, his face was bloody, and he seem unconscious, she tried reaching out to touch him when pain rush up all the way to her head.

Frank are you ok, answer me will you?

She could hear the siren getting closer, people running all over. A sound that was deafening shook the whole vehicle, Jackie was starting to see blurry and saw someone grabs Frank and got him out, although she heard some voice say that there was no pulse on the victim.

No this can’t be, he may be a son of a bitch but he doesn’t deserve to die.

Tears were starting to flow when a yell came out loud.

Ok let get him to the hospital stat.

Thinking that they found a pulse, she felt relief that could have been read on her face throught the pain. A grinding sound came on her side and the door finally open.

Madam, can you hear me, are you hurt anywhere.

I can’t move my legs; I fear that they are jam under the dash.

She felt someone hand reach down to where her legs touch the twisted metal, she couldn’t stop herself from letting out a sound that shot up to the bottom of her back.

We are going to need to undo the seat and back her up to get her out.

Can you tell me where my son is, please I need to know.

She was able to see a paramedic throught the haze.

He is ok, we sent him to the hospital, they will check him and make sure that there is no hidden problem, now you have to take a deep breath when I say go, once the seat is unbolted we are going to lift it and back you up to free your legs. Do you understand?

She nodded and prepared herself for excruciating pain to shoot throught her body. There was so much racket that she couldn’t tell exactly what was going on. The only thing that she did hear was to breathe in. As they lifted the seat and back it up, Jackie let out a scream that would send chills up anyone spine.

Once she was freed from her dreadful position she was put on a gurney where she lost consciousness. The ambulance rode as fast as humanly possible, once arriving at the hospital; she was rolled into the emergency room where her condition was considered critical but stable.

CHAPTER 2

JACKIE WAS IN a coma for 3 days, Dr. Jones was checking up her vital signs when she started having eyes movement. Her eyelids started to open.

Mrs. Johansson, I’m Dr. Jones, nice to have you back among us, how are you feeling?

Jackie felt like all the water was taken out of her body and her mouth felt dry and pasty.

Yet her thought was only thinking of one person, Derek.

Where is my son, is he ok?

She could barely whisper. Her throat was ruff.

Yes Mrs. Johansson, he is recovering very well, but I need to know how you are feeling, can you tell me if you have any pain anywhere.

As he questions her, he was doing a routine checkup.

Can you tell me how my husband Frank is doing?

Dr. Jones felt uneasy to announce the bad news.

Please Mrs. Johansson, you need to recover your strength, you have been through some horrendous ordeal and you must rest now, when you have recuperated some more then we will talk.

Dr. Jones turns to the nurse to give her instruction when Jackie looks up at the foot of the bed to find Frank standing there; he was staring at her in a strange way.

Frank is that you are you ok?

Her voice sounded so shallow by means of such a dry throat that no one heard her talk.

Why don’t you answer me? God I’m so sorry about what I said to you in the van, please forgive me?

She was now in tears, Dr. Jones turns around to talk to the patient and saw her crying.

Mrs. Johansson, what’s wrong?

However, the only response he got was her pointing at the foot of the bed.

Why wont he answer me, he just stand’s there and doesn’t say a word, what wrong with him?

Dr. Jones looks at where she was pointing and saw nothing, he thought that she was hallucinating. He orders the nurse to bring in a valium.

The nurse comes back and helps the doctor to calm the patient so that she can swallow the pill, Jackie took it, but in her mind all she wants is answers to her questions.

What the hell is going on, why won’t you just answer me, why is Frank not speaking to me, God I hope he’s not piss at me.

The effect of the medication was starting to work, she tries to fight it and stay awake but slowly slip into a dreamless sleep.

Jackie slept throught the night and was awakened by the morning nurse who was opening her curtains, she turns around and smiled to the patient.

How are we feeling today Mrs. Johansson, it going to be a lovely spring day, the flowers have started to bloom.

I guess ok, aching all over thought; tell me did my husband say when he will be back. Yesterday he wouldn’t even talk to me and I would like someone to answer some of my question.

Jackie notices that her anger was starting to rise again simply because no one would listen to her. Lucky she knew how to control it.

I’m sorry Madam, but I cannot disclose any information, only the doctor can. Dr. Blake will be in soon and maybe he will be able to answer your questions.

The nurse was sweet and has such a nice smile that Jackie couldn’t be mad at her. She knows the pressure a nurse goes throught in a day, and she did not want to be a problem patient.

As the nurse left the room, Jackie found herself alone once again, still feeling tired she closed her eyes to relax. Yet a sound came to her ears.

Jackieeee.

Was she dreaming or is this her imagination again?

Jackieeee.

It was barely a whisper, but she can hear it very distinctly. As she open her eyes, Frank was standing at the end of the bed. She was startled; not at all hearing any footstep comes in.

Frank are you ok. Nobody wants to give me any answers around here, they tell me that Derek is ok but when I ask about you, everybody just mum’s the word and say that when I am better that we will talk. Can you, of all people give me some news?

She looks deep into his big brown eyes for the first time since the accident, God they look so lifeless, but if he were dead then he wouldn’t be standing there, right? The only words that she heard coming from him was.

I’m sorry for everything.

Then right in front of her eyes he vanishes, she lets out a scream.

What the hell is going on here am I going crazy?

She started to tremble with such force that she had no control over herself. Dr Blake, who was passing next to her room, ran in when he heard her scream and saw Jackie’s shaking.

Mrs. Johansson, what’s wrong, why did you scream? Are you hurt?

She finally was able to lift her head and look at him.

I know that you’re here to tell me that my husband is dead, aren’t you.

She started crying uncontrollably. Then lifting her head and looking at his blue eyes, she asks.

Just please answer me, tell me the truth, I am so sick and tired that everybody pretending that I’m not strong enough just to avoid the question, please just tell me yes or no.

She never took her eyes of his. Dr. Blake took a deep breath and finally answered her.

I am sorry and you are right about that. He did not survive.

To his astonishment Jackie’s reaction surprised him. She calm down wipes her tears and was able to control her trembling down to a shiver.

Are you all right Mrs. Johansson? You don’t seem to shock about it.

This was a first for him to see someone’s react with such calmness after hearing such bad news.

No I’ll be fine now, I guess that I knew that he was dead but needed confirmation about it, I just want to take the time to sink in the reality that he is gone for good. she turn to him with a smile.

There is something that I would like thought, well a couple of thing actually. I would like to see my sunshine.

Dr Blake look a little perplexes.

My son Derek, I would feel better knowing that he is really okay.

No problem. He answer’s with a grin.

Anything else Mrs. Johansson.

Well for starter call me Jackie, this Mrs. thing is going to send me into an old age home before my time. She giggles then asks with a bit more seriousness.

I would need someone to contact Dr. Granger and tell her that I’m here, she will know what to do next.

Jackie went silence, thinking of all that has happened in the past couple of weeks and wondering when the nightmare will stop.

Are you sure that you will be all right Mrs. Johansson, sorry I meant Jackie.

To be honest, I don’t really know but I have to face the music just the same. As long as Derek is there, I guess I can face anything.

Ok then, I will send in the little tyke and then we must sit down and have a discussion concerning your physical condition. He said with a smile.

But from what I can observe, you will catch up in no time. I will be back in about an hour.

You will find me here.

She said but in the back of her mind she is not as sure as the doctor is about her health. She closes her eyes again and within a couple of minutes fells back asleep.

Jackie was awaken by the sound of a tray being put on her table.

Hello Mrs. Johansson, we have a little breakfast for you, cereal, toast, yogurt, and coffee.

The little nurse gives her a big smile and left. Jackie sits up; she wasn’t really hungry but the coffee sure smells good. As she is putting milk and sugar, an old woman in her seventy’s walk in.

Oh dear I’m sorry missy, I must have the wrong room again.

That all right. Jackie answered.

Have you had breakfast; I’m not going to eat anything anyhow. By the way, my name is Jackie Johansson.

I’m Mary-Ann Rae, thank you for your invitation but I’m pretty sure that they already put my breakfast tray in my room. I’m sorry to have bother’s you dear, take care of yourself now. And she turned and left.

That was a funny little woman.

Jackie though, then turns to her coffee, took a sip and smiled.

Dr. Blake came in the room around 10am. Jackie looks and said hi, he smiled in return. She notices that he was tall, broad shoulders and seem fit, and he would be around thirty five or so. Black hair and those blue eyes seem to be talking to her. She realizes that she was analyzing him as if looking for a new date. She felt awkward and started to squirm in bed as if placing herself more comfortably.

We seem to have a visitor here who wants to see you, are you ready for some excitement. She laughs until she heard a little voice yell out.

Cuckoo mommy, it me Derek.

Hearing his voice brought a flow of tears and a waterfall came down her cheeks.

And where is Derek, I don’t see him. He started giggling and said.

I’m hiding, come and find me.

But mommy can’t go and find you.

That when she realized, she was so determined to find out about Frank and Derek, that she has no idea about her own injuries.

I’m here mommy.

He came out, hiding behind the doctor. A part from scratches and bruises, he seems to be in good health and spirit. Jackie can’t help but cry of joy and relief from seeing her beautiful son running up to her and jump in her extending arms.

Mommy don’t cry, please.

He never did like to see her crying, he would play in her hair until she would stop. To her he was a gift from God to help her, with what she doesn’t know yet. Dr. Blake walks up to her.

Well as you can see, he is doing great. He had a little shock but it past about 2 hrs later after the accident. Small cuts and bruises other than that I’m giving him a clean bill of health. He can leave anytime, you however, we need to discuss a couple of things. But we will wait until Derek goes back to his room.

Jackie thought are confused. She want to know but at the same time wants to stay with her son.

Tell me how long I have to stay here. I mean there are so many preparations to do, and I have to get someone to take care of Derek. I also have to bury my husband Frank.

As she said that the awful truth sunk in, she is now alone. Frank may have gotten on her nerves, and he was an SOB but he was there just the same. She started to feel sick, a sudden fatigue came over her and she could feel her body getting weak again.

Jackie is something wrong?

Dr. Blake got up and signal for the nurse to come into the room. Then he turns to Derek.

Derek, do you want to play with Melanie?

Derek looks at him as he is holding on to his mom.

Derek honey listens to mommy! You go play a little bit, mommy is going to have a nap then you can come back when I will be awake ok.

Jackie’s voice was weakening, the nurse walk in and Dr. Blake gave some instruction.

Do you want to come and play with me Derek?

The nurse asks him with a smile, Derek look at his mom for her approval.

Give me a kiss and hug and then go play with your friend.

While she looks at her son walking away with little waves, Jackie waved back, yet it felt like there were no muscles in her body. Dr. Blake put his stet scope to her heart as its slowing down to a faint beat.

Mrs. Johansson, Jackie, can you hear me? Stay focus on me.

But as he said that her blood pressure slowed down, she faded into a dark dream.

Silence surround her as she walk down a misted path, she sees and feel many shadows around her, she glance roughly to see if she can recognize anything that could help give a clue as to where she is.

Hello, is there anybody who can hear me?

She can see the shadows getting closer around her, shapes are starting to appear. Their faces disfigure, fear creeping ups the back of her neck, and she hears a female voice behind her.

Help me.

Jackie turns around to see a face so badly beaten that is was unrecognizable and it took her by surprise. She back up upon seen this.

What kind of help do you need?

Fear in her voice betrayed her as Jackie looks at the speck more closely. She can see that this female eye were very glossy and that the skin seems to be decomposing as she is walking toward her. She open her mouth wide, darkness is all you can see, she let out a high pitch scream that could pierce an eardrum.

Jackie was taken aback and start running without seeing where she was going. She felt herself fall into a black hole, it like she was falling eternally but just as she is about to hit the bottom she wakes up covered in cold sweat, her mouth is open to scream but nothing is coming out.

Where am I?

Looking around, it took her at least a minute before recognizing the hospital room. A nurse who was passing in front of the door saw the commotion in the room and came in to see if she was ok.

Are you alright?

The nurse asks as she wets a facecloth and then passes it on Jackie’s face.

Yes, I just had a bad nightmare! she answered while forcing a smile.

It was scary but at least it wasn’t real, tell me how long have I been sleeping.

Jackie wasn’t sure of the time that has passed since she last saw Dr. Blake.

You have been sleeping since yesterday, and all this morning too.

Jackie was surprise at the fact that she had been sleeping all that time since the dream did not seem to have taken that long.

Will Dr. Blake be in today? her question seems to amuse the nurse but she responded in a professional manner.

Yes he will be in at 4 pm; I will send him in to see you, as soon as he has a minute. But for now, it Dr. Cloutier that will check up on you until then.

As the nurse left the room Jackie found herself alone again. Dazed and confused, Jackie was looking at her bruises when from the corner of her eye there seem to be a silhouette, she looks up to see Mary-Ann coming in the room.

Well hello Dear, how are you feeling today?

I’m doing ok under the circumstance and you.

I can’t seem to find my room again but at least I am getting some exercise trying to get there.

She laughs heartedly and Jackie can feel a surge of soothing serenity coming from this little woman.

Well I must be off.

Mary-Ann said as she slowly turn around and head out the door.

You take care of yourself, Mrs. Rae.

Jackie smiled as she look at this frail little woman leave the room, she just had time to sit up straight in her bed when Dr. Blake walk in.

So, how are we doing this afternoon, Mrs. Johansson? Jackie tried to look for a