The Journal: The Journal #1

By T. A. Beasley

She finds the secret they want to keep buried.

 

Shashona Jackson is a novelist who is confused after learning the uncle she never knew has left his estate to her. She places that confusion on hold for her wedding day. After being left at the altar, Shashona loses her motivation to write and isolates herself.

 

On suggestion from her agent, she agrees to a writing retreat at the house she just obtained. The people in the town don't warm up to strangers, but she ignores them.

 

When she stumbles upon her uncle's journal with unspeakable acts, Shashona decides she will find out what happened to him. While investigating she stirs up some things from the past that others want to keep buried.

 

She'll have to ask herself, what will they do to make sure she doesn't expose the contents of that journal?

• Language: English
• Publisher: T. A. Beasley
• Release date: Oct 14, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201598112

Book preview

TITLES BY T. A. BEASLEY

It Happened to Me

It Won’t Happen to Me

A Coffee Shop Connection

The Gala Replacement

THE JOURNAL

T. A. Beasley

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Indianapolis, In

Copyright © 2021 by T. A. Beasley

LaBrice Books

2910 Plaza Drive #B

Indianapolis, In 46268

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the Publisher, except brief quotes used in reviews.

Printed in the United States of America

Cover Design:  Olivia Pro Design

This is a work of fiction. Any reference or similarities to actual events, real people, living or dead, or to real locales are intended to give the novel a sense of reality. Any similarity in other names, characters, places, and incidents is entirely coincidental.

To my husband, Daryl. You’re my encouragement.

I can’t do this without you.

Chapter One

The funeral home didn’t hold many people, which worked for the less than twenty people in attendance.  The atmosphere was quiet and cold as people took their seats. There wasn’t much to say about Cleophus Young except he was a good boss but a private man.

The minister spoke briefly about Cleophus, saying he had his secrets but lived a full life. He continued the funeral program Darla, Cleophus’s sister, created. She wanted it to be over soon and for him to go into the ground.

Darla and Shashona watched several of Cleophus’s employees leave the funeral home after saying their last goodbyes. The women got into the limousine following the hearse to the gravesite. As they stood by the coffin, the minister said the last words giving the signal for her uncle’s body to be lowered into the grave. Shashona looked around, noticing no one else was there.

Mom. None of them are here. Her mother turned to her daughter when the minister was finished speaking.

My brother’s ways didn’t sit well with many people in this town. I’m surprised they showed up for the actual funeral, she said, grabbing her daughter’s arm and walking back to the limo.

Shashona thought it was sad no one seemed to care he was gone. She glanced at her mother’s empty expression which showed no signs of being upset by her brother’s passing. Shashona often wondered why she wasn’t allowed to get to know her uncle. The mystery behind him made her want to figure it out.

__________

A week after Cleophus was buried, Shashona and her mother were called to the office of Cleophus’s lawyer.  The ladies sat on the right side of a long table and waited. A tall white man in a navy-blue suit walked in and sat at the head of the table. Shashona smirked when a little air moved the toupee on his head. Her mother saw it as well and turned her face away to stop from laughing.

I’m not trying to be rude, Mr. Beyer, but why have I been summoned to your office? asked Shashona.

He opened a thick brown folder before turning to them. Miss Jackson, I am Cleophus Young’s lawyer.

Shashona still didn’t know what it had to do with her. I called you here because Mr. Young declared you the beneficiary of his estate.

She looked at her mother. Uncle Cleophus left you everything? I thought you two didn’t speak.

The lawyer cleared his throat. I believe you are mistaken. You are Shashona Renee Jackson, correct?

Shashona looked back at him. Yes. That’s me.

He flipped over a paper in the folder in front of him. Mr. Young left his estate to you except the $100,000 dollars he left to his sister, Darla May Jackson.

Shashona’s hand covered her mouth. She didn’t even know her uncle. Why would he leave everything to her?

What does his estate consist of? She glanced at her mother then back at the lawyer.

He leaves the following, his home along with its land in Danville, Indiana, his company Young Transport LLC., his main vehicle, a 2014 Dodge Ram and the total amount of one million dollars.

Shashona ran her hands down her face. Why did he leave it to me and not my mother? she asked, to no one in particular.

He just told me that you would find out in due time. You can take possession of the house at any time, and everything has been transferred to your name. He did stipulate funds for a house sitter until you are ready to take over, which will allow a severance for her at that time.

I don’t know what to say. Shashona leaned back in the chair. What about his company? I don’t know the first thing about running a transportation business.

The staff is still available to you and the company is still running under the general manager your uncle hired.

She moved up to the table. When can I meet these people? I guess I’ll have to learn the business or sell it.

That is solely up to you. I can stay on as your lawyer when it comes to matters of your uncle’s estate, since I’ve been representing him for a long time, he said, placing the paperwork in front of her for signature. As soon as you sign, I will hand over the keys to the house, car, and business. They will officially be yours. I will also need to see both of your identifications.

What am I supposed to do with the house sitter staying there? Shashona asked.

Her mother was silent through all this making her wonder what thoughts were going through her head. Darla had a menacing look on her face, which let her daughter know she didn’t approve of something. Both hand their IDs to the lawyer, who walked over to the door of the conference room and called for his secretary.

He requested she make copies of everything and to bring them back to him. She came back with a folder. He handed their identifications back along with a check for the amounts specified in Cleophus’s will. He gave Shashona his business card letting her know to call with any questions.

She asked him to meet her at the transportation company when she returns from her book tour. She wanted him with her when she informed the employees of her taking over the company and to introduce her to the general manager. Shashona didn’t know how the employees would take having a female owner, but she was up for the challenge.

After dropping her mother home, Shashona sat on her couch trying to decipher what her uncle was trying to do by leaving everything to her. She could tell her mother wasn’t upset, but rather annoyed when they left the lawyer’s office.

She didn’t know how to feel about everything and was still trying to process it. It did seem a little strange to her few of his employees respected him enough to come to his gravesite. None of them spoke to her or her mother. She felt unnerved.

She looked around for a sign of any friends he may have had, but no one came forward. Shashona concluded he didn’t have any or they simply didn’t show up for him. Would her uncle stay a mystery? Or would she find out more about him when she took over his estate? She hoped for the latter.

Chapter Two

Shashona was still reeling from her uncle leaving her a small fortune. She had a feeling there was more to it but had to put it aside for the last event on her book tour. She moved the curtain slightly as the volunteer director led eager readers into the event hall at Central Library in downtown Indianapolis. The theater style seats were filling as attendees mingled amongst themselves.

A podium sat in the middle of the room with a drop-down screen and Shashona’s photo on it. A bottle of water along with a towel rested on the top shelf of the podium. The lights were bright and often caused speakers to sweat. Applause filled the room as she made her way to stand in front of the crowd.

Shashona introduced herself and shared her journey of becoming a writer, why she loved writing mysteries, and the character, Penelope Pritchett, who made it possible for her to stand before them.

She spoke on a few pointers for aspiring writers starting in the publishing business then took a moment to read the first chapter of her current release.  After the reading, she opened the floor for questions, pointing to a woman in the third row.

Hello. My name is Amy. First, I want to let you know I love your Penelope character. Shashona nodded signaling her thanks. I didn’t have a question, but I wanted to congratulate you on your upcoming wedding.

Shashona placed her hand over her heart. Thank you. I’m nervous now that it’s only two days away.

Her first thought was how did she find out, then remembered she posted it on her Instagram account. Shashona took a second to look at her engagement ring. The ring was a diamond diva cushion cut with her birthstone on both sides. The microphone was handed to a tall gentleman with blond hair two seats back.

Will this affect your writing the next Penelope book?

No. I will be on hiatus for a couple of weeks, but I already have a first draft completed and will turn it in once back from my honeymoon, she answered. She pointed to a woman in the front for her question.

I love your mysteries and wondered if you would try other genres? Or are you set on writing just mysteries?

Shashona smiled at the woman. That is a good question. As of now, I am just a mystery writing gal. I’m not going to say I won’t write in other genres, but I don’t have the urge at this time. I hope that answers your question. The woman nodded in approval.

Her literary agent, Kima, stepped to the podium, Are there anymore literary questions? If not, we will move to the signing portion of the evening.

She gave him a look to let him know she didn’t mind the questions.  The highlight of being on tour was getting to interact with her readers. Fostering those relationships was important to her. After signing several books and taking numerous photos the event came to its conclusion.

Shashona checked her phone before entering the car. She was surprised she hadn’t received a call from Sebastian. Kima finished his conversation with the library event planner before getting into the driver’s seat. He turned to her.

Why didn’t you tell me about the completed first draft for the next Pritchett mystery?

She sighed. Because I want to do something different.

Kima backed out of the parking spot. You know the publisher is expecting a new Penelope Pritchett novel in five months. He straightened the car. You can’t switch up in the middle of a contract.

She looked out the window as they turned out of the parking garage. Well, maybe you can talk to them. I want to give Pritchett a rest. I’ve already produced twelve books in her series. I don’t mind writing a new mystery, just one with a new main character.

He shook his head. I don’t know if they’ll go for it, but I guess it doesn’t hurt to ask.

The draft is finished. It’s just missing something. I’m not sure what it is, but at least I have it as a backup. She pulled a bottle of water out of her bag and took a drink. It may be the ending. I’m not sure about it yet.

Twenty minutes later they arrived at her apartment. She turned the key in the lock, happy to be home.  Shashona was exhausted. She plopped down on her sectional on plush throw pillows. Kima sat down on the other end.

What did you think about the event?

This was a big one and you sold more books than at the Books and Brew event yesterday.

The corner of her lips perked upward. That is good to hear, especially since I’ll be out for two weeks. It’s a great way to end this tour.

Sure. Kima looked down at his planner and her remaining appointments. He reminded her she was scheduled for a few interviews upon returning.

It was funny that woman asked me about writing in other genres. Is that a standard question to ask a novelist?

Yeah, it is a standard one. I’m just shocked you want to leave Pritchett behind. He looked up at her as she was staring at her phone. Sebastian still hasn’t called?

Shashona tilted her head to the side. No. He is taking this no talking or seeing each other before the wedding a little too seriously. She glanced at the phone one more time. I thought he would call by now.

Kima shrugged. You could call him. I mean if you want to hear his voice before your big day.

No. I don’t want to break tradition either, she said and placed her phone on the end table. Shashona leaned back on the couch.

Then why are you even bringing it up? Why make a big deal out of it? Kima threw up his hands in exasperation. You do know there is still time to change your mind about this.

Shashona rolled her neck dramatically. Here you go again. You sound like mom. I love Sebastian and want to be his wife. I need you to support that, bestie. The same thing I told my mother.

He shook his head, preparing to leave. If you say so. I’ll see you on the big day.

After Kima left, Shashona entered her bedroom and opened the closet. She didn’t want her fans thinking she was leaving her Pritchett character for good. She wanted change in her life, like getting married. This was what she wanted. What she had always wanted, right? She ran her hand down the plastic covering her wedding dress. She closed her eyes and took a breath. Yes, I do.

Chapter Three

Shashona rolled over in her bed trying to ignore the persistent banging on her door.

Open this door, Shona!

She wrapped herself more into the covers and curled into a ball deeper in the middle of her bed. It had become her comfort zone after that awful day a month ago when she was left at the altar.

Your mom called me. She said you haven’t been answering her calls. She’s worried about you. All of us are worried about you. I’m not leaving until you open this door.

Kima’s voice elevated.  She flung open the door to find Kima standing there with a cup of coffee and food.

I brought you a cappuccino and chicken biscuit because I know you haven’t been eating. Kima moved past her to enter the house. He placed the food on the table.

I am not hungry,