The Doll: Lillian Darkwood Mystery

By R.M. Burthom

Lillian Darkwood's happy teacher life took an epic turn when the demonic doll passed down from her grandmother resurfaced. Although it's her father's fault that Janie Leadermier (a 15-year-old girl that works at his store) now has the doll, Lillian blames herself. She should have disposed of the doll properly decades ago. Not stuff it in the confined depths of the family home attic, hoping it would permanently disappear.

Knowing what the doll has done in the past, Lillian must try to get the demon doll back before it overwhelms Janie with its evil powers. With Janie finding herself in her own bad situation, she won't give up her newfound doll without a fight, regardless of the consequences.

The harder Lillian tries to retrieve the doll, the stronger the doll's grip on Janie becomes. Will Lillian be able to get the hellish toy back before somebody dies? Or will the doll succeed in committing murder?

• Language: English
• Publisher: R.M. Burthom
• Release date: Nov 20, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201540128

Book preview

Chapter 2

Lillian Darkwood unlocked her car and threw her purse in the back seat on top of the stack of history quizzes she would be spending her evening marking. Although she had the week off like all of her students, Lillian liked to get all the work stuff out of the way. Then she could enjoy the tranquility of her ‘me time’ without worrying about the work related things she still had to do.

Her first stop was the Manning’s Market, her dad’s store, to pick up a few things. Although the store didn’t carry everything she had written on her list, it was a better option compared to fighting her way through the packed isles and long checkout lines at the grocery store on a Friday night. When Lillian arrived at the store, she found her dad, Bert sweeping.

Hey, Dad what you doing?

Lillian. What a pleasant surprise! What brings you to my little neck of the woods?

I thought I’d stand a better chance shopping here than the grocery store, Lillian replied, pulling out her list.

Bert took the list and looked at it for a moment before handing it back. I don’t have everything you need but I’m sure we can do most of it.

Thanks Dad. Lillian bagged up some apples while Bert set aside the broom to help her gather what she needed. What’s with the sweeping? I thought you had a girl that came in to do that?

I do, but I gave her the week off for March Break. She had plans to go camping with her father, Bert replied, grabbing a liter of milk from the fridge and placing it on the counter beside the bag of apples.

Is it still the same girl? The one who’s dad was suffering from cancer? Lillian asked, looking at the selection of bread.

Yeah, that’s her. She’s been looking forward to this trip for a long time. Bert glanced over Lillian’s shoulder at the list before grabbing butter. I see you have wine on your list. If you don’t want to battle the madness in the liqueur store I think I still have a bottle in the store room that my barber gave me for my birthday. You’re welcome to have it. I’ve been months trying to remember to take it home.

No, Dad, it’s alright. I don’t want to take something someone gifted you just because I don’t like fighting crowds and long lines. Lillian put the last few items from her list on to the counter.

Lillian, please, I want you to take it. Really, it will be a load off my mind. I won’t have to worry about forgetting to take the damn thing home anymore, Bert insisted.

Lillian shrugged and smiled. Sure Dad, if it will assist with your sanity, I’ll take the wine.

Great! Bert disappeared for a moment, only to return with the bottle in hand. He bagged up the groceries and placed the wine in a separate bag. You know while we’re on the subject of wine, I think there’s still a case of wine from your wedding up in the attic.

Really Dad? Lillian laced her fingers through the bag handles but didn’t pick them up. That case has been up there for years. What made you think of it now?

Oh, I don’t know. I’ve been meaning to clean up some of the junk up there for a while. I guess now is a good a time as any. Perhaps you’d be interested in helping me on Sunday, you’ll be over for dinner anyway, won’t you? Bert raised a hopeful eyebrow as he came around the counter to help Lillian carry her bags.

Dad, I was looking forward to a quiet relaxing week off. Not a scrounge in the attic adventure. The wine and other stuff has been up there for years. What’s another month or so wait going to matter? Maybe after mid-terms I can help you. Lillian placed her bags in the trunk and took the bags from Bert.

I suppose you’re right. But promise me you’ll help me soon. I don’t want you to have to clean all that crap out of the attic after we’re dead.

Lillian closed her trunk, opened the driver’s door and got in. She paused before closing the door and looked up at Bert. Dad don’t be silly, you and Mum are a long ways away from death. I promise after mid-terms we’ll see about cleaning out some of it.

That’s my girl. I’ll see you at Sunday dinner. Have a good night, Bert replied and closed the car door for her.

Lillian nodded and started the car. Bert waved and walked back into the store. Lillian watched him disappear then turned out of the parking lot. Her mind was suddenly spinning with dread. This wasn’t the first time her dad had mentioned cleaning up the attic. Last time the idea was side tracked by a family death. Lillian didn’t want anyone else to die but she prayed her dad would forget about the attic and move on to something else like reorganizing the garage instead. Lillian knew that one day it would happen. Her dad would eventually clean up the attic and throw out or donate all her old toys. But she had to stop him at all costs. She couldn’t risk him freeing Meryl. For thirty years she had successfully lain dormant, hidden from the world. Lillian didn’t want to think of what could happen if she ever got out.

Chapter 3

Come morning, Janie was early to rise. She was up long before John. She had barely slept a wink all night. She was too excited to sleep. The evening before, father and daughter had made plans of cool activities to do during their camping trip. They were going to rent a boat to go fishing in Big Pond Lake and take a long leisurely hike up to Grizzly Bear Point. Janie recalled seeing him secretly packing his guitar as well. She was confident they would be singing all the old campfire songs that they used to sing, back when all three of them used to go camping every long weekend.

Good morning, Dad, chirped Janie as she bounced into the kitchen dressed and ready to go.

Good morning, strange child in my house, he replied. He looked up from the griddle he was cooking on to greet her with a smile. Who are you? What have you done with my sleepy daughter?

I’m your sleepy daughter, you silly father. I’m just more wide awake for a change, Janie laughed. She hugged her dad and noticed what he was cooking on the griddle. Cinnamon raisin pancakes for breakfast. This week is already off to a great start, she said as she took her usual place at the table.

What’s even better is I didn’t have to wake you up, or clothe you, he said, sliding a plate piled with steaming hot pancakes in front of Janie.

Very funny, Dad, I can’t eat all those, she laughed, pushing the plate into the middle of the table.

Why aren’t you hungry? he asked smiling from ear to ear.

Janie shook her head and smiled back, saying nothing. She helped herself to a smaller plate from the cupboard and put a couple of the fluffy pancakes onto it. And by the way, you don’t clothe me, Janie remarked, pouting, as she smothered her flapjacks in the cheap grocery store version of maple syrup.

Yes, I do. I pay for your clothes, he protested playfully, surprised she had picked up on the comment.

Well, yeah, you have a point there but I do just fine putting them on myself, Janie pointed out.

Well, I remember a time not too long ago when that was not the case, and you needed me to change your poopy diaper.

Dad, that’s gross. It’s not like I’m eating or anything, Janie said, turning up her nose and rolling her eyes for emphasis.

You need to hurry up and finish eating, so we can get on the road.

Yes, let the vacation begin! cheered Janie, rushing to polish off the last of her syrup-soaked pancakes.

John washed the dishes and left them in the drain rack to dry. Meanwhile, Janie went back upstairs to grab her camera, a notebook, and her favorite bulky, grey sweater. She took one more look around her room, switched off the light and went to meet her patiently waiting father at the van outside.

John locked the house up behind her. Ready to go, chicken nugget? he asked, feeling Janie’s excitement rubbing off on himself.

I’m more than ready, Dad. Let the journey begin, she replied, as she shut the van door and buckled herself in. John did the same, and they were off.

Grizzly National Park was a four-hour drive from Tisdale City. It was one of their favorite campgrounds in Southern Ontario. Janie had always had a blast when they went as a family in the past. This trip would be their first time to the Park since her Mum’s death. Janie was surprised her dad still wanted to go there after all these years, thinking it might conjure up too many memories of what once was. But, time heals all wounds and the campground offered all sorts of wilderness activities like hiking, caving, fishing, and canoeing. Janie and John were planning on a week action-packed with fun, fun, fun.

After about an hour of driving and singing along with the radio, they pulled into a gas station in Willow Branch, a small picturesque village that consisted of one street of artsy type shops, just off the main highway.

Oh, Dad, I love this place. Is it okay if I go look around? Janie asked.

Sure, honey, but don’t be too long. I want to get to the park around mid-afternoon, so we have time to set up the tent and do some exploring before it gets dark, John replied.

While Janie was gone, John topped up the gas tank. As he entered the store to pay, he paused at the chip display and grabbed a bag of salt & vinegar kettle chips. They were Janie’s favorite and were perfect for their driving snack. As John stood at the counter he wobbled on his feet, feeling a bit dizzy. He slowly fished in his wallet for the cash to pay the clerk and had to grab the edge of the counter to steady himself.

Sir, are you okay? asked the clerk, noticing John’s odd behavior.

Uh yeah, I’m fine, thanks. Just a bit too much caffeine this morning, John said, handing the young man a fifty. Can you tell me where I might find the washroom? Perhaps I just need to splash some water on my face.

Sure. It’s around back, but you need to take this key with you, the man replied, handing John a key hanging from a red, plastic stick with the word MEN written across it in black.

John tossed the chips in the van and went around the building in search of the washroom. Twenty minutes later Janie returned to the van from her short look around town. She expected to find her dad pouring over the map to ensure they were heading in the right direction. He wasn’t there. She figured he was probably still in the store looking at the magazines waiting for her return, but he wasn’t.

Janie approached the clerk sitting behind the counter. Sir, I was wondering if you’ve seen my dad? He’s tall and skinny with grayish-brown hair, wearing a red sweatshirt and blue jeans.

Yes I did; he was in here about twenty minutes ago. I gave him the key to the men’s room around back. He must still be there because he hasn’t returned the key yet, replied the man, looking up from his book.

Would you mind checking on him for me? asked Janie, starting to feel concerned.

Well, I’m not really supposed to go in when someone is in there. It’s against company policy, but if you think something happened to him I guess it would be alright, the man told Janie, grabbing the spare key from a hook behind him.

Janie followed the clerk as he led the way outside around to the back of the building. They found the door to the men’s room slightly ajar. The clerk tried to push the door open, but it was heavy. He pushed harder, and the door gave away enough to fit his head around the corner of the opening. He realized the door was stuck because John was lying on the floor behind it.

Uh miss, I think we need to call an ambulance for your dad, declared the man. You stay here with him. I’ll go call one right away.

What? Janie cried out. She squeezed her thin frame through the small space of the doorway. Oh no, Daddy, she continued, sliding down to the floor beside her dad. She took his head in her lap and called to him, Daddy, wake up. Daddy, wake up.

The ambulance seemed to take an eternity to arrive. Tears streamed down Janie’s face as the medics lifted John onto the stretcher and into the ambulance. Janie climbed into the ambulance behind them and sat at the back by the doors.

As they raced back towards Tisdale City, one medic was doing all he could to help John while the other asked Janie questions regarding her dad's medical history. Janie fought back her tears and informed them of his history of cancer as the man looked at the medical bracelet clearly displayed on John’s arm. Then she went into detail about the medications her dad was on, all of which were left behind in the van at the gas station.

You seem to be very well read on all this, the medic pointed out, a bit surprised at her in-depth knowledge, This isn’t your first time, is it? he softly asked. He felt a bit sorry for this young girl having to experience this, playing the parent to her father.

No, it’s not my first time, Janie, replied quietly, and it won’t be my last, either.

Janie sat with her hands clenched in her lap. She didn’t want anyone to see her fingers were crossed on both hands. Janie recited prayers of hope in her head while she watched the medics hover over her dad. There was no point in panicking or showing how vulnerable she really was during these incidents. She was of no importance and wanted all the attention to be focused where it was needed most, on her dad.

The drive back to Tisdale City seemed to take less time than the trip to Willow Branch. Janie had become overly accustomed to these ambulance rides. They didn’t frighten her anymore. It was finding her dad on the floor in a helpless state that always got to her. A daughter was supposed to envision her father as a tough, protective person who took care of the family. But for Janie, her father was only two of the three. Since the passing of her mother, she had come to realize the hard way how fragile life was.

The ambulance had arrived at its destination and John was rushed into the hospital, where he was taken into a room behind the closed double doors of the emergency room, beyond Janie’s view. She went and sat in the waiting room nearby, once again encircled by strangers. Janie knew the usual routine all too well. Children’s’ Services would be called within a few hours, and Ms. Hunter would arrive shortly after to take Janie to the children’s shelter. It was typical that Ms. Hunter would try to contact her Aunt Brenda, who lived in an upper class, downtown condominium, in New York. But just like all the other times Aunt Brenda had been asked to come, she would say yes but Janie had not yet seen her arrive to collect her. Saying yes and actually showing up when you said you would were two totally different things, in Janie’s mind.

Brenda was the only sibling of Janie’s mother, older by two years. Although Brenda was older, the two girls looked and acted like identical twins. Back when they were children, it was very difficult to tell the girls apart, especially when they stood side by side. Over the years, the girls grew into individually independent women, looking and acting differently. Brenda had a habit of changing her hair color every six months, ashamed of her gray locks. Janie’s mother was by no means ashamed of her age and never tried to hide her slowly greying locks. Janie remembered when Aunt Brenda used to visit every Christmas, always bringing the coolest presents. But she hadn’t done that since the death of her little sister. The sisters were very close, and her death had been a crushing blow to everyone, especially Brenda.

Janie didn’t think she would ever understand why Aunt Brenda never came for her. Perhaps it was because she didn’t love her niece anymore. Maybe Janie looked too much like her mother and Aunt Brenda didn’t want the reminder of someone she had lost. Maybe Aunt Brenda just didn’t want the responsibility of a teenager cramping her sophisticated lifestyle of wealthy men, upper-class restaurants, and Caribbean vacations.

Chapter 4

After about an hour of looking at outdated magazines and watching TV, set to a news station with no volume, Nurse Naomi came to take Janie to see John, who was still in Emergency. Although it was familiar it still alarmed Janie when she saw him hooked up to medical equipment. John was awake when Janie entered.

Dad, are you okay? she asked, knowing he wasn’t.

Yeah honey, I’m going to be fine, he lied. I’m just overtired I guess.

That’s okay, Dad, Janie replied, knowing he was full of crap and had lied for her benefit. You get some rest, and I’ll be here when you wake up.

No you won’t, Ms. Hunter will be coming for you soon, John said sadly.

Not this time Dad. I won’t go, Janie replied stubbornly.

Yeah I know, he said, his voice trailing off as his eyes closed.

Janie sat quietly holding his hand, but the room was all but quiet. Over in the far right corner, a woman’s raspy voice kept calling for the nurse. The man on the other side of the thin purple curtain was coughing so much Janie thought his lung was going to fall out soon.

Sorry about ruining our trip, John said, making Janie jump. She thought he had gone to sleep.

No Dad, you didn’t ruin our trip. We will just do it another time, Janie assured him.

What about the van? Where is the van? he said, becoming upset.

It’s okay Dad. I’ll call Mr. and Mrs. Gretel in the morning. They will be able to go and pick it up for us. Don’t worry Dad, I’ve done this before, Janie assured him.

Yes, you have. I keep forgetting how grown up you are, John said relaxing a little. I’m sorry you had to grow up so fast. I’m the one who is supposed to be the adult here, but you always end up taking care of me.

That’s alright, Dad. We take care of each other. That’s how it should always be, Janie replied, squeezing John’s hand.

John grew quiet again as his eyes closed. His breath became shallower, so Janie figured he had finally fallen asleep. Janie leaned back in the chair to watch the nurses and doctors rush about trying to take care of all the patients at once. Slowly her own eyes closed for a while and the woman yelling, and the man coughing became background noise.

Janie, Janie wake up, a voice said, shaking Janie’s arm.

No Dad, another five minutes, Janie mumbled, swatting the hand touching her arm.

Janie, it’s Ms. Hunter. I brought you a sandwich and a juice.

What? Ms. Hunter? Janie said, snapping awake. I’m not leaving. Not until Dad wakes up.

No that’s okay. I’m coming back for you later, Ms. Hunter assured Janie. I just wanted to check on you and make sure you were able to get something to eat.

"Oh okay, good.