Who Is at the Door?

By Cynthia W. Hammer

Every woman makes choices but not one has made more difficult choices than Sheila Price. Sheila is a stellar caregiver who missed most of her adult life caring for her now deceased parents. She is now happily married and takes on a deadly case in the heart of
New York.

WHO IS AT THE DOOR?

Josephina was abandoned as a child and in life such a painful event can prove to echo throughout a lifetime. She has one child whom she adores but their relationship is complicated. In possession of literally an ‘insane’ amount of wealth, Josephina is living in Manhattan with a view of Central Park. Now aged, she is a lonely widowed woman that realizes she is grappling with a sorted past. Alongside the intrusion from the need of care by round the clock caregivers. Josephina harbors a horrifying secret that threatens to blow her life apart.
As caregivers are mysteriously disappearing on Monument Street, the police suspect someone has a craving for revenge and is on a caregiver killing spree.
Unaware and excited to make extra money around the holidays, Sheila takes a case on Monument Street. Close to a killer, Sheila uncovers the truth and her greatest fear pits her against a mystery that may be too horrible to bear. Trapped in a psychotic world, Sheila must stay alive.
In series to the novel, A Good Case, WHO IS AT THE DOOR? intertwines the trauma of people from all walks of life. This suspense thriller will have you gasping out loud keeping the lights on while you read.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Feb 2, 2022
• ISBN: 9781665550352

Cynthia W. Hammer

Cynthia W. Hammer is Author, Actress, and Radio Host of Hammer Away Show on Hammer Media, YouTube, and I-Heart Radio. She is a member of the SCBWI, WNBA, and has won many awards such as the Paradise Award and was a Baker book finalist. Cynthia has joined IMDB adding to her acting credits, A Merry Christmas Match, Old Flames, Mirror-Mirror, and Much Love. The author has made front page headlines and has signed her novels in over 43 cities across the United States. Cynthia W. Hammer lives bi-coastal spending her time between L.A. and South Carolina. Her novels The Seven Rivers, A Good Case, and Iceburg are available at AuthorHouse and other online retailers.

Book preview

© 2022 CYNTHIA W. HAMMER. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or

transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

This is a work of fiction. 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.

Published by AuthorHouse 03/17/2022

ISBN: 978-1-6655-5036-9 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6655-5034-5 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-6655-5035-2 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2022901903

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Interior image

Hammer Media

EDITORS

STEVEN J. HAMMER

JANE SNYDER

ILLUSTRATORS

LEON BARNES II

CYNTHIA W. HAMMER

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.

CONTENTS

Dedication

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Chapter 51

Chapter 52

Chapter 53

Chapter 54

Chapter 55

Chapter 56

Chapter 57

Chapter 58

Chapter 59

Chapter 60

Chapter 61

About the Author

PRAISE FOR CYNTHIA W. HAMMER

"I’m always amazed at Cynthia Hammer’s

ability to provide tight,

taught mysteries with pulse pounding action.

If you’re’ a fan of crime suspense genre

WHO IS AT THE DOOR? is a must!"

----Rodney Barnes, writer, executive

producer and author of several books,

Killadelphia, Star Wars Lando, Hirmeros …

A GOOD CASE

"A compelling and unforgettable novel.

Powerful drama and gripping mystery.

The story subject matter is an important one."

---Bill Pettaway, producer and composer

"I pray that god will bless the words in your new book.

I pray your words will be of encouragement

and motivate the reader.

Be a blessing to someone today!"

---Tanya Milton, Savannah Tribune

WHO IS AT THE DOOR?

"Entertaining …exhilarating and intense… fans

will be thrilled… Hammer at her best."

--- Geneva Randolph, producer and composer

FABULOUS!!

---Hammer Media

CYNTHIA W. HAMMER

NOVELS:

WHO IS AT THE DOOR?

THE SEVEN RIVERS

A GOOD CASE

ICEBURG

PSALMS 1:1

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way, of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

DEDICATION

To: Steve my one and only true love.

PROLOGUE

Do we really know who is at the door?

There is always someone or something that you are running from that drives you to thrive. That pushes you inevitably over the edge to do and to be more.

We all have it, a voice in our head, a sound of a doorbell ringing of expectancy for the unexpected.

We must dissemble what was meant to harm.

Don’t let the truth be erased.

Rather erase the lies of who they say we are.

C.W.H. 2021

WHO

IS AT THE

DOOR?

CYNTHIA W. HAMMER

CHAPTER 1

On September 1st, 1939, Germany had set a decree to invade Poland. This had marked the beginning of WWII. Over time the troops had advanced into France.

Josephina Richards and her family sat astutely around the kitchen table, listening to the radio. The only other sound came from the crackling of the fire, built that morning in the fireplace. As it burned, Josephina and her three family members leaned in, mesmerized, as the commentator reported the news of the invasion. The entire household seemed paralyzed, enveloped by sadness, mostly Josephina.

Josephina was the youngest family member and the only daughter. She was startled after hearing the broadcast. Her father needed to take charge and broke the silence, clearing his throat loudly, Well, this is very unfortunate, but we knew this day may come.

He was not a man of many words, but it was understood he was the patriarch of the family and ruled with a strict tongue. Whatever her father mouthed set the rules.

Months before, there had been rumors giving concern about another World War, and the parents had previously discussed an independent plan, should the possibility of battle occur. Unfortunately, their plan had one small glitch…

Their silence was interrupted by loud voices. The family ran to the window. Neighbors spilled onto the streets and there were pockets of people gathered. Everyone panicked from the news and this sparked fragments of chaos in the village. In that very moment, Josephina realized her parent’s plan would be put into effect, and her own panic set in.

Earlier, it was made clear by her father that if war ensued, the entire family would immediately evacuate, the home in which he was raised, the house he inherited from her grandfather, now his family’s home of fifteen years.

Richard and Ruth Martin had nothing of true value other than the cottage, however they had made the tough decision to walk away from all they possessed. Josephina’s parents had put plans in place, in the event of a declaration of war, to head for safety in another part of the country where they would stay with longtime friends.

Upon realizing this plan would be set in motion, Josephina’s heart sank and her eyes teared. She recovered with a smile, thinking she still had her family and hoped this could be an adventure. She watched as her mother nudged her father, who then set his gaze upon her for what seemed an eternity and then lowered his eyes to the floor. I’m afraid we have a bit of bad news. Then again, it could be good because you can get a new learning on some things, he voiced firmly with a thick French accent. You, my dear, will not accompany us at this time. Lucky for you, hmmm? We are sending you to stay with relatives. Yes, this is best. We will send for you later. He repeated, as to convince himself, Yes, this is best. Then he turned away, choked up, and walked out of the kitchen.

Josephina was surprised that her father broke the news and would agree to such a thing. She was disappointed that he did agree to this decision and went along with her mother, whom was always capable of delivering bad news when it concerned her. Moreover, Josephina concluded the decision was harsh and it made her stomach churn. Not only was she disappointed about her family leaving, but it was also more painful that it had been decided without an inkling of her consent.

Why Papa? She turned in her chair and spoke in direction of the next room, hoping to get his attention. Josephina gained sickness in her stomach and wanted to curl up in a ball and die. She tried to speak, but this time nothing came. As reality set in, Josephina became angry, desperate, and then scared. The color left her face, and she began to sweat and shake. When will I ever see you again? she added, slumping down in her chair, regressing back to sounding childish. I won’t go, she said, finding her words. Is John—?

No. Her mother cut her off. He is coming with us.

Hearing the previous information, alongside her brother would travel with them, a lightning bolt of pain shot through her. She folded her arms on the table and rested her head. Dear Lord, I hate my mother with all of my being. Quickly, she begged for forgiveness.

Also, Mother Ruth would be placing her daughter with relatives that she hardly knew. Having noticed the frown on Josephina’s face, her mother replied coldly, Your father is right. It’s for the best.

Even after seeing her daughter looking sweaty and pale, this was the cowardly response Ruth offered to comfort her child.

Immediately Josephina rejected the shallow reply. She waited for a better explanation. None was given. Josephina rejected and betrayed, finally found her voice and pleaded, cried, and begged to be allowed to accompany her family, continuously sobbing.

With no response from her mother, she wiped her tears. No Mama, the trip you are taking is miles away, she proclaimed, but I can do it! She was trying to sound mature and strong, hoping to prove she would not be a hindrance on the journey, desperately hoping this would change her mother’s mind. Not having the answers to all of her dilemma’s again her mother ignored her.

Many years had passed since the last time Josephina was introduced to her mother’s side of the family. She had been so young and had no recollection of them whatsoever. However, she had overheard conversations and gathered the impression that her Aunt Clara and Uncle Dillon, in comparison to her parent’s status, were rich. Josephina had believed what she was told, specifically about the wealthy relatives and the distance between the family’s towns. Yet both statements could not have been further from the truth.

However, what was true, there was no additional money for them to travel, nor room for Josephina where parents and her brother were going. The only solution was their Aunt Clara, who was Josephina’s mother’s sister.

Clara and Dillion Magnon lived in Creeping Village, a small-town west of Delmont, too far away to visit, her mother would always say. They were often referenced by other family members as the elders or well-off, aunt and uncle. She was not informed of how she would get to her relatives and that night she cried herself to sleep.

That night a storm blew in, and water fell hard from the sky. Josephina tossed and turned all night. The roar of the wind and each pound of the loud raindrops made sounds that might take the roof off. Her chest pounded and she lay terrified in the dark with a flat pillow covering her head. The tree outside her window scraped against the house seeming ominous. Normally, Josephina was not afraid of the dark. Tonight, she rocked back and forth, troubled with what lay ahead. Knowing the update, she had heard early in the day disturbed her and it had a profound effect on her.

That afternoon the prior decision made by her parents to leave her behind would change her life forever. Abandoned was what she had been, but she was too young to understand. Was it for the best, or did they simply not care?

Oh, why is mother sending me away? She emphasized. Through repetition of the words, she grew angrier each time she rehearsed the lines. Her anxiety heightened and, in efforts to calm herself, Josephina began to pray. She prayed for her family’s safety… then her prayers turned cold.

She rocked more aggressively, as she hoped that the storm would be so disastrous on the town that her and mother would not be able to travel. The body movement swiftly put her to sleep, similar when she was a baby.

The next day Josephina woke up on the floor, thrust her pillow aside, and crawled out of her closet. Slowly she pulled herself up and reached for the open space and steadied her thin hands on the pine window shelf. She closed her eyes and pictured the town in rubble. Then she peeped her weary blue eyes over and placed her chin on the wooden sill. Opening her eyes wide, she discovered there was no such luck, and her heart sank. The storm had passed, leaving behind a beautiful day. A new morning had come, and the sunshine warmed the air.

She slid lethargically back down to the floor onto her knees and sobbed.

After leaving behind the life she knew, Josephina would soon realize that the narratives she was led to believe would be uprooted. She discovered that Uncle Dillion and Aunt Clara did not live secluded at all. In fact, their small town was north of Rouen only miles from the home. Josephina was very disappointed to discover that what her mother had proclaimed as far back in her memory that she could recall had been a lie. Again, her mother always protested that distance was the reason why Josephina could never visit the two of them.

However, her mother had an issue with telling the truth and this had been a problem for the family for many years, to the degree that Josephina was very uncertain of herself and the things that surrounded her.

In reality, her mother’s memory had begun to fade. Ruth, hardly cared for Josephina and her aunt sensed years earlier that Ruth favored her deceitful and only son John. Unless grilled Ruth rarely mentioned that she had a beautiful, smart, and talented daughter. Any subsequent conversations always led back to John.

Clara and Ruth were sisters who never got along or saw eye to eye. From their upbringing Clara encountered her sister’s disdain for people, period. She noticed Ruth had been selfish and condescending since childhood. Apparently and without fail, as an adult she still was. Clara constantly petitioned through the letters that she wrote to her sister, How is young Josephina coming along? In the correspondence she admitted the willingness to happily care for her niece one day if the need arose.

The suggestion infuriated Ruth. Moreover, Ruth guessed her mental state had become under scrutiny, and her abilities as a mother. After reading these letters, Josephina would often hear her mom exclaim, How dare she presume to know what is best for a child over their own mother!

However, that was never Clara’s intention. She had a lot of love to give to a child, not having her own. In spite of her sister’s opinion, she did know what was best and recognized the unnecessary neglect. But most women who were not raising children, it often seemed intrusive and pushy to suggest you knew what is best for someone else’s child rather than the mother.

Clara witnessed her sister Ruth make one excuse after another and at times vowed her to be deficient. Over time she came to the conclusion that a mother’s neglect of her own child was clearly a more serious issue. She prayed for Ruth, asking for what she thought was evil to disappear.

After a combative exchange of letters, finally, one day a letter she received stunned her after she read it.

Dear Clara, I need your help. There are rumors of war and it’s time Josephina gets to know you.

That was it! Soon thereafter another hand-written letter followed. This time it read:

Your niece will be arriving first of the next month. Your loving sister Ruth.

CHAPTER 2

Three days later…

Hurry along now, Josephina, Ruth said as she grabbed her daughter’s arm with one hand and carried an old wicker suitcase in the other. Josephina jerked her arm from her mother’s grasp and flung her arms around her father’s waist, burying her head in his belly. Goodbye Papa, she said, squeezing him tighter.

Be good, my child, replied the burly man with the brown beard. He kissed her on the forehead. She turned to her brother John, who was glad to see her go, waved goodbye and out the door she and her mother went.

The two made their way into the woods and onto the narrow path. The morning birds sang all around. The fresh smell of nature filled their nostrils and the yellow and beige foliage pressed against the blue-gray skyline.

Pleased in the moment, her mother hummed a matinal prayer. Eventually the beauty of the woods changed and in some spots the path was overgrown with sticker bushes and broken tree branches. This obstruction had diverted the two a few times into mud puddles. Josephina was a girly girl and didn’t get dirty. She tiptoed through the brown mucky water in hopes not to splash mud on her new knee-high stockings.

Come on, Josephina, keep up, scolded her mother.

Unbelievable that after prayer she still could be in such a cranky mood, thought Josephina. She swatted another thorny bush away that reminded her again of her mother’s mood.

Was this her way of dealing with the emotion of leaving her behind? Josephina was mature for fifteen and she, too, had developed unhealthy behaviors to deal with her emotions. She adored her mother, but the parental neglect had shaped her into a wishful thinker.

Ruth had no femininity in her appearance. Thin with a big nose and muscular arms, she had lived a tough childhood and the pain wasn’t wasted on her own children. At times, Ruth could be very kind, and then, out of nowhere, she would lash out at her two children.

Josephina’s chest panged with anxiety, her mother wasn’t being truthful as to why she had to stay with her aunt and uncle while her brother John was allowed to stay behind and travel with their parents. Suddenly, she noticed something bustling around in the leaves and moving close. In an instant a doe leaped out of the brush and darted back into the thicket.

Although Ruth had grown tired of putting on a brave face, for the last few months, she was purposely unfazed by the animal. But, for a fleeting moment the two held hands. A surprise burst of yellow cascaded over the trees and dangled from the branches into the path, giving the image of a bridle trestle. Josephina’s imagination ran wild, transformed her eyes up at the sky, and she disobeyed her mother’s words. With arms stretched wide, the young girl took a moment to twirl in the glory.

The new scent tickled Ruth’s senses and the sight of honeysuckle vines had jolted Ruth’s memory; she knew she was close. She, too, was giddy at the sight and decided not to scold. She knew they were closing in on the village. It had been years since she experienced nature’s wonder on this path.

They hiked four miles and finally an opening was exposed that revealed a gravel street that led in the direction of the gates to the village where Clara resided.

Ruth stopped. Come here, child. She grabbed the girl by the shoulders and, although her eyes were misty, not a tear fell. Okay, this is where I leave you!

Josephina was stunned. You mean you’re not going to greet Aunt Clara and Uncle Dillion?

No dear, I’m sorry. I know it will be easier this way. The greetings could keep me until late evening and I need to get back before dark. Now give your mother a hug.

Josephina squeezed her mother real tight, and tears gushed down her cheeks.

Everything will be fine. I’ll come back to get you before you know it. Ruth spoke firmly in a thick accent.

Josephina released her mother’s waist and turned, and as soon as her shoe touched the stone a change mixed with reluctance came over her. Bye, Mother. She turned and waved.

Ruth was not behind her. Josephina caught a glimpse of the thin flowered-print dress dodging in and out of the trees. She stood and watched until her mother was out of sight.

Josephina stiffened her legs momentarily, took in a deep breath and let out a sigh, relieved that the goodbye wasn’t as torturous as she had imagined. She had envisioned herself crying and her mother dropping to the ground, sobbing and holding on to Josephina’s ankles, not wanting the child to go. Then the two would have decided to head back home along the long dirt road with their arms locked and her mother regretful and frantically apologizing for ever having such the thought about sending her sweet girl away.

Josephina turned around and faced reality. She followed the directions given and searched for a gray brick two-story cottage located behind a butcher shop. However, every structure was made of gray brick, one row after another; the dress shops, a bakery, and a market. Merchants lined the streets with whatever they had handmade to sell. Josephina loved color and didn’t enjoy the fact that everything in the village appeared to be gray.

Josephina grew tired of searching and saw an old gentleman with a beard wearing a brown derby hat crouched over. Excuse me sir, where is the butcher’s shop?

Well, who wants to know? the man with kind eyes responded.

Sorry, I’m Josephina, and I’m visiting my Uncle Dillion and Aunt Clara.

Ah, the Magnon family, I know them well. Come, I’ll escort you myself.

She was relieved at his efforts; she was off to a great start and hoped that her aunt and uncle would be as kind.

Josephina and Miguel finally arrived at the front door of her relatives’ home. Miguel leaned in first and knocked on the gray door.

The sound of wedged-heel shoes grew louder as the woman wearing them approached the door. Clara swung the door wide open, filled with joy. She had a huge grin on her face followed by a warm greeting. Welcome Josephina, and hello, Miguel, I see you have met my niece?

Yes, and what a lovely young lady she is, and quite the dreamer, Miguel suspiciously replied.

Clara wondered what he meant by the word ‘dreamer’ but pushed the comment aside. She had not seen her niece since she was six years of age and was excited. Josephina, come. We are glad to have you visit… and thank you, Miguel for delivering her safely. We will take it from here, said Clara, giving him a look that his presence was not necessary.

He knew any other time she would not have been so regretfully rude and would have invited him in for a warm beverage, but she wasn’t prepared to entertain a lonely old man. Besides, she knew from experience that could take up half of their day.

Clara was expecting her niece only and wanted to devote her time and attention to achieve a perfect welcome. He understood completely and bowed, knowing his kind deed would be repaid another time. He turned to exit, and Clara waved then gently closed the door. Dillion! Our niece has arrived. Where are your manners? Come down and help with her coat and suitcase, she yelled, and her words reverberated over the stairwell.

The home housed two families, one on the first floor and