The Bella Lakeside Ghost

By John Charles (JC) Unger

The burned-out, Oscar-Nominated actor Chase Derrick thinks he is getting away from it all but instead, walks right into it the day he enters the gorgeous B&B known as Bella Lakeside. His saving grace is meeting the gorgeous Jenna, someone he never expected to find on a small island in the Canadian Great Lakes. As he reads the thick old book given to him by his lovable British housekeeper Maggie, a story begins to unfold that explains why he is seeing and hearing horrible things, why he’s been drawn there, and why he is falling madly in love with this one-of-a-kind Pittsburgh girl.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gypsy Shadow Publishing, LLC
• Release date: Mar 17, 2022
• ISBN: 9781619506794

John Charles (JC) Unger

A voting member for the Grammys with Grammy-Considered entries made each year since 2012, John Charles Unger writes to unwind. The Bella Lakeside Ghost is his sixth novel. As a musician, he performs venues in St. Petersburg, Florida, where he resides with his devoted wife, Mary Beth.

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The Bella Lakeside Ghost

by John Charles Unger

All rights reserved

Copyright © April 19, 2021

Cover Art Copyright © 2022, Charlotte Holley

Gypsy Shadow Publishing, LLC.

Lockhart, TX

www.gypsyshadow.com

Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher.

No part of this book may be reproduced or shared by any electronic or mechanical means, including but not limited to printing, file sharing, and email, without prior written permission from Gypsy Shadow Publishing, LLC.

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

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ISBN: 978-1-61950-679-4

Published in the United States of America

First eBook Edition: March 17, 2022

Dedication

To my wife Mary Beth: I’ll love you forever—this side or that. No matter what—you’ll always have me.

And to my children Michael, Jason, Julia, and Sabrina: I love you all. You’re four outstanding individuals; that’s what I’ve always thought, even if I didn’t say it enough. Jason: thanks for always keeping that door open. Onward and upward guys and gals! My Grandkids—hugs; Richie, I love you Bro. You too Tommy! And Linda. Elliott and Patti, Anton and Garrett, Jack Dalton, Johnny D the Motivational Cowboy, Gary Praeg, Dale Williams, Tye and Jean, Barry and Gina, Sandy and Ed, (miss you) Fran and Steve; if I’ve forgotten you, I’m sorry. And to my mom and dad wherever you are now—I can’t thank you enough for adopting me and loving me so much. If it’s possible someday, you will get the biggest hug EVER! And to Mom-Sal, how I miss our talks. But I’m sure we’ll be talking again!

Chapter 1

The rented Navigator practically flew down the winding two lane Canadian road, pristine Lake Erie flashing every few seconds between the Yank cottages. This was where he had spent two eye-opening summers as a teen; basically becoming a man here, and for the next two glorious months of this 2005 summer, the Oscar nominated actor Chase Derrick would be reliving those days in a rented mansion called Bella Lakeside and doing about as close to nothing as possible. And no one except his trusted manager for the past twenty-five years, Tim McIntyre, knew about it.

How he needed this.

Though he was one of the fortunate few, the combination of everything had caused him to lose something precious. Whether it was shallow Hollywood… his frantic movie career… the fact that he was almost fifty… the occasional prescription drug use where there had never been any; whatever had caused it, it was time for a break. He’d given McIntyre strict orders not to call, text, or email and wondered how long that would last. On a normal day they talked at least a dozen times—there were constant decisions a movie star had to make.

Cruising along while trying to catch views of the lake, the memories were starting. This was where he’d suffered his first hangover, lost his innocence, and through a small group of immature but church-raised buddies, managed to learn what real character was all about. The lake was what he’d waited to see the most. With all his success in life he should have been happy, but he wasn’t and that was why the online pictures of the luxurious B&B on this little island near the town of Kingsville in Southern Ontario had caught his attention.

First of all, it would give the privacy he so desperately needed—a humble farming community that didn’t give two hoots about movie stars, it also had a European flair, looking like a villa in the south of France. Built in the fifties by a famous inventor, it was hidden away on the island called Sea Cliff and had been completely refurbished and modernized.

The engine purred after the sixty-mile workout it had just gone through, coming all the way from Detroit’s Metro Airport, across the majestic Ambassador Bridge to Windsor and then through forty miles of pristine Canadian farmland, and seemed as relieved as him to have reached their destination.

Now he was ready for a wind-down; no bitchy directors and greenhorn executives never satisfied with anything… no women hitting on him constantly… not that it wasn’t flattering in his younger days but now, not so much. Most of them were only interested in his screen persona and not in him but who the hell was ‘him’ anyway? He didn’t know anymore. He’d been married once in the eighties, and despite what all the tabloids said back then, he never cheated on his wife. But she did cheat on him, and he never got over it. Over time he’d forgiven her; he’d always been off somewhere shooting movies while grocery store tabloids claimed he was having affairs, and it was tough on her. Bruce, Sly, Tom; they’d all gone through this and managed to find the love of a good woman, but somehow that had escaped Derrick.

And then there were the drugs. As a teen in the ‘70s he might have taken a toke now and then but it certainly took no precedence in his life. But as the years passed and his career took off, the pressure to stay on top was overwhelming and sometimes, a little pill took all the stress away. He wasn’t hooked… yet, but he didn’t like the person he’d become and, on this trip, he was going to find the old Chase Derrick or bust.

Excitement overtook him now as he crossed the last hurdle, the small cement bridge that arched over the narrow channel separating the golden cornfields of Essex County from the leafy Sea Cliff Island; the holy entrance to two months of comfort and relaxation. On his right was the small marina that harbored mostly boats from across the lake in Ohio and some from Canadian ports of the Great Lakes. He strained to catch a glimpse of the tinted windowed thirty-six-footer rented for his use and as he did, almost lost control of the car.

Crap, he shouted hitting the brakes and slowing and then started laughing. What the hell’s your hurry dude? he muttered. Thirty seconds later he was moving slowly under the arching maple trees that lined either side of Bella’s long circular drive, pulling up in front of the mammoth creamy three-story building. This castle certainly was impressive and he’d been told it had quite a history.

Hell, he’d hung out on the island day after endless teenage day just a few hundred yards from here in the little cantina with his Yank buddies and Bella Lakeside was never mentioned but of course back then they were only interested in the girls coming off their daddy’s boats. And the other thing was, it was hidden by an orchard of enormous maple trees; no one could see it.

Stepping out of the car he felt a rush. Everything seemed just like the online pictures, the crotched walls, the bushes neatly trimmed; all the golden purple flowers blooming, the long sidewalk leading to the front entrance spotlessly clean. From out of that door now came a middle-aged lady in yellow, ’60s style dress, hurrying toward him and smiling broadly. He had spoken to Maggie several times on the phone.

Mr. Derrick, you’re here at last, and how are you? she said with an English accent, giving a gentle hug. With that hairstyle she even looked like Margaret Thatcher.

Good, Maggie! How are you? And how’s that husband of yours? He’d spoken to Bert also, though she was definitely in charge. Current owners of this property, the couple preferred to live in an apartment above the large garage that stood down the lane and used the main house for rental income. The guest list was impressive as everyone from golfer Gary Palmer to the Governor General of Canada had stayed here over the years.

Bert is fine, and he’s seeing to the boat right now—wanted to have it ready for you in case you wanted to go out.

No, I won’t be going out today, maybe tomorrow.

Yes sir, well everything is absolutely fine and we’ve been waiting for you. Last time we spoke you mentioned… Joanne, was it? Will she be staying with you?

He knew this was coming. After thirty years of dating some of the most glamorous women in the world, he should have recognized the signs. But he didn’t with Joanne. She apparently lost interest and picked up with another actor. He had really liked her too and thought, after six months, they had a nice thing going. Worst of all, Mr. Winkey went into hibernation—another reason he had to get out of town.

I’m afraid not, Maggie. She didn’t work out.

Oh, I’m so sorry Mr. Derrick. Well, you know there are some truly lovely Canadian girls here. He remembered. Particularly the older one with whom he’d lost his virginity at the ripe old age of seventeen, one steamy hot summer night on a blanket in the sand, not far from the place they now stood. Not only were there some natural beauties here but they were also instilled with certain values—an erotic attraction no Hollywood starlet wannabe could touch. Not that it mattered to him, big movie star that hadn’t gotten it up in a month. His doctor said it would come back naturally. The question was, when? Boy, if the paparazzi ever found this out.

The two of them walked and talked on the long sidewalk, eventually reaching the front door. It was impressive; three stories with modern windows and surrounded by an elaborate plethora of trees, shrubs and gorgeous flowerbeds.

Oh yes, Maggie continued, I want to alert you. We have a company coming out to give an estimate for a pool enclosure. I think it’s a marvelous idea. Not sure if it will withstand the winters here though. That wind coming off the lake can be brutal. The young lady will be here around three and she won’t disturb you—she just takes quick measurements and she’s on her way. I’m letting you know because you requested privacy so you may not want to let her see you.

So, no one knows I’m here? This sounded like a foolish question but it was important. Though the name Chase Derrick might not have packed the same punch as Ford, Stallone or Willis, he did have a supporting role Oscar nomination plus he’d done all the talk shows numerous times; he was one of Ellen’s favorites. Being a celebrity had its perks but if the rabid Hollywood press found out he was here, his vacation would be over. He’d spend the rest of his time hiding in his bedroom and even that wouldn’t guarantee safety or privacy. For the most part, this area was populated by simple, hardworking folks that hardly paid attention to movie stars. The last thing he wanted to do was upend their lives.

The only ones who know are Bert and me. You have complete anonymity.

Great, Mag, I’ll call you if I need you but really, I just want to chill you know?

I completely understand, dinner at six?

Nah, I’m just going to make a salad, okay? Is there salad stuff?

Oh yes, the refrigerator is ready to go, freezer too. There should be enough coffee for a couple of days and I’ll be going to the store anyway.

She left him alone in the huge old house. Though much of the structure was from the second build in the 1970s, the inside had been completely modernized to suit even the most discriminating resident. Originally designed by a prized student of Frank Lloyd Wright, it looked every bit the part and taking a deep breath, he felt like he was home. Through the main area with vaulted ceilings, he sauntered toward the large front room with the entire wall made of tinted glass facing south across calm greenish blue water as far as the eye could see.

Because the place was built into a hill that rolled down to the beach, he was actually on the second floor now and stood reverently, taking in the spectacular view and thinking how blessed he was. Seventeen miles out, Pelee Island’s tree line was clearly visible and a hundred yards down the gentle rolling hill on which Bella Lakeside stood, a private sandy beach called out for his bare, citified feet. There must have been some Feng Shui involved in the design of this place—the sun rose perfectly on the left and set on the right and could be witnessed any time in shade or light from several decks that reached over the lake below. To get out on these decks, a voice command was all that was needed.

Open, he said and the door slid slowly. Now he stepped out and the view consumed him. Everything was so fresh and still; only the slight rustling of leaves and an occasional sea gull could be heard. He hadn’t experienced this in ages. There wasn’t much of it in his life anymore and the older he got, the more it mattered. Gazing trance-like at the magnificent scene before him, he saw something move across his peripheral vision back in the living room but when he turned to look no one was there.

Hello? He shouted through the open door. Fatigue, he thought. Maggie wouldn’t have let someone in this house without his knowledge—she went by the book and he liked that about her, then remembered about the aluminum girl and ducked back inside. The last thing he needed now was to be spotted by someone and have the paparazzi driving around disrespecting this paradise.

Chapter 2

Down the long hallway that curved around the circumference of Bella to the other side of the gorgeous marble floored palace he sauntered, stopping to peek into this room and that. Sepia tone photographs were everywhere of a family from long ago, he thought perhaps former owners. He would eventually study these photos more closely as they did have a story to tell but right now, he needed sleep. Straight ahead and up a solitary half stairway were the giant double doors that swung open into the master bedroom—and what a chamber it was!

With cathedral ceiling and massive tinted windows, some from above that let in just the right amount of light, it was mind numbingly beautiful and sure to impress. The bed, on a raised platform as if to say, Here is where it all happens, looked so inviting he crawled up on it and gathered the solidly soft pillows with his arms.

In no time he started to drift off, but then through foggy perception he heard what sounded like a child’s bare feet running down the hallway just outside the bedroom.

Hello? he called out, half asleep, but again there was only silence. Too tired to care, he nodded and slept four hours, then shaking off cobwebs headed groggily toward the giant kitchen on the other end of the house when some movement out by the pool caught his eye. Maggie was out there but so was a lovely looking girl with short stylish hair, a perfect turned up nose and curves for which all men yearn.

Tight jeans with an embroidered jewelry design accented a perfect derriere and she was bending over making measurements for the pool enclosure to come. From his second-floor window he couldn’t take his eyes off her. She could have been in any one of his movies. When she turned her face his way, my God, he thought. Her brown eyes were so lovely and facial features, hypnotizing.

Now she stepped out of his range and moved closer to the building so he quickly grabbed a dining room chair and stood on it to continue peeking. Unfortunately, Maggie suddenly appeared and caught him.

"Well, Mr. Derrick."

Oh, just checking out these curtains, they’re nice. Wherever did you get them?

She’s lovely, isn’t she? she said coming over to the window as he sheepishly stepped off his pedestal. Returning his gaze to the angel outside, he asked, What’s her name?

Her name is Jenna and she’s recently separated from a very nasty situation. Jenna, he thought. Jenna Derrick. Jenna, I love you. Jenna, I want to make love to you.

She’s apparently a huge Pittsburgh Steelers fan and happened to mention that her gang is going to Pete’s Place tonight to watch the game. Maggie’s voice rose up at the end of that sentence.

Pete’s Place, huh? Is that in town?

Yes, Mr. Derrick, it’s right in downtown Kingsville. I’ve got to get back out—she’ll have an estimate for me. Looking again, he saw the future