The Mystery of Eagle Falls

By Dennis M M Prokop

While living in New York City, George Huntington's fiancée Laura was involved in a car accident that left her in a deep coma. Knowing how devastated George was, George's grandfather sent George a letter saying he might be able to help. Before George could respond to his correspondence, he was told his grandfather had passed away, leaving him his house and property in the small town of Eagle Falls, West Virginia. While reminiscing about his childhood as he went through the house, George discovered many unusual items and events that were totally out of character for the grandfather that he had spent so much time with. A reappearing golden retriever with a collar tag MJT seemed to hold some answers, but his grandfather's neighbor Mary Jane Thompson insisted her dog died many years earlier. George believed his grandfather was trying to tell him something but like many of the mysteries the town was known for, piecing together his grandfather's mysterious life and how he could have helped Laura, kept George looking for answers.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Mar 5, 2018
• ISBN: 9781640279209

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The Mystery of Eagle Falls

Dennis M Prokop

Copyright © 2018 Dennis M Prokop

All rights reserved

First Edition

Page Publishing, Inc

New York, NY

First originally published by Page Publishing, Inc 2018

ISBN 978-1-64027-919-3 (Paperback)

ISBN 978-1-64027-920-9 (Digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Chapter 1

New York City

George Huntington was patiently standing in a line at the local car rental agency. It seemed like the line hadn’t moved in thirty minutes, but George had lost track of time and was daydreaming again oblivious to his surroundings. Recent tragic events in his life had caused the normally alert, thirty-one-year-old advertising junior manager to have problems concentrating for more than a few minutes at a time. Finally arriving at the front of the line, George failed to respond to the rental agent’s first vocal request.

Next please, was called out again, this time loud enough to wake George from his latest daydream. Quickly followed by, I’ll need to see a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance. The agent replied without looking up from the pile of paperwork he had already started to fill out.

George fumbled through his wallet and eventually provided his driver’s license and the insurance information requested, as he waited poised for any additional requirements. He was now quietly looking down watching as the agent continues to fill out the paperwork when he noticed the date written on the rental agreement. His thoughts soon started drifting away again. He was again thinking about the recent events that had taken such a toll on George’s mental outlook as well as his physical strength. Now slumping over even more, leaning on his elbows, George was slightly shaking his head back and forth when he silently whispered, Can it really be the fall of 1994 already? Had it been that long since I returned to New York City? Like most college graduates, George thought two, maybe three years to get established in a great job, then get married and buy that dream two-story house in the suburbs with the white picket fence and flowered-edged sidewalk leading up to its front door. Well, George eventually did find that great job, mostly due to being able to work with his best friend, Brian Edwards. Then it took another seven and a half years to find the woman of his dreams. That part of his plan was finally coming together. But now, George had to pause again before his thoughts could continue; everything he had worked so hard to accomplish seemed to have collapsed around him with one tragedy occurring after another. Again, George was suddenly awaken from his daydream when the agent asked, Sir, did you hear me? I need to know how long do you want to rent this car for?

I’m not sure; I have to attend my grandfather’s funeral. It could be a week, maybe longer. Will that be a problem?

No, sir, I’ll set up the rental period for seven days. You can extend it up to a month by just calling us before the rental period has expired. Any additional questions? If not, all I need is a signature, and you’re good to go.

A few minutes later, George found himself behind the steering wheel, motor running, looking over his left shoulder waiting to pull out into traffic. That carefree feeling of driving again he had when planning this trip was quickly forgotten as George stared down the road behind him looking for an opening in the long row of continuous oncoming cars. George took a little longer than normal to react as an opening finally appeared in the traffic. He took another deep breath and exhaled quickly and pulled out safely into what would be considered only light traffic for a main street in downtown New York City.

Now driving on a divided highway out of the city on his way to Eagle Falls, West Virginia, George took another extra-long deep breath and slowly exhaled. He was finally able to sit back and again feel the pleasure of being behind the steering wheel watching the concrete road disappear under the long hood of his full-size rental car.

George was smiling now thinking back to the day his grandfather told him about taking a deep breath and slowly exhaling to relax or calm down. He was only about six years old when his grandfather had taken him to the park along the river in Eagle Falls. He loved that park and loved going there with his grandfather. He loved swinging on the large swing set, but on that particular day, he failed to heed his grandfather’s not so high warning. Only a moment after that particular warning and one final laugh of pure excitement from George, there was a loud thud sound. George’s hand had lost its grip on one of the swing’s support chains causing him to slip off the seat, and instantly, his body struck the hard sand beneath the swing. Emotionally in shock, unable to catch his breath, George panicked for what seemed like forever before finally taking that first breath and instantly sobbing uncontrollably still gasping for air as his grandfather clutched him in his arms and said, George, listen to me, take a deep breath and slowly exhale, come on, George, you can do it. Please try it.

After several more pleadings, George did take a deep breath and slowly exhaled. He was still crying a little, but with each breath, he cried less and less until his breathing became normal again. It had been years since George thought about that day, now wondering if he ever even thanked his grandfather for that simple advice that had become almost an automatic reaction for any stressful situation.

George was again shaking his head back and forth realizing his destination and whispering in denial, I can’t believe I’m driving to my grandfather’s funeral. He took another deep breath, and as he exhaled, his mind returned to the road ahead but only momentarily, then he started to recall the other tragedy that had recently befallen him.

At a recent bachelorette party in a New York City night club, his fiancée Laura Scott was partying with her best friend Dawn Sheppard and her soon-to-be maids in waiting. Laura was feeling more than a little overwhelmed by all the noise and activity. She only relented and finally agreed to attend the party after her co-workers’ insistence and Dawn’s continual requests.

Laura’s real comfort level was back at her nurse’s station in the ICU at the hospital, sitting in front of the many monitors watching over real life-and-death situations. Now sitting at a large table adjacent to the dance floor, Laura was smiling and appeared happy and enjoying herself at least on the outside, but inside, her stomach was tied in a knot as she tried to hide her hands from view because they were trembling so badly. The girls had been kidding Laura about a lot of different subjects, but the main topic was why would Laura still be planning to marry George Huntington, a low-level manager at a small advertising and research company? Laura had kept insisting that George was that special one.

Physically tired and emotionally drained from the long Labor Day weekend and the bachelorette party, Laura decided to hire a taxi rather than walk the few blocks home to the apartment she shared with George. On the way home, her taxi cab was involved in a multiple car accident leaving both her and the driver unconscious. Once in the hospital, she was eventually diagnosed to be in a deep coma with undetermined brain activity.

Laura was eventually moved to a long-term care facility where George visited her every day. Once when George was sitting in a chair next to her bed stroking her soft lily-white hand and staring down at her flawlessly beautiful face surrounded by her long auburn hair, George thought how ironic of a situation Laura now found herself in. Most of Laura’s adult life was dedicated to helping people with similar ailments. Now she was the one needing someone just like her, to work one of those miracles she always strived to find for others.

All George could do to try and help Laura was with each visit to talk loudly to her about all their wonderful future plans and to read to Laura anything and everything he could get his hands on. Some of the items he read to her were past due notices for wedding deposits for their upcoming wedding, letters from her friends, and even some of George’s mail. Recently, George was talking to Laura about all the faraway places they were going to travel to and reading to her anything that might spark some response. One of the letters that he considered opening was from his grandfather. As he glanced down at the postage date, he couldn’t believe it had been more than three weeks since the letter had arrived and that he had left the letter sitting on his desk with all of his other unopened mail. Opening the letter, George read how his grandfather was so very sorry to hear about Laura’s accident, but to please call him right away; maybe he could be of some help. George lowered the letter to his lap and glanced down at Laura wondering out loud, Why would my grandfather think that he might be able to help? George thought to himself maybe his grandfather would have liked to help financially or at the very least with some moral support. He eventually stopped thinking about it but made a mental note to call him and thank him for his offer and to apologize for the long delay in responding.

The next day when George followed through on his mental note and phoned his grandfather, he was quite surprised when his mother answered the telephone. He hadn’t heard from his mother since her disappointing response to his and Laura’s wedding invitation, saying she would be unable to attend their upcoming wedding because she would be vacationing in Europe, and canceling her year-long plans would be too difficult and costly.

George replied to his mother’s hello, Mother, why are you at grandfather’s house?

That was when George found out that his mother had received word that his grandfather’s health was deteriorating, and she and George’s father had been summoned to get one last visit in before it was too late. George won’t soon forget his mother’s next words.

I’m sorry to tell you this, George, we arrived too late, and your grandfather passed away last night.

George took the news badly. A few minutes earlier, he was excited about talking to his grandfather. Now he was irritated with himself for not staying in closer contact with him. Before his mother ended the conversation, she asked George, The funeral will be in a few days followed by the reading of the will. I am pretty sure you are included in the will, and I’m wondering if you will be attending the funeral.

George was irritated with his mother’s innuendo that the only reason he would make the trip to his grandfather’s funeral was for some monetary gains. George thought about it only briefly and decided that it would be a good idea to take a few days away from his stressful job and everything else that was happening; as long as Laura would be well taken care of, he would love to pay his final respects to his grandfather. He felt a little trip, even though it included attending his grandfather’s funeral, might be just what he needed to clear his head and take his mind off Laura’s current condition, even if it’s only for a few days.

George replied, Of course I’ll be there. It’s the very least I could do for Grandpa.

After hanging up the phone, George realized he had to clear things with his job before he could leave for the funeral. He had taken off so much time from his job because of Laura’s accident; it would be difficult for most junior managers at his advertising company to get any additional time off. Fortunately for George, his boss just happened to be his best friend, Brian Edwards. Brian and George had met while applying for the same job at another research and advertising company eight years earlier when they both had just completed college. They had spent the entire day making small talk with each other while waiting for a promised personal interview that never happened. Both were upset when they were informed there would be no additional interviews that day. Brian took it upon himself to loudly express his and George’s displeasure directly to the supervisor who was relaying the message. Once outside the office, Brian apologized to George for probably eliminating his chance of being hired there. George broke into instant laughter at hearing Brian’s serious tone, and Brian soon did the same. They then decided to look for work together and had been the best of friends ever since.

It had been a hectic few days for George to get everything rearranged at work before he could leave. George was disappointed he couldn’t leave early enough to attend his grandfather’s wake, just getting to the funeral would be the best he could do. George had been driving for several hours when he was startled from his latest daydream by the sound of screeching tires and the bright taillights of the vehicle in front of him. He quickly applied the brakes and after stopping short of the car ahead of him, he gave out a sigh of relief and commented to himself, Come on, George, pay attention to what you’re doing, the last thing you need is another accident in your life. Refocusing his mind on the road and sitting up a little straighter behind the steering wheel, George continued on his drive to Eagle Falls, a small town just west of Clarksburg, West Virginia near the Ohio River.

It didn’t take too long staring down at the road ahead, mesmerized by listening to the tire noise made from each tar joint he traveled over, before George started thinking about his grandfather again. He was recalling all the lobbying he did trying to get his grandfather to let him drive the old Buick Roadmaster. George loved that car and as a young boy always referred to it as Grandpa’s fancy car. Later, when he obtained his learner’s permit, regardless of how much he begged to drive it, he always received the same answer, Someday when you’re older. That day never came. His parents divorced when he was sixteen, and he was forced to move away to New York City with his mother.

Driving along the open stretch of divided highway, his thoughts bounced back and forth from Laura to his grandfather. George was bothered by his mixed feelings about where he was heading. On one hand, he really looked forward to visiting the old farmhouse where he had spent so many wonderful days walking in the woods where he and his grandfather spent hours studying nature and all the animals that lived there. He also was remembering all the don’t touch that and watch where you step comments made by his grandfather. But most of all, the burst of laughter from his grandfather after one of his constant why or how come questions. Then George’s smile suddenly changed to a frown with the reality again setting in that he was traveling to attend his grandfather’s funeral, a very solemn time that he wasn’t looking forward to.

Finally arriving at the north edge of Eagle Falls, George decided to stop at the park and look at the little river and waterfalls that the town was named after. He thought this would be a good time to take a few minutes to clear his head and stretch some life back into his half-asleep legs. Parking the car and walking over to the edge of the small river, then looking down at the water as it rolled over the small waterfalls, he remembered his last visit to this very spot. His grandfather had given him a nickel and told him, Make a wish, George, there’s a lot of magic in this old creek. George couldn’t remember exactly what he had wished for, maybe that his parents would get back together again, maybe just to make new friends at the new school he would be attending. Or maybe, just for someone to stop him from going away from the only life he knew. George now stared down at the water while his fingers were fumbling around in his pocket feeling for a coin he could use to make another wish. Finding another nickel, he thought this time he was going to remember exactly what he wished for.

Grandpa, I hope you’re in a place that makes you happy, and if it’s possible, maybe you can help Laura with a miracle.

With that said he tossed the nickel high into the air and watched it splash and then disappear into the muddy water. He remained there just staring at the slow-moving water for several minutes before the scream of a nearby blue jay woke George up from his latest daydream. George decided he had delayed driving the last few miles long enough. He got back in the rental car and headed down Main Street, took a left after crossing the bridge just south of town and soon drove past some of the woods that belonged to his grandfather’s farm. A right turn over the old wooden bridge his grandfather had taken so much pride in building and then down the dirt driveway which led up to the small old two-story farmhouse. He drove up near the house, stopped the car, shut off the motor and leaned back taking another deep breath and exhaled slowly. George was staring at the house and the front porch. He noticed how few changes had occurred in the last fifteen years since he said good-bye to his grandfather. Before he could open his car door, his mother stepped out onto the porch followed by what appeared to be her latest boyfriend. She was waving her hand motioning for George to come over to the house. George slowly got out of the car, walked up to his mother and received a half-hearted hug and a how are you doing, dear, as she gave him a slight kiss on the cheek that was quickly followed by the introduction of the man she was with.

George, I want you to meet the love of my life, Martin Miller.

As George was shaking the man’s hand and smiling, he couldn’t help but think back to how many men his mother had introduced to him using those exact words. After a moment or two of difficult silence, George inquired as to the whereabouts of his father. With her arms crossed and held tightly against her chest and that high-pitched tone reserved mostly for discussing his father, George’s mother replied, You know your father; he said if Martin and I are staying here, he’s going to stay at the Eagle Nest Motel. But don’t worry, George, there’s plenty of room for you. The funeral is going to be in the morning with the reading of the will in the afternoon. Martin and I will be leaving right after; we’re already late to start our European vacation.

George was a little shocked at how little time had been scheduled between the funeral and the reading of the will, but he kept his thoughts to himself. He did mention, I would like to stay in town a few more days; do you think it would be alright to stay at the farmhouse?

George was surprised when his mother replied, Should be, after tomorrow, you’ll probably own it. The house won’t be worth much money, but you should be able to sell the land and buy that apartment you always wanted in New York City.

George knew he was close to his grandfather while growing up, but lately, they only spoke on holidays and on his birthday. He thought for sure there was someone else closer or at least his father would inherit his grandfather’s property.

The next day at the funeral, emotions limited the time George was able to spend in the church. He saw his father in person for the first time in years. At first, it was nice to finally talk to him face-to-face after all the telephone conversations they had over the years. It seemed the divorce had sent them each in different directions. It wasn’t very long before they ran out of cordial things to say to each other and they found themselves in one of those long uncomfortable pauses. After the funeral, everyone went over to the law office of Daniel Hoffman for the reading of the will. Daniel Hoffman was more than just George’s grandfather’s attorney; he was one of his oldest and closest friends. The reading of the will confirmed his mother’s information.

A few minutes later, standing outside of Mr. Hoffman’s office, George found himself shaking hands with his father and was surprised by his statement, Wish it all could have been different between us, George.

The only response George could think of was, Me too. George regretted such a stupid reply to his father who was actually trying to say something nice and meaningful to him. But in another moment he was walking away, getting into his car and driving away without even looking back to see if George was watching. As George turned around to face his mother, he felt a peck on the cheek and heard his mother say, Don’t forget to call, George.

Just about as fast as his father left, his mother and Martin got in their car and headed out of town too. George stood there for a moment feeling abandoned again, just like the day he graduated from college, except that day they both left after one of their famous heated arguments.

George was slowly driving his rental car back to the farmhouse not paying much attention to the scenery out the window or the music on the radio until all of a sudden he realized he hadn’t checked on Laura for almost two days. He stopped wasting time and hurried back to the farmhouse, almost running from the car into the farmhouse to find the telephone. Quickly dialing the phone, he learned that there wasn’t any change in Laura’s condition. Almost relieved, he hung up the phone and collapsed onto the old couch next to the phone. As he gazed around the room, he realized for the first time that nothing had changed in that living room since he was a child. The telephone he just used was a newer black version of the old rotary phone he would use to call his parents when he wanted to stay another night at his grandfather’s. Other than that, he couldn’t see a single change to the room. He remembered how his father always told his grandfather, Get rid of all this junk and get yourself some decent furniture.

His grandfather would just laugh and say, I’m just getting it to where it is comfortable.

It seemed to George that his father and grandfather would never just talk to each other, they always had to be hollering. George’s mother once told him they never got along because his father refused to live at the farmhouse after he graduated from high school, and he had hated that farmhouse ever since his mother died there when he was twelve years old. George always thought, that’s probably why his grandfather never changed anything. He could tell George a story about every chair, table, lamp or clock hanging on the wall. All the stories started the same, Your grandmother got that, and he could talk for hours.

George finally stopped thinking about the past and realized he must have been sitting there for quite awhile; shadows were already starting to creep into the living room through the picture window overlooking the side yard, and his stomach started talking to him. George walked from the living room through the doorway leading into the kitchen to see if he could find anything to eat. Last night when he arrived, he was so exhausted he went right to bed. In the morning, his mother insisted that they go out for breakfast, so this was the first time George had been in the kitchen in years. He looked into the old round top refrigerator, not really expecting to find very much of anything, and he was right. The two large jars of pickles and several packages of different types of cheese really didn’t sound very appetizing. He did spot a couple of red apples and a bottle of Gatorade that could get him through the night. George made a very serious mental note that in the morning, the first place he was going to go to was the grocery store.

As he ate an apple, George wandered around the kitchen looking for where his grandfather kept his coffeepot. George remembered his grandfather could not start and sometimes finish the day without a cup of coffee. George found the coffeepot conveniently located on the edge of the counter right next to the kitchen chair, which looked out the window at the old farm buildings to the rear of the house. Inspecting the cabinet above the coffeepot, George discovered his grandfather was well stocked with coffee and coffee accessories.

George looked down at his watch to see if it was too late to call his friend and boss, Brian Edwards. Although both he and Brian were hired on the same day, Brian was made supervising manager, and that was fine with George because they were both paid about the same salary. Brian would be the first to hear when things were not going well from the division manager, and then he was supposed to pass it on to George. But after every butt chewing Brian received, he would then try to say something serious to George, and they both would burst out laughing.

George did call, mostly just to talk to a friend and also to see if Brian had heard anything new about Laura that the night nurse might have failed to pass on to him. Brian answered the phone and responded to George’s inquiry about Laura, I stopped in to see her this afternoon, and everything was the same.

After a little small talk about work, which George had barely listened to, Brian asked, When are you coming back?

George had failed to mention to Brian that he had inherited his grandfather’s farm and one-third of his grandfather’s personal bank account. So without trying to sound too excited or smug, he downplayed explaining his good fortune to Brian. Then he attempted to answer Brian’s question with, I’m not sure; so many things have changed in the last two days that I really don’t know when I’ll be back. At the very least, I’ll have to figure out what to do with the farm and all of my grandfather’s things. George ended the call on that thought, after promising to keep Brian informed as soon as a final decision was made.

After hanging the phone up, George walked slowly down the hallway toward the front of the house where the small guest bedroom he spent last night in was located. George’s mind was back in New York City, sitting next to Laura’s bed holding her hand and telling her everything was going to be alright. It wasn’t until he reached the bedroom door that George became aware of where he was. He turned around to examine the hallway behind him, half expecting to see his grandfather following behind like he had done so many times before. It somehow seemed so natural and calming to walk down that hall to the bedroom. Maybe because the house was so familiar or because he was so tired, he could almost hear his grandfather say, George, you get some sleep, we have a big day planned for tomorrow.

He felt he should be responding like he always did before, Alright, good night, Grandpa, but he just smiled instead and entered the bedroom.

Later that night while lying in bed staring up at the ceiling mentally planning the next day, George was considering some of his options and trying to understand some of the strange feelings he was having. Except for the few short months that Laura had lived with him, this was the most he had felt like being really at home since his mother dragged him off to New York when he was sixteen years old. There was something comforting about this old bed, this farmhouse, and all his memories of staying here with his grandfather. But his job, Laura, and the only life he now knew was all back in New York. Without deciding on a final plan, and still considering his options, the long eventful day took its toll and George fell into a deep sleep.

The sun was up and flooding through the corner bedroom window when George turned over and finally opened his eyes. Now staring up at the ceiling illuminated by the morning’s light, his eyes focused on the old single light bulb dangling on the end of an old tarnished brass chain. That view triggered some fond memories of the past and brought a smile to his face. He wasn’t sure of the time, but this must have been the latest he’d slept in years. He thought to himself, if he was back in New York City about now, he would probably be riding one of the commuter trains with all the pushing and shoving of the crowded cars. That thought only widens the smile on George’s face. But those thoughts were quickly pushed out of George’s mind. Right now, the only thing on his mind was getting that coffeepot brewing in the kitchen. It was just the motivation he needed to throw back the feathered bedspread and get dressed.

With the coffee brewing, George opened the back door and stepped out onto the screened-in back porch. He was immediately greeted with sounds he hadn’t heard in years. The fruit trees that he and his grandfather had planted were filled with song birds competing for his attention. It wasn’t hard to locate the source of his dinner last night. Those apple trees with their branches hanging almost to the ground were loaded with large red apples. After listening for a few minutes and after several deep breaths to take in the fresh dew-filled country air, George returned to the kitchen for that much anticipated first cup of coffee. That first cup of coffee tasted so good George had to almost smile between sips. After pouring a second cup, he decided to take it with him and do a little exploring around the back of the house and the storage buildings like he did so often as a child. Maybe he’d even check out some of his old hiding places.

As George walked past the apple trees behind the farmhouse, he stopped to consider his options. Staring off in the distance, he glanced first toward the two storage sheds, the