The Lost Stars: Women of SweetWater, #1

By Sue Thornton

The second book in the Women of SweetWater series, newcomer Jade Rivers is haunted by visions of children who are lost. With help from the local deputy, Declan McCallum, Jade rescues a small group of children. Haunted by another lost child, Jade stumbles across horrific memories from her past. Will the cost be too great for the children and Declan? Will they be able to survive? Will Jade find all of her "Lost Stars"?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wings ePress, Inc.
• Release date: Jun 6, 2023
• ISBN: 9781597051484

Book preview

The Lost Stars

by

Sue Thornton

A Wings ePress, Inc.

Paranormal Romance Novel

Edited by: Leslie Hodges

Copy Edited by: Elizabeth Struble

Senior Editor: Elizabeth Struble

Executive Editor: Lorraine Stephens

Cover Artist: William Grimes

All rights reserved

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 transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

Wings ePress Books

Copyright © 2009 by Sue Thornton

ISBN 978-1-59705-148-4

Published In the United States Of America

Wings ePress Inc.

3000 N. Rock Road

Newton, KS  67114

Dedication

To my dear friend June,

who keeps reminding me that every little accomplishment is a success.

One

Willow stepped from the eighteen nineties white brick building into the brisk wind of an early fall day. Staring at the folder of papers in her hand, she frowned.

She’d just laid out one hundred fifty-thousand dollars of hard-earned money collected from her partner, Shelby Sage MacKenzie and part of the trust fund left to her by her grandmother, Nana McMillan.

Her bottom lip slipped between her teeth. Had she made a mistake in purchasing the one hundred fifty acres from Adolph Schuster? The minute she’d heard through the grapevine that Adolph planned to sell off his family farm, she’d yearned to own some of the land attached to her property.

With the plan of moving from Des Moines to Sweet Water to set up her small business, Shelby offered to put in half of the asking price of the land. Promises of future orders of the herbs Willow planned to grow in the fertile soil spurred her to accept Shel’s offer.

Now, Willow didn’t know how to tell her friend, and partner, they just threw away one hundred and fifty thousand dollars on land she couldn’t farm.

Damn Theodore Durham and Adolph Schuster. How the hell did I manage to buy the only bit of Adolph’s farm that couldn’t be planted? And why did Adolph promise the Durham family it never would be? she muttered angrily.

Excuse me, Miss McMillan, a soft voice spoke behind her.

Willow turned to stare at Annabelle Wilson, Mr. Durham’s secretary of the last forty years.

Could we please have a cup of coffee or tea together? Miss Wilson asked. She cast a worried glance over her shoulder. I’d like to explain...

Willow snorted and glared at the elderly woman. How do you explain a ridiculous promise never to farm the acres I bought? All of the other land is farmed. Why not mine?

Annabelle placed a thin blue veined hand on Willow’s arm. That’s what I’d like to explain. Please, would you get a cup of coffee with me?

A deep sigh escaped before Willow nodded. Sure, why not, but I won’t promise not to work my land. If I would have known Mr. Durham’s expectations, I would have kept my money and Adolph could have kept his land.

I know how upset you must be by Theodore’s, excuse me, Mr. Durham’s request. Annabelle stated in her soft prim voice. His family lost too much on that section of land, it was all Adolph could do to promise to let the land remain fallow.

Willow stepped down onto the sidewalk with Miss Wilson by her side. What exactly did the Durhams lose, Miss Wilson? I know my house has been standing on that same spot for a hundred and fifty years. Until a hundred years ago a river ran by the property that I own. I also know the house was a safe haven, a station for the runaway slaves. So unless the Durhams have something to do with harboring fugitives in my secret room, or they lived in my house—which I know for a fact they didn’t, I don’t see how they could have lost much at all.

No, they didn’t live in your home. You’re quite right about that. When Mrs. Webster left the homestead, she’d already sold part of the land to the Schuster family. But she kept hold of the house and most of the land that you now own. Annabelle stopped outside the small town café.

Willow pushed open the heavy glass door leading into a dark dining room, brightened only by small lamps mounted along the wall. So why are the Durhams interested in the acres I just bought from Adolph? And why would Adolph make a cockamamie promise that would cost him money every year? she added more gruffly than she’d intended.

A half smile twitched at Miss Wilson’s mouth. You don’t have sympathy for others do you, Miss McMillan?

Stumped by the unexpected question, Willow followed the secretary to a small booth, then slid across the cold, cracked vinyl seat. Sympathy? Why would I have sympathy, and for who? She caught the dark look in Miss Wilson’s eyes. You think I should have sympathy for the Durhams? Give me one good reason why.

The waitress strode up to their table, her mousy brown hair pulled into a scraggly ponytail. A warm smile lit her plain face. Mornin’, Miss Wilson. What can I get for you today?

Miss Wilson clasped her hands together on the brown laminated tabletop. My usual, Tilda, a pot of Earl Grey and an apple bran muffin.

Yellowed teeth appeared between Tilda’s thin lips. Of course. What about you? She gazed hard at Willow.

The same, Thank you.

Annabelle waited until Tilda moved away from the table before speaking. Adolph made his promise to Theodore and his family fifty years ago come June tenth. Adolph was about your age then, twenty-two. His daddy had a stroke a few months before and was confined to his bed. Theodore’s brother, Bert, his wife, their four children and two of their neighbor children had gone camping. They left home on Friday morning and planned to return in time for the evening church program on Sunday. Only, they never returned.

Willow narrowed her eyes and leaned forward. Where did they go?

Annabelle shook her head, her thin fingers twisting the paper napkin before her. No one knows where their bodies are.

Bodies? The word hissed between Willow’s teeth.

The campsite was all tidy, like they just up and walked away. But...

But...? Willow prompted.

The tip of Annabelle’s tongue raced nervously across her lips. Their bedding, clothes, the ground... everything was covered with blood. There was too much blood there for it to be anything but murder. The Durhams were never found and the person responsible, well, he wasn’t found either. Adolph agreed to keep the land as a memorial.

A whoosh of air burst from Willow. She rubbed her fingers across her eyelids. "Miss Wilson, I’m extremely sympathetic to the Durham family. I’m sorry for their loss, but I’ve just put out a hundred and fifty thousand dollars for land I intend to farm. I wouldn’t have purchased that parcel of land if I had known there would be a stipulation. I’ve got a truckload of plants coming in sometime this week. I’ve got to hire some help just to get the plants into the ground before the weather changes. I can’t afford to not use the land. I’m sorry."

Annabelle grabbed for Willow’s hand as she started to slide from the booth. Won’t you at least think about it?

I’m sorry, but you’re asking me to throw away my money along with my partner’s. I can’t justify that type of luxury. Willow slipped across the vinyl and stood next to the table. Thank you for telling me the story though. I’m very sorry for all the pain the Durhams have suffered through the years. I wish that the family had been located and the perpetrator punished. She turned and walked to the cash register without another glance.

JADE DROPPED HER NAPKIN and slide from the darkened booth where she sat behind the women. She hurried toward the register where the younger of the two women waited to pay her bill. Excuse me, ma’am, but I couldn’t help overhear that you’re looking to hire some help.

The pretty woman turned to face Jade, her yellow-gold eyes snapping with irritation. You’re looking for work?

Caught off guard by the unusual eye color, Jade remained frozen in place and silently nodded. Her stomach lurched and the grilled cheese sandwich she’d inhaled threatened to come back to haunt her.

Have you ever done any gardening before?

She took a deep breath before replying, Yes, ma’am, my own flower and herb beds. I’m a quick learner and I’m not afraid of hard work. What I don’t know, if you show me once I won’t forget.

A frown creased the woman’s forehead. You aren’t from around here, are you?

Umm, no, ma’am. I just arrived in your town this morning. Jade’s heart sank. Maybe the woman would only want to hire someone local, but Jade sensed more than that, there was something... something Jade couldn’t quite grasp about the woman.

Do you have somewhere to stay? She peered hard at Jade. And don’t call me ma’am. The name’s Willow McMillan.

Jade held out her hand. Jade Rivers, Miss McMillan. No, I haven’t located a place to hang my hat, as of yet.

Please call me Willow. If you’re interested I can give you room and board as part of your wages. Willow’s eyes narrowed. Jade Rivers. Hmm, the name sounds familiar but I can’t place it at the moment. So, if you’re interested in working your tail off for the next few months, I could use a pair of good hands.

Yes, ma’am, I’m interested. Jade grinned at the frown Willow still wore. My car’s right outside. I can follow you as soon as I pay my bill.

Where are you from, Jade Rivers? Willow asked.

Back east, Jade replied as she dropped a five-dollar bill on the counter. But I’ve lived in Washington State, California and Hawaii. She smiled when she caught sight of Willow’s raised eyebrows. My dad was in the Navy. My mom lives in Pennsylvania.

A world traveler. It must have been nice to live in so many exciting places. Willow nodded at the cashier, then walked rapidly toward the door.

I saw a lot of country, but it was hard being juggled from one spot to the next. It’s hard to make friends—good friends, you know, the ones you hang on to all of your life.

Willow stopped short when the heavy glass door swung open. Hey Brandon. She greeted the law enforcement officer when he stepped inside.

Well, if it isn’t little Willow McMillan, the tall handsome man replied. How’s the world been treating you? He glanced at Jade, then nodded.

The world’s been very amenable. Sheriff, this is my friend, Jade Rivers. She’s come to help out at Four Winds. I’ve got a couple of truckloads of plants arriving sometime this week.

Brandon nodded once again at Jade. Pleased to meet you, Jade. If you need any extra hands, Willow, don’t hesitate to give a holler. I think I could manage to spare an hour or two to help you out.

Thanks, Brandon. Give my love to Carter.

You got it, Brandon replied and tipped his head at Jade. Hope to see you around. Don’t let Willow work you too hard.

No problem there, Jade stated with a laugh.

The sun had disappeared behind a deep bank of clouds and the wind howled around the corner of the diner when they exited the building.

How soon does summer arrive here? Jade asked as she walked beside Willow toward the parking lot.

Hopefully not for two or three months, it all depends. This winter has actually been very mild. Willow let out a soft sigh. If it could stay like this year round, I’d definitely be happy.

Or you could move to a climate that’s fairly mild year round, Jade suggested.

With a definite shake of her head, Willow answered, I like it just fine right here. I couldn’t wait to bury my hands in good rich, thick soil. When I found Four Winds for sale... well, let’s just say my dreams started to come true.

You’re lucky, Jade stated and tried to hide the envy tugging at her heart. What about you? What brought you to Iowa? Jade asked.

A look of unhappiness settled in Willow’s eyes. Jade recalled the words she’d overheard in the diner. Unfulfilled dreams and desires. She stopped in front of a beat up station wagon. This is my transportation. She glanced into a partially rolled down window. I hope you don’t mind but I brought my cat with me.

I love animals, but being in the country I don’t recommend you let him run around outside. It wouldn’t be safe.

No need to worry. Boo has never been outside, Jade stated. Do you want me to follow you?

Willow pointed toward a sage green Jeep. That’s me. I’ll pull up so you can follow me to Four Winds.

JADE SETTLED BACK AGAINST the car seat cover made of wood beads her mother had given her last Christmas. She peered through the windshield at the park in the center of town. A town square. To think a Norman Rockwell still life truly existed in this big bustling world. A world where people rarely slowed down to learn their own children’s names. She knew she was gawking as she slowly drove along the brick paved streets. People actually stopped to chat with one another as they made their way toward their business at hand.

She couldn’t wait to put pen to paper tonight in the daily letter she composed to her mother. The woman who’d given up her own dreams of traveling the world to see that the six children she’d raised worked and strived to achieve their own varied dreams. She’d do anything to see Jade and her brothers reach for the highest star. Every advantage toward that goal was offered to them, but they all had to work hard to earn it.

An old familiar ache started in the pit of Jade’s stomach. And the rhythmic drumming of the same persistent words pounded in her head. You failed at your marriage. You failed at your job. You’ll never amount to anything more than the society page journalist that you are. Such a loser. Wouldn’t it have made more sense if you’d just remained a typist in the steno-pool?

Oh shut up, she muttered. You know darn good and well that I busted my butt trying to make every garden party and DAR luncheon more spectacular than the last. And it certainly wasn’t my fault that my sweet, wonderful husband couldn’t keep his pecker in his pants. Not even on our honeymoon could the bastard remain faithful. She sneered at the bitter memory. It’s not my fault, sweetheart. It’s not in my nature to love just one woman, she mimicked sarcastically.

She glanced both ways before she accelerated her tired car through the intersection. The brick road that surrounded the Town Square turned to pavement and she wove her way through the residential section towards the outskirts of town.

Admiration for the picturesque home and neat, tidy lawns gave high marks to the residents of Sweet Water. People comfortable in their own surroundings and their roots.

Much like her family. Except for me. The acid flavor of her own words burned through her throat. The youngest of six and the only girl, Jade’s dreams reached high into the clouds. Mom tolerated them while her brothers teased her unmercifully about her choice of work when she grew up.

She slowed at the intersection leading onto the highway. Her mouth dropped at the marvelous house for sale in the center of a large chunk of land. The curved front drew all of her attention and a yearning started deep in the pit of her abdomen. To have her own home and plenty of land for a garden. With a harsh shake of her head, she focused on Willow’s vehicle.

You aren’t staying any longer than it takes to get a little bit of money set aside, she scolded. There’s a time and place for dreaming about owning your own home. Now isn’t one of them.

Along both sides of the highway, row upon endless row of short green stalks of corn stood sentry in the field. Jade knew plenty about roses, lavender, freesia and an abundance of other flowers, shrubs and herbs, but she didn’t know a hill of beans about the crops farmers grew.

She wrinkled her nose in disgust at the aroma of manure as they drove past a field of black cows. Automatically, she flipped the turn signal to follow Willow down a dirt road between two fenced in areas of the smelly creatures.

That’s enough to put a body off eating meat, she muttered. A short distance later she turned onto another dirt lane. Holy crap, she whispered as she caught sight of the house at the far end of the lane. Slowly, she continued onto a small area of gravel and parked.

Rows of corn sheltered the driveway on the south side of the drive and house. She’d passed neat, straight rows of trees when she’d first turned onto the driveway. Now covered with soft white and pink fragrant blossoms, the branches would be heavy with fruit in a few months. The orchard occupied part of the north side of the land, along with a barn and a greenhouse.

As she slid out of the driver’s seat, Jade cocked her head to one side and peered closely at the house. It was interesting how the windows were all nice and symmetrical along the first story, but there was one lonely window on the upper level. Odd. Whispers of movement came from alongside the north of the house. Jade caught a corner of her mouth between her teeth.

Willow stepped next to her. The back’s pretty plain, but the front of the house is much nicer.

Mentally Jade took a step back when she realized Willow stood beside her. This is the back of the house?

Yup, Willow replied with a hint of pride in her voice. This place was built in eighteen nineteen. I’ve got a room in the basement that was used to hide runaway slaves.

Excitement flickered and began to pulse in Jade’s veins. You’re talking the Underground Railroad, right? She loved history, but... The inevitable dread rumbled in her stomach. Now the shadowy movements made sense. Willow wasn’t the only inhabitant at Four Winds. Non-living inhabitant anyway.

Yup, Willow stated again. She turned to face the north. If you look through the trees you can see that red building on the other side of this valley here. That’s the old ferry house.

I don’t remember seeing a river. Ahh, but you heard it when you crossed the bridge. Shut up, she replied in cross silence.

The valley used to be a river, but the Army Corp of Engineers diverted it long ago. Willow shook her head. I own part of that land now and I just bought a chunk of land in the front of the house for more gardens. I plan to have the new extension of my business up and running by fall.

What are you planning to do now? Jade asked as she tugged open the back door to her car. She hefted a large suitcase and an animal carrier off the back seat.

Why don’t I help you carry your stuff into the barn, then I’ll give you a tour.

Into the barn? Jade choked on the words. Her new boss was going to have her sleeping in the barn like an old-time cowhand?

A deep husky laugh erupted. Sorry. Shelby and I converted the barn into living and workspace. The main floor is Shelby’s workroom. The second level is a living room, library, kitchen, and a room I thought about turning into an office, but it will work nicely as a bedroom for you. There’s a full bath attached. The laundry room’s in the kitchen area, or as Shelby calls it, the great room.

Great room? Jade pictured a large room with the kitchen and family room combined, but she didn’t think that’s what Willow had it mind.

It’s the kitchen, dining area and kind of a TV room all in one, Willow stated. The next level is Shel’s office, sitting room, bedroom and a bathroom.

Is Shelby here now? Maybe the movement by the house was Willow’s friend, Shelby. It was more than possible her senses were off. Just like they were about that scoundrel of a husband of hers. She should have been able to see what was happening, right?

Willow tugged a couple of boxes from the trunk of Jade’s car. No. She had some stuff to finish up in Des Moines. She’s in the process of moving here permanently. When I talked to her this morning she thought she should be back no later than Friday. Something came up at the last minute to delay her.

I hope it isn’t anything serious, Jade stated earnestly. She gazed around the immaculate farmyard that would be home for her for the next few months.

Well, Mister Boo, are you ready to get out of your cage for a bit? she asked.

Willow jerked her head, then laughed a bit shakily. Mister Boo?

Umm-hmm, Jade bit back a grin. Boo Radley is his name. She lifted the suitcase and started to walk toward the barn, the heavy cases weighing her down.

Boo Radley? Willow’s voice was puzzled then she chuckled. You and I are going to get along just fine. Old movie buff, are you?

Yup, Jade replied and smiled. Oh yeah, they were going to get along just fine.

Two

Jade let out a soft whistle when she stepped into the renovated barn. Tall pillars of wood ran from the floor to the ceiling. The main floor was open, broken only by the wide staircase leading to the next floor.

Wow, Jade whispered as she stopped by the first column. She gazed at the wood. Where did you find these? What a unique idea. She set her suitcase and the animal carrier on the floor and reached out to stroke the carved tree trunk. Who would have ever thought to use totem poles?

Willow let out a delighted laugh. Shel thought I was crazy when I suggested it, but I had all kinds of trees that needed clearing out. I’d met this wonderful Native American artist who wanted to practice carving totems. I’d asked him if he could do a couple for the entrance to Four Winds, plus a couple more for the medicine wheel gardens I’m planning.

Jade nodded and moved toward the antique bean and seed display case. So he did these columns for you from trees on the property? She turned slowly, holding her breath, just in case everything would disappear if she inhaled or exhaled. Oh my gosh. You’ve got an antique counter with a marble top for making fudge, she exclaimed. Where did you find all of these things? She pointed to a twelve-foot tall cabinet with a mirror, shelves and marble counter.

That came from over in Red Oak. It was originally used in an ice cream parlor, Willow stated. The fudge counter Shel uses when she makes her soaps. I found that at an antique shop in Walnut. It was originally in a general store somewhere in Illinois. And the bean and seed display case came from the Ben Franklin’s in town. I’ve got a few other counters and cabinets in the upstairs living area. Plus one that I use to shelve fabric in my sewing room at the main house.

What do you sew? Jade asked as she ran her fingers across the cold marble.

I’ve been learning to quilt, Willow replied. Would you like to see your room?

Umm-hmm, Jade studied the neat rows of lotions and soaps lining the shelves of the apothecary cabinet. This is totally awesome, Willow, she announced as she hurried back to her suitcase and Mister Boo’s carrier. You’ve combined such a neat mixture of old, new and artistic. It smells wonderful in here, too.

A chuckle came from where Willow stood at the foot of the stairs. I’ll let Shel know that when she comes home. Better yet, you should tell her. She’s really into natural ingredients for her products.

Jade nodded and followed her new boss up the steps. Stained glass windows were placed on the north and south sides of the barn, the colors brilliant in the eight windows. Four on each wall, the large diamond shapes were positioned to create another diamond.

Four winds, Jade muttered as she stared in awe at the Native American scenes depicted in each section.

The diamond represents the four winds, Willow explained. Each window shows a person from my friend’s tribe. The one on the east is the Spirit Woman. She’s talking to the animals and there’s a dream catcher above her head. She’s a very important person in the tribe. The one on the top is the chief, who everyone knows is the most important. On the west is a tribal maiden. She’s grinding corn for the evening meal. She’s also very important for the survival of the tribe. Without her, they may not eat. The bottom diamond is the child.

He or she will carry on the tradition of the tribe, Jade stated in a hushed tone. Willow smiled and turned to face the north wall. The top is the hunter bringing back meat for his people to eat. The two on the east and west are the men and women who perform the tribal dances in celebration.

And the bottom is the tribal elders? Jade hazarded a guess.

Umm-hmm. They are the wisdom and teachers of the tribe. The ones who will pass down the traditions and heritage to the young.

Astounding work. Another friend of the carver?

Willow grinned. I used to work as a maid, all around helper for a friend’s aunt over at Cider Creek Plantation. My friend’s grandfather makes furniture—replicas of some of the old pieces. He’s got an overwhelming group of talented friends. I can take my pick of their astounding services and amazing knowledge. I’ve always had this craving to learn more about the Native Americans. The more I learn, the more I want to know.

Maybe a past life, Jade ventured absently, without looking in Willow’s direction. Her attention focused on a brilliant, colorful quilt hanging from the railing of the next floor. Diamonds make up the stars, she murmured.

Four Winds was definitely going to be different from the hustle and bustle of her busy life in Philadelphia. Maybe this was just the right place to settle for a while to see if she could figure out her life once more. How had she managed to get so far off the path of her dreams and goals? How had her entire life managed to crumble in such a short time span?

She sighed as her thoughts wandered closer to the deep, dark crevice of uncertainty that continued to grow in her mind.

This is your bedroom. Willow’s voice sounded so far away. Jade, are you with me?

Jerking around, Jade stared at her employer. I’m sorry, I got caught up in my thoughts.

A pert eyebrow lifted above one of Willow’s expressive and amazingly wise topaz eyes. Caught up seems like a very mild term after that heavy sigh. Are you okay?

Momentarily lost in the receding waves of her thoughts, Jade tried to recreate the last couple of minutes. Had she said or done something to make Willow think she wasn’t okay? Umm, just a bit tired from sitting in the car all day. I’m not used to being still for so long.

A mere incline of the head was all Willow offered as she finished striding up the last few steps, then pointed to a door. I’m sorry there’s only a futon in here right now, but I’ve got a friend who can help me out.

No, no, don’t go to any trouble for me. A futon will work fine, Jade replied hurriedly. Guilt flickered around her. I can look for a furnished apartment, Willow. Please don’t go to any work to find furniture. I...

Willow frowned and reached out to touch Jade’s shoulder. You’re doing me a favor. I’ve been procrastinating about putting furniture in here. I swore to myself that I’d have everything done two weeks ago, but I keep getting side tracked with other things. Now you’re here, so maybe I can get my butt in gear and accomplish a few of the jobs on my list.

"You’re a list maker, too? Jade asked.

Willow let loose a big sigh. Yeah, not that it does me any good. It seems like each item I mark off, I add twenty more incidentals that need to be taken care of.

Jade chuckled. Isn’t that the way it’s supposed to be?

"After