Kindred Spirits

By Annie Daugherty and Annie Beach

Kindred Spirits. . . is a story about the feeling we often experience that we have known someone we meet from the past, but cannot seem to make the connection at first.

 

The main characters are drawn into a relationship that threatens to destroy their worlds and break their hearts- when that connection is finally made.

Megan Dane. . . daughter of an unwed mother, father unknown. . . is adopted at birth and becomes a shining star in the area of music at an early age. Her world threatens to tumble down around her when the secret of her true identity is revealed.

 

Patrick. . . Will he ever have Megan for his own true love? Will he save her from herself when the truth is revealed. . . or will he lose her forever?

 

Victor Tyler Stratton. . . a victim of partial amnesia. . . his past returning in bits and pieces tormenting his nights with the same confusing dream. Who is this young, beautiful woman that haunts his dreams, and what connection does she have with Megan? Will the past destroy the only love he feels he has ever had?

 

A timeless love. . . Can these three characters find the love they truly desire or will their feelings evaporate as Megan's truth is discovered?

• Language: English
• Publisher: kim marcum
• Release date: Aug 7, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223597506

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

The angel of death hovered near Kathryn Ann O’Malley beckoning her to her final destiny as she lay quietly on the bed in her room at a local Philadelphia boarding house. She fought back with her remaining strength as the impending darkness endeavored to overtake her. She knew that her last thoughts would be of him, and with her last breath his name would escape from her lips in a final attempt to hold on to even one second of remembering him.

Memories began to fill her mind, memories of the past few months. She struggled to push them aside, for they were shrouded in a web of turbulent emotions and raw feelings, and they evoked pain, the pain of his departure from her.

She saw them now as they had once been. They had first met on a bus. She was on her way from Lexington, Ky to stay with an ailing aunt, her only living relative. She had dozed off with the onset of darkness and was awakened abruptly by the touch of a stranger’s hand brushing back a strand of her chestnut-colored hair that had fallen across her face as she slept.

She opened her eyes and found herself staring into a set of deep dark brown eyes of a stranger.

His face was extremely close to hers, almost too close. He was staring intently at her.

Forgive. Me, I’ve startled you.

Yes...Yes you have. She looked away.

I only wanted a closer look at such a beautiful lady.

She felt her face starting to blush, warm with embarrassment. How long, she wondered, had he been there? She was at a loss for words but found herself slowly turning to face him. Such a handsome face and now he was smiling at her...a cost contagious smile. She returned his smile, feeling a little more at ease.

How long have you been watching me? she asked.

Almost an hour, a most enjoyable hour it has been too.

So, you make a habit of sitting down by strange women and watching as they sleep?

No, but I do confess that such a lovely face as yours should be admired, and I have enjoyed doing so.

Oh! She was at a loss for words, again.

It didn’t take him long to fill the silence between them. They exchanged introductions and he slowly eased her into a conversation that lasted well into the night, and she found herself becoming more interested in him.

They talked for hours, and when she began to grow weary, she closed her eyes and fell asleep almost instantly. She awoke some hours later and found that he had slipped his hand into hers and although he now slept, he held a firm grip on her hand. She didn’t try to slip her hand from his, there was such a warmth radiating from it. She studied his face closely now.

Victor Stratton was a pleasant looking young man, with a tanned complexion, dark brown eyes, walnut colored hair that was soft and wavy, and a gentle looking face. He seemed to possess an apparent easy-going nature. She felt already as if she’d always known him. He was stirring feelings within her that had lain dormant until now.

This young man sleeping contentedly beside her was arousing her to such heights that she began to squirm in her seat. He had made her feel at ease, and strangely enough, she was glad. The warm feelings she had now grew more intense.

The bus was slowing to a stop now, and Victor opened his eyes and yawned. His hand caressed her face tenderly. The driver announced that there would be a short layover, and everyone could have breakfast.

Where are we? Victor asked.

West Chester, it’s where I get off. She answered with a faint hint of sorrow in her voice.

Ann, he suggested, Let’s get some breakfast, then I will take you to where your aunt lives.

I don’t know, maybe we shouldn’t, you might miss your bus home.

I can take a later bus. Please, I want to be with you all that I can.

She couldn’t say no to him. She didn’t want him to go either. Her heart was leaping with joy. They got their baggage from the bus and found a quiet, small restaurant just a block away from the bus station. She’d only been to West Chester once when she was a young girl. Her parents had brought her here one summer and she had found the quiet, peaceful town most charming. Her parents were gone now, but she would always remember that happy summer. Her reason for being here now was a most somber one but having met Victor had turned it into a pleasant situation.

An hour passed and although her heart ached at the thought of sending him away, she knew that she much. She decided to do it quickly. It would be less painful that way.

Victor, she began slowly, I really must go now. My aunt will be worried. She’s expecting me to arrive today. I really shouldn’t keep her waiting, and wondering where I am.

There...it was out and done with. She slid out of the booth and stood looking at the somber expression on his face.  

Just a little while longer Ann, please!

His request tore at her heart, but she must go.

Goodbye Victor. She fought back tears.

Ann let me see you to your aunt’s house. There won’t be another bus till tomorrow, and I really don’t need to rush home. Please, Ann, let me come with you. His plea of desperation was sincere, and in a weakened moment, she nodded her head in agreement to his coming with her.

Victor paid or the meal and asked the owner how they could get to the O’Malley farm.

Bill. Bill Haney, he called out to a man sitting at the end of the counter. How about giving these two a ride out to Kate’s?

Sure, just follow me, my truck is outside.

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They arrived in about ten minutes at Kate O’Malley’s. There was a black 1947 Chevrolet sitting in the drive. That’s Doc Garner’s car, Bill declared with an obvious tone of worry, your aunt must be worse.

Fear arose within Ann, and she felt guilty that she had not come to her aunt sooner.

Victor placed his arm around Ann and gave her a gentle squeeze. It’ll be alright, Ann. Victor opened the truck door and Ann slid out on the passenger’s side, thanking Bill for the ride.

Victor offered to pay him, but Bill would not take any money.

Glad to give you both a ride. Kate is a grand old lady and any kin of hers has only to ask for my help and I’ll come running. If you need me again, I live over the restaurant. You can reach me there.

Thank you, Bill, you’ve been very kind. Ann turned then walked toward the house.

Victor caught up with her and placed his arm around her shoulders. You may need someone sooner than you think. I’m going in with you.

He wasn’t asking anymore; he was letting her know that she had someone now that she could feel secure with. He would be there or her or whatever lay ahead.

Doc Garner met them at the door. They exchanged introductions. He was a gentle voiced man, with gray hair and shiny bright eyes. His body was vent slightly with age.

We’ve been expecting you, Miss O’Malley. I’m glad you made it in time. He then motioned for Ann and Victor to move into the living room. They sat down together on the sofa, Doc remained standing.

I’m afraid I have bad news for you. Your aunt has taken a turn or the worse. She could go at any time.

Victor stole a look at Ann’s face, conscious that she was plunged into gloom. He was swift to respond to her distress, anxious to be of help. He took hold of her hand in a most gentle, caring way.

Ann shifted in her seat, and stared at the doctor, her mind momentarily drifting. She remembered the day that she had received the bad news from her aunt. The grade school where she taught 5th grade had just begun its autumn session and a replacement had to be found before she could leave. That had delayed her or a week, a week she could have been spending with Kate. The principal, Mr. Cromwell, had understood the urgence of her request, and assured her that once she returned to St. Mary’s in Lexington, Ky, that her teaching position would be there for her. Her thoughts were back to the present now.

May I see her? She asked the doctor.

Of course, she’s been asking or you.

Victor watched Ann as she slowly walked toward the bedroom door. He couldn’t leave her. Not now. He would stay. If she would allow him. There was no hurry to get home. He would let his parents know later that there had been a delay and that he would be home in a few days. They would understand.

There was something about Ann that tugged at his heartstrings. There was a vulnerability about her, yet at the same time, he sensed that she possessed an iron will. She was a simple girl, demure, yet he sensed a loneliness about her that stirred him deeply. Her features were lovely, the long chestnut colored hair falling in waves upon her shoulders, her face sparkling fresh, and her eyes a brilliant bright blue. The prettiest girl he had ever known, he thought.

He had almost changed his mind about sitting down next to her on the bus, but he felt the need to. He was not sure why he had done so but was happy that he had. For once in his life, he felt intensely compelled to be near this girl and it was giving true meaning to his life. An old grandfather clock chiming the half hour brought Victor fully out of his thoughts.

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Ann returned and paused for a moment, her mind full of thoughts of her aunt again. If only this weren’t happening now. It was so hard for her to accept. Aunt Kate was all the family that she had left. There would be no one now. She would be alone.

Victor was quick to reach her side and offer her a chair. She sat down quietly, not knowing what to say.

I’ll go in to her now. Doc Garner said.

Ann was crying now, soft muffled sobs. Victor kneeled beside her and took her in his arms. He wanted to shield her from the pain and hurt of death. He held her tenderly until Doc Garner returned.

She is asking or Father Flanagan. I’ll ring for him and hope that he arrives in time.

No! No! Victor... Ann was suddenly overcome with grief. How his heart ached for her.

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The clock struck twelve when Father Flanagan arrived, and just minutes later, Kate O’Malley was gone. She died holding Ann’s hand, a restful smile upon her face.

CHAPTER 2

Kate O’Malley had been a well-loved and respected woman. There were numerous friends at her funeral. Ann wished she could have gotten to know these caring, kind people that surrounded her, but her parents had only brought her to West Chester for one summer and she was so young then. They were treating her like family now and had welcomed her into their lives. It made her feel not so alone.

Victor stayed in a local hotel, and after two weeks he informed Ann that he would have to return home to Philadelphia, just long enough to let his parents know that he was alright. He would be back for her within a week’s time. That would give Ann enough time to settle any unfinished business pertaining to her aunt’s estate.

Ann pleaded with Victor to stay with her tonight, that she needed him. One beautiful night together before he leaves. They made love long into the night. Victor was very gentle and loving. She cried tears of joy and happiness when he brought her into her womanhood. The years of wondering what the first time would be like were