Rusalki: Book Three of the Tess Trilogy of the Sourwood Mountain Series

By Jenni Lorraine

In the gripping finale of Jenni Lorraine's "Tess Trilogy," "Rusalki" takes readers on a final journey through the heart of a small town shrouded in dark and violent history.

As Adelaide still reels from the shocking events of the summer of 1995, Tessie Rowe stumbles upon one final damning clue that will lead Sheriff Alan Cline

• Language: English
• Publisher: Primedia eLaunch LLC
• Release date: Dec 25, 2023
• ISBN: 9798869071514

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Copyright © 2023 Jenni Lorraine.

Internal illustrations by Hallie French.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

Any references to historical events, real people, or real places are used fictitiously. Names, characters, and places are products of the author’s imagination.

www.JenniLorraine.com

With love and dedication to my children.

To my childhood best friend, Stefanie.

And to childhood, itself.

May we always out-wit our monsters.

Prologue

It was the county fair, the grand finale of summer in Adelaide. The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm, golden glow over the fairgrounds, and laughter filled the air. The Labor Day weekend marked the end of carefree days and signaled the start of another school year- but, for now, we were holding onto the last precious moments of freedom.

I wandered through the bustling fair with its colorful tents and the aroma of cotton candy and funnel cakes wafting in the air. People from all around the county had gathered here for one last hurrah of summer. And as I made my way past the games, rides, and food stalls, I ran into some familiar faces.

There they were—Erik, Josh, Brittany, and Chris. I smiled as I saw them. Chris, still recovering from the harrowing events of the previous summer, was out and about and smiling-a sight for sore eyes. We all gathered around him. We were a group of friends that had been through something no kid should ever have to face, but we had and it would forever change us.

Chris, you look great! I hollered, giving him a warm hug.

His eyes sparkled, happy to see me, too. Thanks, Tessie. It's good to be out of my house again.

We exchanged hugs and greetings. We were a close-knit bunch brought even closer by the events that had unfolded throughout the terrible summer, but we knew that no matter how life might change, some things would always stay the same and we were friends for life.

As we strolled through the fair, laughter and chatter blanketed our little group.

​Soon, we decided to take a spin on the double ferris wheel, a towering behemoth that seemed to scrape the sky. As we climbed aboard, I found myself sitting next to Christopher. The excitement was almost more than I could handle as we buckled ourselves in and the ride began its slow ascent into the heavens.

Wow, Tessie, Christopher marveled, gazing out at the fairgrounds that dwindled below us. We're so high up! I can see the whole town from here!

I gleefully shared in his wonder. From this vantage point, everything seemed smaller- almost magical. The fair's colorful lights sparkled like stars on the ground, and the night air was cool against our skin.

Yeah, I replied with a grin. It's like we're on top of the world.

We continued to rise, the view stretching out before us. The moon had started to come up and hung low in the sky, casting a silvery glow over everything. It felt like we were floating in a dream.

Christopher's gaze shifted from the fair to the stars above, and I knew his thoughts had taken a different turn.

He spoke softly, as if he was sharing a secret. Tessie, do you think my daddy's in heaven?

I looked at him, noticing the serious expression on his face. It wasn't the kind of question we usually asked while riding a ferris wheel, but it was one that weighed heavily on his heart and I knew I had to figure out a way to answer it. Christopher’s little heart had been weighed down for too long already.

I hope so, I replied gently. I think your daddy had some good things about him and Miss Charlene at church says if there’s even a little good in you then God will forgive you if you want him to. I don’t think there was so much bad about him to make the good not count.

Chris nodded thoughtfully. I heard people say that if someone kills themselves, they don't get to go to heaven. You reckon that's true?

My heart sank. I’d heard it, too, but I wasn’t going to bring it up if he didn't.

I didn't want to lie to him, but I also didn't want to hurt him.

Well, some people believe that, but nobody really knows for sure, Chris. It's a mystery. But I think if someone can’t get in for killing themselves then they shouldn’t get in if they give out those peanut butter candies on Halloween, either.

Christopher laughed, but only slightly. Then he sighed, his gaze fixed on the moon above.

I miss him, Tessie. Even if he is in Heaven, I wish he could come back and be here with us.

I put my arm around him and gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze. I know, Christopher. I also know he loved you a lot, and I'm sure he's watching over you, wherever he is. I bet he sent Charlie and Joel to find you that day. Don’t you?

Chapter One

As the days turned into weeks, summer slowly gave way to autumn, and with it returned the routine of school. Christopher and I found ourselves riding our bikes home from school together more often than not. It was a small comfort to Debbie, who had become understandably anxious after his kidnapping ordeal. She didn't want him going anywhere alone anymore, but had somehow decided that even I was a suitable enough chaperone given the circumstances.

We pedaled side by side along the familiar route as the leaves on the trees had begun to fade into shades of red, orange, and gold. The air had a crispness to it- a sure sign that Fall had firmly taken hold in our little corner of Virginia.

You know, Chris, I said as we pedaled.  Your mom's been real overprotective lately.

Chris let out a sigh, his eyes focused on the road ahead. Yeah, she has. Can't say I blame her, though. After everything that happened...

I nodded,understanding. Chris had been through a terrifying ordeal- one that no one should ever have to get through. I get it, too. But, you know, you're not a little kid anymore.

He managed a smile, glancing over at me. Tell her that. She's been acting like I'm made of glass or something.

We both chuckled at the thought. Well, maybe we can talk to her about it- or I can get Joel to! I bet he can let her know you're okay and that you can handle riding your bike home from school on your own sometimes.

Chris considered it for a moment, then shook his head. You know, I’d rather not, he said. It’ll just upset her.

Something about the way he said it though made me think that maybe it was Chris and not Debbie that was wanting the supervision, after all.

Our conversation shifted to lighter topics as we continued our ride, discussing our classes and our plans for the weekend. The bond between us had grown even stronger in the wake of everything that had gone on, and I cherished these moments when we could just be two friends enjoying the simple pleasures of childhood- it was something that felt increasingly rare in those days.

As we approached the Curly Girl Salon, Chris glanced at the colorful sign hanging above the entrance. I guess I should stop in and check in with Mom.

I nodded, now understanding the routine that had become a part of his daily life. He wasn’t checking in because he had to. He was checking in because he wanted to.

I played along anyhow.

Yeah, she worries a lot, but she loves you, Chris. She just wants to make sure you're safe.

He smiled. I know, Tessie. I'm lucky to have her.

We pulled up to the salon and Chris parked his bike by the entrance. I waited for him, knowing that our time together would resume once he'd checked in.

As he disappeared through the salon's glass door, I watched him with a sense of quiet wonder.

Christopher had faced darkness and danger, and to the untrained eye he might seem to still be rattled up by it. But I knew better.

Chris had actually come out stronger,