Mystery of the Windowed Closet Read online

  I looked at George. He seemed to be in deep thought. “George, do you have anything to add?”

  “Yes, I just remembered something. It might be important.” he replied.

  You could tell he was searching his memory.

  “What was it?” I asked.

  “I think I mentioned to you before, but I don’t know whether Susan knows. When I was about 10, I recall there was a fire in this house.

  There was a child that died in that fire. I think he was 2 or 3 years old. Do you think they could be connected?”

  I asked, “Why would you think the child that died in the house of Adda and Levi, would be relevant to the child that died in 1910?”

  I looked at Susan, and she remarked, “I don’t know Ray. If you would have let the séance continue, we may have found out.”

  “Well, with Don’s violent possession, I didn’t feel safe with continuing. When that fork flew across the room and stuck in the cabinet, I thought things were getting out of hand. Maybe I’ll just seriously entertain the thought of tearing the place down as Don suggested.”

  “Don, what did you feel?” Delores asked. “Did you feel like you were in any danger with the spirit taking over your body?”

  “No, not in any danger, but I began to feel strange, as if I was having an anxiety attack. Something like the instant rush you have when you’re frightened. Then I was angry with a person, an anger that I can’t imagine anyone could harbor. I remember it coming and going as if there were two people possessing me, one of anger and one of sorrow. They seemed to flash back and forth. Maybe they were responding differently because of the questions being asked.”

  Sue asked, “What was the feeling of sorrow? Do you remember?”

  “It seemed very loving and a helpless feeling of remorse about something that was happening. Then I felt the other- a feeling of pure hate and revenge. A revenge that could produce the kind of reaction we experienced last weekend.”

  After our round table discussion, we decided to call it a night.

  Getting up from the table June remarked, “It seems like we have more questions than answers. We’ll have to be prepared to ask more questions tomorrow evening. You’re not giving up, are you Ray? We’re going to try again tomorrow, aren’t we?”

  “If everyone’s agreeable I don’t mind__ How do you feel about it George?”

  “I’ll be glad to help. Just pick me up about the same time.”

  I knew Susan was more than impressed with her conversations with George. Wanting to know more about his psychic ability, she asked if she could accompany me in taking him home. We left the others discussing the events of the evening, and walked George to the car.

  On the way to his house, Susan kept asking him questions about séances he knew about from his ancestors. I was hoping she wouldn’t make a nuisance of herself asking so many questions, and I was glad she stopped as we pulled into his driveway.

  As we walked him to his porch, Sue apologized, “Sorry for all the questions George, but you’re so interesting to talk to. You seem so casual about your ability.”

  “Well, it’s just something some people have. Like I told Ray here, I didn’t think I could talk in the spirit world, at least not like my grandmother. I tried it years ago and wasn’t very successful, but these spirits don’t seem to have a problem with me.

  If you want me to tell you more, why not come over tomorrow earlier, and we can talk about it.”

  Looking at me she answered, “I’d love to, if Ray will bring me.”

  “I don’t have a problem with that Sue. What time do you want us to stop by George?”

  “How about coming over after lunch?”

  “We’ll see you then.”

  Susan gave him a slight embrace of endearment, and before going inside he smiled saying, “Now that’s somethin’ I ain’t had in years!”

  Sue turned to look at him asking, “What’s that George?”

  “A beautiful young girl, huggin’ me on my back porch:”

  She smiled, and we walked back to the car.

  “You know Ray- I think you fell into something real nice here. These people are really sincere when they speak. And George- George, he’s such a sweet old gentleman. I hope this isn’t too much of a strain on him.”

  “I hope you’re right. I asked Frank that same question last week. He said if George thought so, he wouldn’t volunteer.”

  “Well, as I said, the people here seem to be more accommodating.”

  When we pulled into the driveway at Frank’s, Delores and Don, were already standing at the door waiting for us. We said our goodnights then headed for the motel.

  As we passed the same tavern we went to the previous weekend, Sue commented, “Look at all the people outside that place. It seems like it might be fun. Why don’t we stop for a drink?”

  “What do you think Delores__ Don? Should we let her see what country people are like on the weekend?”

  “Ray, don’t tell me you’re an old stay at home person?” Sue asked.

  “No, not at all, but you might find this place a little different.”

  We pulled into the crowded parking lot, with what seemed to be the same motorcycle group out front. Passing by them, they nodded as we walked by, remembering seeing us before.

  We entered the bar which seemed to be more crowded than the weekend before, and wound our way through the crowd to the back of the room. Finding an opportunity just as a table became vacated, we sat down.

  I noticed Sue looking around at the patrons tapping on the table in tune with the country music being played, and I had to lean toward her and speak loudly to be heard over the conversations and music.

  “What do you think of this place?” I asked.

  “Looks like it’s a fun place- Want to dance?”

  “Sure: Don, order me a beer when the waitress comes around. Sue, what do you want?”

  Still looking around and tapping the table to the music, she replied by gesturing holding up two fingers, “Don, make that two.”

  We wound our way back to the crowded dance floor between people who were just standing next to their tables, tapping their feet. They were enjoying the music just as well as the people on the dance floor, but didn’t want to fight the crowd to get there.

  I held Sue’s hand and her feet became immediately choreographed in tune with the music. I wasn’t as astute with dancing and knew immediately I couldn’t match her ability. I more or less stood stationary, swinging my body in time to the music, enjoying watching her. Giving me a reassuring smile, she let me know my lack of ability wasn’t a problem. When the tune ended, we went back to an empty table. It appeared Don and Delores had the same idea to dance after we left and were returning to the table at the same time.

  “Sue, how does it feel to be like a sardine in a can, trying to wiggle out a dance?” I asked.

  “Well, the thought of enjoying the music and tapping your feet is what it’s really about.”

  Because of the challenge of communicating above the conversations and loud music the same problem of trying to communicate as the week before, we decided to finish our drink and leave. After we arrived at the motel, Delores and Don retired to their room for the night, while Susan and I took a table in the breakfast room. Over a cup of coffee, we discussed a little more of my situation at the house.

  “If Don’s possessed again by Daniel, should I do what I did tonight- break up the séance?” I asked.

  “I would give it a little more time and see what else we can find out. There are several points I don’t understand. First, why did Levi, who had gone to a meeting, all of a sudden return to the house? Second, why are the people in the carriage seemingly transfixed on the barn, when in fact, they came to warn Adda and Levi of the potential danger that night with Daniel. Why didn’t they go to the house?”

  I ask
ed, “You know, George brought up an interesting point tonight when he said he remembered the toddler dying in the fire in 1910. How would that affect what we’re seeing?”

  “It could be that Adda was swept into the more recent tragedy still thinking she could save Joshua.”

  “You mean like a second chance to save him?”

  “Yes, sometimes spirits are so strong they can move from one tragedy to the next if it’s happening where they’re already residing, for lack of a better word. Whatever it is, I’m sure we’ll find some resolve tomorrow night. With that thought in mind, I think it’s time to turn in. Goodnight Ray. See you in the morning, and by the way, Thanks for the dance!”

  With a chuckle I replied, “Goodnight Sue.”

  Chapter 13

  I was up bright and early lying in bed thinking about a potential relationship with Sue. She seemed accommodating, and I didn’t think it would be a problem. I thought, ‘Oh well, it’s something I could work on later.’

  As I was getting out of bed heading for the bathroom, there was a knock on the door adjoining Don and my room. I opened the door and before Don could speak, I remarked, “I know, I know. You’re ready to eat. So am I. I’ll be down directly. Is Sue up yet?”

  Delores sleepily replied scratching her head as she walked passed Don, “I called her room awhile ago, and there’s no answer. She may have been in the shower or already downstairs in the dining room.” Putting her open hand against her mouth to stifle a yawn she said, “We’ll see you down there.”

  As I closed the door I replied, “Ok, see you then.”

  Exiting my room, Susan was leaving hers. After bidding each other good morning we went down in the elevator together.

  At breakfast, Delores and Sue were buzzing about what we discussed the night before.

  “You know Delores, George’s statement about the toddler dying appears to be like a bridge connecting the two incidences. I wonder if that could be the connection. I hope it’s something we find out tonight.”

  Delores replied, “I guess we’ll see.”

  After breakfast, we headed for the farm.

  “What can we do to help spruce up this place while we’re waiting?” Sue asked.

  Don sarcastically remarked, “If you see Cinderella’s fairy godmother, try stealing her magic wand.”

  We laughed. Sue, like Delores, seemed to dive into helping clean up the kitchen. Don and I finished cleaning up the bathroom and carried out the rest of the carpets from the dining room. About an hour later, satisfied with our accomplishment I said, “Delores, when we dropped George off last night, Sue asked if she could come over to his house this afternoon so he can tell her about some of his experiences. Do you want to come along?”

  Don replied, “If you don’t mind Ray, could Delores and I drop you and Sue off at George’s and use the car? Delores and I want to go into town.”

  “That’s fine with me.”

  After they dropped us off, we walked up the path to the back porch. Sue had only seen the place when it was dark and looking at the back porch remarked, “It’s just the way I would have expected it would be.”

  George, seeing us on the path, came out on the porch to greet us.

  “Good morning George. How’s the knee?” Sue asked.

  “It’s fine. When I saw the car driving away again, I thought you might have changed your mind about stopping.”

  “No, Delores and Don wanted to go into town. I think they want to buy a few things to take back to the city. Things here are a lot less expensive.”

  “Well, come inside where it’s a little warmer- kind of chilly today.”

  “That sounds inviting,” Sue exclaimed.

  I could smell the wood smoke blowing down from the chimney and knew the warmth from the fire in the wood stove would be comforting. Entering the kitchen through the back door, we both saw dirty dishes in the sink and on the counter.

  “I’m sorry for the way the kitchen looks. I just didn’t have the ambition to clean up.”

  “That’s alright. I live alone and know just how you feel.” I replied.

  Sue asked, as she went to the sink and began washing the dishes, “George, how long have you been living alone?”

  “My wife died about 12 years ago. I’ve been alone ever since.” Looking at Sue he said, “I’m embarrassed at you doing my dishes, you don’t have to do them.”

  “Well, you don’t have to be embarrassed. I’m going to learn a great deal when you tell me about all your experiences. Let’s start with the first question. How old is that blue bottle?”

  Pulling out a chair sitting at the kitchen table he replied, “I can’t rightly say. It was my grandmother’s grandmother. She lived about a hundred and fifty years ago. I suspect it’s even older than that.”

  “Did she always use the bottle?” Sue asked.

  “No: Not that I know of. My grandmother told me sometimes she used a sewing needle with a thread attached.”

  “What did she do with that?” Sue asked.

  “That’s what she used to tell a woman that was pregnant if she was going to have a girl or a boy. They say she was pretty accurate.”

  “I’m interested in the blue bottle. What else can you tell me about it?”

  “It would do the damndest thing. My wife didn’t like it at all. She made me keep it in an old chest that belonged to my grandmother.”

  I was intently listening as Sue continued questioning and knew Delores would have relished listening as well.

  She asked, “What do you mean do the damndest things?”

  Moving the salt and pepper shaker together on the table, he looked up replying, “Somehow it would move by itself.”

  “You mean turn, like it did during the séance?”

  “No, it would do worse than that. It went from the shelf on the hutch over there,” pointing in that direction, “To my grandmother’s old bureau with the dressing mirror in the next room. At first I thought it was my wife moving it out of the living room because I knew she didn’t like it, but when she told me she thought I moved it, she started to wonder whether me or her were getting forgetful.

  We watched it carefully one day, and realized neither one of us touched it. Sure enough, it moved again__ all by itself. For some reason it wanted to be near my grandmother’s dressing mirror. After that, my wife asked me to break the bottle or throw it in the river. She was really upset. That’s when she asked me to put it in the trunk, which I did. It’s been there until I took it out for the first séance.”

  Sue was finished the dishes attentively listening then asked, “I wonder whether the bottle has some sort of mystical power of its own and not just the spirits that were moving it?”

  “That’s interesting. I never thought of that. Sounds like it might have,” George replied.

  Before we realized it, the conversation with Sue’s questions wore into the late afternoon. Like a strange thirst she couldn’t quench, she kept asking more.

  “I hope Don realizes the time and get’s back soon,” I said.

  “I don’t think that’s a problem. Delores wouldn’t miss the séance tonight for anything. Do you think you’re still up to it George?” Sue asked.

  “Yes, I feel pretty good- a little hungry right now, but I feel pretty good.”

  Sue, not realizing her imposition got up from the table. “I’m sorry George- let me fix you some lunch!”

  “You don’t really have to, but I wouldn’t complain,” he said with a smile. “The Campbell Soup’s on the shelf right above the sink. I think there’s some chicken noodle there too. The pot’s right there in the oven.”

  I got up to assist asking, “George, where’s the crackers?”

  He replied, “I think I ran out. Soup’s fine. Aren’t you having any?”

  “No, I think Don will be here soon.”

 
Within the half hour, the car pulled into the driveway. I helped George put on his jacket, and we walked him to the car.

  Sue remarked to Delores, “I hope your afternoon was enjoyable shopping.”

  “Yes, it was. I bought a few things to take home. That antique store is really something.”

  George added as we walked to the front door, “A few years ago, the people around here would have called it junk and threw it away.”

  “Well George, did Sue pester you all afternoon with questions?” Don asked.

  “No: as a matter of fact, I’m ahead of the game. They made me lunch, washed and dried my dishes, and put em’ away.”

  Sue said, “Delores, George told me an interesting story about the blue bottle. I think, from what he said, the bottle may have some mystical power of its own. It’s not only able to move on the table during the séance but from room to room.”

  Don skeptically remarked, “What? Move from room to room as like levitate, move all by itself!”

  “It appears like it,” Sue replied. “According to George, it somehow always winds up on his grandmother’s dressing table.

  He told us his grandmother would sit at her dressing mirror combing out her long hair quietly chanting phrases with the blue bottle in front of her.”

  Delores said, “That’s interesting. Does he remember any of the phrases?”

  “I never asked,” Sue replied. “Maybe after we finish with this problem, we can try to figure out what kind of power it really has.”

  Pulling up to the house, I parked in front of the barn and we started up the lawn just as Frank and June pulled up.

  “Are we ready to start?” Frank asked.

  “I guess so Frank. I hope we can finally find some answers.”

  We got to the porch and after unlocking the door, I looked to the edge of the woods. The sky was an orange color again, slowly fading into darkness behind the trees.

  “I’ll set up the candles Ray. Will you arrange the chairs?” Sue asked.

  Everyone took the same seats as the night before, and Sue, along with Delores, lowered their heads, waiting for the right moment before beginning. In a soft tone June spoke, focusing her question at Susan.