Gypsy Spirits (19 page)

Impressed by his son’s honesty, George told him not only what he needed to hear, but what he thought was the truth. 

“I think the sheriff is done playing games with this case,” George said. “And I think he’ll leave Annamarie alone. You, Garret and Bulk are still fair game. If I were you, I’d be honest with the sheriff and stay away from those two troublemakers.” 

“I will, Father. Thanks for the ride home. Tell mom I’ll call her tonight.”

***

Slowly walking toward the door, Daniel waited until his father’s car was out of sight. He quickly hopped into his Jeep and sped off toward the pines before Annamarie knew he was home. He was back in less than thirty minutes after telling Garret that Bulk had been at church and seemed scared. They quickly discussed what the sheriff said and what Garret knew.

***

“Baby, I’m home,” Daniel called when he opened the back door.    

Annamarie was relieved to see him home safe and sound. Today had been a horrible day for both of them. She was worried the sheriff might keep Daniel the way he kept her, simply to make a point. Running across the living room, into the kitchen and his arms, she felt a touch of happiness for the first time all day. 

“I can’t believe you’re home. I was so worried,” she said through the tears flowing freely down her cheeks while he held her tight. 

“Today was hell, but I’m here. And I’m not going to leave you again,” Daniel promised. 

Annamarie wanted to believe him, but doubt held her back. Regardless, she was thrilled he was finally home. 

“We have to talk,” Daniel said. He took her hand and led her into the living room. Annamarie’s apprehension returned.

They sat down facing each other. The first thing Daniel said was he had lied to the sheriff, and she admitted she’d also lied.

Daniel said, “It’s not only what took place the night Ben died. I know what happened to Garret and where he is now.” 

“Daniel, if you hide Garret or help him and don’t tell the sheriff, you’re going to be in terrible trouble. Your dad and Mr. Townsend won’t be able to do anything.”

“I don’t care. Garret and I are friends, and I have to help him. Then we both have to do the same for Bulk.”

She asked, “What’s wrong with him?”

“I don’t know. He’s disappeared.”

“Bulk whispered to me after Ben’s funeral he’s been in
the psychiatric ward and just released. Maybe he’s back in.” 

“Maybe.”

“Bulk was extremely upset.” 

“Garret had been hiding near the parking lot, and saw Bulk with his brother, and followed them when the rest of us were at Ben’s burial. Bulk was at his brother’s early in the afternoon, but when Garret went back later, Bulk was gone. The house appeared empty.”

“Do they have other relatives where Bulk might be?”  

“Garret told me Bulk’s brother worked the late shift, and wouldn’t leave Bulk home alone. I don’t think there are other relatives.” 

“Bulk was incredibly distraught at the funeral when he talked to me. He begged me to have you and Garret get him away from his brother. Perhaps he had another break-down and is back in the hospital. I still think it’s possible. You didn’t hear him at church.” 

“That’s a possibility. I’ll see what Garret thinks.”

“You plan to talk with him?” she exclaimed, “then you did help him hide out. Are you going to continue?”

“Umm, I just came from where he is. When dad dropped me off, I took off again before you knew. I let him know about Bulk. It’s the least I could do. He’s my friend.”

“You did it again, took off and lied about coming straight home. Will I ever be able to trust you? Why did you do this?” 

“I had to, Annamarie. Someone killed Ben, and I think we’re all in danger. Helping Garret might keep us all alive.” 

Daniel told her everything that went on at the sheriff’s office, and how the sheriff’s attitude had abruptly changed after they’d discussed the boys being scouts and learning facts about the local oak trees. 

“That’s odd. There must be some reason the sheriff asked.” 

They couldn’t come up with an answer. Daniel thought the sheriff might consider the spirits killed Ben, but agreed with Annamarie that he would immediately dismiss the idea.

Annamarie was upset over Daniel’s insistence he help Garret, and wanted to know why he felt they were in danger. More specifically, how would helping Garret help any of them?  

“The frantic phone call was from Garret saying someone was trying to kill him, which is why I left without saying anything. I didn’t want to scare you, or have you worried to the point you might call my father or the sheriff.” 

“I came close to calling both. I did worry. I also think it was cruel to leave me alone when you knew a killer was loose.”

She got up and started to walk away, but he begged her to come back and listen. Reluctantly she agreed.  

“Garret told me the same people who killed Ben were after him, Bulk and maybe me. I had to do something fast. I didn’t think I should tell you anything.” 

“If someone was after you, don’t you think they might’ve come here, and you should’ve told me to go someplace safe?”

“Probably, sorry baby, but I wasn’t thinking logically.”  

“Don’t ‘baby’ me,” she grimaced. “Tell me the rest of what happened, and don’t lie or leave anything out.” 

“I drove all over town and most of the countryside looking for Garret. I saw the overturned Bronco. I checked that no one was in it. I knew Garret must have walked off. I had no idea where and looked in every place I could think of Garret might hide. Early in the morning, I drove back into town and stopped at Garret’s mechanic shop. I asked if anyone had seen him. No one had, but one of the other mechanics said I should ask Nancy.”

“Nancy?”  

“I wondered about her, too, but one of the guys said her number was written on
the chalkboard in Garret’s office. So I looked, found the number and called. A sleepy-sounding female answered and I asked for Garret, telling her I was his friend Daniel. Garret got on the phone and said he was at Pearson’s farmhouse.”

“He’s at the old rooming house?”  

“I didn’t believe it either, but I headed out there.”

***   

The Pearson’s farm was about two miles past the Tangledbranch Saloon. The farm includes a huge old farmhouse converted into a rooming house where Nancy lived.

***

Daniel said, “Nancy was using it as a hideout.”

“That was a smart move, who would look way out there?”

“After speaking to Garret, I headed for the farmhouse. He was waiting for me on the front porch, but I barely recognized him. His black leather jacket and boots were replaced by a paisley print shirt and three or four strands of colored beads. Garret walked up to the Jeep and told me to park it out of sight behind the house.” 

“Umm, you had my car didn’t you?” 

“On my first run through town, I stopped at the insurance office and switched vehicles since I had no idea where I might have to drive.”

“Okay,” she sighed tiring of Daniel’s involvement with Garret. She was ready to leave the room, only curiosity keeping her in place.  

He continued to explain Garret brought him through the back door of the farmhouse and up to a small room on the second floor. Nancy had been there for about a week and dressed to fit in with the rest of the renters.

“I couldn’t help laughing at the way Garret looked, but he said it was the only way he could stay out of sight. I told him I had a better idea and a perfect place for them to hide.”

“I hope no one saw you together. You don’t know who is after Garret, do you?”

“Nancy stepped behind
the curtain to change clothes while Garret explained why he was in hiding. He said for the last year he’d been working with Nancy’s brother in Oaklin stealing and stripping cars. It was lucrative, and it also allowed him to get all the replacement parts for his shop at no cost. Nancy’s family owns a large tract of land on the other side of Oaklin, and they used a big barn on the property for their business.”

“What about Bulk?”

“Bulk knew a little about what was going on. He was never out at the barn. He did see the large amount of excess parts Garret had. He never asked many questions.”

“Okay, but why are they hiding, and why is Bulk so scared?” 

“The problem began when Nancy’s brother allowed Garret to carry some of the money from their business to a silent partner in Oaklin. Garret thought it might be a good idea to keep the cash and fake a robbery. It was the biggest mistake of his life. Nancy’s brother didn’t believe a word. He threatened to kill him, Nancy, Bulk and anyone else involved. Garret thinks he killed Ben either by mistake or to send a message. Nancy’s brother always carries a knife and never a gun. He told her guns shots draw attention, his knife is quiet and does the trick.” 

“I knew Garret had something to do with Ben’s death,” Annamarie said scowling at Daniel.

“Baby, I grew angrier with Garret, and it was all I could do to keep from belting him. I demanded to know who the hell that guy was. Nancy’s brother was the only answer Garret would give. He’s looking for all of us.”

“What? Then you’re not safe?” her voice echoing the terror in her heart.

“I wasn’t sure you were listening. You were so quiet.”

“I’m busy fighting the urge to strangle Garret.”

“Me too, let me finish. Garret and Nancy were ready to leave. He was dressed in his usual jeans, t-shirt and leather jacket, but there had been a transformation in Nancy. She wore a black mini skirt, knee high boots, a tight sweater and a black leather jacket. Her blonde hair hung loosely past her shoulders.”

“Sounds like Garret’s type.” 

“He demanded to know where we were going. I told him there was a small outbuilding on the edge of my grandfather’s property no one uses. It can’t be seen from the house. It’s a perfect hiding place. I said you and I used to go there to make out, and no one ever saw us.” 

“You told them that? Daniel Logan it was our secret place.”

“Sorry baby, but I thought it would make them feel safe. Garret was a jerk as usual.”

“What did he do? I’m getting sick of Garret.”

She stood and began to walk away, but spun around when Daniel said, “Now don’t get mad, baby, but Garret said, ‘Woo Hoo did little Prissy Missy Perfect actually put out?’”

Annamarie glared at him, her anger rising. 

“I was across the room in less than a heartbeat, grabbed Garret by the neck, and threw him to the floor. I was choking him while Nancy was doing her best to pull me off. I might’ve killed him if someone from the next room hadn’t begun to pound on the wall.” 

“He deserves it,” she was fighting the urge to find Garret herself and do it herself. 

“I loosened my grip a bit and threatened him. I told him, if you ever say one word against my wife again you stupid son of a bitch, I’ll kill you. No one will stop me, do you understand?” 

“Garret grunted, ‘Yes,’ and I let him go.”

“Thanks for standing up for me,” Annamarie said.

“You’re my wife. No one talks like that about you. I told them both after that crack, I should let them rot there, but I decided to help them before the sheriff found us.”

Continuing with his story, Daniel said they left in the Jeep. He headed toward his grandfather’s property and into the pine grove. The road turned into a rough trail wide enough to allow the Jeep to continue its journey. When the trail ended, he stopped and told Nancy and Garret this was where they get out. Garret recognized where they were. 

“Hey, Garret said, this path leads to where your grandfather had those wooden stairs built, so we wouldn’t kill ourselves going down the cliff to the river.” 

I said, “Right, and this way leads to the edge of grandfather’s land and the outbuilding, let’s go. They followed me through the pines until we came out the other side and into the meadow. It was eerie. I felt spirits all around me. I usually only feel them in the oaks on the other side of grandfather’s property. I knew they were moving. They’re in the pines, too.”

“I think you were stressed about Garret and thought you sensed them.”

“Maybe, but I doubt it.”

***  

Approximately twenty feet beyond the edge of the path was an outbuilding that held hay when Grandfather Logan’s horses roamed free in the meadow. The horses were long gone, but the well-maintained building remained. The three entered, and while it wasn’t a classy accommodation, it would keep them safe.

“Garret and I went back to the Jeep to get the water and food I picked up. It should keep them for a few days and then I’ll go back with more.”

  “You can’t go back. The sheriff thinks you know where Garret is. He could be watching you.”

“If I don’t help him, he’ll get caught or worse. Nancy’s brother will find them. Garret was careful about what he said. There may be more going on I don’t know about. I need the truth.”

“You need help to find the truth.”

“That may be, I’m not sure how to face the pines alone again. On the way back to my
Jeep, I did my best to follow the path with my flashlight and look ahead to be sure nothing was there. With each step, my heart began to beat faster. I heard twigs break and saw spirit lights twinkling around me. My head felt strange and I was drawn toward the lights. Something touched my shoulder. They nearly had me until I saw my Jeep and ran toward it. My palms were so sweaty I dropped my keys and could barely get them into the ignition. Finally, I was out of the pines and on my way here.”

“You became lightheaded from panic and saw
fireflies. Daniel, please don’t get carried away. Spirits are not after you.” She dropped her head into her hands as she tried to think of anything that would help him control his terror.

“No, I felt the pines close in on me and the sounds of gentle voices coaxing me toward the bluff. I tried not to listen or follow. I barely made it to my Jeep.”

“You heard voices? Are you sure it wasn’t the wind?” She looked up at him and watched him rise from his chair. He wrung his hands while pacing around the room.

“
No, it wasn’t the wind, they’re coming. I’ve been telling you for weeks.”   

Annamarie knew Daniel needed to confide in someone who would get the truth from Garret. His emotional state was too fragile to do it alone. Daniel’s experience in the pines brought him closer to the edge of insanity. How could he enter the pines again to help Garret? If he thought he heard voices, Daniel desperately needed psychological help.     

When the phone rang, Annamarie pleaded, “Don’t answer it, Daniel.” 

“It could be our parents.”

“Please. Let it ring or let me answer.” 

Too late, he’d already grabbed the phone. “Hello. What? Okay, I’ll be right over. Don't call the sheriff until I get there.” 

“You can’t leave,” she said. “You promised, and I can’t take any more of this. I’m terrified here alone. There’s a killer out there.” 

“I won’t be long,” Daniel promised. “Just something I need to check out.”

***

He was out the back door before she could say another word.  Collapsing onto a chair, all she could do was pray. Annamarie was at her breaking point.

The call had been from one of Garret’s employees. While he was at his dinner break, someone broke in and ransacked the shop. He called Daniel because he knew how Garret felt about the sheriff.

When Daniel arrived, the shop appeared empty. The “Closed” sign in the window. Daniel entered through the side door. The shop was always a mess--what he saw was unbelievable. Whoever broke in was looking for something specific, and didn’t care what they did to find it. Locating Garret’s employee, Daniel told him to go home, and keep the shop closed until Garret came back. He readily agreed.

Daniel wasn’t ready to go home. He needed to try and find Bulk, who must have some answers. He knew if he kept some distance between Annamarie and himself she would be safer. The danger Garret created was going to come down on all of them if they didn’t get help. He knew he couldn’t go home bringing danger with him, but he did have to warn his wife. Daniel drove to Ray’s, bought a soda, asked for change for the telephone and called her. 

“Hello,” she said hoping it was Daniel. 

“Annamarie, it’s me. You have to listen to me carefully and do exactly what I say.” 

“Okay. What’s going on?” 

“As soon as we hang up, call your dad and tell him to come pick you up immediately. Please don’t ask me why, but I also want you to call Steve right away when you get to your parents. Tell him if what he and I talked about meant anything, he’ll do his best to protect you. You can tell him I know for a fact Ben was murdered, and whoever did it is after all of us. I don’t know who it is. I’ll be home as soon as I take care of a small problem. I’ll call you then. It may take a couple of hours. I love you. Now please call your dad so you’re safe.” 

In
shock, she murmured, “Okay. I love you, too,” hung up and dialed her parents’ number.

***

Annamarie quickly explained. Her mom said her dad was on his way. She ran through the house turning on a few lights and tossing a change of clothing into a suitcase. She was waiting near the front door by the time her dad pulled into the driveway. She ran out to the car, urging him to drive home quickly. She had to call Steve.

Hugging her mom and putting down the suitcase, she asked her dad to explain what they’d discussed while she made her call. Calling Deb’s number first and praying Steve would be home, Annamarie was ready to tell everyone what was going on. Daniel said they were in danger, and she was afraid.

Steve answered and she was happy to hear his voice. Everything Daniel had told her spilled out, including that Ben was murdered. Steve didn’t sound surprised, ordering her to stay right where she was. He was on his way over. 

When Steve
arrived, they sat down in her parent’s living room. She explained Daniel refused to tell her where he was, or who was responsible for Ben’s death.

Steve said, “That’s a good thing, Annamarie. The more you know, the more you’ll worry. The only problem is whoever is responsible doesn’t know what you do or don’t know.”

“Then I’m in danger, too?” 

“I have to tell the sheriff. It’s the only way we can get answers now.” 

“I know, and I think Daniel knew it, too. He told me to be sure to let you know about all of this.” 

“You’ll be safe here. I’ll tell the sheriff. If we need to talk, we’ll call you. Oh, could you call Deb? Let her know you’re safe. I couldn’t tell her why I had to see you, and she’s a wreck, so no details, please.” 

“No details, it’ll be nice to talk to her. I need a friend right now.” 

Steve hugged her, saying, “You have lots of friends.” He said goodnight to her parents and left. 

“That’s the kind of boy you should’ve married, Annamarie,” her dad said while he loaded his hunting rifle.

Her mom hushed him with one of her looks. “Theo this isn’t the time.” 

Chapter Thirteen: Loss

Turning to leave, Daniel saw Bulk’s high school girlfriend, Carolyn, having coffee with a friend. He walked over and said, “Hi Carolyn, sorry to bother you. I have a question if you don’t mind.” 

“Not at all,” answered Carolyn. “I was thinking about you and Bulk today.” 

“Why, what’s going on?” 

“I shouldn’t tell you, but if you promise not to say anything, I will.” 

“I promise,” he said, hoping he could keep his word. 

He sat down next to her.

She said, “Bulk’s back in the psychiatric ward. He had another breakdown after Ben’s funeral. My cousin
works there and called to tell me Bulk was asking for me. My cousin said Bulk was admitted because he’s terrified of spirits, and something he calls ‘them.’ His mind has reverted back to high school. He thinks we’re still dating. It’s sort of creepy. The doctors think whatever is troubling Bulk frightened him into regressing to a safe time in his mind. Do you have any idea why?” 

Daniel shook his head, even though he knew full well Bulk was terrified he would be the next one murdered. He also knew the spirits were haunting Bulk’s thoughts. 

“Maybe Ben’s death was too much for him.” 

Carolyn agreed, saying she would call
Daniel if she heard anything more. She had answered Daniel’s question about Bulk without his having to ask.

***

Daniel was relieved Bulk was in the hospital, not that he was ill but safe. The major worry now was what Garret might do when he learned about Bulk. At this point, anything Garret did put them all in more peril. Daniel would have his work cut out for him when it came to keeping Garret calm.

Climbing in his Jeep, he remembered he promised Annamarie he’d be back soon, but safe at her parents, he decided he needn’t worry about her. He did have to see someone who was a worry-–Garret. He also had to face his fear of the spirits. The pines at night were one place Daniel would usually avoid at all cost. This time he didn’t have a choice. He hoped Annamarie’s spirit would protect him.

Parking near the path through the pines, Daniel pulled out his flashlight. The sun had gone down. After a few minutes, he arrived on the other edge of the pines and could see the outbuilding. The building was dark, and he hoped Garret was there. When they were young, they learned a secret whistle at scout camp. He whistled and in a few seconds he heard the proper whistle response. Daniel approached the building. Garret and Nancy were waiting at the back where they wouldn’t be seen. 

“Hi,” said Nancy. “You’re back soon.” 

“We need to talk.”

They sat on the ground, and Daniel began to explain why he came back so soon. Garret was angry his shop had been ransacked, but agreed it should stay closed. 

“No one will come snooping around if they think I’m gone.” Garret also admitted he believed it was Nancy’s brother looking for the money Garret kept. 

“Why don’t you just give it back? Maybe that’ll settle him down a little?” 

“Can’t, I used it to pay off the guy I borrowed the money from to get the Bronco.” 

“I thought you went to the bank.”  

“Who would loan me any money? I got it from a guy in Oaklin, who loans money on the side. I figured I could pay it off quickly because of all the parts we were selling, but business slowed down. The guy got angry and threatened to break my legs if I didn’t pay. I thought I’d give him the money and tell Nancy’s brother I got robbed. I didn’t think he’d be angry with me since I’m her boyfriend.”