Gypsy Spirits (10 page)

Daniel was about to bring up the spirits. He decided he should keep that to himself.

“I’ve no idea. Ben was standing in the doorway when I last saw him. I heard Chief Cornett tell my father he figured the fire was only burning for about an hour before it was discovered. At that time, Annamarie and I were getting dressed to head to Ray’s for breakfast. I’m as confused as everyone else.” 

Before they pulled into the sheriff’s station parking lot, Steve smiled. “Deb and I miss having dinner and playing cards with you and Annamarie.”

“Me, too,” Daniel said. 

“Let’s try and be friends when all of this is over. I’m fairly certain you didn’t hurt Ben.” 

“I know I didn’t. Being friends again sounds good.”     

Seeing Garret was still inside, Steve pulled his vehicle around back and parked. With the sheriff still involved with Garret, he hoped to buy him time by casually chatting with Daniel about old times.

Sheriff Richardson walked slowly into the room where Garret waited. Unsmiling, he took a chair across from Garret and leaned back. “So, tell me again what happened last night.”             

Garret repeated the same story the sheriff heard from Bulk with little variance, almost verbatim from the first time he questioned Garret. Sheriff Richardson knew the boys had made up most, if not all of the story.

“Bulk mentioned someone he called
‘them.' Who’s he talking about?”  

“You know Bulk. He’s always mumbling about nothing.”

“Bulk also said what happened to Ben was awful and he didn’t do it, but you know more. What do you know you’re not telling me?” 

“Bulk’s nuts, I don’t know anything about this. Ben was fine when we left.”

The sheriff didn’t believe Garret for a second but decided to let him go and keep an eye on him. One of them was going to make a mistake. 

“Okay”, but stay in town, so I can reach you. Now get out of here before I change my mind, and lock you up solely because you aggravate me.” 

Garret took off as fast as he could before the sheriff changed his mind about that cell which was exactly what the sheriff wanted. He didn’t want Garret to see Daniel when he and Steve arrived. Separating the boys was the best way to get to the truth, and he swore he was going to do that.

Spotting Garret leave, Steve said Daniel should go talk to the sheriff, and get home to Annamarie. When they got out of the car, they shook hands. It was the closest they’d been in years, and both men wondered if they could rekindle their friendship.

***   

After Annamarie
had spoken to George, she called her mom.

“Annamarie, thank goodness you called. I’ve been worried about you.” 

“I’m okay, Mom,” she lied.

Ben had been her friend and Daniel’s best friend. Not only was she grieving, she was terrified Daniel was losing his mind. 

“Mom,” she confided, “Daniel has been blaming me for what happened, saying he thinks I summoned some spirits with my Gypsy curse.” 

“I told you he’d bring trouble with his crazy ideas of spirits in the woods and wild ways. I’m going to send your dad over right now. I want you to come home.” 

“I am home, Mom, and I’m not leaving. The question is what if he’s right? Remember when Great Uncle Andreas said I reminded him of his grandmother? Maybe it’s more than my dark hair and green eyes,” she said with a twinge of fear in her voice. 

“I still think it’s all in Daniel’s mind, but to ease your concerns, I’ll call my cousin Joe.” 

She hoped Joe might know more. Uncle Andreas was Joe’s father. He’d often heard his father tell colorful stories about the past and the family’s carnival. Paula hung up after promising to call Annamarie later.

***

Mulling the entire situation over without much success, Annamarie heard Steve’s vehicle pull up outside. A visibly shaken and angry Daniel came in and flopped down next to Annamarie.

“That damn sheriff’s a real jerk.” The words spewed out of Daniel like poison. “He truly thinks I hurt Ben. No matter what, I’d never hurt Ben. If I had my rifle, I would’ve blown the sheriff’s head right off. That would show him what type of person he’s dealing with.”

“Daniel,” Annamarie stared at him eyes wide with shock. 

“He said my emotional problems might’ve
contributed to whatever went on.” 

“Everyone in town knows you talk about spirits. I’m sure that’s what the sheriff meant. You have to stop talking about them.”    

Daniel continued to rant. “It was fortunate my father was there, and told the sheriff to shut up and let me go, or there would be trouble. Knowing my father he’d keep his word and try to have the sheriff recalled.” 

Daniel was
scaring Annamarie, but she knew when Daniel was this upset it was best to let him talk until his anger cooled. She was surprised when he mentioned the heart-to-heart talk with Steve. Happy to know they might be friends again, she also missed their time with Steve and Deb. Having Garret around might make it impossible. She never understood why Garret hated Steve except for the fact Steve was a deputy and Garret a probable criminal.

***

Daniel finally calmed down. He left the room to lie in bed. His violent mood swings worried her more than ever. She leaned back on the sofa, feeling drained. Eyes closed, she hoped the horror of today was over, and her husband wasn’t going insane.

Annamarie nearly jumped out of her skin when the phone rang. As promised, it was her mom.

“Hi, Mom, yes, we’re fine. The sheriff is about to drive all of us crazy. He ordered Daniel down to his office for more questioning. Daniel was angrier than I have ever seen him. It isn’t fair to think Daniel could’ve hurt Ben.”

“I think the sheriff is considering all possibilities.”      

“Maybe, why are you calling back so late, is everything okay?”

“Yes, after speaking to my cousin Joe, I think I can straighten out all of this ‘Gypsy’ nonsense. Joe knows a little more than I do. It’s enough, I think, to explain things.”

“I’m listening.”

“As Uncle Andreas grew older, his stories about the past became more intense and detailed. They were always changing. Joe and his mom believe the stories they heard years ago. When Uncle Andreas’ mind was clearer, they were more factual.” 

“So all those stories were made up?”

“Not entirely, our ancestors traveled as a circus occasionally, but they were also farmers. Once or twice a year, they’d go to neighboring towns and put on the circus. It helped with finances.” 

“That doesn’t sound all that ominous.”

“No, it doesn’t.
If it had been a productive year for farming, they would only go once a year during Oktoberfest. The word ‘Gypsy’ was used loosely because they did travel to the towns in their horse-drawn wagons. Travelers were often called Gypsies in lieu of a better term. The wagons carried fruits and vegetables for sale. Joe never heard any talk about crystal balls or palm readings.” 

“That’s wonderful. Maybe Daniel will stop thinking I have a spirit.”

“Also, Joe never heard that our grandmother or great-grandmother danced around a campfire for entertainment. He said possibly they all danced for fun, but nothing mysterious.” 

“That’s a relief.”

She finally had a family history explaining she didn’t have a spirit. She felt more relieved than she had in the past forty-eight hours. Farmers, that’s great.

“It saves my sanity, Mom,” she said. “Now maybe Daniel will forget the mystic side of Gypsies.”

She was ready to hang up when her mom said. “Oh, there’s one more bit of information for you to add to our family tree.” 

“What Mom?” she asked, too tired to care. 

“Joe said he found the names of our grandparents, and you can add them to the family tree you started in high school.”

Her mom sounded as if she was doing Annamarie a large favor. Annamarie didn’t remember where the project was, but she asked, “What are the names, Mom?” 

“Josef and Magdalena,” her mom replied.  

“Oh, my goodness, Mom, it makes matters worse, not better,” she moaned, an odd chill creeping over her. “Don’t you remember the ballerina doll you gave me with the pink hair and matching tutu? I told you dancers don’t have pink hair. I used my
paints to change her hair to dark brown and old scraps of your sewing cloth to make her a new dress.”

“Oh yes,” her mom laughed. “It made me angry at the time since it was an expensive doll, but now it seems so funny.” 

“Mom, it’s not funny. It’s strange. Don’t you remember I named her Magdalena, and you asked me where I’d heard such an old-fashioned name?” 

“I do now that you mentioned it, but you don’t think …” her mom hesitated.

“I don’t know what to think. I know I want to go to bed, I’m so tired.” 

Saying good night, Annamarie joined Daniel in bed.

***

Feeling uneasy relating what her mom had told her, she tried to think of something positive. It would send him further over the edge if he knew what she and her mom had discussed. At this point, she thought she might end up joining him. 

Daniel asked, “Who was on the phone?”

“My mom, she wanted to be sure we were all right with everything that’s going on.” 

He laughed and said, “I bet your dad wanted to come and rescue you from your crazy husband.” 

She was able to convince him that her dad wasn’t coming and he wasn’t crazy, even if he believed there were spirits in the woods. She added whatever was in the woods that killed Ben wouldn’t hurt them. They would be safe. That seemed to be enough for Daniel. Turning over, he fell into a deep sleep.

***

Lying awake she decided she was sane, normal, level-headed, and all of this had an explanation. Annamarie convinced
herself of that while she drifted off to sleep. Sleeping soundly most of the night, her dreams returned to the young woman dancing around the firelight.

She noticed the scent of pine. It encircled her. This time she was alone in a clearing deep in the woods. The firelight slowly brightened the area. The beautiful woman walked out of the shadows. The wagon and the old man sitting on the barrel were gone, although she still heard violin music. The music was lively, and the young woman danced and twirled to each note. Her hair fell in soft curls past her shoulders as she pulled the ribbons from her hair. She turned to look at Annamarie. It was like looking into a mirror. She stared directly at Annamarie and said, “Double trouble will suddenly appear. You have no need to fear. It will not harm you. It will disappear in the sea of red and you will be safe.” The firelight dimmed and Annamarie drifted more deeply asleep.

***

While Daniel and Annamarie slept, Sheriff Richardson closed the station. Steve was asleep in the back room in case a call came in overnight. Timmus Woods was a perfect, sleepy little town until today, when all hell broke loose. Sheriff Richardson knew those boys had the answer, and he was going to find it. Tonight he needed some sleep, but first he had to stop at the hospital to check on Bulk. 

The sheriff saw Dr. Norse inside the emergency room doors as he parked his squad car. 

“Bill
,” said the sheriff when he walked into the hospital, “how’s Bulk?” 

“He’s sleeping. I had to give him a sedative to keep him calm. I’ve never seen him so upset. He kept mumbling it wasn’t his fault and the spirits were coming.” 

“It sounds as if Daniel Logan is rubbing off on him.” 

“Something is. I have a psychiatrist from Oaklin Hospital coming here in the morning to see Bulk. I think this is more than I can handle. That boy needs intensive therapy,” he said dropping medical charts onto a nurse’s desk. 

“I know you have to keep his records private. If he does give you, any clue about what happened at the cabin would you, please try and convince him telling me will only help?”  

“I will, but don’t count on it. He’s terrified of whatever happened. I’m not sure he’ll tell us, much less you.” 

“Maybe he’ll trust someone, and we can figure this out before those boys have the entire town in an uproar. Remember the hysteria with Mrs. Graysbe’s dogs. This situation is horrific in comparison. We can’t let it get out of control before we find out what went on.” 

“I agree. I have a patient to see right now. I’ll call you in the morning one way or the other.” 

“Thanks, Bill,” said the sheriff. He headed toward the doors.

Sheriff Richardson had a terrible situation on his hands and knew it. He also knew he had to break one of the boys’ stories, or this would remain a mystery. Bulk was in the hospital. Garret wasn’t going to say a word without Daniel’s permission. Daniel might talk, if he was afraid enough, but his father had too much power to let Daniel be interviewed again.

The sheriff hated to do what he was thinking, but his last hope was Annamarie. He knew she loved Daniel more than life itself and would protect him in every way she could. If he could convince her Daniel was in serious trouble and the only way to get him out was to cooperate, it might work. He had known her all her life, and she was an honest kid caught up in Daniel Logan’s life and fears.

Yup, thought the sheriff while driving home, she might be my best bet.     

Chapter Eight: Hope

When Annamarie woke she remembered the dream, but wasn’t afraid. She did wonder what trouble came in twos and what a red sea might be in Timmus Woods. Annamarie felt refreshed and less apprehensive about the weekend’s tragedy. She was confident the sheriff would straighten the matter out, and Daniel would see the solution had nothing to do with spirits or any other inexplicable thing. She was ready to face her day. It was barely seven o’clock when the phone rang. 

She answered, hearing the sheriff’s voice on the other end.

“Good morning, Annamarie.” 

“Good morning, sir. What can I do for you?” 

“I’m glad you asked. I’d like you to drop into the office this morning for a talk.” 

“Daniel has to be at work early this morning,” she began, but the sheriff interrupted her saying he wanted to speak to her alone. 

She was surprised and a little nervous about his request. Unsure what she could tell him, she thought for a moment before she answered. “I have to go to work first since Mr. Hanson is grieving and needs help. If he isn’t in the office, I’ll have to do my best to help the plant manager get things up and running.” Annamarie fought her tears at the idea of not seeing Ben at work. Dealing with the sheriff would be too much.

The sheriff agreed she should go to work first and then stop by his office, reminding her they didn’t have proof the body was Ben’s. 

“Who else could it be?” She almost shouted into the phone. “I’ll see you around ten o’clock.” Hanging up, she turned around and saw Daniel staring at her. 

“What was all that about?”

“The sheriff wants to talk to me alone,” she said, pacing nervously around the living room.

Her comment set Daniel off, and Annamarie wasn’t ready for his behavior so early in the morning. She didn’t understand why he became angry. There was little she could tell the sheriff. Daniel insisted it was some sort of plot, and the spirits could be controlling the sheriff.  

“While you were in the shower Garret called,” Daniel said. “He can’t find Bulk anywhere. Garret thinks the spirits may have taken him.” 

Someone to back up her husband’s walk toward insanity was all she needed.

“Forget about spirits,” she said her eyes pleading. 

He glared at her as he walked out the door, leaving her to resume getting ready for work.

***

Before leaving, Annamarie sat down and contemplated everything that had happened and what the sheriff had in mind. Assuming he wanted her to either back or break Daniel’s alibi, she felt a glimmer of hope. She could go into Sheriff Richardson’s office, and swear she didn’t have any idea what happened at the cabin. It wasn’t a lie, since she hadn’t been there. Of course, she knew what Daniel told her, but Daniel was distraught. She couldn’t take everything he said
seriously. Knowing if she repeated any of it to the sheriff, he would be ready to believe every word. It would destroy Daniel’s life.  

Ben was dead. The entire town was grieving. Annamarie knew in order to save Daniel from himself, not to mention the sheriff, she couldn’t let grief cloud her thinking. Determined to do her best and grieve on her own, she resolved to be strong around others. 

Her drive to work was somber. She fought the tears she felt building again. Knowing everyone would be in mourning at the dairy, she needed to be stoic. Everyone liked Ben, and whether or not the sheriff was sure the body found at the cabin was Ben’s, the rest of the town was convinced. She parked under a large tree hoping to keep her car cool and saw Mr. Hanson’s truck parked in its usual spot.

Using the front doors, she went to her desk in the front office. This morning she dropped her purse in one of her drawers before walking to Mr. Hanson’s office door. She could see his door was partially open. 

Knocking quietly, Annamarie saw Mr. Hanson turn around in his old, creaky desk chair. “Can I help you, Annamarie?”  

“No. Is there anything I can do for you?” 

Mr. Hanson merely shook his head, saying, “Thanks.” 

She explained the sheriff wanted to see her this morning, and asked when would be a good time to leave.

Mr. Hanson looked at her with sad eyes. “I’m not sure there’ll ever be a good time for any of us from now on, Annamarie, but we need to help the sheriff find out what he can. Go now. Do what you can. If you can be back by eleven that would be good.” 

“I’ll be back in time,” she promised. Mr. Hanson slumped in his chair seeming as if his world had ended. Ben was his only child, and Annamarie knew he planned that someday the dairy would be Ben’s.

Managing to hold back her tears until she was in her car, Annamarie began crying so hard she found it difficult to catch her breath. 

Tim, the plant manager, knocked on her car window.

“Are you okay, Annamarie?”  

She shook her head. He talked to her soothingly until she calmed down. She was more than grateful because she wasn’t sure how she was going to talk to the sheriff in that state of mind. 

“I can drive you if you’re too upset.” 

Wiping her eyes, “I’m better now, thanks. I think I can handle things alone.” She was wrong.

***

When Annamarie pulled into the parking area outside of
the Sheriff’s Station, she saw a big, black Cadillac that could only belong to Mr. Townsend, Timmus Woods’ most prominent attorney. Mr. Townsend preferred to practice in town. He only traveled to Oaklin for court. There was just one reason he would be here. George sent him. Daniel must have mentioned she was going to see the sheriff and George surely wanted her well represented.

She felt the anger in her grow. Losing a wonderful friend less than two days ago, she would help the sheriff. Knowing Daniel didn’t kill him was all that mattered to her.

She didn’t want Mr. Townsend’s representation or help in any way. She needed to talk to the sheriff alone. Remembering Daniel’s comment about what George was like if anyone upset him, added to her anxiety. Nevertheless, she was prepared to tell Mr. Townsend to go home. 

Entering the office, she saw Mr. Townsend talking to the sheriff and took a deep breath.

“Good morning, gentlemen.”  

They both turned, and Sheriff Richardson smiled.

“I’m glad you came in early.”

When Mr. Townsend began to explain, “George called me…,” she interrupted him.

“Mr. Townsend, I don’t need your assistance. I plan on talking to the sheriff alone, but thank you for coming,” she said. 

Mr. Townsend’s face turned red. He picked up his briefcase and left. 

She looked at the sheriff. “I bet George will be here in ten minutes.” 

Sheriff Richardson responded, “I don’t take sucker bets.”

They both smiled.

The sheriff’s expression grew serious. He said, “We need to talk.”

He led Annamarie into his office, gesturing for her to take a seat in the chair across from the desk. Offering her coffee or tea, she declined both. She wanted to talk, tell the sheriff what she could, and return to work. 

“I need to be back to work in time for Mr. and Mrs. Hanson to make funeral arrangements.”

“I understand, but we’re not yet sure the body is Ben’s.” 

Despite her efforts to restrain her anger, it bubbled out of her uncontrollably. She leaned toward the sheriff, and in an extremely frustrated voice said, “Then where is Ben? Who the hell died at the cabin, and why are the
Hansons making funeral arrangements today?” 

Annamarie realized at once she let her anger out on the sheriff and apologized. He was gracious and accepted, but she was completely embarrassed. 

“Tell me everything you know about that night at the cabin.” 

Panic struck her when she wondered how she could say she knew nothing while she knew quite a bit. Her reprieve came in the form of Greta’s voice coming from the front office.

Greta was old enough to be Annamarie’s mom. One of the nicest people in Timmus Woods, she worked a few hours a day answering the phone for the sheriff, and waitressed during lunch and dinner shifts at Ray’s Diner. She lived in a small house inherited from her mother, along with six cats and four dogs. If she wasn’t one of the sheriff’s most trustworthy employees, Annamarie was sure by now the sheriff would have told Greta ten pets were too many for anyone. Not many people could tell Greta anything she didn’t want to hear, which is what started the commotion in the front office.