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She would lie on her bed listening to the laughing and off color jokes of Mark her boyfriend and his cop friends. It was almost ten pm, time for refills from her refrigerator, in her own apartment which he treated as his own. Mark had ask his friends over to play cards, she was to stay in her bedroom unless called on .2
She was Rebecca Steal , twenty two years old and totally aware of the fool she was to allow Mark to treat her the way he did. He often hurt her, hit her in places people didn't see, always insulting her about her position as a teacher. No one was as good or as smart as Mark, he misused his job and she knew it. He bragged to her about mistreating prisoners and putting his comrades in jeopardy. Sometimes he even set things up to make himself look good .Why did she let him come around? She was frightened to death of him.
He had told her in no uncertain terms what would happen to her if she ever reported him or left him. There was no doubt he would kill her or make her wish she was dead. He had already done that, he had hurt her more than one time. The bruises on her thighs reminded her of what her life would be like with him. He would start about their marriage when his friends left, then he would hurt her again. She would never marry him but she would leave him. She had her plans made, almost complete and fool proof. They had to be or she was dead.
Rebecca had spent weeks getting new ID with a different picture. With a black wig and lots of makeup she looked different, older and harder. Not even Mark would recognize her. The train ticket was in her bag with the clothes she would have to have. It was cold in the North East; she had very few suitable clothes. She lived in the Deep South where it hardly ever snowed. The bag was in a locker in the train depot, she had the key on her key ring. Mark would never notice it there; she had many keys for the house and school.
The card party was over early, no calls for refills. Becky could feel her muscles tighten and her heart accelerate. She knew what was going to happen she would try to keep him calm. She would do nothing to make him mad but she didn't have to make him mad someone had done that for her.
He went into the bedroom slamming the door so hard a picture fell to the floor and broke. Becky hopped he would not see the glass, he might use it. Mark was raving at his friend John Mitchell said he was a cheat and only came over to see Becky. He yelled at Becky and for the first time slapped her across the face, she would have bruises and a black eye the next day. That would not stop her; she knew more than ever she had to get away before he killed her.
Mark was away to work early the next day, giving her orders of the hours after she finished her school day. She told him she would not go to work with a black eye, he slapped her again making her bite her lip .She didn't cry for him but was more determined than ever to get away .8
The bus left the station at nine. Mark worked down town and wasn't likely to see her, she didn't see any police at all. The bus terminal was busy, no one noticed her when she bought a one way ticket with no destination. Once on the bus and under way Becky felt much better. She had bought some food and coffee outside the bus station. She was very hungry and needed the nutrition. No one even looked at the scarf she wore loosely around her face to hide the discoloration. The bus ride gave Becky time to get her thoughts in order. She would soon be aboard the train headed to the East, headed to Hampshire, a small sea side fishing village .
The bus took Becky to the train depot in Ohio. Beck had gone into the bathroom, changed clothes, cleaned her face and added light make up. The wig went into the outgoing trash; the pickup was waiting until the bath room was empty. No evidence left behind for Mark to find even if he figured out her route.
Once on the train Becky began to relax and got some much needed sleep. The train ran smoothly and quietly through the night. Becky awakened disoriented and trembling. Her surroundings slowly came into focus, the lights were dim others aboard were also sleeping. She was in control again. One hundred miles from Hampshire Becky left the train and went to the bus station buying a ticket to her
Corner View (1)
She would lie on her bed listening to the laughing and off color jokes of Mark her boyfriend and his cop friends. It was almost ten pm, time for refills from her refrigerator, in her own apartment which he treated as his own. Mark had ask his friends over to play cards, she was to stay in her bedroom unles
She was Rebecca Steal , twenty two years old and totally aware of the fool she was to allow Mark to treat her the way he did. He often hurt her, hit her in places people didn't see, always insulting her about her position as a teacher. No one was as good or as smart as Mark, he misused his job and she knew it. He bragged to her about mistreating prisoners and putting his comrades in jeopardy. Sometimes he even set things up to make himself look good .Why did she let him come around? She was frightened to death of him.
He had told her in no uncertain terms what would happen to her if she ever reported him or left him. There was no doubt he would kill her or make her wish she was dead. He had already done that, he had hurt her more than one time. The bruises on her thighs reminded her of what her life would be like with him. He would start about their marriage when his friends left, then he would hurt her again. She would never marry him but she would leave him. She had her plans made, almost complete and fool proof. They had to be or she was dead.
Rebecca had spent weeks getting new ID with a different picture. With a black wig and lots of makeup she looked different, older and harder. Not even Mark would recognize her. The train ticket was in her bag with the clothes she would have to have. It was cold in the North East; she had very few suitable clothes. She lived in the Deep South where it hardly ever snowed. The bag was in a locker in the train depot, she had the key on her key ring. Mark would never notice it there; she had many keys for the house and school.
The card party was over early, no calls for refills. Becky could feel her muscles tighten and her heart accelerate. She knew what was going to happen she would try to keep him calm. She would do nothing to make him mad but she didn't have to make him mad someone had done that for her.
He went into the bedroom slamming the door so hard a picture fell to the floor and broke. Becky hopped he would not see the glass, he might use it. Mark was raving at his friend John Mitchell said he was a cheat and only came over to see Becky. He yelled at Becky and for the first time slapped her across the face, she would have bruises and a black eye the next day. That would not stop her; she knew more than ever she had to get away before he killed her.
Mark was away to work early the next day, giving her orders of the hours after she finished her school day. She told him she would not go to work with a black eye, he slapped her again making her bite her lip .She didn't cry for him but was more determined than ever to get away .8
The bus left the station at nine. Mark worked down town and wasn't likely to see her, she didn't see any police at all. The bus terminal was busy, no one noticed her when she bought a one way ticket with no destination. Once on the bus and under way Becky felt much better. She had bought some food and coffee outside the bus station. She was very hungry and needed the nutrition. No one even looked at the scarf she wore loosely around her face to hide the discoloration. The bus ride gave Becky time to get her thoughts in order. She would soon be aboard the train headed to the East, headed to Hampshire, a small sea side fishing village .
The bus took Becky to the train depot in Ohio. Beck had gone into the bathroom, changed clothes, cleaned her face and added light make up. The wig went into the outgoing trash; the pickup was waiting until the bath room was empty. No evidence left behind for Mark to find even if he figured out her route.
Once on the train Becky began to relax and got some much needed sleep. The train ran smoothly and quietly through the night. Becky awakened disoriented and trembling. Her surroundings slowly came into focus, the lights were dim others aboard were also sleeping. She was in control again. One hundred miles from Hampshire Becky left the train and went to the bus station buying a ticket to her
estination.Corner View (2)
e station in Hampshire Becky ask the clerk if he knew any place to rent a room. The sleepy old clerk didn't even look directly at her. He told her there was a motel down the road, not a very good place for a young lady. After scratching his head he said there was a boarding house two streets over, belonged to Miss Jane Huston. She took in boarders, some of them had been with her for years, and she might have a room open. He offered to call for her, she told him please do. It sounded ideal for her. A room in a home with other people and meals. The old man spoke a few words mostly “Yeah." When the call was over Becky had a place to live, if she was decent and the accommodations suited her.
The house was an old Victorian on a corner lot, lots of trees and bushes, leafs covered the ground. From the street it looked as if it had three floors, she would be happy to get the top floor. The ring of the door bell brought a trim and proper woman to the door, Miss Jane Huston, owner and proprietor of Liberty House. She looked to be about fifty, very slim and very proper. She ask Becky to come in, it was too cold to keep the door open. The inside of the house was true Victorian, with marble on the hall floor and a grandfather clock ticking away. A curving stair well pierced the height of the house; a beautiful chandelier drooped from the center of the ceiling.
Becky was smitten with the house and Miss Jane. Miss Jane told her there were three meals served every day at six am, twelve to one pm, and six pm. Doors locked at eleven o'clock everyone had a key she didn't treat her guests like children.
There was a laundry behind the kitchen and an extra refrigerator for any food the guests might want to keep, it also would be cleaned each week and bed clothes would also be changed by Daisy, her daily house helper. Daisy was dependent and had a room in the attic where she was safe and very happy. Miss Jane asks how long Sarah would be staying, it was the first time she had heard her new name and was taken back for a moment. She said "A very long time the way I feel right now and if I can afford it.” Miss Jane smiled "You will give the place some new life and Daisy will be delighted to have a young person to talk to.”Sarah ask about the amount of rent, Miss Jane told her two hundred a month.
Sarah thought she had heard her wrong and couldn't wait to get her money out. She had cash, no credit cards or checks for Jeff to trace. Jane lead the way up the stairs to the second floor, corner room. From there she could see most of the town. The room was perfect, bright colors on the bed and windows, a fire place and Persian rug. Two over stuffed chairs flanked the fire place.
Miss Jane turned the gas on starting a fire to warm the room. There was an old fashioned bathroom in perfect condition, and closets, the bed had a canopy with green velvet hangings. In a bed side table Sarah placed the small hand gun she had packed with her few clothes, she would leave the drawer partly open at night and the gun in her back pack during the day. Daisy might like to look through other peoples things. Sarah added a book and box of tissue in the drawer with the gun.
Miss Jane had not ask Sarah for any ID or why she was in town, she would meet the other guests in the morning at breakfast. For the night she wanted nothing more than to get a bath and into that beautiful old bed. From her two windows Sarah looked one last time. No one was in sight, no one on the corner, no lurking black truck parked on the curb. If Miss Jane had a car she didn't have a drive way which opened off the main street. She would look the place over in the morning.
The night brought a light snow, the first Sarah had seen first hand. It delighted her to be welcomed with the white glittering power. Breakfast was meeting time. All the guests were present. Sarah was introduced first then came and old man with white hair and beard, he was Professor Chambers from the University, he said a grumpy "Good to meet you" and was out the door and gone. Next was another man, younger and friendlier, Dr. Hughes, part time physician, a woman Mrs. Martian curator of the local gallery and book store. She looked to be about Miss Jane's age,
welcomed Sarah and showed signs of wanting to know more. She invited Sarah to visit the Gallery soon, Sarah assured her she would.
Later Sarah went to her room to find her bed already made and being used by a big shaggy Grey cat. He was right at home. She heard someone giggling and saw a girl in the bathroom, "Daisy?” she said. The girl answered "Yes mum just cleaning, you don't make much work for me.” Sarah "Oh I am so sorry I will do better tomorrow.” The girl giggled some more and went on her way. The cat didn't move.
After lunch Sarah went walking to the business section of the small town to look for some winter clothes. It wasn't even Halloween yet and snow was falling. There were two old stores and a small shopping mall near the docks. Sarah saw the Gallery was first in line. It had a rustic look of New England with glass ware in the windows and a mail box on the front porch. She would go in after she shopped for a while.
The first store was more like a general store, she could see every thing from overalls to snow boots, canvas was stacked in the corner. There was fishing gear of every kind; she might try her hand at it when spring came but not right away. The woman proprietors ask if she could get anything for her, she was a friendly person set on talking for a short time. Sarah accommodated her with out telling her any thing personal.
Mrs. Martian was disappointed she would have nothing to tell the others at the Liberty House at dinner then she remembered Sarah also lived there.
Sarah noticed an old picture in the back ground of the Gallery, it was dim with age and dust but she could make out many figures of children and adults on a frozen lake. The wore bright colors and skated in a ring. The light was too dim to make much of the scene; she would have another look when she had more time.
Clothes were to be found in the next two stores. She bought boots with a sheep skin lining, a long coat with a hood, gloves, scarves and warm wool sweaters and pants. In the next shop she found flannel gowns and warm robes with house slippers. She bought a dozen pair of heavy socks and a pair of leather loafers for the house. She reckoned she would be there for a long time. If Mark was going to find her he would have already showed up in that evil looking black truck.
Sarah hurried home to uncover her new bought treasures. She had never had heavy clothes before. Miss Jane opened the door for her and helped her up the stairs with her parcels. She said, "I have a car in the back if you ever want to use it, I don't go out much except for grocery shopping.” Sarah replied, "Thank you I might take you up on that, I would like to see some of the country side and maybe look for a job." Miss Jane smiled, "You are welcome to it, as far as a job you might check the hospital or the University, Professor Chamber might need an assistant, the one he had got married and moved away. Sarah asked, "What is his position in the University?" Miss Jane answered, "Oh my, he didn't tell you, he is in charge of the Ancient History department, brings all manner of books home, reads and writes all the time.” Sarah wasn't interested in the hospital but the University interested her. She had fake credentials which would stand up under close scrutiny. She would speak to him at the University rather than bring it up at the house where every one would know her business.
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Mark
Mark had returned in the afternoon ready for a fight. He was enraged at something which had happened at the percent early that day. His commander had confronted him on sloppy work on a case which was thrown out of court. Mark had been furious but could not reply as he wished. He would take his frustrations out on Becky when she got home from work. In his confused mind she would be the commander who had reprimanded him.
Becky wasn't at home, no note to explain her absence. Mark fixed some food and had a beer while he waited. He had an apartment of his own but only went there to change clothes and have a place to go when he blew up at Becky. Dark came but Becky did not come in the door. Mark began to get really mad, he threw a few glasses in the sink to appease his anger.
At eight he called Becky's mother Anita .Mark “ Have you heard from Becky?” Anita “ No, Mark I haven't talked to Becky since yesterday.” Mark “Are you lying to me to cover up for her? Is she there hiding from me?” Anita “Why would she be hiding from you Mark? Have you hurt her again?” No
Mark “Not yet but I will when I find her she knows to come straight home after work.” Anita “Mark you won't hurt her again I can promise you that, you need to be in a mental hospital for the way you treat her and she isn't yours in anyway.” Mark “You have always been against me, you and Mary. I know you have her hidden but I will find her and all of you will be sorry.” Anita “Mark she had you picked up once, didn't that teach you anything? You don't love Becky you just want to control her. You could have her with love but not with your fists.” Mark I am going to find her, she can't hide from me forever.” That was the last time he had talked to Becky's family. He thought they knew where she was. He could use his position to bug their phones. Becky was a big family person she couldn't go long with out talking to her family.
Next day Mark called the school to ask about Becky. He was told she had resigned the week before, no forward address given. They had no idea where she had gone. Next he called some of the teachers she was friends with. They had no news for her, no one knew she was about to disappear. Mark could not give a missing persons report, it would make him look ridiculous to his co workers. He would have to work this case by him self. In the mean time he moved out of Becky's apartment.
In a week her rent was up and her mother and sister removed all her personal possessions from the apartment. Slowly she had removed things he had not missed, there was really very little to take away. She had left no forwarding address with the land lady or with the post office. There was no way he could trace her, she had even left her cell phone in the apartment.
The bus station clerk had no memory of seeing anyone matching Becky's picture, neither did the cab company or the train depot. Checking the airport in the next time was a waste of time. No one had seen her. He thought of the black eye she was wearing after he had hit her. Heavy make up would cover that, yes heavy make up and a wig for disguise. He had the technician at the station play around with some photos, with different colored hair and heavy make up she looked entirely different. He made the rounds again but no one remembered seeing her.
Mark began to mess up on the job and was after a few weeks put on probation for a month for counseling and treatment for anger abuse after he went too far interrogating a suspect. Mark blamed it all on Becky, she had been his outlet in anger.
There were no calls from Becky to her mother or sister, if there were letters he had no way of knowing although he broke in their houses to look for the letters. There was nothing to show for his weeks of undercover work. What he had took for love had turned to hate for Becky, he would kill her if he found her. He was not about to give up the hunt.
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Becky/ Sarah
Winter had come to New England with a vengeance, snow fell day after day and Sarah loved it. She spent hours setting on the window seat in her room watching the snow fall. The town looked like a miniature village. There was very little traffic on the Liberty House Street. Sarah watched every day first thing in the morning and the last thing at night. No one had broken the smooth white blanket which covered the front lawn. The pines were under a great weight the limbs almost on the ground. Miss Jane kept the front walk way cleaned and covered with ash to prevent someone from falling. Everyone used the front entrance. The coat rack in the hall was hanging full of winter coats, scarves and umbrellas. Everyone but Sarah was used to the weather; she took some time to get where she wanted to go out.
After Thanksgiving Sarah went to the University to apply for a job. She knew from talk at the table the Professor had not hired anyone. She was given an appointment time for the next day. The Professor did the interview. Professor “And just why have you kept me waiting so long?” Sarah “I didn't want to be personal about the application; I thought it best to see you here instead of at the house.” Professor “Very well, you have good credentials here, even some teaching experience, how do you happen to feel about Ancient History?” Sarah “I can't honestly say I have a passion for it but I have a great interest in it. Working with you would be a great experience. I looked at an old picture at the Gallery one day which I thought you might be interested in.” “Professor, this picture, how does it pertain to my interest?”
Sarah “It is a picture of this village in the sixteenth century, it has an evil sense about it. I am interested in the occult although it has nothing to do with this job as your assistant.” Professor, actually it has everything to do with the job; I study the occult a great deal and have to admit to being a believer in some of it. We have some very important things in common. Are you willing to work with me some at the house?”
Sarah “Yes Sir I would be glad to, I have very little to do except to read and play with the cat.” Professor “then you are hired starting today by taking something’s home with you to study. Salary is four thousand a month, adequate I think under the circumstances.” Sarah “The salary is more than enough I might want to buy a car by spring, it would be useless to me this winter.” Professor “You may ride in with me in the mornings, afternoons I have other things to do after my classes are over.” Sarah “Mornings are fine I love walking in the snow.”
Sarah was thrilled to have such a job with the Professor. She felt as if she had a life now, a life with meaning. She was ready the next morning long before the Professor knocked on her door. Breakfast was over; everyone else had gone out except the nurse who shared the attic with Daisy. Her name was Lynn Maxwell; she looked about thirty, very small and non descriptive. She hardly ever had a meal with the others because of her changing hours, she was friendly but added little color to the house.
First day on the job was pure confusion, the Professor wanted Sarah to read his mind and perform as his departed assistant had done. Sarah had to remind him she was new at the job and would have to have time to learn his ways. He agreed he was being overbearing and would give her the time she needed. After that they got on just fine. In a week Sarah had everything down to a fine art.
The winter held on like it would stay forever. Christmas was just weeks away Sarah missed her family more than she had while she had been gone. She knew she could not get in touch with them without Mark picking up on it. She knew he would have every opening covered. She had not been able to figure any safe way to contact them. Mark was so mean he had probably bullied them trying to get information they did not have. No one knew where she had gone. It had to be that way or he would find her and her life would be over.
Christmas in New England, such a beautiful scene every day and night. Sarah was so happy and content she thought about taking the gun to the bank to a safety deposit box. Her daily vigilance continued, she no longer shuddered at the sight of a black truck. There couldn't be another one like Mark's. He had lights all over the cab, fog lights, and high intensity lights. The truck had every gadget a truck could need and more. He treated it like a woman well loved.
Sarah was undecided about buying presents, there was a tree in the living room, a big pine which the cat loved. More than one glass ball hit the floor from his quick paws. Miss Jane would correct him to no avail. Cats had a mind of their own, no meant nothing to this one, his name was Whiskers .Call his name or rattle a paper and he came running. Every one fed him and petted him even though Miss Jane had asked them not to. He continued to sleep on Sarah's bed during the day and sometimes at night.
Week before Christmas Sarah felt she had to buy something for the other guests and Miss Jane and especially for Whiskers. A Saturday morning took her to the mall by the dock. The Gallery was her first stop; Mrs. Martian welcomed her to look the place over. She found an antic picture frame for Miss Jane.
Of course she had to have another look at the picture. It had been cleaned and set up in the front of the Gallery. Mrs. Martian said there had been several to look at it but no buyers. The cleaning had made the figures much easier to see. They had a strange look about them as did the houses. A look of evil prevailed. Sarah wondered what enlargement of the characters would show and ask if she could use a magnifying glass for inspection. Mrs. Martian gave her one then tried to look over her shoulder.
The faces of the characters on the snow took on a different look when enlarged. They were evil looking, even the children. One woman who Sarah had taken as a nun was actually a witch. A cauldron' boiled in the center of the ring of people. Even the animals looked evil. Sarah asks about the painter but the curator did not have a name for her. She said many had ask but she could find no name on the painting any place.
Sarah left the Gallery feeling dread and a kind of fear. She had felt so safe there, now the feeling was mired with the faces in the picture. She would tell the Professor about the picture.
Sarah finished her shopping by buying gloves and scarves for everyone. Daisy deserved something more because she went out of her way to do extra things for Sarah. In clothing boutique Sarah found a heavy red cable knit sweater she thought Daisy might like. Miss Jane had told her the girl was dependent but the nurse had told her the real story.
Daisy was mildly mongoloid. She had been born late in her mother’s life. She was one of five children who were much older than she was. Her father had been angry when she was diagnosed, he blamed her mother. The mother died when Daisy was four years old. Her father had left her with his sister, her children had mistreated Daisy. She had not been sent to school although there was no reason she could not learn up to a point. When her father took her back he also mistreated her.
Miss Jane had found her one winter stealing bird food from the feeders in the back yard. After taking her in the house and talking and looking at her she had called Human Services. After all was said and done Daisy was put in Miss Jane's care. Sarah was glad to know the real story; she went out and bought books, paper and pencils, colors and coloring books. Daisy had not had a child hood; she meant to give her one.
With Miss Jane's permission Sarah took on the job of teaching Daisy to read and write. She had some knowledge she had picked up over the years watching and listening to other kids. Learning came easy for her. Sarah thought it such a shame to have kept her from the things she had come to love. Sarah's Attention to Daisy brought her close to Miss Jane's heart. She vowed she would do anything she could to help the girl if she ever needed her.
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Christmas had been a big day; Miss Jane had cooked a big Christmas dinner with all the New England trimmings. Nothing was the same as it was in the south but that was behind Sarah and far away. She looked on the guests as her second family but she couldn't confide in them. Her fears of Mark were the same, she half expected him to show up any day. She dreaded looking out the windows, afraid she would see him standing in the yard on the street corner looking at her through the window. She never covered her windows but at night she felt exposed and started closing them against the winter night.
Along with working with Daisy Sarah worked with the Professor at night also. He often brought translations home for her to type up on his computer. He even had a computer set up in her room for her own use so he could work alone. He had also gone to take a look at the picture. He was engrossed with it. One day a delivery man came to the door leaving a package for him. The picture of course, he wanted someone from the science department in the University to do some testing on the oils. He was horrified with the faces and message the picture sent to the viewer. The idea of children in such a setting went against everything he had ever held dear.
The occult was an interest and supported by local legend. He had attended some strange meetings with members of the occult and was touched by the experience. He had asked Sarah to attend a meeting with him but she declined the offer. She had enough devils to keep her company. Her constant vigil for Mark was wearing on her and she missed her family more every day. There just wasn't anyway she could safely contact them even on their jobs. Mark would have every phone they used tapped, and some way he would know what mail they received. She had a good cry and went on with her life.
In Sarah's southern home town her family celebrated the holidays as they always did with a palm tree loaded with lights and presents. They bought presents for Becky even though they knew they would never be able to give them to her. Mark had not given up his search. He had spread out to surrounding states without so much as a clue. Every time they heard of what he was doing they were frightened for themselves and for Becky.
Their information came from Mark's mother Bee. She called often of course trying to pick their brain about the location of Becky. Mark was making her life miserable, her husband wanted to have him committed, she was sure he would come out even meaner than he had been before. Mark had always been mean, even as a young child. He would destroy his toys and stuffed animals, they had tried a pet but he hurt him also and they had to find a home for the poor dog that loved Mark and seemed to understand him.
In school he had been a horror in every setting. They had been forced to send him to a special school where the teachers were supposed to know how to handle him. All they did was allow him to learn how to do his evil without anyone knowing. He had excelled in sports but was too small for a professional level. He went into a depression over his size and became even harder to get along with. The Police Academy had taken his mean ways to a new level; he could now use brutality legally.
Mark had never thought of his southern prey going so far north. She had always deplored the southern version of winter. She loved summer clothes and trips to the ocean. When they first met he took her to the beach every week end. It never entered his mind she might take to the snows and ice of a New England winter. He continued to put out reports in warmer climates. He had been reinstated with his unit in law enforcement and used every opportunity to inflict pain on a prisoner. He never approached Becky's family although he kept constant surveillance on all of them even their computers at home and at work. There was no way she could get by him.
Sarah thought more than once about contacting her family through the Internet, but caution prevented her from carrying out the plan. Mark was sure to know how to get into their email. Her mother didn't even receive any books or magazines from the New England area. The flash backs of the beatings she had taken from Mark made her hold back on any tries to communicate with her family. They had known when she left she would not be back unless Mark found her. Unless Mark found her and killed her before he took her back.
Working with the Professor was a joy; he was so different at school than he was at the house. No one knew they lived in the same house; there was never any personal interaction between them. The students were frightened to death of him, he was known to throw a fit over nothing and give bad grades for the same reason. He was deep into studying the occult and talked Sarah into going to a séance with him on a Monday night. Sarah had not been out of the house except to see Christmas lights since she had been in Hampshire .
The site was an old brick two story house with every window covered. A woman in black opened the door and asks them in. The back room was covered in red and black, a black cat sat in the middle of a table covered in silver clothe. Soft light flickered around the room making the eyes sensitive to the one bright light in the ceiling. There were three women seated at the table, their heads were covered with black scarves, scarves were given to the Professor and Sarah. Sarah wanted to bolt and get out the door before the walls started closing in on her. She had tried this experiment with some friends when she was a teen, it hadn't gone well.
Erie sounds started from the ceiling, the curtains were blowing away from the windows. The curtains on the wall parted allowing the entrance of a woman in flowing white. She was beautiful like an angel, she had no wings. Sarah took a deep breath and demanded herself to remain calm and endure this for the Professor. She had been through worse and lived to see day light. Like the beatings from Mark. Why did she think of him in that dark setting? Maybe it is because that was where he belonged. She didn't believe in magic but what if his evil sense picked up on this meeting? A long shot to say the least but a shot none the less. No one knew her real name, Sarah wasn't a pet name for her, and she had just picked it out of thin air. She hopped the spirit would not follow the same path.
Strange voices began to vibrate around the room, everyone held hands. Sarah's hands were wet with sweat, the Professor's hands were trembling, and the other one holding her hand was steady as a rock. One woman began to cry, “My husband I know his voice, he is here in this room.” The woman in black answered “What is his name.” The woman “Henry is his name.” Then she held out her hands reaching for Henry “Oh my darling you have come back to help me I knew you would.”
Woman in black asked, “What do you want to ask your husband?” Woman said, “Oh Henry where did you leave your will? We have looked all over the house and the office for it; if I don't get it your partner will inherit everything I will be a dependent person at our children's mercy.” The voice replied, “Eunice, my wife and love. The will is under the fireplace in the library, just lift the lever by the mirror it will open for you my love. Now don't be disappointed if you aren't the wealthiest woman in town but you won't be dependent on our selfish children. Good by dear and good hunting. “A puff of smoke and the room went dark as midnight, when the lights came back on the woman Eunice was gone.
Again the lights went dim and the voices started humming, it drove Sarah to the brink waiting for the other shoe to hit the floor. Something had to go wrong. The next two women got their hearts desire and went their way. No one left but the Professor and Sarah. She was holding both hands with the Professor, first hand contact they had since they met. Sarah was shaking but the Professor was steady. The woman in black asks him what he wanted to know. Professor's "I have been studying a picture, a very old picture of this village in the sixteenth century. On close inspection I find it horrifying with witch craft and evil. There is no signature on the canvas to be found; can you shed some light on this picture?”
Voice whispered, “Professor I know of you from your dabbling in the occult from the past. It is good you have found the painting and ask about it. It is a scene of the sixteenth century and there is much evil in the faces and actions of the people because in that time there was much evil here. The village was built by Mathew Hampshire for his evil deeds and his evil people. They were witches and warlocks; they fed on the innocent in the surrounding area. I understand you are having it analyzed at the University for age and type of oil used. It could be very valuable to the occult community; you do know there are still groups who practice the black arts?” Professor answered, “Yes I know of them but I do not wish to be part of them.” Voice said, “As you will Professor but beware the painting.” With that the puff of smoke and the dark room until the next set up which was Sarah.
The Professor did not leave as the others had; he was not leaving Sarah as frightened as she seemed to be. The lights came back on as before, the cat remained in the center of your fears or questions.” Sarah “Thank you Miss I like it here the people are nice and the weather is just right.” Voice “I see a cloud over your life Sarah yes I know your name, you are no mystery to me. You are very afraid of someone who would hurt or kill you if he found you. I can see I am right. He hunts for you night and day but without luck in finding you. He is narrow minded and evil, he looks only where he would go if trying to get away.”
Sarah “How can you say you know these things?” Voice “Oh you are a Doubting Thomas aren't you. Let me see his name is Mark, he is not your husband, and you are frightened of him because he hurts you every time he becomes angry he takes it out on you. You elude fear and he feeds off it. You never fight him, you think for a while he will change but they never change. They devour their prey ,hurting you makes him feel full filled .He will continue to look in the warmer claimants until something changes and he will pick up on it and come north looking for you. Beware look over your shoulder and keep a weapon at hand when you go to bed. He is a coward he will not approach you in the light of day.” The puff of smoke and the lights were on, the woman was gone; the cat had every hair on end mad at the world, he hissed at Sarah and left the table with a bound.
The Professor and Sarah made their way out of the house and into the car. Sarah locked the doors; the Professor told her they would go to the corner coffee shop before going to the house. Sarah agreed with him, she needed something stronger than coffee but there was no liquor sold in the town although she saw men drunk on the dock almost every day. Did the Professor keep liquor in his room? She almost asks but thought better of it. Hot coffee in the almost empty shop hit the spot. Sarah felt better almost at once, the Professor was sweating Sarah was afraid for his health, he was elderly and might have a weak heart.
Sarah ask him if he was alright, he said yes just a little disconcerted, he would be fine in a few minutes. The Professor “Was any of that true? Are you in danger of being killed? I could hardly sit there listening to her lay you bare like she did. “ Sarah “ Yes It is true about Mark , she had him described to an inch, I can't get in touch with any of my family he is a policeman and will have everything under surveillance. Not only me but my mother and sister are in danger also, his own mother and father. He is deeply disturbed but he has others fooled, no one who works with him will believe what he is capable of. I turned him in once, they sent him to counseling he almost beat me to death. I missed a week of school.”
Professor “So you are a teacher? I thought so with your interaction with the students.” Sarah “Yes, I am a teacher but of elementary children not collage students although they sometimes seem the same.” Professor “No one knows this but me and the medium?” Sarah “ No one knows, I feel awful living a lie as I have been but I would never allow anyone to be in danger.” Professor "No the opposite you will have protection now from me and whoever you want to tell, I think Miss Jane needs to know, also about the gun you are so careful with.”
Sarah asked “Will the medium tell, will she locate Mark and tell him where to find me? I am so afraid his evil mind will pick up on some of this.” Professor answered, “No she will not tell anymore than she will tell Eunice's children where the will is hidden. She is a professional it would ruin her trade if she told anything.”
Both were quiet as they went back to the house, the Professor had stopped sweating when he calmed down in the coffee shop. Miss Jane opened the door for them, it was after eleven. The Professor went to his room right away they had work the next morning. Sarah doubted if she would ever sleep again. How could anyone she had never seen or heard of before know all about her life and the people she loved? It was impossible but she had set there and heard the words she thought only known in that town by herself.
Corner View (6)
Many hundreds of miles away Mark was thinking of Becky, of how much he wanted to find her, to get her under his control. No one knew she had left him, he had told his buddies that he had dumped her for his career. She was taking too much of his time, was too demanding. They wondered about that, she had never acted demanding to their observations he was the one demanding. Every time they played cards she fetched and carried for them every time he yelled for her. They had also noticed the bruises and dark circles around the eyes. Did he beat her? No surprise there the way he mistreated prisoners.
More than once they had covered for him, the last time he had been put on probation, but it hadn't changed him. He had an idea he was off the track in looking for her. She had never been independent either on him or her mother and sister. How had she gone so long with out reaching out to her family? Had anything gotten by him? That night he had a dark dream, one of Becky walking in snow up to her knees near an old fisherman's dock.
When he awakened he was in a deep sweat, the dream was going away, he needed to keep it, he sought every method he knew to bring the dream back but it escaped him. That day he widened his net to some northern states. The dream had left the feeling of snow in his mind. Of course it was snowing all over the North and East, had been all winter. Even above the Mason-Dixon Line .
Sarah became even more afraid after the strange out come of the séance, it was ever on her mind that someone knew who she really was and why she was in Hampshire, also now the Professor knew her history. She thought she could trust him; he had no reason to notify Mark of where she was, he really didn't know where she came from except from the south. There were no towns or last names used. That made her feel better, the voice really didn't give out too much information about her, at least the fine details like her old name or her mother or sister's name. If she could just figure some way to warn them.
Next morning the Professor took the painting to the University. He told Sarah He thought it best not to have it in the house; no one would bother it in the office of his class rooms. Sarah “I am glad not to have to see it, it gives me goose bumps, I feel as if the faces are looking at me, planning something awful for me.” He said “Miss Jane had seen it and didn't like it at all and Mrs. Martian didn't want to be in the same room with it. “Sarah didn't know there was so much visiting going on in the house. The doctor stayed to himself, in the spring and summer he would fish when he wasn't in one of his free clinic, but just then he was almost house bound. His wife had died and he couldn't stand to live in their house with out her.
The nurse wasn't someone who Sarah wanted to confide in. She saw enough sickness and death on her job to be burdened with Sarah's sorry past. She knew she had no one but herself to blame. She should have done something about Mark long ago. He had wanted to get married but she refused, she also didn't want children with him.
His own mother didn't like him, she had talked Sarah into staying with him just to keep him away from her and his dad. She had been afraid he would throw one of his fits and kill them; no matter what he did to Sarah she only wanted to keep him away from home. He told her in the winter he had a vision of where Sarah was, it frightened her so bad she called Becky’s mother and told her. Anita didn't know where her daughter was, had no way of finding out.
She left her chat line open on the computer all time just hopping Becky would use a computer and see it but she didn't dare. Anita knew Mark monitored her computer and her daughter’s. There had been no word since Becky left. Anita even looked at all the want adds and personals in the paper hopping she would get a message. Sarah had thought about using this means to contact her family but she knew Mark would check all of them at home and at their jobs. She didn't trust anyone they worked with enough to risk contacting a third party.
Another year had come and gone at Liberty House, Miss Jane had made punch and cake to celebrate New Years Eve, everyone slept in on New Years Day. It had snowed some more, from Sarah's windows she could see that no one had walked on the side walk or the street. The yard was still undisturbed.
Even the cat had not been out and Daisy had not had a chance to wear her new sweater. Sarah thought to offer to take her to a movie on Saturday afternoon if the weather held with no more snow and Miss Jane allowed it. Daisy was over joyed to go out with Sarah and Miss Jane was glad to see her go. The girl had not had many joys in her life. Sarah had shared with her from the first. While they were gone the Professor told Miss Jane about Sarah's story. Miss Jane was not surprised to learn something was wrong in the girls life .
She told the Professor “I have had trouble in my life, you know about it, my late husband was a wife beater also. I know from many years experience the hell she has been through. I just didn't have the courage to pick up and leave. She has a home and what protection I can give her for as long as she likes.” The Professor “Thank you for your goodness, she is a good girl just in her early twenties, should be out on a date instead of out with Daisy but she seems content, and she is a smart one.”
Miss Jane “I will secure the house as much as I can, day and night. I have a gun I can get to easily and I would use it if it became necessary to save a life.” Professor “So do I have a gun I keep it locked up because of Daisy, I don't know about the doctor and the nurse they probably have one also. I doubt Mrs. Martian would have one and Sarah needs to get hers registered.” Miss Jane “Yes she should, remind her, if she has to use it the law should know she has a right to carry it and yes there is Daisy to think about.”
On Sunday Miss Jane took in a new guest. His name Travis Hawk, about thirty and well built with dark curly hair and nice hands. Sarah met him at dinner and liked him right away, so did the other guests. Travis liked Miss Jane's cooking and told her it was the best he had tasted since coming east. She was surprised at his manners, everyone seemed to just eat and leave. Talk was lively at the table that night, even the Professor contributed to the conversation. He mentioned to Travis that Sarah was his assistant, just to keep his claim on her time. Miss Jane had to smile at the old man's obvious attachment to Sarah.
Travis went into the living room after dinner and asks if they minded if he watched the news. No one minded in the least. He was interested in the weather. He told Sarah “I have to be out tomorrow to scout out the surrounding areas, I am writing a book on old dock towns in New England. I saw this one in Southern Living, actually this house, and decided to come up and try the living myself.”
Sarah “This house was in Southern Living? Where are you from?” Travis “Georgia, near Atlanta, the house looked so inviting I felt as if I had to come and see for myself.” Sarah “Miss Jane did you know your house was in the magazine?” Miss Jane “ Last summer some people came around making pictures and asking questions about the history of the house, young man do you remember what the article said about the house?” Travis “No Mum not exactly there was a picture, the leaves were already turning. The picture was of the front of the house.”
Miss Jane “I am seriously upset over this; they didn't let me know it would be in the magazine, I would like to have seen it.” Travis “I would say if you called them you could get a copy sent to you.” Miss Jane “good idea, I will do that tomorrow.” Sarah “I am sure my mother gets that magazine I hope she saw it.” Travis “where does your mother live?” Sarah “In the south, way down south further than Georgia.” Miss Jane “Sarah don't fret now, it was before you came to us.
Sarah “I know, so you have talked with the Professor?” Miss Jane “Yes dear and I understand everything, don't you be uneasy.” Travis “I am new here, you two are talking in a puzzle.” Sarah “No it's no secret anymore. I am hiding from someone who would hurt me or kill me if I am found. His name is Mark he drives a big black truck and he is a policeman where I am from.” Travis “He won't know to look here will he?” Sarah “He hasn't so far, but he will find me sooner or later, I haven't talked to my family since I left home. He has the phones and mail traced.”
Travis sat lost in thought for a while, the news came and went, no snow for the next day. Travis “Sarah on Saturday if you are free will you come out with me to look around?” Sarah “Yes, I would love to; I have wanted to see the surrounding area since I got here. It is lovely on the old docks with the boats chained up with their winter coats on. I go down and just watch the birds.” Miss Jane had excused herself leaving the two of them alone in the old fashioned parlor, fire roared in the fire place sending a soothing glow all over the room. Sarah thought she had known Travis forever after they talked for a while.
Sarah went up to bed when the fire burned down and the screen closed. A fire burned in her bed room, she felt so safe there, even safer with Travis in the house. She had told him most of her story, enough to send him screaming into the dark. He had showed compassion and support, she felt she could trust him. Only Mrs. Martian, the doctor and Daisy didn't know about her past and the danger she was in. She knew Mark would never hurt anyone else, just her. She checked the windows that night; there was no sign of Mark or his giant truck.
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Corner View (8)
Corner View (8)
Sarah was a wreck the next day knowing she was about to expose herself to Mark but she made the call anyway. Someone answered Sarah “May I speak to Anita Please? “The woman “Yes, she is right here”. Anita “Hello, who is calling please?”
Sarah “Anita? This is Sarah Archer I have a special offer for you.” Anita “Where did you get this number?” Sarah “From the book. “ Anita, what kind of offer are you calling me about?” Sarah “A conversation about a trip you might want to take this year.” Anita “Oh God, yes.” Sarah “How are you Anita?” Anita “I am fine, I wondered if you would call when I sent the card in.” Sarah” Yes we answer all cards sent back.”
Anita “I feel as if I know you already. “ Sarah “My feelings exactly, I am fine this is a wonderful place, I am sure you will like the house you saw in Southern Living. Anita “Yes it is a lovely old house I would love to live in one like it.” Sarah “I do and it is to die for. You may bring a family member if you like. I will send you more information to your job site.” Anita114 “Will I hear from you again?” Sarah “Probably not you are the only one from your area who sent in the request, no one else in your town responded. Have to go now. Bye.” Anita” By” Then she sat down and cried, she had heard from Becky at last.
Sarah felt better when she hung up, if the line was tapped Mark would know her voice even with the New England accent. She didn't care now, she could handle him, kill him if she had to. She could feel the gun through her back pack; it would be loaded all time now. She told the Professor and Travis about talking to her mother so abstract. She had wanted to clean her heart and mind to her but that would have been a sure give away. They told her she had done good to hold her composure as well as she did. Miss Jane was very proud of her.
Mark did intercept the call, at first it made no sense to him, just a place soliciting guests for a B & B. After listening to the recording several times he knew it was a ruse to get by him. He was furious she would think him so stupid as not to catch on. He was even more furious to learn the number could not be traced except to the calling area. New England, he had been right, but where in that frozen place was she?
First of all Mark traced all the bed and breakfast listed in New England, this was no small undertaking since he was working on his own time . No B&B matched the house he remembered from the magazine. He found the old magazine and found the name of the house to be Liberty House owner Miss Jane Huston, Liberty Street, New Hampshire. Everything right at his finger tips. He was off to ask for time off and to load his truck.
Sarah could feel the net tightening, when she went out side she expected him to jump out on her. He would not approach her in the open; he would slip up on her in the night. Miss Jane left all the flood lights on at night, it was as light as day around the house. He would come in the night and she would be ready for him. That night she called her mother at home and told her she knew Mark had picked up on her first call. Anita begged her to leave, to go some place safe until he gave up. He didn't know the name she was using even if he did figure out the place from the magazine .She had called herself Sarah and that was the name she was known by, he would find her no doubt, three days at the nearest, it was a long drive.
For three days Sarah went about her life as she had for the past five months, the most happy months she had enjoyed in a long time. She would have liked to stay and maybe she could if this went right and Mark didn't kill her. Travis and the Professor could not guard her all day every day, but they would be around at night and she would be at the University during the day. Mark knew nothing about the school; hopefully he would show his hand before he saw her. With any luck at all she would see him first.
Mark hit Hampshire five days later showing a picture of Sarah when she was Becky Archer. No one seemed to know her, he thought they were lying and became angry with the Gallery owner Mrs. Martian. Poor lady didn't recognize the picture of Sarah with a tan and dark hair, she didn't look like Sarah.
Mark told her she might be going by Sarah, Mrs. Martian paled but held her ground that she did not know her. After Mark left the Gallery she called the University to warn Sarah someone was looking for her and described him. Sarah knew it was Mark he was right down town. The Professor and Sarah went straight home that afternoon. Sarah saw the big black truck in front of the coffee shop as they went by. All she wanted was to get home and call the sheriff.
He needed to know Mark was in town and he was crazy dangerous, probably armed. The sheriff said he had already been in asking questions and showing a picture which did not look like her. He would be at the jail all night if she needed him call 911, he would be there. He had no reason to arrest him until he made a criminal move. She understood.
Corner View (8)
Corner View (8)
Dinner was silent and uneasy. Travis could hardly sit still. He had wanted to go out and find Mark and draw him out. Sarah told him no she didn't want him to get hurt because of her, or in trouble with the law. Travis “So we just have to sit here and wait for him to come to us?” Sarah “Yes we do, or I have to go out and let him find me out side the house.” Travis “No you don't go out side for any reason, we will handle it if he comes in the house, it will be breaking and entering, we can take care of him.” Miss Jane “ Just go about your usual night time routine, watch out the windows, close your curtains and lock your door when you go to bed.”
Sarah “ I don't want you all in danger because of me, I don't think he would hurt anyone else unless he thought he had to in order to get to me so please don't anyone be a hero and get hurt.” Professor “I haven't shot a gun since the war, I shot it plenty then and I haven't forgotten how. I will be on look out with Travis. He won't get by us.” Travis I need to sleep in Sarah's room and her in mine.” Sarah “No, I won't let you do that he might just start shooting; I can't let you take that chance.” Travis “Alright, but my door will be open and I sleep like a cat.”
Sarah looked out her windows before she went to bed. She didn't see anything or anyone on the street. Before she drifted off whiskers dropped a toy on the floor and joined her in her bed. The loaded gun was in the drawer, the drawer partly open. Sarah knew Miss Jane had a loaded gun by her bed down stairs.
At two am Sarah was awakened by her electric clock flashing, the power was cut off. She could sense Mark's presence; he would not know which her room was. She looked out the window and there was his truck parked across the street under a tree. It was difficult to see. Sarah called the sheriff’s number and told him Mark was on the grounds if not in the house.
He told her to lock her door and stay calm he would be right over. Sarah was too afraid to open the door to look into the hall. She hopped Travis and the Professor had been awakened also. The Professor's clock made an alarm when the power was cut off.
The blue lights of the police car flashed across Sarah's windows. She hopped Mark didn't see the lights, she wanted this over. Whiskers had been awakened and complained loudly, he didn't like someone strange in the house. In search of his former sleep he burrowed deeper under the covers with his head sticking out. Sarah heard her door slowly open, the lock had been picked and the fire had burned down. There was no light except the flash light in the drawer with the gun.
She reached into the drawer and removed the gun; it made a click when she let the safety off. Who ever was in the room had to have heard it? “Who is there?” she asks. No one answered. All at once she heard a squeal from the cat's toy on the floor. Whiskers made a running leap and some one let out a yell. Suddenly the room was full of people; Miss Jane came in with a big candle burning. Travis and the Professor had Mark in control while the sheriff applied handcuffs.
The sheriff arrested Mark on breaking and entering, carrying a gun for the purpose of doing harm to Sarah. A charge which would be changed to attempt at murder. Sarah was in the arms of Travis with the Professor hovering near. The sheriff hustled Mark out of the house to a waiting State Patrol car. He had taken Sarah's plight seriously and prepared for the night and Mark's arrival.
Next morning Miss Jane and Sarah had to be in court to make charges. Mark was also charged with stalking. He was to be transported back to Florida after a hearing and however he would plead. Mark had lost all control and put on suicide watch. The sheriff kept him in cuffs for the night and hearing.
He let out a string of cursing when he saw Sarah. It was all she could do not to shiver in the warm court room. He was so sinister, so evil looking, why hadn't she realized earlier how deranged he really was? What could she have done to help him or herself? Mark refused to plead guilty; his lawyer was flown in the next day by his father. He still refused to even admit he had been carrying a loaded gun .
The judge agreed to allow Mark to go back to his home state under guard to be evaluated and receive mental care if it was so deemed by the court. After that he could have to be transported back to New England for trial of his peers. In the mean time Sarah would stay in Hampshire and live as she had been. She did not want to leave her friends and Travis.
She wanted to continue to work with the Professor on the history of the Hampshire picture and in the University. Most of all she wanted to be near Travis, if she had a future with him she had to be near him.
Travis had not made any plans. He certainly wasn't ready to make a commitment to Sarah, but in the future he probably would be. He was close to her and in love with her but he didn't know her and he had to remedy that. Her mother and sister would be coming soon, he would learn a lot from them. The university needed a substitute teacher in literature; Travis had the credentials to fill that job and took it. Sarah was so happy he wasn't going away. They would still live in the same house and eat meals together. Other than that Sarah had no delusions about a future with him. She would remain in New England and live her new life with Travis and the changing seasons, waiting for spring and the beauty which would come with it.
estination.Corner View (2)
At the station in Hampshire Becky ask the clerk if he knew any place to rent a room. The sleepy old clerk didn't even look directly at her. He told her there was a motel down the road, not a very good place for a young lady. After scratching his head he said there was a boarding house two streets over, belonged to Miss Jane Huston. She took in boarders, some of them had been with her for years, and she might have a room open. He offered to call for her, she told him please do. It sounded ideal for her. A room in a home with other people and meals. The old man spoke a few words mostly “Yeah." When the call was over Becky had a place to live, if she was decent and the accommodations suited her.
The house was an old Victorian on a corner lot, lots of trees and bushes, leafs covered the ground. From the street it looked as if it had three floors, she would be happy to get the top floor. The ring of the door bell brought a trim and proper woman to the door, Miss Jane Huston, owner and proprietor of Liberty House. She looked to be about fifty, very slim and very proper. She ask Becky to come in, it was too cold to keep the door open. The inside of the house was true Victorian, with marble on the hall floor and a grandfather clock ticking away. A curving stair well pierced the height of the house; a beautiful chandelier drooped from the center of the ceiling.
Becky was smitten with the house and Miss Jane. Miss Jane told her there were three meals served every day at six am, twelve to one pm, and six pm. Doors locked at eleven o'clock everyone had a key she didn't treat her guests like children.
There was a laundry behind the kitchen and an extra refrigerator for any food the guests might want to keep, it also would be cleaned each week and bed clothes would also be changed by Daisy, her daily house helper. Daisy was dependent and had a room in the attic where she was safe and very happy. Miss Jane asks how long Sarah would be staying, it was the first time she had heard her new name and was taken back for a moment. She said "A very long time the way I feel right now and if I can afford it.” Miss Jane smiled "You will give the place some new life and Daisy will be delighted to have a young person to talk to.”Sarah ask about the amount of rent, Miss Jane told her two hundred a month.
Sarah thought she had heard her wrong and couldn't wait to get her money out. She had cash, no credit cards or checks for Jeff to trace. Jane lead the way up the stairs to the second floor, corner room. From there she could see most of the town. The room was perfect, bright colors on the bed and windows, a fire place and Persian rug. Two over stuffed chairs flanked the fire place.
Miss Jane turned the gas on starting a fire to warm the room. There was an old fashioned bathroom in perfect condition, and closets, the bed had a canopy with green velvet hangings. In a bed side table Sarah placed the small hand gun she had packed with her few clothes, she would leave the drawer partly open at night and the gun in her back pack during the day. Daisy might like to look through other peoples things. Sarah added a book and box of tissue in the drawer with the gun.
Miss Jane had not ask Sarah for any ID or why she was in town, she would meet the other guests in the morning at breakfast. For the night she wanted nothing more than to get a bath and into that beautiful old bed. From her two windows Sarah looked one last time. No one was in sight, no one on the corner, no lurking black truck parked on the curb. If Miss Jane had a car she didn't have a drive way which opened off the main street. She would look the place over in the morning.
The night brought a light snow, the first Sarah had seen first hand. It delighted her to be welcomed with the white glittering power. Breakfast was meeting time. All the guests were present. Sarah was introduced first then came and old man with white hair and beard, he was Professor Chambers from the University, he said a grumpy "Good to meet you" and was out the door and gone. Next was another man, younger and friendlier, Dr. Hughes, part time physician, a woman Mrs. Martian curator of the local gallery and book store. She looked to be about Miss Jane's age,
welcomed Sarah and showed signs of wanting to know more. She invited Sarah to visit the Gallery soon, Sarah assured her she would.
Later Sarah went to her room to find her bed already made and being used by a big shaggy Grey cat. He was right at home. She heard someone giggling and saw a girl in the bathroom, "Daisy?” she said. The girl answered "Yes mum just cleaning, you don't make much work for me.” Sarah "Oh I am so sorry I will do better tomorrow.” The girl giggled some more and went on her way. The cat didn't move.
After lunch Sarah went walking to the business section of the small town to look for some winter clothes. It wasn't even Halloween yet and snow was falling. There were two old stores and a small shopping mall near the docks. Sarah saw the Gallery was first in line. It had a rustic look of New England with glass ware in the windows and a mail box on the front porch. She would go in after she shopped for a while.
The first store was more like a general store, she could see every thing from overalls to snow boots, canvas was stacked in the corner. There was fishing gear of every kind; she might try her hand at it when spring came but not right away. The woman proprietors ask if she could get anything for her, she was a friendly person set on talking for a short time. Sarah accommodated her with out telling her any thing personal.
Mrs. Martian was disappointed she would have nothing to tell the others at the Liberty House at dinner then she remembered Sarah also lived there.
Sarah noticed an old picture in the back ground of the Gallery, it was dim with age and dust but she could make out many figures of children and adults on a frozen lake. The wore bright colors and skated in a ring. The light was too dim to make much of the scene; she would have another look when she had more time.
Clothes were to be found in the next two stores. She bought boots with a sheep skin lining, a long coat with a hood, gloves, scarves and warm wool sweaters and pants. In the next shop she found flannel gowns and warm robes with house slippers. She bought a dozen pair of heavy socks and a pair of leather loafers for the house. She reckoned she would be there for a long time. If Mark was going to find her he would have already showed up in that evil looking black truck.
Sarah hurried home to uncover her new bought treasures. She had never had heavy clothes before. Miss Jane opened the door for her and helped her up the stairs with her parcels. She said, "I have a car in the back if you ever want to use it, I don't go out much except for grocery shopping.” Sarah replied, "Thank you I might take you up on that, I would like to see some of the country side and maybe look for a job." Miss Jane smiled, "You are welcome to it, as far as a job you might check the hospital or the University, Professor Chamber might need an assistant, the one he had got married and moved away. Sarah asked, "What is his position in the University?" Miss Jane answered, "Oh my, he didn't tell you, he is in charge of the Ancient History department, brings all manner of books home, reads and writes all the time.” Sarah wasn't interested in the hospital but the University interested her. She had fake credentials which would stand up under close scrutiny. She would speak to him at the University rather than bring it up at the house where every one would know her business.
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Corner View (3)
Corner View (3)
Mark
Mark had returned in the afternoon ready for a fight. He was enraged at something which had happened at the percent early that day. His commander had confronted him on sloppy work on a case which was thrown out of court. Mark had been furious but could not reply as he wished. He would take his frustrations out on Becky when she got home from work. In his confused mind she would be the commander who had reprimanded him.
Becky wasn't at home, no note to explain her absence. Mark fixed some food and had a beer while he waited. He had an apartment of his own but only went there to change clothes and have a place to go when he blew up at Becky. Dark came but Becky did not come in the door. Mark began to get really mad, he threw a few glasses in the sink to appease his anger.
At eight he called Becky's mother Anita .Mark “ Have you heard from Becky?” Anita “ No, Mark I haven't talked to Becky since yesterday.” Mark “Are you lying to me to cover up for her? Is she there hiding from me?” Anita “Why would she be hiding from you Mark? Have you hurt her again?” No
Mark “Not yet but I will when I find her she knows to come straight home after work.” Anita “Mark you won't hurt her again I can promise you that, you need to be in a mental hospital for the way you treat her and she isn't yours in anyway.” Mark “You have always been against me, you and Mary. I know you have her hidden but I will find her and all of you will be sorry.” Anita “Mark she had you picked up once, didn't that teach you anything? You don't love Becky you just want to control her. You could have her with love but not with your fists.” Mark I am going to find her, she can't hide from me forever.” That was the last time he had talked to Becky's family. He thought they knew where she was. He could use his position to bug their phones. Becky was a big family person she couldn't go long with out talking to her family.
Next day Mark called the school to ask about Becky. He was told she had resigned the week before, no forward address given. They had no idea where she had gone. Next he called some of the teachers she was friends with. They had no news for her, no one knew she was about to disappear. Mark could not give a missing persons report, it would make him look ridiculous to his co workers. He would have to work this case by him self. In the mean time he moved out of Becky's apartment.
In a week her rent was up and her mother and sister removed all her personal possessions from the apartment. Slowly she had removed things he had not missed, there was really very little to take away. She had left no forwarding address with the land lady or with the post office. There was no way he could trace her, she had even left her cell phone in the apartment.
The bus station clerk had no memory of seeing anyone matching Becky's picture, neither did the cab company or the train depot. Checking the airport in the next time was a waste of time. No one had seen her. He thought of the black eye she was wearing after he had hit her. Heavy make up would cover that, yes heavy make up and a wig for disguise. He had the technician at the station play around with some photos, with different colored hair and heavy make up she looked entirely different. He made the rounds again but no one remembered seeing her.
Mark began to mess up on the job and was after a few weeks put on probation for a month for counseling and treatment for anger abuse after he went too far interrogating a suspect. Mark blamed it all on Becky, she had been his outlet in anger.
There were no calls from Becky to her mother or sister, if there were letters he had no way of knowing although he broke in their houses to look for the letters. There was nothing to show for his weeks of undercover work. What he had took for love had turned to hate for Becky, he would kill her if he found her. He was not about to give up the hunt.
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Corner View (4)
Corner View (4)
Becky/ Sarah
Winter had come to New England with a vengeance, snow fell day after day and Sarah loved it. She spent hours setting on the window seat in her room watching the snow fall. The town looked like a miniature village. There was very little traffic on the Liberty House Street. Sarah watched every day first thing in the morning and the last thing at night. No one had broken the smooth white blanket which covered the front lawn. The pines were under a great weight the limbs almost on the ground. Miss Jane kept the front walk way cleaned and covered with ash to prevent someone from falling. Everyone used the front entrance. The coat rack in the hall was hanging full of winter coats, scarves and umbrellas. Everyone but Sarah was used to the weather; she took some time to get where she wanted to go out.
After Thanksgiving Sarah went to the University to apply for a job. She knew from talk at the table the Professor had not hired anyone. She was given an appointment time for the next day. The Professor did the interview. Professor “And just why have you kept me waiting so long?” Sarah “I didn't want to be personal about the application; I thought it best to see you here instead of at the house.” Professor “Very well, you have good credentials here, even some teaching experience, how do you happen to feel about Ancient History?” Sarah “I can't honestly say I have a passion for it but I have a great interest in it. Working with you would be a great experience. I looked at an old picture at the Gallery one day which I thought you might be interested in.” “Professor, this picture, how does it pertain to my interest?”
Sarah “It is a picture of this village in the sixteenth century, it has an evil sense about it. I am interested in the occult although it has nothing to do with this job as your assistant.” Professor, actually it has everything to do with the job; I study the occult a great deal and have to admit to being a believer in some of it. We have some very important things in common. Are you willing to work with me some at the house?”
Sarah “Yes Sir I would be glad to, I have very little to do except to read and play with the cat.” Professor “then you are hired starting today by taking something’s home with you to study. Salary is four thousand a month, adequate I think under the circumstances.” Sarah “The salary is more than enough I might want to buy a car by spring, it would be useless to me this winter.” Professor “You may ride in with me in the mornings, afternoons I have other things to do after my classes are over.” Sarah “Mornings are fine I love walking in the snow.”
Sarah was thrilled to have such a job with the Professor. She felt as if she had a life now, a life with meaning. She was ready the next morning long before the Professor knocked on her door. Breakfast was over; everyone else had gone out except the nurse who shared the attic with Daisy. Her name was Lynn Maxwell; she looked about thirty, very small and non descriptive. She hardly ever had a meal with the others because of her changing hours, she was friendly but added little color to the house.
First day on the job was pure confusion, the Professor wanted Sarah to read his mind and perform as his departed assistant had done. Sarah had to remind him she was new at the job and would have to have time to learn his ways. He agreed he was being overbearing and would give her the time she needed. After that they got on just fine. In a week Sarah had everything down to a fine art.
The winter held on like it would stay forever. Christmas was just weeks away Sarah missed her family more than she had while she had been gone. She knew she could not get in touch with them without Mark picking up on it. She knew he would have every opening covered. She had not been able to figure any safe way to contact them. Mark was so mean he had probably bullied them trying to get information they did not have. No one knew where she had gone. It had to be that way or he would find her and her life would be over.
Christmas in New England, such a beautiful scene every day and night. Sarah was so happy and content she thought about taking the gun to the bank to a safety deposit box. Her daily vigilance continued, she no longer shuddered at the sight of a black truck. There couldn't be another one like Mark's. He had lights all over the cab, fog lights, and high intensity lights. The truck had every gadget a truck could need and more. He treated it like a woman well loved.
Sarah was undecided about buying presents, there was a tree in the living room, a big pine which the cat loved. More than one glass ball hit the floor from his quick paws. Miss Jane would correct him to no avail. Cats had a mind of their own, no meant nothing to this one, his name was Whiskers .Call his name or rattle a paper and he came running. Every one fed him and petted him even though Miss Jane had asked them not to. He continued to sleep on Sarah's bed during the day and sometimes at night.
Week before Christmas Sarah felt she had to buy something for the other guests and Miss Jane and especially for Whiskers. A Saturday morning took her to the mall by the dock. The Gallery was her first stop; Mrs. Martian welcomed her to look the place over. She found an antic picture frame for Miss Jane.
Of course she had to have another look at the picture. It had been cleaned and set up in the front of the Gallery. Mrs. Martian said there had been several to look at it but no buyers. The cleaning had made the figures much easier to see. They had a strange look about them as did the houses. A look of evil prevailed. Sarah wondered what enlargement of the characters would show and ask if she could use a magnifying glass for inspection. Mrs. Martian gave her one then tried to look over her shoulder.
The faces of the characters on the snow took on a different look when enlarged. They were evil looking, even the children. One woman who Sarah had taken as a nun was actually a witch. A cauldron' boiled in the center of the ring of people. Even the animals looked evil. Sarah asks about the painter but the curator did not have a name for her. She said many had ask but she could find no name on the painting any place.
Sarah left the Gallery feeling dread and a kind of fear. She had felt so safe there, now the feeling was mired with the faces in the picture. She would tell the Professor about the picture.
Sarah finished her shopping by buying gloves and scarves for everyone. Daisy deserved something more because she went out of her way to do extra things for Sarah. In clothing boutique Sarah found a heavy red cable knit sweater she thought Daisy might like. Miss Jane had told her the girl was dependent but the nurse had told her the real story.
Daisy was mildly mongoloid. She had been born late in her mother’s life. She was one of five children who were much older than she was. Her father had been angry when she was diagnosed, he blamed her mother. The mother died when Daisy was four years old. Her father had left her with his sister, her children had mistreated Daisy. She had not been sent to school although there was no reason she could not learn up to a point. When her father took her back he also mistreated her.
Miss Jane had found her one winter stealing bird food from the feeders in the back yard. After taking her in the house and talking and looking at her she had called Human Services. After all was said and done Daisy was put in Miss Jane's care. Sarah was glad to know the real story; she went out and bought books, paper and pencils, colors and coloring books. Daisy had not had a child hood; she meant to give her one.
With Miss Jane's permission Sarah took on the job of teaching Daisy to read and write. She had some knowledge she had picked up over the years watching and listening to other kids. Learning came easy for her. Sarah thought it such a shame to have kept her from the things she had come to love. Sarah's Attention to Daisy brought her close to Miss Jane's heart. She vowed she would do anything she could to help the girl if she ever needed her.
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Corner View (5)
Corner View (5)
Christmas had been a big day; Miss Jane had cooked a big Christmas dinner with all the New England trimmings. Nothing was the same as it was in the south but that was behind Sarah and far away. She looked on the guests as her second family but she couldn't confide in them. Her fears of Mark were the same, she half expected him to show up any day. She dreaded looking out the windows, afraid she would see him standing in the yard on the street corner looking at her through the window. She never covered her windows but at night she felt exposed and started closing them against the winter night.
Along with working with Daisy Sarah worked with the Professor at night also. He often brought translations home for her to type up on his computer. He even had a computer set up in her room for her own use so he could work alone. He had also gone to take a look at the picture. He was engrossed with it. One day a delivery man came to the door leaving a package for him. The picture of course, he wanted someone from the science department in the University to do some testing on the oils. He was horrified with the faces and message the picture sent to the viewer. The idea of children in such a setting went against everything he had ever held dear.
The occult was an interest and supported by local legend. He had attended some strange meetings with members of the occult and was touched by the experience. He had asked Sarah to attend a meeting with him but she declined the offer. She had enough devils to keep her company. Her constant vigil for Mark was wearing on her and she missed her family more every day. There just wasn't anyway she could safely contact them even on their jobs. Mark would have every phone they used tapped, and some way he would know what mail they received. She had a good cry and went on with her life.
In Sarah's southern home town her family celebrated the holidays as they always did with a palm tree loaded with lights and presents. They bought presents for Becky even though they knew they would never be able to give them to her. Mark had not given up his search. He had spread out to surrounding states without so much as a clue. Every time they heard of what he was doing they were frightened for themselves and for Becky.
Their information came from Mark's mother Bee. She called often of course trying to pick their brain about the location of Becky. Mark was making her life miserable, her husband wanted to have him committed, she was sure he would come out even meaner than he had been before. Mark had always been mean, even as a young child. He would destroy his toys and stuffed animals, they had tried a pet but he hurt him also and they had to find a home for the poor dog that loved Mark and seemed to understand him.
In school he had been a horror in every setting. They had been forced to send him to a special school where the teachers were supposed to know how to handle him. All they did was allow him to learn how to do his evil without anyone knowing. He had excelled in sports but was too small for a professional level. He went into a depression over his size and became even harder to get along with. The Police Academy had taken his mean ways to a new level; he could now use brutality legally.
Mark had never thought of his southern prey going so far north. She had always deplored the southern version of winter. She loved summer clothes and trips to the ocean. When they first met he took her to the beach every week end. It never entered his mind she might take to the snows and ice of a New England winter. He continued to put out reports in warmer climates. He had been reinstated with his unit in law enforcement and used every opportunity to inflict pain on a prisoner. He never approached Becky's family although he kept constant surveillance on all of them even their computers at home and at work. There was no way she could get by him.
Sarah thought more than once about contacting her family through the Internet, but caution prevented her from carrying out the plan. Mark was sure to know how to get into their email. Her mother didn't even receive any books or magazines from the New England area. The flash backs of the beatings she had taken from Mark made her hold back on any tries to communicate with her family. They had known when she left she would not be back unless Mark found her. Unless Mark found her and killed her before he took her back.
Working with the Professor was a joy; he was so different at school than he was at the house. No one knew they lived in the same house; there was never any personal interaction between them. The students were frightened to death of him, he was known to throw a fit over nothing and give bad grades for the same reason. He was deep into studying the occult and talked Sarah into going to a séance with him on a Monday night. Sarah had not been out of the house except to see Christmas lights since she had been in Hampshire .
The site was an old brick two story house with every window covered. A woman in black opened the door and asks them in. The back room was covered in red and black, a black cat sat in the middle of a table covered in silver clothe. Soft light flickered around the room making the eyes sensitive to the one bright light in the ceiling. There were three women seated at the table, their heads were covered with black scarves, scarves were given to the Professor and Sarah. Sarah wanted to bolt and get out the door before the walls started closing in on her. She had tried this experiment with some friends when she was a teen, it hadn't gone well.
Erie sounds started from the ceiling, the curtains were blowing away from the windows. The curtains on the wall parted allowing the entrance of a woman in flowing white. She was beautiful like an angel, she had no wings. Sarah took a deep breath and demanded herself to remain calm and endure this for the Professor. She had been through worse and lived to see day light. Like the beatings from Mark. Why did she think of him in that dark setting? Maybe it is because that was where he belonged. She didn't believe in magic but what if his evil sense picked up on this meeting? A long shot to say the least but a shot none the less. No one knew her real name, Sarah wasn't a pet name for her, and she had just picked it out of thin air. She hopped the spirit would not follow the same path.
Strange voices began to vibrate around the room, everyone held hands. Sarah's hands were wet with sweat, the Professor's hands were trembling, and the other one holding her hand was steady as a rock. One woman began to cry, “My husband I know his voice, he is here in this room.” The woman in black answered “What is his name.” The woman “Henry is his name.” Then she held out her hands reaching for Henry “Oh my darling you have come back to help me I knew you would.”
Woman in black asked, “What do you want to ask your husband?” Woman said, “Oh Henry where did you leave your will? We have looked all over the house and the office for it; if I don't get it your partner will inherit everything I will be a dependent person at our children's mercy.” The voice replied, “Eunice, my wife and love. The will is under the fireplace in the library, just lift the lever by the mirror it will open for you my love. Now don't be disappointed if you aren't the wealthiest woman in town but you won't be dependent on our selfish children. Good by dear and good hunting. “A puff of smoke and the room went dark as midnight, when the lights came back on the woman Eunice was gone.
Again the lights went dim and the voices started humming, it drove Sarah to the brink waiting for the other shoe to hit the floor. Something had to go wrong. The next two women got their hearts desire and went their way. No one left but the Professor and Sarah. She was holding both hands with the Professor, first hand contact they had since they met. Sarah was shaking but the Professor was steady. The woman in black asks him what he wanted to know. Professor's "I have been studying a picture, a very old picture of this village in the sixteenth century. On close inspection I find it horrifying with witch craft and evil. There is no signature on the canvas to be found; can you shed some light on this picture?”
Voice whispered, “Professor I know of you from your dabbling in the occult from the past. It is good you have found the painting and ask about it. It is a scene of the sixteenth century and there is much evil in the faces and actions of the people because in that time there was much evil here. The village was built by Mathew Hampshire for his evil deeds and his evil people. They were witches and warlocks; they fed on the innocent in the surrounding area. I understand you are having it analyzed at the University for age and type of oil used. It could be very valuable to the occult community; you do know there are still groups who practice the black arts?” Professor answered, “Yes I know of them but I do not wish to be part of them.” Voice said, “As you will Professor but beware the painting.” With that the puff of smoke and the dark room until the next set up which was Sarah.
The Professor did not leave as the others had; he was not leaving Sarah as frightened as she seemed to be. The lights came back on as before, the cat remained in the center of your fears or questions.” Sarah “Thank you Miss I like it here the people are nice and the weather is just right.” Voice “I see a cloud over your life Sarah yes I know your name, you are no mystery to me. You are very afraid of someone who would hurt or kill you if he found you. I can see I am right. He hunts for you night and day but without luck in finding you. He is narrow minded and evil, he looks only where he would go if trying to get away.”
Sarah “How can you say you know these things?” Voice “Oh you are a Doubting Thomas aren't you. Let me see his name is Mark, he is not your husband, and you are frightened of him because he hurts you every time he becomes angry he takes it out on you. You elude fear and he feeds off it. You never fight him, you think for a while he will change but they never change. They devour their prey ,hurting you makes him feel full filled .He will continue to look in the warmer claimants until something changes and he will pick up on it and come north looking for you. Beware look over your shoulder and keep a weapon at hand when you go to bed. He is a coward he will not approach you in the light of day.” The puff of smoke and the lights were on, the woman was gone; the cat had every hair on end mad at the world, he hissed at Sarah and left the table with a bound.
The Professor and Sarah made their way out of the house and into the car. Sarah locked the doors; the Professor told her they would go to the corner coffee shop before going to the house. Sarah agreed with him, she needed something stronger than coffee but there was no liquor sold in the town although she saw men drunk on the dock almost every day. Did the Professor keep liquor in his room? She almost asks but thought better of it. Hot coffee in the almost empty shop hit the spot. Sarah felt better almost at once, the Professor was sweating Sarah was afraid for his health, he was elderly and might have a weak heart.
Sarah ask him if he was alright, he said yes just a little disconcerted, he would be fine in a few minutes. The Professor “Was any of that true? Are you in danger of being killed? I could hardly sit there listening to her lay you bare like she did. “ Sarah “ Yes It is true about Mark , she had him described to an inch, I can't get in touch with any of my family he is a policeman and will have everything under surveillance. Not only me but my mother and sister are in danger also, his own mother and father. He is deeply disturbed but he has others fooled, no one who works with him will believe what he is capable of. I turned him in once, they sent him to counseling he almost beat me to death. I missed a week of school.”
Professor “So you are a teacher? I thought so with your interaction with the students.” Sarah “Yes, I am a teacher but of elementary children not collage students although they sometimes seem the same.” Professor “No one knows this but me and the medium?” Sarah “ No one knows, I feel awful living a lie as I have been but I would never allow anyone to be in danger.” Professor "No the opposite you will have protection now from me and whoever you want to tell, I think Miss Jane needs to know, also about the gun you are so careful with.”
Sarah asked “Will the medium tell, will she locate Mark and tell him where to find me? I am so afraid his evil mind will pick up on some of this.” Professor answered, “No she will not tell anymore than she will tell Eunice's children where the will is hidden. She is a professional it would ruin her trade if she told anything.”
Both were quiet as they went back to the house, the Professor had stopped sweating when he calmed down in the coffee shop. Miss Jane opened the door for them, it was after eleven. The Professor went to his room right away they had work the next morning. Sarah doubted if she would ever sleep again. How could anyone she had never seen or heard of before know all about her life and the people she loved? It was impossible but she had set there and heard the words she thought only known in that town by herself.
Corner View (6)
Many hundreds of miles away Mark was thinking of Becky, of how much he wanted to find her, to get her under his control. No one knew she had left him, he had told his buddies that he had dumped her for his career. She was taking too much of his time, was too demanding. They wondered about that, she had never acted demanding to their observations he was the one demanding. Every time they played cards she fetched and carried for them every time he yelled for her. They had also noticed the bruises and dark circles around the eyes. Did he beat her? No surprise there the way he mistreated prisoners.
More than once they had covered for him, the last time he had been put on probation, but it hadn't changed him. He had an idea he was off the track in looking for her. She had never been independent either on him or her mother and sister. How had she gone so long with out reaching out to her family? Had anything gotten by him? That night he had a dark dream, one of Becky walking in snow up to her knees near an old fisherman's dock.
When he awakened he was in a deep sweat, the dream was going away, he needed to keep it, he sought every method he knew to bring the dream back but it escaped him. That day he widened his net to some northern states. The dream had left the feeling of snow in his mind. Of course it was snowing all over the North and East, had been all winter. Even above the Mason-Dixon Line .
Sarah became even more afraid after the strange out come of the séance, it was ever on her mind that someone knew who she really was and why she was in Hampshire, also now the Professor knew her history. She thought she could trust him; he had no reason to notify Mark of where she was, he really didn't know where she came from except from the south. There were no towns or last names used. That made her feel better, the voice really didn't give out too much information about her, at least the fine details like her old name or her mother or sister's name. If she could just figure some way to warn them.
Next morning the Professor took the painting to the University. He told Sarah He thought it best not to have it in the house; no one would bother it in the office of his class rooms. Sarah “I am glad not to have to see it, it gives me goose bumps, I feel as if the faces are looking at me, planning something awful for me.” He said “Miss Jane had seen it and didn't like it at all and Mrs. Martian didn't want to be in the same room with it. “Sarah didn't know there was so much visiting going on in the house. The doctor stayed to himself, in the spring and summer he would fish when he wasn't in one of his free clinic, but just then he was almost house bound. His wife had died and he couldn't stand to live in their house with out her.
The nurse wasn't someone who Sarah wanted to confide in. She saw enough sickness and death on her job to be burdened with Sarah's sorry past. She knew she had no one but herself to blame. She should have done something about Mark long ago. He had wanted to get married but she refused, she also didn't want children with him.
His own mother didn't like him, she had talked Sarah into staying with him just to keep him away from her and his dad. She had been afraid he would throw one of his fits and kill them; no matter what he did to Sarah she only wanted to keep him away from home. He told her in the winter he had a vision of where Sarah was, it frightened her so bad she called Becky’s mother and told her. Anita didn't know where her daughter was, had no way of finding out.
She left her chat line open on the computer all time just hopping Becky would use a computer and see it but she didn't dare. Anita knew Mark monitored her computer and her daughter’s. There had been no word since Becky left. Anita even looked at all the want adds and personals in the paper hopping she would get a message. Sarah had thought about using this means to contact her family but she knew Mark would check all of them at home and at their jobs. She didn't trust anyone they worked with enough to risk contacting a third party.
Another year had come and gone at Liberty House, Miss Jane had made punch and cake to celebrate New Years Eve, everyone slept in on New Years Day. It had snowed some more, from Sarah's windows she could see that no one had walked on the side walk or the street. The yard was still undisturbed.
Even the cat had not been out and Daisy had not had a chance to wear her new sweater. Sarah thought to offer to take her to a movie on Saturday afternoon if the weather held with no more snow and Miss Jane allowed it. Daisy was over joyed to go out with Sarah and Miss Jane was glad to see her go. The girl had not had many joys in her life. Sarah had shared with her from the first. While they were gone the Professor told Miss Jane about Sarah's story. Miss Jane was not surprised to learn something was wrong in the girls life .
She told the Professor “I have had trouble in my life, you know about it, my late husband was a wife beater also. I know from many years experience the hell she has been through. I just didn't have the courage to pick up and leave. She has a home and what protection I can give her for as long as she likes.” The Professor “Thank you for your goodness, she is a good girl just in her early twenties, should be out on a date instead of out with Daisy but she seems content, and she is a smart one.”
Miss Jane “I will secure the house as much as I can, day and night. I have a gun I can get to easily and I would use it if it became necessary to save a life.” Professor “So do I have a gun I keep it locked up because of Daisy, I don't know about the doctor and the nurse they probably have one also. I doubt Mrs. Martian would have one and Sarah needs to get hers registered.” Miss Jane “Yes she should, remind her, if she has to use it the law should know she has a right to carry it and yes there is Daisy to think about.”
On Sunday Miss Jane took in a new guest. His name Travis Hawk, about thirty and well built with dark curly hair and nice hands. Sarah met him at dinner and liked him right away, so did the other guests. Travis liked Miss Jane's cooking and told her it was the best he had tasted since coming east. She was surprised at his manners, everyone seemed to just eat and leave. Talk was lively at the table that night, even the Professor contributed to the conversation. He mentioned to Travis that Sarah was his assistant, just to keep his claim on her time. Miss Jane had to smile at the old man's obvious attachment to Sarah.
Travis went into the living room after dinner and asks if they minded if he watched the news. No one minded in the least. He was interested in the weather. He told Sarah “I have to be out tomorrow to scout out the surrounding areas, I am writing a book on old dock towns in New England. I saw this one in Southern Living, actually this house, and decided to come up and try the living myself.”
Sarah “This house was in Southern Living? Where are you from?” Travis “Georgia, near Atlanta, the house looked so inviting I felt as if I had to come and see for myself.” Sarah “Miss Jane did you know your house was in the magazine?” Miss Jane “ Last summer some people came around making pictures and asking questions about the history of the house, young man do you remember what the article said about the house?” Travis “No Mum not exactly there was a picture, the leaves were already turning. The picture was of the front of the house.”
Miss Jane “I am seriously upset over this; they didn't let me know it would be in the magazine, I would like to have seen it.” Travis “I would say if you called them you could get a copy sent to you.” Miss Jane “good idea, I will do that tomorrow.” Sarah “I am sure my mother gets that magazine I hope she saw it.” Travis “where does your mother live?” Sarah “In the south, way down south further than Georgia.” Miss Jane “Sarah don't fret now, it was before you came to us.
Sarah “I know, so you have talked with the Professor?” Miss Jane “Yes dear and I understand everything, don't you be uneasy.” Travis “I am new here, you two are talking in a puzzle.” Sarah “No it's no secret anymore. I am hiding from someone who would hurt me or kill me if I am found. His name is Mark he drives a big black truck and he is a policeman where I am from.” Travis “He won't know to look here will he?” Sarah “He hasn't so far, but he will find me sooner or later, I haven't talked to my family since I left home. He has the phones and mail traced.”
Travis sat lost in thought for a while, the news came and went, no snow for the next day. Travis “Sarah on Saturday if you are free will you come out with me to look around?” Sarah “Yes, I would love to; I have wanted to see the surrounding area since I got here. It is lovely on the old docks with the boats chained up with their winter coats on. I go down and just watch the birds.” Miss Jane had excused herself leaving the two of them alone in the old fashioned parlor, fire roared in the fire place sending a soothing glow all over the room. Sarah thought she had known Travis forever after they talked for a while.
Sarah went up to bed when the fire burned down and the screen closed. A fire burned in her bed room, she felt so safe there, even safer with Travis in the house. She had told him most of her story, enough to send him screaming into the dark. He had showed compassion and support, she felt she could trust him. Only Mrs. Martian, the doctor and Daisy didn't know about her past and the danger she was in. She knew Mark would never hurt anyone else, just her. She checked the windows that night; there was no sign of Mark or his giant truck.
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Corner View (8)
Corner View (8)
Sarah was a wreck the next day knowing she was about to expose herself to Mark but she made the call anyway. Someone answered Sarah “May I speak to Anita Please? “The woman “Yes, she is right here”. Anita “Hello, who is calling please?”
Sarah “Anita? This is Sarah Archer I have a special offer for you.” Anita “Where did you get this number?” Sarah “From the book. “ Anita, what kind of offer are you calling me about?” Sarah “A conversation about a trip you might want to take this year.” Anita “Oh God, yes.” Sarah “How are you Anita?” Anita “I am fine, I wondered if you would call when I sent the card in.” Sarah” Yes we answer all cards sent back.”
Anita “I feel as if I know you already. “ Sarah “My feelings exactly, I am fine this is a wonderful place, I am sure you will like the house you saw in Southern Living. Anita “Yes it is a lovely old house I would love to live in one like it.” Sarah “I do and it is to die for. You may bring a family member if you like. I will send you more information to your job site.” Anita114 “Will I hear from you again?” Sarah “Probably not you are the only one from your area who sent in the request, no one else in your town responded. Have to go now. Bye.” Anita” By” Then she sat down and cried, she had heard from Becky at last.
Sarah felt better when she hung up, if the line was tapped Mark would know her voice even with the New England accent. She didn't care now, she could handle him, kill him if she had to. She could feel the gun through her back pack; it would be loaded all time now. She told the Professor and Travis about talking to her mother so abstract. She had wanted to clean her heart and mind to her but that would have been a sure give away. They told her she had done good to hold her composure as well as she did. Miss Jane was very proud of her.
Mark did intercept the call, at first it made no sense to him, just a place soliciting guests for a B & B. After listening to the recording several times he knew it was a ruse to get by him. He was furious she would think him so stupid as not to catch on. He was even more furious to learn the number could not be traced except to the calling area. New England, he had been right, but where in that frozen place was she?
First of all Mark traced all the bed and breakfast listed in New England, this was no small undertaking since he was working on his own time . No B&B matched the house he remembered from the magazine. He found the old magazine and found the name of the house to be Liberty House owner Miss Jane Huston, Liberty Street, New Hampshire. Everything right at his finger tips. He was off to ask for time off and to load his truck.
Sarah could feel the net tightening, when she went out side she expected him to jump out on her. He would not approach her in the open; he would slip up on her in the night. Miss Jane left all the flood lights on at night, it was as light as day around the house. He would come in the night and she would be ready for him. That night she called her mother at home and told her she knew Mark had picked up on her first call. Anita begged her to leave, to go some place safe until he gave up. He didn't know the name she was using even if he did figure out the place from the magazine .She had called herself Sarah and that was the name she was known by, he would find her no doubt, three days at the nearest, it was a long drive.
For three days Sarah went about her life as she had for the past five months, the most happy months she had enjoyed in a long time. She would have liked to stay and maybe she could if this went right and Mark didn't kill her. Travis and the Professor could not guard her all day every day, but they would be around at night and she would be at the University during the day. Mark knew nothing about the school; hopefully he would show his hand before he saw her. With any luck at all she would see him first.
Mark hit Hampshire five days later showing a picture of Sarah when she was Becky Archer. No one seemed to know her, he thought they were lying and became angry with the Gallery owner Mrs. Martian. Poor lady didn't recognize the picture of Sarah with a tan and dark hair, she didn't look like Sarah.
Mark told her she might be going by Sarah, Mrs. Martian paled but held her ground that she did not know her. After Mark left the Gallery she called the University to warn Sarah someone was looking for her and described him. Sarah knew it was Mark he was right down town. The Professor and Sarah went straight home that afternoon. Sarah saw the big black truck in front of the coffee shop as they went by. All she wanted was to get home and call the sheriff.
He needed to know Mark was in town and he was crazy dangerous, probably armed. The sheriff said he had already been in asking questions and showing a picture which did not look like her. He would be at the jail all night if she needed him call 911, he would be there. He had no reason to arrest him until he made a criminal move. She understood.
Corner View (8)
Corner View (8)
Dinner was silent and uneasy. Travis could hardly sit still. He had wanted to go out and find Mark and draw him out. Sarah told him no she didn't want him to get hurt because of her, or in trouble with the law. Travis “So we just have to sit here and wait for him to come to us?” Sarah “Yes we do, or I have to go out and let him find me out side the house.” Travis “No you don't go out side for any reason, we will handle it if he comes in the house, it will be breaking and entering, we can take care of him.” Miss Jane “ Just go about your usual night time routine, watch out the windows, close your curtains and lock your door when you go to bed.”
Sarah “ I don't want you all in danger because of me, I don't think he would hurt anyone else unless he thought he had to in order to get to me so please don't anyone be a hero and get hurt.” Professor “I haven't shot a gun since the war, I shot it plenty then and I haven't forgotten how. I will be on look out with Travis. He won't get by us.” Travis I need to sleep in Sarah's room and her in mine.” Sarah “No, I won't let you do that he might just start shooting; I can't let you take that chance.” Travis “Alright, but my door will be open and I sleep like a cat.”
Sarah looked out her windows before she went to bed. She didn't see anything or anyone on the street. Before she drifted off whiskers dropped a toy on the floor and joined her in her bed. The loaded gun was in the drawer, the drawer partly open. Sarah knew Miss Jane had a loaded gun by her bed down stairs.
At two am Sarah was awakened by her electric clock flashing, the power was cut off. She could sense Mark's presence; he would not know which her room was. She looked out the window and there was his truck parked across the street under a tree. It was difficult to see. Sarah called the sheriff’s number and told him Mark was on the grounds if not in the house.
He told her to lock her door and stay calm he would be right over. Sarah was too afraid to open the door to look into the hall. She hopped Travis and the Professor had been awakened also. The Professor's clock made an alarm when the power was cut off.
The blue lights of the police car flashed across Sarah's windows. She hopped Mark didn't see the lights, she wanted this over. Whiskers had been awakened and complained loudly, he didn't like someone strange in the house. In search of his former sleep he burrowed deeper under the covers with his head sticking out. Sarah heard her door slowly open, the lock had been picked and the fire had burned down. There was no light except the flash light in the drawer with the gun.
She reached into the drawer and removed the gun; it made a click when she let the safety off. Who ever was in the room had to have heard it? “Who is there?” she asks. No one answered. All at once she heard a squeal from the cat's toy on the floor. Whiskers made a running leap and some one let out a yell. Suddenly the room was full of people; Miss Jane came in with a big candle burning. Travis and the Professor had Mark in control while the sheriff applied handcuffs.
The sheriff arrested Mark on breaking and entering, carrying a gun for the purpose of doing harm to Sarah. A charge which would be changed to attempt at murder. Sarah was in the arms of Travis with the Professor hovering near. The sheriff hustled Mark out of the house to a waiting State Patrol car. He had taken Sarah's plight seriously and prepared for the night and Mark's arrival.
Next morning Miss Jane and Sarah had to be in court to make charges. Mark was also charged with stalking. He was to be transported back to Florida after a hearing and however he would plead. Mark had lost all control and put on suicide watch. The sheriff kept him in cuffs for the night and hearing.
He let out a string of cursing when he saw Sarah. It was all she could do not to shiver in the warm court room. He was so sinister, so evil looking, why hadn't she realized earlier how deranged he really was? What could she have done to help him or herself? Mark refused to plead guilty; his lawyer was flown in the next day by his father. He still refused to even admit he had been carrying a loaded gun .
The judge agreed to allow Mark to go back to his home state under guard to be evaluated and receive mental care if it was so deemed by the court. After that he could have to be transported back to New England for trial of his peers. In the mean time Sarah would stay in Hampshire and live as she had been. She did not want to leave her friends and Travis.
She wanted to continue to work with the Professor on the history of the Hampshire picture and in the University. Most of all she wanted to be near Travis, if she had a future with him she had to be near him.
Travis had not made any plans. He certainly wasn't ready to make a commitment to Sarah, but in the future he probably would be. He was close to her and in love with her but he didn't know her and he had to remedy that. Her mother and sister would be coming soon, he would learn a lot from them. The university needed a substitute teacher in literature; Travis had the credentials to fill that job and took it. Sarah was so happy he wasn't going away. They would still live in the same house and eat meals together. Other than that Sarah had no delusions about a future with him. She would remain in New England and live her new life with Travis and the changing seasons, waiting for spring and the beauty which would come with it.
Corner View (1) estination.Corner View (2)
__________________ Corner View (3) Mark __________________ Corner View (4) Corner View (4) __________________ Corner View (5) Corner View (5)
Corner View (6) __________________ Corner View (8)
Corner View (8)
Sarah “ I don't want you all in danger because of me, I don't think he would hurt anyone else unless he thought he had to in order to get to me so please don't anyone be a hero and get hurt.” Professor “I haven't shot a gun since the war, I shot it plenty then and I haven't forgotten how. I will be on look out with Travis. He won't get by us.” Travis I need to sleep in Sarah's room and her in mine.” Sarah “No, I won't let you do that he might just start shooting; I can't let you take that chance.” Travis “Alright, but my door will be open and I sleep like a cat.” Sarah looked out her windows before she went to bed. She didn't see anything or anyone on the street. Before she drifted off whiskers dropped a toy on the floor and joined her in her bed. The loaded gun was in the drawer, the drawer partly open. Sarah knew Miss Jane had a loaded gun by her bed down stairs. At two am Sarah was awakened by her electric clock flashing, the power was cut off. She could sense Mark's presence; he would not know which her room was. She looked out the window and there was his truck parked across the street under a tree. It was difficult to see. Sarah called the sheriff’s number and told him Mark was on the grounds if not in the house. He told her to lock her door and stay calm he would be right over. Sarah was too afraid to open the door to look into the hall. She hopped Travis and the Professor had been awakened also. The Professor's clock made an alarm when the power was cut off. The blue lights of the police car flashed across Sarah's windows. She hopped Mark didn't see the lights, she wanted this over. Whiskers had been awakened and complained loudly, he didn't like someone strange in the house. In search of his former sleep he burrowed deeper under the covers with his head sticking out. Sarah heard her door slowly open, the lock had been picked and the fire had burned down. There was no light except the flash light in the drawer with the gun. She reached into the drawer and removed the gun; it made a click when she let the safety off. Who ever was in the room had to have heard it? “Who is there?” she asks. No one answered. All at once she heard a squeal from the cat's toy on the floor. Whiskers made a running leap and some one let out a yell. Suddenly the room was full of people; Miss Jane came in with a big candle burning. Travis and the Professor had Mark in control while the sheriff applied handcuffs. The sheriff arrested Mark on breaking and entering, carrying a gun for the purpose of doing harm to Sarah. A charge which would be changed to attempt at murder. Sarah was in the arms of Travis with the Professor hovering near. The sheriff hustled Mark out of the house to a waiting State Patrol car. He had taken Sarah's plight seriously and prepared for the night and Mark's arrival. Next morning Miss Jane and Sarah had to be in court to make charges. Mark was also charged with stalking. He was to be transported back to Florida after a hearing and however he would plead. Mark had lost all control and put on suicide watch. The sheriff kept him in cuffs for the night and hearing. He let out a string of cursing when he saw Sarah. It was all she could do not to shiver in the warm court room. He was so sinister, so evil looking, why hadn't she realized earlier how deranged he really was? What could she have done to help him or herself? Mark refused to plead guilty; his lawyer was flown in the next day by his father. He still refused to even admit he had been carrying a loaded gun . The judge agreed to allow Mark to go back to his home state under guard to be evaluated and receive mental care if it was so deemed by the court. After that he could have to be transported back to New England for trial of his peers. In the mean time Sarah would stay in Hampshire and live as she had been. She did not want to leave her friends and Travis. She wanted to continue to work with the Professor on the history of the Hampshire picture and in the University. Most of all she wanted to be near Travis, if she had a future with him she had to be near him. Travis had not made any plans. He certainly wasn't ready to make a commitment to Sarah, but in the future he probably would be. He was close to her and in love with her but he didn't know her and he had to remedy that. Her mother and sister would be coming soon, he would learn a lot from them. The university needed a substitute teacher in literature; Travis had the credentials to fill that job and took it. Sarah was so happy he wasn't going away. They would still live in the same house and eat meals together. Other than that Sarah had no delusions about a future with him. She would remain in New England and live her new life with Travis and the changing seasons, waiting for spring and the beauty which would come with it.
She would lie on her bed listening to the laughing and off color jokes of Mark her boyfriend and his cop friends. It was almost ten pm, time for refills from her refrigerator, in her own apartment which he treated as his own. Mark had ask his friends over to play cards, she was to stay in her bedroom unless called on .2
She was Rebecca Steal , twenty two years old and totally aware of the fool she was to allow Mark to treat her the way he did. He often hurt her, hit her in places people didn't see, always insulting her about her position as a teacher. No one was as good or as smart as Mark, he misused his job and she knew it. He bragged to her about mistreating prisoners and putting his comrades in jeopardy. Sometimes he even set things up to make himself look good .Why did she let him come around? She was frightened to death of him.
He had told her in no uncertain terms what would happen to her if she ever reported him or left him. There was no doubt he would kill her or make her wish she was dead. He had already done that, he had hurt her more than one time. The bruises on her thighs reminded her of what her life would be like with him. He would start about their marriage when his friends left, then he would hurt her again. She would never marry him but she would leave him. She had her plans made, almost complete and fool proof. They had to be or she was dead.
Rebecca had spent weeks getting new ID with a different picture. With a black wig and lots of makeup she looked different, older and harder. Not even Mark would recognize her. The train ticket was in her bag with the clothes she would have to have. It was cold in the North East; she had very few suitable clothes. She lived in the Deep South where it hardly ever snowed. The bag was in a locker in the train depot, she had the key on her key ring. Mark would never notice it there; she had many keys for the house and school.
The card party was over early, no calls for refills. Becky could feel her muscles tighten and her heart accelerate. She knew what was going to happen she would try to keep him calm. She would do nothing to make him mad but she didn't have to make him mad someone had done that for her.
He went into the bedroom slamming the door so hard a picture fell to the floor and broke. Becky hopped he would not see the glass, he might use it. Mark was raving at his friend John Mitchell said he was a cheat and only came over to see Becky. He yelled at Becky and for the first time slapped her across the face, she would have bruises and a black eye the next day. That would not stop her; she knew more than ever she had to get away before he killed her.
Mark was away to work early the next day, giving her orders of the hours after she finished her school day. She told him she would not go to work with a black eye, he slapped her again making her bite her lip .She didn't cry for him but was more determined than ever to get away .8
The bus left the station at nine. Mark worked down town and wasn't likely to see her, she didn't see any police at all. The bus terminal was busy, no one noticed her when she bought a one way ticket with no destination. Once on the bus and under way Becky felt much better. She had bought some food and coffee outside the bus station. She was very hungry and needed the nutrition. No one even looked at the scarf she wore loosely around her face to hide the discoloration. The bus ride gave Becky time to get her thoughts in order. She would soon be aboard the train headed to the East, headed to Hampshire, a small sea side fishing village .
The bus took Becky to the train depot in Ohio. Beck had gone into the bathroom, changed clothes, cleaned her face and added light make up. The wig went into the outgoing trash; the pickup was waiting until the bath room was empty. No evidence left behind for Mark to find even if he figured out her route.
Once on the train Becky began to relax and got some much needed sleep. The train ran smoothly and quietly through the night. Becky awakened disoriented and trembling. Her surroundings slowly came into focus, the lights were dim others aboard were also sleeping. She was in control again. One hundred miles from Hampshire Becky left the train and went to the bus station buying a ticket to her
At the station in Hampshire Becky ask the clerk if he knew any place to rent a room. The sleepy old clerk didn't even look directly at her. He told her there was a motel down the road, not a very good place for a young lady. After scratching his head he said there was a boarding house two streets over, belonged to Miss Jane Huston. She took in boarders, some of them had been with her for years, and she might have a room open. He offered to call for her, she told him please do. It sounded ideal for her. A room in a home with other people and meals. The old man spoke a few words mostly “Yeah." When the call was over Becky had a place to live, if she was decent and the accommodations suited her.
The house was an old Victorian on a corner lot, lots of trees and bushes, leafs covered the ground. From the street it looked as if it had three floors, she would be happy to get the top floor. The ring of the door bell brought a trim and proper woman to the door, Miss Jane Huston, owner and proprietor of Liberty House. She looked to be about fifty, very slim and very proper. She ask Becky to come in, it was too cold to keep the door open. The inside of the house was true Victorian, with marble on the hall floor and a grandfather clock ticking away. A curving stair well pierced the height of the house; a beautiful chandelier drooped from the center of the ceiling.
Becky was smitten with the house and Miss Jane. Miss Jane told her there were three meals served every day at six am, twelve to one pm, and six pm. Doors locked at eleven o'clock everyone had a key she didn't treat her guests like children.
There was a laundry behind the kitchen and an extra refrigerator for any food the guests might want to keep, it also would be cleaned each week and bed clothes would also be changed by Daisy, her daily house helper. Daisy was dependent and had a room in the attic where she was safe and very happy. Miss Jane asks how long Sarah would be staying, it was the first time she had heard her new name and was taken back for a moment. She said "A very long time the way I feel right now and if I can afford it.” Miss Jane smiled "You will give the place some new life and Daisy will be delighted to have a young person to talk to.”Sarah ask about the amount of rent, Miss Jane told her two hundred a month.
Sarah thought she had heard her wrong and couldn't wait to get her money out. She had cash, no credit cards or checks for Jeff to trace. Jane lead the way up the stairs to the second floor, corner room. From there she could see most of the town. The room was perfect, bright colors on the bed and windows, a fire place and Persian rug. Two over stuffed chairs flanked the fire place.
Miss Jane turned the gas on starting a fire to warm the room. There was an old fashioned bathroom in perfect condition, and closets, the bed had a canopy with green velvet hangings. In a bed side table Sarah placed the small hand gun she had packed with her few clothes, she would leave the drawer partly open at night and the gun in her back pack during the day. Daisy might like to look through other peoples things. Sarah added a book and box of tissue in the drawer with the gun.
Miss Jane had not ask Sarah for any ID or why she was in town, she would meet the other guests in the morning at breakfast. For the night she wanted nothing more than to get a bath and into that beautiful old bed. From her two windows Sarah looked one last time. No one was in sight, no one on the corner, no lurking black truck parked on the curb. If Miss Jane had a car she didn't have a drive way which opened off the main street. She would look the place over in the morning.
The night brought a light snow, the first Sarah had seen first hand. It delighted her to be welcomed with the white glittering power. Breakfast was meeting time. All the guests were present. Sarah was introduced first then came and old man with white hair and beard, he was Professor Chambers from the University, he said a grumpy "Good to meet you" and was out the door and gone. Next was another man, younger and friendlier, Dr. Hughes, part time physician, a woman Mrs. Martian curator of the local gallery and book store. She looked to be about Miss Jane's age,
welcomed Sarah and showed signs of wanting to know more. She invited Sarah to visit the Gallery soon, Sarah assured her she would.
Later Sarah went to her room to find her bed already made and being used by a big shaggy Grey cat. He was right at home. She heard someone giggling and saw a girl in the bathroom, "Daisy?” she said. The girl answered "Yes mum just cleaning, you don't make much work for me.” Sarah "Oh I am so sorry I will do better tomorrow.” The girl giggled some more and went on her way. The cat didn't move.
After lunch Sarah went walking to the business section of the small town to look for some winter clothes. It wasn't even Halloween yet and snow was falling. There were two old stores and a small shopping mall near the docks. Sarah saw the Gallery was first in line. It had a rustic look of New England with glass ware in the windows and a mail box on the front porch. She would go in after she shopped for a while.
The first store was more like a general store, she could see every thing from overalls to snow boots, canvas was stacked in the corner. There was fishing gear of every kind; she might try her hand at it when spring came but not right away. The woman proprietors ask if she could get anything for her, she was a friendly person set on talking for a short time. Sarah accommodated her with out telling her any thing personal.
Mrs. Martian was disappointed she would have nothing to tell the others at the Liberty House at dinner then she remembered Sarah also lived there.
Sarah noticed an old picture in the back ground of the Gallery, it was dim with age and dust but she could make out many figures of children and adults on a frozen lake. The wore bright colors and skated in a ring. The light was too dim to make much of the scene; she would have another look when she had more time.
Clothes were to be found in the next two stores. She bought boots with a sheep skin lining, a long coat with a hood, gloves, scarves and warm wool sweaters and pants. In the next shop she found flannel gowns and warm robes with house slippers. She bought a dozen pair of heavy socks and a pair of leather loafers for the house. She reckoned she would be there for a long time. If Mark was going to find her he would have already showed up in that evil looking black truck.
Sarah hurried home to uncover her new bought treasures. She had never had heavy clothes before. Miss Jane opened the door for her and helped her up the stairs with her parcels. She said, "I have a car in the back if you ever want to use it, I don't go out much except for grocery shopping.” Sarah replied, "Thank you I might take you up on that, I would like to see some of the country side and maybe look for a job." Miss Jane smiled, "You are welcome to it, as far as a job you might check the hospital or the University, Professor Chamber might need an assistant, the one he had got married and moved away. Sarah asked, "What is his position in the University?" Miss Jane answered, "Oh my, he didn't tell you, he is in charge of the Ancient History department, brings all manner of books home, reads and writes all the time.” Sarah wasn't interested in the hospital but the University interested her. She had fake credentials which would stand up under close scrutiny. She would speak to him at the University rather than bring it up at the house where every one would know her business.
Corner View (3)
Mark had returned in the afternoon ready for a fight. He was enraged at something which had happened at the percent early that day. His commander had confronted him on sloppy work on a case which was thrown out of court. Mark had been furious but could not reply as he wished. He would take his frustrations out on Becky when she got home from work. In his confused mind she would be the commander who had reprimanded him.
Becky wasn't at home, no note to explain her absence. Mark fixed some food and had a beer while he waited. He had an apartment of his own but only went there to change clothes and have a place to go when he blew up at Becky. Dark came but Becky did not come in the door. Mark began to get really mad, he threw a few glasses in the sink to appease his anger.
At eight he called Becky's mother Anita .Mark “ Have you heard from Becky?” Anita “ No, Mark I haven't talked to Becky since yesterday.” Mark “Are you lying to me to cover up for her? Is she there hiding from me?” Anita “Why would she be hiding from you Mark? Have you hurt her again?” No
Mark “Not yet but I will when I find her she knows to come straight home after work.” Anita “Mark you won't hurt her again I can promise you that, you need to be in a mental hospital for the way you treat her and she isn't yours in anyway.” Mark “You have always been against me, you and Mary. I know you have her hidden but I will find her and all of you will be sorry.” Anita “Mark she had you picked up once, didn't that teach you anything? You don't love Becky you just want to control her. You could have her with love but not with your fists.” Mark I am going to find her, she can't hide from me forever.” That was the last time he had talked to Becky's family. He thought they knew where she was. He could use his position to bug their phones. Becky was a big family person she couldn't go long with out talking to her family.
Next day Mark called the school to ask about Becky. He was told she had resigned the week before, no forward address given. They had no idea where she had gone. Next he called some of the teachers she was friends with. They had no news for her, no one knew she was about to disappear. Mark could not give a missing persons report, it would make him look ridiculous to his co workers. He would have to work this case by him self. In the mean time he moved out of Becky's apartment.
In a week her rent was up and her mother and sister removed all her personal possessions from the apartment. Slowly she had removed things he had not missed, there was really very little to take away. She had left no forwarding address with the land lady or with the post office. There was no way he could trace her, she had even left her cell phone in the apartment.
The bus station clerk had no memory of seeing anyone matching Becky's picture, neither did the cab company or the train depot. Checking the airport in the next time was a waste of time. No one had seen her. He thought of the black eye she was wearing after he had hit her. Heavy make up would cover that, yes heavy make up and a wig for disguise. He had the technician at the station play around with some photos, with different colored hair and heavy make up she looked entirely different. He made the rounds again but no one remembered seeing her.
Mark began to mess up on the job and was after a few weeks put on probation for a month for counseling and treatment for anger abuse after he went too far interrogating a suspect. Mark blamed it all on Becky, she had been his outlet in anger.
There were no calls from Becky to her mother or sister, if there were letters he had no way of knowing although he broke in their houses to look for the letters. There was nothing to show for his weeks of undercover work. What he had took for love had turned to hate for Becky, he would kill her if he found her. He was not about to give up the hunt.
Becky/ Sarah
Winter had come to New England with a vengeance, snow fell day after day and Sarah loved it. She spent hours setting on the window seat in her room watching the snow fall. The town looked like a miniature village. There was very little traffic on the Liberty House Street. Sarah watched every day first thing in the morning and the last thing at night. No one had broken the smooth white blanket which covered the front lawn. The pines were under a great weight the limbs almost on the ground. Miss Jane kept the front walk way cleaned and covered with ash to prevent someone from falling. Everyone used the front entrance. The coat rack in the hall was hanging full of winter coats, scarves and umbrellas. Everyone but Sarah was used to the weather; she took some time to get where she wanted to go out.
After Thanksgiving Sarah went to the University to apply for a job. She knew from talk at the table the Professor had not hired anyone. She was given an appointment time for the next day. The Professor did the interview. Professor “And just why have you kept me waiting so long?” Sarah “I didn't want to be personal about the application; I thought it best to see you here instead of at the house.” Professor “Very well, you have good credentials here, even some teaching experience, how do you happen to feel about Ancient History?” Sarah “I can't honestly say I have a passion for it but I have a great interest in it. Working with you would be a great experience. I looked at an old picture at the Gallery one day which I thought you might be interested in.” “Professor, this picture, how does it pertain to my interest?”
Sarah “It is a picture of this village in the sixteenth century, it has an evil sense about it. I am interested in the occult although it has nothing to do with this job as your assistant.” Professor, actually it has everything to do with the job; I study the occult a great deal and have to admit to being a believer in some of it. We have some very important things in common. Are you willing to work with me some at the house?”
Sarah “Yes Sir I would be glad to, I have very little to do except to read and play with the cat.” Professor “then you are hired starting today by taking something’s home with you to study. Salary is four thousand a month, adequate I think under the circumstances.” Sarah “The salary is more than enough I might want to buy a car by spring, it would be useless to me this winter.” Professor “You may ride in with me in the mornings, afternoons I have other things to do after my classes are over.” Sarah “Mornings are fine I love walking in the snow.”
Sarah was thrilled to have such a job with the Professor. She felt as if she had a life now, a life with meaning. She was ready the next morning long before the Professor knocked on her door. Breakfast was over; everyone else had gone out except the nurse who shared the attic with Daisy. Her name was Lynn Maxwell; she looked about thirty, very small and non descriptive. She hardly ever had a meal with the others because of her changing hours, she was friendly but added little color to the house.
First day on the job was pure confusion, the Professor wanted Sarah to read his mind and perform as his departed assistant had done. Sarah had to remind him she was new at the job and would have to have time to learn his ways. He agreed he was being overbearing and would give her the time she needed. After that they got on just fine. In a week Sarah had everything down to a fine art.
The winter held on like it would stay forever. Christmas was just weeks away Sarah missed her family more than she had while she had been gone. She knew she could not get in touch with them without Mark picking up on it. She knew he would have every opening covered. She had not been able to figure any safe way to contact them. Mark was so mean he had probably bullied them trying to get information they did not have. No one knew where she had gone. It had to be that way or he would find her and her life would be over.
Christmas in New England, such a beautiful scene every day and night. Sarah was so happy and content she thought about taking the gun to the bank to a safety deposit box. Her daily vigilance continued, she no longer shuddered at the sight of a black truck. There couldn't be another one like Mark's. He had lights all over the cab, fog lights, and high intensity lights. The truck had every gadget a truck could need and more. He treated it like a woman well loved.
Sarah was undecided about buying presents, there was a tree in the living room, a big pine which the cat loved. More than one glass ball hit the floor from his quick paws. Miss Jane would correct him to no avail. Cats had a mind of their own, no meant nothing to this one, his name was Whiskers .Call his name or rattle a paper and he came running. Every one fed him and petted him even though Miss Jane had asked them not to. He continued to sleep on Sarah's bed during the day and sometimes at night.
Week before Christmas Sarah felt she had to buy something for the other guests and Miss Jane and especially for Whiskers. A Saturday morning took her to the mall by the dock. The Gallery was her first stop; Mrs. Martian welcomed her to look the place over. She found an antic picture frame for Miss Jane.
Of course she had to have another look at the picture. It had been cleaned and set up in the front of the Gallery. Mrs. Martian said there had been several to look at it but no buyers. The cleaning had made the figures much easier to see. They had a strange look about them as did the houses. A look of evil prevailed. Sarah wondered what enlargement of the characters would show and ask if she could use a magnifying glass for inspection. Mrs. Martian gave her one then tried to look over her shoulder.
The faces of the characters on the snow took on a different look when enlarged. They were evil looking, even the children. One woman who Sarah had taken as a nun was actually a witch. A cauldron' boiled in the center of the ring of people. Even the animals looked evil. Sarah asks about the painter but the curator did not have a name for her. She said many had ask but she could find no name on the painting any place.
Sarah left the Gallery feeling dread and a kind of fear. She had felt so safe there, now the feeling was mired with the faces in the picture. She would tell the Professor about the picture.
Sarah finished her shopping by buying gloves and scarves for everyone. Daisy deserved something more because she went out of her way to do extra things for Sarah. In clothing boutique Sarah found a heavy red cable knit sweater she thought Daisy might like. Miss Jane had told her the girl was dependent but the nurse had told her the real story.
Daisy was mildly mongoloid. She had been born late in her mother’s life. She was one of five children who were much older than she was. Her father had been angry when she was diagnosed, he blamed her mother. The mother died when Daisy was four years old. Her father had left her with his sister, her children had mistreated Daisy. She had not been sent to school although there was no reason she could not learn up to a point. When her father took her back he also mistreated her.
Miss Jane had found her one winter stealing bird food from the feeders in the back yard. After taking her in the house and talking and looking at her she had called Human Services. After all was said and done Daisy was put in Miss Jane's care. Sarah was glad to know the real story; she went out and bought books, paper and pencils, colors and coloring books. Daisy had not had a child hood; she meant to give her one.
With Miss Jane's permission Sarah took on the job of teaching Daisy to read and write. She had some knowledge she had picked up over the years watching and listening to other kids. Learning came easy for her. Sarah thought it such a shame to have kept her from the things she had come to love. Sarah's Attention to Daisy brought her close to Miss Jane's heart. She vowed she would do anything she could to help the girl if she ever needed her.
Christmas had been a big day; Miss Jane had cooked a big Christmas dinner with all the New England trimmings. Nothing was the same as it was in the south but that was behind Sarah and far away. She looked on the guests as her second family but she couldn't confide in them. Her fears of Mark were the same, she half expected him to show up any day. She dreaded looking out the windows, afraid she would see him standing in the yard on the street corner looking at her through the window. She never covered her windows but at night she felt exposed and started closing them against the winter night.
Along with working with Daisy Sarah worked with the Professor at night also. He often brought translations home for her to type up on his computer. He even had a computer set up in her room for her own use so he could work alone. He had also gone to take a look at the picture. He was engrossed with it. One day a delivery man came to the door leaving a package for him. The picture of course, he wanted someone from the science department in the University to do some testing on the oils. He was horrified with the faces and message the picture sent to the viewer. The idea of children in such a setting went against everything he had ever held dear.
The occult was an interest and supported by local legend. He had attended some strange meetings with members of the occult and was touched by the experience. He had asked Sarah to attend a meeting with him but she declined the offer. She had enough devils to keep her company. Her constant vigil for Mark was wearing on her and she missed her family more every day. There just wasn't anyway she could safely contact them even on their jobs. Mark would have every phone they used tapped, and some way he would know what mail they received. She had a good cry and went on with her life.
In Sarah's southern home town her family celebrated the holidays as they always did with a palm tree loaded with lights and presents. They bought presents for Becky even though they knew they would never be able to give them to her. Mark had not given up his search. He had spread out to surrounding states without so much as a clue. Every time they heard of what he was doing they were frightened for themselves and for Becky.
Their information came from Mark's mother Bee. She called often of course trying to pick their brain about the location of Becky. Mark was making her life miserable, her husband wanted to have him committed, she was sure he would come out even meaner than he had been before. Mark had always been mean, even as a young child. He would destroy his toys and stuffed animals, they had tried a pet but he hurt him also and they had to find a home for the poor dog that loved Mark and seemed to understand him.
In school he had been a horror in every setting. They had been forced to send him to a special school where the teachers were supposed to know how to handle him. All they did was allow him to learn how to do his evil without anyone knowing. He had excelled in sports but was too small for a professional level. He went into a depression over his size and became even harder to get along with. The Police Academy had taken his mean ways to a new level; he could now use brutality legally.
Mark had never thought of his southern prey going so far north. She had always deplored the southern version of winter. She loved summer clothes and trips to the ocean. When they first met he took her to the beach every week end. It never entered his mind she might take to the snows and ice of a New England winter. He continued to put out reports in warmer climates. He had been reinstated with his unit in law enforcement and used every opportunity to inflict pain on a prisoner. He never approached Becky's family although he kept constant surveillance on all of them even their computers at home and at work. There was no way she could get by him.
Sarah thought more than once about contacting her family through the Internet, but caution prevented her from carrying out the plan. Mark was sure to know how to get into their email. Her mother didn't even receive any books or magazines from the New England area. The flash backs of the beatings she had taken from Mark made her hold back on any tries to communicate with her family. They had known when she left she would not be back unless Mark found her. Unless Mark found her and killed her before he took her back.
Working with the Professor was a joy; he was so different at school than he was at the house. No one knew they lived in the same house; there was never any personal interaction between them. The students were frightened to death of him, he was known to throw a fit over nothing and give bad grades for the same reason. He was deep into studying the occult and talked Sarah into going to a séance with him on a Monday night. Sarah had not been out of the house except to see Christmas lights since she had been in Hampshire .
The site was an old brick two story house with every window covered. A woman in black opened the door and asks them in. The back room was covered in red and black, a black cat sat in the middle of a table covered in silver clothe. Soft light flickered around the room making the eyes sensitive to the one bright light in the ceiling. There were three women seated at the table, their heads were covered with black scarves, scarves were given to the Professor and Sarah. Sarah wanted to bolt and get out the door before the walls started closing in on her. She had tried this experiment with some friends when she was a teen, it hadn't gone well.
Erie sounds started from the ceiling, the curtains were blowing away from the windows. The curtains on the wall parted allowing the entrance of a woman in flowing white. She was beautiful like an angel, she had no wings. Sarah took a deep breath and demanded herself to remain calm and endure this for the Professor. She had been through worse and lived to see day light. Like the beatings from Mark. Why did she think of him in that dark setting? Maybe it is because that was where he belonged. She didn't believe in magic but what if his evil sense picked up on this meeting? A long shot to say the least but a shot none the less. No one knew her real name, Sarah wasn't a pet name for her, and she had just picked it out of thin air. She hopped the spirit would not follow the same path.
Strange voices began to vibrate around the room, everyone held hands. Sarah's hands were wet with sweat, the Professor's hands were trembling, and the other one holding her hand was steady as a rock. One woman began to cry, “My husband I know his voice, he is here in this room.” The woman in black answered “What is his name.” The woman “Henry is his name.” Then she held out her hands reaching for Henry “Oh my darling you have come back to help me I knew you would.”
Woman in black asked, “What do you want to ask your husband?” Woman said, “Oh Henry where did you leave your will? We have looked all over the house and the office for it; if I don't get it your partner will inherit everything I will be a dependent person at our children's mercy.” The voice replied, “Eunice, my wife and love. The will is under the fireplace in the library, just lift the lever by the mirror it will open for you my love. Now don't be disappointed if you aren't the wealthiest woman in town but you won't be dependent on our selfish children. Good by dear and good hunting. “A puff of smoke and the room went dark as midnight, when the lights came back on the woman Eunice was gone.
Again the lights went dim and the voices started humming, it drove Sarah to the brink waiting for the other shoe to hit the floor. Something had to go wrong. The next two women got their hearts desire and went their way. No one left but the Professor and Sarah. She was holding both hands with the Professor, first hand contact they had since they met. Sarah was shaking but the Professor was steady. The woman in black asks him what he wanted to know. Professor's "I have been studying a picture, a very old picture of this village in the sixteenth century. On close inspection I find it horrifying with witch craft and evil. There is no signature on the canvas to be found; can you shed some light on this picture?”
Voice whispered, “Professor I know of you from your dabbling in the occult from the past. It is good you have found the painting and ask about it. It is a scene of the sixteenth century and there is much evil in the faces and actions of the people because in that time there was much evil here. The village was built by Mathew Hampshire for his evil deeds and his evil people. They were witches and warlocks; they fed on the innocent in the surrounding area. I understand you are having it analyzed at the University for age and type of oil used. It could be very valuable to the occult community; you do know there are still groups who practice the black arts?” Professor answered, “Yes I know of them but I do not wish to be part of them.” Voice said, “As you will Professor but beware the painting.” With that the puff of smoke and the dark room until the next set up which was Sarah.
The Professor did not leave as the others had; he was not leaving Sarah as frightened as she seemed to be. The lights came back on as before, the cat remained in the center of your fears or questions.” Sarah “Thank you Miss I like it here the people are nice and the weather is just right.” Voice “I see a cloud over your life Sarah yes I know your name, you are no mystery to me. You are very afraid of someone who would hurt or kill you if he found you. I can see I am right. He hunts for you night and day but without luck in finding you. He is narrow minded and evil, he looks only where he would go if trying to get away.”
Sarah “How can you say you know these things?” Voice “Oh you are a Doubting Thomas aren't you. Let me see his name is Mark, he is not your husband, and you are frightened of him because he hurts you every time he becomes angry he takes it out on you. You elude fear and he feeds off it. You never fight him, you think for a while he will change but they never change. They devour their prey ,hurting you makes him feel full filled .He will continue to look in the warmer claimants until something changes and he will pick up on it and come north looking for you. Beware look over your shoulder and keep a weapon at hand when you go to bed. He is a coward he will not approach you in the light of day.” The puff of smoke and the lights were on, the woman was gone; the cat had every hair on end mad at the world, he hissed at Sarah and left the table with a bound.
The Professor and Sarah made their way out of the house and into the car. Sarah locked the doors; the Professor told her they would go to the corner coffee shop before going to the house. Sarah agreed with him, she needed something stronger than coffee but there was no liquor sold in the town although she saw men drunk on the dock almost every day. Did the Professor keep liquor in his room? She almost asks but thought better of it. Hot coffee in the almost empty shop hit the spot. Sarah felt better almost at once, the Professor was sweating Sarah was afraid for his health, he was elderly and might have a weak heart.
Sarah ask him if he was alright, he said yes just a little disconcerted, he would be fine in a few minutes. The Professor “Was any of that true? Are you in danger of being killed? I could hardly sit there listening to her lay you bare like she did. “ Sarah “ Yes It is true about Mark , she had him described to an inch, I can't get in touch with any of my family he is a policeman and will have everything under surveillance. Not only me but my mother and sister are in danger also, his own mother and father. He is deeply disturbed but he has others fooled, no one who works with him will believe what he is capable of. I turned him in once, they sent him to counseling he almost beat me to death. I missed a week of school.”
Professor “So you are a teacher? I thought so with your interaction with the students.” Sarah “Yes, I am a teacher but of elementary children not collage students although they sometimes seem the same.” Professor “No one knows this but me and the medium?” Sarah “ No one knows, I feel awful living a lie as I have been but I would never allow anyone to be in danger.” Professor "No the opposite you will have protection now from me and whoever you want to tell, I think Miss Jane needs to know, also about the gun you are so careful with.”
Sarah asked “Will the medium tell, will she locate Mark and tell him where to find me? I am so afraid his evil mind will pick up on some of this.” Professor answered, “No she will not tell anymore than she will tell Eunice's children where the will is hidden. She is a professional it would ruin her trade if she told anything.”
Both were quiet as they went back to the house, the Professor had stopped sweating when he calmed down in the coffee shop. Miss Jane opened the door for them, it was after eleven. The Professor went to his room right away they had work the next morning. Sarah doubted if she would ever sleep again. How could anyone she had never seen or heard of before know all about her life and the people she loved? It was impossible but she had set there and heard the words she thought only known in that town by herself.
Many hundreds of miles away Mark was thinking of Becky, of how much he wanted to find her, to get her under his control. No one knew she had left him, he had told his buddies that he had dumped her for his career. She was taking too much of his time, was too demanding. They wondered about that, she had never acted demanding to their observations he was the one demanding. Every time they played cards she fetched and carried for them every time he yelled for her. They had also noticed the bruises and dark circles around the eyes. Did he beat her? No surprise there the way he mistreated prisoners.
More than once they had covered for him, the last time he had been put on probation, but it hadn't changed him. He had an idea he was off the track in looking for her. She had never been independent either on him or her mother and sister. How had she gone so long with out reaching out to her family? Had anything gotten by him? That night he had a dark dream, one of Becky walking in snow up to her knees near an old fisherman's dock.
When he awakened he was in a deep sweat, the dream was going away, he needed to keep it, he sought every method he knew to bring the dream back but it escaped him. That day he widened his net to some northern states. The dream had left the feeling of snow in his mind. Of course it was snowing all over the North and East, had been all winter. Even above the Mason-Dixon Line .
Sarah became even more afraid after the strange out come of the séance, it was ever on her mind that someone knew who she really was and why she was in Hampshire, also now the Professor knew her history. She thought she could trust him; he had no reason to notify Mark of where she was, he really didn't know where she came from except from the south. There were no towns or last names used. That made her feel better, the voice really didn't give out too much information about her, at least the fine details like her old name or her mother or sister's name. If she could just figure some way to warn them.
Next morning the Professor took the painting to the University. He told Sarah He thought it best not to have it in the house; no one would bother it in the office of his class rooms. Sarah “I am glad not to have to see it, it gives me goose bumps, I feel as if the faces are looking at me, planning something awful for me.” He said “Miss Jane had seen it and didn't like it at all and Mrs. Martian didn't want to be in the same room with it. “Sarah didn't know there was so much visiting going on in the house. The doctor stayed to himself, in the spring and summer he would fish when he wasn't in one of his free clinic, but just then he was almost house bound. His wife had died and he couldn't stand to live in their house with out her.
The nurse wasn't someone who Sarah wanted to confide in. She saw enough sickness and death on her job to be burdened with Sarah's sorry past. She knew she had no one but herself to blame. She should have done something about Mark long ago. He had wanted to get married but she refused, she also didn't want children with him.
His own mother didn't like him, she had talked Sarah into staying with him just to keep him away from her and his dad. She had been afraid he would throw one of his fits and kill them; no matter what he did to Sarah she only wanted to keep him away from home. He told her in the winter he had a vision of where Sarah was, it frightened her so bad she called Becky’s mother and told her. Anita didn't know where her daughter was, had no way of finding out.
She left her chat line open on the computer all time just hopping Becky would use a computer and see it but she didn't dare. Anita knew Mark monitored her computer and her daughter’s. There had been no word since Becky left. Anita even looked at all the want adds and personals in the paper hopping she would get a message. Sarah had thought about using this means to contact her family but she knew Mark would check all of them at home and at their jobs. She didn't trust anyone they worked with enough to risk contacting a third party.
Another year had come and gone at Liberty House, Miss Jane had made punch and cake to celebrate New Years Eve, everyone slept in on New Years Day. It had snowed some more, from Sarah's windows she could see that no one had walked on the side walk or the street. The yard was still undisturbed.
Even the cat had not been out and Daisy had not had a chance to wear her new sweater. Sarah thought to offer to take her to a movie on Saturday afternoon if the weather held with no more snow and Miss Jane allowed it. Daisy was over joyed to go out with Sarah and Miss Jane was glad to see her go. The girl had not had many joys in her life. Sarah had shared with her from the first. While they were gone the Professor told Miss Jane about Sarah's story. Miss Jane was not surprised to learn something was wrong in the girls life .
She told the Professor “I have had trouble in my life, you know about it, my late husband was a wife beater also. I know from many years experience the hell she has been through. I just didn't have the courage to pick up and leave. She has a home and what protection I can give her for as long as she likes.” The Professor “Thank you for your goodness, she is a good girl just in her early twenties, should be out on a date instead of out with Daisy but she seems content, and she is a smart one.”
Miss Jane “I will secure the house as much as I can, day and night. I have a gun I can get to easily and I would use it if it became necessary to save a life.” Professor “So do I have a gun I keep it locked up because of Daisy, I don't know about the doctor and the nurse they probably have one also. I doubt Mrs. Martian would have one and Sarah needs to get hers registered.” Miss Jane “Yes she should, remind her, if she has to use it the law should know she has a right to carry it and yes there is Daisy to think about.”
On Sunday Miss Jane took in a new guest. His name Travis Hawk, about thirty and well built with dark curly hair and nice hands. Sarah met him at dinner and liked him right away, so did the other guests. Travis liked Miss Jane's cooking and told her it was the best he had tasted since coming east. She was surprised at his manners, everyone seemed to just eat and leave. Talk was lively at the table that night, even the Professor contributed to the conversation. He mentioned to Travis that Sarah was his assistant, just to keep his claim on her time. Miss Jane had to smile at the old man's obvious attachment to Sarah.
Travis went into the living room after dinner and asks if they minded if he watched the news. No one minded in the least. He was interested in the weather. He told Sarah “I have to be out tomorrow to scout out the surrounding areas, I am writing a book on old dock towns in New England. I saw this one in Southern Living, actually this house, and decided to come up and try the living myself.”
Sarah “This house was in Southern Living? Where are you from?” Travis “Georgia, near Atlanta, the house looked so inviting I felt as if I had to come and see for myself.” Sarah “Miss Jane did you know your house was in the magazine?” Miss Jane “ Last summer some people came around making pictures and asking questions about the history of the house, young man do you remember what the article said about the house?” Travis “No Mum not exactly there was a picture, the leaves were already turning. The picture was of the front of the house.”
Miss Jane “I am seriously upset over this; they didn't let me know it would be in the magazine, I would like to have seen it.” Travis “I would say if you called them you could get a copy sent to you.” Miss Jane “good idea, I will do that tomorrow.” Sarah “I am sure my mother gets that magazine I hope she saw it.” Travis “where does your mother live?” Sarah “In the south, way down south further than Georgia.” Miss Jane “Sarah don't fret now, it was before you came to us.
Sarah “I know, so you have talked with the Professor?” Miss Jane “Yes dear and I understand everything, don't you be uneasy.” Travis “I am new here, you two are talking in a puzzle.” Sarah “No it's no secret anymore. I am hiding from someone who would hurt me or kill me if I am found. His name is Mark he drives a big black truck and he is a policeman where I am from.” Travis “He won't know to look here will he?” Sarah “He hasn't so far, but he will find me sooner or later, I haven't talked to my family since I left home. He has the phones and mail traced.”
Travis sat lost in thought for a while, the news came and went, no snow for the next day. Travis “Sarah on Saturday if you are free will you come out with me to look around?” Sarah “Yes, I would love to; I have wanted to see the surrounding area since I got here. It is lovely on the old docks with the boats chained up with their winter coats on. I go down and just watch the birds.” Miss Jane had excused herself leaving the two of them alone in the old fashioned parlor, fire roared in the fire place sending a soothing glow all over the room. Sarah thought she had known Travis forever after they talked for a while.
Sarah went up to bed when the fire burned down and the screen closed. A fire burned in her bed room, she felt so safe there, even safer with Travis in the house. She had told him most of her story, enough to send him screaming into the dark. He had showed compassion and support, she felt she could trust him. Only Mrs. Martian, the doctor and Daisy didn't know about her past and the danger she was in. She knew Mark would never hurt anyone else, just her. She checked the windows that night; there was no sign of Mark or his giant truck.
Corner View (8)
Sarah was a wreck the next day knowing she was about to expose herself to Mark but she made the call anyway. Someone answered Sarah “May I speak to Anita Please? “The woman “Yes, she is right here”. Anita “Hello, who is calling please?”
Sarah “Anita? This is Sarah Archer I have a special offer for you.” Anita “Where did you get this number?” Sarah “From the book. “ Anita, what kind of offer are you calling me about?” Sarah “A conversation about a trip you might want to take this year.” Anita “Oh God, yes.” Sarah “How are you Anita?” Anita “I am fine, I wondered if you would call when I sent the card in.” Sarah” Yes we answer all cards sent back.”
Anita “I feel as if I know you already. “ Sarah “My feelings exactly, I am fine this is a wonderful place, I am sure you will like the house you saw in Southern Living. Anita “Yes it is a lovely old house I would love to live in one like it.” Sarah “I do and it is to die for. You may bring a family member if you like. I will send you more information to your job site.” Anita114 “Will I hear from you again?” Sarah “Probably not you are the only one from your area who sent in the request, no one else in your town responded. Have to go now. Bye.” Anita” By” Then she sat down and cried, she had heard from Becky at last.
Sarah felt better when she hung up, if the line was tapped Mark would know her voice even with the New England accent. She didn't care now, she could handle him, kill him if she had to. She could feel the gun through her back pack; it would be loaded all time now. She told the Professor and Travis about talking to her mother so abstract. She had wanted to clean her heart and mind to her but that would have been a sure give away. They told her she had done good to hold her composure as well as she did. Miss Jane was very proud of her.
Mark did intercept the call, at first it made no sense to him, just a place soliciting guests for a B & B. After listening to the recording several times he knew it was a ruse to get by him. He was furious she would think him so stupid as not to catch on. He was even more furious to learn the number could not be traced except to the calling area. New England, he had been right, but where in that frozen place was she?
First of all Mark traced all the bed and breakfast listed in New England, this was no small undertaking since he was working on his own time . No B&B matched the house he remembered from the magazine. He found the old magazine and found the name of the house to be Liberty House owner Miss Jane Huston, Liberty Street, New Hampshire. Everything right at his finger tips. He was off to ask for time off and to load his truck.
Sarah could feel the net tightening, when she went out side she expected him to jump out on her. He would not approach her in the open; he would slip up on her in the night. Miss Jane left all the flood lights on at night, it was as light as day around the house. He would come in the night and she would be ready for him. That night she called her mother at home and told her she knew Mark had picked up on her first call. Anita begged her to leave, to go some place safe until he gave up. He didn't know the name she was using even if he did figure out the place from the magazine .She had called herself Sarah and that was the name she was known by, he would find her no doubt, three days at the nearest, it was a long drive.
For three days Sarah went about her life as she had for the past five months, the most happy months she had enjoyed in a long time. She would have liked to stay and maybe she could if this went right and Mark didn't kill her. Travis and the Professor could not guard her all day every day, but they would be around at night and she would be at the University during the day. Mark knew nothing about the school; hopefully he would show his hand before he saw her. With any luck at all she would see him first.
Mark hit Hampshire five days later showing a picture of Sarah when she was Becky Archer. No one seemed to know her, he thought they were lying and became angry with the Gallery owner Mrs. Martian. Poor lady didn't recognize the picture of Sarah with a tan and dark hair, she didn't look like Sarah.
Mark told her she might be going by Sarah, Mrs. Martian paled but held her ground that she did not know her. After Mark left the Gallery she called the University to warn Sarah someone was looking for her and described him. Sarah knew it was Mark he was right down town. The Professor and Sarah went straight home that afternoon. Sarah saw the big black truck in front of the coffee shop as they went by. All she wanted was to get home and call the sheriff.
He needed to know Mark was in town and he was crazy dangerous, probably armed. The sheriff said he had already been in asking questions and showing a picture which did not look like her. He would be at the jail all night if she needed him call 911, he would be there. He had no reason to arrest him until he made a criminal move. She understood.
Corner View (8)
Dinner was silent and uneasy. Travis could hardly sit still. He had wanted to go out and find Mark and draw him out. Sarah told him no she didn't want him to get hurt because of her, or in trouble with the law. Travis “So we just have to sit here and wait for him to come to us?” Sarah “Yes we do, or I have to go out and let him find me out side the house.” Travis “No you don't go out side for any reason, we will handle it if he comes in the house, it will be breaking and entering, we can take care of him.” Miss Jane “ Just go about your usual night time routine, watch out the windows, close your curtains and lock your door when you go to bed.”
