| General Fiction posted July 6, 2024 | Chapters: |
...45 46 -47- 48... 
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Discovering what's important
A chapter in the book The Unwilling Heir
The Unwilling Heir - Chap 47
by Begin Again
END OF CHAP 46
Lorrie grabbed the rope and tossed it into the darkness. "Well, no one will be stopping me. I'll be going first."
Benny and Billy floated ahead, their ghostly forms providing a dim light. The mortals lowered themselves onto the rusty ladder one by one and started their descent. They could feel the cool, damp air from the cellar wafting up.
"Take it slow," Jack called up to the others as he descended. James waited at the bottom, watching for any other danger.
Step by step, they made their way down the fire escape ladder, the old metal groaning under their weight. When they finally reached the bottom, Sandra swung the flashlight around, revealing the expanse of the cellar. Dust motes danced in the light beam, and the rows of empty wine racks cast eerie shadows on the walls.
Her eyes met Michael's as he rushed to her side. Trying to break the tension, Sandra laughed. "Just another adventure at the mansion."
Lorrie was quick to respond, "Yes, it is, deary. So, let's get started."
*****
Lorrie grabbed the rope and tossed it into the darkness. "Well, no one will be stopping me. I'll be going first."
Benny and Billy floated ahead, their ghostly forms providing a dim light. The mortals lowered themselves onto the rusty ladder one by one and started their descent. They could feel the cool, damp air from the cellar wafting up.
"Take it slow," Jack called up to the others as he descended. James waited at the bottom, watching for any other danger.
Step by step, they made their way down the fire escape ladder, the old metal groaning under their weight. When they finally reached the bottom, Sandra swung the flashlight around, revealing the expanse of the cellar. Dust motes danced in the light beam, and the rows of empty wine racks cast eerie shadows on the walls.
Her eyes met Michael's as he rushed to her side. Trying to break the tension, Sandra laughed. "Just another adventure at the mansion."
Lorrie was quick to respond, "Yes, it is, deary. So, let's get started."
*****
CHAPTER 47
"Well, that was interesting." Jack shook his head. "I wasn't sure that rusty fire escape would hold us."
"It did its job, but if we find the treasure, how will we get it out of here?" Michael asked.
"I'm not sure I want to go back up that ladder, let alone carry stuff up it." Madeline turned to look at James. "You're the idea man, James. Got a solution?"
James looked around, his eyes landing on some dust wine crates. "Those crates are heavy, but maybe together we could lift them and stack them on top of each other like stairs."
"It's worth a try. Because treasure or not, I don't want to stay in this musty place longer than necessary." Madeline sneezed. "There's so much dust and debris the treasure could be right in front of us, and we wouldn't see it."
James confirmed Madeline's thoughts. "I think she's right. Considering the unknown, we should ensure an escape route if needed."
They set to work, carefully arranging the crates to form a makeshift staircase. Though covered with dust and debris, the crates were solid wood and had withstood the test of time in the damp cellar.
Once the crates were moved, a faint draft emanated from behind a row of barrels, and Jack felt it. "Hey, guys, I feel a breeze over here."
Sandra rushed to his side. "He's right! I feel it, too."
Jack moved the barrels aside, and Michael and the other men joined in to help. Behind them, a narrow tunnel emerged, its entrance partially obscured by thick cobwebs.
Sandra peered into the tunnel. "This might lead outside," she said. "It could be an old escape route or a service tunnel."
"Why don't one or two of us squeeze through the entrance and check it out? The rest of you can wait here. We should only be a few minutes."
"We?" Michael laughed at Jack and patted his protruding belly. "I don't think you'll get through the entrance, my friend."
Jack laughed and looked down at his stomach. "You're probably right."
Billy and Will looked at each other and then volunteered. Billy spoke first, "We have no idea where that leads or if any trouble awaits."
They set to work, carefully arranging the crates to form a makeshift staircase. Though covered with dust and debris, the crates were solid wood and had withstood the test of time in the damp cellar.
Once the crates were moved, a faint draft emanated from behind a row of barrels, and Jack felt it. "Hey, guys, I feel a breeze over here."
Sandra rushed to his side. "He's right! I feel it, too."
Jack moved the barrels aside, and Michael and the other men joined in to help. Behind them, a narrow tunnel emerged, its entrance partially obscured by thick cobwebs.
Sandra peered into the tunnel. "This might lead outside," she said. "It could be an old escape route or a service tunnel."
"Why don't one or two of us squeeze through the entrance and check it out? The rest of you can wait here. We should only be a few minutes."
"We?" Michael laughed at Jack and patted his protruding belly. "I don't think you'll get through the entrance, my friend."
Jack laughed and looked down at his stomach. "You're probably right."
Billy and Will looked at each other and then volunteered. Billy spoke first, "We have no idea where that leads or if any trouble awaits."
Amd Will added, "Let us go because we're thin and can disappear if need be."
"Okay, you've got me there." Jack moved away from the tunnel entrance, allowing Billy and Will to slip past him. "Be careful."
Once Billy and Will were out of sight, James started exploring the vast cellar, hoping to find the treasure or another tunnel leading to another room.
"Do you mind if I search over here with you?"
The enormous wine barrels and layers of cobwebs hid Sandra, and she was startled when she heard another voice. She spun around, stopping only inches from Michael's face. Their eyes met, and Sandra felt a warm rush over her body.
She stepped away, brushing off some cobwebs. "You surprised me. I didn't expect the others to be so adventurous. It's dark and dirty back here."
"Guess I'm the adventurous type. Nothing ventured, nothing gained."
"You are welcome to join me, but be prepared to battle spiders and cobwebs. They have claimed this area as their domain."
"Duly noted." Michael laughed, and the two moved barrels, crates, and boxes about, jumping now and then to give a giant spider the right of passage. The musty smell of the cellar filled their nostrils, and their footsteps echoed in the dimly lit space. Michael's hands trembled as he pulled an old canvas out of the way, the rough texture of the fabric scraping against his skin.
A rush of excitement filled his body. He couldn't believe what he'd found. "Sandra, look at this."
She hurried to his side. "Oh, wow. It's an ornate trunk of some kind. Could that — be the treasure?"
"I doubt it would hold all the things William said were hidden, but maybe it contains something." Michael found a rock and struck the lock. After the second blow, the rust on the lock surrendered to defeat, and the lock crumbled into pieces.
Smiling, he lifted the lid, sending dust flying everywhere. Inside, they found not just a few trinkets but a treasure trove. Bundles of cash, glittering jewels, and a vintage Tommy gun nestled among the riches.
Sandra couldn't contain her squeals as she stared at its contents. Her heart was pounding as she moved closer to the chest. She gasped when Michael uncovered a beautifully ornate box. He lifted it out and handed it to her. "I've never seen anything so interesting. It's exquisite."
Sandra placed it atop one of the crates and slowly lifted the lid. Inside, she found a bundle of old letters tied with a ribbon. She opened one and began to read, her eyes widening with each word. "Oh, Michael, these are love letters," she whispered. "Written by William to Esther. This one details his remorse and his desire to change. It's a side of him we never knew."
She slipped the letter back into the envelope. "I feel as if I'm prying into their past. I've got to give these to Esther." As Sandra pressed the letter to her chest, she couldn't help wondering if she'd ever find such a true, lasting love.
"Okay, you've got me there." Jack moved away from the tunnel entrance, allowing Billy and Will to slip past him. "Be careful."
Once Billy and Will were out of sight, James started exploring the vast cellar, hoping to find the treasure or another tunnel leading to another room.
"Do you mind if I search over here with you?"
The enormous wine barrels and layers of cobwebs hid Sandra, and she was startled when she heard another voice. She spun around, stopping only inches from Michael's face. Their eyes met, and Sandra felt a warm rush over her body.
She stepped away, brushing off some cobwebs. "You surprised me. I didn't expect the others to be so adventurous. It's dark and dirty back here."
"Guess I'm the adventurous type. Nothing ventured, nothing gained."
"You are welcome to join me, but be prepared to battle spiders and cobwebs. They have claimed this area as their domain."
"Duly noted." Michael laughed, and the two moved barrels, crates, and boxes about, jumping now and then to give a giant spider the right of passage. The musty smell of the cellar filled their nostrils, and their footsteps echoed in the dimly lit space. Michael's hands trembled as he pulled an old canvas out of the way, the rough texture of the fabric scraping against his skin.
A rush of excitement filled his body. He couldn't believe what he'd found. "Sandra, look at this."
She hurried to his side. "Oh, wow. It's an ornate trunk of some kind. Could that — be the treasure?"
"I doubt it would hold all the things William said were hidden, but maybe it contains something." Michael found a rock and struck the lock. After the second blow, the rust on the lock surrendered to defeat, and the lock crumbled into pieces.
Smiling, he lifted the lid, sending dust flying everywhere. Inside, they found not just a few trinkets but a treasure trove. Bundles of cash, glittering jewels, and a vintage Tommy gun nestled among the riches.
Sandra couldn't contain her squeals as she stared at its contents. Her heart was pounding as she moved closer to the chest. She gasped when Michael uncovered a beautifully ornate box. He lifted it out and handed it to her. "I've never seen anything so interesting. It's exquisite."
Sandra placed it atop one of the crates and slowly lifted the lid. Inside, she found a bundle of old letters tied with a ribbon. She opened one and began to read, her eyes widening with each word. "Oh, Michael, these are love letters," she whispered. "Written by William to Esther. This one details his remorse and his desire to change. It's a side of him we never knew."
She slipped the letter back into the envelope. "I feel as if I'm prying into their past. I've got to give these to Esther." As Sandra pressed the letter to her chest, she couldn't help wondering if she'd ever find such a true, lasting love.
While watching her glowing smile in the dimly lit cellar, Michael had a few thoughts of his own.
*****
Billy and Will's translucent forms moved effortlessly through the narrow passage. Brushing aside layers of cobweb, they encountered old, rusted tools, indicating this tunnel had not been used for centuries.
Billy wiped a cobweb from his face. "This place is ancient. Older than you."
"Hilarious," Will smirked. "But you are right. There is no way that Father used this tunnel to hide the treasure."
"Let's keep going. Maybe there are more clues."
After several minutes of navigating the winding tunnel, they saw a faint light ahead. They quickened their pace and emerged into a small chamber, opening into a much brighter space.
Relieved, Will yelled, "We've found an exit."
Billy spotted another entrance as they slipped out of the tunnel and into the overgrown vegetation. Curious, they moved toward it, passing through the rugged terrain, and found themselves inside the estate, in a different part of the mansion. This tunnel opened into a much larger cavern.
On one side, ornate swords and weapons hung on the wall. On the other side, old crates partially concealed a heavy, iron-clad door. It had intricate carvings and a large, ancient lock.
Billy examined the door, running his fingers across the carvings and lock. "This looks like a vault. Do you think the treasure could be in there?"
Will's eyes lit up with excitement. "It could be. For sure, something important must be inside."
"Or more trouble." Billy's thoughts flashed back to the ballroom.
"We can forget we found it." Will could see the frustration on his son's face. "You've fought a lot of battles. You can't help if they've left scars."
"I know, but this treasure is for all of us. We can't stop now."
"I agree. No matter what's in there, we do it together."
Decision made — Billy looked around the room. "We've got to tell the others. I wonder if the tunnel goes deeper into the house, maybe even the wine cellar."
"We won't know till we try it out." With that, both of them floated swiftly into the tunnel.
Within a short distance, they both came to an abrupt stop.
"It's a dead-end. The tunnel stops." Billy's elation fizzled like a dead firecracker.
"That doesn't make any sense. Why go to the effort of digging a tunnel this far and then stop? It must go somewhere. Maybe there's another secret opening."
Frustration gnawed at both of them as they scanned the rough-hewn walls. As they were about to give up, Billy noticed an oddly placed stone that seemed out of alignment with the others.
"I might have something." With a hesitant push, the stone shifted, emitting an eerie grinding noise.
Billy's eyes widened as the secret door swung open, revealing the faint glow of torchlight from the other side. Heart racing with anticipation, he cautiously entered the newly uncovered passage.
Meanwhile, in the expansive wine cellar, James engrossed in his own search, froze as a section of the wall opposite him creaked open. Dust danced in the sudden draft, revealing a wide passage leading downwards.
His curiosity piqued, he cautiously approached the newly revealed entrance. His breathing was heavy.
Excited, Billy called out, "Anyone there?"
"Billy, is that you?" James called.
"It sure is. Bring the others. Dad and I think we found the vault."
James turned and called out to the others. "Billy and Will have found something. Follow me through here."
*****
The group worked together in the hidden chamber to clear the crates and examine the lock.
Sandra brushed cobwebs from her hair as she approached the vault door. "This lock is ancient. There must be a trick to it."
Madeline peered over Sandra's shoulder. "Look, there's another strange slit in the door. Maybe it uses one of those swords on the wall or Will's sword."
"Good idea, Madeline. We should go back and get it," Michael suggested. "I'll go."
"No need!" A voice spoke from the tunnel.
Everyone spun around, their eyes wide, wondering who was coming and what would happen.
William and Esther emerged from the tunnel, a surprise that stunned the group.
"Grandfather — Esther, you shouldn't have come down here," Billy exclaimed.
"I couldn't stop him. He said he belonged in the fight if there was to be a battle for the treasure. He blames himself for all you've endured."
Breathing heavily in the dusty room, William moved across the room, running his hand over the lock. Memories flowed through his mind, and his eyes lit up. "You've found it! I remember!"
Esther's gasp echoed through the room, a sound that mirrored the shock on everyone's faces.
"Father, are you saying you remember the room? How can that be?"
A bright glow appeared near the tunnel, and Sebastian appeared. "The grace of the counsel has granted him the return of his memories."
Benny felt thrilled but also slightly irritated. "Hey man, I'm glad for William, but couldn't they have made that decision long before we went through all this?"
Sebastian smiled. "I know you've all faced many difficult times, but look around you. You have gained so much more — friendship, loyalty, and the ability to band together for the betterment of all."
They all looked around the room at each other, smiling and nodding, understanding what Sebastian had said.
"That's our true redemption, isn't it?" Benny asked.
Sebastian's glow brightened. "You've learned a lot, like helping the boys."
Lorrie turned to Benny with a quizzical look. "Helping the boys?"
Benny shrugged, but Sebastian filled everyone in. Benny aided Terrence and Tony in their escape while Jack and Michael worked on trapping the mob.
Lorrie and the others smiled. "I guess we've all changed."
Madeline moved toward Esther. "I know I have. I discovered what true friendship and caring were all about."
Esther's translucent body glowed. "Me too!"
A good feeling settled over the group, something they hadn't felt for a long time.
*****
Billy and Will's translucent forms moved effortlessly through the narrow passage. Brushing aside layers of cobweb, they encountered old, rusted tools, indicating this tunnel had not been used for centuries.
Billy wiped a cobweb from his face. "This place is ancient. Older than you."
"Hilarious," Will smirked. "But you are right. There is no way that Father used this tunnel to hide the treasure."
"Let's keep going. Maybe there are more clues."
After several minutes of navigating the winding tunnel, they saw a faint light ahead. They quickened their pace and emerged into a small chamber, opening into a much brighter space.
Relieved, Will yelled, "We've found an exit."
Billy spotted another entrance as they slipped out of the tunnel and into the overgrown vegetation. Curious, they moved toward it, passing through the rugged terrain, and found themselves inside the estate, in a different part of the mansion. This tunnel opened into a much larger cavern.
On one side, ornate swords and weapons hung on the wall. On the other side, old crates partially concealed a heavy, iron-clad door. It had intricate carvings and a large, ancient lock.
Billy examined the door, running his fingers across the carvings and lock. "This looks like a vault. Do you think the treasure could be in there?"
Will's eyes lit up with excitement. "It could be. For sure, something important must be inside."
"Or more trouble." Billy's thoughts flashed back to the ballroom.
"We can forget we found it." Will could see the frustration on his son's face. "You've fought a lot of battles. You can't help if they've left scars."
"I know, but this treasure is for all of us. We can't stop now."
"I agree. No matter what's in there, we do it together."
Decision made — Billy looked around the room. "We've got to tell the others. I wonder if the tunnel goes deeper into the house, maybe even the wine cellar."
"We won't know till we try it out." With that, both of them floated swiftly into the tunnel.
Within a short distance, they both came to an abrupt stop.
"It's a dead-end. The tunnel stops." Billy's elation fizzled like a dead firecracker.
"That doesn't make any sense. Why go to the effort of digging a tunnel this far and then stop? It must go somewhere. Maybe there's another secret opening."
Frustration gnawed at both of them as they scanned the rough-hewn walls. As they were about to give up, Billy noticed an oddly placed stone that seemed out of alignment with the others.
"I might have something." With a hesitant push, the stone shifted, emitting an eerie grinding noise.
Billy's eyes widened as the secret door swung open, revealing the faint glow of torchlight from the other side. Heart racing with anticipation, he cautiously entered the newly uncovered passage.
Meanwhile, in the expansive wine cellar, James engrossed in his own search, froze as a section of the wall opposite him creaked open. Dust danced in the sudden draft, revealing a wide passage leading downwards.
His curiosity piqued, he cautiously approached the newly revealed entrance. His breathing was heavy.
Excited, Billy called out, "Anyone there?"
"Billy, is that you?" James called.
"It sure is. Bring the others. Dad and I think we found the vault."
James turned and called out to the others. "Billy and Will have found something. Follow me through here."
*****
The group worked together in the hidden chamber to clear the crates and examine the lock.
Sandra brushed cobwebs from her hair as she approached the vault door. "This lock is ancient. There must be a trick to it."
Madeline peered over Sandra's shoulder. "Look, there's another strange slit in the door. Maybe it uses one of those swords on the wall or Will's sword."
"Good idea, Madeline. We should go back and get it," Michael suggested. "I'll go."
"No need!" A voice spoke from the tunnel.
Everyone spun around, their eyes wide, wondering who was coming and what would happen.
William and Esther emerged from the tunnel, a surprise that stunned the group.
"Grandfather — Esther, you shouldn't have come down here," Billy exclaimed.
"I couldn't stop him. He said he belonged in the fight if there was to be a battle for the treasure. He blames himself for all you've endured."
Breathing heavily in the dusty room, William moved across the room, running his hand over the lock. Memories flowed through his mind, and his eyes lit up. "You've found it! I remember!"
Esther's gasp echoed through the room, a sound that mirrored the shock on everyone's faces.
"Father, are you saying you remember the room? How can that be?"
A bright glow appeared near the tunnel, and Sebastian appeared. "The grace of the counsel has granted him the return of his memories."
Benny felt thrilled but also slightly irritated. "Hey man, I'm glad for William, but couldn't they have made that decision long before we went through all this?"
Sebastian smiled. "I know you've all faced many difficult times, but look around you. You have gained so much more — friendship, loyalty, and the ability to band together for the betterment of all."
They all looked around the room at each other, smiling and nodding, understanding what Sebastian had said.
"That's our true redemption, isn't it?" Benny asked.
Sebastian's glow brightened. "You've learned a lot, like helping the boys."
Lorrie turned to Benny with a quizzical look. "Helping the boys?"
Benny shrugged, but Sebastian filled everyone in. Benny aided Terrence and Tony in their escape while Jack and Michael worked on trapping the mob.
Lorrie and the others smiled. "I guess we've all changed."
Madeline moved toward Esther. "I know I have. I discovered what true friendship and caring were all about."
Esther's translucent body glowed. "Me too!"
A good feeling settled over the group, something they hadn't felt for a long time.
Sandra Monroe - fledgling crime investigative reporter
Detective Ryan Hamilton - a ghost
Judge William Parker - the grandfather and ghost
Will Parker - the father and ghost
Judge William Parker (Billy) - the grandson and ghost
Benny Gonzales - The Hitman - a ghost
Lorrie - the housekeeper - a ghost
James Matthews - writer living in the mansion's carriage house - a ghost
Noah Wakefield - deceased
Madeline Wakefield - widow
Tim - Sandra's father and a ghost
Victoria - the ghostly FORMER mistress in the 1800s
Esther - a female ghost from the 1800s, hoping to reclaim what's rightfully hers
Sebastian - once a lover and friend of Victoria's but now a celestial being
Frankie Saladino - mobster boss
Louie Frisella - Frankie's #1 man
Marco - a wanna-be fighting his way up the ranks
Maurice - head of a rival crew
Vinny - a ghost of William's past
Sgt. Patrick O'Reilly - William's friend from the past and a ghost
Jack O'Reilly - police officer and grandson of Patrick (a mortal)
Michael Sullivan - a rookie with the police force (a mortal)
Les Miller - CEO of Crime Stoppers Gazette and Sandra's boss
Annie - Sandra's assistant
Tyler - the local sheriff
Tony and Terrence - two bumbling wanna-be gangsters
Pays
one point
and 2 member cents. Detective Ryan Hamilton - a ghost
Judge William Parker - the grandfather and ghost
Will Parker - the father and ghost
Judge William Parker (Billy) - the grandson and ghost
Benny Gonzales - The Hitman - a ghost
Lorrie - the housekeeper - a ghost
James Matthews - writer living in the mansion's carriage house - a ghost
Noah Wakefield - deceased
Madeline Wakefield - widow
Tim - Sandra's father and a ghost
Victoria - the ghostly FORMER mistress in the 1800s
Esther - a female ghost from the 1800s, hoping to reclaim what's rightfully hers
Sebastian - once a lover and friend of Victoria's but now a celestial being
Frankie Saladino - mobster boss
Louie Frisella - Frankie's #1 man
Marco - a wanna-be fighting his way up the ranks
Maurice - head of a rival crew
Vinny - a ghost of William's past
Sgt. Patrick O'Reilly - William's friend from the past and a ghost
Jack O'Reilly - police officer and grandson of Patrick (a mortal)
Michael Sullivan - a rookie with the police force (a mortal)
Les Miller - CEO of Crime Stoppers Gazette and Sandra's boss
Annie - Sandra's assistant
Tyler - the local sheriff
Tony and Terrence - two bumbling wanna-be gangsters
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