| General Fiction posted July 6, 2024 | Chapters: |
...46 47 -48- 49 
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Discoveries and Goodbyes
A chapter in the book The Unwilling Heir
The Unwilling Heir - Chap 48
by Begin Again
END OF CHAPTER 47
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 gained so much more — friendship, loyalty, and the ability to band together as one for the betterment of all."
They all looked around the room at each other, smiling and nodding their heads, 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.
******
CHAPTER 48
"I brought the sword." William held it out to his son. "You can slide it in the slot."
Will's face filled with emotions. "No, you should do it, Father. After all, it is your treasure."
William shuffled forward, stopping to face the group. "It's our treasure — for the good of all." He lifted the sword and shoved it into the slot. They heard a humming sound, followed by grinding noises, but the door didn't open.
Will and Billy tugged on the handle, but it wouldn't budge.
"The key!" Sandra exclaimed. "Remember, Victoria had the key."
Esther's eyes lit up. "Actually, William had the key, and he gave it to me." She slipped her hand into the pocket in her dress and brought out a key. "Here — I think this might work."
Billy took the key from his grandmother and returned to the door. "I don't see anywhere to use it."
William pointed to a tiny slot near the hinge. "It unlocks over there."
Billy knelt and slipped in the key. Esther's ethereal form flickered excitedly as she floated beside William and Sebastian. Everyone in the room pressed closer, eager to see what lay behind the door.
"William should do the honors," Sandra exclaimed, her voice trembling with excitement.
Billy stepped aside so his grandfather could move closer. "Are you ready, Grandfather?"
William nodded. Billy turned the rusted key in the lock. William tugged it, but it didn't move. Standing, Billy laid his hand on his grandfather's and smiled. "Let's do this together."
The door creaked open, revealing a vast chamber. The air was thick with the scent of old wood, dust motes, and forgotten treasures.
Madeline gasped, "We found it!"
A burst of cheers filled the chamber. Patrick smiled at their excitement, commenting, "And no demons to battle."
*****
Inside, the chamber was vast, with shelves lining the walls, floor to ceiling. Large wooden chests were everywhere. Madeline, her heart pounding, walked cautiously to one of the chests and lifted the lid. She saw stacks of money bundled together, glittering jewels, and antique artifacts.
"This is incredible," she whispered. "But it's much more than money and jewels."
Jack and Michael joined Madeline, peering into the chest.
"Wow, look at those brass knuckles." Michael's excitement exploded. "Jack, I'm sure that's Al Capone's "Sweetheart" and maybe the Luger could have belonged to Legs Diamond."
Jack lifted the lid of the chest next to that one and whistled. "Michael, look at these. It's filled with vintage guns from every era."
Esther floated to a nearby shelf and carefully unwrapped a bundle. Inside was a beautifully preserved medieval sword, its blade gleaming in the light. She turned it over in her hands, and a chill swept through the room.
"This belonged to my great-great-grandfather," she murmured. "He fought in the Battle of Hastings with this sword."
William moved to her side, nodding. "It used to hang above the mantel in their old home until the home burnt down. My grandfather found it, and it hung above his mantel."
Patrick discovered a painting hidden behind stacks of books. It was a portrait of a woman, her eyes filled with sorrow. "William, this can't be! Is this one of Caravaggio's lost works?" He recognized the Italian painter's style and gasped, "It must be worth a fortune."
As they continued to uncover the treasures, the enormity of their discovery sank in. Each antique, painting, and striking piece of jewelry told a story, revealing the family's rich history, dark secrets of William's mob days, and so much more.
James picked up an ancient book, its cover worn but the pages intact. He marveled as he turned the pages. "This is a manuscript from the Renaissance. William, I had no idea how much history was hidden within the mansion walls."
As the group continued to explore the chamber, each discovery brought a mixture of emotions. There was joy in finding the incredible treasures, sorrow for all the lives lost and the secrets buried, and hope for the redemption they sought.
Esther, tears glistening in her eyes, turned to Sebastian. "This treasure has the power to redeem all of us, but it's not just about the items we found, but the stories they tell and the lessons we learn from them. William has done a good thing."
Sebastian nodded. "Yes, he has."
*****
After many hours of discovery, many of the group wandered to the rose garden or the back porch to enjoy the beautiful starlit night.
Sandra gazed over the rose garden, remembering the recent discoveries, the friendships developed in this spot, and how her life had changed. She'd never expected to find a haunted house nor fall in love with ghosts when she arrived, but now — she knew she couldn't write the story she'd promised to deliver to her boss. Her time within the mansion was far too personal to be smeared in one of Les's tabloids.
Michael joined her, breaking the silence. "Sandra, have you thought about what you'll do next? Will you stay at the mansion or return to the city and your job?"
Sandra sighed, glancing at Michael. "I honestly don't know. I've grown attached to this place —and everyone in it. But their lives are about to change, and mine, too. I can't see myself working with Les, not after I learned what true investigating is about."
Michael's expression was thoughtful as he listened. "You've accomplished so much here. Distributing the treasure and helping the ghosts find redemption will be monumental, but don't you have your own dreams?"
"That's just it. I promised to distribute the treasure, not knowing what a huge task it would be, and I want to honor that. At the same time, I want to face new challenges and follow other investigations. I'm needed here, but the lure of the city is part of me."
Michael smiled warmly, his eyes reflecting his thoughts. "I can't deny that I'd like to see you return to the city, but you have to decide. Just follow your heart."
Sandra's heart fluttered at his words, a warmth spreading through her chest. "It's strange, but I feel a special connection with you. Something I've never felt before." Blushing, she turned away, afraid to look into his eyes.
A smile played at the corners of Michael's lips as he leaned in closer, his breath against her cheek. "Maybe we can figure this out together. Whatever the future holds, I would like to be a part of it — with you."
Without another word, Sandra closed the distance between them, her lips finding his in a tender, lingering kiss. As they separated, their foreheads rested together, and Sandra knew that no matter where her path led her, she wanted Michael by her side.
******
Nearby, Patrick and William watched the scene unfold. Patrick smiled and raised his glass toward William. "To the future."
William chuckled. "Should we tell them?"
Esther glanced at Madeline before speaking. "Not a chance, William."
Madeline agreed. "Let them figure it out on their own."
Ester and Madeline stood, leaving their comfortable rocking chairs behind. Esther smiled at William. "Why don't we go inside?"
"But it's nice out here." William sighed.
"I could make it uncomfortable, William, unless you and Patrick decide to leave those two alone for a bit."
Patrick and William nodded, "Love is in the air."
The foursome continued bantering as they made their way into the house.
William took a deep breath, inhaling the delicious aroma floating through the kitchen. "Something smells wonderful. I think that's one thing I will miss about this mansion — Lorrie's cooking."
*****
The following morning, Esther stood with William, their son, Will, and grandson, Billy — their ghostly forms more solid and radiant than ever before. They could feel the pull of the next world, but there was one more thing Esther had to do before she could leave.
She found Madeline in the rose garden, where they spent many hours talking and sharing their hopes and fears. Madeline was alone on the bench. She looked up as Esther approached, her eyes brimming with tears.
"Madeline," Esther began, her voice soft and filled with sadness. "The time has come for me to leave."
Madeline attempted to smile as tears rolled down her cheeks. She stood and moved closer to Esther. "I knew this day would come, but didn't want it to be so soon."
Esther reached out to touch Madeline's hand. "I wouldn't have found peace without you. You have been my anchor, my friend. I can't thank you enough."
Madeline's voice trembled. "What will I do without you? You've been like a sister to me."
"You will continue to be strong, kind, and brave. Remember that even though I am leaving, a part of me will always be with you."
Madeline nodded, unable to speak. She took a deep breath and smiled through her tears. "I'll never forget you, Esther. You've shown me how to love again. Our friendship will transcend even death."
They embraced, and for a moment, it felt like any other goodbye between friends. When they pulled apart, Esther reached into her pocket and brought out a small locket. She pressed it into Madeline's hand. "Take this. It's a reminder of our bond."
Madeline stared at the locket, her heart swelling with emotion. "Thank you. This means more to me than you will ever know."
William and Will appeared on the porch, their presence a gentle reminder that it was time to go. Esther turned to them and then back to Madeline. "Goodbye, my dear friend. Until we meet again."
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 gained so much more — friendship, loyalty, and the ability to band together as one for the betterment of all."
They all looked around the room at each other, smiling and nodding their heads, 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.
******
CHAPTER 48
"I brought the sword." William held it out to his son. "You can slide it in the slot."
Will's face filled with emotions. "No, you should do it, Father. After all, it is your treasure."
William shuffled forward, stopping to face the group. "It's our treasure — for the good of all." He lifted the sword and shoved it into the slot. They heard a humming sound, followed by grinding noises, but the door didn't open.
Will and Billy tugged on the handle, but it wouldn't budge.
"The key!" Sandra exclaimed. "Remember, Victoria had the key."
Esther's eyes lit up. "Actually, William had the key, and he gave it to me." She slipped her hand into the pocket in her dress and brought out a key. "Here — I think this might work."
Billy took the key from his grandmother and returned to the door. "I don't see anywhere to use it."
William pointed to a tiny slot near the hinge. "It unlocks over there."
Billy knelt and slipped in the key. Esther's ethereal form flickered excitedly as she floated beside William and Sebastian. Everyone in the room pressed closer, eager to see what lay behind the door.
"William should do the honors," Sandra exclaimed, her voice trembling with excitement.
Billy stepped aside so his grandfather could move closer. "Are you ready, Grandfather?"
William nodded. Billy turned the rusted key in the lock. William tugged it, but it didn't move. Standing, Billy laid his hand on his grandfather's and smiled. "Let's do this together."
The door creaked open, revealing a vast chamber. The air was thick with the scent of old wood, dust motes, and forgotten treasures.
Madeline gasped, "We found it!"
A burst of cheers filled the chamber. Patrick smiled at their excitement, commenting, "And no demons to battle."
*****
Inside, the chamber was vast, with shelves lining the walls, floor to ceiling. Large wooden chests were everywhere. Madeline, her heart pounding, walked cautiously to one of the chests and lifted the lid. She saw stacks of money bundled together, glittering jewels, and antique artifacts.
"This is incredible," she whispered. "But it's much more than money and jewels."
Jack and Michael joined Madeline, peering into the chest.
"Wow, look at those brass knuckles." Michael's excitement exploded. "Jack, I'm sure that's Al Capone's "Sweetheart" and maybe the Luger could have belonged to Legs Diamond."
Jack lifted the lid of the chest next to that one and whistled. "Michael, look at these. It's filled with vintage guns from every era."
Esther floated to a nearby shelf and carefully unwrapped a bundle. Inside was a beautifully preserved medieval sword, its blade gleaming in the light. She turned it over in her hands, and a chill swept through the room.
"This belonged to my great-great-grandfather," she murmured. "He fought in the Battle of Hastings with this sword."
William moved to her side, nodding. "It used to hang above the mantel in their old home until the home burnt down. My grandfather found it, and it hung above his mantel."
Patrick discovered a painting hidden behind stacks of books. It was a portrait of a woman, her eyes filled with sorrow. "William, this can't be! Is this one of Caravaggio's lost works?" He recognized the Italian painter's style and gasped, "It must be worth a fortune."
As they continued to uncover the treasures, the enormity of their discovery sank in. Each antique, painting, and striking piece of jewelry told a story, revealing the family's rich history, dark secrets of William's mob days, and so much more.
James picked up an ancient book, its cover worn but the pages intact. He marveled as he turned the pages. "This is a manuscript from the Renaissance. William, I had no idea how much history was hidden within the mansion walls."
As the group continued to explore the chamber, each discovery brought a mixture of emotions. There was joy in finding the incredible treasures, sorrow for all the lives lost and the secrets buried, and hope for the redemption they sought.
Esther, tears glistening in her eyes, turned to Sebastian. "This treasure has the power to redeem all of us, but it's not just about the items we found, but the stories they tell and the lessons we learn from them. William has done a good thing."
Sebastian nodded. "Yes, he has."
*****
After many hours of discovery, many of the group wandered to the rose garden or the back porch to enjoy the beautiful starlit night.
Sandra gazed over the rose garden, remembering the recent discoveries, the friendships developed in this spot, and how her life had changed. She'd never expected to find a haunted house nor fall in love with ghosts when she arrived, but now — she knew she couldn't write the story she'd promised to deliver to her boss. Her time within the mansion was far too personal to be smeared in one of Les's tabloids.
Michael joined her, breaking the silence. "Sandra, have you thought about what you'll do next? Will you stay at the mansion or return to the city and your job?"
Sandra sighed, glancing at Michael. "I honestly don't know. I've grown attached to this place —and everyone in it. But their lives are about to change, and mine, too. I can't see myself working with Les, not after I learned what true investigating is about."
Michael's expression was thoughtful as he listened. "You've accomplished so much here. Distributing the treasure and helping the ghosts find redemption will be monumental, but don't you have your own dreams?"
"That's just it. I promised to distribute the treasure, not knowing what a huge task it would be, and I want to honor that. At the same time, I want to face new challenges and follow other investigations. I'm needed here, but the lure of the city is part of me."
Michael smiled warmly, his eyes reflecting his thoughts. "I can't deny that I'd like to see you return to the city, but you have to decide. Just follow your heart."
Sandra's heart fluttered at his words, a warmth spreading through her chest. "It's strange, but I feel a special connection with you. Something I've never felt before." Blushing, she turned away, afraid to look into his eyes.
A smile played at the corners of Michael's lips as he leaned in closer, his breath against her cheek. "Maybe we can figure this out together. Whatever the future holds, I would like to be a part of it — with you."
Without another word, Sandra closed the distance between them, her lips finding his in a tender, lingering kiss. As they separated, their foreheads rested together, and Sandra knew that no matter where her path led her, she wanted Michael by her side.
******
Nearby, Patrick and William watched the scene unfold. Patrick smiled and raised his glass toward William. "To the future."
William chuckled. "Should we tell them?"
Esther glanced at Madeline before speaking. "Not a chance, William."
Madeline agreed. "Let them figure it out on their own."
Ester and Madeline stood, leaving their comfortable rocking chairs behind. Esther smiled at William. "Why don't we go inside?"
"But it's nice out here." William sighed.
"I could make it uncomfortable, William, unless you and Patrick decide to leave those two alone for a bit."
Patrick and William nodded, "Love is in the air."
The foursome continued bantering as they made their way into the house.
William took a deep breath, inhaling the delicious aroma floating through the kitchen. "Something smells wonderful. I think that's one thing I will miss about this mansion — Lorrie's cooking."
*****
The following morning, Esther stood with William, their son, Will, and grandson, Billy — their ghostly forms more solid and radiant than ever before. They could feel the pull of the next world, but there was one more thing Esther had to do before she could leave.
She found Madeline in the rose garden, where they spent many hours talking and sharing their hopes and fears. Madeline was alone on the bench. She looked up as Esther approached, her eyes brimming with tears.
"Madeline," Esther began, her voice soft and filled with sadness. "The time has come for me to leave."
Madeline attempted to smile as tears rolled down her cheeks. She stood and moved closer to Esther. "I knew this day would come, but didn't want it to be so soon."
Esther reached out to touch Madeline's hand. "I wouldn't have found peace without you. You have been my anchor, my friend. I can't thank you enough."
Madeline's voice trembled. "What will I do without you? You've been like a sister to me."
"You will continue to be strong, kind, and brave. Remember that even though I am leaving, a part of me will always be with you."
Madeline nodded, unable to speak. She took a deep breath and smiled through her tears. "I'll never forget you, Esther. You've shown me how to love again. Our friendship will transcend even death."
They embraced, and for a moment, it felt like any other goodbye between friends. When they pulled apart, Esther reached into her pocket and brought out a small locket. She pressed it into Madeline's hand. "Take this. It's a reminder of our bond."
Madeline stared at the locket, her heart swelling with emotion. "Thank you. This means more to me than you will ever know."
William and Will appeared on the porch, their presence a gentle reminder that it was time to go. Esther turned to them and then back to Madeline. "Goodbye, my dear friend. Until we meet again."
As the trio walked away, Noah appeared at Madeline's side, his presence speaking volumes to her. He whispered, "I'm here for you."
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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