SNEAK PREVIEW – FIRST CHAPTER!!

CHAPTER 1

2008

Tessa March hugged one side of the sidewalk, the sun filtering through the new leaf cover overhead, creating dappled shadows around her feet. This particular street of her hometown in Chelsey, Minnesota was always pretty this time of year. Her friend, Richelle, walked beside her, her designer high heels clicking rhythmically against the concrete. Luke, Tessa’s other close friend, skirted the opposite side of the walkway, his sneakers giving off a soft plodding sound, emphasizing the stark difference between her two comrades. This was rare, the three of them together. Not since high school had they all been together like this. Tessa had missed it more than she realized.

Luke arrived this afternoon in his “green thing,” his car, which had clearly seen better days. After meeting Tessa at the college, they waited for Richelle, who took the bus to meet them there. The decision was made to go on to the restaurant by foot and relive some old memories. They used to do this often during their grade twelve year – walk places together – but the usual thing had been their joint trek home from school.

As they walked, they passed through a subdivision with opulent mansions lining both sides of the street, ornate stone fences surrounding each fine manicured lawn and large gates keeping intruders out. The mature trees in this neighborhood were what Tessa liked the most when she walked here. This wealthy neighborhood was a very well-kept area of Chelsey and these grand homes were like candy for the eyes.

Then they approached one mansion that stuck out like a sore thumb. It was baffling as to why one of these huge properties had been neglected to this degree. No one had occupied it for as long as Tessa could remember.

Luke said, “Hey, girls, look at that old thing. It sure hasn’t improved any in the last while. It looks more ramshackle than ever.”

“And scarier too,” quipped Richelle.

An involuntary shiver ran up Tessa’s spine. She’d heard rumors that the house was haunted, something she highly doubted. Luke had at times suggested exploring it and admitted he had gone into it once with one of his buddies. Touring the untended and rickety house had never been a temptation for her. Richelle had always balked at the idea. It wasn’t the feminine thing to do and it seemed dangerous. It was dirty, dusty and falling apart, with boards liable to break at any step. Not that Tessa knew any of this, but just looking at it from the outside gave her imagination free reign.

“It looks creepy. The floors are probably rotten and it’s likely full of spiders and cobwebs,” stated Richelle emphatically.

Tessa nodded. “I agree. I wouldn’t set foot in that place for anything.”

“It’s not that bad, you two. It’s actually quite an interesting house. When Darren and I went through it years ago we found some neat stuff. I even swiped a few things I found. Maybe the three of us can check it out after our meal.”

“Well, it’ll be over my dead body!”

“If you insist, Richelle, but I’d rather have you go willingly.”

“Are you threatening me?”

“Just trying to give you some incentive,” Luke chuckled. Richelle punched his arm.

He looked annoyed as he rubbed the spot.

A smug smile teased Richelle’s lips.

Luke stopped, turned and stared at the dilapidated mansion. Tessa felt obligated to wait for him. Richelle took a few steps, stopped, turned and looked back.

“What are we waiting for?” she asked.

“I’m not sure,” admitted Tessa.

“I really want to explore this place again.”

“You’re not serious, are you?” asked Richelle.

“Yeah, actually I am.”

Tessa stared at him for a moment. “Not today though, right?”

Luke turned toward them and said, “Why not? We can do it after lunch.”

Tessa felt her knees weaken. She looked at Richelle, who was shaking her head.

Richelle said, “Absolutely not! I am not going in there.”

Tessa felt a moment of relief.

“Yes, you are,” Luke said. “I’ve been gone for a full year of university and the first people I’m with are you two. Joining me on an adventure is the least you could do for me.”

Tessa couldn’t formulate any sensible argument even though fear was riding her back and making her hands sweat.

For once Richelle stood speechless, her mouth open in quiet objection.

“Okay,” Luke said, walking toward them, “that’s settled.”

“Hold on,” Richelle said, moving to step beside him and taking up the center. “I haven’t promised anything.”

“I know but I’m not going in there alone.”

Tessa said, “Do we have to do this today? I’ve had a rough week, cramming for exams, not much sleep.”

“We’re doing it today, so stop making excuses,” Luke said.

“I’m not! I’m not doing it,” Richelle declared.

Luke looked at her. “So you’re opting to be tackled and manhandled into it?

Richelle gave him a glare. “You wouldn’t!”

Luke’s laugh lightened the mood and he changed the subject. Tessa hoped he’d also changed his mind about the old house.

A moment of silence ruled as she tried to decipher how their walk had turned into this ridiculous dare. Richelle was also unusually quiet.

Richelle broke the silence. “I don’t know how you two talked me into walking this whole way.”

Tessa glanced over at her. “We could have taken Luke’s car.”

“That green frog? Never!”

“My car’s perfectly fine,” insisted Luke, the pretense of insult on his face.

Richelle released a sound of disgust through tight lips. “If you call persistent lurching fine, then yes! Your ‘green thing’ could have bounced us down the road all right, but would have messed up my hair.”

Luke put a hand to his chest and said, “Now that would have been a catastrophe! We couldn’t have Miss Barbie with disorganized hair. What would people think?”

Richelle gave him an irritated glance. Luke’s favorite nickname for Richelle was “Miss Barbie Doll” and she thoroughly lived up to the reputation, nails perfectly manicured and painted, hair consistently, professionally coifed, makeup done to the nines and her wardrobe looking runway-ready at all times. She was a vision of beauty, always had been. Even now, with her new shoulder length bob, bleached blonde hair and short mini skirt, cars slowed as men looked back for a second glimpse.

The exchange between her friends made Tessa smile. Those two could really get under each other’s skin. Hopefully they’d behave today. After high school, they’d all gone their own way but now, with her college training complete, her last exam just written, Tessa was thrilled to be here, surrounded by her old friends. Luke had just finished his second year of Engineering at the University of Minnesota and Richelle worked at a prestigious hair salon in town.

“Just remember your promise,” said Richelle.

“Which promise was that?” Luke said with a grin.

She punched his arm again. “If I get blisters on my feet, you’re carrying me all the way back.”

“I didn’t promise that!”

She punched him harder this time. “Don’t you dare go back on your word!”

Luke chuckled and rubbed his arm again.

“You should have brought sneakers along,” Tessa suggested, pointing to her feet.

Richelle sighed. “Yes, I probably should have worn something more sensible.”

Luke couldn’t resist, “I can’t imagine it. That would be like Mr. Frog getting a paint job and acting like a limo. It just wouldn’t fit.”

“When you put it that way…” Richelle let the sentence hang. “I can be practical, you know. After work I love just lounging around in my sweats and a big shirt.”

“No way! You’re way too prim and proper for that,” said Luke.

Tessa ignored their bantering and pointed left. “We can cut across here. It’ll save us some time.”

“Great,” Richelle said.

The three turned at the intersection and walked in silence for a while.

This part of Chelsey, Minnesota, an older residential section, held stately mature trees that overshadowed the street with long branches, creating a tunnel of greenery around them. The dappled shadows sifting through the leafy cover made unique patterns on their faces as they headed down the sidewalk. The clicking cadence of Richelle’s high heels on the sidewalk added a calming touch.

They turned onto Main and Tessa could see the restaurant up ahead. “Okay, you two, there it is.”

It had a neon sign in front, which read, “The Eating Place.”

“Oh, that’s very original. Couldn’t they have come up with a more dignified name?” asked Richelle

Luke said, “Stop complaining. As long as they have good food, I’m up for it.”

Richelle said, “It’s funny; I don’t think I’ve ever been to this restaurant. I can’t even remember seeing it before.”

Tessa could attest to that. “You’re right about that! I’ve been working here for a long time and you haven’t dropped in even once to see me.”

Richelle looked dumbfounded. “I haven’t, have I?”

“No.” Annoyance flashed through Tessa at the reminder. How often had she visited Richelle at the salon for a trim? Not once had Richelle returned her gesture.

“Gee, I’m sorry, Tessa. From now on I promise I’ll swing by once in a while.”

Tessa gave her a skeptical look.

“I will! I promise!”

“Okay. I’ll hold you to it.” Tessa pointed to the place. “It used to be a large donut and coffee shop before the present owners renovated it. It’s been ‘The Eating Place’ for two years now. They’ve done a great job in transforming it. It’s nothing fancy but the décor is quite pretty.”

Once inside, they were immediately greeted by the cozy feel of the place. The colors were warm and inviting in muted shades. Dark green tables were surrounded by wooden chairs upholstered in a striped fabric. A few booths lined the walls. Windows, with bright floral valances, ran along the outside walls. Brightly-colored paintings hung on the walls, small spotlights highlighting each one.

Partitions throughout the restaurant gave optimum privacy to all its patrons. From the wide beams up above, plants trailed down, giving the place a greenhouse effect. The colors would have been overwhelming in their most basic shades but with the toned-down hues they gave the entire room a calming quality.

The hostess seated the three at a booth in the corner. After ordering and enjoying a delicious meal, they spent a few hours catching up. Tessa found herself thoroughly enjoying this special time with her friends. Since she and Richelle both worked in the same city, they saw each other from time to time. It was Luke’s presence they had missed.

Tessa turned to him. “What will you do this summer? You found a job, right?”

“I got a job with a local engineering firm. I don’t know if I’ll be able to do any real hands-on engineering but it’ll be a learning experience. Being bossed around like an errand boy would not impress me. I want to get both hands into engineering and not waste my time being the gopher or getting coffee for the boss. Hopefully this will be a stepping-stone to something greater.”

“You didn’t want to work in construction again this summer?”

“No. Being a laborer, I did a lot of grunt work. Doing the work wasn’t a problem, I could handle it; but I didn’t want to do that again. I want to use my training this summer, get some experience in engineering. I’m pumped about it.”

Tessa said, “That’s great. I’m sure you’ll do more than run errands, though. You’re good at whatever you do. They’ll see that and promote you quickly, I’m sure.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence. I’m positively hoping for that.” He turned his attention to Richelle and asked, “So how’s your work going at the salon?”

Diverting attention was something he was good at. He never allowed conversation to dwell on himself for long.

Richelle’s eyes lit up. “I love it! My costumers are great. I’ve developed a real relationship with a lot of them. I don’t enjoy hearing about all their problems, though. It seems like that’s all I hear some days and it gets a bit depressing. It’s like beauticians are part psychologists, therapists or something. Some people have no one else to talk to so they dump on us. It’s not always like that, though. Most days I like my job. Hairdressing is creative and keeps changing – a new head to work on or a new person to get to know. I have a lot of regular customers who have been very faithful to me. And if I do have a bad day, I give Tess a call. She’s seems to know just what to say. She’s a great friend. Did you know that, Luke?”

“Yes, who wouldn’t love Tessa?” They both turned to look at her.

“You two are going to make me gag!” She knew her friends meant what they said but all the accolades made her feel uncomfortable.

Richelle turned to Luke and asked, “How has university been this past year? Are you passing your courses or is it a totally lost cause?”

“No!” He shook his head. “It’s not a lost cause. I know I was kind of careless in high school but I’ve shaped up a lot since then. I have to admit, girls, that my marks have been fairly decent. I prefer the parties and the football games over the studying, to tell you the truth, but I have applied myself this year.” He grinned boyishly.

“So you haven’t found yourself a girlfriend in Minneapolis?” Tessa had wanted to ask Luke this all afternoon and she’d finally found her chance.

“No, nothing permanent anyway. I’ve dated girls here and there but I’m not ready for anything serious. How about you, Tessa, are you seeing anyone?” Luke looked pleased to turn things around quickly.

Tessa smiled and said, “Well, actually yes I am. His name is Cody Fields. We’ve been dating for about two months. He’s a nice guy but we’re not really that serious. We’re quite different from each other so I’m not sure if it’s going to work out. He’s very religious and talks about God all the time.”

“But you’re religious,” stated Luke.

“I’m a Christian, yes, but I can’t quite relate to Cody’s zeal. He’s a little over the top. I don’t see things quite the same way he does. A note in his defense,” she held up a finger, “he’s very considerate and kind.”

Luke said, “The very reason you’re dating him.”

“Yeah, but I’m still not sure. There’s something about him I just don’t get. Anyway, I won’t break up with him, at least not yet. We’ll see what happens.”

“Wow, I was hoping you’d still be unattached and available this summer.”

“Why is that?” Tessa gave him a grin.

“Well, I’m still as free as a bird and was hoping we could hang out. I know Richelle is taken, right?”

“Yes, Luke, I’m still taken and glad of it.”

“Humph… No accounting for tastes.” He turned up his nose in aversion.

“Hey watch it! Charlie is a much better man than you and that’s even on his worst days.”

Luke gave her a harsh stare. “Did I ask for your opinion on Charlie’s character, or on mine for that matter?”

“You absolutely did when you came down on him!” Richelle looked wounded.

“I can’t help it that you chose someone like him. He’s easy to pick apart.”

“He’s a wonderful guy!” Richelle protested loudly.

Tessa decided to interrupt their little feud. “Luke, we can still get together this summer. I’m sure Cody wouldn’t mind if I spend some time with you. I’ve told him quite a lot about you and he actually wants to meet you.”

“Now isn’t that a breath of fresh air, compared to some people we know?”

Richelle stared daggers at him. “And what’s that supposed to mean?”

“Hey, was I speaking to you? You sure are touchy where Charlie is concerned, aren’t you?” The sparkle in his eyes betrayed his enjoyment.

Tessa wondered if it was time to referee again. Richelle and Luke usually got along okay, if constant barbs and haranguing were considered amiable traits. They were at each other all the time, Luke with his smart quips and Richelle with her quick comebacks. It was entertaining listening to their constant bantering back and forth and Tessa was a good audience. She definitely picked friends with a gift of the gab. After listening to a few more derogatory comments fly back and forth between the two, Tessa finally said, “Okay you two, behave yourselves.”

Luke turned his attention to Tessa. “So what’s the plan? You’re not keeping your job here at The Eating Place, are you?”

“Actually I am keeping it for now.”

Luke looked at her quizzically. “I thought you told me that you got a job at a law firm, in their accounting department. Did that fall through?”

“No, but it starts in the fall. I’ll keep my job at The Eating Place till then. I’m actually starting full time at the restaurant tomorrow.”

“And I bet you can walk here from home, can’t you?” asked Richelle.

“Yeah. Or I can take the bus if it’s too cold. It’s been perfect. It’s saved me buying a car. I always take the bus if the weather’s bad or if I’m late.”

Luke said, “Sounds great. I have another two years at the U of M before I’m done. I won’t be working full time for a while.”

Richelle said, “But you do have your own car, that lovely ‘green thing.’” She gave him a condescending smile.

Luke, with arms crossed on the table, leaned toward Richelle and said, “It gets me from point A to point B.”

“And that’s about all it does. It’s barely still holding together.”

Luke looked irritated again. “And where’s your car? How come you took the bus to the college?”

With a sheepish look, Richelle said, “It’s in the shop right now.”

“And you’re mocking my car?”

Richelle responded with a shrug. “At least my car isn’t an old relic.”

“No, but it is a lemon!” retorted Luke.

Having had about her fill of their verbal jousting, Tessa said, “You know we should probably pay and get going. We’ve been here for four hours; can you believe it?”

“Are you serious?” Richelle grabbed her cell and glanced at the time.

“Not that I’m tired of your company or anything. I just finished my last exam and I suddenly feel exhausted. I’ve had too many late nights of studying this week.”

“Yeah, I need to get going too. I’m meeting Darren later tonight.” Luke and Darren had been friends in high school and they’d both gone off to different universities. “I called him earlier and this was the only night that suited him until next week sometime.”

“You know what? I’m going to pay the bill,” stated Richelle. She looked contemplative for a moment. “Or maybe I should only pay for Tessa since Luke’s being so obnoxious about Charlie and all.” She glowered at him again, then continued. “I’ve been the only one with a steady income so I think it’s only fair that I pay.”

“Oh, Barbie Doll, that’s so kind of you!” Luke stood, leaned over, took her face in his hands and kissed her on the mouth. He pulled back, with a sudden look of alarm. “Oh no, maybe I shouldn’t have done that! What’s Charlie going to say when he finds out? He’s so jealous; I think I’ll have to leave town – and I just got here!”

Richelle looked sheepish. “Yeah, I know. Charlie is very over-protective of me. It is kind of tiresome but he’s also very sweet. I won’t tell him, Luke, so never fear.”

Richelle paid the bill and as the three of them walked toward the door she turned to Luke. “Are you going to hold up your offer of carrying me back to the college parking lot?”

“You didn’t think I was serious, did you?”

“A promise is a promise. I’m not that heavy and it’ll be a good workout for you.”

They left the restaurant and stood on the sidewalk.

Luke looked at Richelle and said, “Okay, come here and I’ll hoist you up.”

He bent down, Richelle jumped up on his back and he grabbed her legs. Her arms draped around his neck and her legs hugged his middle as he slowly straightened to a standing position. It looked odd with her short mini skirt revealing too much leg, too much of everything. Tessa shook her head at the sight.

He carried her a few yards and laughed loudly. “Now what would Charlie say if he saw us like this. He’d have an absolute fit.”

“Okay, let me down! That’s far enough!” Richelle glanced around anxiously as he set her back on her feet.

“You’re a little nervous, aren’t you? I’d say Charlie has a real hold on you, girl.” He smiled devilishly.

“I don’t want to upset him, or I’d let you carry me the whole way back.” She yanked her short mini down, correcting its distortion.

Tessa chuckled and said, “You two would definitely draw attention doing that.”

“Since when have Richelle and I been afraid of a little attention? It’s only now with Charlie in the picture that she’s turned chicken on me.”

Richelle only shook her head.

As they walked, Luke and Richelle returned to their bantering. Tessa felt a keen sense of belonging, being with them.

Tessa suggested they stay on Main Street this time but after Luke gave her a knowing look, he insisted retracing their steps back. As they approached the row of mansions, Luke pointed out the deserted one with the chipped paint, broken windows and crooked shutters.

“Are you girls ready to check it out?”

“No,” Richelle replied immediately.

“It’ll be fun.”

“Luke, you know how I feel about that place,” Tessa said; yet an odd feeling of adventure tugged at her. She concluded it must be the result of the stress of college having been done and being with her best friends. She felt safe. It was a surprising realization.

Richelle sighed loudly. “Well, Tessa, it couldn’t hurt, at least not too much, and since Luke just won’t shut up about it, let’s just do it and get it over with.” She gave Luke a patronizing stare and appeared pleased at her ability to retaliate for the Charlie thing at the restaurant.

“Gee, thanks,” Luke said, looking miffed. “And I thought you said it would be over your dead body before you’d step foot in that place.” His look of offence gave way to an air of excitement.

“Well, I did say that. If I fall through the floor and hurt myself, you’ll be held completely responsible. And you better promise to protect me from any creepy, crawly things.” Richelle looked suddenly unsure and gave Tessa an anxious glance.

Tessa couldn’t believe it. “You mean we’re actually going to do this?”

Richelle shrugged.

Apprehension gripped Tessa at the thought of going in there. The tremendous satisfaction on Luke’s face encouraged her to be brave.

“Are we ready?” Luke looked at the two girls in full expectation of their agreement.

Tessa eyed Richelle. She looked as nervous as Tessa felt, both unsure of the wisdom of their tentative decision.

“Okay, here we go.” He hurried ahead and opened the expansive but rickety gate, causing it to groan loudly in resistance. It hung lopsided from its rusted hinges as he held it for the girls.

Tessa and Richelle stopped at the entrance to the yard and looked at each other dubiously.

“Are you sure about this?” asked Tessa

“No!”

“Come on girls; I’m here to protect you. It’ll be another adventure to add to our memory bank. I promise, you won’t be sorry.”

“Should we trust him?” asked Tessa.

“Probably not. Luke is definitely not to be trusted.” Richelle gave a small, nervous grin.

“That’s enough, Richelle! Get in here, you two, or I’ll drag you in!” Luke stepped forward as if to grab hold of them.

The girls raised their hands in surrender then slowly walked through the gate. It was unkempt, last year’s brown overgrown grass and weeds dominating the yard. There were some big, majestic trees on the property that were beginning to bloom, now that spring had sprung. A paved pathway filled with deep cracks led up to the house, spring grass peeking through in places. The pathway divided in front of the house and went off to each side of a large landing at the front. The landing extended almost the whole length of the house with steps going up to it on two sides and a railing surrounding it. Large windows graced the front of the house, the glass now shattered and lying in pieces on the landing and most likely also on the floor inside the house.

There were three entrances, the main entrance in the center with large double doors and two smaller doors on the sides of the landing, all three located beneath the roof jutting out over the landing area. It was a large, two-story building with once-ornate moldings running along the roofline. Some of the molding had broken away and some pieces hung precariously and swayed in the wind. Large symmetric columns held up the roof section over the landing, which was reminiscent of the obviously beautiful home it once was. It was unthinkable that it had been left abandoned like this.

Tessa had often wondered whatever became of the owners and why they would have deserted this home. Looking at it now, in such ruin, yet surrounded by other mansions which were pampered and in full regalia, made her heart sink.

The three of them entered the yard and slowly sauntered down the pathway, studying the house as they went. Tessa looked up at the large limbs jutting out from the tree above them, its branches full of new growth. Suddenly she noticed a few snow flakes descending from above, one landing on her nose, but before she could respond, Richelle let out an ear-piercing scream. Turning her gaze ahead, Tessa froze in fear at the sight before them.

“What in the world is going on?” Luke shouted louder than his usual volume.

“This is bizarre. How can it be snowing? It’s the first week of May. And look….” Richelle’s voice was quavering. “The ground and everything is covered with snow.”

It was true. Somehow they’d stepped into a winter wonderland. Tessa shivered as she said, “How could that happen so fast? This is too weird!”

The three friends stood perfectly still for a moment, shocked at the instantaneous transformation all around them.

Tessa’s skin crawled and she shivered with the sudden onslaught of cold. Snow was falling heavily, a steady stream that was piling up by the minute. The heavy snowfall made the house nearly indiscernible, the screen of white blotting out much of the view.

Richelle said, “It’s freezing.”

“Let’s get out of here now!” Tessa said as she turned to go.

Luke pointed to the house and said, “Wait! Look there. It’s hard to see with all this snow coming down, but isn’t someone standing over there on the landing?”

Tessa turned back and joined Richelle to stare in the direction he pointed. She squinted and concentrated with difficulty_, fear tap dancing against her ribs. After her eyes adjusted, she slowly began to make out the silhouette of a man. He stood perfectly still, watching them. The suspense in the air thickened and her fright escalated. The urge to turn and run was overwhelming. Rumors of the house being haunted hit her with force. Anxiety played a rhythm up and down her spine. This was downright crazy!

Luke and Richelle didn’t move a muscle and Tessa felt she should not leave her friends, at least not now.