The House on Serpent Lake (Ghost, Romance, Fantasy) (25 page)

After Lindsay took Eric to Brainerd’s airport for the final time, she pulled into the driveway and just sat for a moment.

Her home, hers and Galen’s.

She didn’t care how long her life was or how short—as long as she could spend it with him.

As soon as she entered the foyer, she detected Bay Rum. Thank goodness Galen was there. Did he know everything that had happened, that she was free now to love him?

He sat on the sofa waiting for her, and as soon as she entered, he stood. She ran to his open arms and stood blissfully silent, basking in joy of feeling his arms around her, of the miracle of finally having him with her.

“We’re free, my darling,” she finally said, holding him close. “Free to love each other without worry.”

Finally, he broke the embrace. “Please sit down. I have something to tell you.”

Something in his voice caused her heart to skip. Her breath caught. She looked up at him, searching his eyes for the love she knew was there.

She found what she wanted. His love shone through to her, warming her as the sun warms the earth. So what could be so dire?

She sat, bewildered at his expression, at the tone of his words. Was something happening in his world to cause a problem for them? It couldn’t be, not now, not when she was free to be with him.

“What is it?” She could barely speak with the dread crushing her, closing her throat, breaking her voice. “What’s wrong?”

He sat beside her and took her into his arms. “I was here when the medium spoke, and I listened to her words.”

“Galen,” Lindsay began, the dread squeezing tighter. She was so attuned to him that she could guess what he was about to say, and she couldn’t bear it.

“As much as it hurts,” he went on, “I feel she was right. I have to leave.”

Lindsay struggled for air. Immediate tears sprang. “No, Galen, you don’t,” she managed, the panic just below the surface. She couldn’t get hysterical now, she had to sound reasonable. “If it’s my health, you’re concerned about, I don’t care. Listen to me. I don’t care if my life is cut short again as long as we can be together. We have to have a life together.”

“Berina—”

“No! I won’t hear of it. I can’t lose you now, Galen. I’ve waited too long.” The panic burst free. “Please Galen, don’t do this to me. Don’t leave me again.” She clutched him to her. “I can’t bear it.” She burst into tears.

He held her and they sat quietly together until the tears stopped. She grew quiet.

“Don’t you see?” he said. “If I stay, I’ll be killing you just as surely as if I … shot you. I can’t do that. I can’t live with the guilt of destroying you.”

“Galen—”

“If the medium was right, I’ll find you again and we’ll have that life with each other. Life, Berina, with you alive and well. Not dying because I’m draining your life source.”

“No,” she said, but she studied his face and she knew.

“I have decided. Let me go, for your sake and mine.”

For your sake and mine.
With those words, Lindsay knew it was over. She had to do what he asked. Even though it would tear her apart, she didn’t want to condemn him to stay and suffer more guilt over a perceived wrong.

“All I ask is that you help me.” He touched her cheek and gently wiped away a tear. “I can’t do it alone.”

Her eyes shimmering, she asked, “When?”

“Now, before I weaken.”

“Now? That’s too soon,” she said desperately. “Stay with me today, please Galen. Give me one last time in your arms.”

Silently, he picked her up and carried her upstairs in his arms.

An hour later, they lay together, spent from making love. Lindsay’s ecstasy was tempered with the heartrending knowledge that he would leave her soon. If only she could delay it, if only—

“It’s time,” he said, his eyes full of love and sadness. “Help me, Berina.”

Even though she couldn’t bear his leaving, Lindsay knew she had to do as he asked. She cradled him, much like she’d done when he lay dying from the gunshot. She closed her eyes. What could she do? How could she help him?

“Linda talked about the light,” she said, praying for guidance, “and I’ve heard we all see it. So think about it, Galen. Open your heart and mind. Picture rising above us, above the house, and above the earth. The light will be in front of you, waiting for you, a place of infinite peace and love—”

“I see it! Oh my darling, I don’t know how it’s happening, but it’s coming closer. I’m drawn to it. I want to go.” He paused. “It’s so bright … and,” his voice dropped to an awed whisper, his face radiant, “it’s beautiful. I didn’t know it would be like this.” He went silent, then in a joyous voice, “My mother … she’s there. She’s by the light, waiting, welcoming me.”

Fresh tears flowed from her to him. She tenderly wiped his cheek. “Go to her, Galen,” she managed, holding him as his image faded.

He reached up to her. “Just one last kiss to take me to eternity.”

She tenderly brushed his lips with hers, then he was gone.

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Too numb to cry, Lindsay sat as if in a daze after Galen disappeared. All that remained was the faint scent of Bay Rum, but that was fading as well. Soon there would be nothing left but memories and a fervent hope that Linda was right, that one day they would meet again. She could only trust the medium’s words and believe they were destined to be together.

She gazed through the window to blue sky beyond the treetops. Was Galen all right? Would he find the forgiveness and peace he’d longed for? She wished she could have a sign, anything, to know he would be all right.

She closed her eyes. Day turned to night then back to day again. Still she sat. It was as if her body fell into hibernation, waiting.

She dozed.

The doorbell woke her. She tried to ignore it, but it persisted. Irritated, she got up and stumbled to the door.

Squinting at the bright morning sunshine, she scowled at the man standing on the porch. In his late fifties, early sixties with graying sandy-blond hair, he stood a little under six feet. His deep blue polo had a Crosby Police logo above the left pocket.

Police department? What would they want with her? His friendly smile assured her he wasn’t about to haul her away.

Suddenly she was aware she hadn’t had a shower or even moved from the sofa in … how many days?

“What day is this?” she asked abruptly, wishing she could drop through the floor.

“Why, it’s Friday. Are you Mrs. Peterson?”

Friday. Three days after Galen left. “I’m Lindsay Peterson.”

“Pardon me, but are you well?” he asked. “Do you need a doctor?”

“What I need a doctor can’t provide.”

“Ma’am?”

“I’m sorry, I’m being rude. What is it you want?”

“I’m Mike Midthun, evidence tech for the police departent, and Mathews asked me to drop this off on my way to City Hall.” He handed her a yellowed business-size envelope.

“Is it a summons about my divorce?”

“Oh no, Mrs. Peterson. It’s from the nursing home where your husband’s aunt lived.”

“Forgive my rudeness. You’re right. I haven’t been well, but I’m okay.” She opened the door. “Please come in.”

“Oh that’s not necessary. If you’re all right, I’ll just be on my way.” He turned to leave.

“Please,” Lindsay said. “I’d like to hear about the nursing home.”

“I haven’t been in this old place in quite a few years,” he said entering the parlor. “I love how you and your husband fixed it up. Looks really nice.”

Lindsay nodded. “If you’ll pardon me for a few moments …” She didn’t wait for a reply before she dashed upstairs to the bathroom for a quick repair.

A few moments later, her teeth brushed, hair combed, and wearing a fresh blouse, she prepared coffee and set the tray on the coffee table.

“Midthun?” Lindsay asked. “That sounds familiar.”

“You met my wife, Karen,” he said with a smile. “She’s the librarian.”

“Oh yes, of course. Now. You were trying to tell me about the nursing home.”

“Let me explain. Mrs. Simar, the administrator of the nursing home where your husband’s aunt lived, dropped the envelope at the police department last night, said an aide found it in the safe. Somehow it was overlooked in Miss Peterson’s effects. I took it to Mathews’ office this morning, but he asked that I drop it off to you. He said it’s Mr. Peterson’s property. Will you see that he gets it?”

An hour later, after calling Eric about the letter, during which he told her to open it and send it to him if she felt it necessary, she began reading.

“My God,” she whispered after skimming the first two lines. She sat on the nearest chair and reread from the beginning:

Dear Sister, I’m at the end of my life and I don’t want to face my maker with what I’m about to reveal on my conscience. I’ve felt Galen in our home, so if there is life after death, I hope you’ll one day read these words.

I’m so sorry for everything I’ve done to cause you pain. I’m sure I’ll have to face the consequences for the sorrow my selfishness has caused.

You see, Galen came to me as the honorable gentleman I knew him to be and confessed he could not continue to see me and certainly could not marry me because he was in love with you. I cried and stormed about, convincing him that it was his duty to marry me. I wanted him desperately, so I lied, you see, and told him I was carrying his child. To my eternal shame, I knew he had fallen in love with you, but during a dance at The Lodge, I carried out an age-old plan to keep him forever. I ordered the drinks and made sure his grew progressively stronger. After he was intoxicated, I led him to his car and kissed him several times.

He passed out very quickly and I drove us home. He slept in his car in our driveway. Papa was extremely upset, and since Galen didn’t remember anything of that night, he believed me when I told him we’d gone all the way. That’s why he did not break our engagement.

When I shot him, it truly was an accident. I thought someone had broken into our home and was assaulting you. I tried to make up to you the best I could, but of course I could never succeed.

I loved you, and I wish I had been a better person and sister. I wish many things had been different.

Please forgive me.

Chapter Thirty-Eight

That afternoon, after a shower and the rest of the soup from Shirley’s care package, Lindsay went for a walk. She had to be outside, close to nature, see the sky.

Walking the rutted road toward City Park, breathing in the familiar scents of pine from the forest, the slightly rotted vegetation from around the lake, and feeling the warmth of the sun on her skin, her heart overflowed with love and wonder. She gazed at the endless sky, in awe of the vast universe beyond.

In spite of her, Berina’s, wishes, Galen had been honest with Frida, had been a gentleman after all. Even though Linda had said Infinite Spirit does not judge, Lindsay felt at peace knowing Galen would face eternity with a pure soul.

She cut to the shoreline behind City Hall, moving past the fishing dock and strolled west toward the swimming beach, listening to the sound of water gently lapping the sand. She smiled at the squawking seagulls overhead, and heard the children laughing and shouting from the play area.

Life. How it all seemed so wonderful now. No matter how long of time one was on the earth, that lifetime was beautiful. Miraculous.

She sat on the grass overlooking the water and watched swimmers and boaters enjoying the day. From behind, she heard the clatter of a large diesel pull into the RV parking section. A motor home, she thought without turning to look.

A sharp whistle sounded from the lake, and she watched a man in the water gesture to several teenage swimmers. He pointed to a wooden raft bobbing in the water a few feet beyond the shore. When he blew the whistle again, the teens raced to the raft. The young people had their entire lives ahead of them, Lindsay thought, wondering about their dreams, the goals.

“Excuse me,” a male voice said, interrupting her thoughts, the warm velvet tone causing her heart to nearly stop. Galen’s voice.

She looked up. He stood in the glare of the sun, and all she could see was a dark outline. But it was enough. Galen.

Her mouth went dry. How was that possible?

She scrambled to her feet and stumbled. When he helped her and she got a good look at him, she could only stare. Except for his darker hair color and, she noticed, his slightly shorter height, he could be an older Galen.

When he smiled, she began to cry.

“Hey, I’m sorry,” he said, searching her eyes, concern in his expression. “Anything I can do to help?”

She wiped her tears. “I just lost someone dear. You made me think of him.”

“Oh. If you’re okay, I won’t intrude any longer.” He turned to walk back to his RV.

She hesitated only a moment before she ran after him. “What were you going to ask?”

“My name’s Gary, and I’ll be in town for a few days, following up on some genealogy. My sister discovered we had a great uncle, or maybe it’s great-great uncle,” he said, smiling, “who lived here years ago. She talked me into checking it out.”

Lindsay could barely breathe.