| General Fiction posted July 7, 2024 | Chapters: |
...47 48 -49- 
|
  |
Beginnings and Endings
A chapter in the book The Unwilling Heir
The Unwilling Heir - The End
by Begin Again
ENDING OF CHAPTER 48
"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."
*********
CHAPTER 49
The sweet aroma of Lorrie's baking floated throughout the house as the friends gathered together in the grand hall. Lorrie, James, and Noah chose to stay behind to finish the treasure's journey, so they gathered with the mortals. Only soft candlelight illuminated the room and their faces.
Static electricity filled the air, and soft music, reminiscent of distant chimes, played somewhere in the background. The mortals watched in awe as a soft golden light filled the room, enveloping the spirits and intensifying their radiant aura.
Sandra nudged Michael. "Do you see that? It's like they are transforming into something more spiritual than before."
Michael couldn't tear his eyes away from the scene. "They've earned a well-deserved peace."
The golden light swirled around the ghosts, gently lifting them above the ground. Their expressions were serene. As the ghosts ascended, the warm glow spread throughout the room, touching the mortals and filling them with a sense of calm and contentment.
The almost transparent ghosts turned to face their friends one last time. Esther smiled at William, her eyes filled with love, before looking at Sandra. She whispered, "Thank you."
Benny raised his glass, the ghostly bourbon shimmering in the light. "To redemption and to the best friends I've ever had."
As the ghosts ascended higher, they gradually faded from sight, becoming one with the light. The music reached a crescendo and faded, leaving the grand hall in a peaceful silence.
Lorrie's eyes filled with tears, and her voice was soft as she murmured, "They've gone to a better place."
Sandra took a deep breath and sighed. "And we helped them get there."
*****
Madeline stood alone in the rose garden, watching the brilliant light ascend into the clouds. She whispered, "Thank you, Esther, for everything." And in the soft rustling of the wind, she felt Esther's presence one last time, a gentle reminder that love never truly fades away.
*****
Several hours later, Sandra wandered through the wildflowers, thinking about what she'd discovered while living at the mansion and the possibilities of what might lie ahead. After talking with James, Lorrie, Noah, and Madeline, she'd decided to return to the city and start her own private investigating business. She would still make time to work side by side with her friends at the mansion to follow through on the distribution of the treasure. William had been extremely generous with all the mortals who had helped, and they would never have to worry about the future again.
She'd decided to give the mansion back to Madeline and Noah, providing that the door would always be open for her to visit. Madeline thought they might open a bed-and-breakfast and take advantage of the house's haunting history.
As she enjoyed the fresh air and sunshine, her stroll led her to the small cemetery on the hill, where she found Madeline putting flowers on the graves. Two additional headstones, engraved William and Esther, stood beside Billy, Ryan, Benny, and Tim's. The new ones stood as silent witnesses to the end of a long and tumultuous journey.
As the two women stood side by side, so different yet so tightly bonded, Madeline knelt and straightened the flowers on the graves. Standing, she said, "Please come back and visit." Her voice was sad yet full of hope.
Sandra wrapped her arm around Madeline's shoulders, squeezing gently. "I'm sure they will," she reassured Madeline, her eyes misting over.
Madeline chuckled, shaking her head. "I meant you!"
Sandra laughed. "You couldn't keep me away."
The two women stood there a moment longer, the sun casting a warm glow over the scene. The memories of their ghostly friends lingered in the air, promising to remain a part of their lives forever.
THE END...............................................
The following is my proposed blurb for the jacket cover or inside cover. Since I've never written anything like it or published it, I am asking for opinions. Also, if a title changed should be made... I've included some thoughts. Thank you for reading, enjoying and always supporting me with this novel. It's an endeavor that I almost quit initially, but in the end, I found it was my happiest writing ever. I couldn't have done it without you!
The Unwilling Heir
When fledgling crime investigator Sandra Monroe inherits a sprawling mansion from a mysterious benefactor, she is thrust into a world beyond her wildest imaginings. Little does she know, the grand estate is not just a home but a purgatory for hundreds of ghosts, each seeking redemption. Among them is Judge William Parker, who straddled the line between law and crime, only to meet a tragic end when he changed his ways.
Now a restless spirit, Judge Parker concealed a treasure trove of gold, cash, artifacts, and antiques within the mansion's walls. But a bullet to the head shattered his memory, leaving him unable to recall the treasure's location. As Sandra delves deeper into the mansion's secrets, she finds herself amid a supernatural battle between good and evil spirits.
The stakes rise when modern-day mobsters discover the hidden fortune and lay siege to the haunted mansion. As law enforcement, benevolent spirits, and Sandra rally to protect the treasure, a gripping confrontation unfolds.
At the story's onset, the murder of Noah Wakefield — the mansion's current owner and Sandra's mysterious benefactor — shocks everyone. Noah's wife, notorious for her infidelity, becomes a prime suspect. With fingers pointing in every direction, Sandra must unravel the web of deceit surrounding Noah's death while navigating the mansion's spectral inhabitants.
In a tale rich with horror, humor, love, and blossoming friendships between the living and the dead, Sandra must navigate the treacherous waters of the unknown. Will she unlock the mansion's secrets and help the spirits find redemption, or will the forces of darkness prevail?
"The Unwilling Heir" is a spellbinding journey into a world where the past and present collide and good ultimately triumphs over evil.
Genre: Paranormal Mystery and Crime
Other Possible Titles
Echoes of Redemption
The Ghostly Legacy
Spirits of Purgatory
OR SUGGESTIONS.........Feel free to make suggestions since you were all involved in making this story. Have a great day! Smiles, hugs, and love to all - Carol.
"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."
*********
CHAPTER 49
The sweet aroma of Lorrie's baking floated throughout the house as the friends gathered together in the grand hall. Lorrie, James, and Noah chose to stay behind to finish the treasure's journey, so they gathered with the mortals. Only soft candlelight illuminated the room and their faces.
Static electricity filled the air, and soft music, reminiscent of distant chimes, played somewhere in the background. The mortals watched in awe as a soft golden light filled the room, enveloping the spirits and intensifying their radiant aura.
Sandra nudged Michael. "Do you see that? It's like they are transforming into something more spiritual than before."
Michael couldn't tear his eyes away from the scene. "They've earned a well-deserved peace."
The golden light swirled around the ghosts, gently lifting them above the ground. Their expressions were serene. As the ghosts ascended, the warm glow spread throughout the room, touching the mortals and filling them with a sense of calm and contentment.
The almost transparent ghosts turned to face their friends one last time. Esther smiled at William, her eyes filled with love, before looking at Sandra. She whispered, "Thank you."
Benny raised his glass, the ghostly bourbon shimmering in the light. "To redemption and to the best friends I've ever had."
As the ghosts ascended higher, they gradually faded from sight, becoming one with the light. The music reached a crescendo and faded, leaving the grand hall in a peaceful silence.
Lorrie's eyes filled with tears, and her voice was soft as she murmured, "They've gone to a better place."
Sandra took a deep breath and sighed. "And we helped them get there."
*****
Madeline stood alone in the rose garden, watching the brilliant light ascend into the clouds. She whispered, "Thank you, Esther, for everything." And in the soft rustling of the wind, she felt Esther's presence one last time, a gentle reminder that love never truly fades away.
*****
Several hours later, Sandra wandered through the wildflowers, thinking about what she'd discovered while living at the mansion and the possibilities of what might lie ahead. After talking with James, Lorrie, Noah, and Madeline, she'd decided to return to the city and start her own private investigating business. She would still make time to work side by side with her friends at the mansion to follow through on the distribution of the treasure. William had been extremely generous with all the mortals who had helped, and they would never have to worry about the future again.
She'd decided to give the mansion back to Madeline and Noah, providing that the door would always be open for her to visit. Madeline thought they might open a bed-and-breakfast and take advantage of the house's haunting history.
As she enjoyed the fresh air and sunshine, her stroll led her to the small cemetery on the hill, where she found Madeline putting flowers on the graves. Two additional headstones, engraved William and Esther, stood beside Billy, Ryan, Benny, and Tim's. The new ones stood as silent witnesses to the end of a long and tumultuous journey.
As the two women stood side by side, so different yet so tightly bonded, Madeline knelt and straightened the flowers on the graves. Standing, she said, "Please come back and visit." Her voice was sad yet full of hope.
Sandra wrapped her arm around Madeline's shoulders, squeezing gently. "I'm sure they will," she reassured Madeline, her eyes misting over.
Madeline chuckled, shaking her head. "I meant you!"
Sandra laughed. "You couldn't keep me away."
The two women stood there a moment longer, the sun casting a warm glow over the scene. The memories of their ghostly friends lingered in the air, promising to remain a part of their lives forever.
THE END...............................................
The following is my proposed blurb for the jacket cover or inside cover. Since I've never written anything like it or published it, I am asking for opinions. Also, if a title changed should be made... I've included some thoughts. Thank you for reading, enjoying and always supporting me with this novel. It's an endeavor that I almost quit initially, but in the end, I found it was my happiest writing ever. I couldn't have done it without you!
The Unwilling Heir
When fledgling crime investigator Sandra Monroe inherits a sprawling mansion from a mysterious benefactor, she is thrust into a world beyond her wildest imaginings. Little does she know, the grand estate is not just a home but a purgatory for hundreds of ghosts, each seeking redemption. Among them is Judge William Parker, who straddled the line between law and crime, only to meet a tragic end when he changed his ways.
Now a restless spirit, Judge Parker concealed a treasure trove of gold, cash, artifacts, and antiques within the mansion's walls. But a bullet to the head shattered his memory, leaving him unable to recall the treasure's location. As Sandra delves deeper into the mansion's secrets, she finds herself amid a supernatural battle between good and evil spirits.
The stakes rise when modern-day mobsters discover the hidden fortune and lay siege to the haunted mansion. As law enforcement, benevolent spirits, and Sandra rally to protect the treasure, a gripping confrontation unfolds.
At the story's onset, the murder of Noah Wakefield — the mansion's current owner and Sandra's mysterious benefactor — shocks everyone. Noah's wife, notorious for her infidelity, becomes a prime suspect. With fingers pointing in every direction, Sandra must unravel the web of deceit surrounding Noah's death while navigating the mansion's spectral inhabitants.
In a tale rich with horror, humor, love, and blossoming friendships between the living and the dead, Sandra must navigate the treacherous waters of the unknown. Will she unlock the mansion's secrets and help the spirits find redemption, or will the forces of darkness prevail?
"The Unwilling Heir" is a spellbinding journey into a world where the past and present collide and good ultimately triumphs over evil.
Genre: Paranormal Mystery and Crime
Other Possible Titles
Echoes of Redemption
The Ghostly Legacy
Spirits of Purgatory
OR SUGGESTIONS.........Feel free to make suggestions since you were all involved in making this story. Have a great day! Smiles, hugs, and love to all - Carol.
Book of the Month contest entry
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
You need to login or register to write reviews. It's quick! We only ask four questions to new members.
© Copyright 2024. Begin Again All rights reserved.
Begin Again has granted FanStory.com, its affiliates and its syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.
