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Trauma at the Fall Festival

By Diane E. Tatum

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Chapter 1
The first day …

Last weekend in September. Guests arrive today. These were Kate Winslow’s first thoughts when the alarm kicked off. Beebe, her white lab puppy, cried out until Kate turned the alarm off. She was groggy. Today was the first day of the business operations of Kate’s Bed and Breakfast, and she’d slept poorly. She’d pay for that by midday. Meanwhile, Kate had much to do before three o’clock when the first guests were set to arrive.
She rolled out of bed and released Beebe from his crate. He was on the bed in seconds begging for hugs and rubs. Kate laughed and pulled the dog into her arms. He was Will’s gift to her when he had also presented her with an engagement ring. Her hand felt naked without her ring. Will was handling the repair, so she tried not to think about it.
As Kate stepped out of the shower, she heard the front door slam followed by the beeping of the security code.
“Is that you, Will?” She pulled the towel tighter around her. Renovating the house had been fraught with crazy events no one could have expected.
“Yes, Sweetheart. I thought I’d get an early start.”
His deep voice made her smile and sent shivers through her. “Start the coffeemaker and the oven. I’ll pop in the coffeecake after I throw on clothes.”
“If we were married, I’d have already been here.”
Was it her fault that they had committed to get the B&B up and running before planning a wedding? Maybe it was, but it didn’t hurt to enjoy the engagement a little longer. The repair of her diamond ring was also something to consider.
Kate put on a pair of culottes and a crisp no sleeve shirt. Just because it was almost October didn’t mean the weather would chill down with the flip of the calendar. She plucked a cardigan from the closet, just in case.
Beebe exploded from the bedroom as soon as Kate opened the door. He loved Will, and the dog was no doubt searching for him. Kate walked down the carpeted stairs with the brass rug holders, noting every squeak and creak. She still felt the presence of Great-Aunt Katharine and her mom in the house she had inherited. The wood banisters and steps gleamed with polish. The house was ready. Was she?
Will appeared at the bottom of the steps holding a squirming Beebe.
“I see he found you.” Kate smiled and hurried down the last of the stairs.
By the time she reached the bottom, Will had set down Beebe and opened his arms to embrace her. Kate’s arms wrapped around his neck.
“Good morning, Sweetheart.” A kiss ensued while Beebe whined for more attention. Will whisked Kate from the bottom step and gently placed her on the floor. “I love you, Katie. It’s a big day.”
“I know. I’m nervous. What if I don’t like them? What if they’re scary?”
“Then I’ll stay on the property in the garage/office, so I can help if things go sideways.”
Kate shook her head. “I slept on that old sleeper sofa when I was here as a child. It wasn’t all that comfortable then. I doubt it’s gotten any better.”
“That explains why it feels like home. Lying there, I’m smelling you as a child after our many adventures.” Will grinned. “Didn’t you say you had a coffeecake to warm up?”
Kate escaped his comforting arms and headed toward the kitchen. Will followed her, grabbing her again around her waist. The coffee smelled delightful.

After breakfast, Will headed back to the garage/office. Kate went from bedroom to bedroom to ensure everything was ready for her weekend guests. She straightened bedspreads, checked towels, and made sure the hidden passageway doors were firmly in place to avoid losing anyone in the middle of the house. She planned to keep the hidden corridors a secret from her guests.
The phone ringing drew her back to the kitchen where she’d left her cell phone.
“Kate’s B&B. This is Kate.” She dropped into a chair at the breakfast table.
“Hi, Kate. This is Robert Guyton. We have reservations for this weekend.”
“Yes, Mr. Guyton. I’m looking forward to your family’s arrival this afternoon. Is everything all right?”
“We could be running late, Kate. We had a car problem. Is it okay if we arrive after six o’clock?”
Kate could hear shouting in the background, but that probably wasn’t her business. “That would be fine. Please arrive before eight. Once it’s dark, I’d prefer to have guests registered with their own key, so I can lock the front door.”
“That makes a lot of sense, Kate. We’ll be sure to do that. Otherwise, I’ll call and let you know.”

Kate frowned. Her first paying customer seemed a little off, but maybe it was just a bad day for him. She shrugged and put the phone in her pocket. At her Victorian reception desk, she checked over her guests’ activity packet: The Bell Witch Cave and Red River rafting on Saturday, tickets for the storytelling on Sunday afternoon, and Adams Station Barbeque and Trattoria Pizza gift cards. She stashed the envelopes in the slots and laid out four keys for the rooms and the front door. The Guytons were also bringing their two teenage girls. Kate had been assured the girls were mild-mannered and would present no problems.
Will burst in the kitchen door. Kate startled, then Beebe started barking, dashing down the hall, and sliding into Will.
“What’s going on?” Kate ran to him and hugged him. “Is everything okay?”
“Yes, it’s great news!” Will hugged her and kissed her. “I have my first paying contract!”
Kate sighed. “That’s fantastic. I was afraid something horrible had happened.”
“No, no, no. Everything is fine. Better than fine. My business is taking off.”
“That’s great. With our summer’s run of bad luck and with today being the first day of customers, I figured something horrible had happened. What’s the contract for?”
Will’s eyes brightened. “It’s site preparation for a restaurant between Adams and Springfield. If they like what I do, I could get more of the construction planning contracts.”
Kate caught his excitement. “Congrats, Will! When do you start?”
“I’m headed out to the site now. I’ll bring back lunch.” He kissed her, petted the dog, and hurried out the front door.
As Kate watched Will cross the front porch, Sarah from church was walking up the steps with a large box. Will took the box from her and carried it into the house.
“He’s helpful, isn’t he?” Sarah came in after Will left.
“He’s amazing, Sarah. What’s in the box?” Kate carried it back to the kitchen table.
“Goodies for your guests that you won’t have to make yourself. Rolls, bread, and croissants.”
When Kate opened the box, the aroma of fresh yeasty bread escaped. “Oh, my! It smells delicious. If you could bottle this aroma, you could sell it to real estate agents and kitchen designers. It could even be perfume! Thank you so much. Coffee?”
“Absolutely. My sister is watching the bakery while I run stuff around town.”
“How much do I owe you for the baked goods?” Kate poured coffee into mugs, finishing the pot.
“Nothing this time. We can negotiate next time.” Sarah dumped sugar and half ’n’ half into her mug. “I think you and I could be great friends as well as business partners.”
“I’d like that.”

As Sarah was leaving, an old car pulled up in front of the house. A small woman dressed in black, old-style clothes got out and walked to the porch. She had frizzy black hair and a face reflecting a hard life. Kate waited for her and greeted her on the porch.
“I’m Kate.” She shook the woman’s hand. “What can I do for you?”
“When I was young, my mother and I lived in this house for a time with your Aunt Katharine. I’m Carine Anders. I’m sure you wouldn’t know me. It was after your mom passed away.”
Kate felt a stab to the heart. First, someone who had lived here when she hadn’t been allowed to do so. Second, a reminder of her mother’s death. Third, how was there someone who knew her great-aunt that she didn’t know?
“How can I help you?” Kate finally stammered.
“I heard you have done a great deal of renovation. I was curious what the house looks like now. Would it be okay for me to come in and look around?”
Something in Kate screamed no, but she found herself inviting Carine into the house.
“As you no doubt know, we are turning the house into a bed and breakfast. We did some updating of the wallpaper, polished the wood trim, repainted the painted wood in some rooms.” Kate walked through the first floor pointing out the refreshed décor.
“New carpet runner on the stairs, but you kept the brass rods holding it down.” Carine seemed to be making mental notes.
Kate took her to the second floor. Her keys jangled as she opened each guestroom. She did not show her the hidden passageways or entry points.
“Is the library still in the turret? It was my favorite place to hide out.” Carine reached for the doorknob that accessed the spiral staircase into the turret. She found it locked.
“Yes, the library is still there, but I’m not allowing the public to enter it.”
Carine tsked. “What a shame. Some of those books are priceless first editions.”
Kate nodded. “I know. Another reason I keep the turret locked.”
“A wise choice, I’m sure.” Carine poked around in her bag. “I took one of these cards from your entry desk. Could I see the library at another time?”
“It’s possible, but we’ve not had time to bring the staircase up to code.” Kate placed the keys into her pocket. “You’re welcome to call me and ask about it.”
Kate ushered her down the grand stairway to the foyer.
“We spent so much time on that swing on the porch.”
“I’m glad you have pleasant memories of your time here. I’m afraid I don’t have any more time today. Our first guests will arrive soon. As you can imagine, we have lots to do today.”
Carine held out her hand. “I understand. Another time, perhaps?”
“After the holidays, perhaps.” Kate was anxious for this person to leave. She played with the keys in her pocket.
“Very well. I hope to see you after the holidays then.”
Kate dropped the keys in the top drawer. “What do you think? Is it as lovely as you remember, Carine?”
“Even lovelier, Kate. I look forward to seeing it dressed for the holidays. That was always my favorite.”

The day flew by until three. Kate watched the clock waiting for the Guytens to appear after then. Will brought a pizza to the house for them to share. By six, she was nervous they wouldn’t show. By eight, she locked the front door and tried their number.
“Hello, Kate. I know I said we’d be there by eight, but the traffic in Nashville is bad due to a semi-truck turnover and fire. We’re on our way. Don’t give our beds away.”
She could hear fighting in the background as well as an emergency siren. “There’s nothing to be done about it. I’ll wait up for you.”
Will put his arm around her. “When do they plan to be here?”
“Don’t know. There’s a big traffic jam in Nashville with an overturned semi.” Kate shivered. “This is making me nervous.”
“I’ll sleep in the garage tonight. Or I can sleep on the settee in the parlor.” Will shrugged. “I’d feel better being on the premises when they arrive. C’mon, let’s go sit in the swing.”
Will made sure the kitchen door was closed and locked. They unlocked the front door and went out to the porch swing. Will rocked it gently with his foot with his arm around Kate. Crickets and tree frogs sang their night songs. She became sleepy.

Kate jerked awake when headlights washed across the front of the house.
Will roused at her startle. “Are they here?” He sounded sleepy. He pulled his phone from his pocket. “Ten forty-five? Katie, you need to institute a late fee. These folks have taken advantage of you.”
Car doors slammed. Voices echoed in the dark. “Take your suitcase and backpack, Tara. Emory, grab your pillows and your backpack.” Luggage wheels wobbled on the concrete front walk. Four people appeared eventually in the porchlight. Mr. Guyton must have been six foot five inches tall. Two lanky girls, twins in name only, were opposites – one had black hair and wore all black including black lipstick and nail polish while the other was fair and blonde in summer white clothing. Bringing up the rear was a mousy Mrs. Guyton. Her arms were full of luggage, pillows, and tote bags.
Will hurried down the walk to take some of the load from Mrs. Guyton.
“Welcome to Kate’s B&B. I’m Kate, your hostess for your stay during the Bell Witch Fall Festival.”
“Cool.” The twin in black gave her a hand signal Kate didn’t recognize.
The girls tromped onto the porch and filed into the house.
“Sorry we’re so late. Couldn’t be helped, I guess.” Mr. Guyton held out his hand to Will. “I’m Robert Guyton. She’s Kate. Who are you, sir?”
“Will Bell. Kate’s fiancé.” Will shook Mr. Guyton’s hand.
“Please come in.” Kate reached Mrs. Guyton and walked up the steps with her. The mom looked exhausted. Kate’s heart went out to her. The family failed to help Mom Guyton with their belongings. Mr. Guyton seemed to believe Will was in charge, which made Kate furious.
Kate took her place behind the reception desk and sorted through the materials for the weekend and their keys. The girls were sharing one room next to their parents. Kate had them around the hallway from her own bedroom. That gave Kate privacy from the family.
“Tomorrow, you have tickets to the Bell Witch Cave and the Red River Rafting experience. The storytelling Red River Tales is Sunday afternoon. You each have a room key and the key to the front door. You have gift cards for two local eateries. Breakfast is at eight.”
“Eight o’clock, Mom! It’s nearly midnight now. I’m sleeping. No way am I getting up for eight o’clock breakfast.” The twin in black stomped her foot and crossed her arms.
“If Tara doesn’t have to eat breakfast, I don’t want to either. This whole trip is ridiculous.” The twin in white agreed with her sister.
“Come on, girls, let’s get some sleep. We’ll all feel better in the morning.” Robert rounded up the teenagers and herded them up the stairs.
“I’m Margie.” Mom Guyton held out a hand to Kate. “I’m sorry we’re late. I look forward to the breakfast you have planned. Thank you for waiting up for us.”
Kate took her hand and pulled her into an impromptu hug. “Please sleep well. I’ll see you in the morning.”
Margie nodded. She wiped a tear that slid down her cheek. Then Will went with her up to the second level with the luggage the rest of the family had conveniently forgotten.
Kate turned out the lights in the kitchen and made sure the nightlights were on in the halls and steps. She locked the front door and turned around into Will’s chest.
“Ah!” Kate grasped his shoulders. “You scared me.”
“Exactly. Give me the key to the bedroom nearest you. No way am I letting the Addams family be here with only you.”
Kate reached into the drawer and handed him the key to room #2. “Thank you. Be sure to let your mom know what you’re doing.”
“Already sent her a text.” Will set the security alarm and hugged her. “Come on. You and I are fixing breakfast in the morning.”

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