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The Sound of Sins

By Danni Roan

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Jessie turned off the main road and onto the long, rolling driveway toward The Estonia Estates Elder Care Facility. She smiled, looking at the familiar rolling hills and vast expanses of green grass that made up her sweet Georgia home. The gentle hum of her car was absorbed by the expansive grounds as it rolled along the smooth, even pavement, a whisper of sound in the plantation’s vast acreage.
A smile tugged at her lips again as the old wooden barn, stained deep sienna orange instead of the traditional red, came into view. Jessie couldn’t resist pulling over to visit the dozens of ponies spread across the open pasture behind the dark wooden fence. The old training area came into sight, the sand-filled oval now devoid of jumps and obstacle courses.
“Hello, ponies!” she called, as rescued ponies and miniature horses lifted eager eyes.
Walking into the feed shed, Jessie grabbed a bag of treats and headed to the fence walk-through the little maze of half fences big enough for a human to zig-zag through but too tight and difficult for a pony or horse to manage.
The squeals of delight and a sudden thundering of hooves made Jessie laugh as the rescued ponies, and miniature horses raced toward her, manes and tails streaming. In seconds she was surrounded by greedy critters, each vying for apple-flavored treats.
It hadn’t always been like this at The Estonia. Jessie remembered the riding lessons and stable of larger horses her late father had kept. He’d loved animals, and Jessie’s heart pinched, missing her kind-hearted father. Carl Whyne had been gone five years but his presence was missed, even with the new joys that had arrived so unexpectedly. Everyone had been shocked when this godly man had suffered a massive heart attack. Jessie smiled, letting sweet memories fill her mind even as she began handing out treats.
Growing up here on the plantation’s hundred acres had been a wonderland. Jessie’s father had taught his children all of the hidden spaces and best areas to play. Though Carl had come from a family of old wealth, the man had been down to earth, anchored by his faith and the love of his family.
“Why, Miss. Jessie, is that you?” an elderly couple toddled from the barn, each wearing rubber boots and a jumpsuit.
“Hi,” Jessie waved. She had met the Bakers before at the Elder Care Facility and knew that they volunteered to care for the ponies on the estate. “I’m giving out treats.” Jessie offered another smile. She loved hanging out with the residents of The Estonia and the fact that people like the Bakers could still feel useful after years of hard work was an added blessing.
“That works for me,” Mrs. Baker said, brushing a lock of short brown hair behind her ear. “We’re ready to curry the little beasts, and this way, we don’t have to walk to the middle of the field to round them up.” The plump woman lifted a straight-edged shedder that would help remove the long hairs of winter and reveal a sleek, shiny hide below.
“How have you been?” Mr. Baker asked. The man wasn’t tall, but his stride was still strong as he walked toward her. The gray-haired man carried a bucket filled with brushes, hoof picks, and other grooming items as he wended his way through the maze of gates. “We haven’t seen you for a while. I’m sure your mother misses you. Been busy since graduation?”
“I have been busy,” Jessie shuffled to another pony, handing out a treat. “I’m having my house renovated. Besides, I’m sure my mom is busy,” Jessie laughed. “Between marrying Brand and now little Joey plus a new grandbaby, she doesn’t have enough time to think of anything else.”
“Your mother is good at juggling things.” Mrs. Baker smiled, her dark eyes were bright. “When we can, we watch Joey for her. She brings him to the office somedays when she wants to help Brand.”
“You moved in about the time Brand got here, didn’t you?” Jessie asked. “Right before Mom’s fortieth birthday.”
“Yes.” Mr. Baker dropped a hand over his wife’s shoulder. “It’s still hard to believe Miss Audrey is in her mid-forties, especially with Joey to keep her young.”
“Mom’s the best.” Jessie agreed. “She’s one of the strongest women I know, and I hope I age as well as she does.”
“You have many years before you have to worry about that. Besides, you might be surprised,” Mrs. Baker spoke up. A bright smile broke across the older woman’s face, and a light breeze tugged at her short, wispy, brown hair. “I think it’s wonderful that she could have a baby with her new husband. Why my mother and I had children of an age.” The woman turned, patting her husband’s hand, “We married young, you see. The children had a wonderful time growing up with their aunts and uncles. Little Joey will be the same.”
“Mom and Dad married young too.” Jessie turned, gazing at the ponies, a hint of sadness in her eyes. Shaking off the gray thoughts, Jessie smiled again. “The ponies look good.” She nodded around, still handing out treats, then pushed through the herd to a skinny little chestnut who eyed her warily. “He’s new.”
“Yes, poor little critter. He’s still not very trusting.” Mrs. Baker, unclipped her shedder, heading to a shaggy black mare.
Jessie squatted, extending her hand to the pony who planted his feet but refused to take a step closer. Instead, he stretched as far as his neck would allow, lips curling, to snatch the treat.
“Do you miss living here on the estate, full-time?” Mr. Baker asked, stepping toward another pony.
Jessie stood, handing out the last treats, and gazed around her. “It’s all changed,” she offered, no malice in her tone. “Even before Dad died, I knew I’d be moving out, and mom was trying to figure out how to run this place. “When Dad died, I was just a sophomore in high school. Mom was already converting the house into an elder-care facility. I could see how much it meant to her to feel like she was giving back. Mom made sure not to pressure me to stay here, so when I went to college, I fell in love with living on my own. Besides, I’m home every Sunday for dinner and have time to catch up with the whole family. We lived in the back apartment for a long while, but then I went to college and had my own place. So no, I don’t miss it, but I’m glad I can come back any time I want to. Besides, it is now what it should be. The whole place is filled with people again.”
“Where do you stay, dear?” Mrs. Baker asked, unfurling her shedding comb and running it along a pony's side. The jumpsuits that the Bakers wore would soon be covered with soft, downy hair.
Jessie turned, looking at the woman with serious eyes. “I bought a house near where I’m working. It’s older, one of those arts-and-craft types from the late twenties. A sweet two story box with all of the dormers, wrap around porch, and chunky woodwork. It’s one of the reasons I’m here.”
“Is something wrong?” Mr. Baker looked grave. “I'm still pretty handy with a hammer if you need repairs. Old houses have problems."
“I don’t know.” Jessie offered a smile as she shook her head, embarrassment tinting her cheeks. “There are strange sounds from the basement, but inspections can’t find anything. I’m going to talk to a few people here who might know about such things.”
“You have a wealth of knowledge accrued at The Estonia,” Mrs. Baker agreed. “So many different people who have lived life and learned from experience.”
“Is your mother expecting you?” Mr. Baker began brushing down a brown and white pinto who leaned into the brush.
“No, I thought I’d surprise her. Besides, it’s fun catching Mom unprepared. You know Mom, she’s always put together, dressed to the nines, and ready for anything, but now with the new baby, I can pop in and find her in jeans and an old shirt. Appearance and manners have always been important to my mom, but she knows the people must always come first.”
“Shame on you,” Mrs. Baker tittered. “I know she’ll be thrilled to see you, and you can play with your baby brother.”
“That I do miss. It is so fun having a little one to play with.”
“One day, it will be your turn.” Mrs. Baker patted Jessie’s arm, “When the time is right.”
“I think that time is a long way in the future,” Jessie laughed. “I just turned twenty this summer and haven’t had a date in months. I’m too busy. Besides, I don’t even know what I want to do yet.” She looked up gazing around the pasture. Although she had double-majored at college, dabbling in several different fields, Jessie didn't know what she wanted to do with the rest of her life. “Everything in its own time,” Mr. Baker agreed. “Now come on, Molly,” he turned to his wife, “we need to get these beasties groomed. They count on us.”
“Have a good day,” Jessie called, turning back to the fence and heading for her car. As she stepped out of the last gate, she waved, feeling a sense of peace. The smell of horses, hay, and home filled her nostrils and she sighed wearily, letting the familiarity of her surroundings wash away some of her worry. With all of the work in her little house and the strange noises echoing in the night, she was tired. Maybe she could sneak a nap on the old sofa in her mom's apartment before she had to go home.
The sprawling mansion, known as The Estonia Plantation, came into sight several minutes later. Jessie made the turn toward the house, a smile on her face. Tall white pillars came into view as she turned up the private drive watching as bright sunlight splashed across the brick facade, pooling on the walkway of the old plantation home. Jessie felt a sense of well-being fill her heart. Several older women waved at her as she drove past the fantastic rose gardens, now tended by a group of residents.
Her mom's vision for the old place had been inspired by love and an understanding that everyone needed a purpose. Jessie could no longer imagine The Estonia any other way. The beautiful rooms, the wide verandas, and the ballroom that was now a dining area were all elegant yet comfortable. It was precisely what the residents of the place needed, a respite from life’s labors. Estonia Acres was a place of rest for weary souls. A home for those who needed help but were unlikely to find it anywhere else.
It had been a devastating blow to all of the Whynes when her father had died of a heart attack nearly five years ago, but The Estonia was evidence that God could genuinely build beauty from ashes. Jessie knew how proud her father would be with all her mom had accomplished and that the family was keeping the business going while maintaining the ancestral home.
Jessie drove straight for the private garage, parked the car and gathered her things, then walked briskly to the private door of her mom’s apartment.
The apartment was quiet when Jessie walked through the door. She sighed when she realized her mom must be out. She could have called, but this visit wasn’t meant as a social one. She would be back for the traditional Whyne Sunday dinner later in the week.
Today, she had made an appointment with Sergeant Paul Higgins, a retired Atlanta police officer who was now a resident of the estate. She wanted to pick his brain about what was going on at her house. It was probably nothing, but if the men working on the home didn’t have a clue, perhaps Paul’s keen mind would give some insight. She was on a mission to pick the old detective’s brain.
As a matter of fact, it was probably best if her mom didn’t know she was having trouble at her new house. Audrey Whyne-Cox was not one to worry except when it came to her children. If she even caught a hint that something was wrong with one of them, she would swoop in like a mother hen whose feathers had been ruffled.
Jessie smiled, walking to the bathroom to wash her hands and remembering when her oldest brother, Charles, had been in a fender bender in Atlanta. Her mom had insisted on him going to the hospital by ambulance for a minor bump. When Charles moved out, Audrey had done all she could to see that he was comfortable and she had taken special pains to get to know Linda, the woman her oldest son eventually married.
Landon hadn’t escaped Audrey’s attention either. She had insisted on having his place in the city inspected before he bought it, accruing the expenses herself to feel that the building met all safety inspections.
Overall, Audrey tried to let her children spread their wings and find their own happiness, but she was always waiting behind the scene ready to offer help if needed.
Leaving the apartment, Jessie walked around the building, entering through the front door, her sandals making a soft clicking sound on the marble floor.
“Well, look what the cat dragged in,” a handsome man in his early forties stepped out of an office at the far end of the hall, walking toward Jessie with his arms wide.
“Hi, Brand,” Jessie let the man hug her, pulling back and noting his smart business suit. “You look like you’re working.”
“I am.” Jessie’s stepfather was a good man, and he made her mom happy, which thrilled her and her siblings. Perhaps the man had started working here with a shadow hanging over his head, but he had proven himself to be exactly what her mom had needed.
“Where’s mom?” Jessie tried to see inside the office, hoping her mom was busy.
“She’s at your brother's.” Brand’s face lit up. That familiar look of love when he mentioned his wife. “She took your baby brother to play with his nephew. She wanted them to have some time together before we leave tomorrow for our trip.”
“I had completely forgotten you two were leaving for Florida in the morning,” Jessie laughed.
Some people, including her mom, had been horrified to discover she was expecting a child with her second husband at the same time her oldest son’s wife was also pregnant. Audrey's second marriage had caught everyone by surprise, but the pregnancy had blown them all away. At forty, Audrey had believed her child-rearing days were done, but God’s plans had been different.
“So, what brings you here?” Brand’s smile faded as he studied the young woman. “Your mom didn’t mention you were coming by. "
“I just thought I’d drop by.” Jessie studied the tips of her boots, looking guilty.
“What’s wrong?” Brand’s pale eyes pinned her to the spot.
“Who says anything is wrong?” Jessie lifted her chin, flipping her hair over a shoulder.
“Then why do you look like you’re hiding something?” Brand crossed his arms over a broad chest. His hazel gaze was intense, and Jessie rolled her eyes. Brand had been an investment mogul in a previous existence and could read people well.
“You can’t tell mom.” Jessie met his eyes, a stubborn expression on her heart-shaped face.
“That depends,” Brand raised a dark blonde brow. “What’s the trouble?”
“It’s my house.” Jessie sagged. “I’m hearing strange noises there at night and no one can figure out why.”
“Could it be from the renovation work?”
“Not that we can tell.” Jessie shrugged and shook her head. “I’m sure it’s nothing. Just the foibles of an old house.”
Unfortunately, inspectors, contractors, and even engineers could not solve the mystery of the strange sounds that seemed to get stranger with time, but she was determined to find some answers.
“So why did you come to The Estonia?” Brand stood rooted to the spot, his hazel gaze intent as he stiffened his spine. The man was tall, over six feet, and knew how to make himself seem imposing. Though in his early forties now, he was slim, fit, and every inch a businessman. Jessie had understood the attraction between Brand and her mom almost immediately and it made her hopeful that in time she would find someone who could make her eyes sparkle with love.
“Jessie!” Before she could answer, a craggy voice echoed down the hall of the old plantation, bouncing off the marble floors.
“Oh.” Brand grinned as if he suddenly understood the answer to his question. He turned to see Paul Higgins walking toward them, his long legs and slightly stooped figure covering the space between them quickly.
“I guess you’re in good hands,” Brand smiled and patted her shoulder, then turned toward the elder gentleman. “Paul, I take it you have a date with my step-daughter?”
“I do,” the older man stopped, extending his hand to shake Brand’s. “It sounds like we have a few things to talk about.”
“You two have fun,” Brand grinned, offering a wink. “Don’t worry, Jess, I won’t tell your mom about this little problem... unless something changes.” He looked up, giving Paul a half nod. “I can see you’re going to be just fine.”
“Thanks, Brand.” Jessie smiled, taking Paul’s arm. “I’ll keep you posted if anything new comes up.” Brand offered a smile, turned and walked back to his office, and closed the door.
Jessie glanced at the grandfatherly figure next to her. “I guess you got my message.”
Paul nodded, offering a wink. “Ah, we don’t need him,” Paul’s voice was rough, but his eyes twinkled. “You and me, girlie, we’ll get to the bottom of your little problem before you can shake a stick.”
Jessie laughed, letting the man lead her toward the large room that had once been a ballroom but had since been turned into the dining room. “Looks like I’m just in time for lunch,” Jessie teased.
“What better time to talk shop?” Paul motioned to a chair and offered her a seat as others guests of the Elder Care Home waved and called to Jessie. The young woman returned the greetings while Paul took a seat across from her, pulling a notebook and pen from his pocket. “So tell me what’s going on.”
Jessie studied the older man across from her. She loved coming to The Estonia and meeting with the residents. It was like having dozens of grandparents, all looking out for her and offering advice. Of course, when the subject turned to dating or her love life, the advice and questions were not always welcome, but she appreciated the concern and knew that they only had her happiness at heart.
“It’s probably nothing,” Jessie offered as she watched a tea cart filled with lunch offerings and desserts come by, wheeled by a petite red-haired, elderly woman.
Jessie smiled, continuing her tale. “Almost every night, there are strange noises coming from my basement. The problem is when I go down to the cellar, there is nothing there. As soon as I flip on the lights, silence. I’m sure it’s nothing,” she brushed a lock of hair behind her ear, nervously.

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