Patricia_Lynn

This book is the second in my trilogy series. Please be honest when you post a reply. I can handle it either way.

Chapter Two

Tina shot straight up in bed, awoken from the forceful clash of thunder as it echoed loudly through her room. The rumbling vibration quaked through her entire body, causing her heart to thump wildly out of control.
The wind hauntingly crept through the cracks in the floor and the poignant vibration shook her bed sending an eerie feeling pulsating up her spine.
The blustery weather seemed to hauntingly seep through the cracks in the walls, an uncanny sound echoed like a phantom in the old stone manner, like that of a restless ghost.
Another loud clash of thunder had Tina cowardly leaping to her feet. The loud sound of booming thunder immediately brought Tina's gaze to the window, at that moment a bolt of lightening lit the midnight sky, followed by another round of thunder.
A loud pounding from down stairs nearly caused Tina to faint, it sounded as if someone were trying to break down the door.
Quickly, Tina descended the stairs only to be halted by her own fear, of what, or who might be on the other side?
The thought of it being Roselynn broke through Tina’s mind, not once had she heard from her in the year she'd been gone,
Had she some how managed to talk Robert into letting her out of the marriage? Or had he refused her plea and if so, had Roselynn tried to escape only to be caught by Robert? Had he beaten her?
Slowly she descended the stairs, calling out, "Wh...who is it?" Tina received no answer, but could have sworn she'd heard the cry of a small child.
Tina thought she was losing her mind, and quickly ran down the remaining stairs when she heard the child’s cry again.
In a shaken voice she ask, "wh...who's there"? When she received no reply, fear surged through her entire body, could it be her brother Timothy? Was he seriously hurt?
Rushing to the door, she threw back the three locks and swiftly opened the door. Looking down a flash of lightening lit the night sky and revealed a small bundle at her feet, wrapped in a blanket.
Just then an even brighter bolt of lightening lit the sky that’s when Tina noticed the blanket was covered in blood. The loud clash of thunder that followed caused Tina to leap, as terror rapidly raked her body.
Swiftly, she grabbed the bundle, turned and ran inside, slammed the door, bolting all three locks as fast as one hand would allow her. Her heart beat violently out of control. What in gods name was going on?
Tina stood with her back against the door trying to still the shuddering of her body. She was doing everything possible to hold her breath, while listening for noises, praying she wouldn’t hear one.
After a few minutes of waiting, she began to calm down, and get control over her senses. Looking down at the bundle that was crying, she carefully made her way over to the table and sat the small basket down.
Glancing about, her eyes found the chair in front of the window. Turning, she walked over to the chair, pulled it out and lightly pushed it across the floor, until it stood directly under one of the two torch holders.
Standing on the chair, she retrieved the torch that hung there, than carefully got down. Walking over to the two candles beside the table she lit them and returned the torch to its perch on the wall.
Tina knew the baby had to be drenched from the storm, and would need dry linen before she caught her death.
Tenderly smiling, she immediately thought of her mother, and how out of deep and unconditional love for her children had put together a hobby chest. Which were presented to her and Timothy upon their wedding day.
Tina remembered well, the day her uncle bunk had presented it to her; it had been such a shock to find out what was inside it. The memory filled her heart with anguish and joy at the same time.
Walking over to the armoire, she opened the door, bent over and lifted the hood of her hope chest. Her fingers lovingly traced over two hair combs decorated with rubies. They once belonged to her mother and her mother before her. All of them were very old and exceptionally beautiful.
A twine of pearls with matching earrings lay untouched. Never had she encountered an occasion in which such exquisite jewelry should be worn.
When Tina picked up the baby quilt, her eyes became pools of unshed tears. This was by far the one thing she treasured above all else.
For it was crafted with all the care and tenderness of her mother. Not only had she made one for Tina, but a matching one for her brother Timothy as well.
Grabbing the quilt, Tina was flooded with sentiment. The lavender coverlet was made up of several different designs. They’re where hobby horses, teddy bears, puppies and kitten.
When she opened the quilt, her eyes were drawn to the letters E.L.L. ‘Ever Lasting Love’. For the millionth time, she wished that she could have known her mother.
Tina sadly smiled; she was finally going to use something from the hope chest. How ironic she thought, this child didn’t even belong to her.
Gazing back into the hobby chest, Tina grabbed a hand knitted blanket as well. Closing the lid, she picked up the small basket beside the hope chest. Looking to her left, she grabbed a towel and washcloth off the shelf.
Standing, she walked back over to the child, and laid the towel out beside her, than placed the new basket on the other side. Unwrapping the quilt, she placed it across the bottom with the corners draped over the sides of the table.
Looking down at the blanket, Tina’s stomach began to painfully turn; the blanket draped over the basket was completely covered in blood.
Picking up the folds, she pulled on the blanket until it no longer touched any part of the basket. That’s when she noticed the white envelope.
Her heart felt as if it were wedged in her throat, as she stared down at the parchment at the child’s feet. There was no mistaking the signature; it was her brother’s.
Tina felt the salt sting her eyes, as her body began to frenziedly shake and her tears gathered like pools. Was this his youngest child, Desiree? If so, what could have happened to cause him to do such a horrifying thing? Was her brother laying somewhere died? Or was he still alive? Was he the one that dropped Desiree off at her doorstep?
Looking back at the letter, she refused to open it, in fear of what she’d find inside. Instead she picked it up and sat it beside the basket.
Carefully, she picked the child up and removed all of her clothing, and laid her down on the towel. There was one small cut on the child’s right shoulder.
Picking up the washcloth, Tina dipped it into the basin that sat on the table, and delicately wiped the dry blood from her shoulder, causing Desiree to cry.
The cut wasn’t life threatening, but would need special attention and would leave a scar. The child’s painful cry felt as if it were ripping Tina’s heart out.
Once she was satisfied that Desiree would be fine, she picked her up and placed her in the basket. For a few minutes Tina rocked her back and forth, marveling at her in compassion, then proceeded to cover her with the remainder of the quilt.
Again she glanced at the note and her heart flooded with remorse. She knew she had to read it, but she couldn’t bring herself to do so.
Turning her attention back to Desiree, Tina smiled at the beautiful little girl, and began to sway her back and forth, while softly talking to her, “Shh princesses, you’re safe here. I wont let anyone hurt you, I promise. Shh
A few minutes of persuasion, and rocking, she finally had Desiree under control, and drifting off to sleep.
Tina continued rocking Desiree, as her eyes wondered over to the letter. They’re where fingerprints tainted with blood on its surface, most likely her brothers.
A sudden hopelessness washed over her. Where was Timothy, his wife Leona, or their son Timothy the third?
Turning her attention back to Desiree, she was now fast asleep and her little smile seemed to glow. Never had she seen anything so precious.
Tina eased the rocking pace little by little, until the small basket had come to a complete stop. Carefully she let go, and walked over to the letter.
For a few minutes she just stood there staring at it. Finally gathering her courage, she picked up the letter, opened it, and began reading the contents.
“I don’t have time to explain Tina, but you must follow my instructions very carefully, Desiree’s life depends on it. Leona, and Timothy have been viciously taken from me this night and I am badly wounded. I cannot take care of her. I need time to heal then find out who is behind this sickening endeavor. Please, you mustn’t let anyone know of Desiree’s whereabouts. She must be kept a secret. Desiree may well be all that is left of my family. Once again I implore upon you Tina, protect her at all cost.
Tina’s hand quickly covered her mouth, trying to muffle the cry of anguish, as it escaped. Unable to hold her sorrow in any longer, she turned and ran towards the stairs.
She didn’t want to wake Desiree, but she couldn’t hold back the excruciating pain and sickness that now washed over her.
Rushing up the stairs, hastily she ran to her room, opened the door, walked to the center of the room, dropped to her knees, and began to weep.
Tina couldn’t believe Leona and Timothy were dead, and possibly her brother as well. Little Timothy was only three years of age. How could someone be so cruel as to take the life of an innocent child, it was inhumane.
Who could have done such a horrifying thing? And why? Would they come after Desiree? Or her? Tina’s thoughts drifted back to Desiree, as much as she dreaded going out without an escort, and in such horrid weather, she was left with little choice.

PaintedDiary

OOOhhhh Patricia....You have done it again. How do you write so beautifully? I was on the edge of my seat the entire read. This IS a novel in the making. The words you put together to PAINT a picture is phenomenal! I could feel the thunder, the crying, the pain, the horror, and etc. I looked at MY window to see if it was raining! LOL!! Said that, for you to get a feel of what others would feel WHEN YOU SHARE YOUR TALENT WITH THE WORLD!! You are in one word "AMAZING!"

Much Luv'...~*Painted*~

Patricia_Lynn

Not sure I am all that good, but I do think you for your kind words. They make me want to write even more and give me back the faith I almost lost. Now I just hope some publisher will see my work as you and the others do.

erikestabrook

Patricia I was sucked by this and now can confidently say your great at writing, and I'm being honest to the core of my being it was felt and was marvelous

Patricia_Lynn

Once I have the idea down, I go over it a few times, then try putting myself in that persons place. Talk about mood swings, I have em bad.