Freeing Lost Souls (The Family Tree Series Book 1) Read online

  “Had this happened before last night?” she inquires.

  “No, that was the first time, that we know of,” Bruce explains as I take a sip of my coffee.

  “Interesting,” she says.

  “What do you think all this means? I’ve been around ghosts in some of the places I’ve worked, but none has ever really bugged me. Some, I think, were bored and needed someone to play with, so they would move my tools while I was working, but their antics never really bothered me.”

  “I think you and Bruce are definitely being contacted by Edward Wilks. He may still be looking for Elizabeth,” she stated.

  “How do we help him? It would be nice to be able to do the job I was hired to do at some point.” I smile at Daniel.

  “Don’t worry about the job, Sarah. Let’s get this figured out first. This is usually a lazy town, except for tourist season. This is something that you can tell your kids about. I mean really, how many people are contacted by a ghost, let alone their own ancestor in need of help. Work can wait.” He chuckles.

  “I’m lucky you are so understanding.” He gives me a smile. “Teresa, did you bring the journal by any chance?” I question.

  “I did, actually.” She digs in her bag and pulls out a small brown leather journal and hands it to me. I wipe my hands before taking it from her. It is over one hundred fifty years old. I open the book and a sheet of old paper slips out.

  “What’s this?” I inquire as I pick up the paper. It is old and fragile, yellowing in spots, with something red spattered in others. “Is that blood?”

  “What does it say?” Bruce inquires. I read it aloud for the table to hear. While he leans next to me.

  Wheatfield, Gettysburg

  July 2, 1863

  Dearest Elizabeth,

  I fear that this may be my last letter to you. We are in a wheat field and the constant battle is not going well. Most of the men in our regiment have been killed or seriously wounded. I am not sure how I have avoided both thus far. I want you to know that my final thoughts will be only of you. You have my soul, my love.

  Edward

  “That was not in there when I had the journal. I guess in a way Edward has been waiting for you to come here and help him,” she explains.

  “It’s so strange. If they are both dead, why can’t he find her on his own?” I question.

  “Ghosts, they are all different, unfinished business and all. He may think that she is still here, so he’s waiting for her. I think we need to try to figure out what happened to her.”

  “Mr. Banks, this may—” I start.

  “Please, call me Daniel,” he reminds me.

  “Sorry. Daniel, this may push some of my drawings back a bit from my deadline. Will the Historical Society be all right with that?”

  “Like I said, work can wait. You will get the work done. Everyone is pleased with the work they have from you already, so they won’t mind.”

  “Thanks. So what do we do next? Hey, are you two not going to eat?” I put my napkin on the table next to my plate. Bruce and I have finished eating by now, when I notice that neither Daniel nor Teresa has eaten or had anything to drink.

  “We had already eaten,” Daniel explains.

  “Well, since Edward wants your help, I think you need to take the journal and see if you can get anything different from it than I did. And I think you need to go back to the Wheatfield together and spend some time there. Draw it or him, whatever comes up. Maybe Edward will have an idea where she may have gone after she disappeared,” Teresa explains.

  “That sounds like a plan,” Bruce agrees.

  “Let’s meet again in a few days, unless any of us learns something new.” Bruce and I pull our wallets out to pay when Bruce stops me. “I got this.”

  “Thank you.” I smile as Bruce and I slide out of the booth, then stand outside with Daniel and Teresa while we wait for Bruce to pay. “It’s another beautiful day,” I announce when Bruce joins us.

  “Yes, it is. We’ll talk soon,” Daniel says as he and Teresa walk away toward town. Bruce opens my door before hopping in on his side.

  “So, what do we do now?” I ask.

  “The tourists will still be out, and some of the reenactments are still going on around town, but all of the activities involving the Wheatfield are done. So, it’s up to you. We could go home and read the journal, or we could swing by, collect your art supplies, and spend several hours at the Wheatfield. I know we planned to go on Monday, but it may be nice to go today and see if anything happens. And I’ll be there to keep people away. What do you think?”

  “I think I would like that. We can pack a picnic and make a day of it.”

  * * *

  When we get to the Wheatfield, Bruce lays a blanket down for our picnic while I set up my art supplies. Not nearly as many people are in this area as there were yesterday, but we can still hear and see them. We’ll make the best of it.

  It’s hot and a bit on the muggy side today, but at least the sun is shining. Bruce doesn’t really act like a country boy. However, he seems to have the outfits down. Today he’s sporting a cowboy hat and decided I needed one as well since it’s so bright out. I kind of like the hat and may not give it back to him. I smile to myself.

  “What are you smiling at?”

  “I think it’s funny that I’m wearing a cowboy hat. This is so not me.”

  “You look good in it. The sun is hot, and so are you.” He winks at me.

  “That was corny.”

  “Yeah, it was, wasn’t it?” He’s sitting on the blanket, under a tree, so I join him. “Why don’t you get the journal out? We can read it before you start your work and see if we get any clues.” I dig the journal out of my art bag and settle down between his legs, leaning my head against his chest.

  I open the journal, flip to the first entry, and begin to read out loud.

  This journal is being written by Elizabeth Marie Finny.

  May 11, 1863

  Today Edward was notified that he must join the Union army. They are taking all unwed men first. Neither Edward nor I is happy about this, but there doesn’t seem to be anything we can do about it.

  May 16, 1863

  Edward and I met at our secret spot today. He has proposed marriage to me. He has given me a ring made of gold with a circle of sapphires wrapped around a diamond. It is beautiful. I love him so much.

  May 31, 1863

  Edward and I have spent the past few days sneaking off to our secret spot, trying to spend as much time together as we can before he must go. I cry myself to sleep most nights.

  June 19, 1863

  Today Edward and I met for the last time before he goes to join the Union army. It was a tear-filled encounter. I love him so much, and I am not sure I could live without him if something happens. He has promised to come back to me no matter what. I just hope he can hold true to his promise.

  June 24, 1863

  I received a letter from Edward today. It is the first one I have had since he left me three days ago. He says in his letter that his regiment was sent to Winchester, Virginia, working their way back toward home. Word around town is that the war will come straight through Gettysburg.

  June 25, 1863

  I cannot sleep not knowing where Edward may be. My heart is breaking from not being able to talk to him. It has only been a few days since his last letter. The tears come and go. I feel so many different emotions. Emily tries to help but even she cannot stop my crying.

  June 27, 1863

  I visited our secret spot today in hopes of feeling closer to Edward. Nothing is helping my heartache.

  June 30, 1863

  Edward managed to get a note to me, telling me that he was back in Gettysburg and hoped that this war would end soon so he could come home to me. He explains that he is very tired and wishes to see me. He said that if anything happens that we meet in our secret spot. He also said that no matter what happens, he loves me with all of his heart.

  July 1, 1863


  I have been asked to help at one of the hospital tents that have been set up around town. The war has hit Gettysburg hard, with no signs of ending. Since my note yesterday, I have not heard from or seen Edward. I miss him dearly. I hope my work will keep my mind from wanting to cry anymore.

  July 4, 1863 (Emily Finny)

  I found my sister’s journal when I was looking for her in her room. A note from a friend told my father that Edward Wilks was dead and that Elizabeth was with him at the time. By the time the fighting slowed down for the night, no one had seen or heard from her. My parents and I have been looking everywhere for her with no luck. I hope you come home soon, dear sister. I miss you, and I am so sorry for you. I love you.

  That was the last entry in the journal; nothing else was added anywhere in the book. By the time I finish reading I realize I have tears running down my cheeks. “Wow, it all happened so fast,” I comment as I wipe the tears from my eyes. “What do you think he meant by ‘secret spot’?”

  “I’m not sure,” Bruce answers as he rubs my shoulders.

  Chapter 17

  After lunch, I decide to draw and see what I come up with. Bruce is sitting on the blanket, propped against the tree, out of my line of sight. I go through my usual routine and begin. He’ll keep any visitors away so I can work from start to finish this time. I’m not sure what I am hoping for; I just want an answer we can work with.

  It takes me a few hours before I come back into focus from drawing. I look over at Bruce, who has his hat over his eyes. He is lying on his back, sleeping. Good thing no one interrupted me while he slept. I roll my eyes and smile.

  I take a look at what I’ve drawn. It’s a scenic picture this time, but not a drawing that looks anything like the Wheatfield. “Bruce!” I call. He needs to see this. Maybe he will know what we are looking at. He jumps when I call him, gets to his feet, and jogs over to me.

  “Are you done already?”

  “Already?” I look at my watch. “I’ve been at it for three hours. Do you have any idea what I have drawn?”

  I stand next to him to get a better look at my drawing. In the picture is a forest of trees, a small cabin hidden among them. There is smoke coming out of the chimney. The drawing is on the darker side since the trees seem to be hiding the cabin. “Do you know where this is?”

  “I have no idea, but it does look familiar. It’s beautiful.” We stand looking at the drawing a bit longer when we hear my phone. I retrieve it from my art bag and check the caller ID. Daniel Banks. “It’s Daniel.” I answer the phone, “Hello.”

  “Hi, Sarah. It’s Daniel. I wondered how you and Bruce are doing. Anything new?”

  “We came out to the Wheatfield. We are here now.”

  “Oh, did you finish the soldier?”

  “Actually, it wasn’t the soldier this time.”

  “Interesting, so just the Wheatfield then?”

  “No, actually it’s of a cabin in a forest. It’s a place I’ve never seen.”

  “Wait a minute!” Bruce says excitedly. “I do know this place.”

  “Daniel, I’m going to put you on speaker phone,” I announce as I click the speaker phone symbol.

  “This land has been in my family for years. It’s actually mine now. There was a rumor that there is a cabin up in the forest, but no one has ever seen it. I guess the road washed out a long time ago, and no one bothered to fix it. The only reason I remember it is because I have a photo that is pre-war of the location soon after it was built,” Bruce explains.

  “I wonder if this was Edward and Elizabeth’s secret spot?”

  “What secret spot?” Daniel questions.

  “Bruce and I read the journal, and Edward told Elizabeth if anything should happen, she was to meet him at their secret spot. It was only mentioned a few times, and Elizabeth never made clear where it was. Bruce, is this place close by?”

  “It’s not too far, but it will be a bitch to get up there. We can plan to hike up tomorrow if you want. Daniel, if you would like to join us, that would be fine. I’ll get Benny to bring some of his equipment in case we need to clear any trees that have fallen over time. We should maybe pack things for an overnight, just in case.”

  “Let’s gather whoever is going and meet at the Historical Society later this afternoon. We’ll pull out some of the older maps. They may come in handy. I’ll get those before you get there, and I’ll bring Teresa up to date on what’s happening. Sarah, would you mind bringing the drawing? And, Bruce, if you can find the photograph, bring that, too. Maybe we will get some answers once we get up to the cabin.”

  “Sounds good. We’ll see you around six,” Bruce suggests.

  “See you then.” The line goes dead.

  Bruce comes over, snakes his arms around my waist, and kisses my forehead. “Maybe we’ll get some closure for Edward after all,” he says.

  “That would be nice, then we can all move on.” He kisses me one last time before he walks over to pick up our picnic things, while I pack up my art supplies.

  As we drive back to our lofts, Bruce calls Benny to tell him what’s going on and that we need his help. He’ll bring some supplies and meet us at the Historical Society office. Once home, Bruce helps me tote my art supplies back inside, but we keep the drawing close to the door so we don’t forget it. I’ve asked Sally to keep Buc for me so I don’t have to worry about him tonight.

  * * *

  When we meet up with everyone, the room is crowded. Teresa, Daniel, Benny, Bruce, and I are squeezed into a small room. They have a few easels set up. Only one has nothing on it, so I set my newest drawing on it. Teresa walks over to look at it.

  “How are you holding up?” she inquires.

  “I’m fine, I guess. It’s so much to take in. I came here to do one job, and now it’s turned into something else. I’m still trying to work it all out in my head. Plus, everything with Bruce. I just didn’t expect all of this, that’s all.”

  We look at the drawing together. “I hope this will be the end of this part of it. If we can help Edward find his love, then they can move on as well.”

  “That’s my hope, too.”

  We take our seats as the meeting begins.

  Bruce starts, “Okay, here is the picture I was telling you all about. This cabin has been in my family for about two hundred years. The road washed out some time after the Civil War came through, so no one I know of has been up in that area since. It would have been a hassle to get up there. Benny, do you think you can load up your truck to take equipment up the hill? My guess is that the path will be rugged.”

  “Yeah, I can get stuff together. Do you think we will be able to get this all done by ourselves? I can see if I can round up a couple more guys to come,” Benny offers.

  “Maybe ask a few of them to be on standby if we need them. I’d rather not have a bunch of people up there, if they don’t need to be. I don’t want to be responsible if something happens.”

  “Sure, I’ll take care of that,” Benny confirms as he walks out the door to make his calls.

  “Daniel, did you find old maps of the area?” Bruce questions.

  “I did. We had quite a few different ones. I’ve made copies that we can take with us. We can compare them to current maps and decide our best route. The drawing you did, Sarah, looks a lot like the photograph. It’s surprising,” Daniel says.

  “Thank you. Although I don’t think it was all me this time. I think Edward wants us to go up to this cabin to find something, maybe a clue as to what happened to Elizabeth. Teresa, will you be joining us on our journey?”

  “I wouldn’t miss it. Usually, when I help the ghosts it’s not as adventurous as this. Besides, I feel as if I have been all over the place here, so it will be fun to see something new for a change.”

  “I think we should make sure to pack spare clothes for at least two to three days. And small tents. We’ll take the trucks as far as we can, but God knows how far we will get. That being said, bring hiking boots as well. I don�
�t think any of that area saw any fighting during the war,” Bruce suggests.

  “What time should we start?” I inquire.

  “Let’s meet here at six. The sun will just be coming up, and we’ll beat some of the heat. Make sure to pack plenty of water. Who wants to be in charge of food? Remember we need to pack only what we will be able to carry.” Bruce is good at taking charge of a situation.

  “I can do that.” I offer. “Does anyone have any food allergies?” Everyone shakes their heads.

  “Thank you, Sarah. Now I think we should look over the maps and plan the route we’ll take. Then I suggest we all have an early night. Tomorrow will be a long day.” The guys gather the maps and choose a course. Teresa sits next to me, and we watch the guys.

  “Makes me wonder if this is what it looked like before each course of action on the battlefields,” I say.

  “It looked just like this. We’ve some photos of the generals from both sides that look a lot like this. The funny thing is they were most likely looking at some of the same maps.”

  “It will be fascinating to see an area that hasn’t been touched for over one hundred fifty years.”

  “My guess is it will be pretty overgrown. I hope the cabin is still standing. It didn’t look as if there were any other buildings in the space. As long as something remains, maybe we will get some answers.”

  We continue to watch the guys as they pour over the maps, until they have decided on our course. They gather the maps they have drawn from, along with the newer maps of the area. Bruce rolls them up and walks over to me.

  “Ready for some dinner?” he inquires.

  “Yes. Well, Teresa, I guess I’ll see you in the morning,” I announce as I stand up.

  “You two have a good dinner, and I’ll see you then. Take care,” she says.