After his long drive, Jack was happy to reach the plantation that his family had cared for and managed for decades. One of the oldest plantations in Boutte Louisiana was massive. A 300-acre plantation with a beautiful home built in 1896, currently his cousin Andrew Landry is the caretaker and tour guide. Pulling the van to the back service area, he exited the van and was met by his cousin Andrew and his wife Samantha.

  “Jack! My God, how long has it been?” Andrew said. After a round of hugs and small talk, he says, “So what’s in the van, more of your creepy dolls and such?”

  Jack smiled, “Yeah just some more creepy dolls and stuff, I am trying to build up my collection.” He said with a grin.

  “So you are still chasing after that clock I take it?” He said.

  Jack felt a twinge of anger, “You know I would rather not talk about that, please don't bring it up again.”

  "Ok, OK no problem, I was just curious. Come on Jack, we have lunch ready.” The trio walked into the house and Samantha showed Jack to his room.

  As they approached the room she turned to Jack, “I want to apologize for the serious lack of manners from Andrew, he should not have said what he did.”

  “That's ok Sam, Drew has always been outspoken. I will explain it to you one day, so you understand, but for now, I need to get changed and go to town to check on my storage units.”

  Jack showered and changed then met the others downstairs, had a light lunch then headed to town. The units were still secure, he opened it up and began to offload the boxes. As he was unloading he could hear the voices, mumbling sometimes scratching and tapping. He knew to ignore it, but he could not. He would start to ask them questions, some would answer some would growl, and others would make violent threats. He was concerned that someone would come by and hear them and call the police. He decided that they were better off back at the plantation out in the barn, so he loaded them back into the van and left. It was getting into early evening, and he went to get dinner at one of his favorite places Whiskey Pete's.

  The place had not changed at all since he was here three years ago. The solid cypress wood floors were covered in wood shavings and peanut shells, the smoke was still just as thick as the bayou fog hanging in the air, and the local band was still bringing people to the dance floor. Halfway through his burger, the phone in his pocket started ringing, startled, he jerked in his seat.

  This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

  No one had this number is what the priest had told him, it was for any emergencies that may have come up during his trip. Jack answers cautiously, “Hello!”

  “Jack, I am glad you are safe” came a familiar voice.

  “Father Murray, is that you, how did you get this number?”

  “I will explain later, right now I need to know that you have the boxes and are ok?”

  “Well yes I have them, but there are several missing.”

  “Missing, do you know where they are?”

  “No, I took all that was in the church. Why was I rushed out of there so fast, and why is everything so secret?”

  “Jack, I am truly sorry for all of this, but you need to trust me, what you are doing here is so very important.” He said.

  “Yes you have said that, but I think Clara and that driver are not who they seem to be, I think…”

  “Jack please” The Father interrupted. “I am aware, I must go now I will be in touch with you tomorrow.”

  “OK, Father.” The line goes silent, now not having any appetite Jack pays his tab and heads back to the plantation.

  Jack wakes up the next morning to Samantha knocking loudly on his door. “What is it, what’s wrong?” He asked.

  “There is a visitor downstairs who wishes to speak to you!”

  “Who is it did he say?” He asked.

  “It’s Father Murray, he said it is very important that you meet with him.”

  “Wait, What! How did he know I was here? I will get dressed and be right down.” Getting dressed Jack feels like the room is spinning, wondering how this guy keeps showing up in his life no matter where he is.

  Jack descends the stairway to see the man standing in the foyer with his back towards him, Andrew announces his presence, and the Father turns around. “Why are you here, and how did you know about this place?” Jack demanded loudly. He noticed Father Murray was in regular clothes, Jack started to ask but was too angry to care at the moment.

  “Jack, I believe it is time for yet another apology and to fill in some of the blanks, I cannot continue to string you along in this manner. We have two more people who will be here shortly, if I could impose on you Samantha, maybe some coffee and a light breakfast, for us all please.”

  “So you just show up and invite others, and demand breakfast? How do you know Sam? You better start giving real answers, or I swear to God I will Kick your fuckin…”

  Samantha intervened by walking in between the two men, “Jack calm down right now” Sam demanded “We have known the Father for many years.” Jack faltered back a couple of steps feeling like the only family he had left betrayed him, how could they have never mentioned his name in all this time?

  Sam prepared the food and was ready to be served just as a car pulled into the drive, Jack stood up to see two women exit the vehicle. As they entered the house Father Murray made the introductions, “Jack this is Persephone Williams aka Gray Raven, and her mentor Madame Gabriella Vostick, Ladies this is Jack Porter.”