The Secrets of Parkerville Series: Book 2 - Golden Shackles

Golden Shackles

The Secrets of Parkerville Series

Book 2

Written by

Harriet Trevathan and Nancy C. Wilson

Copyright © 2010 by Harriet Trevathan and Nancy C. Wilson

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

TXu 1-822-126

A New Day Begins

No, stop! Please stop! Cassie Evans was dreaming, it was the middle of the night and her heart was racing. When she suddenly woke up and sat up in bed. She tried to look around her room, but her room was pitch black. The only sound in the room was her heart beating.

She felt for her reading lamp next to her bed, but it wasn’t there. She kept waving her hand to find the lamp, but it was gone. She finally took a deep breath and got out of bed. She knew her room and traced her steps walking toward the light switch on the wall next to her door, but after a few steps, she ran into a wall.

She screamed as loud as she could, but no one seemed to hear her.

"Cassie"! A strange voice echoed throughout her room.

"Who are you and where am I?" Cassie demanded.

You are a very special girl! I’ll be waiting for you and your friend. It’s time!

All of a sudden, shafts of light broke through her window, and she opened her eyes.

Oh, thank God, I’m in my bed. It was just a dream; but something is going on.

She looked around tentatively and saw her little reading lamp, right where it always was.

Wow, what a dream, I’ve got to tell Skye.

She hurried to get dressed and rushed downstairs to the kitchen.

Good morning, Cassie, did you sleep well? Marion Keaton asked, as she placed her breakfast on the table.

No, I had a nightmare. My dreams seem to be trying to tell me something . . . something really bad. I dreamt of a little man, at least I think it was a dream.

Okay, I think you need some tea, sweetie, and don’t eat sweets before you go to bed. On second thought, you do look a little tired, do you want to stay home today? Marion asked.

"No, I need to go. Somehow, my dream was connected to Skye, and I was afraid she wasn’t coming back, and then almost getting caught yesterday, heck, that was enough to give anyone a nightmare.

I’m sure that’s it, but for now, you need to eat some breakfast. Yesterday was a very nerve-wracking day, but it’s over and now we need to get back to normal.

Yes and I’m so glad Skye came home last night. I don’t know what I would do without her. Cassie lamented.

I’m glad Sara brought her home, too. Mac Brenner had no right to lie about Skye’s sister being sick, that’s a despicable thing to do, but if you had been caught, we would have taken it up with the Keepers. It wouldn’t have been a legal catch, under those circumstances. Mac is well aware of the rules here, even though he doesn’t live here. But don’t worry; he won’t be coming back. I don’t know how he got in to begin with.

"So, there can be circumstances. I thought a catch was a catch."

Well, of course there are. Mrs. Keaton smiled, raising her eyebrow. We don’t live in the dark ages.

Well, you could have fooled me. Having to wear this stupid shackle on my wrist is a violation to me, and they did shackle people in the dark ages. I guess there’s a lot I still don’t understand about this place.

You’re late, sleepy head, Geri Keaton said as she hurried through the kitchen, and I can’t wait for you this morning. You’re not going to make it to school in time, if you don’t hurry.

***

In the town square, in front of the fountain, Carol Jean Myers was pacing.

I’m sorry, Skye, but we have to get to school. We don’t want to get into any more trouble.

There she is, Skye Mackenna called out. Cassie, hurry, we’re going to be late.

Hearing Skye shout at her brought back memories of the dream she kept having. A shiver went through her as she yelled back, I’m running as fast as I can.

Whew . . . I’m out of breath, Cassie said, catching up to the girls at the fountain. "I’m so glad you called me last night or I wouldn’t have slept.

Wait a minute, you called Cassie and didn’t call me? Carol Jean asked, surprised. Wow, that really hurts.

Aunt Sara called your mom and told her everything, asking her to tell you. Didn’t she say anything to you? Skye asked.

No, of course not, I’m not that important; she knows you’re my best friend, so why would she? Carol Jean said, kicking a stone as they all walked to school.

"Oh, I’m sure she meant to . . . Cassie started.

Who are we kidding; my mom is in her own little world most of the time. I’m just glad you’re back, Skye, and that creep of a Mac is out of your life, Carol Jean fumed.

Me too, Cassie agreed.

"I know it’s going to take a long time for me to get over this. Mac Brennan is never coming back here. But it was so nice to see my sister and the girls, and most of all . . . Julie’s okay."

Then remembering something, Cassie stopped them. "Hey, you’re not going to believe this, but when Joshua and I walked to the fountain later on, the Baker sisters showed up. They were strolling into the courtyard in disguise. I guess that’s what they meant, when they said no one would recognize them. It was so funny. Bernadette had a scarf over her head and Rose had a big, oriental fan, covering her face. Good grief, everyone knew who they were, so Joshua and I took them to H’our Burgers and the sisters were hilarious. We have to get them out again. Maybe take them shopping. Can you imagine what that would be like?"

Yeah well, you two can go without me. Carol Jean said and hurried on.

Awe . . . I’m jealous. I can’t wait to go shopping with them, that would be a real trip, but come on, we need to hurry.

Cassie and Skye were walking together, as Carol Jean walked ahead of them.

Skye, Cassie whispered, we need to talk about last night.

I know, we just need to find someplace private, Skye whispered back.

They rushed up the school steps and took separate hallways to their lockers. The girls went to their homerooms, knowing full well they would be the ridicule of the whole school.

Cassie leaned against the wall, trying to get the courage to enter her homeroom, as Carston Forrester walked up behind her.

Don’t worry, I’ve been trained in the art of self-defense. I’ll be right beside you.

Cassie smiled and began to laugh, Thanks, Carston, you’re a really cool guy.

The two entered the room as some of the girls ran over to pat Cassie on the back, congratulating her for not getting caught. She thanked them and started toward her desk.

You’re a disgrace to this town and womanhood in general, Marabelle Fludge yelled out from the back of the room. You and your dimwitted friend should be run out of here on a rail.

Miss Sweet, the homeroom teacher, stood up and tried to stop Marabelle’s outburst.

Marabelle, please, that’s no way to speak to one of your classmates. I believe you owe Cassie an apology.

The room became quiet, as everyone stared back at Marabelle. She stood up and started toward Cassie.

Your friend broke my brother’s heart yesterday. He had every right to take her. She stopped abruptly, as a couple of boys stood in front of her. "Oh, don’t make me laugh, you’re going to try and stop me?"

The boys looked back at Cassie, shrugged their shoulders and sat back down.

"But no, Marabelle continued in a baby voice, the little idiot started crying and begging him to leave her alone. Oh, boo hoo! No one here feels sorry for either of you. You came to Parkerville, now you need to obey the rules!"

The sound of Marabelle’s voice seemed to echo throughout the silent classroom, and as the intercom came on, everyone flinched.

"Miss Sweet, please send Cassie Evans to the principal’s office."

Yes. Marabelle shouted. Now you’re gonna get what you deserve.

That will be quite enough, Miss Sweet said, in as much of an authoritative voice as she could muster. Cassie, you must gather your things and report to the principal’s office… I’m so sorry.

***

Skye and Carol Jean walked into Miss Jones’ homeroom and slid into their seats, hoping no one would notice. The snickers could be heard throughout the room, but only from the girls. The boys were perfectly happy with their exciting afternoon, chasing after Skye, Cassie, and Carol Jean. They gave them all a good run.

Hey Skye let me know anytime you want to take off running again, a boy’s voice came from the back of the class.

That will be all, Miss Jones reprimanded. Just as she was about to take roll, the intercom came on. She was also directed to send Skye to the principal’s office.

Soft chiding and whispering could be heard throughout the classroom. Miss Jones gave Skye a sad smile as she gathered her books and purse, and quietly left.

Carol Jean could not believe her luck. After all, she had been running with them, too.

Oh well, I guess nobody even noticed. She said under her breath.

***

The girls sat next to one another, waiting for the principal to come out of his office. He seemed to be arguing with someone on the phone, which gave the girls a little time to talk about the night before.

So, who was that little man standing in our doorway last night? Skye asked.

Oh, thank you! I thought I dreamed up that little man. Cassie sighed.

I don’t know, but since we both saw him at the same time, I don’t think he was a ghost. I told my aunt about him this morning at breakfast and she said it sounded strange, and we'd have to talk more about it when I get home from school today. Did he say anything to you?

No, I don’t remember him saying anything, how about you?

Nope, not a word, Skye answered. Except…wait a minute he said one word, much.

That’s right, he said the same thing to me. I wonder what he meant by it? Cassie pondered.

Nothing surprises me anymore in this town, but I wonder if Marion and your Aunt Sara really know what we both saw last night.

I don’t know, she didn’t make a fuss about it, but I have a feeling she’ll say more today when I get home. She probably wanted to think about it some more.

The phone rang on one of the secretary’s desk, and as she hung up, she told the girls to go on in.

The girls took seats in front of the principal’s desk. He had his back to them, as he spoke quietly on the phone. After a few minutes, he spun around and hung up.

"Well, well, well, what an exciting day we had yesterday. We haven’t had anything happen like that in a very long time, or should I say . . . Never!"

Mr. Scott got up and walked around the room, trying to get his thoughts together.

"The funny thing is . . . I’m not supposed to do anything about this. I’m supposed to smile and say, ‘Now, now girls, you should know better than to leave the school before the alarm goes off. You’re new here and we’ll just make an exception. You didn’t know any better.’ But that just doesn’t cut it with me. I don’t care who you are and how important you are to this town. There are rules and you both better follow them from now on." Mr. Scott walked back to his chair and dismissed the girls.

The bell was going off for first period, as the girls walked together to class. Not many of their friends said much about the incident. It seemed odd, like they weren’t allowed to talk about it.

***

Hey Aunt Sara, I’m home. Skye yelled as she came in the back door.

Well, I certainly heard that. Sara said coming from the hallway.

So, did you think about the little man today? Skye asked putting her books down on the kitchen table.

"Yes, I certainly did and since you and Cassie both saw him, I gave Marion a call. I’ll tell you sweetie, neither one of us have a clue who he is or where he came from. Maybe you’ll see him again, maybe you won’t, however; we both think he came for a reason. I wouldn’t worry about it; he obviously wasn’t here to hurt either of you or to cause any trouble.

"Yeah, I think you’re right. He certainly wasn’t scary.

Skye headed for the stairs and said she was going to change.

Oh, by the way Aunt Sara, I have something I want to ask you and its kind of important so don’t go anywhere okay?

Oh heck, I was thinking of taking a trip to the moon and back, but, I guess I’ll just wait here for you. Sara laughed.

Aunt Sara you are truly a trip. Okay, I’ll ask you now. Could I have a slumber party and invite all of my friends. Well, at least the ones I’ve met so far?

Ah, well, we’ll talk about it when you come back down sweetie, okay?

Okay. Skye smiled and ran back up to her room.

***

Planning a Party

It was a new day and Skye was ready for school early. Her aunt had just given her the okay for a slumber party and it was going to be a blast!

This is going to be like so much fun Aunt Sara, but I’m afraid all the cheerleaders will want to come. Well, maybe not all of them. Gees, who should I invite? Cassie, of course, and Carol Jean, but what about Luanne? Do you think she’d like to come? Skye took out her tablet and pen, and started writing names down.

Well, I’m not sure about Luanne. She’s kind of a rebel, but you never know what she’ll say or do. You might as well ask her, honey, she might be hurt if you don’t.

Okay, now, what should we have, this is my first party and I want it to be so much fun, with ice cream, pizza, hot dogs, cookies, and punch?

Yep, that sounds just about right. I’m afraid you’ll all be sick before the party even gets started, Sara laughed.

Oh, well, I was just thinking of getting things everyone would like, but I’ll leave that all up to you. I’m sure you know just what to get.

Me? Why on earth would I know what girls like to eat at a slumber party?

Well, you’ve been to them, right? I mean, back in your day.

Believe it or not, we did have slumber parties back in the old days, when I was a teenager. I’ll see what I can come up with, but it’s a week away. I wouldn’t worry too much about it. We’ve got plenty of time.

Carol Jean came by to pick up Skye. She knocked at the back door and proceeded into the kitchen.

Got time for a cup of coffee, Carol Jean? Skye innocently asked. Oh, and guess what?

Coffee? I’ve never had a cup of coffee . . . cocoa maybe. Do you really drink coffee, Skye? Oh, and what’s up?

Yep, I really drink coffee, but you know, I think I’ll switch to decaf. Our health teacher said caffeine could stunt your growth. Anyway, Aunt Sara is going to let me have a slumber party, isn’t that great?

Yeah, great, Carol Jean said, with no enthusiasm."

So, what’s with you, don’t you want to come? Skye got up from the table and gathered her books and tablet.

Sara was getting up from the table also and said she’d put a jar of decaf coffee on her list.

Thanks, I really appreciate it. Skye gave her aunt a quick kiss, as she picked up her books and headed out the door with Carol Jean.

The girls started up the sidewalk, with Skye chattering away about the slumber party and who to ask. She looked over at the Kane house as they passed by. No Todd leaning against the porch again today. She kind of missed that, but she figured she’d see him later.

Why are you asking me about a slumber party? I’ve never been invited to one.

Skye stopped and turned toward her friend.

"Well, you’re going to my slumber party and we’re going to have a lot of fun. So don’t even try to get out of it."

The girls met up with Cassie at the fountain and started chatting away, as they walked to school.

My aunt said I could have a slumber party on Saturday night and . . ."

Oh, that’s so cool, Cassie broke in. A slumber party! So, who are you going to invite, besides me that is?

Hey, you’re first on the list. I couldn’t pull this off without you.

Okay, we have to get this organized at lunch. We should all make a list of who we want to come and we’ll go from there, Cassie took over. We have lots of time to get this all together. That means you, too, Carol Jean.

Okay, I can already think of a couple of friends I’d like to invite. This just might be fun after all.

***

The Secret Room

The rest of the week went by quickly, as the girls began preparing for their party. Cassie had mixed feelings about going, since she heard the Royals were coming. She didn’t like sharing her best friend with all the other girls from school. She was sitting on the love seat in the living room, when Geri came running in.

There you are! I was looking everywhere for you, Geri said, sitting down next to Cassie. Aren’t you excited? I would be . . . if I were invited.

I guess I should be, but I don’t really want to be around all those girls. You know . . . the snobby ones.

I understand. Those Royals think they’re God’s gift, but you shouldn’t worry. You’re much nicer and prettier than they are.

"You’re really sweet, Geri, but I dread having to make small talk with them. I don’t know why Mrs. Davis invited everyone."

It’s a small town and we can’t exclude people. The Keepers wouldn’t like it.

"Oh, yeah, the Keepers; they should just keep out of our business?"

Geri giggled, Shhh, Cassie, you can’t talk like that. They’re here to help us. You know that?

Yeah, that’s what I hear, but I still don’t like them watching us all the time.

What do you mean by that? No one’s watching us . . . are they? Geri looked little worried.

Cassie realized Geri wasn’t aware of the cameras she was beginning to see all around town, so she changed the subject.

I just mean some people have nothing else to do but stand at their windows and watch people walk by . . . that sort of thing. By the way, do you want to help me pack for the party? I’ve never been to a slumber party.

You’ve never been to a slumber party? That’s hard to believe.

"Well, believe it. I didn’t have a lot of girlfriends. Most of my friends were boys, so slumber parties would have been frowned upon.

Geri laughed. I see your point, but you’re going to one now and I know exactly what you need. I’ve been to lots of slumber parties. First, we need to get you an overnight bag.

The girls walked up the stairs and Geri started down the hallway to the master bedroom.

Where are you going, that’s your mom and dad’s room?

It’s okay, there’s a big closet in there with lots of suitcases and overnight bags. Mom won’t care if we get one. Come on.

The girls walked through the master bedroom to a closet in the back of the room. There were rows of clothes hanging on both sides, with shelves for shoes, purses, hats, and other accessories.

This closet is huge, Cassie said, as they entered, and I thought my mom had too many shoes and hats. Where are the overnight bags? I don’t see any.

Oh, they’re in a special little room in the back.

Geri moved some coats out of the way, which revealed another door. She reached into one of the coat’s pocket and pulled out a key, opening the door.

Geri, are you sure we can be in here? It looks like a secret room.

Secret room, why would my mom have a secret room; its just another closet, silly.

Cassie had to bow her head to get through the door, as Geri turned on the light. There were suitcases and bags to the right, and a little desk, with a thin white and silver box on top to the left. Geri started looking for the bag, as Cassie walked over to the desk. When she was closer to the box, she saw a little red light flickering on the top. The lid was opened a little, so she lifted it up. To her surprise, it was hinged. There were keys on the inside, like a typewriter, but flat, with a big screen on the inside of the lid. The screen lit up and she could see a woman sitting in a chair. The woman turned her head and came running toward the screen, as Cassie quickly closed the lid. She looked over at Geri, who hadn’t noticed. She was shaken, and when she finally caught her breath, she started looking at some of the papers and pictures on the desk. She thought she heard a voice come from the strange box, but she tried to ignore it.

She saw a picture frame on the desk and picked it up. The photo was of three young children.

Geri, who are these kids in the photo? The girl in the middle looks a lot like your mom.

Geri continued to search for the right bag, as she said over her shoulder, Oh, you’re right, that’s mom in the middle with her sister, Gina and Joey, her brother.

Do they live in Parkerville?

No, they live in the city. I’ve never met them, but mom does hear from Uncle Joey sometimes.

Cassie started to put the frame back where she found it, but when she put the frame down, she thought she saw movement in the photo. As she looked closer, she noticed the clothing were different.

Geri, come over here. This photo just changed.

Oh, silly, when you tap the top of the frame, the photos change.

Wow, that’s unbelievable, Cassie, said, as she hit the top of the frame. Oh, and they’re getting older in the photos.

Cassie kept watching the photos change, when she noticed Gina’s photos stayed the same.

Gina’s photos are staying the same now? Did I break it? Cassie asked a little worried.

No, you didn’t break it. For some reason Gina isn’t getting older, but my Mom and Uncle Joey’s photos kept changing, up until they were around 25 years old. Don’t you think its fun to see what they looked like years ago?

"Yeah, this is amazing!" Cassie said, and then thought, but she’s not getting older? Gosh, I hope she’s not dead, but why wouldn’t she just disappear from the photo?

Cassie shook her head and picked up a folder containing some old, yellowed newspaper articles. She was intrigued and started looking through them.

Whatcha looking at? Geri said over Cassie’s shoulder, as she dropped an overnight bag at her feet.

Cassie nearly jumped out of her skin, dropping the folder on the floor.

Oh, Geri, I was just trying to straighten up your mom’s desk a little, but now I’ve made a big mess. I need to get those papers back in this folder. Gosh, I’m so clumsy.

"That’s okay, let me help. And you’re not as clumsy as I