Blood on the Rose

BLOOD ON THE ROSE

Sequel to Save the Roses

JOANN FLANERY

Copyright2016 JoAnn Flanery

Smashwords Edition

All rights reserved

INTRODUCTION

Hello again. The story of Sydney Henselton and her family continues in this book #6 of the Rose Series. Just in case some of you have not read the first five books here is a summary of the characters and what has been going on:

Sydney is a beautiful tall, dark haired woman, with unusual pale green eyes. The accomplished Elder Law and Special Needs attorney lived in Atlanta, Georgia with her father and mother. Three months after her mother died in a tragic car accident, her father, a prominent Atlanta lawyer, also died of a stroke. His last words to her, 'look beyond the rose' haunted her–what did they mean–why were they important? Part of her inheritance was her mother's family home in Michigan on the Lake Huron shore. A final letter from her father told her to go there and find the answers she was seeking. A year later she decided she needed a change … a new life, and she put her law practice on hold and moved to Michigan with her dogs.

She and her housekeeper and dearest friend, Gretchen Blanchard, who had been a friend of her family long before her birth, were determined to stay together. Unfortunately, her sister needed heart surgery, and she had to go to Ohio but joined Sydney sometime later.

The old Victorian house was huge but needed a lot of love, and Sydney hired her neighbor's son, Daniel McGregor, a building contractor, to do the repairs. He was a fun loving, kind, and gentle man–tall, blond, and handsome. They fell in love very quickly and Daniel's family, Eli and Edith McGregor and their four other sons, soon became her family, and she was finally happy and content.

For some reason, Sydney seemed to resemble a woman named Rose and was determined to find out who she was. The only Rose anyone had heard of was her mother's sister, who she assumed had died many years ago shortly after Sydney was born. Then by a very strange coincidence she discovered that the woman she thought was her mother was not, Rose was. That set off a series of strange events. Simon Edgeworth, Sydney's father's law partner, came to visit from Atlanta and soon became a part of the family too. He told Rose he had loved her forever and sometime later he and Rose were married.

In the meantime, Daniel proposed, and they had a beautiful wedding and then fabulous honeymoon in Scotland, where she became pregnant. Nine months later her first child was born, a son named Ryan.

A few months later Daniel had a bad accident and fell off the roof he was fixing. Once he was better and they could be together again, Sydney became pregnant. Almost nine months later gave birth to two beautiful twin girls named Abigail and Emily. About a year and a half later, Sydney found out baby number four was on its way. Her little boy, Charles, was born prematurely, and they faced many challenges. Then came another set of twins, Mathew and Richard in a little over a year. Another child was added after a tragic plane accident killed her parents. They became a very busy household.

A lot of living took place between and after the children's births: a devastating fire and an old girlfriend of Daniel's returned with near tragic results. Dr. Andrew Winters, the family's wonderful doctor and friend and Edith McGregor found out they were brother and sister. Gretchen and Dr. Winters fell in love and got married. Then Sydney became an accomplished author and Daniel a singer. In the book, Yesterday's Rose, Sydney had to face the unthinkable when Daniel betrayed her. She filed for divorce and the whole family moved to New York City. In book 5 Save the Roses she married her publisher, Phillip Henselton, and they had a baby girl named Anna. The series continues as a terrifying revenge from the past invades the present, and the whole family is thrown into a web of mystery and unspeakable terror. You don't want to miss a word.

Just a quick note, all the characters in this book are pure fiction dreamed up by me. The cities that are mentioned that the characters are connected with are also fictional. Granted there are real cities listed but for directional purposes only. So if I made up someone who has the same name I am sorry.

CHAPTER 1: GOODBYE GAMMY

When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure...

Author unknown

On September sixth we were all eating dinner and suddenly my phone rang. Sydney, it's Eli can I speak to Andrew?

What is it, Dad, you sound awful?

Put me on speaker and get Andrew. I ... I can't say this twice.

Andrew went over to the phone, Eli, are you all right?

NO! then he started sobbing, and we were all very upset. Your sister, my ... my wonderful Edith had a stroke this morning–oh God, oh God, she died two hours ago. He was sobbing hysterically. We all jumped up, and I screamed.

Oh, Dad, NO, NO, NO! Phillip grabbed me and sat me back down.

Poor Andrew just stared at the phone and cried. He finally asked, Are the boys with you? Eli said yes, the whole family was there now. Oh, I am so sorry. Have you gotten any plans made yet for the ... funeral?

There was complete silence on the line, Yes, on Friday, Andrew, I can't handle this I just can't please help me! My daughter I need you too. Oh God, please help me, Sydney, help me!

Dad, it's me, we will leave as soon as we can hold on. I was so upset I just couldn't think of anything else to say. We all finally said goodbye.

All we did was stare at each other, Oh how awful, poor Eli and the boys. cried Mom. The kids came in right then and ran over to me.

Mom, what happened you look so sick? asked Ryan. I hugged him tightly.

Babies, we got some very sad news, your Gammy Edith had to go to heaven today. They stood there then screamed. All were crying so hard.

No, Mommy, Gammy Edith did not go to heaven–you are telling a fib, said Lucy. Not fair, not fair, how come everyone I love has to go to heaven? She lay down on the floor and screamed, God is not nice; He took my mommy, daddy, my daddies, and now Gammy. Not fair!

The other kids went down with her and held her tightly, It isn't fair, Mommy, I want my gammy, yelled Charlie. All of them were hysterical and the grown-ups went down to try to help them. We all cried and held each other.

That night the kids had a hard time getting to sleep, which didn't surprise me. Phillip, can we all fly to Michigan even tomorrow in your jet?

Of course, luckily I am clear for the rest of the week, so I can come too. Oh, honey, I feel so bad for you all. Those poor little ones–it is going to take them a long time to even start to feel better. I just nodded. Do you want them to come with us?

No, it would be too much for them, but should we take Annie? All of a sudden she is into that 'don't leave me for a minute' phase, but with so many people so upset I don't know how she will react. What do you think?

Oh boy, you know maybe it will be just what everyone needs to have a sweet little person there. I just don't know. Let's see what everyone else thinks.

The next morning Phillip asked them about it. Man, I don't know, said Gretchen. She goes nuts when you just leave the room and think about how hard she cries when you leave for work. What do you think, Rose?

Mom looked concerned, You know I am not sure. It will be a little hard to take her, but I think she does need to go. Simon and I talked last night and decided we would stay here and take care of the kids. You all were much closer to her than we were. As to Annie, of course, we would love to take care of her too buttttt.

Phillip looked at me and I nodded, We will take her–I am sure we won't stay too long, so I think it is best. Thanks, Mom, for taking care of the kids, but I am afraid it is going to be a little harder than usual, though. Oh, just remembered I have some new toys up in my closet for them that I keep just in case they need them, so you can give them those. Maybe it will help a little. I promise we won't stay long. She smiled and thanked me.

When should we leave? asked Andrew.

Right away, so let's get packing. Husband, can you set this up with your pilot, Brian, quickly?

Phillip said yes, and he already had, He is waiting for us at the airport. I figured you would want to go soon.

Everyone thanked him, and we got packing. I told the kids that Gampy Eli was very sad, and we were going to visit him for a couple days. They cried so hard but seemed to understand. I will call you every day and if you want to talk to us you can call us too. That helped I could tell.

We all boarded the plane and Brian walked back to us, I am so sorry for your loss. We thanked him.

Brian, I said, I hope the skies are friendly today. Sorry, I will probably have to ask you every time we fly from now on because of that horrible day when you and I crashed. He assured me and all of us that we would have smooth sailing. Thank you. Then off we went. Little Annie was so excited and chattered the whole way on her daddy's lap. We just couldn't help but smile. Phillip had set up a rental car, and we headed up the coast. I looked over at Andrew.

"I see you have your doctor bag, and I'm glad as I have a feeling someone will need your help. Oh, I'm so scared, and I hugged Phillip, this is going to be so hard. I haven't seen Daniel's brothers and their wives since our divorce. Those people have meant so much to me and now they have to face so much. Every July 4th all five brothers and their families got together at the McGregors for a long weekend and we had such fun. I truly have missed them."

We finally pulled up in the drive and went up to the front door. Michael opened it, screamed, and hugged me so tightly. Oh, Sydney, how wonderful to see you thank you so much for coming. Then we walked into the living room. Eli was sitting in a chair staring out the window.

I slowly walked over to him and kissed his cheek, Hi, Dad.

He jumped up and screamed and held me as he sobbed hysterically. Oh honey, thank you for coming so quickly, thank you, thank, you.

The other three brothers and their wives came over to us, and we all hugged. I am so sorry for you all; I miss her so much already. Then I cried so hard. Annie started babbling away, and I turned and smiled, Family, I want you to meet my husband, Phillip, and our baby, Anna.

They all went over and introduced themselves and said hi to Annie. Oh, Sydney, what a beautiful little girl, she looks just like you, Phillip, with her dark hair and big blue eyes, said Penny with tears still in her eyes. Then they all looked over at Andrew who was sobbing.

Uncle Andrew, I am so sorry for you–we are your family and will help you too. Scott said, and they all hugged him. Gretchen took Andrew's arm and helped him go over to Eli. They just held each other and cried so hard. Then Gretchen said we should all sit down, and we did.

Dad, are you up to telling us about Mom? I asked.

He griped my hand so tightly. "She ... she just couldn't get over what Daniel did and because of that would be in jail for a year, and it was making her sick. Our doctor here gave her some medicine, but it just didn't help much. It was awful for me too knowing he beat up Phillip, when he went to your house in New York, and tried to make you all to go back to Michigan with him. I knew he just couldn't accept your divorce, Sydney, and that you got full custody of the kids, but I truly think he went crazy in his desperation to get you all back.

Anyway, that morning when she ... she told me how much she loved me and thanked me for being the perfect husband, then she smiled and lay her head back. I immediately called for an ambulance but two hours later she ... was gone. The doctor said she had no pain just quietly slipped away. Oh God, Oh God my Edith is gone, NO, NO, please God bring her back to me oh please!

Andrew went over to him, Eli, have you taken anything for the stress? He shook his head. Can I give you a little something that may help? It won't put you to sleep but may give you a little relief. He nodded. Very soon he was calm again. I held on to his hand through the whole thing. Then Annie started crying, and I went over and took her from Phillip's arms.

She needs to be fed, and I went into the parlor. My sisters-in-law followed.

Oh, Sydney, things are so bad! Eli is not doing well, and I am afraid we will lose him too. He told us he can't live here anymore, and we all offered our homes to him. He said we had such busy lives he didn't want to interfere. What can we do? asked Michelle.

I shook my head, I have an idea but need to think about it.

When we were done and went back out, I told Phillip what the girls had said. Sydney, how about we ask Eli to come and live with us in New York City? He is a good man, and I know the kids will love it.

I just stared at him, then smiled and kissed him, Phillip Henselton, you truly are a remarkable man and the love I feel for you right now is way off the charts. It's a wonderful idea, but I want to talk to everyone and see what they think. I am going to call Mom now but will you please ask Gretch and Andrew how they feel about all this? He smiled and said he would. I took Annie back into the parlor and called Mom. She said she thought that was a good idea, and then asked Simon–he agreed too. Then asked how things were going.

Not good Eli is a wreck, and I am afraid his dementia is going to flare up if he doesn't try to relax a little. All the brothers and their families are here. I'll let you know what happens.

I went back out and looked up at Phillip, and he nodded. Then Annie and I sat down next to Eli. Immediately, she put her arms out to him. Right away his face softened, and he asked if he could hug her. I nodded. Oh, Annie smiled so big at him and cuddled right in. He held her so gently and actually smiled a little. It was so touching.

Dad, family, I have a plan–please hear me out before you say anything. Dad, there are so many memories in this house ... do you want to stay here? He hugged Annie tightly then shook his head. I know how conflicted you must feel–a part of you wants to stay and perhaps you feel a little guilty for not wanting to. My dear husband said if you wanted to he would love to have you live with us in New York. I know things are usually nuts at our house, but I also know for sure the kids, Mom and Simon, and Gretch and Andrew all want you to come. I have asked them and they totally agree. This is not the time to decide, so just think about it and talk to your family. We all want what is best for you, but you have to decide what that is.

He looked at me and then Phillip with such emotion, Thank you so much I will think about this.

Then the house phone rang, and John picked it up. Yes it is, oh I am so glad, thank you for calling. That was the police department in New York. They said Daniel will be allowed to come back with a guard for Mom's funeral, but has to leave as soon as it is over. Eli was so glad and so were the boys. I was in shock I guess and didn't say a word.

We stayed for the rest of the day, and then we all went to the viewing that evening. Phillip sat down with Annie, and I slowly made my way to the open casket. Oh Edith looked so peaceful and pretty with her curly silvery hair done perfectly. I put my hand on her arm, I love you, I whispered. Then I opened the bag I had and put some yarn and knitting needles carefully by her side. Suddenly, I didn't want to leave her and started crying hysterically, Phillip, help me, I said and he came right over. I can't leave her I just can't ... the kids were right this is not fair.

Eli stood up and came over too. Oh, Dad, I can't say goodbye, I just can't, it is too final. I'm sorry but the whole thing finally hit me I guess. Then I sobbed, and he held me and cried too. Finally, we sat down with the family. We didn't stay too long as Annie was very tired and whining. We said our goodbyes and told everyone we would see them in the morning.

When we got back to the hotel, we asked if they had baby beds. They did, so we got Annie all settled and climbed into our bed. I just held Phillip and cried. I do hope Eli will come back with us. You are amazing to suggest it, and I do love you so much!

Honey, he needs us and we him. In the short time I have been with him, I can see why you love him, he is a good man, and I know the kids will help him so much. I also know that Edith is happy about all this too. They were such a special couple. Oh it must be so hard to be separated. Promise me we will never be parted–EVER. I kissed him and promised.

Tomorrow is going to be so hard, and now with Daniel here too it is going to be even harder. I had hoped I would never see him again after our divorce, but it is important that he come. It must be hell for him to have to face this alone in jail.

I am sure it is, and yes he does need closure and have a little time with his family.

The next morning we went out to breakfast with Andrew and Gretch. Did you two sleep at all last night? I asked.

Not much, I feel so empty, my last sib is gone, said Andrew and looked so sad. Phillip, that was so nice of you to ask Eli to come back with us, thank you. I am concerned about his dementia and hope I can help if he needs it.

At one we went to the church and there was Reverend Wolcox standing at the door. I was so glad to see him and gave him a hug. He smiled and said he was so sorry for our loss but so glad to see me. I introduced him to Phillip, and they shook hands. Then he smiled over at Annie. Eli told me about all the changes in your family, and I was sorry, but it looks like things are good again for you. I have missed you, Sydney.

As soon as we walked into the church it started to rain, and I could hear thunder out in the distance. Great, let's add a little more misery to an already awful day, I thought. We found some seats and sat down. I had always loved this old church, especially because of the wonderful stained glass windows that with the sun's light cast such a magical glow through the sanctuary. Not today though, it was dark, and I could literally feel the sadness in the air. Eli and the family were already there, and John must have seen us and came over and told us to come and sit up in the front row with them. The church was filling up fast, and it looked like every seat was taken. Then Daniel and the guard walked in. Daniel looked awful and had a