A Rose Lost in Time

A ROSE LOST IN TIME

Sequel to Blood on the Rose

JOANN FLANERY

Copyright 2017 JoAnn Flanery

Smashwords Edition

All rights reserved

INTRODUCTION

Hello again. The story of Sydney Henselton and her family continues in this book #7. Just in case some of you have not read the first six 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.

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 she gave birth to two beautiful twin girls named Abigail and Emily. Right after their births, 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.

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 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 book 5 Yesterday's Rose Sydney had to face the unthinkable when Daniel betrayed her, and she and the kids left him. She filed for divorce and the whole family moved to New York City. Sometime later she married her publisher, Phillip Henselton, and they had a baby girl named Anna. The series continued in book 6 Blood on the Rose as a terrifying revenge from the past invaded the present, and the whole family was thrown into a web of mystery and unspeakable terror. You don't want to miss a word of what comes next.

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.

Enjoy!

CHAPTER 1: WHO'S THERE?

What a joy to discover the gifts from the past in the present...

Author unknown

Phillip and I were sitting in the kitchen finishing up a cup of coffee, and my mind started wandering as I watched the birds fighting to get the best spot at the feeder outside the window. Earth to Sydney, boy you look a million miles away, said Phillip and smiled.

Well, not quite a million miles, but sometimes it's hard to believe how much has happened since the kids and I moved into your family's home here in New York City. I never would have guessed that when I published my first book with you we would someday be married. Now on top of raising my seven children we added our sweet little Anna. I will never be able to thank you enough for inviting all my moms and dads to come live with us too, along with Scooby, of course, and I giggled. Talk about a big family we have fifteen people here. Thank goodness this house is so big. Truly, I have never been happier, and I love you with everything I have. He hugged me and gave me a big kiss

Neither have I, you have all brought me to life. Boy the kids are growing up so fast.

They sure are, let's see Ryan is 13, the girl twins Abby and Emily are 12, Charlie is 11, Lucy is 10, the boy twins Matt and Richie are 8, and little Annie is 15 months. You know it just hit me, Abby, Emily, and Charlie are the only blonds–they take after their father. The other kids are dark haired like me, and of course Lucy has the McGregor auburn color like her gampy Eli. Poor Annie had no choice with both of us having dark hair. Boy did he laugh and reminded me that Scooby has dark fur too. What a relief, and I burst out laughing.

Just then Abby walked in. Daddy Phillip, how come people walk around the hallways at night?

We looked at each other shocked, Abby, when do you see people walking around? He asked.

Oh I have seen it many times when I wake up and have to go to the bathroom. Then I just wait until they are gone and go out.

I remember your mommy telling me that a long time ago you used to see and talk to your grandmother Abigail who died many years before you were born. Do you think these people are spirits?

No, it's not the same–she used to just vanish after we talked. These people are alive I am sure.

Well, I don't know what to say and he looked over at me.

Abby, honey do you think you are dreaming?' She shook her head. Daddy Phillip and I will check into this so don't be worried, OK? She nodded and left. Good heavens, what do you make of this?"

I really don't know maybe we better ask the rest of the kids if they have seen anything too. I agreed, so we went into the living room. Everyone was there, and we sat down. Kids, Abby has told us that she sees people walking around in the hallways at night–do you see them too? They all nodded and boy did the grandparents look surprised. How many people are there? Matt said he and Richie saw two men, Lucy said she saw one, and the others saw three at a time. Did you talk to them? All said no ... they just watched them.

Mommy, said Charlie, every time I saw them they went down the long hall to your bedroom, stopped and listened at your door, and then kept walking. I stayed in my doorway for a long time and they never came back.

Husband, what is beyond our room?

Just a couple more bedrooms–I guess the one closest to the master was a nursery and then next to it the nanny's room. We never used them for that and had no nanny's, but with this house being over a hundred years old I would guess my earlier relatives did. I know my brothers and sister and I used to run from one end of the hall to the other, but I don't think I ever went into those rooms. Why don't we all go up and see now? We all trooped up. He went to open the nursery door and it was locked and so was the other room next to it. Anyone know how to pick a lock?

Simon smiled and looked embarrassed, I do. We all cracked up. OK, before you call the police let me explain. A very long time ago, when I was in high school, they offered a short course in the summer on detective techniques; think that was what it was called. Since I knew someday I was going to get into something to do with the law or police work I took it, and it was really interesting. Anytime you get locked in handcuffs just give me a call. Now he was laughing so hard and so were we.

Oh the boys were really fascinated. Someday could you show us all the fun stuff you learned, Gampy?

He nodded and still laughed. OK, anyone got a bobby pin?

I burst out laughing, So, Mom, you married a burglar, huh? Simon, did my father know about your many talents when you two practiced law together? He laughed so hard and shook his head. Probably a good thing. Boy did I laugh and then plucked a bobby pin out of my hair and handed it to him.

Really this is not ideal, but I don't think we have anything else for right now, and he started. It didn't take long and bam the door opened. Before we go in, let me check on something, and he ran his hand along he top of the door, bingo, all that work for nothing–here is the key. Everyone cheered.

We all looked inside, Phillip, there is an ancient crib in the corner, but it looks like this has been used just for storage as there are boxes everywhere. Why would your folks use this room instead of the attic? He shrugged his shoulders. The next room was a bedroom that had obviously not been used in many years. Dust and cobwebs were everywhere and the curtains were literally hanging by a thread. Honestly, it was very spooky. Suddenly, Richie ran in and jumped into the closet. Hey you little bugger, get out of there it is so musty in here you will get dirty, Richie? Nothing, then we all went in. He was not in the closet. What in the world? I said starting to get a little scared. OK, Mr. Detective, now what? and I looked at Simon.

I have no idea, Richie, where are you? Then we heard some banging and a panel at the back of the closet opened and there he was.

Boy it's neat in there–there are steps and everything. I am too scared to go down them, so I don't know where they go to. All the men told us to stay here and Phillip led the way down.

They had been down there quite a while, and then bingo they all walked back into the room through the hall door. Phillip Henselton, you scared us to death, so what did you find? I asked.

Well, that was quite an adventure–the stairs led down to a panel that I pushed, and we were in the cellar. We did a little exploring and found what looked like another panel in the side wall. When I lifted it up, it went down a short tunnel that looked like it had been dug out by hand, as it was all dirt, and then came up a little distance from the house. I wonder if it was used in the Civil War to hide slaves.

Now I was really interested, Wow, I have always been interested in slavery in the south but this is New York ... I just don't know. But here in modern days I have a creepy feeling people are using that to get into the house ... but why? Man, I don't like the idea of people being in here that we don't know. Are we in danger? Should we call the police?

Andrew looked upset, We have all been in here for quite a while and nothing has happened. If these people meant to harm us, I would think they would have done something by now. This is a real mystery. I don't think I have heard of any big heists around the city, so I doubt someone is hiding valuables in here. Well, something is going on that's for sure, and I don't like it. Phillip, do you have a blueprint of the house? It may be a good idea to get one and see if there are any other secret passages anywhere in here. It wouldn't surprise me at all if there were. I wonder if we should seal up the outside entrance, but if we did then the men would know we were aware of their presence, and who knows what would happen.

OK husband, now I am scared, said Gretchen and she shivered. I told him I was too and so did Mom. The kids thought all this was really neat. Well, I for one am going to be sure my door is locked at night when we go to bed.

I think that is a good idea– kids I want you to do it too. Oh they were so excited ... all but Abby.

I think from now on I am going to sleep in with Mommy and Daddy Phillip. All said that would be fun. Phillip gave me a look. I put my hand over my mouth and tried so hard not to laugh and told them I was sure we could figure out something else. But Mommy, don't you want us all to be safe?

I looked at Abby, Honey, of course I do, but I am sure if you just keep you door locked you will be fine. I will have Scooby sleep upstairs with us, so if he sees anyone he will bark. How's that? But kids never ever say anything to the men who walk around if you see them. OK?

OK, Mommy, that's a good plan, Scooby is a good watcher dog he will save us, said Matt and smiled.

That night Phillip and I took a shower together and jumped into bed still wet, but we sure didn't care. We were getting serious and suddenly the door opened just a little. Hi, Mommy, can I come in? It was Lucy.

Ah, give me just a minute, Phillip grabbed for the blanket, and we dove under. What is it, Lucy, are you all right?

Yep, and the door opened fully and in came Lucy, Abby, and Emily with their sleeping bags and pillows. We decided three pretty girls should not sleep alone with people running up and down the halls. They set up their bags and jumped in, Goodnight Daddy Phillip, goodnight Mommy.

Phillip started laughing like crazy, Goodnight, girls. Ah, Sydney, do we have any dead bolt locks in this house? he whispered.

I snuggled up to him, Sure hope so, but for right now I think Daddy Phillip forgot that he and Mommy are totally naked– now what brilliant one? Both of our jammies are in the bathroom.

As soon as we are sure they are asleep, I will sneak in and get them no worries.

Good plan, let's just hope a tickle fight doesn't start up. More laugher from my nutty husband.

So, I guess love making is out for now, huh?

Dahhhh. Thankfully, soon Phillip carefully got out of bed and headed for the bathroom just as our door opened again. He hit the deck, and I burst out laughing.

Hi, Mommy, can we sleep in here we are scared? It was Matt.

Even you, Ryan?

I am just here 'cause the little guys are scared. I shook my head.

Sure you can sleep here, but be quiet your sisters are in here too and are sleeping. Don't wake up Annie either. So in came all four boys with their sleeping bags.

Look at Lucy, she has her mouth open–think I'll stick something in there, said Richie.

Don't you dare, I whispered. Meanwhile, Phillip was still on the floor laughing so hard. Just go to sleep you stinkers. It was quiet for about a minute then Lucy jumped up and screamed.

Mommy, Richie put his finger in my mouth, help! I told Richie to stop that and leaned over the bed and whispered.

Phillip, crawl in there– do whatever it takes, hurry. I watched as he scooted across the carpet on his stomach, still laughing. He finally got our jammies and threw them onto the bed and made a big jump. Boy was I glad it was dark in there.

What ya doing, Daddy Phillip? Looks like fun.

Don't even think about it, stay in your sleeping bags and all of you go to sleep. I said.

Then it sounded like the old sitcom The Walton's as everyone said good night to each other. I was hysterical. Finally, Phillip and I went under the covers and got our jammies on, man was I relieved. Then he started getting frisky. Stop that, I whispered, you are mean.

The next morning everyone woke up about the same time. Boy that was fun, Emily said. I think we should do this every night. Hi, Mommy, hi, Daddy Phillip!

Hi, Emily, did you guys sleep good? They all nodded. Good, now let's all get dressed and get some breakfast, and I got out of bed.

Charlie came over to me, Mommy, your jammies look funny–they are backwards and inside out. I looked down and laughed and told him I guess I didn't pay attention. Phillip was hysterical.

At breakfast I told the grandparent about our interesting night, and they all laughed. You know I am really upset with all this. Even though nothing serious has happened, I don't like the idea of people walking around here at night. We do need to find out what is going on right away. Eli said.

Eli, did you built your house in Michigan? asked Phillip.

No, it had been the McGregor family home for many generations–like your house here, Phillip. I brought Edith there right after we got married. Oh I miss her so much; it's still so hard for me to believe that she is really gone. I never even thought of any secret passageways, so I never looked. With five sons, surely one of them would have found one by now if there was one. My youngest son, Daniel, was the really inquisitive one ... probably had something to do with him becoming a contractor. When you and Daniel were married, Sydney, did he ever say anything to you? I told him no. Why do you ask, Phillip?

Just curious I guess if all old homes had them.

You know I am going to ask the guys to get out our blueprints and check this out. Now I am curious too, said Eli.

Phillip said he was pretty sure he knew where the blueprints were for the house, so after breakfast he went into the library. I followed, and he opened the desk with a key and looked way in the back of a drawer. Hurray, here they are! My father showed me these a long time ago when he was considering getting the pool. Let's put them on the dining room table and see what's what.

Everyone gathered around. What do we look for? I asked. Andrew said small little areas that weren't closets. Like this? and I pointed.

Yes, that was the staircase we saw yesterday. Wait; there is another one at the opposite end of the hall down by our bedrooms. You know I wondered why the kids said these men walked past their rooms to the other end of the hall. OK, keep looking.

Simon let out a cry, I think I see something on the third floor–do you think that connects to the one you just found, Andrew? Andrew nodded. Boy this place is full of little surprises.

Phillip just stood there with his mouth open. I had no idea, and I wonder if my sibs or parents knew any of this. When the kids left for school, I picked up Annie and we all went exploring. Most of the staircases had paneling in front of them, and I was sure we must have looked so silly banging away on them. Finally, I think we found them all and the guys did the climbing.

They all lead to the cellar or attic. Sydney, I too think this must have been used to hide slaves. Maybe we should go down to the cellar and check it out too. Phillip said.

Not me, I said, I don't do cellars. I did go at least to the stairs then gave Annie to Mom. OK I am curious, but one of you better stay very close to me. Everyone laughed so hard. Boy was it creepy down there. The ceiling was low, and I could just barely walk standing up straight and there were spider webs everywhere. Even though we all had flashlights, it was very dark. Boy this place is huge! I bravely moved farther into it and tripped over something. It was a metal handle. Hey gang, I found something. They all came over and Phillip went down and tried to lift the handle. Finally, he dug it out with his hands. It was a large metal rusted box that looked like it had been there since the beginning of time. We decided to stop exploring and go back up to see what this was. Phillip put some papers down on the kitchen table, set the box on, and pried the top off. It was full of ledgers and papers, and he picked up a large ledger.

Oh my God, I can't believe this! It is from 1820 before the Civil War. This is a list of slaves, and he looked sick. My family must have kept slaves here at the house ... how awful! He put the book down, and I picked it up.

"Phillip, you didn't really read this. Each slave's name is listed and all about each one–age, sex, births, and deaths. But honey it also says when they were freed. Here's an example: Mary, age fifteen, bought in June, had to buy her as could tell other men wanted her only for their beds. At first she was very scared but finally became part of our family. She is a very sweet girl insisting on helping us with the housework. Married Nathaniel at sixteen and had baby Lydia, Mother helped her with the birth–such a beautiful baby. Even though we freed her, she didn't want to leave us. Nathaniel was a good worker and loved to fix things for us. They moved to upstate New York. Dear people. Joseph Walker Henselton May 1820.

"Phillip, listen: Today we bought five new slaves, Mother insisted on it. If she had her way, we would buy them all–oh how she rants about the injustice of it all. I was applauded when a little baby was put up for auction. Her mother was screaming and trying to get to her. I knew immediately that we had to get her, her mother, and father too. A man standing next to me at the auction said nearly all successful middle and upper class household have a least one slave for domestic service–though I knew some are dock workers, farm laborers, blacksmith's, shoemakers and carpenters also. Today I heard that New York City now has the largest population of slaves except for Charleston, South Carolina, how awful.

The word is spreading about our home being a safe house on the Underground Railroad. At Mother's request, we have built a small tunnel that leads to the cellar, so they can at least be safe until they can leave. We have found that they prefer to stay in the cellar in the summer because it is cooler, so they sleep on cots down there. In the winter we insist that they take the secret stairway up to the attic and bring their cots. We are so thankful we have enough money to give them food and blankets too. Last night men came banging on our door demanding we turn over the slaves we were hiding. I told them we did not have any except the ones we bought. Mother heard all this and went down to the cellar and told them all to go up the secret stairs and stay there and be very quiet. I think she was worried that the men would search the attic if they left the staircase. They did, and when the men examined the cellar there were no signs that anyone had been there, so they left. We were all so relieved. Joseph Walker Henselton September 1825

"Honey, all that I have read says the same thing. Your family did buy slaves but just so they would have a home and were treated well. They let all of them go when they thought it was safe. Oh here is something else: Today is a big day, the war has ended. Of course, none of us have thought of much of anything else except the war, and my neighbor, Howard Sanderson, and I discuss it regularly. But today when he found out it ended he ran over and told us. Again, I felt the pain of losing my son, Edward. We both felt the reason the north won was guns and industry. The north controlled the railroad and shipping so soldiers could get food, supplies and weapons, and from what I heard had massive weapon production. The south did not have enough food and could not transport it. Some just think the war was caused by cotton and the textile business. I did not participate when thousands of people rallied on Wall Street in 1861 in support of the southern cause and slavery, and the mayor wanted the entire city to succeed from the union and become and independent city and state. The reason being, they wanted to be able to continue to do business with the south after the Union dissolved. New York's economy was bound up to southern slavery and businesses were dependent on the cotton trade and the revenues they received. Most of the south's cotton export passed through New York and the merchants got forty cents of every dollar the Europeans paid. When slavery ended in New York 1827, I told our slaves they were free to go, but they did not want to leave. I told them they could stay on like always and would get paid for their work if they wanted to.

To my family who will come here to live in future years. I hope you have found this and do not think badly of us for buying slaves, but we only did it to protect them. I promise you we treated them with great respect and were so blessed to have them with us. Joseph Walker Henselton December 1865.

Oh my word, we were all holding each other and crying so hard. I ... I just don't know what to say this is all so wonderful, and I am so proud of my family! Someday I want to pass this journal around to my sibs, but first I want to read every word of it. There are still many papers in this box too, and I can't wait to find out more that went on. I hugged him so tightly.

I smiled, Before long I am going to start cleaning those staircases, they are truly a part of history. But like the many people who went up and down them they need to be treated with great respect. On second thought, I am going to clean everything but the handrails. Each person that touched those railings left his permanent mark on them and when we blend ours in too it is like the past meeting the present.

Sydney, that is a great idea, and I feel the same way, smiled Gretch as the tears fell down her cheeks.

Baby, we need to find out more about your relative, Joseph, he was an extraordinary man. My, I am so proud to be a part of this family, and my Anna to be blood with you all.

Eli sat down, Now, we just have to solve the big mystery of why those men are coming in here. I personally feel they are using this house to hide something but what and where is it if that is the case? Everyone agreed. Did we ask the kids if the men were carrying anything? I don't think so. When they get home this afternoon, let's ask them. I wonder if we should put up a camera in the hallway if it could be concealed well.

That's a good idea, Eli, thanks. I will find a place to get them, and I am sure between us all we can figure out how to get it up, said Phillip.

The next morning Harold came to pick up Phillip, and we told him what was going on.

"Phillip, I wonder if your father knew about these secret passages. He confided in me as his minister on a lot of things but never this. You know sometimes I wonder what he would think about me now driving a limo for you.

Oh, to change the subject my wife is going nuts buying every piece of children's clothing there is to get ready for our triplets. Sydney, will you please tell her to settle down a little, hopefully she will listen to you?

I laughed so hard, My dear adopted brother, she didn't listen to a word I said when we were roommates in college, and I doubt she would now. Truly, Cindy is being a typical almost Mommy, so how is the nursery coming along?

It is almost done; we have an adorable large white oval shaped crib that sits right in the middle of the room with a fuzzy red oval rug underneath it. The dresser is white too. We are going for a circus theme as we have to keep it neutral because we don't know if we have boys or girls or both. Cindy made some curtains in red and white wide stripes. When she was shopping for more baby clothes, he stopped and shook his head then smiled, she found a cute lamp that had clowns at the base and three lights at the top that were all balloons in different colors. We found a wonderful rocker in one of the other bedrooms, so we brought it in there and Cindy made a pillow for it. Now she's hunting for circus or clown pictures to put up on the wall. Guess the kids take priority because she hasn't decorated our room at all. Heaven knows what theme that will be–probably dolphins as she loves them. Man we all laughed so hard.

They finally left, and Phillip called me about an hour later. I found a place that sells cameras, but the man said it could be tricky to install, especially if we wanted it concealed, so I asked them to come sometime today to put it up. I said I was glad and we hung up. Then I told everyone. The man came about three, and I was impressed that if you didn't look too hard you couldn't see the camera. We had it put at the end of the short hallway beyond our room. That night Phillip turned it on, and we all went to bed. Thankfully, the kids slept in their own rooms.

Phillip was so funny, Well, no more love making in the hall.

I laughed so hard, So when did we ever make love in the hall? Must have been when you had a sleepover with one of your girlfriends. I got bopped.

The next morning Phillip turned off the camera and replayed the tape. There was nothing unusual, but I did get a kick out of watching the kids leave their rooms when they had to go to the bathroom. Every one of them stuck their heads out and peeked both ways then scurried to the bathroom. We all laughed. Then it happened, I saw Gretchen pop her head out from her room and wave like crazy at the camera.

You are a silly goose my dear friend. Wish I had thought of it too. She grabbed me and we laughed so hard.

This went on the same way for the next three days, except all the adults at some time or other just had to wave at the camera. Boy I love this family.

The fourth night we hit the jackpot–we saw three men walk down the hall, unlock the nursery door, and go in. Then they each came out carrying a large box and went next door to the nanny room. That was the last we saw of them. We all sat there stunned.

Well, I think it is time to check out that nursery and see what is in the boxes, Phillip said. Again, after the kids went to school, we all went up. Be very careful opening the boxes, thankfully they are not sealed, and don't move them around. We all went over and opened one.

Mine is just filled with little see-through packages with some white stuff in them, I said.

Andrew looked sick, "That is not just white stuff that is cocaine. Oh my