Another Petal for my Rose

ANOTHER PETAL FOR MY ROSE

Sequel to A Rose Lost in Time

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 #8 of the Rose Series. Just in case some of you have not read the first seven 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 feel 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, and 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, and almost nine months later 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 Daniels returned with near tragic results. Dr. 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. In book 7 A Rose Lost in Time Phillip finds out he has a son from a previous marriage and soon a series of tragic events takes place. The family faces a home invasion. Sydney writes a book about the Civil War after finding secrets from the house's past.

Just a quick note, all the characters in this book are pure fiction dreamed up by me, so if I made up someone who has the same name I am sorry. You know maybe you should be happy about it, as I liked your name enough to put it into the book.

Enjoy!

CHAPTER 1: ANNIE

You must do the things you cannot do...

Eleanor Roosevelt

As soon as my eyes opened, I smiled and looked over at my wonderful husband who was still sleeping so soundly. The sun was streaming in from the balcony windows gentling touching the thin fabric drapes that surrounded our four poster bed. It was the start of another special day I was sure. I love you, I whispered. Phillip and I have weathered so many storms, but the love we share just keeps growing stronger and stronger. He is my everything. Then I just lay there thanking God for him and my wonderful family and that all was well here in the Henselton house. The last two years have passed like two hours. My babies are not babies anymore: Ryan is 15, Abby and Emily are 14, Charlie and Lucy are 13, the little guys are 11, Alex will be twenty in June, and Annie is almost 4. We were so blessed when Alex, Phillip's son from his first marriage, came into our lives just two years ago. Very soon he will be graduating from Columbia University and we are so proud of him. Now I guess I too have graduated from Mommy to Mom, only Annie calls me Mommy now. So sad! Thankfully, all my moms and dads are still with us but my ex mother-in-law, Edith. She and her husband Eli were added to my mom and dad list from the start, when I married their son, my first husband, Daniel. I am so glad Eli lives with us now and is completely back from a flare up of dementia. Without all of them and their love, I know I would go nuts. There is always so much going on around here.

It's been such fun to continue writing my CREAM of my Crop books, plus the one I wrote about Phillip's family before the Civil War concerning slavery in the north. Right now I am still working on a picture coffee table book of the people of New York City. I am almost done and getting very excited.

Finally, Phillip started stirring. Good morning my love, I said and kissed him.

Well, good morning to you, Mrs. Henselton. Have you been awake for a while?

Yep, just lying here watching you sleep and thinking about all that has been going on around here. You are an amazing man, and I love you so much. When you married me, you accepted my seven children as your own, then we had Annie, and Alex found us.

Sometimes I still can't believe I actually have two children of my own. As to the accepting part with your kids, it has been my pleasure, they are all so wonderful. I really love my life, but it is you that actually gives me life. What are the chances that after you wrote your first book you picked my publishing company, and now we are married? How's about a hundred kisses?

You got it, then I started counting them.

Knock it off, woman, mood spoiler for sure. We laughed so hard.

OK, my puckerer is pooped let's get some breakfast.

After we ate the kids went to school and Phillip to work, I told Mom I needed to go to the bank. Annie came over to me, Mommy, can I come too; I can carry the big bag of money you get? We all laughed so hard.

Sure, sweetie, but I am putting money into the bank not taking it out.

Neat, are you saving money for when Annie goes to college like Alex? I smiled and nodded.

So off we went. I told Annie when we were done we were going to go and see her daddy, as his office wasn't too far from the bank. There were a lot of people in line when we got there, so we just waited our turn. My little bugger stood next to me and talked to everyone around us. My mommy is putting money in the bank so when I get big I can go to college like my brover, Alex. Oh there were so many smiles.

We had just gotten up to the teller and a woman screamed. I quickly turned around and saw the man that had been behind us run for the door with Annie in his arms. She was crying and yelling for me. I yelled, CALL 911, and ran after them, all the time screaming, HELP, that man is kidnapping my baby HELP! We ran by so many people but all they did was stare. We'd gone a block and I started praying so hard, God help me, give me the strength I need to save my baby, oh please. Halfway into the second block I was getting out of breath quickly, but I knew I had to keep up the pace. Now people were screaming all around me, cars were honking their horns, but still no one stopped to help.

Marie, Phillip's receptionist, heard all the commotion below and looked out the window– then ran into Phillip's office, Sorry to barge in, but something is going on down on the street. They both went to the window and looked out. Oh God, a woman is chasing a man that has a child in his arms–it looks like a kidnapping. PHILLIP, I THINK THAT'S SYDNEY! she screamed.

Phillip bolted out the door, tripping several times, as he ran down the steps to the main level, and took off after them. They were quite a ways ahead, but he ran with all his might.

Sydney was still running at full speed, but the man with Annie had gained a little ground. He finally stopped at a car, opened the back hatch, threw Annie in, and jumped into the car. I screamed and screamed as the car started to move. Thankfully, the traffic was heavy and he couldn't go far, so he started ramming the cars in his way trying to push them aside. It was total chaos and cars were honking their horns like crazy. I finally caught up to them and jumped on the back bumper of the man's car and held on to the rack at the top. I looked to my side and there was a news truck and a photographer filming the whole thing. Suddenly, Phillip was beside me, and I screamed that Annie was being kidnapped and to get the man out of the car as it was stopped again. Phillip opened the door and hauled the man out and started hitting him. Then I heard police sirens and saw three men running down the street to us. Phillip and the man were really fighting now and I jumped off the back, grabbed the man from behind, flipped him over, and put my foot on his throat. You bastard I should kill you! I screamed. The policemen finally got to us.

What in the world is going on here? one man asked. I was so out of breath I could hardly talk. Are you all right? I shook my head.

This man ... tried to kidnap ... my daughter at the bank. I have been chasing him for almost three blocks. Phillip, get Annie out of the back of the car. He lifted the hatch and my poor baby was huddled in a ball crying hysterically. He picked her up and held her tightly then came over to me.

Oh, baby, are you OK? We held each other and cried so hard.

The men handcuffed the kidnapper then turned back to me. Please tell me your name and give me your phone number, we need to ask you some questions later. Do you need some medical attention?

No, I just need to get my breath, and I sat down on the curb. All but one policeman left, he was trying to get the traffic situation under control. Then I looked over to the side–there stood John, a reporter from the newspaper, with a camera man behind him.

Nice going, Sydney, we got it all on tape–Karate expert, huh? Hey, you were supposed to call me if you had any more excitement, like the last time when you had the drug dealers invading your house and I got the story. Also, this time I don't think you and your husband were just messing around. If you hadn't run up when you did, we were all going to get involved and try to stop him.

I just shook my head, Sorry, I didn't bring your phone number with me, and I couldn't help but smile. John, I am beyond exhausted and just want to hug my baby and go home. Phillip helped me up and we went back down the street to his office.

Marie was crying so hard when we walked into the office and had me lie down on the couch. Oh, Sydney, I watched most of it from up here and was terrified. Is Anna all right? Phillip nodded and put her in my arms and we both cried so hard.

Mommy, why did that man take me away from you?

Oh, baby, I don't know. Poor Phillip was so shook up he just sat down on the floor in front of us and held us tightly. Honey, how did you know about all this?

Marie heard all the commotion on the street and saw you running ... then came in and told me. Then he looked up at Marie, Oh thank you so much. She was still crying and just nodded. Now I think we better all go home. Marie said she will get someone to go get our van at the bank and have them bring it back to our house. Phillip thanked her and I gave her the keys.

Phillip, I will call Harold now–I am sure you will be much more relaxed to have him take you home than go by taxi. He nodded and smiled at her.

Harold went nuts when Phillip told him what happened, Are you all OK? We nodded. Cindy is going to go crazy when I tell her.

So Daddy of gorgeous little triplets, how are things going at home? I can't believe they are two years old already.

Oh boy, neither can I. I wish there was some way I could bottle even a tenth of their energy and somehow get it into us. Then he laughed so hard. All they do is run and scream, but I love every minute of it. Cindy might not agree, though. Not sure if I told you but we got a queen sized bed for their room and put it side-ways against the wall. Those little girls stick together like glue and of course want to sleep together, so we thought at least for now that would work, and it did. When they get bigger, we can rearrange it again. Boy I love my life!

It sure sounds busy but fun. Oh good we are at our gate ... I am exhausted. I said and sighed.

As soon as we pulled up, everyone ran out and was crying so hard. Oh, Sydney, they had a news bulletin on the TV, and we just happened to be watching it. Oh God, we saw pretty much the whole thing. You are an amazing woman, and I am so thankful you are both all right, said Mom.

Mom, it was horrible, and I was scared out of my mind! All I could think about was Annie and that I might never see her again. Boy do I need a hot bath that lasts for at least a week ... every muscle in my body is screaming at me. But first I am going to hug my baby for about a month. Phillip, heaven knows what would have happened if you hadn't come. Thank you, baby.

You know for two not so young parents anymore I thought we did very well. How you ran so fast for all those blocks was amazing.

What I just couldn't believe during all this, was that no one even tried to stop that man–we must have run by a hundred people. My feelings for this city are a little cloudy right now. Whatever, we have our baby and that is all that matters.

That night we slept with Annie between us. She snuggled in and we all went right to sleep. When I woke up in the morning, her head was resting on the top of mine, one of her arms was wrapped around my neck and the other across my face, plus one leg was on my stomach. I felt like I was being hugged by an octopus and smiled. All I could think about was that Phillip had to see this, so I reached my foot over and poked him. He moved a little and asked why the morning stab then giggled. I whispered to flip over.

He did and burst out laughing. This I have got to take a picture of and he reached for his phone. Someone wanted to be sure you didn't go anywhere.

Finally, she started waking up. Hi, Mommy, your hair smells good. We both laughed so hard and Phillip peeled her off of me. Hi, Daddy, think Annie needs a Daddy hug. He gave her a good one and so did I.

You two looked so cute cuddled together. Her hair is exactly the same dark color as yours, well mine too, which made it hard to tell where yours ended and hers began, then he smiled. You know, if the twin girls and Charlie had our color, instead of being blond like their daddy, Daniel, I could almost claim the whole lot. Maybe we could dye their hair. Boy did I laugh and asked how we were going to change their eye color, all the twins have my pale green and the rest Daniel's green. Colored contacts?

You are truly a nut ... did you forget about Lucy? She would be an easy fix, just dye her auburn color–that she got from Daniel's side of the family–to dark brown, she's the only one with blue eyes like yours, except for Annie. I was so thankful Daniel and I could adopt her after her parent's died, and that she was actually a member of their family–Eli's grandniece. Enough already, how's about you go in and get dressed, Miss Annie, and I will make you some pancakes with lots of syrup? I asked. Oh man, she jumped out of bed and ran to her room.

Phillip looked over at me, I just had a fun idea, how about Mommy snuggles with Daddy tonight just like Annie did?

I gave him a look, Not going to happen, though it would be nice to be able to add something new to my resume–contortionist. Boy did we laugh. Up and at um husband the pancakes are waiting.

I made pancakes for everyone and put a little glob of whipped cream on top of each. Wow, Mom, fancy, said Matt, how come?

Just because I love you all–kids, I have to tell you something very important ... it will be on the news and you need to be prepared. Then I told them what happened yesterday. They were all really upset and hugged me good.

We all finally finished breakfast and the kids went off to school and Phillip to work, and I just sat there with another cup of coffee. Time to get up from here and do more soaking in the tub; I wonder if I will ever be able to walk normally again. Everyone laughed so hard, and I stood up. Nice try and I sat back down. Hey nice Mommy, how about you carry your dear sweet daughter up to the tub? She burst out laughing.

If I could I would, ask Gretchen. What a look she got from her.

Not going to happen–the best I can do is fill up the sink here in the kitchen.

I yelled, Stop, my innards even hurt to laugh. I finally did get up to the bathroom and slowly lowered my sore body into the tub, and it felt so good. Then the door flew open and there stood Annie.

Hi, Mommy, can I have a bath too? I said sure and she took her clothes off and jumped in. How come you are so sore from running, me runs all time and not sore?

Honey, Mommy is old and not used to running.

Better get in shape, Annie help. We had a nice long bath, and I felt almost human again.

Later in the day Alice Walter, our friend and newspaper columnist, called. Sydney, are you all right–I saw the video–what an awful thing?

Yes, except for some sore muscles I am fine physically, but mentally I am not too sure. Man that was an awful experience!

Do you want to do an interview?

Honestly, no, all I want to do is forget the whole thing. Oh, Alice, I came so close to losing Annie. You know the strangest thing happened, the whole time I was chasing after them I was yelling that that man was kidnapping my daughter and to stop him. We passed so many people and all they did was stare ... I was shocked. Why wouldn't they help?

Honestly, these days' people seem to think it is easier to just shoot someone rather than argue with them. Look at all the road rage incidents. Maybe the people on the street were afraid he had a gun. Perhaps you should do an interview and focus on that.

I have a good idea; I think I will put something in my next article for the woman's magazine, though I better ask Mrs. McGuire about it first. She thought that was a better way to handle it. Hey, how are things going with Sylvia–are you two still best of sister buddies? and I laughed. She said things were wonderful, and she still couldn't believe they found each other again after so many years apart. Good. Sorry, I need to get going, thanks for calling, bye.

Later I did call Mrs. McGuire. Well, this is a little unusual for a column but how about we give it a try. I know how much you love this city and how nice they are been to you ... butttttt. Write it out and email it to me, and I will give you some feedback. I thanked her and decided to do it right away, again to get it done with so my mind could heal.

I called Phillip at work right after that, Hi there hunky husband ... got a minute?

Always time for a quickie, so are you just outside the door? He laughed and so did I.

Sorry, sex fiend, I am at home. Then I told him about my talk with Alice and Mrs. McGuire. I think the gun thing needs to be in there. I wonder if that was why the people were afraid to help. He said it makes a lot of sense. Then I read it to him.

Good job, you got it all in–the kidnapping and the lack of help.

Thanks, love, but is it too strong? Is this going to make people not want to buy my books?

Who cares, the books can stand on their own. This is serious stuff and a sign of our times, which is so sad. It showed you were concerned but understood the actions of the people. Send it to the publisher; I am sure she will like it. I thanked him and emailed it off.

Mrs. McGuire called me later in the day. It's good, Sydney, you made your point without being judgmental, and showed understanding of the gun problem too, so let's see what happens. It goes out in three days.

That night Annie wanted to sleep in her own room but woke up screaming. We ran to her, Honey, we're here it is all right.

Mommy, I dreamed that man run with me again. Scary! We held her tightly. Right then Lucy came in.

Annie, are you scared? She nodded and Lucy came over and crawled into bed with her. I am your big sister, and I will protect you, and she put her arm around her. You know you have a big room, so can I move my bed in here and sleep with you all the time? Oh Annie was so excited.

Yes, yes, me love that–move Lucy's bed in here now, Daddy. Phillip smiled and said he would do it in the morning but maybe Lucy could sleep in her bed just for tonight. Both girls thought that was a good idea.

When we got back into our room, Phillip was smiling. Annie is so lucky to have so many brothers and sisters, and I am so grateful. Really I never thought any of the girls would want to move out of their big room. This is great! I never liked the idea of Annie being in her room alone, even with Scooby in there with her, and I don't think she does either. I know she hasn't been in there that long but still....

I agree completely and am glad they will be right next to our room, and you put the connecting door in from our bathroom to her room. Really it has been fun to listen to Annie and Scooby. Just last night, when I was brushing my teeth, I heard Annie laughing so hard when I guess Scooby jumped up on her bed and gave her bunches of kisses. She said he was making her face clean and I giggled. That dog is the sweetest thing ever. Now, husband, your wife is sore and exhausted let's get some sleep.

How's about I give you a good massage to help loosen those sore muscles?

Good idea, if you will just stick to the massage, somehow you tend to branch out and I am too tired tonight. He laughed and promised. Oh man did that feel good, and I went right to sleep.

First thing the next morning Phillip and Alex moved Lucy's bed. The other girls were unhappy that she was leaving. Sisters, Annie is all alone in her room and needs me. We can come back in here and all sleep together anytime you want. Now they were OK with it.

Mommy, we need to make our room fancy like sisters. I said that would be fun.

So what do you want to do?

Flowers, said Annie, lots of pink and yellow flowers. Lucy nodded like crazy.

How about next Saturday the two of you and I go shopping? Oh they were excited. We can go to the wallpaper store and see if we can find some with lots of flowers. Annie was jumping all over and hugging Lucy. What color do you want the other walls to be?

All flowers, said Lucy. Think we need new bedspreads and curtains too.

Fine with me, your room does need something fun. We hadn't done anything but paint since we reopened the room when those bad guys were using it to hide their drugs in.

No more bad guys huh, Mommy? I shook my head and said no more bad guys. Lucky you, the bathroom is right across the hall.

The next morning we got a call from the police department–they said they were sending a man over to interview me. While I just wanted to forget the whole thing ever happened, I knew I had to do this. That man needs to be put away for a very long time.

At ten Investigator Nickelson arrived, and Annie ran for the door as soon as the bell went off and opened it. Hi, me Annie. He smiled at her and said hi. I told him I was sorry, but she liked to open the door, and then I asked if it would be all right if the whole family heard what he had to say. He said that was a good idea, so we sat down in the living room–Annie was on my lap. All the other kids were in school and I was glad as they didn't need to hear all this.

Mrs. Henselton, please tell me in detail what happened to you and your daughter? I did and he just shook his head. Thank God you ran after them. The man who tried to kidnap Anna was James Crocker. He is a known sex offender of little girls ... the younger the better. We all gasped. He just got out of prison, where he spent fifteen years for child molestation, the day before your incident occurred. His sentence was twenty years but his attorney got him out earlier. He....

Mommy, what is prison? Annie asked. I jumped. That is just a place you have to go if you do a bad thing. Annie, I hear your baby doll crying in your room maybe you better go play with her.

She jumped off my lap and ran for the stairs. I'm sorry, sir, but it looked like she was paying close attention to what you were saying, and I didn't want her to get scared again. She is almost four now and has always been smarter than her age.

You did the right thing ... now to continue. Crocker is a very violent man, and though I have been investigating cases like this for over twenty years I have never come across anyone like him. Not only does he badly hurt the girls he gets, but when he gets tired of one he dumps her in an isolated area and then moves on to the next. I thought I was going to be sick. I was so disgusted hearing his confession I wanted to wring his neck; sorry I know that was not the professional thing to say but I couldn't help it. He told us Anna was the prettiest little girl he had ever seen, and he wanted her to be his girlfriend. Nickelson put his head back and looked sick. 'She would be mine forever,' he said. I think that is all you need to hear, though there is a lot more.

I jumped up, Forgive me, and I ran for the bathroom. I threw up several times and finally came back in, and Phillip held me tightly. I'm so sorry but all that was just too much for me. Sir, I was a lawyer at one time and had a case similar to this and finally had to turn it over to another lawyer ... I just couldn't handle it. I have four girls and five boys and to even think of any of them getting hurt like that is more than I can take. But with me coming so close to losing my Annie, I....

Please, Mrs. Henselton, no apology is needed, I feel just as you do and can tell by the look on the faces of your family that they do too. I do need to tell you one more thing, though I know nothing is going to happen. He is literally obsessed with Anna and extremely mad at you for interfering. He made many threats as he left the interrogation room. Of course, we will be very careful with him to be sure he stays in jail until the trial, so please don't worry. I know nothing will go wrong. The judge has set the trial date for three months from today, and you will have to testify. Now, do any of you have any questions?

Sir, I am very scared and don't want to have to testify, but that man needs to not only go to prison for life, but someone needs to outright kill him. Sorry, I have never felt like this before. It hurts me so badly to think of people taking advantage of children in any way; they are so pure and sweet. Thank you for coming and telling us all this.

He stood up, and shook our hands, and left. We all just sat there stunned. Finally, Gretchen spoke. Family, I am truly scared. That man wants Annie and even though I know she will always be safe I feel sick. Good heavens, she is not even four yet and is in possible danger. Andrew held her tightly but had tears in his eyes.

Phillip just sat there ... he didn't say a word. Honey, are you all right? I asked.

No, I don't think so. No one, and I mean no one, is going to threaten my daughter or my wife.

Alex went over to him, Dad, even though that man is in jail, I do think we need to keep this house locked up tight and not let the kids be out in the backyard alone. Crocker is not the only predator out there. We all agreed. "How awful that we even