the secret at riverview place

8/9/2019 The Secret at Riverview Place

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1The Secret at Riverview Place

By Elton Camp

Chapter 1: A New Home

The mansion loomed into view above the surrounding homes. Its Victorian towers and

gingerbread trim testified to the prosperity and extravagant elegance supported by cotton when it

had been King in the South. The gray limestone foundation of roughly hewn stones appeared tobe as solid as when it was laid in the mid 1800s. A set of stone steps led to the front porch that

swept across the front of the aging, but still-impressive home. A small balcony extended from

the second floor. An open area incorporated into the top of the tower was designed to allow aview of the Tennessee River from the bluff side.

Mr. Roberts slowed his green Lincoln sedan to a crawl as they approached 101 Riverview

Place, the site of the house he was about to purchase for his family.

So, what do you think? he asked with excitement..

Seventeen-year-old Aletha and fifteen-year-old Jeremy glanced at each other uneasily.

They knew their father expected a positive response. They didnt want to disappoint him.

Itll be a real showplace when we get it fixed up, he added quickly. He sensed their

hesitation. Nobody in town will have anything like it.

Aletha and her brother had known for quite some time that their parents were considering

purchase of a bigger house. Then came the surprise announcement that they would move as soonas the deal was closed and renovations were complete.

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Here they were, Riverview Place. Granted, the house was far larger than their current

residence and was surely most impressive. Whether it would be a desirable place to live

remained to be seen.Aletha and Jeremy had been more concerned with their own activities than their parents

lately intensified study of real estate books and discussion of such boring details as equity,

mortgage, and monthly payments. They now found themselves face-to-face with the realitygenerated by those discussions. Both gazed at the mansion uncertainly.

With school out for the summer, you two can help us spruce things up, Mrs. Robertsadded with enthusiasm equal to that of her husband. It has three floors with more than 20

rooms if you count the ones in the basement. The attic has all the storage well ever need. With

six bedrooms therell be plenty of space for you to have your friends over anytime you want.

Ive never seen so many bathroomsone in each bedroom and two downstairs.

Hey, hey, no more waiting for Aletha to fix her makeup, Jeremy said with a smile at

the thought of their house on Maple Street which could, at best, be described as a cottage. It had

only two bathrooms.

Its lots bigger than I expected, Aletha responded with awe. She estimated that theircurrent house, porch, carport, and all, was little more than a fifth the size of the mansion.

Pretty cool, or at least it will be, Jeremy speculated.

He got a weird gleam in his eye as he mischievously began to hum the tune to theAddams Family. He interrupted himself, Im sure no Pugsley, though. He paused and then

added, Although Aletha might pass for an older version of Wednesday.

The tease brought a sharp, but playful, jab to his ribs by his sister.

Ow, he complained as he rolled his eyes and glared at his sister. Whatd I do? he

asked, innocently.

Jeremy, with his ready smile, short brown hair, sparkling brown eyes, and tanned skin

bore no resemblance whatever to the pudgy youngster of cable TV reruns. Jeremy was slim and

a little short compared to the other boys in his class. Despite frequent use of free weights and a

Nautilus exercise machine, he stayed about the same build. To his frustration, his efforts onlymanaged to develop harder muscles of the same size.

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The concrete front walk led directly to the porch from the street, but neither driveway nor

parking spots were immediately visible. Mr. Roberts turned the corner to give his family a view

of the north side of the massive structure.

A tower at the front extended from the ground to a point several feet above the upper

story. It was the most striking feature of the house. The corner, at the back, had a similar, butsmaller, tower with its windows turned to provide a view of the Tennessee River.

The walls of the house were dull red brick joined with mortar that turned a dirty browndue to the passing years. The trim and ornamentation were off-white, although the paint had

commenced to flake and scale. A steep-pitched, metal roof, painted bright silver, fit well with

the Victorian style of architecture.

Shrubbery crowded the house on all sides. Unruly branches extended far over some of the

windows. The extensive grounds were studded with mature oaks and maples. Random saplings

struggled to gain a foothold in the deep shade created by the leafy canopy. Decayed wooden

benches were scattered in no discernible pattern. Fallen limbs were in evidence above the knee-high mixture of grass and weeds that passed as a yard.

The car slowly lurched over the eroded gravel driveway from the side street. It led toward

a former carriage house. At some point, the structure had been converted into a double garage.

Mr. Roberts explained, Nobodys lived here in nearly a year since old Elias Grabnerpassed away. All his family moved away and he remained alone here for years. His heirs have

been in a dispute over the estate, but finally agreed to sell to keep it from running down any more.

Besides, they were tired of paying taxes and insurance. All the furniture goes with it. We wonthave to buy a thing with what we already have. Its a real bargain even if it does need work.

But its mainly going to be up to us, Mrs. Roberts quickly added when she heard a set ofsighs from the back seat. We want you two to enjoy your summer vacation and wont expect too

much from you.

Thanks, Mom, the brother and sister said in unison.

Mr. Roberts brought the vehicle to a stop near the back door. Since its practically a

done deal, Ive got the key from the real estate agent so we all can check it out.

Aletha felt a surge of excitement as they picked their way cautiously through the

overgrown yard. They barely managed to find the series of irregular stepping-stones that led tothe door.

Watch out for snakes, Mrs. Roberts urged, only partly in jest.

Mr. Roberts extracted a bronze key from his pocket and inserted it into the Realtor box

that hung from the doorknob. Inside was a shiny key that looked new. After he jiggled it in the

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old lock for several seconds the fastener clicked. The heavily carved, wooden door swung inward

with a creak of protest.

The family stepped into the kitchen. A closed-up, musty odor greeted them. Aletha

frowned with foreboding. What were they about to get into, she wondered. Yet, she struggled to

hide her misgivings from her parents and brother.

The flip of a wall switch activated a ceiling light with only one functional bulb. While not

the latest in style, the kitchen had been updated through the years. A white porcelain sink withmany drawers was centered on the west wall. Counters to each side had white metal cabinets both

above and below. The opposite wall featured a stove and refrigerator plus more cabinets. A thick

coat of dust covered all surfaces.

Look at this, Aletha, her mother exclaimed as she opened a narrow door. Its an old-

time butlers pantry.

The shelves were lined with canned goods, boxes of various foods, and jars of homecanned vegetables that had turned dark and inedible with age.

Of course all this will have to be thrown out, she quickly added. I wouldnt eat a thing

here after all this time.

Jeremy pushed aside the curtains on the window above the sink to reveal a view of theback yard and carriage house. A many-years accumulation of grime coated the panes. Several

spiders rushed to safety at the unexpected intrusion into what had become their domain.

Man! he exclaimed as a brown cave cricket bounded from the sink and landed on his T-

shirt.

As he attempted to brush it away, the insect made another powerful jump to the floor

where it scurried out of sight as he stomped in a futile attempt to squash it.

Those things have got to go if we move here, he added with disgust. I hate them.

The door to the side tower stood ajar. It extended an irresistible invitation to Jeremy to

explore. Aletha followed him into the tiny room at the bottom of the tower. It served as amakeshift broom closet. Dried-out mops hung stiffly from pegs on the walls. A straw broom,

worn down to a nub from years of use, stood against the left wall. Spider webs extended from the

ceiling to walls at several places. A single window with wavy glass opened toward the side street.Tracks in the dust on the floor provided evidence that someone had passed through the room

recently.

The teenagers looked with keen interest at a narrow staircase with no banister that

commenced to the right, circled the wall and, spiraled upward out of sight.

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I wonder where it goes? Aletha said, as she gazed aloft.

We think it was mainly for use by servants back in the early days of the house. It leads tothe upper floors. Theres an easier set of stairs toward the front of the house. You kids can check

this one out later, their dad explained.

Caught up in the inexplicable euphoria that convinces buyers that they have found a rare

bargain, the adult Roberts seemed oblivious to the many problems with the old house. Mr.Roberts eagerly led the group on a grand tour of the first floor.

A swinging door from the kitchen led to an ornate dining room with a high ceiling

supported by massive, exposed walnut beams. A brass chandelier, with tiers of prisms, was

centered above a rectangular, mahogany table. Ten heavily carved chairs with plush greenupholstery provided regal seating. A silver candelabra, almost black with tarnish, rested on the

table. Its candles were bent and half-used, perhaps at some long-forgotten meal.

A china cabinet, crammed with dishes and crystal glasses, stood against the left wall while

a bevel-edged mirror with no frame dominated the right wall. A thick, gold carpet, threadbare in

places, covered the floor.

Aletha looked at the arm chair at the head of the table and tried to imagine what Mr.

Grabner must have looked like as he sat alone and dined in baronial splendor in his slowly-deteriorating home.

The thought made her shiver, especially when the possibility that he had died in the house

flashed into her mind. She decided not to pursue that idea on the theory that it was better not toknow some things. She wasnt superstitious, but didnt want to get her imagination cranked up.

Sometimes, logic has a problem when it attempts to overcome irrational fears.

The cavernous living room extended across over half of the front of the house. Itsfurniture and window coverings were ostentatious. They showed little evidence of use despite

their age. The room appeared to have been designed to impress visitors with the wealth of theGrabner family.

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Two Victorian couches, an assortment of chairs, several marble-top tables, and glass

lamps with faded, yellowed shades cluttered the room. Expensive-looking vases stood at various

places, most on ornate bases.

Heavily framed portraits and photographs of elegantly garbed but stern-looking people

covered the walls. Their painted eyes seemed to follow every move of the intruders as if todemand indignantly, What are you doing in my house?

I bet thats Mr. Grabner, Jeremy speculated. He doesnt look very friendly.

Elias Grabner

I call him scary and creepy, Aletha added as she peered at the black-and- whitephotograph of a man with a moustache and penetrating eyes.

Dont let the pictures bother you, Mrs. Roberts said. Well take them down before weget moved. Some light, colorful landscapes would be better choices.

Thick gold draperies covered the windows so thickly as to admit little light. An ornate

front door, with frosted panes on each side, opened to the front porch. Like many older houses,the entrance had no foyer.

A curved stairway, magnificently in view from the front door, led from the living roomand disappeared as it made a sharp left turn near the top. Another door, near the north end of the

living room, opened into the front tower to reveal a small, empty room.

This room is my favorite, Mr. Roberts said as he smoothly slid apart tall pocket doors to

a sunken den with three steps down to its floor level. Its so grand.

Stuffed chairs were arranged stiffly along the walls, but compromise with the modern

world was evident in a big-screen television turned across one corner. Two brown, leatherrecliners sat in front of it. The three items were jarringly out of place among the antiques.

A faded oriental carpet lay on the center of the hardwood floor. Dark, oak paneling

covered the walls. A black, baby grand Steinway with matching bench occupied one corner of the

large room. As with the other areas, everything was coated in dust and decorated with cobwebs.

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High on the south wall were mounted heads of two stags with antlers, a bighorn sheep,

and an elk. A dark-brown bearskin rug lay on the floor in front of the fireplace. Its glass eyes

seemed to glare at the intruders.

Can we see the rest of the house? Jeremy asked uneasily as he eyed a oil portrait of a

portly man with a turned-up collar who seemed to look at him with accusing eyes.

The library was next. It was filled with musty-smelling leather-bound books neatly

arranged in floor-to-ceiling shelves around the walls. Their orderliness suggested that thevolumes were more for appearance than use.

Wow! Ive only seen that in movies, Jeremy exclaimed as he rushed over to a set of

steps set on rollers. He bounded up it and glanced at the spines of several books on the top twoshelves, but quickly gave up when he didnt recognize any of the titles or authors.

Boring, he concluded with a dismissive shrug of his shoulders.

Whatd you expect, those dumb Hardy Boys books you always read? Aletha mocked.

Uncomfortable-looking chairs with stiff wood backs, but upholstered arms, were scattered

about, most with old-fashioned floor lamps alongside them. Each chair had a dark, wood table

beside it.

A marble fireplace with a raised hearth was centered on the wall opposite the door. High

on the wall above the fireplace was a hand-painted coat of arms with the capital letter G in the

center. A griffin and an Ibis made unlikely decorations at the sides. Across the bottom was aLatin phrase,A posse ad esse, that none of them were able to decipher.

To the right of the fireplace was a black metal wood caddy that still held a few dried-outlogs. A world globe on a stand balanced it to the left. The cathedral ceiling soared to a peak in

the center, supported by rough-hewn exposed beams.

This leads to the basement, Mr. Roberts remarked as he pointed to a door on the right in

the hallway as they returned to the living room. Well go down there after we see the upstairs.

It tends to stir up my allergies and I dont want to get to sneezing.

After they ascended the stairs to the second floor, the family found a central hallway that

ran from side-to-side. Bedrooms opened to the right and left. As Mrs. Roberts had noted, each of

the large rooms had a private tiled bathroom, although the grout was dark with mold and thefixtures old-fashioned.

This was Mr. Grabners room. Your mother and I will use it, Mr. Roberts stated as heled his family through the first doorway. You two can pick your own rooms.

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The master bedroom was half-again as large as any of the others. Centered on the left wall

was a four-poster bed so high off the floor that a short set of wooden steps was required. The

bedspread had once been white, but passage of time had made it more a dusty yellow. The otheritems of furniture were equally ornate. It gave the room a museum-like quality.

Aletha let out an involuntary cry of Ewwww when she opened the closet to reveal a rodwith tightly packed mens clothes on hangars. Its his things!

Thats okayso long as he doesnt come back to claim them, Jeremy joked as he grabbedhis sisters shoulder and let out a frightful moan.

Hey! she yelled as she pulled away from him and firmly shut the closet door. Cut out

the jokes.

Glad for an excuse to leave Mr. Grabners room, Aletha investigated each of the five

remaining choices while her parents discussed plans for decoration of their bedroom. Jeremy

apathetically muttered that he would take anything, but accompanied his sister on her tour. Aroom with a four-poster topped by a wooden canopy caught her attention. It was nothing like her

white bedroom furniture at home, but she felt a bit like a princess as she pressed the soft mattressand looked about at the matched cherry pieces of the bedroom suit that must be decades old.

The bathroom was light pink with frilly white curtainsor more correctly, curtains that had

been white at some point in the past. It must have been the room of one of the Grabner daughters,Aletha decided as she scrutinized her image in the mirror over the lavatory.

Aletha was pleased at the face looking back at her. Long brown hair, a fair complexionunlike that of her brother, blue eyes, and well-formed facial features went well with her medium

build. She was no raving beauty, but quite acceptable in appearance. Her self-scrutiny ended as

she heard her father call.

The only way to the attic is through the front tower, Mrs. Roberts noted. Lets go up.

Jeremy, youll love it. The place is full of junk. The Grabners were real pack rats.

The family went in single file up the steps that wound tightly around the wall of the tower.

A door led from a cramped landing at the top. It initially resisted as Jeremy impatiently shoved it

open.

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The attic, with several dim light bulbs hung from crude electric cords, was filled with old

trunks and boxes. Scattered about were an assortment of discarded items that, by their number,

must have accumulated since the original construction of the house. Although the walls consistedof rough, unpainted boards, the attic was divided into four large storage areas.

We get to keep all this? Aletha asked as she fingered a yellowed wedding dress that hungwith other garments on a rack located in the back storage area. The dry material crunched inward

at her touch. She quickly withdrew her finger as if the action might anger its long-departed owner.

Yes, although Im afraid it isnt worth much, Mr. Roberts explained. Therell be a lot

of trips to the dump, but that was part of the deal. The Grabner heirs dont want to be bothered to

clean up the old place. One of the grandsons, however, didnt want to sell at all, but the others

overruled him. He was indignant about it.

Dont toss anything until I have time to go through all these boxes and check out the stuff

on the shelves, Jeremy interjected as he lifted the arched lid of a black trunk to reveal stacks of

newspapers, cloth sacks closed with twisted wire, and piles of letters tied with faded red ribbons.Maybe theres a treasure map. Who knows what we might find.

As the floorboards squeaked loudly under her feet, Aletha walked over to the north gable

and peered through its wavy panes at a tugboat and barge that labored up the river toward Wilson

Dam. A speedboat moved swiftly downstream. As it lurched rhythmically up and down, the craft

created waves and a spray of water. On the opposite shore was McFarland Park.

Wow, come look at the terrific view of the river, she said. The house is closer to it than

I thought. You can see all the way to the bridge. Its going to be fun to live here. When can wemove in, Dad? Her initial misgivings evaporated as she imagined her friends coming for

overnight stays.

We have to complete the closing and then do a lot of fix-up, he replied. A smile of

satisfaction appeared on his face at the enthusiasm that developed in his daughter. It could be a

while, so be patient. Well all have plenty to occupy our time.

He and his wife exchanged relieved glances and clasped hands. They had been

apprehensive as to how their offspring would receive the move. Things seemed to be about to

work out.I want to see the basement, Jeremy urged. I hope its dark and creepy and has a

dungeon.

Aletha sighed in disgust at Jeremys remark. He could be so juvenile sometimes.

Its dark enough, son, but Im afraid we didnt see any cells down there, Mrs. Robertssaid with a chuckle. Theres one room thats completely clean and dry. You can have it for your

exercise equipment if you want. Itd be good to keep all that stuff from cluttering your bedroom.

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Jeremy nodded in agreement. I hate my room being so jammed up. He had no other

choice at their small house. The concept of a mini home gym appealed to him.

The basement door opened dangerously inward to reveal a steep set of wooden steps that

descended into dense darkness. A rush of dank air greeted them. Mr. Roberts reached inside and

fumbled on the right wall for several seconds before he located the light switch. It activated a dimbulb over the steps. A faint glow at basement level showed that it also controlled other lights.

As the four descended, the steps groaned under their weight, but gave no evidence of beingtreacherous beyond the innate hazards of steepness and inadequate illumination. A crude wooden

handrail to the right provided much-needed support.

I dont know what else well do with this area, Mr. Roberts admitted. Its even morecluttered than the attic. We wont be short of projects to keep us busy, but its manageable in

time.

All manner of junk had accumulated in the basement over the years. It ranged fromfurniture to broken appliances, to shelves packed with glassware. Near the center was a massive

furnace. It looked like a fearsome, tentacled monster as its pipes extended in various directions todistribute heat to the upper floors.

In addition to the central space, several rooms had been partitioned off. Each of them had

floor-to-ceiling cabinets around its walls. Jeremy jerked open several doors and drawers. Somewere stuffed with odds and ends, but others were empty.

This is what we think will make you a good weight room, Jeremy, Mr. Roberts said as heled the way into a room to the left. The floor is level and sturdy.

The Realtor believes that it served as an office for the Grabners overseer when theyoperated a plantation north of the river. The safes still here although nobody knows the

combination or even if itll still work after all these years.

The black metal safe was nearly as tall as Jeremy. A bronze plaque identified it as having

been manufactured by the Diebold Safe and Lock Company. The dial was rusty, but the numbers

were still legible. When Jeremy gave it a whirl, it turned easily. The handle was cracked, but

appeared to be still useable if only one knew the combination.

What if theres money or jewels inside, Jeremy speculated eagerly. If there is, its

mine, he added with a crafty grin as he cut his eyes toward his sister to get her reaction to hisfeigned greed.

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Chapter 2: The Mansion Transformed

Your fathers had to take on a new project at work, Mrs. Roberts informed Aletha andTed. Thats bound to slow things as far as our move to the house, but weve hired workers and the

four of us can work on it too. You can go to the house whenever you want and even

spend the night as long youre not alone. Just be careful. Call 911 on your cell phones if theresany real problem.

Weeks later, Aletha put the final touches on her spacious new room. She placed a fewfavorite stuffed animals at strategic locations and decorated the ornate dresser with various

knicknacks that she had collected over the years. She went through her collection of posters and

made final decisions as to which to display on her walls. Her posters were of vibrant colors and

added a personal touch to the decor.

The heavy, orange-colored curtains gave way to newer-styled maroon priscillas. They were

tied at each side with matched cords. Sets of mauve pink miniblinds at each window added to the

cozy feel of the room. The off-white paint and sand-colored carpeting had revolutionized herroom. The bathroom, too, was scrubbed, cheerful and shiny with new curtains and fixtures. It

began to feel like home.

The work of the family plus a crew of five workers had transformed the main floors of the

grim house as paint was applied, carpet laid, phone lines run, cable installed, windows washed, and

reupholstering done. Several weeks had gone a long way towards correction of decades of neglect.

Phone extensions were installed throughout the house. Charter Communications gave

television and Internet access in each teenagers room.

Its good that we picked rooms at the opposite end from our parents, Jeremy said. We

shouldnt hear as much complaining about loud music and television. That was a continualproblem at their little house.

The brother and sister often worked at the house without their parents, but were careful tofollow instructions about not being alone. To be isolated in the big old place didnt appeal to

either of them.

The exterior yielded to the determined efforts of Jeremy and his father as they subdued therun-away shrubbery and overgrown yard while painters worked from scaffolds to bring the trim to

its former glory.

Nods and waves of approval came from neighbors who saw their own property values rise

with renovation of the abandoned estate which had become an eyesore.

Good job. Keep it up, shouted a short, thin middle-aged man as he passed with his

clipped, white poodle on a leash. The large dog seemed to walk the man.

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Along with all the activity, Aletha and Jeremy managed to find new friends in the

neighborhood.

When she approached the house one morning, Aletha noticed another girl her age pick up

her familys newspaper. She had medium length, wavy brown hair, with a slight hint of red and

was a couple of inches taller than Aletha. She looked vaguely familiar. As the two chatted, Alethalearned that her name was Anna McAlister and that they had been in the same Spanish class in

10th grade. Their common interests quickly emerged.

If youre not busy, come in and see what weve done with the house, Aletha invitedcordially. She was excited at the prospect of friendship with Anna.

Maybe another day, Anna responded evasively. In an obvious attempt to change thesubject she quickly continued, Hey, come see my aquarium.

Although confused and disappointed by Annas unexpected reaction, Aletha accepted theinvitation. Annas house was a brick colonial with four white columns that rose to the second

floor. Far newer than her house, it had been constructed on land of the former Grabner estate that

had been sold off over the years.

The two went around to the family entrance in the back. Annas mother was at work in thekitchen, but stopped to extend a warm welcome to her daughters visitor as they entered.

Were glad to have you in the neighborhood, she said in a friendly manner. Come visit

Anna anytime you can.

Annas room was at the back on the second floor. Although small, it was airy and cheerful

with light yellow walls and nondescript furniture of apparent inexpensive construction. Its most

interesting feature was the forty-gallon salt-water aquarium placed on its own stand near thewindow. The water was clear but had a slightly briny odor; a tiny pirate chest released regular

bubbles of air that assured support for the two seahorses, which were its star occupants. A variety

of starfish, coral and several other fish that Aletha wasnt able to identify made the well-keptaquarium a multi-colored extravaganza.

Over the next several days, the girls chatted on the telephone and Aletha came over to visit

and even spent one night with her new friend. Although they went to the mall and out to eat, Annacontinued to courteously decline Alethas invitations to come to her house.

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Finally, Aletha, determined to clear the air, said, Anna, we seem to get along so well. I

cant understand why you act so strange when I ask you over. You look almost frightened every

time I mention it. What gives?

I-I dont want to scare you, Anna replied hesitantly, with a vague look of fear.

Scare me about what? Aletha returned with a puzzled look on her face.

Ever since Mr. Grabner died, Ive seen lights go off and on over there all times of thenight, but nobody ever seems to come and go, Anna reported solemnly. The little kids in the

neighborhood say its haunted. I dont believe that, but it gives me the creeps every time I think of

going inside.

So thats it, Aletha said with a smile. Its sort of an intimidating place, I agree. But Ive

worked days and night there for weeks and havent seen a single ghost. Besides, what would

ghosts need with lights? She hoped the logical question would help her overcome her

unreasonable concern.

It makes sense, but I just dont know, Anna replied.

The lights you saw may have been due to problems with the wires. Dad had Taylor

Electric replace all the switches and put breaker boxes in place of fuse boxes.

I hadnt thought of that, Anna conceded a bit shamefacedly. Im just being silly. If the

invitations still open, Id love to visit.

After that, the two became best friends, although Aletha was careful not to take Anna into

the attic or basement. In fact, she didnt go there alone herself. She just couldnt seem to shake

the feeling that somebody or something might spring out on her at any minute.

Late Saturday afternoon, when the July heat had somewhat diminished, Jeremy rolled his

red Honda motorcycle from the carriage house. After several determined attempts, he managed tokick-start the engine to life. Unused for a couple of months, it ran roughly and emitted stinky,

black exhaust. With all the work on the house and yard, thered been no time for him to ride.

As he crouched down to adjust the carburetor of the noisy machine, a figure from thesidewalk turned toward the garage and stood quietly behind and slightly to his left.

Oh, hi, Jeremy said when he perceived a presence and glanced over his shoulder. Letme get this thing turned off.

He killed the engine and turned to find a smiling young man with very long, red hair, blueeyes, fair skin, and freckles. He was dressed in blue jeans and wore a tan Old Navy pull-over.

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Hey, Im Ted from two houses down, he volunteered as he extended his hand. Ive

intended to come over ever since you moved in and decided this was as good a time as any.

Welcome to the neighborhood.

As they shook hands, Jeremy thought that maybe Ted would be a good friend. He certainly

hoped so.

As they chatted, it emerged that both boys liked sports, swimming, and reading adventure

novels. Jeremy managed to conceal his mild jealousy of the other boys extra inches of height and

more muscular build. Over the next several days they became well acquainted. The two visitedback and forth between their houses and hung out at Pizza Hut and Regency Mall.

When the family finished supper one evening, Mr. Roberts said, Im afraid you two willhave to keep the old Mustang for another year. All the repairs on the house cost more than we had

anticipated and were over budget. Workers are waiting for materials to arrive. Things are prettymuch at a standstill. Itll still be several weeks, maybe longer, before we can consider moving.

Its fine, Dad, Aletha assured him. The car may be old, but it runs well enough. Itd be

nice to have a better one, but not anytime soon.

Besides, I have my motorcycle if sis cant drive me where I want to go, Jeremy added.

I hope that thing stays in the carriage house, Mrs. Roberts asserted, It scares me for youto ride it.

Another year and Ill be old enough to get a drivers license, he said. In the meantime,Ill be extra careful.

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Chapter 3: Strange Things Happen

It was near the end of July when the unexplained sounds began. Aletha was in the librarywhen she heard the first muted clanks that seemed to come from no particular place.

All old houses make strange noises, she told herself as she concentrated on dusting thealmost endless rows of books. An almost identical sound occurred again, which caused her to dart

into the hallway and call out Is anybody there? There was no reply but the noise didnt repeat.

She was glad to hear Jeremys footsteps as he came down the front stairs.

Jeremy, did you hear anything weird just now? she asked. The noise caused her to think

about what Anna had said about lights going on and off, apparently by themselves.

I heard dad bang on the lawn mower. It probably slipped a belt again.

Oh, I guess thats what it was then, Aletha responded. Her anxious expression

disappeared. Somehow it seemed to come from inside the house, but I must have been mistaken.

Aletha put the incident out of her mind until a few days later when she heard Jeremy andTed discuss his lack of progress in physical training despite his exercise room being in place.

Youre never gonna get any stronger if you dont work at it harder, Ted said with mild

exasperation.

I know, but the weight room makes me feel creepy sometimes, Jeremy explained. Ive

heard weird sounds and feel like somebodys watching me.

Man, thats so silly, Ted exclaimed. I wish I had a cool place like that to work out.

There cant be anybody around cause theres just one entrance to the entire basement and youdhave to hear anybody coming down that creaky set of stairs. This is just a big old place and youve

let your imagination run wild. Get a grip.

After more good-natured banter, the two boys agreed to go to the basement and work out

together. As soon as Aletha heard their footsteps on the stairs, she phoned Anna to come over.

When the two settled in her room, ready to watch a movie on the TiVo, Aletha carefullybroached the real reason she had asked Anna over.

Anna, she began awkwardly, I saw a program on the History Channel about secretpassages and rooms in old houses. It made me wonder if this place might have any. I mean where

somebody could come and go without being seen. That could explain the lights you used to see

and noises Ive started to hear.

Youre about to get me uneasy again about this place. Please stop, Anna requested as

she glanced nervously around as if to spy a frightful fiend about to pounce on them.

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The program gave me an idea, Aletha persisted. In a place called the Octagon House,

workers found a series of passages and rooms when they did a remodel. If there are any here weshould be able to find them just by measurement.

I dont see how, Anna replied in uneasy confusion.

Its simple, Aletha continued. We can step off the length of the rooms on this floor,

then step off the space on the front of the house and subtract. If theres more unaccounted forspace than the thickness of the walls, there has to be a hidden room or passage.

I guess that makes sense, Anna conceded, But arent you going to tell your parents and

let them check?

Theyre both busy and besides I like a mystery. If youll help me, we can spring it on

Jeremy and Ted if we learn anything interesting. They always boast about how boys are better at

figuring out things than girls. We can show them. What do you say?

Yeah, sure, it might be fun, Anna said as she brightened to the prospect of pulling one onthe boys.

Meanwhile, Jeremy and Ted, occupied with the exercise machine and weights, created

plenty of clanks and bangs of their own.

See? Not a thing to worry about down here, Ted asserted as he lowered the 20 pound

weights in each hand to the concrete floor with a metallic thud.

Jeremy conceded that his uneasiness was irrational and promised to stick to the exercise

schedule Ted had suggested.

Thats the only way youre gonna develop the build you say you want, Ted said with

finality. Keep up the exercises. Theres just no easy way.

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Chapter 4: The Friends Are on Their Own

We got some disturbing news late last night, Mr. Roberts announced at the breakfasttable. Your mothers sister in Oregon has taken a bad fall.

Thats terrible! Aletha responded. Her vivacious older aunt had been a particularfavorite since early childhood.

She lives alone, so your father and I think we should fly out there and help until she getson her feet again. Hes caught up at work and has some leave days he has to take or lose. It

shouldnt be more than a couple of weeks at most. Do yall feel all right to stay in Sheffield alone?

If not, we can get your grandmother to come while were away.

Naw, its cool, Jeremy replied as he took another biscuit off the platter.

Mom, were grown. We dont need a babysitter anymore, Aletha said with a tolerant

smile.

Will it be okay if we spend a few nights at the Grabner place? Jeremy asked.

Only if youre both there and you get Anna and Ted to stay with you, their father

cautioned. That is, provided their parents agree.

It was two days after the Roberts left before the girls actually made an estimate of the size

of the rooms on the second floor. They waited until the boys were gone to a movie at the Regency

Square Cinema 12 before they stepped off the measurements and recorded them in a spiralnotebook.

Look at this! Aletha said with mounting excitement as she analyzed the figures. Thehouse overall is ten steps more than the measurement of the bedrooms. Theres a good bit of

unaccounted for space that has to be somewhere. One of our steps is about two feet.

I never really expected this, Anna exclaimed, excitement mixed with apprehension. Its

a little bit scary, especially with the noises you told me about and the lights I used to see.

Anna picked up her purse as she usually did when she was ready to go home. Concernedthat she had frightened Anna too much, Aletha quickly reassured her.

Lots of old houses had hidden rooms and passages, Aletha asserted, although she wasuncertain if the statement was true or not. Besides I havent heard any noises but that one time.

It probably was dad working on the lawn mower. Theres nothing to be afraid of. Even if there

were any such thing as ghosts, they wouldnt need secret passages. They could walk right throughthe wall.

I guess so, Anna conceded as she lay down her purse. So, what do we do next?

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Lets try rapping on the walls to see if any of them sound hollow, Aletha proposed. We

can start with my room.

Despite feeling more than a little apprehensive, Anna joined her friend as they worked their

way around the room with sharp raps. The two listened carefully for any unexplained echos. It

was only when they came close to Alethas closet that their investigation revealed anything butdull thuds.

Listen to this, Aletha said as she sharply knocked on the wall. It sounds different.

Youre right. It does, Anna agreed. Her pupils dilated with a mixed feel of adventure

and fear.

Lets look for some kind of secret door, Aletha urged.

The two girls cursory examination of the heavy paneling of the room failed to reveal any

opening device for a hidden entrance. The adventurers became more meticulous. They felt everyinch of the panels. Aletha noticed a small piece of molding that seemed to be slightly out of line.

She pulled it from the top but it didnt budge. When she applied enough pressure from the bottomto break loose the new paint, the molding swung upward to reveal a thick metal button.

This may be it, she exclaimed to her friend.

As Anna watched breathlessly, Aletha pressed hard until they heard a distinct click. A

large panel swung inward a few inches to reveal a dark space beyond. Stale air flowed into the

room.

Oh my! Anna uttered with a gasp. She turned pale. I didnt really think wed find

anything.

Suddenly uneasy at the discovery, Aletha pushed the button again. The hidden entrance

closed into place with only a barely-perceptible click.

Where are you going? Anna demanded as Aletha turned toward her bed.

To look for a flashlight, she responded. I want to see whats back there, dont you?

Well sure, but...Anna responded, her curiosity almost as strong as her tendency toward

caution.

After she located her black flashlight in her bedside table drawer, Aletha returned to the

wall and uncovered the button a second time.

Here, hold this, she said as she handed the flashlight to Anna. Ill open it again.

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The panel swung all the way inward. The bright beam of the flashlight revealed a long

passageway. Its walls were rough boards that had never been painted. Heavy cobwebs hung from

the studs and ceiling. Dust on the floor seemed to have been recently disturbed.

Oh, wow. This is so exciting, Anna almost whispered. She seemed to forget her earlier

trepidation.

The teenagers stepped cautiously into the passageway and crept forward about ten feet. The

panel remained open so that light from Alethas room showed the location of the exit.

Look! Steps, Aletha exclaimed as she played the beam into the darkness ahead of them.

A steep set of board steps went downward a few feet and turned to the left and out of sight.

We have to be sensible and wait for Jeremy and Ted to get back, Aletha firmly warned.

The panel could close and trap us. Then wed really be in a fix.

Aletha, usually bold, felt a bit strange to take the lead in advising caution, but she felt anobligation for the safety of her guest. There was no reason to take needless chances. Besides, she

thought, Jeremy would love this. It was only fair to wait on him.

Impatient, she sent her brother a text message, House fast brng ted.

He may not hear it, Aletha said. Theyre probably still at the movie, but maybe itllhurry them up when its over.

Within less than a half hour, the girls heard the sound of the motorcycle in the driveway.Seconds later, the back door opened and the boys hurried up the stairs as they shouted the girls

names.

Where are you? Ted yelled. Is something wrong?

It better be good, Jeremy added. Wed intended to hang out at Rivertown Coffee shopfor a while.

The girls hurriedly described their discovery and led the way to the secret panel. It again

opened to their touch.

This time, were not gonna take a chance on getting trapped, Aletha stated.

She placed a straight chair from her room on its side so that it blocked the portal from being

able to close completely. Soon, the excited group of teens, armed with flashlights, inched along the

gloomy corridor.

When we saw these steps, we turned back, Anna stated. She beamed her light down them

to the point where they turned again and went out of sight.

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Out of the way. Ted and mell take the lead. This is a job for men, Jeremy stated with a

voice of authority.

Oh, do you know where we can find any? Aletha replied sarcastically.

Nevertheless, she stepped aside to let her brother and his friend go in front. They startedcautiously down the ancient stairway with its faded, dusty carpeting.

Let them get the spider webs in their faces, she whispered to Anna with a grin. Boyshave to be worth something.

A few steps downward, the group found an intersecting set of steps from above. They shone

the light up it, but didnt investigate.

Its a regular labyrinth, Ted said. I bet this leads to the other bedrooms. Well explore it later,

but lets keep going down.

The stairway terminated at a small landing. Plainly in view on the unpainted wall was a

button similar to the one in Alethas room. It clicked open a panel, beyond which they saw a

brightly lit room.

Its the kitchen, Aletha cried out with a shock of recognition. Look where we came out.

I cant believe it.

The group stepped into the familiar room. The panel was cleverly concealed in a niche

between the stove and refrigerator. The trim that hid the secret button on the kitchen side was also

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stuck with fresh paint, but yielded to their determined pull. The arrangement was identical to the

one upstairs.

Phooey, I thought it might take us to a room full of treasure, Jeremy said with

disappointment. Its just a way from the kitchen to the bedrooms. What a crock.

The group decided the passages had merely served the utilitarian purpose of allowing

servants to reach the family quarters without being obtrusive.

There probably used to be bells so they could tell who called them, Aletha guessed. Ive

seen stuff like that in old movies.

Willie, Ill have my breakfast in bed in the morning, Jeremy said with a voice to mock thearistocratic manner of a wealthy plantation owner before the Civil War. Use the secret passage,

please. Theres no need to awaken my children and guests.

Yes suh, Master, Ted replied as he made a slight bow and exaggerated dialect. Whateveryou sez, Suh.

Ted looked at his shoes as he spoke in imitation of the manner of black servants in the days

of slavery.

Thats horrible. I wish you wouldnt do that, Aletha responded. Its wrong to make funof people. Slaves were trapped in a thing beyond their control. They did the best they could to

survive.

Appropriately chastened, Ted apologized. Youre right. I was acting like an idiot. It was

sure no joke to them. Its easy to forget what slavery really meant.

Just think. Slaves right here in our house, Jeremy said. But it was built before the War,

so what else could be expected.

The group returned to the passageways and confirmed their conclusion that the other set of

steps, plus others that joined it, in fact led to the various second floor bedrooms.

Wont mom and dad be surprised when they get back, Jeremy said enthusiastically. Icant wait to tell them what you girls found. Good job, sis.

Thanks, but it isnt all fun, Aletha cautioned. You can tell somebodys been in thepassageways recently. Thats where the noises I heard came from. Somebodys trying to scare us,

but who and why?

Its no ghosts. Even if they existed, they wouldnt make tracks like we found, Ted

insisted. A person is behind this. We better be on our guard. Like your parents said, you guys

shouldnt spend the night here alone. Call us to sleep over or just stay at your little house.

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Aletha and Jeremy assured them that they would, thinking of the adage that Theres safety

in numbers. Itd be more fun in the creepy mansion with their friends along, especially at night.

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Chapter 5: The Dusty Footprint

The next evening, Jeremy and Ted were in the basement exercise room. Ted ran on the

treadmill while Jeremy lay on his weight bench and shoved thirty-pound barbells up and down. Hismuscles began to ache from the repetitions, so he laid the weights on the floor with a loud clunk.

He sat up on the side of the bench to rest. As he looked at the locked safe on the opposite wall and

dreamed of treasure, a faint shape caught his attention.

Ted, look at that. Youre not gonna believe your eyes if I see what I think I do, he called

out loud enough to be heard over the roar of the treadmill.

Jeremy walked over to the safe. When Ted joined him, the boy pointed wordlessly to a faint

shoe print. Only the front part was visible. The heel part lay underneath the safe.

Teds pupils dilated with excitement as he realized the implication. The safes got to bemoveable. An opening is behind it. Somebody has been through here recently. This tracks fresh.

Itd never occurred to the boys to attempt to push aside the heavy-looking strongbox. Their

emphasis had been on the possibility of discovery of the combination. Yet, there had to be a way to

move it.

Jeremy pushed the safe from the right side. To his shock, it easily and silently rolled from

the wall without leaving a trace on the hard concrete floor. Behind it loomed an opening into a dark

passageway. The safe alone served as door.

I never expected this, Jeremy said in astonishment. Id have though itd take five strong

guys to move that thing.

Man! Look at that, Ted exclaimed in disbelief. Youve got the coolest house in the

world.

In a frenzy of excitement, the boys gathered flashlights in preparation to explore the musty

passage. An odor of mildew was carried by the light breeze that flowed from the opening into the

room.

Dont you guess we should call the girls? Ted suggested. After all, they shared what

they found with us.

Aletha and Anna were upstairs occupied with reruns of Threes Company on the TiVo.

They rarely came into the basement that they described as fit only for apes. By that, they meantJeremy and Ted who used the exercise room daily.

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Naw, this is a guy thing, Jeremy responded. Well check it out first and then let them in

on it. Okay?

Ted nodded in agreement. He was as anxious as Jeremy to explore the dark passage,

although the footprint made him feel a bit creepy. What if they encountered the man who had made

it? Theyd deal with that if it happened, he decided as he played his light on the back of the safe.

Welded to the rear was a heavy metal handle. Not a recent addition, it was a means to draw

the safe back into position after one entered the tunnel. Somebodys gone to a great deal of troubleto conceal some secret.

The passage was tall enough for the boys to walk erect comfortably. For the first twenty

feet, it was level with the floor of the exercise room. Gradually, it slanted downward and thenmade an abrupt turn to the right. Beyond that point, the slant increased enough to make for

treacherous footing as the limestone became increasingly moist.

Oh, good, were coming to steps, Jeremy said. He took the lead in the exploration.

The steps were rough and not always the same height. They appeared to have been madefrom blocks of rough limestone. Jeremys flashlight didnt reveal their end. The beam dispersed in

the dense darkness below.

Theres no telling how deep we are and we must be completely out from under the house,

Ted said with a degree of concern. I sure hope these walls are as solid as they look. If there was a

cave-in, wed be in a spot.

The youth checked his cell phone. As he feared, the screen showed Searching. There was

no signal. If they got into trouble, there was no way to summon help.

The long descent ended abruptly at a level floor. The boys shone their light around, eager to

learn what they had discovered.

It is a dungeon, Jeremy shouted. I joked about one when we bought the house, but here

it is!

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Man! This is creepy, Ted added as he looked with a combination of fear and interest at

the series of cells. The right and left walls each had five cells carved into the limestone. Badly

rusted iron doors with small openings about a foot from floor level guarded each. They had beenleft open as if there had been a mass escape of prisoners.

Lets check the cells, Jeremy exclaimed. Who knows what we might find.

The first three cells were alike. Each was about eight feet wide and ten feet deep. The

corroded remains of two cots were against each side. A narrow walkway between them ended atthe back wall. A bit more than head high, attached to the wall with large bolts, was a gruesome

sight.

Its chains. And wristbands, Ted said as he examined the items, now grown crumbly fromrust. People were chained to the wall in here.

This looks like something out of a late night horror movie, Jeremy added uneasily. I

nearly cant believe this.

He scooted to the door and shot the beam of the flashlight around in the room to be certainthat they were still alone. The only sound he heard was his own heavy breathing.

The boys continued their examination of the cells. The fourth one was like the previous

three. The fifth enclosure had an additional item.

Look, its a moldy old blanket on the cot, Ted remarked. At least they made some

provision for the prisoners to be comfortable.

Jeremy tugged at the rough, brown blanket. From years of decay, it split apart. He caught a

glimpse of white.

Something under here. Maybe its t treasure, he speculated. Jeremy remained ever

hopeful of discovery some item of value in the old mansion.

When he jerked the blanket off the cot, a human skull fell to the floor with a crash. Its

empty eye sockets seemed to turn directly toward him. The skull was fixed into a permanent grin

that showed uneven, defective teeth. A large piece broke off the top as a result of the impact on thestones.

Yow! Let me out of here, Jeremy shouted in terror as he stumbled toward the door.Come on, Ted.

Ted, not as given to panic as Jeremy, shone his light on the cot. There lay additional bones.Some were ribs, a series of irregular bones down the center of the cot appeared to be vertebrae, the

pelvis had dropped inward into two main parts, long bones of arms and legs were easy to identify.

The numerous bones of the hands and feet had fallen apart and lay in disarray.

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Come on back. Nobody heres gonna hurt you, he called to his companion. This guys

been dead for a really long time.

W-well have to report this to the cops. I sure wish dad wasnt away, Jeremy replied

uneasily as he stepped inside and looked with dread at the gruesome skeleton.

Naw, I dont think so, Ted assured him. Whoevers responsible for this must have been

dead long before even your dad was born. It may have been a crime all right, but theres nobodyleft to arrest.

The boys discussed the macabre find and what it might possibly mean, but were unable to

come to any reasonable conclusion. They agreed to explore the rest of the chamber and cells inhope that a clue might emerge. The door at the far end of the room was constructed of wood

strengthened by metal strips.

Lets skip that one for now, Ted suggested. Well come back to it last.

The first room on the opposite wall was unlike any of the previous ones. Much larger andwithout bars, it appeared to be an office rather than a cell. There were neither cots nor chains. A

heavy oak desk with a broken shelf laid across it, was against the right wall. Off to one side stood a

wooden chair. Both objects were covered with a thick, undisturbed layer of dust.

Nobodys used this in a long time, Jeremy said as he regained courage and curiosity. He

pulled open the largest desk drawer as Ted shone his light inside. Each boy almost held his breath

in anticipation of what they might uncover.Its money! Stacks of it, Jeremy cried out. The drawers nearly full of it. Were rich.

The yellowed bills were bound in bundles with brittle leather bands. He handed one to hiscompanion. Its a stack of fifties. This ones yours and the next ones mine.

Ted rubbed away the coat of dust and directed his light directly onto the bill. On each side,enclosed in a circle was the number 50 just as Jeremy had noted. The portrait in the center was

not of Grant, but a thinner, younger man with a turned-up collar. There was no name to identify

him, but underneath it read Richmond, December 2, 1862. At the top in a large, fancy font was

The Confederate. Below that, to the right of left of the portrait the phrase continued States ofAmerica.

He let out a sigh of disappointment. Look at this real close before you get too carriedaway.

Whats wrong with it? Give it to me if you dont want your share. I can buy me a newCorvette with all this.

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In seconds, Jeremys dream of becoming the owner of the luxury sports car evaporated. He

dug hurriedly through the rest of the money, but found it all the same.

Its not worth a thing, he said in exasperation. Just my luck when I thought Id finally

found a pot of gold.

Yeah, but its a valuable clue to what this place is all about, Ted countered. I think I

know, but lets see what else we can find in this desk.

The boys explored the side drawers. All but one was empty. In the one on the right bottom

lay a yellowed, wrinkled advertising flyer. It had, at one point been folded, but the bold type was

easy to read.

So, thats itthe slave trade, Ted said with disgust. We studied about it in Alabama

history last year. This mustve been a place where slaves were kept until they could be sold again.

There were some big plantations around Florence. The ones who did it had to keep it secret.Slavery was legal back then, but around here there was lots of opposition to it, especially reselling

them.

Im not sure I want anybody to know about this, Jeremy responded. With a Black man as

President, its time to forget about that slavery crap. Lets not tell anybody, even the girls?

Maybe, but while were here, lets go ahead and check out the door at the end of the room,

Ted urged. This is bad, but its a part of history. There might be something else interesting on theother side. The door wasnt locked and opened inward with surprising ease.

It hasnt been way over a hundred years since this door was used, Ted remarked with

apprehension. Whoever made that footprint at the safe must have come in this way.

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Thick bushes grew from the limestone outcropping outside the door. There was a loud,

unmistakable sound. The air was filled with heavy mist although the late afternoon sunlight was

visible through gaps in the vegetation.

Its the Tennessee River, Jeremy exclaimed in shock.

He parted the bushes for a better look. A few feet down rushed the swift water of the main

channel of the river. Above them rose a sheer limestone cliff.

Yeah, I see McFarland Park, he added. And downstream theres the tip of Seven Mile

Island toward the sunset.

The boys decided that the river entrance to the complex had functioned as a drop-off andpick-up point in the slave trade until it ended with the defeat of the Confederacy. The entrance was

well concealed and in a treacherous part of the river channel. It was easy to see why nobody had

discovered it despite passing river traffic over the years.

Dont forget that footprint at the safe and all the others we saw coming down. Somebody

knows about this, Jeremy stated uneasily.

Yeah, for sure, Ted agreed. Itll be dark before long. Lets get back upstairs.

At Jeremys insistence, Ted reluctantly agreed to keep the discovery of the undergroundlabyrinth quiet for at least a while. Jeremy felt a twinge of guilt due to his failure to confide in his

sister, but felt it was best for the present.

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Chapter 6: A Startling Discovery

For two days, the Roberts siblings stayed at their small house, but the allure of the mansion

became too strong to resist. Thursday evening, Aletha arranged for Anna to stay overnight.

Call Ted and get him to sleep over with you, Aletha suggested. You know mom made uspromise not to be in the house at night by ourselves.

Jeremy phoned his friend, but was disappointed to learn that he would be gone overnight

with his parents on a shopping trip to Huntsville. Theyd be back early the next morning.

Well, I guess itll be all right, Aletha said when he relayed the development to her. Wewont be alone with Anna here, so we arent technically going against what we promised. You can

call us if you get scared during the night.

Yeah, like I need two girls to protect me, he replied scornfully. I can take care of myself,thank you.

About eleven oclock, quiet in his sisters bedroom next door told Jeremy that she and Annahad settled in for the night. He climbed into one of the twin beds in his room to read for a while.

After only a few minutes, he could no longer hold his eyes open and so laid down the current copy

ofSports Illustrated, turned out his bedside lamp, and promptly fell asleep.

A thump came from the direction of the hidden panel near his bed. It swung inward and a

grinning skull floated in the air directly toward him. It stopped alongside his head and a ghostlyvoice exclaimed, You done broke my head. Why you do dat! I makes you sorry.

Jeremy awoke with a terrified scream that he managed to half-stifle. He hoped Aletha and

Anna hadnt heard. He didnt want them to think that he was a wimp. His heart pounded furiously.The rhythm was repeated in his ears. The horrible nightmare had jolted him wide-awake. He

desperately wished Ted were with him. Just to be absolutely sure it was only a dream, he glanced at

the location of the secret door. It was firmly closed as always.

Man. I hate it when I have a bad dream like that, he muttered.

After a sleepless half-hour, he found that to read, or to watch television, or to visit in

Internet chat rooms did nothing to help him relax.

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One thing always works, he thought. Ill go downstairs and use the exercise room for a

while.

Dressed in his pajamas and with bare feet, he slipped quietly down the hallway to the

stairway and to the main floor. It was only when he opened the door that led to the basement that

he began to have misgivings. Thought of the footprint and passageway behind the safe made thehair stand up on the nape of his neck. He reproached himself for the sensation of fear.

Somebodys come into the basement through the tunnel, all right, he thought. Probably

some kid who happened up on the entrance down by the river. He wouldnt dare come in the

middle of the night like this.

When he activated the switch at the top of the basement stairs, he heard what almost

sounded like a scurrying sound from below. After a few seconds, it stopped.

Maybe rats, he concluded. Gotta put out some traps.

As soon as Jeremy entered the exercise room, he knew something wasnt right. A storagecabinet stood out at a crazy angle from the far wall. A yellowish light revealed the presence of a

chamber behind it. An odd, unpleasant combination of odors assaulted his nostrils. The strong

chemical scent seemed to consist of ether, ammonia, and fingernail polish.

Smells a little like where somebody keeps a filthy cat, he thought. I dont get this.

Jeremy peeked cautiously into the newly discovered room, ready to flee if necessary.Nobody was there, but it contained a strange collection of items. On the floor sat a propane tank

with blue corrosion on the fittings. Hand letters made with a magic marker identified it as

anhydrous ammonia. A quart jar was labeled as hydrochloric acid. Boxes of Sudafed were stackedseveral rows high. Empty blister packs were scattered at random, some of them on the floor in front

of the cabinet. There were boxes of coffee filters and baggies. Some of the filters had been used

and bore red stains. Two containers of large kitchen matches were at one end of the counter. LargeCorning ware bowls, each with white residue inside, rested atop hot plates. Two-liter size bottles

that had contained Sprite lay on their sides. A plastic water bottle was upright and filled with a

clear liquid. Tubes ran from some of the containers. Four sinks on the left wall were marred with

heavy chemical stains. Jeremy decided that the room had once served as a communal bathroom forservants. What in the world is all this junk, Jeremy thought. Id better get out of here.

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It was too late. A gruff voice came from behind him and he felt a strong hand on his

shoulder

Jeremy whirled around to see a scruffy man in his late thirties who stared angrily at him.

About six feet tall, the man wore a short-sleeve pullover with a picture of a can of Budweiser on the

front. His denim pants were faded and dirty. Worn, unclean Nike tennis shoes completed his

outfit. The intruders medium-length, brown hair needed to be groomed and a handlebar moustachefurther marred his appearance. His gray eyes were hard and cruel.

You punk, what are you doing here? he demanded. You and your family have no right

to be in this house. It belongs to my grandfather. Now youre in here messing with the only way I

have to make a living.

Whoa, this is our house, not yours, Jeremy initially protested. My dads coming right

down. You better get out of here.

I was listening from inside the wall when your mom said theyd be gone for two weeks.

You cant fool me, the man replied with a smirk. Now that youve found my operation, Imgonna have to take you out of circulation till I make my next run and clear out my equipment.

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I dont know what this stuffs for, Jeremy protested. I wont say anything if you just let

me go.

Sure, like Im supposed to take your word for that, the man growled. If I do that, youd

have the cops down here in ten minutes. Like it or not, youre coming with me. Cooperate and Illlet you go in a few days. If not, well, you dont want to think about that.

The man stalked over to the cluttered counter and extracted a brown rope about three feetlong from the middle drawer on the right.

Cross your hands behind your back, he ordered. Try anything and Ill break you in two.

Jeremy eyed the man uneasily. Although he didnt seem to be armed, he doubted that he

was strong enough to fight the desperate man successfully. Yet, if he allowed him to tie his arms,

hed be helpless. The decision was made for him. The man shoved him against the wall and

quickly bound his arms behind his back.

Its too tight, Jeremy protested.

When Biff does something, he does it right, the captor replied.

Nevertheless, he checked the ropes and loosened them a bit. The act gave Jeremy hope that,despite his scary appearance, Biff didnt intend to do him real harm. He concluded that it would be

best to go along with whatever he said until he got a chance to escape.

Biff shoved Jeremy ahead of him into the exercise room. The man turned out the light and

shoved the cabinet back into position to hide his makeshift workshop. The safe stood away from

the wall.

I hid in the tunnel when I heard you start down the steps. Pretty smart, huh? Biff bragged.

Yeah, it sure was, Jeremy said. He thought it best to humor the man and maybe even to

get on his good side.

Were gonna take a little trip to my hideout, Biff said. Into the tunnel with you.

Hey, how about lets go up to my room and let me put on something besides pajamas?

Jeremy requested. Its cool in that place. Ive been in it once before.

Biff hesitated as he looked at Jeremys thin garb. He glanced down at his own clothes as if

to consider the request.

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Naw, I dont think so, Biff growled. You came down here like that, so you can make out

the best you can. If I let you go upstairs, you might start to yell. I dont want to have to pull your

sister in on this. Itd complicate things too much.

Okay, youre the boss, Jeremy agreed. Whatever you say. Jeremy had, in fact, planned

to arouse Aletha and Anna, but was glad Biff had thwarted him.

I was stupid to come down here late at night, he thought as he and Biff entered the

passageway and Biff pulled the safe back into position. Im sure not gonna take a chance ongetting the girls involved with this guy. He could be dangerous.

When the two reached the river, the moonlight revealed a small speedboat tied to the base of

one of the larger bushes. It whacked rhythmically against the rocks as the flow of the water rockedit.

Cant risk letting you fall into the water tied up like that, Biff grunted. The currents too

fast here against the bluff.

Biff untied the boys hands and supported him as he dangled over the ledge and droppedinto the waiting boat. Jeremy looked around desperately anything to let him slice through the rope

that held the craft in place. The current would carry him safely out of Biffs reach within seconds.

Before he could do anything, Biff dropped heavily into the boat alongside him.

Now, if you behave, I wont tie you up again, he offered. If you jump out of the boat,

youre done for and I think you know it. The best swimmer in the world couldnt make it to the

other side in this fast water.

Thanks, Biff, I promise not to try to escape, Jeremy said. He rubbed the rope mark on his

wrists. If Biff replaced them, he feared they might cut right through his skin.

Under his breath, Jeremy added to his promise the words, right now. He said it quietly

enough that he was certain Biff couldnt hear above the roar of the rushing water.Biff cast off and as the boat was swept sideways down the river, he cranked the outboard

motor to gain control. He accelerated rapidly downstream. The bow of the boat slapped up and

down on the surface. A heavy wake arouse on each side. . Biff operated dangerously without

running lights, but no other traffic was on the river at that night.

Jeremy sat quietly on the middle seat and inconspicuously watched the shore for landmarks.

He wanted to know where he was if escape became possible. On the right, he caught sight of thecampground at McFarland Park.

Have to be in easy sight of Oneal Bridge, he thought, but didnt dare turn around to check.It didnt seem wise to risk antagonizing Biff.

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When the dark tip of Seven-Mile Island appeared, the boat began to slow. Biff directed the

craft to the left side and then into a narrow cove where he pulled it under overhanging bushes and

cut off the motor.

Okay, punk, this is where we get out, he ordered.

Biff pulled a flashlight from under his seat and led the way into the dark woods toward the

center of the island. Jeremy felt that he had no realistic choice but to follow. If Biff planned

violence, he surely would have gone farther along the river to a more isolated spot. He could onlyhope for the best.

About fifty feet into the dense woods and undergrowth, Biffs flashlight revealed a small

clearing and an olive tent, about ten feet square. A circle of stones in front contained ashes fromrecent fires. A rope, swung between two pine trees, served as a clothesline. From it hung three

shirts, a pair of socks, and two towels. A rotted picnic table stood nearby. On the ground beside it

was a blue ice chest with a metal skillet resting on top.

Ive had to make do in this dump since yall took over my house. If I had my way, itd

never been sold, Biff muttered angrily. This islands a miserable place to live. Just a few moremonths and Id have made enough money to get away from here for good.

Jeremy began to realize the purpose of the equipment he had discovered in the basement of

Riverview Place. It was a meth lab. That the life-destroying chemical had been produced in his

own house gave him a creepy feeling.

Get in the tent, punk, Biff commanded. I need to get some sleep. Got lots of contacts to

make tomorrow. Fridays always a big day for sales.

When Jeremy entered, the beam of Biffs flashlight revealed stacks of ziplock bags filled

with a white powder. It was the first time he had seen the substance, but had read its description inthe TimesDaily in connection with numerous raids of law enforcement on home labs.

Want to try some? Biff asked when he saw Jeremy look at his stash.

Uh, no thanks, not right now, Jeremy responded awkwardly. I would, but my parents

wont let me. Jeremy didnt want to anger the possibly volatile man.

I turn out quality ice, Biff asserted with pride. Make good money too. A hits a quarter

of a gram and I sell it for thirty dollars or even more. One run gives me 300 doses and I dont use

none of it myself. Im too smart for that. Its jerks like you that keep me in business.

The two settled in for the night in the cramped tent. The sound of frogs and insects filled

the air. A bullfrog croaked occasionally in the background. In the distance, a horn announced theapproach of a barge.

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Ill take the air mattress and you can sleep on the floor over there, Biff directed. Im a

light sleeper. If you try to get away, itll wake me up the minute you touch the zipper. Ill be on

you before you can get out the door.

In the untenable situation, Jeremy gave in to the inevitable and slept fitfully on the hard

ground not three feet from his burly captor.

Chapter 7: Jeremy Is Missing

Friday morning about 7:30, Aletha and Anna put the finishing touches on a breakfast of

bacon, eggs, grits, and toast. The tempting aroma filled the large kitchen.

Jeremy ought to be stomping down the steps any minute, Aletha said with a grin. He can

smell food cooking a mile away.

When they were ready to eat and yet her brother still hadnt appeared, Aletha went up to his

room.

Get up lazy. Breakfasts all ready. When we finish, you can clean up the kitchen, she

called out as she rapped sharply on his door.

When there was no response, she knocked loudly again and then opened it and peeped into

his room. When she saw the unmade bed, she called out, Jeremy, are you in your bathroom?

When she was unable to locate him, even after she yelled down the basement stairs into the

exercise room, Aletha returned to the kitchen to tell Anna that they might as well go ahead and eat.

Hell show up, she said. Most likely hes messing around outside somewhere or may be

gone on his Honda.

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Anna suggested, Or he may be gone over to Teds house. They were coming back early.

He wouldnt admit it, but he didnt like it when Ted couldnt spend the night. I think he was a little

scared.

As the morning progressed and Jeremy didnt appear, the girls became increasingly

concerned. A call to Ted revealed that he hadnt seen him since the day before. They checked thecarriage house only to discover his motorcycle in place and the motor cold.

Im getting worried, Aletha confessed. This isnt like Jeremy at all. Somethingswrong.

The two made a thorough search of the house from attic to basement, and then the grounds

and even the bluff that overlooks the river. Jeremy sometimes like to sit there and look out over thebridge and the city of Florence.

Maybe you should call your parents? Anna suggested.

Not yet. Theyre hundreds of miles away. What could they do about it? Lets give it a

little more time, she responded. Id call the police, but theyd say he hasnt been missing longenough for them to investigate.

An hour passed before the obvious hit Aletha. Ill get him on his cell phone. He never

goes anywhere without it. I dont know why I didnt think of that sooner.

With the text message feature she sent, Where ru.

When there was no response, she pushed three to automatically dial his number. Instead of

his voice, she found her call, after several rings, being forwarded to the message box.

This is really scary, Anna, she said with a break in her voice.

On Seven Mile Island, Jeremys morning was also filled with anxiety. When he began torouse and opened his eyes, he wasnt sure for an instant where he was or how he got there. Then

the overnight experience instantly flashed back into his mind. He sat up and looked around. Biffs

crude bed was empty, but the flicker of a campfire in the twilight and the smell of bologna frying

announced his continued presence.

At least hes not planning to starve me to death, Jeremy thought.

He stood up, stretched, and rubbed his aching back. The hard ground was a poor substitute

for his bed at home. Jeremy zipped apart the door screens and stepped outside. Biff glared in his

direction.

About time you got up. Get over here and finish cooking this stuff, he ordered.

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While Jeremy completed the preparation of their basic breakfast of bologna, scrambled

eggs, and loaf bread, Biff stepped inside the tent and returned with several bags of the crystal meth.

He sat down and laid the packets on the ground beside him.

The two ate breakfast, but without conversation. They eyed each other suspiciously.

Jeremy listened for the sound of a passing boat, but heard nothing. He had it in mind to make abreak for the shore of the island to yell for help the minute he heard any traffic on the river.

Punk, Ive got deliveries to make today. Some of my regular customers want to be readyfor a laid-back weekend. Im gonna have to tie you up again.

Oh, come on, Jeremy protested. Ive still got a little rope burn from last night. Take me

with you. I promise not to say anything.

Yeah, sure. And how do I explain a dude dressed in nothing but pajamas? Biff replied.

Nothing I have would even come close to fitting you. Besides, Im not stupid. I aint taking no

chance. Youre staying here and I gotta be sure youre still around when I get back.

When the two finished eating breakfast, Biff brought a long, golden-colored rope from hisboat. Over here and sit on the ground against that tree, he demanded.

He wound the rope twice around both the tree and Jeremys chest and tied it behind the tree

so that the knot was well out of Jeremys reach. He cut off a surplus portion of the rope and boundhis legs at the ankles.

That oughta hold you, he said in satisfaction as he pulled at the ropes to test their security.

I left your arms free so you can fight off mosquitoes.

Hey man, you cant do this, Jeremy said. How do I know youll even come back?

Guess I could kill you then, he replied with a scowl as he pulled a hunting knife from a

holder on his belt. He pushed Jeremys head backward to expose his throat. Think youll like that

better, punk? He touched the edge of the blade lightly against his neck.

Uh, no, thats okay. Ill be fine this way, Jeremy quickly assured his captor. Its cool.

Just hurry up and get back.

One more thing, Biff said as he pulled a gag tightly around the boys mouth and tied it

behind his head. You can mumble, but thats about all. Cant have you yelling if anybody should

come by on the water.

Helpless, Jeremy could only watch as Biff picked up the packets, stuffed them into his

pockets, and disappeared in the direction of his boat. The roar of its motor and the stench ofexhaust fumes announced his departure.

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Jeremy fought a feeling of panic at his seemingly hopeless situation. Biff wasnt totally

without care, but he was a criminal and seemed to blame Jeremy for the take-over of what he

regarded as his house. When Biff returned, he might decide it was easier to dispose of him than tocontinue to be bothered.

The sound of boat traffic on the river commenced about midmorning, but no matter howhard he pulled, Jeremy was unable to loosen his bonds. Two hours passed.

Theres got to be a way out of this, he reasoned.

Brute force had failed, so Jeremy began to think the situation through. A possibility entered

his mind. He began to pull to the side on the rope encircling his chest. The rough bark of the pine

tree made progress difficult, but after about twenty minutes, he got a glimpse of the knot as itrounded the tree trunk of his left side. Several more jerks brought it in front of him.

Biff isnt as smart as he thought, Jeremy thought triumphantly.

Chapter 8: The Escape

It was easy to untie the simple knot and pull away the encircling rope. Loose from the tree,he quickly bent forward, untied his ankles, and removed the gag. He was free.

Determined not to risk another encounter with Biff, Jeremy eased through the woods to theopposite side of the island from the docking spot. When he located an open, sandy area with a good

view of the main river channel, he cautiously crept out to watch for boat traffic.

Chugging slowly upriver in the distance was a tugboat that pushed a short chain of barges infront of it. The containers rose only a few feet above water level. The heavy load made for

difficult progress against the swift river. As it passed his point on the island, Jeremy jumped up and

down, waved his arms, and called out desperately. The captain spotted him, raised his hand ingreeting, and gave a deep blast on the ships horn.

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Darn, I cant make him realize I need help, Jeremy said in exasperation. The way Imdressed, he probably thinks Im camping on the island.

A speedboat and then a pontoon boat passed with no better results. The occupants wavedback in a friendly manner, but kept on their way.

After nearly an hour, a middle-aged man in a small boat with a tiny motor approachedslowly from upstream. The standing fisherman cast his line repeatedly and reeled it in as he drifteddownstream near the island. When he got close enough, Jeremy called out loudly.

Sir, can you help me please? he asked politely. Ive got stranded here.The man jerked his motor into action and steered toward the teenager. Jeremy waded a few

feet out into the water to meet him.

Get on board, son, the friendly older man invited. Whatcha need me t do for you?

Jeremy gratefully heaved himself into the small boat and sat on one of the planks that served

as seats. Could I please use your cell phone to call my sister?

Sorry, boy, but I aint got one of them things. My grandsons had one since he was little,but I wouldnt have no clue how to use it.

The man was the first person Jeremy had ever met who didnt have the basic

communication device, but he was careful not to offend him.

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Lots of people dont. Could you run me over to the campground at McFarland? I can call

from there.

Why, shore, Ill be glad t do that, he said with a smile that revealed missing teeth. Hits

not a mile away.

After he thanked the man for his assistance, Jeremy waded to shore and hurried toward the

campground. It served several travel trailers and a few neat tents. In the center was the bathhouse.

Jeremy decided that, in view of the way he was dressed, it would be best to take refuge there untilsomebody came along with a phone. It wasnt long before a man about his fathers age entered and

allowed him to use his cell phone.

When Aletha answered the insistent ring, she was enormously relieved to hear the breathlessvoice of her brother.

Sis, its me. You wont believe what happened to me and where Ive been, he exclaimed.

Aletha looked at Anna and Ted who had come to help look for Jeremy. Its him! she

cried out. I think hes okay.

Is Ted there with you? Jeremy asked. Let me talk to him.

The boy briefly described his adventure to his friend. Since he knew about the tunnel andexit to the river, he would understand what happened better than the girls.

I need you to come pick me up at the McFarland Campground. Hey, and go to my roomand get me something to wear. I need everything, even shoes. That rat dragged me off in my

pajamas. Ill wait in the dressing room until you get here.

As soon as Ted gathered up the necessary clothes, they loaded into Alethas Mustang and

rushed to the campground. While Jeremy dressed, he filled Ted in on the details of his adventure.

Man! This is getting serious. Kidnaping and drug dealing are felonies. Weve got to bring

the police in on this. Its gone way beyond some mystery from the past.

Youre right. Want to call them to meet us at the house in about fifteen minutes? Jeremysuggested. Im nearly ready to go.

He tossed his dirty, ripped pajamas into the garbage container in the dressing room. I dontwant to see these again, he said. Too many bad memories.

When the four reached Riverview Place, a sheriffs car sat in their driveway. Its blue lightrotated furiously. Neighbors in nearby houses stood on their porches and watched with curiosity.

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After they were seated in the living room, Jeremy gave a detailed account of his adventure

to the two deputies. The older

the secret at riverview place

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