The Dead Book Club by Richard Horchler

Author:Richard Horchler
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-6624-5479-0
Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc
Published: 2021-10-12T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 17

When we left on Thanksgiving Day, Joey’s house was full of family and laughter. We were greeted by a tide of family members that surrounded our car. But today, when Sophia dropped us off, it was quiet, and the only people to meet us in the driveway were two strangers rounding up their stray dogs.

Joey led the way into the house and called out for someone to respond, anyone. But no answers. It was hard to imagine the home being empty after our last visit. Joey was mumbling something to herself about the house being empty and the doors being unlocked.

“I have told Mom and Dad a thousand times to lock this place up when they leave. I am afraid for their safety. Dad always says, ‘What good would it do. If they want in, all they have to do is break a window. This way, I save the cost of not having to replace a broken window.’ Sometimes you just can’t reason with those people.”

“They remind me of someone I know.”

“Don’t start with me, Trapper!”

“Joey, do you think we can take advantage of this quiet time and plan our time here?”

“Yes, and I know we both need some rest. Why don’t you grab our bags and I will meet you upstairs?”

I don’t know what Joey was thinking of when she sent me off to bring in our luggage. We had about eight bags. I must have looked like a dromedary hauling those things up the stairs. When Joey saw me, she broke out laughing and said she was sorry.

“Come on, my little Sherpa, let’s rest and have some soft talk before the gang shows up. I am sure they are with Simon and Liz. Probably at the funeral home,” Joey said and then threw herself on the bed.

“You know, Trapper, I don’t remember ever being in this house when no one was here. I guess things are changing. Empty homes must be a precursor to death. This place has always been a sanctuary for several centuries. I want you to promise me that you and I will maintain that tradition. We will fill it up with children, orphans, vagrants, butterflies, as long as it is home to someone.”

“Butterflies? I would think that would not be in the traditional history of this home.”

“You would be wrong. One hundred years ago, they raised butterflies in this attic. It was a hobby of my great-uncle. My room was used as a breeding ground. That is why I chose this room. I think of it as a large chrysalis.”

“Joey! Are you bullshitting me?”

“No. I want to show you something.”

Joey jumped from the bed and walked over to a dark corner of the room and pushed hard against the wall. A large pinewood panel squeaked its way open, and Joey walked inside. I stayed behind and watched her as she pointed out all the features in the room and gave me their purposes. She knew the room well, and her tour was fraught with information about the people who had used the secret room over the years and for what reasons.

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