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    SKYE in the Middle (A Skye Wilder Paranormal Mystery Romance Book 2)
    SKYE in the Middle (A Skye Wilder Paranormal Mystery Romance Book 2)
    SKYE in the Middle (A Skye Wilder Paranormal Mystery Romance Book 2)
    Ebook200 pages3 hours

    SKYE in the Middle (A Skye Wilder Paranormal Mystery Romance Book 2)

    By Merabeth James

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    About this ebook

    The little lost girl with no memory of her past continues her life journey at haunted Sheffield Academy. Formerly a lunatic asylum where tortured ghosts still roam and soon make contact with the new arrival, it now houses the wayward daughters of the nouveau riche whose malicious pranks make Skye feel like an unwanted misfit....something they soon come to regret when they find out the little mountain girl can more than hold her own.
    Just before graduation while still under her grandmother’s guardianship, she receives a letter summoning her to Sea Cliffe House to oversee her care. Though supposedly an invalid now, Skye is all too aware that she had killed before and might well be planning her own demise. Despite the risk, she decides to comply in hopes of finding proof of her crimes and justice for the dead.
    When she arrives at the sprawling, seaside house with its widow’s walk and distant lighthouse view, she feels like she had just stepped between the pages of a Gothic thriller. Was she strong enough now to survive the profound evil that waited for her within its walls? It was a question she asked herself again and again hoping... rather desperately...the answer was ‘yes’.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherMerabeth James
    Release dateJul 20, 2021
    ISBN9781005021061
    SKYE in the Middle (A Skye Wilder Paranormal Mystery Romance Book 2)
    Author

    Merabeth James

    There are six things important to me...well, most important to me: To love unconditionally, to always keep a sense of 'wonder', to always be kind, to find joy in simple things, to never take myself too seriously, and to make sure I don't leave this earth with a list of "if only I hads".I've taken many 'leaps of faith' in my time and, so far, have landed on my feet or, in one case, on a dilapitated houseboat with my dog, and a lot of enthusiasm. I named her 'Sanctuary Annie' and hoped for the best. I knew nothing about boats, couldn't swim and wondered how long she would stay afloat. In the middle of the night, when my dog jumped up to join me on the antique Victorian bed I had moved on board, I would check to see if he was wet, knowing, if so, we were both in big trouble. But Sanctuary Annie hung in there, even surviving a hurricane, when others around her were not so fortunate.Living in the small marina, with the sea as my back yard, I found a profound sense of peace..and the love of my life....my Jim, captain of 'Wings', a beautiful racing sloop that flies across the water, when the wind fills her sails.I often think how much I would have missed out on, if I hadn't taken that leap of faith and followed my heart. Life is meant to be lived and I intend to keep on doing just that.

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      Book preview

      SKYE in the Middle (A Skye Wilder Paranormal Mystery Romance Book 2) - Merabeth James

      This book is entirely a work of fiction. All characters are entirely fictitious and do not represent any persons living or dead. Product, business, location names used remain the property of any all trademark holders and do not represent an endorsement or association of any kind, either expressed or implied.

      (copyright 2017 elizabeth repka all rights reserved)

      SKYE

      in the middle

      CHAPTER ONE

      Richard pulled to a stop once they were past the gate and invited Skye to share the front seat with him. She was crying when she climbed in next to him, and he was at a loss on how to comfort her. Mentally, he sifted through a long list of well meaning platitudes, but couldn’t come up with anything that would make a dent in the unhappiness he saw in her eyes.

      Smiling to himself, he tossed his black cap in the back seat and ran his fingers through his short brown hair until it stood up in spikes. There. Now I’m not your grandma’s chauffeur. I’m your trendy friend, and we’re going for a nice drive through some very pretty country, so buckle up and relax.

      She glanced at him sideways, sniffed loudly, then wiped her nose on her sleeve. You do know what she’d say if she saw you like that? she asked.

      She’s not here now, is she? Let’s not let her darken our day.

      A doubtful Skye nodded. She hates me.

      I’d like to say that’s not the case, but you’re right, which puts you on a very long list.

      I think I’m at the top.

      He laughed. There’s been a whole lot of others up there, so don’t be feeling too special.

      When you get back, Tina has something to tell you that you need to hear. Something which makes me feel far more afraid than special, she told him with a shiver. I’m glad you are all leaving right after me.

      Worried that somehow she had discovered the grizzly fate of her kitten, he asked, What do you know that I don’t?

      Ask Tina when you get back. It’s a matter of life and death. Grandpa Albert told me to always be on my guard and the same goes for all of you. I want to go home…not to this place she’s sending me where I’ll be shaped into someone I won’t like.

      Like that’s ever going to happen. She did her best to change you and look where that got her. You’re still you. The mountains and the people you love are still in your heart. I’m hoping I’m in there, too, as do all of us back there who can’t wait to see the last of her. Maybe this new place won’t be so bad. I mean Hettie did say it was ranked high academically, and we all know you like your studies. You’ll be their star pupil and make all of us proud.

      They lapsed into silence after that as the miles sped past. Every so often, Richard sneaked a peek at his little passenger who was staring absently out the window and humming to herself. It was a lullaby his own grandmother straight off the boat from Ireland used to sing to him. Something about horses but that was about all he remembered. It seemed to soothe her, and it wasn’t long before she drifted off to sleep.

      A few miles farther on, they left the main road and followed a poorly maintained track that wound its way through dense pine forests. A sudden jolt woke Skye, and she looked around. Are we almost there? she asked with a heavy sigh. A dream had taken her home and now she was back to a reality she hated.

      Richard’s own sigh was equally heavy. He wished he could just turn around and take her where she wanted to go, but it was hopeless. Her grandmother would drag her back or let the authorities do it for her. No matter how it went down, she was screwed.

      Forcing a smile he was far from feeling, he told her, According to that sign you missed back there, it’s just up ahead. Give it a chance. How much worse can it be than living under her roof? Just don’t let the bastards wear you down. Don’t let anyone break your spirit.

      Skye’s chin wobbled, but she brushed away the impending tears with the end of the blue scarf Hilda had knitted for her as a parting gift. I won’t cry in front of them. A Cherokee brave wouldn’t cry, and neither will I.

      He tweaked a lock of her hair. That’s my girl. You’ll be getting visitors aplenty once you’re settled. The whole kit and caboodle of us, and your folks back home including that Jake of yours from college.

      She nodded solemnly. That looks like the gate up ahead, she told him in little more than a whisper.

      Richard pulled up in front of the iron gate squeezed between high, stone walls. Sheffield Academy was emblazoned across the top. Through the bars, they saw a massive gray stone building set on a barren hill at the end of the drive.

      We read up about it some, Richard murmured. Used to be a psychiatric hospital back in its day. Built way out here on the edge of nowhere because no one wanted it in their backyard. Butts up against miles of government owned parkland. It was shut down in the 20’s. Stood vacant for decades until Adam Sheffield and his wife refurbished and reopened it some sixty years ago. Their daughter runs the place now.

      Skye hadn’t heard a word he said. It felt as though the world had closed around her like a tight fist, and all that existed now was that building on the hill and what lay inside...waiting. A shudder rippled through her. She knew she was about to step into a nightmare from which she might never wake up.

      Richard pulled up to the intercom and pressed the button then announced Skye’s arrival. The gates creaked open, and he drove as slowly as he could up the long drive to the square granite building with identical wings jutting off of each side. There had been no attempt to soften its harsh utilitarian facade. It was as unwelcoming and cold as an iceberg, Skye thought with a sigh, as they pulled up in front.

      I hate leaving you here more than I can say, Richard told her as he pulled on his cap and stepped out shooting a quick glance up the steps where a gray clad woman was waiting.

      Send the girl up and leave her bag by the curb. You are then dismissed, she told him with the sharpness of a well-honed blade.

      Circling the car, he helped Skye out then told her, Remember, you won’t be here forever, and we will all come see you soon.

      "It will only seem like forever," Skye whispered as she cast a quick glance at the woman who was now headed their way.

      She had reached them by the time he’d opened the trunk and unloaded Skye’s bag. Wearing a tweed suit the same shade of gray as her close cropped hair, her eyes were steel cold...her face the smooth white of a porcelain doll with no indication she had ever experienced any human emotion.

      Skye wiped away her tears with Hilda’s scarf then looked up at Richard and pleaded, Please come soon.

      She is not to receive visitors for the first six months after which there will be a review to see how she has progressed, she told him with a sniff of disapproval. Leave her and be on your way.

      A spark of rebellion flared in Richard’s eyes. Clearly, this was another one cut from the same cloth as Margaret Stanwood, and Skye would now be at her mercy. We’ll keep in touch, he told her as he hunkered down and drew her into a hug no one on heaven or earth could have stopped him from giving.

      Skye hugged him fiercely in return. Tell them I love them...each and every one, she began until her coat collar was seized, and she was yanked away.

      That will be quite enough of that. It seems Margaret was right about you. He is the hired help. Nothing more. Go inside at once. I will join you in a moment.

      Richard rose to his feet and looked down at the woman who told him coldly, I am Ms. Sheffield, and she is in my care now. You are harming the child with your inappropriate behavior. Leave now and do not return unless Mrs. Stanwood sends you, and with that said she spun on her heel and headed up the steps.

      Skye was waiting at the top and refused to budge until she saw Richard drive off. It felt like her heart literally broke as a searing sense of loss swept through her. Again, she had lost everyone who mattered to her. So acute was her pain that she didn’t resist when Ms. Sheffield opened the door and pushed her inside.

      Closing her eyes, she hoped that somehow it would all go away. That it would all be just another bad dream. Giggles reached her from somewhere above, and she looked for the source. A line of girls dressed in identical blue blazers and pleated skirts was leaning over the railing.

      Why are you loitering up there? Ms. Sheffield barked sharply. You have classes this time of day. Go at once!

      She watched them leave then turned to Skye. Do you know who I am?

      Ms. Sheffield. I heard you tell Richard.

      I am both the owner and headmistress of this academy. I met you myself as a favor to Margaret who was a former classmate and friend of mine in this very facility back when my parents were in charge. Henceforth, it will be the matron who attends to such mundane matters as well as deliver whatever discipline is necessary. I have a feeling you will be seeing her more than most based on what I’ve been told and seen so far. Sit over there on that chair until someone comes for you. Spine straight. No slumping or slouching is ever permitted at Sheffield Academy, and with that said she walked down a side hall at a fast but measured clip.

      Skye watched till she made a turn at the end and then looked around the entry hall. While the outside remained austere, the inside had been redone in an elegant if overstated manner. White marble tiles edged with a thin gold band covered the floor. In the center, was a round, inlaid table with an oversized vase of purple gladiolas plunked in the middle. A grandfather clock stood like a sentinel at the foot of the sweeping staircase that led to an open gallery up top where she could see the bottom edge of a long row of portraits. The walls were half paneled in walnut... the upper portion covered by silk wallpaper in a muted shade of gold. The remaining furniture was antique, overly ornate, and obviously expensive based on what little she knew of such from her grandmother’s house.

      Five minutes then ten slid past before a girl in her teens entered from a side hall. She was dressed in the blazer and skirt the others had worn. Wire rimmed glasses were perched on the end of a small freckled nose while the inquisitive eyes behind them looked her up and down.

      So you’re the one they’ve been expecting for months now. I’m Bethany Gerard, one of the Seniors, and I will show you where you’ll be staying. Fred already brought your bag up there. We call him Freddie Fix It because that’s what he does. He’s the only male on the staff, and everyone loves to tease him. Follow me.

      Skye had little choice but to do just that. She let her lead the way up the staircase and then along the portrait gallery of prim looking ladies. Those to the left are patroness of the academy. Those to the right are graduates who have made their mark in the world by marrying well.

      Skye spoke up for the first time. They look like a line of dolls with painted smiles that don’t reach their eyes.

      My aren’t we being judgmental! From what we all heard about you, your portrait will never hang here.

      Nor yours for that matter. You aren’t ordinary enough looking, Skye told her as she cast a quick glance her way.

      Bethany sniffed loudly. What do you mean by that?

      Well, your hair looks like it wouldn’t take kindly to the way they are all wearing it, and your mouth turns up at the corners like you are just about to smile. I don’t think you could ever really be one of them.

      Bethany sniffed even louder. Sez you. I’m as pretty as any of them.

      I think you’re prettier because you’re real.

      Whatever that means, an increasingly annoyed Bethany told her. Now let’s get moving. I don’t have all day to waste on you.

      Then why did you come?

      I pissed off the matron, and she made me. No other reason.

      I’m surprised she would send you... Skye began.

      Just shut up and keep moving. We’re headed to the far end of the hall.

      Skye sighed and kept walking past room after numbered room till they reached their destination. Twin doors yawned open, and Bethany stepped inside with Skye right on her heels. It was a large room with a double row of identical beds. A line of numbered lockers hugged the wall closest to the door.

      This is where the younger girls stay. The Newbies as we call them. When you’ve been here long enough to be assessed, you will be reassigned to other quarters. The Seniors like me have private rooms.

      How many are staying in here now?

      Just you and a Samantha Jergens. There’s a bathroom behind that door over there. Your uniform is hanging inside right down to your mary jane shoes.

      How did they know my sizes?

      How should I know? Maybe someone called them in. Your bag should be there, too. You can pick out whatever bed you want. Samantha’s is closest to the door, so she can bolt and run. Thinks the whole place is haunted. Something you might want to remember when it gets dark. Get dressed and do something with your hair. You’re a Newbie, so you’re supposed to wear it in a single braid not all over the place like that. When you hear two bells, that means lunch. Can you find your way back to the stairs?

      Blindfolded.

      Great. Then no one will have to come way up here to fetch you. Someone will show you to the dining hall when you get below, and with that said she left pulling both doors shut behind her.

      Skye walked between the rows of sterile looking, white covered beds and picked the one closest to the window. Standing there, she looked outside. It was still winter bleak despite the date. There was not a tree or bush in sight between her and the tree line way below...just clumps of dead, brown grass poking through the thinning snow. The stone wall they had driven past meandered along the hill’s base then disappeared into the pines. There were no mountains to be seen, and she touched the small compass she now kept on a ribbon around her neck. Someday she would climb that wall. Some day she would be free. Suddenly, she shivered, but it was not from the pervasive cold in the poorly heated room. Something was in there with her. Maybe her new roommate was right to be afraid, she thought as she let her gaze sweep the shadowy corners.

      With a resigned sigh, she headed for the bathroom. Fifteen minutes later, she was dressed in her uniform and her hair braided as best she could. Carrying her bag to the locker that matched the number on her bed, she hung up her things then tucked her purple haired doll under her pillow. As long as she had her, she felt like her mother was close by…or so she hoped with every fiber of her being.

      A bell rang twice from somewhere in the bowels of the school, and she reluctantly retraced her steps to the entry hall. She had barely arrived when an out of breath girl about her own age with braided wiry red hair darted out of a side hall... looked around nervously.... then told her, Hi, I’m Samantha. We’re roomies. I’m supposed to bring you down to the dining hall for lunch. We’ve heard all kinds of things about you. Is it true you lived with hillbillies?

      "I lived in the mountains with people I

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