Rising Darkness Read Online Free PDF Page B

help you. There are some written records in the church basement you might be interested in. Down through the decades, the church has tried to keep track of the families and individuals who have lived in Sanctuary. They started out as property records, but many years ago, a church member decided to use them as a way to preserve our history. We usually do not open them to anyone outside of the town, but since you are related to one of our residents, we will let you go through them, if you wish. I would just request that you keep your research limited to Miriam’s family. Even though we do not add any personal information to our notes, we still do not wish to invade anyone’s privacy. Let me know if you would like to avail yourself of these records, and I will unlock the room for you.”
    â€œI may take you up on that,” I told him. “Thank you so much for all your help.” I held out my hand.
    â€œYou are very welcome.” The pastor shook my hand and left the room. In his place, a gray-striped cat sauntered in.
    â€œThis is Clyde,” Esther said. “I have four cats. I hope you are not allergic?”
    I shook my head. “I love cats.”
    As if he understood me, Clyde jumped up on the bed and began sniffing one of my suitcases.
    â€œYou mind your own business, young man.” Esther gently pushed him away. “Get down from there.”
    â€œPlease, Esther, unless you don’t want him in here, let him stay.”
    The old woman smiled at me. “Again you remind me ofthe other Emily. She loved my cats, too. You might find them a bit clingy. They are missing their friend.” She pointed at Clyde and shook her finger. “You must be careful with this silly feline. Lately, he has developed a tendency to get tangled up in my feet. I have tried to break him of this habit, but so far, he has been very rebellious and unwilling to change.”
    A loud meow from the hallway signaled another feline visitor. This gray-striped cat was much larger than Clyde and had white on his face. I noticed a slight limp.
    â€œThis is Sam. He has a little touch of arthritis. Although he would love to jump up on your bed, he cannot safely do it. It is too high.”
    As if he understood his owner’s words, Sam walked over to the fainting couch and scooted underneath it. Then he curled up on the floor.
    â€œI noticed the bed is higher than anything I’ve seen before.”
    Esther pointed to a small stepstool next to the dresser. “Using this stool will help you to safely get up and down from the bed. Beds were made higher many years ago. I should probably replace this one, but it was Rebecca’s, and I am . . . sentimental.”
    â€œThank you. The stool may save me some bumps and bruises.”
    â€œThis is true.” She turned to leave the room. “Why don’t you unpack and rest a bit? Dinner will be at six o’clock.”
    â€œOh, Esther. I don’t expect you to cook for me. I noticed a couple of restaurants when I drove into town. I’ll just get something there.”
    â€œI think you will enjoy them, but this first night, why don’t you eat with me? I would like to get to know you better.”
    â€œIf you’re sure it’s not too much trouble, that would be lovely. Thank you. I’ll be down by six.”
    â€œGood. I look forward to it.” A smile made the corners of her eyes crinkle. “I do not like cooking for myself. When I prepare food for someone else, it gives me an excuse to eat the foods I really like.”
    â€œI’m sure whatever you make will be delicious.”
    â€œI hope so, dear.” She sighed. “Well, I had better get downstairs and leave you to unpack. Please, if you need anything, just let me know.”
    â€œI can’t thank you enough, Esther.” I was grateful to her, but right now I wanted to be alone. Memories of home were coming from every direction, and I needed