Part 1: Sloan Kensington
Dear Diary, when I first met Bram’s older half-sister Sloan, I didn’t know what to expect. She was so beautiful. Not the type of beautiful I often associate with the bright light I see in some people, but the obvious kind of beautiful. Drop dead gorgeous like a model.
What would she think of me? While I never considered myself ugly, I was well aware of my plainness when compared to her. Going to university helped me find the self-confidence I was sorely lacking, but when faced with Sloan, I couldn’t help feeling just a tad bit inferior.
I needn’t have worried, though. All my preconceived notions dissipated as soon as she said hi to me.
“I’ve heard all about you from Zayday,” Sloan said with a pleasant smile. “She’s quite taken with you.”
“I’m taken with her, too,” I said, my muscles relaxing.
“So, Jarah comes home again today, and you’re going to try to fix him.”
There was an uncomfortable pause as I cleared my throat. “Well, I wouldn’t say I’m out to fix him. I’d like to get to understand him, and perhaps help him adjust to life here so he won’t run away again.”
She tapped her finger against her chin, then smiled. “I knew I liked you. Is there anything I can do to help?”
“Actually, yes. I know Jarah’s lived with his mother most of his life, but is there anything you can tell me about him? When I saw him, it didn’t seem he was aware of his surroundings or that I was even there.”
“I don’t know him very well, unfortunately. There’s been some talk that maybe this was all brought about by Otto’s harsh behavior – “
“- Otto?”
“Yes, dear old dad. He has scarred each of his children in his own way.” As she spoke she pressed her fist against her chest and her chin trembled. “He’s the monster responsible for my divorce.”
Memories of my own father tried to creep their way into my mind, but I locked them out before they could take root. If all I thought about was how my dad mistreated me, I would never be able to help Jarah.
Hopefully, it would be a long time before I had to meet Otto Seaforth.
“I’m bored,” Zayday said with a huge sigh.
“All right, all right,” Sloan said, her smile not returning. “Go jump in the pool if you want, but don’t splash me again.”
“I won’t,” the child called as she ran toward the water.
Part 2: Jarah Comes Home
Later that afternoon, I drove to the teen center to pick Jarah up and bring him home. As he was being released, I noticed him shrugging away from the guard who had briefly touched his arm. I was cautious not to touch him because I wanted him to trust me.
He was silent as I gave him verbal cues and motioned towards doors and then my car. Yet, he did everything I told him to do. This was a relief because it meant he was with me in reality.
Once we got to the Seaforth mansion, I had to talk him up to the front door. As if they had a mind of their own, his feet didn’t seem to want to cooperate.
“It’s a big house, I know, but everyone here loves you and wants you to be safe,” I told him. When he didn’t move, I added, “Your father isn’t here.”
It was when I said this, he finally climbed the steps and came inside with me.
As Sloan, Zayday, and Bram greet him, he averted his eyes, not making contact in any way.
I could see the disappointment in Bram’s frown and wished I could make this the homecoming he’d hoped for.
“I’m glad you’re home,” Bram said. “It means a lot to me you’re here. I’d like to get to know you a whole lot better.”
“Well, I hope this business with running away is over with. The last thing we need is Otto coming home to straighten you out,” Sloan said.
“No, we don’t want that,” Bram agreed.
My heart went out to Jarah. No one, including me, understood him, and no one could reach him. Yet.
I gave him my best genuine smile. “I’m sure Jarah only wants to feel better, and I’m here to help.”
“You’ll like Kara,” Zayday told her uncle. “I know I do.”
Part 3: The Mystery Boy
Monsters are real. So are ghosts, goblins, and things that go bump in the night. Prior to this, I never gave such things a thought because to me, real life was scary enough. Then, mom gave me the diaries belonging to my family legacy, and everything changed.
I was excited at first to carry on the legacy, but it’s also fair to say, I didn’t really know what I was getting into. I barely knew anything about life at all, let alone what madness lies in my family’s past.
Before college, I read the diaries up until Marty’s. All the previous heirs’ lives, and accomplishments had me in their grasp. I couldn’t get enough or put the reading down.
Then, there was Marty. Whenever I touched the portion she wrote, I found myself picking off my nail polish while my stomach quivered. To say chills ran down my back, or the hair on the back of my neck prickled would be an understatement.
It was then I put the diaries away and decided the legacy stuff could wait until I was done with university. Whatever Marty had written about, it was obvious it would change my life forever. At the time, I knew I couldn’t handle that.
Then, I visited Mom and Perry and their new house, and I remembered the secret plastic zip-lock bag I’d hidden. One by one, I went through each item… notes, letters, journal pages, and photos. With every touch of these things, my fingers tingled, and my chest tightened. But, I pressed on.
I stared at Mystery-Boy and wondered how old he would be now. Probably older than my mom, if I guessed right. My finger trailed his jaw and chin and I whispered several times, “Who are you?” as if he would straighten up in the picture, look right at me, and answer.
My mom’s Aunt Rosetta had been watching him; she’d kept notes throughout his life. And, then, she’d stopped. It was all so strange. Was he a child she’d given away? Why was she worried about any deviancy, and what did that even mean? The questions were piling up in my head like the dirty clothes in my hamper.
Since I’d stolen these items from my mother, it was on me to figure out what it was all about. Nothing would stop me.
So, it was time to read Marty’s journal.
Part 4: Grayson Preminger
Marty’s diary shook me to the core. Holden’s did, too, whenever he talked about Rosetta. So much so, I couldn’t stop my limbs from trembling. There was an overwhelming amount of answers I needed, and it seemed an impossible task.
The only other option was to tell my mother what I’d done and let her handle it. But, I’d stolen the box in the first place to protect her from the harm I sensed.
How could such a little box be such a big problem?
Going back to Grayson Preminger’s letter, the one he’d written to my mother, I decided to try to contact him. I know from Mom’s diary, she’d already spoken with him, but maybe now, a few years later, he’d be more willing to cooperate.
To my dismay, Grayson Preminger died three weeks ago, his house had been emptied and was set to be sold.
Taking a deep breath, I called the real estate agent handling the property. It was clear I would have to lie about my intentions in order to see the place. I wasn’t especially comfortable doing that, but reasoned it wouldn’t hurt to take a look around. Maybe there was some sort of clue that hadn’t been discovered. Anyway, I was pretty desperate.
It was a long shot, but the realtor agreed to let me in since I was a… ahem… a potential buyer.
I also needed to check on Jarah. When I knocked on his door, there was no answer, so I opened it a crack and announced myself.
He didn’t turn to look at me, but was standing in the middle of his room doing nothing.
“Hey,” I said, keeping my voice as even and friendly as I was able, “you don’t need to be cooped up here. Let’s go for a drive, get some fresh air.”
I waited a moment, but he didn’t respond. Luckily, he followed me to the car, and buckled in.
Part 5: The Preminger House
It was a bit of a drive, but once there, the realtor unlocked the Preminger house, telling me about its layout, and why I would want to buy it. Once he was done, I asked him to let me explore inside by myself so I could make a decision. He seemed disappointed, but walked back to his car to wait.
“If you’d rather not go in, you can wait in the car,” I told Jarah.
He followed me inside.
There wasn’t much there other than the appliances. All the furnishings were removed, as the realtor had said.
Walking from room to room, the disappointment began to set in, making my arms and legs feel heavy. I took a few deep breaths to counter the negativity. There had to be another way, that was all.
Meeting Jarah near the front door, I smiled at him, then straightened my sleeve.
“Well, I thought I would make a huge discovery here. You see, there’s a mystery I need to solve, and this appears to be a dead end.”
If Jarah heard me, he didn’t indicate so. He seemed taken by an old chess table.
“Do you play chess?” I asked.
Slowly, he shook his head.
I found his response to be quite encouraging, and I didn’t want to lose the moment.
“I don’t play either. Seems this chess table is the only thing left behind.”
Jarah moved toward the table, his movements slow but deliberate. I watched with fascination as he ran his fingers along the sides of the table, then began feeling underneath.
“What are you doing?” I asked him, moving closer now, too.
After a moment, as he fingers ran along the back of the table top, we heard a click, then the ping of a spring. A little drawer had popped out!
“Whoa!” I exclaimed.
Jarah reached inside, pulling out a folded paper, then handing it to me.
“How’d you do that?” I asked.
“I’ve seen a table like that one before. There was one in my mom’s penthouse once.”
I didn’t know whether to be more amazed he’d spoken to me, or that we might have found a clue.
Then, he looked me in the eye for the first time, and said, “I want in on your mystery.”
Notes:
I apologize for not getting to comments right away as I normally do. Please know, I appreciate you all, and look forward to your opinions, predictions, rants, and everything else you entertain me with. As you know, I’ve been up to the hospital a great deal with a family member. Very recently, things were resolved and the family member is doing splendidly! After all the worry and fuss, I found I was emotionally and physically exhausted, and needed a bit of a rest. I’m so thankful everything turned out well, and I am thankful also for your patience and enduring support.
Zayday looks so sassy in those sunglasses.
I’m starting to form a real theory about who the mystery boy is. I don’t want to say it, but I can’t wait to see this unfold. It’s going to be very interesting.
Yes, bring Jarah onto the mystery team! This will be really cool seeing them work together.
Thank you, Heather. I love Zayday, and you’re right, she’s a Miss Sassy-pants. LOL
I can’t wait to find out if your theory is right! 😀 He seems to need something to do.
I approve of stories approved by ginger tabby cats! Read enough to see this is high quality stuff! 🙂
Why thank you kindly. 🙂 The ginger cat that owns me thanks you, too.
I have no idea how I missed this one .. glad I saw it <3
I’m glad you did, too! Thank you for reading and commenting. ♥
Their father sounds like an absolute charmer. Not! It takes a special idiot to make the entire family hate the father the way these do. Poor Jarah.
I think working with Kara on the mystery will help him, though.
Right? Wait until you meet the creep. lol That happens in tomorrow’s chapter, 7.5.
I think working on the mystery will help Jarah, too.
Ooh, I’m sorry to hear about your family being sick but thrilled it all worked out. That worry–it takes everything out of you, doesn’t it? It’s pretty impossible to be creative when your stomach is in a knot.
Thank you so much, Jacqui 🙂 Everything you say is true. I didn’t even realize how exhausted I was until it was over. 🙂
Whoa! I didn’t expect this! Jarah is so perceptive, I love it! <3 And I love that he wants in, just like that 😉 I only hope Kara will let Bram know about what she's been up to – and, hopefully, he'll understand.
I'm so glad to hear that your family member is doing alright! 😀 I hope it will be smooth sailing from now on! <3
Thank you so much! 😀 Yes! Jarah is a little more observant than anyone realized. lol I’m glad you like him teaming up with Kara. She will tell Bram, I’m sure. Stay tuned for that.
Thank you for your kind words about my family member. ❤ I think things will be really good now. Hope all is well with you and yours.
Hi Kymber! If you didn’t get this comment, let me know 🤓. WordPress is a mystery too. Maybe the super sleuths will solve that one too. Intriguing as always. I might have to tag along to see what happens.
Hi there! 🙂 I got it! I got it! Woot woot! I know that’s right about WP. An unsolvable mystery. lol I’m so glad you got through. 🙂
Cesare says hello!
I too am not looking forward to meeting Otto either.
I think that Kara and Jared will be good for each other. I am on pins and needles waiting to see what happens next!!
Thank you 😀 Yeah, Otto is no prize. lol He will be arriving on the scene pretty soon.
I’m glad you like the new sleuthing team. I think you’re right that they will be good for each other. 😀
Drop dead gorgeous like a model? Yeah, I hate women like that 😂
I think Kara will be really good for Jarah, but now I’m curious about Otto..!
Ooooo I want to read Marty’s journal! I also want a mystery hiding place in a chess set, that’s so cool! I’m still secretly hoping there’s some kind of government mind programme or psychological experiment involved to explain the mysterious end to Aunt Rosetta’s writings of this boy.
Love it!!
Thank you, Caz 😀 Oh, Otto is something else! Wait until you see. lol
Oooh, you do? 😀 If you want to read Marty’s journal, it’s Generation 4 of Noble Doubt. There’s a link for the chapter indexes up in the menu. It was a crazy time, let me tell you. lol
I want one of those chess tables, too! I like where you’re going with the government mind control thing!
While I’m glad Kara is in a position to help the Seaforth family, I’m hoping their darkness won’t drag her down with it. Otto has much to answer for and it will be interesting to see if things are the way they are because of him & choices he’s made or if he’s being “influenced” by something/someone else due to the Foundation.
Jarah speaking was a pleasant surprise but his wanting in on the mystery was even more so. I’m surprised Kara took him to the house in the first place. She’s letting HER wants override being fully there for Jarah. Maybe she felt guided in some way to include him, I don’t know. It seems like she might have some powers/perception of her own. Waiting to see how this all unfolds.
Thank you so much, Addy 🙂 You and me both. I think Kara’s had enough darkness in her life, that’s for sure. You are right about Otto. I like the part you wrote about Otto possibly being influenced by something else. That could be true!
I think you’re right to an extent about Kara. She needs to put Jarah’s needs ahead of her own. Perhaps she wasn’t doing that when she brought him with her to the house. Or could be, as you said, she felt guided. 🙂
I like Jarah! 😀 Not feeling particularly warm towards Otto, though. Bram and Kara are quite cute together though! Looking forward to more! ^_^
Here’s hoping you and yours are well!
Thank you, Fluffy! We are so much better here now. 🙂 I’m glad you like Jarah. I totally get the Otto thing, wait till you meet him. I think Bram and Kara are cute together, too. 🙂
I knew Jarah was going to do or say something like that! I imagine they’ll get in all sorts of trouble an Jarah will trust cara like no one else.
Thank you, Jina 🙂 I’m rubbing my hands together thinking about the trouble they might get in. haha I think you’re right that Jarah will trust Kara like no one else.
Oh I love this! Jarah and Kara working together to solve this is something I never would’ve predicted, but I’m so excited to see where it goes. I do wonder if she’ll ever let Bram in on the mystery, or if she wants to protect him by keeping him in the dark…
Thank you 🙂 I’m glad you love this idea. I think Kara and Jarah (I didn’t realize they rhymed until after I named him gah!) working together might be a real ice breaker, something to connect with.
I think she will let Bram in on the mystery, but I’m not sure they’ll team up the same way she and Jarah are.
There’s so much to like about this story. But I really grabbed onto “bright light sort of beauty”. That is lovely.
Thank you so much, Jacqui. You really are kind and encouraging. I’m glad you caught the bright light beauty. I think Kara thinks that’s the best type of beauty.
Ohhh. Jarah’s gonna help her. He likes her. She knows how to make him feel safe . And it has me trying hard to figure it out with her.
Glad you loved ones are doing well.
Thank you so much, Audrey ❤️ Jarah likes her, and is showing he trusts her, too. Let’s get the mystery solved already! hahaha 😀
Wow! I’m getting excited. Jarah talked too!
Thank you, Jo! 😀 I’m glad you’re excited. It’s finally time to get to the bottom of this mystery. And, now Kara has found a connection with Jarah, too. 🙂
Wow, Jarah is smart! I do wonder what Kara’s going to do now that he wants to know about the mystery. How much will she tell him?
I liked how Kara dug up some information through legacy diaries, too. She must have been so creeped out by the stuff Rosetta had done…
Thank you, Jowita ❤️ Yes, you’re right about Jarah. Perhaps he’s been more observant than he’s let on. That’s a good question about how much Kara will tell him about the mystery. She’s probably not going to show him the pictures of dead bodies Rosetta took. LOL But I do think it’s a good way for her to connect with Jarah and figure out how to help him.
Kara was sooooo creeped out. You’re right! lol She’ll be telling Bram all about what she read soon.
Ooooo, and the plot thickens. 😄 Maybe this mystery will be solved soon. Kara is becoming a more important fixture in the Seaforth family. Sloan is really pretty, and Jarah waning in on the mystery is a huge leap. This is huge! Can’t wait to see what you do with Otto. He sounds like a real asshat and someone who doesn’t deserve to have a family. This is really, really getting interesting.
Thank you, Sharon ❤️ Yes, the plot thickens! 😀 The mystery will indeed be solved soon. It’s taken forever to set up, though. lol
You’re right about Kara becoming an important fixture in the Seaforth family. Wait till Otto comes home! I think your assumptions about him are probably spot on. hahaha
Awwww! I knew he’d want to help her with the mystery. I’m also excited to hear more about what she thinks of the legacy!
Thank you, Jess! 🙂 Yes, she has a lot to say about the legacy, actually. To Bram, next week. haha I think she had no idea what she was getting into.
I think this is a good moment for Jarah. He’s putting trust in Kara and trying to connect. Hopefully, she’ll be able to let him help without any further trauma happening to him.
It always amazes me how, once the crisis is over, the exhaustion sets in! I guess our bodies realize we’ve been holding it together for so long, and now we don’t need to any longer. Hope you take the time you need for gentle self-care! So happy to hear the family member is doing well.
This chapter was a delight! I adore Kara as the diarist!
Thank you, CT 🙂 You got that right! Thank you for your understanding and kind words. It means a lot.
I’m glad you like the chapter and that you adore Kara. ❤️
He talks! And he wants in on the mystery. I think this could be a good bonding exercise for them, especially if it could somehow be related to the inheritence, but it may be rather traumatising. Then again, perhaps he will be able to handle that. He is a poor, lost soul, and I hope Kara can help anchor him and protect him from, I suspect, his abusive father…
I do feel like she is being a bit dishonest with Bram. I know he hasn’t asked or anything, but wheneve rsomething big is kept from a significant other (esp when it involves their family) shit has a tendency to hit the fan…
Thank you so much 🙂 Yes! He speaks and wants in on the mystery. Hopefully, Kara recognizes this as a way she might connect with him. He’s showing trust in her. Hopefully, this won’t traumatize him. Maybe it will set him free in a way. We shall see. 😀 I like your sentiments for Jarah and I hope the same for him.
Yesss… I like what you said about how she hasn’t mentioned any of this to Bram. She actually was going to, but I had to cut it out of this chapter because it just didn’t seem to fit. So, probably next week. Hopefully, he won’t feel slighted about not knowing about this sooner.
Oooh, I’m excited about the mystery finally being wrapped up. 😀 And it seems like this mystery will be a perfect opportunity for Kara to connect with Jarah. 😀 Very good things all around!
Thank you so much, Louise 🙂 I’m glad you’re excited. Hopefully, the answers will be satisfying. 😀
I think you’re right about Kara finding a connection to Jarah. I can’t wait until you learn more about the family.
Ooooooo! This whole mystery is driving us crazy! Such a good looking boy, like someone else we know……
Otto! Can’t wait to see you dig your fingers into that character. He will be a doozy I am sure and I will be he has all the worst traits….if rotten men need to procreate, they should have better sense to walk away before screwing up their family for life. Yes I am grumpity this morning.
Kara has stepped into a whole family now hasn’t she? I think she will be busy counseling them all.
Thank you, Bee ❤️ I know it’s driving you all crazy. I’m sorry I couldn’t get it all set up sooner. Now it is Kara’s burden.
Oh, Otto is a doozy all right. Not dad of the year. lol
Poor Kara! haha Maybe should have continued with school instead of being embroiled in this family?