Bride of Haven House
Vintage American Gothics, Volume 1
Lisa Greer
Published by Lisa Greer, 2018.
Bride of Haven House
(Vintage American Gothics #1)
by
Lisa Greer
Copyright 2018.
All rights reserved.
Lyrics from “Lord Lover”—an 18th century Scottish Ballad
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
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Further Reading: Sorrowmoor: The Complete Serials
To the state of South Dakota--a lovely place that is made of dreams.
Chapter One
December, 1971
“Thank you so much, Sarah. I swear I’ll pay you when I can—more than I owe you,” Sophie Banister said, handing off her wiggling baby to the older woman who lived in the apartment next to her. Tears pricked her eyelids. She was so tired, but she couldn’t stop to rest now. There was too much to be done since David had walked out two days ago.
She knew he wasn’t coming back, and that was a good thing—except that yesterday, she had learned that he had cleaned out the bank account and left her with the baby and no way to find steady work. She couldn’t afford to without reliable childcare. Sarah pinch hitting while she job searched would have to do for now.
What a fool she’d been, trusting a man!
She heard her mother’s voice in her head, the one she had snubbed when she’d married David Banister so young, right out of high school and neglected getting a college degree. Always have your own money. Don’t rely on a man for everything, Sophie.
Sarah’s voice shook her from her bitter reverie. “Don’t worry about paying me. You’re a good friend, so we’re even. It’s the least I can do. You be careful out there. The cold is biting.” Sarah raised an eyebrow and shushed the baby.
“I will. Thank you so much.” She turned and shuffled out the door, closing it behind her before Sarah could see the tears falling.
Sophie squared her shoulders, wiping her face. She had to do this—for the baby, for Maya Jane. She’d find a job doing something if it killed her. She knew she could talk Sarah into babysitting for a song regularly if she had to. Sophie didn’t want to put her neighbor out, but if that’s what it was going to take for her and her daughter to survive, she would do what she must and make it up to the other woman later when things were better.
If they ever were.
Sophie smoothed her plaid skirt under her hands, glad her baby weight had dropped off almost miraculously. At least she didn’t look like a new mother, other than the dark circles she knew ringed her eyes.
With any luck, she would get this job with a local catering company. They needed the holiday help for parties, and maybe it would end up being permanent.
She stepped out into the bitterly cold Chicago day.
* * * *
Two weeks later
“Sophie, take these canapes to the front of the house,” her boss Joanne ordered.
“Of course,” she said. Her feet ached, but she smiled. She was grateful to have work tonight on Christmas Eve. She was being paid time and a half for the holiday, and Baby Maya was safe with Sarah tonight. Things weren’t wonderful, but at least she would be able to pay the rent in a week from now.
She wound through the house from the back, murmuring her excuses as she brushed past clumps of women and men in glittering, formal attire. They were in the mayor’s home, and it was his big Christmas party for city officials, business people, and other notables.
“Excuse me. I couldn’t help but notice you,” a good looking man said as she offered him the canape tray. She noticed a shiny, black cane at his side, but he was far too young for a cane, she would have thought.
“Oh, would you like a canape?” Sophie said, avoiding eye contact. Her boss had been very strict in her order for the party: no fraternizing with the guests. Be professional.
“Sure.” The man took one. “But what I’d really like is ten minutes of your time.”
Sophie noticed a fine royal blue suit and sparkling cuff links. She sneaked a glance at his face. Peppered black hair fell almost to his shoulders, and his strong jawline was rough with stubble. “I have to serve the guests. I can’t—”
“I’ll make it worth your while.” He smiled, showing rows of white, straight teeth. Something about them was a bit predatory, and Sophie shivered in the cold wind that blew through the yard.
“I’m sorry, but I have to get back to the party,” she said abruptly.
“Of course. I’ll find you later.” He nodded slowly at her, and she practically ran away with the tray.
* * * *
Sophie was so busy, she didn’t notice the man again after that in the whirl of offering food to guests and refilling trays over and over again. After the party, she was in the large kitchen, helping wash up the dishes.
“Sophie, someone wants to speak to you. You’re dismissed for the night. I’ll call you when I need you again. It’ll be soon.” Her boss Joanne gave her a tight smile and motioned toward the door.
“Who is it?” She asked, putting down the dish she had just dried.
“John Granger. He’s a business man from South Dakota. He’s one of the executives of America Flies—you know, the new airline that’s doing so well?”
“Okay, I’m not sure I know him.” But she had a feeling he was the man who had tried to get her attention earlier. A pit of nerves writhed in her stomach. What did he want from her?
Joanne waved her hand. “It doesn’t matter. He asked me about you earlier this evening, and just now, gave me money for your time away from helping us clean up. Now go.” Her boss cocked her head toward the door.
“Yes, boss. Merry Christmas,” Sophie said, knowing an order when she heard one.
“I’ll be in touch. Good work tonight, and Merry Christmas to you.” Joanne gave her a wicked grin. Rumors would fly now, no doubt.
Sophie
