CHAPTER ONE

It was a windy, rainy day when Season parked her car at the black iron gate. She sat and stared at it as the sound of rain hit her windshield.

The gate was held in place by two oversized, brick columns. Overhead was an arbor made from the same iron with a large flower and read the words LOTUS MANOR as they curved over it.

Season thought, "It's still so beautiful."

She exited her car and pulled up the collar of her trench coat. As she approached the gate she noticed a chain and a lock had been woven around a few of the bars. The thick iron surrounded the entire estate so she knew there was no other entry.

She hurried to jump back into her car and sat as she stared at the gate.

The real estate office was back in town and she dreaded the long drive. It was the only means to retrieve the key.

Season walked into the office and shook the rain from her coat. She looked around the room at the people as they talked and some what ignored her.

"Excuse me. My name is Season Foster and I'm here to inquire about Lotus Manor," she shouted.

The room became silent as the crowd stared at her with wide, frightened eyes. Season became frightened herself as she looked around the room at the coldness that suddenly filled the air.

A woman stood and smiled as she waved her hand and said, "Over here."

As Season started to walk over to the woman the room filled with chatter once again.

"My name is Helen Hadley," she said as she offered her hand.

"Season Foster, but of course you already no that. What is with these people?" She asked.

"Oh don't mind them Miss Foster they are all just a bunch of superstitious ninny's," she answered.

"Superstitious about what?" she asked.

"I have what you need," Mrs. Hadley said as she stretched her arm to the back of the bottom drawer of her filing cabinet.

"Oh yes, here it is," she said as she pulled out a worn leather pouch with a piece of twine wrapped around it. The pouch seemed to be in poor shape and the string was the only thing that held it together.

Mrs. Hadley handed the pouch to Season and said, "You will find that everything is all there."

Season looked down at the object in her hand and replied, "It's amazing that my grandmother's whole life is inside a small thing like this."

"Here is the key to the gate and one to the front door," Mrs. Hadley said as she handed her two keys that hung from an old bread tie.

"I guess grandma wasn't much for modernization," Season said with a smile.

"I would have unlocked the gate myself but I was afraid of intruders and of the house being vandalized," Mrs. Hadley said nicely.

"Thank you," Season replied as she stood and reached out her hand one last time.

"It was very nice to meet you Miss Foster. I hope you are happy in your new home." Mrs. Hadley said as she smiled and shook Season's hand.

"Oh please call me Season," she said.

"Okay--Season. You can call me Helen." she replied.

"Well, Helen thank you for your kindness and I shall keep in touch," Season said.

"Please do, I would like to know of your progress with the house," she replied.

"Progress?" Season asked.

"Your grandmother was ill for quite some time and had no repairs done. So the house is a little run down. I tried to get her to let me sell it and move into a nice condo somewhere. She insisted on leaving it to you. She would not budge from that old place. She said it had been her home for sixty-four years and she just couldn't bring herself to leave." Helen answered.

"Thank you again Helen for all of your generosity," Season said as she turned to walk away.

"There's one other thing Season you might like to know. Your grandmother had a man renting from her but when she passed away he disappeared. No one has seen him since, so please be cautious," Helen said with care.

Season didn't seem to be too concerned but replied, "Yes I will be."

Helen sat at her desk as she watched Season walk out the door and said silently, "I hope she's prepared for what awaits her."