The Third Eye of Leah Leeds

Carrolli

Leah Leeds continues to be tormented by the recurring dream of her haunted childhood in Cedar Manor. The dream, filled with images that leave her sleepless, contains a message, as though the house itself is coaxing her to return.

Then, three teenagers experience tragedy at Cedar Manor. They lay blame to a ghostly culprit, furthering Leah’s determination to enter the house for the first time since childhood.

Now, the Native American seer that once diagnosed Leah has come to aid her. Together, they face the evil in Cedar Manor as it seeks to steal the third eye of Leah Leeds.

As always, this book is dedicated to my Mother, Gladys Carrolli (1937-2011), and also to my lifelong friend of thirty-five years, Tara Manon (1970-2013), who took the picture in this book. RIP Mom and Tara, with love always.

I would also like to thank my Dad, Joe. Thanks, Dad.

And special thanks to Aunt Lucy (1928-2013) and Uncle Dom (1930-2013), who waited anxiously for Book Three

Table of Contents

The Third Eye of Leah Leeds

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Epilogue

About the Author

Previews

Prologue

The dream of Cedar Manor continued to invade her slumber like a brazen army barraging a silent, sleeping fortress. And quietly, across town, Cedar Manor masqueraded as such—a silent, sleeping fortress. But inside the dreams of Leah Leeds it remained awake, alive, and thriving with a malignant pulse that only the dead could conjure.

Two months had passed since the dream first began, right around Halloween, after they’d rescued Ryan Quinn from the clutches of Roman Hadley and brought him home. Now, while she slept face-up in the plush comfort of her bed, the dream played on of the mystery it portrayed: the sight and sound of the grandfather clock ticking away with its second hand, her mother’s body swinging from the noose, the face of a dead woman murdered by Agnes’s son, the clock, her father carrying her and rushing from the house, the clock, Agnes smiling in the rocker, a spool of yarn unwinding on its own down the hallway, and then the clock again.

As always, the images pass and she stares at the face of the clock. She can almost hear the ticking in real time.

Tick, tock, tick, tock...

And then the breathing begins—louder and louder, faster and faster, until it forces her to run in its direction...toward the mirror.

Finally, she stands before the large, oval glass, a Victorian masterpiece captured and crowned within a grand and majestic gilt-edged framework. She stares into it, seemingly unaware of her own reflection and knowing by now what is about to occur. The breathing becomes louder, closer. She gazes into the mirror, waiting.

It leaps out of its hiding place, its breath gasping faster and wheezing harsher as it replaces her reflection and faces her from the other side of the mirror. The long mane of hair is dead like straw and rotten like the putrid flesh she can almost smell. Its face is deformed, unidentifiable, except for one dead and discolored eye that stares and beckons her to acknowledge. Whatever it is dead, but undead, not at rest.

Now that the dream is one she knows well, each time it continues on a little further than before. What she now recognizes as a corpse throws its hands around the framework of the mirror, shaking and rocking it back and forth in a fitful rage. It’s calling out to her; it’s asking her to remember, to identify.

Strange...the thing in the mirror strikes a chord familiar...

Then suddenly the sight of it is interrupted by the flashing vision of the grandfather clock. It ticks away with its second hand.

Tick, tock, tick, tock...

She sees the corpse again, gripping the sides of the mirror harder and shaking it like a cage, faster now with a fury. Then, she sees the clock again....

Tick, tock, tick, tock...

The livid corpse continues to shake the mirror violently; it’s about to shatter.

Tick, tock, tick, tock...

The next thing she sees is the shattered shards of glass that spray into a million slivered pieces through the air. Leah’s sleeping intuition knows that the dead have broken free.

* * * *

She woke with a start, throwing herself upward in bed as she’d done every time. Though this time, something about the dream was different. A strange notion tugged inside of her upon waking. The corpse had a long mane of hair with an odd, discolored eye set apart from where the eyes should be. Was it an opposite reflection in the mirror? Could the dream be an omen?

Was I the corpse in the mirror?

The vision of the clock kept interrupting the dream. Was it another message of time? As an investigator, she’d seen messages regarding time over and over again, although she was certain what this one meant. She’d wanted to go back into that house months ago, but both Dylan and Susan said it was too soon. Susan had been distraught over Mark, (who Leah had known as Roman Hadley) and Sidney hadn’t been well enough to make the excursion. And she wasn’t going anywhere without Sidney.

But now as she stared out of her bedroom window and watched the December snow descend upon the wintery Pennsylvania setting, she felt it was now or never. She had to go back into Cedar Manor once and for all; her sanity, and possibly her life, depended on it.

She glanced at her alarm clock; the neon green numbers told her that it was 2:15 AM. Susan said to call anytime day or night, but wasn’t that what all shrinks said? She would wait until morning. But for now, she’d watch from the window as millions of snowflakes fell and blanketed the frozen ground.

She lounged peacefully in her chair by the window, and as soon as her eyes closed, she drifted off to sleep, again. But while Leah Leeds slept soundly in the armchair of her dimly lit bedroom, a clandestine scene unfolded across town on the long, two-mile stretch known as Cedar Drive.

Chapter One

Snake Stone slithered down the shabby, makeshift trellis that he’d designed from rope and fastened from his bedroom window to the ground. He’d made it specifically for this occasion, and it worked, just as he knew it would. He leered back at his house one last time to make sure the crunch of the snow under his shoes when he’d dropped the last two feet to the ground hadn’t been heard—it hadn’t.

He and his mother, Alice, lived on Cedar Drive. Alice was a single Mom who tired from the two jobs she kept to keep her and her only son in the stylish, but quaint, two-story house at the end of the vast rural avenue. Granted, it wasn’t one of the nicer ones like the haunted one at the other end of Cedar Drive, but both of Alice’s jobs (one at the bank, and the other at the convenience store) paid the property taxes on the inherited abode left to her by her father.

Cedar Drive wound and unwound across a span of two miles through the remote, rural back roads of town. It was one long hoof to the other end, but he would meet up with Hollywood and Jimmy somewhere along the way. The three of them had a mission tonight—they were going into that haunted dig on the other end, the one some people called ‘the Leeds house.’

They’d originally planned their excursion for Halloween. What an awesome trip it would have been to enter Cedar Manor on Halloween, find out what the big deal about that place was, especially if everything they’d heard had been true. But some crazy shit happened around this town in or around Halloween, and their plans had been axed by the constant patrol of police and strange attention the house seemed to be getting at that time.

Up ahead he noticed a figure appear from the part of the road that had been hidden by the brush; it was Hollywood. She’d earned the nickname from the fact that she always wore shades, even in winter, and tonight she wore them clasped to her upper coat pocket. She walked toward him through the dark December night, which was softly illuminated by the snow that mingled with the silver-blue moonlight. He saw her constant laughing smile as she neared him.

They high-fived each other as they met in the middle of Cedar Drive.

We’re going in—tonight! Hollywood said. Her laugh was contagious, but they kept their voices down.

It’s about time, too, Snake said, taking a Pall Mall from his pack and catching a chicken light from her already lit cigarette.

Yeah, last time we had everything planned and had to bum out. Man, we got screwed!

Yeah, he said. We’ll never be paranormal investigators at this rate.

They laughed and walked, an odd and unlikely pair: Snake with his heavy, black-leather, biker jacket covering a mere mesh shirt he wore fearlessly against the cold, and Hollywood with an equally heavy, khaki winter-coat that cloaked layers of flannel shirts underneath. They were oddly different, yet strangely alike, young, platonic friends strolling through the history of teenage mischief.

Let’s hope Jimmy’s ready, or doesn’t back out on us, she said.

Jimmy Nort, Snake, and Hollywood had been friends since elementary school, and now their freshman years had led them to engage in the temptations of all that was forbidden throughout their childhoods. They’d already gone to the cemetery, the one where Night of the Living Dead was filmed. They’d spent the night with less than engaging results, discovering that those who thought it haunted were sadly mistaken. So, now they’d picked another favorite pursuit, one that sat another mile ahead of them, asleep under the watchful moonlight.

They’d awaited the arrival of this night for months now. It was a late Friday night and a newborn Saturday morning when all were asleep and only dim lights could be seen from inside the quiet houses. A few outdoor Christmas lights were kept on all night. It had to be tonight because Snake’s mother would be asleep, Hollywood’s father was working the night shift, and Jimmy’s parents were away for the weekend before Christmas.

The snow continued to fall, landing with a soft, pit-pat, pelting sound, and creating the crunch under their feet. They marveled at how the snow shined a near neon blue under the bright, three-quarter moon.

Wow, this snow is making me snow-blind! Hollywood detached her shades from her coat pocket, slipped them on her face, and looked at him. They gushed in laughter then shushed each other lest they be noticed.

They trekked the length of Cedar Drive with perfect timing, yet took the time to notice how the naked branches of winter’s bare trees reached upward, seemingly paying a strange homage to the starless sky above. The falling snow began to build upon the branches, slowly accumulating.

They walked quickly, but talked softly until Hollywood’s shrieks of laughter broke the night’s silence as Snake slipped on an icy patch hidden by the snow. He danced in a circle before balancing himself.

He shushed her through the finger he pressed in front of his lips. Hollywood’s laughter quelled into a hissing giggle that made her fight for air. When all was calm, they walked again; they hadn’t much farther to go.

Ahead, they spotted the last of their trio. Jimmy Nort stepped slowly through the spiraling snow, carrying a large, black duffel bag, and from afar they acknowledged each other’s presence with a nod.

There’s Jimmy, Hollywood said.

Yeah, that bag is awfully big, isn’t it? What’s he got in there?

Probably everything we forgot, Hollywood said, giggling.

Like what?

Like a flashlight, she reminded him, still giggling.

Shit! I hope he remembered to bring it.

I’m sure he did.

As the snow flew faster, the whispering wind began to howl, and the three of them met where they’d planned; the first phase of their mission had been accomplished. They had mere yards to go before arriving at Cedar Manor. Jimmy’s face was a crimson red from the walk through the night cold.

What’s in the bag, bitch? Snake joked.

Did you remember a flashlight? Hollywood said.

I sure did, Jimmy said, his words gushing out through quick gasps. He unzipped the leather duffel and retrieved a two-foot, police-style special and flicked the blinding light into their eyes. The magnitude of its shine made Snake wince.

Ouch, dude, put that thing out!

Yeah, save it, Hollywood said. We’re going to need it.

Jimmy extinguished the light and shoved it back into the bag.

Got something else too, Jimmy said, revealing to them the inside of the bag.

Dude, you brought a six-pack, awesome! Snake said, approving.

Why are there only four? Hollywood asked.

I had a couple, Jimmy said, flinching from Hollywood’s quick slap on the shoulder. Jimmy was a medium sized young man with a broad chest and shoulders and played on the varsity football team. He hadn’t made quarterback this year, but he was determined to next year. Of the three, he had the shortest of the walk and ironically, the shortest of breath.

All right, Snake said, the snow coating his cropped-at-the-sides black hair like a SNO-CAP. Let’s roll.

They walked together toward their destination that was now drawing them closer. But as it loomed shortly up ahead, a dead silence passed between them. Their steps became slower, three aging children secretly pondering who would go first. And soon, they were unable to turn their eyes away from it. They’d seen it many times throughout their lives as passengers in passing cars, but seeing it now, up close, was as if it displayed itself solely for them, as if it were waiting for them.

The walkway in front of the house was immense, reminding them of the yellow-brick road, only it wasn’t. It was a long, curved path constructed of dark-tinted limestone that led directly to the house’s entrance. It must have taken two whole minutes to get to the end of the stone walkway, to where they would face the famous Cedar Manor as it stared them down.

The sprawling fortress was breathtaking in appearance with its stories of chocolate-colored brick magnificently erected to the very top, where a strange spire crowned the vast roof. Various gables hung in clusters and were framed snugly beneath pointed arches. The amassing snow nearly hid the spreading ivy that haphazardly covered the windows.

And the entranceway, grand in its structure, looked so much bigger up close. Its canopied archway reached upward to the second story and was constructed of the same brick, giving the Colonial house an almost medieval touch as it stood proudly upon the stone platform that connected with the end of the walkway. Cedar Manor stretched over an unfathomable number of acres, and a single glance from one end of the house to the other was dizzying.

They stared at it for moments, speechless. Finally, Hollywood broke the silence.

So, how are we going to get in there?

We’re going to try the front way first, Snake said.

They made it quickly under the canopied arch and straight to the heavy wooden door. Jimmy pushed his way forward, gripped the large, heavy handle, and yanked. Snake pounded on the door in different areas with his fist, searching for the weakest spot in the door, contemplating the craziness of breaking in.

Come on, guys. You didn’t really think we were going to get in through the front door, did you? Hollywood’s question was followed by her contagious giggle that revealed her perfectly rounded face, and the three of them laughed quietly.

Jimmy was rubbing his hands together, having forgotten his gloves.

I was expecting this, he said. So, I prepared for it. Let’s go back for a second.

Snake and Hollywood followed Jimmy back through the canopied entranceway and back out onto the stone platform in front of the house. He pointed upward, directing their attention to a window on an upper floor, right above the canopy’s top.

I have a feeling I can get up to that window. Once I get through the window, I’ll find my way down and open the front door. That room has to be closest to this entranceway.

Dude, there are sixty-six rooms in this place, Snake said. What if you get lost?

Not to mention, how are you going to get up there, Einstein?

Jimmy answered their questions in order.

We all have our cell phones; we’ll just go from there if that happens, he said. He turned to Hollywood. And, I didn’t mention it, but I did something earlier tonight. Wait right here.

They were dumbfounded as Jimmy disappeared around to the side of Cedar Manor. Looks of regret and failed interest passed between them. It was almost a minute before Jimmy returned from the side of the house with a metal ladder.

I brought it up here, earlier, before I met you both. I hid it behind the bushes. Something told me we were going to need it.

So, you remembered a ladder, but forgot your gloves? Snake said.

Jimmy shrugged.

I don’t know, Hollywood said, moaning. This may not even be worth it. It’s getting cold out here.

The temperature had started to drop, as twilight’s hours grew deeper. Jimmy spread the ladder out alongside the canopied entrance; it was almost a foot short of the top of the structure. The three looked heedlessly at the futile prospect in front of them.

I can do it, Jimmy said. I know I can.

Man, you’re cracked! Hollywood’s voice was beyond skepticism.

I’m serious, guys. I know I can make it. All I have to do is get up there. Then once I’m up, I can easily make it to the window.

And then what? Snake asked.

Jimmy shrugged again.

Then, I’ll just break the window. I’ll climb in and find my way down. I do have the flashlight.

He flashed the light one more time in their faces before stuffing it back in the duffel bag.

I don’t know about this, Hollywood sighed.

I’ll be fine, trust me, he said. I’ll climb what the ladder doesn’t reach. I just need you two to watch the ladder, and then when I’m in, wait for me. Make sure your cell phone is on, Snake.

Without another word, Jimmy began to climb the ladder, his knees bending one at a time on the way up and the duffel bag slung around his right shoulder. Hollywood chewed her fingernails watching him ascend, while Snake’s eyes searched around in case they were noticed. Jimmy reached the top of the ladder with less than a foot of space to go between it and the top of the archway. It made no difference to him as he tossed the duffel bag upward, allowing it to land on top of the arched entrance.

He rubbed his hands together for warmth and blew his heated breath between them. He looked down at the two nervous faces that looked up at him. They’d come this far; to back out now would make asses of all three of them. He looked back up at the top, a cinch for a young man with such great athletic prowess, as he possessed.

Well, here I go, he called down to Snake and Hollywood, who positioned themselves closer toward the ladder. With both hands he clasped the top of the canopied archway, then let go of the ladder with his feet. As he swung his right leg upward to reach the top, his foot accidently kicked the ladder away to the ground, distracting him. His leg didn’t make it over, and he swung from his fingertips, clutching the edge of the archway’s roof.

The ladder fell to the ground before Snake or Hollywood could stop it, spouting a flurry of snow upward in a whirlwind as it landed.

Jimmy! Hollywood screamed.

At the top, Jimmy’s breath rushed out in harsh, heavy puffs that struggled for dear life. His legs kicked frantically and uselessly beneath him, swaying to find some hold that would propel him over the top. The scrapes of his shoes against the brick could be heard from below.

Hang on, man! Snake called up, as he Hollywood ran for the ladder. We’re getting the ladder. Try to reach it with your foot as best you can!

They’d managed to pull the ladder up, and as they looked upward once more, they stopped, stunned where they stood.

Out of the thin, cold air the figure appeared, solid, black, and shapeless. It hovered atop the structure, just in front of Jimmy’s struggling body hanging less than half a foot from the top. It didn’t look like anyone or anything. It was a black, opaque mass, darker than the night and taking no recognizable form as the moonlight illuminated its undeniable presence.

The spiraling snow showered and blew around the figure, as though it dared not touch it. Jimmy continued to struggle, not noticing the ominous presence that awaited him at the top.

Oh my God, Hollywood cried out, clasping the cross that hung around her neck. Snake only stared up in disbelief, his jaw agape, yet the sound of Hollywood’s voice prompted Jimmy to glance upward.

He saw the figure before him, looming, and drawing closer to the edge. His breath became faster, and terror filled his voice once he found it and was able to speak.

What the hell is that thing?

Jimmy, hang on! Snake shouted up to him, his fear echoing out through the night. We’re positioning the ladder, man, hold on!

The desperate heaves of the dangling young man turned to quickened sobs of desperation. His fingers began to tire, yet he held on even as the pain ripped through his hands and wrists. His frantic cries grew louder as the figure moved closer.

Suddenly, the blackness moved over his fingers, pressing enormous weight down upon them, as though they were being stepped on. Now, his cries became screams as the weight became crushing. Snake and Hollywood moved the ladder into position.

Come on, Jimmy. Catch it with your foot, come on!

Jimmy felt his fingers slipping, first the pinky, then the ring finger, until finally the index finger. His feet swayed wildly, trying to catch the ladder in one last attempt to live. His scream seemed never-ending as he dropped into a face-first free-fall, and there were no bushes below to land in.

Snake and Hollywood watched their friend plummet through the air some twenty feet. Although there was nothing they could do to stop it, they moved to try to catch him. It all happened so fast. Jimmy Nort landed on the stone platform below the structure, his head smacking the surface with a loud crack. There was blood everywhere—blood in the snow.

They stared in silent shock, and then looked up at the blackened figure above. It watched them; they could hear a harsh, labored breath emanating from it. Then as quickly as it had shown itself, the figure disappeared. And where the figure had stood, the snow began to fall normally again, uninterrupted. Snake and Hollywood took one last look at Jimmy and screamed out into the night, hoping now that someone would notice.

* * * *

Leah fitfully awoke from the clutches of a new dream and found herself in the armchair by her bedroom window. She could see this dream just as clearly, though this one was a fast-moving pictorial, prompting her to understand just as quickly as it moved. In the soft nightly glow of her bedroom, she recalled the dream: Cedar Manor, the falling snow, two young men and a young woman, laughter, a falling ladder, a black figure, blood in the snow...

Something’s happened there.

She