Chapter 18

I stand up and say a thank you to everyone for attending.

I give a speech about how much my parents meant to everyone, and how much they will be missed by all who loved them. As I am speaking. I see someone on the second floor of the room. He is standing in the distance, I almost think it’s Ralph, but I am not sure. Ralph wouldn’t know my families arrangements. There’s no way it could be him. He’s only there for what looks like a second then, he’s gone. It happens so fast, I feel like I am seeing things.

“There are bigger things at play, than you have any idea about” my grandmother says to me.

“What do you mean?” I ask her worried. She looks at the Hofer’s, they are staring at grandma, almost like telling her to stay quiet.

“I cannot say right now but, do not think that the history of Gabrielle is buried. There is more to the story than I have told anyone.” She says. She stands and walks away. I am left dumbfounded. She only spoke riddles yet; I feel a chill in my bones. I shuddered at the possible implications. There’s no way it’s the same person. It has to be a copycat that is still taking revenge on my family.

“I heard that Gabrielle was guarding a secret, according to rumor.”

“Do not pay attention to rumors my child.” She said as I followed after her. I felt like I needed answers to a hidden identity that’s been kept from me.  I watched her step into a car and drive away. I stare at the empty roadway in front of me for several moments. It feels like time stands still. I walk back inside and have some drinks to drowned my uneasy feeling.

I decide to call it a day. I head back to the hotel. I arrange my departure. I gather all my new clothes, with my new luggage and prepare to leave. I realized now at last minute. I meant to arrange a place to stay in Normandy but, had not done it yet.

I call down to the lobby and extend my stay for another week. I am surprised to learn that my stay has been completely paid for, and it has been extended until next month free of charge. I can only think of Ralph.

I go onto G****e and search for homes for purchase in Normandy France. I found an adorable cabin for five hundred thousand. I love the look, and how it’s in a lovely meadow. I arranged for the purchase and arranged for a new BMW car to also be available once I arrive.

I arranged first class tickets for an airline that was headed for ‘Cherbourg” a port city in France in the Normandy region. My ancestors estate was north of there at “Mont Saint-Michele”

I chose a small countryside house thirty minutes away from my Grand mothers house. I am very thankful that I have kept my passport updated. I have been to Germany, Mexico, Japan and a few other countries. I spend the rest of the week after the funeral making sure that everything is situated. I am grateful to his service but, I want to be in France soon.

I take my leave to check out once I am made aware that all arrangements are made. I also am excited to receive an email. I had contact the “French Historical Society”. I had informed them of who I was and my profession. I inquired about any possible work opportunities. They are excited for me to arrive. They say they are working with a legal office in Paris on the preservation and restoration of a Chateau near the area I am inquiring. Information is confidential and the Chateau is owned by a private family. A affiliate of the family is looking to restore the decaying Chateau back to life, in my memory of his ancestor.

This sounds really familiar however, I do not want to jump to conclusions. There’s a number of these scenarios in France considering how ancient the country is. I tell them I am interested. They tell me they will keep me informed.

I arrange a ride, and head towards the airport with a sense of hope for new opportunities.