LITMIR.BIZ

      Chateau de Paix

      Nightmare Hiding in Paradise

      Copyright © 2020 R. C. Jette. All rights reserved. Except for brief quotations in critical publications or reviews, no part of this book may be reproduced in any manner without prior written permission from the publisher. Write: Permissions, Wipf and Stock Publishers, 199 W. 8th Ave., Suite 3, Eugene, OR 97401.

      Resource Publications

      An Imprint of Wipf and Stock Publishers

      199 W. 8th Ave., Suite 3

      Eugene, OR 97401

      www.wipfandstock.com

      paperback isbn: 978-1-7252-8172-1

      hardcover isbn: 978-1-7252-8171-4

      ebook isbn: 978-1-7252-8173-8

      Manufactured in the U.S.A. 08/05/20

      All Scripture references are taken from the King James Version (KJV): KING JAMES VERSION, public domain.

      This book is dedicated to my Lord Jesus Christ who makes the impossible possible by faith, my husband (Paul) who has been by my side through thick and thin, my son (PJ) his daughter (Kierra), my daughter (Dawn) who has freed me up to write, my daughter (Christina) her sons (Andrew, Matthew, Joshua) and her daughter (Sarah) who is with the Lord, Susanna and Mike who have been such a help, and to all who have influenced my life throughout the years.

      My special thanks is given to Wipf and Stock Publishers for their continued publication of my books under their Resource Publications. I thank their staff who have constantly made this challenge more tolerable. I am grateful to Joe Delahanty, Jim Tedrick, Joshua Little, Ian Creeger, and Stephanie Randels. Special mention is given to Matthew Wimer, George Callihan, Shannon Carter, Savanah Landerholm, and Rachel Saunders to whom words cannot convey my gratitude.

      For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad (Luke 8:17).

      And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).

      Prologue

      A raven soars through the moonlight. Behind him, stands a gothic mansion silent and foreboding like a mysterious dark secret. From the raven’s vantage point is an old Oak tree below. As he descends towards it, the moonlight reveals the tree is centered in what appears to be a medieval garden with high walls. It is in full bloom with sweet bay, sweet myrtle, rosemary, sage, thyme, and beds of fennel, cabbage, onions, garlic, leeks, radishes, etc.

      Strategically placed are almond, apple, cherry, fig, hazelnut, mulberry, pear, and plum trees. Red roses are planted near the South wall. Near each of the four corners of the wall is a statue of an ancient Hindu god positioned as if ready for war.

      In the north corner is a statue of Brahma with his four heads and four arms. In the south corner stands a statue of Vishnu with his blue human body and four hands. Shiva with his human body, blue face and neck is situated in the west corner. Lastly, in the east corner is the goddess Durga with her eight hands carrying weapons of various kinds and riding a lion.

      As the raven gets closer to the tree, a young woman, sitting on a bench under the tree comes into focus. Her pale complexion and long black hair seem to give her a bewitching appearance as she appears to be staring at one of the ancient statues that resembles a woman riding on a lion.

      The raven, unnoticed by the woman, lands on the branch above her. Behind her two dark figures step out of the shadows and startle her. They smile, and recognition comforts her. The female offers her a nightcap. She takes the glass, the female and male join her in the drink.

      The young woman realizes that something is wrong when she can no longer focus in her surroundings. As she struggles to stand up, she falls down to the sinister laughter of the male. When she awakens, she is in a foreign environment with prison bars.

      Chapter One

      The Water Cooler

      “That water cooler is beginning to be an adversary most formidable,” Margaret mumbled as she went to sit at a table in the company cafeteria. She sighed heavily, set her tray down on the table, placed her pocketbook down, pulled out a book from inside, and sat down.

      She held her book in her left hand and started to eat her low-calorie meal with her right hand. As she took a sip of her diet cola, she feels her blood boil as she views Carlotta heading for the water cooler. “If Joel comes in and goes to the cooler, I do believe I’m going to confront them both.”

      “Hey,” a voice next to her said. “Are you so overworked that you’ve begun to talk to yourself?” Titus smiled and gestured to the seat opposite her. “Do you mind if I sit here?”

      “Of course not,” Margaret said. “But I guess I am talking to myself.” She rubbed the back of her neck with her right hand. “To be honest, I’m not sure what’s going on with your brother.”

      “Joel?” His eyebrows squished together. “He’s an open book. I’ve known him since I was ten. That’s twenty-eight years, and my brother has never been anything but open and honest.” He gave a throaty laugh. “Of course, there were times when people didn’t believe this black guy was his brother. But when the Schneider’s adopted me at eight and brought me to America from Liberia, I know God can do anything.”

      Margaret’s blue eyes looked at him with sadness. “I thought God could do anything, but I don’t know what to think now.” She giggled. “Sorry about that. I’m still trying to figure out why God didn’t heal my mother.” She sighed. “As for Joel, he seems to be paying a lot of attention to Carlotta lately.” She nodded towards the water cooler. “She looks like a fashion model.”

      Titus pulled his right eyebrow with his right thumb and forefinger. “Margaret, Joel has been in love with you since you were in the Youth Group at church.” His eyebrows squished together. “Seriously, I think you should’ve taken time out of

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