ADSactly Short Stories - The Beautiful Headstone

in adsactly •  7 years ago 

The Beautiful Headstone



She was the cynosure of all eyes every man wanted her in Scentro County. Every single man wants to marry her, while some of the married ones had thoughts of divorce or wished they married her. Every married woman somehow tried to hate her. But it was impossible to hate Hannah Bedingfield. She was sweet, caring and kind. She worked at Sammies Hardware Tool Shop. She was the salesperson working in the hand tool section.




The store section was stocked full with pliers, cutters, vises, saws, knives, hammer, screwdrivers, etc. There were lots of young men who have rooms filled with screwdrivers that they do not need. They only needed some excuse to talk to and be close to Hannah.

Hannah, on the other hand, was happy she was meeting the sales target, she happened to be the only one unaware of her stunning beauty or the impact it had on men. She met Phillip Moorehouse some weeks ago. She had been dating him for six months, Philip Moorehouse, who until two months ago popped the big question, and she said yes. They got married the next month. She was still basking in the euphoria of the wedding and was lost in thought, rubbing the new diamond band wistfully, and did not hear when the man standing ten feet away asked her a question. On realizing this, she quickly apologized.

"Sorry, please what was it that you said, Sir?"
"What I want?" The man replied teasingly, undressing her with his eyes. His stares make her uncomfortable. He was looking at her the way a hunter looks at a prey that is about to be shot.

Subconsciously, she felt her hand go up to see if there was a button that was undone on her crisp white uniform with a red logo bearing SHT embroidered on it. The buttons are in order. Suddenly he laughed and said, "My name is Edward, and your name is Hannah." Hannah was about to ask how he knew her name because this man is a stranger when she realizes the tag on her shirt pocket has her name on it, as do other staff of Sammies Hardware Tools shop.

She smiled sheepishly at this sudden slack in her composure.

"I have been standing here the past one minute looking at you admiring the new ring. New love? I could only imagine how it feels."

Hannah turned red with embarrassment and murmured her apologies.

"Please, what can I get you, sir?" Her attempt at being professional sounded weak even to her.

"Oh, nothing much, I want to build a small home for my cat and dog, and I was wondering the type of drill that could make a clean 6mm hole, through a thick wood, that I could buy?" He walked a little closer maintaining eye contact, which she thought was a weird way to behave.

"Is there anything I could help you with, Mr. Edward Parker?" Samual Bun the manager/owner of the store asked in his deep bass voice. The duo did not notice him arrive.

Parker? Could this have any relation to Parker Autos, the billionaire family of the town? She wondered.

"Oh, Mr. Samuel, yes. I'd love to buy some drills, and your sales exec here is trying to help me." He replied without looking at him.

"Ok. Please give my regards to Mrs. Evelyn, tell her Samuel of Sammies Homemade Tools sends his regards. I'm grateful for the donation to the charity last month." He concluded.

Edward grunted in reply and the manager seeing his mind is obviously elsewhere quietly left. Now there is no doubt in Hannah's mind that this is the Edward; notorious for his womanizing ways. But he looked quite different from the picture. Evelyn is Edward's stepmother who controls the vast empire after the husband, Edward's father died. She caught herself staring and him smiling.

He picked up a drill and sauntered to the checkout leaving Hannah perplexed.He walked up to the checkout, paid and left the cashier's jaw on the floor when he instructed her to tip Hannah with her balance. That was $700. Most girls in the shop wished he would look their way, but Edward got eyes for the only person there; Hannah.




That was the biggest tip Hannah had ever received for the past three years working here. He sauntered out with the girls in the shop following him with their eyes.

Parked outside was his expensive red Ferrari that had featured in many newspaper headlines with different models and actresses gracing the front seat. He is a man who loves his women and parties.

After that day, gifts kept coming for Hannah delivered by various couriers. Each with one expensive item or another. She rejected all. Her coworkers were the happiest people, as each gift that arrived over the next couple of days means they get to have a taste of luxury which comes with a rich boyfriend.

He started calling the shop’s line. He always calls when she was on a break as if he has someone spying on her. She always ignores the call, letting it go to voicemail and he never leaves any. Finally, he decided to visit her in person. This time around a paparazzi photographer was able to take a photo of him talking to Hannah. Of course, Hannah turned him down

The newspaper headline next day reads: New Love Interest or Toy for Edward?

Philips was the first to see the news and laughed over the headlines and said,

"You are popular, come and take look at what was written about you here?"

She was relieved he did not see it as anything but newspapermen looking for a cheap sensationalism. His ability to love her no matter what is what she truly loves about him. The cheerful disposition was quite the opposite of her last friend which ended in him shouting at her and raising hell over men's attitude over her. It was not her fault if men stared at her or were it? Moore definitely does not feel any jealousy, he is a very cheerful loving man who is now her husband.

One day she came to work and was only in for an hour when she received a phone call. She did something she had not done since working there; she took permission to go. The manager quickly approved of it and did not ask what the problem was. That was the last time anyone ever saw her that week.The husband had long reported her missing. The phone call was traced to a street phone opposite the shop.

Her small green Prius car was found parked in front of a hospital. There was no sign of her anywhere there. No sign of struggles, her purse was found inside the car complete with all her IDs. Her clothes are intact at home. As usual with such case, the husband was the first suspect.

The news made headlines over the little town. In the following days, the investigation could not say if it there was foul play or not. She was filed in the missing person register.But Philip Moorehouse was as distraught as any husband would be who had a missing wife. Either he was that or a great actor. But the police after carefully going over motives found out he was the loving husband. No motive for wanting her out of the way. Next, the spotlight went to Edward, who had a group of lawyers making sure he does not say a word unless he absolutely has to. It made him look guilty as hell but he just does not care.

Finally, he was brought in for questioning and he at first tried to deny he knows the missing lady. But when he was showed the various delivery notes from his gifts, both the anonymous and the one he personally signed he grudgingly agreed to that. He maintained his innocence and said he tried to be friends with her and realized she was married and stopped. This was another lie he was caught in as one of Hannah's coworker has already issued statement that he once overheard Hannah tell him on the first day that she is married. But without a body or even the slightest hint of foul play, the case was filed as open but not currently under investigation.

It had been one hundred days and no one had seen or heard from her.

After all the dust has settled in, there was this rumor she might have eloped with a young lover and that they have started a new life in another country. There were even rumors of her sightings in various countries. Hannah soon became the favorite topics of the conspiracy theorists. Some even said she was kidnapped by the government running an illegal beauty cloning programme. These people were able to come up with lists of other stunning ladies who like Hannah vanished leaving no trace.

It was the five year anniversary of her disappearance, Moore had found love after waiting for four years and seemed to be happy again. Some group of Hannah's friends and relatives laid out some flowers on her favorite bench in the park. It was both heartbreaking and mysterious that they may never find out what happened to her. Time, like the restless stallion, kept running and with it, the memories start to fade. The flower-laying get-togethers become smaller every year till there was no one coming.

Thirty years later, a lot had happened. Edward died of a drug overdose some twenty years ago. Moore was now a proud grandfather. Hannah's only surviving relation, Aunty Betty, quietly passed on in an old people's home. Her last thought before she died was of her niece's beautiful smile. Moore had since relocated with his family after about four years after Hannah's disappearance. People understood, not wanting to be around the very people that may remind her of Hannah.

The police handling Hannah's case have long retired. The file containing her case was kept and was gathering dust in the evidence room.


The housing boom makes many developers go into a frenzy of upgrades with the ever-skyrocketing mortgage costs. Old houses demolished and new one sprang up in its place. It was all about who would pay the highest. Houses were always up for sale with outrageous price tags.


Sam Miller had been working in the scorching Sun and he needed a rest before continuing but there just one more room before the demolition is done. But as the wrecking ball hit the last standing wall, a crimson cloth caught his eye. He stopped the noisy machine and climbed down from the crane. He approaches the portion and discovered it was a doll. Oh. Kids and the way they hide things. He was just about to turn around and walk back to the crane when he saw what he taught was a doll was not a doll but more like old pieces of clothes. He walked closer and his body grew cold. It was a human. But had been closed in the wall and cemented shut. It appeared to have been there and is now mummified. He immediately alerted the police and there ends his job and police were all over the site looking for evidence and taking pictures.

The unidentified body was transported to the laboratory. It took three weeks before the result came in. It was Hannah Bedingfield and the body appeared to have been there for at least 20 years. There was blunt force trauma on her head showing death was not natural. That was murder.

The house in question was a house she and Philip Moorehouse used to live in. The house had been occupied by three other people after Philip left with new family. Philip was invited to the police station. He never showed up and he was found in the bathroom, a picture of Hannah on one hand and his gun lying beside her. A bullet hole in his temple told the whole story of his ending. One mystery was solved and another reared its head. Did he commit suicide out of guilt or sorrow? Who killed Hannah? Many actors in this saga are long dead.





The police could only find one thing that may be useful in the case. Hannah was murdered. There appeared to be no struggle. The past occupants were traced and questioned. All were as surprised as the perplexed like the police.They have no idea a body was walled up in a house they lived several years. They were let off the hook, one by one. It was another dead-end.

Further digging into the life of Philip revealed he had had many violent outbursts that led to him being treated in two psychiatric clinics. A revelation the police failed to uncover as he used an alias while registering there. The alias was found when he was dead, in one of his private documents hidden inside a locker in his bedroom. The attending doctors have all died. Only hospital record revealed the extent of his dementia. He never finished treatment in either clinic. Finally, the case of Hannah Bedingfield was closed and no one till today could say, with certainty, who killed her and to what end.

Mental disorders affects about twenty percent of the world's population including both adults and children. The stigma attached to it makes many not to seek treatment.


All images used in this article are from the copyright free images and videos site pixabay

Authored by: @greenrun



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A JOB WELL DONE IN WRITING

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beautiful :o

This is an interesting story with a very important message. The stigma towards mental illness has to be dealt with in order to encourage others to seek for help.

thank you for posting! interesting.

@adsactly Truly inspiring story! Needless to say I will resteem this beautiful story! I love your intellect!

What I appreciate even more though is your attempt to address mental illness. We must erase the stigma attached to it and support those in need. I do agree that many people are afraid to seek help because of this reason. Changing the way society views the issue could be a lifesaver.

Highest Regards
@lordneroo

I can only attest to what you said @lordneroo. I have seen many people who struggled with mental issues, and only a few felt the courage and the support to seek help. Many of those who did not are not with us anymore. Truly I think society is changing the way we see mental illness. Thank you for your comment. Cheers!

@lesshorrible Thank you for your positive, thoughtful input!

@lordneroo, that was a wonderful insight to the story. I agree with you on the need to remove stigma on mental health issues . Thank you for reading and your kind compliments.

@greenrun Thank you for taking the time to respond to my comment! Fortunately I haven't lost any loved ones to mental illness but I lost two of my favourite singers this year and I was absolutely shocked and heartbroken! I can't even imagine the pain of losing family to mental illness.

hello
please vote my posts ..

I could imagine that.

It is a heart melting short story.

True friends are by your side through it all.
True friends are there to catch you when you fall.
True friends give your life a happy lift. True friends are a most precious gift.



Source: https://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/true-friends-4

Beautiful story and very intellectual. I love crime and intelligent movies and stories.... Big applaud to the writer, he or she is good.

I supported that, he's a good writer

Lol... Did you say you love crime movies? It's fiction I guess

hello
please vote my posts ..

Hello @umh don't beg for upvotes, comment on people post, be nice and make friends, post great content you will be upvoted.

Wow
What an interesting story authored by @greenrun, thou its lengthy but interesting.
Society have to change its philosophy about mental illness.

hello
please vote my posts ..

vote begging is prohibited
From your reputation score I think you are new
@umh

They really should. No one plans to have it. People that do are just like people who get ill; they can be treated to get better.

You are right man
They should be treated like other ailment, that can help them recover on time

That's the way it should be.

Wow... that is a captivating story. I kept thinking, what happens next and making many wrong guesses. Well written and happy you posted it for us to read. Thank you

Thank you. I'm happy you find it interesting.

I was actually heading out the door to get a last minute gift for my mom when it popped up... And I said, "I;ll just browse it"... and I kept reading and reading and then I almost forgot that I had to leave. But I did finish the story...wrote you a quick note, and still managed to get out in time to get the gift. lol ... Thanks again and happy holidays :)

Happy holidays to you too :D

Interesting story ! A mysterious death of Hannah Bedingfield . Mental disorder is a big challenge for the whole world ! Thanks for sharing this crime story !!Merry Christmas @adsactly ! 🎄

I totally agree with you on that.

Thank you my friend !

Philip 😩... Sad story😔

You like a happy ending?

Yes, I do.

What a heart touching story! It may sound like tale by moonlight. Such things happens in real life. Nice post. I upvote you.

It's like a xmas/halloween crossover! (-:

Haha. I like your username. :)

I get that a lot (-: appreciated, peace bro

Wow, I am utterly speechless. I can not convey more than what the fellow Steemers have done. This is a great work and I feel would be a great novel. @greenrun kudos to you.

Thank you.

Let me get this comment in, then I'll go back and read it.

It was a good story. Kind of weird. Is it a true story or based on a true story?

hello
please vote my posts ..

I am always of the opinion that life is stranger than fiction. Thanks for reading.

Although the story is long, I am completely reading it because this kind of story can be a guide and inspiration for life. 😎😎😎

Enjoyable read, the type that draws you in to the story, nice work! ...Our Western Medical system is not equipped with staff or training to handle what is termed as 'Mental Illness', but is actually Emotional Illness or imbalance. It is a sickness of the Heart, not the Mind, that pervades Society. The answer is for each of us to reconnect to Source Energy, then learn how to physically move our Spirit from our Pineal gland, through our Throat, and into the sacred energetic space within the Heart. heart math.org

Thank you for reading the story.

Interesting story.. Long but each line leaves you awaiting the next sentence. I think I have a lot to learn reading your post!

Thank you

Excellent story! When this happens, it chills a community to the bone that someone so 'innocent' on the outside is capable of such evil. Will resteem.

It is a scary circumstance.

This is great!

@adsactly I was just about to stop reading the blog after the first paragraph, to my surprise I kept on reading. When I got to the end, I wanted more.... Good job, keep them coming.

What did the police find as the proof of evidence to the crime I still don't understand there.... Suspended... Gosh.. thanks for sharing, it's will be sweeter watching it as a movie.

Nice, This is great story!

Very nice post.

it is very beautiful and understandable I have had some difficulty to read long has been difficult to read on the very nice thanksgiving :))

simply awesome......

Very different. I thank you. I can teach you stocks.

Wow. That’s all i can say. That was very well written with a clear message. Wow..

hello
please vote my posts ..

I totally agree with you on that.

Great writing and story, sucks you right in.

Great

Güzel işler başarı sonucu dogru yolu takip eder

Cankaya yokuşu balam asyanın bozkurtları

Happy Christmas to all of you

nice post...now following you. #MerryChristmas

Great story... U got mw clued to my phone... Well done

@orginalwork
Hiii.. @adsactly this is Good job
Have a nice day
Pliis fond me
@emonnaim01

Very good boss, please upvote me

nice job... ! plz follow me on steemit

good job. my big brother @adsactly

💙 Great post. Very good writing,i like this post 💙

       💛 Thanks for sharing  💛

open music gif.gif

Weihnachtsmann Tipp Wunsch hinein!

Very interesting your post
I am very glad to know you as the author of the article is reliable for his future

Loading...

Its so good that i would like a book for it.

you know in the aceh language it's called "Boh Labue tanoh", thanks @adsactly

Wow @adsactly . This is beautifully done. I want to see more content on steem like this. It's difficult to find reasons to stay on here all day lol but clever short stories are a great idea. Thanks for making this a better place to dwell

I had to give this a second read. Absolutely beautiful.

really this fiction is outstanding.. keep more good post publishing everyday. and support me to build a better community in steemit.

I like this story, but I wish to read more about his motives, and why he killed his first wife and had children with his second wife?

would you mind reading my story? https://steemit.com/novel/@shanghairabbit/rewriting-the-semi-gods-and-semi-devils

nice read.......I'll be looking for more

Woww I like post you friend @adsactly

wow.such a interesting post for reading...

you can check my profil give comment & upvote :)

Oh Man you have beautiful stories & so many followers i wish i reach that level soon. Your upvote will make my X'mas hehe

Nice post
Kindly read my posts also
@akeemqaz

what an amazing story

I liked the story very much, very good :)

Do we have a Best Of Steemit Weekly magazine in print?
This would be a fine addition!
YouTurd.jpg

btw that's a disrespect for the Indians. As its a goddess of destruction. Indian devotees wont like making fun of it. Request to remove.

hello
please vote my posts ..

kept me reading it till last...keep it up nice sharing.
kindly read my emotional post of having first baby
https://steemit.com/life/@wisalkaash/how-does-it-feel-to-be-a-parent-for-the-first-time-going-to-be-a-father-in-couple-of-days

Nice 👁️‍🗨️👁️‍🗨️

very good

WOW its Amazing Story............I like your stories..........May succeed in your life.

great post @adsactly

Thank you for your post, its well written and very engaging. I found I had to read it all to find out the outcome. Well done @greenrun

such a fabulous read. Simply beautiful. Thank you! Following you now.

@adsactly it is a great and totally inspiring story...hoping more in the future

Nice post keep posting
Merry christmas

That's a great read - you are multitalented 😊
The story advances well and there is a lot of darkness to it, in a good way.

Congratulations @adsactly!
Your post was mentioned in the hit parade in the following categories:

  • Upvotes - Ranked 8 with 557 upvotes
  • Pending payout - Ranked 6 with $ 386,83

you are great post.....l like your post..
I kept thinking, what happens next and making many wrong guesses. Well written and happy you posted it for us to read. Thank you

thank you
great effort

wow..
thats a great post.
keep it up

thank you@adsactly


image


Steady friend @adsactly Your post is very interesting and very useful .. Good luck to all of us.

OMG... What a story... Like I was there...

Wow such a beautiful and fabulous post enjoyed reading it.....Merry Christmas .....I appreciate your work.

Thanks, you lightened up my Christmas

Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to you

Brilliant. Loved it. Have my upvote and Merry Christmas

very much nice story, thank you, im following now

https://steemit.com/dtube/@saifuk/famous-clock-in-the-world

so nice story.i love your story.. im following you now dear

https://steemit.com/dtube/@saifuk/famous-clock-in-the-world

Excellent write up...I enjoyed it

Great publication

Hi , like a story sad hahahah,but the question is...it's true?

enjoyed..
thanks.
*sheepishly * ... what a word... :))

Nice post

good story. as all your stories, this writing also kept the interest thought the length. nice

really beautiful!

its amazing.. creative post!!

keen to more from you about this.. topic ☺

Great post there, keep up good work !

This replay was created using STEEMER.NET Alpha ( support STEEMER.NET Transactor / Wallet / Exchange Project here: https://steemit.com/investors-group/@cryptomonitor/steemer-net-steem-blockchain-transactor-for-windows-android-app-funding-update-243-1200-sbd-28-12-2017 )

To much interesting story, have a great message.

  ·  7 years ago Reveal Comment