“William, where are you?” she asked, venom dripping from her voice.

     My breath was rapid and uneven. A bead of sweat dripped down my temple. I was hiding in the coat closet. Her footsteps were getting closer. What should I do? I thought. I have to tell her the truth.. I have to… but then the door was thrown open. Standing there was my once beloved wife. But she wasn’t anymore. She was just the hollow shell of the woman I used to love, picked apart by rumors and false accusations.

     Her hair was pinned back, a few strands hanging in her face. Her pupils were huge and her teeth were barred. Her fingers were clenched around a silver letter opener, the knuckles white with lack of blood. My wife looked more like a wild animal than the happy, cheerful woman from my memories.

“Jessie, darling, what happened? What has gotten you so upset?”

“What happened?! You’re asking me what happened?! That is what I would like to know! What have you been doing when you are all alone? And who is the tramp that I have been noticing?”

“Tramp? You mean the maid? And I have been working on the Shea report trying to finalize everything before we get to England. Sweetheart, you are blowing things out of proportion.” I took a tentative step forward, holding up my hands to wrap her in a hug.

“Do not lie to me, William! I know what you have been doing, and you will not do it again.”

     And then the letter opener was jammed into my chest. I felt bad for her. I wanted her to know the truth, to know that I wasn’t lying. I wanted her to know that I still love her with all of my heart. It wouldn’t be for another ten years until I would get my chance.

Ten years later

     The boat screamed in a deep, mellow voice that echoed throughout the brick buildings and cobblestone streets at the harbor. I pushed my way toward the railing, hoping to get a last look at America before I traveled to England. As I broke free of the throng of people, fresh salty air hit my face. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, soaking in the sun and the beautiful weather. I smiled and thought I will always love the sea, whether if it’s in America or not.

     When I opened my eyes, the land I called my home for 20 years started to slip away. A sudden pang of sadness tugged at my stomach, but I shook it off and turned to retire into my cabin for the evening until dinner. Whilst striding down the hall I felt a pair of eyes watching me and heard sound so depressing, I almost shed a tear. It sounded like an agonizing moan. I took a quick look over my shoulder, only to find an empty hallway. I shrugged my shoulders and continued on, forgetting it almost immediately.

     I finally made it to my room, number 239, and reached into my coat pocket and proceeded to unlock the polished silver door handle and took a step into my suite. As I closed the door, I looked around at what would be my room for the next week. There were no windows, only a few elegantly painted pictures of scenery. The walls were a deep cherry wood with golden lamps set at intervals along them. In front of me sat the living area where a couch and two loveseats lounged on the off white carpet. The fireplace was warm and crackling, beckoning me to sit and relax by it. On the mantle sat a clock, ticking methodically to its own beat.

     I walked into my bedroom and shrugged off my overcoat, folding it over the chair that was pushed into a large desk that matched the walls. I sighed and slumped into that chair, not knowing what to do. Thinking of nothing better, I began to look through my mail that I had brought with me. I grasped the silver letter opener and whilst trying to open the letter, I cut my finger. I winced in pain and began to suck on the cut. Shaking off the pain I began to write a letter to my mother and father telling them that my room was satisfactory and it should be a nice trip to England where I would meet my uncle.

     As the quill scratched at the parchment I felt the same thing in the hallway, as though I was being watched. I quickly turned around and, again, was welcomed by nothing. An ominous sense of déjà vu swept over me. Then I heard a slight scuff of the floor. I backed out of my chair and called out, “Who’s there?” I stood by myself in the middle of my bedroom, feeling slightly embarrassed that I was being paranoid over nothing. I thought of how unbecoming it was for a nobleman to be talking to himself. And then she walked around the corner. She was the loveliest woman that I had ever seen.  

     She couldn’t have been more than 18. Her long brown hair was curled and stopped just below her shoulders. Her eyes were a brilliant hazel, staring straight at me. She had a dinner gown on that suited her figure perfectly. It was a deep green and the bust was laced with gold ribbon. She didn’t say anything. She just stood there, staring at me. Not sure on what to do I tried talking to her. “Good evening madam. May I help you with something?”

     Again, she stood there, not moving a muscle. But before I could ask again, she turned and disappeared into the living room. I quickly followed behind her, only to find the room empty. I knit my eyebrows together, wondering if I was imagining things. All of a sudden the clock sounded, making me jump with fright. It was five o’clock, time for dinner

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

     I took a seat at a table that was filled with my parents’ friends who, compared to me, acted as if they were all sages. They were all chattering away at how exquisite the ship was and how the service was impeccable. A string quartet played peacefully in the background, making the mood light and pleasant.  But none of that mattered to me. The only thing that was on my mind was the strange yet beautiful women from before.

     Who is she? Why was she in my suite? Where is she now? How can I find her? All of these questions swirled around in my head.

“So what is your take on the matter, Seth?” Mrs. Brunt asked, snapping me out of my trance.

“I’m terribly sorry, what was that Mrs. Brunt?” I apologized. As soon as I said this a chorus of laughter sounded throughout the table.

“It’s quit all right, Seth. What I was saying is what is your take on the mysterious disappearances lately?”

“What disappearances?” I asked, suddenly intrigued.

“There has been a rash of disappearances on this ship. All of the people that were with the victims before they vanished say that they had been talking about a beautiful woman that would seem to appear out of nowhere. It happens once every year.” Mr. Kippley answered. My face went pale and my palms started to sweat.

“So we were wondering if you think this is all just a hoax or not?” Mr. Dreff concluded. 

     Not sure as to what to say, I lied. “That is quit strange. I believe the beautiful woman is irrelevant.  There are loads of beautiful women on this grand ship; in fact five are sitting at this table now.” I said taking a look at each woman in turn. They all laughed and I joined in, hoping to make a good impression. But then I saw her again.

     She was roaming aimlessly around the dining hall, just drifting from table to table and then disappeared into a doorway. I couldn’t lose her this time. “If you will please excuse me for one moment.” I said and got up from my chair. I strode across the room and through the doorway to find her waiting for me five feet away.

“Who are you?” I asked. She finally spoke in a soft sweet voice.

“I am justice. I am the one who will punish you for what you did.” She stated plainly.

“What do you mean? I have not done anything wrong.”

Her eyes zeroed in on my face and she glared at me. “Do not lie William, I know what you have been doing. You will not do it again.” And with that she turned and began walking down the hall.

     I ran after her and yelled, “Wait! My name is not William! You must have me mistaken miss!” but she had already rounded the corner.

     I sighed and returned to my seat. I remained silent for the rest of dinner, only poking at the papaya that was cut up on my plate. When I was finished I excused myself and returned back to my suit. I entered my room and locked the door behind me, not wanting anymore unwanted visitors. I noticed that everything had been straightened by a maid and the Sunday paper was left on the coffee table. I sat down and opened to the first page. It read:                                 

                                10th Year Anniversary of the Darkwood Murder Suicide

                                                             March 24th, 1910

     Ten years ago, 18 year old Jessica Darkwood boarded a ship that would travel to England with her husband, 20 year old William Hartley. After finding out her husband was cheating on her with the maid in room number 239, she grabbed a letter opener and began stabbing her husband repeatedly in the chest and throat. She then turned the knife on herself and plunged it deep into her stomach. The bodies were found March 24th, 1900.

     Next to the article was a picture of the couple. The Man surprisingly looked like me, with ear length brown hair and dimples peeking out from our smiles. And there, sitting on a grand chair, was the woman that had been popping up mysteriously. My heart began pounding. I could feel eyes staring at me from every angle. The room began to spin. I was dizzy. I tried to stand but could only manage to stumble a few steps before doubling over in paranoia.

     I was on all fours, panting for breath when I heard footsteps coming from my bedroom. I tried to crawl away, but found myself frozen in place. The Footsteps got closer. I lifted my head and there was the beautiful woman, holding my silver letter opener that I had already cut myself with only hours earlier.

     She stared at me murderously, hungry for blood. She bent next to me and lifted my chin with the letter opener. “You should never have lied to me, William.” She said while scraping the letter opener across my cheek, spilling blood. I tried to find the words that would prove my innocence, but my throat was so dry. I couldn’t speak.

“This is goodbye, William.” She said and brought the knife down to stab me and then she stopped. Her eyes were wide and then a hand appeared on her wrist.

“Jessie, you need to stop this.” And then the rest of the body appeared. I screamed and scooted away.

“What the devil is going on here?” I asked.

“It’s alright Seth,” the man said. “just don’t get on the way.” Then he turned to Jessica. It was then that I noticed that he was the William that Jessica had been searching for. “Sweetheart, I love you with all of my being, but you need to stop this. I was not cheating on you, I swear. I would never want to hurt you in any way.”

     Her face softened and her shoulders relaxed. She seemed to come back to reality. “Will?” she asked, as though she couldn’t believe it. “Will, is that really you?” by this point her voice was trembling and tears were streaming down her face.

     Will looked just as relieved as she did and wrapped her in an embrace. They stayed there for a few moments before separating. Jessica was sobbing, her face and eyes puffy and red.

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t want to kill anyone. I was just so mad. I don’t know what took over me. After I killed you,” she said, her voice cracking on the word ‘killed’ “I was stuck in a giant void of dark space. I was just left to think about the horrible thing that I did to you. And I was so lonely. I just wanted to see you again.” She sobbed. “And once every year I was forced to commit that horrible deed again and again. I swear it wasn’t me that killed all of those men. Someone took over me, I promise.” She just kept shaking, tears cascading from her face and onto the carpet.

     Will started to stroke her head and said, “Everything is going to be alright now. Shhh, just don’t worry about it. We broke the chain. We can be together now. I promise that I will never leave you.” He whispered into her ear.

     Then Jessica turned and looked at me, as if she just noticed that I was there. “Please accept my deepest apologies Earl of Mayfield.” She said giving a deep curtsey.

     I stood up and walked across the floor to stand In front of the newly reunited couple. “It is fine Miss. Jessica. I do not blame you. I am just glad to see that you two were finally reunited.” I said, smiling at the both of them.

     Just then, a brilliant light sparked behind them. They turned in unison and held each others hands. I just stared in complete and utter awe. The light was so warm and welcoming. The couple walked towards the light and paused just before entering it. They turned and said, “Thank you Seth. I hope you have a long and prosperous life.

     And then they turned and walked hand and hand, into the blinding light. I will never forget that day for many reasons. Looking back on it now, I just hope that they have found peace and are able to be together, forever.