Golden Glories

by Gerald Lopez

  “There’s always the possibility of running into a ghost here or there, or a nun,” I said.

  “Please not the nuns,” Sassy said. “I’d rather deal with a giant chicken.”

  Something I heard someone saying caught my ear.

  “Did you hear the latest rumor?” the person said. “There may be more than one treasure in the key.”

  Chapter 25

  Catching Up

  WHEN PETE AND Alex got back, we decided to go to the open air bar where I had watched the guy singing “Margaritaville” early on in our visit. We sat at a table near the back, ordered frosty pina coladas and discussed our day.

  “Granny is even more interesting than I’d originally thought,” Sassy said. “I’m glad I only work freelance with The Organization. I am, however, very concerned about all this outside recruiting they’re doing.”

  “They don’t even seem to be pretending to be a secret organization,” Alex said.

  “What happened with the old woman and the chicken?” I said.

  “When Abigail was shot and clucking away, Lady Momma managed to get free from the beak and she dove into the water,” Pete said.

  “She went in the water like a pro,” Alex said. “Lady Momma even managed to save the chicken when she fell in the water. Since the chicken was a ghost when she was shot she wasn’t killed.”

  “That’s all remarkable,” I said.

  “Why do they call the old woman Lady Momma?” Sassy said. “Is it a sign of respect, or is that her real name?”

  “She’s Poppy’s momma,” Pete said. “And at first people tried to call her just Momma, but she put a stop to that right away.”

  “How?” Sassy said.

  “Well she said that she couldn’t have everyone calling her momma, because then folks would think she was an old slut that had a bunch of kids running around. Then Poppy said that his momma was a true lady, and thus the name Lady Momma. Now she’s famous by that name around these parts.”

  “Makes perfect sense to me,” I said, then chuckled. “Pete, what’s this latest rumor I heard about there being three treasures and not just one?”

  “It’s just that,” Pete said. “The latest and newest rumor. I think it started because of the appearance of the three ghost ships.”

  “Has your group at the compound ever discussed the possibility of more than one treasure?” I said.

  “No,” Pete said.

  “What about your people, Sassy?” Alex said.

  “No,” Sassy said. “But coming in here, I overheard a conversation where the main topic was whether or not there were multiple treasures. None of Daddy’s people ever mentioned such a thing.”

  I drank some of my sweet, frosty drink and leaned back in my chair. “If there really are three treasures, we’ve got problems. The obvious one being which treasure has our staff, and which one has the chalice.”

  “What are the chances they’ll both be together?” Pete said.

  “Slim to none,” Sassy said. A waiter brought her another pina colada. “Thank you, but I didn’t order another drink.”

  “It’s from the gentleman at the bar wearing the blue shirt,” the waiter said.

  Sassy turned, saw the man who bought her drink waving, and she blew him a kiss and smiled.

  “You have fans everywhere,” I said.

  “Hold on a minute,” Sassy said to the waiter. She went into her purse and put some lipstick on. After kissing a clean napkin and leaving a lip print on it she wrote thanks. “Give this to my fan, please.”

  “Yes, Ma’am,” the waiter said, then took the napkin and left.

  “Does that happen a lot?” Pete said to Sassy.

  “It’s her whole fifties pinup look that does it—drives men wild,” I said, then smiled.

  “I get it,” Pete said.

  When we left the restaurant, the crowd outside seemed to have gotten smaller.

  “It looks like people have gone to get something to eat, or are taking an afternoon nap,” Alex said.

  “I’d better go find my husbands,” Pete said.

  “Are the three of you married?” Alex said. “Can you do that now?”

  “Not officially,” Pete said. “Don and Braeden are legally married and we had sort of an unofficial ceremony to celebrate our union of three.”

  “That’s really nice,” I said. “We’ll see you guys later then.”

  “Bye,” Pete said.

  “Bye,” the rest of us said.

  “What now?” Sassy said.

  “We haven’t really looked around the lower downtown area,” Alex said.

  “Let’s do that now then,” I said.

  “Mind if I tag along?” Sassy said.

  “Not at all,” I said.

  It didn’t take long to walk down the street. There were several tourist shops, and we peeked into a few windows. We stopped into a candy shop where Sassy bought several lollipops. They looked good so Alex and I bought some too—not that we needed more sweets. The next shop window caught our attention as well.

  “Those are different,” I said.

  In the window of a gallery were small figures and animals made from various metal screws and bolts. There was a puppy statue with long ears, a smile, and his tongue hanging out.

  “He reminds me of you,” I said to Alex.

  Sassy chuckled then spoke. “He does look like Alex. How funny. That big dog in back reminds me of Forrest.”

  “He kind of does,” Alex said. “Let’s go in and see if we can find a Layton.”

  While we looked around, we spoke to the owner and his wife.

  “You’re the folks staying at Jorri’s compound, aren’t you?” the owner said.

  “Yes, Sir,” I said. “Did you two by any chance see the three ghost ships?”

  “We did actually,” the wife said. “And we’ve heard the rumor that there are actually three hidden treasures. “I suppose that changes a lot of things.”

  “Look at this dog,” Alex said, and chuckled. “That is definitely you, Sassy.”

  I had to look and smiled when I saw the cute metal dog that Alex held.

  “Nobody I know has ever mentioned the idea of there being three treasures,” the owner said. “Ya think they could all be hidden in the same place or at least close to one another?”

  “I hadn’t really thought about that yet,” I said.

  “Why hide three treasures near one another?” Sassy said. “For that matter why are we assuming the treasures—if there are actually three—were hidden by the same people?”

  “There were three ghost ships,” the owner’s wife said. “One belonged to the church and would’ve held the treasures from Russia. The other was the pirate ship which was after the Russian treasure. But, maybe they had a treasure of their own to bury on the key.”

  “What about the other pirate ship?” Alex said. “Were the two pirates ships working together to go after the church ship or—”

  “If they were working separately, then each group of pirates may have buried two separate treasures while looking for the church’s goods,” I said.

  “Twyla at the Visitor’s center across the street might be able to help you with more information,” the owner said.

  Before leaving the store, Sassy bought us the three dog figures that we thought looked like Alex, Forrest, and me. She also bought the dog that reminded us of her. Once our goodies were nicely wrapped in paper and put into bags, we thanked the owner and his wife then left.

  The visitor’s center was in a small cottage across the street. Rocking chairs on the front porch were calling my name, but there was no time for that at present. Upon entering the cottage, we were greeted by a friendly, blonde, middle-aged woman in a floral print, sleeveless dress.

  “Hello, welcome to Shiloh Key. My name is Twyla.”

  “Hi, Twyla,” I said. “We were just at the gallery across the street, and they told us we should come by and talk to you.”

  “You must be the folks staying at
Jorri and Nikki’s compound,” Twyla said.

  “That’s us,” Sassy said, then smiled.

  Alex spotted the postcards and pictures on the wall, and they held his attention while the rest of us talked.

  ‘Twyla, what did you think of the three ghost ships?” I said. “They seemed to have taken most of the key’s natives by surprise.”

  “Yes, but there is actually an old account of such a thing happening before,” Twyla said. “One that was discounted by most people because it was a child’s account.”

  “A child?” I said. “Is that significant?”

  “Who’s to say what is or isn’t significant when it comes to ghosts and treasures?” Twyla said.

  “That’s very true,” Sassy said.

  “And what did the child have to say?” I said.

  “That he saw the three ghost ships and three ghostly treasure chests on the beach where he was playing,” Twyla said. “I only researched the child’s accounting of things after I saw the three ghost ships today. It was in our archives.”

  “Just out of curiosity how did you know to look for it?” I said.

  “I remembered my predecessor mentioning it existed,” Twyla said. “But I’m sorry to say that I just shrugged it off and put it out of my mind until today.”

  “We all do that sort of thing,” Sassy said, while looking at a painting for sale on the back wall.

  “You’re being forthcoming with information even for a visitor’s information person,” I said, then smiled warmly.

  “We all love Jorri, Nikki, and all of those guys—and Charity too,” Twyla said. “So we’ve heard of you and your group before, Layton Shayne. And we’re all prepared to help you and your people.”

  “Layton, Sassy,” Alex said, “come look at these pictures. I think they’ll be a big help.”

  “Oh yes,” Twyla said. “Those will definitely help, if you can figure certain things out. And provided there’s time before the next cycle of events coming our way.”

  Chapter 26

  Varying Views

  “WHAT THINGS?” ALEX said.

  “What cycle of events?” Sassy said.

  “Slow down folks,” I said. “Twyla, what do you think we need to know?”

  “First, that there’s more coming,” Twyla said. “Things always start off slow, then escalate. This year, events have started earlier than usual for some reason. But by the end of the day… night—what have you—things will change. Conditions on the key will mirror those of years past, when pirates, nuns, and priests ruled over things.”

  “What about the pictures?” Alex said, while looking at a black and white photograph of the beach. “There are the tops of trees poking out of the water in this picture. Those must be the original trees the pirates were using to plan where they’d bury the treasure.”

  “But look at this photo,” Sassy said, pointing to a picture on the wall in front of her. “The trees are in the water… but the beach is completely different. It’s not the same place.”

  “I heard someone mention that the location where those trees appear seems to change,” I said. “We’ll need to stay sharp, and be ready to adjust or rearrange our plans on a second’s notice, since it seems like things are going to be very fluid on the key.”

  “What is it that we’re supposed to be noticing in the photos?” Sassy said.

  “The distance is always the same,” Alex said. “The relation of the ghost trees to the shore is always identical. And the ghost trees peeking out of the water are the identical height in all of the photos.”

  “Bingo!” Twyla said. “That must mean something. I suppose the moonbeam or beams will be at a certain level no matter where it shines.”

  “Which is actually fairly low,” I said. “Not more than six feet.”

  “True,” Twyla said. “But after it shines through the same point it may angle upward. Everyone’s so focused on the first point, when in actuality it’s probably the second point the beam hits that will be more important.”

  “Of course,” I said, the light finally going off in my head. “The first point the beam shines through will follow a fairly straight path, but if it hits a reflective surface after that, then it can angle in a totally different direction upward. That’s the important moonbeam to follow.”

  “Precisely,” Twyla said. “Now wasn’t that simple to figure out?”

  “Oh yeah,” Sassy said, sarcastically. “Nothing about this treasure hunt is simple.”

  “Don’t get down, Sassy,” I said. “Every clue gets us closer to our destination.”

  “I just hope you’re right, Layton,” Sassy said.

  “You’ve got to have hope, and believe,” Twyla said.

  “I think I just need a lollipop and a nap,” Sassy said.

  We all laughed. Alex bought a couple of photographs, and we thanked Twyla for all her help before we left. The minute we were outside, Sassy got one of her lollipops, unwrapped it, and popped it into her mouth.

  “I’m beginning to think you’re addicted to those things,” I said, then smiled.

  “I definitely am,” Sassy said. “Shoot! We forgot to ask specifics about what else is expected to happen.”

  “What’s life without at least a few surprises,” I said.

  “Did you two notice all the photos showing the flooding in the key?” Alex said.

  “Yeah,” I said. “It looked pretty bad.”

  “In some spots it looked like the water would be over my head,” Sassy said. “Watch out, little people like me, or kids.”

  “If there’s a flood problem, you can sit on my shoulders to stay above the water,” I said, then grinned.

  “Yeah, you grin like that,” Sassy said, “but I’ll remember you offered those big, strong shoulders to me.”

  “Are you two up for walking back to the compound?” Alex said. “It’s so nice out.”

  “I don’t see where we actually have another choice,” Sassy said. “I haven’t noticed any taxis.”

  “That’s true,” I said. “I wish you hadn’t mentioned a nap earlier. Now I’m sleepy.”

  “Supposedly, there won’t be much happening before tonight,” Alex said, “maybe it’s the perfect time for a nap.”

  “We’ll definitely need our energy for treasure hunting later,” Sassy said.

  “You sound at least a little more excited about things,” Alex said. “That lollipop is doing you some good.”

  “They usually do,” Sassy said.

  “Since you’re in a better mood,” I said, “why don’t you tell us a little about Buck’s beau, your brother?”

  “Hmmm,” Sassy said. “There’s not much to tell really. He’s super cute and really sweet. All kinds of crazy too.”

  “How so?” Alex said.

  “Well he left home to perfect his comedy drag routine in of all places your new hometown,” Sassy said.

  “Did your dad not approve of his ‘drag routine’?” I said.

  “Daddy loved it,” Sassy said. “It used to crack him up.”

  “Then why did your brother feel the need to move?” I said.

  “He wanted to go somewhere nobody knew his name, so he’d make it or break it on his own merit,” Sassy said.

  “Have you seen his act?” Alex said.

  “Of course,” Sassy said. “He’s pretty funny, even when he’s not trying to be. I snuck into one of his performances.”

  “How could you possible go anywhere unnoticed?” I said. “You’re just so fabulous.”

  “I know,” Sassy said, and winked. “I’m a clever gal too. I took a page out of my brother’s book and went in drag.”

  We had a nice leisurely trek back to the compound and were greeted by Bean when we arrived.

  “Hello,” Bean said, “we heard about all the excitement downtown. There were chickens wreaking havoc instead of dogs, huh?”

  “Y’up,” I said. “Things sound quiet here.”

  “Yeah,” Bean said. “Granny and the kids wen
t back to their rental home to rest, the boy nuns tuckered themselves out horsing around with Bella and Nikki. And by horsing around I mean wrestling. They crashed over at Bella’s place.”

  “You wouldn’t by any chance have a hammock with my name and Alex’s on it, would you?” I said.

  “In fact, we do,” Bean said, and chuckled. “How did you know? But before you take that nap, there’s a visitor whose been asking for you and he’s waiting in Jorri’s trailer.”

  While we followed Bean to Jorri’s trailer, I wondered who might be waiting for us. Jorri’s trailer was nicely tucked under some trees and was facing the beach. It was a perfect view, although if any of those branches fell on his trailer it would be kaput.

  “Take a closer look at the tree branches,” Bean said.

  “You knew what I was thinking, huh?” I said.

  “Everyone who visits always asks about how safe Jorri’s house is under those trees,” Bean said.

  When we were closer to the home I noticed that the tree branches above it were supported by strong metal wires and beams. If they did fall, they weren’t going anywhere.

  “The metal’s an expensive solution, but it works,” Bean said. “If a branch breaks off, it’s caught by the wire or beam and doesn’t fall on the trailer.”

  The door to Jorri’s trailer opened, and I recognized a familiar face peering at us from behind it.

  “Daddies!” Chip said, then ran our way with a big smile on his face.

  I rushed to greet Chip, then hugged him, picked him up and, swung him around in the air. Alex came up behind him and tickled his underarms.

  “What are you doing here, buddy?” I said.

  “I came over with Momma Charity,” Chip said. “We saw ghosts and gold water, and pirates!”

  “Wow,” Alex said. “Were you scared?”

  “Nope,” Chip said.

  “I’m sure he was a real trooper,” Sassy said. “I don’t think anything scares him. Isn’t that right, Chip?”

  “That’s right, Aunt Sassy,” Chip said.

  “Nice, you’ve got a new aunt too, huh?” Alex said.