Then Carson said, “Sometime you’ll need your tools from the vault.” He showed Charles how to access the vault key located inside the desk. Charles then walked over and opened the vault. While he had the door to the vault open he disappeared inside. Carson grinned knowing he was looking around. Charles took out the keys from the upper drawer and went to get his crystal and the black bag from their drawers. As he took the bag from its drawer he opened it. His glasses began swirling and brilliant colors flashed before his eyes as he reached in and took the marbles from the bag.
Carson started running when he saw the colors flashing from the vault. As he reached the door to the vault he was relieved to see that Charles was okay.
Charles had the gift pouch on the floor and was holding the marbles in his hands. He looked up at Carson and said, “When I walked in here a thought came to me about the marbles. I wondered what would happen if I put my spectacles on and had my crystal out while looking at the marbles’ strange markings. It turns out the etchings do mean something.” He smiled at Carson.
Carson nodded and said, “Well, I’ll be! What do they say?”
“The markings have different meanings and the words keep changing.”
Carson shook his head in amazement and said, “From now on let me be with you when you experiment all right?”
Charles smiled, nodded his head and said, “It’s a deal.”
Carson held up Charles’ crystal. It was the same eerie green as earlier and was flickering. “Charles, stay right there. Don’t move! I am going to get Nana.”
Carson walked to the office door and called to Bev who was sitting on the back patio.
She stood up and hurried to the office. She was worried. “Carson, what is it? What’s going on in there?”
Carson waved her to come to him and said, “It’s not an emergency. We want to show you something!”
She could see the lights coming from the vault as she stood in the doorway. She turned to Carson and said, “What is going on in here Carson Jones, and where is Charles?”
Charles called to her from the vault. She walked over to the vault and was amazed at what she saw. “Oh my, the flashing lights are spectacular!” Little lights flecked amongst the colors all around Charles. Bev looked back at Carson who was standing behind her. Airabelle was perched on his shoulder.
Airabelle said, “This is amazing. He is reading the etching on the marbles as they change their meaning.”
Bev walked over to get a closer look at the marbles. Then she turned to Airabelle and said, “Amazing, only Charles can see the etchings change…” She looked at Charles as he held them up.
Charles said, “Isn’t this amazing?”
Bev asked, “Charles, what are they saying?”
“Well, right now they don’t make sense, but when I ask a question the marbles answer the question.” Charles took off the spectacles and placed them on top of his head. The marbles went dark. The crystals were still glowing green. Charles put the marbles back in the bag and put them away.
Bev went to sit down by Carson. “That is just amazing.”
Carson agreed and said, “I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Charles came out of the vault with the spectacles and his crystal in his hand. He was smiling and said, “That was fun!” Carson and Bev looked at him.
Carson said amused, “We can see you enjoyed yourself.”
Charles put the keys back in the desk. Then he took out the etched pen box. It sparked when he opened it. He took out the pen with the crystal on top and began to create entries in his journal. Bev and Carson just sat and observed him at work. Airabelle sat on the back of Carson’s chair and Airasten sat on the back of Bev’s chair. Charles documented in his journal for a couple of hours, and then put it away along with his pen.
Airabelle and Bev were searching through journals, discussing what they had read. Airabelle would share something of interest she had read with Charles. It was getting late, but Bev and Airabelle weren’t ready to stop reading until the cuckoo struck midnight. They decided to stop. Carson went around putting things away and securing everything, as they got ready to leave for the house.
Charles tried not to notice the children as they danced around the clock and made their way to their familiar tunnel. One little boy at the end called out to Charles to follow, but Charles refused to look at the boy. He was too tired to even think about it much longer. He was ready to go to the house and crawl into his warm bed after such an exhausting day.
Airabelle and Airasten were asleep by the time they left the office and turned out the lights. They made their way in the moonlight to the house. Charles thought he heard Esmond croaking. Charles missed Esmond and was going to make a point to find him tomorrow. As soon as they entered the house everyone said their goodnights and turned in for bed. That night Charles had strange dreams.
CHAPTER 37
For once Charles was glad when the sun came through the bedroom window in the morning and woke him up. He could smell the coffee brewing downstairs. He flung off the quilt that was wrapped around his legs and sat up. He could hear the birds chirping outside his window. He got out of bed and headed toward the bathroom to start his morning routine, when he heard a familiar voice downstairs… He stood frozen and listened for it again.
His heart raced. It is Caroline! What in the world is she doing here so early in the morning? He made a mad dash to the bathroom with his clothes. He was finished in record time and ran down the steps to the kitchen.
Bev looked up from reading the newspaper. “Good morning Charles.”
He looked around the kitchen and said, “Good morning. Where is Caroline?” “Oh, she went to the office with Paw Paw.”
“She did? Why? I mean what are they doing?”
“Well, I’m not exactly sure… I think since she stopped by this morning with Al, Paw Paw thought he’d see what she can read….”
Charles thanked her and was out the back door heading toward the open office door. When he arrived he paused and knocked before entering. Carson motioned for him to come in. He saw the three of them were sitting down laughing.
Carson said, “Good morning Charles.”
“Good morning everyone.”
“We were just talking about Catherine Caperson and the book. You remember the book Caroline brought?” Charles said he remembered. Carson continued, “Al was telling me about her. Come sit down with us. She was quite a lady. The stories are hilarious.” Charles sat on the floor by Caroline’s chair. Al had everyone laughing until his or her sides hurt.
Caroline asked Charles, “How did you know we were here?”
“Nana told me when I came down for breakfast.”
Al said, “It is time for us to go. Caroline will come back later with Margaret.
They all stood up.
Then, Carson said, “Don’t forget to get the bread from Bev before you leave.”
Al snapped his fingers and said, “I almost forgot.”
“While you are doing that, I want to show Caroline and Charles something. Since you are in a hurry, you go on and we’ll meet you.”
“All right, I’ll meet you in the kitchen.” He turned and left.
Carson said, “We won’t keep him waiting for long.” Caroline nodded as Carson went to get a book. He brought it back and sat down. He opened the book and handed it to Caroline.
She was quiet for a moment and said, “I haven’t seen a book like this in a long time. Catherine had one just like it. I’d put on Grandpa’s glasses and trace the words on paper. I loved all the colors and pictures in her book. Where did you get it Mr. Jones?” She was looking at him with a childlike curiosity.
“Well, I came upon it recently. Since you liked the books from our library so much, I thought I’d show it to you. I thought it was a one of a kind but it seems you have already seen one.”
“It’s just as beautiful as Catherine’s book.” She rubbed her hands on the cover softly and gave it back.
C
arson thanked her and said, “If I come across anything else unusual would you like us to show you? I know how much you love to read.”
“You don’t have to ask twice. I love books. Your collection is amazing!” She looked down at the book in Carson’s hands and said, “It is funny. I thought all these years that Catherine’s book was one of a kind too. I guess maybe there are more of them.”
“Do you still have the book?”
She thought for a minute and said, “I think so. No one else cared about it, so I guess that is why it was given to me. I was so young then. If you’d like to see it I’ll look for it. If I find it I will bring it to you.”
“Only if you want. I wouldn’t mind taking a look at it.” Caroline stood up.
Carson pulled a crystal from his pocket. He said, “You know Al’s stories about Catherine reminded me of a funny story about Charles.”
Charles groaned, “Oh yeah, like what?”
Carson said, “When the children were very young, I used to do a magic trick for them.”
Caroline’s eye lit up. “I like magic tricks.”
“See this crystal.”
She nodded.
“Hold out your hand.”
She held out her hand. He placed the crystal in the palm of her hand and it lit up.
“Wow, Mr. Jones. That really is magic!” She looked at it for a moment and then gave it back to him. She smiled at Charles.
Carson said, “I thought you’d like that.” They walked her to the house.
Charles told her he was glad she would be coming back.
She smiled at him and said, “I’m glad too. I think we are having lunch together.”
Al and Bev were still in the kitchen. Bev had just given Al the bread to take to Margaret. Al looked up and said, “Good timing kids. Let’s get going Caroline so you can get back here with your grandma.” They both hugged Bev and said goodbye.
Charles walked her to Al’s truck. They said goodbye before Al drove off.
Charles turned and ran back to the kitchen. Carson and Bev were discussing what had taken place in the office when he walked in. Charles sat down.
Bev asked, “She can read it can’t she?” They nodded. Charles was grinning from ear to ear.
Carson said, “Now that is as far as we have permission to go. We can’t rush things. Everything has to be approved.”
“Well, I don’t think we need to rush ahead any further. We know she can read the words and when Paw Paw did the magic trick the crystal lit up!” Charles was excited.
Bev looked surprised and asked, “Carson Jones, what did you do?”
Carson said, “Well maybe I rushed things a bit.” He retold Al’s stories about Catherine Caperson from the beginning because they had both missed out on how the conversation had started. This time Charles got to hear everything from the beginning, which made it funnier than the first time. They were all laughing hard by the time Carson finished the story.
Bev had to wipe her eyes on her apron. She was laughing so hard she was crying. “That lady was a hoot! I’ve never heard that one.”
Carson told Bev about Caroline having Catherine’s journal. Bev’s eyes lit up. He told her he thought Caroline would bring the journal to them.
Bev said, “Wow, that is amazing. Do you think we will find anything of interest in it?”
Carson shrugged. He got up from the table and went to get the bookmark from the dog book. When he came back he showed it to Bev. She carefully scrutinized the paper. She was puzzled. “Carson, some of this is in a foreign language.”
Carson nodded and said, “Yes, and that is why no one knew what was written in her journal. We need to figure out what language this is and translate it.”
Charles asked, “How could we find out what language it is, or what it says?”
Carson and Bev looked at each other and at the same time said, “Dimitrios.” Charles nodded. “I agree. I’ll ask him at our meeting.”
CHAPTER 38
Once they were back in the office Donovan said, “Before you go home tonight I need to show you something of great importance.” Joseph sat down. Donovan walked over to his hidden safe. He opened it, put his paperwork, cash and tools inside. He walked over to the desk and put the paper Adam had given him along with the padded envelope in front of Joseph. Joseph looked at it, then at his father. Donovan raised his eyebrows and nodded for him to look at it. Joseph reached for it. His father walked around his desk and sat down. He watched Joseph look at the information on the paper. Then he set it down, picked up the envelope and looked inside.
Joseph scowled. “The payoff was a game piece, a map of what looks like a planet with strange writing all over it and a certificate with a code on it? What kind of joke is this anyway?” A shadow covered Donovan’s face. Joseph had never seen this side of him before.
“Son, I’m going to teach you something you will never forget. I’ve secured a legacy for you that will make you an authority around the world.”
Joseph looked back at the items on the desk. “What kind of game are you playing Father?”
Donovan smiled and sat back in his chair. “One that by the time I’m finished teaching you Joseph, you will be the master of.”
When they finished their conversation Donovan gathered the items on his desk and put them in his safe to protect them. Joseph shifted in his chair and rested his elbow on the arm of the chair. His pointer finger rested on his upper lip. Once he’d processed the conversation he said, “Let the game begin.” Donovan smiled.
CHAPTER 39
When Al and Caroline left the Jones’ house they headed back home. Margaret was getting ready. She was packing a grocery sack of odds and ends to take to Bev’s. She laughed when she saw the bread Bev sent. Margaret kissed Al on the cheek as she took the bread and put it in the breadbox on the counter.
She asked Caroline, “Do you want to stay the night? Bev called and asked if we would like to play cards after dinner.”
Al smiled, kissed her on the cheek and said, “I hate to interrupt, but I think I will take my lunch bag that you prepared and get back to work. There is so much to do, please give my regrets to Bev and Carson.”
Margaret shooed him playfully saying, “Get going then.” Al kissed them both and left.
Caroline said, “I’d love to stay. I’d better call and ask Mom though.”
She started to walk to the phone when Margaret said, “Well, I already called her. She said it would be okay, if you want too.”
“Yes, I’d love to!”
Margaret smiled and said, “All right, call her and tell her. She said she’d bring your things over.”
“Grandma, would it be okay to stop by and pick up my overnight bag on our way to the Jones’ house?”
“Sure. I don’t see a problem with that.”
Caroline gave her a hug and said, “Do you remember those old notebooks of Catherine’s Grandpa gave me to color in?”
Margaret nodded and said, “Yes, but haven’t you thrown those away by now?” Caroline laughed. “No, I kept them. Anyway, Mr. Jones has one just like them. I thought I’d give them to him to look at.”
Margaret thought about that briefly and said, “Are you sure he has something like those old things?”
“He does. I asked Mr. Jones if he was interested in looking at them, and he said he was.”
Margaret looked unsure and said, “Well, if he wants them I don’t see why not. We will go by and I’ll help you put them to the car.”
Caroline hugged her and said, “Thanks Grandma.” Caroline placed the call to her mother to let her know not to bring Caroline’s items.
Margaret and Caroline worked together cleaning up the kitchen. When they finished Margaret called over to Caroline’s house and talked to Kevin. She told him they were on their way. They loaded up the car and left to get Caroline’s things. When they arrived at Caroline’s house she ran inside to find her mom. Joyce was sitting in the family room with Kevin. Caroline came in, kissed them
both and said, “I’m going to get my things.”
Joyce said, “I already packed for you. I’ll come with you though.”
Margaret went to stand beside her and said, “I think I’ll need to help also.”
“Oh, why is that?” Margaret told her about the notebooks. Joyce said, “Good, I’m glad to get them out of Caroline’s closet. They take up so much room.” As she walked up the steps she said, “I wonder why he’d want those old notebooks.” Margaret shrugged.
Kevin followed. “You mean that big box filled with books in your closet?”
Caroline turned and said, “Yes.”
“I’ll get it. That way no one gets hurt.” Everyone laughed.
Once they loaded up the books and overnight bag, Caroline and Margaret said goodbye and headed to the Jones’ house. When they arrived, Bev heard them pull up and went out to meet them.
Margaret said, “I am so glad you are back from your trip.”
“Me too. Vacationing is a lot of work.”
Margaret pointed to the back of the car and said, “Can Charles come and get these old notebooks for Carson? They are heavy. I can’t believe Carson would want those old things. I hadn’t meant for Caroline to keep them all these years.”
Bev looked in the backseat. She couldn’t believe what she saw, a whole box of journals. She looked wide-eyed at Caroline. “My goodness. I’ll go get Charles. That is much too heavy for you, young lady.”
Caroline laughed and said, “My dad loaded them in the car.”
“Oh, good. All right, you two go on in the house. I’ll get Charles to help.”
She walked around to the office. She knocked on the door and entered. Carson and Charles looked up as she walked in. “You are never going to believe what Caroline brought.” Charles looked at Carson, then back to Bev as she said, “A whole box of journals!”
The Xidoran Prophecy Page 46
