Hearts of Grey

by Earl E. Gobel

  “Really? And where do you think that many Confederate soldiers came from on such short notice? And in fact, Grady sir, you kicked one of our agents in the ass right on your stage,” Paul informed him.

  “No, I didn’t. In fact, the only person’s butt I kicked in the ass was that little turd—no. No way. Walter Mitchell is one of your agents?” Grady asked.

  “Yes, sir, I’m afraid so. And by the way, those insults that he shot at you were all a part of the plan. So please don’t hold it against him,” Paul added.

  “Well, I’ll be! He just doesn’t look the type. I mean, not anything like a secret agent should I would think.” Grady told him.

  “Excuse me for asking, but just what would you want us to look like? We’re not the FBI for Christ’s sake. They all wear the same standard issue suit and tie. And you can spot one of their agents out in a crowd. We’re better than that,” Paul told them.

  “I’m sorry, I meant no disrespect,” Grady replied.

  “Relax. I look for a reason to use that FBI line every chance I get,” Paul said with a smile.

  Grady returned the smile.

  “So you haven’t told us why you sent so many agents to our little party,” Katie reminded the agent.

  “Well, if you go back to the 1940s, there was a racial movement that was just getting a foothold into America’s culture. And that’s what Jack stumbled on to. Quite by accident in fact. Any guess from any of you?” he asked.

  “Let me guess this one. The KKK?” Rick answered.

  “Bravo. Exactly. The Ku Klux Klan. And now ten years later, they’re really a big problem. Especially if you’re unfortunate enough to be born black and living here in the south,” Paul added.

  “But what does Barnes and the KKK have to do with each other?” Grady asked.

  “Would it surprise you to find out that Barnes was just a tad short of six weeks away from becoming the next grand wizard of the KKK in the state of Georgia. That was until his own daughter shot him, that is. Getting shot by your own daughter, wow!” he explained.

  “Barnes? The next grand wizard of the KKK? I find that really hard to believe,” Katie told him.

  “Believe it. And you already know for a fact that he knew about the treasure. What do you think he wanted it for? He surely wasn’t going to buy his family their own house. No, sir, he wanted it to lock himself in place among the top wizards of the Klan. Think of the damage that amount of money could bring,” Paul said as he watched the reactions of his stunned audience.

  “My God! But wait a second, by the time our party happened, Barnes or Beatrice was already in custody. So what was the danger if he was already in jail?” Katie asked.

  “True, we already had him. But we wanted the entire Klan. How many people did you see get arrested at your party?” he asked.

  “Well, I never saw anyone getting arrested,” Katie answered as the rest of them agreed with her.

  “Well, thanks to the Secret Service, there were over two hundred people arrested that day. And all of them now face federal charges. And we did it all without making a single ripple in your party. Yes, it was indeed a very good day.”

  “Well, we really do appreciate that. But we would have understood if it had,” Katie told him.

  “Well, while we did do it for the sake of your party, our utmost concern was when it came time to make the arrests, was not letting the other bad guys know what was going on until it was their turn to join our party, you see.”

  “I do. You wouldn’t want to ruin the big surprise, would ya?” Grady said with a smirk.

  “Well, here’s the beauty of all of this. When you found the treasure, and you decided to showcase it before the entire world like you did. You actually accomplished what we had been trying to do for months. And that was to get all of these guys together in one place at one time. And that, my dear sir, tells me that you’re definitely related to Jack,” the agent told him.

  “Well, that and the fact that we’re both good-looking too,” Grady said with a smile.

  “Indeed,” Paul said as he finished his coffee.

  “Mr. King, excuse me, but do you ever think that we’ll find where Barnes buried my uncle? We would really like to have him at rest here on Matterson property,” Katie told him.

  “Excuse me, didn’t anyone tell you?” he asked.

  “Tell us what?” Katie asked.

  “Barnes is signing like a songbird that just found out he could sing. He’s ratting out everybody. And, yes, he did tell us exactly where he buried Jack. I’m sorry, I thought you already knew,” Paul explained.

  “You know where my brother is? Why haven’t you dug him up yet?” Grady asked.

  “Relax a second. He only told us yesterday. We’ll be retrieving the body, or I should say his remains in the next few days. There’s a little matter of that document that he is supposed to have on him. Remember? But once we’ve retrieved that, he will be turned over to you and your family for a proper burial,” Paul told him.

  “I’m sorry for losing my temper, but it’s been a long time,” Grady explained.

  “No need to apologize, sir. If it was my brother or family member, I would want done just as fast as you do. Maybe even faster if that’s possible,” Paul explained.

  “Well, we do appreciate everything that you’re doing, Mr. King. Really. But just for the sake of knowing, what’s going to happen to Barnes?” Katie asked.

  “Well since he killed a federal officer, he was eligible for the death penalty, but since he is cooperating with the authorities, I suspect that he’ll never see the sun rise again, except maybe through some prison bars. But don’t thank me. This country needs to thank all of you. You’re very brave and honest people. You serve your country well. I just wish that there were more people like you out there,” he told them.

  “We didn’t do anything special really,” Melissa added.

  “Yes, you did. There’s a lot of people out there that would have kept the treasure just for themselves. You didn’t. You did everything right, and you put not only your lives on the line, but you put your pride and honor right out there for everyone to see. And if that’s not the reason this great country is what it is, then by doggone it, I don’t know what is. It is truly an honor to be in your presence, and I mean that,” Paul told them.

  “You’re much too kind honestly,” Katie told him.

  “No, just honest. But I do have one more surprise for you, or I should say one of you,” he told them.

  “Really? And who is that?” Grady asked.

  Paul looked at each of them, but he stopped when he got to Melissa. “Melissa, may I ask what your plans are for after college?” he asked.

  “Well, I was planning on being a teacher. Why do you ask?” she asked.

  “Well, there seems to be an opening in the National Archives for someone of your expertise. The job is yours if you want it,” he told her.

  “A job in the National Archives?” she asked.

  “You know you may not want this job. After all, there’s a zillion pieces of American history strewn all over this great country of ours, and we need someone to go out and find it and bring it home to Washington where the people of this great nation can see it and enjoy it for the next generation and those that follow. But I don’t think that’s your cup of tea, is it?” he asked.

  “Are you kidding? Of course I want the job, but I have to ask my future husband,” she said as she turned to face him. “Rick?” she asked.

  “Well, gee, you’ll be gone all the time, and I’ll have to raise the kids all by myself and then there’s the dogs and the cats that will need feeding and then—”

  “Rick, a simple yes or no is all I need right now,” she told him.

  “Of course you can accept the job. We’ll get Katie and Mike to feed the animals,” he told her as she threw her arms around his neck even before he finished talking.

  “Thank you, sweetheart,” she said as she planted a big kiss on to his lips. When she finished
, she turned to face Mr. King. “I would be honored to accept the job offer,” she told him.

  “No kidding? Wow, that was easy,” he told her.

  “Well, congratulations, Melissa. I guess your future is set. That’s great!” Katie told her.

  “Thanks, Katie. You know if it wasn’t for you guys letting me in on all of this, none of this would be possible. I know that, and I’ll never forget it either,” she said as she looked directly at Katie and Grady.

  “You’re welcome, dear, but your brother here made the final decision, remember?” Grady told her.

  “Yeah, I do know that. That’s what big brothers do. They look out for their little sisters, ain’t that right, brother dear?” she asked him.

  “Always have and always will,” Mike answered.

  “Well, I guess that pretty much wraps up my job here. But I do need to tell you if you’re ever in the capital, pay a visit to the White House. You have a very devoted fan there. Well, at least for a few more years anyways. And with that, I’ll bid you all a good night, and from me to all of you, my personal thanks. Really, thank you,” he told them as he walked to the door.

  “Mr. King?” Katie called to him as he was almost to the door.

  He turned to face her. “Yes, Katie?” he asked.

  “I was wondering, since it appears that you and my Uncle Jack were friends, would you like to attend the service for him when we have them? I know that Jack would want you there,” she asked him.

  “Katie, that’s about the nicest thing that anyone has ever done for me. By all means, yes, I’ll be there. Count on it,” he told her

  “The more the merrier,” she replied.

  “Okay then, I’ll see you then. And thanks for including me,” he said as he leaned over and gave her a slight peck on the cheek. “Michael is a very lucky man,” Paul added.

  “He knows. I tell him that all the time,” Katie told him as she walked him to the door.

  He stopped and looked at her. “I really believe that you do,” he said half laughing.

  Grady and everyone else said their good-byes to Mr. King as he got into his car.

  “Thanks again for a very informative evening,” Grady told him.

  “You’re welcome. If you need anything, you call me, okay? Don’t think about it, just call, okay?” Paul told him.

  “I will. And thanks again,” Grady said as he watched the agent slowly drive away.

  Wedding Dresses Made-to-Order

  Early the next morning, Katie was up before the sun. What she had discovered about her long-lost uncle was just too damn exciting to sleep through. So with a hot cup of coffee in her hand, she strolled out onto the front porch. The morning air was still and quiet. The morning sun was just making its appearance to the east. Yes, today would be a good day. She knew that in her heart.

  The coffee was stronger than it was hot, but it tasted good just the same. She sat back in the rocking chair, tucking her legs up under her, and she relaxed as she sipped the coffee.

  Now if she had been expecting any company that early in the morning, then she might had dressed to meet them. But she wasn’t, so the bathrobe that she wore over the plain old white sundress would just have to do. Her attention turned to the main gate as a large flatbed truck followed by a light blue sedan entered the gate.

  “Now who is that?” she wondered to herself. As the vehicles pulled to a stop, a very well-dressed lady exited the car, followed by a guy in a suit, and three guys that were in the truck. The lady walked up to the porch.

  “Good morning, you must be Katie,” the lady said.

  “Well, good morning right back at ya, but you’re who?” Katie asked.

  “Excuse me, I’m Linda Johnstone with the National Parks Service. Your dad, uh, Grady, was expecting us. Is he awake?” she asked.

  “I don’t think so. May I ask what this is all about?” Katie asked.

  “Certainly, my dear. We’ve brought the sign that he wanted,” she answered.

  “A sign you say? I wasn’t told about any sign,” Katie told her.

  “That’s because it was supposed to be a surprise,” Grady said as he walked out of the house to greet his guest. “Good morning, Ms. Johnstone.”

  Katie was surprised to not only see her daddy up this early, but he was fully dressed and ready to go. She just stared at him as he walked past her, his hand reaching over to mess up Katie’s hair, which didn’t really matter since it hadn’t been brushed yet anyways.

  “Grady, top of the morning to you, sir. I’m sorry, but did we ruin the surprise?” she asked.

  “Naw, she was going to see it sooner or later anyways. I guess now it will be sooner and not later,” he answered back.

  “Excuse me . . . Hello? What in the world are you two talking about?” she asked.

  Grady and Ms. Johnstone just turned and stared back at her.

  “All in due time, now go drink your coffee. I’ll call ya when I’m ready for ya,” Grady told her.

  She just stopped dead in her tracks and stared at him. Never before had he ever told her to go away. And now she wasn’t sure if she should be mad as hell or do as she was told.

  Grady turned back to see his daughter still standing there with her mouth open.

  “Katie, please. Go do something with your hair or something. It’s a mess,” he told her as he returned his attention back to Ms. Johnstone.

  She just turned and walked into the house, making sure she slammed the screen door hard enough that everyone in Savannah heard it. Especially her daddy and Ms. Johnstone.

  Ms. Johnstone reached into the car and retrieved a nicely folded-up map and opened it up across the hood of her car. It was a detailed map of Matterson House and the surrounding land.

  “This is where I thought the cemetery should go. What do you think?” she asked as she pointed to a spot on the map.

  “Yes, that would be fine. But don’t forget there’s the horses and fifteen men to be buried there. So make sure it’s big enough,” he told her.

  “I thought it was fourteen. Oh wait, they found your brother, didn’t they? What was his name?” she asked.

  “Jack, but he preferred Rings. So let’s get both names on the marker, okay?” Grady pulled the piece of paper from his shirt pocket. “Add these names to it as well. Those are the names of the fourteen skeletons that we found with the gold,” he told her.

  “But how in the world did you come up with these names so quickly?” she asked.

  “Well, I guess you could say that a friend of Jack’s brought them by,” he answered.

  She just threw him a puzzled look as if she was expecting him to explain it in more detail.

  “Maybe later, I’m not even awake yet,” he told her before she could ask.

  “As you wish. But where do we put this big old sign?” she asked.

  “Well, hell, I’m not sure. You’ll want to see it when you come through the main gate, so what about here?” he said as he pointed to a spot on the map.

  “Quite an excellent choice, sir, I’ll get my guys to work on it at once,” she told him as she signaled the guys to join her.

  “No big hurry. I need coffee. No, I need a lot of coffee,” he told her as he turned toward the house. “You’re more than welcome to join me if you’d like!” he yelled over his shoulder without ever turning around. If she had heard his offer, he didn’t know nor did he much care. All he wanted was his coffee. And until that happened, the world could stop rotating for all he cared. He could get it moving again later. After he had his coffee.

  Katie was sitting at the dining room table drinking another cup of coffee as Grady sat down across from her. She didn’t speak nor did she look at him.

  “So you going to be all pissy all day, or are you going to talk to me?” he asked her.

  “I don’t appreciate being left out of things. Especially when I should be told as to what you’re up to,” she told him without taking her eyes off of her coffee cup.

  “Katie, ever since yo
ur mother died, it’s been just you and I. Everything that I did, you were there. And I never complained. Not once. But now you’re getting married and all, and well, Mike will be your main concern from now on as it should be. And I’m not complaining mind ya, but for once, I want to do something for you without you being in on it before it happens. Okay? I just wanted to surprise you, is all,” he told her.

  Katie turned to look at him. “Do you really think for one minute that Michael is taking your place? Daddy? Nobody could ever take your place—ever. And I guess I’m being a little selfish always wanting to be in on everything like I do. But like you said, it’s always been just us,” she told him.

  “Yeah, but all good things come to an end sooner or later. That’s just how life is, I reckon. But regardless, you’re my daughter, and I love you with all my heart. It’s just that my heart isn’t as strong or as young as it once was,” he told her.

  “Daddy, are you trying to tell me something? Are you okay?” she asked.

  “Oh, I’m fine. But what I’m trying to say is nothing lasts forever. I’m an old man, and you’re a freshly planted flower in the springtime. Sooner or later, I won’t be around to protect you anymore. And that’s why you getting married to Michael is so important to me. So I’ll know that you’ll be loved and protected when I go to be with your mother. That’s all,” he told her.

  “Well, relax, old man, you’re going to be around here for a long time to come. And I’m sorry, Mom, if you’re listening. You’ll just have to wait for him,” Katie said as she reached across the table and squeezed her daddy’s hand. “I love you, Daddy,” she told him.

  “I love you too, Katie dear,” he answered.

  Outside, they could hear another car pull up. Katie knew that it was Melissa. And she was nowhere near being ready to go see about the dresses.

  “Daddy, tell her I’ll be down shortly!” Katie yelled as she ran upstairs.

  “Tell who what?” he asked.

  But there was no response from his fleeing daughter. Then came a knock on the door. Grady slowly walked over to it and opened it to find Melissa staring off at the workers.