by Lynn Wolfe
“You’ve no idea, Mr. McFadden, how I’ve longed for a bed to call my own. Do I have to return the fifty-dollars?”
Patrick chuckled, “No Alfred, but I can’t afford to feed you like I did today or I’ll be losing money on this bargain.”
Alfred laughed as he got up to leave. He knew exactly how great an opportunity this was. He never thought anyone would have ever given him a chance. He was going to prove to Mr. McFadden that he did the right thing. He’d find no other employee that would work harder or be more loyal, if Alfred had to spend the next ten years proving it.
Chapter Sixty-Five
Henry and Chester
Henry and Chester had no choice but to lay low for a few weeks outside of Baltimore. Chester was now getting on Henry’s nerves. Every other day he was complaining about being cooped up. Yet, Henry knew they didn’t dare risk being seen. They played cards for the gold they’d stolen to pass the time
At first, Henry saw setting those fires as a way to destroy Parker. But now, remembering the hideous sounds the horses made as they fought for their lives, he wished he’d gotten further away that night. It still haunted him hearing those horses wailing.
That was the difference between him and Chester, Henry thought. Chester got all happy and giddy every time he recanted the story of the fire and the horse’s screams, where Henry actually felt remorse for killing so many horses, especially the little fouls, but he had to punish Parker. Henry knew he wasn’t like Chester, for he didn’t see himself as crazy. After all, he only punished those that deserved it.
In the future, Henry knew he and Chester would be going to see Thomas and his family. He’d been spending weeks going over his plans. Again, everything would have to be perfectly timed. But, being the clever man he was, Henry was sure he could pull off another caper and once again get away before anyone could catch him, or Chester.
He needed to decide if he should destroy the entire family or only Thomas. He’d never harmed a youngster before, but Chester had. Hmm, he couldn’t decide. Could he live with the murder of children on his conscious? Maybe he and Chester needed to take a trip to Washington, where there was less chance of being recognized, and they could find some women to occupy their thoughts and time.
Chapter Sixty-Six
Edward arrived back in Baltimore two days later than he’d hoped. The first place he stopped was his warehouse to visit with Patrick McFadden. As he approached, he heard Patrick talking to a young lad he recognized from the docks.
“Alfred, you did a good job this morning. After lunch I want you to take a wagon and pick up the items purchased at the auction this morning and place them in the back right corner of the warehouse.”
“Yes Sir, I’ll get started as soon as I’m done eating lunch. Good day, Mr. Pierce,” Alfred called out with a smile and nod as he walked by.
Edward watched the young lad swagger towards the pub at the end of the street.
“Isn’t that the lad from the docks, Patrick? Although, I must admit, I almost didn’t recognize him all cleaned up.” Edward remarked.
“That lad is the one I went to for the information you requested, Edward. He’s a good boy and I must tell you, after listening to his story, I not only hired him to give him a better chance at life, I told him he could use the room upstairs to live, for now. He’d no place to call his own. I didn’t dare bring him home with me!” Patrick said rubbing the back of his neck and laughing.
“I was planning on talking to you about why I hired him on like I did. I apologize you had to find out this way. But Edward, the lad is as good a worker as any of the men I’ve working here.”
“Patrick, I put you in charge for a reason. I trust your judgment and am anxious to hear what the lad told you.”
“Alfred has no idea where Adler’s gone. But he’s pretty sure a man named Chester Hartley went with him. Hartley was probably driving the carriage. The lad went on to say it was he who had provided the information to Adler that James was to be at the docks at that time.
“But he assured me he had no idea what Henry had planned. In fact, Alfred laid low for some time after the incident for fear Henry might try to harm him since he was the only one who knew who was to blame for what happened. He felt pretty bad about his involvement, once he realized what Henry did with the information he gave.
“Does Alfred think there are any others involved?”
“No, he’s pretty sure Chester is the only one working with Henry. It’s obvious this is a bad combination.”
“I’ve heard rumors about Hartley, Patrick, but as far as I know, the man has never been charged with anything, including the murders that he is suspected of. Yet, many say he’s guilty of that crime.”
“Yes, I agree. I had to promise Alfred you’d not go to the authorities with any information confided to me. That was the only way he’d tell me what he knew. The lad is loyal, and I believe can be trusted. I must ask you to only share this with James and Clayton. I gave my word to Alfred, that what he said would never be reported.”
“I reluctantly agree. I must say, I admire the boy for his loyalty, even to Ball.”
“One more thing, Edward, I feel the boy could be of use to us in the future, if we should ever have need of him. He is quite sly.”
“You make a solid argument. As we both know, there are a few times when you need someone like Alfred to lend a hand for those very special circumstances that come along,” Edward said, with a wink and a smile.
“I must finish up a few things at the bank and then I’m going straight to the Parker Plantation. They need to know who and what they’re up against.”
Chapter Sixty-Seven
Parker Plantation
Edward was appalled when he saw the destruction done by the recent fire as he rode up to visit James and Clayton. Clayton greeted him somberly from the porch.
“Clayton, what happened? I knew right away something was off when Charles said you hadn’t returned to Baltimore and hadn’t been able to give you the message I’d left.”
“Come inside, after seeing what has taken place here, I bet you could use a drink and I’ll be in need of one, as I confide in you the situation.”
As they solemnly entered the foyer Edward expressed his sorrow regarding Susannah. “Thank you, Edward. She died with as much grace as she lived.”
“She’ll be greatly missed. Now, Clayton, once you fill me in on what’s happening here, there is much I need to tell you. However, I want James present when I share my findings from London. I also have news given to me by my good friend, Patrick McFadden, you’ll find quite interesting, too.”
They entered the parlor and Clayton closed the door so they wouldn’t be disturbed. He set out two drink glasses and filled them generously.
“This news you need to share, Clayton, must be bad for you to think we need a stiff drink this early in the day.”
“Ball paid us a late night visit not long ago,” Clayton said, then filled Edward in on everything that had happened since he left for London.
“My God, that Bastard! How could any man do such a thing? Oh, Clayton, after losing Susannah, now this. How is James holding up?”
“Not well. He talks very little. He spent the first couple of days in shock. He told me he was ruined. I’ve pleaded with him to allow me to help, but he’s refused.
“If all horses had belonged to James, we could have covered the loss, but he had several horses he was breeding for others. Plus, he lost the four fouls he was counting on to bring in some much needed cash this spring. He now owes a large sum of money to cover his loss.”
“Will he lose everything? The plantation?” Edward asked, aware James had some of the best horses in the country.
“Yes, by the time he pays for the horses that were owned by others, he’ll have little left. And as if things couldn’t get worse, he decided to sell Lightning and Star. I know why he thinks he must sell everything, but he’s making the wrong decision, in my opinion. Yet, he’s adamant on going fo
rward with his plan.
“I’ve tried to tell him he to allow Thomas to keep the pony and colt, at least for the time being, so the children could still have access to them. But James has refused any form of help–-from anyone. “He says the children must learn that things in life are difficult and sometimes you become a stronger person by going through tough times. Even his mother can’t get through to James that the children have suffered enough. Edward, he’s selling everything at auction, except the clothes on their backs and a few items to start over with.”
“I suppose there’s no use for me to speak to James. Are you sure his mind cannot be changed?”
“I am. Part of me understands. Yet, part of me feels he’s punishing himself for not being able to prevent Ball from destroying the stable, and on top of that, James couldn’t save Susannah from her illness, even though he knows there was no cure.”
“Poor James. I feel bad for him, and all of you, Clayton. What does Thomas say?”
“He, too, has begged James to keep the pony and colt at his place. But James won’t listen to anyone. He walks out of the room if he even thinks we might bring up the subject of helping him.
“Clayton, would you mind if I had another drink? I think I need one.”
Clayton nodded, “Now you understand why I was so generous with the first drink. I can’t recall a time that I drank before noon since I’ve been married. Needless to say, the whiskey has been flowing at all hours lately. Even Annabelle has joined me for a nip or two.”
*****
Later in the afternoon, James returned from his turn at checking for signs of Ball. So far, no one has found any indication Ball’s returned. By the time James opened the door to the parlor, he found Edward and his father pretty tipsy.
“Mother said I was to announce we shall be eating at six. She also said to tell you, Edward, you’ll be spending the night and there’ll be no arguments, for she’s certain you’re in no condition to leave. I hope you don’t mind if I join you in a drink”
“I’ve had enough,” Edward said, relieved James had finally returned. “I’m deeply sorry to hear what’s happened since I saw you last. Susannah will be greatly missed, James. Then, to learn what Ball has done, words cannot express how I wish that bastard had been caught.
“I assume father’s told you about my financial circumstances. I’m aware of my loan balance at the bank, but I want to assure you, once the auction’s over, I should have enough money to cover the loan.”
“James, the note you hold at the bank is of no importance at the moment. I can cover the note easy enough.”
“Edward, that’s very kind, but you know I pride myself in paying my own debts. Please accept my gratitude for your offer, but I’ll have the debt cleared soon. Now, I’m only interested in learning what you told father about your trip to London.”
“Actually, James, I’ve been waiting for you before I share my findings. And I’ve a lot to share. First off, Thomas and Mary are my children. I can’t tell you how excited I was to find out I not only have a son, but a daughter, too!
“I wish to live a long and full life enjoying the children and grandchildren I have, if they accept me. I only have vague memories of Thomas as a lad. I pray they’ll forgive me.
“They’ll certainly feel I deserted them. I should have never taken Ball for his word, which brings me to the other news I have. Patrick McFadden, very discreetly I might add, found out who’s working with Ball. There’s only one person who has befriended the jackass, and that’s Chester Hartley. If you recall, he’s been linked to some questionable deaths and other activities at the docks; yet, no one has been able to prove him guilty of any crime.
“Either one of these bastards would be trouble, but working together, there’s nothing out of the realm of possibilities of what they might do. You must recognize everyone is in danger. That includes the women and children. It also includes Thomas and his family, his workers, and of course Mary. The only good news I have is I don’t believe Ball has any idea where Mary is living. In fact, I’m not sure Thomas knows Mary’s here in America.”
Chapter Sixty-Eight
James listened intently to Edward’s story and then decided not to tell him that Thomas had already been in touch with Mary. Thomas should be the one to tell Edward. James was fairly certain Thomas would eventually accept Edward as his father once he hears what had happened so many years before. James wondered if Mary would be as willing.
He was relieved to have Edward dining with them tonight. That would be less pressure on him having to converse with his parents as they skirted around his situation. For once, maybe there would be some laughter in the room.
At dinner, Edward talked about his trip to Philadelphia and how frustrated he’d become when he had to delay his trip to see the Parkers once he returned.
This night, everyone decided to head to bed early, Clayton and Edward because they’d drank too much, his mother, because the children were taking a toll on her, and James, because he was exhausted from trying to find a way out of his financial mess. He hated having to sell Lightning and Star, but he knew they’d bring in enough money to give them a new start.
James knew he could live with his parents and even stop the sale of the shipping company to Charles Pierce, if he was willing to replace his father in the shipping company. But that wouldn’t be fair to Charles, and it certainly wouldn’t be fair to his father, when James knew his heart wouldn’t be in it. James would just have to figure out what life held for him as the time drew closer to sell his beloved plantation.
He was glad Susannah never lived to see what a mess everything had become. He knew she’d have never allowed him to even entertain the thought of selling Lighting and Star. But, it was his decision now. He had no doubt this was something he had to do, even if no one else understood his reasoning.
Chapter Sixty-Nine
Edward and Thomas
Edward headed out early the next morning. He could feel the sweat rolling down his back, though it wasn’t hot enough to have him sweating, it had to be because of his frayed nerves. When Edward arrived, he saw Thomas was about to enter the barn.
“Has something happened over to the Parker’s? It seems early for a visit, Edward,” Thomas asked, as he stopped to chat.
Edward smiled. “I know this is an early visit, but I need to speak with you privately, if you would be agreeable.”
“Sure, how about in the barn while I start my chores.”
Edward walked his horse inside the barn and tied him in the empty stall that Thomas had opened for him. He wiped his brow and looked at Thomas closely, sizing him up in a different way now.
“How about a drink of water? You look like you need to sit a spell. Are you sure everything’s all right?” Thomas inquired, never seeing Edward Pierce appear so out of sorts.
“Thomas, I need to tell you a story. I ask that you listen until I’m finished, before you make a judgment. Please take time to ponder on the facts.”
“I’ll be glad to hear you out. You make this sound fairly mysterious. I’ll allow you to finish your story before I comment. I swear.” Thomas was concerned at what news Edward was bringing. He hoped it had nothing to do with the Parker family.
“Thomas, there’s no easy way for me to tell this. Many years ago, long before I became a banker, I was a reckless young lad sailing the seas. I’d traveled to many ports and had seen many different countries. I found myself frequently in London, due to their active trade business.
“On one of my stops in London, I met a beautiful woman of high standing in the London Ton. Over time we foolishly fell in love. Once her parents found out, they forced her to make a choice of choosing her family or me. She left her home that day and to my knowledge, she never saw her parents again.”
“Golly, Edward, was that Clara? Clayton and Annabelle have mentioned her now and again.”
Edward cringed. This wasn’t going as planned. He wiped his brow and sighed. “No Thomas, not Clara, Clara was my
second wife, who I met in America. The woman was a beautifully lady named–—Jane Adler. She and I had a son, named Thomas. I was returning from a trip at sea when a man named Henry Ball came to the ship to tell me Jane and my son had died during the terrible epidemic that went through England.”
He didn’t dare look at Thomas. He just kept going on with his story, hoping Thomas was following and listening closely. “I was devastated by the news and I left on a ship to America the next morning. I eventually met Clara and started my life over. I never sailed again, until recently.
“I went to London to find a woman named Minnie Baker, who I was told had been a good friend to Jane. I learned Jane had lived for several years after I’d left England after speaking to Ball.
“Miss Baker informed me I not only had a son, but a daughter had been born after I left. She was named Mary. You, Thomas, are my son. It’s true there’d been an epidemic in London, but it hadn’t taken the lives of those I loved. But believing what Ball told me, I left England without knowing Jane and you were alive and well.”
Edward waited. There was no more to say. Now, he must allow Thomas time to think about what he’d said, news that would change everything he’d thought to be true about his life. Edward knew this would also change Mary’s world, if and when he was allowed to share this story with her.
He watched as Thomas clenched his jaw. He couldn’t help but hear Thomas as he inhaled deep breaths, which was the only sound in the barn other than the movement of the horse’s hooves now and then as they moved around their stalls.
Thomas finally looked into Edward’s eyes. “Edward, you’re stating, without any doubt, you believe you’re my father? You’re telling me my mother was married to you? At least, I assume you married her. She went to her grave never knowing you and she’d been deceived by the man I know as my father?” Thomas remarked, with a quiver in his voice.
