Summer of the Midnight Sun

by Tracie Peterson

  “I know,” Helaina replied, motioning to a storefront. “Here’s the place I want.”

  “A stationery store?” Leah noted that they advertised the largest inventory of writing supplies. “Why here?”

  “I need quality paper and ink in order to make a good image of Jayce’s fingerprints. We’ll take prints from Jayce and then compare them when the courier finally brings the copies from Washington.”

  “And that will be the end of it?” Leah questioned. “Once you are able to prove that the prints are different, Jayce will be free to go?”

  “Yes, I suppose he will be free,” Helaina replied. “I’m hoping, however, he might help us in obtaining the true culprit. I need for Jayce to help me find Chase.”

  “You want Jayce to turn against his own brother?”

  Helaina opened the door to the store and stepped inside. Leah was right on her heels. She couldn’t imagine that the woman really expected any cooperation out of Jayce after all she’d done to him.

  “Do you?” Leah reached out to halt Helaina in her steps. “I mean, you’ve put us all through a great deal. How can you possibly believe we’ll just stay here and help you? I think that’s asking entirely too much.”

  Helaina turned and looked at her as though Leah were being quite unreasonable. “You do want to see a murderer behind bars—don’t you?”

  “Not if it means having to stay here and force Jayce to hunt down his brother. That’s the Pinkertons’ job or the duty of the authorities. It isn’t our responsibility.”

  “But you cannot think to just leave.”

  “You cannot think to make us stay.” Leah shook her head. “You must know the pain we’ve endured. We simply want to return home and be done with this chapter of our lives. We need for God to heal the sorrows and pains of the past and look to the future.”

  “So you’ll just leave when we get the proof?” Helaina questioned. “You won’t help me at all?”

  Leah shook her head. “I for one intend to go home.”

  “But how is that in accordance to what you believe?”

  “What do you mean?”

  Helaina pulled Leah to one corner of the store as another woman came into the shop. “The Bible is full of verses about helping those in need. There are verses—I’ve read them myself—that speak to bearing one another’s burdens, to helping those who ask for it. What of that?”

  Leah shook her head. “I can’t speak for the others, Helaina. You’ll have to take that up with them. I just wouldn’t count on any of us remaining here once the truth is known. Jayce has already given you more information than he would otherwise have to give. He’s told you all about his brother and where he last saw him. I cannot imagine he owes you more than that.”

  Jayce watched Leah from the parlor entryway for several minutes. She looked so different in her new clothes. She was as radiant and beautiful as he’d ever seen her, but also so completely out of place. As she studied the newspaper, Jayce could see the information there did not set well. No doubt she found news of the ongoing war to be very disturbing.

  Jayce smiled to himself. He decided to put an end to her worries and give her something more positive to think on. He’d been waiting for just the right moment to speak to her about marriage.

  He sauntered into the room, still limping ever so slightly from the dog wound. “Alone at last.”

  Leah smiled and put the paper aside. “Where are the others?”

  “I heard Mrs. Beecham say she was going out for a time. Jacob and Timothy are deep in a conversation about the affairs of the world.” He settled down on the sofa and reached out to take hold of her hand. “I think we should talk.”

  “I agree.” She shifted her weight to face him. “What would you like to talk about?”

  “Well, the obvious topic that comes to mind is us. Of course, if you have another subject more near and dear to your heart . . .”

  Leah covered his hand with hers. “I suppose that will suffice.”

  Just then the front doorbell rang. Leah looked to Jayce. “Do you think the courier has arrived?”

  “I certainly hope so.” He got up and headed for the foyer. He turned abruptly. “I suppose our conversation will have to wait a little longer.”

  Leah followed behind, sounding quite disappointed. “I suppose so.”

  Jayce arrived just behind the butler. The man admitted their guest and nearly jumped a foot when he realized Jayce was standing right beside him.

  “Sorry, sir. I did not see you there. This is Captain Latimore.”

  “Yes, I know the man well,” Jayce said, extending his hand. “I see you got my letter.”

  “Indeed, I did. Mr. Kincaid, I’m glad you got in touch. You said Mr. Barringer was here as well?”

  “Yes.” He turned to Leah. “Have you two met?”

  Leah nodded. “I met the captain in Last Chance—when you were injured.”

  “It’s good to see you again, Miss Barringer.”

  “Leah, if you’ll excuse us for a time, Jacob and I have business with the captain.”

  “Of course. Let me know if you need anything.” She turned and headed back to the parlor.

  Jayce smiled at the captain. “Why don’t you come with me? I’ll take you to Jacob and we can talk.” Jayce led the way to Timothy’s study. Knocking on the open door, he looked in expectantly. “We have a guest.”

  The men looked up, but it was Timothy who welcomed them in. “Come join us. We are always up for a guest.”

  “Captain Latimore,” Jacob said, getting to his feet. “I’m glad to see you. This is our host and dear friend, Timothy Rogers.”

  The two men shook hands, then Timothy motioned to the butler. “Bring us coffee and something to eat. I’m sure we could all use a bit of something to tide us over until supper.”

  “How is your family, Captain? Did your wife enjoy the Arctic?” Jacob asked.

  “I’m afraid the expedition was difficult for Regina to endure.

  Our son had just turned three, so he could not accompany us. She missed him fiercely. But of course you would remember that,” he said, turning to Jayce.

  “Captain, I wasn’t with you. You mentioned my presence in a letter to Jacob, but that wound I suffered from the dogs kept me from joining you.”

  The captain looked stunned. “Then who was the man calling himself Jayce Kincaid? He was identical to you.”

  “I know. I believe it was my brother Chase—my twin. Although I’m uncertain as to how he knew I was expected on the Homestead.”

  “How strange,” the captain said, shaking his head. “As I recall he showed up in Kotzebue. We were there trying to arrange native help. One of the men saw him and recognized him. After that he assumed your role without question. At times he seemed uncertain, fumbled around a bit, but I attributed that to your injury. I rarely spoke to him face-to-face, but when we talked, he answered as though he were you.”

  “I’m sure he did. He has always had a habit of pretending to be me. I hope he caused no trouble.”

  “None at all. That’s why I was encouraged to ask for your return next year.” The captain seemed troubled by this new turn of events. “I would still like for you to join us . . . since I know you studied and planned for the trip. Your geological skills would be much needed.” He turned to Jacob. “Your dog handling skills will also be needed.”

  “You were speaking of your wife and her difficult time on the trip,” Jacob interjected, seeming to sense the need to change the focus. “Will she accompany you next year?”

  “No, I’m sorry to say she won’t be able to, but I’m happy to announce we are expecting our second child in April.”

  “Congratulations,” Jayce offered. “It’s a troubling time for our world, but children are always a blessing.”

  “We were just discussing some of the war’s conflicts. The Germans seem to have decided it would be in their best interests to play fair,” Timothy said. “What say you, Captain?”

  “I
have had great concern about the affairs of this country. I worry that we will somehow be dragged into this matter, and that is really why I’m here today. I have no problem in interesting men in exploration—especially when it comes to the areas of the Arctic. Since the trouble with the Karluk and others, there has been a fascination for defeating the frozen north—taming the untamable, if you will. Even the army has approached me with interests for a mutual expedition, but they’d like for it to remain a secret. No sense stirring up the rest of the country in wondering what they’re up to.”

  “What exactly are they up to?” Jacob asked.

  “They believe this war will escalate. They desire that we be prepared to ward off possible invasions. Russia is having all kinds of trouble. They are fighting amongst themselves. It’s the opinion of my government contacts that Russia may well go into a full civil war. If that happens, we may find them coming across the strait to attack or try to reclaim parts of Alaska. Many believe the sale was completely unfair, you know.”

  “But surely they know it would mean war with America if they were to attack Alaska,” Jayce replied. “Fair or unfair, the deal was signed and paid for. The territory belongs to us.”

  “Exactly,” the captain agreed. “However, it doesn’t mean there won’t be those who aren’t motivated to change the situation.”

  Jayce considered this for a moment. If the captain’s thoughts were correct, it could mean a great deal of danger to those living in the Seward Peninsula, so close to the Russian people. “So the army wants to form an expedition for what purpose exactly?”

  “I’m not entirely sure of their complete objective, but the main one would be for the purpose of devising strategic locations for defense. They would want to explore the entire coastal region of the western boundaries of Alaska.”

  Jacob shifted to the edge of his chair. “And what would be your focus in this effort?”

  The captain smiled. “I am still of a mind to explore for the purpose of seeing it all and knowing what else might be made of it. If there is potential for the military, then there is potential for towns and cities as well.”

  Jayce shook his head. “That land is raw and inhospitable. Life in the Arctic and along the Bering Sea is not an easy one. There isn’t enough vegetation there to support large numbers of people, and planting additional crops simply won’t work. This is not a good area of the world to raise food.”

  “Nor to build houses or roads,” Jacob added. “The ground is permanently frozen just inches from the surface. Much of the area becomes impassable bogs and marshlands in the summer months as the top of this ground thaws. In the winter, the only travel by land is done with snowshoes and dogsleds. You won’t get automobiles to pass over the frozen tundra with any degree of success.”

  Latimore frowned. “I thought you to be men of vision. You know that where there is a dream for such things, men will also figure out how to accomplish those dreams. I intend to be a part of that, and I would like you two to join my team.”

  “So you will definitely make another attempt at the north next year?” Jayce questioned.

  “Yes, and we might even set up a winter camp in order to endure the elements and figure out what might be done to minimize the dangers and problems, with the hope of expanding villages already in place to become larger settlements—even cities.”

  “I’ve lived winters in the north,” Jacob replied. “It’s not for the faint of heart. One of the biggest things you’re forgetting, besides the cold, is the darkness. For a great many weeks, we lose the sun all together. How do you propose to maintain cities in complete darkness? There simply won’t be enough wood, coal or kerosene to keep things warm and lighted. There won’t be flowing rivers for power stations so that you can string electricity in these proposed towns.”

  “Not to mention that the endless hours of darkness are even harder on a person than the summer’s endless hours of light. It takes a special kind of person to live in the north,” Jayce added.

  “So you would defeat my project before it even starts?” the captain asked.

  “Not at all,” Jayce replied. “We would just suggest you be realistic.”

  “I think the men make good arguments,” Timothy declared, “but I, for one, would be quite supportive of such a project. I think our pioneering grandparents and great-grandparents might never have settled this far west had they been unwilling to take risks. But there should also be a balance of caution.”

  Latimore nodded, rubbing his dark beard. “I completely agree. However, I will point out, if we don’t go—someone else will. There have already been multiple trips to the Arctic by other teams. Some have not fared well, and others have. You have men talking all along the lyceum circuits about their exploits in the Alaskan wilderness. The passion is there, my friends. It’s just a matter of figuring out who will go and then how to raise the funds to undertake such a project.”

  “I would definitely be interested,” Jayce admitted. “But there are things about my life that have changed. I intend to take a wife.” He looked at Jacob and grinned. “Although I haven’t exactly had a chance to ask her yet.”

  “My first comment on that news is, congratulations,” the captain replied, smiling. “And my second is, bring her along. We will have jobs for women as well as men. We plan to seek the help of the natives again—hopefully with better success this time. But we could always use a good seamstress.”

  “I’m sure Leah would love the adventure,” Jacob admitted, “but while her sewing abilities are first rate, she’s also a skilled healer.”

  “Wonderful! We could probably never hope to secure a doctor on such a trip, but if your sister is capable in this area, we would be quite well settled.”

  “How soon will you begin to assemble your men?” Jayce asked.

  “I’m already at the task. That’s why I’m here today. I can use a geologist and a man to handle the dog teams.”

  “I don’t suppose you’ll need a private detective,” Timothy said, grinning, “but what of an investor?”

  Latimore smiled. “There is always need for those, kind sir.”

  ————

  After refusing to stay for supper, Latimore took his leave. Leah then found herself in the middle of an animated table conversation concerning next year’s expedition. Helaina, however, seemed quite unhappy with the topic.

  “I see nothing of value in this; after all, there is a war going on in Europe. The expense is rather frivolous,” she told them. “You could do your country a better service by helping me capture the killer who murders in your name.”

  Jayce looked at her and shook her head. “I never sought a career in the law. I’m sure there are plenty of men who would be happy to help you, but I’m not one of them.”

  “Leah said it would be your plan to head back to Alaska as soon as your name was cleared. I can’t help but say that this a disappointment to me.” She sliced into the beef and took a bite.

  “Enough of a disappointment to keep you from clearing my name?” Jayce asked quite seriously. Every eye turned to Helaina, and they all waited for her answer.

  She swallowed and seemed to consider the matter for a moment. “I wouldn’t do that. I would never hold an innocent man just because he refused to assist me. I’m sorry you would believe that of me.”

  “But you’ve said in the past that you would do just about anything to get your man.” Jacob looked at her hard. “Why would this not be an option?”

  “Because it wouldn’t be just,” Helaina said, pushing back her plate. “But neither is it just for you to leave a guilty man at large.”

  “I’ve already given you all of the information I can,” Jayce said, getting up from the table. Leah could see the anger in his eyes. “I’ve told you about my brother and the places I know him to go. I’ve told you about the company he keeps. I owe you nothing. Now if you’ll excuse me.”

  “But wait! You would be the one person who might get close to him without arousing suspicio
ns.”

  “How callous you are,” Jacob interjected. “You honestly expect a man to turn traitor to his own family?”

  “If his brother is guilty as he suggests, then yes, I do. It’s the law. It’s only right. Would you not turn your sister in if she committed murder right before your very eyes?”

  Jayce only shook his head and stalked from the room.

  Leah got up. “If you’ll excuse me, I should go to him.”

  She left the room without another word. Helaina’s insensitivity to Jayce’s pain truly irritated Leah, but there was little she could say that she hadn’t already said.

  “Jayce? Are you all right?”

  She found him in the front room, standing by the fireplace. He turned at the sound of her. “Do you think I should stay? Am I wrong?”

  Leah went to him. “No. I think it’s an unreasonable request.”

  “But what if he kills again, Leah? What if he kills someone, and I could have stopped him?”

  “You don’t know that you could stop him,” Leah argued. “You don’t know where he is, and there’s no guarantee that you could ever find him. Like you told me once, when he wants to disappear, he disappears.”

  She could see the pain in his expression, knowing the war being fought in his heart was not one with an easy resolution. Someone would get hurt in this situation—no matter which side won out.

  “Leah.”

  The way he spoke her name sounded almost like a plea. She put her hand to his shoulder and smiled. “I’m here for you, Jayce. I’ve always been here for you.”

  He took her in his arms and crushed her against him. “I love you. I think I always have.” He paused, then added in a hushed whisper, “Marry me, Leah. Please marry me.”

  Chapter Twenty-nine

  Climbing the stairs to Mr. Rogers’ house, Helaina paused at the sound of laughter coming from the front room. No doubt Jacob and Leah and Jayce were all caught up in an animated discussion. Helaina bit her lower lip and wondered if perhaps she should just come in through the back entry. At least then she wouldn’t have to make the obligatory greetings and spend time in small talk with people she knew would rather she simply disappear from their lives.