Dark Journey Home

by Cherie Shaw

  At that time, Logan wished with all his heart that he had a wife or sweetheart waiting for him in Wyoming. Suddenly he glanced over at Olivia’s lovely serene face, as she took a bite of food. He mentally shook himself once again, telling himself, ‘She’s not for you Logan, way out of your class. Think again. You’ve been without a woman far too long. Forget it.” He quietly continued eating, though much more thoughtful.

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  This was the day and Olivia flew out of bed. They’d been staying at the townhouse for over two weeks, still not hearing from her brother Garth, and she had told herself not to worry, that he was just way out to sea, or on some faraway island, and hadn’t gotten their message as of yet. She put it out of her mind, and began getting ready to meet everyone for a quick breakfast, then they were going to take a carriage to the railroad station, as their baggage would be hauled in another vehicle. They couldn’t take very much in the way of clothing, and Olivia had refused to shop for more dresses anyway, as her uncle had tried to get her to. They would only take traveling clothing, the bare necessities, as they would be traveling by stage later on, and wouldn’t be taking very much with them. They would leave most of their luggage at the townhouse, and retrieve it when they returned to New York weeks from now.

  It would be an exciting day for her at least, and also Claude hadn’t been to the western part of the country as yet either, so it would be quite an adventure for the both of them. Maria, Ricardo, and also Logan knew the country well, and she knew they were anxious to return to the west. Olivia busied herself, bathing, then quickly dressed in her dark blue gabardine traveling suit, and soon was ready to go down to breakfast, when there was a light tap upon her door, and her uncle called to her.

  She had already packed her light traveling bags the night before, with Maria’s assistance, so nothing else needed to be done. Maria was a wonderful cook, and had been feeding them delicious meals since they had been staying at the townhouse, so she looked forward to the wonderful breakfast she knew would be waiting. She opened her bedroom door, to then take her uncle’s arm to go down to breakfast.

  Maria and Ricardo had a small room at the back of the house, and enjoyed their stay at the townhouse, though Logan had insisted on staying at the hotel. She had wondered why, though he often came to dine with them, but had mostly stayed away, until time to leave New York anyway. However, Claude had told her that Logan would be joining them for breakfast this morning, then leaving for the train depot with them.

  Claude, of course, had leased a separate rail car, that contained a small suite of rooms, to be attached to the rear of the train, so Olivia and her uncle would be traveling in that conveyance, at least part of the way, while Maria and Ricardo insisted on riding in the pullman, along with Logan. She thanked God for that, as the man, Logan, made her nervous, and she didn’t know why. Maybe it was his impressive stature. The man literally towered over her. That must be it.

  As usual Maria had outdone herself with breakfast. Lovely fluffy biscuits, with butter, fried potatoes, tomatoes, eggs, also a side of tortillas, stuffed with beans, cheese, and picante sauce, that she had prepared herself, using an old recipe that her mother had taught her how to make as she was growing up. The picante sauce was hot, though delicious, though by now Olivia knew better than to eat too much of that sauce.

  Logan had shown up for the meal, though sitting way down the table from her, and Olivia didn’t know if she was disappointed, or glad. Her emotions were so mixed up lately. But she was enjoying the vacation so much, that she couldn’t believe for a moment that she almost hadn’t wanted to travel to the states with her uncle. Olivia laughed inwardly at her maid, Amelia, and how the woman had thought that this place was overrun with Indians. She hadn’t seen one yet.

  It was still early morning, and the sun was just barely coming up behind a few clouds, which were left over from yesterday’s rain. Breakfast was over and Maria and Olivia were tidying up the kitchen, Claude had learned years ago not to try and stop Olivia from working around in the kitchen if she so felt the need, as she was a strong-minded young woman, and she enjoyed keeping busy. Also she liked Maria, and they had a good time working together. Though Maria was an employee, as was Ricardo; Olivia still considered them more friends than employees.

  Claude and Ricardo were loading a few valises and carpetbags into the rear of the second coach, which was parked at the curb. This was the one that Ricardo and Maria would ride in to the rail station. Neither Claude nor Ricardo noticed the small coach which was parked further down the block on the other side of the street. Inside was Henry Adams, alias Henry Birch. He was watching eagerly as the carriage was being loaded, anticipating following where the two coaches would be traveling, and wishing to see which one Olivia would get into.

  Ricardo had just gone into the townhouse, to pick up some more luggage, and Claude had just turned to walk back up to the front steps leading into the house, when a shiny black carriage, drawn by two prancing white steeds, drew up, and the stately driver quickly pulled on the reins of the horses, set the brake and jumped to the street.

  “Leaving so soon, Uncle?” Called a laughing, deep masculine voice.”

  Claude turned, his mouth dropping open in astonishment. Was this brash, strong muscular, auburn-bearded rogue his nephew, Garth? He stared in amazement and wonder, utterly dumbfounded, yet not quite believing what was by all means in front of him. Claude rushed toward his young nephew, and grabbed him in a bear hug. They both laughed and shook hands.

  “You made it just in time, lad, just in time.” Was all Claude could say, as he was still breathlessly excited to see his nephew finally, after five long years?

  Garth exclaimed, “Well, Uncle, you old goat. You look just as spry and young as you did five years ago.”

  Just as Claude opened his mouth to make a retort, a high shrill female voice sounded from inside the elegant carriage that Garth had just driven up, “Garth, sweetheart, if you don’t help me out of this contraption, I swear I’ll never speak to you again. You can talk to the old man later.”

  Claude looked over to see the most exquisite red-haired woman that he had ever seen in his life. Garth laughed, as he then assisted the beautiful woman from the carriage, and walked her over to meet Claude.

  “Bridgett, this is my uncle Lord Claude Beckford.” He said, then, “And Uncle Claude, this loud, screeching ‘lady’ is Bridgett.”

  Claude took her hand, saying, “Madam, it is a pleasure.”

  “Well, a gentleman. Can you beat that?” She smiled, “Garth, honey, you didn’t tell me your uncle was a gentleman. And a Lord too? What kinda title is that?”

  Garth laughed, as Claude told her, “No, Bridgett, we won’t be using titles here in the states.”

  Garth said, “My uncle always goes by the book, Bridgett. Always making things right, depending on where he happens to be at the time.”

  “Bridgett, what a lovely name for a lovely lady.” Claude offered.

  “Oh,” Bridgett beamed, “I like your uncle already, Garth honey.” She was smiling now.

  “Tell me Bridgett, are you visiting here in the states also? Or do you live here?” Claude asked.

  She looked at Garth, “Didn’t you send that wire to your uncle?” She asked.

  “Actually no dear, I wanted to surprise him and Olivia, my sister. Besides we’ve been trying to get here for the last few weeks to meet with them. I didn’t want to take the time. As it is, we just barely made it, it seems.”

  “And I am certainly glad that you got here when you did.” Claude exclaimed. “Did you lease the coach, Garth? I noticed that you were driving it.”

  “I did that, Uncle Claude, as we’ll be staying here in the townhouse for a couple of months, while we’re here in New York. It will be home base anyhow, as we’ll be seeing some of the sights along the coast. It’s alright with you if we stay here, isn’t it, you old fuddy-duddy?” Garth looked innocently at his uncle, as Claude raised his eyebrows, and looked from one to the
other.

  “You two will be staying here………together? Is there something you aren’t telling me, Nephew?” He asked.

  “Oh, Garth,” Bridgett hissed, “Tell him.”

  “Sorry, Uncle.” Garth grinned, then putting an arm across Bridgett’s shoulder, he said, “Uncle, meet Mrs. Garth Worthington. Bridgett and I are on our honeymoon. We were married in Paris five weeks ago, then when I got your wire, that had literally followed me around the world, as we had planned a trip to America anyway, we headed right out.”

  “Well, so you’ve finally taken a wife. I can’t say ‘what took you so long”, but I will say congratulations to both of you. I’m glad to hear that you are settling down, Garth. And welcome to the family, Bridgett, my dear.” And Claude really meant it when he leaned down to give Garth’s bride a kiss on the cheek.

  “Well, I guess we’d better go look up my sister, and get her reactions to all this.” Garth said, and they started for the house.

  Henry Adams sat in the coach across and down the street, watching the scene, then a little while later, he saw the burly Mexican man come back out of the townhouse, and retrieve all of the luggage from the second carriage, then after several trips back into the townhouse, he instructed the driver of the first coach to leave. Henry figured that with the arrival of the guests, that the Lord and his niece would postpone whatever journey they were going to take.

  It seemed that he wouldn’t need to watch the house this day, as obviously Olivia and her uncle would be entertaining guests the rest of the day. Henry Adams, alias Henry Birch, hadn’t earned enough money playing cards the night before. Too many wealthy men at the night clubs he had played at, and they had watched his hands too closely so there was no chance of cheating.

  Maybe he would just go to the docks and see if there were any lively games going on at one of the many taverns along the waterfront. He needed more traveling expense money, and so far he didn’t have nearly enough. He was glad Olivia’s trip, wherever she was going, had been postponed. He’d come back later. Maybe he could find some shady characters along the docks later on, and with the offer of a few coins, he could impress upon them to help him in the planning of the sudden ‘demise’ of Lord Beckford once and for all, leaving the grieving Olivia ready to fall into his waiting arms.

  He didn’t like the fact either that there were so many other folks around Olivia all of the time; though he figured they were only servants. It had been too far away to tell who the couple were who had just driven up in the classy coach, drawn by white horses. The woman looked like a lady, but the man had that bushy beard, and from that distance, he couldn’t get a good look at either one of them. He hoped they were just visiting for the day, but that was no concern of his right now. He didn’t know who they were, and didn’t care. Anyway it was for the best that they arrived when they did, as he needed more time to do some planning, and this delay would give him more time. He got out of the coach, and climbed up to the seat, took up the reins, then turned the coach around, heading back towards the waterfront.

  CHAPTER 5

  Being as their departure for the west had been delayed, Logan decided to head back to the hotel where he’d been staying, after meeting Olivia’s brother and new sister-in-law, then spending the whole afternoon visiting with them all. It had been a joyous occasion for Olivia and her uncle, and Logan was glad to see her so happy. Olivia and her uncle Claude had a lot of catching up to do, although Garth had entertained them all with his many adventures of the past years.

  Olivia and Bridgett seemed to be getting along well also, and Maria had spent hours in the kitchen mixing up special dishes for the occasion, and keeping the coffee hot.

  It was only a short distance to the hotel from the townhouse, so Logan decided to walk the few blocks to the Fifth Avenue Hotel. He’d gained weight, and had been feeling so much better now, more like his own self again.

  It was early evening now, as Logan strolled through the hotel lobby, then over to the desk, though realizing that he might as well have supper first before checking in, he started for the dining room.

  His mind was on the happenings of the long day at the townhouse, and he was happy that Olivia had seen her brother. She’d been absolutely glowing. Although Logan hadn’t understood why his stomach had clenched up in knots, when the big bearded man had just come bursting into the townhouse, grabbed Olivia giving her a big bear hug, then kissed her soundly. It all became clear though, when Claude followed the man in with the beautiful red-haired woman on his arm, and then introduced her as Garth’s wife.

  Logan had relaxed and joined in the joyful reunion, after all introductions had been made, and Olivia had given her brother Garth, a tongue-lashing for deserting his only family for all those years. Well, Logan grinned to himself, and thought, “Well for a change someone else got a touch of that acid little tongue of hers.”

  She had cooled down quickly enough though, when Garth had explained that he’d turned over his portion of his shipping industry to his partner, Paul Langford, whom Garth had known for years, and the partner would run the shipping business from now on, since Garth had married and wanted to ‘finally’ settle down in London, and take over some of Claude’s responsibilities. Claude was relieved that Garth would return to London to settle. He’d always wanted the young rascal to help with his many holdings.

  Logan was deep in thought, as he began to walk into the dining room of the hotel, however out of habit, paused before entering the doorway, and then briefly scanned the room. Some inner feeling came over him, and he couldn’t figure why, though his skin prickled. Well, he was a bit tired after the long day, and maybe should just check into the hotel, then have supper sent to his room after all.

  It was as he scanned the room a second time, before stepping back, that he noticed the table in the far corner of the room, where four men sat eating heartily. He only saw the side view of the large bearded man, but there was no mistake. Logan quickly backed out of the doorway, and hurried across the lobby, and left the hotel.

  He darted down to the nearest side street, then, turning quickly, he darted down to the next block, and then turned again. Stepping into a doorway, he stood watching back the way he had come. No one seemed to be following him, so he continued on, taking a long way around on his way back to the townhouse, though once he arrived at the corner of that street, he stepped into the shade of a spreading maple tree, and stood scanning the area, before continuing on. He hurried up the walkway, then taking two steps at a time up to the porch; he lifted the knocker on the heavy front door. Ricardo answered the door, and Claude came into the large hallway, looking surprised to see Logan.

  Logan didn’t waste words, “I guess it wasn’t such a good idea after all. I came back.”

  “I see that lad. What happened?” Claude asked.

  Ricardo closed and latched the door, as he listened to what Logan had to say.

  “It seems that the good Captain Sykes Devlin has arrived in New York, and is staying at the same hotel where I have been. At the present time, he is enjoying a meal in the hotel’s dining room, with three of his choice ‘thugs’. The scum of the earth, I might add.” Logan grimaced at the memory.

  “Were you seen, lad?” Claude asked.

  “I don’t believe so, as no one followed me, I’m quite sure of that. Though I don’t think I would be easily recognized now, as my appearance has changed. I’ve put on weight, and of course thanks to you sir, I’m much better clothed than the last time Devlin saw me. Also I’m clean shaven. I honestly don’t think they would recognize me, as I hardly can recognize myself.” Logan grinned at that.

  “Well, this is not good news anyway you look at it.” Claude stated firmly. Then, “However, hopefully he will be here only a short time, as he will have his vessel to tend to, and probably will take off to sea soon. I’ll speak with Olivia and Garth. Come in and sit down, Logan. It is good that you left all of your luggage here so at least you won’t have to return to the hotel for it.”
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br />   “Well, I certainly don’t wish to cause you folks any trouble for harboring me. I did jump ship you well know. And I’m sure Devlin has those forged bounty documents with him at all times.” Logan worried.

  Claude shook his white head, and said, “Don’t think for one minute, young chap, that we wouldn’t stand by you. I have contacts around the world, and if it comes to that, we’ll fight him legally, though I believe now our best bet is to stay with our plans, being as you weren’t seen. I’m sure the evil captain could have hired men searching every port they come to for their ‘escapees’. I certainly hope that your three friends made it to safety alright.”

  “Yes, sir, I wish that for them also.” Logan said.

  “Well,” Claude began, “I had planned on waiting a few more days, spending more time with Garth, but I will speak with Olivia.”