The Whittaker Family Reunion

by Shirley A. Roe

  Outside of town in a small storage shed, atop a bed of pine needles, another man was dreaming. His mother screamed, her beautiful black hair pulled back cruelly from her face. The man hit her again and again. “Whore, you will do as I say or I will kill you and your bastard.” The small child huddled behind the large chest, hidden from view. The man was a beast, his mother was sobbing. Why didn't she tell him to go away? Why did he come night after night? Someday I will get my revenge, thought the tiny boy. Red Fox awoke, the scream of the nightmare still ringing in his ears, anger eating away at his very soul. Yes, I will have my revenge and all that is due to me. A rat ran across his bed. Lightning fast, his hand seized the creature and snapped its’ neck. He smirked; an evil grin pursed his lips, his eyes shone like the eyes of a wolf. He perched precariously on the brink of sanity.

  The next morning, Sissy and Thomas swam in the pond and again Sissy looked for her friend. Thomas did not believe her and she was determined to prove that her new Indian did exist. “Red Fox, where are you?” She called and called. Thomas just shook his head. Suddenly, a man appeared at the edge of the pond. “It's him, it's him.” Sissy exclaimed excitedly.

  Thomas stared at the man as if he were an apparition. The two youngsters scrambled from the pond and approached Red Fox. “Hello, Sissy, and who is this?”

  “This is my brother, Thomas, he didn't believe me. He thought I made you up.”

  “Well, Thomas, nice to meet you.” Thomas just looked at the stranger; there was something eerily familiar about him. Red Fox realized that this one would not be easy to win over. “I like your new horse.”

  “How do you know I have a new horse?” Thomas was getting more uncomfortable by the minute. “Nice to meet you, come on, Sissy.” He pulled at his sister but she wouldn't budge.

  “Don't be so rude, Thomas. Red Fox, tell us some of your Indian stories.” She settled on the grass and motioned to Thomas to join her. He did, unwillingly. Red Fox told the two youngsters tales of the Wild West and how the white men had stolen all of their land. Soon, Thomas began to relax. Not wanting to be left out, he blurted out.

  “Our family has a town named after us in Wyoming. It is called Whittakerville.” After his outburst, he realized that he had just told a complete stranger the secret he was told not to tell. His eyes dropped to the ground.

  “Whittakerville! Why I've been there.” Just the opening he had hoped for. “It is a lovely place, you must be so proud.” He waited patiently for the boy to take the bait.

  “Well, we are. But we have never been there. What is it like?” Thomas was now anxious to hear all about the secret Whittakerville. Red Fox told them a little about how the town looked, and then asked them if they knew that their grandfather was buried in the churchyard.

  “Oh yes, he was the preacher and the town was named after him.” Bragged Thomas. Sissy looked at him in shock.

  “Thomas, you told. You said it was a secret.” She could not believe her ears. Thomas looked at them both. Quickly, he jumped up. He was ashamed of himself. What was he thinking, talking so freely to a complete stranger? His mother always said ‘Pride goes before a fall.’

  “Come on, Sissy, we are leaving now.” He grabbed her arm and started running.

  Red Fox watched them go. “See you again.” He knew the two would be back, but he would have to watch the boy. He could be trouble, but he could also be the one with the information that Red Fox wanted. He decided to leave the forest for a few days in case the boy told his father. They might come looking for him. Besides, there were better things in town to amuse him. Much better things.

  She sat on the park bench, lost in thought. The large water fountain splashed and sputtered, unnoticed as she contemplated her future. “Well, Miss Whittaker, how lovely to see you again.” Anna looked up in surprise, shielding her eyes from the bright sun. She did not recognize the figure silhouetted against the bright light.

  “Excuse me, sir, do I know you?”

  “Miss Whittaker, we met on the train. Remember me, Red?”

  “Oh, yes, how are you? What brings you to St. Louis?” She moved over and motioned for him to sit with her. He quickly took up the vacant space. He looked directly into her eyes, leaving little space between them. She did not move.

  “You look lovely today. Do you live here in St. Louis?” He made idle chitchat for a few minutes and noticed that she didn't back away or move her gaze from his. She doesn't remember a thing, but I do, oh yes, I do. “Nice to see you again, I really must be going.” He rose slowly, taking her hand in his. He bent and turning her hand over, he kissed her palm.

  She watched him walk away, a burning heat rising up in her body. Her cheeks flushed. What was it that attracted her to this man? He is very exotic with his dark looks and he is very exciting in a bad boy sort of way. She hoped she would see him again.

  Red Fox smirked as he planned his next move. He pulled at the unfamiliar necktie around his neck. His white shirt collar was stained with perspiration. White men's city clothes were not comfortable, especially in this heat.

  Loretta and Martha decided to take a short stroll in the park before meeting with the women from the country club. They were making preparations for the gala ball and most of the women were going to have their final fittings for their gowns this afternoon. “I really like the new bustle that Mildred Pierce ordered. The hard-wired bustle gives such a new and exciting look. I can't believe it was just introduced in Paris a year ago and we are already using it here in St. Louis.”

  “You know we try to stay up to date, Loretta. That style is the talk of Europe. I was actually surprised that Mildred ordered it. She is usually more sedate. Perhaps she is looking to impress some new widower. Her daughter Millie is making herself available to Ezekiel these days.” Loretta looked at her friend.

  “Yes, I noticed that. Is it serious do you think? I hear he invited her to the gala.” Loretta was fishing and Martha picked up on it right away. They were friends for too many years for her not to know.

  “Ezekiel is not serious about anyone. Abraham told me he had a narrow escape in England and he actually told the young woman that he was coming to America to see his betrothed. Imagine!” she caught the look in Loretta's eyes. “Loretta, I know that Abby is madly in love with him and I wish that we could make something happen for her sake. You also know that we must not interfere this time.” She gave Loretta a stern look. “I mean it Loretta, no matchmaking.”

  “I am not matchmaking, I am concerned about my daughter being hurt. They would make such a lovely couple, don't you agree?” Martha shook her head at her friend. There was no hope for Loretta. Just then a man turned the corner and Martha turned white. Her knees began to buckle and Loretta caught hold of her arm before she went to the ground. “Martha, what's wrong. You look like you've seen a ghost.”

  Martha stared as the man climbed into a stagecoach and out of sight. She could not speak.

  “Martha, oh dear. Martha, what's wrong?” Loretta moved Martha to the closest bench and fanned her face with her gloves. Martha turned toward her slowly, her face a ghastly pale.

  “I thought I saw Jebediah, oh God, it couldn't be.” Martha fainted and Loretta called to passersby for help.

  Jeremy and Austin paced the floor of the great room while the doctor examined Martha. “What do you make of it? I hope she is not ill.” Austin patted his dear friend on the back.

  “Loretta said that Martha told her she thought she saw Jebediah. How is that possible?” Jeremy reached for his brandy and took a large gulp. His brow was furrowed and the worry was very evident on his face.

  “I am sure it was just someone that looked like him. We all know he is dead. Come on, now Jeremy, buck up. Martha needs you now. We will talk to her when the doctor is finished. Where are Abe and Zeke?”

  “They went out to the farm. What is going on with this family? First someone tries to abduct Annabelle, then he attacks Vivienne, and some stranger is seen in our garden by your daughter, what on ea
rth is going on?” Jeremy paced faster and Austin took a seat by the fireplace. He stared into the flames, as was his habit when he was thinking, his hand unconsciously twirling his mustache. Loretta found the two of them exactly like that minutes later. She announced that the doctor had left saying Martha would be fine. He thought it was nothing, just the heat of the day perhaps. The men wanted to know if she had seen the man that Martha saw.

  “No, we were walking and talking and all of a sudden she started to collapse. I didn't see anyone. I think the doctor is right, it was very warm in the park and we didn't have our hats on. I am sure it was nothing. She is awake if you want to talk to her.” She turned and went back to Martha.

  “Remember all those years ago when we finally found Martha in Wyoming with Jebediah? I wanted to kill him right on the spot.” Austin was talking more to himself than to Jeremy. Jeremy stood behind the chair placing his hands on Austin's shoulders.

  “Yes, I remember, although I have spent twenty years trying to forget. Now, let's go and ask Martha what happened in the park. Come on, my friend, don't think of those horrible days.”

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Tragedy strikes again

  Isaac, Abe, and Zeke stood in the farmyard discussing the price of wheat and corn. Thomas stood listening, questioning if he should mention Sissy's friend. She had sworn him to secrecy and he had already blurted out one secret this week. No, he would respect his sister's privacy. That Indian didn't seem much of a threat and he had been to Whittakerville. Thomas’ curiosity was getting the better of him and he actually wished he could see Red Fox again to ask more questions. He walked into the barn and saddled Chestnut. He would go riding after lunch. Maybe Red Fox would be down by the pond.

  Vivienne and Annabelle finished preparing lunch and called the men. The five adults and the children ate together at the huge farm kitchen table. All were enjoying the company. “Did you hear that Zeke came to America to see his betrothed?” Abe laughed, punching Zeke in the ribs.

  “Abe, must you tell my deepest darkest secrets?” Thomas gulped his milk at the mention of the word ‘secret’ then turned to see if anyone noticed. No one did. They all laughed and joked with Zeke over his story of Geraldine.

  “You are a cad, Mr. Whittaker. The poor woman must be beside herself. When are you going to settle down?” Annabelle's voice tinkled with laughter. Vivienne enjoyed being a part of this family. She had never really had a family life, losing her mother at a young age and traveling in the wagon with her father. Abe reached under the table and squeezed her hand. She smiled at him.

  “I will marry you Uncle Zeke, as long as we live on the farm.” Sissy laughed, trying to join in. Zeke reached over and took her hand.

  “You will have to get the dirt out of those fingernails before I give you a ring, Sissy.” Everyone laughed as Sissy just smiled her most impish smile.

  “Actually, I think there is another young lady vying for your affection Zeke.” Isaac turned to his brother. “Abby Wells moons over you every time you are in the room.”

  “I love Abby, but she is only a child. At least that is how I think of her. Now every one stop trying to match me up, besides we all know that Aunt Loretta is the matchmaker in this family.” Thomas excused himself, went to the stable and mounted Chestnut. The others stayed around the table laughing and joking.

  Thomas rode for a short time before he came upon the shed in the forest. He dismounted and strolled towards the door. Just then the door flew open, frightening the boy terribly. He turned to run, but a familiar voice stopped him. “Thomas, hello.”

  He turned to see Red Fox standing in the doorway. “Sorry I frightened you, you must be curious as to why I am in your shed. I just stopped by on my way to the pond to see Sissy. Is she with you?” Thomas was wary of Red Fox. What was he doing in the shed?

  “No, she's back home. I better go.” He turned toward Chestnut but Red Fox was beside him before he knew it.

  “So tell me more about your family and Whittakerville. How did you hear about it? Guess your pa brags about it all the time.”

  “No we don't talk about it. I shouldn't have said anything. Now I have to go.”

  “Just stay and chat a little longer, Thomas. I will tell you all about the town.”

  “Well maybe a few minutes.” Thomas’ curiosity was getting the better of him once again. He leaned on a fallen tree. “What does the church look like?”

  “The church is white, with a tall steeple. It has been rebuilt and added on to over the past years. As a matter of fact, the town just got gas lamps so there was a lot of digging around the church and the town. They didn't disturb the cemetery though.”

  “Oh, that's good.”

  “So, how did you find out about Whittakerville?”

  “Well me and Mama found some stuff in the attic. But like I said, I can't talk about it. Besides I don't know nothing.” Thomas moved toward Chestnut and climbed on the horse's back. “I have to go. Sissy isn't coming to the pond so you can leave now. Where are you staying?”

  “Oh, at one of the other farms. See you soon.” Red Fox slapped Chestnut's rear and Thomas was almost thrown off the horse's back. The horse galloped away leaving Red Fox laughing.

  Sunday morning, the family, including Vivienne rode to church in the wagon. Isaac sat up front with Thomas and Annabelle, Vivienne and the children perched on the rear seats. Everyone laughed and talked as they headed to the little church close to the farm. Dark eyes watched them leave and then climbed through the back window and up to the attic.

  Nothing, there is nothing here. No letters, no portraits, nothing. Of course, Martha Whittaker would have what I need. He left the attic and stopped to peer into the bedrooms. So this is where Sissy and her friend sleep. I might have to pay a visit. He left the house leaving no sign he had ever been there.

  Charles opened the door to a frantic Hans Kruger. “Charles, I must see Mrs. Whittaker right away.” The butler ushered him into the study and went to fetch Martha. Hans twisted his hat in his hands. His breathing was shallow, as perspiration dripped from his forehead.

  “Hans, what brings you by this early?” Martha was always happy to see Hans but she could not help but think that Anna had done something untoward. “Is it Anna?”

  “No, Anna is fine, I am sure, Mrs. Whittaker. It is the shop, someone has broken in and all of the files and paperwork have been thrown all over the office. Bales of fabric have been knocked over and the entire place is quite a mess. I have summoned the police and they require your presence immediately.” Hans stuttered nervously, he did not want to bring Martha any distress, but this entire situation was quite upsetting.

  “Oh, my God, Hans, I will get my cape. Let's go.” She instructed Charles to tell the family what had happened and where she had gone. The two of them left in a frantic rush.

  When she arrived at the shop, it was utter chaos. May and Ellen had arrived and stood fretting and clucking like hens over the fabrics. The police were walking through the rubble, stepping on fallen gowns and large rolls of fabric. May was yelling at them to be careful. Ellen was wringing her hands together and saying “Oh God, Oh God.” over and over. On the table beside her lay three gowns cut to ribbons. Hans immediately started to pick up the papers, orders and files from the floor. Martha could not believe her eyes. In all of the years she had owned this shop nothing like this had ever happened before. Who could have done this and what were they looking for? There was no money on the premises. Hans was very conscientious about taking the daily receipts to the bank. Loretta arrived at her usual time and was greeted with a shocked Martha, standing amidst the pandemonium. Tears rolled down Martha's cheeks and her whole body shook.

  “Martha, what happened?” She put her arm around her friend's shoulder and stared at the utter madness all around them. Just then, the police captain arrived and wanted to speak to both of them. Loretta heard the story at the same time he did.

  “We really have no idea who could have done this.” Marth
a replied to his questioning. Realizing Martha and Loretta would be of no help, the policeman moved off to see if his men had any clues as to what had happened.

  The women and their staff spent the next week trying to put the shop back in order. Extra staff was brought in, more fabric ordered and both Martha and Loretta stayed long into the night to get things back to normal. Even Ellen's beau Frank pitched in to help. The dresses for the gala were repaired or remade and the entire episode was a very costly one for the St. Louis Haute Couture. No one was ever accused of the break-in and the reason for it, unknown.

  Austin and Jeremy were worried about their wives and walked to the shop every evening to check on things. The two men passed the Belcher Sugar Refinery and the Sligo Steel plant as they strolled through the riverfront district. “I don't know, Austin, I still think this is somehow tied to the other incidents that have happened lately. Someone is out to ruin this family or worse and none of us know why.”

  “You have no enemies, Jeremy. You are well respected in this city and so is Martha. Your family has never been involved in anything unsavory. Somehow, I just think this is all coincidence.” Austin was not convinced, but he was trying to ease his friend's mind. “You and Martha need to concentrate on the gala this weekend and then the birthday party next month. She needs a distraction. Perhaps you should suggest a few days away. Or you could take her to the new Choral Society's symphony orchestra at the St. Louis Mercantile Library. I understand the eighty-member chorus is accompanied by a thirty-one member orchestra and it is really most impressive. Our David has been several times and raves about it.”