Dreams and Nightmares

by Shirley A. Roe

  Phoebe watched the two young men like a cat scrutinizing two mice. Both of them were deep in thought, each one questioning the presence of the other. Both men were young, strong and honest. If anyone could help find Martha, these two were Phoebe's choice. Now she would stay quiet and wait. Give them time to think about it and pray that she made the right choice.

  “Thank you for coming Mr. Whittaker, I shall expect to hear from you soon. Austin you will stay for tea before going home to your mother.” Smiling demurely Phoebe escorted Jeremy to the door.

  Sitting in his father's study, Jeremy was contemplating the day's events. The fireplace warmed the room, glow from the flames reflecting on the books that filled the shelves. From floor to ceiling, Jonas Whittaker's books remained just as they had been when Jonas was alive. Jeremy questioned getting involved in the McGuire business but something was pushing him towards Jebediah. His thoughts went back many years to the day he almost drowned. The boys were swimming in the pond located at the back of Pheasant Run. Jebediah started screaming and flailing the water in panic. Jeremy immediately swam to his rescue but when he reached Jebediah, his brother dragged him under. At first Jeremy thought that Jebediah was reacting in panic but soon realized his brother was intentionally holding him under. As his lungs begged for air, Jeremy fought his brother with all of his strength. Jebediah was relentless in his attempts to drown Jeremy. Finally his survival instinct took over and Jeremy broke free from Jebediah; he surfaced gulping and gasping in huge quantities of air. His brother, realizing that his attempts failed immediately started laughing and swam away. Although Jebediah insisted he was just fooling around, Jeremy knew better. He never trusted his brother from that day on. Too many times, Jebediah let his dark side show. Jeremy wasn't convinced that Alicia, Jebediah's first wife, had died accidentally. The facts just didn't add up and although he had no proof, he always believed that Jebediah had something to do with it. If so, the McGuire girl could be in serious danger.

  His company was in the hands of a capable manager in India, his land transfer would be complete in a few days and there was a certain excitement growing in him. Jeremy loved his travels through Europe and Asia. The thrill of the unknown was what kept Jeremy traveling. He'd almost forgotten the rush of adrenaline traveling had given him. Perhaps he was too settled in his ways in India and this little diversion could do him the world of good. He'd considered expanding his import/export business. The Americas were an unclaimed market. Combine business with adventure; find his brother and bring him to justice and perhaps rescue a damsel in distress. Yes, this definitely had possibilities. He would sleep on it and then call on McGuire in the morning. He tipped his glass slowly, allowing the last of his brandy to warm his throat as he swallowed.

  Austin explained the situation to his mother Minnie, who had known the McGuires since before he was born. Austin, whose father died when he was a boy, always discussed his decisions with his mother. They were very close and he welcomed her sound advice.

  “You know I love Martha as if she were my own daughter and just thinking of what that monster may be doing to her makes me weep. I remember the rumors about poor Alicia Whittaker years ago. I never did believe she fell down the stairs. No, I never liked that fellow and now he is Martha's husband.” Minnie passed the tray of cookies to Austin. “It would certainly help if you knew where they were going. I understand the Americas are very large and vast and I do not know how anyone would find Martha. Austin, perhaps you should go to John McGuire and offer your services. Your schooling will wait until you return and hopefully you would be back within the year.” Minnie Wells lifted her bulky form from the rocker that sat in front of the fireplace. “You know I'll respect your decision son.” She brushed her gray hair off her face and kissed her son good night. “ Now I'm off to bed. I'm sure you will make the right decision.”

  Austin sat in the warm, sweet smelling kitchen long into the night. Any excuses were quickly replaced with the feeling that Martha needed him and he could not desert her. Austin must have been a young teen when Alicia Whittaker died and he could not recall ever hearing of her death. He'd only seen Jebediah Whittaker once or twice but his mother's intuition was very good when it came to assessing people. Visions of a laughing, pigtailed, Martha up in the apple tree throwing apples at him while he ducked behind the closest tree for protection, flashed in his mind. Chasing her through the moors or dancing with her at the ball, she was his constant companion. Austin could never afford to travel to the Americas with his meager inheritance but Mr. McGuire was willing to pay his expenses. Austin realized he was clenching his jaw and shook his head to release some of the tension in his shoulders. If that monster Jebediah Whittaker, did anything to hurt Martha he would kill him. As he stared into the flames, Martha's lovely young face appeared and Austin knew that he could never turn his back on the woman he'd loved all of his life.

  Chapter Seven- The Search Begins

  “Boarding passes, please gentlemen. Whittaker and Wells, you may proceed to your cabin, next please.” The bearded second mate processed the passengers as they boarded. He had been with Cunard and Collins since he was a boy and even he was surprised with the swiftness that these new steamships could now cross the Atlantic. Three weeks instead of months was a great improvement and the passenger ships were booked well in advance.

  Jeremy and Austin found their cabin and settled their bags before returning to the deck. The two had become better acquainted over the past few weeks, while planning their trip and each was equally impressed with their new companion. Phoebe had been correct in her choice. Jeremy and Austin were very compatible. Phoebe was both pleased and relieved that they had agreed to search for her niece. John McGuire was guilt ridden and this had given them both some hope of seeing Martha again.

  Jeremy pulled his brown wool overcoat over his shoulders as the cool, moist wind blew across the crowded deck of the ship. Unlike the Salvation, most of the passengers on this ship were wealthy travelers who would eat in the dining room on board and sleep in comfortable well-appointed cabins. “I always love watching the dockyard disappear in the distance. You've never sailed before, Wells?”

  “Never. Trains have been my transport of choice and I honestly hope I'll not become sea sick and spend this voyage in the cabin.” Austin had to admit that he was more than a little apprehensive at the prospect of spending weeks at sea but Jeremy did his best to reassure him. Austin's hands were white as he gripped the ship's rail. The smell of fish mixed with the salty air wafted towards the deck making Austin's stomach flutter.

  “Nothing to it really, old chap. Just stay focused on the horizon until it is out of sight and then keep your eyes focused on some part of the ship and you will be fine. I have some excellent herb tea with ginger if you do feel a little queasy. These new passenger liners are a huge improvement over the wooden sailing ships of the past. Why, they even have a full dining room and a dance hall aboard.” Jeremy looked at his nervous companion sympathetically. “ It was a stroke of luck that we were able to find the ship's list for the Salvation and determine that it docked in Boston. At least we have a starting place. I hope you are a better sleuth than sailor, my dear friend, because we are going to need all our wits about us if we hope to locate Jebediah, especially if he doesn't want to be found.”

  Jeremy stared pensively at the dockyard as the ship moved out of the port. He like this intelligent and likeable young man. He was impressed that he was not impulsive and had given a great deal of thought to making this voyage. He understood that the lad was driven by concern for Martha McGuire. Austin referred to Martha as a lifelong friend, but Jeremy thought he noticed more than friendship in Austin's eyes when her name was mentioned. Odd travel partners, he thought to himself, one on a mission of love and the other a mission of revenge and justice. “Well, success to us both and may God be with us.” Jeremy muttered under his breath.

  Austin wrote in his journal as the ship made its more than three thousand mile journey across the Atlantic
Ocean.

  A rough night indeed, the sea is running at what the Captain termed ‘mountains high’ and it is bitterly cold on deck. A ship traveling to Liverpool was seen from our ship's deck today, with her main and topsails running before the wind; she was a beautiful sight to behold. A grand concert and dress ball on the quarterdeck had been planned for this evening, however due to the size of the waves and the colder temperatures, was moved indoors. Dinner was a perfect commotion with the occasional unfortunate dish sliding across the floor. Many soiled dinner clothes and soup flowing like a waterfall from the dining table were the result. A degree of effort was necessary just to stay seated at the table.

  Today I observed porpoises for the first time. Most interesting creatures, they can be seen following the ship and playing in the bow waves. On several occasions we have passed mail and freight ships during the evenings. Rockets are fired from our deck and returned by the other ship. The sight of the red rockets against the black sky, reflected in the dark ocean is truly indescribable- a most breathtaking sight.

  Austin managed to make the three-week crossing with only minor bouts of seasickness and was relieved to be standing on solid earth once again. “Thank God for solid ground. I'm definitely a land lover. What now Whittaker?” Austin stomped his feet on the dry earth as if he could not believe it was there.

  “A hotel and then we begin our search with many questions to many people.” Jeremy was thoroughly enjoying this adventure and his eyes took in every detail of the Boston harbor.

  There were several large ships docked in the harbor and piles of trunks, crates and boxes covered the docks. People milled around looking for their belongings and several family reunions were taking place. Boston was a thriving city port and Jeremy knew that they had a very difficult task at hand. Finding Jebediah would be like finding a needle in a haystack unless they could find someone that knew where he was. Austin stooped to retrieve a dropped bag for an elderly woman. The woman smiled, thanking him for his kindness.

  The evening of their arrival, settled in their hotel room, Austin continued his journal entries:

  Jeremy and I have taken up quarters at the Brookside Hotel and today toured the city. Boston is a most impressive place with splendid buildings; lovely green parks and the ladies of Boston do surpass anything I have seen in weeks for beauty and dress. I'm truly relieved to find the Americas more civilized than I had expected.

  At dinner, a few days after their arrival, Jeremy and Austin were enjoying the last of the delicious roast beef. The taste of the succulent beef remained on his tongue as Austin reached for his brandy. He could not help notice the lovely blond seated across the room that was smiling in his direction. His dinner partner seemed distracted by another table. Ever observant, Jeremy was listening to a conversation by two seamen seated behind them.

  “Glad to be off the Salvation and signing on with Cunard,” one of the swarthy seaman told the other. “Salvation was an old ship used mostly for immigrants and homesteaders, broke and more trouble than they were worth. At least the Cunard ships have wealthy travelers and businessmen who might be good for a few bob now and then in a game of chance.”

  Jeremy could not believe his luck. He turned to face the two seamen. “Excuse me sir, did you say you were with the Salvation?”

  “Yep, was until yesterday. What's it to you?” the suspicious seaman eyed Jeremy cautiously.

  “I was curious as to whether you remember a family named Whittaker that traveled on the Salvation about six or seven months ago? Man and woman with three young boys? Tall, dark haired fellow about thirty years old?” Because the ship took months to make a return, Jeremy knew that would have been the last trip from Liverpool to Boston that this seaman had been on.

  “Nope can't say as I do remember them. Lots of families on the Salvation.” The seaman turned his back and returned to his conversation.

  Austin passed Jeremy a few pound notes and intimated that perhaps they would revive the seaman's memory. Pound notes in hand the seaman did seem to think harder.

  “Well, I do remember one guy named Whittaker. Hell of a gambler, took a lot of money off of several of the passengers in one game onboard. Rest of the crew thought he might have been cheating. Of course he didn't have any fans amongst the crew; mean son of a bitch, always complaining. Can't say if he had any kids or a wife though.”

  “Do you know where he went once he arrived in Boston?” Jeremy was hoping this was the lead they needed.

  “Nope, but probably the same place as the other homesteaders. Wagon trains west, that's where they all go. Thanks for the money sire.” The smiling seaman took his newfound money and returned to his ale and steak pie.

  Days of questions led Austin and Jeremy further inland to an outpost where most of the immigrants traveling to the west began their journeys. They checked into a hotel finding it lacking in all but the bare necessities.

  “We don't even know if this is the place or if indeed they did go on a wagon train. Your brother certainly doesn't sound like a homesteader and the idea of Martha traveling west on a wagon train is laughable. She wouldn't even ride a horse and her father owns a stable full of them.” Austin was beginning to think they were on a hopeless mission and he doubted that they would ever find Martha.

  He found the rural Americas a huge contrast to Boston. Everywhere they went appeared to be primitive, dirty and crude and he wasn't at all sure he wanted to continue. Horses, wagons and people filled the dusty streets. Horses hooves pounded the dirt and manure covered ground and dusty, smelly particles of the mixture filled the air and the lungs of the pedestrians. Primitive wooden buildings lined the main thoroughfare and items of every description were being sold. Food, tools, clothing, oxen, horses, just about anything a homesteader would want or need was available in these filthy, crowded commercial hubs. Saloons and brothels provided lonely men with anything they might desire and many drunken brawls broke out in the streets. This was definitely not the environment for Austin but Jeremy seemed to be taking it in his stride.

  “We have to follow all the leads, Wells. Now start asking around and see if you can find out if they were here.” Jeremy headed for the local saloon to make some inquiries.

  Tired, dusty and discouraged, Austin returned to the hotel hours later. He held the door open for a young woman and entered the small dining room for some supper. Fragrant smells of beef, herbs and sweet butter filled his nostrils and began to lift his spirits. Austin found a quiet table in the corner. As he looked up from his book while the waiter served his meal, a stunned Austin stared at the wall of the dining room. There, staring at him like a face from the grave was Lillian McGuire. Trembling he grabbed the waiter by the sleeve and demanded to see the manager. The startled waiter ran off to find his boss.

  “Yes sir, what seems to be the problem? Is something wrong with your soup?” the manager appeared full of concern and anxious to satisfy his customer's every need.

  “That portrait, where did you get it?” Austin's eyes had not left the portrait that had appeared like an omen in front of him. Blood had drained from his face and his hands were shaking as if he had seen a ghost.

  “Oh, she is a beautiful woman, no? It is most unfortunate that her husband could not afford to send the trunks to their final destination.”

  “What destination, where did they go? What husband? Her husband is in England,” questioned a dazed Austin, who then realized that the manager was mistaking the woman in the portrait for Martha not Lillian. “Where did they go, how long ago were they here? What are you doing with that portrait? Where are the trunks now?”

  “Slow down, sir. The gentleman and his family left for St. Louis to join Arthur Langley's wagon train several months ago and I assure you the gentleman gave me the trunks and their contents. I remember the details because the gowns made a big impression on the ladies at the Bordello and I have been treated very well ever since; if you know what I mean.” The manager winked at Austin. “ I thought the portrait added a measure
of class to the dining room and that is why I kept it. I assure you there was no foul play here, sir.”

  Martha had been in this very hotel; he must find Jeremy and give him the news. Austin ran from the dining room leaving the bewildered manager standing at the table with the overturned potato soup dripping onto his shoes.

  Jeremy was asking questions in the saloon and getting nowhere. He decided it was time to return to the hotel and find Austin. As he walked along the dusty boardwalk, two filthy, drunken men from the saloon followed. When he turned down the alley they pounced. One leaped on Jeremy's back while the other knocked his legs out from under him. Punches and kicks were delivered to a shocked and unsuspecting victim, who attempted to fight back without success. The thought that he was about to die loomed large in Jeremy's mind. He swung at the men but was overpowered by the two assailants. A fist buried itself in his abdomen.

  “Get his money and take that pocket watch.” One of the men reached for Jeremy's watch as his partner held the arms of a bloodied and barely conscious Jeremy, behind his back.

  Suddenly, a loud ear-piercing crack was heard behind the struggling trio. The men turned to see a smoking gun pointed at the head of the taller assailant. The man released his grip on Jeremy, who crumbled to the ground.

  “I suggest you back away from the gentleman before I blow your pal's head clean off,” the gunman sneered as the first terrified drunk moved back. Being inches taller than the second scruffy thief, the gunman grabbed him by the arm and shoved him against the wall. The first man began to run and the other was roughly shoved in his direction. “Now away with you both and remember the next time you will be face down in the dirt.” The would be thieves quickly disappeared through the alleyway. A dazed, bloodied Jeremy rolled over and stared into the face of his rescuer. His gold watch lay in the dirt, its face cracked. Jeremy picked it up and put it in his pocket.