Call of the Canyon

by Nancy Pennick

  “Thanks, Mom. By the way, I didn’t know I had an uncle.” Kate made the remark sound as casual as she could.

  “You have lots of uncles, honey. That’s a strange thing to say.” Kate’s mom looked at her with curious eyes.

  “I mean an Uncle Albert.”

  “Oh, so you’ve been doing some digging. I guessed you eventually would.” She walked into the room and sat down in Kate’s yellow chair.

  “Do you want to tell me why good ol’ Uncle Al kicked grandpa out of the law firm?”

  “Your father’s not going to like this, but you’ll find out, anyway. Your grandfather was in jail.”

  “What? He was in jail?” Kate was shocked. “What did he do?”

  “Nothing. He was wrongly accused. Your father’s been trying for years to prove he’s innocent. Something always gets in the way.”

  “Mom, you’d better start from the beginning because I’m confused...and don’t leave anything out.”

  Her mom ran her hand through her hair like she was deep in thought. She hesitated and then said, “After your father graduated from college, he planned to be a writer, as you know. He wanted to travel the country, write about things he discovered and share them with his readers. Jackson got a job with a magazine based in New York City. They paid for his travels. His brother was more driven, wanting to make the family law firm the most successful in the state of New York. Albert always tried to get high profile cases and made sure he won them, regardless if the clients were guilty or not. The firm became well-known as the place to go. Very powerful people became linked to Woods and Associates. Your grandfather didn’t want to go along with the concept, but gave in to Albert. After all, it was his son.” Her mom sighed and stared around the room.

  “Go on. I can’t wait to hear the rest.”

  “Albert argued they needed the publicity in order to keep current and expand the firm. Robert agreed to let Albert defend the big cases with conditions. He would have to be on the legal team, too. They became a very good father/son duo and their reputation grew. There was this huge murder case. The defendant was very rich and had connections to the mob world. He was found guilty but escaped...never to be found. Robert was accused of assisting in the escape and sentenced to ten years in jail. Meanwhile, your father had become an author and had just started to build his career. He returned home to help his mother clear his father’s name. His brother did nothing to help. Albert cut ties with the family and distanced himself from his mother, never to see her again. He continued to run the law firm until his death.”

  “What about Grandpa? What happened to him after he got out of jail?” Kate was shocked she never heard any of that before.

  “He never got out of prison, Kate. He contracted pneumonia and wasn’t taken to the infirmary until it was too late. He died after serving five years of his sentence.”

  Kate gasped. “How did Dad take it?”

  “He was all the more determined to clear his father’s name and get him out of jail before he died. When I met your dad, Robert was in prison for a little over a year. Remember, it was still 1927 in your father’s mind. He had time to get his father out of jail. He told me a lot about the situation our first year together. I encouraged him to find out what happened. If he knew his father was released from prison, he could stop feeling guilty for coming to the present.

  “Jackson began researching old newspapers and found out his father died in 1931. Because of that, he’s made it his life’s work to free his father before then. He’s accumulated a lot of evidence over the years and passed it along to his mother when we visit each fall. It seems like it’s never enough to help. That’s another reason Jackson and Andrew went to New York. Your father hopes, with his help, to discover a new lead after all this time.”

  “But Dad’s father is still going to die, isn’t he?”

  “He feels like his father may not die if he wasn’t in prison. He’d get help sooner or may not contract pneumonia.”

  “Then I want to help, too. Tell me something I can do.” Kate was already planning a strategy in her head.

  “That’s very sweet of you. Just be supportive for now.”

  “I have another question. How can Dad pass along information to his mom without her knowing about time travel?”

  “He didn’t tell his mother anything at first. She was so desperate to get Robert out of jail. Lilly’s a smart woman and had a sixth sense about her son and what he was up to. Jackson’s main concern was his mother was left almost penniless after his father went to jail. He became the breadwinner of the family during those years. Albert did nothing to help and would never even take your dad’s calls. Jackson knew he wouldn’t be there to support Lilly after 1927 so he told her about the time travel. He left all his royalties from his books to her. She never would have accepted otherwise. Plus she knows he’s alive and well. Lilly even knows she has a granddaughter.”

  “She knows about me!” Kate started to cry. “Did I hear you say you go to visit every year in the fall? I thought you said you stayed here and never went back after I was born.”

  “Yes, I did say that. We didn’t want you to ask any questions. I only go on that trip so it stays consistent. The funny thing is every time we go back, Lilly already has a memory of me and of some of the things we talked about in the past. We only need to tell her new information. I take her pictures of you. She loves you very much.”

  Kate curled up on the bed and cried harder. “This isn’t fair! I want to meet her. I want to help my grandfather.”

  Her mom came over and sat on the bed. “I didn’t tell you this to make you sad. I wanted you to understand why your father’s so intense and so protective of the family. Everything we do is out of our love for you and each other.” She rubbed Kate’s back until she calmed down.

  Finally able to sit up, Kate thought about everything she’d learned. “Well, that answers my question.” She said it to no one in particular. Her mother looked at her strangely.

  Kate decided to wait and discuss her revelation with Drew or her dad. If her grandmother had memories then her three friends at the canyon did, too. They already knew her although she showed up a day late. They had a memory of meeting her on that first day, whether she was there or not.

  All of the sudden, they heard a voice downstairs. “Where are my girls? We’re home!” It was her dad which also meant Drew was there.

  Kate jumped up, but her mother grabbed her by the arm to stop her from leaving. “Don’t say anything for now. Let me talk to your father first.”

  “Okay, Mom, I won’t.” She hugged her mother and the two went downstairs to greet the men in their lives.

  When Kate saw Drew she flew into his arms. “Can he stay over tonight?” She gave her father puppy dog eyes. Her parents let him sleep in the guest room on most weekends so Kate knew it really wouldn’t be a problem.

  “Yes, but first come over and give your dad one of those hugs.”

  Kate bounced over to her father and hugged him tightly. “I love you so much, Daddy!”

  “What brought that on?”

  “Nothing, I just want you to know that.” Kate grabbed Drew’s hand. “Is it alright if we go and catch up?”

  Her dad wrapped his arm around her mom’s waist. “Go ahead. I have my own catching up to do. Dinner in an hour, everyone.”

  Kate dragged Drew up the stairs to her room. “First things, first.” Kate jumped on the bed and pulled him down next to her. They kissed for a very long time and although Kate did not want to stop, she had important business to discuss with her soon-to-be 1927 husband.

  “Drew, I know everything. I know why you went to New York. I want to help. Tell me what you found out.” It all came out in fast short breaths.

  “Kate, calm down. Let me look at you first. I know we saw each other last night but I still feel like I’ve been away for a long time.” He held her by her shoulders and then kissed her forehead. “Now, go ahead, but a little slower, please.”

 
“My mom just told me about my Grandfather Woods. I was doing a little research on the internet and she knew it was just a matter of time before I found out. I don’t know why I didn’t think of it before. She said Dad took you to New York hoping to get a fresh point of view on this whole mystery. So tell me, did you help my dad?”

  “Yeah, I think I can help him and your grandfather.”

  Kate threw her arms around him. “I knew it! I knew you could.”

  “Wait a minute. I said I think I can. Here’s my idea. Albert Woods was a customer at Martin’s Menswear. I think I can get my dad to put a little pressure on Albert to visit the family. Jack wants to be able to confront him with the evidence he has and also find out why he’s turned his back on not just his father but the whole family. Jack plans a Christmas reunion, hoping Al will feel nostalgic and want to be with family. Lilly invites Albert, his wife and sons every year, but he declines.”

  “The holidays would be lonely without family.” Sadness overwhelmed Kate as she thought of her grandmother alone on that day.

  “Your father’s always ready to go at a moment’s notice if Albert accepts. Your dad knows he would miss Christmas here, but Joanna and Jack have an agreement...this is more important. So, every year, the week before Christmas, Jack goes to the canyon, waits for a telegram from his mother and then returns to Ohio. If the telegram ever said Albert was coming for Christmas, Jack would be on the first train out of Arizona headed for New York City.”

  “Telegram...?”

  “Gosh, Kate, you don’t know what a telegram is? It’s a message that’s wired to someone long distance using a telegraph machine. The operator receives the message, writes it down and it’s delivered to the recipient. That was one of the best ways to communicate in the olden days.” Drew made air quotes as he said the word olden.

  “Give me a break! I know what a telegram is. I just had to think about it.” Kate laughed and continued. “So how can your father make Albert visit his mother? It doesn’t sound like anything’s worked so far.” Kate didn’t think someone who owned a clothing store could make Albert do anything.

  “My father has lots of clients and knows many people in New York City, if you know what I mean.” Drew looked directly at Kate with wide open eyes.

  “No, I don’t know what you mean.”

  “Let’s say these men are connected.”

  “Connected to what?”

  “Do I have to spell it out for you, Kate? The mob.”

  “Ooh.” She put her hand on her forehead. “Your dad is in the mob.”

  “No, I didn’t say that. I just said he knows some people that could help the situation. Plus I think my dad has sent people to Albert’s firm and he’s a client. I just found that out during our research. Albert might owe him.”

  “It’s a small world! Who would have thought our families would know each other.” Kate saw how it could work out. “So you need to get back to New York in the past and talk to your father. While you’re there, could you invite them to our wedding?”

  Drew’s eyes lit up. “You were making plans while I was gone?”

  “Yes, and that’s the next thing we’re going to talk about.” Kate grabbed her laptop. All her notes and pictures were on it. She wanted to show Drew everything.

  “I picked my colors and flowers.” Kate clicked on the picture of the purple lilacs.

  “I love it and you.” Drew pulled her next to him. “How could I ever live without you?”

  “Drew, I’m not going anywhere. You don’t have to ever live without me. Hey, did you have another one of those dreams?”

  “Actually, I did while we were in New York.” Drew’s mood changed to serious. “They’re becoming more frequent now. I have it about once a week. I think the canyon is calling to me, Kate. It knows I escaped and wants me back.”

  “Drew, stop it. You’re scaring me.”

  “It scares me too.” He was silent for a long time. “I keep trying to figure out how to stop the dreams. There doesn’t seem to be a way.”

  Kate’s phone rang with the Carl music. “I have to get this. I’m going to tell Carl we’re postponing the trip until tomorrow. You need some time to unwind.”

  “Thanks, babe.” Drew kissed her cheek and left the room.

  “Carl!” Kate tried to sound normal but was still upset over Drew’s dream.

  “What’s wrong?”

  She could tell Carl sensed something was not right. “Nothing, I’m fine.”

  “No, you’re not. Spill.”

  “It’s not me. It’s Drew.”

  “Did he do something to you? If so, I’m coming over there and...”

  “Stop being the Carl police. I don’t know if I should tell you because it’s his dream...”

  “Dream?”

  Kate went on to describe the dream to Carl. “Well, what do you think?”

  “It could be a message.”

  Kate was surprised by his answer. “A message about what?”

  “That someone needs to die in the river that day.”

  Kate shivered. “Now you’re scaring me! Don’t say that! It was just a dream!”

  “Calm down. I agree, it was just a dream. Call me tomorrow and we’ll set things up for my trip.”

  “Yes, I will. I think we need to get back there and see that everything’s the same.” Kate hung up her phone and headed down to join the family.

  Everyone was on the deck, talking and laughing and enjoying the warm summer weather. Looking at the scene in front of her, Kate thought it was a little too perfect and shivered again.

  Chapter Seven

  They enjoyed the summer weather and talked late into the evening. During that time, her mother never brought up the subject of Albert. As the two headed into the kitchen for more lemonade, Kate decided to find out what she was waiting for.

  “I’m biding my time. Your father had a long day.”

  “Mom, I’m not being pushy or anything but I want to invite grandma to my wedding so you better tell him.”

  “You’re going to have to plan a fall wedding then, Kate. We always go back the beginning of October and Lilly might not know who you are before then.”

  “Fine! I don’t want her there if she doesn’t know who I am. Let’s just go tell Dad.” Kate slid the door open to the backyard deck.

  “You two are up to something, I can tell.” Her dad smiled at them when they returned.

  “Dad, I know all about your family crisis and I want grandma to come to my wedding.” Kate blurted out.

  He raised his eyebrows and leaned back in his chair. Then he folded his hands together and started tapping his thumbs together. “Why am I always the last to know everything around here?”

  “Because you’re never here!” Kate’s mom said it with her, laughing at their old joke.

  “Please don’t be mad. I was doing some research and Mom filled in the blanks. I hate Uncle Albert!”

  “You don’t even know him, Kate.” Her father said quietly.

  “I don’t care, I still hate him!” She got up and went over to hug her father. “Right now we’re going to plan my wedding. I know Drew filled you in during the trip. I think he asked you to be his best man.” She looked over at Drew. “We may have to postpone a few weeks, if that’s alright. I really want my Grandma Lilly to come.”

  Drew nodded in agreement. “It will give my parents time to come out for the wedding. I plan on telling them when I go back to see them after Lucinda’s wedding.”

  “Lucinda! I forgot all about her! I have to be in that wedding first. I don’t think I can start my senior year at school, I’ll be so busy.”

  Her father appeared to not like the sound of that. “You will definitely be going to school, Kate.”

  “I’m just kidding.” She sat on Drew’s lap. “I’m tired. I’m going in.” She whispered in his ear. “And you have to come with me.”

  “Guest room, Drew.” Her dad said over his shoulder as they went in the house.

  �
��Yes, sir.” Drew gave him a salute and huge grin.

  They ran upstairs and into the guest room. Drew had a drawer full of clothes in the room plus the book. It was more his room than a guest room.

  “Drew, do you feel up to going to the canyon tonight? I’m so wound up about everything. It might help to get back there.”

  “Sure, let me shower first and then we can go.” Drew pulled her into his arms and kissed her quickly. “Now go, or I’ll never get ready.”

  Kate walked down the hall to her room. Grabbing her phone, she decided to give Carl a call. It might as well be the night he traveled to 1927 with them.

  “Kate? Is everything okay?” Carl’s voice sounded concerned.

  “Yes, I’m fine. I know it’s late but I wanted to let you know that if you’re ready, Drew and I are heading to the canyon tonight.”

  “This is great timing. My mom left today on a two week cruise with some of her friends from the college. I was going to tell you earlier, but you were so upset over the dream, I thought it could wait. She’ll never know I went. Perfect!”

  “Remember to stay where you are in the morning until Drew or I find you.” Kate hung up her phone and waited for Drew to finish his shower.

  Before long, he came into her room, wearing just pajama shorts and toweling his hair dry. It was too much for Kate to resist. She jumped out of bed and into his arms.

  “Drew! How can you stand this! I want you right now!”

  Drew kissed her and said, “I can wait because I love you. Quit teasing me, though!” He sat on the edge of her bed. “Let’s change the subject. I’m guessing you called Carl while I was in the shower. I have a feeling he’ll be in one of the rooms upstairs when we wake up. That’s where I end up. I’ll check on him so you don’t have to worry.”

  “That would be great. I’ll meet you two outside and we’ll bring Carl into the boardinghouse saying we just met.”

  Kate sat down next to him. “Goodnight, love,” and she kissed him sweetly.

  “Too much, I need to get over to my room. I love you!” Drew ran out the door.