by Michael Berg
Footsteps carried toward them in a casual sense without hurry or intent. Mister Weston – a man in his early thirties with a full crop of dark hair and a slim stature a little less than six feet tall, then opened the door greeting them with a slight look of bewilderment. He had experienced strange dreams of a man visiting to change the lamps during his rest period after extinguishing the street lamps.
“How may I help you Miss Candice?”
“Oh Mister Weston, you are such a fine fellow. Thank you for answering our call. May I introduce Mister Bobby. He is an inventor from the city who has come to Jonstown for the introduction of electric street lamps, and I immediately thought you would be the best person to whom he should speak.”
“Greetings Mister Weston, I am Mister Bobby Regal.”
“Greetings Mister Regal, and...indeed you are. Strange...I was just dreaming of meeting a man such as you. Come in please. Tell me, are you related to our founding father of Jonstown?”
“Miss Candice has speculated by asking me the very same question Mister Weston. I advise regrettably of being no relation to such person as far as I know.”
“Well you certainly have a keen resemblance of his stature and name. Make yourself comfortable.” Mister Weston indicated to a lounge chair before turning to hold a chair ready for Miss Candice to sit.
“Now, please allow me to fetch wood for the fire and then we can sit and chat. I am most eager to hear of your invention Mister Regal. I do become tired from tending the street lamps each day.”
“Do you not have anyone to help you?”
“Not as such. I prefer to upkeep our lighting myself. It gives the folk around here confidence and consistency. Times can be unsettling in these remote towns.”
Mister Weston left Miss Candice and Bobby for a minute as he fetched wood to stoke the slowly burning fire of mostly coals. As Bobby looked around he felt the need to establish a more precise time, so he casually asked Miss Candice, telling her he had been travelling so much he had lost some sense for tracking time.
“It is November thirtieth Mister Bobby.”
“Oh really. Here I was thinking it was only the twenty eighth.”
“Never mind such shortcomings as to forgetting the date Mister Bobby. I am sure an inventor’s mind is often full to overflowing with ideas far more exciting than mere dates and numbers.”
“Indeed Miss Candice, your presumption is correct. There are times like our morning of coffee though, where I am taken from such bombardment of mind, to a place of calm and for this I thank you.”
“Your thanks are not required Mister Bobby. I am finding my liking of you being present in my life, is something intriguing and mysterious and I do love a good mystery.”
“Perhaps then we shall all embark together, for what I am to propose to Mister Weston, may well call for him to employ an assistant should he wish to continue being a grocer as well. If my assumption is correct, I am thinking he is a man who might find a degree of solitude investigating the wonders of electricity.”
“I share such wonder Mister Bobby. At times it can be dull here in Jonstown and I have an enquiring mind often left untended. I am not so sure Mister Weston would go as far to employing an assistant though. We don’t have near the custom you would find in the big city here in Jonstown.”
“Of course. I apologise for my oversight. Anyway, I am sure we can enjoy many splendid conversations ahead during my stay here in town.”
Miss Candice looked a little shaken with this last sentence from Bobby. She had taken to him so much, his departure from town was not something she had considered would occur.
“Please do not look downcast Miss Candice. I am sure there is much for us to adore going forward. Life can surprise you at every turn.”
“You are right Mister Bobby. I will go with your biding ensuring I am happy to experience these moments.”
“Ah, Mister Weston. May I help you with the wood?”
“Thank you Mister Regal, I am quite able.”
Within a minute, Mister Weston had the fire crackling as the dry wood flared casting a distinct fiery glow. From a dull grey with the only light coming in through the window, the room came to life.
“Now, as I stoke this fire in preparation for myself to settle and begin to accommodate today in my head, I ask you Mister Regal, are you here to sell us your street lamps? You do not strike me as the typical salesman type, with whom I have spent time in company of a considerable number of times. I am thinking you are more of a pioneer like our revered founding father. Please correct me if I am wrong and I do apologise for being so forward.”
“It is true Mister Weston. I am of the latter. I am no salesman attempting to charge more than is worthwhile.”
“Then my feelings were correct. I am pleased for I do not take so well to those who aspire to sell and behave like con men.”
“You may be rest assured Mister Weston, I similarly take no heed from those who deceive.”
“Miss Candice, how did you meet Mister Regal here?”
“I met him as he wandered into town.”
“Did it not strike you as odd he had no horse and to walk in this snow would be a task arduous and unwise?”
“I really had not considered it Mister Weston. When Mister Bobby came across me, I was instilled with such a confidence, I had no reckoning of his prior circumstances to the moment we met.”
“Then as we progress Mister Regal, we now both seek an explanation of whence you came and how.”
“A most relevant question Mister Weston, and from you as well Miss Candice. I will of course be honest with you and in such honesty I must ask of your confidentiality. I cannot provide an answer adequate to your inquiry without such reassurances because my only choice is to pursue the truth of matters should I seek to resolve my query.”
“Ah, so you have a secret Mister Regal. Well, explanation has already commenced. You can be sure of my confidentiality sir.”
“And of mine Mister Bobby. Mister Weston and I share a secret as well.”
Mister Weston looked at Miss Candice with concern in his eyes. They were the only two to know of what they had seen one day out riding, and he was not of the mind to share it altogether too willingly with a man he had just met.
“Then perhaps it is fate delivering us to each other on this day.”
“Perhaps Mister Regal. You were saying?”
“Ah yes. It is only from a sense of integrity I feel from both of you allowing me to tell you of a revelation of sorts. My presence amongst you is perhaps the biggest secret you may ever know. I arrived here was by what is called a car...a carriage with an engine and no horse.”
“What! Of such machines there is only rumour at best. Is it steam driven?”
“No Mister Weston, it is driven using electricity.”
“Oh this is fascinating Mister Bobby, please go on.”
“Thank you Miss Candice. I have arrived here in Jonstown to see if I can repair my car and after seeing your streets I am of the mind there may be a requirement for my services in electricity.”
“An electric car sounds fascinating. I am thinking there must be something behind your arrival with your futuristic machine Mister Regal.”
“In time be assured Mister Weston and Miss Candice, of my candid portrayal concerning my entire circumstances, but at this time, it is best we are only party to what knowledge is required to suit this particular time. Please know I feel a sense of trust with both of you leading me to consider it may well be somewhat our destiny to meet here on this day.”
“And what is this time Mister Regal? There is nothing here in Jonstown to help you in your quest to repair your car as you describe it. I can however offer you somewhere you can hide this machine of yours to prevent further knowledge of its existence.”
“Then I am already in debt to you Mister Weston. I do have a place of accommodation though, so to conceal its presence is only a requirement when I am visiting Jonstown.”
“May I ask where
it is you are accommodated Mister Bobby?”
“Certainly Miss Candice. I have current lodgings in a house some miles out of town. It is a rundown place in appearance, yet inside it is a magnificent abode.”
Miss Candice met Mister Weston’s questioning gaze prompting him to ask Bobby the question, “Is it by any chance an old bordello found on the back roads some eleven miles from here?”
“Indeed it is. Do you know of this place Mister Weston?”
“I certainly do Mister Regal, as does Miss Candice. In fact, we are the only two people to have knowledge of such a house in all of Jonstown. It is a place of fading memories as if it comes and goes. Others have not seen it as they stay mostly confined to their houses and business in town.”
“A man I met spoke similarly of the bordello as if he too saw it disappear at times.”
“It is a strange remnant of history Mister Bobby.”
“How do you know of this place Miss Candice?”
“We chanced a look one day whilst out riding Mister Bobby. We had often ridden our horses along the very road from which you come, when one day, the bordello appeared as if from nowhere. Then, as we stayed hidden amongst the trees, we saw two women appear out front, check the perimeter, and then return inside. It was barely a minute later before the entire apparition then disappeared.”
“Her words are of truth Mister Regal. Both Miss Candice and I witnessed such events just a few weeks ago.”
“We were having our last rides before the snows set in Mister Bobby.”
“I see. Then you have added detail to my enquiry about the house. Is this the secret you mentioned previously Miss Candice?”
“It is Mister Bobby. Both Mister Weston and I have kept this secret until this day when you have mysteriously come to us.”
“Then fate is indeed set in motion for I have some additional details I can tell you, but again, I must ask for the strictest confidence. Should this information be widely known, it could undermine all our lives in the view of the authorities.”
“You behave as if you want to tell us Mister Regal.”
“Indeed Mister Weston, for I am of the idea where you and Miss Candice are the only people I can trust and are the only ones who can help me.”
“Then it is settled. We are of an association one may deem exclusive.”
“This is becoming ever so intriguing Mister Bobby. Mister Weston and I are your cohorts in a manner of speaking. How is it you feel as if we are worthy of your trust?”
“In my profession Miss Candice, I am entrusted with this capacity to read the intentions and character of people with astute accuracy, and I am of this mind at present.”
“And you may have confidence in your abilities Mister Regal, for Miss Candice and I are your true confidants. Where is your car at this time?”
“It is located beside an old wooden wall on the edge of town.”
“Ah, I know the one. Let us go there now and ensure it is then well hidden, otherwise the more adventurous souls about may find it in their stead to wander on this snowy day and discover your secret.”
“Mister Weston is right Mister Bobby. It is time we did as per his bidding.”
“Shall we go then?”
“Indeed. I will stoke this fire once more and fetch a coat against the cold. Then we will leave.”
Few people were about on such a cold day and those few who were struggling the snowy depths through drifts and solid blocks frozen from the overnight temperatures, barely noticed the trio. The musty smell of damp wood mixed with smoke rising from almost every chimney to then linger as tendrils seemingly motionless just above their heads in the still air. Only Mister Wills on his way to the bank, spoke to them, “Mister Weston, how are you this morning? I see you have found yourself in the company of Miss Candice and Mister Regal.”
“I am most well today thank you Mister Wills. I trust you are well.”
“I am thank you.”
“And yes, I found company with the lovely Miss Candice and her new friend visiting us from the big city.”
Mister Wills looked Bobby up and down again. He had not intruded on his earlier company with Miss Candice at his coffee house, but now in the open outside, he could assess the character of him as he stood upright with a determined look set within his brow. Similar to Miss Candice and Mister Weston, Mister Wills was one about town who would accept the confidence of secret affairs, but most did not know, instead seeing him as a likely gossip to those who visited his establishment.
“We must be on our way though Mister Wills. Perhaps it is in accordance for us to visit you during this afternoon for some of your fine fare.”
“Thank you for your every gracious compliments Miss Candice. Have a good day to you all.”
“Good day to you sir.”
“Mister Regal,” he replied as he watched them walk off with a degree of intrigue as to discovering what they were doing out in the snow, and why they found association.
“Mister Wills seemed more than casually intrigued with our presence Miss Candice. Can we trust him if he should come to know of our passage today and its very reason?”
“He is rumoured by some to be a gossip Mister Bobby, but Mister Weston and I actually think he is the only other person who could be trusted with anything approaching the out of the ordinary.”
“Is there a local constable? Perhaps he might find reason to call on us.”
“We only have the single law man about town Mister Regal. He is young but inquisitive. If we are to retain secrecy, we will have to act accordingly to prevent his knowing of our endeavours.”
When they reached the old wooden wall on the outskirts of town, Bobby was relieved to at first find no new footprints in the snow about the place, and then to discover his car as he had left it, except for a dusting of snow covering its entirety. At first glance, both Mister Weston and Miss Candice were awestruck by its sheer design and then by its menacing presence. They had never seen a machine remotely like his car.
Miss Candice drew back from the vehicle when she saw its front grill and headlights. “It does look somewhat beastly Mister Bobby. Are you sure it is safe?”
“Do not be discouraged by its menacing look Miss Candice. The features are merely part of its design for it to appear in such a way. There is nothing beastly about my car. In fact, it is quite the opposite and a marvel I am certain neither you nor Mister Weston may have ever been able to see in a dream.”
“Indeed Mister Regal, it is a marvel. I think it is far too much of a machine to simply be left out here where anyone could find it.”
“I may well be returning to the bordello later today Mister Weston. Do you think it is best to hide it for the afternoon then?”
“Most certainly Mister Regal. I have suitable space available in my farm sheds just a mile from here. My house in town serves to provide lodgings for the business of selling a lot of produce I grow myself. Otherwise, I have a regular supplier visit me once per month for those items I cannot grow, and also for the times we are within winter’s grasp.”
“Then I suggest we take it there now and continue on with our discussion Mister Weston. Are you in agreement Miss Candice?”
“Most certainly Mister Bobby. There is nothing presently to tear me away from such intrigue as this day is offering by the minute.”
“Well, Miss Candice and Mister Weston, prepare yourselves for a most unique time, one I am sure you will both endear to for the rest of your days.”
Bobby unlocked the car and prompted Mister Weston to take the rear seat of the two door coupe, and then for Miss Candice to be seated in the front. At each breath, both of them were awe struck as the details of the machine were revealed. To see this car was one thing, but to then board and prepare for transit, was an entirely different experience. Both marvelled at the shiny chrome and at the dials and switches wherever they could find one. Mister Weston was particularly struck with the dashboard layout – he was leaning through for a closer examination of the control
s when Bobby had to usher him a little so he could buckle his seat belt.
“Please do the same as me Miss Candice and Mister Weston. It is most prudent we travel in safety.”
“How many horses does this car equal Mister Regal?”
“I would say almost one thousand dear Mister Weston. I know such a number will surprise you.”
“Indeed. One thousand horses in such a compact machine. I am flabbergasted Mister Regal.”
“Then prepare for yet even more as I engage the engine.”
Two seconds after Bobby had pressed the ignition button, the car hovered two feet above ground. A slight levelling could be felt until an instant later, it remained motionless.
“My word Mister Regal, this is most astounding. Here you have a flying car and yet our best endeavours to date have been by way of balloon.”
“It does not really fly Mister Weston, rather it floats. In a moment I will engage forward momentum. Which direction is your farm?”
“Go back the way you came and then half a mile take a left turn. It is another half mile to my farm from there.”
Miss Candice reached through between the seats to take Mister Weston’s hand. She gave him a squeeze before relinquishing as Bobby moved the car forward. For a moment both she and Mister Weston were totally aghast at the car’s movement, causing both to reach out for something to hold.
“There is no need to hold on as we drive. This car is quite smooth. It will only take us a few more seconds. Watch and feel.”
Bobby gave the car some acceleration causing all three of them to be pulled back into their seats. Miss Candice let out a few exclamations before Mister Weston joined her. As Bobby took the turn to the left at speed, it caused them to hush until they felt the dynamic forces being counteracted for a smooth ride, when they let out yet louder exclamations as they thoroughly enjoyed the journey.
“Is this your farm Mister Weston?”
“It most certainly is Mister Regal. At your leisure.”
Bobby gave them one last thrill as he turned in through Mister Weston’s main gate, before braking rapidly to bring them to a stop. Miss Candice was laughing and Mister Weston was beaming as if he was twenty years younger than his thirty years of age.
