Prisoners of Time: A Voyager's Credo

Story II

Chapter 2

When Jeffrey came down to breakfast, he was chagrined to learn that Phineas locked up his laboratory. Ramona served his filling meal inside the dining room. It bright with mahogany and white wood furnishings. Ramona told him that Phineas had rarely eaten in the room since his parents died. Jeffrey settled himself at the table and felt very refreshed. He had not smelled so clean or looked it in over a year. He did put up a fuss with Ramona about trimming his hair, so she just snipped some impossible knots and left it curled slightly past his neck. Jeffrey liked the housemaid. She wasn't cantankerous like many other old people he had met. When Ramona drained his bath, he noticed she had a small coughing spell and keeled over the tub dizzy. When he tried to run for Phineas she stopped him and claimed it was nothing. She had just been tired that morning. She pleaded with him not to tell Phineas and he obliged. However, now he knew to look out for her. She was a special woman.

As he was being served, Phineas came in and Jeffrey had to look him over twice. He barely resembled the man he had seen earlier. Phineas had combed and trimmed his unruly hair and pushed it back in soft waves. His handsome face was scrubbed and shaved until he glowed and he was decked out in a navy colored Crocker suit and crisp white dress shirt. He took his place at the head of the table and poured himself a cup of coffee.

Jeffrey noticed the discomfort in his movements. Phineas did not care to be in this room, although it brought back loving memories of his mother and her lavish dinner parties. Jeffrey munched on his eggs and smiled to ease him.

"Say, pretty spiffy there, dapper dandy Bogg. You got a lady to meet or somethin'?"

Phineas glanced at him with widened eyes. "Not at the moment…can't a man be finely dressed without going courting? And, I'm hardly a dandy."

"I said, 'dapper dandy.' Believe me, there's a difference. So, where are you going?"

"To my old Academy. I need to clear up some things. Come to think of it, there is a woman…" He smiled shyly, picturing Susan Beaudreux.

Jeffrey looked quizzically at him and Phineas stared into space, remembering her image in class. She was a vision, always in pastel and cream colored dresses that hugged her svelte form. He adored her wide smile, enhanced by sweet dimples at the edges of her pretty bow mouth.

"Well, there was this blonde in my class, she had real nice legs. "She had a mole right…" Phineas glanced at his thighs and the drew his hand to his upper lip. "…here." He smiled dreamy. "It kinda distracted me, you know?"

Jeffrey stared blankly at him and Phineas waved his hand. "Ahh, maybe you don't know…anyway, I'm only dapper when I wanna be."

Jeffrey smirked at him, wondering just how Phineas could have seen this woman's legs under all the frills and skirts the ladies wore. He didn't have the nerve to ask, he could only conjure up a few scenarios from his time on the streets.

"So I've noticed. By night you're a bronzed vigilante with a neat crossbow and a scruffy pirate type by day. So, what things are you going to clear up?"

"Nothing that concerns you at the moment, kid. And as for the looks, I can be 'all things to all people.' to quote scripture."

Jeffrey sighed and crossed his arms. "Great, now you're a master of disguise too. Can't I go with you?"

"Not this time. I want you to lay low for a little bit."

"Oh, right! Okay, where do I start?"

Phineas lowered his cup. "I'll wait until you swallow that last hunk of toast, it's not polite to talk with your mouth so full."

"So full, or just full, Bogg?"

"So full. If you can hide it by your back teeth and in your cheeks, you're good to go."

"Thank you, I think I'm becoming an extraordinary gentleman already." Jeffrey rolled his eyes.

"Indeed. A couple of more lessons and you can join the league. First, tell me exactly where and when you pocketed that silver watch. Don't skimp on the details."

Jeffrey glanced at him surprised and Phineas felt a pang of guilt. The boy had so much weighing on his mind and had never opened up his true feelings to anyone. Now Phineas brushed them aside for a more pertinent matter, the lost and found omni. In this case, time was literally of the essence.

Jeffrey's demeanor went sullen, but he told Phineas exactly what he needed to know. He had spied the black haired man, Drake, leaving the National bank only a few blocks from Phineas' apartment on the last Friday of August. He lugged a large black carrying case. Jeffrey thought he looked like an undertaker with a disposition to match. It was just before the three o'clock closing. The pocket watch was attached to his vest by a sparkling silver chain and Jeffrey couldn't resist the pinch. The man's frustrated and angry personality didn't allow Jeffrey to play his weepy, 'I lost my dog' act.

"So…I pulled out my mini pliers and after I crashed into him with Ralph, I snipped the chain and ran for my life."

Phineas sat back surprised. "Are you insane? He surely saw you!"

"No. I had my cap tugged over my face and never looked him in the eye. It happened so fast, Bogg, in less than a minute! I don't think he even realized it was gone until later."

"But that dog, he definitely knows you by Ralph."

"I never ran into him again. Honest!"

Phineas whistled. "Either way, everyone around here has heard of the Hester Street Kings he was bound to make the connection. You have some skills there, Jeff. Perhaps one day we can put them to good use."

Jeffrey peered at him. "There's no good in stealing, Bogg…but…okay, now it's your turn."

Phineas stood up and put on his suit coat. "My turn?"

Jeffrey pushed out of his seat annoyed. "Yeah! You owe me some explanations too. I know some of your secrets, I can go and tell someone. I know all about the time travel."

"That's blackmail and you know it! Besides, what do you really know?"

"What are you saying? Do ya think I imagined those blue lights blinding me and that blue ball of…something…I don't know! But it made my hair stand on end. And you! It nearly pulled you apart to get through it."

Phineas buttoned his coat and left the dining room. "Maybe it was one of your dreams."

Jeffrey wanted to slug him. "Oh can it, Bogg! I don't know what I was seeing, but I saw it! I set the date and the dials were turning back on their own. It was working!" He insisted.

"It may have been working, but it was not set properly. And anyone you tell will say you're crazy. You think I'm gonna let you just blackmail me like that?" Phineas huffed. "And nobody tells me to 'can it' in my own house!"

"It's all part of the game. I'm not your kid. I don't have to stay holed up in this gloomy apartment watching you tinker around all day. I've been on my own for a year already, I can make it!"

Jeffrey tried to storm away, but Phineas pulled him back. "Don't sass me like that. If you wanna go out there, fine, go! Don't say I didn't try to help you when someone from the gang reports back to Drake and Mikey."

Jeffrey turned his head as a slow fear coursed through his veins. "What do you mean, Drake and Mikey? They work together?"

Phineas opened the front entrance of the apartment and a gust of cool air blew in some leaves. He kicked them out grumpy.

"Isn't it painfully obvious? Why do you think King-Ray and Mikey wanted you to break in and steal my guidebook rather than money or valuables? It has no value to them, but to Drake, my guidebook means the world. Trust me on that one."

"Ya know, you're right. I remember King-Ray saying stuff about Drake on the roof. It's kinda hazy, I was almost choked to death."

Phineas dropped down to Jeffrey's level and put his hands on his shoulders. "Please, Jeffrey. I'm only trying to protect you from Drake. He's a vicious person that wants to ruin…" Phineas let out a sharp breath. "He wants to ruin my experiments with…"

"Time travel." Jeffrey finished for him tersely. He lowered his eyes. "I'm sorry I said I would blackmail you. I wouldn't do that, even if I wasn't in danger. Bogg, you have to tell me about these experiments. I really wanna know. You let me into your confidence this far." Jeffrey grinned sneakily. "I don't think you have much of a choice. You got me into this and either you're gonna get me out of it, or I'm gonna stick to you like glue."

Phineas groaned, but he already liked him. "Smart kids give me a pain!"

"Is that a yes, Bogg? If I stay you'll tell me about time travel?"

Phineas patted his shoulders and stood up. "That's a yes, but I'm not talking just yet! Like I said, I have things to settle first. I'll be back later on; I'll also have some proper clothing for you. I don't think you'll be fitting into my clothes anytime soon."

Jeffrey nodded and looked around the house. His gaze traveled to the the spiral staircase.

"And you still have to tell me about the weapons! I'll just make myself at home. Learn my way around. That's all."

"You can also help Ramona with the chores."

"Aww, Bogg!"

"No. She's getting on in years and would surely appreciate the extra hand."

Jeffrey agreed, remembering her near fainting spell in the washroom. If it happened again, he wasn't sure if he could keep it a secret from Phineas. He knew the old woman was like a mother to him. If something occurred that Phineas could have tried to help prevent, he would be deeply hurt. Phineas put on a navy blue coachman's hat and stepped out front. He bounded down the stone steps toward his small barn to hitch Blaze up to the carriage. He turned toward Jeffrey one last time and frowned.

"My room is off limits until I say your allowed. If I find that you somehow got in, our deal is off and it's back to the streets you go, gang or no gang. Understood?"

Jeffrey twirled his feet and hung his head. "Yes, Bogg. I understand."

"Good. I'll see you later."

When Phineas was in the barn, Jeffrey rushed inside. Phineas failed to realize that he was the expert lock picker of the Hester Street Kings. He sprinted to the spiral staircase, only to come face to face with Ramona. She appeared fully recovered and held a broom, mop, and dustpan with a large grin.

"I couldn't help overhearin,' laddie! Come with me, we're gonna get this apartment in tip top shape for Master Bogg and you're also gonna clean up ya new bedroom!"

Jeffrey groaned and followed after her. Bogg wouldn't be able to hide all these secrets from him for long. He would somehow find a way to get back into that room, even if he had to climb through the window again. Today was not going to be the day.

~V~

Mikey Dolan pushed and shoved his way through the tired vendors leaving the Wallabout Market near the docks of the Brooklyn Navy yard. It was only at night that the place came to life and teemed with deals, swindles, and plenty of spirits and feisty women to go around in the neighboring bars and brothels. The vendors sold their wares until the early morning hours. Exhausted sailors parked themselves to let off more than ship steam. Mikey had found a note from Drake in his abandoned apartment to meet him at the Dockers Tavern by eleven.

The tavern was nearly empty and Drake skulked in a rear table wearing somber, black–on–black vigilante pants and town coat. He smoked a long cigar on an ivory holder and his dark marble eyes darted left and right on constant alert. Mikey sauntered over after demanding a beer and plopped down across from him. Drake turned his head. He pulled out a handkerchief from his inner breast pocket and covered his nose dramatically. Mikey laughed.

"Well, well, aren't you the elusive one! I'd never thought I'd find a gentleman like triple D in such a place as this! Drinking port wine no less." Mikey slurped his beer and wiped his mouth. "Ack! The booze is just as watered down as the women in this joint."

Drake waved his hand to clear the air. "Don't sit so close to me, your stench is a violation to my olfactory senses." He seethed.

"Such big words! Did they teach you that at the special school, Drake? I donna like it when bigwigs like you start talkin' down ta me! Ya got it?" Mikey edged closer menacingly, but Drake surprised him by flicking up a sharp pocketknife and thrusting it near his throat.

"Don't you threaten me you filth! You're fortunate I have kept you alive this long after you botched the robbery. I told King-Ray not to send the child, but he didn't listen. I should have cut you both to ribbons!"

Drake lowered the knife. He slammed the table and took a swig of his wine. "You have no idea how important it was for me to have that book…no idea whatsoever."

Mikey finished off his beer and dug his grimy hand into the peanut bowl. He munched loud. "I'm getting' kinda tired of hearin' about this book! Tain't seeing any use for it. I guess ya heard about the fire, huh?"

Drake's eyes widened and he let out a sharp laugh. "Heard about it? It's only reported in every newspaper printed in this God forsaken city. I smelled King-Ray's burning flesh for miles."

Mikey yawned and picked his teeth with a matchstick. He caught a woman's eye from the top of the stairs and licked his lips. She would be a hot one for later in the evening. Drake snapped for his attention and Mikey shrugged.

"Oh…ain't that a shame. Poor King-Ray." He removed his hat in mock pity and bowed his head.

Drake was disgusted with these street rats, but he had no choice than to use them to the full since they knew the ins and outs of the city.

"Why should you even pretend to care? You were nothing more than his dog, always at his beck and call. It would have been only a matter of time before you plunged a knife into his back, Mikey."

Mikey glared at him. "True, but I don't kill people from behind like that. I like to see that last glaze of fear in their eyes before I stick it to 'em! Jimmy crack corn would 'ave agreed on that one. I kinda liked the little bugger. I almost felt bad about it when he begged for mercy."

Drake shook his head and finished off his wine. "He had to go. He was going to blow your whole little enterprise. I still wonder, how someone so young as you, can be so evil? Ah, who really cares? It serves my purpose. Now that the slimy pig dropping King-Ray is dead, I'm in charge of this little gang of Kings."

Mikey's gaze soured. "What do you mean? King-Ray always tol' me I was next in charge!"

"Not while I'm around, you're not. You're merely a boy. You all need real guidance. I need you to round up the gang again, not all of them, just the meanest and the toughest. The loyal ones. I have a new place for you to stay in this area."

"Pbsst! Not another burn me down warehouse?" Mikey snarled.

"No, it's a large studio apartment I set up for operations."

Mikey's eyes gleamed. "What sort of operations?"

"You'll pretty much be doing the same work you had been to support yourselves, but it will be more efficient, productive and beneficial to you all. However, I have something very big in mind, and I will need full cooperation."

Mikey grew impatient. "Come on then, spill it! I haven't got all day! That dame upstairs is gonna turn cold on me."

Drake eyed the upper rooms disgusted. "If you like swamps…anyway…I can't tell you that now. You just do as I say and find those boys."

Drake dug into his coat pocket and handed Mikey a crisp hundred-dollar bill. "That's for your troubles. There is plenty more where it came from…providing you don't fail me. One more screw up, and you will pay severely."

Mikey grasped the money and Drake slowly slid his hand off it, allowing his threat to sink into him.

"I'm giving you three days to find them. If not, I'm finished with you…permanently."

Mikey ran the money under his nose. He had never held so much in his hand that rightfully belonged to him. He shoved it in his trouser pockets.

"I'll make sure not ta spend it all in one place now."

Before Drake could respond, he ran out of the bar. Drake lit a fresh cigar and leisurely walked out after him. He much preferred the shadows of the night, but he also didn't want to be around too many eyewitnesses. He hated the smell of the dank harbor and burning ship fuel. However, it was the most clandestine area he could find for now. All surreptitious dealings went on in the docks. Mikey lingered by a grocery store and shoved apples in his pockets before the owner caught him. Mikey ran up to him again.

"What about that little runt who stole your pocket watch? Jeffrey Jones, that's his name!"

"Is that the one who Bogg rescued?"

"Yup, one and the same. I say he's responsible for King-Ray's death! It was his oil lamp tha' started it! He's gotta pay for that one. The others will agree with me. He caused trouble just like Jimmy."

Drake puffed out a circle of smoke and thought carefully. The name Jones was familiar to him, though it was a common one. He shook his head.

"No, if the boy is with Bogg, it's much too soon to go after him now. Bogg is crafty. He'll be expecting us to try and apprehend the child. I have something much better in mind."

"Suit yourself. Just don't leave me out of this crazy loop!"

Mikey laughed and ran off to get back to Manhattan. He knew the haunts of the other gang members and he would only round up the best. Drake watched him and laughed. He was still a dog. Drake had to find a way to strike at Bogg personally without a full on attack and he knew just where to start. Her name was Susan Beaudreau, she was Bogg's secret love and she had been given the attorney position that Drake hungered for. The Voyagers Academy had made a mockery of him and now the perpetrators were going to pay for what they had done, each and every one of them.