A Riverside Christmas Mystery

Chapter 10

Who Is This Child? (The Donkey Song) Lyrics

"I'm not the wisest of donkeys
But I work really hard for my hay
I carry and pull and my burden is full
Then I rest at the end of the day
I rest at the end of the day."

Gerry Asmus

Jim parked the shuttle in the back field and he and Bones walked up to the farmhouse. It was only mid morning and everything looked peaceful. The back door was locked. Good, he thought. "Ma, Spock, we're back!" he called.

His mother came hurrying to the door and unlocked it. "Jim, Leonard! We didn't expect you back this early. I'm so glad you're back. Did you find out anything useful?

Jim carefully locked the door behind him." Yes, Ma, we found out a lot. Let me get some coffee first, and we'll go in the living room and Bones and I'll tell you everything."

Uhura was on the floor playing tickle toes with Davy and the baby was laughing, that deep baby belly laugh that made everyone smile. The baby looked up as they walked in. "Ji," he said and held out his arms to be carried. Jim handed Bones his coffee mug and lifted him up in his arms. He cuddled the baby close and kissed the soft baby curls; his eyes were somber as he sat down on the sofa.

Spock glanced at McCoy's serious face and the look on Jim's face and felt an illogical frisson of apprehension. Whatever news Jim had brought from Iowa City was not good news, he radiated tension and worry. He walked over and sat by Jim, a slim, silent bastion of calm. If nothing else, his moral support might help ease Jim's obvious worry and turmoil.

Jim looked over at his mother. "I'm afraid what we found out isn't good, Ma." He told them what Dr. Snyder had shared with them and saw the look of sorrow and distress that came over his mother's face.

"Oh Jim, no! That poor girl. Violet must have been so terrified for Davy."

"I know, Ma. It's no wonder she ran, she had to protect Davy. Damn it! Where can she be hiding?" Jim ran his hand through his sandy hair in frustration, "I've been thinking that if Gavin is willing to help again, we need to find out a lot more about Sanford and his heirs. Gavin probably has access to information about him that's not on any news nets and the more we know about him the better."

"Gavin will help, Jim." Winona spoke with certainty. "You think that he was murdered, don't you?"

"Yeah, Ma. I think so, and I think Violet found out how it was done when she did the autopsy and that's why her life and Davy's was threatened." Jim looked down at the baby on his lap, and felt a surge of pure rage rise in him. To know that the life of this beautiful child was in danger, that Violet feared for her own life and the life of her baby, was intolerable.

Peter, coming in from feeding Sorrel, and always sensitive to any unusual stress and tension in his immediate environment, looked at the anxious faces in the room and a worried look came over his face. He hesitated at the doorway, and then slowly walked over to sit next to Spock and his Uncle Jim. Spock looked down at the tense little face and took the small hand in his own warm one; he could feel Peter's anxiety and his general sense of uneasiness. He cast a warning glance at Jim who nodded imperceptibly in understanding. McCoy too, saw the child's set face and tense body, and knew it was time to change the conversation.

"Winona, it's warmed up some, and I'm really dyin' to see you ride that donkey. What say, we do that before lunch. It's a beautiful day outside, the sun's shinin' and I bet Davy would love a ride on Dapple."

Jim's face lightened. "Bones, that's a great idea. Ma, remember when dad would take us on those long sleigh rides? He turned to Peter. "We would get the big sleigh out and harness Ginger and Dad and Sam would take turns holding the reins. For a long time I was too little to do it and I remember how excited I was the first time dad told me I could take the reins. What do you say, Ma? I'll take us for a sleigh ride and you can ride Dapple. What do you think, Davy boy?" Jim bounced Davy on his knee and the baby squealed in delight.

"I say yes," said Winona smiling. "Dapple needs the exercise and Davy will love it."

"Nyota, Spock, let's get the sleigh out of the barn and give a cleaning and we'll harness Ginger with her Christmas bells bridle. Spock, you're going to love this. Sleigh riding is a different, very different experience from any other type of transport, and you'll be warm under all the sleigh blankets." Jim put Davy down on the floor and the baby stood still for a minute, his chubby little legs solid beneath him. He looked at Uhura, still sitting on the floor, and to her delight, he took a step toward her, then another, and then a third. He sat down suddenly, a look of surprise on his little face.

"Davy! You walked all by yourself," clapped Uhura. "What a big boy!" She set him back on his feet and he walked into her arms. Smiling, she glanced over at Winona and saw with surprise that her eyes were bright with unshed tears. "Winona, what's the matter?"

"Oh, it's nothing really, Nyota," Winona sniffed a little. 'It's just that Violet missed it. She missed her baby's first steps. That's such a milestone for a mother, and it made me sad for a minute. I remember how excited I was when Sam and then Jim took their first baby steps alone."

Jim gave her a consoling hug. "It's okay, Ma. Don't be sad. When Violet comes back there'll be many more Davy milestones for her to enjoy."

"I know, dear. That's what I keep telling myself. "

Jim said, "I'll be right back, just let me talk to Gavin for a minute and then we'll get our coats, get out the sleigh and get Ginger and Dapple ready."

He went into the office, commed Gavin, and filled him in on his meeting with Dr. Snyder. Gavin listened carefully. "I think you may be right about the autopsy findings, Jim. Let me see what I can find on Sanford and his estate. It'll probably be this afternoon before I can get back to you. By the way, nothing yet on those two men, but I've just started the criminal search."

"Gavin, you're using a lot of SIS computer time, is it okay for you to be doing this?"

"Absolutely. As long as I get my work done, no one here questions what I'm doing. I have unlimited computer access, so don't give it a second thought. We have to do all we can to find Davy's mother before those two goons find her."

"That's our main priority. We'll talk again this afternoon. Thanks a lot, Gavin. Kirk out."

Everyone had put on their coats, hats and gloves by the time Jim finished with Gavin. Winona had changed into her brown cords since she always rode Dapple without a saddle; just a wool blanket under her.

They pulled the big sleigh out of the barn and cleaned off the dust from the seats. Winona's heavy quilts were brought out to keep everyone warm. Then Jim brought Ginger out put his bell harness on and hitched him to the sleigh. Winona led Dapple out of the barn and put the bridle on the docile animal. Nyota came out of the house with two carafes of hot chocolate, milk for Davy, along with mugs, cookies, slices of fruit cake and napkins all carefully wrapped and cushioned in a big basket.

"Bless you, Nyota. You're a woman after my own heart," said Bones, sniffing appreciatively. His southern gallantry was never more present than when good food was offered.

"No use us starving on the road," she teased back as she sat in the back seat with him, Peter between them. Spock got in the front and Bones handed him a quilt.

Winona got on Dapple and patted his neck gently. "Jim, dear, Davy will sit right here between my legs." Jim took the baby and straddled him on Dapple. He held him securely as she took a long silk scarf and criss-crossed it around Davy and then wrapped it around her waist twice. "There now, Davy, you can't fall off. We're going for a ride, sweetheart," she said into the small ear. "Let's go, Dapple." She nudged Dapple forward and the donkey obediently started forward. He walked firm footed and sedately in the snow.

McCoy, looking at them, thought he had never seen such a charming picture. He brought his camera out and took the holo. Davy's mother should see this; Winona astride the donkey with her legs dangling close to the ground, and Davy sitting in front of her, his arms waving in delight at this new experience.

"Go," said Davy, "go, go." Winona's silvery laughter rang out at the baby's delight.

"I'll want a copy of that, Bones," said Jim, smiling at the sight.

Jim got in the sleigh, shook the reins and with a silvery jingle from Ginger's bridle, the sleigh started to move." Jim urged Ginger into a slow trot and Dapple followed close beside the sleigh. Jim exchanged a happy smile with his mother, all love and amusement in his gaze.

Nyota couldn't resist. "Jingle bells, jingle bells jingle all the way," she sang happily. "Jim this is so much fun!"

"Sure is." McCoy looked down at Peter's happy face, and patted his arm. Just what the doctor ordered, he thought.

Jim looked over at Spock's bemused face. "All right, Spock? Not too cold for you?"

"I am fine, Jim. This mode of transportation is really quite delightful," he said, his dark eyes soft with enjoyment. "I am pleased to report that so far, all my interactions with snow have been most pleasant, and if fact, my entire visit here has been most gratifying. I am pleased to be here, Jim."

Jim smiled."I'm glad, Spock. I was hoping that your time spent here at home with my family would be a positive experience for you." Jim thought back on his path to friendship with Spock. The path had not been easy for either of them. For Jim, the care and feeding of a Vulcan demanded patience, perseverance, and fortitude. Sometimes it had only been Jim's innate stubbornness and the deep certainty that such a friendship would enrich Spock's life, that had kept him from abandoning the effort. For Spock, it demanded that he place his trust in Jim. Hardest of all though, it had demanded a willingness to dismantle his impenetrable Vulcan wall. Spock had done it slowly, hesitantly and carefully, one brick at a time until one day he realized that now he couldn't imagine his life without Jim's friendship in it. Jim looking at the peaceful, contented face beside him, felt sorrow tinged with fondness, and thought, So many barren years, almost his whole adult life spent alone. Well, thank God, those days were gone. Spock had friends now, loving, caring friends; Jim, Bones, Nyota, even Sulu and Chekhov, and the list was growing, Peter, and now his mom too. The brick wall was being dismantled; still slowly, still carefully, but now it seemed to Jim, more willingly. He just hoped that nothing would ever happen to make Spock build that wall again.

Jim shook his head free from more introspection; Later for that, he thought. With Ginger's bridle jingling merrily, he drove the sleigh into Birnam Woods and guided Ginger through the paths his dad had cleared long ago for just such a purpose. It was safer than being out in the open what with a stray shuttle flying around. After a while, he stopped Ginger and Winona reined in Dapple. "Whoa, Dapple," said Winona, patting the patient donkey. "Wo," repeated Davy. They all laughed, and Uhura passed the hot chocolate and snacks, milk and a cookie for Davy, and they ate in companionable silence, enjoying the white and green beauty all around them. Jim took a deep breath; his whole being filled with gladness, then he turned the sleigh around and headed for home.

Jim helped Winona unwrap the happy Davy and he and Spock put the sleigh away. Peter and Bones led Ginger and Dapple back to their stalls and they went into the warmth of the farm house kitchen.

"I'll go change Davy, Winona, and then come help you with lunch," said Uhura.

"We'll all help, Winona," said McCoy. "What are we having today?"

"Mexican cheese enchiladas, if that's alright with everyone."

"Are you kiddin', that sounds perfect," said McCoy. Life is good, food is good, company is good, what more is there, he thought happily.

"Indeed," said Spock. "I have never enjoyed so many varied vegetarian dishes, Dr. Kirk. You are indeed a masterful cook."

Winona's cheeks grew pink at the praise. She loved to cook, and having such appreciative eaters was grist to her culinary mill.

The comm unit rang and Jim thinking it was Gavin hurried to answer it.

'May I please speak to Dr. Kirk?"

Even after so many years, Jim recognized that voice immediately. He felt his heart speed up in excitement. "Violet, it's me, it's Jim! I'm here at the farm with Ma for Christmas."

"Jim! Oh my God! It's so wonderful to hear your voice! It's been so long, I can't believe it! You sound just the same, Jim. I'm so glad you're home with Wynona, I'm sure she's thrilled. Oh, I wish I had more time to speak with you right now, but please, I need to talk with your mother, it's very important."

"Violet, it's all right, don't worry. Ma and I, we know about Davy, we know he's your son." There was a profound silence on the other end of the comm. "Does anyone else know?" Violet whispered; she sounded terrified.

"No one knows, no one else has even seen Davy. He's perfectly safe here with us. We're taking very good care of him." Jim heard a sobbing breath on the other end and his heart clenched inside his chest. "Violet," he whispered, his hands clenching the comm unit. "Please tell me where you are, I'll come get you. You'll be safe here, I promise."

"Jim, dear, lunch is ready." He looked up to see his mother at the door, her eyes suddenly wide with shock at the realization that he was speaking with Violet. "Violet, please," he said again, "let me come get you."

They heard a shuddering breath. "I can't Jim, it's too dangerous, for me, for Davy, for you and Winona too. You don't know what's going on, it's bad, Jim."

"Violet," Winona's soft voice reached across the distance. "Please, please let Jim come for you, dear. We can help you. You'll be safe here at the farm house with us, and Davy needs you, Violet. He misses his mama."

"Winona, please tell me, how is my baby? I miss him so much." The whispered sadness and unshed tears in her voice were heartbreaking.

Winona too had tears in her eyes, but her voice was steady as she spoke. "He's just fine. He's the dearest, happiest, sweetest baby; we all love him so much, but he needs his mother, sweetheart. You need to be here with him. I promise you'll be safe here. Jim and three of his friends are here. Four Star Fleet officers from the Enterprise will keep you and Davy safe, they'll keep us all safe. Please say you'll let Jim pick you up, Violet."

"I don't know, Winona….I don't know what to do. As long as Davy's safe, it doesn't much matter about me."

"Don't ever say that! Of course it matters! Davy needs his mother." Jim's voice was fierce. "Let me come get you, I have a shuttle. Just tell me where you are and I'll come. Let me help."

"I have to think. Jim, please, give me a little time to think. I had this all planned out, how to keep Davy safe, how to keep myself safe. It's just hard to think right now. I'll comm you again tomorrow. I have to go; I've been here talking too long already. Winona kiss my sweet baby for me."

"No, don't go! Violet! Violet!" But Jim knew he was talking to dead air. He hit the comm desk hard and ran his hand down his face in frustration. He looked at his mother who had tears running silently down her face. He got up and took her in his arms trying to give as well as receive some comfort. "Don't cry, Ma. At least we know she's all right, that's something. Damn, why wouldn't she tell me where she is?" He sighed tiredly. "Come on, Ma, let's go tell the others she's all right for now."

Uhura was on the floor with Davy playing patty cake with him on her lap. She had sent Peter to the kitchen ostensibly to set the table, but mostly to keep him away from whatever unknown news Jim would have for them.

Jim looked at the kitchen and said quietly, "It was Violet, checking on Davy. It's all right," he held up his hand to stop the rush of questions, "she's fine for right now. She wouldn't tell us where she is, too scared, but she's going to comm again. I'll update Gavin when he calls and I just hope he's found out something useful. Let's go eat your delicious food, Ma. Come on, Davy, time to eat." He picked up the baby from Uhura and carried him to his high chair.

"Eee," he grinned up at Jim, gurgling happily.

After lunch, Winona put Davy down for a nap, and Jim went out to shovel the snow that had accumulated on the front walk. He needed strong physical exertion to tame the high level of frustration and anxiety he was feeling. He was soon dripping with sweat and stopped to take off his heavy coat. "Jim, it is not advisable for you to remove your coat in this temperature, you will get chilled." The sound of Spock's soft baritone voice stopped him. "I'm hot, Spock," Jim said irritably.

"Wouldn't it be more logical and prudent to stop shoveling for a few minutes and cool your body by resting?"

Jim huffed a small laugh. "Yes, 'mother', much more logical." He grinned as Spock's reproachful look. "All right, Spock, I'll rest for a few minutes." He leaned his body on the standing shovel. "What are you doing out here, anyway, it's pretty cold."

"Looking for you. Jim, are you all right?"

"Yes, I'm fine. Just frustrated and worried about Violet being out there alone and defenseless."

"Your friend seems to have managed very well so far. I am confident that she will continue to do so until you have convinced her to come here to your home."

"Are you so sure that I'm going to convince her?"

"There is no doubt in my mind that you will. When have you ever failed to convince anyone to do what you want them to do?"

"Uh, I really don't know. I haven't exactly kept count."

"I have kept count, and to my certain knowledge in the time I have known you, you have been successful 100 percent of the time. So put your worry and concern aside, Jim. Davy's mother will soon come."

Jim felt something ease in him, and he gave Spock a brilliant smile. "Spock, my friend, that does make me feel better."

Winona's head peeked out the front door. "Jim," she called. "Gavin's on the comm. He's found out about the two men."

Jim set the shovel by the door. "Come on, Spock, maybe it's time for some action at last."