A Riverside Christmas Mystery

Chapter 12

"Sweet dreams, form a shade O'er my lovely infant's head

sweet dreams of pleasant streams By happy, silent, moony beams!"

William Blake

Jim spoke into his communicator. "Kirk to Spock."

"Yes Jim?"

"Spock, is everything all right at the house?" Jim's voice was tight.

Spock's quick ear caught the timbre of stress in Jim's voice. "Yes, Jim. Has something happened? Are you and Peter all right?" Spock's voice had deepened with concern.

"Yes, Spock, we're fine, but there was phaser fire exchanged between the police patrol shuttle and the two men; they were in Birnam Woods again, this time with a search light. We stopped at the police department and told the Chief and he sent a patrol to investigate. I just wanted to check if everything was quiet at home."

"We are fine here, Jim. There is no need for concern. Are you on your way home now?"

Jim lips twitched at the subtle 'it would be best if you came home now' message behind the actual words.

"Yes, we're about to land. Peter and I brought a fine dinner, right, Squirt?" Jim glanced at the child, and touched the shining fair head, hoping to ease any lingering worry. "See you in a few minutes, Spock."

Peter nodded at his Uncle Jim, relaxed once more now that home was in sight and dinner forthcoming.

Jim landed the shuttle and quickly scanned the perimeter. All was quiet, the moon was high now and it cast a silvery glow on the ground and he could see clearly. He picked up the large bag of food and they walked quickly to the house. He was not surprised to see Spock walking out to meet them.

Jim gave him a brief tight smile. "Hey Spock," he murmured softly. "Seems things got more interesting after Chief Romaine became aware of those guys in the woods and sent the patrol."

"Indeed," said Spock, eyeing his Captain, seeing the tension in the tight line of his shoulders. Peter, he saw, seemed untroubled by what had transpired. He took hold of Peter's small hand and walked beside him. Through the touch he could tell that the child's mind was undisturbed and he glanced at Jim and gave him a tiny reassuring nod. He heard Jim give a soft sigh in relief.

The light streaming from the kitchen was a welcome sight. Jim carefully locked the door behind him, put the food on the table and walked into the living room. "Dinner has arrived," he said cheerfully, "and it smells great. Let's eat before it gets cold. We'll talk later."

Everyone came to sit around the table enticed by the wonderful smell of Italian goodness and Winona sat Davy in the high chair. Jim set out the bread, dipping sauce and entrees, and gave Davy some bread and pasta which the baby grabbed with glee and stuffed in his mouth. "Not so fast, Davy, don't be greedy," Jim laughed. "Ma, the Salvatore's sent all this as a gift. Papa wouldn't let me pay for any of it. I told him we'd all have dinner together in a few days. They all look wonderful. Marie is as beautiful as ever, even after three kids. I didn't get to see Gio though, he wasn't there," he added.

"He was probably on a wine buying trip. Papa sends him out pretty often now. The restaurant is getting a reputation for serving fine wines as well as wonderful food."

After dinner, Winona brought around a tray of hot chocolate and cookies to enjoy around the fire. Davy, trying his new-found ability to walk, toddled happily from person to person. "I better get Davy ready for bed," she said picking him up off the floor.

"Let me do it, Winona,' said McCoy. "I want to give him a once over anyway, and this will be a good opportunity." He took the baby from her and went into her bedroom; they could hear the baby babbling, "Bo, Bo," as Bones carried him out.

"Nyota, when Leonard comes back, why don't you sing for us," said Winona. "Your singing will be a wonderful way to end our evening."

"Yes, Uhura," said Jim. He sat sipping his chocolate, with Peter close beside him. "That would be the perfect ending to our fine meal this evening."

"I will if Mr. Spock will accompany me," said Uhura, smiling at him.

"Of course, it will be my pleasure, Nyota." Spock picked up Sam's guitar which was always at the ready laying on the book-case against the wall, exactly as he had left it on his last trip home. He strummed it lightly and began to tune it. He looked expectantly at Uhura.

"This is a very old song, very beautiful, maybe just a little melancholy, but not too much," she said, smiling at them. "It's called "Going Home. Can you follow this, Mr. Spock?" She went over to Spock and hummed the tune softly to him and after a few bars he nodded.

"Davy's great; healthy as a little horse," said McCoy returning with the baby. "He's gained a half a pound, plus he's got two new teeth coming in." He chuckled. "This here is the happiest baby I've ever seen and he's really talkin' up a storm now."

Uhura smiled at McCoy whose blue eyes gleamed softly in the fire light as he set Davy back in Winona's lap to be rocked to sleep. She nodded at Spock, the fire highlighting the high cheek bones in her beautiful face, and her rich contralto voice began softly.

Going home, going home I'm just going home.

Quiet light, some still day I'm just going home.

It's not far, just close by,

Through an open door.

Work all done, care laid by,

Going to fear no more.

Mother's there expecting me,

Father's waiting, too.

Lots of folk gathered there,

All the friends I knew.(1)

There was an appreciative silence. "That was beautiful, Nyota. I hope you'll sing that on the ship one of these days," said Jim. "Maybe for our Federation Day celebration. It would be perfect, the crew would love it."

"I'll be happy to, Jim. It's one of my favorite songs."

McCoy laughed, his blue eyes fond. "You say that about all the songs you sing, Nyota. I can see why though, they're all beautiful."

Winona glanced at her grandson sitting contentedly by Jim. "Peter, it's time for bed, sweetheart. Say goodnight to everyone."

Peter got up obediently. It had been a long day with lots of excitement and he was tired. He hugged and kissed his Uncle Jim goodnight and then went round to do the same with everyone else.

He hugged Spock goodnight and said, "Mr. Spock, I forgot to tell you that I got a letter from Lady Amanda this afternoon. She asked about Sorrel and about you and what we've been doing. I haven't answered her yet, so I'll show it to you tomorrow, if you'd like to see it?"

"Indeed. I am most gratified to hear that my mother wrote to you, and I would enjoy reading the letter tomorrow. Goodnight Peter-kam, sleep well."

"I'll be there in a minute to tuck you in, Peter, after I put Davy down. You may read for half an hour if you'd like."

The child yawned and nodded sleepily, "Okay, Noni."

Spock looked at Winona. "I did not realize that Peter corresponded with my mother, Dr. Kirk."

Winona's dimple peeked out. "Peter has a very extensive correspondence list, Mr. Spock. He writes to your mother, to Jim, to you, to Nyota, to Dr. McCoy, to Mr. Scott, to T'Lane, and to Gavin. Occasionally he writes to Mr. Sulu and Mr. Chekhov too. That's a lot for such a small boy. They're short letters, but he's very good, very conscientious about keeping in touch with the people he cares about, and everyone always answers his letters. I think it provides some sort of security and connections for him with the people he loves."

"I think you're right, Winona, and I think it's good for him to keep in contact with the people who mean so much to him," said Leonard thoughtfully. "You know that separation and loss are what he fears the most, and this letter writing keeps him connected. The people he writes to, all love him, so it's a great feed back loop for him until he feels more secure. You and Jim both realize it may take a long time."

"I know, Leonard, but he's doing so much better. You've helped him so much, Leonard." Winona smiled gratefully at the doctor. "I better go tuck him in," she said. "He's probably reading."

"I think he'll be asleep before he finishes two pages," laughed McCoy. "That little kid doesn't stop the whole day long, wish I had his energy."

"I wonder how much longer it'll be before he'll want to stop kissing everyone goodnight," mused Jim. "He's grown so much since last summer."

"I don't think he'll stop, son, he'll probably always do it," said his mother. "You and Sam never stopped. Even as teenagers when we had friends or family visiting, you two always kissed and hugged everyone good night, you two were never embarrassed about it. Peter's a very affectionate child and I wouldn't want that to ever change in him. And you're still a very "touchy feely" person. Peter's very like his Uncle Jim in that way." Winona smiled lovingly at her son.

Jim grinned back at his mother, got up and kissed her on the cheek to prove her point, as she took the sleeping Davy to bed.

"Be that as it may, I'll have to speak with Peter about Vulcan touch protocols," Jim said looking over at Spock. "I don't want him to make you uncomfortable, Spock."

"No, Jim, I would prefer that you do not do that. Peter is always gentle with his affection and his touch is never unwelcome. As he grows older he will learn these things by himself. There is no need for you to be concerned, Peter-kam and I understand each other very well," he said, his dark eyes soft and warm as he looked at Jim.

"All right, Spock, if you're sure," Jim smiled at his friend in gratitude. He was very reluctant to tamper with the affection and bond that Peter and Spock had formed during the hostage crisis.(2) It had proved invaluable in protecting Peter's mind from further trauma, and Spock was apparently willing and at ease with keeping it that way.

"I think I'll take a walk around the house and the barn," Jim said very casually, putting on his coat. He could still feel the Phaser tucked deep down into his coat pocket. "I feel the need for some fresh air."

"Uh huh," said Bones, eyeing him knowingly. "It's 15 degrees out there and you want to get some fresh air?"

"I'll accompany you, Jim," said Spock. "I, too, feel the need for a walk."

"Oh my sainted aunt! You two are the limit, you know that?" Bones growled. "Who do you think you're foolin'? Just what happened out there that you haven't told us yet, and don't tell me nothin' cause I know better."

Winona coming back into the room looked questioningly at her son and Jim told them about the shuttle searching Birnam Woods and firing on the police patrol. "They're getting more aggressive and desperate to find Violet. We have to convince her to come here when she comms again tomorrow. It's obvious they think she's close by, but why they assume she's here, is the big question. First thing tomorrow morning I'm meeting with Jonathon Romaine and briefing him on what Gavin found out. Spock and I will be back in a few minutes. I just want to check around the house and the barn. Ma, do you have a good flash light?"

"I still have the big one your father always used, it's in the kitchen where it's always been." Winona opened her mouth to say 'be careful, Jim', but closed it again. Spock would be with Jim and there was no need for cautionary motherly warnings.

"Uhura, please come with us and lock the back door and wait for us in the kitchen. Just don't turn on any lights."

"Spock," Jim asked softly, as they stood outside the darkened kitchen. "You have your phaser don't you?" His hazel eyes gleamed in the moonlight as he scanned the area.

"Affirmative."

"Okay, we'll walk around the house, check the barn, and then we'll walk through the main path of Birnam Woods. I'm not going to use the flashlight unless it's necessary,"

"My night vision is excellent, Jim, as is yours. I doubt we will need the flashlight with the moonlight as bright as it is."

They walked noiselessly around the farmhouse, the new fallen snow deadening the sound of their boots. Jim led the way to the barn, peered in and saw that Ginger and Dapple were sleepily munching their oats. He closed the barn door noiselessly. The chickens were quiet, always a good sign. They were better than an alarm system.

"Let's walk into the woods, Spock," Jim whispered. "I remember the area where the shuttle was searching. I know these woods like the back of my hand. Sam and I played in these woods almost every day for years." He led the way through one of the many paths into the woods keeping his eye on the ground, looking for anything unusual.

As he followed Jim, Spock allowed himself a moment to contemplate Jim's words. What would it be like, he thought, to have a sibling as a constant companion, a sibling who watched over you, helped you when you needed him, and was so much a part of your life that you could not remember that life without him. What would it be like to be allowed to play after school, to have time for reading, playing games, riding bicycles; to have a childhood with structure but not regimentation, discipline with love and affection, freedom with loving guidance. What would it like to have friends, cousins, aunts and uncles who shared meals, holidays, birthdays? For a moment, Spock felt a wholly illogical regret that he had known none of these things as a child. It was no wonder that Jim was the kind of man he was; honorable, brave, affectionate and selfless. Such had been the example for all his growing up years.

"Spock," Jim murmured, all senses on high alert, noting Spock's eyes hooded in introspection and his unusual silence. "Are you all right? Is something wrong?"

"No, Jim. I am well. I am just considering some memories that have come to mind," Spock answered softly.

"Want to share those memories with me, Spock? Whatever they are, they seem to be troubling you and you know you can talk to me about anything, right?"

Suddenly, in the distance, they heard the faint sound of a shuttle. "Damn it!" Jim looked up. "They're coming back. We'll have to run to the house before they spot us, Spock. I don't want them to even get an inkling that we're aware of what they're doing out here. It would be dangerous for Ma, Peter and Davy." They ran back through the path they had taken, their boots coming down hard on the snow, with only their breaths breaking the deep silence. They made it to the back door and Uhura unlocked and opened it.

"I hear it," she said quietly. Bones and Winona came to stand beside Jim and Spock at the screen door, and they listened intently. The shuttle came closer and they looked up to see that it only had its running lights on. Instead of going into Birnam Woods, it turned and came straight toward the back of the farm-house. "Get back!" Jim hissed urgently, and pushed the heavier wooden door shut and locked it. They went over to the kitchen window and peered through Winona's curtains. They saw the shuttle make a pass over the barn and then it turned, faced the back door and hovered there silently, menacingly. No one breathed. They could see the two men in the front seats and in the moonlight they looked sinister and threatening. Jim, pressed up against Spock's shoulder, felt him take a soft breath and put his hand in his coat pocket. Jim too, felt in his pocket for his Phaser, and he saw Uhura had hers in her hand already. The shuttle craft hovered in front of the door a minute more, than turned, climbed higher and sped toward Riverside. Everyone gave a sigh of relief.

Jim turned on the light. His face was dark with anger. He started pacing; back and forth, back and forth. "I don't like this! I don't like it at all! They must have some reason to think she's here, or else they would've given up. Tomorrow when she calls, we won't take no for an answer. Ma, we'll have Davy at the comm so she can hear him. At this point, I'll try anything." His voice was clipped and staccato; his "we're going into battle" voice.

"All right, son. We'll try, if Davy can't convince her, nothing will."

"I have an appointment with the Chief first thing tomorrow. I'll update him on this little escapade. I'll call Gavin and tell him what happened and see if he has that information on Sanford and the heirs. I'm sick of this and I'm not going to stand for it! We're here to enjoy our leave, and by God we're going to!" Jim frowned darkly at them, as if they were the ones to blame for the current state of affairs.

"Jim," Spock stood close and chided him gently. "We have done nothing except enjoy ourselves every day since we arrived here. It's illogical in the extreme to think that these men, just by their presence, could ruin our time here. We will, as we always do, get to the bottom of this situation, and we will continue to enjoy our stay here with you, Dr. Kirk and Peter, so please do not worry so."

At Spock's words, Jim stopped pacing and looked into the reproachful eyes. Translation: Jim, please get over your snit, we're all having a great time, and throwing a tantrum about these men won't help anything. We'll figure this out just like we always do.

Bones looked at Jim knowingly. Jim, you've been gently Vulcan slapped; good for you, Spock, he thought. There was nothin' worse than the Enterprise Captain in a royal snit over a perceived or real threat to his ship or crew and now his family. Crew members had been known to hide in Jeffries tubes 'til the fireworks were done with. Jim's protective senses were so highly developed that it had brought him close to death more times than McCoy wanted to remember. Good thing for Spock to put a screechin' halt to this behavior now before he goes over board especially in front of his mama, thought McCoy.

Jim pulled out his communicator and took a deep breath. "Okay, but at least I'm going to update Jonathon on these guys." He punched in Jonathon Romaine's code and waited for the connection.

"Yeah, Jim. This is Jonathon."

"Jonathon we had visitors a few minutes ago. The shuttle came up to the farm-house and hovered by the back door. They're gone now, but they're getting more aggressive."

"I'll send patrols over to the house for the rest of the night, Jim. Don't worry, we'll keep an eye on things and I'll see you first thing in the morning for breakfast."

"Thanks, Jonathon. I'll be there. Kirk out."

They walked back to the living room with Jim's arm around his mother. "Ma, I think they're gone for good, but I'll sleep out here and keep watch."

"We'll take turns, Jim," said Uhura. "There's four of us, so two-hour shifts should do it. It won't be bad at all, piece of cake really, which speaking of, I want some of yours, Winona."

"Thanks, Nyota, but you're here on leave. I don't want you to lose sleep over this."

Bones turned a fierce blue-eyed gaze on him. "Jim, don't be stubborn. We'll take turns, it's only two hours. Nyota, you take first watch, Jim you take second, Spock, third and I'll take the last one. I'm used to being up at the crack of dawn."

"Looks like it's out of my hands then," said Jim, flashing his brilliant smile at his command crew. "Thank you. Let's go get that cake, Ma. I think we'd all like some."


1 William Arms Fisher, a pupil of composer Antonin Dvorak, wrote the lyrics to the theme of Dvorak's 2nd Movement to the New World Symphony 1893

2 See "Hostages"