Three Weeks Later...
The trial of Carl Dawson didn't last as long as Jack and Rose thought it would. They both testified, along with Leo and some neighbors that had seen Carl on the scene before the fire had started. He had pleaded not guilty, but by time everyone had testified, there was no doubt in the juror's minds, especially after they had witnessed the numerous glares that Carl had given Rose. It was plain to see that the man hated her and wished her ill. So after all the testimony was finished, it only took two hours for them to declare Carl Dawson guilty of arson and premeditated attempted murder.
One week later, the man was sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole. Needless to say, both Jack and Rose were relieved by this. At last Carl was out of their lives once and for all and would not be returning.
Rose and Jake had been released two days after the fire. Luckily, with the Calvert's help, Jack was able to secure an apartment for them to rent in the same building as their friends. By no means was it as big as the house they had just lost, in fact, there was barely enough room for all of them. Jake was now sharing his room with the twins, something that he was not happy about. In fact, none of them was really happy. But it was what it was. Life had knocked them a curve ball and they had to roll with it until something else came along.
Finally, after three months of living in cramped conditions, something finally did.
Jack was at the gallery, finishing off the last of the projects that Helena had commissioned. He was kind of sad, because Helena hadn't asked for any more paintings from him, which meant that either she had lost interest in his work or no one was requesting him anymore. Which meant that he was soon going to be back at square one. This couldn't come at a worse time. He had hoped to be able to afford a new house for Rose and his children...but if he lost his job with Helena...there would be no way that they could afford it. Of course, he could always ask Molly, but she had done enough for his family. It was time for him to take care of his own by himself, without leaning on Molly...or Janie for that matter. He knew that Janie would loan him the money if he asked. But he wasn't going to. He still had his pride, regardless of his need.
Finished with the portrait, he was putting down the paintbrush and was about to pack up his supplies when Helena poked her head out of the office.
"Jack, will you join us please when you're finished. Mr. Polcheck and I have something that we would both like to discuss with you," the benefactress smiled, her voice giving no hint of what the request could be about or how she felt about today most likely being his last day.
"Sure," Jack nodded, before returning to the task of packing up his supplies. He glanced around the gallery, wondering if Mr. Polcheck would keep him on himself, or let him go. He hoped that it was the latter. He really needed this job. It was funny. Before Rose and the children, it didn't matter to him how long he had a job. He only had himself to worry about and he always made do. But things were quite different now. He had a family that he loved and wanted to take care of. He couldn't just drift through life anymore. He and Rose liked to think they could, but on some level, they knew that they had to be grounded now. For their children's sake.
He walked in to find Mr. Polcheck sitting behind the desk, along side Helena, who just gave him a kind smile and motioned for him to sit down on the comfortable office chair in front of the desk. Both of his employers looked excited about something, but Jack couldn't say what it was.
"Come in, Jack. Take a seat. Mr. Polchek and I would like to run something past you...something that could affect your employment at the gallery as well as with myself," Helena began as Jack took a seat.
"Yes, we have some big news to share," Mr. Polchek, the owner of the gallery grinned, rubbing his hands together in his excitement. "As you well know, I have been expanding the business. I have a gallery in New Mexico, Ohio, Philadelphia, and now in New York."
Jack just nodded his head. He was well aware of how many galleries that Mr. Polchek owned and how well they were doing. Mr. Polchek's business was growing fast. Soon he was going to be one of the biggest gallery owners in the country.
"Yes sir, my wife and I were just talking about just that very thing the other night and how exciting everything has been for the past year, business wise."
Mr. Polcheck smiled, pleased with what he was hearing from his favorite and most talented employee. "Jack, I am happy to hear that you share my excitement, because I have an offer for you, my boy. A very exciting offer that will open up opportunities for you and your family should you accept. As you know, I have a new gallery in New York...but sadly, I have no one to run it. No one suitable anyway. Helena was just telling me how work here in Santa Monica has seemed to dry up, but there's a wealth of clients in New York and the surround cities like Philadelphia and Boston. She wanted to keep working with you, but in order to keep her business going, a move to New York was necessary. It gave me an idea. You are her favorite artist...and you are my favorite employee. You know all about running a gallery, plus you have an eye for talent yourself."
Jack grew still. He was as still as he had ever been in his life as what Mr. Polchek was saying reached his brain. Was the man saying what he thought he was saying? Was he offering Jack something that he had never even entertained the thought of doing himself? "Sir? What...what are you saying?"
"Jack, darling. Mr. Polchek is making you an offer that all artists dream of," Helena smiled indulgently, hoping that the answer would be yes. Finding an artist as talented as Jack had been a stroke of luck that she didn't think would happen again.
"I'm offering the job of running my New York Gallery, Jack. Of course, it would mean a move to New York, but I am sure you would fit in there as well as you do here. Plus, a change of scenery maybe just what your family needs after that awful fire and attempt on your dear wife's life."
"Plus a new pool of clients, so your own artwork will continue. We can still work together, darling," Helena nodded her head, her eyes lit up with hope.
At first, Jack was too shocked to respond. When he had accepted the job at the gallery, he had never even hoped to move up into running one of his own, and in New York of all places! How could he not say yes? This was a great opportunity, not to mention, New York was close to Janie! He could see more of her and most of all...it would get his family out of that small apartment at last! They could get a bigger place! And New York had no horrible memories of his hateful Uncle. They could start anew there! This opportunity...it was exactly what his family needed!
"What do you say, Jack? A gallery that is as good as yours in the biggest city in the country?" Mr. Polchek chuckled, already knowing the answer just by looking at the young artist before him.
"Yes...yes. I'll take the job. Rose and I need a change of scenery and...this is perfect...but are you sure that you don't want to hire someone else? Someone with more experience?" Jack questioned, unable to believe that this was actually happening.
"I am very sure. I need someone that I trust to run things. Someone that knows art and I know will treat the work with the respect it deserves. Who better than someone who has been working for me already? Who deserves and maybe even needs this opportunity? I like you Jack and I trust you. You are the perfect man for the job."
Jack did not know what to say to this. He knew that his boss liked and respected him, but he had no idea that Mr. Polchek had that much faith in him. He was touched and was determined to prove the man right. Show that his faith in him was well accounted for.
"Thank you sir. Thank you so much, I promise that I won't let you down," Jack shook his hand, accepting the offer. He knew that he probably should talk to Rose first, but really, he couldn't see her not wanting to go. They had done all that they had wanted to do in Santa Monica. Sure, they'll miss the ocean breezes and their friends, but his evil Uncle had tainted Santa Monica for them now, just like he had Chippewa Falls. He may be out of their lives now, but the memories were still there. New York didn't have that problem. New York was not only Carl free, but it was the city where they had first started out after Titanic. It only contained good memories, not bad. It was a fine place to start over.
"So I take it that it's a yes?" Helena smiled.
"Of course," Jack laughed, the heavy feeling of depression from just a few hours ago now gone. The future was looking bright for the Dawson family once again.
"Good. I expect you to be out there running things in two weeks time. Is that fine with you?"
"More than fine, sir," Jack nodded. It was perfect actually. It was time enough to tell Rose, say goodbye to their friends, pack up what little they now owned, and head off for New York City.
"Good. I will give you more information about the gallery tomorrow, you may go home now and share this happy news with your lovely wife," The gallery owner smiled, happy that his offer was accepted so eagerly.
Jack shook the man's hand and gave Helena a quick hug, thankful that things were once again looking up for his family. After the last few months, they deserved this bit of good news.
…..
When Jack returned home, he found Rose sitting at the dining table in the dark, staring into space, with tears in her eyes. He frowned. He hadn't been expecting her to be in a bright happy mood, but he hadn't been expecting tears. He wondered what had happened to bring this on? Was it the kids? His mother? Hers?
"Rose? Why are you sitting here in the dark in tears? What's going on?" Jack asked, switching on the light. "Where are the kids?"
Rose looked up, startled, not having heard Jack come in. She had been alone for most of the day, until Alice had stopped by and shared what was devastating news to Rose. Sending Jake to his room to draw while the twins were sleeping, she had been sitting at the table, crying. She felt silly for crying, but she couldn't help it. The news she had just gotten...it crushed her because all the people who she considered close friends...soon they will all be far away from her. How can she tell Jack this? He's been so worried lately and under so much stress, this may seem trivial to him.
"Rosie," He knelt before her, taking her hand in his. His blue eyes implored her to share with him, not to push him away. "It's okay. Just tell me. You can tell me anything, no matter what."
Rose sighed and wiped away her tears with her free hand. She looked down at the table. "Alice dropped by. The landlady is making her and Micheal move...said that she didn't believe that they're married and even if they were, the state of California didn't recognize it because she's black and he's white...so they're going to have to leave. She said that they're going to move to New York where their marriage is recognized and where they have family. I just feel like I'm losing my best friend and it's not fair, Jack. How can I make friends when they have to leave?"
Jack reached up and wiped the wetness off her cheeks, a smile lighting up his eyes. "Well, it looks like my news has come right on time then."
Rose frowned. More news? "What?"
"Mr. Polchek...he has a gallery in New York and he asked me to run it. Plus Helena has a whole slew of clients there that will keep me in work for...I don't know how long. Of course, it'll mean moving to New York…."
Rose's eyes widened as she processed the news. "We're moving to New York?"
"We're moving to New York," Jack chuckled as Rose squealed and flew from her chair into his arms. "So you won't have to say goodbye to the Calverts after all..."
"When are we leaving?"
"I have to be there in two weeks..."
Rose pulled away and squealed in excitement again. "Do you know what this means? We'll be closer to Janie since Cal is moving them to New York to better deal with the family business...and we'll get to move with Alice and Micheal...we won't be losing them after all….and...it's a new start for us Jack."
"I know. That's what I was thinking as well. Don't get me wrong, I loved our life here...but now...I don't know….it feels like a new chapter needs to start for us, you know?"
Rose nodded, understanding completely. She had felt the same way for quite some time now. Her aspirations to be an actress was more for the stage, anyway. She just couldn't see herself fitting in with the Hollywood crowd. Plus there was so much more opportunities in New York...she was so happy that this opportunity came up. It was going to be good for all of them.
"I know. This place...it doesn't fit anymore...but New York will. I feel it..."
"So do I," Jack agreed, pulling her closer, feeling happy and relieved that Rose was in agreement. He had been so worried about how he was going to support his family, he should have known that his luck would kick in again. It always did and as long as he had Rose and their children, he knew that there would always be a horizon to go to...there will always be a way of making their lives count.