Shawn's heart leapt to his throat. "Vincent?" Vince was violating the Order of Restraint and could easily go to jail. Shawn knew if Vince was willing to take that risk, maybe it would be worth listening to him. Besides, with Bret there, he'd be safe.
"Alright Vince, come in. I'll warn you, everyone is here, and don't expect a warm welcome," Shawn intoned with a thin lipped smile. He opened the door and stood aside to let the Bostonian into the house.
Vince gripped his hat and stepped into the house. Even from the washing porch he could see Shawn lived here. Everything was neat and tidy, but not in a stuffy, snobbish way. It was warm and inviting, the same as their home had always been back in Boston. He followed Shawn into the main part of the kitchen.
Five plates clattered as silverware fell from hands that had frozen in mid air. Bret was the first to recover and gain the power of speech. He stood, his eyes narrowed to slits of angry suspicion. Why would McMahon take the risk of defying the Order of Restraint?
Bret held out his arm, and Shawn went to him immediately. "You know you could go to jail for this. I can't think your lawyer would like knowing you are here." Hart's tone was as cold as a glacier. His eyes, if possible, were even colder.
Vince stood still, his hat still gripped in his hand. Shawn wondered when Vince had gotten so old. There was gray in Vince's hair where there hadn't been before, and the wrinkles around his eyes looked deeper. He almost... no, he did look haggard and worn. Vince cleared his throat to speak.
"My lawyer doesn't know I am here. I know you have every right to call the sheriff or one of the Marshals. I would like to talk to my family, alone. I promise, I'll talk, then leave." He looked directly into Shawn's eyes; he was almost begging.
Bret's eyes narrowed even more, and he growled his words like a lion. "You have no family. You gave that up the day you... they are my family now. Shawn is as good as my husband. Jason and Adam are my sons. Shawn? Do you want to talk to him? It's up to you. If not, Wade can go get Hunter." Shawn and his sons had never heard Bret sound so fierce. It made them feel safe and loved.
Shawn looked into Vince's aged eyes, and saw something he'd not see in a long, long time. Shawn saw humility. "Alright Vince, we'll talk. Boys, go to the parlor, Wade and Heath wait here with Bret. Please?" He turned to face his family around the table. He was serious and his look showed it.
Bret nodded. He admired Shawn's courage, but cursed his ability to be nice even when niceness hadn't been earned. Adam stood to leave, and Wade pulled him in for a kiss then let him go. Adam waited for his brother at the kitchen door. Jason kissed Heath then joined his brother. The brothers were too shocked to even think of disobeying their poppa. Jason led Adam to the parlor.
"Follow me, Vincent," Shawn said as warmly as he would speak to any guest in his home. Bret gave Shawn a sound kiss, and was pleased to see defeat cloud McMahon's eyes.
Vince followed his estranged spouse out of the kitchen. When they got to the end of the short hallway, Shawn politely took Vince's hat and coat. He hung them on the rack, then indicated for Vince to go into the cozy parlor.
When their parents entered the room, Adam and Jason stood. They had been sitting together on the sofa, and Shawn joined his sons to sit between them. Vince sat in one of the chairs across from his lost family.
The atmosphere in the air was awkward at best. Jason gritted his teeth together and set angry eyes on his father. Adam's eyes were down, staring at his fingers as they pulled and tangled with a loose thread on his sleeve. Shawn looked at Vince with a questioning expression, his brow creased with concern. Why was Vince here? What could he possibly say? Vince sat back in the chair, both feet flat on the floor, his hands rubbing his his sweaty palms on his thighs.
Finally, after five full minutes of nothing, Jason took control. "Well, you asked to speak to us, so speak. Then, get out." His eyes bore into his father like hot coals, his voice close to a growl.
Vince sighed. "I thought I'd know what to say, but I don't. I'm bothered by something. Something you said, Adam. Apparently everyone else understands but me. What is it that I am supposed to have done?" His brow was deeply knit with both confusion and worry. He simply didn't believe what Hart had told him; he figured Hart was lying to make more out of the divorce trial. He never did that horrible thing to Adam. Vince wanted to hear it from his accuser.
Adam nearly whimpered, but he managed to bite it back. Shawn grabbed his youngest child's hand. Jason stared in disbelief, his fists clenched and unclenched, and he ground his teeth so hard it hurt.
Shawn spoke, with a tone was so calm it was almost eerie. "You know perfectly well. Bret told me about your conversation in Doctor Orton's office, so don't play innocent."
Vince pursed his lips in annoyance. "Alright, why is Hart telling such a horrible lie? Does he think it will help in the divorce trial?" He was not going to have this kind of thing on his good name.
Adam's head snapped up. He couldn't believe what his father had just said. It was more than he could take. "What? It's not a lie! You stole what should have been my husband's! You... you... raped me! Your own son! I was thirteen and so scared! You told me you'd kill Poppa if I said anything! How dare you!" His hazel eyes filled with tears but he refused to let them fall. He would not give Vince the satisfaction of seeing them.
Vince physically paled, and he seemed to age another few years as his shoulders slumped. "When? When was this supposed to have happened? I might have done some... questionable things in my life... but that? I just don't believe it!" He looked in earnest from Adam to Shawn.
Jason slammed his fist on the small end table at the end of the sofa. The glass shade of the kerosene lamp rattled as it threatened to break, and Shawn placed his hand on Jason's arm. Shawn saw something that his sons did not. After nearly twenty years of marriage, he could read Vince's every expression; Vince was not lying. For whatever reason, he truly did not remember the horrible thing he had done.
"You're telling the truth. You really don't remember do you?" Shawn paused as Vince shook his head. After a deep breath, Shawn told Vince the story of that horrible night.
The more Shawn spoke, the older and paler Vince got. Vince knew Shawn wasn't lying. He'd gotten so drunk, he didn't remember. All this time, he'd thought he'd gone to Eric's that night. It wasn't Eric, it had been Adam, his own flesh and blood; his son. When Shawn finished talking, the room was silent except for the tick-tock of the clock on the mantel.
Vince looked at Adam as Shawn's terrible words sunk in. All he could see was the pretty baby with curly golden hair as he toddled after Shawn and clung to his pant leg. He saw the laughing boy as he chased a butterfly. He saw his baby, asleep in his lap on Christmas Eve as Shawn read aloud from the Bible. Tears tracked down his cheeks. He was the monster Jason had accused him of being.
Vince rubbed his face. "I... thought... I was drunk... I thought I'd gone to Eric's... I don't even remember. Oh... I... am... a monster. I am sorry. I can't ask forgiveness, I don't... deserve it..." he paused, took a deep and rattled breath, then continued. "You can have your divorce, you can have the crab business. The lawyers can work out the details. I won't put Adam through having to testify in court. We'll leave as soon as Layfield can travel. I won't come near any of you. I'm sorry..." His voice broke in utter defeat. He stood up on shaking legs, walked into the hallway, and grabbed his coat and hat. He left the house with a soft shut of the door.
Shawn, Adam and Jason didn't utter a sound or make a move. None of them had ever seen Vince McMahon beaten, defeated and in tears. They simply didn't know what to say or do next. Bret, Wade and Heath came into the parlor to find their menfolk sitting there, in total silence, frozen in place.
Bret was the first to speak. "Shawn? Darling, are you alright?" He went to the sofa and knelt down at Shawn's feet and took Shawn's hands gently in his.
Adam gave a sniff, once again toying with the thread on his sleeve. "He didn't even remember. He took my most precious possession and he didn't even remember..." He finally looked up at Wade, who was still standing in the doorway.
Wade saw the angst on his husband's face, and rushed to Adam. Adam stood up and melted into Wade's arms. Wade held him close. "It doesn't matter, love. Don't let him do this to you. I love you." His words were soft and sweet in Adam's ear.
Shawn looked at Bret, his eyes full of disbelief. "He said I could I have the divorce and the crab business. Bret, he didn't even remember. He thought you were lying at Randy's office. I set him straight. He was... I don't know what he was. It was like... something broke inside of him."
Bret reached out and caressed Shawn's face. "Good, about the divorce I mean. He wasn't going to win anyway. He wants to avoid a scandal by not going to court. I'm sure he was putting on an act, he had to remember, you can't forget something like that. I don't trust him, not for one minute." There was a sharp, bitter bite to his words and his face had the appearance of someone who'd had an encounter with a skunk.
Shawn's eyes were still on Bret. "No, Bret, I believe him. He said he was drunk, he thought he'd gone to be with Eric that night. After all those years together, I know when he is lying. He wasn't. Maybe he's suffering from some type of mental block. He knew what he'd done, but in his mind, he replaced Adam with Eric. I don't know, but whatever it is, he was not consciously lying," he paused, stood up and went to where Adam was wrapped in Wade's embrace. He placed his hand on his son's shoulder.
"Son, it will be alright. You've come this far, don't let anything Vince said take that healing away from you. We all love you, no matter what. Why don't you and Wade take a nice buggy ride, go get some fresh air," Shawn spoke softly, his face etched with parental concern.
Before Adam or Wade would speak up, Bret clapped his hands together. "Let's all go for a ride. Pack up the picnic basket, we'll go to the river. I know a great fishing spot. What do you say?" His eyes looked hopefully at each member of his family.
Heath smiled. "Sounds like fun! I love to fish and haven't been in ages. Come on Jason, say yes, please?" He looked at his fiancé. Jason's fists were still tightly clenched, his eyes still burning. Heath knew Jason needed to let out some steam.
Wade smiled at Adam. "Good way to play hooky from school. If I know the place Uncle is talking about, you will love it. Come on, forget this. I love you, that's all that matters," his eyes looked with love at Adam. Like Heath, he wanted to get Adam away from the situation.
Shawn spoke for his family. "Yes, Bret. We'd love to go. Adam, Heath, come on, we'll pack a big basket. You men go get the buggy. Oh, what about fishing gear?" He scratched his head, how could they fish without gear?
Bret laughed. "Don't worry about it. Wade, Jason, let's go. We'll be back." He kissed Shawn soundly, the headed out of the room.
Wade kissed Adam. "I love you, Poppet." he whispered softly, his eyes reflected his love for his young husband.
Adam smiled. "I love you, my Dragon. Thank you, Wade. I couldn't have gotten this far without your love and support." He gave Wade a return kiss. Wade hugged Adam tightly, then went to join his uncle and waited for Jason to join them.
Jason stood up. "Well, I guess I can't spoil the fun now can I?" He really wasn't in a mood to go fishing, but if Heath wanted it, he'd go along. What he truly wanted to do was hunt his father down and beat the bullwash out of his head. Although he knew what his poppa had said was true, his father wasn't lying. He gave Heath a kiss and joined Wade and Bret to go fetch the buggy.
Shawn, Heath and Adam went to the kitchen. Heath put a pan of water on to boil for eggs while Adam began to slice ham for sandwiches, and Shawn went to the washing porch to grab the basket and blankets. He also picked up the camp coffee pot, tin plates, cups and some old flatware, and threw in some napkins.
While Shawn and the boys prepared the picnic, Wade, Jason and Bret went to Main Street. Wade and Jason were surprised when instead of heading right for the stables, Bret went in the General Mercantile.
Dolph was behind the counter, showing his eldest son Michael how to use the new cash register that had just arrived from Helena. The register was the latest model. The outside case was made of cast bronze, and the surface was covered with scroll work. Vines and flowers with feathery lines made up the beautiful pattern. A little glass window ran across the top. Little metal plates would pop up and show the customer, as well as Dolph, how much each item cost, then at the end would tell the total cost of the purchase. A drawer slid out on Dolph's side of the counter. It was made of oak and was polished to an almost golden sheen, and matched the brass casing beautifully. The drawer had slots for paper money and little bowls for each of the different coins. It was truly a marvel.
Bret smiled. "It came I see. Should make things better. No more figuring long numbers, it will be a lot faster," he spoke in a tone of awe. Bret was fascinated by new inventions. He loved to see how things worked.
Dolph grinned. "It is a beauty. We'll be a lot faster and more accurate. Say, how is Shawn?" he asked.
Jason responded before Bret. "He's fine. Thank you for helping, so the Helmsleys could be there. It means a lot that all of you cared so much about finding Poppa." His warm smile added to his thankful speech.
Dolph smiled even brighter. "Pshaw, it was nothing. I'm just glad Shawn is back and safe. I hope Adam is alright. Don't mind telling you, I was a bit surprised to see that school is closed until Wednesday," he laughed as he patted his son on the head.
Wade chuckled. "The children deserve a bit of a holiday after all their efforts for the fair. Adam is fine, just needed some rest. Everything will be back to normal soon and yes, you'll still have your class party on Friday afternoon," he gave Michael a sly wink. The superintendent knew by supper time news of the party would have spread to every student of the Maple Street School.
Michael thanked Wade, then ran upstairs where his siblings and the Helmsley children were playing. The adults laughed when happy "hurrays" echoed down the stairs.
"Well gentlemen, what can I do for you?" Dolph said with a clap of his hands as he stuck his pencil behind his ear and smoothed down his work apron.
Bret rubbed his chin. "I need six fishing poles, six creels, hooks, sinkers and lines, along with some good lures," he turned to Wade. "We needed new ones anyway," he winked at his nephew. Bret hoped the new equipment would be used more often than their old fishing poles.
Dolph happily led them to the corner of the store where he displayed all his hunting and fishing merchandise. It was a big part of his business. People came from as far as Helena or even from Billings to fish the Missouri River and its tributaries, the spring trout run was famous. People booked from year to year at the Helmsley Arms, and the Hardy Brothers did a brisk side business as river guides.
Bret and Wade started looking at the poles, and tested how they felt in their hands. Jason watched almost shyly. He'd been fishing, but only on a sea boat and the captain had supplied the huge poles. The sea poles were much, much longer, thicker and had extremely flexible tips. He'd watched Heath fish a few times, but that was all, and at that Heath used a stick with a string.
Bret noticed Jason was just watching, he thought Jason almost looked... shy. "Son, what's wrong? Just pick and pole and see how it feels."
Jason actually flushed. When he was in his own element, at the hotel, he was confident, but with something outside of that, he was hesitant. "I don't know what to look for. I've only ever been deep sea fishing, and it's different. You don't cast like I've seen Heath do. You just put the pole in a rack and wait for the fish to take the bait," he explained with a sheepish look on his face.
For the next little while, Bret and Wade helped Jason pick a fishing pole. Bret also picked one for Shawn and Heath while Wade chose one for Adam. When they left for the stables, Dolph was a very happy merchant. It was the largest purchase of the month, so far.
By two that afternoon, the family was happily fishing in a beautiful spot where the water was fairly swift. It was near the last bend before the water cascaded over the falls. Shawn was an expert and he and Bret were soon in a heated rivalry to catch the most, and of course, the biggest fish. The younger men settled on the blankets and started to enjoy the picnic tea. Wade and Jason had built a small fire pit with a ring of river rocks so they could put the coffee on to boil.
Vince and the horrible days prior were forgotten, at least for the moment. Bret had been right, an outing in the fresh air was much needed. Wade and Adam quietly talked together and Jason's head rested in Heath's lap.
Adam and Jason loved hearing their poppa's happy laughter as he caught a huge brown trout. They laughed as they heard Bret growl in playful competition. One thing the boys knew for sure, they would have plenty of fresh fish for dinner.
Bret was finally ready to give up, the lure of food and a hot cup of coffee finally forced its hand. He declared Shawn the winner, which meant Bret would have clean all of the fish they intended to eat.
"Well done, Shawn! I've been trying to beat him for years. I am impressed! If you hunt as well, we will have plenty of meat for the winter. Speaking of, what about our hunting trip, Uncle?" Wade asked, brow raised as Bret poured himself and Shawn cups of coffee.
Bret handed Shawn his cup, then sat down on the blanket. "Well, I don't know. We can't all go, the cabin isn't big enough. But, we do need to hunt, it's our winter meat," he rubbed his chin thoughtfully. It was a week he and Wade always looked forward to.
Both Shawn and Adam knew about the trip Bret and Wade made each year during the first week of November. The school closed for that week for the same reason. Everyone hunted for their winter meat, and it also meant leather and hides for the year's shoes and other things. Shawn, Adam and Heath had already planned to do their final canning of the last fruits and vegetables. They would also make pickles and preserves.
Shawn spoke up. "No reason you and Wade shouldn't go. You'll be out of our way in the kitchen. Jason is going to be gone more at the hotel so Chris can do his winter cooking," he explained in a bit of a surprised tone. He didn't think the hunting trip was in question.
Wade looked surprised. "You don't mind if I go away, for a whole week? I thought you'd be... unhappy. Most husbands don't want their spouse away for that long," he looked at Adam. He'd do what ever Adam wanted, after all he was married now. He figured he'd have to give up some things, and he'd been prepared for that, as had Bret. It was just part of being in a loving relationship.
Adam put his hands on his hips. "Wade Barrett, I am not a baby. I think I can manage without you for a week. Just make sure you get a couple of fat hares!" he spoke in an almost annoyed tone. He wasn't about to expect Wade to give up his hunting trip.
Bret's laugh deeply from his belly. "Well nephew, looks like we really did pick a coupla winners. I had the same worries as Wade. I figured we'd only get three days at most. Shawn, I love you. Adam, I love you as well, and I'll make sure you get a brace of the fattest hares we can find. Antelope, deer, hare, boar, and if we're really lucky, a bear," he rubbed his belly as he spoke. His eyes were still bright with mirth.
Adam sat back down and got a huge thank you kiss from Wade. When the kiss broke, another thought entered Adam's mind. "Hum... only red meat? What about turkey, duck and goose? I like fowl as well," his brow raised as he looked at Wade.
Wade smiled. "That's up to Ron and Kofi. They do the fowl hunting on our huge pond. We trade them, red meat for fowl. Oh, Kofi said they are saving goose down to make a bed for Rebecca, they are so excited, bless them. Kofi can't carry, but they have adjusted to the fact," Wade said with a bit of a sad sigh.
Adam frowned. "Oh, I never thought of that. They can't adopt can they? What happens to the black children who are orphans? Ron and Kofi would make wonderful parents," he too gave a sad sigh. It must be hard to be judged just by the color of one's skin.
Bret gave a bit of a growl. "It's not right, and yes they would make great parents. Jerry tries once in a while and has over the years, but he's always told no, the courts just won't allow it. The black orphans stay in their own building at the orphanage in Helena. They stay till they are twenty-one, then they are given five dollars, a suit of clothes, a pair of boots and a handshake. Most start working in the mines at sixteen, so at least they have jobs. They live in company shanty shacks. The Chinamen were treated so badly they finally moved to California and started their own community in the town of San Francisco," Bret explained with a look of disgust in his eyes.
The family was quiet for a moment as they each contemplated the bitter unfairness of the outside world. They all wished they could do something about it. In the meanwhile, they were each, shamefully, grateful they were white men. It was a terrible thing to be grateful for, and they knew it, but it was also human nature, which try as they might, no human could change.
While Bret cleaned the string of fish, Wade and Jason tended to Ribbon and Chica. Shawn, Adam and Heath cleaned up the picnic area, washed the plates and other things, then folded the blankets.
The two golden horses were hitched to the buggy. The family piled in and with Bret at the reigns headed back to town. Despite the talk about Ron and Kofi, they were relaxed and felt better than they had in days.
Bret gave a tisking sound as he drove over the prairie. "Bandaged hand and all, you still beat me. You are a master fisherman." He had a note of admiration in his voice and a gleam of pride in his eye as he winked at Shawn.
Shawn smiled slyly. "I learned from some of the best. One armed Pete was the greatest of them all. So what's a bandaged hand?" he laughed happily.
Jason and Adam looked at each other and smiled. Adam spoke up. "I remember Pete. He taught us how to sail the little toy boat in the Frog Pond in the Common." His eyes lit up at the happy memory. Jason's did as well.
"That's right boys. Jason was eight and you were six. Pete really loved you boys. He lost his arm trying to save your grandfather," Shawn sighed. He had been told the story when he was old enough to understand.
"He did?" Jason asked, his brow arched. As far as he remembered, Shawn had never told them the details about how their grandfather had drowned.
"He'd been tossed overboard when a big wave hit. Pete saw him, he tried to toss your grandfather a rope. There was another wave, the rope got tangled around Pete's arm and other parts of the rigging. It nearly ripped his arm off, and he did lose it from the elbow down, when they couldn't save it. He felt guilty for a long time. Mother finally convinced him there was nothing he could have done to save my father. He and your grandmother became life long friends. Old Pete taught me all I know about the crab business. He loved you boys as well, he always said you looked like your grandfather, Jason," Shawn finished telling the story as Bret pulled the buggy to a halt in front of the house. The sun hung low in the sky.
"Better get that fish cooking. I'll take the buggy back," Bret said to his family as they unloaded the buggy.
While Bret was gone, Jason and Wade put away the new fishing gear in the small shed in the back yard. After that, they put the picnic things back in their place on the washing porch. Heath was busy making biscuits and Adam was getting potatoes ready to bake. Instead of frying the fish, Shawn was baking it with lemons and pepper. He was nervous about it, he'd never served the dish outside of Boston. He hoped Bret would like it, after all, people here ate their fish fried or smoked.
Jason sniffed the aroma as he and Wade came back into the house. "Poppa! Lemon fish! My favorite!" he happily helped Heath set the table.
For a big meal, they would eat in the more formal room. Everyone was seated around the table as they waited for Bret. By the time Bret came home, dinner was nearly ready. He explained his lateness as he took his place at the head of the dining room table.
"I sold the colts to Neidhart. He paid three hundred dollars apiece. Jim said he was glad to know you were safe, Shawn. He also said to tell you the closing of the school was fine and under the circumstances, you can finish giving the tests next week. Ron is riding on the train with the colts. So, it's another fine sale for Hart Palominos," Bret spoke with happiness in his eyes. He was proud of his horses and the premium prices they commanded.
Shawn smiled. "I'm proud for you my darling. It must be a bit like raising children. You are with them from birth, train them to behave the best you can. You keep them well fed and clean, provide love and courage. They show off the things you've taught them, then you're rewarded as you see them go off to homes of their own, to continue to make you proud," he paused to laugh then continued. "Well, you know what I mean. Of course you don't sell your children, but you do hope they will take what you teach them and make good," he said as he gave Jason a wink and smiled proudly.
Bret laughed. "A very good comparison actually. It does pull my heart a bit when I load them onto the train or see them go off with their new owners. At least I know with Jim, these colts will have a good home. I always try to be sure, but sometimes with the city buyers, you are never sure," he spoke thoughtfully. Shawn had put it very well and he was impressed.
Wade nodded. "Very well said, Shawn. Thanks Uncle. I knew Jim would understand about the school..." he was cut short as Adam and Heath began to bring in the platters of delicious food.
After Shawn said grace, he watched anxiously as Bret tasted his lemon pepper fish for the first time, as were Wade and Heath. He smiled as he watched Jason dig in happily. Adam also smiled as the wonderful taste washed over his tongue.
Bret took a bite of the baked fish and tasted it carefully, like it was a fine wine, then smiled. "Beats fried fish by a mile. You can make this again, anytime. Excellent, Sunflower." He took another huge bite and kept smiling. Heath and Wade added their praises as well. Shawn was very pleased, now he knew he could make more of the dishes he loved to serve in Boston.
After the delicious dinner, Wade and Jason cleaned up, then joined the others. They played one of their favorite parlor games, charades. Adam and Wade won the night when no one guessed their tableau of Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol. They then explained it would be the play the school children would put on for the town.
It was nearly one o'clock in the morning as the family headed up the stairs to go to bed. As Jason kissed Heath goodnight at the bedroom door of Heath's room, they heard a loud knocking at the front door that made Heath jump. Adam, Wade, Bret and Shawn came quickly out of their respective rooms. Bret told Shawn, Adam and Heath to stay upstairs as he, Jason and Wade went to answer the door. Nothing good could be calling at that time of the night.
Bret cracked the door open, and when he saw it was Hunter, he opened the door fully. Hunter stepped into the house.
The sheriff spoke in a grim tone. "I've got some bad news."