Chapter 4 [Two Hours Later—Dubois Farm, Wabash, NY]
Summer sagged across Upstate New York's countryside. Sol heated Fields and warmed Crops. Previous day's Downpour muddied fields but nourished Corn and Fruit. Orchards' Apples ripened on Branches. Berries and Peaches sat in Region's Produce Aisles. A few birds warbled notes from their roosts.
Some folks prepared for Harvest. Others pursued more urban tasks….
Dubois inspected Glass Bottles lined up across the counter. Apple Picking Season loomed a mere three weeks away. Corn Stalks Waved in Breeze. Much as he and his late father-in-law had done years earlier, he'd pick Fresh Ears in those fields. Mr. Baumann's apples fulfilled Recipes' bounty. "Everything's looking great." Anticipation over next month's Apple Pie and Apple Cake broadened Smirk across his face.
Knowing his wife's love for those particular desserts, he'd have them ready soon after the first orchard trip. Apple Sauce with Brown Sugar would fill Bottles.
Memoria recalled Shared Joke with Mother-in-Law. Years Past saw drives north from Fall River and Dartmouth. Upon Arrival, he'd step out. Nose would sniff deep of Air around Barnyard. Then, Smile would spread wide across his face. "I SMELL APPLE CAKE!"
"LAND SAKES, YOUR NOSE IS AS SHARP AS A RAZOR!" Jennifer Blackwell yelled out the window. Of course, she knew he teased her. Twinkle danced in her eyes even as Wooden Spoon waved in her hand.
"Angie needs something like that." Consternation's deep breath sucked into his lungs. He'd asked her to take it easy before Illness took her as well. She let it go in one ear and out the other. In that regard, she was as bad as he was. Cough escaped his lips. "She'll get one treat at least." Numbness unsettled him. "Now what's bothering him?" His eyes turned toward Calendar's reminders. "The academic year's ready to start. Can't believe it's starting already." Break's mention reminded him of Peter and the others to the south. "Empire State should be starting up soon. Hope those kids are okay." He shook his head. "Last thing we need is for the Rider and its crew to make trouble."
Elaine Yates had confirmed as much with him a few days earlier.
Angie mailed that letter last week. They should've got it a few days ago. I hope they could use those herbs. Miss Stacy mentioned she makes sauce. I hope Mr. Parker doesn't run into the Glee Squad in the meantime. He rolled his eyes. He moved Bottles onto Pantry's shelves. I should give them a call.
Phone's Ring broke into his thoughts.
"Now who?" He reached for the phone. "Good afternoon, Dubois Farm."
"Professor? Hi! It's Peter Parker from the City. How are you, Sir?" Peter glanced back at Gwen and her father. "Everyone all right up there?"
"Well! I was just thinking of you, Peter. We're good up here. I've got a couple more days until the start of the semester. Any other sightings down your way?" Dubois settled onto High Stool by Counter. Nervous Vibes sparked over the connection.
"Nothing since that night. Your letter came today a few days ago. Gwen wanted to thank your wife and you for those herbs. She used them in her sauce. That was really good. Thanks. We were wondering if that invitation's still open for next week? Gwen, her father, my Aunt May and I wanted to come up to Wabash next month if that's all right?" Peter glanced at his aunt and the Stacys. "I didn't want to seem like we're inviting ourselves."
"Nonsense! She's at the hospital. I'm teaching in Eagle Plain. There's the County Fair. That you should come up here for. I have some more of that stuff for you too. It'd be great to meet your aunt. Let me check with Dr. Dubois. Maybe you might check with your newspaper?" Dubois tapped his fingers against the counter.
"Actually, Ms. Mercado wants us to cover the fair. Aunt May was up at the fair years ago. She knew this couple, Bill and Jennifer Blackwell. You wouldn't know where their farm is?" Peter saw Aunt May nod in confirmation.
Dubois coughed. "I most certainly do. I'm on it right now. Those folks were my in-laws and the best people. So, you know it too. I'll need to ask Dr. Dubois about that when she comes back in for the night. Your aunt's name?"
"Ask Dr. Dubois about Ben and May Parker." Peter nodded to his aunt. Thumbs Up signaled the Stacys.
"Well, that would be something! Either way, it'll make for great conversation. As I said, let me double check with Dr. Dubois. If you do come up here, maybe we can do that Underground Railroad angle too? Sorry, I don't have any definite answers right now. Maybe you can check back in a day or two?" Dubois winced. As far as Necessity was concerned, the answer was yes. Consideration, however, demanded the request toward Better Half.
"That works. Mr. Dubois, my City Editor suggested I talk to a prof down here in the City. Jennifer Dubois? You know her?" Peter read over his notes again on that angle.
"She's a family friend. That'd be a great idea. It would give an additional academic perspective. She's very familiar with Wabash's history all right. I recommend that very highly. She's also aware of our Pilgrim Problem. Still, make sure the door's shut when that comes up. We don't want any more trouble. I can let her know you're coming." Dubois scribbled a few notes on Legal Pad for a later call. "You can talk to Brother Tony as well. He says hello by the way. We'll head out to the County Historical Society. I'll check with Professor Masters and see if she'll be around if you want. Maybe you might call her as well? Her number's (529)577-0001 at the college."
Peter scribbled the number down. He tried to digest Opportunities coming together from that call alone. "Mr. Robertson would love the fair angle and Baumann's. Professor Masters might have something about the Underground Railroad history you mentioned last time."
"She certainly does. So do I. There are a few places beside this house around here that served as stations. We'll go and look at them." Dubois scanned the calendar. "I also want to speak with you about our friends too. I've got an idea that will help you. I was going to suggest that you might do dinner with the Campbells. Kelly's folks are really glad that she has friends down there. They asked me to pass along their invite for dinner while you're up here."
"That would be great. We'll see Kelly tomorrow at ESU. I'll definitely let Gwen and her Dad know. She's a really great friend too. If she's going up there, she'll want a chili burger I guess. You know about those?" Peter scratched his head.
"Dr. Dubois' addicted to them. They are good." Dubois shook his head. He saw his wife's car park in front of the house. "Just a minute! She just got home. Be right back." He set the phone down and made his way outside. "Hi! How was your day?"
She shrugged. "Not as bad today. I managed to get off a few hours early because of the week overall. How are you?" She embraced him. "You're in a good mood."
"Peter Parker's on the phone from the City. He, his aunt, his girlfriend and Dad want to come up for the fair. I hope that's okay." Dubois shrugged.
"Of course! We'll be all right barring some sort of medical emergency in Eagle Plain." She led them inside. She took the phone. "Good afternoon, Peter! Everything all right there?"
"We're fine, Dr. Dubois. Thanks! Gwen got your envelope a few days ago. Thanks for those herbs and the bay leaves. She made a great sauce with them tonight. How are you doing?" Peter glanced over at Gwen and her father. He listened intently.
"We're all right. I've been busy at the medical center. Everything will be ready for you folks. We just need to make your beds. Professor Dubois says you'll be here for the fair. That'll be fine. We'll have a special dinner when you arrive. You'll love the fair. Lots to do and see! You let us know if there's anything we can do for you before you get here."
"Do you have a minute? My aunt wanted to talk with you." He stretched Receiver's Cord over to Aunt May's side.
"Yes? Hello! My name is May Parker. I'm Peter's aunt. We came up there years ago for that county fair. It was such a great time! Peter and Gwen have a classmate, Kelly Campbell, that's from Wabash. I remember a couple up there that was so nice! Their names were Bill and Jennifer Blackwell. Jennifer and her daughter were something else! Do you know them?"
Dr. Dubois shook her head. "I'm the daughter you're speaking of. Jennifer was my mother. Wait! I remember a Miss Riley. Goodness me! Is that you?"
Aunt May brightened. "That's right! Ben and I hadn't been married yet. It is a small world! I do not want to put you out. I want to see you but…."
"Put us out? Are you kidding me, Mrs. Parker? It's a good thing my parents didn't hear you say that. You most certainly will not be putting us out! Do you still do those crafts? If you have anything, the crafts judging deadline's not for another two weeks. Your foliage quilt in fact is on a bed upstairs. Momma took excellent care of it. So do we. Trust me."
"Really?" Aunt May shook her head. "I never knew what happened to it. Well, if your mother enjoyed it, it was worth it. Yes. I have a few things I put together over the years. I can pick something out."
"That's great! I know the fair organizers are looking for entries. I'll make a few calls. I'll leave the information with the Stacys. I'm looking forward to seeing what you come up with. If you want to come up for the entire run of the fair, just let us know. We can meet you in Albany at the train station," Dr. Dubois invited.
"I would like that very much! There is so much I would like to see. Those nice neighbors of yours too if they're still there!" Aunt May expressed.
"It would be the next generation but yes, they're there. They'll remember Mr. Parker, I'm sure. Well, I don't want to run up Captain Stacy's phone bill. Give us a call. If Dave or I aren't here, the answering machine will get it. Thank you for talking with me. Oh, this takes me back! You have a marvelous night! See you in a few weeks! Take care." Angie hung up. "I'm glad that worked out." She glanced across the living room toward the converted deck/greenhouse. "They enjoyed their sauce with that stuff."
"I might have a surprise next month." Dubois pointed to the pantry. "Someone deserves a treat. I don't know who but I think we know her." He rubbed her shoulder.
"Oh really?" Snort escaped from her lips. "You'd better deliver on that, you Turkey!" Mischief glinted in her eyes. "Let's hope nothing comes up in the meantime."
"Maybe Nyoki can come to dinner too? I'd like them to meet Jolene Masters and her as well." Dubois set a filter into Coffee Maker's basket. He spooned grounds in. "Give me a second. Good stuff coming out."
She nodded. I just hope there are no issues before they get here. She watched her husband finish prepping Coffee's perk into Waiting Carafe.
If only they could relax….
[Stacy Residence, New York]
Aunt May handed Receiver back to Peter. "Well, I'll be!" She reclined in Chair's soft cushions. Hand rubbed Forehead. "That is one for the ages!"
Peter hung up. Prime Fifteen Minutes would burn a hole in the phone bill. I wish I could've made that call from the Bugle. I can't risk Robbie or worse Jonah hearing me talk about our ghost problem. At least everything's coming together. Besides, what's going on with Aunt May. He put his hand on Aunt May's shoulder. "What is it, Aunt May? Did you know her parents?"
Aunt May smiled and nodded. "I most certainly did! And I knew her as well! Tell me, did you see a quilt on one of the beds with Autumn Leaf Colors on it?" Her eyes twinkled.
"No way! There was one like that on my bed up there! That was yours?" Gasp escaped Gwen's mouth. "That sure kept my little toes warm!" Angle registered for Impending Story in her mind.
"I won a blue ribbon for it. I left it up there. Lord knows that Ben and I had enough quilts and blankets in our house! We meant to go back but time got away from us." Lament and Wistfulness misted over in her eyes. "And it was up there the whole time. She remembered me."
"That makes our experience extra special, Aunt May." Peter beamed ear to ear. "It'll make that time on the phone worth it. At least, my bonus money can cover it."
Stacy nodded. "It sounded like a good investment. You affirmed your plans for next month. You discovered yet another potential story. I hope there was a lead involved?" He drank from his tea. He'd watched Peter talking to their soon-to-be hosts intently. Promise seemed apparent.
We have a place to stay while we're at the fair. Mr. Dubois also wanted to do the Underground Railroad angle. He also backed up Robbie's interview source here in the City and offered me another one up there," Peter added.
"She invited me to submit something for judging! Goodness gracious! I'll have to go through my quilts and Afghans!" Aunt May mused over Personal Craft Inventory on that note.
"Sounds like a plan, Mrs. P! Maybe I can help pick out one?" Interest perked again in Gwen's mind. "That could be another culture article to distract from that other stuff." She started Coffee's perking. "Just a sec! I'll have that good stuff in a jiff!"
"Thank you, Gwendolyn. I would like that very much! I've been meaning to have you over for coffee and to talk. I would like to talk about that village and the Blackwells' farm," Aunt May agreed.
"We'll beat her up there. She won't be there before Monday you said. Right?" She rubbed his shoulder. "Just keep the faith, Mr. P. We'll be okay." She kissed him on the cheek.
"Let's focus on preparing for the trip. I'm sure everything else will work out." Stacy stood from his chair. "I believe we have something else coming?" He watched Gwen bring Cherry Pie to the table.
"Just relax. It's going to be okay. I've got some of that groovy dessert. Bet it wows the mouth and pleases our bellies!" She headed back toward the fridge for more goodies.
Positive Vibes were definitely in the air….