Chapter 23
Boston
Wednesday 17th December, 1873
Michaela joined her family outside the hospital. Brian was relieved to see her"So, what shall we do now"
"Angie and I would like to see some Boston shops before going back to Philadelphia, so we don't have much time left! I don't think we'll be able to visit Pa again" replied Colleen.
Michaela wasn't very pleased that her daughter preferred to do some window-shopping rather than to visit her father, but she decided not to press on the subject"It's OK. Before you leave Boston, go to your Grandma's home and see if we're there so we say our goodbye's. If we're not, never mind."
"OK don't worry Ma"
"If we don't meet again, I'll see you next Sunday at home" sighed Michaela, longing to be home and have all this finished.
"Yeah, see you Sunday" replied Colleen as she hugged her family and kissed them goodbye.
Colleen was about to leave with her best friend when suddenly Peter descended the hospital steps and approached them.
"I see you're leaving. Is everything OK" he asked Michaela.
"Yes Peter, thanks. After Sully leaves here, tell me how much I owe you."
"Michaela, it's free for you, and your family."
"But, Peter… I can't accept that" Michaela insisted.
"You know me too well Michaela... I mean what I say."
"Ah well... if you say so" Michaela sighed giving up.
"However, I have something to ask you."
"Tell me. I'm all ears"
"Are you sure you won't mind Angie coming at your home for Christmas"
"Oh don't worry Peter. I'm more than glad to have her. She will be in good hands" Michaela reassured him.
"Oh I don't doubt that! It's better if you enjoy the few hours you've left in Boston now"
"Yes, you're right. Bye Peter, and thanks once again" Michaela waved him goodbye.
"You're welcome" Peter bowed while Angela approached him.
"I'll leave soon, after going a little round town, but I'll go to say goodbye to mother. Well, I don't know when I'll see you again" sighed Angela.
"It's OK dear, just go and have fun OK"
"OK... don't think I forgot your presents . They're ready packed at home. I'll send them over when I get back there."
"I don't care about presents, you know that"
"I did it because I wanted to"
"It's OK... who told you I'll throw your present away" Peter laughed as he hugged his daughter.
"I have to go. Bye, and a big Merry Christmas"
"Bye dear, I'll miss you" Peter concluded as he saw his daughter and her friend disappear in the crowd.
"So, we're going or not" Brian inquired for the tenth time in the last hour.
"Brian... be patient! We couldn't leave Colleen alone while Angie talked to her father! Besides, you seem very impatient. Is there somewhere you'd like to go"
"No..." Brian lied.
"Come on let's move" ordered Elisabeth.
Rebecca was curious"Where would you like to go Michaela"
"Uhm... just to visit some old shops, nowhere in particular" she replied as they started walking towards the most famous Boston stores.
The afternoon went by, and when Michaela, Elisabeth, Rebecca and the kids got home, it was already tea-time.
"Could you serve tea, please" Elisabeth asked Mary as soon as they entered the sitting room, to find Lt. Rabb chatting with Mark.
Elisabeth greeted him"Good afternoon Lt. Rabb. To what do we owe the honour of this visit"
"Good afternoon Mrs. Quinn, ladies. I came here to let you know that we've found Mr. Tyner and now he's safe in jail."
Rebecca worried"And how long will he remain there"
"Till we arrest those three men" Lt. Rabb replied.
"And if it takes you months to catch them... or even years" Rebecca insisted. This didn't go unnoticed by all those present.
"If we see too much time is going by and we still haven't caught them, then we'll find a better solution."
"And this solution would be"
"Well, we could change his name, work, town... give him a new identity."
"And how do you plan to have him recognize them if he's locked up and can't see the people in the streets" Rebecca was becoming hysterical, and Michaela placed her hands on her sister's shoulders.
"A drawer from the army will go to his room tomorrow, and will ask Mr. Tyner to describe the men, so as he can sketch their faces. Then we'll publish the pictures in newspapers so as to catch them"
"Seems like a good plan to me" interjected Elisabeth before Rebecca could ask another question.
"Michaela joined in and helped her mother"Yes, I agree."
"Good. I'll obviously keep you informed" he started to leave.
"Thanks Lt. Rabb" whispered Rebecca.
"Oh you're welcome. Now if you'll excuse me I need to get back to my office. Good evening, ladies."
"Good evening" saluted Elisabeth.
As he passed by Rebecca he whispered"Jason can receive visits from people he cares for."
Rebecca nodded and smiled. With this done, Lt. Rabb left the house.
Michaela was curious"What did he tell you"
"Oh... nothing"
As they were having tea, Matthew arrived and Brian rushed to him. After a little while, they both entered the sitting room.
"Ma, Matthew's gonna take me to the Boston Globe" announced Brian.
Michaela was confused"Are you sure you're up to it Matthew"
"Yes Ma, I am. Don't worry" Matthew replied and turned to leave, but Elisabeth stopped him.
"Matthew, you look... well... a little disordered! Your hair's in a mess and so is your cravat! And the neck of that shirt is all crumpled. Where have you been"
Matthew blushed but knew his answer"Only to the hospital! See you for dinner"
"See you're in time" Michaela called after him as her two sons left the house again.
"He didn't convince me" muttered Elisabeth still staring at where Matthew had been standing a few seconds before.
"I wasn't convinced either, but it's none of our business mother. Drink that tea or it will get cold" replied Michaela, knowing very well what Matthew had been doing at the hospital.
"What is it you exactly want from Alex? Why didn't you tell her before" Matthew inquired.
"I did tell her this morning when I went to open the door and she told me to go to her home tonight cause I also need her father" Brian defended himself.
"What are ya talkin' about? What does her father have ta do with ya"
Brian eyed him, before deciding to reveal"I want to change my surname like you did, and this is the best occasion"
"An' did ya talk to Alex 'bout this"
Brian began to lose his temper"Yeah! I already told ya"
Matthew pondered"How come she didn't tell me"
"Well maybe you were too busy doin' other things" teased Brian, only to get a very serious look from his brother.
They kept talking until they arrived at Alex's house. Matthew knocked and a maid appeared, recognizing him.
"Mr. Sully! We weren't expecting you" she gasped.
"I know, but I need to talk to Ms. Walker, and so does my brother" he pointed at Brian.
"Pleased to meet you Master Sully. Come on in" she let them in the sitting room"I'll go call Ms. Parker"
"I didn't remember Boston maids to be so open and friendly" commented Brian after the maid had left.
"Like Mark and Mary at grandma's, Alex's servants are more like friends than servants."
Alex arrived in the room immediately. She smiled as she remembered what had happened between them, and realised he was still in a mess.
"What happened Mat" she asked softly.
Brian didn't let Matthew reply"I've come to change my surname"
"Oh yes, I had forgotten all about that! Come on, I'll take you to my father's office."
They walked behind her as she took them to her father. She entered the room and they followed slowly.
James stood up and greeted her"Hey Al... Oh Matthew! What a nice surprise! Is there something I can do for you"
"Yeah..." Matthew started.
"... I'd like to change my surname" Brian interjected.
James look confused at them both, but Matthew remedied"He's Brian... my brother."
"Oh... pleased to meet you son! So, what is your surname and what would you like it to become" he asked as he went to sit down at his desk once again.
However, Alex had other plans"Father, do you mind if we leave Brian here and go collect a present I forgot about earlier"
"Oh yes sure! But don't leave this poor boy for too long in the company of an old man like me"
"We won't be long" she ended the conversation hastily and they left the room.
Matthew was completely confused"Where exactly are we going? What's this present you're talkin" about"
"I just thought we'd check again if Lt. Rabb is in his office so we can talk to him about our plan."
"Oh yeah, good idea! Let's go"
They soon arrived at the army's headquarters, and located once again Lt. Rabb's office, and to their luck, he was there! He immediately recognized Matthew:
"Mr. Sully, Ms..."
"Parker... Alexandra Parker. She's my fiancée" they shook hands and sat down.
"Pleased to meet you. So, what can I do for you"
Matthew and Alex looked at each other and Alex hesitated. He took her hand in his and placed it on his lap. She nodded and started speaking.
"I... I know the man who tried to kill Byron Sully."
"GREAT! Tell me their names so I can go get them" he rose from his chair and started putting his cloak on.
"NO! Please... sit back down. I said I know who tried to kill him... who shot... not his two friends... and I'm not telling you"
Lt. Rabb sank in his chair and just stared at them. Matthew didn't say a single word.
"But why... what do you mean? Can you please explain"
This time, Matthew answered"We've got a plan and we'd like you to help us carry it out"
Lt. Rabb put his cloak back and dropped his sword on the table. "Let's hear"
Alex squeezed Matthew's hand and he squeezed hers back, encouraging her to start"Some time ago a man approached me and asked me to go out with him but I refused. He threatened me and said I'd see him again, which in fact I did. Then one day, Byron Sully got shot and we found him and... well, this man came to me again and told me he had shot at Byron and would hurt Mat... Matthew... as well if I didn't marry him instead of Matthew..."
Alex paused and Lt. Rabb was curious"So what's your plan"
"Well, this man said he'd come again to talk to me at the end of this school year so that I go and marry him. If not, he'd kill Matthew, so I've got to marry him..."
Repeating all these words, which were her deepest fears, made Alex very scared. Matthew took over"We beleive he'll keep his word so we thought of this plan... you, Lt. Rabb, would have to kindly put two soldiers following Alex everywhere she goes from now on till the end of school term, so as if this man decides to approach her, she'll make a signal to them so they know he's the guy and can follow him. In this way you'd get to know where he lives, and maybe also discover who his friends are. As soon as we identify all three of them, you'll be able to arrest them and all is finished."
Lt. Rabb wasn't convinced"What if he waits for Alexandra to go to him and doesn't contact her first... and upon seeing she doesn't show up, just harms you"
Matthew started to explain"She doesn't know where to find him, so he can't expect her to do that, and..."
Alex interrupted"... Yes, I know where to find him"
Matthew stared at her and so did Lt. Rabb. This was getting more complicated by the minute.
Alex took a deep breath"Once, I entered the wrong lecture room and saw him seated in the front row and he saw me... it was a medical lecture... so if I need to find him I know where to go, and he knows that I know"
"This brings us to what I said before! What if he just kills Matthew seeing you don't show up"
"I... I dunno then" admitted Matthew.
"Then I suggest we don't only follow Alexandra, but also you Matthew! If he should approach any of you, we'll be ready"
Matthew started to feel better"So what do you think of our plan"
"I usually arrest every suspect as soon as I get his identity, but this situation includes three potential killers so it's very delicate. I'll help you execute your plan because it seems to be the best solution indeed. So, what's the guy's name"
"John… John Smith" answered Alex.
Suddenly a thought struck Lt. Rabb and he smiled broadly at them.
"If he studies medicine, the University must have some sort of address where to send his results! So, why don't I just go to the faculty of medicine and ask for his address? It would save us the time of waiting till he shows up"
Matthew congratulated him"It's a brilliant idea"
"Will the University give you the address" inquired Alex.
"Sure! Anyone not co-operating with the law can be accused of complicity"
Matthew was totally confused once again"So, what's the new plan"
"Tomorrow morning I'll go to the University and get Mr. Smith's address. Then I'll place two soldiers in front of his home so we identify him and maybe his two friends. If the drawings Mr. Tyner will supply match with three men entering the house, we arrest them! There's no need to put soldiers behind any of you. Hopefully, in a week's time, all will be solved"
"Looks like you'll be very busy for Christmas Lt. Rabb" commented Matthew.
"Oh, we're busy all year round. I'll keep you informed"
"Yes please, but don't say anything to our family members" pleaded Alex.
"Don't worry, I'll respect your wishes"
Matthew added"One last question… what about Jason Tyner"
"He'll remain in prison till we arrest them, but it shouldn't be very long now! Don't worry Ms. Parker. We'll get that John Smith fellow, and he'll bother you no more" nodded Lt. Rabb.
"I hope so because I can't stand all this anymore" she sighed.
On their way home, they both remained silent for a long while. Alex finally burst out"I have a bad feeling about it."
"There's no need to! Everythin' will be fine till I get back from the Christmas holidays"
Are you so sure?
When they arrived at the Parker's house they thought Brian would be bored to death, but on the contrary he was having a lot of fun playing football with James in their big sitting room. They had moved the sofas and the rest of the furniture against the walls, so they had a wide space in the center. Brian was standing in the middle, between two piles of books placed a little away form each other. James was wearing only his trousers and an open shirt, hardly covering his bare chest. He had removed his boots, cravat and jacket. He had a small ball at his feet and gave it a powerful kick towards Brian, who didn't manage to prevent it from getting past him. Both Matthew and Alex were speechless.
"Haha! I got you" shouted James.
Immediately footsteps could be heard and Roberta appeared in the room. Like Matthew and Alex, she remained open-mouthed.
"James Parker! What on earth are you doing" she demanded.
James stopped jumping and put his hands behind his back, hanging his head forward, like a little child caught red-handed.
"I... I was just playing Bobby" he said slowly, trying to soften his wife.
"You could have hurt that poor boy"
"But I didn't"
"Now stop fooling around, dress up and put everything back in its place" she glared at her husband, then turning to Brian"Brian dear, come with me. Let's give you something to drink" and they left the room.
James looked at his daughter and her fiancé and they burst out laughing.
"Oh father.. you behave like a child sometimes"
Matthew whispered"We have to go now Al, or Ma will be very worried"
"Yes, you're right. See you tomorrow then" she kissed him softly, then watched him leave the house with his brother.
Alex went up to her room and Roberta entered the sitting room once more where her husband was putting on his shoes.
"What got into you James"
He didn't look at her, knowing he'd hurt her with his next words. He sighed and softly whispered"I never had a little boy to play ball with."
She understood what he meant and sat down on the sofa next to him, placing her hand on his thigh.
"James, I too wish we had another child, preferably a boy for you... you know we tried a hundred times... but, we can't have more children..."
"Maybe we should try again" he whispered again looking into her eyes"Is... is it the right time"
She smiled and nodded, getting up and sitting on James' lap. She placed her hands against her husband's bare chest and played with the familiar hair she found there. She kissed him softly, first on his lips, then started moving towards his ear.
"You… you're as beautiful as when we got married," he whispered.
"So are you, my love."
She started kissing his chest, first one nipple and then another. She could feel his desire for her growing, as he lay helplessly on the sofa, letting his wife killing him with her ministrations… she knew she had succeeded. But he could take it no more… he wanted her…
"You... you hungry" he asked, already breathless.
"Yes... hungry for you"
He waited no more... picked up his wife and carried her upstairs, locking their bedroom door so as not to be disturbed. Very soon, moans could be heard as they both reached their climax. Alex thought something had happened and was about to knock, but stopped when she heard those strange noises coming from behind the door. She knew those noises well enough and retired to her room, very pleased to realise that her parents were loving each other once again.
End of Chapter 23
