Chapter 25

Boston

Friday 19th December, 1873

"So what's the name of this student whose address you said you wanted?" the attendant asked.

"It's John Smith," Lt. Rabb replied for the third time to the nearly-deaf man.

The attendant flipped through a large number of pages until he found what he wanted.

"Here it is, Lt. Rabb. Would you like me to copy it for you?"

"No thanks. I've already memorised it. Thanks for co-operating with the justice. See that none of this comes out," Lt. Rabb threatened.

"No need to fear such a thing!" replied the old man.

"Good," was all he said before leaving the room.

He started descending the stairs, ready to leave the University, when he saw Matthew and Alex talking to two other teenagers whom he didn't' know. He approached the group.

"Ms. Parker, Mr. Sully... May I talk to you please?" he inquired and without waiting for an answer he gently pulled them out of earshot.

"I've got Smith's address. Now I'm personally going to stand watch in front of his house for some time. With the drawings Mr. Tyner provided it shouldn't take long to recognize him and his two friends, and keep an eye on them! I'll let you know if we discover anything."

"Thanks a lot Lt. Rabb," Matthew was pleased.

"You're welcome! I believe I'll see you again only in the next year Mr. Sully, so I'm wishing you from now a merry Christmas and a happy new year!"

"Same to you Lt. Rabb. I'll leave for the holidays on Sunday afternoon. Alex will let me know if ya have any news."

"Good... uhm, the exams are over right?" Lt. Rabb inquired.

"Yes. Today was our last one. We've just finished!" answered Alex.

Lt. Rabb inquired further: "How did you go?"

"Quite easy!" replied Matthew.

"I wish you luck then."

"Thanks a lot," said Alex and Matthew together.

"I'll go then. Happy holidays!"

As soon as Lt. Rabb had walked away from their friends, Tom and Mary went back to them.

"What's happening?" asked Mary.

Tom inquired further: "What's all this about?"

"Nothing!" lied Alex.

"Lt. Rabb just wanted ta talk to me about the investigations the army's carrying 'bout my father's case," continued Matthew.

However, Mary wasn't convinced, "And why did he want to talk to Alex as well?"

Alex and Matthew looked at each other. They knew their friends weren't fools, and wouldn't get away with it. Finally, Matthew nodded and Alex started, "It's a long story"

"We've got all the time we want! Let's go have a cup of coffee," replied Tom.

"To 'Denise's' or 'Kar…?" inquired Mary.

Nervously, Alex interrupted her friend: "The one nearest to here!"

"That would be 'Karen's'," supplied Matthew.

They left the staircase and went to the cafeteria, where Alex and Matthew told them everything, not leaving anything out. Mary and Tom stared at their friends for long, long minutes. None of them said anything... not a single word.

Mary finally managed to break the silence: "This looks dangerous."

"It is dangerous," Alex corrected her, "But everything's going to be fine. Don't worry."

"How can we not worry? What if something goes wrong?" Tom was alarmed.

Matthew stated: "Then we'd have to accept fate."

"Can we do something to help you?" Mary offered.

Alex and Matthew looked at each other once again before Matthew replied: "No, I don't think so."

Alex added: "As we told you, Lt. Rabb's going to take care of all."

Matthew said sternly: "Now see that ya keep the secret. Not a word to anyone 'bout all this."

"You have my word!" said Mary.

"Mine too," Tom added, "You also have my full support and help whenever you need it."

"We need all you've got to offer! Now, how 'bout you three comin' over to my grandma's house so I can give ya my presents?"

"Presents? Matthew you didn't have to!" Mary argued.

Tom confessed: "Well, actually I've got something for each of you as well!"

"Me too, if it comes to that," added Alex.

"OK, OK. I thought about you as well!" said Mary.

"So, we go?" Matthew inquired.

They left the cafeteria and soon arrived at Elisabeth's house. Beverley opened the door for them: "Good afternoon Mr. Sully."

"Good afternoon Beverley. Is the sitting room empty?" Matthew inquired.

"Yes, your grandma just went up for a little nap."

"Good," he told his servant and turned to his friends, "Please go in there an' wait for me."

Mary, Tom and Alex did as they were told, and Beverley returned to the kitchen.

"I don't know when I'll give him my present," Mary confessed once they sat down.

Tom offered: "Well, we could give it to him on Sunday before he leaves."

"That's a wonderful idea!" Alex jumped in.

Mary was curious: "Have you already given him your present?"

"Well... yes, sort of..." Alex mumbled.

Mary insisted: "What do you mean 'sort of'?"

"It's none of your business Mary!" Tom scolded her.

At that instant Matthew entered the room with two packages in his hand. He gave one to Mary: "This is for you. Merry Christmas."

She immediately opened it and found a shawl and a matching pair of gloves. "Thanks Mat! They're lovely!" she kissed his cheek.

"You're welcome. This is for you Tom, buddy."

Tom's present consisted of a brand new silver pen.

"Why, thanks Mat! You didn't have to!" they shook hands.

"You got nothing for Alex?" Mary inquired.

"Well... I already gave her my present," Matthew babbled.

"What is it?" she insisted.

"MARY HUNTER! How many times do I have to tell you that it's none of your business!" Tom shouted in anger.

"Actually he's right..." Alex said slowly.

"... for once," Matthew added, and they all burst out laughing at Tom's expense.

Tom changed the subject: "So, is everything all right for our dinner tonight? You haven't forgotten, have you?"

"No, we haven't. What do you think about meeting at Bob's round seven?" Alex suggested.

Matthew offered: "I could pick ya all up in one of grandma's carriages."

"That's a great idea... if it's of no trouble for you!" Mary corrected her outburst.

"Sure it's not! See you're ready by seven o'clock then," Matthew recommended her.

"Well, thanks Mat! You're great," said Tom.

"So, would ya like somethin' ta drink?" Matthew asked.

Mary declined the offer : "Well, we'd like to stay longer, but if I have to be ready by seven, I'd better leave now!"

"Same here. Thanks just the same Mat. See you tonight!" Tom added.

"Ok then. See ya tonight," Matthew accompanied them to the door.

Soon they were gone and Matthew returned to the sitting room where his fiancée was still seated on the sofa. He sat right beside her and asked : "Had Mary already asked ya what our presents were?"

"Yes, she did, but I was saved by the bell."

Matthew was confused: "What bell?"

"You entered the room and stopped the conversation."

"Oh, I'm glad I did. Sometimes she bothers me, wantin' ta know all!" Matthew confessed.

"She means no harm. Just can't help being curious. I know her too well," Alex stated, "I... uhm... well, don't remember what our presents exactly were."

She started teasing him and placed her hand on the inner part of his thigh. He smiled, feeling his desire for her growing, but decided to continue the game. He whispered in her ear : "You want me to remind you?"

"Oh... I'd love that..."

"Yeah... I'd love that too, but we don't have time... and can't have... fun... in here," he blushed and so did she.

"Yes, I know," she sighed, "I still regret not having gone further in that hospital storage room."

"Yeah, me too.. but remember, I don't want to take any risks, in case you get pregnant. Besides, I can wait till our honeymoon to..." he started but was interrupted.

"... have you inside me," she smiled and blushed at the same time.

He chuckled and kissed her softly: "Boy, you're a naughty girl."

"I know... but I can't help it when I'm with you..." and they pulled in for another, deeper, more passionate kiss...

Brian entered the room and felt embarrassed at having to make his brother stop kissing his fiancée. He coughed once to let them know he was there. However, they seemed not to have heard him, and it seemed to him as if passion was going to take over, so he coughed more loudly. This time Matthew looked in his direction, and became as red as a tomato.

"Wh... what is it Brian?" he managed to ask breathlessly.

"Ma wants to talk ta ya 'bout tomorrow's party," his younger brother explained.

"Oops! I'd forgotten all 'bout it! Shall we go Al?"

"I find no objection," she replied.

"Sure?" Matthew inquired further.

"Sure."

Matthew turned to Brian: "OK Brian. Tell Ma we're comin' with ya!"

"Will do," and he left the room.

Matthew smiled and sighed: "Why is it that, whenever we're alone together in a room, we always get carried away?"

"Love life and live for love."

"Nice words."

"Mat, I'm still a virgin... that's what important to me..."

"At this pace you won't be for long."

"I will be till our honeymoon... promise me..." he kissed her hand in agreement.

"Have you two decided on that menu or not?" John demanded.

"Uhm... we're nearly finished," replied Karl.

"Nearly? What do you mean by nearly?" John insisted.

"We only have to decide on the dessert," interjected Philip.

"See that you don't take long. I need that damn list so I can buy the food I need... and the guests? Have you agreed on those at least?" John asked his two friends.

Philip had his answer ready: "I'd like to invite the two friends I invited last year."

"And I'd like to invite the two friends I've invited for the past years... you know them, Jack and Bob," said Karl.

"Yeah, we know them all right. So, we'll be seven in total, correct?" John asked.

It was Karl's turn to ask: "You're not going to invite anyone, John?"

"Who could I invite?"

Philip was puzzled: "Don't tell me you got no friends!"

"Well... no I don't," John admitted.

"You see?" Karl sighed.

John was confused: "I see what?"

"Your obsession to win Alex has turned you into a machine," Philip answered.

"The fact that I've got no friends, besides you two, doesn't make me a machine! I just don't talk to anyone from my University class," John defended himself, "Say, I could invite Alex for Christmas lunch."

Both Karl and Philip were shocked and didn't know what to say, but Karl soon recovered: "But you promised you'd wait till the end of school year to go and bother her again!"

Philip added: "Be a man and keep your word!"

"I am a man," John growled.

"Then let her be... at least until school's over," Karl insisted.

"Yes... give us time to find a way to stop your mad plan," Philip muttered to himself.

"OK, OK! I won't invite her, happy now?" John shouted.

"Yes, we are," Philip replied, somehow relieved.

They all remained silent for a few minutes, reflecting on what was to be done next.

John broke the silence: "Uhm, listen. When are those parties going to be?"

Karl didn't understand: "What parties?"

"The ones of the firms you work for!" John was irritated.

"Mine is tonight," Philip admitted.

"Tonight? And you didn't tell me so I wouldn't cook for you as well?" John scolded.

"I... I forgot. Now I must go get ready," and he left the room.

"He's such an idiot sometimes," John commented.

"The only idiot here is you," Karl replied.

"Why would that be?"

"Because you're ruining your life! Look at you! No family, no friends... only a silly dream to marry the one you 'love'!"

"I do love her! How can you doubt that?"

"Oh sure I do! You don't really love her, you just want her to belong to you. If you loved her, you'd let her be and let her marry who she wants so as she's happy. Oh no, you don't love her at all!" Karl repeated.

"I know how I feel... and stop interfering in my life!"

"I can't. I care too much for you to let go. I can't stand by to see you ruining your whole life. You're my best friend John, just like Philip is, and sometimes a best friend needs to say some horrible words of truth so as to make his best friend react. Wake up John! You're not the John Smith I knew, the friend with whom I had become very close. You've changed since you met her! You'll never be happy with her!"

"If I can't be happy with her, then I'll kill whoever can make her happy."

"When will you leave Matthew alone?"

John Smith looked up at Karl and barely whispered: "Never."

Boston

Saturday 20th December, 1873

He slowly descended the last step and let out a sigh of relief. The two men aiding him from both sides smiled broadly.

"Ya did it Pa!" Brian exclaimed.

"Yeah, I did. Thanks son," Sully told Matthew on his right side, "an' thanks to you as well Mark."

"It's nothing Mr. Sully," Mark replied.

"You're welcome Pa," Matthew answered.

Sully confessed: "I never thought I'd make it. The trip here from the hospital was rather painful, an' even more t'was to go up the stairs. But goin' down aint that difficult when ya got help."

"Now where's ma?" Matthew wondered.

"She was still getting ready and Miss Rebecca was helping her," Mark informed them.

"She'll be down soon then. I envy Katie a little, already asleep an' cosy in her bed, not needin' to go out, an' we still have ta start our evenin'!" Sully said.

Brian joined in: "Yeah, I'd like to be in bed as well, but I can't miss this!"

"Neither can I!" Matthew added.

"Ya look great in that outfit Pa!" Brian commented.

"Yeah... great for Boston," Sully muttered.

Matthew admitted: "I've got used to it."

"You had better!" Michaela said from the top of the stairs.

"You're beautiful," Sully told her once she was next to the others at the bottom of the stairs, followed by Rebecca and Beverley.

"Why, thanks. How are you feeling?" the doctor inquired.

"I aint my best but feelin' much better. However, I'd like ta sit down now," Sully replied.

Matthew offered: "We'll take ya to the sittin' room."

"Hey, I aint a parcel! There's no need to take me anywhere," Sully was a little angry at how he was treated.

"Sully we're about to leave. We only have to wear our coats. Could you get the carriages ready please?" Michaela asked Mark.

Mark nodded and left the house. The Sully family put on their coats and got ready to leave. Sully tried to go to the door by himself, but Matthew was by his side all the time.

"Have a great time!" Rebecca told her sister as they descended the front steps.

Sully slowly got into the carriage and Brian followed.

"We sure will! Good night and thanks to you all" Michaela replied before going in the carriage.

"Bye! See ya tomorrow!" Brian shouted from the window.

"See you later," Mark told Matthew, as the aspirant-lawyer took his place at the driver's seat, ready to take his family to the party.

"There's no need to stay awake. I'll take care of the horses myself when we get back. Go to bed Mark," Mathew instructed.

"Thanks master!" Mark was very happy as the family rode off.

They soon arrived in front of Alex's house and Matthew knocked on her door, which was opened by a maid.

"Good evening Mr. Sully," the maid recognised him.

"Good evening. Is Ms. Parker ready?"

"Yes, she'll soon be here."

Alex soon appeared and approached Matthew.

"You're enchanting," Matthew complimented.

"Thanks, so are you!" Alex blushed.

"C'mon, let's go now!"

Alex got in the carriage together with the rest of the Sully family. Matthew got back in his place and rode off.

Michaela greeted her: "Good evening Alex."

"Good evening Dr. Quinn. How are you Mr. Sully?"

"Much better than I was some days ago. An' please call me Sully."

"And call me Michaela."

"If it's OK for you, I will," Alex accepted.

"Yes, it's OK. You're family now," Sully assured her.

"Still not, but I hope to be soon. Uhm, Dr. Qu... Michaela, could I ask you something about Matthew?"

Michaela was puzzled: "Why, yes sure. What is it?"

"You see..."

They arrived at 'Furniture Specialists' headquarters, and all of them descended from the carriage in front of the main door... all except Matthew. He drove the carriage a little farther away, where there were several other carriages, all tied up in rows, one next to the other. When he got down from his seat, a soldier appeared and went to stand next to the carriage.

"You're here to guard the carriages?" Matthew inquired.

"Yes. Mr. Peterson asked the army to send over some soldiers so as there's a soldier with every carriage."

"Now that's security!"

"It sure is sir," and Matthew went over to his family.

Sully was holding onto Michaela and supporting himself also thanks to his stick.

"Ready?" Michaela asked her eldest son.

"Yes. How are ya feelin' Pa?"

"Don't worry 'bout me. As long as ?I don't spend too much time standin' it's OK."

"Good. I hope there are no stairs!" Brian commented.

"Yeah," Sully agreed.

They entered the building, Sully holding on to Matthew. Michaela walked behind them with Alex and Brian. Johan, who was receiving the guests, saw them and approached immediately.

He greeted them: "Hello Byron! Dr. Quinn... how are you all?"

"Fine Johan. It's good to be here. I... just long to sit down," Sully had to confess.

"Come on in, take a seat!" Johan ordered.

He led them through the long wide corridor where many workers were waiting in a long queue for Johan to greet them and let them in. They found themselves into an enormous hall, beautifully decorated with very expensive paintings and enchanting chandeliers. At one far end of the room was an orchestra playing so as to entertain the guests, and on the other end was a long table with waiters serving all kinds of drinks and refreshments. Large amounts of chairs were piled against one wall. Some small groups of men were seated in small circles in different parts and angles of the hall. It was an amazing sight of splendor and richness...

They arrived at 'Furniture Specialists' headquarters, and all of them descended in front of the main door... all except Matthew, who drove the carriage a little farther away, where there were several others, side by side, all tied up in rows. When he got down from his seat, a soldier appeared and went to stand next to the vehicle.

Matthew inquired: "You're here to guard the carriages?"

"Yes. Mr. Peterson asked the army to send over some soldiers so as there's a guard near every carriage."

"Now that's security!"

"It sure is sir," and Matthew left to rejoin his family.

Sully was holding onto Michaela, also supporting himself with his stick.

"Ready?" Michaela asked her eldest son.

"Yes. How are ya feelin' Pa?"

"Don't worry 'bout me. As long as I don't spend too much time standin' it's OK."

"Good. I hope there are no stairs!" Brian commented.

"Yeah," Sully agreed.

They entered the building, Sully holding on to Matthew. Michaela walked behind them with Alex and Brian. Johan, who was receiving the guests, noticed their arrival and approached immediately.

He greeted them: "Hello Byron! Dr. Quinn... how are you all?"

"Fine Johan. It's good to be here. I... just long to sit down," Sully had to confess.

"Come on in, take a seat!" Johan offered.

He led them through a long wide corridor, where many workers were waiting in a long queue for Johan to greet them and let them in. They found themselves into an enormous hall, beautifully decorated with very expensive paintings and enchanting chandeliers. At one far end of the room an orchestra was playing so as to entertain the guests, and on the other end was a long table with waiters serving all kinds of drinks and refreshments. Large amounts of chairs were piled against one wall. Small groups of men were scattered all over the hall, seated in small circles. It was an amazing sight of splendor and richness...

End of Chapter 25