Chapter 26

[Edinsboro—Keller Farm]

Dubois took Scenic Route toward Destination. He spoke of Region's Folklore. He pointed out Bauman's Orchards on the way to Cherry Plain. The Old Mill still sat along the Plesac River in that town. He let Peter snap photos of each site before veering to the northwest. Roads once more turned rural. Brief Downtown flashed by and lay behind them in Heartbeat's expanse.

"Wow. Not much here! I thought Wabash was small." Peter looked about.

"Edinsboro's got a smaller town center. It's just more spread out." Dubois saw the Keller Farm come up on their right. "And here we are! Mr. Keller's a super nice guy. Just be patient with him. Okay?" He turned onto the driveway and followed it toward an oak house and barn. Blue Paint colored Oak Walls. Dubois stopped the car. "Angie just called him. Hope he's here."

"Dave! Hi!" An elderly man in a red checked shirt and coveralls waved from Barn's entrance. "Sorry that Jo's not here. Angie just called so we'll come by next week. Are these our guests?"

"Hi, Harvey. I'm sorry Jo's not here too. I was looking forward to seeing her. Maybe we can do cider from Baumann's? I'm getting the urge for some mulled cider." Dubois got out. He pulled Bucket Seats forward allowing Peter and Gwen to get out. "Yes, these are two of our guests from the City. This is Peter Parker and his fiancée, Gwen Stacy. Peter and Gwen, this is Harvey Keller, owner of this farm, family friend and aficionado of great pies."

"Considering your wife and mother-in-law make them, darn tooting! Parker huh?" Keller adjusted Glasses on his face. "Say! He does look like that friend of the Tompkins'! Course it's been a few years…." He shook hands with Peter and Gwen. "Welcome! Welcome both of you! There ain't much here. We got that place out back fer what it's worth."

"We'd be happy to see anything. Our editor wanted to see that neat historical stuff, Mr. Keller." Enthusiasm put its best foot forward onto Gwen's face. She gave Keller's hand a firm shake. "This is a really long way out." She surveyed the fields. "They fight out there?"

Keller exchanged looks with Dubois. "Actually, they did during the Revolution and the War of 1812, Miss Stacy. We also had the occasional bounty hunters chasin' slaves through here. None of them got caught around here between Dave's place and the one you're going to see. His place though had a near miss back in the 1750s."

"I'll tell you about that one later, Kids." Dubois shook his head at Peter and Gwen. "Peter, maybe you can tell him about your Uncle?"

"You're referring to my Uncle Ben, Mr. Keller. He passed away a few years ago. My Aunt May up here with us. She's at the fairgrounds with the Tompkinses right now." Peter shook his hand as well. "Mr. Dubois told us about your place. Joe Robertson and Amy Mercado at the Daily Bugle would love to know more about it." He looked about the farm yard. "How old is this farm?"

Keller nodded. "My family's been here since the 1860s. The Fosters broke the fields here in about 1779 or thereabouts. By then, the Natives had started acting real friendly-like thanks to Dave's Great Grandpa. Peter Foster and he served in the Revolution together. The Baumanns' first farm is the next place over. Their first orchard's there too." He pointed in the other direction. "Angie's family broke the farm to our north. They bought the farm you're at. They've been there ever since. Follow me, Dave. Earl's waiting for us too." He started toward Worn Green Truck with White Central Panels streaking both sides.

Surprise raised an eyebrow. "Is he really? Sounds great, Harvey." He turned back toward Peter and Gwen. "Back in the car, Folks. We're going to see it." Smile spread across his face. Plan formed in his head. He let Peter slide in back. Then, he got in. "This is going to be better than I thought."

"Excuse me, Mr. Dubois? You going to let us in on the plan? Mr. Keller seems really nice. Who's this Earl?" She leaned back in the backseat. Questions floated about in her mind. She folded her arms across her chest.

"Of course." Dubois started the car up. "We're going to help each other. Earl Raymond gets salty sometimes. That's just how he is. Just mind your P's and Q's. Okay?" He shook his head. "He really wants to work with us on this. It's about time!" He watched Keller drive back down his driveway. "Here we go."

"About time for what?" Peter looked to Dubois. "I thought we were working on that story?"

"We are." Dubois followed Keller down the road. "You two are about to get a major scoop on Albany." Playful Shrug. "My Ex-Girlfriend and I did it for the 1982 fair. You two are about to do it for the Underground Railroad stations here. You get your story. The paper gets its byline. We need publicity. Remember our museum discussion?"

"Sure. Dr. Dubois and you though don't want it that way you said," Peter recalled.

"We want to live there. Still, it doesn't hurt to have the house designated as a historic site. I thought about your suggestion, Peter." Dubois nodded at him. "It wouldn't take much to lock the lab. I could secure the cellar stairs, reopen the passage and let people see it. There's not much there to look at. I know of a man who can help me with that. You let me handle that if and when the time comes. Same goes for where we're going. The station straddles Harvey's and Earl's property line. If they both want to work with us, the villages will go for it. We can get the paperwork drawn up. Dr. Dubois and Jolene Masters know a few people. I know others. We can get this done. Maybe I can talk with your editor next week? I want to get the fair behind us first. You both need to cover that tomorrow and Sunday."

"What about those creepy creeps?" Shudder and Tremble shook her ever so slightly.

"It's not the first time I've gone somewhere with Lichtenfeld stalking me. Just don't do what I did at your age. The one before that, the Rider's brother crashed it." Dubois shook his head. "Don't get rash either of you. Respect her and the coven. You'll live longer." Fields and Grass started to give way to Oak Trees. "We're here." He pulled up beside Keller's Truck and a Red one just like it.

"Wait. You said Rider's brother? He has a brother? Seriously?" Peter squirmed at that thought.

Dubois leaned against his seat. Consternation ran across his face. Jolt through Left Shoulder elicited shudders. "Yeah it does. Lousain's from another dimension. It's even stronger than our Pilgrim. Think Tolkien's Sauron hanging out in Mount Doom and surrounding lands, you'll get the idea. As I said, don't make fun. Even in character, Peter, don't do it. Just think on that all right. Come on. Don't get into the other stuff unless Mr. Raymond brings it up." He climbed out and opened everything to let her out.

"Peter?" She winced. "Tolkien writes like really out there books on fantasy stuff. He knows?"

Peter rubbed his forehead. Spider Sense tingled in tune with Dubois' jolt. "There's something there, Kid. That spasm just set off the Spidey Sense. Let's be careful." He took her hand and followed their hosts' lead toward the site. There, he saw Dubois and Jenkins talking with a rather overweight man. Shirt's Buttons struggled to hold Burden in place. Mud streaked Jeans and Boots. Salt and Pepper Hair and Beard hung down front and back. Polarized Glasses obscured his eyes. Cowboy Hat covered Crown of his head.

"Good plan, my Man." Gwen looked about Trees' Edge. It's real groovy. I just wish Dad was here. He'd like this! She squeezed Peter's hand in hers. For Situation's sake, she put on her best smile and Enthusiasm's front.

Raymond regarded Peter and Gwen. "You're the folks from the Big City huh?" Squint narrowed his eyes. "Hmm…you definitely stick out." Sniff elicited from Nose. "Are you sure they can help us, Dubois?"

"Trust me. They're full of surprises. They wrangled the assignment from the Daily Bugle. Didn't they?" Dubois leaned against Keller's truck. "When's the last time we've had reporters up here from the Big City? Hmmm? Earl, we need the publicity an article can give us. They're commissioned to write a series of local flavor stuff. They have one from last winter. They're writing one on the fair. Mr. Parker's donating his time to give photo workshops in Cherry Plain and Eagle Plain next week. This is the big one though. Let's see what a write up gives us."

"Just what we need. A bunch of city slickers coming through. Dubois…." Raymond rolled his eyes. He saw Site's value of course. Respect for Culture and Local History ran through every fiber of his being. Change and he, however, weren't on the best of terms.

"Earl, Dave's got a point. Look at the area! Kids are moving away! Our village is drying up. You want that? You think he wants a rowdy bunch in his back yard? We all like it quiet around here. We also need money. We can work something out." Keller met Raymond's glance with his own. "Remember that last village meeting?"

"Why do you think we're out here now, Keller? I got it." Raymond ground his teeth. "Bad enough we're just surviving. We gave up our schools years ago. Now, Wabash wants the rest back!"

Dubois hissed at Tension through closed teeth. "Earl, you know we don't think like that. Heck, think how Eagle Plain still looks down on our villages and Hillsboro. We're neighbors. You know Angie and I come up here for a change of pace. You already have the Park right? Maybe our villages' councils can meet together and come up with something?" He pointed toward the south. "We've got the snowmobile trail running through our farms. Right? I want to keep it that way. I'm not losing my sugar shack or trees to this deal. You've got some of the best sap trees in this part of the state too. This may not be where I live, Earl. It is where I like to come when I need to walk or get some peace and quiet. There's value in that too."

Raymond rubbed his chin. "Sometimes, Dubois, you amaze me. Never thought a City Boy like you would get it."

"Dave's a village boy, Earl, too. He just doesn't make a big deal about it." Keller patted Dubois' arm. "He came for the fair and ended up with the best blue ribbon of the bunch. Jo and I knew from when we were kids." He looked at Dubois. "Some of us did know Angie was there, Dave. I remember how she'd perk right up when one of your letters would show up from Amherst. There was that surprise date."

Raymond sniffed. "Don't think I don't remember senior year, Keller. I remember what happened on that baseball field and at the Prom. You know that 'surprise date'?" Bitterness and Resentment glowered toward Dubois. "Still don't know how the sheriff didn't nail your ass, Dubois."

Snigger escaped Dubois' throat and mouth. "He tried. Old Roy thought he was the big fish. Too bad for him, I knew a few sharks way out of his weight class. Michael Flannery, Betsy and others picked on Angie incessantly for years. They picked the fight not me. I stood my ground. I may have been dating Karen at the time. She and I though valued Angie's friendship. Don't start with me about that. We're here to talk about history and maybe helping our villages." Shudder shook him hard.

"Easy." Keller shook his head. He placed his hands on Dubois' shoulders. "Deep breaths. Just like you said, we don't want to start."

Spider Sense stabbed at Peter's brain. And that was the cue. Mr. Dark's fighting to come out. Just what we need. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea! "Maybe we can see the place?"

Raymond shook his head. Preference would've told the lot of them to stick the whole deal. Necessity however aligned with Dubois and the others. "Fine! This way." He walked about ten yards up the trail. Boot Falls, however, remained on his own side of Boundary. Eyes glinted at them. Then, he stopped. "This is it." He sniffed.

Apology glinted in Keller's eyes toward Dubois and their guests. Long Frothing Emotions still soured in some guts it seemed. Understanding, however, knew Dubois had just shoved Raymond back and set the line.

Small Log Cabin hunkered down amidst Birch and Maple Trees. Age sagged Roof. Chimney missed a few rocks. Logs softened. Mud chinked against Breezes and Elements alike.

"Mind if I take some pictures?" Peter held Camera at ready. Raymond's attitude grated on him. What happened between Mr. Dubois and him?

"That's what you're here for, Kid. Knock yourselves out." Raymond stepped back. Resentment billowed up from him akin to Heat off of Summer's Sidewalk. "Missy, I suppose you want some questions?"

Gwen bit her lip. "I was respecting your space, Mr. Raymond. I didn't want to push you." She held Pad and Pen at the ready.

"A reporter that respects space. Smart. You won't last long in that business, Kid, but smart." Raymond coughed. He sat down on Tree Stump. "'Fraid I don't know much about the history or nothin'. That's the freak there."

Dubois rubbed his forehead. Dirtiest Glare stabbed toward Owner. "Harvey, can you let me in please?"

"Sure thing, Dave." Keller unlocked the door and pushed it open. "Mr. Parker? Want to see?" He led his friend inside.

Peter watched Raymond with Gwen. The former elicited Ill at Ease around his fiancée. Camera recorded Cabin's Sides and Door. He made eye contact with her and motioned toward the door. Then, he stepped inside to find a small living space. Fireplace and Hearth took up one wall. Otherwise, Modern Table and Chairs took up another wall. Modern Wood Stove took up another side. Trash and Crutched Papers lay scattered across the floor. Slits allowed Light's small shafts to shine onto Chipped, Splinter-Ridden and Faded Floorboards. "So where'd they sleep?"

"The root cellar." Dubois pointed toward Trap Door under the table. Normally, Historian's Curiosity would press him down there for a look around. Distrust in Raymond however won Common Sense's Debate on that matter. "They'd hide down there. The railroad conductors would sleep here too with them. The Mohawks and Iroquois would keep an eye out for bounty hunters." He shook his head. "When's the last time this place was cleaned out?"

"Why bother, Dubois? Dad built it back up as a hunting cabin. Guess that kind of ruins the history lesson?" Raymond scoffed.

"Just where you're concerned, Mr. Raymond. Why do you have to be so hateful? This is a really neat place!" She surveyed the inner layout. Frown twisted at her mouth. "Someone cleans it up. We find some of that good old stuff and it'll sing again."

"You said a mouthful, Gwendy." Peter snapped more pictures of the cabin's living area. As with Dubois, Raymond evoked Spider Sense's pained tingles within his head. "I know Robbie wants shots from the cellar."

"If you're lookin' for the shelves or anything them runaways used, they're long gone, Kid. Those were ripped off the walls long time ago." Ain't nothin' down there you'd want anyhow. Who knows, Dubois? You might run into one of your ghosts." Raymond coughed.

Dubois shook his head. "Gwen said it. This has real possibilities. Okay." He sucked in a deep breath. "Thanks, Earl, for your time. Believe it or not, I appreciate it." He put his hand out.

"Whatever, Dubois." Raymond frowned. "I did my part. Excuse me. I've got to make a run to Cherry Plain. Betsy's waiting to be picked up. Bet Angie loves to see her like this!"

"Angie still wants to make peace with Betsy, Michael and you, Earl." Dubois curled his lip. "For everything's she's been through, she is the most loving, warm and forgiving person I know. She and I are both glad Betsy's getting help. The last thing she needs is to be cooped away in a corner of this farm. Not that a farm isn't a good place. I live on one too. She still needs friends, Earl. I know if anyone does what being the isolated person in a village can do. She won't believe me. I know you don't. Take care. Harvey, Kids, follow me. I feel the need for some pie and coffee at the café." He led them out the door.

Peter resisted Protective Urge to tug Gwen toward the car. He'd reached his fill of Raymond's attitude. "Do you have everything?"

"I got three answers." She shook her head. "It's something. Peter, he's so bitter and angry. What did we do?"

"You didn't do anything, Kids. He's just someone who wants to shut the world out. Come on. Angie's waiting in the center." Dubois let them climb in and get set. "Harvey, follow us out?"

"Sure. I left a note on the door at home for Jo to meet us." Harvey got into his own truck and drove off.

"Sooner the better." Dubois shook his head. For all the efforts in Betterment's Service, Vengeance's bitter fruit soured everything still.

Times didn't change all that much after all….