Chapter 25 [Wabash—Dubois Farm]

Preparations buzzed about the old farmhouse and adjacent fields. Boxes slid into Angie's and Dubois' respective empty offices. Crock Pots simmered away with Dinner's promise. Beds and Air Mattresses stood ready for guests' needs. Tables awaited an exquisite meal.

Party Plans proceeded accordingly….

Dubois lifted the lids of each crock pot in turn. He spooned Dijon marinade over each ham. He stirred through the macaroni and cheese. "Yeah! That's looking great!"

"Sure is." Angie diced away on vegetables for an enormous salad. "How's the chicken looking in there?" She motioned toward the refrigerator.

He opened the refrigerator door. He lifted the foil atop each glass bowl. There he saw chicken breasts and pineapple bathing in Teriyaki's salty-sweet. "They're still going." He pulled the foil back over the bowls and closed the door again. "Should we do burgers too?"

She shrugged. "I think we're good as is. Jenny and Grace are picking up some ice cream from Mrs. Riggelman. I'm sure Miri and Lana will bring some pastries from the Talon. We've got cornbread baking in the oven along with another apple pie. The cherry pie's on the counter as I know you're aware."

"Asking me to resist your cherry pie's dirty pool, Princess." He coughed. A tortured frown curled his lip.

"The sacrifices we make." She kissed him on the cheek. "Check on those beans?"

"Right." He walked over to the stove. There he lifted that lid and stirred the simmering pot. "Mmm! You've got Mama B's recipe down!"

"I should hope I do. Mama taught it to me, you Turkey!" Mischief raised an eyebrow at him. "We'll have plenty for tonight and tomorrow too."

"Not to mention doggie bags." He felt something overhead approaching the farm. "You feel that?"

Her eyes followed his. "That's Clark's aura. He's here." She saw a tremor shake him. Not now! "Hey! It's all right."

"I know. He's feisty." He shook his head. "Let's get this finished up. Everyone will be here in a couple of hours." He looked toward the back door. "Give me a minute. I think Clark's almost here." He shook his head. He crossed the room and opened the door in question.

From the woods' edge, Blur streaked across the unused fields and past the old colonial stone wall. Within sight of the house, it slowed down.

Clark sucked in a deep breath. "I made it! Landed all right and everything!" Effort taxed him. "Hi, Mr. Dubois."

"Good Afternoon, Clark." Dubois cleared his throat. Terseness sparked in his eyes. "Before we get into the other stuff, do me a favor? Next time, call or send a mental alert please? Your descent sent off my personal security."

"I figured you knew I was coming." Clark let out a big sigh. Once again, Jasmine's advisory about awareness echoed back in his head. "Sorry. It won't happen again."

"It's okay. Look, the Coven knows their way around here very well. I just want to watch out for her when you land. Helps if we know when you take off." Dubois motioned for Clark to follow him. "Come on in the house. There's some coffee with your name on it."

"That sounds great. It was a longer flight." Clark walked into the culinary center. "Wow!"

"Like it? We've got something for everyone!" Angie grinned at their guest. "How was the flight?" She filled a mug with fresh coffee. "How do you like it?"

"Black with some raw honey please." Clark surveyed the house. Modern met Historic in that structure. Even with modern conveniences, he noticed the old fireplace and woodstove across the kitchen from him. He'd seen the old connector passage built between the house and barn. "Just how old is this house? Sorry. I just have to ask."

"That's okay, Clark." She squirted some raw honey into the coffee and stirred it up. "The answer is it depends which part you're in. My Great Grandpa Blackwell built this part of the house and the connecting passage around 1920. The upstairs rooms and the front guest room date from 1820 or so. The original house and cellar date from 1751."

"17…?" Clark swallowed his coffee hard. "Isn't that the time your ancestor was up here, Mr. Dubois?"

"That's right. Follow me." Dubois led Clark across the living room toward the doorway. "Watch your step. There's a little drop." He walked into the dining room.

Clark stared at the room. He felt as if he'd walked through a time portal instead of another room. The oaken floor showed more wear. The walls almost seemed like the logs in a log cabin. The large brick fireplace seemed big enough to walk into. A large dark cauldron hung on an iron hook inside of it. China sat inside of a walnut China cabinet. A fine white cloth draped over the table. He could feel the difference.

"This is where Professor Dubois grew up. Right in this room." Dubois looked around himself for good measure. "There was an additional room where the living room is now. Grace was born apparently where the couch is now. We still sleep where my ancestors did. But this is the place!"

"This is really great!" Clark grinned. "Mom would love this place!"

"That's why we wanted her to come up here with everyone." Dubois checked his watch. "Afternoon does sneak up on a guy. I'll have to feed and water the stock in a few minutes. First though, Dr. Dubois and I want to hear about your flight." He saw Angie on the phone. "She's talking to your mother or father, Clark. You're good."

"Thanks." Clark took another draught of coffee. I hope Mom and Dad are okay with everything!

Angie hung up. "Your Mom knows you're here, Clark. Everything's fine. I told her that Mr. Dubois was giving you the tour. So how did your flight go? Sorry. The scientist in me is intrigued."

Clark nodded. "Sure. I took off from my parents' farm. I flew northeast and over the Great Lakes. Then I flew directly southeast to here. I landed in the woods so that nobody would see me. It's about two hours."

"Two hours?" She shook her head. "That's faster than a jet, Clark."

"That's why I stay out of planes' way and away from the big cities. The mountains and farmland are nice. Besides I also wear a ski mask in case anyone sees me." Clark finished his coffee. "Thanks, Dr. Dubois. I really needed that."

"If you're good, I can use some help in the barn. It'll just take a couple of minutes. No manure or dirty hay. You can just stand and watch if you'd like." Dubois led him out the front door and toward the barn.

She watched them head that way. Dave seems more like Daddy every day. Clark is like he was at his age. What a switch! She shook her head at Generations' passage.

It was tough getting old…