Chapter 7 – Disaster

Jefferson was late getting to the main dining room for breakfast, Jemmy was nearly finished with his pancakes. "Good morning, Thomas!" he called cheerfully.

Jefferson sat down across the table and spread his napkin, "Good morning, Mr. Madison, how did you sleep after last night's excitement?"

Jemmy swallowed his mouthful of pancakes and frowned, "Thank you for asking Thomas, but not well I'm afraid. Visions of the ghastly bear ran through my dreams the entire night. It was just dreadful."

A servant set a plate of pancakes, eggs, and bacon before Jefferson and he began eating, "I am sorry to hear that dear fellow. After breakfast, let us take a relaxing walk around the grounds. Afterwards, I would love to show off my two new volumes of French poetry that I am sure will delight you."

Jemmy smiled brightly, "Oh Thomas, that sounds wonderful."

Jefferson smiled as well, he was determined to keep Madison's mind occupied and avoid any awkward conversations about last evening's unfortunate incident.

"Have your men returned from the forest this morning?" Jemmy asked.

Jefferson nearly choked on his mouthful of eggs, he had forgotten about that. He quickly recovered his composure, swallowed, and replied, "I have not yet enquired on that matter this morning. But I shall address it post haste, after our meal."

Jemmy scowled, "I do hope they found their way home after such a frightening encounter with that dreadful beast."

As Jemmy was speaking, a servant entered and quietly spoke to Jefferson. The man bent close and whispered into his master's ear. The corner of Jefferson's mouth twitched once, but his face kept its otherwise cheerful expression.

Jefferson murmured something to the slave and the man left. Jefferson cleared his throat and pushed away from the table, "I apologize Jemmy, but a matter has come up that requires my attention. Please finish your breakfast and I shall rejoin you shortly."

Jemmy shoved a forkful of pancake into his mouth, "All right Thomas. You know I cannot resist your pancakes!"

Jefferson left the plantation house and quickly headed for the main stable. He entered through a back door and in an empty horse stall, found Mr. Varek sitting on a bale of straw. Varek slowly stood when Jefferson entered.

Jefferson was shocked at the sight of his project manager. Varek's clothes were torn, dirty, and spattered with blood. His face was also smeared with blood and he held a blood-soaked cloth over a ragged cut on the side of his face.

"What on earth happened to you?" Jefferson asked, but he already knew.

Varek swayed weakly on his feet, "We were attacked by some animal from the forest. The workers were sleeping when it started, and it was a massacre."

Jefferson's nearly threw up his breakfast. His face was suddenly burning hot and his vision blurred at the edges, "How bad was it?"

A drop of blood from Varek's chin hit Jefferson's boot toe with an audible "plop."

"A disaster" Varek said at last. "At least 30 dead, the surviving workers fled into the forest. We tried to fight it in the dark, but the animal was incredibly fast and blood thirsty. It literally tore the men apart and destroyed the camp." The man was obviously traumatized and near collapse,

"You look a like a wreck," Jefferson said, "are you alright?"

"I think so," Varek replied, "aside from no sleep, a night spent running through the forest, and this wound on my face."

Jefferson leaned closer, "Did you see it?"

Varek shook his head, "Not in the dark. The men tried to fight it off with clubs, shovels, pics, guns, but it was useless. I grabbed the records and fled before it reached the main tent."

"Was there anything left in the safe?" Jefferson asked.

Varek shook his head, "Nothing since you left last evening."

Jefferson thought quickly, "Tell no one of this," he said, "I will have the runaways caught and returned. But we need to handle this quietly to keep word of the project from getting out."

Varek nodded, his pale face beaded with sweat, "I understand, sir."

"Go to the east guest house, clean up and get some rest. The servants will bring you some food and I will have my personal surgeon examine you and attend to that cut," Jefferson said. He noticed the bloody drip on his boot had dried to a brown circle.

"What about the excavation, sir?" Varek asked, "we need to drive that animal off."

"One thing at a time Mr. Varek," Jefferson said sternly, "we don't want to further complicate matters with rash decisions."

Jefferson returned to the dining room where Jemmy was contentedly sipping some dark French coffee, "Thomas, you missed a most delightful breakfast. I feel like a new man this morning."

Jefferson smiled and sat down. He extended his legs under the table to hide the blood on his boot, "Deepest regrets dear man, but I have many charges and they sometimes must take priority."

"I could never manage as smoothly as you do Thomas," Jemmy replied and set his cup down on a china saucer.

Jefferson assumed an official tone, "Now, if I may impose Jemmy, I have important task that requires a trusted man to accomplish. I believe would be ideal man for the position Mr. Madison."

Jemmy smiled quickly and then a dark shadow seemed to cross his face, "Does it require a ride through the forest, Thomas?"

Jefferson shook his head and smiled, "No, it involves a carriage ride. I need you to take the coins and gems we recovered to my agent in Richmond. He will liquidate the items and ensure the funds are properly distributed."

"Of course, I could do that Thomas," Jemmy exclaimed, "and perhaps do some shopping while in town."

"I believe you should," Jefferson warmly replied, "you shall have my carriage and driver for as long as you need them. If you wish to spend the night in Richmond, please do so."

Jemmy was thrilled, "How exciting!" but then he frowned, "Thomas are you certain you cannot come along to Richmond. It would be a wonderful opportunity to wear your new beret while we have lunch and do some shopping."

Jefferson could not contain his disappointment and sighed, "That is a divine, a splendid idea, dear man, but I am afraid that I have alarming news.

"Oh?" Jemmy said.

"My men from the forest last night failed to return this morning."

"Oh no!" Jemmy exclaimed in genuine shock, "Oh Thomas, terrible news indeed. How are you bearing up?"

Jefferson rubbed his eyes tiredly, "I sometimes question the Maker's wisdom in placing me in this position," Thomas confessed, "I am but a mortal man who sometimes feel burdened beyond my capacity to endure."

Jemmy leaped from his chair placed a hand on Jefferson's shoulder, "Take comfort dear friend, you are the great man among us, chosen to steer this ship through stormy seas, and you will succeed brilliantly!"

Overcome by the moment, Jefferson placed his hand over Jemmy's, "Thank you kind soul," he said in an emotional whisper." Then he quickly added, "I will have carriage brought around for you at once."

To Be Continued in… Chapter 8 - Dead Men's Tales