A Riverside Christmas Mystery

Chapter 8

"Floating downwards Free-fall fast Skating sideways Slowly now

Floating backwards Free-fall fast Loop to loop"

David George Scheizel

Everyone found a pair of skates to fit in the pile Peter got down from the attic. Fortunately, there was no one at the lake at that hour of the afternoon and since Uhura, McCoy, and Spock had never ice skated, Gavin took Uhura, Winona took McCoy, and Jim took Spock out on the ice for some basic instruction. Peter took Davy in the sled out on the ice for a few gentle turns and the baby laughed with delight.

A small smile flickered across Jim's face at the solemn and slightly apprehensive expression on the usually impassive face that looked back at him. "Just relax, Spock. It's not difficult. What I'm going to do is skate backwards and hold both your hands and pull you gently just until you get the feel of the skates under you. You'll soon find your balance. Are you ready?"

"I am ready," Spock said grasping Jim's hands tightly. He was reluctant to admit to Jim that he was concerned (for a brief second he thought apprehensive, but discarded the term quickly as unworthy of a Vulcan) about falling on the freezing cold ice. However, he was determined to learn this new skill. "I have studied this pasttime and it is purely a matter of physics, Jim. In gliding across the ice, the skater's body exerts pressure on the thin blade, thus creating a small film or layer of water under the blade by melting the ice. The water between the blade and the ice is what we actually glide across. When we stop exerting pressure, that water freezes almost instantly due to the cold temperature surrounding it."

Jim laughed softly at the scientific explanation. "It's supposed to be fun, Spock, not a lesson in physics. Just enjoy the sensation. Here we go." He began to pull Spock slowly and gently across the ice. Spock held on tightly to Jim's hands and noted with satisfaction that he was still upright. As they glided carefully for a few minutes across the ice, he relaxed infinitesimally and lessened his death grip on Jim's hands. "That's it, Spock, you're doing great. Now, I want you to move your legs mirroring mine. We'll skate very slowly; ready?" Spock's long legs moved reluctantly, but they moved, mirroring Jim's as they skated slowly. "Good, you're getting it. Now, I'm just going to let go of one of your hands; I'll keep hold of your other hand to help you balance; keep your body relaxed and your legs moving. Here we go." To Spock's relief, Jim's one hand was enough to keep him upright and moving. He felt a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction at the thought of mastering this skill. They practiced for a while more, Jim patiently skating backwards and keeping Spock moving on his skates. After a while Jim said, "I'm going to let go of your hand, Spock. You'll be able to skate by yourself now."

Uhura, Spock and McCoy continued their practice until they could skate slowly around the parameter of the small lake and stay upright. Jim, Winona, and Gavin, skated across the ice at dizzying speeds, forward, backward, in spirals, and spins. Jim took the sled reins away from Peter so he could skate with his grandmother and he pulled Davy's sled gently across the ice. Davy's little cheeks were pink with the cold, but to Jim's delight, he gurgled and laughed.

The afternoon sun went behind the billowing clouds and Jim finally called a halt to the ice skating as the afternoon wound down. The three ice skating novices voiced their wish to come back to the lake for more practices to improve their skill.

"It's not all that different from roller skatin' and I did plenty of that as a kid," said Bones happily. "It just takes practice."

"Indeed, Doctor. I feel sure we will become proficient at this pastime with more practice sessions." Spock's dark eyes held a gleam of satisfaction.

"'Course you will, Mr. Spock," said Peter. He was of the firm opinion that Mr. Spock could do anything he set his mind to.

All skates came off and they started the long cold walk back to the farm-house. Davy was so tired that he fell asleep in the sled.

"That sure was a fun afternoon, Jim." McCoy said, still grinning at how well he had skated. "Be glad of that hot chocolate of yours to warm us up when we get back to the house. I could tell that even the hobgoblin had a good time, and when is the last time that happened?"

"He did, didn't he Bones," Jim said smiling at the thought of Spock having fun. "Glad you enjoyed it, Bones. Sam and I loved to ice skate. He taught me when I was about four and he'd bring me out here to practice all the time."

Suddenly, they could hear the faint sound of a shuttle in the distance heading towards them. Jim's face was suddenly grim as he tore the quilt off the back of the sled. "Ma, take off your coat, quick." He picked up the sleeping baby, dropped the coat on top of the sled, and gave Davy to his mother. "Hold him as close to your body as you can, Ma," he said as he quickly draped the quilt around her and Davy. Winona grasped the edges of the quilt from the inside and clutched Davy tightly to her side. To Jim's relief, Davy couldn't be seen. It just looked as if Winona had draped the quilt around her to protect herself from the cold. "Quick, everyone put your skates on top of the Ma's coat,' he said. All the skates were put in a big pile on the coat as Peter continued to pull the sled. The shuttle came closer and flew down over the group; it was so close they could see the two men clearly; it followed them as they walked. "Wave and smile," said Jim very quietly, fingering the phaser in his pocket. They looked up and gave friendly waves, but the two men didn't respond as they looked down at the group. After a couple of more passes, the pilot lifted the shuttle and they flew west again.

They all stood silently watching until it disappeared in the distance. "Okay, everyone, it looks like they're gone." He unwrapped the quilt, took the sleeping Davy from his mother and held him close. Davy had not stirred. "I'll carry him the rest of the way; it's alright, Ma, they're gone," he said looking at his mother's pale face.

They walked quickly the rest of the way home; welcome warmth greeted them in the farm-house kitchen, and Jim took Davy directly to Winona's room. He looked down at the sleeping child, his face smooth and set. If McCoy and Spock had been there, they would have recognized the look. It was his 'going into battle face' and it boded ill to whoever got in his way. "No one is going to hurt you, Davy. I promise you and your mother that," Jim thought. We're going to get to the bottom of this and bring your mama back to you."

In the living room, Spock lit the fire and he, McCoy, Uhura, and Gavin stood in front of it talking softly about the men in the shuttle. Winona and Peter sat on the sofa. There was a worried look on her face as she looked at the small troubled face beside her. Peter was too quiet. Jim, coming in, also looked at Peter's face and came to sit beside him. He took the small cold hand in his own. "It's alright, Squirt. No one will hurt Davy, I promise you. We're here to take good care of him and of you and Noni too. I don't want you to worry."

"He's so little, Uncle Jim. Why would anyone want to hurt a little baby?" Peter's eyes were dark with worry.

"I don't know, Peter. We're trying to figure that out, but you know when I was a little boy your dad told me something I've never forgotten. I asked him the same thing you're asking me, why would someone want to hurt a little kid? Your dad told me he didn't know why, that sometimes you just find mean people out there, but to remember that most people are good and they'll help you if they can.(1) I've never forgotten that, Peter, and I want you to remember it too because your dad was right. Will you do that for me?"

Peter looked up at his Uncle Jim. The clear hazel eyes looking down at him were steadfast. There was comfort and reassurance there, and Peter felt the knots in his stomach ease; he nodded.

Jim gave him a hug and dropped a soft kiss on top of the sandy head.

Jim looked up and caught Bones' eye and a clear message passed between them. Bones would make it a point to have a talk with Peter.

Gavin came over to Winona and said, "I've got to go, Winona. It's getting late, and New York shuttle traffic will be heavy."

Winona stood and gave him a warm hug. "Thank you, Gavin for finding out about Violet. It's a huge relief to know who she is. I'm so happy you could spend the day with us. Remember that I expect you and Tom for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day."

"We'll be here, but if you need me before then, I'm ready to come anytime. Bye, young Peter. See you soon."

Gavin said his goodbyes to Spock, Uhura and McCoy and grabbed his coat and gloves.

Jim came up to his mother. "I'll walk Gavin to his shuttle, Ma. You sit here and get some rest. Bones, will you and Uhura make the hot chocolate for everyone? I'll be right back."

Jim and Gavin walked slowly to the shuttle. "Gavin, those men keep coming back to this area. They must think Violet is somewhere close. I don't like it."

"I agree. I'll start on the face recognition search as soon as I get back and I'll comm you right away if I get a hit. I meant what I said. If you need me I'll come back right away, so don't hesitate. There isn't anything I wouldn't do for your mom, Jim, never forget that."

Jim shook Gavin's hand. "Thanks, Gavin. I hope it won't come to needing extra man power, but if we do need you, it'll be good to have another trained officer with a phaser. Otherwise we'll see you on Christmas Eve. Thanks again for everything you did to find Davy's mom."

Jim watched Gavin's shuttle take off and took himself to the barn to feed Ginger, Dapple and the chickens. He needed the activity, he was feeling helpless and frustrated. Until they knew where Violet was, where she worked, or had any information on the two men after her, there seemed little they could do to help. "Ginger," he whispered in the horse's ear. "If your horse sense kicks in with any good ideas, you'll let me know, right?" Ginger blew into his hand as he fed her some oats, and nibbled at his fingers affectionately. "You're one very spoiled horse, do you know that?" He smiled at his old companion, gave her a final pat and went inside.

Everyone in the living room was sipping their hot chocolate and sitting by the fire when the comm beeped. Winona went to her office to answer it and they could hear her soft murmuring and the tapping of her stylus on her padd.

"Here, Jim. Drink it while it's hot," said Bones, handing him a mug of chocolate.

'Thanks, Bones." He lowered his voice so Peter could not hear, "Gavin will come if we need him. If there's trouble he's not that far away."

"Good. Nothing like having a fully trained SIS officer on your side when you need one." McCoy's voice was equally soft.

Winona came in, her face alight. "That was Tom Jeffries. He's found out where Violet works. I have all the information," she said glancing at her padd. "She's the Chief Forensic Pathologist at Des Moines General Hospital. It's the largest hospital in the state, and Tom says the department has a great reputation, that law enforcement sends them difficult cases all the time. She's worked there for five years, and has been the Chief for the last two. Her position is very prestigious and it's a very large department, the largest in Iowa; 15 pathologists and 10 assistants. Tom spoke to her deputy chief and according to him, Violet is on vacation for three weeks."

"That's when she ran," said Jim thoughtfully. "Something happened, something big enough for her to feel threatened and to fear for Davy. What did her note say? 'Being in the wrong place at the wrong time.' Okay, then." He pivoted on his heel and began to pace, back and forth, back and forth, his face still, his eyes turned inward in deep thought.

Spock, Uhura and McCoy exchanged glances. Jim was pacing and thinking, soon there would be a plan of action.

Jim stopped pacing and turned suddenly to his officers. "People, any recommendations?"

Spock looked at his Captain a glint of mischief in the dark eyes, he recognized all the signs. "One has to wonder Jim, if any of our recommendations would have any merit unless they agree with whatever plan you have already formulated in your mind."

"And just what is that supposed to mean, Spock?" Jim sounded slightly affronted.

"It means that you have already decided to engage your knight in shining armor mode, so it will be, to quote a Kirk family favorite, "Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more."

"Oh," Jim said a little sheepishly. "Well, maybe. But it's not so much a plan as a course of action. I think tomorrow morning we should visit Violet's work place and check things out. Ask some questions, talk to the people there."

Uhura arched her brows and said thoughtfully. "Your galactic hero reputation will be an asset, Jim. They'll probably fall all over themselves to claim friendship with Violet if you show interest in her."

Jim flushed. He hated that the media had labeled him that way, that they were so avidly interested in him and the Enterprise missions made public by Fleet. He was no hero. He was just a man who did his job to the best of his ability, taking care of his ship and his crew .

McCoy looked alarmed. "Jim wouldn't goin' to the hospital to ask questions alert whoever is looking for Violet?"

"Not if it's an old school friend who's visiting Terra after a long absence and who wants to touch base with a childhood friend. What do you think, Ma?"

"I think it's a good idea," said his mother placidly. "Davy needs his mother and we need to find her. So you go do what you do best, sweetheart."

"Winona!" McCoy sounded shocked. "Do you think it's a good idea for Jim to do this?"

"Yes I do, Leonard. I think it's a very good idea. You know that Jim always does what he thinks is best and in this case I agree that this is the best option."

"I give up! Now I know why you're the way you are with a mama like this, Jim." But Bones smiled at Winona as he said it.

Jim smiled his sweetest smile at his mother. "Tomorrow then, we'll take the shuttle and visit Violet's work place and see what we can find out."

"Who'll be goin' with you, Jimbo?"

"You and I will go, Bones. You're the CMO of the Enterprise after all, so you can ask lots of questions and show as much interest as you want to about Violet's job and her responsibilities. Spock, I'll need you and Uhura to keep a sharp eye out for those two men tomorrow. Bones and I will get an early start and we won't be gone too long, but I'd feel better if everyone stayed close to the house."

"Don't worry. Spock and I will stay alert," said Uhura.

Spock bowed to the logic of the doctor going to Des Moines with Jim instead of himself, but he did not like it.

An indignant howl from the bedroom alerted every one of Davy's displeasure at being away from the action.

"I will go, Dr. Kirk," said Spock. He went into the bedroom and Davy, standing in the crib, held out his arms to be carried. "Spo," he said, his face braking out in a big grin as Spock lifted him from the crib. "Davy-kam, you are very wet. Perhaps it would be best to change your diaper before you join civilized company," said Spock, getting a fresh diaper and wipes and putting Davy on the bed to change him. He removed the wet diaper and gently wiped the baby's bottom and expertly replaced it with a clean one. "Perhaps tomorrow, Davy, we will know more about your mother. I am sure you miss her very much," he said softly to the baby whose big brown eyes never left his face. His long fingers softly stroked the baby's velvet cheek. He felt a faint twinge of discomfort. It was not logical to speak thus to a baby that could not possibly understand him, but then after careful consideration, he concluded that speaking to Davy was only logical since a baby learned to speak by listening to speech.

Jim, standing silently at the door, watched the tender scene with warmth in his heart. He thought that this Christmas visit to the farm had opened a whole new range of experiences for Spock. His First Officer's usual impenetrable logic (the one Bones always objected to and challenged) was being tempered by exposure to warm, loving human sensibilities and sentiments, and it seemed that Spock was not in any way objecting to these new experiences. Spock's human side was almost always carefully hidden, (except from Jim who recognized all Spock's subtle facial expressions), but here among Jim's family and closest friends, he seemed to be connecting with his human side and to want to cautiously explore it further and for that Jim was happy.

He backed out of the doorway without making a sound and rejoined the group in the living room.

'Everything all right with Davy, son?"

"Yes, Ma. Spock will bring him out in a minute." He leaned in to whisper in her ear. "Spock was putting a clean diaper on Davy, I didn't want to interrupt."

Winona laughed softly, and the dimple at the corner of her mouth peeked out. She wished she had been a little fly on the wall for the diaper change, but all she said was, "I better get started with dinner. We're having White Bean chili with corn bread muffins and my fruitcake for dessert."

"Sounds delicious," said McCoy looking up with interest from his reading.

"We don't get food like this on board ship. Ma, you're really spoiling us!"

"I know, isn't it great?" Winona laughed and reached up to kiss her handsome son. "It's a mother's privilege to spoil her children and grandchildren. Enjoy it darling, while you can. I sure am,'' she said as she went in the kitchen. "Peter dear, please come set the table for me."

"Okay, Noni, I'm coming."

"I'll help Peter," said McCoy. "I wanna' see how you make that chili, Winona."

"I'll help too," said Uhura.

"Me three," said Jim, and laughing and they all went into the kitchen.