A Riverside Christmas Mystery
Chapter 15
"Lully, lullay, Thou little tiny Child,
Bye, bye, lully, lullay.
Lullay, thou little tiny Child,
Bye, bye, lully, lullay.
O sisters too, how may we do,
For to preserve this day
This poor youngling for whom we do sing
Bye, bye, lully, lullay." 1.
CoventryCarol
Robert Croo 1534
"Kirk here."
"Jim, my Des Moines police friend just commed me. Those guys are on the loose, probably heading your way."
"I know, Jonathon and we've just picked up Violet. We can hear their shuttle coming this way. Good thing it has a loud engine and they're slow."
"Jim, be careful. Do you want me to send a patrol to intercept? Or at least head them off?"
"No, Jonathon. I don't want to spook them. I have an idea how to avoid them."
"Is Violet all right?"
"Yeah, she's okay…just frightened. She'll be fine once we're home." He threw a tight smile at Violet who was looking much more composed as she sat warm and secure between Jim and Spock. "We'll talk later, when I get us home," he said into his comm. "I've got my hands full right now trying to get out of here. Kirk out."
"Spock, they're flying pretty low, so I'm going to fly at high altitude and hope they don't see or hear us."
Spock saw the set, determined face of Jim, once again that of the Captain of the Enterprise on a mission, and he nodded in agreement. If he knew his Captain, and he did, Jim would get them home without incident. "Jim, it would prudent to climb and then fly west to Riverside and then circle back to the farmhouse. That way if they see or hear us, they will think we're going to or coming from town. Violet will have to hide, perhaps in the back seat where she can lie down would be best."
Violet nodded in understanding, turned in her seat and hoisted herself to the back seat and laid down.
"All right, Violet?"
"Yes, I'm fine."
"Okay, let's get going." Jim pulled the shuttle out of the covered drive way slowly and quietly and once away from the long drive way, quickly began his ascent. "Violet, your ears may pop, I'm going to climb pretty fast, so hold on."
The shuttle began its ascent and Jim pushed it as hard as he could. He could hear the engine straining as they climbed, but he kept the helm control at full throttle. The engine whine got louder as they steadily went up. He felt his ears pop and saw Spock open and close his mouth as the air pressure changed. The G forces against them got stronger and stronger as he accelerated. He smiled to himself. It felt good to be flying a mission, to feel the power and thrust of the shuttle engine under his hands. He always enjoyed flying the shuttles on the Enterprise. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Spock give him a knowing glance and he grinned at him.
"Are you all right back there, Violet?"
"I'm fine. Don't worry about me."
Jim turned his head to look at her. "Hold on tight Violet, it may get bumpy."
He climbed steadily, hitting some air pockets. Higher and higher he went until he reached enough height that land marks were no longer visible. He headed west toward Riverside and kept the shuttle altitude high until Spock, looking at the read outs said, "Riverside is ahead and will be directly below us in 7 minutes, Jim."
"Any sign of the other shuttle on the screen?"
"Negative."
"All right, I'm going circle Riverside, and then head for home. I want you to stay down, Violet until we get to the farmhouse. Let's not borrow trouble." He pulled out his communicator and called Jonathon.
"Jonathon, Kirk here. Looks like we were lucky and lost them. We're pretty high up and over Riverside, I'm turning around and heading for home."
"Jim, I sent a patrol out to check the farm house…just my regular and routine patrol of the outlying farms."
"Thanks, Jonathon, I appreciate it. We'll see you in the morning."
"Comm me if you need anything. Say hello to Violet for me, and I'll see you in the morning. Romaine out."
Jim cruised high above Riverside and made a wide turn over the city and headed for the farm. "Spock, keep a close eye on the screen, any blip at all let me know."
"Yes, Jim. However nothing is showing now."
"Good, I hope it stays that way." He turned his head. "Violet, I bet you're hungry and cold. Ma has supper for us and a nice warm room for you and Davy."
"That sounds like heaven. It's been a nightmare," she said. "I want to tell you everything that happened."
"Not tonight, Violet. Tonight is for you to have a good dinner, sleep in a warm bed and have a joyous reunion with Davy. I want you to rest…you look exhausted. Tomorrow morning is soon enough, and Jonathon is coming to the farm in the morning, so you'll only have to tell your story once. Jonathon is the new Chief of Police of Riverside and he's been very helpful."
"I heard that he was. I keep in touch with some of our old high school friends."
"There's the farm, so you can sit up now. We're going to land in the back field where Pop always landed his shuttle. We'll have to walk a little, but the sky's clear of any vehicles as far as I can tell, right, Spock?"
"Affirmative, the screen shows nothing."
Jim landed the shuttle, turned off the engine, and they sat quietly for a minute. Jim scanned the parameter around the house and barn. "Does everything out there look okay to you, Spock?"
"Yes. I see nothing to concern us. The barn door is closed and there is a light from the kitchen."
Jim huffed a relieved breath and helped Violet out. She stumbled a little against him in the deep snow, her exhaustion finally catching up to her. Spock carried the duffel bag as they made their way slowly to the back door of the kitchen, Jim keeping his arm around Violet.
"Ma, we're here," Jim called softly through the door, his arm still around Violet, holding her more or less upright.
Winona unlocked the door. "Jim, dear. I'm so glad you're back. Violet, Violet! Come here, sweetheart," and Winona put warm loving arms around her. She could feel Violet's hot tears against her cheek and the slight trembling of her body.
"Oh, Winona, thank God, I'm so happy to see you! I've been so cold and scared and so desperate. Please where is Davy? I need to see my Davy."
Bones, Nyota and Peter walked in and took in the sight of Violet in Winona's arms. No one said a word as Winona said, "Turn around Violet and look, Davy's in the high chair behind you. He's right here."
Violet turned in her arms and saw her baby. Her face lit up with joy. "Davy, oh Davy, my sweet baby!" She pulled away from Winona. Davy's eyes lit up at the sight of his mama and he reached out his arms to her. Violet bent and rained kisses on the baby's face, unstrapped him, and lifted him into her arms. Tears rained down her cheeks, but her face was radiant as she turned to face everyone, hugging the baby close. "Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for taking care of Davy." She swayed on her feet, and her face suddenly paled. Jim leaped to her side, took Davy from her, and Spock quickly pulled out a chair and sat her down gently.
"Put your head down between your knees, Violet." Winona gently pushed her head down. "It's all been too much for you, Violet, but you'll be fine in a minute. How long has it been since you've eaten? Peter, get me a glass of water, please."
Violet's pale face peeked out from under her arms, "I'm not sure, I didn't have breakfast or lunch, I ran out of food, and I was going to try to find someplace to buy some thing to eat." She sipped the water that the wide-eyed Peter handed to her and sat up, a little more color coming to her face. She took a deep breath. "I'm all right, I just felt a big dizzy for a minute." She stood up slowly but steadily. Jim stayed close to her holding Davy in his arms as she reached to kiss his soft little cheek.
"Tonight," said Winona firmly, "you'll have a good dinner, and then a good long sleep, both you and Davy. You'll feel better in the morning and we'll talk about everything tomorrow when Jonathon is here. Nyota, why don't you take Violet to the bathroom and have her freshen up and we'll have dinner on the table by the time you come back. Peter, dear, please set the table," she said to the silent child whose eyes were missing nothing of what was going on.
Uhura guided her gently out of the kitchen and Jim put Davy back in the high chair. "Ji," said Davy, putting his fingers in Jim's mouth. Jim gently nibbled the little hand, and Davy laughed. "Your mama is home, Davy, and for that we're very thankful, young man. Are you hungry?" He dropped a kiss on the soft curly head, and drew a deep breath, he felt profound relief that Violet was finally safe with her baby son.
"Let's get the food on the table, Ma. I'm starving and it sure smells good." Jim went to the back door and closed it to shut out the night and the human beasts of prey that were lurking somewhere out there. "Bones, I'd like for you to give Violet a good going over tomorrow. She hasn't been eating well if at all and she's been in that cold basement, and she's been harassed and frightened. I just want to be sure she's okay."
"It's a good idea, Jim. I'll do it in the morning. She's lookin' sort of peaky, and I didn't like that faintin' spell of hers either."
"Thanks, Bones. By the way, Ma, did Gavin ever comm?"
"No, son," said Winona, setting a small plate of food in front of the hungry Davy. "We haven't heard from him and that's not like him. Maybe he hasn't finished his search on the heirs yet, or he's been given an assignment." She worried about him when he was on assignment. Working for Starfleet Intelligence was a very dangerous business as she and Gavin had found out six months ago.(2)
When Nyota and Violet came back, Violet looked much better. She went over to Davy and he grinned at her, his mouth full of quiche. "Ma, ma," he crowed. Violet smiled delightedly at her baby. "That means more, Violet," Jim laughed. "Davy is a good eater and he's talking a lot now."
"He's gained half a pound since he's been here," Bones told Violet, "and he's getting 4 new teeth. He's a very healthy and happy baby. Here, sit down and eat." He rose with his usual Southern courtesy and pulled out a chair for her and Jim did the same for Uhura. They ate Winona's delicious quiche and salad and by mutual consent there was only light conversation around the table and none about Violet's ordeal. Everyone could see her visibly relax, tomorrow would come soon enough.
After dinner and cleaning up, they adjourned to the living room. "I think Violet and Davy need to go to bed," said Winona. "You look exhausted and a good night's sleep is just what you need."
McCoy gave her a keen glance, then said, "Good idea. Rest is what you need."
"I am very tired," she said softly. She picked up Davy from the floor and went over to Jim and kissed him lightly on the cheek. "Good night, and thank you again, my dearest friend," she whispered, and wished everyone a good night. She and Davy followed Winona to the sewing room and the door closed softly behind them.
Jim looked at the closed door. "I've been thinking," he said looking over at the best and the brightest of his crew.
"Oh Lordy! No! Jim, no! Stop right now, when you start thinkin' it's always big trouble for the rest of us."
"Bones, I'm really hurt!" Jim gave him a blinding smile.
Bones was unimpressed with Jim's full wattage grin. He looked over at Spock whose eyes showed vague alarm at Jim's words and at Uhura who looked resigned.
"What are you thinking, Uncle Jim?" Peter's eyes were wide with curiosity.
"Nothing much, Peter." He looked slyly at Bones. "I think I'll just wait and talk about it tomorrow when Chief Romaine is here and when Ma is not so busy. I don't want to give Dr. Bones nightmares tonight," he said as Bones sputtered in protest. "In the meantime, Spock, how about a game of chess?"
"That would be agreeable. Peter-kam it would be beneficial if you would sit with me and we will discuss your Uncle Jim's illogical moves as we play."
Jim just rolled his eyes at Peter and grinned. "Remember Squirt, I'm ahead in "total games won" so far. So it might be best to disregard Spock's cautionary tales about illogical chess moves, because it's obvious to me and thee that my illogical moves have turned the tide in our ongoing chess battle."
Spock's eyebrow rose as he glanced at Peter with a twinkle in his dark eyes. Peter rolled on the sofa giggling. How he loved it when his beloved Mr. Spock was teased by his Uncle Jim.
The chess table and board came out and the rest of the evening passed quietly in front of the fire with Uhura reading and Winona at her needlework.
In the morning everyone was up bright and early. Winona was at the stove with Bones at her side preparing a big breakfast. Biscuits, scrambled eggs, hash browns, fruit, coffee and cinnamon rolls were on the menu.
Jim and Spock set the table, and Uhura, Violet and Peter tidied up the bathrooms and living room areas in preparation for Jonathon Romaine's visit.
Jonathon showed up right on time and came through the back door just as all of Jim and Sam's friends had always done. He hugged and kissed Winona with a big grin on his face. He was very fond of Jim's mom, had been since childhood. Jim introduced him to Spock, Bones, and Uhura and then Violet came into the room with Davy in her arms. "Jonathon! It's wonderful to see you after all this time."
"Violet," he said, going over to her, taking her gently by the shoulders and looking into the big brown eyes and same sweet face he'd known since her and Jim's first grade. "I can't tell you how happy I am that you're safe and sound. We're going to get to the bottom of this, don't you worry. Hey, little guy, you look just like your mama," he said, holding out a finger for Davy who grabbed it and grinned.
"Let's sit down and eat," said Winona, "breakfast is ready. We'll talk later, right now, let's just enjoy our breakfast."
They sat down at the table and Winona looked around with satisfaction. Just the way she liked it, a table full of friends and family eating her home cooked meal. Her eye caught Jim's and he smiled at her knowingly.
Jonathon, Jim and Violet talked back and forth about their friends and teachers from high school, where everyone lived and what they were doing, who had gotten married, who had children, and various career moves. Jim looked up at Spock's puzzled face and said smiling, "Spock, this is called idle gossip. It's pretty common among humans, especially friends who haven't seen each other in a while."
"I see," said Spock, realizing as he said the words that his statement was patently untrue. He did not see at all. Vulcans did not indulge in gossip, idle or not, and he saw nothing logical about the conversation.
They finished breakfast and everyone helped with the clean up; Jonathon's demeanor changed from caring friend to official Police Chief. "Shall we adjourn to the living room?"
"Squirt, this is an adult only conversation, so why don't you go to your room and read for a while," said Jim.
"Okay, Uncle Jim. Or I might ride Ginger for a while," Peter said.
"That's fine, Squirt, but stay close to the house and barn okay?"
"Jonathon, let me put Davy down for his nap and I'll be with you in a minute," Violet said.
They settled in the living room and Winona brought out more coffee for everyone. Violet came in and sat. She took a deep breath, gathered her thoughts and looked at Jim. He nodded encouragingly.
"It all started when I was asked to do a forensic autopsy by the Iowa State Police on the body of the billionaire Randolph Myers Sanford." She went on to tell Jonathon how Lloyds of London had also called and requested another and separate autopsy before they paid out the insurance claim and how both the police and Lloyds were suspicious about the circumstances of his death. Sanford had been young and in perfect health. "I agreed to do two separate autopsies and send each entity a separate report. Instead of doing the autopsies through the usual scans, I elected to do them manually, since I felt that actually handling the organs might give me more information. I was particularly cautious and thorough because of the circumstances. After removing all the organs, including the brain, and finding nothing, I then did the usual toxin screening for common and rare poisons, medicines and herbals, again I found nothing. However, when I examined his skin under large magnification I found something suspicious. There was a tiny, a very tiny puncture in his neck at the carotid artery site. It was 4.572 mm. wide. That was the only unexplained mark on his body. This was very unusual, because it was exactly the size of an old-fashioned hypodermic needle which is no longer used.
I have had occasion to look at many antique medical paraphernalia during my studies and especially hypodermic needles. All doctors here on Earth only use the hypospray and have done so for over a hundred years. These old-fashioned needles can still be obtained, but not easily, and mostly off planet. When I did further research, and re checked his carotid artery, I found the same tiny puncture. It's my professional opinion that Mr. Sanford was murdered by someone injecting an air embolism into his bloodstream at the carotid artery site. I also believe he was sedated first to be sure he would stay asleep during the injection."
"What the hell," said Bones. "That's diabolical!"
Violet nodded. "It was very cleverly done, and who ever did it knew exactly what they were doing. Anyway, I wrote my findings for the police and separately for Lloyds and that very same afternoon, I had my first threatening call. The voice was altered and it could have been a man or a woman or anyone for that matter. The voice said if I turned in the autopsy reports, I would be sorry, that I was putting my life in danger and Davy's as well. Well, that made me angry, and I told whoever was on the comm, that if they thought to intimidate me, they'd picked the wrong person and I disconnected the comm call. I put all my findings on my padd, picked up Davy from day care and went home. I received another comm call at home that evening. Same altered voice, same threat, and I told them the same thing.
The next morning while I was taking Davy to day care, my shuttle was side swiped by another shuttle; it was hit and run. That did scare me because Davy was in the shuttle with me. My comm unit beeped and the voice said that it had been a warning, that it would be my only warning. It was then that I decided that Davy was not safe, that I had to hide him and myself until I figured out what to do. I know that someone is out there looking for Davy and me, trying to stop me from turning in those results." She took a deep breath, looked at the riveted faces looking back at her and said, "the rest you know."
"You and Davy are safe now, Violet," Jim assured her. "Now, we just have to figure out what to do to keep you that way and we have to find the murderers."
1 /3iVI2d3Y4WU
2 See "Ring of Treason"