Signed Sealed Delivered: Plane Trust Finale

by BPlusWriter

Surprises await the POstables as they conclude their research and delivery of package contents delayed since the days of WWWII from a father to a son long separated.

SSD: Plane Trust

By BPlusWriter

February 2022 to April 29, 2023

Author's Note: Wow! This completes Signed Sealed Delivered: Plane Trust. I hope the ending meets your expectations. I have enjoyed writing this story immensely; my only regret is that due to my ignorance about the fan fiction website I was not able to put the whole story together under one story, chapter by chapter. In the future I may experiment with doing that. But as long as it is, I thought dividing it up into several sections might make it easier to follow anyway. There are good reasons for posting stories either way. I have other SSD story ideas to write but my summer suddenly looks very crowded so you will probably not see anything from me til fall. After working on this story for over a year, I need to turn my attention to other projects. And by then, we may have specific news about a new SSD movie which Eric mentioned today! Thank you for reading! I do not know if Martha Williamson will see this but if so thank you for creating Signed Sealed Delivered and bringing your marvelous SSD characters to life with your writing! And many thanks for letting POstables use them. All of us POstables hope we will have many more SSD movies to see! Reviews most welcome. **

Story Six: Surprise

Chapter 11

Oliver and Shane were late. Rita looked at the clock which read 8:45 a.m.

This was the second time this week the O'Tooles were late. This was not a new occurrence. Previously punctual Oliver had now stopped apologizing for their tardiness. Rita and Norman assumed, rightfully so, that Shane's habit of tardiness was the cause, but not always. Not today.

When the O'Tooles were late Monday they said it was because they stopped at the Mailbox Grille to get coffee and donuts for everyone, but Rita noticed that Oliver's tie was a little less than perfect and Shane's lipstick was all but nonexistent. Of course, Shane could have been eating a donut on the way in. Rita wondered what would be their excuse this morning and snickered to herself, but Norman heard her and asked her what she was thinking about. Mornings were usually very busy in the DLO and Norman was already busy sorting overnight deliveries. Rita was saved from answering when the DLO doors opened and Shane and Oliver came in, again carrying coffee and donuts.

Rita said, "You're spoiling us, but thank you for the coffee and donuts. Norman and I may get used to this personal service."

Rita looked at Shane innocently. Shane grinned at Rita, knowing exactly what she was thinking. Oliver heard but ignored Rita and instead busied himself greeting Norman and taking his coat off. Then he turned to help Shane take off her coat and hung it beside his.

Norman said thank you when Rita handed him his coffee, then set it down on his desk and diverted his attention from mail to one of the open books stacked on top of his desk.

"Oliver, that coin which was in the toy airplane is…

Shane had just sat down in Oliver's chair to listen to Norman about the same time the phone rang. Oliver reached over and around Shane to pick up the receiver.

"Denver DLO. How may I help you?" Oliver stood quiet for a moment. The rest of the POstables continued their activities: Shane and Rita continued sipping their coffee, Norman continued reading.

"What? Are you sure?" Oliver demanded of the unknown caller.

All three POstables suddenly looked at Oliver, waiting for whatever other information would come next.

"Mr. Thomas, August, we will be there as soon as we can. Mrs. O'Toole will call you when we get there."

Oliver hung up the phone, then addressed them all. "That was August Thomas. His cousin whom we went to see regarding the lost package died last night. Mr. Thomas got a call from Mr. Whitfield's daughter saying her father left something for him and instructed that it be delivered as soon as possible.

"Naturally, Mr. Thomas feels this is a little suspicious given the timing of the package delivery and its connection to his cousin. He asked me if we could come with him as witnesses in case there was any question of the ownership of the package and its contents since we were the last people to discuss the delivery with his cousin."

While Oliver had been on the phone, a delivery had been made to the DLO. Rita took it, said thank you and then walked toward Oliver. "And you got an overnight package delivered to you just now, Oliver," said Rita. "It looks important." Shane held her hand out and Rita handed the slim envelope to her. Shane and Oliver put their heads together as they looked at the return address. It was from a local attorney's office they both recognized.

Shane picked up a letter opener on Oliver's desk and was about to hand it to Oliver. Oliver shook his head. "You go ahead and open it, Shane, while Norman tells me his news." Oliver moved toward Norman while Shane opened the package.

Norman started his explanation, "My cousin knows a coin collector who—"

Shane skimmed the letter and interrupted to say, "Oliver, I think you better look at this."

"Not now, Mrs. O'Toole," Oliver said firmly. "We don't have much time and I want to hear what Norman has to say about-"

Shane interrupted Oliver again. "Before we do anything or go anywhere, Oliver, you REALLY need to see this letter!"

Oliver somewhat impatiently reached for the letter. "If this is O'Toole Foundation business, Shane, it can wait!"

"No, Oliver, it is very pertinent!" Shane said as she moved toward her computer. "Why don't you read it out loud so Norman and Rita can hear this too while I verify August's news. I want to see if I can find a cause of death for Mr. Whitfield."

Oliver obeyed and began reading.

"Dear Mr. O'Toole:

This letter is to inform you that you have been named a trustee for part of James Whitfield's estate in the event of his death. The items listed below are included but not necessarily limited to:

Five tin toys of various kinds: 3 airplanes, 1 truck, 1 lion bank"

all totaling to the approximate value of $200,000 according to the most recent official collectors guide.

If it can be determined that a Rolf Sr. or any of his heirs are living these items are to be held in trust by you until such time as these items can be handed over once identities are verified by this office. Currently, the items are in safety deposit boxes at several local banks.

Should no heirs be located, disposition of said items shall be left to the O'Toole Foundation to be used as needed to benefit remaining World War II survivors in whatever capacity decided by the O'Toole Foundation.

Please contact this office immediately to discuss.

Sincerely,

- -, Esq.

"Oh my goodness!" Oliver said. "This is extraordinary in more ways than one!

"I've heard of postal employees being involved in legal proceedings because of a mail delivery but never anything like this!"

Norman didn't look up from his examination of the coin and his reference book but said, "Sounds like Whitfield had his attorney on speed dial."

Rita nodded in agreement with Norman. "Yes, the timing is odd. Mr. Whitfield could have told you a great deal more about the property disposition in his will when you saw him several days ago," Rita said.

Oliver replied thoughtfully, "It certainly sounds like he had planned for contingencies should his activities come to light."

Shane said, "And it appears that he must have researched you extensively, Oliver, and quickly. It is not common knowledge that you head the "'O'Toole Foundation.'"

Oliver looked down at the letter again. "That is true," he said. "Whitfield must have been either extremely disturbed by our visit or simply trying to keep himself out of trouble as long as possible."

"I don't know if we can be officially helpful. Our ability to actually do anything in this situation will probably be pretty limited even if we do have wide powers of postal discretion, I don't think the main office would be happy to see any of its employees involved in what could possibly turn out to be international espionage, no matter how long ago."

"Well, Oliver," Shane said, "It may be a little late for that depending on what we find out about the other objects included in the package. Besides that, receiving this letter from Whitfield's attorney does give you authority to participate in the meeting August asked you to witness."

"You are right, Shane, but we will endeavor to stay out of as much of this extraordinary delivery personally as we can. Maybe we should call Dale again and update her on what we know and let her decide if she wants to get more closely involved."

Shane knew what Oliver was thinking. Pondering more official governmental interest, Shane thought back over her investigative research over the last few days to assess her involvement already. Since Shane still had the government clearance she had when she worked with Steve before she and Oliver married, Shane shook her head but said slowly, "I don't anticipate any problems, Oliver, but that's probably a good idea. Just in case."

"Then will you call Dale for me while I drive?" Oliver asked. "You heard me tell Mr. Thomas we will meet him at his cousin's house. I want to get there as soon as possible."

Oliver turned to face Norman. "Now, Norman, have you made any headway in identifying the coin?"

"No, Oliver," said Norman. "However, I do have a call in to my cousin Igor who works at the Colorado Museum of Fine Arts to see if he knows any coin experts."

"Ok, well, Shane and I will go to meet Mr. Thomas and you and Rita stay here and continue doing whatever needs doing today. Except, don't open any mislabeled or misdirected packages," Oliver said, with a ghost of a smile. "Concentrate on the lost letters while you wait for the calls. Keep us informed. If Dale calls before we get in touch with her, tell her to call Shane.

I hope we can take care of the package contents today."

As Oliver spoke, he helped Shane put on her wrap and ushered her out the DLO.

Rita and Norman looked at each other. "Well, I guess we know what to do," said Rita cheerfully as she moved toward the stack of lost letters that had just been delivered. "What an interesting day this is turning out to be!"

Chapter 12`

Oliver and Shane arrived at the Whitfield home and August Thomas got out of his car to greet them.

"Mr. Thomas! Said Oliver. "I am so sorry to meet under these circumstances! Accept our sympathies."

"That's alright. I never met James and as you know he and my grandfather were not close. Please call me August."

Oliver nodded. Then all three headed toward to house together. As they approached the door, Oliver inclined his head slightly to August, who nodded and knocked on the door.

It was soon opened by the same woman Oliver and Shane had met before, but this time the woman was dressed in black and had obviously been weeping.

Someone from the other room called out, "Who is it, Hannah?"

"I'm Rolf August Thomas. A Miss Whitfield called me?"

The unseen person must have heard his reply because a beautiful older woman, classically dressed in black and pearls, suddenly appeared. "I'm Sophia Whitfield. Who are these people?" she asked as she looked past August to Oliver and Shane.

Oliver answered. "We are from the United States Post Office, Dead Letter office. We visited with Mr. Whitfield about a lost package that included his name and this address. He gave us Mr. Thomas' name and we are investigating the package contents to determine their ownership."

Ms. Whitfield did not reply but opened the door wider and stepped back so they could all enter. They followed her as she wordlessly ushered them to the same room Oliver and Shane had visited with James Whitfield.

Ms. Whitfield politely asked them to sit and then disappeared to the same direction Mr. Whitfield had gone when Oliver and Shane were here.

Several minutes passed. Low conversation in Italian could be heard.

Suddenly Ms. Whitfield reappeared with a folder in hand. Wordlessly she handed it to August, and then sat down.

As August took out papers from the folder, Ms. Whitfield said, "You may find this hard to believe, but I am very happy to meet you, Mr. Thomas. My father spoke of your family with fondness. I am sorry you were unable to keep in touch."

She lifted her hand to point at the folder. "You will find a letter from my father that should explain a great deal. At least from what he told me."

August began reading the letter out loud.

Dear Rolf,

I know you go by August now, just as your grandson does, but I will always think of you as Rolf. I have vague recollections of seeing you in a few social gatherings in London. Those were good times. I enjoyed visiting with you when you came to see me here in Denver too. I had hoped we would become good friends. Obviously, that did not happen.

I don't have time to go into my life story, nor do I think you would be particularly interested, but there are certain things I think it is time you knew.

I really wasn't going to write this letter at all but after meeting the U.S. postal detectives, I knew the story was bound to come out sooner or later, and I had, after all, already left some explanation in my will.

If you have received this letter, it means you are receiving it after my death.

First of all, I want you to know I truly appreciate the respect and interest your father, Alastair Thomas, took in me when I was young and foolish. I know I caused my own family much embarrassment and disgrace, and your father's involvement in my career, was my saving grace. At least in part.

And while I would have enjoyed going back to England to visit the land of my boyhood, being in the United States suited me to a T.

I did try to be a credit to your father by doing the job he sent me to do, details of which I cannot divulge, even after all these years. Suffice it to say, I was a conduit through which information flowed to assist Great Britain, the United States and other allies in fighting the war. Although in hindsight, my efforts and your father's were probably negligible in the grand scheme of things given the enormous war efforts, it is probable that names and activities of well-known persons still alive may have been involved so it is also probable these countries would have a vested interest in keeping such information secret. It is unfortunate that my so-called mistakes followed me and pushed me into circumstances that led me to do things I wish could be easily undone.

I think I was always better at skirting the rules to get what I wanted than following the rules with the character and maturity that my father wanted so badly for me to display.

Neither my daughter, Sophia, nor my wife, Alexa, had any knowledge of my transactions at any time.

So, to you and your family, I leave $500,000 which is twice what the value of the items I keep that were sent to you by your father. Given that the items would have accrued additional financial value, I had added to the original value. Enclosed you will find some receipts, but they are purposely vague to prevent any further disclosures that might create problems for others who had no involvement in my own "sins". There are also a few items left for you that Sophia can give you. And I have entrusted more items to my attorney who will see that you get them from Mr. Oliver O'Toole, who works in the Dead Letter Office at the Denver Main Branch Post Office. Rather ironic, don't you think?

I am sorry for causing you any loss, however, I would do it again if necessary. I have loved my wife and daughter more than I ever thought possible, so, hopefully, you can forgive my youthful transgressions that made such a life possible. I think it can be said I had a good life. I hope you have too."

At this point August started reading silently. When he finished he handed the letter to Oliver.

Side by side, Oliver and Shane read the rest of the letter silently.

James admitted he stole some of the items that had been intended for Rolf's family. His lover from England, the diplomat's wife, had suddenly shown up on his doorstep. The niece of a prominent Italian man, rumored to be a member of the Mafia, and Whitfield were truly in love but neither had known she was pregnant when Whitfield moved to Denver. Whitfield had to hastily arrange for her divorce so they could be married. If he had had time, he would have asked his father for the money, but there wasn't time. So, he sold some of the toy planes and the jewels that were in the planes that Alastair Thomas had hidden before mailing them to his children.

Whitfield said he always intended to pay the Thomas family back after the war, but he was afraid of what might happen to him if he admitted it, and by then he and his wife had a daughter. There was also no way he could get back what he had sold. He did do fairly well later in life as an investor in airplane mechanics and had saved and put aside money to be left solely to any remaining heirs of the Thomas family. His daughter was left the remainder of his estate which was substantially more. His own father had disowned him after learning of his marriage to the by-now infamous diplomat's wife so there was no point in going back to England.

Oliver handed the letter back to August when they finished reading it.

At this point, Sophia Whitfield said, "You don't need to withhold anything in the letter from me. I knew a great deal of the family history before Father died. The letter he left for me filled in the details. I can't say I'm surprised. From hearing my mother's story of how she came here all my life, I knew there were strange things that happened." She shrugged. "It was wartime after all. And I am half Italian; the romance of two people very much in love being reunited across the miles appeals to me." Sophia smiled and then rose to go to another room. "Wait here for a moment."

Silence reigned as August, Oliver and Shane waited.

Momentarily, Sophia returned, carrying a box which contained among other things, two of the tin airplanes Oliver and Shane had seen in the foyer bookcase.

Chapter 13

Oliver drove as Shane called to check on Norman's progress and see if Dale had called. It was a no to both questions. Oliver told Norman they would stop to eat lunch before going to the nursing home so the Dormans could go to lunch too. As Oliver ended the phone call he slid his car into a parking spot in front of an Olive Garden restaurant.

Oliver smiled at Shane. "This won't be as good as Donatello's, Shane, but it does bring back fond memories of our first field trip alone together."

Shane smiled, the scene of Oliver standing next to his convertible, a cup of coffee in each hand coming to mind as she stood beside Charlie's house during their very first letter mystery. "A skinny vanilla late does sound good right about now," she said.

Story Seven: Delivery Success

Chapter 14

Once at the modern attractive facility for the memory impaired, Oliver and Shane signed in with August and made their way down several long brightly lit halls til they reached a room with the door shut. August knocked slightly then opened the door to find his grandfather sitting up in a chair.

"Hello, Grandpa," August said. "It's good to see you." As August spoke he crossed the room, and bent to give his grandfather a quick hug. Grandpa August responded with a reciprocating hug somewhat slowly but with all his might.

Then he looked up at his grandson. "August?" he asked tentatively.

"Yes, Grandpa, it's me, August.

"I'd like you to meet some new friends of mine, Mr. and Mrs. Oliver O'Toole. They work for the post office."

August had asked the O'Tooles not to reveal the morning's activities to his grandfather at this time. He said he planned to tell his grandfather all the news but gradually to be sure he didn't get confused.

Oliver and Shane took turns shaking hands with Mr. Thomas who stayed seated. It was obvious there was a family resemblance between grandfather and grandson. August indicated chairs around a small table, moved the table a little closer to his grandfather as Oliver moved the chairs closer as well. He and Shane sat and waited for their cue to begin their delivery.

Grandpa August spoke first, "It's nice to meet any friends of yours, August. I don't get many visitors these days."

"Well, Oliver and Shane came to find me," August said. "They found something that they think may be yours."

Oliver took this as his opportunity to explain their mission. He cleared his throat.

"My wife, Shane, and I work in the Dead Letter Office of the Denver Post Office branch. A package was recently recovered that we believe may belong to you. The package was badly damaged, and we were unable to determine the name of the sender. An enclosed letter mentioned a James Whitfield with his address, who according to the writer of the letter is a cousin of yours. Do you remember Mr. James Whitfield?"

As Oliver finished his explanation, a more focused look came into Grandpa August's eyes and face, but he still said nothing, maybe searching his memories for something familiar.

August spoke gently to his grandfather. "I think the package is from your father, Alastair Thomas. You told me he used to send you packages after you and Aunt Susan moved to Denver."

Grandpa August nodded slowly, "Yes, Papa sent me packages. Toys mostly. I think I still have one or two." He looked questioningly at August.

August nodded in his turn. "Yes, Grandpa. I have them at home, where they are safe. I'll bring them to you someday, if you'd like."

Grandpa August's eyebrows contracted in a frown. Suddenly, his eyes seemed more focused than before. He looked at Oliver and said distinctly with more firmness, "Yes, I remember James Whitfield. Why do you want to know?"

Once again, Oliver said, "As I said, the letter that was in the package gave the name of James Whitfield, your cousin apparently, and his address. My wife and I were able to find Mr. Whitfield and visit with him. He gave us your name and we traced you through your grandson, Rolf August Thomas."

"Can you verify the information about your father, who was probably the sender of the package?"

Grandpa August sat back and said, "I'd rather not. Sister wouldn't like it."

August said, "It's ok, Grandpa. I've looked at the package contents. I'm sure your sister would be happy for you to get what your father sent."

"Papa told us to be careful. He didn't trust James. I don't either."

Shane decided now might be the time she could help. She put her hand on Grandpa August's hand and said, "Mr. Whitfield did not see the package, Mr. Thomas. He helped us find you. He wanted you to get the package."

Grandpa August laughed unexpectedly. "That's rich! James always wanted to know what was in the packages Papa sent. I always took the packages to show him because Papa told me too. I didn't want to, but Sister said I must do what Papa wanted. Sometimes James kept the packages. Sister and I finally stopped going to see him. But by then, the packages stopped coming because Papa died in the war."

Grandpa August continued, "You know, don't you, that I was born in England? Before the war?

"My father, Alastair Thomas, sent my sister and I here to get us away from the London bombings during the War. We left England on a ship in 1939."

His speech slowed as he came to what was obviously still a difficult memory. "We never went back to England. My father died in one of the bombings in 1944."

At this point, Oliver and Shane looked at each other as if asking each other how to proceed. Shane decided to take the lead. "Would you like to see what your father sent to you?" She nodded to Oliver who extended the package to August to hand to his grandfather.

Knowing his grandfather would have difficulty getting the toy plane out of the box, August did it for him.

He gently handed the plane to his grandfather who took it with slightly trembling hands. Smiling, Grandpa August breathed the words, "Look what Papa sent me!" in a voice filled with wonder.

Oliver took this opportunity to say, "Our office has researched this toy for its value: a post office regulation. This toy plane is probably worth a great deal of money. Somewhere in the neighborhood of four to five thousand dollars but of course, to a collector, priceless."

Still overcome with emotion Grandpa August said, "I don't care how much it cost. It is from Papa. I wouldn't part with it for any amount of money."

With his eyes on the toy plane, still holding and turning the plane around and around, the senior August said, "I'm glad James doesn't know about this one. He kept some of the other toys Papa sent. Sister said she thought we would get them back, but we never did."

Unexpectedly, Grandpa August spoke again. "Was there more in the package? Sister and I think Papa sent other things sometimes but we did not always see them."

August did not seem surprised at this statement. "Yes, Grandpa. I know. You and I and Father talked about this."

"Your father never took it seriously," Shaking his head, Grandpa August said steadily. "But I did. And I think Sister did."

Grandpa August sobered again, and said, "Things changed when the strangers came. At first I was the only visitor at cousin James' house, but after a few times, other people were already there. They were strange. One of them was a woman with an accent. She switched back and forth from English to some other language and seemed very excitable.

"I remember her clearly," Grandpa August said proudly. "I think she might have been Spanish or Italian. Sister didn't think it was important. But, James would frequently hurry me along to have tea and cookies in the kitchen for most of the visit. He did not introduce me to the visitors which I thought was rude. The lady occasionally greeted me kindly.

"James usually gave the toys back to me on the next visit after I left them with him, but that changed after the visitors started appearing. Sometimes he would say it was taking longer than he thought, that he was busy and didn't have time to investigate that week. And once in awhile when I got the toys back they didn't seem to be exactly the same ones, or they appeared different."

Grandpa Rolf seemed doubtful, as if he wasn't remembering events correctly but he continued his story. "I told James some of the toy planes seemed different when he gave them back. Of course, he denied it.

"I started to keep a record of the toys after that but nothing appeared to be out of place after that conversation except it took a little longer to get the toys.

"I finally put my foot down and told Sister I wasn't going anymore. I didn't care how much the toys were worth; I just loved them because Father sent them."

At this, August smiled and said, "I believe you said your Sister got tired of your complaints. So she went to see Whitfield to say you were busy and wouldn't be coming for awhile but would like to have any of the toys he still had back.

I remember your sister said James suddenly became very charming and insisted the visits continue per your father's wishes. He gave her a few toys. He said he was still having the rest appraised, and they wouldn't be available for awhile."

Grandpa shook his head. "Margaret Susan kept saying Father would be taking care of it or she would sometime when it was convenient.

"James called a time or two and wanted to know if we had heard from Father. Since my father said to be careful around James, Margaret Susan was evasive. Shortly thereafter we were notified that Father had died. There was now no reason to visit Whitfield anymore. To this day, I don't think I got all the toys back." His tone of voice was equal parts complaint and sorrow.

Grandpa August shook his head. "Margaret Susan got married and we moved quite away from the old neighborhood and Whitfield. She told me we would wait til after the war was over and then deal with Whitfield." He shrugged again. "Maybe she was a little afraid of him. Unfortunately, she and her husband were killed in a car accident not long after the war was over.

Then August went to England and met a few people," he nodded toward August, "but did not learn anything we did not already know. The government never likes to reveal its secrets, you know." This last bit of conventional wisdom sounded odd coming from a man who was not in full possession of his faculties.

"I did some research on Whitfield when I came back," said August. "It appeared he married," His eyes twinkled and he grinned, "an Italian and they had a daughter. The question of the Latin lady visitor may be solved, Grandpa."

Oliver and Shane and August chuckled, having just met the proof of that statement that very morning.

Turning serious again August continued, "I decided it was not a good time to make contact with Whitfield again. I was busy putting myself through school and had other priorities. And Grandfather was reluctant to get involved with Whitfield again so I didn't go."

Silence fell as the Thomases finished their story.

Then Oliver gave the letter to Grandpa August. Grandpa read it silently, then he read it out loud. He looked at Oliver. "Thank you for finding this. I will treasure it."

August asked, "Grandpa, where do you think your father was referring to when he said he and your brother went fishing? He didn't write the place name but he did write the first letter 'W'".

Grandpa said, "White Waltham."

August nodded his head. "Of course. That is where Air Transport Auxiliary Air Force Base was located. Your brother would have flown out of there."

Now it was Grandpa's turn to nod. "It's not terribly far from London, but we used to go to Reading which was closer to our little place in the country. I'm sorry you never got to go there, August. I haven't been fishing in a long, long time."

August smiled and said, "That's ok, Grandpa. Would you like to go fishing, Grandpa? I think we can arrange that someday."

Grandpa August smiled and said yes that would be nice. Then he laid his head back a bit in tiredness.

Even though the evidence now clearly showed the August family opinion about James Whitfield correct, Oliver still wanted to know what led them to that conclusion so many years ago. He thought now was a good time to inquire more specifically about what was it about James Whitfield that led Grandpa August to distrust him.

"Ah!" August said, looking at Oliver. "I did already tell you much of our story when we met but I never finished the story, did I?"

Looking at his grandfather, August said, "Grandpa, you tell us."

Grandpa said, "One time something fell out of a toy while James and I were looking at it. James snatched it before I had a chance to see what it was. After that, I thought maybe James wasn't really interested in the toys at all. Then I started opening the packages before we took them to James. The toys and jewelry were always new and different of course, but there was always a very small film envelope too. I opened one of them one time, and there was just a tiny piece of film with letters and numbers in no particular order. Those were never returned to me. I couldn't say anything about that or James would know I had opened the packages. As it was, it was hard to find tape to replace the original so James wouldn't suspect the package had been tampered with. So I only opened a couple of boxes. If James suspected anything he didn't mention it. And it was common for mail to be inspected for contraband anyway so he might have noticed but didn't think it was important to discuss. It wasn't long after that James began keeping the toys longer too."

This is the moment it occurred to August to ask Oliver, "You mentioned there were other items in the package. What else was in the package my grandfather's airplane came in?"

"I am not at liberty to discuss other contents until other investigations have been completed. I may not even be able to tell you then," Oliver said.

August nodded in understanding. His grandfather watched them but did not speak.

August leaned back in his chair and looked at Oliver. "Here may be a good time to explain what else we do know rather than what we don't.

"Grandfather's older brother, Richard wanted to join the Royal Air Force but he was not eligible, so he went into the Air Transport Auxiliary, which was a flying service manned by private citizens who, for one reason or another, could not get into the military." August smiled. "Some of them were quite colorful characters. Grandfather doesn't know why his brother couldn't get into the military, just that he couldn't.

"This group of pilots came from all walks of life: there was at least one journalist, and one pilot had lost his arm and an eye serving in the service during WWI but was still skilled enough to fly a plane.

"Great-grandfather Alastair knew how to fly also but his work as a diplomat keep him grounded, at least as far as we know."

Oliver remarked, "So the interest in flying was what sparked an interest in the toy airplanes your great-grandfather sent?"

August nodded and said, "Yes," as he glanced at his grandfather.

"I did do a great deal of research on transportation and travel and mail before I went to England. Grandfather was too young to have any knowledge of such things before he came here, of course, but after many discussions we believe we have an idea of how and why Great-Grandfather Alastair sent the toys.

"We think Richard either knew of a pilot who could help transport the gifts or did it himself. There is some evidence that Richard traveled to Canada over the North Atlantic route. There was mail moving to Washington, D.C. that way and materials and supplies were moved across the Canadian border in other places. Chicago was a major mail hub as well as someplace on the West Coast. There is no way we can determine whether this was a fully sanctioned operation by the government that could have included packages from other places and people or if it was just an experiment.

"I don't think we will ever know," August looked knowingly at Oliver and Shane. The O'Tooles silently acknowledged August's reference to the now deceased James Whitfield.

Silence fell, as Oliver and Shane and August were thinking about the morning visit with Sophia. Some questions answered, some not.

Oliver spoke to the elder Thomas. "Mr. Thomas, it was a pleasure to meet you. We may visit you again, if that's alright?"

The elder Thomas nodded and said, "Thank you for coming. And thank you for bringing Papa's gift. I will treasure it."

August nodded to Oliver and Shane as he ushered them out the room.

August said quietly, "That went better than I expected. Grandfather was in the best of humors. And very rational."

Oliver said, "We are very happy that we could have a part in delivering something obviously so cherished. Thank you for your time, August. We will be in touch as soon as possible when we hope to have more information to share."

As Shane and Oliver walked to their car, Shane said, "Oliver, you know I still have high clearance security. I could investigate further on the chance that I can find out more about Mr. Whitfield's activities."

Oliver shook his head, then looked at Shane with a smile. "I know you could, darling, but this has all the hallmarks of something way above our paygrade. What we don't need is to invite questions if you are searching the same ground Dale is."

Shane sighed. "Well, at least we our partial delivery made someone very happy. I just hope Mr. Whitfield wasn't involved in anything more nefarious that could have complicate returning to the Thomas family what seems to be rightfully theirs."

After stopping to get coffee for the foursome in the DLO, the O'Tooles walked back into the DLO with expectations of the usual DLO afternoon activities. That did not happen.

Chapter 15

Norman greeted them first. "The coin expert my cousin called said the coin is very likely a rare find! He wants to see it immediately! Can Rita and I go to see him now?

"And Dale finally called! She has been out of town on an undercover assignment which is why she hasn't returned your calls. She is sending someone to pick up the microfiche to turn it over to the proper authorities."

"Yes, Norman, we will all go to see the coin expert as soon as the microfiche has been picked up," said Oliver. Just as Oliver spoke, a tall young, dark-haired thin man with exotic features walked into the DLO. Oliver spoke first. "Can I help you?" The young man didn't speak but held out his ID badge to Oliver. The POstables couldn't help but stare because, although no one spoke, they were all thinking the same thing: this silent young man looked remarkably like Ramon. Enough like Ramon to be his twin!

Rita couldn't help herself. She laughed and asked. "Would you happen to be related to Ramon Rodriguez? The weatherman? Real estate agent?" Dance instructor?"

"His cousin, perhaps? Or his twin?" asked Norman, who was horrified to think there were two Ramons in close proximity.

Oliver, seeing the young man's face said, "You'll have to excuse us for staring. It's just that you look very much like a friend of ours."

Norman looked at Oliver, pondering Oliver's description of Ramon, who had come to play important roles in the POstables' lives, much to his chagrin.

The young man looked pained as he addressed Rita. "No ma'am, but I get that a lot." He smiled sourly and looked at Norman, "I am an only child." Having signed the transfer papers, the young Ramon-lookalike turned away, mumbling, "I've got to get a transfer!"

The POstables laughed at the young man's response and gathered their things to head out the door as well.

"Wait 'til I tell Ramon!" Rita exclaimed.

"Do you have to?" asked Norman.

Chapter 16

Several weeks later Oliver, Shane, Rita and Norman visited Grandpa August to give him the newly discovered ancient coin Norman had discovered in the toy airplane. Thus far, based on pictures exchanged back and forth with British coin experts, it appeared to be a coin not found before, date unknown, although theories were being discussed. They returned jewels that were found in the safe deposit boxes James had transferred to Oliver too. Norman and Grandpa August's heads were bent together as they studied the coin while Shane and Rita unwrapped the other treasures for Grandpa August to see.

Oliver had been allowed to tell August that the microfiche did turn out, indeed, to be of British WWII military origin and had been sent to the British embassy to forward to military historical experts in Great British for further study.

As Oliver and August stood aside, watching the happy conversation, Oliver said quietly, "You and your family's suspicions regarding James Whitfield were right. Your grandfather's father did indeed communicate with Whitfield through secret messages in the toys. This much I have been allowed to say. What are you going to tell your grandfather?"

"Not everything. There is no point now. I just told him that James had died recently and left us a sizeable inheritance out of familial affection. He was surprised but that went a long way to soothing Grandpa's hurt feelings. It wouldn't surprise me if he didn't guess though. My grandfather may not be able to remember everything, but he can be remarkably acute at times. Should Grandpa every meet or hear of Sophia Whitfield she would certainly attest to my explanation. I think that possibility is remote although I wouldn't mind asking her about any familial connections left in England, but I expect her knowledge is probably less than mine.

"I am glad James followed through with the work my great-grandfather planned for him to do once he came to the U.S. no matter insignificant it may have turned out to be." He shrugged. "We will never know."

In response, Oliver said, "I believe every step forward toward a noble goal is a good thing."

August nodded in agreement. "I do think it is sad that James wanted a closer family relationship with my family that his actions prevented. But, as he said, he got a wife and daughter which made his life richer. If he had been open and honest about his needs, I think my grandfather and his sister would have been happy to help."

Changing the subject August said, "I can't tell you how happy Grandfather is!" He smiled. "We are so thankful you were able to find us to bring us these very important family treasures!"

He reached out his hand to Oliver, who shook it as he said warmly, "We are so very glad we were able to do so, August!

"How did you resolve ownership of the coin? I know the British are extremely interested in it! From what I understand, it is probably quite valuable."

August said, "Yes, they are very keen to get it.

"I had no idea how complex the currency of Great Britain is. The experts seem to think there is equal possibility it could be a forgery as the real deal. I have no idea where my great-grandfather got it but I'm sure he wouldn't have sent it unless he felt it had genuine value.

"The English museum that most often handles these kind of items agreed we could keep it for the time being. They cannot force us to give it up, although in Great Britain itself, the law does sometimes require found coins of historical value to be donated back to the government, formally assessed and curated and the finder is monetarily compensated. They have tentatively agreed to take possession of it after my grandfather passes and to compensate the family as is customary.

"An English barrister has been in contact with our attorney to draw up the necessary contract.

"The other items that James kept, the jewelry and some unset stones, you know, that you were able to retrieve for us, I'd like to think he must have held them for us in safekeeping, will be much easier to sell. However, Grandfather loves to show visitors his treasures, which I will bring to him from time to time, so I'm holding onto them for right now. Having these treasured keepsakes has actually jogged his memory a bit and we have spent some hours together discussing his childhood in England. I may even get a clue or two about a distant relative I might try to locate, although Grandpa's memory does not include many specifics of that sort."

With a touch of pride and satisfaction for a job well done, Oliver said, "We are so very glad we could have had a positive impact on your grandfather's life. With your permission, perhaps it would be possible for Shane and I and our colleagues to visit him from time to time, with you as well, of course. And, you mentioned going fishing with your grandfather. I would enjoy taking you fishing, if you and he would like to go with me? I have been fishing with my father near here."

"We'd love to go fishing! Haven't been in a very long time!" said August.

Story Eight: Love Explained

Chapter 17

Shane and Oliver had leftovers and then decided it was a good evening to try new beverages. Oliver reached for a new organic herbal tea, which the labeling guaranteed to be relaxing, and Shane decided to make hot chocolate with a new chocolate powder made with Ashwagandha and honey. Oliver had been coaxing Shane to try substitutes for sugar, while Shane was trying to find substitutes for the sugar-laden YooHoo for Oliver.

After relaxing on the couch to drink their drinks, Shane broke the quiet, "Oliver, why do you think the lost package of a toy and a coin was so late? I am glad its delivery has helped the Thomas family now, but Mr. Thomas Sr. will not be able to enjoy it the way he would have if it had been delivered on time. I know you say the packages we find and deliver always arrive at just the right time, but why now?

"Why not 20 or 30 years ago when Mr. Thomas could have enjoyed sharing it with his son and grandson as they grew up? It is sad enough that he had to be separated from his father at such a young age."

Oliver put down his cup and turned to face Shane. "We never really know why, Shane. Sometimes, the timing seems evident to us, sometimes not.

Maybe Mr. Thomas needed it more now than he would have when he was younger."

Shane sighed, nodded and sipped her cocoa. "But, we trust the timing, right?"

"Yes, darling," Oliver said tenderly, "we trust the timing." Oliver reached for her hand and pulled her to her feet.

Oliver led Shane to the center of the room, turned just long enough to turn on the CD player to let "MoonRiver" fill the room. Of course, Oliver still used his record player but he was enormously pleased that Shane suggested she make CDs of their favorite music. Oliver really was moving slowly into the 21st century. Now, he took her in his arms and began to sway gently to the music. His right hand tucked her left hand against his chest as his left hand encircled her waist.

"Remember the first time we danced to this?" Oliver whispered in her ear. The question came out in that low deep rumble that Shane loved.

Shane smiled without lifting her head from his shoulder. "How could I forget? I would never "eschew" that moment."

Olive joined her in a chuckle. "We had no idea that our time together had just begun."

Dreamily, Shane said, "That dip! I could tell you were the perfect dancing partner already."

Oliver laughed, "You had a fine way of showing it! You pulled out of my arms and ordered Rita and Norman to follow you! You didn't ask me to come—one minute we're discussing our emotional wounds, and the next minute I was left standing bewildered, wondering what you were up to now."

Shane leaned back in his arms and laughed. Oliver was pleased to have made Shane laugh and entranced by her sweet laugh of appreciation. "Don't tell me you regret that, Oliver! You had just given me the key to finding Kelly for Charlie!"

Oliver grinned. "No, Shane, I don't regret any time spent with you, although I do regret a few unpleasant words I spoke to you from time to time."

Oliver looked lovingly at Shane with that adoring look he reserved just for her. "I didn't trust the timing. Lesson learned." He sighed, "And I keep learning it."

He pulled her closer and said, "Thank you for trusting the timing. I wouldn't have blamed you for walking away any number of times."

Shane stopped dancing to hold Oliver tightly. "And I didn't even really understand what 'Trust the timing,' meant yet. I just knew I couldn't leave the DLO because you were there, even if I did threaten to quit a number of times."

"And I am so glad you stayed!" Oliver said, tightening his embrace around Shane, as they began lightly dancing again. "I first learned the concept of Trusting the Timing from my grandfather. As I've told you, he was a very learned man. He memorized whole chunks of Shakespeare and the Bible.

"When I would complain about doing homework or doing chores, he would say, 'There's a season for learning and a season for working, Ollie'." And then he would quote, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens, a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot… a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance…'

"At first, I thought he was just dispensing the wisdom of the ages on me the way older people are wont to do to those younger than them," Oliver said and smiled as he twirled Shane, "but as I got older, I realized he was right. And subconsciously I started accepting and applying that axiom to life. As you know very well, I wasn't always very good at that, but it helped lay a foundation for how to approach work and life. Hence, 'Trust the Timing.'"

They danced for a few moments in silence. The song MoonRiver was replaced by Clair de Lune. Oliver said, "I know we have talked about this, but take your mind back to the night in the DLO when we first danced to Billy Joel. Do you know exactly what I thought at that moment we almost kissed?"

"What?" asked Shane as she lifted her head from Oliver's shoulder to look at him.

"Suddenly I thought, "there is a time to embrace and a time to kiss" but this isn't it, as much as I wish it was."

"My mind was suddenly whirling with new feelings for you… and I was confused. Confused about what I was supposed to feel.

"I did know it was time to leave before either one of us did something we might regret later."

Oliver and Shane were both silent as they pondered the beginning of their love story. They had talked about the progress of their relationship many times. They had laughed and cried remembering the good, the not-so-good but especially always they remembered it was a given that God brought them to each other. Still, at times, Shane found it hard to believe God had their union in mind from the beginning. "Oliver, why do you think God brought us together at that particular time when it obviously wasn't exactly the right time?"

Oliver smiled and twirled Shane in his arms.

"That's easy! I think God knew if we were both free from the moment we met, the attraction we both felt from the beginning would have overwhelmed the development of our relationship first as coworkers, then friends, then lovers. Although the timing of my attraction to you, and gradually, my fascination with you created many emotions, and I did not always immediately welcome them; I was particularly frustrated because of my unresolved situation with Holly.

"As it was, I found myself thinking about you way more than I should have! Your beautiful face would suddenly appear in my mind as I was reading at home or working in the garden; some audacious remark you had made would suddenly come to mind."

Shane and Oliver smiled at each other as they each remembered several tense moments when words between them were pointedly provocative.

"And, I know I had a lot to work through before I was really ready to be in a mature relationship. Neither my relationship with Holly nor my stunted relationships with my parents were good foundations for true unconditional love, although Dad coming back into my life helped enormously."

Oliver tilted his head as he looked at Shane. That special little smile he had just for her lit his face and, as always, Shane was fascinated. "And then there was you. You came into the DLO, argued with me face to face, totally unafraid of me and my temper yet… still somehow leaving moments of tender understanding in my life. You have no idea how much I needed that.

"Thank you, Shane," Oliver said quietly, sincerely, tenderly.

Oliver never tired of telling Shane how much she meant to him. Shane never tired of hearing it.

Oliver kissed Shane and when she could speak again, she said, "So, you mean we needed time to learn to respect each other and appreciate that our differences made us better together," Shane said.

Oliver nodded. "Among other things," he agreed. "And, as you know, during that time, I did a lot of contemplating. There were a lot of sleepless nights and long nighttime walks."

"Otherwise, as headstrong as you are," Oliver grinned as Shane punched him in the shoulder, "and as stubborn as I am, I think one or the other of us would have walked away before we realized how perfect we are together," he said.

It was Shane's turn to confess, although she was sure Oliver already knew what she was going to say. Shane smiled. "I wanted so badly to be part of your life! I pushed and then when you resisted, I realized I needed to be patient, which is not one of my virtues!"

They both laughed.

Shane put both her arms around Oliver's neck as they continued to sway to the music which had now become a low jazz tune.

"The day I walked back into the DLO with coffee was the beginning of a richer, much better life," Shane said.

"For me as well," Oliver agreed and held Shane closer.

Teasingly, Shane said, "And you know, Oliver, I will continue to challenge you from time to time." Her eyes twinkled.

Oliver's eyebrows shot up and he smiled. "I have no doubt that you will, my darling! I am counting on it!"

The O'Tooles both laughed, and were silent again as they continued to dance, their eyes locked as they both realized just how blessed they were to have found each other.

The song Keb'Mo sang at the Dormans' wedding, Every Morning, came on. Oliver moved his and Shane's hands close. Oliver said in his low voice, "Of all the coffee shops in all the world, we walked into the same one on the same summer morning and a miracle happened."

Shane's throat choked and eyes were full of joyful tears. "And we had no idea, Mr. Steamboat," replied Shane.

In a voice thick with emotion, Oliver said, "But I know for certain that now is certainly our time to dance and our time to kiss."

Still holding Shane tightly, Oliver slowed to a stop.

Shane smiled, "Yes, it is our time to kiss," Shane said as she stood on her toes to meet Oliver's lips with hers.

The End

**Darling, if you are reading this, many thanks and my love for the time you patiently waited while I huddled over the computer or stayed up late to write this story.