Chapter 6
Matilda had another meeting with Mrs. Adams and then she went back to the cottage to make her report. She had found out that another prospector had 'lost' a bag of gold dust at the Assay office. He had gone back but the clerk had told him no one had seen that bag and since there had been no receipt for that bag, it had never happened. George Adams was in the back listening behind the door. He waited until the prospector left and then came out to the front. He did not want to be identified.
Sam and Dave were staying with Jason and planning what they were going to do when this operation was over.
"Well, Jason, seems like we have enough to set us up for retirement, so I think we will purchase some land and then have the Bolts build our home. Yours here is mighty nice!" Sam said he admired the workmanship. Dave looked at Sam and said:
"After having to see you every day, dear brother, I would like to live somewhere else!" Sam looked hurt and made a sad face, then Dave said:
"I was thinking two cabins on the land, that way we can have a place all to ourselves! Maybe we can connect them with a walkway between our cabins!" Sam smiled then. He had gotten used to having his brother around and wasn't sure he could handle being without him.
You know, Aaron Stemple now runs a property management company, maybe you could have him show you some land or property nearby. Then we can talk about building your house. I know a rather good architect, he is actually a nephew, his name is Christopher Pruitt. He has an office downtown Seattle. Near where the Totem pole stands!" Jason suggested.
"Now I like that idea. Tell me which of your brothers' child is he? And why is his name different?" asked Sam.
"He is Jeremy's adopted son. He is the brother of his wife Candy, she also has a sister Molly, but she is back East. Christopher was given the choice to either keep his parents; name or take the Bolt name. He chose to keep his parent' s name in their honor. He is around 23 right now and works out of Aaron's offices.
"Well now, doesn't that beat all, 'keep it in the family' sounds good to me. But Stemple isn't in your family?" asked Dave. Jason looked at Dave and decided not to explain the situation without Aaron around.
"I really am not at liberty to say, but if we have time with Aaron, he can tell you how it came to be." Said Jason. There was a small knock on the door and Jason went to answer it.
"Hello, Jason may we come in?" Matilda said. Mr. Birns came in with her along with two more detectives. Matilda introduced Mr. Birns to Sam and Dave as well as the two other detectives, Daniel, and Ezekial. They all shook hands and then Jason offered to get some coffee or water for them.
"Matilda, when is the due date for Mr. Adams child?" Mr. Birns asked.
"She is due around the 19th or 20th of this month. Arrangements have been made for her to go to her parents' house after the baby is born. They only live a few blocks away so it will not be a hardship to move her or the baby. Her mother will be attending as well as myself and the doctor." Said Matilda. Mr. Birns was happy with that report. He had not wanted Mrs. Adams to be unhappy while giving birth. It would not do the child good. He then looked at the rest of the people. He told them that they would all have a part to play in this sting operation. First, Jason was to station himself at the door to the office. He was to arrive there early, a half hour. But to not let Mr. Adams see him. Sam and Dave would be across the street watching what was happening, Mr. Birns would casually come up and stand behind Jason. When Mr. Adams was weighing the dust, they would walk in and catch him in the act. The two detectives would be outside in the back in case he ran.
"Are there any questions?" Mr. Birns asked. He looked around, the only question came from Matilda who said:
" Would like to find out if we can't have Mrs. Adams at her parents' house before the baby is born?" Mr. Birns sat awhile and then said:
"Matilda, the only reason is that he might not be as distracted if the baby is born at home. He will be thinking of his baby not necessarily the gold dust that he can count." Said Mr. Birns equally concerned. Matilda nodded in affirmation and let it go. Mrs. Adams would be fine to be moved after the baby was born so that she would not be alone when her husband was arrested, especially after having a baby only a couple of days earlier.
The plan was set, George Adams did not suspect anything. In fact, when he saw Matilda, he did not really 'see' her as she was just one of the many servants they had, she was only there to help his wife have her baby. The 'nurse' would be gone within a week! He thought to himself.