Chapter Thirty-Eight
Maris woke up about noon and stretched like a cat, "Oh my I have slept through breakfast and lunch. Not sure I have ever done that before."
She went to sit up and noticed a bit of soreness. A smile went across her face at the memory.
"I can't believe last night. That I acted so—-uh wanton. Oh my, I said that? That wasn't ladylike at all." she giggled as the memories flooded her senses and her body reflexed again with the pleasures Nick had taught her. She winked at the wig across the room, "You were the witness."
Nick's words came back to her and warmed her again with desire; she had said she was sorry for being so "articulate" for lack of a better word.
He roared with laughter and hugged her tight, "Never heard that word used, Honey. Bella Dona, was just exactly what I dreamed of. A man likes to know when he is making you happy. And to hear his own name called out, he feels like the king of his home. Don't apologize for loving me. When it's good, it's really good and when you love your husband and I love you, my wife—it's the best feeling in the world. Never say sorry for showing me you want me. Never."
"Missy, you were right. It doesn't have to hurt and it definitely feels good. Tell your sister thank you for giving me hope all these years." Maris spoke aloud to her long-lost childhood friend from Baltimore.
She got up to dress for the day and hopefully bring James David home tonight for the holidays.
—-&—
Nate, Jarrod, and Nick arrived at the Chang family restaurant and asked the host for Mike Chang.
"He is in his office. Let me let him know visitors here."
"Thank you," as Jarrod gave them their names.
Mike and his younger brother Sam came immediately out to greet their friends. They all shook hands and Mike made eye contact with Jarrod.
"Let's go back to my office by the look in your eyes, old friend."
Jarrod waited until the door closed. Mike listened respectfully as he told him about the events. He and his brother's expressions grew cold and incensed. A twitch kept going in Mike's right cheek as he tried to control his emotions.
"Friend—-you know—"
"I do know Mike—-and Sam. You had nothing to do with this but the tattoo has brought me here again."
Sam spoke up, "Mista Barkley, the Tong respect you. For years. Since Stockton. Feeding our families. Making sure rice prices don't hurt our family. We KNOW you could make more profit in the white world. Still you respect us."
Jarrod nodded, "I am among friends. My family and home could have gone up in flames. I know it was a scare tactic—but it could have gone terribly wrong."
"Jarrod, you mentioned the evidence. Permit me please."
He pulled out the brand new fifty dollar note and the miniature.
"Brand new Jarrod—-this paper is practically brand new. It has not touched many hands," and he turned it over, "Denver Mint." 1880. It's brand new. Hardly circulated."
Nate and Nick looked over the bill. "You are right, friend."
Mike picked up the yellowed photograph of the young girl. He shook his head and handed it to Sam. His eyes widened.
"Mei Lei. Daughter of Zhong. Sad story. She fell in love with young Tong. They were not allowed to marry. She is living in Shanghai with new husband. I do not know what happened to young man."
Nick spoke up, "I think his body is at the morgue."
Sam asked to be excused, "Please wait. I may find some new information."
"Jarrod, please sit while we wait. " and he poured coffee for the men.
The men went over the details again and Mike jotted down some of the fireworks descriptions Jarrod remembered.
"Those are from Enoch Street. Walk-in store. Seven crates?"
"Yes."
"Did you find the cart?"
"No, which means someone else is involved."
Sam walked back into the room and slightly bowed.
"Tong not involved. They hate Yìchén. He shamed a Tong daughter. Warrant out for his death."
"He ran away to Denver, they think."
"Well, he is dead, all right."
Nick, Nate, and Jarrod all exchanged a look.
"Does someone hate you—fear you in Denver?"
All three men nodded.
"Please be careful Mr. Barkley. You are a great friend. And please remember. Even a hare will bite when it is cornered."
Jarrod bowed his head in thanks to his long-time friends.
The men finished their coffee and headed back to Nate's to think.
—&—
Elisabeth and Alice were at Madame Fracone's store shopping for some items that Jarrod was not able to get out of the brownstone before the smoke set in. They had gone to the children's shop and Jarrod's tailor first.
"Oh look at that dress. The blue is so perfect for Maris. Let's order that dress for Maris. It goes splendidly with her hair."
Alice laughed, "the blonde or the red?"
Elisabeth found two dresses she liked in a large book, Myra's Paris Patterns, selected two fabrics and trim, and went to inquire on the time frame of having them made.
Alice found some new gloves and a beaded bag. She walked back and overheard Elisabeth in the fitting room,
"I believe myself to be at least two months enceinte. Let's use seam tape at the waist—-basting. I haven't told my husband yet; he has been so stressed from a case. I was waiting for the case to be over but now it is dragging on another year. I am going to tell him Thanksgiving. Another blessing. Even at my age."
The clerk and Elisabeth shared a giggle at the news.
Alice couldn't contain herself and burst into the curtained room, "Your secret is mine to keep I promise. Jarrod will be over the moon. He dotes on little Benjamin so much."
Elisabeth grinned at her dear friend, "I am thirty-five. I assumed Benjamin was the caboose. Now again! I am tickled, myself, to give Jarrod another child. To lose love and find it again is such a great gift. Paul and Francis, I think would be happy to see all of us thriving."
"I knew them both—agreed."
"Now only if Nick and Maris can find a way to wed. And maybe a surprise at her age."
"No, Maris said they told her after James David, there would be no more. The midwife told her. Her husband didn't come back around after that."
"So sad but they will be over the moon happy just with each other, raising Chip and James David."
Elisabeth kissed Alice on the cheek, "Our secret. Not even Nate."
"I promise"
