For The Love of Jeremy Bolt Chapter Four
"Jackson's dead? That's a shock. How was he killed, Aaron?" Jason glanced at the bed. Joshua and Jeremy were still sound asleep.
Jason motioned for Aaron to follow him out of the room. The two men continued their conversation in the hall.
"How was he killed, Aaron?" Jason wondered again.
"He was stabbed in the chest. I don't know at this point how the killer got into the jail. I'm wondering if Jackson's partner, Larry Johnson murdered him. Are you ready to go to the jail, Jason?" Aaron inquired.
"Let me check on the boys, Aaron and I'll be ready to go." Jason answered.
"Sure, Jason." Aaron said.
Jason stepped into Jeremy's room. As he did, he saw Jeremy sit up suddenly saying, "Jason? Jason?"
Jeremy turned his head looking around for his big brother. His eyes were barely open, and he was more asleep than awake.
Jason walked around the bed to Jeremy who was on the other side of Joshua. He picked up Jeremy from the bed. Jeremy grabbed him around the neck with his right arm and laid his head on Jason's shoulder.
Jeremy was breathing hard. Jason thought the child's broken ribs were probably hurting.
"Jeremy, do your ribs hurt?" Jason gave him a gentle squeeze.
"Mmmm" Jeremy murmured.
"Is that yes, or no?" Jason whispered in his ear.
"A little." The boy answered softly. Jeremy held tightly to Jason.
"Let me put you back to bed." Jason started to bend down.
"No, hold. Need love." Jeremy breathed.
Jason stood straight. He dropped his head so that Jeremy's left shoulder was under his chin. He rubbed Jeremy's back and listened as his baby brother's breathing became deep and even.
Jason sat down in the rocking chair that was in the room. The movement woke Jeremy slightly. The youngest Bolt moved his arm from his brother's neck. He sighed as his head plopped against his brother's chest.
Jason made the rocking chair move a speck. He leaned his head back against the rocker. He remembered that Aaron was waiting for him. He knew that he should put baby brother in the bed and go. But Jeremy murmured his name and snuggled a little tighter. Jason's eyelids were heavy as he thought back to yesterday when he was terrified that Jeremy might not be with him and Josh today.
Two minutes later, when Aaron stuck his head in the door, Jason was snoring. Aaron smiled as he carefully closed the door so as not to disturb the three sleeping brothers.
Aaron went alone to talk to the Territorial Marshall Leonard Trueaxe at the jail. Big Swede was at the jail working as one of the volunteer deputies.
"Hello, Aaron, where's Jason? Jeremy's okay, isn't he?" Big Swede worried.
"Hello, Swede. Yes, Jeremy is alright. Jason is just spending a little family time with his brothers right now." Aaron reassured him.
"Good! I'm glad the little fellow is alright. He has sure been through a tough time." Big Swede was relieved.
"Thank you for coming to help us, Leonard. How do you think the murderer got into the jail last night?" Aaron asked.
"You're welcome, Aaron. I have checked the door and the windows. The only thing I can come up with is that the killer had a key to the door and a key to the cell. There are no signs of forced entry around the windows or the door to the building." Trueaxe replied.
"Aaron looked surprised. "How could someone get any of the keys? We only have two sets. The acting deputy keeps one set on him at all times. The other set is kept locked in the desk. Did you look for the other set of keys, Swede?"
"Yes, Aaron, I looked, and the other keys are gone." Swede said.
"But how?" Aaron was perplexed. "Did Jackson have any visitors, Swede?"
"No, he didn't have any friends or family come to visit, Aaron. Wait a minute…. yesterday, the Ladies of Christian Charity group from the church came to bring him lunch and to encourage him to seek The Lord." Swede answered.
"Did any men accompany that group, Swede?" The Marshall inquired.
"No, sir. There were no men with the group. Miss Box's cousin, Laura is visiting, and she came with them." Swede replied.
"Leonard, you don't think one of the church ladies would be involved in this, do you?" Aaron pondered.
"I don't think so, Aaron. Jackson told Jason that the person behind this was targeting Jeremy. The majority of women would not want to hurt a child." Leonard replied.
"That's true, Leonard." Aaron checked his pocket watch. It was almost 10 A. M. "I want to be sure to meet the stagecoach this morning. I need to talk to the driver, Curtis Carter about something to do with Jeremy's attacker, Mr. Jackson."
"Well, this is getting even more complicated." Marshall Trueaxe told the two Seattle men.
"What do you mean, Marshall?" asked Big Swede.
"This morning before I left Olympia on my way here, I was informed that Curtis Carter was murdered. His body was found in a hotel room in Olympia. The undertaker told me that Carter died Monday night. He was stabbed in the chest. What connection did Carter have to the Bolt child's case?" Marshall Trueaxe inquired.
Aaron and Swede looked at each other in astonishment.
"Last month, Carter left an anonymous payment with me at my office. He said a currier gave him the payment in Olympia and told him to leave it with me. The currier said that I was to place it on the top shelf of my bookcase. He said it was unnecessary to give me the name of the person who was to collect the payment. The currier said the payee would just come in and get the money without any problem. Curtis and I thought it was an odd request, but we didn't think about it being blood money. Now, I realize we should have been very suspicious." Aaron explained.
"What do you mean blood money, Aaron?" Leonard asked.
"It was money paid to Lamar Jackson because he was hired to kill Jeremy Bolt." Aaron replied. "It was a partial payment because Jackson and his partner. Larry Johnson didn't kill Jeremy like they were supposed to. Jackson told Jason this on Monday night."
"I see." Trueaxe said. "Has there been any sign of Larry Johnson in this area?"
"The only time that Johnson has been seen was the first time Jeremy was attacked at the school." Big Swede answered.
"That's the only time I am aware of as well, Leonard." Aaron told him.
"I will be investigating. I will let you know when I make any progress in the case. Thanks to both of you for the information." Marshall Trueaxe said.
"You're welcome, Leonard. I'll tell Jason about our discussion. Of course, he's anxious to have this case solved. He's been extremely worried about his youngest brother." Aaron walked out the door with the Marshall.
Liza Box got off the Wednesday morning stagecoach in Seattle. She was returning from a teacher's conference in Tacoma. Liza had been gone for several days. She was eager to see her fiancé, Jason Bolt and his brothers. She was wondering how Jeremy's recovery was progressing.
Liza went into Lottie's. The bar was empty except for Liza and Lottie. The two ladies had a quick cup of coffee. Lottie brought Liza up to date on everything that happened with Jason and his brothers while she was out of town.
"Oh, my heavens, Lottie! I should have been here instead of being at that silly conference. I can imagine how frightened Jason and Joshua were thinking that Jeremy was going to…... I can't even say it. It's too awful. Poor Jeremy being attacked a second time." Liza said.
"We were all very scared. Thank The Lord, Jeremy pulled through. The Bolts are upstairs asleep if you want to peek in." Lottie smiled.
Liza returned the smile. "Yes, I want to Lottie. I can't wait another minute to see my guys."
Liza ran upstairs to Jeremy's room. She quietly opened the door. The precious sight brought tears to her eyes.
Joshua was stretched out across the bed. His blond bangs were scattered across his forehead. Every time he exhaled; his breath caused his bangs to flutter.
Jason was sprawled in the rocking chair. Jeremy was sprawled on top of Jason. The oldest brother had his arms around the youngest brother's waist. Liza smiled as she watched their chests rise and fall together.
Liza tip toed across the room to the bed. She bent down to give Joshua a kiss on his cheek. He murmured softly and turned his head away from her. She moved quietly to the rocking chair. Jeremy yawned when she kissed his cheek.
Liza gazed at Jason's handsome face. Just the thought of how much she loved him made her breath catch in her throat. He was everything a woman could want. Kind, loving, protective, hardworking, responsible, dependable, the list went on and on.
Liza ran her fingers through Jason's thick curly hair. She placed a tender kiss on his forehead. As she started to stand straight, she felt a hand on her arm. Jason was looking into her eyes.
"Hello, Liza. I have missed you." He whispered.
"Good morning, sweetheart. I have missed you too." Liza whispered back. "I'm very sorry I wasn't here the past few days. Lottie told me how Jeremy almost…." Liza glanced at the sleeping child.
Jason kissed the top of Jeremy's head. "I was scared out of my mind."
"Sweetheart, I shouldn't have gone to that ridiculous conference. But Jeremy was improving at that point." Liza said.
"Yes, he was. I pray that he continues to recover now without any other setbacks." Jason sighed.
Liza placed her hand lightly on Jeremy's chest. She could feel his heartbeat against her palm. She sighed as she felt Jason's fingers tug lightly at her sleeve. The couple's eyes met. Jason's hand caressed her head drawing her closer to him. They shared a sweet tender kiss.
"I love you, Liza." Jason said softly.
"I love you, Jason." Liza replied sweetly.
Suddenly, Jeremy snored loudly. The couple laughed.
Jason got up from the rocking chair. He placed Jeremy gently on the bed next to Joshua.
The next few weeks went by quickly. All of Jeremy's broken bones healed. Dr. Wilson allowed him to return to school. Joshua stood guard outside the privy for Jeremy. None of the other children made jokes or laughed about it. Even the usual bullies kept quiet.
Jason and Liza spent a great deal of time together. They fell deeper in love. One afternoon they went to the Bolt family home place where the brothers had lived with both of their parents.
"Jason, don't you want to?" Liza asked after they had shared a passionate kiss.
Jason Bolt blushed slightly. "Of course, I want to, Liza. I love you and you're a beautiful young woman. But you're a proper girl. You're going to be my wife. I can't treat you like a fancy…..I can't even say the words to you."
"Because you think I'm a prude." Liza frowned.
Jason lifted her chin with his finger. "I said proper not prude. There's a big difference."
"Yes, I know. I'm glad that you are a gentleman to me. It's just that I know that men have needs and…" Liza's voice trailed off.
"And you are wondering how I'm getting my needs met." Jason smiled at her. "I assure you, I am not seeing another woman proper or otherwise."
"That's good to know. But women have needs too." Liza raised her eyebrows.
"Why, Miss Box! I believe you are trying to corrupt me!" He laughed. "Seriously, sweetheart, what if we did and then you were expecting?"
"Oh, Jason! I would be so happy and so proud to be carrying your child. I wouldn't care what anyone thought or what they said." Liza caressed his cheek.
"You're a strong woman, Liza. The opinions of other people don't bother you. But you could lose your job in that situation. I will be proud and happy for you to bring my children, our children, into the world when the time is right." Jason said tenderly.
"Alright." Liza agreed. "How do you meet your needs?"
"Chopping firewood, sweetheart. Lots and lots of firewood." Jason grinned.
"Jason Bolt!" Liza slapped his arm.
Both of them laughed as they headed back to town. They didn't see the figure lurking in the woods watching and waiting.
A few days later, Joshua caught a cold. It was unusual for him to get sick, but he felt so bad he didn't want to go to school. He stayed with Lottie while his brothers went about their daily routine.
Jason walked Jeremy to school. "Be careful, Jeremy. Have a good day. I love you."
"I love you too, Jason." Jeremy giggled as he watched Jason blow a kiss across the room to Miss Box.
"Just for that, Jeremy!" Jason planted a big kiss on the top of his brother's head.
Jeremy cringed as the other boys said, "ewwwww, BOLT!"
Jason laughed loud and hearty as he went out the door. He headed for the logging camp.
During recess later that morning, Jeremy was playing ball with a group of boys. He was having a lot of fun. His recovery had taken several weeks and he had missed his friends.
When George hit the ball to Ralph,Ralph missed it. The ball went a long way out into the woods.
"I'll g-g-get it!" Jeremy shouted as he ran to the wooded area. Jeremy had to go several yards into the woods to get the ball.
When two or three minutes had passed, George yelled, "Come on, Bolt! You're holding up the game!"
George ran into the woods to get Jeremy and the ball.
Shortly, George ran from the woods toward the school waving a piece of paper and a cloth. "Miss Box! Miss Box! Somebody took Jeremy! Miss Box!"
Liza met George in front of the school. "What did you say, George?!"
"Somebody got Jeremy! He went into the woods after the ball. When he didn't come back, I went after him. I found these." George handed her the paper and the cloth.
There was a note written on the paper. Terror griped Liza as she read the note. Liza sniffed the cloth. It held the scent of Ether.
"George, tell Mary Alice to be in charge while I'm gone." Liza said.
"Yes, Ma'am." George answered.
Liza ran to the jail. "Swede! Go get Jason! Please hurry! Jeremy's gone! He's been kidnapped! Tell Jason I will be at Lottie's."
"Yes, ma'am!" Swede ran out and jumped on his horse. The horse galloped away toward the logging camp.
Liza ran to Lottie's. She rushed upstairs to Joshua's room.
"Oh, no! Miss Box! Something happened to Jeremy!" Joshua cried.
"Yes, he has been kidnapped. I sent Swede to get Jason. I'm sorry to be so blunt, Joshua. I didn't want you to hear it from anyone other than me or Jason." Liza told him.
"That's okay, Miss Box." Joshua said.
Liza told Joshua what George had said to her.
Jason came slamming into the room.
"Let me see the note, please Liza. We will find him, Josh." Jason said.
Liza handed him the note. She cringed as she watched his face as he read the heartless words.
This is what the note said:
Dear Jason,
The idiots I hired couldn't get the job done so I am going to do it myself. Your precious baby brother, Jeremy will be killed unless you find him in time and pay my ransom. Now before you start counting out money, that's not what I want. Jason, I want you. In order to get Jeremy back alive; you must marry me and agree to stay married forever. Oh, and the amount of time you have to find Jeremy? Well, I don't know. You might find him in time, or you might not. So, you had better start looking. Little boys scream very very loud when they get burned! Imagine sweet little Jeremy stuttering and screaming. Can you hear him, Jason? He is screaming your name.
Signed, your wife
Jason looked at Liza in horror. Tears filled his eyes.
Joshua was frightened. "What does it say, Jason?! Let me read it. I'm old enough. Jeremy is my brother too."
Jason walked to the bed and handed the note to Joshua.
Joshua read the note. "I should have gone to school today! If I had been there, this wouldn't have happened. I would have reminded Jeremy not to go in the woods."
Jason patted his brother on the shoulder. It's not your fault, Josh. The kidnapper is responsible and no one else. I have to wire Marshall Trueaxe and then start searching. But where do I start?"
I don't know, Jason. I'm sorry I didn't go out with the children at recess.
Maybe if I had…." Liza said.
"It's not your fault, Liza. Children should be able to be outside without getting kidnapped "
"Or beaten." Joshua added.
There was a knock at the door.
"Come in!" Jason barked.
The door opened and a young man about seventeen years old came in.
"Mr. Bolt, my name is Michael Austin. I'm the currier who gave Curtis Carter the payment to give to Mr. Stempel." He said.
"The partial payment for Lamar Jackson." Jason replied.
"Yes, that's the one. Marshall Trueaxe talked to me about two weeks ago. He told me about your kid brother, Jeremy. Mr. Bolt, I'm sorry. I had no idea that the person sending this money was paying someone to kill Jeremy. I thought somebody was just paying a gambling debt or something. I would have never had a part in it if I had known what it was for." Michael explained.
Jason looked at him. He seemed sincere. "Well, I guess you had no way of knowing what the money was for."
"Thank you for being so understanding, Mr. Bolt. I felt so awful about having a part in your brother being hurt, that I decided to try to find out who sent the money. It took me about two weeks, but I did it. I kept asking around until I finally asked the right person." Michael told him.
"Do you mean you found the person who paid those thugs to kill Jeremy? The person who wants our little brother dead?" Jason glanced at Joshua and back at Michael.
"Oh, Jason!" Liza exclaimed.
"Has this person done something else?" Michael asked.
"Yes, a short time ago, she kidnapped Jeremy and left a note saying she is going to kill him." Jason explained.
Michael took a deep breath. "Mr. Bolt, I know who kidnapped Jeremy. Her name is…"
.
