HCTB Chapter 1

Aaron won the big lumber contract he'd gone to San Francisco for. He would need the Bolts to fill the order. His reputation and his business were on the line. He would have to make a deal with Jason if he was going to make his deadline. Aaron had won the contract from the Culver Lumber Company in Olympia. Charles Culver knew his father was angry when he lost the bid to Stempel Lumber. Trying to prove he was up to the task, he wasn't aware of Aaron's fortitude in gaining the contract and it made him look like a fool in his father's eyes. He knew if Stempel Lumber failed to meet the contract deadline, it would ruin him and his reputation. Then the contract would forfeit to Culvers, regaining his fathers respect.

"I don't care what you have to do, as long as you keep Stempel from meeting that deadline," Charles told his foreman Wesley Brackett. "Do whatever it takes, but Culvers can't be tied to it. The last thing we need is any connection between us and sabotaging Stempel Lumber."

"Same as before? No questions asked, but I'll need help." Wesley said. "I've got two men I can trust, but they'll need to be well paid."

"I know them," Charles said. It was the same two henchmen Westley always used. Most of Culvers workers knew the reputation that Westley and his pals had when doing nefarious jobs for the company.

"You'll all be well paid," Charles said. "Just get the job done."

Later that afternoon, Westley met with his two partners Burt and Tom. Westley knew they could be trusted. He had used them in the past. As long as the pay was good, they were more than willing. Although they were usually tasked with simple disreputable jobs, they were by no means dangerous or evil men. "We can't just hit the lumber company. That would be too obvious. But the lumber company can't mill lumber if they don't get the logs," he said.

"But won't they get suspicious if we just hit the loggers?" Burt asked "What's going to stop them from posting guards?"

With this big contract, I'm sure getting work at Stempel's Mill won't be a problem, but it may be a good idea if one of us try and get on at the logging camp. That will give us eyes on both places."

"I ain't never lumber jacked before," Burt said.

"None of us has," Westley said "But it can't be that difficult. We'll figure it out once we get to Seattle. Go pack your things. There's a ship that leaves in the morning. I'll book passage for myself, you both book separately. I don't want us to appear we're together. It'll be better that way."

"Oy, All aboard," Captain Clancey shouted.

"Clancey, I've been on board all morning, lets shove off already," Aaron Stempel griped, anxious to get back.

"Hold your trousers Stempel, I'm boarding two lads now," he answered back in his boisterous tone. "Hurry up you blaggarts, else you'll be swimming to Seattle ya' will," he shouted.

Burt and Tom rushed up the gangplank and onto the ship. "You told us the time," Tom answered back.

"Aye, and it's that time now ya slacker," Clancey grumbled.

Burt and Tom, bags over their shoulders, looked at Clancey. "Where do we bunk?" Burt asked.

"Head down below, bunks in the cargo," Clancey said.

By the time the ship sailed into Seattle's port, Burt and Tom had secured jobs with Aaron Stempel. Aaron had approached Westley with a job as well, but playing the loner, he had declined Aaron's offer.

The people in town, always excited when the ship came into port, was there as usual. Many of the Brides were anxious to see if anyone of interest were among them.

Burt and Tom were surprised to see so many pretty women. They heard the rumors about the Seattle Brides, but to actually see them brought smiles to their faces. Westley saw their reactions and stepping towards Burt, gave a look that warned. "Remember why we're here." Burt just nodded and elbowed Tom, bringing him back to reality.

Aaron headed home to unload his bag and called to Tom and Burt to follow.

Westley saw Lottie's saloon and strolled over for a drink and to get a room. He knew any information could be found in the town saloon.

That evening the Bolts treated themselves to dinner at Lottie's. Aaron had set up a meeting with Jason to discuss his lumber contract.

Jason Bolt, and his two younger brothers, Joshua and Jeremy all set around the table with Aaron, listening and studying the proposal Aaron was offering. The three always made decisions together through discussion and all three held equal shares of Veil Mountain. Jason was the oldest by 7 years, but he was still fair in letting each brother voice their opinions.

"This contract is huge," Aaron pressed Jason. "We need a guarantee that you can meet this deadline."

Jason sat his fork down, wiped his mouth. He puffed out his chest. "You just tell us what you need," he said with confidence.

Aaron passed over an order sheet with the numbers. "This is one of the biggest contracts I've ever taken on. I need your help in getting what I need." He said

Jason handed to order sheet to Joshua. He studied it before passing it to Jeremy.

"Jason, we may need to take on a third crew for an order this big," Joshua said.

Jason's face frowned in thought. "Maybe Josh, maybe. That would mean a trip to San Francisco to find the men.

"This is a lot of lumber," Jeremy said "We can do this Jason, if we use that strand on the north side."

"Joshua, tomorrow I need you take a couple men. Map out the best route for a flume to transport the logs." Jason said.

Joshua frowned for a moment. "I told Missy I'd go on a picnic with her." He said.

"I can go Jason," Jeremy said.

"No, work comes first," Joshua said. "But I'd better go and break the news to her," he said standing up and putting his napkin onto his unfinished plate. She and Joshua had been dating several weeks. She had gotten used to having her way.

"Hey Josh, hold up," Jeremy said standing to join him. He was going to see Candy at the Brides dormitory.

Westley, standing at the bar, watched and strained to listen. He decided tomorrow was the time to approach The Bolts for a job at their lumber camp.

Missy's face was pinched in a frown. She had her arms folded across her chest. "Come on Missy," Joshua said softly. "I promise I'll make it up to you." he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close.

"You will?" she asked looking up into his soft blue eyes.

"Of course," he whispered and kissed the tip of her nose.

She unfolded her arms and wrapped them around him. "You owe me big," she said.

"I owe you big," he said back playfully. He looked down into her green eyes and he kissed her long and warm.

"I love you," she said.

"God you're beautiful," he whispered and he meant it, but he couldn't say those three words. He couldn't find them anymore, not after Valerie had broken his heart. Feeling them was different that actually saying the words out loud and being heart broken left a scar that was slow to heal.

Candy and Jeremy stepped out onto the porch still laughing at something, breaking the private moment Joshua and Missy were sharing. Candy's laughter stopping upon seeing the two, who stepped apart quickly, but still held hands.

Joshua had a sheepish look on his face. Missy smiling triumphantly didn't seem bothered that Josh didn't say the three big words. "You're beautiful" was all she cared about.

Josh looked at Missy and squeezed her hand, "I should go," he softly said, "tomorrows going to be a long day." He leaned down and kissed her quickly before stepping off the porch.

Jeremy smiled and looked at Candy. He gave her a warm kiss. "See you tomorrow?" he asked.

"See you tomorrow," she grinned.

Missy walked towards her as Jeremy stepped away and they both went inside.

"Josh, hold up," Jeremy said as he caught up to his older brother. Joshua, standing a whole head taller than him, smiled and looked over to him.

"I'm guessing Missy wasn't too mad that you cancelled your date?" he asked.

"She wasn't happy but… I think she'll be okay." He said with confidence.

Jeremy slapped him on his back as they walked home.