Chapter Seventy-Three

JT, Chip, and James David got into the Springer carriage and set off after school for the San Francisco mansion.

"Did you see the movers already clearing out the Headmaster's house?"

"I heard his wife and daughters left on the morning was wearing all black."

"Saw them too."

"Do you really think he had something to do with Mother's kidnapping?"

"Billy Byers said his father is on the Board. Said heard it straight from him. Set up by some attorney to do it. But they want to keep it hush-hush."

"My grandfather's attorney?"

"Seems so."

James David shook his head and cursed. He looked out of the window.

"Heard he got fired a couple days before by the Chairman of the Board. Said he wasn't fit to lead boys into the future. Traded his integrity for money according to Billy."

"I dread this semester. Will the new man crack down on the Underground? Figured the old one just looked the other way."

"What do you think this family dinner is about?"

"Nick and Jarrod already came by school and told us about the shootings and them being barricaded upstairs. Glad he did before we heard the wild stories at school. Can't believe four people are dead. Couple wounded."

"Said a couple of shots ricocheted off the marble."

"I bet there is more to the story and they want us all together to tell us. About Mother's kidnapping and why they changed their minds about getting married. I bet it was to prevent something like this."

"Good point."

—&—

The whole family gathered at the massive Springer dining table. Prime rib, vegetables, potatoes, croissants and several desserts sated the boys. The adults at the table ate noticeably less. The conversation to be had was weighing heavily on their minds.

The boys pushed back from the table and used their manners thanking the Springers and their fine staff for the meal.

Jarrod gave his thanks and the rest of the adults added their gratitude.

"We decided that we want to hear whatever news there is—together. We are family. Like you, Nick, and your brothers." James David adamantly declared.

Nick and Jarrod swallowed deeply and Maris beamed in pride.

"Boys, let's go to the library and talk," Jarrod announced.

The three boys shared a knowing look and they headed down the hall.

Maris leaned over to Alice, "Say a prayer please."

"Been praying all day, my sweet."

Nate hugged her, "They are good boys. They will get through this with help. All of our help."

"I am counting on it, Nate."

—&—

The boys lined up on the settee. Nick and Maris took the loveseat; Jarrod sat in the oversized chair next to the fireplace,

Chip nervously said, "Well I don't think we have done anything at least. Haven't gone to a good street fair lately,"

Nick shot him a look, Maris looked down with a small grin and Jarrod shook his head.

"Thank goodness for that." Jarrod sighed.

Maris began, "James David, I have some news for you. It caught me completely unaware two weeks ago. I waited to tell you once I verified and discussed it completely with Nick and Jarrod—and a judge."

The three boys' heads popped up at the word, judge.

"There is no way to say this but clearly. Your father is alive. He did not drown ten years ago. He went to Mexico."

"What?" He yelled.

His friends were at a loss for words. This was far from the story they imagined.

"Why? How? I don't understand."

Maris looked at Nick, stricken. He continued for her as they had rehearsed.

"He and your grandfather JD did not get along. They fought often."

"I have heard that."

"They had an argument on a boat and your father went overboard. He had been drinking. Everyone thought he drowned. He went to Mr. Peterson and they worked out a deal for him to disappear. For three years, he wandered around. Then he met a fine lady, James David, I mean fine lady. Your mother and I have spent a great deal of time with them holed up in the courtroom and since then. He brought her to the hearing. Anyhows, he is very sorry for his deception and how he treated your mother and you."

"He should be."

Jarrod continued for his brother. Nick was holding Maris's hand as she searched James David's face for signs of his emotion at the news.

"James David, I know this comes as a shock. We hopefully have the legalities straightened out about the marriage,"

He looked startled as he was thinking about his father faking his death, "Wait, you mean Nick and Mother are not—"

Chip and JT gasped at the implication.

Nick answered forcefully, "We are married in the sight of God. You were there."

Jarrod followed up, "The legalities should be cleared up in thirty days. Your father is very sorry to have put them into this situation and he has a special lady in his life, too. The marriage will be dissolved on the grounds of desertion—Nick and Maris will be legal. It's all a formality."

James David spat, "A formality? Is that what you call it?"

Maris gasped at his retort, "James David, Jarrod is just trying to explain."

He shook his head in anger, "When can I meet my so-called father?"

Maris answered, "He wants to meet you."

Nick advised him to "Make sure you have your thoughts together. It's hard to get words back once they are spoken. It's my specialty."

Maris added, "I think he is not the man we remember. He is different in a good way. I hope you give him a chance. I have forgiven him."

He frowned, "How? He made you a bigamist."

"Yes, but he freely admitted it and made it as right as possible."

JT spoke up, "Father? Pappy? Do you trust him?"

"Yes, I do. Your grandfather's wife, Lila did too. He is keeping baby James. It was her wish."

All three eyes widened, "Really?"

James David shook his head, "This doesn't make sense to me."

Nick agreed, "Me neither, boy. But I have been privy to the whole crazy week. I find myself trusting him, too."

Chip blurted out, "Pa? How could you?"

"Son, James David, and Maris are my priority and I know the man sees that. Giving him the benefit of the doubt."

James David sat stoically for a few minutes as everyone fidgeted waiting for his response.

Nick impatiently asked, "Do you have any questions? I know a whole hecka lot has been tossed out here."

"Nick, Mother? Were y'all worried about another kidnapping or a threat when you got married all of a sudden? Something like this? I know Mr Branch is dead and what happened to Miz Lila but—why did you get married so quickly?"

"Don't get me wrong, I am glad you did. Especially after what happened at the courthouse but—-why? It's stuck in my craw."

Maris blanched and Nick looked surprised. Jarrod started stirring the fire with the poker. The boys noticed the change in the room.

Nick swallowed and answered, "Yes, just worried about your Mother."

Maris mimicked the swallow and nodded with him.

Jarrod skewed up his face toward the fire and the boys looked adult to adult.

"OK. I trust you." James David finally answered.