Jeremy My True Love Chapter Four
Jeremy took hold of his mother's hands. "Mama, listen to me, okay? This is very important. What is Tommy's last name and why would he want someone to kill Candy?"
Margie thought for a moment. "Your brothers, William and Wallace, they asked Tommy to find someone to do it and not to tell them who it is. My oldest boys want to lie and say they don't know anything about it."
Candy was sitting on the other side of Jeremy with her face against his back. Jeremy could feel her body shaking as she cried.
"Everything will be alright, Candy." He spoke gently.
"Mama, what is Tommy's last name? Do you know where he lives? You told us that he is George's nephew." Jeremy reminded her.
Margie thought hard as she looked at her son. She knew this was important to him and his lovely wife. She didn't want anything bad to happen to Candy. Her precious Jeremy was Candy's true love.
"Lawson," Marjorie Barker said. "His name is Tommy Lawson."
"Oh, dear God! Jeremy, I have to tell you about Tommy Lawson!" Candy pressed her face against his back and sobbed.
Jeremy turned to face his wife. "Do you know Tommy Lawson?" He put his arms around her.
"No, I didn't know him. He worked at the logging camp in Seattle. Jason, Joshua, and you own it, Jeremy. I didn't want to tell you like this, sweetheart, but I have to now. The nightmare that you had wasn't just a dream. It really happened a few days ago." Candy touched Jeremy's cheek.
Jeremy turned pale. "I was actually responsible for a crew on a job and one of them died! I think I'm gonna puke!" He put his face in his hands.
"Don't blame yourself, darling. It was a terrible accident. You and Jason did everything possible to try to save Tommy." Candy spoke softly.
Jeremy looked up at Candy. His eyes got very big. "Wait a minute… if Tommy didn't tell Billy and Wally who he hired and he's dead, then nobody knows who it is. Oh, hell!"
Candy gasped, "You're right, Jeremy! There is someone trying to kill me, and we have no idea who he is!"
"Don't worry, Candy. We will find out somehow. I will protect you. You won't ever be alone. I'm a good shot with a rifle or a shotgun. You will be safe with me." Jeremy told her.
"Since we are awake, why don't we go have some coffee?" Margie suggested.
The three of them went into the front room. The concerned couple sat at the table while Margie fixed the coffee.
"Mama, how did you find out about Tommy Lawson hiring someone to uh, hurt Candy?" Jeremy inquired.
"I heard William and Wallace talking out on the porch one day. I think it was about two weeks ago." She replied.
"Why in the world would they want to harm Candy, Mama? Did they say anything about that?" The young husband wondered.
Margie was at the stove pouring the cups of coffee. She stopped to think for a moment. "There was something about a mountain and a baby brother. I'm not sure what they meant by that."
"Oh, dear! I think I know. Billy and Wally want Bridal Veil Mountain. They think if they kill me that Jason and Joshua will be so busy taking care of you, Jeremy, that they can have someone do some wheeling and dealing and steal the mountain." Candy explained.
Mrs. Barker patted the red-haired girl's hand. "Don't you worry dear; my son will protect you."
Jeremy was shocked. "There are people who would harm a beautiful girl like you over a bunch of trees?! I suppose trees are worth money, but to kill, uh harm you to get them. That's ridiculous!"
"It certainly is ridiculous, sweetheart. However, the lumber business is big industry in this area. Other people have tried to take the mountain away from the Bolts before. In fact, that was part of the deal between Jason and Mr. Stempel. If one of us girls from New Bedford didn't stay in Seattle for a whole year, Mr. Stempel would get the mountain." She explained.
Jeremy shook his head. "Wow! That is hard to imagine. I guess all the girls stuck to the deadline, huh?" He asked.
"Yes, they did. But there were several times when one or more threatened to leave for various reasons." Candy answered.
Margie brought the coffee to the table. They sipped the hot beverage in silence for a few minutes.
After some thought, Jeremy spoke, "Candy, I need to take you home to Seattle. I think it will be easier to protect you there. Mama, I want you to come with us, please."
"You don't think I will be safe enough here, Jeremy? Bridgewater is a small town and your mother's cabin is sort of secluded." asked Candy.
"You're right about us being secluded and I'm going to be with you all the time to protect you. I would feel better if I had some help to take care of you. I just don't want to take a chance on anything happening to you." He looked at her with tears in his eyes. "I couldn't bear to lose you, Candy." He whispered.
Candy reached across the table and clasped his hand. There were tears in her eyes as well. "I love you, Jeremy." She whispered.
"I love you, Candy." Jeremy whispered. "Let's go back to bed."
"Okay, sweetheart." She replied.
The two young people got up from their seats still holding hands and walked back into their bedroom. Jeremy closed the door behind them.
Margie hummed happily as she put the empty coffee cups in the wash pan to be washed with the breakfast dishes in the morning. Then she returned to her bed and went back to sleep.
The next morning after breakfast, the three of them packed to go to Seattle. Candy told Jeremy about their cabin. She said there would be plenty of room for Margie to stay with them. Margie was happy that she would be living with her son and his wife.
The trip to Seattle went easily. Jeremy was anxious often looking over his shoulder. He had his shotgun close at hand in the buckboard.
Jeremy looked at his wife as the buckboard rolled into town. "I'm going to ask Jason and Joshua Bolt to help me protect you. They seem reliable and my brothers certainly are not since they are involved in this horrible scheme."
"You're right, sweetheart. Jason and Joshua are trustworthy. They will be happy to help us." Candy's voice trailed off.
Jeremy brought the horses to a halt. "Candy." He said softly reaching for her hand. "Talk to me, please."
She hesitated casting her eyes downward. Jeremy swallowed hard not sure what to say. He climbed down from the buckboard and walked around the wagon.
Jeremy opened his arms to his wife. She looked at him briefly and turned her head away. "Candy, please, let me help you." He pleaded.
The red-haired girl gazed at him and then allowed him to lift her out of the vehicle. "I'm scared, Jeremy. That's no reflection on you. I know you will do your best to protect me. But there are people who want me dead, and someone is willing to kill me."
"Oh, sweetheart, I'm sorry that you are frightened. Try not to worry. I and the Bolt brothers will watch out for you. They will have to kill me first before they can get to you." Jeremy spoke.
Candy put her hands over her face and sobbed. "Please don't say that, Jeremy. I couldn't bear to lose you."
Jeremy enfolded her in his arms as he whispered soft comforting sounds in her ear. He rocked her gently back and forth until her crying ended.
They returned to the buckboard and soon they arrived at the Bolt cabin.
When Jason opened the door to find Jeremy, Candy, and Margie standing there, he was surprised and hopeful.
"Hello! Please come in. Make yourselves at home. Joshua went to check on Lottie. He will be back in a few minutes. Jeremy, I hope this visit means that your memory has returned and that you have come home." Jason smiled.
"Thank you, Jason for your hospitality. No, my memory is no different than it was when Candy and I left town a few days ago. I need you and Joshua to help me, please. It's for Candy, not me. Tommy Lawson hired someone to kill her, and we have no idea who it is. I need you and your brother to help me keep Candy from getting killed, Jason. Please, I love her, and she loves me." Jeremy explained nervously.
Jason put his arm around his youngest brother. "This is quite shocking news, Jeremy. Certainly, Joshua and I will be glad to help you protect Candy. I know this is most frightening for you, Candy. Rest assured that we will do everything possible to keep you safe."
The couple both sighed deeply and thanked him.
Joshua returned from visiting Lottie. She was in the clinic now and she was doing well. The doctor said she could go home in a few days.
The Bolt Barker gang was in jail charged with kidnapping for holding people against their will at the saloon and with attempted murder for shooting Lottie. Joshua had stopped by the jail on his way home. Aaron Stempel told him that Marshall Trueaxe would be arriving tomorrow to transport the gang to Olympia.
Jason told Joshua what was going on with Jeremy and Candy. Joshua was seriously concerned and assured them he would help as much as possible. He asked the reason for the hired killer.
"I'm not sure, Joshua. My guess is that someone wants to distract you and Jason by killing me and turning all of your attention on helping Jeremy cope with my death so they can steal your mountain." Candy explained.
Jason and Joshua exchanged a grim look.
"What do you think, Jeremy?" Joshua asked quietly.
Jeremy pressed his lips together and looked down at his boots for a moment. Raising his head, he replied, "I think Candy is right, Joshua."
The two older brothers nodded. "Who in the world would stoop this low? How did you find out about this, Jeremy?" Jason inquired.
"Mama told me and Candy last night after I had a nightmare about a guy named Tommy getting killed working in a logging camp. She heard Billy and Wally talking about Tommy hiring someone to kill Candy. They are the ones who would stoop so low. Isn't that right, Mama?" Jeremy turned to look at Margie sitting on the sofa.
"Yes, that's what happened. When I heard my sweet boy screaming, it all came back to me." Margie replied glancing at Jason.
"Thank you, Aunt Margie for telling me and Joshua. Father never mentioned Uncle Jacob very much, but he told me once how it grieved him and Uncle Duncan to disown their youngest brother. He said they tried many times to help him see the mistake he was making and offered him opportunities to change his ways. Father said Uncle Jacob paid no heed to their efforts." Jason said sadly.
"Yes, I remember, Jason. Johnathan and Duncan did their best to help my Jacob." Margie replied wistfully. "I tried as well. Jacob wouldn't listen to me either."
"Yes, it's heartbreaking about Uncle Jacob, but we can't change that now. Our concern is how are we going to protect Candy?" Joshua asked.
"Aunt Margie, are you quite certain that Billy and Wally don't know who the hired gun is? Do you think that perhaps they knew you could hear them when they were discussing the matter?" inquired Jason.
"As far as I could tell, they didn't know I could hear them, Jason. They really seemed to have no clue about who the Lawson boy hired." Margie spoke.
"They are still in the jail, why don't we go talk to them, brother and see what we can find out?" Joshua suggested.
"It's worth a try, Josh. Do you want to come with us, Jeremy? Candy could visit with Essie and Swede while we talk to Billy and Wally. Swede is bigger than me. He can protect Candy from anyone or anything." Jason said as he got up from his seat.
Jeremy thought for a moment. "How do you feel about that Candy? Would you feel safe with Swede?"
"Yes, sweetheart, I would feel fine with Swede. He is a very good friend of ours and he would do anything to help us. Essie is a great friend as well." Candy assured her husband.
"Alright, Candy, since you feel comfortable with them, it's fine with me. Jason, Joshua, and I won't be gone too long." Jeremy replied. "Mama, I want you to go to our friends' house with Candy. I don't feel right leaving you here alone."
"Yes, Jeremy, that sounds good to me as well." Margie agreed. "You boys be careful. I hate to say it about my oldest two, but I don't trust them. They are crooked and sneaky like their father."
"Yes, Mama, we will be careful." Jeremy walked to the sofa where he took his mother's hand to help her up. They hugged causing Jeremy to sigh deeply.
Jason and Joshua caught the look of joy on their youngest brother's face. The two oldest brothers glanced at each other with tears shining in their eyes.
The group left the cabin stopping by Swede and Essie's house to leave Candy and Margie. The logger and the teacher were happy for them to visit for awhile.
The Bolt brothers proceeded to the jail where they tried to talk to their cousins. Jeremy of course thought he was with his cousins and trying to talk to his brothers.
The conversation began with all the men speaking calmly and reasonably. After an hour of Billy and Wally saying they knew nothing about the hired killer, the conversation ended with Jason bellowing, Joshua threatening, and Jeremy pleading.
The Seattle Bolts left the jail. They managed to reign in their tempers and their nerves by the time they reached Swede and Essie's house to get Candy and Margie. The men spoke briefly. Swede said the ladies had told them what was going on. He offered to help guard Candy at any time. Jeremy thanked him and said he let him know when he was needed.
Later that evening, the women prepared supper. Everyone was eating and chatting when the cabin door flew open.
"Alright, Bolt! Where are they? I know you and your brothers visited them this afternoon! Where did they go?! "Aaron Stempel shouted.
"What on earth are you talking about, Aaron? And why was it necessary for you to burst through the door when you could have simply knocked and one of us would have opened the door?" Jason cocked his head.
"Come on, Bolt! Don't try to distract me by being so long winded. Answer my question!" Aaron demanded.
"You will have to answer a question for me first, Aaron. Who are you talking about?" Jason wondered.
"I'm talking about the outlaw side of your family. Jeremy's other brothers, Billy and Wally Bolt Barker." Aaron looked smug. "The Bolt Barker Gang. They broke out of jail earlier tonight."
Jeremy was frightened. "Jason, maybe they went to tell the hired killer that Candy is here in Seattle. Now I'm wondering if I did the right thing bringing her and Mama here." He ran his fingers through his hair.
"Jeremy, I will be safe as long as I am with you no matter where we are. Please don't doubt yourself." Candy took his hand in hers.
Jeremy squeezed her hand as he looked into her eyes. "Thank you, sweetheart. This whole thing is so scary. I just can't stand the thought of you being hurt or worse. Candy, I couldn't live if something happened to you." He sobbed and shivered.
Candy got up from her chair. They were still holding hands and she nodded for him to stand up too. Jeremy got up. She put her arms around him and her hand behind his head placing his head on her shoulder.
Candy felt the tension drain from his body as his silent tears rolled down her back. She had seen the pain and the worry building up in Jeremy today. Candy knew that the escape of the gang was his last straw for today as well.
Everyone else was quiet as the young man cried. Jason and Joshua were greatly concerned for their brother. The stress of the amnesia and the fear of losing his beloved wife were causing overwhelming anxiety for him.
"Thank you, Candy, I love you." Jeremy spoke softly as he stopped crying. "I'm sorry for making a spectacle of myself everyone, please forgive me."
"Son, you have nothing to apologize for." Margie walked over and gave him a hug.
Jeremy and Candy said goodnight and went to bed.
Jason and Stempel had a long talk in private. Jason assured him they had done nothing at all to help their outlaw relatives in any way. Aaron accepted that and went home.
Two weeks went by. Lottie was released from the clinic. The Bolt brothers along with Swede, Corky, and Aaron worked out a schedule where there was two men guarding Candy at all times. Jeremy was always one of the two.
A week after Lottie came home, Biddie and some of the other brides decided to have a luncheon for her and her closest friends. The luncheon was held at the saloon, and it was closed to the public during that time.
Jason, Joshua, Jeremy, Candy, Margie, Biddie, Doctor Wright, Aaron, and Clancy were Lottie's guests. Biddie and the other ladies prepared a delicious meal and decorated the table and the bar room with lovely flowers.
The brides prepared the plates of food for each guest. As they sat down at the table, all of them commented on how nice the table looked. Lottie was particularly pleased. Miss Hatfield was also happy to see her friends wearing their Sunday best. She commented that it was ashamed that there was not a photographer there to take a picture of all of them together.
Candy and Jeremy were sitting next to each other. They began eating. The food was very good.
Candy coughed. "Excuse me." She covered her mouth with her napkin.
"Are you alright, sweetheart?" Jeremy asked. He had his pistol in his pocket.
"Yes." She replied. "I'm fine, sweetheart."
Candy took a few more bites of her food. She began having a coughing fit. She managed to say Jeremy as she stood up from her chair.
"Candy!" Jeremy exclaimed as he jumped from his seat.
Candy collapsed to the floor "Candy! Candy!" Jeremy shouted.
Jason and Allyn rushed to Candy's side. Allyn examined her. The doctor leaned over to Jason and whispered in his ear. Jason sighed.
Jason got up from the floor bringing Jeremy up with him. Before speaking, he looked at Joshua. The blond Bolt got up and came over to them.
"Jason, why isn't the doctor helping Candy? She needs help, Jason!" Jeremy demanded.
Jason and Joshua each put an arm around their youngest brother. They walked him over to the bar away from the table and Candy.
Jason looked Jeremy in the eye. "Jeremy, I'm sorry, Candy is dead."
"Oh, okay. Can I move back in with you and J-J-Joshua, J-J-Jason? I don't want to live by myself." Jeremy asked.
"Jeremy, did you understand what I said? Candy is dead. She is gone." Jason spoke.
"Yes, I understand. C-C-Candy is dead. May I move back in with you and Joshua? I don't want to live by myself." Jeremy inquired.
"Jeremy. You are stuttering. Does this mean you have your memory back?" Joshua asked.
Jeremy thought for a moment. "Yes, I do, Joshua. Please let me move back in. I don't want to live by myself."
Jason and Joshua exchanged a worried glance.
"I think Jeremy is in shock." Doctor Wright told his brothers.
"Of course, you can move back in with us, Jeremy." Jason told him quietly.
"Thank you. I don't want to live by myself. I'll go to the cabin where Candy and I lived and get my clothes and stuff. I'll be back in a little while." Jeremy headed for the door.
"Jeremy, Candy died. There are things we have to do." Jason said gently.
"I know, Jason. The first thing is for me to get my clothes and stuff. I don't want to live by myself." Jeremy replied.
TBC
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