LOVE TRIANGLE
CHAPTER 1
"Jeremy, are you sure?" Candy Pruitt asks her beau Jeremy Bolt. "Have you thought this through?"
"Candy, I've been thinking about this for days, weeks. . .even months. I'm as sure as I can be. So, will you marry me, Miss Pruitt?" he asks as he holds out an opened red velvet box with a tiny diamond ring gleaming inside.
Tears fill her eyes. "I don't know. You know you won't be just marrying me. You'll have Molly and Christopher, also."
"I know that and I look forward to the four of us being a family. I think they've adjusted to Seattle being their new home. And they seem to like me."
"Oh Jeremy, they love you. It's just that, well, I want to marry you so badly, but I'm afraid once we're married that you'll realize having two children that are not your own, is not what you wanted after all."
"I won't ever think that. Besides, it'll be good practice for when we have our own children," he blushes. "You know, I never thought that I would have to beg you to marry me."
Candy bites on her lip while doing some thinking. "You don't have to beg. I love you Jeremy Bolt and I want to be your wife. So, the answer is yes. Yes, I will marry you."
They wrap their arms around each other and their kiss is sweet and tender. "I love you too, Candy." He parts from her. Taking the ring out of the box, he slowly slips it on her finger. Then he kisses her fingertips. "So, when do we get to set the wedding date?"
"Would you mind if we didn't rush into marriage? Maybe get married in June. I've always wanted to be a June bride."
"June? That's like four months away. I was hoping it would be sooner than that, but if you want June, then it will be June. I want you to have the wedding of your dreams. I just want to make you happy."
"You do make me happy. This is the happiest that I've ever been."
"I'm glad. I knew you said you liked long courtships, which we have been doing. So, a long engagement shouldn't be a surprise," he laughs.
"Four months is not that long, Jeremy. It will give us time to get everything ready. It'll be here before we know it."
"I'm counting on that," he whispers as he places his lips on hers.
"Jeremy, what about the house? Will it be ready by June?"
"It should be. The outside is done. So we can work on the inside even if it happens to snow."
"Just think, in four short months, we will be husband and wife with a home of our own. I wish. . ." she stops as she chokes up.
"You wish what, Candy? Tell me and I'll try to make your wish come true."
She gives a quivering smile. "You can't make this wish come true, no matter how hard you try," she cries.
Jeremy hugs her tighter. "Candy, what's wrong?"
"I wish. . .I wish my Mother was here to see me get married," she sobs.
Jeremy lets her cry on his shoulder for a little while, then tries to console her. "I'm sorry, Candy. I wish she were here for you. I wish my Mama were here for me, too. But I know they'll be here in spirit. They'll be looking down on us and be so happy that we found each other." He begins to kiss her tears away.
"I hope so. Thank you, Jeremy."
"You're welcome. Let's go to Lottie's for some lemonade. Jason and Josh should be there soon. We can tell them and Lottie the good news."
"All right. I can't wait to see their faces. And Biddie's."
They hold hands with fingers intertwined walking to Lottie's.
CHAPTER 2
The two lovebirds walk into an almost deserted Lottie's. Even Lottie is missing. Ken is behind the bar.
"Ken, where is everybody?" Jeremy asks.
"Don't really know. Lottie tore out of here awhile ago saying she had something important to attend to. Said she'd be back shortly."
"Well, in that case, I guess we'll sit and wait on her to return," Jeremy chuckles.
"Ken, Lottie wouldn't happen to have some lemonade on hand, would she?" Candy asks.
"There may be some left in the kitchen. We did sell quite a lot today. You want me to check?"
"No, I'll do it. Thanks." She lets go of Jeremy's hand. "Is there anything else I can get you while I'm in the kitchen?" she asks him.
"No, just the lemonade. Hurry back, okay?"
"I will." She kisses his cheek then hurries to the kitchen.
Jeremy sits down and thinks about what a lucky man he is to be marrying such a beautiful, loving woman as Candy. He is so wrapped up in his thoughts that he doesn't notice a young woman come down the staircase.
"Jeremy! Jeremy Bolt!" she calls out to him.
Jeremy quickly looks over at her and is shocked to see her standing there. He stands and says, "Alex? Is it really you?" He runs over to her and they hug with Jeremy swinging her around. Placing her feet back on the floor he asks, "What are you doing here?"
"I came to see you of course," she laughs. "Jeremy, you are as handsome as ever."
"And you're just as pretty as ever," he grins. "When did you get here?"
"Oh, about an hour or so ago. Lottie rented me a room. I don't think she was very happy to see me."
"Why?"
Alex shrugs. "I don't really know. She showed me to my room and then made a hasty retreat. Wait a minute, there's something different about you? What is it?"
Candy walks out of the kitchen carrying two glasses of lemonade. Seeing Jeremy and some woman with their arms wrapped around each other, she stops and listens while they don't pay her any attention.
Jeremy chuckles, "I don't stutter any more."
"That's it! What happened? When did you stop?"
"Oh, about a year ago. Gosh, it is so good to see you."
"I've missed you so much, Jeremy."
"I've missed you, too." Before he knows what's happening, Alex gives him a big kiss right on the lips.
All of a sudden, they hear a loud crash. Jeremy turns his head and sees Candy standing there with broken glass and lemonade all over the floor. He quickly pulls away from Alex.
"My goodness, what a mess!" Alex says. "You better get that cleaned up Missy before Lottie sees it." She then turns to Jeremy and comments, "I guess it's hard to get good help these days."
Candy stoops down to pick up the glass mostly to hide her tears. Jeremy hurries over to her, stoops down, and takes her hand. Helping her up, he asks, "Ken, would you be so kind as to clean this up?"
"Sure. Give me just a minute."
Jeremy leads Candy over to the table. "Are you all right?" he asks Candy. "You didn't cut yourself, did you?"
Candy being speechless just shakes her head.
Alex joins them. She takes Jeremy's arm, "Jeremy?"
Jeremy turns to look at Alex when he hears Candy say, "Jeremy?"
Alex and Candy both say at the same time, "Who is she?"
Jeremy swallows hard and wipes the sweat from his forehead. "Hmm, uh," he draws a blank and can't remember their names. "I-I-I, hmm, I, oh I-I ne-ne-need h-help," he stutters.
"I'm Alex. Alex Stikeleather. I'm Jeremy's girlfriend and I'm back to reclaim him. We love each other," Alex says as she grasps hold of Jeremy's arm.
Jeremy looks astonished at Alex's words. "W-w-what?"
Candy stands beside Jeremy. "Well, I'm Candy. Candy Pruitt, Jeremy's fiancee'. You can't reclaim him because he's already taken. We are in love," Candy states as she grasps Jeremy's other arm.
Jeremy thinks to himself, Oh God, what do I do now?
About this time, the door opens and Lottie, Jason, and Josh walk in taking in the situation. Lottie comments, "I guess we're too late, they've already met."
"Jeremy, say something. Why does she say she is your girlfriend? How can you be in love with her when you just asked me to marry you?" Candy demands answers.
Alex speaks up, "Jeremy Bolt, did you really ask this, this woman to marry you? I don't believe it!"
Jason says as he approaches them, "Now, now, we're all grownups here. Let's sit down and have a little chat. Shall we?"
"We shall not! I only want to speak to Jeremy. Jeremy, I'll be in my room! Waiting!" Alex storms off up the stairs.
"Candy?" Lottie says.
"I agree with her. This is no ones business." She stomps her right foot, "Jeremy, I'll be waiting at the dormitory for answers. And they better be the right answers or else." She hurries from the saloon slamming the door.
Jeremy slinks down in a nearby chair and runs his hands through his hair.
"Who would ever have thought that our little brother would have two beautiful women fighting over him? You devil you," Josh says as he punches Jeremy in the shoulder laughing.
Jeremy plops his head on the table and moans.
CHAPTER 3
Straightening in his chair, Jeremy says, "It's not funny, Josh. Why is Alex saying these things? She was not my girlfriend. We were not in love."
Jason speaks up, "Well Jeremy, she may have felt more for you than you did for her. You'll never know the answers to your questions until you go talk to her."
"I know I need to talk to her, but I need to talk to Candy first. I mean today, I just asked Candy to marry me and she finally said yes. We even set the date for sometime in June."
"That's wonderful," Jason says patting Jeremy on the back.
"Congratulations," Joshua adds as he tousles his little brother's hair.
"Thanks, but now this happens. This may very well be the shortest engagement in history. Candy has to believe me."
Lottie walks up behind Jeremy, placing her hands on his shoulders, and leaning down to kiss the top of his head. "Jeremy, I'm so happy for you and Candy. I don't think she will change her mind just because of what Alex said. Candy knows you and loves you. She can tell when you're telling the truth. Now, you get on over there and get this straightened out."
Jeremy stands and gives Lottie a hug. "Thanks, Lottie. I hope you're right." Looking at his brothers, he says, "Here goes. Wish me luck."
Jason calls out to him, "Good luck, brother," while Josh gives him a thumbs up.
Minutes later, Jeremy knocks on the door of the dormitory annex. Candy opens it and seeing Jeremy, she falls into his arms crying. Jeremy rubs her back in a soothing motion. "Don't cry, Candy. Everything is going to be all right."
"How can you say that? Why didn't you tell me about Alex? About how you loved her."
"Are we alone? I mean, can we talk here in private?"
"Yes, come in." She moves inside allowing him to come in.
Jeremy takes her hand and they sit down on the side of the bed. "First of all, I want to say I love you. I love you and only you. Second, I did tell you about her. I told you my best friend Alex moved to St. Louis several years ago. Remember?"
"But Jeremy, you left out one important fact. You didn't tell me that Alex was a woman. A beautiful woman," she cries.
"I'm sorry. I'm not sure why I didn't mention that fact, but I think it was because it wasn't important. I didn't see her like that. We were best friends, that's all."
"Did you stay in touch with her?"
"No, she said she'd write when they got settled, but I never got any letters from her. Then months later, we went to New Bedford and I found the most beautiful girl in the world to fall in love with. I never thought about Alex again."
"Jeremy, I heard you tell her that you missed her. Now you're saying that you never thought of her again. So, which is it? Did you miss her or not?"
"Maybe when she first left, I did miss her. But like I said, later I never thought of her."
"Did you love her?"
"I loved her as my best friend. Not romantically."
"You never held hands, or held each other in your arms, or kissed?"
Jeremy sighs from all the questions. "Candy, you have to realize that when she left, we were only 16 years old. We may have done those things, but believe me it wasn't because she was my girlfriend. It was just two friends being friends."
"Friends being friends? Whatever does that mean, Jeremy?"
"It just means that if either one of us was down and needed a hug, or a bit of closeness, the other one would step up to the plate and do what was necessary to make them feel better. You know much like how you and Biddie are."
"Jeremy, both Biddie and I are females. That's a big difference from you and Alex. But I do think I understand what you're tying to say." After a few seconds, Candy asks, "What are you going to do about her? She wants you and I am not giving you up."
"Good, you won't have to. I need to go talk to her. Will you go with me?"
"I'm sure she wants to talk to you privately. She won't be very happy if I show up with you."
"I don't care what she likes. I don't want to be alone in a room with her. I want you with me so she can't twist my words around."
"Well if you're sure, I'll come with you."
"I'm sure. Come on, let's go get this over with."
They go to the door but as Candy puts her hand on the doorknob, Jeremy stops her. "Candy, you do know that I love you, don't you?"
"Yes Jeremy, I know. I love you, too." They kiss and then head to Lottie's.
CHAPTER 4
Alex opens the door after hearing a knock. Seeing Jeremy standing there, she is all smiles. "Come in, Jeremy. We have so much to talk about."
Jeremy steps aside and ushers Candy inside first. Upon seeing her, Alex shouts, "What the hell is she doing here?"
"I asked Candy to come with me to talk to you."
"Why, for heaven's sake?"
"Because I wanted her to hear everything I'm going to say to you." He takes a deep breath and exhales. "I love Candy. I love her with all my heart. And we are going to be married in June."
"But Jeremy, you don't know what happened. What my Papa did to us. I'm sure you'll change your mind once I tell you."
"Alex, there's nothing you can say that will change my mind."
"Please Jeremy, just listen to what I have to say. Please!" Alex pleads.
Jeremy sighs, "Okay, go ahead. I'll listen." He takes Candy's hand and they sit down on the small settee in the room. "Go ahead."
Alex wrings her hands. "Well, remember when I left and we told each other goodbye? I told you I would write to you. And I did. I wrote you at least once a month, sometimes more. I couldn't understand why you never wrote me back."
"I didn't receive any letters from you."
"I know and I'll get to the reason why soon, but back to our goodbye. We hugged and I told you that I loved you. You said, 'me, too'. Do you remember that? I was hoping you would say the words, I love you, but I knew how shy you were so I knew 'me, too' was as good as I was going to get. But 'me, too' meant that you loved me too."
"Yes, I vaguely remember something like that. But Alex, I think you read more into those words than I meant. I meant I love you as a best friend. Nothing more."
Alex gasps. "No, Jeremy. I know you loved me as much as I loved you. We were best friends but our friendship was turning into real love."
"Alex, we were only 16 years old. I didn't know what love was." He turns his head to look at his fiancee'. "Not until I met Candy. She taught me the true meaning of love."
"No! I will not accept that! I know you love me. You just turned to her because you thought I had left you for good. But I didn't. I mooned around for you. Several times I even tried to run away from home and return to you but my Papa always caught me and forbid me to have any contact with you ever again. I found out a couple months ago as he lay dying, that all those letters I wrote you, he intercepted them and kept them from being sent to you. Here, I have them." She jumps up and goes to her bag bringing out a stack of letters tied with a ribbon. She drops them in his hand. "See, you can read them for yourself."
Jeremy holds the letters and he closes his eyes. Looking at Alex he says, "I'm sorry about your Papa. I didn't realize that he disapproved of me. He was always so nice to me."
"He did like you when he thought we were just friends. But when he saw love blossoming between us, he changed. He didn't think you were good enough for me."
"Because of my stutter?" Jeremy asks.
"Yes, partly because of your stutter, but also because you were a logger. He said he wanted more for me. He wanted me to marry a banker, a lawyer, or a doctor. What he didn't realize was, you were the only man I could ever love."
Jeremy holds the letters out to her. "I'm sorry, Alex."
"Aren't you even going to read them? Jeremy, I poured my heart out to you in those letters. Please read them."
"There's no use reading them. They won't change my mind. There is no future for us, Alex. I'm with Candy and she's my future."
Alex looks at him like he just stabbed her in the heart. Then all of a sudden she attacks Candy. "You bitch! You stole him from me!" She slaps Candy across the face as hard as she can.
Jeremy jumps between the two, grabbing Alex by the arms. "Stop it! You don't touch her!" He pushes her away. Leaning over Candy, touching her slapped cheek he asks, "Are you okay? Come on, we're leaving." He takes Candy's hand and they head for the door.
"Jeremy, wait!" Alex calls out. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that. Please stay!"
"I think we're through talking. You were my best friend once, now I don't know you anymore. But know one thing. You will never lay another hand on Candy. I think the best thing for you to do is to leave Seattle. Go back to St. Louis."
"I'm not leaving until you and I talk privately."
He opens the door and scoots Candy out. He turns to Alex and says, "Goodbye Alex. Have a safe trip." Then he closes the door.
Alex hears their footsteps go down the hall. She whispers, "I'm not finished here, my love. No, your little friend is going to pay dearly for taking you away from me. Just wait and see."
CHAPTER 5
Staying away from town for a few days and hoping that Alex has left Seattle, Jeremy goes to Ben's to buy supplies. When finished, he walks out and bumps into Alex. "You're still here? I thought you'd be gone by now," Jeremy says.
"Well, I would have been, if only you would have talked to me privately like I asked you to."
"I don't have anything else to say to you," Jeremy tells her.
Tears swell up in Alex's eyes. "Please Jeremy. All I ask for is an hour of your time. There's so much I need to say to you. Then I'll leave and you'll never have to see me again. I am so sorry for how I acted and for slapping your fiancee'. I'd like to apologize to her also before I leave town."
Jeremy thinks this over. "Very well. An hour. Where and when do you want to meet?"
"How about up at your parents' old cabin? It is still standing, isn't it?"
"Yes, it is. But why there?"
"Because we have so many memories there. Remember we use to go up there and play, to hide out, and just to talk. I love that place. It's so peaceful there."
"All right. When? I can't right now. I need to get back to work."
"What about when you get off work? Just go straight to the cabin."
Jeremy sighs, "Okay. I'll be there. I want to get this over with."
"You don't have to act like this is a death sentence, Jeremy. We were best friends, you know. We cared for each other a lot," Alex says.
"I'm sorry, Alex. I don't want to hurt you, but I honestly didn't know you felt more than a best friend kind of love."
Alex touches Jeremy's cheek tenderly. "It's all right, Jeremy. I understand. All I want right now is to go to the cabin and talk. Talk like we used to. Just two best friends getting together for one last time." A tear trickles down her cheek.
"All right. It'll be around 6:00 when I get there."
"That's fine. You have a good day."
"Yeah, you too," Jeremy says as he turns and walks away.
Alex goes upstairs to her room and packs. She tells Lottie that she'll be leaving right around noon. Then she goes to the livery stable and rents a horse and a buckboard. She asks that the buckboard be
equipped with specific items. Next she goes to Ben's and buys some supplies. Then she waits.
Before heading for the cabin, Alex scribbles a note to Candy and has it delivered. She gets to the cabin early to get things ready for her guests.
Finally, Jeremy arrives promptly at six. He sees Alex waiting on the porch of his parents' old cabin as he walks up the drive.
"You came!" Alex calls out to him.
"I told you I would. Let's get this over with. I've had a long day and I need to get home and eat supper. I'm hungry."
"I figured you would be hungry, so I have supper ready for us. We can talk while we eat," Alex says as she leads him into the cabin. "Wash up while I get the food on the table."
Jeremy sits down and sees the scrumptious food. He chuckles, "Fried chicken? I guess you baked a chocolate cake, too?"
"As a matter of fact, I did. I remember they were your favorites."
"Well, thank you," he comments as he takes a big bite of chicken.
"You're welcome." Alex begins to eat. "Jeremy, do you remember the time we were gathering eggs for old man Weathers?"
"Do I remember? I still have the scars from those old hens. They were the meanest chickens I've ever seen," he laughs.
"Yes, they were chasing us around the barnyard it seemed like for hours. I still have some scars, too," Alex joins in the laughter.
They continue to talk about their time spent together before Alex asks, "Jeremy, how did you and Candy meet? She isn't from around here, I do know that."
"No, she isn't. She's from a small town in Massachusetts. Our loggers were threatening to quit because there were no women here. So, my brothers and I went to New Bedford to persuade one hundred women to move here."
"Wait! You mean to tell me that one hundred women sold themselves to come here for the men? How dreadful!"
"No, they did not sell themselves at all. We paid for their passage and built them a dormitory to live in, but the rest was up to them. Plus, these were one hundred god fearing, family oriented, decent, marriageable women. They have proven to be a real treasure to Seattle."
"And your Candy was one of them?"
"Yes, she was. The first time I saw her she took my breath away," he chuckles. "She was dressed in a blue denim shirt and her big fireman trousers were held up by suspenders. She had soot all over her face, but I thought she was the most beautiful girl I'd ever seen."
"You mean she was a fireman? Oh, my!"
"Yes, she was a fireman. There were no men in New Bedford because of the war, so the women had to do all those men jobs. They did them quite well, I might add," Jeremy beams with pride talking about his girl. "Anyways, she and I met on the ship that brought us all back to Seattle. We fell in love and the rest is history, as they say."
"You said you thought she was the most beautiful girl you've ever seen. So you think she's more beautiful than me?" Alex asks putting Jeremy on the spot as there comes a knock on the door.
"Who could that be?" Jeremy asks as he starts to rise from his chair.
"Oh, that is my surprise guest. You just sit still and I'll let them in," Alex tells him.
CHAPTER 6
Alex opens the door. "Well, you're right on time. Come on in and join us." She holds the door open and in walks Candy.
Seeing Jeremy sitting and eating a slice of chocolate cake, Candy says, "Jeremy? I didn't know you'd be here."
"I wasn't expecting you to be here either." He throws his fork down. "Alex, what's going on? Why did you ask Candy here?"
"Oh, calm down, dear Jeremy. I think it's time for the three of us to have a little chat. I know you two think you're going to be married in June, but I'm going to tell you how it's really going to be. Have a seat, Candy."
Jeremy takes Candy by the arm and says, "Sorry Alex, but we're leaving. What Candy and I do is none of your business. Come on, Candy, let's go."
Alex pulls a handgun from her pocket and waves it around, finally pointing it at them. "I said we are going to talk. Now sit down!"
"Jeremy, we better do as she says," Candy whispers to him. He nods and they sit down.
"That's better. Candy, I want you to sit over there on the other side of the table. Away from Jeremy." She watches as Candy moves to where she said for her to sit. Alex sits down next to Jeremy and places her empty hand on his arm. "Now, isn't this cozy?" she giggles.
"Alex, what are you up to?" Jeremy asks.
"I'm going to tell you, but first Jeremy you didn't answer my question of who is more beautiful, Candy or me." Jeremy doesn't say anything. "Jeremy, we're waiting. Answer me now!" she yells.
"W-well, hmm, you are b-both b-beautiful, but hmm, Candy is my ch-choice."
Alex looks aghast. "Ettttt! Wrong answer!" She gets up and stands behind Candy. Grabbing a handful of her hair, she jerks Candy's head back. "We'll just have to remedy that."
Jeremy jumps up and shouts, "Leave her alone!"
Alex holds the gun next to Candy's head. "Sit back down or this gun may just go off, accidentally of course." Jeremy nervously sits down. "That's a good boy. Now, here's what we're going to do," she continues as she releases Candy. "Jeremy, you will be leaving with me. I can't tell you where we're going right now, but just know that we will be getting married when we get to our final destination."
"I'm not going to marry you! Alex, what has gotten into you? You used to be so different. You were nice, not this hateful person you've become. Maybe you need to see a doctor," Jeremy tells her.
"I don't need no damn doctor. You sound just like my Papa. He thought I was losing my mind. I'll tell you what has gotten into me. B-E-T-R-A-Y-A-L, betrayal. First my Papa. I trusted him with my letters to you. He betrayed me. Then you, Jeremy, you betrayed me by falling for this, this floozy. You were suppose to be mine. Be mine forever."
"How was I suppose to know that, Alex? I never heard from you after you left. I thought for sure you had already forgotten me."
"I could never do that, Jeremy. You should have known that."
"Listen Alex, if I promise to go with you, will you let Candy go?" Jeremy says hopefully.
"No, Jeremy! You can't go with her!" Candy cries.
"Shut up!" Alex yells at Candy. Looking at Jeremy, she says, "Go on. I'm listening."
Jeremy looks at Candy and sighs. To Alex he says, "I promise to go with you wherever you want to go.
I won't cause any trouble, if only you let Candy go unharmed. You have my word."
Alex walks around the room thinking. "And you'll marry me?"
Jeremy closes his eyes. He takes a deep breath and opens his eyes. "Yes, I'll marry you."
Alex walks past Candy on her way over to hug Jeremy. Candy snaps, "Like hell he will!" as she leaps on Alex trying to stop her. Alex turns and they struggle. Before Jeremy can get up to stop them, the gun goes off. He watches as Candy slides down to the floor, blood swiftly covering the front of her dress.
"No! Candy!" he cries as he runs to her. Seeing that she was shot in the upper right chest, he grabs a kitchen towel that's draped over a chair and covers her wound trying to stop the bleeding. "Candy! Candy, stay with me." He yanks the tablecloth off the table, scattering food and dishes everywhere. He folds it over her wound and presses. "Alex, help me! We've got to stop the bleeding!"
"Why should I? If she dies, it's to my advantage."
"Because if Candy dies, I will make it my sworn duty to kill you myself."
Seeing the anger in his eyes, Alex asks, "What do you want me to do?"
"Hold this! Apply pressure to stop the bleeding! I'll go get the wagon ready to take her to Dr. Wright."
"Oh, no! We're not taking her to town. You'll have me arrested! We'll leave her here. Jason or Joshua will find her."
"And if they don't find her in time, she could bleed to death. I'm not leaving here without her."
"Oh, all right. We'll drop her off at that clearing on the road to the camp. Somebody will surely find her there." Before Jeremy can protest she adds, "That's all I'm willing to do. Take it or leave it. You're wasting time by arguing."
"Okay. I'll take it." He lifts Candy up in his arms and carries her outside to the buckboard. Laying her in the back, he climbs in beside her, holding her close. "It's going to be all right, Candy. You're going to be all right. I'll see to it. Just hold on. I love you," he cries.
CHAPTER 7
Alex stops the wagon in the clearing. She turns around in her seat and tells Jeremy, "Okay, this is as far as we go. Dump her here."
Jeremy gasps. "I'm not dumping her here or anywhere else. Alex, please. Please have a heart and take her to the clinic."
Alex climbs down and goes around to the back of the wagon. "I can't do that and you know it. Now, just roll her off the back." She waits and seeing that Jeremy hasn't made a move, she says, "Jeremy!Move it, now! You're trying my patience!" She pulls her gun out.
Jeremy carefully slides to the rear of the wagon and climbs out with Candy in his arms. He gently lays her on the ground.
"Good. Let's go!" she demands.
Candy mumbles, "Jer-e-my."
Leaning over his girl he says, "Yes Candy, it's me. I'm so sorry. I. . . ."
"Oh, this is just breaking my heart. Sob, Sob," Alex says sarcastically. "Come on, Jeremy. We've gotta go!"
Jeremy looks at Alex with so much hate and anger. "I can't leave her like this."
Alex points the gun at Candy's head. "You either get up right now or I finish her off. Your choice."
"All right, all right. I'll get up. Just let me tell her goodbye." He leans back over Candy and whispers, "I've got to go so you'll have a chance to live. Just remember I love you. I'll always love you." He kisses her on the lips as big tears fall from his eyes.
"I. . . .love. . . you. . . .Jer-e-my. D-don't. . .go."
He hears the click of the gun as Alex pulls the hammer back. "I have to go. I'm sorry." He stands and stares at Alex. "Don't, please," he begs. "I'm ready."
"It's about time," she snaps. "Get in the back and lay down."
He follows her instructions. Alex orders, "Spread out your arms and legs." He does. She then chains his wrists and ankles to hooks on the inside walls of the wagon. "Well, we're all set," she says as she climbs back on the seat.
Jeremy feels the jerk of the wagon as it pulls away. He raises his head to see the love of his life one last time. He calls out, "I love you, Miss Candy Pruitt!"
Alex stops the wagon long enough to put a rag in his mouth. She ties a bandana around his mouth to hold the rag in. Then she proceeds on the way.
CHAPTER 8
Early the next morning, Jason and Josh are awakened by someone banging on the Bolt cabin door.
Josh opens the door to one of their very upset loggers.
"Jeremy! I need Jeremy! He has to hurry!"
Josh looks around and sees that Jeremy's bunk hasn't been slept in. "Jeremy's not here. He must have stayed up at the camp last night."
"No, Jeremy's not at the camp either," Swede says.
"Tell us what's wrong, Swede. Maybe we can help," Jason says as he pulls his pants on and reaches for his boots.
"It's Candy. She's at the clinic. Jason, she's been shot."
"Shot? Who shot her?" Jason demands.
"Don't know. She was laying on the road to the camp. She don't look good, Jason."
Jason and Josh finish dressing and they run to the clinic, bursting in at full speed. Seeing Allyn, Jason asks, "Allyn, what's this about Candy being shot? How is she?"
"Yes, she was shot at very close range, it seems. Rachel is prepping her for surgery now. Where's Jeremy?"
"We don't know. We'll send some men out to find him. What can we do for Candy until Jeremy gets here?"
"You can pray, Jason. Candy's lost a lot of blood. I was hoping Jeremy would be here, just in case."
"We'll find him." Turning towards Swede he says, "Swede, get some men together and look everywhere for Jeremy. Don't come back until you find him. Hurry!"
After hours have passed, Allyn comes into the waiting area and says, "Well, she made it through the surgery. Now we wait. Still no sign of Jeremy?"
"No, none," Jason replies.
Lottie says, " I can't imagine where Jeremy could be. When is the last time anyone saw him?"
"He left camp after work yesterday. Said he had something he had to do before he went home. Didn't say where he was going," Josh answers.
"Wait! I wonder if anyone has checked with Alex. Maybe she was the something he had to do," Jason suggests.
"Alex checked out and left town yesterday around noon," Lottie informs them.
"That's good news, at least. Good riddance to her," Josh sneers.
The door opens and Corky enters. "Jason, Josh, you better come with me. There's something you need to see."
"Where?" Jason asks.
Corky sighs, "Your parents' old cabin. It's a mess. There's blood all over the floor."
"Do you think. . .?" Josh begins.
"Think what, Joshua?" Lottie asks.
"Are you thinking maybe Jeremy shot Candy and then ran off?" Biddie asks.
"Jeremy wouldn't do such a thing. He loves Candy," Jason snaps. "Josh, I'm going with Corky. You stay here and wait for word about Candy's condition. I'll send word if we need you."
"All right, Jason. Just make all this make sense. Find Jeremy."
Jason walks into the cabin and exclaims, "My God! What happened here?" He looks around the one room cabin. "Swede, you find anything that points to Jeremy being here?"
"Not directly, Jason. But there is fried chicken and chocolate cake. They're Jeremy's favorites."
"This blood. Could it be Candy's?" Corky asks.
"It very well could be hers, but if she were shot here, how did she get out to where she was found? Jeremy wouldn't have left her there. He would have taken her to the clinic," Jason wonders aloud.
"This just isn't making any sense."
"Jason, there's a buggy on the other side of the cabin. It looks like Lottie's," Billy says as he enters.
"Candy must have borrowed it from Lottie. But why did she even come up here unless she was meeting Jeremy," Jason states not liking where this is going. "Keep looking for Jeremy. I'm going back to the clinic to see if Candy has woken up yet. She's the only one that can tell us what happened."
CHAPTER 9
Hours pass and Candy still hasn't awakened. "Allyn, shouldn't Candy have awoken by now?" Jason asks.
"Under normal circumstances, yes she should have. You have to remember that Candy lost an awful lot of blood. She needs sleep and rest to help build up her blood supply."
"I guess, but this is so frustrating, not knowing what happened and where the hell my little brother is."
"Jason," Josh says. "what do you think happened to Jeremy?"
"I don't know, Josh. It seems with all the clues we've discovered that Jeremy and Candy were meeting up at the cabin. She borrowed Lottie's buggy. She cooked a nice supper of Jeremy's favorites, fried chicken, smashed potatoes, corn, and chocolate cake. They must have enjoyed their meal, but before Candy could clean up the table, maybe an argument broke out. Or someone came into the cabin. Candy was shot at some point. But by whom? Surely not Jeremy. Why would he even have a gun on him? There was blood on the floor and an old kitchen towel they must have used to try and stop the flow of blood. I'm thinking that someone jerked the tablecloth off the table to use for the blood. After that, I can't even guess."
"But how do you suppose Candy got to where she was found? If Jeremy took her there, don't you think he would have taken the buggy. Jeremy couldn't carry her that far and Corky said Brownie is still at the stable. I'm not liking this, Jason."
"Me either, but. . ." They hear a voice .
"Jer-e-my. . . . .don't. . . ." the quiet mumbling says repeatedly.
Jason and Josh hurry over to her bedside. Jason takes her hand in his and says as calmly as he can, "Candy, what is it you don't want Jeremy to do? Where's Jeremy?"
Candy repeats, "Jer-e-my," then drifts off again.
Jason raises his voice, "Candy! Candy, wake up! We need you to tell us where Jeremy is!"
Allyn rushes in and tells everyone, "Out! I want everyone out, now!"
"But Allyn, Candy was talking. I have to talk to her. I have to know where Jeremy is," Jason says.
"You're not going to browbeat my patient, Jason," Allyn says sternly. "I won't have it. If you can't control your temper, then I'm not going to allow you in her room. Do I make myself clear?"
A somewhat subdued Jason hangs his head, "I'm sorry. It's just that I'm worried sick about my little brother. Please, forgive me."
"Jason, I know you're worried about Jeremy. We all are. But Candy isn't out of the woods yet. You can't be yelling at her like you were."
"I know." He turns and walks out of the clinic.
Meanwhile, Alex stops the wagon asking, "You hungry, Jeremy? I can fix us a little something to eat."
"Hmm! Hmmmm!" Jeremy tries to speak.
"Let me help you there," Alex laughs. She rips the gag off Jeremy's mouth. "Better?"
Jeremy moves his mouth around. "There was no need for that!" He watches as she unchains him from his confines. "Can I get out and see if I can stand?"
"Sure you can, but don't try anything."
Jeremy scoots down from the wagon and very wobbly stands. He does some stretches to regain his movement. After feeling the blood flow back into his limbs, he says, "You asked if I were hungry. Yes, I am."
"All right, then. I'll fix us a bite to eat. I'm going to be watching you and if you can behave, I'll let you stay free. One wrong move, though, and you'll be chained up again. Understand?"
"Understand." He rubs his wrists and then his ankles. "Alex, where are we going?"
"Oh, somewhere where they haven't heard of Jeremy Bolt. Can't have anyone recognizing you and calling the authorities." She continues making sandwiches for the both of them.
"Is this place where you intend for us to marry?"
"No, we can't leave a record of our marriage. I know your brothers will turn over every rock they can to find you. I'm not going to help them out by leaving our marriage on some town's books."
"So we're not going to get married?"
"We will marry, just not here in Washington. Now enough with the questions. Here's your sandwich and a canteen of water. Park yourself down here beside me."
Jeremy follows orders and while he eats, he wonders about Candy.
That evening, Molly and Christopher come to the clinic to see their sister. "Aunt Lottie, are you sure Candy is alive?" Molly asks after staring at her sister.
"Yes, she is alive. She's just resting right now."
"She don't look alive. Where's Jeremy?" Christopher asks.
"He's out somewhere. We don't know exactly where he is, but he should be back soon."
Molly begins to cry and Lottie takes her in her arms to comfort her. "Don't cry, Molly. Everything is going to be all right."
"But what if Candy dies? What if Jeremy never comes back? What is going to happen to me and Christopher?"
"Do we have to go to one of those orphages?" Christopher asks.
Lottie is troubled by their questions. "Don't worry. Candy will get better and Jeremy will be back soon."
"But what if. . ."
"Now, don't you two fret. If things don't turn out the way we hope, then me, Biddie, Jason, and Joshua will take care of you. You will not go to an orphanage. Seattle is your home."
"Promise, Aunt Lottie?" Molly asks.
"I promise. Now, say bye to your sister and run along and play. We'll let you know when she wakes up." And they do as Lottie says.
CHAPTER 10
Jason and Josh are sitting by Candy's bedside when they hear her say, "Jer-e-my." Her eyes begin to flutter until finally she gets them partially open.
"Josh, go get Allyn. Candy, can you hear me? It's Jason."
Candy looks groggily around the room, searching for her fiance. "Ja-Jason, Where's. . . Jere-my?"
"We're not sure. We were hoping you could tell us what happened last night."
Allyn and Josh hurry into the room. "Jason, it's too soon for that. Please step outside so I can examine my patient."
"Of course, Allyn. We'll be on the other side of that door, Candy. We'll see you soon," Jason says.
After examining Candy, Allyn quietly shuts the door as she leaves the room. Jason jumps up from his seat asking, "Allyn, how is she?"
"She's coming alone just fine. I'm hopeful she will recover completely. It all depends on if she gets an infection."
"Can I talk to her?" Jason asks.
"I'm sorry, but she was in a lot of pain, so I gave her an injection of morphine. She's asleep."
"Allyn! How could you? You know I need to ask her about Jeremy and what happened!" he angrily says.
"Sshhh! Keep your voice down, Jason. I did find out some things for you. Jeremy did not shoot Candy, so put that thought out of your mind right now."
"Thank God! Did she say who did shoot her?"
"Yes, she did. Brace yourselves. Alex shot Candy and. . . . .she has Jeremy."
"What? But Lottie said Alex left at noon yesterday," Josh says.
"Well, undoubtedly she circled back. I don't know all the details, I had to stop her pain. But at least you know what happened to Jeremy. Leaving Candy like they did, had to be killing him."
"Thanks Allyn. I'm sorry about getting upset with you." Jason kisses her cheek.
"It's fine, Jason. I understand what you're going through. I'll let you know when she awakens again."
"Josh and I are going over to Ben's to send messages to Tacoma, Clearwater, Olympia, and other towns for them to be on the lookout for our wayward travelers. See you soon."
Another two days pass before Alex and Jeremy arrive at their destination, La Conner, Washington. Sitting up front beside Alex, he marvels at the town. "What is this place? It's as small as Seattle, maybe even smaller, if that's possible."
"It's a fairly new town. It may be small but it has a right good port. Just look at those ships over there. But the main thing is that nobody here has probably ever heard of you or your brothers."
"So we're going to live here then?"
"No, we're going to hopefully board one of those ships and sail out of Washington all together."
"Leave Washington? Where we going?" Jeremy asks in a panic.
"Doesn't matter as long as we get far away from here. Come on, let's see where some of these ships are going." They climb down and stretch their weary bodies. "Oh, wait! Here, drink this." She holds a small vial out to him.
"What is it?"
"It doesn't matter. Just drink it," she demands as she shows him her gun.
He takes the vial and drinks it making a grimacing face. "That's nasty."
"Sorry, but it has to be done. Jeremy, remember everything I've told you. We're a married couple. You're Jerry Brookman and I'm your wife Alice. And there better be no slip ups."
"Alex, I can't believe this."
"Well, you better believe it. You've already made one mistake. I'm Alice, not Alex. Also remember, that I have someone in Seattle watching Candy. They will kill her if you don't do as you're told," she laughs.
"You better not touch her. I gave you my word that I'd go with you. Now you better keep your word, too."
Alex/Alice runs her fingers down Jeremy's cheek. "Oh, sweet Jerry, I intend to." She thinks to herself, He is so gullible to believe that I have someone in Seattle watching her. Candy is probably already dead. At least I hope so.
Of the three ships tied up at the dock, Jeremy's eyes light up when he sees one of them. "Alice, look at that ship. Now that ship is a thing of beauty. I might could really get into this trip onboard a ship like that."
"Really? Well, if it will make you cooperate, we'll check it out."
Jeremy holds his arm out to her and she takes it as they walk up the gangplank. The captain is talking to one of his crewmen on deck.
"Let me do the talking," she whispers to Jeremy.
Jeremy stands behind her feeling a little dizzy. His legs feel like they are going to buckle. He holds his head down.
"Are you the captain of this fine ship?" Alice asks.
"Yes madam, I am. May I be of some help to you?"
"I certainly hope so. I'm Alice Brookman and this is my husband Jerry Brookman. May I ask where you are headed?"
"To Singapore."
Alice smiles, "Singapore. That's in the orient, am I correct?"
"Yes, it is."
"Oh, that's wonderful. I've often heard that the orient has some fine doctors. You see, my husband has a sickness that the doctors around here cannot diagnose."
"I'm sorry. Have you tried back east? I hear Boston and New York have wonderful doctors," the captain asks.
"Yes, we've tried everywhere. I thought maybe doctors in another country might be able to help him. Would you be so kind as to let us sail with you to Singapore? This may be just what he needs."
"Well, this isn't really a passenger ship for the general public."
"I understand, but we have money to pay for our passage. We promise not to be a bother to you or to your crew. As a matter of fact, we'll spend most of our time in our cabin."
The captain looks at the young man standing behind the lady. When the young man raises his head and looks into the eyes of the captain, he recognizes him. Before he can say anything, the young man slightly shakes his head while placing his finger over his lips as if to shush him. Playing along, the captain says, "Hmm, your husband does look quite ill."
"Oh, he is," Alice says.
"Are you sure he can make such a long voyage. There's not many places between here and Singapore to dock at if he should need help."
"I'm positive he will be able to make it. All he needs is lots of rest."
The captain sighs, "Very well, I'll be glad to take you to Singapore. I'll have one of my men show you to your cabin. You do have luggage, don't you?"
"Yes, it's there in the wagon," she answers pointing to the wagon parked in front of the ship.
"All right, one of the crew will deliver it to your cabin soon."
"Thank you so much, captain. . .I'm afraid I didn't catch your name."
The captain holds his hand out to take her hand. "Captain Harmon at your service, Ma'am. As I recall, your name is Alice Brookman," He kisses her hand then holds his hand out to the young man behind her. "I believe she said your name was Jerry Brookman, right?"
"Y-yes it is," Jeremy says as he shakes the captain's hand. "Thank you. I think you may be s-saving my life."
"I hope so."
"Captain Harmon, when do we set sail?" Alice asks.
"Bright and early tomorrow morning at high tide."
"Oh, not tonight, then?" Alice asks disappointed as she takes hold of Jerry's arm.
"I'm afraid not. We're still loading supplies for the long journey and I have papers to sign before we set sail. If you'll excuse me, I need to get going before they close. If you need anything, just let one of the crew know. Dinner is at seven." As he walks by Jeremy, he places a hand on his shoulder. He says, "Hang in there young man. Help is on the way." Then he goes down the gangplank to attend to business.
CHAPTER 11
Hours later, Ben hurries over to the clinic. "Jason! Josh! I'm going to make your day!" he shouts.
Allyn scolds him, "Mr. Perkins, this is a clinic with sick people. I ask that you use a quieter voice."
"Oh sorry, Dr. Wright." He hands the telegram out to Jason. "Here, read this!" his smile beaming.
Jason opens it and reads to himself. A big grin spreads across his face.
"Read it, Jason," Josh says.
"I am," Jason replies.
"Aloud, Jason. Read it aloud."
"Oh, yeah right.
To: Jason and Joshua Bolt"
Skipping over the rest of the heading details he continues.
"Jeremy boarded Golden West today calling himself Jerry Brookman Woman with him His wife Alice Brookman Jeremy sick or drugged or both Leaving in morning for Singapore Any advice would be helpful"
"Jerry Brookman? Singapore?" a confused Josh questions. "Jeremy can't go to Singapore. We'll never see him again."
"You're right, Josh. We can't let this happen. Allyn, not a word of this gets to Candy. The less she knows the better it is for all of us. Come on Josh, we better let Captain Harmon know what's going on."
After much communication between the Bolt brothers and Captain Harmon a plan is worked out. Captain Harmon goes back to his ship and goes straight to the Brookman's cabin. Knocking on the door, he waits impatiently for the door to open. Alice opens the door, "Captain Harmon, what a surprise," she says. "Is there anything wrong?"
"Wrong? No, Mrs. Brookman, I just came to check to be sure your accommodations are satisfactory. Is there anything either of you need?"
"Everything is fine. We don't need anything at the moment. Thank you."
"You're quite welcome. How is your husband?" he asks as he shifts his head to be able to see Jeremy laying on the bed asleep.
"He's asleep as you can see. I'm afraid the trip here wore him out."
"Will you be joining us for dinner at seven?"
"I don't think so. Jerry will probably sleep till morning and I don't won't to leave him alone. I hope you understand."
"Very well. I will have your dinner delivered here to your room. As I said before, we will be leaving early tomorrow morning, so when you awaken, you'll see nothing but water all around us. Have a good night."
"Good night, Captain. And thank you again for everything." She shuts the door and goes over to Jeremy. Running her finger down his cheek, she whispers, "You were a very good boy today. This is going to be easier than I thought it would be. Sleep well, my love."
CHAPTER 12
Jeremy awakens early the next morning and sees Alex laying in his bed sound asleep. He feels Mother Nature calling so he tiptoes to the washroom. Afterwards looking at himself in the mirror, he is filled with shame. You disgust me. I should have fought to stay and help Candy. I don't even know if she's dead or alive. If she's alive, how can she ever forgive me for running out on her. How can I forgive myself? He shakes his head as a tear falls from his eye.
I need to get away from Alex not give in to all her demands. And that nasty tasting stuff she had me drink, I think she drugged me. I felt kind of loopy and wobbly on my feet. Well, I'm not drinking any more of that stuff. If she gives me more, I'll pretend to drink it and act like it works. I only hope she can't tell the difference. She. . .
"Jeremy? Jeremy where are you?" he hears Alex call out in almost a panic.
Oh damn! From here on out, I've got to put on the best performance possible. I only hope Mr. Harmon figures out what is. . . .
"Jeremy!" she calls out again.
Coming back into the room he replies. "Just in the washroom doing a little business."
"Oh, okay. It frightened me when I woke up and you were gone. What time is it?"
"Early. Too early to be up. I'm going back to bed and you should do the same. Do you mind if I open the porthole? I'd like to get a little fresh air. It's a little stuffy in here."
"No, that's fine," she yawns.
Jeremy smiles as he opens the porthole, then lays back down, and pretends to sleep.
Later that morning, Jeremy wakes up realizing the ship's movement. What? What's going on? I didn't think Mr. Harmon would actually start sail to Singapore. He jumps out of bed and looks out the porthole. Damn it, Harmon. I thought we were friends. Why are you doing this? Did Alex pay you off? No, Mr. Harmon is an honest man. He wouldn't fall for Alex's lies. Think, Bolt! What do I do?
Jeremy goes over to the bed and shakes Alex's shoulder. "Alex, wake up!"
"What? What's wrong?" she quickly sits up in bed.
"I'm hungry, that's what's wrong. I'm going to the galley for breakfast. Do you want to join me?"
"Hmm, sure, but I need to take a bath first. Give me. . . . ."
"Alex, I'm hungry now. I'm not waiting an hour or more for you to take a bath. If you're going with me, then get up and get dressed."
Getting up off the bed, she says angrily, "Wait just a minute here! Who do you think you are giving me orders? I'm in charge here and don't you forget it!" She stomps off to grab her clothes, "But you do have a point. You haven't eaten much lately so I guess you really are hungry. We'll go as soon as I'm presentable." She goes into the washroom.
Jeremy hides his boots under some clothes, then goes to the porthole and looks out. I have got to talk to Mr. Harmon. Please let him be in the galley.
Coming back into the room carrying a small vial, she holds it out to Jeremy. "Here, drink this."
Jeremy looks at it warily saying, "Not that nasty stuff again. Alex, why are you drugging me?"
"I'm not drugging you. I promise."
"Then what is this nasty stuff? And why do you want me to drink it?"
"Well Jeremy, you're suppose to be a sick man. This nasty stuff as you call it, just makes you look the part."
"I don't like how it makes me feel loopy. Can't I just act like I'm sick?"
"Jeremy, I hate to tell you this, but you're not that good of an actor. Now drink it or we don't go to the galley. Your choice."
"All right, but would you look in the washroom for my boots. I can't find them in here."
He waits for her to leave the room, then pours the contents of the vial out the porthole. "They're not in there, Jeremy," she says as she comes out. She sees the grimaced look on his face and sees that the vial is empty. "Good boy! Now, think. Where are your boots?"
Jeremy looks around the room before picking up the clothes from the floor. "Found them," he says.
"Put them on and let's go."
Coming back into the room later, Jeremy stumbles over to the bed keeping his charade up. Damn it! Mr. Harmon wasn't at breakfast. How am I suppose to talk to him?
"Jeremy, are you all right? You seem upset?" Alex asks.
"Yeah, fine," he moans. "Strike that. No, I'm not fine. I need to lay down and rest." He lays on top of the bed and turns his back to her. "Just leave me alone."
CHAPTER 13
In Seattle, Candy is recovering from her injuries but not from her broken heart. "Candy, you need to eat something. You can't get better if you don't eat," Biddie tells her as she tries to feed Candy some soup.
"Oh Biddie, I don't want to get better if I don't have Jeremy here with me," she cries.
"Now Candy, you can't think that way. You still have your brother and sister, Jason and Joshua, Lottie and most of all you have me," she giggles.
"It's not the same. I'm sorry, but I miss Jeremy. I don't even know where he is. If he's alive or not. Is he hurt? Has he fallen for that . . .that Alex. Would you tell Jason I need to speak with him as soon as possible?"
"I will be glad to. Just as soon as you eat some of this soup. Open wide."
About an hour or so later, Jason finally shows up and Candy bombards him with her questions. "I don't know what to tell you, Candy. I don't have any word of Jeremy, but we're still hopeful that he'll show up somewhere soon." He doesn't want to tell her there is a plan in the works, just in case something goes wrong.
"Jason, I don't understand it. You say you have all these men looking for him, yet there's not a sign of him anywhere. He has to be out there somewhere. He didn't just vanish, did he?"
"Candy, just be patient and give the men time to find him. It'll happen, I'm sure of it."
"What puzzles me the most is why you and Joshua aren't out there looking for him. This isn't like you. Why aren't you out there hunting for your brother?"
Jason sighs, "Well, we were at first, but I think we can accomplish just as much by staying here and doing what we've been doing."
"Which is absolutely nothing as far as I can tell." Candy throws her covers off and starts to get up from the bed.
"Whoa, what do you think you're doing?" Jason asks as he gently pushes her back onto the bed.
"I'm going to go search for Jeremy. If you won't do it, I will," she huffs.
"Candy, I promise we're doing everything we can think of. We're leaving no stone unturned."
"But Jason, he's out there somewhere. He has to come back. I miss him," she breaks down crying.
"I know you do, we all do. Give us a few more days and if there's still no word of him, I personally along with Josh will go in search of him."
"You promise?" she continues to cry.
"I promise," Jason replies. "Now, you take a nap and get all rested up. Jeremy would have our hides if he came back and saw that we didn't take good care of you. I'll come see you later."
"Thank you, Jason." She closes her eyes as Jason leaves.
That same evening there is a knock at the Brookman's cabin door. Alex opens the door and finds Captain Harmon standing there. "Good evening, Captain. Won't you come in? Jerry and I were just getting ready to join you for dinner."
Stepping inside Captain Harmon responds, "Evening. I'm sorry but I won't be able to join you for dinner, but feel free to go ahead and eat at my table."
"I'm sorry to hear that. You look worried. Is there anything wrong?"
"I'm afraid I have some bad news to tell you. You see, my crew discovered the main mast has a large crack in it. Therefore we have to turn around and go back to a port."
"What? You mean we're not sailing to Singapore after all?" Alex asks obviously upset. "Can we not just sail on towards Singapore? Maybe it won't crack anymore."
"Dear lady, it's a long ways to Singapore, If we continue on and the mast cracks all the way, we'll be stuck in the middle of this vast ocean without any help available. I mean we would still have the smaller masts but it would be a very slow voyage taking a much longer time to get there. Whereas if we sail back to port and get repairs made, we won't lose much time in our travels." He turns to Jeremy and asks, "Well, Mr. Brookman, what do you think?"
Jeremy studies his face, "I think you made the right decision. I just hope I can still get help soon."
Captain Harmon chuckles as he places his hand on Jeremy's shoulder. "Don't worry young man, you'll be receiving help before long. Just hang in there."
"Thank you, Captain. I appreciate your letting us know the situation."
"Yes, thank you Captain Harmon. I trust the repairs won't take long and we can be back on our journey. I want my husband to get help as soon as possible," Alex says.
"I understand. Now, you two go enjoy your dinner and I'll see you sometime tomorrow. Goodnight."
"Goodnight," Alice and Jerry tell him.
After the Captain leaves, Jeremy says, "That was nice of him to keep us informed, don't you think?"
"Sure, if you say so. I just hope these repairs don't take a week or so. I want us to be on our way as soon as possible."
"Are we going to eat or not? All of a sudden I'm starved."
"We are, but first you have to drink this," she holds out another vial. "Captain Harmon caught us off guard by coming here and seeing you look so well. We have to remedy that."
"Alex, no. He said he wouldn't even be at dinner."
"He may surprise us again. Drink it, Jeremy."
He reluctantly takes it from her and with her standing right in front of him watching, he puts it to his lips and sips slowly pretending to swallow it. As soon as Alex turns around and opens the door, he silently spits it out into his handkerchief. He then follows in her footsteps.
Alex slams the door shut. "Jeremy, Jeremy, Jeremy," she says shaking her head. "You think you're so smart, but I saw what you did. You're being a bad boy."
A startled Jeremy stammers, "I-I-I did-didn't do any-anything."
"Don't lie to me, Jeremy. I saw you spit it out. You've hurt me. And after all I've done for you."
"Exactly what have you d-done for me, Alex, except ruin my life."
"I haven't ruined your life. I've given you a new life. We are going to have a new life together in a new country. But now? I'm going to have to do some serious thinking while I'm at dinner. But first, take your clothes off and lay on the bed."
"What?" Jeremy shouts appalled.
"You heard me. I didn't stutter," she laughs. "Now, do it!" She takes the gun from her pocket and points it at him. "Oh, you can leave your longjohns on. Wouldn't want you to get cold." She watches as Jeremy gets undressed. "Now, drink this and swallow it this time." She watches as he drinks and swallows. "Lay down." He lays down. "Take these handcuffs and place it on one of your wrists then hook it to one of the spindles on the headboard." He does as instructed. "Give me your other hand." She places another set of handcuffs on his wrist and hooks it to another spindle, then takes one of her stockings and ties his feet together. "That should keep you. As soon as the drug takes affect, I'll go eat dinner. I may even bring you a little something back. I feel charitable."
After about fifteen minutes, Jeremy starts to drift off to sleep. "All that's left to do is to gag you. Don't want you waking up and start yelling. That would be dreadful." She stuffs his sock in his mouth and ties it in place with another stocking. "Now, you be a good boy while I'm gone." She leans over and kisses his forehead. "I love you, Jeremy." Then she leaves.
CHAPTER 14
Late afternoon the next day, the sound of heavy feet running across the deck and down to the cabins below catch Alex and Jeremy's attention. Jeremy still handcuffed to the bed and still gagged listens with wide eyes. "Mmmmmmmmm! Mmmmmmm!" he mumbles.
"Yes, I hear it. Wonder what's going on. Have we already docked in La Conner?" She walks over to the porthole to take a look as there's a loud knock on the door.
Alex walks over to the door and asks, "Who is it?"
"It's me, Captain Harmon. May I please speak with you and your husband? It's of the utmost urgency."
"Just a minute." She goes over to Jeremy and says, "You need to be quiet while I talk to the captain. If you don't, you're going to be sorry. Understand?"
Jeremy nods his head. "Good!" Alex says.
Opening the door she asks, "Are we already in La Conner?"
"No, dear lady. We're in Seattle."
Three men push by her and enter the room. "Jeremy! Jeremy, are you all right?" Jason asks as he rushes over to his little brother and sits on the bed. He takes the gag off while Josh unties his feet. "Where's the key to these things?" he asks as he grabs hold of the handcuffs.
"Alex has them," Jeremy replies.
Jason jumps up and goes over to Alex. "Hand them over!"
"I don't know what you're talking about," Alex says.
"Lady, don't try my patience. Hand over those keys now!" Jason shouts as he grabs her wrist.
"Let go of me!" Alex yells. "They're over there on the table. I don't see what all the fuss is about. We're just having a little hanky panky to spice up our love life."
"Stow it, Alex. We know the truth," Jason says angrily.
"Alexandria Stikeleather, you're under arrest for the kidnapping of Jeremy Bolt and the attempted murder of Miss Candy Pruitt," the territorial marshal tells her as he grabs her arm.
"Attempted murder? So, Candy is alive?" Jeremy asks as he climbs off the bed after being freed. He rubs his wrists to get some circulation going in his hands.
"Yes, Candy is very much alive and she has told us everything," Josh answers.
Seeing Alex struggling with the marshal, Jeremy says, "No, wait! Don't hurt her!" He stands in front of her and says, "Alex, I want to help you. You don't deserve this. Please let me help." He goes to wrap his arms around her, then slides one hand to where her pocket is and carefully lets it feel around inside.
Alex pushes him back. "Is this what you're looking for, Jeremy?" she asks as she brings her gun up from the folds of her skirt and points it at him. "You really thought that I would fall for that line?"
"Alex, drop the gun," Josh says. "You have nowhere to run now."
"Who said anything about running? I only want to sail out of here as a free woman with Jeremy by my side."
"Jeremy's not going anywhere with you," Jason tells her.
"You have no say so in this, Jason. This is between Jeremy and me. We are on our way to Singapore to be married. Did you know that? We'll be husband and wife. Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Bolt. Has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?" she laughs.
"Alex, please put the gun down," Jeremy pleads. "I'll go with you, if that's what you want. Just get rid of the gun."
"Sorry, Jeremy. I can't do that. If I do, they'll be all over me. I'll go to jail for murder and I'll never see you again."
"You haven't murdered anyone. Didn't you hear them say that Candy is alive? I won't let them hurt you, I promise. I'll testify on your behalf. Will you hand me the gun?" Jeremy asks.
She shakes her head no. "Can't. I unfortunately didn't kill Candy, but I did kill my Papa."
"You said your Papa was sick and dying."
"He was. But after he told me about the letters he kept from you, I hated him. Then he said a lawyer was coming by for him to sign the papers to have me committed to the St Louis Sanatorium."
"Sanatorium? Why? Are you sick?"
"He thought so. He thought I was mentally ill. Can you believe it? My own Papa," she cries.
"Alex, how did you murder your Papa?" Jeremy asks.
"I smothered him with a pillow during his sleep. I played the part of the distraught daughter so no one suspected a thing. Everyone just thought he died peacefully during the night." She wipes her eyes with her free hand. "Tell them to back off, Jeremy."
Jeremy turns his head towards his brothers, then towards the marshal and Captain Harmon, "Listen to her. Back off."
"Jeremy?" Captain Harmon asks.
"It's all right, Captain Harmon. She won't hurt me. But she may shoot one of you if you don't listen to her," Jeremy warns.
"Wait! You two know each other?" Alex asks.
"Yes, we do. Jeremy and I have known each other for years. He and his brothers supplied the lumber for this magnificent ship after he came to San Francisco on his very first bidding trip with his honesty and integrity. He's the son I've always wanted."
"So, you've been playing me all this time!" she screams at Captain Harmon. "I bet that crack in the mast was a lie, wasn't it? You've been sailing here to Seattle all along, haven't you?" Turning her anger towards Jeremy now, she says, "No wonder you were so excited about seeing this ship! You knew he would help you! Too bad. Now you have to pay for betraying me again."
The marshal sees the slight movement of her trigger finger. Without being seen, the marshal slowly raises his gun and fires it striking Alex in the chest as she shoots her gun hitting Jeremy in his shoulder.
"Noooo!" Jeremy shouts as he grabs his shoulder. He drops next to Alex. Taking her hand in his, he tells her, "Alex? Alex, you're going to be all right."
"No, I'm not. . . we both know it. I only wanted you to love me. . . .like you used to. I love you, Jeremy."
"Me too," he whispers.
"Say it. . . .please."
Jeremy closes his eyes and bites at his lip. Opening his eyes again, he says, "I love you, Alex."
Alex gives a grim smile and passes away. Jeremy cries as he gently closes her eyes.
Jason and Josh help him up from the floor. "Jeremy, you're bleeding," Jason says.
"It's nothing. I'm all right," Jeremy says as he stands on his own two feet. Then he promptly passes out.
CHAPTER 15
"Allyn! Allyn, we need help in here!" Jason shouts as he carries Jeremy into the exam room at the clinic.
Allyn hurries from her office to see what all the commotion is about. "Jason, what's wrong?" she asks.
"It's Jeremy. He's been shot," Jason answers as he gently lays his little brother on the exam table.
"Oh my! First Candy and now Jeremy. What is going on in this little peaceful town?" She promptly starts to examine a passed out Jeremy. "Hmm, well it seems the bullet is still in there. I was hoping it had passed on through. I need to get started on him as quickly as possible. Jason, you'll have to wait out in the waiting area."
"All right. Allyn, remember that is my little brother you're working on. Take good care of him."
"I will, Jason. Now go."
Jason goes out of the room to sit with Josh. He tells him everything Allyn said. "I can't just sit here doing nothing. I think I'll go visit Candy while we wait."
Josh asks, "You going to tell her about Jeremy?"
"I think I should, don't you?"
"I know you have to tell her, but you also know that she is going to want to go in there to see him. You're going to have your hands full trying to keep her in that bed," Josh chuckles.
"I'm sure I will. If there's any news about Jeremy, you can let me know."
Jason peeps in the room and sees Candy laying in bed wide awake. "Candy? May I come in?"
"Of course. I thought I heard your voice. What's happening out there?"
"Oh, one of our workers got hurt."
"Nothing serious, I hope. Who is it?"
Jason stares at her and decides to tell her the truth. "Well Candy, I'm not going to lie to you. I want you to stay calm, all right? Allyn says it's not life threatening and he's going to be just fine."
"Jason, who is it?"
He sighs loudly. "It's. . . .it's Jeremy."
Candy gasps and throws the covers off. She tries to get out of bed. "Jeremy? What's wrong with him?"
Jason pushes her back down in the bed. "Candy, calm down. You can't get out of this bed and you know it. He's all right. I promise."
"Jason, I need to go to him. Please."
"You can't right now. He's in surgery."
"Surgery? What's wrong with him? How did he get here? Where's Alex?"
"I'll answer all questions that I can, but I need you to lay here and calm down." He sits down beside her and tells her everything he knows. "And that's all I can tell you right now. Jeremy will fill you in on the rest when he's able."
"So Alex shot Jeremy? And Alex is dead? This is so hard to believe," Candy says shaking her head.
"I know it is, but you can't make this stuff up. It's over, Candy. This nightmare is finally over," Jason tells her as he takes her hand in his and squeezes it.
A relieved Candy replies, "No it isn't. Not until I see Jeremy for myself. When can I see him?"
"Soon, I expect."
They continue to talk when Allyn walks in the room. Jason and Candy both ask, "How is he?"
"Jeremy's fine. The surgery went well. I removed the bullet and he should make a complete recovery."
"When can I see him?" Candy asks.
"Probably not till morning. He's still asleep. Josh is with him right now. And you young lady need to go to sleep also. It's getting late and everyone is tired."
"Morning? Allyn, I need to see him. I need to see that he's all right," Candy says wiping her tears away.
"If I let you see him, will you promise to behave and go to sleep?"
"I promise. Please."
"All right. Josh is going to carry him to his room. I'll have him bring Jeremy in here long enough for you to see that he's all right. Then to bed. Agree?"
"Agree," Candy says contentedly.
About ten minutes later, Josh carries Jeremy over to Candy. She takes his hand and kisses it. "You're sure he's going to be all right? He looks so pale."
"I'm sure. Now say goodnight so Josh can put him in his bed."
She motions for Josh to bring him closer. "Goodnight, Jeremy. I love you." She then kisses his cheek.
Josh then takes him to his room.
CHAPTER 16
Around 3:00, give or take, Candy is awakened by a voice calling her name. At first she thinks she is dreaming. That is until she feels herself being kissed on the lips.
She startles awake seeing Jeremy sitting by her side. "Jeremy? What are you doing here?"
"I'm sorry if I frightened you, but I had to see you. I've missed you so much."
"I've missed you, too. Jason said you were shot? Are you all right?"
"I'm fine. How are you?"
"I'm fine, too. I've been worried about you."
"I've been worried about you, too. Candy, I'm so sorry about leaving you beside the road like we did. I wanted to bring you to the clinic, but Alex wouldn't let me. It's been killing me not knowing if you got help in time," he says as tears roll down his cheeks. "Can you forgive me?"
"There's nothing to forgive. I know she made you do it. So, don't you worry about it any longer."
He kisses her hand. "I better get back to my room before Allyn comes in here and catches me."
"No, don't go. Stay here with me. Please."
"All right, for just a little longer."
Candy squeezes his hand. "Jeremy, hold me."
Jeremy awkwardly tries to hold her. "I'm afraid I'm going to hurt you or rip my stitches out. I'm sorry."
"Then lay with me and hold me."
Jeremy is surprised at her request. "Candy, we shouldn't. What if someone walks in and sees us?"
"I don't care. I want you to hold me. After all we've been through, I think we deserve this. Please hold me."
"All right." He lays down on the bed with her. Her under the covers and him on top of the covers. He takes her in his arms and she lays her head on his chest. They stare at each other until their lips find one another's.
"I love you, Candy."
"I love you, too, Jeremy. So much." They kiss again and whisper to each other until they fall asleep.
Morning comes. Allyn is up and answers the door to Jason's knocking. "How's my brother this morning?"
"I was just going in to check on him. Want to come along?"
They go to Jeremy's room and discover him gone. "Where is he? Allyn, what's happened to Jeremy?"
"I'm not sure, but I have an idea. Follow me." They go to Candy's room and very quietly opens the door seeing Jeremy and Candy laying in each other's arms sound asleep. "Well, this answers your questions, Jason. I guess they were determined to see each other. Come on, let's go," she says as she shuts the door.
"You mean you're not going to wake them up?" Jason asks.
"Why should I? It will only embarrass them. No, we're going to let them wake up on their own. I may help matters some by dropping this on the floor." She immediately drops a metal bowl outside the door. "Let's go to my office until Jeremy scampers back to his room. And don't you dare call him or Candy out about this."
"But Allyn. . . ."
"Jason, those two know the meaning of true love. Your little brother could teach you a thing or two. That is if you're not too stubborn to listen to him." She laughs as she takes his arm and leads him to her office hoping he'll take the hint.
THE END
