DOUBLE-CROSSED
CHAPTER 1
Brothers Rick and Mark Blackwell are camped outside Seattle putting their finishing touches on their plans. They want to get hired at the logging camp, Bridal Veil Mountain Logging or as most people just call it Bolt Brothers Logging. Not because they like the hard work of a lumberjack, but because they have ill intentions for one Bolt brother, Jeremy Bolt.
"All right," Rick says, "I think that does it. Do you see any reason why this won't work?"
Mark replies, "None whatsoever. If this Bolt is as young and naive as what we've heard, this should be a piece of cake."
"Yeah, but those brothers of his are very protective of their little brother. Plus, he has a sweetheart that won't want to give him up," Rick informs his brother.
"Well, we'll just have to win those brothers over to our side or work around them. As for that little redheaded girl of his, we'll drive a wedge between them. They won't even know it's happening," Mark laughs.
"Come on, let's get some shut-eye. We need to get to Seattle early tomorrow morning," Rick says as he douses the fire. They lay down and drift off to sleep.
Meanwhile, Jeremy walks Candy back to the dormitory to say goodnight. "I really enjoyed our walk tonight, Jeremy," Candy says sweetly.
"So did I. It seems like when we're together, the time just flies by."
"It sure does. Maybe this next weekend, we can spend more time together."
"Hey, how about on Saturday we go horseback riding. Take a picnic and just spend the day together doing whatever we want to do," Jeremy suggests.
"That would be wonderful. Then on Sunday, we'll do our usual picnic with everyone else up by the lake. Oh Jeremy, we'll have so much fun. I can hardly wait till the weekend."
"Me too."
"Well, we do still have our Wednesday night supper to look forward to. Do you want me to fix something different this time?"
"What? No fried chicken or chocolate cake? Not on your life."
Candy laughs, "Jeremy, you and your chicken and cake. Don't you get tired of eating the same old thing every Wednesday?"
"Nope. I'll never get tired of your chicken and cake. You make the best."
"Thank you, kind sir," she giggles as she gives a little curtsy. "I guess I better go in."
"And I better get home. Five o'clock comes early. Hopefully, I'll see you around before Wednesday."
"I hope so. Good night, Jeremy. I love you."
Jeremy wraps his arms around her, pulls her close, and gives her a sensual goodnight kiss. "Pleasant dreams, Candy. I love you."
Jeremy goes home while Candy goes inside. Both longing for more.
CHAPTER 2
The next morning, two strangers ride into Seattle. Spotting a small number of young women standing on the porch of the dormitory talking, they ride over to them.
"Morning ladies," Rick says as he tips his hat.
"Morning," the ladies respond by giving a curtsy and looking at them curiously.
"We wondered if you could tell us if there are any jobs available around here," Rick says.
"Oh, do you need a job?" Biddie asks.
"Yes ma'am, we do. We're willing to do anything," Mark answers.
"Well, I do know there are jobs available at Bolt Logging, if you don't mind hard work," Candy says.
"We don't mind hard work, do we Mark?" Rick asks. "Where do we find this Bolt Logging?"
Candy points over to the road that leads to the camp. "Just follow that road. It takes you straight there. Ask for Jeremy. Tell him Candy sent you."
"Will do pretty lady. I take it you're Candy?" he inquires.
"Yes, I am. I'm Candy Pruitt. These are my friends Biddie Cloom. Ann Mitchell, and Franny West."
"Glad to meet you. I'm Rick Blackwell. This here is my brother Mark." Pointing to the road, he remarks, "So, just take this road. Ask for Jeremy and tell him Candy sent us."
"That's right. Good luck."
"Thanks. I hope to see all of you again real soon. They tip their hats and ride up the road to the camp.
"Well, they sure were good looking," comments Biddie.
"Oh, Biddie," Candy laughs.
"Well, they were. It'll be a pleasure if they get a job here," Biddie grins slyly.
Corky is sitting outside the Bolt's tent sharpening his ax as the two riders stop in front of him. Dismounting, Rick asks, "Would you be Jeremy Bolt?"
Corky stops and chuckles, "Not hardly. Wait here and I'll see if he's still around." He goes inside the tent.
Seconds later, Jeremy comes outside the tent. "I'm Jeremy Bolt. You looking for me?"
Rick answers, "Yes sir, hmm, a pretty redhead told us to come up here and ask for you."
"Oh, you must mean Candy. Why did she send you up here?" Jeremy asks.
"We're looking for work. Oh, excuse me. The name is Rick Blackwell and this is my brother Mark." He holds his hand out to Jeremy. Jeremy shakes both of their hands.
"Nice meeting you," Jeremy says. "Well, we are hiring, but it's not up to me alone to hire anyone. My brothers and I decide together. Come on into the tent and meet my brothers." He leads them inside.
After about a twenty minute interview, they are hired and assigned to Jeremy's crew. Only to observe for now. Just until they can get a little one on one training.
When the workday is over, Jeremy walks back to camp with Rick and Mark. "If you need a place to stay, you're welcome to stay in the bunkhouse tent. Or if you have your own tent, you can throw it up anywhere around here. Cook should have supper ready. It's not the best food around, but it fills you up. If you prefer, there's Lottie's saloon in town. Now that woman can cook," he chuckles. "The men usually get a poker game up after supper. I'm sure they'll be glad to have you join them."
"What do you say, Mark? Want to eat here and play some poker?" Rick asks.
"Sounds good to me. Might turn in a little early tonight."
"All right, then. I'll see you both bright and early in the morning. Good night." Jeremy joins up with his brothers and they walk to Lottie's for supper and a cold drink.
In a low voice, Mark remarks, "Rick, I don't like this. Jeremy Bolt isn't as young and naive as we were led to believe."
"Yeah, I'm thinking the same thing. I also think we need to change our strategy. Come on, let's go eat."
CHAPTER 3
The next morning Jeremy assigns Corky to train Rick and Mark. "It'll be up to Corky as to when you're ready to join the crew. Corky is one of our best loggers. Listen to him and do as he says. He may just save your lives." He picks up his ax and then adds, "I'll probably see you at lunch. Find out how it's going. Thanks, Corky."
Corky nods his head at Jeremy then says to Rick and Mark, "Well, let's go. Let's see what you're made of."
At lunch the men meet back at camp to eat, rest, and socialize. Jeremy pulls Corky aside to talk privately. "Well, tell me Corky, how's the training going?"
"You need to be ready to add two more to the crew tomorrow. They're actually pretty good. Just a little more training after lunch and they'll be all set for tomorrow."
"Great! That's great cause we need you back with us. All right, I'll let them know." Jeremy pats Corky on the shoulder. "Thanks, Corky."
After the work day is through, Jeremy is waiting outside the tent at the base camp. Seeing the men come back, he calls out, "Rick! Mark!"
They stop in front of Jeremy. "Boy, this is hard work," Mark says as he wipes the sweat from his brow.
"You still want to be a logger?" Jeremy chuckles.
"Sure do," Mark replies.
"Good because you both can join my crew tomorrow morning. Corky says you're ready," Jeremy grins.
"That's great!" Rick says.
"Come with me to Lottie's and I'll buy you a drink," Jeremy tells them.
"Now you're talkin'!" replies Mark.
At Lottie's after several drinks and supper, the three have become friends. Jeremy finally says, "I better get going."
Rick asks, "Oh, where to?"
"My brothers and I have a cabin here in town. That's where I'll be laying my head tonight."
Rick suggests, "Why don't you comeback to camp with us. We can play a little poker."
Jeremy thinks about it. "I better not. I'm trying to save my money."
"Save your money? For what?" Mark laughs.
"I'm building a house for Candy and me, for when we get married," Jeremy answers.
"Married!" Mark says a little too loudly. "You're not really going to get married at such a young age, are you? Why? She in trouble? Is she, uh, knocked up?"
"No way. She's not with child. Don't talk about her like that," Jeremy fumes.
"Now calm down, Jeremy. I'm sure Mark didn't mean that as an insult. Did you Mark?" Rick says.
"No, I didn't. I'm sorry if it sounded that way. I just don't understand why someone so young would want to get married."
"We are young, I know. But we love each other and we know what we're doing," Jeremy says. I mean, you saw her. You saw how beautiful she is. I can't wait to make her my wife."
"She is a beautiful woman, I agree. But marriage? Don't you want to go off and see the world before you get tied down with a wife and family? Now, me and Rick here, why we're headin' to the Arizona territory as soon as we get enough money. We want to have fun and see the country before we take that big step into matrimony. You need to think about doing the same."
"I don't need to. I want to marry Candy and raise a family with her."
"Hey, why don't you go with us?" Rick suggests."
"What? Oh, I couldn't do that," Jeremy says.
"Why not?" Mark asks. "You can go with us and if you decide it's not for you or you miss your girl too much, then you can turn around and come back. No problem."
Jeremy shakes his head. "Hmm, I don't know. I can't just leave my brothers. They depend on me too much to help with the logging. And Candy? She'd never agree to it."
"Look at it this way. You're what, 20, 21 years old?"
"I'm 19," Jeremy corrects him.
"Oh damn, only 19. Well, you need to learn how to live out on your own. Away from your brothers and anyone else that tells you how to live your life. This will make a man of you. Candy may not like it, but when you do return, she'll appreciate the man you have become."
Jeremy listens to them intently. "Maybe."
"Well, just think about it. We're not leaving anytime soon," Rick says. "So, how about that poker game? We don't have to play for money. We can use matches or something else."
"As long as it don't cost me any money, I'm in," Jeremy laughs. They pay their tab and walk back to camp.
CHAPTER 4
Jason and Josh come into the tent the next morning and see Jeremy on his cot sound asleep. Jason says, "Jeremy. Time to rise and shine."
Jeremy just sleeps on.
Jason says in his booming voice, "Jeremy! Jeremy Bolt!"
Josh goes over to the small metal washbowl, dumps the water outside, and picks up a sturdy stick. He goes over to the cot, puts the bowl right next to Jeremy's ear, and starts banging it with the stick. Jeremy practically jumps and falls to the ground trying to get up fast. "What? Wh-what's happening?" Looking around he sees his brothers snickering at him. "Funny. Very funny. What didja do that for?"
"It was the only way I could think of to get you up, sleepy head," Josh laughs.
"Well, did you ever think of calling my name?" an annoyed Jeremy asks.
"Sure, I did call your name several times. You wouldn't wake up," Jason tells him.
Jeremy runs his hands through his hair. "Sorry. I guess I stayed up too late last night."
"Yeah, doing what?" Josh asks.
"I hung out with Rick and Mark. We played poker and just talked until the wee hours," Jeremy replies.
"Jeremy, Jeremy, Jeremy," Jason shakes his head. "How much did you lose?"
"What makes you think I lost?" Jeremy asks still annoyed.
Josh answers, "Because little brother, you're not that good at poker."
"Well for your information, I only lost about half a box of matches."
"Matches?" Jason is surprised.
"Yes, matches. I didn't want to play for money. I couldn't lose the money I was saving for the house. Candy would kill me." Jeremy chuckles. As he gets dressed, he tells them about his talks with Rick and Mark and how much fun he had. "You know, they are something else. I really enjoyed spending time with them. They have so many stories of their lives. You know, they're only a couple years older than I am and they've done so many things. And there's more that they want to do before they settle down and get married. I really envy them. I think we have become almost best friends over night. I've never had friends that I enjoy their company as much."
"Hmm, Jeremy," Josh says in a low voice while nodding his head at the tent opening.
Jeremy turns around and is astonished at seeing his best friend standing there.
"Gee thanks, Jeremy," Corky says.
Instead of apologizing, Jeremy goes off on Corky. "Didn't your mother ever teach you to knock?"
Corky turns and goes back outside the tent. He picks up an ax and using the dull side, he taps a barrel that is beside the tent opening making a knocking sound. "Jason!" he calls out. "May I come in?"
Jason shouts, "Corky, get in here!"
Corky enters and says without making eye contact with Jeremy, "I just wanted to tell you that Lanny is sick. He was up all night puking his guts out."
"How is Lanny now?" Jason asks.
"Well, he's finally asleep, but he looks like death warmed over. He won't be able to work today."
"Thanks for letting us know, Corky. Would you tell Cook to check on him later and maybe take him some broth?" Josh asks."Sure thing," Corky says and leaves giving a sideways glance at Jeremy.
There is a dead silence in the tent for a few minutes. Jason finally breaks the silence. "Jeremy, that was a rude thing to say about best friends. I think Corky was hurt by it."
"How was I suppose to know he was standing there? What's rude was him just barging in without letting us know he was there," Jeremy says defending himself.
"You should have apologized. Besides, since when do we expect our men to knock? And what are they suppose to knock on? It's not like we have a door," Josh says.
"I expect you and Corky to talk and get this settled. I want you to apologize. We can't have this weighing on our minds while we're trying to work. We all need to be on the same page. Do you understand me?" Jason barks at Jeremy.
"I'm out of here. I don't need you lecturing me like I'm a little child this early in the morning," Jeremy fumes as he goes out to grab his ax and meet with his crew.
"What has gotten into him?" Josh asks.
"Maybe you should ask who has gotten into him. I think his new best friends are influencing him and not in a good way. We'll wait and see. Come on, let's go grab breakfast and get to work," Jason says.
When the workers arrive back at camp for lunch, they find an old door propped up next to the Bolt tent. A sign hangs on the door. It says, KNOCK BEFORE ENTERING.
"Who put that there?" Jason bellows.
Everyone stands around looking from one person to the other. No one takes responsibility for the door.
Jeremy, Rick, and Mark walk up and Jeremy asks, "What's going on?"
"We were hoping you could tell us," Jason says bitterly while pointing at the door.
Jeremy looks amused at the door. "Who did that?"
"We don't know. We thought maybe you could explain it," Josh states.
"Me? Now, wait a minute. You don't think I had anything to do with that, do you?" Jeremy asks.
"Well, you were the one that wanted Corky to knock before entering. Weren't you? Who else would do such a thing?" Jason says angrily.
"I don't know, but it wasn't me!" Jeremy shouts.
"I hope and pray you're telling me the truth, boy," Jason says before walking over to the door, picking it up, then throwing it down behind the tent. "I don't know who did this, but just know that you're skating on thin ice. Our men have always been welcome to enter our tent at any time. They don't have to knock. Just come on in. That will never change. Now, go ahead and enjoy your lunch." He gives Jeremy a stern look.
In a quite voice Jeremy says, " Jason, Josh, you have to believe me. I promise I didn't have anything to do with this."
"All right, Jeremy. I guess we'll have to take your word for it. Go ahead and go get your plate. Let's sit under the tarp today," Jason says.
Jeremy hesitates. "Something wrong?" Josh asks.
"Hmm, I kind of already have plans to eat lunch with Rick and Mark. We have things to discuss."
Josh replies, "You're spending an awful lot of time with those two."
"I know, but like I said, I really enjoy their company."
"Oh, unlike us, huh?" Josh questions.
Jeremy sneers, "You're just jealous. I'll see you later." He goes to get his lunch and joins his new friends over by the lake leaving his brothers to stare at him in disbelief.
CHAPTER 5
After work, Jeremy goes to Lottie's with Rick and Mark. They're sitting at a table talking, joking, and having fun. Corky walks up to them and says, "Hmm, Jeremy, may I talk to you in private for a minute?"
Jeremy sets his beer down on the table and replies, "Sure." With a smirk and a shoulder shrug he says to his friends, "Be back in a minute."
"Okay, what's this about? If it's about what I said earlier. . ."
Corky interrupts him. "I don't care about what you said earlier. I just thought maybe you'd like to know that Candy is worried about you. She's wondering where you are and why you didn't show up for supper."
"Supper? Oh shoot! I forgot about supper! Is she mad?" Jeremy asks almost in a panic.
"Maybe a little. She's more worried, like I said."
Jeremy puts his hand on Corky's shoulder. "Thanks, Corky. I owe you one."
He goes back to the table and tells his friends, "Sorry, I've gotta go. I'm late for supper with Candy. See you tomorrow." Then he runs over to the dormitory.
Knocking on the door as he runs inside, he finds Candy wringing her hands while sitting at a table set for two. She looks up as the door opens. "Jeremy! Thank God you're all right." She jumps up and runs to him. "Where have you been? I was so worried."
"I'm sorry. I got held up."
"Well, you're here now. That's all that matters."
He pulls her into an embrace and kisses her lips.
Parting, Candy says, "You taste like beer. Have you been drinking?"
"Uh, hmm, yeah, I had a beer."
"Really? Where were you?"
Jeremy sighs, "Hmm, at Lottie's."
"Lottie's? Why?"
"Does it matter? Like you said, I'm here now. Can we eat?"
With an uneasy feeling, Candy replies, "Sure. Have a seat and I'll get the food on the table."
As soon as she sits down, Jeremy takes her hands and asks the blessing. "For this food we're about to receive, may we truly be thankful. Amen." He then proceeds to fill his plate saying, "This looks delicious, Candy. I hope you didn't go to a lot of trouble trying to keep it warm until I got here."
"Well, hopefully it won't be too dry. I mean it's been well over an hour. Why did you say you were at Lottie's drinking instead of being on time for supper?"
Jeremy ignores her question. "You make the best fried chicken I've ever eaten," he says as he takes a bite. "I could eat this everyday and not get tired of it. So, what have you done today besides cooking?"
"Oh, the usual. You know, sewing, cleaning, working in the garden." She watches him eat like he's starved.
"Jeremy, you need to slow down. We're not in a hurry, are we?"
"No, I want to hurry so I can have some cake. You did make cake, didn't you?"
"Of course I did. Chocolate, just like you requested," she answers. "Jeremy, I heard about the incident with you and Corky. You know about knocking?"
He stops eating and glares at her. "What? What did he do, run down here and blab? Typical," he says in a snarky voice.
"Jeremy Bolt! What has gotten into you? Corky has always been a good friend to you. I thought he was your best friend. Or that's what you told me on the ship. And for your information, Corky did not say a word. I heard it from one of your other loggers."
Blushing because of embarrassment or from anger, he doesn't know. "Well, everyone should learn to keep their mouths shut. Stop gossiping. I swear, some of those men are worse than you women."
Candy's mouth drops open. Then she collects herself and says sternly, "You women? You women! I can't even. . ." She jumps up and takes her plate to the sink.
Jeremy hears her sniffling and knows she is crying. He gets up and goes over to her. From behind, he puts his arms around her waist clasping his hands in front of her. He gently pulls her back towards him.
Letting his head rest against hers he whispers, "I'm sorry, Candy. Please forgive me."
"Have a seat, Jeremy. I'll get you some cake." She squirms out of his arms and cuts a thick slice of cake. She places his plate in front of him, then returns to the sink.
"Aren't you going to have some?" he asks.
"No, I don't want any. I'm full."
He quickly eats his cake and returns his plate to her. "Maybe I should go?"
"Suit yourself."
"Do you want me to go?"
"Does it matter what I want?" Candy asks.
"Of course, it matters. You matter to me."
"Do I? I wouldn't know that from the way you're acting."
Jeremy bites on his lip. Taking her hand he says, "Let's go for a walk. Maybe we can get this worked out." She hesitates. "Please!"
"All right. I don't want us to be angry with each other."
They continue to hold hands and walk to their favorite spot, the large boulder by the water. He helps her up to sit down, then sits beside her. They sit in silence. A long silence.
"Jeremy? Jeremy, why won't you tell me why you were late for supper?"
Jeremy sighs, "Come on Candy. Let it go. It's not important."
"It is to me. Jeremy, you've never left me waiting like this before. If you were going to be late, you at least sent word to me."
"Well, I'm not perfect, Candy. You know, I'm the little brother that always screws up."
"What?"
"I forgot, okay?" he snaps.
"Forgot? You forgot to send word or you forgot our supper plans?"
Jeremy groans. "You're not going to let this go, are you?"
"No, so you might as well tell me."
Jeremy says, "I don't want you to get mad at me and I know you will."
"Just tell me, please," she pleads.
He sighs very loudly. "I went to Lottie's with Rick and Mark. We got to talking and having a good time that I just forgot. I forgot our plans. Corky reminded me and I came over as soon as I could. Now, are you satisfied?"
"Oh, I see." She tries to fight back her tears.
"Are you mad?"
"No, I'm not mad. To tell you the truth, I'm disappointed. I thought you were looking forward to spending time with me as much as I was to spending time with you."
"I was. I just forgot, that's all. I'll make it up to you. I promise. Please forgive me."
"Well, I guess I can forgive you this once. Just don't make a habit of doing this, okay?"
He gives his big beautiful smile to her. "I won't. So, may I kiss you?"
"I'd like that very much."
"So would I." He wraps his arms around her and kisses her tenderly.
"I love you, Jeremy.
"I love you, too."
CHAPTER 6
The next evening after work, there is a knock on the door of the dormitory. Biddie rushes to answer it. "Why hello there, Jeremy? Can I help you?"
"Hmm, yes you can. Would you tell Candy I'd like to see her?"
"All right, but I don't think she was expecting you."
"I know that Biddie. Just go tell her, please." He frowns as Biddie shuts the door.
A minute or so passes before the door opens again. Candy greets him, "Jeremy, what a pleasant surprise! I didn't think I'd see you until tomorrow night. Is there something wrong?"
Jeremy tries to avoid her eyes. "I need to talk to you about something. Are you free to take a walk?"
"Well, I was busy, but for you I'll make the time." She places her arms on Jeremy's arm and lets one hand slide down to clasp his hand. They walk to their special place.
Jeremy helps her up to sit on the boulder, then paces back and forth in front of her in silence.
"Jeremy, what did you want to talk about?" she asks.
"Uh, what?" he asks.
"You said you wanted to talk to me. What about?"
"Oh, yeah. I wanted to talk about, hmm, this weekend. You know the plans we made," he answers nervously.
"I'm so excited about us spending practically the whole weekend together. Especially about going horseback riding on Saturday. We're going to have so much fun. I'll pack us a lunch of all your favorites."
Jeremy stops pacing and looks at her. He thinks to himself, She is going to be so upset with me. "Umm, a-a-about that C-c-candy. I-I'm sorry, but we're not go-going to be able to do that n-now. I hope you'll under-understand and not be too m-mad at me."
"Oh, why not? Is Jason making you work or go somewhere?" she asks as she wrings her hands and wonders why he's stuttering so badly.
"No, Jason doesn't have any-anything to do with this. But I-I am going some-somewhere." He looks down at the ground and puts his hands in his front pockets.
Candy bites on her lips to try and hide her disappointment. "Well, where are you going?"
"I'm not su-sure yet, but I think either Clearwater or Tacoma."
"You don't know? How long will you be gone?"
"All. . .hmm, all weekend."
"All weekend! I will at least see you tomorrow night, won't I?" she asks.
Jeremy sighs, "Um, I'm afraid not. We're l-leaving right after work to-tomorrow and won't be back until l-late Sunday."
"We? Who is we? As if I can't already guess."
"I-I'm going with Rick and Mark."
"Rick and Mark. I knew it was those two. Why Jeremy? We already had plans first."
"They're my friends, Candy. They want to spend time with me. Do you know how much that means to me to have friends that want to go off and have fun together? I missed out on so much when I was growing up."
"I realize they're your friends, Jeremy, and that they're special to you. But I thought I was special to you, too. Obviously, not as special as they are," she cries.
"You are special to me, Candy. You're very special. I love you. It's just that they're talking about moving on soon. I just want to spend what time I can with them. You and I will have other weekends to spend together. You can understand that, can't you?" Jeremy asks pleadingly.
"What are you planning on doing while you're gone?"
"Have fun. You know, men stuff."
"That's what I'm afraid of," Candy says as she wipes the tears from her eyes.
"What do you mean by that?"
"Well, I know men gamble, drink, smoke, and. . ." she clams up.
"And what?"
"And they like women. Saloon girls and fancy ladies. Is that what you're planning on doing?" she asks angrily.
Jeremy gasps. "Candy, how can you ask me such a thing? You know I wouldn't spend my time with other women. You can trust me?"
"I'm not so sure. Rick and Mark talked you into going away with them this weekend. I think they can talk you into doing anything. If they tell you to go upstairs with one of those ladies, I'm afraid you'll do it." She begins to cry again.
"No, I won't. I promise. You're the only girl for me," he says as he takes her in his arms. She lays her head on his shoulder and continues to cry. He kisses the top of her head.
"I'm afraid I'm going to lose you, Jeremy."
"You're not going to lose me. I love you,Candy. I'll be true to you, I promise. You can trust me."
"I want to trust you, Jeremy. I really do. But can I?"
"I can ask you the same thing. Can I trust you not to step out with some other man while I'm gone? I mean, you have done it before."
Candy jerks away from him. "You promised me that you would never bring that up again," she says with hurt and anger. "But here you are throwing it in my face to justify your going off to wherever to do whatever you want. Have a grand old time with your friends, Mr. Bolt!" She starts to leave when he grabs her arm.
"I'm sorry. I'll stop by on our way out to tell you bye."
"Don't bother!" she says before running away from him.
Jeremy doesn't say anything. He just stands there and watches her leave. Finally, he heads back to the Bolt cabin to tell his brothers about him leaving, knowing they'll be just as upset with him as Candy is.
And Jeremy was right. His brothers weren't happy about him leaving.
CHAPTER 7
On Friday evening, Jeremy tells Rick and Mark that he needs to stop off at the dormitory before heading out to Tacoma.
"Why? I thought she told you not to bother," Mark says.
"She did, but I have to at least try. You two go ahead and I'll catch up with you. I won't be long."
"Fine, it's your funeral. Don't let her talk you out of going with us," Rick tells him.
"I won't. See you later," Jeremy states as he rides up to the dormitory. He knocks on the door.
Biddie opens the door saying, "Why hello there, Jeremy. Can I do something for you?"
"Hmm, yeah. "Would you tell Candy that I'd like to see her?"
"It's no use. Candy instructed me to tell you, if you came here that is, that she doesn't want to see you."
Jeremy clinches his jaw and presses his lips together. "Well, fine then! Tell her to be that way!" he shouts, hoping that Candy will hear him. He turns, takes about three steps, then turns back around.
"I'm sorry, Biddie. I know you're only relaying her message. Would you please tell her, hmm. that I love her and she can trust me?"
"Of course, I'll tell her. Have a safe trip."
Jeremy gives a hint of a smile. "Thanks, Biddie." He mounts his horse, Brownie, and gallops out of Seattle to catch up with Rick and Mark.
Candy very discreetly watches and listens from one of the dormers. With tears running down her cheeks, she whispers, "I love you too, Jeremy Bolt."
After arriving in Tacoma the next day, the three friends find a bite to eat and go over their plans. "We need to get us a room for the night," Jeremy says.
"We don't need a room. All we have to do is hook up with one of the ladies over at one of the local saloons. She'll take good care of us," Mark smirks.
Jeremy's mouth flies open and his eyes widen. "Uh, I-I-I can't d-d-do that."
"Why not? You don't have to tell your girl," Rick says. "She doesn't have to know everything you do."
Shaking his head, Jeremy replies, "I can't lie to her and I definitely can't cheat on her."
"Suit yourself, Bolt. Just know that Rick and me will not be around much to keep you company," Mark says.
"What? I thought we were going to come here to let loose. You know to play cards, drink, watch the shows. I mean, I figured you two would visit the ladies at some point, but I didn't know you meant to spend all your time with them," Jeremy moans.
Rick and Mark look at each other and realize that they can't alienate Jeremy. At least not until they pull off their big plan. As if they were reading each other's minds, Rick nods his head. Mark informs Jeremy, "You're right, Jeremy. We did come here to do all that and spend time together. We're sorry. I guess we do need a room after all. It's just that its been a long time since either of us has had a woman. We're a little worked up."
"I guess I understand," Jeremy remarks.
"Can I ask you something my friend?" Rick asks staring hard at Jeremy.
"Sure, I guess," Jeremy answers. "What is it?"
"Have you ever been with a woman?"
Jeremy blushes and looks down at the table. He shakes his head and mumbles, "No."
"You mean to tell me that you and that pretty redhead have never done it?" Mark asks.
"No, we, hmm, we haven't," Jeremy says. "We're waiting until we marry."
"Good God, man! What are you thinking? What if something happens to you? What if you die before you ever get laid? You'll never get to experience the joy of being with a woman. What a waste!" Mark scoffs as Jeremy's face turns a beet red.
"Listen, Bolt. Let me and Mark fix you up with one of the prettiest ladies in Tacoma. She'll treat you right. She'll teach you everything you need to know for your first time with your girl. That way you won't be an incompetent bumbling fool on your wedding night," Rick suggests. "You will really impress your girl."
"I don't think so. But thanks. Candy and I will figure it out on our own," Jeremy replies. "Besides if Candy ever found out I cheated on her, there wouldn't be a first time for us. She'd dump me."
"All right, but if you change your mind, just let us know," Rick says. "Now, let's go get that room for us and freshen up before hitting the saloons. Don't want to stink those ladies out."
Later, Jeremy, Rick, and Mark go into one of the best saloons in Tacoma. They get a table and order drinks. They begin to mingle with the other men and join in playing poker. Jeremy doesn't last long as he doesn't want to lose all his money.
"Hey," he remarks to Rick. "While you two finish up your games, I'm going to go look around for a store that I can buy Candy a little something. See ya later."
"Don't be gone too long," Rick answers. "The show will start soon."
Jeremy finds a nice little boutique that has everything a girl could want. He can't decide, so he goes out looking around again. He finds a jewelry store, goes in, and buys a beautiful heart shaped necklace for Candy. With his wrapped purchase in his pocket, he goes back to the saloon to join his friends.
The show, starring the can-can girls is about to start. With the boys in high spirits, they drink, shout, and whistle while watching the girls. After the last show for the night, Rick and Mark find girls to spend time with. They send over a pretty little redhead to talk to Jeremy. He watches as Rick and Mark go upstairs with their girls. Jeremy wonders if he will see them the rest of the night. He excuses himself from the redhead and goes back to his room. Laying on the bed, he thinks about his trip. Was it worth it? Was it worth coming here with his friends and hurting Candy like he did? Maybe not, but what's done is done. He can't change things now. He gets up and packs his things. He wants to be ready to go back to Seattle first thing in the morning. Maybe he'll try to make up with his beautiful redheaded girl. Maybe not. He'll just wait and see.