Post by sandymarek on Mar 17, 2012 20:37:46 GMT -4
Part 401
“That is where,” Nick says, “The kidnappers want the delivery to be made from what it says in the letter. We will go into further details in the morning once we’ve all had a goodnight sleep.”
“It is quite a distance,” Don comments with, “That is for sure.”
“Yes it is,” Jarrod says.
“But seeing at the moment,” Nick mentions, “The kidnappers have the upper hand over us we have to follow along with what the instructions say to do.”
“We understand that,” Jim replies.
“But if they mentioned Columbia and Broadway in the letter” Don asks, “Why are we concentrating on these streets here?” referring to the ones given to them by Jarrod.
“Because,” Nick says, “We believe our mother is being held up at someplace within one of them.”
“Could I ask a question,” Joe asks.
“Of course,” Nick replies.
“How do you know” Joe inquires “Your mother has been taken hostage somewhere in this vicinity?” pointing “There are after all plenty of streets that come out to these piers.”
“That is true,” Jarrod replies.
“And,” Joe continues, “What about Columbia and Broadway where you’re having Johnny and Jim go in the morning?”
“Because,” Nick says, “We think that location is only being used for solely the purpose of the delivery and instructions. We don’t think they have her anyplace there at all.”
“How do you know that?” Sam asks.
“We don’t,” Nick states.
“But” Bill joins in with, “We believe that she was indeed taken along one of these streets because when we first came here my brother and I did something stupid and used the Barkley buggy and went down the ones Jarrod mentioned so someone on one of them must’ve spotted us.”
“Which is why,” Nick says, “We believe she is somewhere in one of these areas, which is why were concentrating our full attention to them. So,” looking to each one of them gathered as he continues, “In the morning with the exception of Jim and Johnny who will be delivering and following the instructions given to them the rest of you will fan out and concentrate on this section.”
“Mr. Barkley” Vinnie brings up “How are we to do this? I mean I do understand we are searching for your mother but as we split up how are we to know if someone found her or not?”
“That is a good question,” Nick says, “And I wish we had flare guns or something to distribute to each one of you but unfortunately as we came here we didn’t exactly come here fully equipped with everything we would possibly need and seeing we are strapped for time and don’t have much time in way of getting them we will have to improvise.”
“What do you have in mind?” Chad asks.
“To whoever is to find her first will shoot up one bullet from your gun up in the air to let the others know she has been found, listen for it.” Nick says, “However, I realize that not everyone will be outside or nearby when they may go up so you won’t probably know or be able to hear it when it goes off so therefore we will dispatch someone to locate the rest of you.”
“However,” Jarrod joins in with, “If things should still get sticky and we can’t get to you we will use a three hour checkpoint meaning every three hours stop what you are doing and make your way back to the house so you could find out where we stand and know what you will have to do from there.”
“Right,” Nick says, “And seeing Heath and Bill won’t be coming with us,” as he looks to each of them sternly, “They will both be on hand to distribute the information as it comes available to them. Understood?”
Nodding their heads, “Understood.”
“That sounds good,” Jack states.
“I have a question,” Jim says.
“What?” Nick asks.
“What happens” Jim inquires “If while Johnny and myself are out making the run and someone should find your mother before we do. How are we going to know? I mean we won’t be able to stop every three hours and return to the house.”
Replying “That’s true” Nick runs his fingers along the bottom of his chin thinking and then says “And that is a good question. But I assure you we won’t leave you stranded. We’ll find a way to get to you if that should happen. Somehow you’ll get word. Okay?”
“Okay,” Jim responds.
“Now,” Nick says, “The next phase of the plan is for you to be learning about who took her,” displaying the sketches drawn, “These are the pictures of roughly what they look like,” as the men look on, “To whomever should spot them or come in contact with them be sure you keep your distance from them, I mean stay with them but just don’t let them know you’re following them or onto them in any way. They should lead you to our mother and that is your primary goal. Once you know for sure she is safe unless you have no other choice then do whatever you can or need to do to protect yourselves and protect her, any more questions?”
“I have one,” Barrett replies.
“What?” Nick asks.
“How do you know these are the men that took her,” Barrett inquires.
“Because,” Nick says, “These are the descriptions given to us from the children who were here at the time she was taken.”
“She was taken from here?” Mike asks.
“No,” Nick answers, “From Jarrod’s, they came in there and took her to wherever they got her now.”
“Wouldn’t it be wiser,” Willard asks, “If we brought in the authority to help with searching for her?”
“No!” Nick says, “The note said not to and right now it’s too late at night and once again we are strapped for time we can’t do anything that jeopardizes our chances of rescuing her. Now, in the morning once you’ve all had a good night sleep you are to split up into 9 groups. I want,” glancing about, “You Browne and Willard to be focusing your attention on Stockton, Barrett and Spot, you to go down Green, Jack, you and Vinnie go down Vallejo, Don and Joe you are to go down Pacific, Mike, you and Hank go down Davis, Sam, you and Chris are to go down, Sutter, Davy and Chad you are to go down Pine, Alan and Pete you are to go down Montgomery, Oscar, you and Austin will go down Mission leaving Jarrod and myself to be going down Stewart. Any other questions?”
“I have one,” Browne inquires.
“Shoot” Nick replies.
“What time,” Browne asks, “Do we venture out?”
“The note said,” Nick says, “The delivery is to be made at 6 am so therefore we will all be starting out at 5, meaning you are to get up roughly at 4:30. Now remember, once we venture out we are to remain in pairs, don’t stray too far away from the others but keep your distance as well, if you venture down any back alley ways once again watch your backs and use common sense as well as your own judgement on how you want to proceed; understood?”
“Perfectly,” comes from Hank.
“Oh Nick,” Barrett then says.
“Yes?” Nick asks.
“I forgot,” Barrett says, “Here,” handing him an extra pistol and rifle with ammunition.
“What’s this?” Nick asks.
“A little extra fire power,” Barrett says, “I figured since we will be headed for enemy territory that it just might come in handy,” as he hands similar sets to Jarrod and Heath.
“Yes it could,” Nick answers, “Where did you get them?”
“I can’t tell you all that,” Barrett says, “It’s my own little secret that I had saved in a hidden place for a rainy day however I brought it with us, figuring today just may be the rainy day that it may be needed for.”
“You done right,” Nick tells him, “I won’t ask you about your hidden secret but will say thank you very much. It is very much appreciated.”
“No problem,” Barrett informs him.
“Hey, wait a minute” Heath brings up “I’ve seen these before,” as he looks over the rifle he has in his hand a little more thoroughly.
Suppressing a grin “Yes,” Barrett replies, “You have.”
Glancing over at Barrett “It’s from…” Heath says.
“That is correct,” Barrett answers.
“That’s where I’ve seen them before,” comes from Davy.
“That’s why they look so familiar,” comes from Sam.
“I did wonder where they came from,” Oscar says, “Now it makes perfect sense.”
“Indeed yes,” Chad replies.
“How did you manage to get them,” Austin wanted to know.
“When we went back,” Barrett mentions, “I went back to the shack and seeing no one claimed them…”
“You decided to take them,” Oscar notes.
“Well,” Barrett says, “I figured that maybe one day they would come in handy.”
“Very clever,” Browne mentions.
“And you’ve done right,” Nick states, “They did come in handy. We just may be in need of them.” Then turning to the rest of the men he asks “Anymore questions?”
“One,” comes from Austin.
“What?” Nick asks.
“Horses,” Austin answers.
“I realize we are shorthanded in that department as well” Nick states “So in the morning we will be giving Jim and Johnny each one seeing they need to get to Columbus and Broadway but the rest of you when you go out stop by the nearest liveries and see if you could borrow one from them” he then asks “Anything else?”
As everyone either answers, “No,” or shakes their head, “Very well,” Nick then says, “Now I think we covered everything we could think of. I realize it’s getting late and seeing we all have to be getting up rather early you will be needing to turn in soon however if we missed anything we could bring it up after we all had a goodnight sleep. Remember, I will be seeing you all in the morning shortly before 5 am. Understood?”
They each either nod their heads or respond, “Understood.”
“Oh,” Ray joins in with, “My wife and I will be by in the morning to make you fellas a hot breakfast before you should be venturing out.”
As they each thank him Nick tells them, “Goodnight; we’ll be back in the morning,” and as they exit the cabin the men each bid them a goodnight.
4/23/11
Jarrod’s House
Walking in the front door, “Well,” Audra asks as she enters the room, “What are you going to do?”
“In the morning,” Nick answers, “We’re going to make the delivery. Where’s Gene?” glancing about.
“He turned in already,” Audra replies.
“Seeing that it’s late” Jarrod suggests “Perhaps we should all be doing the same.”
“Just what I was thinking” Uncle Jim suggests “After all we did have a long day already.”
“Agreed,” Jim Jr says, “And it’s about to get longer.”
“True,” Heath replies.
“Most definitely,” Uncle Jim retorts.
“I’ll go see if Gene is still awake,” Nick says.
“Good idea,” Jarrod replies, “And while you’re doing that how about if I show you to your room while you’re here” glancing at them.
“Sure,” they both answer.
As the family heads up the stairs, “I hope you won’t mind sharing a room?” Jarrod says to them.
“Not at all,” Uncle Jim replies, “We realize everything is tight.”
Reaching the top landing Jarrod shows Uncle Jim and Jim Jr to bedroom number 5, while Audra heads to her room, Heath goes to use the bathroom and Nick continues on down the hallway.
Bedroom #4
Upon reaching the fourth bedroom Nick walks in and finds Gene is already asleep and underneath the covers. Calling out to him and not getting any response he then says, “Goodnight Gene,” and quietly walks back out.
As soon as he steps out into the hallway Gene quickly opens his eyes and after looking towards the doorway lets out a deep sigh.
Seeing Nick coming into the hallway, “Well,” Jarrod asks, “Did you talk to him?”
“No,” Nick replies, “He was asleep. I will talk to him in the morning. Goodnight.”
As Jarrod reciprocates Nick continues on down the hall and as Heath is coming out of the bathroom they switch places with them exchanging goodnights and while Nick closes the door behind him Heath heads for his room.
Upon entering Heath quietly crosses to the bed, removes his boots and changes into his nightshirt. Looking over and seeing Gene on his side with his eyes closed he says, “Goodnight Gene,” but not getting any response just idly raises an eyebrow and climbs in underneath the covers.
Gene continues remaining completely still and upon opening his eyes he focuses his attention on the half opened window. Next he waits for the entire house to turn completely silent and all lights to be distinguished.
Just then hearing a slight crackling sound from outside the window Gene first looks over at Heath who has his eyes closed, he then carefully gets up off the bed fully clothed and makes his way to the window.
As he peers out, “You coming?” he hears from Kyle who is standing down below.
“Be right there,” Gene replies softly but as audible as he could possibly get.
Glancing back over at Heath Gene then crosses to the door and then as he looks down the dark hallway and seeing it is completely still he first closes the door, grabs his boots and then makes his way back over to the half opened window.
Carefully grabbing hold of the nearest edge of the white trellis that is outside there he uses it to lower himself down with.
From the bed Heath opens his eyes and watches as Gene climbs out the window.
As his stocking feet reach the ground, “You made it,” Kyle mentions.
“I told you I would,” Gene replies as he proceeds to put his boots on.
“Let’s go,” Kyle informs him and as they start walking Heath looking out from the upstairs window catches sight of Gene leaving with Kyle and quickly changes out of his nightshirt.
Part 402
Reaching the gate, “We all here now?” Kyle asks of Neil and Todd who are standing there waiting.
“We’re waiting on Billy,” Neil informs him.
“Where is he?” Kyle asks.
Walking up, “Right here” Billy answers.
“You made it,” Neil says.
“You followed us,” Todd replies, “Good!”
“Of course,” Billy mentions, “I said I’d be joining you.”
“But you also said,” Neil notes, “You weren’t sure about this.”
“We thought,” Todd notes, “Perhaps you were going to change your mind.”
“I’m here now,” Billy says, “If we’re going to do it, then let’s do it.”
“Agreed,” Kyle replies “Let’s get going.”
“We’re walking,” Gene asks.
“Unless you have a better way to get there on,” Kyle retorts.
“What about the horses?” Gene asks.
“It’s best” Kyle replies, “If we go without them.”
“How come?” Gene asks.
“Several reasons,” Kyle explains, “First, there aren’t enough horses for everyone to go around and just in case we’re not successful your brothers will be needing them for their portion of the mission. Secondly, using horses will only slow us down. It is a lot easier to travel by foot. Riding would give us a way more and we can’t maneuver about as easily as we could by walking. Now let’s get moving.”
As they start walking, “Do we have far to travel?” Gene asks.
“Not really,” Kyle replies, “That all depends on how one looks at it. If you don’t want to do this, you could turn around now and go back.”
“No,” Gene says, “I’m coming. I just wanted to know how we are going to do this.”
“You’ll understand more,” Kyle mentions, “Once you see where we’re headed. I take it this will be your first time on the waterfront.”
“Yes,” Gene replies.
“Then,” Kyle says, “Stay close to us and follow everything we tell you to do. Don’t do anything hasty and don’t get away from us, understood?”
“Understood,” Gene replies and then they continue walking down the street.
5/3/11
After finishing dressing and putting his boots on Heath grabs hold of the gun that was given to him by Barrett along with the extra ammunition and places it in the belt of his pants. He then quietly exits the room goes down the stairs and out the door.
Realizing Gene and the other boys didn’t use horses he opts not to either. Arriving at the gate, he crouches down and after examining the various sets of footprints he follows the direction in which they go in which happens to be towards his left.
As the boys go down Union Street they make their way down to Powell Street and as they pass by Pacific, followed by Jackson and then Washington both Gene and Billy take in the activity along the way that they see.
Most of it remains quiet but as they pass by several different kinds of buildings they notice music coming out from some of them “Is that music I hear?” Billy asks.
Kyle replies “It is.”
As they keep walking and going further down the street Gene looks at the four men seated on a porch having a conversation while smoking on cigars and having a drink at the same time. Continuing on and catching sight of a woman and a man seated in a wooden swing from off their porch kissing Gene asks, “What’s with that?”
“You’ve never seen anyone kissing before?” Kyle asks.
“I have,” Gene replies, “But not like that.”
“They are doing” Billy notes “A little more than kissing from what I could see.”
“And you’re right,” Kyle says, “But that is some of what they do out this way, you learn to look at it and just go. You living here I’m surprised you haven’t seen much of it.”
“Well,” Billy states, “I don’t usually go traveling around in the dark. I am usually home in bed at this hour of the night.”
“Then,” Kyle says, “That explains why you miss out on this kind of stuff.”
“I guess so,” Billy retorts.
“Come on,” Kyle replies, “We have a long way to go.”
They then continue walking with Kyle leading the way.
Heath coming down the street also takes in the various scenery and activity that he comes in contact with as well.
While most of the scenery and activity is rather quiet or limited as he travels there is one that catches his attention.
From a porch, he notices a couple sitting on a swing just idly taking in the night air and then a few buildings down he sees a pair of men seated talking with one polishing his gun and the other wondering what he has in mind with that. Raising an eyebrow Heath just continues walking.
Next he catches sight of a young boy around 6-7 years of age in his mother’s arms on the steps of one of the porches and listens as the mother talks to him about the stars up in the sky and thinks back to a time when he and his mother did that with him when he was around that age and is somewhat envious of them together but at the same time walks away with a pleasing smile.
Missionary
As Victoria is standing there watching the men work on the iron bar that is embedded into the wall she hears, “There!” coming from Terry, “First one’s out!” pulling it out.
Complimenting him, “Good going, Terry,” each of the men reply as they either pat him on the back or squeeze his shoulder with Victoria responding, “Nice going Terry!”
As he tosses it onto the mattress behind him, “One out,” he mumbles, “Two to go.”
“Well,” Paul answers, “It’s a start.”
“More than,” Ferdinand notes, “What we came in here on.”
“Just think,” Dean says, “Each one of us tried it and couldn’t do it.”
“Maybe,” Robert states, “After we each tried it, we each came to the same conclusion and just gave up. Where Terry when he arrived had a goal of breaking through it and sure enough was able to follow through with what he had in mind.”
“Either that,” Paul replies, “Or by us each trying it helped loosen it and just didn’t realize it at the time until now.”
“That is indeed a possibility as well,” Vernon replies, “But whatever reason there is let’s just be grateful that is working and if we continue working on it then maybe the other two will pop up and out just as easily as the first one did and we could break the window and get ourselves out of here.”
“I’m for that,” Dean notes.
“Then,” Terry urges, “Let’s keep working on it, the quicker the better.”
“Just what I was thinking,” Ferdinand mentions, “And how about we,” referring to himself, Vernon and Paul, “Concentrate our team strength on the second bar and,” looking over at Dean, Terry and Robert, “You three concentrate your full attention on the last bar.”
“Good idea,” Victoria replies, “I’ll continue keeping watch.”
And while Victoria keeps her full attention to the door of their prison the men resume their work on the other two bars with Ferdinand, Vernon and Paul working on one, and Dean, Terry and Robert working on the other.
Battery Street
As Gene and the other boys continue walking, they reach the corner of Battery and Jackson. Going down two more blocks and upon being instructed to take a right when they reach the corner of Jackson and Davis “Why are we stopping here” Gene asks.
“Come with me,” Kyle answers, “You’ll see.”
Glancing about the dark air “Are you sure it’s safe?” Billy inquires.
“Of course,” Todd mentions, “This is our hide out.”
“Hide out?” Gene asks.
“Where we’ve been staying before we started staying with the Dentons,” Todd informs him.
Following them, Gene and Billy both exchange puzzling glances as they proceed slowly and cautiously on in. Walking behind Kyle, they catch sight of some undergrowth as well as a wooded stretch they are guided to go through that takes them to an old cabin, “You stayed here?” Gene asks.
“We did,” Neil mentions.
“We’re going inside here?” Billy asks.
“No,” Kyle orders, “Keep following me,” and as they do they are directed through some more tall grass and various vegetation as well as more clusters of undergrowth and neglected weeds that border a small creek.
“This is it,” Kyle announces.
Finally reaching it, “We’re going inside here?” Billy asks.
“Yes” Kyle orders and as they follow him in they are led inside of a hidden shack “Todd” he then says “Put some light on” and with that Todd grabs hold of a lamp that is in the corner and turning it on Billy and Gene are doing a double-take as they once again exchange stunning glances as they come to find out what exactly is hidden inside.
“I see,” Kyle mentions, “You’re both surprised.”
“Surprised is not the word,” Gene replies.
Letting out a quick whistle, “Where did you get all this?” Billy inquires.
Glancing about they survey the entire room gathered with racks after racks of shotguns and pistols, not to mention the other types of weapons they could see, as well as crates full of ammunition piled up.
“It’s called stockpiling,” Todd informs them.
“We’ve had our ways,” Kyle mentions, “Now there’s no telling what we’ll be going up against,” walking over to the guns neatly arranged, “And we can’t afford to come up short where it counts.”
“I guess not,” Gene retorts, “I’ve never in my day seen so many in one room before. Not even in my own house” still amazed at the amount of guns he sees before him, “How many exactly do you have here?”
“Never actually did a count on them,” Kyle admits, “I just kept accumulating them each time I saw one and just decided to add them to my collection.”
“But how did you manage to get them all?” Gene asks, “You didn’t exactly pay for all these did you?”
Snickering “Not on your life,” Kyle states.
Neil says, “Some came from the piers.”
“Others came from,” Todd joins in the conversation with, “When we would be out looking for something, sometimes an unfortunate becomes our gain.”
“You mean,” Billy asks, “Like if someone is captured or if someone is killed?”
Nodding his head, “Something like that,” Todd admits.
“Some,” Neil mentions, “Came from the ships when we were nearby and they weren’t looking.”
As the boys look about the weapons, “Here,” Kyle says tossing a rifle to Gene, “This one should do you nicely.”
Once again Gene is stunned as he grabs it as it comes into his hands “Billy” Kyle then announces “This one is for you” who is equally stunned as he is tossed a similar one and following Gene’s lead he grabs it with each one looking to the other as they examine the rifle they are holding.
As both Todd and Neil take hold of one, “I’ll take this one,” they each mumble as they pick one out.
Next walking over to the pistols, “Billy, Gene,” Kyle then says, “Here,” tossing them each a handgun, “You may need one of these as well,” once again grabbing hold of them they are stunned as they land in their hands.
“Have you ever used one of these before?” Billy wanted to know.
“The rifle I have” Kyle admits “The pistols I haven’t. Here” handing them each boxes of ammunition for each of their guns “You’ll be needing these as well.”
Taking them, Billy and Gene begin glancing about, “Feel free to look about,” Kyle tells them, “Be careful with what you touch.”
Separating and walking to different sections of the room, Gene comes up on a wall and is in awe as he looks at the various edged weapons such as: swords, knives, stilettos, shivs and others while Billy looks at the different types of handguns.
Removing one of the cases he extracts a black sheath containing three throwing knives.
“Where did you get all these?” Gene inquires to which Neil answers, “The same place we got the guns; some from the ships when they weren’t looking.”
“You sure do have quite an arsenal,” Gene notes.
“You like what you see?” Todd asks.
“I guess” Gene replies “But I must admit I am more in a state of shock then liking.”
“I guess,” Kyle says, “It would take a little getting use to.”
“That it would,” Gene admits.
As Gene looks further down and catches sight of some more weapons such as a spear or two, a pair of tomahawks, then two lengths of wood connected to a chain or cord that catches his interest asks, “What is this?”
Looking, “Not sure,” Kyle admits.
“Did you get this from one of the ships as well?” Gene asks.
“Yes,” Kyle answers, “We figured when the time came we’d find out what its use is for or when we find Father maybe he would be able to tell us.”
As Billy is standing in front of another crate filled with grenades, “What’s with these,” he asks.
Going over to him, “Those are grenades,” Kyle mentions.
“What are their purpose” Billy inquires.
“We will be needing them” Kyle states “For when the Grizzly comes in.”
“Have you ever used one before?” Gene wanted to know.
“No,” Kyle admits, “But I’ve seen them being used. You just take one, pull the little pin here,” showing them, “And toss it where you want it to go. It should blow up your intended target.”
“You have quite a few here,” Billy notes, “Are you planning on using all of them?”
“If we need to,” Kyle states, “Depends how much activity we run into at the time the Grizzly comes in. We will wait and see. Now let’s get going. We have a long way to go if you want to rescue your mother” glancing over at Gene, “From the kidnappers.”
Upon exiting the shack Todd distinguishes the lamp and Kyle closes the door behind them. Carrying their guns and ammunition the boys follow Kyle who once again leads them through the wooded stretch.
Part 403
Tuesday, April 4th, 1871
A little past midnight
As Heath continues to follow the footprints that were made by the boys he finds it takes him down the path through a cluster of undergrowth that leads him first to the abandoned cabin and upon reaching it he goes inside. Seeing it is dark and no one is there he goes towards the wooded stretch that takes him to the abandoned shack.
Going inside and catching sight of the lamp he puts it on to where he is stunned to see the arsenal of weapons that are displayed before him.
Taking a quick walk over to them he just idly looks at them and continues towards the North wall to where he catches sight of the grenades in the crates. Picking one up he looks at it and then after putting it back down he notices two closed up barrels besides them and upon removing the lid of each he realizes that they contain gunpowder. Replacing the lids he then distinguishes the lamp and leaves the shack closing the door behind him.
Looking down at the footprints again he resumes following the direction the boys took which takes him to the end of the street.
5/16/11
While the boys are still traveling down Drumm Street and Heath is reaching the corner of Jackson and Drumm everyone at the house is in a sound sleep when a loud knock disrupts their sleep and Nick being the first to open his eyes and respond from his bed, “JUST A MINUTE,” he yells out.
Quickly grabbing hold of his robe he makes his way out the door and as he is coming into the hallway, “Who could that be at this hour of the night?” he asks of Jarrod who is coming out of his room replying, “Let’s find out,” and as they make their way down the stairs, “It must be important,” Jim Jr notes as he, Uncle Jim and Bill follow along right behind them.
“It better be,” Nick grumbles, “If not…” as the knock is heard again, “JUST A MINUTE,” Nick calls out again as Jarrod is the first to reach the door knob.
Upon opening it, “Ray,” Jarrod says as he sees him standing there before him.
“Jarrod, I’m sorry to come here,” Ray answers, “So late like this.”
“What is it?” Jarrod asks.
“My son, Billy,” Ray replies, “He’s not in his room and neither are the other boys: Kyle, Neil and Todd. I was wondering if they came by here at all.”
“NO,” Nick answers, “We haven’t seen them.”
“Is Gene here,” Ray asks, “Maybe he could tell us something.”
“Of course he’s here,” Nick grumbles, “He’s sound asleep in his room right now.”
“Could you get him?” Ray asks, “It’s important.”
“Hold on Ray,” Jarrod replies.
As he is about to turn and head up the stairs Audra coming down overhearing says, “He’s not in his room.”
“What do you mean he’s not in his room?” Nick asks.
“Neither he” Audra mentions, “Or Heath are in their room. I just checked and their bed is empty.”
“Damn,” Nick says.
“That’s what I thought,” Ray replies.
“What do you mean by that?” Nick wanted to know.
“My daughter,” Ray says, “Overheard them talking.”
“What did they say?” Uncle Jim asks, “What did she hear?”
“She heard,” Ray reiterates, “Kyle telling Gene to meet him outside when it got dark. He was very upset about being left out.”
“If Heath went along,” Jim Jr states, “He must’ve gone after them.”
“No question about that,” Jarrod says.
“Where could they have gone?” Audra asks.
“They probably went,” Bill states, “Looking for your mother.”
“You’re probably right,” Uncle Jim comments.
“We have to go out and look for them,” Jarrod says.
“Go ahead,” Uncle Jim replies, “I’ll stay here.”
“We better get dressed,” Jarrod then says, “Give us a couple minutes Ray, we’ll be right out.”
“I’ll go get the horses saddled,” Ray offers.
“We’ll be right there to join you,” Nick informs him as Jarrod closes the door and they go up the stairs to change out of their night clothing.
After they finish changing they each grab their weapons and as they reach the door, “Uncle Jim,” Nick says, “If we are not back by 4:30 be sure the men follow through on the mission.”
“I’ll make sure Nick,” Uncle Jim replies.
“And,” Nick then says, “If Gene and Heath should return you do what you have to, to keep them here.”
“I’ll do that,” Uncle Jim vows while Jarrod, Nick, Jim Jr and Bill go out the door and he remains behind with Audra.
As Audra looks worried, “It’s going to be okay honey,” Uncle Jim assures her as he gives her a tight hug.
As they make their way to the gate, Ray is already there with the horses saddled for each of them.
“They didn’t take any horses,” Ray informs them.
“What do you mean,” Nick asks, “They didn’t take any horses?”
“The horses are all still in their stalls,” Ray mentions, “Except for these. They must’ve gone by foot.”
“That would make sense,” Bill states, “Seeing their footprints are here and if you look there,” showing them, “These must be Heath’s.”
“Let’s get started then,” Nick says and as they each mount up they start following the direction that the footprints lead them in.
Minutes later they start feeling raindrops and as Nick says, “Damn,” Bill mumbles, “It picked a great time for this.”
“Let’s just keep going,” Jarrod mentions and as they reach the end of Union and Powell, “They must be heading in the direction of the piers,” Bill notes.
“That would be my guess,” Ray replies, “And seeing Kyle knows where he is going Billy and Gene would be following whatever direction he is leading them in.”
“And Heath,” Jim Jr says, “Would be following the direction they are going in.”
“That would be my assumption,” Ray states, “And how about if we split up?”
“Just what I was thinking” Jarrod suggests “And Ray, seeing you and I are the only ones here that know the area how about if you, Bill and Jim go down Union while Nick and I head down Powell. We’ll meet down by the piers.”
“Good idea,” Ray says and as they split up Nick and Jarrod head down Powell while Bill and Jim go with Ray down Union.
As Bill and Jim Jr are riding alongside of Ray, Bill baffled asks, “Your son Billy doesn’t know the area?”
“He knows it,” Ray states, “But he doesn’t go out at this hour of the night and I don’t allow my children to be going anywhere near the piers.”
“I don’t blame you,” Bill says, “The first night I ventured out I got clobbered, but that is how I met up with Kyle and the other children. They rescued me.”
“Rescued you?” Jim Jr asks.
“Yes,” Bill replies, “They took me to their hide out.”
“Do you think they could’ve gone there?” Jim Jr. asks.
“Not sure,” Bill says, “I think they went looking for Mrs. Barkley. I mean if she was taken someplace near there then maybe. We could always go towards where their hide out is and if they are not there we could continue on.”
“I agree,” Ray replies and as they continue on they keep on Union.
As the boys follow Kyle they are led to Broadway, from there they make their way over the Embarcadero Strip to where they come to the entrance of Pier 9.
As they are hiding in some long overgrowth and weeds keeping them from being noticed from the main strip, “Is this the pier?” Billy asks surprised.
“One of them,” Neil mentions.
“And if you look further down,” Todd says, “You could see there are more, plenty more of them.”
“I do,” Gene asks, “How far do they go exactly? They look like they could go on forever.”
“Quite far,” Todd mentions, “We can’t see all of them from here and they extend from both ends of the strip.”
As they look on they see the various activities occurring, such as various people in various conversations.
Catching sight of two men coming in their direction, “Stay down,” Kyle orders “Don’t make a sound,” and as they remain completely still they watch as the two men continue on their way moving through a cleared field that emerges with tall grass and vegetation.
Running the back of his arm across his forehead “Whew” Todd says “That was close.”
Once they are out of ear reach, “Why did we do that?” Gene asks.
“We don’t want anyone to find out that we are in here,” Kyle says, “Being here could be very dangerous.”
“You don’t trust them?” Gene asks.
“Right now,” Kyle mentions, “Here and now you can’t trust anybody out here. The only ones you have to trust and rely on are us. Take my word for it.”
“Okay,” Gene answers.
“Never before,” Billy replies, “Have I seen the likes.”
“Is that the ocean?” Gene asks, as he observes a couple boats pulling into the wharfs, while seeing some men either standing around or walking away.
“It is,” Kyle mentions, “That is the Pacific Ocean; that is where the ships come in and take the men on board to the other side of the world.”
“I can’t get over it,” Gene brings up.
“What’s that Gene?” Neil asks.
“All these people out here like this,” Gene states, “It’s past our bedtime and yet these piers and those wharfs have so many people coming and going. I even noticed a few shops opened. Where I come from, most everyone is in bed at this hour.”
“They do that,” Kyle says, “So that they are less noticeable to the main residents of the city. While most of the city sleeps they go about their business.”
“And what business is that?” Gene asks.
“Do you see those men there?” Kyle mentions referring to a ship that has men coming out of it as a wagon is pulling up meeting them.
“We see them,” Billy announces.
“What are they doing?” Gene wanted to know as he observes twelve men being directed from a wagon and going on board the ship with men talking to the deliverers who are either holding batons or rifles and after they finish talking and walking away notice the men doing the direct talking going back on board.
“They are what is called crimps,” Kyle explains.
“Crimps?” Gene mimics.
“I forgot,” Kyle says, “You probably don’t know what a crimp is.”
Shaking his head “Not really” Gene states.
“I don’t know what one is either,” Billy says, “What is a crimp?”
“Crimps are what are hired to bring the men to these ships,” Kyle explains, “You see the ones talking,” pointing, “Are the captains, the men going on board are being what is called shanghaied, they are going to be leaving port and going to work for that ship there. The men doing the talking paid the crimps, who in turn pay the runners for delivering them to the captains.”
“You mean,” Billy asks, “Men get paid to turn over other men to these ship captains?”
“They do,” Kyle mentions, “Crimps look for poor suckers that they think would make a great shipmate and until a ship that they are hired out come for them, they place the captured men in what is called a holding area, sometimes, they are held in cellars, or rooms below the saloons.”
“And,” Todd adds, “If you notice those batons in their hands, they are for the men in case any of them try to get out of hand or think about leaving.”
“You mean,” Billy asks, “They beat them?”
“Yes,” Todd replies, “If they don’t cooperate.”
“That is what my brothers had plans on coming here for,” Gene mentions.
“What’s that?” Kyle asks.
“Before my mother got kidnapped,” Gene says, “Ed and Bill came here with her to find out what was going on. When my brothers finished with what they were doing up in Echo Lake they were planning on making a trip down here. They have plans on stopping a lot of what is occurring.”
“That is what we are here for too,” Todd tells him.
“What you mean?” Billy asks.
“When a ship called the Grizzly Bear comes in,” Todd mentions, “We are planning to go on board it and rescue our father from there. To do that we will have to create a little diversion or chaos to do that.”
“Your father,” Billy asks, “Was shanghaied?” as he looks over at Kyle.
“He was,” Kyle answers.
“Is that what you have in mind” Gene asks “To do with those weapons we saw in your shed?”
“Yes” Kyle replies “But for now, let’s concentrate and help you with rescuing your mother. Right now we can’t do anything for those poor souls going on board, the timing is all wrong, too many people (around) watching. We have to bide our time.”
Part 404
“Do you know which way they would’ve gone,” Gene asks.
“Listening to Ed and Bill,” Kyle mentions, “They mentioned a number of streets they went down when they first arrived; that means someone on one of them saw them and must’ve knew something about your family and your brother. They also must’ve known how to find your brother’s ranch and went in and took your mother from there.”
“But how do you know which one,” Gene says, “I mean you must know the area quite well to pinpoint the exact location.”
“I do know the area,” Kyle informs him, “But as to pinpointing the exact location not really. I could only give you a rough estimate.”
“And,” Neil mentions, “Todd and I already went down a couple streets already so we could eliminate those streets from our search.”
“Let’s start with,” Kyle suggests, “Going back down Broadway and then heading left towards Fremont and see what we come out with. If we don’t come out with anything, we’ll move down to the next street of Battery and Pacific, and we will continue on until we’ve either find her or we’ve checked out all these areas for the possibility of having her.”
“How do you know if we are going the right direction?” Billy asks.
“We won’t exactly,” Todd mentions.
“Because,” Kyle says, “Everything points to her being someplace around pier 9; all these streets come out to pier 9 so therefore one of them must be where they have her. When we go down these streets we will look through the back of their businesses.”
“Why?” Gene asks.
“Because” Kyle mentions “That is probably where they have her in one of the back rooms in the back of their establishments they are called. If we’re wrong and she is not there we will move down to the next street and the next until we come up onto something. Something is bound to give. Now, let’s get started, if we continue staying here we won’t be getting anywhere and also by staying here gives us more chances of being noticed by someone coming by and we don’t want that.”
“No,” Gene and Billy respond, “We sure don’t.”
“Then” Kyle says “Let’s get going” and with that they begin moving away from their hidden spot and slowly as they are keeping themselves shielded they proceed on down Broadway.
As they exit the hidden area Heath who has been keeping up with them comes up to there and as he looks over at the edge of Pier 9 he observes the men being sent on board the ship as well as the transaction being made from one man to the other.
Shaking his head in disbelief and realizing that his fate would’ve gone in that direction if things didn’t turn out the way they did when he met up with Warren he looks up at the sky and upon closing his eyes says, “Thank you,” and then quietly goes to catch up after the boys going down Broadway.
Reaching the end of Union and Davis, Bill leads Jim Jr and Ray to the hide out by traveling through the undergrowth and the long weeds, “This was the cabin they were staying at,” he announces.
And as they go inside they find it completely empty, “No one’s here,” Jim Jr notes.
“True,” Bill replies, “Let’s make our way to the pier; maybe there we’ll see something.”
And leaving the uninhabited cabin the three of them continue down the street which leads them to the pier.
6/3/11
3 am
Staying off the main streets the boys travel through the wooded areas while at the same time keeping themselves as low as possible to keep from being spotted.
Reaching the end of Market Street they take a left onto First and quietly Kyle has Todd, Neil and Billy going down one side of the street while he and Gene start looking on the other.
As Jarrod and Nick continue going down Powell when they reach the corner of Powell and Vallejo they take a left onto Vallejo and keep going down it passing by streets of Stockton and Grant Avenue which they notice to be rather quiet nothing out of the ordinary.
Heath still following without being noticed looks around carefully before he continues on.
Going in the back of the buildings Todd, Neil and Billy carefully and cautiously look behind the various boarding homes that are there, a saloon called Mac’s Halfway House, a tailor shop called Anderson and Bell and as they quietly go from business to business they don’t find anything out of the ordinary. When they reach the third establishment that is called Rose is still a Rose, they peer inside and as they catch sight of twenty men sleeping on the floor mattress in one area, “Are they being held?” Billy asks.
“They are,” Neil answers.
“We can’t do anything for them?” Billy wanted to know.
“Not right now,” Todd answers, “If we were to try to rescue them they’d come after us.”
“But you helped Bill,” Billy reminds them.
“Helping him was a little different,” Todd mentions.
“How?” Billy asks.
“He wasn’t in one of these buildings for one,” Todd answers, “He also was at the wrong place and right place at the right time.”
“How’s that?” Billy asks.
“From what we learned from him,” Todd says, “When he first arrived he came out by himself and sort of went snooping about.”
“Kind of like what were doing,” Billy mentions.
“Sort of,” Neil admits.
“Yes,” Todd answers, “But while he was snooping someone saw him and had plans on dumping his body into the water. While Neil and I were out on watch we stumbled across the men taking his body to the ocean.”
“Lucky for him we were there and managed to spot them with what they had in mind” Neil adds.
“So,” Todd continues, “Helping and rescuing Bill was a lot easier for us to do then it would be to rescue those men right now and at this hour of the night.”
“Perhaps,” Neil suggests, “We could tell your father and Gene’s brothers’ see if there is something they could do.”
“Otherwise,” Todd says, “We’ll just have to wait. Maybe if Gene’s brothers or your father could do something about all this then maybe we could come back here for them before they are to be taken. But that depends on if the ship they will be going on arrives before then or not. If so, then there isn’t much we could do for them at this time. The men are much bigger than we are and there are way more of them than us.”
“I hope so,” Billy says.
“So do we,” Todd replies, “But for now we need to keep going, let’s go find Mrs. Barkley,” and with that they ignore what they see and continue on to look for Mrs. Barkley.
As Kyle and Gene proceed down the other side of the street staying hidden using the darkness as well as the sides of the buildings keeping them shielded “Gene” Kyle tells him “You better get your gun ready.”
“Why?” Gene asks.
“Trouble could be coming,” Kyle mentions, “And you have to be ready.”
“Kyle,” Gene tells him, “I have never shot a gun before.”
“What do you mean you never shot a gun before?” Kyle asks surprised.
“Just what I said,” Gene mentions, “I haven’t learned how to shoot one yet. I’ve been waiting to learn but I haven’t been shown yet. My brothers are waiting for my birthday to come up before I am to learn how.”
“That’s great, Gene,” Kyle says disgusted, “Just great! Why didn’t you tell me this sooner?”
“Well,” Gene replies, “I guess the opportunity never came up before and as you were so set on helping with finding my mother I didn’t know how to tell you that. I’m sorry!”
Exhaling heavily, “I guess it’s too late for you to turn back now and I don’t have time to walk you back,” Kyle says, “So the best solution for you for right now is if trouble does come you better be ready to either duck or run, got it?”
Nodding his head, “Got it,” he answers.
“Okay,” Kyle says, “Let’s continue on,” and as they resume their walking they pass by a few homes that are there and start going in the back alleyway.
As Jarrod and Nick continue going down Green followed by Sansome and then Battery, “No sign of them anywhere,” Nick says and as the streets are somewhat quiet, “This is getting to be monotonous.”
“Something will give,” Jarrod informs him.
Nick asks, “What time is it?”
Looking at his pocket watch, “A little past 4 a.m.,” Jarrod answers.
“Four a.m.,” Nick grumbles, “I’m going to break those two boys’ necks for doing this.”
“That is some of why Gene did it,” Jarrod informs him.
“What’s that?” Nick asks.
“You keep getting angry at him,” Jarrod says, “You keep finding reasons to snap at him. As it was said, he is also always being left out of everything, quote unquote. If you stopped harping on him and if you stopped taking all your anger and frustration out on him then, maybe he wouldn’t have done this and right now the only thing on his mind is finding Mother that is some of the reason why he went on board the train. He wasn’t thinking too clearly and as for Heath, he was just being the big brother that you are not being at the moment. He saw him leaving and instead of waking us up and telling us he just went out on his own after him. ”
Jarrod then brings up, “I think once we find Mother and get back to Stockton what you and Gene need to do is find a way to clear the air, you getting to know him and stop treating him like he doesn’t exist or using him as your scapegoat.”
“How?” Nick asks.
“I don’t know,” Jarrod replies, “But it’s something the two of you do need to be doing. Right now let’s concentrate on finding them and after everything has calmed down you could decide on how you want to proceed.”
“Very well,” Nick says and they go resuming their search for them.
Reaching Sansome and Jackson they take a left onto Jackson followed by a right when they reach the corner of Battery and Jackson.
Reaching the corner of Davis and Front Bill, Ray and Jim Jr take a left onto Front and continue on down Front passing by the intersections of Vallejo, Broadway and Pacific along the way.
Shortly thereafter arriving on the waterfront Jim Jr, Bill and Ray catch sight of the various activities occurring at that hour of the night. They notice fishermen loading their fish into wagons, others checking them out, near a corner of one of the buildings they catch sight of a couple policemen talking amongst themselves but not getting involved with anything near the wharfs.
Missionary
While everyone including Victoria has fallen asleep Terry is still working on the bar of the window and quietly is getting the second bar to come out of its embedded position.
4:30 am
As it reaches 4:30 am the men each begin waking up from their heavy sleep and after getting dressed head for the kitchen where they find Sherry Denton and her daughter Diane greeting them while making breakfast for them which consists of flapjacks, sausage, coffee, and fresh fruit.
Graciously lining up and taking their plates as they are handed to them they go out into the big room and start eating.
Reaching the corner of First and Mission Street the boys meet up with Kyle asking, “Anything?”
“Not in the way of Mrs. Barkley,” Todd answers.
“We did see some men asleep in the cellar of one of the establishments,” Billy notes.
“Let’s try the next street,” Kyle insists and quietly staying together they move onto the next street of Mission.
As the boys move onto Mission once again using the vegetation and the tall grass to keep themselves from being noticed catch sight of the Parker House Saloon with the theatre above it, “Have you ever been inside there?” Gene asks.
“A few times,” Todd answers.
Arriving at the corner of Pine and Market Street, “Listen,” Nick says.
“I hear it,” Jarrod turning his head slightly, “It’s coming from that place there,” pointing to a saloon called Toby’s Jug, “Let’s keep going,” and then continues moving on down the street.
Back at the Dentons’ Ranch
As the men are finishing their breakfast Uncle Jim walks in.
Upon exchanging goodmornings, “Where’s Nick?” Vinnie wanted to know.
“Something’s come up” Uncle Jim mentions “So he couldn’t be here this morning. Some of you may run into him while you’re out searching for Mrs. Barkley. But in the meantime, you need to be heading out. Are you all ready?”
Getting up out of their seats, “Ready as we’ll ever be,” Barrett announces.
“I have two horses saddled outside,” Uncle Jim glancing over at Jim and Johnny asks, “Have you decided which one of you will be doing the delivery?”
“Seeing Johnny is the better tracker” Jim replies “I will be making the delivery.”
“Very well” Uncle Jim then says “Before you go, I suggest you all take a moment to study this map here” tacking it to the wall nearest them “Seeing you don’t know the city and neither do I, it’ll be wise for you to get an idea of where you’re headed once you go out this door.”
As the men each take turns studying the various street names “Jim” Uncle Jim then says “Seeing you’re doing the delivering” handing him the duffle bag “Here! Take good care of it.”
Taking it from him “I will,” Jim vows.
“Also” handing them both a piece of paper “Here are the instructions of where you need to go. I made a second copy of it so that each of you has one. Be sure to look for a place called the Chinese Fortune Cookie. Once there, you should learn where you go from there.”
“Understood,” Johnny and Jim answer simultaneously; as they are both reading the instructions they look at the map to see where Columbia and Broadway are in reference to where they are at now.
“One more thing before you go” Uncle Jim insists, “I think it’s a good idea if we recapped the mission. Remember, your ultimate goal is to find Mrs. Barkley, but don’t forget to be watching your backs and remaining in pairs at the same time. Stay as close to Pier 9 as possible and stop what ever you’re doing every 3 hours and return here. If Mrs. Barkley should be found prior to the two of you” looking at Jim and Johnny “Are to receive word, we will make sure someone comes out to inform you. We assure you that you won’t be left in the dark.”
“We’ll be alright,” Jim answers.
“I’m sure you will be,” Uncle Jim then asks, “Any questions?”
“No,” comes from Austin, “I think you covered everything.”
“I think we have it all,” Johnny joins in with.
“Very well,” extending his hand out, “Good luck,” Uncle Jim says to each of the men as they begin exiting the cabin.
Stepping outside Jim asks of Johnny, “You ready?” as he is securing the bag onto the back of his saddle.
“Just about,” Johnny answers as Jim is checking out his rifle, “Are you?”
“Ready as I’ll ever be,” Jim announces as he places his gun back in the scabbard.
“You fellas be careful” Willard tells them.
“The same goes for you,” Jim says as he mounts up, “I will start out. Give me about a five minute head start then follow along.”
As he looks over the instructions again, “Go ahead,” Johnny announces and watches as he heads out.
“We better be going ourselves,” Browne announces, “See you when we get back,” to Johnny as he and the others begin exiting the ranch.
Five minutes later, Johnny mounts up and then heads out.
After reaching the end of the road the men all separate into the pairs they were selected to travel with and head for the streets they were given.
Traveling in pairs and going past Mason Street, Browne and Willard being the first to catch sight of the local livery manages to borrow two horses and after paying the attendant mount up and head for Stockton Street.
Minutes later, Barrett and Spot followed by Jack and Vinnie catching sight of the livery manage also borrow horses and after paying the attendant mount up and head out towards Stockton Street.
As each of the other men stop at the local livery they find themselves coming up empty handed when they are told there aren’t anymore horses available and are encouraged to try another livery which they are told is on Pacific Avenue. After being given directions they manage to find the place which is called Mac’s Livery Stable and borrow horses from there.
Coming up onto Davis and Market, “Do you hear something?” Jim Jr asks.
“Yes,” Bill replies.
“It’s coming from Mission Street,” Ray announces.
“Let’s check it out,” Jim Jr suggests.
And while they go to follow the sound that they hear the boys continue traveling down the street of Mission passing by the Parker House Saloon.
tbc
“That is where,” Nick says, “The kidnappers want the delivery to be made from what it says in the letter. We will go into further details in the morning once we’ve all had a goodnight sleep.”
“It is quite a distance,” Don comments with, “That is for sure.”
“Yes it is,” Jarrod says.
“But seeing at the moment,” Nick mentions, “The kidnappers have the upper hand over us we have to follow along with what the instructions say to do.”
“We understand that,” Jim replies.
“But if they mentioned Columbia and Broadway in the letter” Don asks, “Why are we concentrating on these streets here?” referring to the ones given to them by Jarrod.
“Because,” Nick says, “We believe our mother is being held up at someplace within one of them.”
“Could I ask a question,” Joe asks.
“Of course,” Nick replies.
“How do you know” Joe inquires “Your mother has been taken hostage somewhere in this vicinity?” pointing “There are after all plenty of streets that come out to these piers.”
“That is true,” Jarrod replies.
“And,” Joe continues, “What about Columbia and Broadway where you’re having Johnny and Jim go in the morning?”
“Because,” Nick says, “We think that location is only being used for solely the purpose of the delivery and instructions. We don’t think they have her anyplace there at all.”
“How do you know that?” Sam asks.
“We don’t,” Nick states.
“But” Bill joins in with, “We believe that she was indeed taken along one of these streets because when we first came here my brother and I did something stupid and used the Barkley buggy and went down the ones Jarrod mentioned so someone on one of them must’ve spotted us.”
“Which is why,” Nick says, “We believe she is somewhere in one of these areas, which is why were concentrating our full attention to them. So,” looking to each one of them gathered as he continues, “In the morning with the exception of Jim and Johnny who will be delivering and following the instructions given to them the rest of you will fan out and concentrate on this section.”
“Mr. Barkley” Vinnie brings up “How are we to do this? I mean I do understand we are searching for your mother but as we split up how are we to know if someone found her or not?”
“That is a good question,” Nick says, “And I wish we had flare guns or something to distribute to each one of you but unfortunately as we came here we didn’t exactly come here fully equipped with everything we would possibly need and seeing we are strapped for time and don’t have much time in way of getting them we will have to improvise.”
“What do you have in mind?” Chad asks.
“To whoever is to find her first will shoot up one bullet from your gun up in the air to let the others know she has been found, listen for it.” Nick says, “However, I realize that not everyone will be outside or nearby when they may go up so you won’t probably know or be able to hear it when it goes off so therefore we will dispatch someone to locate the rest of you.”
“However,” Jarrod joins in with, “If things should still get sticky and we can’t get to you we will use a three hour checkpoint meaning every three hours stop what you are doing and make your way back to the house so you could find out where we stand and know what you will have to do from there.”
“Right,” Nick says, “And seeing Heath and Bill won’t be coming with us,” as he looks to each of them sternly, “They will both be on hand to distribute the information as it comes available to them. Understood?”
Nodding their heads, “Understood.”
“That sounds good,” Jack states.
“I have a question,” Jim says.
“What?” Nick asks.
“What happens” Jim inquires “If while Johnny and myself are out making the run and someone should find your mother before we do. How are we going to know? I mean we won’t be able to stop every three hours and return to the house.”
Replying “That’s true” Nick runs his fingers along the bottom of his chin thinking and then says “And that is a good question. But I assure you we won’t leave you stranded. We’ll find a way to get to you if that should happen. Somehow you’ll get word. Okay?”
“Okay,” Jim responds.
“Now,” Nick says, “The next phase of the plan is for you to be learning about who took her,” displaying the sketches drawn, “These are the pictures of roughly what they look like,” as the men look on, “To whomever should spot them or come in contact with them be sure you keep your distance from them, I mean stay with them but just don’t let them know you’re following them or onto them in any way. They should lead you to our mother and that is your primary goal. Once you know for sure she is safe unless you have no other choice then do whatever you can or need to do to protect yourselves and protect her, any more questions?”
“I have one,” Barrett replies.
“What?” Nick asks.
“How do you know these are the men that took her,” Barrett inquires.
“Because,” Nick says, “These are the descriptions given to us from the children who were here at the time she was taken.”
“She was taken from here?” Mike asks.
“No,” Nick answers, “From Jarrod’s, they came in there and took her to wherever they got her now.”
“Wouldn’t it be wiser,” Willard asks, “If we brought in the authority to help with searching for her?”
“No!” Nick says, “The note said not to and right now it’s too late at night and once again we are strapped for time we can’t do anything that jeopardizes our chances of rescuing her. Now, in the morning once you’ve all had a good night sleep you are to split up into 9 groups. I want,” glancing about, “You Browne and Willard to be focusing your attention on Stockton, Barrett and Spot, you to go down Green, Jack, you and Vinnie go down Vallejo, Don and Joe you are to go down Pacific, Mike, you and Hank go down Davis, Sam, you and Chris are to go down, Sutter, Davy and Chad you are to go down Pine, Alan and Pete you are to go down Montgomery, Oscar, you and Austin will go down Mission leaving Jarrod and myself to be going down Stewart. Any other questions?”
“I have one,” Browne inquires.
“Shoot” Nick replies.
“What time,” Browne asks, “Do we venture out?”
“The note said,” Nick says, “The delivery is to be made at 6 am so therefore we will all be starting out at 5, meaning you are to get up roughly at 4:30. Now remember, once we venture out we are to remain in pairs, don’t stray too far away from the others but keep your distance as well, if you venture down any back alley ways once again watch your backs and use common sense as well as your own judgement on how you want to proceed; understood?”
“Perfectly,” comes from Hank.
“Oh Nick,” Barrett then says.
“Yes?” Nick asks.
“I forgot,” Barrett says, “Here,” handing him an extra pistol and rifle with ammunition.
“What’s this?” Nick asks.
“A little extra fire power,” Barrett says, “I figured since we will be headed for enemy territory that it just might come in handy,” as he hands similar sets to Jarrod and Heath.
“Yes it could,” Nick answers, “Where did you get them?”
“I can’t tell you all that,” Barrett says, “It’s my own little secret that I had saved in a hidden place for a rainy day however I brought it with us, figuring today just may be the rainy day that it may be needed for.”
“You done right,” Nick tells him, “I won’t ask you about your hidden secret but will say thank you very much. It is very much appreciated.”
“No problem,” Barrett informs him.
“Hey, wait a minute” Heath brings up “I’ve seen these before,” as he looks over the rifle he has in his hand a little more thoroughly.
Suppressing a grin “Yes,” Barrett replies, “You have.”
Glancing over at Barrett “It’s from…” Heath says.
“That is correct,” Barrett answers.
“That’s where I’ve seen them before,” comes from Davy.
“That’s why they look so familiar,” comes from Sam.
“I did wonder where they came from,” Oscar says, “Now it makes perfect sense.”
“Indeed yes,” Chad replies.
“How did you manage to get them,” Austin wanted to know.
“When we went back,” Barrett mentions, “I went back to the shack and seeing no one claimed them…”
“You decided to take them,” Oscar notes.
“Well,” Barrett says, “I figured that maybe one day they would come in handy.”
“Very clever,” Browne mentions.
“And you’ve done right,” Nick states, “They did come in handy. We just may be in need of them.” Then turning to the rest of the men he asks “Anymore questions?”
“One,” comes from Austin.
“What?” Nick asks.
“Horses,” Austin answers.
“I realize we are shorthanded in that department as well” Nick states “So in the morning we will be giving Jim and Johnny each one seeing they need to get to Columbus and Broadway but the rest of you when you go out stop by the nearest liveries and see if you could borrow one from them” he then asks “Anything else?”
As everyone either answers, “No,” or shakes their head, “Very well,” Nick then says, “Now I think we covered everything we could think of. I realize it’s getting late and seeing we all have to be getting up rather early you will be needing to turn in soon however if we missed anything we could bring it up after we all had a goodnight sleep. Remember, I will be seeing you all in the morning shortly before 5 am. Understood?”
They each either nod their heads or respond, “Understood.”
“Oh,” Ray joins in with, “My wife and I will be by in the morning to make you fellas a hot breakfast before you should be venturing out.”
As they each thank him Nick tells them, “Goodnight; we’ll be back in the morning,” and as they exit the cabin the men each bid them a goodnight.
4/23/11
Jarrod’s House
Walking in the front door, “Well,” Audra asks as she enters the room, “What are you going to do?”
“In the morning,” Nick answers, “We’re going to make the delivery. Where’s Gene?” glancing about.
“He turned in already,” Audra replies.
“Seeing that it’s late” Jarrod suggests “Perhaps we should all be doing the same.”
“Just what I was thinking” Uncle Jim suggests “After all we did have a long day already.”
“Agreed,” Jim Jr says, “And it’s about to get longer.”
“True,” Heath replies.
“Most definitely,” Uncle Jim retorts.
“I’ll go see if Gene is still awake,” Nick says.
“Good idea,” Jarrod replies, “And while you’re doing that how about if I show you to your room while you’re here” glancing at them.
“Sure,” they both answer.
As the family heads up the stairs, “I hope you won’t mind sharing a room?” Jarrod says to them.
“Not at all,” Uncle Jim replies, “We realize everything is tight.”
Reaching the top landing Jarrod shows Uncle Jim and Jim Jr to bedroom number 5, while Audra heads to her room, Heath goes to use the bathroom and Nick continues on down the hallway.
Bedroom #4
Upon reaching the fourth bedroom Nick walks in and finds Gene is already asleep and underneath the covers. Calling out to him and not getting any response he then says, “Goodnight Gene,” and quietly walks back out.
As soon as he steps out into the hallway Gene quickly opens his eyes and after looking towards the doorway lets out a deep sigh.
Seeing Nick coming into the hallway, “Well,” Jarrod asks, “Did you talk to him?”
“No,” Nick replies, “He was asleep. I will talk to him in the morning. Goodnight.”
As Jarrod reciprocates Nick continues on down the hall and as Heath is coming out of the bathroom they switch places with them exchanging goodnights and while Nick closes the door behind him Heath heads for his room.
Upon entering Heath quietly crosses to the bed, removes his boots and changes into his nightshirt. Looking over and seeing Gene on his side with his eyes closed he says, “Goodnight Gene,” but not getting any response just idly raises an eyebrow and climbs in underneath the covers.
Gene continues remaining completely still and upon opening his eyes he focuses his attention on the half opened window. Next he waits for the entire house to turn completely silent and all lights to be distinguished.
Just then hearing a slight crackling sound from outside the window Gene first looks over at Heath who has his eyes closed, he then carefully gets up off the bed fully clothed and makes his way to the window.
As he peers out, “You coming?” he hears from Kyle who is standing down below.
“Be right there,” Gene replies softly but as audible as he could possibly get.
Glancing back over at Heath Gene then crosses to the door and then as he looks down the dark hallway and seeing it is completely still he first closes the door, grabs his boots and then makes his way back over to the half opened window.
Carefully grabbing hold of the nearest edge of the white trellis that is outside there he uses it to lower himself down with.
From the bed Heath opens his eyes and watches as Gene climbs out the window.
As his stocking feet reach the ground, “You made it,” Kyle mentions.
“I told you I would,” Gene replies as he proceeds to put his boots on.
“Let’s go,” Kyle informs him and as they start walking Heath looking out from the upstairs window catches sight of Gene leaving with Kyle and quickly changes out of his nightshirt.
Part 402
Reaching the gate, “We all here now?” Kyle asks of Neil and Todd who are standing there waiting.
“We’re waiting on Billy,” Neil informs him.
“Where is he?” Kyle asks.
Walking up, “Right here” Billy answers.
“You made it,” Neil says.
“You followed us,” Todd replies, “Good!”
“Of course,” Billy mentions, “I said I’d be joining you.”
“But you also said,” Neil notes, “You weren’t sure about this.”
“We thought,” Todd notes, “Perhaps you were going to change your mind.”
“I’m here now,” Billy says, “If we’re going to do it, then let’s do it.”
“Agreed,” Kyle replies “Let’s get going.”
“We’re walking,” Gene asks.
“Unless you have a better way to get there on,” Kyle retorts.
“What about the horses?” Gene asks.
“It’s best” Kyle replies, “If we go without them.”
“How come?” Gene asks.
“Several reasons,” Kyle explains, “First, there aren’t enough horses for everyone to go around and just in case we’re not successful your brothers will be needing them for their portion of the mission. Secondly, using horses will only slow us down. It is a lot easier to travel by foot. Riding would give us a way more and we can’t maneuver about as easily as we could by walking. Now let’s get moving.”
As they start walking, “Do we have far to travel?” Gene asks.
“Not really,” Kyle replies, “That all depends on how one looks at it. If you don’t want to do this, you could turn around now and go back.”
“No,” Gene says, “I’m coming. I just wanted to know how we are going to do this.”
“You’ll understand more,” Kyle mentions, “Once you see where we’re headed. I take it this will be your first time on the waterfront.”
“Yes,” Gene replies.
“Then,” Kyle says, “Stay close to us and follow everything we tell you to do. Don’t do anything hasty and don’t get away from us, understood?”
“Understood,” Gene replies and then they continue walking down the street.
5/3/11
After finishing dressing and putting his boots on Heath grabs hold of the gun that was given to him by Barrett along with the extra ammunition and places it in the belt of his pants. He then quietly exits the room goes down the stairs and out the door.
Realizing Gene and the other boys didn’t use horses he opts not to either. Arriving at the gate, he crouches down and after examining the various sets of footprints he follows the direction in which they go in which happens to be towards his left.
As the boys go down Union Street they make their way down to Powell Street and as they pass by Pacific, followed by Jackson and then Washington both Gene and Billy take in the activity along the way that they see.
Most of it remains quiet but as they pass by several different kinds of buildings they notice music coming out from some of them “Is that music I hear?” Billy asks.
Kyle replies “It is.”
As they keep walking and going further down the street Gene looks at the four men seated on a porch having a conversation while smoking on cigars and having a drink at the same time. Continuing on and catching sight of a woman and a man seated in a wooden swing from off their porch kissing Gene asks, “What’s with that?”
“You’ve never seen anyone kissing before?” Kyle asks.
“I have,” Gene replies, “But not like that.”
“They are doing” Billy notes “A little more than kissing from what I could see.”
“And you’re right,” Kyle says, “But that is some of what they do out this way, you learn to look at it and just go. You living here I’m surprised you haven’t seen much of it.”
“Well,” Billy states, “I don’t usually go traveling around in the dark. I am usually home in bed at this hour of the night.”
“Then,” Kyle says, “That explains why you miss out on this kind of stuff.”
“I guess so,” Billy retorts.
“Come on,” Kyle replies, “We have a long way to go.”
They then continue walking with Kyle leading the way.
Heath coming down the street also takes in the various scenery and activity that he comes in contact with as well.
While most of the scenery and activity is rather quiet or limited as he travels there is one that catches his attention.
From a porch, he notices a couple sitting on a swing just idly taking in the night air and then a few buildings down he sees a pair of men seated talking with one polishing his gun and the other wondering what he has in mind with that. Raising an eyebrow Heath just continues walking.
Next he catches sight of a young boy around 6-7 years of age in his mother’s arms on the steps of one of the porches and listens as the mother talks to him about the stars up in the sky and thinks back to a time when he and his mother did that with him when he was around that age and is somewhat envious of them together but at the same time walks away with a pleasing smile.
Missionary
As Victoria is standing there watching the men work on the iron bar that is embedded into the wall she hears, “There!” coming from Terry, “First one’s out!” pulling it out.
Complimenting him, “Good going, Terry,” each of the men reply as they either pat him on the back or squeeze his shoulder with Victoria responding, “Nice going Terry!”
As he tosses it onto the mattress behind him, “One out,” he mumbles, “Two to go.”
“Well,” Paul answers, “It’s a start.”
“More than,” Ferdinand notes, “What we came in here on.”
“Just think,” Dean says, “Each one of us tried it and couldn’t do it.”
“Maybe,” Robert states, “After we each tried it, we each came to the same conclusion and just gave up. Where Terry when he arrived had a goal of breaking through it and sure enough was able to follow through with what he had in mind.”
“Either that,” Paul replies, “Or by us each trying it helped loosen it and just didn’t realize it at the time until now.”
“That is indeed a possibility as well,” Vernon replies, “But whatever reason there is let’s just be grateful that is working and if we continue working on it then maybe the other two will pop up and out just as easily as the first one did and we could break the window and get ourselves out of here.”
“I’m for that,” Dean notes.
“Then,” Terry urges, “Let’s keep working on it, the quicker the better.”
“Just what I was thinking,” Ferdinand mentions, “And how about we,” referring to himself, Vernon and Paul, “Concentrate our team strength on the second bar and,” looking over at Dean, Terry and Robert, “You three concentrate your full attention on the last bar.”
“Good idea,” Victoria replies, “I’ll continue keeping watch.”
And while Victoria keeps her full attention to the door of their prison the men resume their work on the other two bars with Ferdinand, Vernon and Paul working on one, and Dean, Terry and Robert working on the other.
Battery Street
As Gene and the other boys continue walking, they reach the corner of Battery and Jackson. Going down two more blocks and upon being instructed to take a right when they reach the corner of Jackson and Davis “Why are we stopping here” Gene asks.
“Come with me,” Kyle answers, “You’ll see.”
Glancing about the dark air “Are you sure it’s safe?” Billy inquires.
“Of course,” Todd mentions, “This is our hide out.”
“Hide out?” Gene asks.
“Where we’ve been staying before we started staying with the Dentons,” Todd informs him.
Following them, Gene and Billy both exchange puzzling glances as they proceed slowly and cautiously on in. Walking behind Kyle, they catch sight of some undergrowth as well as a wooded stretch they are guided to go through that takes them to an old cabin, “You stayed here?” Gene asks.
“We did,” Neil mentions.
“We’re going inside here?” Billy asks.
“No,” Kyle orders, “Keep following me,” and as they do they are directed through some more tall grass and various vegetation as well as more clusters of undergrowth and neglected weeds that border a small creek.
“This is it,” Kyle announces.
Finally reaching it, “We’re going inside here?” Billy asks.
“Yes” Kyle orders and as they follow him in they are led inside of a hidden shack “Todd” he then says “Put some light on” and with that Todd grabs hold of a lamp that is in the corner and turning it on Billy and Gene are doing a double-take as they once again exchange stunning glances as they come to find out what exactly is hidden inside.
“I see,” Kyle mentions, “You’re both surprised.”
“Surprised is not the word,” Gene replies.
Letting out a quick whistle, “Where did you get all this?” Billy inquires.
Glancing about they survey the entire room gathered with racks after racks of shotguns and pistols, not to mention the other types of weapons they could see, as well as crates full of ammunition piled up.
“It’s called stockpiling,” Todd informs them.
“We’ve had our ways,” Kyle mentions, “Now there’s no telling what we’ll be going up against,” walking over to the guns neatly arranged, “And we can’t afford to come up short where it counts.”
“I guess not,” Gene retorts, “I’ve never in my day seen so many in one room before. Not even in my own house” still amazed at the amount of guns he sees before him, “How many exactly do you have here?”
“Never actually did a count on them,” Kyle admits, “I just kept accumulating them each time I saw one and just decided to add them to my collection.”
“But how did you manage to get them all?” Gene asks, “You didn’t exactly pay for all these did you?”
Snickering “Not on your life,” Kyle states.
Neil says, “Some came from the piers.”
“Others came from,” Todd joins in the conversation with, “When we would be out looking for something, sometimes an unfortunate becomes our gain.”
“You mean,” Billy asks, “Like if someone is captured or if someone is killed?”
Nodding his head, “Something like that,” Todd admits.
“Some,” Neil mentions, “Came from the ships when we were nearby and they weren’t looking.”
As the boys look about the weapons, “Here,” Kyle says tossing a rifle to Gene, “This one should do you nicely.”
Once again Gene is stunned as he grabs it as it comes into his hands “Billy” Kyle then announces “This one is for you” who is equally stunned as he is tossed a similar one and following Gene’s lead he grabs it with each one looking to the other as they examine the rifle they are holding.
As both Todd and Neil take hold of one, “I’ll take this one,” they each mumble as they pick one out.
Next walking over to the pistols, “Billy, Gene,” Kyle then says, “Here,” tossing them each a handgun, “You may need one of these as well,” once again grabbing hold of them they are stunned as they land in their hands.
“Have you ever used one of these before?” Billy wanted to know.
“The rifle I have” Kyle admits “The pistols I haven’t. Here” handing them each boxes of ammunition for each of their guns “You’ll be needing these as well.”
Taking them, Billy and Gene begin glancing about, “Feel free to look about,” Kyle tells them, “Be careful with what you touch.”
Separating and walking to different sections of the room, Gene comes up on a wall and is in awe as he looks at the various edged weapons such as: swords, knives, stilettos, shivs and others while Billy looks at the different types of handguns.
Removing one of the cases he extracts a black sheath containing three throwing knives.
“Where did you get all these?” Gene inquires to which Neil answers, “The same place we got the guns; some from the ships when they weren’t looking.”
“You sure do have quite an arsenal,” Gene notes.
“You like what you see?” Todd asks.
“I guess” Gene replies “But I must admit I am more in a state of shock then liking.”
“I guess,” Kyle says, “It would take a little getting use to.”
“That it would,” Gene admits.
As Gene looks further down and catches sight of some more weapons such as a spear or two, a pair of tomahawks, then two lengths of wood connected to a chain or cord that catches his interest asks, “What is this?”
Looking, “Not sure,” Kyle admits.
“Did you get this from one of the ships as well?” Gene asks.
“Yes,” Kyle answers, “We figured when the time came we’d find out what its use is for or when we find Father maybe he would be able to tell us.”
As Billy is standing in front of another crate filled with grenades, “What’s with these,” he asks.
Going over to him, “Those are grenades,” Kyle mentions.
“What are their purpose” Billy inquires.
“We will be needing them” Kyle states “For when the Grizzly comes in.”
“Have you ever used one before?” Gene wanted to know.
“No,” Kyle admits, “But I’ve seen them being used. You just take one, pull the little pin here,” showing them, “And toss it where you want it to go. It should blow up your intended target.”
“You have quite a few here,” Billy notes, “Are you planning on using all of them?”
“If we need to,” Kyle states, “Depends how much activity we run into at the time the Grizzly comes in. We will wait and see. Now let’s get going. We have a long way to go if you want to rescue your mother” glancing over at Gene, “From the kidnappers.”
Upon exiting the shack Todd distinguishes the lamp and Kyle closes the door behind them. Carrying their guns and ammunition the boys follow Kyle who once again leads them through the wooded stretch.
Part 403
Tuesday, April 4th, 1871
A little past midnight
As Heath continues to follow the footprints that were made by the boys he finds it takes him down the path through a cluster of undergrowth that leads him first to the abandoned cabin and upon reaching it he goes inside. Seeing it is dark and no one is there he goes towards the wooded stretch that takes him to the abandoned shack.
Going inside and catching sight of the lamp he puts it on to where he is stunned to see the arsenal of weapons that are displayed before him.
Taking a quick walk over to them he just idly looks at them and continues towards the North wall to where he catches sight of the grenades in the crates. Picking one up he looks at it and then after putting it back down he notices two closed up barrels besides them and upon removing the lid of each he realizes that they contain gunpowder. Replacing the lids he then distinguishes the lamp and leaves the shack closing the door behind him.
Looking down at the footprints again he resumes following the direction the boys took which takes him to the end of the street.
5/16/11
While the boys are still traveling down Drumm Street and Heath is reaching the corner of Jackson and Drumm everyone at the house is in a sound sleep when a loud knock disrupts their sleep and Nick being the first to open his eyes and respond from his bed, “JUST A MINUTE,” he yells out.
Quickly grabbing hold of his robe he makes his way out the door and as he is coming into the hallway, “Who could that be at this hour of the night?” he asks of Jarrod who is coming out of his room replying, “Let’s find out,” and as they make their way down the stairs, “It must be important,” Jim Jr notes as he, Uncle Jim and Bill follow along right behind them.
“It better be,” Nick grumbles, “If not…” as the knock is heard again, “JUST A MINUTE,” Nick calls out again as Jarrod is the first to reach the door knob.
Upon opening it, “Ray,” Jarrod says as he sees him standing there before him.
“Jarrod, I’m sorry to come here,” Ray answers, “So late like this.”
“What is it?” Jarrod asks.
“My son, Billy,” Ray replies, “He’s not in his room and neither are the other boys: Kyle, Neil and Todd. I was wondering if they came by here at all.”
“NO,” Nick answers, “We haven’t seen them.”
“Is Gene here,” Ray asks, “Maybe he could tell us something.”
“Of course he’s here,” Nick grumbles, “He’s sound asleep in his room right now.”
“Could you get him?” Ray asks, “It’s important.”
“Hold on Ray,” Jarrod replies.
As he is about to turn and head up the stairs Audra coming down overhearing says, “He’s not in his room.”
“What do you mean he’s not in his room?” Nick asks.
“Neither he” Audra mentions, “Or Heath are in their room. I just checked and their bed is empty.”
“Damn,” Nick says.
“That’s what I thought,” Ray replies.
“What do you mean by that?” Nick wanted to know.
“My daughter,” Ray says, “Overheard them talking.”
“What did they say?” Uncle Jim asks, “What did she hear?”
“She heard,” Ray reiterates, “Kyle telling Gene to meet him outside when it got dark. He was very upset about being left out.”
“If Heath went along,” Jim Jr states, “He must’ve gone after them.”
“No question about that,” Jarrod says.
“Where could they have gone?” Audra asks.
“They probably went,” Bill states, “Looking for your mother.”
“You’re probably right,” Uncle Jim comments.
“We have to go out and look for them,” Jarrod says.
“Go ahead,” Uncle Jim replies, “I’ll stay here.”
“We better get dressed,” Jarrod then says, “Give us a couple minutes Ray, we’ll be right out.”
“I’ll go get the horses saddled,” Ray offers.
“We’ll be right there to join you,” Nick informs him as Jarrod closes the door and they go up the stairs to change out of their night clothing.
After they finish changing they each grab their weapons and as they reach the door, “Uncle Jim,” Nick says, “If we are not back by 4:30 be sure the men follow through on the mission.”
“I’ll make sure Nick,” Uncle Jim replies.
“And,” Nick then says, “If Gene and Heath should return you do what you have to, to keep them here.”
“I’ll do that,” Uncle Jim vows while Jarrod, Nick, Jim Jr and Bill go out the door and he remains behind with Audra.
As Audra looks worried, “It’s going to be okay honey,” Uncle Jim assures her as he gives her a tight hug.
As they make their way to the gate, Ray is already there with the horses saddled for each of them.
“They didn’t take any horses,” Ray informs them.
“What do you mean,” Nick asks, “They didn’t take any horses?”
“The horses are all still in their stalls,” Ray mentions, “Except for these. They must’ve gone by foot.”
“That would make sense,” Bill states, “Seeing their footprints are here and if you look there,” showing them, “These must be Heath’s.”
“Let’s get started then,” Nick says and as they each mount up they start following the direction that the footprints lead them in.
Minutes later they start feeling raindrops and as Nick says, “Damn,” Bill mumbles, “It picked a great time for this.”
“Let’s just keep going,” Jarrod mentions and as they reach the end of Union and Powell, “They must be heading in the direction of the piers,” Bill notes.
“That would be my guess,” Ray replies, “And seeing Kyle knows where he is going Billy and Gene would be following whatever direction he is leading them in.”
“And Heath,” Jim Jr says, “Would be following the direction they are going in.”
“That would be my assumption,” Ray states, “And how about if we split up?”
“Just what I was thinking” Jarrod suggests “And Ray, seeing you and I are the only ones here that know the area how about if you, Bill and Jim go down Union while Nick and I head down Powell. We’ll meet down by the piers.”
“Good idea,” Ray says and as they split up Nick and Jarrod head down Powell while Bill and Jim go with Ray down Union.
As Bill and Jim Jr are riding alongside of Ray, Bill baffled asks, “Your son Billy doesn’t know the area?”
“He knows it,” Ray states, “But he doesn’t go out at this hour of the night and I don’t allow my children to be going anywhere near the piers.”
“I don’t blame you,” Bill says, “The first night I ventured out I got clobbered, but that is how I met up with Kyle and the other children. They rescued me.”
“Rescued you?” Jim Jr asks.
“Yes,” Bill replies, “They took me to their hide out.”
“Do you think they could’ve gone there?” Jim Jr. asks.
“Not sure,” Bill says, “I think they went looking for Mrs. Barkley. I mean if she was taken someplace near there then maybe. We could always go towards where their hide out is and if they are not there we could continue on.”
“I agree,” Ray replies and as they continue on they keep on Union.
As the boys follow Kyle they are led to Broadway, from there they make their way over the Embarcadero Strip to where they come to the entrance of Pier 9.
As they are hiding in some long overgrowth and weeds keeping them from being noticed from the main strip, “Is this the pier?” Billy asks surprised.
“One of them,” Neil mentions.
“And if you look further down,” Todd says, “You could see there are more, plenty more of them.”
“I do,” Gene asks, “How far do they go exactly? They look like they could go on forever.”
“Quite far,” Todd mentions, “We can’t see all of them from here and they extend from both ends of the strip.”
As they look on they see the various activities occurring, such as various people in various conversations.
Catching sight of two men coming in their direction, “Stay down,” Kyle orders “Don’t make a sound,” and as they remain completely still they watch as the two men continue on their way moving through a cleared field that emerges with tall grass and vegetation.
Running the back of his arm across his forehead “Whew” Todd says “That was close.”
Once they are out of ear reach, “Why did we do that?” Gene asks.
“We don’t want anyone to find out that we are in here,” Kyle says, “Being here could be very dangerous.”
“You don’t trust them?” Gene asks.
“Right now,” Kyle mentions, “Here and now you can’t trust anybody out here. The only ones you have to trust and rely on are us. Take my word for it.”
“Okay,” Gene answers.
“Never before,” Billy replies, “Have I seen the likes.”
“Is that the ocean?” Gene asks, as he observes a couple boats pulling into the wharfs, while seeing some men either standing around or walking away.
“It is,” Kyle mentions, “That is the Pacific Ocean; that is where the ships come in and take the men on board to the other side of the world.”
“I can’t get over it,” Gene brings up.
“What’s that Gene?” Neil asks.
“All these people out here like this,” Gene states, “It’s past our bedtime and yet these piers and those wharfs have so many people coming and going. I even noticed a few shops opened. Where I come from, most everyone is in bed at this hour.”
“They do that,” Kyle says, “So that they are less noticeable to the main residents of the city. While most of the city sleeps they go about their business.”
“And what business is that?” Gene asks.
“Do you see those men there?” Kyle mentions referring to a ship that has men coming out of it as a wagon is pulling up meeting them.
“We see them,” Billy announces.
“What are they doing?” Gene wanted to know as he observes twelve men being directed from a wagon and going on board the ship with men talking to the deliverers who are either holding batons or rifles and after they finish talking and walking away notice the men doing the direct talking going back on board.
“They are what is called crimps,” Kyle explains.
“Crimps?” Gene mimics.
“I forgot,” Kyle says, “You probably don’t know what a crimp is.”
Shaking his head “Not really” Gene states.
“I don’t know what one is either,” Billy says, “What is a crimp?”
“Crimps are what are hired to bring the men to these ships,” Kyle explains, “You see the ones talking,” pointing, “Are the captains, the men going on board are being what is called shanghaied, they are going to be leaving port and going to work for that ship there. The men doing the talking paid the crimps, who in turn pay the runners for delivering them to the captains.”
“You mean,” Billy asks, “Men get paid to turn over other men to these ship captains?”
“They do,” Kyle mentions, “Crimps look for poor suckers that they think would make a great shipmate and until a ship that they are hired out come for them, they place the captured men in what is called a holding area, sometimes, they are held in cellars, or rooms below the saloons.”
“And,” Todd adds, “If you notice those batons in their hands, they are for the men in case any of them try to get out of hand or think about leaving.”
“You mean,” Billy asks, “They beat them?”
“Yes,” Todd replies, “If they don’t cooperate.”
“That is what my brothers had plans on coming here for,” Gene mentions.
“What’s that?” Kyle asks.
“Before my mother got kidnapped,” Gene says, “Ed and Bill came here with her to find out what was going on. When my brothers finished with what they were doing up in Echo Lake they were planning on making a trip down here. They have plans on stopping a lot of what is occurring.”
“That is what we are here for too,” Todd tells him.
“What you mean?” Billy asks.
“When a ship called the Grizzly Bear comes in,” Todd mentions, “We are planning to go on board it and rescue our father from there. To do that we will have to create a little diversion or chaos to do that.”
“Your father,” Billy asks, “Was shanghaied?” as he looks over at Kyle.
“He was,” Kyle answers.
“Is that what you have in mind” Gene asks “To do with those weapons we saw in your shed?”
“Yes” Kyle replies “But for now, let’s concentrate and help you with rescuing your mother. Right now we can’t do anything for those poor souls going on board, the timing is all wrong, too many people (around) watching. We have to bide our time.”
Part 404
“Do you know which way they would’ve gone,” Gene asks.
“Listening to Ed and Bill,” Kyle mentions, “They mentioned a number of streets they went down when they first arrived; that means someone on one of them saw them and must’ve knew something about your family and your brother. They also must’ve known how to find your brother’s ranch and went in and took your mother from there.”
“But how do you know which one,” Gene says, “I mean you must know the area quite well to pinpoint the exact location.”
“I do know the area,” Kyle informs him, “But as to pinpointing the exact location not really. I could only give you a rough estimate.”
“And,” Neil mentions, “Todd and I already went down a couple streets already so we could eliminate those streets from our search.”
“Let’s start with,” Kyle suggests, “Going back down Broadway and then heading left towards Fremont and see what we come out with. If we don’t come out with anything, we’ll move down to the next street of Battery and Pacific, and we will continue on until we’ve either find her or we’ve checked out all these areas for the possibility of having her.”
“How do you know if we are going the right direction?” Billy asks.
“We won’t exactly,” Todd mentions.
“Because,” Kyle says, “Everything points to her being someplace around pier 9; all these streets come out to pier 9 so therefore one of them must be where they have her. When we go down these streets we will look through the back of their businesses.”
“Why?” Gene asks.
“Because” Kyle mentions “That is probably where they have her in one of the back rooms in the back of their establishments they are called. If we’re wrong and she is not there we will move down to the next street and the next until we come up onto something. Something is bound to give. Now, let’s get started, if we continue staying here we won’t be getting anywhere and also by staying here gives us more chances of being noticed by someone coming by and we don’t want that.”
“No,” Gene and Billy respond, “We sure don’t.”
“Then” Kyle says “Let’s get going” and with that they begin moving away from their hidden spot and slowly as they are keeping themselves shielded they proceed on down Broadway.
As they exit the hidden area Heath who has been keeping up with them comes up to there and as he looks over at the edge of Pier 9 he observes the men being sent on board the ship as well as the transaction being made from one man to the other.
Shaking his head in disbelief and realizing that his fate would’ve gone in that direction if things didn’t turn out the way they did when he met up with Warren he looks up at the sky and upon closing his eyes says, “Thank you,” and then quietly goes to catch up after the boys going down Broadway.
Reaching the end of Union and Davis, Bill leads Jim Jr and Ray to the hide out by traveling through the undergrowth and the long weeds, “This was the cabin they were staying at,” he announces.
And as they go inside they find it completely empty, “No one’s here,” Jim Jr notes.
“True,” Bill replies, “Let’s make our way to the pier; maybe there we’ll see something.”
And leaving the uninhabited cabin the three of them continue down the street which leads them to the pier.
6/3/11
3 am
Staying off the main streets the boys travel through the wooded areas while at the same time keeping themselves as low as possible to keep from being spotted.
Reaching the end of Market Street they take a left onto First and quietly Kyle has Todd, Neil and Billy going down one side of the street while he and Gene start looking on the other.
As Jarrod and Nick continue going down Powell when they reach the corner of Powell and Vallejo they take a left onto Vallejo and keep going down it passing by streets of Stockton and Grant Avenue which they notice to be rather quiet nothing out of the ordinary.
Heath still following without being noticed looks around carefully before he continues on.
Going in the back of the buildings Todd, Neil and Billy carefully and cautiously look behind the various boarding homes that are there, a saloon called Mac’s Halfway House, a tailor shop called Anderson and Bell and as they quietly go from business to business they don’t find anything out of the ordinary. When they reach the third establishment that is called Rose is still a Rose, they peer inside and as they catch sight of twenty men sleeping on the floor mattress in one area, “Are they being held?” Billy asks.
“They are,” Neil answers.
“We can’t do anything for them?” Billy wanted to know.
“Not right now,” Todd answers, “If we were to try to rescue them they’d come after us.”
“But you helped Bill,” Billy reminds them.
“Helping him was a little different,” Todd mentions.
“How?” Billy asks.
“He wasn’t in one of these buildings for one,” Todd answers, “He also was at the wrong place and right place at the right time.”
“How’s that?” Billy asks.
“From what we learned from him,” Todd says, “When he first arrived he came out by himself and sort of went snooping about.”
“Kind of like what were doing,” Billy mentions.
“Sort of,” Neil admits.
“Yes,” Todd answers, “But while he was snooping someone saw him and had plans on dumping his body into the water. While Neil and I were out on watch we stumbled across the men taking his body to the ocean.”
“Lucky for him we were there and managed to spot them with what they had in mind” Neil adds.
“So,” Todd continues, “Helping and rescuing Bill was a lot easier for us to do then it would be to rescue those men right now and at this hour of the night.”
“Perhaps,” Neil suggests, “We could tell your father and Gene’s brothers’ see if there is something they could do.”
“Otherwise,” Todd says, “We’ll just have to wait. Maybe if Gene’s brothers or your father could do something about all this then maybe we could come back here for them before they are to be taken. But that depends on if the ship they will be going on arrives before then or not. If so, then there isn’t much we could do for them at this time. The men are much bigger than we are and there are way more of them than us.”
“I hope so,” Billy says.
“So do we,” Todd replies, “But for now we need to keep going, let’s go find Mrs. Barkley,” and with that they ignore what they see and continue on to look for Mrs. Barkley.
As Kyle and Gene proceed down the other side of the street staying hidden using the darkness as well as the sides of the buildings keeping them shielded “Gene” Kyle tells him “You better get your gun ready.”
“Why?” Gene asks.
“Trouble could be coming,” Kyle mentions, “And you have to be ready.”
“Kyle,” Gene tells him, “I have never shot a gun before.”
“What do you mean you never shot a gun before?” Kyle asks surprised.
“Just what I said,” Gene mentions, “I haven’t learned how to shoot one yet. I’ve been waiting to learn but I haven’t been shown yet. My brothers are waiting for my birthday to come up before I am to learn how.”
“That’s great, Gene,” Kyle says disgusted, “Just great! Why didn’t you tell me this sooner?”
“Well,” Gene replies, “I guess the opportunity never came up before and as you were so set on helping with finding my mother I didn’t know how to tell you that. I’m sorry!”
Exhaling heavily, “I guess it’s too late for you to turn back now and I don’t have time to walk you back,” Kyle says, “So the best solution for you for right now is if trouble does come you better be ready to either duck or run, got it?”
Nodding his head, “Got it,” he answers.
“Okay,” Kyle says, “Let’s continue on,” and as they resume their walking they pass by a few homes that are there and start going in the back alleyway.
As Jarrod and Nick continue going down Green followed by Sansome and then Battery, “No sign of them anywhere,” Nick says and as the streets are somewhat quiet, “This is getting to be monotonous.”
“Something will give,” Jarrod informs him.
Nick asks, “What time is it?”
Looking at his pocket watch, “A little past 4 a.m.,” Jarrod answers.
“Four a.m.,” Nick grumbles, “I’m going to break those two boys’ necks for doing this.”
“That is some of why Gene did it,” Jarrod informs him.
“What’s that?” Nick asks.
“You keep getting angry at him,” Jarrod says, “You keep finding reasons to snap at him. As it was said, he is also always being left out of everything, quote unquote. If you stopped harping on him and if you stopped taking all your anger and frustration out on him then, maybe he wouldn’t have done this and right now the only thing on his mind is finding Mother that is some of the reason why he went on board the train. He wasn’t thinking too clearly and as for Heath, he was just being the big brother that you are not being at the moment. He saw him leaving and instead of waking us up and telling us he just went out on his own after him. ”
Jarrod then brings up, “I think once we find Mother and get back to Stockton what you and Gene need to do is find a way to clear the air, you getting to know him and stop treating him like he doesn’t exist or using him as your scapegoat.”
“How?” Nick asks.
“I don’t know,” Jarrod replies, “But it’s something the two of you do need to be doing. Right now let’s concentrate on finding them and after everything has calmed down you could decide on how you want to proceed.”
“Very well,” Nick says and they go resuming their search for them.
Reaching Sansome and Jackson they take a left onto Jackson followed by a right when they reach the corner of Battery and Jackson.
Reaching the corner of Davis and Front Bill, Ray and Jim Jr take a left onto Front and continue on down Front passing by the intersections of Vallejo, Broadway and Pacific along the way.
Shortly thereafter arriving on the waterfront Jim Jr, Bill and Ray catch sight of the various activities occurring at that hour of the night. They notice fishermen loading their fish into wagons, others checking them out, near a corner of one of the buildings they catch sight of a couple policemen talking amongst themselves but not getting involved with anything near the wharfs.
Missionary
While everyone including Victoria has fallen asleep Terry is still working on the bar of the window and quietly is getting the second bar to come out of its embedded position.
4:30 am
As it reaches 4:30 am the men each begin waking up from their heavy sleep and after getting dressed head for the kitchen where they find Sherry Denton and her daughter Diane greeting them while making breakfast for them which consists of flapjacks, sausage, coffee, and fresh fruit.
Graciously lining up and taking their plates as they are handed to them they go out into the big room and start eating.
Reaching the corner of First and Mission Street the boys meet up with Kyle asking, “Anything?”
“Not in the way of Mrs. Barkley,” Todd answers.
“We did see some men asleep in the cellar of one of the establishments,” Billy notes.
“Let’s try the next street,” Kyle insists and quietly staying together they move onto the next street of Mission.
As the boys move onto Mission once again using the vegetation and the tall grass to keep themselves from being noticed catch sight of the Parker House Saloon with the theatre above it, “Have you ever been inside there?” Gene asks.
“A few times,” Todd answers.
Arriving at the corner of Pine and Market Street, “Listen,” Nick says.
“I hear it,” Jarrod turning his head slightly, “It’s coming from that place there,” pointing to a saloon called Toby’s Jug, “Let’s keep going,” and then continues moving on down the street.
Back at the Dentons’ Ranch
As the men are finishing their breakfast Uncle Jim walks in.
Upon exchanging goodmornings, “Where’s Nick?” Vinnie wanted to know.
“Something’s come up” Uncle Jim mentions “So he couldn’t be here this morning. Some of you may run into him while you’re out searching for Mrs. Barkley. But in the meantime, you need to be heading out. Are you all ready?”
Getting up out of their seats, “Ready as we’ll ever be,” Barrett announces.
“I have two horses saddled outside,” Uncle Jim glancing over at Jim and Johnny asks, “Have you decided which one of you will be doing the delivery?”
“Seeing Johnny is the better tracker” Jim replies “I will be making the delivery.”
“Very well” Uncle Jim then says “Before you go, I suggest you all take a moment to study this map here” tacking it to the wall nearest them “Seeing you don’t know the city and neither do I, it’ll be wise for you to get an idea of where you’re headed once you go out this door.”
As the men each take turns studying the various street names “Jim” Uncle Jim then says “Seeing you’re doing the delivering” handing him the duffle bag “Here! Take good care of it.”
Taking it from him “I will,” Jim vows.
“Also” handing them both a piece of paper “Here are the instructions of where you need to go. I made a second copy of it so that each of you has one. Be sure to look for a place called the Chinese Fortune Cookie. Once there, you should learn where you go from there.”
“Understood,” Johnny and Jim answer simultaneously; as they are both reading the instructions they look at the map to see where Columbia and Broadway are in reference to where they are at now.
“One more thing before you go” Uncle Jim insists, “I think it’s a good idea if we recapped the mission. Remember, your ultimate goal is to find Mrs. Barkley, but don’t forget to be watching your backs and remaining in pairs at the same time. Stay as close to Pier 9 as possible and stop what ever you’re doing every 3 hours and return here. If Mrs. Barkley should be found prior to the two of you” looking at Jim and Johnny “Are to receive word, we will make sure someone comes out to inform you. We assure you that you won’t be left in the dark.”
“We’ll be alright,” Jim answers.
“I’m sure you will be,” Uncle Jim then asks, “Any questions?”
“No,” comes from Austin, “I think you covered everything.”
“I think we have it all,” Johnny joins in with.
“Very well,” extending his hand out, “Good luck,” Uncle Jim says to each of the men as they begin exiting the cabin.
Stepping outside Jim asks of Johnny, “You ready?” as he is securing the bag onto the back of his saddle.
“Just about,” Johnny answers as Jim is checking out his rifle, “Are you?”
“Ready as I’ll ever be,” Jim announces as he places his gun back in the scabbard.
“You fellas be careful” Willard tells them.
“The same goes for you,” Jim says as he mounts up, “I will start out. Give me about a five minute head start then follow along.”
As he looks over the instructions again, “Go ahead,” Johnny announces and watches as he heads out.
“We better be going ourselves,” Browne announces, “See you when we get back,” to Johnny as he and the others begin exiting the ranch.
Five minutes later, Johnny mounts up and then heads out.
After reaching the end of the road the men all separate into the pairs they were selected to travel with and head for the streets they were given.
Traveling in pairs and going past Mason Street, Browne and Willard being the first to catch sight of the local livery manages to borrow two horses and after paying the attendant mount up and head for Stockton Street.
Minutes later, Barrett and Spot followed by Jack and Vinnie catching sight of the livery manage also borrow horses and after paying the attendant mount up and head out towards Stockton Street.
As each of the other men stop at the local livery they find themselves coming up empty handed when they are told there aren’t anymore horses available and are encouraged to try another livery which they are told is on Pacific Avenue. After being given directions they manage to find the place which is called Mac’s Livery Stable and borrow horses from there.
Coming up onto Davis and Market, “Do you hear something?” Jim Jr asks.
“Yes,” Bill replies.
“It’s coming from Mission Street,” Ray announces.
“Let’s check it out,” Jim Jr suggests.
And while they go to follow the sound that they hear the boys continue traveling down the street of Mission passing by the Parker House Saloon.
tbc
