Post by sandymarek on Nov 13, 2013 7:14:05 GMT -4
Part 441
“I’ll have my men,” Nick says, “Ready to assist on that. Once we figure out how the best way to do that we will send the men in and have them placed on board the train and ready to go.”
“I do have one suggestion,” comes from Heath.
“What’s that?” Nick asks.
“Perhaps using the gunpowder they have in the hideout,” Heath answers.
“What would we use it with or on?” Nick asks.
“Not sure,” Heath replies, “It was just an idea.”
“It’s a good idea,” Nick says, “But we need to figure out what we could do with it and if it will be a good distraction or not.”
“Without,” Victoria adds, “Harming a lot of innocent people.”
“We do,” Jim Jr brings up, “Have to think of something that steers the crowd away from us while we’re in the process of moving those men.”
“I have an idea,” comes from Melanie.
“What’s that?” Victoria asks.
“Maybe move the men,” Melanie suggests, “One or two at a time.”
“Not a bad idea,” Jack says, “But we still need to create some kind of distraction so that we aren’t seen putting them on board.”
“Plus” Ed adds “It’s an awful long walk to the train station while assuring everyone’s safety.”
“It is,” Jarrod answers, “But I could take care of moving them. I know the area and know how to get them there without too much attention.”
“I’ll give you a hand,” Ray offers.
“The men,” Nick says, “Who will be accompanying them back to Echo Lake will also be on hand to assure they get there.”
“We still,” Sherry reiterates, “Have to work on the distraction of how to pull it off without being seen or causing too much attention.”
“The key,” Bill brings up, “Is what to use as a way of the distraction? I don’t think using the gunpowder will be an ideal solution.”
“Maybe,” Noah mentions, “Doing a parade.”
“How is a parade going to help?” Victoria asks.
“I don’t know” Noah shrugging replies “I just thought it may be a good distraction.”
“Palm Sunday,” Sue Ann mentions, “Just came up.”
“And?” Victoria says.
“Speaking of Palm Sunday” Audra brings up “You missed the mass that just came up.”
“Couldn’t be helped dear,” Victoria mentions.
“It’s okay,” Audra smiles, “You’re here now that’s what counts.”
“We did” Gene brings up “Manage to get you some palms. They’re back at the house.”
“Thank you,” Victoria then turning her attention to Sue Ann reiterates, “What were you going to say regarding Palm Sunday Sue Ann?”
“I was just thinking,” Sue Ann reiterates, “That maybe we could do something like act out Palm Sunday tomorrow to use as an idea for the distraction. We could gather and spread leaves on the ground before the people.”
“Perhaps,” Penny says, “Maybe we could roll out some kind of red carpet along the way as we are spreading the leaves onto the ground.”
“That would definitely” Bill brings up “Distract the crowds. They will probably be so baffled by what you are doing and would more than likely want to know what is going on.”
“Precisely,” Sue Ann replies, “Doing something that they would least expect.”
“You are on the right track I must admit” Victoria says “Doing something out of the ordinary.”
“Easter is coming up” Audra announces “Maybe we could do an Easter type of parade.”
“Now that is a thought,” Vernon says.
“I could accompany the parade,” The governor acknowledges, “And then when it finishes I could make a speech.”
“And while you’re making the speech,” Victoria says, “The men could be moved.”
“Exactly,” the governor replies.
“I,” Benton suggests, “Could inform the townspeople about the parade coming down the street.”
“I could play,” Dean suggests, “A bagpipe, maybe perform a couple numbers as the parade goes down the street.”
“I know” Paul announces “How to play a drum, maybe we could work on some kind of coordination in the morning and then come and join the parade.”
“We could,” Kimmy mentions, “Wave to the people.”
“Not a bad idea,” Victoria says.
“Not a bad idea at all,” comes from Sherry.
“I could also try gathering up a few more participants” Governor Haight offers “To attend.”
“We have a few noise making items in the attic,” Diane brings up mentions, “Mother, do you think we could use those?”
“We could,” Sherry replies “When we get back to the house I will get them out.”
“What time,” Jack asks, “Would the parade take place?”
“I,” Benton joins in with, “Think if I passed the word along we should be getting the crowd assembled around 9:30 or so and as soon as they are and the foghorn is sounded that could be the first indication that the parade is starting and it’s time to start moving the men.”
“Good idea,” Jarrod replies.
“Want some help,” Alan offers, “With passing the word along?”
“If it won’t inconvenience you too much” Benton retorts “That would be a huge help.”
“Everything seems to be coming together,” Uncle Jim mentions.
“It is,” Victoria replies, “How about if we go over it one more time and make sure we are all on the same page with everything?”
Jarrod says “Agreed. Heath” glancing over at him “Would you care to do the honors?”
“I would,” Heath replies.
“Go ahead,” Jarrod tells him.
“First” Heath says “Mr. Jenkins will be operating the Missionary along with Paul, Ferdinand and Dean assisting him, Uncle Jim will be running the Wards’ House with Bill until the ladies arrive, Nick and I along with some of the men will be operating Alfredo’s and as soon as the police and the governor clear out the Parker House, Ed will be running that with the help of Vernon and Terry. Jarrod, Jim, Jack and Mr. Denton will be visiting each of the businesses and pass along any information they come up on.”
“So far,” Jarrod comments, “So good.”
“In the morning” Heath continues “You (Jarrod) will be getting the private car attached to the train that will be heading back to Echo Lake in the afternoon. Once that is done and the parade is beginning you will then work on moving the men that need to get on board with the help of the men and Mr. Denton. The fog horn will be used to distract the crowds’ attention.”
“Very good,” Jarrod replies.
“How long will the parade be lasting?” Kyle asks.
“Not certain,” Jarrod replies.
“How about if we try stretching it for at least an hour,” Ed suggests, “So it gives us time to get all the men moved from where they are being held to the train?”
“Between the parade” The Governor says “And my speech I think we could get it to run an hour or so.”
“Good idea,” Victoria replies.
“Have we left anything out?” Uncle Jim wanted to know.
“I have a question,” Gene brings up.
“What’s the question?” Uncle Jim asks.
“How is the parade going to proceed?” Gene inquires.
“What do you mean?” Uncle Jim asks.
“I mean where will it start from,” Gene brings up, “And how are you going to have it travel so that Jarrod could move the men to the train car without being noticed too much?”
“Good question,” Victoria replies.
Showing them on the map they have before them “We could” The governor says “Have it start at Nob’s Hill then have it travel down Sacramento Street, that way we could have the people’s attention turned away from the direction of the train station and we could have it continue until it reaches and empties out at the pier.”
“That should work,” Ray answers.
“Indeed it should,” Jarrod says.
“And” Nick adds “I’ll make sure my men will be there to be certain no trouble arises.”
“I’ll have mine,” John joins in with, “Doing the same.”
“Okay,” Uncle Jim says, “What’s next?”
“I have a question,” Billy replies.
“What’s that?” Uncle Jim asks.
“I know” Billy brings up “You’re emptying out the Parker House and I know you’re going to be running the three other businesses but, what is the purpose of doing that?”
“How about,” Ray insists “We finish up here and when we get back to the house we could discuss it more?”
Nodding his head, “Alright,” Billy answers.
“Is there anything else?” Jarrod asks, “Or is that it?”
“I just thought of something,” Ferdinand says.
“What’s that?” Jarrod asks.
“What if something changes the plans that are being set up?” Ferdinand inquires.
“Then” Nick quickly says “If that should happen, if we do have to change any of our plans we will quickly have to improvise and just go with it. Right now what we came up with is the best plan to follow.”
“I agree,” Jack replies.
Jarrod asks “Anything else?”
“I don’t think so,” Ray answers, “I think that is it.”
“Not quite,” Heath brings up.
“What else is there?” Jarrod inquires.
“Arm bands,” Audra calls out.
With his brow narrowed “Arm bands?” Nick asks.
Replying “Yes” Audra, as well as the other children, Victoria and Sherry all go into the full details about the arm bands being made for Saturday night’s fight on the Grizzly Bear.
Once they’ve finished, “Not a bad idea,” Jarrod answers.
“It’s rather a clever,” Uncle Jim says, “Idea.”
“The children,” Victoria mentions, “Thought it up.”
“In the morning,” Sherry says, “We will have to go into town and purchase material that we will need to use to make them.”
“We’ll also have to work on them,” Victoria adds, “And it may keep us busy until Saturday. We have to be certain we have enough for all those participating.”
“We’re going to need” Sherry brings up “A lot of material to prepare them with not to mention how many.”
“We do,” Audra mentions, “Have 3 and a half days to get them ready.”
“True,” Sherry replies.
“Maybe,” Jim Sr suggests, “When the women come they could help.”
“That would be a big help,” Victoria admits.
“Yes,” Sherry adds, “It certainly would.”
“Maybe” Diane suggests “While working at the boarding houses they could do that in between.”
“Good idea,” Victoria replies, “And on the way to town we could stop by and bring each of you breakfast.”
“That would be a big help,” Ed says.
“Anything else,” Jarrod asks, “Or are we finished?”
“Before you go,” Alan brings up, “And start running those businesses you may want to be informed about some of the local merchants that may pop up either in person or by someone mentioning them by name.”
“What,” Ed asks, “You mean like the Shanghai Chicken?”
“Or Miss Piggott,” Bill brings up, “Mother Bronson?”
“You’ve heard of them?” Alan asks.
“We have a little information on them” Ed says “That we learned before coming here.”
“We started,” Bill mentions, “Looking for some of them just before I went out on my own and got clobbered.”
“I have a suggestion,” Sarah comes out with.
“What’s that?” Victoria asks.
“Some of you,” Sarah mentions, “Don’t know too much about the piers and seeing we are only concerned with Pier 9, maybe we could do something unexpectedly again and somehow paint from where Pier 9 starts and meets up with The Embarcadero and where it ends so that you know what you are dealing with.”
“If you go too far to the west or east of it,” Sue Ann notes, “You could find yourself in the water.”
“And” Victoria says “We certainly don’t want that. What kind of color do you recommend?”
“Not sure,” Sarah replies, “Maybe red.”
“How about red, white and blue?” Melanie suggests.
“Patriotic colors,” Sherry notes.
“That they are,” Victoria admits.
“I like the idea of red, white and blue,” Audra says.
“So do I,” Diane admits.
“We’ll go with the red, white and blue then” Victoria then asks “How many cans would you need?”
“Not sure” Sarah admits “Enough to cover both sides. We could start with 2 cans of each color and if we think we need more we could always get them at the store.”
“We’ll get them in the morning,” Victoria informs her, “While we’re in town retrieving the material for the arm bands.”
“Maybe we could also” Sherry suggests “Get some red, white and blue banners and display them around the various front entrances of the buildings that oversee the pier.”
“Maybe,” Bill suggests, “We could get a few more and distribute them around where we will be holding the parade.”
“Not a bad idea on that either” Ray notes.
“We’ll look into doing that tomorrow as well,” Victoria replies.
“Is that everything now?” Jarrod asks.
“I believe so” Heath replies “Can’t think of anything else that we may have left out.”
“If any trouble,” Nick says, “Should arise at any given moment, we will act and deal with it when it does.”
“But the idea” Victoria brings up “Is to try to avoid as much blood shed as possible.”
“True” Nick says “In the morning we could work on taking turns in returning to the house to change and exchange any information that we come up on.”
“Very good,” Jarrod replies.
Part 442
“Wait!” comes from Todd.
“What is it?” Nick asks.
“What about Saturday night?” Todd brings up.
“And,” Billy adds, “What about swapping of the prisoners?”
“We will hold off on all that until Friday,” Nick says.
“I have to agree with Nick,” Jarrod replies, “Let’s start opening the businesses and find out what kind of clientele we will be dealing with first.”
“What about the arm bands,” Neil asks.
“What about them?” Victoria inquires.
“Once they are made,” Neil says, “How are you going to give them out?”
“Let’s work on making them first,” Victoria insists, “And then after we have a good amount finished we could work on how to distribute them.”
“Good idea,” Uncle Jim says, “And for right now everything we just discussed must not leave this house.”
“Agreed,” Victoria replies.
“And it won’t,” the governor acknowledges, “You have my word on that.”
“You have my word on that too,” The commissioner adds.
“So” clapping his hands together “If we are finished here” Nick says “Let’s get moving.”
“I think we are,” Jarrod notes, “Let’s begin putting these ideas into motion and then as soon as something comes up we will decide how and when to act.”
“Right,” Nick then says, “Heath,” looking over at him, “You’re with me.”
“I am,” Heath replies.
As the meeting breaks up Commissioner Gordon says to Jarrod, “How about if you give me an hour to gather up the men needed to clear out the Parker House?”
“That will be fine, Commissioner,” Jarrod replies, “It’ll give me ample time to do a little scouting about.”
“It’ll also give us time,” Uncle Jim brings up, “To get settled in so we could be on hand to assist.”
As the Commissioner Gordon and his son head outside “Oh John” Nick quickly then says “How about if Heath and I meet you up at the cabin, we still have to go over a couple of things yet?”
Replying “No problem,” John starts going out the door.
“Jarrod,” Nick says, “Would you care to join us?”
“I would yes,” Jarrod replies, “Jim, Jack, how about if you head over with Ed and Bill and I’ll catch up to you shortly.”
“Don’t,” Ed says, “Be walking the streets alone!”
“He won’t!” Nick answers, “We’ll make certain he arrives there safely.”
“And we’ll be certain,” Jim Jr replies, “That he gets back home safely.”
While they continue on out the door, “Ray,” Jarrod says, “I’ll see you in the morning.”
Exchanging warm handshakes “I’ll meet you here” Ray tells him “Be careful out there.”
“You too,” Jarrod says.
As he heads out the door, Kyle slaps Sarah’s arm gently and says “Let’s go out” and as the other children follow them out “Gene, Audra” Victoria calls out “Where you going?”
“Outside,” Audra replies.
“Don’t stay out too long,” Victoria says, “It’s getting late.”
“We won’t,” Gene responds.
And while they continue on out the door, “Let’s go upstairs to my room,” Jarrod insists and with that Heath and Nick follow him up the stairs.
Standing outside for a minute or two, “We have a lot of work ahead of us,” the commissioner announces.
“Yes we do,” The governor acknowledges, “But its long and over due.”
“True,” the Commissioner replies, “But at least now we are doing something about it.”
“Thanks to the Barkleys,” The governor says, “For getting it started.”
“Agreed,” the Commissioner replies, “See you in the morning.”
“Good luck,” the governor tells him.
“Same to you,” the commissioner says as they go their separate ways.
10/2/13
Upstairs in Jarrod’s Bedroom
As Jarrod, Nick and Heath who has his notepad and pen in hand walk into the bedroom and once the door is closed and they each take a seat Nick says, “Let’s get started.”
“Before we get started,” Heath brings up, “I do have a question.”
“What is it?” Nick asks.
“Downstairs,” Heath says, “You were too easy; you didn’t give me any…”
“Argument?” Nick finishing the sentence for him mentions.
“Yes,” Heath replies, “Why were you so…accommodating?”
“Several reasons,” Nick says.
Heath asks, “Such as?”
“First” Nick explains “We are in a hurry so we really don’t have that much time to debate or argue the situation. Secondly, when we have differences, I rather we not discuss them in front of others/outsiders if we don’t have to. Thirdly, you may not realize it or not, but you have a stubborn streak inside of you Heath and if I told you no, you would still find a way of doing it anyway so I rather we be together on this while at the same time keeping my eye on you better.”
“You don’t have to keep your eye on me,” Heath tells him, “I could handle myself alright.”
“Most of the time I would agree,” Nick says, “However this is a big city and right now we are in enemy territory so we have to be extremely careful of everyone and everything we come in contact with and being separated or if something should go wrong with our plans here I don’t want to lose anybody or have to go searching for you, you understand?”
“I do,” Heath answers, “But I am a big boy.”
“You are” Nick says “But you’re also supposed to be resting. And with everyone being so busy it’s going to be hard to let you rest, and I don’t want to have to worry about you and wonder what is going on at the house, so by your being with me at Alfredo’s I could do both. Keep my eye on you while you rest and take care of any potential customers or clients that should come in the doorway.”
“I’d have to agree with Nick” Jarrod joins in with “For right now, it’s going to be crazy rather hectic for the next few days and so its going to be very difficult to monitor everything that will be happening so by your helping with operating Alfredo’s is a good way for you to be doing both: resting and helping out, alright?”
Reluctantly, “I guess,” Heath answers.
“Now,” Nick says, “How about we get back to why we came up here?”
“Agreed,” Jarrod replies, “Oh before we continue, I need to mention that all of what is about to take place is because of us you know.”
“It is,” Nick answers, “But if the police commissioner not to mention the governor did what he was elected to do long before now it would not have came to this.”
“True,” Jarrod says, “However right now this is neither the time nor the place to discuss what should or shouldn’t have been done, right now we are all in this together and we do have to see it come to an end.”
“That much I do know” Nick replies “So” taking a deep breath and exhaling heavily “How about we discuss which of the men are to go where and then get going.”
“Agreed,” Heath says.
“How about we start with,” Jarrod brings up, “Which of the men should be going with the marshal and Sheriff when they come?”
“I,” Nick mentions, “Already have Davy, Chad, Sam, Austin, Oscar and Chris coming with us to Alfredo’s. They will help us with operating it.”
As Heath writes them down on his notepad, “Okay” he then suggests “Then I think we should have Jim and Johnny going back with the marshal and Warren to Echo Valley.”
“What made you choose them?” Nick asks.
“They are the two best trackers you have,” Heath brings up, “And seeing they have a long trip up to the Wheelers’ ranch they might need their know how to get there, just in case they take any wrong turns or if any of the men being brought up there should give them any hard time or try to escape or anything along the way. They will need men who know how to find their way back etc.”
“Good thinking” Nick says “And seeing John has already said he would send a couple of his men along, I could ask him if he wouldn’t mind having Billy going along with them.”
“Because,” Heath asks, “He’s Jim’s brother?”
“Exactly,” Nick says, “I think it would be best if they work with someone they know they could trust and rely on and seeing they are brothers I think they will watch each other’s backs more closely.”
“Good thinking,” Heath replies.
“I think so too,” Jarrod adds.
“Then,” Nick says, “We are in agreement on them?”
“Yes,” comes from both Jarrod and Heath simultaneously.
“And seeing they have been chosen” Nick brings up “They will be the ones who will assist with making certain those men get on board the train.”
“Good idea,” Jarrod replies.
As Heath is writing their names down in his notepad to go with the marshal and sheriff when they come “Who’s next?” Nick asks.
“Who will be helping Uncle Jim” Heath brings up “With operating the Wards’ House?”
“I think,” Jarrod suggests, “That job should go to Willard and Barrett.”
“And seeing you are keeping the pairs together” Heath brings up “How about Spot and Browne also helping with that?”
“Just what I was thinking,” Nick says, “And so once we finish here I will have them reporting to Uncle Jim and Bill, what’s next?”
“Deciding which of the men” Heath brings up “Will be nearby when the parade is about to start and which of them will be patrolling the various streets leading to the pier and each of the businesses.”
“All the men,” Nick mentions, “Will be on hand to assist with the parade once it’s about to start. They will also be on hand to assist with moving the men to the train car, as well.”
“Until the parade is starting” Heath notes “And soon afterwards, I figured that since you are keeping the pairs together, maybe Vinnie and Jack could do Hyde and Union, Mike and Hank could do Powell and Union.”
As Heath is writing them down on his notepad “Good idea” Nick says “And we could have Pete and Alan doing Freemont and Mission.”
“Woody and Zac,” Heath mentions, “Could do Pier 9 and have them go towards First Street.”
“Donovan and Darnell,” Nick says, “Could do Pine and Montgomery.”
“Elan and Comos” Heath suggests “Could do Powell, Geary going into O’Farrell.”
“Taylor and Giles,” Nick says, “Could do Market and First Street.”
“Beau and Borton,” Heath mentions, “Could do Pine and Freemont.”
“The rest John,” Nick says, “Could decide on how he wants to distribute his men.”
“Good idea,” Heath replies.
“And,” Jarrod brings up, “Seeing the streets and San Francisco is a huge area, they could borrow horses from the nearby liveries.”
“Just what I was about to say,” Nick mentions, “It’ll be way too much for them to follow just on foot.”
“Great minds,” Jarrod quips, “Think alike.”
Smiling, “That they do,” Nick replies.
“Indeed,” Heath adds, “They sure do,” with a huge grin on his face.
“So what else,” Nick says.
“We need to bring up,” Heath mentions, “If something should go wrong with the plans we are setting up.”
“If something should go wrong” Nick says “We will just have to abandon our running those businesses and act on the trouble that comes along; our lives are much more important than running those businesses.”
“Agreed,” Jarrod replies.
“And Jarrod” Nick then says “Seeing you will be one of the ones relaying any information that comes up it will be your responsibility to watch for anything and everything. If you see trouble you better quickly make your way to us and let us know.”
“Oh, I will,” Jarrod tells him.
“And speaking of which,” Nick says, “Jarrod, would you happen to have another notepad that I could borrow?”
“I do,” Jarrod answers, “I have them downstairs. What do you need it for?”
“The men,” Nick says, “I am giving them a three hour window to stop what they are doing and make their way back to the cabin. I told them if they have any information they need to pass on and no one is in the cabin at the time they come in to leave a message on the notepad I will be leaving for them.”
“Good thinking,” Jarrod replies.
“I also told them,” Nick mentions, “If something urgent does come up that can’t wait to relay the message to make their way to either Alfredo’s or one of the other three businesses to get it to us as quickly as they could.”
“Good idea,” Heath replies.
“We will also,” Nick says, “Need a cover.”
“A cover” Heath asks.
“Yes,” Nick says, “Something that we could use that could draw off any one that we see that we have to quickly disguise who we are.”
“I don’t understand,” Heath mentions.
“Let me explain it,” Nick says, “In terms you may understand. We are working at each of these businesses but we are only doing it temporarily.”
“Just until Saturday,” Heath brings up.
“That’s right,” Nick says.
“That much I do know,” Heath admits.
Part 443
“However,” Nick goes on to say, “By us running these businesses we are pretending to be the owners or should I say the new owners to them and if someone should come in and want to know where so and so is, when we know they’ve been removed and replaced by us, we have to think quickly of the answer. We don’t want to let on that we are there for a different reason. You understand?”
“I think so,” Heath nodding his head answers, “You’re saying that if someone should come in there at any given moment and ask where Alfredo is or if they are looking at Jarrod and we hear, ‘Hey, I know him,’ we need to think quickly of how to…diffuse…the situation.”
“Exactly,” Nick smiling replies, “And I like how you just used that word.”
“Diffuse?” Heath asks.
“Yes,” Nick replies, “And it’s a very good word that you just used.”
“I heard someone use it,” Heath says.
“Do you know what it means?” Nick wanted to know.
“Somewhat,” Heath admits.
“Very well” raising an eyebrow Nick says “And yes, we do have to be ready for any answers that may come up from any questions that are brought up.”
“Maybe we,” Jarrod then brings up, “Could shoot up a flare if trouble does come and we need to act immediately.”
“That could work,” Nick says, “I could have whomever I have up on the rooftop keep watch in that direction.”
“And we could do the same,” Heath mentions, “If trouble comes to us and we need to alert the others in a hurry.”
“Right,” Nick replies, “Is there anything else?”
“I think we covered everything,” Jarrod points out.
“Do you want to see the pictures of the men I drew,” Heath suggests.
“Sure,” they both reply.
“Here,” taking out the drawn sketches he hands the one of Mr. Hornsby to Jarrod and the one of Mr. Mackenzie to Nick.
“Not bad Heath,” Nick comments.
Replying “You draw exceptionally well,” Jarrod and Nick then swap sketches.
After looking at both of them “Are we ready to go now?” Nick wanted to go.
“I believe so,” Heath followed by Jarrod reply.
“If we forgot anything,” Nick says, “And we think of it later, we will mention it once it comes up.”
“Good idea,” Heath replies.
Jarrod says “Come on,” and upon leading the way, he exits the room and after going down the stairs he quickly grabs a notepad and a pen for Nick. They then go out the door and walk together up to the log cabin.
10/19/13
Up by the lake
The children are all congregated outside Jarrod’s train overseeing the lake, “Kyle,” Sarah asks, “What is it?”
“Change of plans,” Kyle mentions.
“Because of the parade?” Gene asks.
“Yes” Kyle replies “We’re still going ahead with the plans, but for now we will be on hand to assist with the parade and helping your family with getting the prisoners to the train car. After that, we will resume the plans we originally set up.”
“What about the arm bands,” Diane brings up, “They’re going to need our help with putting them together.”
“And the painting of the pier,” Billy mentions.
“We could do both” Kyle says “Once you get an idea of what the pier looks like I mean up close and we’ve shown you everything you’ll need to know we will split up again.”
“How are we going to split up?” Todd asks.
“The girls,” Kyle mentions, “Will assist with the making of the arm bands, the rest of us will work on painting the pier, any questions?”
“What if something comes up and,” Audra asks, “Changes the plans we set out?”
“Like your family is doing” Kyle says “We will wait until something does come up. If nothing interferes, we will continue with the plans we set up. You do need to learn everything there is about the pier and what to expect before Saturday night comes; remember, do not say anything to your family about our plans.”
“We won’t,” Gene vows.
“Good,” Kyle then asks, “Is there anything else?”
“Not at the moment,” Gene replies.
“Then” Kyle says “I suggest you go back to the house and we will meet back up in the morning.”
Letting out a heavy sigh, “Very well,” Gene and Audra reply.
After exchanging goodnights Audra and Gene head back to the house while the rest of the children head over to the Dentons.
Upon reaching the front door, Audra stops suddenly.
“What’s the matter?” Gene asks of Audra.
“What do you think Gene,” Audra inquires.
“For now” Gene says “I think we should do what Kyle says and not say anything to anyone.”
“I don’t like it,” Audra states.
“I don’t either,” Gene admits, “But you do know that if we say anything and tell them what we are about to do they will forbid it.”
“I know,” Audra then says, “But I’ve also been thinking about what we are about to take on. I mean do you really think we should?”
“I do yes,” Gene replies.
“It might get dangerous,” Audra brings up.
“It will,” Gene states, “That is why we need to be doing this.”
“I still don’t like it,” Audra reiterates.
“I don’t either” Gene replies “But if we are to help the family we need to know all we can about the pier and, the only way for us to do that is for us to go out there and see and learn what is going on. We may catch sight of something that they may not that will benefit them.”
Audra sighing brings up “I just hope what we will be doing won’t be a mistake.”
“Same here; but I don’t think it will,” Gene then says, “Come on.”
Replying “Very well,” Audra resumes walking in the front door with Gene.
10/21/13
Log Cabin
Entering the cabin Jarrod, Nick and Heath are greeted by the men.
After exchanging quick hellos Nick discusses with John Jenkins about having Billy going with Jim and Johnny to Echo Lake with the sheriff and marshal when they arrive. Agreeing to it and after offering Josh to go along with them they then give each other a run down of what the rest of the men will be doing.
As Nick turns his attention to the hands waiting patiently “We” Davy asks “Ready to go now Nick?”
“Almost,” Nick replies “But first let me go over the changes that have come up.”
“What kind of changes?” Chad asks.
“We are still going to Alfredo’s that hasn’t changed,” Nick replies, “However…”
Going over the rest of changes that have occurred, Nick informs Barrett, Willard, Browne and Spot they will be working with Uncle Jim at the Wards’ House, while Jim and Johnny will be working with Josh and Billy and the four of them will be assisting the marshal and sheriff once they arrive with the transferring of the prisoners that are down in Alfredo’s cellar as well as those they will be removing from the Parker House to first the private car being hitched up to the outgoing train in the morning and then up to Echo Lake with them.
Next, after informing them about the parade being assembled “Now” Nick goes on to say “For the rest of you, your job will be to assist with keeping the spectators’ attention or focus completely on the parade as well as the governor while at the same time helping Jarrod with the moving of the men without too much detection.”
“For those of you needing horses,” Jarrod joins in with, “Stop by the local liveries in the morning.”
Placing the note pad on the table “Oh here” Nick tells them “If any of you should come by with any pertinent information and there isn’t anyone here to relay it to, write it down for the next person who should walk in the door. And remember, if it’s something important or urgent, still jot it down, but make sure you get it to one of us as quickly as you can.”
“Also” Heath says “If you need our attention and we’re not nearby, shoot up a flare to alert us.”
“Right” Nick barks “However, remember your utmost responsibility is ensuring the safety of the family while at the same time watching your own backs; any other questions?”
“What time is the parade?” Hank asks.
“And where is it traveling?” Vinnie inquires.
“The parade” Nick says “Is staged to take place at 10 am. It will start at what is called Nob’s Hill and continue until it empties out at Herb Caen’s Way.”
“Where is that?” Chris asks.
Replying “If you look here” Nick shows them on the map where’s it at “You could see how it goes past Pine and Freemont.”
Showing them “But it also goes past the train station here” Jarrod adds “Which is why we chose this route for it to pass by on.”
“To keep” Davy brings up “The attention off you’re moving of the prisoners.”
“Exactly,” Nick replies, “Anymore questions?”
“What time are you having the private car hitched up?” Browne asks.
“Seven a.m.” Jarrod mentions “We need it hitched up before the prisoners are moved.”
“That makes sense,” Browne notes.
“Which streets,” Hank asks, “Do you want us to focus our attention on?”
“Pretty much the same ones that run” Nick says “From Nob’s Hill to the pier” once again showing them on the map “We need you to be patrolling all the streets that go around each of these businesses, the train station and those that lead from here to Pier 9. It also keeps you closer to all of us, anymore questions?”
As they all either answer “No” or shake their heads “Then I suggest” Nick resumes “We get started.”
“What about the Parker House” Mike asks “Being cleared out?”
“We,” Nick says, “And the police department will be taking care of that. Now, if there aren’t anymore questions I suggest you all get a goodnight sleep. Tomorrow you will start being extremely busy.”
“What time,” Alan asks, “Should we begin patrolling?”
“Once you’ve had your breakfast,” Nick says, “Roughly 6 a.m. don’t be late.”
“We won’t,” Hank retorts.
Clapping his hands together “Okay,” Nick says, “Let’s get this show on the road.”
And with that, the Barkley brothers, John Jenkins and the men going with them exit the cabin.
“Before we separate,” Nick announces, “Let’s make a quick stop at the kids’ hiding place.”
“Good thinking,” Heath says.
Resuming their traveling together they leave the premises and head for the kids’ hide out.
At the Dentons, Sherry is up in the attic with the girls getting out the noise makers and while there they come across a couple of batons, “Mother,” Diane asks, “What’s this for?” holding one of them up.
“It’s a baton,” Sherry explains, “I use to play with that when I was your age.”
“What do you do with it?” Diane wanted to know.
“You could twirl it,” Sherry mentions, “And you could use it perhaps when you’re marching in the parade tomorrow.”
“Hey” Diane replies “Good idea” and in between tests it out. First she twirls it and then is encouraged to throw it slightly in the air and grabs it once it comes back down.
“Anything else,” Melanie asks, “You have up here for us?”
Replying “Let’s see,” Sherry looks about.
As Sue Ann finds a pair of cymbals, “What are these,” she asks to which Sherry explains what they are and what they are used for.
“Could we use these?” Sue Ann asks.
“I don’t see why not,” Sherry replies, “We are using anything that makes noise, they sure do make a lot of noise.”
As Sue Ann clashes them together, “You could say that again,” she retorts while the others just let out little giggles.
They then scurry about and see what else they could find to have them use in the parade. Meanwhile back at the Barkleys’ house Victoria bids both Gene and Audra goodnight as they head up to their rooms.
End of the Set Up
Will resume under its new title not sure at this moment what it’s called.
“I’ll have my men,” Nick says, “Ready to assist on that. Once we figure out how the best way to do that we will send the men in and have them placed on board the train and ready to go.”
“I do have one suggestion,” comes from Heath.
“What’s that?” Nick asks.
“Perhaps using the gunpowder they have in the hideout,” Heath answers.
“What would we use it with or on?” Nick asks.
“Not sure,” Heath replies, “It was just an idea.”
“It’s a good idea,” Nick says, “But we need to figure out what we could do with it and if it will be a good distraction or not.”
“Without,” Victoria adds, “Harming a lot of innocent people.”
“We do,” Jim Jr brings up, “Have to think of something that steers the crowd away from us while we’re in the process of moving those men.”
“I have an idea,” comes from Melanie.
“What’s that?” Victoria asks.
“Maybe move the men,” Melanie suggests, “One or two at a time.”
“Not a bad idea,” Jack says, “But we still need to create some kind of distraction so that we aren’t seen putting them on board.”
“Plus” Ed adds “It’s an awful long walk to the train station while assuring everyone’s safety.”
“It is,” Jarrod answers, “But I could take care of moving them. I know the area and know how to get them there without too much attention.”
“I’ll give you a hand,” Ray offers.
“The men,” Nick says, “Who will be accompanying them back to Echo Lake will also be on hand to assure they get there.”
“We still,” Sherry reiterates, “Have to work on the distraction of how to pull it off without being seen or causing too much attention.”
“The key,” Bill brings up, “Is what to use as a way of the distraction? I don’t think using the gunpowder will be an ideal solution.”
“Maybe,” Noah mentions, “Doing a parade.”
“How is a parade going to help?” Victoria asks.
“I don’t know” Noah shrugging replies “I just thought it may be a good distraction.”
“Palm Sunday,” Sue Ann mentions, “Just came up.”
“And?” Victoria says.
“Speaking of Palm Sunday” Audra brings up “You missed the mass that just came up.”
“Couldn’t be helped dear,” Victoria mentions.
“It’s okay,” Audra smiles, “You’re here now that’s what counts.”
“We did” Gene brings up “Manage to get you some palms. They’re back at the house.”
“Thank you,” Victoria then turning her attention to Sue Ann reiterates, “What were you going to say regarding Palm Sunday Sue Ann?”
“I was just thinking,” Sue Ann reiterates, “That maybe we could do something like act out Palm Sunday tomorrow to use as an idea for the distraction. We could gather and spread leaves on the ground before the people.”
“Perhaps,” Penny says, “Maybe we could roll out some kind of red carpet along the way as we are spreading the leaves onto the ground.”
“That would definitely” Bill brings up “Distract the crowds. They will probably be so baffled by what you are doing and would more than likely want to know what is going on.”
“Precisely,” Sue Ann replies, “Doing something that they would least expect.”
“You are on the right track I must admit” Victoria says “Doing something out of the ordinary.”
“Easter is coming up” Audra announces “Maybe we could do an Easter type of parade.”
“Now that is a thought,” Vernon says.
“I could accompany the parade,” The governor acknowledges, “And then when it finishes I could make a speech.”
“And while you’re making the speech,” Victoria says, “The men could be moved.”
“Exactly,” the governor replies.
“I,” Benton suggests, “Could inform the townspeople about the parade coming down the street.”
“I could play,” Dean suggests, “A bagpipe, maybe perform a couple numbers as the parade goes down the street.”
“I know” Paul announces “How to play a drum, maybe we could work on some kind of coordination in the morning and then come and join the parade.”
“We could,” Kimmy mentions, “Wave to the people.”
“Not a bad idea,” Victoria says.
“Not a bad idea at all,” comes from Sherry.
“I could also try gathering up a few more participants” Governor Haight offers “To attend.”
“We have a few noise making items in the attic,” Diane brings up mentions, “Mother, do you think we could use those?”
“We could,” Sherry replies “When we get back to the house I will get them out.”
“What time,” Jack asks, “Would the parade take place?”
“I,” Benton joins in with, “Think if I passed the word along we should be getting the crowd assembled around 9:30 or so and as soon as they are and the foghorn is sounded that could be the first indication that the parade is starting and it’s time to start moving the men.”
“Good idea,” Jarrod replies.
“Want some help,” Alan offers, “With passing the word along?”
“If it won’t inconvenience you too much” Benton retorts “That would be a huge help.”
“Everything seems to be coming together,” Uncle Jim mentions.
“It is,” Victoria replies, “How about if we go over it one more time and make sure we are all on the same page with everything?”
Jarrod says “Agreed. Heath” glancing over at him “Would you care to do the honors?”
“I would,” Heath replies.
“Go ahead,” Jarrod tells him.
“First” Heath says “Mr. Jenkins will be operating the Missionary along with Paul, Ferdinand and Dean assisting him, Uncle Jim will be running the Wards’ House with Bill until the ladies arrive, Nick and I along with some of the men will be operating Alfredo’s and as soon as the police and the governor clear out the Parker House, Ed will be running that with the help of Vernon and Terry. Jarrod, Jim, Jack and Mr. Denton will be visiting each of the businesses and pass along any information they come up on.”
“So far,” Jarrod comments, “So good.”
“In the morning” Heath continues “You (Jarrod) will be getting the private car attached to the train that will be heading back to Echo Lake in the afternoon. Once that is done and the parade is beginning you will then work on moving the men that need to get on board with the help of the men and Mr. Denton. The fog horn will be used to distract the crowds’ attention.”
“Very good,” Jarrod replies.
“How long will the parade be lasting?” Kyle asks.
“Not certain,” Jarrod replies.
“How about if we try stretching it for at least an hour,” Ed suggests, “So it gives us time to get all the men moved from where they are being held to the train?”
“Between the parade” The Governor says “And my speech I think we could get it to run an hour or so.”
“Good idea,” Victoria replies.
“Have we left anything out?” Uncle Jim wanted to know.
“I have a question,” Gene brings up.
“What’s the question?” Uncle Jim asks.
“How is the parade going to proceed?” Gene inquires.
“What do you mean?” Uncle Jim asks.
“I mean where will it start from,” Gene brings up, “And how are you going to have it travel so that Jarrod could move the men to the train car without being noticed too much?”
“Good question,” Victoria replies.
Showing them on the map they have before them “We could” The governor says “Have it start at Nob’s Hill then have it travel down Sacramento Street, that way we could have the people’s attention turned away from the direction of the train station and we could have it continue until it reaches and empties out at the pier.”
“That should work,” Ray answers.
“Indeed it should,” Jarrod says.
“And” Nick adds “I’ll make sure my men will be there to be certain no trouble arises.”
“I’ll have mine,” John joins in with, “Doing the same.”
“Okay,” Uncle Jim says, “What’s next?”
“I have a question,” Billy replies.
“What’s that?” Uncle Jim asks.
“I know” Billy brings up “You’re emptying out the Parker House and I know you’re going to be running the three other businesses but, what is the purpose of doing that?”
“How about,” Ray insists “We finish up here and when we get back to the house we could discuss it more?”
Nodding his head, “Alright,” Billy answers.
“Is there anything else?” Jarrod asks, “Or is that it?”
“I just thought of something,” Ferdinand says.
“What’s that?” Jarrod asks.
“What if something changes the plans that are being set up?” Ferdinand inquires.
“Then” Nick quickly says “If that should happen, if we do have to change any of our plans we will quickly have to improvise and just go with it. Right now what we came up with is the best plan to follow.”
“I agree,” Jack replies.
Jarrod asks “Anything else?”
“I don’t think so,” Ray answers, “I think that is it.”
“Not quite,” Heath brings up.
“What else is there?” Jarrod inquires.
“Arm bands,” Audra calls out.
With his brow narrowed “Arm bands?” Nick asks.
Replying “Yes” Audra, as well as the other children, Victoria and Sherry all go into the full details about the arm bands being made for Saturday night’s fight on the Grizzly Bear.
Once they’ve finished, “Not a bad idea,” Jarrod answers.
“It’s rather a clever,” Uncle Jim says, “Idea.”
“The children,” Victoria mentions, “Thought it up.”
“In the morning,” Sherry says, “We will have to go into town and purchase material that we will need to use to make them.”
“We’ll also have to work on them,” Victoria adds, “And it may keep us busy until Saturday. We have to be certain we have enough for all those participating.”
“We’re going to need” Sherry brings up “A lot of material to prepare them with not to mention how many.”
“We do,” Audra mentions, “Have 3 and a half days to get them ready.”
“True,” Sherry replies.
“Maybe,” Jim Sr suggests, “When the women come they could help.”
“That would be a big help,” Victoria admits.
“Yes,” Sherry adds, “It certainly would.”
“Maybe” Diane suggests “While working at the boarding houses they could do that in between.”
“Good idea,” Victoria replies, “And on the way to town we could stop by and bring each of you breakfast.”
“That would be a big help,” Ed says.
“Anything else,” Jarrod asks, “Or are we finished?”
“Before you go,” Alan brings up, “And start running those businesses you may want to be informed about some of the local merchants that may pop up either in person or by someone mentioning them by name.”
“What,” Ed asks, “You mean like the Shanghai Chicken?”
“Or Miss Piggott,” Bill brings up, “Mother Bronson?”
“You’ve heard of them?” Alan asks.
“We have a little information on them” Ed says “That we learned before coming here.”
“We started,” Bill mentions, “Looking for some of them just before I went out on my own and got clobbered.”
“I have a suggestion,” Sarah comes out with.
“What’s that?” Victoria asks.
“Some of you,” Sarah mentions, “Don’t know too much about the piers and seeing we are only concerned with Pier 9, maybe we could do something unexpectedly again and somehow paint from where Pier 9 starts and meets up with The Embarcadero and where it ends so that you know what you are dealing with.”
“If you go too far to the west or east of it,” Sue Ann notes, “You could find yourself in the water.”
“And” Victoria says “We certainly don’t want that. What kind of color do you recommend?”
“Not sure,” Sarah replies, “Maybe red.”
“How about red, white and blue?” Melanie suggests.
“Patriotic colors,” Sherry notes.
“That they are,” Victoria admits.
“I like the idea of red, white and blue,” Audra says.
“So do I,” Diane admits.
“We’ll go with the red, white and blue then” Victoria then asks “How many cans would you need?”
“Not sure” Sarah admits “Enough to cover both sides. We could start with 2 cans of each color and if we think we need more we could always get them at the store.”
“We’ll get them in the morning,” Victoria informs her, “While we’re in town retrieving the material for the arm bands.”
“Maybe we could also” Sherry suggests “Get some red, white and blue banners and display them around the various front entrances of the buildings that oversee the pier.”
“Maybe,” Bill suggests, “We could get a few more and distribute them around where we will be holding the parade.”
“Not a bad idea on that either” Ray notes.
“We’ll look into doing that tomorrow as well,” Victoria replies.
“Is that everything now?” Jarrod asks.
“I believe so” Heath replies “Can’t think of anything else that we may have left out.”
“If any trouble,” Nick says, “Should arise at any given moment, we will act and deal with it when it does.”
“But the idea” Victoria brings up “Is to try to avoid as much blood shed as possible.”
“True” Nick says “In the morning we could work on taking turns in returning to the house to change and exchange any information that we come up on.”
“Very good,” Jarrod replies.
Part 442
“Wait!” comes from Todd.
“What is it?” Nick asks.
“What about Saturday night?” Todd brings up.
“And,” Billy adds, “What about swapping of the prisoners?”
“We will hold off on all that until Friday,” Nick says.
“I have to agree with Nick,” Jarrod replies, “Let’s start opening the businesses and find out what kind of clientele we will be dealing with first.”
“What about the arm bands,” Neil asks.
“What about them?” Victoria inquires.
“Once they are made,” Neil says, “How are you going to give them out?”
“Let’s work on making them first,” Victoria insists, “And then after we have a good amount finished we could work on how to distribute them.”
“Good idea,” Uncle Jim says, “And for right now everything we just discussed must not leave this house.”
“Agreed,” Victoria replies.
“And it won’t,” the governor acknowledges, “You have my word on that.”
“You have my word on that too,” The commissioner adds.
“So” clapping his hands together “If we are finished here” Nick says “Let’s get moving.”
“I think we are,” Jarrod notes, “Let’s begin putting these ideas into motion and then as soon as something comes up we will decide how and when to act.”
“Right,” Nick then says, “Heath,” looking over at him, “You’re with me.”
“I am,” Heath replies.
As the meeting breaks up Commissioner Gordon says to Jarrod, “How about if you give me an hour to gather up the men needed to clear out the Parker House?”
“That will be fine, Commissioner,” Jarrod replies, “It’ll give me ample time to do a little scouting about.”
“It’ll also give us time,” Uncle Jim brings up, “To get settled in so we could be on hand to assist.”
As the Commissioner Gordon and his son head outside “Oh John” Nick quickly then says “How about if Heath and I meet you up at the cabin, we still have to go over a couple of things yet?”
Replying “No problem,” John starts going out the door.
“Jarrod,” Nick says, “Would you care to join us?”
“I would yes,” Jarrod replies, “Jim, Jack, how about if you head over with Ed and Bill and I’ll catch up to you shortly.”
“Don’t,” Ed says, “Be walking the streets alone!”
“He won’t!” Nick answers, “We’ll make certain he arrives there safely.”
“And we’ll be certain,” Jim Jr replies, “That he gets back home safely.”
While they continue on out the door, “Ray,” Jarrod says, “I’ll see you in the morning.”
Exchanging warm handshakes “I’ll meet you here” Ray tells him “Be careful out there.”
“You too,” Jarrod says.
As he heads out the door, Kyle slaps Sarah’s arm gently and says “Let’s go out” and as the other children follow them out “Gene, Audra” Victoria calls out “Where you going?”
“Outside,” Audra replies.
“Don’t stay out too long,” Victoria says, “It’s getting late.”
“We won’t,” Gene responds.
And while they continue on out the door, “Let’s go upstairs to my room,” Jarrod insists and with that Heath and Nick follow him up the stairs.
Standing outside for a minute or two, “We have a lot of work ahead of us,” the commissioner announces.
“Yes we do,” The governor acknowledges, “But its long and over due.”
“True,” the Commissioner replies, “But at least now we are doing something about it.”
“Thanks to the Barkleys,” The governor says, “For getting it started.”
“Agreed,” the Commissioner replies, “See you in the morning.”
“Good luck,” the governor tells him.
“Same to you,” the commissioner says as they go their separate ways.
10/2/13
Upstairs in Jarrod’s Bedroom
As Jarrod, Nick and Heath who has his notepad and pen in hand walk into the bedroom and once the door is closed and they each take a seat Nick says, “Let’s get started.”
“Before we get started,” Heath brings up, “I do have a question.”
“What is it?” Nick asks.
“Downstairs,” Heath says, “You were too easy; you didn’t give me any…”
“Argument?” Nick finishing the sentence for him mentions.
“Yes,” Heath replies, “Why were you so…accommodating?”
“Several reasons,” Nick says.
Heath asks, “Such as?”
“First” Nick explains “We are in a hurry so we really don’t have that much time to debate or argue the situation. Secondly, when we have differences, I rather we not discuss them in front of others/outsiders if we don’t have to. Thirdly, you may not realize it or not, but you have a stubborn streak inside of you Heath and if I told you no, you would still find a way of doing it anyway so I rather we be together on this while at the same time keeping my eye on you better.”
“You don’t have to keep your eye on me,” Heath tells him, “I could handle myself alright.”
“Most of the time I would agree,” Nick says, “However this is a big city and right now we are in enemy territory so we have to be extremely careful of everyone and everything we come in contact with and being separated or if something should go wrong with our plans here I don’t want to lose anybody or have to go searching for you, you understand?”
“I do,” Heath answers, “But I am a big boy.”
“You are” Nick says “But you’re also supposed to be resting. And with everyone being so busy it’s going to be hard to let you rest, and I don’t want to have to worry about you and wonder what is going on at the house, so by your being with me at Alfredo’s I could do both. Keep my eye on you while you rest and take care of any potential customers or clients that should come in the doorway.”
“I’d have to agree with Nick” Jarrod joins in with “For right now, it’s going to be crazy rather hectic for the next few days and so its going to be very difficult to monitor everything that will be happening so by your helping with operating Alfredo’s is a good way for you to be doing both: resting and helping out, alright?”
Reluctantly, “I guess,” Heath answers.
“Now,” Nick says, “How about we get back to why we came up here?”
“Agreed,” Jarrod replies, “Oh before we continue, I need to mention that all of what is about to take place is because of us you know.”
“It is,” Nick answers, “But if the police commissioner not to mention the governor did what he was elected to do long before now it would not have came to this.”
“True,” Jarrod says, “However right now this is neither the time nor the place to discuss what should or shouldn’t have been done, right now we are all in this together and we do have to see it come to an end.”
“That much I do know” Nick replies “So” taking a deep breath and exhaling heavily “How about we discuss which of the men are to go where and then get going.”
“Agreed,” Heath says.
“How about we start with,” Jarrod brings up, “Which of the men should be going with the marshal and Sheriff when they come?”
“I,” Nick mentions, “Already have Davy, Chad, Sam, Austin, Oscar and Chris coming with us to Alfredo’s. They will help us with operating it.”
As Heath writes them down on his notepad, “Okay” he then suggests “Then I think we should have Jim and Johnny going back with the marshal and Warren to Echo Valley.”
“What made you choose them?” Nick asks.
“They are the two best trackers you have,” Heath brings up, “And seeing they have a long trip up to the Wheelers’ ranch they might need their know how to get there, just in case they take any wrong turns or if any of the men being brought up there should give them any hard time or try to escape or anything along the way. They will need men who know how to find their way back etc.”
“Good thinking” Nick says “And seeing John has already said he would send a couple of his men along, I could ask him if he wouldn’t mind having Billy going along with them.”
“Because,” Heath asks, “He’s Jim’s brother?”
“Exactly,” Nick says, “I think it would be best if they work with someone they know they could trust and rely on and seeing they are brothers I think they will watch each other’s backs more closely.”
“Good thinking,” Heath replies.
“I think so too,” Jarrod adds.
“Then,” Nick says, “We are in agreement on them?”
“Yes,” comes from both Jarrod and Heath simultaneously.
“And seeing they have been chosen” Nick brings up “They will be the ones who will assist with making certain those men get on board the train.”
“Good idea,” Jarrod replies.
As Heath is writing their names down in his notepad to go with the marshal and sheriff when they come “Who’s next?” Nick asks.
“Who will be helping Uncle Jim” Heath brings up “With operating the Wards’ House?”
“I think,” Jarrod suggests, “That job should go to Willard and Barrett.”
“And seeing you are keeping the pairs together” Heath brings up “How about Spot and Browne also helping with that?”
“Just what I was thinking,” Nick says, “And so once we finish here I will have them reporting to Uncle Jim and Bill, what’s next?”
“Deciding which of the men” Heath brings up “Will be nearby when the parade is about to start and which of them will be patrolling the various streets leading to the pier and each of the businesses.”
“All the men,” Nick mentions, “Will be on hand to assist with the parade once it’s about to start. They will also be on hand to assist with moving the men to the train car, as well.”
“Until the parade is starting” Heath notes “And soon afterwards, I figured that since you are keeping the pairs together, maybe Vinnie and Jack could do Hyde and Union, Mike and Hank could do Powell and Union.”
As Heath is writing them down on his notepad “Good idea” Nick says “And we could have Pete and Alan doing Freemont and Mission.”
“Woody and Zac,” Heath mentions, “Could do Pier 9 and have them go towards First Street.”
“Donovan and Darnell,” Nick says, “Could do Pine and Montgomery.”
“Elan and Comos” Heath suggests “Could do Powell, Geary going into O’Farrell.”
“Taylor and Giles,” Nick says, “Could do Market and First Street.”
“Beau and Borton,” Heath mentions, “Could do Pine and Freemont.”
“The rest John,” Nick says, “Could decide on how he wants to distribute his men.”
“Good idea,” Heath replies.
“And,” Jarrod brings up, “Seeing the streets and San Francisco is a huge area, they could borrow horses from the nearby liveries.”
“Just what I was about to say,” Nick mentions, “It’ll be way too much for them to follow just on foot.”
“Great minds,” Jarrod quips, “Think alike.”
Smiling, “That they do,” Nick replies.
“Indeed,” Heath adds, “They sure do,” with a huge grin on his face.
“So what else,” Nick says.
“We need to bring up,” Heath mentions, “If something should go wrong with the plans we are setting up.”
“If something should go wrong” Nick says “We will just have to abandon our running those businesses and act on the trouble that comes along; our lives are much more important than running those businesses.”
“Agreed,” Jarrod replies.
“And Jarrod” Nick then says “Seeing you will be one of the ones relaying any information that comes up it will be your responsibility to watch for anything and everything. If you see trouble you better quickly make your way to us and let us know.”
“Oh, I will,” Jarrod tells him.
“And speaking of which,” Nick says, “Jarrod, would you happen to have another notepad that I could borrow?”
“I do,” Jarrod answers, “I have them downstairs. What do you need it for?”
“The men,” Nick says, “I am giving them a three hour window to stop what they are doing and make their way back to the cabin. I told them if they have any information they need to pass on and no one is in the cabin at the time they come in to leave a message on the notepad I will be leaving for them.”
“Good thinking,” Jarrod replies.
“I also told them,” Nick mentions, “If something urgent does come up that can’t wait to relay the message to make their way to either Alfredo’s or one of the other three businesses to get it to us as quickly as they could.”
“Good idea,” Heath replies.
“We will also,” Nick says, “Need a cover.”
“A cover” Heath asks.
“Yes,” Nick says, “Something that we could use that could draw off any one that we see that we have to quickly disguise who we are.”
“I don’t understand,” Heath mentions.
“Let me explain it,” Nick says, “In terms you may understand. We are working at each of these businesses but we are only doing it temporarily.”
“Just until Saturday,” Heath brings up.
“That’s right,” Nick says.
“That much I do know,” Heath admits.
Part 443
“However,” Nick goes on to say, “By us running these businesses we are pretending to be the owners or should I say the new owners to them and if someone should come in and want to know where so and so is, when we know they’ve been removed and replaced by us, we have to think quickly of the answer. We don’t want to let on that we are there for a different reason. You understand?”
“I think so,” Heath nodding his head answers, “You’re saying that if someone should come in there at any given moment and ask where Alfredo is or if they are looking at Jarrod and we hear, ‘Hey, I know him,’ we need to think quickly of how to…diffuse…the situation.”
“Exactly,” Nick smiling replies, “And I like how you just used that word.”
“Diffuse?” Heath asks.
“Yes,” Nick replies, “And it’s a very good word that you just used.”
“I heard someone use it,” Heath says.
“Do you know what it means?” Nick wanted to know.
“Somewhat,” Heath admits.
“Very well” raising an eyebrow Nick says “And yes, we do have to be ready for any answers that may come up from any questions that are brought up.”
“Maybe we,” Jarrod then brings up, “Could shoot up a flare if trouble does come and we need to act immediately.”
“That could work,” Nick says, “I could have whomever I have up on the rooftop keep watch in that direction.”
“And we could do the same,” Heath mentions, “If trouble comes to us and we need to alert the others in a hurry.”
“Right,” Nick replies, “Is there anything else?”
“I think we covered everything,” Jarrod points out.
“Do you want to see the pictures of the men I drew,” Heath suggests.
“Sure,” they both reply.
“Here,” taking out the drawn sketches he hands the one of Mr. Hornsby to Jarrod and the one of Mr. Mackenzie to Nick.
“Not bad Heath,” Nick comments.
Replying “You draw exceptionally well,” Jarrod and Nick then swap sketches.
After looking at both of them “Are we ready to go now?” Nick wanted to go.
“I believe so,” Heath followed by Jarrod reply.
“If we forgot anything,” Nick says, “And we think of it later, we will mention it once it comes up.”
“Good idea,” Heath replies.
Jarrod says “Come on,” and upon leading the way, he exits the room and after going down the stairs he quickly grabs a notepad and a pen for Nick. They then go out the door and walk together up to the log cabin.
10/19/13
Up by the lake
The children are all congregated outside Jarrod’s train overseeing the lake, “Kyle,” Sarah asks, “What is it?”
“Change of plans,” Kyle mentions.
“Because of the parade?” Gene asks.
“Yes” Kyle replies “We’re still going ahead with the plans, but for now we will be on hand to assist with the parade and helping your family with getting the prisoners to the train car. After that, we will resume the plans we originally set up.”
“What about the arm bands,” Diane brings up, “They’re going to need our help with putting them together.”
“And the painting of the pier,” Billy mentions.
“We could do both” Kyle says “Once you get an idea of what the pier looks like I mean up close and we’ve shown you everything you’ll need to know we will split up again.”
“How are we going to split up?” Todd asks.
“The girls,” Kyle mentions, “Will assist with the making of the arm bands, the rest of us will work on painting the pier, any questions?”
“What if something comes up and,” Audra asks, “Changes the plans we set out?”
“Like your family is doing” Kyle says “We will wait until something does come up. If nothing interferes, we will continue with the plans we set up. You do need to learn everything there is about the pier and what to expect before Saturday night comes; remember, do not say anything to your family about our plans.”
“We won’t,” Gene vows.
“Good,” Kyle then asks, “Is there anything else?”
“Not at the moment,” Gene replies.
“Then” Kyle says “I suggest you go back to the house and we will meet back up in the morning.”
Letting out a heavy sigh, “Very well,” Gene and Audra reply.
After exchanging goodnights Audra and Gene head back to the house while the rest of the children head over to the Dentons.
Upon reaching the front door, Audra stops suddenly.
“What’s the matter?” Gene asks of Audra.
“What do you think Gene,” Audra inquires.
“For now” Gene says “I think we should do what Kyle says and not say anything to anyone.”
“I don’t like it,” Audra states.
“I don’t either,” Gene admits, “But you do know that if we say anything and tell them what we are about to do they will forbid it.”
“I know,” Audra then says, “But I’ve also been thinking about what we are about to take on. I mean do you really think we should?”
“I do yes,” Gene replies.
“It might get dangerous,” Audra brings up.
“It will,” Gene states, “That is why we need to be doing this.”
“I still don’t like it,” Audra reiterates.
“I don’t either” Gene replies “But if we are to help the family we need to know all we can about the pier and, the only way for us to do that is for us to go out there and see and learn what is going on. We may catch sight of something that they may not that will benefit them.”
Audra sighing brings up “I just hope what we will be doing won’t be a mistake.”
“Same here; but I don’t think it will,” Gene then says, “Come on.”
Replying “Very well,” Audra resumes walking in the front door with Gene.
10/21/13
Log Cabin
Entering the cabin Jarrod, Nick and Heath are greeted by the men.
After exchanging quick hellos Nick discusses with John Jenkins about having Billy going with Jim and Johnny to Echo Lake with the sheriff and marshal when they arrive. Agreeing to it and after offering Josh to go along with them they then give each other a run down of what the rest of the men will be doing.
As Nick turns his attention to the hands waiting patiently “We” Davy asks “Ready to go now Nick?”
“Almost,” Nick replies “But first let me go over the changes that have come up.”
“What kind of changes?” Chad asks.
“We are still going to Alfredo’s that hasn’t changed,” Nick replies, “However…”
Going over the rest of changes that have occurred, Nick informs Barrett, Willard, Browne and Spot they will be working with Uncle Jim at the Wards’ House, while Jim and Johnny will be working with Josh and Billy and the four of them will be assisting the marshal and sheriff once they arrive with the transferring of the prisoners that are down in Alfredo’s cellar as well as those they will be removing from the Parker House to first the private car being hitched up to the outgoing train in the morning and then up to Echo Lake with them.
Next, after informing them about the parade being assembled “Now” Nick goes on to say “For the rest of you, your job will be to assist with keeping the spectators’ attention or focus completely on the parade as well as the governor while at the same time helping Jarrod with the moving of the men without too much detection.”
“For those of you needing horses,” Jarrod joins in with, “Stop by the local liveries in the morning.”
Placing the note pad on the table “Oh here” Nick tells them “If any of you should come by with any pertinent information and there isn’t anyone here to relay it to, write it down for the next person who should walk in the door. And remember, if it’s something important or urgent, still jot it down, but make sure you get it to one of us as quickly as you can.”
“Also” Heath says “If you need our attention and we’re not nearby, shoot up a flare to alert us.”
“Right” Nick barks “However, remember your utmost responsibility is ensuring the safety of the family while at the same time watching your own backs; any other questions?”
“What time is the parade?” Hank asks.
“And where is it traveling?” Vinnie inquires.
“The parade” Nick says “Is staged to take place at 10 am. It will start at what is called Nob’s Hill and continue until it empties out at Herb Caen’s Way.”
“Where is that?” Chris asks.
Replying “If you look here” Nick shows them on the map where’s it at “You could see how it goes past Pine and Freemont.”
Showing them “But it also goes past the train station here” Jarrod adds “Which is why we chose this route for it to pass by on.”
“To keep” Davy brings up “The attention off you’re moving of the prisoners.”
“Exactly,” Nick replies, “Anymore questions?”
“What time are you having the private car hitched up?” Browne asks.
“Seven a.m.” Jarrod mentions “We need it hitched up before the prisoners are moved.”
“That makes sense,” Browne notes.
“Which streets,” Hank asks, “Do you want us to focus our attention on?”
“Pretty much the same ones that run” Nick says “From Nob’s Hill to the pier” once again showing them on the map “We need you to be patrolling all the streets that go around each of these businesses, the train station and those that lead from here to Pier 9. It also keeps you closer to all of us, anymore questions?”
As they all either answer “No” or shake their heads “Then I suggest” Nick resumes “We get started.”
“What about the Parker House” Mike asks “Being cleared out?”
“We,” Nick says, “And the police department will be taking care of that. Now, if there aren’t anymore questions I suggest you all get a goodnight sleep. Tomorrow you will start being extremely busy.”
“What time,” Alan asks, “Should we begin patrolling?”
“Once you’ve had your breakfast,” Nick says, “Roughly 6 a.m. don’t be late.”
“We won’t,” Hank retorts.
Clapping his hands together “Okay,” Nick says, “Let’s get this show on the road.”
And with that, the Barkley brothers, John Jenkins and the men going with them exit the cabin.
“Before we separate,” Nick announces, “Let’s make a quick stop at the kids’ hiding place.”
“Good thinking,” Heath says.
Resuming their traveling together they leave the premises and head for the kids’ hide out.
At the Dentons, Sherry is up in the attic with the girls getting out the noise makers and while there they come across a couple of batons, “Mother,” Diane asks, “What’s this for?” holding one of them up.
“It’s a baton,” Sherry explains, “I use to play with that when I was your age.”
“What do you do with it?” Diane wanted to know.
“You could twirl it,” Sherry mentions, “And you could use it perhaps when you’re marching in the parade tomorrow.”
“Hey” Diane replies “Good idea” and in between tests it out. First she twirls it and then is encouraged to throw it slightly in the air and grabs it once it comes back down.
“Anything else,” Melanie asks, “You have up here for us?”
Replying “Let’s see,” Sherry looks about.
As Sue Ann finds a pair of cymbals, “What are these,” she asks to which Sherry explains what they are and what they are used for.
“Could we use these?” Sue Ann asks.
“I don’t see why not,” Sherry replies, “We are using anything that makes noise, they sure do make a lot of noise.”
As Sue Ann clashes them together, “You could say that again,” she retorts while the others just let out little giggles.
They then scurry about and see what else they could find to have them use in the parade. Meanwhile back at the Barkleys’ house Victoria bids both Gene and Audra goodnight as they head up to their rooms.
End of the Set Up
Will resume under its new title not sure at this moment what it’s called.
