The Bay Horse Leaves For A Different Story

Chapter 25
The Bay Horse Leaves For A Different Story
San Francisco, Neptune's Palace Restaurant:
Em and Al were early. They were to meet the Captain and Mr. Orez for a late luncheon, but they were too nervous to do ought until they could speak with those worthy gentlemen concerning the matter of a certain trunk...
They sat at 'their' table which had been reserved for four, nursing their coffees for some time. Somehow, despite her nerves, Emmeline felt exhaustion creeping up on her again, and it was to be a long evening.Wondering if she'd become immune to caffeine, she signaled the waiter for refills.
As fresh courage arrived via a hot carafe of Columbian, the much-anticipated gentlemen also came on the scene at last.
Emmeline was so relieved, she actually stood and grasped the Captain's big hand in both of hers, smiling up into his handsome and so-very-welcome features.
Captain Keithcliff was somewhat taken aback by her enthusiasm.
He smiled and squeezed her hands in return, pulling the chair out for her. 'My dear girl!' he began as he and Orez took their places, 'How good to see you - both!- as well!'
Orez and Alice meanwhile, were simply staring into each other's eyes, their hands entwined. Words weren't enough. For them, it was a mind-meld.
Em and the Captain were well used to that. The waiter took their orders, but the ladies surprised their escorts by sticking to water and coffee, refusing wine for a change.
'But, ma chere','the Captain objected,'Tis New Year's Eve! Time to celebrate, what!' He himself had ordered a local ale much favored by him and hard to find outside of the City, and red wine for Orez as per usual.
'We have something to discuss with you both,'began Emmeline,
her hand shaking a little as she took her cup, the men noted.
They were on the alert now, sensing an edge to this particular reunion.
'Of course, you have our undivided attention, my dears!' the Captain leaned forward as did Orez, as Em and Alice quietly outlined their plan.They had just gotten to the information about the cargo that was awaiting pickup, and hoping that said cargo could be transported aboard the Captain's boat, the Lady Liberty, when the waiter reappeared with their luncheon.
For a moment, nothing was said. The women hadn't touched their salads, hearts pounding with the stress of waiting so long to see what this moment would bring. The Captain was staring into his ale with serious introspection. He then leaned over to Alejandro and whispering in his ear, the two quietly conferred for a moment. Alice and Emmeline looked anxiously at one another, Em had wadded her napkin into a tight ball on her lap and had a death-grip on it.
At last the Captain downed his ale, and signaled for another round. '...As luck would have it, it does seem as though we could make a short voyage, ah, south...' The Captain nodded as the waiter left another frosty glass;Keithcliff, like most Englishmen, had a good head for ale and had probably been raised on the stuff. His acumen and dexterity wouldn't be compromised in the least. In fact, he was feeling a second wind coming on...'We shall wrap it up here, and then get your cargo aboard ship forthwith. Alright, then?'
Emmeline and Alice almost passed out with relief.'Thank you, Keithcliff!' Emmeline was near tears she was so grateful that this question had at last been resolved. The high-strung state of the ladies was not lost upon their companions, though, and as the girls relaxed abit finally, and began to tell of their plans for the evening, Alejandro leaned over and whispered in the Captain's ear.
'Excellent idea, mate!'the Captain agreed and presented this plan in turn:'How does this sound, then, eh? When we deliver the cargo on board, you two will come also, AND you will sleep awhile,in my cabin, alone and undisturbed for some hours. At 6 bells, we shall wake you for dinner, and then it's off to this play of yours! Agreed?'
'Oh, Captain...my Captain!' Em looked at Keithcliff, her eyes becoming misty. He knew it was nerves and exhaustion on her part, but still it made him feel warm inside.
'There now, kitten...'He patted her hand with his big one, long elegant fingers sporting a new obsidian ring she noticed.'You have both had quite the time, haven't you, then?'
'You don't know the half of it, yet...'Alice couldn't help adding.
'Hmmm...'Alejandro held her hand as well. 'I know you both need rest! We shall catch up on things, and you may tell all of your tale, and we shall share our own, but first, you must feed, and then get some sleep! A long night is ahead!'He took note, as did his captain, of the girls' pale, wan faces and the deep dark circles under  their eyes.
Em sighed then, her hand shaking as she tried to spear some salad. 'I hope I can sleep! We've been pumping coffee into ourselves since dawn...it certainly would be the best thing, though. We need to be alert before we...'she looked around,'before tonight...'
'Eat up, my girl!' The Captain insisted.'And, I am ordering wine. A glass or two will help you relax, on top of a good meal, no? Then sleep. We have the entire evening, my dear...'
and taking charge of the situation, the gentlemen had a carafe of wine sent to the table, and buttered hot rosemary rolls for the ladies and plied them with food and drink and their own stories of their travels of late, 'But, it's good to be in port and to see you two again. Always some bit of intrigue going on with you girls!' The Captain shook his head as he twisted a rope of linguini around his fork and spearing some Portobello, fed it to Em.'I suppose, it's just possible that...it's part of your unique charm.' He smiled at her, and she was thankful for that. What a  relief to  feel as though she had come to safe harbor at last!
--If only for a short while...
                           . . . . . .                        
After luncheon, the party then strolled along the waterfront til they came upon the warehouse, which, as Jack had said, wasn't too far from dockside and the address was fairly easily accessed. Em went to the small side door and gave her secret knock, which was promptly answered by Yeats, who nodded and Jack and Aleister showed up then, ushering her inside where she quickly explained the plan.
They loaded the trunk onto the waiting cart, which Jack had hired for the day and fetched from the ferry terminal earlier. All boarded then with the Captain and Yeats on the driver's seat; Yeats drove the big Clydesdale whilst Keithcliff gave directions to his ship.
As the masts of the Lady Liberty came into view, Emmeline got the same thrill she always did to see the fine lines of her Capitan's other lady love...
',...Sail and steam, screw-prop sloop!'the Captain announced as they approached. 'Nothing too fancy, but she gets the job done!' he said, muting his obvious pride with practical observations. Jack and Al were completely enchanted, like most men they became boys again when out among ships with romantic tales of pirates and sea-battles dancing in their heads.
The cart lumbered up on wooden planks of the dock and
drew up close beside the sloop. The men disembarked and carefully unloaded the trunk, carrying it up the gangway, as Emmeline and Alice followed.
Em ran her hand along the polished, smooth wood of the ship's railing, always charmed by her sharp lines and her tight rigging;it bespoke a world made ship-shape of necessity. To Em it was a world free of the moorings of convention; once away from land, one could make a world of one's own,Nemo-esque, away from the squabblings and petty autocratic power games proliferating landside.Or so she imagined...
The ladies followed the cargo below to the hold. Yeats opened the trunk to find Lev slumbering oblivious, like Snow White in the glass coffin after swallowing the witches' bit of poisoned apple, still ensorcelled. So peaceful he seemed, the company just stared awhile, bemused.
'Well, well...' the Captain merely said. 'Let's heave him up  here, then.' The lads heaved-to,carrying both the injured man and his bedding beneath, and a muffled grumble escaped from Lev as they deposited him gently on a pallet. A sailor's hammock wouldn't do til his ribs healed; he needed a flat bed for now.
'He seems to be coming round abit,' the doctor observed,
as he checked Lev's pulse and vitals,and nodded then,satisfied.
'Good.'Keithcliff commented, hands in pockets. 'I've a couple of the crew here on watch, they'll be relieved soon...'he consulted an ornate silver pocket-watch,'and then take their shore-leave as the others return. He won't be left alone.'He then ushered the party up the stairs and on deck.
'Remarkable ship!'Aleister exclaimed, looking around and smiling like a contented cat.
'Indeed, Captain, she is a beauty...' Jack rejoined, placing a hand on the mast, displaying a face utterly lost in fancy.
Emmeline took her captain's arm and made belated introductions then,'Captain Keithcliff Omen, Mr. Alejandro Orez, please allow me to introduce my dear friends from Pankhurst--'she rather surprised them by introducing first: ' Mr. Yeats,' then, 'Jack Van Horn, and Doctor Aleister Parsons....and our sleeping cargo below is Lev Kopalski.'
Handshakes all around then. 'Pleasure, gentlemen!' the Captain
replied. 'Well, it's a fine day for such an enterprise!' He glanced about, sniffing the sea air, noting the wind's direction and eyeing the sky. 'For this time of year, a fine California day! And it should be well, heading on south now, too. I foresee fair sailing ahead.'
'Would you gentlemen be interested in a tour of the ship, perhaps?' Alejandro asked, noting the poking about of Aleister and Jack, who responded with an emphatic 'Certainly!' And as they scuttled off then, Em could hear the doctor and Jack peppering Orez with questions about the ship and her crew, her boiler, etc., while Yeats strolled amiably behind.
The Captain turned to Em and Alice. 'Now, my girls! Let us get you settled in then! This way!' and he led them below deck by a different hatch and to the Captain's quarters, which though necessarily smallish, still was neatly appointed with a wide feather bed, a large barren desk, a fine heavy wooden Spanish-style wardrobe in one corner, and a matching heavy table ringed with the same heavy Castilian chairs, and a large trunk made up the total furnishings, along with a heavy rug with Inca-style designs depicting the legend of Kukulkan.
Keithcliff went to the wardrobe and rummaged about, bringing forth at last, a couple of nightshifts in plain muslin for the girls. 'These should do you for now, I think! One size fits nearly all!' Smiling he lay them upon the bed and pointed to the lamp hanging over. 'If you waken at dark, here is the lamp. But we shall call for you, never fear! Emmeline has stayed here before, and she can show you any further details you may wish to know...So! Rest well, sleep deep! Your journey has been a successful one, my dears!' He turned then to Em and taking her into his arms, 'There, now, kitten!'said he,' You see? All is well.' He kissed her gently on the lips once. 'Rest up, Em. A New Year is come!' And with that, he nodded to the women and headed up on deck.
                            . . . .
The December sun had sunk into the western bay and bare traces of crimson still showed as Alice and Emmeline stirred below at last and began dressing for the evening.
'Feeling more the thing now, Em?' asked Alice as she buttoned up, gazing out the stern windows from the Captain's cabin, and trying to judge the time.
'Oh, yes, Alice! And you?' Al nodded. Em sighed and shook her head slowly, drawing on her shoes, 'This is the first time I have felt at all human in...oh, I can't recall -- days at least. There!' She stood. 'Shall we head up? Goodness, although I am rather anxious about what we may find up there...' She paused at the stairway, glancing at Alice.
'What do you expect to find?' Alice enquired.
'I don't know!' Em looked at her, blinking. 'I just hope, you know, that everyone is getting along alright...'
Alice smiled and patted her shoulder, then nodded to her to head on up.
To the ladies' surprise, the gents were all seated along the bow, staring at the last vestiges of sunset and smoking and chatting amiably, encluding -- 'Lev!' Em exclaimed, and went directly to his side. 'Lev...how are you, now?' she asked, solicitous.
Lev smiled, or tried to, wincing abit at the still rather fresh bruises and cuts. 'I think I'll live.' He took Em's hand in his. 'Thanks to you, and Alice, and the help of good friends.'
He looked at the surrounding company.
Em smiled back, her eyes watering anew. 'I'm so glad! You'll be fine, now Lev! It really wasn't safe for you, back in Pankhurst.'
'So I gather!' Lev turned seaward then, leaning on the railing.
'I'm ready for this journey, though, Em, and a new chapter in my life. This, this voyage ahead, is really the answer to a prayer!' He turned back to them all. 'I couldn't have hoped for a better end to the old year!' he heartily declaimed.
Emmeline smiled, and shivered abit as she took her shawl from her bag, which the Captain helped to drape about her shoulders. 'We're up before 6 bells, Captain!' she declared.
'What is the time, I wonder?'
'Nearly that,'answered Aleister. 'We must be getting on. It's past time we returned that cart...'
'But we will meet you by showtime at Mendation's,' Jack added and turned to Lev, extending his hand,'Good luck to you, Lev, and keep up the good fight,comrade.' Lev took his hand in both of his with a firm clasp. 'That I will, comrade!'
'And remember to take it easy for awhile!' Aleister admonished,'No climbing the rigging til you've healed-up now!'
Lev nodded, shaking his hand in turn.Yeats then sidled up to Lev, put a hand on his shoulder and murmured in his ear, then slipped something into his hand, which Lev pocketed with a nod and a small grin.
The Captain turned to Lev then. 'Mr. Ali here will be keeping watch as well as Mr. Salazar the cook below. They'll be excellent companions. The rest of the crew should trail in at odd hours thereafter... And although you do seem to be getting on well enough, I've had enough broken ribs of my own to know you must take care in order to heal proper!Captain's orders!' he finished with a small smile.
'Aye, aye!' Lev saluted, and sat back down with a grunt. 'I'm not all that inclined to do much else, I have to admit. And yes, Ali and I have plenty to talk about...'
'Don't let him or Salazar talk you into a poker game!They're both rapacious cheats!' Orez wagged a finger at Ali who leaned against the mast, calmly tying knots, looking the picture of innocence.Alejandro turned to the ladies then, 'Shall we?'he asked, offering Alice his arm, which she took and after giving Lev a small kiss on the cheek farewell, they and the Captain walked on down the gangway, as Emmeline stayed behind to have a moment with Lev.
Ali wandered off amidships and the two were alone. Em sat beside Lev and took his hand in hers. 'Lev, I...'she began.Lev patted her hand and held it,'Emmeline, what I said is truth, verily,'he looked out over the placid bay, now an obsidian mirror of the night sky. 'This is the best course I could take now!' He sighed, 'I have been at loose ends for some years ...no, no--it isn't because of you, not entirely anyway...' he said when she made a small exclamation. 'I've wondered lately if all my efforts have done any good...'
'Lev! Don't even think that way! Of course they have!' She gently touched his still-swollen cheek and gazed into his eyes then,'You know you're the reason that I became involved in social and political struggles! You're my inspiration, Lev,'she finished, and kissed his cheek tenderly. He winced, but smiled.
'That's certainly not effort wasted then, if not altogether true...I know you were a crusader for human rights long before we met Em. Do you recall our first meeting? At the women's suffrage rally...' He turned to her and shyly kissed her on the lips, but it was rather a chaste kiss, 'Go on, now, Em. We'll see each other again, sometime, I'm sure of it, lass!' He stood, pulling her up toward him. Emmeline blinked away tears, as she held him close but ever so carefully. 'Take care, Lev,'she whispered in his ear,'You've no idea how I've missed you all this time!' she looked at him then, smiling. 'Promise, we'll see each other again!'
Lev raised a fist in salute. 'Comrade's Honor.Get going, now, Em, I have some money to win in a poker game...'
Em shook her head as she parted from Lev,choked up and unable to speak; both holding hands til their fingertips finally brushed apart, and sniffing back her tears, she hurried down the gangway to where the others stood waiting.
                         . . . .
As the California Street cable car reached the top of the hill,
the party disembarked and strolled down the avenues filling now with holiday revelers. The odd sounds of tin horns and whistles filled the air along with the occasional popping of firecrackers.'Happy New Year!' people called, waving from windows of painted ladies, as San Franciscans called their early Victorian row houses.
'Where to, ladies?' asked the Captain as they passed by several restaurants all filled to the brim with holiday partiers.
'Goodness, I don't know!' Em looked in at all the steamy windows and inhaled the scents of cooking. 'I must admit, I could certainly eat a bite or two though!'
They turned the corner down a quiet street where they could make out the haunting strains of a violin, following the sound to a cheerily lighted cafe where, although not lacking in customers, there seemed to be a few tables still unoccupied. They paused, gazing through the window bearing the name of Het Vezer -- Eastern European Cafe. At that moment, a zaftig woman appeared from the kitchen,bearing a large tray laden with a goose, it seemed, to the delight of those waiting at the table beneath the window.
'Het Vezer...the Seven Chieftans!' said the Captain. 'Good enough for them and us, I'll reckon!' The others heartily agreed, as they entered the warm and welcoming house.
They were shown to a nice corner booth and began to peruse the menu whilst a violinist wandered among tables playing tunes familiar to many there, who joined along in song.Although the menu read mostly in Czech it seemed, there were also English translations. The company finally decided upon borscht to begin, with Csirke Paprikas, (Chicken Paprika),Holishkes (Stuffed Cabbage Rolls), and Magyar Gulyas, of course, (Hungarian Goulash), finishing with Almasretes (Apple Strudel.)
'...and Pilsener!' the Captain exclaimed, delightedly, to which all agreed would go well with the meal.'At least, to begin...
there will be champagne later!'he winked.
                         . . . .
...And there was. Delightfully contented and nearly surfeited by their delectable feast, the party was 'filling up the corners' with champagne and nibbling on the toothsome strudel whilst their fellow diners did the same and had settled into singing soft melodies of Old World origin to the tune of the violin and
now, someone with a guitar had joined them from the kitchen, which lent a rather relaxed and homey ambiance to the evening.
'Pfennig for your thoughts?'asked Keithcliff as he took Emmeline's hand and sat back, satisfied.
Em sighed and leaned against her chair as well. 'I haven't any!' She smiled at him,'It's such a relief! I believe I am too full to cogitate.'
'Coffee, perhaps?' asked the Captain.
'NO!!!' Emphatically answered both Alice and Em, earning wide grins from the gentlemen.
'Ah, well then...'Keithcliff began, taking out his pocket watch,'...it seems we've still some time yet...!'
'How is the time keeping, then?' Em enquired, giving his hand a squeeze. The watch had been a Solstice gift from her, engraved
within was the sentiment: 'To Keithcliff from Emmeline, With Love Eternal As The Sea'and, naturally, a fine sailing ship gracefully detailed the watch cover.
'She runs like...clockwork, Em!' the Captain kissed her forehead as she playfully smite his shoulder. 'Ah! Alright, enough of that then!' And, reaching into his pocket, brought forth a small black velvet box and set it upon the table before Em.'Perhaps this will make up for my bad jests.'
A similar box, slightly larger, had also appeared before Alice.
Alejandro was gazing softly her way, as her eyes locked with his.
'Oh, Keithcliff!...a New Year's gift? It's so unexpected!' Not entirely true, as the gents had intimated they might be bringing a wee sommat back from their travels, (as they usually did)...
Em kissed her captain on the cheek and slowly lifted the lid, to display a pair of beauteous emerald earrings worked in delicate silver filigree. 'Oh, my dear...!' Em was entranced. She was indeed, speechless. She touched Keithcliff's cheek and gave him such a heartfelt smile, then. 'Thank you, my darling-- stalwart Captain of my heart!' and kissed his neck then, just below the ear...
'Glad you find them agreeable, luv!' he was gruffly pleased. 'Well, Alice, what have you there?' he asked, pouring the last of the champagne all round.
Alice looked at them all, smiling, then took up her box and opened the cover. 'Oh! How lovely!' she said, as she then extracted a round ornate silver and glass box. 'Tis a music box!' she exclaimed, and as she lifted the lid, the tinkling sound of 'Claire de Lune' filled the air. Only then did they realize that the tables all about them had become curious and were watching the unfolding tableau when folk all round them uttered appreciative 'Ahhh's!' The guitarist wandered over and joined in with the music box's delicate tune, to the delight of all.
Alice was only slightly embarrassed but mostly thrilled by it all. 'My darling...' she breathed to Alejandro, kissing his cheek. That worthy gent was grinning ear to ear to have found such favorable, -and far-reaching!- approval of his efforts.
'Such gallantry deserves a reward, no?' asked the guitar player, motioning his partner, the violinist over their way. The cafe wholeheartedly agreed with applause. The guitarist spoke softly in his friend's ear a moment, and then striking a chord, they began to sing a new tune...'This, is the niiight...it's a beauuutiful niiight...and they callll it Belllla Notteee!'
Enchanted, the girls and their gentlemen joined in as well, til the entire cafe was united in this time-honored paean to love...
for 'tis true: the whole world loves a lover...
Outside, the ubiquitous fog began to roll in, wrapping the city in a sheltering cloak, the pops and whistles of the evening's celebrations somewhat muffled now. A New Year was edging closer
on time's infinite wings.  Whatever was to come, hung in the balance for now. For this was a lull, a winterlude, in time's inexorable march;and this was a night...'it's a beautiful night...'--a night just made for love...
                           . . . . .
...One may of course, read whilst listening to 'Claire de Lune' and partake of champagne and strudel! Perhaps a review of 'Lady and the Tramp' would make a nice fit as well, sharing, perhaps, a plate of pasta, with a willing partner...Salud!

Running Down A Dream

Ch. 24
Running Down A Dream
December 31st dawned bright, cold and clear.
Emmeline and Alice stood on the platform of Pankhurst station awaiting the 9 o'clock train. To say that they were abit keyed-up was putting it mildly...as if one could claim two cats being chased by a pack of rabid hounds were also 'abit keyed-up'... But at last they heard a familiar whistle blow and now as they made out a line of steam from the smokestack in the distance, their anxiety grew less to view their means of escape on the way.
Boarded finally and situated at a rear car next to the baggage car, they found two seats together, not an easy maneuver on a New Year's Eve run to the City, and sat and sighed with some small relief, as the train began to pull away from town and headed west at last.
'Goodness, but it's more crowded than I've seen it aboard here in awhile!' Alice remarked, 'But that's a good thing, probably.
More crowd to be lost in,'she finished sotto voce.
'I'm thinking they'll have to add another car somewhere along the line,'Em agreed.'Probably, at the next stop.'She looked at Al meaningfully. The next stop was where they were to pick up Aleister, Jack and the 'Cargo'.
The train sped along the flat landscape leaving the miasma that had been Pankhurst of late. It wasn't long before they both craned to look out the window for the next stop, hoping to see Jack and Al, et al. 'I think that's them!' Em pointed to a cart hitched to, she believed, Jack's bay, Trotsky, as the train slowed to a halt at the depot. As Em thought, they felt the car jerk from the uncoupling as they added cars. This may take awhile, she thought, frustrated with more waiting.And where were the men, then? She hadn't been able to see much beyond a brief glimpse of horse and cart...
Some minutes went by, and then she and Alice watched, wondering, as a young lad leapt upon Aleister's trap, and taking Troktsky's reins in hand, turned about and proceded away from the railyard. Em and Alice looked at one another.
'Ladies, I believe you have the wrong seats!' A familiar voice greeted them from behind.
They jumped.'Oh! Jack, Aleister! You gave us a start!' The girls' hearts were in their throats then. Mercy, didn't they know they were nearly ready to leap out of their skins with anxiety? Men...!
'Sorry, ladies!' Jack smiled, probably not sorry in the least and thinking it good fun. 'Let us make amends for startling you both...we have secured a private compartment, and would be 
pleased if you would join us for coffee!'
                          . . . . .
Seated then in a comfortably appointed space with cushioned seats on either side and a small table between them, the ladies did indeed feel kinder toward the gentlemen and with the door shut against the outlying crowd, they began to relax slightly for the first time that day. Jack poured hot coffee for all and passed a plate of scones.
Must be nice...being one of the 'haves', Em couldn't help but think. Being charitable goes both ways, though, so she put her good face on it and had to admit it wasn't all that hard to do, really.
'Mercy, but we've been in a state!' Alice allowed, shaking her head. 'So,'she continued quietly, 'Our cargo...?'
'Is safe and secure, and in the baggage compartment. Yeats has special permission to sit with the...trunk in back. He's made himself comfortable enough there and can keep an eye on things,' Aleister handed Alice a pot of jam.'We're well on our way, my dears. they'll be fine you'll see.'
As this was the first time that Alice and Aleister had seen one another since their...travels...they both sat back and each regarded the other appraisingly.
'Thank you, doctor, for your help in this matter,' Alice began.
Al looked at her, brows raised,'It's Aleister, please!--and we're happy to lend a hand, my dear Alice, and Emmeline!'he declaimed.'Good to see you both again, and fear not, this adventure should end better than the last .'
Jack spoke then, 'I hope we've earned your trust, somewhat at least! Let us try to ally any remaining fears that you may still have, please.' He looked so earnest, leaning toward them over the table that they smiled a little, relenting.
'Our...cargo, is comfortable?'Em asked.
'As comfortable as 'cargo' can be,'said Aleister. 'It is cold back there, but Yeats can pop them both out of this ah, era, shall we say? ...And then back again to this time and space, before we disembark. And, whilst here,  they're both well wrapped! Even found some old fur coats in the attic when we dug out the trunk!'
'Oh, Lev in a fur coat!' Em smiled wryly and put a hand to her forehead, 'He'd have to be well-sedated to get him into such a bourgeois rig!'
'He is that,'the doctor agreed. 'Had to be, for the trip. Even
a groan could give him away at a wrong moment. But never fear,
it's neither too much or too little. He'll be himself again, sooner than you think.'
'And breathing free air again will be the best restorative!' Jack declared, downing his coffee and pouring more. He and Al both seemed unconcerned and in fact, rather eager. An adventure, then, for them. Well, thought Em, they could always just...evaporate back to the future whenever they felt like it, couldn't they...? She did feel grateful for their indispensible
aid of late. Well, if they got a sense of fun out of their exertions, so be it.
'We're all here, safe, thus far, and on our way,'she decided,'That's the main thing.'
'Agreed.' Aleister joined Jack in pouring another round for all.
'Excellent coffee, by the way!' Alice had to exclaim.
'Yeats,'Jack and Al said together. 'He fixed us up a carafe to go...'
'...a thermos!' Emmeline remembered.
'That's right!'Aleister smiled at her memory.(Jack meanwhile had flashbacks of 'The Jerk' with Steve Martin.)'As well as a picnic basket to see us to the City.'
'I know we have a right job ahead of us,'Emmeline took a bite of currant laced scone,'But, it is rather an adventure, I suppose!' She sat back and gazed out the window at the approaching Coast Range, now quite near.
The company watched the scenery awhile in amiable companionship and soon Alice began to hum as was her wont on long trips.  To their surprise Aleister soon joined her in his low bass. They began then to sing the words together...'Corrina, Corrina...I bid you fare thee well, when I'll be back dear, nobody can tell...'
they smiled at one another.
'One of my favorites...'Al admitted,looking into his cup.Alice, too was lost in her thoughts.
'Mine also!'Em chimed in.'And you know, when I went to the music shop and asked for the sheet music, they'd never heard of it! In fact, only you, Alice, and now Aleister--are the only people I know of who have also heard that song!'
'Oh, dear...'Alice smiled sheepishly.'I didn't realize you were that fond of it, Em! Ah...it's an old favorite of Frank's you see--'she flicked a glance at Aleister then,'it's by Big Joe Turner, circa 1950-something.'Alice sighed. 'Frank's a big jazz and blues fan...it rubbed off on him during his, travels...and rubbed off on me, as well! Once it gets in your blood...'
'...there's no escaping!'Aleister laughed. 'Quite right! Ah, my, my...so we've all abit more in common then! Jack here is quite the jazz junkie...'
'A, what?' enquired Em.
Jack cleared his throat, looking hard at Al, 'He means I can't get by without it. It's so, though,'Jack sighed, thinking back. 'Whenever we'd travel, I always had a hard time relaxing unless I could hear or play some jazz. It gets in your blood, truly. I eventually learned a little guitar, just so I wouldn't feel so bereft, when we were in jazz-deprived countries.'Jack harkened back to those traveling days of his youth and began to feel rather...excited, really. Well, it's a risky business ahead...and a risky one looking back as well.
'Well!That explains it!'Em knew now.'Oh,  Alice, I suppose Roll Out the Barrel, and The Song Has Ended But The Melody Lingers On...?'
''Fraid so, Em, guilty as charged...I've been playing music not yet composed...'
'Oh my. Mr. Zappa at the music shop always thought I was just making trouble for him when I asked for these non-existent songs!'
'Ah Emmeline...soon!'Jack warmed to the subject,'You are a mere breath away, from Ragtime!' He leaned forward and his boot slunk
suddenly up and down her leg, like a python! 
'What marvels you've yet to hear! Irving Berlin was a Tin Pan Alley genius, if you like his Melody Lingers On...wait til you hear Gershwin, Cole Porter...Louis Armstrong...'he got a faraway look in his eyes...'Ella Fitzgerald.'he said it as a final statement.
Em meanwhile was suddenly enthralled. What was that all about?She couldn't believe Jack just...played footsie with her? Or was it bootsie? Just what was this Ragtime?! Nooo, surly she was mistaken. A movement of the carriage caused it.
Right.
Aleister took up the tune again, and glancing at Alice with a grin began to sing:'Corrina Corrina, be a pal of mine...you got me walkin' just to keep from cryin'...'
The rest joined in, encluding Jack and Emmeline:'I love Corrina, tell the world I do...just a little more lovin', let your heart be true...'
And as the engine steamed west carrying it's varied passengers and cargo (and passengers AS cargo)along with all their divers hopes, dreams and wishes for the New Year, the company relaxed somewhat and sang on to the accompanying clickety-clack of the
train car on track: 'Corrina Corrina where you been so long? I ain't had no lovin', since you been gone...'
                            . . . . .
As the train passed over the bridge spanning the Straits, there was a lull in the songfest for a moment.
'So, what is jazz, really?' Em asked. 'Where did it originate?'
'Ah! Glad you asked, Em!' Jack was in his element now. 'Actually it is particular to the U.S.-- however, it's roots are in Afrika, and from there,to the Caribbean as well as South America.'
'Indeed, Jack...'the doctor added,'I noticed that you didn't appear to be 'deprived' of jazz when you were dancing with the
Condomble' practitioners in Brazil!'
'Aleister!'Jack warned. He couldn't believe that Al brought that up! What would the ladies now think? (On top of all his other...idiocyncrasies...what was going on with him?)
Al may as well have broadcast:
'Yes, Jack used to dance with the Voudouns in Haiti,' (he did, -- that came much later-- but still, one doesn't pop out with that upon a oh, 3rd date? was it?)...and to think they used to live together...the thought made Jack about mad with longing...it all seemed so right then.
Except for the abduction part. Of course.
He sighed, thinking: 'Merde...'
But although Alice and Em were on the alert, they didn't appear to be discomfited by this revelation.
'You...practice Condomble', Jack?' Em enquired, with a sideways glance.
'Emmeline...I...well, not exactly. I have studied, with fellow adherents there in Brazil, but, no, I'm not a practitioner, as such. I've made it a point to study the culture, the music, the spiritual beliefs of any country I've visited.'he looked at Em,
hoping she was 'still with him' on this. 'The Yoruba in Afrika,
the Berbers in the desert;I've sat zazen with Buddhist monks in Japan, although as my sensei unceasingly remindes me, I've not kept up my practice...and yes, with brujas and curanderas in the Americas...everyone everywhere has a puzzle piece of wisdom and knowledge. I try to be open, and to learn from all.'
Well, best to be honest,at least, he thought. She can't fault me for not being forthcoming.What have I to lose now? I can't have lost her already...it seems I've lost her so many times...Jack frowned then, what am I thinking? It's the lack of sleep and too much caffeine, he decided.
Em and Alice were looking at each other, and both thinking the same thing then. Alice sighed at last. 'We may as well tell them all of it. Possibly, these gentlemen could aid us in this.'
Jack and Aleister sat up, each wondering what Alice could  mean by this intriguing statement.
'Puzzle pieces.' Em said. 'Yes.' She leaned forward and clasping her hands together upon the table, looked at the gentlemen across from them. 'Well...you're not going to believe this, but...'and she and Alice then launched into their tale of Frank's problems with the military, his disappearance, and subsequent reappearance in spirit only through the efforts and kind acquiescence of Mr. Orez, the Captain's First Mate, a Condomble' devotee.'So, you see, we're meeting up not only with the Captain, and Mr. Orez, but just possibly, with Frank as well,'ended Emmeline, her eyes searching theirs for some hope of understanding.
Al and Jack understood all too well. 'Alice...'began Aleister,'My dear Alice...how you have managed all this, is a miracle. You are an incredible woman.' he gave her an open look free of anything but utmost admiration. His features hardened then and he turned to Jack. 'Anything we can do to help you and Frank,' he paused and Jack nodded,'We will, and I know Yeats would be pleased to offer any assistance as well.'
Alice and Em sighed then, relieved to have that in the open at least, and amazed that they found such ready accomplices. As the train passed beyond the bridge and entered into the winding bayside terrain, all was quiet in the car then, as they grew closer to their destination. 'There is...something else.' Em ventured, looking to Alice.
'This one's all yours, Em. Up to you.' Alice conceded.
'More surprises, Em?' Jack was constantly amazed by Emmeline. Any previous notions he'd had of a 19th century womans' experience as constrained by society's conventions 'back then'were fast flying from his fancies.(Was that Em's foot he'd been tackling? What was he thinking? He'd just felt so...jazzy at that moment.)Jack felt increasingly...drawn somehow...as though something was calling to him...
Emmeline took a deep breath,and figured it was best to just come out with it. 'We...we believe we've found...Morgana Carlysle.' She paused. 'And, we plan to meet and talk with her, later tonight.'
No sound was heard then, but the train's motions and wheels on track. Aleister and Jack were both staring at her as though
she'd just announced that she actually hailed from Venus. At last Jack stirred.'Ah. And, just how...? What...? Where...did this notion come from?' He seemed rather befuddled.
Understandably.
Alice took up the narrative: 'Well, when we arrived back at the theatre, you know, when we...'
'...when you left Van Horn's?' Aleister supplied, helpfully.
'yes, exactly.'Alice continued,thinking it best not to just say 'escaped'; 'We arrived in Jacky's dressing room, on the other side of the mirror, and as we exited through the lobby...'
'--I saw her!' Em jumped in. 'Well, not her, in person, but we saw her picture on a poster announcing her upcoming play at Mendation's, 'direct from Paris'...she is now playing in 'Orpheus' on New Year's Eve. Tonight.' she finished.
                          .........
Em let that sink in for awhile.
Neither Jack or Al seemed to know quite what to think.
"Here's the plan then:' Em continued: 'We offload the cargo, at your warehouse. When we return with the Captain, we'll knock once. Then twice rapidly. So you recognize us.'
They nodded.
'So then, from the warehouse we head on to the ship. 'Em paused, 'Then, at last,when we reach the Lady Liberty,  Lev can embark. On his new life.' Emmeline leaned back against the seat and looked tired then.
 This had been a trial for her, and Alice...one thing atop the other,this horror with Lev coming on the heels of Alice's setup thought Jack, as he listened, amazed at thier perserverance.
'Who knows...'she said, as she gazed, abit wearily across the blue-grey bay, 'Perhaps Frank...'but she didn't finish her thought.
Despite the coffee, Em's head was sideways now and lay upon Alice's shoulder. 'She's just exhausted, poor lamb,' Al put an arm about her. 'Let her rest til we're at the ferry landing. Not far now...'
The train whistle blew as they barreled down the straightaway headed to the east bay.As the party neared their destination,
a pensive mood came upon them. They gazed out the windows as Em slept on, and to the rocking of the coach and the cadence of the wheels, Jack glanced at Emmeline occasionally, wishing that it was his shoulder bearing that scarlet burden.He felt an odd stirring...why did he feel this strange hunger within? He freed his gaze from Em and looking out over the bay, began to softly sing then,almost to himself:
'I'm old fashioned...
I love...the moonlight...
I love...the old, fashioned things...'
                               . . . .
Best read while listening to 'I'm Old Fashioned' by Chet Baker, whilst imbibing a hearty strong brew'd coffee, be it Arabica, Sumatra .Java, Columbian, Yerba Mate or Chicory, whatever floats your regional boat...
High Water risin' risin' night and day
All the gold and silver been stolen away
Big Joe Turner lookin east and west
From the dark room of his mind...

Dylan: High Water

The Specter of Capitalism

The Specter of Capitalism
'And just where have you been, my wandering boy?' was Aleisters' greeting after Jack put the bay up and entered the parlor. 'I saw the trap here earlier, but no horse, and no Jack.'
Jack lay one finger aside his nose and peeked into the kitchen seeking Yeats' whereabouts. Satisfied that worthy gent was busy humming as he prepared dinner, he then sat upon the sofa fireside and motioned Aleister near.
'I've news we can decidedly use, Al.' Jack shrugged his coat off and began unlacing his boots. 'I ran into Em in town.'
'Ah.'Al gazed at Jack, frowning slightly.
Jack held a hand up, briefly, continuing with,'I know! And I nearly just passed her by, but, Al...she looked so forlorn and downcast...'
Aleister harumphed! at that and crossed his legs, looking away now...This, was Jack's 'news'?...the lad was forever mooning over Emmeline...
'And, it's a good thing I stopped. Al...it seems Alice has trouble.'
'Our Alice?!' Aleister had now turned 'round and was giving Jack full attention.'Out with it, man!'
Jack sighed and sat back then, tossing boots onto the hearth to dry.'Well, it seems she and Em had been agitating at the library for a union. Someone set Alice up and boldly set pro-union handbills upon her desk for all to see. She was promptly transferred way out of town, over in the old warehouse district.'
Al rose and went circling the sofa, muttering. 'Bloody union-busting yunkers anyway!Ah, Jack...and to think that was just the beginning! You know the corporatocracy that reigns supreme in our time!' Al stopped at the mantlepiece, extracting a cigarillo.He bent over it, and lighting up, said,'I'm heading over to Alice's...'
Jack glanced toward the kitchen door.'Don't really think that's wise, Al. I know how you feel! Believe me!' he motioned toward Yeats' domaine. 'But, that's not the entire news.Hear me out,'he said quietly.
Al sat back down and puffed at his cigar like a locomotive, face set in a fixed frown. But he listened.
'So, after dropping Em off, I came back here and put the cart away, slung a bridle on Trotsky and headed back to Em's .'
Al looked up, eyebrows raised to his hairline now, but kept quiet.
'Yes, I know, I'm bucking for a roasting...but I can't let our girls just take such a beating, you know! So...I hid outside the parlor window in the bushes and listened in.'
'You dog.' Al ventured a slight grin.
Jack sighed.'It was worth it Al. What I learned then...'he looked up, noting Yeats was coming from the kitchen and had begun to set the table.
'Dinner in 5...' said Yeats and returned to his chef's kingdom.
Jack continued. 'What I learned, I will tell you, after dinner. When I tell Yeats as well.'Al opened his mouth, but Jack insisted--'It's the only way. We can't go against our Head. And I believe he'll be behind us on this.'
                        . . . .
After dinner, the company was seated in the parlor,
and over brandies, Jack finally came out with it.
'So, that's it. They're heading back to the City on New Year's Eve, and they believe that the Nexus point will begin at midnite. Alice has some of Frank's old papers and had been studying them...and so came to that conclusion, based on her findings.'
Yeats was silent for some time. The fire popped with new wood upon it, sending sparks. He  sat in the hearthside chair opposite the sofa bearing Jack and Aleister. The Head took a slow sip of brandy, set it down and steepled his fingers before him. 'Hmmm.'he began,leaning forward,elbows on knees.'Aside from the fact that how you became privy to this information is exceedingly reprehensible,'he glanced up at Jack with brows bristling,'It just...may...be that you are correct in believing that we should head to the City then, and keep watch upon them all.'
Jack looked at Al. He couldn't believe that the Head had agreed with him! He truly thought that he'd gone over the last line with this and was about to get the final boot. But, now...! There's a chance...he thought.
'If, however, at any time, either of you step out of line,you will soon find yourself in worse straits than coming-to hogtied in an empty warehouse! Are we clear on this?' Yeats stood, adding height in punctuation.
Both Jack and Al nodded.
Yeats wasn't done yet.
'You do realize that we will be tailing not only the ladies but THEIR gentlemen friends, as well? So, no
hot heads! Whatever may happen! You are capable of professional behavior I trust?'
'Of course,'said Al and Jack together. And looked at one another, each thinking the other more likely to
slip out of purely professional persona.
'I will be acting as Head, in this matter, and you are my lieutenants. You will obey as such.' Yeats stretched and yawned then. 'I'm off to my chambers to study this matter. You two have KP duty to assume now, I believe...'and so saying he strode off upstairs.
Al looked at Jack. 'You'd think we'd have made captain at least!' as they headed into the kitchen and the dishwashing awaiting them.
                        . . . . .
'We were unable to secure bail.'
Leon's proclamation was hard news to Em, to them all.
He and Ernestine had come by Alice's directly from town. 'We tried to see Lev, but they would not allow it, they sent us away.'

'Oh, Leon!' Emmeline stood and began pacing, hands on hips, head down, frowning.'What now? What can we do?'
Ernestine went to her then, touching her shoulder.
'Don't give up! This is just the beginning!'
She looked over at her brother, 'We went to Mr. Moore's then, the attorney.We believe he can help!'
Leon spoke up,'He should be there now, at the jail. I'm sure he can finagle some sort of agreement to release Lev, for the time being. Be strong, amiga!'
He smiled grimly. 'We gave him all your cash for the bail, as well as what we had. Mr.Moore will secure positive results, you will see!'
Em went to them then, taking their hands. 'Thank you both, so much! We do appreciate it! I just feel so frustrated and helpless!'
'No, no, Emmeline!' Leon spoke in a low and comforting register. 'Don't let them get to you.That's part of their strategy, how they manipulate people!
Be strong! We are all in this together!'
'You're right,'Alice spoke then,'We have to think clearly and use our heads in this! Oh, thank you for all your help of late, may we offer either of you a  coffee or brandy perhaps..?I'm forgetting my manners already!'
'Gracias, but we must be going,'Ernestine smiled as she and her brother headed for the door. 'We shall let you know as soon as Mr. Moore has news for us! In the meanwhile, stay safe, and stay strong!' She kissed both women on the cheek and Leon took their hands in his and gave them a kind squeeze.
Alice and Em watched from the doorway and waved farewell, 'I hope it won't take much longer, Alice! What could they be hoping to gain with filibuster tactics?...Oh, I just don't know...' Em turned then, shutting the door against the late December cold as they returned to the parlor.
'It may not take much longer, Em dear...'Alice sat heavily upon the sofa then, replacing Mac's blanket on the middle cushion and he leapt upon it smartly.
He knew that if company was due, and his tartan blanket was not there, he was not to be upon the couch. He would patiently wait elsewhere til summoned by its' plaid reappearance;usually after a wash...alas! thought Mac...just when his galpal next door Frida was becoming frisky...how he loved to sleep with her scent...his mistresses needed such a scent to sleep with, he bethought himself, sagely.
Emmeline would not be at peace until she had news of Lev's release, however. Time crawled slowly by. She idly ran her hands over the old piano keyboard and half-heartedly played the old 'Carabina 30 30 so beloved of Lev & Co...
                       . . . . 
A long day at last gave way to early evening as the sun disappeared behind the low hills usually occulted by the leafy deciduous trees . Alice came into the parlor bearing two cups of hot coffee on a tray, setting it upon the tea table before Em, who sat quietly, staring out the window, 'Thought this might help 'keep us strong' as Ernestine encouraged!'Alice smiled at her friend.
'Oh, thank you, Alice...I could use some. I don't have the patience for waiting!'She shook her head and yawned, sipping coffee gratefully.
'Better?'asked Al, concerned. Em hadn't moved from the parlor nearly all day, refusing to eat.
She watched from the window.
'Yes.'Em sighed. 'Ah...I know...that Lev and I aren't as close as we once were...but Alice, I sometimes feel as though this town were divided in two! And I know there are shades of grey, one might say, but it just seems at times, as though it's Us against Them, and that means to me: Right vs. Wrong!'Em looked at Al. 'I know you know what I mean.'
'I do Em. And, yes, it's a trial to even try to think that the opposing viewpoint has anything to recommend it...'
'...when it so obviously does not!' Em said decisively.
'Well...I agree. But, people and their ideas are all shaped by different circumstances in life,'Alice sat back stirring her cup.
'There are relatives and absolutes, still!'Em wasn't about to be mollified. 'And, Lev absolutely has to get out of that awful place!' Em stood then. 'Do you hear something?'  She went to the door then,and Macgregor's muffled whuff! proved her right. Hoofbeats and the sound of a cart were approaching. 'It's them! It's the Guevaras!' she called to Alice.
They both watched from the door as the cart approached . The light was waning fast, but there appeared to be
several people in it. Em ran out to the gate then, impatient to know who was there...Leon was driving with Ernestine next to him, but who was that in back?
A large portly gentleman was seated next to a figure that was hunched over, wrapped in a blanket, it seemed.
Em tore open the gate and raced down the lane to meet them. She was near enough to make out the company, except for the huddled figure still clutching an old quilt, who was helped from the cart by Leon with gentle care. As she neared, she suddenly realized...it was Lev!
But oh, how changed. A different man stood before her from the strapping, confident and strong young buck he'd been when last they met. Em's heart fell to her feet when she gazed upon Lev's swollen features;the dark bruises and red angry cuts that covered his face.
His breathing was shallow and she could tell it hurt him badly to do so. 'Oh, Lev...Lev...'she said softly, wanting so to fold him in her arms and kiss away his pain...but she dare not touch the poor lad for fear of further breakage!
'He's been badly beaten, let us get him inside, and
try to deal with the worst of it...'said Leon, as they all crowded 'round the limping man and slowly helped him into the house.
'Here, lay him on the sofa!'Alice cleared a place as Em knelt on the floor before him and gently arranged blankets around him. 'I'll start water boiling and be back with alcohol and bandages.'
'Have you anything for pain?' asked Ernestine, taking her coat off and assuming her nurses' command of the situation. 'Laudanum would b good. Brandy if not, and aspirin, at least.'
Alice nodded and disappeared into the kitchen.
Lev hadn't said a word, nothing came from his still-bleeding and swollen lips but shallow labored breathing. Ernestine knelt beside Em and shook her head,'He looks much worse in the light! I don't wish to feel for broken bones until he's been sedated somewhat.' She looked at Em,'You'll know why we came here directly soon!'She nodded at the heavy gentleman who had accompanied them. 'This is Mr. Moore, the attorney we mentioned.'
Mr. Moore nodded to them.  'I managed to get him out!
But, there was a small riot going on all around the jail!The Press was there, and his union pals all out for blood...can't blame them really! But it didn't help his case any. We'd nearly gotten him out without any problems, when old Hanging Judge Perry suddenly showed his ugly mug and insisted he stay locked up! Well, the union contingent all gang-busted through the doors then and in the melee, we tossed a coat over him and managed to bustle him outa there!' Moore rubbed his neck, and rolled his eyes.  'Quite a show...he's in a bad way though. Just threw the lad in without any treatment! Shameful!'
Alice returned with a small brown bottle and handed it to Ernestine who poured abit of water into a glass and measured a couple of spoonfuls from the bottle into it. She lifted Lev's head then, 'Lev, can you swallow abit? This will help the pain,'he started to shake his head and winced. 'Yes! You must! I'm going to probe for broken bones and you can injure yourself if you jerk around! Nurses orders now!' He tried opening his mouth slightly and she tipped the glass to his cracked lips. 'Okay. Good. Give him afew minutes.'
'Hopefully, we'll have that,'said Leon, who had been watching the window. 'I don't know if we are so safe here. Forgive me, amiga,'he looked at Em,'but most of the town knows that you and Lev were very close once...I'm not so sure that Perry is going to give up the chase...'
Em stood then, tears in her eyes and her features set in fierce determination. 'No one will take him from us!' She looked at Alice who had come in bearing a tray with a bowl of hot water, towels and alcohol.Em took some cotton and soaked it in alcohol.'Alice. We must take him to Jack and Aleisters'!'She turned then to Ernestine, 'Aleister is a medical doctor, and new in town. No one would have any reason to suspect that Lev would be there! They've taken the old house out on Crowley Lane.'
'Yesss...that would probably be best,'said Moore, rubbing his chin. 'But can he stand the trip?'
'I think he must,' said Ernestine, seated now in a chair that Em had brought over next to Lev's prone and battered form. 'I don't think anything major is broken. Ribs, certainly. But...let us just see now...Em, will you unbutton his shirt while I wash up?...Carefully.'
Emmeline gently unbuttoned his torn and bloody shirt;she had to sponge away the blood with the alcohol-soaked cotton to be able to peel bits of it away from his skin, mottled with bruises, cuts and such abuse that gave lie to the civility of so-called civilization. It's a good thing he can't see me weeping all over the place,she thought. Oh, poor Lev! His eyes were mostly swollen shut from bruises.
'That will do,'Ernestine turned to her patient, feeling with deft gentle fingers along his ribcage, which caused Lev to gasp and wince in response.'Yep. As I thought. Several are broken. Have you bandages Alice? It would help to bind him as quickly as we can, before we try to transport him.'
'I have an old sheet I can tear up, will that do?'
asked Alice. Ernestine nodded, and when she brought that, she and Em began ripping it into bindings. 'Oh, gentlemen, do have a seat! We're working quickly as we may...but one needn't stand on ceremony!' smiled Alice, always a balm in any crisis. The gentlemen complied, as Ernestine began to bind up Lev's ribs, with Em's help holding him.Alice headed into the kitchen and returned with more cups of hot coffee. 'Luckily I brewed a pot already, expecting to be up all night!'
'Dear lady, how kind!' Mr. Moore gratefully sipped his black. 'And my thanks for your efficient hospitality!
Mr. Howard Moore, at your service.'
'Alice Stein, good to meet you, Mr. Moore!And this is my housemate and friend, and Lev's, Emmeline Page. We work at the local library together.'
'And thank you so much for all you have done for Lev! He wouldn't be here and out of that horrid place without your help!' Emmeline gave him a thankful smile.
'We aren't out of the woods yet, my dear!' Mr. Moore looked worried. 'Any lights out there? ' he turned to Leon, still posted at the window.
Leon drank his coffee in long swallows. 'Not yet. I'm going outside to listen.'
'Take Mac with you!'said Alice. 'He's the best watchdog on the block!'she turned to MacGregor. 'Outside, Macky? Yes? Go with Leon now!'
Leon smiled, as he headed out the door with Mac  'Sometimes the small ones are the most alert!' He saluted the company on his way out and closed the door.
Ernestine sat back and washed her blood-stained hands.'Gracias Diosa, it isn't as bad as it looks! That may keep him in one piece for the ride at least.
I'm glad you know a doctor!'she looked at Em. 'He needs care. And it's not easy to get when one is on the run, I know.' Alice handed her a cup of coffee.
'Ah, Alice, diosa! Much obliged!'She took a small sip.
'I'm glad he is not broken otherwise! I feared they would break fingers or knees. Bad business. But he can heal from all this. Physically, at least.' She frowned at her patient, now breathing somewhat easier. She noticed Emmeline sitting quietly on the floor, holding Lev's hand. She looked stricken. 'Don't let him wake up and see you like that!' she softly warned with a smile. 'It won't be easy, but when you deal with him, keep in mind the handsome man he was, and will be again! It's a matter of pride,with men, and he is a hard one, in the head!'She shook hers.
'Don't I know it!' Em smiled ruefully, and sighed.
Alice sat up then. 'Shhh! What's that? I thought I heard Mac!' She ran to the door, just as Leon and Mac scurried inside. 'Someone's coming. We should go.'
                          . . . .
It was decided that Emmeline should ride in back with Lev, who was placed on the cart prone and covered,with Ernestine on his other side, while Leon drove up front. Alice and Mr. Moore stayed behind to meet whatever business was headed up her lane.
They managed to get a fair start, as Leon and Mac had walked toward town aways and hearing someone coming, had run back to the house in time to get everything on the road post haste.
It was late as they pulled up to Crowley House, but there appeared to be a light on inside. As Lev was a lanky sort and not heavy, the ladies acted as his gentle supports, whilst Leon remained in the driver's seat keeping an ear out.They slowly, laborously approached the old door.and Emmeline knocked upon it, biting her lip  as they anxiously waited. At last, the door opened a crack and Jack stood before them. 'Emmeline!' he exclaimed, eyes wide.
'Jack!'Em said. 'May we come in...please!?'

                        . . . . .

Jack recovered himself at last.
'Of course!--here...'he opened the door wide as the trio crabbed sideways through the portal.'...let us take him to the sofa in the parlor!...may I help carry--?'Jack made a move to relieve Em, but just as they slowly deposited their charge gently upon the sofa, Lev spoke up at last:'...they're...softer...' he managed to croak.
Ernestine and Emmeline smiled at last, Em through her tears. 'Oh, Lev! My poor old dear!' She put a pillow beneath his head as Ernestine directed Jack in lifting his legs up. Lev groaned then and his head fell sideways. 'He's out again.'
Tina pronounced, turning to the others. 'He may do that, off and on; due to laudanum if not pain.'
'No, he mustn't be in any more pain than he has been, already!' Em was adamant.
Meanwhile, Jack had gone into the foyer and called upstairs to Aleister, 'Al! Get down here, stat! A patient for you!' He then reentered the parlor looking concerned and stared at Lev, barely recognizing him from their brief, earlier meeting.
'Jack,'began Em, 'Thank you.'
Jack nodded, still scrutinizing the situation.
Em continued: 'Lev was beaten and framed for that inflammatory piece in the Courier! You may as well know too, he's more or less released from jail, but...'she paused, pushing her hair from her eyes,'Well, there may be some argument from Judge Perry on just how much of Levs' release was, ah...engineered more along the lines of a breakout...' She gazed up at Jack, eyebrows raised.
'I see,'Jack whipped about then as Aleister came clattering down the stairs, black bag in hand. 'Al! Here's your man!' He gestured to Lev prone on the couch, in and out of wakefulness.'He doesn't look good,' Jack frowned.
Aleister pulled up a chair and Ernestine turned to him, ' I work as a nurse at the hospital, doctor. As far as I could tell, the worst he's suffered is broken ribs, a concussion, certainly...we had little time to examine him...'
'Yessss...'Al concurred, after a quick yet deft examination,'You've done a neat job of binding him, not too loose or too tight!' Al smiled briefly Tina's way. 'I think he'll be alright, in time. It's a good thing you brought him here,'Al finished, taking in Ernestine. 'Aleister Parsons, MD, at your service!' He nodded to her.
Emmeline roused herself then, 'Sorry, Al, Tina! Please let me introduce two of my favorite friends to one another! Aleister Parsons, this is my long-time amiga, Ernestine Guevara.'
'Would that we met under more favorable circumstances, Doctor!'Ernestine stood then,'Alas, we must go. My brother, Leon is waiting outside. The sooner we make tracks the better.' She headed for the door, then.
'I'm staying,' said Emmeline, looking at Jack, who nodded.
'When we stop at Alice's to pick up Mr. Moore, we'll find out more then. Stay strong, stay safe! Thank you so much, gentlemen! Adiosa!' Jack saw Ernestine to the door and she fled into the night.
                 . . . . .
Emmeline sat next to Lev, holding his hand. Jack looked on, his expressions discernable as disbelief, pain and rage, one following the other. He glanced briefly at Em, then back to Lev. 'This...is wrong.' he said.
Em's head hung forward, she sighed, but she said nothing. Where to begin...?
Aleister cleared his throat then, stood and went to Em. 'He will be alright. I'm so glad you thought of us. We'll watch, and watch out for him tonight.' Al leaned over Lev and nodded. 'He'll sleep.' He regarded Emmeline.
'Have you eaten? No? Well, you must keep your strength up...'
Jack looked at her then. 'He'll be fine, Em. Please--have something to eat, some tea at least. Lev is in good hands here. Alright?'
Yeats will assist you, through here!' he showed Em the kitchen, denying her protestations.'Dish up something, and come on back, yes?'
Em nodded finally and spun into the kitchen's welcome warmth. What a night! She only hoped that they had a moment's interlude in the eye of the storm. She should eat, although she didn't fancy the thought. But Yeats beckoned her near and lifted a lid. 'Soup. Actually rather a hearty stew...winter vegetables, basil, mushrooms...Alice would approve...' he dished up a bowl.
Emmeline was enchanted by the aroma.'Oh, yes, I am convinced at first whiff!'she tasted a short spoonful.'Diosa! You have outdone yourself!' Yeats bowed accordingly. 'But I mustn't leave my...friend.'Em excused herself, smiling to Yeats appreciatively as she returned to the parlor. The lights had been turned down low and mostly firelight flickered upon the scene; the injured man prone on the sofa, with the doctor in the chair next to him puffing his cigarillo. Jack stood next to the fire, leaning upon the mantlepiece, surveying all with serious mien.
Emmeline sat and regarded Lev, motionless but for regular breathing, no longer belabored. She turned to Jack and Aleister then, 'Thank you, both, for taking us in, no questions asked.'
                       . . . . . .
The doctor had retired to be awakened on 2nd watch, as the clock on the mantlepiece struck the hour of 10pm . Emmeline had at last finished her expurgated version of the latest and most notorious news to hit Pankhurst in some time. And Lev would be at the center of it ironically enough she thought.He'd had nothing to do with the so- called 'crime';he simply made the perfect scapegoat.Blame the 'foreigners' when how many were natives here? And any hint of anti-capitalism made one instantly suspect...  easy marx,Lev & Co.
'...well...we're off work for the holidays now at least!' Em commented to Jack. She still sat on the floor beside Lev sleeping on the sofa.'We must get to the City for New Years Eve...that's the day after tomorrow!...let me think...!' Emmeline stared hard into the flames dancing in the hearth. She turned to Jack. 'Recall I mentioned the Captain & Orezs' return to San Francisco then. That just might be what we need...'
'What are you thinking Em?' Jack sat back in his chair, eyes half-closed.
She sighed. 'I don't know...it has been a long day, for us all, no doubt! But...' she roused herself from the floor in one fluid motion, stretched like a cat and sat in the chair opposite Jack. 'In my current state, I feel a brain-fever coming on.'
She looked at Jack then. 'How does this sound? Do you own a large trunk? Big enough to say, transport a man inside?'
Jacks' eyes widened abit then. 'Indeed? Well, let's see...I believe I espied a couple of such trunks up in the attic.'
'Well. Say, Lev wandered into this trunk and was somehow transported to Pankhurst station...or even possibly beyond?' Jack nodded to Em. She continued,'Where somehow he found himself upon a train to the coast...he then wound up upon a steamer heading to, oh, say...somewhere South of the Border?' Em finished, her eyebrow cocked inquisitively.
'...Anything can happen...' Jack agreed. His eyebrow matched hers in cockiness.
                          . . . . .
Later, after Jack and Em hashed out the finer points:i.e; they, Jack, Al and Yeats, shall transport Lev via crate (holes drilled for air, frequent checks),to the City New Years Eve,
after embarking upon the train at the station just beyond Pankhurst and connecting with  Em and Alice who boarded the train just before.Jack will have one of the lads who does some grooming and odd jobs,come from town and pick up the horse and cart at station and take them home to Crowley House. All will then be aboard the train to San Francisco to meet up with the Captain and Mr. Orez.
'No problems there, Jack. This is just the sort of thing that Captain Omen can't object to. Just between us...he's done this before.' Em finished, lips shut tight then.
'Ah.' Jack looked down at his hands, 'Sooo...when we arrive then?'
'Yes...'Em stared into the distance, lost in thought awhile. 'It may be best...is there anywhere in the City, near the ferry embarcadero perhaps...you might be able to store our...cargo just a wee while? Couple of hours at most?'
Jack smiled grimly. 'Ah, yes. Actually Em, there is.' He looked up at her then, sighing softly. 'There's an old warehouse just off the waterfront, up from the ferry landing.
It wouldn't be hard to take him there off the boat, I daresay. Hire a cart, be the work of a moment.'
'Good, excellent!' Em looked hopeful and upbeat then, despite the late hour. 'All we need is time to have lunch with the Capt'n & Mr. Orez and explain our errand. He did mention they would be taking a trade route between Canada, San Francisco, Los Angeles and then Mexico to South America for awhile longer still. Anyway,'Em yawned behind her hand.'We shall then meet you at the warehouse and head to the ship. She can't be anchored far from us I don't think.'
Jack smiled up at her. 'You're dead on your feet, Em. Get some rest.' he gazed ceiling-ward. 'There are spare rooms to spare here! Actually we have managed to renovate one or two.'
Em stared glassy-eyed before her. 'I'm so...wound up, I don't know if I can sleep, although, yes, I am quite tired...'
'I've just the thing! Hot cocoa, with nutmeg and brandy. Old family recipe for relaxation. What say? Come on, let's visit the kitchen a minute.' he glanced at Lev, frowning. 'Damn shame, that! But, he'll be alright. Aleister will give him another sleeping draught for pain when he relieves me in, oh, just another hour now!'
'It's near two a.m.!' Em exclaimed, looking at the mantle clock. 'Yes I must get some sleep, perhaps...'she bent over Lev who was slumbering peacefully on the sofa in the firelight.She straightened then saying,'Lead on, MacDuff!' as she passed Jack, who grinned as he held open the kitchen door.
'Right...' Jack tackled the stove first, stoking it with new wood, and set a saucepan on the burner, adding, of all things, 'Almond milk!' Em exclaimed, reading the label on the carton.
'I know...it's not exactly 19th century...but it's worth it!
You like it too, I know!' he shot a wry grin her way. 'Now, cocoa, and abit of sweetener...not much! I know! Let's just melt these chocolate bits in...' he opened a tin of small dark chocolate bits chopped into rough pieces. 'Let that heat, pour,then add the vanilla, nutmeg and brandy.' He turned to Em. 'Even Yeats couldn't improve upon it!'
Em smiled, and sighed. I could never have anticipated being here, with Jack AND Lev, now, under these circumstances, oh, say, only yesterday, she thought. Bizarre.
Jack handed her a steaming mug. 'Salud!' he said, as they clinked mugs, 'careful! abit hot, still.' she took a small sip, closing her eyes.
'Heavenly, Jack.' it was. Smooth, silky, hot, chocolaty in the extreme, and delicious. The brandy wasn't bad either...
'I'm sure I can sleep after this.' They exited back into the parlor, the fire had burned lower now. Jack fed it bit by bit.
Emmeline noticed then that a copy of Comrades' Cooperative Speaks was on the floor beside the hearthside chair. Jack smiled his crooked grin.
'Yes, I was reading Lev's paper.  I agree with his point of view, and admire his spirit.' he sighed aibt. 'I hope he'll keep that spirit after all this is over. Sooo...' he looked at Em, 'You and Lev, have known each other long?' Jack enquired, stirring the fire
Emmeline sat on the rug before the hearth, leaning up against the sofa where Lev reclined. Jack joined her, sitting beside her. 'Well, let's see...we met oh, 4 yrs ago or so. We were more than friends, for about a year.' She looked at Jack then. 'That was about 3 years ago, now.' Jack was quiet, staring at the fire. 'We got along quite well,' Em stared down into her cocoa. 'But...times were difficult then, for me personally. Work problems mostly. I didn't have the time or energy to spare for a relationship.'She sighed then, an exclamation. 'We'll always be friends, and comrades, Lev and I.' She had a far-away gaze.
The clock struck two then, and punctual as those in his trade
are, the doctor appeared round the corner then, with a mug of his own. 'Al!' Jack greeted him quietly, not wishing to disturb Lev. 'All quiet on the western front!Good to see you, though. Must admit I'm all in for abit! Wake me in four!'
Aleister nodded, and sat in the chair hearthside and yawning, began to read a journal.
'Come, Em, I'll show you to your room,' Jack took her arm as they headed into the foyer,
 'Goodnight, Doctor!'Em called softly, 'Thank you so, for all you've done for us!'
'Not at all, my dear,'Aleister glanced over his reading glasses at her, somehow reminding her of Alice then. 'He will sleep soundly though the night. No one ever comes down this way. Get some rest, both of you!'
And so Emmeline headed up the dark stairway of the old Crowley mansion, with Jack Van Horn, her erstwhile abductor, who carried an old oil lamp which cast weak and wavering shadows upon the wall as they ascended the old creaking staircase, now covered by a fine, new Bokhara, she noted. What am I getting myself into? What am I getting us ALL into, was more the question, Em thought.
                    . . . . . .
'You know, Jack...' Em began, staring at the steep staircase above her which was so deep and dark that only a small square of light shown before them, 'My mother's family, the Pages were distant relations of the Crowleys.'
'Indeed, Em?' Jack kept his eyes ahead, leading with the lamp.
'Yes. I've always admired the turret rooms, on either end.
May we see one?' she asked daringly.
'Well...' Jack stopped then, turning. 'Actually, we're rennovating floor by floor. Starting with the foundation and basic structure, and lst, then 2nd floors...and the turrets, well...' he looked up the dark hole engulfing the stairs above. 'they are on the 3rd floor. I've been there, but...'
'...unless it's dangerous! I'm only curious,'Em was most
curious indeed.
Jack turned around and held the lantern up the stairs, 'I suppose just a quick peek would do no harm...'
Em felt a thrill all the same as they passed the landing and headed up the narrow steps, these clad only in a threadbare carpet which had seen better days, although it seemed to be of once noble heritage in its' ancient past...creaking steps sounded like old vultures clearing their throats, til at last she was there; soon to be privy to the inner sanctum of the turret rooms she had so long ago bespied and fantasized over...
Turning round a particularly sharp corner at last they came to a small landing and Jack fumbled amongst his key-ring. He inserted a large brass key and turned the knob without trouble, however he then made a grimace and put shoulder to the door, which reluctantly gave way with a scrape and, Jack entering in the lead, held high the lamp and stood aside beckoning Emmeline. Em stepped into the room, dimly lighted by the lamp, but the 3 bay windows allowed the light of the moon to shine through, and the ambient glow from without complemented this blue room.
'Do step carefully. Not too sure of the flooring up here...'Jack warned, coming behind her with the lamp which he set upon a dark wooden chest against the wall.
Em walked over to the windows and gazed without. How odd it seemed to be looking OUT from these windows at last, after having stared at and wondered over them from below. She touched the windowpanes, noting the wavy thick glass, in dire need of cleaning. But strangely this indigo room didn't reek of intrigue at all, in fact...it felt somehow familiar to her.
'Oh, Jack, thank you! I've so longed to see these rooms...as a child we would visit this place on All Hallow's Eve and tell ghost stories, made-up fancies about this old mansion!' Em
smiled in the half-light, as she looked around the room. 'I'd love to see it in the daytime...once it is refurbished, it will be quite the showpiece!'
'I'm glad you...approve, Em.' Jack smiled down at her. 'I'm glad too, that you thought of us in time of need, and trusted us enough to come here.'
Em glanced out the windows to the lane beyond. 'It seems so quiet here. I hope it stays so! Jack I don't wish to bring trouble to your door--!'
Jack put a hand up, 'Em, really, this is the work that Aleister and I are here to do! Helping people like you and Alice, and Lev, and I suspect your Captain Omen as well!' he smiled then, to Emmeline's relief.
'One of these days, Jack, we should talk. Really talk.'Em had turned back to him and looked into his eyes, hoping to find a connection there. Jack's gaze softened.'Oh Em...you know, I would like nothing better. given half a chance.I hope we have time, sometime soon, perhaps.'
At last, she turned away from the Indigo Room as she now bethought it, Jack grabbed the lamp, shut the door, and they headed back down to the landing. On the 2nd floor, he opened the door to what would be Emmeline's chambers for the night, a small but neatly appointed bedroom, with a single bed and table and chair. Jack set the lamp upon the table and went out, returning with a jug of water and basin and towels. 'There's
a robe in the closet that I think will do for you to sleep in, we weren't expecting any ladies as guests here I must admit,'he smiled. 'The bath,' he leaned out the door and gestured to the room at the end of the hall, 'is there. And my room, across from yours. Aleister's is next to it. I'll leave you the lamp, I know this place and I see in the dark like a cat.'
'Thank you Jack. For everything.' Em felt exhaustion fall heavily upon her. She also felt something else. She went up on her tiptoes and gave Jack a kiss on the cheek . 'I shall be fine. Goodnight, Jack,' she said, and closed her door then.
Jack stared at her door awhile, bemused and abit addlepated.
Perhaps...perhaps she didn't hate him after all?
With this encouraging thought, he wheeled about and took himself off to bed.

The Revolution Will Not Be Demonized

The work week finally came to an end that Friday, as even bad weeks will, and Emmeline trudged to the trolley stop alone and frustrated. She and Alice had at last worked out that Em had not put the pro-union handbills on Alice's desk, and in fact, no one knew who had! That someone had set Alice up was obvious.
Em had gone straight to the director of course to plead Alice's case, which was dismissed with a deaf ear. Both the Soup and director insisted that Someone Was Needed at the Archives and Alice, with her years of experience, would be the Perfect Person. Both claimed innocence regarding any union bills.
Both were full of bull, thought Em.
She passed the Teacup Cafe and gazed sadly at 'their' table,where she and Alice had spent such cozy times together. It stood empty, as if awaiting their return. A lone tear trickled down Em's cheek and she brushed it away with a gloved hand.
She looked up into the glass and noticed the reflection of a tall person next to her.
'Emmeline.' was all he said.
'Jack!' Em was flustered anew. 'What, what in the world are you doing...here!?'
That crooked, almost woeful half-grin appeared as Jack said, 'Well, Aleister and Yeats and I all decided to return here, to Pankhurst and Crowley House, oh, rather awhile back.' seeing her eyes wide like a terrified filly about to bolt, he took a small step back. 'Please, Em! We're...I'm, not about to do anything! I nearly passed you and thought it best to say nothing, but, you looked, well, abit lost just then.' He looked at her enquiringly.
Em sighed and looked down at the wooden sidewalk planks.
What does it matter, if they're here or not? Could she keep them away? Not likely. She knew better than to think 'what more could go wrong...' -- banish those thoughts at once!
'Where's Alice?' Jack asked, all ingenuous.
Whereupon, the stress of the whole week finally collapsed upon Emmeline and her chin began to tremble. She looked up at Jack with her eyes spilling tears.
'Em, my gods! What is it? What's happened?, Here, I have Aleister's trap, do let me give you a ride home.' he hesitated, nearly taking her arm, then drew back. 'Please,' he said.
She merely nodded, keeping her head down, and allowed Jack to lead her over to where he gave a boy a coin for watching the horse and cart, and then helped her onto the seat. Jack hauled his long self up beside her and clicked to his bay as they left the place where they'd first met...so long ago now.
'Here,' said Jack, handing Emmeline his large kerchief.
He was quiet, waiting for whatever news from Em.
Em blew her nose and dabbed her eyes, clutching Jack's scarflike hanky. 'It's Alice,'she began in a trembling voice unlike her own, 'She, she's been blacklisted. And transferred to Siberia! And it's all my faullllt...' she finished, choking sobs anew, she stuffed the kerchief into her mouth and bit upon it, trying to get hold of herself.
Jack, certainly no stranger to self-recriminations, suddenly felt a new kinship with Em. 'What happened, exactly? Not Siberia, certainly?' His voice was low and kind, which made her even more prone to weeping again.
Em sighed. 'It may aswell be...they've sent her across town, over by the old warehouses, where archives are kept. She's there all alone, in that cold, goddess-forsaken place! And diosa knows how she can keep it up! She has no transportation out there...'
'Here, now, Em! If you'll let us, you know Aleister would be pleased to assist Alice, and yourself, in any way, as would I! I know you don't trust us, and I don't blame you at all. But, this sounds like something that
you two shouldn't have to face alone, you know!'Jack finished earnestly.
'Oh, Jack...' Em looked down again, shaking her head...
'Thanks for the offer. For now she is getting a ride from friends, Ernestine Guevara and her brother Leon have a horse and cart and they have been kind enough to
transport Alice for a time, but of course, we can't presume upon them indefinately!' She looked up at last and gazed ahead at the stark winter landscape with the barren trees devoid of green.'It IS all my fault though...I insisted that we try to organize for a union at the library.'At last she looked over to Jack. 'Someone set Alice up. Planted our pro-union handbills out in plain sight on her desk where the director could see! Shortly thereafter, she was...exiled...'
Jack frowned then. 'The devil you say, Em! That's just plain vicious! Already it begins...' Em wondered what he meant by that. Some future knowledge, perhaps? 'Have you any leads? Anyone with a grudge against Alice? Though I can't imagine anyone not liking our Alice...'
Em liked the way he referred to her as 'our Alice'...'Of course she hasn't an enemy in the world. But, there are enemies of unionization, and worker's rights! The city council...various corporations about town. But we're non-profit! Or supposed to be...'Em frowned in turn. 'If they think they can beat us down, they'll soon find out differently! Alice and I, have a plan.' Oh dear. Why did she say that? The less Jack knew, the better.
But he didn't pounce upon that tempting newsbit as she feared. As they drew up before Alice's, all Jack said was, 'Well, Em, you know you can always ask Aleister and me for anything, at anytime. He warned me to keep my distance from you,you know,'he grinned slightly at her sideways,'And we have been lying low, but not because we aren't concerned about you both. Quite the opposite.' He looked at her intently.
Just then, they were both distracted by the rattle of an approaching wagon. Down the avenue came the sound of men's voices, talking and laughing, and lo and behold, a cartload of agitators driven by none other than Lev Kopalski, rounded the corner into view. 'Whooaaah, there! Hullo, Em!' Lev's forced amiability was betrayed by his near-scowling features as he took in Em seated close beside some stranger on the driver's seat before them.He pulled the wagon alongside their small trap.
'Oh! Lev!' Em felt oddly flustered before her old beau, to be found here next to Jack suddenly. 'Is, ah, your paper out then?'
'That it is!' Lev reached behind him into a crate and handed over a stack of the Comrades' Cooperative Speaks.
'Distribute freely! And, be sure that Alice gets one of course!' He stared unabashedly at Jack, then put out a hand to him. 'Lev Kopalski.'
'Jack Van Horn,' answered Jack evenly, taking Lev's rough hand for a short sharp shake.
They were all saved from further discomfiture by the ringing of a bicycle messenger's bell then.A lad on a blue bike came barreling down the street holding forth a small slip of paper. 'Wire for Ms. Emmeline Page!' he sang out.
'I'm Ms. Page!' Em reached out and took the paper, as Jack absently handed the boy a coin, which he bit into and pocketed, then touching his cap went peddling off back to town.
'It's from the Captain!' Em was so surprised she didn't censor herself before anyone there, but caught herself then. 'Um, my friend from Liverpool, Captain Omen, that is.'
'No bad news, then?' Jack enquired courteously.
'No, not at all! His ship will be in port in San Francisco, ah, soon...is all...'Em folded the wire and slipped it in her coat pocket.
Meanwhile Lev and his wagonload of cronies had been taking in the scene with undisguised amusement. One dark , handsome lad began to strum a guitar absently, humming to himself. Lev began to laugh quietly then, and reaching into his paper-stash, handed one to Jack. 'Here! Something to keep you busy at home nights!' he laughed, and shook the reins of his big team, 'See you later on then, Em! Viva la revolucion!' And off they jangled into the evening's dying light, the lads in the wagon now raising their voices to the tune of 'Carabina 30-30'...
                        . . . . .
Later, after Jack had left, Em fixed herself a sandwich and decided to sit in the parlor awaiting Alice's return. Taking bites in between stoking the new fire, she kept pacing about the room, unable to relax.
What a day! Ye gods but she certainly hadn't seen it coming...all, that! 'That' being: Jack, Lev and the Captain to top it all off! How the gods must be laughing up their sleeves, if they had sleeves, enjoying the grating her poor nerves were getting...Diosa! Why is it that when she was craving only peace and quiet for a change, did it suddenly start raining men? One on top of the other!
'I didn't ask for this!' she pleaded aloud. MacGregor
padded over to her and sat before her, ready to help if he could. 'You, my dear, are the one guy I'm happy to see right now...'she allowed, as she ruffled his fur.But, why, really, was she so distraught?...she and Lev were just friends now, comrades. And the Captain, well, they were closer than friends, and yet so very far apart... And Jack? Diosa, what about Jack...?
Unconsciously mimicking his gestures, she ran her hands through her hair and then she stood, hands on hips and declared, 'I think I'll have a glass of wine!' Mac wagged in agreement she thought, and she headed to the icebox for a nicely chilled riesling. It is Friday, and the weekend, she decided, popping the cork, earning a 'whuf!' from Mac. Pouring the near-golden libation, she took a sip then headed back to the parlor, tapping her nails against the wineglass, Mac dogging her heels...
yes, just what about Jack, anyway?..she mused...
for some reason, she'd believed that he and Aleister had somehow been banished from her world when she left them back in 2076 or whenever it was.She certainly hadn't been ready to meet up with him again so soon, if at all. Truthfully, she hadn't been thinking of him. It'd been a shock when she found herself standing next to him today, ye gods...!
Suddenly she recalled the wire. She went to the hallway and took it from her coat pocket, rather wrinkled now, she smoothed it as she headed back to the fireside. Setting her glass on the mantle, she read it again. What it actually said, was that Mon Capitan and Mr. Orez, (Frank! thought Emmeline, planning their meeting-to-be--) would be in port on New Year's Eve, and would she and Alice be so kind as to join them for luncheon? Time and place were ever the same, so she knew he needn't mention anything else...they both knew one another so well...
She smiled as she sipped her wine, and sighed, thinking of her familiar capitan and how good it always was to see him;someone she knew and trusted who didn't surprise her with abductions across the centuries into strange new worlds...although...truly she didn't mind the adventure, or the strangeness. What she absolutely despised, was the whole abduction business! No: 'Hello, Emmeline! Would you be so kind as to accompany me into the future?' Just wham, bam, and not even a thank you ma'am!And then there I was, fading in and out of existence! She grimaced then and drank off her wine, setting the glass down. Jack was trouble, more so than Lev, really. Oh,and didn't he just have fun, though? Em put a hand to her forehead...recalling Lev's laughter. Now, thanks to Jack, he'd gotten the idea that she was some sort of femme fatale';
just stringing along men she idly fancied...Oh, all she wanted was to be done with the lot of them!
Refilling her wineglass, she went then to their old upright piano and sat, running her hands along the keyboard, and noting it sadly needed tuning. Not quite Jack's grand, she had to admit. Basta! Enough of Jack, already! And she slowly picked out a tune that had been tickling the back of her mind...she laughed a bit then when she realized she was echoing 'Carabina 30-30' that the young revolutionary had been playing in Lev's wagon.
'Whuuuuf! Whuf!' Mac took off for the front door, as Em heard the sound of hoofbeats outside. That must be Alice, she thought, glad of some interruption to her introspection. Alice entered and could be heard fussing over Mac and divesting herself of her winter wear.
'In here, Al,' Em said, still tinkling distractedly on the keyboard.
'Well, now! That looks  the best idea yet today!' Alice remarked, heading to the icebox past Em. She returned with a glass of wine herself, and was actually smiling Em saw. She stopped playing.
'Alice! How did it go, dear?' Em scooted over as Alice sat next to her on the piano bench and fingered a few chords.
'Oh, you know...I survived. Thank goodness for good friends! If not for Leon and Ernestine, I'd be up the creek. But, being alone out there all day gave me plenty of time to think!' Alice stopped playing then. 'I actually took Frank's papers out there with me, and studied them most of the day! And what do you think, Em!' She turned to her, her eyes alight.
Em waited to hear Alice's news. 'Well, I think I have pinpointed exactly when the Nexus Point will be!'
'Truly, Alice?!' Em was excited. At last they had something!
'Yes.' Alice stood then, and took her wineglass in hand to the window. She took a sip and turned to face Em then. 'I believe, that it will be at exactly midnight, on New Year's Eve!'
Em leaped from the piano bench. 'Alice! That's perfect!
We'll be in the City then, and hopefully, with Morgana! Oh!, and Al--I, too, have great news!'Em handed Alice the wire. 'And, Mr. Orez and the Captain, will be there with us --with Frank, as well, possibly!'
Alice studied the wire. 'It looks like....Em! Oh, Em...I, I do so hope that this could really mean something...but I don't want to get my hopes up in vain.
It's going to be quite the New Year's, whatever happens, that's sure!' Alice smiled, handing Emmeline the paper.
'There is...another bit of news,' Em admitted, sipping her vino. 'I, I ran into Jack today, downtown.' She looked at Alice searchingly.
'Van Horn?' Alice's brows shot up in surprise.
'None other. Oh, Al...it couldn't have happened at a worse time...'and Em proceded to detail her unfortunate  Raining Men vaudeville act that her after-work journey home had become. To her great astonishment, Alice began to laugh heartily.
'Alice! It was no laughing matter, I assure you!' Em felt rather embarrassed by the whole thing, somehow.
'Oh, Em, I'm sorry...' Alice began to hiccup then. 'I just, o, drat it! -hic- Oh, one couldn't orchestrate a better comedy routine! -hic-!'
Em was not amused. 'Not funny Al! I was wanting so to become friends with Lev again, not to give him the utterly wrong impression of, of having relations with Jack, a relative stranger! And then, the Captain's wire on top of it all...oh...' Em's misery drove Alice to a further hiccup fit.
'You'll make yourself ill, Al. Here, I'll brew some gentian tea...' Em began to head to the kitchen then.
'No! Don't you dare! -hic- I feel better already! Diosa, anything but that bitter brew it's nastier than Halfwaffle's underware!-hic!-' Alice and Em both dissolved into gales of laughter then, which Mac joined in with a 'who-ruuurrr!' sortof howling. This made them rather hysterical.
And so ended a typical evening at the Page-and-Stein residence. Satisfied that all was well, Jack crept away from his hiding place in the bushes near the parlor window and retrieved the bay which he had tied to a sycamore down the avenue. Softing singing 'Carabina 30-30,' he trotted off home to Crowley House...
...Later that same evening...
Lev locked the door to the small office he rented at the edge of town in the warehouse district, not far from the library's archives building, if he had known. It was just storage space for the new and back issues of Comrades' Cooperative Speaks and some of the union handbills;that and an old wooden desk and chair and file cabinet were all it housed, Lev made the term 'minimalist' seem rather frou-frou by comparison.
He was walking to his bicycle when he thought he heard something behind him. Just as he turned around, that was the last thing he thought before he was hit by several someones and fell to the hard ground. He felt hands going through his pockets and knew they'd taken his keys. One against four couldn't hold out long though, and mercifully he soon was out cold.
                        . . . . .
'Emmeline! Emmeline! Get up! Now!' Em thrashed awake hearing Alice call to her from the foyer below. She stumbled trying to open her eyes, as she groped for the doorknob. 'Alice? What is it?' Em pounded downstairs.
Alice thrust that morning's edition of the Pankhurst Courier under Em's bleary, and she had to admit, rather hungover gaze.
'Read, Em! It's Lev!'
'Lev!' Em grabbed the paper and staggered over to the window's morning light. She frowned and managed to focus enough to make out: "'Communist Sympathizer Nabbed in Plot to Torch City Hall!'"'What!?' Emmeline couldn't believe it.
But there was an old photo of Lev...from a previous Courier story on the dam protests, that is to say, those of us picketing against building the dam along the local waterway. 'It says that Lev was caught with petrol and torches and Molotov cocktails...!'Em looked at Alice in horror! 'Alice! Lev was set up too!'
'Well, let's go down there and get him out, then, what say?'
Alice headed to her room to change.
'I hope we can Alice!' Emmeline flew upstairs, tears of rage in her eyes. Oh, goddess! When will the madness ever end?, she thought, blindly grabbing clothes and dressing in a daze.
She ran downstairs and met Alice at the door, ready to race. 'We'll stop at the Guevara's en route. They'll want to know. I believe Leon knows of a pro-union attorney.' Alice locked up and they marched down the avenue to town.
'Alice...this is war.' Em's face was determined as she gazed steadily ahead and their boots echoed along the street in the early morning cold quiet.
'I wonder...seems someone is begging for a confrontation, though Em. We need to be canny about this.'Alice looked worried.
Em stopped, dumbstruck. 'Alice.'
'What?' Alice looked confused.
'You don't think...this can't have anything to do with...the Nexus?'
'Diosa...'Alice looked stricken. 'Is it that far-reaching?
You mean, they know? And, they want to, say, have us in their safe-keeping, perhaps?'
'Whoever 'they' are.' Em looked about them then. 'Let us keep moving, on to the Guevara's. We'll explain the situation, give them all we can for bail, and let them take it from there.'
She and Alice walked on then, silent.
'We can't miss that appointment, Em' Alice whispered to her friend.
Emmeline took Alice's arm, and put a hand over hers.'We won't Alice, I promise you! We'll all be there,together, on New Years Eve!'
Little did Em know how keenly prophetic her words would be.


Rosita Quintana Carabina 30 30: watch video at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMEF_P-8nno