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.
