Tuesday, August 7, 1984

Manor House

        Tessa had neither seen nor spoken to Dan since Saturday.  Hanging out in the stables on Monday, she had overheard a conversation between Mr. Maypenny and Regan.  At that point, Mr. Maypenny didn’t think that Dan would agree to pressing charges against Archibald Kawolski.  It had been with a surge of relief that Tessa watched Dan struggle up the path to Manor House.  She wanted to make Archie pay, but she didn’t want to do it alone.

        Now, Tessa sat in the big leather chair in Matthew Wheeler’s office, sipping mint tea from a delicate china cup.  If she turned her head, just so, she could see Dan, sitting on the dainty, peach-striped settee in Madeleine Wheeler’s music room.  He, too, was surrounded by strangers; lawyers, clerks, social workers, stenographers, not to mention the photographer, who might be a social worker or a cop, Tessa wasn’t sure which.  Every once in a while Dan would look her way at the same time she looked his, and their eyes would briefly meet.

        They were kept apart though, one in each of the connected rooms, each with a different legal team.  Only the photographer ventured between the rooms.  Matthew Wheeler and Andrew Belden hovered in the office for the duration of Tessa’s interview, while Regan paced outside the music room during Dan’s.

        It was near seven in the evening when the last question had been asked and the last photo snapped.  Exhausted, Tessa headed for the stairs and her room, stopping short as she encountered Dan.

        “Hi,” she said quietly. 

        “Hi,” he replied.

“How are you?”  Tessa asked.  “I haven’t seen you for few days.”  She reached out and touched his hand.  “Are you okay?”

        For a brief moment, Dan’s eyes let his emotions show, before he carefully tamped them down again.  “I’ve been better,” he admitted.

        “The pictures?” Tessa asked, sympathetically.

        Dan nodded.  “Somewhat humiliating.  You, too?”

        “Yes.”  Tessa tried to muster a smile.  “I didn’t know there were forty ways to photograph a single breast.”

        A smile twitched at the edges of Dan’s mouth.  “Obviously, you don’t read the right magazines.”

        Tessa looked at him in shock, then began to giggle uncontrollably. Within seconds, her giggles had become full out hysterical guffaws.  Dan couldn’t help himself; he began to laugh, too.  Holding her stomach, Tessa plopped down on the last stair.  Dan lowered himself beside her, and they laughed until they could laugh no more.

        Leaning her head against Dan’s shoulder, Tessa sighed, “I’ve missed you, Danny.”

        “I’ve missed you, too, Tess.”  Dan looked into her face, turned up at him.  Her lips were slightly parted, and he leaned toward her and...stopped.  Pulling back, he mumbled, “I’ve got to get home.”  He pulled himself to his feet, and started for the door, leaving Tessa staring after him.

Monday, August 13, 1984

4:30 pm

        Dan was in the hen house, gathering eggs when Tessa walked into the yard carrying a large cardboard box.  Setting down the bucket of eggs, he walked out to meet her.

        “What’s in the box?” he asked.

        “Your things,”  Tessa replied, slightly out of breath from the trek.  “I called Yaya last week and told her that I had found you.  She sent this to you.” She set the box down on the front porch.

        “I thought it all went up in the fire.”  Dan touched the box, fingering the address label.  “I didn’t think there was anything left.”

        “Evidently you were wrong.”  Tessa pushed her hair back out of her face.  “I haven’t seen you lately,” she said.

        “I’ve been busy,” Dan told her.  “There’s a lot to get done around here before winter, and since I haven’t been able to patrol yet, I’ve been trying to pick up the slack around here.  I get my stitches out tomorrow.”

        “That’s great, that you’re all healed.  It’s really great.”  Tessa looked around.  “So, is Mr. Maypenny out patrolling, then?”

        “Yes.  He’ll be back in a while.  I’d ask you stay, but I’m cooking dinner, so that probably would be dangerous.”  Dan grinned at her, and Tessa smiled.

        “Is he really adopting you?” she asked.

        This time, Dan’s smile was full force.  “Yeah, yeah, he is,” he said.  “It’s crazy, but it’s right.  Ten more days; I still can’t believe it.  It was the last thing I expected.”

        “I’m happy for you, Danny,”  Tessa said.  “It’s great to have family.”

        “It’s weird,” Dan admitted.  “To be able to say things like,’let me ask my Dad.’  But it’s really cool, too, you know?” He looked at Tessa and asked, “Would you like to see our new chicks?”

        “You have baby chickens?”

        “Eight of them,” Dan told her.  “I’ll show them to you.”

        Tessa trailed along behind him as Dan headed back to the chicken coop.  Reaching inside the brooding box, Dan scooped out a fluffy yellow chick and placed it in Tessa’s outstretched hands.

        “Ooooh, what a sweetie,” Tessa crooned, cuddling the chick under her chin.  “It’s so soft and fluffy.”

        Dan watched her gently stroking the chick, and his heart did a little flip.  Biting his lip, he said, “I should get back to work, Tess.”  He held out his hand, and she handed back the chick.  Dan placed it in the brooding box, and opened the door. “Come on, I’ll walk you to the edge of the trail.”  He tried to ignore the flash of hurt in her eyes.

        Once Tessa was headed back toward the Manor House, Dan went to the porch and sat down, contemplating the box.  Pulling out his pocket knife, he sliced through the tape and opened it up.  Reaching inside, he pulled out his old windbreaker, and his “emergency” duffle bag.  Taped to the zipper of the duffle was an envelope with “Daniel“ written on it.  Dan  unsealed the envelope and pulled out a single sheet of paper, and a bank book.  Unfolding the letter, he read:

1. Dearest Daniel,
   

2. 
   

3. It was with joy that I received Tessa’s telephone call informing me that you had been found, whole and happy.  Despite our sporadic communication, I have never ceased to wonder and worry about you, dear boy.
   

4. 
   

5. My sons were able to salvage some of your belongings after the fire.  I realize that the clothing in your bag is probably much too small for you now, but I have sent it in case it holds some sentimental value.  You will not find your cache of money in the bag, because I was uncomfortable with storing such a large amount.  Instead, I have enclosed the pass book to the account I opened for you when you began working for Mr. Garibaldi.  I had no need of your money, Daniel, but I knew that it was important for you to support yourself.  I banked that money for you, thinking that I would return it to you at the proper time.  Shortly after the fire, I received a letter and a check from Tessa’s uncle.  Whether he was intentionally insulting me or not, I may never know, but the check was for a substantial amount, intended to compensate me for caring for Tessa.  Nika and I contemplated destroying it, but instead placed it in your account, feeling that Tessa would prefer we do so.  I am returning your accounts to you now, knowing that you have found a safe place, with family and friends.  Please remember that you will forever be a part of my family as well.
   

6. 
   

7. Tessa tells me that you are preparing to recover that which was taken from you.  I will pray for you as you battle your past, and I hope that when you are able, you will come to visit me.
   

8. I have missed you, my Daniel.
   

9. 
   

10. With much love,
    

11. 
    

12. Yaya
    

        Curiously, Dan opened the bank book.  His mouth gaped open, and his eyes widened as he looked at the numbers.  He stared at the amount, and then closed his mouth and placed the book in his pocket.  Rising, he tucked his bag back into the box and picked it up.  Under the box was a red spiral notebook.  Dan looked at it, his breath catching in his throat.

        He sat back down, the box forgotten, and opened up the notebook.  Tears formed in his eyes as he read the familiar writing.

1. July 28, 1982
   

2. Dear Kane,
   

3. 
   

4. I miss you a thousand times one million.  My heart is empty, and I can’t feel anything, just alone.  Nothing is right, not without you.  I want to assure you that I haven’t said anything to anyone, and I won’t, not until I am with you again.  We lived it together, we tell it together.  It is a blessing in disguise that we didn’t start our trip to Idaho.  My Uncle Andrew’s farm is in IOWA.  I know this for certain, because that is where I am right now. I had the wrong state, although my Uncle Hal does live in Idaho...
   

     

        Caught up in the words, Dan began reading greedily, devouring each letter.  Everything else slipped away.

        Thomas Maypenny guided his old nag, Brownie across the trails; not that Brownie required much guidance, as the old horse knew the preserve nearly as well as Maypenny himself.  A sound caught his attention, and he reined in his horse.  Brownie snorted in protest; it was dinner time, and the barn was nearby.  Patting the horse, Maypenny dismounted, listening carefully.  There it was again, a muffled sort of sob.  Turning toward the sound, Brownie protested again.  Maypenny let go his mount, and she started leisurely up the left fork of the trail, headed for home.  Maypenny headed right, towards the noise.

        He found Tessa Hart sitting on a large stump, her head buried in her arms, shoulders shaking as she wept.

        “Now, now,” Maypenny said, approaching her cautiously so as not to scare her.  “What could possibly have you so sad on such a bright summer day?”

        Tessa started at the sound of his voice, but steadied herself as she recognized him.  Wiping her eyes, she tried a wavering smile.  “Sorry.  I thought I was alone.”

        “Do you only cry when you’re alone?” he asked.

        “I try not to cry at all,” Tessa told him.  “It stuffs up my nose, makes my face blotchy, and doesn’t accomplish anything.”

        Maypenny guffawed.  “True enough, I suppose,” he said.  “But something has you upset.  A burden shared is a burden halved, I always say.”

        Tessa looked at him, this man who wanted to be Dan’s father.  His eyes were kind in his weathered face, and he appeared gentle, despite his height and stature.  “It’s nothing, really,” she said.  “A box arrived at the house today for Dan.  I brought it up to him.”

        Maypenny was silent.  So was Tessa.  Finally, the old man asked, “Was Daniel rude to you?  Is that why you are so upset?”

        “No.  Not at all.”  Tessa’s voice broke.  “Dan was perfectly polite.  Courteous and aloof, just like every other time I’ve seen him since he’s been back.”

        “Ahh.”  Now the problem was clear.  “He’s being a bit thick, is he?”

        “That’s an understatement.”  Tessa’s eyes flashed.  “He won’t even have a conversation with me.  Every time I think we’re making progress, he suddenly remembers something he has to do. Bam.  Over and done.”

        “I can see why that frustrates you.”  Maypenny placed a hand on her shoulder.  “I don’t have any sage words of wisdom for you.  All I can say is that Daniel’s struggling to figure out a lot of things right now.  Give him time, if you can.  He’s a man, and we’re slow sometimes.”

        Tessa giggled at that.  Sobering, she looked at Maypenny.  “It hurts,” she whispered.

        “Aye, I imagine that it does,” he said.  “Both of you, in fact.  Remember that patience is a virtue.”

        “Maybe, but it’s not one I have a lot of.”  Tessa sighed and rose.  “I’ll try to be patient.”  She held out her hand, and Maypenny took it, shaking it gently.  “Thanks.  I’m going to go now.  I’d appreciate it if...you know?”

        “What happens on the trail, stays on the trail?”  Maypenny said with a smile.  “It’ll work out, Tessa.  Believe that.”

        Tessa nodded, and walked away.  Maypenny turned and headed after Brownie.

        There was no sign of Daniel when Maypenny led Brownie into the barn.  The old horse had been waiting patiently at the door for her rider.  Chuckling, Maypenny made his horse comfortable and headed into the house.

        The kitchen was quiet and smelled of spice.  The table was set, and a pot sat simmering on the stove.  Peering under the lid, Maypenny hoped that Dan’s culinary attempt tasted as good as it smelled and not as... interesting...as it looked. 

        “Daniel?”  Maypenny called.  No answer.  Moving through the kitchen, he took a brief look around the living room.  Nothing.  The bathroom door was open, the room empty.  The door to Dan’s room was slightly ajar.  A closer look showed Dan, sitting on his bunk, back to the door.  With a short knock, Maypenny stuck his head in.  “There you are,” he said.  “Is everything okay?”

        Dan turned, a red notebook clutched in one hand, a black and red knit scarf resting in the other.  His eyes were red rimed, and his voice wavered as he answered, “I don’t know.”

        Immediately, Maypenny was at his side.  “Are you ill?” he asked anxiously.  “Did you fall and injure yourself?”

        “No.  No,”  Dan replied.  “I’m okay, but I...it’s nothing, really.”

        “There’s a lot of that going around today,”  Maypenny muttered, moving himself to the desk chair so he could face Dan.  At the curious look in Dan’s eyes, he commented, “I met Tessa Hart on the trail.  She said she dropped off a box for you.”

        “Yeah.  She did.”  Dan slid the notebook and scarf under his pillow and stood up. “It was mostly stuff I left behind after the fire.  I can tell you more about it over dinner.  I’m still a little shocked about one of the items, and I think I need to discuss it with you.”

        “Sounds like a plan,” Maypenny said, following the boy out of the bedroom.  “What exactly is for dinner?  It smells good, but it doesn’t look like anything I’ve seen before.”

        “It’s goulash,”  Dan told him.  “I didn’t have the right ingredients, so I improvised a little.”

        “Improvised?”

        “Well, normally you make it with hamburger and veal, but we didn’t have any.”   Maypenny followed Dan into the kitchen, seating himself while Dan served.  “I used rabbit and venison out of the freezer, instead.”

        “Tastes fine to me,” Maypenny commented after testing a forkful.  “Almost like stew.”

        “Mom always made goulash with tomato and carrots,” Dan continued.  “But we had those green beans and some corn left over from last night, so I threw them in with the macaroni.  I figured the vegetables didn’t need to be a side dish.”

        “It’s very good, Daniel.  Now, stop stalling and tell me about your box.”

        Folding his hands, Dan stared at his plate.  “Remember how Tessa and I had our emergency bags?”  Maypenny nodded.  “Well, evidently mine survived the fire.  Yaya saved it for me and sent it.  Mostly it had my clothes, but it also had a couple of books, my rosary and Bible, a present I bought for Tessa before she left, and...” he looked up at Maypenny, and reached into his pocket.  “This.”

        Dan handed over the bank book and the letter from Yelena Maxim.  Maypenny first perused the letter, and then opened the bank book.  With a low whistle, he said, “Twelve thousand two dollars and fifty-nine cents.  That’s a substantial amount.”

        “I know.”  Dan swallowed a mouthful of food.  “When I first saw it, I was shocked.  My first thought was wow, now I can pay for the accelerated program at school next year, but then I woke up.  This isn’t my money.  Well, about fifteen hundred of it is, but not the rest.  I just don’t know what to do about it.”

        The words from Maypenny’s mouth shocked Dan completely.  “Looks to me like you should keep it.”  He shrugged, handing the book back.  “Yelena Maxim and her son gave it to you.  That makes it yours, son.  Would they take it back if you offered?”

        Dan thought about it.  “No,” he said, shaking his head.  “Yaya would be insulted if I tried.”

        “Do you think Andrew Belden would accept it?”

        “Probably not.”

        “Then who?  To whom do you give it?”

        “I don’t know!” Dan’s frustration was palpable.  “Charity?  My legal defense?  I don’t know.”

        “Then, for now at least, you keep it.”  Maypenny set down his glass and looked sternly across the table.  “You won’t be needing the money for that accelerated program.  I told you that I would take care of it.”

        “I know, but...”

        “No buts about it.” Maypenny’s mouth was firmly set.  “Your education is extremely important, and you’ve worked hard to be eligible for the program.  In a few days, the adoption will be final, and it will be my right, responsibility and privilege--as your father--to provide what you need.  I will pay for your college classes, and any legal expenses will also be handled.  Accept that.”

        “But it doesn’t seem fair.”

        “Why not?”

        Dan was silent, forming his words carefully before he spoke.  “I’m getting so much more from being adopted than you are.  I get a home, and a father, and someone to...be responsible for me.  What do you get except another mouth to feed and more expenses?”

        “Oh, let me see.  I get a farm laborer, an assistant gamekeeper, a decent housekeeper and a fair enough cook.”  A smile creased the older man’s face. “And I get a son.  A son to provide for and to love, and help become a successful man who may, one day, provide me with grandchildren to spoil.”  Maypenny paused, weighing one empty hand against the other.  “Seems like an even trade to me.”

        “You should at least let me give you the money. For, you know, for compensation.”

        “Daniel, I have been more than compensated.  Believe that, and let us put this issue to rest.”

        Those words, spoken gently, but so very firmly, brought forth the tears that had been hovering just below the surface since Dan had opened the box.  Knuckling away the tears that were attempting to run down his face, Dan muttered, “I hate this.  Crying doesn’t accomplish anything except to  stuff up my nose.”

        Maypenny’s laughter startled Dan.  “That’s the second time today I’ve heard someone say that,” he explained.  “That little girl and you sure are a lot alike.”

        “Tessa?”  Dan wiped his eyes quickly, focusing his attention on his father, as the man nodded.  “Why was Tessa crying?  Was she hurt?  Why didn’t you tell me?”

        “I didn’t tell you, because it was between the two of us.  I came across her on the trail.  Sobbing her eyes out, actually.”  The keen old eyes watched the boy carefully.  “And I shouldn’t have told you now, considering.”

        “Considering what?”

        “Considering that you’re the one who hurt her, with your indifference.” 

        Slam!  Guilt flickered in the deep blue eyes.  “I never meant to hurt her,” Dan whispered.  “I’m not...I just...I don’t...I...”

        “I told her all of that,” Maypenny said with a short smile.  “I also asked her to be patient with you.”

        “Patience isn’t one of Tessa’s stronger points,” Dan grinned sadly.

        “So she informed me,” Maypenny concurred.  “I guess that means you’d better figure a few things out in a hurry, don’t you think?”

        Dan nodded.  “I just don’t know how.”

        “I’m always here for you, my boy, you know that.”  Maypenny rose, making short work of his dishes.  “Right now, I’m going to wash off the day’s labor and relax out on the porch.  You’re welcome to join me, if you’d like.  We can talk.  Or not.  Either way, you know where to find me.”

        As he cleared away the remains of dinner, Dan heard the shower start.  He thought about the notebook under his pillow, the effects in his duffle bag, and the confusion aching in his heart.  Maybe a sounding board was what he needed.

Part 1

Index

Part 3

Main