Alvarado Gold

by Victoria Pitts-Caine

I breezed through traffic and, with a little co-piloting from Gary, we found Susan’s house. Brad and the boys were doing some last minute clean up in the yard. I hadn’t seen Brad in years but he recognized me immediately.

  “Addie. It’s so good to see you. How long has it been? Three years?” He bent down and coiled the garden hose tightly under the hydrant.

  “I think so. Brad Junior was a year old or so.” The boys stopped and walked over. They nodded at me politely but obviously didn’t know who I was. Brad introduced them. Brad Junior was a cookie cutter model of his dad. Wesley, who’d just turned three, twisted at the end of his father’s arm.

  “Brad, I’d like you to meet my friend, Gary Wright.” I motioned to Gary and he waved as he walked away with the boys toward the basketball net in the driveway.

  Brad smiled, “Well, he’ll be a big hit with them.”

  I hoped he would be with everyone else, too. “Mel here, yet?”

  “She’s in the house with Susan. The wedding isn’t until seven this evening. The way those two are acting you’d think it was in fifteen minutes.” A genuine smile grew on his lips. Luckily for Susan, he’d agreed to go through with renewing their vows. Most men wouldn’t.

  I slowly pushed open the front door and the house instantly brought me a feeling of nostalgia. The corner windows were framed with lace curtains with just a hint of forest green in small floral designs near the hem. The hardwood floors gleamed and two mohair chairs with tapestry cushions from Grandpa and Grandma’s living room stood facing the fireplace. Green Depression glass pieces were on the mantle and a large floral arrangement sat on a cherry wood table between the chairs. I’d bet the boys weren’t allowed in this room.

  “Susan? Mel? Where are you?” I called.

  From the second floor I could hear Mel’s voice, “We’re up here, in the room on the left of the landing.”

  Susan and Brad’s bedroom was as charming as the living room. Three walls were wallpapered with a deep maroon colored, floral pattern. The fourth wall was painted a rich shade of Burgundy. Ivory curtains hung at the floor-to-ceiling windows which flanked both sides of the four poster, canopy bed. The rest of the room was furnished in antiques. This wouldn’t be hard to take at all. It was good to see them. “Hey. How are all the wedding plans going?”

  Susan sat at an antique dressing table as Mel brushed her hair. Their backs were to me but our reflections smiled at each other in the mirror.

  “Hectic. I’ve put Richard to work setting up chairs.” Mel came over and gave me a hug.

  “I don’t know when I’ve been so fidgety.” Susan, sitting at her vanity, weakly smiled.

  I went over and rested my hands on her shoulders. “It’ll be fantastic.” As I spotted Grandma’s wedding dress hanging on the back of the closet door, I moved across the room. “This turned out beautifully. I remember the last time I saw Grandma Millicent. Even though she was in her seventies, I bet she was still small enough to fit into the dress. She and Grandpa survived a lot, the dust bowl and the great depression. She never complained.” Their trials only made their relationship stronger. He courted her for two years, nice and slow. Maybe I let this thing with Gary go too fast.

  Susan smiled and looked at the dress. “It is going to be wonderful, isn’t it?”

  I was wrapped up in my own thoughts and didn’t answer her. I’d only met Gary in early June and it wasn’t even September. Everything had seemed right, though, near perfect.

  “Where’s that guy of yours?” Mel looked out the window. “Is that him with the boys? I thought you were worried he knew too much about the gold. Now, he’s here for the weekend?”

  “He’s here on business.” Why was I on the defensive all of a sudden? “It just worked out that way.” Had Mel hit some unknown feeling I tried to cover up? I felt relieved when she changed the subject.

  “Where did he get that ugly shirt?”

  “On a trip to Hawaii. It is kind of a joke between us. I dared him to wear it. Take it easy on him, will you, Mel? I want him to think we’re close to normal.” I winked at her.

  She grinned, “Anyone who’d wear a shirt like that is fair game.”

  Seven o’clock arrived quickly. Gary and I sat in the front row of the fifty or more white chairs set up in the backyard. I’d chosen a mauve shift dress with a short jacket; on the lapel, my emerald brooch. Gary looked fantastic in a steel gray suit. The color made his eyes have the violet cast I loved. The evening breeze warmly rose up from the river, light and enjoyable. In the corner of the garden stood a gazebo, the posts wrapped in lavender and white netting. The lush landscape twinkled. There were tiny lights everywhere. Brad must have worked on it for weeks. Near the house, the caterer set out the dinner buffet. The three-tier cake with fondant icing could have been the centerpiece at a wedding one hundred years ago. We were part of a fairly tale.

  Brad and the boys took their places in front of the gazebo. The soft strains of classical music played as Mel walked down the aisle, her dress period antique, too. I’d have to ask where they’d found it.

  I looked around at the assemblage of my family. Mel, after an ugly divorce, had found her soul mate in her second husband, Richard. Clay married three times, none of which stuck, and Susan and Brad renewing their vows. Love and commitment had failed to find me and before I’d left for Grandpa’s funeral, the only other relationship I even counted, Jim Crawford, ended bitterly. Now, Gary stood beside me.

  When Susan emerged from the house on Clay’s arm, I returned from my thoughts. She glowed in Grandma’s wedding dress. Everyone stood as the bride approached the gazebo. Just as she reached Brad, Clay gave him her hand. Gary took mine. He startled me. My first instinct was to jerk my hand away. But I didn’t. It had become my fairy tale, too.

  Gary leaned down and whispered, “Where’s Donnie?”

  I felt my chest burn and tears stung my eyes. Something ripped into a part of me I didn’t know existed. The clock struck twelve on my Cinderella story.

  Chapter Eighteen

  I slid my right hand out of Gary’s grasp and pretended to look for something in my purse. I found an old, crumpled tissue. People cry at weddings, I would use that as my excuse. How could he have known about Donnie? I’d never mentioned him. I knew, now, why Gary was so interested in the gold. Some scheme he’d planned with Donnie.

  Mel had been right. I’d been too anxious. Why did I let myself believe in him? I should have stuck with my own convictions. I’d made up my mind not to go down romance road again but I wouldn’t listen to myself or anyone else.

  The rest of the wedding blurred. I kept going over every conversation I’d had with him. I’d been careful not to tell him anything about my family’s relationship with Donnie. Gary didn’t know about the box that held the key. All he knew was we had the map and the coordinates. If he shared the information with Donnie, then the threats were the result.

  Somewhere in the back of my consciousness, I heard the rise and fall of the minuet played by the string quartet. I could see the smiles on Brad and Susan’s faces, smell the star lilies and carnations so delicately arranged throughout the garden and even hear them exchange their vows, but it had all been drowned out by the deafening roar of deception in my ears.

  Susan reached back and swept the long train of the antique lace veil behind her. As she handed her bouquet to Mel, Susan stood facing Brad. Her face illumined by love. The minister blessed their rings and spoke of the unbroken circle the bands represented. Every word registered a contradiction in my life. All I’d hoped for…gone.

  When the minister presented Susan and Brad to their guests and invited everyone to join in the buffet, I wondered how I’d get through the rest of the evening.

  Gary took my elbow and directed me to the line forming for dinner, “Addie, are you okay?”

  “We need to talk but not here in front of fifty people. We’ll have two hours in the car on the way back. I need to rethink a few things.”

  “What’s wrong? All of the c
olor has drained from your face.”

  “I need to use the powder room. Get your plate. I’ll find you.” I headed for the house, grabbed Mel by the arm and retreated into the kitchen.

  As I pulled Mel into a quiet alcove, the caterer glared at us and rolled his eyes.

  “What are you doing, Addie?” Mel burst with exasperation when we reached the niche. “We need to be outside, not in here.”

  Hot tears ran down my cheeks and splashed onto my jacket creating dark, uneven patterns. “Gary knows Donnie.”

  “How?”

  “I don’t know. I can’t even think straight. Now, I have to ride back home with him. Mel, what if he was the one making the threats? I’m so stupid. I should have listened to you.”

  “I don’t think he’s dangerous. You would have recognized his voice if he’d been the one who left the message on your machine. Slow down and take a deep breath. Ask him what’s going on.”

  “Believe me, I will. Go ahead and say it, Mel. Fools rush in–whatever cliché you want to use. I’m the biggest fool of all.” I ran upstairs to change my clothes.

  When I came back down to the reception, I wore jeans and a sweater. I’d decided to go home alone. I walked to the table Gary had claimed for the two of us and with fists clinched at my side, fumed, “I’m leaving.”

  “Why are we leaving now?” Gary looked at me in disbelief as he quickly reviewed my casual dress. “I thought we were staying until nine.”

  “You can stay as long as you like, I said I’m leaving.” I heard my voice quiver. I glanced around the backyard and spotted my cousins. Clay, Susan and Mel stood together by the waterfall near where the pond met the edge of the patio. As I approached them, I did my best to sound light-hearted. “I’m taking off, gang. See you all next week in Barnesville.”

  Susan reached out and touched my arm. “I wish you wouldn’t go so soon.”

  “I hadn’t planned it this way.” I sucked in my lower lip and held it between my teeth and tried not to cry. A trait I hated about myself. I was too stubborn for tears but anger or sadness set forth the well-spring. “Did Mel tell you two what happened?”

  Clay and Susan nodded.

  Clay put his arm around me. “Are you afraid of him, Addie?”

  “No. Not really. I was at first, but now I just need to get to the bottom of this.” Clay moved away when Gary walked up behind me and put his hand on my shoulder.

  “Thank you, Susan, for letting me join in. I guess we need to be heading back.”

  I tightened my shoulders and Gary removed his hand. “I guess you didn’t hear me the first time. You’re not going back to San Jose with me.”

  Disregarding the guests gathered at the buffet and another look of scorn from the caterer, I ran through the house and out to the car. Gary followed right behind me. When I opened the trunk to put in my things, I picked up his duffel bag and tossed it out where it landed near his feet. “Tell me exactly how you know Donald Joseph Barnes,” I exploded.

  “He came into the BLM the day you and Susan did, later in the afternoon. He had the same questions about Barnesville. He told me about the gold. I thought you were all in this together.”

  “I’ll bet you did. How much did he tell you?”

  “The stories about some grandfather of yours and his brothers burying the gold after a cattle drive. He wanted help finding the land and pinpointing the area. No different than when you and Susan came in.”

  “Didn’t you think it was strange we were looking for the same information? Did it strike you as odd I’d never mentioned him? You never asked about him until tonight. Has he offered you something? Are you and Donnie in some kind of deal?”

  “Whoa. Take it easy. Why are you firing all these questions at me? I told you he just came in, same as you did.”

  “I don’t trust you, Gary. You know too much–the article in the paper and then wanting to go with us. I almost fell for all of it. What else aren’t you telling me?” Did he know about the key? If he didn’t tell me about it, could I have a small glimmer of hope he told me the truth?

  “Addie. Please believe me. What else do you want me to say? I did my job. He came in and I helped him. That’s it. Sure, the story sparked my interest. Just because it’s your family story doesn’t mean it hasn’t been talked about around Alvarado for years. You don’t live there. Anything about gold being buried is big news.”

  “I don’t believe a word you’re saying. There could be a lot of money. We don’t even know. Do you realize he’s been threatening me?” My voice cracked and trailed off, drowned out by the tires of passing traffic on the pavement. He didn’t answer. I wasn’t sure he’d heard the last question.

  “Listen to me, Addie. Let me decide how we can fix this. Give me a chance to explain.” He firmly grasped my arms. “Don’t you know me by now?”

  “I thought I did, but I guess not. What do you mean…you decide? The decision isn’t yours, it’s mine. I don’t care if I ever see you again.” Just like Eric. Going to decide. Going to fix things. Try to run my life. “I’ll send the rest of your bags to your hotel in the city tomorrow.”

  “Addie, I don’t understand. What went wrong? What about tomorrow night?”

  “I’m not going anywhere with you and don’t show up in Barnesville. You used your interest in my family’s history to sneak into my heart and win me over. I trusted you. Is the church project you’re working on a lie?” From the glow of the street light, I could see his face, drawn and pale. I had said too much, but I delivered one final blow, “I thought you were a man of God? You’ve betrayed me. I let you draw me into whatever trap you and Donnie were laying. Well, it didn’t work.”

  I jerked away from him and yanked open the Mustang's door. When I started the engine, it revved up more than I’d intended. Quickly, I pulled out into traffic and let the tires squeal. With the top down, I was glad I’d put on a sweater. My favorite blue pullover couldn’t change the coldness I felt. I’d thought I’d found the man of my dreams. What if he had told the truth? I couldn’t sort out my feelings. Part of me wanted to believe him, but I wouldn’t let myself. I was ready to give him the one little part of me I’d kept for myself. I couldn’t stop until I’d thrown his love of God in his face. I shouldn’t have gone that far. Somewhere deep down inside my soul wept. A time to love and a time to hate.

  ****

  August 30 finally arrived. I’d kept the rental car all week. Driving around in a new convertible helped raise my spirits as I tried to keep Gary out of my thoughts. I’d left everything at work in place for the premier, which would be the weekend we were in Dallas. Mollie was at the kennel and I headed for the airport.

  I checked my luggage and waited to board the plane. I looked around a couple of times for Gary, praying he wouldn’t take the same flight after our scene at Susan’s.

  I’d said too much. I used my final accusation about his relationship with God to get back at him. To cut to the core of what he believed in. I wanted Gary to feel the way I did. I felt guilty. God and I weren’t on the best terms either. If it had been a few years ago, I’d have asked for His guidance. “Seek and ye shall find,” Grandpa always said. But the last time God and I talked, I’d closed the door and shut him out of my life, too.

  The attendant called out seat numbers and I joined the jumbled line in front of the doorway to the boarding area. I stole one last glimpse at the lobby, walked up the ramp into the plane and settled in next to the window. I searched the faces of everyone who came in after me. Finally, the big metal door was sealed shut. The seat next to me was empty, but not as empty as my heart.

  Chapter Nineteen

  As I gripped the armrest, the wheels of the plane met the tarmac. I hated landings, but this one proved to be easier than most. I’d managed to schedule an early flight out of San Jose and noon approached as I gathered my bags and found the Avis counter.

  “Would you like a convertible?” The young, college-age clerk quickly filled my rental request. “We have a nice
, red one.”

  “No. I think a larger car would be better. Four door, please. There will be others in my party.” I had a mission here. The anticipation of the next few days grew and what unfolded would be beyond even my own fruitful imagination.

  I’d never been to the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport. When I realized getting onto the freeway could be a nightmare, I happily remembered Mel had agreed to take a shuttle to the hotel. It was near the corner of MacArthur Boulevard and John Carpenter Freeway. Once I found it and checked in, I wanted to go downtown to the library.

  The pamphlet I’d received showed the Summerfield in all its glory but the rates were expensive. I’d booked a suite so Mel and I could have a girl’s night before Clay and Susan arrived. I’d be alone for the evening in the pure luxury of the large room. Once I’d made my trip downtown, I wanted to find the day spa and exercise room displayed in the brochure. I’d reserved the suite before my fight with Gary and we had planned on having dinner. But now I wanted the time alone to reflect on what happened and how I’d been so taken in by him.

  I parked the car in the entrance breezeway and walked into the main lobby. The soft floral designed tile floors met my gaze and delivered an unexpected coolness. My footsteps echoed on the ceramic squares. Surprised to hear a waterfall, I walked to the south end where a Koi pond, partially hidden from view, sat in the corner. The splashing water was soothing. I made a mental note to check it out later. A small restaurant nestled into the side of the building near the cascade looked interesting. I’d ask the desk clerk to make a dinner reservation for me.

  “I have a suite reserved for Addie Brown, please.”

  “Ah, yes Ms. Brown, 213.” The desk clerk, probably close to sixty, displayed mannerisms and speech, which sounded as if he’d practiced in the mirror every morning. “Please sign in and the bell captain will help you with your luggage. Credit card?” His brightly polished nametag bore one name, Adams. I’d wanted to ask him questions about finding the library but his stiff, pretensions kept me at bay. I’d use the phone once I reached my room.