by Mark C. King
Sigmund was surprised and not sure how to answer. Taking care of his sister and his niece had been much of his life. But now… Jamison took care of them, and did it well. Perhaps he could use another object for his attention. “How is he with carriage rides?” Sigmund asked smiling. They both knew that the question was really a ‘yes’ answer.
“He loves them.”
As September rolled into London, Sigmund and Zachary were on their way to his sister’s home for a visit. Sigmund rode in the driver seat of his carriage with Zachary sitting next to him. The monkey loved the rides, enjoying watching all the passing scenery.
“Now, Zachary,” Sigmund said sternly. The monkey looked up at him. “We will not have a repeat of the last visit. Despite the laughs, it is not a good thing to throw your food.” Sigmund had to repress a chuckle at the memory of mashed potatoes flying through the air and landing on Jamison’s face. “I’m not sure Jamison has forgiven you. You better be on your best behavior.” Zachary screeched in acknowledgement.
As Sigmund and Zachary pulled in front of his sister’s building, Sigmund saw a movement in her windows – curtains rustling. He didn’t think anything of it. He tied Ham to a post and allowed Zachary to jump to his shoulder. As they walked to the front steps, the door to the building opened and to Sigmund’s complete shock, Sarah – in a long dress – walked out the door and down the stairs to greet him. He couldn’t move, couldn’t speak – this was a dream, a great dream, but a dream all the same.
“Why uncle, are you not going to greet me?” Sarah said, a huge smile on her face.
Sigmund still couldn’t find words but managed to walk over to her and hug her. He then staggered back a step and managed a meek, “How?”
“I think you know how,” said a voice from the doorway. Sigmund looked up and saw Richard Sutton.
Sigmund repeated, this time to Sutton, “How? You were able to recreate the cubes?”
“Let us step inside, shall we? I will explain.”
Sarah led the way, Sigmund still in awe of a sight that he had wanted to see more than anything on earth. Once in the home, Alexis and Jamison greeted him, they too with huge smiles at this miracle, and they all sat – all except Sarah who seemed quite content to stand.
“Sigmund,” a pleased Sutton explained, “what I’m about to tell you is a secret. Three amalgam cubes survived.”
“What? How?” Sigmund exclaimed.
“When Holmes searched Grimkraken’s house, he found three cubes in a hidden safe. He talked with Sir Bradford and they both agreed that the cubes should be handed to me. A few other people are aware of their existence and all of them agreed that one of them should go to Sarah. If not for her sake, then for all you have done for the Empire. She is wearing mechanical legs I designed for her and a generator powered by one of the amalgam cubes.”
Sigmund was again speechless. His eyes pooled with tears at this wonderful gift. He looked at Alexis, then Jamison, and finally at Sarah, and tears of joy poured freely from the family. Even Sutton couldn’t contain his emotions. If Sutton had any doubts about using one of the precious cubes in this manner, those doubts were completely erased by the true joy and appreciation he was witnessing.
When the group finally came under control of their emotions – a feat accomplished only by the passing of a little time – Jamison asked, “What about the other cubes?”
“I have them for research. I’m hoping I can glean something from them. But I have a long ways to go.”
“I sincerely hope you can do it.” Sigmund said.
“Me too.”
“Uncle,” Sarah said, clearly anxious to ask something, “Can I ask a favor of you? There is something I would very much like to do.”
Sigmund looked at her and thought that there must be countless things she would like to do now. “Yes, Sarah, what is it?”
“Would you take me for a walk? We have much to catch up on. I have finished The Hound of the Baskervilles and have many thoughts. And no, it wasn’t too scary for me.”
Sigmund looked at Alexis and Jamison and they gave him a nod. He turned back to Sarah, emotions threatening to overtake him again, and answered, “It will not cost you a favor, for it would be my pleasure.”
The End
Acknowledgements
I owe a sincere thank you to my wife Naomi. Her patience and talent in editing this book is very much appreciated!
I also owe a thank you to Amberlyn. Her ideas, encouragement, and enthusiasm helped me greatly to finish this story. Thank you very much A.M.M.!
About the Author
Mark King is an easy-going writer with a talent for finding enjoyment in most any situation. He’s a lifelong reader whose literary interests include science fiction, adventure, thriller, and mysteries. He grew up in California, but now lives in upstate New York with his wife. When not working or writing, he can be found watching movies, kayaking, associating with friends, and of course reading.
www.MarkCKing.com