by Suzi Weinert
“William Early knows the truth and he could broadcast it any time to implicate the Shannon family. As could the band of mercenaries he hired. So do the police who rescued you this afternoon. Plenty of witnesses out there. They may not know the story behind it yet, but they know what they saw this afternoon. Besides witnesses are forensics: Becca’s photos, the paper they’re printed on and so on. A dedicated detective could gather enough separate puzzle pieces to put the picture together. You wouldn’t be anonymous for long.”
Grammy frowned. “So is that an argument for keeping the treasure instead of donating it?”
Nobody offered an answer.
CHAPTER 80
Veronica turned her attention to the beautiful items on the table. “In Europe, we often trace historical evidence back ten centuries or more. Dating these beautiful pieces to the Civil War makes them at least 150 years old, but who knows when or where they originated? Maybe European settlers brought them on the Mayflower, or any foreign visitor or merchant since.”
She held up a fancy serving fork. “Maybe some were family heirlooms, each with its own fascinating tale. Maybe some came from shops in large southern cities, which sold antiques from around the world. But besides their tangible worth and story behind every piece on this table is another important value: how this discovery amplifies American history.”
Jennifer mused. “And trained museum researchers could probably trace each piece of treasure back to its origins—to the plantation owning it and even before.”
Jason said, “Let’s face it, we couldn’t do that.”
Becca shifted in her chair. “Besides the artifacts themselves, Mom’s tantalizing map and riddle add big-time intrigue to capture public attention. If my photo documentary showed the painting inside the frame where you found the cloths, someone might recognize this location—the one Mom called the ‘Indian holy place.’ We know that location and the treasure are related, but whoever hid the cloths could have used any handy, unrelated frame. So even if a detective learned the pictured location exists on Iverson property, it wouldn’t necessarily mean the treasure was buried nearby.”
Veronika touched various items on the table before picking up a golden plate. “Now this attracts me. If you decide to donate, you might want to keep this one for the souvenir.”
“The souvenir?” Jennifer asked with surprise.
“But, of course. My Old World understanding about such things is when a discoverer chooses to share his archaeological find with the world, he quietly keeps at least one item as a memento of his triumph. He’s earned it for his mental and physical work, plus his time, and often his money. This is especially so if he gives the rest to a museum instead of keeping it all for himself. Of course, you do as you wish. This is only an idea.”
Jennifer eyed the treasure in a new light. “What else interests you and why?”
“This sterling tea set surely graced many plantation gatherings–fancy breakfasts, lavish luncheons, tea at three, elegant dinners. And look at these beautiful serving utensils,” she held up two large silver spoons with baroque handles. “And,” she pointed, “those marvelous candlesticks.”
Becca reached for a necklace. “Don’t overlook the jewelry.”
Hannah slipped a bracelet on her wrist. “Lovely to wear, historical artifacts and souvenirs of your adventure. These are three-fers.”
Nathan pointed to an old pistol. “I bet this has a story. Do you think a museum could trace this weapon’s history?”
Grammy picked up the gold plate. “Veronika, what drew you to this particular item?”
Veronika sighed. “I’m more American than European, but I’ve traveled a lot and have relatives abroad, so that colors what I say. Historically, gold’s important in every human culture where it’s available and discovered. Think about it: rare, malleable, lustrous, tarnish- and rust-proof; you can melt or fuse or cast it. No wonder it’s called a precious metal. I’ve read about records valuing gold against silver dating back to 3310 BC.”
Becca raised her hand. “In college I learned the Incas called their gold ‘the tears of the sun.’”
Veronika smiled. “What an enchanting way to express it.”
Jason examined the gold plate for the first time. “True, gold retains value through time and catastrophes. How about this recent fever to buy gold for cash? Those ads are everywhere. Sure, the price of gold fluctuates, but buyers know in the long run they stockpile a dependable commodity.”
Veronika nodded. “Yes, it’s the very reason war-ravaged countries like Europe and the Middle East coveted gold, and diamonds, for centuries. If you’ve seen the gold room at the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, you’re hooked. Every Russian longs to find the Romanov family’s missing gold heirlooms or Napoleon’s lost treasure.”
Adam smiled at Veronika. “That gold plate is here on our table because a Union general knew what you know.”
Grammy looked thoughtful. “Isn’t seeing a real treasure here in front of us more exciting than Russian treasures in our imaginations.”
Veronika gave a hearty laugh. “Wise you are, Frances. Are you sure you’re not part Russian?”
CHAPTER 81
Adam’s phone rang. “Iverson here…. When…? Cause…? Okay, thanks for letting me know.” He turned to the others. “William Early died five minutes ago. They didn’t get enough of the particular antivenin in time to save him.”
Grammy looked pensive. “I guess we should even be glad for the difficult people in our lives—learning from them exactly who we don’t want to be.”
“Amen,” Jennifer agreed.
Moving to a lighter topic, Jason glanced at his watch as he cleared his throat. “It’s the cocktail hour. May I offer you all wine, beer or most other choices?”
Veronika raised a hand. “Have you vodka? The colder the better.”
“I do indeed. Grey Goose?”
Veronika nodded and he took orders from the rest.
Nathan jumped to his feet. “Here, sir, let me help you.” The two disappeared into the kitchen, took appropriate glasses from the cupboard and began pouring from different bottles. Out of earshot from the dining room, Nathan said. “Sir, besides giving you a hand with the drinks, I…I….”
Jason stopped mid-pour and looked up at the young firefighter medic who was six inches taller than he. “You…?” Jason encouraged.
He took a deep breath. “Sir, I…I’m in love with your daughter, Becca. I want to ask her to marry me but I…I talked to my dad and he suggested I speak with you about it first. I make a good salary and now that she’s graduated, she’ll have a job soon, too. So we’re on solid financial ground. If you agree and if she says ‘yes’—although I’m not sure she will—I’ll be the happiest guy in Virginia.”
Jason grinned. “Nathan, you’re a fine young man and we’d be happy for you to join our family. But she’s a live wire, so life won’t always be easy. Speaking as a man married to one, I can attest that you’ll rarely know dull moments. It takes courage to choose someone like Becca, but you are guaranteed a full and exciting life.”
“I know, sir, and that’s part of her irresistible charm.”
Jason handed him a tray of drinks and picked up the second one himself. They started for the dining room but just before they left the kitchen, Jason whispered to Nathan, “Marriage is the most expensive way to get your laundry done for free.”
“What are you two laughing about?” Becca inquired as they entered the dining room.
“Just a little joke,” Jason said, passing out the beverages. When everyone had a glass, Jason held his high. “A toast to Grammy for bravely moving to McLean and to Veronika for sharing time with us tonight and to the treasure finder, my clever wife,” he bowed to her, “and to Adam, who brought us police assistance when we needed it most. And to all of you who helped dig up Mosby’s treasure and bring it here safely.” They raised their glasses and sipped.
“Za zdorovye,” Veronika offered the classic Russian toast.
“To your health.” They sipped a second time.
“So, Frances, how long is your visit to Virginia?” Veronika asked.
“Forever,” she chuckled. “Jennifer will help me find a nice upscale senior apartment community for my new home. It’s time for me to return to my family.”
A shadow crossed Veronika’s wrinkled old face. “Wise choice for you, but unfortunately for me, I have no family nearby.”
“Why not join ours?” Grammy invited.
“Why not? What do you think?” Veronika asked the others jovially.
“Great idea,” Jennifer said with enthusiasm. “The more the merrier.”
“Then it’s done.” Grammy spoke with finality. She raised her glass. “To Veronika, the newest member of the Shannon family.”
They all sipped again.
All except Hannah. Jennifer noticed she’d pushed away her still full wine glass. Hannah and Adam were wine enthusiasts, even considering growing grapes and making their own. “Honey, are you all right?”
Hannah smiled. “Yes, just giving up alcohol for a while.”
At Jennifer’s puzzled expression, Hannah added, “Adam and I want to share with everyone here that a little Iverson is on the way and should be our Christmas present for the family.”
Everyone cheered and crowded around Hannah and Adam.
“Now you see,” Veronika confided to the group, “that not all valuables are silver and gold. These two bring us a true treasure.”
A few minutes later when the excitement about the baby quieted, Veronika turned to Grammy. “Frances, please tell me more about this upscale senior community you have in mind, because I like the idea. It’s beautiful at my estate but also lonely and isolated. Why don’t we search together? If we find just the right place, we could become neighbors there.”
Jason whispered to Jennifer. “Those two have really hit it off.”
She whispered back, “At their ages, aren’t friends and fun pretty important?”
“Or at any age,” he winked. “Just ask your HVADH.”
“HVADH?”
“Handsome, virile and devoted husband.”
She giggled, arching her eyebrows.
Veronika stood and spoke again. “My new family, here is a possible solution for you. If you decide to take some souvenirs and give the rest of the treasure to a museum…” she turned to Becca, “with whatever photo documentation our police detective concludes is safe to provide, then why don’t I be your anonymous donor? I live on a large estate where people may imagine the treasure originated, but I will never reveal any details and no one can search my private property without my permission.
“Any museum will gratefully accept the donation and display the pieces to the public while their researchers explore each item’s origins. This discovery will enrich American history and delight Civil War enthusiasts like Nathan’s father. Jennifer and Jason can continue their low public profile while Hannah and Adam raise their new baby on their own property without nosy Rebel or Yankee enthusiasts bothering them. Mr. Early is gone now and so can make no more trouble for you. What do you think?”
Jennifer grinned and Jason nodded a smile of relief. Jennifer rose. “This is not only a solution, it’s the perfect one. Thank you, dear Veronika, for making this wonderful offer.”
Everyone cheered as they toasted the new plan. Jason and Nathan refilled glasses.
Veronika bowed good-naturedly, enjoying the lively social exchange so different from her quiet life on the estate. But suddenly she froze, then sniffed the air to the left and then to the right. “Do you smell lilacs?” she asked.
The rest exchanged anxious looks. Didn’t this scent precede her visions? Veronika groped blindly for the chair behind her and sat down hard, her gaze fixed. As her trance-like stare continued, her head jerked several times as if an invisible hand had bumped her forehead.
The rest sat motionless in their seats, afraid any movement might adversely affect whatever gripped her.
Minutes passed. Then as suddenly as the spell began, she relaxed. Her shoulders drooped, her head nodded forward, her breathing deepened. Had she fallen asleep?
Just as Grammy reached out to touch her shoulder to ask if she was all right, her head rose and she looked around the room as if nothing had happened.
“Oh my,” she mumbled to herself. “But what could it mean?” She seemed lost in thought.
“Are you okay?” Grammy asked, concern playing across her face.
“Yes, I…I had a vision, but it’s very confusing.”
“Would you tell us about it?”
“I…I found myself in ancient China in the time of the Yellow Emperor. A man named King Yu shrank back in fear as the Yellow River, named for the Emperor, flooded its banks with growing force. The rising water had already soaked the hem of his tunic. He knew his people and their crops would perish if he couldn’t stop this flood, yet it grew worse every second.
“‘Ying-long,’ he cried out in desperation. ‘Wherever you are, can you help me? Can you save us?’ Suddenly a noise like a distant drumbeat filled the air and increased as a speck in the sky grew larger as it rocketed toward them.
“The sound wasn’t a drumbeat, but the flapping of wings as something huge approached. Coming into view Yu saw the enormous dragon he had aided years ago when it was injured. Of all the Chinese dragons, this was the only kind with wings. His five toes proved him an Imperial Dragon, belonging only to the Emperor.
“‘Ying-long,’ he cried, ‘Thank you, Great One, for coming so swiftly and to the Emperor for allowing it. Can you stop this murderous river from killing my people and ruining our land?’ The dragon studied the situation and immediately began digging long channels with his gigantic tail. The flooding water spilled into these drainage canals and flowed harmlessly away. “Oh, thank you, Great Ying-long. You and the emperor you serve have saved us this day.
“But when the dragon coiled and roared as if to destroy him, Yu wasn’t sure Ying-long remembered him from their early days. When he saw the dragon lift a mighty arm as if to smite him, King Yu said, ‘I willingly sacrifice myself if that is your price for saving my people and their fields.’
“He closed his eyes, waiting for the terrible blow, but instead he felt a soft touch on his arm as one of the dragon’s claws gently stroked him in memory of their earlier friendship. They looked together at the miracle Ying-long had accomplished and exchanged respectful bows. Then the dragon’s powerful wings lifted him into the air and carried him quickly away.”
Veronika shook her head in bewilderment. “My vision says it’s the answer… but what is the question?”
Jennifer walked to the buffet where Nathan had tucked her dragon statue. “The question triggering your vision must be the one I’ve asked over and over: ‘What kind of dragon is this favorite I found at a garage sale?’ No one knew the answer until now. Thank you, dear Veronika.”
All eyes turned to Jennifer’s dragon. Clutching the pearl of wisdom in the talons of one claw, he appeared to look wisely upon his new family with his large, all-knowing eyes.
Jennifer cradled him in her arms.
Jason shook his head in disbelief. “What explains your uncanny connection to this odd creature?”
Jennifer wasn’t sure they’d understand, but she smiled. “I think the answer is ‘Here be dragons’…”
READING GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Did this story expand your awareness of problems confronting senior citizens? If so, please give examples from the book.
Did the Civil War passages in this story trigger new interest for you into this time in our history?
Can you share examples from your family or others you know who have tried solving problems affecting their senior members?
Do coincidences in your life suggest such events are random or designed?
What would you do with a strange riddle and mysterious map you found hidden in a garage sale purchase?
Did you learn something new about drago
ns? If so, what interested you most?
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Sarah Altman, Orange County Sheriff’s Office TRIAD Coordinator, and Patrick Lawrence, 3rd Degree Black Belt Tai Kwan Do in Orange, Virginia, conducted a self-defense class series that I attended. Some of their techniques are in my story.
Marc Birdsong, of Lake of the Woods, Virginia, shared with me his family’s ancestral history in Virginia, dating to the 1700s, and encouraged me to use his family’s name in my story.
Brian Bunce, a former antiques dealer in Michigan, now a resident of Naples, Florida, shared a Civil War letter he discovered in a shoebox purchased from a flea market. The letter, written in 1865 by a young woman to her soldier beau, offered useful insights into courting manners and speech of the time.
Rebecca “Becky” Celestial, hair stylist in San Diego, California, for forty-five years (during eighteen of which she owned her own salon), gave me valuable insights about beautician/client relationships and her experiences with aging customers at a senior center.
Colleen Eggie, Customer Service Representative for Able Moving & Storage in Manassas, Virginia, provided me with moving company information.
Dan Hartwick, a man who loves Civil War history, an avid Civil War relic hunter, a member of Rappahannock Civil War Round Table in Fredericksburg, Virginia, on Board of Directors of the Civil War Study Group at Lake of the Woods, Virginia. Dan lent me many books on this topic, demonstrated his metal detector and showed me metal buttons, bullets and other Civil War relics he found using it.
Angela Larson, Supervisor of the Naples, Florida, Sheriff Office Victim Advocate and Senior Advocacy Unit, gave me information, statistics and stories about senior abuse in Florida. She also offered helpful suggestions about sheriff deputy protocol and practice in various crime scene situations.