by Ronald Craig
"Yeah, right. It's not that cold."
It was a warm day the end of May as they headed south with the windows down. Timmy delighted at sighting ships and boats, big and small along the way. Lunch in Santa Cruz on the boardwalk was a hit. Timmy was fascinated with the seals lounging in the sun. He tossed bread to the sea gulls that, he assumed by their attention to his every move, were his new best friends. Timmy dozed off as soon as they were back in the truck heading home.
"I think Timmy was used to sleeping beside his mother in their space, maybe for a while he will feel better sleeping with us."
"I think you're probably right. His mother has dark hair, have you ruled out Shadow as a bunk mate?"
"Timmy's right about one thing, you're silly," she said laughing. "Oh, you were suggesting the four of us in our bed."
"It would be five, don't forget Zee. It seems like only yesterday, holding you close to me, I wondered why we needed more than a twin bed. Now our king is too small."
"It was actually the day before yesterday. I have to say, Charlie, I didn't think the concept of a baby sitter for a date night would be crossing my mind this soon."
"There is hope. Motherhood to Shadow, Timmy and Zee and there is still room in your thoughts for us time."
"Always," she said and leaned over the console to kiss his cheek.
"Any luck?" Bob, their foreman greeted them when they arrived back at Watson Manor.
"Not yet, but we had a wonderful time," Jenny said.
"Looks like you wore the little one out," Bob said taking the overnight bag, fire truck and police car out of the back seat. They headed in with Charlie carrying Timmy, still fast asleep while Jenny and Zee opened doors along the way. When they reached the fourth floor and Charlie laid Timmy down, he went back into the living room.
"Thanks Pop, for taking care of Shadow for us," Charlie said.
"Not a problem. I let him wander around outside most of today."
"Did Detective Edwards come over to speak to Art?"
"I have been meaning to tell you, Junior. No sign of Art for a few days now."
"They thought there might be an inside guy," Charlie said. "Maybe it was Art."
"That’s hard to believe. Hank referred him to us and I've known and respected Hank for years."
"These people are not beyond applying pressure or threats. I should make sure Hank is not in danger," Charlie said.
"I got the same comment from Detective Edwards when we had a similar chat yesterday."
"I'm sorry, Pop, I won't be of much help around here for awhile, until we find Julia, Timmy's mother."
"In that case," Bob said smiling. "We should finish much sooner."
The comment caught Charlie off guard and he started laughing loudly. Jenny came out of the bed room. "What's so funny. You boys will wake Timmy up!"
"Good ol' Pop, just stroking my ego as usual."
"Sounds like he's not crushed you're off the job for awhile," Jenny guessed.
"I was only kidding, Junior. You are without a doubt missed by the crew."
"Support or entertainment?" Jenny asked, catching up with the rhythm.
"So do you two rehearse this skit?" Charlie asked when they stopped laughing. "Have your fun, I'm stuck with both of you."
"You're blessed with both of us and its only 'cuz we love you," Jenny said, delivering a kiss.
"Well in that case I can mend my shattered ego. Hey Pop, want to watch your grandson for an hour?"
"Down boy," Jenny replied. "We have a sand castle to build this afternoon. Thanks Bob, you are truly a God send for us."
"I'll see you two later," Bob said, turning for the door. He opened it and turned. "You know I'm only a phone call away."
"And that means the world to us, Bob," Jenny said as he left.
*****
An hour later they were on the beach building Timmy's first sand castle. Shadow surprised them and kept up crossing the dune but stayed close instead of his normal activity, chasing the sea gulls away. Charlie dug a large hole in the sand and was showing Timmy how to build the towers around it. Jenny kept the pail full of water to assist in solidifying the sand towers. She wandered away to gather some driftwood and shells as finishing touches when Timmy's giggling caught her attention and she turned back to see what happened. A wave had come further up the beach and crashed through the front wall of the castle, soaking both of them. As she watched she felt a tightness in her chest and found it hard to catch her breath. There it was just twenty feet away. So simple and pure, more than she had ever imagined, her family. She had to sit down and finally found the next breath as she tried to deal with this rush of emotion.
"This is crazy," she said softly to herself as tears flowed down her cheeks. She saw them facing her and Charlie grabbed Timmy and ran toward her.
"Jenny, are you alright?" Charlie asked dropping beside her.
"Yes, it's silly. I'm fine you guys," she said wiping her face on a sleeve of her shirt.
"Did you fall down, Jenny," Timmy asked as Shadow came along side her.
"No, but I saw that wave hit you guys."
"It was so funny, our castle is a lake now," Timmy said excitedly.
"Timmy, it's like magic, your lake is all gone now," Jenny said.
"No way. We were flooded."
"Go check it out, little buddy," he said. When Timmy dashed back to the castle, Charlie looked at Jenny. "If you're not hurt, what is it?"
"Let's get you two dried off. I just had an emotional moment."
He helped her up and they walked back to the castle. Timmy was pointing down in the hole and said, "It's all gone! Just like you said, Jenny. How did you know?"
"Magic, little buddy," Charlie said.
Jenny wrapped Timmy in one of the beach towels and they started back over the dune. Timmy held the hands offered from both sides as he walked between them. He was a little startled when Charlie started counting and their grip on his hands tightened. Surprise crossed his face when he was swung forward, his feet leaving the ground. When he touched down, he laughed and had only one thing to say, "Do it again!" And they did. When they reached the front door Charlie turned and kissed Jenny.
"I understand, Jenny. Like I said before, I've never known a time when you weren't ready."
Timmy knew what a bath tub was for but he preferred the shower, like they had at the big place. It pleased him that this one was inside, like at Miss Linda's.
It was after dinner while watching a TV movie. "We interrupt this program for a special report from Governor Pete Wilson…" a reporter was standing in front of the Capital Building for the live feed.
"The carousel house," Timmy shouted, jumping off the couch.
"Sacramento," they said in unison.
Chapter 22
They were on the road early the next morning. Jenny had packed another overnight bag for them but didn't pack all of Timmy's things. She knew they were heading in the right direction toward reuniting mother and son. She wanted that to happen, but also found a selfish part of her not wanting to let go. Their time would come, she reasoned, this had to be about Timmy and Julia now. Actually experiencing that distant dream the last few days had thrust Charlie's words about being ready for family with so much force it consumed her thoughts. She needed to get back on track and picked up her phone and keyed in for directory assistance.
"I need the number for the Sacramento zoo," she said. She hung up and keyed in that number. "Does your zoo have any elephants?" After listening to the answer she asked, "How about Chimpanzees?" She listened and put the phone down and faced Charlie. "Two for two, no elephants and four chimps."
Charlie was making the transition from Interstate 680 to the 580 east and said, "About two hours to carousel house."
Jenny picked up the map beside her and found their location. "Going through Stockton, there's a Crown Storage in Stockton."
"We're on a different mission today, Jenny."
"I know, but the other is never far from my though
ts."
"We can take a look on our drive home if you want. However the real FBI is involved now."
"And my original concern of it getting lost with them before, is still there."
"Jenny, I think you're looking for a distraction and I feel that need also. We've been given a real feel for what's ahead for us and it will be wonderful."
"My emotions have never been buried very deep. When you pulled me to the dance floor in Phoenix they rose to the surface, like explosive charges wired to blow with a mere spark. Timmy has been another spark, and I'm sorting through the fallout."
"I so love that about you and of course, for blasting me out of a cave."
"Is my caveman hungry?" she asked and turned to the back seat. "Timmy, are you getting hungry back there?"
"Happy meal?"
"You got it little buddy. How about Zee?"
"You're silly…big buddy," Timmy said and giggled.
"Well it's about time you called me your big buddy."
"Zee probably just wants the toy," Jenny said, and was rewarded with another giggle from the back seat. The drive thru in Stockton satisfied all the appetites and the last leg on Interstate 5 north to Sacramento passed quietly. Charlie exited Interstate 5 to interstate 80 toward Reno. He spotted the light rail running beside them and wanted to start at the end of the line to ensure they didn't miss a landmark. The Watt Ave. exit had a Regional Transit sign with a train outline and he took that exit and found the parking lot.
There was an attendant there, but it was a machine that dispensed their day pass tickets. They stood in the waiting area with a few other passengers.
"Ready for a train ride, Timmy?" Jenny asked.
"My train to mommy."
"We are counting on you to tell us where to get off, little bubby. I have a map but you know the stops. Can you do that?"
"I remember."
"I've never been on an electric train…well, any train for the matter," Jenny said, smiling.
"That goes for two of us. Where did I hear the phrase, a child will lead them?" The train appeared as four similar cars linked together and it came to a stop in front of them. There was a button beside the door and Charlie pushed it then the doors opened. They took a seat beside the door and the train was off.
"Ok little buddy, keep your eyes open." Timmy was clearly excited to return to things he remembered, sights that felt like home, memories of his mother.
"I will. This place is new."
The train stopped four times and when the announcement for Royal Oaks was heard and Timmy tried to stand becoming very attentive.
"Royal Oaks, Timmy. What's here?"
"I think Miss Linda's house."
"That makes sense," Charlie said. "The route guide shows the capital is ahead and beyond that would be the big place and the school. I think we should start there."
"I agree. Miss Linda would be at the school now anyway."
The train pulled out of the Royal Oaks station and Jenny took the photo of Julia out of her purse. "Timmy, I have a picture of your mommy from a long time ago. Does this look like her?"
Timmy studied the photo and said, "Mommy's hair is different."
"Different how, the color, longer or shorter?" Jenny asked.
"Not long like yours and in the picture."
"Does it look like your mommy's face?" she continued.
"Kinda' looks like mommy." His attention was pulled away when the announcement for 12th Street was heard. "The big river is coming," he said excitedly. Moments later they were crossing the American River on an elevated wooden bridge. Following the 12th Street stop the train was clearly entering the downtown area of Sacramento and made a sharp left turn.
"I didn't think we would be on the street with the cars," Jenny said.
"If the city came before the train, what other place to put the tracks, I guess."
The train stopped again and Timmy was shouting, "The movies! Look Jenny the movies." Across two lanes of traffic from them was a marquee for the Crest Theater.
"I see it Timmy," Jenny said. She looked at the route guide and Charlie was pointing a few stops ahead. "Can you tell me what's coming up next, Timmy?"
A huge grin crossed his face. "The carousel house." The train took a sharp turn to the right and a minute later crossed Capital Avenue, a divided road with a clear view of the State Capital Building, aka the carousel house, just a quarter mile away from them. They continued through downtown for several more stops and when they left the 29th street stop the sky line dropped marking the transition to smaller communities.
"I should have probably driven over here in the truck. You could have called me with the stop," Charlie said.
"And miss all this!"
"I guess that was my thinking as well. Together is better." Then the train pulled away from University announcing Power Inn. It was clear they were getting close because Timmy couldn't stay seated and Charlie held him with both arms.
"Here!" Timmy said as the train began to slow. Timmy pointed through the window on the opposite side of the train. "See, the big place." On the opposite side of the tracks at the end of a quarter mile long field was a large weathered barn. They got off the train and Jenny found holding Timmy back was like holding a leashed dog that had spotting a cat. They walked two blocks where a road crossed the tracks then dropped down to the field's lower level. A trail to the barn's main doors veered off at an angle from the paved road. The large sliding door was opened enough for them to pass inside single file.
"Our space is back here," Timmy said leading them down a center isle to the back of the barn. They felt many staring eyes following them back. "He's in our space," Timmy said pointing at a man sleeping in front of them.
"Maybe your mommy picked a new space," Jenny said.
Timmy looked around slowly. His excitement was draining and tears were close. Charlie picked him up, "We'll find her, little buddy."
"Can anyone help us find Julia, the woman that was here?" Jenny called out. As she looked around the barn the eyes that followed them in drifted away.
"Gone," an old woman said from a few spaces away. They worked their way over to her zigzagging between the eight foot tarps that marked the spaces.
"We have her son here and want to find her," Jenny said when they approached her.
"You cops or government people?" the woman asked.
"No, friends wanting them back together. When did she leave?"
"Over a month, maybe more. Got her things and ran out."
"Was she alone?"
"With another woman, maybe fifty. We keep to ourselves here."
"Thank you for helping us," Jenny said and pulled a twenty dollar bill out of her purse. "Can I give you this?"
The woman took it and then looked at Timmy. "He looks a lot better off now."
"Timmy, can you take us to your school?" Charlie asked as they walked out of the barn.
Some of the excitement returned to his face. "Miss Linda will know were mommy is," he said with new hope.
"Then let's go talk to Miss Linda," Jenny said.
"Yeah, that old lady doesn’t know anything, little buddy!" Charlie added encouragingly.
"Yeah, let's go," Timmy said.
They were half way back across the trail leading to the road when Charlie set Timmy down between them. "But first my little buddy wants to fly…one…two…three."
"Again, do it again."
They crossed back over the tracks and the main street that paralleled them and walked up Howe Avenue. After a half mile walk more homes started to appear beyond the more commercial area they started in. Timmy was pulling again so there was no question they were headed the right way. Across a small side street stood a converted three or four bedroom house. The front was completely paved providing a circle drive and parking for 5 cars. The sign read Oakley Day Care and behind the fence running along the side street could be heard the sounds of children playing.
"This is my school," Timmy announced pulling them to the fr
ont door. The door bell started a song by Alvin and the Chipmunks. They heard the dead bolt slide and when the door opened they were greeted through a screen door.
"Hello, May I help you," the woman asked with a pleasant smile.
"Miss Linda, it's me Timmy!" he shouted.
She looked down and opened the screen door. Timmy flew past Charlie and Jenny into her waiting arms.
"Oh my Lord! Timmy it's so good to see you!"
"We came to find mommy, Miss Linda."
Linda looked up at Charlie and Jenny, "Are you from Child Welfare?"
"No, but we need to talk to you if you have time," Jenny said.
"Timmy, your friend Sammy is here, why don't you go out back and play with him."
"Cool," he said and dashed off.
"Linda, I'm Charlie and this is my wife Jenny. Timmy lead us to you and our only goal is to reunite them."
"Come in. Let's go to my office," she said bolting the door behind them. They followed her across the front room where small children and teenage girls played on the floor. She closed her office door behind them. "Please sit down."
"Can you help us locate Julia?" Jenny asked.
Linda was silent, concern and suspicion masking her face.
"We are Timmy's temporary foster parents and as Charlie said, only want Julia and Timmy back together."
Linda's face softened a little. "About six weeks ago Julia came here hysterical telling me Child Welfare Officers took Timmy from her off the street. They told her he would be placed in foster care until she could show them a proper home and financial stability. You must be those foster parents?"
"We are Linda, but we don't care if Julia has a place to live or a bank account," Charlie said. "We need to put mother and son back together. Under our roof if need be. Can you help us find her?"
"When she came to me we went directly to where she and Timmy were living. I've know Julia for years and she cleaned my house once a week. I was sick when I saw that place they were living in. She stayed with me for a couple weeks. I got her some clothes and we put a resume together for her. She found a full time job and after a few weeks moved into an apartment with a co-worker, Lauren I think her name is."