by H. Caswell
They shake hands. “Best of luck to you, sir”cheers Wright, as Alfred races to the door. Alfred stops briefly, and looks around one last time,to Wright and his appalling abode.“Yes, and same to you … Sir." Alfred swiftly, tucks his purchase agreement; inside his topcoat pocket, as he quickly removes himself from the building. The rain has stopped, and the skies, have brightened, Alfred takes a big breath, of fresh air ‘A normal mid-summer afternoon storm, here in the Bronx’ Alfred thinks to himself. As he begins to walk away; Alfred senses, he is being watched from above. He is correct. Wright stands in his apartment window; watching Alfred walking away. He wonders to himself, what the man is up to ‘Why, he would want an island of death?’ He clenches the briefcase; knowing now … it does not matter.
Alfred arrives home in the mid afternoon. He is happy and needing to change; out of his wet clothing, feeling quite disgusted with the stenchthat has stuck to his clothing “Perhaps … I should throw them all out, No … this was Father’s coat” He steps inside the family home. As he hangs his overcoat; upon the wooden coat rack, he knows‘feeling the pit of his stomach tickle’ this to be, very well soon, his last time ‘He smiles’ for his new home awaits him. Alfred, has plans … many of them, and soon, he will have everything set in motion. He quickly prepares himself to set off to the library. He is anxious, to meet with his possibly new employee; Claire.
Chapter 5
Alfred finds Claire; amidst a stack of books, in the non-fiction section, M-L. As Claire prepares to stock the shelves, she senses; his presence. Curiously, she turns to find Alfred; standing there, pipe in mouth; wearing a grin. She, a bit annoyed of Alfred’s departure last night; says not a word to him, but carries on, in her duties. He can see her anger with him, as she shoves the books; upon the shelves. Slowly; Alfred, approaches her. As her hand reaches up, to replace the book, she is gripping Alfred; takes hold of it. Claire now angered; glares at Alfred. Softly Alfred whispers …“My dear, please … do not be too eager to dismiss me. After our talk last night, I … achieved my fondest plan … and would like … very much to discuss the matter with …you." Claire; curious now; turns her redden, round face; acknowledging Alfred’s presence. “Well, get on with it … then.” Claire’s voice, is one that can bring demand, and fear together,in such aprofound way. Clearing his voice, Alfred suggests “Perhaps we meet at .., your home later … tonight. I, very much would like to meet … Randle,as well.” She ponders briefly, and leans in closer to Alfred and whispers… “It had better be worth … my time. And you,shaking her finger at him had best not disappointed … me, Sir." Alfred; amused with Claire, and her ego‘smiles’ agrees to meet at her home. She pulls a piece of paper and pen from her pocket, and writes her address,32 Sagamore Street, 7 pm. “Don’t be late, I do not like … to be kept …waiting." Alfred accepting Claire, and her persona, of the one in charge; can only go so far. He intelligently; needs to let Claire know; who the one in charge here is, and it most certainly, is not her. In a stern, and fearful, low voice, he whispers back;“My Claire, I fear … you may have misjudged, the roll here … a bit. It is YOU … who ... shall not, ever … keep … ME … waiting. Your, misconception of your roll … has led you to believe yourself ‘grinning’ to contain the … power … You, dear, ‘he pauses … lookingher in the eye’ will certainly find the power; lives only with … me." Placing the book he had removed from her hand; back upon the cart, he dominantly; walks away. Briefly, Claire watches him, as he walks out the front doors, she, a bit taken back in his demeanor.
The sun is shining lower in the sky, as evening begins to approach. The summer air is still warm. Alfred, walks slowly among townspeople. He watches the hasty people as they make their way about. His mind; preoccupied with plans. He recalls; Wright’s pointing to the dock‘I will need a boat of some sort … and of course someone … to chart it’ having a few hours to kill and using time wisely; Alfred addresses the problem. He cuts through alleyways and side streets; back to the docks. He takes notice of the filth; upon these areas his mind aches ‘People have lost the values … of keeping things; tidy. They have lost their integrity,among one another’ soon he will suffer no more with these absent-minded souls. He will embrace the glory, of his new home, and forever be lifted in the glory of, his work. His pocket watch reads 5pm. ‘Just in time,for the docks to begin clearing’ He searches the faces of the many men preparing their trips home. A bounty of seagulls; take fight as a small summer breeze; cooling the air, off the ocean water gently blows. In the distance, a very familiar voice; rings in his ears. Alfred picks up pace; to the man he knows.
Old Charlie White; his father’s long dear friend, and counterpart; standing aside one of the enormous; docking doors, his cigar hanging, from his mouth; directing a few night workers as they steer a monstrous ship; within the gate. As Charlie circles, about to head inside; he catches a glimpse of Alfred,who is now just a few steps in front. “Can …it be?” Charlie hollers out. Alfred extends his hand out, to the old man. Charlie, would not think about engaging in a simple handshake. No, Charlie takes hold of Alfred, and embraces in him within a strong, manly hug as tears fill; old Charlie’s small,gray eyes. “I see a grown … man now before me in the … boy I knew so long … ago. ALFRED!" Charlie is not the younger, man of fifty; any longer. The past ten years has aged him much. He no longer stands tall; his posture; now hunched forward. His strong muscles, which once helped his father, in deposing of bodies; now hang; loosely off his bones. His skin leathered, from the years of sun. His hair turned from black to thinning gray; combed back. His wrinkled face; stubble with gray hair, no longer resembles the clean cut man; Alfred, once knew. Charlie no longer a firm man, now stands with his trousers hanging loosely from his waist; and a white t-shirt stained in sweat. Charlie, always a hardworking man his whole life; now finds it hard to keep up with the younger staff.
Charlie pulls back from Alfred, and admires, the man he has turned out to be, now. He always knew; Alfred, would never be a strong, firm, fighting man. To witness Alfred in his fine tailored attire and well groomed;is just how he imagined Alfred to present himself. “What … what … on God’s green earth, are you doing down here … Lad?” Alfred is about to change, old Charlie White’s life. He eagerly asks “Please Charlie … join me at a picnic table … I have so much to discuss … with you.” The two men sit upon the bench; Alfred begins to explain his new adventures. His ego; expressed quite well, with the description of his studies; and leaving his prestige college, and of course… his new home.“You see, my dear old friend … I must get away from… ‘looking up at the city, standing 100 yards away’here … now.Charlie seems not a bit surprised, in the man he sits next to. After all, he is Thomas’s son. Thomas was a very; intelligent man. Spilling his confessions of his ideas to Charlie, it feels; almost for a brief moment to Alfred, as explaining it all, to his own father,Thomas.“I have a meeting tonight Charlie … with a very peculiar woman … named Claire. Most of my details are covered … But, two things still remain; that need to work out before all this can … happen. And you, Charlie… is where I find myself needing‘Alfred takes hold of Charlie’s hand’ your services.‘Charlie curiously, asks’ “Well, what is it … son? What can Old Charlie do for you?” Alfred, carefully explains the importance of needing a shipping vessel. “One of perhaps mid-size … it will be handling loads … of equipment and building materials. Upon this vessel, there needs to be a small, yet strong, lifesaving boat. And within the mass … there must be … a secret compartment; capable of … hiding people. And of course; a Captain, to guide the glorious cargo; to and fro.” ‘Charlie glares off unto the ocean briefly… knowing what Alfred … is truly asking’ “I know of a small ship … capable of performing your needs, Alfred. The owner is asking; ten thousand dollars for her. I … myself … have worked on her for years. She has been well cared. I would not recommend many … around, here. She is sea worthy. But the Captain… is retiring. I do not know … if I know another … who will suit your demands … Alfred.�
� Alfred smirks’ “Oh, you Sir, Dear friend … always a joker. I want you Charlie! I want you … to guide my missions… I know no other man, than yourself … who knows these waters and her currents better. And I know very well of your… loyalties ‘he pauses, placing his hand on Charlie’s knee’ I am here … to make your life adventurous … and wealthy Charlie; beyond your imagination …You will never again … pay for living, or be subject to life with these… bums‘Pointing to the men near the docking station’ Please Charlie… come with me … Say you will join with me, my father’s dear friend … and mine." Charlie looks into the eyes of Alfred. He sees within him, the eagerness, to become the greatest psychologist ever. His plans sound delightful. But, Charlie; a very aged man; can no longer lift the bodies of the dead; they are so heavy. He could not see himself able to fight a fearful person, as they fight, for their life. No, Charlie is too weak and old for that. He confesses his worries to Alfred “I … I … don’t know Alfred, my body is so worn … now. I do not believe, my strength could keep up … these days.” As always; Alfred,has an answer for problems. “Oh, my friend, I know you are weakening … with age. I would not ask of you to do such things any longer. Your duties will be chartering and of your connections, to places …I may need. It is your mind … as well in masterminding plots. I believe; I have two others that I am … meeting shortly that will carry out the heavy loads. I am eager to get this all going Charlie. I cannot stand to be in the family’s home any longer … I will not beg… or plead … with anyone… including you. If you refuse ... I will be on my way, never to bother you again. If you agree ... then I will make you a very happy man. The decision is up to… you." Charlie looks about the pier. He knows, his days are numbered here. Younger, stronger men; arrive here weekly. Charlie swallows hard, and whispers out, “It is only a matter of time.” ‘Looking back to Alfred’ “All right, my friend. We have a …accord." Impressed and most satisfied they are, the two plan for a meeting; early in the morning to meet with the Captain and purchase the ship. ‘Alfred gazesupon his pocket watch’“I must run. I have a meeting now with the others. Until the morning … my friend." They shake hands then Alfred, disappears into the sun setting night’s darkness, and cool ocean waters fog.
Alfred, punctual as he is arrives five of seven. Claire draws back, the red curtain, in the family room window to witness Alfred preparing to ring the bell. The large glass door, encased in oak; creeks opens. Alfred, expecting Claire as he prepares to greet her, suddenly realizes; he is before a very large man, from the looks of the black dress shoes he sees. For a moment,shock enters Alfred ‘my lord, what is this?’ The man places his hand out to greet, Alfred. Alfred placing his hand within this man’s … suddenly is stricken with amazement‘I cannot believe …’ as his hand slips into this man’s hand as if he, Alfred ... himself ... were a child. His fingers wrap; gently engulfing, every bit of Alfred’s. As Alfred looks up to the man, who stands before him; he is struck in awe. Standing in the door frame, there is not an inch; neither side of this, being. His height; reaching the top of the door, just enough for him, to glide through; without having to bend forward. ‘Claire had said her brother … was a big man, but, this… certainly had not been what … I,had envisioned’ The dark haired man, dressed in black trousers, and a white collar button down shirt, tightly gripping his torso, and muscular arms with a smile from ear to ear, bearing teeth with a front gap certainly not just large … ‘my God he is … enormous’ … ‘Claire’s voice bellows out from behind the man “Well stupid, let… him… in … You cannot just stand in the door … all night…for Christ sakes.” Randle releases his grip of Alfred’s hand, and stands aside for Alfred to enter. Claire introduces the two men to each other as they walk slowly down a small dark hall, lit with tiny glass lights; hanging in the center of the ceiling, to the family room. Alfred, is not a bit surprised, in the appearance of this well cared for home‘Just as I have … thought; as he observes’Everything, from the golden couch, and precisely placed white lace pillows, to the coffee table, with a white laced doily, precisely centered. Her books; neatly stacked, from largest, to smallest, in alphabetic order upon the bookcase. To the two, high back, deep orange, chairs arranged to view the entire room, comfortably. A small, four foot tall narrow table, only holds, a small glass lamp; placed between the two chairs proved to be enough light, for reading. Every detail; methodically placed; neatly. Yes, Alfred, had assumed Claire to be a ship shape gal, finding his beliefs, outstanding. The one thing ,that… turns Alfred a bit off, is the lingering cigarette odor, thinking ‘The offensive smell is something, I, am willing to ignore, for I have already made my mind to wanting Claire; upon my Island home’ and now … his witnessing … ‘Randle; with his sturdy frame and large size; fits perfectly into the plan … of Charlie White needing someone with muscle’ Claire distracts his thoughts, as she directs Alfred to one of the chairs, while she takes her seat on the couch. Randle stands in the doorway of the family room. ‘Claire demands in a strong, stern voice’“Randle … to go into the kitchen and bring …the coffee.” As Randle walks away, her apologies to Alfred“Oh Alfred, I am horribly sorry …for Randle’s delay.I do … work hard with Randle … to remember his … manors. We practiced getting the coffee as I seat our guest, he … just forgets. He is obedient though.” Alfred gives a small smile to Claire; allowing her to feel unworried. Randle enters; carefully placing a sliver tray, upon the coffee table. Alfred watches as Randle delicately fills, the tiny silver cups, with coffee and hands one to Claire and walks cautiously, to give Alfred his, then takes his seat, next to Alfred, in the opposite Chair. ‘Claire takes notice of Alfred’s watching Randle’ “He is a big boy … ‘Randle smiling at Alfred’ I have his clothing specially tailored to him. I … even had to have the two chairs you both sit upon, made to fit his size. Oh, but … Icould have had only one made … but, I would not be satisfied … with two seats not equal you know … I am a bit pathetic … about that sort of thing. Detail is important to me. Hence, another reason … in my needing another job. Things are quite expensive …when tailoring one’s life.”Alfred finds himself quite pleased with her detail, but more importantly, he finds, a great pleasure in Claire taking care of her brother; even if she is a bit, demanding in her ways. Alfred, sips his coffee briefly and begins to present his idea. “Claire, I want you and Randle to join me on my island ‘Claire, looks to Alfred surprised’ now give me a moment … so I can explain. There you will; if you choose … to agree … live in a fine establishment. All … of the two of your needs … will be taken care of, completely. You will work for … me. I need someone with your intellect and detail- oriented nature. And Randle … ‘Alfred’s voice rising in excitement’ he certainly fits the bill in my … needing a strong man. You, my dear Claire; will be my right hand … well … lady. The island will become a grand establishment of phycology… care ‘sipping his coffee, his deviant eyes peering over the rim’ I have become fond… of … certain ways … in the mental health profession. I want to implement my learnings into this … place. You will be dealing with an array of needs … including my own. For this island … my home ... will have to establish its reputation … of an exceptional care facility and yet, ‘he pauses’ I must… be able to perform my personal … secret … experiments. I need someone … such as yourself … to keep this place running tight and quiet. I need someone … I can trust … to keep … my secrets. Randle would work with a dear friend of mine. Of course, you need to accept. Be willing … to leave here immediately… and be preparedto help run an organized construction overhaul of this place before it can open. ‘Alfred admits’ Life will be a bit difficult there at first …but … in about a years’ time, she will be the grandest place on … earth." Alfred begins to sip his coffee once more allowing Claire to absorb his invitation. Moments pass in silence. Claire sips her coffee. She looks up to Alfred, and asks … “How soon do we leave?” He explains to her “As of this moment; I am awaiting a message from … my dear friend Charlie, about a ship. As
soon as the deal is made, which I … assured it will be, we … will be leaving then. ‘Placing his cup beside him on the table’ I will say this dear Claire. Begin packing your clothing and a few items you wish to have. Your beds and small trinkets. For we leave in a day … tomorrow … I am certain. You will need to write a list of supplies … we will need. You know … food and steeples ‘raising his cup once more;taking a sip of coffee’ Also, we will need to gather local names of men … willing to do hard labor. Such work as, plaster and woodwork … and landscaping … of the grounds. She must stand in Glory … Claire! There is much work; to be done. I am afraid it will be … right through the winter months, as well. So depending upon the currents of the water … some may have to stay awhile. So plan that accordingly to the food and supply list. They all … MUST be willing to leave as soon as possible. The pay … I promise; will be …outstanding ‘looking at his pocket watch. It reads nine p.m. He pulls his pipe from his coat pocket and stands’It is getting late. I must return home for the evening. I … will be in touch. Please, Claire … understand the importance of these… matters. For we are at the beginning of August. Time is…. crucial. Delay is… unacceptable for…me. I trust you will have every detail worked out by tomorrow end.” Claire promises to make the deadline. That not one detail, will go unnoticed. “A line … Alfred … of eager men will be standing READY … for work. Material will be prepared for shipping.” ‘Alfred bids his farewells’ “Until tomorrow … then.”