by H. Caswell
The grandfather clock standing in the hall of Claire’s house; chimes mid-night, as the last of their personal belongings, have all been packed up. Claire works throughout the night; writing the list needed. She enters supplies, and names of town’s men, capable of performing the duties. Claire, a very persuasive woman, decides she will not wait for morning. Instead, she finds herself in the dark of night; gathering men for work, finding most in the bar, and banging upon the windows of those who own shops. She will prove to Alfred;she is more than capable of such duties. “I will wait not for the sun to rise. No! It shall be ready; now.” All willing men are ordered to be at the dock at ten a.m. except a few; she has chosen to gather the personal belongings, starting with Alfred’s. Meanwhile, Randle gathered their beds, and clothing. Getting to bed was not a part of hers, nor is Randle’s nightly event. Nor was it Alfred’s.
He gathered what was left of his father's collection of books; off the shelves. Every last book; boxed and stacked. Thomas’s desk, cleared, and slid near the stacks of boxes. And, of course, Alfred, would never leave behind; the chase lounge. He carefully arranged the most significant room to be shipped; the only room; which matters to him; from this three story thirty room Victorian home. The only other things to be packed and brought down that night, was his clothing, notebooks from beneath the stairs, and bed.
An eight o’clock phone call, comes. It is Charlie. The ship is Alfred’s. A meeting for Nine A.M. Alfred agrees.“Bring the ten thousand with you my son." Alfred makes his way to the bank and then to the dock where the exchange of money and papers, have now completed, and signed. Alfred thinks to himself ‘Now to let Claire know’ as he heads through the busy streets.
Anticipation; fills Alfred’s heart, as he arrives back to the family home. He is; taken back as he makes his way up the walk, when he is greeted, by four men. They introduce themselves“We are the four, of the fifty men; Claire has hired to work uponthe island.” A tall, thin one explains to Alfred “ We are here to collect ... your …belongings for the transport.” Alfred stands confused, ‘How did Claire know to send the men, now … he asks’ “How did she know the time? Is she here?”Once again;the tall one explains “Claire … instructed that … we need to be prepared first thing in the A.M … we were to come straight here … to … your residence, to ready your things, to be transported … to the docks.” A loud noise; catches Alfred’s attention. He abruptly turns his head, to see a big dark green Dodge Power Giant pickup truck; pulling up to his abode. A bald, fat, man, smoking a cigar; in the driver’s seat with Randle; beside him. A tall,thin man calls out “About Time you …slacker." The driver chuckles as the two climb out. The eager driver asks,“Well, here we are. You gents ready… or … what?” Alfred rushes up the three front steps and unlocks the doors, letting the eager men, inside as he instructs them “You are to be very careful, with MY … belongings” while he escorts them to the study. In no time, at all Alfred’s personal things, are neatly packed into the pickup truck. The sight quite amusing; as they strap everything down with a thick rope. All the boxes placed at the bottom. Then Alfred’s bed frame and mattress. The chase lounge above it all. ‘He quietly whispers to himself’“This …is it ‘as he stands starring at his empty hall’ No more of this pathetic family home. No more … memories; of that wretched ... mother.” As the loaded truck pulls away, the group of the four men await Alfred. Stepping out of the home, he closes and locks the doors. He salutes the house and walks down the steps.“All -right men, Shall …we go?” The men make their way; cutting down back streets; across Main Street, to the docks.
The sight Alfred finds himself gazing upon, is quite remarkable. Forty-six men stand in line. The green pickup; parked beside another of the same model; only gray, the other packed with Claire and Randle’s belongings. Stacks of crates; containing supplies; sit in wait, while two forklifts, maneuver about, collecting them and piling upon the ship. Charlie, stands proud; directing an excellent orchestra of trucks; carrying lumber and building supplies. Claire bellows out to the line of men, ‘START … luggingthe TOOLS!” that are in an enormous pile, waiting beside the ship. The four men; begin to jog up to the gathering of others, to help out, as Alfred, predominantly makes his way to Claire. Charlie waves hello, in excitement to Alfred. Impressed by the activity, Charlie wears a big proud smile. Alfred waves back, with an approved motion. Claire makes her way to Alfred,who is just entering the maze of material. “Good morning Alfred. I am hoping for your approval ‘turninglooking at the ship’ to my accomplishments. I hope I have summoned enough … material and labor …for you ‘as she passes a clipboard to Alfred, for his,review’ Here is everything I have ordered. Oh, and I … opened accounts with the hardware store all the way … to the supermarket. I explained to them; you would be by … before the ship left … to clear the debt. I assume that would be acceptable … Otherwise ‘she snickers’ we would not be in the present situation … we currently find ourselves in.” ‘Giving a wise smirk to Alfred, as he reads through the list; Claire, presented to him’ He, beyond impressed, with her methodical response to his request last night. Alfred, reaches into his shirt pocket for his pipe. ‘Gripping the stock between his teeth’ … “Claire, I am ‘pausing’ a very stubborn … and detail oriented man. Impressing me … takes much‘He smiles’ and today… I am … impressed.”As Alfred lights his pipe; Claire points out on the back side of the last paper; Cherry Pipe Tobacco …50lbs and 50lbs of matches. “This is your … private stash Alfred. Of course, I did order more matches … for fire. But, you … you require your own;personal supply.”Claire looks beyond Alfred, and witnesses the cab pulling up. The same taxi driver; Alfred had paid dearly for his services before,awaiting. “And sir, here is your cab.I had called one into charter your needs in the banking and paying debts. I figured‘smirking’ there is no need for you to hang around here … while we load up. No time wasted this … way. I imagine you will have some time as well; for perhaps … a visit to that … Mom and Pop’s café for coffeeand slice of pie.”Alfred responds as he climbs into the cab “Beyond Impressed” smiling to Claire; closing the door.
The first stop at the bank; Alfred says his farewells to Mr. Smith, the banker. He tells,of his grand adventures “This is it … my good friend. I am on my way” He also makes an accord with Smith to do his banking for him. “Once a month; pays all the bills to the local business and payroll for the men.” Alfred’s trust; only lies, with a very few close to his father from his life. Smith has always been one of them. Smith agrees and surrenders a fatherly hug to Alfred.“I shall miss seeing you … Alfred, I have hopes of seeing … youagain.” Alfred assures him, “Have no worries … my Good man … we shall see one another, again.” The morning slips by, and the lunch rush, has ended when Alfred; presents himself to his favorite booth. He feels; almost saddened, with his leaving. His fond memories; of Thomas, and himself; with their Sunday evenings; after service will now only be in his mind. His gaze is outside; paying mind to the passing, people; as they rush back to their daily jobs. The pink smock, with a white apron; silver-haired aged woman; sets Alfred’s coffee and pie down ‘She speaks; quietly’“You seem a bit misplaced today, Alfred.”Alfred turns his head to her,and smiles. “I am leaving today… my dear lady. I am embarking … on my dream. I suppose … the memories of my father took me for a moment. And you are correct. I do feel a bit of sorrow… all these years of sitting here; eating your pie, at one-point drinking cocoa; until I reached an age, Father would allow me to join with… coffee.” The old woman sits across from Alfred“It has been a joy …‘with a lump stuck within her throat’ to watch you grow.” She and husband are unable to have children of their own; somehow took pleasure,in the sight of Alfred’s progress in life. “You were the cutest blond haired well-mannered youngster with freckles ‘she sighs’ I knew someday…. this day would ...come, when you would leave here;… and set your dreams … to reality. We will miss seeing you every Sunday evening … Alfred." She reaches out briefly and taps his han
d; gently. She whispers, “You take care of yourself, Alfred …and this time around; the pie and coffee on the… house." Alfred pays his gratitude throughout the years,with a hundred dollar bill.“Thank you, sweet lady. You put this … somewhere … just in case you … need it." She reaches down and hugs Alfred; across his neck. ‘Alfred finds her reaction; confusing’ He never experienced a tender touch from a woman. Mildred, had never show … an ounce of motherly love; for a brief moment, Alfred’s heart melted. Quickly she returns to the back kitchen. A dreadful sound of her weeping; touches Alfred’s ears; panic set within his heart; as tears emerged within his blue eyes. Alfred removes his black glasses; briefly as he wipes the wetness. He reaches for his pocket watch and gazes at the time. 1P.M; he assumes by now ‘the ship should be ready or very near to leaving’ as he swallows the last bite of pie, and steps outside the door. As he climbs inside the cab, the lady sadly watches; as they drive off. Alfred’s intelligence; never surprises himself. Just as he assumed, the last create was being carted upon the ship. Before paying the driver, Alfred asks“What is your name? If I ever should need your services again I would like to ask personally for … you.”‘Spinning around glancing to Alfred’ “They call me Dickey,"‘Alfred smirks’ “Very well Mr. Dickey. I thank you ... lad …for your help lately.” Alfred pays the man a hundred dollar bill. Dickey hollers to Alfred as he climbs out from the backseat“Best wishes Sir.”The cab speeds off as Claire meets Alfred.“Everything‘catching her breath’ neatly packed and … all is ready.”Claire tells Alfred; in a proud voice. As they approach the ship, the last forklift pulls away. They all make their way up the ramp; Charlie is standing there awaiting.“Did you have an enjoyable and perhaps final visit through town,Alfred?” Smiling at Charlie, he answers …“Yes my friend, a somber… yet satisfying trip indeed." Claire shouts out“Well, then…. let’s get this ship sailing Captain. I still have lots of work cut out for me … once we arrive. Everything on … must come back off, you know.”
The ship sets sail.
CHAPTER 6
A black silhouette; stands tall, in front of the three long and wide windows; upon the third floor. The smell of cherry tobacco; lingering, in the air. Alfred, gazing, upon the open waters; awaiting a visit from the Major, who is coming to give the grand opening of Alfred’s, accomplishments. Today, his dream coming true. As Alfred watches in wait; he recalls, the hard work over the past nine months; to make this May 1st deadline.
The ship had docked back in August, just before the hottest part of the summer had taken over. Before unloading Alfred; charted Claire throughout the building. They decided, part of the basement shall be used for storage of goods Claire speaks to Alfred while walking down the stairs “Loosing rooms upstairs, to storage, is just not suitable. No, those rooms up there, neededto be occupied with residence.” As they wondered around down here, Alfred finding, joy, among the devices and tables. He recalls Wright; expressing his fear, of being down there. Alfred, does not find it uncomfortable, what so ever. Claire, seems to be enjoying herself,as well ‘she bellows out’“Of the nine rooms down here, six of them … are large enough,to make into storage.” Alfred agrees, but,insists “Claire … I want nothing … be placed under the small trap doors” ‘pointing above, tothe ceilings’ Of course, Claire; never inquired about the trap doors, she cared not; she was far too busy making note of what equipmentthe Dr. would want. They agree,Claire writes‘only two tables and this strange chair … should be placed into the remaining three rooms; the rest; cleared out immediately. A pile, to be, made and once the ship was empty, it then could be filled with unwanted items, and disposed of in town. Alfred also insists “A lock, shall be placed upon the big oak door; with only, myself and you having a key. Nobody … is permitted to come down here … Unless … it is approved by me." Of course, Claire, never argues or questions Alfred; she does as he instructs. Claire orders a few men“Go … climb the three stories to carry up all of Alfred’s belongings. YOU … other men stack that lumber … while the others bring in the plaster.” The room used as a grand hall, now became a room filled with cots, for the workers to sleep. Claire has chosen two rooms in the old scarlet fever wing, as her and Randle’s place, until the cottage is; repaired. Randle carries their belongings and unpacks them. Five men are instructed“Go about the island, to collect downed trees and cut firewood.” ‘Claire grins with her new power of being in charge’as some kitchen reovation; begin as well. “The cabinet doors I want … removed, and all the broken doors and worn table with the chairs … broken up; to be burned.” Claire, a bit aggravated with the filth and disarray of this place. She always, accustomed to neat and orderly. She will work the men hard and long to get this place in ship shape. Making notes; she has decided ‘the landscaping, a must to be done … first along with a working bath and kitchen.’ Alfred, did question heridea “Claire … the Landscape … FIRST?” She kindly reminded him“Alfred … the winter will be here before we know it, and if the property … is to promote a sanctuary; the gardens; must be planted before falls end, and the frozen ground; presents itself” Once again; Claire fancied Alfred’s, impressed; emotion. Yes, he began to feel confident and comfortable with Claire and her abilities, that he had not questioned her decisions, again. By the first nights fall, the mens’ cots were lined in the grand room dressed with thick, dark green, wool blankets and pillows for each of the fifty men. Claire and Randle’s sleeping quarters settled and Alfred’s room dressed, as well. The kitchen prepared for cooking; a pot, wood, dinnerware and ingredients for a spaghetti dinner.
As everyone ate their meal; Claire instructed what the months would bring. “Hard labor! Indeed ‘as she organized teams’ each team … will contain five men. YOU … men … will work simultaneously‘grinning’ as a bunch of working ants. Each day, there would be‘holding up her fingers’ three square meals and sleep; will only come to those … whose tasks have been completed that day. Charlie and Randle ‘pointing to the two’ will be traveling to the Bronx ship’s port to bring … the trash and collect supplies. Any questions or lists of supplies would be presented to MYSELF, and under no circumstances‘her eyes darkend; with threat’ WILL Dr. Alfred, be disturbed. Your pay will comeon the third Saturday of each month. The ship will leave the dock at Eight A.M. to bring YOU to the bank. You are then … to be back on the vessel, at 10 A.M. to return.” Most of the men had no family. Those, who ... do, are encouraged, “You are to see your loved ones then, for no visitors; permittedupon the island, Understood”she whispers‘I thought so.’ As darkness falls upon the first night, Claire; orders the men for sleep “Tomorrow morning will bring the beginning, of the endless work and breaking backs.” ‘Turning out the light’ Randle and Claire make their ways to their sleeping quarters. Alfred, had not joined the group for dinner. He was upstairs in his quarters. Charlie agreed for now, to sleep on the ship, shotgun in hand; in case anyone had a change of heart, and decided to leave, or thieves, decided to take what was not theirs. Claire knew many of their reputations upon the land and trusted none. Once all the supplies were unloaded, they would be under, lock and key. Then Charlie, would spend his nights in a room of his own. The rumbles of snoring men; echoed throughout Alfred’s new home. The fire; now embers in his fireplace, dimming, he; himself, would now settle down for the night. Before turning in; Alfred, looks out into the darkness as he thinks to himself …‘I have done it father; I am home.’
The August air of heat and humidity; engulfs the island and all that are there. Working in these conditions are most uncomfortable. The men find themselves dripping sweat and heat exertion making some sick. Claire shows no pity for any one of them. She too finding life; in the August month; unfriendly, but the date of finish, has been stated and with no time to spare; she will endure the weather and force those who have come; to do the same. Although, she is hardnosed; occasionally, she finds herself allowing, a group of men at a time; to cool quickly off in the waters of the ocean.‘She often telling them’ “Five minutes of cold sea water … i
s far better than …none at all.” The workers grumble from time to time, but, find refuge in their cooling time; blissful.
One month, since their arrival and the grounds have become clear of the overgrowth of vegetation. Now, in September, the planting of many flower bulbs, trees, and blooming shrubs have all been, planted. Masonry work on the walkways, in front and back, are beginning to be laid. Men, who… have been assigned to interior work; have made much headway. Plastered walls, repaired; now show a beauty, of formal rooms. Wallpaper, that once covered some of the walls throughout the halls; torn down and replaced. Wood carving, repaired, now sanded and stained. Things are moving right along. The remnant of the old cottage, torn down. The foundation; the only evidence of what was once, Typhoid Mary’s home. Men carried materials to the site. An improved cottage of two bedrooms, two baths, will take its place. Amoung the repairs of this old girl; all the broken windows; cleared, as new glass; sits in place. Claire found the kitchen repairs, most daunting. The cabinets all taken down, were sanded and repainted white. New doors and drawers, made from scratch. The counter tops sanded, and a new coat of stain, topped, with a gloss finish. The old wood cooking stove, now replaced, with a new, larger one; sits in the same spot. Dinnerware, now fills the empty cabinets. Claire, herself, would not be doing the cooking; a hired chef, from Rieker’s Island, will be doing that part. Old Charlie introduced Claire, to Billy a few weeks prior; he a released inmate, now finds refuge in the old hospital. Claire decided Billy, would fit right in, their ideas. It matters not to her, what slop, he prepares. He can prepare food for a large crowd, something she wants, no bother with. So kitchen detail, is Billy’s new adventure. When Claire asked Charlie what crime Billy had done, he simply stated … ‘with a smile’“The word starts with M… and ends with R.” Charlie, a real joker at times. Claire had not found herself; liking too many people in life. But, Charlie, was very good with Randle, and that counted high on a liking scale, for Claire. She would watch from afar, as Charlie would teach Randle things. She took joy in watching her brother finding comfort, in new lessons. He had missed out on a lot of childhood, with a father. Although, Charlie, being much older, is more grandfather type. Occasionally, she would find the two, off fishing off the dock. Randle is learning craftsmanship, and a bit of pride. Claire, will admit to many; she is very hard on Randle, but with no doubt … she loves her brother.