by Lisa Grace
Paul climbed down the ladder and rolled the painting up. “Get out of here! I’ve got my own horse out back. Travel safe!” he yelled over his shoulder as he headed out the back.
Josh and Grace headed out the front door. The cart was now empty of its basket. Looking down Pennsylvania Avenue, Grace could see the redcoats marching in an orderly fashion right towards where they were. They climbed in the cart and drove away to stay ahead of the troops. Once safely out of sight, they could turn down a side street and head home. A block down the road and turned back around, Grace could see more smoke from several fires lit around the town. They seemed to leave the homes standing, but official buildings seem to be lit.
As they left the city safely behind, Grace was on pins and needle the whole time. The guns firing made her jump. Not knowing exactly where the shots were coming from, but realizing they were close. The redcoats would be following after the cart as they marched toward Baltimore. Josh stopped once or twice along the way to report what they had seen to the local militia troops, namely the British marching to burn down the abandoned White House.
As they approached the city, the wind picked up and storm clouds formed overhead. If Grace didn’t know better, she’d think God was angry at what the British were doing.
***
Everyone in town, growing up in a port city, knew this meant a wicked storm was brewing out at sea. The breeze was picking up. Once home, Grace helped Bethany secure the chicken hutch and put all the things that could blow around securely in the cellar. Later that evening, Bethany again had railed several young boys with her treats to come and report what was happening out in Washington and on the roads to Baltimore. “Off in the distance towards Washington,” the boys were reporting, “The sky is glowing from the fires. The Brits must be burning the town down to the ground.” The wind had picked up so much that the gusts were blowing loose pots and bits of loose fence down the streets. Rain came in waves. By midnight the household realized they were being hit by a strong Nor’easter or a hurricane as they were called by Grace back in the South.
“Maybe the storm will stop the British. God is getting them for this,” Mrs. Bethany said as her and Grace were sitting in the kitchen listening to the wind blowing down the chimney, shaking the kettle back and forth. Bethany lit the lamp and kept extra coals on the fire to keep it from going out. She had to close the flue most of the way which made it jiggle back and forth sounding like a rusty bell trying to keep in tune with the whistling wind.
“Maybe the storm is God’s wrath upon the British for defying his will,” Mrs. Mary said as Grace brought her a cup of coffee in the parlor. There was no thought of fleeing the city with such a wicked storm blowing outside. No one was sleeping tonight between the threat of the storm and the redcoats. Bags were packed so the household could leave at a moment’s notice.
“I hope the hen house holds together in this wind,” Caroline added.
“Now that would be a miracle,” Mrs. Mary answered and everyone laughed.
“Don’t look so worried, Grace,” Mrs. Mary said. Grace couldn’t help but worry about what was happening with her son. There was no way to know if he was safe until the storm and the redcoats were gone.
The next morning the streets were a mess. Some half flooded with rain that could not drain. Tree limbs blocked roads and put holes in roofs. Some of the wood structures had suffered damage. Men came out with saws and wheelbarrows to clear the roads. Hammering could be heard on every block. Shingles on roofs were being patched as the sound of hammers hitting nails made an unusual drumbeat that echoed up and down the city streets.
Word came late that morning that the British troops had suffered casualties in the storm and were withdrawing. Washington still stood even though some of the public buildings and the White House had been burned to the ground. The British had not succeeded in taking Washington. All around town morale was boosted as everyone knew God had sent the storm that defeated the British.
“What did I tell you girls?” Mrs. Mary said, vindicated.
“How could the United States fail? We can’t! God is clearly on our side.”
Grace nodded in agreement and kept silently praying for the safety of the Major and her son. As long as her son was safe, that was all that mattered.
*
***
*
Chapter 8 - Present Day
Keiko woke and turned off the alarm. She groaned, rolled out of bed, sat up, and waited for her eyes to adjust. She walked into the kitchen and put a pot of coffee on, went in the bath, and took a quick shower. The first thing she would do is head back and finish going through the second box she and Julian had found. Work was going to be complicated knowing he was in the building, wondering when she would run into him. As she finished getting dressed, her phone rang. Keiko didn’t recognize the number.
“Hello?”
“Where are you? I came in early and you weren’t here. I think this is the first day I’ve ever beaten you in.”
It was Julian.
“Well, you win. I just got out of the shower, I’ll be there in half an hour.”
“How ‘bout a late lunch today? We can discuss the letters you’ve found. I have another meeting but I should be done by one.”
“Okay, I’ll see you then, bye.”
“Bye.”
What was she doing? She shouldn’t be encouraging him. She had no idea what his motivations were. But he knew they worked together. Keiko had never seen him date a coworker. Well, she had never seen him date anybody. No one had said he was a player, but no one had said he wasn’t either. What did she know about him? About his personal life? Nothing. At lunch, maybe she should make it clear it was a working lunch. But maybe that’s all he thought it was. He did suggest they talk about the letters. Well, there you have it. A working lunch between coworkers. She was still excited about the letters and seeing Julian for lunch. Keiko took an extra five minutes deciding what to wear. Black or black? Pants or a skirt? And an extra five to apply her makeup. First she would finish reading the letters, have lunch with Julian, then call the Flag House to make an appointment to see the Pickersgill letters. The day just couldn’t get any better.
Keiko was wrong and she was right.
***
Arriving at work, Keiko saw Jacks, heading her way to help her open the door.
“Thanks Jacks. How’s school going?”
“Great! You look terrific today, Keiko,” he said as he held the door for her. “Some of my friends and I are going to the Palace of Wonders over on H Street again tonight, if you’d like to join us,” Jacks asked as he walked with her to the elevator.
“Thanks Jacks, but I have a lot of work today, a project that I’m going to be busy with for awhile, but you guys have fun,” Keiko said as the door slid open and she got on.
“See you later,” Jacks said as the doors closed and Keiko said, “Later.”
Back in her office Keiko looked through the next packet of letters in the box and found another that filled in some gaps on Grace Wisher’s story. She couldn’t wait to show it to Julian.
April 29th, 1814
Dear Louisa,
I have been learning the lessons you have been kind enough to send me. I had Mrs. Tommie Lynn a birthing lady, help me with the writing on this one which is why the spelling is much better. I don’t know if I can remember everything you are trying to teach me, but I do appreciate your help so much. I have had my childe as you might expect. He came early on April 2nd . I am so sad on what I must share with you next.
Mrs. Tommie Lynn and I kept quiet about the birth. Please tell everyone the baby died. You can tell them it was a girl. Mrs. Mary and Miss Caroline were gone visiting family not expecting the baby to come so soon. As soon as my pains started I went to Mrs. Tommie Lynn's as she has birthed many babies. I am crying so it is hard for me to tell her what to write. The tragedy for me is the baby looks white. He is beautiful with light brown eyes and brown hair. I do not know how it happened, the
re is nothing of me in him. Maybe because I prayed so hard to God not to have this baby, that he is taking him from me now.
Mrs. Tommie Lynn took the baby in the wee hours, she made me tell who the father was, even Miss Mary, Caroline and Rebecca here do not know. She took my baby to that man’s house so he could raise him as his own. Mrs. Tommie Lynn said he was glad to have the boy as he has no heirs, his wife being barren. They both thought it a miracle of God. I don’t know why my life has to be so sad. I miss him so already. Since you know that man so well and move in the same peoples, please tell me how my boy is doing.
I know he better off in that house growing up rich and educated like a gentleman. But right now I don’t even know his name. I can’t talk anymore, I am too sad. They all think it’s cause my baby died. Only you, Mrs. Tommie Lynn, that family, and I know the truth. God bless you.
Grace Wisher
Keiko sat back and cried for that poor woman’s sorrow. And of course that’s the moment Julian walked in.
“Hey, are you okay? Did I come at a bad time?”
“No, come on in. I’m alright. It’s just this.” Keiko laughed and dabbed at her eyes with the back of her cloth glove. “Here, read it.” She held it out along with a spare glove for him to use like a handkerchief. He took the glove and letter, and read it.
“Wow. I sometimes forget that the Indians weren’t the only ones that had it rough. She had a hard life, huh?”
“Yeah, she did.” Keiko nodded and took a deep breath to gain her composure.
“Well if you’d like to read some more heartbreaking stories, come on down to my department. I’ll pop some popcorn, you can cry it all out, and then maybe I can find away to make you feel better,” he said as he sat on the edge of her desk, “chocolate or ice cream?”
Keiko laughed as she dried the rest of her tears away. “I can’t help myself. These were real people who lived these tragic lives and my heart breaks for them. I guess that’s why I love history so much. I don’t want these memories to be forgotten or trivialized.”
Julian set the letter down, “I get that. That’s exactly why I do what I do, to honor my ancestors and make sure they are not forgotten.”
Julian stood up, “Enough sadness. Let’s go grab some lunch.”
Julian looked into her eyes and she suddenly didn’t feel so hungry herself. A shiver of happiness went down her spine as she understood that she had the same affect on him that he had on her.
“Yeah let’s get out of here.”
He helped her into her jacket, and then she put her purse over her shoulder. He took her hand as they walked out of the building. It felt so natural that Keiko didn’t even realize until they were leaving the building and she saw the look on Jacks’ face.
He looked shocked and hurt. Keiko had never led him on but she had thought his puppy love crush was kind of cute. She forgot that he was only a year or two younger than her and although he had never asked her out on a date, Keiko had known that he liked her.
Julian noticed her slight hesitation and said, “Is something wrong?” as they headed out the main doors.
“Boy, you are scary good at noticing things.”
‘It’s my Indian heritage, seriously,” he said as he saw her smile.
“It’s just Jacks, the young security guard? Saw us holding hands. He’s kind of had a crush on me since I started working here. I’ve never led him on but I could see he was kind of shocked.”
Julian looked down and realized they were holding hands, “I’m sorry. I didn’t notice.” He quickly let go.
“It’s okay,” Keiko said.
“It just felt natural,” he said in way of explanation.
Keiko nodded, not sure how to answer.
At lunch they discussed the letters, and the unusual relationship between Grace and Louisa. Keiko still had the last letter from Grace to read and then to call and set up an appointment to look at the Pickersgill letters at the Flag House. She also wanted to search for the flag.
“Would you like to go on a treasure hunt with me?” Keiko asked.
“Sure, are you planning on looking for the star? When?”
“Are you free tomorrow? I want to visit the Flag House in Baltimore. I want to check their letters and then I want to see if we can make some sense of the clues and find the star. Are you up for it?”
“Just say the word, I’ll drive. I’m assuming you don’t have a car.”
“You’re right. Who drives in DC? It’s not in the budget right now. What do you drive?”
He smiled and started to laugh, “What else? A Jeep Cherokee.”
Keiko laughed too.
Back at the office she looked up the number to the Flag House.
She typed the number into her cell, “Hello? This is Keiko Zorben, I work at the Smithsonian in the American History Division. I’d like to make an appointment for tomorrow morning to look at the archived Mary and Caroline Pickersgill letters. Oh, and if you have any addressed to or from Grace Wisher I need to see those too.”
“How about ten o’clock?”
“Great.”
“Thank you.”
Keiko hung up.
***
On the other end of the line the receptionist who answered the phone rummaged around in her desk and pulled out a slip of paper with a phone number on it. She waited till the room was empty then dialed.
“Congressman Rivers? Hi it’s Cecelia Robinson over at the Flag House? A ‘Keiko Zorben’ who works for the Smithsonian made an appointment tomorrow at ten to come in and see the Pickersgill letters and asked to see any addressed to or from a Grace Wisher also. You asked me to call if anyone came in, so I am. No. No one else is here, just me.”
“Thank you sir, you don’t have to do that. Sure I can meet you tonight. For dinner? That would be lovely. Of course. I understand about being discreet. How about the corner outside my apartment, on Lexington and 25th? Eight p.m.? Perfect!”
With that history continued to roll into the future.
***
Keiko went over to Doc’s office to get a fresh cup of coffee and saw Julian walking out with a Coke.
“Hey handsome,” Keiko said before she realized what she’d spoken aloud. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what I was thinking.”
Julian smiled and raised his eyebrows, “Hi u-wo-du-hi. It means beautiful,” Julian said.
“Thank you,” Keiko said, blushing from her faux pas and his response. She continued, “I set up our meeting for ten o’clock tomorrow morning. Bring a shovel and a pick axe.”
“So you’re bringing me along so you can use my tools and brawn.”
“Why else?” Keiko smiled. As Keiko walked into Doc’s office she saw him sitting behind the desk.
“Well that sounded interesting,” Doc said.
Keiko laughed as she poured her cup, “We’re going on a treasure hunt.”
“Really? Sounds like fun. Mind if I come along? Don’t look so disappointed. I’m kidding. I wouldn’t want to interfere with whatever is happening between the two of you.”
“It shows?”
“My dear, you can feel it, even if you’re half-blind like me,” Doc said as he peered over the top of Teddy Roosevelt styled glasses.
“I was just wondering how long it was going to take before one of you made a move. I was planning on getting the both of you in that old elevator and then tripping the fuse. Thank God I didn’t have to resort to such drastic means. It’s actually been kind of fun. The plotting and planning, I mean. Oh well, have fun on your treasure hunt. I’m assuming it has to do with the letters you’ve found. Of course, you‘ll let me know if you find the ‘treasure’ so I can pretend I was in on it since the beginning,” Dr. Writer continued after looking at his pocket fob-watch, “I have to leave for an appointment or I would be pressing you for details.”
“Absolutely,” Keiko said, “This search might be a dead end. If I’m onto something, I’ll let you know as soon as I know.”
Keiko walked b
ack down to her room, slipped on her gloves, and opened the last packet of letters in the box. She found one last Grace Wisher letter. It was in one of the few unmarked envelopes.
June 1st , 1819
Dearest Louisa,
I am so sorry for the sorrow in your life. I pray every day for you and baby Georgina. The Lt. Col. was the only good man I ever know. The best man I ever know. I thank you and you have touched my heart that you give me such a great gift in your times of sorrow.
I will treasure the star. And the letter you sent, I will kep as proof. I don no for what I need proof, I can never claim my boy as mine, but I no you smart and if you sees a need, I no you are right. So I kep them together, just as you say. Thank you for remembering me. I pray for you and I love you.
Grace Wisher
Keiko sat back, elated. This last letter proved Grace had the star. Proof of who the father was could be in Louisa’s letter. A child of rape. Raised by his white prominent father. Grace, left to mourn the loss of her son. Never to be able to acknowledge he was hers. Louisa recognizing Grace’s loss. Her confidante. Keiko’s elation turned to sadness. How could she be happy over finding this letter when it showcased so much sorrow? Guilt settled into her heart. Then anger. Keiko would find the star and the missing letter that contained the name of who had committed such an evil act. Keiko laid out all four letters and spread them out on her desk. This man may have murdered to keep a secret. Again, if he were going to do that, why not soon after the birth? Why all those years later? What had happened to make him feel threatened at that time? Were there other letters at the Flag House that would fill in more of the story? According to Grace: Mary, Caroline, and Rebecca were all led to believe the baby had died. Chances were the archives at the Flag House would reveal little or nothing.
She knew Julian would appreciate the significance of the letters. She placed the letters in an acid free envelope. Keiko got up and went to see if she could find him. Julian’s office was down the hall past Doc’s, third on the right. She heard some music coming from under the door as she knocked. She heard the squeak of his chair as he got up to answer the door. “Come in,” he said as he stepped aside to let her in.