Anna stayed in her room concentrating on her own appearance. After all, she knew Red would be arriving at the reception and she wanted to look her best. It would be fun watching everyone try to figure out who he was and why he was there. She would slip away from Hans and dance with Red. She couldn't wait; at last some excitement in this boring life. Just the thought of Hans made her yawn. He was so handsome, but so boring. Anna was beginning to realize that physical attributes were not all there was to an attraction. Red was not nearly as handsome as Hans, but he was exciting, almost dangerous and very sexy.
Ezekiel, Isaac and Abraham paced in the garden. Discussions were serious, the brothers offering advice to the new bridegroom. Abraham was happy, but nervous. All three of the brothers left one thought unspoken. Please God, just don't let anything bad happen today.
Things were very quiet, with no more sightings or incidents threatening the family and none of them wanted the threats to reappear. “If you need a little advice on sex, dear brother, I will be happy to share my expansive knowledge on the subject of what the ladies like and dislike.” Ezekiel clapped his arm around his brother teasingly. Isaac laughed out loud. Zeke was quite the lady's man, but he seemed to be settling down. Time would tell, thought Isaac.
“No, thank you, I am sure I will do quite well without your scandalous advice, I am a doctor after all.” Abe was happy to be here with his brothers on this momentous occasion. He was truly blessed.
Ezekiel lightened the moment with a quote from Keats.
“GIVE me women, wine, and snuff
Untill I cry out “hold, enough!”
You may do so sans objection
Till the day of resurrection:
For, bless my beard, they aye shall be
My beloved Trinity.
For you that don't know, that is Keats, my dear brothers.” He took a bow, laughing merrily.
When it was time to depart for the church, the three Whittaker brothers rode ahead in a beautiful white carriage pulled by two white stallions. Annabelle, the children and Anna followed in carriage number two. The third carriage was black and carried Loretta and Austin and his mother, Minnie. Agatha Carruthers also rode with the Wells family. The two older women chatted amicably in the back of the carriage. Loretta was thinking about David. Would she ever forgive Anna?
Last came the bridal carriage with Martha, Jeremy, Abby and Vivienne. The white bride's carriage was bigger than the others and pulled by two huge black stallions proudly decorated with peacock feathers in their bridles. One was Blackjack, Vivienne's black stallion. The carriage was covered in large white bows of lace and ribbon and it was truly ‘fit for a princess.’ Martha held Vivienne's hand and looked lovingly at this lovely woman that would soon be her daughter-in-law. Jeremy squeezed Martha's other hand. He leaned over and kissed her cheek. Vivienne smiled at them both. They were so happy; she could only wish that she and Abraham would have such a loving marriage. The bride smiled at Abby, this was a wonderful family. She sent up a silent prayer, I know you are here with me, Papa.
Hordes of people lined the streets. They watched the entourage go by with great interest. It was a bright sunny day with just a small breeze and everything was perfect.
The old stone church overflowed with people. The churchyard boasted its best rose garden ever and the air was filled with the scent of rose blossoms. The three brothers entered the church through the side door and waited patiently in the room set aside for the groom. The priest arrived to welcome them and give his final instructions.
Soon the carriage carrying the bride arrived and she and her entourage entered on the opposite side of the church. A small, but lovely, waiting room had been prepared, where the women spent their time putting the finishing touches on the bride.
Agatha Carruthers gifted Vivienne with a fine pearl necklace that was a very old family heirloom. Vivienne was thrilled when Agatha asked her to wear it as “something old.” She kissed the wrinkled cheek and Agatha embraced her. “Remember, I am always here if you want someone to talk to. I have been Grandmam to these boys for over twenty years and I am thrilled to finally have another granddaughter-in-law. You will be very happy with Abraham. He is a kind, faithful and good-hearted young man.”
Annabelle, Thomas, and baby Amy walked to the front of the church and sat in the pews on the left side. Annabelle nodded to Ellen and Frank Borman as she passed. She was happy that her sister had finally found someone to love. Agatha joined Loretta, Austin, and Minnie in the pews on the right. Jeremy escorted Martha to the front pew just as Ezekiel and Abraham walked into the church from the side of the altar. How proud they were of these fine young men. Abraham smiled at his mother as he took his place. The music began to play and all heads turned to the rear of the church to await the appearance of the bride.
Suddenly the organist stopped playing. The church grew silent. She rose and walked over to the priest who had entered the church from the same door as Abraham and Ezekiel. She whispered in his ear and then returned to the organ.
“Excuse me for just one moment. I will only be a moment.” He left the front of the church and disappeared. Everyone looked around in confusion. Martha was about to stand up and follow him, but Jeremy gently pressed her back into the pew.
“Just be patient. Something must have happened that requires his immediate attention. Abraham and Vivienne can wait a few minutes longer.”
Isaac and Vivienne were about to turn the corner and enter the main part of the church when the music stopped. Curious, Isaac peered around the pillar and then gestured to Vivienne to stay back. The two stayed hidden by the stone pillars patiently waiting for the music to begin again. “What happened?” Vivienne whispered.
“I am not sure, but the priest seems to have forgotten something. I am sure he will be right back.” A quiet murmur filled the church. Vivienne fussed with her train as she nervously waited to walk down the aisle. Sissy stood perched at the back of the church waiting for her signal to begin. She carried a small basket of flowers and her red hair was piled high on her head. Behind her, Abby, the maid of honor fidgeted, wondering what was going on.
As suddenly as it had stopped, the music began to play filling the church with the mellow sound of the organ. Everyone sighed with relief and once again eyes turned toward the back of the church where Sissy stood with her basket of flowers. She began to walk slowly and sedately down the aisle. Annabelle looked at her tiny daughter with such pride and love, tears pooled in her eyes. Abby followed and Ezekiel sucked in his breath at her loveliness. She really was a captivating woman and he was starting to feel strangely attached to her. This was a new feeling for the carefree bachelor.
Austin and Loretta beamed with pride and happiness at the sight of their lovely daughter. If only David could have been here to see her. Loretta looked sideways at Anna. You are responsible for my son going away. I will never forgive you. Anna had a curious smirk on her face. She looked like she had a secret. What are you up to now? Loretta returned her gaze to her daughter who was almost to the front of the church where the bridegroom and best man stood waiting. Abby looked into Ezekiel's eyes and their gazes locked. Perhaps you will find happiness my daughter.
Martha was crying. Jeremy was beaming, and Isaac appeared with Vivienne on his arm. She was the most beautiful sight Abraham had ever seen. His face glowed with joy and happiness. He could not believe this was the same young woman he thought was a boy for weeks. Slowly, the bride made her way to the altar. Everyone in the church was visibly impressed with this young woman from New Orleans. Her dress was magnificent, she carried a cascading bouquet of pink roses and lace and her smile was dazzling. She had never been so happy in her entire life.
The nuptials were spoken with love and everyone in the church smiled. After being pronounced ‘Man and Wife’, the loving couple walked down the aisle in a shower of rice and rose petals. The wedding ended without interruption and the guests filed out of the church. Martha, Jeremy and Isaac all sighed with relief.
Red
Vivienne and Abraham could not stop smiling. They looked forward to the glorious reception that awaited them. They would sign the papers and then go to the club for the time of their lives. Only the family entered the registry office. The priest was nowhere to be seen. Jeremy was about to go in search of him when the door opened. A man entered and grabbed Jeremy from behind. The family gasped.
“No one move or I'll slit his throat.” Martha grabbed the corner of the desk; she felt her knees go weak. The face of the stranger was too familiar. Isaac reached for his mother's arm to support her. Jeremy stood frozen as this stranger held a large knife to his throat. He felt the point of the blade against his skin. He tried to shallow his breathing. His eyes stared into Martha's. Her look of terror pierced his heart.
Abraham, Ezekiel, and Vivienne stood behind the desk holding their breath. Annabelle pulled her children to her side. Hans moved in front of Anna protectively, but she relocated herself quickly to the left of him. She had not expected things to turn out like this. What is Red doing? Why is he threatening my father?
Abby and Loretta stood behind Austin shaking. “Please, just put the knife down and let's talk about this. What do you want?” Austin was attempting to take charge of the situation. Jeremy was his best friend and he would give his own life for him. Everyone else was dumbfounded and silent. “Is it money you want? We will give you all we have. Just put the knife down.”
“That's Sissy's Indian!” Thomas shouted wildly. Sissy stared, open mouthed at Red.
“Red, you are supposed to be my friend.” Sissy began to cry.
“Shut that kid up or you will have a dead body on your hands.” Red glared at Annabelle. A small trickle of blood appeared on Jeremy's neck. Annabelle pulled Sissy into her arms almost smothering her. Sissy sobbed. Thomas was tense and furious. Annabelle pulled him to her as well. Pushing her own terror aside she tried to console her children. She had to keep them quiet. Isaac was fuming. This man had befriended his children; a total stranger threatening them all. Jeremy could be dead in seconds and Isaac was helpless. They were all helpless. He looked at his brothers.
Not another death in the House of God. Abraham held his breath.
“What do you want? We can work this out. Let the man go.” Austin took a step toward Jeremy and Red. Red laughed. It was an evil, sinful laugh.
“Get back or you will watch this man die. I really do not want to have to kill him, but one by one, all of you will die. First the brother, then the sons; all who stand between me and my rightful fortune.”
“What fortune, what are you talking about?” Martha found her voice. “Who are you? Please, please let my husband go, he has done nothing to you.”
“Oh, I am so sorry Madam, let me introduce myself. My name is Jeb Whittaker, son of the illustrious Pastor Jebediah Whittaker and a Cheyenne woman from Fort Laramie.” Martha fell against Isaac. Anna stared at the man in shock. Her eyes were wide with disbelief. No one spoke.
“Oh, dear God, no. This can't be happening.” Martha was mumbling incoherently. Loretta wanted to go to her friend, but she dare not move. Abraham's arm tightened around Vivienne who was shaking. She looked helplessly around the room.
“What do you want?” Austin regained his composure. “We can work this out. If you are family, then we will all sit down calmly and talk about this. Put the knife down. You don't want to kill your own flesh and blood.”
“Talk, Okay, you want to talk. That so called, Godfearing Pastor Jebediah Whittaker took my mother against her will night after night. He threatened her, he beat her and I'm the result.” Red watched the shocked faces. A collective gasp could be heard in the small registry room. “Family? This is not my family; I have no one.” He spat on the floor. “All of you lived in luxury while I had to beg and crawl for food, nothing but a half-breed bastard. My mother was his sex slave, his property. Well now I will have what is rightfully mine. I look white enough to pass. As a matter of fact, you and I look very much alike Isaac.” Everyone in the room realized just how true those words were. Except for Red's more round face, Red and Isaac were very similar. Isaac stared into eyes that were a mirror image of his own.
“First, I took his name and now I will have the fortune that was unearthed in Whittakerville. Only you stand in my way.” His eyes moved from Isaac, to Abraham, and finally to Ezekiel. His face was filled with hatred.
“What fortune are you talking about? We know of no fortune. If there is one, you can have it.” Abraham shouted at this newfound stepbrother. “Whittakerville is nothing to us. We want nothing to do with that horrible place or that evil monster.”
“Take it all, we just want you to leave.” Ezekiel shouted. He was praying that they would not witness another murder; he did not want that for his niece and nephew.
“It is not that easy. The lawyers in Wyoming told me I need proof that the rest of the family has no claim on the chest that was found in the graveyard. Proof that all of the Whittaker men are dead. They will have that proof today. Now enough talk.” He pulled Jeremy with him as he moved closer to the rest of the family. “All of you Whittakers on your knees in front of me. NOW!” Abraham and Ezekiel did not move. Isaac motioned for Austin to hold his mother. “Move, I said right now or he will die. I have had enough of this family.”
Isaac moved in front of Red and Jeremy. He looked into the frightened eyes of his stepfather before kneeling down. Annabelle pleaded, “No, Isaac, no please.” Thomas, consumed with guilt, hugged his mother tightly.
Abraham and Ezekiel slowly came from behind the desk. Vivienne would not let go of Abraham's hand. He pulled his hand away, looked into her eyes and whispered, “I love you.” Abby's tear stained face was the last Ezekiel saw of her before he joined his brothers.
When all three Whittaker men were kneeling in front of him, Red laughed loud and hearty. “I have waited all of my life for this moment. I will get my revenge on all of you.” At the sound of those words, Abraham's head jerked up. The dream, he remembered the dream where his father, Jebediah had shouted those very words at him. He looked at his brothers. They had to do something now or all of them would die.
Isaac signaled with his eyes to the other two. All three were thinking as quickly as they could. If they rushed Red, Jeremy could be hurt.
“Wait. Please, Red, wait.” Anna moved from Hans’ side and approached Red.
“Anna, for God's sake, don't make it worse.” Martha could barely speak. Anna stood very close to her brothers.
“Red, if all of the men sign a paper saying that the treasure is yours will you let them go?” She was taking a chance, but Jeremy was in danger. Her father, the only person she truly loved in all of her life. “Red, think about it. Please, you don't want to do this.” Red stared at her in disbelief. She was begging him. Hans didn't move. He could not believe his ears. Did Anna know this man?
“Yes, I will write something up right away. I am sure it will be enough for the lawyers. Please, no one wants the money.” Austin, very surprised at Anna's resourcefulness, was praying that this ploy would work.
“Start writing while I think about this.” Red motioned for Austin to move to the desk. Loretta and Abby grabbed Martha's arms and held her tight. Austin took a sheet of paper and began writing, praying for guidance the entire time. Everyone in the room stood motionless and silent. The terror was palpable.
When he had written the agreement, he presented it to Red. Illiterate, Red motioned for Anna to take it. “Read it out loud.” She swallowed hard and began to read.
We, Jeremy Whittaker brother of Jebediah Whittaker and his sons, Isaac, Abraham and Ezekiel hereby declare that all and any monies and or property located or discovered in Whittakerville belonging to Jebediah Whittaker be given to his son, Jeb Whittaker. We identify the bearer of this note to be the son of Jebediah Whittaker. We revoke any and all claim to said monies. We sign this decree this day in St. Louis.
“This is legal, Red. This wil
l get you the money. Please, let my father go.” Anna pleaded with him. His eyes moved around the room. The brothers were getting ready to pounce all at once; they held their breath. Anna put the paper in front of them on the floor and they each signed their names. She held it toward Jeremy who didn't move. “Let my father sign it. Red, please.” Red moved the knife from Jeremy's throat, now holding it close to his ribs. Jeremy moved his hand and taking the pen signed his name to the bottom. His eyes met Anna's. Jeremy was proud of his daughter for the first time in his life.
This was a new unexpected development. Red was considering their proposition. The women sobbed, the children stood frozen in terror. Everyone waited, praying.
“No, that is not good enough. They all have to die.” Red took the knife and with a sudden thrust, jabbed Jeremy in the ribs. Blood gushed from the wound, showering the brothers. They stared at him in horror. Red released his grip and Jeremy collapsed on the floor almost knocking them over. They grabbed for him as he fell. Abraham pressed his hand tightly over the wound. Martha screamed. Red raised the knife to strike again.
Anna looked at her bleeding father in horror. “Stop, I will go with you.” She screamed at him. “Red, come on. I will go with you to Whittakerville and then you can get your fortune. Please, Red. Let's go.” Red held the knife suspended over Isaac's back; he looked at her in disbelief. Was she really offering to go away with him?
“No, Anna, no. Oh God, Jeremy!” Martha was beside herself with terror.
Isaac turned to look at his sister, a shocked expression on his face. She pushed past him and took Red's free hand. Red hesitated for only a moment. He grabbed the paper and Anna's arm and the two disappeared from the room.
Everyone moved at once. Martha rushed to Jeremy. She cradled his head in her arms. Dear God, don't let him die! Abraham ripped the hem off Vivienne's bridal gown and with her help, wrapped Jeremy's bleeding torso. Jeremy's eyes were open, but his breathing was shallow. Only one word passed his lips, “Anna?”
The Whittaker Family Reunion Page 17