by Susan Page Davis, Darlene Franklin, Janelle Mowery, Lynette Sowell
The children grinned and cheered. “Do we get to walk the plank again?”
Jayne nodded. “Yes, along with some new things you haven’t done yet. But first we want to tell you a little more about what real pirate life was like. For instance, did you know that most pirates died young? Very seldom did they live into their thirties. If battles didn’t take their life, then sickness and diseases ended them early.”
“That’s right. And here’s another bit of information I bet you didn’t know.” Stephanie leaned forward. “They didn’t bury their treasure.”
The kids looked at each other then at her again. “You mean we don’t get to go looking for treasure?”
Stephanie laughed. “Like I said, you’ll get to do the Hollywood version of piracy and you’ll get to find a great treasure if you can follow the map, but I wanted you to know that pirates spent what they stole too fast to be able to bury it. Besides that, they didn’t trust each other or their captain enough to turn over their loot and hope to get it back. They kept stealing because they ran out of money almost as fast as they stole it.”
Brandon scooted forward on his crate. “What about the parrots and monkeys?”
“Some of them did have parrots and monkeys. They caught and kept them as proof they’d been to faraway tropical lands.”
“Yeah, but do you have some here we get to play with?”
Jayne laughed. “Only stuffed ones.”
Brandon shrugged. “So when do we get to hunt for buried treasure?”
“Not just yet. We have something else for you tonight. We also wanted you to know that rarely did the pirates swing from their ship to the one they were trying to rob.”
“What? We don’t get to swing?” Jen looked at Brandon. “We wanted to swing.”
“Like this, me mateys?”
The lights went up and Matt could be seen at the top of the mast in the crow’s nest. Luke was no longer tied but standing next to Matt, who opened the small door and leaned out.
“Avast, ye landlubbers. Prepare to be boarded.” Just as Matt leapt, the barn door below the ship opened. Light glowed from the opening and Greg stood watching Matt with a smile on his face. Suspicion thumped inside Stephanie. She craned her neck to see Matt just as the sling around him came loose.
Chapter 7
Matt gripped the rope as the sling below him fell. He slid down the swing and landed on the padded platform as planned. He took a breath and gathered his wits before facing the kids.
“Well, shiver me timbers. What a ride.”
They all laughed and ran down the steps to cluster around him.
“I want a turn.”
Stephanie ran to him, her eyes wide. She mouthed the words, “You okay?”
He nodded. “Give me a minute, me buckos, and I’ll have ye swinging in a jiffy.”
Jayne joined them, a frown on her face. “Let’s give the captain some time to get the swing ready, kids. We’ll walk the plank until then. Climb back up on the ship and I’ll get the cage.”
Once the kids had left, Jayne turned back and spoke quietly. “What happened? You okay?”
“I’m fine. The buckle on the sling came loose. I’ll have it fixed in a minute.” He waved Jayne on. “Trust me. It’ll be fine.”
She raced off to tend the kids, but Stephanie remained with him. “Talk to me, Matt. What happened?”
“Just like I told Jayne, the buckle came loose. I don’tknow how. I checked out the rigging this afternoon.” He took a closer look. “It’s not broken, just unlatched.” But he no longer had Stephanie’s attention. She was staring at the side door. “What’s wrong, Steph?”
She opened her mouth, then closed it and shook her head. “I don’t know.” She touched the sling. “Can you fix it so the kids won’t get hurt?”
He frowned. She wasn’t telling him something. “Sure. All I have to do is buckle it back up, but this time I’ll tape it closed so it can’t work loose. The kids can just step into it.”
She nodded. “Good. Let’s make sure they have fun.”
Stephanie headed for the side door. As much as Matt wanted to follow, he agreed that this vacation was for the kids and they needed to get what they came for. He had the sling ready in minutes and motioned to Luke to get ready. By then, Stephanie had returned, her expression concerned. He’d talk to her when he had the chance, but for now he sent Jennifer up the mast, hoisted by yet another pulley.
While Matt stayed at the bottom, Luke hooked Jen to the sling and waved at Matt. He grabbed the safety rope to keep control of Jen’s descent, and the girl was on her way down, screaming the entire way, landing without a glitch.
The rest of the night was spent repeating the procedure many times with each child until everyone was ready to drop. After thanking them for the great time, the Tollivers headed for the house, more than ready for bed. Luke also left with Andy. Matt wanted to get there himself but he wanted to talk to Stephanie first.
She was nowhere to be found. Jayne stood at the light panel. He joined her at the door and gave her a quick hug.
“You were great tonight. Having Luke take the punishment for Andy was a stroke of genius.”
Jayne started turning out the lights. “Wish I could take the credit but that was all Stephanie’s idea. She’s been trying hard to tie this pirate theme into Christmas. And trust me, it’s not an easy task.”
They parted ways outside the barn, but Matt knew it would take some time to fall asleep as he tried to figure out his former fiancée. He no longer doubted she was different from the girl two years ago, but just what kind of person had she become? Jayne’s revelation that tonight’s idea to have Luke take Andy’s place made Matt’s chest feel warm. He couldn’t help but smile. He liked the change, but was it temporary or permanent? She’d burned him once. He refused to let it happen again. Time would tell, but they only had a couple of days left together. Maybe it was time for another long and serious talk.
Matt woke the next morning and headed straight to see Jayne with questions about the day’s treasure hunt. He started his question the second he opened the door.
“Hey Jayne, got some questions about the hunt. First, what time—”
His question skidded to a stop at the sight of the luggage sitting in the middle of the kitchen floor. He looked up. Jayne sat at the table and Stephanie stood across from her, handing her several sheets of paper. He recognized them as the treasure hunt map and directions. He frowned and tried to put voice to his next question as his heart threatened to break again.
“What’s going on, Steph? Running again? Leavingsomeone in the lurch is becoming a habit, except this time it’s a couple kids.”
He could see tears running down Stephanie’s cheeks. She wiped them away, grabbed her suitcase, and walked out the door. He moved to the window as she got into a cab and rode away from him for a second time. He clenched his jaw, determined not to let it hurt.
“You owe that girl an apology, Matt.”
“Why? She’s the one who left. Again.”
“But not because she wanted to.”
He turned from the window. “Then why is she gone?”
“To keep anything else from happening, especially to those kids. She’s leaving to keep them safe.”
“I don’t understand. Nothing’s happened to the kids.”
Jayne motioned to one of the chairs and waited for him to sit. Part of him wasn’t sure he wanted to hear what she had to say. The other part made him drop onto the chair.
“Okay, you’ve got my attention. Why is she afraid for the kids?”
“Because of what happened with that sling last night.”
“But it was just—”
He was going to say it was an accident. Then he remembered the look on Steph’s face and the way she went out the side door. She was quiet and withdrawn the rest of the night. He shook his head.
“All right. Why don’t you tell me what it was?”
“She said she couldn’t be sure but she thinks Greg
had something to do with the buckle on that sling. She saw him in the doorway just as you were about to jump.”
Matt’s mind spun as everything came together. Greg hadthe opportunity yesterday afternoon and getting Stephanie to himself was the motive. Anger ignited. The man was crazy and needed to be stopped.
“Did she talk to Steve and Emily about this? Tell them that Greg could have killed his own niece and nephew?”
“She gave me this note to give them but only after she had a chance to leave. She loves those kids but she just wants to make sure they get the Christmas they wanted.”
“It’s Greg who needs to leave, not Steph.”
“I agree, but she figured this was the easiest way to please everyone.” Jayne reached across the table and touched his hand. “I never met Stephanie two years ago, Matt, but the girl I’ve met this week doesn’t sound anything like the one you described. This Stephanie has a heart for the Lord and for those kids.” She gripped his hand until he looked at her. “And I believe she has a heart for you, too. She just can’t seem to get over the past and tell you. Or maybe it’s you who can’t get over the past so she can tell you.”
He couldn’t deny what she’d said. He’d pushed Stephanie away just yesterday when she’d tried to spend time with him. Fair or not, he at least owed her some time to talk.
“I can’t let her go yet, Jayne. At least not until we have a chance to talk.”
“Then you’d better hurry to the bus station or you’ll be making a trip to her parents’ house in Pennsylvania.”
Matt stood and headed for the door. “Hold off on that note to Steve and Emily at least until I get back. Maybe we can work something out.”
Stephanie glanced at her watch then swung her leg harder. Of all days for the bus to be late. After what Matt said, shecouldn’t get away fast enough. If she had any question as to whether or not they could work things out and get back together, this morning answered that for her. He’d just been nice these past days because he had to.
“I don’t want you to go.”
Matt’s voice was right behind her. As sweet as it sounded, what he said was even sweeter. Tears sprang to her eyes as she turned to face him. He came around the bench and took her hands in his.
“I’m sorry, Steph. I had no right to say those things to you.”
“Yes, you did.”
She wanted to say more but he put his thumb over her lips as he cupped her cheek with his hand. “No. You’ve not done or said a thing while you’ve been here to earn something so mean. I never gave you a chance to explain but Jayne told me everything. I want you to come back with me.”
Those words meant everything to her, but she shook her head. “I can’t. Nothing’s changed. I can’t let those kids get hurt.”
“They won’t. I’ll make sure of it.”
“You can’t know what Greg has planned, and as long as I’m there, he’ll keep trying to get me to himself, even if it means getting you out of the picture. And next time, the kids might be the ones who pay the price.”
Several people rushed to fill the empty benches while some ran to catch their bus. A few bumped them as they hurried by. He motioned to the bench behind her.
“Let’s sit and talk.”
“My bus will be here soon.”
“Let’s talk till it gets here.”
She glanced at the door then at her watch. “All right. I guess I have a few minutes.” And spending the few minutes with him would be much better than waiting alone.
“Tell me about Greg and his interest in you.”
He certainly didn’t waste any time getting to the point. “I’m not sure when it started. I’ve been working for the Tollivers for almost nine months now and have known Greg most of those. He stopped by their house for a visit about a month after I started working there, and he comes by at least weekly since then.”
“When did he first start letting you know he liked you more than as a friend?”
She pulled up one corner of her mouth and shook her head. “He started flirting from that very first meeting, but I made up an excuse and left. After that, Steve and Emily insisted I stay, saying that I was part of the family and didn’t need to leave.”
Matt frowned. “You think Steve and Emily have something to do with Greg wanting to get to know you better? Like maybe finding ways to get you two together? Even inviting him on this vacation?”
She made a face. “Not sure about the other times he came around but Greg claimed he more or less invited himself on this trip, that Steve had nothing to do with it.”
Matt nodded. “And when it comes to you telling him you’re not interested?”
She looked him in the eyes so there’d be no mistake. “I’ve told him from the get-go that I’m not interested in him other than as a friend. He told me he doesn’t want a friendship.”
“And that doesn’t scare you?”
“It didn’t until last night. I just thought he was one of those egotistical guys who couldn’t believe he wasn’t the object of every woman’s affections. But when I saw him in the doorway looking up at you, I thought it was possible he might do anything to get his way and not think about the consequences.”
The number to her bus was called over the intercom. She stood with suitcase in hand.
“That’s me. Time to go.”
Matt grabbed the handle of her case as he stood. “Don’t. Stay here. We’ll work out this Greg thing.”
And what about this thing between her and Matt? Just what was his real purpose in getting her to stay? With his free hand, he grasped her wrist then slid up to her elbow.
“We’re not done talking yet, Steph. There’s so much more I want to know about you.” He licked his lips then looked in her eyes. “And so much more you need to know.” He took a step closer and rested his forehead on hers. “Please stay.”
Heart thundering up into her throat, she could only nod. He kissed the spot where he’d placed his forehead.
“Thank you.” He took the suitcase from her and offered his elbow. “Aye, me beauty. Ye’ve made this old sea dog’s heart very happy.” He led her toward the exit. “Heave to me bucko. With fair winds, we’ll be back in time for grub. Then it’s the treasure we be finding.”
She couldn’t stop laughing as she squeezed his arm and leaned close. “Keep your voice down. You have everyone staring.”
He grinned and winked. “Tis yer beauty, lass. Now, on to me galleon. Time to cast off.”
She shook her head. There was no stopping him when he was on a roll. And if the past was still a good indicator, the fun had only begun.
Chapter 8
Stephanie helped Matt put together the finishing touches on the treasure hunt, keeping an eye out for Greg the entire time. She wouldn’t get to talk to Steve about her suspicions until he returned from town. Nothing they did today should hurt the children in any way, but after last night, she wouldn’t doubt if Greg wouldn’t try to sabotage the fun in order to make Matt look bad.
Matt checked the angle of the light, then peered up at her, squinting against the sun. “Would you let me say something to the kids before you get them started on the hunt?”
“Sure. I think that would be great. They’ll get a pep talk from their captain before they get to work.”
He stood and smiled. “Work, huh? I think that’s one job they’ll enjoy. You have the gifts all ready to hide?”
“Yep. Once we get the kids started the wrong direction, you get to bury the gifts in the straw.”
“Aw, now that’s just mean, sending them the wrong way.”
“Not mean, just wise. It’ll take more time this way.”
“And wear them out so they’ll sleep.”
She grinned. “Now you’re learning.”
Three hours later, everyone but Steve, Emily, and Greg stood on the porch closest to the lake. Steve had called to let Jayne know he and Emily would be staying in town for a quiet evening. So where was Greg?
Stephanie turned to look
across the lake. The lowering sun glistened off the ice, creating a treasure all its own. Again, Stephanie wished for a camera. This place held a beauty like none she’d ever seen and it needed to be captured.
“Stephanie?”
Jayne pulled her attention back to the kids. “Right. Sorry.” She smiled at them. “Before we begin, your captain would like to say a few words.”
Matt stepped next to her in full pirate garb. “I won’t be using my pirate talk this time. The story I’m about to tell is too special and important to be made into a game.”
He picked up his Bible then perched on the porch railing. He flipped open to the passage he’d marked with a slip of paper.
“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east, and have come to worship Him.’”
Matt closed his Bible. “The three Magi, the three kings that are always mentioned with the birth of Christ, they had their own map to follow but theirs was in the sky. They followed a star for a long time until they found their treasure. And who was their treasure?”
Jen raised her hand. “Baby Jesus.”
“That’s right. Those kings followed that map marking the location of baby Jesus. You three are like the three Magi. You’re about to get started on your own treasure hunt with a different kind of map. As you go about following the directions to find your treasure, remember to think aboutthe real treasure of Christmas. Jesus is our gift from God. He left His Father’s side to come down here and take our punishment on Himself, just like you learned about last night. Think about Him as you seek your prize this Christmas Eve.”
Stephanie smiled at him as she moved to his side. She turned her back on the kids so they couldn’t read her lips. “That was a pretty big hint, but I love the parallel you drew for them.”
“Thank you.”
She faced the kids. “Who’s ready for a treasure hunt?”
All three jumped to their feet and raised their hands.
“Good. You’re going to work together to find the treasure, just like the Magi did.” She held out the first slip of paper then pulled it back before they could take it. “Oh wait. I forgot something. You have to search for the treasure while wearing your eye patches and wooden legs.”