Forever And Always

by Christy Smith

  As suppertime drew near, John finished making Trish comfortable and began to get supper for the family. Slowly, gingerly Trish fed the girls, one at a time. Johnny was a big help keeping them busy for Mommy.

  With supper over, John began bedding down the children for the night. As he tucked his son snugly into his bed and kissed him goodnight, he became aware that something was troubling the small child. There was a look of concern on his tiny face that outnumbered his years. Looking up with tear-filled eyes said, “Is Mommy okay?”

  “Yes. Mommy will be fine. We just have to take extra-special good care of her for a while. Will you help me do that?”

  “Yes, Daddy! I’ll help! Can we pick some flowers for Mommy?”

  “I think she would really like some flowers from her big boy! We’ll do that.”

  “Night, Daddy.”

  “Good night, son.”

  John returned to check on Trish. The girls had finished suckling and all three were fast asleep. They all looked so contented, so happy! Taking each of the girls and bedding them down, he came back to his wife.

  Smiling, he gently brushed her hair out of her face. She woke at his touch and reached up for him motioning him to sit down beside her; she grimaced in pain. Rising immediately, he tried to ease her discomfort. Again, he tried to sit beside her and rose in response to her pain.

  “I’ll sit down on the floor next to you.” Holding hands, they remained together for a long while.

  As early evening turned to night, he helped Trish dress for bed, and the couple retired. Try as they might to lie together, they could not.

  “No, I’ll bed down here tonight.” They fell asleep, side by side, Trish on the bed, John on the floor right below her, holding hands. John rested uncomfortably, but no matter. He kept hold of Trish’s hand throughout the night, fearing that if he let go, she might awaken and feel the pain.

  After four days and nights like this, Trish couldn’t stand it any longer. “John, I hate sleeping without you here. Being hurt doesn’t change how much I want to be with you either. I love you, and I want you with me here, in our bed. Yes, I hurt, but I still want you with me.”

  John smiled in response to his wife’s demand that he bed with her. Reluctantly yet eagerly, he conceded to her demand. John was proud of Trish’s strength and courage. He had never known another like her.

  Gingerly he lay down by her, being sure to keep to his side of the bed so he would not hurt her. All the while, she held her breath as he got into bed. It had been four days since they lie together. She managed the physical pain of him getting into bed with some trouble, but she wasn’t about to let him know that. As he settled in, she looked over at him across the sea between them.

  “John,” she whispered softly, “Come here.” He moved cautiously toward his wife and engulfed her in his big protective arms. His embrace comforted Trish. It felt like home. They never slept apart again from that day forward.

  Right after the fire, Klaus and Margaret discussed buying new furniture for John and Patricia. Costs were high, and making solid oak furniture again seemed out of the question due to the time it would take, but Patricia deserved the best. They invited the family over to the mansion for a meal. After dinner, Klaus told them he intended to buy all new furniture for the new home.

  John became uncharacteristically angry and exploded. “No! Absolutely not! Are you implying I cannot provide for Patricia and the children? Well, I certainly can, and I don’t need charity!” His every hair bristled.

  “May I have a moment with my husband, please?” As her parents withdrew from the library, Trish began. “Why are you showing such disrespect to my parents; jumping down Father’s throat when all he’s ever done was to back you up? He has always stood with you, not against you, John.”

  As Trish spoke, John’s anger melted away like snow on a warm day. “You are acting as if he is an enemy. All they want to do is help. Would you at least consider the offer?”

  “I’m sorry, Trish. I feel very small right now. What I said was foolish; of course I will consider it.”

  John opened the library doors and invited his in-laws to come in. As they seated themselves, he began, “Sir, ma’am, I would like to apologize for my reprehensible behavior. There is no excuse.” he said as he joined Trish on the couch, his eyes looking at the floor.

  “Mother, Father, John is a wonderful provider for our family. I stand with my husband on this. He has provided well for me for many years, even prior to our marriage. We have spoken about your kind offer and wish to accept it if you still choose to offer your assistance. We would put only one condition on the acceptance, however. We are different people than you. I don’t mean to imply that in a bad way; please let me explain. We do not require the same elegance in furniture as you have; we only need furniture of the same quality that we lost in the fire. Is that acceptable to you?”

  “It will be done as you wish, John, Patricia.”

  “Thank you.”

  Chapter 13

  Friends and Family

  Five years after the twins, in 1877, there came another addition to the growing family, a plump, healthy girl. They named her Rebecca Anne McDougal. Becky was a happy child, always smiling and full of laughter. She was the mischievous one of the group. Her middle name should be “Curious,” Patricia said constantly.

  In the autumn of 1879, when Becky was two, John and Trish invited their close friends, Ethan, Lynn, and Ricky Kilkesen and Patricia’s parents to the cabin for a picnic. Everyone brought food to share. The men played horseshoes, while the women prepared the meal. All the children played in the yard, making a plentiful amount of cheerful noise.

  A picnic table and benches had been set up in the yard, close to the cabin. Light fall breezes were blowing, and the sun shone brightly on a glorious day. Patricia turned away from the preparations just in time to see Becky stick her pudgy little hand in a bowl of fresh orange marmalade. Becky looked with pride at her mommy and said, “See Mommy?” Seeing her daughter’s bright smiling eyes, Trish came round the table to wipe the jellylike preserve from Becky’s chubby little fingers.

  Mary and Elizabeth helped Becky down and took her back in the yard to play with the others. Ethan, Klaus and John had a lively game of horseshoes going, with much laughter and banter between them. Johnny and Ricky (Ethan and Lynn’s son) were in another part of the yard playing stickball. Lynn and Trish were putting the final touches to the table while singing a two-part tune, all the while watching the scene in front of them. The two families and grandparents had become as one. Patricia’s parents were still a bit uncomfortable with this outdoor get-together, but at least they were trying.

  Margaret did relax and join in more enthusiastically when she saw Klaus enjoying himself with John and Ethan. When the meal was ready they called the family together. Giggling children ran past as they made their way to wash up.

  “Okay, time out you two.” Ethan said, stopping in mid-swing and letting the horseshoe drop to the ground. “The ladies are calling for dinner.”

  Klaus said, “Just remember, I’ve been playing this game longer than both of you. I might ease up on you a bit after dinner.” John and Ethan rolled their eyes and chuckled as all three were determined to win by nightfall. Klaus followed behind them, sporting a smile of contentment.

  After settling at the table for the dinner prayer, everyone talked and laughed as they ate the delicious dinner. The children it seemed, hadn’t eaten in days; their stomachs were bottomless. The men were ravenous from their games of horseshoes.

  * * *

  The family continued to blossom. In 1881, Stephen Ray was welcomed with pride by all. Robert completed the McDougal clan in 1885.

  Upon hearing of Robert’s arrival, Jasper returned and bought land connected to John and Patricia’s. He had been living in Kentucky and had never married. Jasper remai
ned with them and became an even closer member of the family. He also resumed his employment with Mr. Heifelmeyer.

  Chapter 14

  The War Is Not Over

  Jacob was also neutral—refusing to take part in someone else’s war—as were John and Patricia. He was thirty years old, stood tall as an oak, and was well built. Jacob’s chin was pointed, his face thin. He had a high brow. Jacob’s hair was dark brown and kinky. His nose was straight, his lineage white and Indian. His voice naturally boomed. Jacob had creases in his forehead from frowning too much and creases at his mouth from smiling. His skin was leathery. His hands and feet were big. He was polite and limber. He could run like the wind. Jacob walked slowly. Once he was overheard telling John, “Why waste energy getting to a job?”

  Both John and Klaus were in Pinkerton’s National Detective Agency but were unaware of that fact when they first met. As an integral part of Pinkerton’s National Detective Agency, both Klaus and John had Pinkerton’s ear and trust. He knew the pulse of the nation.

  Pinkerton and his sons after him were the unofficial head of law enforcement , i.e., sheriff, marshal, etc. Patricia’s father had friends who worked for Pinkerton and were high up in the organization. Allan Pinkerton had his eyes on John for over a year before bringing him into the organization. John was one to talk, to let his feelings be known wherever he was, even the corner drinking establishment. This included his admiration for the President and Mr. Pinkerton.

  John had a fantastic memory.

  John worked alone. He stayed in the gathering place for the President’s Neutralists. He was not really “ a spy,” per se, but an “information-gatherer”. He went from town to town asking questions discreetly. He had two different IDs.

  A new type of seed was being developed, and John was asked to help. They were going to specialize in crop farming. Klaus and John merged the horse farm. There were horses on the farm, but that was not its real purpose. Seed was a code name for a new idea concerning the slaves.

  Jacob was the main source for the horse farm and “seed.” Most children on estate were Jacob’s, one of the few favored farmhands. Two out of three women had children with him. He also had Pinkerton’s ear and trust. He had almost as much influence as John did. Pinkerton looked up to Jacob because he was educated and a free thinker, both of which were highly unusual for a person of Jacob’s stature in the community.

  Chapter 15

  The Final Chapter

  It was the summer of 1888, and Trish McDougal was enjoying the sounds of her children in the yard, chasing each other, giggling and shrieking with laughter. The cooling breezes danced around them. Trish chuckled at the antics of the children. What a wonderful day, she thought, one of the most beautiful she had seen. As always, her thoughts drifted to John. She could feel his love for her.

  John had just returned from a mission. She had missed him so, even after twenty-one years of marriage. Trish found father and son working together not far away. She called to them and John looked up smiling at her. She continued walking toward her love, the father of her children. That little voice in her head suddenly screamed, “Run!”

  She didn’t reach him in time. As she picked John up, she saw the acknowledgment of what was happening in his eyes. As Trish gathered her beloved in her arms, Johnny realized what had just happened. She sat on the ground holding John and crooning to him as his life’s- blood spilled onto her dress. John reached for her, gently touching her chin. “This is not goodbye, love.”

  Trish wasn’t aware of his leaving. It was as if she were under a spell. She continued to cradle and sing was breathless as he returned with their neighbors, Ethan and Lynn Kilkesen, his parents’ best friends. “Mother,” Johnny kept repeating, as he knelt by her side, trying to get Trish’s attention. He looked up helplessly at their neighbors.

  Lynn eased Trish to her feet and took her and the children back into the house. Jacob helped them inside. Trish only made it as far as the settee before collapsing. The doctor was summoned to tend to Trish. There was nothing to be done for John; he had been fatally wounded by a young man riding swiftly by. Patricia’s parents were also called. Once Jacob was sure they were all in good hands with Lynn, he left to attend to his good friend John.

  Outside, Jacob and Ethan lifted John’s lifeless body into the wagon. Johnny accompanied the others on the trip into town; it was a very silent ride. After returning from town, Johnny almost collapsed as he sat down by the tree Becky, Stephen Ray, and young Robert had been chasing each other around only hours before. They were laughing and frolicking right here, only a short time ago, he thought. Now he could hear them, inconsolable, calling for their papa.

  With arms wrapped tightly around his knees, he lowered his head and began to mourn. After a while, he raised his head and put much effort into composing himself. I must be strong for Mother and the others. I must take care of them. Rising slowly, he walked toward the door.

  Trish’s parents arrived shortly behind Doc. All three entered the house together. Doc immediately went about tending to Patricia, who was now in bed. He administered laudanum and offered his support. Patricia’s parents walked in to see a whirlwind of activity. The younger grandchildren were sobbing, wanting their parents, asking where their big brother Johnny had gone with Ethan. Lynn was attempting to comfort the children. Together, Patricia’s parents helped Lynn settle the children down.

  Upon glancing at Patricia, Klaus became distraught and had to step outside for a moment. Instinctively, Margaret set about running the home, unsure what comfort she could offer her daughter. The feelings welling up in both Margaret and Klaus were foreign. They had always known the correct way to act, but this? They were completely at a loss for the proper response to this situation.

  Seeing the state of Patricia’s parents, Lynn also instinctively placed her hand on Margaret’s shoulder, asking if she was all right. Margaret turned, hugged her, and asked if she could stay with them. Margaret saw how good Lynn was with the children and knew that she would need help not only with the children but with Patricia.

  Officially, John was taken to the hospital for four days. In reality, he died and was buried in three days. Patricia’s father had identified John’s body. Patricia was unable to attend the viewing or burial. Word was sent from house to house that John had been murdered and that the culprit or culprits had escaped.

  The undertaker cleaned John’s wounds and prepared his body for the viewing. Gently, respectfully, the funeral director placed John in the gathering room of the couple’s home and went about completing the final preparations for the viewing. Patricia was in no shape to receive anyone; she was out of her mind with grief.

  John did not know his killer personally but knew of him. His death was made to look like an accident, but it wasn’t. Both North and South were involved in John’s death. Each thought John was working for the other. There was still much distrust from both the North and South.

  John was killed because of his work. Unofficially, word was sent out six months earlier for his capture. Powerful men in the government wanted John dead.

  If John hadn’t been killed he would have been hung for his “crime.” John’s only crime was working closely with the President and Pinkerton.

  Big Tom was one of the men responsible for John’s death. He was heard boasting of the murder in a roadhouse shortly after. Big Tom didn’t get his name from his stature but because he talked so much. Many heard him boasting about a murder.

  Jacob vowed to avenge John’s death, and he would also be the one to look after John’s family. Jacob had always been observant of those around him. He would remember even the smallest detail that most others would dismiss without thinking. His ability to observe others was heightened by John’s death. Jacob could go into any roadhouse within fifty miles of his home. No one refused him entrance, possibly because of his size or the fear he inspired.

 
Big Tom and Jayme Duncan were found dead on the trail. It appeared that their horses had been startled and they were thrown, hit their heads on rocks and had broken their necks. There was little to no investigation into the deaths because the law had heard rumors of Big Tom’s boasting.

  The men Jacob killed to avenge John’s death opposed the President’s ideas of abolishing slavery. They were two large plantation owners from Virginia. Both were involved in the plot to kill John. William McPhearson was the mastermind of the plot and had over one hundred acres of land. George Wilson had less land than McPhearson. Wilson took four men from his plantation, young Billy McPhearson, and another man from the McPhearson plantation to carry out the murder.

  After John’s murder, William McPhearson was bold enough to leave his Virginia plantation and come to Louisiana with a plan to possess John’s land, to add insult to injury.

  Billy Richmond was found on a farm road leading from his property to the main road. His neck was broken. He was found on his back with his right leg bent. A farmhand found him because his horse came back without him. Everyone was shocked that he had been thrown from his mount, because it was the gentlest horse on the farm.

  Robert Brown was found lying in the bushes on the side of the main road, about two miles from town. Some thought it looked like a robbery. His throat was cut from ear to ear, and his pockets were turned inside out.

  Joey Hunter’s was the goriest scene; he was beaten to death. His horse was next to him with a broken leg and had to be destroyed. There was blood on the horse’s front right hoof. Everyone thought Joey had been stomped to death by his horse.

  Jacob was found two days after Joey Hunter, alive but with dried blood on his head and bloody hands. One of the farmhands went over to wake Jacob, because he was normally an early riser. No one ever asked Jacob why he was covered with blood.