That is when things started to turn around for us. Surprisingly, Kim seems happy about it. I thought he would hate me but it appears that he is very happy with the sense of family we all provide each other. I’ve never had a family before!
Santiago has started teaching us what he knows about carpentry. We all work in the shop with him. Right now we are making carved beams for a rich man who remembered Santiago, and has given him his first commission. The man is putting up a new building near the Square and has asked Santiago to do the work. Belle, you should see the work he does!
We are happy! I wish none of that terrible mess had happened but I wonder what I would be doing right now, if it had not? What if McIntyre would not have pushed his greed too far? What if Anthony had not been involved in the conflagration? I would probably be lying on my back in my old room at your place, with my legs spread, doing what I once did best! Now, what I do best is cook, do the laundry, clean the house, and take care of my men! Would you believe this is the same Vincent you knew?
I was just told not to seal this letter because Santiago wants to write a few words. So I will say good-bye and thank you for being the wonderful woman you are. You always treated me well and I will never forget you! Vincent
Dear Belle,
I am not a writer of letters. Vincent stands above me now, helping with the words of English. But I do not need his words to express my heart to you. I owe you more than I can repay. For you gave me caring love and protection when Kim and I needed it so desperately. Please see Mr. Wexler and tell him I send him my thanks for his help! I am happy here. I thought being on the streets was what I wanted. I thought selling myself would be exciting. It was exciting but not in the way I wanted. I did not know it would be deadly! We left San Francisco with much difficulty of not being able to have our opium every day. Captain Alvarez stayed with us for a long while, and refused to give in to our pleading. He suggested we use the journey to begin a new life. It was hard. I still want it, sometimes. It was hardest for Kim because he seemed to need it most. Vincent has been a great help to me in getting Kim through his difficult times. We stayed with him continuously. He seems well, now. Would you believe Kim now weighs almost as much as I? He has a little belly and we keep asking him if he is with child, but it is just fat!
Kim asked that I tell you that he sends his love and kisses. He speaks of you often as his Holy Virgin, and I know that you must be laughing so hard at this! But he tells everyone of the wonderful woman who saved his life. There is more than one life you have saved! I thank you for it. As Vincent has written, we are a family. It is very good to have a family again.
Adiós!
Santiago Cali
About The Author
Raymond G. Berube, M.Ed. is a teacher, author, therapist currently living in Aachen Germany with his partner of more than 25 years. He has studied hypnosis, NLP, and Stress Management. Raymond has trained with Dr. Milton H Erikson, and with Dr.Piero Ferrucci of Florence, Italy in 1986 while there doing research for a novel about Emperor Hadrian on sale with Amazon. At present he is a tutor of English to young people and also teaches English as a second language to adults. He has been involved with Spiritualism and mediumship in the past, resulting in two books titled You, The Medium, and Simon Speaks. He has also authored several novels and collections of short stories, all available from Amazon.com and other retailers.
* * *
[1] See Boys For Sale, Dennis Drew and Jonathan Drake, Brown Book Co., New York, 1969
[2] Federal records show gold valued at $1.32 per troy oz. in late 1848-1949. Hence, 25oz.= approx. $500. Therefore, $400 is a reasonable estimate of value of Santiago’s gold.
PEG BOY Page 31