The comment caused her to giggle. She sat down on the sofa and crossed a leg over her knee, forgetting for the moment the need to take her shower. “You know, it might at that,” she said, as her bare foot began swinging in circles.
“We could appear to them then, wearing the cheesiest smiles this side of the Mississippi,” Jed added. “Perhaps they might think we’re cute instead of scary.”
“Not if you don’t lose the tomahawks, Jedediah,” Sam warned with pointed finger. “Tomahawks and cute just don’t go together.”
Jo burst out laughing as she conjured the image of Jedediah, smiling from ear to ear while wickedly twirling his weapons of choice. And all the while, they would hear “Revolution” playing in the background. At that moment, she couldn’t say the idea didn’t tempt her.
“Well, at least we finally got you to laugh,” Sam said with a tone of satisfaction.
“Oh, I’m so sorry,” she said. “I know I’ve been wound up pretty tight these past few days, worrying over the house and trying to plan some fun activities. But there’s just so much to do and to see around the Philadelphia area. They’re only going to be here one week. I didn’t know what to choose, or what they would enjoy the most.”
“I think you’ve chosen well,” Mathias said. “Besides, I really don’t think it’s going to matter what you do, as long as you do it all together.”
One hour later, the rented minivan arrived just outside her gate. Nan refused to let Jo pick her family up at the airport, and the wait drove her crazy. So much so, that she paced like a caged animal in front of the sitting room window while awaiting their arrival. As they got out of the vehicle, Jo bounded out of the door, with her boys in close pursuit. With arms outstretched, Jo flew into the open arms of her sister.
“Hello, Nan. Oh, it’s so good to see you again!” She proceeded to greet each person with hugs and kisses, taking care to mention each name for the benefit of her ghostly companions. Then standing back, she took in the sight of everyone at once.
A hand covered her mouth as she shook her head in amazement. “Zach and David, I swear you boys have grown at least a foot since the last time I saw you. And Jeannie, my goodness, you’ve become such a beautiful young woman—”
“You got that right, Jolena. She is a pretty thing, isn’t she? Why isn’t she married yet?” asked Jedediah as if truly perplexed.
Jo smiled, dropped her arms, and clasped her hands together. “She certainly isn’t old enough to consider marriage, for heaven’s sake.”
Nancy looked puzzled over the odd comment. “Well, of course not, Jo. She isn’t even seriously dating anybody—”
She waved a hand in dismissal. “Oh, don’t mind me. Just seeing the vast change in the kids is taking its toll, I’m afraid.” Jo scooped Mary up in her arms for a hasty change in subject. “And look at you, you precious little thing. You’re getting so big. Do you even remember your Auntie Jo, hmm?”
Little Mary giggled, and then pointed at Mathias and waved. “Hi, hi, hi,” she babbled.
Jo followed the toddler’s gaze as she looked at each ghostly resident, smiled and waved at each in turn. Each of the boys either waved back or blew her kisses, much to her young heart’s delight. The display confused her, and she looked to Mathias for an explanation. He simply shrugged.
“Sometimes little children can just see us, Jolena. I have no explanation as to the why of it,” he whispered.
Nancy shook her head, shot her gaze heavenward, and sighed in exasperation. “One would think after the long plane ride and the drive here from the airport, our little angel would’ve had enough ‘bye-byes’ to last her the rest of the day. Jolena, darling, the outside of your home is even more beautiful than what we could see from pictures alone. Now, hand Mary over to Bob and show us the rest of it. We’re so anxious to see all of the details.”
After Jo relinquished Mary to her daddy, Mathias made ready to leave so she might have private time with her family, he said. But she shook her head in return and with a subtle wave of her hand, invited them all to follow. They traversed the grounds first. As expected, Nancy fell in love with her bountiful flower garden, but Bob preferred her barn, which housed a plethora of antique farm equipment. Some of those antiques dated back to the eighteenth century and he drooled over them. She then took her family through each room of her house and pointed out the rooms she assigned them. While they settled in, Jo and the boys ambled into the kitchen.
“There were some girls getting married at sixteen when I was alive,” Jedediah said as he carried a stack of plates to the table. “I don’t understand why Jeannie isn’t even courting.”
“Yes, well, those days are long gone. Girls today wait a great deal longer for marriage than what they used to,” Jo replied as she set the bowl of chips and some dip on the table beside the plates.
“Well, does she at least get to speak with the boys her age, or do they keep her locked up inside her bedroom?” asked Alexander.
“Of course, she can speak with boys, you ninny. We don’t imprison our children.” She turned to retrieve the pitcher of lemonade on the counter. “Unless, of course, they’re driving us crazy and they need a time out.”
Just as she made the comment, Zachary walked into the kitchen and looked around in bewilderment. “Who’re you talking to Aunt Jo?”
Jo’s eyes darted downward and with some relief pointed at Dak. “Oh, just the hooligan over there in the corner. I simply reminded him of the need to mind his manners. He can be a nuisance at times.”
Her boys laughed and then exited the room before Mary made another appearance. During the meal, the table buzzed with excited chatter as Jo caught up on all the latest events taking place with each family member. In turn, she answered all of their questions concerning her life, having to make a conscious effort not to mention Mathias or the boys. A thing made a little more difficult than what she first anticipated. Somehow, it just didn’t feel right to exclude them from conversation.
Despite the difficulty, the next several days passed in a blur. Jo made each moment memorable and fun. They attended a Red Sox baseball game and she found just as much pleasure watching her boys as she did her family. Especially once William and Alex wandered down onto the field, and ran a bit of interference for the home team.
She also took them to visit the Valley Forge National Historical Park and to see the famous Liberty Bell. They toured the Benjamin Franklin Memorial, the Betsy Ross house, and the Declaration House where Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence. Finally, they visited Independence Hall.
Although her family remained unaware, Mathias and the boys accompanied them on each of their outings. She found it touching to witness their depth of emotion while they visited the sights significant to the birth of the United States. They shared many of their recollections with her, and she learned of vital events and conversations that didn’t appear in any of the history books she’d ever read. How she wished she could share some of those same things with her family. In fact, she wished she could share many things with her family. Her biggest regret? She couldn’t introduce her handsome Ranger to her sister. Unfortunately, she could only wonder what Nancy would think of Mathias.
****
Mathias expelled a sigh of relief as the last full day of the Elliott family vacation neared its conclusion. Although it gave him pleasure to see the joy Jolena’s family provided her, he sorely missed their normal routine.
“I think that sums up the tour of Fort Mifflin and we can be grateful for that,” Sam whispered as they wandered toward Jolena’s car. “If you want my opinion, that female ghost is creepier than any spirit I’ve encountered to date. I don’t know how the other spirits put up with her. I’m quite certain we would’ve booted her out a long time ago.”
Mathias nodded in full agreement. “Yes, indeed. She does lean toward theatrics if nothing else. No wonder the confederate soldier stays confined to his casement for the most part. I think I would too.”
“One must wonder what the tourists would do if they were made privy to all her wicked comments as she followed them about.” Sam snickered.
“As Jolena would say, they’d probably scream for their mamas and run for home.” Mathias didn’t hear Sam’s responding chuckle. His focus of attention suddenly shifted to the conversation between Nancy and Jolena. He stopped dead in his tracks.
“I’m so sorry to see this vacation come to an end,” Nancy had said as they strolled away from the building. “I had no idea so much history existed in Philadelphia. Well, what I mean is, significant historical places still standing that we could actually see and experience for ourselves.”
Jolena smiled and turned her gaze toward the fort. “I know what you mean. But we’ve only just scratched the surface. There’s still so much to see and so much to do. I didn’t even know where to begin.”
Nan shook her head and as she shifted Mary’s position in her arms, she said, “Time is key, says the old family motto, and you have adhered to it most admirably. We’ve had so many amazing experiences this week.”
Mathias stared at Jolena’s sister.
“What is it?” asked Sam as he followed his gaze.
“Did you hear what Nancy just said?” In response to his question, Sam shook his head. Yet, before he could say anything else, Jeannie made an abrupt turn toward Jolena.
“I want to ride home with Aunt Jo,” she said.
The girl almost walked straight through Sam. He had to pivot and step backward to avoid the collision, thereby interrupting any further conversation he and Sam might’ve had. Probably just as well. Sam would probably accuse him of grasping at straws. Nancy’s comment probably held no meaning to them personally. How could it?
“That’s fine by me,” Jolena said.
She met his gaze then and the brief smile she gave him faded away as a look of consternation filled her beautiful eyes. She raised a questioning brow.
Mathias shook his head. “It’s nothing,” he whispered, hoping to reassure her.
Nevertheless, all the way home and all through the night Nancy’s comment remained ever present in his mind. How did that particular phrase become a Michaelsson family motto? An old family motto, according to Nancy, but how old? As old as the fragment of paper Elisabeth Weidmann handed him over two centuries earlier? No—surely not. He had no reason to entertain such a ridiculous notion. Nonetheless, he couldn’t banish the thing from his mind.
The following morning proved hectic as each member of the Elliott family raced to eat their breakfast and take a quick shower. They inspected the house from top to bottom to ensure they collected and loaded all their belongings into their vehicle. They accounted for each treasured souvenir and memento of their stay, including the foul ball, which Zack miraculously caught during the last out of the ninth inning. Finally, they made ready to leave for the airport. Mathias followed them outside with a sense of relief.
“All right, everyone,” Nancy said as she raised her camera to eye level. “One more shot in front of the old oak tree.”
“Oh, come on,” Jo grumbled. “You know you’ve taken at least a million pictures already, Nan. I can’t believe you want more when time is so short.”
“There’s always time for one more picture. Mom even said so, if you’ll recall,” Nancy said as she clicked away. “One more time, smile everyone—”
“You’ll have no one to thank but yourself when the plane leaves without you,” Jo countered.
“Fine, fine.” Nancy waved her off. “I’m finished. However, after you receive your printed copy of all my pictures, I’ll expect your apology.”
At last, the family gathered around the van and began their tearful goodbyes. Mathias ambled toward Jolena.
“Thank you so much for all of the wonderful memories, Jo,” Nancy said as she embraced her sister one last time. “We’ve had so much fun together and we’ve seen so many wonderful places. The baseball game remains a highlight and it’s something we’ll never forget.”
“Well, I’m happy you enjoyed your stay. I really loved having you all here.” Jo sniffed as she dabbed at her tears. “I only wished you could stay longer.”
“I know, so do I. But I want you to know how much we appreciate everything you did for us. I think you gave the kids a greater understanding of our nation’s history and at the same time, kept them well entertained. Time is key and I believe we’ve used this time in the best possible way.”
“I’m happy you think so. Maybe it will prompt you to hurry back. There’s a lot more to see, you know. As I told you yesterday, we’ve only just brushed the surface.”
“We will. But I believe it’s your turn to visit us first, so we can return the favor?”
Time is key. Time is key. Jo and her sister continued their conversation while the taunting phrase swirled inside his mind. He could still see the urgency in Elisabeth Weidmann’s eyes as she handed him the note penned by Jacob.
What if one of Jo’s ancestors gleaned that particular phrase from the Weidmann family, and they in turn, passed it down to their descendants? No, he didn’t need to entertain such an absurd idea. Or did he? Although he didn’t know anyone with the Michaelsson name, save Jolena, she said some of her ancestors lived somewhere in this area. Could that unnamed ancestor have also worked with Jacob? For nothing more than peace of mind, he needed the answer.
He looked up then as little Mary’s babble grew increasingly louder in an attempt to gain his attention. The little cherub had grown quite attached to him during her stay and he had to admit she captured a portion of his heart as well. She smiled broadly and waved her pudgy little hand vigorously in his direction.
“Bye-bye, ’Thias, bye-bye, ’Thias, bye-bye,” she cooed.
“Bye-bye, lovely little Mary,” Mathias replied. He blew her a kiss and she blew him several in return.
Nancy looked at Jo and then shrugged. “I’m not sure what she means by all of that—but I will call you the minute we get home so you know we made it safely, okay?” With that, she hurried into the van and as Bob started the engine, they all waved one last time. Mathias waited just until the van crested the hill before he took hold of Jolena’s shoulders and turned her body toward him.
“Jolena, listen to me,” he said as his eyes bore into hers. “Nancy said the phrase ‘time is key’ is your old family motto. Do you happen to know where it originated? Is it remotely possible it began with your ancestors who lived here in this area? This is really important, so please think about it before you give me an answer.”
Chapter 10
Jolena stared back with something akin to bewilderment. “I’m not really sure, Mathias. Why do you ask?”
“Does it have a special meaning attached to it?” he prodded. “Think hard on that before you answer.”
“Oh, I don’t know. We’ve always taken it to mean time is the key to life. How we use that time matters. You know, so there are no regrets later on,” she said. “Mathias, please tell me what’s wrong.”
He released his hold on her shoulders and stepped back. Did the failure over his uncompleted assignment weigh so heavily, he now attempted to make something out of nothing? Anyone could put together that same phrase, not just Jacob Weidmann. Besides, what possible difference could it make to anyone now? Nothing could change the course of history or change the fate he and his men suffered. He shook his head. “Never mind, it’s probably nothing. I’m sure it’s just an impossible—”
“Just tell me, Mathias, please,” Jolena said, cutting off the remainder of his statement.
Simple coincidence could explain the entire situation. Nonetheless, something inside nagged him and that indeterminate feeling bade him continue searching all possibilities until those possibilities no longer existed. “Let’s take this conversation into the house before someone happens by and thinks you’re having a very serious conversation all by yourself, shall we?”
Once they entered the family room, Jolena kicked off her shoes and sat down on the sofa
. She drew her legs up onto the cushion and waited for him to speak. He turned and faced the fireplace, with one hand resting on the mantel. Jolena waited for some sort of explanation and as the seconds ticked by, her patience waned. He could see that. Yet, he just didn’t know where to begin this complicated story. Finally, he made his decision. If nothing else, she would learn the details of his death, whether she wished it or not. He turned around to face her.
“Not too long ago, you asked about our dealings with Major John Clark. I’ve not taken the opportunity to address your questions, until now,” he said. “I’ll begin by telling you we accomplished a handful of assignments for Major Clark in the few months we served under his command, all of them successfully, save one. Our final mission is the one I want to tell you about now.”
The bewilderment in her eyes faded. Dread took its place. She shook her head against the sudden comprehension that flooded into her mind. “Mathias, I’m not sure I can just sit here and listen while you tell me about—about—” Her words stopped short as her hand covered her mouth.
“The event passed well before you were born, Jolena. You needn’t be so concerned. I don’t know if at the end of my tale, you can answer my questions or not, but I want you to hear this story, nonetheless.” Mathias walked toward the window and gazed through the glass. He always liked this view. The lush trees and surrounding farmland made one feel at peace. He turned around to face her once again.
“Through the normal channels, John Clark informed me he had set up a meeting with one of my contacts. We were to meet just before daybreak at a place not too far from here. If we rode through the woods, we could arrive at our designated destination in about twenty minutes or so. Anyway, I showed up at our place of rendezvous first. There in the remains of an old burned-out barn, I waited well past the appointed time of our meeting. In the business in which we found ourselves, anything short of promptness, usually meant disaster. Just as I made the decision to leave, the wife of my contact entered the barn. She said she acted on behalf of her husband, who couldn’t keep the appointment.
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