Billy's Sister

Billy's Sister

Memories of his friend, Charlotte Sanders came back to Billy. He remembered how much he loved her when he was in the orphanage. Without thinking he hugged her when he saw her. Charlotte couldn't keep the tears from flowing down her cheeks.

Charlotte knew this young boy was her friend from the orphanage the minute she saw his blue eyes. They were the same color as Ella Pritchard's eyes who was sitting beside her trying to hold back her own tears.

“Billy, I never thought I would see you again. I have wondered and worried about you for so many years.”

“I didn't want to leave you but Miss Walker said she would make you go away if I talked to you. When I heard Cal say he was going to run away I thought if I went with him you would be able to stay at the orphanage.” Billy hadn't thought about Miss Charlotte in so long. He had put many of those memories out of his head. He looked up and saw the lady standing next to her. “Did you work at the orphanage too? I think I remember you.”

“Billy, this is your sister Ella. She hasn't seen you since you were a very tiny baby.”

Will Duesenberry held his wife's hand. They both looked very worried. They could see the resemblance between their son, Billy and the young woman who had entered their home just a few minutes before.

Charlotte told how Billy's grandmother was forced to leave him at the orphanage and how she had found him and taken a special interest in him. She told of Ella's grandmother's deathbed confession that Billy had not died but he was living in the orphanage just a few blocks away. When Ella inquired about her brother, Miss Walker told her he had died because she didn't want to admit she'd been responsible for him running away. Charlotte confided the truth to Ella but there was no way of knowing where Billy was by then. Ella and Charlotte had since become good friends.

“Now we have a happy ending and Ella and Billy are reunited at last,” said Charlotte.

Ella spoke up. “Vicar and Mrs. Duesenberry, I can see my brother has been well taken care of. Mr. Merryweather and Mr. Harcourt have told me how you found Billy and his friend, Butch and gave them a home. It breaks my heart that these two boys were on their own for so many years. I want to assure you that I have no intention of taking Billy away from you. I would like to stay in Camden Corners for a while and hope you will allow me to get to know my brother. That is if it's all right with you, Billy.”

“Sure, I'm glad I have a sister. Can she stay here with us Ma?”

“Of course she can Billy. Miss Pritchard, I am sorry I didn't suggest it sooner. Pardon my manners, I'm not thinking clearly after hearing about Billy's early years. Miss Sanders, you are welcome to stay also. We have a guest room that you both will find comfortable.”

“Mrs. Duesenberry, we wouldn't think of imposing. Mr. Merryweather spoke of a boarding house in town. I'm sure Charlotte and I will be very comfortable there during our stay.”

“Nonsense,” said Will. “We won't hear of it. We would like to get to know you both ourselves. Billy, why don't you show your sister and Miss Charlotte to their room. I'm sure you all are hungry after your long journey. Kate and I will rustle up some food for all of you. Gentlemen, how about a shot of whiskey? I sure could use one.”

“I'd better get home to Sarah. Neville, you stay for a while. You and Will can discuss what we talked about earlier.”

“Take my carriage Max, I'll walk to the boarding house later. You can come by with it in the morning.”

Max took his leave but not before reassuring Kate that everything would be alright. He was sure Ella was not about to disrupt Billy's life.

Neville told Will and Kate about Miss Walker. “The woman is very cold and it was obvious to Max and me that she is definitely in the wrong profession. We are very suspicious of her behavior. She covered up her mistake with the unlocked door the night Billy and the older boy escaped and lied to the sheriff about it. Charlotte is a very sweet girl but has a tendency to listen at closed doors and I think she knows more about Miss Walker's dealings than she realizes. I know from my former client that donations are made regularly to the orphanage and the children living there. From what Max and I observed when we visited today, the building is in ill repair and none of that money has been used as it was intended.”

Neville took his leave with the promise of checking in with the young women the next day. He wanted to sit down with Charlotte and Oscar to decide what their next step should be regarding Miss Walker. He wondered how his sister was doing today and decided to pay a visit to the Merryweather house. He knew they would all be awake and probably playing a game of charades. His step was lighter at the thought of spending some time with Helene Robinson.

Everyone gathered around the big kitchen table. Any awkwardness Kate felt disappeared after just a short time with her guests. Charlotte was a very loving young woman. Kate remembered Billy when they first met. He was belligerent toward her and Will but soon let his guard down and had become a very gentle and kind young boy. She suspected the love Charlotte had shown toward him in his early years had made an impact. Ella was a bit overwhelmed. She had lost her family at a young age and was led to believe her brother had died also. Charlotte told her he was alive but was last seen almost six years before. Now she was sitting beside her little brother and seemed to still be in shock over the happenings of the day.

Ella was only 19 years old. Her Uncle died the year after she moved in with him and her mother's Aunt Beatrice. She and the sickly old woman lived in a big Victorian house just a few blocks from where Billy had been abandoned. Ella tried to understand why her aunt would do such a thing. She knew her uncle was a mean, sour old man and that Aunt Beatrice was afraid of him. She suspected that her guilt weighed on her and that guilt had a lot to do with her illnesses. Beatrice was afraid she would be sent to prison if she tried to get Billy back after she left him at the orphanage door. In her own way she loved Ella. There was no other family and Beatrice knew Ella would be sent to an orphanage herself if Beatrice was incarcerated.

Beatrice made sure Ella went to school and graduated. Ella was working as a typist at First Presbyterian Church. The Reverend Hinkley was getting on in years and would be retiring soon. Ella knew she didn't want to continue doing that kind of work for the rest of her days. She was very interested in the newspaper business. One of the church parishioners wrote a human interest column for the local paper and that sparked Ella's interest. The gentleman saw some writing talent in Ella who had taken it upon herself to add some interesting tidbits to the church bulletin every week. The parishioners enjoyed reading her writings and the Reverend approved so she continued.

Charlotte and Ella were surprised when the sun came up the next morning that they had slept so soundly and so long. They could smell bacon cooking and hurried downstairs to find Alma Tanner standing at the old stove.

“Good morning ladies, I heard we had company. Please sit down and relax. Breakfast is almost ready. I'm Kate's grandmother and Vicar Will's housekeeper. Everyone is out in the garden admiring the roses. You will have to see them later. They are beautiful with drops of dew and the sun shining down on them.

“You must be Ella, I can tell by the beautiful blue eyes just like our Billy has. That would make you Charlotte. Billy hasn't stopped talking about his sister and his friend Miss Charlotte since he got up this morning. Butch has adopted the two of you also. Those poor little boys, when I think of what they went through in their younger years it just breaks my heart. They survived though and for most of the time they had each other.” She stopped what she was doing long enough to give each girl a grandmotherly hug.

“Let us help Mrs. Tanner. We don't expect to be waited on.”

Will walked in at that moment. “Don't you worry about Alma. She is happiest when she is feeding all of us.”

Melvin came through the door too. “I've had to buy larger clothes two times since I met this lovely woman. It's true, she has set out to relieve the world of hunger. I'm Melvin Tanner, I'm married to dear Alma here.” Melvin said as he squeezed his new wife's shoulders.

Kate walked in with a beautiful bouquet of roses. “Good morning girls. I thought we should have some pretty flowers as a centerpiece this morning to welcome you to our home.” She filled a vase with water and set the flowers in the middle of the table.

Butch and Billy walked in.

“Hi Sis. Hi Miss Charlotte, said Butch.

“I told Butch you were his sister too Ella. Hope you don't mind having two brothers.” said Billy.

“I'm proud to call such handsome boys my brothers.” said Ella. She didn't remember ever feeling so surrounded by love.

After breakfast Billy and Butch gave the girls a guided tour of Camden Corners. They stopped by Merryweather's to say hello just as James Robinson was headed off to work.

“This is my sister Ella. James is Mr. Merryweather's son. He doesn't have the same last name. Pa says it's complicated and he'll explain it to me someday. But his last name is Robinson.”

James chuckled and said he was happy to meet Billy's sister with the different last name.

“Oh, you're right James. I guess it isn't so complicated after all.”

Ella had never had a boyfriend and didn't know what to make of this handsome fellow but she knew she wouldn't mind seeing him again.

“It's nice to meet you, James. This is my friend Charlotte.”

“I'm sorry I'm in a rush this morning. I hope to see you again before you return to Pittsburgh.” James said as he hurried down the street. He wondered just how long they would be staying in Camden Corners. He wouldn't mind seeing Ella again sometime. He glanced back and noticed she was looking in his direction. He smiled to himself.

They visited all the shops and everyone was happy to meet Billy's sister and glad he had some answers about his past although nobody pried. They didn't have to. Butch told one and all the full history of the brother and sister.

After lunch, Neville Merryweather stopped by the Duesenberry's with Oscar Crowley and Sheriff Mendenhall. They spoke with Charlotte about the orphanage and Miss Walker. As Neville guessed Charlotte knew more about Miss Walker than she realized. They only had hearsay information, but they thought it would be enough to get the attention of the Pittsburgh authorities.

After tearful goodbyes, Charlotte left for Pittsburgh with Sheriff Mendenhall and Neville. Ella had taken a few weeks off from her job at the church and was invited to stay just as long as she was able.

Neville stayed on in Pittsburgh until Miss Walker was hauled off to jail. The sheriff in Pittsburgh was able to find enough evidence of fraud and embezzlement against Miss Walker to keep her there for many years. Neville was happy when Charlotte Sanders was named administrator of the orphanage. Everything changed after that. The draperies were opened during the day to let the sunshine in. Because of the publicity surrounding Miss Walker's dishonesty donations doubled. Charlotte was able to have repairs made and the entire facility made more comfortable for the children. The grounds were filled with playground equipment and after approval by the board of directors, the children were allowed to leave the premises with their caregivers to visit famous landmarks in the city. For the first time in their lives, the children were able to watch fireworks on Independence Day. All the children loved Miss Charlotte. She rarely closed her office door. Her new receptionist was invited to eavesdrop almost anytime she wanted. Charlotte preferred to have private conversations with Doctor Baker when he stopped by and he was stopping by more and more often. It wasn't long before Charlotte Sanders was showing off a very pretty engagement ring on her left hand.

In Camden Corners, Billy, Butch and Ella were in the waiting room of Shane Howard Memorial Hospital along with a very nervous vicar. After what seemed to be an eternity, Doctor Springer came out of the delivery room to let everyone know Kate had just given birth to a baby girl. Mother and baby Hillary Bella Duesenberry were doing well. Alma explained that Kate wanted Hillary to be named after her brothers and sister. B for Billy and Butch and ella for Ella. A tear fell from Ella's eye as James took hold of her hand.

Cassandra's New Baby

Cassandra's New Baby

“Will our new baby be here today, Mama?”

Cassandra Rossi has having a difficult time understanding why her baby was taking so long to be born. Unfortunately she heard her mama talking to Diana Taylor about her suspicions at the very first sign of her pregnancy. Over eight months was a long time for a little girl to wait for the birth of her brother or sister.

“I don't know Cassandra but I don't think it will be too much longer. Come sit down and eat your oatmeal, I put butter and cream on top for you.”

Lucinda's pregnancy had been so different this time around. She felt bigger and more uncomfortable. Maybe she had just forgotten since it had been close to seven years since her last experience. She looked at Cassandra and remembered when she was born. She remembered how nervous Paul was about holding his daughter. He was used to being around children because he grew up in an orphanage but he was never around the babies, especially when they were this tiny. Those were happy days. Lucinda thought they would go on forever. She still felt sadness when she thought of her life with Paul. It seemed so long ago that she was having a hard time picturing his face.

“You are lost in thought this morning.” came the booming voice of her husband, Nick.

“I guess I am. I was thinking back to when this little missy was born. Nice memories but sad too.”

Nick squeezed his wife's hand. He understood how Lucinda felt about her first husband, Paul. Nick didn't resent the fact that he was still a part of her life if only in memory. They had grown up together in the orphanage and had been best friends until his murder several years ago. He helped to keep Cassandra's memories of her Papa Paul alive too. Nick would be forever grateful to the man he never knew for bringing this amazing child into the world.

“Other than nostalgic, how are you feeling?”

“Like Wally Wallace's prize cow! I'm getting as impatient as Cassandra to hold this little squirt in my arms.”

Cassandra giggled. “You don't look like a cow, Mama.”

“Maybe we should get her a bale of hay and a cow bell,” laughed Nick.

“Quiet you two. It's bad enough to feel this way, I don't need your teasing me too.” Lucinda's laugh turned to a grimace.

“Are you alright?” Nick jumped out of his chair.

“I'm fine, I think I just had a labor pain.” with that another followed and then again and again.

“Cassandra, run down to Kenny's house and ask him to get Doc Julie. Darn it, we need better phone service in this town.”

“Watch your language Nick. You're going to be a papa very soon and I don't want you teaching our children words like that.”

“It could have been a lot worse,” said Nick

“I know and I might be using some choice ones myself before the day is out.” Lucinda said as she doubled over in pain.

Doc Julie arrived along with Caroline, within a half hour.

“Lucinda I don't think we have time to get you to the hospital. I do believe this little Rossi is about to arrive.”

“You and Josie Blackburn certainly don't waste any time delivering your babies,” said Caroline who had her own little one only two months before.

Nick took Cassandra by the hand and walked out into the yard. He didn't want her to be frightened for her mother if Lucinda let out a scream. His wife was a trooper though and suffered silently. As much as she would like to have yelped and used some of those colorful words she and Nick talked about, she didn't want to frighten Cassandra either. It wasn't long until Caroline walked out of the house and said come meet Daniel Nicola Rossi.

“It's a boy!” shouted Nick and Cassandra in unison as they ran into the house to meet the newest member of the family.

Daniel wasn't concerned with being silent.

Cassandra looked down at her little brother and said. “Doesn't he like us Mama? He is crying so hard.”

“I think he likes us just fine. Little babies cry. You did the same thing when you were born and you like us, don't you?”

“Yes Mama, I like you a lot. Hello Danny, I'm your sister and my name is Cassandra. I'm going to help Mama take care of you. She said I could fetch your diapers and help with your bath.”

Little Danny's crying stopped. “You have helped your mama already, Cassandra. Your brother must like the sound of your voice because he isn't crying anymore,” said Caroline.

The anticipation was high for the Independence Day parade. Lou Rossi would be marching in the parade and carrying the United States flag. He and Anna had become United States citizens and were celebrating the birthday of their new country.

Babies were in abundance at the parade. It was early enough in the day that it wasn't too hot for them. Anna Rossi was enjoying being a grandmother to Daniel. She was a frequent visitor to Nick and Lucinda's home. Lou had more fun with the older children although he enjoyed watching his wife with the littlest Rossi.

The day was a happy one with picnics in the afternoon and fireworks after dark. The talk was about the circus coming to town the following week. This was the first time the troupe would be setting up the big top in Camden Corners. Mayor Horton had been instrumental in their decision to stop in the village this year.

The circus train pulled into town on schedule. Practically the whole town came out to welcome them to Camden Corners.

Billy and Butch Duesenberry remembered seeing circuses setting up before. It was one of the rare times in their former lives that they enjoyed being on their own. Circus people were always friendly to them and never shooed them away. They were always allowed to watch the circus performances from behind the curtain.

“Pa, may Butch and I watch them set up the big tent after we finish our chores this morning?” said Billy who always remembered to ask permission before he and Butch set out for any adventure.

“If your beds are made and your clothes put away you may go just as soon as you help Grandma Alma with the dishes from breakfast.” said Will.

“Let the boys go, Will. I'll help Alma with the dishes.” said Melvin Tanner, Alma's new husband.

Billy and Butch finished their breakfast in record time. They kissed their mother and grandmother goodbye and were off down the street stopping by Kenny Bentley's on the way. Kenny was waiting for them on the porch and yelled goodbye to his family inside.

Billy and Butch had been adopted by Will and Kate Duesenberry the previous year. The boys were not related to each other but had been the only family either had ever known. Neither boy could remember their mothers or if they were ever part of a family. They had both been abandoned at some time in their young lives. They jumped off a train in Camden Corners after being caught stowing away. Will and Kate happened along just at that moment. Will was the vicar of the local church and a confirmed bachelor until he met Kate his housekeeper's granddaughter. They married, adopted Billy and Butch and were expecting a baby at the end of the month.

Kenny had never seen a circus before and was fascinated with the elephants. The elephant handler was always happy to show his visitors around. He found that boys usually wanted to help walk the animals and he was glad to share his workload.

Butch's favorite were the clowns. He sought them out and happened upon one clown who they called Chuckles. Chuckles loved the circus himself and loved to talk. Butch happened upon him as he was practicing his act. Chuckles was glad to have an audience and loved the sound of the boy's laughter as he performed his silly tricks. He showed Butch some of his magic tricks and even taught him one or two.

Butch was a chatterbox and today was no exception. He told Chuckles all about his and Billy's life before they came to Camden Corners and were adopted. Chuckles listened to every detail because he had been a homeless boy too. He told Butch how lucky he was to have found people to take him in and love him because Chuckles never did find a home until he joined the circus when he was 15 years old. As Butch and Chuckles talked, they didn't notice Anton Hamlin lurking in the background taking in every word that came out of Butch's mouth.

After saying goodbye to Chuckles, Butch went off to find Billy and Kenny. He knew Billy would be where the elephants were and walked to that area with Anton following discreetly behind him. Anton took one look at Billy and a plan was forming in his mind.

Anton Hamlin was a trapeze artist. He had been performing for 25 years and was not as quick and agile as he once was. He was a conniver who knew eventually one of his schemes would pay off and he would be able to retire in luxury. He was interested in Butch's history and knew there had to be money in there someplace. Once he saw Billy he knew he was about to strike it rich. He needed Marzetta to go along with his plan. She wanted the good life too and best of all, she wanted Anton.

“Marzetta, drop whatever it is you are doing. I want you to listen carefully. There is a young boy out there that could be your son. I want you to tell him you are his long lost mother. Tell him your precious baby was stolen from his crib when he was just a few months old. You have been looking for him all these years. He looks to be about 12 years old. See if you can figure out his age and give him a date he was born. From the story Butch told. The kid wouldn't have any idea when his birthday is.”

“Anton, how can I be his mother? I have never had a kid.”

“I know that, stupid. You are just going to tell him that you are his mother and then we will be able to get money out of his folks. They will want to keep him and will gladly pay us what we ask. Don't you see? It's a perfect plan.”

“Don't call me stupid Anton. I'm not stupid. I'm just as smart as you are.”

“Yeah, alright. You aren't stupid. Just do what I say.”

“But Anton. I can't be that kid's mother. I'm not a married lady.”

Anton was getting frustrated. He wanted to shake this idiot woman. He could taste the money this scheme would bring his way but he'd have to deal with Marzetta and it wasn't going to be easy.”

“I'll tell you what. If you can pull this off, I'll marry you.”

“Anton do you mean it? We can get married. I'll do anything you say.”

After going over the plan again and again with Marzetta, Anton thought she was convinced this kid was really her son. She wasn't too bright but she was a fairly decent actress and the kid was a dead ringer for her. He sent her on her way with his fingers crossed.

Marzetta leisurely strolled over to the elephant stall. She never did like those smelly, wrinkled things. They frightened her but she would just have to fight her fear. Anton was going to marry her and that was all she cared about.

She spotted him. Anton was right he looked like he could have been her son. What was the name Anton told her to call him? She couldn't remember. Oh well, she thought Philippe was a wonderful name. Yes, her son would be called Philippe.

Billy was still making friends with the baby elephant when he suddenly felt someone grab him and squeeze him tightly yelling “Phillipe! Phillipe! My long lost son. I have finally found you.”

Anton was cringing in the corner. She was laying it on a little too thick. She needed more practice.

“Billy! That lady looks just like you.” shouted Butch.

The Hospital Dedicaton

The Village of Camden Corners

The Hospital Dedication

After many months of planning, designing and building the Camden Corner's Hospital, the town is preparing for the dedication ceremony.

Lucinda Rossi, who was remembered in Shane Howard's will with more money than she could possibly spend in her lifetime, saw the need for the hospital when young Kenny Bentley suffered from an attack of appendicitis. The Bentleys and Doctor Tom Campbell were able to get him to the Greensboro Hospital before the appendix ruptured but his condition could have had a disastrous outcome.

“Lucinda, I am so proud of the generosity you have shown to our small town,” said her new husband, Nick.

“This is my town now too Nick. I still shudder to think what could have happened to Kenny if Joe Taylor and Cody Hill hadn't been able to move him to the Greensboro hospital in the fire wagon in time. You know I never wanted that money for myself. Actually, it is Cassandra's money, I just didn't want her to have the burden of growing up wealthy. Don't you think she will thank me for that someday?” laughed Lucinda.

“Yes, she will because she is as loving and generous as her mother.” Nick said as he kissed the back of his wife's neck while helping her to fasten the clasp on the string of pearls she was wearing.

Lucinda McCoy and her daughter Cassandra were living in poverty in an apartment in New York City. Their next door neighbor was Shane Howard. Shane was a recluse and secret millionaire many times over. His nephews, Harold and Howard Hightower were summoned to the reading of his will after his death. They were astonished to learn of their uncle's wealth and along with Lucinda were left vast amounts of money. The Hightowers invested in land for grapes, a winery and a house for their growing families. The twin brothers were married to twin sisters and both couples had a set of twins. It was discovered after Shane's death that Lucinda's murdered husband was in fact Shane's grandson. Lucinda and Paul grew up in the same orphanage, became good friends and eventually fell in love.

The Hightower brothers, wanting to get Lucinda and Cassandra out of an unsafe environment, encouraged Lucinda to move to Camden Corners where she met and married Nick Rossi. Nick oversees the vineyard where the first grape plants are beginning to grow.

In the house two doors away, Jamison Bentley is admiring his wife, Caroline. She is expecting their child any day know. The pregnancy had been a total surprise to Jamison and Caroline. Caroline didn't think it was possible for a woman her age to conceive a child. Her daughter, Grace had given birth to Caroline's first grandchild just three months ago.

Caroline lost her parents at a young age. She found herself alone at the age of 16. Her father's best friend, George Watson, married her and provided her with a home. He died when their daughter, Grace was just a young girl. Jamison Bentley, an architect came to town to supervise the building of the opera house. They met by chance and fell in love. Caroline felt she was betraying George's memory and denied her feelings. Although Jamison and Caroline never forgot their love for one another, Jamison eventually married another and became the father of two sons. He was a widower living in Greensboro. Caroline confided in Lucinda about her brief encounter with Jamison. When the Hightowers were looking to secure the services of an architect, Lucinda suggested Jamison Bentley.

It wasn't long before Jamison and Caroline rekindled their love affair. They were married and the adoptive parents of orphans, Kenny and Becky who turned up in Camden Corners after they learned they would be sent to separate orphanages.

“Caroline, you are positively glowing this evening.” said Jamison as he stood admiring his wife. Becky was helping her pick out the earrings she would be wearing.

“It must be that I'm bursting with happiness and pride. Jamison, I am so happy the hospital will be opening tomorrow. I think this little one is going to be arriving very soon and I suspect he or she will be the first baby to be born in the new Camden Corners hospital. It is such a beautiful facility, Jamison. I have always known you were a master of design but you really have been outdoing yourself lately.”

“Must be because I am so happy with you and our little squirts.” He reached out and tickled a giggling Becky.

Jamison's sons were waiting downstairs with Kenny. Kenny was showing them his latest designs for the treehouse he and Jamison were going to build this summer.

“Remember when Dad had us designing our own playhouse Alex? I think we have one more architect in the family.”

Kenny still had to pinch himself when he heard the word family and knew he and Becky were a part of a happy one.

“Let me take a look Kenny, by Jove I think you have it.” Alex teased him. “You know this really is very good Kenny. You must be a natural unlike your brother Todd here who designed his first treehouse without a door. It was a beautiful place, we just couldn't get inside,” Alex laughed.

Kenny started laughing too. He had heard that tale before. He knew Jamison had caught the mistake before the treehouse was built but it made a good story.

Alex and Todd were happy their father had found love again after the untimely death of their mother. They loved Caroline and their young brother and sister. They had many happy times with Caroline's daughter Grace, her husband Ted and their new baby, Freddy. Alex and Todd had taken over Jamison's firm in Greensboro and continued to live there but were frequent guests in their father's home.

Grace, Ted and little Freddy arrived. The family planned to attend the ceremonies together. The completion of the hospital was a major accomplishment for a town the size of Camden Corners and everyone within miles would be turning out for the dedication.

Reggie Blackburn was panicking. He had one necktie to his name and couldn't find it anywhere in the cottage he shared with his wife, Josie.

“Why are you so nervous Reggie? You have been on pins and needles all day,” said Josie as she handed him his tie.

“I guess I am a little uneasy. I have visions of the building collapsing just when they cut the ribbon this afternoon. Thanks to Leo Carlisle we were behind schedule for several months. I can't believe the hospital is finally ready to open for business.”

“Mr. Carlisle is spending many years behind bars for his many crimes. His punishment came too late for Al Blanchard but at least he won't be able to hurt anyone else.” said Josie.

“When I think of that man grabbing you and putting a gun to your head it makes me want to wring the weasel's neck.”

Josie's bout of morning sickness while Carlisle had hold of her shocked him into dropping his gun and being restrained by several of the members of Reggie's crew.

“The baby and I are just fine and you will see our little hero or heroine in just a couple of months. I can't say I enjoyed having morning sickness but it really did save me that day. That mean, nasty man couldn't handle a little bit of vomit covering his mean, nasty face.” Josie chuckled.

“A little bit, if I recall you had devoured three eggs and a half pound of bacon that morning. That wasn't even counting the biscuits and gravy and I think you had a couple of blueberry pancakes to top it off.”

“Mama always cooked as though Julie and I were growing boys. Back at the beginning of this pregnancy, I couldn't get enough to eat but never was able to hold it down. That's enough of that kind of talk. We will both lose our appetite for all the wonderful goodies that will be available after the dedication today. Rosa says Eduardo and Anna have been cooking up a storm for three days. The Mackenzies and Burkes closed their kitchen yesterday after lunch to start preparing for today's party. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it.”

It was another lovely spring day and the dedication was held outside on the massive lawn in front of the hospital. There was standing room only as Mayor Horton introduced the parties responsible for the beautiful new facility. Speeches were held to a minimum which was a relief to Caroline Bentley as she was holding Grace's hand and remembered the day almost 30 years ago that she experienced her very first labor pain.

Becky noticed Caroline grimacing in pain and remembered her other mother looking that way before they took her away and she never saw her again. Becky began to cry. Her little friend Iris stood by her side and held her hand.

“Your mama is going to be alright. It's time for your baby to be born that's all. My mama looked just like that before Joey was born. I was scared too but Mama told me it would hurt for a little while but after that we would have our baby. She was right. When she was holding baby Joey she was smiling and it didn't hurt anymore.”

Diana overheard her daughter's reassuring words and felt her usual pride in this wonderful little girl who came into their lives. She looked into the heavens and thanked Mavis Short once again for this most precious gift.

Dr. Julie looked over in Caroline's direction and said to her husband “The hospital isn't due to open until tomorrow but I think we may be welcoming our first patient shortly.”

Mayor Horton was informed of this new development and quickly asked the audience to form a line for a tour of the hospital ending with refreshments being served on the back lawn. Doc McMillan whispered in his ear. The mayor nodded and announced the emergency room would not be included in the tour today.

After giving Becky a hug and telling her everything was going to be fine, Caroline was escorted into the emergency room with Jamison following closely behind.

One hour later, Jamison stepped out from behind closed doors. He was beaming as he announced the birth of the newest Bentley. “It's a girl!”

One by one, each member of the Bentley family walked into Caroline's room as she was holding her baby and smiling.

“Oh Mama, Iris told me you would be smiling and it wouldn't hurt anymore.” said a tearful Becky as she gazed at her new baby sister.

“Iris was right darling. Any pain I did have was worth going through to have this little girl in my arms. Everyone, I would like to introduce you to Lucinda Rose Bentley. She is named after our dear friend Lucinda Rossi without whom Jamison and I would never have found each other again. We will call her Lucy for short if that is agreeable with our friends and family.”

Everyone approved wholeheartedly of the name. Lucinda was deeply touched and kissed the cheek of her good friend Caroline.

Tony Marino was waiting with his camera to take a picture of the first baby born in the newly dedicated Shane Howard Memorial Hospital.

A Belated Valentine

 

A Belated Valentine

Fredrick George Evans entered the world just after midnight and narrowly missed being a valentine baby. Little Freddie was named after his two grandfathers. Ted was in awe of this tiny little creature Grace held in her arms. He wondered why he put off getting married for so many years. He had never been happier than he was at this moment.

Caroline Bentley was proud of her daughter. She handled delivery very well. Caroline hadn't given birth to a baby since the day Grace was born. She was now a grandmother and would be a new mother herself in just a few short months.

Jamison brought their children, Kenny and Becky into the room. Kenny was glad there was another boy in the family but wondered how long it would be before he was big enough to toss a baseball. Becky was fascinated with her little nephew. He was so small, almost as small as her favorite doll, Bess. Jamison and Caroline adopted Kenny and Becky shortly after their arrival in Camden Corners. Caroline found it hard to believe that less than one year ago she had been living alone in her big house and now it was filled with her new husband, Jamison and their two children. Jamison's sons visited often along with Grace and Ted and now little Freddie was a part of the growing family.

Jamison was relieved the new hospital was scheduled to open before Caroline was due to deliver their baby. Caroline wasn't as young as most of the new mothers in Camden Corners. Without her knowing, he had spoken with Doc about the danger involved. Doc reassured him that Caroline was healthy and there wasn't any reason to fear for her safety. Doc didn't tell him Caroline had already been in to see him for the same reason.

Reggie Blackburn was touring each and every floor of the hospital. The finishing touches were being completed. Equipment and supplies were being delivered daily now. There wasn't a train that rolled in that didn't have a box or package for the hospital. The doctors were meeting that very afternoon to supervise the placement of beds in the rooms. There were two large wards and several small rooms on each floor. Different areas of the hospital were assigned for different tasks. Anyone with a broken bone or sprain would be directed to that section. Someone coming in with stomach cramps would be sent to another section. Reggie felt confident the doctors would be pleased with the results since they had all participated in one way or another with the design. All except Dr. Springer, but he seemed like a reasonable man.

Reggie took a special interest in the nursery and delivery rooms. Josie hadn't decided whether she would be giving birth at home or in the hospital. He suspected that she would opt to be in their bed when their child was born. Most women seemed to prefer to stay home but there hadn't been an option before. At least the rooms were available if they were needed. Everything about the hospital had been well thought out. Jamison was the best architect he had ever worked with. He seemed to read people's minds and came up with exactly what they had envisioned. Reggie's last stop was the chapel. He often visited this quiet room to gather his thoughts after a hard day. It was such a beautiful room. Lucinda, with the help of Jack Mackenzie, was able to have a stained glass window commissioned. The sun reflected on it near the end of the day and the colors seemed to flicker on the ceiling. This room was nearly complete which was a good thing because in just three days Grady Murphy and Elizabeth Lawrence were going to be married here.

Caroline stayed with her daughter and made a light supper for the new parents to enjoy with their baby. Jamison headed over to the hospital after making sure the children were safe at home with the housekeeper who loved having them underfoot. Jamison was pleased with the way everything looked. Lucinda was very clear in what she wanted in the building and she never hesitated to ask for input from the doctors and folks from other hospitals around the state. Lucinda arrived at the same time Jamison did and they toured the facility together.

Dr. Springer was the first to arrive. The men shook hands and Clay gave Lucinda a hug. Julie and Tom arrived with Doc. The doctors were very pleased with the facility. They all agreed where everything should be placed and the crew started filling the rooms.

Lucinda told Julie as much as she would like to have her baby at home she thought it would be a vote of confidence to give birth in the new hospital. Julie agreed she would be doing the same when her baby was due. “Maybe we will start a trend.”

While her soon to be husband joined the group at the hospital, Elizabeth Lawrence and her good friend Audrey Lynch were busy stitching the last row of pearls on their dresses for Elizabeth and Grady Murphy's wedding.

“Father and Janice will be arriving in the morning from Pittsburgh for the wedding” said Elizabeth “I'm so happy Father will be here to give me away. Janice is bringing along the veil she wore when she and Father were married. Oh Audrey, I can't believe I will be Mrs. Grady Murphy in just a few days.”

“I'm happy you will have your family here to help you celebrate. Did Grady hear from his father?” Audrey asked.

“He didn't expect to. Grady says the famous Dr. Ellington Murphy is much to busy taking care of his wealthy patients to attend something so mundane as his only son's wedding,” answered Elizabeth.

“It is sad to see a father and son who are so entirely different. Grady chose to be a doctor to help people and his father seems to have decided on his profession to help himself to people's money.”

“Grady told me his father says rich folks are just as easy to treat as poor ones and the rewards are greater at the end of the day. I'm sure he would have preferred Grady married one of his high society patients rather than a lowly nurse from Buffalo. To be honest, Audrey, I'm relieved Dr. Murphy won't be at the wedding.”

Three days later, holding her proud father's arm, Elizabeth Lawrence walked down the aisle of the hospital chapel and became Mrs. Grady Murphy. She hadn't noticed the older gentleman looking at her from the corner of the room. She'll do, he thought to himself. I'd prefer Grady hadn't married beneath his station, but I do believe I will be able to mold her quite easily. I've got to get my boy out of this provincial town before he becomes too attached to it. Little did Dr. Ellington Murphy know his son had already become attached to Camden Corners and wasn't about to go anywhere.

“I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride,” Vicar Will Duesenberry proclaimed with a smile. This was one of the happiest parts of his job and he had become an expert at it since there always seemed to be a wedding to look forward to in Camden Corners.

Grady followed orders and happily kissed his bride. He and Elizabeth turned to face their admiring friends and neighbors and that was when Grady spotted his father staring at him from the back of the chapel. His heart sank. He hadn't heard from this overbearing man in months and now, on the happiest day of Grady's life, he chose to make an appearance.

Grady nodded in the man's direction but there was no sign of affection in his face. He would have to deal with Dr. Murphy eventually but for the present moment he was happy to accept all the handshakes and hugs he was receiving as he and his new bride walked arm in arm out of the hospital chapel.

Elizabeth could feel the sudden tension in Grady as they turned from Vicar Will. She caught the sign of recognition in Grady's face when he glanced at the gentleman at the rear of the chapel.

Grady hadn't said much about his family. Only that his mother died when he was still a toddler. He didn't have any other living relatives with the exception of his father. She knew the relationship had never been close.

Grady was hoping his father wouldn't show up at the reception which was being held in the winery ballroom. However, he knew where champagne was flowing his father wouldn't be far behind.

Grady introduced Elizabeth to his father. He smiled at his new daughter-in-law but seemed much more interested in the two ladies entering the room at that moment.

“I'll tell you right now young lady, I'm not going to rest until Grady comes back to his home in New York and practices his profession where he belongs, in the office next to mine.”

“I will travel wherever my husband desires Dr. Murphy, but I do believe Grady is very happy here in Camden Corners.” replied Elizabeth. She was having a difficult time believing this cold, detached man could have raised a wonderful and caring person like Grady.

“We will talk about the move later. Now go dance or cut the cake or something, don't worry about me, I'll just mingle with your guests.”

Grady knew they had been dismissed. He almost felt sorry for the man. His father made an embarrassing amount of money catering to the rich ladies but never found time to enjoy his wealth. He was always on the look out for a needy rich woman to fawn over. It seemed he had found one even here in Camden Corners.

Millicent Merryweather Stout entered the room with her visiting cousin Maybeth Merryweather DuBois. Millicent lived comfortably in Camden Corners but she wasn't what one would consider a wealthy woman. Maybeth on the other hand had inherited her father's fortune the year she turned 25. She married Francois DuBois just before her 30^th birthday. He died a year later leaving her his fortune also.

Ellingsworth Murphy recognized wealth when he saw it and introduced himself to the cousins.

Millicent had met Grady Murphy several times since he moved to Camden Corners. She found him to be a very unpretentious young man. That was more than she could say for his father. Maybeth, however, was completely mesmerized by Dr. Ellingsworth Murphy.

Dripping with charm, the doctor asked “May I get you ladies a glass of champagne?”

Millicent would gladly have taken a glass but her cousin was president of her hometown branch of the Women's Christian Temperance Union and abhorred alcohol in any form. The only way Millicent could get her cousin to attend the wedding reception at a winery today was to tell her the wine was not produced yet and when it was it would only be used for holy communion.

Maybeth clutched her chest and was about to tell the doctor he could sit elsewhere if he was planning to imbibe in the devil's brew.

Ellingsworth could see he was losing the battle and corrected himself immediately. “I'm so sorry ladies, that was a slip of the tongue. Of course I meant to say fruit punch. I myself never indulge in anything with alcohol in it.”

Millicent wasn't fooled for a second but Maybeth seemed to be clinging to every word that flowed out of the doctor's mouth. Millicent marveled at the way he seemed to know exactly what to say to her vulnerable cousin. She knew Maybeth was lonely and thought a little harmless flirtation would be good for her. Maybeth seemed content to sit with Doctor Murphy but Millicent had had enough and excused herself to join the others.

Maybeth couldn't believe her good fortune. Dr. Murphy came along just at the right time. She was having such trouble with her lumbago. Dr. Murphy reached in his bag and brought out a vial of medicine. He told her it would help her ills and he was right. Within a short time Maybeth was twirling on the dance floor with the doctor.

Millicent couldn't believe her eyes. She hadn't seen her cousin ever act in this way. She pulled Doc McMillan aside and said she was worried about Maybeth's heart condition. Doc was wondering what got into Maybeth or more specifically what Dr. Murphy may have laced her punch with. Doc had heard tales of Dr. Ellingsworth Murphy's unusual treatment of elderly rich women. He had a reputation of being reckless with his care. The ladies were always more than willing to pay him generously for his services.

Maybeth could feel her heart racing but she couldn't seem to slow down her dancing. She felt the room spinning and then nothing as she collapsed on the floor. Doctor Grady Murphy rushed to her side. His father watched helplessly as Grady hovered over Maybeth willing her to breath. She finally came to and was very lucky to be alive. With the assistance of some of the men at the party, Millicent took her cousin home but not without a stern message to Dr. Ellingsworth Murphy not to ever come near her cousin again.

The Party Goes On

The Party Goes On

Margie Springer reached out her hand hoping to calm her husband. She had known Clayton Springer since they were in sixth grade together and she could tell when his temper was getting the best of him. She couldn't imagine what he meant about knowing the pretty young woman who stood at the podium in front of the applauding crowd.

Clay was seething as he listened to Lucinda praise a man called Shane Howard. He had no idea who she was referring to. His only thought was how she had made a fool of him. He couldn't understand why she would masquerade as she did and the fact that she would put her sick child in danger infuriated him. Was she testing him to see if he was up to her standards as a physician? Was this just a trick to get him to agree to uproot his family and move to Camden Corners? Most importantly why did she choose him to humiliate? His mind was whirling and then he heard her mention his name.

“I would personally like to welcome our newest physician and his family to Camden Corners. I'd like to tell you of my encounter with Dr. Springer when Cassandra and I were still living in New York City.

As you know, Cassandra and I were struggling to make ends meet in our little apartment in New York. It was a cold January day just over a year ago when Cassandra woke up with a fever. I was grateful that there was a free clinic in town and I knew they would be able to help Cassandra but it was three trolly car rides away and Cassandra was such a sick little girl I didn't want to take a chance that the cold would be the worst thing for her at that time. There was a small medical office three doors down from our apartment building. I bundled Cassandra up in blankets, held her as close to me as I could to protect her from the howling wind. I was so relieved when I made it to the doors of the office. The nurse was very pleasant and told me to have a seat. I tried to explain that I only had some change in my pocket but that I would visit the pawn shop as soon as I was able. I had a pearl ring that was found with my mother after the accident. One of the attendants at the orphanage gave it to me as a keepsake. She told me to hide it and I kept it inside a hankie all the years I was in the orphanage. I never thought of selling it even when I was down to my last few pennies for the week. Cassandra's health was more important than any ring and I knew that was what I had to do to pay the doctor's bill.

I could hear the nurse explain my situation to Dr. Pike. He glanced my way and I heard him tell the nurse that they didn't accept charity cases and to send us to the free clinic. At that point, a man with the kindest of faces walked through the doors. I think he heard what Dr. Pike said and came over to Cassandra. He sat down next to us and then asked that we come into his office. I told him I didn't have very much money and he told me about his children at home and that if they were sick he would want someone to help them too. He gave Cassandra some medicine and she was so much better the next day. I asked Mrs. Coleridge, our neighbor to watch Cassandra while I took my ring to the pawn shop. I stopped in the medical office and asked to see Dr. Springer. He was making a house call at the time so I left the money with the nurse. That very afternoon there was a knock on the door. It was Dr. Springer. He said he was checking on his favorite little patient and then handed me my pearl ring. His nurse had told him that I had mentioned pawning my ring and this wonderful man searched the pawn shops until he found it and brought it back to me. You can understand why I mentioned Dr. Springer as a possible addition to our hospital. I'm just happy he agreed to join the hospital and our community.

Margie could feel the tension slipping away as Lucinda told her story. She didn't doubt for one minute that Clay would do as he did. She always knew he was an exceptional man.

After the applause settled down, Clay asked “Maybe it isn't my business but in one year's time how was that poverty stricken young lady able to build a hospital?”

Doc laughed “To make a long story short....”

Mary interrupted him “It's a lovely story and I will tell it. You will leave out all the details Doc.” Mary began at the beginning and ended with the happiness Lucinda found in Camden Corners with Nick Rossi. Clay listened intently to every word. He was ashamed of his previous distrust of Lucinda. She could have lived a life of luxury with money left to her but instead donated it to the building of a hospital. Any doubts he had about moving his family to Camden Corners were dispelled that evening. Clay and Margie were born and raised in a big city but they were both small town people at heart and Camden Corners won both their hearts that evening.

Young Peter Springer found himself glancing in the direction of the pretty young girl seated at at the table directly across from him. She would look his way and turn her head as soon as their eyes met. He hadn't met too many people just yet. Mostly the boys from his classes at school. This girl looked familiar but he couldn't place her and then he spotted another boy sitting at the table. He was playing ball with the kid with the great pitching arm he saw earlier that day. It turned out that kid was a girl. He suddenly realized this was that girl, the one with the curls all over her head.

Peter never thought much about the opposite sex until his sixteenth birthday just three months ago. He remembered noticing the red haired girl in his history class in New York. One day she was just another girl and what seemed to be overnight she was transformed into a beauty. He wondered what she would do if he tried to hold her hand but he never would find out since his pa moved them to this little town. Pete wasn't sure he was going to like it in Camden Corners. It was always so quiet. His little sister, Abigail had already made friends and had forgotten all about New York. Samantha seemed to be happy wherever she was as long as she had a book in her hands. He heard Mama tell her about some antique shop and how the owner said she could work there a couple days a week. Samantha was excited about that and couldn't wait to start. Maybe he should think about getting a job after school. He thought of the art gallery on Main Street and wondered if they needed someone to sweep and empty trash. He wouldn't even ask for pay. He liked looking at the artwork and he liked to draw and paint. He stopped in the gallery earlier in the day and met the owner, Jack Mackenzie. He liked Mr. Mackenzie, he always thought painters were a little unbalanced like Vincent van Gogh, but Mr. Mackenzie seemed like a normal guy. He told him he could come into the shop anytime he wanted to. He even told him to bring over some of his work and he'd take a look at it. Pete wasn't sure he was ready to have an artist look at his work. He'd have to think about that.

The dancing started and Pete saw his classmate, Marty dancing with that girl. They seemed to be having fun. Pete wasn't much of a dancer but he could see other fellas cutting in on the dance floor and wondered if he should do the same.

“Come on, Samantha, let's dance.” He took her hand and Samantha didn't have much choice but to follow her brother to the dance floor. She didn't mind because she loved to dance. Even as a little girl she would dance around the house pretending she was a ballerina.

“Samantha, I want to cut in on that kid over there. Would you help me trade dancing partners?”

“Pete! I can't do that, what if he turns me down and I'm standing on the dance floor all alone, I would be mortified.”

Pete didn't listen to her and danced over to Marty and Jennie and tapped Marty on the shoulder. Marty turned around and saw Samantha standing there with a petrified look on her face. He could almost read her mind and asked if she would care to dance with him. She nodded her head in relief.

Pete held Jennie in his arms. She thought her knees were going to buckle. What was wrong with her and why was she acting this way?

“Hello, my name is Pete. I'm the dumb guy who thought you were a boy. You sure don't look like a boy tonight.”

Jennie found her voice. “I'm Jennie”

Jennie's brother Ben tapped Pete's shoulder. He didn't want to give Jennie up but didn't have a choice when he started to pull away, Jennie pulled him closer.

“Get out of here Ben or I'll sock you. Go dance with somebody else.”

Pete couldn't help but laugh. This was the girl he saw with the great pitching arm. She was going to be a lot of fun to be around. She turned back to him with a demure smile on her face.

“So Pete, how do you like living in Camden Corners?”

“I think I'm going to like it here just fine Jennie”

Samantha was enjoying her dance with Marty Mackenzie. He was an exceptional dancer and they glided across the floor. She didn't want the dance or the evening to end.

“Samantha, where did you learn to dance like this? You could be in a musical. The high school always puts on a show in the spring. Mr. Lane was talking about doing the Wizard of Oz. If you can sing as well as you dance you should try out. I'm going to try for the straw man myself.”

“That would be fun Marty but I'm not sure I would be able to perform in front of all those people”

“Nonsense, we are all your friends or will be by then. Anyway, look around you now. All eyes are on the two of us.”

Samantha looked up and sure enough, everyone was standing next to the dance floor and watching them dance. They all started clapping and instead of feeling shy, Samantha found herself enjoying the attention.

Margie turned to Clay. “I don't think you have to worry about our children here in Camden Corners, I do believe they are fitting in very well.” She pointed to a table on the far side of the room where Pete and Jennie were talking and laughing. Margie chuckled as she saw Pete take hold of Jennie's hand. She noticed Jennie didn't pull her hand away.

According to Grace Evans' calculations, she should have given birth two weeks ago. Doc Julie told her not to worry, babies have their own schedules and her little one would be here soon. She had felt rather like a cow that evening while she dressed for the dance.

“Maybe I should stay home” she told Ted “I'm so big and fat I'm not sure I'll be able to waddle up to the second floor of the winery.”

“It will be fun Grace, and if we don't show up, your mother will worry about you. You know how she has been looking forward to this evening.”

Grace was enjoying herself more than she expected. She was very calm and almost forgot she had been with child for over nine months. She was in Ted's arms as they glided over the dance floor.

Suddenly she had the strangest feeling and then a suspicious pain.

“Maybe you'd better take me home, Ted.”

Ted scooped her up and carried her to the carriage with her mother, Caroline and Doc Julie following behind.

The band began playing “Rock A Bye Baby” with everyone wishing the new parents good luck as they exited the building.

Secret Weapon

Secret Weapon

After reading his pa's journal, Dusty was even more certain Al Blanchard's fall from the scaffolding of the job site in Greensboro was not an accident. He was also certain that the man responsible was Leo Carlisle. Dusty knew Leo's threats were to be taken seriously and his mother was in serious jeopardy if Dusty didn't do exactly what Leo told him to do.

Dusty was surprised Ernie Black gave him a job on the hospital project. He couldn't hide his nervousness. He couldn't stop thinking about his pa's fate and what may lay ahead for Ma. He knew Ernie only hired him because of his father and shuddered to think what Leo would have done if he came home without the job on the project.

Reggie went with Ernie back to the job site. Reggie told Ernie all about his visit to the Dalton Sawmill and let him know the first part of their order would be on its way in just a day or two. Ernie asked Reggie if Josie was feeling alright.

“She looked a little pale to me”

“Josie? She's just fine. Had a great time with Effie Dalton. If she didn't love Camden Corners so much, I don't think I could keep her away from Dalton's Mountain. Sure is beautiful country down there.”

In the meantime, Josie had her head over the commode in the McMillan home. Her mother was sympathetic but couldn't keep the smile off her face because it looked like she would be a grandmother very soon.

Josie joined her mother at the kitchen table.

“I wanted to ask you if you thought I might be expecting but I can tell by the look on your face that you suspect it too.”

“It's probably too soon to tell but maybe you should talk to your sister. I would guess you are suffering from morning sickness. I'll bet Reggie is beside himself.”

“I haven't mentioned it to Reggie. He is so preoccupied with troubles with the lumber order. I want his full attention before I let him know he might be a father in a few months.”

Reggie and Ernie were in Reggie's office discussing how the order could possibly have been switched. Ernie was quiet for a moment and then spoke up.

“I was walking from the wagon across the street when a fellow bumped my arm. I remember thinking it was odd because there was plenty of room for him to walk by me without running into me. The envelope dropped to the ground and he picked it up and handed it to me. Our eyes met and I remember feeling a chill for a moment. I then walked over to the Post Office and handed the envelope to Jackson Parker. We chatted for a few minutes and I returned back here.”

“Let's start with Jackson Parker.” said Reggie “We'll have him look at his log and see where that envelope actually went.”

They rode to the Post Office. Reggie noticed Josie and her mother were going into the doctor's office next door to the McMillan house. He didn't think anything about it since they were all in the family.

Jackson brought out the log and scanned the pages until he came to the one that named the recipient as Dalton Mills, Box 808, Pineville, NY.

“I'm sorry boss.” Ernie said quietly “It was so careless of me not to check that envelope. I should have known something was fishy about that guy. It was all my fault. I cost Miss Lucinda a bundle of money. I will have my resignation letter on your desk first thing tomorrow morning.”

“Ernie, you will do no such thing. It wasn't your fault. Why would you even look at the envelope? You had no way of knowing someone was on the lookout for you. I just wonder how this Carlisle guy knew that order was going out at that time and knew you would have it in your hand when he bumped into you. I'm afraid we may have a spy in our organization.”

The crew was called back to the job the following morning. Dusty thought he saw Leo standing next to the light pole as he walked from the worker's camping grounds to the job site. He knew he had to let Mr. Blackburn know what Leo was capable of but the veiled threat against his ma was constantly on his mind. An hour later, Dusty tripped over his tool box hurting his arm and was taken to see Doctor Tom Campbell.

Tom entered the examining room just as Dusty was removing his jacket without any obvious pain.

“Sorry Doc I didn't hurt myself, I just needed to talk to you or your wife or Doc McMillan. I know you are related to Mrs. Blackburn and I have to get some information to her husband without anyone knowing.

Tom was leery of the boy but willing to listen to his explanation. Dusty showed him the journal. Tom knew of the recent mix up with the lumber and that Reggie was very worried about who was sabotaging the hospital project.

“Has this Leo Carlisle threatened you Dusty?” Tom asked after he had read a few of the incriminating pages.

“No sir, not me. He has cast some kind of spell over my mother and he has hinted that harm will come to her if I don't do as he tells me. So far he hasn't told me to do anything except sign up to work on this job.”

Tom wrapped the boys arm and placed a sling around his neck.

“We will say you have a sprained arm. That way if Leo sees you he won't be suspicious. My wife and I are expected at the Blackburn house this evening for supper. I will give the journal to Reggie then. Dusty, you are a brave young man. I didn't know your pa but I'm sure he would be very proud of the way you are handling this situation.”

Dusty was walking back to the job site when Leo slithered from behind a tree.

“Looks like you will be given a job in the office for a while boy. That works out very well. You will be of more help to me there than out working in the field.”

Later that evening Reggie read over pages of Al Blanchard's journal. He was furious that the man was apparently murdered because of Leo Carlisle's greed.

“Ernie said the kid acted nervous. It's no wonder. From reading through the journal, it appears that Leo is either lurking around the job site of his current victim or he has intimidated someone else to do his dirty work.”

Josie spoke up “Reggie, do you remember that young girl we hired to do the filing and help with some of the paperwork? Her name was Pamela. I would find her crying at her desk almost daily. She never let on what was wrong and one day she simply didn't show up for work. She said she was staying with Evelyn Keys but when I checked with Evelyn, she had never heard of the girl. Maybe I should have looked into it further.”

“We need to get this information to Sheriff Mendenhall but I'm afraid Leo is watching every move we make. For Dusty's safety and his mother's we will have to be very careful.”

Doc McMillan who had been sitting quietly listening to the conversation said “I'm having breakfast with the sheriff and Oscar in the morning. I'll make sure he gets the journal. Oscar will have some ideas, too.”

The sheriff was indeed interested in Al Blanchard's journal and the implications. He had recently returned from a convention of area sheriffs and it seemed Mr. Leo Carlisle had been under suspicion in several cases. None of the cases had ever been resolved because witnesses were unwilling to implicate Leo in any of them.

“I'll check the whereabouts of Pamela Fuller. It sounds like she may have the proof we need to arrest Leo Carlisle. I'm sure the Sheriff in Greensboro would be interested to know that Al Blanchard's death may not have been accidental after all.”

Josie really liked Dusty Blanchard. He was still very worried about his mother but he felt assured that Leo's reign of terror would be coming to an end soon. Josie had told him not to worry. The matter was being handled. They never knew who might be listening so they limited their conversation about the matter.

Dusty was sleeping soundly in his bunk that evening when he was suddenly awakened with a poke to the ribs.

“Find the order for bricks and meet me in the park near the library tomorrow at 12:00. Bring your lunch, we'll have a picnic” Dusty couldn't mistake the evil cackle of Leo Carlisle.

Dusty reported Leo's demand the following morning. Josie quickly drew up an order with false information. She knew it would be impossible to fill the order even from a disreputable company but she hoped when Leo was transferring the information to his own order forms he would not recognize the errors.

Josie was still suffering from morning sickness. Her sister had given her some medication to ease the nausea but she had left it at home this morning. Her stomach felt a little queasy but she was determined to fight it. She was sorry she had eaten so much last night but she was terribly hungry and she couldn't seem to stop herself from reaching for that second helping. She still hadn't told Reggie her news. She wanted it to be a special time for them and with the uproar with Leo and his shenanigans Reggie was still preoccupied.

There was a knock on the office door. Josie opened it to see Pamela Fuller standing there.

“Pamela, where have you been? You just disappeared and we had no idea where to find you.”

“I'm sorry Miss Josie, I have been dishonest with you and you were so kind to me. I met a fellow named Leo Carlisle. I've never had a beau before and he was so very charming I'm afraid after a few kind words I developed a crush on him. He wanted me to help him with a plan to swindle your husband and take money for himself. Oh, Miss Josie, I told him I couldn't do such a thing and suddenly he turned on me. What I thought was charm became pure evil. He threatened to hurt my dear mama. I couldn't bear anything happening to her and I went along with his plan. I started working here and copied the lumber order and gave it to Leo. Leo bumped into Ernie on the street and exchanged the envelope with the bogus one. He then took the check made out to Dalton Mills and was able to cash it at the bank in Greensboro. I suspect he may have been blackmailing someone at the bank to illegally cash the checks. I felt so guilty all those times you found me crying but I couldn't tell you. I had confided in my cousin Muriel who lives in Pennsylvania. She arranged for my mother and me to board the train under false identities and come to stay with her. My mother passed away in her sleep last week. I decided to come back here and face my punishment. Now that my mother is safe with the Lord, I am no longer afraid of Mr. Leo Carlisle.”

Leo had been watching Ernie Black from across the street and hadn't noticed Pamela Fuller walking into the office until it was too late to stop her.

“I should have gotten rid of the insipid woman a long time ago” he whispered to himself.

Leo practically ran to the office door, put his ear to the door and listened as Julie spoke.

“You did the right thing Pamela, I'm very sorry about your mother but we will keep you safe from Leo. You stay here while I find Reggie. We will call Sheriff Mendenhall and have Leo Carlisle arrested.

Leo backed away from the door. They weren't going to catch him. His way out of town was right here in plain sight. Josie Blackburn was a fine looking woman and his insurance policy.

Josie was walking quickly to the construction area where Reggie was talking with Ernie and a couple of the men. She felt the bile rising in her throat but had to get to Reggie before Leo got to Pamela. Suddenly she felt an arm around her waist and felt metal in her ribs. She wasn't surprised when she turned and her captor was none other than Leo Carlisle. She heard Pamela scream and Reggie shout her name. Leo was holding her tightly and was looking into her eyes when she couldn't hold back any longer. She regurgitated directly into Leo's face. He jumped back, dropped the gun and started retching himself. Leo had no qualms about killing someone in cold blood but couldn't take watching someone vomit. Especially, when it was directed at him.

The crew wrestled Leo to the ground and held him there and hosed him down while they waited for the sheriff to arrive and haul him off to jail.

Reggie held Josie closely. “You have been doing that often lately. Do you think we should get you over to Doc's so he can check you out? A stomach flu shouldn't last this long.”

“It's not a stomach flu, Papa. I was waiting for a special time to tell you but I think our little baby just saved my life and I would say this is a very special time.”

Reggie picked her up and swung her around until he thought better of it. Josie was looking a little green at the moment. Instead he put his arm around her and walked her back into the office where she could rest after her ordeal.

Leo confessed to Al Blanchard's murder and several other crimes insuring that he would be spending the next 99 years in prison.

Pamela was exonerated from any criminal charges and went back to Pennsylvania where she met and married Arnold Swanson who charmed her in only good ways.

Dusty was welcomed with open arms upon returning to Greensboro. He became sought after whenever a new construction project began.