Choices In Time

by Jeanette © 2001

Chapter VII

Victoria rose early in the morning.  She found to her surprise that she'd actually been able to get a good night's rest away from the comforts of her own bed at the station.  She sat up in bed, hearing much activity coming from the kitchen area; footsteps walking back and forth across the wooden floor, cupboard doors opening and shutting, and the familiar clanging of heavy pots on the metal stove.  Lou was still very much asleep as she looked to the accompanying bed next to hers.  Deciding to get the day started, she draped a cotton robe over her nightdress and headed towards the kitchen.  Surely Celinda was in there busy and wouldn't mind an extra helping hand. 

Victoria entered the kitchen area and was greeted with a cheerful "Good Morning!" by Celinda who'd as she imagined, was getting breakfast readied for little Nathan and the rest of the household.  She held the child in one arm as she prepared the cookware.

"Good Morning." Victoria greeted in return.

"Hope you slept well." Celinda said.

"Yes I did.  Thank you.  Do you need help?"

Celinda stopped in the middle of her well-worn trail between the cupboards and table, setting plates and utensils for use.  "Well if you don't mind holding Nathan until I get things all done." she smiled, but immediately sensed Victoria's apprehension.

"Will he let me?...I mean hold him?"

"He seemed to like you just fine yesterday and that my dear is a miracle.  He doesn't usually take to strangers.  Come on." she urged.

Victoria took the necessary steps, approaching the little tyke cautiously as he looked at her with a puzzled look.  She wasn't sure if he'd burst out in tears if she dared take a hold of him but Celinda's constant encouragement gave her the tinge of confidence needed to secure the boy in her hands.

Celinda's voice was calm and soothing as she told her young son to go to auntie Victoria.  Celinda's reference filled Victoria with a warmth she hadn't experienced in her life.  Such endearing words made her begin to wonder if Jimmy had confided some unknown proposal to his sister.  Could he had seriously inquired of his sister as to her sentiments in having her as his wife?  Her heart bubbled at the prospect.  'Yes, come to auntie.' she mused gleefully.  Jimmy's sister was left in awe as to how quickly her usually shy little one leapt into the waiting arms of Victoria.  She smiled broadly and reckoned that this one possessed some special touch in her soul for she enchanted the Hickok men to her delight. 

Victoria smiled at little Nathan as she took him, resting him comfortably on her arm.  She turned away from his mother, bouncing him playfully as she hummed a cheerful tune.  Nathan's playfulness, his delightful giggling spilled forth, filling the small room but fading slowly as Victoria soon found herself in the living parlour, standing in front of the fireplace where a picture of Jimmy, Celinda and their father caught her eye once again.  The light tune she hummed gradually ceased as she picked up the frame with her free hand, wondering what had happened that had torn this family apart. 

Before reason could dictate, she re-entered the kitchen area with the picture in hand.

"I see you found our one and only family portrait." noted Celinda as she looked over her shoulder from the wood stove.

"How long ago was this taken?"

"Oh, I guess about ten years ago.  We were so young." she sighed as she walked over, taking a long look at the photograph.  "How the years have flown by."   Celinda wiped her hands on her apron and proceeded with her tasks.  She walked back to the counter, placing some coffee beans into the grinder.

"Your father was murdered." Victoria commented cautiously, recalling her father mentioning the fact at dinner one evening.  The newspaper clipping on Celinda's mantle was no doubt a constant reminder of the awful tragedy.

Celinda nodded, as the rough grinding sounds of the coffee beans and the aroma of them filled the air.  "It was a very difficult time for our family."

"Jimmy doesn't talk about him."

"I know." she acknowledged.  "Jimmy's got a lot of anger towards our father.  When our mother left it was horrendous.  My father was not the best husband but he tried to be a good enough father when he wasn't running off fighting for what he believed.  Jimmy was young, he doesn't remember our father the way I do.  He cared for his children.  He just didn't know how to show us he cared." she said sadly.

Celinda set the coffee pot on the heated stove.  She walked back to Victoria and her little son, taking the framed picture and setting it on the table.  As Victoria held her son, Celinda passed a loving, tender hand over his small face and urged Victoria to take a seat.  She did so, settling Nathan on her lap.

"You know Victoria, Jimmy doesn't open his soul, bare it for anyone; not even me.  But it's not that way with you.  He's a different man when I see him with you.  When he wrote to me about you, you don't know how joyful I was to hear he'd found someone to love him wholly.  I had to see it for myself." 

Jimmy's older sister took her hand and said, "I want you to know, that I would be honored to call you my sister."  Her words were soft and her eyes carried their meaning.

Victoria's own eyes welled.  Why had Celinda said those things to her?  They hardly knew each other.  She was confused by her adoring words.

"But...but you hardly know me.  H-How can you say that?" her voice almost a whisper.

Celinda raised her eyes up to meet with Victoria's, her lips curled into her mouth.

"I know you may think it strange Victoria but, the last time I saw Jimmy his heart had been torn to bits.  I never thought he'd recover.  His breakup with Rosemary had been the worst thing he'd gone through in a very long time." she informed.

Victoria's brow contracted in confusion.  "Rosemary?...Burke?"

Her confusion was written so clearly Celinda saw it right off.  "He never told you." she whispered, regretting immediately that she'd mentioned the fact.

Victoria's heart felt a trembling fright.  "What is there to tell Celinda?" she asked, worry cascading off her lips.

"I don't know if I should.  It's not my place."

"Celinda?" she pleaded.

A sigh came forth.  Celinda had opened a can of worms and now she reasoned she was the one to clean up the mess.  "Alright." she paused before continuing.  "First off, let me say that this is no recent event Victoria.  It's been at least one year ago when Rosemary and Jimmy used to..."

"CELINDA!" cried the reprimanding voice all too familiar to their ears, abruptly cutting her off.

Both women turned at once to see Jimmy.  A dreadful scowl displayed deeply on his countenance.  Celinda knew all too well from the disapproving tone of Jimmy's voice that she had overstepped her bounds.  The glare in Jimmy's eyes told Victoria this conversation would go no further.  She felt scared to think that he had witheld such a relationship from her.  But why?  Why would he?  She fought through her dread, rising to her feet with the baby and greeted him with a kiss and a good morning.

Jimmy's face softened as his eyes fell on this woman that he'd fallen in love with, the one he loved so dearly.  He felt his heart sink as thoughts of Victoria and what she could be pondering at that very moment flashed through his mind.  Even though an attempt had been made to soften, to ease the tension, it did little good.  Questions were bound to be asked; answers not so easy to give would have to come forth.

Turning back to Celinda, Victoria requested she be excused so she could change and take little Nathan out for a short morning stroll.  She handed the child to his uncle and left their presence.  His nephew, seeing he was now in the arms of his uncle, began to squirm and whimper as he reached his small arms out for his mother.

"Here, let me take him." she offered, sparing her brother the added grief.

"Celinda, I can't believe you!" he whispered, as she took her son who found instant relief in his mother's embrace.

"I didn't know Jimmy...I'm sorry." she uttered, turning back to the stove.

Jimmy followed behind her.  "What happened between Rosemary and I is my business!"

She turned to face her brother.  "I understand perfectly." she said curtly.  "My question is, is why haven't you told her!" she said in a low voice, not so low.

"There is nothing to tell Celinda.  I wasn't planning on telling her but now that you have I guess I'll have to!" he shot back.

Anger shot through her.  "Don't be stupid Jimmy!" she reprimanded.  "Let me give you a little advice as a woman.  The most humiliating thing for a woman to feel is that the man whom she's devoting herself to has to hide a relationship that can threaten everything they stand for.  Victoria is not a stupid woman.  She loves you and deserves better."

Victoria couldn't help but overhear all the words spoken as she stood in her room, the words echoing through to the other side of her cracked door. 

What was Jimmy hiding?  Could it still be that he loved Rosemary?  She felt sick.

Victoria and the baby returned from their morning walk.  Everyone was seated at the table, enjoying breakfast.  She greeted Kid and Lou, seeing them for the first time this morning and took a seat with the baby next to Jimmy.  She didn't say anything to him, just focused on the empty plate that had been set for her on the table.  Celinda took little Nathan from her so she could serve herself something to eat. 

"Thank you Celinda but I'm not very hungry." she said softly. 

"Well you've got to eat a little something." she urged.  "At least something hot to drink." 

Victoria realized Celinda was trying to be helpful but she felt that if she ate anything right now, she would throw it up instantly.  There were so many questions twirling in her mind.  So many things she was dying to know.  As she took her walk with the baby, she couldn't help but to wonder and wonder and wonder some more.  She felt threatened and she didn't like that feeling.

Lou and Kid tried to make conversation but sensed that something had happened between their two friends.  Their eyes traveled from Jimmy to Victoria noting that their usual romantic and playful banter was nonexistant.  What in the world could've cost such a rift between the two lovebirds?  They had never seen them so distant.  So detached from the other.  Lou looked at Kid and Kid at Lou who just gave her an 'I don't know' look. 

Jimmy interrupted the uncomfortable situation.  "We better get going Kid if we want to make it there before noon."

Kid nodded.  The two men rose from the table, excusing themselves.  Kid bent over after wiping his mouth with his napkin and gave Lou a kiss on the lips.  His blue eyes looked across the table to Jimmy's sister.  "Thank you Celinda, breakfast was wonderful." he said, easing into the compliment.

"You're welcome Kid."

Jimmy stood by Victoria but she didn't even make the effort to look up at him.  He bent over to kiss her but she turned her face from him, looking away.  She couldn't look at him right now.  She was hurt.  Jimmy let out a soft sigh and told her he'd be outside getting ready if she wanted to say goodbye.  She gave no response.

The other two women at the table sat silently, neither wanting to make a move as they watched the intensity of the moment increase between Jimmy and his love.  They would be spared too much suffering, for soon enough, Kid and Jimmy were out the door and Victoria excused herself and went into her room.  Celinda looked at Lou and could only shake her head.

"Don't even ask." she noted.  Lou didn't.  She simply returned to her cup of coffee but hell, she was determined to find out what in the world had transpired.  Yesterday, they were so full of love and today they weren't even speaking?!  She would get answers.

Jimmy and Kid were busy readying their horses for the half-day trip to look for Mustang Sally, the person they'd been directed to find in Jonas' letter.  They had narrowed their search to a small town just outside Redford amidst rumors from a couple of old-timers who they'd gotten a chance to speak with, after their arrival yesterday.  Celinda informed them that if anyone knew anything, it would be the old Wilcox brothers.  And sure enough, they'd given them just enough to narrow their search.

As they finished securing their saddles and reins, Victoria neared with two small bundles of bread and cheese wrapped up neatly in cloth, handing each of them the sustenance. 

"Celinda wanted you to have these." she reported, trying her best to smile.  Celinda had convinced her to go out there and take care of this matter with Jimmy before he left.  She didn't really want to but had to see him again.  Oh!, she was upset with him but damn it, she loved the man more everyday. 

Kid thanked her as he took the bundle.  "We should be back tomorrow morning."

"Well, ride safe." she plainly said, not wanting to make eye contact with Jimmy.  She couldn't deal with this right now so, Victoria turned towards the house without further speaking.

"What the hell's going on Jimmy?" Kid asked with a scowl.

"Damn!" retorted Jimmy in a tone audible only to Kid as he followed her a few seconds after.  Jimmy ran after her, as he called out to her.  Victoria stopped her strides, turning in his direction, her long hair whipping around as she turned her head.

"Hey!  Don't I get a good-bye kiss?" he smiled at her, trying to dissipate the growing tension they shared.  Jimmy held her arms and she died to fall into his embrace.  Hold him with all her strength but she didn't.  Her eyes finally met his.  Her stare was hard, conveying her displeasure and he knew why.

"Ride safe Jimmy.  I'll see you when you get back." was her business-like response.  She disengaged his hold on her, leaving his presence cooly.  He was shocked.  He couldn't remember the last time they parted in which they hadn't kissed.  It was their ritual.  His good luck charm. 

Turning back to Kid, his steps slower, his brow furrowed, he was despondent. 

"So what's going on?" Kid questioned attentively.

"Nothing."

"Sure; I can see it's nothing."

"I ain't discussing this right now Kid." Jimmy replied annoyed.

"You mean you won't."

Jimmy shook his head, shrugging Kid's attempt to pry into his business.  He grabbed the reins of his palomino, leading the beast out of the small corral.  Kid mounted Katy and followed close behind, leaving matters to stand where they were for now, but eventually he'd get answers. 

The two friends exited the homestead and in a moments time were gone in the distance as Victoria stood at the window watching as they disappeared.

"This is a very fine vessel you possess; indeed it is Mr. Moore." came the admiring words of the man who strolled down the promenade side by side with the owner of The Southern Belle.

Carson was proud.  He had every reason to be.  He had staked his life into this steamboat and felt his ego reach higher heights everytime a newcomer was awestruck with the elegance of his making.

He grinned from ear to ear, listening to the out-of-towner sing the praises of his beautiful ship.  Carson gathered that the older man must've been in his early sixties, his hair a silvery white, but Carson had never been good with the age game and so it was only a guess.  The older man walked with a hobble, his black silver handled cane in perfect tow with his every step.  He couldn't help to wonder what it was that had been the cause of this man's injury.  A war?  A quarrel?  A gentleman's duel?  His guess again was as good as any.  But regardless, he knew one thing for certain, this man had money and Carson never turned that sort away. 

"Your praises are much too undeserved Mr. Webb but I do thank you for offering them.  She is indeed my prized possession."

"Well I think I've already figured out why she would be.  My goodness man!  She is the finest thing I've seen with my own two eyes.  Why, she dwarfs all the others, even the finest ones that sail up there in St. Louis.  She is remarkable.  Absolutely remarkable." he marveled.

Carson couldn't help but laugh along with him.  Of course he knew that to be true.  There was no arguing with the man.  His ship was the finest in the South.

Carson opened the door to the main hall, followed by Mr. Webb and his slim associate, who kept two steps behind his well-dressed and powerful boss.  As they stepped inside, Mr. Webb's eyes grew wide as he soaked in the luxury that now surrounded him.  Carson noted the awed expression on his companion's face from the corner of his eye and felt glee running through his veins.  The reactions never got old.

Walking with his hands clasped behind his back, Carson stepped over to the elegant bar, which was finely stocked with all sorts of liquor; whiskey, rum, wine, and bottles of brandy and for the more delicate in nature, champagne was never a miss.  Four taps of beer stood to one side of it, while drinking glasses of several shapes and sizes lined the counter behind.  The mirror in the back stretched the length of the bar itself, taking in different views of the gambling area.

Mr. Webb inspected the massive gambling hall, his mind still in disbelief.  His attention was drawn immediately to its owner when asked, "So what brings you to my fine establishment Mr. Webb?"

He took two steps forward, the thud of his cane dulled by the carpeting beneath his feet.  He joined Carson at the bar.  "Business." he simply stated.

"What sort of business?" asked Carson directly.

"Business I think you'd find benefitting to you."

"And how is that?" Carson smugly wondered.

"Don't take any offense in my brashness Mr. Moore but, I like to get straight to the point."

"Please do." he nodded.

"There's talk floating around certain circles that you're barely holding on to this steamboat."

Carson snickered, "Is that so?"

"Don't get me wrong, I do sympathize with you Mr. Moore.  As a business man, I myself understand very well the hard labor that goes into making a prosperous business out of nothing."

Carson smirked, "Cigar?" he offered, opening a box seated on the counter.

"Don't mind if I do." Mr. Webb delightfully took one out of the box, sliding the stogie under his nose.  The aroma was telling, noting the fine quality which he mentioned at once.

Carson clipped the end of their cigars.  He clenched his between his teeth, striking a match and lighting it, extending the flame to the man in front who readily lit his smoke.

Puffs of smoke started ascending from the two men as they enjoyed the taste of the tobacco, taking it in and then blowing the fumes into the air.

"Why are you so interested in my vessel?" inquired Carson, his cigar now between his fingers.

"Allow me to be blunt with you Mr. Moore.  You, are a very well-known man around these parts...so is your taste for luxury and lavish spending.  Your reputation preceeds you."  Mr. Webb reclined an elbow on the bar, taking his cigar from his mouth.  "I've come to the understanding that in a matter of months, you won't be able to pay your outstanding debts.  You could be in danger of losing everything."

"That's just talk.  People never get the facts straight, you know that and I know that."

Mr. Webb grinned.  "Always the poker face I see."  He nodded for his assistant to near.  Summoning with his fingers, the slim, properly attired personal assistant, pulled out of the leather attache he carried, documents which he handed promptly to the older man. 

"I don't take people's word in anything Mr. Moore.  My rule of thumb is getting the facts in black and white; and in your case, the written report doesn't tell a lie." he smiled crookedly, handing the papers over to Carson.  His eyes surveyed the contents it held.  As he read on, the details of his finances neatly outlined, his brow narrowed, his eyes darkened.

"Where did you get these?" he said forcefully, brown eyes now blazing with anger.

"Worthy connections."

Carson shoved the papers back into Mr. Webb's chest saying, "Men like you are nothing but dirty vultures ready to swoop down on a kill.  I'll be damned if I let you do that to me."

The cigar Mr. Webb smoked was now clenched securely between his front teeth, taking the  documents that had been so rudely shoved into him, handing them blindly back to his assistant.

"Don't take my coming here the wrong way Moore.  We're only trying to spare a man like yourself the horrid reputation that follows someone who'd no doubt be bankrupt or worse, destitute.  The talk of people can be a merciless prison and you my friend are too proud a man."

A snicker came forth from Carson.  He was younger but he wasn't stupid.  "So you're willing to help me with my debts?  Why...you're being the mighty neighborly Samaritan."

"Everyone needs a fellow man's help, there's no shame in that." he answered, puffing his cigar.

"I don't put my trust in anyone but myself and my cold hard cash."

"Which you are in much short supply of these days." rebuffed Mr. Webb.

"Temporarily." Carson assured, putting out his cigar, in the nearby ashtray.

The older man shrugged.  "Perhaps, but we're willing to make you an offer...a very good offer."

Leaning forward, staring dead into the older man's glassy eyes he snidely asked, "What is it that you want?"

"The deal is this...we pay off your creditors and supply you with the flow of needed funds to keep this ship sailing, just the way you have her and then some; in exchange, we're asking for eighty-five percent ownership in your vessel.  I think it's a fair business venture, for both parties concerned.  Of course," he quickly added, "you'd still make the all important decisions and run the establishment."

Such audacity, Carson thought.  To think he would just hand over total control of his baby to these cut-throat, back-stabbing, good-for-nothing bastards.

"First off, do you think I would let the lot of you snakes get your hands on all my hard work?! he cried.  "You keep your damn money.  It's not needed here."

"Are you certain of that?" he asked the younger man.  They had been assured by the report obtained that Carson would jump at the offer, noting the massive debts he'd incurred.  But, it seemed the young man wasn't about to let his hold go on this beautiful ship.

Carson replied strongly.  "Very certain."

Mr. Webb's displeasure showed.  He wrinkled his brow, the disapproval draped so clearly on his countenance.  "You know you won't be able to hold on to her forever and when you can't...we'll be there." he informed wickedly.

"Get out before I throw you out." Carson threatened, his voice low but menacing all the same.

Mr. Webb offered his crooked smile once again.  "As you wish...but we will see each other again.  I promise."  With that, he waved for his assistant to hand him his coat as he extinguished his cigar in the tray.  "Damn good smoke." he jabbed.  Then taking a deep breath as he stood, he draped his fine coat on, grabbed his cane, and directed his assistant to follow him.  No further words were spoken as the older man's faint steps were heard heading towards the door, yet Carson's glare never left him.

"Damn it!" he cried, banging his fist against the bar after he was alone.  At least so he thought.

"Bad day?" asked the voice from behind which he recognized as Lewis.  Carson eyed him as he approached, his eyes narrowed in thought but he gave no response.  "Who were your friends?" Lewis was curious as he'd seen the two men exit just moments ago.

"I have no friends."

"If you say so." he quipped, as he stepped behind the bar.  "You look like you could use a drink."

"Then give me one!" growled Carson in response.  Lewis took a shot glass from the counter behind and poured Carson's choice of drink, whiskey.  They only served the best on his boat, not the watered down crap you found of the other boats, but the good, smooth, high proof liquor.  Carson always thought that the drunker a man got, the more he would dig into his pockets to keep the good times rolling.  The character of man, he knew all too well.

Lewis slid the glass in front of Carson who took it at once, downing it in one gulp.  He gestured for another.  Lewis filled the order.

"You must be really having a bad day."

"Lewis...shut up."

He obliged, bringing his drink, a tasty brandy to his lips.  Lewis wasn't as much a refined man as was Carson, he wasn't as smooth a talker or as debonaire with the ladies but he had a good, strong head on his shoulders.  He had been through enough in his own life and seen more than he would care to remember but, that was life.  Some had it better than others yet, he wouldn't change anything to be in the shoes of the man that now sat troubled before him. 

Lewis had very few friends.  Not many in New Orleans.  It was better that way he thought.  The only people he'd allowed endearing himself to were all back in Rock Creek and their far distance relationship made it easier to deal with his emotions.  He had never had a loving home, never really knew what one was supposed to feel like, that is until he met Teaspoon, Rachel and the boys...and of course there was always Louise McCloud.  She was so beautiful and strong.  He liked her right away.  His ideal woman she was.  Sadly in his case, even such a remarkable specimen of a woman had been already claimed by another.  But, his admiration for her, Lewis never allowed to cease.  If he ever had a wish to come true, he would marry Louise at the drop of a hat.

"Vultures I tell you!  Pack of dirty coyotes.  At the slightest smell of blood they come running." Carson voiced, cutting into Lewis' thoughts.

"What did you expect?  People are starting to talk.  Maybe I'm not the one who needs to keep his mouth shut."

Carson's blood boiled.  Grabbing Lewis by the nape of his coat, he roared, "Don't you tell me what to do!"

Lewis knew Carson too well to be intimidated by the man.  He remained calm, unnerved. 

"I ain't your enemy, remember."

Carson hated losing his cool like that.  He let go of Lewis and settled back into the stool at the bar.

"Have you found anything yet?" asked his boss.

"No.  The trail has grown cold for now." he reported.

"What the hell did I hire you for?!" his frustration peaking.

"Look, you yourself said that the gold is here in New Orleans.  Whoever is coming for it needs the missing coin to get to it.  They can't get around that.  Why exhaust ourselves, our resources chasing ghosts?  The ghost will come to us.  It's just a matter of time."

"Time?  I don't have time!" he yelled.

"Then we'll have to make time." Lewis said assertively.  "I ain't too keen on losing five thousand dollars myself, I can assure you.  We'll get to McBride's gold first."

"McBride..." he muttered.  "That man's been a thorn in my side since the day I left his band.  He cursed me you know, when I decided to break off.  See, there were two powerful forces pulling at his heart and I wasn't settling for second." he paused then added, "Let me give you a little advice, don't ever let a woman come between you and your future."

Lewis wondered what that meant?  Had he and Jonas split company over a woman?  Carson was never known to attach himself to any one woman.  He had several he saw, delighted in.  Lewis couldn't help but think, had this woman been the source of his inability to maintain a serious relationship?  Or had she been the only one who he'd seriously ever loved?  He wasn't about to ask it.

He heard Carson's voice in the background, shaking his thoughts away to focus once again on this one-sided conversation. 

"He told me, "Go ahead you good-for-nothing bastard!  See how far you can get without me!  Remember I made you and I can tear you to pieces."  Those were the last words he'd speak to me." his lips tightened, the pain of that fallout coming into full view.  He quickly bore his feelings deep down where he'd reserved for them to stay.  He had actually gotten better, keeping them so far in the depths of his soul, that at times he wondered if they were still there.

"But..." Carson paused, a laugh playing on his lips, "I proved him wrong!" he cried out.  "Look!  Look at what I've built." he stood proudly, taking a stand in the middle of the room, his arms spread in triumph.  "And she's all mine." his fist met his chest in a conqueror's pound.  He took a deep breath, regaining composure.  "You know Lewis, the joke's on him.  That money; his money is going to secure my future still.  Funny isn't it?  This bastard is going to get the last laugh." he grinned, walking back to the stool at the bar, signaling another drink.

Lewis resigned to say nothing.  He pitied the poor man actually.  So much hatred, so much resentment.  Where could it all lead?  He hoped his job would be done before he would be able to answer that.

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