SADDLEBAGS, Trunks, and Tombs

Chapter 15: Never Look Back: Part 2

The Walker:

     Jackson had remembered the way Marty had made her way to the stables that night.  He had watched his new, young bride go through the rest of her day and her duties at the manor without the slightest hint of distraction.  His father had even given her a smile and a pat on the head that he reserved only for her.  It was the most affection he would ever show a servant, even though there had been rare times when she was a little girl that Franklin Winchester himself had held her on his knee.

     Just as she was making her way to the back of the stables, where he waited for her, Jackson quickly hoped that his father would recall those days when the time came to reveal that he had taken her to be his wife.  She was standing in front of him, her strawberry blond hair falling to her waist in the light waves she had always worn.  There would be no more thoughts of his father tonight, only thoughts of his new bride here in his arms. 

(Back to the Present)

     The bright column of light had faded but the next column of light seemed to be in just about the same place.  All ’Old Jack’ needed to do was step to the open window of the house he had been standing in front of and he would be where he was drawn to be.  Funny though, in his mind, he had just placed the shoe in the bag when the next column had appeared.  Looking around, though, he realized that time had gone by.  This was another time.  Maybe even years later.  How in the world..........

The Watcher:

     By now I was used to the pictures coming and out of my window and was already prepared to write what came next.  I was looking at the walker and looking around the scene where he was standing.  He again had the look on his face, telling me that he was remembering.  The look was lost and wistful.  This time, though, there was a loving look on his face.  His deep blue eyes, a mirror of my own, sparkling in the silver morning sun.

     The next column of light appeared and seemed to surprise us both.  The walker had just put the soccer cleat in his bag when the next light appeared about 10 yards away, in front of the window of the house he was standing in front of.  

I looked around, then realized.  Time had gone by.  How, I don’t know, but it had.  The walker began to move towards the open window.  As he stepped into the light, an empty envelope floated from the window and began its descent to the ground below.

Never Look Back: Part II 

     The brown, leathered hand reached out and caught the envelope as it floated toward the ground, never reaching its destination.  He remembered this place as he had never left it, it seemed.  The hope he had felt here before had turned into despair.  He opened the flap of the saddlebags and placed the envelope inside.

     He had watched them for fifteen years before the boy had left his home town.  Even though the child was gone, he continued to watch them. 

     Eighteen years ago, he had tracked them down.  It had taken time, but a promise was a promise.  He remembered well the day he had told them that if they ever crossed him, he would find them and their lives would be forfeit.  

     They were found, but at the appointed time, he was unable to carry out the rest of his promise.  In the yard, his eyes fell upon Adam and a beautiful boy, no older than three, kicking a soccer ball back and forth.  For the child, he would wait, but he would have his revenge and with that he continued to watch them as the child grew. 

     Ricardo Peruian never forgot a slight.  Years ago he had hired and eventually befriended the young couple to “assist” him in attaining the jewels he so coveted but refused to pay for.  They had been introduced as the best in the business and had made him one of the richest men in Brazil.  It was only when they stole from him that he was sure they were they best.  

     The worst of it was not only had they stole his jewels, they had stolen his heart.  He had come to love Adam as a brother.  Many days they had spent together, mostly at soccer tournaments.  The more time that went by, the more Ricardo had forgotten the one cardinal rule:  There is no honor among thieves. 

     Rory Daniels was nervous to say the least.  Yes, his name had been in lights ever since the first day he took his position on the field as a professional soccer player.  He was the best rookie there had ever been and only got better.  

     Though he kept his promise to his father to never look back, he knew that his father watched him and he showed his parents his love for them by staying at the top.  It was this that now, after only three years as a pro, had him walking out of the Brazilian airport, preparing to meet with the owner of the Capuchins, who themselves were the best in the world.  The deals had been made and it was time to hear the final offer from the horse’s mouth and sign on the dotted line.  “Here’s to you, Dad.” 

     Ricardo watched Rory from his limousine window.  The feelings he had felt, when the boy had been nothing but a tot, came flooding in again.  As he had loved his father, he had loved this very child from the day he laid eyes on him.  

     Over the past three years, there had been many speculations as to why the young phenom never spoke of his parents or of his home town.  Ricardo knew why.  Ricardo knew what it appeared Rory did not.  All the better for them both.  But, still, there were retributions to be met and he was a man that had been and would always be true to his word.

     Adam was preparing to watch the first game of the Capuchins season.  He had, of course, kept track of his son’s career over the years.  Sometimes he missed Rory so much, he could hardly stand to breathe.  Making his son keep that promise had torn their hearts out, but it had been the best thing for them all.  Hadn’t it?  That would remain to be seen.  

    What else could they have possibly done?  They had revealed to Coach Ruiz as much as they felt was necessary concerning who they were and what Vernon was to them and so many others.  He had kept their secret.  If they were ever found, they would be imprisoned if they were lucky and killed if they were not.  Their only child would never know, so best not to ruin his life because of their past.  They had lived as they chose and three years ago they had given Rory a chance to live. 

     Just as the game was about to begin, there was a knock at the door.  Adam could hear his wife’s cheery voice and then there was nothing, not even the sound of the door closing.  He turned, in his favorite chair, to call to her, but she was already standing there, her face as white as the letter she now held out to him.

      Dearest Adam and Priscilla,

      As you know, your son Rory has been offered and accepted a lifetime contract with the Brazilian Capuchins.  I know your plight and how you have given your son a chance at a life while giving up a chance at a life with him.  I have found this very noble of you and for that, I spare your lives, such as they are.  

     Years ago you claimed my diamonds for your own and now, my old friends, I have claimed your son. We are now even.  Actually, we are not even as I have gained more than you could have ever taken from me. 

      Sincerely, Ricardo

 The Walker:

 A new light has shown in the distance.  Must I truly continue this horrid walk?