Distant Cousins
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Year 1997
"Henry Rafael Caine was also my great, great grandfather," Caine declared. "But I do not understand how we are related."
Margit McLean was my great-grandmother and granddaughter of Henry Rafael Caine. Her grandmother was Sara Kingsley."
"Ah," Caine stated, understanding the connection. "Then we are cousins?"
"Well distant cousins to be sure," the younger man proclaimed.
"Pop, you mean to say you knew nothing about this?" Peter questioned.
"All I knew was what was written in my grandfather's journal," Caine answered. "He mentioned a Sara Kingsley and her two grand children, Margit and Johnny McLean. Johnny was killed by the Order of the Avenging Dragon, as was Sara Kingsley. Margit McLean survived, but there was nothing more. My grandfather may not have kept in touch with her since he was still wanted by the Chinese government for the death of the Emperor's nephew. He would not have wanted to put her in any more danger. And he would not have known what happened to her."
"You mentioned a will." Peter stated.
"Gets right to the point, doesn't he," Henry stated to Caine.
"Sorry, old habits. Used to be a cop in another life," Peter replied.
"And you're not now?" Henry questioned.
"Nope. If you heard any rumors, they're all true."
"What rumors?"
"Let's just say I'm following in my Pop's footsteps and taken up the family business."
"You're a priest?" Henry stated eyes wide. "But I thought that priests had to be . . . you know . . ."
"If my grandfather was, I would not be here today," Caine quipped.
Henry McLean-Caine smiled, "You're right about that."
At that moment, a pretty dark haired woman walked into the room. Her face was beaming with anticipation.
"Caine, are you ready? I promised my mother we would pick her up at the airport and I would like her to meet my future husband."
"Please, Mary Margaret, you can call me Kwai Chang."
"I know, but I like the sound of Caine better," It was then that Mary Margaret noticed the stranger standing next to Peter. "Aren't you going to introduce me?"
"Uh, Mary Margaret, this is my cousin, Henry Rafael McLean-Caine. Henry, my fiance, Mary Margaret Skalany."
"Cousin? I didn't know you had any cousins. I know you have a couple of brothers. And by the way, when am I going to meet that father of yours?"
"It is a long story. I will explain on our way to the airport."
As Caine and Mary Margaret left, Peter and Henry could here Skalany say, "He's cute. Is he anything like you?"
Caine cleared his throat but did not say a word as he led her to the stairs and out the door.
"So, you going to tell me more about the will and are there any more like you back home?" Peter questioned.
Henry gave Peter a credulous stare, then shook his head in amusement. This was turning out to be a most interesting day.
Continues with Part 5
Alisa Joaquin Copyright@2003.
This story cannot be reprinted or sold in any other form without strict permission from
the author. It is being distributed here solely for your enjoyment.
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