Temple: A New Journey Begins
Please see the disclaimer on the Synopsis page.
Jake Carson walked out onto his front porch as usual to pick up the morning paper. Thoughts from the last 36 hours ran through is mind. The arrest had been listed in the paper, but no other details were given. Still Jake worried that the woman might not keep her mouth shut.
'How could that bitch screw up the way she did.' Jake thought as he poured himself a cup of coffee and took a sip. He knew he was going to have to talk to his son about this, but in the mean time, he wasn't going to let thoughts of the woman spoil his breakfast.
Jake went back to the kitchen, poured himself a second cup of coffee, and began to read the morning paper. He nearly scalded himself when he saw the headline.
"Platinum Discovered Near Braniff"
Jake read the article with care. His eyes narrowed with anger as he read every word, but when he was finished, he realized two things; that the article did not mention where the mine was located and who discovered it. Still, the article did say one thing, that someone had discovered a platinum mine in this area. For an instant it occurred to him that it might not be the same mine, but Jake dismissed that thought entirely. The area around Braniff wasn't that hilly, and there was only one likely spot where a mine might be discovered.
Jake nearly jumped out of his skin when the phone rang.
"Yeah," Jake barked into the receiver and listened to the hysterical voice on the other end, doing his best to keep calm. "Yes, I read it. I've got the paper in front of me. Hold your horses. The article doesn't mention anyone or the location. All right. I'm coming over. We'll put our heads together and see if we can't figure out who leaked it to the press."
Jake hung up the phone and headed to the front of the house. He picked up his keys and headed out the door. As he headed for his car, his neighbor, Bonnie Eagleton called out to him.
"Morning Jake,"
"Morning Miss Eagleton."
Jake did his best to ignore his neighbor, but before he could climb into his car, Bonnie came bounding across the yard.
"Did you read the paper this morning?" Bonnie asked with enthusiasm.
"No, Miss Eagleton," Jake lied. He really did not want to deal with her this morning.
"Well I tell you, when I read the headline I just could not believe it. I wonder who the lucky person might be and where the mine is located."
"Miss Eagleton, what are you talking about?"
"Well the paper this morning. Someone discovered a very large deposit of platinum." Bonnie Eagleton dispensed with her news. "When I read that it reminded me of when you discovered that long lost will of your uncles several years ago. Do you think this person is going to need help removing the platinum?"
"I'm sorry Miss Eagleton, you lost me," Jake did his best to keep his attention on what his neighbor was saying, but all he could think about was getting over to his son's place to discuss what their next options were.
"I'm sorry Jake, I seem to be going from one thought to the next. Of course the two events aren't connected. You know this town can use something like this, so many people out of work, and the economy being what it is. And now that woman who works at the Friar's Tavern being attacked, and by another woman . . ."
"Uh, Miss Eagleton. I really have to go. My son just called. He needs help with some things."
"Oh why of course. I don't want to keep you, but do you think they may need people to work the mine? You know my great-great-grandfather used to be in the mining business. He was one of the people who opened that gold mine near Gurneyville after the natives . . ."
Without saying another word, Jake just got into his car and pulled out of the driveway, leaving Bonnie Eagleton behind. Within minutes Jake arrived at his son's home just a few blocks from his. He could have walked the distance, but he didn't want to run into anyone else. He pulled into his son's driveway as Bobby came rushing out of the house.
"What are we going to do about this?" Bobby screamed in hysterics. "The whole town knows. First they report about the attack and now this."
"Calm down son. Let's go in the house and talk about this."
"My phone's been ringing off the hook. I can't get a moment's peace in there."
"Then let's go to the café and get a cup of coffee, sit down and we'll talk about this where we won't be disturbed."
"The café's no good. Too many people coming and going. What if someone over hears."
"All right Bobby," Jake sighed. "You suggest a place."
Jake pulled the car into an empty space in the picnic area of the large park. It was obvious the argument had started long before.
"Do you really think she was the one who leaked the information?" Bobby asked.
"Well I did see a car drive away that day."
"But that could have been anyone, including that guy from the CIA."
"It wasn't him," Jake countered "His car was still parked at the Lowery place. I saw it as we drove by. Still I would not put it past that woman. She could have told that man from the CIA anything just to save her skin. I think you better talk to Kyle, find out what should be done about her."
"What if he wants me to . . . you know . . . get rid of her."
"Then we get rid of her."
"I don't know. To walk in the jail and . . . The Sheriff might suspect something."
"Bobby, you're in this up to you're neck. I covered for you the last time and no one was the wiser. If Kyle says we've got to get rid of the lady, then we've got to do it. Talk to Kyle. He'll know what to do."
Continues with Part 34
Alisa Joaquin Copyright@2004.
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.
Synopsis / Previous Part / Next Part
Back to Temple Tales / Contact
Alisa