Written by Cynthia L. Sperko
Editor’s Note: This is the third chapter in this work of fiction. Future chapters will be published in upcoming editions of The Marietta Traveler. Previous chapters are available at MariettaTraveler.com. The story contains some themes that parents might not want young children to read (murder, etc.), so reader discretion is advised.
“Why is it taking so long? Jackson has been in the emergency department for hours” Sara said.
“Hey, they’re doing all they can. These things take time” Sara’s dad replied.
At that moment, a police officer approached them and handed Sara’s dad a plastic bag. “Jackson was holding onto this. I thought you would like to see it” the police officer said.
“Thank you” Sara’s dad replied, opening the bag and pulling the item out.
“What is it, Dad?” Sara asked.
“Another vintage piece of paper. And in a waterproof bag like the one you found. According to our research, there’s two more to find” Sara’s dad replied.
“It’s part of the treasure Ms. Harris was after, isn’t it?” Sara asked.
“It appears to be” Sara’s dad replied.
“We found the first one by chance. How did Jackson get it?” Sara asked.
“I don’t know. But, it’s a question I’ll be asking him” Sara’s dad replied.
A doctor came out of the ED unit and approached them.
“Jackson has a nasty head wound, and he’s still unconscious. We’re watching him around the clock. We’ll keep you posted” the doctor said.
“What happened on that boat ride?” Sara thought, as she texted Carly with the news.
***
A half groggy Sara opened her eyes to a new day. Insisting she get some rest, her dad took her home from the hospital.
The good news is Jackson’s condition was improving. The bad news, he was still unconscious. A gentle tapping on her door told her Carly was there.
“Come in” Sara said.
“Hey, are you OK? You look like you haven’t slept in a year” Carly replied, opening the bedroom door and entering.
“Thanks?” Sara questioned as Carly helped her get up. “It’s so strange what happened to Jackson.”
“It is. What’s so important about those vintage papers? Ms. Harris had to know about them and said nothing” Carly said.
“I know. We might never know how involved she actually was in all of this mess. I thought treasure hunting was supposed to be fun. It’s getting more complicated than ever” Sara replied.
***
A man dressed in dark clothing waited until Jackson’s mom left his private room before entering it. Once inside, he reached in his pocket and placed Jackson’s Apple watch on the bedside table.
“Rest easy, son. You’re going to be okay. Let all the pieces fall into place” the man said.
***
Quinn came downstairs to see her uncle getting ready to leave town.
“What’s going on?” Quinn asked.
“It’s business. I have to go. Tell your mom that I will call her when I get to my destination” Quinn’s uncle replied.
“What do I do if I’m asked about the accident?” Quinn asked.
“Tell the truth. I love you” Quinn’s uncle replied, leaving with one suitcase.
***
A man wearing black clothing was sitting on a chair across from Jackson’s room. Seeing Sara and her friend walking towards him, he opened the newspaper he was holding.
“Are you ready?” Sara asked.
“I suppose so” Carly replied.
Once inside Jackson’s room, both young ladies approached his bedside. Holding his hand, Sara whispered something in his ear.
“I think Jackson is waking up” Sara said as his mom entered. “He squeezed my hand.” “I’ll get his doctor” Jackson’s mom said, leaving the room.
***
Now waiting outside his room while the doctor examined Jackson, Sara and Carly sat two seats from the man in black. Both ladies were surprised to see Quinn approach.
“Is there any news?” Quinn asked.
“His doctor is with him. What happened on that boat, Quinn? Was it all about the watch or was there more to it?” Sara asked.
“I told your dad all I know. What more do you want?” Quinn replied.
“The truth” Carly said, getting up and standing behind Quinn.
Sara stood in front of her.
“OK…I believe that my uncle is involved and not in a good way…he had Jackson pick up a package for him…he had it with him on the boat…one thing led to another… someone…a scuba diver…came on board…tried to get it… Jackson lunged into him and they fell in the water…my uncle came up with the watch story…he left town in a hurry earlier today” Quinn replied.
Hearing that, the man in black got up and left, leaving his newspaper behind.
Taking notice, Carly moved away from Quinn to pick up the newspaper. She made an unusual discovery and showed Sara after Quinn walked away.
“Sara, there’s a list written on here…shell…boat…life…print…” Carly stated.
“What the heck? My dad needs to see this” Sara replied as the doctor came out of Jackson’s room.
“Your friend is going to be OK. He’s awake and asking to see both of you. Stay only for a few moments, though. He needs his rest” the doctor said.
“Thank you doctor” Sara replied.
Jackson’s mom excused herself so that they could have a few moments alone with her son.
“Sara, Carly…I’m so sorry about how we ended things…forgive me?” Jackson asked.
“Of course we do! Are you feeling OK?” Sara questioned as she came up to him.
“My head hurts. I don’t remember what happened” Jackson replied.
“Quinn was here. She left, but she told us her uncle wanted you to get a package for him. Apparently while on the boat someone came onboard and tried to take it. Jackson, you had it with you when you were brought in. My dad has it now. Believe it or not, it’s part of the treasure” Sara said.
“The treasure? That’s what this is all about?” Jackson questioned.
“Apparently” Carly replied.
“We should go. We were told not to stay long. We’ll stop by later, alright?” Sara said.
“OK. Uh…you didn’t happen to find my phone?” Jackson asked.
“It was found in the river. I’m afraid it’s done for, though. I still have my older one. I’ll bring it with me when we come back later” Sara replied.
“OK, thanks,” Jackson said.
***
Back at home, Sara showed her dad the list on the newspaper that was left behind.
“’Life’ and ‘print’ are likely clues to finding the missing two vintage papers. ‘Shell’ helped us find the first one. The second one was on the boat Jackson risked his life…for…” Sara said.
“I believe you’re right. And Quinn’s uncle did skip town before we could question him about any of it. He’s a fugitive and is being charged with receiving stolen property” Sara’s dad replied.
“Stolen property?” Sara asked.
“Yes. As we were closing Ms. Harris’s case, new info came to light. The four vintage papers once belonged to the founder of Marietta. They were the path to locating good fortune. How they managed to disappear is anyone’s guess” Sara’s dad replied.
“So, a treasure possibly exists all these years later? Any idea what it is?” Sara asked.
“The townspeople believed that it was a small chest filled with jewels. Others thought it was a rare silver coin” Sara’s dad replied.
“Gosh! Ms. Harris was definitely onto something” Sara asked.
Just then, the detective’s phone rang. It was his deputy and the news wasn’t good.
***
Feeling restless, Jackson carefully got himself out of bed and walked to the window. Once there, he watched as a young boy and his father entered the building. Next, he watched an ambulance pull up. Lights flashing, the first responders quickly got out and removed the gurney.
Jackson was shocked to recognize the patient being brought in. He was certain it was Quinn’s uncle.
Judging by the police cruiser that pulled up behind the ambulance, he was right.
“What in the world is going on?” Jackson thought.
To be continued in the next edition of the Marietta Traveler!