Written by Cynthia L. Sperko
Editor’s Note: This is the fourth 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.
Wearing street clothes, Jackson stood up and went to the door. Taking a peek out of the hospital hallway, he walked a few doors down to Quinn’s uncle’s room. 
Quinn was waiting outside of it. “How is he?” Jackson asked.
“There’s no change. I don’t understand who would want to hurt him. He was beaten pretty badly. He might not make it” Quinn replied, tears in her eyes.
“I’m sorry Quinn” Jackson said, hugging her.
“Sara and Carly are likely on their way here from school. I want to sit with my uncle” Quinn said, entering the room.
Jackson went back to his room to find the “man in black” inside. “Who are you?” Jackson asked.
“Someone who is looking after you and your lady friends” the “man in black” replied.
***
Stepping out of the elevator, Sara and Carly walked past Quinn’s uncle’s room and headed to Jackson’s.
Seeing the “man in black” leaving his room quickly, both ladies raced there to find Jackson sitting in a chair.
“Jackson, are you OK? Who was that man?” Sara asked.
“A friend,” Jackson replied.
“Sara, he was here a few days ago. He left after Quinn told us about her uncle leaving town” Carly added.
“Hey, he had nothing to do with my accident or with beating up Quinn’s uncle. He’s on our side” Jackson replied. “Besides, I did not see any marks on his hands or face. Whoever hurt Quinn’s uncle meant business.”
“You’re right about that. I suppose you’re waiting to leave this place?” Sara asked.
“Definitely!” Jackson answered. “My mom’s signing the release forms as we speak.”
***
During dinner that night Sara couldn’t stop thinking about Jackson and the “man in black”. “So, I guess Jackson is home from the hospital?” Sara’s dad asked.
“I’m sorry…what…?” Sara replied.
“I was asking about Jackson” Sara’s dad said.
“Oh…uh…yes…we saw him after school. He was released today” Sara replied. “Is there something I should know?” Sara’s dad asked.
“Well, since you asked…an older man wearing black jeans and a t-shirt visited Jackson. Carly and I saw him leave his room. Jackson claims he’s a friend who is watching out for us” Sara replied.
“Yes, his name is Martin and he’s helping me with the case. I asked him to discreetly look after the three of you. I should’ve told you” Sara’s dad said.
“You know him? I’m not so sure he can be trusted. The other day he overheard Quinn telling us about her uncle skipping town. He left right away. The next thing we know, her uncle was hurt. Are there any leads on who hurt Quinn’s uncle?” Sara asked.
“We suspect the scuba diver” Sara’s dad replied. “Any clues on where the treasure is?” Sara asked.
“Unfortunately no” Sara’s dad replied as the doorbell rang. Sara walked to the door and let Quinn inside the foyer.
“I’m sorry if I came at a bad time. My uncle woke up briefly and said something about a photo of us…I think this is the one he wanted me to find…” Quinn said as she handed Sara a framed photo of her uncle and herself taken many years ago.
“It’s a nice picture of the two of you. It appears that it was taken on his boat” Sara inquired.
“Yes, it was. My uncle wanted to spend some quality time with me. My mom was in the maternity ward giving birth to my younger sister. I was too young to be there. A friend of my
uncle took the photo. He was with us that day. Anyways, I thought it best to bring it here. Maybe it’ll help you figure out who hurt him” Quinn replied as Sara’s dad entered the foyer.
“Thanks for bringing it, Quinn. Would you like to join us for dinner? There’s plenty of food” Sara’s dad asked.
“No, thank you. I should go. My mom needs me to watch Cissy tonight” Quinn replied. “OK. Another time then” Sara’s dad said.
“Of course” Quinn replied.
After Quinn left, Sara and her dad went to his home office to examine the potential clue.
Opening it, they were both surprised to find another vintage piece of paper wedged between the photo and backing.
“Three down, one more to find” Sara said.
***
On the school bus, Sara filled Carly in on their new findings, as well as telling her about Martin. “So, your dad didn’t tell you about him until now?” Carly asked.
“Yup! I suppose I should be mad at my dad but I’m not. I saw Martin near the bus stop this morning. He left after we boarded it” Sara replied.
“Do you have any idea where the last vintage piece of paper is?” Carly asked. “No, but it has something to do with life” Sara replied.
“Well, so far the first one was found at Shell Island and the second one was sent to Quinn’s uncle” Carly said.
“And one of them was found in a framed photo that Quinn had. It’s pointing to her uncle, except the first one. Someone probably hid it in the log to get it later not knowing we would find it” Sara replied.
***
Quinn approached Sara at her locker. “Can we talk for a moment?” Quinn asked.”Of course. What’s up?” Sara replied.
“Can you tell me how much trouble my uncle is in?” Quinn asked.
“His investigation is still open, Quinn. I cannot tell you anything about it. Honestly, I haven’t asked my dad too many questions about the case” Sara replied.
“My uncle is in a lot of trouble isn’t he?” Quinn inquired.
“It appears to be that way. How is he?” Sara replied.
“His condition is improving, but it’s still not good. I keep on thinking about who would do this to my uncle. I don’t know who would, though” Quinn said.
Sara closed her locker and faced Quinn.
“The best thing you can do besides praying for him is to let my dad figure out what happened” Sara replied.
***
While Sara and Carly were seated at a table at Molly’s Courtyard Cafe, Jackson and Martin entered the eatery.
Martin sat beside Sara and Jackson took a seat next to Carly.
“Now that you know who I am, we thought we would discuss the treasure” Martin said.
“Uh…we don’t know anything more than you do. There’s still one more vintage paper to find and the clue has something to do with life” Sara replied.
“Yes, the list that I left behind on purpose” Martin said.
“You left it on purpose? Why?” Carly asked.
“Hoping the three of you would figure it out. Life could mean anything” Martin replied. “Life in prison…life insurance…” Jackson said.
“Keep going…” Martin replied.
“I can’t think of anything at the moment. Maybe a little caffeine will help” Sara said, getting up to place an order.Carly joined Sara at the counter.
“Well, Martin is straight and to the point” Carly whispered.
“That he is. I still don’t know if we can trust him, but for some reason my dad does” Sara replied.
Back at the table Jackson watched as his lady friends placed their order. Then, he looked at Martin.
“Both of those lovely ladies are friends of mine. You didn’t have to treat them the way you did” Jackson said.
“I apologize. Finding the Founder’s Treasure is important. You have no idea how crucial it is to finally locate it. We’re very close…” Martin replied.
“It sounds like you know more than you think. What is the treasure and why is it so important to find it now?” Jackson asked.
“The treasure is a relic made of pure silver. It has the Founder’s Seal engraved on it. When Ms. Harris started her crusade in finding it, she let too many people know about it. Bad people. It needs to be found before anyone else gets hurt” Martin replied.
To be continued in the next edition of the Marietta Traveler!