Written by Cynthia L. Sperko
Editor’s Note: This is the fifth 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.
“A relic made of pure silver? That’s the treasure?” Sara asked her dad.
“Yes. Pure silver was popular back then. If the Marietta Cross wasn’t stolen, we would never have known that the Founder’s Treasure existed. Ms. Harris was definitely in over her head” Sara’s dad replied.
Sara and her dad were seated across from each other in his office at the police station.
“Her heart was in the right place. But her method of choice wasn’t. Maybe we should take another look at Quinn’s uncle’s boat” Sara suggested.
“We went over that with a fine tooth comb. What do you think I will find?” Sara’s dad asked.
“We didn’t know where to look. I have an idea,” Sara replied.
***
Sara, her dad and his deputy stood outside of the infamous boat. Watching as his daughter climbed aboard, she briefly disappeared from sight for a few moments until she found what she was looking for.
In her hands was a bright orange life jacket. As Sara walked to where her dad was standing, she unzipped a pocket on the jacket and pulled out a clear plastic bag.
The last vintage piece of paper was finally located.
***
“Life jacket? Really?” Carly asked.
“I know right? What better place than that?” Sara replied.
Both young ladies were seated at a table in the school library working on homework.
“So, it looks like Quinn’s uncle is going to be facing some jail time for all this mess” Carly said.
“Yes, unfortunately. He told my dad that he was holding onto them for insurance. Whoever hurt him wanted those vintage papers. Apparently, they are needed to find the relic. My dad’s still trying to figure out what they mean” Sara replied.
“Jackson nearly died because of him. How did Quinn’s uncle manage to have one sent to his house?” Carly asked.
“Apparently all but one were sent by special delivery from an unknown source” Sara replied.
***
A text from Jackson let Sara and Carly know that he needed to meet with them after school. Carly spotted Jackson standing at the river’s edge.
“Hey Jackson… what’s up?” Sara asked, hugging him.
“I’m glad both of you are here. Before I sent you the text I remembered something” Jackson replied.
“Tell us about it” Sara said.
“I remember someone grabbing me while I was under water. That someone brought me to shore” Jackson replied.
“Do you remember anything else?” Sara asked.
“Unfortunately, no” Jackson replied. “My doctor told me I might not remember what happened to me that night.”
“Maybe that’s a good thing?” Carly questioned.
As Sara hugged Jackson again, she thought of how close they came to losing him.
***
Back at Sara’s home, the threesome spent their time playing board games until her dad came home. Carly and Jackson left shortly after letting Sara’s dad learn about Jackson’s memory.
After dinner, Sara retreated to her room to write a journal entry:
“So much has happened since Jackson’s accident. Who brought him to shore that night? Martin? The scuba diver? A good Samaritan? We’re grateful that Jackson was found and is recovering from his head injury. But the four vintage papers are supposed to help us find the treasure which is a relic made of pure silver. Who wants it badly enough to hurt someone?”
Closing her journal, Sara made a mental note to ask Martin if he was the one who saved Jackson.
“There’s more to the story. I know it” Sara thought.
***
Quinn watched as her uncle was handcuffed and placed in a wheelchair. She was grateful that he was well enough to be released from the hospital, but now he was being taken to jail for receiving stolen property.
“May I hug my uncle before you take him? Please?” Quinn asked Sara’s dad. “Sure” Sara’s dad replied.
As Quinn hugged him, he whispered something in her ear. After he was taken away, she let her emotions take over and cried.
***
Needing a coffee, Sara entered Molly’s Courtyard Cafe. After she placed her order, she counted down from five. At one, Martin came inside.
“Hello, Martin. I’m glad you’re here. Let’s talk” Sara said, motioning for him to sit at an empty table.
“What’s this all about?” Martin asked.
“I want you to tell me the truth. Did you save Jackson after he went overboard?” Sara asked. “No. It was somebody else. I was nearby in my boat” Martin replied.
“Did you hurt Quinn’s uncle?” Sara asked.
“No, I didn’t. I called your dad to let him know who I suspect” Martin replied. “Who is that?” Sara asked.
“It’s better if you don’t know” Martin replied.
At that moment, Sara’s name was called. Getting her drink, she turned to tell Martin thanks, but he had already left.
***
As Jackson was walking along the Northwest River Trail, he witnessed Quinn speaking with Kevin. Although he couldn’t make out what was being said, he could tell that Quinn was upset.
Waiting until Kevin walked away, Jackson approached her. “Quinn, are you okay?” Jackson asked.
“No, I’m not okay and my life will never be the same again!” Quinn exclaimed, running away. Carly showed up and walked to where Jackson was standing.
“What was that all about?” Carly asked. “I have no idea…” Jackson inquired.
***
A text from Jackson informed Sara that Quinn might be in trouble. Knocking on the front door, she was surprised when Quinn opened it and let her in.
“Quinn, Jackson wanted me to check on you. Are you okay?” Sara asked. “I don’t know. It’s been a tough day” Quinn replied.
“Jackson saw you arguing with Kevin?” Sara asked.
“Kevin witnessed my uncle getting beat up, but he’s too scared to come forward” Quinn replied.
To be continued in the next edition of the Marietta Traveler!