That Which Was Lost -Part 3

Part 3 Word Count 23,290

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Short Cut To: Part 1…Part 2…Part 3…Part 4…Part 5…Part 6

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New York City
July 13, 1857

The train made a sudden lurch, sending passengers scrambling for something to hold onto.  With one arm bracing the seat in front of him and the other wrapped around his son, Murdoch Lancer waited for the movement to settle into a steady rhythm before relaxing.  When the coach stopped bucking, he let out the breath he’d been holding since they’d docked that morning in New York Harbor.

Johnny struggled out of his father’s grasp.  “Let go, Papa.  I want to see.”

Murdoch released his grip and watched as Johnny climbed on his knees into the seat next to the window, pressing his nose against the cold glass.

The New York Central Railroad train moved away from the crowded station.  Buildings started to go by slowly, then faster and faster, until Murdoch had to look away, but not Johnny.   The boy was fascinated by the passing blur.

An ear-splitting whistle quickly followed a steadily increasing chugging noise.  As the train gained speed, the clanking sound of the couplings was soon followed by the clickety-clack, clickety-clack of the wheels. 

Once the train settled into a steady speed, the coach started swaying gently. Johnny turned in the seat and sat next to Murdoch. 

“Papa, how long until we get there?”

Murdoch shook his head.  It was the same question the boy had asked more times than he could count since leaving the ranch.  Putting an arm around Johnny, Murdoch pulled him close.  He smiled as his son wiggled even closer to him.

“At least five hours.  We’ll be there by early afternoon.”  

“What states do we go through?”

The question brought another smile to Murdoch.  It was a game the two had played since the trip started.  They’d kept track of the countries their ship stopped in, or they’d passed through.  Now that they were on the East Coast, it would be the States.

“Well, let’s see.  We’re in New York, so that’s one.  Then there’s Connecticut, Rhode Island, and finally Massachusetts.”

Johnny counted on his fingers and held them up.  “Four?”

“That’s right.”

“The last one, Massaaa……that’s where Boston is, ain’t it?  Scott is in Boston?”

“That’s right.  And there’s no such word as ain’t.”

“Sure, there is, Papa.  The men on the ships used it all the time.”

“The sailors used a lot of words that you shouldn’t be using.”

“But my English is getting much better, ain’t …. isn’t it?”

Murdoch smiled.  Johnny’s English was getting better, and since leaving California, he seemed to be losing a bit of his Mexican accent. 

While onboard the ship, Murdoch could always tell where his son had been visiting.  The inflection of Johnny’s voice and his accent changed depending on who he’d been talking to.  The passengers were mostly Americans and English, and the crew was comprised of English, Spanish, and Portuguese sailors.  Johnny had a natural talent for imitating all their accents.

“Yes, it is.”  Murdoch ruffled Johnny’s hair.  “I’m proud of you, son.”

Johnny looked up at him, a wide grin spread across his face, and his bright blue eyes sparkling with the pure joy of being with his father. 

Murdoch’s heart melted. He knew he would never get enough of the boy’s smile, and all he could think was that it couldn’t get any better.  The bond between them felt electric, a shared moment of joy that made the world around them fade away.

The train horn sounded, drawing Murdoch back to the here and now.   “We’ll be at my friend Jim Harper’s tonight.  I’ll be glad, too. I’ve got to tell you, son, that I’m tired of anything that moves.  You’ll like Jim.”

Murdoch realized Johnny was once again mesmerized by the passing landscape and wasn’t listening to him.

Except for a couple of incidents along the way, the trip from California had surprisingly gone as planned.  They’d taken the stage from Spanish Wells to Stockton and then to San Francisco.  The entire time, all Murdoch could think of was how nice it would be when the railroads finally laid tracks through the San Joaquin Valley. 

Two days after arriving in San Francisco, they boarded the 203-foot-long, three-masted steamship SS California, one of the first steamships on the Pacific Ocean.  It left San Francisco Harbor on schedule and was packed to capacity with a crew of 36 and 210 passengers.  One of the 60 saloon rooms with two beds cost Murdoch $300 for himself and $150 for Johnny.  An extraordinary sum, but one he was willing to pay, and it was better than traveling steerage.  

The trip from San Francisco to Panama took 17 days, with one stop in San Diego.

Once arriving in Panama, Murdoch gladly forked over the enormous fare of $25.00 for himself and $12.50 for Johnny, plus 10 cents a pound for their luggage, to travel on the newly completed Panama Canal Railroad.  The four-hour trip traversed the 47 miles of the Isthmus of Panama from the Pacific port city of Balboa to the Atlantic port of Colón. Until January 1855, the only alternatives were to sail around Cape Horn by ship, which took months, or cut across the Isthmus by dugout canoe using the Chagres River and then by pack mule on old Spanish trails. 

Once in Colón, Murdoch and Johnny waited only three days before boarding the SS Northern Light for New York Harbor.

Murdoch sighed, remembering the last time he’d made this trip in 1850.  He’d arrived on December 19, Scott’s fifth birthday.  Harlan had begrudgingly let him see and even speak to Scott and shake his hand.  While he held his beautiful son’s hand, all he wanted to do was grab him up and run, but it wasn’t meant to be.  Devastated, he’d returned home without his son.

All he could think about, and what kept him going on the long journey home, was getting back to Maria before their baby came. Looking at Johnny, he smiled, remembering his surprise when he arrived to find the baby had come early, born December 23, four days after his brother’s fifth birthday. 

Murdoch had always known that Maria was expecting when they got married. When he returned home to find out that the baby had been born early, he briefly felt apprehensive about whether the boy was truly his. However, the moment he held Johnny and looked into his blue eyes, all his doubts vanished. There was no question that Johnny was his son.

Shaking the memories away, he watched Johnny, fascinated by the boy’s reaction to everything. This time, he had experienced the trip through a new set of eyes, those of his young son.  Johnny saw everything and heard everything with an innocence Murdoch had forgotten existed.  The boy’s boundless energy gave Murdoch a new lease on life and made him feel young again.    

Thanks to the Panama Canal Railroad, they traveled only 43 days in total. In just a few hours, Murdoch knew they’d be in Boston. Tonight, the beds they slept in wouldn’t move.   

Murdoch was looking forward to seeing his old friend, James Harper, and his wife, Elizabeth.  He’d met Jim when he first arrived in America from Scotland.  It had been at one of Jim’s parties where he’d met Catherine Garrett.  Jim had opened the door for their courtship and ultimate marriage.  

Once Murdoch and Catherine were wed, Jim loaned him the money to make that first trip to California. 

Yes, he owed the man a lot.  If not for James Harper, Murdoch realized there wouldn’t have been a marriage or a ranch.  For that matter, if not for Jim Harper, Scott would never have been born. 

Over the years, they’d kept in touch.  Murdoch had been delighted when Jim wrote about his marriage to Elizabeth Cummings and then his daughter Melissa’s birth.  It was Jim who kept him informed of Scott’s well-being.

“Next stop, Boston!”

The announcement jarred Murdoch from his musings.

“Boston, next stop!”

Johnny flopped down beside Murdoch and sighed.

“What’s wrong, son? Aren’t you glad we’re almost there?”

“Yes, I’m glad.  It’s just….”

“Just what?”

“I wonder what Scott will think about having a brother.  Maybe he doesn’t want one.”

Murdoch smiled.  “Johnny, Scott will be delighted to have a brother.”

Johnny turned his head and looked up at his father.  “You really think so?”

“I know so.”

“I wonder what he’s gonna be like?”

“Not gonna, son.  Going to.”

Johnny shrugged.    

 Murdoch shook his head. The boy’s English was getting better, to the point that he’d picked up a lot of words and contractions, which Murdoch wished he hadn’t.

“Johnny, I haven’t seen your brother since he was five years old.  I was here for his fifth birthday.  Even then, Scott’s grandfather wouldn’t let me see him for more than a few minutes.   I don’t know what he’s going to be like.  I suppose we’ll both have to get to know him together.”

Johnny jumped up again to look outside as the train started slowing, and the Boston train station came into view.

“How will we get to your friend’s hacienda?”

“We’ll take a carriage from the train station to his home.”

“Like the one in San Francisco?”

“That’s right, just like the one in San Francisco.  Only this time, please do your father a favor and don’t lean out the window.  I don’t think my heart can take another scare.”

“I didn’t mean to scare you.”

“I know you didn’t, son, but you almost tumbled out onto your head.  If I hadn’t grabbed your belt, you would have ….”

Johnny laughed. “Been smushed all over the road.  I know, Papa, you told me before.  I remember.”

“You scamp.” Murdoch grabbed Johnny around the middle and started to tickle him.  “Promise you won’t lean out the window.”

Giggling, Johnny tried to escape.  “Stop.  Stop.  I promise … I promise.”

The train stopped, and Johnny jumped to his feet.  Murdoch pushed himself out of the seat and reached overhead for their carry-on valises.  

“All right, Johnny, let’s go.”

Once on the platform outside the train car, Johnny looked around at the people hurrying in every direction.

“John, please stay close to me.  I don’t want to lose sight of you.”

When Murdoch started towards the baggage platform, he felt Johnny slip his hand into his.

“Don’t worry, Papa.  I won’t let you get lost.”

---

Once the Hackney Carriage stopped in front of a two-story red brick Georgian-style home, Murdoch opened the carriage door and stepped down.  He was about to reach in for Johnny when he heard his name.

“Murdoch!”

Turning, Murdoch saw his old friend Jim Harper striding towards him. “Murdoch Lancer, you old dog.”  The dark-haired, 5’11” Harper extended his hand, grabbed Murdoch’s, and pulled him into a bear hug.

“Jim, it’s good to see you.”

The two men parted, still patting each other on the back.

“You’re looking good, you old Scot.  Of course, you’re getting older.”

“You’re no spring chicken yourself.”

The two men laughed.

Jim looked at the Hackney driver. “Bring the luggage to the house, my good man.  My servant will take them from there.”

The driver nodded and started to unload the few items from the boot.

Jim Harper saw someone jumping from the carriage. “Now, who is this young man?”

Murdoch put a hand on Johnny’s shoulder and moved him to stand in front of him.  “Jim, I want you to meet my son.  Johnny, this is James Harper.”

Harper paused at the sight of the dark-skinned, blue-eyed boy but quickly recovered. “So, this is Johnny.”

“John, say hello to Mr. Harper.”

Johnny hadn’t missed Harper’s hesitation, even if his father had.  The boy wasn’t a stranger to what he’d seen in this man’s eyes, and he’d seen the same thing hundreds of times.  Johnny was sure James Harper either didn’t care for Mexicans or liked half-breeds. 

Johnny extended his hand. “Hola, Señor Harper.”

Harper took the boy’s hand and gave it a limp shake.  “Yes, well, …. it’s nice to finally meet you, Johnny.”  Quickly looking away from the blue eyes that were boring a hole through him, Harper looked at Murdoch.  “Come in, and let’s get you settled.”

Just inside the door, standing at attention, was a tall, slender man with a mustache. 

“Murdoch, this is Blair, my house manager.”

Blair gave Murdoch a slight bow.

“Blair, this is Murdoch Lancer and his son, John.”

Blair nodded.  “Mr. Lancer. Master John, welcome to Boston.” 

“Jim, if you don’t mind, I think we’d like to freshen up and rest before dinner.  It’s been a long trip and a long day.  I know a young man who needs to take a nap, and I know I could stand one myself.”

“Excellent idea, Murdoch.  Blair has prepared baths for both of you.  Dinner is at eight.  Come down at around seven, and we’ll have a before-dinner drink.  Blair, would you show them to their rooms?”

“That sounds good, Jim.”

“Very well, sir.  Mr. Lancer, if you’ll follow me.”

As they started up the stairs, two women were coming down with a little girl.  One woman was tall with blond hair, and the other was slightly shorter with brown hair.

The taller of the two women quickly descended the steps. “James, you didn’t tell me Murdoch was here already.”

“Elizabeth.” Murdoch moved back down the stairs and waited for the woman to come to the bottom.  Once she was within reach, Murdoch leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek.  “I swear you get more beautiful each time I see you.”

Elizabeth laughed, “Murdoch, you flatter me.”

“It’s true.”

The second woman and the child followed Elizabeth. 

“Murdoch, this is Charlotte Fraser, our Nanny.”

The woman responded with a slight curtsy.  “A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Lancer.”

Murdoch smiled at the sound of the woman’s distinctive Scottish brogue. “I take it you’re from Scotland, Charlotte.”

“Aye, sir, near Nairn.”

“Nairn?  I hail from Cromarty on the other side of the Moray Firth, just north of Inverness.  Do you know it?”

“Aye, I know Cromarty well, sir.  My uncle sailed with the fishing fleets from Cromarty.”

“Well then, we’ll have to talk before I leave.”

“Yes, sir, that would be fine.”

Murdoch then looked down at the fair-skinned, dark-haired child standing quietly by Charlotte’s side. “Is this Melissa?”

The little girl scooted behind the nanny’s skirt.

“Yes, this is my precious,” Elizabeth said, placing a hand on the girl’s head and guided her into the open. “Melissa, can you say hello to Mr. Lancer?”

Melissa, who stood barely above Murdoch’s knees, craned her neck to look up.  “Hello.”

Murdoch squatted, coming closer to the child before speaking again, “Hello, Melissa.  How old are you now?”

The little girl held up four fingers.

“Four years old?”

She nodded. 

“Melissa, I want you to meet my son.  He’s six years old.”  Murdoch turned Johnny.  “John, come meet Melissa.”

“Hola, Melissa. Es un placer conocerte.”

“You talk funny.”  Melissa turned to her mother.  “Momma, he talks funny.”

“Melissa, I believe Johnny’s speaking Spanish.”  Looking at Murdoch, she asked, “Murdoch, what did he say?”

“He said hello. It’s nice to meet you.” Looking at Johnny, Murdoch said, “And he should be speaking English.”

“Charlotte is taking Melissa upstairs for her nap,” Elizabeth announced.  “Would you like her to take Johnny up to his room?  It’s in the children’s wing.”

“We were just going up,” Murdoch responded. 

They followed Charlotte and Blair up the stairs and down a long hall.  Blair opened a mahogany door and stood back.  “Mr. Lancer, this is your room.”

Murdoch walked in and looked around the spacious room with a large bed.  After weeks of cramped quarters on ships and small hotel rooms, the room was heaven. “Thank you, Blair.  You can just put the bags on the bed, and I’ll take care of unpacking them.”

“As you wish, sir.” Blair placed one of the two valises he was carrying on the bed.  “If you’ll go with Charlotte, Master John, she’ll show you your room.”

Johnny looked at his father but didn’t say anything as he followed Blair. 

Murdoch lowered his head and sighed.  It felt strange seeing the boy walking away, going to another room.  He and Johnny had been joined at the hip for 43 days.  They’d slept in the same room, eaten together, talked, and laughed together.  It was as if they’d always been together, as if the last four years had never happened. 

Murdoch told himself his son was just down the hall. Still, he felt he’d lost a little of himself.

Murdoch opened his bag and started taking out his shirts.  Walking to the dresser, he opened a drawer and was putting his things away when he heard the familiar sound of boots thumping on hardwood. 

Johnny ran through the door and, without stopping, launched himself onto the bed.  Murdoch smiled as the boy rolled onto his back and raised his arms over his head. “Comfortable?”

Johnny nodded.  “Your bed is better than mine.”

“I’m sure your bed is very comfortable.”  Murdoch saw the smile form on his son’s lips.  “No, you aren’t sleeping with me tonight.  I plan to take up the entire bed and not have you kicking me all night.”

“I do not kick,” Johnny protested.

Murdoch laughed.  “I have the bruises to prove otherwise.  No, tonight you will sleep in your own room.  Understood?”     

Johnny sighed, “Si.”

“English, son.”

“I know.”

Murdoch lay down next to Johnny, crossing his legs at the ankle, the soles of his boots off the bed.  “Then why did you speak Spanish earlier?”

The boy shrugged.

“There had to be a reason.”

Johnny sat up.  “Papa, I know you want me to speak English all the time, but there are times I need to speak my own language.”

“English is your language.”

Johnny shook his head. “No, Papa. Spanish is my language, and I have spoken Spanish longer than English. I can’t change who I am, not even for your friend.”

“And just who are you?”

 “I’m Mexican. Just because you want me to be white does not make it so.”

“No. You’re both.”

Johnny rolled onto his side, his back to Murdoch. “A mestizo,” he whispered.

“I don’t like you using that word.”

 “It is true.”  Johnny flipped back over to face his father.  “It is what I am.  I am not white, and I am not Mexican.”

“Why are you angry?”  Murdoch rolled over so he and Johnny were face-to-face.  He put a hand on Johnny’s face and ran his thumb down the boy’s cheek.

“I am not angry.”

“You could have fooled me.”

They lay there in silence for a full minute before Johnny spoke again, “I… I don’t believe your friend likes me.”

“Jim Harper?  Oh, Johnny, that’s not true.  Why would you say such a thing?”

“I saw it in his eyes, the way he looked at me.  Some people do not like Mexicans, Papa, and they do not like mestizos.”      

“It’s different here, son.  You don’t have to worry about someone taking exception to you being Mexican or mixed.”

“Are you sure?”

“Very sure.”

“I saw the way he looked at me when we first met.  I have seen that look many times.”

“I’m sure you imagined it, but I’ll talk to him about it.”

Johnny moved across the bed and wrapped his arms around his father’s neck, another thing Murdoch couldn’t get enough of.

When they heard a soft tap at the door, Johnny pushed away from his father and sat down.  Blair stood in the doorway with a plate of cookies and a glass of milk.

“Mr. Lancer, I brought Master John a snack before he lies down for a nap.  Our cook, Maggie, had a fresh batch of oatmeal cookies ready.”

Standing up, Murdoch looked at Johnny.  “Well, young man, would you like something to eat?” 

Johnny nodded. 

“I’ll take these to your room.  When you’re ready, your snack will be waiting for you.  I also have a tub filled for your bath,” Blair said before turning and walking down the hall.

Murdoch saw the frown form on Johnny’s face at the mention of a bath. “Go on, son.  After you eat, you will take a bath and then a nap.  I’ll see you at dinner.”

Johnny took his time getting off the bed.  With his head down, he slowly walked out the door, following Blair.

Murdoch pulled off his boots and stretched out on the bed.  The discussion he and Johnny had moments earlier bothered him.  He’d taken for granted that Jim and his family would accept Johnny.  Had he been wrong?  Tonight, after dinner, he’d have that talk with Jim.

---

“Murdoch.” James Harper moved across the Drawing Room and extended a hand. 

Murdoch noticed Jim had dressed in formal attire for dinner.  While Murdoch had on a white shirt and a string tie, he still wore the same pants he’d had on earlier in the day.

“I’m afraid I didn’t bring anything formal to wear for dinner.  Johnny and I are traveling light.”

“Nonsense, you look fine.  Come in and sit down.  What would you like to drink?  Whiskey?”

Murdoch glanced at the sideboard laden with liquor bottles and glasses.   “Do you still have any Talisker?”

Jim Harper laughed. “When I received your letter saying you were coming, I ordered a bottle.  It’s still the best single malt Scotch I’ve ever tasted, and I also stocked up on Glenlivet.”

“Thank you.” Murdoch watched Harper pour two fingers of the amber liquid.  “I was afraid I’d get here before my letter.” 

Handing the glass to Murdoch, Jim raised his glass in a toast.  “Welcome to Boston, my friend.  I hope this trip is rewarding.”

Murdoch raised his own glass and nodded.  “So, do I.”

“Your letter got here two weeks ago.”  Jim sat on the sofa.  “Sit down, Murdoch.  Relax.  You’ve had a long journey.”

Murdoch sat in a tall wingback chair near the fireplace. “Were you able to contact an attorney for me?”

Jim nodded.  “Yes, his name is Christian Meyer, and he’s a partner in one of the largest firms in Boston.  He comes highly recommended.  In fact, I’ve used him several times.”

“You explained what I want to do?”  Murdoch took a sip of the 10-year-old Scotch.  The taste unraveled on his tongue until all that was left was a peaty taste reminding him of Scotland.

“I did. I must admit Meyer was hesitant at first when I mentioned Harlan Garrett’s name.”

Murdoch leaned forward, placing his arms on his knees.  “And?”

“Mr. Meyer is not fond of Garrett and his business practices. He asked me to bring you by as soon as you arrive.”

“Tomorrow?”

“Yes, tomorrow.  I sent a message right after you arrived.  Mr. Meyer replied immediately.  He’ll see you at nine in the morning.”

Murdoch leaned back in the chair, took a deep breath, and exhaled.  For the first time since leaving California, he felt there was a real chance of getting his oldest son back. 

Elizabeth Harper entered the Drawing Room wearing a blue sequined evening gown.

Both men stood as she walked across the room and went straight to Murdoch. Stretching on tiptoes, she kissed Murdoch on the cheek. “It is so good to see you, Murdoch. We were thrilled when we got your letter.”

“I’m sorry I gave you such short notice.  It appears my ship was almost as fast as the one carrying the mail.”

“Well, you’re here now, and that’s what counts.”

Blair entered the room, dressed in a white shirt, black suit coat, and matching pants.  Looking at Jim, the butler bowed slightly before announcing, “Sirs.  Madame.  Dinner is served.”

“Excellent, Blair.  We’ll come straight in.”

Murdoch looked toward the door to the room.  There was no sign of Johnny.  “Jim, we need to wait for Johnny.  I’ll go up and get him.”

Jim and Elizabeth looked at each other. 

“Is there a problem?”

“No, Murdoch,” Elizabeth paused. “It’s just that the children have already had their dinner in their rooms.  Melissa is being put to bed for the night, and I’ve instructed Charlotte to see to Johnny.  

Murdoch frowned. 

“I hope I didn’t overstep my bounds.  It may be different in the West, but you might remember that children don’t eat with adults in Boston society.”

Murdoch had forgotten how children were raised in upper-class homes in the East.  It was one of the many things he and Catherine had talked about before they were married.  The Lancers were adamant they would not be alienated from their children.

In Boston society, a child’s life operated with clockwork regularity.  Children usually ate breakfast at eight o’clock and lunch at noon.  Their dinner, a light meal, was generally at six o’clock. They seldom ventured out of their nursery unless the nanny took them for a walk or to the park.

Children saw their mother only at certain times of the day and then only for a few minutes.  As for visiting their fathers, a child might see him only once or twice a day, if they were lucky.  The nanny raised the children until they were ten or eleven, then a Governess would take over until the child was ready for boarding school. 

Murdoch and Catherine had decided from the beginning that there would be no nanny or governess. They would raise their children together. That was until Fate dealt them a hand they couldn’t win. Catherine died, and Scott was swept away to be raised by his grandfather and Johnny- well, now he had Johnny. There was no way the boy would be raised by anyone but his father.

“Murdoch?”

Murdoch realized his attention had wandered.  “Yes.”

“I’m sure Charlotte can take care of Johnny tonight.”

“Maybe she can, but I still need to see him.  If nothing else, say goodnight.”

James and Elizabeth looked puzzled.

“You don’t understand.  Johnny’s mother told him that I kicked them out and that I didn’t want him.  That’s all he knew about me until I found him and brought him home to Lancer.  He’s just starting to know and trust me.

“Something as simple as saying goodnight is important.  I don’t let even one night go by without telling Johnny I love him.”

Elizabeth stepped forward and put her hand on Murdoch’s arm. “Oh, Murdoch, I do understand.  I’m the same way with Melissa.  Go see your boy.  Dinner can wait until you come back.”

Murdoch smiled.  “Thank you.  I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

Taking the stairs two at a time, Murdoch strode down the hall past his room, unsure of where exactly he was going.  At the end of the hallway, he took a chance and turned right.

Opening the first door on the right, Murdoch discovered Melissa’s room.  He eased the door shut and went to the next.  He reached for the doorknob when Charlotte stepped out of a room on the left. 

“Mr. Lancer, can I help you?”

“Yes, Charlotte, I’m looking for Johnny’s room.”

“That’s Master John’s room, but he’s already in bed.  I’m sure he’s asleep by now.”

“I won’t disturb him if he is asleep.  I just need to check on him.”

Murdoch edged the door open.  The light from the hall spilled across the bed, revealing Johnny sprawled on his stomach with one arm hanging off the side.  The bedcovers lay on the floor where they’d been kicked.

Murdoch eased into the room.  Picking up the sheet and blanket, he stood over his sleeping son, still marveling at how young and small Johnny was.  He straightened Johnny’s arms and legs and then covered him. 

“Goodnight, son,” Murdoch whispered before leaning over and kissing the boy on the forehead. Johnny sighed in his sleep and turned onto his side.  

As he left Johnny’s room, Murdoch found Charlotte still standing in the hallway. “Was he asleep?”

“Yes.  And no, I didn’t wake him.  Thank you for taking care of him tonight.”

“It’s no trouble, sir.  He’s a sweet child.  I’ll take good care of him during your visit.”

Murdoch made his way back downstairs and into the Drawing Room. 

“Was he alright?” Elizabeth asked.

“Yes, he was asleep.”

“Charlotte is very competent.  I’m sure she’ll watch him closely.”

“I’m sure she will.”

Jim set his drink glass down on a side table.  “Shall we go to dinner?”

“Yes, I’m hungry enough to eat a whole steer,” Murdoch answered.

When Murdoch and the Harpers left the table, it was close to ten o’clock. Elizabeth excused herself and said goodnight, leaving Murdoch and James to enjoy after-dinner drinks.

Pouring a whiskey for both of them, James sat down and motioned for Murdoch to do the same.

“I’m glad you’re here, old friend.”

“It’s been a long trip, James, but it’s been good being with Johnny.”

“He’s … not what I expected,” James said, looking down at the drink in his hand.

Murdoch heard the edge in his friend’s voice. “What did you expect?”

Harper raised his head to look at his old friend. “Murdoch, I had no idea that your second wife was….”

“Mexican,” Murdoch finished the statement.  “Yes, Maria is Mexican.  Is there a problem?”

“No, Murdoch, there’s no problem.  It just took me by surprise.”

“I know.”

“Was it that obvious?”

“Not to me.”

“Then….?”

“Johnny.  He saw it in your eyes.”

“My eyes?”

“James, Johnny doesn’t miss much.  He came from a life where he had to live by his wits and instincts.  He told me earlier that you didn’t like him.”

“I’m sorry if I made him feel that way.”  

Murdoch reached out and took Harper’s arm. “You’re sure it’s alright we’re here?  If ….”

“No, Murdoch, you and your son are always welcome in my home.”

“Thank you.  It means a lot to me that you’re still standing behind me.  If it weren’t for you….”

“Now, now, no more of that.”  James lifted his glass.  “Let’s toast your success, Murdoch.  When you return to California, you’ll have both of your children with you.”

The two men lifted their glasses.

“I’ll definitely drink to that,” Murdoch replied before taking a long drink and throwing up his own silent prayer.

---

Johnny startled awake and threw his damp sheets aside.  Scrambling to the edge of the bed, he couldn’t catch his breath or control the shivering that racked his body.  Rubbing his balled fist across his eyes, he fought back the tears.

He blinked his eyes and looked around.  The darkened room was unfamiliar, and the only light he could make out came through a gap in the heavy drapes covering the double windows to his right.  

For a moment, his heartbeat quickened as panic set in. He couldn’t remember where he was; all he could recall was the vivid nightmare that had woken him.

He’d been back in Mexico that night when Val, Cipriano, and Papa were with him. The bloodied bodies of Jose’s men lay on the ground surrounding the campfire.

“His mother is responsible for this.  If she hadn’t stolen him away from me, Johnny wouldn’t have been in danger!” Murdoch’s voice boomed, his hand tightened on Johnny’s shoulder. 

“Maria’s done worse to him,” Val answered.  “That kid’s been through hell, thanks to her.”

Johnny struggled for a moment and then broke away from Murdoch’s grasp. “Stop!  Stop talking about me as if I am not here.”

“Johnny…,” Murdoch tried to catch him.

“No!” He ran to the other side of the fire out of their reach. “She is my Mama.  No matter …,” Johnny sank to the ground.  “No matter…”

Murdoch and Val started toward him; however, Cipriano reached him first. 

“Sobrino.” Kneeling, Cipriano put a warm hand on his back.  “It will be all right.  Your Papa and Señor Crawford were not thinking.  They know your madre loves you and you her.  They…we just want to protect you from harm.”

Johnny shook his head.  “No.  She does not love me, but she is my madre.”

Murdoch reached down and picked up his son and held him against his chest, his right hand at the back of the boy’s head.  Johnny couldn’t control his tears.

“Son, I’m so sorry.” Murdoch rubbed Johnny’s back in a soothing, slow, circular motion.  “We shouldn’t have talked that way about your mother.  We love you.”  Murdoch’s eyes flicked to Val.  “We all love you.”

Val stepped closer, putting a hand on Johnny’s back.

“Hijo.”

Johnny raised his head and turned in Murdoch’s arms to look at Val.

A fine gray mist slowly rose to surround them.  

“Put him down, Murdoch.”  A disembodied voice came out of the darkness.  Turning, they saw Maria, holding a gun, walking towards them.  “He’s not yours.  The boy belongs to me.” 

“Put the gun down, Maria.  Johnny’s going back to Lancer with me.”

“No, he is not going anywhere except with me.  Jose, come take him from his gringo padre.”

Jose Rivas, blood covering his chest and dripping from his finger, appeared out of the mist.  Rivas seemed to float across the distance between Maria and where Murdoch stood holding Johnny.

Murdoch held Johnny closer to his chest, turning slightly away from Rivas. “No, you can’t have him.  Johnny’s mine.  The only way you’ll get him is over my dead body.”

Maria laughed.  “I can arrange that, Murdoch.”

Val and Cipriano both took steps towards her.   She turned her gun first on Val and fired, then pointed it at Cipriano and fired again.

 “Papi!  Tio!  NO!  No, Mama, stop!” Johnny screamed as both men fell dead.

“No, mijo.  Not until you are mine again.”

Murdoch turned his back on Maria, trying to protect the boy in his arms.  The gun fired again.  The big gringo fell, still holding Johnny in his arms.  As he took his last breath, he whispered in his son’s ear, “I love you, hijo.  I’ll always love you.”

Johnny crawled away from his Papa, tears streaming down his cheeks.  He looked at Maria and saw her walking towards him.

“You are mine now.  You will always be mine.”

“Why, Mama?  You do not love me. You never loved me.”

“It does not matter, hijo. I will always come for you, and no one will ever take you from me.”

Maria put her hand on Johnny’s arm and pulled him towards her.

Slowly, the memories of the nightmare began to fade, and Johnny’s breathing leveled out.  Where was Papa?  It took several seconds to remember he was in another room.

Hopping out of bed, Johnny’s feet landed quietly on the floor.  He waited to make sure no one heard.  After a few moments, he went to the door, opened it, and cringed when the hinge squeaked.  Again, he waited and listened before stepping outside the room.  Seeing no one, Johnny hurried down the hallway and around the corner.

Reaching Murdoch’s room, Johnny eased the door open.  With a grin on his face, he prepared himself to run across the room and pounce on his father.  The grin disappeared when he saw not only the bed empty but also the room. 

“Master John!”

Johnny spun around to see Charlotte standing behind him, hands on her hips. 

“You shouldn’t be here.”

“Where is my Papa?”

“Mr. Harper and Mr. Lancer had a breakfast meeting with a solicitor.  He didn’t want to wake you.”

Johnny dropped his head, not wanting the woman to see the disappointment on his face.

“Come on now.  You need to get dressed, and your breakfast is waiting.”  She put a hand on Johnny’s shoulder and turned him towards the children’s wing.  “After breakfast, I’m going to take you and Miss Melissa to the Common.”

Johnny stopped and looked up at her.  “The Common?”

“Yes, it’s a park.”

Johnny cocked his head, still not understanding.

“You don’t know what a park is?”  Charlotte thought for a moment.  “It’s an open area with grass and trees where children can run and play.”

She saw a spark of interest in the boy’s eyes. “So, would you like that?”

“Sí, Señora.”

“I assume that means ‘yes’?”

Johnny nodded.

---

The morning was warming when Johnny walked out of the Harpers’ home.  Behind him, Charlotte, holding Melissa’s hand, stepped through the door and descended the brick steps.  Stopping at the bottom, Johnny looked up at fluffy white clouds floating in a blue sky and took a deep breath.  He’d had enough of being in small places like the cabins aboard ship, train coaches, and the closed-in spaces of the house behind him. 

Charlotte and Melissa started walking down the sidewalk.  Charlotte called over her shoulder, “Come along, Master John.” 

Johnny turned and hurried to catch up with them.

As they walked, Johnny marveled at the number of people crowding the sidewalks.  Many turned to stare at him as he walked behind Charlotte.  He knew the looks; he’d seen them often enough in his short life.

“Here we are,” Charlotte announced, coming to a stop.  She stepped aside so Johnny could see past her.

The Boston Common was everything Charlotte said it was and more.  The moment Johnny set foot on the Commons’ green, manicured grass, he felt like he was in heaven.   He couldn’t remember the last time he’d seen so much green.

Children played on the grass while their Nannies sat on benches, chatting and watching the children entrusted to their care.  In the center of the area was a pond with food and drink wagons set up around it.

Charlotte settled on a park bench next to one of the other Au pairs. 

“Stay close, John.  You aren’t familiar with the area, and I don’t want you wandering off.  Do you understand?”

Johnny nodded.  “Yes, Señora, I understand.”

“Very well.  Melissa, you may go to play with your friends.”

“I see you have a new charge today, Charlotte,” a petite, dark-haired girl commented with a French accent.

“Aye, Bridgit.  His name is John Lancer, and he and his father are staying with Mr. and Mrs. Harper while they’re in Boston.”

“How old is he…four, five?”

“Six.”

“Six?” Bridget responded in surprise.  “He’s small for his age.”

“Aye, he is, the poor child.”

“Why, poor child?” Bridgit turned to look more closely at Johnny.  “I can see he’s what…, Spanish?”

“Mexican,” Charlotte responded.  “No, that isn’t the reason.  He’s a sweet enough boy, but when I put him to bed last night, I saw…” She lowered her voice and covered her mouth with her hand. “He has scars all over his back.  Someone has taken their anger out on the lad.”

“Scars?  What kind of scars?”

She looked around, making sure no one was close before leaning towards Brigit. “It looks like someone took a belt to him.”

“A belt.  Mon Dieu.  Do you think it was his father?”

“No!” Charlotte was quick to respond.  “No, not Mr. Lancer.  He thinks the world of the lad.  I don’t know who hurt the boy, but whoever it was had a black heart.  I understand John has been in Mexico for the last few years with his mother.”

“I didn’t look closely, but aren’t the boy’s eyes blue?”

“Aye, they are, and a beautiful shade they are.”

“I would think a boy of mixed blood would have a hard time anywhere, but along the Mexican border, it must have been hard.  I’ve heard tales that would curl your hair.”

“Aye,” Charlotte agreed.

 Charlotte watched Johnny meander around the Frog Pond.  She hadn’t seen the boy smile once since she’d met him.   

While Johnny looked around, wondering what he wanted to do, Melissa ran across the lawn to an area where smaller children were playing.  Deciding to explore the pond, he set out to walk around it.

The sound of loud laughter caught Johnny’s attention. Four older boys were strolling down one of the cobblestoned paths that seemed to be everywhere. Johnny noted that all the boys wore the same blue coats with matching pants, red, blue, and gold-striped ties, and a patch sewn to the right side of the coat just above the pockets.

“Master John!”

The sound of his name drew his attention away from the boys.  Looking around, he saw Charlotte motioning to him to come to her. 

When Johnny got to Charlotte, she reached into her purse and brought out two coins. “Here are two cents.  Take Melissa over to the candy vendor.”  She pointed to one of the small carts near the pond, with a red awning.  “Melissa likes peppermint sticks.  Buy her one, and you can pick out the kind you want.”

Johnny looked at the coins in his hand and then back at Charlotte.

“Two cents is enough to buy the candy.  Now go on.”

Melissa walked up and took Johnny’s hand.  “I’ll show you, Johnny,” the little girl said as she pulled him toward the vendor.

When they arrived at the vendor’s wagon, there was a short line.  When it was Johnny’s turn, he held out the two pennies.  

The vendor smiled, “What would you like, lad?” 

“I want a peppermint stick,” Melissa announced.  

The merchant picked up a jar of red-and-white swirled candy.  “You’re in luck, Miss.  I only have two left.”

Johnny stretched to put his hand in the jar when he felt someone pushing him aside. Looking around, he saw one of the older boys he’d seen earlier forcing his way to the front of the line.

“The kid’s taking too long,” the redhead said as he reached into the jar and pulled out one of the two peppermint sticks. He popped it in his mouth as he handed over his money.

Johnny straightened himself and returned to the line.  With a frown on his face, the vendor started to pull the jar back.

The redhead turned to look at Johnny with a sneer. “I want that one, too.” 

“No,” Johnny balled his fists, his blue eyes turning dark. “That one is Melissa’s.”

“Look, fellows, he speaks English,” the red-haired boy ignored the vendor, smirked, and again tried to reach into the jar.

“Leave the lad alone.”  The vendor pulled the jar out of reach of everyone.  “You’ve no reason to pick on him.  He was in line ahead of you.”

Another boy elbowed his way to the front of his friends.  “Barlow, leave the boy alone.  You’ve got your candy.  Now let’s go.” 

While three of the boys strolled away, the one who had come to the rescue looked down at Johnny.  “I’m sorry for my friend’s behavior.  Here,” he took a coin from his pocket and handed it to Johnny, “get yourself something special.”

Johnny watched the tall blond boy hurry away to catch up with his friends.

The vendor held the jar down low enough for Johnny to reach inside.  He pulled out the peppermint stick and handed it to Melissa.

“Thank you, Johnny.  Now you get something.”

Johnny looked at the selection left, but his appetite for candy was gone.  He shook his head and paid for the candy Melissa was busy licking.

Johnny stared at the coin the boy had given him.  He wasn’t sure how much it was, but knew it was more than a penny.

The morning was passing quickly, and Johnny was getting hungry.  He kept looking at Charlotte, hoping she was ready to return to the house.  Finally, she stood and motioned for him to come to her.

“It’ll be time for lunch by the time we get back and get you cleaned up.”

Charlotte took Melissa’s hand and started toward the path leading out of the park.  Johnny took a moment to look around before following, noticing the four older boys were headed for the same walkway.

As the boys started to pass, the blond who had helped him earlier smiled.  As their eyes met, Johnny smiled back. 

---

“At least the meeting with the lawyer was promising,” Jim Harper was saying as the front door opened.  Turning, he watched Charlotte enter with Johnny and Melissa.

“Well, there’s my little girl.  Melissa, did you enjoy the park?”

Melissa nodded and started to run to her father, only to have Charlotte grab her hand and pull her back. 

“You can see your father later, Melissa.  Right now, it’s time for lunch.” 

Melissa dropped her head, then reluctantly turned and went with Charlotte. 

Johnny stood in the doorway to the Sitting Room, waiting for his own father to acknowledge him.  Since the day he’d accepted Murdoch Lancer as his Papa, Johnny found the man went out of his way to give him the love and attention he’d craved all his life.  

Johnny frowned when Murdoch, whose head was buried in a stack of papers, didn’t look at him. It was as if he’d been forgotten since arriving in Boston. All his father could think of now was getting his oldest son back.

Johnny sighed and followed Charlotte upstairs.

When Murdoch finally looked up, he asked, “Was that Johnny?”

“Yes, Charlotte took the children upstairs to get them ready for lunch.”  Jim Harper sat next to Murdoch on the sofa.  “What do you think about Mr. Meyer’s plan for you to get custody of Scott?”

“It’s risky.  Harlan could still win.  He did the last time.”

“Last time, you didn’t have the finances to push the case forward.  Face it, Murdoch, you walked away for Scott’s sake.”

Murdoch sank back against the soft cushions of the sofa.  “I know. I… I thought it was the right decision at the time, but now…now, nothing is going to keep Scott from me.  I lost too many years with my boys, and I refuse to spend any more time separated from them.”

“Meyer said he’d have the preliminary petition ready in a few hours.  I’ve arranged dinner with him tonight to discuss any final details.  We’ll get something to eat and then go back to his office.  If you agree to everything, he can file tomorrow.”

Murdoch looked at the grandfather clock in the corner of the room.  It was a little after twelve.

“Fine.” Murdoch stood up.  “I need to go check on Johnny.”

“Johnny’s alright, Murdoch.  Charlotte will let you know if he needs anything she can’t handle.  Now, let’s eat and get back to Meyer’s office.”

Murdoch hesitated.  “I really should see him.  He’s not used to being away from me.”

“Murdoch….”

“Alright,” Murdoch gave in. “I’ll see him this afternoon.”

---

The sun felt good as Johnny lay on the grass and leaned his head back, enjoying the warmth of the afternoon. The Common was quieter now than it had been that morning. There were only a few smaller children in the park and only a few adults who hurried along the cobblestone paths leading into and out of the area.

Raising his head, Johnny looked around, making sure no one was paying him any attention.  He didn’t know how long it would be before Charlotte or someone else found him missing.

Johnny had gone to his room after lunch and lay down. Melissa had been put down for a nap, and Charlotte had told him to sleep, too. The last thing on his mind, however, was a siesta. As soon as things quieted, Johnny snuck out of his room, down the stairs, and out the front door. From there, he ran back to the Common and freedom.

The warmth of the sun and a gentle breeze soon had him dozing. 

Johnny woke with a start when someone touched his arm.  Sitting up, Johnny saw the blond boy from that morning standing over him.  He quickly looked around to make sure the other boys weren’t there as well.

“I’m alone,” the boy said with a smile. “Would you mind if I joined you?”

The boy was already sitting when Johnny replied, “I don’t mind, but you will get dirt on your suit.”

“It will clean,” the blonde laughed.  “I see you came back without your au pair.”

Johnny frowned.  “What’s an awpear?”

The blonde laughed again. “Au pair.  It means a chaperone or nanny.  The woman who was watching over you.”

“She is not my nanny.  Charlotte is Melissa’s nanny, and she was watching me while my Papa was out with Mr. Harper on business.”

“I see.”  The blonde tilted his head back and closed his eyes, letting the sun hit his whole face. 

After a few moments of quiet, Johnny looked around again, wondering why the older boy was taking time to talk to him.   “You don’t have anything else to do?”

“Oh, I do, but I decided going for a walk by myself was more fun.  I saw you and well… I am truly sorry for what my friends did this morning.”

Johnny shrugged. “No need for you to be sorry for what they did.  It wasn’t you.  You helped me.”

“Your name is John, isn’t it?”

“Johnny.  My name is Johnny.”

“Very well, then, Johnny.”  The blonde reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a small bag. Reaching inside, he lifted out a peppermint stick and handed it to Johnny. “I believe you wanted one of these,” he said. 

Johnny hesitated before accepting the gift.   “Gracias.”  He took the candy and tasted it.  “Don’t you want one?”

“No, I prefer licorice.”   The older boy took a piece of the dark black candy from the bag and bit into it.   “Good, isn’t it?”

Johnny smiled.  “Sí, muy bien.”

The two boys sat quietly while they ate their candy. The blonde spoke next. “So, tell me, where are you from? Your accent is Spanish. I assume you are not from Boston.”

“You talk funny,” Johnny commented.

“I could say the same about you.”

“I do not,” Johnny protested and then frowned.  “I am trying to learn to speak like a gringo, but it is hard.  You have so many…what do you call it…accents.”

“I suppose we do.  Now, tell me where you’re from.”  

Johnny stopped eating to answer, “California.”

“California?” The other boy sat up straight and looked at Johnny.  “Where in California?” 

“You would not know it.”

“Most probably, but you never know.”

“Morro Coyo. It is a small town.”

“What are you doing in Boston?”

“I came with my Papa.  We have come to get mi hermano mayor and take him home with us.”

“Hermano mayor?”

Johnny sighed. “Lo siento…I’m sorry. I forget sometimes. Hermano mayor means big brother.”

“Oh, I see. So, your brother lives in Boston?”

Johnny nodded.  “Si.  He lives somewhere near here.”

“I don’t know of any Spanish or Mexican families in the Beacon Hill area.”

“Oh, he is not Mexican.  My hermano is a gringo.”

“Gringo?”

Johnny laughed, “My brother is not Mexican; he is white.” 

“I see.  So, is it safe to say your brother is your half-brother?”

“Si,” Johnny answered, excited to talk about his brother. “Papa told me the story.  My Papa came from a country called Scotland, and he and my hermano’s Mama met here, in Boston.  When his Mama died, my hermano’s Mama died, her abuelo brought him here.”

“Abuelo?”

“His grandfather.”  

The blonde froze and swallowed hard.  “Grandfather?”

“Si,” Johnny answered, not seeing the expression on the other boy’s face.  “My brother lives with his grandfather now.”  

“What does your father do in California?” The boy’s voice wavered.

“He is a rancher with many cattle and horses.”

Johnny looked at the other boy, whose smile had disappeared.  “Is something wrong?”

“No.  Nothing’s wrong.” The boy took a breath before asking, “What does your brother look like?”

Johnny shook his head.  “I have never seen him.  I did not know I had a brother until a few months ago, when my Papa told me of him.  That was when we decided to come here to get him and bring him home.  Papa came to get him when he was five, but his abuelo would not let Papa have him.  Papa says we will not leave without him this time.”

“I’m sure your brother knows of you.  Has he ever written to you?”

“No.  I do not know if he knows.  Papa says my brother’s abuelo has kept all his letters and presents from reaching him.”

“Your father sent presents?”

“Si, for his birthdays and Christmas.”

Johnny’s head dropped.

“What’s wrong?”

“I have always wanted a brother, but what if my hermano does not want me?  What if he does not want me because I am mixed?”

“Mixed?  What do you mean?”

“I am part Mexican, part white.  What if he does not want a brother like me?”

The blonde smiled and put out a hand, touching Johnny’s arm.  “I don’t see why he wouldn’t.  From what I can see, anyone would be proud to call you brother.”

“You think so?” Johnny’s face lit up.  “I hope so.  Papa wants to bring Scott home so much.  I would feel bad if it were my fault he did not want to come.”

“Scott?” The boy sat bolt upright.  “Your brother’s name is Scott?”

“Si,” Johnny nodded.  “Scott Lancer.”

The blonde stood quickly, dropping the bag of candy he was still holding, all the color draining from his face.

“What’s wrong?” Johnny jumped to his feet. “Are you sick?”

“I have to go now, and you had better get back to the Harper’s house.”  The blonde looked around, realizing the late hour.  “Go straight home …. and be careful.”

As the boy hurried away, Johnny looked down at the bag on the ground.  He picked it up and held it out.  “You forgot…,” he said, but it was too late.  The older boy was gone.

---

Scott was in a daze as he hurried along the walkway leading to the Beacon Street exit of The Common.  He’d gone back to the grassy park this afternoon to be alone.  The antics of the other boys he called friends often grated on his nerves.  They felt superior to anyone who wasn’t born among the upper crust of Boston society.  Their actions this morning, when they picked on the small Mexican boy, were the last straw of the day.

Scott was making his way to the other side of the Frog Pond when he spotted the same boy.  What had his au pair called him? John.  Yes, that was it. 

He made a quick stop at the candy vendor and then went over to talk—just talk. He’d never expected the conversation to go the way it did.

In the space of thirty minutes, Scott Garrett Lancer’s life was turned upside down.  He discovered he had a father who wanted him and a brother he had never known.  

What had Johnny said about his father coming for him when he was five?  Five.  He could have spent the last six years with his father in California.  All this time, he could have had a brother.

Scott started to run.  He had to speak with his grandfather.

---

The Four-Star Saloon
Tucson, Arizona
July 14, 1857

Val Crawford sat in his usual seat in the rear corner of the noisy saloon.  He had no interest in the now warm beer he’d been nursing for close to two hours.  

Reaching into his shirt pocket, Val pulled out the telegram he’d received a week ago from California.  Rereading it, he wished he’d never sent a telegram to Lancer.   He should have handled the matter himself, but at the time, he felt Murdoch Lancer would want to know what he’d found out.

From outside, he heard someone call out, “Stage coming in!”

Straightening up in his chair, Val put the telegram away and stared at the batwing doors.  Five minutes later, they swung open.  The man he’d been waiting for walked in.  The Mexican removed his hat and looked around the room. 

Val raised his hand, and the Mexican waved.  Val stood only after the man was within a few feet of the table.

Smiling, Val extended his hand.  “Cipriano, it’s good to see you.  Sit down.  I’ll get you a beer.”

Val motioned to the bartender to bring another beer.

“Amigo, it is good to see you as well.”  Cipriano Roldán laid his hat on the table and took a seat.

Once Cipriano had taken a long drink of his beer and set the glass down, he went straight to business.  “So, tell me, what do you know?”

“Only what I’ve already told you in the telegram I sent to Lancer.  Surprised the hell out of me when I heard you were headed this way.”

“The Patron and Juanito are not at the ranch.  They have gone to Boston to bring back the Patron’s oldest hijo.”

Val’s eyes narrowed. “How’d Johnny take it when he found out he had a brother?”

Cipriano smiled.  “Juanito wanted to go that very day to bring him home.”

Val nodded.  “The boy always did want a brother.  How is he?”

“Señor Crawford….”

“Call me Val.”

“Val, he is well, or he was when they left.  It took a long time for the Patron to earn his trust.  I do not think he wanted to get close to anyone for fear of betraying you.”

“I wish….”

“No, it is alright now.  The day he called the Patron ‘Papa’ was a day of joy for us all.”

“I bet he’s grown some?”

“Si, but not as much as you would think.  I do not believe Juanito will ever be as tall as his Papa.”

“Hell, no one’s as tall as Lancer,” Val laughed.

“Si, you are right.”  Cipriana took another drink of his beer before speaking again, “What have you planned?”

“Father Antonio told me Maria went south from Tubutama.  I tracked her as far as Hermosillo, but then she disappeared.  You know how it is in Mexico.  I’m a gringo.  No one wants to talk to me.”

“What do we do when we find her?”

“Warn her off.  I know how she thinks.  Maria ain’t gonna let Johnny go that easy.  She didn’t get any money out of it.”

“Si, it is a sad thing for a mother to do such things to her child.”  Cipriano paused, turning the beer glass in his hand.  “And if she will not be warned off?”

Val looked Cipriano straight in the eye.  “When I told Murdoch Lancer I’d do anything to keep that boy safe, I meant it.  It will be a cold day in hell before I let Maria get her hands on him again.”

“Or hurt him?”

“Or hurt him.  Johnny’s had enough hurt in his life.”

“I agree.  So, when do you want to leave?”

Val looked at the clock hanging on the wall behind the bar.  It was almost one o’clock.   “We could get some saddle time in today if you’re up to it.”

“I need a horse.”

“Already got you a horse and all the supplies we’ll need.”

“Bueno.”  Cipriano finished his beer in one gulp and slammed the glass onto the table.  “We go then.”

Val pushed himself away from the table and picked up his hat from the back of his chair. Tossing some coins on the bar as he passed, he led the way out of the saloon.  Twenty minutes later, Val and Cipriano rode south out of Tucson.

.

Boston
Later the same day: July 14, 1857

Charlotte rushed through the house, moving from room to room. She opened each door and anxiously searched every space. The longer her search took, the more frantic she became. What would she tell the lady of the house? What would she say to Mr. Lancer?

“Mistress! Mistress Harper!”  Gathering her skirts, Charlotte raced down the stairs and ran into the Sitting Room.

Elizabeth laid aside her cross-stitch and stood up.  “Charlotte, what is it?  Is something wrong with Melissa?”

“I can’t find him.  I’ve looked everywhere, and he’s not here.”

“Slow down and catch your breath.  You can’t find who?”

“The lad, Ma’am.  I can’t find Master John.  I put him down for a nap right after lunch, when I put Missy Melissa down.  When I went to check on him, he was gone.”

“After lunch?” Elizabeth looked at the clock.  It was almost three o’clock.  “Are you sure you’ve looked everywhere?  Have you checked the front or the grounds?”

“No.  I’ve only searched the house.” Charlotte collapsed in a chair as Elizabeth rang for Blair. 

Blair entered the room and looked at Charlotte.  There was obvious concern in his eyes.  “Charlotte, are you alright?”

“Yes, I’m fine,” the young woman sobbed. Taking a handkerchief from the sleeve of her dress, she dabbed her eyes.  “It’s Master John.  Blair, I can’t find him.”  

Elizabeth put a hand on the other woman’s shoulder and gently patted her. “Charlotte, pull yourself together. Crying isn’t going to find the boy.” 

Charlotte nodded and stood up.  “I had better check on Melissa.”

“Yes, you do that.” Elizabeth turned to the butler.  “Blair, please search the grounds and the walkways in front of the house.  Go to the end of the block and see if anyone has seen him.”

Elizabeth Harper paced and wrung her hands as she waited for Blair’s report. 

Forty-five minutes later, Blair was back.  He shook his head.  “No one has seen the boy, Mistress.”

Elizabeth looked out the front window, realizing it had been four hours since anyone had seen Johnny.  She had no idea where James and Murdoch were dining or how to reach them.  

“Blair, does Officer Flanagan still patrol our district?”

“Yes, ma’am, he does.”

“Find him immediately.” 

Within the hour, the sitting room of the Harper home had three of Boston’s finest gathering information about John Lancer. They were all talking at once when the front door opened and closed.

Everyone froze and turned to the Sitting Room door, waiting to see if maybe the boy was back. Murdoch and James Harper stepped into the room. 

Elizabeth hurried to her husband. “Oh, James, thank heaven you’re home.”

“What’s wrong.  Is it Melissa?”

“No.” Elizabeth looked at Murdoch.  “Murdoch, I’m so sorry.  It’s Johnny.”

“Johnny?” Murdoch looked around the room, still not understanding.  “Elizabeth, what do you mean?”

A uniformed police officer stepped forward. “Mr. Lancer?”

“That’s right.  Can you tell me what’s going on?  Where is my son?”

“That’s why we’re here, sir.  My name is Officer Flanagan.  Mrs. Harper called me in when your son couldn’t be found.”

“Couldn’t be found!” Murdoch’s voice rose. “Will someone please tell me what’s going on?”

“Murdoch, the last time anyone saw Johnny was shortly after lunch.  Charlotte put him down for a nap at the same time she put Melissa down.  It wasn’t until around three that she realized he wasn’t in his room.  We’ve searched the house and grounds.  We can’t find him.”

Murdoch looked at the grandfather clock in the corner and paled.  “It’s after seven now.  He’s been missing for seven hours, and no one thought to let me know?”

“Mr. Lancer,” Officer Flanagan interrupted. “In Mrs. Harper’s defense, no one knew where you and Mr. Harper were.  He didn’t tell her where you were having dinner tonight.”

James Harper stepped forward and put a hand on Murdoch’s arm. “I’m sorry, Murdoch.  I didn’t tell Elizabeth where we were going.”

“All right.”  Murdoch closed his eyes and took a deep breath.  This wasn’t the time to yell.  He had to find his son. “What do we do next?  Have you sent men out to search the neighborhood?”

“Aye, Mr. Lancer.  I have several men searching the streets.  They’ll be spreading the word to adjoining neighborhoods with a description of your boy.”

“I don’t understand.” Murdoch slumped into a chair. “Where could he have gone?  He doesn’t know the city.”

“Your son is only six, is that correct, Mr. Lancer?”

“Yes, but he’s small for his age.”

“He must be terrified,” Elizabeth said. “Such a small boy in a big city.”

Murdoch smiled. “Big cities aren’t new to Johnny. If this were anywhere south of the border,” the smile faded. “But it’s not.” He stood up, slapping his hat against his leg. We have to find him.”

“Mr. Lancer.” Blair stood in the doorway.  “You have a visitor.”

“A visitor?  Who…?”

Blair stood aside.  A tall, blond boy with light blue eyes was framed in the doorway. 

---

Scott Lancer hesitantly stepped into James Harper’s Sitting Room, unsure why he was there.

After rushing home, Scott discovered his grandfather was out of town and wouldn’t return until the next day.  He wandered around the Garrett mansion aimlessly for almost an hour before sitting down at his grandfather’s desk and putting his head in his hands. 

He had questions, many questions that needed answers.  Could the Mexican boy in the Common have been telling the truth?  Was Johnny his brother?  Was his father, the man he’d never met, in Boston to claim him after all these years?  How did he feel about that?  Did he want to meet his father, and did he want the man to take him away from the only life he’d ever known?  Why hadn’t his grandfather told him he had a brother?

Scott raised his head.  Maybe his grandfather didn’t know about Johnny.  That was it; his grandfather didn’t know.   And what of the letters and presents Johnny said his father had sent to Boston?   Scott was more confused than ever.

Logic told him he needed to remain calm and figure out what to do next.  Absentmindedly, he opened the center desk drawer, retrieving a pencil.   All his life, he’d been taught to analyze a problem before coming to a decision.  He needed to jot down what he knew and the questions he needed answered.

Looking for a piece of blank paper, Scott opened a side drawer.  Reaching in, he lifted several documents out and set them aside.  Finding what he needed, Scott was replacing the stack when he saw Murdoch Lancer’s name typed on one of the pages.  He spent the next few minutes reading and re-reading a letter from Harlan Garrett’s attorney dated today.

July 14, 1857

Mr. Garrett,

I have it on good authority that Murdoch Lancer arrived in Boston yesterday. Although I do not know if Mr. Lancer is here to try to regain custody of Scott, as he did six years ago, I believe he plans to do just that.

Lancer has John with him. I do not know how he found the boy after all these years; however, the fact remains that he has. Both Lancer and the boy are staying at James Harper’s home on Branch Street.

If I discover any additional information, I will relay it to you immediately.

Franklin Mathews
Attorney at Law

Still holding the letter, Scott tugged on the bell rope to call for the butler.  He was staring at the letter when he heard Perkins enter the room.  

Scott turned to face the man who had practically raised him.  Yes, Harlan Garrett provided for everything he needed: a home, food, clothing, but it was Perkins who took care of him.  Now he turned to the man Scott knew would give him the answers he needed.

Sabastion Perkins had worked for Harlan Garrett for more years than he’d like to remember.  For the most part, the work was pleasant, the pay adequate, and he had no problems with his employer.  The Garrett household was no longer large enough to support a full complement of servants, so he shared the work with the housekeeper, Mary Walsh, two chambermaids, and the cook.

Perkins prided himself on being good at his trade and, like any good butler, was always present and, at the same time, unseen.   The tall, thin, clean-shaven man with a distinctive British accent entered service with the Garretts when Catherine, their only child, was in her teens.  

It had been Perkins who opened the front door one day in the spring of 1842, ushering in a young Murdoch Lancer. A year later, Perkins closed the door as the newly married Murdoch and Catherine Garrett Lancer headed west to begin their new life.

When the household received word of Miss Catherine’s death, they mourned her. A few months later, when Mr. Garrett returned with the infant boy and a nursemaid, Perkins and Mrs. Walsh were quickly thrust into the role of caring for and watching over the baby.

As young Scott grew, Harlan Garrett distanced himself from the boy and left more of his care to Perkins.  Perkins bandaged the boy’s scrapes and dried his tears when Scott woke in the night with nightmares. 

The day six years ago, when Murdoch Lancer came to claim his son, Perkins had stood beside the door as Harlan Garrett talked to his son-in-law.  He disagreed with what he’d heard, but it hadn’t been his place to say so.  There had been a lot Perkins hadn’t agreed with, but he’d kept his thoughts to himself.

“Master Scott, you rang?”

“Perkins, come in.” The anguish in Scott’s voice was evident.

Perkins lost his stiff posture as he moved across the room.  “Are you alright?”

Scott shook his head and took a deep breath.   “Perkins, I need you to tell me the truth.  Please…. please tell me the truth.”

“What truth, Master Scott?  What’s wrong?”

Perkins took the letter Scott held out to him.  He quickly read it.

“This is Mr. Garrett’s personal correspondence.  You shouldn’t….” 

“Perkins, please tell me,” Scott begged. “Was my father ever here?  Did he come to claim me six years ago?”

Perkins started to shake his head, changed his mind, and nodded. “Yes, he was here the day of your fifth birthday.  Mr. Garrett introduced him to you as a friend.  I believe you shook hands with him.”

Scott closed his eyes, trying to remember.  The image of the tallest man Scott had ever seen came into focus.

“He was tall, wasn’t he?  I thought he was a giant, like Jack and the Beanstalk.”

“That’s right.”

“But if he were here…, why didn’t he take me with him?” Scott’s voice was breaking. “Didn’t he want me after he saw me?”

“Oh, Master Scott, of course, he wanted you.”  Perkins put an arm around Scott’s shoulders and drew him to the settee in the room.  Sitting next to the boy, he continued, “Your father wanted you very much.  I could see that his heart was breaking as he left that day without you.  Mr. Garrett would never have allowed you to be taken from him.  I only heard part of their conversation, but your grandfather threatened to drag both him and you through the courts if he tried to take you.  Your father didn’t want you to be hurt; he did what he thought was best for you.”

“But he’s my father.  I should have been with him and my brother.”

Perkins straightened.  “You know about your brother?”

“Yes, I know.”  Scott looked into Perkins’ eyes.  “You knew I had a brother?  How?”

Perkins sighed, “I’ve heard Mr. Garrett speaking to Mr. Mathews.  From what I understand, John was taken from your father’s ranch by his mother over four years ago.  From this,” Perkins held up the letter in his hand, “it would appear Mr. Lancer found John.”

“I met him today in the Common.”

“You met your brother?  How did you know….”

“I didn’t know.  He was just a small boy who needed help, and I helped him.  This afternoon, I went back to the Common, and he was there.  We started talking.  He told me why he was in Boston.  It wasn’t until he told me his brother’s name that I knew.”

“What is he like…your brother?”

Scott smiled.   “You’d never know we were brothers.  He’s part Mexican.  His skin is tan, and he has the blackest hair I’ve ever seen, and his eyes…oh, Perkins, he has bright blue eyes.”

Perkins smiled at the enthusiasm Scott was showing in describing his brother.

“He has an accent, so it’s hard to understand him sometimes, but he says he’s trying to speak English better.”  Scott stopped to take a breath.  “Perkins, Johnny said he has been living in Mexico.  Is that where his mother took him?”

“I believe so.  Do you think you could be friends?”

Scott nodded. “Yes, I think we could be.”

“What do you want to do?”

“I want to meet my father.”

“Tonight?”

Scott nodded and looked at the clock on the mantle.  It was only six o’clock.

“Very well, I’ll go with you.  It’s too late for you to be out alone.”

“Thank you, Perkins.”

---

Scott and Perkins left the Beacon Street house thirty minutes later. Now, here he was, standing in James Harper’s sitting room. All eyes were on him; however, he searched the room for only one man.

Officer Flanagan was the first to speak, “Master Lancer, isn’t it?  Mr. Harlan Garrett’s grandson?”  Flanagan realized what he’d said.  His eyes went from Scott to Murdoch.  “Are you related to Mr. Lancer?”

Murdoch’s eyes were glued to the face of his oldest son. “Scott.  My God, son, you look like your mother.”

“Are you…,” Scott swallowed hard.  “Sir, are you my father?”

Murdoch nodded, then hurried across the room to pull Scott into his arms, but was met with an outstretched hand.  He took his son’s hand and clasped a second hand on top of the first. “Yes, son, I’m your father.”

Before he knew it, Scott was pulled into a brief hug. The tall man’s arms surrounded him and pulled him close, and he felt an unfamiliar warmth.

Scott pulled back and craned his neck to look at the giant he vaguely remembered. “It’s good to meet you again, sir.”

Murdoch looked surprised. “You remember me?”

Scott nodded.  “I didn’t know until Perkins,” Scott looked over his shoulder to see Perkins standing in the doorway, “reminded me of my fifth birthday party.  You were there, weren’t you?”

“Yes, I was there.”

“I know why you didn’t take me with you, but you’re here now to take me, aren’t you?”

Murdoch nodded.  “Yes, son. I pray I can make that happen.”

“Mr. Lancer, I’m sorry to interrupt this reunion, but you still have a son out there somewhere we need to find.”

Scott whirled around.  “What do you mean you need to find?  Isn’t Johnny here?”

“You know Johnny?” Murdoch asked.

“I met him today.  He and I talked this afternoon in the Common.”

“The Common?” Officer Flanagan asked.  “When was the last time you saw him?”

“It was about four, but… he’s missing?”

“He didn’t come home, Scott.  Can you show us where he was when you last saw him?”

“I asked him if he knew how to get back here, and he said he did.  I should never have left him alone.  If only…”

“It isn’t your fault, son.” Murdoch placed a hand on Scott’s shoulder.  “Your brother has a way of getting into trouble.  Now, take us to where you last saw him.”

“You had better take a coat,” Elizabeth said as she held out one for James. 

“Yes, I’ll be right back.”

Murdoch hurried upstairs to get his coat, returning in less than two minutes.  Everyone rushed out of the house, leaving Elizabeth to wring her hands and pray Johnny would be found.

---

As Johnny watched the blonde boy run along the path leading out of the Common, the sun was getting low.  He looked at the bag of candy in his hand and then at the boy’s retreating back.

“Wait!  You forgot….” 

Johnny started running to catch up with the other boy. There was a lot of candy in the bag, and Johnny knew the boy would want it back.  The sack’s contents were worth a lot of money where he came from.

Exiting the park, Johnny stopped and looked first left and then right.  He thought he saw movement to his right and ran a few feet before realizing the other boy had vanished.  Turning around, he started back the way he’d come.

Looking around, he realized he had no idea where he was.  It was getting dark, and men were lighting gas lamps along the street.  He reasoned that he could find his way back to the house if he went back to the Frog Pond.  

Turning back down the walkway he thought he’d come out of, Johnny walked and walked.  He came to a fork in the path and had no idea which way to turn. He was sure there wasn’t a fork a few minutes ago.

The only light was now coming from the gas lamps.  For the first time, Johnny was feeling panicked.  Turning left, he walked until another path crossed his.  Looking both ways, Johnny turned left again.  It wasn’t long before he found himself back on the same street he’d left earlier.  He’d walked in a circle.

Johnny looked to his left and saw a tall man coming towards him.  He was about to ask for help when instincts honed from his time in Mexico and along the border kicked in.  Turning, Johnny started to run back into the Common.

“Boy, wait! I’m not going to hurt you.”

Johnny heard the man yelling, but there was no way he was going to stop.  Hearing the man’s footfall getting closer, Johnny ran faster.  When he got to the fork in the path this time, he veered right and kept going.  To his relief, he saw the Frog Pond on his left. 

Johnny stopped, his sides heaving.  Bending over, he placed his hands on his knees, dropping the bag of candy he’d been clutching.  Needing to catch his breath, Johnny looked for a place to hide.  It was dark here, except for what little light the lamps provided.  Shrubbery to his right gave him the perfect cover.

Johnny scampered under the bushes and waited.  It wasn’t long before he heard someone coming.  All he could see was a shadow passing on the ground near where he was hiding.  Lying still and controlling his breathing, Johnny waited.   He had a pretty good idea of where he was and how to get back to the Harpers, but he couldn’t take the chance of coming out of his hiding place.

As Johnny lay waiting, he heard something skittering through the underbrush. He didn’t know what it was and wasn’t anxious to find out.  An owl hooted overhead and then swooped down from the trees to catch a mouse that dared to venture out.  When a frog croaked, Johnny jumped. These were not the sounds he was used to, not the sounds of Mexico.

A fine mist started to fall, followed by rain.  Johnny was spared from some of the rain from his hiding place, but not all of it.  He tucked his arms under his body and curled into a tight ball. It wasn’t long before he began to doze off.  He was still sleeping when he felt a hand grab his arm.

---

Murdoch and Scott were in the lead as the search party reached the Common.

The closest entry point to the park was the Northwest corner where Beacon Street met Charles Street.  Once they were at the edge of the greenbelt, they followed the path that led east along the park’s boundary. 

“Here,” Scott said, pointing to the second turn that led to the heart of the Common.  “We turn here.”

“This is the way to the Frog Pond,” Officer Flanagan commented.

“Yes.  The last time I saw Johnny, we were near the pond.”

By the time they reached the Frog Pond, steady rain was falling. Officer Flanagan shook his head. “It’s hard enough to search the Common in daylight, but at night in the rain….”  He didn’t need to finish the sentence.

“We have to look.” Murdoch squinted as he tried to see through the rain. “Scott, you said he was here.  Which way did you go when you left him?”

Scott pointed to the path that led to the Beacon Street entrance. “That way, but I told him to go back to the Harpers.  You don’t think he tried to follow me, do you?”

“I don’t know.”  Murdoch looked around, spotting a small bag on the ground nearby.  “What’s this?”  He reached down and picked it up.  Opening the soggy sack, he saw it was full of candy.

“It’s the candy I bought for us.  Johnny had it in his hand when I left him.” 

“Spread out and look around.  Search the shrubbery as well,” Officer Flanagan ordered. 

They hadn’t been searching long when one of the police officers called out, “You there.  What are you doing?” 

“Officer Flanagan,” the man who had been chasing Johnny, waved to the approaching men.

“Durham, isn’t it?”

“Yes, sir.  I saw a boy matching the description of the one you’re looking for, and I followed him into the park.  He’s here somewhere.”

“How did you know we were looking for a boy?”

Durham paused for a breath before answering, “Word has been spread to everyone in the adjacent neighborhoods.”

“Very well,” Flanagan said.  “Keep looking.”

Within a few minutes, Durham spotted what he’d been looking for.  Reaching under the bushes, he took hold of the boy’s arm.

---

Johnny screamed when a hand grabbed his arm and tried to pull him from under the bushes.  “Let me go, por favor.  Let me go.”

“There you are.  Come now, I’ve got you.  No one is going to hurt you.”

Johnny struggled against the man’s hand.  He’d turned over and was kicking when someone off to his right started yelling, “Have you found him?”

The man let go, and Johnny hurried to tuck himself as far back under the bushes as he could.

“He’s here but won’t come out.”

A few moments later, another hand grabbed his arm and tried to pull him out of his hiding place. Johnny kicked the man’s hands away.

“Calm down, lad.  I’m not going to hurt you,” Flanagan said.

“Let me,” Murdoch said, pushing past the officer.  “Johnny, it’s me.  It’s Papa.  Don’t fight me.”

Johnny’s head came up, and his eyes tried to focus.  “Papa?”

“Yes, hijo, it’s me.  Come out from under there.”

Johnny crawled out on his hands and knees.   When he saw Murdoch, the boy threw his arms around his father’s neck.  When he buried his face into Murdoch’s neck, there was no way Johnny could stop the tears from falling.

“Hush, now.  It’s alright.  I have you.” Murdoch rubbed Johnny’s back while speaking softly in his ear.  “I have you.”

“Is he alright?” James Harper asked.

“I think so,” Murdoch answered. “He’s just scared.”

Officer Flanagan motioned for everyone to move back.  “Let’s get him home and put him into some dry clothes.”

Murdoch stood with Johnny, still glued to his shoulder, and his leg wrapped around his waist.  When they got into the light, Johnny saw Scott.  

“You forgot your candy,” Johnny sobbed.  “I tried to give it back to you, but I couldn’t catch you.”

“It’s alright.”  Scott smiled and held up the wet bag.  “We found it where you dropped it.”

“Come on, John.  Let’s get you home.” Murdoch tilted his head to see Johnny’s face.  “I bet you’re hungry.”

Johnny shook his head and sneezed.   “Not hungry, Papa, just cold.”

Murdoch pulled his coat around the boy as best he could as they started back to back to the Harpers.

As they walked, Perkins and Scott lagged behind. “Master Scott, we should get you home.”  

“I would like to make sure Johnny’s alright before we do.”

Perkins looked ahead.  It was clear Murdoch Lancer was concentrating solely on his younger son. 

“I’m quite sure he will be alright tonight. Your father should take care of John tonight. You can check on him tomorrow.”

Scott stopped and sighed.  As much as he wanted to be with his father and brother tonight, he knew they needed to be together.  He’d waited eleven years to talk to his father, and one more night wouldn’t make a difference.

“All right,” begrudgingly, Scott agreed.

Perkins hurried ahead, coming alongside Murdoch. “Mr. Lancer, I’m going to take Master Scott home.  I need to get him out of those wet clothes and into a hot bath.”

Murdoch stopped and turned to look at his oldest son. “Yes, of course.  Scott…”

“It’s alright, sir.  Please take care of Johnny.  I’ll see you tomorrow if that’s agreeable.”

Murdoch smiled. “Oh, son, you don’t know how agreeable.”

“Tomorrow, then.  Good night, sir.” Scott paused and added, “Sir, tell Johnny goodnight for me.”

“Goodnight, Son.”

Scott and Perkins watched Murdoch hurry along the paved path with Johnny in his arms.  Perkins put a hand on Scott’s shoulder.  “Come, Master Scott.  You need your rest.”

“Perkins,” Scott looked up at his friend.

“Yes, Master Scott.”

Scott grinned. “I have a little brother.”

Perkins smiled and gave the boy’s shoulder a slight squeeze.  “Yes, you do.”

---

The sun was streaming through Scott’s bedroom window as he quickly got dressed.

The day before, Scott Garrett Lancer had met his father for the first time and discovered a brother.  After returning to his grandfather’s home the night before, Perkins saw that he had a hot bath and then went straight to bed, but there was no way he could sleep.

Now that the sun was up, he couldn’t wait to see how Johnny was doing. 

Scott ran down the long staircase, something he’d never done.  He was reaching for the front doorknob when he heard a familiar sound.

“Ahem.”

Scott turned to see Perkins standing behind him.

“Master Scott, your breakfast is ready.”

“I’m not hungry.”

“I must insist.  You may go out after you’ve eaten.”

Scott recognized Perkins’ tone.  There was no way he was going to leave before eating.

Perkins turned aside as Scott sighed and headed for the Dining Room.  Sitting in his usual place, Scott waited for his breakfast to arrive.

“Perkins,” Scott said as he took a bite of the poached egg in front of him, “I’m not sure if I want Grandfather to know I’ve met my father.”

When Perkins didn’t answer, Scott looked up at him.  The butler was deep in thought.

“Perkins?”

“I heard you, Master Scott.  Yes, I believe it would be prudent to withhold that information for now.”

“What are we going to tell Grandfather if he comes home and asks where I am?”

“I will tell Mr. Garrett that you are …. visiting a neighborhood friend.  Now finish eating and don’t forget your coat.  There’s a chill in the air this morning.”

Under Perkins’s disapproving gaze, Scott wolfed down his food and bolted for the door, grabbing his wool jacket as he went.  “I’ll be back this afternoon,” Scott called over his shoulder as the door closed behind him.

A light fog hung over the city as Scott made his way west along Beacon Street and then turned right onto Charles and another right onto Branch.  Before he knew it, Scott was standing in front of James Harper’s home.

Scott hesitated a moment before knocking on the door. Suddenly, he wasn’t as sure he should be here.  What if his father didn’t want to see him again?  He was about to turn away when the door opened, and Blair looked down on him.

“Master Scott, would you like to come in?”

Scott nodded.  “Yes, sir.”

Blair fought back a smile.  “There’s no need to ‘sir’ me, Master Scott.  Please come in.  The family is just sitting down to breakfast.”

Scott entered the house and followed Blair into the Dining Room, where James and Elizabeth Harper were sitting.

James stood, laying down his napkin.

“Scott, it’s good to see you.”  He motioned to the chair beside him.  “Sit down, my boy, and join us.”

“That’s kind of you, sir, but I’ve already had my breakfast.  I came to see how Johnny was doing this morning.”

“Your father is upstairs with him.  I’m sure he wouldn’t mind if you went up. Blair, could you show Scott to Mr. Lancer’s room?”

“Yes, sir.  Master Scott, please follow me.”

Scott trailed Blair up the stairway and down the hall.  Stopping at a partially opened door, Blair stepped aside, and Scott knocked.

A hushed voice could be heard, “Come in.” 

Scott pushed the door open.  Hesitantly, he walked into the room.  His father sat in a chair next to the bed where Johnny lay on his side, still sleeping.

Scott swallowed hard, then lifted his head and extended his right hand. “Good morning, sir.”

Murdoch stood, towering over his oldest son.  Pausing, he took the boy’s hand.  When Scott started to pull away, Murdoch did something he’d waited eleven years to do.  He pulled his son to his chest and wrapped his arms around him, holding him tightly.

“Scott, I’ve waited a long time to do this.”

Scott, at first shocked by the move, relaxed and leaned into his father’s broad chest. After a few moments, Murdoch released the boy and held him at arm’s length.  

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be, sir.  I’ve waited a long time, too.”

Smiling, both father and son mirrored each other’s movements as they wiped their eyes of unshed tears.

Scott turned to look at the bed. “How is Johnny?”

“The Doctor says he’ll be alright.  It was a rough night, though, and he tossed and turned most of it.” Murdoch retook his chair and waved Scott into one next to him. “Tell me how you two met?”

“It was quite by accident.  I was in the Common with some friends yesterday morning, and Johnny was there with the Harper’s nanny.”

For the next few minutes, Scott told the story of how he’d met Johnny and found out they were brothers. “I should never have left him alone there, but truthfully, sir, I was in shock.  I had no idea you wanted me and that I had a brother.”

Murdoch sighed.  What should he say?  How much should he tell the boy?

“Father…I can call you that, can’t I?”

“Yes, you may.” Murdoch smiled, his heart beating faster.  He couldn’t stop staring at his son. “I’ve waited a long time to hear that as well.”

Scott smiled, “Father, I’m not sure I should tell you, but Grandfather knows you’re in Boston and why.”

The smile disappeared from the older man’s face. “How do you know?”

“I discovered a letter from Grandfather’s attorney, Franklin Mathews.  Mr. Mathews told him you were in Boston.  He also said you had come to regain custody of me.  Is that true?”

There was no turning back now.  “It’s true.”

“Is it also true that you came for me six years ago?”

Murdoch nodded.  “Yes.”

“Why….?”

Murdoch knew what the boy wanted to know. “Harlan refused to let you come with me.  He threatened ….  It doesn’t matter now what happened then.  Scott, what does matter is here and now.  I want you to come back to California with me.  I want you and Johnny to grow up together on Lancer.”

“Lancer is the ranch, isn’t it?   Johnny told me about it.” 

Scott stood and walked to the window.  His emotions were mixed.  He loved his grandfather and didn’t want to leave him, but he wanted to learn more about his father and brother.

“Scott, you said you only learned yesterday that you had a brother.  Surely, Harlan told you about Johnny.”

“No, sir.”  Scott shook his head.  “He didn’t.”

“Son, did you get any of my letters?” Murdoch asked, already knowing the answer.

Scott returned to his seat. “No.  Did you ever receive any of mine?  I wrote you several times, but never received a reply.”

It was Murdoch’s turn to shake his head.  “No, I didn’t.”

They sat quietly for a few minutes, each in their own thoughts.

“Scott, how do you feel about coming home with your brother and me?”

“I … I don’t know.  I want to get to know you.”  Scott bowed his head. “Are you sure you want me?”

“Scott, I’ve wanted you since the moment your mother told me she was expecting you.  If circumstances had been different, you would have been born at Lancer and grown up there.”

Scott looked at Johnny.

“What is it, son?”

“If circumstances had been different, my mother would still be alive, wouldn’t she?”

“Maybe.  We’ll never know.”

“If she were alive and I had been born at Lancer, then….” Scott turned to look at his father. “Then you wouldn’t have married Johnny’s mother, and Johnny wouldn’t be here. Would he?”

Murdoch’s eyes went to his youngest son. “I…”

“Sir, do you believe everything happens for a reason and in its own time?”   

“Yes, I suppose I do.”

“Then everything that’s happened has been for a reason.  You were meant to have Johnny as a son, and I was meant to have him as a brother.”

“Yes, but if your mother had lived, we would have had more children.  Johnny would still….”

“No,” Scott shook his head.  “It wouldn’t be the same Johnny.”

“Scott, what are you trying to say?”

“Father, it was meant for me to be raised by Grandfather… until now.  It was meant for you to come for me now.  We’re meant to be a family, you and me and Johnny, but for whatever reason, it wasn’t meant to happen until now.”

Murdoch smiled.  “I suppose you’re right.  How did you get so smart, young man?”

“I don’t know.  I guess….”

“Papa?” Johnny rolled over and looked around the room.  Sitting up, he wiped the sleep from his eyes.

Murdoch went to sit on the side of the bed.  “I’m here.  How do you feel?”

“Hungry.”

Murdoch laughed, then turned to look at Scott. “I’ll let you two visit while I go down and see what I can find.”

Johnny yawned and looked at the blond-haired boy from the day before. 

“Hello, Johnny; besides being hungry, how do you feel?”

“Good.  What are you doing here?  I gave you back your candy, didn’t I?”

“Yes, I got my candy back, but I’m here to visit you.”

“Why?”

“I wanted to get to know you better, and I was worried about you last night.”

Johnny leaned back against a pillow and pulled the covers up to his chin.

“Are you cold?”

Johnny nodded. “A little, but nothing like last night.”

Johnny looked at Scott and frowned.

“What’s wrong?”

“I don’t even know your name.”

“It’s Scott.”

“My brother’s name is Scott.”

“I know.  You told me.  What do you think your brother looks like?”

“I don’t know.”

“Do you think he would look like your father or you?”

“Me?  No, my Mama was Mexican.  Scott’s Mama was white, and Papa says she had blond hair and light blue eyes, like….”

“Like what?”

“Like yours.”   

Johnny sat up in bed, his eyes wide and his mouth open.  “Are you my brother?”

Scott smiled and nodded.

Suddenly, Johnny became angry.  “Go away.”  He threw himself back on the bed and pulled the blanket over his head.

Alarmed, Scott asked, “Why?  What’s wrong?”

When Johnny didn’t respond, Scott pulled the blanket down, only for Johnny to pull it back up.

“Go away, gringo.”

“I am not a gringo.” Scott pulled the blanket down again.

“Are too.”

“Am not.”

“Boys!” Murdoch stood in the doorway holding a tray.  “Would one of you like to tell me what’s going on?”

“Frankly, sir, I have no idea.  He…,” Scott pointed at Johnny.  “He called me a gringo and told me to go away.”

“John, is that right?”

“Si, Papa.” Johnny pointed at Scott. “Es un gringo. No quiere un hermano mestizo.”

“English, Johnny, and you know I don’t like you using that word.”

“Sir, Johnny used that word yesterday and said it meant mixed.  Why in the world would he think that would mean anything to me?”

Murdoch looked at Johnny.  “Well, son, would you like to explain?”

“Yesterday, he knew I was his hermano and didn’t say anything. When he found out, he ran away. He does not want me as his brother.” Johnny ducked under the covers again.

“That’s not true, Johnny.  Yesterday, I was … confused.  I’d just found out you were my brother, and my father wanted me.  I ran home to talk to my grandfather, not because I didn’t want you as a brother.  I came back last night to talk to our father and you.”

“You did?” Johnny peeked out from under the sheets.

“I most certainly did.  You gave me back my candy.  Remember?”

“Si, I remember.”

“I wouldn’t have come back if I didn’t want you as my brother, would I?”

“I guess not.”

“You guess?

Johnny pushed the sheets lower, revealing a smile.

“That’s better. Now sit up and eat your breakfast.”

Murdoch reached for the tray.

“I’ll do that, sir,” Scott said as he picked up the tray.  “I know your breakfast is waiting downstairs.  I’ll stay with Johnny while you eat.”  Scott looked up at his father.  “If that’s alright with you, sir.”

“Thank you, Scott.”  Murdoch smiled.  “I believe I will go down and eat.  Call me if you need anything.”

“I will, sir, but I believe I can handle my….” Scott turned and looked at Johnny… “little brother.”

Murdoch put a hand on Scott’s shoulder and gave him a gentle squeeze.  Turning, he walked out of the room, looking back over his shoulder as he went.  Scott had placed the tray across Johnny’s lap and tucked a napkin under his chin.

“I ain’t no baby, Scott.  I can do it,” Johnny grumbled.

“There is no such word as ‘ain’t.”

“Yes, there is.  I heard it on the ship coming here and back at the ranch.”

Scott shook his head.  “I am going to have my work cut out for me.  I can tell that now.”

Murdoch was chuckling by the time he reached the Dining Room.

“What’s so funny?” James asked as Murdoch took his seat at the table.

“The boys.  They’re acting like brothers.”

“They are brothers.”  Elizabeth looked puzzled.

“Yes, they are, and they act like they’ve known each other for years instead of less than 24 hours.”

“Well, that proves it then,” Elizabeth replied with a smile.

“Proves what?”

“Blood will out, Murdoch.”  Elizabeth raised a hand to stop Murdoch from speaking.  “Those two boys of yours were meant to meet.  I don’t claim to know the how of it, but they were drawn together.  Blood calling to blood, I’ve heard it called.  How else do you explain two boys who come from totally different upbringings walking into a park and finding each other?” 

“I suppose you’re right, Elizabeth.  I pray I can keep them together.”

“I know you will, Murdoch.  We’ll have to find a way.”

“We’re meeting with Christian Meyer today.  He should have the Petitions for Custody drawn up by now.”

“Scott said Harlan knows I’m in Boston and why.”

“I was hoping we could stay a step ahead of him,” James replied.

“How do you suppose he knows I’m here?”

“There’s very little that happens in Boston that Harlan doesn’t know.  He has a lot of men working for him.  That means he also knows Johnny is here,” James said as an afterthought, his voice trailing off.

“Yes.  What are you getting at?”

“Nothing.”

“James?” Elizabeth put a hand on her husband’s arm.

“I’m sure it’s nothing, but I wonder if Harlan would do anything to harm the boy?”  

Murdoch stood up and started to walk upstairs.  Stopping himself, he turned back to look at James.  “Last night, while we were looking for him, Johnny said he was chased.”

“Yes, by the other officer, Durham.”

“I didn’t think anything of it at the time, but Durham wasn’t in uniform.”

“No, he wasn’t, but he could be a plainclothes officer.  If you’re really concerned, I think we need to talk to Officer Flanagan.”

“Thank you.” Murdoch heaved a sigh of relief.  “That would help put my mind at ease.”

Elizabeth stood.  “Now that’s settled.  I’m going upstairs to check on Melissa and talk to Charlotte.  Murdoch, what did Doctor Sawyer say about Johnny?”

Murdoch smiled, “Oh…he’s perfectly fine.  We thought he was coming down with a cold last night, but he seems to be alright this morning.”

“Well, then, Charlotte and I will have him up and dressed in no time.”

“Just watch over him today.  I don’t want him to be alone, and I’m not sure how long Scott is going to stay.”

“Don’t worry, Murdoch.  You go to your meeting with Mr. Meyer.”

“I’ll go change and be back down in a few minutes.”

Murdoch headed for the stairs, secretly glad to have an excuse to spend more time with his boys. He was halfway up the staircase when the bell at the front door rang.  

Murdoch stopped and looked back as Blair opened the door.  Perkins stood on the stoop.  From their greeting, it was apparent that the two men knew each other.  Going back down the steps, Murdoch waited until Perkins was in the foyer.

“Mr. Lancer,” Perkins said, removing his hat. “I’ve come for Master Scott.  Mr. Garrett has returned home and is asking for his grandson.”

“Scott is upstairs with Johnny.  I’ll go up and get him.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Murdoch walked back up the stairs and down the hall. Approaching the bedroom, he heard laughter.  Pushing the door open, he peeked inside.  Johnny and Scott were lying together on the bed. Scott was reading, and Johnny was pointing at the pictures. 

“You read real good, Scott.”

“Thank you.  I’ve always excelled at reading.”

Johnny frowned and looked sideways at his brother.  “Does that mean you read real good?”

Scott laughed, “Yes, that’s what it means.”

“Then why didn’t you say that?”

“I did.”

Johnny shook his head and looked back at the book. When Murdoch walked into the room, he started pointing to another picture.

“Scott, Perkins is downstairs.  He’s been sent to bring you home.  Your grandfather wants to see you.”

“Grandfather’s home?”  Scott hurriedly closed the book and stood up.  “I’d better go.”   Without another word, he started for the door.  Almost as an afterthought, he turned to look at Johnny.  “Goodbye.  We’ll finish the story later.”

Johnny nodded but didn’t say anything. 

Murdoch watched his youngest son’s face while listening to Scott descend the stairs and the front door close. “Did you enjoy having Scott’s visit?”

Johnny nodded with a smile.  “Si.”

Murdoch walked across the room to the wardrobe, took out a suit, and laid it across the foot of the bed.  “I have to go out for a while.”

Johnny pushed back the covers. “Can I come, too?”

Jumping onto his knees, Johnny was stripping off his nightshirt when Murdoch put a hand on the boy’s shoulder.

“Whoa, mijo.  You can’t go with me.  I have a meeting with our attorney, and I don’t know how long it’s going to take.”

“But, Papa….”

“No.  Look, when I get back, if it’s not too late, you and I will go to the Common, just the two of us.”

Johnny frowned and then sighed.  “Promise?”

“Yes, I promise.  Now that you’re feeling this much better, why don’t you go to your room and get dressed?  I’ve asked Mrs. Harper and Charlotte to watch you today.”

“I don’t need no one to watch me, Papa.”

“Son, please humor me.  I’d feel better knowing you’re safe here while I’m away.”

Johnny flopped back down on the bed.  “Papa, lo siento.”

Murdoch stopped buttoning his shirt.  “What are you sorry for?”

“For getting lost yesterday.  I never get lost.”

“You’re not sorry for going to the Common by yourself?”

Johnny shook his head.  “No.  Not for going out by myself.  I….”

“You were what?”

“I was lonely.”

“Lonely?”

“I missed you, Papa.” Johnny’s accent thickened.  “Since we got here, you do not have time for me.  All you think of is mi hermano.”  

Murdoch sat on the edge of the bed.   “Come here, hijo.”

Johnny scooted across the bed to his father’s side.  Murdoch put an arm around the small shoulders and pulled him close.

“I’m sorry, Johnny.  I’ve been so focused on getting your brother back that I guess I forgot you needed me as well.”

“I like mi hermano.”  Johnny looked up and grinned.

Murdoch smiled, “I’m glad you like him.  I do, too.”  Murdoch stood up.  “Now, I’m going to be late.”

“Is Scott’s abuelo going to fight you?”

“I’m sure he will.  He did the last time I came to get him.”

Murdoch noticed something changing on Johnny’s face, but he couldn’t quite identify what it was.

“Murdoch.” James stood in the doorway.  “We need to be on our way.”

“Coming.”  Murdoch picked up his suit coat and gave Johnny one last hug.  “You, young man, behave yourself.”

After Murdoch closed the door, Johnny sat for a long time, thinking about his father and brother.  He understood how much his Papa needed his oldest son.   Making up his mind, Johnny jumped down from the bed and ran to his own room.  Once dressed, he went downstairs, making sure no one was around.  

As he’d done the day before, Johnny eased the front door open and went outside with only one destination on his mind.

---

 Perkins opened the door to the Garrett home, allowing Scott to enter ahead of him. 

“I’ll take your coat, Master Scott.”

Scott nodded as he shucked his coat and handed it to the butler. 

“I believe Mr. Garrett is in his study.”

Scott stood up straight and marched to the Study door.  Knocking, he waited until he heard a familiar voice, “Come in.”

Scott opened the door and walked into the room, closing the door behind him.

“Scotty, it’s good to see you, my boy.  Where have you been this morning?”

Scott knew the question was coming, and he didn’t want to lie. “I’ve been visiting Mr. and Mrs. Harper.”

“Harper?”  Harlen leaned back in his chair.  “That wouldn’t be the Harper’s on Branch Street, would it?”

“Yes, sir, it would.”

Harlen sighed.  “So, I take it you’ve met your father?”

“Yes, Grandfather.  I also met my brother.”

“Scotty….”

“Why, Grandfather?  Why didn’t you tell me my father wanted me?  Why didn’t you tell me about my brother?”

“I’ve done what I thought best for you.  Your mother didn’t belong in that God-forsaken place, and neither do you.  Here, you have all the advantages that your father will never be able to provide.  He doesn’t deserve you.”

Scott cocked his head.  “I had hoped you did it because you loved me, Grandfather.”

Harlen stood up and moved around the desk.  “I do love you, Scotty.  I love you too much to let that man influence you.”

Scott took a step backward as Harlen approached him. “What do you mean?”

“I’ve made arrangements for us to go to Europe for a few months.  We leave for New York tomorrow, and our ship sails on Tuesday.”

“Is that where you were yesterday and last night, making the arrangements?  No.  I won’t go.  I want to get to know my father and brother.”

“You’ll do as you’re told, young man.  Now go upstairs and pack.  I have some paperwork to finish up before we leave.”

Scott hesitated a moment before turning and running from the room.  In the hall, he met Perkins. “You heard?”

“Yes, Master Scott, I did.  I’ll help you pack.”

“I’m not going to Europe.”

“I didn’t say you were, Master Scott.  I would think you will need your clothes in California.”

Scott smiled at Perkins.  

“I would think it would also be wise for you to stay with Mr. and Mrs. Harper until the court hearing is settled.”

“Thank you, Perkins.”

“You are quite welcome, Master Scott.  Now, hurry upstairs.”

Scott wasted no time in getting to his room.

---

Christian Meyer stood as Murdoch and James entered his office.

A diploma on the wall behind his desk declared he’d graduated with honors from Harvard Law School just three years earlier.   The six-foot-tall, 29-year-old brunette was now the youngest member of the Law Firm of Jacobs, Dickson, and Meyer. 

“Mr. Lancer. Mr. Harper.” Christian shook both men’s hands. “Please come in and have a seat.  It’s good to see you both.  I have the Petition of Custody ready, and all I need to do is file it, but I want to make sure I’ve covered all the terms we’ve discussed.”

Everyone took a seat as Christian picked up a stack of papers.

“Now, then, we have two Petitions to file.  The first will ask the court to reverse a previous ruling of custody awarded to Harlen Garrett for the infant child, Scott Garrett Lancer.  In the second, we are seeking the court to award full custody of eleven-year-old Scott Garrett Lancer to his father, Murdoch Lancer.”

Murdoch nodded.

Christian paused.  “As Mr. Garrett has raised Scott from infancy, I’m not confident we will be able to avoid visitation privileges.”

“Visitation?  What do you mean?  Harlen will be able to see Scott whenever he wants.  Mr. Meyer, California is a long way from Boston.  I….”

“No, Mr. Lancer, not whenever he wants.  However, should Mr. Garrett wish to visit the boy in California, I’m sure the court will approve the request.”    

Murdoch sighed.  “What else?”

“I’ve heard from Mr. Garrett’s attorney, Franklin Mathews.  He is aware you are in Boston and suspects what we plan to do.”

“I know.  I met Scott yesterday for the first time, and he told me Harlan was aware of my visit to Boston.”

“You’ve seen your son?”

“Yes.”

“What…. I mean, do you think he wants to go back to California with you?”

Murdoch smiled, “I think he does.  I know he was excited to find out he had a brother, and he and Johnny have been getting along well together.”

“That’s something anyway.  The court will take Scott’s wishes into account before awarding custody.”

“What else did Franklin Mathews say?”

“I’m not sure he made Mr. Garrett aware of his contact with me.  Mr. Garrett was out of town yesterday and last night, and he’s only returned from New York this morning.”

“New York?  If he knew I was in town, why would he take a trip to New York?”

“I’m not sure, and I didn’t inquire.”

Murdoch frowned. “All right, can you file the Petitions today?  I need to get back to the ranch as soon as possible.  The trip is difficult enough without dealing with winter weather.”

“I can file today and the Petitions will be served on Mr. Garrett this afternoon.”

“Good.”  Murdoch stood and extended his hand.  “Thank you, Mr. Meyer.”

Christian accepted the outstretched hand. “It’s my pleasure, Mr. Lancer. I’ll contact you this evening to let you know when the court hearing will take place.”

Murdoch and James left Christian’s office and hailed a cab.

“What do you suppose Harlan was doing in New York?” Murdoch asked as they stepped into the Hack.

“I don’t know.  It bothers me, though,” James replied as he sat down.  “I know Harlan Garrett, and he doesn’t like to lose.  The thought of losing custody of his grandson must be driving him mad.”

“I know.  The last time I wrote to Harlan to discuss custody, he threatened….”

James turned to look at his friend.  “What’s wrong?”

“My God.”  Murdoch pounded on the roof of the cab.  “Turn around.  We need to go back.”

The cab had not fully stopped when Murdoch jumped down and rushed inside. Without stopping at the receptionist’s desk, he hurried into Christian’s office.

The attorney bolted from his seat when the door flung open. “Mr. Lancer, what….”

Murdoch took a breath, trying to control his breathing.

“The last time I tried to talk to Harlan about getting Scott back, he threatened to send him to Europe, so I couldn’t find him.  That’s what Harlan was doing in New York.  He was making arrangements to send my son so far away that I’d never see him again.”

Christian collapsed into his chair.  Nodding, he closed his eyes.  “That’s possible. If Garrett leaves the country with Scott, there is no way we can serve him with the Petitions.  We have to act quickly.  I’ll go right away to see that the Petitions are filed, and I’ll have them served today.  I’ll also draw up a Temporary Restraining Order to keep Mr. Garrett from leaving the State or the country until the court declares a verdict.”

“Thank you.”

“Go on now, let me take care of this.”

Once back in the Hack, Murdoch tried to relax.  “James, what if we’re too late?  I sent Scott back to Garrett’s this morning.  What if….”

“Don’t think like that, Murdoch.  I don’t believe Scott would go willingly now that he knows you want him.”

“I hope so.”

---

Johnny had to stop twice on Beacon Street to ask for directions to the Garrett house. Now that he stood on the front porch, he wasn’t sure what he would say to Scott’s abuelo. Seeing the bell rope, Johnny stretched to grab it, but it was still out of his reach. He jumped, grabbed hold, and tugged it on his way back down. 

After a few moments, the door opened.  Perkins looked down at him. “Master John, what are you doing here?”

“I came to see my brother’s abuelo, his grandfather.  Can I talk to him?”

Perkins looked over his shoulder, hoping his employer hadn’t ventured out of the study.  Now was not the time for the young boy to be there.

“Master….”

“Who is it, Perkins?”

Perkins took a deep breath.  “It’s …”

Before Perkins could get the words out of his mouth, Harlan was standing next to him. 

“Who is this?” Harlan asked, with more than a hint of disgust in his voice. 

“I am Johnny Lancer, Señor.  Are you Scott’s grandfather?”

“Lancer, is it?  Why are you here?”

Johnny chose his words carefully. “I have come to speak with you about my brother.”

“We have nothing to discuss.  I suggest you go back to your father.”

“Señor…”

“I said, go away.  I don’t want my grandson associating with the likes of you.”

“Mr. Garrett,” Perkins interrupted, “Perhaps I should escort the boy….”

“No, Perkins.  He found his way here, and he can find his way back, or his father can come for him.  I don’t care which.  Now, I have packing to do.”

Johnny watched as the gray-haired man turned and walked away. “Why do you hate my Papa!?” Johnny yelled. 

Harlan stopped and turned back to face the six-year-old who dared confront him. “Murdoch Lancer is the reason my daughter is dead.  Why shouldn’t I hate him?”

“No, Señor, my Papa loved your daughter, and she loved him also.  If she didn’t, why would she go with him to California?  Why would she give him a son?”

“He forced….  I don’t know why I’m standing here arguing with a child who knows nothing about what it means to love a child.  Nothing can give my daughter back to me.”

“Si, Señor, nothing can give your daughter back to you.  Senor, my Papa, loves Scott.  So, you know how my Papa feels when he does not have his son.  My Papa loved your daughter very much, and his heart hurts as much as yours does for her.”  Johnny pushed past Perkins to stand in the Foyer.  Glancing up the stairs, he could see Scott looking down on him.  “Señor Garrett, you love Scott, do you not?”

“Of course I do.”

“If you love him, you will share him with others who also love him. Señor, I know what it is like not to be wanted or loved. I only found my Papa a few months ago. I know he loves me, but his heart hurts for Scott. Por favor, please, Señor Garrett, do not keep them apart.”

Scott took the stairs in two jumps and had his arms around Johnny before Harlan could say another word. “What are you doing here, little brother?”

“I came to talk with your grandfather, man to man,” Johnny answered with a smile.

“I see.”  Scott turned to look at his grandfather.  “Do you think it did any good?”

Johnny looked up at the man he’d come to hate.  “I do not know.  Has it?”

“Scotty, you have a life here with me.  You have every advantage in Boston.  All Murdoch Lancer can give you is a mud shack.  All you’ll have there is dirt and sand you’ll share with a half-breed brother.”

“Si, Señor, I am mestizo, but you are wrong about Lancer.  The hacienda is big… bigger than your house.  It has many rooms with tile floors and carpets, and there is a room where the walls are lined with books.  The land is green, and there are many cattle and horses.  The people there are happy.  They are happy because of my Papa.  He is the Patron, and the Patron needs his oldest son.”

“Scott, go back upstairs and finish packing.  We’re leaving in the morning.”

Johnny’s eyes widened.  “Leaving?  Where do you go?”

“It’s none of your business.  Now, go back to your father, and don’t come again.” 

This time, Harlan stomped back to his study and slammed the door.

Scott knelt in front of his brother. “Johnny, I’m sending Perkins with you back to the Harpers’.  I want you to stay there.  I’ll be there soon.  Please don’t come back here.”

“But, Scott…”

“No, listen to me. Perkins will explain everything.  Please go and stay there.”  Scott stood up.  “Perkins, please take him home.”

“Master Scott, I need to stay with you.”

“I’ll be alright.  You heard Grandfather.  He still doesn’t plan to leave until morning.  I’ll sneak out the back as soon as I’m finished packing.”

“No, Master Scott.  You take your brother home, and I will bring your things.  I wouldn’t put it past Mr. Garrett to change his plans and force you to go today.” 

Scott thought for a moment and then turned to look at the closed study door.  Perkins was right.  He needed to leave now before it was too late.  Looking back at Perkins, the butler was already holding his coat out to him.

Scott put his coat on and looked at his friend. “He’ll fire you for this.”

“Yes, Master Scott, I suppose he will.  Now, sir, see your brother home.”

Just as Scott and Johnny were leaving the house, a man dressed in a suit approached the door.  “Is this the Garrett residence?”

“Yes, it is,” Scott responded. “Perkins, can you help this gentleman?”

“Yes, of course.  Sir, may I be of help?”

“I have some papers to present to Mr. Garrett.  Is he here?”

Perkins nodded.  “This way, sir.”

Perkins smiled at Scott and gave him a quick wink before closing the door. He heard his employer coming out of the study again.

The doors flew open, and Harlen walked into the foyer.  “Perkins, who’s here now?”

“This gentleman asked to see you, Mr. Garrett.”

Harlan turned his attention to the short, balding man standing in his foyer.  “Well?”

“Are you Harlan Garrett?”

“I am, and who are you?”

“I have something for you, Mr. Garrett.” 

The man handed the court papers to Harlan and then pivoted on his heels to make a quick exit.  Perkins already had the front door open.  The moment the process server stepped out, Perkins closed the door.  He didn’t want to miss the expression on Harlan Garrett’s face when he realized what he was reading.

Perkins was not disappointed as Harlan turned several shades of red. “Perkins, where is Scotty?”

“Master Scott isn’t here, sir.  I believe he went out with his brother.”

At the mention of Johnny, Harlan’s face went from red to purple and then a faint blue as he gasped for air.

“Mister Garrett, are you alright?  Should I send for the doctor?”

Harlan couldn’t speak.  He only nodded.

“Very well, sir.  Would you like to lie down until he gets here?”

Again, Harlan nodded.

---

Usually, issues before the court took weeks or even months to complete, but Christian Meyer convinced the Judge that Murdoch had spent enough time separated from his oldest son.

As Murdoch sat with Christian Meyer, Harlan sat on the other side of the courtroom with his attorney, Franklin Mathews.   Judge Charles Edwards, a bearded, middle-aged man with dark hair, entered the room and took his seat at the bench. 

“Bailiff, what do we have today?”

“Your Honor, the matter before the court is Lancer vs. Garrett, a child custody hearing.”

“Very well.” Judge Edwards looked out at the courtroom. His eyes fell first on Mr. Meyer and Murdoch. Then, looking to his right, he saw Harlan and Mr. Mathews. When he saw Harlan, he frowned and looked down at the papers on his desk.

“Mr. Meyer, would you like to begin?”

Christian stood and presented Murdoch’s case, explaining the events surrounding Harlan’s original custody of Scott.

During Christian’s presentation, Harlan stood three times, objecting to the proceedings.  The first two times, Judge Edwards ordered Harlan to sit down.  By the third time, Franklin Mathews was looking anywhere except at his client. He found a spot on the ceiling particularly fascinating.

“Mr. Garrett, if you interrupt one more time, I’m finding you in contempt of court.  You don’t want to spend the next week in jail, do you?” 

The judge looked up to see what was so interesting on the ceiling.  Everyone in the courtroom followed the judge’s eyes.  “Mr. Mathews, if the court could have your attention.”

Mathews lowered his eyes and looked at the judge as if just realizing someone was speaking to him.

“Mr. Mathews, if you cannot control your client, you may be joining him.”

“Yes, your Honor.” 

Mathews dragged Harlan back into his chair and spent the next minute calming the irate man down.

After hearing both sides of the case, Judge Edwards asked to speak to Scott in his chambers.

---

Scott hesitantly walked into the lawbook-lined room.  Judge Edwards had replaced his robes with a suit coat.

“Come in, Scott.  Sit down.”

The judge pointed to a chair, and Scott sat down.

“Scott, do you understand what’s happening here today?”

Scott nodded.  “Yes, sir.”

“Would you like to tell me?”

“My grandfather wants me to stay in Boston and live with him, and my father wants to take me back to California to live with him.”

The judge smiled. “That’s pretty much it, except you will be with whoever I award custody to until you reach your majority. Do you know what that is?”

“Yes, sir.  I’ll live with them until I’m 21 years old.”

Judge Edwards nodded.  “So, Scott, I’m going to ask you, who do you want to live with?”

“I get to say who I want?”

“I’ll take it into consideration.”

Scott sighed.  “I love my grandfather very much.  He’s been with me my whole life, but….”

“But?”

“I really want to get to know my father.  My father sent lots of letters and gifts, but grandfather never let me see any of them, so I didn’t know my father wanted me until just a few days ago.  I believed he blamed me for my mother’s death.  You see, sir, my mother died when I was born.”  Scott smiled.  “But he really does want me.  He’s always wanted me.”

“I didn’t know I had a little brother, either.  Johnny…. his name is Johnny.  You would really like him.  His mother raised him in Mexico, but she’s gone now.  He’s only six years old, but he’s really small for his age, and he gets into a lot of trouble.  Johnny really needs a big brother to take care of him. 

“So, you see, sir, I really do need to go to California.”  Scott stopped and swallowed hard.  “That is if it’s alright with you.”

“Thank you, Scott.  You can go back out now.  I’ll talk to your grandfather and father again in a few minutes.”

Scott stood up and walked to the door. He took the handle and opened it. As he stepped outside, he turned and looked back at the judge.

“It’s alright, son.  Go on.  I’ll make the decision that’s best for you.”

---

.

Mexico City
September 14, 1857

Once leaving Tucson in mid-July, Val and Cipriano went south, first to Tubutama and then Hermosillo. When Maria left Hermosillo, she had gone further into Mexico.  Following her trail wasn’t easy as she kept moving.  They came close in Durango, but she’d fled the city the same night they arrived.

It was no surprise when they discovered Maria had a new man in her life.  The people they talked to said Ricardo Lopez had money.  Val and Cipriano met Ricardo three weeks later in Guadalajara, the day after Maria disappeared, taking every penny he had. 

From Guadalajara, they zig-zagged all over Mexico, always one step behind her.  It was as if Maria knew she was being followed. 

By the time Val and Cipriano arrived in Mexico City, they had been following Maria for two months. Now that they were here, they decided it was time to end the chase. It was their last night in the capital, and both men were looking forward to a nice meal and a good night’s sleep before heading back to the border.

Upon entering Mexico City’s newest cantina, they found a table in a quiet corner. Although Cantina El Nivel had opened only a few months earlier, it had quickly become a popular watering hole for both locals and visitors.

When a pretty young girl approached the table, Cipriano ordered beer for Val and tequila for himself. 

Val took a long drink of his beer and sighed. “That’s good.”

Cipriano downed a shot of tequila and poured a second glass.  “Si, muy bien.”

Settling back, they relaxed and looked the room over.  

Cipriano glanced at Val, who looked like he was deep in thought.  “What will you do when we get back to the border, mi amigo?”

“I don’t know.  Go back to Texas, I guess.”

“Why not come to Lancer with me?”

Val smiled, “That’s not a good idea.  I don’t think Mr. Lancer would want me that close to Johnny.”

“In the beginning, perhaps, but ….”

“No, buts, Cip.  No, I’ll keep in touch, but from Texas.”

Cipriano laughed.  “You will, as you say, keep in touch?”

“Yeah, I’ll keep in touch.”

The same pretty girl sashayed up to the table.  “Señores, you wish something else, food perhaps?”

“Food sounds good,” Val drawled.  “Don’t it, Cip?”

“Si, Val, it does.”

She bent over the table, allowing both men a good view of her attributes. “What will you have, Señor?”

Val looked at Cipriano, who shook his head.  “I am married, Señorita.  Tamales and frijoles, por favor.”

She turned her attention to Val.  “And you, Señor?”

“I’ll have the same…for now.”

The girl straightened up and walked away, her hips swaying.

“That one is trouble, amigo,” Cipriano laughed.

“Yeah, she is, but sometimes a little trouble is a good thing.”

When their food arrived, Val ordered another beer.  Several times during the meal, the Señorita walked by the table, giving Val a tantalizing look each time.

At the next table, four men were speaking Spanish and laughing.  It was obvious they were drinking heavily.   Cipriano poured another drink and had it halfway to his mouth when he heard Maria’s name.

Val started to say something, but Cipriano held up a hand to silence him.  The men finished their drinks and staggered out of the cantina.

“What did they say?” Val asked.

Cipriano tossed a few coins on the table and motioned for Val to follow him.  “Not here.  We will talk in our room.” 

As soon as the hotel room door was closed, Cipriano tossed his hat on the bed and turned to Val.

“All right, talk.” Val sat in the only chair in the room.

“Those men were talking about Maria.  She was in Mexico City last week but is no longer here.”

“Did they say where she was going?”

“North.  They said she talked about going back across the border, and she tried to get more than one of them to go with her.  She told them she was coming into a lot of money.”

“Hell, where would Maria get money back in the States?”

“No se, but I have an idea.”

“What?”

“You know mi sobrina as well as I do.  Maria does not give up.”

“I know, but….”

“Where was she was going to get a lot of money once before?”

Val thought for a moment.  “She and Rivas were going to get money from Lancer for Johnny.”

“That is true.”

“The only way she could get money from Lancer now is if she had her hands on Johnny, which she don’t.”

“No, not now, but once he returns from Boston….”

Cipriano didn’t need to finish the sentence.

Val stood up and walked to the window.  Pushing the flimsy curtains aside, he looked out on the busy street.

Looking over his shoulder, Val said, “I was going to say we take our time getting back to Tucson, but now we need to get there sooner than later.  We need to get there before Maria does.”

Turning back to face Cipriano, Val asked, “Did you hear whether Maria got any men to go with her?”

“Si, two.”

“And they left last week?”

Cipriano nodded.

“Get some sleep.  We’re headed north at first light.”

“We need to send a telegram to Lancer; to warn them.”

“The closest telegraph office is in Tucson, and that’s three weeks away.”

“Then, Señor, we need to ride as fast as we can.”

---

Lancer Ranch
October 5, 1857

“There it is, Scott.  That’s Lancer.  As far as the eye can see, all the way to those mountains.”

Scott stood in the buckboard and looked out over the valley. 

“It’s beautiful.  I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything more beautiful.  Can we go down there now, sir?  I’m anxious for my little brother to show me around.”

“Yes, Papa, can we go home?”

Murdoch snapped the reins, and the two horses began the slow descent down the hill towards the arch.

They’d left Boston on August 20^th, two days after the court hearing concluded.  There had been negotiations regarding visitation rights and discussion of Scott’s education, but once those issues were resolved, it was a matter of signing a few papers.   Harlan had fought for his grandson, but Murdoch took full guardianship of his son in the end.

Perkins came to see them off at the train station in Boston.  It seemed he had a new employer.  A position opened at the Harper home as they needed a new butler after Blair and Charlotte decided it was time to get married and start their own family.  Perkins, who had quit his job at the Garrett household before getting fired, slid right into place.

“Goodbye, Master Scott.  I shall miss you.”

Scott hugged his friend.  “I’ll miss you, too, Perkins.  I’m glad you’re not working for Grandfather any longer.”

“I must say I am as well.  However, when you return to attend Harvard, I won’t be at Mr. Garrett’s to help you.” 

“We’ll see.   Maybe by then, Grandfather will have forgotten why you left.”  

Another emotional farewell took place the next day in New York when Harlan came to see them off.   Scott stood straight in front of the man who raised him for eleven years of his life and extended his hand. 

“I’ll miss you, Grandfather.”

“Scotty…” Harlan started to take the boy’s hand but instead pulled him into a brief hug.  “Take care of yourself.  Remember, you always have a home in Boston.”

“I’ll remember, Grandfather.  Perhaps you will come to see me?  I know it’s a long trip, but….”

“I plan to, my boy.  I plan to.  And you will be returning here in a few years to attend college.” 

“Yes, sir.”

“Goodbye, then, Scotty.  I love you.”

“I love you also, Grandfather.” 

Scott had turned and run up the gangplank to Murdoch’s waiting arms. As the ship left New York Harbor, Scott stood at the rail, waving until he couldn’t see his grandfather anylonger.

Johnny walked up beside his brother and took his hand.  Murdoch stood to the side, giving the boys time together.

“It will be alright, Scott.” 

“I know it will, Johnny.  It’s just that I will miss him.”

“Si, but soon you will be looking forward and not back. That is what I had to do with my Mama.”

Scott put an arm around Johnny’s shoulder, and the two boys stood side by side as New York became nothing more than a speck on the horizon. 

Scott turned and looked around the deck, unsure where to go. 

“Come on, hermano.” Johnny took Scott’s hand.  “I know where everything is, so don’t worry, I’ll show you.”

---

Just as they had when Johnny came home, vaqueros stood on the roof, waving their hats and yelling, “Muchachos.”

They could see people gathering near the front of the house.  By the time the wagon stopped, all of Lancer was there to greet them.

Murdoch hopped down and reached up to lift the boys, one at a time, down from the wagon. He held up his hand, and everyone quieted down.  

“Thank you. Thank you all.  I’ve waited a long time to have both my sons with me.  Now, they’re here.”  Looking around with a grin on his face, Murdoch put a hand on each of the boy’s shoulders.  “You’ll all get to meet Scott in the next few days, but right now, we need to settle in.”

“Uncle Murdoch!”  Teresa broke free of her father’s grasp and ran to Murdoch, jumping into his arms.  “You’re finally home.”

“I sure am, sweetheart.  Teresa, I want you to meet Scott.”  He turned so she could see Scott standing beside his brother.

“Hello, Scott.  My name’s Teresa.”

“Hello, Teresa.  It’s very nice to meet you.”

The little girl looked down at Johnny.  “Hello, Johnny. I’m glad you’re home, too.”

“Hola, Teresa.”

Paul walked forward, extending his hand. “Welcome home, Murdoch.”

“How are things here?” 

“Fine.  Everything is fine.  Cipriano and I have taken care of things.”

Murdoch looked around.  “Where’s Cipriano?”

“Mexico.”

“Mexico?  Why?”

“Come inside.  We need to talk.”

“One minute.” Turning to look at the boys, he said, “John, will you show your brother his room?” Then turning back to Maria.  “I’m assuming dinner is still at six?”

“Si, Patron.  I have prepared something special for the homecoming of your hijo.”

“I will see to the horses and wagon, Patron,” Pedro said as he led the team away.

Johnny took his brother’s hand and pulled him along.  “Come on, Scott.  Your room is across the hall from mine.”

Murdoch headed for the house.  Once inside, he stopped in the Great Room and took a deep breath.  The last five months seemed like a blur.

“Happy to be home?” Paul walked through the front door, closing it behind him.

“You don’t know how good.  I never want to set foot on another ship.”  Murdoch went to his chair, sat down, and leaned back.  “So, what did you want to talk about?”

Paul thumbed through a stack of papers on the desk.  Finally, finding what he wanted, he pulled out a telegram and handed it to his boss.

“This came about six weeks after you left.”

“From who?”

“The man you told me about in Mexico, Val Crawford.”

“Crawford?” Murdoch unfolded the paper and read the telegram.

.

Murdoch Lancer
Lancer Ranch
Morro Coyo, California

Maria in Tubutama looking for J. STOP  Plan to find and stop her. STOP.
Can be contacted at the Four Star Saloon in Tucson. STOP
Val Crawford

.

Shaking his head, Murdoch cursed, “Damn.  Is this why Cipriano went to Mexico?”

“Yes.  We wired Crawford in Tucson to let him know Cip was on his way.”

“Why did Cipriano go?”

Paul shrugged.  “She’s his niece.  What do you think they plan to do when they find her?”

“I don’t know, and I don’t give a damn.  I don’t want that woman back in my life or Johnny’s.”

The sound of small boots thumping on the stairs drew their attention.  Johnny hit the bottom step with both feet and looked over his shoulder.

“Come on, Scott.”

“I’m coming.  Slow down.” Scott took one step at a time.

Murdoch smiled at seeing the two boys dressed alike.  It was something they had insisted on during their stop in San Diego.  Scott wanted western clothes, and Johnny had dragged him to a store to buy matching shirts and pants.   It took longer than anyone would have expected to find a compromise that suited both of their tastes.  Johnny wanted a red Mexican shirt, while Scott disagreed, desiring something more subdued.  They finally decided on red and black cotton plaid shirts and black pants.  Scott chose a pair of boots to match the ones Johnny wore. 

At the bottom of the stairs, Johnny saw Murdoch and ran across the room.  “Papa, can Scott and me go riding?”

“Not today, son.  We just got home.” 

Murdoch chuckled, seeing his youngest son’s down-turned head and the pout forming on his lips.   

“Why don’t you take Scott out to the barn and show him your pony?  Tomorrow, Paul will help him pick out his own horse.  How does that sound?”

Johnny thought for a long moment before nodding.  “Está bien.  Come on, Scott.”

“They seem to be getting along well.”  Paul smiled when Johnny grabbed Scott’s hand and pulled him out the door.  “Johnny looks like he’s grown some, but still too thin.”

“They are getting along.  It’s as if they’ve always been together.  Johnny loves the attention he’s getting from Scott.  And yes, he’s grown an inch or two, but traveling by ship didn’t suit him.  I’m hoping Maria’s cooking will fatten him up.”

“And Scott?”

“Oh, he loves being a big brother and is taking the job very seriously.”

“I want to hear all about it, but later.  Right now, I’ve got work to do.  We’ll talk after dinner.”

Murdoch nodded his approval. He sat down in his leather chair and turned towards the window. Leaning his head back, he watched the vaqueros move a small herd of cattle across the pasture beyond the corrals. Several ranch women carrying laundry baskets walked by, chatting and laughing. Near the barn, Johnny pointed to his black and white pony in the corral.

Johnny said something, and Scott grabbed his brother in a headlock, rubbing his dark head.  Both boys were laughing and trying to trip the other.   

To Murdoch’s relief, the sad, withdrawn, half-starved boy who had come from Mexico a few months ago was gone.  Now, a happy, playful six-year-old was in his place, just learning to know what it meant to love and be loved. 

Murdoch stood and stretched.  He needed a cup of coffee.  Looking at the telegram on the desk one last time, he headed for the kitchen.

He turned back as a slight breeze drifted through the open French doors, stirring the papers on the large wooden desk.  The telegram received from Val Crawford shifted, rose, and then sailed across the surface before dropping to settle onto the floor.  Making sure the boys were still outside, he hurried back to pick it up.  The last thing he wanted was for either of his sons to see Val’s message or, worse yet, for Johnny to find out his mother was looking for him.

To Part 4

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6