{"id":17705,"date":"2018-07-06T15:21:41","date_gmt":"2018-07-06T19:21:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=17705"},"modified":"2025-09-25T15:40:13","modified_gmt":"2025-09-25T19:40:13","slug":"in-defense-of-innocence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=17705","title":{"rendered":"In Defense of Innocence (By MissJudy)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary<\/strong>:\u00a0 Adam’s life begins to fall apart after a lie told by another student at Harvard results in him being expelled. He struggles to understand how he could have done everything right and still lose everything he worked so hard to accomplish. He must listen to the wisdom of those who love him, look deep into his own heart and find the truths and lessons that forged his character into the man he became.<\/p>\n

Rating:<\/strong> T<\/p>\n

Word Count<\/strong>: 30021<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Note: <\/strong>This story contains a serious topic. However, it is used only as the basis for what happens once the truth is exposed rather than as the story\u2019s focus. \u00a0This takes place around 1850 when Adam is a junior in college, so such things were handled differently. I\u2019ve included the mores of the era in the footnotes. Thank you.<\/p>\n

In Defense of Innocence<\/strong><\/p>\n

One<\/strong><\/p>\n

Adam waited for Abel to raise the last bite of cake to his mouth before he slid the empty plate away. \u201cMelinda and I\u2019ll do the dishes while you take your walk, Grandfather.\u201d His exaggerated cheeriness continued. \u201cWe\u2019ll be done by the time you return and we can play a few hands of whist before I leave for school.\u201d<\/p>\n

The older man pulled his plate back while taking a sip of coffee. \u201cIt\u2019s Impolite to rush through the end of a meal, Adam. I\u2019m sure your father taught you better manners.\u201d He raised his napkin to dab at his lips and used it to cover his sly grin. Abel Stoddard was as wise as he was old, and understood the boy\u2019s impatience was not about getting the dishes done; it was about getting his grandfather away from the house to have some time alone with their Sunday dinner guest, a lovely brunette his grandson had been keeping company with for the last year.<\/p>\n

The girl was the niece of Lynne Hayworth, Abel\u2019s nearest neighbor and long-time friend. The child had spent a good deal of time with her aunt over the years, and had been around since Adam first arrived. But he\u2019d heard she was working in Boston, and her weekends at Lynne\u2019s never corresponded to Adam\u2019s with his grandfather.<\/p>\n

Lynne had walked over to introduce her niece on a fall day at the beginning of Adam\u2019s sophomore year when the two men had been outside pruning trees. A moment of distraction and miscalculation during that meeting had sent his grandson flying from the ladder he\u2019d been on. He\u2019d landed in the branches of a prickly hawthorn, unconscious and severely injured. The friendship that began as Melinda lent comfort that day, turned to affection during their coordinated future visits.<\/p>\n

Abel had noticed the attraction between them from the start. He didn\u2019t discourage it, but he was prepared to say something if it advanced too quickly. It didn\u2019t\u2014remaining a gentle romance between two people with high goals. Adam was now nearing the end of his junior year, still at the top of his class. Abel admired the young man\u2019s ability to keep his head and his heart working together in proper perspective. He had seen Ben demonstrate the same trait during the time he\u2019d been in love with Elizabeth, while sailing under Abel\u2019s command.<\/p>\n

Abel had come to know his grandson well in their three years together. He\u2019d also become adept at teasing his daughter\u2019s child. Delaying his walk was Abel\u2019s way of observing how the boy handled his impatience. He moved the cake crumbs around on the plate, and addressed Melinda. \u201cI\u2019m sorry your aunt couldn\u2019t join us today.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe sends her regrets. I decided to come despite her being gone a few hours today, since this was a weekend when Adam\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Abel smiled as Melinda blushed with her abbreviated admission. \u201cLynne looks forward to your visits\u2026even if they coincide with those of my handsome grandson.\u201d A glance towards the \u201chandsome grandson\u201d confirmed that his cheeks were also red. He\u2019d often made Ben squirm a little when he\u2019d courted Elizabeth, and he enjoyed putting his grandson through the same torment.<\/p>\n

A relieved sigh was released by both youngsters when Abel finally slid his chair from the table. He winked at Adam. \u201cI will take my digestive constitutional now. I\u2019m sure Mrs. Doherty will appreciate having a clean kitchen when she returns from her church function.\u201d He stretched as he rose, and leaned forward onto the table, looking directly at his grandson. \u201cIn fact, I\u2019m a little thirsty, so I\u2019ll probably stop in at the pub. But I will accept your challenge for cards later.\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Adam noted Melinda\u2019s slight frown and sigh as she began gathering the dishes from the table. \u201cDid Grandfather upset you?\u201d<\/p>\n

She drew back as her eyes popped open, and then laughed. \u201cYou didn\u2019t see it, but he winked at me when he was giving you a hard time about your manners, so I knew he was having a little fun at your expense. Abel also knows that I visit my aunt when you aren\u2019t<\/em> here, so he was teasing me.\u201d She tilted her head, smiling coyly. \u201cThere\u2019s just added incentive to come when you\u2019re next door.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo what\u2019s got you frowning?\u201d<\/p>\n

Melinda looked towards the ceiling as though trying to find answers there. \u201cI\u2019m wondering if I could ask Abel\u2019s help with Aunt Lynne.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam reached for her hand, bringing it to his lips. \u201cYou\u2019re worried about her?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHer mind is increasingly jumbled, and she\u2019s anxious and forgetful. She has good weeks, but other times she can\u2019t even remember how to get washed and dressed. My father arranged for a live-in housekeeper, and that helps.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam squeezed her hand. \u201cWhat would you like Grandfather to do?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m protective of my aunt, but he\u2019s undoubtedly noticed her forgetfulness.\u201d She breathed deeply. \u201cI\u2019d appreciate him stopping over whenever he can. She\u2019d like the company and he could give me reports on how she\u2019s doing.\u201d<\/p>\n

She stepped forward closing the space between them. \u201cThat\u2019s enough unhappy thoughts! Would you think me forward if I kissed you instead of waiting for you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI would be honored.\u201d He winked and leaned in, forming his lips into a comical pucker.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t kiss fish,\u201d she said as she put her arms around his neck and tugged him downward. \u201cDo it properly.\u201d<\/p>\n

Their kiss was long and sweet. Adam shivered as he stepped back, enjoying the sensation that warmed his body. \u201cThat was tasty,\u201d he whispered into her hair as he pulled her to him again. \u201cMight I have seconds?\u201d<\/p>\n

They spent another several minutes renewing their acquaintance before Melinda swatted his shoulder. \u201cYour grandfather\u2019s going to tease us more if we don\u2019t have the dishes done when he gets back.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI s\u2019pose you\u2019re right about that, but I sure do miss you.\u201d<\/p>\n

She laid her hands at her waist and tipped her head. \u201cI bet you don\u2019t even think about me when we\u2019re apart.\u201d<\/p>\n

A rosy glow formed at Adam\u2019s neck and slithered up his jaw line.<\/p>\n

Her feigned pout became real. \u201cYou really don\u2019t<\/em> think about me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not that I don\u2019t want to, Melinda, but I limit the amount of time I allow it.\u201d He smiled sheepishly. \u201cIf I didn\u2019t, I\u2019d never get anything done.\u201d<\/p>\n

The hurt look dissolved into a gentle smile. \u201cSchool is your priority; you shouldn\u2019t be distracted.\u201d<\/p>\n

He kissed her quickly. \u201cYou, my love, are a mighty distraction.\u201d<\/p>\n

She touched his face, leaving her palm resting against his cheek. \u201cI don\u2019t know why I was teasing you. I feel the same way. If I thought of you as much as I\u2019d like to, I\u2019d never get anything done.\u201d<\/p>\n

He embraced her tightly before stepping back and grabbing the plates. His tower of china nearly toppled when she slipped behind him and gave him a sturdy hug. \u201cHey!\u201d he laughed. \u201cThe captain wouldn\u2019t mind finding dirty dishes, but he\u2019d be unhappy if they were all broken.\u201d He made it to the kitchen and set his load safely on the cupboard. \u201cI usually wash. I hope you don\u2019t mind drying.\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

The last dish was safely dried and stowed with time left over for Melinda and Adam to sit on the back porch steps, holding hands, stealing kisses, and watching squirrels hop along the spindly branches above them.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh!\u201d Melinda cried out. \u201cI almost forgot!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam grinned and wrapped his arm around her. \u201cWhat is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe family I work for is having a picnic next weekend, and your roommate\u2019s family is invited.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t realize they knew the Wadsworths.\u201d<\/p>\n

Melinda rolled her eyes. \u201cEveryone<\/em> knows the Wadsworths. When I saw the guest list, I mentioned that I knew Frankie Wadsworth\u2019s roommate. They said I should invite you. The only snag is that I volunteered to watch the boys because the nanny is away.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m used to watching boys.\u201d He winked. \u201cI\u2019ve mentioned my brothers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy two are tame compared to what you\u2019ve told me about Hoss and Little Joe.\u201d She bit her lip as her shoulders rose. \u201cThere\u2019s another thing. I\u2019ll also be watching a fourteen-year-old girl.\u201d<\/p>\n

His brows dipped. \u201cWhy does a girl that age need watching?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI kept an eye on Leslie once during a dinner party. She looks like any girl her age, but her mother explained that complications during her birth delayed her first breath. That lapse affected her ability to learn.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI recall a family in our wagon train with a son who was called \u2018slow\u2019. He was strong and tall and helped as much as he could, but his learning process froze at a young age.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s it exactly. Leslie\u2019s mannerisms, comprehension, and social abilities are frozen<\/em> at those of a six-year-old. It\u2019s like her memory and learning power are inaccessible past that age.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam leaned back on the step behind him. \u201cWealthy families usually banish such children to asylums. It\u2019s nice that Leslie\u2019s folks accept and include her.\u201d He reached for Melinda\u2019s hand and kissed it softly. \u201cI\u2019ll be honored to keep you company at the picnic. I\u2019ll catch a ride with the Wadsworths.\u201d<\/p>\n

Two<\/strong><\/p>\n

Adam had the cab drop him several blocks from campus to save on the fare. He trotted toward his dorm while experiencing the excitement he always felt when returning to school. His classes challenged him and he\u2019d been blessed with a great room and roommate from the first day. He\u2019d always suspected there was more than luck involved in being paired with the son of a highly regarded alumnus. Other first-generation and scholarship students shared crowded, multi-person rooms on the fourth floor, while he occupied a spacious, light-infused room on the main floor directly off the commons area.<\/p>\n

He\u2019d worried at first about being paired with an affluent Easterner, but he and Frankie had become fast friends\u2026almost brothers. Frankie\u2019s father owned the premier engineering firm in the city, and his mother, Marian, was active in social and charitable causes. Although raised in completely different ways, he and Frankie had the same values and commitment to family, and there was something about Frank Sr. that reminded Adam of his own father. He\u2019d always felt at ease with the Wadsworths, and they often referred to him as, \u201cson.\u201d<\/p>\n

He renewed his thanks for his as he spotted the residence hall in the distance, and then let his mind travel back to Boston to remember his day with Melinda. They\u2019d played a cutthroat game of cards with his grandfather, and he\u2019d said goodbye once Lynne arrived home. Adam\u2019s pace slowed to a walk, and finally stalled while he recalled their parting kiss.<\/p>\n

There\u2019d been times on the trek east when he\u2019d had misgivings about his plans. He\u2019d worried that Abel Stoddard might dislike him or the intrusion. Then there\u2019d been fears about his preparedness to compete at school. But he\u2019d found Abel with an open heart and willingness to speak of Elizabeth. They\u2019d grown close and comfortable together. Then he\u2019d met the Wadsworths, done well in school, and now there was Melinda. He sighed happily, even as his mind began to drift west. In this moment of thanks for beginnings, his heart began to ache for the father and brothers he\u2019d left behind.<\/p>\n

He took a deep breath and began running until he bounded up the steps of his dormitory, and continued to his room.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

The door was ajar, alerting him that Frankie had returned from his weekend home.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Buddy.\u201d Frankie\u2019s greeting was issued with a quick handshake, before he pulled a stack of neatly folded shirts from his valise and jammed them into his dresser.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m surprised your mother doesn\u2019t send someone to put your clothes away,\u201d Adam teased when he witnessed the mess his friend had made.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf she had her way, I\u2019d have a valet. The saving grace is that Harvard wants students to be self-sufficient, and hence frowns on personal attendants.\u201d He laughed. \u201cAnd it\u2019s not that she wants someone to take care of me<\/em>, mind you; she just doesn\u2019t want me showing up for class in wrinkled clothes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour mother does care about presentation, but in a nice way.\u201d His mind journeyed west again. \u201cShe reminds me of Pa. We always had to be washed up and wearing ironed shirts when we went to town. That wouldn\u2019t have happened without Hop Sing. I tried ironing once and burned a hole in my best shirt.\u201d<\/p>\n

The two men shared a laugh over their parents\u2019 quirks while Adam pulled his books from his travel bag. He saw the top edge of a white envelope peaking from the pages of his physics book and turned away to smile. He wasn\u2019t sure how or when she did it, but Melinda always managed to get a note tucked into one of his books when she came to Abel\u2019s house. His head snapped up when thoughts of Melinda jarred his memory.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy friend invited me to a picnic at the Olivers\u2019 next weekend. She mentioned that your family was coming. Does that include you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Frankie pursed his lips. \u201cMother mentioned it, but I have other plans. I forgot that your\u2026ah\u2026friend<\/em> works for the Olivers.\u201d He laughed as he tossed a book in a perfect arc towards his desk. \u201cI was going to ask you to spend the day at Seth Waller\u2019s country house. His parents never use it, so Seth started living there on weekends.\u201d He gave Adam a minute to decide which party he\u2019d rather attend, and finally swatted his roommate\u2019s arm. \u201cI\u2019ll send a note to have my parents pick you up.\u201d His smile grew. \u201cI\u2019m beginning to think your Melinda is more than just a \u2018friend\u2019. Are you thinking about a country church adorned with flowers, and a minister up front waiting to pronounce you husband and wife?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam stepped back, his eyebrows joining in his wary squint. \u201cI like her very much, but I can\u2019t begin to think of the future.\u201d He turned the new invitation over in his mind. \u201cAs far as Seth\u2019s party, I did promise Melinda I\u2019d help with the boys she teaches\u2026and\u2026that would be like being with my brothers\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Frankie waited while his roommate\u2019s thoughts returned from the West. The deep homesickness he\u2019d helped Adam combat his first year in school had passed, but there were times when his friend still got lost between the Ponderosa and Boston. \u201cJust enjoy your\u2026friend\u2026and her charges at the picnic.\u201d He leaned back, crossing his arms in a thoughtful pose while rubbing his chin for effect. \u201cMelinda is as pretty as any girl in Boston, but if you\u2019re not thinking of marrying her, you should let me help you find a bride. I\u2019ll introduce you to someone who\u2019s pretty\u2026and<\/em> rich.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI intend to become<\/em> rich by using my intellect and won\u2019t need to marry<\/em> a woman with money. You on the other hand might enjoy being a kept man.\u201d<\/p>\n

Frankie snorted and pulled a neatly-folded beige suit from his closet shelf, holding it out to Adam. \u201cMy mother sent this in case I changed my mind about joining them. We\u2019re close enough in size that you can wear it instead. I\u2019m sure there was no need to have a picnic suit for watching them steers in yer pastures. And if you wear this to the party, you won\u2019t look like the country bumpkin you really are.\u201d He took a moment to relish the longsuffering sigh his comment elicited. These two had become close enough that they enjoyed a good verbal sparring match, and they each gave as good as they got.<\/p>\n

Frankie pulled a white straw hat from the closet and tossed it onto Adam\u2019s bed. \u201cThis won\u2019t fit since your head is bigger than mine\u2014in more ways than one\u2014but you can balance it up there for effect when you arrive, and then ditch it so it doesn\u2019t fall off when you sneak a kiss behind the shrubbery.\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Intending to get ahead in his studies for the weekend, and finding a little privacy, Adam headed to the library after his final class on Monday, choosing a carrel at the back of the room. He slipped Melinda\u2019s note from his book and breathed in its scent. She didn\u2019t add drops of the lilac cologne she wore, so it wouldn\u2019t transfer to the pages of his book and become a source of teasing. Yet there was still a trace of something familiar, perhaps the soap she used. He slid his hand across the sheet to flatten the folds, willing himself to feel the warmth of her hand as it had moved across the page. He could imagine her breath stirring the edges as she\u2019d held it up to read it a last time before slipping it inside the envelope, and finally, he let his eyes move across the words while imagining her saying them to him.<\/p>\n

Dearest Adam,<\/em><\/p>\n

I\u2019ll probably hide this in your book before I can ask you to the party, but I hope you\u2019ll accept, and shall base my thoughts on that presumption. <\/em><\/p>\n

I know how much you miss your brothers, and being with Nathan and Charlie might remind you of home. I\u2019m excited to show you around my little classroom, and explain how I make their lessons come to life. You and I think of learning as an undiscovered land, and we are willing explorers.<\/em><\/p>\n

Have a wonderful week. Be brave in your convictions and solid in your theories as you work through your classes. Think of me only when you have a moment without worry of other things.<\/em><\/p>\n

I will be impatient Saturday as I await your arrival, and then we\u2019ll make the most of our day.<\/em><\/p>\n

I\u2019m getting ahead of myself. I\u2019ll be broken-hearted if you are unable to attend. (Of course I tease.) I will miss you, but will truly understand if this doesn\u2019t work into your schedule. <\/em><\/p>\n

Until then, remember that you are always in my heart.<\/em><\/p>\n

Melinda.<\/em><\/p>\n

He closed his eyes, smiling as he leaned back in his chair. These hidden notes were not passionate. They were certainly filled with love\u2014for he knew she loved him\u2014but they were pure Melinda, and that was even better. This blossoming romance left him knock-kneed and breathless at times. And despite his denial to Frankie, he did see the future when he thought about her, although the edges were still shadowed, and the picture incomplete. All he knew for sure was that he\u2019d find a private moment on Saturday to show her know how much he\u2019d missed her, and appreciated her note.<\/p>\n

Three<\/strong><\/p>\n

The tall, broad-shouldered, fourteen-year-old Hoss charged into the house, slamming the door behind him. He skidded to a stop when he noticed the stern look on his father\u2019s face. \u201cSorry, Pa. I didn\u2019t mean to shut the door so hard. Guess I forget my own strength.\u201d<\/p>\n

His middle son\u2019s toothy smile always disarmed Ben. \u201cKeep that in mind or you\u2019ll break our things with your exuberance.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy what? All I done was shut the door hard.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExuberance means excitement.\u201d He motioned for Hoss to join him at the desk. \u201cI suppose you\u2019re glad it\u2019s Friday.\u201d He realized Hoss didn\u2019t have Little Joe in tow. \u201cWhere\u2019s your brother?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s tending his horse, but I wanted to ask you if I could ride out to that back corral and watch the guys working the wild horses. I sure do love seein\u2019 them buck.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can if you don\u2019t have school work. I don\u2019t want you forgetting about it until Sunday night like last weekend.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t got any homework, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t have any homework,\u201d Ben corrected.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell of course you<\/em> don\u2019t, Pa.\u201d Hoss gave his father a sideways glance. \u201cYou all right? I see you\u2019re just doodling on that paper. That usually means you\u2019re thinkin\u2019 of Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

A chuckle. \u201cI guess I am,\u201d Ben admitted, looking up at the sky-blue eyes of Inger\u2019s child. \u201cWe haven\u2019t gotten a letter in some time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019ll come.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure it will.\u201d He set his pencil down and pointed to the door. \u201cGo watch the broncos and get back as soon as the sun starts to set so Hop Sing doesn\u2019t have to wait supper.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat won\u2019t happen.\u201d Hoss rubbed his stomach. \u201cMy belly is a better clock than any timepiece we got in our house.\u201d He headed for the door, calling, \u201cBye, Pa,\u201d as he went out, latching the door softly behind him.<\/p>\n

Hoss might say not to worry, but something was making Ben uneasy. He didn\u2019t believe in premonition\u2026exactly\u2026yet he often felt a gut-deep tension just before his sons became ill or when he sensed they were headed for trouble. He supposed it came from being both father and mother to them\u2014giving him a double awareness of danger. He sighed heavily, knowing that there was nothing to be done. If the feeling persisted, he\u2019d take a ride to the telegraph office at the Carson River Settlement in Eagle Valley. He\u2019d contacted Adam that way a year ago when Little Joe had gone missing. It had taken many hours; but it had worked, and Adam\u2019s suggestion led them in the right direction. It was too costly a service to use on a regular basis, and it would mean spending at least a day at the settlement while waiting for the message to snake its way across the country and back, but it was an option he appreciated.<\/p>\n

He laughed to shake off the edginess, convincing himself that it really was just the stretch of time between letters. Weather often delayed mail as it crossed the country, just as a downed line delayed a telegram.<\/p>\n

Ben reached into his desk drawer to retrieve the paper where he noted the family activities for his absent son. He\u2019d add a few final comments every week, and take about a month\u2019s worth to the trading post to go out whenever a supply train came through. The information was old by the time Adam read it, but he knew how much these compilations meant to his son.<\/p>\n

Letters from Abel confirmed that Adam had adjusted to his new life, was making friends, having a little more fun now that he\u2019d found his pace at school, and held the top spot in his class for both years he\u2019d been in school. His father-in-law had also confided that Adam devoured letters from home, reading them repeatedly until Abel feared the pencil marks would disappear. He was grateful for Adam\u2019s very organized information, and even more grateful for his father-in-law\u2019s perspective. Ben knew Adam carried a self-imposed burden to perform above expectations. Yet he just wanted his son to do the best he could and enjoy this time of discovery.<\/p>\n

He began writing about the new horses they\u2019d brought in from the range, and was finishing his last sentence when Little Joe bounded into the house. He smiled at the youngster who tossed his hat onto the rack and headed toward the desk. \u201cI\u2019m surprised you didn\u2019t join Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

The little boy shrugged. \u201cI didn\u2019t feel like it today.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you feeling well?\u201d Ben asked as his brows dipped. His youngest son was usually full of energy and excitement.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m all right, Pa. I just got this fuzzy feeling in my stomach.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFuzzy? Like something\u2019s tickling you?\u201d A grin appeared and widened.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, more like ants crawling around inside. I don\u2019t feel sick, just jumpy.\u201d<\/p>\n

The grin faded to concern. \u201cIs everything all right at school?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. I even got a star for my arithmetic, Pa. It was just when I was in the barn, I saw Adam\u2019s empty stall, and those ants started moving around.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded. He knew that Little Joe struggled with Adam\u2019s absence. His oldest son had always helped with his younger brothers, even when Marie was part of the family. And in the first months following her death, Adam had taken over because the head of their household had drifted into a deep melancholy. It was Adam who\u2019d usually held Little Joe at night when he\u2019d cried for his mother, and kept him entertained during days that often stretched on endlessly without Marie\u2019s energy propelling them forward.<\/p>\n

Little Joe\u2019s frown gave way to a smile. \u201cHoss says Adam\u2019s half done with that college stuff now. That\u2019s not so bad.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not so bad,\u201d Ben repeated as the ants in his<\/em> stomach began moving again. \u201cIt\u2019ll fly by, and you\u2019ll soon be wishing he was gone again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe is pretty bossy.\u201d Joe bit his lip as he grinned. \u201cAnd he thinks he\u2019s so smart.\u201d The lip chewing continued. \u201cBut it\u2019ll be good when he\u2019s back.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben extended the pencil, and pushed the sheet he\u2019d been writing on across the desk. \u201cAdd a note to this telling Adam about the star you got. He\u2019d like to hear about that.\u201d<\/p>\n

A sheepish look rippled from Joe\u2019s eyes down to his lips. \u201cIt\u2019ll take some time, Pa. You know my spelling isn\u2019t so good. \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSit across from me and I\u2019ll help you with any word you\u2019re not sure about.\u201d<\/p>\n

Four <\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cIt shouldn\u2019t take too much longer to get there,\u201d Marian Wadsworth informed her companions as their coach made its way through heavier than normal Saturday traffic in Boston. She and Frank had picked up Adam about 20-minutes earlier and she\u2019d noticed that the farther they got from campus, the more he was unable to sit still. He was wearing Frankie\u2019s suit, and he looked very handsome. Yet with his constant fidgeting, she began to wonder if it didn\u2019t fit comfortably. She studied his face as he stared out at the passing streets, and began to smile. Frankie had recently told her that Adam was fond of a young lady who worked as a governess.<\/p>\n

Getting information from Adam Cartwright was always a challenge. Frankie\u2019s note, asking them to stop for his roommate didn\u2019t mention how Adam came to be invited to this party. When she asked him earlier, he said he knew someone who worked there. They\u2019d been at a dinner with the Oliver\u2019s recently where they spoke glowingly of a young woman who was teaching their two boys, and how she made every lesson interesting. Marian\u2019s arithmetic skills were still top-notch and she performed the equation. Adam\u2019s young lady and the Olivers\u2019 governess was the same person, and Adam was as excited to see her as a child entering a candy store with a nickel to spend.<\/p>\n

Testing her theory, Marian announced that they were no more than a mile away, while watching Adam\u2019s face for tells. She feigned a cough to camouflage a laugh when the usually unflappable young man nearly bounced out of his seat. Her attempts to hide her amusement were too obvious, and Adam sat back, and took a deep breath while a brief flush brightened his cheekbones. The squirming stopped\u2026replaced by bouncing his hat on his knees. Each turn closing in on the house increased the tempo of the bounce.<\/p>\n

He began chewing on the inside of his lip and breathing faster, and she realized that his excitement had turned to uneasiness. \u201cAre you nervous about the party?\u201d she asked softly, reaching forward to bring the hat to a stop.<\/p>\n

His face took on a hue that matched Marian\u2019s light pink dress, and he looked up with a smile. \u201cA little. I\u2019ve been to formal functions at school, but we never got this fancy for a picnic at home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d hoped Frankie would fill you in on what\u2019s expected, but knowing how you two tease each other, he\u2019s probably hoping you\u2019ll make a few etiquette mistakes so he\u2019ll have a laugh at your expense.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou might be right about that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Frank Wadsworth had been lost in his own thoughts along the ride, making notes on a small pad of paper as he\u2019d remember something he needed to do. He looked up with Adam\u2019s admission. \u201cYou look good, Adam. You are a gentleman, and you watch what other\u2019s do. Just do that today.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, sir.\u201d Adam was comfortable with Frank Wadsworth. The man had grown up with privilege, but Frank\u2019s ways reminded him of his own father. Both men worked hard: Ben Cartwright to build a heritage, and Frank to maintain and strengthen his, and they never let their influence outweigh their effort. Getting a compliment from either man was a heady experience.<\/p>\n

Marian rolled her eyes. \u201cFrank is entirely right, but let me give you a few pointers. This is a picnic in name only. The invitation called it, a \u2018celebration of spring\u2019, so the house and grounds will be formally decorated and there is nothing casual about what happens. There will be two food services while we\u2019re there. The buffet luncheon, soon after our arrival, will be served outside on fine china rather than the less expensive dinnerware one might expect at a picnic. You should let the\u2026um\u2026more mature guests go first.\u201d She nodded towards her husband and winked. \u201cThen take as much as you like. If Frankie was with us, he\u2019d heap his plate like he hadn\u2019t eaten for weeks. The second offering will come later in the afternoon, and while there may be small sandwiches, it\u2019s mostly sweets.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat else should I know about this buffet?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere will be blankets on the grass, and you\u2019ll probably end up on one of those because chairs are reserved for women and older guests. Spread a napkin on your knees, placing your plate atop that. This isn\u2019t their finest china, but they won\u2019t be happy if you break it. Guests are expected to pay for anything they destroy. Replacing one setting could cost your allowance for the entire year.\u201d Marian watched the uncertain look slip across Adam\u2019s face, and laughed. \u201cI\u2019m teasing you, sweetheart.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam laughed. \u201cNow I know where Frankie gets his sense of humor. I assumed it was from his father.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m the tease\u2026Frank is just grumpy.\u201d She peeked out the window as they came to a stop. \u201cWe\u2019re only at the gate. It takes a while for each vehicle to empty and the guests to be announced.\u201d She closed her eyes and tapped her temple. \u201cLet\u2019s see\u2026what other advice can I offer. You\u2019ll be with your friend, but don\u2019t be a wallflower. Talk to people: introduce yourself and say you know us and Frankie. Join in the games and appear to be having good time, even if you\u2019re not. This first affair of the season is more about being seen than enjoying yourself.\u201d She turned toward her husband. \u201cIsn\u2019t that right, Frank?\u201d<\/p>\n

The older man stopped writing and smiled lovingly at his wife. \u201cI met you at a picnic, so I\u2019m prejudiced about their value.\u201d His turned to Adam. \u201cI get a big glass of scotch and nurse it under a shady tree while talking business with the other old<\/em> men. I can do that because I have nothing left to prove. But you do, so talk yourself up a little. Marian and I will do the same for you.\u201d Frank looked down and smiled when Adam blushed, and excused himself to finish his notes before they debarked.<\/p>\n

Marian didn\u2019t want to appear nosy by sticking her head out the window, yet she was anxious to spot the young woman she suspected was waiting for Adam. She leaned over just enough to view those waiting by the house. The hat-tapping had begun again in earnest again, and unfortunately for Adam, he\u2019d taken the seat across from her, and was facing away from the house.<\/p>\n

As the coach pulled ahead a few feet, Marian spotted a lovely girl in a beige dress with long, dark curls cascading nearly to her waist. The look on the beauty\u2019s face mirrored the one she saw on Adam\u2019s: a mixture of anticipation and excitement, with a good dose of nervousness. She winked at the boy across from her. \u201cDon\u2019t worry, she\u2019s waiting for you.\u201d She watched as Adam\u2019s left cheek rose until he was squinting at her. \u201cYou\u2019re wondering how I know that. Well\u2026if I was to pick someone I think you\u2019d find interesting, it would be the young woman out there craning her neck to see who\u2019s stepping out of each vehicle.\u201d Marian reached out to pat Adam\u2019s hand. \u201cTake a deep breath and relax. There are still five coaches ahead of us, and it\u2019s very bad manners to exit before you reach the front of the line.\u201d She gave his hand a squeeze before sitting back and poking her husband. \u201cAn early exit irritates guests ahead of you, who like Frank, are anxious to get to the bar.\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Melinda took a deep breath to settle her nerves. She was standing off to the side of the area where guests were exiting their conveyances, waiting impatiently for the only one she cared about. She blew an impatient huff as yet another empty coach left without satisfaction.<\/p>\n

Her attention was interrupted by a tap on her shoulder. It was a young girl who\u2019d been in a group of event servers she\u2019d shown around the house. Melinda realized that that rosy-cheeked girl dressed in a crisp black dress and bright white apron, was no more than 15-years old. \u201cMay I help you?\u201d she asked, offering a kindly smile.<\/p>\n

The young woman looked down at her feet. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Miss,\u201d she began, her voice quaking while her cheeks flamed to crimson. \u201cYou mentioned where them extra linens were kept when showin\u2019 us around, but not a one of us can remember where that was, and everyone\u2019s afraid to ask.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy is that?\u201d Melinda raised the girl\u2019s chin so they were looking at each other.<\/p>\n

The words came out in a rush. \u201cSometimes people holler at us for askin\u2019 questions.\u201d Her color eased to a more natural shade. \u201cYou seemed nice earlier, so I chanced it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m pleased you did.\u201d Melinda grabbed the girl\u2019s hand and led her around the house and into a pantry off the kitchen. \u201cHere we are. The extra serving pieces are in the cupboards; the tablecloths and napkins are in the bottom drawers.\u201d<\/p>\n

The child finally smiled. \u201cThanks ma\u2019am. I knew you\u2019d be all right.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEveryone here is nice so don\u2019t be afraid to ask for help.\u201d Melinda gave the girl a quick hug and excused herself to head back outside.<\/p>\n

She stopped short as she turned the corner back to the front of the house. From the back, the dark, wavy hair, height, and build of the young man assisting a woman from a coach, looked like Adam. Her identification was confirmed when he turned enough to see his profile. Adam was wearing a beautifully tailored beige suit, and since he was the only person with the couple, she had to assume that even though Frankie was not attending the party; his suit was making an appearance. Melinda sighed quietly and shivered. \u00a0Adam Cartwright could not afford a set of clothes like he was wearing, yet they seemed made for him.<\/p>\n

Her quick glance into the large windows along the front of the house revealed that her hair had gotten tousled in her rush. She pulled the stray strands away from her face, and shook the curls down her back. After smoothing her dress, she moved forward and lightly cleared her throat. Her long wait for his arrival was rewarded when Adam turned and smiled while giving her a quick head-to-toe perusal. She also heard the sweet audible sigh at the end of the breath he took. It was something he always did when he first laid eyes on her after being apart. Melinda looked from Adam to the couple. \u201cI\u2019m happy you could come today.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam made quick introductions, after which Marian took Melinda with one arm, and Adam with the other and headed with them toward the front door. \u201cI\u2019m so pleased to meet you, young lady,\u201d she said cheerily before winking at Adam. \u201cYou are as lovely as this spring day, and from the smile Adam gave you, I believe he\u2019d concur.\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

With the formalities of the receiving line completed, Melinda led Adam up the stairs. \u201cIt\u2019s deserted in this wing of the house,\u201d she explained as they turned into a quiet hallway. \u201cIt\u2019s just rooms for the help and my classroom here. The family bedrooms are the other direction.\u201d She took a quick breath. \u201cIt\u2019s not a large house compared to others in this neighborhood, but the yard is immense and quite beautiful. There\u2019s a woods bordering the north side that ends at the shoreline of the Mystic River, and it\u2019s home to deer and many small animals. I made a blind out of branches where the boys and I hide out, watching what comes through\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded appropriately as his smile grew. He finally put his finger across her lips. \u201cI\u2019ve never heard you talk so fast…or so much. Are you excited\u2026or nervous?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA little of both. I\u2019m excited that you\u2019re here, but I\u2019m nervous about you being here too.\u201d<\/p>\n

His smile drooped as his brows drew close. \u201cDo you think I\u2019ll embarrass you?\u201d The frown deepened. \u201cFrankie said I would feel out of place. Maybe he wasn\u2019t teasing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Melinda\u2019s eyes had grown large and her mouth formed a silent o. This time she laid her hand across his<\/em> mouth, before pulling him into the shadows of a recessed doorway. \u201cHow could you imagine such a thing? I\u2019d have been proud of you if you\u2019d shown up wearing work pants and a farmer\u2019s straw hat. Your quality as a person is always evident.\u201d She winked. \u201cAlthough you do look incredibly handsome.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen why are you nervous about me being here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s the first time we\u2019ve been anywhere as a couple, Adam!\u201d She took a step back. \u201cWe always see each other at your grandfather\u2019s house. We never have enough time go anywhere together.\u201d Melinda reached for his hands. \u201cI wasn\u2019t sure you were ready for others to know about\u2026us.\u201d<\/p>\n

His look softened to a sly smile. \u201cI\u2019m pretty sure the cat\u2019s out of the bag concerning\u2026us. Marian guessed my feelings even before I saw you today. And you look so beautiful; I know my jaw dropped. The one thing I didn\u2019t like was all the welcoming formalities.\u201d<\/p>\n

She drew back and tipped her head. \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause I wanted to do this.\u201d Adam drew her toward him and kissed her. He stuck his head from the shadows to ensure they were still alone and repeated his action. \u201cI\u2019d like to stay here doing this all day, but then I\u2019d never see the beautiful yard, forest creatures, your classroom, or rub elbows with the elite of Boston.\u201d He grunted when Melinda gave him a playful punch, and then stole one last kiss. \u201cWhere\u2019s your classroom?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAcross the hall.\u201d She opened the door and walked into a bright room equipped with chalk boards, easels, small desks, and shelves filled with books.<\/p>\n

Adam looked around, marveling at how happy he felt in this room. His eyes were drawn to an eye-level strip of wood covered with drawings attached with pins. He moved along the length. \u201cDid you do some of these?\u201d he asked, pointing to one intricate rendering of the Oliver house.<\/p>\n

\u201cThose are Charlie\u2019s. He\u2019s got a talent for copying what he sees.\u201d Her mouth and eyes puckered. \u201cIf I ask him to draw a person, it\u2019ll look like a colored lump when he finishes. But if I ask him to draw a building he\u2019s seen, or copy a picture of one from a book, they look like those.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA budding architect?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Oliver is an architect. He does promotional drawings for Wadsworth Engineering.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere is the young artist and\u2026\u201d His statement was interrupted by two boisterous boys running into the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs this the guy you talked about?\u201d the smaller child with large, dark eyes asked as he walked around Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is,\u201d Melinda answered as she corralled them. \u201cMasters Charles and Nathaniel Oliver, I\u2019d like to introduce Adam Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

Each boy shook Adam\u2019s hand solemnly while giving him a good looking over. \u201cYou can call us Nate and Charlie, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Charlie, the older one, told him.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you can call me \u2018Adam.\u2019 I\u2019ve heard about the two of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Melinda says you lived on a ranch before you came here, and have two brothers.\u201d The statement came from Nate. \u201cI don\u2019t know what a ranch is,\u201d the little boy confessed. \u201cBut Miss Melinda said you\u2019d tell us about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam dropped to one knee so he didn\u2019t tower over them. \u201cI do have two brothers. Little Joe is about your age, Charlie, but Hoss is nearly 14.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nate wrinkled his nose and squinted. \u201cWhy do you call your brother a horse? That\u2019s not very nice.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt sounds like horse, but it\u2019s spelled H-o-s-s. His actual name is Eric, but Hoss is a Swedish word meaning a big friendly guy. That describes Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam took the boys to a map of North America pinned to the far wall. \u201cMy family lives in the Utah territory, but folks sometimes call it Washoe, after the Indians there.\u201d He pointed to a series of lines on the map. \u201cThis is the Sierra Nevada mountain range that forms the western boundary of the territory. Nevada means snow-covered mountains in Spanish, so some call the area Nevada. My home sits pretty high in the foothills of those mountains, and much of our water comes from the melting snow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs it cold there?\u201d Nate asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn the winter, but it gets very hot in the summer. The territory has a lot of desert areas too.\u201d<\/p>\n

The boys were asking questions about the ranch when a couple appeared at the door with a young girl between them. Melinda made her way over. \u201cIt\u2019s nice to see you again, Leslie. You look so pretty in your party dress.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you.\u201d The childlike voice was a direct contrast to the tall young woman who produced it. \u201cWho\u2019s that?\u201d Leslie pointed at Adam.<\/p>\n

Melinda walked the girl over to the map. \u201cThis is Adam. He\u2019s a friend of mine, and he\u2019ll be with us at the picnic today.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam took the teenager\u2019s hand and bowed slightly. \u201cIt\u2019s a pleasure to meet you, Leslie.\u201d<\/p>\n

The young woman blushed as she turned to her parents. \u201cHe\u2019s nice.\u201d<\/p>\n

Melinda told Charlie to show Leslie his drawings while she took Adam to the girl\u2019s parents. \u201cMr. and Mrs. Benedict, this is Adam Cartwright. He\u2019s had lots of experience with children.\u201d She blushed slightly just as Leslie had.<\/p>\n

Mrs. Benedict reached for Adam\u2019s hand. \u201cAre you a teacher too?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, ma\u2019am. I attend Harvard, but I was often in charge of my younger brothers back home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you that young man from out west the Wadsworths talk about; the one who rooms with their son?\u201d the husband asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am, sir. I was born in Boston and my grandfather is still here, but my father and I left when I was young.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you both for watching Leslie. It will be nice to enjoy<\/em> a party for a change.\u201d Mr. Benedict took his wife\u2019s arm and led her to the door. \u201cLet us know if she needs anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

Five<\/strong><\/p>\n

Adam had Leslie\u2019s hand tucked in the crook of his elbow, and was trying to keep Nate and Charlie distracted until Melinda returned. Leslie had picked at her lunch, complaining of an upset stomach. Yet now she was eager for the sweets available at the desert buffet, and Melinda thought she\u2019d best get the mother\u2019s thoughts on what to allow.<\/p>\n

He smiled when he saw Melinda heading back, and realized he\u2019d smiled a lot today. Everything about the day had been pleasant. They\u2019d remained in the classroom until Mrs. Oliver came to say they should head outside for lunch. He told about living in the West while they ate and the boys stared open-mouthed when he described living in an area with few people, trapping for their income and food, and staying in lean-tos and small cabins at first. Their excitement grew as he told about cowboy life. He\u2019d wondered why Melinda left for a time, and laughed when she returned with a coil of rope, telling him that a lasso demonstration would show what his words couldn\u2019t. He\u2019d spent the next half-hour expertly roping objects, and finally dropped it around the children as they ran. The fun had attracted several adult onlookers who\u2019d cheered on both the roper and the youngsters.<\/p>\n

Being with the children gave him a sense of peace he hadn\u2019t felt since leaving the Ponderosa, and he was already anticipating showing Melinda his gratitude when they found a few minutes alone before he left.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did Leslie\u2019s mother say?\u201d he asked, when Melinda finally maneuvered through the guests.<\/p>\n

A concerned frown slipped across her face as she moved close enough to speak privately. \u201cLeslie\u2019s been having stomach problems for a few months already. Mrs. Benedict says the doctor thinks she might be eating too fast, causing a colic-like reaction. Her mother is fine with us letting her eat anything she wants, but to control how quickly she consumes it.\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Adam played a game of graces1<\/sup> with Melinda and the children, trying to rid themselves of their malaise after dessert. With Adam\u2019s experience playing horseshoes and roping, the team of Melinda, Nate and Charlie didn\u2019t stand a chance against the cowboy and Leslie. The girl couldn\u2019t throw her loops well, but she was steady as a rock when holding her pole for Adam\u2019s tosses.<\/p>\n

Streaks of red and gold in the western sky signaled the waning afternoon when Melinda pulled Adam aside. \u201cThe Olivers want the boys with them as they say goodbye, and their faces and shirts are full of chocolate cake. I need to get them cleaned up, and it would go faster if Leslie could stay out here with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll feed the ducks,\u201d he told her as he motioned for her to go, and he smiled when he heard Nate and Charlie complaining about going inside instead of staying with him. After making sure the Wadsworths were still occupied, he slipped into the kitchen to ask for a napkin filled with buns, and then led Leslie down the expanse of grass toward the river bank where he\u2019d seen ducks earlier.<\/p>\n

Leslie giggled when one feisty mallard jumped up to grab the bread morsels while quacking impatiently, and laughed heartily when ducklings scurried around her feet for crumbs.<\/p>\n

\u201cI took my brothers to do this at a pond near the house, but those ducks were never as demanding as these guys,\u201d Adam told her as he tore the bread apart for her.<\/p>\n

The spring day was cooling with the lengthening shadows, and Adam saw Leslie shiver as she threw the last crumbs among the raft of ducks vying for her attention. He retrieved his suit jacket from a nearby limb where he\u2019d hung it, and draped it around her shoulders. He was taken aback at feeling the exaggerated knobs of her joints. He\u2019d noticed earlier that while she seemed extremely thin through her limbs, her dress snugged tightly over her round stomach. He recalled the child\u2019s earlier nausea and her mother\u2019s explanation, and he felt a tug of concern, wondering if Leslie might be more ill than people thought.<\/p>\n

The teen looked up at him with the same shy smile she\u2019d bestowed on him all day and pulled the jacket around herself. \u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you warmer now?\u201d he asked. She nodded, and then stepped closer, motioning for him to bend down.\u00a0 He complied, and then pulled back as though poked with a branding iron after she whispered in his ear. \u201cPardon me?\u201d he said tightly.<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s face blushed to a deep crimson as Leslie repeated her suggestion, and then pointed towards the area of his anatomy that she was talking about. He wanted to run until he was back on campus, but Ben Cartwright had taught him to act, rather than react, and running was not an option. His mind was swirling and he took a settling breath. He couldn\u2019t control the uneasiness in his voice but he forced a smile. \u201cWhy are you suggesting this, Leslie?\u201d<\/p>\n

The girl\u2019s smile and wide eyes presented a portrait of complete innocent. \u201cI like you, and that\u2019s the secret thing girls do when they like a boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Something was terribly wrong. At fourteen, Leslie was physically capable of engaging in what she\u2019d suggested, but this young woman had the intellect and innocence of someone Little Joe\u2019s age. She shouldn\u2019t know the mechanics of the offer she\u2019d just made to him. He didn\u2019t understand, but didn\u2019t want to make her defensive or ashamed, so he forced his tone lighter. \u201cDid someone tell you that?\u201d<\/p>\n

She nodded. \u201cHe said he<\/em> liked me\u2026and there was a special way to show that I liked him back.\u201d She closed her eyes and shuddered.<\/p>\n

Melinda had told him that Leslie attended a day-school at the Waller Asylum for children who were slow, but able to learn. He made a quick assumption that one of Leslie\u2019s male classmates might be responsible for Leslie\u2019s confusion. These children matured, as evidenced by Leslie\u2019s outward appearance, and boys experiencing the upheavals of their changing bodies might be making inappropriate conclusions about how to accommodate their physical desires. He was uncomfortable, but he wanted to determine whether Melinda needed to speak to Leslie\u2019s mother.<\/p>\n

He took the girl\u2019s elbow and kept walking towards the house. \u201cIt seems like his offer scared you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Another nod. \u201cI was<\/em> scared\u2026the first time\u2026..\u201d She gave an exasperated sigh. \u201cI don\u2019t even like him anymore, but he says mean things when I don\u2019t want to do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam stopped in his tracks, stunned to the bone and now feeling like he was sinking in quicksand. \u201cIs this a boy from school?\u201d<\/p>\n

Leslie\u2019s head moved side-to-side. \u201cHis name is Seth. He helps at the school. You\u2019re a lot nicer than him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Their walk became a near trot as Adam hurried back to the other picnickers. \u201cPlease wait here,\u201d he told Leslie once he found a chair for her near the door. \u201cI\u2019ll be right back for you.\u201d He tried to spot Marian\u2019s white dress and hat among the others dressed similarly for the party, nearly bumping into a girl carrying a heaping tray of dishes. He helped steady her load. \u201cI know this isn\u2019t your job, but could you keep an eye on the girl in the chair over there until I get back? I don\u2019t want her to wander off.\u201d<\/p>\n

The girl who was near Leslie\u2019s age said, \u201cI saw you with that lady what works here. She helped me before so I\u2019ll gladly help you. I\u2019ll clean that table next to her.\u201d<\/p>\n

He smiled, saying a relieved, \u201cThank you,\u201d before rushing away.<\/p>\n

Marian noted Adam\u2019s red face and furrowed brow when he approached. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d One eyebrow rose along with the corners of her mouth. \u201cAre you sunburned or did you break some dishes after all?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI need your help.\u201d His tone sounded desperate even to his ears, and he gently tugged her away from the ladies she was with.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong,\u201d she asked again, now concerned that his color had turned nearly ashen, and he swayed like a drunken sailor when he stopped. \u201cAre you ill?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease, Mrs. Wadsworth, I need you to listen. Then I need you to find Leslie\u2019s mother and Melinda.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marian pushed Adam down on a bench and sat next to him. \u201cNo one will hear us now; what happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

I\u2026ah\u2026um\u2026don\u2019t want to be indelicate, but\u2026um\u2026\u201d Adam looked down at his feet blowing out a long breath. \u201cLeslie said something to me\u2026and I\u2026um\u2026her mother needs to know. I might have misunderstood\u2026and um\u2026that\u2019s why I need you to\u2026determine\u2026if I did. Melinda is really good with her, so she can help.\u201d<\/p>\n

One word had registered in his jumble. \u201cIndelicate?\u201d Marian tried to smile when he nodded, but she was pretty sure it looked like a grimace. Whatever Adam was trying to tell her was making him lose the ability to speak coherently. This was not like him, and she began to understand how serious this situation must be. She took his hands. \u201cYou\u2019ve known me for nearly three years, young man. There have been times when you\u2019ve told me things you might have confided in your mother. Tell me what happened the best way you can, and we\u2019ll sort this out.\u201d<\/p>\n

He nodded while continuing to look down. What Marian said was true. There were times when he\u2019d confided in her. He\u2019d been more reserved with Inger and Marie but it was different with Marian. He\u2019d come to know his mother in his talks with Abel, and he\u2019d finally accepted that she wouldn\u2019t consider him disloyal to her in turning to a mother-like figure for support. It was also easier because Marian had no ties to his father.<\/p>\n

Looking directly in her eyes, he took another deep breath, and told her the story, including a verbatim account of Leslie\u2019s suggestion.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re positive she was indicating a physical act\u2014one that she had participated in before?\u201d Marian stated.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs sure as I can be.\u201d The words exited Adam\u2019s mouth before he considered their import, and he looked away.<\/p>\n

This admission of his own innocence didn\u2019t surprise Marian, but she held back any reaction so as not to embarrass him more than he already was. \u201cYou\u2019re right; Leslie\u2019s mother needs to hear this.\u201d She patted Adam\u2019s knee and then stood. \u201cPlease stay with Leslie while I find Melinda and Mrs. Benedict. Then you can find Frank and Winston Benedict and have them arrange for our transports. The party is ending and we\u2019ll go as soon as this is done.\u201d<\/p>\n

Six<\/strong><\/p>\n

Leslie was all smiles when the four women exited the Oliver house. But the rigid posture and tight jaws on the three women spoke to a far different frame of mind.<\/p>\n

Marian forced a smile when they joined the men. \u201cThat went as well as it could have.\u201d She touched Winston Benedict\u2019s hand as he demanded to know what was going on and said softly, \u201cYour wife will explain on your way home.\u201d With a gentle nudge, she sent Adam in Melinda\u2019s direction. \u201cSay a quick goodbye, and then join us at the door.\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Adam led Melinda to the same bench where he and Marian had spoken.<\/p>\n

She touched his cheek gently. \u201cIt was a wonderful day, and now you\u2019re left with this<\/em>.\u201d She sighed as her hand drifted to her lap. \u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI enjoyed the day very much. My father taught me that things happen for reasons. Leslie needs help. She was being abused by someone who has been very clever in gaining her cooperation and securing her silence.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI agree.\u201d She shook her head. \u201cThe Benedicts are facing some big decisions, but at least the abuse is over. Mrs. Wadsworth will tell you what we found out. It was shocking, but Leslie spoke freely because we controlled our reactions.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad for that.\u201d He shifted closer on the bench and took her hand. \u201cI\u2019d like to end this day with a happier thought.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are a wonderful teacher. I marveled at how you slipped lessons into everything the kids did.\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you.\u201d She looked down at their hands, and gripped his tightly.<\/p>\n

He lifted her chin. \u201cIt\u2019s time to follow your dream of attending college, and then write a manual to teach others how to bring learning to life.\u201d<\/p>\n

Melinda blushed as she glanced up and noticed Marian looking their way. \u201cWe need to say goodbye.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to go back to that alcove, but this will have to do. He leaned in, brushing her lips with a soft kiss, before pulling her into an embrace with a soft moan lingering as he sat back again. \u201cI plan on visiting Grandfather next weekend. Might you get a day off?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll send a note to Abel if I can.\u201d<\/p>\n

Seven<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cMarian,\u201d Frank said once they were settled in their coach. \u201cYou\u2019re as nervous as a bat in a broom factory. Does this have anything to do with your disappearance?\u201d<\/p>\n

She patted his hand and gave Adam a knowing glance. \u201cA serious situation occurred concerning Leslie Benedict. Adam alerted me, and I helped her mother talk to her about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy do you sound so mysterious?\u201d Frank asked, wedging himself into the corner of the seat so he could see both passengers.<\/p>\n

Marian played with the beaded fringe of her reticule, but finally laid it on her lap, crossing her hands atop it. \u201cWe\u2019re a family, so I\u2019ll speak bluntly.\u201d She took a deep breath. \u201cLeslie made a lewd suggestion to Adam when she was alone with him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Frank laughed but stopped when he saw the serious look on his wife\u2019s face and the patchy color on Adam\u2019s cheeks. \u201cYou\u2019re serious? What could that child have said to make Adam blush?\u201d The older man\u2019s mouth dropped open while Marian told him the gist of the proposal. \u201cWhat did you find out?\u201d<\/p>\n

Marian looked at Adam. \u201cFirst off, Melinda was a godsend with Leslie. Christine Benedict and I sat off to the side while Melinda told Leslie she liked a boy, and was wondering what she could do to show him how much. She used two figurines as characters, having Leslie provide the dialogue for the boy while Melinda was the girl. We got a pretty clear picture of what happened.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGet on with it sweetheart,\u201d Frank encouraged. \u201cWhat did she say?\u201d<\/p>\n

The look Marian flashed her husband should have burned a hole in his lapels. \u201cA young man convinced Leslie that girls do this act with boys they like. He manipulated her innocence until she gave in, and then swore her to secrecy. He\u2019s taken advantage of her so often that she thinks it\u2019s normal.\u201d<\/p>\n

Frank\u2019s fists were clenched as tightly as his jaw. \u201cDid she give a name?\u201d<\/p>\n

Marian nodded. \u201cSeth. The only Seth who has access to Leslie that Christine could think of is Seth Waller.\u201d<\/p>\n

The couple exchanged a look that Adam couldn\u2019t decipher. Seth was a classmate at Harvard, and he feared the Wadsworths were making an association to him, wondering if all young men could be as devious. \u201cYou don\u2019t think I did anything to encourage this, do you?\u201d<\/p>\n

His question and shattered look prompted Marian to move into the seat next to him. \u201cHeavens no, Adam!\u201d She waited for him to look at her. \u201cUnfortunately, this is not the first time the Waller family has been accused of abusing girls in their care.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt happened about ten years ago when Seth\u2019s grandfather ran the asylum.\u201d Frank closed his eyes and leaned his head back. \u201cA family told the police they believed Clinton Waller had done unseemly things to their daughter, and she was expecting a child as a result. He denied it, but then others families came forward with similar accusations.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMost of this was only hinted at in the newspapers, but we heard the real story from our friends,\u201d Marian explained. \u201cThe Wallers paid off the families involved, and Seth\u2019s father, Marvin, gave up his medical practice to run the institution. Marvin sent the old man away; cleaned house at the asylum, and worked hard to restore confidence in their facility. Christine Benedict heard about the school\u2019s good reputation, and enrolled Leslie in the day program when they moved here two years ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. \u201cSeth would have been old enough to understand the devastation his grandfather caused. Why would he risk this?\u201d<\/p>\n

Frank looked like he\u2019d swallowed a bug. \u201cI don\u2019t know what\u2019s going on now, but some of the things we were privy to back then would curl your hair.\u201d He shook his head. \u201cThat old lunatic told people he was doing research to see if children born from these girls and \u2018normal\u2019 men would have normal intelligence. He was a swine, and we\u2019d heard that Seth spent a lot of time with that crazy old coot. Who knows what he might have witnessed or what warped values his grandfather instilled.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marian gave her husband a stern look. \u201cWe can\u2019t jump to conclusions. Maybe it wasn\u2019t Seth Walker.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHighly improbable.\u201d Frank rolled his eyes and snorted. \u201cIf I was Winston Benedict, I\u2019d be loading my shotgun.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure you would.\u201d Marian eyed her husband and shook her head. \u201cThe Benedicts need proof for an accusation. Leslie will make a good witness but we have to verify it was truly Seth Waller. I\u2019m just afraid that whoever it is will say that Leslie promoted the contact. And they will use her unknowing proposition to Adam as proof of\u2026. She couldn\u2019t complete her thought, and dabbed at her tears with a handkerchief she withdrew from Frank\u2019s suit pocket. \u201cThat poor child would be abused and abased in the investigation.\u201d She sniffed and sat up straighter. \u201cBut we have a plan.\u201d Turning towards Adam, she added, \u201cWe\u2019ll need your help.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marian\u2019s request for Adam\u2019s assistance went unspoken when Frank sat forward and bellowed, \u201cWhere was Frankie going today instead of accompanying us?\u201d<\/p>\n

Marian swallowed hard before looking down at her hands. \u201cOh, dear, no,\u201d she whispered as she understood her husband\u2019s concern.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t recall him ever mentioning Seth Waller as a friend.\u201d Frank\u2019s voice calmed, but he looked pointedly at Adam. \u201cWhat do you<\/em> know about this?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s head moved side-to-side as he shrugged. \u201cThe invitation was a surprise to Frankie, and Seth\u2019s parties are paradoxical, so I can\u2019t tell you much.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean by that?\u201d Frank demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cThose who\u2019ve never been invited think they are the stuff of legends, yet those who attend regularly never talk about them. They\u2019re like meetings of a secret society. I think Frankie went because he was\u2026curious.\u201d<\/p>\n

Frank\u2019s tone was now honed with a sharp edge of anger. \u201cWell, he better not have a reputation as the kind of man who\u2019d be a candidate for a secret society like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

He thought he should answer this accusation, yet Adam sensed that Frank didn\u2019t want a second-hand defense of his son\u2019s character. His suspicion was confirmed when he glanced at Marian who raised her eyebrows and quickly shook her head, before patting his hand.<\/p>\n

Marian ended the uncomfortable silence when the coach pulled up to the dormitory. \u201cWe\u2019ll wait in your room if Frankie isn\u2019t back yet.\u201d She nodded to Frank. \u201cI\u2019m sure his father won\u2019t rest until he talks at<\/em> him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWait for him?\u201d Frank roared. \u201cIf he\u2019s not there, we\u2019ll drive to the Waller place and I\u2019ll pull him out of there by his ear!\u201d<\/p>\n

Eight<\/strong><\/p>\n

Adam led a sober procession to his room. He\u2019d never seen Frank Wadsworth so angry, and he wasn\u2019t looking forward to the coming confrontation. Frankie was respectful of his father, but he stood up for himself, and Adam expected he\u2019d resent what might soon be insinuated about his character. He was trying to find his key in his pocket when Frank reached around him to try the knob, finding it turned easily.<\/p>\n

Frank pushed past Adam, shouting, \u201cFrankie!\u201d as he disappeared inside. Adam waited for Marian to enter and then slipped in, ducking into an empty space by his dresser.<\/p>\n

Frankie was sitting on his bed, holding his head. His eyes looked red-rimmed and watery when looked up at his parents. \u201cI didn\u2019t expect you to come in when you dropped Adam off, but I\u2019m glad you did.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marian rushed to his side and touched his forehead. \u201cYou\u2019re burning up, sweetheart. Have you been here all day?\u201d she asked, her voice infused with hope.<\/p>\n

The sick young man took a good look at the serious expressions on the new arrivals. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong? Why did Dad yell like that, and why is Adam so quiet?\u201d He laughed hesitantly. \u201cDid he do something unforgiveable at the party?\u201d<\/p>\n

Frank pulled the desk chair over and sat directly in front of his son. \u201cDid you go to Seth Waller\u2019s today?\u201d<\/p>\n

Frankie nodded but then groaned and gagged. \u201cI get dizzy when I move my head too fast,\u201d he explained and then concentrated on the question. \u201cYeah, I went for a couple hours, but I felt sick, and caught a ride into town with their driver around eleven. But\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut?\u201d his mother asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d have found an excuse to leave even if I hadn\u2019t been ill. Seth is an odd guy.\u201d<\/p>\n

The edges in Frank\u2019s face softened and he laid his hand against his son\u2019s cheek. \u201cI\u2019ve never been prouder of you, son, but what makes you say that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe went riding, and Seth let his shorthair pointer run along with us. We weren\u2019t hunting, but the dog caught a scent and gave chase while we followed. He lost it in a thicket, and Seth got off his horse to scream at the poor animal while repeatedly smacking its nose with his riding gloves.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did you do about it?\u201d Frank asked, his tone indicating he expected the right answer.<\/p>\n

\u201cI stepped between him and the dog, and said that we couldn\u2019t have done anything even if we\u2019d cornered it, and the dog probably knew that.\u201d Frankie leaned his head on his mother\u2019s shoulder, and she wrapped him in her arms. \u201cThat was just the start,\u201d he continued, puffing like he\u2019d run up the stairs. \u201cSeth and the others drank so much, so fast when we got back that they were stumbling drunk before ten. The drunker they got, the cruder they got.\u201d He carefully looked up at his mother. \u201cDon\u2019t be offended, Mom, but I\u2019ve been known to speak coarsely when I\u2019m under the influence. And maybe their words seemed worse since I was completely sober, yet I have never heard such vile expressions used to speak of everything from our professors to the women they claimed to hold affection toward. When the driver came in to tell Seth he was leaving for town, I jumped at the chance to go. By then Seth was nearly passed out, but he kept mumbling that I was going to miss the fun.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat sort of fun?\u201d Frank asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe didn\u2019t say, and the others just sat there looking uncomfortable. The driver said he was going to the Waller asylum but he didn\u2019t mind the detour here. Out of Seth\u2019s earshot, the guy said he was glad one person was decent enough to leave. He didn\u2019t explain further, but said chauffeuring for Seth\u2019s parties was the reason he\u2019d be quitting soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam saw his own confusion mirrored on Frank and Marian\u2019s faces. \u201cIsn\u2019t it odd that all this information about Seth Waller exploded today,\u201d he offered. \u201cYet it could all be innocent.\u201d<\/p>\n

Frankie opened his eyes but stayed put on his mother\u2019s shoulder. \u201cJust what happened today?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you know Leslie Benedict?\u201d his mother asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s that cute kid who\u2019s a little slow,\u201d he offered.<\/p>\n

\u201cLeslie isn\u2019t a kid<\/em> anymore. She\u2019s a striking young woman but with a child\u2019s intellect. Someone has taken advantage of her. She made an inappropriate overture to Adam, and then mentioned Seth as the person who taught her such things.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo what are we<\/em> doing about this?\u201d He grinned sleepily, and patted his mother\u2019s hand. \u201cYou aren\u2019t the sort who would let a challenge to the honor of my roommate and<\/em> an innocent girl go unchallenged.\u201d The exchange took everything out of Frankie, and he slumped down, cradling his head in his hands again.<\/p>\n

Marian sprang into action. \u201cYou\u2019re coming home with us. You\u2019re too ill to care for yourself, and Adam shouldn\u2019t have to tend you or catch what you have.\u201d She grabbed the blanket from the foot of his bed to wrap around him when he began to shiver, and then turned to Adam. \u201cI mentioned we\u2019d need your help. It\u2019s simple, yet it might go very wrong. Do you know Seth Waller enough to talk to him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve spoken, but he mostly ignores me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019ll do.\u201d She nodded soundly. \u201cChristine and I would like you to approach him tomorrow and mention Leslie. Tell him she confided something he should be aware of because we feel she\u2019s mistaken about the name. You\u2019re a good judge of people, Adam. You\u2019ll know immediately if he tries to lie.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s sour look belied his words. \u201cI can do that, but how will it help?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cChristine will take Leslie to the doctor on Monday for confirmation of what we all now suspect from her stomach problems and appearance. The Benedicts won\u2019t say or do anything until you verify that Seth is responsible.\u201d She sighed heavily. \u201cThis is complicated. Winston Benedict sells hospital equipment, and the Waller Asylum is one of his biggest customers.\u201d She paused, turning nearly as pale as her son. \u201cAdam asked earlier why Seth would risk this after what his family has endured. After hearing what Frankie told us about this young man, I wonder if Seth picked Leslie because her family would be hard pressed to make a claim against him without losing their livelihood.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow will I let you know what I find out?\u201d Adam asked, interrupting Marian\u2019s thought, when Frankie moaned and grabbed his stomach.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go to the office with Frank on Monday,\u201d Marian told him quickly. \u201cChristine will come there after the doctor and you can meet us there after classes.\u201d She looked at her husband and nodded toward Adam, making him dig in his pocket.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t imagine you have spare cash for cab fare.\u201d He handed Adam a wad of bills, and then laughed when the boy\u2019s eyes widened at the size of the roll. \u201cTake it. I don\u2019t want you to run short. I know you\u2019ll you return what you don\u2019t use.\u201d<\/p>\n

Frankie\u2019s eyes were drooping, but he looked up at the others. \u201cWhat did Mother mean when she said the doctor would confirm what the rest of you suspect?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll tell you in on the way home.\u201d Marian looked around the room. \u201cWe don\u2019t need to take anything except this.\u201d She grabbed a small garbage can. \u201cI hope you won\u2019t use it, but I like to be prepared.\u201d After a quick smile towards Adam, she ordered, \u201cLet\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n

Frankie gave a limp salute to his roommate as he started toward the door leaning heavily against his father. \u201cI don\u2019t know what\u2019s going on, but right now I\u2019m too sick to care. Good luck, buddy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nine<\/strong><\/p>\n

Adam tried studying once the Wadsworths were gone, but his concentration bounced from topic to topic like water drops on a hot skillet. He finally headed to the dining hall for a late dinner, more out of need for distraction than food. He saw classmates from his analytical geometry class studying together in the corner of the room while they ate, and they waved him over.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou arrived right on time,\u201d Harry Kellerman told him when Adam set his bowl of soup down. During the week, meals were served in a formal, family-style with place settings laid out, grace pronounced, and bowls and platters of food delivered to the tables. But weekend fare was usually a one-dish meal that students could serve themselves.<\/p>\n

He grinned at his friends. \u201cAre you having problems with the math or your dinner?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMath\u2026!\u201d One of them shouted, and then laughed. \u201cEach of us worked the same problem, and we came up with three different answers. You do it, and we\u2019ll see who\u2019s right.\u201d<\/p>\n

The warm soup and conversation eased the cold uneasiness that had saturated his room. He looked at the three expectant faces. \u201cWhat makes you think my answer will be right?\u201d<\/p>\n

Harry laughed. \u201cYour answers are always right. It\u2019s like you hear something once and immediately know what to do with it. The rest of us have to stomp on it for a while before it fits in our brains.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam copied the equation from the review section of the text onto a tablet, and then pretended to ponder for a second or two before writing the answer. It matched none of the others.<\/p>\n

\u201cAw, c\u2019mon,\u201d Harry squealed. \u201chow\u2019d you do that so fast? And we can\u2019t see how you figured it out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShow me your work,\u201d he told the others, pulling their papers over for inspection. \u201cHarry, you copied it wrong.\u201d Adam pointed to the discrepancy. \u201cJack multiplied wrong, and Richard\u2026I don\u2019t know what you did.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShow us how to do it,\u201d Richard demanded before adding a sheepish, \u201cPlease.\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

The kitchen staff cleaned around the four students until the cook ordered them out so they could go home. Adam had worked through the rest of the review problems with them, and then walked with his friends until they split off for their own residence halls.<\/p>\n

The hour of respite from his uneasiness left as soon as he walked into his room, but this time he sat down and forced himself to study until his eyes drooped shut, and he nearly fell off the chair when he woke up. The room was stuffy so he opened the window, hoping the cool night air would clear his thoughts like a stiff breeze could reveal the Boston harbor basin after a foggy night. He was shivering from the rapid drop in temperature by the time he got his clothes off and dove beneath the down quilt. The feather-filled comforter brought instant warmth. \u201cNo wonder geese always look so comfortable,\u201d he mumbled.<\/p>\n

His expectation of an easy escape into slumber went unmet as his mention of water fowl reminded him of the task Marian had assigned. \u201cWhy should I<\/em> confront Seth Waller!\u201d he grumbled aloud. \u00a0\u201cI could have ignored what Leslie said. But I made sure her mother could protect her. It is no longer my concern.\u201d He inhaled for what seemed like minutes, and held his breath while considering what to do. \u201cI\u2019ll write a note to the Wadsworths in the morning,\u201d he said triumphantly while exhaling. \u201cThey\u2019ll support my decision to stay out of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

The plan released the pressure in his chest, and he hunkered further under the quilt. A smile of relief lingered as he drifted off.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

The pencil wouldn\u2019t move. Adam had awaked in early morning darkness, and turned up the lamp, intending to write the note he\u2019d imagined while falling asleep. The words, Dear Mr. and Mrs.<\/em> Wadsworth<\/em>, were there, and he added the date when his attempt at constructing the first sentence failed. But now his hand was paralyzed.<\/p>\n

The phrases drifted though his mind. I was glad to assist yesterday\u2026 You can understand my reluctance for further involvement\u2026 My opinion as to Seth Waller\u2019s truthfulness would be dubious \u2026 This needs to be addressed by a lawful authority\u2026.<\/em><\/p>\n

Yet the pencil didn\u2019t move. Hovering over those sensible thoughts was an image he\u2019d seen in the dream he\u2019d had before he\u2019d torn himself from his warm bed. His restless night had been exacerbated by a feather\u2019s needle-sharp end poking him through the fabric, just as his conscience was poking him now.<\/p>\n

He knew the dream was the brake holding his pencil in place. In it, he\u2019d been transported to a spot outside the general store back home. The incident from ten years ago seemed vivid, with Hoss lying in the dirt, being belittled and thrashed by an old woman using her cane as a weapon. Adam grabbed her arm, but she pulled free, getting a solid hit on his<\/em> head while screaming about being attacked by another \u201cworthless Cartwright\u201d. Adults flew out of the store at hearing the commotion and it took three men to hold her back. The woman they were staying with while their pa was in New Orleans took Hoss inside to tend to his bruises and cuts, and Adam ran to the house where they were staying, where he tried to silence the sound of his brother screaming, and cope with his shame in not intervening sooner. He knew that older kids from a passing wagon train were using Hoss\u2019s naivet\u00e9: making him believe they\u2019d like him more if he\u2019d do what they asked\u2014like say rude things to old ladies. But Hoss refused to believe Adam\u2019s warnings about their motives, and he figured his brother would learn the hard way. He\u2019d heard those same boys laughing at his brother\u2019s plight that day, and he\u2019d made a solemn vow: a promise to protect his brother and others like him who trusted too easily and were put in harm\u2019s way because of their innocence<\/p>\n

At the conclusion of the dream, he\u2019d heard a voice accusing him of being a liar for walking away from Leslie. A chill rippled across his shoulders when he realized the voice had been his.<\/p>\n

Another voice entered this mental conversation, coming on a whisper of light illuminating his window pane even though sunrise was a bit away. This voice was deep, strong\u2026and unmistakable. \u201cEach vow you make to God or man can be called into action, son, and you don\u2019t decide the time or circumstance.\u201d<\/p>\n

The pencil he tossed skidded across the desk; the point breaking off as it bounced onto the floor. \u201cI give up,\u201d Adam raised his arm in surrender to the forces calling him to fulfill his vow. He grabbed his shaving kit and headed to get ready for church.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Adam hadn\u2019t attended many \u201cchurch\u201d services until he went to Boston. His normal Sunday worship had occurred at the kitchen table or outside if the weather had been nice. His father always started their service with a Bible passage. He might tell the history behind the verses if it was something he\u2019d studied, but he always relayed a truth for the Cartwright family. Adam remembered some spirited discussions when he\u2019d asked the resident \u201cpreacher\u201d about how such a truth might have been exhibited in one of his father\u2019s actions. He\u2019d especially liked passages on tolerance and forgiveness.<\/p>\n

This part of his life had changed. When he didn\u2019t walk down the street to church with Abel, he attended First Parish Universalist Church: the official church of the Harvard campus.2<\/sup> Anyone who preached from that pulpit was a highly regarded theologian, and their words filled the young man in the nave with awe. Yet some Sundays he would have given anything to be leaning against a sun-warmed rock listening to his father\u2019s insights.<\/p>\n

While he was certain this morning\u2019s sermon had been top-notch, he couldn\u2019t remember it. His mind had been sending a steady stream of questions heavenward. Why, how, and are you sure you want me doing this, had dominated his thoughts, and although he\u2019d requested answers, the conversation with the Almighty remained one-sided. As the congregation rose for the final prayers, Adam sent up a last desperate request. If I\u2019m really supposed to talk to Seth Waller, Lord, then please provide the means. If an opportunity doesn\u2019t come, I\u2019ll know you don\u2019t want me interfering<\/em>.<\/p>\n

His ultimatum to heavenly authority was quickly answered. A few people stopped him on his way out inquiring about Frankie, after hearing he\u2019d left campus feeling ill. Free of the crowd, he headed toward the dining hall for breakfast. His stomach lurched as he noticed someone coming towards him on an intersecting path. Even from a distance, Adam recognized Seth Waller\u2019s blonde hair and swagger. His eyes drifted upwards as he whispered, \u201cYou didn\u2019t waste any time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Seth,\u201d Adam called as he got closer.<\/p>\n

Seth stopped when they met, squinting at Adam as though trying to reason why this person would engage him in conversation. He finally managed a sour smile. \u201cYou\u2019re\u2026Abraham?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2026the farm boy from out west who was enrolled despite not having decent credentials.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam knew that Seth was establishing his superiority. He\u2019d dealt with the raised-nose implication that his admission to Harvard was suspect when he\u2019d first started. But his scholastic record had silenced most critics. People like Seth Waller would never accept him, so there was no use responding. \u201cI was at the Olivers\u2019 picnic yesterday, and\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Seth cut him off with a surprised huff. \u201cYou<\/em> were invited to that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe invitation was extended by their governess.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, a second-hand invite from the hired help.\u201d Seth rubbed his chin and nodded. \u201cThat makes sense.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam was starting to wish he\u2019d never tested God with his ill-conceived stipulation. \u201cMy friend and I kept an eye on the children who attended.\u201d<\/p>\n

A dirty laugh gurgled in Seth\u2019s throat. \u201cI was wondering how you\u2019d possibly fit in, but child care!\u201d An ugly snort. \u201cYou\u2019ll never belong in our social circles, but you\u2019re a student at the most prestigious school Boston, so show some pride in what you do publicly.\u201d The chuckling started again. \u201cThen again you probably need the money. I hope they paid you well.\u201d He squinted at Adam and gave him a repulsed look. \u201cI hate that Harvard has sunk to accepting charity cases. It demeans the rest of us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Where Adam had been dreading this encounter, he was now relishing a chance to wipe the arrogant smile from this childish man. \u201cIt was my honor to help. I think you\u2019re well acquainted with one of the children we watched: Leslie Benedict.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA pretty girl, but dumb as a box of rocks.\u201d His smile had dissolved with the mention of Leslie\u2019s name, but it crept back for an instant before he demanded. \u201cWhat about her?\u201d<\/p>\n

That momentary smile gave Adam his answer. Leslie was right. He prepared to hear how Seth would absolve himself. \u201cShe\u2019s kept your secret very well, but she appreciated that I\u2019d been nice to her all day, and suggested we go into the woods so she could thank me the way you <\/em>taught her was expected. She also told me how angry you get when she doesn\u2019t comply.\u201d<\/p>\n

Seth\u2019s hand felt like a vise around Adam\u2019s arm as he forced him behind the cover of a group of pines. \u201cSo, I\u2019m guessing you aren\u2019t happy that she shared this?\u201d Adam stopped talking when he looked into Seth\u2019s eyes. He\u2019d seen the eyes of a madman before, but he couldn\u2019t describe the combination of hate and murderous intent staring back at him now. Leslie had undoubtedly seen the same look.<\/p>\n

Waller relocated his hand to Adam\u2019s lapel as he yanked him to within an inch of his face. \u201cBe very careful what you say next, Cartwright!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam choked out a laugh even though his knees felt wobbly. \u201cSo you do remember my name.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cListen Cartwright, that girl is a strumpet. You just said she suggested you give her a green gown.\u201d3<\/sup><\/p>\n

Enough strength returned to Adam\u2019s limbs that he pulled Seth\u2019s shoulders sufficiently low to bring his rising knee squarely into the snake\u2019s diaphragm. Seth let go and stumbled back, trying to catch the breath Adam had unceremoniously removed from his lungs with the perfectly-placed strike.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou<\/em> listen, Waller.\u201d Adam bent over the other man, resuming the nose-to-nose position. \u201cLeslie hasn\u2019t the mental capacity to suggest such an action without someone showing her what to do. Neither does she have the intellectual intent to understand that this is not normal.\u201d<\/p>\n

Able to breathe again, the repellant grin reappeared on Seth\u2019s face like a gruesome mask. \u201cMy grandfather proved otherwise. People didn\u2019t want to believe him, and called him a monster, but he figured out that these\u2026children develop urges just like everyone else. I just help them experience what they already want.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s jaw dropped. \u201cIt\u2019s assault!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe agreed to it. There\u2019s no crime if there\u2019s consent.\u201d Seth flashed a vicious and victorious smile.<\/p>\n

Adam scrubbed his face with both hands. \u201cConsent requires the ability to understand the consequences. You\u2026you used<\/em> Leslie\u2019s innocence to satisfy your<\/em> prurient needs.\u201d He closed his eyes and sighed. \u201cI don\u2019t understand. I\u2019m sure women would line up to be with the great Seth Waller. So\u2026why Leslie?\u201d<\/p>\n

Seth laughed loudly but immediately looked around to make sure no one was passing. \u201cBeautiful wealthy women want husbands, not lovers. It takes a lot more work to get one of them on their backs, and they cry foul if you don\u2019t propose afterwards. Better to leave those pretties intact for their wedding nights. I don\u2019t care if the girl who satisfies my \u2018needs\u2019 has a lovely face. Leslie being pretty and somewhat conversant is pleasant, but not something I insist upon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re disgusting!\u201d Adam had to step away or he would have struck him. He was amazed that Seth would reveal such vile and damning information about himself\u2026while smiling. Couldn\u2019t others see and feel the evil as he did? He began shivering and wanted desperately to leave.<\/p>\n

Taking a step closer to Adam, Seth smiled like a cobra. \u201cI\u2019m going to tell you another reason I pick these girls. After my grandfather got caught, my father turned our school into a charitable institution. He\u2019s the complete contradiction of my grandfather, and such a goodie-two-shoes that he makes me work there for nothing. I figure I deserve a wage, so I take it in trade.\u201d The smile became more menacing. \u201cYou should have taken Leslie up on her offer. You\u2019d have seen how well I\u2019ve taught her.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam looked down at Seth flopping in the grass like a fish out of water. While he knew his fists had clenched during Seth\u2019s last detestable outburst, he really couldn\u2019t remember making the conscious decision to strike him. But he had\u2026hard enough to send the disgusting abomination flying. \u00a0He groaned, wishing he could continue beating him until Seth\u2019s depravity pooled on the ground along with his blood. His own knuckles stung, and he saw they were bloody. Whether it was his blood or Seth\u2019s was unclear, so he bent down to wipe the sticky red goo onto the grass, gagging as he nearly rubbed his hand raw.<\/p>\n

He was breathing hard and still felt sick. He wondered whether it was the current circumstance or if he was coming down with Frankie\u2019s illness. His anger ebbed to a controllable state and he began to walk away.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, holier-than-though Cartwright,\u201d Seth called after him, the pronunciation of his T\u2019s \u00a0affected by his rapidly swelling lip. \u201cYou\u2019re feeling superior to me about now. But you just made the biggeth mistake of your life. Don\u2019t bother informing on me. No one will believe a poor-as-dirt farm boy over the heir of the Waller fortune. You\u2019re a nobody, Carwright!\u201d he screeched hoarsely. \u00a0\u201cTell anyone about this and I\u2019ll have you heading home to hoe potatoes by the end of the week.\u201d<\/p>\n

The shiver he had experienced during Seth\u2019s tirade, turned into full-blown chills and nausea as he continued walking. He collapsed onto his bed when he got to his room, hoping he\u2019d feel better with some rest. The conversation he\u2019d just had, bumped around the edges of his mind like a billiard ball and he groaned with the mental pain. Seth was right. Adam was the outsider here, and as such, if he tried to make this known, there would be more scrutiny placed on the accuser than the accused.<\/p>\n

He was done for now. His report to the Benedicts would confirm Leslie\u2019s story, but he knew firsthand the evil they\u2019d face if they went forward.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

He awoke with a start. The chills were gone and he was hungry. Things seemed normal with midday sunlight filling his room and the voices of passing students drifting through the open window. In thinking back, he was sure Seth implied that his indecency didn\u2019t end with Leslie, and he hoped that if the Benedicts took action, they would tumble Seth\u2019s house of cards. A glance at the clock assured him there was still time to get Sunday dinner, so he combed his hair, tucked in his shirt, and left.<\/p>\n

Ten<\/strong><\/p>\n

Monday was going well. Adam had breezed through his math exam, and the others he\u2019d studied with on Saturday reported similar success. Best of all, he hadn\u2019t seen Seth on campus or in the dining hall, making him wonder if he\u2019d gone home. This wouldn\u2019t be for confession; the weasel would only need to know whether his parents had heard anything at the party, and if so, begin a preemptive denial\u2026or rather begin exposing Leslie as a depraved siren.<\/p>\n

His surety disappeared when he was called forward in his first afternoon class.<\/p>\n

The professor\u2019s eyebrow rose along with a grin as he handed over a pristine white envelope. \u201cI\u2019ve never had a student receive a summons from the president\u2019s office,\u201d Professor Murdoch teased as he pointed out the presidential seal affixing the flap.<\/p>\n

Adams hands began to sweat as he broke the seal and slid the single sheet of paper free. It was from the secretary to President Sparks3<\/sup>, requesting he make his way with due haste to meet with the head of the university. \u201cI have to go,\u201d he told his teacher as he headed towards the door.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

The sweating that had started with the message continued, making his shirt feel sticky under his jacket as he covered the considerable distance between his classroom and the administration buildings at a brisk trot. There was no circumstance he could imagine where being called to a meeting with President Sparks in the middle of a school day would mean good news. He flooded heaven, praying that it wasn\u2019t an accident back home or a health emergency for his grandfather. His heart plummeted to the soles of his shoes when he noticed a familiar coach with a small, glossy \u201cW\u201d plaque, parked in front of the building where he was headed.<\/p>\n

He took the steps two-at-a-time, and handed the secretary the note he\u2019d received.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, Mister Cartwright,\u201d he said. \u201cThank you for being so prompt.\u201d The man behind the reception desk gave the student a once-over and smiled as he moved towards a table holding a pitcher and crystal glassware. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you have a drink and take a minute to\u2026compose yourself before I present you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam gulped the glass of liquid like a man finding an oasis after being lost in the desert; immediately regretting it as he heard a loud rumble and felt a brief churning in his gut. He sighed with relief as it passed, and he used his handkerchief to blot the beads of perspiration from his cheeks and forehead. \u201cThank you. I\u2019d like to go in now.\u201d<\/p>\n

The young man motioned for Adam to stay behind him as he stepped into the main office. \u201cPresident Sparks,\u201d he nodded for Adam to move forward, \u201cAdam Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jared Sparks had taken over as President earlier in the year, and was well-liked by the students. He rose as Adam entered, walking around his desk to extend his hand. \u201cThank you for coming.\u201d He motioned to the other man in the room. \u201cYou know Frank Wadsworth.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shook hands and then looked at Frank. \u201cHas something happened to Frankie?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

Frank realized that Adam was clueless as to the reason for this meeting. He nudged the boy forward towards the chairs in front of the president\u2019s desk and they both waited for Sparks to sit before following suit. \u201cFrankie will be fine in time.\u201d He directed his comments to the president. \u201cFrank Junior is highly allergic to bites from ticks. Something in the saliva of those insects makes him extremely ill. Frankie walked the dogs in the woods when he was home a week ago, and forgot to check himself afterwards. The doctor saw a few spots he suspects were tick bites, and feels that\u2019s what caused this.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded and breathed more easily. \u201cSo why are you here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI sent for Frank,\u201d President Sparks began. \u201cI was told you have a grandfather in Boston, and you can return with him for clarification, but since you\u2019re well acquainted with the Wadsworths, and as Frank sits on our boards and is an alumnus, I felt he might best help you with this process.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam was having trouble breathing again, and had to force air out to ask, \u201cWhat process is that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s start at the beginning.\u201d President Sparks pushed a small pile of papers towards the men on the opposite side of the desk. \u201cThese are witness statements from a meeting I had first thing this morning with Seth Waller and five other students. Seth is alleging that you beat him within an inch of his life yesterday morning. The others with him, say they had to wrestle you away to save him.\u201d Sparks waited a moment for a response, but saw that Frank touched Adam\u2019s arm and shook his head. \u201cI will ask if you had occasion to strike Mr. Waller,\u201d the president continued.<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s mouth was open and his breathing uneven as he looked toward Frank. Given a nod of approval, he replied, \u201cI admit to hitting him once. He might have a swollen lip, but that would be it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSeth\u2019s face was severely bruised. His eyes were nearly swollen shut and his upper lip was torn and so large he had trouble speaking.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI hit him once<\/em>, and there was no one else present; no one even walked by when we were talking.\u201d Adam\u2019s voice was shaky as he realized something sinister had happened in the last 24 hours, and he\u2019d been put in a defensive posture with no knowledge of what he was defending.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you\u2019re saying these students are lying?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s exactly what he\u2019s saying,\u201d Frank offered, giving Adam a chance to catch his breath.<\/p>\n

President Sparks\u2019 voice was kind as he asked, \u201cWhy did you hit him?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam looked at Frank for the go-ahead and got it, along with a side-glance of caution. \u201cI\u2019d stopped him in the yard after Sunday service to tell him something I\u2019d heard concerning him. His response was most demeaning of the person we were speaking of, and I struck out in a sense of protectiveness.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was Seth\u2019s story?\u201d Frank asked firmly.<\/p>\n

Sparks directed his comments to Adam. \u201cHe says you confronted him as he and his friends were leaving church services too. You seemed nervous, and while it was difficult to understand your train of thought, he finally realized that you thought you were tied with him for the Award for Scholastic Excellence, given to the graduate with the highest overall grades. You begged him to muff one test next year so you\u2019d win.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s mouth dropped open, but he remained silent.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease remember that this is what Seth said, and therefore, only his perspective,\u201d Preside Sparks explained. \u201cSeth feels you\u2019re deluding yourself about even being<\/em> in the competition because your grades are\u2026enhanced\u2026to give the illusion that our charitable students actually do well: especially in your case where you were clearly not in an equal league with your classmates. He knew you weren\u2019t really in the running, so in an effort to appease you while not being brutal, he suggested that you two just keep working hard, and let the best man win. You went berserk, attacking him while screaming you\u2019d win, with or without his help.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s absurd,\u201d Adam shouted, and then bowed his head. \u201cI\u2019m sorry for the outburst.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI agree with Adam,\u201d Frank added. \u201cWouldn\u2019t Adam be bruised too if he been \u2018beaten off\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShow me your hands, Adam.\u201d Sparks said.<\/p>\n

Adam realized that Seth had seen his bloody knuckles, but what the liar hadn\u2019t realized was that it was his own blood. He raised his hand for inspection. \u201cI already admitted hitting him, once\u2026and have a small bruise on one knuckle for the effort.\u201d<\/p>\n

Frank harrumphed. \u201cThere\u2019d be a lot of damage in a real brawl. I hate to ask this, son, but would you open your shirt so we can verify that you have no bruises from the blows you supposedly sustained.\u201d<\/p>\n

The absence of anything amiss on Adam\u2019s face or torso spoke its own conclusion. \u201cWhat are you going to do about this, Jared?\u201d Frank asked.<\/p>\n

Sparks held up the papers he\u2019d produced earlier. \u201cThese all give the same account, and Seth Waller\u2019s injuries are real. On the other hand, there does seem to be a discrepancy in your lack of injury.\u201d He sighed audibly. \u201cMight anyone have seen you with Seth?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo one came by, and we were hidden by trees.\u201d<\/p>\n

President Sparks rubbed his chin. \u201cWhat had you heard about Seth?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam remained silent for a moment. \u201cI don\u2019t know how the person wants to proceed, so I can\u2019t reveal the information.\u201d<\/p>\n

Frank leaned forward. \u201cI appreciate Adam\u2019s discretion, but I\u2019ll give you the gist. Adam, Marian, and I were at a party on Saturday where a young woman with the mental capacity of a first-grader told an unsettling story of Seth Waller persuading her to do unseemly things. The child\u2019s mother and my wife asked Adam to mention that conversation to Seth, thinking the girl might be mistaken about her abuser\u2019s identity.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m assuming there was some admission, causing you to strike him?\u201d President Sparks looked at Adam for confirmation.<\/p>\n

He nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cWould this girl or her parents speak on your behalf?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI spoke with the mother this morning,\u201d Frank offered. \u201cShe is unwilling to bring further attention to this matter, fearing her daughter would be demeaned.\u201d<\/p>\n

President Sparks stated the problem. \u201cSo it\u2019s Adam\u2019s word against Seth\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd mine and Marian\u2019s,\u201d Frank interjected. \u201cShe was with the girl when she made the accusation.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut neither of you heard what was said between Seth and Adam,\u201d Sparks said gently, \u201cAnd Seth has a cadre of witnesses. I will interview those students separately to see if their stories hold.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happens now, sir?\u201d Adam heard his voice, but it sounded far away.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy action is dictated by school policy.\u201d President Sparks looked directly at Adam. \u201cHowever,\u201d he shook his head and frowned sourly, while pulling a sheet from the pile. \u201cLet me read the stipulation at the end of Seth\u2019s statement. Adam Cartwright\u2019s brutish actions should have been expected since he was raised in squalid poverty, and thus, never exposed to sophisticated intellectual competition. He lacks experience adapting to the norms of a cultured society. Therefore, I will retract my complaint if he makes a public apology to me during next week\u2019s student assembly. The admission will be noted on his record, and he will be placed on scholastic probation, making him ineligible for further scholastic recognition<\/em>.\u201d He watched Adam closely, trying to gauge his reaction. \u201cThis is a way out if you want it, Adam. Perhaps public humiliation is preferable to the immediate suspension and removal from campus I must enforce while I investigate the matter.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happens if you can\u2019t break Waller\u2019s lies?\u201d Frank asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam will be expelled for violating our code of conduct. Seth might also bring legal charges for battery.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam couldn\u2019t swallow. He was shaking his head as he looked towards Frank. \u201cI\u2026\u201d he stuttered and tried again to remove the lump in his windpipe that was making it hard to breathe. \u201cI won\u2019t\u2026\u201d His voice faded.<\/p>\n

\u201cWon\u2019t?\u201d President Sparks asked.<\/p>\n

He drew strength as Frank moved behind him, and grasped his shoulders. \u201cI won\u2019t admit to something I didn\u2019t do. Seth Waller is lying to prevent a sordid truth from being exposed. His friends are protecting him\u2026maybe because they\u2019re all as involved as he. Your investigation will exonerate me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Frank patted Adam\u2019s back before reaching to shake his hand, \u201cGood for you, son. I\u2019ll help any way I can.\u201d He looked at the head of the university. \u201cIs there anything else we should know?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou must vacate your room and you can\u2019t attend class, Adam, but there\u2019s no reason you can\u2019t keep up with your studies. You\u2019ll receive a letter with my final determination by early next week.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll drop you at your grandfather\u2019s,\u201d Frank said as he pulled the boy up from his chair. \u201cI have a few board items to discuss with President Sparks, so go gather what you need from your room. You might as well decide which books Frankie needs while he recuperates, and we\u2019ll take those too. I\u2019ll stop for you in 30 minutes or so.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eleven<\/strong><\/p>\n

Frank waited at the window until he saw Adam exit the building. \u201cI can\u2019t believe Waller wrote that Adam is a farm boy who doesn\u2019t know how to behave in society.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe had the gall to tell me he wrote it out so I could remember it correctly. I suspect his family doesn\u2019t think a history professor makes an adequate figurehead for the school.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you know much about Adam?\u201d Frank asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cBits and pieces.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHis father left Boston with Adam as a baby and went west. He has amassed land in the Utah Territory near the Sierras and parlayed a profitable trapping business to a sizeable cattle ranch. This all comes from the grandfather. Adam is too modest to talk about how much they have. Of course they\u2019ve worked for every penny and they\u2019re not wealthy\u2026yet, but the grandfather says they own a third-of-a-million acres with more in their sites. I can\u2019t even imagine that much land!\u201d<\/p>\n

Jared gathered the papers from his desk as he nodded. \u201cHe seems like an impressive kid. By the way, I\u2019m thankful you came by yesterday to tell me about the accusation against Seth, even though we had to pretend we didn\u2019t know about it.\u201d He reached deep into his bottom drawer and withdrew a folder, pulling a note-sized paper from it. \u201cThis is that anonymous letter I told you about, intimating that there is something bad going on at the parties Seth hosts.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wonder what that means,\u201d Frank pondered as he looked over the note.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve a pretty good idea.\u201d Jared pulled another sheet of paper from his middle drawer. \u201cMy secretary brought this in while Seth and his buddies were here, and I didn\u2019t have time to show you before Adam arrived. It\u2019s another anonymous letter asking the school to investigate why our students at Seth\u2019s weekend drunks needs to have girls from the Waller Asylum provide \u2018entertainment\u2019. I think it\u2019s from the same person, and implies our students aren\u2019t expecting singing and dancing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWow!\u201d Frank blew out a long breath. \u201cSeth is one sick devil.\u201d He bowed his head. \u201cI hate to admit this, but Frankie was invited to Seth\u2019s last party. Something about it made him uncomfortable, and he left before anything started. Frankie mentioned that Seth\u2019s driver seemed upset. That makes me wonder\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf this note is from him?\u201d Jared provided<\/p>\n

Frank passed a knowing look. \u201cI suspect so.\u201d He rose and began pacing. \u201cI came to see you yesterday because I suspected Adam\u2019s conversation would bring retribution. But Seth was smart. This story completely shifts the issue and gives Adam no defense.\u201d He stopped at the window. \u201cAre those two really vying for that award?\u201d<\/p>\n

Jared joined Frank in looking outside. \u201cAdam and Seth hold top spots in their disciplines.\u201d Sparks gave Frank a soft punch in the arm. \u201cI don\u2019t suppose you ever worried about such honors.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was not a scholar,\u201d Frank admitted. \u201cBut someone must hold down the bottom of the class to balance those on top.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour grades did not reflect your aptitude. You\u2019ve done great things since graduating. School trophies lose their luster; success never does.\u201d \u00a0He saw Frank blush, and laughed. \u201cTheir \u2018grades\u2019 are similar; the scores behind<\/em> those grades leaves Seth in the dust. And the award is given for more than good grades. Adam\u2019s teachers have told me he always corrects his errors and resubmits his papers or tests. They can\u2019t change his score, but it shows his commitment to learn. The boy sings in our choirs; performs in plays, and is always first in line to help with projects\u2014usually taking the helm to get them done.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat sounds like him,\u201d Frank agreed.<\/p>\n

Jared\u2019s face paled and became a mask of horror as he raised his hand to his mouth. \u201cI just remembered something Seth told me at the last honors tea. I asked if he worked at his family\u2019s facilities. He told me\u2026.\u201d He cleared his throat and fought for composure. \u201cHe told me that he arranges outings for the children to their country home on weekends.\u201d<\/p>\n

Frank allowed the silence to linger as both men understood that Seth\u2019s mind was fully warped. \u201cThere\u2019s something else on your mind. What is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can prove that Harvey Oldman lied. He was nervous and kept twirling and sliding a ring on his right hand while he gave his account. I got a good look at it when he signed his statement. The shape and beveling matched a bruise on Seth\u2019s cheek. Yet, if I confront him now, he could say he\u2019d hit Seth inadvertently while pulling Adam away.\u201d Sparks looked at his companion, leaned back in his chair, and blew out a long breath. \u201cAre you positive we\u2019re doing the right thing, Frank? I could go to the board with the anonymous letters, my suspicions about the faked beating and lies, and let them deal with it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd the stool pigeons4<\/sup> on the board would run to the Waller family. They\u2019d bury the evidence and probably have your job before they were through.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen we should tell Adam what\u2019s happening.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI hate putting Adam in the middle, but I believe his character is strong enough to handle it. I\u2019ll make sure he doesn\u2019t get behind while we give Seth Waller enough rope to hang himself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know we\u2019re playing poker with that boy\u2019s future as the pot.\u201d Jared eyed Frank carefully. \u201cI\u2019m sure Seth has threatened enough people to swear to anything he says.\u201d<\/p>\n

Frank drummed his fingers against Jared\u2019s desk as he leaned forward. \u201cThat\u2019s even more reason we can\u2019t tell him. There are no guarantees that this will go as we foresee. But it\u2019s clear from these notes that this is more than one child and one abuser. If we want to clean house, we have to catch Seth and friends in the act.\u201d His frown eased, and he offered a half-smile. \u201cThose notes will help. I\u2019ll contact the Boston police. They have jurisdiction where that house is located.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll interview Seth\u2019s witnesses separately. Those boys are more afraid of Seth than they are of me, and unlikely to waver. Unless someone recants, I\u2019ll expel Adam\u2026soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat should lower Seth\u2019s guard,\u201d Frank said as he stood and stretched. \u201cAnd that pompous pail of hog slop will want to celebrate. That\u2019s when we get him.\u201d Frank shook Jared\u2019s hand. \u201cI\u2019ll get back to you after I speak to the police.\u201d<\/p>\n

Twelve<\/strong><\/p>\n

Adam observed Frank Wadsworth\u2019s wide-eyed reaction to his recounting of the conversation with Seth, while on their way to the Stoddard house. He expected Frank\u2019s surprise, but he wasn\u2019t sure why the man remained quiet, and stared out the window when he finished. \u201cMight the Benedicts rethink their position if they know all this?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

Frank shook his head, continuing to look outside. \u201cCaroline was already at the office.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what you told President Sparks. I thought we\u2019d be going there now to report to her and Mrs. Wadsworth.\u201d The silence continued. \u201cHad Leslie been to the doctor that early?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI shouldn\u2019t have allowed Marian to bring you into this,\u201d Frank said as he finally looked at Adam. \u201cBut like you, I thought the Benedicts would take action.\u201d Frank sighed heavily, the expulsion of air seeming to deflate him. \u201cWhile Caroline would <\/em>like justice, her husband wants to run away from any hint of scandal. She said Winston never understood Leslie\u2019s condition: how she can look normal but be so \u2018childish\u2019. He believes that she is somehow responsible for not refusing Seth\u2019s advances, and she fears that he\u2019d be inclined to side with Leslie\u2019s accusers rather than her defenders.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat doesn\u2019t make sense. I mean\u2026how can he not defend his own daughter?\u201d Adam had trouble constructing his thoughts. \u201cDid the doctor confirm\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCaroline feared their doctor might gossip, even if not maliciously.\u201d Frank cut in. \u201cThey\u2019re telling everyone that Caroline and Leslie are going to Baltimore to care for a relative. She\u2019s actually taking Leslie to a convent there, where a relative is the Mother Superior. Winston will sell their house and business here, and work for Christine\u2019s family until they\u2019re settled in Maryland.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a lot of effort to avoid the truth. What will happen to Leslie\u2026afterwards?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019ll remain at the convent and learn simple tasks to do for the nuns. She\u2019ll be safe there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe truth is swept under the rug; liars go on lying\u2026and the innocent pay. Leslie becomes a prisoner and I either publicly humiliate myself or get expelled.\u201d Adam twisted in his seat, his nerves sending shocks of raw energy through him as he dealt with his options. An even darker thought began twisting at his soul. \u201cMay I ask a question?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSeth portrays me as lacking upbringing, intelligence, and the proper credentials to be at Harvard. To cover his own evil<\/em>, he claims I\u2019m an insecure thug who beat him up over grades\u2026that aren\u2019t real anyway because they\u2019re being altered to keep up the illusion that I belong there. During our confrontation, he said I was admitted as a sort of social experiment: a way to judge whether a flea-bitten farm dog can be taught to perform a few tricks for the fancy folks. And unfortunately for those who really do belong<\/em> here, I\u2019m allowed to stay because I\u2019m likeable enough to have become a pet. Even Frankie teases me about being a hayseed. So\u2026I\u2019d like to know; do most<\/em> people smile to my face, but really think of me in those same terms?\u201d<\/p>\n

The question caught Frank off guard. Rather than considering what was driving the question, he reacted. \u201cIf you believe that, then you don\u2019t<\/em> deserve to be at Harvard. Self-pity is not becoming, Adam, and if that\u2019s the card you want to play, then I\u2019ll gladly fund your boat ride home. I\u2019ll even stand on the docks to wave goodbye.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam bit his upper lip hard enough to tear into the soft inner tissue. He removed his arm from the two stacks of text books he was securing on the seat next to him, clenched his fists at his side, and looked out the window. There seemed no air in the coach and he struggled to breathe normally. He\u2019d expected there might be some truth in what he\u2019d asked\u2014an unspoken, lingering perception\u2014that the man he respected and trusted might bring into perspective. Instead, Frank caught him with a hard verbal gut punch and told him to go home, the man\u2019s angry response confirming everything Adam feared.<\/p>\n

He tried to stop the mental assault by concentrating on the streets they were passing. Once oriented, he reached for the cord that alerted the driver to stop. \u201cI\u2019ll walk the rest of the way. You\u2019ve wasted enough time with me today.\u201d he said softly without turning.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re a good distance from Abel\u2019s, yet,\u201d Frank responded; the harsh edge of his previous words replaced by gentleness. \u201cYou can\u2019t carry your books that far. Your arms will be stretched to your ankles by the time you arrive.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease ask Frankie to take my books back when he returns.\u201d His gaze drifted to his feet. \u201cI have no witness to rebut Seth\u2019s lies. The Benedicts won\u2019t come forward, and I don\u2019t possess the wealth or clout to request special consideration through an appeal.\u201d His laugh was humorless. \u201cSeth said he\u2019d have me headed home by the end of the week. At least he\u2019s a man of his word. And, I\u2019ll pay my own way.\u201d<\/p>\n

The coach swung to the side as the driver maneuvered out of traffic. The shift sent the unsecured books flying to the floor. Both occupants reached to gather them, nearly bumping heads. Frank took Adam\u2019s shoulders before he could sit up fully, and kept him from turning away.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat moronic leper is eroding your confidence with his lies and insinuations. If you\u2019d confided your concerns to Marian, she would have grabbed you and said that she loves you, how proud she is of you, and not to believe anything<\/em> a liar says.\u201d He brought his hand to the back of Adam\u2019s neck. \u201cBut I\u2019m not Marian. You must feel like you were thrown in a pit today, and I just shoveled dirt on your head with that response. I am sorry, and I offer this: Lies can win skirmishes; truth wins the battle. The truth will come out, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam didn\u2019t look away when Frank released his hold. \u201cWhat if the truth comes too late?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll figure it out.\u201d A smile brightened Frank\u2019s face. \u201cI will tell you that Seth Waller isn\u2019t even a hot breath on your neck when it comes to grades, and for your information, no<\/em> Harvard professor would award a grade that a student didn\u2019t earn. Benjamin Wadsworth, a long ago relative of mine was the tenth president of Harvard. The presidential residence on campus is named for him and even that, along with a few major contributions from my father while I was a student, couldn\u2019t raise my grades.\u201d<\/p>\n

Frank\u2019s revelations allowed Adam to inch his way up the side of his pit to see the light and feel its warmth. He began to breathe normally for the first time since receiving the summons to the president\u2019s office that morning.<\/p>\n

The two had gone back to restoring order in the coach when the door opened from the outside.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid someone wish to get out here, sir?\u201d the driver asked.<\/p>\n

Frank looked at Adam. \u201cDo you still want to leave?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI apologize for your trouble,\u201d Adam told the driver. \u201cI thought I knew where I was headed, but I still have a ways to go.\u201d<\/p>\n

Thirteen<\/strong><\/p>\n

Abel opened the front door after hearing a light knock, and stepped back, his eyes shooting open as his jaw dropped. \u201cAdam!\u201d he fussed at his grandson. \u201cAre you ill?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m in a little trouble at school, and have to stay here until it sorts out.\u201d When Abel still didn\u2019t move, Adam grinned. \u201cCan we come in? These books are heavy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Frank and Adam deposited their load on the table and took seats in the parlor. \u201cMight you have something to drink with a little kick?\u201d Frank asked the older man. \u201cIt\u2019s been a long, tough day, and I think we could use a little bracer before we explain why Adam is home.\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Abel inched forward in his chair as he listened to the unfolding story. His sips of scotch became swallows with the revelations of depravity in the young man who\u2019d made the accusations resulting in Adam\u2019s suspension.<\/p>\n

The older man noticed that Frank and Adam seemed to sink into their chairs as they spoke, almost as though the story weighed them down. He rose and paced the length of the room, stroking his beard as the tale came to an end. \u201cIs there a word to describe what\u2019s wrong with this\u2026Seth? He had no problem disclosing his inhumane deeds, but was cunning enough to get out ahead of the consequences by fabricating a story of jealousy and rage. It keeps my grandson defending himself, and renders it fruitless to argue the actual facts.\u201d<\/p>\n

Frank stood as well, \u201cYou\u2019re an astute man, Abel. You probably remember his grandfather\u2019s scandal. It appears Seth is following in his footsteps.\u201d He glanced at his pocket watch. \u201cI need to be on my way. Marian\u2019s been at my office all day, and I\u2019m sure she\u2019s anxious to hear what\u2019s transpired. And,\u201d he grinned, \u201cWith my wife in residence, I\u2019m sure no one got much done. She probably served tea and cookies, and kept the men talking about their families.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease tell Frankie I\u2019m thinking of him.\u201d Adam stood to shake Frank\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll send word when he\u2019s well enough for you to come study with him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWon\u2019t he return to school?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI may be overprotective, but I don\u2019t want him on campus right now. Thankfully he left that party early, but that could make Seth target him too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll keep him in our prayers,\u201d Abel offered as he accompanied Frank toward the door. He looked back at his grandson. \u201cI\u2019ll walk our guest out. You can start moving those books to your room.\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Abel leaned in the doorway to Adam\u2019s bedroom. \u201cDo you have to take all those to class?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam laughed as he looked around at the books occupying every surface of his room. \u201cI just take the ones I need for my daily classes,\u201d he explained. \u201cAnd a lot of these are reference books.\u201d He continued organizing until he cleared his bed and nightstand. He motioned Abel into the room and pointed to the bed. \u201cYou might as well be comfortable,\u201d he teased.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou seem to be accepting this turn of events\u2026on the surface. But how about in the deeper waters?\u201d Abel asked, careful not to sound overly sympathetic.<\/p>\n

Adam paused midway to placing a text on the bookshelf. \u201cI\u2019m fine\u2026as long as I don\u2019t think about it.\u201d He turned to face his grandfather. \u201cYou and Mr. Wadsworth spoke for some time. Did he say anything of interest?\u201d<\/p>\n

Abel pursed his lips, considering how much to divulge. \u201cHe shared no secrets if that\u2019s what you\u2019re thinking. He told me there are some tough days ahead for you. This liar set a pretty sound trap. It is likely that the school president cannot expose the truth by the usual methods, and as a result\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be expelled,\u201d Adam offered in conclusion. \u201cIt\u2019s the logical outcome.\u201d<\/p>\n

The older man winked at Adam. \u201cFrank concurs. But he wants me to stop you from jumping into the harbor and swimming for San Francisco if it happens. There are many people who will help you set a new course should you need one.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam slid the book onto the shelf and dropped onto the bed next to his grandfather. \u201cYou mentioned President Sparks failing with \u2018usual methods.\u2019 Was there mention of \u2018unusual\u2019 methods?\u201d<\/p>\n

Abel moved his head side-to-side, recalling the conversation. \u201cFrank may have been implying something, but there were no words to back that.\u201d He stood and pulled Adam up. \u201cMrs. Doherty has the evening off, so we\u2019ll go to the pub for supper, and then get a good night\u2019s rest.\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

The reminiscing of the old sea captains at the pub, along with the fistfights breaking out between inebriated sailors provided an evening of diversion. Adam had been humming a sailing tune when he bid his grandfather goodnight. But that was hours ago. Now alone in the dark, the day\u2019s events swam circle in his mind. He fought to quiet his thoughts, not understanding how he could be utterly exhausted while every bit of his brain was exploding like fireworks.<\/p>\n

The tossing and turning produced only a lump of sheets beneath him, so he donned his robe and shoes, tiptoed downstairs. and slipped out the back door to sit on the porch steps. The vast starry sky allowed him to think clearly and reassess each segment of the long day. He was lost in thought, and jumped when he felt something brush against his shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you think I was a ghost?\u201d Abel asked with a chuckle.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry I disturbed you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe back door squeaks. I was pretty sure it was you, yet it might have been a burglar, so I checked.\u201d Abel leaned on Adam as he eased down next to him. \u201cYou can put oiling that hinge on your list of projects to do while you\u2019re off.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have a list?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou do now.\u201d<\/p>\n

The two gazed up at the sky. \u201cYou know how to navigate by the stars,\u201d Abel said, breaking the silence.<\/p>\n

\u201cI do, but I\u2019m rusty.\u201d He nudged Abel\u2019s arm. \u201cWe have street signs in Boston, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

Another period of silence ensued until Adam sighed loudly and leaned forward, bracing himself on his knees.<\/p>\n

Abel knew that getting his grandson to speak his fears was nearly impossible. Ben and Adam Cartwright were stoics who valued counsel, but seldom sought it in matters of the heart. He decided to crack the door. \u201cWhat bothers you most about what\u2019s happening?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam had no intention of answering, and was startled when his thoughts became words that demanded to be said. \u201cIt\u2019s why it\u2019s happening!\u201d<\/p>\n

Abel thought the episode was pretty clear. \u201cIt\u2019s a tale as old as mankind\u2019s fall. Satan lures the weak with his lies and relies on them to promote his cause.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI understand that part.\u201d Another deep sigh. He looked down at his hands, tugging at a hangnail. \u201cI knew for so long that I needed to come here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour father confided that in his letters. I admit to praying that it would work out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI had a dream of attending college, but by the time I was twelve, I understood that couldn\u2019t happen. I learned so much from the people I knew, but they couldn\u2019t prepare me for a university. Then I found a Harvard professor sniffing wildflowers.\u201d* He stopped and smiled at his grandfather. \u201cMaybe your prayers added to mine got him there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Abel nodded and smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat was just the beginning. It took hard work to get here and more to get to a point where I\u2019m a year from graduating at the top of the first engineering class at Harvard5<\/sup>.\u201d His pitch rose as he rested his head against the porch rail. \u201cWhy can someone\u2019s lie end years of effort?\u201d A frustrated huff. \u201cIt feels like I\u2018m being punished.\u201d He bolted upright as another thought hit, and he left the steps to pace. \u201cHow will I explain this to Pa? I\u2019m ashamed to go home with nothing to show for the time away and the money spent. My father doesn\u2019t abide failure.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019ll stand still, I\u2019ll respond.\u201d He waited for Adam to sit again. \u201cDid you pray to find a professor in your pasture?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course not. That solution was\u2026unexpected.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut when the gift was given, you knew what to do with it. You prepared for the next<\/em> opportunity.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou may not like hearing this, but what if our prayers were answered for a different reason than what you wanted.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat does that mean?\u201d Adam\u2019s response was wrapped in irritability and tied with a bow of churlishness.<\/p>\n

Abel noticed the tone and chuckled. \u201cIt\u2019s hard to hear that you aren\u2019t the center of the universe. But perhaps you aren\u2019t in Boston to graduate at the top of the class. Maybe you were sent here to be in the right place at the right time to help Leslie.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI could accept that if something good came out of it. But now Leslie\u2019s locked up in a convent, and Seth can do it to someone else.\u201d<\/p>\n

His grandson had never talked back or challenged him before. But he\u2019d never been this upset before either. As a captain, Abel was not prone to loving gestures, but he felt the ache in Adam\u2019s responses, and he reached out, wrapping the boy\u2019s shoulders tightly. \u201cYou\u2019re hurt and confused. Otherwise you\u2019d remember your father saying that life moves one step-at-a-time. Those steps got you here, but sometimes, like today, a step feels like a stumble that sends you sprawling on your face. That doesn\u2019t diminish the value of the step. You ended Leslie\u2019s abuse and she\u2019s safe while they figure out what to do. Seth thinks he\u2019s rid of you, but he\u2019s made the biggest mistake of his life because he doesn\u2019t recognize the power guiding you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Abel felt the tightness in Adam\u2019s shoulder relax. \u201cYou\u2019re selling your father short too, Adam. Having a diploma in your suitcase isn\u2019t as important to him as you returning as a better man. Ben Cartwright faced disappointments, and he fell flat on his face many times along his journey. That only made him stronger.\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

The conversation with Abel settled Adam\u2019s mind enough to fall asleep. But his questions soon nudged him awake. His loss might have accomplished something, but right now it felt like a large hole had been torn in his heart, and the pain throbbed with every beat. This would take time to understand, and even longer to accept. He rolled onto his side and tried to imagine his father\u2019s expression when he explained returning home with nothing tangible for his years away. No words could cover it. He buried his face in the pillow and groaned, \u201cOh, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Fourteen<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ben shivered as he sat up on the side of his bed. It wasn\u2019t cold; spring air was ruffling the curtains as it deposited its warm breath into the room. The chills came from a place deep inside his heart.<\/p>\n

He hadn\u2019t been resting well lately, even though he seldom finished a day without being bone tired. Sleep always came<\/em> easily, but it didn\u2019t last, and he\u2019d wake in the wee hours feeling uneasy. There were good reasons for this, or so he told himself. Spring was a torturous time, and decisions made now determined income potential for the entire year. Every plan required careful preparation along with anticipating the pitfalls that might bar success.<\/p>\n

Ben missed Adam. His son had insight beyond his years and Ben had used him as his voice of reason in planning. He released a deep breath as he leaned back, bracing his arms on the bed behind him. While these things might add to his uneasiness, his current wakefulness issued from one source: a dream.<\/p>\n

It always amazed him that dreams could drop you into situations and places that made no sense in reality, yet seem perfectly normal while asleep. This one had him on a clipper ship. He stood at the helm, his hands giving gentle direction on the wheel, and he took a deep, hearty breath of the misty sea air. He heard the groaning ropes as they stretched tight across the cargo and masts with each swell. The sails were at full and snapped like rifle shots when the flagging wind strengthened again and caught every square inch of fabric. One thing was missing: his crew. He barked orders for them to present themselves, but no one responded. After securing the wheel, he made a hasty retreat below deck, figuring to find them afoul with rum. The hold was as lacking of men as the deck, but a noise drew his attention to a far, dark corner. He grabbed a lantern and made his way forward.<\/p>\n

As he approached, he saw a young man lying there. The lamp nearly fell from his hand as he raised its light and saw that it was Adam. His son pulled into himself\u2014almost cowering\u2014while trying to tell him something. But he couldn\u2019t hear because the weather outside had changed, sending the rattle of thunder and whistling wind down the passageway to blow the words away. The crew was suddenly there, begging him to guide the vessel before it foundered coming out of a trough. He fought them, wanting to get Adam first, but the group tugged him toward the stairs. As he looked back, he saw Adam overwhelmed by the deluge of water surging through the hold, and heard him cry, \u201cOh, Pa!\u201d<\/p>\n

He woke then, but those last words tore his soul. His eldest seldom shared his personal grief or confusion, but uttering that two-word plea had always been Adam\u2019s way of communicating the devastation he couldn\u2019t verbalize.<\/p>\n

This dream, along with the general uneasiness he\u2019d experienced lately, set him towards panic. It was time to find out what was going on.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s Pa,\u201d Hoss asked as he sat across the table from Little Joe.<\/p>\n

The boy shrugged and mumbled, \u201cI dunno,\u201d amid a swallow of oatmeal.<\/p>\n

\u201cFather gone already,\u201d Hop Sing told them as he delivered Hoss\u2019s bowl. \u201cHe say you go school like always and don\u2019t be late!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo where\u2019d he get to so early?\u201d Hoss asked, adding a spoonful of honey to his cereal.<\/p>\n

\u201cEagle Valley. Say he have order to pick up. Be home late tonight or tomorrow. You do chores like always after school.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss started to chuckle once Hop Sing returned to the kitchen. \u201cWell, it\u2019s about time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe\u2019s eyes nearly disappeared as he wrinkled his nose and cheeks. \u201cWhy\u2019s that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no supplies; he went to send a telegram. You know he\u2019s been sorely worried about our older brother.\u201d Hoss sniffed loudly. \u201cI don\u2019t know how he can tell what\u2019s goin\u2019 on way across the country, but he was sure upset during the night. I heard him hollerin\u2019 for Adam in his sleep, and then he passed my room on the way downstairs. He might\u2019a left then, but I fell back to sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can sleep through anything, Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

The older boy set to work on his meal, not paying attention to what was going on across from him. He looked up when he heard Joe say, \u201cHey, Hoss,\u201d and saw a lump of sticky oats flying towards him from the tip of his brother\u2019s spoon. The goo had the needed velocity, but the trajectory was off, and he avoided the impact by leaning right. Unfortunately Hop Sing was on his way back when the glob landed on the wall behind Hoss, and began rolling down to its final resting place on the doily covering the sidebar.<\/p>\n

Finished or not, both boys ran to grab their books and lunch pails from the credenza and flew out the door. They could still hear the cook hollering in Chinese as they rode towards town.<\/p>\n

Fifteen<\/strong><\/p>\n

Abel made Adam study the next morning, even though the boy had jokingly protested, saying he was on \u201csabbatical.\u201d Yet his grandson soon lost himself in the pages of the enormous texts. By lunchtime he declared he\u2019d finished his classwork for the day, and asked for his \u201clist.\u201d<\/p>\n

He assigned Adam the task oiling the back door hinge and then clearing the yard of the branches that had broken in the last wet, heavy nor\u2019easter to come through before spring. That was dispatched quickly and the boy continued by turning over the garden plot.<\/p>\n

He glanced out the window and teased his cook that she\u2019d better make extra food for the hard-working young man. A knock sent him to the front door where he found a messenger with a telegram. The origination point was Eagle Valley, and he knew immediately it was from his son-in-law, or someone with news about Ben. His heart beat heavily as he pulled the page open and read.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019ll wait a moment, I\u2019ll send a reply back with you,\u201d he told the boy waiting by the door.\u00a0 He gave his thoughts a quick once-over after writing them out, and handed over the paper with enough coins to send the message on its way.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Adam was on his second helping of everything that evening when Abel casually pulled the telegram from his pocket. \u201cI got this earlier.\u201d<\/p>\n

The fork slipped from Adam\u2019s hand, clunking on the table. He\u2019d only gotten one other telegram, and that had been from his father when Little Joe had gone missing. His immediate thought was that this one would hold equally dire news. After a quick scan, he grinned at his grandfather. \u201cHow do you suppose he knows everything?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou two are much closer than most fathers and sons. I don\u2019t know how <\/em>it works but he is aware that something isn\u2019t right. What he doesn\u2019t know is the cause.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat should I tell him?\u201d The smile was gone as he thought of condensing all that had happened into a few words.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe wire was to me, Adam, and I answered it.\u201d The contortions appearing on Adam\u2019s face made Abel laugh. \u201cI can\u2019t tell if you\u2019re irate or relieved.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI haven\u2019t decided yet. It depends on what you told him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI told him all is well, but his uneasiness might reflect that you\u2019re working on a special project that you\u2019ll explain in a letter.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA special project\u2026.\u201d He thought about it and smiled. \u201cI like that. Thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sixteen<\/strong><\/p>\n

A note from Frank Wadsworth arrived Tuesday evening telling Adam to be ready for pick-up the next morning so he could join Frankie at the estate for a visit and study.<\/p>\n

When he arrived on Wednesday, he found his mathematics professor having coffee with Frank. The man laughed at Adam\u2019s surprise, and said he volunteered to come out and work with the roommates so they\u2019d be ready for finals.<\/p>\n

Adam spent the remaining mornings that week with Frankie, and a different professor arrived each day to tutor in their respective subjects. Afternoons were reserved for Abel\u2019s lengthening list.<\/p>\n

He was making headway on the Stoddard projects when the captain made another suggestion. \u201cMelinda told us that her aunt is lonely, and Lynne\u2019s yard and house hasn\u2019t been tended for years. How about doing a little outdoor work, fixing a few things inside\u2026and spending time with her?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam liked the work, but wasn\u2019t sure what to say to Lynne at first. He soon found he loved assisting the overgrown yard back to life as much as he enjoyed watching the older woman blossom when they talked while he worked. He even took her out for lunch on Saturday when Melinda sent word that she was unable to make her visit.<\/p>\n

The ease he\u2019d felt since accepting his suspension began to evaporate on Monday of the second week, when he expected a letter from school. Adam hadn\u2019t seen Frank since that first day of tutoring, so he didn\u2019t know if he\u2019d heard anything. His not-too-subtle interrogation of Frankie had produced no information either.<\/p>\n

No mail came on Monday, and Adam was sure his fate was being carried in the satchel of the postman walking toward their house on Tuesday afternoon. He continued raking until he saw his grandfather exit the back door and motion him over.<\/p>\n

He recognized the Harvard stationery immediately. Normally such envelopes brought good news. His acceptance had arrived in one, along with each congratulatory note and invitations to honors events. But this bore President Sparks\u2019 title. He moved off by himself to read it, and returned to the porch, telling Abel. \u201cIt\u2019s official. I\u2019ve been expelled.\u201d The laugh was dry. \u201cI guess I have more time for projects until I arrange a way home.\u201d<\/p>\n

Abel didn\u2019t respond. He held up another envelope instead. \u201cThis was delivered shortly before the mail arrived. It\u2019s from Frank. He was alerted to the outcome and wants me to remind you that this is not final. There\u2019s an appeal process.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d be defending against the same lies, so what\u2019s the use?\u201d He reined in the eye roll and sigh accompanying his statement, and chuckled at himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cFrank says much the same thing\u2026minus the theatrics,\u201d Abel teased. \u201cYou\u2019re to continue studying. It\u2019s only two weeks till the end of the year so he\u2019s been assured you can take your final tests. He also suggests an internship at his company to complete your preparation for a career. And should you prefer to go to another school, you\u2019ll receive more recommendations than you\u2019ll ever need.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded and grinned. \u201cI\u2019ll wait at least a week before I start swimming home.\u201d His grin drooped to a frown. \u201cMy only regret is that Leslie was locked away and Seth wasn\u2019t. I\u2019ll think this through more thoroughly after my final tests are done, and speak with Frank and President Sparks. Maybe I will have to confront those lies after all.\u201d He held out his hand. \u201cCould I read Frank\u2019s note?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMight I read your letter as well?\u201d Abel responded.<\/p>\n

Adam finished first. \u201cIt seems like he feels as badly about this as I do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Abel nodded as he continued reading, and frowned as he handed it back. \u201cI didn\u2019t expect this to read like a letter of apology. This Sparks says he\u2019s sorry a number of times, and he makes it clear that your teachers are incensed.\u201d<\/p>\n

Seventeen<\/strong><\/p>\n

Melinda knocked hard, and then entered the Stoddard house early Saturday afternoon, calling out the names of its occupants. She knew Abel didn\u2019t mind if she let herself in.<\/p>\n

Abel waved with his free hand as he exited the kitchen carrying a cup of coffee. \u201cWelcome, young lady. I\u2019m glad you could make it this weekend.\u201d<\/p>\n

She blushed. \u201cI admit I rushed through a lesson with the boys so I could get here as early as possible.\u201d She waited a moment, hoping Adam might lope down the steps as he often did when he heard her voice. \u201cWhere\u2019s our guy, and how\u2019s he doing? He sent me a note revealing all that\u2019s happened in the two weeks since the party.\u201d Melinda smiled warmly at Abel. \u201cHe wrote that he didn\u2019t want to burden me, but you\u2019d advised him I\u2019d be more upset if I walked in here today not knowing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, yes. My grandson is extremely bright, but he has much to learn about women.\u201d He set his coffee next to him as he settled into his favorite chair. \u201cWould you like a cup? It\u2019s still hot.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, but I\u2019d rather see Adam if he\u2019s here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s out back burning yard debris. Your aunt\u2019s house and mine look great, and the projects kept him busy. And\u2026he\u2019s coping.\u201d<\/p>\n

Melinda shouted a thank you over her shoulder as she nearly ran to the back door, but paused on exiting. There was a good-sized blaze going, and Adam was sitting cross-legged on the grass with his back towards her. She stepped onto the porch and called, \u201cAhoy there! Permission to board?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hearing Melinda\u2019s voice made him happier than he\u2019d felt in days and he responded with a wide smile. He stood and saluted. \u201cPermission granted.\u201d<\/p>\n

She hurried across the lawn and wrapped him in a hug. \u201cI\u2019m so happy to see you!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was beginning to think Saturday would never get here.\u201d Motioning toward the fire, he said, \u201cWe\u2019ll have to stay here until that burns down, but I\u2019ll get a blanket. The grass is a little dewy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Melinda rested her head on Adam\u2019s shoulder as they talked about everyday things. She told of taking Nate and Charlie to visit a historic church near their house. \u201cNate was fascinated by the old names and dates on the headstones in the cemetery next to it, but Charlie was in awe of the architecture. He drew a wonderful depiction of the altar and sent it with me for you to see.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou should bring them to Cambridge one day and I\u2019ll show them some of the buildings on\u2026.\u201d He turned away, awash in his loss.<\/p>\n

Melinda didn\u2019t intrude at first but finally hugged him tightly and whispered, \u201cIt isn\u2019t right that you lost so much to speak up for Leslie.\u201d She huffed loudly. \u201cEspecially since her parents have turned tail. They won\u2019t stand up for<\/em> their daughter or to<\/em> Seth.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam was finally able to exhale as his emotions settled. \u201cThat old sea captain in the house has told me a few things about life, and I\u2019ve mulled them over.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did he say?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m looking at circumstances from my human point of view, and maybe my purpose in coming here was not to earn a degree, but to help someone who was in big trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf that\u2019s true, it seems nearly cruel to allow you to get as far as you did. Why couldn\u2019t God let you do both?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve shouted that same accusation all week, but I also begged to understand.\u201d He gazed upward and sighed before staring at the fire. \u201cFor unto whomsoever\u00a0much is given, of him shall be\u00a0much\u00a0required.<\/em>6<\/sup> I can\u2019t complain about this without being ungrateful for the rest. There was something else I\u2019d forgotten too.\u201d<\/p>\n

She tipped her head awaiting explanation.<\/p>\n

\u201cQuoting another verse: When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it<\/em>.<\/em>6b<\/sup><\/em> I made a promise years ago after Hoss was tricked into doing something he shouldn\u2019t have\u2014like Leslie was.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs Hoss a little slow too?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam choked back a laugh. \u201cHe\u2019s a very bright kid. Yet people often assumed he was slow because he looked older\u2014taller and stronger than his actual age. He was still a little boy inside, making it easy for other kids to manipulate him. One time he suffered badly for it. I promised I\u2019d never let that happen again: that I\u2019d always protect him and make sure no one ever used his innocence to hurt him.\u201d His pursed lips made a whistling sound as he exhaled. \u201cI assume my promise was accepted, and is to be honored for more than Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

Melinda wasn\u2019t sure whether Adam had received a heavenly mandate or if the fine character he\u2019d developed being raised a Cartwright made him intervene with Leslie, but the result was the same. Despite this outcome, she also knew he would continue to stand up for the innocents and underdogs of the world. She could say nothing that would make this easier, so she wrapped her arms around him, and they watched the fire become ashes.<\/p>\n

Eighteen\u00a0 \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Adam shoveled dirt over the remaining embers as he told Melinda, \u201cI liked spending time with your aunt while I worked over there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure she enjoyed your company.\u201d Melinda forehead crinkled with concern. \u201cHow was her memory?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe told me wonderful stories of her youth, but she couldn\u2019t remember me from one day to the next. But then she\u2019d finally say, \u2018Oh, you\u2019re Melinda\u2019s young man.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

The conversation ended abruptly when their attention was drawn to a commotion on Abel\u2019s back porch. Frank Wadsworth, Frankie, and Abel were wedged in the open door: all trying to exit at once.<\/p>\n

Frank was the first out, and approached them, carrying a set of clothes over his arm with shoes dangling from his fingers. He acknowledged Melinda with an exaggerated wink. \u201cI need to borrow this guy for a few hours. We\u2019ll all go out for dinner when we return.\u201d He didn\u2019t wait for a response, grabbing Adam\u2019s arm as he pulled him towards the front of the house where their transportation was waiting. \u201cC\u2019mon! You\u2019ll change while we drive.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere are you taking me?\u201d Adam asked as he paused in the doorway of the coach.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo Harvard.\u201d Frank pushed Adam into the vehicle and told the driver, \u201cGo like the Devil\u2019s chasing you!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis would have been easier at the house.\u201d Adam laughed as he struggled out of his work clothes while the two Franks pulled at sleeves and pant legs. \u201cBy the way, hello, Frankie.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Adam,\u201d Frankie replied. \u201cBe quiet and stick your arm in this shirtsleeve. You have to look presentable.\u201d The younger Wadsworth braced himself on the ceiling while Adam and Frank collided when the driver took a corner a little too fast. \u201cHere, let\u2019s try that again.\u201d This time Frankie shoved his friend\u2019s arm into the sleeve from the top, then grabbed his hand as it exited the cuff end and hauled the shirt upward, choking Adam as he reached around his neck to grab it from the other side.<\/p>\n

Frank held out the dress trousers as Frankie fastened shirt buttons. \u201cI\u2019ll do this part myself.\u201d Adam grabbed the pants and slid them onto his legs once the shirt was in place. \u201cWhere\u2019d you get my suit?\u201d<\/p>\n

Frank laughed. \u201cWe told your grandfather why we were there and what we needed. He moves pretty fast for an older guy!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow about you tell me<\/em> why I\u2019m changing clothes while careening towards Cambridge.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey got him!\u201d Frankie announced<\/p>\n

\u201cWho got whom?\u201d Adam\u2019s brows dove towards his nose.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt will explain itself if you\u2019re patient,\u201d Frank offered.<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head as he slid across the seat again while trying to button his pants. \u201cThis has been a wild ride. Not just the last ten minutes, but the last two weeks. Am I going to be expelled in an official ceremony?\u201d He laughed as he slipped his arms into the jacket Frank Sr. was holding out for him, and ducked down so Frankie could flip a tie over his head. \u201cAt least I\u2019ll be well-dressed\u2026I think\u201d Once the tie was secured, he asked, \u201cIs everything on and fastened? I don\u2019t want to face execution with my fly undone or two different shoes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Frank gave him a withering look, and nearly slid onto the floor as the coach skidded to a stop. \u201cWe\u2019re here. Now…just listen when we get inside.\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

President Sparks nodded towards Frank as the trio of Wadsworth, Wadsworth, and Cartwright made their way into the board room of the administration building. \u201cAll parties are now present, so we can begin.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam followed his \u201cparty\u201d to chairs in the back of the room before he could get a good look at the others in attendance. President Sparks was at the head of the table, seated next to a man wearing a police uniform. Seth Waller was sitting with a couple Adam had seen at the Oliver party, and He suspected were Seth\u2019s parents. The five students who\u2019d falsely testified in the bogus assault were sitting across from the Wallers. What Adam didn\u2019t understand was why police officers were lined up against the wall behind his classmates. He glanced at Frank who smiled and then motioned for him to look forward.<\/p>\n

Sparks stood. \u201cA month ago, I received an anonymous tip about students engaging in unseemly activity, using children from the Waller School and Asylum. There were no details, and so the letter was dismissed. Then two weeks ago, one of our board members approached me after hearing of an accusation about Seth Waller abusing a student at the Waller school.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mention of the accusation against her son, made Seth\u2019s mother say, \u201cThat\u2019s a lie!\u201d even as she paled and slumped back into her chair.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry this distresses you, Mrs. Waller,\u201d President Sparks said evenly. \u201cThe details will get more explicit, so you may wish to wait in my office.\u201d With her assurance that she was fine, he continued. \u201cA young woman revealed the abuse to one of our students, who alerted the child\u2019s mother. Thinking it was a case of mistaken identity, her mother asked this student to speak with Seth, and give him a chance to investigate who might be using his name.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat makes more sense.\u201d Mrs. Waller snorted imperiously before nudging her son. \u201cTell them it was a mistake, and we\u2019ll go home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt wasn\u2019t a mistake, Mrs. Waller,\u201d Sparks told her gently. \u201cThe student who spoke to your son has paid dearly for it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is he talking about?\u201d The question was posed to Seth by his father. The boy said nothing, but responded with a haughty glance and lengthy sigh.<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe this conversation did occur,\u201d the president explained. \u201cSo you can imagine my surprise when instead of Seth reporting that he was being defamed by someone using his name, or notifying you, Mr. Waller, that your<\/em> school was being libeled, he concocted an elaborate lie.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrs. Waller shoved her chair back and began to stand. \u201cI will not listen to this.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her husband grabbed her hand, pulling her back down. \u201cDon\u2019t you find it odd that our son isn\u2019t refuting any of this?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSeth made his friends beat him to a pulp,\u201d the president continued. \u201cThen he came to me with the claim that this other classmate attacked him in a jealous rage over grades. He \u2018convinced\u2019 his friends to say they\u2019d seen the incident exactly as Seth described it. I wasn\u2019t able to disprove this lie at the time, and since battering another student is not tolerated: the other student was expelled.\u201d<\/p>\n

Seth\u2019s father was turning redder with each thing Sparks said. \u201cSince you call Seth\u2019s story a lie, you must believe he abused that child.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll I knew for sure was that your son was lying. I could have confronted these pitiful witnesses with the concerns I had,\u201d Spraks said, turning to the group of five. \u201cBut with as detailed as this lie was, it had to be covering up something even bigger. Why expose a single snake, when you really want to find the nest.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy are the police here?\u201d Marvin Waller nearly shouted.<\/p>\n

The uniformed man next to Sparks spoke up. \u201cI\u2019m Chief Styles of the Boston police. We\u2019ve been working with the university to expose that \u2018nest\u2019. As a courtesy, I\u2019m allowing President Sparks to conclude school matters before charging these boys at the station.\u201d<\/p>\n

The chief\u2019s words brought agonized groans from Seth\u2019s accomplices.<\/p>\n

Adam now understood what \u201cunusual methods\u201d might have been used to investigate the lies. He looked over at Frank, and mouthed, \u201cWhy was I expelled?\u201d<\/p>\n

Frank pulled Adam closer and whispered, \u201cJust listen.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat your son didn\u2019t know, Mr. Waller,\u201d President Sparks replied, \u201cwas that while he was here lying to me, I received another note suggesting Seth ran a sort of brothel on weekends, using children from your asylum. I consulted with Frank Wadsworth, our board president, and we contacted the police.\u201d<\/p>\n

The chief stood next to Sparks, revealing his ample girth and height, and stared down at those around the table. \u201cWe concluded the notes were sent by the driver who transported all parties to the house. An officer contacted this man under the guise of looking for stable work at the Waller\u2019s, and the driver admitted writing it. He\u2019d already figured out that Seth\u2019s parties occurred on weekends when a certain orderly worked at the asylum, and his most damning revelation was that Seth always sent a packet of cash to be handed to that orderly once the girls were brought outside.\u201d<\/p>\n

The faces of Seth\u2019s parents were set in stone when the chief had begun, but Sara Waller\u2019s facade began to crack with the unfolding story. She bowed her head and began picking at lint on her sleeve.<\/p>\n

President Sparks looked at Adam after the chief sat down. \u201cIt was a joint decision that in order to find the bigger truth, we would have to accept Seth\u2019s lies and expel you.\u201d Sparks line of sight moved to Seth. \u201cOnce that news about Mr. Cartwright became known, you wasted no time in celebrating. We counted on that arrogance.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chief Styles nodded towards the Waller family. \u201cYour driver let us know that he\u2019d received orders to pick up Seth and his mates today, along with instructions to gather the \u2018entertainment\u2019 after dropping them off.\u201d The veteran officer shook his head slowly and then focused in on Seth\u2019s father. \u201cAfter cleaning up the mess with your father, I never imagined you\u2019d let this happen again! People in this city trusted you, and now\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

Seth\u2019s father banged his fist on the table. \u201cFinish this story so I know what you\u2019re accusing us of!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOfficers followed the coach with the children out to the house. Then they watched through the windows, and caught the boys preparing to abuse those children!\u201d<\/p>\n

The policeman behind Seth cleared his throat. \u201cDon\u2019t ya mean we caught this one with his pants down?\u201d<\/p>\n

Chief Styles silenced his officer with a stern look. \u201cThere\u2019s nothing to joke about here.\u201d He waited for a moment. \u201cI remained at the asylum to question the orderly, who when confronted with what we knew, confessed to selecting children who were docile.\u201d He pointed as Seth. \u201cYou told the staff that these outings helped increase \u2018sociability\u2019 in these children, but the orderly knew what you were really doing. He saw their disheveled clothing and…\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam gasped along with the Wadsworths. Hearing proof of abuse out loud ripped his heart open.<\/p>\n

The chief continued. \u201cI questioned how the orderly could continue sending them if he knew their torture. He said he wanted out, but Seth blackmailed him and eventually paid him extra to get the children ready. He needed the money.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sara Waller\u2019s eyes had grown rounder and her cheeks redder with each revelation, and when the chief finished, she slumped forward. In a soft voice, she said, \u201cYou keep saying, children. Please, how old were they?<\/p>\n

\u201cNot the wee ones, ma\u2019am,\u201d Chief styles told her. \u201cWe\u2019d be having an entirely different conversation if they were babes. But abusing girls in their mid and late teens is still an appalling crime.<\/p>\n

Confronting her son\u2019s depravity dropped Sara in a dead faint, her head hitting the table with a solid \u2018clunk.\u2019<\/p>\n

Marvin Waller grabbed his son roughly. \u201cIs this true?\u201d<\/p>\n

Seth draped his arm over the back of the chair and turned to face his father. \u201cThey can\u2019t do a thing about it. Grandpa always claimed those kids enjoyed this, and I made sure they were old enough to consent.\u201d<\/p>\n

The slap Marvin delivered to his son\u2019s face knocked him off the chair. \u201cHow dare you! You were old enough to experience the family\u2019s shame when your grandfather did his awful experiments. I tried to implant a love for these children in you, and explain how insane my father had become.\u201d He scrubbed his hands over his face. \u201cWhy!\u201d<\/p>\n

For the first time in the meeting, Seth seemed off-guard. He slid back onto his chair and stuttered as he tried to speak, but then re-found his confidence. \u201cIt\u2019s your fault\u2026 I saw the value in Grandpa\u2019s work. His research should have been lauded. Your apologetic response turned the hospital into nothing more than a charity now. We take in anyone, and can barely make ends meet. Then you made me work there for nothing! I deserved something, and I took it!\u201d<\/p>\n

Marvin Waller was stunned to silence. The pale man took a deep breath and leaned down to check his wife as she moaned. When he looked back up, he addressed Chief Styles. \u201cWould there be no charges if the children did indicate their\u2026agreement?\u201d His words made him retch, yet he was now defending his entire family.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not surprised that\u2019s the tack you\u2019d try, sir,\u201d the chief stated while his eyes seemed to fire lead shots toward the family. \u201cBut here\u2019s a couple\u2019a things your fancy attorney won\u2019t overcome. The orderly will swear that he was ordered to pick children who couldn\u2019t<\/em> refuse. They hadn\u2019t the mental capacity to make any decision. And even if that boy of yours tries to make the case that they smiled, indicating their approval to be savaged, there\u2019s that sticky matter of the money. Your son was charging his buddies money for the service. As soon as President Sparks finishes, your son will be taken away and charged with running a brothel. We\u2019ll add on charges of kidnapping and false imprisonment. And since they couldn\u2019t consent, he and the others will be charged with assault.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI feel sick,\u201d Sara Waller muttered as she rested her head back on the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow to right a wrong before I rid this school of all this worthless trash.\u201d Sparks walked over to Harvey Oldman. \u201cYou should know that of all those who lied about Adam Cartwright, yours is the one I can prove.\u201d The shaking boy began sobbing. \u201cDid you lie about witnessing an altercation between Seth Waller and Adam Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cN..n\u2026no,\u201d he stuttered, glancing at Seth. \u201cIt happened just like he said.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSeth, turn your head so that we can see your left cheek,\u201d Sparks commanded.<\/p>\n

Seth heaved a sigh, rolled his eyes, and finally complied.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you look closely at the remains of the bruise on his cheek, you\u2019ll notice it\u2019s square.\u201d President Sparks drew the shape in the air for emphasis. \u201cAlso note the center where something clearly poked deeper, breaking the skin.\u201d He reached down and raised Harvey\u2019s hand. \u201cNow observe the ring that this young man wears. If I hold it to that bruise, we\u2019ll have a match. So again, Harvey, did you beat Seth and then lie about it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Harvey began blubbering as he shouted at the chief. \u201cIf I tell you everything, can I get out of this mess?<\/p>\n

\u201cThe truth can\u2019t hurt you,\u201d the officer replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cSeth invited us to that house of his last fall.\u201d Harvey looked around at the others while sniffling. \u201cIt was fun the first time. We went riding, and then drank while we played cards. But the next time he brought in those girls. He claimed we would be helping them. I don\u2019t know about the others, but I couldn\u2019t do anything to the poor kid he gave me. I don\u2019t think the others did anything either. We sat outside drinking while the girls played out there. We told Seth we wouldn\u2019t come anymore after that, and he said he\u2019d tell the police and the university that we had molested those girls when he\u2019d just brought them out to enjoy a day in the country. So we kept going out there, and drank until we were too drunk to think about it. It got even worse when he started demanding money to keep quiet. We were afraid of him.\u201d Harvey\u2019s voice broke with a sob. \u201cTwo weeks back he said Cartwright was onto us, and we had to help discredit the guy. I beat Seth up, and then we each wrote a statement saying Cartwright did it. None of us were there when it happened.\u201d<\/p>\n

With the truth exposed, the others began swearing to it, asking for consideration, and citing Seth\u2019s revenge if they hadn\u2019t cooperated.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you for your honesty,\u201d President Sparks told the boys. \u201cOf course you\u2019re all expelled, but if you want to salvage your futures, you\u2019ll take any deal the police offer.\u201d He walked to the back of the room, stopping in front of Adam. \u201cYour record will only recognize your assistance in this matter. It must be vindicating to hear the truth from these liars, and I offer my sincerest apology along with my thanks. If you\u2019re the man Frank and I think you are, you understand the dilemma we were in.\u201d<\/p>\n

Frankie had remained silent, but stood and walked to the table. \u201cWhy did you invite me to that party?\u201d he asked Seth. \u201cDid you honestly think I\u2019d do what you were doing?\u201d<\/p>\n

Seth met his glare and laughed. \u201cNah. I never figured you would, but these guys were running short on cash. My plan was to get you drunk enough to stay through the day, and then I\u2019d have had a new source of income. The Wadsworth pockets run deep.\u201d<\/p>\n

The policemen put handcuffs on each of the boys, and began leading them from the room. Seth turned back when his parents didn\u2019t follow.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on!\u201d he spat at them \u201cYou can post bail, and I\u2019ll be home for dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marvin Waller placed his hand on his wife\u2019s shoulder, keeping her put. His voice was defeated but forceful. \u201cI will arrange for a lawyer, but there will be no bail. Being locked up might demonstrate what it\u2019s like to have no choice in what happens to you.\u201d He looked from his son to President Sparks. \u201cYou have my word that I will make this right, starting by immediately finding someone outside the family to run the home and school.\u201d He thought a moment. \u201cYou said one accusation against Seth exposed this. Was that a separate incident?\u201d<\/p>\n

The answer came from Frank. \u201cYes. Your son forced this girl into allowing his advances; deceiving her into thinking it was normal. He abused her at the school and even at her home while you visited with her parents. But they aren\u2019t pressing charges, fearing you\u2019d vilify their daughter to save your son.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marvin nodded. \u201cI know who it is. I\u2019ll contact them and try to help.\u201d He assisted his wife to stand and supported her as they walked towards the door. He turned back before exiting. \u201cI am sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nineteen<\/strong><\/p>\n

With the room cleared, President Sparks shut the door and dragged a chair to sit with Adam and the Wadsworths. \u201cYou look lost in thought, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was thinking about my grandfather. Whenever I felt sorry for myself, he\u2019d remind me that even though we can see where we\u2019re headed on the horizon, that doesn\u2019t mean the road to get there won\u2019t have a few curves and detours.\u201d He looked from Frank to President Sparks. \u201cYou could have told me what was going on. I would have played along.\u201d<\/p>\n

The two men exchanged a knowing glance. \u201cYou\u2019ve played poker, haven\u2019t you, Adam?\u201d the president asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen you know that once you ante in, you\u2019re going to lose everything you toss in the pot if you don\u2019t win. Even if you think there\u2019s cheating, you\u2019re out the money from that hand unless you can prove your suspicion.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u201cI\u2019ve been there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d Sparks continued, \u201cwe were all playing a high-stakes poker game with Seth Waller. You got in the game by speaking to him, and even though Seth cheated to win that hand, you had to accept the outcome. Frank, the police, and I started playing then, and we realized we\u2019d have to fold at first, to win in the end. We couldn\u2019t even reassure you, because had Seth bluffed better, your loss would have stood.\u201d<\/p>\n

Frankie broke in. \u201cHow could Seth have \u2018bluffed better\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

His father answered. \u201cHarvey finally confessed because he was more afraid of what the police were going to do, than of what Seth held over him. Had Seth been more cunning, he would stopped the parties after bringing those false charges against Adam. With only a year until graduation no one would have risked talking. We\u2019d have always believed something horrible had occurred, but we couldn\u2019t have proved it. The only thing remaining was Leslie, but even that would have dissolved because of Winston Benedict\u2019s fear of scandal.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I would have been out of school for good\u2026.\u201d Adam shook his head slowly and then grinned. \u201cI\u2019m glad Seth plays badly, but I wish I could have done something.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou were the silent hand, Adam, and the game couldn\u2019t have progressed without you,\u201d Frank told him. \u201cTo win in poker or in life, you have to judge your opponents correctly. Seth didn\u2019t do that with you. He underestimated the good reputation you\u2019ve made, and overestimated what people thought of him. That misjudgment led him to construct an absurd story.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo\u2026if I continue the analogy,\u201d Adam said thoughtfully, \u201cyou counted on me to back away from the table and wait for you to prove that Seth was dealing from the bottom of the deck?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re catching on.\u201d Frank told him. \u201cSeth was too vain to see that his ill-conceived lie attracted<\/em> attention, and made people watch how he was dealing. He had no idea President Sparks and I were onto him. He thought he had the other students and the orderly under his thumb and his snobbery left him open to one more mistake: he forgot about his driver. The man was invisible to him, and he never considered that he would contribute to the pot.\u201d<\/p>\n

Frank looked at both boys. \u201cYou can both learn from this. When you pay attention to people, you\u2019ll start to recognize the \u2018tells\u2019 in their characters. That\u2019s an invaluable skill.\u00a0 The Seth Waller types are easy to spot. They\u2019re arrogant and pompous, imagining they\u2019re smarter than everybody. The hardest to figure are people trying to take<\/em> what they won\u2019t work to get. You have to decide what they want as an outcome, and most importantly, how far they\u2019ll go to get it.\u201d Frank leaned forward, bracing his elbows on his knees. \u201cWith constant observation, you\u2019ll become adept at reading people, and you\u2019ll know how to play your hand\u2026whether in life,\u00a0 or a card game.\u201d<\/p>\n

President Sparks rose. \u201cGood thoughts, Frank. Your insights made all the difference in this case.\u201d<\/p>\n

Frank stood and grabbed his son\u2019s arm while nodding at Adam to do the same. \u201cPresident Sparks, I think it\u2019s time to celebrate. Would you join us for a \u2018reinstatement\u2019 dinner?\u201d<\/p>\n

The president of Harvard shoved his chair back to the table. \u201cI would like that very much.\u201d<\/p>\n

One month later:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Melinda was pink-cheeked when she kissed Adam in Abel\u2019s doorway. \u201cI\u2019m busting with news!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCome further inside,\u201d Abel called from the parlor. \u201cI don\u2019t want you exploding in that tight hallway.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re such a tease,\u201d she whispered while bending down to give him a peck on the cheek.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have time before Sunday dinner, so sit!\u201d the older man ordered with a laugh.<\/p>\n

\u201cFirst, how do you like working on the Wadsworth jobsite?\u201d Melinda asked Adam.<\/p>\n

He grimaced and stretched. \u201cIt\u2019s been a while since I\u2019ve worked that hard. As sore and tired as I am, Frankie can barely move by quitting time. Luckily we\u2019ll only do half the summer at the sites. In July we start working with the engineers at the office.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd he\u2019s getting paid to have all this fun,\u201d Abel added with a wink.<\/p>\n

Melinda chuckled before changing the subject. \u201cI read the article about Seth and his gang in the Courier <\/em>today. The five who lied about Adam aren\u2019t being charged with much.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTheir biggest crime was keeping silent. They stood together at the trial, swearing they continued attending those parties only because of Seth\u2019s blackmail.\u201d Adam sighed. \u201cI believe those five never harmed the children, and they should have stood up to Seth from the beginning. He couldn\u2019t have \u2018exposed\u2019 them without exposing his own darkness. I don\u2019t understand how they couldn\u2019t see that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey were children of privilege who never had to face consequences for their actions,\u201d Abel said firmly. \u201cThey\u2019ve been expelled, must pay fines, and have endured public humiliation as the story unfolded in the press. But fines and embarrassment don\u2019t address the horror they allowed to continue, even if not participating.\u201d<\/p>\n

Melinda looked down, shaking her head. \u201cYou\u2019re right, Mr. Stoddard. The notoriety will hinder them for a while, but eventually the gossip will fade and they\u2019ll resume their privileged life. It\u2019s the lives of those children that won\u2019t change.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam smiled as he reached for her hand. \u201cThings will get better. Marian Wadsworth was asked to serve on an advisory panel for the hospital that took over the asylum. She\u2019ll be a fierce advocate for better conditions, and especially in the careful oversight of who\u2019s allowed access to them.\u201d His eyes drifted to the newspaper he\u2019d been reading when Melinda arrived. \u201cOn the other hand, Seth\u2019s absurd comments and outbursts during his trial earned him an indefinite stay at a state-run insane asylum. He\u2019ll face a crucible of his own making there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Abel allowed a moment of thought before turning to Melinda. \u201cSo, what news has you busting?\u201d<\/p>\n

She scooted forward on the couch. \u201cLeslie\u2019s parents stopped by yesterday. I\u2019d told Mrs. Benedict that I had to inform the Olivers of the incident that had happened during their party. Part of the reason for them to come by was to thank us all for our discretion.\u201d She faced Adam. \u201cThey also sent their thanks to you for standing up for Leslie, and<\/em> their regrets for all you went through because of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow is Leslie?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe became so distraught in the convent that she stopped eating and barely slept. The doctor there explained that Leslie was frightened and confused by the drastic changes going on in her body. Being torn from everything familiar compounded that. She miscarried soon after arriving. Her parents are relieved for her, and she\u2019s recovering quickly at her grandmother\u2019s home.\u201d<\/p>\n

Abel\u2019s tone turned sad. \u201cIt\u2019s a sad but understandable outcome.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s good news too! Marvin Waller contacted the Benedicts, and encouraged them to continue raising Leslie at home. He said they\u2019ve been doing a splendid job, and he feels Leslie has so much potential to unlock.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s right brow rose. \u201cHow did Mr. Benedict react to that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA private meeting with Mr. Waller placated his fears. They decided to stay in Boston, and asked if I\u2019d teach Leslie along with Nate and Charlie if the Olivers would agree. They did, so Leslie will join us as soon as she\u2019s better. She\u2019ll be with us for the next year until the boys become full time students at a private academy. The Wallers gave the Benedicts a plentiful settlement. They\u2019ll use that to hire their own governess then, and I\u2019ll train her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you go with Leslie?\u201d Abel asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey asked me, but I\u2019ll be starting college. The Olivers offered to help with my tuition if I stay until the boys are in school.\u201d She glanced at Adam and saw him smile. \u2018It\u2019s something I\u2019ve dreamed of doing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam rose and pulled Melinda up next to him. \u201cYou\u2019re just the teacher Leslie needs.\u201d He smiled at his grandfather. \u201cWe\u2019re going outside until dinner so I don\u2019t have to rush you through dessert.\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Abel laced his fingers behind his head and leaned back, thinking about the month that had passed. Adam had finished his junior year two weeks after being reinstated, and he held no bitterness toward his experience. Only one thing remained undone: a letter to Ben. Adam had wanted to write sooner, but he\u2019d advised waiting for the trial outcome. He pulled the Courier<\/em> from the table, carefully tearing off the front page with the story of Seth\u2019s sentencing, and figured he might as well get started. Adam would compose his own letter, but he knew Ben would appreciate the insights in his father-in-law\u2019s rendition.<\/p>\n

Three Months Later<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ben used his sleeve to wipe the sweat from his face, and squinted at the dust devil on the far horizon. He\u2019d sent Hoss and Little Joe off to swim in the pond near the house. Their tempers had seemed as hot as the late August weather, and he thought an afternoon of fun might be the best medicine. But they\u2019d headed in the opposite direction, so he continued to watch the swirl move closer until he could make out a rider.<\/p>\n

A laugh broke from his sun-cracked lips as he recognized who it was. Dave Cass was the son of Will Cass, the shopkeeper who\u2019d settled in the area around the time Ben had switched from trapping to ranching. His long-distance recognition was aided by the fact that the Cass family owned only large horses that pulled wagons loaded with equipment out to the settlers. Dave had to saddle one of these beasts, when he visited the Cartwright boys. The cinch made it around the horse\u2019s wide girth, aided by an additional section, but there was nothing to do about the stirrups. Dave\u2019s short legs barely curve around the horse\u2019s ribcage, and they flopped as he rode, giving the illusion that the horse had wings.<\/p>\n

Ben finished brushing his horse and cooled him down with a wet cloth while waiting for Dave to arrive. He finally waved and called his greeting.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Dave called back. \u201cPa sent me with this.\u201d He held up a large envelope. \u201cHe said you probably wouldn\u2019t be comin\u2019 to town soon, and he knew how much you\u2019d want it. It\u2019s from Boston.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben took the package confirming it was from Adam, and breathed in relief. \u201cThank you. Why don\u2019t you get down and water yourself and your horse before heading back.\u201d He noticed that the boy was craning his neck trying to see into the barn, and realized what\u2026or rather who he hoped to see. \u201cThe boys just left to swim.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean at the pond that\u2019s over the rise?\u201d Dave asked excitedly. \u201cCause if it\u2019s that one, I can find them. Pa said I could spend a few hours out here before getting back.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a fine idea, but you can use one of our horses while this big guy rests.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben made quick work of saddling a smaller mount for the boy, and sent him on his way. He retrieved the package from the feed box where he\u2019d set it, and slid down onto an overturned pail near the door where there\u2019d be enough light to read. His uneasiness in spring had been appeased by the short telegram from Abel. The note had raised more questions than it answered, yet he trusted Abel wouldn\u2019t keep anything from him concerning Adam\u2019s wellbeing. The dread he\u2019d felt at the time had dissipated a few weeks later, replaced by his anxiousness to know what the \u201cspecial project\u201d had involved. He\u2019d received a letter from his son soon after that, but it had been written much earlier.<\/p>\n

He used his pocket knife to carefully slit the top of the envelope. The first item he extracted was a folded page of newspaper. His heart plummeted to the dusty barn floor as he scanned the banner headline. Six<\/em> Harvard Students Sentenced In Scandal Involving Girls From Waller Asylum<\/em>.<\/p>\n

This can\u2019t be about Adam,<\/em> pounded in his brain like waves making shore. The obvious conclusion was that this<\/em> was Abel\u2019s special project reference, yet how could Adam be involved? The story concentrated on a student named Seth, but it didn\u2019t mention the names of the others. Ben stopped reading, trying to make sense of how his son fit into this. When no scenario could explain it, he shook his head and returned to the article.<\/p>\n

A smile turned the edges of his concern when the last few paragraphs told of how the scandal came to light after a fellow student had confronted Seth about deceiving a mentally slow girl into engaging in carnal acts. Seth then blackmailed the others involved in the scandal to help fabricate a story about that confrontation. Ben\u2019s heart beat faster again, but with pride as he read how the president of Harvard said that the lies had painted an egregious scene, and he\u2019d had to follow through by expelling the student in question. But the lie had been preposterous enough to make him realize it was covering up something darker. He enlisted the help of a trusted board member and the Boston police to investigate. President Sparks commended the young man who\u2019d accepted the expulsion, allowing those in charge to complete their investigation, and mentioned that if they hadn\u2019t been able to expose the lies, that student would have lost everything.<\/p>\n

Ben refolded the paper with shaking hands, impatient to dig into the letters still inside the envelope. He read Adam\u2019s account first, and then laughed while perusing Abel\u2019s far more informative depiction. \u201cThank God for that old pirate!\u201d he nearly shouted when he finished. The letter from Adam had listed the facts, but the only indication of how unnerved he\u2019d been, was in the last sentence. I admit that I was shaken by this, Pa, but Grandfather helped me navigate a smoother course.<\/em><\/p>\n

Ben didn\u2019t move until he\u2019d read Abel\u2019s letter a few more times, allowing him to realize how closely his own sensations of fear for his son aligned with the events Adam had been experiencing. His heart broke with Abel\u2019s telling of Adam\u2019s greatest fear: returning home to tell his father he had failed. Rereading that part made Ben wipe his face again as something other than sweat wet his cheeks. He\u2019d always expected a lot from his oldest, and perhaps he\u2019d begun taking Adam\u2019s abilities for granted. In thinking about it, he had a hard time recalling a situation in the last several years when he\u2019d put his feelings of pride and appreciation into words. Of course no one was harder on Adam than Adam himself. Still\u2026to hear that his biggest fear was coming home\u2026.<\/p>\n

The opportunity to say the right things in the past was over, but he could make sure Adam never had to worry that he would disappoint him when he did the right thing. He hurried to the house, stashing the envelope in his desk, and hollered for Hop Sing. By the time Hoss and Little Joe got back he was ready to leave for Eagle Valley and spend the night away with his boys.<\/p>\n

As they made the hour ride to the small settlement, Ben told them about Adam\u2019s letter, making the incident about their brother taking on someone who\u2019d been unkind to children rather than the actual situation.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat sounds like somethin\u2019 Adam would do.\u201d Hoss said and then wrinkled his nose. \u201cBut why do you need to send a telegram now that you know what happened, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Little Joe joined in. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t mind looking over the candy at the store in Eagle Valley, but I don\u2019t see what\u2019s so important you gotta say it in a telegram.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben smiled sagely. \u201cThat\u2019s between me and your brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

Boston – A Day Later<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cI thought you\u2019d be out celebrating your last day of work before going back to school,\u201d Abel teased when Adam walked in at his usual time.<\/p>\n

\u201cFrank invited us to their house on Sunday,\u201d Adam replied. \u201cHe claims we\u2019ll celebrate then, but I\u2019m sure he just wants to tell you all the mistakes I made this summer.\u201d His suntanned cheeks flushed to a golden pink. \u201cAnd there\u2019s plenty to tell, so you\u2019ll have a good time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat does sound like fun.\u201d Abel held a small envelope aloft. \u201cThis came from your father. Since it\u2019s addressed to you, I didn\u2019t peek.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s quiet sigh was the only outward sign of his uneasiness. \u201cReceiving these never gets easier.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRead it before you jump to conclusions.\u201d Able rose stiffly. \u201cI\u2019ll go check on supper.\u201d<\/p>\n

He opened the flap as he sank into a chair and read the note. \u201cMaybe telegrams aren\u2019t so bad after all,\u201d he said softly, and reread the message.<\/p>\n

Received letters regarding special project (STOP) Always proud of the boy you were (Stop) Prouder still of the man you have become (STOP) <\/em><\/p>\n

The End<\/p>\n

Notes:<\/strong><\/p>\n

1<\/sup> The Game of Graces was played by pairs of children in the 1800s. Each of the pair held two sticks. A ring was slid onto one set of crossed sticks and thrust upwards by uncrossing the pole. Their partner tried to catch it on their set of sticks.<\/p>\n

2<\/sup> First Parish in Cambridge\u00a0is a\u00a0Unitarian Universalist<\/a>\u00a0church, located in\u00a0Harvard Square<\/a>\u00a0in\u00a0Cambridge, Massachusetts<\/a>. The current building was erected in 1833.<\/p>\n

3<\/sup> From Captain Francis Grose’s\u00a0Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue\u00a0(1811): ‘ To give a girl a green gown, to\u00a0tumble<\/a>\u00a0her in the\u00a0grass<\/a>\u2019<\/p>\n

3A<\/sup> Jared Sparks (1789-1866) became president (at Harvard) on Feb. 1, 1849. Students were happy with the choice: Sparks had found favor as the first McLean Professor of Ancient and Modern History (1838).<\/p>\n

4 <\/sup>Stool pigeon was originally used to describe a decoy bird left on a stool to attract other birds. First used in 1812. In the mid 1800\u2019s it began being used to describe someone who betrays the unwary.<\/p>\n

5 <\/sup>Founded in 1847, the Lawrence School was Harvard’s first major effort to provide a formal, advanced education in science and engineering.<\/p>\n

6\/6B<\/sup> Luke 12:48 and Ecclesiastes 5:4<\/p>\n

7<\/sup> In researching this story, I found that prosecution for child molestation occurred only for the very young in this period, and even then it was iffy. Beginning in the late nineteenth century, reformers fought to raise the age of consent to sixteen. Prosecution for any sort of sexual assault was tenuous in the 1840s unless there was obvious bodily harm. The usual defense was that there was consent, and unless the woman had been beaten, she couldn\u2019t prove that she hadn\u2019t agreed. The children Adam fought to protect would have been in that age group where consent would have been an issue, and thus why the police latched onto Seth securing money for services. In the end it was moot because he was declared insane.<\/p>\n

*From my story, It\u2019s Just a Year \u2013 He Said What?!<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 Adam’s life begins to fall apart after a lie told by another student at Harvard results in him being expelled. He struggles to understand how he could have done everything right and still lose everything he worked so hard to accomplish. He must listen to the wisdom of those who love him, look deep into his own heart and find the truths and lessons that forged his character into the man he became.<\/p>\n

Rating: T<\/p>\n

Word Count: 30021<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":82,"featured_media":15258,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[41],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-17705","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-hurtcomfort","wpcat-41-id"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Adam-traurig.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17705","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/82"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=17705"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17705\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/15258"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=17705"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=17705"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=17705"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}