The Cogan Legend (22 page)

Phillip poured himself another brandy and sat in one of the comfortable leather chairs. He finally felt somewhat relaxed after a very long, sad day.  Many different thoughts ran through his mind including plans for the search party.  He closed his eyes for a minute.  When he awoke, it was early morning.  He went quietly up the steps and into Ann's room.  He bent and kissed her forehead.  

Breakfast passed with little conversation.  Everyone knew what lay ahead.

When they arrived at the Miller home for the funeral, the parlor was filled to capacity and Tom waved them to the front.

Ann sat behind Carrie, and they both cried and stared at Rachel's body. Tom cried as well; he couldn't hold it back.  Charles too had tears in his eyes, and Phillip just sat somber and quiet.  As the pastor walked up front, Mrs. Miller started sobbing, “My little girl, my little girl.”  She got up and went to the casket, bent over and kissed her daughter.   Ann joined her and placed her arm around her.  

As the pastor began the service, Tom escorted Mrs. Miller to her seat.  Several of Rachel's girlfriends spoke and reminisced of the joy in knowing her and the wonderful friend she had been.  Ann wanted to express her love as well, but she knew she could never keep her composure.  

When the service ended, Tom and Mrs. Miller walked to the casket to say goodbye for the last time.  They each put an article of love in the casket.  Mrs. Miller could no longer take the emotional strain and almost collapsed.  Tom and Phillip helped her to an adjoining room and tried to comfort her until all the preparations were ready for the trip to the cemetery.  After the casket was lowered, many mourners accepted Charles' invitation to join the family at his home.     

The long day finally came to an end when Lewey escorted Mrs. Miller and Tom home.  As soon as the doors closed Charles breathed a sigh of relief.  Charles thought,
It's over and I want the healing to begin.  This was the most horrible ordeal of my life, worse than Elizabeth's passing.  Another holiday filled with grief.  I pray next year will be different.

The day after the funeral, Charles was anxious to return to work.  He thought if he buried himself in his business it would relieve some of the guilt.  His first day back he spent alone in his office until Tom made a surprise visit.

“Tom, I'm shocked you came to work today.”

“I didn't come to work, Mr. Fairchild.  I came to speak to you.  I want to join the lieutenant in the search.  I don't care if you fire me; at this point in my life I have nothing to live for.  Whoever murdered Rachel took my life as well.  I want revenge.”  Tom's eyes started to water.

Charles looked at Tom. “I understand.  I wouldn't mind joining the search myself.  The lieutenant feels he'll catch the murderers within a matter of days.  Go with him, Tom, and with my permission. Your job will be here when you get back.”

“When they're caught, tried, and hanged I'll be back.  I'm going to leave with the lieutenant. ”   

“Tom, I don't know what accommodations you're planning, but you're welcome to stay at my lodge until you join the search.  I'll write a letter to Mary and explain everything, and you can give it to her upon your arrival.”
 
 

Two days remained until Phillip's departure.  Ann was emotionally stronger, and her father was getting back into his routine.  This allowed Ann and Phillip time to renew their relationship.  They spent every moment together.

Phillip expressed his intent to resign from the Army and marry her. “Ann, I won't allow your father to send you away.  I'm going to ask for your hand in marriage before I leave.  I couldn't stand the possibility of you being thousands of miles away and never seeing you again.  I can't let that happen.”  

The next evening Phillip and Ann decided to visit Rachel's mother and Tom, but Charles declined the offer to accompany them.   Mrs. Miller rejected their visit and didn't want to see Ann.  She excused herself to her room.

While they sat in the living room Tom asked, “Phillip, when are you leaving for Sunbury?  I want to accompany you and join in the search for those murderers.  Mr. Fairchild has already given approval for me to leave work.”

Phillip was pleased. “We'll leave at eight o'clock Friday morning. That's the only way I can make it to the fort by Sunday evening.   It will be a very long hard ride and we'll be exhausted.”

“I have no problem with that.”

“We'll get to Mr. Fairchild's lodge Saturday evening.  I'll leave for Sunbury on Sunday and make plans for the search party.  I'll return to the lodge so you can join us.”

Thursday, Phillip decided that tonight after dinner he would approach Charles and ask for his approval to marry Ann.  

At dinner Charles asked, “Ann, do you remember anything about what happened on the return trip from Sunbury.”   

She just shook her head. “Father, with your help and Phillip's patience and love, maybe someday I will.”

In an attempt to jog her memory Charles continued, “Lewey is positive it was those two men you encountered in the Cogan when the coach stopped for water and grain on your first trip to Sunbury.  He told me the man called Poll Soll couldn't keep his eyes off of you.”

“That's true.  He just stared at me with glaring, beady eyes.  We saw them again in Sunbury, and again he just stared.  They were both scary looking men.  I get frightened every time I think about them.”

Phillip said, “It doesn't matter, we'll begin searching for them.  When they're caught, we'll get a confession.  I'll have my men down there every day; we'll camp in the area if need be, but we'll find them.”

When dinner ended, Phillip asked, “Mr. Fairchild, could I speak to you in private?”

Charles assumed it would be a discussion on the search and that perhaps Phillip didn't want Ann to hear. In the study Charles asked, “Do you know something about those men you didn't want Ann to hear?”

“No, Mr. Fairchild, my business is of a personal nature.  Ann and I are in love, and we want to spend the rest of our lives together.”

Charles paused for several minutes.  “I appreciate that you both seem to be in love, but there are more practical matters to consider.”

“What do you mean, Mr. Fairchild?”

“Well, were you ever in love before?”

“No, but since I met Ann I know what love is.  I feel it in my heart.”

“How will this relationship flourish when you're over 100 miles away from Ann?  You don't even know when you'll see each other again.”

“My intent is to hand in my resignation as soon as the two men responsible for Rachel's murder are brought to justice.”  

“How will you support a wife if you resign and don't have a job?”

“I'm ambitious and not totally untalented.  With the experience I'm getting in the Army, I could manage a business.”

“Where would this business be?”

“Probably Philadelphia, since there is more opportunity here, and Ann could still be close to you.”

Finally, Charles wondered if this was leading to his business.  “Do you expect me to give you a job?”

“No.  I'll find something.  I intend to be wealthy someday.”

“Well, Ann lives a lavish lifestyle. Look around.  You can see what I'm talking about.  I'm not sure it's a lifestyle you could support.  Perhaps for a while she would be happy living without these things.”

“I realize it won't happen overnight.  But I know I can do it.”

“You've only known each other for a few short weeks. I'm not so sure Ann knows what love really is. I was young once and I know what the cycles of love are.”

“I have no doubt about her love for me.”

“Why do you want to rush into marriage?”

“It won't be tomorrow; we didn't decide on a date.  When I resign, move to Philadelphia and find a job, we'll be closer and our love will grow.   Would you be more agreeable?”

“Additional time would certainly be better.  I want what is best for my daughter and that doesn't rule out sending her to boarding school.  Marriage now could ruin any opportunities for her future.  You'll have to prove yourself to me first.”

“I can promise you that she will always be taken care of.  I love her with all my heart.”

“Ann is all I have.  I love her too, Phillip.  I must give this great consideration.”

Charles didn't want to discuss the marriage anymore and changed the subject. “Phillip, as soon as I feel Ann is strong enough, I'm going back to the lodge to join in the search and be with Mary.  More importantly, I want to attend the trial and be present at the hanging.  Nothing will bring Rachel back, but it will be some justice for her death.  And, I admit, some relief for my guilt.  Now let's listen to Ann play the piano.”  

Charles liked the Lieutenant.  In the time they had spent together, Phillip had gained his trust and confidence.  Charles felt he was a man of his word and sensed his leadership ability and knew he was an intelligent man.  However, he was unsure that Phillip would be the success he claimed and would indeed be able to provide the lifestyle to which Ann was accustomed.  After a few songs, Charles excused himself for the evening and allowed Ann and Phillip time together.  

The night passed quickly and Phillip was up by six o'clock, as were Charles and Ann.   Katey and Mae prepared a large breakfast in preparation for Phillip and Tom's departure.    

Neither Ann nor Phillip was looking forward to his leaving.  The conversation was light; Phillip and Ann shared more smiles than words.  

“I'll have Lewey saddle your horse and bring it to the house,” Charles said as he left the room.  

“I love you so much, Phillip,” Ann cried. “I'm going to miss you.  You don't know how grateful I am that you were here.  I don't want you to go.”   Tears streamed down her cheeks.    

Phillip put his arms around Ann and didn't want to let go.

“I will write every chance I get,” Ann promised.

“I'll be thinking about you all the time and I'll write as often as I can.  I love you so much, Ann.”

Soon Tom arrived, and it was time to leave. He stepped inside out of the cold and said, “Mr. Fairchild, I want to thank you again for holding my job until I return.”

Charles said, “I hope you and the lieutenant are successful in apprehending the murderers and you'll be able to return soon.”

Charles pulled an envelope from his pocket. “Tom, I want you to give this letter to Mary when you get to the lodge.  It will explain everything.”

Tom looked at Ann and asked, “Would you please check on Mrs. Miller occasionally?  She is still distraught over the loss of Rachel.”

“I will be glad to,” Ann assured him.

She waved as the men departed.

 

It was late afternoon and dusk was coming fast when the Lieutenant and Tom arrived at the lodge.  Mary went to the porch when she heard the commotion. “Well, I've been anxiously awaiting your arrival, Lieutenant.”  She dusted flour from her hands.  “Who's this?”

“This is Tom Straub, Rachel's beau.”  

“Oh, my!” Mary said as the man dismounted. “Such a terrible thing.”

Tom's face clouded for a moment at the painful memory, but he climbed the steps and put out his hand.  “Mary, I'm pleased to meet you.”  He pulled an envelope from his pocket. “This letter from Mr. Fairchild will explain why I'm here.”

Mary took the envelope and shoved it into her apron.  “I know both of you must be exhausted.   I'll show you to your rooms after you have a bite to eat.”

The next morning Phillip and Tom couldn't resist the aroma from the fresh rolls baking and before long they were both downstairs ready to sit down at the table.  

“Mary, you are amazing.  You're up and making breakfast before we're even out of bed,” Phillip said.

“I'm always up as soon as the first glimmer of light comes in my window.”

“Tom, I really didn't get much chance to tell you about Mary on our journey but in addition to being a great cook, she was a tremendous help to all of us during that tragic day.  She assisted Ann in her time of need and helped me with Rachel.”

“I just did what I had to do that day, Phillip.”  

“Mary, it sounds like Mr. Fairchild has found a great housekeeper,” Tom added.

Mary didn't comment, but she thought,
I hope to be more than his housekeeper. Perhaps one day I will be Mrs. Fairchild.
 

“Tom, while you're staying at the lodge, you can help Mary.”

“I want to earn my keep. I'll help with anything you need done,” Tom said.

“I'll put you to work; don't worry.”  

After breakfast Phillip went to the stable to prepare his horse for the long ride ahead.  It was even colder than before, the coldest day of the trip, and the north wind whipped across the valley.  Today, he needed a blanket in addition to his parka.  He came in the lodge to warm and say goodbye. “Mary, thank you so much for your hospitality.”  

Mary grabbed a bag from the cupboard. “I prepared this for you to eat on the way.”

 “Thank you Mary,” he said as he gave her a hug.

“Tom, I'll be back as soon as possible.  Be prepared to spend cold nights in a tent.  You won't need to worry about provisions because you'll be eating army rations.  Perhaps you can familiarize yourself with the area until I return, but don't go to the Cogan alone.”  

“Have a safe trip.  I'll be waiting for your return.”  They shook hands before Phillip walked outside.    

Phillip mounted and kicked his horse into a trot.  The wind howled through the big oak trees as he rode down the long lane away from the lodge.  Soon he was beyond the Haines Gap and headed for the Cogan.  His thoughts were on Ann and how much he missed her and loved her.  As he approached the directional sign for the Cogan his mind wandered back to that dreadful day.  He was determined to take his time, looking for any evidence, anything that might suggest the whereabouts of the two murderers.