Carolina Gold

By D.R. Tillotson

Jake Cooper had it made, high school All-American football player, beautiful girlfriend Jenny, fame and the potential fortune of the NFL. But when he meets Chris Stephens, an 11-year-old history geek, and son of a war hero, Jake starts down a path he could never have imagined.

Chris discovers a map on a mysterious medallion that he believes points to an ancient Aztec treasure. He convinces Jenny and her bully of a boyfriend Jake to leave California and join him on a secret trip during spring break to search for the treasure he believes is hidden in North Carolina. The kids are aided by a sage old Cherokee Indian named Luke who was branded a coward by his tribe and has lived alone for most of his life. Luke’s wisdom helps Jake see manhood in a different light. But, will Luke’s gentle way help the kids in their quest?

When the kids reach their destination they encounter their dishonest History teacher and his criminal friends who want to steal the treasure. Chris, Jake, and Jenny will have to outsmart the evil teacher; but can a precocious 11-year-old boy, a cheerleader, and a high school linebacker defeat three armed and dangerous criminals?

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Jun 25, 2012
• ISBN: 9781475929171

D.R. Tillotson

Danny R. Tillotson is a retired information technology manager, pilot, and former United States Marine. He and his wife live in Auburn, Alabama, where they enjoy golf, reading, woodworking, Auburn football, and spending time with their daughters and grandchildren. Learn more at www.drtillotsonbooks.com.

Book preview

Middle School

Mom, really, I didn’t do anything wrong, Chris pleaded as he and his mother drove up to the school.

Then why were we summoned to the principal’s office on the day before Christmas break? Kathleen Stephens watched over her only son very closely since his father’s death—much too closely for Chris.

Chris was a good student. Actually, he was a brilliant student and a really good kid by any measure. In truth, he wasn’t an average child at all. He did extremely well in school without much effort, a fact that always worried his mother and teachers. His teachers were also amazed at his ability to recall the tiniest details from the hundreds of books he read each year, it was truly astonishing. He especially loved history and read every book he could get his hands on. Being a student of history was a little odd for an eleven-year-old and earned Chris more than his share of ribbing from his classmates. He just ignored them. His mom said that’s what his dad would have done and that meant a lot to Chris.

Chris knew his mom had worked extremely hard since his dad’s death. He helped mostly by not being a problem, it was easier than doing the laundry. While his mom’s parents wanted them to move back to Alabama, she had chosen to stay in Southern California. Mission Viejo had become their home after marrying her Marine thirteen years ago. Since his death, she had earned her Master’s Degree and was working on a Ph.D. in Education, all while holding down a full-time job.

She had also managed to stay in shape. Exercise was her stress reliever. She ran every morning with her good friend Suzanne. But Chris loved hearing her stories about running with his dad when they lived at Camp Pendleton. Her long runner’s legs, combined with her auburn hair pulled back into a ponytail, swishing from side to side, dusting off her shoulders on each stride, had made his dad feel special when they ran in front of the troops. Chris was just a baby and didn’t remember. But, that’s what his mom said. She always blushed and smiled when telling the story of his dad bragging about running with a babe—in front of a bunch of Marines, it was pure heaven for a boot second lieutenant.

Chris used to wonder why she never had a date or a male friend over for dinner. He summoned the courage once to ask her and discovered how his mom felt about being single. She was so devoted to the love of her life, that even nine years after his death, she still couldn’t see herself with another man. Between taking care of him, work and school, she had not allowed any time for a second man, and that was all right with her, Kathleen Stephens, Mrs. John Stephens.

Chris and his mom entered the aging Middle School. You could tell how old the school was by the smell; it was like walking down the steps into your grandparent’s basement, old wood combined with musty and stale. Not an unpleasant smell, and you did get used to it in a few minutes, but the first sniff made you wonder how the teachers could enjoy working there.

Today the walls were lined with red and green for the season. Every classroom door was decorated with a green crepe paper Christmas tree holding cardboard ornaments of every shape and size, each displaying the name of a student.

Christmas in Southern California was always a little odd since it didn’t get that cold and never snowed. It wasn’t the traditional Hallmark Christmas card scene. Even with the California climate, Chris would tell you it was Christmas not the Winter Holiday. He was ‘old school’ having been raised by a Southern belle and being the proud son of a U.S. Marine, though he didn’t remember much about his dad.

Chris was only two years old when his father died. His mother had told him many stories about his dad, an All-American football player in college, a great dad, great husband and great Marine. She had his father’s Navy Cross made into a necklace and he wore it every day as a constant reminder of the father he never knew. She had not told him all the details about how his father died, but enough to know that he was a real hero. She was waiting until he was older for the details. She didn’t know that time was coming so soon.

Chris smiled as they entered the school office. It always reminded him of a beehive. There were students, parents and school staff moving in every direction all creating a sound that could only be described as a buzz. They saw the queen bee, Principal Suzanne Thompson, standing in her office doorway staring down at a sloppily-dressed, obviously defiant student. He was a really large kid and probably didn’t belong in Middle School. Principal Thompson was a strict disciplinarian and, to make matters worse for the trouble makers, she towered over the Middle School kids. But, Chris was never intimidated by her like most of his classmates. Chris and Mrs. Thompson had always shared a special relationship.

Kathleen Stephens leaned over to Chris and in a low voice asked, "Who is that?"

Without taking his eyes off the action, Chris spoke from the side of his mouth, The school drug czar.

A deep male voice spoke from behind Chris and his mother, Excuse me.

Chris looked up, and then stepped aside to let the man pass. It was Deputy Sheriff Erik Martin, the school Resource Officer. He barely looked old enough to be out of school much less an adult. His shaved head always shined as though he put car wax on it, a throw-back to his football days at Southern Cal. Some of the kids referred to him as bowling ball head, but never to his face. For the most part, Sheriff Martin was jolly and kind, and best of all, he loved children. They called him Officer Erik, a greeting that always brought a big smile to his face, if there wasn’t already one there. But not today; when it came to bad behavior he was all police officer.

Chris watched as the officer reached the Principal’s office and was briefed by Mrs. Thompson. There were no smiles during this conversation. Chris and his mom stood just inside the administration office doorway and watched closely. After a short discussion with Officer Erik, Principal Thompson dispatched the over-sized eighth grader into his custody. The Deputy escorted the student out of the office and they quickly disappeared down the corridor.

Principal Thompson spoke briefly to one of her administrative assistants then scanned the office, her eyes darting from one person to the next, like a quarterback looking for an open receiver. She saw Chris and his mom. Suzanne took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, then brushed back a few loose ends of her coal black hair where grey and white strands appeared to be fighting to escape the tension of the rubber band holding her ponytail. After another deep breath, she stepped over to greet Chris and his mom.

Kat, Christopher, thanks for coming. I know this probably wasn’t the best time for a trip to school. Principal Thompson greeted Chris with a smile and a pat on the back and then asked him to go on into her office and have a seat next to her desk.

When Chris stepped into her office, he noticed a man standing by her desk. His grey suit, crisp white shirt and tie hid the extra pounds he was carrying from the casual observer, but not from Chris. He noticed the smallest details. The unidentified man stepped forward as Chris, Kathleen and Suzanne entered.

Suzanne shut the door and shared a very warm hug with Kathleen. After the hug, they looked into each other’s eyes for a brief moment. Suzanne Thompson and Kathleen Stephens had been friends for years. Their husbands were best of friends in college. Suzanne met her husband while she was on spring break in Florida and fell in love with the jet pilot. Later, she was introduced to his best friend, John, and his wife Kathleen. Since that day, Suzanne and Kathleen have been great friends. Other circumstances had guaranteed that relationship was for life.

Suzy, is this why you skipped our run this morning?

I don’t like to mix business with pleasure. It can be messy with kids and parents. But most importantly, I needed Ethan. Suzanne turned to the gentleman. Ethan Wilson, this is our rising star, Christopher Stephens, and his mother Kathleen.

Hello, Christopher. Mr. Wilson shook Chris’s small hand, and then turned to Kathleen. It’s good to meet you Ms. Stephens.

Chris tapped Mr. Wilson on the arm. "Actually, it’s Mrs. Stephens. Mr. Wilson looked at Principal Thompson and received a short head nod—yes. Chris’s mom was very traditional and Southern to boot. She did not like Ms." and didn’t understand women who wanted to keep their maiden names. She was more than proud to be Mrs. Kathleen Stephens, John Stephens’s wife.

I’m very sorry, Mrs. Stephens, said Mr. Wilson, his face turning a light red.

Kathleen looked at Suzanne and blushed. No, it’s all right. She turned back to Ethan. Your accent, is it German?

Yes, I moved here when I was seventeen but it just doesn’t want to go away.

Suzanne took her seat behind the desk while Kathleen and Mr. Wilson sat in the chairs across the desk.

In all the years they had known each other, Chris had never been in Mrs. Thompson’s office. He walked past his chair and over to the wall behind her desk. He scanned all the pictures, and then turned to the prize, her Olympic Gold Medal. She took two years off after college to train and play with the USA Women’s basketball team. She was the starting center.

Christopher!

Sorry mom. Chris retreated to the chair beside the old metal desk.

Kathleen leaned forward staring at her friend. Suzy, what has Christopher done now?

There was a faint chuckled from Mr. Wilson that made Chris nervous. Chris frowned at his mom until Suzanne cleared up the confusion.

The principal smiled. Christopher has done nothing wrong. Actually, he has done pretty much everything right.

Chris broke out in his best I told you so smile. Kathleen exhaled and sat back in the old chair as she smiled at her son.

Suzanne picked up a piece of paper causing Kathleen to look back at her. Kat, you haven’t received these reports yet. Well, Christopher made a perfect 1600 on the PSAT.

Kathleen glanced over at her son, then back at Suzanne. I certainly expected him to do well, but a perfect 1600, wow! Chris was slightly embarrassed, but proud of himself at the same time.

The principal continued, You remember we asked if we could have Christopher take a few other tests and, well, he has an IQ that is off the charts. All of his test scores place him on a level above High School seniors. That’s why Mr. Wilson is here. He’s the principal of Stephens High School.

Kathleen smiled and lowered her head. She sat quietly longer than would have been expected in a normal conversation causing Mr. Wilson to give Principal Thompson a questioning look. She softly shook her head no. With a puzzled look on his face, he sat back and waited. Chris understood what was happening and debated going over to hug his mom.

Kathleen looked up and spoke with a voice on the verge of cracking, So what does all this mean? What do you want to do with Christopher? She didn’t look prepared for the answer.

Mr. Wilson spoke softly, apparently respecting the emotions he didn’t understand, With your permission, Mrs. Stephens, and yours too, Christopher, we would like to transfer Christopher to High School after Christmas break.

Kathleen sat up straighter and pulled her head back. Her eyes opened wider and her mouth cracked open slightly. She sat speechless for a moment, then asked, Suzy, I know Christopher is smart, but High School at age eleven? What about the first half of his freshman year? How will he make it up?

The two principals both smiled. Suzanne held up her hand to Mr. Wilson. I have this, Ethan. She looked down at the papers, then back at Kathleen. Actually, based on his aptitude and knowledge level, he probably should be a freshman in college. But, Ethan and I agree the socialization issues could be a problem so we are recommending he start as a junior.

Christopher, a junior in High School, I… I don’t know what to say. Kathleen looked at Chris, who’s smile easily showed his opinion; he was all for it. Chris was always up for an educational challenge, even though he wasn’t sure what Principal Thompson meant by socialization issues. He could tell his mom was working through the problem. She had that look. Problem solving was something Kathleen and John Stephens always had in common. They were good problem solvers. She looked at Mr. Wilson, then back a Suzanne. Suzy, Christopher is only eleven. How will sixteen and seventeen year-old kids accept him?

That’s why Ethan is here. He will help Christopher with anything he needs, said Suzanne. Principal Wilson nodded affirmatively and smiled.

Chris could see the gears turning in his mom’s brain.

Suzanne laid the test papers down on her desk. Will you need assistance getting Christopher to and from school? If you do we can make arrangements to help.

No, Suzy. You know we’re close enough for him to walk. Kathleen looked over at her son who was nodding yes and smiling about his achievement. Chris didn’t talk about himself to others, but it was obvious he was proud to hear others speak openly about his accomplishments.

Mr. Wilson reentered the conversation, So, are we all in agreement?

Kathleen’s face broke into a big smile as she turned to her little star. Are you okay with this?

Chris was now on the edge of his seat. You bet! I mean, yes ma’am.

Kathleen locked eyes with her friend Suzanne. Well, yes, if you think it is best for Christopher.

Honey, do you know how bored he is in the seventh grade? This will be great for him.

With that said, Suzanne stood and walked around the desk. She put her hand on Kathleen’s shoulder, telling her to take Christopher to Principal Wilson’s office after Christmas break and he would take very good care of her son. Mr. Wilson nodded in agreement. Kathleen stood and exchanged good-byes with Mr. Wilson and walked to the door where she and Chris exchanged short hugs with Mrs. Thompson. They walked through the administration office into the hall where they stopped outside the office door. Kathleen put her arm around Chris’s shoulders and squeezed. Chris hugged her back. He was a little embarrassed, but knew his mom needed a hug. She turned and headed to the parking lot while Chris hustled to class.

Suzanne watched from her office doorway as Kathleen and Christopher departed. After they disappeared from view, she closed the door and turned to Principal Wilson. She pumped her arm—yes.

"This is going to be so great for that little guy!"

All right, you two have a history. What gives?

Actually, you have some history with this family too. The name of your school—John C. Stephens High School? John Stephens was Christopher’s father.

Oh. I didn’t make that connection. Mr. Wilson sat down in his chair. "In the two years I have been here, I never stopped to look into John Stephens other than he was a war hero. But, that doesn’t explain your relationship and what did you mean was his father?"

It’s a long story.

Ethan leaned back in his chair and smiled. Hey, I’m the principal. I don’t have to be back at any special time. Take as long as you need.

All right, you met my husband, Bill, at that fundraiser last year.

Yes, smart guy, articulate, handsome, the perfect Mayor.

Suzanne smiled as she began the story of two men, her husband Bill Thompson and John Stephens. They came from very different backgrounds, but were united by one common thread, duty and honor. Bill and John met at the Naval Academy. They played football and baseball together and became the best of friends. After graduation Bill took his commission in the Navy. He always wanted to fly. She told the story of meeting Bill in Pensacola while he was in flight school. John was a Marine all the way. He turned down a chance to play professional football to serve in the Marines. They stayed in touch the best they