For the Love of Family: A Cordell Family Saga

By Rose Marie Ash

Miriam Cordell would do anything to protect those closest to her, especially her family if put in a position to do so. Many years would pass before she would be put in such a position. Her thinking of protection would include doing things above the law. She had no qualms of doing what she had to do.
Her marriage to Jack Cordell provided her and their children a very comfortable and happy life. This fairy tale existence would abruptly come to an end. After visiting her sister, she started that long drive down a dark road in the Hollywood hills home. Miriam picked up a hitchhiker starting the chain of events that would affect the lives of the Cordell family for the next thirty decades; of world wars, espionage, child ignored by a father, bribery, sibling rivalry, a mother’s mistrust and secrets kept and murder.
Even when the Cordell sons grew into men, Jack continued his animosity toward the younger son Trace, while twins Jack Jr., and Al were doted by their father. Miriam knew of her husband’s treatment of their youngest son was because of that night she was attacked. Jack Jr. and Al had blond hair and blue eyes like their father while Trace had dark brown hair and brown eyes like his mother. It just added into Jack Sr.’s belief that Trace was not his son. Miriam would bide her time for the right time and place to make Jack believe differently.
It took a murder for the truth of Trace’ conception to finally come out but many years later. After the murder of Miriam’s antagonist, Jack pleaded guilty to manslaughter thus protecting his family from the truth of the true murderer. Once out of prison, Jack kept his secret from Miriam and his sons. The whole sorted story would come out in a letter penned by Jack to his sons after he and Miriam had passed away. At the end, the Cordell sons vowed to help those who suffered in the hands of unscrupulous people, no matter what for love of family.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Oct 20, 2021
• ISBN: 9781664110823

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

1946

M ulticolored beach umbrellas dotted the white sandy beach. Brian was lying under one of those umbrellas. He was being careful not to get too much sun. At this time of year, the sun was sending its strongest ultraviolet rays directly over this tropical isle. Brian’s fair skin tended to burn easily. His fair complexion was like a curse to him. He had a headful of red hair and deep green eyes, and exposure to the sun’s rays caused havoc on his fair skin.

Back in Los Angeles, Brian had told the travel agent that he wanted to go to a sun-drenched island as far away from civilization as possible. The islands on the Fijian chain sounded like a wonderful place to get away to. Brian had chosen his destination from the many brochures that the travel agent had shown him. At that time, Brian did not think about the effects of the sun’s rays upon his fair skin, but only to get as far away from Los Angeles as possible. He had told the travel agent that money was no object. Brian had selected one of the most elegant-looking hotels right on the beach. This hotel offered a lot more amenities, a lot more than the other hotels on the same beachfront offered.

You see, my aunt just passed away and left me with a considerable amount of money. Brian lied. He had seen no reason to tell the travel agent the actual reason of his windfall. It wasn’t the travel agent’s business anyway, he thought.

When he first arrived on this island, he was excited. As Brian exited the limousine that had met him at the airport, he caught sight of the hotel and held his breath. The pictures of the hotel on the brochures that were shown to him by the travel agent in Los Angeles did not do it justice. The hotel’s edifice glistened in the bright sunlight. Each one of the rooms had a balcony with awning, providing shade to the guests. Some were sitting on lounges and sipping their drinks; some were leaning against the railing and admiring the view from their vantage points. The building was ten stories tall. Two huge columns of pink-colored granite supported the portico in front of the hotel’s entrance. White ivy vines of alabaster snaked their way up the massive columns. A wide, sweeping fanlike stairway made of white marble greeted the guests of the hotel as they made their way under the portico to the entrance of the lobby. The hotel’s front doors were massive and were made of bronze. Each was twelve feet high and six feet wide. They were decorated in relief depicting the history of the island people. These doors were never closed weather permitting.

Brian stood transfixed, not unlike all the guests, as they exited from the mode of transportation that brought them to the hotel’s entrance. As Brian passed the massive doors, two doormen greeted him and each guest. Each of the doormen sported white short-sleeved shirts with golden buttons running down the front that caught the sun’s rays and almost blinded Brian. Gold braiding ran down the length of their short pants, at the sides. On the top of their heads, each sported a white pith helmet, also decorated with gold trim around the brim and a gold emblem depicting the image of the hotel’s logo attached to the front of the helmets.

As Brian stepped into the lobby, the décor kept to the same promise of grandeur as the exterior of the building did. At first, it seemed like the lobby continued forever, but it was an illusion made by mirrors on the walls reflecting back and forth against each other. The guests were met with, again, five sweeping steps of marble, downward this time, fanning out in a half-moon design. The carpeting was a sea-green color that gave Brian the illusion of stepping into the ocean as he made his way to the front desk of the hotel. Four more pink-colored columns with the same ivy pattern were strategically placed on the lobby floor, supporting the ceiling. Brian’s eyes moved up. He stopped and gaped at the ceiling. The ceiling was painted to look like the sky outside. At the apex of the columns, there was draped translucent voile-like fabric that gave the appearance to the columns of disappearing into clouds. Brian almost lost his balance at the last step as he continued to gaze upward, but, amazingly, someone helped him get his balance back. It was another white-clad doorman like the ones who greeted him at the entrance to the hotel. He headed toward the front desk to check in.

Yes, Mr. Douglas, we have a nice suite for you on the sixth floor, said the desk clerk. You have a balcony overlooking the pool and the beachfront beyond. Your luggage check, sir? Brian turned over a ticket that he was given when he exited the limousine in exchange for his luggage. The desk clerk then hit the bellhop’s bell twice. In an instant, a bellhop appeared. Justin, show Mr. Douglas to suite 609. He turned over the ticket to him, and he went to retrieve the luggage from the claim check area.

Brian was nursing his third piña colada as he lazily gazed out toward the sea. He was getting tired of doing nothing but staring at the ocean, hearing the waves hitting the beach, and seeing the cloudless azure-colored sky day after day for the past two and a half years. The nightly life wasn’t that much different. Brian visited the local night spots, dining and dancing with the female tourists and local girls. At almost every night spot he frequented, he was known by sight. The waiters and bartenders were eager to please a generous tipper. After spending another month on Fiji, Brian decided to leave. His pocketbook had been getting a beating in the last few years. He went up to his room to pack. He had made reservations to fly to Hawaii. I have to make plans. I’m running out of money. Hawaii is a lot closer to the mainland and to my benefactor, Brian thought.

He left a large tip at the front desk. The manager was extremely grateful. Brian needed to keep up the pretense of being important. Money bought everything and everybody, so Brian thought.

Thank you, Mr. Douglas. We appreciate this. I will divide it among the staff, said the manager with a huge grin. Brian was taken to the airport by the hotel’s limousine service.

CHAPTER 2

1917

J ack Cordell walked into the factory, passing fellow employees, waving, and saying good morning in greeting as he made his way to his office that also served as his workroom. He was one of the lucky ones to return from the Great War. Jack counted his blessings every day and did not want to waste a single minute of each passing day. He had seen some terrible things while he was in France and for a long time, images of the war and its horrific savagery that it inflicted upon people haunted his dreams. He was sent home before the war ended to recover from wounds he received. He finished college and started to look for work to pay off his student loans. Jack’s architect instructor asked his brother-in-law if he knew of anyone hiring or interested in hiring a kid right out of school. He told him all about Jack.

Leo, this kid is great. He is tops in all aspects of blueprinting and specifications. Leo, he needs a break. No parents, needs a good job to pay back loans, and—

OK, Stu. I heard enough. If this kid is as good as you say, I’ll try him out. Now, what project do you have up your sleeve?

Leo, you sure don’t miss a beat. They continued to talk over their lunch.

1919

Jack’s blond hair, piercing blue eyes, and slim build caught the eyes of the ladies in the office. His manner was not so much of a come-on but more like a friendly tease. He had no intention of dating anyone at work. Jack was determined to make his mark and then, maybe, settle down with the right girl, but that was way in the future, so he thought.

Jack, Mr. Leo Pearson, the owner of the factory, called him from the offices above the factory floor. After the war, the factory was converted back to producing parts for drills and machinery, rather than ammunitions. Jack oversaw the drawing up of the blueprints and the designing of the molds to make the parts. Come on up. I want you to meet someone, Pearson called down to Jack again. Jack made his way up the wooden staircase to the offices above the factory floor.

Mr. Pearson’s grandfather Leonard Pearson had founded the mill in a small town outside of St. Paul, Minnesota, during the Civil War. Then, too, the factory was converted from manufacturing of farming machinery to producing arms for the North. Old Nathaniel Pearson, Leo Pearson’s father, had used his natural easy manner to his advantage by making friends with the U.S. Army and Naval personnel at his smoking club, to secure military contracts. By the time his son, Leo, took over the business, the company had grown and prospered. The floor plan of the building had not changed much but for installing lighting and indoor plumbing. As the town grew around the plant, the senior Mr. Pearson bought several acres adjoining the main building. He had built storage barns and extended the main building to accommodate modern machinery to meet his contract’s deadlines.

Jack, I would like you to meet my wife’s niece, Ms. Miriam O’Donnell. She is staying with me and Mrs. Pearson until she finds a place of her own. Miriam stood smiling at him, waiting for him to say something. Jack, for once in his life, was lost for words. All Jack could do was to stare at her. Miriam started to giggle.

Why, I hope you do not have laryngitis. You know this is the flu season.

I . . . I . . . I beg your pardon. I surely do not have laryngitis. It is that I was not expecting to meet someone as . . . as . . . Jack again was at a loss for words.

What were you going to say?

I meant to say as pretty as you. Miriam’s jet-black hair, large brown eyes, slim waist, and nice smile had caught his attention.

She was not one to blush. Why, thank you, Mr. Cordell. It is Mr. Jack Cordell, am I right? My uncle said that is your name. Jack took her extended hand to shake it with his, but, by impulse, he bent over it and kissed it instead. All the other ladies in the office stopped what they were working on and stared at Jack. Why, Mr. Cordell, I had not expected quite a welcome. Jack kept holding her hand as Miriam turned to speak to her uncle. Uncle Leo, is this how Mr. Cordell meets and greets all the new employees? Mr. Pearson also had not expected Jack to do what he had done.

Why, no, my dear. I guess Jack is overimpressed by you. Jack, my niece will be working on the books. She is highly regarded by her previous employer who recommended her after he sold his business, and I needed someone right away after our bookkeeper retired.

Can I have my hand back? Miriam smiled at Jack as he reluctantly let her hand go. Leo Peterson took Miriam into his office, while Jack headed back downstairs. The ladies in the office were a-buzz about what had just taken place.

Later that day, Jack was working on a set of exceedingly difficult instructions for gear housing when Miriam came up behind him with a stack of papers.

Mr. Cordell? Jack jumped up from his chair in surprise when he heard her voice. I didn’t mean to startle you, and I have these invoices that are signed by you, but there are no matching work orders attached to them.

I wasn’t expecting you to have come down here. Jack was annoyed with himself for being so jumpy, especially with her.

Well, it is part of my job to clean up the books. I need to have the matching orders. She was enjoying his discomfort.

I’ll get them to you by lunchtime. Jack had figured that he really liked Miriam, but he would have to get to know her better. Going to lunch would not be considered a date but a friendly overture to a new employee, he thought. Jack was thinking about his approach to ask her out to lunch. Straight approach was the best bet. She was leaving his office, so he blurted out, By the way, would you like to go to lunch with me? Miriam stopped and turned around.

Yes, I’ll go to lunch with you. She smiled at him, turned around, and left his office. He watched her walk away and then turned to the stack of invoices she had left; he got busy going through them. After that day, they went out to lunch on a regular basis.

CHAPTER 3

J ack had been dating Miriam for almost ten months. Tonight, he was going to ask her to marry him. He did not believe in short engagements. His parents were married right after graduating from high school, and, eventually, they divorced when Jack was about three years old. His mother passed away while he was in college. He felt that he needed to know the person he would eventually marry very well. He did not want his children to grow up without a father like he did, but he was in love with Miriam. Jack was taking a chance that he wasn’t wrong about her. Again, taking chances was something that Jack did not enjoy doing.

Miriam was wearing a blue satin dress. A string of pearls adorned her neck. She also wore a pair of matching pearl earrings. He had told her that they were going to the fancy restaurant by the lake. The dress she was wearing was one she had worn before, and Jack liked it on her very much. He said that it reminded him of the sky. While growing up, he had spent hours on the rooftop of the apartment building where he lived, staring at the sky, the clouds, and at night, the stars.

You look lovely, Miriam, he told her when he came to pick her up from her apartment.

Well, you look handsome too! she countered. For a while, all that Jack could do was gaze at her. He thought she might disappear before his eyes. He could not think that anyone would have this effect on him. Jack, Jack, it’s a bit chilly out here. Shall we go before we freeze? Miriam stood there on the porch smiling at him.

Oh, yeah, sorry, he said sheepishly. He then helped her on with her coat. They walked to the car, and Jack opened the passenger door to help her slide in, closed the door, and went around to the driver’s side, got in, and started the engine.

It took about twenty minutes to get to the restaurant. They went over a wooden bridge to get to the restaurant across the lake. The owner of the restaurant had strung strings of lights along the building edges, railings, and around each window. The lake shimmered with the reflection of the lights, enhancing the romantic air of the restaurant. The owner named the restaurant the Crystal Lagoon. It featured an outdoor porch that faced the lake. There were tables and chairs set out so the patrons could sit out there to dine and see the sun setting over the lake. Wildlife was abundant, and one could hear the loons calling out to each other. Occasionally, during late fall, flocks of geese and ducks could be seen flying overhead in their V formations heading south for the winter. The weather had turned cold suddenly, a forecast of winter coming soon, so they sat inside this time, but at a table by a window.

The restaurant was fancy by Jack’s taste, but he did enjoy the food, and, of course, nothing was too good for Miriam. He would not have ordinarily come to this restaurant to dine. Since he had been dating Miriam, he wanted to impress her and show her he had some class. Miriam, on the other hand, knew exactly what Jack was trying to do, but she did not want to spoil it for him. She knew she was in love with Jack. She had seen him at his best and at his worst. Working closely with him at the factory showed her his strong no-nonsense approach to life. She knew it was partly due to his war experiences in the trenches in Meuse France, during WWI. Miriam thought about their relationship, and even though it was going smoothly, there were some points that they did not agree upon. She decided that they could be worked out to both their satisfactions later, in Miriam’s mind much later.

She was enjoying their courtship. Miriam knew that she did not have a ring on her finger yet, but she did sense one was coming. Jack had been questioning her about several things, like how many children would make an ideal family, where would she like to live, in a city, or in the outskirts of a town, or in the country. Miriam had found out that Jack wanted a large family, but he was not sure if this would hold him back with his business plans. This was one of the points that he and Miriam had a disagreement on. Sure, she wanted children, but later and not many.

Dinner was almost over, and Jack had not gotten up the nerve to pop the question. He was not one to procrastinate, but he had not been keen on the idea that Miriam just might not accept his proposal. The dinner dishes were taken away by the waiter, and soon after, he wheeled a cart of sample desserts. They selected the chocolate cake. I’ll bring your selections shortly. He returned with their selection, placing the dessert plates in front of them.

Thank you. The cake looks positively decedent, Miriam told the waiter.

Thank you, madam, the waiter replied and left. Miriam excused herself to visit the powder room. She placed her napkin on the table after Jack helped her up. This was a perfect time for Jack to place the box containing the ring on her plate. He had the waiter take the cake away and bring an empty dessert plate in its place. He put a small box and covered her plate with her napkin. Jack had arranged earlier for a solo violinist to come over to the table and softly play a favorite piece of music that Miriam liked. If Jack could move heaven and earth for her love, he would. Miriam came back and was a little surprised that the violinist was playing one of her favorite pieces of music. Miriam thought it was very thoughtful of Jack to arrange the romantic mood. Jack held her chair out for her as she sat down.

Why, thank you, Jack.

You’re welcome, Jack responded. Jack went to his chair and sat down. Miriam took her napkin off her plate and placed it on her lap. Miriam then saw the small box on her plate.

What is this? she asked him while her eyes remained looking at the small box.

I guess it’s your dessert! Jack was feeling nervous now.

I’m sure I didn’t order a box for dessert. Miriam stared at Jack quizzically.

Maybe you should open it. Miriam picked up the box and very deliberately and slowly took the ribbon off the box. She was watching Jack while she untied the ribbon. Jack’s eyes were only focused on her hands. His facial expression was one of anticipation. He was excited about what her reaction would be when she found out what was in the box. As Miriam opened the box, Jack’s eyes moved to hers. She gasped. He got down on one knee, taking the ring out of the box and slipping it on her finger. His voice had a soft quality as he spoke. Miriam, I would like you to marry me. For a while, Miriam was not answering right away. She was looking at the ring that he had just slipped on her finger, and then she looked into his eyes.

Well, Jack, this evening has been very enjoyable for me. The dinner was delicious, the violinist was wonderful. I can only say, yes, I will marry you. Jack’s jaw dropped down about two inches upon hearing Miriam’s answer. The other guests in the restaurant applauded and gave a toast to the happy couple.

Jack and Miriam were married a month later, in October. The wedding ceremony was not a lavish affair. Miriam’s parents had passed away years ago, so her uncle Mr. Pearson gave the bride away. A few friends and some of the employees from work were invited to the small reception held in the church salon. Because of her hurried wedding plans, her elder sister, Nancy, could not make the trip from California. Her elder brother, Tom, was assigned to a news desk in London and could not make it either. Miriam received phone calls from them wishing her happiness. Miriam promised to visit her sister and hoped Tom could come and visit when she was settled in her new home. They spent their honeymoon in New York City. Jack combined the honeymoon with a business trip. He was looking at future sites for an expansion of Leo Pearson’s company on the East Coast. Of course, Mr. Pearson was all for it after Jack had convinced him that expansion would bring in more revenue in the long run. Miriam didn’t really mind that Jack spent more time away from her on their honeymoon. She knew that in the long run, the Cordell family would prosper too. She had spent some days shopping and sightseeing. Jack would join her for lunch, and then at dinnertime, they would go out to see a show or play on Broadway and then have a romantic dinner. The two weeks that they were away flew by fast. Jack, I sure wish that we could stay a little longer.

Me too, but we need to get back. It is not like we are not going to be together. Our house is waiting for us. Miriam wanted Jack to think that being together was all that mattered. Jack had other plans. Miriam, our future awaits us, but I will not just sit down and let it come to us. We need to work and work hard. Eventually, there will be children, lots of children. Miriam’s eyes widened at Jack’s comment about children.

Yes, I want children, but not too soon. Miriam wanted to enjoy their newly married life as long if they could before any children would come along.

Miriam, when we have kids, we will have a beautiful home, our future will be set, and nothing will get in the way of our happiness.

Miriam thought, Wow! He needs to slow down. They finished packing and left the hotel for the train station. Jack and Miriam spent their trip back to Minnesota in their compartment, enjoying their moments alone. Jack and Miriam moved into a house with two bedrooms and a large backyard. Jack had insisted that Miriam stay home and not work. She busied herself with charity work at the church where they were married.

CHAPTER 4

M iriam wasn’t feeling well one morning. Jack had insisted that she go see a doctor. She said it might have to do with what they ate last night. I ate the same thing and I feel fine. You go to the doctor and have him give you something. It’s flu season, you know.

Very funny, Jack. He sheepishly grinned at her, kissed her on the cheek, and left for work.

Miriam sat in the examination room waiting for the doctor. Mrs. Cordell, you do not have the flu, and you are not suffering from food poisoning even if you feel and look bloated.

Well, what is wrong, then?

You are pregnant. Miriam stared at the doctor, not believing what she just heard. I have prescribed some vitamins and extra iron pills I want you to take. You look healthy enough, but your blood work shows you are a little anemic, the doctor told her.

Doctor, I can’t believe it. How far am I along?

Looks like three months because of the bloating. More likely two months. I’ll see you next month.

Thank you, Doctor. He left the room so she could dress. She could hardly wait to tell Jack. She knew he wished for a large family. This baby would be the start to fulfill his dream. Of course, Miriam wanted the baby as much as Jack did, but he would never understand the love between a mother and her child. But it was a little too soon for her. Jack arrived home late that evening from work.

Jack, I have some wonderful news to tell you. Miriam could hardly contain herself.

What is it, Miriam?

I’m pregnant. She saw the astonished look on Jack’s face. He quickly sat down on the sofa. Jack, did you hear what I said? We’re pregnant!

Is that what was making you sick?

Yes.

How far along are you? Jack asked her.

The doctor said two months. I feel like its twenty months. Miriam put her hand on her belly and rubbed it.

Let’s celebrate, Miriam. Are you hungry?

I’m famished.

So am I. Chinese sounds good? Jack was ecstatic about her news.

Love it. Let’s go. Miriam got her coat from the closet, while Jack held the front door open for her. They sat at their favorite booth at their favorite Chinese restaurant happily planning their baby’s future.

Miriam’s pregnancy went uneventful until her last trimester. She had gained a lot more weight than the doctor had anticipated. Mrs. Cordell, I believe that you are going to have twins. I seem to remember on your first visit you were bloated. It was because of the second baby.

Twins, I can’t believe it! Doctor, I don’t think that twins run in either side of my husband’s or my family. I can ask my elder brother, Tom. Both our mothers and fathers are gone now. Tom might know some family history. He is about five years older than I. My sister, Nancy, also might know something, Miriam told the doctor. She had another bit of news to tell Jack this evening. She wondered how he would take this wonderful bit of news.

That evening, Miriam prepared a special dinner. She prepared Jack’s favorite foods and, as an added touch, set the table for four. Jack came home, and the aroma of roast beef reached his nostrils when he came into the house.

Miriam, is that roast beef I smell? It’s not Sunday. What’s going on? He had walked into the kitchen where Miriam was placing the roast on a platter.

Jack, you’re home. He gave her a kiss. Go and sit down in the dining room. He went to sit down and wondered what Miriam was up to. They usually had their meals in the kitchen. He noticed the other two place settings at the table.

Are we expecting company for dinner? She didn’t answer him. Miriam came into the dining room with the roast beef. She placed it on the table and went back into the kitchen to get the potatoes and vegetables. She finally sat down.

Jack, why don’t you carve the roast before it gets cold? Our guests won’t arrive for several months. Miriam could hardly contain her laughter.

Miriam, what guests? And when and who?

Oh, did I say months? Miriam waited to see if Jack understood her yet.

What do you mean by several months? Jack looked at her perplexed. OK, Miriam, tell me, what guests, and when do you really expect them?

That’s just it, Jack. Our guests will get here in three months, and they will probably not be able to chew meat until about a year or two. Miriam could no longer stop from laughing. The look on Jack’s face told it all. He finally got what she was talking about.

Miriam, are you trying to tell me that we are going to have twins?

Yes, Jack, we’re going to have twins. Jack got up, went to Miriam, lifted her off her chair, and spun her around.

Miriam, this is the most wonderful news I’ve ever heard.

The twins were born in early October near Jack and Miriam’s wedding anniversary date. Miriam named the first baby after Jack, Jack Phillip Cordell III. The second baby they named Albert Vincent Cordell, after Miriam’s brother-in-law Albert Bellamy. Jack came into Miriam’s hospital room. Miriam, they are beautiful. Both have blond hair and blue eyes.

Jack, most newborns have blue eyes. They might change as they get older, Miriam told him.

Well, their eyes will stay blue, Jack looked a little defiant when he insisted about the eye color, his eye color. Miriam dismissed his outburst.

Are those flowers for me or for the babies? Jack had a bouquet of flowers in his hand.

These are for you, of course. Jack handed her the bouquet of flowers. They were a dozen red roses.

They’re beautiful. Thank you, Jack. Please put them in the sink in the bathroom. I’ll have a nurse look for a vase for them.

I put up the second crib. It’s cramped in the nursery. Maybe we should start looking for a larger house.

Jack, I love our home.

Me too, but we can look anyway.

Sure, I guess it can’t hurt. The nurse brought in the twins for Miriam to feed. Jack stayed through the feeding and then left. He stopped at a realty company before heading home and asked for listings of three-to-four-bedroom homes. During the next few days, Jack told her of the houses he had been looking at during his visits at the hospital. Miriam went along with Jack’s take-charge attitude, not wanting to spoil his enthusiasm about buying a new house.

By the end of the week, Miriam and the twins could come home. Jack had taken two weeks off work to be with her and help her with the babies. He spent time in the nursery until the babies were asleep and came out to see how Miriam was doing. She did not want to be in bed even after Jack’s insisting that she should be resting. Jack, I did all my resting at the hospital. Being home is rest enough for me, and, besides, the babies will be awake soon for another feeding. Jack saw that Miriam was staying firm on her decision. He decided to tell her about the house he found.

Miriam, I found a great house with three bedrooms, a large backyard, and a porch out front.

Jack, I told you I love our little house. The babies won’t need a lot of room for at least a year.

You are right about this house is little. We should move now so they can grow up in a bigger house.

I know, I know. When do we move? Miriam knew Jack all too well.

After the escrow goes through. I hired some contractors to paint and fix the yard up. The house needs a little work before we move in. Jack kept on talking about the house. Miriam just sat and listened to him, nodding her head now and then. They moved to the new house in a month. Miriam went to see it to give her input on the paint colors for the bedrooms and how she wanted the kitchen set up. She also insisted on a garden. Jack agreed with her. He was so glad that she loved the new house like he did. He would let her be in charge to make the house a home for the four of them. They had bought new furniture since they now had the space. He took more off from work to make sure the movers were setting up the furniture where Miriam wanted.

Jack, I’m perfectly capable of seeing that the furniture is moved in.

I know, but I don’t want you taking too much on. The boys are getting to be a handful now. Miriam knew she wasn’t going to win this one. So she let him win and she went upstairs to feed the babies.

CHAPTER 5

J ack had gone back to work and implemented some changes, again with Mr. Pearson’s approval. As the years passed, Mr. Pearson was turning over the running of the plant to Jack. His health was deteriorating and soon had to turn over the full operation of the company to him. This included leasing some shoreline property he had seen during his honeymoon on the East Coast. At that time, Mr. Pearson didn’t want to invest, so Jack did it on his own. Jack had new ideas and had garnished new contracts from the government. The business was prospering more and more under Jack’s tutelage.

Leo Pearson died two years later, but not before making Jack a full partner. Pearson had no sons or daughters, for that matter, to leave his business to, and his wife had recently had passed away. He figured that Jack would be the best person to make sure that Pearson and Son Industries will be around for some time after he would be gone.

Jack waited a respectful amount of time in honor of Pearson before he completely changed the products that the company manufactured. There were more contracts being issued, and Jack had expanded in anticipation of these contracts. He had started up a factory on the East Coast. Some of his current employees moved to New York to run that operation. Jack had paid for their move. He had also modernized the current factory to meet the needs of his new clients. He had added to the reputation of Pearson and Son, the distinction of getting an order out in time as promised. Jack accomplished this by adding on a swing shift to the workforce. The company grew and prospered over the next few years so much that Jack had become very wealthy. He moved his family to a very exclusive neighborhood in Milwaukee. He provided well for the loyal employees and those who had received their retirement age. The sizable pensions and the retirement parties were the talk in the shop for days after someone had retired.

After some time and a lot of research, Jack decided to move the company to the West Coast. It was a shock for the employees of the company. Most of them had been with Mr. Pearson and one or two with his father. Jack was making a decision that would prove lucrative in the long run. He would provide sizable pensions to those willing to accept retirements if they did not want to move west. He had told them that he was willing to pay for their move also, like he did with the employees that moved to the East Coast. There were no takers this time. Going west was too far to contemplate for some of the employees.

Jack, you know that you can’t take their livelihood from them so drastically. Miriam had argued for the employees when Jack told her what he was planning to do with the company. He had heard the same arguments from some of the employees.

Miriam, I made up my mind. Those that do not want to move, I’ll offer a nice severance package and a letter of recommendation to whomever they go to work for. Does that not sound fair?

I guess. Miriam was not happy but accepted Jack’s decision. He looked for a while in her eyes.

Miriam,—Jack’s voice took on a somber tone—I can’t afford to run a charity. There will be no more contracts coming from the military. My sources have led me know that if I don’t move to the West Coast, it would be disastrous for the future of this company. This is coming from people who know what they are talking about. By the end of June, I expect for us to take a trip to the West Coast to look for a suitable location for the factory, office space, and, of course, a new home to raise our boys. Miriam knew that she could not sway Jack to change his mind about moving. Jack looked at her, expecting her to protest further.

Jack, I have no qualms about moving. My sister, Nancy, and her husband, as you know, are living in Hollywood. I would be able to see her often. She hasn’t seen the twins except for photographs I sent her. You haven’t told me where in California, or is it Washington State? I hear Oregon is very cold and rainy. That would be bad for the boys.

It’s Southern California and near your sister. Miriam couldn’t contain herself. She gave Jack a great big kiss.

CHAPTER 6

J ack, Miriam, and the boys stayed with her sister, Nancy, and brother-in-law, Albert Bellamy, while their house was being built. They finally moved into their new home in Bel-Air, California, as soon as the house was finished. The grounds still needed a lot of work. The pool was being titled, and the tennis court was being laid out. Miriam spent a lot of time on the landscaping of the estate. She was making sure that the trees and shrubbery were planted where she wanted them throughout the grounds. The gardeners were given specific instructions on the placement of the flower gardens and the bushes to be planted along the inner and outer walls that surrounded the estate grounds. Jack, at times, would look over some of the plans of the house that Miriam had made. Whatever she wanted to do was all right with him this time, not like back in Milwaukee. He had a factory to set up. All Jack asked for was a three-story house with extra bedrooms to accommodate a large family.

Jack had acquired a factory and offices by the Long Beach seaport. He was negotiating contracts and hiring crews to run the operation, the major setup of the factory, and foundry buildings. There were six buildings: the main office, the foundry, the shipping and receiving buildings, and two warehouses. The foundry building had a loading dock to ease the movement of newly manufactured products onto trucks for loading onto the ships anchored at the harbor.

Jack worked late every night even on weekends for the first six months after he had moved the company he now had renamed Jack Cordell Industries to the West Coast. Finally, after the end of the sixth month, Jack could at last relax. He would be coming home to dinner on time. Miriam had spent all her time working on the house and gardens. The twins had their own bedrooms on the same floor as their parents. They ran all over the large yard at back of the house, getting underfoot of the gardeners and those installing the pool and tennis court.

Boys, stop bothering the men. Come inside the house now, Miriam called out to them. They were becoming a handful. She realized she needed help not only with the boys but also with the house and the large yard. She knew Jack was busy at work and would not be able to help as much as he could.

It was later that Miriam finally had time to interview for a housekeeper and a yardman. After one month, she was ready to give up her search when a couple came to interview for the positions, Mr. Charles Mauler and his wife, Maggie Mauler. They had plenty of experience. She was a cook, housekeeper, and nanny. He had experience in gardening, automotive repair, carpentry, pool maintenance, and general yard work. They had come highly recommended from their last employer who had moved to Europe with his family. Miriam hired them on the spot. Miriam told them that they would live on the property. There was a house in the back that was built for the purpose of housing live-in caretakers. When Jack arrived home, she told him about the Maulers. Dear, they sound too good to be true. Jack had some reservations. Do they like children? he asked her.

Oh, Jack, that is the best part. The boys took to them like ducks to water.

Well, I guess they will do. When do I get to meet them?

They’re moving in tomorrow. You know it’s Saturday. You haven’t been home on weekends for months. The boys miss you. Miriam looked at Jack with sadness in her eyes. She missed him too.

Miriam, I’m staying home this weekend. The work is all done at the factory. My new foreman has everything under control. There was a promise in his eyes that told her it would be a very, very good weekend. They ate their dinner and went upstairs. They stopped in the boys’ rooms. Jacked kissed each one of his sons on their foreheads and made sure that the covers were on them snuggly. The chilly California nights cooled the air, even past wintertime. Miriam and Jack went into their bedroom. As she expected, Jack followed through with his promise.

It was way past 10:00 a.m. when they awoke. Both were early risers, so they were a little embarrassed that the boys had to wake them up. Jack Jr. and Al ran into their parents’ bedroom and jumped onto their bed. Jack and Miriam woke up with a start.

Daddy, Daddy, you’re home! Jack Jr. yelled out loud. The boys continued to jump on the bed. Jack grabbed Al and tackled him down. Miriam grabbed Jack Jr. and started to tickle him. Jack started to tickle Al also. Both parents had to keep the covers tightly wrapped around them as they played with the boys. Gales of laughter exploded from the twins, and Jack and Miriam joined in.

OK, that’s enough, boys. Miriam needed to take a breather from all the laughter. Put on your robes. I’ll be down shortly to cook us all breakfast, Miriam told the boys. They jumped off the bed and ran to their rooms, complying with their mother’s request.

Downstairs at breakfast, Miriam told them about the Maulers moving in later that day to the house in the backyard. I love Mrs. Mauler. You know, she smells like cookies, Jack Jr. offered this to his father.

Oh, she does, and what kind of cookie does she smell like? Jack asked without trying to laugh. His sides still ached a little from this morning’s tickling session.

My favorite is chocolate chip.

Yeah, mine too, Al joined in. Mommy, what’s your favorite cookie? Al asked her.

Um, I’m partial to lemon bars. Jack, what is your favorite cookie? she asked her husband.

Peanut butter, he answered.

Maybe Mrs. Mauler can bake all our favorites, Miriam added.

Mr. and Mrs. Mauler arrived at noon and moved into the house in the backyard. The boys were beside themselves. They wanted to help move them in. Their mouths were watering for home-baked cookies. They thought the sooner the Maulers would be moved in, the sooner they would be munching on their favorite snacks.

Later that afternoon, Jack took a tour of the entire house and grounds and finally got to see all the work Miriam had put into getting the estate in order. Miriam, I am very sorry that I wasn’t here to give you a hand in making all this a home for us. He spread his arm pointing out over the estate grounds and house. The boys were playing on the lawn, running around playing tag. Jack and Miriam were standing on the front porch. I am very proud of you, Jack could not conceal his delight with Miriam’s decorating. They entered back into the house, Miriam leading the way into the library on the first floor. Jack pulled out a cigar from his inside jacket pocket. He was about to light it when Miriam grabbed it out of his hand.

Jack, no, not down here. Miriam took his hand and pulled him to the hall and toward the staircase.

Miriam took him upstairs and stopped in front of one of the rooms on the second floor. OK, Jack, close your eyes. He complied. Miriam opened the door and pulled him in. Open your eyes. He opened his eyes and was flabbergasted to see what Miriam had done to the room. All his furniture from his den from the old house in Milwaukee were in here. His huge mahogany desk, his high-back leather armchair, and his books were on one side of the room, and there were also new pieces of furniture. Two new bureaus were standing against the other two walls. They were highboys with panther-like legs. The bottom of these bureaus stood a foot off the floor. His old glass door bureau that contained his collection of memorabilia was against the other wall.

Miriam had unpacked everything and arranged it just like he had it in the old house. Pictures of her and the boys adored his desk. Miriam had a craftsman install stained glass windows. There were three windows. The two side windows were narrow, and on the top portion, there were depicted in stained glass two identical castles on a hill. The middle window was much larger. On the upper half of the window depicted a knight on a white horse with the knight’s lance sticking through the slain dragon at the horse’s hoofs, in stained glass also.

Miriam, I can’t believe all of this. I love it.

Jack, this room is yours. You can smoke away in here. None of the children will be allowed in here. It can serve as your work office when and if you bring work home, and as well as your den.

I love you, Miriam. Jack hugged and kissed Miriam. He held her to him and whispered in her ear, It can’t get better than this. There was a slight knock at the door.

Ms. Miriam, Mr. Jack, I have a light supper on the table, Mrs. Mauler told them both, flushing after seeing them kissing.

You’re a gem, Mrs. Mauler. Lead the way, Jack told her as they both followed her out of the room to the dining room downstairs. The boys were already seated at the table.

Right after dinner, I want the both of you to take your baths and get ready for bed.

Aw, Mommy, can’t we skip our baths? Jack Jr. spoke up for the two of them.

No, boys, their father spoke. I don’t think Mrs. Mauler would want to serve cookies to two boys not bathing before they go to bed. Jack was teasing them. The expressions on their faces were telling Miriam and Jack that they were both weighing having cookies or not.

We’ll take a bath, Al answered for the two of them. They finished their dinner while the aroma of fresh baked cookies waffled through from the kitchen.

CHAPTER 7

T ime passed on, and so did their lives. Miriam had a house to run. Jack was too busy building up his business. They went routinely through their lives. They celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, and gave galas. Their parties were well known among the social set that they belonged to. As members of the exclusive neighborhood, they had an automatic membership at the Bel-Air Country Club. Miriam joined the Ladies’ League that did charitable work. Jack obtained a business and personal attorney. The boys were enrolled in a private school. Life seemed satisfying for the Cordells.

It was four months later that Miriam went to visit her sister, Nancy Bellamy, who lived up in the Hollywood Hills. Jack had already left for work. She left the twins with Mrs. Mauler. Her car was giving her engine trouble. She had neglected to tell Jack about it, but she had not seen her sister in quite a while. Car trouble or not, it would be worth the trip.

Look, sis, you have to tell Jack about your pregnancy. I don’t see why you’re waiting for the ‘proper moment,’ whatever that means, to tell him.

Look, Nancy, I just haven’t found the right time to spring this on him. He’s been so absorbed with getting the business together. He has no time now for this type of news. The twins are a handful right now, and I barely have time for them.

Miriam, look, I just know if you don’t tell him soon, he might not take the news too well. You know Jack, he wants to know everything, and he’s too controlling for my taste, and—

Exactly what is your taste? I know you care, but it’s just not the right time. By the way, I should get going. It’s dark already, and my car is giving me engine trouble.

See what I mean? You put off telling Jack everything. I bet he doesn’t know about your car.

Bye, sis, talk to you later. Miriam went out the door and got into her car. Nancy shook her head back and forth and in wonderment of her sister’s disregard for facing facts, or just to avoid confrontation. As a child, Miriam would always be the last to present her report card to her parents. She seemed to be in a world of her own, breaking rules and making rules to suit her. Her attitude would infuriate her father. He was a strict disciplinarian, but a tearful look from Miriam just melted him, and again she was not called upon to answer for her transgressions and savoir faire. Nancy and their elder brother, Tom, took the brunt of their father’s anger.

Miriam was trying to coax the car to start by muttering under her breath, Come on, car, turn over. The car’s engine made a frightful grinding noise that made Miriam’s teeth ache. The sound itself was enough to wake the dead. The neighborhood dogs started to bark at the sound of the noise. Great, now Nancy may come out and she’ll insist that I come back inside and call Jack, Miriam thought to herself. With a backfire, the engine finally turned over, and she was on her way. She wished Nancy did not live so far from her and up this winding road. Her husband loved the seclusion of the Hollywood Hills.

The road down to the highway was not a steep one, but it was winding and dark. The trees made eerie shapes on the road as her car’s headlights hit the branches that spread above the pavement. Miriam surely did not want the car to fail her on this part of the road as she headed down toward the main highway.

He was tall, thin, with jet-black-colored hair, slicked back; his eyes light brown with a lifeless look to them. He sported a shabby coat and was shirtless; his shirt, used as a pillow one night while he was bedding down, had been blown away by a fierce wind. His trousers were hanging loosely on his slim frame, kept on his waist by a stout piece of rope. Not only was the rope used as a belt but also on occasion it served other purposes.

About now he was beginning to think that no one would be coming down the road. He had spotted the black automobile going up the road, and hopefully the female driver he had seen driving the car would come down the same road. The moon was peeking in and out of the clouds much like a child’s game of peekaboo.

Suddenly, the headlights from a car were cutting through the darkness as the moon hid itself again, playing another game of peekaboo. I’ll lay myself down on the road. The driver will see me and stop. No, the driver might not see me and might run over me if the moon goes behind the clouds again. I’ll just wave the car down, the man thought as he waited for the car to get closer.

Miriam thought her mind was playing tricks on her. Is that a man on the road waving his arms or branches from the trees casting odd shadows on the road? Miriam hit her brakes and had swerved to the right to avoid hitting the man. As the car stopped, she yelled at the man. What’s wrong with you? Are you crazy standing in the middle of the road like that? On second thought, Miriam didn’t even bother to ask if she hit him or not, or if he was hurt in any way. He had fallen to the ground to get out of the car’s way. Look, I’m sorry, but are you all right? You know you should not be standing there in the middle of the road. I could barely make you out with the moonlight casting shadows so strangely. Are you all right? she asked him again. Miriam was not thinking of being frightened; she was still waiting for some response from this man.

No, I’m fine. He spoke with a soft voice. He got up and approached the car. I saw your car lights up the road and figured that I could hitch a ride to the highway. I was working up the road at one of those fancy houses, but I couldn’t get a ride home, and then I got lost in the dark.

Look, I can give you a lift. Hop in. He nodded and went to the passenger side of the car and got in. Miriam did not notice the man’s attire. It was dark, and she nearly killed him. At least she owed him a lift to the main highway. With a jolt from the car, they were on their way down the dark and snaking road.

Miriam’s car finally gave out about another half mile down the road. I guess she’s not going to get us any further. Miriam had tried to turn the engine over several times with no luck. Sorry, I could not get you to the highway, she told the man. The man didn’t say anything to her but just stared at her from lifeless brown eyes. His staring like that at her was beginning to send goose bumps down her arms.

Miriam decided to get out of the car and start walking down the road. She glanced back and saw that the man was still sitting in the car. Miriam thought she might as well put some distance between her and him by running. She did not pay much attention to his features or what he was wearing, but thinking about it now, he was not dressed like someone that would be hired to do labor in the homes in this area. The man finally got out of the car and started to walk and then started to run toward her. Miriam’s high-heeled shoes were not fashioned for running at a dead heat. She removed them and started to sprint. The man was gaining ground on her. She dared not look back to see how close he was; she wanted to get to the highway as quickly as possible. There might be a lot of traffic on the highway, and she could probably flag someone down, so she thought.

She’s fast! I have to run a little faster to catch her, and when I do, she’ll pay for making me run after her, he thought. The man’s thought turned evil and sinister as he gained ground on her. I got you! He grabbed Miriam from her hair and flung her to the ground. His dirty and grimy hand covered her mouth to cut her screaming. It doesn’t matter. Go ahead and scream as loud as you want to now. No one is going to hear you, he said as he removed his hand from her mouth. Yaw see, I’ve been waiting up the road for hours. Think yaw know everything? I saw yaw driving up the road to those fancy houses up on the hill. I didn’t figure that yaw would have a junk of a car. You must be a servant or something. Nobody will come looking for yaw.

The man was definitely not in his right mind. All Miriam could think was to yell anyway. Someone might hear her. The man said that he did not care if she was heard or not. They were far enough from the highway and any homes up the road. The man took his rope belt off and tied her wrists behind her back. Miriam’s clothes were being torn from her body. His