| “Survival in the Back Country” A short story based on the WB Series, “Tarzan” *** Chapter 1 It was a beautiful spring morning as the weather had at last turned warm and the azaleas were in full bloom in the yards of homes all over Pensacola, Florida. Both retired Profession Archie Porter and his wife of 30 years, Charotte, loved working in their garden this time of year. Now that Jane and Niki both lived in New York they filled the void with emails and long distance calls and the pleasures of time together. Today’s endeavors included mowing the ever-rising sea of green grass, weeding the flowerbeds before planting the annuals and other duties that came every spring. “Have you heard from the girls this week, mom?” “Yes dear, Jane and her new fellow have been spending a lot of time together and she wants us to come up soon to met his family. Niki is doing well in school and needs the tuition for the next semester by the end of the week. Did you hear me Archie?” As she looked back over her shoulder, Mrs. Porter saw to her terror that her husband was lying on the ground clutching his chest. It was a Saturday and Jane had looked forward to this day. The air in her apartment was full of the sweet fragrance of blossoms that erupted in the many gardens that dotted the City. John had worked so hard over the past months with his tutor and Niki’s help to learn to read and write. He was an amazing student and seemed to fly through learning anything to which he set his mind. Sam had also been a big influence on John and had become like an older brother in his life. Today would be special as she and John had plans to spend the day together. The reprise would be great from the stress of the work at the precinct. There was no shortage of heinous crimes in this City. She had to chuckle at the thought of the stylish Sam Sullivan and John Clayton, Jr. in his bare feet touring the elite men’s clothing stores of Manhattan. Somehow, Sam had found smooth fabrics that John would wear and even got him to adorn his well-calloused feet with comfortable footwear. A limo would be coming around 10:00 a.m. to pick her up. Kathleen had insisted on that as security had became more of a concern now that their relationship was no longer a secret. Niki also had agreed to accept this decadent transport to and from the University, something that did not take much persuasion and raised the eyebrows of the young male college students. Where they were going was a secret that no amount of bribery would wrench a clue from John. Suddenly, the phone rang and she answered expecting to her John’s voice. “Jane, it’s your mother, dad has had a heart attack,” she cried. “It’s serious, he is at Sacred Heart Hospital and they don’t know if he will survive. I need you girls to come down as soon as you can make the arrangements.” Jane was stunned as her former joy was broken by the news. “Of course mom, what happened?” “We were enjoying the morning in the garden, you know how your dad loves his garden, then he collapsed”. “Mom I have to make a few calls and I will get back to you with the arrival details, ok”. As she hung up the receiver, Jane’s eyes spilled the tears that could not be contained. Jane knocked on Niki’s bedroom door. “What’s wrong Jane, I heard the phone ring? said a sleepy Niki. “Dad is in the hospital, it’s a heart attack and we need to get to Pensacola as soon as possible. I have to call John and let him know that we will be leaving. Get dressed and packed will you and I’ll make the flight arrangements. Jane, with regret dialed the Clayton residence. She had so many thoughts playing in her mind. She needed to be with her mom and dad, John would understand, but she dreaded having to cancel their day together. Whatever John had planned it seemed to mean a lot to him. Chapter 2 John had spent a sleepless night in anticipation of the next day. The warm glow of the morning sun cascaded through the sheers across the bed where Adonis lay dreaming happy thoughts of his home in Africa. In his dream, Kala was there, as she often was affectionately licking his face and holding him. The dream seemed too real as again a cool, wet, rough tongue crossed his chiseled jaw. Suddenly his eyes opened to see that it was no dream, but the insult was coming from his Aunt’s Christmas present to him. D’Artagnan, his six month old boxer pup had crawled into the bed and was trying his best to awake his sleeping master. John grabbed the frisky pup and bear hugged him to his chest. “Ok, boy, I know its time to get up, big day ahead.” D’Artagnan increased his rough play as he and John wrested. As his master sprang out of bed and out the door, the pup followed in hot pursuit. John raced down the stairs nearly running over his Aunt in the process. Just as she was about to lose her balance, John grabbed her around the waist and spun her around and back on her feet. “John Clayton, Jr. how many times have I told you not to run through the house like a mad man, she giggled. It was so hard to be cross with John; he was the image of his father with his strong masculine features and infectious smile. “You’d better get the pup outside before he has an accident on the carpet, again, she scolded. “Get George to walk and feed him, I have something that I need to tell you and it’s important, Ok.” “Ok, Kathleen, I won’t be long, I’ll meet you in the kitchen in a minute.” Jane took some time to make a list, not that she needed one, but having it seemed to steady her nerves. Her dad was a strange sort, not unlike many that spent their lives in academic surroundings. He had made such plans for Jane to go to college and get a law degree or some other respected well-paid occupation. He was upset to say the least with her independent demeanor, choice of careers and her moving out of state to New York of all places. Charotte, Jane’s mother had devoted her life to raising the girls and being the wife of a University Professor. The mothering had been too much for strong willed Jane and Niki, although both maintained a constant flow of communications with their long distance parents. The Captain understood Jane’s need to be with her
parents. Sam was starting his vacation today and she would have been without
a partner anyway until he returned. Jed had stayed at the precinct and
was working cases again with his new partner so they could handle the
load while she and Sam were away. Kathleen had said that John was still
asleep when she called, but she would ask him to call when he was up.
How close she and Kathleen had become over the past several months. It
was with Kathleen that Jane felt most comfortable sharing her true sadness
at the illness of her father. She felt an obligation to her little sister,
Niki, to be strong and hold in her worries about the outcome of her father’s
heart attack. Kathleen would arrange for the limo to pick them up and
her private jet to take them to Pensacola and back. Jane had protested,
but moving Kathleen when her mind was made up was like moving the empire
state building. A trait that ran in the family, she mused. “Hey Sam, it’s Jane, yeah, I know your on vacation. Listen, just wanted to let you know that I have to go out of town. My father had a heart attack and Niki and I are going to Pensacola.” “I’m so sorry Jane hope everything works out ok. Isn’t John going? No Sam, just Niki and I. I want John to meet my parents at a better time.” “Jane, have you talked to John this morning?” “Not yet Sam. I called and spoke with Kathleen. I want to discuss the trip to Florida with John when we are together, so he can see my feelings and not just my words, you know?” “Yeah, maybe that would be better”. Listen, I am going to the cabin this week to get a little R&R, you think that John would like to go along, teach me how he hunts?” “I think you should ask him, Sam. I know he enjoys the time that you spend together.” “Well he does grow on you after a while, Sam laughed. Soon after they finished packing, there was a knock at the apartment door. “It’s George, Ms. Porter”. Jane opened the door and George; Mrs. Clayton’s chauffer stepped in the door and picked up the suitcases. Jane and Niki took one last look around the apartment, locked the door and went downstairs. As they came out the front door they were met by a warm but somber smile from John. John came forward and hugged the red-eyed Niki who began to cry on his strong broad shoulder. When he felt that she was calmer, John softly asked Niki if she would ride up front with George. He needed some time to be with Jane before they left. She nodded and slipped into the front seat and John closed the door. John with a comforting arm around her shoulder helped Jane into the back seat and sat next to her. As they made progress toward the airport, John and Jane held each other. With John, Jane’s need to be strong melted. She poured to John all of her fears for her father’s health and cried the tears that she held back from Niki. She had been afraid that John would not understand her need to leave him now to be with her parents. But John opened his heart to Jane. For the first time, John spoke to Jane of the loss of his own parents so long ago. They spent the balance of the trip in silent connection to one another, as words were not needed to express the love and compassion they felt. The limousine pulled up close to the private jet that was already at the gate. John opened the back and front doors and helped Jane and Niki from the vehicle, as Sam had instructed a gentleman should do. John kissed Niki’s cheek and hugged her again before she turned to walk toward the plane. Jane turned to John as he had to her so many months ago when he had planned to leave this City for good. They embraced each other as if they would never be together again and sobbed. The engines of the airplane changed pitch to signal that it was getting ready for departure. John raised Jane’s hand to stroke his cheek and placed her other to his chest. Her hand was wet with his tears as the lover’s separated and Jane turned and boarded the plane. John’s gaze never left the airplane until it was out of sight. Chapter 4 When John was back home, Kathleen met him at the door. She could see that her nephew was distressed and wanted to comfort him, but he needed time alone and sought the solace of the garden conservator. He climbed to his favorite spot and thought of Jane’s parents and how he wished that his had lived. After a time, someone entered the garden, “Hey John are you there? Yelled Sam. “Up here Sam” John said as he descended. “Sorry to hear about Jane and Niki’s dad, I could tell that Jane was very worried about him when we spoke this morning. Did she tell you about my trip? “No Sam, what trip?” “I’m leaving in a bit to go back up to my family’s cabin, you know, the one you and Jane stayed at. Well, I was wondering if I could redeem a favor that you owe me and get you to come along. It would be great to get out of the City for a week and you could show me some those fancy hunting skills. “Ok, Sam under one condition, John smiled.” About two hours later John and Sam like the two mountain men bound for the great outdoors were traveling country road. The greater the distance from the City the higher their mood was raised. “We have to stop at the store before we get to the cabin to stock up on supplies. We are going to use the cabin as a base, but it would be great to get some camping and hiking in too, don’t you think, Tarzan?” John noted Sam’s calling him by his adopted name with a smile. It was almost like the whisper of a secret password. John imitated the cough and growl of a leopard. “That’s was amazing, John, as the hair was standing up on the back of Sam’s neck.” “Glad we don’t have any of those kitty cats out here to worry about”, Sam laughed. They pulled up to the local Country store that was a cross between a 7-11 and an old hitching post. “We’re going to need a fishing licenses, food and other stuff. John, why don’t you go inside and see what you would like to eat while I finish pumping the gas?” “Ok, Sam.” As John entered the store, two other men pulled up to the front of the store. Sam noticed the men, as they seemed overly concerned about their surroundings. It would have been hard to explain, but being a cop you just noticed those kinds of things. When he was finished fueling the truck, Sam went inside the store to help John in picking out the rest of the supplies. John was at the back counter talking to Mr. Pat Donnelly, the storeowner, everyone just called him Mr. D. “Hey John, did you get your fishing license yet?” “Yes, Mr. D helped me with the form.” Sam noticed that John’s eyes were following the two strangers in the store. “Yeah, I felt the same strange vibes, but you got to be cool. “Mr. D, you seen those two before?” “No, Sam, but we get a lot of tourist this time of year.” “Come on we are worrying too much about everything, it’s just us guys and we need to learn to relax.” “Will that be all for you boys?” “Don’t forget the $20 on the pump Mr. D.” “Got it, out of $100, here is your change John.” Sam looked at John like a proud parent as John placed the change into his wallet and put it back into his pocket. “My, my you have come along way John Clayton.” A little further down the road, Sam pulled the truck over. “Ok, this spot is as good as the next, let’s give it a try, Sam groaned. I am turning the truck off until you are belted and behind the wheel and I am safe in the passenger seat. We don’t need a repeat of the last time you tried to drive. Ok, first you have to treat a vehicle like a beautiful woman, do you know what I mean?” “I know how I treat Jane, but what does that have to do with driving, Sam?” You’ll see, first both hands on the steering wheel. “Like this?” John’s knuckles were white as he gripped the wheel. “John, see that’s what I mean, gently, your driving a truck not fighting a lion.” “Place your right foot on the brake.” “What’s right Sam?” “Maybe I should schedule dancing for the next lesson. Wait, I’ve got an idea.” Sam located a piece of string and tied it to Johns right finger. Ok, that is your right hand, ok. But you said my right foot? This could take a while Sam though in frustration. Chapter 5 John’s first driving lesson successfully taught John his left from right hand and foot. Sam also learned how to control his nerves with deep breathing. “Thank god for automatic transmission, I don’t think my heart could have with stood explaining the clutch and shifting too”, Sam thought. Ok, slow and easy there we are coming to a bend to the right and then a left turn. Press the turn signal down. As the truck took the right curve John pressed the turn signal into action and took the left turn. Unfortunately, Sam forgot to add that John should brake before the turn. John whipped the truck through the turn, which was now sliding sideways toward a large tree. Sam grabbed the wheel just in time and yelled, “Hit the gas John!” The combination of gas and Sam’s correction in the steering ended the turn successfully in the middle of the driveway leading toward the cabin. “Ok, now brake, easy.” Sorry John, guess I left something out of the lesson plan, but as least were still in one piece. John, looked like he was having the time of his life, unlike Sam looked like he needed a drink badly. John leaped out of the truck and grabbed the box of supplies from the back along with the various pieces of luggage that Sam had brought and his duffle bag and waited for Sam to crawl out of his seat. “Thanks John, as soon as we get settled I’ll start the grill and fix dinner. Sam finished preparations for their evening meal as John gathered kindling and brought water up from the pond. The smell of the cooking steaks made Sam’s mouth water, a thirst that he quenched with a Michelob. The roasted corn was done and Sam placed John’s steak on the grill just long enough to warm it up and to appease his own mind that it was not “raw”. John had a love of raw meat, so it was a compromise that they had worked out. After the meal was finished, the two friends spent the early evening talking and relaxing by the cabin fire. Although it was spring, evenings in the Country still clung to the coolness of the departing winter. The topics covered by the two were broad and far reaching. A topic such as who will win the World Series next year, followed by a long explanation of what is baseball? As the evening wore on and the pros and cons of fly-fishing techniques had been thoroughly covered, John’s mind drifts back to Jane and her dad. Sam sensed his change in mood and suggested that they call it a night. John headed for the cabin door and his head back toward Sam. Receiving a nod of understanding from Sam, John took to the safety and freedom of the woods for a night of solitude. In a different section of the back country, two men discuss there plans, plans that would not please the local game warden and pit them against John and Sam. Chapter 6 As they exited the plane, Jane and Niki Porter were met by their dad’s life long friend and colleague Samuel Philander. Mr. Philander was a thin man with an ever-receding hairline that accented the look of intelligence that spoke to his years in an educational setting. He was in fact a very learned man, like her father, but in subjects that most of the students avoided when possible. It was hard to tell that they were friends at times as the debates between them regarding some obscure historical fact often rose to a shouting match before mother could break it up. Dad could be very absent-minded and it had grown worse over the years. Mom had grown to depend on Samuel to keep dad from getting into too much trouble. Samuel Philander was the closest thing that the girls had to an uncle and they both loved him dearly. “Jane! Niki! Bless me it’s so good to see you again.” “Samuel, how is dad doing?” “He’s stable and well enough to be giving orders to me and Charlotte”. “They are going to go a heart cath this afternoon to remove a blockage, they are keeping it open with a nitro drip until then. Your mom will be so glad that you girls are here to help see her through. You girls need help with the bags? “ No, we packed light, why don’t you get the car and we will meet you out front.” “Well hurry along dears or your father will be beside himself wondering if I’ve lost you on the way from the airport.” Jane soon retrieved the bags and Niki and they met the car already waiting at the curb. “Hey your mom tells me that you got yourself a new beau, it’s about time that you thought about getting hitched”. “Samuel, have you and Mom been plotting my life for me again?” Well little girl, your mom, dad and I are not getting any younger and you have certainly taken you time getting around to a wedding and grandchildren”, Samuel chuckled. “Think you could get to it before they lock me up in the old folks home?” Jane smiled and said, “I’ll see what I can do about that, but lets get dad back to his feisty old self first.” When they arrived at the hospital the long walk down the hall from the parking garage gave Jane too much time to think. Her dad had been hard to live with, as she had grown more independent in her teenage years. But he was her mother’s world and deterioration in his health was very particularly hard on her. Mom had not worked much outside of the home, but made a career out of being his wife and their mother. Not the life that Jane would pick for herself, but it suited her mom. Jane loved her work and making her own decisions. It had been hard to blend John’s need to protect her and her need to be an independent career woman. There was increasing pressure from Kathleen for her and Niki to give up the apartment for their safety. A pressure that Jane had resisted for now, or until she and John were ready for a major change in their relationship. In the backcountry of upstate New York, the young heir to one third of the Greystoke fortune has shed his last vestige of civilization. Free this night from all obligations imposed by the culture that was the world of his new friends and family. Free to just be, once again, the wild creature that he had been for so many years of his young life. Morning would bring a return to civilization, but for now his handsome face glowed from a smile that denoted great happiness and contentment. Chapter 7 Sam was happily dreaming his favorite fantasy date with Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Model of the Year. Something was moving on to his bed. He woke with a start and saw John crouching on his bed waiting for him to get up. “Jesus man, your going to kill me sneaking up on me like that.” “Sorry Sam, I wasn’t trying to kill you, just get you to wake up. You said you wanted to go fishing this morning.” Sam Sullivan prided himself for his skill in fly-fishing, a skill passed down from his father and one that he hoped to teach John. So Sam with his favorite fly rod and hand made lures walked confidently toward the near by stream to catch their breakfast. John watched intently as Sam explained the craft of matching the resident bugs to the artificial lures that he would select. Sam’s casting of the line through the air was sheer poetry in motion. This artistic flare, however, failed to produce a single trout for the hungry men’s breakfast. John soon bored of the sport and slipped quietly away from Sam’s fishing hole. A little while later, Sam’s line finally enticed a trout to bite. Sam was shouting for joy and proclaiming his success to all of the folks of the forest. He failed to notice John’s presence near the alleged bite or his exit from the pond around the bend. He returned to Sam’s side a while later, wet from his clandestine operation and with a mischievous smile on his face. After their breakfast, Sam and John packed the gear for their backpacking trip. They would be traveling through a national forest that abutted the private land where Sam’s cabin stood. The quantity of gear to be carried brought a never-ending look of amusement to John, but he played along, as it seemed to make Sam happy. All of the game that they would take for food would come via bow as rifle season was over this time of year. They began their trek along the well-marked hiking path, but moved down a game trail at John’s suggestion to give them a better chance at their dinner. Late in the afternoon they set up camp including a small tent. John showed Sam how to use string to set up small snares and to remove his scent. While Sam was back at camp preparing the evening catch of tender rabbit, John made a scouting run in a broad circle around the campsite. A whelping in the distance drew his attention, it was faint but insistent. He took to the trees to increase his speed in the direction of the plea for help. As he came to the area from which the sound originated he also pick up two scents. The strongest scent was wolf, but a fainter scent of man was there too. There in a small clearing was the author of the cry, a wolf, anchored by a hind leg to a steel trap. John caught the wolf’s attention with a sound that mimicked a low bark. The injured wolf issued a warning growl, but tilted his head as if in partial recognition of this human. With a cautious approach, John kept a low posture to the ground making soft sounds soothing sounds ever mindful of the creature’s demeanor. Struggling against the jaws of the trap had badly cut the victims hind leg and blood flowed from the wound. Progress toward release was slow and hindered by the wolf’s pain and fear, but finally, John was able to place his hands close enough to release the trap. Once free the wolf tried to run, but soon collapsed from the blood loss and lack of food. John gathered up his charge and began the trip back to the campsite, stopping on the way to offer his patient water and bits of beef jerky that Sam had made for the trip. It was well after dark when the two entered the campsite to join Sam for evening meal. Chapter 8 Mr. D was busy restocking the shelves at the general store when the sheriff came in. “Just made some fresh coffee, Sheriff and got some of those sprinkle donuts you like too. “Thanks, think I will have a cup, but I’m here on business. Got a wire to be on the look out for two guys, they robbed and killed a storekeeper in the next county. Got a photo from the store camera, you seen these two?” “I sure have, Mr. D exclaimed, they were right here a couple of days ago!” “Did you see which direction they were headed?” “Naw, I was busy talking with Sam Sullivan and that nice young man he had with him.” “Sam back at the cabin?” “Yes and they bought backpacking supplies too, guess they are going to take in a hiking trip.” “Well you be careful, Mr. D, and if you see Sam let him know to be on the lookout too. With a wary eye, Sam greeted the two dinner guests. John took up a place at the far end of the camp giving a wide berth between his nervous patient and the even more nervous chief. A calmer mood set in after the meal and John made a poultice from the plants that he had collected on the trip back to camp. He bound them to the wolf’s leg with strips of the shirt that he had used as a sling to support his patient on the way to camp. Finally breaking the spell of disbelief, Sam asked “How did he get hurt, John?” “Metal trap, the scent of humans was there, but several days old”, John snarled. “What, those are illegal in the national forest, must be poachers. Shouldn’t he go back to his pack, John?” “Can’t go now, they kill injured members, has to heal first”. “Well, we can’t have that now, can we? Sam said with a weak grin. Through the night John stayed close to the apprehensive wolf providing him with water and warmth while Sam watched in awe across the campsite near his tent. Several times, Sam had sought to assist John, but the wolf was too nervous and so he was resigned to keep a safe distance to maintain calm. In the morning, however, it was necessary for John to leave camp to get the meat that they would need for the day especially more healing herbs for the mending patient. He spoke to the wolf and seemed to be telling him to wait, Sam offered to go in his stead, but they both knew that John was more hap to be successful in the hunt. John also wanted to check out the surrounding terrain for the men and additional traps. He had seen men like this before; they killed because they had it in their power, but just for food. A man that kills for food does not set traps and not check them daily. John would not have concerned himself traps meant for food, but these traps were intended to injure or kill its victims for no purpose. Sam had said that the traps were not permitted here and John was going to do everything he could be make sure that they harmed no other members of the pack. He found six additional traps during his scouting trip and quickly disabled them. Food was now on his mind and with three mouths to feed larger game would be required. Soon he came on the spoor of a deer and quietly tracked his quarry down the game trail until it came to a small brook. The doe was distracted as she quenched her thirst. John made the end quick and painless as he leaped from his purchase in the tree to her back and snapped her neck. He lifted the kill across his broad back and took back to the trees and began to make his way back to camp. On his way, he picked up the scent of men crossing his previous path to the hiding traps. A smile crossed his handsome face when he thought of the men’s disappointment to find that the traps that were no longer there. Chapter 9 Sam had been busy during John’s absence practicing making arrows from the small straight branches and feathers as John had taught him in their lesson the night before. For the bow he would need tendons from a deer, which John would bring back for this purpose and dinner as well. Survival in the Jungle had honed a level of hunting skills that Sam would never achieve, but he was fascinated with learning all he could. The wolf had been a steady if disagreeable camp companion. Suddenly his master dropped from a nearby tree with the day’s meal. A whimper of joy erupted from the forest god’s pet. “I see you found your prey, mighty hunter, Sam jeered. Us kids have been waiting your return, especially your four-legged friend over there. I don’t think he likes me very much.” “Sam, I found six more of the steel traps and came across the scent of the men that put them there.” “Did they see you, John?” “No, but I followed them to watch and heard them talking”. “Bet they were pissed about the traps, huh?” “They were mad, if that is what you mean, but they also said something about a dead man.” “What about a dead man? “Sorry, but I did not hear the rest as they were making too much noise thrashing about.” Do you want me to follow them?” “No, we’ll let the Sheriff know when we get back to the cabin.” Can’t use the cell phone up here, I tried, but the tower is too far away. As the finished the butcher of the deer a noise broke the silence of the backcountry. John, alert to the dangers of the strangers took to the tree with his bow to head off the intruder. At the hospital, the Porter family and good friend Mr. Philander, or skinny as he was called by Arch Porter, were getting some distressing news. “We have finished the heart cath and there is no doubt that your husband needs bypass surgery. I had hoped to open the blockage or use a stint, but the blockages are too extensive I’m afraid. We can schedule him for the morning.” “Can we see him, Dr. Rogers?” “Yes, but family only and two at a time.” “Dr. Rogers, I don’t believe that you have met my uncle Samuel, Jane said as she winked to Mr. Philander.” “Pleased to meet you, sir”. “Short visits only, he needs his rest.” Up the trail toward the campsite rode one man on a horse. He was a police officer, it was apparent from the star on his shirt, the gun on his belt and the uniform that he wore. He looked quite surprised when John yelled hello from the tree limb above his head, in fact he was nearly unseated. “Hello yourself young man, what are you doing up in that tree?” The question seemed silly to John, as it should have been obvious what he was doing, so instead he replied that his name was John. “Well John, I’m looking for Sam Sullivan, have you seen him.” “Yes.” “Can you take me to him?” “Yes.” This man of simple words dropped out of the tree and walked in the direction of camp with the dumb struck Sheriff in tow. “Sheriff!” Sam greeted. “What brings you out here, must have smelled the venison steaks.” “Well they do smell mighty good Sam, by the way, who are your friends?” Well this is John Clayton, Jr., one of the richest men in American and this is his injured pet wolf, don’t get to close he is a little behind in his obedience lessons. “The wolf, not John” Sam laughed. “Shake the Sheriff’s hand John.” Chapter 10 After the four unlikely diner companions finished the feast of venison, the Sheriff took Sam aside. “Look Sam, a couple of days ago a couple of men robbed a store and killed the store keep in the next county. Mr. D told me that those men were in his store about the same time you and John were there. Thought maybe you could give me a hand, you being a cop and my deputy has his hands full with tourist this time of year. Sheriff, I got something you need to hear, hey John come over here for a minute. John, tell the Sheriff what you found and heard today. After he had finished telling the Sheriff about the traps and the conversation that he overheard Sheriff asked him to describe the men. “Well that cinches it, its got to be the same men”, the Sheriff’s exclaimed. “We got to get those two in custody before they hurt any more innocent people, what do you say Sam?” “Ok, I’ll go with you. John, I need you to stay here in camp with rover”. John protested, but Sam was firm in his decision. He was concerned that John’s quick temper would cause trouble and he was so soon out of that frying pan. “It’s to late in the day to start a track now. We’ll start in the morning. John can get us started in the right direction and we will do the rest. Should have them in custody by the end of the day. Guess that means we’re sharing a tent Sheriff. Got plenty of room as Mr. Clayton prefers the company of his furry friend”, Sam chuckled. A suggestion that Sam would learn to regret as the Sheriff proved to be a champion among Olympic snorers. By the time that the two law enforcement officers arose, John had already returned from his scouting mission. He briefed Sam on the direction and trails leading to the men. They would have to assume that they were armed as the storekeeper was shot, although John had not seen a gun. In order to gain the element of surprise it was decided that the Sheriff would make a large circle to the east on horseback and Sam would approach from the west on foot. At the appointed time, the Sheriff would demand that they surrender and Sam would cover him from behind the men. John spent the morning finishing the bow, quiver and arrows for Sam. He daydreamed of his beloved, Jane, and he wished that he had stayed with her as she boarded that plane to take care of her dad. These thoughts were dashed from his mind he heard the sound of gunfire in the distance. As the Sam drew closer to the camp of two wanted men he heard the Sheriff yell, put your weapons down. Years of little real crime and too many donuts with sprinkles slowed the Sheriff’s reflexes. The man drew his weapon, fired and it was Sam’s shot from the rear that saved Sheriff’s life, but not his knee. Soon after the shot was made the Sheriff tumbled to the ground clutching his leg in agony. Sam maintained a bearing on the uninjured fugitive, but his partner was beyond help. After placing the man in cuffs Sam ordered, “Sheriff get your gun and hold this guy while I try to stop the bleeding in your leg.” As Sam was worked to stop the bleeding he did not notice that the Sheriff had lost consciousness, something that did not go unnoticed by the cuffed man. Chapter 11 Hearing the gunfire, John threw the quiver and bow over his shoulder and leaped to his feet. His lightning quick reflexes propelled him through the trees in the direction of the fight. He was not soon enough to prevent the kick to the head that caught Sam off-guard nor the villain finding the keys to the cuffs. As John arrived the sight he saw would have cause a normal man with normal reflexes to hesitate. But years of the daily challenges of the jungle had honed his reflexes to a quickness that exceeded those of normal man. So as the villain freed his hands from the cuff and gained control of the gun and sought to point it in the direction of the unconscious Sam that last thing he ever felt was the impact of arrow through his chest. Without a single additional step the man dropped dead on the stop. Dead from the first arrow that Sam had ever fashion and hurled from the bow that he and his mentor, John, had made together. John checked the men, Sam was breathing normally but out, the Sheriff was bleeding badly and also in dreamland. Both of the other men were dead and beyond causing any more grief to this world. So young Master Clayton did the only thing that he could do, he bandaged their wounds and made a carrier out of tent poles and blankets and hog tied the two injured men into the transport and attached it to the Sheriff’s horse. Both men awoke periodically during the long trip back to Sam’s cabin, but neither was capable of walking so John provided water and cool clothes but refused to be dissuaded from his mission and would not let the men up. As they reached the edge of the forest adjacent to the cabin, a lone wolf made his departure from the company of the men, well enough to return to his pack. John gathered his patients and placed them in the back of the Sheriff’s police cruiser. Sam turned to the Sheriff and said, “you just think that we lived through a life or death challenge, wait till you see John drive!” The trip to the hospital was a blend of the Indianapolis 500 and the chase scene from the French Connection. To the injured men every turn completed was an opportunity to give thanks to their maker for no traffic and good brakes. At long last the vehicle screech to a halt just outside the emergency room door. Their chauffer flew inside to enlist medical assistance for the injured heroes. Once his patients were safe and secure in the waiting arms of the facilities staff, John took time to make a call to his Aunt. He had two requests of her. One was a favor from Dr. Jaffy and the other was transportation back to the City. Chapter 12 The waiting room outside of surgical recovery was a bleak place. So many families of critically ill patients and so little time to be with their loved ones. Her father’s bypass operation was over, but the sight of her father in recovery had been almost too much for even Jane’s strong nerves to bear. It was hard to see him with so many tubes in his flesh, his skin so cold and that machine breathing for him, as he remained helpless and unconscious. Niki could not take contain her feelings and clung to her mother much of the time. The little support group of family and friends waiting numbered five now with the addition of her long time childhood friend Hazel Strong now Hazel Tennington. They had been inseparable since both thought Barbie dolls and bikes were the best the world had to offer. They had grown apart after her marriage to the wealthy investment banker that she met while attending the University of Florida. How she needed someone to be there for her, to hold her and comfort her. She was exhausted trying strong, she needed John. Why did she insist that he not come with her? He looked so sad and a little hurt as she boarded that plane. How she longed to jump off that plane and be in his arms again. As she looked up from her daydream she saw two people coming into the room. The first was an older woman quite plump and jolly, but behind her was a young man with broad shoulders in a tailored suit and it was her beloved, John. Jane jumped to her feet and through herself into his embrace and sobbed all of the tears that she had held over the past week. Her beloved drank from her kisses like a man that would die without that water for his thirst. After giving her sister and John sometime, Niki soon followed in embracing John and he kissed her head as any good brother would. Hazel could stand by no longer and insisted that proper introductions be made. So Jane introduced John Clayton, Jr. first to mother and secondly to her friend Hazel Tennington. John took each of their hands and kissed it as a cultured man would. The gesture brought a smile from Jane’s mother whose eyes were red and wet with tears. John brushed the tear from her face as his hand held the side of her face. He smiled at her in acknowledgement of her sorrow and she hugged him as any mother would a long lost son. As their embrace dissolved, her mother returned the touch to his face as tears were now on John’s cheek too. Mr. Samuel Philander was then introduced received a firm handshake. Then John returned his arm around Jane’s shoulders as if loss of contact with her for a moment longer would have been unbearable. As they were finishing introductions, Jane remembered the woman standing behind John, every smiling at them. John, I think it’s your turn to make introductions, Jane said as she nodded toward the mystery woman. Jane, this is Ms. Esmeralda, she is a nurse that works for Dr. Jaffe and was my nurse when I was a child. I have asked her to come along and help with your father’s home care if your parents will permit the assistance. Chapter 13 Esmeralda had worked for the Clayton’s soon after baby John had been born. His mother had insisted that she was capable of taking care of the baby without help, but the stress of childbirth had taken its toll on her health. Although his mother recovered, it was not without a lot of rest and help from Esmeralda with the very active John Jr. It is hard to imagine that you could have a battle of wills with a small child, but many brave men would have fallen before completing his potty training. But Esmeralda was no shrinking violet and young master Clayton finally yielded to her will! She was also the comfort that he sought when he was sad, especially when his father was away on business. How John loved his dad! He would spend hours on the balcony outside of the gardens looking down at the street waiting for his return. When he finally was rewarded with a glimpse of his father stepping from the limonene he would race through the house and nearly knock the man down at the front door with his jubilation. So it was that although his memories of the past were dimmed with time, one memory rose to the top as he looked at Esmeralda. His memory was of a small bear and pillow given to comfort him during a childhood bout of chickenpox by that same smiling face. That was many years ago and she was retired from full time duties of nursing. But John would always have a special place in her heart and helping Jane’s family get through this trying time would be a joy for her, to be needed again. John had been the model of a gentleman and was quietly holding Jane’s hand, but Esmeralda now sensed that John needed some time away from the noise and crowd of the waiting room. “Nikki, how about you show Mr. Philander and I the way to the cafeteria, I would love some fresh coffee and pie.” “Sure Ms. Esmeralda, I would be happy too”. True be told, Nikki was relieved to be leaving the stuffy confines of that bleat waiting room. Hazel offered to stay and be there when Jane’s mom got back from her visit. “Jane, I noticed some lovely gardens outside, maybe you and John could use a break too.” Jane looked at John and regretted not sensing the toll that this was taking on John. “Come on John take me for a little walk, would you.” He took placed his arm around her waist and they walked to the elevator and down to the gardens that surrounded the hospital. A weight seemed to come off of his broad shoulders as the breeze and sun kissed his brow. Chapter 14 “You gave me quite a surprise when you walked into the waiting room, I thought for sure that you and Sam would be off on some nature hike”. “We did go up to the cabin for a while for some fishing and hiking” John said. “But Sam and the Sheriff tracked down two men that robbed a store and I drove them to the hospital.” “Hospital, the two men?” “No, Sam and the Sheriff, the two men are dead.” “Why did the Sheriff and Sam have to go to the hospital, John was there another car accident? Remembering John’s last attempt at driving. No the Sheriff was shot in the leg by one of the men and Sam got hit in the head.” “John, slowly, is Sam ok? What hit him in the head?” One of the bad men hit Sam, he was going to shoot Sam but I protected him. The bad man is dead and Sam was ok. He was mad because I won’t let him up until we got to the car and the Sheriff was mad too. Then I drove them to the hospital, Sam said something about Indianapolis 500 and I guess that is the address. At this point Jane was getting a migraine, and swore that she would never leave town again without John. “You have changed so much since we first met on that roof top, John, just look at you”. Jane stood back to admire the handsome, gentleman that was her escort on this walk. “You’re dressed with shoes and everything; driving a car; and carrying money in your pockets. Your manners and gentleness with my mother was so touching I know that it meant a lot to her. You really are incredible”. “Changed? No Jane, I have not changed”. John looked off as if seeing something in the distance, far away. “ I have learned many new things, this is true, but inside I the same man you met there on that rooftop. The same man that spent his life in a jungle across the ocean and a world apart from you.” I have tried to become someone that can fit into your world because I belong with you, but I will always be Tarzan and never completely the man you see as John Clayton. There was a note of sadness in his voice as he confessed this truth to the one person in the world that he hoped would understand. “Jane, please never forget my true nature and that it is because I love you that I try to fit into your world. Jane looked up into those sad eyes, moved closer and said the words that his heart had so longed to hear. “Tarzan, I love you and I’m yours, always”. With that he pulled her to his waiting lips that burned for her again. They both drank deeply from this moment together. As they finally pulled back their embrace to look into each other’s eyes, John lifted Jane off of her feet and swung her in several circles while yelling at the top of his voice, “She loves me!” Chapter15 As the happy couple sailed back to earth Jane’s cell phone rang, “Sam, it that you?” “Yes its me, did that love sick puppy find you ok?” “John’s here, are you ok Sam, what happened?” “I’m ok, just a little bump on the head, but I would be pushing up daisies if John had not shot that dude with an arrow, good thing his doesn’t stay put when he’s told,” Sam laughed. “Anyway, I will be back to work at the end of my vacation on Sunday, how’s your dad?” “He’s still in recovery, Sam. Listen, John wants to talk to you for a minute.” John took the phone and walked a little away from Jane to talk to Sam so Jane could not hear the conversation. After he was through he hung up. Jane inquired about all the secrecy, but John smiled and changed the subject as they started back to the hospital. Several days passed by and Jane’s father was out of recovery. Visitation restrictions in surgical recovery and then the pain medications had made serious conversations with Archie Porter difficult at best. Now that he was in a step down unit and doing well John finally asked Jane to introduce him to her father. Esmeralda had help John pick out his clothes and brush his hair back into a ponytail. They had adjoining rooms at the beach and spent time over the past several days talking about John’s parents, his childhood and what it meant to be in love. There had been some time for John and Jane to be together, but Jane’s first priority was still her parents and John understood that need. It was important to John that he make a good impression
on this important man in Jane’s life. Jane’s mother had already
grown very found of John Clayton and his need for a connection and hers
for comfort were met in each other. He was becoming like a son to her
and it was almost as if she was filling a hole in his soul that was left
empty so long ago. It was a different emptiness than the kind that Jane
filled, but emptiness nonetheless. There is more John; my father has not been well for sometime. “Jane, his heart is broken?” You mean, he had a heart attack, yes, but he also has another disease that causes him to lose his memories its called Alzheimer’s disease. “Does he remember his family? “Yes for now, but it will get worse in time and someone he will not know any of his friends or family. For now, he is just very forgetful and cannot concentrate very well. I wanted you to know that before we go see him.” “Jane, I lost my family but I have some of their memories, thinking of your father having no memories is very sad”. She smiled laying a hand along side of his face and brushed a tear away and said, “Lets go introduce you to my dad.” Chapter 16 As they walked into her father’s room, Jane and John greeted the bed-ridden man and pulled up two chairs by his bed. “Daddy, this is John Clayton, Jr., the man that I told you about. John extended his hand and gently shook her father’s hand. “Nice to finally met you Mr. Clayton. Forgive my manners for not getting up to greet you properly. Jane told me that you met in New York, but that you were raised in Africa, fascinating place Africa, did you know that at the turn of the century… Jane cut off the pending history lesson with a cough. “Dad, why don’t you let John tell you about himself, I’m going to go check on mother.” As Jane left the room, John turned back toward Professor Porter. “What do you do, Mr. Clayton?” “I keep Jane safe” John replied. “Oh, I see, and your parents? “My parents died in a plane crash when I was six, I grew up in Africa.” A nurse came into the room, “Mr. Porter, you need to get your walk in, maybe this young man could help you”. John turned and the nurse handed him some slippers for the Professor’s feet. He needed to walk to prevent blood clots, can you stay with him and make sure that he doesn’t over do it?” “Yes ma'am, I will protect him”. John took the slippers and helped the Professor put them on his feet. Carefully, the older man stood on wobbly legs and leaned on John for support. As they made slow process down the hall the nurses smiled and whispered about the handsome young gentleman helping Professor Porter. “You say that you keep Jane safe as your occupation, are you a policeman too? “No, I live with my Aunt Kathleen and study my lessons”. “Ah, so you are a student, wonderful, education is always a worthy pursuit!” “I wanted Jane to study law and pass the bar, but she fought me and joined the police force. She helps people in trouble and puts bad people in jail.” “Yes, yes, I’m sure that it is a noble profession”. “I love Jane”. “I can see that you do, the question is does Jane love you?” “She told me that she does and I belong with her.” “She can be strong willed my son; gets that from her mother, I’m afraid. Likes to make her own decisions and you will have to learn to give her space, but not let her get tangled up in her incessant rules. She thinks too much sometimes. Can you provide a home for her and make her happy?” “ Jane was sad a lot, but I can make her happy, I want to marry Jane and Sam said that I should ask your permission”. Suddenly John noticed that the Professor was looking quit pale from the walk and weak in the knees. It was a long way back to the room so to the Professors surprise, John picked him up off of his feet and carried him back to the room. John set the elder Porter on the bed and helped him off with the slippers. “Are you ok, sir”, John asked sincerely concerned. “Yes, my boy I will be fine”. My permission? You are actually asking for permission to marry my daughter”, the Professor chuckled. “Well my boy, you are a very strong and pleasant young man and I would be pleased to have you as my son-in-law, if Jane agrees of course. Hope lots of grandchildren are part of the deal.” John and the Professor were both sitting on the bed and smiling as Jane walked back in the room with her mother. Jane’s mother was the first to speak, “What are you two up to”. “Nothing mother, just getting to know Jane’s new boyfriend”. “Boyfriend?” Jane looked at John. “He is a scholar and takes classes. “He grew up on the continent of Africa and loves our Jane, imagine that.” “Maybe we will be visiting grandchildren someday after all, Mother.” “John, what exactly did you and dad talk about while I was gone?” “Later, Jane” John said with a wink and a smile to Jane’s Dad and left the room. Chapter 17 It had been a week since her father’s surgery and he would finally be able to leave the confines of the hospital and go home. Mother had accepted John’s offer to have Esmeralda stay to help during dad’s recovery. John and Dad seemed to enjoy there talks together, although it was not quite clear if the senior member of the Porter clan understood the nature of John’s home life in Africa. He seemed to believe that John was some important government official in charge of wildlife management. What was important is that he knew that John loved his daughter and that he was a good man. Jane had tried to pry details of the discussions out of John, but all he would say was later, when they were home. There was a lot of private talk going one with other members of the party as well. Jane had seen Esmerald, Hazel and Nikki talking in a huddle several times and the conversation would stop whenever Jane would walk into the room. Something was up and no one was telling that was for sure. Once her father was home and was settled, plans for the return to New York were made. The private jet would be ready at 10:00 the next morning at the airport and John, Jane and Nikki would be heading back to New York, or so she thought. Hazel drove them to the airport, but once there, Nikki was placed on a private plane to New York and John lead Jane to a different awaiting plane. “Where are we going, John, I need to get back to work on Monday, they are expecting me at the precinct. It’s a surprise; don’t be mad, John said. We will be back home soon, but first I need you to come with me. But where are we going, John? But John only smiled and took Jane’s hand and led her on to the plane. During the flight, Jane fell asleep with her head on Tarzan’s chest. It had been a stressful trip and she was very tired. As he held her, he thought of all the things that he wanted to say to Jane when they were alone. He felt so many things, but words were still so difficult to say and this would be the most important day of their life. After several hours, great mountains were visible outside of the plane window and they had reached their destination, Winter Park, Colorado. A private car was waiting with a driver to take them to a secluded cabin, a cabin owned by Mr. And Mrs. Tennington. Hazel had made arrangements to stock the cabin and have it ready for John and Jane’s arrival. It would be faraway from the interruptions of family, work and free of bugs and dust, Hazel had promised John. The driver unloaded the luggage, including a few bags that Jane did not recognize, and took them into the cabin. As he left he told John that he would be back in two days at 10:00 a.m. for the trip back to the airport, John handed the man some money and nodded in acknowledge. As the car left the drive, Jane turned to John with a question on her lips, but Tarzan lifted her off of her feet and carried her into the cabin. Chapter 18 The view of the mountains from inside of the cabin could only be described as breathtaking. The cabin sat on top of the mountain and had glass from floor to ceiling in the main room overlooking panoramic view of the still snow capped mountains. The cabin had two bedrooms, a master and a smaller guest room. John placed Jane’s bagged in the master bedroom and his in the smaller guest room. The kitchen had been stocked with fresh fruits and instructions on how to heat the already prepared foods provided by a local caterer. After they were settle in their rooms, they changed clothes into the warm sweaters that were in the extra bags that Hazel and Nikki had packed for them. John started a fire in the fireplace and poured the chilled campaign into the glasses. They sat together on the overstuff coach and watched the sunset out of the picture glass window. The mountains took on a fiery glow and the sun lost its battle to rule the day. “Jane, I need to talk to you about important things and you know that I don’t always use words right”. Jane took his hand in hers and touched his cheek and said, I understand your words. John looked off into the distance, as if remembering a time long ago. “You said that I was innocent and so violent. I have lived different and alone in the jungle, but not without a family that I loved. I learned to survive with my senses and through violence I brought food and protection to those I loved. I have killed, fought and watched a loved one killed by a man that claims to be family. I am quick to anger and fight that is how I was taught to survive. “I will work hard to learn that things that I need to survive in this world, to be John Clayton, but I will always be Tarzan in here.” John turned toward Jane and placed her hand over his heart. “Tarzan, I know that is who you are and that is the man that I have grown to love. I know how difficult it has been for you to see me in danger with my job and I have frustrated you with my rules.” “Your father told me that your job was important to you and that you wanted freedom, I would not take away your freedom, Jane.” “What else did you talk about?” “He gave me permission to talk to you.” “Permission, you don’t need his permission to talk to me. “Sam said I should ask you father for permission. “Oh, he did, did he?” John rose from the couch and walked to the window gazing off into the distance. He seemed so vulnerable standing there looking off into the sunset. Jane hesitated for a moment and then followed behind him. She placed a hand on his shoulder and Tarzan looked back at her slowly. Please talk to me, you have my permission too. He reached into his pocket and withdrew a small velvet box, knelt down on one knee and opened the box to show Jane. As he opened the box, he looked up into the face of his beloved Jane and saw that she was crying and smiling. “Jane Porter, will you be with me always, will you be my wife?” Chapter 19 There were tears in Jane’s eyes as she looked down at Tarzan. How raw and open he was at that moment as he exposed the depth of his feelings for her in those few simple words. She looked into his eyes, his soul; did he know the true meaning of what he asked of her? Above all these questions that raced through her mind, her heart ached for this ultimate connection with him, her love her soul mate. This was a question that deserved an answer from her heart and not her mind. Jane dropped to her knees and took his hand and placed it over her pounding heart. She placed her other hand on his wet cheek and looked deep into his eyes and breathed the words that she knew that he would understand, I love you, I will be with you always, you are my mate and yes, I will be your wife. He leaned forward and with his hand at the back of her head drew her to him and captured her mouth in a kiss that connected their two souls. She belonged to him and he to her at last. As they finally parted, her Tarzan opened the small velvet box and removed a gold ring with a large diamond surrounded by small emeralds and placed it on the finger on his beloved’s left hand. “John, it’s beautiful.” “The diamond belonged to my father’s mother, it was in her wedding ring. Kathleen said that adding the green stones would make it your ring and would look nice with your hair. Sam helped me make sure that it would fit”. “I see that you have been planning this, sometime, you sneak” and Jane poked John in the ribs. Do you like it? “Tarzan, it is the most beautiful ring I have ever seen, I will love it always.” They sat back on the couch and held each other as they watched the glow of the fire and dreamed of their future together. There, softly in each other’s arms they drank deeply from each other’s kisses and touch. As she lay there with her head in his lap, she could see the deep desire in his eyes. It was raw, untamed and yet held by his love for her, waiting for her to release him from restraint. She opened the cage of desire with a single gesture as she reached up and began to unbutton his flannel shirt. Tarzan picked her up into his arms and carried her to the master bedroom, using his foot he kicked open the door and set Jane gently on her feet. Impatient with those buttons, Jane ripped open his shirt and exposed the expanse of his chiseled chest and shoulders. The act brought out the savage response that she was hoping for, as her shirt too was soon a memory and his strong hands were claiming her bare skin. He pushed her back onto the bed and held her arms down as his mouth and lips found areas to explore that drove his love to brink of insanity. How could someone so wild and strong give such tender soft touches to the most sensitive portions of her body? Would his heart find the nourishment it craved has he suckled on her now? Finally, he released her arms and he sought to remove the balance of her clothing, the last obstacle between them. As her arms were freed, she repeated his actions and removed his clothing so that her eyes might feast on the banquet of his body. With resistance from him, she pushed him back on the bed and began tasting of the feast before her. Her incessant touch of the tender parts of his body brought a gasp and deep moan to his lips. But Jane was not to be denied the enjoyment of all of his body and continued the sweet torment of him. How sweet was the smell of her breath that now came faster. The soft contrast of the skin of her body pressing against his, the scent of her arousal came to his sensitive nostrils. At last he could hold back no longer and he marked her readiness to complete their union by the sounds and smells from her. Tarzan swept his arm around her waist and rolled over his sweet tormentor. She confirmed to him her surrender as she guided him in position to complete the their inevitable union. There was no sight, sound or smell that was not part of the one he loved as his filled her body and soul with all that was him. Like two dancers lost in the movement of the urgent rhythm of their embrace the music rose slowly and ecstatically to it’s crescendo and conclusion. As the dance was finished and the warm tide of peace washed over them, as last they knew that they belonged and would be together forever. The end. |