Washington D.C.

Scott’s Journal –

Washington D.C.

We arrived in our nation’s capital early this morning and the Willard Hotel will be our residence for the evening. We have lagged behind with our travel schedule so I made the choice to shorten our stay in Washington. This was an extremely unpopular decision with my little cousin who has been trying my patience for most of the day. I firmly reminded her several times that the original purpose for this journey is to go to Philadelphia and reconnect with her grandfather.

We spent most of the day visiting the sights that one does when in Washington. However, what I will take back with me to California is the time I was able to spend with George at Arlington. I was grateful to have Johnny and Kinsey with me. Someday soon I want to return to this place with Murdoch. I think it might be easier to answer some of the unspoken questions I know my father has if we were to start our conversation here.

Tomorrow afternoon we board the train for our final destination to visit Fletcher Garrett. I admit I am curious to meet this man who is my grandfather's brother. I can hear myself reminding Johnny about curiosity and the cat. I pray this reunion goes well for Kinsey.

S. ~

“Kinsey, let’s you and I go over to the telegraph office and send your grandfather the name of the hotel and time we will be arriving in Philadelphia so he will know where to reach us.”

“I can go by myself Scott. It’s right around the corner. I don’t need an escort. I’m not a child.”

Before Scott could protest, his cousin was out of the hotel room shutting the door behind her.

“I’ll go, Boston. Need to stretch my legs. I’ll keep my eye on her but at a distance. Wouldn’t want anyone to think she was a child that needed an escort.”

Walking several yards behind Kinsey, Johnny observed her going down the street and around the corner. Making his way through the afternoon strollers and then around the same corner, Johnny at first didn’t see Kinsey.

“Damn. She went into the telegraph office.”

The feeling of disbelief soon disappeared when he spotted Kinsey sitting on a bench across the street.

“Having trouble finding the place?”

Scott’s cousin had little reaction as he sat down beside her. Her focus was on the establishment that she should be in right now.

“Looks like it’s right over there darlin’. Need help crossing the street? Oh that’s right. You’re the little lady who isn’t a child in need of an escort.”

“You don’t seem to have much to say half-pint.”

“Maybe it’s time you stopped playing games.”

“Kinsey, does your grandfather know we’re coming?”

***********

“Where is she?”

“Over in her room looking mighty worried.”

“Good. She has every reason to be.”

“Boston, what are you going to do?”

Scott ran his hand through his hair. “I’m going to put the fear of God in her heart and get some answers.”