Victor stretches his legs out in front of him, brushing against her thigh and smiles at her. “I have just bid on a job in New York. It is to be a new style of theater, it will be the first of its kind. My work takes me to different states from time to time. I imagine with the completion of the railroad, I could be traveling more in the future. This will be a six-month job, minimum,” his excitement is, and she relaxes next to him.
“You enjoy your work?” She prompts, drawing her hand from his.
“I do. I always have enjoyed the creative process and designing buildings or bridges that may last for centuries is exciting. The war has left many scars on this country, and I would love to have a hand in helping rebuild it. Long after I have left this world, my mark will be seen. It is humbling and drives me to create timeless, beautiful designs.”
“I understand,” she leans forward and touches his thigh. “When I write or create a new story, I feel the exact same way.” His thigh jumps beneath her hand, and she snatches her hand away, blushing.
“How many stories have you written?” He asks, brushing aside the lust that is raging through his body.
Her smile fades, “I wrote and illustrated children’s books and even sent one to a publisher in Boston. I had an appointment with them, but Dr. Rudolph burned everything on the ship. I was stupid enough to travel with my manuscripts, instead of sending them ahead,” she shrugs her shoulders as he sits forward.
“You have lost so many of your dreams, Summer, but your life is not over. You must never give up on your passion. If writing makes you happy, then I say you must fight for it! You wrote them once, do it again. When we get to New York, you will visit more publishers, until you find one lucky enough to sign you!” He cups her cheek, and she leans into the warmth of his hand.
“That is a lovely dream, Victor, but I do not believe in fairy tales anymore.”
“Das ist Müll” Victor snaps and pulls his hand back.
Summer’s eyes flash, “It is not garbage! Precisely how many languages do you speak?” She demands, leaping to her feet and walking away. He puts his glass down and follows her. Angry and frustrated he spins her around by her arm and jerks her close.
“It is garbage! Anyone who takes a child and fills his dreams with pirates, knights, and dragons, still believes in possibilities! In a few short weeks, you have gifted my son with a childhood full of magic and brought passion back into my life!”
He leans down to kiss her, but her hand clamps down over his mouth. “No! Kissing you makes me feel out of control, Victor. I don't want to need you, or anyone else. Don't you see, it's not safe! If something happens to either of you, my life will be over. I won't be able to survive any more loss! I've lost too much already!”
“You aren't alone anymore. You have us,” he declares at her with determination.
Summer tugs away from him, forcing him to release her. “I don't need you, nor do I want you to rearrange your life for me, Victor. Once Alex comes, I will be only a memory to you. I won't jeopardize your future or your lives.”
“I didn't take you for a quitter, Summer. I am disappointed, and I think your family would be too!” Her gasp of outrage doesn't stop him. “If they loved you, and I am sure they did, they would want you to dream, to live, to laugh and to love! Anything else makes their deaths meaningless. If you give up, then you may as well have died with them!” He strides to the door and rips it open, not bothering to look back as he storms off to his room.
Summer collapses on the floor in a rush of silk and tears. In her heart, she knows he is right, but her fear is for them, not herself. What happens if Dr. Rudolph comes after her? Running away is not the answer. “He must pay for what he has done.” Anger pushes her to her feet, and she closes her door softly. Later, when the fire has burned low, she pours a glass of brandy and sits at the desk.
“I am a writer. I will make sure he doesn't hurt anyone else.” She dips her pen and begins her letter to the board of directors at Harvard. In her letter, she details the journey with her family, including the hopes her father had for his work and more importantly, exactly where to find her Father's journals of all his work and studies.
Jung carried one of her father’s journal everywhere with him. She explains to them that he is a fraud and gives them his real name. Next, Summer encourages them to compare the ledgers from her father’s trunks to the one Jung carries with him and to her letter. They will find all the handwriting matches. Finally; she tells them the secret of Protocol Three. They will find it in the trunk along with the other texts. Jung is not following the protocols which is why the disease is spreading so quickly. One last request is for them to take care of Alex when he arrives. She explains that he will be arriving on a ship in New York and coming to settle her father’s affairs. When she seals her letter, her hands are no longer shaking.
“It feels good to be taking action.” She drinks her brandy and coughs as
