Gold Fever: Treasures of the Heart, #1

Prologue

Charlie Avery’s Journal

May 20 th 1897

The vast wilderness of the Yukon is unforgiving. The winter months are harsh and brutal. At times I find myself wondering if the sub zero temperatures will put me to sleep, never to awake. If I don’t freeze to death then there could always be starvation. Ice on the rivers makes it almost impossible to pan for gold. Many end up losing their fingers and toes to gangrene.

With the promise of spring and the warming of the frigid ground, I relish the thought of green grass desperate to sprout from the barren landscape and breathe in the scent of budding trees with their limbs reaching for the warmth of the sun. However, with the coming of spring comes the melting of water and while this is needed to get our sleuth boxes ready to go, it also brings danger—the floods begin. The muddy angry Yukon rivers boil over their banks with no reprieve for what is left behind. Each day I pray the cabin I build will be on high enough ground.

You would think the rivers too dangerous to use as transport, however, the opposite is true. Men float down these waters and they are not always friendly but instead opportunists. Some of them would steal the shirt off your back. Should I ever find gold that amounts to much I will indeed need to ensure these thieves never find it.

Then there are the mosquitos and blackflies—damn insects can eat a man alive. I go to sleep hearing the buzz. The natives say caribou grease on your skin will keep them away, but that in itself has downfalls.

In two short months my darling Eileen will join me all the way from Seattle. My heart yearns for her. It’s imperative that I finish the cabin. Although it is true what they say, The Yukon is no place for women folk. I believe our love for one another will allow us to survive this hardship.

The gold is here, I know it is. Last night I dreamt of caribou hide pokes filled with shining nuggets, or perhaps I have the fever—gold fever. Dreams that don’t make sense plague me. My beloved ivory skin beauty will save my soul and when I strike it rich I will propose and leave this hell, never to return.

1

Blood pooled in Finn’s mouth after the blow to the side of his jaw.

We can make this all go away. Just tell us where the map is, Tucker Talbot said with a smug look on his face.

Finn laughed, which wouldn’t help his predicament. Again one of Tucker’s henchmen hit him. A couple more like that would knock him senseless—again. They’d get nothing from him so to be unconscious would serve him well. He refused to tell them anything.

You bastards can go to hell. I don’t know what you’re talking about. Finn spit a mouthful of blood at them.

We know you have the map. Tucker rubbed his gray whiskered face and kicked the chair Finn sat in. He was a large overbearing man with a semi bald head. His belly hung overtop his belt as he stuffed his fat hands into his pant pockets. You’re young and very stupid. Do you want me to tell you where you went wrong?

If I had the map then you must know I wouldn’t be here right now, Finn shot back, trying to see from his swollen eyes.

Tucker pulled up a chair in front of him, resting his forearms on his thighs. Simon Lamarche, he said the name and smiled like a Cheshire cat.

Finn felt sick to his stomach. Tucker had gotten to Simon first. Dammit, what had Simon told them?

He didn’t know anything, Finn lied.

The fist came from the other side this time. Finn slumped in his chair and thought of the one person he should have never brought into this mess.

You can take a beating, I’ll give you that much. Tucker reached into his pocket and pulled out a cigarette. You know where we are heading next, don’t you? Speak or don’t but we will get that map. Simon was kind enough to let us know you’d sent it through the mail. In fact as we speak Carson is headed to your place.

Finn was royally screwed. He purposely kept nothing of value in his cabin except for the one thing that was important—Samantha’s address.

Fuck you Tucker. You’ll find nothing, Finn spat with venom. He could see the fist coming. Tucker Talbot’s fat hand hit him. His vision blurred and turned from gray to black as he felt the chair going over sideways. Before he blacked out he thought of Samantha and the package he’d sent to her just two days prior. He shouldn’t have done that. Trouble headed her way and she was none the wiser. What had he done?

2

The giant windows in the large boardroom overlooked busy Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago. Fifteen people sat around the large mahogany table sharing pieces of paper and tablets.

Sam stared out the window with her arms crossed, listening to the chatter going back and forth, making no headway. Time to pull them together.

She turned. Okay everyone, that’s enough. She spoke loudly and with authority. They all quieted and looked up at her. Joey, who are we? He was one of her senior staff.

We are Chicago Fashion, Flare & Style, he answered.

Sam walked around the table. Yes, that is exactly who we are, and we do not come up empty handed when a task has been handed to us. Janie, what do we never do? she asked the woman.

Give up, the woman responded with confidence.

You are correct, Janie. We also never miss a deadline and we never ask for extensions.

They all joined in, bubbling with new ideas. She would never put them on the spot like that if she wasn’t one hundred percent sure the staff knew who they were as a company.

Sam smiled, knowing she had achieved the outcome she was looking for. We will pull this together, and it will be fabulous. It’s the month of May, and with that comes the promise of weddings and new beginnings. Not just the same old new beginnings we’ve done in the past. She continued to walk around the room, pondering what they would run in this month’s issue and the idea came. Brandy, look at the birth announcements. A newborn baby, and maybe a struggling couple to make ends meet. Not just any couple, but maybe a couple that wanted to be married. We can facilitate the marriage arrangements. Maybe it’s a soldier returning from duty. We’ll do a wedding issue to end all issues and nothing less than Chicago Fashion, Flare & Style. What do you think?

All of them were chattering with excitement and Brandy was already out the door on the trail of another spectacular story. The others around the table had begun brainstorming. They barely looked up as Sam left the room.

Sam walked down the hall hearing the click of her new shoes on the granite flooring. She did love a new pair of shoes, especially when they matched an outfit. Today she wore a designer red fitted dress. She prided herself on looking her absolute best. Working out, eating properly were important pieces of her daily structured regiment. She spied her reflection in one of the large full wall mirrors. She loved her long wavy auburn hair because it reminded her of her mother. It was the one quality she admired about herself that had come naturally. Her hair had nothing to do with eating celery sticks, drinking twelve glasses of water and running five miles a day. It came from her mother and for that she felt extremely blessed. At the age of twenty-six she had her mother’s good looks and her father’s intelligence, making her the successful young businesswoman she was today.

It never failed, her desk was lined with new files and of course her phone flashed with messages waiting to be retrieved. Just once she wished her phone would be silent and her desk was clear. She sat. No, that was a lie, she would be miserable if that were the case. Many years of hard work and sleepless nights had gotten her to this spot. It was still hard work but she loved it.

On her large contemporary desk was a large manila envelope. For a brief moment her heart skipped a beat.

Emma! she called out.

Her assistant burst through the door. Today she had her hair done up in an elaborate braid piled on the top of her head. She wore a blue and white polka dot dress with a large belt around her tiny waist.

What is it Sam? Is something wrong? she asked with her eyes wide open.

Samantha realized she yelled and may have sounded angry. Emma had been her best friend since they were young, so she hoped her friend and assistant knew she wasn’t angry.

What is that? she pointed at the envelope like it terrified her. In fact it did.

Ummm, what do you mean? The envelope? Emma asked in a weird tone.

I don’t know what’s wrong with me. Sam pushed back up from her chair and stood. Where did it come from…I mean the envelope? she clarified.

You aren’t making much sense, but a courier dropped it off this morning before the meeting? Emma clarified.

There’s no return address on it.

Well why don’t you open it so you can see who sent it? Emma shook her head in bewilderment.

Sam took a deep breath, still staring at the envelope like it were an atomic bomb waiting to go off.

What’s wrong with you? It’s just an envelope. We get them every day.

Nope. No we don’t. There is always a return address. This one doesn’t have one. Sam backed away one step from the desk.

You’re worrying me. I’ll get the courier receipt if you like?

It doesn’t have a proper label Emma. Look, it’s hand written and addressed to me. Emma stared at it sideways.

I don’t know what’s wrong. Are you feeling all right? Maybe you’re coming down with something. I’ll open it.

Sam shook her head. No, it’s okay. You’re right, I’m being silly.

What can I do to help? Emma asked, truly concerned.

There were only a few people who wrote like that. One was her father, but he’d passed away, and the other was Finn, her brother.

The problem was Sam hadn’t heard from him in about two weeks. They made a pact he would call her every week so she would know he was okay. Since he’d been gone to that horrible wild land they called the Yukon, he’d never missed his calls. Last week had been different. He hadn’t called. The two of them were close and always had been. Finn was six years older than she, but the difference didn’t change how they got along like they were twins.

I think it’s from Finn, Sam said out loud, not paying attention to what she was saying.

But isn’t Finn in the Yukon? Emma asked, moving forward to the desk.

Sam’s heart sank. Her intuition was rarely wrong and now she knew something was wrong…she felt it. Without another thought she grabbed the envelope and opened the top. Inside she pulled out a giant map. It was dirty and looked very old.

It’s a map. Emma squinted, trying to look closer. What does that say on the top?

Samantha stuffed the map back in the large envelope.

I’ll look at it later.

Emma moved closer. Uhh, you’re worrying me. You don’t look okay.

I’ll be fine. She grabbed her purse and jacket, heading for the door.

You’d better call me later to let me know you’re okay?

I will.

If you forget, I’ll be on your doorstep, Emma yelled after her.

Emma was a gem and Sam didn’t have many friends, there just didn’t seem to be enough time for them.

Thanks Em. I’ll call you later.

You’d better! And let me know when you hear from Finn. Tell him I’m not happy with him right now, Emma continued bellowing as Sam walked away.

Deadbolts didn’t help ease her insecurities. Wearing her silky black lounge pants and matching top, Sam poured herself a large glass of red wine and set the envelope on the sofa beside her. She took a big gulp, letting the wine warm her as it went down.

Again she opened the envelope and pulled the large map out. Across the top it said Down the Rabbit Hole. From what Sam could make out there was a river and maybe those lines were rapids. There were what looked like a mountain range, some meadows and another creek, but of course the main part of the map featured a large red X.

What have you gotten yourself into Finn? Sam pulled her long hair over one shoulder. Why hadn’t he listened to her? It was ridiculous to think people were searching for gold.

She set the map aside, looked back into the envelope and pulled out a piece of paper. Her brother’s writing filled the page.

Hey Sam,

I’m sorry I have to send this to you. I had planned on something a whole lot more spectacular. The good news is that…well…here it is. A map! And as much as nobody wanted to believe gold existed back home I knew it had too. Great-Great-Uncle Charlie hid it where nobody would find it. Not easily anyway. This map was hidden in his old cabin. It would have been almost impossible to see it. Maybe there are even more things to be found. I didn’t have the opportunity to look. The important thing is that this is the map.

Samantha, listen carefully. I’ve sent the map to you because I’m in trouble. LOL. Who would have thought hunting for gold and being a prospector could be so dangerous? Well, it actually is. I don’t know how the men back in 1897 did this? It’s not fathomable. If the weather, terrain and animals don’t kill you, well the bad guys will. My problem is the latter of that statement. Great-Great-Uncle Charlie has quite a reputation around these parts. In fact he’s quite famous. Most people just thought he was crazy. The ones that didn’t think he was crazy knew he had something—GOLD. A lot of it.

Sam hide it! I know the map you have is the key to its location. My problem is that I have a gang of bad guys following my every step. They know Charlie Avery found something and they want it. This has been going on for decades.

If you’ve received this package from me then I wish I could say I had better news. While I may be in trouble you know I have horseshoes up my ass. If you have not heard from me by phone it’s safe to say something has happened to me. Talbot Tucker is a ruthless bastard. He will be responsible for my disappearance if I go missing. Unfortunately he is always one step ahead of the law.

Sister, hide the map, and go away for a while. This man is very bad, Sam, especially when we are talking about this kind of money (I mean millions). He’ll kill whatever is in his way. I can’t let him know you and I are related, but I also can’t take the chance he’ll figure it out. Go away for a while, I mean it. I’m so sorry. I’ll find you when I can.

I love you! Your big brother,

Finn

Samantha threw the letter he’d written on her floor. What the hell? A tear had already fallen from her cheek. Damn you, Finn!

She stomped on his words, literally. How could he expect she’d run and hide? Averys didn’t just run and hide. Who ever this Tucker was he could go to hell! She wasn’t going to run, and he’d better not hurt a hair on Finn’s brown haired head. She stopped and slowly bent over to pick up the letter. They were Finn’s words and in her heart she feared they might be his last. She sniffled and sat heavily on the couch, picking up the map. Great-Great-Uncle Charlie, why? Why didn’t you just give this up years ago? And why did you make a treasure map? Now Finn is in trouble, she said out loud.

No way in hell was she going to run away. Hell would freeze over. Run she would, but not away. She needed to find Finn and she would one way or the other.

She put the map and the letter back in the envelope then grabbed her cell phone and dialed.

Oh Samantha! I’m so glad you called me. I have been worried to death about you. Are you okay? Emma asked urgently on the other end of the phone.

You are my best friend and assistant Emma, Sam declared with a sniffle. You’re like a sister to Finn and me.

Okay, now I know something is wrong. What is it? Do you need me to come over? Emma asked.

Actually I do. I need your help, and if you could come over that would be great. But first I need you to do some things for me.

When Sam ended the call her heart was heavy, but she knew she could trust her friend. Heading to the bedroom she pulled out her suitcase. Again, she tried calling Finn, but over and over his phone went straight to voice message.

One hour later when the knock sounded on her door, Sam had her calm back and opened it with confidence.

Emma walked in. You’d better tell me what is going on?

First, did you get done what I asked? Sam asked.

Yes, I did.

Samantha wandered back to the couch with Emma in tow. She poured her a glass of wine and another for herself.

I need you to forget you ever saw a map in my hands today. Drink.

Emma had let her blonde hair down, and it hung in beautiful curls to her shoulders. Her friend had beautiful big blue eyes that questioned everything.

Emma took a drink. Spill it Sam. You may be my boss, but you’re also my friend.

I have to go to the Yukon.

I know that…I booked your flight. Why?

Consider it a last minute holiday. Sam smiled and drank.

Samantha, people could go to Whitehorse, but no, you are going to Dawson City. There’s nothing up there and there certainly isn’t a Hilton. I might be able to get over the location, but why did you need an escort? Not just any escort but one who knows his way around the countryside? Em questioned her in depth.

Finn is there, and I thought it would be a good time for me to familiarize myself with the territory.

Sam, this man I booked to ‘escort’ you isn’t just your run of the mill tour guide. You made that clear. He’s…well…he’s untamed. Em squinted, shook her head then took another big drink of wine.

Sam did the same thing. Maybe being drunk would help the whole situation. She made a noise like a cough and cleared her throat of the unwanted tears.

Does he have—you know? Sam asked.

No, actually I don’t. Spell it out for me. Why do you need a tour guide that has a gun or guns? What kind of trip are you going on? Emma placed a hand on her hip.

There are wild animals there. You know that. Sam sat and pulled a blanket over her shoulders.

In town? she questioned sarcastically. You don’t need guns in town.

What time is my flight? Sam knew her friend was suspicious.

You leave at six o’clock in the morning. Don’t do this! You’ll hate it there. You like your stilettos and fine dining. It’s cold there, Emma pleaded, sitting beside her.

I have to go, Em. I don’t have a choice. Finn needs me.

We need you here. I can’t believe Finn would make you go there. He knows how you are. Maybe I should talk to him? Emma crossed her legs underneath her on the sofa.

No, you can’t do that. This is really important Emma. Tell people I’ve gone for a holiday. Not to the Yukon, maybe Greece. I don’t care where…but don’t tell anyone where I’ve really gone. If somebody comes looking for me tell them I’ve gone to Greece and make sure they believe it. Do you hear me? This is important. Finn’s life depends on it, and perhaps mine does as well.

Emma sat perfectly still with tears brimming in her eyes. Go to the police, Sam. They can help. Let me come with you. I can help.

I can’t go to the police and you won’t be able to help. Sam stood and straightened her pajamas. Thank you. I know you won’t let me down. I’ve got a lot to do before morning.

Her friend and assistant stood. Wait until I get my hands on that brother of yours. He’s going to get a mouthful from me.

Sam laughed. I hope you get the chance. Now tell me again, who is it I am to be meeting in the Dawson City Airport.

Hunter Gray. You are staying at the Yukon Inn. The lady there recommended this Mr. Gray…for all we know he could be a serial killer. Em shook her head, frustrated.

I’ll call you if I get a chance. Sam opened the door. I’ll be fine. Don’t worry about me.

You don’t have the proper clothing for the Yukon!

I’ll figure it out. Bye Em, don’t let the office fall apart. Remind them all who they are and what we do.

Sam closed the door and with her back up against the wood she sank to the floor trying to cope with what she was about to do. She had no way of contacting Finn. He’d probably destroyed his phone or somebody else had.

Papers, she needed papers with information. Anything she had about where Great-Great-Uncle Charlie’s cabin was located or where his claim was located would help her mission. She stood and walked to her spare room where in the closet were boxes that contained old photos and letters. When her parents passed away unexpectedly from a plane crash, Finn and herself decided it would be best if Sam kept the keepsakes. After all Finn was never in one place.

She curled up on the bed and opened the box that contained numerous photos. One by one she went through them, pulling out only ones of her great-great-uncle.

One photo halted her search. It was a photo of a cabin being built and in front of the cabin stood her great-great-uncle. In the background there was a mountain.

Emma had been correct. She wasn’t prepared for this trip, but there was no time to waste. When she arrived in Dawson City, she’d find this Tucker and get her brother back. There was no treasure worth more than his life. She opened her closet and looked at her clothing. There was nothing remotely right for this type of trip. It didn’t matter. She’d find something in Dawson City to wear if she needed too. On the dressing table Sam grabbed the photo of herself and Finn, placing it in her luggage. The last item was the map. She tucked that into her large purse and prayed everything would work out okay.

3

The journey had been exhausting and the flight scared the death out of her. It was never easy flying after the death of her parents. The airline had been good, but the bumps in the air were unavoidable. Her stomach had done a few somersaults.

Sam stood and pulled her carry on bag from the overhead compartment and moved down the alleyway toward the open plane door.

A giant gust of wind met her head on, and for a brief second she struggled to catch her breath. Once down the stairs she retrieved her luggage and made her way to the small terminal. She knew she should have packed lighter.

She pulled the suitcase across the pavement and cursed the wind for messing her hair. She followed the couple ahead of her and entered the building. There were only four of them including herself. The evening temperature made her shiver, and it was nine o’clock pm and still daylight. Once inside she straightened her hair, pulling it away from her eyes, and looked back from where she’d just come. Dark clouds rolled across the sky as spitting rain hit the window. Why did Finn like this godforsaken place? Why would anyone want to live up here?

Chatter from voices caused her to turn toward the main part of the small one room terminal. The four others approached the security desk. She’d worn the warmest boots she had, but of course they also had a three-inch heel.

With the map on the inside of her purse she guarded it at all times. After clearing security she walked through the door to the other side of the room, looking for somebody who might be a Hunter Gray. She had no idea what he looked like. If he didn’t come for her she’d need to take a taxi…if there were such a thing in this tiny town. Everyone departed and Sam now waited alone.

It would be just her luck if this man didn’t show. She stared out the window as the rain pelted the window in earnest. An umbrella would be helpful, but she hadn’t brought one of those. Her mind drifted to thoughts of Finn. Was he okay? What if he wasn’t? What if the men had captured and killed him? She took a deep breath and calmed herself. This man named Talbot needed the map. He wouldn’t kill Finn without it.

Hunter Gray entered the airport terminal. Again he wondered why he had agreed to take this job.