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  "Where are you?"

  "In a saloon. We're sitting at a table."

  "Is that Cole Younger you're with?"

  "Yes."

  "Is there anyone else there with you?"

  "No."

  "What town are you in?"

  "I don't know."

  "What are you doing?"

  "Talking about the old days. All of our gang are gone. We're the only two left alive. I'm angry with Cole and particularly with my brother Jesse."

  "Can you tell me the reason for your anger?"

  "Cole is telling me that Jesse went back to the Wichita's and dug up the Mexican gold. Jesse feared that one of the gang would go back for it before he had a chance to."

  "Can you determine what year it is?"

  "No, but both Cole and I are old. It is late in our lives. I bang my fist on a wooden table and yell at Cole what a bastard he is. I ask him where the gold was moved to."

  "What is his answer?"

  "He's using a knife to draw a figure on the table. It's the letter K. He draws another character. It's the letter Y. He says that K marks the spot where Jesse reburied the gold. Y was Jesse's attempt to lead others astray. He is saying that Jesse took a small portion of the gold and buried the rest. I'm asking him when he did this. He's saying in the winter of 1876 prior to our failed Northfield bank raid.”

  "He says Jesse knew that he was being sentenced to life in prison, so he saw no risk in telling him. I ask him when Jesse told him this. He's saying that it was just before he was sentenced to prison."

  "By 'he' do you mean Cole Younger?"

  "Yes."

  "What is happening now?"

  "I curse Cole as he's getting up to leave. I'm shouting as he walks away that he should have told me all this before.”

  "What is his answer?"

  "Nothing, he's gone."

  "Shall we continue?"

  "No. I seem very upset. Nothing more is happening."

  "I'll be damned," Marcus interrupted. "We never heard the end of that recording. Willy paused the tape just after the Bob Ford confrontation." "Why didn't you listen to the rest of it?" Robert asked.

  "That's when the shit hit the fan. We got into an argument with Cracker, and she stormed out. The rest you know." "Then William doesn't know he's on a wild goose chase at Buzzard's Roost?"

  "Nope, no clue." Marcus responded.

  "Serves him right," Robert said laughing out loud.

  "I'm still confused. Why didn't Frank know about the false markings?" Marcus said. Lighting a cigarette, Robert replied "He wasn't a member of the KGC. Apparently, Jesse kept his brother in the dark regarding the markings."

  "What about Cole Younger? Couldn't he have gone back to look for the gold?" "It's doubtful," Robert replied. "Cole and his brother Jim were captured following the Northfield bank raid and sentenced to life in prison in 1877. Cole was paroled in 1901 and joined Frank in a Wild West show sometime in 1903. Frank died in 1915. Cole died the following year. This scene that Virginia witnessed must have taken place late in their lives. I'm guessing around 1913 or 1914. Frank was old and frail then and in no condition to search further."

  "If the hooked Y tree carving at Buzzard's Roost was a blind where is the treasure buried?" Marcus asked. "My guess is that it's buried relatively close by. Jesse couldn't have moved that weight in gold bullion very far without attracting attention," Robert replied.

  "Is it possible that Cracker knows where Jesse buried the treasure?" "How so?" Robert replied. "Could she have gone back to see Billingsley for another session after she left Willy and me?" "I hadn't thought of that," Robert said. "Any idea where she is now?"

  "None what so ever. Haven't heard from her since she stormed out of the restaurant after that last session." "I contacted Tisdale last week and asked him to run her down," Robert continued. "Unfortunately, he came up with practically nothing. He did discover that she left her job on Ford Island and moved out of the house she shared with Dunn in Pearl City. That and she apparently hadn't been back to that bar, The Glade I think it's called, in some time. He was unable to discover her current location, however."

  "Can we phone Billingsley to find out if she went back to see him?" Marcus asked. "I can try, but I don't expect him to reveal much to me." "Would he at least verify whether or not Cracker went back to see him?" "Perhaps," Willy replied. "I could ask him."

  "Maybe she hooked up with Roy Dunn again as well." "Not likely," Robert replied. "According to Tisdale, Dunn's in the Navy brig awaiting court martial. It sounds like he may be out of the way for quite a while."

  "I should at least call Willy and tell him that he's on a wild goose chase," Marcus said. "Let's leave William to his own devices for now. I'll phone Billingsley in the morning and see what I can find out. It's getting late, and I've had a full day Marcus. Why don't you meet me tomorrow for lunch at the Sky Room in downtown La Jolla? We'll talk more then."

  * * *

  Chapter Thirteen

  Déjà Vu

  THE SKY ROOM, a kitschy, antique-adorned restaurant for French entrees and sweets was packed with a lunch time crowd when Marcus arrived. Luckily, Robert, a regular customer arrived ahead of him and was seated at his favorite table overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

  "Did you have a chance to call Billingsley?" Marcus asked sitting down across from Robert. "Turns out I didn't have to," Robert answered. "He phoned me last evening after you left. It seems he's been looking for Virginia as well. She hasn't returned to his office since that last session."

  "Why is he looking for her?"

  "Billingsley is writing a book on past life regression. He needs her to sign a release to allow him to use material from her sessions in his book. I told him I'd notify him if Virginia ever contacts me. So I think that's the end of that."

  "What about Willy?" Marcus questioned. "Will you contact him or shall I?" "I'll leave that up to you Marcus," Robert replied. "You do what you think is best. I don't feel I owe William anything, however. On a related subject, I'm curious, now that you've had a taste of what past life regression is, are you still convinced that there is no life after death?"

  "Well, I'm more open to that idea now than I was before that's for sure. I'm still not entirely convinced that Cracker was Frank James in a prior life but must admit that the info she provided was fascinating. Having gotten to know her on a let's say very intimate basis, I'm pretty sure she doesn't share your interest in the James Gang. I can't imagine how she knew so much about Jesse and particularly Frank unless she really was Frank in a prior life."

  "Well, there's hope for you yet Marcus." "So what's your next move? And what happened with Marjorie? Tisdale told me you two struck up quite a friendship."

  "Haven't decided on my next move yet. I'm staying at the Sunset Motel over on Ocean Boulevard temporarily while I plan what to do. Doesn't look like I'll be seeing Maggie again though."

  "Well, that's unfortunate. I can't help you with that I'm afraid but perhaps I can give you a fresh start," he replied sliding an envelope across the table. "What's this?" Marcus asked fingering the envelope.

  "A month's salary my boy. My end of the deal. You failed to bring Virginia back to La Jolla but at this point I hardly think that matters. You did arrange for the session recordings to be sent to me and for that I'm grateful." "I didn't expect this Robert," Marcus said picking up the envelope. "Thanks." "You're welcome son but don't thank me too fast. There are strings attached."

  "Strings?" "Yes, first off no more gambling. It's high time you made an honest living." "I suppose you're right," Marcus replied with a shrug. "You know I'm right son. That black eye is evidence enough."

  "Second, seek gainful employment. To that end, I have an acquaintance who's looking for a bright young man to fill an open position he has." "What type of position?" Marcus asked hopefully. "I'll let him explain that to you. I've made an appointment for you to meet him tomorrow morning in downtown San Diego."

  "Great," Marcus replied enthusiastically. "Wh
at time?" "Be there by nine. The bench in the Gaslight District. Same place you met William." "How will I know him?"

  "Don't worry, he'll find you."

  "Lastly, I strongly advise that you give up on hunting down this elusive James Gang treasure. Leave all that to William if you like, but there's no future for you there. From what I heard on the recordings, there may indeed be buried KGC caches scattered around Oklahoma but I doubt that you or William will find any based on the info I heard on the tapes."

  "Why are you doing all this for me, Robert?" "To be honest I'm not sure Marcus. I could say that I feel as though you're the son I never had, but that's not it. Or I might say that you remind me of myself when I was your age, but I'm not sure that's it either. For some reason, I feel a kinship to you. It's almost like we've known each other in the past although I realize we haven't. Whatever the reason I know that I should do what I can to help you along."

  "Well, whatever the reason," Marcus continued. "You have my thanks, Robert." "Yes, well meet my friend downtown tomorrow and see how it goes. Now let's order some lunch."

  ≈≈≈≈≈≈

  On the drive back to his motel, Marcus decided to call Willy. "Hello," Willy answered with a yawn. "Willy its Marcus. Did I wake you?" "Marcus, good to hear from you son. Just resting my eyes for a minute. Where have you been? Thought I'd hear from you by now."

  "I'm back in San Diego for a while," Marcus replied. "Just stopped for a visit with Albrecht." "Really? How is the good Doctor?" Willy asked. "He's fine. Thanks for sending him the recordings, by the way. In fact, that's the reason I'm calling. Have you put a shovel in the ground yet?"

  "I did, yes. Started a few days ago. I finally received permission from a local farmer to dig on his land. Had to cut him in for a percentage of anything I find. I figured that would be OK with you." "Sure, fine Willy but stop digging. You won't find anything there."

  "What, why not? All the signs pointed to the precise area I've targeted." "The signs are wrong Willy. They're a blind. Do you have a copy of the recordings with you?" "Yes, of course."

  "Play back the last session. Session six I think it was. We stopped listening to the recording just before Cracker blew us off. We apparently forgot that there was more on the tape. I heard the remainder of it while I was at Albrecht's."

  "The Ў carving is a false KGC marker left by Jesse. He moved the treasure sometime during the winter of 1876 and left the mark of a Ќ indicating a true marker." "I'll be damned," Willy exclaimed dumbfounded. "Where did he move it?"

  "I've no idea except that he couldn't have moved it very far all by himself." "How do you know he was by himself?" Willy asked. "He could have had help."

  "I hadn't thought of that,” Marcus replied. Listen to the tape and see what you think." "I'll do that right away. Does Albrecht know about this?" "Yep, he's the one who pointed it out to me."

  "When are you coming out here, son? I could use your help, and our deal still stands as far as I'm concerned." "Thanks, Willy but I'm turning over a new leaf. Or trying to anyway. I've made things right with Albrecht, and I'm working on doing the same with Maggie."

  "But son, think of the money at stake. A few million dollars would surely help make things right with your Maggie." "I'm through hustling Willy. No more gambling. No more chasing after James Gang treasure. Albrecht game me a lead on a job and I'm going to follow up on it."

  "How will getting a job in San Diego put you back in her good graces? She's still on Oahu isn't she?" "Yep, still at the hotel. We didn't part on good terms. But once I find a job and a place to stay here I'll get in touch with her again and who knows?" "What about Cracker?" Willy asked. "Any word from her?"

  "Nope, she seems to have disappeared for good." "Well, I'm disappointed son but I'll hold out hope that you'll join me here someday soon." "I'll think about it. If I change my mind, I'll call. In the meantime, I wish you well." "Same to you Marcus. Same to you."

  ≈≈≈≈≈≈

  The next morning Marcus took a drive to the Gaslight District in downtown San Diego to meet Robert's associate. Stretching from Broadway to Harbor Drive the Gaslight, a former red-light district, is a popular place for shopping, dining, and bar hopping.

  Parking his car, he noted that in days gone by he'd frequented practically every rooftop bar and nightclub spread over the entire ten block area. But today was different. Today he was starting over. Walking across the fountain area he came upon the park side bench where he first met Willy. That was only a few short months ago he thought to himself as he took a seat.

  As he sat and looked about the square, a strange feeling of déjà vu came over him. He had an overwhelming sense of familiarity with the area and a feeling that he had experienced this very same moment once before. He knew that he'd been on that very bench before, of course. It was where he met Willy. But this feeling was something else. It was as if he knew what would happen next. As he looked towards the square, he knew a split second ahead of time that a tall, well-dressed man was going to sit down next to him on the bench.

  "A fine day is it not?" the stranger commented taking a seat next to Marcus. "What are you doing here this beautiful morning? People watching?" "Sort of," Marcus replied eyeing the newcomer. "Just passing the time I guess."

  "Ah, passing the time," the stranger replied. "A peculiar saying don't you think? As if time passes." "Doesn't it?" Marcus replied. "In a fashion yes," the stranger said. "Names' Vidur, Vidur Padmavati," he said holding out his hand. "Pleased to meet you Vidur," Marcus replied shaking his hand. "I'm Marcus, Marcus Reno."

  "Well, Marcus Reno what brings you downtown today if I may ask?" "Job hunting. A friend of mine referred me to a guy here who might have an opening," Marcus replied. "What type of employment are you seeking Marcus?"

  "Just about anything at this point. I'm kind of starting over you might say." "Starting over from what?" Vidur asked. "Oh, from a life of failed business ventures, gambling and hustling I guess," Marcus replied with a shrug. "Not much of a life one would say," Vidur replied.

  "How about you? Why are you here this morning?" Marcus asked. "Why to meet you, of course," he replied sounding amused. "You're Robert Albrecht's acquaintance?" Marcus asked hopefully. Vidur smiled broadly. "In the flesh my friend."

  "And you have a possible job for me?" Marcus asked. "Of a fashion my new friend. Of a fashion. It is a calling as well as a job. A calling that may provide you with the fresh start you are seeking." "A fresh start. That's what Robert gave me along with some advice," Marcus exclaimed."What advice was that?" Vidur asked with a grin. "To cease gambling and hustling at cards for one thing."

  "That is certainly Sumantra as my mother used to say." "Sumantra?" Marcus asked anxiously. "Yes, the name Sumantra means good advice. It sounds like Robert gave you good advice." "This can't be a coincidence," Marcus exclaimed. "I think I've heard that name Sumantra before."

  "Actually," Vidur explained, "If you have heard the name before it is more likely a synchronicity than a coincidence my friend." "Why do you say that?" Marcus questioned. "Simply because the name is not a common one that a Westerner such as yourself would be familiar with. The name must hold some significance for you."

  "Yes, I think it does," Marcus replied. "But I've no idea what." "Well, time will tell my friend." "In the meantime," Vidur continued. "My proposal may help clear up many issues for you Marcus." "I'd like to hear what you have in mind," Marcus replied anxiously.

  "For that you will have to travel." "Where?" Marcus asked rubbing the back of his neck. "Back to Oahu, my friend. Do you have the funds Robert gave you?" "Yes."

  "Use those funds to purchase a one-way ticket to Honolulu. Upon arrival go to this address." Vidur replied handing Marcus a slip of paper. "My associate there will assist you in getting started." "Getting started with what?" Marcus demanded.

  "Why with remembering my friend. With remembering. And with a new job in the bargain." "Remembering what?" Marcus blurted. "I can tell by that puzzled look on your face that you ha
ve many questions, Marcus. They will be answered in due course. But for that to happen you must go back to Oahu."

  "And now, as much as I've enjoyed chatting with you I must be on my way," Vidur said standing up rapidly. "Wait a minute," Marcus bellowed. "Who are you anyway Vidur?" "Just an acquaintance of Robert Albrecht. Here to help you get a fresh start," Vidur replied moving away from the bench.

  "Namaste, my friend," Vidur said with a wave of his hand.

  "What did you say?" Marcus asked with a jolt as Vidur walked briskly away.

  "Namaste. It is an ancient Sanskrit greeting in everyday use in India. It means the spirit within me salutes the spirit in you."

  "Namaste."

  * * *

  Chapter Fourteen

  The Mandela

  ARRIVING IN OAHU, for the second time in as many months, Marcus hailed a taxi and told the cabbie to take him to the address Vidur had provided. The run from the airport to downtown Honolulu was the sort of a white-knuckle ride you'd pay good money for at Disneyland. "Can you slow down a bit?" Marcus asked the driver. "Most assuredly," the cabbie answered, as he tailgated the car in front of him.

  Dodging through traffic, they reached central Honolulu in less than fifteen minutes. Arriving in a decrepit area of downtown Honolulu and pointing to a green door two steps down from the sidewalk the driver said, "You sure this is the address you're looking for boss?" Removing a twenty dollar bill from his wallet Marcus replied, "I guess so."

  Inside the street door was a dimly lit, narrow alley that led to a small alcove containing a low counter and chairs. A very thin, stooped and gray woman, looking about seventy years old, was behind the counter. "Good afternoon," she said looking up.

  "Good afternoon," Marcus replied. "My name is Averi. How may I help you?" the old woman asked. "I'm Marcus Reno. A friend of mine Vidur Padmavati recommended your establishment to me." "Ah yes," she replied, "Marcus Reno. Tah Tah mentioned you would be stopping by.” “This is my daughter Pensri," she said introducing a young Thai girl emerging from behind a curtain.