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  “Go inside the house and tell me what you see.”

  “The scene is fading. “I am tired now. I want to sleep."

  "It all fits Marcus,” Robert said turning the recorder off. “Frank's mother's name was Zerelda James. His sister's name was Susan Lavenia James. The family lived on a farm in Clay County, Missouri. In 1852, Zerelda James remarried a wealthy farmer named Benjamin Simms. Her first husband, Robert James moved to California to preach the Baptist faith to gold miners. He never returned. In 1910, after Jesse's death, Zerelda charged 50 cents to see the place where the infamous Jesse James had grown up. Frank James died in 1915 at the family home in Clay County, Missouri."

  "Ok, that's interesting I'll give you that," Marcus replied. "But how do we know this Virginia wasn't just putting you on. She could have gotten that info from a book. Besides if you're so certain she's not some flake, why don't you just contact her yourself, Robert?"

  "I've tried, my boy, believe me, I've tried. I've sent letters, emails and made countless phone calls, but she's not interested. Says she doesn't believe in reincarnation and wants to put all the therapy behind her. Called me a crackpot during my last phone call."

  "She left San Diego some years back for work as an exotic dancer at a casino in Las Vegas. After that, passed her prime in stripper's terms, she worked as a high-priced escort on the Strip. She appears to move around a lot, and my attempts to find her current address have been to no avail. I've recently learned however that she's working as a bartender at the Hiwakulani Hotel in Waikiki on Oahu."

  "Why not hire a private investigator to track her down and relate your proposal?" Marcus asked, after a moment. "I did son; I did. A Hawaiian ex-cop named Tisdale. That's how I found out she was working at the hotel. My man went there and approached Virginia about returning with him to La Jolla. She had a fit. Called hotel security and had him escorted out."

  "If your professional wasn't able to get the job done, what makes you think I can?" Marcus asked. "Just a hunch, son. Our mutual friend here has convinced me that I need an ingenious, persuasive young man to travel to her and convince her to participate in another round of past life therapy. That and Virginia has a soft spot for young, good looking men like you. Without violating doctor/patient confidentiality, let's just say that she's a bit on the promiscuous side."

  "I'm prepared to handle all expenses for your journey plus a week's stay at the Hiwakulani, and a bonus if you manage to bring Virginia back with you. Perhaps you can arrange an extended vacation. William tells me you might be inclined to leave the area for a while."

  "I might be, yes but how long would this escapade, as you put it, last, Robert?" "Hard to say. Hard to say. If Virginia refuses to travel with you back to La Jolla, this adventure may end abruptly. In any event, I will guarantee your salary for one month."

  "I don't want to look a gift horse in the mouth, Robert, but what difference does it make if Jesse James was killed by Ford or if he faked his death? I mean, does anybody really give a shit, after all, this time?"

  "Well, I do for one, Marcus but it's not just that. Volumes have been written about Jesse. Movies and television shows have been made as well. In fact, books and movies have been made on just the Great Northfield Minnesota Bank Raid alone. But not that much is known about his brother Frank. During our sessions, Virginia related some fascinating facts about Frank that are not in the history books. But she departed without so much as a thank you just as we were getting started. I would dearly love to continue working with her while I still have a few marbles in my head."

  "Well, you have a lot to think about, Marcus," Willy said standing up. "For now let's gather up your books and hit the road before it gets dark." "One more thing Marcus," Robert said. "What was your major at Davis?" "Library and Information Science," Marcus replied. "That seems an odd choice for a young man such as yourself," Robert replied.

  "I picked it by throwing a dart at a list of curriculum. I was drunk at a campus party at the time." "That's a foolhardy way of picking a major," Robert replied with a frown. "Always a pleasure, Robert," Willy said standing up abruptly and shaking the doctors' hand. "I'll phone you in a few days to firm up plans should Marcus accept your offer."

  "Sounds like a plan," Robert remarked, extending his hand to Marcus. "I'll see you boys out. Again, Marcus, I'd appreciate a response from you one way or the other within the next few days. And, before you go—smile," he said as he took a photo of them both with his camera. "Just a keepsake," he replied.

  The sun was over the horizon as Marcus and Willy walked to the car. "Well, Marcus," Willy asked as Marcus pulled the car out of the driveway, "What do you think about Albrecht's proposal?"

  "Just a bunch of new age crap as far as I'm concerned. A woman who was Frank James in a prior life. Give me a fucking break. The guy's a loony. You should get a look at the books in his library. All this occult crap about brotherhoods and secret societies."

  "Perhaps, my boy, but, on the other hand, what have you got to lose in playing along with him? Think about it. You get a free week's vacation on the beach coupled with a month's pay. And a handsome bonus to boot should you convince this Virginia person to return here with you."

  "And you Willy? What's in it for you?" "I receive a modest finder's fee for bringing you to Albrecht and the satisfaction of helping out a former student."

  "Uh huh. And . . . ?"

  "And I have a proposition for you. I'd like to have a horse in this race too so I propose you take Albrecht up on his offer. And since I brought you into this escapade I suggest we split any proceeds right down the middle."

  "Proceeds? What proceeds?" Marcus said roughly. "Haven't you figured out our angle on this yet? I gave you more credit than that, Marcus. Whatever gold or silver we find, based on Virginia's input as Frank James, we split fifty/fifty."

  "You mean the James' gang lost bullion?" "I do indeed Marcus. I do indeed." "Come on, Willy," Marcus replied dryly. "I can't believe you bought into Albrecht's fantasy."

  "Based on the good Doctor's background I think it's worth a chance. Frankly, I'd like one more shot at uncovering James gang treasure. I'm still smarting over the loss of my gold and silver coins." "Was Frank James directly involved in hiding the two million dollars of gold bars you told me about?" Marcus asked.

  "Absolutely. He helped Jesse bury the gold in a ravine in the Wichita Mountains. In fact, Frank returned to the Wichita Mountains in 1907 and built a house near Fletcher, Oklahoma. Decades had passed since he'd helped hide the gold. The country had been fenced and plowed. Towns had grown up, and new roads were traveled. The old landmarks and trails were gone. Legend has it that Frank did recover some of the loot. How much isn't known but he may have unearthed a few caches before leaving Oklahoma in 1914. What seems to be clear though is that he didn't find everything."

  "I don't know, Willy. If he couldn't find all of it back in 1907 what makes you think we can find it now?" "Good question, my boy. We have the technology now that wasn't available to Frank back in his day. GPS ground penetrating radar, metal detectors, camera-mounted drones and the like. All we need is for Virginia to pinpoint the location for us. You leave the equipment details to me."

  "But Albrecht has no interest in finding their caches. He's only interested in gathering info about Frank and proof that Jesse didn't die by Ford's hand." "He's far more than merely interested in that son. He's obsessed with it. And his obsession aids our cause. So let me worry about that for now. You go to Waikiki and locate Virginia. I'll take care of the rest, and we'll split fifty/fifty."

  "Nothing doing Professor. If I agree to go along with this wacky idea, it'll be Eighty/twenty." "Make it sixty/forty and we have a deal." "Seventy/thirty, Willy, and that's it."

  "Fine, son, but any expenses not covered by Albrecht come out of your end." "I haven't accepted his offer yet. I'll think about it over the weekend. Meet me downtown Monday morning eight a.m. same place, and you'll have my answer."

  "Ah, here we are back at my home agai
n," Willy replied as the car pulled up to the curb. "Give it some serious thought and I'll see you Monday morning bright and early."

  * * *

  Chapter Four

  The Hiwakulani

  EARLY SUNDAY MORNING Willy was roused from a late sleep by the ringing of his bedside phone. "Robert here," the voice said as Willy sleepily picked up the receiver. "I have news regarding your boy. I ran a background check yesterday, and it came back somewhat on the sordid side."

  "A drunk and disorderly arrest in 2009," Robert continued, "soliciting a prostitute in 2010, and most troubling an arrest for marijuana possession in 2011. Did he mention any of this to you, William?"

  "Not a bit, no." Willy responded with a yawn. "For some reason he wasn't convicted for any of these mishaps," Robert said. "He's originally from Los Angeles and by all accounts his father, a retired corporate executive, and his mother still reside there. I have a feeling his father may have stepped in to bail him out. No siblings or spouse or ex-wives as far as I can tell. As you discovered, he currently rents a house in Mission Bay. Studied Library Science at UC Davis but didn't graduate. The drug arrest is troubling."

  "Oh, I don't know." Willy responded. "We all experimented with a little weed back in our younger days." "This isn't just a little weed William. Did he mention why he didn't graduate?" "No, but then again I didn't ask." "Well, you should have. He was caught selling pot to the student body and expelled."

  "Oh."

  "Yes, Oh indeed. I suggest we pass on this young man and recruit another candidate." "If you say so, but Marcus has some redeeming qualities as well that make him perfect for this job."

  "Such as?"

  "Such as his charm and undeniable good looks. From what you've said about Virginia I think they're an excellent match." "A match for what?" Robert asked. "Romance, of course,” Willy responded with a knowing smile. “You said yourself that the private investigator you hired had no luck convincing her to travel with him back to La Jolla right?"

  "Yes, so?"

  "And you haven't been able to talk her into making the trip either?” Willy continued. "Cut to the chase William. Your point is?" Robert replied sounding frustrated.

  "My point is that Marcus is a hustler and an exceptionally good looking one at that. From what you've told me about Virginia she's sure to fall for him. And if not, you're out a plane ticket and a week's stay at a hotel. You can afford it." "How did you leave things with him Friday evening?" Robert questioned.

  "He promised to mull it over during the weekend and meet me downtown at eight Monday morning in the Gaslight district with his answer."

  "Fine, I'll be there as well. I have a few more questions for him. It's rather odd, but I do feel as though I've known this young man before but I know that's not possible. In any event, if I'm satisfied with his answers, I may take a chance on him. "

  ≈≈≈≈≈≈

  By the time Robert and Willy had their morning chat, Marcus had made his decision. What clinched it was his friend Paulie's response.

  "Are you out of your fucking mind?" Paulie bellowed into his phone. "You meet some wacky old duck downtown and you're off on a treasure hunt." "It's not exactly a treasure hunt, Paulie," Marcus responded. "Besides, we may only be talking about a couple of weeks."

  "Forget it. I know how this goes with you. A few weeks becomes a few months.” “Besides, I've lined up a new spot in Ocean Beach for the game. Who fills in for you at the tables while you're off on this wild goose chase?"

  "I'm through with the game for a while, Paulie. Too much heat." "The heat's off now, brother." Paulie bellowed. "Easy for you to say, Paulie,” Marcus countered. “Your last fuck up with the cards took place at my house. Gotta stay clear of there for a spell. You can always have Jimmy fill in."

  "Whatever." Paulie responded, slamming the phone down.

  ≈≈≈≈≈≈

  Monday morning Marcus wasn't sure he'd made the right decision but grabbing a jacket he set off downtown to meet Willy. Arriving just before eight, Marcus was surprised to see both Willy and Robert seated together. "Marcus," Willy shouted, "so glad to see you. Don't keep us in suspense. Is it a thumbs up or a thumbs down?" As Marcus made a thumbs-up gesture, Willy smiled enthusiastically.

  "Have a seat here in the shade while we chat," Robert said, positioning his wheelchair by a bench overlooking the square. "I must tell you, Marcus, that I had a background check conducted on you. To be candid, the results were not encouraging. What can you tell me about your dabbling in selling marijuana at Davis? Did that lead to you being expelled?"

  "Yes it did" Marcus replied with a frown. "I needed some extra money and made a contact to distribute some pot from a guy I met at a bar. Sold some on campus, and as word got around, students were throwing their money at me. I lost money on the initial sales as I didn't know what I was doing. But soon enough I was making solid cash selling to my regulars who called me two or three times a week. Eventually, university security got wind of what was going down, and I got set up by a football player. I guess you know the rest."

  "Yes, the rest including a drunk and disorderly arrest. I'm not concerned about that. We were all young once but selling marijuana is quite another thing altogether."

  "That's in the past Robert. I've learned from my mistakes. Selling dope, even though I only sold to willing buyers on campus, was a mistake. A big one as it turned out. Chalk it up to youthful arrogance and naiveté. There were a lot of stupid and foolish kids back then. I was one of them."

  "How do you make a living these days Marcus?" "Didn't Willy tell you?” Marcus replied. “I run an underground poker game." "Oh wonderful. I feel so much better now." Robert replied sarcastically. "Have you ever made an honest living son?" "I've tried,” Marcus replied. “Every business I started failed for one reason or another."

  "Well, I believe in fresh starts. God knows I've had a few myself over the years. I'm willing to put aside your questionable past and take a chance on you, Marcus. Let me suggest that you get on a flight tomorrow morning for Oahu. Find Virginia and turn on the charm. If she decides to return to La Jolla with you, I'll be elated. If not, take a week's vacation in Waikiki on my dime. I'll think none the worse of you to be sure. Either way, you have nothing to lose."

  "Might as well," Marcus responded. "I've never been to the islands and a week or so on the beach would be nice. Besides, I've temporarily burned my bridge here in town. But I'm not making any guarantees, Robert."

  "Agreed," Robert said, handing Marcus a briefcase. "Everything you need to know to get started is in this satchel. Plane ticket, rental car info and the like. Your flight to Oahu departs tomorrow morning at nine. Study the material during your flight. When packing for your trip, be sure to include the books you borrowed from my library. Read up on past life regression. You may become a proponent yourself. Now, good luck to you, son," Robert said, shaking his hand.

  "Bon Voyage," Willy added, shaking Marcus' hand. "Call me from your hotel so I know you arrived safely." Walking back to his car, Marcus wondered what else Willy had up his sleeve.

  ≈≈≈≈≈≈

  The next morning, satchel in hand, Marcus happily checked out of The Jefferson and boarded United flight 685 bound for Honolulu with a stopover at LAX. His checked bag contained everything he thought he might need for a week's vacation in Waikiki.

  Thirty minutes into his flight, Marcus opened the satchel. It contained a few sheets of paper, photos, and a cell phone.

  Aloha, Marcus:

  Additional background info regarding Virginia is enclosed.

  Her last known address and phone.

  A photo of her taken in my office some years back.

  A rental car has been reserved with Avis at the Honolulu Airport.

  Hotel accommodations have been made at the Hiwakulani in Waikiki.

  A checking account has been opened, in your name, at Wells Fargo Bank on Ala Moana Boulevard. Use the funds for airfare for Virginia and miscellaneous expenses.

 
; Contact Virginia once you've settled in and turn on the charm.

  Phone me with regular updates.

  Stay out of trouble. I'm counting on you.

  R. A.

  ≈≈≈≈≈≈

  While Marcus was landing at LAX, Willy and Robert were sipping coffee at The Sky Room in downtown La Jolla. "Do you think Marcus will succeed in convincing Virginia to meet with you again, Robert?" Willy asked.

  "I can only hope. He does seem to be a very charismatic young man. Considering his background, I'm taking quite a chance on him but knowing Virginia; he's just her type. You've done a commendable job, William," Robert said, sliding a white envelope across the table.

  "There's enough there to keep you in good stead for a while. Now, as agreed, your part is over, and you'll not be involved from this point forward. You mentioned you might be leaving San Diego for a spell?"

  "I'm leaving for Vera Cruz first thing in the morning," Willy responded, sliding the envelope into his pocket. "Plan to spend some time with a bottle of Tequila scanning the beach for loose change. It's been real, Robert," he replied as he donned his ball cap, grabbed his cane and limped out the door.

  ≈≈≈≈≈≈

  As his flight landed at Honolulu airport, Marcus wondered, not for the last time, what he had gotten himself into. Skirting through the crowd and claiming his luggage, he hopped on a Wiki-Wiki bus for transport to the car rental area. Avis had his reservation as Robert said they would and he was told to pick any car on the lot. He decided on a new Camaro, with GPS, and loaded his luggage into the trunk.

  Leaving the airport, he headed East on the H1 freeway towards Waikiki. He decided to stop at the bank first to see if there was an account there for him. Traffic was light as he exited the freeway and turned on Ala Moana Boulevard. He found the bank on the corner of Ala Moana and King Street and pulled into the parking lot. The warm, balmy Hawaiian breeze felt refreshing as he walked to the bank's entrance.

  I could get used to this weather; Marcus thought, as he approached a teller. Presenting his driver's license, he was relieved to hear that he had $2500.00 in his checking account. He withdrew $500.00 for out of pocket expenses, thanked the teller and left the bank. Back in the Camaro he set his GPS for the Hiwakulani. He needn't have bothered though as he found the hotel three blocks from the bank on Kalia Road. He parked the car in the lot, grabbed his luggage from the trunk, and headed to the lobby.