The Fountain (Second Chance Book 1) by John A. Heldt

Author:John A. Heldt [Heldt, John A.]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Published: 2022-08-14T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 45: BILL

San Francisco, California — Saturday, November 25, 1905

The weather was splendid. Given the date, the location, and even the time of day, it was almost perfect for an afternoon stroll.

William Carpenter savored it all as he escorted his favorite teacher from the south end of Baker Beach to the north. He could not have dialed up better conditions for a social outing he dared not call a date.

"How did you do this?"

Cassie Lee turned her head.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean how did you get permission for two civilians to walk freely on a beach that is part of a highly restricted military base?"

"I know people in high places."

Bill looked at the buoyant woman holding his arm. He saw everything from mischief to intrigue on her nearly flawless face.

"Who do you know?"

"General Funston."

"Are you kidding?"

"I am not," Cassie said.

"How do you know him?"

"I know him through my father. They are old friends who lived in the same small town in Kansas. They get together every now and then."

"I see."

"Then there's Mrs. Funston. She stops by the house every month or so to chat with my mother and see if I'm engaged. She's the most prominent matchmaker in San Francisco. She's relentless."

Bill chuckled.

"Is that a problem?"

Cassie shot him a glance.

"Yes, it is."

"What's the general like?"

"He's like most military officers. He's disciplined, principled, and highly educated in the ways of wars and men. He's a walking encyclopedia."

Bill nodded.

"He sounds interesting."

"He is interesting."

"Perhaps you can introduce us."

Cassie grinned.

"Perhaps I can."

"Why are you grinning?"

"I have my reasons."

Bill stared at his companion.

"Cassie?"

"I invited the general and his family to Thanksgiving dinner when I requested my Presidio pass. I'm inviting you and your family now."

"I accept your invitation."

Cassie stifled a laugh.

"I thought you might. I don't know many men who would pass up a chance to meet a national hero. I'll tell my mother to add three plates."

Bill smiled. He anticipated the dinner. He looked forward to meeting a man who had won the Medal of Honor for leading a daring raid in 1898.

He remembered that "Fearless Freddie" Funston had distinguished himself on the battlefields of Cuba and the Philippines before assuming command of the Presidio in 1902. He recalled that the diminutive officer would play an important role in restoring order in the wake of an earthquake and fire that would destroy San Francisco in the coming year.

The time traveler pondered the pending disaster for a moment and then pushed it aside like yesterday's news. He did not want to think of death and destruction on a sunny day filled with promise and opportunity.

So he turned his attention elsewhere. He turned it to the roaring surf, the pristine white beach, and his delightful companion. He thought she looked lovely in a long blue coat, a velvet dress, and a wide flowery hat that somehow held up in the gusty breezes that blew in from the Pacific Ocean.

"Do you like the beach?"

"I do," Cassie said. "I love it. I love the ocean. I love anyplace that rejuvenates the body and refreshes the soul.

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