Tyberius takes a drink before setting his glass down, only to pick up the intricate box and start rearranging the rings I have moved around inside of it.
“Reggie, when I was gathering these, I knew that question was destined to come up. As I said before, I’ve never charged for my creations. I simply gave them to the little ladies in my life. Nonetheless, I understand a man would not accept them the same way, especially if he wants to present them to one he loves. That specific ring is a four-carat emerald with a diamond band. In a store, it would cost around eleven hundred dollars. However, I have no need for your money, but I do have an interest in your silver. So, I have a trade in mind. You take the ring and give it to your Jessica, and when you get that mine open and functioning, you send me some pure, unprocessed silver to work with, and we’ll call it even.”
I am stunned, and I know he can clearly see that on my face.
“You would wait that long? I have no idea what it takes to open a mine, let alone the timeframe in which it would start producing. I do have the money to pay for this Tyberius, but not with me. However, I could wire it to you once we are off the train.”
“Reggie, I can honestly tell you that time means very little to me, and since my Victoria is getting quite attached to your Jessica, I have a feeling we will always simply be a telegram away. As I said, I am in no hurry, and I’ll even pay to have the silver shipped to my home in South Carolina when you notify me it’s ready. Then once the ring is paid for, hopefully afterward, we can work out a deal for more silver.”
Tyberius sticks out his hand, and I grasp it with mine, instantly noticing how odd his skin feels.
“Thank you, Tyberius. I never saw this partnership coming, but I look forward to seeing what beauties you form with the silver I send you. Who knows, this may be the first of many exchanges we make due to trying to keep the ladies happy.”
He reaches for the bottle, pouring both of us another shot of some of the best whiskey I have ever had and sits back with a small smile on his face. He raises his glass before taking a drink.
“To new friends, unique adventures, and the happiness of our better halves.”
He hands me a beautiful gold ring box, and I slide the ring into it before carefully shutting the lid.
“Do you know how you are going to give it to her?”
“Not a clue!”
His laughter can be heard throughout the train. Shockingly enough, as heavy as my thoughts were when I came in here, I suddenly find that things don’t seem so bad. Finishing my drink I stand up, weary and desperately in need of sleep.
“Tyberius, my friend, I will see you tomorrow sometime, as Jessica was already disappointed this afternoon that she did not get to talk to Victoria. The last couple of days seem to be crashing down on me hard, and I am ready for bed.”
“Go enjoy snuggling up to your wife, Reggie. We will reconvene at a later time next rising.”
I can’t help the laugh that leaves my lips. “You say the oddest things sometimes.”
I tilt my hat and make my way back out of the car, glad that mine is only a few away. Once in front of our door, I slip the key in andturn the handle gently so that the noise doesn’t wake Jessica, only to hear her whimpering. Suddenly, I am wide awake as I pull my pistol out of the holster at my hip, practically tearing the curtain down that separates our rooms. My eyes search for the cause only to realize she is caught in a nightmare. Holstering my pistol, I sit down, my weight on the side of the bed pulling her smaller body toward mine.
“No! Don’t … pleaseee … Reggie! …. Nooo don’t leave me here!”
Her words are broken up, but I can tell she is literally fighting with me in her sleep. I grab her shoulders and gently shake her.
“Jessica. Honey, you need towake up.”
Tears flow down her cheeks, and the sight of them tugs on my heart.
“Jess… you are having a nightmare!”
My voice gets a little louder, but she still has not opened her eyes, so without thinking about it further, I sling off my jacket and the holster hidden inside, then pull her up against my chest.
“Jess … come on, come back to me… It’s just a bad dream.”
This time, I feel her breathing change, and her body relaxes as her arms circle around me. I lean back slightly, only to find her eyes open but still a little dazed. Taking my sleeve, I wipe away the tears on her cheeks.
“Hey, you with me now?”
Her words are so low I can barely hear her.
“You left me. You wouldn’t listen, and you just left me. I was so scared, and no matter what I said, you didn’t believe me.”
“I’m right here, Jess. It was just a dream. No matter how mad or upset I ever get, I promise I’ll never leave you stranded somewhere where you are scared. Yes, I am a stubborn bastard, but I am not heartless.”
“It felt so real. I am sorry if I woke you.”
