The Time Travelers' Club: Chapter 69 -- Edgar

The week passed quickly.  Sam got a perfect score on his report about Cleopatra.  Now, he had math homework.

"Sam, I'm going to run to the store," said Emily.  "I forgot to stop and pick up stuff for the party at work tomorrow.  Do your homework.  I'll be back shortly.  Why they chose to do cheese is beyond me."

Sam yelled from his room.  "Do you want me to let Mrs. Steers know I'm home alone?  I need some books for class anyway."

Emily came back with her usual response.  "Sure.  If she's busy, don't bother her. Promise me."

Sam went into the laundry room, but the door was locked.  "Hmmm..."

"I promise."  Sam followed his Mom down the stairs.  As she walked down the sidewalk, he waved then knocked on Mrs. Steers' door.   It popped open a few inches from the pressure of his knock.  Sam tried to look through the crack but could only see the wall.

"Mrs. Steers? Are you home?"   There was no answer.  Sam turned to see if his Mom was still in eye shot, but she had already disappeared around the corner.

Sam pushed the door open slowly and stepped in.  "Hello? Mrs. Steers?”

Still no answer.  Sam glanced into the dining room then into the front parlor. The doors were open to the back parlor, but no one was there. Sam spied a note on the coffee table.  It had his name in bold letters written on it. 

Sam -- We've gone to Baltimore to investigate a possible lead to the location of another copy of the book. Please come to this location -- October 9, 1849, Baltimore, Washington College Hospital on Broadway and Fayette Street at 4:30 in the morning.  When you get there, go to the room on the second floor of the left tower in the hospital.  Here's your big chance to try the incantation. Mrs. S.

Sam got excited.  He could go and be back before his Mom ever made it to the store.

"This is awesome.  Mrs. Steers must have changed her mind."

Without hesitation, he ran to the back parlor, sat in his chair, and within a few moments, found himself standing in a vast green space in front of a stone building which looked like an old fortress.  It was dark, except for light coming from gas lamps in front of the building and some from the windows.  Through the darkness, Sam made out a group of trees to his left and a wrought iron fence to his right.

"This place looks more like a prison," said Sam.  The six-story building rose up with two square towers making up the left side of the building, while the right section of the building had a cupola on top.

Sam looked at the left tower.  The windows were grouped in threes.  He counted up.

"One... Two..."  A light flickered in a window.  "That must be the one."

Sam had successfully accomplished the first part of his instructions.  His confidence soared.  He had been trusted enough to come by himself.  He arrived on time.  And last, he was on his way to the designated rendezvous.

Sam used the transition incantation to go to the second floor.  Sam found himself in a scarcely furnished hallway. The plaster walls were plain.  Candles and gas lamps lit the hallway. The wooden floor was clean and painted white.

"Let's see..." Sam looked out a nearby window.  He could see the group of trees now to his right and the fence now on the left.

"That's the yard where I just was.  So, the towers are those rooms."

Sam peered through an open door.  "Great, there are three windows just like I saw.   So, then that door must be the one."   Sam pointed at the next door to his left.  Tiptoeing to the door in hopes of surprising them, he raced into the room.

"Hey everyone!  I'm here."

A flamed burned bright from the oil lamp on a small side table.  A gaunt man with a mustache and small goatee lay on a wood framed bed, covered with a white blanket.  His cheeks sunken.  His brow covered in sweat.

"Reynolds...," moaned the man.  "Must find Reynolds..."

Freaked out, Sam backed up against the plaster wall.   Sam watched him as he tossed and turned under the blankets.

There was no sign of Mrs. Steers or anyone else from the club.

"Reynolds... Must find Reynolds..."

Sam turned to leave, when three men entered the room.  Sam backed up against the wall again in order to avoid being walked through.  One man went directly to the patient.   Sam assumed he was the doctor.  The other two stayed in the doorway.

"What are you saying Edgar?  How did this happen?"  The doctor leaned over him.

Shaking, Edgar looked up at him.

"Doctor...  Reynolds..."  Tossing his head back and forth, Edgar grabbed the doctor's arm.  "Find Reynolds..."

"Reynolds?  Who is Reynolds?"  The doctor put his hand to Edgar's chest, trying to calm him.

Sam looked at Edgar.  "I recognize you now.  I've read your stories. You're Edgar Allan Poe."