The Lick Road Incident

The Lick Road Incident

Vernon W Wilson

Published by Vernon W Wilson at Smashwords

Copyright 2014 Vernon W Wilson

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This novel is a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents are fictional and the product of the author’s imagination. Places, real people, organizations and institutions in this work are used fictitiously without any intent to be disrespectful, harmful or misleading in any manner.

ISBN: 9781310334955

The author has written other books which are also available at Smashwords.com.

A Painful Journey

A Painful Journey and More

Beliefs and Civilization Series

Kurt’s Diamonds

Project Antares

Supernatural Communication

The Black Leopard and Other Wild Life

The Evidence of Science

Why Do Lettuces Grow?

The Lick Road Incident

A novel by Vernon W Wilson

Main Characters

Illinois

Robert Miller (Chicago)

Charles and Margaret (nee Cole) Miller (Robert’s parents)

Edward Miller (Robert’s brother)

Abigail Simpson (Chicago)

John Simpson (Baptist Minister and Abigail’s father)

Myfanwy Simpson (Abigail’s mother)

Joe and Bruno Valenti (Chicago)

Carlos Bresnia (Chicago)

Ron Kenner (Chicago)

Mike Mortini (Chicago)

Lucy O'Keefe (Chicago)

James Calhoun (Friend of Robert, Chicago)

Jean (James Calhoun's girlfriend)

Captain Buster McGeary (Police Officer, Chicago)

Ernie Schultz (Chicago)

Lefty McFadyn (Chicago)

Matt Renolds (Chicago detective)

Colorado

Mrs. Thomas (Hotel owner, Central City)

Melvin Hawkins (Police officer, Denver)

Mrs. Goodrich (Librarian, Denver)

Sarah O'Keefe (Librarian, Denver)

California

Roy Hatting (Hijacked victim, Atwater)

Mrs. Smythe (Merced)

Ed Vance (Police Officer, Merced)

Frank White (Newspaper reporter, Merced)

John McCracken (Police Detective, Los Angeles)

Jack Arlington (Manager of San Jose Electrical Sound Company)

Dave and Eve Rutherford (Astronomer and Doctor, San Jose)

Lester, Nigel and Manuel (Astronomer friends of Dave)

Jane Oldfield (Police Detective, San Jose)

Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Prologue

People occasionally disappear without trace. In spite of considerable efforts and publicity some are never found. Perhaps they have been victims of foul play. Sometimes the disappearance has been intentional. The mystery surrounding the disappearance of Ambrose Bierce, the editor who worked for many years for William Randolph Hearst, in 1914 may have been intentional in order to create an enduring mystery. It was speculated at the time of his disappearance that he had committed suicide in such a manner that his body would never be found. Other theories involving the disappearance of people abound. Often people disappear without a trace only to reappear a short time later with no knowledge of where they had been or what they were doing. Sometimes the disappearance has been related to an accident involving a car crash, but no victims were found. There have been instances where a car owner was known to have been hijacked, but when the wreckage of the car was found, the body within was not the hijacked victim. Yet all the evidence indicated that the owner was in the car when it crashed.

In the few weeks leading up to the events on the 11th September 2001, Detective Jane Oldfield had to dig deep into the past to uncover the story behind a mysterious car crash in 1927 on Hamilton Pass, California involving a red Cadillac V-63 Phaeton and the consequences it would have on the lives of many other people including hers.

The story begins in Chicago in 1893.

Return to Contents

Chapter 1

Charles Miller was a very successful mine owner, engineer and businessman. He made a fortune out of a mining investment in Colorado within a few years with money borrowed from his father when he was 21 years old. His father owned a small shipping company and was a major transporter of imported goods for Martin Cross.

Charles was charming, self-confident and had an uncanny ability to make people in his presence feel pleased with themselves. He was considered to be one of the most eligible young bachelors in his circle of friends and business associates.

When he was 30 years old, Charles was invited along with his father to a social function in Chicago hosted by Martin Cross, one of the richest business men in Chicago.

Many of the prominent business, society and political figures attended the glittering function.

Although friendly and courteous, the businessmen were ruthless and regarded young up and coming business men with a certain degree of skepticism bordering on contempt. Mr. Cole, although a friend of his father, was no exception. Most of the guests appeared to be older than Charles. He noticed an attractive young woman in the company of Mr. Cole. Mr. Cole had occasionally visited their home but Charles had never formally met him. Charles walked over and introduced himself.

Good evening Miss, good evening Mr. Cole. My name is Charles Miller; my father is the owner of The Chicago & General Shipping Company.

Good evening young man. Your father and I share the occasional game of golf together. May I introduce you to my daughter, Margaret?

How do you do Miss Cole.

Please call me Margaret, and might I call you Charles? she asked, with what Charles considered to be a flirtatious smile.

Of course Margaret, Charles replied with a charming smile which Mr. Cole did not fail to notice.

Margaret had dark brown slightly wavy hair that reached down to her shoulders and light brown vivacious eyes that seemed to sparkle with enthusiasm. She had a pale pink complexion which enhanced her beauty.

Perhaps you can keep my daughter company while I have a quick word with our host. I see he is free now. Mr. Cole interjected.

My pleasure, Mr. Cole.

Charles turned around to face Margaret, We must be amongst the youngest people here tonight. I am so pleased to have met you. I enjoy social occasions but I feel a little out of place when there are hardly any persons in our age group. If this was a business meeting I believe my age would be a disadvantage. Are you pleased to be here tonight?

I am now, thank you. I have attended many social functions with my father since my mother died a few years ago. Some functions have been somewhat boring, perhaps tonight will be different, she replied with a mischievous smile.

Charles and Margaret were soon engaged in light-hearted conversation. It was obvious to Mr. Cole when he returned a few minutes later that his daughter preferred the company of Charles Miller to that of her father. He left the young couple undisturbed and walked away.

Later in the evening Charles Miller's father saw Mr. Cole and remarked on the fact that his son seemed to be captivated by Mr. Cole's daughter.

To be frank, I have never seen him dancing in fact I have never seen him pay any attention to a young lady. Perhaps it is the beauty and the charm of the young lady that has turned his head.

Thank you, Mr. Miller. I will pass the compliment along to my daughter, he said with a wry smile. With that the two men began to discuss meeting for their next golf game.

Two years later in 1895, soon after his father passed away unexpectedly, Charles and Margaret married. The following year they settled in Denver to be near his main mining interests. They were both born and raised in Chicago and Charles kept his parents’ house not only for sentimental reasons but because of his other successful business interests nearby. In 1897, their first son Edward was born and three years later their second son, Robert was born. Edward seemed to have the personality of Margaret, his mother. Robert was similar in character to his father, both physically and in his interests. It was a happy and successful marriage.

The Miller boys were brought up in a privileged world. From an early age they were both groomed to assume control of Charles' growing business interests.

As a young teenager, Robert read HG Wells. 'The Time Machine', 'War of the Worlds', 'The First Men in the Moon' were amongst his favourite books. Jules Verne was also another one of his favourite authors. When discussing these books with his father, his father would try to temper his enthusiasm for what basically was science fiction. In his late teens, after a long evening of discussing science fiction with both his brother and father, Robert summed up his argument in support of the feasibility of space and time travel. If we go back 50 years and we then predicted the discovery of the automobile, the telephone, radio and the airplane amongst other inventions, people would have responded in the same way as you are doing now. Charles conceded that his son had a point, but space and time travel were still science fiction.

During his teen years, Robert spent most of his vacation time at one of his father’s mines near Denver. He enjoyed climbing the mountains and rambling through hilly countryside, particularly when Edward found time to accompany him. Robert was almost 1.8m tall by the time he was sixteen and physically strong from his outdoor activities. Later while at university he took up boxing for a short time and although he had very quick reflexes and a powerful punch, he did not like the idea of hurting another person. His coach, who saw a very promising future for him, tried for many months to persuade him to return to boxing, but to no avail.

His boxing ability did prove useful when spending time at his father's mines during his university summer vacation. He had to occasionally deal with unruly intoxicated miners.

Both sons also enjoyed camping in the mountains near to Central City where one of their father’s mining interests was situated.

While visiting Central City, the brothers climbed a nearby hill. The view from the summit was such that it inspired Edward to tell Robert,

When I die, I want to be buried on this very spot. But why am I telling you this? I intend to outlive you anyway.

The rest of the day was spent hiking through the extensive wooded area across many places they had spent many happy hours together over the years. It was fairly rugged terrain and they recalled the time when they were much younger and had got lost. They had to stay the night behind some bushes, where they discovered a small concealed cave. A search party, led by their anxious father, found them early the next day.

Both sons were athletic, and while Robert loved horse riding, mountaineering and swimming, Edward enjoyed tennis, automobiles and airplanes.

Both sons went to Chicago University, and stayed at their father's house in Chicago. This house was maintained with a full staff and a driver to ferry the boys to and from university. However they both preferred to drive themselves in their own less ostentatious automobiles.

By the time Edward was eighteen, he had become a skilled pilot and had found his passion in life. In 1917, soon after his 20th birthday, he did not hesitate to volunteer for service in France in the air corps much to his parents regret. Margaret in particular was very upset and for the first time in her privileged life began to worry about her son’s future.

He arrived in France in late 1917 and was accepted at Issoudon, the US Air Services training facility. Eventually after what he considered an over cautious approach to training he was assigned in early 1918 to 147th Aero Squadron. His combat airplane was the French biplane Nieuport 28. This aircraft was highly maneuverable and Edward was delighted with its capability.

He distinguished himself in France and after the armistice in 1919 he proceeded to pursue his interest in flying as soon as he returned home. After months of negotiations between the French manufacturers of the biplane and his father he succeeded in buying one of these aircraft and shipping it, minus the twin machine guns, back to the USA. He was eager to try out new developments in airplanes and returned to university to increase his knowledge of structural engineering and its possible application to designing stronger, faster and larger airplanes. He kept the Nieuport 28 airplane, flying on a regular basis until he graduated. He then sold the plane to an agent from a Hollywood studio who was collecting airplanes for a major Hollywood movie about aerial combat in World War I.

Reverend John Simpson and the love of his life, Myfanwy were married in December 1899. They moved into a church owned house located next to a Baptist Church in the southern part of Chicago on the 1st January 1900. The church was located in a poor neighbourhood and the Reverend Simpson was eager to meet the members of his congregation. Within months the small church was virtually filled to capacity every Sunday. Reverend Simpson was perceived by his congregation as a hardworking, dedicated, warm, patient and inspiring man. Members of the congregation who discussed their problems, no matter how big or small always walked away from the small office located in the front of his house, with a renewed feeling of confidence.

Eighteen months later, John and Myfanwy Simpson had a daughter, which they named Abigail Mary. The birth of Abigail brought untold joy to the proud loving parents. It was a difficult birth and the parish doctor strongly advised Mrs. Simpson not to have any more children.

Abigail’s upbringing was centered on the Baptist Church community. She was a spirited individual who enjoyed playing with the younger members of the regular church goers. Immediately after the main service on Sundays she would run out of the church and play in the park across the road. While her father tried unsuccessfully to convince her to leave the church in a more orderly manner her exuberance overcame her inhibitions. Always helpful at home, it was only when she was approaching her teenage years that she became aware of her mother’s debilitating illness. From then on she would immediately rush home to help and attend to her mother. Abigail was a bright, cheerful and popular with an infectious smile, but towards the end of her schooling she became more and more withdrawn. The reason for her change in behaviour was attributed to her deep concern for her mother. One of her teachers began to counsel her and after several months her mood improved. It was if the burden of her mother’s illness was now shared by the teacher. The school principle believed that she should attend university after leaving school and she was encouraged to participate in a scholarship examination. Her father was not in a financial situation which could afford for her to attend university. Soon after writing the scholarship examination her mother passed away. Although Reverend Simpson realized for some time beforehand that his dear wife was slowly dying he continued to hope that somehow she would survive. Some months after his wife’s death he applied for a position at a Baptist Church in Merced, California. He explained to Abigail that there were too many memories for him to remain in Chicago. A few weeks before Reverend John Simpson left for California, Abigail was notified that she had won a three year resident scholarship at the University of Chicago.

I am going to turn down the scholarship, Abigail told her father, I want to come with you.

My dear Abigail, much as I want you with me, I think it is very important that you qualify as a teacher. It is a career that you have cherished for many years. Once a year you can visit me for the summer vacation break and in three years you can take up a teaching position in Merced. I will be fine, it is what I want to do and it is my life’s work.

A few days later while accompanying her father to the central railway station in downtown Chicago, Abigail left the only neighbourhood she had been exposed to during her short life. She was surprised and amazed to see the differences in other parts of Chicago in spite of seeing pictures in books. The skyscrapers, the traffic, the noise, the people and the affluence made her feel ill at ease. She arrived at the university a little apprehensive. However after meeting with some other young women she began to feel more and more confident every day. It was still a few days before lectures commenced and she spent as much time as possible acquainting herself with her ‘new’ world.

Charles and Margaret Miller visited Chicago every few months for a few weeks at a time. It was also an opportunity to spend more time with their sons. Each visit would end with a dinner party to which the boys were invited to bring a few of their close friends. Edwards’s group of friends usually included a new admiring female. Margaret took a keen interest in Edward's female admirers hoping that one day he would temper his interest in airplanes and turn his full attention to the fairer sex. Margaret was not happy about his increasingly consuming interest in flying. She would have lengthy discussions with Charles after every visit to Chicago about her fears. Charles would patiently try to allay her fears but with little success.

When Edward Miller finished his studies in Chicago in 1922, he announced that he was going into partnership with a friend to build a new innovative type of airplane. His father was disappointed that his son would not play an active role in his mining business but had realized some years before that Edward had another more important interest.

Margaret was