Chapter 9

Marc approached the stern-looking woman sitting at the reference desk. “Excuse me. I’m looking for Benjamin Adams. Do you know where I might find him?” His voice echoed in the silent library.

The woman behind the desk looked up at the mention of the name, brought her finger to her lips, and whispered so low that Marc had to lean forward to hear her. She pointed to the left. “He’s downstairs. You still have to be quiet down there too.” Her disapproving eyes returned to her computer monitor, dismissing him entirely.

Marc whispered, “Sor-ree,” as he turned and headed—in silence—to the stairs. In his excitement, he took them two at a time to the basement, where the stacks seemed to disappear into the distance.

Benjamin was sitting at a large oak table in the middle of the room, surrounded by tomes thick and thin. More books held down a wide map and a pale sheet of tracing paper. He was making notes on a pad of paper beside him, and a laptop stood open to one side.

Benjamin looked up just as Marc reached the tile floor. His seriousness broke into a smile as Marc closed the distance. “Come here!” he stage-whispered. “You’ve got to see this.”

He stood up and put an arm around Marc’s shoulders. “Look.” He pointed first to the map and the tracing paper, then to the thick open book beside the laptop, and then to the tall, thin book in front of everything else.

“This is the map of the town. Over here is where the main battle took place. Over there is the Elkhorn Tavern. These boxes are your home and the others built near them—the ones that were originally built in the 1850s.”

Marc nodded, intrigued. Benjamin had sketched out a representative map on the tracing paper, labeled in a fine draftsman’s hand. The lines were so straight that Marc looked around for a ruler.

Benjamin pointed again. “From this row of homes, it’s a direct shot to the Elkhorn, so we can conceivably state that other officers set up camp in this area.”

“That book”—he pointed to the thicker volume—“lists William Shelby as an enlisted man. It shows the year they brought him on, it shows the year someone shot him, and it shows that he volunteered to travel with the photographers.”

“Wow,” Marc said, looking at the book with new appreciation.

Benjamin nodded. “Now, it’s unusual that there aren’t many men listed to protect them. It was almost like they did it, but the Confederate Army didn’t ask them to. And the photographers followed the soldiers to the battlefields.”

“Finally, there’s this book.” He gestured to the slim volume. “Even though it was written in the 1950s, it has preliminary blueprints of the Civil War homes on your block. An architectural student chose your homes to do his thesis on, so we have yours and three others that still exist on the block, including Mitch and Aimee’s house. We might get all the homes saved on the block from just this information alone, but let’s try to get yours handled first.”

“That’s amazing! So why did you need me again?” Marc stood back marveling at the work Benjamin had put together in less than a day.

“Need?” Benjamin grinned. “I can’t fill out the paperwork. You have to do it. But then I can sign off on it and get it sent up to the Capitol.”

“Oh my God! That’s amazing!” Marc pulled Benjamin into his arms.

The woman from the reference desk had just made her way down the stairs, and at Marc’s outburst, she clapped her hands—not in a cheering or congratulatory way, but an angry “where are my keys?” way. Benjamin and Marc let go of each other. She shook her head, gestured “quiet!” with a finger across her lips, and went on her way into a little room off the hallway.

“So, do you have the forms?” Marc whispered.

“I do, right here.” Benjamin handed a packet to Marc. “Just fill out the top part with the current address, which is the same one from the 1850s. It’s lucky you had that photo of the fireplace; its shape helped me prove the connection. It’s an original piece that we can connect to a stonemason who lived here before and during the war. There are no other fireplaces with that rock structure, decorative metal or stonework outside of this town.”

Marc sat down with the forms, but he couldn’t contain his excitement. “This is really happening? You’re not kidding?”

Benjamin shook his head. “Not kidding, I promise. It’s all right there. This is a historic home; the photos and the notes prove it. I don’t know why none of this was ever found before. I had to dig deep into the maps to find the survey. Artamae suggested the stonemason search too. She’s as excited about this as I am.”

“Do we need to take photos of these things? I mean, current ones?” Marc found a pen and began filling out the forms.

Benjamin nodded. “Yes, of your home. We’ll also take scans of the letters, and I’m worried about the photos. I didn’t want to damage them, so I took some digitals and forwarded those to Artamae. You can make notations at the end of the information you find—with the call numbers of the documents for references—so the Capitol historian can find them.”

“And should we send a photo of the fireplace as it is now?”

“Great idea,” Benjamin said. “It proves the building is still the same building as shown in the photos.” Then he grinned. “See? I did need you for something besides filling out forms. You thought of something I didn’t think of.”

“Nice to be needed,” Marc said.

Benjamin looked up, and his brow creased in a frown. “Oh—shhh. Let’s be as quiet as mice,” he said, dropping his voice to a whisper.

The woman from the reference desk had left the little room and was walking past them again, a sneer on her face as she headed back up the stairs.

“Does that woman ever smile?” Marc whispered.

“June? That was a smile, as far as I could tell.”

“Looked a little angry to me.”

“No, that’s just her face,” Benjamin said.

Marc wrote the call numbers for the books and the maps in the designated spaces on the form in front of him. “I think that’s everything. Okay, now what? That seemed a little too easy.”

“We’re only partway done. We still have to get that photo attached. You can send a digital copy if they ask.”

“Are we sending a physical copy too?”

“Yeah. We can print one from your phone to send with the paperwork. When you get home, get that picture taken and email it to me.”

“Then what?” Marc tapped the paperwork together.

“Then we’ll get this packed up, the picture printed and attached, and you can get this in the mail tonight.”

Marc looked at the pile of forms in his hand and then up at Benjamin. “Do you think they might not accept it because it’s love letters between two men? Will we lose because they were homosexual?”

“No,” Benjamin assured him. “Look, the word didn’t even exist at the time. It came to popularity over thirty years later.”

“I get that,” Marc said, “but what about now? Will today’s small minds in Arkansas fight it?”

“It’s history,” Benjamin said. “Even they can’t fault who people fell in love with.” Benjamin patted Marc on the shoulder. “Don’t worry. Completely aside from the letters, the proof of the home’s historic status is in those pictures that Samuel Posey took.”

“I wish we knew if Posey had family in town still,” Marc said, as Benjamin rolled the map up and placed it in the tube leaning against the table.

“That’s what they’ll try to do in the Capitol. I didn’t find any relatives in our records here for Posey. In fact…” Benjamin pondered. “They listed his name at the end of a page, and then nothing. He might have died with no family. Samuel Posey might have been the last of his line.”

“That’s sad,” Marc said. “If he’d lived, William might have…”

“Might have what?” Benjamin packed up his laptop.

“I’m just thinking that he might have given Posey the family he didn’t have.”

“We don’t know if he didn’t have a family. I just couldn’t pinpoint him in this town.” Benjamin stacked the books on the corner of the table. “He might be from another town in Arkansas. William Shelby was born here and grew up here, so his family records are here.”

“If the records exist, we could reunite the families,” Marc said.

“We could. But let’s get the house protected first.”

“Right. Sorry. I tend to get ahead of myself sometimes.”

“No problem. Let’s get that picture of your fireplace to attach to the paperwork first.”

“I don’t have a printer,” Marc said. “I didn’t expect to stay, so all my stuff’s still back in Los Angeles.”

“Don’t worry. I’ve got a printer we can print the photo from too.”

“I told Donna about this weekend. I’m excited about camping with you,” Marc said.

“Good. I’m looking forward to it too.”

“Is it going to be a full battle?” Marc asked in an undertone as they walked past the reference desk.

Benjamin shook his head as they went out the door to the street. “We won’t be practicing the battle; we’ve got that down. We’ll be there for the camping setup, getting familiar with the site again, getting the food ready for judging.”

“So like a dress rehearsal?”

“Kind of,” Benjamin allowed. “It’s an educational thing too. The high school students have reports to finish, and they’ll be asking us questions. If you want to, you can just watch and then join in for the camping afterwards.”

“Since I know nothing about the Civil War like you guys do, I’ll probably just wait and watch,” Marc said as they approached his Jeep.

“And you’ll get to meet even more of the unit,” Benjamin said. “We’ve got guys that come from out of state for this big battle.”

“Are there Union guys from Arkansas?”

“A few, but they’re men that moved here. Their units come from out of state, too.”

Marc stood beside his Jeep. “Thank you for all this help. I’ve got to get back home to help Donna and Ralphie clean up. I’d invite you over to look at the picture, but the place is gross right now.”

“It’s fine,” Benjamin said. “Just get a picture of the fireplace, the one in the Posey picture. We want Artamae to see the items up close. After all, I have to convince her to visit.”

“Then it’s a good thing we’re cleaning the place.” Marc laughed. “Thanks again.” He opened the door of his Jeep and got in.

“I’ll let you know as soon as I have the photo,” he said. “And I’ll see you next weekend at the campsite.”

“I’d email you the directions,” Benjamin said, “but really, it’s just past your backyard.”

“Should I walk to the field from there?” Marc laughed and started his car.

“Might be easier,” Benjamin allowed. “Wear the uniform. We love camping in gear, and remember, it’s for practice.” He leaned into the window and grinned at Marc.

Marc got lost in the clear brown eyes twinkling at him. “I’ve got to get home or I’ll be here talking to you all afternoon. Hey, before I head off, do you know anything about antiques?”

“Is this because I’m gay?” Benjamin laughed.

“No, I mean, I’m gay and I don’t know anything about antiques.” Marc winked. “I’m talking about if something is Civil War era or not?”

“I mean, I’ve got a computer. That”s what I use when I’m checking the authenticity of something I’m going to buy online. Why?”

“I built a website to post the graphics of everything we’ve found in the house. But, then you suggested we post everything on eBay.”

“Oh, I’m familiar with eBay.” Benjamin said.

“Maybe you could come over tomorrow and check out my attic, help me get things updated, so we can sell them?” Marc asked.

Benjamin stood up and hit the roof with his hand. “Lead on, soldier. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

He saluted as Marc drove off.

* * *

Donna knocked on the floor as she stepped into the attic. “Oh my god! What are you doing?”

Marc looked at her. “I’m cleaning the place up. Benjamin will be stopping by later.”

“This place isn’t even messy.”

“It isn’t now, but I needed to have the fabric ready for him and wanted to get the pieces we had that he might be interested in.”

“Marc, I hate to be the one to break it to you, but I think this is what he’s interested in.” She motioned in a circle around his body.

He batted her hand, “No, he’s serious about helping us out. And, I suppose I’d be okay with his interest.”

The doorbell echoed upstairs. “I bet that’s him.” Donna turned to descend.

“Should I wait up here for him or meet him at the door?”

“Marc, it’s not like you’ve never seen him before. Just yesterday you met at the library. He already knows so much about this house.”

Marc sat at the desk, then stood up and sat on the bed, changed his mind, and leaned against the dresser.

“I’ll bring him up. Relax little brother.”

Marc laughed and sat in all the same places again. As he got up from the bed, he heard Benjamin’s laughter and stood still, smiled, and just turned to greet him. “Hey.”

“Hi there, Donna said she’ll bring up coffee in a bit.”

“Sounds great.” He stepped closer, and the two reached out for a somewhat awkward hug that lasted longer than Marc thought it should, but he liked how their bodies fit together. Marc rested his head on Benjamin’s shoulder and lifted it when he heard Donna’s voice from below.

“I’m bringing a tray. Can one of you come get it from me?”

Benjamin let go and their eyes met. He smiled and turned. “Sure thing, Donna.”

“Thanks. Is my lazy brother futzing with something he shouldn’t be and not showing you?”

“Oh, no… He’s shown me plenty already.” Benjamin looked over his shoulder and smiled.

“I’ll leave you boys alone. Dinner should be ready in a couple of hours if you’d like to stay.”

“Sounds great.” Benjamin turned back and took the tray to the chest of drawers Marc had been leaning against. “Is this the chap that made the discovery?” Benjamin picked up the frame.

“Yes, that”s Jed.” Marc felt the warmth in his cheeks. “I’m sorry about that hug, I didn’t expect it to last so long.” He didn’t know if he was saying it to Jed or Benjamin.

He placed the frame back and took a look around the room. “You weren”t kidding when you said she was a hoarder. I saw some items downstairs which could fetch quite a penny. But, this bedframe…” He walked to the opposite side of the room, pulled out some boxes, and inspected the slats and wood, nodding his head.

“Is that worth something?”

“It’s too soon to tell, but even if it’s not, I might be interested.”

Marc came up behind him. “The fabric is in these boxes over here.”

Benjamin turned to look at them. “Oh yes, these wools and linens will make my men very happy. And this cotton, we could make a dress for Donna.”

“This stuff? Isn’t that a brown chicken or peacock?”

“Yes, exactly. The women of the camp will die when they see it.” Benjamin laughed. “And this lace! You’ve got a goldmine in fabric.”

“This must have been from when Grammom got involved.”

“That makes sense.” Benjamin cracked his knuckles. “Let me show you how to make some pretty good money on eBay with these.”

They both reached for the same chair; Marc’s hand brushed over Benjamins and he reached for another. “Sorry, I’ll pull up this one.” Marc logged onto the computer, and they sat close. Benjamin leaned in to pull up eBay, and Marc could smell the woodsy, lemon scent of his aftershave.

“I can’t believe you’ve never used this before,” Benjamin said.

“I haven’t had to get rid of things fast.” But that was a lie, Donna had been to his house a couple of years ago as they cleaned the house and removed the memories that were too hard for Marc to remember. “I believe in yard sales, I suppose. The long hard sale, not the quick one.”

Benjamin chuckled and dropped his hand to Marc’s leg. “Have you taken pictures of any items? We can get them loaded.”

Marc attached the phone to the computer and uploaded a few. “These are from the living room.”

Benjamin’s hand lingered there. Marc felt the warmth, liked the pressure, and the next time he leaned in to type something, so did Marc, and he left a quick kiss on the back of Benjamin’s neck. He sat back in the chair.

“Did you just kiss me?” Benjamin turned in his seat.

Marc opened his eyes. “I did, I’ve wanted to since you showed up.”

“Oh, was this more than a show-me-how-to-use-eBay thing?”

Marc laughed. “No… I really didn’t know how to set it up. It’s just your cologne and your hand, and your body. And the other night, it just all rolled into a quick chance…”

Benjamin shut him up and pressed his lips to Marc’s. Their arms wrapped around each other, and they rose, stumbling from the chairs to collapse on the bed. “Is this too fast?”

Marc looked up into Benjamin’s eyes. “No, it’s wonderful. Kiss me the way you want to be kissed.”

“Oh, I’m a lip sucker and an explorer. There are so many places I’ve thought of kissing you.”

“Not just on my bed?”

Benjamin laughed again. “Not that kind of explorer. This kind.” He lowered his lips to Marc’s neck and left a trail of kisses to his ear, sucked on the earlobe before leaving a gentle kiss on his chin and nose. “Like that.”

Marc was dazed. He licked his bottom lip and said, “The ear… I felt flutterbyes again.”

“Butterflies?” Benjamin smiled.

“Yes, those too.” Marc took over and took the same trail that he’d experienced, only he ended at the ear.

Tasting and teasing, rubbing their bodies together like schoolboys discovering something new. They both grew inside their pants, and Marc reached for Benjamin’s buckle just as Donna shouted from below. “Hey guys, dinner’ll be ready in thirty minutes. Do you need any help?”

Marc’s hands froze on the belt. “I forgot we weren’t alone.”

“So did I.” Benjamin rolled to the side, his hand lingering on Marc’s crotch.

“We’re almost finished; we’ll be right down,” Marc shouted.

“We did load the pictures. How much harder is it?”

“I mean, I’m really hard. It’s going to be a bit before I can go down there.” Benjamin chuckled.

Marc laughed and sat up on the bed. “I fell right into that, didn’t I?”

“It was the kiss, and honestly, I’ve wanted to kiss you for much longer…” He pulled out his chair and they sat at the computer. “You just type in a description of the item, how much you want to actually sell it for, and how much you’ll start the bidding at.” A few strikes of the keys and four of the pictures were loaded and posted. “There, now she’ll believe us when we say we were actually working.”

“She won”t suspect anything,” Marc said.