Chapter 2 - The Motel Keys

This is a fictional work protected by Author Copyright.
It is offered here for reading even though it is not a finished polished work.

Chapter 1 was posted previously.

The Motel Keys
Chapter 2

It was a sunny day in June 1964, Frank was on the parade square as usual for the morning calisthenics. He had finished his time in the Canadian Army and was waiting to muster out. While he progressed through the exercises, he thought back over his time in the army, for the most part, it was good and he enjoyed it. He learned a lot and became skilled in combat, both armed and unarmed. His latest assignment was instructing new recruits in weapons at HMCS Cornwallis in Nova Scotia. Frank was skilled in all types of small arms and an expert marksman. He missed his family and the family farm on the Alberta prairies and was ready to go home; all he needed was ‘the word’. It could come any time, maybe, today.

"Conlon, front and center" commanded the Warrant Officer. Frank snapped to attention and marched out of the squad to face the Warrant Officer. "You're mustering out today so get your gear and report to the Quartermaster.

"Yes, Warrant." Frank snapped as he popped to attention. Frank turned and double-time marched to his barracks to get his gear. The time had come after four long years in the Canadian Army, he was going home and he was looking forward to it. He liked the army well enough but decided it was not the career for him and he wanted to be closer to his family. He had joined just out of high school when he was eighteen. He wanted some adventure and to get out of Redcliff. The army offered him a way to do it. He wanted to see more of the world than a small town on the Alberta prairie.

He liked the army and all the new things he learned. He liked how they challenged him and strengthened his character. He liked using the equipment and the weapons. He became skilled in most things. He was adept at hand-to-hand combat. In all, he made a good soldier but decided he did not want to make it his life's career. A lot had been changing in the world outside while he was in the army and he wanted to be part of what was happening.

The army normally arranged travel on The Dominion, an older trans-continental train but Frank persuaded the Quartermaster to book passage on The Canadian, the newer trans-continental passenger train. Frank paid the difference in the fare and paid for sleeping accommodations. It was just over a four-day trip and he wanted to be comfortable. The Canadian departed from Toronto going west. From Halifax, Frank would travel on The Atlantic Limited to Montreal, about twenty-three hours from Halifax, and from Montreal, he would take a day coach to Toronto.

The Canadian was new with its sleek and shiny stainless steel cars. The Dominion was dark and dull with its old worn dark wine coloured cars. The Canadian had new Dome cars where passengers could sit and look at an all-around view of the passing landscape and the sky.

The two trains leave at the same time from the opposite coasts, the westbound from Toronto and the eastbound from Vancouver, British Columbia.
Frank caught the bus from the base to Halifax. It was an easy hike over to the CPR station carrying his only luggage, an overstuffed duffle bag. The station was busy but he did not have to wait long before boarding time.

Frank found his section at the rear of the sleeping car easily enough. The ticket agent said he had the section all to himself. Frank dropped his duffle on the floor under the window and settled into his seat. It was about fifteen minutes to departure, so he stayed sitting looking out the window and occasionally watching as other passengers boarded.

An elderly couple made their way to a section close to the front. A family with four young children claimed two sections across from each other in the middle of the car. A few other passengers claimed other sections.

By eight o'clock, the departure time, the car was only half-full and Frank was anxious for the train to get started, then came a clatter from behind him and he heard the Conductor call "ALLLLL ABOOOARD".

He was on his way home. It was a good run to Montreal and Frank enjoyed the occasional views of the St. Lawrence River. The run to Toronto was a busy commuter route. The coach car was crowded.

In Toronto, he had some time before The Canadian departed but it was not enough time to do much. When he finally boarded the trans-continental, Frank settled into his section and hoped for a quiet restful trip home.

He was just nodding off with his head against the window when all the commotion started.
Frank looked around the wall of his section and saw frazzled young woman holding a crying baby with a scared youngster with wet red eyes clinging to her leg and their bags in a pile on the floor. The train started moving slowly and silently. The Conductor told the woman to move along as he lowered the platform gate to cover the stairs. The dazed woman moved slightly and appeared confused. Frank got up and offered his assistance. The section across from his was empty so he guided the woman and child to it and went back to get her bags. The Conductor followed Frank and stopped to ask the woman for her tickets, as he waited for them, he explained that the woman almost missed the train. Fortunately, Frank had guided the woman to the right section. After checking the tickets, the Conductor moved on through the car. Frank offered his assistance to the woman and introduced himself as he tousled the sandy hair of the youngster while he waited for a response.

The woman shifted the crying baby to the other shoulder and meekly smiled. "I'm Mary Clarke. This is Gordy", Mary said as she pointed to the youngster clinging to her knee with her skirt wrapped in his hands. The baby's crying slowed to a whimper, "and this is Colleen”, as she patted the baby's back.

"Pleased to know you", Frank said as he shuffled the bags around and under the seats. "I'm seated across from you, if I can be of any assistance feel free to ask". With that, Frank returned to his seat, not wanting to make Mary and the youngster uncomfortable, he turned to look out the window. He could hear shuffling around and Mary's quiet voice as she comforted the children.

Within a few minutes, the train was out of Toronto and passing through the Ontario countryside. As he sat taking in the view, Frank thought back about the last few years. He did not really want to join the army. He used the army as a way of leaving home and getting out of Redcliff. Once in the army, he enjoyed what he was doing and all the training he had gone through. He was young and foolish when he made the decision, but looking back it was a good decision for him. Now, he was returning home a mature man, comfortable with himself and life.

Frank had missed the open expanses of the prairie and small-town life. He did not think he would, when he left, but time has a way of changing a person's thinking. He was looking forward to seeing his family and the town again.

With his head leaning on the window glass and lost in thought, he was oblivious to his surroundings. He heard a soft voice say, "Excuse me" but it didn't register in his mind. He continued leaning on the glass and blankly staring out the window.
"Excuse me” the voice slowly sunk into Frank's consciousness and he shook himself out of his daze and looked up. Standing over him was the young mother.

"They're sleeping. May I sit down?" Frank looked across the aisle and saw the two children lying on the seats. He motioned for Mary to sit opposite him. He noticed that she sat down with grace and poise. She locked eyes with him, which made him feel uncomfortable, until she smiled.
"I want to thank you for your assistance, I appreciate it." Mary said as she brushed her strawberry hair from her eyes.

"Oh, it was nothing. I'm glad to help. In case you don't remember I'm Frank."
"Oh, I do remember your name, thank you." Mary smiled with a slight Irish brogue to her soft voice. "You see we just barely made it onto the train, our taxi was late and it was hard managing the bags with the children. The Conductor had already called 'All Aboard' as we came out of the station. He grabbed my bags and threw them into the car, and then he hustled us up the steps as the train began to move he jumped on. Your help was most opportune."

Frank found Mary charming and likable.
Mary continued, "We’re going to Calgary to be with my parents for a little while. My husband recently died in an explosion at the base in Petawawa." Frank remembered hearing about the accident where three of four soldiers had died. "My husband was training with explosives when the accident occurred. None of them had a chance. His body will be shipped to Calgary in a few days."

"Please accept my condolences; my offer to help still stands. I just finished four years in the army and I am returning to my home town, Redcliff."

"Oh, another Albertan, it's good to meet someone from home. I've been among strangers these last two years." Frank saw Mary start to relax as if he was a familiar friend.
"Would you like a glass of water?" He offered and got up as Mary nodded. Frank went to the water fountain and filled a paper cup for Mary and one for him. The two of them sat quietly while they drank the water. Mary looked over to admire the sleeping children and Frank's eyes followed. They were darling children while sleeping.
"They're lovely children." Frank complimented.

"That, they are. It’s been hard on them this last couple of weeks. I was so busy taking care of affairs and had to take them along with me because I had no one to leave them with."

"Well, now you have four days to relax." Frank reassured Mary, who let out a deep sigh and visibly relaxed. "How old are the children?"
"Gordy's three and Colleen's nine months.
"Quite a handful?”

"No, not really, they're good kids and I love them dearly." Frank could see the love in her eyes for them. Gordy stirred from his sleep and looked through bleary eyes to find his mother. When he saw her, he slowly slid off the seat and moved over against Mary's legs. Mary hugged him and rubbed his head.

"Gordy, I want you to meet Frank. He is riding with us on the train." Gordy gave a shy smile then turned to place his face in Mary's lap while he peeked at Frank with one eye.
"Hi Gordy, I'm Frank, I'm glad to meet you." Gordy slowly turned his head and looked at Frank as his mother said, "It's okay, Gordy." Frank reached out his hand and Gordy slowly took it and gave it a shake.

"Frank's going to Calgary like us,” Mary told Gordy.
Gordy's eyes brightened, "Are you a cowboy?"
The question stunned Frank for a moment, and then he replied, "Well, yes, I am when I'm at home on the farm."
"You have horses?" Gordy asked excitedly as he moved to stand next to Frank's legs and look into his face with anticipation.

"Yes, we have horses." Frank answered as Gordy climbed up on the seat and snuggled up against him. Mary smiled. Frank was a little shocked. He had not been around little children for years and was uncomfortable around them. He rested his arm behind Gordy and looked at Mary unsure what to say or do. Colleen stirred and Mary crossed the aisle to take care of her, leaving Gordy with Frank.

Frank turned to the window and watched the countryside slip past. Gordy just sat there not saying a word. If anything, he pressed in closer to Frank because Frank could feel his side get warm and sweaty. The reflection on the window showed that Mary had finished changing the baby and was putting her to the breast for feeding. Self-conscious, Frank adjusted his position so the reflection disappeared. He could hear Mary speaking softly as she tended the baby. He was comforted too and slipped into a snooze.

Frank woke when Gordy stirred saying, "Mom, I have to go." Mary looked at Colleen who had just fallen asleep and she did not want to disturb her taking Gordy to the washroom.
"Would you mind?” Mary asked softly as her eyes pleaded with Frank.
"Huh?" Frank was not sure he heard right, was she asking him to take the boy to the bathroom?

"Would you mind?", as she nodded her head towards Gordy, "He has to go."
"Oh! Oh! Uh! Yes." Frank answered, as he flustered about the request. Frank got up as Gordy slid off the seat. "It's back here," as he pointed to the rear of the car. Frank opened the washroom door to let Gordy pass under his arm. He hoped the kid could manage on his own because he did not relish the thought of helping. Frank leaned against the sink relieved that he did not have to help. He could hear the tinkle and rolled his eyes. He was lost in his thoughts until he heard a soft "Excuse me" coming up from down by his knees. He looked down and Gordy was standing there looking up at him with a serious look on his face. "I have to wash my hands. Mommy always tells me to wash my hands after going."

"Oh!" Frank was surprised that he did not think that the kid needed to wash his hands and moved to make room at the sink. Gordy washed his hands carefully though he made a weak effort at drying them before reaching for the door handle. As Frank saw him struggle with the heavy door, he saw that Gordy's shirt was not tucked in properly. "Wait a minute, Little Man" as he knelt down to adjust the little boy's clothes. Gordy's moist hand was cool as he grabbed onto Frank's hand on the way back to their seats.
"Mom, can I see the train?"
"Not now, Colleen's asleep." Mary replied tiredly.
"Frank can show me the train." Gordy pleaded as he looked up at Frank.
"Sure, if it’s okay with your mom?" Frank replied as he thought 'Oh, great', he didn't want be babysitting the kid. He wanted to take it easy on the way home, this kid and his mother were complicating things.

"It would be really nice as long as you don't mind?" He did mind but she had enough problems already without Frank adding to them so he adjusted his attitude. They had taught him in the army to make the best of situations.
Frank swallowed hard, "I don't mind."
"Good." Gordy said as he turned and started running towards the front of the car.
Frank glanced at Mary, "I better get going."
Mary replied "Enjoy" as Frank hurried away.

Frank caught up with Gordy at the door to the platform between the cars. The door was too heavy for Gordy to open. "I want to see the dome car." Gordy exclaimed as they entered the cool and noisy space between the cars.
The next car was another sleeping car, next was the bedroom car with its narrow passageway along the side. They wobbled a bit as the train lurched and swayed. Gordy loved the unsteadiness and laughed when he wobbled. The next car was the dining car. The stewards were busy setting up for lunch. Gordy stopped to peak into the noisy steaming galley. "Phew" he commented as he turned to rush through the rest of the dining car.

They entered the dome car and Gordy stumbled up the stairs in a rush. Frank followed. Gordy was up at the front standing on a seat when Frank caught up to him.
Gordy was excited as he looked all around. "I can see the whole train."
As Frank came near him, the other passengers smiled at Frank. Frank gave a weak reserved smile back at them.
Gordy's excitement rubbed off on Frank and he started to enjoy being with the little guy. After Gordy tired of the view, he jumped down and said, "Let's go to the front" as he headed for the stairs. Frank followed smiling at the other passengers.
The next couple of cars were seats like on a bus. People turned and smiled as Gordy rushed by with Frank in pursuit. They reached the baggage car and could go no farther so they turned around.

Back in their own car, Gordy tried to tell is mother what they did and saw but his excitement mangled his words. Mary smiled and nodded up at Frank and whispered "Thanks." It took a few minutes for Gordy to settle.
Frank sat in his section thinking about being with Gordy 'it was not bad and kind of fun'. They all sat quietly until the Conductor came through announcing supper was being served.
"Will you join us for lunch, Frank?" Mary asked as she got up and picked up Colleen. Frank got up and took Gordy's hand. They led the way as Mary followed.
Gordy sat next to Frank at the table with Mary across from them as the countryside whizzed past the windows.

The steward took the orders from the two choices offered. Their meals with delivered in a few minutes. They made small talk over the meal. Mary revealed more of her life and Frank told her a little about his life. Gordy was interested in the farm and horses. Frank found himself becoming comfortable around them and really liked Mary. She was nice and good looking too. Quietly his mind wandered off considering what a relationship with Mary would be like. She was nice but he was not ready for such a commitment.

After supper, they returned to their sections. Mary laid Colleen down to sleep and got out some small toys for Gordy. Frank let Gordy play in his section while he visited with Mary. After supper around eight o'clock, the porter came to make up the berths. Frank helped Gordy to the washroom again while Mary fed the baby. They settled in for the night. Frank fell asleep thinking about Mary.

At six in the morning, the porter came through announcing breakfast for seven o'clock. Mary took Gordy to the washroom and got him dressed while Frank watched Colleen. Then, Frank watched over the children while Mary went to freshen up. She came back looking very attractive. Her strawberry done up nicely with wisps hair framing he face. Her face was fresh with pink cheeks. ‘God, she is beautiful,’ Frank thought.
"I'll meet you in the dining car in a few minutes." Frank said as he went to freshen up.
While they were at breakfast, the porter set the car back to daytime use. Frank and Mary got their stuff ready for the day.

It was a long day hanging around the station especially with a three year old. Frank never kept so busy keeping some one entertained. And the walks, if he walked about the station once with Gordy he did it twenty times. It would take about two and a half days to reach Alberta. By this time, Frank was much more comfortable with Mary and the children so some people thought they were married. They did not try to explain, they let the people think what they wanted.
The journey west was much the same as the first day. The train rolled along relentlessly as miles and miles of countryside rolled past. Gordy was more content to play around in the sections to Frank's relief. He did not want to spend the whole trip following Gordy from one end of the train to the other. They did make one trip to the rear of the train to the lounge car.

Children could only visit the car during the day. Big windows wrapped around the end of the car giving an all around view to the rear. Gordy was fascinated watching the tracks follow behind and stretch into the distance. Gordy enjoyed the going up to the dome where the whole train could be seen stretched out like a silver snake winding though the countryside. The steward asked Gordy if he wanted to do some coloring. He led Gordy to a small alcove with a table and set out some crayons and outlines pictures of trains. While Gordy colored, the steward folded a cardboard image into a model of the train's engine. After about a half hour Gordy picked up his picture, and the engine. He beamed with pride as he showed them to Frank. Frank urged him to thank the steward as they left to return to Mary.

The rest of the trip was uneventful except for one incident. A drunken man had stopped Mary as she returned from the washroom. Frank didn’t know what was happening until he heard Mary’s distressed voice coming from the other end of the car.
“No, leave me alone.” He hear her say.
He rushed to the end of the car and found Mary trapped in the narrow passage by man who Frank quickly determined was drunk. He was trying to get Mary to kiss him. Mary was trying hard to break away. Frank grabbed the man’s shoulder and spun him around. He pushed the man against the bulkhead looked him straight in the eyes as he said tersely “Leave her alone.” The man was apologetic and blubbery. Frank pushed him along the passage and ordered “Don’t bother the lady again.” The drunk slunk back to his own car. Frank supported Mary as they walked back to their seats. She felt so nice and warm so close to him and so soft. Frank liked that.

The rest of the journey was pleasant. Frank enjoyed Mary and the children. His mind often thought of a relationship with her.
Gordy was intrigued by the flatness of prairies especially Saskatchewan. To Frank it felt like he was home again. He really did miss the prairies.

They were up around six in the morning. Frank got ready for his departure. They would arrive in Medicine Hat around nine or ten. As they got closer to Medicine Hat, Frank was feeling a little regret, he had come to like Gordy and his mother and would miss them. They exchanged addresses and Mary promised to write. She had an aunt and uncle in Redcliff and promised to visit sometime.
As the train approached Medicine Hat station, Mary said to Frank, "Thank you so much for your help especially with Gordy."

“It was a pleasure. Take care of yourself and the children." Frank told her.
Mary crossed the aisle and gave Frank a hug and a light kiss of appreciation. Frank did not expect it and felt flustered. He could hear the Conductor get the car stairs ready for disembarking. The train slowly ground to a halt with squealing brakes and a low rumble moving slowly through the cars.

"Goodbye, Mary." He said as he knelt down to Gordy’s height. "Goodbye, Gordy."
He reached his hand out so Gordy could shake it but Gordy pressed in for a big hug. There were tears in Gordy's eyes when he pulled away. Frank could feel his eyes get full to where a warm tear would drop at any moment. This was new to Frank after all he was a tough soldier and did not really like little kids but Gordy grew on him. Frank grabbed his duffle bag and departed making sure Mary did not see his weakness. A tear slipped down his cheek as he stepped onto the station platform. He wiped his eyes with his hankerchief, then moved so he could wave goodbye through the window. Mary sat holding Colleen as she looked out at Frank. Gordy stood peeking over the windowsill. He was crying softly with his hand against the window reaching out towards Frank. Frank could see tears in Mary's eyes as she waved. A tear or two broke from his eyes as the Conductor yelled "Allll Aboooard!"

He stood the for a moment watching the train depart. As it crossed the bridge over the South Saskatchewan River, Frank heard someone calling
"FRANK, FRANK." Frank turned. It was his brother Charlie. Frank quickly wiped his eyes.