A Letter

by Mr. David R. Dorrycott

the Usual Suspects Copyright Mr. Simon Barber.

Young Tina Humber, as was part of her duties today, stopped at the Meeting Island post office to pick up the SPQR mail. Idly she sorted through it before leaving the old British built brick building. Letters from families the Air Ambulance had already helped, one from the Songmark student Carmen Velasquez. This of course scented and addressed to her sister Alexia, and another large envelope from the Hospital. Then a touch of gold. Tina shivered at the well known British stamp, showing both Monarchs. A pang of homesickness came to the mink even as she found an open table in the buildings courtyard, setting down to read the letter.

Her very first clue that something was wrong came when she looked carefully at the envelope. It was in her mothers paw, which was very unusual. For their father almost always penned each missive, their mother signing below his name only after it was finished. That her mother had written alone, had something happened to father? Hurriedly she opened the envelope, taking out a single sheet of paper.

“My dearest daughter Tina” she read. “I have decided to write this myself, for I fear that your father and I are much at different ends of the path regarding this subject.”

Tina felt herself breath, then her father wasn’t injured, ill or worse, dead.

“You see, it is a very hard decision that I have taken, one any mother would find heart breaking. I have been placed into a position I simply can find no acceptable escape from. Yet I have spoken with the church several times. In the hopes that a path would be opened to me. None was. I have been made quite aware that what this female has done, I fear that her actions are beyond the Church’s ability to accept. She has been thrown out of the Church. Her name erased from the roles.”

“My dearest daughter Tina, my only daughter now. It is with a heavy heart that I have disowned your sister. She is, I fear, no longer a Humber. Her decision to be with a woman. Marry a woman. It is not acceptable to myself or any within my family. To ice the cake she chose a Mixteca woman. Therefore I have had her name removed all family records. Her passport as a Humber is official voided, as the family information held within it is no longer valid. I am certain that the local Consulate will issue her another. The Black Rose is your property only. This person mat not step aboard that ship under any circumstances.”

“Your father of course is not happy with this, however unless he desires a divorce, I have bound his paws in this matter. Should you desire to return home be aware that I have arranged funds to be available. Likewise, should you be selected for that school you so much desired to attend. The woman who was your companion upon this voyage, I fear she must now find her own way. For the Humber family shall release not one gilded farthing to her as long as she lives. I look forward to your letters my darling. Your loving mother...”

Tina felt hot tears fall from her eyes. They dappled the letter until she absently moved it aside. Her dear sister, whom she owed all things too. Her loving Alexia. Disowned. Her name stripped from her. What had happened? The last letter from father had been filled with delight that his daughters had found love. It was true that mother owned the lands, the funds. All business holdings. Father of course had married into the Humber name, taking it as his own. From things he had told her, Tina was quite certain that his own fortune was near enough mothers to make no difference. But mother controlled everything it seemed. And she had just thrown her oldest daughter to the slavers.

Standing, she almost threw the letter away. Only then realizing the impact that this would have upon Alexia. Upon her life, her dreams. It was with extremely heavy heart that she made her way back to the building that served as both hanger, and boathouse. There she found her sister cheerfully repainting the DUCK that was their source of employment.

“Tina. With the mail! Delightful” Alexia called when she saw her sister. Quickly cleaning her brush and sealing things, the older mink fairly flew across the room. “We have the new contract with the hospital” she nearly screamed as she saw the larger envelope. It meant more pay, for the Allthing had agreed to a budget for the new Air Ambulance and its two hard working employees. Opening the envelope Alexia read quickly, missing the look her sister gave her. “Real money” Alexia laughed. “Fifteen shells each a week, including our days off. Why, we can rent an apartment now.”

Only then did she notice her sisters silence. “Tina?”

Silently Tina held our the letter from their mother, letting Alexia take it from her paw. “You will always be my sister” Tina whispered, before running to the Black Rose to cry herself dry.

It was late that afternoon when a silent mink walked up to the gates of Songmark. Her worn purple work clothing announced to any who cared who she must be, but today she took no pleasure in the natives welcoming calls. Making her way to the gate Alexia waited until the feline there decided to finally notice her.

“Sapphic dorms on maneuvers. Won’t be back till Friday” the feline announced, a slight look of glee for being able to give such bad news in her eyes.

“I wish to speak with one of the Instructors, if you please. My name is Alexia Humber.” At least that, she thought, her mother could not take from her. Not in 1937. A hundred years ago yes, but not today.

It was then that the Songmark second year took careful stock of her visitor, easily reading the body language before her. “A moment” she decided, her mood changing. For something disastrous had happened to this fur. Whatever it was, this was not the time or place to let her own humor free. Picking up the gate phone she toggled the switch that rang a phone in the offices. In minutes one of her instructors was on her way.

Expecting nothing more than a love sick, or worried young mink, the hound known as Miss Devinski was shaken by how Alexia looked. “What is it child” she asked almost immediately upon arriving. Certainly there was nothing wrong with Carmen and company, in fact they were all doing quite well on their little boat trip.

“May we speak. Privately” the young British mink asked. Her voice was filled with emotion, emotion indicating some great disaster. Yet the hound had no idea what could be wrong. Certainly nothing unusual had arrived from England by Whitehall Express about Alexia’s family.

“This way” she answered, taking the shattered minks paw in her own. It was cold, shaking. “Carmen is quite well” she added as an afterthought.

“That is good. That she is well” Alexia answered without emotion, allowing herself to be guided to a small cove of shaded stones. There she sat without a word. In her silence she withdrew the letter that Tina had brought with her. “I will be withdrawing my application. In favor of Miss Tina Humber” Alexia explained.

Gently Catherine accepted that letter. From Alexia’s words, and her actions, whatever was in this missive was world shattering. At least for this young mink. Opening it, she realized in the first few words what had to have happened. By the time that she had finished reading her anger was barely under control. “Alexia Humber, your request to withdraw will not be accepted.”

Alexia sobbed, wringing her paws. “There is no Alexia Humber” she explained. “Not that one. She was never born. She never existed. So says Mrs. Humber, for she should know. I am another, who happens to share the same name.”

“Who would have started such a thing” Catherine demanded, her tail now bottling with anger.

“Does it matter? I must go now, for I still have employment. At least until the official news arrives. Then I guess it will be fishing, or farming. Anything until I may find passage back to Britain. I am still a British Citizen after all. I simply no longer have a family. I am quite certain that the British Consulate will replace my passport. This cannot be the first time something like this has occurred after all.”

“It does matter” Miss Devinski answered. “You are a potential Songmark Student. You have come in person to request official action regarding your application. I must have all information regarding this matter before I may make any decision..”

Alexia shook her head no, then took a deep breath. “If it matters” she continued softly. “It would have been Grandfather and Grandmother. They are still the family Patriarchs. Mother would have little choice. Abandon me, or be abandoned. In this matter, she at least saves Tina. Still it matters not. Though Tina has checked, all the funds we have for first term, and return transportation still exist. She has withdrawn it all, applying it to a new, joint account that mother cannot access. Still Miss Devinski. Even were we chosen, I could never pay the second term fees. Certainly not second and third years.”

“True, but are you not scheduled to marry Carmen at end of year? As I recall her family is quite wealthy. I am certain that she would pay for her wifes education.”

Alexia giggled, though there was no real humor in her voice. “Certainly. Marry for money. Isn’t that what every poor woman does? No Miss Devinski. I have already mailed a letter to Carmen. We will not be marrying. I will not see her again. I will not be one who hungers more for money than love. My contract is for fifteen shells a week. Tina has promised to loan me the money I will need for an apartment and deposit. Though until I have repaid Miss Humber I will have little money, I will at least have a bed. I am forbidden to touch the Black Rose, unless I desire to spend my days in a Poor House. Or worse. Tina’s grandmother is well aware that the Irish Sisters are always looking for Ladies who have lost their way.”

She struggled to her feet, swaying a bit. “I fear that this has struck me a rather difficult blow Miss Devinski. My dreams, such as they were, are gone. I must now rebuild my future. If the Hospital will retain me, I may at least continue to work on aircraft. If not, dear Miss Humber’s husband to be has promised to find proper employment for me. At least until I may earn enough for a ticket back to dear Britain. I am not a lost soul Mam. Simply rudderless at the moment. I will find my way. I am hurt yes, broken? Never. Thank you for your time. Now I must say good day.”

Carmen Velasquez nearly tore the administration offices door off as she entered. “Need Day Pass, please” she demanded. In her paw was a crumpled letter, one with a local postmark upon it.

“Denied” Miss Devinski answered instantly. “KP, the weekend.” She had arranged to have office duty at this time. It was better that only one deal with a complex problem. At least she didn’t have to keep up with Beryl Parkesson’s latest scam.

Carmen stood straight, her fur puffed out as though the room was filled with ice. “I... Must... I must see Alexia” she finally managed in a much more civil tone.

“What are you going to do Carmen. Force her to marry you” Catherine asked gently. “Put a gun to her head in front of a Priest, or Judge? Put the words in her mouth as a Ventriloquist does a dummy? I have already spoken with her. She is making a new path for herself. One that has no place for you, or Songmark in it.”

“Because family disown?” the anteater asked in shock. “For only that?”

Picking up a thin folder the hound showed it to the Mixteca anteater. Very gently she dropped it into the ash can beside her desk. “Miss Alexia Humber has officially withdrawn her application to Songmark. Withdrawn in favor of Miss Tina Humber. Carmen, you know the rules. Alexia Humber officially withdrew her application. We cannot consider her further. There are simply too many others wanting a place. That one withdraws, it opens a place for another.”

“Alexia Humber..” Carmen reached into her blouse, taking out a fountain pen. “I fix this then.” As the yellow furred hound watched in interest, Carmen recovered that folder. Opening her pen the anteater began to write, carefully going from page to page until she was finished. Setting the folder back on Miss Devinski’s desk Carmen closed her fountain pen. “Mrs. Alexia Velasquez kindly requests consideration to attend Songmark” the anteater announced gently.

“Any relation to a certain third year?” Miss Devinski asked as she picked up the file.

“My wife to be. But does not make difference. Is no plus to being related to Songmark student. It request only.”

“I see, but the signature, the dates. They do not match. I must hold this until these problems are corrected.”

“Is one week until Graduation, or boot to tale root yes?”

“One week.”

“In nine days I bring Mrs. Alexia Velasquez to office, to correct errors.”

Tapping the folder on one paw Catherine Devinski thought to herself. Then setting the folder down on her desk she opened a drawer, withdrawing her pad of passes. Though a third year needed none at this time, Carmen was a stickler for following the rules. When they benefitted her. “Until sunrise. There are several written tests I cannot allow you to miss. Carmen, though all the points are in, there is until the paper is in your paw, the ability to fail. Forcing this young lady to do anything. I warn you that you will fail. Do you understand?”

“Yes Miss Devinski, and I thank.” Carmen accepted the pass, slipping it into her pocket. She too was aware that it wasn’t like she needed one, not now. Not as a third year. Still it was a habit.

Putting her pad away Catherine looked up proudly at her student. “Twelve Greenline Lane. Apartment four. No telephone. She has nothing but one chair and a cot. Alexia is off today, she will be hiding there from you. Be gentle, though her sister supports her completely and without reservation, she is on her own now. And she does not want to become a gold digger. Know this too. Tina is much worried about her sister. She tried to withdraw her application today as well.”

“You refused?”

“I simply could not find it. We must have misfiled it somewhere. Perhaps in a few weeks I will stumble across it, yes?”

“Yes. Thank you.” Snapping a sharper salute than she ever had, Carmen Velasquez turned and left.

Watching her student vanish though the Main Gate, in fact the only gate in Songmark’s fence line, Miss Devinski reached blindly above and behind herself. There she snatched a folder from between two books. “Ah, I have misfiled this” she said to no one, dropping it on top of the other, now marked file. “Well, there is time next month to look over such things.”

Alexia looked up in surprise as the door to her tiny room burst open. “Carmen” she gasped, leaping from her single chair, then moving as far from that door as she could. “It was locked. How did you find me.”

Holding up a tiny pick Carmen shook her head no. “I tell you about cheap lock. You not listen. For other, seem Songmark knows everything.” She shut the door behind her, reaching for the chair that she then pushed under the knob. “Cheap lock worthless. I buy you good lock.”

“My letter...”

“Your letter. Your family. It is I who love you little minkie. I who want you my life forever. I not care about Britain. About family. I... Love... YOU!”

Her paws clasped before her Alexia shivered. “Carmen. I have nothing. No name. No lands. Not even good clothing. I am of no use to you.”

“You not gold digger either.” Carmen countered. “We plan marry long ago. You not walk out because this. You hate me yes. I lie to you, yes. I beat you? Well, maybe you deserve beating now then little minkie. I not care, I want you. Not some rich woman not know Rudder from Pitot tube. You hate me?”

“No.” Alexia sobbed. “I love you Carmen. But you want a girl who has Songmark training. Not... not a glorified desk jockey.”

Walking over to the shaking mink Carmen took Alexia’s paws into her own. “I rich woman. I pay your Songmark. You pay back, year after year after year. Scrub fuel tank, paint emblem, replace rivets. Warm bed. You not gold digger. If need, maybe I make you my pet. Train you be what I want. Buy nice collar and leash maybe. I want Songmark girl, so guess must send pet for special training. Yes?”

Alexia giggled. It was the first real laugh from her lips since reading that letter. “So. I will be your pet? After Songmark Mistress, what else will you desire me to learn?”

“To love me. To share life. To grow old together. To be buried beside each other. Alexia. I love you. Can you not love me?”

Looking up into the anteaters eyes Alexia shivered. “Oh dear Carmen. I can not not love you.”

“Then marriage still on? Day after graduate?”

Alexia’s entire body shivered, from the tip of her nose to the very tip of her tale. “Oh yes my love. Very much so.” She found herself moving forward, being enveloped within those wonderful, loving arms.

“Then day after marriage. Exhausted Mrs. Alexia Velasquez sign corrected application to Songmark. If not chosen.” Carmen giggled. “I send you learn belly dance. You entertain me yes?” She felt Alexia fold against her body, felt her relax. Probably for the first time in days.

“I will learn to catch fish with my teeth, if that is what you wish” Alexia answered.

Carmen smiled, reaching between them to lift the minks head. “Have until sunrise. So we go borrow hotel room” she whispered. “Cot never survive, yes?”

Alexia smiled, lifting her lips to Carmen’s. “Not for a moment” she agreed.