American Rails Chapter 4- The Smith Family Christmas

 

The Concourse of Union Station stood towering above our travelers. Jack shook Casey's hand and walked towards the awaiting Yellow cabs. He glanced at the newsstand. The day's headline always helped break the ice with Uncle Jim over egg nog.
Casey headed to the bank of phones and took out his ledger. "Stevens, this is Casey. You got any leads for me while I'm in town. Running a little short in Chicago. Might be here a few days. Be over at Annabelle's boarding house as usual." 

The Smith family Christmas tree awaited Jack.  Truly the end of the line from his Wabash Christmas train.  His brother and sister hugged him and asked how the year had been. 

“I can’t complain,” Jack said, “especially since I am here.  Got something for Jerry.”  Jack handed the wrapped Cubs jersey to his sister, Kathryn.  Jerry loved anything from Uncle Jack’s big city of Chicago.

    One time, little Jerry had gotten to ride the Chicago Surface Lines trolley with Jack.  “Tell me where we are going,” Jerry asked.
    “We are going to see a baseball game.” Jack said.  “The Cubs playing the Cardinals.”
    “Wow.”  They ate peanuts and sat in the summer sun.  Ever since, Jerry said, “When are we going to Chicago?” every time he saw Uncle Jack. 
    Jack said, “You can see baseball in St. Louis, too.”
    “I want to ride the trolley,” said Jerry.
    “We’ll ride it again,” said Jack.  “Next time you come and see me.”