The Bastard Son (Winds of Change Book 2) (22 page)

* * * *

Falling in step behind Leckie, Katy entered her sister’s Charles Town home. The library door swung open wide. Time was of the essence. General Durham waited impatiently for their return at his headquarters.

“Your faith in me is overwhelming, Bruce.”

A huge London-made clock chimed seven o’clock. The room sat in dim lighting as the dark burgundy velvet curtains hung down over the windows blocking whatever sparse sunlight from entering the room. Katy lit some candles, unsettling the ominous shadows. The clock ticked loudly.

Bruce cocked his dark eyebrow. “You would be surprised to find what I thought of you.”

Katy glanced back slightly, but was in no mood to banter. She looked at the hundreds of books upon the shelves. She pondered for a moment and reached up, but she wasn’t tall enough.

Leckie came beside her. With his two hands solidly around her waist, he lifted her. She reached her objective. She pulled down a huge book and pointed to the vacant spot on the shelf. “It should be there.”

Eyeing the space, he said, “It is a locked container. You wouldn’t happen to know where the key would be.”

“Katy! Colonel Leckie!” Randa’s voice echoed in the small walls. “What are you doing? Carrying on your liaison within William’s library! Have you not shamed the family enough with your behavior?”

With only an act of total will did Katy ignore her sister’s comment, but Leckie had no such restraint. “And you believe it is your sister’s behavior that has shamed your family?”

Randa stood there in the middle of the library. The candlelight reflected off of her beauty that couldn’t be denied. She was dressed in a lovely pale blue night robe whose decorous trim outlined her figure to perfection. Her hair was brushed and hung loose down her back.

By everything good! Katy realized her sister had prepared for a lover this night. Katy wondered who it was, for she knew it wasn’t General Durham.

Randa’s manner cooled toward Leckie. “You haven’t answered me, sir! What are you doing within my husband’s library?”

Katy exchanged looks with him, and then turned to Randa. “Do you know where William keeps his key?”

“What key?” Randa feigned ignorance. Her temper swelled. “I believe I must ask both of you to leave.”

Leckie released his grip upon Katy. He moved toward Randa in the most intimidating manner. “I am here on the King’s business. I would wager my next month’s pay you know exactly what we are looking for. If you don’t produce the key immediately, you will face the same fate as your husband. Is that what you intend? Are you willing to stand as Sumner’s wife did and proclaim undying love for your husband? Willing to die for that love to protect him?”

Randa made no movement. He took note of her silence.

“Try me. If you think we were willing to sacrifice an innocent, what do you think we would do to one who sat back and knew what her husband has done? Willingly accepting the blood money from such ventures! I’m certain you helped him in obtaining information. What do you think your husband will say upon his arrest, and make no doubt upon it he is being detained as we speak!”

Randa stared straight at Katy. Hatred streamed forth from her eyes. “Upon your word, I won’t be held for anything. It will seem that I helped you obtain this knowledge?”

“You have my word. You will have to contend with your own conscience!”

With reluctance, Randa walked over behind the desk, opening the side drawer and lifting what seemed to be the bottom. She held a key in her hand which Leckie yanked from her. The next moment, Leckie held the papers he’d sought in his hand.

* * * *

Katy stayed the night in Charles Town in the house that once had been Rebekah’s grandfather’s. The home now served as General Durham’s headquarters.

She had fallen asleep upon the sofa in the drawing room, but woke upon a commotion in the foyer. Staring at a closed door, Katy didn’t know what to do. Bruce had entered into General Durham’s office upon their arrival and had remained.

She wondered briefly if he had forgotten her. Lying in the morning light, her own conscience surfaced within her. Had she betrayed her own family with her actions? Randa was her sister! Besides her parents, Katy hadn’t any other family. She had reacted to her instincts with what was right.

Oh God, pray let it not be that I sought revenge upon my own sister!
She sat up, pushed back her hair and straightened her dress. Katy swallowed hard. She would have to face this day, but she would think of the future tomorrow. There would be few options for her. Perhaps she would go and live with a distant cousin in Boston.

Randa’s behavior had been scandalous, but she had a husband that had wealth and status. Randa would endure the scandal that was about to descend upon her. She would find one who would believe her a victim.

Katy…she was a marked woman, but she only had herself to blame. She was the one who had gone to Bruce openly. Oh, what was she going to do? She prayed…more than she had in such a long time.

Jane’s face haunted her. How could one she had only met once bother her so? Katy marveled at the woman. To have faced her fate so bravely.

What had she faced? A disloyal fiancé? Her heart had been broken…but now, what of Bruce? She was so confused. She knew only that she needed him to protect her from the eyes of Charles Town that would label her a ruined woman.

He had made no promises, but took what he wanted. Though, he wasn’t the one that crossed the line…she was. She could never imagine that Bruce would abandon her. What would he offer? To be his mistress? Some would point out she already was.

Katy shook her head, knowing she couldn’t accept the situation, especially after Randa’s utterance. She had never meant to embarrass her family. The words had hit their mark. She would go to her parents and beg them to take her back.

A sudden urge to see her mother overcame her, a longing for maternal protectiveness. Since Ernest died, her mother only harped upon her: her mother only harped upon her:
You will be fortunate, Katy, to ever meet a man who will want to marry you with your attitude! You run them off
.

She only wanted to be held and sheltered against the pain that grew within her, be told everything was going to be okay whether it was or not. She wanted her father to have shown some compassion toward her and anger toward Ernest and Randa! Instead, she had received indifference.

“Everything will work to its end, Katy,” her father told her. “You will meet another. It is better to keep this lapse of behavior within the family. There is no need to blacken the name of one who died for the cause and, of course, your sister.”

Ah, yes, it always came back to Randa! It always had. So Katy laughed, danced, and smiled. When she finally rebelled, Katy wondered if her father would ever forgive her.

His precious Randa could well be known to bed with General Durham, but how could that be held against the misfortunate girl? So beautiful, and Katy could well imagine he told himself she did so only for her family. Sacrificing herself to keep her family safe and, Katy thought bitterly, profitable. Never let it be said her father passed up an opportunity to make a profit.

From the foyer, words were uttered rapidly…and loudly. Her heart raced and she rushed to the window. A British unit had readied for departure. Where were they going? Katy opened the window to hear.

“They left in the darkness well over two hours ago. They were ordered to stay within Charles Town. He’s going after his brother and Meador. I don’t know if we are for support or to stop the massacre he has on his mind.”

“Benny…”

Katy’s heart raced.
Bloody Benny!
He was after Sumner and Jane. Was the unit going after them as well? Suddenly, Katy clutched to the railing of the window. Sitting, leading the unit, General Durham was upon his horse. Directly beside him…Bruce.

His mouth opened dictating an order, but she couldn’t hear it. Her gaze didn’t leave him until he disappeared down the street.

He left her without a word! Not one utterance. Katy’s mouth trembled slightly. Her eyes watered. Gone was any illusion she held that she might have meant something to him. With extreme measures, she tried to contain herself. She had to leave. What had he expected she was to do?

The house had quieted. She moved toward the door, opening it slightly. She couldn’t face anyone. She sighed. No one was within the foyer. Katy smoothed down her dress and stepped out, but she hadn’t gotten beyond a few steps until a masculine voice called out to her.

“Miss Landor! You have wakened. I didn’t know if you—”

She lowered her gaze, hoping the man wouldn’t see her tears which she swept away. “I was leaving. I didn’t realize that I had been left. I should—”

“Miss Landor, where are you going?” he asked. “Oh, pray excuse my manners. I’m Lieutenant Owens. Colonel Leckie has assigned me to look after you until he returns.”

“Assigned to me?” Confusion rang within her. Was she herself under arrest? “I don’t understand.”

“Colonel Leckie told me to offer you his apologies. He had no time. He had to react immediately. I was told—”

“Thank you, Lieutenant. If you could help me back to my parents’ home, I would appreciate it.”

“No, ma’am. I’m sorry. I’m not making myself clear. I have my orders. I’m either to set you up in a room here or take you back to Elm Bluff. I have already requested your belongings.”

“My belongings? From my parents? What is going on?”

“The colonel was concerned you wouldn’t listen to his request to return to Elm Bluff. Excuse me for being blunt, but he thought you might be concerned about your reputation. General Durham said if it was an issue, to place you in protective custody. I’m afraid you have no choice, Miss Landor. With all that is happening, they were concerned about your safety.”

“I have no choice?”

“No, ma’am. Colonel Leckie said he will settle everything with you when he returns and make everything right, but for now, you won’t be allowed to talk with any of your family.”

“If I have no choice, then I will go to Elm Bluff.”

“I will make the arrangements. It should only take a few minutes.” Lieutenant Owens nodded his head and disappeared out the front door.

Katy wiped back her tears once more. Bewilderment swept through her, but she wouldn’t resist. She couldn’t do so to Bruce. The thought comforted her that he made arrangements for her, but his intentions perplexed her greatly. There was nothing she could do at this time but return to Elm Bluff and wait.

Howling wind and rain beat against the cabin. Sumner eased out of Jane’s hold. Something wasn’t right. He could feel it.

Stepping into the outer cabin, he left Jane asleep in bed. The logs in the fire cast slowly changing shadows over the walls, giving way to a false sense of peace. It didn’t last.

The door opened and rain spattered inside. Joseph entered, not bothering to take off his wet hat, dripping water on the wooden floor.

Immediately, Sumner reached for his rifle. There was trouble.

“Benny’s on his way. Seth just rode back in. He spotted him,” Joseph said. “I told you it would not be long.”

The news left Sumner numb. Instinctively, he glanced back at Jane through the open door, thankfully still sleeping. The boy, Hugh, rose from the pallet on the floor. His eyes widened.

“There’s no time for anything, but to make a stand,” Joseph declared solemnly. “He’s a few miles up the road. I have no doubt he knows exactly where we are. He must have sent scouts out. Damn! One of my men must have betrayed our location. If I get my hands upon—”

“It makes no difference now.” Sumner grabbed his boots. In swift movements, he stood. He had no choice but to wake the women. He swung back to Hugh. “Wake, Molly.”

Hugh jumped up immediately. The next moment, Molly was tying a wrap about her waist. Sumner hadn’t even seen her enter. His gaze fixed upon Jane.

He had never been a man who gave in to his emotions, but an urge so powerful swept through him. It took everything within him to contain them.

Sumner looked over at Molly. He didn’t need to tell her what was happening. Her eyes said well she understood.

“Do whatever it takes to protect yourself and Jane, Molly. If we aren’t successful,” he hesitated, “if….” He paused again. He had to take control of himself. There was no time. “If all else fails…” He reached to his waist and withdrew his pistol. He had his rifle and knife. “If all else fails, use this. He will have no mercy. I will leave enough powder for another shot. Molly, you don’t want…”

Her hand reached to him, her voice low and soft. “I understand, Sumner. Trust me. I will do what is necessary if the need arises. Pray to God it doesn’t.”

* * * *

If Sumner remembered nothing else in his life, he would remember her face when he told her Bloody Benny had come. Jane said nothing as if in this moment in time all was understood. There was no need for words.

She made no protest when he told her he had to leave. She leaned up to him and kissed his lips.

“Come back to me, my husband,” she whispered. She had no tears in her eyes. There was nothing more to be done.

Sumner pushed back his fears. He had no illusions what they faced. There would be no surrender upon either side this night. With every breath he had, Sumner would fight as he had never fought before. Sumner nodded back to Joseph and followed him out the door.

* * * *

Sumner positioned himself in front of the cabin behind an old elm tree. Joseph stood to his back, unsure which direction the assault would occur.

The rain had broken. The clouds in the dark sky began to spread, giving way for the moonlight. As they had for the last hour, the two men waited. Sumner stretched his arm, uncomfortably conscious of the quiet of the night-shrouded countryside. He watched for any sign of movement.

One of Joseph’s men eased up to the two. He withdrew quietly.

“There has been no movement forward, Sumner,” Joseph said tensely. Silence ensued once more. Then in the darkness, Joseph began talking, as if it was important for Sumner to hear…to understand.

“It was strange. I had knowledge of Hanging Rock Creek and its people. I suppose somewhere it had been mentioned of Jane’s existence, but she had never called attention to herself. The family was known for its hard work. They had a large farm and tended to it mostly by themselves. Old Man Kilmer had a family living in one of his houses on his land that helped in the fields. The woman served as his housekeeper.

“As many, the old man wanted only to left alone, but if pressed I would have to admit he leaned toward the King. He didn’t see the need for the call to change. This independence that so enthralls you. He especially didn’t see the need for violence.

“I had been on a recruiting mission along the Georgia border. My venture must have become common knowledge and my small group was ambushed along the road to Bluffort. I took a bullet in my thigh and chest, barely missing my heart. I didn’t see who or where it came from. I remember only waking upon the ground, struggling to the road. The two I rode with lay dead.

“A young boy, Reese, found me and gave me aid. When I awoke in a strange bed, the most beautiful girl was caring for me.” He paused, swallowing hard. “It is a shame that this war has taken so much…so much has been lost. The innocence of the land…its people. Jane was that innocence, but in truth, all the family was innocent. They didn’t understand the cruelty of this godforsaken war.

“She was, is, so trusting…pure of heart. I couldn’t believe my good fortune. She held my love on first sight. Kilmer was leery at first when I asked for her hand. He loved her greatly, but it was agreed I would let her stay with them until this war was over.

“If only I had married her without hesitation, but I had only one thing to take care of before I settled down, and it was that matter that cost me dearly.

“Revenge! It is a powerful force that eats within you, drives you until it consumes you. Benny had wanted to seek revenge against the one we believed had murdered our father and brother. When I returned to camp, Benny had the proof he needed. I rode with him.

“I think back now. In truth, I wonder if there is really any revenge? Is it not borne of a desire to return to the time when your loved one walked this earth? It brings back nothing and can cost your soul.

“Killing…there has been too much of it. I think back to when Benny and I were children. He wasn’t as he is now. He has been filled with hate and rage far too long. It has worn against him, and I fear he will never return to his former self.

“If he defeats us, he will have no mercy, more so with me than anyone. He takes on any excuse as justification for the anger that lives in his heart. Take his obsession with you and your loved ones. It was only because he had taken revenge against everyone else upon his list. If Benny hadn’t run into you again, he would have found another to remember an offense against. And after you, he will find another he perceives has offended him. He doesn’t need much to fuel his fire.”

Joseph stopped for a moment, hearing a noise. He gave it a minute. An owl swooped down from his perch. He breathed out deeply. He sat motionless for minutes before he spoke again. “I have only myself to blame for losing her. Instead of returning and marrying her, I chose to inflict my revenge. In that, Benny and I were successful. We carried it out together. It never occurred to me what Henley had in mind.” His voice wavered slightly, but he continued as if he needed to say the words out loud. “When I discovered what was occurring, it was too late to save the family, the good people who had saved me. I managed by the grace of God to save Jane.

“I told myself I had done everything I could to protect her. She was in such a state. I denied for too long that it was I who had failed her miserably, and I lost what was most precious to me.”

The words, though, resounded through the darkness. Joseph turned his head back to Sumner. “She loves you. You gave to her what I could not. I can see that now. I want only to see she is safe. Give to her the happiness I couldn’t, and I will leave her alone. You have my word, if we live through this.”

“It is my intent,” Sumner said. What else could he say? He understood well the urge within for revenge. He couldn’t say he wouldn’t have done the same. Joseph didn’t know the details of his own life. Had Sumner not sought it for his own father’s death? He wondered briefly if the roles could have been reversed. Now, though, his mind focused upon only one purpose and it was to survive this night.

Sumner wiped back the droplets of water dripping from the trees off his face. He was having the devil of a time keeping his rifle dry. He had never been a patient man. To sit in wait for an ambush—he didn’t like it. Sumner liked more so being the aggressor; the one doing the hunting.

By God! What were they doing? Didn’t they know approximately where Benny lay? By all that was good in this world, if he was going down, he would do so in his own manner. Sumner spun around to Joseph and hit his arm.

“Why are we waiting? Where is he?”

“It isn’t his manner. He attacks quickly and precisely. What’s he doing? Trying to instill fear,” Joseph said, frustrated.

Sumner thought dutifully for a moment. His expression altered with the thought. He actually looked pleased with the news. He uttered under his breath. “He must have split up his men. He’s waiting for their return.”

Joseph turned and stared upon Sumner. He nodded slowly. He understood the look within his eyes. “If you are thinking of striking before he attacks, it might actually work. He would never suspect we would do such a thing. He has lived upon his reputation of the fear he has disseminated throughout.”

“It is my thought. We have to be quick,” Sumner spoke in a low voice. He glanced back at the cabin. Sudden fear wrenched his stomach for Jane. He would be leaving the cabin unprotected, but it was the only chance they had.

* * * *

Sumner eased slowly over the landscape. The woods were wet from the rain, which allowed a quieter advance. Joseph’s man, Seth, led the way through the woods. Sumner’s apprehension had lessened. Sumner had been doubtful at first when Joseph proclaimed his men were ready to change allegiance.

Joseph said that many had begun to lean toward the cause for a while. Then this opportunity arose and they grasped hold, but even the few who stayed loyal to the crown, hadn’t alarmed any of the possibility of Jane’s escape.

For that, Sumner would be eternally grateful—that was if he survived. The men were seasoned, more so than many militia groups Sumner had been with and at this moment, the unit showed no fear in engaging Williamson.

He dodged under a branch. He had gone no more than ten minutes or so when he heard sounds…a man was breathing hard. Sumner’s heart raced. A scout for Williamson had caught wind of their attack!

His right hand closed on the hilt of his knife, and he whipped it out quickly. He rushed through the undergrowth. The man had stopped briefly to catch his breath. His head down listening for sounds. He didn’t hear Sumner coming behind him. In one swift motion with the blade, the man lay motionless upon the ground without uttering a warning.

Sumner glanced around. He didn’t care that blood covered his pant leg. The sun rose, giving an eerie glow to the forest around him.

Glancing around, he found Joseph at his side. Joseph nodded to Sumner’s left. Sumner immediately saw what had Joseph’s attention. Bloody Benny stood no more than a few yards from their position.

From this view, Sumner straightway assessed their adversary. To his right, four men stood huddled together, talking. To his left, there were at least five, maybe six, rubbing down their rifles. Bloody Benny stood beside another, giving directions, pointing to the southeast. Joseph eyed Sumner.

There was no time for a plan of action, only reacting. Joseph waved his arm over his head, signaling to his men. In the next motion, Joseph stepped forward. Sumner stepped beside him, using Joseph’s body to block Benny’s view of him.

Benny looked formidable as he drew up to full height. His eyes hardened upon the sight. “Jesus Christ!” There was a vicious undertone in Benny’s voice. “Brother! You have arrived. Let me make you welcome.”

Sumner saw it first. Benny pulled his pistol upon his only brother, readily and without hesitation. Sumner sidestepped Joseph. He lunged toward Benny, clamping both hands on the muzzle of the pistol. He jerked hard and the pistol tore out of Benny’s fingers, falling within the underbrush.

From his view, Sumner could see Joseph’s men attack the others. Someone came from behind Joseph.

“Joseph!” Sumner called out, but in that moment Benny responded and rushed at Sumner. Desperately, Sumner wrenched back out of range of the fist aimed at his head. Benny cursed when the blow missed its mark. Sumner hurtled the full thrust of his bulk at Benny. Benny swore and threw himself into Sumner. Sumner fell back upon the ground, but he kicked Benny back forcibly.

Benny regained his footing as Sumner stalked close to him. Benny hurled his fist. The blow landed sending Sumner sprawling on the ground. Sumner’s hand felt something hard under his hip—his knife. Sumner sprang up, pulling the knife from his belt and swiftly plunged it deep within Benny’s stomach.

A gut-wrenching cry emerged. Sumner felt warmth gushing out over his hand. Clenching his teeth and shuddering, he pulled the knife out and another cry uttered out.

The sun rose higher giving light over the field of battle. He stumbled somewhat backwards, keeping a wary eye on Benny, who was writhing in pain. Benny clenched a blood-drenched hand over his stomach. He looked slowly up at Sumner, his eyes radiating pure hatred.

“We have them—all.” Joseph walked up behind Sumner. “Three of his men lay dead, the rest prisoners. We have no casualties.” Joseph slowly bent down to his brother. “Benny, lay back. I will see to you.”