Touching the Sky (22 page)

Carissa brought a loaf of bread and a knife and put them both beside her husband. She took a seat across from Malcolm and started to reach for the knife. “Would you like me to slice it? You seem very tired.”

He grabbed a hunk of bread and tore it off rather than cut it. “And you’re very annoying.”

She frowned and straightened in her chair. “I was just trying to show some concern, Malcolm. I know you’re working hard . . . at whatever it is you do. I just want you to know I appreciate your efforts.”

He sopped his bread in the gravy for a moment, and then looked at his wife. “Is that your way of tryin’ to get me to talk about my job again?” He purposefully lowered his voice to sound menacing. “Because if I thought you were startin’ that again, I’d have to deal with it here and now.”

“You know better than that,” Carissa said, seeming to lose some of her patience. “I was just trying to be nice.”

“Be nice somewhere else.”

“You don’t want me to keep you company while you eat?”

He pounded his fist on the table and almost laughed at the way she jumped up from the chair. “No. I don’t need company, and I don’t need your questions. Get on out of here. Go to bed. That’s where you can do me the most good.”

Carissa looked at him for a moment. “I know I’ve said it before, but you’ve changed. I thought you loved me . . . loved being with me. We used to have fun together.”

“And now we got a baby on the way and a town full of Yankees who don’t seem to know when it’s time to go home,” he said, picking up the knife to cut into the pork. He took a bite and found the flavor to be exceptional. Another time he might have given her a compliment, but not now. Not with her asking stupid questions and pestering the life out of him.

“Are you sorry that we’re having a baby?” she asked.

He could hear the sadness in her voice and instead of softening him, it only served to make him angry. In one move, Malcolm was on his feet. He raised his hand, almost forgetting the knife he held. Carissa’s eyes widened, and she backed up several steps.

Malcolm lowered his arm. “Now, get out of here like I told you. I’m hungry, and I don’t intend to listen to you nag me.”

A sob broke from somewhere deep in her and Carissa turned and ran. Malcolm wanted to be sorry that he’d made her cry, but he wasn’t. At least if she was scared and crying, she wasn’t here talking and whining.

He sat back down and finished the meal. The person he was really angry at wasn’t even Carissa. It was her sister. Laura had caused him no end of trouble. Every time she stuck her nose in their business, Carissa got mouthy and pushy. No doubt she’d been visiting her sister today.

There was also the problem of Laura’s beau. Reid was an absolute mystery to Malcolm. He’d tried on several occasions to get information on the man, but it was as if the lines had been cut. No one seemed to even know where he was living at this point. What kind of man was so paranoid he kept his bed and board a secret?

All of this, combined with Malcolm’s plans against the Yankee oppressors, made him more than a little paranoid himself. He knew he’d been followed that evening. He could feel eyes watching him, and it only served to stir his rage. Malcolm didn’t like folks in his business—especially now that the stakes were so high.

He pushed back the empty plate and got to his feet, then blew out the lamp and waited twenty minutes in the dark. He hoped that if anyone were watching the house, they’d figure he went to bed.

At the end of his wait, Malcolm pulled on his hat and slipped out the back door. He needed to see Jed Lanz and make sure that he’d rounded up enough men to help with tomorrow’s workload. He saddled his horse and rode toward town, making sure to stop before getting too close to the city. He tied off the animal and decided to walk the rest of the way. If he were being followed, it would be harder to track him afoot. Not only that, but if he remained mounted, there was always a chance the animal might be recognized. His dapple gray was a very dark color with a shocking white mane. Folks were bound to know to whom the horse belonged.

Heading down an alley, Malcolm kept to the shadows. He’d gone no more than a block or two, however, when he heard the unmistakable sound of footsteps. He stopped. The footsteps continued but grew more distant. Malcolm picked up his pace. He’d be glad when they got this job done. Once they managed to blow up the Union headquarters and kill off half the command, the war would be back in full swing. At least in Corpus Christi.

He heard it again—footsteps. Malcolm gritted his teeth and shoved his hand deep into his coat pocket. Closing his fingers around the wooden grip of his pistol, he breathed a sense of relief. The piece was like an extension of his hand, and Malcolm always felt better when he had a gun at the ready.

Stepping cautiously to the main road, Malcolm hurried across the street before weaving through a series of alleys. Lanz lived near the poorer white section of town by the water, but Malcolm wasn’t very familiar with the neighborhood shortcuts.

Coming at a dead run from the alley onto a main thoroughfare, Malcolm turned left and slowed his pace. If someone had been following him, he was sure to have lost them by now. He breathed deeply and felt his heart slow. He smiled to himself.

You’re getting mighty nervous for someone who knows what he’s doin’,
he told himself. He very nearly laughed at his foolishness when someone popped out from the corner of a brick building just ahead. Malcolm came up short at the sight of the tall man. The dim street lighting gave a face to his fears.

“You.” Malcolm scowled. “Are you followin’ me, Reid?”

Brandon Reid cocked his head to one side and smiled. “Why? You need following?”

I
’m so glad Mother thought to have this gown made over and let out,” Carissa said, giving the skirt a quick twirl. “Goodness, but I feel like the belle of the ball. This plaid has always been a favorite of mine.”

Laura was glad to see Carissa so happy with the dress. It was probably the only thing she’d been happy about since the night of her birthday party. She said very little about her life with Malcolm, but to Laura’s relief she’d not seen any more bruises on her sister’s frame. Still, that didn’t mean there weren’t bruises where no one could see.

“You look beautiful,” Laura told her sister. “And I’m so glad you decided to come with Brandon and me tonight. I don’t think you’ll regret it.”

Carissa sobered a bit and shrugged. “I was desperate to be out of the house and doing something other than staring at the walls. I am so often alone that I have even taken to reading.” She laughed. “Which you know has never been a pleasurable pastime for me. Although I must admit it keeps me from being too lonely now.”

Hearing a knock, Laura turned to Carissa. “Sounds like Brandon has arrived early.” She quickly glanced at her reflection in the mirror that hung over the fireplace mantel. Her buttery brown hair was perfect. Carlita had pinned it up on one side and allowed long sausage curls to drape down the other. She’d trimmed the arrangement with gold ribbon and pearls, and Laura felt like a queen. Perhaps Brandon would propose tonight.

She frowned. The nagging concern over his honesty with her continued to haunt Laura. She’d not had a chance to really ask him about his investigation of Malcolm. She tried to push the worry aside, however. Tonight the three of them were going to attend a Christmas party at the Sondersons’. The revelry of the season was muted by a lack of money and supplies for most people, but nevertheless, the Christmas spirit lived.

When Gaston entered the room, it was Tyler Atherton and not Brandon Reid who followed. “Miss, you have a guest. Mr. Atherton.”

Laura went to greet him while Carissa turned to the mirror in order to rearrange the ribbons in her hair. “Mr. Atherton, what a nice surprise.”

“The pleasure is all mine, Miss Laura. Goodness, but you look as pretty as a plum.”

She smiled. “Thank you. I love the holidays and find that the colors suit my mood.” She glanced down for only a heartbeat at the maroon velvet gown that had been trimmed in black. It was an older gown of her mother’s, but one that had been remade for Laura. The seamstress had done a marvelous job and Laura doubted anyone would even remember the dress in its updated appearance.

“Look, Carissa,” Laura said, “Mr. Atherton has come.”

Carissa nodded at the man. “You are most welcome here, sir.”

“Just call me Tyler, please. I can’t abide formalities.”

“Tyler it is,” Laura said. She wasn’t one to easily cast aside proprieties, but the holiday spirit put her of a mind to do so. “Our father isn’t home, so if you were hoping to see him, I’m afraid you will be disappointed.”

He looked down at his black suit and then back to Laura. She wasn’t sure, but he appeared rather nervous. “I actually came to see you. I realize you’re courtin’ Mr. Reid, but I wondered if you might accompany me to a lecture being given at the Episcopal church. I know it’s short notice, but I only heard about it myself this day. They’re having someone speak on Christmas traditions and I thought it might be of interest to . . . you.”

Laura was surprised at the invitation. Since he knew she was courting Brandon it seemed inconsiderate that he should invite her to go out with him for the evening. Even so, she couldn’t be angry with him. He seemed so sweet and sincere.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Ath . . . Tyler. We are just now waiting for Brandon to arrive and escort us to a Christmas party.” She saw the disappointment on his face and quickly went on. “However, we would be quite happy for you to accompany us. There’s plenty of room in the carriage, and I know the family wouldn’t mind at all if we were to bring an out-of-town guest.”

His expression brightened. “I’d like that. I guess I’m feeling a little out of sorts being so far from home.”

“I’ve not had to experience that myself, but I know it would sorely grieve me to be away from family during the holidays.”

Carissa muttered something from behind Laura. Turning, she could see that Carissa was searching for something. “What’s wrong?”

“Oh, I’ve lost an earbob. Goodness, but I can’t imagine where it might be. I can’t go to the party with just one.”

“Why don’t you go upstairs and borrow a pair of mine,” Laura said. “Brandon will be here any moment. Let Carlita know so that she might look for the earring while we’re gone.”

Carissa nodded and hurried from the room. Laura turned and asked Tyler, “Will you have a chance to be with them for Christmas? Do they live far from your ranch?”

“My family relocated to Dallas, and I hope to see them on my way back. The ranch is to the north of Dallas, but isn’t much just yet. The Comanche burned most of it to the ground, and we’ve been building a little here and there. It’s comin’ along, but hardly suitable for women. My ma and sister are quite happy in Dallas, so I doubt they’ll ever want to go back to the ranch. My grandpa might, but he’s gettin’ old, so it’s hard to say. And to answer your question about Christmas—well, I came down to fetch those two bulls Will and I purchased, but I’m hopin’ to reach Dallas in time for Christmas dinner. So long as those beeves aren’t too bent on misbehavin’.” He grinned. “Be a whole sight easier if there were a train I could just load them onto. I guess I’ll have to content myself with the fact that we can take them by ship to Galveston.”

“I did hear that plans are in the works for a rail line,” Laura stated, recalling something her father had said earlier. “As I understand, the government is eager to get Texas settled. They are encouraging folks to move west, despite our occupation of troops. Even so, Father tells me that the Federal Army in our city has mostly been as a show to the French, who are interfering in Mexico. I suppose they’re concerned with that threat more than with building railroads.”

“You are a very smart woman,” Tyler replied. “No doubt you are correct. Frankly, given talk of some Texans, I think the government might even be a little worried that we’ll take Texas back.”

Laura considered that thought a moment. “Do you think that’s even possible?”

“Anything is possible,” he said with a shrug. “After all, they didn’t reckon it was possible for Texas to be a Republic or a state to begin with. Folks figured this would stay a part of Mexico. This war changed a lot of people.” His expression sobered. “A lot of folks will come here to forget what happened back east, and those that already lived here will want to put the past behind them, as well.”

“As if that is even possible,” Laura said, shaking her head.

Gaston shuffled into the room once again. “Mr. Reid,” he announced.

Brandon stepped around the older man and stopped to admire Laura in her holiday finery. “You are without a doubt the most beautiful woman in all of Texas.”

Tyler laughed. “I’ll second that.”

The two men exchanged a glance. “Tyler, good to see you again,” Brandon said, extending his hand. “Have I interrupted something important?”

“Well, I had stopped by to see if your gal would come with me to a church lecture. Nothing untoward, I promise you.” He held up his hands and grinned at Brandon’s look of surprise. “But Laura has invited me to come along with you two and her sister. Would that be acceptable to you? I don’t wanna be steppin’ on any toes.”

Brandon shook his head. “My toes are quite safe. Is Will with you?”

“No, he has his wife and her young sister and brother to watch over, so I suggested what with Christmas around the corner, he ought to just stay home. Especially now. He’s gonna be a pa.”

“That’s wonderful news,” Brandon said, smiling. “Well, with or without him, you are most welcome to join us.”

“In that case,” Tyler said, looking at Laura, “I accept.”

The party was just the thing to divert Laura’s attention. She enjoyed the lively conversations and was delighted when she heard of families who were moving back to the city. With the onset of the war, the population had gone from several thousand to several hundred practically overnight. It gave Laura much joy to imagine Corpus Christi being restored.

The Sondersons had done their best to arrange the house in a festive manner. There were brightly colored stars hanging from the fifteen-foot ceilings and dozens of lighted candelabras positioned around the room. Mrs. Sonderson had brought in wagonloads of the dark red
flores de noche buena
, or poinsettias. The room was a delight to behold—like a lighted garden under the stars.

For a time, Laura lost track of Carissa. The last she’d seen her sister she had been talking with a couple of her old friends. But as more minutes passed with no sign of her, Laura started to worry about her sibling.

Beginning an earnest search, Laura finally spied Carissa sitting alone in a corner of the room’s alcove. She looked so sad—weary. Laura wanted to believe that the expectant mother was simply tired. She thought about going to her, then stopped. The last thing she wanted to do was to hover over Carissa, smothering her like their mother was wont to do.

Laura turned instead to a table laden with wonderful food. Brandon quickly joined her and offered to arrange her plate. Laura agreed and pointed to some little pieces of toasted bread. The Sonderson cook had decorated them with a variety of meats and cheese, and Laura suddenly felt quite hungry.

“I hope you didn’t mind my speaking with Mr. Sonderson. He had asked me some questions about Indiana, and I wanted to accommodate him.”

“Not at all,” Laura said.

“I was kind of surprised that Mr. Atherton came to call on you,” Brandon said, helping her to find a place where she might sit and eat.

“No more so than I.” Laura took her seat. “Jealous?” she asked with a grin.

Brandon handed her the plate and grinned. “Incredibly.”

“Well, there’s no need. I have eyes only for you,” she said, batting her lashes like a simpering belle.

Laughing, Brandon straightened. “I am relieved to know that. Otherwise I might have had to call Mr. Atherton out. Dueling has long been frowned upon, but I’ll do what I must to defend my place.” He let the words fade as he turned to go.

“And exactly what place might that be?”

Laura’s question caused him to stop and turn back to face her. He gave her a mischievous wink. “I suppose we shall have to better explore that query at another time.”

By the time Laura finished eating and participating in a few guessing games, she thought it might be best to see if Carissa was ready to leave. She was growing tired of the noisy crowd and figured Brandon and Tyler might well desire an excuse to depart. Laura located Carissa much in the same place as she’d spied her earlier.

“Are you feeling unwell? We can return home if you are.”

Meeting Laura’s eyes, Carissa shook her head. “No. I suppose I’m just reflecting. This time last year we were still at war, and yet I was happier then.”

Laura touched Carissa’s arm. “I know things are difficult.”

“He frightens me, Laura.”

She didn’t have to ask whom Carissa was talking about. “You were so right . . . about everything. I wish I’d listened to your cautions last summer. I know I’ve made a grave mistake in marrying Malcolm, but there is nothing to be done about it now.” She looked across the room at the festivities and tears came to her eyes. “I want so much to be happy. To rejoice in my new life and the baby . . . but I can’t.”

“But God is here to help you,” Laura told her. “You only need to turn it all over to Him.”

“I know that’s what you believe. I’d like to believe it myself, but I can’t. It’s just impossible.”

“Can’t or won’t?” Laura asked in a gentle tone. “I find myself often declaring a thing impossible, especially when I don’t want to put forth the effort to try.”

“But I doubt God would make possible a divorce,” Carissa said matter-of-factly, “and that is the thing I most want. Forgive me for saying so, but it’s the truth.”

“There’s nothing to forgive, you silly girl. I love you and I only want you happy.”

“I never imagined Malcolm would act in the manner he has—completely ruthless—always angry. The man is a complete stranger sometimes.”

Laura realized the time had come to tell Carissa the truth. She had to give the woman hope or she might well fall into even deeper despair. “There are some things you should know.”

Carissa looked at Laura. “Such as . . .”

“I don’t want to go into it here, but suffice it to say, there are things Malcolm has involved himself with that are . . . well . . . illegal.”

Carissa laughed in a harsh way that suggested she knew all about it. “Malcolm does whatever Malcolm wants. He doesn’t want me knowing anything about it, and he’s gone out of his way to make that abundantly clear. So legal or illegal, I won’t confront him.”

Laura nodded. “I would not want you to. But this is something you need to know. It may well give you hope of redemption.”

“How could it?” Carissa asked. “My redemption can only come in his demise.”