Back to Salem

by Alex Marcoux

  “I’ve hidden her things at the store. They are safe.”

  The following afternoon Daniel was sweeping at the store when he heard a loud bang at the front door. He turned. A group of men entered the store.

  “That’s him.” The local sheriff pointed at Daniel.

  Two guards quickly approached Daniel and stood behind him. “What is the meaning of this?” Daniel demanded.

  Another man approached Daniel and stood before him. “Goodman Daniel Johnson?”

  “Yes.”

  “I’m High Sheriff Corwin. I am here on behalf of a council that has been formed to investigate actions involving witchcraft.”

  “How can I help you?”

  “We have had complaints that indicate you have been practicing sorcery.”

  Me? But Daniel remained silent.

  “We are here to search the premises.” With this, two other men went to the storeroom.

  “May I ask what type of complaints you have against me?” Daniel asked.

  “There has been a complaint from the Osgoods, as well as a letter.”

  A letter? “May I see the letter?”

  “You may see the letter at your examination.”

  It wasn’t long before the two men returned from the storeroom with Rebecca’s crates. The evidence was set before High Sheriff Corwin. The sheriff opened one crate revealing the caldron, a double-edged knife, chalice, wand and book.

  “This is enough,” the sheriff said. He turned to Daniel, “Goodman Johnson I am taking you into custody until the court has examined the evidence against you.”

  There was a disruption at the door. Daniel saw John attempt to pass the guards at the entrance. Through the storefront window, Daniel also saw a crowd gathering.

  “I am John Price, Goodman Johnson’s lawyer. Let me through,” John demanded.

  The sheriff turned to John. “Let him through.”

  “I want to speak to Goodman Johnson, alone.”

  John was given five minutes. Two guards remained in the store—one at the front, the other at the stockroom—blocking both exits.

  John looked through the evidence that sat before them and then turned to Daniel. “You should have burned the damn things,” he said unsympathetically. “What have they said?”

  “Just that they believe I’m a sorcerer.”

  “I heard that there was another complaint. Did they tell you what it was?”

  “A letter.” Daniel turned away from a guard and whispered, “They haven’t mentioned Rebecca. Do they suspect her?”

  John shook his head, “I’m not sure. I don’t think so.”

  “Help me keep it that way.”

  “Are you mad? They’re going to hang you, Daniel.”

  “So be it. If it means that Rebecca is safe, so be it.”

  John hesitated. “Are you sure this is how you want it?”

  Daniel nodded. “Yes. Can you keep her out of this?”

  The front door opened and the sheriff interrupted. “Your five minutes are up.”

  The guards moved to Daniel and they started removing him from the store. Daniel reached for John’s arm. “Can you?”

  John finally nodded. “I’ll try.”

  Daniel was escorted from the store. Outside, a large group had formed. He was directed toward a wagon and sat in the rear bed. A group of well-dressed men were talking next to the prisoner’s wagon. Daniel was surprised when he saw the familiar face. His distinguished look gave him away. Jacob Bradbury’s and Daniel’s eyes remained locked on each other until the horse and wagon pulled Daniel out of sight.

  Rebecca was surprised when she saw John ride up to the house that afternoon. She greeted him outside as he dismounted from his horse.

  “Hello, John. What are you doing out this way today?”

  John tied off his horse, avoiding eye contact with her. “We need to talk, Rebecca.”

  “That sounds serious.” When John finally looked into her eyes, her smile disappeared. She knew something was wrong. “Oh my god. It is Daniel. What’s wrong?”

  John took one of her hands and directed her toward the bench on the side of the house. “There is something wrong. It’s terrible.”

  “What is it?”

  “Daniel has been arrested.”

  “Arrested? For what?”

  “Witchcraft.”

  “Witchcraft? Well, that’s ridiculous.” She stood, now taking one of his hands. “Let’s go. We need to make everything right.”

  John remained seated.

  “John, I need your help.”

  “I understand…Daniel and I have already talked about this. He wants to take the responsibility.”

  “But you know I would never allow him to do that, don’t you?”

  “I know you’re just as stubborn as he is. Daniel has asked that I protect you from any suspicion. So I certainly cannot take you there, if you’re just going to confess.”

  “Fine. Then I’ll just have to do it myself. Where did they take him?”

  “I can’t tell you.”

  “You know I will find out.”

  John sighed. “What if I arrange a meeting between the two of you? That way you can hear Daniel’s position. But you must promise not to disclose any information about…you know…what you do.”

  “You don’t approve of my spiritual beliefs. You never have.”

  “Spiritual beliefs? That’s a strange way of defining devil worship.”

  “John, I do not worship Satan. I fear Satan.” Rebecca sighed. She knew this was not the time to explain or defend her beliefs. “I need to see Daniel. Can you arrange it?”

  John studied Rebecca but did not respond.

  “I promise, I will not say anything about witchcraft.”

  “I’m going to Salem Town. I’ll make arrangements for a visit and try to learn more about the evidence against him. I’ll be back tomorrow, mid-morning. Will you be all right tonight?”

  Rebecca nodded, “Of course.”

  Chapter 8

  It was dark. Daniel thought it would be daytime, but he couldn’t tell from the absence of windows. Cool stone walls surrounded him, except for the wooden panel door that was slammed behind him the evening before.

  Daniel moved toward the faint light slanting through a grate in the door. He could see only the pierced-tin lantern that hung in the passageway, casting eerie flickering shadows.

  He paced the dirt floor of the tiny cell. The stench of human waste penetrated his every breath. A thin blanket lay on the straw-covered bench in the corner; the previous evening it had offered no comfort from the dankness of the cell.

  Occasionally Daniel could hear the cries from women in the torture cell across from him. At times, he could hear the scurry of the rats that dwelled within the cell. Most of the time, he could hear his heart beat within him, and, sporadically, he heard the voices. Nobody was there, yet he heard voices and wondered if he was going mad. It started when he tried to pray the evening before. In his meditation, he heard the voice of a woman at first, then a man. Then he could have sworn he heard Rebecca. Although he realized it was impossible, he found her voice comforting.

  That morning when bread and water were passed through the barred opening, he was told that his lawyer was visiting that afternoon. Based upon the growl from his stomach, Daniel was hoping to see his friend soon.

  Finally, he heard someone approach. Instead of passing more bread and water, a guard said, “Back away from the door and stand against the wall.”

  Daniel obeyed, and the door was jostled opened. A smile came to Daniel’s face when he saw John enter, but he ran to Rebecca when she came into the cell. The guard’s pike quickly brushed against his chest.

  “Against the wall, I said,” the guard repeated.

  Daniel complied and stood against the wall, with eyes fixed upon his wife. After John and Rebecca were in the cell, the door abruptly slammed shut, and Rebecca was in Daniel’s arms. They kissed.

  “We don’t have much time,
” John interrupted.

  With arm around his wife, Daniel turned his attention to John.

  “Daniel, the plan is to have an examination of the evidence on Monday. If there is sufficient evidence against you, you will remain imprisoned, until you stand trial at a later date. I see you got the blanket.” John pointed at the blanket that lay upon the straw.

  “Yes,” Daniel said.

  “I also paid for your bread and water; did they feed you?”

  “Yes, John. Thank you.”

  “I won’t allow this to happen, Daniel. I’m the one who should be here. I’m prepared to stay now.”

  “No. I won’t allow it, Rebecca. Please don’t do anything foolish,” Daniel objected.

  “I would have to agree with Daniel on this,” John announced. “I’ve been able to review the evidence against Daniel. Rebecca, I believe if you turn yourself in, both of you would stand trial.”

  “But Daniel never did anything. I can tell them this, and make it right.”

  John shook his head. “The problem with it is twofold. First, based upon the Osgood’s complaint, they already suspect you, Rebecca. But their complaint is vague. It claims the two of you meddled in their lives and knew things that you could not naturally know. It’s only speculative evidence and they’re using it against Daniel right now. The decisive argument is a letter sent to the special council. It claims Daniel is a wizard and used unnatural means for personal financial gain. It doesn’t implicate you at all, Rebecca. My concern is—if you turn yourself in, they won’t release Daniel and both of you will stand trial.”

  “I can’t have you do this, Daniel. I would rather take the chance.”

  The guard approached the door grate. “Your time is almost up.”

  Daniel looked at John. “Can I trust you to protect her?”

  John nodded.

  Daniel turned back to Rebecca. “I don’t want to spend this time arguing with you. I love you, Rebecca. It will be all right.” He always could find strength while looking into her eyes. “I need to share something with you.”

  “What, Daniel?”

  “I’m hearing voices,” he whispered. He didn’t want his friend to hear. “Do you think I’m going crazy?”

  Rebecca smiled. “You hear the spirits,” she said. “Listen to what they tell you.”

  “I hear your voice, too.”

  “You’re hearing my thoughts, Daniel. You have a gift,” Rebecca smiled again.

  Daniel did not want John to hear their conversation, so he changed the subject. “Do you know who I saw yesterday, at the store, when they arrested me?”

  Rebecca shook her head.

  “Jacob Bradbury.”

  “Jacob?” Rebecca asked.

  John overheard. “Bradbury? You know Jacob Bradbury?”

  Both Rebecca and Daniel turned to John. “We have met him,” Daniel said. “How do you know him?”

  But there was a loud bang on the door and the guard instructed Daniel to move against the wall. Rebecca was silent as she followed Daniel to the wall. The two looked into each other’s eyes, Daniel seeing something he had not seen before. Taylor? He thought. He saw a familiarity he had not seen before. Are you Taylor? He asked in his head.

  Then, he clearly heard Rebecca’s voice in his head, “Yes, Jessie. It is I.”

  “It’s time to leave,” the guard said.

  She turned to the guard. “One moment, please?”

  He was obviously annoyed, but nodded.

  Daniel’s eyes searched Rebecca’s. “What does this mean?” he asked.

  “I told you once before that we’ve been together in other lifetimes,” she whispered.

  Daniel nodded.

  “It’s time,” the guard interrupted.

  Rebecca placed her lips gently on Daniel’s and kissed him, then whispered in his ear. “Just remember, all time is one.”

  Daniel’s and Rebecca’s eyes remained on each other until the solid wooden door slammed shut between them.

  All time is one? What does that mean?

  Rebecca and John did not speak very much all the way back to Andover. Rebecca’s mind raced, trying to identify ways to get her husband released. Then she remembered Jacob.

  “How do you know Jacob Bradbury?” Rebecca asked.

  “Jacob is one of the six members of Governor Phips’s special advisory council to hear witchcraft cases.”

  “Really?” What a coincidence. “If Daniel went to trial, would Jacob hear the case?”

  “Perhaps, but he certainly would be involved in the examination, to determine whether there’s sufficient evidence against Daniel. How is it that you and Daniel know Bradbury?”

  “Oh, I knew his family,” Rebecca lied. “Do you think it would be a good idea to talk with Jacob?”

  John shook his head. “I wouldn’t. Not while there’s a proceeding against Daniel. It would be a conflict of interest for him.”

  “I guess you’re right,” Rebecca said. “John, how do you feel about all of this?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I know Daniel’s your best friend, and I know you don’t approve of what I do.”

  “Daniel and I have been friends a long time. He has always been there for me, I just want to be there for him,” John said. “I don’t approve of witchcraft. It seems ironic that Daniel has asked that I protect you from yourself.”

  Rebecca detected a note of bitterness in John’s voice. “I know you’re hurting. I’m sorry that I’m contributing to it.” She placed her hand over John’s, and gently squeezed it, “Don’t worry, John, we are going to get him out.”

  “But not at your expense.” He softened. “I gave him my word.”

  When John and Rebecca arrived in Andover, John wished Rebecca good evening, then he said he would be back on Sunday afternoon. They planned to go to Salem Town for Daniel’s examination on Monday.

  After John left, Rebecca made preparations for her trip the following morning. Rebecca knew she needed more information about her adversary. That evening before she went to bed, she spent hours in meditation, focusing on Jacob Bradbury.

  It was still dark that Saturday morning when Rebecca mounted her horse. She was dressed in Daniel’s trousers and shirt. The clothing was very baggy on her frame, but she had a long trip ahead of her and knew it would be more comfortable and permit faster travel than a dress.

  Rebecca hoped she would remember her way into Boston and the way to the Bradbury’s property. Whenever she came to a fork and was not sure which direction to go, she would close her eyes and let the spirits guide her and they never failed her. Early that morning she arrived at the homestead.

  Rebecca took a deep breath then knocked on the Bradbury’s front door. The door opened and Elizabeth peeked out. She did not immediately recognize Rebecca dressed in men’s clothing, with wind-blown hair, but then she saw Rebecca’s crystal blue eyes. The door opened a little more, “Why, is that you, Rebecca?” Elizabeth asked.

  “It is indeed, Elizabeth. I’m so sorry to intrude…but I was hoping I may talk with your husband.”

  Elizabeth eyed Rebecca’s attire.

  “I apologize for the clothing. I’m not with Daniel. It’s a long ride from Andover. I wore something that would be more comfortable.”

  “You’re not with Daniel? And you rode all this way by yourself? You must have been out before first light. Please, come in.”

  As Rebecca was escorted to the familiar sitting area she could hear Jacob from upstairs call down to his wife. “Elizabeth, there’s a horse out front. Is someone here?”

  “Excuse me,” Elizabeth said. She left Rebecca in the sitting room, and in the foyer called upstairs to her husband. “Yes, Jacob. Goodwife Johnson is here to see you.”

  Rebecca detected a note of tension in Jacob’s voice when he called back. “Who?”

  “You know. Rebecca Johnson. She and her husband visited last weekend.”

  There was silence. Then Rebecca heard footsteps and whispering in th
e foyer. Moments later, Jacob walked into the sitting room. The sparkle in his eyes that Rebecca remembered was now gone, and the color was drained from his face.

  “Goodwife Johnson, what can I help you with?” he asked.

  “It’s about my husband, Daniel.”

  “I don’t think you should be here.”

  “Jacob!” Elizabeth was surprised at her husband’s rudeness.

  “Goodwife Johnson…Rebecca, do you know who I am?”

  “I know that you will rule on whether there’s sufficient evidence against my husband on Monday.”

  “Then you should not be here. I must ask you to leave, now.” Jacob went to the foyer and opened the door.

  Elizabeth just watched with her mouth opened wide in astonishment.

  Rebecca looked at Elizabeth, then at Jacob through the doorway. “I know about Ann.”

  Now Elizabeth could not remain silent. “What about Ann?”

  “I know that Samuel and Mary Osgood are Ann’s true parents.”

  “Oh my God,” Elizabeth gasped.

  “Is this blackmail?” Jacob asked as he inched back into the room.

  Rebecca shook her head. “No, sir. I just want justice. My husband is innocent; I’m the one who is a witch.”

  Elizabeth stepped away from Rebecca.

  “And I am supposed to believe you?” Jacob asked.

  “You have an innocent man imprisoned. And it’s his love for me that will stop him from telling you the truth.”

  “How do I know it is not you who is trying to protect the guilty?”

  “It is I who found out about Ann and was able to find you last week.”

  “You weren’t looking for your aunt?” Elizabeth was shocked.

  “I’m so sorry. I didn’t want to lie. The truth is—when the Osgoods claimed that Ann was stolen—”

  “Stolen?” chorused Elizabeth and Jacob.

  “Yes, stolen. The Osgoods claimed that Ann was stolen and…my heart ached for them. I just wanted to help them. I have…gifts. I am able to see things, hear things, feel things, sometimes…just know things. I know now that I completely misread them. I had asked the spirits to help me find Ann for them, and that is what led me to you. But when Daniel and I met you, we knew something was not right. Daniel asked Samuel Osgood if he knew you and he went mad.”