by Jerri Hines
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.”
“Don’t touch me, traitor! Watch me die and live with it upon your conscience!” His venom spewed forth, but before Benny could utter another word, Sumner heard horses. Had Benny’s men returned? But another thought raced through him as the horses rounded the bend of the woods. British soldiers!
Joseph and Sumner exchanged looks. Sumner called, “Run back. Take Jane! I will hold them off!”
“We aren’t running from anyone,” Joseph said squarely. He motioned for his men to take a defensive stance, but as he uttered so, Sumner caught sight of Benny edging toward the undergrowth. Too late, Sumner realized Benny’s intention.
Instantly, Sumner realized he was the target, too large and too close to miss. Benny gritted his teeth, smiling through his own pain. Benny extended the pistol toward him. Sumner started to reel out of the way, but it was too late.
From the corner of his eye Sumner saw Joseph launch himself between him and Bloody Benny hard and fast. The pistol discharged, hitting Joseph at close range. He doubled over with the bullet striking him soundly in the stomach. Immediately, a shot rang out from a distance. Benny fell back upon the ground, dead. A straight shot to the head.
Rushing to Joseph, Sumner glanced up. Colonel Leckie lowered his rifle and leaped off his horse, joining Sumner. Joseph dropped to his knees. Sumner could hear the clamor of commotion behind him.
He didn’t care. He caught Joseph as he fell backwards. Joseph’s breathing became labored; his face paled. He reached up to Sumner with a blood-soaked hand. Clear and strong above the clamor, Sumner heard Durham’s voice giving commands, but his attention stayed with Joseph.
Joseph coughed and tried to talk, but no sound was made. His hand clambered to Sumner and clenched at his shirt. Sumner clasped the hand tightly.
“It is well, my friend. Jane will live because of you. She will know and keep it within her heart always.”
Joseph swallowed. He tried to smile. Sumner and Leckie glanced at one another. There was nothing anyone could do.
God, why do I feel so helpless! Sumner grimaced.
Joseph endured a fit of coughing. Sumner held his shoulders up trying in vain to give a semblance of comfort. Joseph struggled to gain a breath. “Tell her,” he uttered in a feeble voice. It was all he could manage.
“I will tell her everything,” Sumner said. “But she knows already. You could see within her eyes she doesn’t hold anything against you.”
Released was the guilt within him, Joseph’s manner eased. He gulped a final breath and was gone. Sumner slowly laid the lifeless body down upon the ground. Joseph’s face looked peaceful as Sumner uttered a prayer over him.
* * * *
Standing, Sumner sighed. The impossible had been accomplished, Bloody Benny had been defeated, but now what the hell was he going to do? Joseph’s men had been disarmed by the British who held them all within their power.
The answer was quick and swift. With a white flag for truce waving in the breeze, Elijah rode up into the turmoil.
Elijah was met quickly. He handed over a letter, which was given without hesitation to General Durham. He didn’t wait for permission and made his way to Sumner’s side.
“We rode through the night and have only just arrived at the cabin. The women are safe.” Elijah glanced down at Joseph’s body and Benny’s not far to the side.
“I don’t know what has happened here, Sumner, but Colonel Shelby is here with his whole unit. But do my eyes deceive me…one unit holding another within the British holds to them. Will it help to know that we have everyone surrounded?” Elijah glanced back at General Durham. “It eases my mind to know it is Colonel Shelby that holds control.”
Chapter 20
The line of thunderstorms dissipated far to the northeast, breaking way to an eerie stillness. There had been no noise of a battle. To Jane’s surprise, the men had disappeared with no indication of where they had gone.
Molly admonished Jane to lie down. “You need to rest, Jane. The news won’t change with leaning against the window. We will know soon enough. All we can do is pray.”
“Pray?” Jane asked. Her eyes widened with the pain held within them. “To whom would you have me pray?”
“God.” Molly walked over and rounded Jane’s shoulder with her arm. “It isn’t for us to understand, but to live our journey. Life is full of hurts, Jane. It is only for us to live.”
Jane nodded. Her eyes flickered over the kind woman. How could she question her? Molly had known pain. Jane reprimanded herself. The poor woman had lost everything and she still clung to her beliefs.
Jane had not lost everything, not yet. Oh, the nausea overwhelmed her again.
The trepidation for herself had been replaced with fear for Sumner. The look within his eyes when he left—he didn’t think he would return. Jane tried to still the thumping of her heart.
There was hope. Hadn’t Sumner’s militia unit arrived to save them all? But Sumner wasn’t here. He had gone to face her worst fear—Bloody Benny. She feared him even more than the gallows.
When Hugh had run in exclaiming the militia was here, she felt as though her heart would explode out of her body. Jane had prepared for the worst, but hope resurged once more. To her horror, her legs weakened and she collapsed onto the floor.
Jane woke to find Sumner’s commander in the cabin looking down at her as she lay in bed.
“Colonel Shelby, ma’am. It’s good to see you,” he said as Molly sat beside Jane and held her hand. “I have explained everything to Mistress Dawes, but I wanted you to know that the skirmish is over. There has been a complication. The British have also arrived. I go now to negotiate the situation.”
“Sumner?” she whispered.
“He is alive,” Colonel Shelby stated, but from his tone she understood well that his fate was in doubt. “Before I leave, you need to be aware that it may become necessary to remove you quickly.”
Her world went white around her. Molly pushed back Jane’s hair from her face. “We will be prepared, Colonel.”
On his departure, Jane’s eyes once more welled with tears. “I wish I was as you are, Molly. I’m so scared. I don’t know what I will do—”
