Destiny's Temprtress

by Janelle Taylor

  Pike lit a cheroot that he had purchased in Wilmington. He had become weary of polite banter about families, properties, and businesses. He knew this man was eyeing him intently, and he wanted to learn why. He leaned his chair back on its two rear legs, and asked, “You think Miss Greenleaf is safe traveling with this Major Stevens?” he inquired as he scrutinized Simon. He noted that the man did not seem afraid, even surrounded by so many Confederate soldiers, but something was awry…

  Simon smiled too genially. “I’ve been trying to tail them for her protection, but Stevens moved too swiftly after their last stop. Don’t worry about Shannon. She could beat most men with guns, knives, sabers, or arrows. She can also outride and outfight most of them.”

  “If she’s in no danger, why are you tagging along to help her?”

  Simon grinned again, turning sideways in his chair to prevent Pike from staring into his face. He chose his words carefully. “Because of Stevens. He’s a different breed of Union agent. He’s smart and he’s fearless. You witnessed his skill and cleverness during his capture. I was told he surrendered to you. I said Shannon could best most men, and Stevens isn’t average. Too bad he sided with the Union. When you searched Wilmington, you didn’t find any clues to their whereabouts?”

  Pike caught the challenging inflection in Simon’s voice as the man spoke. He decided to test his veracity and knowledge. “I didn’t ride into town after I left my men. I rode around searching areas that might appeal to a man who wanted to disappear for a few days. The storm slowed me down. I had to hole up in this shack for hours. I was tired and hungry and soaked. I figured the rain had washed away any tracks, so I returned to camp early this morning. It’s my guess they’re heading for Raleigh and Fayetteville. Stevens got an eyeful here, so I’m certain he’ll want to return to the Yanks as quickly as he can. I could be wrong; Wilmington would be the perfect place to hide. If we weren’t pulling out for duty in the morning, I would head there and search for her, with General Moore’s permission. Like you, sir, I don’t trust this Major Stevens. And I would like to see her.”

  “You think I should ride into Wilmington and look for her there?”

  “If I were you, that’s exactly what I would do,” Pike responded.

  Simon forced himself not to glare at the deceitful officer as he silently raged. The fool should realize he and his men knew about his futuile search there—or was it his clever ruse to mislead any pursuers? Clearly, Shannon and Blane had not headed for Wilmington. This Pike was a liar! Was he also their accomplice, another Union agent? “You said you’re from Charlotte, Lieutenant Pike, but you talk Western, like Stevens. He’s from Texas. You know anyone over Charlotte way who would hide them?”

  “Haven’t been home since this war began, so I wouldn’t know about suspected Union sympathizers. The authorities in Wilmington might be able to answer that question when you get there.”

  Sunday morning, when General Moore and his Confederate regiments moved northward, Lieutenant Zachary Pike was listed as a deserter. But miles from the camp, Pike was being beaten and questioned by Simon Travers. Pike knew this man was going to kill him, no matter what he said or did. He perceived great evil in Simon, and an alarming urgency to locate Shannon Greenleaf. Pike decided that Simon and Blane Stevens were Union agents who were trying to unmask and slay the beautiful Flame, the woman who had kissed him beneath the tree that night before vanishing in the control of her foe. Pike determined he would never betray her to this evil monster.

  As Pike and Simon argued, Pike tried to make it obvious that he was attempting to avoid the subject of Charlotte. By doing so, he succeeded in convincing Simon that it was probably where Shannon and Blane were heading. Then Pike tried to discover Simon’s motives by pleading with Simon to let him help find Shannon and rescue her from Blane. When he claimed he would do anything Simon ordered just so he could have Shannon as his reward, Simon laughed coldly and wickedly, and gave Pike an explanation that proved to the Rebel soldier he had been right about the mysterious Simon Travers.

  Simon sneered and informed him, “Shannon is mine, you lowbred Reb. But she’ll wish you had found her first when I get through with her.” Simon jabbed a knife into Pike’s stomach and twisted it cruelly. “Just so you know, Reb, she is the Flame, and all I said about her skills is true. That’s how she got away from me.” Simon plunged the knife into the left side of Pike’s chest and twisted painfully. “I suspected you were helping them, but I didn’t know why.” He plunged the knife into Pike’s right side and brutally sliced downward. “You should know that after you die, I plan to put her sign on you and give her the credit for your murder. You see, Reb, I’m collecting evidence on her to force her to marry me. I also plan to carve a little blade on your cheek. With luck, I’ll convince everybody that Stevens is the infamous Blade. That should get him killed.” Though Simon was unaware that he had accurately guessed Blane’s secret identity, the dying officer sensed something of the truth in the murderer’s words.

  Suddenly Pike saw certain facts clearly. Shannon and Blane were a team, and Simon was after them for reasons that had nothing to do with the war. Shannon had risked her life for Blane; she obviously loved him. Blane had risked his life for her and therefore loved her as well. Pike grinned, then he murmured weakly, “Blane will never let you get her. When you get to Charlotte, he’ll be waiting. He’ll kill you, you bastard. You’re a f-fool if you think she’ll take you after having Blane Ste…vens.” Pike’s head dropped forward as death claimed him.

  “You’re the fool, Pike, if you think anyone will stop me from finding and taking her. Thank you for pointing us in the right direction. You men know what to do. Make sure there’s no doubt who committed this foul deed. And make sure the body is placed where it will be found before our evidence rots away or some vulture feasts on it. I’ll be ready to leave for Charlotte when you return to our camp.”

  When Shannon and Blane awoke Sunday morning, they were facing each other. All it took was an entreating gaze from each to ignite desire’s flames. As they lay nestled together after sating their passions, Blane cautioned, “I want you to be very careful in Wilmington. It’s one of the most crucial supply and defense areas for the Confederacy. If the Union could capture Fort Fisher, Wilmington, and the entire Cape Fear section, they would be destroying one of the South’s largest and most successful blockade-running businesses. North Carolina not only provides countless soldiers but also a vast amount of the supplies and arms used by the Rebels. Some of the most noted runners operate out of Wilmington or the Cape Fear area. Remember these names: the Pet, the Siren, the R. E. Lee, and the steamer Lillian. Then, you’ve got the Kate and the Mary Celeste working out of Charleston. The raiders carry out cotton, wool, tobacco, camphine, and lumber; then they return with munitions, supplies, whiskey, medicines, and money to pay soldiers. Jeremy told me the Union captured their most famous and largest runner, the AdVance, on the tenth of last month.”

  When Shannon suddenly shivered with a chill, Blane pulled the blanket over her arms and shoulders and cuddled her closer against his warm body. “Jeremy also told me that General Hoke has been moved across the James River to defend Richmond against Grant’s invasion. Outside of Lee, Hoke is the Confederacy’s best officer. If those two were on our side, the war would have ended in less than a month. Jeremy’s been collecting newspapers from the surrounding areas. He’s keeping them hidden until he can pass them to me. I’m anxious to read what they have to say about the situation in this area and in other places. They have five major papers around here: The Raleigh Register, the Raleigh Standard, the Fayetteville Observer, the Wilmington Herald, and the Wilmington Journal. Agents get as much information from careless papers as they do from their investigations.”

  “Is that why you were sent to this area?” she queried, snuggling even closer to Blane, for the air seemed to be getting colder by the hour.

  “If I can check these supply ports and privateering firms, I can estimate their strengths and weakne
sses. I might be able to uncover their schedules and signals. It sure would help matters if I could find a way to help sever those connections. Those raiders sail back and forth through Admiral Lee’s blockade like it wasn’t even there. Grant’s trying to come up with a plan to use naval and land troops to attack strategic points like Fort Fisher and Cape Fear simultaneously. If we can capture all major ports, the Confederacy supply lines will be crippled. Lord, I’d be satisfied if I could only discover how to make Fort Fisher pregnable to the Union’s impending attack. Jeremy is sending a report to Grant and Lincoln right now about those troop movements we encountered. With luck, Grant or one of his generals will be waiting with open arms for Moore’s battalions.”

  Shannon shuddered violently.

  “Still cold, love?” he asked.

  “No, it just sounds so terrible to be sending all those men into a trap. Do you ever get accustomed to such an awesome responsibility?”

  “This is war, love, and one side will become the victor. We have to make certain it’s the Union. I know this must be difficult for you, but think of it this way; somewhere out there, a Rebel temptress is doing the same things to help the Confederacy become the winner. You’re only balancing the scales of justice, or shifting them in favor of the Union. Speaking of your duties, ma’am,” he continued, “when you reach Wilmington, try to become acquainted with Governor Vance’s family and Mrs. Armand J. DeRossett. But don’t take foolish chances.”

  Shannon remained silent while he explained.

  “Vance is the one who gives the officers their instructions, so you might pick up a clue or two about troop movements and assault plans from them. Just don’t cast suspicion on yourself by asking questions or snooping around. Understand, woman?” After he felt her nod her head, he went on.

  “Mrs. DeRossett has a female society that ministers to wounded soldiers passing through Wilmington to hospitals. She and her ladies go to the train depot and tend the injured. They change bandages, offer comfort, and perform tasks such as laundry or small baths or letter writing. They provide garments, medicines, treats, and much-needed smiles and affection. With wounded men coming from every direction, you could gather vital information from them. Even if you don’t obtain anything useful, your conscience should be appeased by the help you’re providing, and it will supply you with a protective cover while I’m gone.”

  “Where will I be staying? How would I reach you if I discovered something vital that needed to be passed along without delay?”

  “You’ll stay with Sarah Jane Sinclair and her sister, Molly Ryan. They own a hotel called the Resting Place. There’s only one catch; they believe I’m a Rebel agent, their most important contact to Davis. They pass Union secrets to me. That way, we always know what they know or think they know. To them, you’ll be Rebel agent Cockade. You know what that is?” he asked, referring to the red ribbon that had been worn by Southerners favoring secession.

  After she responded affirmatively, he explained, “We’ll say you’re having a much-needed rest before continuing with your duties. After all, winter is wrapping its cold arms around us and you are a delicate lady. They’ll be thrilled to have you as a guest at their hotel. But as I said earlier, be alert and careful at all times. Wilmington is filled with soldiers and Southern patriots. But it has many dangers because of the blockade-running companies. Some of those men won’t stop with less than robbery or murder to establish their wealth and power. The crews from some of those ships are made up of cutthroats and criminals, the slime of the world. Stay off the streets after dusk. I don’t care if you come across the one clue that could end this war tomorrow, stay clear of the wharves and privateering firms. If some sailor doesn’t decide to carry you along as entertainment on his next run to Nassau, one of the merchants might see you as a money-making jewel for some foreign brothel or lecherous sultan.”

  “We certainly can’t have someone running off with Major Stevens’s prized possession. I shall be most careful, my greedy master. But, tell me, when you left me in Farmville with that horrid beast, Clifford, where did you go and what did you do?”

  “I was supposed to be investigating troop movements, supply lines, arsenals, and enemy strongholds between Sheridan’s and Grant’s lines. They want to meet and shake hands as soon as possible. There seems to be a concentration of Rebel troops in that area. If the Union could conquer and hold a line from Louisville to Norfolk or Nashville to Williamsburg, Richmond would be cut off from the South. Then the Federal troops could start moving and pressing southward until they conquered the crucial areas of the Confederacy: Virginia, South and North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee. If we defeated and controlled those states, the Confederacy would fall.”

  “Did you succeed?” she inquired nervously as the words “conquer Georgia” echoed in her mind.

  “I’m afraid not. When Clifford’s men tried to murder me in my sleep, I had to assume he knew or suspected who or what I was. I was forced to kill all three men to keep them from revealing that I had survived and escaped. Since my cover was gone and I figured you were probably in danger, I tracked you as quickly as possible. I was real nervous when I discovered you had left Farmville with those troops. It didn’t take much skill to trail you to Danville. I saw you sneaking out of the hospital with your things, so I was waiting for you in the woods.”

  Blane felt Shannon stiffen and tremble. He guessed why, but he decided to set her mind at ease by misleading her. “I knew you would head south, so I made my way in that direction. I was afraid if I tried to get to you, I would startle you and you would expose us. I almost got to you too late. I should have been there before that Thornton stopped you. Another minute or two, and he would have been hauling you back to Clifford. Next time I’ll move faster, Flame.”

  “I’m glad you moved slowly that time. James was calling me awful names and making vulgar threats. I even promised to marry him if he would let me escape, but he was certain I was lying because he knew how much I detested him. I’m sorry I ruined things for you. What about your mission for Grant and Sheridan?”

  “Another agent was assigned to complete it. With Thornton and Clifford and Travers in the area, we couldn’t hang around. Besides, my work here is just as important. I have to keep my par…assistant out of danger. Settle down,” he encouraged when she trembled again. “I’ve been leaving clues and false trails to send them in the other direction. If any of them are still after us, this is the last area they would search. Trust me, Flame; I won’t let any harm come to you.”

  Time, Blane mused silently, was all he needed, time to earn more of her trust and affection; then she would confide everything to him and he would find the courage to do the same with her. First, he needed her to love and want him so strongly that nothing could part them. And he already sensed that she was beginning to feel at home in his arms and life.

  For the next fifteen hours, Blane and Shannon spent their confinement talking, making love, and eating foods that were barely noticeable to appetites running in other directions. The rain had ended just after five the afternoon before, too late for troops to come seeking them. It was nearing midnight of their third night beneath the porch when Jeremy Steele arrived. It was still Sunday, October twenty-seventh.

  “Major Stevens?” the voice filtered into Shannon’s dreamy mind.

  “I’m coming,” Blane replied and moved in that direction.

  “Moore broke camp early this morning and headed northwest. I waited until I was sure they were gone before I came for you and Flame. That Lieutenant Pike ain’t rested a minute since you two escaped. I thought General Moore was gonna have to hog-tie ’im to make him leave this area. He’s got it bad for Flame. I’ll go after the horses and be back in an hour or so; then you can make Wilmington before daylight. I checked the area good and ain’t nobody around. You want me to let you two out so you can loosen up a mite?”

  “If you’ll dig up the bushes and remove the covering, I can do the rest while you’re gone.” Blame figured Jer
emy knew how close he was to Shannon, but neither man would embarrass her by acknowledging the fact aloud.

  Shannon wrapped the blanket around her naked form, then waited for Jeremy to depart so she could light a candle to bathe and locate her garments. After the sound of Jeremy’s departure ceased, Shannon jested, “Is it all right if I use the rest of the water for bathing?”

  “It’s dark outside. How about if you come with me to the well, soap up all over, then let me rinse you good with a few buckets of fresh water? Think it’s too cold out there for a quick bath?”

  “Are you jesting? It could be snowing and I wouldn’t mind.”

  “Good. When you finish, you can return the favor.”

  They gathered a few supplies and crawled from beneath the porch. Both stretched and inhaled deep breaths of fresh air. Blane took her hand and guided her to the well, for a selfish moon was not sharing much of its light. While Shannon wet her flesh with the last of the water in one bucket and lathered up with the fragrant soap, Blane drew another one. He chuckled as he heard her teeth chattering.

  “Is that noise from cold or fear?” he asked mirthfully.

  “B-B-both. It’s winter and we’re s-s-sort of dedefenseless sta-standing here li-like this. You re-ready?” She shuddered violently.

  “Why don’t you dress first? You’re shaking like crazy.”

  “The-then I would get w-wet again. Le-let’s hurry, ppart-ner.”

  Blane took one blanket and gently dried Shannon. He rubbed his hands briskly over her body to chase away part of her chill, then wrapped another blanket around her shuddering form. “Go light a candle and get into some warm clothes. I can manage alone.” When she tried to protest, he turned her and nudged her toward the porch. “Git, woman. You won’t be any good to me sick. You can repay me another time, in a warmer location.” He grabbed a bucket and dumped it over his tawny frame. As rapidly as possible, he scrubbed and rinsed. After drying himself, he went to dress.