Blane smiled wolfishly and seemingly admitted defeat as he answered, “More so, Captain. She could charm the rattlers off a sidewinder and never get bit. Hair as red as a fiery sunset and eyes as blue as a tranquil ocean. She has skin as soft and white as a winter ermine, and a body to drive a man wild with hunger. Beautiful isn’t the right word to describe Flame. She’s—”
While the Confederate soldiers remained enthralled by his confession, Blane struck swiftly and lethally. He flung himself to the ground and seized both carefully discarded weapons. Quicker than the eye or mind could follow his fluid movements, he lifted his pistol with his left hand and fired at the redhead, wisely and accurately dispatching the only real threat first. He agilely flipped to his back and shot the sandy-haired man before the shockslowed soldier could recover his rifle and defend himself. Almost simultaneously, Blane’s right hand skillfully threw the knife into the captain’s chest as the stunned officer was trying to yank his revolver from its holster. Blane nimbly shifted his body to the opposite side to fire into the heart of the white-faced private, who was lunging rashly for him. It wasn’t necessary. Dan kicked out with his hind legs and sent the private staggering a few feet to slam his head into a wooden post, killing him.
Blane rapidly scanned the four men for life and found none. He grimaced as he reloaded his pistol and replaced his weapons. He hurriedly mounted Dan, knowing the gunshots would call attention to the stable. He glanced down at the captain and finished his last statement. “She’s Destiny’s Temptress, Captain.” That described the traitorous Siren perfectly. She not only taunted and tempted her own fate, but that of others. “But she’s tempted me and mine for the last time,” he vowed coldly. He bent low over his horse, then kneed Dan into a fast gallop through the open stable doors, just in case other soldiers were waiting in ambush outside.
When no one fired at them or pursued them, Blane patted Dan’s neck and murmured, “Thanks, old boy. You saved me again. Seems like you’re the only one I can depend on. We’ve seen worse dangers than that one. Lord, I’ve killed more men at one battle than in there. Stupid bastards! They deserved to be defeated—except for that redhead. Damn shame he got this duty tonight with those fools.”
He laughed satanically and narrowed his eyes. “Shannon forgot to warn them they’d be dealing with the Blade, a man who can put a whole band of Comanche warriors to shame. That little vixen hasn’t got me fooled. I know exactly where she’s heading. Carter better hope he’s had enough of that witch by the time I reach her, because there won’t be anything left to catch a man’s eye. She’s in for something worse than death, boy. I can slice her up until no man will ever want to look at her again, and I won’t even have to kill her. Yessiree, Dan, I’ll take something from Flame that means more to her than her miserable life. I’ll scar that beautiful face and body so badly she’ll repel anyone who looks at her. Every day of her sorry life she’ll suffer for what she’s done to me and others. And every time she looks into a mirror, she’ll remember and regret betraying me.”
Chapter Seventeen
Late in the afternoon of November 30, the Majestic Maiden sailed past Forts Sumter and Moultrie to dock at Charleston Harbor. Shannon was astonished by the number of ships stranded in the port and by the amount of cotton and goods that seemed to be rotting on the wharves, for only the most daring captains would challenge the Union blockade. Countless men milled around as if waiting for something to happen. What, she could not guess.
Shannon and Mattilu thanked Captain Sellers for his kindness and generosity. Fortunately, there had been no trouble and they had slipped between Union ships as if invisible. The captain seemed reluctant for the women to depart, as he proclaimed them his good luck charms.
Elisha escorted them and their belongings to a large hotel where Shannon was shown to a lovely suite with a private bath. Mattilu was given a regular room adjoining Shannon’s spacious quarters. Shannon had protested the expensive lodgings until Elisha pretended to agree to consider the payment of her bills a loan. He told them to get settled while he went to visit with his brother, Denton. He warned them not to venture from the hotel grounds because the city was filled with soldiers and sailors who would be seeking mischief within the hour.
When the two women were alone and sipping tea, they laughed and talked about their adventures and good fortune. “I can’t believe we made it, and so easily, Matti. No one would think to search for us here. All we have to do is wait for Blane’s arrival.”
“I’m proud of you, Miss Shannon. You are the smartest and slyest woman I know,” Mattilu complimented cheerfully.
Shannon stated ruefully, “I really hate taking advantage of Eli. He’s been so kind and helpful. I’ll find a way to get the money back to him. I feel so wicked for using him like this.”
“Don’t you worry none. Men been using women for hundreds of years. Captain Carter wants to help you and protect you. It ain’t your fault if you don’t love him like he does you.”
“But how will I explain Major Stevens to him?” she worried aloud.
“I would be thinking more on how to explain the captain to the major,” the woman teased, her brown eyes sparkling.
“I’m sure Blane won’t mind my taking the only path available to me. Besides, I had you as my chaperon.”
Now that they were safe, Shannon’s thoughts turned to the future. She knew she would want to spend time alone with Blane when he returned and on the way to Savannah, and she realized she would have to help Mattilu find a job quickly. “We don’t know how much time we have before Blane arrives and we leave, so we’d best look for a new job for you tomorrow. I’ll send for you the minute I have things settled at home.”
At the dinner hour, Elisha returned briefly. He had had trays prepared and delivered for Shannon and Mattilu, as if they could not see to this simple task themselves. He informed Shannon that he had lengthy business dealings to discuss with his brother and needed to spend the evening with him. He gave Shannon the man’s address, in case there was trouble. He handed Shannon a book from Denton to occupy her time and mind. Then he bid them farewell until morning.
By eight, Shannon was curled on the sofa before a cheery fire, completely engrossed in the book in her hands. Shannon read until her eyes refused to work a moment longer. She wondered if there was any significance to Elisha’s choice of Wuthering Heights by a British novelist, as it was the tale of a woman trapped between two men. The story was so romantic and poignant, yet tragic. How sad to love so fiercely and potently and be unable to have your heart’s desire…
The next morning, Elisha solved Mattilu’s problem of finding work when he arrived to offer Mattilu a job as Denton’s hired servant. After describing Denton’s needs and injuries, Elisha offered her an excellent salary and promised good working conditions. He told her the position would be available on Tuesday. “He’s invited us to have Sunday dinner with him. Mattilu can look around and make her decision tomorrow. Denton’s looking forward to meeting you, angel. Just remember, he’s a charming rake.”
“Like his brother,” she merrily retorted. “Older or younger?”
“Less than a year younger. Would you like to tour the city?” he inquired eagerly. “She’s one of the most beautiful anywhere.”
“I hate to leave Matti alone in a strange place. Why don’t we just eat, then take a stroll outside?” she suggested reluctantly.
“Why don’t we take Matti along with us? If she’s going to be living and working here, she could use a tour.”
Shannon beamed with pleasure. “You are a wonder, Eli. Whatever would I do without you?” she declared impulsively.
“That’s what I’m trying to teach you,” he replied with a smile.
For hours they walked and looked, stopping here and there for rest or refreshments. The city reminded her so much of Savannah and New Orleans. The elegance, beauty, and flavor of the Old South was represented all around her. She could see and feel its captivating enchantment everywhere. She saw it in
the architecture of the homes and buildings, in the live oaks with their dripping moss, in the swaying palms with their prickly bark, in the people with their grace and charm, and in the air itself. She immediately decided to add it to her list of favorites.
The air grew colder as dusk approached. Elisha had wanted to take her to a special eating establishment, but he couldn’t with Matti along. It had cost him a pretty penny to get the brown-skinned woman—his “fiancée’s serving woman”—the adjoining room in the hotel.
Upon their return, Matti ate in her room while Elisha and Shannon dined in the large and luxurious room downstairs. She was amazed by the air of wealth and relaxation that pervaded the room. People were eating, laughing, and conversing as if peace and joy ruled the land. Shannon was glad she was wearing the sapphire gown that Elizabeth Van Lew had given her, which had been repaired and cleaned by Mattilu during her stay in Wilmington.
Elisha couldn’t seem to take his eyes from Shannon tonight. She was radiant and ravishing. Her hair had been brushed until it shone with vibrant life, then arranged in curls and ringlets that added extra elegance and appeal to her looks. Her eyes seemed a darker blue and sparkled with vitality. Elisha found himself wanting to whisk her away, to caress that silky flesh, to finger that flaming hair, to gaze into those expressive eyes, and to make love to her.
They sipped claret and listened to the music provided by a harpist and pianist. They talked about their families and homes. They discussed their travels and interests. They chatted about books and plays. They revealed their favorite places and activities.
Shannon was astonished to realize that she hadn’t known or asked where he lived. It was Norfolk, a seaport conquered by the Union in 1862. He revealed how his father had managed to retain possession of their shipping firm by pretending to side with the Union and to perform duties for it. Fortunately, all of their ships had been at sea during the conquest and had avoided capture. He and his brother had become blockade runners to aid the South. Shannon could tell he felt deep respect and love for his family, their home, and their business. He joked lightly about his father’s cunning pretense, saying they would fare well even if the Union won. He related his desire for her to meet his parents and brother. After that, they carefully avoided further talk of the war, and any decision of their relationship.
Sunday was a lovely, but chilly day. Elisha brought a carriage to transport Shannon and Mattilu to his brother’s dwelling. It was a large apartment positioned over a carriage house and a small stable, and it had a private courtyard. Elisha explained that he worked out of Wilmington while Denton worked out of Charleston. The servant who greeted them was an elderly man who would soon be leaving to live with his son in Georgetown. His departure couldn’t have been timed more perfectly for Shannon’s and Mattilu’s needs.
Within minutes, Shannon was aware of the vast similarities between the two brothers in looks and personality. She found the meal and the conversation delightful and realized that she hadn’t had such fun in a long time. She teased Denton about the book he had sent over to her and learned it had been a gift to him from a female admirer.
“Do you think she was trying to tell me something?” he jested.
“I shall let you know when I finish reading it, if Eli permits me reading time. He’s kept me busy since our arrival.”
“I can see why. If I didn’t have this busted arm and leg, I would be challenging him for your attention and company.” Everyone laughed before Denton went on to relate the details of his accident.
While they chatted and dined, the male servant gave Mattilu a tour of the apartment and outlined her duties. Charmed by the man and the setting, the woman instantly accepted the position. She would move in on Tuesday and assume her new role.
Denton inquired, “How long will you be staying here, Shannon?”
She glanced at Elisha and smiled before replying, “Someone is meeting me here in a few days to escort me home to Greenleaf. When Eli comes to visit my brother and solicit his business, perhaps you can accompany him. I’m sure Corry would be thrilled to hear about your adventures and to work with you. As I told Eli, he has a sailor’s soul.”
“Excellent. Then our families should get along perfectly.”
Elisha devilishly added, “That’s what I’ve been trying to show her and tell her. Just remember, little brother, I saw her first.”
The remainder of their visit passed swiftly and cheerfully. As they were leaving, Denton offered, “If you’re in need of a carriage or horse, Shannon, please feel free to use mine. I keep a sharp eye on them, as the Confederacy tries to confiscate all horses for duty.”
“You are as kind and generous as your brother. Thank you, Denton. It has been wonderful meeting you and sharing today.”
“You’re welcome any time, Shannon, with or without that dashing brother of mine. While he’s gone, let me know if you have need of anything at all,” he offered sincerely.
“Gone?” Shannon repeated, looking inquisitively at Elisha.
Elisha smiled sheepishly. “I was going to tell you later. I didn’t want you to worry. I have to sail at midnight tomorrow.” He would not reveal that his voyage would take him to Savannah to deliver supplies and men to battle Sherman’s imminent attack on her city. He knew this trip would be perilous, for that port was currently being watched and guarded more closely than the others. He had no doubt about his skills or success, but he didn’t want to alarm her. He also wanted to observe the conditions in that town, before she began her journey there. If things were as bad as was rumored, he would hold her captive here before allowing her to go home. “I won’t be away more than three or four days. You won’t be leaving that soon. If any needs or problems come up, Denton will take care of them.”
Wanting to retain his trust in case of trouble, Shannon asked no questions about his destination our purpose. “You will be careful?” she entreated with sincere concern and affection.
“I will be more than careful, angel,” he promised warmly, not caring who was watching them. “If you recall, I have a wife to pursue.”
To lighten the conversation, Denton wailed comically, “I guess that’s his way of telling me to keep my hands and eyes off you, Shannon. Don’t worry, big brother, I’ll take this treasure into the family any way we can get her. I know Mother and Father will be just as pleased with your choice.” The two men exchanged smiles and laughter.
“She hasn’t agreed to anything yet, Dent. Maybe you can work on her while I’m gone. Convince her I’m perfect for her. At least persuade her to let me chase her and woo her.”
“If you two are this conniving and persistent in business, you must be very successful,” she remarked with a laugh.
At Shannon’s door, Elisha caressed her cheek and smiled into her upturned face. She beseeched him, “Please be careful on this trip.”
“You have my promise, love. Before I sail tomorrow night, I have a special evening planned for us. From six until midnight, I’ll make you forget everything but me,” he boasted with a sly grin. After kissing her feverishly, he returned to his brother’s home.
Before following the handsome seaman, Blane Stevens glared at Shannon through the narrow crack in his door. He watched her sigh heavily, then enter her suite. Riding nearly day and night, he had reached town the morning after they had docked. It had been simple to locate her, and to follow them. She could wait for her punishment until after her lover sailed. Right now, he needed to uncover and report the captain’s plans…
Elisha and his brother spent most of the following day discussing their business and Elisha’s impending voyage. That night, Shannon and Elisha ate an early dinner before he took her to the Dock Theater to see John E. McDonogh’s production of The Seven Sisters. At eleven, Elisha kissed her farewell at the door, unaware of the perils that would soon confront each of them.
It was nearing dawn when Shannon was awakened by strong hands gagging her mouth. She began to claw and slap at the dark form above her. The man seized
her right hand and pinned it beneath his knee. Her assailant secured a rope around her left wrist, then tied the other end to the bedpost. Shannon squirmed and yanked on her right hand to free it. She needed to defend herself or pull off the gag to yell for help. He followed the same action with her other wrist, binding her outstretched arms to the bedposts. She twisted and kicked at the shadowy figure that hovered over her as he worked to render her defenseless. He grabbed one flailing leg and tied a rope around her ankle, then secured it to a footpost. He repeated his movements with the other ankle. Once she was bound and spread-eagled to the posts, he sat back on his haunches and exhaled loudly from his exertions.
He slid off the bed and lit the oil lamp. He watched shock and confusion register in her eyes as the light revealed his identity. She looked at his expression, then glanced at her bonds. She was smart, for he could tell she knew this was not a joke or trick. She watched him intently, waiting for him to expose his reasons. He sat in a chair and observed her, content to let her worry and wonder for awhile.
Shannon was utterly bewildered and alarmed by his inexplicable behavior. Had he gone mad? No. There was something about his aura, something about his expression, something about his posture that frightened her. He was serious with this conduct. A coldness and scorn seemed to emanate from him. Danger permeated her senses. She tried to reason out his actions. He had been rough with her. She could already feel sore spots that had been made by his strong hands and brutal treatment.
Shannon wiggled and grunted, but he didn’t respond. He just kept staring at her with those icy hazel eyes. Blane had certainly acted strange before leaving her room that last morning in Wilmington, she reflected. Something in the note from Jeremy Steele had inspired a curious reaction. She had suspected him of lying during his brief explanation, and she had discovered his secret identity. Why had he lured her here to attack her? Had she unknowingly committed some terrible offense? Why didn’t he talk to her? Why wouldn’t he allow her to speak? What was he waiting for, grinning like a sadistic demon anticipating some evil ritual?
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