by Rita Hestand
It was nearly noon by the time Wade got back to the room where Beth lay moaning, and sometimes screaming.
But around three o-clock that next evening the cries from a baby were heard and Wade came bursting through the room, anxious to see his wife and child.
"It's a boy," the doctor said with a smile. "A big, eight-pound baby boy, and your wife is just fine."
He handed the baby to Wade and it was instant love. Wade stared down into the baby's face which was sometimes peaceful, other times fretful. The baby's little finger curled around Wade's and every now and then the baby would squeeze.
Beth was being taken care of, so Wade had a few minutes to enjoy just holding him. He had a thin patch of black hair and beautiful blue eyes that squinted up at him when he'd gaze at him.
Wade couldn't be prouder.
But when the doctor walked out with a smile and left them alone, Wade put the baby in Beth's arms. "He's beautiful."
She smiled, "I was so sure it was going to be a girl." She laughed.
"I'm just glad he's healthy." Wade smiled with a pride that beamed all over him.
"You should see your face…you look so…. proud!"
"I am, of both of you!" He cried and leaned to kiss her tenderly on the mouth.
"I thought he'd never get here. The doctor said he was big for a first baby." She grinned.
"He's gonna be a strong one." Wade beamed as she snuggled the baby against her. "Have you thought of a name yet?"
"Not yet, how about you? What would you like to name him?" Beth smiled into his shining face.
"I'd kind of like to name him after Jacob since it was his leaving that inspired your labor. What do you think, maybe with middle names after both our fathers?"
Beth beamed, "I love that, Jacob Henry Leroy Cahill."
Wade smiled down into her face. "I love you Beth Cahill."
"Oh Wade…isn't it wonderful?"
"Our first and maybe last child." Wade announced.
"What? You don't want any more children?" She looked almost worried.
"Not if it means hurting you…"
She laughed, a real belly laugh, "Oh Wade…don't you know that women forget the pain the moment they see their child?"
"They do?"
"Yes darling. I think God has a hand in that." She smiled.
"Well, maybe three or four more then…" he smiled.
"That would be good…" she sighed happily.
The baby began to cry and Beth fed him, he was hungry and he lapped at her breast. Wade watched the perfect picture of a woman, he thought to himself.
That evening as he made his rounds around the boat, everyone was congratulating him and Wade went on deck to stare out over the waters. Jacob would be back soon now and they'd celebrate together. He smiled to himself, he wondered what old General Martin would say if he could see him now.
For a moment, in this trying times, Wade relaxed and enjoyed his life. Although it was a brief moment, it was a time he'd never forget as long as he lived.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Jacob was late returning and Wade was fit to be tied. If anything happened to Jacob, Beth would never forgive him. Besides, he come to think a lot of Jacob. He admired how he had taken on the responsibilities of the boat so easily and how he had been so willing to help with the messaging.
For months now he had tried to remain calm and collected around the passengers, but putting Jacob in the line of trouble cost him a lot of sleep.
Wade was a tiger now, pacing the deck eagerly waiting word of Jacob. He couldn't tell Beth yet, he'd wait a bit before disturbing her. It was hard to sit back and let someone else do his job for him, although he knew it would be better in the long run, it created more tension in him. Somehow he had to appear calm, for there were simply too many rebels on board not to.
The roar of distant canons worried him even more. Hearing the canons daily, and seeing smoke in the distance was enough to worry anyone. Had Jacob made it through the enemy lines? It had been harrowing for him, his last trip, he could imagine what Jacob was going through.
But Jacob was waiting at the next docking and Wade breathed a sigh of relief. Even though Jacob looked a bit winded, and sweaty, he didn't look any worse for wear. His glance said everything.
Heading straight for the engine room, Wade announced loudly, "Did you get that part for the engine I asked you to get?"
"Yep, it's in my bag."
That was a planned conversation and Jacob carried a bag with him with parts in it to make it look authentic if anyone stopped him along the way.
Jacob nodded and followed. Although there were workers in the engine room, no one could hear another unless they were standing on top of each other. So it was a safe place to talk. Gabby the engine man waved to them when he came in, Gabby was nearly deaf from working in the engine room so many years. So Wade was confident Gabby couldn't hear a thing. Hal that worked with him was usually talking to Gabby or busy with the engine itself. The two of them worked closely every day.
Wade trusted his employees and he told them at the beginning of the war that they would try to remain neutral through it, as much as possible. The men all agreed.
"Did you have any trouble getting through?" Wade asked standing very close so Jacob could hear him in his hushed voice, knowing the answer before Jacob spoke.
"Not getting through, getting back. Several spotted me, and I had to double back on them and I-I killed them. Two of them. I didn't want them guessing my destination so I tried to throw them off my trail first, then I doubled back on then. They wouldn't let it go without a fight. I killed them with my knife. I was afraid a gun would be heard."
Wade's frown spoke louder than words. "There will be trouble. But that was smart using your knife. Just glad it turned out in your favor."
"Yes, I'm sorry, but I couldn't allow them to find me escaping to the Lady Belle."
"No, you did right. But now they'll be more watchful than ever." Wade warned. "Everyone will be suspect. Which is nothing new for me."
"I found another route that we might could use. I'll map it out for you and see what you think. We can't keep using that same trail, they are bound to catch us if we do."
"Your right about that," Wade nodded as the engines provided the background music and kept anyone from hearing them. "Go ahead and draw me a map, we'll check it out and see how it works. By the way…you’re an Uncle now…of Little Jacob!"
"Little…Jacob? It was a boy?" Jacob cried with a hearty laugh. "Ya'll named him after me? I'm touched!"
"Healthy as can be, and big. She went into labor as you were leaving." Wade told him with a beaming smile. "Guess that shows you how much she cares."
"Can't wait to see the little bugger. I guess I should clean up, and I'll draw that map up, then go see sis!"
"Sounds good, and don't forget to eat!"
Jacob nodded and dashed off to his cabin.
Wade waited to leave the engine room, in case there were any soldiers about. Leaving with Jacob would be too suspicious and there were rebel forces on board nearly every trip now. They had to be more than a little careful, one of the things that threw suspicion on them was the fact that Wade hadn't joined up, and neither had Jacob, so they were looked upon with hostility.
Despite Jacob's success in getting through, the killings would draw suspicions around everyone and the soldiers would be on alert now. It meant things would be worse than ever and Wade knew Jacob had no choice. If they'd have realized where he was headed, it would spoil the entire operation.
Deciding to put on a false front for Beth though, he went to tell her that Jacob had returned and all was well.
"Oh, I'm so glad he got through…" She sighed in Wade's arms. "Where is he? I'd love to see him."
"He'll be along shortly, he wanted to clean up and I told him to eat."
The baby was sleeping in a crib one of the hands had made for it. Wade held her against him. "He's pretty excited that you named the baby after him and he'
ll be in to see you real soon."
"Wonderful. So how does it feel to be a father now?" She smiled temptingly at him.
"It's a hefty responsibility but I'm gonna love it." Wade smiled and kissed her on the nose. Then he pet the baby as he slept. "He's sure a handsome little critter."
"That's because he was so big. Little babies tend to be less pink. I'm so hungry," she sighed.
"Well, I'll go see what kind of meal the cook can come up with…"
"Thanks…" She kissed his jaw and he moved toward the door.
"Thank you…" he glanced at her over his shoulder. Then as an afterthought, he bent down over the crib and kissed his son.
"For what?" She chuckled.
"My son!" He beamed as he turned to look at her.
Wade bumped into Jacob and whispered not to tell Beth about the killings. Jacob agreed. Wade proceeded on to the kitchen.
Jacob went inside the room to see her. "Hey there girl. I hear you had yourself quite a time while I was gone."
She chuckled and nodded toward the crib. "That's your nephew, Little Jake."
"Never call a child little, they hate that…" Jacob corrected her. "Remember Joan, she reminded me of that so many times."
Beth smiled in reflection. "I remember…"
Jacob didn't mind that the baby was sleeping, he just picked him up in his arms and held him as he sat beside her on the bed.
"Well would you look at that, he's as big as you please…" Jacob chuckled. "Look at those chubby little fingers too!"
"I'm so glad you are back…" she touched his arm.
"Me too. I missed all the excitement, didn't I?" Jacob laughed.
"Did you have any problems?" She asked with a worry wrinkle sliding over her features.
"No, not really, just dodging the rebels is all." He attempted a smile.
Beth's gaze narrowed on him now. "That's all?"
Jacob was playing with the baby now, as their voices had woken him. Jacob made some strange faces at him and the baby wiggled in his arms. "God, he's beautiful…"
Beth watched as pure joy spread over her like a warm blanket.
"You're going to be strong like your daddy, and tall, and very brave, I can see that now." Jacob talked to the baby.
Beth sat mesmerized by the sight of her brother holding her child.
"You're going to make a fine father yourself one day." Beth said, her voice growing husky.
"I hope so. But I gotta find a girl for that…" He blushed.
Beth couldn't stop the chuckle. "That won't be hard for you, you are quite the charmer. I've seen you with some of the ladies on this boat, and yes, you know how to charm them."
Jacob smiled at her, a slight blush to his cheeks.
"Jacob," Beth grabbed his arm once more, "If the pressure gets too much for you, let us know. Will you?"
"Of course, but things went okay. Don't fret over me, sis."
"You need to quit worrying so much over me and Wade. You'll have your hands full taking care of that little fella…" He put the baby back in his crib and covered him.
"He's a healthy looking baby." Jacob smiled at her.
"Did you eat?"
"No, going there next." Jacob informed her.
"Wade bringing me a tray back."
"Good, you have to keep up your strength."
"I'd better go now. I'll see you later." He nodded and left.
Beth laid back in the bed and glanced at her baby. It was a miracle, having a child.
Soon Wade came back with the tray of food and they talked all the time she ate. Like Wade, she was relieved that Jacob was back and her smile reflected it.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
But it didn't take long for the murders to become common knowledge as the soldiers were talking about it. Wade overheard them and tried to remain calm. Any wrong moves and they'd be asking him questions.
He saw a couple of soldiers talking about it, and when they noticed him they shut up.
It wasn't until Colonel Harrington came aboard though that the tension began to increase. Colonel Harrington was a brash, almost rude officer, young and arrogant. He had blonde hair, and cutting brown eyes that bore into a person when he stared. And he stared often.
He seemed more than determined to question Wade. Wade told Jacob to make himself scarce whenever he saw the officer.
"Are you singling me out…?" Wade frowned at the Colonel.
"Not at all. But anyone that is southern that hasn't joined the cause yet, is naturally under suspicion. You understand. I'm sure you've come to expect it from us, haven't you Mr. Cahill?" he tossed his name like a burnout match. "And I’m also sure you've heard about the killing of two of my lower ranked officers."
"I've heard rumors, you can't be a Captain of a boat this size and not." Wade chuckled. "I am sorry about your men though."
"Are you now? I have to tell you we suspicion everyone that isn't accountable."
"Yes…well, perhaps, but I was here, aboard my ship, how can I be under suspicion." Wade asked with a slight chuckle. "Ask my passengers if you don't believe me. My wife just delivered a baby boy, I suppose you hadn't heard." Wade added just as flippantly.
"That is curious, isn't it?" The Colonel frowned. "Well, I suppose congratulations are in order then. Maybe we should spend our time looking elsewhere. Have you considered that the culprit might have caught this boat to escape?"
"No, have you?" Wade narrowed his gaze as the Colonel cupped his hand over the match at his pipe.
He drew on the pipe for a minute, his expression bland. "We're keeping our eyes and ears open. That's for sure. Since your boat regularly moves down the Mississippi, it would be a perfect ruse, don't you think."
"Perhaps, but your logic could sure drive my guests away. Do you have any suspects yet?" Wade asked curiously as he stood motionless before him.
"Not as yet, no, but one of our own said the ones that were killed were chasing someone. And curiously they were killed with a knife, rather than a gun, so as not to alert anyone at the time."
"A thief maybe?"
"Perhaps, we're still looking into it." The Colonel twitched his mustache and studied Wade carefully as he spoke. "But at this stage of the war, I don't see thievery is a wise idea, do you?"
"Depends on what they are stealing of course." Wade answered, and walked off, concluding the conversation.
The Colonel stared after him for a long while.
Wade had grown tired of the cat and mouse game that the Confederates seemed to delight in. This wasn't his first trip and Wade did hope it might be his last.
The tension was tight, but Wade knew the key to it all was being as calm as he could. General Martin had taught him that. The key was not appearing guilty at any time, even to the point of being caught. Which was hard to do, Wade was sure.
Wade reflected on General Martin many times and had tried to learn as much as he could from the man. He'd been a genius at not giving away his hand. Not one passenger ever suspected General Martin of being a Yankee officer.
That evening the Colonel dined just a few tables away from Wade and he alerted both Beth and Jacob of his presence.
The baby was a welcome distraction as half the passengers stopped to see him.
"What a lovely baby," one lady, a new passenger came up to their table. Beth was a bit startled by her at first as she'd never seen the woman before. She felt defensive of her child too. As though the woman meant him harm. She had the greatest urge to grab him up on her shoulder, but Wade had taught her to be calm.
Beth tried to be pleasant and smiled, but she sensed something amiss with the lady and as soon as she left she glanced at Wade.
Later that evening she mentioned it to him. "I don't know why, but that woman that came to our table bothered me. She was a total stranger and coming up to our table like that, was quite unexpected."
Wade nodded woodenly, "I felt it too, honey. Of course I couldn't say anything, but from now on, when you get that feeling, keep on yo
ur toes and watch what you say."
"I will, of course."
"It just didn't seem natural. Did it?"
"Not at all. I mean she didn't know us, or did she?"
"Yeah, I got that impression too. Funny, but the Colonel was almost accusing me of something today and I told him flat out I was here when you were having the baby. That shut him up fast. I wonder if she is trying to get information out of you. We must watch everything we say and do these days."
"I agree." Beth nodded. "They aren't very subtle are they?" Beth frowned thinking about it.
"No, and that's to our advantage." Wade chuckled. Then suddenly Wade twisted his head and opened his mouth as though going to say something, then stared at Beth. "We must warn Jacob, that the young women that seem to flock around him, could be trying to get information from him."
Beth's mouth fell open. "I never thought of that, but you are so right. He said he'd probably stop by before he went to bed, we could warn him then."
"Good. There is all kinds of trickery going on. Two soldiers were killed and they are looking everywhere for the culprit, even so far as suspicioning our guests on the boat."
"Oh Wade…I hate this war…will it ever end?" Beth cried.
"I'm not sure at this point. None of us thought it would last thing long."
"I'm worried. Sooner or later one of us is bound to slip up, then what?"
Wade shrugged heavily, "Then we deal with it. Never look guilty though. Never let them see how much you sweat their questions. So far, they've left you alone, except for that lady. Watch her. You are talking about the lady that was somewhat overdressed in the green silk with the fancy necklace. The one that didn't know us, but acted as though she did?"
"That's the one. Don't worry. I will. Outside of this cabin, I keep my eyes open all the time." Beth assured him. "And I do my best not to even talk about the war."
"I know, you are priceless. You really do help me in every way, Beth."
She smiled, and took his boots off for him, she rubbed his feet and he sighed. "That feels so nice…"
