Memphis

by Sara Orwig

  “What are you talking about?”

  Will grinned. “Little green tadpoles! Sophia Merrick has you dancing a jig.”

  “The hell you say! I just don’t want to see her go to prison.”

  “C’mon, Caleb, admit what you feel,” Will said, chuckling. “You’ve found a woman you can’t control and she’s won your heart.” He laughed and Caleb felt angry, embarrassed, foolish. And he knew Will was right.

  “I can’t get her to stop publishing the paper. I can’t get her to move in with your family. I’m worried sick about her, Will.”

  “Well, you poor soul. You worry about a woman? It’s always the other way around. They throw themselves at you, and you go blithely on your way and are barely aware of them. Well, maybe more than barely, but you take what you want and do what you please. And now you’ve met one who doesn’t faint if you look at her and one you can’t control, and she has you tied in knots.” He laughed and shook his head, turning to go. “I’ll see you in Mississippi, Cal. Try to survive so you get there.”

  “Dammit,” Caleb said, watching the door close behind Will. Sophia did have him tied up in knots. And Will was right that they needed to leave Memphis, but he couldn’t leave Sophia with a Union major determined to take advantage of her and with her printing an inflammatory newspaper. He kicked a cushion and turned to pull on his boots.

  The moment the sun slipped below the horizon, he was riding in to see Sophia. He knew the house might be watched, but he would be careful; he had to know if she was all right.

  One hour after dark he urged his horse forward. The night was warm and still, the scent of summer roses in the air. He could hear crickets and the croak of frogs and the steady clop of the hooves of his horse. He skirted town and came in from the north. Along Washington he dismounted and moved quietly down the alley, taking his time, sitting on the ground. Over an hour later, he saw a shadow shift. Inhaling deeply, he rose to his feet, pulling out his revolver and turning it in his hand. Soon the shadow moved again, revealing the outline of a man’s shoulders. Taking care to avoid making noise, Caleb crept up behind the man.

  Standing only yards behind the soldier, Caleb stepped forward and the swung the revolver through the air.

  “What—”

  The soldier turned. Caleb caught him on the side of the head, a blow that was a dull thump and the man sank to the ground. Yanking rope from his pocket, Caleb rolled the man over and tied his wrists behind him, next tying his ankles and binding them to his wrists. He yanked loose a neckerchief and tied it over the man’s mouth, then secured him to a tree. Someone would find him in the daylight hours. He moved through the yard pausing beneath an oak at the side of the house. Light spilled from the front parlor and he walked closer to see if Sophia had company.

  Hoofbeats stopped and footsteps crossed her porch. Caleb hurried to the next tree, pressing close until he heard Sophia’s voice. He stepped away from the tree and saw Major Trevitt go inside.

  Feeling disturbed, Sophia gazed up at the major. “Sir, it’s late; rumors will start if you’re in my house.”

  He reached out to stroke her throat. “Sophia, this is a friendly visit. I’d think you’d be terribly lonesome.” He gazed past her. “This is a big house for one woman.”

  “I have brothers who are away in the war and will come home. There were four of us plus my father.”

  “And now there’s only you,” he said, his gaze lowering to her breasts.

  Annoyed by him, Sophia moved to the parlor, stopping near the desk where she could get to the drawer with the revolver. On top of the desk lay Papa’s silver letter opener that was honed as sharp as a dagger.

  The major followed her into the room and glanced around. “I’d like you to show me your house. I’ve never seen all of it.”

  “I’m sorry, Major. I see no need to show you my bedroom or the other bedrooms.” He stood between her and the door and her heart raced. Why did he want to see the house? Did he suspect the newspaper?

  He took off his coat and dropped it over a chair while he watched her. Dropping his hat on top of the coat, he stood facing her. “Sophia, I can’t believe a woman like you enjoys being alone. But of course, you aren’t always alone. When will Major O’Brien be here again?”

  Her pulse jumped with fear as he unbuttoned his shirt at the neck.

  “I don’t know anything about Major O’Brien,” she said stiffly, feeling afraid for Caleb, amazed Major Trevitt knew about them. “I told you he left a long time ago.”

  “But he comes back. And when he comes, he stays. And he’s seen your bedroom.”

  “Major, I have to ask you to go. If you don’t, I’m going to get my neighbor to come ask you to leave.”

  He smiled. “Does your neighbor know you’re the major’s mistress? Does anyone in town know this?” he asked, unbuckling his belt.

  “Sir, stop undressing!” she snapped, feeling afraid, flustered by his questions about Caleb. How did he know? Was he guessing? Was Trevitt having the house watched? “Sir, if my father were alive, you wouldn’t dare do such things.”

  He came toward her, and she backed against the desk, scooting toward the drawer that held her pistol. “You’re a beautiful woman, Sophia. And you know where the man is who has our gold. He’s stolen almost one million dollars in gold from us. If he thought you were in danger, I think he would come into town to protect you.”

  “Get out of my house,” she screamed.

  Trevitt stood only yards away and he looked at her with smug satisfaction. She felt shivers of fear, because she was alone. Screams wouldn’t stir anyone because no one would hear. The street was wide and the houses sound.

  Suddenly Trevitt reached out and yanked her to him, pulling her against him and bending his head. He held her head as he kissed her while she fought and struggled uselessly. The pistol was out of reach.

  She hated Trevitt, hated his hands on her, his mouth on hers. He ran his hand over her breasts, and Sophia beat against his chest and pushed to no avail. Backing her, he pushed her down over the desk, forcing her legs apart and moving between them. She struggled in silence, knowing she couldn’t fight his strength, feeling him push up her skirts.

  Outside Caleb moved from the tree to a window. A wing chair partially blocked his view, and he couldn’t see anyone in the room. Where the hell were they? Had Trevitt forced her to a bedroom? Caleb moved to another window, his gaze sweeping over the empty settee, the empty chairs. His breath caught in his throat. Sophia was sprawled on the desk, her legs spread with Trevitt between them bending over her as he tugged at her skirt. Burning with rage, Caleb turned.

  A pistol jammed into his stomach.

  “Don’t move, Major O’Brien, or you’re a dead man.” He faced a Union soldier. “We’re going to headquarters. Thrown down your gun and get your hands behind your head.”

  Caleb swung his arm, coming up and hitting the man’s arm. The Yankee’s revolver flew out of his hand as Caleb hit him again, plunging against him and dropping his gun to pull his fist back and hit the man on the jaw. The soldier’s head snapped back; he staggered, fell to the ground, and lay still. Caleb yanked a knife from his boot and stabbed the man.

  Sophia groped behind her as the major slid his hand beneath her skirt. His weight held her pinned down while he pulled open her dress, his hands sliding over her breasts. “We have all night, Sophia.”

  Her fingers closed on the letter opener, and she swung it with all her strength.

  It stabbed into his shoulder and he gasped, staggering back. She yanked open the drawer and spun away from him, raising the revolver. “Get out of my house or I’ll shoot,” she yelled.

  “You stabbed me, you baggage!” he said, pulling free the letter opener and gasping again, holding his hand over the wound. “Damn you, you little bitch. You’ll be sorry.”

  “Get out, Major, or you’ll be sorrier,” she threatened.

  They faced each other, both breathing hard, and then he yanked up his coat to hold it
against his bleeding shoulder. He strode out the door and slammed it behind him. Running after him, she turned the lock and sagged against it, buttoning her dress when she heard the back door splinter.

  She spun around, raising the revolver, wondering if it was another Union soldier.

  Boots scraped as someone ran across the kitchen. Gun drawn, Caleb stepped into the hallway and they looked at each other over pistols.

  Chapter 14

  “Caleb!” She tossed down the revolver. It hit the boards with a clatter and fired, the shot taking a chip out of the newel post inches from Caleb as she ran to him.

  He caught her against him and thrust his revolver in his holster, holding her tightly. “Where’s the bastard?”

  “He’s gone.”

  “How’d you get rid of him? How’d you get the gun?”

  “He knows about you,” she said. “You’ve got to go. They must watch the house. Please get out now. They have a reward for you.” She turned her face up to him, and he bent his head, his mouth covering hers as his heart thudded and he kissed her hungrily, wanting her more than ever. His arousal was swift, yet he had to know what happened to Trevitt.

  “Sophia,” he said, “where is Trevitt? How did you get him to go? How’d you get a gun?”

  “I stabbed him. There was a—”

  “You what? Caleb asked, pushing her away to look at her, bending his knees so he could look her directly in the eyes. “What did you do?”

  “I stabbed Trevitt because he wouldn’t stop,” she said, crying. “I’m so scared for you. There was a letter opener and I stabbed him in the shoulder and got my gun and ordered him out. But it’s you, Caleb. They know about us!”

  “Great saints in the morning,” he said, terrified for her safety, aware of the dead soldier in her yard. “You’re getting out of here right now. You’re coming with me. Get some clothes and be quick about it.”

  “What are you talking about?” she said, her eyes going wide.

  “He’ll be back to arrest you. He may search the house.”

  “Why would he arrest me?”

  “You stabbed him.”

  “He attacked me,” she protested. “He won’t want to make that known.”

  “He’ll probably deny that he attacked you, but he’ll come back and arrest you,” he said impatiently. While they argued, Trevitt could be riding back with a dozen men. “If they know you’re seeing me, he won’t let this go by. They’ll question you about me. You’re not running the risk.”

  “I’m not leaving my home and paper,” she said, backing away from him.

  “That damnable paper,” Caleb snapped, patience gone. “You’re not safe, Sophia.” He passed her going into her bedroom and throwing open the armoire. “What clothes do you want to take?”

  “I’m not going anywhere,” she said, lifting her chin and getting the fiery look that made him want to shake her. His pulse raced with fear for her safety. He looked at the clothes and began yanking things out.

  “Caleb, stop it! I refuse to go with you.”

  He saw a valise beside the armoire and picked it up, setting it on the bed and jamming clothes inside. He threw in her brush while she pulled at his arm.

  “Stop taking my things. It won’t do you one bit of good, Caleb O’Brien, because you can’t force me or bully me or frighten me into leaving my home and my paper. I won’t go to the Stantons’ house. If I move in with them, I’ll have to give up my paper and my freedom.”

  He yanked her nightgown and wrapper off hooks and tossed them in the bag and then he picked up two pairs of slippers and a pair of boots and crammed them inside. He struggled to close the bag and turned to face her.

  She had spots of color in her cheeks and sparks of fire in her eyes and he wanted to yank her into his arms and kiss her until she melted, but he couldn’t take the time. Any moment now escape would be impossible.

  “Is there anything else, Sophia, that you don’t want to leave home without?”

  She glanced at a picture on the dresser. “I’m not going.” He picked up the picture.

  “Who is this?”

  “My mother.”

  Caleb opened the valise and squeezed the picture inside and closed it again. “Anything else?”

  “No.” She stood with her hands on her hips and her chin lifted. “Caleb O’Brien, I refuse to leave!”

  “Sure and I’ll not stand by and see the woman I love go to prison just because she’s so damned stubborn.” He locked his fingers around the valise and crossed the room.

  Sophia watched him, her heart pounding. He would leave now and he was angry. She remembered the moment on the battlefield when he tossed away her rifle and yelled at her. He was hotheaded, unpredictable, and fiery, making a brash raid on the Union, stealing their gold and riding through downtown Memphis, racing horses through a saloon to escape. She didn’t know what he was going to do next, but she wasn’t leaving home. She braced her feet and gazed into his eyes as he came closer.

  He stood yards away. “We have to go.”

  “No. Absolutely not!” Her heart pounded, because he looked fierce.

  Suddenly he stepped forward and swung her over his shoulder. She realized what he was going to do and tried to jump out of reach, but he caught her. She beat against his back and struggled uselessly. His arm was like iron holding her as he strode out of the room. He bent down and scooped up her revolver.

  “Caleb O’Brien, I hate you for this! Put me down! I’ll run away the first moment I can!”

  He didn’t answer but strode outside across the yard. He went up on Henry’s porch and kicked the door.

  “Yes’m?” Henry’s sleep-filled voice came from the other side of the door. It swung open. “Major?” he said, sounding shocked.

  “Henry, stop him!” she cried.

  “Henry, Miss Sophia stabbed that Union officer tonight. I’m taking her where she’ll be safe. And I’ve killed a soldier near the front of the house. Get Mazie and go to friends.”

  “Henry, stop him!”

  “Yes, sir, Major. Miss Sophia, begging your pardon, but Major’s right. You go with him. He’s a good man.”

  “Henry!” She shook with rage, hanging helplessly over Caleb’s shoulder.

  “While I saddle a horse, Henry, run to the house and throw some food into a bundle for me to carry. Be quick about it.”

  “Yes, sir,” he said, hurrying out.

  Sophia beat against Caleb as he strode to the carriage house and set her on her feet, dropping the valise to hold her with both hands, gripping her upper arms.

  “I’m wanted and I’ll hang if they catch me. Now you stop yelling and making noise, because we have to get out of Memphis.”

  “I’ll scream at the top of my lungs if you take me out of this yard.”

  “Oh, you will?” He swung her around, pinned her arms behind her and tied them swiftly with a piece of rope.

  “Caleb O’Brien, I hate you!”

  He looked around, spotted a rag and pulled it from a hook. He threw it over her, pulling it tight over her mouth and tying it behind her head. He saddled the horse, hooking the valise on the saddle. He swung into the saddle and lifted her easily, placing her before him.

  Henry ran across the yard, Mazie coming behind him and both had bundles tied in cloths they handed up to Caleb.

  “Miss Sophia, you let him take care of you,” Mazie said and stood beside Henry as Caleb turned the horse.

  “Henry, you and Mazie, take what you can and get out. They should be here any time now.” He flicked the reins, and they rode out of her yard.

  Sophia tried to cry out, the sound muffled by the rag over her mouth. He turned her head against his chest to muffle her cries.

  She tried to kick him and his arm tightened around her waist.

  “Stop that, Sophia, or I’ll throw you across this horse like a sack of flour.”

  Enraged with his cavalier handling, she kicked his shin.

  Suddenly she was on her stomach across
the horse as they rode down the alley. She bounced against him, feeling as if she would fall. Every trot of the horse hurt and she cried in outrage and indignity and loss. She didn’t want to leave home. Where was he taking her? They slowed and she didn’t know what he was doing until she heard another horse. He had his horse tied somewhere else. She kicked her feet and tried to cry out in protest. He swung her up.

  “Now if you’ll ride quietly and won’t kick, you can sit up.”

  She turned to glare at him, looking up at him. She wanted to claw him and hit him and tell him to go to the devil.

  She rode breathing raggedly as they turned east. Suddenly he yanked the reins to ride behind a house. She heard the jingle of harness.

  “Not a peep out of you,” Caleb whispered in her ear, pressing her face against his chest. “Our lives are in danger.”

  She struggled to break free, wanting to yell. Let him go to jail! If Union soldiers started after him, he would have to let her go and race for his life.

  She struggled and tried to scream, the sound coming out muffled. Instantly she was crushed against him so tightly her head swam and spots danced in front of her eyes. In seconds he released her and leaned close to her ear. “Not a sound from you,” he warned.

  She glared at him as he urged the horses forward. They circled the house and continued out of town. Passing familiar landmarks, darkened houses, the hoofbeats and crickets the only sounds in the night, she felt torn from her family.

  When they were away from Memphis, he rode to a creek to let the horses drink. He climbed down and reached for her.

  “Sophia, we’re going to settle this right now.”

  Her pulse pounded at the harsh note in his voice. He pulled her down and turned her, yanking loose the rope around her wrists and removing the gag.

  “I hate you for what you’ve done!” she gasped, touching her lips.

  “You would have given me to the Federals back there if you could have,” he said with rage in his voice. His hands were on his hips and each word was clipped.