Promise Me Forever

by Janelle Taylor

  He didn’t answer, but asked instead, “Why did you bury him in secret, ma’am? No doctor was called that I can locate, so he must not have taken ill. A quick death happened with Mr. Barlow, too, didn’t it? Was it from another…accident, as with Mr. Newman or Mr. Barlow’s son?”

  Rachel didn’t like the sarcastic and suggestive way he spoke. She worried over what Dan must be thinking, but she warned herself to try to remain in control and to stay polite; but that was near impossible with the hateful man. “He died from cholera, sir. He took ill late Thursday night and was dead by early the following morning. My people and I buried him and burned everything he’d touched. I didn’t want to create a panic in town. You know how people are terrified of that contagious disease. I didn’t run away, sir; I returned from my trip and I was coming to see you on Monday.”

  “How do we know that’s the truth?”

  Rachel wanted to shout, Because I said it was!

  Dan answered for her. “It is the truth, sir. I was here when Phillip died. It was from cholera, as Mrs. McCandless said.”

  “How do you know it was cholera?” the offensive man asked Rachel, after eyeing Dan from head to foot as he’d done with her.

  She tried to maintain her poise as she related the symptoms.

  “Don’t you think it’s mighty strange you’ve lost a third husband in such a short time?” the lawman asked. “Less than three years, isn’t it?”

  There, she fumed, Dan had heard the worst about her. “Yes, sir, but none of them from crimes I’ve committed.”

  “Why would you use that word, ma’am?”

  The man looked as if he had cleverly pounced on a slip she’d made. Outrage and torment flooded her. She narrowed her gaze and said, “Because after every one of them died—of natural causes or true accidents—you lawmen have come and interrogated me for hours and harassed me for weeks, made not-sosubtle accusations, and behaved as if I did away with them. We all know the rumors and gossip, sir.” Vexed and angered, she challenged, “If you doubt me, come along and I’ll show you where Phillip’s buried. You can dig up his body and have a doctor examine it—as many doctors as you please. Just glove your hands and burn anything that touches it, because you can catch or spread that awful disease if you don’t take those precautions.” The two men looked as reluctant as she’d imagined they’d be about examining an infectious and decomposing body. The longer that threat worked, the better it would be for her, as the more his body would… “I have nothing to fear, because I’m not to blame, this time or the other two times.”

  “Three times,” the daring man corrected. “You certainly have bad luck with husbands and marriages.”

  Rachel no longer tried to conceal her anger. “What are you implying, sir?” she demanded, gluing her fiery gaze to his cold one.

  “Just what I said, ma’am. As for you, Captain, tell me more about why you’re here and why you didn’t convince Mrs. McCandless to report this matter.”

  Dan was furious about Rachel’s treatment, guilty or not. He disliked these two despicable men. He grasped why she had dreaded and postponed this exposure. “Phillip and I are old friends. We grew up together in Charleston. We have a pending business deal. I docked Thursday night the twenty-fifth and came here early Friday morning. It was when I asked to see him, Mrs. McCandless went and found him ill. Phillip passed away too quickly to fetch a doctor.”

  “But you said he took ill late Thursday night, ma’am.”

  Rachel knew she had to explain with an honesty that she hoped would be apparent to even these disbelieving men. “I didn’t know he was sick that night. Phillip did some heavy drinking after a talk with his Athens business partner about those serious problems I mentioned earlier. He had started vomiting and was feeling embarrassed, so he slept in the guest room. I found him very sick the next morning and realized it wasn’t from drinking, as I’d thought the night before. It was too late to save him or to send for help.” Rachel was baffled and intrigued by Dan’s prior words, his bold lies, but she didn’t have time to think about them. No matter what he had alleged, she stuck with the truth to avoid entrapment.

  “Slept in another room, you say?”

  Rachel glued her gaze to his to make him uneasy. “Yes, sir. Wouldn’t you spare your wife of such foolishness? I regret I didn’t learn he was so ill before it was too late to help him, but I can’t be blamed for an innocent and natural mistake. There were several empty whiskey bottles on the bedside table to lead me to that erroneous conclusion.”

  Lula Mae told the investigators in a sharp tone, “It happened jest like she said. I he’ped clean up that awful mess. It was cholera.”

  Burke related his story about the fishing trip and Phillip drinking from the river. “Miz Rachel said it wasn’t the wahter. Ah he’ped bury him an’ burn stuff. Ah’s seed dis afore. Miz Rachel didn’t do nuthin’ wrong.”

  In a blatant attempt to frighten the two employees, the investigator said, “You two will sign sworn statements it was cholera? You know you can go to prison for lying, for helping to conceal a crime if one was committed?”

  Burke and Lula Mae looked offended and angered.

  “Don’ be threatenin’ us. We done tol’ the truth. Ah’ll put mah hand on the Good Book an’ swear it,” the black man warned with boldness.

  “I will, too,” Lula Mae added, “You ain’t gots no right to say such things to us or to Miss Rachel. A gooder body never lived and suffered such troubles.”

  “You have Mrs. McCandless’s word and that of three witnesses, sir,” Dan asserted, “so I don’t see a reason to doubt what happened here weeks ago, yet, you seem to be implying you do. I’m confused about the way you’re asking your questions and treating a fine lady. You appear to be interrogating her as if she were a dangerous criminal.”

  The chief’s investigator scowled at the sea captain. “You’ll sign a sworn statement, too, Captain Slade, before you leave?”

  Dan sent him a scowl in return as he replied, “Of course.”

  “When will that be, Captain?”

  “I can follow you to town this morning or come by any time you say.”

  “I meant, when are you sailing?”

  Dan grasped the insinuation. “Not until May twenty-fourth.”

  “Why is that?” the man was forced to ask.

  “My business. I have orders in with Phillip’s partners that will be delivered here on May fourteenth and then the twenty-fourth. That’s what I came for and what I’m waiting for, if you care to check, sir.”

  “How long have you known Mrs. McCandless?”

  “I met her after I docked last month. Phillip wrote me he was married, but this was our first visit.”

  “Do you mind if we examine the house and grounds, ma’am?”

  Rachel knew what they hoped to find—evidence against her, so she could be charged, arrested, and convicted of murder this time. She was positive they would look for poison in any form or container, but she knew none was present. Still, she asked their reason in an almost surly tone.

  “To make our investigation thorough,” was the answer. “I know you weren’t expecting us today, but I’m sure your home is presentable.”

  “Go right ahead, sir. Lula Mae, show the gentlemen around the house. Burke, when they’re finished inside, let them see any place on the grounds they desire. We have nothing to hide from such upstanding lawmen. Answer any questions they have. I’ll wait here for you, if you don’t need me along. You didn’t say, sir, how you knew Phillip was dead and buried?”

  “We received a message at the office. We don’t know who sent it.”

  “Do you always act on anonymous notes?” Rachel asked in a cold tone. “Or did you make an exception this time because I was involved?”

  The man scowled once more, then followed Lula Mae into the house.

  Rachel and Dan watched the lawmen enter her home to search it. She thanked Burke, and the manager, who was still fuming, returned to his chores until he was summoned to gu
ide them over the grounds.

  “They’re looking for evidence I killed Phillip, but they won’t find any, because I didn’t. They won’t give up on this matter easily. They’ll try their best to prove I murdered him.”

  “Try to relax, Rachel, until they’re gone. One of the men is peeking out the window now, watching us. Let them leave before we talk.”

  Rachel sat in a swing, swaying back and forth as her mind filled with tormenting doubts. She couldn’t understand why Dan had corroborated her shocking story when he couldn’t know whether or not it was true. And how had the law discovered this deed? The only person who could have known and summoned them had to be responsible for Phillip’s death…

  Dan perceived what Rachel must be thinking and feeling. Even if she were guilty of his brother’s murder, he had to keep her out of prison to get at the truth. He had to wait until that mystery was solved. He had assumed her servants would not expose his lies, either out of loyalty and love or out of complicity with the alleged crime. But some deep instinct told him she wasn’t guilty. Or was that only his desire and love influencing him?

  When the two lawmen returned later, one said, “We have no evidence to arrest you on, ma’am, but this investigation isn’t over. This case will stay open until we’re convinced your third husband died of natural causes. Chief Anderson might want a doctor to check the body, so don’t go moving or hiding it. I’m sure we’ll be seeing you again real soon. You do understand that some poisonings look like cholera, so we have to be certain.”

  That was too much to take without lashing out. “How dare you! Charge me and arrest me, or get off my land with your vile thoughts and wicked minds. I’m not a Black Widow, and there’s no way you can prove I am. Unless you have undeniable evidence, don’t you speak to me like that again. If you do, I’ll be the one pressing charges against you.”

  “Don’t go getting upset, ma’am. You can’t fault us with only doing our duty. You have to admit these deaths are strange.”

  “Why shouldn’t I get upset and angry? You’ve put me through this three times. I’m tired of the innuendoes and implications and hateful gossip. I am innocent of any wrongdoing.”

  “If that’s true, ma’am, you have nothing to worry over.”

  “If that’s true,” she mocked scornfully. “How foolish and cruel you are. I suffer three tragic losses, and you want to imprison me for crimes!”

  “You must admit, ma’am, four deaths in a short span are suspicious.”

  “Uncommon perhaps,” Rachel corrected, “but not suspicious, not when there isn’t any proof I did something wicked.”

  “I beg to disagree, ma’am, but four strange deaths have to create suspicions, especially when you inherited so much money afterward.”

  “I didn’t inherit anything from Craig Newman,” she argued, “His brother even took all I inherited from Mr. Barlow, and the law did nothing to stop him. That was an injustice, and I was left in near poverty.”

  “Until you married Mr. McCandless. He was rich. Now’s he’s dead.”

  She didn’t let the other matter drop. “What motive did I have for killing Craig? I was left with nothing. I didn’t marry Phillip for a year. I worked and supported myself, which I’m sure you know.”

  “You didn’t know he excluded you from his will, isn’t that right?”

  “That’s correct. What wife would assume such a wicked thing? Everyone in town knows what a mean and spiteful and adulterous man Craig was. But I didn’t kill him because he was evil. I didn’t kill him, period.”

  “With Mr. McCandless dead, you’re a rich woman again. Correct?”

  “No. I told you earlier; two of his companies are in financial trouble.”

  “But you still have the shipping firm and this plantation.”

  She ignored the comment. “Phillip was a good and kind man. I loved him,” she said, but didn’t add, as a brother. “If it were any woman besides me involved, would you feel the same?”

  “I would certainly hope so, ma’am.”

  “I doubt you would,” she scoffed. “If that’s all … ?” she hinted.

  “For today, ma’am. Good-bye. I’ll be speaking with you again later, Captain Slade. You staying here?”

  “No, I’m at the hotel on east Bay Street. Room eleven.”

  “You want to ride back to town with us?”

  “No, I haven’t finished my business discussion with Mrs. McCandless.”

  After the men rode off, Dan murmured, “It won’t look good if they learn we took that trip together and told everyone we were cousins. They’re going to wonder why you didn’t tell George and Harry their partner is dead. What’s really going on, Rachel? Why did you dupe me, too?”

  She glared at him. “I want to ask that same question, Dan. What happens when they learn you lied about when you arrived and about being here when Phillip died? That could get us both into trouble.”

  “I didn’t lie to them about my arrival time, Rachel. I knew your staff loved you and were loyal, so I assumed they wouldn’t expose me for trying to help you. I didn’t tell you I’d docked earlier because I didn’t want to make you uneasy wondering if I’d heard the terrible gossip about you.”

  “You knew about me when you visited?”

  Dan nodded.

  Her gaze narrowed in mistrust and anger. “You lied so you can extract your own vengeance? Is that why you seduced me? You hoped to prove to Phillip I was an adulteress as well as a murderess to save him from my evil clutches?”

  Dan seized her arms and shook her. “It wasn’t like that, Rachel. It isn’t like that. I didn’t know Phillip was dead, and I didn’t believe the gossip. With Phillip gone, I didn’t want you to feel uncomfortable around me. I know the rumors can’t be true, because Phillip wouldn’t have fallen in love with you and married you. He was a good judge of character. I’ve gotten to know you and have come to those same conclusions. Damnit, woman, I love you and believe you! Why did you tell me so many lies?”

  “You… love me?” Distraught and frightened and hoping to be persuaded his words were true, she asked, “Why should I believe you?”

  “Because it’s the truth, and deep inside, you know it is.”

  Still, she had to challenge, “You’re only saying that to beguile and disarm me. You’re only trying to dupe me into making a confession of guilt, but I can’t, because I’m not guilty of any crime.”

  Dan read her feelings and knew what she needed to hear. “How could you make love to me and doubt me this much?”

  “In my experience, men are liars and users. Phillip was the only one I could trust, or I thought I could. But he lied to me, too, and I don’t know why.”

  In a gentle tone, Dan asked, “How did he lie to you, Rachel?”

  “Don’t you know?” she accused in anguish. “Aren’t you in on that mysterious deal? That’s why you’re really here! That’s why you lied to them—to keep me out of prison to honor the deal or to return your money! I don’t have it. I don’t know where he hid it. Without the advance, George and Harry will never supply your arms and ammunition. Beat me or threaten me or kill me, but I don’t have your money.”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Rachel. The only deals I have with Phillip’s companies are the ones you know about. This big and secret deal all of you are dancing around each other about isn’t mine. That missing money isn’t mine. If it were, I would tell you.”

  “I don’t believe you. I can’t,” she said, hoping to be convinced.

  “If it were my deal and lost money, wouldn’t I be calling you the liar now?” he reasoned. “Wouldn’t I be demanding you carry out Phillip’s bargain or return my advance, or threatening you if you didn’t? Think, love, and feel. We’ve become close. Don’t you know you can trust me?”

  Rachel met his tender gaze. “I want to trust you, Dan; I need to trust you. But it’s hard and scary. My life and freedom are at stake. I’ve lost control of everything, and I don’t know how to get it back.”
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br />   “Let me help, love, please,” he urged. “I can’t do that in ignorance. What is the truth, Rachel? Don’t I deserve to be told? You were starting to tell me when the authorities arrived. Finish it now. Even if I were your culprit, what difference would it make if you told me the truth?”

  Rachel knew she had to take a chance he was being honest and sincere. Even if he weren’t, it might save her life. “I pray to God I can trust you. If I’m wrong, I’m either in deep trouble or I’ll clear myself with Phillip’s enemies. It’s a long and painful story, so be patient while I tell it. Let’s sit over here,” she suggested and guided him to a grassy spot beneath the shady live oaks dripping their moss.

  Chapter 12

  Rachel settled herself and began. “This is not a short and simple tale. It’s going to be difficult for me, and it isn’t going to be easy or pleasant for you to hear. I hope you’ll be kind and understanding, even if you can’t forgive me. When a person is backed into a corner, as I was, one is afraid and desperate and wary of others; it’s only natural to be secretive and defensive when one’s life and freedom are in peril. I know how terrible this is going to sound, but please listen patiently and try not to judge me harshly.”

  Dan nodded and waited to hear what she had to say.

  “I need to start where it all began long ago when the horrors of war and losing Papa changed Mama. When things became so bad afterward, she seemed to panic. Maybe Papa was the one who gave her strength and courage, and she lost them after those tragedies. My mother was raised as a pampered and genteel southern belle with privileges and without worries. I’m sure it was hard for her to shoulder the responsibilities of a plantation and family. As things got worse, she couldn’t face poverty and humiliation. She thought she needed a man to take care of her, southern women are reared that way. She was only thirtyseven and quite beautiful when that Yankee opportunist Earl Starger convinced her he had the money and power to protect her and her children. It didn’t take long before all her children were gone. But she blamed us, accused us of hurting and betraying her after all the sacrifices she had made for us ‘ungrateful’ and ‘selfish’ children.”