“Why didn’t you tell me that?” Anger strangled her voice.
“Try to understand. If you thought you were being rescued, you might have acted differently. I couldn’t risk it.” Tracker’s voice was soft, pleading with her to understand.
“I understand. You wouldn’t be returning me if it compromised your mission.” Bitterness crept into her voice.
He sighed. “I won’t lie. My mission comes first. I have been undercover for a year and a half as Tracker. I can’t throw that away now. Not even for you.” Tracker looked straight ahead.
“You’re right. It is silly of me to expect you to put me first. I don’t even know your name.” Lily’s voice dripped with sarcasm.
“My name is Michael.” His eyes met hers. “It's been a long time since I have used my first name with anyone. I hope you will grow to understand why I have kept you in the dark.”
“I don’t know that I will. My brother’s and my fiancé would save an innocent life no matter what.” Lily knew she owed Tracker her life but he saved her because it was convenient.
“What I am doing will save many people’s lives. Colonel Kingsley needs to pay for his crimes.” Tracker’s voice was resolute.
Lily tried to understand. She was glad he helped her but she couldn’t ignore the fact that he might not have. It was pointless to discuss it further so she changed the subject. “What does the Colonel do that you are trying to prosecute him for?”
“I don't know that there are very many laws he hasn't broken but smuggling is the bread and butter of his career outside of the army. I am still tracking down illegal goods he is bringing into the country but he also brings a great deal of goods in from overseas that he sells without paying tariffs or taxes.” Tracker hesitated and Lily assumed he was unsure of how much to tell her.
“But why are we in Maine?” She had been curious for some time why he would kidnap her and bring her to her own state.
“The Colonel is stationed here. The American government has a large army presence in Maine. I believe they are concerned about an attack from the English through Canada. There, as you know, have been several border disputes as well.” Tracker paused.
Lily nodded. Maine had gone so far as to declare war over one such dispute. Luckily it had been resolved before any bloodshed.
“Maine is a new and still largely uninhabited state. It is easy to bring illegal goods through it. But I think Colonel Kingsley is getting lazy because now he is trying to get the goods through the Boston Harbor.”
“Ah, yes, where I come in,” she shook her head. “Seems like a horrible reason to get married.”
“People get married for far less. Besides, I think he has some notions of legitimate children and a more settled life, at least in appearance.” Tracker shrugged.
“Somehow, I don't see him as the fatherly type,” she said as she let out a loud yawn. It had to be nearing sunrise and she hadn't gotten a moment of sleep.
He said nothing and Lily quickly nodded off with the rocking of the horse.
She was dreaming again. Eric was just ahead of her in a crowd. She tried to call out to him but he couldn’t hear her. He wouldn’t turn around. Over and over she yelled. Suddenly, she could see Toby, as well. His father carried him. “Toby.” Her voice could barely be heard. She called again. “Eric, Toby…please.” But they didn’t turn. She cried out in frustration.
“Lily, wake up. You’re dreaming again.” Tracker gave her a shake.
“What?” She woke, completely disoriented.
“We're here,” Tracker said softly in her ear.
“Where?” she muttered.
“Bucksport.” He dismounted and pulled her down. “Find some bushes to hide and get some more sleep. In a few hours, try to find a public place to look for your brother and Eric. Try the tavern and inn, Jed Prouty Tavern, I think it is. Here is money for a meal. Keep watch for any of the men. The town is one of the first places they will think of but I will try to stall and divide them. Good luck.” He mounted back up and disappeared into the trees.
Lily stared at where his back had disappeared. She wished he could stay with her but she understood why he hadn't. He clearly had been working for a long time to implicate the Colonel and he couldn't risk it all now for her. Still, Lily felt completely alone. She wondered if James and Eric would really be in Bucksport and a small flutter of hope rose in her chest. She was exhausted but she didn't know how she was ever going to get any sleep. It was easier with Tracker but now she alone and this time she had no gun.
A nearby bush looked promising for cover and she crawled underneath. Roots were sticking in her back and branches were in her face but she did feel protected. Amazingly, she fell instantly asleep.
She woke a few hours later with the early morning sun peeking through the branches, the day already heating up. She tried to collect her thoughts. Tracker had told her to go into town but Lily wondered what time her family would be up and possibly setting out. Had she missed them? She scrambled out from under the bush and then stopped. Which way to town? She could have laughed at the absurdity of it if it wasn't so serious. A breeze picked up and she turned her face into it. Well, Lily thought, I will head toward the ocean.
CHAPTER 12
LILY FOLLOWED A TRAIL that grew sandier as she progressed and soon she found herself glimpsing the rocky shore. She looked to her right and saw little but open ocean and woods. To her left, however, sprawled several buildings on the inlet of what must be Bucksport. She was clearly on a point and could see all of the town nestled into the harbor. Lily headed back up the trail she had been on and when the woods thickened, she turned toward the town. She decided to stay off beaten paths and stayed in the woods instead. It made her progress slower and she was growing increasingly worried that no one from her family would be in town. She would take an even bigger risk by being exposed on the road by herself and would surely risk recapture. If she and Tracker had gotten here as quickly as they did, it would not take her other kidnappers long to arrive.
Walking by herself gave Lily time to think. Eric’s face loomed in her thoughts. Was it too much to hope he had come to Bucksport? She would feel so much safer tucked by his side. And Toby? She loved that little boy. She wished desperately to be reunited with them both.
Finally, she came to a building that was clearly on the outskirts of town and headed for the town center. Her stomach grumbled and she reached into her pocket to touch the coins that jingled there. She could already taste the food she would buy with them. It didn't matter how good or poor the cooking at the Tavern was, it was going to taste like a feast to her.
Lily had a few other problems to worry about, as well. She didn't know how long she would have to wait and needed to remain conspicuous. She would try to find a table in a corner and watch people as she ate. In addition, she would try to order, drink and eat as slowly as possible, although, it was going to be extremely difficult considering how hungry she was.
As she turned down Main Street, the town was beginning to busy with many people out and about. A few gave her curious looks. At first, she thought that she might look odd as a young boy but as Lily looked down at herself, she realized she was filthy. She bit her lip, unsure of what to do. Time was of the essence but she didn't know if the Tavern would even let her dine looking like a total vagabond.
Lily took out the money from her pocket and counted what she had. She had enough to at least buy a cheap shirt but then she would have to go without food. She could have broken down and cried at that very second. She would have food soon enough. She had to get back to the people she loved. Lily, pulled herself together, and walked into the general store.
The clerk finished with a customer and then turned to her. His look hardened somewhat but he asked. “What can I help you with, son?”
Lily was taken aback by the reference but stepped up. She tried to deepen her voice as much as possible then asked, “I'm looking for a shirt. Everyday wear is fine. I am not looking for anything of q
uality or dress.”
He stared at her and she began to feel uncomfortable, worried that she had given herself away as a woman.
“My goodness, son, what happened to your clothing?” He asked. “I can tell by you speech that you are from a family of quality but by your clothes, I thought you were a street urchin.”
Lily stared, unsure of how to answer. What excuse could she possibly give him? She hadn't thought of this and she stumbled over what to say.
“Oh...uh... I was dragged by my horse. The beast got away and I am left rather dirty. I'm just trying to get home without my mother worrying too much. She will be upset if she knew what the horse did.” Lily glanced at him to see if he accepted the excuse.
He smiled at her in an affectionate way. “Mothers are always worrying after their sons. Does your family have an account? We could just charge a new outfit...”
“No!” Lily said too suddenly and then tried to calm herself. “I'm sure my horse will head home. I have a little money... I just need something simple.”
He nodded and Lily sighed in relief. He brought her a simple shirt and she paid him, then looked woefully at what was left.
“Thank you.” She smiled at him. “Could you tell me where the Jed Prouty Tavern is?”
“You don't know?” He asked and Lily again felt her heart beating faster. She had never been good at lying, anticipating what to say. She stared at him for what seemed like forever then finally an idea struck her.
“We just moved here. It's my first time in town.” He seemed to accept her answer and Lily felt relief wash over her.
“How wonderful. We are growing rapidly. People are realizing what a beautiful town Bucksport is.” He looked at her then held up his finger for her to wait for a minute. He came back holding up a pair of pants and a hat. “You can pay for them on your next visit. We wouldn’t want to worry your mother. They were my son’s before he outgrew them. They should fit you. There is a pump just a block down you can use to clean up. The Tavern is just down the street from there.” He turned to a woman who had just walked in and Lily hastily left.
She headed down the street until she found the pump. She pushed her hat back, not wanting to take it off and reveal her hair wrapped in a handkerchief. Lily washed her face then rolled up her sleeves and rinsed her hands and arms. She would have given anything for a bath but since she couldn't, Lily splashed some water under her arms, soaking her filthy shirt.
Lily stood up and realized she was making a spectacle of herself. She also realized she should start watching for the men who had captured her. Lily quickly stepped down from the platform and headed for an alley between a barn and home. Lillian quickly took off the dirty shirt and replaced it with the clean one. The fresh fabric felt wonderful on her skin. Glancing to make sure no one could see her, she slipped off her shoes then took off her pants and replaced them, tucking in her shirt. She fit the new hat on her head. Feeling slightly cleaner and a little more presentable, she headed for the tavern.
She walked up to the door and butterflies filled her stomach. Would they throw her out? Would her brother be there? Would Eric? She pushed open the door.
The tavern was actually a tavern and inn and it was clearly an upscale facility. It smelled of rich mahogany and leather. Lily relaxed immediately. She couldn't envision Slim in a place like this. She headed for an empty table in the corner and sat in a chair that gave her a view of the dining area.
“What can I get for you?” an older woman, looking slightly harassed, asked her.
Lily lowered her voice and said, “Coffee.”
“Nothing else?” She looked surprised when Lily shook her head. She left and then quickly returned with the coffee. Lily sipped it, enjoying the hot liquid but she could smell something delicious from the kitchen and tried not to think of her grumbling stomach.
She tried to drink slowly, she had no idea how long she would have to wait or how long they would let her stay. She did not, however, have to wait long. Two groups of men walked in at exactly the same time. The first group of three was her brothers, James and Tom, with Eric directly behind them. Eric's dark eyes pierced the room sending her heart into palpitations of joy. He looked travel worn. His clothes were dusty and his face looked tired.
He was the most beautiful thing Lily had ever seen. She almost jumped up from her chair and ran to them but the hat behind Eric caught her eye. It was clearly that of Rings. Next to him was Bags and another man she did not recognize. Her family sat across the room from her while her kidnappers sat just a few tables away. She could hear her kidnappers’ conversation from where she sat.
“How could you lose one lone girl?” the man she didn't know asked.
“Shut it, Jack. I done told you, somethin’ happened last night. Curly's gone, Slim's hurt, Tracker was out all night and nobody don't seem to know nothin. Somethin's fishy but I can't sniff it out. It ain't no coincidence that we was so close to deliverin’ her and she slipped away but I don't know if it's Tracker or Slim that's to blame, but it sure ain't both of 'em. Those two never work together.” Ring's looked ready to spit and Lily ducked her head, thanking the Lord for the new hat.
She didn't dare get up, she was too afraid that Rings would recognize her. He was sitting directly between her and her family. She wanted to scream with frustration, she was so close and yet couldn't get up. Lily couldn't hear anything her brothers and Eric were saying but she could recognize the cadence of their voices and she ached to be with them. Lily thought about making a mad dash for them but it didn't make sense. Even if her brothers could take these men, as they were evenly matched, she would expose their whereabouts and more of the Colonel's men could come. Obviously, he had more men in his employ than were transporting her, she just didn't know how many. Lily would have to bide her time a little longer.
“How come we're here?” Jack asked. Rings said nothing but nodded his head ever so slightly toward her family. Lily held her breath. They were watching Eric, James and Tom! How would she ever get to them unnoticed?
Lily quietly put the money on the table for her coffee so no more conversation would be necessary. She left as generous of a tip as she could to buy more time. She watched Eric and her brothers get up, they too looked worn and beaten from the trail. Eric called to the matronly woman that Lily assumed was the mistress of the house.
“Could I have bath water brought to my room?” He smiled kindly and the woman returned his smile.
“I'll have someone bring it up as soon as I can.” She replied. Eric nodded his assent and they left the room.
Lily wanted to cry as she watched them leave. She tried to console herself that she knew that they were here and they seemed to be staying but she hated to watch them walk away. She didn't know what rooms they were in and she didn't know how to send them a message.
Rings turned to the matron as she asked if there would be anything else. “Yes ma'm, who do we see to book a room?”
Lily watched the three men follow the innkeeper's wife out to purchase their rooms. While she was glad to not be in the same room with them, she had no idea how she was going to contact her family. Should she wait outside to see if they left? It didn't seem like they were planning on it anytime soon. Besides, she could risk being seen by Rings and his men first. At least Slim wasn't here, Lily thought. Tracker must have sent him in another direction. She said a prayer for small miracles. The matron of the house returned and called for a boy to fetch bath water. Suddenly, Lily smiled, she was a boy.
Lily got up from the table and, as casually as she could, watched a boy head for a back door. She held her breath as she followed him out. He began to pump water into three buckets. When he filled the third, Lily stepped out, lowering her voice. “Want help carryin' those?”
“I don't know if I'm supposed to have help,” the boy returned.
“Aw, no one'll even notice. I been thinkin' about gittin a job and this'll give me a chance to try it and help you out, too.” Lily had grown up around the Maine ac
cent and imitated it easily.
“How come I never seen you before?” the boy asked.
“Just moved here, I'm Billy. Billy Sampson.” She stuck out her hand and the boy shook it. She hoped it didn't seem as awkward as it felt.
“Jake Cutter. I guess you can help if you don't talk to nobody or git me in no trouble. I gotta have this job. The tavern girl didn't come in today so everyone is extra busy. I could use the help.” Lily sighed with relief as Jake handed her a bucket and she grudgingly carried it to the kitchen, where they dumped it into a pot to heat.
“Let's bring up the tub.” Jake turned and Lily followed as her heart hammered in her chest. Would she finally be rescued? The two grabbed the tub and began to lug it up the narrow back staircase. He stopped in front of room 208. This must be Eric's room. Lily held her breath as Jake knocked on the door but no one answered. Jake pulled out a key ring and opened the door. They carried in the tub and set it down by the fireplace. Lily looked around, there were very few belongings in the room and nothing that she distinctly recognized as Eric's. She hoped she was helping with the right bath.
“Let's go git the water. Just be careful not to spill it over the stairs. You got to mop it up then and start all over.” Jake was warming up to her. She was helping him and apparently not causing any trouble. She nodded and they refilled the buckets to bring the now warm water upstairs.
Lily held her bucket as still as she could. She was beginning to feel faint as the day warmed up and she hadn't had any food. She gritted her teeth and stayed behind Jake. At least he was carrying two of the buckets. He headed back for 208 and again knocked.
“Who is it?” Lily heard Eric's voice call, her heart started beating wildly.
“Here's your water sir,” Jake called.
“Come in,” Eric replied and Jake opened the door.
Lily saw him sitting at the small desk in the corner of the room. She tipped her hat way back to expose as much of her face as she could. She wanted to cry with frustration. Lily couldn't expose herself in front of Jake but she didn't want to leave the room now that she had arrived.
Lily in Bloom Page 11
