Secrets of the Heart

by Vickie McDonough

  Lucas shook hands with Johnny, then his gaze slid past the man to Cooper and back to Michael. Disappointment swelled within Coop, but then his father’s gaze jerked back to him. He studied him with a hungered look, and Coop could see hope battling the fear to believe on his father’s face.

  He decided to put the poor man out of his misery. “It’s good to see you again, Father.”

  Lucas Reed’s blue eyes widened and blazed with delight. “Cooper? Is it really you, my son?”

  “Aye, sir, it is.” His grin burst forth as he answered like his mother would have responded.

  A joyous gasp spewed from his father’s mouth, and then Coop was crushed in his strong arms. “Thank You, Lord, for returning my son.”

  Coop hugged his father and expressed his own thanks to his heavenly Father. There had been many days when he was slaving for twenty hours at a time when he wondered if he’d ever see his family again. His father finally set him back a few feet and devoured him with his moist eyes.

  “We thought you were lost to us. Where have you been? Why didn’t you send word that you were safe?”

  “I couldn’t, sir. I was abducted from London last fall and forced to serve on a British ship all these months.”

  The glint in his father’s eyes hardened. “I knew something nefarious must have happened. There was no sign at all of you and your classmates. How is it you are here now?”

  Cooper grinned, knowing his father would be proud. “We dropped anchor in Charleston Harbor, but all of us Americans and men from some other countries were locked below. They often locked me up alone because I had a tendency to sabotage things. I didn’t serve all those years on your ships without learning a thing or two. After we docked, I recognized the bells of St. Michaels and knew I was home. I managed to escape.”

  “Well done, son.” His father clapped him hard on the shoulder.

  Cooper pulled the pouch from his waistband. “I also managed to find proof that a prominent American is in cahoots with the British.”

  Lucas scowled. “Which American? Someone I know?”

  “Have a look.” He held the pouch out to his father.

  Lucas pursed his lips, as if preparing himself to learn of the betrayal of a close friend. He unfolded the parchment, scanned it, and his frown deepened. “Why, this is treason!”

  “And kidnapping, holding a person against his will, destroying American property, and so on and so forth.” Cooper’s delight in revealing this information to his father knew no bounds. If not for being abducted, he would have finished his education by now and may have well returned home. He’d be happily preparing for his brother’s wedding and never have fallen in love with Hannah. He released a heavy sigh, not all that sorry about the latter, but it certainly would have made his life less complicated.

  “We’ve not much time, Father. The Syrius, the British frigate I was on, is scheduled to leave tomorrow. We’ve got to save the others who are still held captive. I regret that I was unable to set them free before escaping. I had planned to get help and then go back for them, but I had an unforeseen accident.” His fingers touched the scabbed-over wound on his head, drawing his father’s gaze.

  Lucas brushed Coop’s hair back and studied the injury. “This is at least a week old. Where have you been since then?”

  Michael snorted a laugh, and Cooper sent him a mock glare. “That’s the ironic thing, Father. I was found out and chase was given. I managed to get almost home to Reed Springs when my horse gave out. I was thrown over his neck, hit my head, and then the horse rolled over me. I had amnesia and just regained my memory last night. It was Michael’s sister who found me in our barn.” He didn’t speak Hannah’s name—he couldn’t for fear of giving himself away.

  His father wrapped an arm around him and hugged his shoulders. “Praise be to God for watching over you. I can’t tell you how grieved we’ve all been.”

  Movement upstairs drew Cooper’s attention. Jamie stood at the top of the stairs, staring down.

  “Come and greet our visitors, son. Your future brother-in-law has arrived.”

  Jamie trod down the stairs, his gaze focused on Michael. “Good to see you again.”

  The two men shook hands.

  “So, how’s that sister of yours?” Jamie asked.

  Michael’s gaze darted to Cooper, making his heart jump. Did Michael know? He hadn’t said anything about caring for Hannah, but had she talked about him to her brother?

  “Uh, she’s well. She’s been spending a lot of time at Reed Springs, getting it ready for your return.”

  Jamie smiled, turning Cooper’s stomach. “Good. Soon enough it will be her home, too.”

  His father cleared his throat and introduced Johnny. “And of course you know this young man.”

  Jamie lifted his gaze to Cooper, and for the first time, Coop realized he’d grown taller than his brother by a good inch and a half. The same confusion crinkled his brother’s brow; then his mouth dropped, and he glanced at his father. Lucas Reed smiled broadly and nodded. Delight spread across Jamie’s face. “Cooper?”

  He nodded. “Aye, brother.”

  Jamie closed the distance between them and enveloped Cooper in a hug. “How is it you are here? Where have you been?”

  Michael shook his head. “Why not send for your mother so we don’t have to go through all this a third time?”

  “An excellent idea.” Lucas Reed grabbed Michael’s shoulder and shook it. “I’ll get her now. She will be so delighted.” His long legs took the stairs three at a time.

  Warmth flooded Coop’s insides. He was finally home—with his family. Jamie shook him, regaining his attention. “It’s so good to see you again, brother. You’ve arrived just in time for the wedding.”

  Seventeen

  A noise jerked Hannah awake again, and she was much relieved to see bright shafts of sunlight penetrating the dark room. The door opened and several men clomped in, each one looking at her. One man lit the two oil lamps hanging overhead, fully illuminating Hannah’s prison for the first time since she’d arrived.

  Squinting against the brightness, she slowly lifted her gaze up the length of a huge man wearing a tan coat who stood before her. He yanked down his gold vest, futilely attempting to cover his generous stomach. He doffed his black beaver hat and gave Hannah a smug smile. “Sam, untie the poor girl. Jeeter, go to the kitchen and get her some water or tea and something to eat. She must be half-starved.” He smiled a grin she was certain he thought charming as Sam removed her bindings and the gag, but it sickened her stomach.

  “I suggest you keep quiet, Miss Madison, unless you’d like to be gagged again.”

  Sam walked across the room and deposited the ropes in a box.

  Hannah slowly stretched her shoulders, trying to work out the stiffness. At the moment, she couldn’t have screamed even if she’d been inclined to. She desperately needed some water. She rubbed her wrists, chafed with red rope burns. Glancing up, she surreptitiously studied the big man as she moved her tongue around, trying to work up some moisture in her dry mouth. She’d seen him before, but she couldn’t remember where.

  The door banged opened again and that weasel of a man returned, but this time he looked like an angel. In his hand, he carried a tin cup.

  “Here’s a cup of water. Lily’s whipping up some grub fer the princess.”

  Hannah’s gaze never left the cup. She licked her parched lips in anticipation. Jeeter handed it to her and turned, going back out the door. Though she wanted to gulp the cool water in one big swig, she sipped it slowly, using the extra moments to regain her composure. Anger over her abduction and concern for Cooper fueled her resolve to face the intimidating man head-on while her mind grappled for an escape plan. With a loud bang, she slammed the empty tin cup onto the table and smiled to herself when the big man jumped slightly.

  “Who are you and what do you want with me?” She licked her lips to moisten them, wishing she had more water, but not wanting to lower herself to ask.r />
  “I’m Arlis Sutherland, and I’m planning on making a little deal for myself. I’m going to trade you for some papers that were stolen from me,” he said, as he lowered his enormous frame onto the chair across from her.

  Hannah had a fleeting moment of pity for the poor chair as it creaked and groaned, but then his name registered, and she glanced up at him again. Ruthie’s father? She’d only seen the imposing man a time or two, and even then, from a distance. Poor Ruthie. She shook her head in response to the man’s comment. “Cooper will never make a deal like that. How could you possibly think you could ever get away with this kind of a scheme?”

  “I’ve got a pretty good bargaining chip, wouldn’t you say, Miss Madison?” Mr. Sutherland plopped his hat onto the table. He ran a hand through his thinning hair and gave her a tight-lipped smile. “It seems my men saw you in the arms of Mr. Reed. I figure he’d rather have his beautiful young woman back than a measly old piece of parchment.”

  Hannah’s cheeks warmed at the thought of someone watching her and Cooper, but as her embarrassment ebbed, anger flooded in. She jumped to her feet so quickly her chair catapulted to the ground with a loud bang. Her legs threatened to buckle, and she grabbed the edge of the table for support. Leaning forward, she looked Arlis Sutherland in the eye. “You’re nothin’ but a lowdown coward to use a woman as a pawn. And you’re dead wrong if you’re think I’ll let Cooper forfeit his information to you.”

  Mr. Sutherland didn’t flinch at her tirade. The only indication that he’d even noticed was an uplifted eyebrow. “Sit down, Miss Madison, and I suggest you quiet down,” he said as he lifted up the filthy neckerchief that had been in her mouth and twirled it around his plump fingers. He flicked a finger at Boss, who strode over, and pressed her back in her seat.

  “You know, my dear, you’re the one who is dead wrong. But at least you’re not dead yet. And to tell the truth, there are things worse than death for a beautiful young lady like you.” He rubbed his generous lips with a fat finger as he gazed at her.

  Hannah shrank back in her seat, suddenly realizing how much danger she was in.

  Jeeter bustled back into the room and set another cup of water and a plate of greasy food in front of her. Her mouth watered, but her mind refused to acknowledge that the stuff on the plate could actually be consumable.

  “Mr. Sutherland,” Jeeter said with a huff. “That Reed kid’s in town. He’s stayin’ at his family’s town home.”

  Cooper. Hannah’s gaze switched to Jeeter. Cooper was in Charleston? Keep him safe, Lord, and please help me.

  “Did he see you?” Mr. Sutherland asked.

  “Naw, he was too busy stuffin’ his face and talkin’ to his folks.”

  Arlis Sutherland scowled. “I’m done for if Lucas Reed learns that I was involved in the kidnapping of his son. Perhaps it’s time I cut my losses and return to England.” He picked up his hat and twirled it on his finger. “But not before I get those documents back. Here’s what we’re going to do. . . .”

  ❧

  Cooper stretched his arms and then patted his belly after the delicious meal the family cook had prepared. He dabbed his lips with a cloth napkin.

  “Father shouldn’t be gone long,” Jamie said, from across the table. “He wanted to visit several men among the leadership of Charleston to decide what charges to bring against Mr. Sutherland and how they want to handle his arrest.”

  Cooper had hoped to go along with his father, but his mother wouldn’t let him out of her sight. She sat beside him, reaching out and patting his arm every few minutes as if to check to see if he were real.

  “I’m so thankful to our Lord for your return. We only got back from England yesterday. I wanted to stay and search for you longer, but we needed to get back for Jamie’s wedding.” She smiled at Jamie, then patted Cooper again. “And now we’ll have the added delight of you being there as well. We planned to rest up a few days before returning to Reed Springs.”

  Cooper fiddled with his spoon. How could he attend that wedding, knowing the only woman he ever loved would be lost to him forever? Somehow he’d have to get out of going.

  Michael shoved back his chair and stood. “Thank you for the fine meal, Mrs. Reed. If you don’t mind, ma’am, Johnny and I will head to our rooms and let your family visit. I know it’s been a long while since you’ve seen that scalawag.” He winked at Cooper and grinned a smile so similar to Hannah’s that it made Cooper’s heart clench.

  His mother nodded at Michael. “I can’t thank you enough for accompanying Cooper home. We’re forever in your debt.”

  “I do believe that lemon pudding you served erased any debts, ma’am.” The two men left the room.

  “It’s good to see Michael again. Hard to believe he’ll be family soon.” Jamie lifted his cup of tea and took a sip.

  Cooper grimaced. He didn’t want to hear anything about wedding plans. They only emphasized how much he was sacrificing for his brother’s happiness. He turned away, studying the room for any changes that had been made since he was last home. Other than two new paintings, everything was just as he remembered.

  His mother turned in her chair, her brown eyes shining. Tufts of gray and brown hair stuck out from under her cap. Tiny lines creased the corner of her eyes. She was aging, but she was still beautiful.

  “Tomorrow, we’ll go out and get you fitted for a new coat and trousers. There’s just barely enough time to have some clothes made before the wedding.” She cocked her head and brushed a lock of hair from his forehead. “My boy is now a man. We’ve all missed you so much, and we feared you were dea—” She choked on the last word and turned away.

  Jamie watched her with a concerned gaze. “I told you Coop was tough, Mum. I knew in my heart he wasn’t gone.” He shot a grin at Cooper.

  Jamie had always been the perfect big brother. Yes, he sometimes was a tease but never in a cruel manner. He was always someone Coop looked up to. Jamie always stood up for him, and never let anyone bully him. He’d grown up to be a kind, responsible man, as far as Coop could tell. He’d make a good husband for Hannah. Cooper’s stomach churned. If he couldn’t have her himself, there was no other person in the world he’d want caring for her other than Jamie. At least he had that consolation.

  “Why are you so down in the dumps, little brother?” Jamie’s concerned blue eyes now focused on him.

  Because I’m in love with your fiancée, he longed to shout. Instead, he shrugged. “Just tired, I suppose—and curious as to what Father is finding out.”

  “We’ll know soon enough.” Jamie’s dark brows dipped. “It’s difficult to believe Mr. Sutherland could be a British loyalist working right under our noses. Why, I do business with him on a regular basis.” He pursed his lips tightly. “And to think he had my own brother locked up on one of his ships. It makes me want to—”

  Their mother lifted a hand. “Remember, son, we’re Christian folk. Your father and his associates will see that Mr. Sutherland is punished for his deeds, but we are to forgive.”

  Jamie shook his head. “How do you forgive someone for imprisoning your own son?”

  “We do as God did. His Son was also imprisoned, but even Jesus forgave those who locked Him up and cruelly mistreated Him. We can do no less.”

  Jamie cast Coop an I’m-not-so-sure-I-can-do-that look. It warmed him that his brother would be so adamant in wanting retribution from the man who was responsible for Cooper’s anguish, but his mother was right. He’d realized that no man could control life, other than in the choices he made. Life and death were in God’s hands. There had been many times Coop thought he wouldn’t see the light of day again, but God had brought him through, even when he didn’t acknowledge God’s hand in his life. “Mother is correct, Jamie. We must let go of our anger and desire for revenge. It only hurts us and those closest to us.”

  Jamie stared at him with his mouth partially open; then he smiled. “And when did you find God, little brother?”

  “When I was loc
ked up in a deep, dark hole, injured and alone.” They didn’t need to know that hole had been at Reed Springs and not onboard the Syrius. All that truly mattered was that he’d reconciled with God. Something he should have done many years ago.

  The front door opened and shut, and all eyes turned toward the doorway. Coop’s heart jumped when his father strode in, looking confident. His gaze latched onto Coop’s and he nodded.

  “All is taken care of. Members of the City Guard have been dispatched to arrest Arlis Sutherland.” He pulled out his chair and dropped into it.

  “What about the men still held captive?”

  His mother waved to a servant, who silently stood in the corner by the dining room entrance. “Please bring Mr. Reed a hot cup of tea and a bowl of pudding.” She turned her eyes to her husband. “And what of Mrs. Sutherland and Ruthie? All of this will be so hard on them.”

  Lucas Reed pursed his lips and shook his head. “I know not what will happen to them. I suppose they will return to England. Life will certainly be difficult if they choose to remain in Charleston.”

  “Yes, I’m sure it will.”

  Coop thought of the arrogant young woman he’d met the day Hannah found him. She would certainly be brought down from the high horse she was on. Being the daughter of a traitor would forever tarnish her life.

  Coop listened to his family talk and studied each face. Once Jamie married Hannah, she would sit at the family’s table. How could he endure that?

  He clenched his jaw. He couldn’t. And it wouldn’t be fair to her to have him present. No, the best thing for everyone would be for him to leave again—the best for everyone, that is, but himself.

  Eighteen

  “I don’t know why you think I need so many clothes, Mother.” Cooper shook his head as he thought of all she had ordered for him at the four shops that they’d just visited. It was enough for three men.