Liberty's Deception

by Lora Thomas

  Chapter Twenty

  Cameron and Sarah raced back to Wilmington. After a brief stop to allow Sarah’s horse to rest, they continued. Her stolen dapple gelding had changed to a white color from the foamy sweat covering its body.

  The outspoken maid could sense that Cameron had no intention of going to his brother’s home but right to Anna’s. She spurred her horse, encouraging it to run. The gelding protested but did as its master commanded. The heavily breathing animal sounded like a grunting pig from the rapid breaths it was attempting to take. Sarah hoped the poor animal had it in him to complete the task at hand. The gelding sensed the need and continued until it was in front of Cameron’s stallion. Sarah stopped her horse and blocked the road.

  Cameron ignored the blockade and started around Sarah.

  “Cameron! Stop!” Sarah screamed.

  He ignored her pleas.

  “He’ll kill her ’n ye!”

  That statement caused Cameron to immediately halt his horse. The horse slid across the sandy soil, coming to a stop. He did not turn to face Sarah. She was right. If he went headlong into the city, to Stevenson’s home, that bastard would kill Anna just for the hell of it.

  He turned and saw Sarah moving towards him.

  “Go tae Chris’s first. He may already have a plan.”

  “Very well.” Cameron looked around the area and dismounted his horse. “Dismount and release your horse.”

  “What?”

  “You are riding one of the horses belonging to a soldier in the Queen’s Rangers. We would be stopped and hung on the spot. We’ll walk from here.”

  Sarah did as instructed. Cameron took her steed and swatted the gelding’s rump and the animal trotted a short distance away, stopped and thirstily drank from a pool of water. Cameron pulled the reins on his horse’s bridle. The animal followed its owner to the wooded area just outside of Wilmington. He tied the horse to a tree.

  “He’ll be safe here. I’ll send Joseph to retrieve him. Now follow me. It will be hard to sneak into the town since you are being sought after. We’ll follow the river in and go to The Dragon.”

  The pair eased around the water’s edge. Rounding a small bend in the riverbank, Cameron spied a crab trap along with several buckets. He picked up the wooden cage and placed it under his arm and handed Sarah the buckets.

  “Our disguise.”

  “We’re crab fishermen?”

  “Of course.”

  Sarah looked into her buckets, then the cage Cameron was carrying. “Apparently we’re unsuccessful at this occupation,” she said with a twinkle to her eyes.

  “Come on.”

  As they made their way along the river, they were stopped twice by British soldiers. The story Cameron told the men seemed to appease their wariness. With a wink to Sarah, Cameron told the soldiers that they had set traps this morning and were collecting them this afternoon. However, one of their traps broke free from its mooring and floated down river from whence they had just come. He would then hold the dilapidated cage up. The soldier accepted the story. Apparently this happened quite frequently.

  After an hour they managed to make it to the water entrance of The Dragon’s Lair. Sarah was never so relieved to be inside the tavern. It felt like a sanctuary. A safe place.

  “You’ll be safe here. I’ll travel on to Chris’s and send word of our plan.”

  “No. I’m coming with you.”

  “No. If you’re spotted, all will be lost.”

  Sarah’s mouth turned down into a frown. “Fine. But notify me at once of your plan.”

  Cameron nodded and walked up the steps. Nearing the door, he could hear several voices. He eased the door open, and a relieved breath escaped him.

  “Come on, Sarah. Chris is here along with the others.”

  The duo exited the secret door.

  “Sarah!” Joseph said, rushing to her side. “What are you doing back here?” He pulled her into his arms. “You foolish woman, you know Stevenson’s men are looking for you.”

  “Dinnae scold me, Husband,” Sarah reprimanded, returning her husband’s embrace.

  “Husband?” Austin repeated, his eyes bugging.

  “Not now, little brother,” Joseph said. He turned to Cameron. “I’m assuming you already know what has transpired.”

  “Yes. Sarah filled me in on the ride here.”

  “The city is crawling with Redcoats, Cam,” Chris said. “Their presence has doubled since you left to meet Mr. Fallon. How did that go?”

  “I left before he arrived.” Cameron could see Chris’s mouth open in protest. “Don’t say a word. I left the dispatch with Duke along with the code.”

  Chris nodded his head. “So what’s your plan?”

  Cameron gave his brother a disheartened look. “I don’t have one,” he softly admitted.

  “Aw, hell, Cam,” Joseph ran his hands through his hair. “You always have a plan.”

  “I know.”

  “They’re usually not very good ones,” Austin mumbled.

  “Mind yourself Austin. You are still not too old to have your ears boxed,” Cameron warned.

  “She’s made your mind lax,” Christopher spoke. “I told you, you were getting in too deep with her.”

  “Don’t reprimand me, Chris!” Cameron coldly replied.

  “Damn it, Cam!” Chris yelled.

  “Excuse me,” Austin said. However, his voice was ignored by the arguing twins. He repeated, “Excuse me.” But still no effect.

  Sarah watched the brothers argue like two lawyers, and the timid Austin trying to get their attention. She looked around at the group of men. “Shut it!” she screamed from the top of her lungs.

  “Ter be such a dainty, bonnie lass, she ‘as a powerful set ‘o pipes there,” Jack replied, looking at Joseph.

  Sarah ignored the Irishman. “Austin has something tae say.”

  The group of men looked at the youngest member present. “Get on with it, boy,” Joseph said.

  “Colonel Wilhoit is in town.”

  “Who?” Chris asked.

  “Colonel Wilhoit. He is an advisor to General Clinton. He is staying at the old Rice home.” At everyone’s confused expression, he continued. “You know the big home at the west end of the city.”

  “So?” Cameron replied with derision.

  Taking a frustrated breath, Austin continued. “Wilhoit is a coward. He bought his position and then turned and fled at the first sound of gunfire. However, his money is desired, so instead of court-martialing him, they reassigned him. He handles all of Clinton’s correspondences.”

  “What’s your plan?” Chris asked.

  “He is highly important. I know he does not have any correspondences on him. Before you ask how I know, it’s because I heard him speaking to General Hatfield at the shop.” A smug expression crossed his face as he looked at his brother. “You aren’t the only Mercer who can be successful in espionage. Anyway, what better way to distract Stevenson and his men…all his men…except by rioting and attacking Wilhoit at his home?”

  “How will that help Anna?” Sarah asked.

  “Easy. While we are causing havoc, you, Cam and Chris can go to her home and rescue her.”

  Joseph looked with astonishment at his brother. “How did you come up with all of this?”

  A proud smile crossed his face. “The idea came to me as I was reading an old paper about what happened up in Boston when Sam Adams and his followers attacked Governor’s Hutchinson’s home. So what do you think?”

  “I’m not so sur—” Joseph began, but was interrupted by Cameron.

  “That’s a brilliant plan.”

  Joseph turned to face Cameron, surprised that he had taken a liking to his brother’s plan. “You call that a brilliant plan?”

  “What would you call it?”

  “Suicide.”

  “For Stevenson,” Cameron answered.

  “Who’s going to be our rioters?” Chris asked.

  “I’ll take care ‘o that
,” Jack answered.

  “Then it’s settled.” Cameron looked at Jack. “Have them begin the disruption at dusk. The darkness will help hide our movement through the city.”

  Jack nodded his head.

  Cam called to his friend, “Two more things, Jack.”

  “What’s that, Cam?”

  “Cover that bald head of yours. The moon will reflect off that large gourd of yours lighting up the city like a thousand lamps. And, two—be sure to make it a hell of a ruckus.”

  A malicious smile crossed the Irishman’s face, causing his hazel eyes to twinkle with mischief. “Den a ‘ell av a ruckus it shall be.”

  “Major, sir!” Theo said as he burst into the major’s study.

  Stevenson looked towards the young sentry. He abruptly let go of the topless Peggy and turned heatedly towards the guard. She scurried to the opposite side of the desk picking up her discarded top on the way around.

  “Out!” Stevenson yelled pointing towards the door.

  The young guard stood in his current position as if anchored in place, the sight of his unclothed commander freezing the thoughts in his mind and the words in his throat.

  “I said out!” Stevenson bellowed, all the while pointing towards the door and advancing towards the soldier.

  The feel of the major’s hands on the lapel of his uniform brought the private back to his reason for bursting in. “Colonel Wilhoit’s home is under attack,” Theo blurted out.

  “By whom?”

  “Rebels. There are hundreds of them advancing on his home.”

  Stevenson released Theo and waved his hand in a dismissive manner. “Send a small squadron to—”

  “Captain Wells has already ordered a dozen men to protect the Colonel’s home.”

  “That should suffice.”

  “But the men never made it! They were attacked and are pinned down in the town square. Rebels have also pulled several of our men out of the taverns and brothels and beat them in the streets, killing three.”

  “Damn it,” Stevenson mumbled and turned to retrieve his clothing. Pulling on his trousers, he spoke, “Get Mr. Walters and station yourselves at the door to the cellar. Place the others around the perimeter of this home.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “You’re going?” Peggy asked, lacing her top.

  “I will handle this swarm of uncivilized rebels. I will show them what happens when they mess with the empire.”

  The major jerked on his coat and headed out the door. As he moved through the darkened streets, the violence of the mob surprised him. The nightfall added to the anarchy. They reminded him of a pack of rabid dogs, attacking and destroying everything in sight. Chaos was everywhere. Homes were being destroyed and wagons were burning. Soldiers and insurgents were battling in the streets. A soldier to the front raised his musket only to be attacked from behind. The rebel had a large club and smashed it into the man’s head, sending him crumbling to the street. Screams could be heard echoing in every direction. Smoke billowed, causing Stevenson’s eyes to water. The noxious fumes irritated his eyes and lungs to the point he felt the contents of his stomach churn. Drawing his sword, he battled his way down the streets and alleyways. He was not certain of the number of people who actually lived in this city, but all seemed to be in the streets rallying around the rebellion. As he rounded the corner, he ran right into a familiar face from his past.

  “You?” he seethed when he saw the escaped spy from the encampment near Old Towne.

  Cameron’s eyes widened upon seeing the major face-to-face.

  Stevenson studied the spy a little more. “Mr. Christopher?”

  “Hate to disappoint,” Cameron said. He drew back his fist and hit Stevenson in the nose.

  The major stumbled backwards several feet. Cameron went to draw his pistol but noticed several soldiers coming up behind their commander. He would have loved to kill Stevenson this very moment. But he knew the second he pulled the trigger, Stevenson’s men would shoot and kill him. He needed to reach Anna. Cameron clenched his jaw tightly, turned and ran towards Chris.

  Stevenson watched as Cameron darted down an alleyway. He turned to chase after but another sight captured his attention. His eyes widened in shock. Surely he must be mistaken. He shook his head and looked again. Low-and-behold in front of his eyes stood the spy’s identical image. As Stevenson studied the other man his face dropped.

  “Mr. Christopher,” he said in a low growl. A slow simmering rage engulfed him. He watched as the spy raced to the businessman’s side. The sight of the identical men was disturbing. “Twins,” Stevenson mumbled, as anger surged through his veins like lava. All this time the dandy businessman was duping him by literally being in two places at once. What a wonderful deceit. Of course he denied having an affair with Anna, because he wasn’t. But his brother was.

  “Major!” a soldier called out.

  Stevenson turned to face the approaching sergeant. “Do you have Colonel Wilhoit’s home secure?”

  “No, sir. The rebels have it surrounded. They are armed with clubs and torches. We have captured several, but I am afraid that they will make it to Colonel Wilhoit’s home before we do.”

  “Rally the men! No one rests until all these militants have an appointment with the gallows.”

  “Yes, sir!”

  The officers along with their men battled in the streets, unaware that the spy was making his way to Stevenson’s home. Unaware that this would change everything.

  Cameron and Chris became separated from Sarah when the riots began. This was definitely not part of the plan, but Cameron did not let this setback deter him from the plan. Meeting Stevenson was an unforeseen incident. But the punch he landed to that man’s oversized nose was satisfying. It still did not give him the satisfaction of killing him for the harm he had caused Anna but it helped. Nearing the corner of the street next to Anna’s home, Cameron spotted Sarah making her way towards him.

  “There’s guards stationed around the home,” Sarah said.

  Pressing his lips together in disappointment, Cameron looked at his only pistol. “I have just the one shot.”

  “So do I,” Chris said.

  “Maybe I can distract them. They were looking for me. They’re in pairs. While I have their attention diverted to me, you take them out.”

  “How many are there?” Cameron asked.

  “I counted eight,” Sarah answered.

  “Let’s make it quick. Stevenson had all his troops in the city.”

  The three made their way to the corner of the home. Taking a deep breath for courage, Sarah exited from her hiding spot.

  The sound of the soldier’s weapons cocking caused her to swallow nervously. “Don’t shoot!” she yelled.

  “Who’s there?” one man asked. “Sarah?” Gibson said at the same time.

  “Gibson!” Sarah said with excitement. She knew that he would be easily taken out along with the other man. She raced towards the pair, glancing over her shoulder for dramatic effect, and beseeched, “Please help me! The city is under siege. I had nowhere else to go.”

  “The major has ordered you to be detained.”

  “Then please detain me! Just get me somewhere safe!” She darted past the guards towards the home. As they turned to chase after her, Cameron and Chris made their move, knocking each guard unconscious. Opening the satchel she had slung around her shoulder, Sarah handed the brothers pieces of cloth. “Use these to tie them up and gag them.”

  “Let’s just kill them,” Cameron seethed.

  “No. Gibson is not like the others. He’s just a young man, no older than nineteen.” She could sense his hesitancy. “He is a good man.”

  “Fine. But do not expect such leniency towards the others.”

  The other six guards stationed outside were just as easily taken care of. Stevenson had left his most inexperienced soldiers to guard his home. A clever move usually but a stupid one in this case. Take your best men to defend your leader; however, leave your home un
protected.

  Sarah led the brothers to the entrance she had escaped through earlier. As they entered the study, the noise of a cocking pistol stopped them in their tracks.

  “Not one step further.”

  Sarah whipped. “Peggy,” she seethed.

  Peggy’s eyes traveled from her nemesis to the brothers. Her quick intake of breath was followed by a, “Mr. Christopher?”

  “I think your cover’s blown, Chris,” Cameron drily replied.

  “Drop your weapon, Peggy,” Sarah said.

  “No. I have worked too hard to lose what I have gained because of you.” Peggy pointed her weapon towards Sarah. “Mr. Theo! Intruders!”

  “Shit,” Cameron mumbled. He charged towards the woman. She screamed and turned the pistol towards him. She pulled the trigger, but the only noise was a small poof as the weapon misfired. Cameron yanked the weapon from her grasp. She raised her hand to slap him but fell backwards when Sarah planted her fist into the woman’s face.

  “Damn whorin’ bitch,” Sarah said and then spit upon the woman.

  A noise in the hallway drew the trio’s attention back to the plan. Cameron and Chris walked to the doorway and pressed their backs against the wall. Sarah stood in the middle of the room.

  “Peggy?” Theo said as he walked into the room. His eyes landed on Sarah. “What are you doing here, wench?” The second the condescending term left his lips, Cameron and Chris both struck Theo on the back of the head. As he fell forward, they captured him under his arms and lowered him to the ground.

  “This way,” Sarah whispered, motioning with her hand. They made their way into the hallway, past the stairs to the back of the home. Sarah peered around the corner and quickly drew her head back. “Walters is guarding the door.”

  Cameron did not let the words have time to reach his ears. He stepped around the corner and raised his weapon. “Where are the keys?”

  Mr. Walters looked in horror at Cameron. “How did you get in here?” He raised his own weapon and pointed it at Cameron.

  “Answer me! Keys?!”