“I doubt we’ll have any more company tonight, especially in this foul weather. But just in case I’m wrong, you should cover up with that shirt. Never can tell when robbers and deserters might be nosing around. I’m going to light a candle just long enough to get us something to eat, then out it goes. You want me to pour you some of this fine whiskey to warm your bones, or are you planning to stick with water?”
“I was planning to freshen up before we eat,” Shannon remarked.
He instantly replied, “Oh, no, you aren’t. You’ve already had one bath too many. Do you realize that’s all the water we have for drinking? It might have to last for days. I can promise you, thirst is an awful way to suffer or die. That’s one of the Comanches’ favorite tortures. The water is for drinking, nothing else,” he stressed firmly.
“I’m supposed to eat with dirty hands and stay…unbathed for days?” she questioned in disbelief and dismay.
“What difference do clean hands make? You’ll be eating out of a can with utensils.” He didn’t comment on the musky odor of lovemaking that clung to both of their bodies. He would let her bathe before they left for Wilmington. His groin began to tighten and kindle as he inhaled the stimulating fragrance of sated passions. He commanded himself to get moving before supper was delayed again.
The candle that he took from one of the stolen packs could only remain lit for a brief time. He hurriedly searched for canned foods that could be consumed cold.
Then Blane went behind the suspended oilcloth and fumbled around in the shadows. She could hear the clanking of metal as he retrieved something from the corner. Blane pulled the barrier aside and informed her, “There’s a…chamber pot back here when you need it.” He returned, dropping the cloth into place and supplying privacy.
Shannon didn’t like their predicament, but she had to accept it. She positively was not going to behave like a silly female or a spoiled child. She was darn lucky to be alive and to have things this good, and extremely fortunate to be able to share time and privacy with Blane. She pulled on the dark cotton shirt and tucked the lengthy tails between her legs, which were crossed at the ankles.
After opening the cans, he mischievously placed hers in the triangle formed by her barely concealed buttocks and bare legs. “That should help you locate them in the dark,” he teased, grinning with amusement. He placed his cans on an area of the blanket near her feet. “Don’t kick those over, or you’ll have to divvy your share with me. No telling how long we might be trapped in here. We can’t afford to waste anything.” He rejoined her and blew out the light, but not before he had sent her a dazzling smile and his eyes had made a rapid sweep of her face and figure.
“Don’t expect me to argue those facts,” she cheerfully replied. “You’re the expert. In fact, I’m demoting myself to your assistant. I have come to realize I am not qualified to be your partner—not yet. In a few months, after lots of special training and ample experience, you can grant me a promotion. Until then, my superior commander, I will follow your every wish and order.” She gingerly groped for a can and started to eat a most unappetizing meal.
“Be careful when making such tempting offers, Flame. Only a fool wouldn’t take advantage of a devoted servant. What if your superior commander is a selfish, demanding, beguiling rake? What if my orders have nothing to do with the war, but only with satisfying my insatiable desire for you?” He chuckled before lifting his first can.
His rich voice and roguish laughter caused tingles of excitement to race over her body. “Since you aren’t a fool, that means I can depend on you to carry out that delightful threat,” she boldly responded. “Besides, a vital agent should be kept happy and calm so he can function at his best and safest. How can he have a clear head to perform his duty if he’s besieged by hungers and distractions? As your loyal and dedicated assistant, surely it’s my duty to the Union and to peace to provide you with whatever you require. After all, supplies and weapons can go only so far in keeping a man alive and healthy, in body and in mind. Isn’t that right, sir?” Shannon took her second can, trying to keep her thoughts on this playful conversation rather than on the food.
He jested huskily, “Say one more enticing word, Blue Eyes, and I’ll be disrupting your supper with one of those demanding and selfish orders. You’ve got me simmering over here now. You can bet I’m going to hold you to your word and offer, every chance I get.”
“Don’t agree too quickly, Major Stevens. Before I take on my new role of obedient assistant, you have to make me a promise.”
Between chuckles, he taunted, “I knew there would be a catch, my fiery temptress. What is your demand, sly demoness? My soul?”
“There isn’t a single part of you I don’t crave to own, but my request is a simple one. When you locate this man who…whom Ellie loves—whether it’s during the war or afterward—promise me you won’t gun him down like an animal. Please give him time to explain, time to change his mind about marrying her or at least legitimating his child. If it’s possible, will you let me try to convince him to do right by Ellie and his son? Perhaps I can shame him into accepting his responsibilities to them, or clarify any confusion. Please.”
Blane stared forcefully into the darkness, unable to pierce it. He wished he could see her eyes; eyes always talked louder than words, he knew, except where a skilled deceiver was concerned. “That’s asking for more than one promise, Flame. Why should you become involved with him?”
“Because I don’t want you killed during a confrontation with him, or imprisoned for his murder. You said his family was wealthy and powerful. That isn’t the kind of man you can run around making accusations against or gunning down without proof of his crimes or evil intentions. It’s Ellie’s word against his. If he’s been warned about your search for him, he’ll be prepared to fight you. Or he might have hired villains awaiting you somewhere. If he’s as wicked as you believe, you mustn’t underestimate him. Please, Blane, let me help you with this problem. Don’t get yourself slain or risk murdering an innocent man. Don’t you realize this could be a terrible mistake? You could be stalking the wrong man. Blane Stevens, I don’t want you dead or in prison.”
“You’ve got some excellent points, Flame. You’re more cunning and intelligent than I realized, if that’s possible. Let me clear up one thing for you; Ellie isn’t the only witness against him. It would be very simple to prove the man I’m tracking is the same one who came to Texas and compromised my sister. You see, Flame, lots of people met him and observed their budding romance. Any of those people could swear in all honesty that Ellie wasn’t seeing any other man that spring. Besides, he had papers and possessions to prove he was who he claimed to be. There is no way I could be seeking the wrong man.”
“There’s still the danger of his entrapping you and killing you. You have to be careful. If he’s the kind of man you say he is, then he’s probably experienced similar situations before and knows how to deal with women or families who won’t be discouraged.”
“You’re right. I figured that when I caught up with him he would deny the truth and fight me, but I never thought about him turning the tables on me. He wouldn’t battle me with words or guns if he could have me imprisoned or shot for attempting to kill him. It would be my word against his, in his territory. I’m certain he’s a crafty bastard. I wouldn’t put anything past him to entrap me. Why, he might even convince his sister to accuse me of kidnapping and raping her. Her family would have me hung before I could prove it was a trick. That would be one way of scaring off Ellie and my brothers.”
“My heavens, Blane, is his sister as wicked as he is? Do you honestly think she would conspire with him to carry out such an evil scheme? Who’is this man? Perhaps I’ve heard of him or met him?”
“Tell you and risk having you try to solve this problem for me? No way, Flame; this is a dangerous and private affair. But thanks to you, I will be more alert. I promise I’ll even talk to the bastard before I punish him.” Blane sat up straight and stiff. “Of course! Punishment instead of death…”
“What do you have in mind?” she inquired, her curiosity piqued.
“What torment could be worse than death for a lecherous man, for any man? What action would prevent him from ever beguiling and seducing and deserting another naïve girl, short of slaying the son-of-a-bitch? Yes, there’s only one way to sever his arrogance and lust and keep him from creating more nameless children or taking advantage of innocent victims. The perfect punishment for his black deed…”
She knew Blane was referring to castration. “Wouldn’t a man die of such an injury? How could you get away with doing it?” she probed anxiously, recalling how she had dealt with Major Clifford in a similar manner. If that sadistic beast hadn’t been found or gotten loose before that horrid night was over, his penetrating weapon, which had probably tortured many helpless women, would now be injured beyond evil use!
“Some ranch and farm animals have to be castrated for certain reasons. There’s a simple and safe way to carry out the procedure. I would sneak up on him and then keep him blindfolded. He wouldn’t know which of his victims was to blame. Besides, I know a wealthy and powerful Southern family. Surely this ravishing Greenleaf would protect me,” he ventured, reaching out and finding a curl to yank gently.
“This Greenleaf, your devoted assistant, would swear you were with her night and day during his…unfortunate accident.”
“You would tarnish your name and reputation to save my life?”
“I would do anything for you, Blane Stevens,” she vowed softly.
Blane’s reaction was to fling the cans out of their way so he could pull her into his arms and smother her lips with urgent kisses. Within moments he was making feverish love to her, as if it had been many weeks since he had taken her and was starving for her. After their passions were sated, they fell asleep snuggled together and slumbered peacefully until noon of the following day, Saturday, October 26.
By dawn of that same Saturday morning, Pike realized he had been cleverly duped by the fleeing Yankee agent. He had checked with Timothy and Annabelle Marlowe in case the rogue had taken Shannon there and left her, but to no avail. Now Pike suspected that the Yankee agent had surmised how the Rebels would reason out the facts and that they would follow the wrong trail. And since Shannon had mentioned that her captor had been heading for Fayetteville and Raleigh, it would have been logical for the Rebels to think he was now running in the opposite direction. But that was the beauty of the Yankee’s clever plan. Who would suspect an enemy of heading exactly where he had told you he was heading! It would be just like that cunning Yankee to hide somewhere close to camp, spying on them, until they left the area. Then he could go along his merry way. Pike fumed. There was no need to scour Wilmington, but he believed that the old mansion did bear another look.
When Simon Travers awoke late Saturday morning, he was greatly angered by the news that greeted him. Shannon could not be located, and Pike had left for camp! “That Reb did not seek her at all this morning?”
“No, Mister Travers. Fact is, he did little searching here.”
“Why would Pike come here claiming to look for them and not do so? Could be a decoy ruse. Could be those two know I’m on their tails,” Simon murmured thoughtfully. From what he had heard in camp, Pike had been smitten with Shannon and had been determined to locate her to prove her innocence. “It all seems a little strange, seeing as Blane and Shannon surrendered to Pike. And Pike was with Shannon when those two escaped. I wonder…I think we should return to General Moore’s camp and speak with Lieutenant Zachary Pike. I want to see just how much he knows, or claims not to know.”
Saturday night, General Moore sent for Pike to come and answer Special Agent Simon Travers’s questions. Pike had heard the strange tale that this unsettling man told his commanding officer. He hadn’t noticed any maps and papers left behind in Shannon’s belongings! If Shannon was the legendary Flame and she had helped Major Blane Stevens escape, then why was this man searching for her? Wouldn’t that spoil the secret cover Travers was demanding they protect at all costs? If Shannon was that brave and cunning, she didn’t require help from anyone! Besides, if she were a Rebel spy, she could be in danger from that handsome Union agent with her. Pike did not care for the look in Simon’s eyes or the tone of his voice or the shaking of his hands when he talked of Shannon. Pike did not believe for a minute that Simon was a Confederate agent, or that he was seeking Shannon for good reasons, and Pike remained alert as this man chatted socially.
Pike lit a cheroot that he had purchased in Wilmington. He had become weary of polite banter about families, properties, and businesses. He knew this man was eyeing him intently, and he wanted to learn why. He leaned his chair back on its two rear legs, and asked, “You think Miss Greenleaf is safe traveling with this Major Stevens?” he inquired as he scrutinized Simon. He noted that the man did not seem afraid, even surrounded by so many Confederate soldiers, but something was awry…
Simon smiled too genially. “I’ve been trying to tail them for her protection, but Stevens moved too swiftly after their last stop. Don’t worry about Shannon. She could beat most men with guns, knives, sabers, or arrows. She can also outride and outfight most of them.”
“If she’s in no danger, why are you tagging along to help her?”
Simon grinned again, turning sideways in his chair to prevent Pike from staring into his face. He chose his words carefully. “Because of Stevens. He’s a different breed of Union agent. He’s smart and he’s fearless. You witnessed his skill and cleverness during his capture. I was told he surrendered to you. I said Shannon could best most men, and Stevens isn’t average. Too bad he sided with the Union. When you searched Wilmington, you didn’t find any clues to their whereabouts?”
Pike caught the challenging inflection in Simon’s voice as the man spoke. He decided to test his veracity and knowledge. “I didn’t ride into town after I left my men. I rode around searching areas that might appeal to a man who wanted to disappear for a few days. The storm slowed me down. I had to hole up in this shack for hours. I was tired and hungry and soaked. I figured the rain had washed away any tracks, so I returned to camp early this morning. It’s my guess they’re heading for Raleigh and Fayetteville. Stevens got an eyeful here, so I’m certain he’ll want to return to the Yanks as quickly as he can. I could be wrong; Wilmington would be the perfect place to hide. If we weren’t pulling out for duty in the morning, I would head there and search for her, with General Moore’s permission. Like you, sir, I don’t trust this Major Stevens. And I would like to see her.”
“You think I should ride into Wilmington and look for her there?”
“If I were you, that’s exactly what I would do,” Pike responded.
Simon forced himself not to glare at the deceitful officer as he silently raged. The fool should realize he and his men knew about his futuile search there—or was it his clever ruse to mislead any pursuers? Clearly, Shannon and Blane had not headed for Wilmington. This Pike was a liar! Was he also their accomplice, another Union agent? “You said you’re from Charlotte, Lieutenant Pike, but you talk Western, like Stevens. He’s from Texas. You know anyone over Charlotte way who would hide them?”
“Haven’t been home since this war began, so I wouldn’t know about suspected Union sympathizers. The authorities in Wilmington might be able to answer that question when you get there.”
Sunday morning, when General Moore and his Confederate regiments moved northward, Lieutenant Zachary Pike was listed as a deserter. But miles from the camp, Pike was being beaten and questioned by Simon Travers. Pike knew this man was going to kill him, no matter what he said or did. He perceived great evil in Simon, and an alarming urgency to locate Shannon Greenleaf. Pike decided that Simon and Blane Stevens were Union agents who were trying to unmask and slay the beautiful Flame, the woman who had kissed him beneath the tree that night before vanishing in the control of her foe. Pike determined he would never betray her to this evil monster.
As Pike and Simon argued, Pike tried to make it obvious that he was attempting to avoid the subject of Charlotte. By doing so, he succeeded in convincing Simon that it was probably where Shannon and Blane were heading. Then Pike tried to discover Simon’s motives by pleading with Simon to let him help find Shannon and rescue her from Blane. When he claimed he would do anything Simon ordered just so he could have Shannon as his reward, Simon laughed coldly and wickedly, and gave Pike an explanation that proved to the Rebel soldier he had been right about the mysterious Simon Travers.
Simon sneered and informed him, “Shannon is mine, you lowbred Reb. But she’ll wish you had found her first when I get through with her.” Simon jabbed a knife into Pike’s stomach and twisted it cruelly. “Just so you know, Reb, she is the Flame, and all I said about her skills is true. That’s how she got away from me.” Simon plunged the knife into the left side of Pike’s chest and twisted painfully. “I suspected you were helping them, but I didn’t know why.” He plunged the knife into Pike’s right side and brutally sliced downward. “You should know that after you die, I plan to put her sign on you and give her the credit for your murder. You see, Reb, I’m collecting evidence on her to force her to marry me. I also plan to carve a little blade on your cheek. With luck, I’ll convince everybody that Stevens is the infamous Blade. That should get him killed.” Though Simon was unaware that he had accurately guessed Blane’s secret identity, the dying officer sensed something of the truth in the murderer’s words.
Suddenly Pike saw certain facts clearly. Shannon and Blane were a team, and Simon was after them for reasons that had nothing to do with the war. Shannon had risked her life for Blane; she obviously loved him. Blane had risked his life for her and therefore loved her as well. Pike grinned, then he murmured weakly, “Blane will never let you get her. When you get to Charlotte, he’ll be waiting. He’ll kill you, you bastard. You’re a f-fool if you think she’ll take you after having Blane Ste…vens.” Pike’s head dropped forward as death claimed him.
“You’re the fool, Pike, if you think anyone will stop me from finding and taking her. Thank you for pointing us in the right direction. You men know what to do. Make sure there’s no doubt who committed this foul deed. And make sure the body is placed where it will be found before our evidence rots away or some vulture feasts on it. I’ll be ready to leave for Charlotte when you return to our camp.”
When Shannon and Blane awoke Sunday morning, they were facing each other. All it took was an entreating gaze from each to ignite desire’s flames. As they lay nestled together after sating their passions, Blane cautioned, “I want you to be very careful in Wilmington. It’s one of the most crucial supply and defense areas for the Confederacy. If the Union could capture Fort Fisher, Wilmington, and the entire Cape Fear section, they would be destroying one of the South’s largest and most successful blockade-running businesses. North Carolina not only provides countless soldiers but also a vast amount of the supplies and arms used by the Rebels. Some of the most noted runners operate out of Wilmington or the Cape Fear area. Remember these names: the Pet, the Siren, the R. E. Lee, and the steamer Lillian. Then, you’ve got the Kate and the Mary Celeste working out of Charleston. The raiders carry out cotton, wool, tobacco, camphine, and lumber; then they return with munitions, supplies, whiskey, medicines, and money to pay soldiers. Jeremy told me the Union captured their most famous and largest runner, the AdVance, on the tenth of last month.”
When Shannon suddenly shivered with a chill, Blane pulled the blanket over her arms and shoulders and cuddled her closer against his warm body. “Jeremy also told me that General Hoke has been moved across the James River to defend Richmond against Grant’s invasion. Outside of Lee, Hoke is the Confederacy’s best officer. If those two were on our side, the war would have ended in less than a month. Jeremy’s been collecting newspapers from the surrounding areas. He’s keeping them hidden until he can pass them to me. I’m anxious to read what they have to say about the situation in this area and in other places. They have five major papers around here: The Raleigh Register, the Raleigh Standard, the Fayetteville Observer, the Wilmington Herald, and the Wilmington Journal. Agents get as much information from careless papers as they do from their investigations.”
“Is that why you were sent to this area?” she queried, snuggling even closer to Blane, for the air seemed to be getting colder by the hour.
“If I can check these supply ports and privateering firms, I can estimate their strengths and weaknesses. I might be able to uncover their schedules and signals. It sure would help matters if I could find a way to help sever those connections. Those raiders sail back and forth through Admiral Lee’s blockade like it wasn’t even there. Grant’s trying to come up with a plan to use naval and land troops to attack strategic points like Fort Fisher and Cape Fear simultaneously. If we can capture all major ports, the Confederacy supply lines will be crippled. Lord, I’d be satisfied if I could only discover how to make Fort Fisher pregnable to the Union’s impending attack. Jeremy is sending a report to Grant and Lincoln right now about those troop movements we encountered. With luck, Grant or one of his generals will be waiting with open arms for Moore’s battalions.”
Shannon shuddered violently.
“Still cold, love?” he asked.
“No, it just sounds so terrible to be sending all those men into a trap. Do you ever get accustomed to such an awesome responsibility?”
“This is war, love, and one side will become the victor. We have to make certain it’s the Union. I know this must be difficult for you, but think of it this way; somewhere out there, a Rebel temptress is doing the same things to help the Confederacy become the winner. You’re only balancing the scales of justice, or shifting them in favor of the Union. Speaking of your duties, ma’am,” he continued, “when you reach Wilmington, try to become acquainted with Governor Vance’s family and Mrs. Armand J. DeRossett. But don’t take foolish chances.”
Shannon remained silent while he explained.
“Vance is the one who gives the officers their instructions, so you might pick up a clue or two about troop movements and assault plans from them. Just don’t cast suspicion on yourself by asking questions or snooping around. Understand, woman?” After he felt her nod her head, he went on.
“Mrs. DeRossett has a female society that ministers to wounded soldiers passing through Wilmington to hospitals. She and her ladies go to the train depot and tend the injured. They change bandages, offer comfort, and perform tasks such as laundry or small baths or letter writing. They provide garments, medicines, treats, and much-needed smiles and affection. With wounded men coming from every direction, you could gather vital information from them. Even if you don’t obtain anything useful, your conscience should be appeased by the help you’re providing, and it will supply you with a protective cover while I’m gone.”
“Where will I be staying? How would I reach you if I discovered something vital that needed to be passed along without delay?”
“You’ll stay with Sarah Jane Sinclair and her sister, Molly Ryan. They own a hotel called the Resting Place. There’s only one catch; they believe I’m a Rebel agent, their most important contact to Davis. They pass Union secrets to me. That way, we always know what they know or think they know. To them, you’ll be Rebel agent Cockade. You know what that is?” he asked, referring to the red ribbon that had been worn by Southerners favoring secession.
After she responded affirmatively, he explained, “We’ll say you’re having a much-needed rest before continuing with your duties. After all, winter is wrapping its cold arms around us and you are a delicate lady. They’ll be thrilled to have you as a guest at their hotel. But as I said earlier, be alert and careful at all times. Wilmington is filled with soldiers and Southern patriots. But it has many dangers because of the blockade-running companies. Some of those men won’t stop with less than robbery or murder to establish their wealth and power. The crews from some of those ships are made up of cutthroats and criminals, the slime of the world. Stay off the streets after dusk. I don’t care if you come across the one clue that could end this war tomorrow, stay clear of the wharves and privateering firms. If some sailor doesn’t decide to carry you along as entertainment on his next run to Nassau, one of the merchants might see you as a money-making jewel for some foreign brothel or lecherous sultan.”
“We certainly can’t have someone running off with Major Stevens’s prized possession. I shall be most careful, my greedy master. But, tell me, when you left me in Farmville with that horrid beast, Clifford, where did you go and what did you do?”
“I was supposed to be investigating troop movements, supply lines, arsenals, and enemy strongholds between Sheridan’s and Grant’s lines. They want to meet and shake hands as soon as possible. There seems to be a concentration of Rebel troops in that area. If the Union could conquer and hold a line from Louisville to Norfolk or Nashville to Williamsburg, Richmond would be cut off from the South. Then the Federal troops could start moving and pressing southward until they conquered the crucial areas of the Confederacy: Virginia, South and North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee. If we defeated and controlled those states, the Confederacy would fall.”
“Did you succeed?” she inquired nervously as the words “conquer Georgia” echoed in her mind.
“I’m afraid not. When Clifford’s men tried to murder me in my sleep, I had to assume he knew or suspected who or what I was. I was forced to kill all three men to keep them from revealing that I had survived and escaped. Since my cover was gone and I figured you were probably in danger, I tracked you as quickly as possible. I was real nervous when I discovered you had left Farmville with those troops. It didn’t take much skill to trail you to Danville. I saw you sneaking out of the hospital with your things, so I was waiting for you in the woods.”
Blane felt Shannon stiffen and tremble. He guessed why, but he decided to set her mind at ease by misleading her. “I knew you would head south, so I made my way in that direction. I was afraid if I tried to get to you, I would startle you and you would expose us. I almost got to you too late. I should have been there before that Thornton stopped you. Another minute or two, and he would have been hauling you back to Clifford. Next time I’ll move faster, Flame.”
“I’m glad you moved slowly that time. James was calling me awful names and making vulgar threats. I even promised to marry him if he would let me escape, but he was certain I was lying because he knew how much I detested him. I’m sorry I ruined things for you. What about your mission for Grant and Sheridan?”
“Another agent was assigned to complete it. With Thornton and Clifford and Travers in the area, we couldn’t hang around. Besides, my work here is just as important. I have to keep my par…assistant out of danger. Settle down,” he encouraged when she trembled again. “I’ve been leaving clues and false trails to send them in the other direction. If any of them are still after us, this is the last area they would search. Trust me, Flame; I won’t let any harm come to you.”
Time, Blane mused silently, was all he needed, time to earn more of her trust and affection; then she would confide everything to him and he would find the courage to do the same with her. First, he needed her to love and want him so strongly that nothing could part them. And he already sensed that she was beginning to feel at home in his arms and life.
For the next fifteen hours, Blane and Shannon spent their confinement talking, making love, and eating foods that were barely noticeable to appetites running in other directions. The rain had ended just after five the afternoon before, too late for troops to come seeking them. It was nearing midnight of their third night beneath the porch when Jeremy Steele arrived. It was still Sunday, October twenty-seventh.
“Major Stevens?” the voice filtered into Shannon’s dreamy mind.
“I’m coming,” Blane replied and moved in that direction.
“Moore broke camp early this morning and headed northwest. I waited until I was sure they were gone before I came for you and Flame. That Lieutenant Pike ain’t rested a minute since you two escaped. I thought General Moore was gonna have to hog-tie ’im to make him leave this area. He’s got it bad for Flame. I’ll go after the horses and be back in an hour or so; then you can make Wilmington before daylight. I checked the area good and ain’t nobody around. You want me to let you two out so you can loosen up a mite?”
“If you’ll dig up the bushes and remove the covering, I can do the rest while you’re gone.” Blame figured Jeremy knew how close he was to Shannon, but neither man would embarrass her by acknowledging the fact aloud.
Shannon wrapped the blanket around her naked form, then waited for Jeremy to depart so she could light a candle to bathe and locate her garments. After the sound of Jeremy’s departure ceased, Shannon jested, “Is it all right if I use the rest of the water for bathing?”
“It’s dark outside. How about if you come with me to the well, soap up all over, then let me rinse you good with a few buckets of fresh water? Think it’s too cold out there for a quick bath?”
“Are you jesting? It could be snowing and I wouldn’t mind.”
“Good. When you finish, you can return the favor.”
They gathered a few supplies and crawled from beneath the porch. Both stretched and inhaled deep breaths of fresh air. Blane took her hand and guided her to the well, for a selfish moon was not sharing much of its light. While Shannon wet her flesh with the last of the water in one bucket and lathered up with the fragrant soap, Blane drew another one. He chuckled as he heard her teeth chattering.
“Is that noise from cold or fear?” he asked mirthfully.
“B-B-both. It’s winter and we’re s-s-sort of dedefenseless sta-standing here li-like this. You re-ready?” She shuddered violently.
“Why don’t you dress first? You’re shaking like crazy.”
“The-then I would get w-wet again. Le-let’s hurry, ppart-ner.”
Blane took one blanket and gently dried Shannon. He rubbed his hands briskly over her body to chase away part of her chill, then wrapped another blanket around her shuddering form. “Go light a candle and get into some warm clothes. I can manage alone.” When she tried to protest, he turned her and nudged her toward the porch. “Git, woman. You won’t be any good to me sick. You can repay me another time, in a warmer location.” He grabbed a bucket and dumped it over his tawny frame. As rapidly as possible, he scrubbed and rinsed. After drying himself, he went to dress.
When Jeremy returned with their horses, Shannon and Blane were dressed and packed to leave. While the horses were being watered and saddled and Shannon waited patiently nearby, Blane, who was clothed in a gray wool shell jacket and blue trousers, and sandy-haired Jeremy Steele exchanged genial words and important information.
Snuggled into a butternut wool shell jacket that had been part of a Rebel uniform, a pullover white flannel shirt, and blue jersey trousers, Shannon felt refreshed and warmed. What she didn’t care for, but found necessary in this cold weather, were the ill-fitting leather shoes called brogans. She felt as if she were wearing trimmed-down hat boxes! How she longed for her expensive slippers or her comfortable boots. She had brushed her thick hair, then twisted it and stuffed it into a slouch hat. She could not help but wonder how they would explain this Confederate garb when or if they met anyone on the road. She focused her attention on the men, wishing they would hurry.
Jeremy was saying, “General Hood did his best to halt Sherman before he reached Atlanta. He’s still harassing the Federals in the area, trying to lure Sherman into chasing him. I was told George Thomas and John Schofield have been sent after Hood and Johnston. Looks like the Rebs are fleeing back into Tennessee. Seems Sherman plans to make sure there’s nothing left around Atlanta, then he might split his units and send half toward Macon and half toward Athens to get rid of those arms factories. Then, they’re supposed to rejoin to hit that powder works in Augusta. Ole Sherm’s making sure the Rebs don’t have any food, weapons, ammunition, or supplies. He plans to clean out Georgia, then do the same with South Carolina. Tarnation, sir, he makes me ashamed to be a Unionist.”
Blane turned the conversation away from Georgia and Sherman’s march toward Shannon’s home. “What’s happening around here, Jeremy?”
“There’s a lot of munitions and troop movements going on. Vance has ordered whole battalions to Georgia and toward Richmond. He’s pulled Hoke out of Fort Fisher and has him heading to aid Lee in defense of Richmond. That Lee’s a treacherous man; he’s refusing to let Grant take the Confederate capitol or Petersburg. Looks like those Rebs have locked in for a long and bloody fight. The coastline from here to Georgia is still in Rebel control, and I mean tight and strong control.”
“Any good news for our side?” Blane inquired sullenly.
“On the fourth, our Washusett defeated that Rebel runner, Florida. She won’t be sinking no more Union ships like the Jacob Bell. I don’t think I told you Rose Greenhow didn’t make it back from England.” His voice revealed excitement and a tinge of pity as he related the tragic, and perhaps foolishly heroic, story. “She was coming home the end of last month on the Condor, a fast steamer. Before they could reach Wilmington, Union gunboats saw ’em and attacked. The commander at Fort Fisher did all he could to keep the Union ships back until the Condor could slip into port. Rose and two other passengers were put in a small boat to row ashore. The gales were too strong, though. She was weighed down by her clothes, secret dispatches, and over two thousand dollars in gold. She wouldn’t release anything, so she drowned. They had a funeral cortege march right down Wilmington’s main streets on the first. She was given a military burial with a gun salute, flagged casket, and everything.”
“Any news on Lincoln’s reelection?” Blane queried anxiously.
“Farragut’s conquest of Mobile and Sherman’s storming of Atlanta look like the victories he needed to invigorate those war-weary Yanks. Ain’t no secret McClellan’s gonna give him a fast, hard run. Around these parts, Carolinians are getting a mite edgy. With that stunning defeat at Winchester and the Union’s determination to take Fort Fisher, Wilmington and Charleston, you can’t blame ’em. They’ve been supplying the Confederacy with men, supplies, and weapons, but there ain’t been no real bad fighting in this state. Now that the Union is setting her sights on occupying her, folks are gettin’ scared. You two be real careful; some folks are switching sides and others are pretending to change to entrap traitors. You’d best get riding if you’re gonna make town afore dawn. The new password is ‘turkey-stride.’”
Blane glanced at Shannon. Her creamy face and very dark blue eyes were illuminated by the glow from the camphine lamp that Jeremy had brought with him. As the wind picked up strength, its invisible fingers yanked off her hat. Coppery curls whipped around her head and the lamplight caused their fiery color and wavy texture to resemble bright flames dancing erotically in the breeze. At times like this, she looked like a half-wild and sultry creature who lacked all restraint but radiated an enticingly soft, romantic aura. His heart lurched madly and his body stirred uncontrollably to life.
His alluring gaze seemed to melt into a warm amber liquid that flowed over her and encased her in a protective and caressing golden shell. Shannon’s molten blue gaze met his and seemingly dissolved into it, allowing their spirits to meet and fuse. All else became irrelevant.
Jeremy stopped talking, but neither Blane nor Shannon noticed. Intrigued, Jeremy glanced back and forth between the two mesmerized people. He had never seen Blane’s face with such a strange and powerful glow, such an intensely tender and possessive expression. Jeremy hastily studied Shannon’s matching response. It was Jeremy’s opinion they were deeply attracted to each other. From the way those blue and tawny eyes caressed each other, there was no denying or ignoring the intimacy and intensity between the two. Instead of being pleased, Jeremy was alarmed and vexed, for his friend and fellow agent had lost all concept of his surroundings and duties! Presently, and probably for the last few days, his friend had been thinking of nothing except being with this flaming-haired temptress! Anger and envy chewed at the twenty-three-year-old man, who had lost his wife to another man during the first year of the war. This wasn’t any time or place for Blane to be wooing this ravishing beauty. He hadn’t been too injured to escape. Jeremy fumed. Didn’t Blane realize how perilously distracting she was? Maybe it was his duty to his friend and the Union to get rid of this consuming Flame…
Jeremy gingerly ended the dismaying silence. “Sarah Jane and Molly are expecting you two at the hotel. I told ’em what you said about Cockade and her needing to get out of the fires she’s been lighting and flaming in Virginia and Tennessee. I also told ’em she wouldn’t be able to share any secrets with them, so they wouldn’t get suspicious when Flame couldn’t answer some of their questions. I told ’em she just needs to rest and stay out of danger for a few weeks. They’re so excited about giving aid to the famous Rebel spy, Cockade, they can’t stop giggling and planning. Sarah Jane said they’re getting the best room at the Resting Place ready for her.”
Shannon smiled at Jeremy, then Blane, just as Jeremy put his defensive scheme into motion. “Watch yourself and bolt your door every night, sir, ’cause Molly’s still got her heart set on snaring you. She has since her husband was killed two years past. Tarnation, I don’t think she ever cared for John C. like she does for you, Major. She’s a pretty woman with lots of money and a good social position. This war ain’t going on much longer, so you’d better romance her a mite harder this trip. Every time I see her, she brags about that cameo you gave her. She’s got it real bad for you, sir.” Jeremy’s chest rumbled with laughter.
Despite Blane’s frown, Jeremy cleverly entreated, “Flame, you protect our friend over there or Molly’ll be leading him into the church for wedding vows afore he can leave Wilmington. Once he gets his mind on a new bride, he’ll forget all about us and the Union. You keep reminding him he can take advantage of that opportunity .after the war. You make sure he keeps a clear head and cool blood around her.”
With deceptive innocence, Jeremy teased mirthfully and slyly. He knew Blane would be nettled by his revealing words but not suspicious of them. After all, he hadn’t been told about Blane’s feelings for Shannon. Too, he was speaking on this side of the truth and they had always joked about Molly’s hot pursuit. Jeremy wondered if Blane had ever appeased his manly needs inside that more-than-willing female who bordered on being the prettiest woman in these parts. When Jeremy spoke his last directive to Shannon, he did it in order that they would both realize how dangerous it could be if they carelessly exposed their passions to and inspired jealousy in Molly Sinclair Ryan.
While Jeremy waved farewell to the departing couple and remained to clear away the evidence of their stay at the old mansion, Blane and Shannon galloped down the shadowy road until they came to the one that eventually entered Wilmington. Then Blane reined in his mount and called out for Shannon to do the same. Grasping her mount’s bridle and tugging gently on it, he brought them closer. As they sat beside each other in near darkness, he said in a reluctant tone, “I think I should explain about me and Molly Ryan before we get into town.”