Shannon and Blane traveled another four days, halting briefly along their journey to rest and to make love. Soon, the war would be over for them and their dreams could be fulfilled. In the midst of such misery, their love gave them hope. Most of the time they concealed themselves from the Confederate regiments heading for Savannah to defend the city against General Sherman or from those retreating to “tend their wounds and attack again,” as they declared loudly to anyone they met along the way.
While seeking a place to cross the Savannah River into Georgia twenty miles above the town, they encountered a small band of wounded men who were being taken to the field hospital near Ridgeland. The men told of their skirmishes near Statesboro. They related horrifying tales of razed towns and plantations, of looting and killing beyond the point of warfare or punishment, of wanton destruction of life and property. They sadly declared there was no stopping Sherman; within two weeks, Georgia would be conquered and devastated almost past survival. They told of how Sherman and his men were planning to trample South Carolina—that “hellhole of secession”—next, then move onward to stamp out rebellion in her sister state before joining forces with Grant to clean out any lingering nests of traitors.
Needing information on the war’s path and progress and on any hazards before them, Blane and Shannon were compelled to stick to the roads and to bluff their way past any trouble. Travel was slow with so much activity occuring as the enemy swept through the area. Times were bad, and few questions were being asked, especially of those heading toward the line of fire. The strongholds and supply lines were being wiped out rapidly and thoroughly. Rebels were dying and deserting by the hundreds. The end was coming for the Confederacy, and most knew it or sensed it.
On Wednesday, December 19, Blane and Shannon learned of Hood’s defeat in Nashville the Saturday before by Union officers Schofield and Thomas. News filled the air of incidents in North Carolina, making Shannon glad to be away from that frantic area. Governor Vance had sent the Armory Guards from Fayetteville and forty thousand men from Raleigh to the nearly defenseless Wilmington to cover for those men who were presently serving to defend Savannah, a vital supply port. Four battalions under Colonel Leventhorpe had been assigned to protect the Fort Fisher area. The Junior Reserves and Hampton’s cavalry had been sent to repel Grant’s men, who were attempting to tear out the rail lines at Belfield. Shannon was saddened to think of those young men, practically boys, fighting against twenty thousand wellarmed and experienced Union troops. The weather in that area was reported to be intensely cold.
Blane knew about the planned assault by sea and land on Fort Fisher within the week. The powder ship Louisiana would be sailed against the earthworks and exploded. Once the fort and town were taken and Charleston was conquered, it would all be over for both sides.
Blane and Shannon neared the outskirts of Savannah late Sunday, December 23, to discover that Sherman had entered the city on Friday. Blane insisted they make camp and not enter such a tense area at night. She waited in dread to view the despoilment of her city and home. She couldn’t help but be grateful to the vicious Sherman when she learned of his decision to spare her beautiful city from being burned and plundered. However, she was dismayed to hear of his plans to remain there for a month while his men rested and prepared for their conquest of South Carolina and made certain they were in full command of the area. She astutely and bitterly realized how and where those men would regain their strength—by confiscating Southern homes and supplies!
As they mounted Dan for the last time early the next morning, Blane informed her, “We’re going to present ourselves to General Sherman immediately to prevent any problems or troubles for us and Greenleaf. You need to make your loyalty and claim known to him.”
Naturally Shannon wanted to head directly home. “We’re so close, Blane. Please take me there first. You can return to town and see that monster. I don’t care to ever meet him. At last, home, clean clothes, regular baths, hot food, and a warm bed,” she hinted temptingly. “If we go into town, we can’t make it home tonight. Who do you want to spend this evening with, me or Sherman?”
He chuckled and pulled her hair playfully. “We’re too close to take foolish risks, Blue Eyes. We need to check out the conditions in town and make our identities known to General Sherman. We’ll need passes and letters of defense for our safety and your property.”
She protested, “But you can obtain those tomorrow, while I’m sleeping and stuffing myself. I want to see if there’s any word from Corry and…see how things are at home. Please,” she wheedled.
Shannon’s mention of Corry and her avoidance of the subject of Hawke ripped into Blane’s confidence and happiness, reviving his concern over those two unresolved matters. He hadn’t thought about either man in a long time, and certainly not as threats to his future with Shannon. She did not realize that her reasons for rushing to Greenleaf were the very same reasons he wanted to stall their arrival as long as possible.
“Don’t be childish, Shannon,” he scolded her sternly, surprising her with his coolness and firmness. “Right now, victory and our lives are more important than your first glimpse of home. We could be mistaken for locals or Rebels or Confederate agents. We have to settle matters with Sherman first. Besides, I have to report to him, for he’s the superior officer in control of this area. I’m supposed to fill him in on the movements of troops and weapons between here and Charleston. We’ll spend the night in town, then head for your plantation tomorrow.”
“You’re going to provide the information for that beast to raze South Carolina like he did Georgia? How can you?” she reasoned.
“It’s my duty, Shannon. I’m a Union officer, and I want this war done with quickly. I have a woman to marry and take home to Texas.”
“Texas?” she echoed. “It’s a wilderness with Indians and outlaws. I don’t know anything about being a settler. You never said we would live there.”
“Did I need to?” he jested, observing her shock and distress. “Wives usually move in with their husbands, and my home is there.”
“You could live at Greenleaf with me and my family.”
“I’m a rancher, Shannon, not a plantation farmer. Don’t worry. You’ll love Texas and the Stevens ranch. We’ll be married and together.”
Shannon remained silent as Blane urged Dan forward toward the city.
To his surprise, Blane had no difficulty getting into town or in to see General Sherman, as if he were well known and his visit expected. Shannon was peeved when she was told to sit in an office across the hall while the two men talked privately. As she waited for Blane, the victorious men’s stares and whispers grated on her nerves, for she erroneously assumed they were laughing at her dirty and disheveled appearance. She didn’t like being seen like this, especially in her home town. She didn’t like being shut out of the conversation in Sherman’s appropriated office. She didn’t like Blane’s current mood and conduct, and she didn’t like the idea of leaving Georgia for wild Texas.
Noon passed, and still she waited. She was tired and tense. She wanted a hot bath and a meal. She yearned for a soft bed and clean garments. These ill-mannered Yanks hadn’t even offered her hot tea or coffee; nor had they provided water and a place to freshen up after her journey. She longed to see her home and her brothers. Her anger and vexation increased by the hour, for it had been three since their arrival!
When Shannon could tolerate this treatment and her fatigue no longer, she tried to approach General Sherman’s office to tell Blane she was leaving. The officer on duty halted her. After she explained her need to speak with Major Stevens briefly, the man informed her that Blane had left an hour before and was expected to return any moment. He smiled and said he would tell her when the major arrived.
Shannon was furious. How dare he take her for granted! How dare he behave in this inconsiderate and rude manner! “I’ll wait for twenty minutes, no longer. If Major Stevens doesn’t arrive by then, you may tell him he can locate me at home.”
Instead of returning to the office where she had been told to wait, she strolled into the entry hall and gazed out the window. From rooms to her right and left, she could hear tales of bloody battles and awesome triumphs. As the Union soldiers laughed and joked about their superiority and conquests, Shannon’s fury began to mount once more. When they started to boast of their matching intentions for the Carolinas, she was sorely pressed to remain silent. She kept warning herself of the dangers to her family and property if she behaved like a rebellious and insulting Rebel. Under these conditions, she had to force herself to keep still.
Suddenly familiar names and astonishing facts caught Shannon’s attention. She strained to hear the conversation between the officers standing at the foot of the stairs, twenty feet behind her. She was glad they were making no attempt to whisper. Why should they? They were bragging of another Union victory, in their headquarters. Her heart drummed heavily as the staggering information filtered over to her.
“As soon as Major Stevens returns,” one officer was saying, “General Sherman wants a meeting of all head officers on duty. Right now, he’s sending reports to General Grant and Admiral Lee. With the facts he’s supplying us with today, between Sherman and Grant we’ll have those Carolinas bagged and ready to serve Lincoln at his picnic on the first day of spring; and Admiral Lee will find that taking Charleston and Columbia will be as simple as plucking dead or stunned birds caught in his sails.”
“Did the major say why he wanted to question the captain and crew of the Angel Wings? He’s lucky Captain Elisha Carter survived the trap they set with Blade’s information. How does he get so much done?”
“Captain Carter or the Blade or Major Stevens?”
The other officers laughed. “Carter’s been a pain in our blockade for years. They nearly caught him last month. Got to hand it to him; he’s got guts and wits. Too bad he decided to work for the Rebs.”
“Yep,” the man who had just arrived agreed. “’Cause I just heard he died from his wounds. Sure was a waste. Handsome devil and money to toss overboard. Blade’s gonna be rankled with the Navy. He told them to capture Carter, not sink his ship and kill him.”
“Probably couldn’t be helped. Carter isn’t one to surrender. Did they learn anything useful from him before he died?”
“Now that you mention it, you know what the guard told me? He said Captain Carter kept mumbling about being betrayed by a bewitching temptress and being a fool for trusting her twice. From the threats he was vowing, she’d best be thankful he can’t return.”
Before the man could say more, another said, “Must have been some stormy romance gone sour before he sailed. At least we got one less runner to battle.”
“We got the best runner out of our hair,” the man corrected him. “But guess who Carter thinks betrayed him to the Union? Flame,” he announced with an appreciative whistle. “From the way Carter was carrying on, he had to have known her. If she had walked into that cell, Carter would have forced himself from his bunk to slay the beauty. If there’s such a thing as a ghost, his will surely haunt the Flame.”
One of the men debated, “But it was the Blade who arranged Carter’s defeat. The way I heard it, he sent word from Charleston even before Carter left port. I wonder if Major Stevens has met this Blade or Flame.”
The men chuckled again. “Word is the Blade put that Rebel Flame to rest, after he enjoyed her for months.”
“Serves her right for trying to steal glory from our Union Flame. She had to be a fool to pit herself against the Blade.”
“Who knows, maybe she enjoyed him as much as he enjoyed her. I wouldn’t mind sharing a bunk or bedroll with either woman.”
“’Cause you’re crazy, Bo. That Rebel temptress would slit your throat and brand you like she done her other victims. Blade must have put her out of business. Ain’t been no word or sight of her since her treachery in Wilmington. I bet Stevens didn’t take kindly to her betrayal.”
“I wonder if he killed her,” a youthful officer suggested.
“Wouldn’t surprise me none. Major Stevens and the Blade have one thing in common: they get their missions done any way they have to. Let’s grab a cup of coffee before we start our meeting. Sounds like it’s going to be a long one. Sherman says we take Columbia next.”
“I hope we finish before dark. I plan to round me up a pretty little Rebel treat to feed this aching in me gut.”
Lusty chuckles echoed in the room. “I must admit, these Southern belles are fine specimens of womanhood. If we play our cards right, we could find our stay here most entertaining. When females are scared and hungry and alone, they become real pliant.”
Shannon was relieved to be dressed like a man, to be wearing a floppy felt hat over her fiery hair, and to be standing with her back to the men. Anguish filled her heart and mind. Elisha was dead, and he had died cursing and blaming her. And Blane—what was he doing and what had he done? The trip here had been an assignment…
Shame and fury flooded her as she thought of how she had been discussed so crudely and openly. How difficult would it be for another agent, from either side, or for any clever person, to investigate and to prove she had been with Blane on countless occasions? It would be fairly simple; and it could be exceedingly perilous for her.
What would these lecherous officers think when Major Blane Stevens married a flaming-haired woman, one who had been traveling with him? She assumed she could prove her identity as the Union Flame, but could she disprove an accusation that she was the Rebel Flame? She tried in vain to push new doubts and fears from her mind.
If only she didn’t feel so miserable. She was exhausted. She felt bloated, even though her stomach was so empty. She couldn’t seem to get rid of the tension and nausea that had been assailing her for the past few days. But she felt certain that once she reached home, bathed, rested, and ate properly, her body would return to normal. There could also be another explanation for these physical problems, she realized, for her monthly flow was late again. And even if she was feeling somewhat light-headed at the moment, she would not ask for nourishment from these smug foes!
Shannon went to inquire about Blane’s lengthy absence. She asked the officer for a pass as protection during her ride home. Her request was refused, and the man told her to wait in the other room until given permission to leave. Her glare challenged his authority and words.
“Major Stevens ordered me to guard you, Miss Greenleaf. I was not to let you venture out alone. There are Rebels and marauders lurking in and near town. You must wait for him.”
When the officer left to respond to another summons, Shannon departed by the front door. To halt her exit, the blue-clad man would have to arrest her! Dan was nowhere in sight. She frowned, then noticed a wagon moving southward. A triumphant smile brightened her dirty face and she ignored everyone to hurry after it.
“Mister Barnes,” she called out as she approached the wagon’s tail. “Mister Barnes, wait up, please. It’s Shannon Greenleaf.”
The wagon halted and the man turned to look at her. Shannon went to stand near the front wheel and gazed up at him. Tears of joy, relief, frustration, and turmoil made streaks down her grimy face. She tried to regain control of her breathing. “I finally made it to Savannah, sir. Can you give me a ride home? Has Corry or Hawke returned?”
The startled man gaped at the lovely and bedraggled creature. “Is that really you, Miss Shannon?” he asked in amazement.
She smiled, then laughed. “It’s me, sir. I was trapped in Boston when the war started. Papa and Temple…are gone. I don’t know where Corry and Hawke are. I’ve been trying to get home since August. It’s awful everywhere, sir. The Union is devastating us. Can you please take me home?” she begged shamelessly.
“You sure you want to go out there alone?” he asked, knowing what she would view, unaware she was ignorant of those facts.
“I have to go home, Mister Barnes,” she replied wearily.
He slid over and invited, “Climb up, Miss Shannon. But if you want, you can come home with me. We don’t have much after those Yanks claimed most of our animals and supplies, but you’re welcome to share what little we got left. Them devils ain’t wasting no time stealing from us poor. I should warn you; because your family sided with them malicious Yanks, most folks here won’t be kind or forgiving or charitable. Even if them Yanks don’t appreciate your loyalty.”
Shannon did not question his meaning. She did not want to discuss her family’s choices, right or wrong. She had her home and Blane. What more did she need in her future? Only her two brothers and peace.
The wagon traveled for an hour, reaching Greenleaf property by four o’clock. Shannon’s blue gaze grew large and troubled as she viewed the increasing signs of vandalism. Fences had been torn down. Pasture sheds had been burned. Their lovely entrance had been marred by painted words, by the obliteration of their name and magnolia carvings, and by the crushing blows of tools on many tabby sections. “Which despicable villains did this criminal deed, Mister Barnes? How could anyone be so malicious and cruel as to wantonly damage or destroy such beauty? The wall and arch will have to be repaired and painted.”
By then, they had reached the entry arch. Noah Barnes reined in his mule. “I can’t take you any closer, Miss Shannon. You sure you want to go up there and look around? It ain’t a pretty sight.”
The unsuspecting Shannon glanced from the elderly man toward the house. She went pale and shuddered in rising panic. She could not be viewing her drive and home! This was some horrid nightmare, some wicked delusion! The moss-draped majestic live oaks that had formed nature’s tunnel from the tabby arch to the yard had been mutilated. Yes, that was the right word for what her eyes observed. Some trees had been chopped down, others had been scarred with axe blows, and others had been set aflame—trees that had been large and beautiful and almost ageless. Worse, she could see what was left of her home, a blackened ruin amidst utter and wanton destruction. There was no sign of animal or human life. The stench of smoke and soot remained in the still air, telling her that this evil despoilment had been recent. She feared she was going to faint in shock. “Why, Mister Barnes? Do our neighbors hate us this much? Did they do this before or after that sadistic Sherman conquered our city?”
The man looked at her oddly. “Your neighbors didn’t do this, child. It was those Yankees, Miss Shannon.” When he saw her disbelief, he related the stunning tale, “Me and Reverend Peters and Thad Jamison saw them doing it. The Yanks had us hauling supplies into town for their soldiers. We saw the fire and came to see about it. Jamison thought it was a good mistake, seeing as how the Greenleafs were Unionists. But me and Peters tried to stop them. We told them your family was siding and fighting with the Union. They said…” The older man shifted anxiously and fell silent.
Shannon probed, “They said what, Mister Barnes?”
“It ain’t worth repeating, child. It was nothing more than crazy words to excuse their evil. I’m taking you home with me.”
“Tell me what the soldiers said,” she demanded. “And how can you be sure they were Union soldiers?”
“I know everybody around these parts, Miss Shannon. They were wearing Federal uniforms and they had papers with orders and seals on them. Besides, I’ve seen two of them in town with other Yanks.”
“But why would they raze Greenleaf? It can’t be true.”
“They said you and Corry are…Rebel spies, Miss Shannon.”
She was visibly stunned by his words. “That’s insane! How could they destroy our home and lands based on wild suspicions? Corry’s a Union soldier! As for me, the charge is too absurd to argue. Someone is going to pay for this crime,” she vowed bitterly.
“That ain’t all, Miss Shannon,” he hinted worriedly. “They come by here every morning to see if you and your brother have returned. They told us you two will be arrested and…punished.”
This time, Shannon swayed on the wagon seat. Noah seized her arm and steadied her. “This is all a terrible mistake,” she whispered.
“You should be careful, child. Those Yanks said they had a long list of crimes and witnesses against you. I’m afraid you might not be able to prove your innocence before…before trouble strikes.”
Shannon realized she might need this man’s aid, so she did not proclaim her innocence by revealing her ties to the Union spy system. “Don’t worry about me, Mister Barnes. Major Blane Stevens won’t let the Union soldiers harm me. He’ll learn who did this to us.”
“Major Blane Stevens, the Union officer?” he probed fearfully.
“That’s right,” she replied, watching his alarm increase.
“That’s who gave the order for all this,” he told her, motioning at their surroundings. As she shook her head in a denial of his words, he informed her, “It’s the God’s truth, child. I saw his name and heard them say it. They claim he’s arriving soon from Wilmington to make sure they carried out his instructions. I don’t think you should be around when he arrives, Miss Shannon. He sounds hard and dangerous.”
The distraught woman needed privacy to think and to vent her feelings. “I’ll walk from here, Mister Barnes. Thank you for helping me and for trying to save Greenleaf. I’ll be fine,” she assured him.
After protesting and arguing her intention to remain here, the worried man departed. Shannon steeled herself for a closer view of this malevolence. As she trudged up the private road, she tried to ignore the weather and landscape. She kept her moist eyes locked on what had been her home. Very little of the once elegant structure remained. She saw partial walls, stone foundation, chimneys, charred columns, shattered glass, ornamental stair railings, and blackened beams that had refused to be totally consumed by fire. Pictures, clothing, keepsakes, furnishings, and such were lost forever. Her gaze took in the markings painted on each towering column after the fire: Union flags and symbols, vulgar words, and a sketch of a knife…
Shannon slowly turned and looked in each direction. Everything had been destroyed or ruined, with the exception of the gazebo. She almost laughed hysterically as she stared at it, for it did not even need painting. She walked dejectedly toward the family graveyard.
Even that area had not gone untouched. The fence had been torn down. Headstones had been tumbled, or splashed with paint, or crushed, or demolished by all three actions. Shannon went to her mother’s grave and knelt. Tears dropped from her face to her filthy garments. Was there anything left of her past world and dreams?
“Shannon, what in blazes are you doing here alone? I’ve been frantic since you ran off. I told you to wait for me in Sherman’s headquarters. I rode like the wind to make sure you’re all right.”
Blane was infuriated and alarmed by the destruction around them. Remembering his past losses in Texas, he knew what his love must be feeling. He was angry with her for endangering herself and disobeying him. He wished he knew which spiteful neighbors or vengeful Rebels had wreaked such damage here and such suffering on his love. He knew she was shocked and depressed, for she hadn’t heard his approach or calls. He had to get her away from such sights. He was hoping a dose of his anger would return her wits and stir her emotions.
He leaned over, grasped her arms, and pulled her to her feet. “It’s late, Shannon. Let’s get back to town.”
She lifted turbulent eyes to his. Had he ordered this vengeance when he believed she had betrayed him? Was he making certain she had no place or person to turn to except him? Surely he didn’t have lingering suspicions about her? “Why, Blane? I’m not a Rebel spy.”
From where they stood, the Blade’s symbol wasn’t visible to Blane. “That’s probably not the reason, Shannon, but I will check into it after we return to town. Somebody is punishing you for siding with us.”
“You don’t have any idea who did this or who ordered it?”
“Of course, not, Blue Eyes. Sherman told me he was leaving Savannah intact. I need to get you fed and bathed, woman. Remember what I told you about the Comanche attack on our first ranch? I lost my home and property and part of my family, so I do know how you must be suffering. I left a meeting to find you. Let me get you to the hotel, and you can rest and eat while I finish my reports. We haven’t had privacy for days.” He would tell her later, after she had settled down, that he had to leave at first light tomorrow. What a miserable way to start Christmas morning!
When he attempted to draw her into his embrace, she balked. “I’m home, and I intend to stay here. I have some thinking to do. You return to your meeting and friends. Leave me alone.”
“You’re coming with me, Shannon,” he commanded forcefully.
“No, Blane, I’m not.” She was testing him with her refusal. In sheer panic, she waited to discover the truth about him, their relationship, and her fate at his hands. She was about to leave her love standing there when her misty eyes landed on her brother Hawke leaning against a tree, smiling at her and mutely beckoning her. Her eyes widened in disbelief as his name seemed to explode loudly through her mind. Was she dreaming? Were those his sparkling ebony eyes engulfing her? Was that his enchanting grin curving up the corner of his sensual mouth? His coppery bronze face displayed such awesome beauty and strength. How could he stand here so calmly just smiling at her after this lengthy separation? He looked so healthy and vital she felt stronger and braver just gazing at him. She was flooded with powerful emotions. All other thoughts and problems vanished from her mind. Joy and excitement surged through her body. She had to make sure he was real.
Blane caught her arm to halt her departure, unaware of the man behind him. Shannon tried to jerk away. When Blane tightened his grip, she shrieked, “Release me, damn you! It’s Hawke.” Stunning him, she managed to yank loose. She raced into the open arms of the man who could not have known how he had haunted Blane’s dreams.
As his love shouted his mysterious rival’s name, Blane whirled and watched her being lifted and hugged tightly in Hawke’s strong arms. He observed them as they seemed to memorize every inch of the other’s face. He watched them touch each other: faces, hair, shoulders, hands. He could hear their ecstatic laughter, but not their muffled words. He saw them cuddle, as if they had been two cats rubbing over and against each other. They caressed cheeks and embraced over and over. He spread kisses over her face and squeezed her until she giggled and squealed. He kept lifting her and hugging her fiercely. The joy and love between them was undeniable, just as their strong bond and rapturous reunion were staggeringly potent and intimidating.
“Oh, Hawke, I’m so happy you’re home,” she murmured in his ear, crying and laughing simultaneously. She would visually engulf his face, then hug him tightly, only to repeat the action over and over.
Hawke bent forward to bury his nose in her hair. He held her possessively as he whispered, “You’ve grown big, little sister, and very beautiful. These eyes have hungered to feast on you and these ears have begged to hear your laughter. I’m home, Vixen. Tell me of our father and brothers.” He pressed her wet cheek against his chest.
“Look what the enemy has done to our home. I’m so glad you didn’t stay here to battle them. Oh, Hawke, they’re so evil. There’s so much to tell you. Every day I’ve prayed for your return. We have—”
Blane had mentally lived this moment several times in the past. He had dreaded it and feared it, for the reasons he was presently observing. He desperately called to his love, “Shannon! I’m leaving. Are you coming with me or not? Shannon! Let’s go!”
Hearing the terse voice, Shannon parted slightly from the handsome man but did not remove her hands from around his body. She eyed Blane. Leave? She looked up into Hawke’s stoic expression. How should she explain each to the other? She felt pulled between them. She needed to clarify things with Blane, but she wanted this special reunion with her brother. Right now, it was Hawke who pulled the strongest on her emotions. Right now, she was confused about Blane. Did Blane have nothing to say about his many treacheries of late? Was he going to keep silent about Elisha? About her home? About pretending to unselfishly escort her to Savannah when he was actually carrying out an assignment? What about his secrecy with Sherman?
“I need to stay here. We can talk tomorrow,” she told him.
“We talk now, or never,” he demanded, burning with jealousy.
Shannon whispered something to Hawke, then moved toward Blane. Hawke went to the gazebo and took a seat as she had suggested. Shannon looked up into Blane’s frosty expression. “I’m sorry, Blane, but I can’t leave with you tonight. Hawke and I have some matters to settle. Would you like to meet him?” she asked apprehensively.
Blane’s hazel eyes grew colder and harder by the minute. “He’s the last person I want to meet, Shannon, except for Corry. If you don’t come with me now, I won’t give you another chance.”
Shannon was astounded by his words and behavior. “I can’t leave now, Blane. Look around you. How could you make such a demand?”
“If you love me and want to marry me, prove it, Shannon. Get on Dan’s back and ride away without looking back.”
“I can’t,” she refused painfully. “Give me until tomorrow.”
Blane glanced over at Hawke. The man’s dark gaze was examining them intently. Blane wanted to slay him but had no just reason. He was determined to force Shannon to make a choice between them, here and now. He could never ride off and leave her to spend the night with Hawke, then take her back after she had tested her emotions and Hawke’s. And if she had any doubts about her feelings for either of them, it was futile to drag her away. He watched as Shannon kept glancing at Hawke and smiling at him, as if she couldn’t keep her eyes and mind off his rival. There was such a softness and radiance in her eyes when they touched on his bronze-skinned opponent. He fumed enviously.
“Shannon, I’ll ask you one last time; come with me now. I have to leave at dawn. I want you to marry me tonight. If you refuse, I won’t return to Savannah. I want Hawke and Corry out of your life.”
She gaped at him. Did he want to take everything and everyone from her? Did she know this man at all? “I can’t go with you or marry you tonight, Blane. And I’ll never sacrifice Corry and Hawke for you or anyone. If you can’t give me time and understanding, then go.”
Her words were not interpreted by Blane as she had intended them, but neither one knew that. Blane swiftly covered the distance between the graveyard and Dan. He unbuckled the girth strap and removed the hidden pictures. He didn’t have to retrace his steps, for she followed him to probe this inexplicable behavior. She didn’t get the opportunity, for Blane reacted violently and recklessly in his state of anguish. He had thought he had finally won her love and fidelity. He now believed she was rejecting him for another man, and bitterly suspected she had duped him all along.
“You might want these back, Flame. I don’t need them anymore. Make sure you guard your backside. You left a dangerous trail behind.”
Shannon looked at the family pictures, then at Blane. “You’ve had them all along? You lied to me and stole them. Why?”
“I wanted to make sure I could recognize Corry when I met him, just in case we got separated,” he sullenly replied. He had this irrational urge to make her suffer as he was suffering, to spoil her reunion and her life with his victorious rival. She had allowed him to fall in love with her and plan a future for them, then had crushed both dreams. The moment Hawke reappeared, she had discarded him for her former love.
Shannon began, “I don’t understand. You sound as if—”
He sharply cut her off. “As if I despise the sorry bastard and want him dead? I do. When we met in Washington, the moment you exposed your name and home to Silas Manning, I recognized both; and soon I’ll find and slay Corry. If your family hadn’t taken off in ’61 before my arrival, this matter would have been settled years ago. I agreed to let you tag along as my so-called partner because I hoped you would lead me to your brother. By the time I found those pictures, you were good company between the blankets and you were providing a superb cover. Besides, I wasn’t sure which of those men was Corry.”
Shannon was bewildered and pained. “From that first night in the White House, it was all lies and games? And why were you chasing Corry?”
“Because he’s the man I’ve been seeking to kill, the one who ruined my sister’s life in the spring of ’60. He’s had plenty of chances to accept his responsibilities. Even if I never locate him, I’ve amply repaid him, haven’t I, Blue Eyes? I’ve been here three times searching for him since your family left. Too bad Greenleaf’s ruined. Serves him right for refusing to share it with Ellie and little Corry.”
Blane’s keen wits were dulled by fury and anguish, but he noticed her reaction. “You look shocked, Blue Eyes. I’m surprised you haven’t figured.this out by now. I thought you said you and Corry were close. Did he keep such wickedness a secret from you, or have you known the truth since before we met? From the things you said each time this subject came up, I couldn’t be sure about what you did or didn’t know. Were you a clever trap for me? Did Corry send you to Washington? Or did you come up with this self-sacrificing scheme to save him after we met? Are you sure you want Hawke so much that you’ll risk Corry’s life by spurning me? I suppose you could blackmail me with accusations of rape and abduction. But who would take the word of the Rebel Flame against mine?”
Shannon did not make any attempt to conceal her anguish and tears. “If I lived forever, I wouldn’t have guessed you capable of such treachery and cruelty, or such stupidity. You’re wrong about everything, Blane. Corry isn’t responsible for Ellie’s troubles, and I had never heard of you before that night in Washington. And even if he were guilty, you had no right to make me pay for his sins. How wrong and wicked you are. What kind of satanic beast are you, Blane Stevens? Your revenge has succeeded beyond your wildest dreams. If you’re through tormenting me and gloating, why don’t you get the hell out of here?”
The sight of her agony vexed him. “Do you expect me to believe it was a mere coincidence that you entered my room that night? I promised Ellie justice. When you see Corry, make sure he knows the Stevenses have exacted their revenge. And make sure he knows I still plan to slay him if he doesn’t marry Ellie and legitimate his son.”
“I would never tell my brother what you’ve done to me just to punish him. If Ellie is anything like you, the man who marries her is a fool. How blind and rash you are, Blane Stevens. If you had told me the truth, I could have proven you’re wrong about Corry.”
“You can stand there and scold me for lying and deceiving you? What about your lies and tricks? At least you owe me for saving your lovely neck several times, my tempting Rebel Flame. And what about Hawke?” he sneered, his smoldering gaze wanting to singe his rival.
“You know I’m not a spy for either side, so don’t use that to excuse your wickedness. As for Hawke, I didn’t tell you about him because of your feelings about bastards and Indians, and because that area of my life was painful and private. I didn’t think he would ever come back to Greenleaf. Believe it or not, I was going to tell you about him tonight. I was going to tell you everything about me tonight,” she added sadly. How would he react to news of their child? Would he deny that he was the father, or demand the baby for misguided revenge on her brother? She couldn’t risk his answer.
“But Hawke returned today and changed your mind, didn’t he? How can you choose him over me? He deserted you years ago, like Corry did Ellie. When I learned about him from you and Thornton and saw his picture, I was afraid this day might come.” He told her what he had overheard in the past and his interpretations. “Were you using me to replace your lost love? Are you going to marry him?”
“Marry Hawke?” she echoed incredulously. “Are you insane?”
“What’s the matter, Flame? He beneath you, like me? Papa’s dead now, so he can’t stand between you two. And that bastard Corry hasn’t got the right to judge anybody! That night at the Thomases, were you really a virgin, Blue Eyes? Or was Thornton right? Were you sleeping with Hawke and me and no telling how many other gullible fools? Like brother, like sister. Once I get rid of Corry, you and Hawke can marry and have all of this to yourselves.”
“Oh, Blane, you don’t realize what you’ve done to me, to us. You don’t know how wrong you are about everything. I loved you. I gave you my heart and soul. I was going to marry you.”
“Until you discovered you could have Hawke again,” he charged.
Her eyes examined his harsh expression and frosty glare. “If Hawke was the only misunderstanding between us, I would shake some clarity into that stubborn head. But Hawke wasn’t the reason you set out to use me and betray me. You didn’t know about him for a long time. We had something very special, or we could have had something special. How tragic that you had to destroy it all because of lies and hatred.”
She glanced at the destruction surrounding them. “You’re responsible for all this, aren’t you? When it looked as if you couldn’t obtain your bloody revenge on Corry, you saw me as the perfect weapon for hurting him. I wonder how Ellie will feel when you explain how you carried out your promise to her. In her place, I would die of shame and anguish. I would be ill for having had any part in such evil. You’ve ruined everything, Blane. When you learn the truth of your errors, I hope it tortures you as much as it’s tormenting me. Now that you have revenge, can’t you be satisfied? Will it give you and Ellie joy and freedom? How could I have been so wrong about you? How could you hate me and spite me so cruelly? What of all those nights and days we shared? How could you be so blind and vengeful?”
Blane impulsively confessed, “It wasn’t always Corry and Hawke. I didn’t start out to hurt you, Shannon. I hated Corry and wanted to punish him. You just got in the way. Maybe it was your destiny to tempt me into using you as my weapon. Lord knows you’re an irresistible witch. I’m not even sure Corry didn’t sic you on me.”
“You’re mistaken, Blane. You couldn’t have done such horrid things to me if you didn’t hate me. You’ve destroyed my whole world, and you wanted to destroy me. If that isn’t hatred and evil, I don’t know what is. All I wanted was to love you and to build a life with you. When should I expect Sherman’s guards to come and arrest me as the Rebel Flame? Will you be around for my mock trial and execution? Is that to be your finishing touch to this madness and evil?”
“You can relax, Shannon. I’ve cleared your name with Sherman.”
“That was decent of you, considering you’re the one who planted all the false evidence,” she stated sarcastically. “Damn you, Blane!” she raged aloud, then murmured tormentedly. “Damn you. We could have been happy.”
Blane watched as Hawke rose and flexed his muscular body. Though the man couldn’t hear them, Blane knew he was observing them with those keen midnight eyes, ready to spring into skilled action. Blane had seen enough half-blooded men and women to guess that Hawke was one. He should have guessed from the picture. Clearly the man had been reared or partly reared in the West. Hawke’s stance and expression told Blane plenty about him and his prowess. His jealousy mounted. “You have Hawke back. What could you want from me?”
“What I want, you cannot give me. Oh, Lord, you’re so wrong; and it’s too late to explain the truth to you. Just go away.”
Her first statement pained him deeply. He realized there was one person who might put a damper on her reunion with Hawke. “I almost forgot about one of your lovers. I should tell you about Elisha Carter before—”
“Don’t you dare tarnish Eli’s name!” she shrieked angrily. “I know what you did to him both times. He was my friend, nothing more! Get away from me, you vindictive bastard!”
Hawke came toward them the minute she raised her voice. “Shannon, you all right?” he called out as he neared them.
Shannon rushed into his protective arms and replied, “Yes, Hawke. Now that you’re home, I’ll be just fine. I’ve missed you so much. I was so afraid I would never see you again.”
Hawke pulled the precious girl against him and looked over her head at the man who was glowering at them. He sensed a strained leash on the man’s anger and temper. He sensed anguish and turmoil. “It’s all right, Vixen. I won’t leave you alone again.”
Blane mounted Dan and looked at the embracing couple once more. “Don’t forget to tell your beloved Hawke how you’ve been spying and whoring for the Union with me,” he declared bitterly and rashly.
Hawke’s body went rigid. His black eyes seemed flaming coals. His right hand pulled Shannon to that side. His left hand went for his knife. “I shall slay you for your insult, white dog,” he threatened ominously.
Shannon rapidly grabbed his wrist and halted him. “No, Hawke, don’t fight him!” she protested, fearing injuries or death for either man. She lifted her teary gaze to Blane’s sullen stare. Her lips and chin quivered as she bravely confessed, to both men’s astonishment, “Don’t challenge him over my lost honor and shame. He’s telling the truth. He’s a Union agent, the best they have. I was his partner, or disguise, or whatever he needed. For the past few months, I’ve worked with him and traveled with him and…slept with him—but never as a whore. I thought I loved him and wanted to marry him. If I hadn’t come home today, I would have, if his proposal had been honest.” She looked into her half-brother’s worried eyes and murmured, “I’m sorry, Hawke. Please don’t hate me. I was a fool to trust him and sleep with him. I don’t ever want to see him again.”
Hawke pressed her wet cheek to his racing heart. He studied the resentful man on horseback. “I could never hate you, love. Don’t blame yourself for making a mistake. Are you sure about this, Vixen?” he inquired, knowing something awesome had transpired between the two.
Shannon’s body shuddered. “Make him go away, Hawke. I don’t need anyone but you,” she stated intentionally to fool Blane.
Blane inhaled raggedly, kneed Dan, and galloped away.