“Seems to me they were just doing their duty as law-abiding citizens of the United States. While you’re little more than a common criminal.”
Jesse didn’t really disagree, but if the man decided he was a bushwhacker he’d shoot him on the spot. “Living off the land is an established military practice.”
“And terrorizing women and children?”
Jesse remained silent. He’d said his piece. They both knew the innocent often suffered in wartime. What had happened in the town was ugly, but not unique. And not restricted to those who supported the South.
Jesse looked the other man in the eye. He had surrendered to them and according to the rules of war they should take him prisoner. But there was no one to know—or care—if they finished him off here and now. It would be easier than transporting him to St. Louis.
But Jesse knew he would never shoot an unarmed man and hoped the Union soldier shared his ethics. “You could offer me parole.”
“I don’t have the authority.”
“Officially, no, but I’m a man of my word. If you let me go, I promise not to take up arms against the Union again.” It could be a win-win situation for both of them. Jesse would escape with his life and could go home to Diamond, putting the ugliness of war behind him. And it would spare the Yankees the burden of taking him in. Or shooting him in cold blood. Jesse would have the best of the bargain by far, but the Union soldier could sleep better at night.
“I’m supposed to take you at your word? A treasonous Rebel? I don’t think so.”
“I’m fighting for my country, my people. I’m no traitor.”
The rustling of leaves signaled the approach of another of the Union men. A tall lanky man appeared on the edge of the bank. “You get him, Tom?”
“Yes,” Tom answered, never taking his eyes off Jesse.
“Well, what you waiting for? Shoot the bastard and let’s get going. Bart got shot in the arm. Don’t know if the docs will have to take it off, but we need to get him some help.”
“The prisoner will come with us.”
“What? Bushwhackers get no quarter.”
“He’s in uniform. I don’t think he’s a bushwhacker.”
“So say he got killed in the gunfight. Nobody will know the difference.”
“I will.”
“Think he’d do the same for you?”
“He might.”
“The only good Rebel is a dead Rebel. We need to get Bart medical attention. Babysitting a prisoner will only slow us down.”
“I’m your superior officer and you’ll do as you’re told. Bind his hands.”
The other man resisted for a moment and Jesse’s heartbeat, which had settled after the gunfight and chase, picked up again. Then, with a curse, the man jumped down, yanked Jesse’s arms behind his back and tied them tightly. He shoved him between the shoulders and Jesse staggered forward, recalling how Jack had treated their prisoner in town. He struggled to climb the embankment without the use of his hands.
Scowling, and perhaps already regretting his decision, Tom grabbed him by the arm and dragged him to the top. “You must keep up.”
“Understood,” Jesse replied. Not only would he have to prove himself a model prisoner, but he’d have to watch his back. Except for Tom, they wanted him dead. Even Tom might be relieved if Jesse were to meet with an “accident.” He could only hope the coming days would offer him a chance to escape.
Twenty Eight
Chapter 28
“I’ve good news,” Janet told Diamond over breakfast. They had bought a few chickens in town which supplied them with eggs. Diamond did most of the cooking, scrambling eggs in the morning, which Sarah served with fresh bread and butter, also purchased in town. The locals knew Janet had returned, but most were Southern sympathizers and unlikely to say anything to the Union troops.
Many were curious to see Jesse’s new bride, and a few had come out to visit, but it was awkward to entertain guests in the humble cabins. Janet acted as if she sat in her own parlor, but their guests appeared uneasy and one kindly older woman had invited them to stay with her.
To Diamond’s relief, Janet had refused. It would have been far more difficult to check on Jack if she had to come all the way from town.
Jack’s wound showed no sign of infection and Diamond thought he would soon be well enough to leave. She hoped to persuade him to give up bushwhacking and beg his father’s forgiveness.
Diamond drew her attention back to her sister-in-law. “Have you heard from Finn?”
“Yes. He received leave for this weekend and will come to New Madrid. We’re to prepare for the wedding.”
“Here?” Diamond raised her brows. Surely Janet would never consent to hold her wedding in the slave quarters.
“In the church. Sometimes you say the strangest things.”
“I realize the ceremony will be performed in the church, but I was thinking about the reception.” As soon as she said the words, Diamond felt foolish. Perhaps there wouldn’t be a reception under the circumstances.
“The pastor has known me since I was a child. I’m sure he will allow us to host a small gathering in the sanctuary. If not, it will have to be on Finn’s property.” Janet wrinkled her nose. “In tents, since he has yet to build there.”
“It’s too bad your father can’t be here to give you away,” Diamond said although she thought the wedding might be more cheerful without the dour old man’s presence.
“Yes, but I thought Jack could do it.”
Diamond’s fork clattered to the table. “Jack? We don’t have any way to contact him.”
“You can tell him the next time you sneak food to him.”
Diamond rubbed her temples. “How long have you known?”
Janet shrugged. “A few days. At first I thought you were just taking extra food, and it occurred to me you might be increasing.”
Diamond suppressed a giggle at the old-fashioned term for pregnancy. “I’m not with child, but even if I was,
