“Indeed. Savannah is unique. In fact, a publishing house has offered to publish a book of her pictures.”
Dayton jerks in surprise before he grins at his friend. “You must be so proud. That’s a rare accomplishment.”
“Of course, but I’m worried. Look closely at these and see if anything jumps out to you.”
Dayton picks up the second image of a farmhouse, then moves on to the one of a nurse, praying with a dying soldier. “That’s a harsh one.” He imagines her walking through rows of moaning, dying wounded men and he closes his eyes against the images. “How long did she travel with the Sisters?”
“Three years.” Glenn sips his coffee. “There are much worse images. I wish I could’ve protected her from seeing this, but she isn’t one to sit back.” Glenn waits for him to pick up the last image and watches closely for a reaction from him.
“Why on earth did your Father let her…” he stiffens when he picks up the last one. The color drains from his face. “Damn, Glenn. Please tell me she didn’t take this one.”
“I knew something was off,” Glenn barks, “What do you see?”
Dayton points to the man in the tintype. “The man in front of the wagon is Senator Buren, from Washington. He’s running for Secretary of State.”
“Okay, what’s the problem?”
“Glenn, look who he’s shaking hands with! That’s a Confederate General, judging by the uniform and look behind them.” Dayton points, “Those are weapons.”
“Why would a Senator from a Union state be meeting with a Confederate General?”
“Now, you’re getting it!”
“Savannah’s in trouble,” Glenn says hoarsely.
“Where is she?” Dayton demands
“Iowa.”
“What’s the hell is she doing in Iowa!” Dayton leaps to his feet and roars, “Does she ever stay in one place?”
Glenn glares at him until he calms down. “Forgive my outburst, but this is bad, Glenn.”
“I’ll explain,” Glenn says.
“Explain quickly, Glenn.” He gestures to the table. “Senator Buren was providing weapons to the Confederacy during the war. That’s treason.”
“Savannah is fulfilling a promise to a soldier she met during the war. On his death bed he secured her word that she would return his images to his family. She took the originals with her, and that’s not all,” Glenn explains quickly filling him in on the offer from the publishing house and showing him the check and contract.
“Glenn,” his voice is raspy, “this is a payoff. They’re trying to keep Savannah from showing anyone else the photos. You need to get her home now.”
“It’s not that easy,” Glenn jumps up and starts pacing. “I can’t leave my wife and children alone. My parents are traveling. I will send her a telegram and tell her to come home.”
“Not good enough. They’re already moving to meet her.” Dayton stands up and grabs the photos. “I’ll go.”
“What?” Glenn stops moving and stares at his friend. “I can’t ask you to do that!”
“You’re not asking. I’m offering.” Dayton grabs his hat.
“Why?” Glenn demands. “Savannah thinks that you have no interest in her, so why would you do this?”
“Why would she think…” his voice fades when he remembers the fall carnival. Dayton runs a hand through his black hair in obvious frustration. “I’ve forced myself to steer clear of her for years out of respect for you, in fact, I’ve written to her multiple times since the fall fair, I’d hoped to get a response from her.”
“Savannah isn’t just some debutante looking for a husband, Dayton. Do you believe that just because she didn’t fight in the fields, she wouldn’t be running from the same ghosts the rest of us are?” Glenn demands.
“I didn’t think about it,” Dayton says picking up the image of the nurse and soldier and remembering her comments.
“I need your help, but I don’t want my sister hurt again, Dayton. She’s had enough trauma. This promise haunts her, she needs to see it through. I suggest you do some soul searching and praying on the way to Iowa. Ask yourself what kind of woman you want in your life. Savannah has seen things…” he pauses for a moment, “things I wish she hadn’t. She deserves to be treated like the rare gem she is.”
“I agree,” Dayton says. “I promise to protect her, Dayton. I’ll take her to my family home in Kentucky. I’ll send you a telegram once I find her. You’re coming for the race in a few weeks. Bring your family and meet us. You can stay at my family home. I have plenty of room. Until this is handled, you could all be in danger. I’ll deal with Senator Buren once Savannah is safe. Can I keep this photograph?”
“Of course.” Glenn shakes his hand, “I don’t know how I’ll ever repay you.”
“I’ll think of something.” Dayton grins and rushes to his room to pack.
Chapter 13
Iowa
Kristin watches Eli leave and wipes her tears with the back of her hand. It’s no surprise that he hates her. She tried to explain to him that she had no choice, but he wouldn’t listen. His hurt was too big and now, watching him with the pretty redhead, laughing and smiling, she understands his pain.
It couldn’t hurt to find out who she is. Kristin hurries inside to take a peek at the registry. “Kristin, what are you doing back?” Mrs. Beatty, head of housekeeping asks.
“One of our guests dropped a small bag, I was trying to find her, but I don’t know which room she’s in. Perhaps you’ve seen her. Young woman, red hair?”
“Oh, I’ve seen her. That hair is something! She checked out this morning. We just finished cleaning the room.” Mrs. Beatty walks to the counter to look up her name.
