“Did you get that Sheriff?” Eli says stomping to the front door and pulling it open.
“Sure did. Now, when exactly is this Marshall showing up to claim this filth?”
“He’ll be here in two days.”
Together, they sit with the Sheriff as he interrogates Fred to find out what he knows. Before they leave, Dayton says to Fred, “I can guarantee that you won’t be strung up, Mr. Anderson, but you may wish for death where you are going.”
They step out in the sunshine, and Eli claps Dayton on the back. “That was good, Dayton. He spilled everything you need to stop this Buren. I can’t believe he fell for that execution stuff,” Eli laughs as they walk to their tied-up horses.
“Why not? Dayton snorts. “He wouldn’t be the first strung up for treason. They are usually shot on sight.”
Eli glances at him in shock. “You mean to tell me you knew that any second you could be shot just for the possibility that you might be a spy?”
“Yes. Shot hung and worse. Oliver knew the risks, and so did I.” Dayton kicks his horse and trots away, leaving Eli to catch up to him.
“Why would you do that?” Eli demands.
“Are you asking for your brother or for me?” Dayton demands.
“Both, I guess,” Eli sighs. “I never understood him and his need for adventure. Part of me was jealous that he got to live a free life, but I loved the land and wanted a legacy to leave to my children. What I don’t get is how you could put your life on the line for no reason.”
Dayton stops his horse, with a quick jerk on the reins. “No reason? He did it so you would have the chance to leave that legacy. There were thousands of spies on both sides of the War, Eli. Without the information, we’d have lost. He believed enough to risk his life, and you should be thankful for it.”
“I am, Dayton.” Eli sighs, “I’m just shocked, and I wish he’d talked to me.”
“He distanced himself from his family to protect you. He didn’t want it coming home to hurt you. Savannah brought you his legacy, the question is, what are you going to do with it?”
“I’ll have to think about it,” Eli replies.
“I’m going to the station to buy our tickets. Doc said she could travel in a week.” Dayton kicks his horse, desperate to return to Savannah’s side and be done with the ghosts of War.
Crazy Len hurries from the jail to the hotel room and found the man’s money waiting under the mattress just like Fred told him. He opens the wallet and laughs. “Twenty-three dollars to send a telegram! That’s easy money.”
Len watches from the alley beside the Sheriff’s office for the two men to leave. He’s been in this jail numerous times, and he smiles, knowing that the Sheriff will be otherwise occupied with a certain saloon girl named Delilah for at least another hour. Slipping inside he smiles when he sees Fred pacing in the cage like an animal.
“Len! You see, I told you the truth. Get me out of here!” he grips the bars.
“Not so fast,” Len waves the wallet. “I sent your message, just like we agreed. I didn’t agree to nothin’ else.” He jerks the keys from the drawer and waves it at Fred.
“You bastard!” Fred hisses. “I kept my word!”
“Don’t you know better than to deliver afore’ yur’ paid, boy!” He cackles at his own joke, draws a bottle of whiskey from his pocket.
“There’s a lot more money, Len,” Fred says softly.
“More?” he stumbles close to Fred.
“Much more, how long do you think that money’s going to last you, Len?”
Len grins, “Why didn’t you say so?” he walks towards him and listens. “Tell what you need.”
Chapter 31
U.S. Marshall, Deidrick Hunter, is shocked at the amount of evidence discovered in Oliver’s tintypes. “These are stunning shots. How were they achieved?” He slides the tintypes to Savannah.
“Aerial shots,” Dayton says looking over her shoulder. “Hot air balloon, to give a view of how many soldiers and weapons they would be up against.”
“Look at the next images. They show regiment camps, lookout towers, basically the overall strength of the force and conditions of the men,” Deidrick runs a hand through his short blonde hair.
Savannah’s mouth is dry, and her heart pounds in her ears. The thought of someone like Oliver or Dayton risking their lives to provide this information is astounding.
“What can I take with me to Washington? Deidrick asks.
“Take everything pertinent to the case. Whatever it takes to make sure he doesn’t get out of jail.”
“If you’ll excuse me,” Savannah jumps up at hurries into the kitchen. She pours a glass of water and sips on it.
“What’s wrong?” Dayton asks from the doorway.
Savannah jumps, and the water sloshes in her cup. “N... nothing, I’m fine,” she stammers, but her trembling hands betray her.
Dayton walks towards her and covers her hand with his, stilling the tremors. “I thought you’d be relieved to know Fred’s in custody and Senator Buren will be shortly. It’s over,” he smiles.
“Are you certain?” she withdraws her hand from his and backs away. “I’d like to send a telegram to my family. I don’t want them to come to Kentucky. I’m going to stay away from them until I’m sure the danger is past.”
His eyes narrow, “No, Savannah. You will all be safer in Kentucky with me.”
“Dayton,” she steps forward with a glare, “I am free to
