Promise Bridge Part 20

"Not the words of a runaway," Marcus stated, fully convinced. "Point me in the direction of this shed."

James put his hand on Marcus's shoulder. "I'll take you."

"No, James," Livie said anxiously. "The mornin' bell will ring soon, and if you ain't tappin' on your anvil, Ma.r.s.e and w.i.l.l.y Jack will have the plantation turned upside down. Then we all will be doomed."

"Livie is right," I declared, knowing what had to be done. "You must begin your day as usual, so as not to create any suspicion. I will take Marcus to the shed."

Marcus hugged Livie tightly. "Once I know the slaves are there, I will figure out a plan. Don't say nothin' to n.o.body. Jes' go about yo' ch.o.r.es, but be ready to leave quicker than the wag of a dog's tail."

Nothing more was said. Livie embraced Marcus, then squeezed my hand as I walked by her. Words were not needed to convey what we were feeling. The night was thinning into the pale twilight of the coming day, so Marcus and I wasted no time in immersing into the greenery of the upper tobacco fields and running their rows lengthwise toward the back lot of West Gate. The maturing crop offered enough concealment for us to blend into the shadows.

We emerged from the tobacco and crossed a stretch of rocky parcel overgrown with weeds, a neglected barrier between the two plantations. On the other side, Marcus and I found ourselves overlooking the lot I had discovered the night I met the unknown runaway. I pointed to the shed outlined in the shadows below. Marcus motioned his intent to double back over the hill above us to gain access to the building from the other side. I followed closely, treading light of foot.

My stomach tightened as the smell of dung rose in the air and reminded me how near our steps were to the sleeping hounds. When we reached the backside of the shed, Marcus held up his hand, signaling me to be still. He crept around to the door, but the heavy padlock sealed it closed. I pressed up against the shed where the shadows were darkest, in fear of being exposed to the loft above the carriage house that served as Twitch's home. It stood a short distance to my right, and towered above the back lot.

As I waited for Marcus, I rested the side of my face against the shed, terrified of what would happen should we be found out. The flesh across the nape of my neck p.r.i.c.kled when I heard the low wheeze of breathing from inside the shed. I leveled my eye over a slight gap between the wooden slats. The moon was nearly gone, so only dim shards of light sliced within the interior of the shed, penetrating through the structure's imperfections. The moment my eyes adjusted to the illumination, a breath caught in my throat. Darkness muddied the details, but I could see the distinct outline of six men hunched on the dirt floor. All but one had their backs against the wall. Chains draped from their ankles and wrists; their mouths were stuffed with rags. Marcus came around the corner, and one look at my expression alerted him to my discovery. He pressed his face against a crack and then jerked back at the sight inside. He clenched his forehead with silent anguish, then bent forward and looked again, taking in the task at hand. Marcus dropped to his knees and dug his hands into the dirt. I fell in place alongside him. The soil was hard and rocky, leaving us no choice but to abandon our immediate attempt to reach the imprisoned men.

The carriage house loomed larger as the night sky thinned toward dawn. Marcus looked over at me, fraught with despair. My desire to comfort him was tempered by the instinct to ensure his safety before light came upon us. We were of one mind in knowing it was time to make our retreat. Marcus's hand was moist with dirt when he reached for mine, but his touch was sweet and gentle. We left as silently as we came and spoke no words until we ran clear of the upper fields, into the cover of trees.

"You better get on back to the big house befo' they find you gone," Marcus panted as we paused to catch our breath after the long sprint.

"No," I stated firmly. "We have to find a way to access those men back there. They are doomed as long as they are within reach of Twitch."

"That's my problem to figure out. A gal like you shouldn't mix in such things."

My converging emotions burst from me. "Why does everyone keep telling me what is right and proper for me? I am a grown woman who understands the complexities of my mind and body. No one should presume to tell me what I should think or feel. I have no intention of running on home like a good little girl, pretending all is right with the world. Besides, Livie will cover for me so my absence does not create any danger for you or those poor men in the shed. Now, I know you will attempt to free them, and I believe I can provide valuable a.s.sistance. Let's stop wasting time and get on with it!"

Marcus's eyes sparkled with surprise and amus.e.m.e.nt at my outburst. But mostly, he looked at me with admiration and respect for my feelings. As Marcus mulled over my words, common sense told me he would turn me away, perhaps fearful to fully trust me. But instead he took my hand and led me deeper into the thicket. We made our way to the peak using a path I had never seen. Awakened by the day's first glimmer of suns.h.i.+ne, the mourning doves cooed from the treetops in the evergreen forest stretching toward the cave. We slipped inside its cool interior, our fingers still entwined, until Marcus released our connection to light a fire.

We sat opposite each other with flames crackling between us. Pine knots burned low and fragrant as shadows danced across the stone walls in every direction. Slowly, the damp air warmed. We relaxed and found ourselves staring at each other through the wisps of smoke that swirled in the air. Marcus removed his jacket and came around the fire to sit next to me.

"You cold?"

"No," I said with a nervous smile. "I feel quite flushed at the moment."

His molten eyes seeped into mine, but our joined purpose in helping the captives kept us focused on the greater cause. "We need to figure out a way to get in that shed," he said earnestly. "If Dead Eye works like most slave-stealin' mongrels, he'll beat and starve those men half-dead, then drag 'em back to dere plantation. n.o.body gonna believe the rants of a captured runaway over the word of the white man returnin' Ma.s.sa's property. Only makes the whuppin' worse."

"What you describe makes sense. Twitch comes and goes quite frequently."

"We gots'ta move quick. Ask James to meet me at sundown near the three boulders along the tree line. Have him bring hammers and chisels so we can break through them chains, and a shovel to dig our way inside. If he is willin' to help me, we can free them in the shadow of night and still have a few hours in the dark to be on our way. Tell Livetta to wait in her cabin. We'll come fo' her if our plan works."

If our plan works. The possibility of failure, and the deathly consequences it would sp.a.w.n, were too terrifying to linger over. The slim chance of them escaping would thrill me and break my heart, all at once. I filled with dread, thinking of the personal loss I would endure when left abandoned in their wake. Selfish thoughts, I admit, but true just the same. My throat tightened, choking my voice to a hoa.r.s.e whisper.

"What shall I do when you all are gone?"

Sensing my anguish, Marcus s.h.i.+fted closer to me so we could face each other. "Remember us," he said with hushed tenderness. "Remember our cause. You renewed my belief that not all white hands are holding us down. Some are committed to reach out and help us rise from the ashes. You planted a healing seed inside us."

I was not aware of my tears until he touched each one where they fell on my cheek. He gently took my hand and laced our fingers together, then turned our hands upward in a familiar sign of promise. With the promise understood and the light of day creeping into our sanctuary, our fingers released and I bid him farewell.

Leaving Marcus hidden in the belly of the cave, I rushed down from the peak and through the fields toward Hillcrest. When the homestead was in sight, I slowed to a casual walk, playacting an early morning stroll for the benefit of any eyes taking notice.

"Where you been, girl?" Livie pounced as I walked into my bedchamber. "Esther Mae come near an hour ago to fetch you fo' breakfast. I tol' her, 'Miz Hannah walked off not a minute ago to get some air.' But you know Esther Mae; she jes' propped her hands on her hips and shook her head. She said, 'You gals better stop actin' so peculiar or you'll raise Miz 'Gusta's ire fo' sure.' "

I settled my hands on Livie's shoulders to calm her and let her know everything was all right. Like lifting a lid off a boiling pot, she huffed in steamy relief. As the muscles in her tense shoulders unwound, a bright grin took up the slack.

"Marcus came back fo' me," she said, opening her heart to revel in our secret. "My head has been spinnin' since I laid eyes on him. I ain't got no family left-all is either dead or scattered to the wind. Then the brother I feared lost comes walkin' back into my arms. Jes' seein' his face churns up all the love I buried with the memories of days gone by. They is reborn inside me. Marcus and me loved the same people and cried the same tears. Now we is gonna walk the same walk."

I clasped Livie's hands with understanding, but knew I could allow her only a brief period of joy. Time was our enemy, marching by with little regard to Livie's elation.

"When I came up from the quarters this mornin' and seen nary a sign of you, I thought fo' sure somethin' bad happened."

"Marcus and I went to the cave to formulate a plan. We must take action quickly."

"Was the rustled slaves in the shed like Marcus was a-thinkin'?"

"Yes, they are horribly beaten and shackled. Marcus intends to free them tonight. He wants James to bring a hammer, chisel, and shovels from the blacksmith shop and meet him near Castle Rock after nightfall."

Livie shook her head. "James ain't here, Hannah. Ma.r.s.e Twitch took him to town this mornin' to sh.o.r.e up the bridge fo' crossin'. Ma.r.s.e says he is gonna be ridin' out the day after tomorr'y on slave business, and wants to use the road headin' south. The only way to get there is by crossin' the river. Ma.r.s.e don't trust no other to do the bridge repair right and proper, so he took James in town till tomorr'y, makin' fo' sure his wagon can pa.s.s over safely."

"Oh no," I said. "Marcus needs those tools tonight. His instincts were right in thinking Twitch would be quick to be rid of the abducted slaves one way or the other. From what you say about Twitch leaving, we will barely get them out in time." I thought for a moment, then touched her arm gently. "Can you smuggle the tools from the blacksmith shop?"

"I think so," she pondered. "I been down there enough to see where James keeps most everything. And since I'm a common sight near the forge, n.o.body will wonder why I'm roundabout."

"Do you know what a chisel looks like?"

Livie smiled and shook her head teasingly. "Every soul outside the big house knows what a chisel is. I will take the tools to Marcus and tell him about James."

"Marcus will need help in getting the captives out of there undetected before morning. I will take the tools to him. You are round with child and in no condition to traipse around Twitch's back lot. It is far too dangerous. I will be able to move quicker and with familiarity." I paused, not wanting to complete my thought, but knew all must be said. "If anything goes wrong, I will not face the same consequence as you."

"And Marcus?"

"Marcus is committed to doing everything in his power to aid those wanting a run at freedom. He knows the risk, and will invade the shed with or without my a.s.sistance. His chance of success increases with me there helping him."

Livie nodded. "Let me do my part, then. I'll run on down to the shop and fetch them tools."

After Livie was on her way, I washed my hands and changed my dress. Then I made certain to cross paths with Aunt Augusta. When she asked about my whereabouts, I remained matter-of-fact.

"I have been enjoyin' the pleasant weather. The heat can be stifling in the house, so when the twinge of a headache came on me, I decided that a walk in the fresh air would ease my discomfort."

"Your activity seems to agree with you. Your spirits and hue are piqued to a level that becomes you."

"I believe you are right, Aunt Augusta." I smiled wholeheartedly. "My activity has brought me renewed life."

As I left Aunt Augusta in the parlor, I could not help being amused at her observations. Unbeknownst to her, what she saw in me was the reflection of my true self, confident in my strength and conviction. How I wished I could remain bathed in this feeling. However, the hours in the day continued draining away, bringing closer the moment when my purpose would be realized, and with it, my heart torn in two.

Chapter 28.

Hidden in the evening shadows behind the carriage house, I grew concerned about the delay in Livie's return and feared our activities had been found out. As I nestled in the cover of darkness, I watched Winston wearily brush down the horses, patting them along the neck and whispering day-ending farewells with instructions to rest up until his return at sunrise. He hoisted his lantern and secured the doors of the stable. The night deepened around me as he headed off to Mud Run, surrounded by a halo of illumination. Anxious solitude tensed my limbs, and all I could do was wait.

The night was cool, silencing the song of the crickets and tree frogs. The only sounds drifted up from the distant quarters and from the rustle of an occasional swirl of wind. Suddenly, a cold hand took hold of my arm. "What you doin' here?"

Triggered by fright, my arms struck out into the purple shadows at an unseen target. I eased when I recognized Livie's hushed voice. "Settle yo'self, girl. w.i.l.l.y Jack is on the prowl tonight." Her face was now inches from mine and angled toward the night, measuring each s.h.i.+ft of the breeze. Satisfied we were alone, she continued. "Wasn't I s'posed to meet you in yo' bedchamber?"

"I thought it best to slip out while Aunt Augusta was busy in the pantry, checking supplies with Esther Mae. She will retire to her room when she is finished, and will a.s.sume I have done the same. I have been waiting here to intercept you on your way to the house."

Livie knelt on the ground and unfolded a cloth bundle she had tied in her ap.r.o.n. "I had hoped James would ride in late with Ma.r.s.e, so I hid down yonder a bit. If the bridge work got done early, they might have showed up tonight. Guess w.i.l.l.y Jack was thinkin' the same as me, 'cuz he was draggin' his feet around there too. He probably knowed he be whupped if he wasn't waitin' fo' Ma.r.s.e when the wagon rolled in. I stayed still and outta sight till w.i.l.l.y Jack moved on, but my skin is p.r.i.c.kled knowin' he is sniffin' around."

"Did you have any trouble getting the tools?"

"There were no shovels or hammers to be found," Livie said, placing several tools in front of me. "James must have them in town. Here are the chisels Marcus wanted. I picked up two fist-sized rocks to use like hammers, and I found a couple o' broken hoe blades he could use fo' diggin'."

"Good idea, Liv." I gathered the tools and wrapped them in my champagne shawl. With great reticence, I set the bundle aside and faced Livie. "Marcus said you should be prepared to leave at a moment's notice. If all goes as planned, you will be on your way before daybreak." I was drawn to embrace her, but she wavered back a step.

"Don't be sayin' good-bye yet. That be like namin' a chile befo' it's born. Jes' might put a wrongful hex on you and Marcus over at the back lot. Besides, I ain't goin' nowhere without James."

Livie's declaration startled me. A few months ago, I would have selfishly agreed, knowing if she remained with James, it would anchor Livie by my side, perhaps forever. But now the vision and strength I had garnered since Livie came into my life allowed me a better perspective. I recognized what was right and best for my dear friend. Loving her meant letting her go. I vowed to watch her leave with a smile on my face. It would be my lasting gift to her, and perhaps lighten her load ever so slightly.

It was not likely that Twitch would return with James after nightfall. I suspected Twitch was already three shots of rye into a drunken evening at the saloon in town. His desire for one last night of revelry before returning to smuggle away his bounty would work to our advantage. The timing was perfect for freeing his captives. They could start a few hours ahead of him and put as much distance as possible between them and his hounds.

I must convince Livie to be ready to run.

"Livie," I said, steadying my hand on her shoulder, "James would want you to take this opportunity. You may never get the chance again, at least not with someone as experienced and close to you as Marcus."

Livie's eyes plunged into mine, making it clear she understood the magnitude of her decision. Then with a determined lift of her shoulder, she nudged my hand away to detach from any encouragement or reasoning I offered.

"I will not not leave him behind. I love that man. James gave me a life outside o' the big house. Don't mean no hurt with them words, Hannah, 'cuz you been as good as gold to me. But inside the walls of our cabin, our thinkin' and feelin' is all our own. James and me dreamed about the day we would walk free in the land o' milk and honey, and I ain't gonna walk there without him. His heart was broke once already when his first wife and chile was sold away from him. Even if James hisself tol' me to go, I wouldn't leave him here with nothin'. I want him to hold our chile when it's born. You would understand if you ever felt love down deep fo' a man. No sacrifice or risk would be too mighty when you feel love so strong. Now, don't try to tell me no different, 'cuz I ain't changin' my mind." leave him behind. I love that man. James gave me a life outside o' the big house. Don't mean no hurt with them words, Hannah, 'cuz you been as good as gold to me. But inside the walls of our cabin, our thinkin' and feelin' is all our own. James and me dreamed about the day we would walk free in the land o' milk and honey, and I ain't gonna walk there without him. His heart was broke once already when his first wife and chile was sold away from him. Even if James hisself tol' me to go, I wouldn't leave him here with nothin'. I want him to hold our chile when it's born. You would understand if you ever felt love down deep fo' a man. No sacrifice or risk would be too mighty when you feel love so strong. Now, don't try to tell me no different, 'cuz I ain't changin' my mind."

I reached out and slid my hands around Livie's where they were planted stubbornly on her hips. I eased her to me, not only to close the distance, but so she could see I was standing by her decision no matter what road she chose to follow. More than anything, I wanted her to know I understood that feelings for a man could defy logic and reason.

"Livie, do you believe there can be more than one man who can set your insides awhirl like that?" My question was meant to sort out my own confusion, but Livie misunderstood.

"There is no other man for me, so don't think I can toss him away like bathwater."

"Not you, Liv," I continued in a confidential hush. "I was talking about me."

"What'chu sayin', girl?" The starless night could not mask Livie's dumbfounded gaze. "Now, don't you give up on Mista Colt. He is gonna come back. Besides, there ain't a man round here better suited for you. You and him think alike, move alike, and even act alike when it comes to doin' what's right fo' folks around you."

I bit my lip before saying the next words aloud. "I have always carried love and devotion for Colt deep in my heart. But I also find myself warmed by my periodic interludes with Marcus . . . working together, growing in admiration for his cause."

A distraught gasp escaped her as she shook me by the shoulders. "Is you crazy, girl? You gots'ta put such a notion outta yo' head. Don't never say such a thing again. Don't even think it! They would tie Marcus to a wagon and drag his dead body across the county, and I don't mean secured by his arms and legs! It's a death wish fo' both of you."

"I know, Liv," I said, trembling. "I don't want to bring harm on anyone. Why am I awash with such feelings, yet continue to pine for Colt's return? What a horrible and disloyal woman I've become!"

Livie pulled me into her arms. "You are not horrible or disloyal. But you are are a woman, and new to the feelings that come with the parts o' you that are bloomin' like springtime daffodils. All flowers stretch and grow as they unfold. The petals reach fo' the sun one day and then fo' rain the next. It all depends on what is sprinklin' down over them. Folks ain't much different." a woman, and new to the feelings that come with the parts o' you that are bloomin' like springtime daffodils. All flowers stretch and grow as they unfold. The petals reach fo' the sun one day and then fo' rain the next. It all depends on what is sprinklin' down over them. Folks ain't much different."

My shame unwound slightly as I eased back and saw Livie release a broad smile of a.s.surance. I recognized something of me in Livie's words as she continued.

"Don't confuse admiration with love, Hannah. Marcus is an amazin' man. I been in awe of him fo' as long as I can remember. You don't know much about his life, nor he of yours. You is attracted to courage and cause, not to a man you barely know. His touch speaks to the woman in you. Folks in the quarters is different 'cuz we ain't bound up in fineries and formal etiquette in how we speak and interact. Once you crossed the boundary into our world, you were exposed to closeness of both body and emotion that you haven't had the chance to experience with Colt yet. The warm tug inside you is no different from a daffodil drawn to the sun. It's lettin' you know that the woman in you is ripe and ready to be picked by the right man."

From out of nowhere, the shuffle of boots in the yard froze Livie and me in the darkness. "Who's that thar?" the man's voice challenged. "Who be wanderin' out o' the quarters this time o' night?"

Neither one of us breathed. My mind began spinning possible reasons to claim why Livie and I were crouched in the shadows with chisels and blades bundled in my fine shawl. No explanation would be without suspicion, yet pieces of desperate reasoning began falling into place in my mind. The voice demanded attention.

"Show yo'self, whoever you be."

I opened my mouth to speak, but another voice popped from across the yard.

"It jes' be me, ol' Winston. What you doin' prowlin' around over here, w.i.l.l.y Jack?"

"Don't need to answer to you, ol' man," w.i.l.l.y Jack growled as he strode through the moonlight toward Winston. "I's the one askin' the questions."

The sight of a black man loosening a whip from his belt to confront another black man shook me. If Winston was afraid, he did not show it. Wisdom of years had Winston cajoling him with a grin of obedience.

"Don't want no trouble, w.i.l.l.y Jack," Winston said, raising a hand of surrender. "Jes' fetchin' my hat. I set it over yonder on the fence post earlier, then walked off without it."

"Was you down by the blacksmith shop?"

"No, sah," Winston said, puzzled. "Finished here a short time ago. Got halfway home and remembered my hat."

Livie squeezed my arm as w.i.l.l.y Jack twisted the whip in his hand as he faced Winston. "Thought I heard footsteps down by the forge, then again up this way."

"Probably a restless possum pokin' about. Saw one a minute ago crawlin' up under the wood pile over yonder."

w.i.l.l.y Jack glanced over at the wood pile stacked to the left of where Livie and I were huddled in each other's arms. Winston walked over to where his hat sat perched on the post while w.i.l.l.y Jack peered our way. Winston waved his hat at w.i.l.l.y Jack to show him he was true to his word. The gesture drew w.i.l.l.y Jack's eyes from our direction. Winston paused before heading down the hill to the quarters.

"Esther Mae's got some grits and gravy waitin' fo me. There's enough fo' one more, if it suits you."

w.i.l.l.y Jack's guarded posture relaxed with surprise. His hand jiggled awkwardly, as though his dangling whip was now an unwanted appendage. He cranked his wrist behind him until the whip was reeled into a tight loop and tucked back onto his belt. w.i.l.l.y Jack looked like a little boy in the outline of Winston's gentle shadow. Winston waited patiently for w.i.l.l.y Jack to find a way to accept without seeming desperate.

"Warm grits would sure taste better than cold ashcake."

"Let's get a move on, befo' Esther Mae gets riled up waitin' fo' me." Before turning to follow w.i.l.l.y Jack, Winston glanced our way and pressed his hat firmly on his head. His expression hinted that he knew there was more in the shadows than a wayward night critter. When the two men trudged beyond earshot, Livie puffed her cheeks in relief.

"Thought we was found out fo' sure."

My thumping heart echoed her panic. More than ever, I understood the danger in what we were doing. One careless decision or unguarded moment could result in tragedy, and all we hoped to gain would be torn from our grasp. Until now, no one paid much attention to the relations.h.i.+p Livie and I had developed, and therefore could not gauge how deep and encompa.s.sing it was. But if anyone discovered how far over the boundary we had stepped, we would face dire reproach.

"I must hurry to meet Marcus," I said. "Stay in the quarters and be seen so you will not be connected to tonight's events. If James returns, wait for Marcus at Castle Rock."

"Seems a visit to Winston and Esther Mae would be a good way to pa.s.s the evenin'," she said with a sly grin.

"What a great idea, Liv. If you sit under w.i.l.l.y Jack's nose, you will be the last person they will look for when the captives go missing. And with so few people aware that Twitch is pirating slaves, he cannot launch an extensive inquisition."