CHAPTER CHAPTER THIRTY THREE Widow's Retreat, the main house

Lee Henry Morrissey waited at the mansion, some ten yards below the lodge as long as he could stand to wait. Only his son's presence and Neddy's presence of mind in keeping his father's attention held the elder Morrissey there most of past night and on into this morning. Now it was just past midday and both men were eager to be doing something that might help end their six year nightmare at long last. And that was where Mort Corey, Chris Hale's and Thomas Macquillan's renowned patience and growing friendship, added to that of Gabriel Colville and Thierry Deveraux now came into play.

" There isn't a man on this compound who will allow Heydon Palmerston, or anyone to harm Eugenie Isabelle in the least, Lee Henry." Colville was advising his long time patient and friend.

"No, Gabe, they won't, if any one of them gains access to that attic!" Lee Henry agreed.

"And from what you've told me has been going on with your sister and my friend Jess, he'll be defending her with everything he's got, and anything that may come to hand, as well." Corey added.

"All I know is he's reportedly rather infatuated with Eugenie." Morrissey sighed. "And he wouldn't be the first, although I greatly fear he will be the last of her scores and dozens of … suitors. I sincerely hope we find them both alive and well.

"And I'm sure that with my young friends all searching up there, including Jess' two cousins, that's exactly what we will find." Chris offered.

"Yes, well, Mr. Hale, I'm well aware that your scout was also attacked by … by my Command. I was glad to hear he's well recovered, very glad indeed. My son also told me last night that despite that both Mr. Smith and yourself have greatly befriended him, and for that I am immensely grateful, sir." Lee Henry said, already liking the Glousterman almost as much as his son had predicted he would.

For myself, I know I must face Justice as the Company's erstwhile Commander. And I will be glad to answer for all of my deeds, I assure you. To be perfectly honest, I'm not sure I'll mind that a bit, as long as I am there to see Heydon Moray hung for the murder of my friend Solomon, and of my young younger brother! However, I am also very much afraid I shall have to add my dearest Twin to the list of his victims if we do not act together and with some celerity in this last … endeavor."

''And I agree. If we're going to get our friends away from your… former ally and catch him and his friends all at once, we have to work together. That being true, I'll gather my troops, General Morrissey and you go ahead and gather yours together.'' Mac Macquillan suggested.

''Thank you for that, Sir… But I'm well and truly retired, now, for which I truly do thank G-d.'' Lee Henry smiled and then found himself surprised again as Macquillan began gesturing to, rather than calling up the men on his 'roster. With chagrin on some faces and relief on others, Matty Hearkins, Kiery Tanner, Brody Hamilton, Rafe Tierney, D'arcy Traherne, Chris Phillipsen, Mickey Stewart, Miller Nash, Giles Boudin, his brother Andre, 'Thierry' Deveraux, and his son Nolan, as well as old Gabriel Colville all walked over and 'reported in' to the senior agent from Boston.

'' Well, Thierry, I suppose I should have guessed you'd do your best to defuse this nightmare for us.'' Morrissey told the balding, dark eyed sometime chaplain to the Company and in earlier times, to Napier Pascale's own regiment as well.

'' You and your twin didn't leave me much choice in the matter, Lee Henry. I was loath to sit back and let the widow and brother in law of my old Commanding General and friend utterly destroy themselves and so many others. But the truth is, it took both Giles and Gabriel here, to convince me that more direct action was truly called for. I hope you will understand, old friend, that we considered we were acting for you, not against you.''

'' I believe I do, old friend. And I'm far more concerned for Eugenie, just now than I am or ever have been for myself, you know.'' Lee Henry told them all.

''Surely. Well, I think we can at least relieve some of your worry, old friend.''

Giles Boudin offered. ''Unless our friend Thomas here, our Boston Brahmin, thinks otherwise. I believe we should let Lee Henry know what else we have in the works, as regards the rescue of both young Jacob, that is, Mr. Harper, and the Widow, along with the capture of the insidious Mr. Moray. Thomas?''

''Well, technically, I believe I should now to defer to our friend, Doctor Colville. He's got all the seniority in the Service that anyone could ever wish for. What say you, sir?'' Mac turned to ask the oldest member of the team, including Adam.

'' I say that my old friend, Lee Henry, the son of my late friend Edward Denys, can be trusted to hell and back once he's given his solemn word on any matter. '' Colville smiled. '' And that he's done. So for pity's sake, let the man know what we're up to!''

''Thank you, Gabriel, but if you don't mind I have a different question I'd very much like the answer to, even before we continue with the present … matter.

And it may seem like nothing more than foolish curiosity, but I can't seem to comprehend how a man I know was born and raised in old Atlanta could hold seniority over a roomful of Federals!'' Lee Henry demanded.

''Ah, now there, there you have me, Lee Henry.'' Colville smiled again, clapping one hand on each of the Louisianan's shoulders. '' I was born in Atlanta, surely. And we lived in that old jewel of a Southern city until I was almost seven. But then with one thing and another changing in the larger world, and in my family, m' Daddy died. And momma took us all up to live and go to school in Frederick, Maryland, where her people came from. Now, Lee Henry, boy, come sit down a moment and we'll map this out for you. Then, we'd better pick that map on up and put it into action!''