The first thing Alexander realizes is that his body hurts so badly, all over. It hasn't hurt this bad since his father's last beating before he walked out on Alexander, James, and his mother.
The memories come back to him. He was carried away from this room and beaten savagely by some of the ship's officers. They were hoping to get information about General Washington and the camp. Alexander had remained resolutely silent. After a point, he had passed out. The officers must have become bored and dumped him back into this room shortly after.
The next thing that Alexander becomes aware of is a gentle tapping against the porthole window next to him. He turns to the window and sees his friends, John, Lafayette, and Hercules peeping anxiously through the porthole. He smiles and opens the window slightly.
"Alexander!" John exclaims in a whisper, obviously relieved.
Alexander knows John has a deeper affection for him than he has for most others, but he is unsure exactly why. For all he knows, John might have a wife and children. Plus, what else could it be? Nevertheless, they have come to help him escape. He listens intently to their discussion.
"Alexander, we told General Washington that we were coming to look for you. We are going to set a distraction, during which we need you to leave your room and go to the next room, in which there is a proper window, through which you can climb out into the boat. John will help you." Hercules explains.
Alexander nods. John looks particularly entertained at this prospect, but he does not say anything.
Alexander closes the window as he hears the traitor's voice coming down the hall. The boat moves away from the porthole. Alexander braces for another lecture and beating.
Partway through the beating, the ship rattles unsteadily. It is as if an explosion has gone off. Benedict and the British officer swear under their breaths and run out of the room and up the stairs.
Alexander takes a deep breath. It is now or never.
X
Eliza's hands shake and she drops her teacup. The glass shatters and tea spills on the floor.
"Oh, gracious." Eliza mumbles, remembering the cold wave that washed over her for just a moment.
She rings the bell on the table, calling her one maid into the room. "I am so sorry, I dropped my teacup. Could you please clean it up?" She requests politely. "I would do it myself, but I should not bend anymore." She gestures to her stomach region, despite there being nothing to see, she knows Margaret will understand.
"Certainly, m'lady." The maid acquiesces quickly.
Eliza thinks back over the events that occurred. She feels it in her stomach that something has happened to Alexander. They are connected in that way. The messenger told her that Alexander had been captured by the British. She prays once more that he is safe, for her sake and to prevent his child being fatherless even before his or her birth.
X
General Washington paces back and forth in his office again. He wishes John, Hercules, Lafayette, and Alexander would return soon.
Not only is he tremendously concerned about Alexander in a paternal way, but he is now short four leaders of the camp.
He trusts them, even though he probably should not from experience.
He sighs, he will just have to see what happens.
Totally random. Sorry about the historical inaccuracy, most of the Lams ideas come from Alexander, so Alexander's dismissal of affection is incorrect. That said, I appreciate any other clarifications you guys want to share with me. This story is supposed to be about five chapters long, so wrapping up in the next chapter and then maybe one more. I hope you liked it. Suggestions are most welcome!
Please stay safe! I do not own anything except the grammar and spelling mistakes. Let me know if you find any, I'll happily correct them.
-HamiltonAsparagus