And here's chapter 12. Not too many more. Thanks for hanging on this long. On to it. Also wanted to say thanks for all the great reviews! You love me!
Deeper Secrets chapter twelve: Let Freedom Ring
Ro stood on the porch, looking out across the front lawn. Everyone was seated happily at their picnic spots talking and enjoying themselves. The farm had been saved, thanks to the money from the race. Two days after the race, Jason Carpenter had personally delivered the many and a message. The message had been from Remy in hopes she would get the money. All it had said was "Sorry." She couldn't think of what he could be sorry for, but she accepted the apology and laid the note by the picture, leather pouch, and the Jack of Hearts card. The shirt she still wore every night and left on the pillow during the day. He was gone, but not forgotten. Little Delta Dawn was growing stronger by the day. Unfortunately, she would never know the man that had saved her life.
"Two weeks, Miss Ro. I don't think he's coming back," Jeffery said standing next to her, lemonade in hand.
"He was to be tried for murder. He'll never be back," she said solemnly.
"We must have faith."
"And keep it." She stared him straight in the eyes. "But Ah can't live a dream."
"Tis true. Jus'...don' give up so soon."
"Don' worry, Jeffery. Ah'm hopin' against hope."
Two weeks into the journey and they finally reached the base camp. Normington, his men and Remy dismounted and he was led to the colonel's tent.
"Colonel, General Normington wishes to speak with you."
"Thank you, private. Send him in." The older man commanded crossing his hands. "Ah, John," he shook the man's hand. "Good to see you. How are you? How's the mission?" The colonel sat down behind his desk.
"The mission is complete, sir. We've captured LeBeau."
"That's great news. Where did you find him?"
"In a little town called Summitville, a day's ride south of the town. Northwest of us aways."
"Where's he now?" the colonel asked.
"Outside in shackles being guarded, sir." Normington answered promptly.
"Bring him in." Normington nodded to one of his men, who stepped outside. Remy was led in moments later. "Captain LeBeau. It's been too long. How are you?" Remy remained silent. "Nothing to say?"
"Anything I say you won't take at face value," he spat. "If you're going to try me, do it and get it over with."
"So ready for your life to be over," the colonel stepped from behind his desk. "Nothing left to live for?"
"I'm innocent, but that doesn't matter as long as someone's blamed for Scott's murder. You all believe I'm guilty. Not going to get a chance to prove you wrong. Just end my suffering and feed your blood thirst."
"Take him and get him cleaned up, private. Then put him in a tent with guards. The trial's tomorrow at noon."
"Yes, sir," and Remy was led out.
"Do you believe him?" he asked of Normington. "You've been the closest to him all these years. And what does he mean by suffering?"
"He says he found a new life for himself in Summerville. A beautiful lady is there that he was forced to leave."
"Is that the deal with the scarf?" Normington nodded. "But, do you believe him?"
"When we first started out, he told this story one night about a Union spy in our colors. Says he's the one who shot Scott."
"And you believe him." It wasn't a question.
"He's never lied to me before. He's been cooperative during the trip. And...he's saved my life before."
"Mine as well. All of ours in fact. Always was a good scout and captain. Scott was one of his own."
"He said the reason he had blood on him was because he tried to stop the bleeding."
"I just don't know. We'll let him tell his tale tomorrow. Hear it straight from him. You can see if he changes anything."
The next morning when the sun rose, Remy was woken and fed. Later the shackles and irons were removed and clothes were brought to him. He dressed while guards stood watch outside. When he had finished he hollered and they came back and replaced the irons, leaving the shackles off. He was led back to the colonel's tent across the camp.
"Morning, Captain. Good night?" Again silence. "Not in a talkative mood, Mr. LeBeau. Well, I am. Feel good being in your old uniform?" He eyed the younger man in irons. "What's with the scarf? It's not part of the uniform." Again he was met with silence. "Guess you don't want to talk about that either."
"You must be a detective, Colonel."
"Don't get smart, Remy. You've been too good a captain to get smart now."
"I've always been smart," Remy grinded out. "Had to be. To survive."
"I thought you'd like a nice meal before your trial." The colonel changed the subject. Remy looked to the plate full of food, and pushed it away.
"Give this food to the men," he commanded the colonel.
"You don't want it?" The colonel was surprised. Remy smacked his abdomen, which was solid.
"Does it look like I haven't been eating?" he asked almost hatefully. "Give it to the men. They need the energy."
"Fine." A private took his plate away. The colonel sat and ate his while Remy just sat and stared.
Noon came later than Remy hoped. All of the men were brought to the middle of the camp. The colonel sat in front of everyone and there was a chair facing him, empty. Remy was led before everyone still in irons. He was brought to the chair and asked to be seated. When he refused, all heard him say "I will not submit myself that low" and the chair was taken away.
"Shall we begin?" and the area quieted. "Now, Captain Remy LeBeau, you are here to stand trial today for the murder of Scott Somters, Jr. Captain LeBeau, how do you plead?"
"Not guilty," Remy said in his strongest voice.
"On what grounds?" the colonel questioned.
"On the grounds that I have proof to show I didn't kill Scott Somters."
"Where is this proof, Mr. LeBeau? How did you acquire it?"
"It is hidden. I acquired it before the men came and found me over Scott's body."
"And why were you over his body covered in blood?"
"I was trying to stop the bleeding of a bullet wound."
"Caused by you," the colonel threw out seeing if it would irritate Remy.
"If I wanted him dead why would I be trying to save him?" Remy argued heatedly. The colonel stared at him.
"Then who is responsible for his murder if it were not you?"
"A Union soldier disguised as a Confederate."
"How do you know it was him? That he was Union soldier?"
"That morning when I woke I saw a man hovering around the camp, me team specifically. He was acting suspicious, constantly looking over his shoulder. I decided to follow him. That afternoon before we hit the front lines, I followed him."
"And where did you follow him to?"
'Good, they're listening.' "I followed him through the woods. He stopped neat the creek and I watched as a man from the Union forces met with him."
"Could you hear what they were saying, Mr. LeBeau?"
"Only parts," Remy answered, then went on. "I watched as the man, the spy, handed the Union a piece of paper. All I could hear was them talking about our strengths and weaknesses. Then the trumpet sounded, and I had to hurry back. I was coming to tell you when I saw the spy heading into my squadron. I ran after him, but didn't reach him in time to stop him from shooting Scott."
"Why did he shoot Somters?" the colonel asked.
"I believe his orders were to take out as many of the lead fighters-my men-as possible. I believe Scott was the first, and I believe Scott saw him coming and was about to blow the spy's cover by warning the group."
"And you have proof of this?"
"Yes. After I shot the spy, I stole his carrisack from the body. When the men found me and they started saying I had shot him, I ran."
"Why? If you could prove it then why did you run?"
"I am human, sir. Panic took over and I ran. I hid the pack in a secret place, then I headed north to try and lose the men following me. I thought if I could get somewhere until things cooled down then go back for the bag, I might be able to return; but I got distracted once I stopped somewhere."
"Could you find this bag again, if released for a day or two?"
"Yes, Colonel. I could."
"Very well. You have twenty-four hours to retrieve the pack. General Normington, take the captain and five of your men and go."
"Yes, sir." Normington obeyed. After choosing the five, he and Remy mounted up and rode off.
"How much longer, LeBeau?" Normington asked an hour into the mission.
"Not long, my friend. Not long." Minutes later, Remy slowed his mount and climbed off. "We're here." The others followed. "Up there. In the cave."
"I'll have one of the men climb and..."
"No. Too dangerous. I know where the safe hand and toe holds are. I'll go," Remy countered.
"With irons on?" Normington pointed out.
"That will cause difficulty. Take them off and I'll get the bag." Remy held out his hands.
"And what's to stop you from running?" Normington asked.
"Couldn't I have escaped back in Summitville after the race? Or during it or the journey/"
"Point proven." He released the irons from Remy's wrists.
"Here." Remy removed the scarf and handed it to John. "Proof I'll return." With that he started his ascend. Normington and his men watching from below.
Several times during the climb Remy nearly lost his grip, but he made it up. He had forgotten to bring a light, but didn't really need it. His unique eyes let him see well enough in the dark. Heading to where he remembered leaving it, he felt for it, finding it. "Thank God, or whoever Jeffery prays to," he said after feeling the bag in his hands. "Now, back to the leash." He returned to the cave entrance and began down. "Got it!" he yelled to those below. He was halfway down when a foot hold that had being strong going up gave way. Remy tumbled the rest of the way to the ground.
"Miss Ro, come here. Quickly!" Jeffery screamed running into the water house.
"What is it, Jeffery? What's wrong?"
"Read this." She took the paper, stepped out into the light and read it.
"Get everyone in from of the mansion. Now!" She ran and got some of the others. When everyone was gathered, she headed up the steps, turned around and announced, "Let it be known that...the war is over, all fighting is stopped and all slaves are free!" The cheer filled the land and tears began to fall. "On another note, as Ah have always said, Ah'd like for each of you to stay and work for pay. We've been through so much together. Ah know Ah couldn't see living without any of you. Please think about it and tell me." The group of free slaves huddled and after a minute Jeffery stepped forward.
"On behalf of everyone here," Jeffery said, "We'd love to stay. All of us." Ro began to cry harder. Jeffery walked up the stairs and hugged her.
"Thank you. All of you. Ah don't know what Ah'd do without ya." They set out to have another large celebration.
End chapter 12. 13 coming, and I left you once again with Remy hurt. I like men with scars, what can I say? (Evil grin)
