And now chapter thirteen, right after twelve. Now you get to see what happened to Remy.
Deeper Secrets chapter thirteen: Innocence Proven
They had rushed to his side when he hit. He had hit hard and had gone unconscious at first. When he came to, Normington was crouched over him. "John," he breathed, "the sack."
"We've got it, Remy. Just rest a minute. It's safe. Take it easy."
"Have to get back." His breathing was heavy and ridged. "Ro."
"Easy, Remy. Just hang on. You'll be back with her in no time." Remy looked up and finally relaxed. To his men, Normington said, "We need to get him back, quick. Cut down tree small trees. Cut one in half. Take the ropes and tie it tight."
"Yes, sir," they answered in unison.
"I'll stay with him." The men set to work and John stayed by Remy's side.
When they had finished the sled, the men brought it near and all lifted Remy onto it. With orders to keep his head steady, one of the men held onto Remy's head and neck as they gently placed him on. They placed two of the packs next to his head to stabilize it, then lifted the sled over one of the horse's hindquarters and secured it. They headed off at a slow pace.
"Where are they?" the colonel asked. "Time is almost out."
"Sir! Sir!" a young soldier ran in. "A rider from Normington's party just rode in. They have the bag, but there's been an accident."
"What kind?" the colonel asked running out.
"I think the captain's been injured."
"What happened?" the colonel asked the rider.
"The captain," Gerald began, "had retrieved the bag and was climbing down. One of the foot holds gave out on him."
"Why was he climbing? Climbing what?"
"The cliff wall. Said he knew the dangers."
"Had he the irons on?" the colonel asked worried.
"No. General Normington had released his hands. They're about twenty minutes out. We need the medic."
When the group arrived, the medic immediately went to Remy. Normington took the bag to the colonel. "Let's have a look inside," he said once inside his tent. They poured out the contents. "Dog tags. Name. Rank. He's defiantly Union."
"Look." Normington held up a piece of paper. "His orders." They both read it. "Remy was right. He is innocent, and he saved our lives again."
"Let's just hope he lives to know it," the colonel said sadly.
"He will. Remy's tough." Normington placed his hand in his pockets, and felt the scarf. "He's got unfinished business." He walked out of the tent before being dismissed and over to the medic's tent.
There, Remy was laid out on a cot, shirtless and bandaged. The bullet scars on his right side showing along with others. The sight of it made John cringe. How many of those scars were meant for his men's lives? He walked over to Remy's side.
"Come on, ol' boy," he said placing the scarf in Remy's hand. "You've got some one to get back to." Remy's eyelids blinked. "That's it. Come back to us."
"I thought I was being tried."
"Not any more. You were right, Remy. The contents of that bag proved your innocence. When you're on your feet, you can go back to her."
"The scarf," Remy mumbled feeling it in his hand. "Ro."
"That's right. You'll be back with her in no time."
"Now. I'm leaving now." Remy sat up. "I leave now."
"Remy, hold on. The colonel wants to speak with you." Remy was pulling on the button down shirt. "Man, you can take pain well." He sounded like the youth Remy had first met so many years ago.
"John, I need to get back...to her."
"I know. Go talk to the colonel. I'll throw a pack on a horse for you."
"You believed me?" Remy was surprised. There had been so much hatred before.
"After telling me that story, I couldn't sleep. The whole way here afterwards, I knew you were telling me the truth. You've never lied to me. About anything." He helped his friend up off the cot. "Go talk to the colonel. That's an order.
"Yes, sir." Remy walked out on slightly unsteady legs. He entered the colonel's tent. "You wanted to see me, sir?"
"Yes, Captain. I wanted to apologize for blaming you...about Scot. He was your man. You would never do that to one of your own." Remy shook his head. "We looked in the bag which you probably know already. All charges are being dropped. You'll be able to keep your rank. What's wrong?" He noticed Remy's expression.
"I just...I don't want this life anymore."
"That good?" Remy shook his head again, a sparkle lighting his eyes. "I understand how you feel. You've had this life too long. And...I just got word from out troops in the east. The war is over. You're a free man, Remy." Remy's eyes got brighter. "Ride to your lady, Remy. She needs you as much as you do her." Remy started to walk out. "Wait a second." He turned around. "Scott wanted you to have this, and this is from me." Remy opened the first box.
"Scott's cross." He held the gold chain with the cross pendent.
"There's a note," the colonel informed. Remy read it.
Remy, I hope you find what you're looking for in life. May this guide you on the way.
The tears were close, but he held them back.
"The boy looked up to you. He really did."
"I'm not the best t'look up to," Remy laughed, then opened the other box. "Medals?"
"All the ones you've earned during your years of service. They belong to you, Captain. You've made all of us proud." The colonel held out his hand. "Tell your kids someday." Remy shook his hand.
"Thank you." He walked out and was surrounded by his old squad.
"Captain," one stepped forward. "No one wanted to believe you killed Scott. We didn't."
"Thank you, Phillip. You don't know what that means to me."
"You've been the best captain to serve under. You've saved each of our lives more than once. We can never repay you for that." Phillip continued. "But...we want you to have this." Remy opened the large envelope revealing a large tin-type. "It's from when we were first formed. It's signed, but one's missing."
"Scott's?" Remy asked scared.
"Yours." He handed Remy a pen. He quickly signed it. "Complete. Sir, it's been great serving under you." All of the men saluted him.
"It's been great serving with you, gentlemen. You're the best team a man could ask for." He saluted back. Tears again threatened to fall. He walked away, placing the picture back in the envelope. They had accepted him after all. That comforted him. He met Normington at the entrance of the camp.
"All ready, Remy? Safe journey."
"After all these years, John, I'm glad it didn't go out badly."
"Same here, mate. I'm sorry for the way I treated you."
"All is forgiven, mon ami. All." Remy smiled at him.
"Thank you. There's a lot to forgive." Remy placed a hand on his shoulder.
"You've forgiven more."
"I guess the killer-for-hire has got a soul." He nodded toward the pendant.
"Gambit hung up his guns long ago. He's not coming back."
"Good to hear, my friend. Now,...you have someone to get back to, and a long journey ahead of you. Swift journey."
"Come see me some time," he insisted.
"Will she welcome me?" John asked nervously.
"Will she welcome an ex-killer?"
"She doesn't know?"
"She doesn't know," he answered the startled question.
"You're going to tell her?"
"I'm going to tell her."
"Good luck with that. Will you ever go back to New Orleans?"
"I don't know. Time will see. Best be going." He placed his pack on the horse. "Your favorite steed?"
"You were always eyeing him, though you never rode. I want you to have something to remember us by."
"I already do." Remy touched were the scar was. "Here." He handed him a card. "My calling card."
"Jack of Hearts?" John questioned.
"Prince of Thieves is me," he said mounting the magnificent black stallion.
"Goodbye, my friend."
"No. Later, mon ami," and he rode off. Back to Ro.
End chapter 13. One more to go. Did you really think I would kill him off before we found out if he was innocent or not?
