Jack woke up mid-morning, a large smile on his face. He stretched his arms out wide, his right hand searching for Jill. He sat up and looked around the room when the bed was empty. Jill wasn't in the room either. Quickly pulling on his pants and tunic, Jack decided Jill must be downstairs having breakfast. When he couldn't find her in the dining room, panic set in.
"Will?" Jack called, standing in the entrance hall.
Elizabeth came out, wiping her hands on a towel.
"Will's gone for the day, Jack."
"Where's Jill?"
"I assumed she was in her room still."
"She isn't. You haven't seen her?"
"No. Sorry, Jack."
Jack began to look around wildly, Elizabeth close on his heels. They made their way through the house and finally stopped at the deck. Elizabeth picked up the now extinguished land and held it out to Jack.
"It's from Jill's room," Elizabeth said.
Jack took the lamp, looking it over. It was cold, like the fire has gone out some time in the night. He began to call for her, pacing the large deck.
"Is there anyone who would want to harm her Jack? A former owner or a fellow slave?" Elizabeth asked, trying to take control of the situation.
Jack thought hard, trying to remember specific names from Jill's story. "Conn. There was a man named Conn. She ran away from him a couple years ago."
"Arthur Conn?"
"You know him?"
"He is a business man here in town. Moved here a couple of years ago in face. No one knows anything about him but he has that evil air about him."
"That must be him. Do you know where he lives?"
"No but I can find out. Get dressed, we're going into town."