THE MEN REACHED the front of the Madden property to see soldiers rushing with buckets of water to pour on the blaze. It appeared as though the parlor was on fire, but Andrew couldn’t see how far it had spread. About fifty men had formed a line to the well and were passing full buckets up the line and empty ones back.
“What the hell happened, Richard?” Clayton bellowed.
“I don’t know yet. I sent men to investigate. Let’s get this out!”
The men did their best to stop the fire, but it seemed to be a losing battle. It had spread, and now the entire west side of the home was burning. Vincent and Jacob joined the line of soldiers passing the buckets. The other four split into two groups to assess the damage on each side of the house.
“Our beautiful home!” Emma cried as she stood with Sophie and Christine. Tears ran down her cheeks and Sophie took her hand.
“Emma! Go back to the Wades’,” Clayton yelled.
“Where is Hannah?” Christopher asked.
“She’s with Gwen and your mother.”
“Are they alone?” Andrew asked.
“Yes, why?” Emma said.
“Damn it!” Andrew snapped and took off toward the house.
“Andrew, wait!” Christopher bellowed as he followed.
Andrew stopped. He realized quickly all of this was more than likely a trap. Christopher caught up to him and they moved off to the side of the Wades’ home, out of sight.
“First we have to determine if anyone else is in there with the ladies,” Christopher said. “It could be a trap.”
Andrew nodded. “There’s a secret entrance through the basement.”
“There is?”
“Yes.”
“Who knows about it?” Christopher asked.
Andrew rubbed his forehead. “No one knows about it, except the family. I’ll show you where it is and then go in and check out the house.”
Christopher clamped a hand on his shoulder. “You can’t go in there alone.”
“You need to tell the men what is going on,” Andrew argued.
“All right, Andrew. Do you have a gun?”
He nodded. “I have two.”
After giving directions to Christopher on how to get back into the house undetected, Andrew found the tree marked with Michael’s initials and took fourteen steps due east. He located a large trap door under the foliage and brush and pulled it open.
Andrew moved silently through the underground corridor. His heart leapt out of his chest at the thought his bride might be in more danger and unable to defend herself. He opened the door to the wine cellar, moved through the space, and into the main part of the basement. He sighed in relief to see it was all clear.
He hugged the wall as he climbed the stairs, keeping one gun firmly in his hand and the other in the waistband of his trousers, as he slowly turned the knob of the door to the kitchen. He entered the kitchen and found no one there.
There was flour and dough scattered in the middle of the large workspace and a pot left over the fire to boil. It was obvious the kitchen staff had been interrupted.
He moved silently down the hall and almost reached the library before he heard shouting.
“Get them in the parlor, Edward.”
A chill shot down Andrew’s spine when he heard the voice.
Southerner. Damn it!
“The girl cannot be moved. We’ll have to guard her in the room,” the voice ordered.
“Well, put the other one in there as well. The one with the funny accent. One of you can guard them both,” Edward ordered.
Andrew guessed the “other one” he referred to was Hannah. He was relieved it was she with Gwen, because he knew she would move heaven and earth to protect Gwen, and she was highly skilled in defense.
“Andrew.”
He turned when he heard Christopher whisper. Clayton was behind him.
Andrew frowned. “Where’s Jamie?”
Christopher nodded toward the door. “He’s getting everyone to safety and organizing more men to get the blaze under control.”
“What have you learned?” Clayton asked.
“I believe the staff is being held in the parlor with Wilhelmina. I think Gwen and Hannah are upstairs.” He narrowed his eyes. “Southerners, Chris. Edward’s working with ’em.”
“How many men?” Christopher asked.
“I’m not entirely certain,” Andrew answered. “I heard the leader say only one would be sent to guard Gwen.”
“All right. Unknown number down here, one up top. Three of us. I’d call it even,” Clayton said.
Andrew nodded. “We have to do this quietly. We cannot alert the guard upstairs, or he may hurt Gwen and Hannah. I really wish Michael had built a back staircase.”
“Yes, that would be quite convenient at the present time,” Christopher agreed.
Andrew nodded to the foyer. “Just get me upstairs and I’ll deal with the guard.”
“I have an extra gun for Hannah,” Christopher said. “If you can get it to her, she can assist.”
Andrew nodded and took it from him. They heard voices and turned toward the sound. Clayton swore.
“What’s amiss?”
Clayton scowled. “That’s my old friend, Timothy.”
“Johanson?” Christopher asked. “I thought he was dead.”
“Apparently not,” Clayton said. “His brother, Tony, is with him. Damn it! I should have guessed.”
“How could you have guessed this, Clayton?” Christopher said.
He sighed. “Their sister just wasn’t grief stricken enough.”
“Rose wouldn’t grieve if she lost a child,” Christopher pointed out.
Clayton considered that statement for a second. “Yes, that’s probably true.”
Christopher frowned. “Are you going to be able to do this, Clay?”
“Do what? Shoot the bastards if they get in the way?”
“Yes.”
Clayton nodded. “Without a second thought.”
“All right, let’s go,” Andrew said and they moved slowly down the hall, toward the foyer.
They made it past the dining room and noticed one of the parlor doors was closed. They sidled up to it and moved slowly to the edge. Andrew peeked his head slowly around the doorframe and saw Wilhelmina and the staff in chairs, their hands apparently tied behind their backs. He heard Wilhelmina gasp and grimaced at the thought of her giving their location away.
She screamed.
“What the hell is wrong with you?” Edward yelled.
Wilhelmina nodded her head towards the back of the room. “A mouse. It’s right there. Behind me!”
Andrew looked again and saw the guards moving toward the corner of the room, their backs to him. She’d offered a distraction and now he could get to the stairs without being seen.
“Remind me to kiss my mother-in-law when this is over,” Andrew whispered to Christopher and Clayton and made his move to the stairs.
“There’s no mouse, you old bat,” one of the men snapped.
“My mistake,” she said.
Andrew smiled as he crept up the stairs. Once his foot hit the landing, he heard yelling from Gwen’s room and determined quickly it was Hannah.
“Look you bloody spinner, my sister has a gunshot wound. You cannot really expect me to move her to a chair just so you can tie her up. Where the bloody hell do you think she’s going to go? She’s unconscious and in a great deal of pain.”
Andrew heard the guard mumble something.
“Don’t you dare pull that blanket off! She deserves modesty. Get away from her, or you’ll be sorry.”
The guard made another comment.
“Well, then go and find your idiot leader! But I am not going to sit here and allow you to abuse an injured woman. Especially one I care about.”
Andrew slipped into the room he used when staying with his sister, hoping that the guard, would in fact, leave. He waited several agonizing minutes and was rewarded with boots on carpeted hallway.
Andrew waited until he heard the man pass and then looked out into the hallway. It was clear, so he left the room and rushed to Gwen’s.
“Get the hell out of here!”
“Hannah, it’s me,” Andrew whispered.
“Oh! Thank God.”
“Andrew?” Gwen rasped.
He moved to the bed and took Gwen’s hand. “Yes, sweetheart, it’s me.”
“It hurts,” she said.
“I know, love. We’ll get you out of here as soon as we can.” He kissed her cheek.
“I gave her two of those tablets before the men came, but I think she’s in more pain than that can handle,” Hannah said.
Andrew handed Hannah a gun. “This is from your husband.”
“Ta.”
“Andrew?” Gwen whispered.
“Yes, sweetheart?”
“I want some clothes.” She shuddered. “That man tried to pull the sheets from me.”
“Yes, we’ll get you a nightgown and then I’ll kill him.”
Hannah found the nightgown Sophie had collected from the house earlier and helped Gwen dress while Andrew guarded the door.
* * *
Christopher turned as Jamie and Richard joined him and Clayton.
“Hey,” Jamie said with a smirk. “Let’s give them an offer they can’t refuse.”
“Huh?” Clayton said.
Jamie shook his head. “Never mind. Where’s Andrew?”
“Upstairs guarding my wife and sister,” Christopher said and then added, “At least, he better be.”
“Where’s Charity?” Richard asked.
“She’s in the parlor with my mother. We think.”
“You think?” he whispered furiously. “Why don’t you know?”
Clayton sighed. “We haven’t been able to determine if she’s in the parlor or upstairs.”
Richard swore. “How many men are we dealing with?”
“Eight. Seven down, one up,” Clayton said. “One came down briefly then turned and went back up. We haven’t seen him since.”
“Well, between Andrew and Hannah, he doesn’t stand a chance,” Christopher said.
“She’s pregnant. Aren’t you concerned?” Richard asked.
Jamie glanced at Christopher. “Pregnancy makes her more vicious.”
Christopher nodded. “She’s protecting our child now.” He turned to Clayton. “I think you should go first. Element of surprise and all. Will you be all right?”
“Absolutely,” Clayton said.
The men moved silently down the hall with Clayton at the head of the line. He moved into the center of the foyer and walked into the parlor. He raised his hands in a sign of peace as he walked over the threshold. “Anthony and Tim Johanson. What a pleasure and a surprise. I understand I have the two of you to thank for the remodel on my home.”
A tall skinny man turned, his dark hair falling over his forehead as he turned. “Clayton, old friend.”
“Tim.” Clayton grinned. “I was quite saddened to hear of your passing. It’s nice to see you are alive and well.”
“Yes. It was unfortunate we had to lie to you.”
“Unfortunate is not quite the word I’d use,” Clayton said lethally.
Timothy crossed his arms. “Tell me, old friend, how is your wife?”
Clayton squared his shoulders. “She is safe. How is your sister?”
Timothy scowled. “I cannot exactly say the same for her.”
Rose Johanson had been involved in a plot to harm the President the year before and Clayton and Christopher stopped it. She was currently incarcerated in Sam Powell’s high security prison and would be until, at the very least, the end of the war.
* * *
In the hallway Andrew walked silently down the stairs and stopped before his feet hit the foyer. He saw his ‘backup’ was in a line against the wall, ready to act. Christopher acknowledged him and motioned for him not to move. Andrew nodded and pulled his pistols out, ready to fight. Inside the parlor, Clayton was working on his distraction.
The other man, also dark haired and obviously related to Tim, raised an eyebrow. “So, tell me Clay. Where is your second? I understand, you’re never without the assistance of Christopher Butler,” he said.
“I’m right here, Tony,” Christopher said, showing himself. “It’s good to see you have the staff and Miss Short here and unharmed.”
Andrew saw Richard let out a breath; thankful Christopher indicated she was safe.
Christopher stopped next to Clayton. “I’d like to know where my wife and sister are.”
“All in due time, Christopher. Tell me, how is your brother? Quincy, is it?” Timothy asked.
“I haven’t heard from him of late,” Christopher answered.
“Wasn’t he serving under Major General Warren?”
“Our intelligence did inform us that was the case,” Tony added.
Timothy grinned. “How unsettling it would be, should something happen to him.”
“Oh, yes. Wouldn’t that be terrible?” Tony agreed.
“If any harm comes to my brother, I will kill you,” Christopher seethed.
“You’re an officer of the government, Christopher.” Timothy narrowed his eyes. “Are you threatening me?”
“I didn’t hear a threat. Did you threaten him?” Clayton looked at Christopher.
“Of course not. It was a simple promise,” Christopher said.
Andrew saw Edward hovering behind the men.
“You must be Edward. Adam’s cousin?” Clayton asked.
Edward nodded. “Yes, one and the same.”
“How did you get mixed up in all this business with the Rebs?” Christopher asked.
Edward shrugged. “Their side just makes more sense, wouldn’t you say?”
Clayton snorted. “Their side is losing.”
“Well, I had other personal matters that were more pressing. Their plans happened to coincide with mine quite nicely.”
“Have you seen Adam?” Christopher enquired.
“Yes, earlier,” Edward answered. “And of course, I had the pleasure of his wife’s company. I’m looking forward to meeting the rest of his family.”
“You don’t actually think he will allow you anywhere near them, do you?” Christopher asked.
Clayton shook his head. “Chris, the man is obviously unbalanced. No point in trying to reason with him.”
Christopher’s mother let out a scream again, which momentarily distracted the others.
“Shut up, you old bag. There’s nothing there,” Tony bellowed.
“I thought your mama raised you better than to speak to your elder that way, Tony,” Clayton said.
Tony didn’t comment but did manage to look somewhat contrite.
“Well, now that we have the two men needed to fulfill the mission, remove their guns and bind their arms,” Tim said.
Without warning, a shot rang out upstairs and all hell broke loose in the parlor. Andrew ran up the stairs two at a time and opened the door to find the guard dead, with a hole in the middle of his chest. He rushed to Gwen’s side. “Are you all right?”
“He tried to touch me in an unacceptable fashion. I told him not to,” Hannah said calmly. “He didn’t realize I was serious.”
Andrew swallowed. “Sweetheart, are you all right?”
Gwen nodded with a groan. “Yes, but please could you hurry and get rid of the others? I really am getting a little bit irritated.”
If he wasn’t so shocked, he might have laughed.
“Do you have another shot?” he asked Hannah.
“No. I never learned how to load a Civil War issued pistol.”
“Take mine.” He handed it to her. “And shoot anyone else who comes near the two of you. I will go and assure your husband you are both safe.”
“Ta,” Hannah said.
Andrew rushed back downstairs and walked into the parlor, pistol drawn. “Your guard is dead. Now, who would like to die next?”
Richard and Jamie walked in after him.
“Isn’t it quite the celebration?” Edward said dryly.
“You are outnumbered, Edward. Perhaps surrender is in order?” Adam said on his way into the room.
Andrew’s head whipped up. “What are you doing here?”
“I have business with my cousin.”
One of the guards raised his pistol and pointed it at Charity. Richard took action and the man died within seconds. Charity gasped and then fainted.
Christopher made his way over to the hostages and cut his mother’s bindings. He then handed her the knife so she could release the others. “Mama, please see to Charity.” Christopher held his hand up toward Richard. “Richard, don’t lose focus.”
“You are without options. Surrender and you won’t die,” Clayton said.
Tim chuckled. “You won’t kill me, Clayton. Of that I’m certain.”
“Don’t be so certain, Tim.”
Tony chose that moment to raise his pistol to fire at Christopher’s back. Clayton didn’t give him a chance.
“Tony!” Tim bellowed as his brother fell to the floor, a bullet hole in the middle of his forehead.
Christopher turned in surprise.
“He was going to shoot you in the back,” Clayton said.
“You bastard! He was your friend,” Timothy yelled.
“You both ceased to be my friends the moment you put my family in danger.” Clayton scowled. “Now tell me what you wanted with Gwendolyn Butler.”
Timothy let out a snort of disgust. “I wasn’t after Gwendolyn Butler… I was after someone all together different.”
“Who?” Clayton growled.
“I’ll never tell you.”
Clayton dragged Tim out of the room, continuing to question him as the men apprehended and tied the rest of the felons without incident.
“Find out who the other man is, Chris,” Andrew requested.
Christopher raised an eyebrow. “I have every intention of finding out everything, Andrew. Have no fear.”
Christopher and Clayton escorted the prisoners to the local jail to await Sam for transport to D.C., while Jamie located Michael to assist with the removal of the bodies.
Andrew finally found his way back to Gwen and gently pulled her into his arms. “Sweetheart, it’s over.” She burst into tears and Andrew stroked her back. “How much pain, beautiful?”
“It burns. I feel sick, but I know if I vomit, it will hurt worse.”
He frowned. “I am getting you morphine and there will be no arguments.” She nodded. “I’ll return shortly.”
“No.”
“Sweetheart, I have to get Michael.”
“Please don’t leave me,” she sobbed.
“I won’t be long, I promise.”
He left the room and found Hannah on the other side of the door. “How is she?”
“In pain. Would you please find Michael and ask for morphine?”
“Yes, I’ll return shortly.”
“Thank you,” Andrew said and returned to Gwen. “Hannah’s organizing a painkiller.”
She reached for his hand. “Don’t leave me, please.”
“I won’t beautiful. I promise.”
Michael came in a few minutes later, with a syringe and clean bandages. Andrew climbed onto the bed and stretched out beside her.
“Let’s check your wound, Gwen. I’ll give you the morphine first, though. It will help.”
She nodded and turned her face toward Andrew.
“Sweetheart, squeeze my hand if you’re in pain.”
He took her hand, pulled it to his lips, and gently kissed her fingers.
Michael administered the morphine and waited for Gwen to relax. He checked her pupils and when he saw they were dilated, he pulled her bandage away from her side. “It’s bleeding again.”
“How badly?”
“Not badly, Andrew. I’m relieved there is no infection and the stitches are still intact. I’ll bandage it again and check it in a few hours,” Michael assured him. “She’ll be fine, son.”
“Thank you, Michael.”
Michael finished the bandage and cleared away the clutter. “She’ll sleep for a few hours, so please let me know when she’s awake.”
“I will,” Andrew promised. “How is Charity?”
“She’s fine. Slightly shaken up, obviously, and she has a small bump on the head, but Richard is quite attentive, so I believe she’ll recover.”
Andrew nodded. “I’ll let Gwen know.”
“Very good. I’ll check on you both in a few hours, but please find me if she wakes before then. Her mother is anxious after her well-being.”
Andrew nodded and climbed back on the bed after Michael left the room.