For Love or Loyalty: The MacGregor Legacy | Book 1 (24 page)

“I am looking for a woman by the name of Lauren Campbell. She might have been sold from Mallard Plantation at a recent auction,” Rob said.

The clerk tilted his head with a perplexed expression. “A man was in here asking about the same woman not too long ago. I’m sorry to say that no transaction has taken place with that name.”

“Who was asking about her?” Rob leaned closer, hoping for a lead to track her down.

“His name is MacGregor.” He lifted a finger. “He is a large Scotsman with a noticeable accent. Rust-colored hair, at least it looked to be when wet. ’Twas raining that day. Said something about getting the rest of the day off from logging due to the rain.”

“So he must be a logger. Thanks.” Rob tipped his hat and left.

Pastor Brad managed to convince Malcolm not to hire vagabonds to raid the bordellos along the docks and on Chalmers Street. Most of them were protected by burly men who were well paid, loyal, and ready to defend their domains. It could cause a scandal and make things worse for Lauren if word spread before they discovered her. Malcolm couldn’t imagine making things worse, but he didn’t want to be the cause of further embarrassment to her.

Once Malcolm calmed enough to listen to reason, Pastor Brad prayed with him. Malcolm discovered that releasing his frustration through prayer was more effective than pounding someone. It left him with a feeling of hope compared to his old habits that only sufficed to give him temporary satisfaction with no hope.

Malcolm woke with clarity and a renewed resolve. He listed all the known bordellos on Chalmers Street and his mother wrote down each name. As they finished, a knock sounded at the front door.

“I will get it.” His mother stepped from the parlor into the small foyer. The lock clicked and the door squeaked open. “May I help ye?”

“Please pardon my unannounced visit, but my name is Rob Mallard. I came to inquire about Miss Lauren Campbell.” A man’s voice floated into the hall. “She has gone missing from our plantation.”

His mother’s fingers flew over her mouth. In a speechless state, she turned to gaze at Malcolm, seeking guidance concerning the gentleman at the door. Malcolm strode to his mother’s side.

“We were told that Lauren was forcibly removed from Mallard Plantation. She has disappeared without a trace.” Desperation dripped in his tone, but Malcolm didn’t care. He would do anything to find her. The aching pain in his heart burdened him, soaking up his strength and maddening his mind. He couldn’t concentrate on anything else, not even the search for his sister.

“After questioning some of my field hands, I may have discovered a clue, but I need your help.” Rob glanced from Malcolm to his mother as silence lengthened between them. “May I come in?”

“Indeed.” Malcolm stepped back, widening the entrance.

Rob removed his hat when he stepped inside. They led him into the parlor where he sat in a chair by the window. Malcolm and his mother took a seat on the couch.

“My father believes that I am infatuated with Lauren and told our overseer to get rid of her once the family left to visit my sister in New York. I returned home before the others and discovered the deed.”

“Why did ye not question Mr. Fairbanks and the people who work for ye? Someone there knows somethin’.” Malcolm clenched his jaw, determined he wouldn’t yet accuse him of negligence, at least not until he heard everything.

“I did. Fairbanks would not tell me where he took her, but he admitted to getting rid of her for my father. I fired him. I went to the courthouse for records of an auction sale. The clerk told me about you. I started asking around about a Scottish logger by the name of MacGregor. You have quite a reputation at being in knuckle-buster fights and visiting all the bordellos seeking a lost lady love. You were not hard to find.”

“Is this what people are sayin’?” Malcolm shifted in discomfort. Lauren was his lost lady love, and it tore him apart.

“Indeed.” Rob nodded. “I questioned several of my field hands. It seems that Stan got drunk and was bragging about taking Lauren to the Pink House. I confess, I am not familiar with the place. I thought I would see if you had made any progress. If we join forces, we shall have a better chance of finding her.”

“How do I know I can trust ye?” Malcolm gripped his knees, tensing.

“Malcolm, he is offerin’ his help. Do not be so stubborn to know when the Lord is blessin’ ye.” His mother’s scolding tone filled the room.

“How do I know he will not take her back to the plantation after we find her?” Malcolm pointed at Rob and stood to his feet. He paced around the small room, rubbing his throbbing temples. “I will not let her go back. She does not belong there. She never did.”

“I agree,” Rob said. “Lauren is too well educated. She was born and raised to be a lady. As much as I would like to bring her back, she would still be in danger of my father’s heartless schemes.” He met Malcolm’s gaze. “The other reason I wanted to find you is to make sure she would be safe.”

“Aye, she would,” his mother said, linking her hands in her lap. “I am not her mither, but as a God-fearing woman who is a mither, I know what the lass needs to heal. God willing, I can help her if ye bring her to me.”

“That brings me more relief than you know, Mrs. MacGregor.” Rob breathed a sigh.

“Ye are infatuated with her.” Tense jealousy seized Malcolm. Did Lauren feel the same way about him? Betrayal struck his heart at the thought.

“True, but only because she helped me find my faith again. I had become bitter and cynical in battling my father’s evil ways and almost gave up. Lauren gave me renewed inspiration and helped me see things differently.” Rob’s gaze slid to the wall. “She has a way of awakening the soul. ’Tis a gift she has. Now I am determined to step into my role as my father’s heir. I intend to change the way our plantation runs. The beatings and the floggings will stop.”

“Was Lauren beaten?” Malcolm’s head snapped up, his tone sharp.

“Not while I was at home,” Rob said, shaking his head.

Eager to find her, Malcolm pulled out the list of bordellos. “I believe the Pink House is on this list. ’Tis on Chalmers Street. Logan and I plan to go there tonight. You are welcome to come along. We may need yer help.”

The stench of stale whiskey and gaudy perfume made Lauren’s stomach lurch as she gripped the stair rail and descended the steps. If she moved too fast, her aching ribs protested against their binding. She had tried to escape too soon out the kitchen door the
night before. One of the girls caught her. The blows she suffered to her already wounded ribs cracked them again. They resorted to punching her jaw and the side of her head to keep from giving her black eyes or busting her nose before their precious auction.

Adelle waited at the bottom of the stairs. She wore a burgundy gown with a matching ribbon necklace from which hung a silver heart trinket. Sparkling diamonds in silver drops dangled from her ears. Her lips shone ruby red, and her cheeks glowed. It was her piercing dark eyes that brought Lauren’s knees to a fearful tremble.

Disgusted with her own weakness, Lauren glanced ahead at the busy tavern. Men were already on both sides of the trench tables. Some feasted on mutton and whiskey while others dallied with the wenches eager to take them into their beds for the night and lose whatever coins they earned. Two men arm wrestled upon the wagers of the men standing over their shoulders.

“I hope you intend to behave yourself tonight.” Adelle reached out and touched the bruised knot on the right side of her chin. Lauren winced and closed her eyes. “ ’Twould be a shame to ruin the rest of your face. And do not worry. If you are not ready for this auction, I shall save you for the next, even if I have to lock you up until that time.”

Lauren did not respond. Her jaw hurt too much. Why didn’t the Lord go ahead and end her misery? Why did she keep surviving these beatings? Would it not be best to die and go home to heaven than to allow her body to be used and raped in a life of sin and prostitution?

“I have no strength to cause ye any trouble tonight.” Lauren hated it, but it was true. If she were to escape tonight, it would be by a miracle from God, not her own stubborn will. Still, she hoped God would reward her efforts.

“I admire your spirit, but be warned, I will break it if need be,” Adelle said, lowering her voice as Lauren passed.

“Ye’ll have to if ye expect me to stay.” Lauren mouthed the words under her breath, thankful Adelle hadn’t heard them. Tonight she would have to survive. The fight for her freedom would have to wait for another day.

“All you have to do is play some lively melodies and keep our customers happy.” Adelle’s taunting voice floated behind her. Lauren gritted her teeth at the pain in her midsection and made it to the wall. She paused to lean against it.

“She has a strong will,” said a man. “I do not know that we can break it with our usual methods.” Lauren glanced over her shoulder to see one of Adelle’s bodyguards now standing by her side.

“I never intended for my life to turn out this way,” Adelle said. “I was the strongest person I have ever known. If I could be broken, anyone can—even Cinnamon.”

The bitterness in Adelle’s tone spoke volumes as a new realization crawled up Lauren’s spine. She was more than a girl Adelle could make money on. Lauren had become a personal challenge. If Adelle couldn’t break her, then Adelle’s justification for the path her life had taken would cease to exist. Her belief that no one could be strong enough to endure this torture would shatter. She was forced to admit her own weakness and failure.

A month ago, Lauren would have pitied her, even prayed for her. Instead, she shut the knowledge out of her heart and resolved to concentrate on her purpose—to survive. Adelle didn’t deserve her compassion, not while she remained a formidable opponent with absolute power over her.

God had chosen to abandon her. She didn’t know why, but the reality of her situation pained her deeper than any heartache or betrayal she could ever imagine from a person. If she couldn’t depend on God, who could she depend on? Was there any point in this horrible existence she had now? She could see why Adelle succumbed. Lauren had no right to judge her, but she did despise her. She hated Adelle for what she had done to her and what she intended to do.

Lauren inched along the dark paneled wall for support. With the pianoforte in sight, she swallowed and pushed herself toward it. Someone slapped her on the rump. Lauren jerked as something stabbed her in the side. She cried out, tears stinging her eyes.

“Been wonderin’ what happened to our music queen.” A deep voice boomed beside her. Hearty laughter followed, but Lauren couldn’t bring herself to respond. It took all her energy to keep going. How she would get through this night was beyond her. Mayhap she wouldn’t have to worry about it if she managed to pass out.
Lord, if You haven’t forsaken me and You won’t free me from this place, be merciful and let me lose consciousness so I can at least escape the pain.

She slid onto the pianoforte bench and placed her fingers on the cold keys. Lauren closed her eyes and let her mind drift into a Scottish hymnal that rested in her memory. It was lively enough to please them, but unknown to the average soul stuck in a bordello. Lauren smiled as she glanced up at the dark wall. At least, she could get away with this one small gift.

After Lauren played several more songs, she took a break to massage her stiff neck. She turned and heard a familiar male voice speaking in a Scottish accent. Prickles rose on her skin, up and down her arms. She sat still, afraid to hope, worried what he might think of her in a place like this. How could she look Malcolm MacGregor in the eyes after she had lectured him about her faith? Would he think her a hypocrite?

She scanned the faces of those busy in conversation and laughter. A myriad of sailors, labor men, and pirates filled the tavern. Many were deep in their cups and choosing their mates for the night. Lauren’s heart ached to erase the last few weeks and pretend none of it had ever happened. Even if Malcolm no longer thought her worthy of him, Lauren longed to be free of this place. She took a deep breath, willing him to look up and find her.