Infinite Devotion (47 page)

The boy stands there crying with his coat sleeve in his mouth. I say, “If you answer this, we’ll take you to a doctor.”

The boy made an x on the paper‌—‌a sign of illiteracy.

I ask him as Art stares him down, “Are you working with anyone else?”

He stares back for a moment but shakes his bloody face back and forth.

Cahir looks to me. “What’ll we do with him now?”

“Take him to the doctor, say he got in a fight with an outlaw. Here.” I hand him a pouch from Ghost’s saddlebag. “Pay the doctor and give the rest to the boy.”

Captain says, “We better find a new main camp, though, since we can’t be sure what he’s told.”

“Right, Cahir, meet us all back at the south camp. Rory’s never been there.” I watch as Cahir lifts him up and holds him still tied on his lap as he rides out.

We all gather at the south camp, and I explain what happened with the boy.

“I can’t believe he was giving Lucas movements. I thought he was a good kid,” William says, shaking his head.

Kelly nods in approval to Art. “Well, having your tongue cut out for snitching seems justified. I would have done the same.”

Liddy and Berragh nod as well.

“It’s all over and done with now. But I’ve learned a good lesson now. With the stakes getting higher, we need to stop bringing in recruits of any kind. We can only trust those that have earned our trust.”

Everyone nods in agreement.

“Let’s quit talking about this boy now, and talk about where we’re headed tonight,” Cahir says.

William sits up. “Two days ago, I got wind of a wealthy merchant due on the five o’clock ferry. Pockets and chests full of coin from selling an estate in London.”

Captain perks up at this. ”Sounds like a job for me. Redmond, why don’t you take this one with me?”

“Sure would be nice to a have distraction. I’ll meet you at the dark bend on Newry at half past four. I want to check in at the tavern to see if Sean has any messages. William, come with me, and you rest go out and see to your business.”

“I can’t, Redmond. I have a dinner party to throw, inviting all of the wealthiest of Armagh. After tonight, I’ll have some good information to share.”

“Fine work, William. So, Liddy, you come along then.”

∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞

I walk inside the tavern, but I’m surprised to see someone I don’t know at the bar. “Where’s Sean?”

“You O’Hanlon?” the man asks.

“That depends, who’s asking?”

“I’m Sean’s cousin. He told me to say his ma’s in trouble. She’s facing eviction in an hour, and he’s gone to try to stave it off. He said to ask you to go help him.”

“Do you know how much she owes?”

“£40, or else their taking all her furniture in repayment and putting her out on the streets.”

I turned to Liddy. “What time is it now?”

He looks at his watch. “Ten minutes to four.”

I sigh. “Okay, Liddy go back to camp and tell Cahir to go in my place. I won’t be able to get there in time if I go to help Sean.”

“Sure thing, Redmond, if it’s a stash you’ll be needing, I left £50 in a hole behind the church.”

“Thanks for that. Now get going; you’ll just have time if you leave now.” I watch his tall form walk away with his shoulders hunched, his lanky arms swinging and his feet flopping out like he was wearing shoes three sizes too big.

I get to Sean with the monies right before the bank shows up and meet back at south camp at 5:30. We all sit around waiting to see how much Captain and Cahir pull in. We hear someone run up, and I call and hear one hoot back. Cahir runs through the bushes, out of breath.

“What’s wrong, Cahir?” Síofra leaps to her feet.

“It’s Captain! He was taken. ’Twas a setup! It wasn’t a gent with his pockets full. The carriage was full of soldiers. All undercover! Captain had me stand cover in the woods, and he went up to take the gent, but as soon as he stopped the carriage, he had seven muskets pointed at him.”

“How come you didn’t help him? How is it you got away?” Art asks.

Cahir smolders. “If I shot at any of them, they would have filled Captain with bullets. I knew the only thing I could do is run and get you all.”

I say, “Well, it’s not Cahir’s fault. It’s not the time to bicker. Hogan, you’re our fastest rider, you go and try to follow them and see where they take him. Come back and we’ll have a plan by then.”

“Isn’t this Blind Billy’s bargain, Redmond?” Art asks. “Don’t you think sneaking into the gaol when they’ll be expecting us is the nail in your coffin?”

“I made a promise to Captain, and I’ve got to uphold it.”

Cahir turns to me. “There’s still a rat among us, though. The boy couldn’t have known, since William told us only last night.”

“We don’t have time for that now. We have to get Captain out. They’ll be time for finger pointing after,” I say.

“But how can we be sure that someone here’s not going to snitch this plan?” Síofra asks.

I look around at everyone at the campfire and say, “Because I’m not letting anyone out of my sight until we’ve got him back.”

Chapter 22

We wait up all night discussing our options based on the gaol he’s in. Hogan comes back at four in the morning.

“Where’ve you been?” Síofra asks.

He sits down. “They took him to Armagh.”

“That’s good news for us. I know that gaol well,” I say.

Cahir smirks. “Redmond, once—”

“Don’t you start with that now, Cahir.”

“Any other news?” Art asks.

“They’ve got him in Armagh until tomorrow night. They’re going to take him to Downpatrick.”

“What?” Berragh asks.

Ned follows with, “Why Downpatrick? That’s a day’s ride from Armagh!”

“Apparently Captain’s charge is that of a murdered merchant. He shot and killed a man in Downpatrick and his relatives want to see him hanged on the spot he killed him.”

“Well, we’ve got to set a plan now and get in to speak to him by tonight, then,” I say.

At dawn, William shows up at the fire and asks, “What’s going on this early in the morning?”

Cahir stands up and tries to read his face. “You really don’t know?”

“Know what? What’s happened?” He looks legitimately worried.

I say, “Your tip went wrong. ’Twas a trap, and Captain’s been taken to Armagh.”

His mouth drops open. “I got that tip from a good source, though. Rory must have told Lucas I’m in league with you.”

“Let’s not go over this now; we don’t have time. Sit down, William, and hear your part.”

I make them pledge to stay at the campsite while I leave with William to go to Armagh.

There are sentries all over the place. William and I are dressed in our finest clothes and head to the door with only one guard. When the guard looks up at me, I see ’tis the very same guard I bribed years ago.

“I was hoping you could assist us, guard,” I say in my haughtiest English. “I am looking to speak to your notorious prisoner, Richard Power.”

“Go around to the front speak to the lieutenant. He’s put out orders to let no one visit the prisoner.”

“Even if there’s money in it for you?” He glances up but stays quiet. I take a step closer and say, “Power robbed my merchant carriage only last week. I knew he and his ruffians hid the large amount of coin I was delivering.” I take out a pouch. “All shillings, and if he talks, then I will give you £10 of it.”

He opens the pouch to check the amount, then whispers, “I’ll have to wait until the lieutenant leaves, and then when I wave you over, go right into the room on your left. Tell the guard there that Percy says he’ll give you a cut.”

William and I wait for about an hour, and we see Lucas leave with two men, and Percy waves for us. When we walk by him, he says, “Now be quick about it, the lieutenant will be right back.”

Once through the next guard, we open the door to see Captain lying on his cot, whistling. He smiles upon seeing us. “Sweet is your hand in a pitcher of honey! Good to see you’re a man of your word, Redmond.”

“Well, we’re not here to bust you out just yet. The building’s surrounded with guards, but I came to tell you my plan. Before you’re set to leave tonight, me and my men will come and light every building in the town on fire. All the troops will be scattered and busy putting out fires, and in that chaos we can break in to rescue you.” I smile, proud of the plan we came up with, but Captain shakes his head.

“No, that won’t do. It’s not just the guards you see around the building here. Lucas, expecting you might come, has brought most of his troops from Ulster in while I’m here.”

“Well, you got a better plan, then?” William asks.

“Actually, I do.” He gives a smug smile. “They’re transporting me to Downpatrick tonight, but since we’re traveling at night, midway they’re going to stop for lodging. And guess which inn they’re planning on lodging at?”

“Sean’s?” I can’t believe the luck.

“Sure thing. I bribed my guard for the details. It’s a better time to free me, since there’s only a small troop of infantrymen under Lucas.”

There’s a tap on the door. “Times up!” the guard says.

“Fine, we’ll have a plan ready for the inn.” I get ready to go.

William nods. “Sit tight, Captain. The Lord will open a gap for you.”

“Wait.” Captain puts out his hand. “I need some coin to pay my bribe.”

I hand him a pouch and leave with William. On our way out, the guard asks if we got the location of his stash.

“No, the thief didn’t open his mouth.” I take out another small pouch for him and say, “Thank you for your troubles.”

William and I race back to camp to pull together a new plan. By nightfall, we all mount with our saddlebags full of ammunition and loaded guns and head to the tavern.

“They’re staying here? Are you sure, Redmond?” Sean asks.

I reply, “’Tis the word. They’re coming right through here, and they’re planning to stop for the night, with Captain.”

“Oh, Redmond, you know I’d want to help you and Captain, but if we do what you say, someone’s going to come back and suspect me as an insider.” He starts panicking.

“Sean, we can’t do this without your help.”

Sean bends over and tries to breathe in and out to calm himself. “You’ve been so good to me and my ma, how can I say no? But,” he emphasizes, breathing quicker again, “you’ll have to wound me in some safe way to cast suspicion off me.”

“If that’s what you want, I’m sure we can think of something,” I say. “We better get in position. They’ll be here shortly.”

I wait in the woods, and in my position, I can see when they arrive. I hear the troop coming and let a breath out in relief when it pulls to a stop at the tavern. Lucas gets out of the carriage first, and he gives the order for all men to stand guard as they secure the inn and bring the prisoner out. Lucas goes in for some moments; then one of his men gives a whistle, and they bring out Captain heavily manacled. After ten minutes, all the men are allowed in.

When I open the ancient door, I pretend to be caught off guard by the full room of soldiers.

The men turn to stare at me, in one of Bawn’s most ruffly and lacy pale blue outfits.

“Little Bo Peep has come for a drink!” Lucas exclaims to the enjoyment of everyone.

I wear a long, curly haired wig under my plumed hat and hope I look different enough to fool Lucas.

Síofra heads my way with her tray. “You pay them no mind, sir. What will you have to drink, then?”

I look to see where Sean is, and I see him bent over behind the bar.

I put on a thick French accent and say, “I’ll have some cognac.” I walk over to Lucas and ask, “What is all this?”

Lucas appears impressed by my worldly accent and changes his tone.

“We’re here transporting one of Armagh’s most infamous characters, Richard Power.”

I feign a touch of fear. “Is this not safe here?”

“Oh, no, it’s safe. We have him manacled up there with four armed guards on watch. There’s probably no safer inn tonight.”

Síofra brings my glass and I turn to Lucas. “Will you share one of France’s best cognac with me?”

Lucas’s eyes flash, and he replies with a smarmy smile, “I think I could manage that.”

I turn to Síofra. “Bring us the whole bottle and a glass for my friend here.”

As she walks away, I whistle at her swaying backside. “These Irish women are beautiful in the extreme!”

Lucas studies Síofra intently. “This one is rather unusual.”

Síofra comes quickly back and smiles seductively at Lucas as she’s placing the bottle and glass down.

I stand up. “Pints for all the guards keeping me safe tonight!”

They cheer, and Sean, finally pulling his nerves together, gets to work filling the pints. I turn back to Lucas, who is still set on Síofra while he sips his cognac. I throw back mine and ask her to fill my glass back up for me.

She says as she’s pouring, “I love a man who can throw back his liquor.”

I say, “Well, then, come and sit on my lap as I drink it.”

Síofra comes over with a wide smile and sits on the edge of my lap. I wink at Lucas, who immediately throws back his glass too.

Lucas catches up quickly, and Síofra says, “You sure can handle your liquor too, Lieutenant.”