Southern Beauty (15 page)

Johanna read it carefully.  It took her a few times to understand its meaning.  When it did become
clear, she knew exactly who it was from.

“Like a thief in the night;

I
t wasn’t just your heart in plight.”

Johanna dropped the paper out of her hands and as it fell so did a tear down her soft cheek.

“Ah, you trusted someone you should not have.” Myers motioned his men to leave.

“It was stolen from me,” Johanna whispered.  She looked up at Myers sadly.  She was surprised to see that he actually seemed to have felt sorry for her. 

“Now you know why I became a pirate.  I too was deceived by someone I loved,” said Myers.  “Here this will make you feel better,” he handed her a mug.

She felt numb and yet felt an all too familiar sting that she had felt one time before. So she took the mug and drank it.  The shock of the rum burnt her throat and she spit it out as quickly as she tried to chug it.  As she continued to cough, Myers laughed.

“Here try this instead,” said Myers.  It looked the same but in a different mug.

“No thanks.” Johanna gasped.

“Ah, it’s only apple cider,” he insisted.  Johanna looked at him with disbelief.  “I have to keep it hidden. There is no way I am drinking with my men. They would slit my throat in a heartbeat.  I have to stay sober and alert at all times or I am dead.”

“Well, that’s an awful way to live, even if you deserve it,” said Johanna as she drank the apple cider washing out the rum taste in her mouth.

“You mean sober and alert?  I agree,” he laughed.

“No, I mean always feeling like your life is in danger even with your closest friends,” recently she knew about the always feeling like your life was in danger part.

“Ah you get used to it after awhile,” Myers answered. He stared her down. “Listen, I know it’s hard to believe, but they weren’t supposed to kill the captain, someone put his gag on too tight.”

“Is that supposed to make me feel better?” said Johanna. “What about the young deckhand?  Why did you kill him too?”

“What young deckhand?”  Myers asked confused.  “Maybe he was a liability.  I sometimes have no control over my men.”  He brushed it off.

“So, what are you going to do with me?” she asked.

“I don’t know yet. We will be departing in a few hours.  Maybe I will let you go before that,” he started to leave the room, “or maybe I will sell you to the highest bidder.  I know I could be paid a lifetime of wages for a lady like you.”

Johanna heard the click of the lock on the door.  She noticed the letter that fell to the floor.  She knew it was from David.  He knew all along that she loved him.  She couldn’t believe how betrayed she felt.  What did she think, they were going to run off together and live happily ever after?  Maybe if she lives through this, she will marry Malcolm or maybe Rene?  What did it matter, she was in danger again and this time no one was going to save her.  She stared at the letter that lay on the floor. Getting angrier every minute, she began to plot revenge until the candle went out leaving her in the dark of night.  She could hear Myers speaking on the deck to someone. 

“Thanks brother, I will take it from here,” a voice laughed.

“Well, if you weren’t family I would fight you for her. She is definitely beautiful,’ said Myers.  “You know we could get a pretty penny for her in the black market.”

“
I know, but I believe it is time for her to get to know me a little bit better.  There is no one around to save her this time,” the voice said.

“
What about your comrades?  Are you just going to desert them?” Captain Darren Myers asked his companion.

“Absolutely,” he said.

“Is it that easy for you to make this choice?” Myers asked.

“
Well brother, you know how the old saying goes, ‘blood is thicker than water’,” both men laughed.

Chapter 19

A

s Johanna listened she couldn’t quite place the other voice, but it seemed quite familiar.  She was on the verge of presumption when she noticed a light from the floor below her feet.  She hadn’t seen before for it was overshadowed by the candle burning in the room. She leaned down and tried to peek through the cracks but the light extinguished abruptly and th
en she heard a voice from below.   

“Are you going to open the trapdoor or do you want Myers to have his way with you?” She felt the wood with her fingers and pulled the trap open.  Hands grabbed her from below and brought her down with a quick hand over her mouth.  The trap shut as soon as the door opened to the bridge.

Johanna was scared for she couldn’t see who had just saved her since the voice was muffled by the trapdoor. She didn’t know if she had put herself in a far worse predicament than she had just barely escaped from. If she knew anything about herself, she probably had. 

They listened intently to Myers yelling out orders to find her while he paced the floor above them.  Her rescuer’s body leaned close to hers while they stood together at the top of the ladder. 

He finally let go of his hold on her mouth and brought his fiery lips on hers in the darkness.  She knew that kiss.  It was hot and steamy and it was all she ever longed for.

“
Are you okay?” the voice in the dark whispered softly in her ear.

“David,” she whispered as her heart skipped a beat. She felt relieved, excited and confused simultaneously. 

David had never heard her say his name before.  It made his body quiver and he quietly exhaled overwhelmed by the feeling.  He kissed her again.

“Follow me,” he whispered
again as he took her hand and led her to a small opening in the wood. She loved his hand.  It was warm and strong.  She felt safe even if she was mad at him for stealing the map.  She would save her anger for later.

“They were going to use this for cannons but decided they would rather use the ship for commerce.  More money in it,” David explained while they crawled through a small space. 

To her surprise a boat awaited them with Jacob holding the oars.  A makeshift ladder attached itself to the ship and they climbed down into the boat.  The sun was about to peek over the horizon.  Despite the situation, she was overjoyed to see Jacob.  She gave him a big hug in silence.  He in turn was just as excited and relieved to see her once again especially in one piece. 

David used his strong arms to row and they disappeared out of the ship’s sight before they were noticed.  Johanna still in shock from the whole experience sat quietly. 

“Are you okay Miss Lee?” Jacob asked.  “You seem a little out of sorts.”

“I am just a little overwhelmed that is all.”  She tried to smile and not look at David. Her hand still feeling his in hers, although, he had already let go. 

David stopped rowing and sat next her, he grabbed her cold hands that shivered in her lap. “They didn’t hurt you, did they?” he asked with concern.

“I am fine, thank you
, Lieutenant McPherson,” she was grateful he seemed to care but her indignation toward him overshadowed that feeling.  She felt betrayed by his letter in the locket and a bit foolish for letting him kiss her again. 

David felt the coldness of her words. He let go of her hands and stood up to row once again. The tension on the boat was unnerving, and even Jacob kept silent until they reached shore.

“There is a coach waiting for us,” Jacob looked down at Johanna.

“Where am I going now?” she looked at both of them. They both didn’t know how to answer her. “Don’t tell me you still need information from me that you have not already stolen from me,” she looked at David with discernment.

Both men stared at her fury still not sure how to answer. 

“We would like to discuss that with you,” David said beginning to be annoyed by her unrelenting temper. 

“I am sure you do,” she said angrier with each passing minute. “I wish you would have left me on the ship at least I would know when I am being betrayed.”

“Ungrateful little wretch!” David blasted her.

“Ungrateful? Am I to be thankful that you have me a prisoner once again?” Johanna didn’t back down.

“I have saved your life!” he reminded her. “I could have left you there and you would have been taken to a black market auction.  A slave to the highest bidder, is that what you wanted?” David scolded her.

“Okay you two.  This isn’t the time,” Jacob interrupted their spat. “Let’s get ourselves to safety and then you can have it out.”

Reprimanded by Jacob, they turned their heads away from each other like small children both seething with anger.  

In the early morning light they entered the coach still in silence until Jacob spoke.  “Are you still heading for Virginia?”

“Yes, that is where
people who love me are waiting,” she said while she glared at David.  He was still angry with her and stared her down with contempt in his face.

“We will let you go.  We won’t keep you prisoner any longer,” said Jacob. 

“Why would you do that?”  Johanna confused.

“On one condition,” David interrupted.

“Of course there would have to be a catch with you,” she said toward David.

David ignored her jab, “you must tell us where to get the military plans that go with the map we stol…,” he cleared his throat, “acquired.” 

“That,” she smiled in triumph, “is because I never trusted anyone.  It is in a dear friend’s possession until I say otherwise.”

“Who has it?” Jacob asked her.

“Safe, until my journey is complete,” she smiled.

“What does that mean?”  Jacob asked her.

“It means it is waiting for her in Arlington,” David answered for her.

Johanna’s smile widened
with a smug nod at both men. 

“Then I guess we are heading to
Virginia,” Jacob smiled at Johanna’s cunningness.

Chapter 20

“I

must make one stop before we go to the train station,” Johanna insisted.  David raised his eyebrows wondering if she could be trusted.   

“Here? Miss him already?” David asked.

“I left something here.  I will just be a minute,” she hesitated than said, “He did ask me to marry him, maybe I am going to tell him yes,” she announced proudly and got out of the carriage.

Jacob laughed at David’s frown, “You have to love her tenacity.”

David looked up at Jacob with a half smile and then watched her disappear in the doorway.

“Johanna? You are still here in New Orleans?” Rene asked adjusting his shirt. Johanna noticed a woman exiting the room rather quickly.

Johanna had to laugh. “I see you weren't keeping a candle burning for me.”

Rene smiled sheepishly and shrugged his shoulders. “I believe you have caught me,” he didn’t deny it. “If I told you it was to get over you, would you believe me?” 

”Absolutely not, I have a feeling you were over me once you closed my carriage door.” She laughed. He laughed too.
 “I have a favor to ask you.”
              “Anything,” he smiled at her.

“The cigar box that I asked you to save for me, do you still have it?” she asked.

“Yes. It is in a safe place.  Are you taking up smoking cigars now?  You devil you,” he smiled.  “Do you want me to get it for you?”

“Yes please, I am kind of in a hurry.” Johanna looked back in the carriage’s direction.

“I will be right back,” Rene left the room.

Johanna felt like it had been a year ago that she was Rene’s guest.  Everything had changed.  Instead of going to
Virginia with Malcolm, (where he was she did not know), she was leaving with David.

“Here it is,” Rene came back in the room and handed her the box. “Is the box what makes it valuable or what’s inside?”

“Oh definitely what is inside,” she smiled.  “Oh, by the way, have you seen Malcolm?”

“I thought he was with you,” Rene confused.

“No, we got separated.  If you see him, could you tell him that I am catching the next train to Virginia? I feel like I should let him know,” she said.

“
He left you again?” he asked.  “I told you he wasn’t a nice guy.  Yet you left me for him anyway.”

“Rene, you know I didn’t leave you for him, just for
Arlington,” she smiled.

“
Are you traveling alone?” he asked.

“Oh no, I am not,” she left it at that.

“Would you like me to walk you to the carriage?” he asked with a hint of sadness in his voice.

“No, I think it’s best you stay here
, for the last time you walked me out I could barely catch my breath,” she smiled and he laughed his infectious laugh.

#
   #   #

              On the train David and Johanna sat in silence while Jacob slept next to them, head against the rocking window pane. 

Johanna whispered to David, “darling note you left me in my locket.”

David smiled. “At least I didn’t steal your locket.”

“No, I guess I have to be thankful for that,” she frowned. “Why do you think you have stolen my heart?”

“I did, didn’t I?” he smiled, not really looking for an answer. 

Johanna ignored his insinuation, “And the telegram?  How cryptic can you get, ‘you’re in danger, all will reveal itself in dew time,’ silly don’t you think?” she asked him.

“What telegram? I didn’t send you a telegram.”  David insisted.

“Then who tried to warn me?”  Johanna asked.

“I wonder,” David seemed to know, but wasn’t ready to tell Johanna quite yet. “How is it you seem to get yourself in to so much trouble all on your own?”  David asked her.  Johanna wondered the same thing herself.

“I am curious, why did Malcolm think it was quicker for you to take a merchant ship to
Virginia instead of the train?  It takes weeks longer.” He asked trying to get her to wonder too.

“Oh. I might know,” she said sheepishly.  “He wanted me to marry him. I think he was planning on having the captain marry us on board.”

“And you agreed to this?” he asked carefully.

“I said I would think about it,” she answered softly.

“I see.”  He wasn’t sure what to say.  He felt a little betrayed by her.

“Where’s
Preston?”  Johanna asked now realizing that he hadn’t been around and quite relieved.

“I don’t know.  He hasn’t reported in since yesterday when I asked him to do me a favor,” David answered. “I fear we have lost him.  He does love
New Orleans.”

“It is a magical place,” she smiled thinking of all that she had encountered since being there.

#   #   #

             
“Well Miss Lee, we are at our destination,” Jacob took her hand and they departed the carriage.

“I can’t believe I have finally made it home,” Johanna said smiling.  “I bet my
Aunt Mary will have the biggest feast tonight celebrating my arrival.” She smiled thinking about her aunt’s kindness and astounding hospitality to friends and strangers alike. “It will be so nice to see my cousins once again.”

“Don’t forget our agreement,” David reminded her.

“You won’t let me,” she said.

They were awed by the Custiss-Lee House that sat on a grassy hill, pillars stood tall in front giving it a powerful majestic feel characterizing its owner.  Johanna noticed something startling and familiar. No one was tending the gardens or milling around.  It seemed to be strangely abandoned. Her heart sank when the door was opened by David who had come from the rear of the building.  He saw the shock and disappointment in her face.  All Johanna could see while she searched the first floor was white linen covering up furniture.  The blur of white everywhere made her feel sick.  She continued up the stairs alone.  David tried to follow her but Jacob held his arm.

“Let her go,” Jacob said.

Johanna ran through the bedrooms same white linen covered beds and tables.  She entered one room realizing the bed had looked slept in. She stepped towards it confused and the door behind her closed. Johanna turned.

“Malcolm?” she was surprised to see him and suddenly felt afraid and wasn’t sure why. 

He smiled at her but it didn’t look sweet anymore, it seemed more cunning and his eyes red and baggy, his face pale, as if he hadn’t slept in days. 

“I found you,” he said in a whisper.

“What happen to you? Is everything all right?” she asked now noticing the revolver that he held in his grip.

“It is now. I have been riding for days riding ahead of your train. I only made necessary stops so I could save you,” he whispered while he advanced toward her.  He leaned in close to her and caressed her hair and then smelled it as if it were a sweet perfume.  “Did you miss me?” he asked her. 

“Yes,” Johanna afraid of what Malcolm might do with the gun.  “What happened to you?” she asked eyes still watching his trigger finger.

“When I met my contact he let me know what Myers was planning, but by the time I came back to save you, you had already escaped.  I barely made it out alive,” he now whispering in her ear. “I am so glad you are safe.” 

“Did you send the telegram to warn me of danger on the ship?” she asked him.

“What telegram?” he questioned her.

“Who could of it been from?” Johanna’s mind raced trying to think of who would have known of her impending danger.

Johanna didn’t know if she should try to run or run away with him before Jacob and David came looking for her. He continued to caress her. His lips now came gently on her forehead and then her cheeks. It seemed to her he had taken with whiskey, but it wasn’t on his breath. She stood still not making any sudden moves still watching his hand now noticing it shake as if he was shivering from cold.  He tried to kiss her lips before she turned her head towards the door, not sure of what to make of the new situation she was in. Malcolm grabbed her chin with his free hand making her look at him.

“Malcolm, what are you doing, you’re hurting me?” she questioned his roughness toward her.

“You have something that belongs to me and I need you to give it to me now,” he stared her down. 

“Well, that you will have to wait until we are married,” she came out from his grip.

Malcolm laughed. “I need those military strategies and the map your uncle had you keep for him.  I only have three days to return it. Your uncle needs it, its very important.” 

“I know Malcolm.  You don’t have to worry, I have it here in the house, I brought it,” she felt a little more reassured by his odd behavior.  “Where is my uncle?  Did he leave word to where I was to go, now that Aunt Mary has left,” she asked worried about her future.

“You have the map too?’ he asked her ignoring her questions. 

“Well, I don’t have it on me
.  Someone else does,” she announced, “And by the way, we have guests downstairs.”