Battered Soul: Mail Order Brides of Spring Water Book Three, page 8
“No, the major was nice enough to let me visit with my love.” Lex gave her a kiss. “We have to go for now. Don’t worry. I love you.”
Major Cooke had the door open before she told Lex she loved him too. It was pure agony to watch him walk out of the sheriff’s office. If anyone could help, it would be the men from the ranch.
Captain McGregor hurried inside with a piece of paper in his hands. He seemed thrilled. “I got the go ahead to hang her.” He smirked at her as he handed the paper to Cooke.
Major Cooke scowled. “Did you take it upon yourself to pass a death sentence on Miss? Sands?”
Iris gasped and put her hand over her mouth. This had to be some awful nightmare, and she wanted to wake up from it.
“I did, Major. It’s the reason I came down here.”
“I still don’t know who you are, sir. My father wouldn’t have allowed me to marry—”
“Because I’m a Union Soldier, that’s why. You laughed at me after you told me. You weren’t ready to settle down. You were having too much fun meeting men. A new man at every gathering and then you’d go to the gatherings the enemy had and do the same thing. Did they at least pay you for your favors?”
Finally, she understood. He thought she was Julie. How did he reconcile the different first names? He looked like a rabid dog about to strike out at its prey.
“Major?” He was her only hope.
“The telegram is official. I’ve never had to sentence a woman to death before, let alone hang her.” He closed his eyes and shook his head.
“Think about all of our men who were killed because of her intelligence gathering.”
“This is about you being scorned, McGregor and you know it!” She would not make it easy.
“So you admit it! You were a good liar, but I guess in your profession you had to be. You acted like a high-priced whore. Your parents were always there, and they never once curbed your behavior. I was too blind to see you for what you are, but now you’ll pay.” His face turned a mottled red.
“Captain! Leave my office at once. I don’t want you in here again.”
“Yes, sir. I’ll be busy building the gallows.” He left before Cooke could say a word.
A sensation of lightheadedness came over her, and she felt as though she would faint. She made her way to the stained cot and sat down. He was right. She wouldn’t be believed. Either way, she was bound to be murdered. If any ex-Confederate learned her secret, she’d have to run, and eventually they’d find her. How did everything get so mixed up and just exactly who did McGregor know in the Capital?
“Major? I’ve lost track of what is happening at the Capitol. Last I heard President Johnson wasn’t in favor with the Southerners. Who is the Secretary of War? Is it Stanton?” Iris asked.
“Yes, for now. President Johnson has been unsuccessful in his bid to get rid of him,” Cooke replied.
“Last I heard Stanton wanted to punish the South for the war.” Maybe she could glean information.
“Johnson wanted to readmit states from the Confederacy without any guarantees of civil rights for the freed slaves, and Stanton strongly opposed this policy and favored much harsher treatment of the former rebellious states while helping the freedmen. President Johnson has no use for freedmen or the South. He already tried to replace Stanton with Ulysses Grant, but he didn’t do it. Grant just resigned this morning, and Stanton took back his place. I heard they are calling to impeach President Johnson.”
Iris dropped her face into her hands. Stanton had been friends with her parents. Had the problems in the Capitol given McGregor an opportunity to seek revenge? McGregor needed glasses. He had her confused with her sister, Julie. Julie most likely had led the captain on. She needed to get word to Stanton and ask for his help. But how? He probably didn’t have time to open all the telegrams he received. Could she trust Major Cooke?
* * *
Willis kicked the side of the barn, and although he had his boots on his toes stung. He would have thought it would have been a Confederate who came for her, not the Union. Helpless, that’s what he was. He couldn’t even form a plan to get her out of there. She wouldn’t fare well in a trial with that McGregor out for blood.
“We must break her out of jail.”
“Talking to yourself again?” Kent asked.
Willis glanced at him and saw his concern. “I don’t know what to do besides grabbing her and running.”
“We’ve got time before she’s charged, don’t we?”
Willis nodded. “I’d think so. I’m going to town early tomorrow. I don’t trust the Yankees.”
Kent stared at him for a moment. “We have to figure out a way so all of Texas doesn’t know she spied for the Union. We won’t be able to protect her if that happens.”
“I think it best if we tell the truth.” A frown pulled at Willis’ brow. “She was only fourteen when her parents brought her to parties, and she didn’t know. She probably was the type of girl who wore her heart on her sleeve, and I doubt they’d have had her do much.”
“If they give you a chance to tell the truth.” Kent kicked the side of the barn then cussed.
“Hurts doesn’t it?”
“You could say that.”
“She’s come to mean so much to me. I know I said I never wanted a wife, but now I couldn’t do without Iris.”
Sondra’s harsh laugh filled the air, and both Kent and Willis turned toward her in surprise.
“That woman of yours; I knew she was trouble from the first. You realize she probably was responsible for the deaths of people you knew and loved. I don’t want her on the ranch ever again. Who could trust her? She needs to go. That is if she isn’t strung up yet.”
Kent took a step in her direction. “I don’t know why you’ve decided to hate Iris. But I seem to remember you trying to cause trouble with Glory when she first came here too. I don’t understand, and I don’t care. You either treat my wife and Iris with respect or pack your bags.”
She laughed again. “I don’t work for you. I can do whatever I like.” She went to turn and bumped into Parker. She quickly sidestepped around him and left the barn.
“I got word. McGregor served under Grant.”
“That’s how he was able to do it! McGregor is sneaky.” Willis wanted to shoot the man in the worst way.
“Let’s ride out at first light. I also got word that Grant has resigned and Stanton is back in as U.S. Secretary of War. Who would have thought we’d need Stanton’s help?” Parker sighed. “We’ll be nice if we have to. The main thing is to get Iris back home where she belongs.”
“Thanks Parker,” Willis said, choking back emotion. “It will come out that she was a Union spy. I’m worried for her.”
“We tell the truth.” Parker offered a nonchalant shrug. “I’ll get in touch with Walter and see if he’ll take Sondra off our hands. I warned her to keep her mouth shut, but she’s already told anyone who would listen. Georgie likes Iris and finds her honesty to be refreshing. First light!” With a final nod, he strode back to his house.
* * *
Iris spent the night praying and listening to the gallows being built. Praying helped, but the thoughts of her execution still terrified her. She needed to talk to McGregor and set him straight. Had Julie really led him on and hurt him so badly? And even if she had why had that become Iris’ problem? Would the hanging hurt? She’d seen people last for what seemed like a long time hanging from the rope before death took them. One thing she knew: she didn’t want Willis there. The hammering went on and on, and suddenly it was dawn.
The door opened, and McGregor walked in. “Almost finished. I believe it’s a great day for an afternoon hanging.”
The blood drained from her face and she held on to the metal bars for support. “Captain McGregor, take a good look at me. I’m not the one!”
“Noon it will be.” He turned and left.
She had four more hours to live, and she was alone. Had someone sent news to the ranch? It was happening too fast, and she wanted to tell Willis that she loved him. Would he get here in time for her to say the words only to send him away? He’d thought there would be a trial in a few days. How wrong he had been. At least she’d known love. But she’d never be a wife, and she’d never have his babies. Tears filled her eyes. They would have done well together.
Her mother, father, and sister all waited in heaven for her. Why couldn’t she be brave in the face of death? She’d been too afraid to stand on the cot and look out the high window. She couldn’t bear to watch them build the gallows. McGregor would be more than happy to pull the lever. Her heart thumped out of control. If he loved Julie why couldn’t he see Iris was not her?
She was guilty, used, but guilty. She’d never known why. Why had her parents helped the Union? It was such a risk to take, yet they had done it. They’d never discussed slavery or the Union trying to tell every state what to do. Not once had she heard them talk against the South. Nor did she hear them praise the North.
They’d been protecting her, and yet all their efforts had been for naught. In a moment of fortitude, she faced her fears and climbed up on the cot to look out the window. The gallows was much bigger than she’d imagined. It would have been faster to shoot her. Was she supposed to be composed when she walked up the steps and stood? What about last words? What would she say? She’d have to speak to Parker. It would be unbearable if Lex was there. It would be hard enough not to weep.
Tears rained down her face, and she couldn’t find the strength to turn her head away from the device that would be her death. She tried to think of something else. What would her wedding night have been like? She felt so much for Lex, and when he was near, her blood sang. She’d felt desire.
Her life hadn’t been a bad one. She’d always had plenty to eat and nice clothes to wear. The year in the cellar had been bearable only because she had her Bible. There were so many words of comfort in the holy book but just now she couldn’t even think of one. God was calling her home. She didn’t want to go.
A snicker slipped out. At least Sondra would be happy. She’d have her room to herself and she wouldn’t have to be nasty to anyone all day. Sondra would find peace within her and happiness too.
Georgie, Veronica, and Glory would all have healthy babies, and their lives would be happy. She was better for having known them.
The more she thought about the people she’d miss, the heavier her heart became. Lord, be with me on those gallows and keep Lex in the palm of your hand. He will need you. She took a deep breath as she made herself turn away and climb down off the cot.
Were they going to offer to have a preacher come and talk to her? Time was getting short. She’d expected a trial, but the military must be different in how they did things. No one was in the office to see her as she broke down and sobbed.
Getting it all out did not help at all. She’d just finished washing her face when the door opened. Lex came in looking so concerned her hopes shattered into a million pieces, and her heart felt as though it was being squeezed in a vise. She tried to summon a smile for the man she loved, but she faltered.
She walked to the front of the cell and put her hands through the bars to touch him. He entwined his fingers with hers and it gave her a small measure of comfort. “I wish…”
“I wish the same, my love. We are trying our best to get you free, but we didn’t know you were to be…” He released one hand and reached into the cell and wiped a tear from her face with his thumb. His eyes misted, and he gave her a brave smile.
“I don’t get to have a trial it seems. McGregor wants me dead.”
Lex’s brow furrowed. “Tell me what he said.”
Chapter Eight
Willis’ jaw dropped by the time Iris finished telling him about everything that had happened with Captain McGregor. “He must mistake you for your sister.”
“I think so, but he doesn’t want to hear it. He believes that anything I say is a lie. I don’t know what Julie did, but she hurt McGregor somehow. I’m not sure if it’s his heart or pride; probably both. He wants justice even though he knows he’s lying about her loyalties. If the Union wants me dead, I can only imagine how the ex-Confederates feel.” She dropped her head and seemed to stare at the floor
The door slammed open. “Three more hours!” McGregor shouted in glee. “Oh, I didn’t know your newest conquest was here.”
Willis turned and took a step toward McGregor, but Iris pleaded for him to stop and he did for her sake. “You do realize that you have the wrong sister don’t you?”
McGregor shrugged. “It’s just another one of her lies. Women like her need to learn they can’t string along and toy with other people’s emotions.” He spit on the ground.
“Lex, could you get the minister for me, please? They didn’t even have the decency to ask if I wanted one.”
“Of course, I’ll be right back.” He stared McGregor down as he passed him. The man was a menace. Where was Major Cooke? At least he tried to be fair.
Willis walked into the church. The minister wasn’t there, and despair filled Willis. First, he sat, and then he kneeled. “Oh Father, I know you don’t hear from me often, but I thought you’d deserted us in the South. Please know I was wrong. The war never should have been fought in the first place. I need you, Lord. They set Iris to die in a matter of hours, and I love her so. She’s innocent. Please soften Captain McGregor’s heart somehow. He wants revenge so badly he’s blind to the facts. I know I have no right to ask this of you. I turned from you, and I’m sorry. Please Lord, have mercy.”
He stepped out into the sun and could only hope that God had heard him. The minister was still nowhere to be found. Willis headed back to the jail. He needed to be with Iris for what little time they had left.
“Willis!” Parker hailed him from somewhere.
He turned and looked for him and saw him across the street.
Parker hurried to him. “I was able to get a telegram to Stanton. Now we wait.”
Willis nodded. “Thank you for that.” He tried to hide his feelings. Wait for how long? In less than three hours, Iris would die.
“I hate to tell you this, but Iris made me promise you wouldn’t be at the hanging,” Parker said.
Willis glanced at him. Parker never went back on promises. “Why did you do that?”
“Because she was crying and begging me. I’m sorry.”
“Fair enough. If you don’t see me, I’m not there, but don’t look too hard.”
Parker nodded.
Willis closed his eyes. It was hard on all of them, and he’d have to understand. “Let’s head back to the jail.”
“You go on ahead. I want to go back to the telegraph office.”
Willis took a deep breath and swallowed hard as he walked the wooden walkway and went into the jail. Iris sat on the cot staring straight ahead. She looked to be all cried out. This precious woman who was his heart was so very brave.
“I couldn’t find the minister anywhere. I’m sorry.” He walked to the bars.
She stood and crossed the cell until she was in front of him. “It’s fine, Lex. There is nothing that can be done now. I always knew it would be a possibility someday. It might sound selfish since I’m going and you’re not, but I’m so glad I got to experience what love is. You filled my heart, and I wouldn’t change that if I could. I’m sorry you’ll be here to grieve. I’d tell you not to be sad, but I also know it doesn’t work that way. Don’t grieve too long though. I want happiness for you. I want you to find yourself a woman you can love and have many children.” Her smile was sad. “I wish I could say I wasn’t already jealous of this woman. She will be lucky to have you. There is such a kindness inside you. You don’t seem to know your worth but you are so worthy, my love. And as far as the minister goes, I have nothing to ask forgiveness for. I’m not guilty. McGregor knows it, I can tell. He knows I’m not Julie. I suppose if he can’t punish my sister, I’m the next best thing.”
He took in her beauty, her bravery, and her loving heart and tried to memorize everything about her. He’d promise to find another, but he didn’t think he’d ever want to. His heart was tearing in half, and there was nothing he could do to stop it.
“You will forever fill my heart. I’ll try to go on but it’ll take a good long time. I’m not sorry for our love either. I never thought I’d be lucky enough to have someone as wonderful as you love me. If you must go, go in peace. Know I’ll be fine on the ranch. The other wives will smother me, trying to cheer me up. You stand tall and proud, the Rebel way and don’t cry in front of those Yankees. Can you do that?”
“Since it’s you who have asked it of me, I can. I want to yell and scream and cry about the unfairness of it all.”
The door opened and Major Cooke walked in. “Only one more hour to visit. I’ll let you into the cell.”
“She has two more hours,” Willis stated without emotion.
“Yes, but visitors must leave an hour before. I’m sorry. I tried to get a telegram through, but no one would bring it to Stanton. It’s been a long while since I’ve been to the Capitol. I’m sorry.” He closed the door behind Willis. “I’ll give you your privacy. I’ll sit on the bench right outside.”
Willis didn’t respond. He was too busy pulling Iris to him. Her body felt so good in his arms. She still could have used a few more pounds on her. But there was no reason to talk of what-ifs. She shook, and he sat down pulling her onto his lap. He held her tight and rocked. They didn’t speak, just sat and rocked.
Time went too fast, and he knew it was almost up.
He shifted, and she stared into his eyes. The need to kiss her was overwhelming, and he put his lips against hers. He deepened the kiss, and he felt her tears, while a few of his mingled with hers. He pulled her into his embrace again and stroked her back.
All too soon, Cooke came inside.
Her eyes shimmered with love as she stood and walked to the door. “I will see you again.”
