Wanton Splendor

by Bobbi Smith

  Suzanne left the room quickly, aggravated with Andre. She had had her fill of dealing with the Kingsfords. If she never heard their names again, she would be happy. Yet here was Andre, determined to dig up the past. Revenge was stupid, she thought to herself. Better to let the authorities have him, than to play games and take the chance that he might escape...

  Christopher and Joel were pacing the study worriedly. It was near dawn and four fugitives had just arrived bearing the news of Dillon's death.

  "Why would anybody kill him?" Joel wondered aloud.

  "They're sure it was murder?" Christopher asked.

  Joel nodded. "They said he'd been tied up and dumped in the river."

  "We'll have to assume that he talked before he died," Christopher concluded.

  "Then we'd better do something and fast."

  "When's McCarthy due?"

  "Not 'til next week."

  "Without Dillon or McCarthy, we'll have to take them out."

  "I'll go this afternoon," Joel offered, but Christopher refused.

  "No. I've got some business to take care of in New Orleans so I'll go this time."

  "Are you sure of the way?"

  Christopher grinned with false bravado. "Of course, we've gone over it often enough, haven't we?"

  "Talking and doing are two different things," Joel worried. "What if they know about you?"

  "If they knew about me, they would have been here by now," Christopher reassured him.

  "I suppose you're right, but..."

  "No buts. I'll be careful. You've taught me well. We'll disguise the slaves... nobody will suspect."

  Joel reluctantly agreed with Christopher and together they began to plan the trip.

  "I'm going for my ride now. Do you want to come?" Katie asked, peeking into the study where Christopher was meeting with Joel.

  "I'll be right with you, darling," he responded. "Have the stableboy bring my horse around, too."

  "Oh, good. I'll meet you out front." Katie went to see to the horses.

  Christopher glanced up at Joel. "I'll tell her about the trip this morning."

  "Are you going to tell her about Dillon?"

  "No!" he answered sharply. "The less she knows, the less she has to worry about."

  "All right."

  "I'll be back in an hour or so." Christopher glanced at his pocketwatch. "Have the runaways ready to go by two."

  Secluded in a grove of trees, Andre watched in disgust as Katie and Christopher rode past. He had had his hopes set on speaking with her today, but it was not to be. Since he'd found out about her early morning rides four days ago, Andre had been coming here each morning to watch and wait for her. Now, again, his quest was to end in frustration.

  Turning his horse, Andre headed toward Kingsford House, disappointed but not ready to give up.

  Katie jumped lightly to the ground and led her horse to drink at the small pond.

  "Are you going to rest a while?" she called back over her shoulder to Christopher who had just ridden up.

  "Yes, now that I've finally caught up with you. You'Ve led me a merry chase this morning."

  "You needed the exercise! All you ever do any more is sit in the study and do paperwork!"

  "I seem to recall taking part in some vigorous physical activity last night," he teased, coming to her side.

  "That's different," Katie blushed.

  "Indeed?"

  But Katie ignored his attempts to goad her.

  "I do have something to discuss with you."

  "Oh? What?"

  "I have to leave this afternoon."

  "Why?"

  "I've got to get this latest group to New Orleans right away."

  "What about Captain McCarthy?"

  "He won't be back for another week."

  "Wor't you be in danger?"

  "No," he told her confidently. "We haven't seen much of the patrollers lately. It should be an easy trip."

  Katie frowned her worry but didn't speak of it. "How long will you be gone?"

  "Four days at the longest."

  "I'll be waiting."

  Christopher sensed her upset and swept her into a protective embrace.

  "Don't worry darling," he kissed her. "You know I'll always come back to you."

  "I know," she sighed.

  His mouth possessed hers in a heart-branding kiss that left them both panting when they finally broke apart.

  "How private is this pond?" Katie asked suggestively.

  "Not very, I'm afraid," he told her in mock frustration.

  "That's a shame." She gave him a sultry look as she moved a small distance from him. "But I guess it will give you something to think about while you're gone."

  "And to hurry home to!" he chuckled and in a lightning move, pulled her to him once more, kissing her deeply.

  Christopher began the trip to Robert's house optimistically. The four runaways were travelling incognito... one man was the driver.. .two of the men were disguised as women... and the woman was dressed as a boy. Christopher had forged identification papers for them and had made out counterfeit passes just in case they were somehow separated.

  Traffic was light all afternoon as they headed due south on the River Road. It was only as dusk came upon them that the sound of pounding hooves struck a chill of terror into their souls. Pulling the carriage to the side of the road, they waited. The foam-speckled horses, galloping at full speed, veered to the side and were viciously reined to a halt.

  To the four disguised runaways the patrollers looked like demons from hell. Their eyes bright with blood-lust, their hands itching to use their guns, they stared at Christopher and his group with open interest.

  "Well, well, what have we here?" the leader of the pack of human bloodhounds asked sarcastically.

  "I, sir, am Christopher Fletcher, owner of Greenwood Plantation. These four blacks are my property."

  "Mr. Christopher Fletcher, where are you bound with these niggers?" the patroller spat a wad of tobacco juice casually from the side of his mouth.

  Christopher looked at the man arrogantly. "If it's any of your business, we are heading for New Orleans."

  "New Orleans, eh?"

  Aware that these men might just be looking for him, he now doubted the wisdom of so freely offering his own name.

  "Do you have reason to doubt the validity of my travel plans?" Christopher disliked being questioned by these lowlifes.

  "'Course not, Mr. Fletcher. We just heard tell of some bucks runnin' from up-country and thought we'd better stop and question everyone we see."

  "Well, Mr....?" Christopher began. "I don't believe I got your name."

  "Jones. Leo Jones."

  "Well, Mr. Jones, I appreciate your vigilance, as I'm sure all my neighbors do," he told him more cordially. "But as you can see, Lulabelle, Becky, David and Martin are hardly the slaves you're looking for. Why Martin there is just barely old enough to do a good day's work." When Jones nodded in agreement, Christopher continued. "That's one of the reasons why I'm taking him to town to try to hire him out. He's eating more than he's worth!"

  Jones laughed, showing broken, decayed teeth. "That's the trouble with them niggers. They just ain't worth what you pay for 'em."

  Christopher gritted his teeth and smiled as best he could. "You're so right, Mr. Jones," he answered, knowing their value as human beings far surpassed any dollar amount.

  Tipping his battered hat, Jones called to his men and they were off at top speed, setting out again in search of the missing four.

  When the patrollers were out of sight down the road, Christopher was so relieved that he almost collapsed back in his carriage seat.

  "We made it," he spoke in low tones. "Let's get out of here!"

  Picking up their pace, they headed on until darkness overtook them and they were forced to camp for the night.

  Katie was without her usual joie de vivre as she came down the stairs the following morning. Though she wouldn't admit to it, she was concerned abo
ut Christopher's safety. The Underground Railroad was serious business and Christopher was deeply involved. The chance that he could be caught was very real.. .and Katie knew what the slaveowners did to runaways and the people who aided them.

  Pushing such thoughts from her mind, she greeted Dee in the breakfast room with a big smile.

  "Good morning."

  "Good mornin', Katie." Dee's expression was solemn this morning and Katie was puzzled.

  "Is something wrong?"

  Dee looked uncomfortable for a moment and then answered her. "Yes. There's something wrong. Andre Montard is staying at Kingsford House."

  "Andre? But why?"

  "I don't know for sure, but I think he's taken up with Suzanne again."

  "Again?"

  "They were lovers... about a year ago."

  "Andre and Suzanne?" Katie was surprised to finally find out the truth.

  Dee nodded.

  "She must not have mourned Uncle Isaac at all," Katie shook her head sadly. "You don't think that's the only reason Andre's around, do you?"

  "No ma'am."

  "Dee, if you're concerned about your own safety, you can go in to New Orleans and stay with my brother there."

  "Katie," Dee was serious. "It's not me I'm worried about. It's you."

  "Me?"

  "Andre's been wanting you for months. And when he wants something or someone, he doesn't stop until he gets it."

  "But he knows I'm married now."

  "Katie, if you think that's gonna discourage him, you'd better think again."

  "He may want me, but I don't want him," Katie was irritated by the truth of her words.

  "That hasn't stopped him before.. .Just be careful."

  "I will be."

  Katie took to the trails this hot, sultry morning with less than her usual enthusiasm. Dee's warning had taken the joy from her day. Riding at a loping pace, she paid little attention to her surroundings. Her thoughts were clouded with worry over Christopher's trip and Dee's advice about Andre. It angered Katie that he could still be entertaining thoughts of winning her. She was done with the man and it was time he realized it.

  When she reached the pond, she dismounted and led her horse to drink. Memories of her ride yesterday with Christopher made her smile and lost in thought she waited patiently as her mount cooled.

  Andre had heard from the Kingsford servants' gossip that Christopher had left for New Orleans and he had watched Katie's approach with unmitigated joy. It was true. She was alone! At last! As soon as she had passed him, he was in the saddle ready to ride. Today was the day! Andre waited until she had dismounted by the pond before riding after her. And even then, he kept his pace under control.

  "Katie!"

  Katie heard her name being called and couldn't imagine who would be out looking for her so soon. When she turned to see Andre riding toward her, she could have groaned aloud.

  What was he doing here on Greenwood property? Dee's warning chilled her and she fought not to panic.

  "Good morning, Katie," he spoke cordially, his gaze swept over her in warm appreciation.

  "Andre," she returned coolly. "I'm surprised to see you."

  "I thought you liked surprises," he countered.

  "Sometimes. What are you doing here?"

  "I needed to speak with you alone.. .to finish our conversation."

  Katie couldn't believe that he could be so persistent after the way she'd dismissed him at Mark's party.

  "I thought we had finished our conversation."

  Andre's expression darkened at her curt reply.

  "Hardly, my love. If you'll just..." He climbed down from his horse and made to approach her.

  Katie's stance became defensive as she grew angry with his bold assumptions.

  "I am not your love, Andre," she told him straight out, her hands on her hips for emphasis.

  "Ah, but you will be...Katie, there is so much that I Can give you..."

  "Andre, I don't want anything from you." Katie began to realize that arguing with him was useless.

  "You will," he laughed and in one quick move he took her in his arms and pilled her forcibly against his chest. "I love you, Katie."

  His mouth covered hers in a wet possession that disgusted as well as alarmed her. His hands were a painful vise on the soft flesh of her uppar arms and she twisted and squirmed trying to escape from his grasp. When he released one arm so he could fondle her breast, Katie doubled up her fist and hit him with all her might.

  The blow glanced off his cheek and surprised him more than it hurt him. Shocked by her reaction to his protestations of love, Andre shoved her away from him.

  "Katie? What...?"

  "I don't love you, Andre. I never have."

  "But I can give you the world!"

  "I don't want the world! I have everything I could ever want or need right now."

  "Kate, I love you. I know you only married him because you had to. But we can work things out," Andre told her, not paying any attention to her protests.

  Katie was angry. The man was so obsessed that he wouldn't listen to reason.

  "Andre! I don't love you. The only man I've ever cared for is Christopher. We are very happy together."

  Andre stopped as her words penetrated his self-induced over-confidence. A red haze of fiery hate clouded his thoughts as he finally realized that she truly didn't care for him.

  "Why you stuped little bitch!" With one vicious swing he back-handed her, splitting her lip.

  Andre glared at her for a moment, enjoying her pain and then visibly relaxed. He still planned to have her, only now it would be on his terms.

  "Well, darling, since you won't come of your own free will ...I've a little news you might find inspiring..." he grinned malevolently. "I am very much aware of Christopher's activities."

  At Katie's gasp, Andre continued, "So, you're not such a sweet innocent after all..."

  "I don't know what you mean..." Katie tried to bluff her way out of the situation, but it was too late.

  "You're a terrible liar, Katie. But there's no need for you to panic. I'm more than willing to keep quiet about everything I know... for a price."

  Katie wasn't sure what to do. For her own safety, she wanted to run... to flee his disgusting presence, but what about Christopher? If Andre did know the truth, he could have him murdered before she could warn him.

  "So, what is it that you think you know?" she finally asked, trying to keep her tone light.

  Andre sensed her uncertainty and he loved the feeling of power it gave him.

  "Be a little nicer to me and I just might tell you." He grabbed her and pulled her slowly to him, heightening her awareness of what he wanted to do to her.

  "Tell me and I just might be nice to you," she countered brashly.

  Andre smiled and ran a hand intimately over her breasts.

  "Katie, I do admire your spirit. Even in the face of defeat. I know Christopher has left Greenwood. I know you're all alone here..."

  She stiffened in repugnance as his fingers teased her nipples through the light material of her shirt.

  "Enjoy that, do you?" Andre attributed her tensing to pleasure, not revulsion. "I have wanted to see you naked for so long..."

  Katie remained standing still as he unbuttoned her blouse, but as he was about to slip it from her, reason returned.

  "No!" she screamed.

  The suddenness of her protest startled him and caught him off-guard. Shoving him with all her might, she broke free long enough to spring into the saddle and kick her mount to action.

  Andre regained his balance and mounting his horse, rode after her at top-speed. Defy him, would she? He intended to slake his desire for her now! He was done with going easy with her. When he caught up with her this time...

  Katie rode like the wind, heading straight for the house. Joel would be there.. .he would help her get rid of Andre.

  Dee was sweeping the gallery when she saw Katie coming at breakneck speed up the drive.
r />   "Joel!" she called him nervously. "Something's wrong with Katie. Come quick!"

  Joel, who'd been working in the study, came out on the porch.

  "Katie? What's wrong?" He bounded down the steps to grab her reins and steady her horse. Noting her clothing in disarray, he pressed, "What happened?"

  "It's Andre!" she cried, breathlessly, looking over her shoulder to see him racing up the road after her. "He knows about Christopher! He wanted to..."

  Joel reached up to help Katie down and was setting her on the ground when Andre reined to a halt nearby, his horse dancing in excitement.

  "Get your hands off her, nigger!" Andre ordered, sliding his mount nearer to Katie.

  Joel let ha go and turned to reach for Andre's reins to calm the prancing steed.

  "Did you think you could get away from me?" he seethed.

  Katie, who was nervously holding her blouse together, glared up at Andre.

  "Get off Greenwood! You're trespassing!"

  "Why-" New fury rocked him. She dared to order him from what should be rightfully his! Andre reached down to grab Katie, but Joel stepped between them.

  "You better do what the lady says, Montard," Joel ordered, blocking his way. He knew the evil Andre Montard was capable of and he wanted him away from Katie and off Greenwood.

  Andre was in a frenzy of frustration... Katie had escaped him and now Joel had the audacity to challenge him! Without conscious thought, Andre drew his revolver and shot Joel point blank. At close range the bullet blasted through his chest, killing him instantly and knocking him forcefully to the ground at Katie's feet. Frozen in place, Katie could only watch in horror as Andre dismounted and swaggered toward her.

  "Stupid nigger! He should have known better than to talk back to me." Andre grinned at Katie's undisguised fear. "Now, Katie..." He reached out and grabbed her wrist and pulling her to him, forcing her to step over Joel's prone body. "Why don't we go inside and make ourselves more comfortable?"

  Dragging her up the steps, he pushed the door open and walked in ahead of her with familiar ease.

  At the sight of Andre riding up, Dee had taken refuge inside, wanting to hide from him. Aftering witnessing, in total helpless agony, the murder of her beloved husband, Dee went for Christopher's gun. As the door opened, Andre entered the hall, pulling Katie in behind him. When he came face to face with Dee, he stopped.