The Captain's Challenge (The Wolf Deceivers Series Book 3)

by Elaine Manders

  “Do you think Papa is involved with those who’re trying to run off the new planters? To turn them against the government?”

  Aunt Mandy took a long time to answer. “Alex thinks that may be what Gilbert’s enemies have against him, the leverage they’re using against him.”

  Gillian’s uneasiness churned her stomach. Was Alex gathering information to charge Papa with insurrection? Treason? No, she wouldn’t let those old doubts crowd in. She had to trust Alex.

  Aunt Mandy twisted around to face Gillian. “Heaven only knows I’m not one to preach propriety, and I don’t blame you for being fascinated with Alex. He’s a very handsome young man. But you must take care of appearances.” Her smile took the edge off her admonishment.

  Gillian had to wonder if Aunt Mandy was deliberately diverting her attention to social improprieties to keep her mind off her father’s troubles.

  “I wouldn’t call it mere fascination. Alex said—” She swallowed, chiding herself for almost letting it slip that Alex said he loved her. They had agreed Papa must be told first. She’d let the reason stay tucked inside her heart for awhile longer.

  “Yes, what did Alex say?”

  Gillian took her time to answer. “He said he was going to send out troops to hunt those Klansmen down. They’ll all be arrested for trespass.”

  Aunt Mandy’s brows drew together in a scowl. “That will stir people up, especially those at the party.” Well, finally she understood what Gillian had been trying to tell her.

  “But James Parker will be giddy with all the news to report.”

  Aunt Mandy sighed. “There may be no way to keep your name out of it, but I will speak to James and see if that’s possible.”

  Did it really matter if her name was kept out? She had to return to Macon and talk to Papa. Maybe she could leave with Alex. Assuming General Terry would allow him to leave Atlanta.

  Aunt Mandy reached over Gillian for the newspaper lying on the side table. “The Sentinel made no mention of the Klan incident in today’s paper.”

  “Mr. Parker didn’t report on the cotillion at all?”

  “Oh, yes.” Aunt Mandy held the paper at arm’s length. “The headline reads, front page, mind you, ‘The War Has Ended. When one of Atlanta’s most prominent society ladies can bring together the warring factions of the Radicals and Democrats, it’s a sign that, despite Bullock’s efforts, this state is finally united on all fronts.’”

  She glanced over the paper’s edge. “Would you like me to go on?”

  “No.” She took the paper from her aunt to make sure she had her full attention. “I need to go back home next week. Try to convince Papa he should cooperate with the army to expose his blackmailers.”

  Disappointment spread over Aunt Mandy’s features. “I haven’t made your visit enjoyable, have I? I should have been working on your social standing instead of dragging you into my political conniving.”

  Her aunt’s weary eyes swept a wave of compassion crashing over Gillian. She leaned in to give Aunt Mandy a hug. “I have enjoyed myself, very much. You’re a peacemaker, Aunt Mandy. Give yourself credit for that—trying to get people who hate and distrust each other to accept each other. I have to believe every peacemaking effort, including your socials, will be blessed.” Aunt Mandy looked unconvinced, so she added, “You’ve been a perfect hostess, as always, and I’ve enjoyed spending time with Purity.”

  “Ah, what’s to be done about Purity? She had a good time last night, don’t you think?”

  “Yes, she did, and I think you should give her more opportunities to get out in society. No one need know her background.”

  Aunt Mandy moved her head from one side to the other. “I’ve tried to convince her of that, but she won’t go out. It took all my persuasive talent to get her to go to the cotillion, and she only did so because of you. She’s going to miss you when you return to Macon.”

  “I’ll miss her. But it was a mistake to leave Papa, although he thought I was in danger in his house.” Her shoulders lifted on a sigh. “Apparently I’m no safer here than in Macon.”

  Aunt Mandy’s mouth worked into a tight smile. “I know how frightening it was for you last night, dear, but Alex was there to rescue you. He won’t be around to protect you in Macon. He’s gone to the trouble to send two soldiers to keep watch over my house, along with that nice Lieutenant Cal Duncan, who, I think, is smitten with Purity.”

  Alex had sent the new guards? Why, if he expected to apprehend those thugs masquerading as Klansmen? Had he failed? Was the situation more dangerous than he’d let on? She’d find out more tonight when he came for supper, no doubt. Still, she wondered.

  His concern proved he cared, didn’t it? Why did she begin to doubt him the minute he’d said he loved her?

  Because he wasn’t the first man who’d proclaimed his love for her. While her heart told her he was different, her brain kept barking questions like a baying hound.

  “Where is Purity?” she asked.

  “In the library, I expect. That’s where she is most mornings after chores. She’d read right through meals if I let her.”

  “I’ll join her, if you’ll excuse me.”

  “Of course, dear. Why don’t you rest and read this afternoon. The quiet will help settle your nerves.”

  She very much doubted that. The only thing that would settle her nerves was the sight of Alex coming through the door and putting to rest all her doubts.

  Aunt Mandy’s library wasn’t large, but it invited one to curl up with a good book from those lining the east wall. Plush carpet muffled her steps, and she cleared her throat so as not to startle Purity who sat in the wingchair that dominated the bay window, book in hand. A large book.

  “What are you reading?”

  Purity lifted the black leather covered tome. “The Bible. Whenever I’m afraid, I like to go through and read all the ‘fear-not’ passages.”

  Gillian sat on the edge of the window seat. “What are you afraid of?”

  “I heard them talking in the kitchen that Klansmen burned a cross last night.”

  Gillian let her head fall back. She’d hoped the incident wouldn’t have been reported to the servants. They would be especially frightened by Klan activities, and with good reason. “You have nothing to fear. They were…holding some sort of meeting, I imagine.”

  “They’re evil. Anyone who desecrates a cross is evil.” The anger in Purity’s voice surprised Gillian.

  “They’re malicious, I agree, but they can do nothing to you, Purity. You’re protected and—”

  “I’m not afraid for myself, but for Amanda.”

  Gillian laughed. “Heaven help them if they threaten Aunt Mandy.”

  “I know you’ll think I’m foolish, but I get these feelings sometimes when something is going to happen.” Purity closed the Bible and rubbed circles over the cover with her hand.

  “Premonitions?”

  “Yes, premonitions. I have the feeling we’ve all been in a play, pretending everything is all right, but it’s coming to an end.”

  “But Purity, Aunt Mandy is a prominent gentlewoman. No one, least of all Southern gentlemen, would attack her.”

  “How do we know they are gentlemen? Or Southerners?”

  “Alex will find them, if he hasn’t already.”

  “The army is leaving soon.”

  Yes, and so was Alex. “But it’s time, don’t you think? They’ve already left most states.”

  “It’s going to cause trouble for people like Amanda. She doesn’t realize how people can hate. There are many who are kind on the surface, but underneath they hate.” She patted the Bible lying on her knees. “They are like the wolves in sheep’s clothing Jesus warned us about. I’m afraid Amanda doesn’t recognize her enemies. Just like…your father didn’t.”

  “Who are Papa’s enemies?”

  “I don’t know, but as soon as the army leaves, they’ll show themselves.” Purity gently laid the Bible on its stand. “I’d like to go to my
mother’s people. I’m tired of living a lie.”

  “I mentioned that to Alex, and he’s sent out inquiries but has heard nothing yet.”

  “When Julia was here—that day you disappeared—she told me there is a colored preacher who left with my mother’s folks, but he’s returned and is preaching a revival at a colored church on the south side of town.”

  Why would Julia care that Purity found her mother’s family? “Do you believe her?”

  “Oh, yes. Nothing would please Julia more than for me to go live with my mother’s people.” As if she could no longer stand Gillian’s scrutiny, Purity rose and moved to the back of the chair, resting her arms across the back. “Amanda thinks it’s dangerous for me to approach a colored man, and there’s a bad street between here and the shanty town where he preaches. No whites dare go there.”

  A sad smile touched her lips. “Amanda won’t even let Abe or Hiram go for me. And tomorrow is the last day this man will be preaching.”

  Gillian furrowed her brows. Aunt Mandy’s concern was understandable. There were pockets all over town she’d been warned about. “I could get Alex to take us a little before church services so you can speak to this preacher.”

  Purity looked up, hope lighting her unusual eyes. Again, Gillian was struck with how familiar they were.

  ***

  Alex paced the spacious parlor of the Grand Hotel suite allotted him as an officer. It was fine enough for a man and wife. And he had a wife. She should be here, where he could protect her, show her how much he loved her.

  But she wouldn’t announce their marriage without her father’s knowledge, nor could he ask her to. She had to honor her father, regardless of whether he deserved it or not.

  It still ate at him that she hadn’t declared her love. What if she demanded an annulment?

  He’d have to leave that up to God, and he believed God had brought them together.

  God and those crazy mountain people.

  Things like that didn’t just happen. Gillian was meant to be his wife, and if he could solve the problem with her father, she’d acknowledge that.

  If he held claim to any virtue, it would be patience. But he’d never felt this way about a woman, and now patience eluded him.

  He’d be seeing Gillian at dinner tonight and, thankfully, could let her know he’d apprehended those Klansmen. He paced the room, straightening a painting that always hung askew, checking the ice bucket and water pitcher, glancing out the window. Despite the heat, he’d go for a ride if he didn’t have to wait for Cal’s report.

  The clock seemed to drag out every second. She was his wife. He shouldn’t have to count the minutes until he could see her. Touch her. Kiss her. Take her to meet his parents.

  That reminded him to finish the letter to his folks. They’d be shocked at how much he’d written—all about Gillian. Except the part about marrying her. Rereading the last two pages, he chuckled. He didn’t have to tell them he wanted her for his wife. They’d realize it.

  His parents would love Gillian. They’d be happy for him to marry anyone after the only woman he’d left behind had married another man. Ma had bemoaned that for months, and during his last visit home, she’d lamented she hadn’t any grandchildren to brag about to her friends. His father had flatly told him he wasn’t getting any younger.

  Gillian would love them too after she got to know them.

  Alex raked his fingers through his hair, then dipped his pen into the ink jar to finish the letter. A sharp rap interrupted the first line. “Come in.”

  Cal entered and removed his hat. “Sorry I’m late. I was detained.” He dropped the leather satchel on the desk. “I think it’s what you wanted. The owner of the business supplying those lugs for the railroad is Reuben Dabney.”

  Alex cocked a brow as he opened the satchel.

  “I took the liberty of reading the report.” Cal pulled up a chair and straddled it. “Mr. Dabney’s company has made a lot of money off the Western and Atlantic Railroad contract. In fact, his business wouldn’t exist without the government’s business. Not only is Mr. Dabney growing rich, but so are some of the employees who work for the railroad.”

  “Go on,” Alex urged. No need to read it if Cal had.

  “Well, that’s about it, except that Reuben Dabney is said to be a close friend to the governor and the Radical Republicans. That would make him, in the eyes of the Southerners, a scallywag.”

  “That might explain why the government didn’t want to investigate the accident too closely. It might also explain the Klan’s activities last night. Their target might not have been Amanda Brown, but rather, her relative, Mr. Dabney.”

  “I hear you rounded them up.”

  “The ring leaders anyway. They’re in jail, one charged with attempted murder. We’ll see who comes to rescue them.”

  “I doubt they’ll have to wait long. A bunch of Hubert Boyles’s cronies are marching on headquarters as we speak. They’re not happy you called that raid on Boyles and his son.”

  “I admit I took more authority than I have, but time was of the essence.” And he’d known Boyles was a powerful force in state government. But it was time to flush out the villains.

  “Major Turley is livid. Says it’s stirring up trouble when we’re trying to withdraw the army. He’s coming up here to talk to you.”

  That would have bothered Alex if he planned on staying in the army. As it was, he’d leave with a dishonorable discharge, if it came to that.

  “General Terry has approved my return to Macon. I think I can get Mr. Carey to talk now that his daughter has been attacked. Or he can turn it over to the local authorities.” Alex threw aside the report on his raid and tore into an envelope addressed from the Records Department.

  Cal gripped the back of his chair, preparing to stand. “I have Corporals Taylor and Sims on guard duty at the Brown residence. I told them to stay in place and report anything unusual.”

  Alex sprang to his feet, startling Cal into silence. He grabbed Cal around the shoulders. “He’s not dead. I didn’t have him shot.”

  Cal scrambled from the chair as it fell with a crash. He backed up like Alex was dangerous. “He who?”

  “William Carey. He was never in the Chickamauga prisoner of war camp. They traced him from the last battle west to the Dakota Territory.” He slapped the letter against his palm. “Do you know what this means? Gillian’s brother is alive.”

  Both hands dropped, and he stared at the ceiling, silently thanking God. He didn’t care if Cal thought him crazy. Moisture filled his eyes. Gillian had forgiven him, but to be able to tell her her brother lived was the most wonderful blessing ever bestowed on him since his own redemption.

  “Here, I want you to send a telegram as soon as you leave.” Alex shoved the letter into Cal’s hand. “To that sheriff mentioned in the report.” He found a blank sheet of paper and began writing the telegram. “I would, but I’ve got to tell Gillian.”

  “I’ll send the telegram, but you can’t go anywhere before seeing Major Turley. Remember, he’s on his way. Probably right on my heels. Anyway, it might be better to wait until you make contact with William Carey before getting Gillian’s hopes up. It says here, this place was his last known residence, and that was two years ago.”

  Alex extended the telegram wording to Cal. He was right, Gillian would have to wait until dinner tonight. Maybe by that time he’d be able to give her the news in a measured way.

  Cal righted the overturned chair. “By the way, Major Turley will want to inspect the barracks, if not the entire compound.”

  Alex sent him a mock salute. Not even that unpleasant news could wipe the smile from his face. He’d inspect the barracks before the major arrived. At least that would give him something to occupy his time.

  Chapter 22

  Gillian jumped from one thing to another. This was how a caged bird must feel, hopping from one side of the bars to the other. She couldn’t stand to wait another moment.

  The heels
of her slippers pounded the stairs. At the bottom, she crossed the foyer in the direction of Aunt Mandy’s study. Her secretary, a slight, young man, stood patiently listening to orders.

  Aunt Mandy looked around him and made eye contact with Gillian. “That’s all for now, Thomas. Please get those invitations out today.

  Thomas sent a smiling nod Gillian’s way as he cleared the room.

  “Alex is coming to supper, is he not?” Aunt Mandy thought so, but he hadn’t said when he left her last night. But her mind had been so muddled, she couldn’t remember what was said.

  “I’m not certain. Cal told me Alex would be busy with the events of last night and probably will be for a couple of days.”

  “I can’t wait that long to see him or to know what’s going on. He should be at his office at the Capitol building at this time of day. It should be safe enough for me to go there.”

  “It’s not seemly for a lady to call on a gentleman unchaperoned, but I suppose Purity could accompany you. I would ask one of the guards, but they were given their orders by the lieutenant, and they won’t budge without his say-so.”

  “I want to go alone. This isn’t a social call, and you know it.”

  Aunt Mandy caught her hand. “My dear, I’m not so obtuse I don’t know you want to announce your…relationship to Alex Blaine, but I implore you not to do so before speaking to your father. It’s only right and the kind thing to do…to ask his blessing.”

  “Alex and I have agreed to that.” But blessing or not, Papa couldn’t make her give up Alex and the hope growing in her heart that she would truly become his wife.

  “You must take care, Gillian. Your father has enemies who would gladly turn this into a scandal.”

  If a scandal was all they might cause, Gillian would welcome it. “I’ll take care, but I’m not going to cower in my room.” Like Papa.

  With a tilt of her chin, she left Aunt Mandy and raced upstairs.

  In the bottom of her carpetbag, she found Alex’s forty-five, the pistol he’d left in Macon, and which she’d brought to Atlanta, meaning to return to him.