[Measure of Devotion 03.0] Measure of Peace

by Caethes Faron

  The first hotel Kale pulled up to did not meet Jason’s definition of “decent,” which included having a telephone, and neither did the second. The third, however, not only had a telephone on the main floor for guests, but a restaurant as well.

  After they were checked in, they took a look at their room, and Jason dropped off his bag. All it contained were two books, some snacks, their bank book, and travel documents. Another set of clothes hadn’t been necessary when he’d thought they would just be driving home the next day. “We’ll have to go shopping for a change of clothes.”

  “No need. I can wear the same thing tomorrow.” Kale despised shopping.

  “It’s something to do, and it gives us an excuse to talk to some of the locals, to see if we can find out anything else. I’ll call Martin before we leave and let him know about the new developments so he can investigate. We can’t just go around town asking about Monroe”—Jason couldn’t keep the venom out of his voice as he uttered that vile name—“and where he might have sold his slaves. All that’s going to do is draw suspicion. We’re in his territory. Two gentleman shopping and making small talk with the locals is nothing out of the ordinary. With your people skills, we should be able to find out a good bit.”

  “Fine. I forget how good you can be at this sort of thing.”

  A half hour later, they walked down the street their hotel was on, in search of a clothier the concierge had recommended. Jason had spoken to Martin and let Demetri know they would spend the night in Rushing. The day was beginning to cool, and it felt good to burn off energy stretching his legs.

  A tiny bell tinkled over the door when they entered the shop. A medium-sized man with spectacles greeted them. “What can I help you fine gentlemen with today?”

  “We were looking for a couple of suits, one each. The train lost our bags, and we are without clothes until the whole mess is sorted. We need something we can take tonight.”

  “I can certainly help you with that. My name’s Edward Pillston, and I’m the proprietor here.” Edward shook both their hands before focusing back on Jason. “We have some options that could work very nicely and will require minimal adjustments. Let me show you. Did you have anything specific in mind?”

  “Something nice, but not too fancy. We’re here on business and will be in meetings most of the day. Price is of no concern.” Jason fingered a suit coat, testing the fabric.

  “I see. Well, I think something like this might just do the trick for you, sir.” Edward showed them a full three-piece suit with matching cravat and cufflinks.

  “Yes, that appears to fit the bill.”

  “And for your companion, might I suggest this?” Edward assembled another suit, this one with a cut that would emphasize Kale’s broad shoulders. Jason pictured Kale filling out the fabric nicely.

  “What do you think, Kale?”

  “It’ll do, but I’d prefer a tie to the cravat. I don’t need to look like a stuffed cock strutting around.”

  Jason smiled. It was nearly impossible to get Kale into a cravat, which was a shame because Jason loved them on him. “We’ll take them.”

  “Excellent. In the back there, we have dressing rooms. If you’d like to try them on, I can measure the adjustments that need to be made and have them ready for you shortly.”

  Edward snapped his fingers, and a tall young man equipped with a measuring tape and a pincushion around his wrist appeared. It was apparent from his bowed head that he was a slave. “Luis, take these suits into the dressing rooms for these gentleman. They want to take them tonight, so you’ll need to do the adjustments.”

  “Yes, Master.” Luis picked up the suits. “If you would follow me, sirs, it’s right this way.”

  Kale looked stunning in the suit. It accentuated his trim waist and broad shoulders without making his chest or arms appear too bulky. Luis pinned the pant legs while Edward observed.

  “You have quite a capable slave here. He’s a credit to you.” Jason wondered if Kale’s words were for the slave or for Edward. Probably a little of both.

  “Thank you. He performs his work well, and not just the mundane things. He can sew anything. I merely design the patterns and hand them off to him. In fact, he’s even created a few patterns that I was able to tweak into decent designs. I can only say that I’m happy I own him. My competitors would love to steal him from me.”

  Kale’s easy smile gave no hint of the day’s ordeal. “I can imagine. It’s hard to come across quality slaves. Do you mind me asking where you acquired this one?”

  “Not at all. He came from Lyman’s.”

  “I’m not familiar with the name.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry. I forgot you’re not from around here. Lyman’s is a brokerage specializing in slaves with specific skills. I wish I could take credit for Luis’s ability, but I’m afraid I can’t. He came to me fully trained. It was worth the extra cost to not have to spend the time teaching him.”

  Luis continued to work as if he weren’t being spoken about. Jason remembered when Kale had been like that. Jason still had trouble acting as though slaves were less than other people when Kale was such stunning proof to the contrary. Luis would have done well on his own with his talent. Instead, he was stuck working for a man who barely acknowledged him. Another life wasted.

  “Yes, time is often worth more than money. I’m in search of a valet myself. I doubt I need such a thoroughly trained slave as this Lyman’s could provide. Are there any auction houses you can recommend? I always feel I get a better deal when I have several options to bid on.” It was impossible to tell from the way Kale spoke—his voice sure and smooth—that he had ever been a slave, or that he spoke on a subject that revolted him.

  “Certainly. You might want to give Harrison’s a try. They hold weekly auctions. If you’re going to be in town long enough or don’t mind traveling back, you’d do well to wait for Rogers and Son’s monthly auction. Either option is good.”

  “Thank you. I’ll be sure to look into it.”

  Once Kale was done, it was Jason’s turn. He didn’t think he looked particularly good in the suit, but Kale’s appraising gaze said otherwise. Gods, he was lucky to have found Kale.

  “If you gentleman would like to shop elsewhere on the avenue for a while, I should have these ready for you shortly.”

  Yes, he would have them ready, not his slave who would do the actual work. Jason knew he really didn’t have room to talk when his own business used slaves, but it irked him. Having slaves working at the mills bothered him, but he and Kale had discussed it many times. Kale was adamant that if he started using free men instead, the slaves he currently used would be headed for worse fates. Maybe it was time to at least re-evaluate working conditions.

  “We’ll see you soon then.” Jason tipped his head to Edward and then to Luis, not caring about the odd look Edward gave him.

  Outside, there were plenty of shops, and they had no problem filling the time until their clothes were ready. They were able to gather the names of two other slave dealers operating in the county. Purchases in hand, they headed back to the hotel.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Dinner had been pleasant enough. Kale found it strange to think that the last time he had eaten was before the confrontation with Monroe. The food helped to steady his fraying nerves. In all the years of bondage as a slave, he had never been under so much stress. As a slave, his worries had been for himself. Having his family depending on him to find them was an entirely different situation. The knowledge that there was practically no way for them to know he was free or even to hope that he would find them gave him no comfort. It was his responsibility, and it weighed heavy on his shoulders.

  Kale watched Jason as they undressed for bed. He was fortunate to have an ally in Jason. Jason’s mind constantly looked for more information. That was how he had expanded the Arlington Steel empire. Jason had always believed in the power of knowledge. It was why he’d insisted they stay for drinks in the lounge after dinner, even thoug
h Kale was tired and wanted nothing more than to collapse into bed and dull the memory of the day with sleep. It was in the lounge that they had discovered what Kale had suspected: the Monroes were an old family in the area, but one whose power had greatly diminished in recent years.

  Once undressed, Kale slid between the sheets, leaving Jason to put away their new clothes. The bed did not offer the respite Kale had hoped for. Shame plagued him, twisting in his gut until he wished the bed would devour him, remove him from sight. It wasn’t the way Monroe had treated him, but the fact that he had failed that hurt so much. By this time, Kale had expected to know where his family was, when in reality he wasn’t really any closer. His shame was self-imposed, but that didn’t make it any easier to bear.

  Jason’s weight shifted the bed beside him. Just like last night, he moved to hold Kale. The touch of Jason’s skin burned. The undeserved warmth and comfort acted as a white hot poker to his shame. This time when Kale pulled away, Jason held firm. It was a strange feeling from a man who practiced little dominance in bed.

  “I don’t need to have sex with you, Kale. We don’t need to do anything, but I do need you to know that I’m here for you, that I won’t let anything bad happen. I need you to know I love you. I understand you can’t make love right now, not when you’re feeling this way, but you are loved, and I’m going to show you. Just let me hold you.”

  Kale couldn’t argue. Jason had given him everything. Kale wouldn’t deny him this. Although it would have been easier if he’d wanted to simply take Kale. A quick, hard fuck. Fucking would even take his mind off his situation. But Jason would never consent to having sex if Kale weren’t visibly aroused, and try as he might, nothing stirred within him. Kale flirted with the idea of trying to fake it, but it would be worse to act interested in sex and then have Jason stop. It would bring back all of Jason’s insecurities. For too long, Kale had let Jason believe he was a rapist, and the scars from those thoughts ran deep. The remembrance of the pain he’d caused Jason added another layer to his shame. Kale could never apologize enough for it, even though he had tried on countless occasions to undo the damage.

  Kale nodded his consent to the cuddling, and Jason settled into a more comfortable position for the night, holding Kale against him in a grip that seemed unbreakable.

  * * *

  The touch of Jason’s bare skin was as comfortable as any blanket. Kale smelled the sweet scent of Jason surrounding him. He could never make out exactly what it was—only that it was uniquely Jason—and it never changed no matter what soap he used or where he was. Kale’s limbs stretched within the confines of Jason’s embrace. He wasn’t ready to be rid of the warmth, and Jason’s grip had loosened during the night, allowing for careful movement. Muscles soft as jelly, Kale settled back into his spot. There was no need to even open his eyes, much less rouse himself from bed.

  “How are you this morning, love?”

  Kale had never been one for using pet names—Jason liked hearing Kale use his first name anyway—but sometimes he was glad Jason didn’t share his aversion. It was a warm, gentle reminder that he was, indeed, loved. Kale twisted around to kiss Jason. “Good. And you?”

  “Happy you didn’t have any nightmares, or at least none that woke you.”

  “And none that I can remember.”

  “That’s good. Do you want to go down for breakfast?”

  Kale didn’t think he ever wanted to move again. Life was perfect right here, but he knew it couldn’t last. “Sure.”

  Jason gave him another quick kiss and then rose from the bed. The blissful spell broken, Kale stood. The weight he had avoided during sleep settled back on him.

  After breakfast, they climbed in the car to visit the slavers they had heard about the previous day to see if they could find any information. It was unlikely a reputable business would discuss past sales with strangers, but it was better than sitting around the hotel waiting for a message from Martin. At least Kale had the satisfaction of driving.

  * * *

  “Let’s go back and get some lunch.” Jason commanded more than asked. They had started at Harrison’s and spent the rest of the morning in the area asking at the other nearby slave operations and talking to anyone they could find. Each dealer insisted all transactions were considered private, and if anyone around remembered the Monroe sale, they weren’t saying.

  “No. Let’s keep asking around. Someone is bound to remember something.” If only Kale could find one person who could confirm that Monroe had even sold his slaves in the county, it would be a small victory. At the moment, he was concerned that perhaps Martin had gotten it wrong somehow and the slaves were sold elsewhere. Maybe the judge had changed his mind and insisted the slaves be sold in Malar County since that’s where the debts originated.

  “You’re exhausted. Let’s take a break and see how you feel after lunch.”

  “I’ve only been up for a few hours.” Kale had laid rail for as many hours as the sun shone for part of his life. A few hours walking around talking to people was hardly tiring work.

  “I know, but being around all this slavery, these people who deal in humans, asking for someone to give you hope that you’ll see your family again and being subject to their whim, it’s taking a toll emotionally, and it’s manifesting itself physically.”

  When Kale stopped to listen to Jason’s words, he realized they were true. Even though his body could still move, inside he felt drained, as if he was navigating an empty shell down the road on two sticks. Muscles weren’t holding his bones together, packing twine was. “You’re right. But I’m still driving. My nerves couldn’t handle you behind the wheel right now.”

  Kale took momentary comfort in Jason’s laughter. Going back to the hotel would also allow them to see if Martin had left a message. As much as he wanted to be actively doing something, logically, he knew it wasn’t necessarily productive. He tried to let the air whipping through his hair calm him as he drove.

  After lunch, they didn’t even make it to their room before the concierge let them know they had a message from Martin. Jason looked at Kale. “Do you want to call him back?”

  “Can you handle it? I think I need to take a nap.” Truth was, Kale didn’t think he could bear hoping for good news only to get nothing from Martin. Nothing short of seeing his family would placate him at the moment, and he needed to sleep off this mood.

  “Sure. I’ll be up as soon as I’m done.”

  Kale trudged up the stairs to their room and collapsed on the bed as soon as the door shut behind him. He didn’t remember drifting off, but there was a line of drool on his chin when Jason entered. Kale wiped his chin and saw Jason beaming down at him.

  “What?”

  “He’s done it.” Jason joined Kale on the bed while Kale was still trying to sit up. “He found the name of the auction house that was used for Monroe’s slaves. It was McAllister Labor.”

  Kale snatched the piece of paper Jason held with the name of the dealer on it, as if that would somehow make it more real. “How? That’s not even one of the names we gave him.”

  “He and Smithson pulled a list of all the registered dealers in Shalae County. Copies of all the records are in Perdana. Then they went through and called—or apparently in some cases telegraphed—each one posing as an auditor confirming that the court-ordered sales had been completed.”

  Kale shook his head. “I didn’t think Martin had it in him to be so devious.”

  “The man is smarter than I think either of us knows. Finish your nap, and then we’ll go by McAllister’s. It’s not very far from here. We’ll be able to walk.”

  “What? Why wait? Let’s go now.” Kale moved to get up, still looking at the paper, the proof that his hope wasn’t futile. Jason jerked Kale’s hand back down to the bed.

  “You’re exhausted. It won’t do anyone any good for you to collapse. You need all of your wits for what’s coming.”

  “Don’t be ridiculous, Jason. This is my family we’re talking abou
t. I’m not waiting another minute.” Kale tried to rise again, but Jason’s grip on his hand was firm.

  “Kale, this is our battle, and I only want what’s best for you and your family. At this precise moment, that includes a nap.”

  Kale saw in Jason’s eyes that he wasn’t going to relent. He was right. Jason had a dying father back at the ranch, but he was here with Kale. Jason had made it his battle even though he didn’t have to. “Fine.”

  “I’ll wake you in an hour. I promise.”

  Kale nodded and lay down. He expected to struggle with his mind, but exhaustion overwhelmed him. It seemed as if hardly a minute had passed when Jason shook him awake.

  “Kale? It’s time to wake up.”

  Kale’s eyes focused on the clock by the bed. It was an hour to the minute since his head had hit the pillow.

  “I think you could probably do with sleeping through ‘til morning, but I promised. We can go to McAllister’s now.”

  Kale’s muscles were heavy with sleep. It felt like walking through water to get ready to leave. Once outside, it didn’t take long to find themselves staring up at a large green sign with red script that spelled out “McAllister Labor.” The building housing the business was well kept. The sign stated they bought, sold, and held regular auctions.

  Inside, they asked the secretary to see the proprietor. They were left waiting a few minutes before the secretary returned and showed them to an office. A short, balding man sat behind a large mahogany desk. Behind him stood a slave girl dressed in a clean and revealing light blue dress. She couldn’t have been more than sixteen.

  “Mr. McAllister, I’m Kale Wadsworth, and this is Jason Wadsworth.” Kale hoped they could pass as cousins. He had forgotten that it would seem strange for them to both have the same last name. Kale had been so accustomed to using Jason’s last name that it wasn’t even a thought anymore. “We were hoping for a minute of your time.”

  McAllister stood and shook their hands, gesturing to the two chairs opposite his desk. “Please, have a seat. What can I do for you today?”