by Tara Johnson
The music faded away to thunderous applause, whether because the musicians had finished or because of the president’s arrival, Cadence didn’t know. The harried conductor soon arrived breathless at Cadence’s side.
“Mrs. Piper? Er—that is, Ivy?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Are you ready?”
She inhaled as deep a breath as she could manage against her corset. “Yes. At least, I believe so.”
“Come with me and I’ll get you settled offstage until we receive the cue for your entrance. Key of B flat still in agreement with you?”
“Of course.”
The sweating man wrung his hands as he scampered back toward the musicians, muttering to himself the entire way.
She turned to the children. “Your father should be back any moment. Stay here until you see him.”
“Yes, ma’am,” they answered, even as both their gazes were transfixed on the president, standing across the room. She hastened to follow the trembling conductor toward the small room beside the stage.
From her spot behind the curtain, she could scan the crowd. Where was Joshua? He should have returned by now.
She shook her head. He was likely around here somewhere. She just couldn’t see him with so many in attendance. She let her eyes slide shut and tested a few notes in her throat, just as she’d done all day long. The rehearsal the day before had been smooth, but one day made a world of difference when it came to the voice. What if she floundered as she did at her last performance?
The stinging critique from the newspaper flickered through her memory, and bile crawled up her throat. The thought of failing in front of all these people . . . in front of the children, and worse yet, Lincoln himself, was more than she could bear. Word of her ineptitude would spread all over Washington with much more fire than it had from that newspaper columnist’s critique. Such a thing would only prove what the phrenologist had predicted years ago. Cold tremors began in her middle and radiated to her limbs.
She couldn’t do this.
I have already approved you, little one.
Her heart beat a rapid staccato even as her shallow breaths slowed. The loud din of the hall faded as the whisper reverberated through her spirit.
Whether you soar in human achievement or fail by man’s standards, my love will not waver.
She looked up to the ceiling and murmured, “Thank you, Jesus.”
A sharp “Pssst!” sliced across the stage, though the crowd was still milling around the president. She looked over to see the conductor staring at her.
“Are you ready?”
She nodded.
The shaking slip of a man walked to the center of the stage and lifted his hands. It took nearly a minute for the crowd to quiet. Cadence scanned the room. She still couldn’t see Joshua, but Penelope and James had remained atop the crates near the door. From behind the curtain, she gave them a small wave, though she doubted they could see her.
“Attention, ladies and gentlemen. It is our profound pleasure to welcome you here tonight. Throughout the evening you’ll hear many rousing speeches, music, a host of needs begging for our attention, and much more. We are supremely honored to have our great president in attendance!”
A deafening chorus of cheers and whoops rose. Cadence watched the children to gauge their reaction but frowned when the stranger who had approached her earlier sidled near them. Cadence squinted. It was definitely him. Same build, same crooked nose and ruddy beard. James shook his head. The man looked from side to side and grabbed both of the children, wrestling them to the door.
Her heart slammed. What was he doing?
She fled from her hiding spot behind the curtains and nearly ran over the babbling conductor in her haste to follow. His eyes bulged as he turned to her, yanking on her arm. “What do you think you’re doing? You must sing!”
“I can’t! My children—something is wrong!”
“You cannot be serious,” he whispered harshly through gritted teeth as the crowd watched. “It’s for the president of the United States. I’ll be humiliated!”
She shook her hand and wrested her arm free. “Nothing matters but my children.”
Lifting the hem of her skirt, she ran down the stairs, through the crowd, and shoved the door open. Cool night air slapped her face. She peered into the darkness, cursing the lack of gaslights near the alley. A scuffling sounded behind her.
“James! Penelope!”
Rough hands grabbed her from behind. A damp rag pressed to her mouth and a sweet scent flooded her nostrils.
The world tilted and went black.
Chapter 32
JOSHUA PUSHED HIS WAY BACK into the pulsing hall. The warm air was oppressive after the cool night and his hasty sprint shuttling the slave girl ten blocks under the cover of darkness. Thankfully they’d met with no resistance and little Ruby was safely under the protection of the conductor who would take her to the next stop.
He only prayed Cadence hadn’t noticed his absence.
The musicians finished the boisterous strains of “The Battle Cry of Freedom,” earning the crowd’s wild applause. Joshua scanned the throng for the president. With so many in attendance, spotting him was nearly impossible.
The musicians scattered for a break, and Joshua wove between chattering couples until he found the conductor, who was mopping his face with a limp handkerchief.
“Pardon me, sir. Have you seen Mrs. Cadence Ivy?”
The conductor turned to him with a scowl. “Don’t dare mention her name to me. That woman humiliated me before the president of the United States! Her whereabouts are no concern of mine.”
He sniffed in contempt and whirled away. Joshua stood in stunned silence. What had transpired in his absence?
He surveyed the hall. Cadence, James, Penelope . . . all three were missing from where he’d last seen them. A hard knot formed in his stomach. Something was wrong.
“Where did she go?”
He whirled to find Congressman Ramsey storming toward him. His neck was mottled crimson. The barrel-chested man jabbed a finger into Joshua’s chest. “Does your wife have any idea what she’s done to me?”
A sickening sensation churned Joshua’s gut. “I have no idea what you’re speaking—”
“No idea?” The congressman’s eyes bulged. “Seconds before she was to perform for the president, she rushes off the stage and leaves the building.” His brows lowered. “I had plans for this evening. Plans your wife destroyed.”
Joshua could hear no more. He turned away, desperation nipping at his heels, and plunged into the crush of bodies, asking anyone who would listen if they’d seen his children or the singer who was supposed to perform. Most shook their heads until he reached a matronly woman minding a booth gathering clothing donations for the soldiers.
She smiled widely, oblivious to his distress. “Of course I remember those children. Sweet little things. Sat right over there—” she pointed to the low stack of crates against the wall near the door—“totally enthralled with the president.”
“Where did they go?”
She tapped her lips with a pudgy hand. “I think a man came and talked with them. Must have been the girl’s father. They sure didn’t want to leave. He scooped them up and carried them out the door. They were squirming something fierce. Can’t say I blame them. Shame to miss the rest of the evening.”
Cold panic washed over him. “And what of the young lady who was supposed to perform tonight?”
The woman’s brows furrowed. “Odd thing, that. The conductor was preparing to introduce her and the young miss just upped and left.”
“Do you remember where she went?”
“Now that I think on it, the lady went out the same door.”
His heart pounded. “Thank you, ma’am. You’ve been more help than you know.”
He raced out the side door, letting it slam behind him. His breath came hard as he scanned up and down the inky alley. Where had they gone? Who had taken them? He had no
clue. No leads. No starting place.
Overwhelmed, he nearly collapsed as grief and guilt crashed over him.
Oh, God, what have I done?
It was the gruff masculine voices that first roused Cadence from her thick slumber.
She attempted to push her heavy eyelids open, but they resisted. Odd. Instead, she lay against the hard, gritty floor and just listened, trying to make sense of the disjointed conversation drifting around her.
“This wasn’t part of the plan.”
“You told me to take Ivy’s kids. You said there would be two. A sister and brother. That’s what I did.”
A grunt sounded. “It was Francis that messed up. He never should’ve grabbed the doctor’s wife.”
A whiny voice interjected. “What was I supposed to do? She nearly stumbled atop the lot of us. Would have started screaming and brought the crowd down on our heads in a snap.”
Cadence’s heart hammered. Her tongue felt dry and thick. She forced her eyes to cooperate and peeked between her lashes. The light was dim, but she could make out the watery forms of at least five men, maybe more. She gulped down a breath.
A large man lumbered forward. “She’s a complication, but the goal is still the same. If anything, maybe this will put a little more fire in Ivy’s belly to see things our way.” Footsteps stomped toward her, and she slammed her eyes shut. A dark presence loomed over her. “The Knights of the Golden Circle always emerge victorious.”
She fought to keep her breathing even.
“Sure is a pretty little thing. Might have a little fun with her while we wait.”
Chuckles peppered the air. Her pulse thrummed in her ears. Jesus, help me.
The footfalls moved away. Her sluggish thoughts began to form and race. Where were the children? Were they hurt? Why did these men want to convince Joshua of anything? Nothing made sense.
Cadence tried to move her arms, but fire shot into her shoulders. She stifled a groan and squirmed against the floor. Her hands were tied behind her back. She wiggled her fingers but felt little sensation. Numb.
“She’s waking up.”
Her eyes flew open when the floor vibrated beneath her. Half a dozen pairs of eyes circled her within the confines of a dirty, shadowed room. Two kerosene lanterns burned, but she could find no other source of light. She used her feet to push against the floor until her body slammed into the wall, then scrambled to a seated position. She licked her dry lips as she stared down the group of strangers eyeing her like prey.
The large man leered, his eyes glittering with deadly venom. “Hello, princess.”
She said nothing. He reached out and touched her cheek. She jerked her head back and scowled.
His eyes narrowed. “We got us a filly with some spirit here, boys.”
Her nostrils flared as he studied her with a greasy smile.
Before she could react, he snarled and lashed out, grabbing her face. He yanked her forward until his nose was only inches from her own. “Don’t ever make the Knights of the Golden Circle angry, princess. You understand that?”
She could see the blood vessels in his eyes . . . the rage that simmered just below the thin veneer of his smile. He released her with a sudden shove. The back of her head cracked against the wall and her body weakened, head swimming.
He loomed over her with a sneer. “I’ll return soon. Don’t you be pining for me too much.”
At his harsh chuckle, the group of men shuffled through the lone door, taking the lanterns with them and plunging her into darkness.
Penelope and James. Etta and Miriam. Joshua. A warm tear slipped down her cheek. What would become of them?
Joshua trudged up the steps to his father-in-law’s house just as daybreak lightened the sky. He’d combed the streets for hours, calling, asking those who would listen if they’d seen anyone matching the descriptions of his wife and children. His search had revealed nothing.
With every passing minute, his hope siphoned away, leaving a hollow, gaping ache inside.
He gripped the doorframe. Lord, I don’t know if I can live without them. Strengthen me. Protect them and frustrate the plans of my enemies.
He lifted his hand to knock, every limb feeling like lead.
The door swung open, revealing Albert’s careworn face. “Anything?”
Joshua shook his head, throat thick. “Nothing.”
The older man’s shoulders drooped. “Nothing for Tate and me either.” His blue eyes glassed. “Come in and get a bite to eat and drink. You look ready to drop.”
Joshua blinked away the grit coating his eyes as Albert led him into the parlor. He sank into a chair, barely noticing when Louisa came and pressed a cup of hot coffee into his hands.
Albert raked his hands through his graying hair as Tate entered the room, his uneven steps slow and weighted.
“I don’t understand any of this. Who would want to kidnap two innocent children and my daughter?” Albert choked down his emotion. “It’s madness.”
Joshua let his eyes slide shut. Inhaling a deep breath, he lifted his gaze to the two men. “I have enemies.”
Albert fell limply against the back of his chair. “What kind of enemies?”
Joshua pushed down the knot in his throat. “I can’t give you their exact names because I don’t know them, but I was forced to hire a bodyguard to protect Cadence and the children.”
Tate’s eyes widened. “Why?”
He ground his jaw. “Because someone was watching our house whenever I left for the hospital.”
Albert rubbed his temple. “This still isn’t adding up. Why would someone be watching them while you’re gone?”
Joshua saw with startling clarity how easily he’d played with life and death for the past few years. A roll of the dice, a flip of the pasteboards . . . only this time the stakes had been those he loved.
Now they might be lost to him forever—and the fault was his alone.
He opened his mouth, trying to find the right words. “I am involved in something that is not popular with slaveholders. Something I’m passionate about but carries great risk.”
Albert straightened. “Which is?”
Joshua blew out a breath. “I, along with a small group of like-minded men, work together to buy slave children from auction blocks and free them. We then carry them into free states where they can start a new life.”
Albert swallowed. “I see. And has your work with these children always been aboveboard? There is no law prohibiting what you’re doing. Have you always acted with integrity in this matter?”
Joshua dropped his gaze. “Not always.”
Albert groaned. Joshua braved a glance at his brother-in-law. Tate’s face was deathly serious, his hands moving back and forth across his chin as he thought.
“There’s more. My latest excursion into Richmond proved troublesome. I fear I may have aroused the wrath of some slaveholders there, as well as stumbling into something bigger than myself. Bigger even than smuggling slave children to freedom.”
Albert frowned. “What is it?”
“A secret society. A group so powerful, they have commanders, city leaders, and congressmen infiltrating every level of government.”
Tate’s jaw clenched. “The Knights of the Golden Circle.”
Joshua’s brows rose. “You know them?”
“All Southern gentlemen know them.” His face blanched white. “If you have the Knights on your heels . . .”
“I know.” Joshua rubbed his eyes. “I never intended to put Cadence and the children in harm’s way. For years I was meticulous. But it wasn’t enough”
Silence fell thick in the room, screaming an accusation.
“I think I can help.”
Tate’s soft voice caused Joshua’s head to snap up. “What?”
His brother-in-law’s dark brows lowered. “You know what I was. Who I was involved with. I know these circles. I have contacts. Leads.”
Could he trust Tate? He’d been deeply ingrained in the sla
ve trade. What if the very men who’d taken his family were working with Tate now?
Joshua shook his head. Impossible. Tate would never do such a thing to Cadence. He must trust him. There were no other options.
“Do you have any idea who might be behind this? Their names?”
Tate pushed to his feet and paced the room. “There was a group of slaveholders several years back who were known for kidnapping and executing some vigilante-style justice, but honestly, they preferred to wield their power in the courts and were based out of Kentucky.” Tate fixed Joshua with a somber look. “If the Knights are behind this, there may be many men working against you in an organized movement. Were it not for your bodyguard, Etta might have been kidnapped as well. I don’t know their names, but I have friends who can find out.”
Joshua leaned forward at this first sign of hope. “Help me. Please.”
Tate nodded, his expression grave. “I’ll do everything I can, but we must move quickly.”
Chapter 33
SLEEP CAME IN FITFUL SNATCHES. Time ceased to exist in utter darkness. All Cadence knew was her thirst and the panic that plagued her at the thought of what the children might be enduring. She was helpless against both. She prayed between bouts of wakefulness, asking the Almighty to intervene on their behalf.
Her senses snapped when a rattling sound broke the silence. Chains. A lock? The bright beam of a lantern invaded, causing her to turn her head away. Her eyes could not adjust to such a sudden intrusion.
The lone figure holding the lantern spoke. “Time to move, princess.”
A shadow came toward her. She scrambled away but only managed to press her body against the unforgiving wall. She attempted to scream but the sound was cut off as another sweet-smelling rag was clamped to her mouth with a firm hand.
Stay awake.
The shadowed silhouettes blurred as she fought. She was floating, lifted . . .
Gone.
Joshua hunkered low in his jacket, waiting outside the seedy tavern on the outskirts of Washington. He didn’t like waiting. Not when Tate was inside speaking with the very men who had connections to the demons who had taken his wife and children. Rage flooded him anew. He shifted his weight and exhaled into the evening’s cool. Even now his brother-in-law might be looking into the face of the kidnappers, forcing small talk and gleaning what information he could.