Destiny's Temprtress

by Janelle Taylor

  Before another day passed, Shannon knew something was very wrong. Every time she turned around, Major Clifford was there, watching her with a predatory gleam in his eye. As much as she wanted to learn any facts she could, she was careful not to ask the incoming wounded any suspicious questions. Shannon tried to behave normally, but the major was getting on her nerves. Had he discovered the truth? She decided that no matter how dangerous it might be, she would have to get away tonight!

  As she did each day, Shannon went to the corral and tended her horse. It was her way of making certain he remained within her reach. Shortly after noon, she took a break for a nap, knowing she would have to ride hard and fast all night. Later she gathered food and a canteen and concealed them in her medical bag. After she was packed, she had nothing to do but wait for darkness.

  A soldier knocked on her door and called her name. Shannon trembled. She reluctantly responded to his summons. “Yes?”

  “Major Clifford wants to see you, ma’am,” he informed her.

  Shannon cringed in alarm. “It’s late, sir, and I’m very tired. Please tell the major I will see him in the morning.”

  When she tried to close the door, his hand grasped its edge and prevented her action. “I’m sorry, ma’am, but he said it’s urgent.”

  “Urgent? I’ve done my duty today, sir. If there are more incoming wounded, someone else will have to see to them. I’m exhausted. How can I be of help to anyone if I collapse from fatigue or illness?”

  “If necessary, ma’am, I’m to bring you by force,” he insisted.

  Qualms filled Shannon. She allowed her shock and displeasure to show. She must call his bluff. “I beg your pardon? I’m a private citizen, under President Davis’s protection. How dare your major order me about like one of his soldiers! This is unforgivable conduct. I shall not tolerate it. You will remind the major of such facts, sir.”

  The soldier flushed red and shifted nervously. “I’m under orders. You must come along. The major has news of your husband.”

  Shannon’s blue eyes brightened. “Why didn’t you say so?” she chided him. Blane—at least there was news of Blane. Instantly she knew that his statement had been a lie. Still, she would be forced to see Clifford. “Give me a moment, sir,” she asked, then closed her door. She concealed the gun and knife beneath her clothing, smoothed her dress and hair, then left with the private.

  Shannon was taken to a house that Clifford had confiscated by force from an unfortunate family who proclaimed themselves Union sympathizers. He motioned for Shannon to enter and be seated. After dismissing the private, he tried to lock the door without her noticing. Shannon instantly became alert. “Yes, Major? It’s late, and I’m exhausted. Did you want something?”

  He walked to a sideboard and lifted a decanter. “Wine?” he offered. When Shannon refused it, he poured one glass and sat down.

  “Sir, I’m very distressed over this offensive treatment tonight. Your private said you had news of Steven,” she continued, wanting to get this confrontation started and finished.

  The man crossed his leg casually and smiled—a smile that was more a leer. “Relax, Miss Greenleaf. We need to talk. I want this meeting to be pleasant and mighty interestin’. Yesiree, me and you needs to talk,” Clifford murmured in a provocative manner.

  “About what, sir?” she asked, exposing her vexation.

  “You, Miss Greenleaf,” he responded. “You see, I have some Georgia boys who joined up with me after their troop was scattered. One of them knows you. He told me you Greenleafs sided with the Yanks. Then I was told you went to Danville seeking a Federal captive. What do you, think I should make of all this?” he inquired cockily.

  “That someone is either mistaken or telling lies. If that is all, sir, I shall return to my room. I find your conduct rude and insulting.”

  “After you and your husband arrived in my camp, I thought your story seemed a bit wild. While I kept your man busy, I sent one of my men to Richmond to do some checking. Seems one of our agents in Washington came up with a curious story about a flaming redhead who’s a good friend of Lincoln’s. Seems this beauty vanished with a Major Blane Stevens, one of the Union’s best agents. It also seems that a Simon Travers from Boston has great interest in retrieving this ravishing woman, and the law’s on his side. I ain’t too smart, ma’am, but I can add up these many clues. What are you and Stevens really after?”

  “I don’t know what you mean, sir. I am not the only woman with red hair. You have no right or evidence to make such ridiculous charges. In fact, sir, I believe you are a liar. No soldier has had time to cover such a distance. Are you trying to deceive or intimidate me?”

  “Are you forgetting about the train between Lynchburg and Richmond? After my man returned, I thought you and me should have a private chat. You know, spies don’t fare well in Dixie, ma’am.”

  “Spy? You’re accusing me of spying? You’re absurd! Ask the doctors, nurses, and wounded if I have tried to procure any information from them. If you dare, search my room and belongings. Question Doctor Cooper about our visit to Danville Prison. Bring my accuser to confront me—this Georgia boy you mentioned. Have your agent from Washington come here and swear upon a Bible that I am the redhead he mentioned. You have no proof because there is none. I shall have you reported and punished for this outrage. You overstep your authority, sir.”

  Chilling laugher from Clifford’s grinning lips filled the room. “You’re saying you didn’t come from Washington? Straight from the White House? You’re saying you don’t know Blane Stevens, that he ain’t Steven James? You’re saying you didn’t visit with Elizabeth Van Lew in Richmond, a known Yankee spy? You’re saying you didn’t flash no Yankee flag as a sign to them prisoners?” he challenged insolently.

  “I will not relate my personal eomings and goings to you. But for your information, President Davis knows I was staying with Miss Lizzie; that’s where he sent my travel pass. My father did business with Mister Van Lew before the war. As for the prison incident, it was a trick to obtain news of my brother. I have nothing to hide, sir, but I will not be interrogated or harassed by the likes of you.”

  Clifford drilled his gaze into hers. “If that’s true, then you won’t mind if we capture and shoot Major Blane Stevens? And you won’t mind Simon Travers arriving and taking a look at you tomorrow?”

  Shannon couldn’t stop the color from draining from her face. “Why would a Boston Yankee come here? Have you forgotten I know President Davis, that I carry a personal letter of protection from him?”

  “I’m sure he’ll be delighted I’ve caught the spy witch who made a fool of him and weaseled his help. A woman like you don’t go running around the country without good reason. I ain’t no bloody fool or idiot. I can prove my charges, and I can hold you before ‘n’ after I do.”

  “Who is this Georgia boy?” Shannon continued her flimsy bluff.

  “Captain James Thornton of Savannah. Know him?”

  Yes, she recalled that beast. She remembered how she had rebuffed him on countless occasions and twice refused his proposal. The last time she had seen James, he had been beaten soundly by Hawke. “Surely you can’t accept the word of a scorned suitor?” she scoffed.

  “I have a compromise for you, Miss Greenleaf,” he began.

  “A compromise?” she repeated when he fell silent. Shannon rose and went to the fireplace to put distance between them. This predicament did not look good at all. Clifford was stretching the truth.

  “If you stay here and forget about being a traitor to the South, I’ll forget what I’ve learned about you. By now, Stevens should be dead or captured. When Travers arrives, I’ll tell him you escaped and send him on to Georgia. If’n you compromise.”

  Shannon did not require clarification of “compromise” and “stay here.” This villain could cause her trouble and peril. He was a threat to Blane. But pay for his silence and protection with her body…

  Clifford followed her to the fireplace. As one hand cupp
ed a breast, he added, “You’ll live here with me until the danger’s passed.”

  “Take your hands off me,” she demanded in outrage.

  “If I’m forced to arrest you, you’ll be sent to Danville. There ain’t no hotel for women over there. I wonder how long you’ll be healthy confined with all those sexhungry, diseased men. When they get you inside that filthy pen, they won’t care if’n yore Rebel or Yank. While they got you, they’ll forget they don’t have no food ’r shelter—till they use you up. I might have to toss ’em another traitor’s tail to keep ’em settled down. Starving prisoners can get awfully rowdy and dangerous.”

  “You wouldn’t dare commit such an offense!” she shrieked. “I am a woman, a Southerner. Many of the highest ranking officers in the Confederate Army know me and my family. You wouldn’t dare.”

  He chuckled wickedly. “I can do whatever I want to a Union spy. I can hand you over to the three men who captured you and Stevens. They deserve some reward, don’t you think? There’s plenty of woods around here. Wouldn’t nobody see or hear nothing. After I finish with you, they’d be glad to help you disappear. When I say you left, no one would dare doubt me or miss you. You should be glad I’m being so kind and generous to a spy ‘n’ traitor.”

  Shannon gaped at the evil man. War had twisted his mind. But would he commit such a crime? His expression said yes. Shannon knew there was no way she could get out of this predicament unless she rendered Clifford helpless for hours. She watched the man’s gaze shift to her bosom. His face became flushed and he licked his lips. If she screamed, no one would help her or believe her. Clifford took her silence for defeat and tried to unbutton her dress.

  Shannon caught his hands to halt them. She sighed heavily, setting her ruse into motion. “All right, Major Clifford. I’m not a criminal, but I doubt I could prove my word against yours. I’ll have to accept your offer. But I won’t be rolled on the floor or handled like some cheap harlot. This deal will be our secret, is that not so?”

  He smiled, thinking he had won. “As long as you live here with me and follow my orders, no one will be the wiser.”

  “How do I know I can trust you?” Shannon probed.

  “The same way I’ll have to trust you,” he retorted. “We got something valuable to trade: I need me a real woman, and you need my help.” When he attempted to unbutton her dress again, Shannon tried to stop him. He slapped her hands away and warned, “You got to learn to share everything, girl. I want me a peek at these beauts. I been thinking about how they’d look and taste for days. You’re real scared of this Simon Travers, ain’t you? Why’d you become a spy?”

  Shannon did her best to appear vulnerable and afraid, but she wanted to claw out his eyes and evil heart. There was no available weapon, and it was futile to pit her meager strength against his. She had no choice but to allow his groppings until she got the upper hand. “I’m not a spy, sir, but I know I can’t prove it. I was in Washington and I did meet Lincoln and Stevens. I merely told them I would aid their cause in return for their help with locating my brother. I had to get away from Simon; he was forcing me to marry him. You’ve been watching me. You know I’ve done nothing to hurt the Confederacy. I don’t want to be placed inside Danville Prison or turned over to those men. I have no choice but to do as you command. I only wanted to find Corry and get home to Savannah.” Tears eased down her cheeks.

  Clifford’s evil lust prevented any remorse or sympathy. “You need me to take care of you, Shannon. I’ll be real good to you,” he mumbled hoarsely, his glazed eyes fastened to her exposed breasts. He was becoming crazed by them. “By damn, they’s beauts, real beauts! Was you diddling Stevens?” he questioned abruptly.

  Shannon inhaled and panted, “Certainly not! He’s a Yankee.” Where was Blane when she needed him? Was he alive? Free? God help her, she wanted to kill this vile man! Patience, she warned herself.

  “It’s time we go to bed,” he announced ominously as he continued to fondle a breast with each grimy hand.

  “I’ll need privacy, sir. I’ve never…” Shannon chose her words carefully and cleverly. “Please give me a few minutes.”

  Clifford’s mouth curled into an eager smile. “You’re a virgin?” he asked excitedly. When Shannon nodded and blushed, he licked his lips once more. His wide eyes roamed her shapely body.

  “You won’t hurt me?” she entreated as if terrified and subdued.

  “’Course not. You get in there and get undressed. I’ll join you soon. You try to escape and I’ll have my men take turns with you while I watch. Behave yourself, ’cause I don’t want to share you.”

  “Please don’t call your men, sir, and don’t hand me over to Simon. He’s mean and evil. I’ll do whatever you say. Just be patient and gentle. I understand my position.” Shannon knew the man was so consumed with lust that he would never suspect her thoughts and actions. The wicked devil assumed she was petrified and defeated. Well, he didn’t know Shannon Greenleaf at all!

  “Then get in bed and be ready for me,” he ordered sternly.

  Shannon entered the room he had pointed out to her. Working swiftly, she doused the lantern so that only moonlight filtered into the darkness. She removed her dress and shoes and dropped them in full view beside the bed. Stuffing pillows beneath the cover, she formed a bodylike shape. Then she searched for a weapon and, finding a heavy candlestick, she quickly concealed it as she awaited his arrival. She would be given only one chance for freedom. Heaven help her if she bungled it. Oh, Blane, where are you, my love?

  She could hear the glass and decanter clinking together as the repulsive major took another drink or two. The door stood ajar. Shannon was poised for attack, then remembered how tall he was. If she missed her target…She hurried to the bed, tossed the pillows aside, and snuggled beneath the cover, wondering what was keeping him so long.

  Finally the door squeaked and a shadow fell across the floor. Clifford’s eyes spotted the discarded clothing and the hump under the covers. He grinned. This had been easier than he imagined. He had scared her silly with his threats. He was glad Simon Travers wouldn’t arrive for three days to pay plenty to ransom this pretty tart. It was too bad that greedy Yank wouldn’t get a virgin brideone victory more for the South. Yep, this was going to be a nice little treat. He couldn’t wait to get inside of her helpless virgin body. He looked down at his large, rigid manhood, then lovingly fondled it. His baby had the size and power to give lots of pain or pleasure, depending on which hunger he was in the mood to feed and enjoy. His teeth almost itched to chew on her nipples. Sometimes giving pain was as good as sating himself inside a woman. He glanced at the belt in his other hand. That fun could come later, after he got her broken in.

  “It’s gonna be real good for us, Shannon.” He chuckled lewdly, then walked to the bed, nudging her clothes aside with his toe. “If you don’t want me to take this belt to your backside, girl, hand over the rest of your clothes,” he ordered with a laugh as he popped the pillow with the weapon. He laughed again when she jumped uncontrollably and squealed. In every town he had entered, there had been some female he could intimidate or trick. “I know how to use this belt on women that don’t mind me. You know you don’t want me tearing off them underclothes, and I can’t get to you through ’em. Shuck ’em, girl. I got a real nice gift for you. You don’t want me getting mad and rough.”

  Shannon detected the smugness and evil in this man. And when she considered the differences in their sizes, she realized she could never overpower him. She would have to wait until he was close enough and dazed enough to strike with the heavy candlestick. She wiggled out of her undergarments, grateful for the darkness and covers. Tossing them to Clifford, she slipped her hand beneath the pillow to grasp her weapon securely. She was ready and eager to do battle with this villain.

  Clifford sniffed the garments and laughed before he dropped them and the belt to the floor. Flinging aside the covers, he seized her by the ankles. Then he roughly jerked her body sideways on the bed, p
lacing himself between her spread thighs. Gripping her hipbones, he prepared to yank her toward him as he stated excitedly, “It’s best for you and me if this first plunge is fast and hard.” His shaft was poised to thrust forcefully and brutally into her exposed womanhood.

  As his body fell forward on hers, Shannon struck him time and time again with the heavy weapon. At first, Clifford groaned and thrashed as he tried to avoid her unexpected attack. Even after he went limp, Shannon hit him again, almost hoping she had killed the vile beast. Realizing there was no time to waste, she shoved him from her naked body, then sat up breathing rapidly.

  When her racing heart and respiration slowed, she glanced at the form beside her. He had lied to her. He had intended to rape her savagely. What other lies had he told? Knowing she had to leave quickly, she struggled to her feet, seized Clifford by the ankles, and pulled and heaved until he dropped to the floor. Revulsion flooded her as her gaze traveled over his loathsome body. Light from the adjoining room fell across his frame. Even in a flaccid state, his manhood was enormous. Surely it would have ripped her apart if he had impaled her with it.

  She yanked the sheet from the bed and tore sturdy lengths from it. She bound his feet twice, then did the same with his hands behind his back. Taking a wider piece, she wrapped it around his head numerous times to gag his mouth. Next, she blindfolded him. As her roaming gaze checked her progress, it landed on his “gift” for her. She tore another narrow strip from the sheet. Trying not to touch the disgusting member, she tied a “ribbon” tightly around the base of his shaft. With luck, he would never be able to use it again, she mused angrily—at least not to violate and torture an innocent woman! She wished she had slain him. During a moment of battle, it would have been justified, but planning it and carrying it out with a clear head would have been nothing less than premeditated murder.