by Rita Hestand
He hurried aboard the ship and stood on the deck panting. That had been too close.
He told Josh about it and they put their heads together over a map, to find a better route.
"That one was a little too close for comfort." Wade told him.
After studying the map they came up with another route that might be safer, but they wouldn't know for sure unless they tried it.
"How'd you happen to have that piece of pump on you?" Josh chuckled.
"Pure luck, it's an old part that I replaced, but didn't have time to put up before I left. I never thought about carrying something like that about to explain my presence. It sure saved me this time."
"How goes things?" Jacob asked.
"Battle of Roan's Tan Yard, Major's Hubbard, Hunt, and Torrence along with the Brige's Western Sharpshooters overtook the 5th regiment 3rd Division of the Missouri State Guard. There was 40 killed, 80 wounded and 28 captured. They might have captured them all but there was heavy fog in the area, and a lot of brush. But it was a victory nonetheless." Wade said proudly.
"Any news of Texas?" Jacob asked.
"Not much, no. Not much going on except the Indians in Texas. They are taking advantage of the forts not being manned. I'm sure the biggest skirmishes of Texas will be down by Galveston and maybe Sabine Pass. Other than the Indian wars themselves. That's enough to contend with." Wade told him.
"A lot of homes are being wiped out there. We saw several on the way here." Jacob told him.
"That's what Beth said. I've heard the Indian Territories are dangerous right now too."
Wade took his gear off and sat down in the dining room to eat. Beth brought him out a Texas steak and potato supper and Wade was refreshed.
Most of the passengers were in bed and they had a little privacy in the dining room. Jacob and Beth drank coffee with him and Wade told them about what he'd learned.
He was so tired though.
Beth ran him a hot bath and massaged his back, as he was sore and tired from his trip.
"How's my girl?" He asked, bringing her around so he could kiss her lips.
"Very pregnant and beginning to feel it."
"Are you getting enough rest?"
"I'm fine, honey. I got a letter from home too."
"What did they say, that Matthew enlisted in the Confederate army and your mother is fine, learning to load and reload the guns and make jelly."
Wade rolled her over gently, so he could kiss her easily. "God I've missed you."
"I worry about you Wade. It's getting very dangerous, isn't it?"
"That's to be expected. But most of the heavy fighting is in Virginia and Missouri, and the Carolina's. "
She kissed him and all talk of war vanished as they spent hours making love and sleeping in each other's arms.
Contentment surrounded them here on the boat.
If only the war would go away.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Three months passed, each with heavier casualties, more dangers, the war had intensified, and Wade had instructed all his employees to be on the lookout for unfriendly troops showing up and trying to take over the boat. So all the men that worked on the boat had guns handy.
The Confederates seemed out of sorts with Wade and his boat, although they never refused a trip. The tensions mounted with every trip, they were getting wise to the fact that their every move seemed already outguessed. With no proof, they couldn't do anything but Wade saw it in their faces.
"How did General Martin get his messages through?" Beth asked Wade one day as he had just come back from a messaging trip.
"He had a courier at the time, but he was shot not long before General Martin died."
"Did they know who was sending the messages?"
"No, they might have if they hadn't killed the courier, and the messages was in some kind of code that only the courier, General Martin and the officer knew. It was the safest way to get through."
Beth eyes rounded on him. "Then why don't you set up a courier, you could use Jacob and you could rig up the message so no one knew what it said but the three of you. Make your own code up or better yet let them?"
"That's a brilliant idea. I'll have to talk to my contact and see if we can. Thank you for thinking of it…I hadn't thought that far ahead actually. I just needed to get the messages to them fast." He kissed her on the forehead and smiled. "You are heaven sent."
Beth was almost nine months pregnant now and ready to burst. "That's what wives are for, helping their husbands. That's another reason I want to be here. You are under so much stress I feel I must help you in any way I can."
"I'd like to send you home to have the baby." Wade told her when he returned from a mission. It had been a harrowing trip, filled with barely escaping the enemy lines. Tension had built so high; he hadn't realized it.
"I don't want to go home." She fussed gently. She didn't want him to worry, but she wanted to be here with him. "I want to have your baby right here, where I belong, Wade." Beth insisted. "You are my home Wade, being away from you, especially right now, is torture, I'd worry myself sick over you. At least being here, we can be together and I can help in some ways."
"You're a stubborn woman, Beth, but I love you so much I'm not sure I could stand you leaving me now. And you are a big help, believe me. The Captain tells me you keep this boat in tip top shape. We've been through too much together, haven't we?" He tried to relax, but going from moments of sheer terror to the sweet face of his wife, had a calming effect on him. He let his heart beat return to normal as he kissed her cheek.
"Yes, besides, I have a doctor here on the boat, what could be better? It relieves my mind knowing I won't have to worry about the delivery."
"I only hope I'm here when it happens." Wade sighed. "The way things are going, I don't know."
"So do I darling." Beth came up to him and kissed him generously. "Is there no end in sight for this war?"
Wade took off his boots and leaned back in the chair and closed his eyes, "Doesn't look like it. The casualties are really mounting."
"I know I've read the paper every day. The death list gets longer and longer each day. Tell me, how was your trip this time?"
"Not good, I'm afraid. And I don't want to worry you over that right now. You've got enough to worry over. But–It's getting harder each time to break through the rebel lines. The tension is so high everyone is afraid to let their guard down. And I must be getting out of shape, because it seems to be harder to escape each trip. Not only that, but every time they bring supplies or troops down the river, they suspect me and this boat of treason."
"Maybe Jacob could make a few runs for you." She suggested.
"I'd hate to put him in such danger." Wade told her. "If anything happened to him, I'd never forgive myself."
"I know, but you can't keep going on like this. I see it in your face, the worry. One man can only do so much."
"Besides, he's younger and he certainly was good hiding from the troops and Indians coming here." She curled an arm around his neck and looked into his eyes.
"I'll talk to him. I could use a rest." Wade told her. "Besides, I did talk to my contact about a coded message, and Jacob relieving me from time to time and he agreed. So as soon as I learn the code, we'll implement it and I'll ask Jacob to help."
"You certainly could use the help." She kissed his cheek.
"So how close are you to having this baby?" He asked as his hand went to the round portion of her stomach. The baby was moving and he laughed. "He's a strong one."
"He?" She gave him a glance.
"Or she…" he smiled. "I wouldn't mind another sweet little girl around the place."
"Really, you wouldn't be disappointed?"
"Not in the least. As long as it is healthy, that's the important thing."
"I think I'll deliver in the next week or two. I've been walking a lot more, trying to get in shape for it. I feel pretty good though." She assured him
He took her fully into his arm
s now and kissed her passionately. She didn't mind, and gave into her own needs.
She was caught up in the kiss when she whispered to him, "I can't wait to have this baby so I can ravish my husband. I know that sounds selfish, but I've grown accustomed to making love with you Wade Cahill."
"Hmmm…you sure make it sound inviting." He grinned and most away to take off his boots.
"How about a nice hot bath and relaxing tonight?" She saw the tired lines in his face, saw the way his shoulders bunched. He was dead on his feet. She wanted to comfort him.
"Sounds great, then a huge steak, and to fall asleep in your arms would be heaven." He gave her a sexy grin.
She waited on him, helping him off with his clothes and making hot water for his bath. When he climbed in, she had an urge to climb in with him, but he really was so tuckered, she figured it might be best if she just sponged him off and let him rest. She sensed this trip had been very grueling for him and she was worried.
How many times could he make the trips to the union lines and not get caught. It was like a cat and mouse game. Only it wasn't a game, and it could mean his life.
She shuddered thinking about it.
After a good start in the war, the Confederate's were beginning to see some strain. The north had better equipment, and more men. And the casualties were mounting from each battle.
She sponged him as he lay back in the water, his eyes closed, her hand went over his magnificent chest and she had to stop the flutter inside her. She was nine month pregnant and she didn't need to get stirred, but it happened quite frequently nonetheless.
Before she realized it, he was sound asleep.
She kissed him on the cheek and left him alone for a bit, so he could relax. He didn't move until the cooling of the water woke him.
She'd talk to Jacob herself. Wade was worn out. She had to do something, short of making the trips herself.
She caught Jacob staring out over the deck one afternoon.
"Jacob, I've come to ask your help. Wade will get around to asking you himself, but I wanted to talk to you about it."
"Sure, what's up, sis?"
"It's these long trips through enemy lines, the last trip was very hard and Wade is showing signs of fatigue now. I'm worried about him."
Jacob eyed her with interest. "You want me to make the runs for him?"
Beth stared into her brother's eyes, "What do you think about it?"
"I've been waiting for him to ask me. I didn't know if he would trust me with such a mission, but I know I could get through. I'd like to try it, myself. I'm pretty good at dodging." He smiled.
"I know; our trip here was safe because of your quick thinking. I asked Wade to ask you. He's developing a code for the message so that the only ones that know are the ones involved."
Jacob thought on that a moment. "I don't want to know what it says, that way, if they capture me, I can't tell them anything."
"Capture you?" Beth frowned. "You think it would come to that?"
"I don't know, but it would be safer if only Wade and the commanding officer knew." Jacob said.
"Maybe you are right about that, but I'll have no more talk of being captured."
He chuckled. "You are right." He winked at her.
"Thank you Jacob, you don't know what this means to me." She cried putting her hand on his.
"Yes I do, it means he'll be here when the baby comes, and that's as it should be. Besides, I think the reason the rebels are so suspicious of him is that he's not around a lot any more. He needs to be seen by them and often or they might decide he is the courier himself." Jacob nodded.
Beth's mouth flew open, "My God, you are right again. That makes perfect sense."
"Of course it does. I'll be glad to help. It actually kind of exciting." Jacob smiled.
"You will be careful though?" She asked with genuine concern.
"Of course, I'm going to be an Uncle, aren't I?" He smiled at her and kissed her on the forehead.
"Yes, and very soon…" she smiled slyly.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Once Wade had studied the code he decided to talk to Jacob about it.
He was astonished that Jacob was actually eager to help. "I've been waiting to see when you would trust me enough to let me go."
"Trust had nothing to do with it Jacob. I hate putting you in such danger." Wade explained.
"I'm a firm believer that a person won't die until it's there time, and when it is, nothing on God's green earth will stop it. So I'm ready for this, Wade. I want to do it. You know your absence here on the boat looks incriminating, maybe if you are here more, the rebels won't get their hackles up so much." Jacob explained.
Wade frowned, then broke into a huge smile. "By golly, you are right, Jacob. Funny, I didn't see that, but I appreciate you pointing it out to me."
"Maybe things will ease up when they see you around more." Jacob sounded hopeful.
"Yeah…maybe it will." Wade sighed. "You know; I'm getting very tired of this war. And so many are being killed every day, it really hurts to see this…"
"Yeah…I know. Some of those rebels are barely sixteen."
"Yeah, I noticed that too, and their lack of uniforms at times. The south wasn't as prepared as they thought." Wade sighed heavily.
Wade moved around the engine room. Strange how this room had come to muffle out all the voices and been a haven to discuss anything that might come up.
He glanced at Jacob, really looking at him.
Jacob was a nice looking young man with thick dark brown hair and blue eyes. He'd make some fine young lady a good husband someday. If he lived through this war. And right now Wade had begun to worry about that.
"I'm sure I don't have to tell you how dangerous this is, and how it would crush Beth's heart if anything happened to you. And mine." Wade assured him.
Jacob stared at him and shook his hand, "I'll do my best not to let anything happen…"
"Anytime you want to back out of this, you can…"
"I'm in it now. I wanted to join the union forces, that's why I came with Beth, but when I realized you needed me here, I couldn't leave. I like working here Wade. I want you to know how much I appreciate the trust you've put in me."
"Just stay alive…that's all I ask." Wade put his hand on his shoulder.
Jacob smiled.
As they prepared for Jacob's first run, Wade drew him a map of how to get through, but he asked that he memorize it and not take it with him. He couldn't be caught coming back to the boat. That was important.
Jacob agreed.
The message was tucked into his boot, the map memorized, and Jacob was eager to do his part in the war. Just before he slipped overboard he smiled at Wade. "Maybe we can help end this war…"
Wade nodded with a smile.
Beth had kissed Jacob goodbye and stood away from the railing so as not to bring attention to the action. Even though it was late at night, some soldiers were about the boat.
Wade turned to see Beth staring with tears in her eyes. "Oh darling, it will be alright. He wanted to go."
"I know. It's not that…"
"Then what is wrong?"
"I'm in labor!" She cried.
"My God, honey, let's get you to the room, and I'll fetch the doctor." Wade told her.
"My water just broke…" She said in a whisper.
Wade picked her up in his arms and carried her straight through. Several passengers strolling along deck noticed them.
"Something wrong?" They asked.
Wade barely turned his head, "We're having a baby."
"Oh my," the woman with the man said. "Can I help?"
"I'd appreciate it…" Wade called to the woman.
Wade lay her on the bed gently, kissed her brow and went for the doctor.
The doctor smiled when he told him. "No rush, Wade, first babies are famous for being late in showing up. I'll get my bag and be right there."
"Thanks doc…" Wade said with distress on his face.
"I've never been through this before doc…" Wade said taking a slow breath.
"Yes, I can see that…Has her water broke?"
"Yeah…"
"How far apart are her pains?"
"I don't know doc…" Wade looked completely confused. "Should I know that?"
"No, I'm just asking to calm you down so you can be a pillar of strength for her when she needs you. It's going to be a long night, son." The doc put his hand on Wade's shoulder.
Wade nodded, but it was easy to see he didn't understand why the doc was moving so slow.
Holding her hand, Wade felt helpless when a pain would hit her. She'd squeeze his hand so tight he'd almost yell, but he bit his tongue, knowing she was in greater pain than he'd ever been.
He wiped her brow several times with a wet rag and encouraged her as much as he could. But how could he encourage her when she was so wrought with pain?
Along about midnight, he went to get a cup of coffee from the dining room. The cook was just finishing up in the kitchen.
"How is she?" The cook asked, as he wiped a pot clean.
"The same I'm afraid. Having babies is a miserable task." Wade shook his head.
"My son took all night and the next day to be born, I should know." The cook smiled.
"No one prepares you for this kind of thing." Wade told him.
"Have patience my friend, you will feel like a King when it is born."
Wade returned but because the doctor was examining her, he couldn't go inside. He waited outside, and heard the moans from Beth, wishing he could do something to ease her pain.
After seeing all the pain, she was suffering he wasn't sure he ever wanted to put her through so much again.
He sipped his coffee and catnapped while the doctor tended Beth.
A mid-wife on the boat offered the doctor her assistance and together they were puttering about constantly.
Hours passed and dawn made Wade realize he needed to check on things, so he told the doctor he'd be back and to send someone if the baby was born while he was working.