“We’ll make time. We can leave as soon as you like—today if you want.”
“Thank you. But I want you to make a real effort with your father. I can’t bear the thought of the regret you’ll feel if you don’t at least try.”
Jason nodded. He would do anything for Kale. “Of course. I promise I’ll try.”
“Good.” Kale stood, placing Martin’s crumpled letter on the side table. “We promised Lisa we’d go to her lecture. Today should be about her, but I’m anxious to leave as soon as we can be ready.”
Jason nodded. Kale could always be counted on to keep his commitments to his friends. Jason couldn’t imagine the feelings of disloyalty eating away at Kale for leaving his family in Arine. It would take more than words to assuage his guilt. Jason only hoped that Kale would be able to find the peace he so wanted for those around him.
Chapter Six
Kale felt an itch deep inside. Ever since the decision had been made to travel back to Malar County, he’d felt out of place. While Jason had been willing to leave right away, Kale insisted they attend to practical matters first. The trip would be easier if there weren’t things back home occupying their thoughts. Even though every minute of his day was spent preparing, Kale still felt as if he should do more. His blood tingled with the urge to move, to walk out the door and keep going until he reached Arine.
Kale folded the last of Jason’s trousers and placed them in his trunk. Keeping his hands busy helped calm some of his anxiety. It took a little maneuvering, but Kale situated everything and closed the trunk. The soft click of the clasps removed one more item from his mental checklist.
“I just got off the phone with Donald in the prime minister’s office.” Jason walked through the open bedroom door. “He assures me that Gerald will place the full weight of the government behind us if we run into any problems while we’re in Arine.”
“That’s nice to know.” Kale scanned his closet, trying to decide what to bring.
“You’re not worried are you? The Arinian government is already concerned they’re going to have to make some concessions on the issue of slavery in order to get the trade treaty signed. There’s enormous international pressure. They’re not going to inflame the situation by making an issue over a legal Naiaran citizen who used to be a slave.”
“I’m aware. It’s not the government I’m worried about.” Kale turned from the closet to give Jason his full attention. “I have no fears of being made a slave again. You’ve made sure of that. It’s one of the many things you’ve given me, and you don’t have to worry. I promise. I’m much more concerned with the local trouble we may run into.” There wouldn’t be too many people happy with the thought of a former slave returning to buy back his family. There was no legal way for a slave to be freed in Arine, so the circumstances were more than taboo—they were anathema. Only Naiara’s willingness to grant Kale citizenship had saved him from legal entanglements.
“I’ve packed all your documents in my valise that I’ll be carrying with me on the train. Your title is in there along with our passports and the articles of incorporation, just in case.” It was wise on Jason’s part, but Kale had mixed feelings about his title. On one hand, it was a reminder that Kale had been merchandise that could switch hands. On the other, it was the closest thing he would ever have to emancipation. Jason had established a corporation owned by Kale and had transferred Kale’s title into the corporation. Holding his own title was the closest Kale could come to freedom while the law still viewed him as a slave. “I hope we won’t need them. Do you really think there’s a chance you’ll be recognized?”
“Not by most people, but the Cartwrights will recognize me. I haven’t changed that much since your father bought me from them to give to you. They’ll take issue with me being back as a free man. My only other concern is your father.”
“We don’t have to stay in his home, Kale. We don’t even have to see him.”
“Yes, we do. Or at least you do.”
“I’m not going to let you stay by yourself.”
“Exactly. Staying there is the best situation. I can find my family, and you can take the time you need with your father. Beyond that, there are practicalities. Once your father passes, you’ll need to be there to handle the estate.”
“That’s what attorneys are for.”
“We can’t move forward while our past is still clinging to us. If it doesn’t work out, we can always go to a hotel. I’m not asking you to do anything against your conscience. I’m just asking you to take a chance, to know that you did your best so that, when he passes, we’ll be free of him in heart and mind as well as body.”
“I hate it when you make sense. Out of all the men in the world, I have to fall for the one who’s always right.”
“I can think of a few times I’ve been wrong. At least when you’ve been wrong, lives haven’t been destroyed in the fallout.”
“Not destroyed, strengthened.”
Their eyes met and held. Kale was once again stunned that Jason held no animosity toward him for all the hell he had put him through, the hell he had put both of them through. Jason believed the words he said. Kale cupped Jason’s neck and kissed him hard. Kale was the luckiest bastard in the world. For some unknown reason, the gods had smiled down on him.
When they broke apart, Jason was flushed, but there wasn’t time to pursue him further, so Kale went back to the closet.
“Did you pack a set of tails?” Jason moved toward his trunk.
“Don’t open that. Yours is all done. Yes, I packed tails, though I don’t know when you think you’ll have cause to use them.” This was what was making Kale’s packing so difficult. If it were up to him, he’d throw a few shirts and a few pair of trousers in a bag and be good, but Jason wanted them to pack their finest clothes. It was a sad attempt to impress his father. It amazed Kale that Jason knew so little about his own father after growing up with the man. Kale had spent less than three days in Robert Wadsworth’s home and knew that fancy clothes were more likely to decrease Robert’s opinion of his son than to increase it.
“I don’t want to be caught unprepared.”
“Then prepare yourself to see your father differently than you ever have. That letter made it sound as if he’s pretty bad off.” Kale pulled some shirts from their hangers and threw them on the bed to fold.
“Don’t worry about me. Is there anything I can do to help?”
“Did you get the tickets arranged?”
“Yes, they’re waiting for us at will call in three hours. I also have a space in freight reserved for the car.”
Kale smiled his thanks. It would be nice to have that bit of freedom and familiarity, but he had been too frugal to ask that they take it.
“There was no way I was going to listen to you pine for it the entire time. I’ve called Martin and let him know we’re coming. He says he shouldn’t need me for any business matters. Since you’ve already packed my things, I don’t see that there’s anything else for me to do. What do you have left?”
“Just to pack my trunk. It shouldn’t take long. We’ll drop off that painting in the corner at the gallery on our way to the station. I don’t have any other commissions that can’t wait until we get back. Are you sure you don’t want to call your father?”
“I don’t even know if he has a telephone. He’s never been one to keep up with technology.”
“You could write or send a telegram if that’s really the issue.”
“No. I don’t want him to know we’re coming. I want to see his reaction. If he doesn’t want us staying there, I don’t want him to have time to spread rumors about us and make things more difficult. It’s better this way.”
“Fine, if you say so. I’ll be ready in a half hour.”
Jason nodded and took his valise downstairs. Kale turned back to the closet and grabbed a stack of trousers. He made sure he had some nice clothes to match Jason’s so he wouldn’t embarrass him, but other than that, he didn’t care. Ten
minutes later, he hefted their trunks into the car.
Chapter Seven
Jason sat across from Kale, watching him gaze absently out the window. The ride to the station had been filled with empty chatter, confirming that everything was ready. There had been an undercurrent of excitement, but it was comfortable. As soon as they’d boarded the train, the chatter stopped. Kale sat and looked out the window as the train pulled away and hadn’t moved in the three hours since. He didn’t even seem to be aware of Jason watching him.
If they found Kale’s family and purchased them, the family would be entitled to Naiaran citizenship as refugees, the same as Kale had been. Jason had never thought of Kale as a refugee, but he supposed it was accurate. While Jason had freely made the decision to move to Naiara with Kale, Kale had come under completely different circumstances, fleeing a government that saw him as nothing more than property. Jason had done everything he could to help Kale feel like a free man, but how could he erase a lifetime of training? Kale would always retain the memories of being sold away from his mother and brother. While most men remembered with fondness the day they’d met the loves of their lives, for Kale that memory was of a rope changing hands as he was passed from one spoiled brat to another like a nursery room toy. Jason hoped this trip would give some closure to that part of Kale’s life and somehow make up for those memories.
A crease appeared and vanished just as quickly between Kale’s eyes. Jason yearned for some sign of what he was thinking. The whole trip had him uneasy. He hoped for the best, but there were so many ways this could end in disaster. If Kale’s family had been sold, they might not even be able to find them. There was no requirement for slave titles to be officially registered, and they often weren’t in rural areas. Even if they did find Kale’s family, they didn’t have the power to force their owners to sell. Kale had told him before that the worst part was not knowing, but Jason didn’t believe it. If Kale found them and couldn’t purchase them, it would be so much worse. Jason didn’t know how he’d be able to convince Kale to walk away. No amount of legal connections would protect them from charges of theft if Kale stole his family. Even if he smuggled them over the border, the law would force the return of the “stolen merchandise” if they were ever caught.
Then there was the other scenario. Jason didn’t want to think about it. He didn’t know which would be worse: finding Kale’s family and not being able to save them, or finding out they were dead.
Jason shook the thought from his head. He needed to stay positive for Kale’s sake. In all likelihood, everything would work out fine. In a few days, he would meet Kale’s mother and brother. Would he see parts of Kale in them? Were Kale’s intriguing eyes a gift from his mother? Would his brother emulate Kale’s quiet steadiness?
A few days was all it would take. Then they would be headed back home. With his family in tow, Kale would see the urgency in leaving and would forget his silly notion that Jason and his father should reconcile. With any luck, he would be in and out of Malar County without having to exchange more than a few words with the man.
Chapter Eight
The car bounced down the rough dirt road. Kale had only been to Robert Wadsworth’s ranch a couple of times, but it wasn’t hard to remember the way. He had never thought he’d be driving his own car down this road as a free man. Hell, the last time he had been to the ranch he’d barely even known what a car was. Automobiles had been introduced much later in Arine than in Naiara.
“You’ll turn right up here.” Jason pointed, and Kale nodded his understanding. His mind was too cluttered to make room for conversation. All Kale’s thoughts were about a life far removed from the one he shared with his companion. It wasn’t that Kale didn’t think Jason would understand. He knew Jason would make an effort and wouldn’t presume to understand when he really didn’t. It was just that life with Jason really was perfect. Even the little imperfections made their domestic bliss that much sweeter. Kale couldn’t ask for more. He didn’t want to drag Jason into unpleasant memories of a past that neither of them could change. If he opened his mouth and brought Jason into his thoughts, it would only taint what they had.
The ranch house came into view, and the sound of a gasp focused Kale’s attention. Next to him, Jason practically vibrated, his hand gripping the door handle until his knuckles whitened. Kale cursed himself for being so selfish. He should have been more attentive to Jason. He reached over and grabbed Jason’s hand, giving him a smile.
The sprawling house would have looked inviting had Kale not had a history with it. Thick, red cedar logs formed a palatial, two-story structure. Large stone chimneys littered the roof. Rocking chairs and wicker sofas lounged on the porch. Dainty pink and yellow flowers poured out of clay pots. Dark green shutters framed the windows. From a distance, the place looked almost quaint. Only when Kale pulled into the massive driveway did it feel as if the house towered above them. It was that perfect mix of wealth and rural style that made Robert Wadsworth so respected throughout Malar County.
Kale parked the car. “Are you ready for this?”
Jason nodded. “As ready as I can be to face a man who hates me. At least this time I have you firmly by my side.”
Kale kissed him on the lips. After a moment, when Jason didn’t relax, Kale pulled back. “Hey, my offer still stands. Say the word, and I’ll greet dear old Dad with a bear hug.”
Jason smiled and then chuckled. “Finish him off with the shock?”
“Anything for you.”
“Thanks. I really couldn’t do this without you. You know you’re the only reason I’m even here.”
“I know, but save some of the sweet talk for your father.” Kale got out of the car, and he and Jason walked to the door together. After Jason lightly knocked, he grabbed Kale’s hand in a crushing grip. Kale didn’t see the point in antagonizing Robert by flaunting their relationship, but he wasn’t going to leave Jason without support.
A nondescript slave answered the door and ushered them to wait in the sitting room. Neither of them sat. Kale didn’t think Jason would release his hand if he made a move toward one of the chairs. Standing was a welcome change after sitting in the car anyway. Sweat pooled on Kale’s palm even though Jason’s hand felt unpleasantly cool.
“Mr. Wadsworth will see you now.” The slave didn’t wait for any acknowledgement before turning and leading the way to Robert’s study.
The study was alight with the orange glow of a few gas lamps and the setting sun. Kale had never been in the room, but it exuded Robert. Well-worn brown leather furniture clustered in front of the fireplace, a large walnut desk sat in the back under the window, and hunting trophies decorated the walls. Pungent cigar smoke filled the air. At the center of the haze was Robert, propped up with cushions in a large armchair. His cheeks and eyes were sunken, and it appeared he had lost a good bit of weight, though it was hard to tell with a blanket covering his legs. Instead of its usual perpetual tan, Robert’s skin had a gray pallor.
Jason’s hand slipped from Kale’s. His lips parted as he stepped forward, his brown eyes wide. He moved as if all the breath had left his body. Across the room, Kale caught a longing in Robert’s identical brown eyes. It was brief, and Kale wasn’t sure whether he longed for the son he had or the son he wanted. Robert looked down as he tapped the ash from his cigar into the waiting glass tray. When the cigar reached his lips, his eyes shot to Kale with familiar cold hatred. It was chilling coming from eyes that looked so like Jason’s. Kale felt his knees weaken as he fought the urge to retreat to the sanctuary of the kitchen. He reminded himself that he was no longer a slave. It had been more than a year since he’d had to remind himself of that fact.
“Son.” Robert’s voice was hoarse. He took another puff from his cigar. Jason didn’t appear inclined to answer him. “I see you’ve come to await my death and your inheritance. You’re in luck. The doctors say it will only be a few days now before the mass in my lungs kills me.”
Tense silence.
; “You don’t have anything to say? I see you’ve brought your slave with you.”
“He’s not my slave.”
“Ah, I thought that would loosen your tongue. You’re not in Naiara anymore, boy. Here, he’s a slave.”
“He’s a Naiaran citizen.”
“I don’t give a damn. While he’s in my house, he’ll conduct himself as a slave.”
Kale honestly didn’t care. Acting like a slave would no more make him one than acting free had made him so back when he was Jason’s valet. Jason would never see it that way. This was about him demanding respect from his father. It was difficult to demean one of the wealthiest men on the continent, but the quickest way to hurt Jason was to hurt those close to him.
“He’ll conduct himself as my lover and companion.”
“At least keep it a secret that he’s free. There will be an insurrection if word gets out.”
“This isn’t a negotiation, Father. You accept me as I am—and that includes Kale—or we’ll leave.”
Both men stared each other down. Neither flinched. When Kale thought he would have to intervene, Jason turned for the door. Robert’s face cracked. After only two of Jason’s steps, Robert spoke.
“Wait. I suppose not many people will even realize he was a slave. I suppose that will have to do.”
Jason turned again. For a minute, Kale wondered if he would still refuse. “Very well. We’ll stay here then, as long as things remain civil.”
“Demetri.” Blond-haired, blue-eyed Demetri stepped forward. Kale had been so absorbed in the drama unfolding before him that he hadn’t even seen him. Had he really grown so far removed from his past that he no longer noticed slaves? “Go have Master Jason’s room prepared, and arrange for dinner to be served.”
[Measure of Devotion 01.0 - 03.0] Box Set Page 55