Touching the Sky

by Tracie Peterson

  Her search uncovered two small rolled maps and invoices for black powder. There were also several pages of handwritten notes, but Laura didn’t take the time to study them. She collected everything from the drawer and glanced around the room to see what she might put the papers within for transport. Seeing nothing suitable, she merely tucked them inside her snug jacket and secured the middle drawer in place.

  Once she’d reached the hall, Laura relocked the door and went in search of her sister and Esther. The two women were just coming down the stairs when Laura was about to start up. She could see that the carpetbags now bulged as Esther struggled to heft them.

  “We got everything we could,” Carissa declared.

  “Then let’s get out of here,” Laura instructed. “I found enough evidence that I believe Brandon’s superiors will have little trouble convicting your husband.”

  Carissa’s eyes widened. “Truly?”

  They’d reached the kitchen and Laura was about to reply when she heard the sound of horses and men talking. She glanced out the window. It was Malcolm and five other men.

  “He’s here, and he has friends,” Laura said, turning back to her sister.

  “He will know we’re here because of the carriage,” Carissa said, shaking her head. “What are we going to do?”

  Laura looked at Esther. “Leave the bags, Esther.” She reached into her jacket. “These papers must reach Brandon. Do not give them to anyone else. Leave by the front door and don’t let yourself be seen. Brandon may be at the army headquarters, so try there first. When you find him, let him know what’s happened—just in case we don’t make it home.”

  Esther’s eyes widened. “I don’t wanna leave ya here alone.”

  “It’s the only way,” Laura said, pulling the woman through the house. “Carissa and I can tell Malcolm why we’ve come and how the doctor wants her to be with us because of the baby. If he’s not suspicious we will be able to get to the carriage and start for home before he can realize that I’ve taken his papers. Now go.”

  She pulled the metal bar from its place as Esther stuffed the papers inside the bodice of her gown. Laura all but shoved the woman through the front entrance. She had barely closed the door and replaced the bar when she heard her sister greeting Malcolm and the others.

  Making her way casually to the kitchen, Laura reached for the carpetbags. “If you’re sure this is everything . . .” She stopped talking and smiled at Malcolm. “Oh, we’re so glad you’re home. I’m sure you read our father’s letter.”

  Malcolm frowned. “What letter? And what’s with those bags?”

  Laura acted as though it were nothing more important than a Sunday school outing. “The doctor wants Carissa to stay with us. Given that you are so very busy and often travel, he felt it important to her health. You see, she keeps fainting. It’s because of her delicate condition, of course.”

  The men seemed rather put off by the subject, but Laura continued. “The doctor felt that Carissa needed other women to tend to her needs, and we knew you’d understand. See there on the table? We sent you word last night. Carissa was with me when she passed out. It might have been quite tragic if I’d not been there.”

  Malcolm looked at the letter and then back to his wife. For a moment Laura felt sure he would fight her on the idea, but to her surprise, he simply nodded. “I think that would be a good idea. Carissa should stay with you—probably at least until Christmas. My work should settle down by then, and I’ll be able to arrange a housekeeper for her.”

  Laura smiled. “How grand. Well, then let us be on our way. Carissa, I’ll just put your things in the carriage.”

  “Thank you,” Carissa said in a barely audible voice. Laura feared her sister’s nervous state might well give them away.

  “Just a minute,” Malcolm said as Laura moved toward the door. He motioned to the men standing there. “One of you take those bags to the carriage for her.”

  A tall, scruffy-looking man at Laura’s right reached out and took the bags. “I got ’em, boss.”

  Malcolm’s gallantry surprised Laura, but she struggled to maintain her composure. “Thank you.”

  Malcolm gave his wife a nod and headed for the hall. “I have to get something in my office, and then we’ll be on our way, as well. I probably won’t see you again before the first of the year.”

  “Do . . . be . . . careful,” Carissa said.

  “Come along, sister. You’re starting to look pale again. I don’t want you fainting.” Laura took hold of Carissa’s arm and all but dragged her toward the back door. She wanted to run, knowing they’d have very little time to get away before Malcolm was able to learn the truth about his papers.

  “We should hurry,” she whispered to Carissa.

  Laura had just assisted Carissa into the carriage and was hurrying to the other side when Malcolm appeared at the back door. “Ladies, I need to show you something before you go.”

  Laura turned and forced a smile. “She’s really tired, Malcolm. Can’t it wait?”

  He smiled, but his expression was cold and sent a chill down Laura’s spine. “No. It can’t wait.”

  Carissa hesitated, and Laura felt at a loss as to what to do. She had been relieved to get out of the house and into the open. There weren’t any other houses in the area, but she somehow felt safer being there than inside the house with those men.

  “Carissa.”

  The single word was a command.

  Laura looked to her sister and nodded, not knowing what else to do. “I’ll come with you,” she said in a hush. Taking hold of Carissa’s arm, Laura helped her from the wagon. Together they walked back to the house.

  “What is it you wish for me to see?” Carissa asked.

  Malcolm took hold of her and pulled her away from Laura. “Come with me, and I’ll show you.” He glanced at Laura. “You too. I think you’ll both find this interesting.”

  Laura trembled. Dear Lord, she prayed. We need your help. We need your protection.

  She followed Malcolm and Carissa back into the house and through the kitchen. Laura had a horrible feeling in the pit of her stomach when Malcolm stopped at the room where he kept his office. Pushing open the unlocked door, he did nothing but stand there.

  Carissa looked to Laura and then to her husband. “What is it? What do you want me to see?”

  “I thought you might like to see how nice the sunlight is.”

  Carissa frowned. “We were just outside, Malcolm. I could see the sun there.”

  Laura felt as though she might be the one to faint. She’d forgotten to refix the draperies. Malcolm had known without ever needing to search his desk that someone had been in his office. She frantically searched her mind for an excuse—some reason that he might accept for her having been there. Of course, once he found his papers missing, he would blame her no matter what.

  “It is lovely,” Laura finally said, forcing the words. “I can see why you have your office here.”

  He glared at her. “I keep the drapes closed. Someone opened them.” He narrowed his gaze at Laura. “I don’t suppose you’d know anything about that?”

  “Why should I?” She did her best to sound unafraid. “I had no reason to be here. I’ve been helping Carissa with her things.” Laura prayed he’d believe her and let them go before searching his desk.

  “I see,” Malcolm replied. He toyed with the fountain pen on his desk before moving around to the other side. For a moment he paused, and the tension only mounted. Laura looked behind her, wondering if they might make a run for it, but Malcolm’s cohorts were blocking the hall. Malcolm slowly leaned down and unlocked the bottom drawer.

  “Hmm, I suppose you don’t know anything about my papers, either.” He straightened and fixed Laura with a hard look.

  “You’re being rather obscure, Malcolm. What papers are you talking about?”

  “The papers I keep in this drawer.” He eyed Laura with a withering look.

  Laura stood her ground and feigned
surprise. “Well, since the drawer was locked, I suppose no one would have knowledge of the contents.”

  “The office was locked, too, but someone still managed to get inside.”

  At this, Carissa looked at Laura and then to her husband. “I’m not feeling well, Malcolm.”

  He laughed. “I’m sure you aren’t.” He motioned to one of the men. “Joe, go get those bags from the carriage. I have a feeling I’ll find what I’m looking for in them.”

  Laura stiffened. She knew they wouldn’t find the papers there, but she had no idea what Malcolm’s next move might be after that. He had no way of knowing that Esther had come with them, but when he couldn’t find the things he was looking for, Laura knew he would be determined to know the truth. Would she be able to refrain from admitting her guilt? What if he decided to torture her? Worse yet, what if he threatened to hurt Carissa?

  In less than a minute, Joe was back with both bags. He tossed them on the desk and Malcolm immediately poured the contents from each. Laura clutched Carissa’s hand and squeezed her sister’s fingers.

  Malcolm shuffled through the clothes and then looked back to the two women. “Where are they?”

  Laura shook her head. “Malcolm, we haven’t a clue what you’re talking about. However, your wife is ill and needs to rest. Now, if you are done with this game, I suggest you help me get Carissa to the carriage.”

  “You two aren’t going anywhere until I get those papers. If you’ve hidden them in this house, I will find them.”

  To Laura’s surprise Carissa stepped forward. “Malcolm, you keep this office locked. How is it that you could possibly think we’ve taken anything? Perhaps we’ve been robbed.”

  Malcolm laughed. “And the thief just happened to relock the office door before leaving with nothing of value? Those papers aren’t good to anyone but me. Unless, of course, someone was of a mind to turn them over to the authorities.”

  Laura struggled to keep up the pretense. “Why would the authorities care?”

  “You two play a good game, but I’m not convinced.” He came around the desk so quickly that Laura nearly stumbled as she stepped backward. “Take hold of her,” Malcolm said to the man nearest Laura. He did so with an ironclad grip that dug painfully into Laura’s arms.

  Malcolm took Carissa in hand and searched her for any sign of his papers. “Where are they, wife?”

  “I don’t have them, Malcolm,” Carissa said, shaking her head. “And please don’t be so rough with me. Remember my condition.”

  “I don’t care about your condition,” he said, shoving her aside. He looked at Laura. “Maybe you’re hiding them. Do I need to tear every stitch off you in order to search them out?”

  “You wouldn’t dare,” Laura countered.

  “Wouldn’t I?” He reached out and yanked her jacket open. The buttons tore from their place and fell to the wood floor.

  “Malcolm, stop!” Carissa cried out. “We don’t have them. We sent them away.”

  Laura swallowed hard as Malcolm’s expression turned to granite. He turned very slowly, and then delivered a slap across Carissa’s face that sent her backward into the arms of one of the men.

  “Where?”

  “They’re gone and have been for some time,” Laura said, trying to pull his attention back to her. He would no doubt kill Carissa if given the chance, and she couldn’t allow that to happen. “If you want them, you’ll have to let us go. The papers are safe—for now. But if we don’t return immediately to the house, our father will send soldiers for us.”

  Malcolm raised his hand to strike her, but Laura merely stared him down. He held off and drew a deep breath. “It would appear we have a little problem.” He walked back to his desk and sat down. For several very long minutes, he said nothing.

  Laura’s heart pounded so hard she felt certain everyone in the room could hear it. She longed to run, but knew the impossibility of it. She prayed that Esther had gotten safely away and that the papers would soon be in Brandon’s hands. She prayed that he would come to their rescue . . . but worried that it wouldn’t be in time.

  25

  Brandon arrived at the Marquardt house shortly after noon. Laura had encouraged him to come back for dinner that day, and he was glad to oblige her. But he was greeted with the worst possible news.

  “The girls went off this morning to collect Carissa’s things. Esther went with them, and I expect them back most anytime,” Mrs. Marquardt told him.

  Brandon was unable to hide his displeasure. “Why would you allow them to do such a thing?” He hadn’t meant to chide her in such a manner. He realized from what Laura had said previously that her parents didn’t know of Malcolm’s violence. “I mean, the luggage would probably be far too heavy for them.”

  “Esther has a strong back, and Laura insisted they would be fine. Now, would you like to join me? I was just about to partake of some dinner. Cook has made a wonderful shrimp gumbo. She procured the recipe from her sister in New Orleans, and I must say we all delight in it.”

  Brandon didn’t want to upset the woman, but he felt strongly that he should go in search of Laura and her sister. “As delectable as that sounds, I must decline. I only stopped by for a few minutes. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll take my leave. Please let Laura know, however, that I will return this evening.”

  “Oh, I surely will,” Mrs. Marquardt said. “Do come for supper, Mr. Reid. We will be most happy to have your company.”

  He nodded and turned for the door. “I thank you, Mrs. Marquardt.”

  Gaston had no sooner closed the door behind him when Brandon spied Tyler Atherton riding toward the house. He wondered if he might convince the man to aid him in searching for the women.

  “Atherton, I thought you were to be on a ship bound for Galveston this morning,” Brandon said. He quickly untied his horse and mounted.

  Tyler nodded and Brandon rode up to face him. “There were some problems with delivery. The bulls should be here tonight, and I’ll leave in the mornin’.”

  “Well, I wonder if you might ride with me just now. I have a problem, and I would like to solicit your help.”

  Tyler looked at the house. “I came to see how Mrs. Lowe was feeling, and Laura invited me for the noon meal.”

  Brandon tried not to show his irritation. “Look, neither woman is currently here. In fact, they may be in some danger, and I’m wondering if you would assist me in finding them.”

  “Danger? From what?”

  Considering the situation for a moment, Brandon motioned to the street. “Ride with me and I’ll explain.”

  Atherton glanced once more at the house, then nodded. He moved his bay to follow after Brandon’s mount. “What’s this about, Reid?”

  “I know you fought for the South, Atherton, but there are problems afoot by some of your former Confederates, and it stands to claim a great many lives. The lives of Laura and Carissa may well be in that count. What I want to know from you is whether you can take a stand against the men you once fought alongside.”

  Tyler didn’t hesitate. “If the women are in danger, I’ll fight General Lee himself. Now, what’s this all about?”

  Brandon urged his horse to a quick lope and Tyler did likewise. “Carissa’s husband is suspected of having killed Union soldiers.”

  “I did that myself,” Tyler admitted. “Don’t like to dwell on it, but it hardly makes me a criminal.”

  “You didn’t kill them after the war was over and while they were asleep on their cots—did you?”

  “Lowe did that?”

  Brandon motioned that they were going to take the road to the right to avoid going directly through town. “He did. We were going to nab him on those counts when we uncovered additional plots that he was involved with. In fact, he’s most likely leading the entire business. Laura overheard something about a plot to blow up Union soldiers. It seemed Lowe had plans to kill as many of the colored troops as possible. We got this information to our superiors and they in turn mustere
d the troops out of the city. We’d hoped it would put an end to Malcolm’s plans. We thought perhaps he would hesitate to kill white troops, but it didn’t seem to matter. We suspect he’s now planning to kill hundreds—we just can’t be sure of where or when.”

  “And you think the girls are somehow involved—in danger?”

  “I’m hoping they aren’t, but they went this morning to retrieve Carissa’s clothing and other articles and bring them back to the house. See, Carissa’s husband has a heavy hand, and Laura said her sister has grown quite afraid of him. Apparently Laura convinced Carissa to stay with them at the Marquardt house. They left this morning and still haven’t returned. Mrs. Marquardt felt certain they would have been home in time for dinner.”

  “But you think Malcolm has them?” Tyler asked.

  “If he came home while they were there, he might well have lost his temper. Malcolm may have returned at any time. Carissa said that much last night when we were riding to the party. You might remember she said that Lowe had been gone for some time, and she thought he would surely be back that evening or the next. Now, that doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a problem, but since the girls haven’t made it back, it does bear checking into.”

  “I agree,” Tyler said, nodding. “Glad I can help.”

  Twenty minutes later they arrived at the Lowes’ house. There wasn’t a sign of anyone. The girls and the Marquardt carriage were nowhere to be found. Tyler knelt on the sandy soil and looked at the tracks while Brandon rushed to the house. He pounded on the front door for some time, then took himself to the back and knocked on it, as well.

  When no one answered, Brandon tried the handle and found the door opened easily. He stepped inside. “Laura?”

  There was no sound at all. His voice filled the sparsely furnished space of the kitchen. “Laura! Mrs. Lowe! It’s Brandon Reid.”