by Aileen Fish
“Poor Curly.” He didn’t sound sorry at all and his hand left her mouth to begin pulling off her clothes. Lily didn’t have time to think, she just acted. She reached up and bit him hard on the cheek. Her hat had come off in the struggle and he grabbed her hair, pulling hard, snapping her head back. It freed her hands and she began to scratch and claw at him. He smacked her hard across the cheek bone with the back of his hand and she felt, for a moment, like her head would explode. He ripped at her shirt and several buttons came undone. Thankfully, her breast were still bound and giving up, he began to pull at her pants. She fought, but her hands were again trapped and her head pinned under his. A sickening cry ripped from her chest but it only seemed to excite him more. She closed her eyes and felt the hot tears run down her cheeks as he worked her pants down.
“You’re a fighter, girlie, knew you would be,” Lily heard Slim grunt out. She wanted to continue to fight but she didn’t know what to do. He freed one leg from her pants and began unbuttoning his own. Feverishly she began to fight again but he was working his legs in between hers.
What could she do? He was poised on top of her ready to enter. Lily knew once he was done, he would kill her. No one knew she was here and he certainly didn’t want her sharing her story. She pictured her family, Eric and Toby and said goodbye in her mind. Lily braced herself for the pain when she suddenly felt Slim go still.
His weight slumped down on top her and then suddenly he rolled off of her. Tracker stood above her. She could have cried with relief but she couldn’t force out any words. He picked her up and Lily began to shake. “He almost...” She couldn’t finish the sentence.
“I know,” he whispered as he carried her swiftly through the woods. It was still dark but she didn’t have the mental ability to wonder how he was doing it. She just held on as he righted her clothes and carried her to his horse.
“You’re all right now.” He soothed her, stroking her hair as he mounted his horse.
“Is he dead?” she asked softly.
“No, I just knocked him out. He’ll know it was me but...” Tracker chuckled softly “He won’t be able to say a word. He wasn’t supposed to be here with you so he won’t be able to accuse me of anything. I wonder what he’s going to tell them.”
“What about Curly?” Her voice trembled as she asked.
“I only saw a blood trail,” he stated softly. “He’s probably still alive but Slim will kill him.”
“What, why?” She sat up for the first time, feeling a little clearer in the head.
“They are not nice men. Slim won’t want to carry him or tend him. Nor will he want a second accounting of what happened from Curly. Curly’s the worst at keeping lies straight. If the others suspect that Slim is lying or working against them, they’ll kill him.” Tracker’s voice was hard.
“I have never hurt anyone, I can’t believe I...” Lily’s voice trembled.
“He would have done far worse things to you than just shoot you. You shooting him may have been what saved you. Slim would have been much quicker if he hadn’t been trying to...” Lily stopped him.
“I get the picture. Where are we going?” She asked, inadvertently holding her breath. What would he do with her?
“We are heading for a small town called Bucksport.”
“Why?” Lily felt both relief and fear course through her body.
“Your family should be there. I left them a message saying that I would return you to them in Bucksport. They should have sent someone from your family even if they didn’t trust me. But we have to hurry. I need to be back by sunrise to cover my tracks.” He kicked his exhausted horse into a canter.
“Why didn’t you tell me that?” Anger strangled her voice.
“Try to understand. If you thought you were being rescued, you might have acted differently. I couldn’t risk it.” Tracker’s voice was soft, pleading with her to understand.
“I understand. You wouldn’t be returning me if it compromised your mission.” Bitterness crept into her voice.
He sighed. “I won’t lie. My mission comes first. I have been undercover for a year and a half as Tracker. I can’t throw that away now. Not even for you.” Tracker looked straight ahead.
“You’re right. It is silly of me to expect you to put me first. I don’t even know your name.” Lily’s voice dripped with sarcasm.
“My name is Michael.” His eyes met hers. “It’s been a long time since I have used my first name with anyone. I hope you will grow to understand why I have kept you in the dark.”
“I don’t know that I will. My brother’s and my fiancé would save an innocent life no matter what. Don’t you have any family?” Lily knew she owed Tracker her life but he saved her because it was convenient.
“I had a sister but she passed away a few years ago,” the grief was still evident in his voice and some of Lily’s anger melted. “You remind me of her. You both have a very warm heart.”
Lily ignored his comment. She was glad he helped her but she couldn’t ignore the fact that he might not have. It was pointless to discuss it further so she changed the subject. “What does the Colonel do that you are trying to prosecute him for?”
“I don’t know that there are very many laws that he hasn’t broken but smuggling is the bread and butter of his career outside of the army. I am still tracking down illegal goods that he is bringing into the country but he also brings a great deal of goods in from overseas that he sells without paying tariffs or taxes.” Tracker hesitated and Lily assumed that he was unsure of how much to tell her.
“But why are we in Maine currently?” She had been curious for some time why he would kidnap her and bring her to her own state.
“The Colonel is stationed here. The American government has a large army presence in Maine. I believe they are concerned about an attack from the English through Canada. There, as you know, have been several border disputes as well.” Tracker paused.
Lily nodded. Maine had gone so far as to declare war over one such dispute. Luckily it had been resolved before any bloodshed.
“Maine is a new and still largely uninhabited state. It is easy to bring illegal goods through it. But I think Colonel Kingsley is getting lazy because now he is trying to get the goods through the Boston Harbor.”
“Ah, yes, where I come in,” she shook her head. “Seems like a horrible reason to get married.”
“People get married for far less. Besides, I think he has some notions of legitimate children and a more settled life, at least in appearance.” Tracker shrugged.
“Somehow, I don’t see him as the fatherly type,” she said as she let out a loud yawn. It had to be nearing sunrise and she hadn’t gotten a moment of sleep.
He said nothing and Lily quickly nodded off with the rocking of the horse.
She was dreaming again. Eric was just ahead of her in a crowd. She tried to call out to him but he couldn’t hear her. He wouldn’t turn around. Over and over she yelled. Suddenly, she could see Toby as well, his father carried him. “Toby.” Her voice could barely be heard. She called again. “Eric, Toby…please.” But they didn’t turn. She cried out in frustration.
“Lily, wake up. You’re dreaming again” Tracker gave her a shake.
“What?” She woke, completely disoriented.
“We’re here,” Tracker said softly in her ear.
“Where?” she muttered.
“Bucksport.” He dismounted and pulled her down. “Find some bushes to hide and get some more sleep. In a few hours, try to find a public place to look for your brother and Eric. Try the tavern and inn, Jed Prouty Tavern, I think it is. Here is money for a meal. Keep watch for any of the men. The town is one of the first places they will think of but I will try to stall and divide them. Good luck.” He mounted back up and disappeared into the trees.
Lily stared at where his back had disappeared. She wished he could stay with her but she understood why he hadn’t. He clearly had been working for a long time to implicate the Colonel and he
couldn’t risk it all now for her. Still, Lily felt completely alone. She wondered if James and Eric would really be in Bucksport and a small flutter of hope rose in her chest. She was exhausted but she didn’t know how she was ever going to get any sleep. It was easier with Tracker but now she alone and this time she had no gun.
A nearby bush looked promising for cover and she crawled underneath. Roots were sticking in her back and branches were in her face but she did feel protected. Amazingly, she fell instantly asleep.
She woke hours later with the early morning sun peeking through the branches, the day already heating up. She tried to collect her thoughts. Tracker had told her to go into town but Lily wondered what time her family would be up and possibly setting out. Had she missed them? She scrambled out from under the bush and then stopped. Which way to town? She could have laughed at the absurdity of it if it wasn’t so serious. A breeze picked up and she turned her face into it. Well, Lily thought, I will head toward the ocean.
Chapter 12
She followed a trail that grew sandier as she progressed and soon she found herself glimpsing the rocky shore. She looked to her right and saw little but open ocean and woods. To her left, however, sprawled several buildings on the inlet of what must be Bucksport. She was clearly on a point and could see all of the town nestled into the harbor. Lily headed back up the trail she had been on and when the woods thickened, she turned toward the town. She decided to stay off beaten paths and instead, stayed in the woods. It made her progress slower and she was growing increasingly worried that no one from her family would be there. She would take an even bigger risk by being exposed on the road by herself and would surely risk recapture. If she and Tracker had gotten here as quickly as they did, it would not take her other kidnappers long to arrive.
Walking by herself gave her time to think. Eric’s face loomed in her thoughts. Was it too much to hope that he had come to Bucksport? She would feel so much safer tucked by his side. And Toby? She loved that little boy. She wished desperately to be reunited with them both.
Finally, she came to a building that was clearly on the outskirts of town and headed for the town center. Her stomach grumbled and she reached into her pocket to touch the coins that jingled there. She could already taste the food in her mouth. It didn’t matter how good or poor the cooking at the Tavern was, it was going to taste like a feast to her.
She had a few other problems to worry about as well. Lily didn’t know how long she would have to wait and she needed to remain conspicuous. She would try to find a table in a corner and watch people as she ate. In addition, she would try to order, drink and eat as slowly as possible, although, it was going to be extremely difficult considering how hungry she was.
As she turned down Main Street, the town was beginning to busy with many people out and about. A few gave her curious looks. At first, she thought that she might look odd as a young boy but as Lily looked down at herself, she realized that she was filthy. She bit her lip, unsure of what to do. Time was of the essence but she didn’t know if the Tavern would even let her dine looking like a total vagabond.
Lily took out the money from her pocket and counted what she had. She had enough to at least buy a cheap shirt but then she would have to go without food. She could have broken down and cried at that very second. She would have food soon enough. She had to get back to the people she loved. Lily, pulled herself together, and walked into the general store.
The clerk finished with a customer and then turned to her. His look hardened somewhat but he asked. “What can I help you with, son?”
Lily was taken aback by the reference but stepped up. She tried to deepen her voice as much as possible then asked, “I’m looking for a shirt. Everyday wear is fine, I am not looking for anything of quality or dress.”
He stared at her and she began to feel uncomfortable, worried that she had given herself away as a woman.
“My goodness, son, what happened to your clothing?” He asked. “I can tell by you speech that you are from a family of quality but by your clothes, I thought you were a street urchin.”
Lily stared, unsure of how to answer. What excuse could she possibly give him? She hadn’t thought of this and she stumbled over what to say.
“Oh...uh... I was dragged by my horse. The beast got away and I am left rather dirty. I’m just trying to get home without my mother worrying too much. She will be upset if she knew what the horse did.” Lily glanced at him to see if he accepted the excuse.
He smiled at her in an affectionate way, “Mothers’ are always worrying after their sons. Does your family have an account? We could just charge a new outfit...”
“No!” Lily said too suddenly and then tried to calm herself, “I’m sure my horse will head home, I have a little money... I just need something simple.”
He nodded and Lily sighed in relief. He brought her a simple shirt and she paid him, then looked woefully at what was left.
“Thank you.” She smiled at him. “Could you tell me where the Jed Prouty Tavern is?”
“You don’t know?” He asked and Lily again felt her heart beating faster. She had never been good at lying, anticipating what to say. She stared at him for what seemed like forever then finally an idea struck her.
“We just moved here. It’s my first time in the town.” He seemed to accept her answer and Lily felt relief wash over her.
“How wonderful. We are growing rapidly. People are realizing what a beautiful town Bucksport is.” He looked at her then held up his finger for her to wait for a minute. He came back holding up a pair of pants and a hat. “You can pay for them on your next visit. We wouldn’t want to worry your mother. They were my sons before he outgrew them, they should fit you. There is a pump just a block down you can use to clean up. The Tavern is just down the street from there.” He turned to a woman who had just walked in and Lily hastily left.
She headed down the street until she found the pump. She pushed her hat back, not wanting to take it off and reveal her hair wrapped in a handkerchief . Lily washed her face then rolled up her sleeves and rinsed her hands and arms. She would have given anything for a bath but since she couldn’t, Lily splashed some water under her arms, soaking her filthy shirt.
Lily stood up and realized she was making a spectacle of herself. She also realized she should start watching for the men who had captured her. Lily quickly stepped down from the platform and headed for an alley between a barn and home. Lillian quickly took off the dirty shirt and replaced it with the clean one. The fresh fabric felt wonderful on her skin. Glancing to make sure no one could see her, she slipped off her shoes then took off her pants and replaced them, tucking in her shirt. Feeling slightly cleaner and a little more presentable, she headed for the Tavern.
She walked up to the door and butterflies filled her stomach. Would they throw her out? Would her brother be there? Would Eric? She pushed open the door.
The Tavern was actually a Tavern and Inn and it was clearly an upscale facility. It smelled of rich mahogany and leather. Lily relaxed immediately, she couldn’t see Slim in a place like this. She headed for an empty table in the corner and sat in a chair that gave her a view of the dining area.
“What can I get for you?” an older woman, looking slightly harassed, asked her.
Lily lowered her voice, “Coffee.”
“Nothing else?” She looked surprised when Lily shook her head. She left and then quickly returned with the coffee. Lily sipped it, enjoying the hot liquid but she could smell something delicious from the kitchen and tried not to think of her grumbling stomach.
She tried to drink slowly, she had no idea how long she would have to wait or how long they would let her stay. She did not, however, have to wait long. Two groups of men walked in at exactly the same time. The first group of three was her brothers, James and Tom, with Eric directly behind them. Eric’s dark eyes pierced the room sending her heart into palpitations of joy. He looked travel worn. His clothes were dusty and his face looked tired.
>
He was the most beautiful thing Lily had ever seen. She almost jumped up from her chair and ran to them but the hat behind Eric caught her eye. It was clearly that of Rings. Next to him was Bags and another man she did not recognize. Her family sat across the room from her while her kidnappers sat just a few tables away. She could hear her kidnappers’ conversation from where she sat.
“How could you lose one lone girl?” the man she didn’t know asked.
“Shut it, Jack. I done told you, somethin’ happened last night. Curly’s gone, Slim’s hurt, Tracker was out all night and nobody don’t seem to know nothin. Somethin’s fishy but I can’t sniff it out. It ain’t no coincidence that we was so close to deliverin’ her and she slipped away but I don’t know if it’s Tracker or Slim that’s to blame but it sure ain’t both of ‘em. Those two never work together.” Ring’s looked ready to spit and Lily ducked her head, thanking the Lord for the new hat.
She didn’t dare get up, she was too afraid that Rings would recognize her. He was sitting directly between her and her family. She wanted to scream with frustration, she was so close and yet couldn’t get up. Lily couldn’t hear anything that her brothers and Eric were saying but she could recognize the cadence of their voices and she ached to be with them. Lily thought about making a mad dash for them but it didn’t make sense. Even if her brothers could take these men, as they were evenly matched, she would expose their whereabouts and more of the Colonel’s men could come. Obviously he had more men in his employ than were transporting her, she just didn’t know how many. She would have to bide her time a little longer.
“How come we’re here?” Jack asked. Rings said nothing but nodded his head ever so slightly toward her family. Lily held her breath. They were watching Eric, James and Tom! How would she ever get to them unnoticed?
She quietly put the money on the table for her coffee so no more conversation would be necessary. She left as generous of a tip as she could to buy more time. She watched Eric and her brothers get up, they too looked worn and beaten from the trail. Eric called to the matronly woman that Lily assumed was the mistress of the house.