“We’ll have to weigh him down,” Jess said.
Catey realized with distaste he was right. The body would bob to the surface without something to hold it down.
“No need,” Sally said dully, “he be gone by morning.” At their questioning looks, she shrugged. “Gators.”
Catey bit her lips, sickened by the thought. Jess frowned and ran a hand through his damp hair.
“I don’t want to take any chances,” he said. “The man’s been murdered. I don’t want anyone to find him accidentally.”
Sally paled slightly. If anyone found out… If Jess turned her in… She tightened her mouth. There was no use worrying about what she couldn’t change. If Jess had wanted to turn her in, he wouldn’t have carried Clemens’ body here. She looked at Jess now. His eyes met hers and a look of understanding passed between them. He wouldn’t turn her in. If Clemens was found, Sally wouldn’t be the only one to hang.
Despite Sally’s reassurances and his own dislike for the dead man, Jess couldn’t simply leave Clemens floating facedown in the swamp. With instructions to stay put, he went in search of something to hold the body under the water.
Catey took this opportunity to pump Sally for information on her brother.
Sally readily told Catey everything, trying to sound as positive as she could. “I done pulled the bullet out and put a poultice on the wound to keep it from festerin’.”
“But the fever.” Catey knew too well a fever could kill someone in a matter of days.
Sally patted Catey on the shoulder. “With the bullet gone, I’m hopin’ he’ll heal, miss. We done all we could. John will get him food and water, an’ keep him cool. All we can do is pray. He’s in God’s hands, now.”
Catey bit her lip but nodded. Her first instinct was to run back through the forest to the stables and sit with her brother. After all she’d been through, she wanted to feel the closeness of family. But she knew it was impossible. Jess mustn’t know.
Sally cleared her throat. “Miss Catherine, with this beast here dead and gone, there ain’t no one to stand up fer me. I cain’t go back there. The other men… Well, you knows what’ll happen.”
Catey looked at her friend, understanding dawning. “Where will you go?” she whispered.
Sally smiled as reassuringly as she could. “I’ll go to Mahmusa Janga. She know what to do.” She turned to go.
“But what about Em? Sally, you’re the only one who…” Catey’s eyes were wild with worry.
Sally turned back, then, in a gesture totally alien to the circumstances of race and birth, she pulled Catey into her arms and hugged her close. “Master Emery be fine, Miss Catherine. You needs t’ trust in the Lord.” She felt Catey trembling but felt her slight nod of compliance.
Sally pulled away and Catey wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. “Thank you,” she said. “For‑for everything… I…”
Sally put a finger to Catey’s lips, her own eyes shimmering. “There be no need for thanks. We help each other.”
There was a rustle in the distance and Sally turned her head to listen. “I’se gots to go now. You take care of Massa Jess. He be a good man. And Miss Catherine, can you tell Big John where I be goin?” She blushed. “He frets.”
Catey nodded knowingly, touched Sally’s cheek gently then watched her friend disappear soundlessly into the thick underbrush. “Be careful,” she whispered.
Jess returned, his arms filled with rocks, to find Catey sitting on a felled log, alone.
“Where’s Sally?” He dropped the rocks in a heap, wiping sweat from his brow.
Catey looked at him, unsure what to say. But he knew the answer to his question by the shadows in her eyes and the way her fingers fidgeted with the fold of her skirt.
He came over and sat down on the log next to her, sighing. “I’m not surprised,” he said. “Why should she stay? She’s probably better off.” He paused. “Will she be all right?”
Catey relaxed slightly, her fear of what his reaction might be allayed. “I think so,” she said. “She knows these bayous better than most.”
He was silent for some time, then he spoke, his voice soft. “Why did you stay?”
Catey blinked. For the first time she realized she’d unconsciously made the decision to remain behind, while her friend left. But of course there was Emery. She couldn’t leave him.
Jess was looking at her, now. His eyes soft—the color of the moss that clung to the log on which they sat.
“I-I couldn’t just…” she floundered for words.
But Jess thought he knew why she’d stayed and something inside him opened up. Without waiting for her to finish, he pulled her to him and kissed her—deeply—letting his lips linger, feeling her lean into him in abandon.
Reluctantly he released her but smiled into her upturned eyes. “I’m glad you stayed.”
She smiled shyly, guilty, unsure what to say. She knew he misunderstood but could do nothing to rectify it. And the feel of his lips on hers was still too fresh. She wanted more…and felt ashamed for it. She glanced to where Clemens’ body lay and stiffened.
Jess followed her gaze and sighed. “We’d best take care of that.” He stood and moved to the pile of rocks he’d collected, grabbing them randomly and stuffing them down the britches and into the shirt of Clemens. After a moment’s hesitation, Catey joined in, keeping her eyes averted from Clemens’ face, repulsed by the cold feel of his skin where her hand occasionally brushed. Once the rocks were inside Clemens’ clothing, Jess tied off the pant legs and shirt sleeves, then rolled the body off the edge of the bank and into the water.
They both watched as the body sank. It was shallow here but deep enough so it was invisible beneath the green algae. A flash of lightning and a boom of thunder underlined the enormity of their actions.
Catey clutched her arms around herself and shivered despite the clammy heat. Jess automatically put an arm around her and pulled her close, kissing her forehead gently. “It’ll be okay,” he said. “As far as we know, he’s just gone missing. We don’t know where or why. We haven’t seen him.”
Catey nodded her understanding.
Jess looked down into her face. “Are you okay?”
“Yes,” she said and tried not to think of the dead man’s hands groping her body. But she felt stronger—stronger than she’d ever been in her life. She raised her chin and smiled. “I’m not afraid anymore,” she said simply.
Jess smiled. “Neither am I. We’d better get back. This storm will break any second.”
Together they made their way out of the dank confines of the bayou—away from the remains of the beast once known as Leroy Clemens.
* * * * *
They’d just made their way to a small forest clearing when the rain broke. Lightning cut the air and thunder cracked fiercely. The rain fell heavily, in huge drops, drenching them instantly. Catey stopped and turned her face up to the cooling torrent, smiling and stretching her arms out as though to catch as much rains as she could.
Jess felt the downpour like a cleansing shower, washing away dirt, grime, sweat, blood and the sickly feel of Leroy Clemens’ body on his back.
The lightning continued to flicker and thunder echoed but it wasn’t close. Jess turned to Catey and saw her smiling at him. He couldn’t help but smile back. Her eyelashes were thick with rain and droplets dripped from her nose. She was adorable. He put out a hand and touched her cheek where the bruise she’d given herself was fading to a blotchy yellow color.
Tentatively she reached up a hand and touched his face too, moving her fingers to his lips. He took her fingertips into his mouth, his eyes not leaving hers, his hands moving down her neck. Her hands moved to his shirt, fumbling with the slippery buttons. His fingers deftly undid the fasteners at the back of her dress. As though in unspoken agreement, they removed each other’s clothing until they stood together, body to body, naked. The rain came down even harder, streaming between Catey’s breasts and saturating the hair on Jess’ muscular chest. Steam rose f
rom them, their heat tangible. Between them, Jess’ penis stood ready. Catey pushed herself closer, feeling it hard against her stomach.
Jess lowered his head and took her mouth with his, fiercely, his hands gripping her arms, holding her close against him. She was so fine, so light. If he squeezed too hard he was afraid she’d break. But he knew she was strong—much stronger than even she realized.
Catey hardly noticed the drenching rain other than to revel in the feeling of cleansing water stripping away days of dirt, perspiration, fear and worry. Rivulets sloughed down both their bodies, moving around the places where flesh met flesh.
Jess covered her lips with his, gently lowering her to the soft moist earth. Her skin, wet and slick, was soft and warm, her breath sweet, her thick, sodden hair giving off the faint scent of lavender. He wanted her more than anything he’d ever wanted in his life. He wanted to crush her to him until they were one—one body, one spirit, one being. He’d never felt this way before. He couldn’t stop thinking of her—her face, so small and pure, with eyes like twin sapphires, dreamy now as he moved his lips to lick the raindrops from her cheek, her throat her breasts. He took one erect nipple into the warmth of his mouth, hearing her quick intake of breath. Her fingers twined in his dripping hair. He teased the tip of her nipple with his tongue, then gently let it go to move to the other. She tasted sweet, the rainwater tinged with the salt of her skin. His rod was so hard it screamed for release but he held himself in check, putting the head of it just inside the entrance to her warm opening, enjoying the feel of her squirming beneath him, ready and wanting him to plunge into her depths.
He reached down and gently fingered her clitoris, claiming her lips again, using the tip of his tongue to tease the soft inner walls of her mouth. She kissed him back, hard, gently nipping his lips with her teeth.
Catey was oblivious to the rain that still pattered down. Jess’ hard, muscular body was warm on hers and his hard, hot shaft touched her most private place, teasing her so she felt she would go wild with desire. The horrors of the day were all but forgotten. Her need for Jess was palpable. She twined her fingers into his thick, wet hair and pulled him closer, feeling the rough stubble of his chin, tasting his mouth, wanting him in her. But he wasn’t through with her. His fingers moved to her nub and gently stroked. Already at the verge of sexual desperation, she felt her insides tighten, her climax rising, ready to crack like the thunder booming overhead. She held her breath, becoming very still.
He knew she was at the point of climax and stopped. She gasped audibly and tried to grab his hand to force him to finish but he kissed her gently and whispered, “Not yet,” against her lips. Slowly he moved his lips down her body, kissing her, letting his tongue trace a path. She shivered but not with cold. He reached her navel and teased the edges, his hands moving to cup her buttocks as his mouth found the opening that raged with heat and need. She moaned and clung to his shoulders as he licked the entrance. She was more than ready for him, he could feel her quivering, straining, yearning. He pulled her hips higher, thrusting his tongue into her, flicking it in and out. She cried out in a torturous pleasure. But when he sensed she was about to come, he’d pause and move up to kiss her lips. He enjoyed bringing her to the brink but knew he couldn’t hold out himself much longer. The exquisite pain in his groin would surely drive him mad.
Catey gasped in heated frustration for what must have been the eighth time as Jess stopped just before she reached completion. Her entire body was on fire. She no longer had any sense of her surroundings. All she was aware of was his mouth, his fingers, his skin pressed against hers. She ached with the need for him inside her.
Then, finally, he rose up and brought his shaft once more to the crevice between her legs. He let it rest there briefly. She could feel her juices flowing. She could hear her own voice as though it were someone else’s, pleading with him, moaning for him.
His mouth on hers smiled. “Now, my darling, now.” And with that, he slid himself into her. She cried out and sobbed, arching her back to take him in farther. Slowly he moved in and out to her own movements, gradually increasing his tempo, going deeper, more fiercely. She held her breath. He groaned then, together, they erupted in simultaneous, shattering spasms.
They clung together, allowing the aftershocks to subside, letting the pure, steady rain cool their heated bodies. After a moment, Jess rolled to one side, one arm still cradling her protectively. Catey lay in a semi-doze, her eyes shut, her mind drifting and without a care.
Jess watched her and wondered what it was about her that made him want to take her again and again. He couldn’t get enough. She was an enigma to him. He knew she wanted him but sometimes he saw that guarded look in her eyes—as though she held many secrets to herself. It frustrated him. He wanted her to trust him—to feel she could tell him anything.
As though reading his thoughts, her eyes fluttered open and she smiled at him, a sated almost shy smile that told him in no uncertain terms how much she’d enjoyed his lovemaking. Her fingers found his and entwined with them.
“What are you thinking?” she asked and rolled on her side to gaze into his eyes. The rain had eased to a slight sprinkle and she was feeling cooler now, searching for his warmth.
He put both arms around her and held her close, kissing her forehead. “I was wondering what secrets you’re keeping in that pretty head of yours.”
As though struck, she stiffened. Emery! Everything suddenly flooded back. How could she lie here in blissful abandon when her brother lay in that gray area between life and death, and her sister was probably wandering alone and lost? Suddenly she felt ashamed.
“We’d better get back,” she said, pulling away from him and getting to her feet, searching for her clothes.
He watched her, amazed. “What’s the rush?”
She frowned. She didn’t need his questions. She’d nearly been raped by a monster and if she’d had her way, she’d have enjoyed the feel of that blade sinking into Clemens’ back. She’d helped dispose of the body and said goodbye to the only friend she had who knew her dilemma. She’d just let Jess do exactly what Clemens had tried to do—and enjoyed it. How could she explain any of this to Jess? Wasn’t he still a Yankee soldier? Why had he helped dispose of Clemens’ body? Why hadn’t he asked Sally why she had his knife? Catey no longer knew what to think. One minute she felt she couldn’t live without him, the next she wondered how she could be so naïve as to trust him. It was her confusion that made her irritable now.
“What will we tell the others—your men? I expect you’re in charge now.” She’d found her dress. It was drenched but at least it was clean. She wrung it out as best she could, then pulled it on, turning her back in some belated need for privacy. She could feel his stare burning into her back. He must know she was lying to him—keeping something from him.
But he didn’t ask her anything more, instead he stood up and followed her lead, pulling on his trousers and shirt and pushing his damp hair back from his face.
But before they moved on toward the house, he caught her by the arm and swung her to face him. “I don’t know what’s going on with you,” he said, “but whatever it is could land you in prison or the gallows—I’m certain of it. If you have any sense at all, you’ll let me help you. But to do that, you’ll have to trust me.”
Catey looked at him and for a fleeting moment she felt the urge to blurt out everything. His eyes, so gentle, so sincere, bored into hers. But she just didn’t know. She just wasn’t sure if she dared. And she couldn’t risk the life of her brother to find out.
Chapter Ten
Jess followed Catey as they made their way toward the house. The rain had stopped and already the clouds were breaking. Intense bursts of sunlight caused steam to rise from the wet trees and earth. Birds were chirping again. But to Jess, it was as though the black clouds still covered the sky. It hurt deeply to know Catey wouldn’t let herself go completely—despite everything he’d done to nurture her trust. For God’s sake, he�
��d even disposed of his superior officer’s murdered body! Granted, he’d have killed him himself if he’d arrived first. It made him sick to think of Clemens’ hands on Catey. Still, there was something she wouldn’t tell him, perhaps something she was planning. And he knew Sally was in on it. But if they were planning escape, why didn’t Catey go with Sally? And if it wasn’t escape, just what was it?
He touched his knife, sheathed once more in its rightful place. Why did Sally have it? It would’ve meant Catey took it to give to Sally. Had they planned to kill Clemens? Or worse, had they planned to kill him? No. He couldn’t believe Catey would want him dead. Clemens, maybe. Especially Sally. He knew Clemens wouldn’t have treated the girl well. But if it were planned, how did they lure Clemens to the woods? And surely Catey wouldn’t have submitted to his attack willingly. It was just too farfetched. There had to be something else…some other reason they’d wanted the knife. But what other reason was there than to use it to kill? He frowned, pushing his way ahead of Catey, irked at her silence.
Before they broke through into the yard, he turned and faced her. She pulled up abruptly and looked at him warily. She could see he was angry with her and it made her feel sorry and ashamed. But what could she do?
“There’s a couple things we have to get straight,” he said brusquely. “For now, we don’t know a thing about Captain Clemens.”
“Phillips was there when he…when he found me,” Catey interrupted.
Jess paused, then swore under his breath. “Okay, I think you’d better tell me exactly what happened.”
Catey hesitated. What could she tell him? Something in her head implored her to tell him the truth. But something else told her not to trust anyone—especially a Yankee soldier.
She bit her lip and looked at him sidelong. “I swooned. I’m not sure what happened after but when I started to come to, I heard Clemens’ telling Phillips to go back to the house—that Sally had probably escaped. But I think Sally would’ve gone back for help. I know she wouldn’t have just left me.”
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