Napoleon's Gift

by Alie Infante

  As the glass crashed to the floor, he became conscious of the fact that someone had prepared an improper drink. He looked up to see the barmaid smiling above him.

  “Take them out the back.” Declan spat as Benjamin toppled to the floor from the chair, Bartholomew immediately following suit.

  Gonrey frowned.

  “And do what wit em?” He spat back.

  “The Earl is to go to Charles; I don’t care what you do with the other. But get it done now!” He snarled, Gonrey nodded, then motioned for Fitzgergan and Holt. They lifted both men, then went out the back of the establishment.

  Benjamin was placed in the carriage; Declan climbed aboard, then told Varney where to go.

  Before Gonrey could get Bartholomew into the next carriage, Nedrick Hayward lit the cigarillo, then cleared his throat.

  “That won’t be necessary boys. The jig is up. Place your hands where I can see them.” He called; Gonrey turned, pointed the revolver, then toppled to the ground as a shot rang out.

  “Much obliged you were in the vicinity.” Hayward called, as he looked up to see Conrad Lincoln, his partner, then stamped out the cigarillo.

  “Always ready to do my best.” Conrad called grinning, as he tipped his hat.

  “Get the local constable down here, and have him take this business under hand.”

  “Sure thing, where will you and Garret be?” Conrad asked as he climbed down the side of the building, then frowned as he jumped to the grown.

  “I believe this entire thing is connected to the Opium, the train robbery, and Cole Younger. I spotted him two days ago, speaking with the local opium runner. I would bet my ridiculous amount of pay, that the three of them are in on this together.” Hayward stated frowning now himself, and Conrad nodded.

  “And the Earl? Was that not him the other one took?”

  “Yes, but I have an idea where they’re taking him. Now, off with you, and be quick about it. I will need you at this address in one hour. Bring Murphy and Clemens with you as well. This is bound to be bloody. Have you ever known a Younger to just come quietly?” Hayward commented as he handed Conrad the slip of paper, and Conrad laughed.

  “Not in my lifetime.” Conrad chuckled, then hurried off to do Hayward’s bidding.

  “You sir, come here.” Hayward called to the mulatto man, and he looked up frowning.

  As Abel approached, he was surprised when he saw Mr. Bartholomew lying on the ground. He quickly kneeled next to him, then looked up at the man with the badge frowning.

  “What has happened to Mr. Bartholomew? And where is Mr. Benjamin?” He cried looking around, and Hayward frowned.

  “Good, you know of this man?” Abel nodded, and Hayward sighed.

  “Fine, have him taken home, then tell no one.” Hayward commanded, and Abel frowned.

  “And you are sir?”

  “United States Pinkerton. Now, please do as I say.” Hayward instructed, and Abel nodded.

  “And Mr. Benjamin?”

  “Soon, is all I can say. Now please hurry, before you’re seen.” Hayward told him, Abel nodded, threw Mr. Bartholomew over his shoulder, then walked to Mr. Benjamin’s carriage.

  Hayward turned and headed off towards the telegraph office. He needed to wire the home office. They would need more than a stage for this one.

  Oiseau…

  Plantation…

  “And what is it that you would have me do with him now that you have him?” Declan asked as Charles began to pace back and forth.

  “I have nary a clue now! Who the hell called in the bloody Pinkertons?” He shouted, then threw the whiskey glass across the room.

  “I don’t know, however if I am to dispose of the both of them, it needs to be now.” Declan hissed, then frowned as he saw Cole Younger walk into the parlor.

  “Who invited him to the party?” Cole asked grinning as he saw Declan.

  Before Charles could answer, both men had their pistols pointed at each other.

  “Now, now gentlemen. This is quite unnecessary.” Charles cajoled, however it did not seem to be working, as both men drew on the other.

  “Seen James lately?” Declan asked, and Cole laughed.

  “No, but its plum likely you’re gonna be seeing him sooner than you think if what they say is true.” Cole grinned, and Charles realized he was out of his league. Maybe that coward Jefferies had been correct in his notions.

  “Gentlemen, if we could only….” Charles dove to the other side of the room as the bullets began to fly.

  He gasped as he felt the sting in his arm, looked down and saw the bullet hole. He crawled to the other side of the room, then gasped as he saw the men rush into the room dressed in black.

  Thank God, this plantation had been built during the French Revolution for sympathizers.

  Charles thought, as he pulled the crank, the panel popped open, and he crawled through it.

  He hurried for his horse, heading straight to town. If those Pinkertons seized Sing, he would spend the rest of his life in Angola.

  When he reached town, his gasp of terror left him before he could contain it, as the place was over-run with Agents. He saw Sing tied to a chair, the establishment being turned upside down by Pinkertons. Charles saw the blonde man from Madame’s the day before, and as he turned to flee, someone called his name.

  “There he is! It’s Mr. Charles!”

  “Halt!” The Agent cried, but Charles refused, and they opened fire on him.

  As he sank to the ground, Charles cursed the day; he ever laid eyes on one Geneviève Marié Basil.

  Hayward kicked the body over, then frowned down on Mr. Charles.

  “Is this the proprietor?” Hayward asked Sing, and he frowned as he nodded.

  Sing had no clue what would become of him now, but he presumed it would be much better to corporate with them, than to die shot down as Mr. Charles had.

  Hayward turned towards Conrad then.

  “And Younger?” He asked as Standish rode up on his horse.

  “Sir, there’s a shoot out at…” He paused to look at the paper. “Some French plantation sir, I can’t make it out. But Younger and Addison’s younger brother are involved.”

  “Bloody hell. I knew this was bound to happen. Rally the men now.” Hayward commanded Conrad; he nodded then ran into the establishment.

  Terre’s Main

  Plantation…

  I woke to gunshots, but thank the merciful lord they were not coming from the room I was in. I surged to my feet, then looked around the bedroom. I was surprised to see Benjamin lying next to me. I patted his face, he did not wake, however I knew I had to get us out of there and quick.

  I was surprised, when Claudette came tearing through the door.

  “Come, we must go now.” She said, and I smiled.

  “Yes, but help me with Benjamin.” I said, she frowned, then shook her head.

  “Non, Je ne suis venu pour vous.” No, I only came for you. She stated, and it was my turn to frown.

  “Que voulez-vous dire?” What do you mean? I countered, my suspicions confirmed as she took out the revolver, then aimed it at Benjamin.

  “Come with me now, or I shall make you an early widow.” She grinned, I gasped, then frowned.

  “Fine, only aim that thing somewhere else.” I said as I kissed Benjamin’s cheek, then rose.

  She dug the revolver into my back, then guided me from the house, to the waiting carriage. With all the chaos, not one of the men shooting noticed us!

  As I climbed in, I looked at her.

  I deduced I was two for three now.

  Not only had Monique warned me of Madame, but also Ms. Millie had done the same about Claudette.

  “Where are you taking me?” I hissed, and she smiled.

  “You will know soon enough.” She smiled, and at that moment, I hated her.

  “Why would you do this Claudette? I have never shown you anything but love?” I cried, and she frowned as she raised the gun just a bit higher.

&
nbsp; “Vous n'étiez rien, jusqu'à ce que je vous moulé! You were mine, but you let him taint that, then tear you away from me! You were nothing, until I molded you! She shouted, and I gasped.

  “But I loved you as well, how can you articulate that?” I wailed, and she frowned.

  “It does not matter, Madame will see to it that we are one again.” She smiled, and I did not like the smile on her face.

  I looked out the carriage window, then realized we were nearing the waterfront, and the notorious part of it.

  As the carriage stopped in front of Madame Voule’s, I gasped, giving Claudette a look of horror.

  “Claudette, you cannot do this! It will be artificial, evil and unnatural!” I cried, she shook her head, then waved the revolver at me, motioning for me to get out of the carriage.

  The door was opened by none other than Madame Voule herself. She grinned, then snatched me into the room.

  “This here chil, will just make my day. Pristine Marié-Antoinette Basile petite-fille.” Pristine Marié Antoinette Basile’s granddaughter. She cackled, and I felt the tiny hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.

  I was even more surprised when I saw Madame Soleil come from the back of the establishment smiling.

  “Why…” I tried, when she laughed.

  “As you may not know, this is my great-great aunt.” She purred, and I was taken aback. One would never know Madame Soleil had colored ancestry.

  Why, she looked even more French than Claudette or I did.

  “You’re colored?” I whispered, and she frowned.

  I noticed she did not say anything as Madame Voule frowned as well. I imagined Madame Soleil did not tell many others that she was.

  “Shall we begin aunt?” She snapped, Madame Voule’s frown deepened, but she nodded anyway.

  I was taken to a back room, then gasped as I felt the presence of evil, when Claudette shoved me into the room.

  “Vous y restez enfant.” You stay there chil. Madame Voule told her, Claudette frowned, then raised the gun on her.

  “Non, you said I could have her!” Claudette screamed at Madame Soleil, and she frowned.

  “Assez! Stupide file.” Enough, stupid girl, she sneered, and I screamed as Madame Soleil plunged the knife into Claudette’s heart.

  “Good, I need the blood of a loved one, and since Marié aien’t here no mo, this will do.” Madame Voule stated, Madame Soleil nodded, then had the young man who seemed to instantly appear out of nowhere place Claudette’s lifeless body on the settee.

  I felt the tears, but I refused to cry.

  My Granny would want me strong, and fighting.

  Granny, if you are up there looking down on me from the lords lofty perch, I certainly could use you now!

  I whispered to myself, then closed my eyes.

  I could not stand to see Claudette’s lifeless eyes staring back at me.

  Had my love tainted her as well?

  I instantly thought, because had not Benjamin been stabbed as well.

  Haven

  Plantation…

  Benjamin came tearing down the stairs.

  “Where is my wife?” He shouted at the Pinkerton agents, and each of them frowned. Bartholomew placed his hand on Benjamin’s shoulder, but he shrugged it off.

  “Sir, we are trying to ascertain that right now. Do you know a Ms. Claudette Bonaparté?” Hayward asked, Benjamin frowned, but nodded anyway.

  “Seems your man, Abel did you say?” Hayward asked Mary, and she nodded.

  “Yes sir.” Mary said, and Hayward smiled at her slightly.

  “Yes, your man Abel saw Ms. Bonaparté spirit your wife away at gun point in a carriage during the commotion, then followed after them. However, we have no clue where it is they went; I trust you understand because of the tumult.” Hayward said, and Benjamin ran his fingers through his hair.

  “Yes, but what has been done to procure her now?” Benjamin cried, and they frowned again.

  “We have men out scouting right now sir; nevertheless, we must wait for them to return.”

  “By then, she could be dead! Why would Claudette appropriate her at gun point?” Benjamin cried, Bartholomew handed him a glass of whiskey, and he shook his head.

  “We have no evidence yet sir, however, you might wish too indulge, it could only serve to calm your vexation.” Hayward stated, and Benjamin frowned at him.

  “You’ll calm my vexation, when ye unearth my bloody wife.” Benjamin shouted, then walked from the room.

  “Give him a moment.” Bartholomew said, then left the room as well.

  “Where are we?” Hayward asked Conrad, and he frowned.

  “Our agents are on the water front now sir. Jimmies just arrived; he said they spotted the carriage on the other side of town.” Conrad said, then swallowed hard.

  “Whatever is the bloody matter with you?” Hayward retorted, and Conrad cleared his throat.

  “Well sir, they say that area is notorious for…well…umm.”

  “Spit it out Conrad.” Hayward barked, and Conrad’s face turned crimson.

  “Spirits sir.”

  “That is bleedin nonsense and bloody hokum. Get there now, and have the men storm the place. I want this woman found before nightfall. I am not in the mood to explain how an Earl’s wife was taken prisoner, colored or otherwise to home base. Finley would no doubt love this, and see it as the means to my end.” Hayward snarled, Conrad nodded, then hurried off to the rest of the men.

  Canal Street

  Water Front…

  I looked at the long instrument, frowned, bulked against the chair I was tied to, and Madame Soleil laughed.

  “You shall not get loose chér, so you may as well cease with your theatrics.” She grinned, and I frowned at her.

  “Why have you done this? It is quite obvious it was not to assist Claudette.” I stated as I nodded in Claudette’s direction, and both women smiled.

  “Why Marié of course.” Madame Voule said, then laughed at the confusion on my face.

  “Chil, tu es ma vengeance. What can the sainted Marié do from the grave?” You are my revenge, she laughed and I frowned.

  “But why? My Granny was decent to everyone!” I yelled, and she laughed again.

  “Because you chér, are the one thing she loved above all else. Not only has my babé gotten you to prostitute yourself, one of the very things Marié championed to bring to an end to, but you have lain with a woman as well. I would say dear two-faced hypocrite Marié is turning well in her grave.” She cackled, and the hairs on my neck stood on end again.

  “But I do not comprehend why? Surly this cannot be because my Grand was superior to the both of you?” I retorted, and Madame Soleil slapped me across the face.

  “Je devais être son amant!” I was to be his lover! She spat, then slapped me again.

  I would swear later, I had seen stars.

  “Who?” I inquired quietly, as I shook my head, to clear my vision.

  “Tobias.” She sputtered, and I looked up traumatized.

  “Yes, that deceitful Marié knew of it, then deposited Anaïs in his path.” Madame Voule snarled, and I looked at her confused.

  “I was not aware of that.” I stated, as I felt the rope on my hands give slightly.

  If I could only keep them speaking.

  “I was to be Tobias’ lover pas ta putain de mère!” Not your whore of a mother! Madame Soleil shouted, stamping her foot, and she reminded me of a spoiled child.

  “Yes, I conjured that spell a week before, told Marié of it, and she made sure Tobias would notice Anaïs instead.”

  “Are you implying that my father never loved my mother?” I asked astonished, because Granny said otherwise. Not to mention, I had no notions that my grandmother was practicing voodoo!

  “That’s just it chil, he did, otherwise I would have been able to repeal the conjure. Who knew he would find true love in that wench of Marié’s!” Madame Voule sneered, and I smiled despite my situation.

  I
looked up at her then with a frown.

  “This will not give you what you fancy. To injure me, will only suffice in making my husband incensed. Marié is dead, and so is Tobias, therefore there is no need to do this.” I said, and she laughed.

  “Chil, the soul is never dead. Once Soleil has you obsessed with opium, you will forget all about your life as it is now. She will console Mr. Waverly, show him that sometimes these events occur to girls who have plied the trade, and factors shall be as they were meant to be. May hap not Tobias, but she will inherit his money after we have done away with Waverly.” Madame Voule grinned, and I stifled the gasp as I saw Abel place his finger to his lips to shush me as he and Isaiah tipped through the outer room. Both madams were centered in the room, so neither of them could see Abel and Isaiah.

  My eyes widened just a bit, as Isaiah slid the large machete from his backside.

  I grinned a bit too, because I suddenly wondered how he had indeed managed to cause no injury to buttocks with the sharp blade.

  As Madame Voule began to chant, I nearly stopped breathing as she splashed me with Claudette’s blood. I felt the bile rise in me, but choked it back down, because I needed to converge on what was transpiring.

  Madame Soleil unsheathed a large knife, and my eyes widened as she approached me. The scream left me, as she drew the blade across my forearm, then laughed as she did the same to my left arm.

  I had never been one to accept as true any of this, however, I felt as if the core was being pulled straight from me, and my doubt faltered. Madame Soleil placed the bowl under my wrist to receive the blood, then mixed it with Claudette’s blood.

  I chanted Granny, Granny!

  If what Madame Voule said was true, then she had to be there somewhere taking note of me. I screamed, as Madame Voule touched my chest with the blazing iron, and it burned an emblem into my left breast. I felt my skin bubble from the fire, then screamed again.