A Slave of the Shadows by Naomi Finley

Author:Naomi Finley [Finley, Naomi]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Book One
Publisher: Huntson Press Inc.
Published: 2018-05-05T16:00:00+00:00

I RODE LIKE THE WIND. The adrenaline pumped through my body as my horse galloped across the valleys and hills of the countryside. There were no boundaries to confine us. My hair hung loose under my hat. I held tight to my horse’s mane, riding bareback in a pair of Father’s trousers. I laughed to myself as I envisioned the veins popping on his forehead if he could see me now.

I slowed my mare to a trot. “That’s a girl,” I said, stroking her neck.

Weeks had passed since Georgia and Sam left on the Olivia II. In a newspaper I found on Father’s desk dated a few days after their escape, I read a reward notice submitted by their master. I grew more determined with each passing day to help my fellow humans. I had found my calling in life, and I would do whatever it took to answer it. I would not sit idle and do nothing.

Jimmy never spoke a word to me about what I had done. I wanted to shield him from discovery of his involvement, so I left things between us unsaid.

I hadn’t seen Knox since we said our goodbyes on the dock. He’d helped us once, but it didn’t mean we could count on him in the future. My growing concern was that Knox would inform Bowden of our deeds. Bowden’s and my friendship was on delicate ground, and trust had yet to be established. The fewer people who knew our secret, the better.

The sound of someone approaching on horseback snapped me out of my thoughts. I shielded my eyes from the sun so I could see who was riding toward me.

Speak of the devil. Bowden!

He reined in his stallion and flashed me a friendly smile. “Good afternoon, Willow.”

“Hello, Bowden.” I returned his smile.

“Out for a ride?” He peered at my riding attire.

“Yes, there is nothing like a morning ride.” I knew I was a sight to be seen in the too-big trousers. Women wearing men’s apparel was frowned upon. But it wasn’t my first time, and it surely wouldn’t be my last. The trousers allowed me to ride more freely.

“How is your brother, Stone? He must be getting big now.”

“Stone started his tutoring abroad this year. He is thirteen now and I want him to have all the opportunities possible. He is a good boy with a tender heart. I don’t know if the South is right for him.” Bowden’s voice held sincere concern for his brother.

Bowden had grown into a respectable businessman, and he was a good and decent human. He wasn’t overly handsome, but more a man of average looks. No longer was he a young, mischievous boy, but a man who took my breath away.

How had I allowed this to happen? The walls I built up to protect myself were crumbling. For too long I’d carried anger because a young Bowden Armstrong had broken my heart along with my pride with his childhood prank. I’d always known this, but had never wanted to admit it to myself.

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