A Dangerous Performance by Stephenia H. McGee

Author:Stephenia H. McGee
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Historical Christian, Clean Romance, Presidential Assassination, Action and Adventure, Southern Fiction, Overcoming Racism, Spies and Espionage
ISBN: 9781635640472
Publisher: By The Vine Press
Published: 2023-06-07T00:00:00+00:00

Seventeen

“He is both powerful and desperate. I felt like being uncivil to him, but thought it might excite suspicion.”

John H. Surratt

Washington, D.C.

March 30, 1865

A tap at his door drew David’s attention from the maps he’d been studying. He tucked them away in his satchel before opening the door. Mrs. Surratt’s eyes darted around his room as they always did. Once again, he pretended not to notice.

He had no doubt she searched his things whenever he left, which was why he kept his most important information on him at all times. He displayed a friendly smile. “Good afternoon, ma’am. I hope the day’s been pleasant for you?”

She gave a slight sniff, as if something about his aroma offended her, and then put on a practiced smile herself. “Quite lovely. I enjoyed tea with my son.”

David’s mask threatened to slip, but he kept it in place. He summoned a look of pleasant surprise and kept his tone casual. “I didn’t know John was back in town. Thank you for coming to fetch me. I’d enjoy visiting with him as well.”

Mrs. Surratt held up a spindly hand as David made a move to step around her. “He’s already gone. He has much business to attend to.”

David gave a shrug, maintaining an air of nonchalance. “Of course. Another time, then.” He stepped back and waited. He didn’t think her the type to flaunt that her son hadn’t wanted to see him. But the longer she hesitated with nothing more to say, the more he guessed that might actually be the case.

Finally, the woman reached into the pocket of her skirt and pulled out a folded paper. She extended it toward him. “John regrets not being able to speak with you, but did ask that I pass along this letter.”

David let a genuine smile scurry over his mouth. Finally! He’d almost begun to fear they were trying to leave him out of the plans. Ridiculous, of course. He bowed to John’s mother and plucked the message from her fingers. “Thank you, ma’am.”

She stared at him a few seconds longer, but when he said nothing more, the crone finally relented. “I assume you’ll join us for the evening meal?”

David shook his head. “No, I have matters to attend to this evening.” Like finding the bottom of a mug of ale and escaping your pitiful attempts at scrutinizing me in secret, he added to himself. His own cleverness turned up his lips.

“Very well. Good day.”

He closed the door and waited until she had time to return downstairs before he unfolded the message she’d undoubtedly already read. No names were given, neither in greeting nor in closure. Good. Then the letter would contain pertinent information and not just mindless prattle.

I regret that you have been left on your own while we have tried to figure out our next course of action. However, your patience has not been unappreciated. We will soon need all available hands for what is to come. Our mutual friend has decided that we can

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