If the Moon Had Willow Trees by Hall Kathleen

Author:Hall, Kathleen [Hall, Kathleen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Amazon: B0735BD35H
Goodreads: 35563924
Publisher: Collaborative Options
Published: 2017-06-21T07:00:00+00:00

After a small toast with iced-tea glasses, the conversation began with the future—talk about Sam’s new job, Maggie’s teaching position, house hunting, family planning. During a pause, Maggie cleared her throat and said, “Jacques, I’ve been wanting to ask you some questions since we arrived. We’ve talked around it, but I haven’t come right out and asked. I need to do this.”

“Sure, Maggie. Whatever it is, please feel free. I’ll answer any question I can.”

“Were you involved in Anna and Raymond’s work to secede from Britain and Canada?

“I helped finance their work and provided space, equipment and manpower. So, yes, I was involved.”

“The Tribune said they were involved in ‘acts of international espionage and contraband.’ Was this true?”

“I think that depends on who’s reporting and how they interpret law. At some level, I suppose they—we—were breaking some laws, but it wasn’t for personal gain. It was because we believed Britain and Canada were imposing their will on indigenous people and French Canadians. I’d say it was a mission for them, more civil disobedience than criminal. But I’m not a lawyer.”

“And you?”

“It was also my mission.”

“When they left did you know they wouldn’t return?”

“I knew it was a strong possibility.”

“Why was it a strong possibility?”

Jacques looked up, then directly at Maggie. “Because, dear Maggie, there were a number of threats made against your parents that summer. I didn’t know if they’d make it. If they did, I was sure they’d go into hiding.”

“Who made these threats?”

“Anna and Raymond pissed off a number of powerful people, including the mafia in Britain, Canada, the States—you name it. They had many enemies because they had dug deep and discovered corruption they weren’t looking for.”

“Like what?”

“That’s all I can tell you.”

Jacques’ look conveyed a steeliness Maggie hadn’t seen before. She decided to resist familiar urges to plead, pout or argue. Instead, she chose to make the best use of the time they had left. She smiled as a thought slid by—Loretta with hands raised, fists pumping telling her to pick up the salt.

“Where were they heading? How would you know if they made it or not?”

“They planned to sail along the St. Lawrence Seaway. Beyond that, I don’t know. We all thought it best if I didn’t. For their sake, for everyone’s sake, I’m glad we made this pact.”

Maggie felt a heavy silence settle across her shoulders. The weight reminded her of the unasked question.

“Are they alive?”

“There’s nothing to suggest they died, but I don’t know if they escaped in another boat or were captured. Maggie, if they were captured, it’s unlikely they’re alive.”

Tears backed up in Maggie’s throat and she began coughing. Jacques brought her a glass of water and told her to sip it slowly.

Sam wiped his eyes and said, “Jacques, did Anna and Raymond make plans for Issie and Maggie?”

“Yes, of course. When they realized they might have to disappear, Anna left me a copy of their will and funds to help raise Issie and Maggie. After the court appointed Minnie and Cyp as guardians, the funds were transferred to their bank.

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