Origin by Craig Johnson

Author:Craig Johnson [Johnson, Craig]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-06-28T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

THE QUICKENING OF A NATION

April 1786,

a meeting located at Millstream Plantation.

“Lewis, we are no closer to finding Carter than we were over one year ago. Every action we have undertaken to trace his steps has resulted in frustration. What about Stanton Talbot? Has he been earning his prize?”

"Yes, Perry, Mr. Talbot has proved diligent so far."

General Perry Taylor pounded his fist on the table. “After every sacrifice we have made to keep our nation alive, only the turncoat, murderous Stanton Talbot is compensated with a fortune!

“I have placed notices in nearby counties for months concerning a runaway slave named Carter. I wrote out an exacting description, along with a handsome reward for his capture. I stated clearly there would only be compensation if he were delivered alive and in good condition. I have yet to receive a credible reply.”

“Raise the damn reward Perry. Let us see if that bears fruit. Has he tried to make contact with any of the other servants he regarded in good company?”

“If he did not do so in the first few weeks of escape he probably never will. Carter is no fool. My only hope is that he was not caught by some lusting slave catcher and sold back into bondage elsewhere. Then we will never find a trace of him or the documents.

“I imagine such an event would solve our current issues. Yet we would be none the wiser, with agonizing worries continuing to plague us. There is only one certain result. We must see those papers in our hands. Only then can they be destroyed.”

Treasurer Lewis Fulton rose from his chair to peer outside the window. He held his hands on his haunches when he turned back towards the general.

“No Perry, we must hope he is not captured! Think carefully on what would happen if the wrong hands were to possess those documents.

“With Carter, we know his motives. He wants to avenge years of deep loss and nothing more. Pray we do not have to deal with an unprincipled fiend who would hold you, me and the whole nation hostage!”

The general appreciated Lewis’s words. “Pardon my willful ignorance. I did not consider options beyond my selfish need for a quick resolution. Of course, we must continue with the utmost commitment.

“I am feeling famished at the moment. Perhaps we should have some dinner before pondering our next actions?”

“We shall return to the study after dinner. It will not hurt our odds by taking some time to have nourishment,” the treasurer agreed.

Before leaving the room, another thought came to Lewis. “You do realize every President of the United States will be required to have immediate knowledge of this grave affair unless we solve it?”

“What if a president is elected who assumes it in the best interest of our country to let the people know the truth?” Perry responded. “Would that not lessen the blow to such wicked ransom?”

“I will act as if those words never passed your lips!” hissed Lewis in a menacing tone.

Both men left with tired eyes and addled minds.

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