Passion's Furies by Altonya Washington

Author:Altonya Washington
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-58571-581-7
Publisher: Genesis Press, Inc.
Published: 2012-08-09T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 13

Denmark Vesey’s presence was as potent as his speaking abilities. He remained seated while his top men conducted their meeting, expressing their opinions on the need for rebellion—opinions which gained them even more exposure.

Solomon paid more attention to Vesey. He studied the older man closely, taking note of the similarities between he and Jason McIver. They were both freedmen, respected and financially secure. Yet for Vesey, there was still a void aching to be filled, an ache driven by the need to see his people free and to take part in the struggle.

The Lariat had docked on Kiawah Island some hours earlier. Through members of the crew, Solomon learned of a meeting which was to take place along a secluded area in the thick wood along the river bank.

The fact that he’d arrived with members of the crew and that they were of a darker complexion played a huge role in gaining Solomon access to the secret meeting. As he listened, Solomon could easily understand why Jacinta was so eager to be part of the rebellion. Vesey had indeed attracted quite a following. The speeches given were laced with anger towards their oppressors and their intolerance for the brutality against their women and children.

The location of the meeting was yet another dark, chilly lean-to, far too small to comfortably accommodate such a crowd. Of course, that mattered little to the masses desperate for any corner of space.

“…streets is fill with them ev’ry night. There ain’t no time to—”

“Our plan is to ignite fires in different places all over town. This should keep them busy!” Will Garner called in response to the question voiced from the crowd.

“And keep them scattered!” Jake Stagg, another of Vesey’s men, added.

“That’s right!” Jake McNeil agreed with his associates. “And this is why we need much assistance. We need every slave armed and ready to strike down any who think to keep us in shackles!”

Applause and cheer erupted amidst the audience. The words were riveting and did more than prompt a sense of urgency and readiness in Solomon. Moreover, it drove home his intentions to shield Jacinta from danger. The proposed rebellion was sure to be a bloody battle, and the aftermath would be just as gruesome whether or not the group achieved success.

Solomon went still then. For the first time, he realized how deeply his feelings ran for Jacinta McIver. Even though she had shown him little more than contempt over the last two months, he was in love with her. As deeply as freedom rang in his heart, as much as he wanted to be a force in what was taking place, he was glad to turn away from it to keep her safe.

The meeting dispersed a short while later. As Solomon left with members of the crew, he noticed the interested looks cast his way. He was less than surprised when they were stopped on their way out of the shack.

“Who this, Murph?” a dark, lanky man asked Murphy Hinnant, a member of the Lariat’s galley crew.

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