The Liberator Series Box Set: Christian Historical Civil War Novels by McGee Stephenia H

Author:McGee, Stephenia H. [McGee, Stephenia H.]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Tags: Presidential assassination, Overcoming racism, Historical Christian, Mystery and adventure, Spies and espionage, Clean romance, Redemptive healing
Publisher: By The Vine Press
Published: 2016-09-08T04:00:00+00:00

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

John Surratt

March 30, 1865

Washington

A tap at his door drew David’s attention from the maps he’d been studying. He tucked them away in his satchel before going to open the door. Mrs. Surratt’s eyes darted around his room as she always did when he opened the door to her. And 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 the friendly smile he’d been using on her since he first started receiving meals with the Yanks. “Good afternoon, ma’am. I hope the day has 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. “Indeed, it has been quite lovely. I enjoyed a nice 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. “Oh, I did not know John was back in town. Thank you for coming to fetch me, as I would enjoy visiting with him as well.”

Mrs. Surratt held up a spindly hand as David made a move to step around her. “He has 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 again, waiting to see what she’d come for. He didn’t think her the type simply to come to him only to flaunt the fact that her son had not wanted to see him. But the longer she hesitated, the more he guessed that might actually be the case.

Finally, the woman reached into the pocket of her skirt and pulled forth 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 had almost begun to fear they were trying to leave him out of the plans, though he’d often enough reminded himself how foolish that would be. 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. “Well, good afternoon to you then. I assume you will be with us for 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 the ends of his lips.

She inclined her head. “Very well.”

He closed the door and waited until she had time to return below stairs before he unfolded the message she had undoubtedly already read. No names were given, neither in greeting nor in closure.

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