The Price of Betrayal by Phillip Otts

Author:Phillip Otts
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: civil war, war adventures, war historical, spy history, kkk the klan
Publisher: DX Varos Publishing

Chapter 12:

The Gamble

Later that evening, Satterwhite returned to the American Legation as promised. Harvey climbed aboard his friend’s carriage feeling better than he had that afternoon. During the ride back to his residence, the doctor shared information he had ascertained on Brian’s location, including details on the level of security at the rebel safe house and the best way to approach without attracting attention. Harvey thanked his friend and made arrangements for a future meeting. Before departing, Harvey promised he would return Brian and any other British hostages found at the same location to the British Legation. That arrangement would ensure the British Minister’s continuing support for Satterwhite’s delicate work during a dangerous time for everyone. Harvey didn’t explain just how he hoped to free the hostages, and Satterwhite didn’t ask.

After parting from his friend, Harvey was careful to take a convoluted route back to his own house in one of Port-au-Prince’s most respectable neighborhoods. Confident that no one had followed him, he walked his horse through the courtyard and placed her in the care of his house boy, a young Haitian named Evens. Harvey was exhausted and hadn’t eaten for hours, but his stomach was queasy and his head continued to ache. He washed up quickly and went to bed without supper.

Harvey awoke the next morning feeling much better and ate a hearty breakfast before riding his mare to the National Palace on the Champs de Mars. Security was unusually tight, as expected, but he had a plan. Harvey approached the gate and was allowed to speak with the senior officer on duty, who was wearing the same elaborate parade uniform he had worn when escorting President Hyppolite and his ministers to the cathedral the previous day. The officer hadn’t been home since.

Harvey explained that he had been asked to convey a private message to Secretary of State Ante’nor Firmin from the American Minister. After a few inquiries, the officer escorted Harvey around the compound to a side entrance, where he was taken to a small room on the second floor of a brick guardhouse.

After waiting alone for 20 minutes or so, Harvey heard footsteps moving up the staircase and the door opened. Firmin entered the room followed by two guards. He recognized his guest immediately.

“Byron,” Firmin said with surprise, “what are you doing here?”

Firmin knew Harvey by his alias, Byron Brown, a successful businessman who immigrated to Haiti from the Bahamas. The two men were neighbors and Firmin's wife had been trying her best to marry Byron off to a widowed friend, with no success so far.

“Ante’nor, I need to speak with you alone. It’s an urgent matter and I’m sure you’ll agree it’s well worth your time.”

“Of course, I can spare a few minutes.” Firmin replied, signaling for his guards to leave.

The two men shook hands cordially and waited for the footsteps to recede before continuing their conversation.

“I’m glad to see you safe and sound.” Harvey began politely.

“Thank you, Byron. We have the situation well in hand, and the rebels will soon regret their outrageous behavior.

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