The Secrets Amongst the Cypress by Sarah M. Cradit

Author:Sarah M. Cradit [Cradit, Sarah M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sarah M. Cradit

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Only one room was available, though it had both a small bed and a couch, and with no other option, they took it. Jean demanded Jacques sleep in the rain. Jacob countered Jacques could take the couch, and he would sleep on the floor. Amidst Jean’s apoplectic fit at the suggestion, the owner of the store inadvertently solved the dilemma by declaring no slaves allowed in his rooms except when service was needed. This earned a satisfied smirk from Jean, but Jacob saw to it Jacques found warmth inside in the carriage. Their secret.

“You have a lot to learn about earning loyalty,” Jacob said when it was only the two of them. Jean leaned over the hearth, attempting to start a fire and wearing a deeply perplexed frown. He’d likely never had to do this on his own before in his life.

Jean laughed. “I don’t require loyalty from a slave. Only obedience.”

Jacob had more thoughts on the matter—many more—but he understood a discussion on human rights would be wasted on a creature who had no warmth or heart to speak of. He treated his sister, his own flesh and blood, no better. Worse, even, unless he was raping his slaves, too.

He shuddered.

“You never answered my question,” Jacob started. Standing over him, he enjoyed this temporary position of power, then wondered why he needed it. Jean was a child, even if he had the heart of a fiend. He wasn’t worth the energy.

“Remind me of the question.”

“About why I’m here.”

“I started to when that pickaninny barged in.”

Jacob’s anger blossomed into a burning heat. Ignore it. Unless you plan to kill him and have Jacques help you hide the body…

“So, we have time now. Plenty of time,” Jacob added. He peeked out the curtain at the endless sea of dark cloud formations. “It’s clear you don’t like me. That’s cool because I happen to think you’re an asshole. I’m not a fool, for whatever else you might think of me. With that out of the way, let’s talk about what you really want.”

Jean’s brow shot up. “You’re right. I don’t like you. I can appreciate your cutting to the point, however.”

Jacob said nothing.

“I wanted to speak with you about the night you arrived. And two nights past, as well, if my suspicions are correct,” Jean said. He pulled himself up and leaned into the stone hearth. Jacob was shocked to see he’d actually achieved the fire. Jean looked shocked as well. “You’ve been inserting yourself where you do not belong and have not been comporting yourself with the respectful behavior one expects from a guest. If you have any regard for my family, you’ll realize your error and cease this behavior immediately.”

Jacob’s heart raced; Jean’s concern over his involvement was all but confirmation of the unholy deed. “I don’t make a point of being nosy unless something is going on that I can’t ignore,” he said carefully. “And a baby crying, all by itself, is something I can’t ignore.”

Jean threw his head back with a short laugh.

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