Gray Ashes Come Winter

'Whoa! Whoa!' Robbie shouted at the mare after hearing a moanful sound from the nearby heather, a blinding rain and raging wind obscuring everything but the reins he held taut. Then a series of lightning flashes lit the area like a noontime sun. Peering toward the groans, Robbie screamed, 'Mr Mac!' leaping from the buggy to secure the reins then race the few steps to where his stepfather, Matt MacLyndon, lay prostrate, pooled in bloody water.

'Mr. Mac, it's me, Robbie!'
'Son,' he moaned, 'some bastard shot me - ambush!' That was all he said before slipping into unconsciousness.

Robbie shed his own slicker, laying it carefully across the body. 'Sir, I'll be right back with James! We'll get you to the doctor. Just hold on!' Matt did not respond. Robbie sprang into the buggy with whip in hand, cracking it sharply over the frightened horse as they raced toward the slave quarters for help.

From Chapter 16

Jason didn't change expression as he listened intently to this strange tale unfold, somewhat uneasy with what the next disclosure might divulge. Marion continued, puffing occasionally on the cigar. 'The pressure had become almost unbearable. My family had discovered the details of my clandestine enterprise; the do-gooders in the East were closing in, beginning to expose me to ridicule and possible prosecution.'

Marion removed a rather bulky envelope from the valise which lay on the desk in front of him. Jason sat erect, looking on intently but saying nothing as his new client unsealed it, sliding the contents out - fanning them like a deck of cards before Jason's shocked eyes.

'Here are fifty gold bearer certificates in the amount of $10,000.00 each, issued by twenty different banks, all of which are financially sound at this time - one half million dollars,' Marion said, easing back in his chair.

Jason gasped quietly, arising to close the office door, which was ajar. 'My heavens, fellow,' he exclaimed. 'What on earth do you want me to do with this?' He was obviously shaken by the fortune lying on his desk.

'As I said, I want you to protect me - for a fee, of course.'

From Chapter 17

Shortly before seven, he discharged the carriage and approached the locked ground-level door at 1008B Burgundy Street. He pulled a cord which rung the bell.

'Is that you, Marion?' came a resonant, pleasant voice from upstairs.
'Yes, it's me.'
'I'll be right down.'
Chirping like a damned canary, he thought as the door opened.
'Heavens!' he greeted her. 'Why are you dressed like this?' he blabbered, standing spellbound, glaring at the black lace gown, the bodice cut in a 'V' almost to the waist, exposing her shapely breasts except for the nipples.

'I thought you would feel at home with me wearing this,' she purred, salaciously smiling through gleaming white teeth and full lips. 'Madame has one just like it,' she added, leading him toward the stairs.

'Yes, I know,' he smiled ever so slightly, stepping into the neat residence with the beauty and scent of fresh-cut flowers everywhere.

'May I pour you a drink? I suppose it is still bourbon?' she asked, moving toward the sideboard, the slinky lace gown molded to her shapely body.

'Yes, thank you,' he answered, fidgeting nervously with an unlit cigar.
'Darling, you requested a brief visit,' she spoke in soft, muted tones. 'You know as well as I that we have never had a brief encounter. You do remember, no?'
'I guess,' he belatedly responded.
'My dear, just relax. Enjoy a fine meal, and a pleasant evening. With charm and unhurried passion, I promise to make you remember well those exciting times we shared - flinging caution to the wind, living every night as if it were the last, moaning and groaning with sensual delight until an ocean sunrise awakened us, still locked in each others' arms. You do remember, don't you, Marion?'

'Yes! Yes, I remember,' he stuttered helplessly, trying to ignore her.
'Then why did you exile me from your life? No explanation. No nothing,' she cried out.
'Answer me!'
'To be quite honest with you, I figured it was time to move on, and -'
'Yes! To move out into the lily white world of a southern planter. To raise yourself up out of the despicable life of a slave runner with the intent of destroying my life - the only friend you ever had in that deplorable business of yours. But for the Holy Mother's grace, you would have succeeded. I would be dead.'

'Cut the dramatics, please. Is it money you want?' he scoffed.
'Hell no! I have money. And, by God's mercy, I have not had to prostitute myself to get it,' she cried out. 'Did you ever really think it would be the last of me when you dumped me in the gutter, pregnant as I was?'

'You weren't pregnant when you left Havana,' he roared.
From Chapter 26

At dawn they caught a troop train north toward cavalry headquarters near Culpeper.
James drew inquisitive stares from everyone, including a nosy major. 'Belongs to General J. E. B. Stuart,' Robbie asserted, bringing the inquisition to a sudden halt.

At 1200 on Monday, April 27th, Robbie reported to his superior, Colonel Price. 'General Stuart wants to see you immediately,' Price said. 'And, I don't think it concerns playing the pipes,' he added, laughing in jest. 'He has a special mission for you.'

'It comes as no surprise,' Robbie replied, tidying himself a bit before entering the general's tent. 'Captain MacLyndon reporting, sir,' he sounded out.

'At ease, Captain,' Stuart responded, smiling. 'Heaven bless your return. With Pelham gone, I have no one with whom to discuss Greek history and mythology, nor have I had the pleasure of your pipes.'

'Sorry, sir. It appears I am back for only a brief spell. Colonel Price says I am headed out on a special mission.'

'Yes, that is correct,' Stuart said, moving to a map table. 'Take a look at this sketch of anticipated enemy troop deployments - all, of course, predicated on General Lee's uncanny predictions. Presently there are approximately 135,000 Federal troops massed north of the Rappahannock. For weeks they have been gathering for a massive movement south. General Lee thinks General Hooker is feigning a crossing at Fredericksburg. Ultimately, though, he expects Hooker will strike to the west at Chancellorsville and sweep south and east in a giant encircling maneuver, leaving our forces with their backs to the river. This maneuver, if successful, could wipe out our army, opening the gate to Richmond. Are you with me so far?'

'Yes, sir,' Robbie replied, offering no comment.