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We detoured three rows over and walked at a brisk pace toward out tent. When Caiyan was positive we weren’t being followed, he slowed his pace for Victory.
Sam was quiet. Possibly in shock from his first sexual encounter. Say something manly, I told myself.
“Did ya ride her like a hog?” I slapped him on the shoulder, then immediately regretted my redneck banter. What was wrong with me? The anxiety of this mission combined with Caiyan’s secret past caused me to act like a jerk.
Sam’s eyebrows raised. “Never ridden no hog, but I told her I wasn’t ready to have relations. Just didn’t feel right, besides, my mamma would tan my hide if’n she found out.” He glanced sheepishly toward Caiyan. “I hope you’re not mad, Sergeant, ’cuz she kept the money. I can pay you back.”
“Not necessary,” Caiyan said.
“You’re lucky you didn’t have relations with that one, she’s got syphilis,” Victory said to Sam.
Huh, maybe that’s why Gerry is such a pain in the ass.
“We need to find Lee’s Old War Horse; I’ve got a message for him.” I used the nickname the soldiers gave General Longstreet. Keeping my identity safe just became more difficult. My inner voice slapped on a pair of black rimmed glasses and gave me a thumbs up. I reminded her Superman was a comic book. Batman, now he was the real deal.
Chapter 21
We arrived back at our campsite. Caiyan helped Victory into the small two-man tent. Better for her to hide inside. Here I was with my future lover, the mother of his child, and a hundred and three-year-old man. How did I manage to get myself into these messes?
A scout rushed toward us. He stopped short and saluted me. I saluted him. The entire process was exhausting.
“I have a message for General Lee’s scout.”
Sam stepped forward. “I’m his aide-de-camp.”
“General Longstreet declines his offer to meet at headquarters. He feels his duties are required here with his corps. Here is the message to give to him.”
The scout handed Sam a sealed paper.
“I have orders from General Lee,” Sam said, as I had instructed.
“Give them to me and I will deliver them to the general.” The scout held out his hand.
“They are to be delivered in person. The general has taken ill. I have brought the doctor treating him to relay the information of his illness.”
The soldier seemed apprehensive at the request but relented. “I’ll report to General Longstreet straight away and return with his response.” Another salute and he departed double-time in the direction of Longstreet’s headquarters.
Gertie was right. This was like playing an intense game of telephone. No wonder half the orders were misconstrued.
I glanced over at Caiyan. After the scout left, Caiyan ducked inside the small tent. Choosing a thin branch to whittle like I saw Sam doing earlier, I sat as close as I could manage without being obvious to eavesdrop on their conversation.
“What do you make of the good doctor?” Victory asked.
“He’s no wearing a key.”
“If he were a brigand, he would have made his move I imagine.”
“’Tis true. We need to leave here. Find a safe place for you to have the baby.”
“I can’t leave here, there’s still work to be done.”
“For the love of God, you’re pregnant. You cannae go traipsing around the battlefield in your condition.” Caiyan’s voice escalated. I was familiar with the Scot’s temper and was curious to see how Victory handled it.
Glancing over at Sam, he raised his eyebrows toward the tent, and shook his head. “Ma always told me you never argue with a woman when she has her mind set. Do you find this to be true, Doc?”
“Smart woman, your ma.” I smiled at him. “In my experience, it’s always wonderful to get to know women, with the mystery and the joy and the depth. If you can make a woman laugh, you’re seeing the most beautiful thing on God’s Earth.”
Sam’s mouth hung open. I wished I could take credit for the quote, but I had read the profound words from the actor Keanu Reeves in Rolling Stone magazine and it had stuck with me.
