Desperate (Harris Trilogy Book One) (34 page)

His face turned as white as chalk. “Kate, it’s okay.
I’ve known from the beginning how much you love David. I took a chance and lost. You are having his baby, so it would probably be best if you married him. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.”

Jacob took Kate into his arms and held her wh
ile tears ran down her cheeks. “I’ll never forget you, Jacob. You helped me through a terrible situation. You will always hold a special place in my heart.”   

Epilogue

Curled against her side, David stirred. Kate smiled when his hand went to her swollen stomach. Four months along, she estimated her baby would arrive in December. A Chr
istmas baby would be wonderful. David spooned tighter against her side and moaned in pleasure.

Birds were singing, a light breeze blew through the window. She was content
. Life was perfect. But then the peace and silence was broken when Daniel, her one year old son, stood in his crib and screamed loud enough to wake the whole house. It wasn’t but a second and Jake, his twin brother joined him. Identical chubby cheeks scrunched up as if in pain, their wails vibrating off the walls.

When Kate pushed against David’s arm, he threw his leg over her to hold her in place. “Let Tilley and Jim tend to them.”
He nuzzled against her ear causing her to shiver. She could feel his steady heartbeat against her back.

As if on cue, Tilley sashayed into the room in her nightgown. “We’ll feed them, Kate.” She scooped Daniel into her arms. “You go back to sleep.”

She patted Daniel on the back as she cooed, “Is my baby hungry. Poor baby, you act as if you haven’t had a thing to eat in a week.”

She handed him off to Jim who stood at the door
with his arms out in front of him. “Ya gettin’ to be a big boy.” He held him to his massive chest and Daniel stopped crying.

She hurried back to the crib and gathered Jake into her arms. “There, there, young man. You gonna’ get to eat.”

Both Jim and Tilley were a Godsend. After Abigail was incarcerated for kidnapping, Jim came to live with them at Harris Plantation. One look at Tilley and he fell madly in love.

She smiled as she thought how her circumstances had changed.
Now that she was married to David, she had found peace. No, life wasn’t perfect, but it was about as close as it could get.

“What are you thinking about?”

She opened her eyes, craned her neck around, and stared into David’s handsome face. “Just about how much I love you.”

He nibbled on the side
of her neck. “Of course you do. I’m a wonderful husband, father and best of all a great lover.”

She giggled, tangled her fingers through his hair, and pulled. “You forgot conceited, arrogant, and proud.”

He tickled her causing her to giggle harder. “I thank my lucky stars I found you. You have made me a happy man.” He ran his finger over her lower lip. “Why don’t we spend the rest of the day in bed?” He rolled her onto her back then left little kisses over her neck before he devoured her mouth.

She pushed at his shoulders. “I think your father is going to need you in the fields today.”

The war had ended but the devastation was still all around them. Every day they struggled to hang onto the plantation. Deep down Kate knew they would survive. Not only would they survive, they would prosper. Dreams did come true, she had her truelove.

Coming soon:

The Shadow

Book Two in the

Harris Trilogy

Turn the page to read a

sample chapter

Chapter One

1868

The Shadow scurried over the tall
, rock wall lining the perimeter of the massive estate. The moonless night was perfect for concealment, but hindered his vision. He listened intently for a few seconds before continuing his mission. It had taken a week to determine who kidnapped young, beautiful Elizabeth Williams. Hoping he was not too late, he stealthily moved toward the Milford Mansion.

Using caution, The Shadow
peeked in the first floor window and saw a soft glow illuminating from a lantern in the room. The rest of the massive mansion was shrouded in darkness. He tried the window but found it locked. With sweaty palms, he felt his way along the damp bricks. After trying several windows, he finally found one unlocked and pushed it open wide enough to climb through. He waited for what seemed an eternity for any sound of activity in the house where Wally Milford resided. Pistol drawn, he moved farther into the quiet, silent house. 

“
If I were to kidnap someone, where would I hide that person?” he whispered to himself. The most logical place would be the basement. He knew by the foundation there was another floor below ground. The Shadow searched for a passage leading down. It took time but he found a door which led to some ominous, steep, narrow stairs that creaked loudly from the weight of his heavy frame. Carefully, he felt his way to the bottom step, hoping they did not give way under his heavy weight, and waited for his eyes to adjust to the surrounding darkness. Breathing was forgotten for a moment, as he listened intently for any movement. He could see a glow of light at the end of a narrow hallway. Then he heard the soft voice of a woman crying. She was still alive! His heart felt lighter. 

With caution
he moved toward the light. He could make out a lone form lying on the bed. Moving closer, The Shadow recognized Elizabeth. Her soft sobs were more than he could withstand. Her hands were tied to the bedpost so she could not escape. 

The Shadow felt as if he had been burned with a hot iron
. He became enraged, seeing her lying there nude, her body exposed to the cool, damp air. She trembled and his rage intensified. The fright and pain on her face would be etched in his mind forever. 

He put his pistol away,
and began to untie her wrists. She began to scream and struggle when she saw him in the concealing mask. In a raspy voice he whispered, “Shhh, Miss Williams. I am here to take you home.” 

Eyes wild with fright, sparkled in the dim light. When she opened her mouth to scream again, The Shadow pressed his hand to her mouth. “Please, Miss Williams, calm down.  I am not going to harm you.” What he saw in her eyes made his heart ache.

Feeling a sharp blow to his head, The Shadow’s vision blurred as he fell to his knees. He tried to rise, but was hit again across the back before he could stand. Not able to see his assailant, The Shadow kicked out luckily knocking him off his feet. Tremors of pain vibrated through his head. He shuddered trying to stay conscious. If he passed out, he and Elizabeth would be doomed. 

His attacker shuffled to his feet. The dark form of a man stood over him brandishing a club. Before his assailant could raise the club above his head, he kicked his feet, sending the man crashing to the filthy floor. The Shadow nimbly vaulted to his feet and stood over his attacker. Wrapping his hand around the man’s neck, he lifted him into the light so he could see his face. Just as he suspected, it was Wally Milford.
He began choking Milford with his bare hands. 

Strangled noises came from
Milford as his airway became constricted by the powerful hands of The Shadow. Scratching at his hands, Milford fought for his life. The Shadow stared directly into his bulging eyes as he slowly squeezed. After what he did to Elizabeth, he wanted to see his expression as he breathed his last breath.

Screams of panic vibrated off the ceiling as Elizabeth fought like a madwoman against her restraints.
She must be as frightened of him as she was of Milford. Dressed in black and wearing a frightening mask concealing his identity, he knew he looked like a villain, especially to an already distraught young woman. 

Worried about Elizabeth,
The Shadow threw Milford against the wall knocking him unconscious. He sprinted to the bed, wrapping his arms around the panic-stricken beauty, he held her close to his chest. She recoiled, but he gripped her tighter, as her screams echoed in his ears.

His raspy voice whispered in her ear, “It’s okay
, Miss Williams. I’m here to take you home. Calm down and trust me.” The moment he untied her wrists, she wildly scratched and pummeled his chest. Arms wrapped around her shoulders, he pleaded, “Please, Miss Williams, calm down. I’m not here to harm you, only to help. I swear I will take you home to your parents.”

She fell against him as sobs raked her naked body.
He stroked her thick, tangled, blond hair to comfort her. He wrapped her in the quilt on which she lay. Thin, weak arms clung to him as if her life depended on him. 

“It’s okay
. I’m not going to leave you. You are going to have to let me dispose of Milford. Please be calm and I will return promptly.”  He pried her hands from his black, silk shirt so he could move from the bed. He carried the candle burning by the bed and peered into the corner where he had thrown Milford’s body. He was not there. 

He had to be injured. How had he
walked away when he had connected with the wall with such a powerful impact? Not wanting to leave Elizabeth alone when she was so traumatized while he searched the house for Milford, he returned to her side. 

T
he still weeping Elizabeth wrapped her arms around his neck when he tucked his arms under her shoulders and legs. He carried her up the rickety steps leading away from the dark, dank basement. Before crossing the threshold, he listened intently hoping Milford was not waiting to ambush them. He heard nothing. 

With gentle hands, he sat her
on the carriage seat, and climbed in behind her. He barely had time to shut the door before the carriage suddenly lurched, throwing them against the cushioned seat, as it made a quick departure from the premises. As she trembled in his arms, he tried to console her. “I am taking you home to your family. You are safe now.” 

Her voice filled with anguish, she whispered
, “Do you have any inkling of the things he did to me? I am ruined. I’ll never be able to show my face in public again. I’ll be lucky if I’m not with child after spending a week at his mercies.” She shuddered as she remembered the old man’s hands on her body. Never would she forget the perverted pain she had been subjected. 

“You’re alive and unhurt.
That is what is most important.”

Her small hand clutched his shirt.
“Did you kill him?”

Guilt washed over him. Usually, he was not so careless to let an evildoer elude him.
“No, he escaped. I promise you I will find him and put an end to his miserable life. Now that I know his identity, he has nowhere to hide. He will never hurt you or another young woman again.”

Fresh tears pooled in her eyes as she wailed, “I hate him. I will never feel safe until he is dead.”

“I swear to you, Miss Williams, I will kill him. He will not escape the next time. He will pay for his crimes.” As the carriage bumped and swayed over the pot holes of the back road on the outskirts of Richmond, he cradled her in his arms as if she were a small child. It was not long before she relaxed and fell into a deep sleep, her head resting on his shoulder.

In the darkness he peered into her perfect face and smiled. Even though she didn’t think she would be okay, he knew she would. She was strong. Most women of her social standing would have lost their mind after being kidnapped and raped. But not Elizabeth, she would endure. 

For the fifth time, The Shadow lifted the heavy knocker on the door to rouse someone from inside Elizabeth’s home. A light finally appeared through the window and the heavy door creaked as it slowly opened. A bent, old, negro man stood staring at the sight before him with huge frightened eyes. The mask, used to hide his identity, made him look menacing and evil. 

Before the man could run away in fright, The Shadow replied, “I mean you no harm.”
He pulled Elizabeth in front of him, and removed the quilt from her face, exposing her identity. She said not a word. 

The old man
’s expression changed from fright to a man consumed with pure joy. “Miss Elizabeth, thank God you’re alive.” Skinny, dark arms wrapped around Elizabeth’s shoulders and he led her into the warmth of her home. The Shadow completely forgotten, he shut the door.

Returning
to the seclusion of the carriage, it and its occupants disappeared into the mist of the night.  

****

Gentle hands shook Dana Harris. “Dana, Elizabeth has been found. Her father sent word for you to come. He said she is very distraught and is asking for you.”

Blinking the sleep from her eyes, Dana asked,
“What time is it?”

Kate, Dana’s sister-in-law, helped her to her feet.
“Four o’clock. Would you like for me to go with you?” 

Dana pressed her fingers to her gritty eyes. “No, Kate. I think it would be best if I go alone.” Relieved Elizabeth was alive after mysteriously disappearing over a week ago, Dana
wasted no time in dressing, and tying back her long, curly, auburn hair. 

Elizabeth’s family had almost given up hope of finding her alive after a week of searching. They hired several Pinkerton agents, but not a single clue had been discovered. It was as if she vanished off the face of the earth.

In her haste to get to Elizabeth’s, she raced to the buggy where her brother David waited to drive her the few miles to the William’s Plantation.

A
n hour later, when they arrived at Elizabeth’s home, Dana started to jump from the buggy before David could assist her. He grabbed her hand to delay her. “I will wait for you.”

“I don’t know how long I’ll be
, David.” His black hair glistened in the early dawn. Blue eyes the same color as hers gazed at her with concern. “I’ll get someone to escort me home later. Go on home, I promise I’ll be okay.” 

Not knowing where Elizabeth had been or what she had been subjected too, Dana knew she might be staying indefinitely.

Her brother squeezed her hand for comfort. “I’ll see you when you return home.” 

Manny, the Williams’ butler, stood in the doorway as Dana ran up the front steps
. “She’s in her room, Miss Harris. She been askin’ for ya.” 

Dana sprinted up the staircase, slowing as she approached her dear friend’s room.  Before she entered, she stood on the landing and took several deep breaths to calm her racing heart. No matter what Elizabeth had endured, she needed to be strong.
 

Opening the door, Dana stepped inside to find her in bed. Evidence of great suffering could be seen on her face.
Huge circles under her eyes led her to believe she had been through hell. Her usually shiny, blond hair lay limp and dull against the pillow. Dana crossed the room, fell into bed, and wrapped her arms around Elizabeth as tears of joy drenched her cheeks.

“
I was so afraid I’d never see you again. I’m so glad you are safe and sound.”

Elizabeth’s face turned pink and hot from e
mbarrassment. Her voice no more than a whisper, she cried, “I was raped, Dana. He raped me.” 

Dana sobered quic
kly, and dried her tears. “Who raped you, Elizabeth?”

“Wally Milford.
I have been his captive all this time. It was terrible. He hurt me every night.” Elizabeth’s whole body quivered in her arms. “He did horrible things to me. Things I’ll never be able to get out of my mind. Even now his scent invades my nostrils.”

Unspeakable pain tore through her chest just thinking about what horrors Elizabeth must have endured. Wally Milford was at least sixty years old.
“How did you escape him?”

She raised her handkerchief to her nose and blew loudly. “The Shadow saved me.
He was going to kill Milford but he escaped. I’ll never feel safe until he is dead.”

Stroking her hair to comfort her, Dana replied, “You are out of harm’s way
. That is all that matters. You have to get through this for your parents. You have to get through this for me. You are my best friend.”

Stories of how The Shadow
had saved many damsels in distress were reported in the Richmond Newspapers every day. He was also credited with the disappearance of men who had broken the law but were never punished for their crimes. Men, who had enough wealth and connections to pay off the authorities, and never see a day of jail time. Sometimes Dana wondered just how much of his escapades had been fabricated. It was difficult to believe a mere man could be responsible for the good deeds printed about him and no one knew his identity.

Elizabeth
leaned back into her pillow and whispered softly, her eyes suddenly looking dreamy, “The Shadow is very tall and muscular. I couldn’t see his face so I don’t know if he is handsome. It was magnificent the way he threw Milford across the room as if he weighed no more than a feather. His power and strength were amazing, and yet he was so gentle and caring with me.”