Paul looked sideways. “Did I frighten you?” His muscles formed granite under his sleeves. “How foolish of me. I am loathe to think you might believe I had forgotten that every person, young or old, who chooses to fight against the crown is a traitor and deserves a traitor’s just reward.” He shook his head in disgust and raised the weapon at the boy’s receding figure. “I would never...”
With a roar Pryer lunged for the gun. Paul struggled to keep the pistol pointed at the figure as it faded farther from view.
“You…shall not…” Pryer grunted as he strained to pry the weapon from Paul’s fingers.
A sudden flash and crack was followed by silence.
Pryer dropped his hands and looked from Paul to where the bullet had flown aimlessly into the wood.
Paul crushed a curse between his teeth. He’d missed.
He pointed the smoking musket at Pryer, growling his words. “You’re no better than they.”
“Perhaps.” Pryer stepped away. “But at least I won’t have to answer to God over an innocent life taken.”
Paul leaned in. “God and King George are one in the same, and until you come to realize that, Pryer, your life is worthless.”
Pryer pulled back with a grimace and strode away, speechless, leaving Paul alone in the curls of gun smoke. Paul turned to stare where the boy had fled. He might have escaped capture. So be it. But Donaldson would never be free. I will find you. Do not worry. I will find you.
~~~
William knocked at the back door of Nathaniel’s home, his stomach at his feet. He released a long breath, wishing the autumn breeze would brush away the lingering pains in his chest. Instead, they only played with his queue, tickling the hairs along his heated neck.
He tapped his fingers against his leg and prepared to knock again but it opened and Kitty stood in the doorway, her smile wide.
“Henry, what a pleasure to see you.”
He scowled.
She cleared her throat. “Forgive me, William.”
Cheeks a sudden red, she craned her neck and peered side to side out the door. Once she seemed certain her blunder hadn’t been witnessed she relaxed and motioned for him to come in. “What brings you here this fine evening? Where is your wife?”
“She’s uh…she’s preparing the nettles she picked.” William entered, closing the door. “She is most grateful to you, for helping her learn some…for sharing some recipes.”
“I adore her more than I can say.” Kitty made her way to the kitchen and flung a quick smile over her shoulder. “Nettles are the most pleasant in spring, but with good seasoning they should be quite delicious.”
She found her place beside the kitchen fire and stooped to place some additional ashes atop a cast iron lid. “Nathaniel isn’t here. I assume you’ve come to speak with him.”
“I have.” William leaned his shoulder against the doorframe. The storm still bellowed within and he pressed out another breath as he picked at the fraying edge of his cocked hat. He must speak with Nathaniel as soon as possible. If he didn’t return within a few minutes, William determined to find Thomas.
“What troubles you?”
William looked up. “Hmm?”
Kitty wiped her hands against her apron, her smile at a tilt. “Did you forget how much time we spent together in Boston those months before I returned?” She stopped several feet in front of him and crossed her arms, her head slightly bowed. “I know something troubles you, William. And I would venture to suppose it isn’t the farm or the smuggling.” She whispered the last word.
Rubbing his jaw, William released a weak chuckle. So, the strain of his home life he suppressed beneath the matters of war was evident. He stared at the floor. The urge to speak the burden and ease a portion of his pain—perhaps gain some wisdom in the ways of women—became so tantalizing his jaw ached from keeping back the words.
He shrugged one shoulder.
Her hands went to her hips. “So, you will not speak of it? Do you not trust me?” The accusation was said with a raise of her brow and quirk of her mouth, nearly bringing another laugh from his throat.
“It seems I am as easy to read as you are.”
“Is Anna…is she all right?” Kitty’s eyes went soft. “Are you?”
There in the warm, homey kitchen, William’s muscles began to soften. Kitty had always reminded him of his sisters, and being near her made him feel as though he did still have family, that he wasn’t entirely alone. Though he was, and the emptiness never left him.