Egad! Now that part 22 has confused you, let’s return to Catherine’s and Trevor’s present time, 1908, swamps of the eastern Carolinas. How will she introduce him to her saviors, the Garretts? Will the swamps help or hinder their plans of escape and safety?
Clanging pots and friendly voices urged them on. The morning light had found them in the lodge and they made use of the crisp but foggy air to approach the kitchen unseen. Catherine checked around the tent flap for Mercer, his men, or heaven forbid, any of the Charleston Four. Of course, she reminded herself, there were only three left. Yesterday’s fright flashed and she was thankful for the outcome.
She saw no one in their kitchen except her beloved friend, Joann. From close behind her newest friend asked, “All clear?”
“Yes”
His hand on her back gently pushed her forward.
“Catherine, oh my, who do we have here, and you’re a mess, child. Look at your hems. Joann brushed off the now dried dirt from Catherine’s muddy bluff adventure, giving herself to think. Her hands landed on her hips and her eyes rested on Catherine’s face. “Dear Heavenly Father, what is it?” Joann gathered the younger woman in her arms, “Where have you been? I heard shots early last evening. Has something happened to you? No, don’t tell me you were found. Did they hurt you?”
Catherine’s worry increased when her friend focused on the man behind her.
Before she could introduce Trevor, make an explanation, or calm her friend, Ross snapped the canvass flap open. “Move quickly ladies,” he stopped and stared at Trevor. A severe stillness overcame him. “I’m sorry sir, but Mr. Mercer’s guests aren’t allowed in the kitchen,” he snapped, “Sir.” He bowed his head in a rapid nod.
“Mercer’s no friend of mine!” Trevor returned the nod and continued, “Please allow me to quickly introduce myself, because time is important. My name is Trevor Coffman, and Miss Randolph needs to leave. Perhaps we could all assist her,” He put his arm around her waist and that seemed to startle everyone.
“No time for explanations. We’re leaving.” Ross glared at Trevor then he looked down at the bag and guns. Studying Catherine’s, he told her, “The Charleston Boys are here and they’re asking questions.”
“Yes, we know,” Catherine bent to pick up her bag and rifle. They had learned to keep small traveling bags and weapons ready.
They used precious moments to wear off a bit of shock by looking around at the blessings they would be giving up; the job, the beauty of the lake just outside the tent, and the safety they thought they had.
Catherine stepped toward the tent opening and turned to face the three most important people since losing her home in Charleston, since her father had suddenly died, and her stepmother married a monster. “Thank you everyone, but this isn’t your problem.”
The three stared back.
She tried again, “I’ll go alone. They don’t want you. Send them north with false information and I’ll go west first. No, I’ll head to Wilmington, east, then to Charleston to keep them guessing. She was babbling and wasting time, but they’d get hurt or worse if they went along to protect her. There certainly weren’t any guarantees that she’d find a solutions to her problems even if they all made it to Charleston.
Ross began calmly, “Joann and I talked this over almost every night since we met you. You’re our daughter now, for as long as you need.” He hung a huge arm across her shoulders. “God sent you to us. Let us help you get home.”
The three took another valuable moment for a hug before dashing away a few tears and walked from the hunting camp’s portable kitchen. Trevor brought up the rear of the line and Catherine turned to give him one last chance to back out. But, he winked. “You need help.”
Enough! More later. hopefully.
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