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“Thank you.” Martin cleared his throat. “That will be all. You are dismissed.”
The other soldier looked Thomas up and down as if he were a pile of rubbish, bowed, then took his leave.
Martin turned back to Thomas, his shoulders pulled back. “Two weeks. Two weeks and then I will be done with you. Meet me here at the regular time. I will send one of my men to give you the assignment.”
He tramped out of the alley, leaving Thomas in a deafening quiet.
Robert was gone.
The terrible truth settled into his bones. Thomas had known the end was near, but the wrenching loss shredded his heart with unspeakable pain. He shuffled backward and thumped against the side of the tavern, shoving his hands through his hair. His throat tightened and he closed his burning eyes. The dank, salty air around him thickened as his grief swelled.
After several moments of bitter silence, with his head bowed, he shuffled out of the alley and stopped in front of the tavern. He stared at the ground, mindless of the sights and sounds of Boston that usually served to cheer him. Memories of Robert’s compassion, wisdom, and fearless strength both warmed and haunted.
Suddenly, a large hand smacked him on the back, jolting him out of the abyss and into the present. “Cousin!”
Thomas straightened and exhaled a sorrow-filled breath before trying to smile, but nothing came to his lips. “Daniel. ‘Tis good to see you. As always.”
Daniel grinned, revealing the gap between his two front teeth. “I’m very pleased to see you as well, Thomas. There is much of importance we must discuss tonight, ‘twould not be the same without you.” Daniel Williams flashed a disarming smile, which reached out and worked as a balm to the sorrow Thomas kept hidden. What a good man he was.
What would he say if he knew the truth of what Thomas had done? No. Daniel should never know. It was better that way.
Thomas looked into the window of the bright tavern at the few familiar faces of the other Sons of Liberty. Robert’s voice rang in the chorus of his memory— “Our greatest desires are worth every sacrifice, Thomas. And this cause? This cause is the future. It deserves everything.”
Daniel’s bass timbre broke the silence and his tone lowered. “After today’s news about Doctor Campbell, I wasn’t sure whether you would come. I know how much he meant to you—how much he meant to all of us.”
“Robert would want me here.”
Daniel nodded, his head lowered in respect. “Aye, I believe you are right. I’ve never met a man with more courage and faith.” He moved aside to make way for a group of soldiers on the street. He lowered his volume another degree. “Robert had family, did he not?”
“Two daughters.”
“Have you been acq
uainted?” Daniel walked toward the tavern door.
“No,” Thomas said, following. “He did speak of them often. I know he loved them dearly.”
“What will they do now?”
“I cannot say. I remember something about an aunt, but that is all. I fear they are quite alone in the world.”
Daniel opened the door and motioned for Thomas to enter first. “God will keep them. He loves all His children, but I believe He holds a special place in His heart for His daughters.”
Daniel’s wisdom reached into Thomas’s grief, blanketing it with a measure of peace. He gave a polite half-smile and stepped into the busy tavern. Please bless Robert’s daughters, Lord. Send someone to help them in their time of need.
The air in the glowing room mounted with the pleasing aromas of ale, salty stews, and savory puddings. A gentle hum of voices bounced between the walls and lent a feeling of welcome camaraderie.
The two of them approached the long table in the back. The conversation between the six other men became clear as the group nodded their greetings.
Reverend Bassett, wearing a black jacket and breeches that contrasted his white hair, leaned forward and rested his twined hands on the smooth wood of the table. “I have been informed there is a traitor in our midst.”
All the blood in Thomas’s limbs stalled and his heart refused to beat. They know.
“A traitor? Whatever are you talking about?” Daniel neared and pulled up a chair.
The Reverend continued, his tone grave. “Aye, indeed. Someone in this group is withholding vital information.”
Daniel motioned for Thomas to sit, but he couldn’t move.
