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“Randall.”
“Ah, I see.” Paul relaxed his stance. “What are you doing so far from camp? Where are you stationed?”
Jimmy shifted his weight over his feet, answering in quick clipped words. “We are headed to Sandwich to bring back a wagon of goods for camp. Food and so forth.”
“Just the two of you?”
Staring, Jimmy’s wary expression carried into his words. “What do you want, Stockton?”
Paul laughed again, hiding the pinch of irritation that started at his back. “Don’t be so suspicious, Jimmy. I’m simply pleased to see you. I always thought of you as a brother, you know that.”
Jimmy’s expression flattened and his gaze turned back to the road.
Shifting tactics with all the talent of a well-rehearsed actor, Paul rested his elbow on his horse’s mane and lowered his head. “Truth is, I’m on assignment.”
At this, Jimmy faced him once again.
Paul continued, clouding his face with a grave expression. “Several of us have been given the task of infiltrating the patriot ranks.”
“Oh?”
“Aye.” Paul looked down then up again. “We’ve lost track of Donaldson, and we believe he might be in danger.”
“Hmm.” Mouth tight, Jimmy’s fingers tapped against his leg.
“I’m headed to Boston to see if I can find him and bring him to safety before the patriots can hang him.”
Paul looked up and noted the tick in Jimmy’s jaw. Did he know something?
“I…” Paul lowered his chin and sobered his tone. “I only hope I reach him in time.”
Jimmy looked away, then down before meeting Paul with a pointed stare. “I thought you hated him.”
“Trivial differences matter little when such issues are at hand—when lives are at stake.”
Unmoving, Jimmy’s eyes penetrated, as if reaching into Paul’s very soul. With a swift nod of the head, Jimmy stepped back. “I fear I cannot help you, Captain.”
That was it? He really had nothing to tell?
Paul reached out and grabbed Jimmy’s arm. “I know you cared for him. If you know anything at all—if you have heard anything that might save his life…I…” He paused and quieted. “If you fear what may happen to you if you tell, be assured that I will never divulge where I gained my knowledge.”
The boy looked away, his lips tightening.
Patient, Paul waited before prodding further. “He could be walking into a trap. But if I can reach him first—”
“He is not in Boston.”
Paul stopped. “How do you know this?”
Jimmy shook his head. “Do you really think he is so foolish to allow himself to be caught?”
“I want only to be sure he is safe. Tell me what you know.”
With a sigh, Jimmy studied his boots. “He didn’t say where he was going. Only that he was working with the patriots.”
“When was this, Jimmy? Where did you see him?”
Blinking, the young soldier answered. “I saw him here. Yesterday morning.”
