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He picked her up, carried her to the bed and smothered her with kisses. But he didn't make love to her and she realized her need of him grew every day. Why wouldn't he put her out of her misery?
Chapter Thirteen
The next day a Major in the confederate army showed up on the boat, he was in uniform. He was talking to Wade as Beth and his mother went into the dining room.
"I'll need transport down river," The Major Watkins was saying as they passed them.
Beth and Mother Cahill exchanged glances. It had started.
At the table they ordered, but both their heads kept turning to Wade and the Major. His mother was as concerned as Beth and they realized that from this day forward things would change, and not for the better.
"This is a pleasure boat, Major." Wade was telling the him.
"I'm aware of what it is sir. But I must ask you as a fellow southerner to assist your army in getting to Kentucky as soon as possible. The northern army is descending from Illinois; we must fortify our positions there before hand. You understand. You must take my platoon to the northern most point of safety. It's quickest and most inconspicuous way."
"I do understand." Wade said as he saw General Martin pass by, watching him closely. General Martin was not in uniform. Only Wade knew he was a General. Wade didn't react but continued. "How many soldiers, sir?"
"Twenty-five in my squad and me." The Major said.
"This isn't a war boat, Major," Wade said loud enough that it turned heads. "But I'll take you. Where will they board?"
"Just up the river past Greenville." The Major replied.
"Alright…." Wade agreed knowing that General Martin was about and would be wondering just who's side Wade was on. "But don't think you can continue to do this, Major. I'm not putting my boat up as a war boat."
"All citizen are involved in this war, sir." The Major frowned at him. "Just who's side are you on?" The Major's voice raised and heads turned.
General Martin heard it, and a slight smile played a
t his lips. Good, Wade thought as he spotted the General, he said that at just the right time.
"I don't take sides, Major." Wade replied.
"Well you will, before this war is over. Tomorrow morning, early dawn…" and he walked off, puffing on a cigar.
Wade stared after him. The arrogance of the southern Major was unbelievable, but Wade needed to show outrage, that way he'd earn General Martin's trust. It was tit for tat.
He had to find a way to keep the armies at bay somehow and he wasn't sure how to do it. Perhaps his southern contact could help in that respect. He'd never earn the north's trust hauling soldiers from one end of the Mississippi to the other.
General Martin watched him closely the entire day, even though Wade tried to stay around Beth most of the day.
Beth saw General Martin staring at them and deliberately looked troubled. "What did that Major want with you?"
"To transport soldiers to the north end of Kentucky." Wade said casting General Martin a glance and a nod.
"Well," Beth put on her best act. "You aren't going to do it are you?"
"I had little choice right now, but I don't intend making a habit of it. I'm not turning this boat into a war boat for the south. What would our guest say?"
"War, that's all anyone wants to talk about these days." His mother added.
"Well, I promise not to subject either of you to it very often." Wade said.
Some of the passengers heard him and one old gentleman which Wade had the utmost respect for came to their table.
"Wade, we all have to do what we can for the war effort."
Wade glanced up at Charles Nixon, a distinguished old gentleman from the south. "You have a good size boat, naturally you can be a lot of help to the south, you know."
