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"Surely you can understand that a man can't make money using the boat for the war effort. My passengers expect entertainment, poker, shows, good dining, not soldiers and guns." Wade argued gently.
"You can count on them expecting it, alright. But my God boy, this is war. Entertainment becomes secondary to the war effort, and you know that. You're a southerner aren't you?" Mr. Sloan asked with a frown.
"Yes, of course I am. I merely don't want to inconvenience my passengers, nor scare them." Wade assured him.
"Before this war is over, everyone's going to be scared." Mr. Nixon said with a arrogant smile and walked off.
Wade knew he had displeased Mr. Nixon and he knew before the war was over, he would displease many of his passengers. He'd lose business, and that bothered him. He might even get a reputation for sympathizing with the north. But what was on his mind right now was surviving the events of war, and hoping everyone was right about it being over quickly. Because he knew already that trying to balance the north and the south on his boat was near impossible.
General Martin edged his way over to his table, he wasn't in uniform, he couldn't be, but Wade was aware of which side he fought. "I'd like a private word with you later, if you don't mind."
"Of course, in the engine room at midnight, then." Wade told him.
General Martin nodded and moved on.
Both Beth and Mother Cahill watched Wade carefully and followed his lead at all times. Wade had put himself in a very dangerous position and they knew they would have to play their parts carefully if he were to survive it.
"Shall we take a stroll along the deck?" He asked his mother, winking at Beth.
He pushed his mother along and wanted to reassure her as her face was a wad of frowns and emotions.
"Wade, I'm afraid of what you are doing…"
"Don't be. I don't plan on being careless and I can see I can count on the two of you to back me up in anything I say or do from now on, right?"
"Of course dear. Of course." His mother shot him a glance of concern, but Wade spun her around to look into her face.
"Please don't fret mother, I love you very much, and these are trying times."
"Of course."
He took her back inside and looked at Beth.
After a short rest he took Beth onto the floor and waltzed with her in his arms. It was heaven being this close to her and he wanted to tell her so much, but this was not the time to speak from his heart. "You're doing beautifully."
She smiled, kissed his cheek and danced as though nothing mattered.
That night at precisely twelve, General Martin met him in the engine room.
"I thought this a place we couldn't be overheard. A little noisy, but private nonetheless. I suppose you heard the Major?"
"I did. And it gave me an idea."
"Oh?" Wade didn't like the sound of that, but he listened carefully.
"You'd be much more valuable to us, if you would consent to being a spy for the north."
Wade nearly choked. Now he was a counterspy?
"I'm not sure I follow."
"Take on these soldiers that you transport back and forth, and let us know how many, and where they are going up river. That will be a great advantage for us. If you continue to work with him, it could work in our favor. I did have other plans for this boat, but this might work out better in the long run. You are a southerner, so they won't suspect a thing."
Wade wanted this man's trust, and although his heart was not in it, he agreed after a moment's consideration. "How will I get word to you?"
"Since no one seems to know who I am or what I am, I'll be your contact. I'll be a regular passenger, playing poker, dancing with the ladies. All you have to do is get word to me, any way you can to my cabin. This way, we can see and hear what the south is planning, at least from this direction. I think this will work to both our advantages because since you hail from Texas, they'll expect you to work for the south. So continue to do so, only we want regular reports on movements of troops, or ammunitions. We want to know your cargo, and when and where it will be going. This will serve a huge advantage from this side of the war effort." General Martin said glancing around the room.
"How do I get word to you sir?" Wade asked.
