Chapter 24

THAT NEXT MORNING they broke camp. It was easy enough to reduce the shelters to brush and toss the sticks and leaves around. Burying the remains of the fire took a little longer. Once Running Bull and Jack finished that task, Nora spread more brush over it. It was the best they were going to be able to do. The horses would leave evidence that someone had been through, but not necessarily how long they stayed.

As they began to mount their horses to leave, Nora turned to Jack and Running Bull.

“I would lead the way, if you do not mind,” she said. Jack and Running Bull looked at each other and back to her.

“I am familiar with the area,” Jack said. “I can get us to Philadelphia.”

Nora sighed and resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Jack was a man who needed to be in control of all things. It was natural that a leader would emerge in their little band, and Nora was happy to defer to him in general, but there were some things he would have to concede control on. Something that he was obviously uncomfortable doing.

“I’m sure you can, sir,” Nora said. “But you wish to leave Running Bull outside the city. I know of a safe place for him. He can stay there until we leave and retrieve him. He will not be bothered.”

“I will be fine in Philadelphia,” Running Bull said. “I do not wish to be tucked away in the event you need me.”

Jack held up his hand to Running Bull for silence. His brother arched his eyebrows in surprise. Running Bull outranked Jack in their tribe, Nora knew that to be true, but she was amused to see that Jack paid that no heed.

“Where is this place? Who are these people?” Jack asked.

“It is a small farm on the outskirts of the city,” Nora ex-plained. “They are … associates…of mine. They will accept that Running Bull needs sanctuary and not ask questions.”

“Maybe they wouldn’t ask questions of a white man, my lady,” Jack said, “but Running Bull is Shawnee. White people are not so open-minded.”

“Perhaps not,” Nora shrugged. “But if I introduce him as a friend of mine, no harm will come to him. The point is to keep him safe, is it not? We are not asking them to bring him to a drawing room party or take care of their children.” Nora turned to Running Bull. “Sir, I promise no harm will come to you there. I know you to be an honorable man, and I would not put you in danger.”

“I do not mind danger,” Running Bull argued. “I do not mind the prejudices of white people. I will not be uncomfortable with the stares and jeers in Philadelphia.”

“Maybe not,” Jack replied. “But has it occurred to you that our business will go faster if you are not there? Vendors might not want to do business with us. We could be barred
from certain establishments. I don’t just ask you to stay behind for your safety, but also expediency’s sake. I cannot change the minds of the Philadelphians today. I must take the path of least resistance.”

Nora found Jack’s argument to be sound, but Running Bull looked to be far from convinced. “I would feel ever so much better knowing you were safe,” she added. “You are a good friend to me. I would see you safe.”

Running Bull nodded his head once to Jack in agree-ment.

“One more thing,” Jack said to Nora. “What are they your associates in, Nora?”

Nora wiggled a bit in her saddle. This family was a trusted ally in her underground network. While they did not know her true quest, they knew her to be a trusted agent to Ben. “They believe me to be some kind of spy for Ben,” she said. “It is im-perative we are most careful when we are coming and going that we do not bring any unwanted attention to them. They will do this for me at great risk to themselves, but they will do it think-ing that they are helping agents of Ben’s.”

Jack looked at her for a moment then nodded. “Lead the way then.”

Nora took the lead and three hours or so later, the small farmstead appeared before them. She took them for a ride around the perimeter to ensure the holding was not under any type of surveillance. Once they were satisfied it was safe, Nora requested Jack and Running Bull to stay behind the tree line as she approached the house herself.

The farm belonged to Dana and Alec Ramsey and their three children with their families. Dana and Alec had immigrated to America after the Battle of Culloden and the Scottish Rising. They kept to themselves but were not loyal to the king. The outskirts of their land held an old chapel that was used for secret meetings.

Nora approached the door with some trepidation. What if the Ramseys weren’t interested in helping Running Bull? She felt guilty about leading them to believe they were helping Ben directly, though they were providing him a service in a rounda-bout way. Taking a deep breath, she knocked on the door.

Alec Ramsey answered. He was a big man, muscular, with a hard jaw and bulbous nose. His red hair was graying now. While Nora remembered him having a bit more weight to him, he was still an imposing man, filling up the entire doorway. He looked at her in surprise and motioned her quickly into the house before scanning the area and closing the door.

“Goodness, Nora,” Alec said in his soft brogue. “Ye shoulda told us ye were coming.”

“It was a last-minute decision,” Nora said, removing her gloves and hood.

“Can I get ye some coffee?” Alec offered moving to the stove as Dana entered the room.

“Please,” Nora said. She felt a little shame over accepting refreshment when she knew Jack and Running Bull waited outside in the cold, but she wanted Alec to be at ease and not suspicious of the hurry she was in.

“Nora!” Dana moved to hug Nora tightly. When she pulled away, she studied Nora closely, looking for any distress. “Ben has sent you to us? What does he need? The boys can carry messages.”

“I will have one to go to Ben’s daughter, Sally, in Philadelphia,” Nora said, accepting the hot mug from Alec. She an-swered the second question without acknowledging the first. “I’m afraid I have a bit of a favor to ask. I have a friend that needs shelter for the day, possibly the evening as well, no more than that I should hope.”

“Of course,” Dana said. “There is the room in the barn. Yer welcome to it always. Ye know that surely.”

“I do,” Nora said. “And I am ever appreciative of your generosity, as always. It is not for me. I am headed to Philadelphia for business, and he will not be welcome there.”

“What has he done?” Alec asked suspiciously, no doubt wondering what manner of man wouldn’t be welcome in civilized society.

“Nothing,” Nora assured. “He is a good man and has been of great service to me. He is Shawnee Indian.” She paused while Dana and Alec processed their surprise.

“I see,” Alec said. “That would present a problem.”

“He will not bother you,” Nora said hastily. “He is kind and will keep to himself. Our business will go faster if we are not fighting with anyone. We must be in and out of Philadelphia as fast as possible.”

“Ye say ‘we,’” Alec noted. “Are ye not alone? Is Ben with ye then?”

“No,” Nora said. “I have another traveling companion whom I have hired as personal security. He will see me safely to Philadelphia and back. It is a most unusual situation, I appreciate that. You will be doing a great service to us.”

Dana and Alec looked at each other, conferring in silence. Nora was asking a lot of them, she knew that. However, she didn’t have any other options. She needed to know Running Bull was safe while she and Jack took care of business in the city.

“We certainly know what it is like not to be welcome someplace,” Dana said. “We will give him shelter and food for ye. Alec will show ye to the barn and our son, Jamie, will carry the message for ye.”

Nora let out a relieved breath. “Thank you, both,” she said. “They are outside in the forest. I will send them a signal and they will come.” She moved to the door, opened it, and stepped outside. Turning the direction she had come, Nora waved and hoped that would be enough. Closing the door again, she moved back into the cozy room and Alec handed her parchment, a quill, and ink to write her message. She did it quickly, as she wanted Jamie on his way before Jack arrived. She handed the missive to Jamie with instructions just as a soft knock sounded on the door.

“Alec will show ye to the barn and where the room is,” Dana said. “I will bring food and hot water bottles out. I’m afraid there is no fire, but there is a cot, a table and chair, and furs to help with the cold.”

“It is more than we need.” Nora smiled, hugging Dana as Alec opened the door.

Jack stood in the doorway, nearly as big as Alec. His eyes immediately scanned the room and fell on Nora. She saw his hand linger on his pistol under his fur. He was ready for trouble, always on alert, his senses piqued. Nora sucked in a breath. He looked like a warrior.

“Are you all right, my lady?” he asked.

“Yes, of course, sir,” Nora said, moving hastily to his side. “These good people are the Ramseys, and they will shelter Running Bull for us. He will be safe here.”

“Aye,” Alec said, swinging his fur over his shoulders and putting a hat on his head. “We’re Scottish Highlanders used to hiding all manner of things. Aye, we have just the spot for yer associate.”

“I would see it first,” Jack said.

Nora looked over at him. Did he not trust her to find a safe place for his friend?

Jack caught her looking. “He is my chief’s son. The next ruler of my tribe. I would see him well protected. It is my duty.”

“He has become a friend,” Nora replied. “I would see him well protected, as well.” What little trust they had in each other clearly did not extend to all things yet.

Alec led the way through the barn to the back. In the last stall, hay bales lined the walls. Alec pushed a pile aside to reveal a hidden door. He opened it and led the way inside, lighting a lantern to illuminate the small, comfortable room, just as described. The only flaw was its lack of window. Running Bull would have no idea what time of day it was, but a window in a barn would be suspicious. Nora also noted books stacked on the table. At least Running Bull would be able to read to pass the time.

“Do you find it acceptable?” Nora asked.

“Yes,” Jack said. “I will bring him in.”

Jack and Nora saw Running Bull set up in the secret room and ensured he had everything he would need for the short time he would stay there while Alec stabled Running Bull’s horse. From there, Jack and Nora mounted their own horses and left for Philadelphia.