Southern Beauty - By Julie Lucia Page 0,47

you okay Miss Lee?” Jacob asked. “You seem a little out of sorts.”

“I am just a little overwhelmed that is all.” She tried to smile and not look at David. Her hand still feeling his in hers, although, he had already let go.

David stopped rowing and sat next her, he grabbed her cold hands that shivered in her lap. “They didn’t hurt you, did they?” he asked with concern.

“I am fine, thank you, Lieutenant McPherson,” she was grateful he seemed to care but her indignation toward him overshadowed that feeling. She felt betrayed by his letter in the locket and a bit foolish for letting him kiss her again.

David felt the coldness of her words. He let go of her hands and stood up to row once again. The tension on the boat was unnerving, and even Jacob kept silent until they reached shore.

“There is a coach waiting for us,” Jacob looked down at Johanna.

“Where am I going now?” she looked at both of them. They both didn’t know how to answer her. “Don’t tell me you still need information from me that you have not already stolen from me,” she looked at David with discernment.

Both men stared at her fury still not sure how to answer.

“We would like to discuss that with you,” David said beginning to be annoyed by her unrelenting temper.

“I am sure you do,” she said angrier with each passing minute. “I wish you would have left me on the ship at least I would know when I am being betrayed.”

“Ungrateful little wretch!” David blasted her.

“Ungrateful? Am I to be thankful that you have me a prisoner once again?” Johanna didn’t back down.

“I have saved your life!” he reminded her. “I could have left you there and you would have been taken to a black market auction. A slave to the highest bidder, is that what you wanted?” David scolded her.

“Okay you two. This isn’t the time,” Jacob interrupted their spat. “Let’s get ourselves to safety and then you can have it out.”

Reprimanded by Jacob, they turned their heads away from each other like small children both seething with anger.

In the early morning light they entered the coach still in silence until Jacob spoke. “Are you still heading for Virginia?”

“Yes, that is where people who love me are waiting,” she said while she glared at David. He was still angry with her and stared her down with contempt in his face.

“We will let you go. We won’t keep you prisoner any longer,” said Jacob.

“Why would you do that?” Johanna confused.

“On one condition,” David interrupted.

“Of course there would have to be a catch with you,” she said toward David.

David ignored her jab, “you must tell us where to get the military plans that go with the map we stol…,” he cleared his throat, “acquired.”

“That,” she smiled in triumph, “is because I never trusted anyone. It is in a dear friend’s possession until I say otherwise.”

“Who has it?” Jacob asked her.

“Safe, until my journey is complete,” she smiled.

“What does that mean?” Jacob asked her.

“It means it is waiting for her in Arlington,” David answered for her.

Johanna’s smile widened with a smug nod at both men.

“Then I guess we are heading to Virginia,” Jacob smiled at Johanna’s cunningness.

Chapter 20

must make one stop before we go to the train station,” Johanna insisted. David raised his eyebrows wondering if she could be trusted.

“Here? Miss him already?” David asked.

“I left something here. I will just be a minute,” she hesitated than said, “He did ask me to marry him, maybe I am going to tell him yes,” she announced proudly and got out of the carriage.

Jacob laughed at David’s frown, “You have to love her tenacity.”

David looked up at Jacob with a half smile and then watched her disappear in the doorway.

“Johanna? You are still here in New Orleans?” Rene asked adjusting his shirt. Johanna noticed a woman exiting the room rather quickly.

Johanna had to laugh. “I see you weren't keeping a candle burning for me.”

Rene smiled sheepishly and shrugged his shoulders. “I believe you have caught me,” he didn’t deny it. “If I told you it was to get over you, would you believe me?”

”Absolutely not, I have a feeling you were over me once you closed my carriage door.” She laughed. He laughed too. “I have a favor to ask you.”

“Anything,” he smiled at her.

“The cigar box that I asked you to save for me, do you still have it?” she asked.

“Yes. It is in a safe place. Are you