Trail of Betrayal - Softcover

Murray, Anne R.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1546232699 ISBN 13: 9781546232698

Publisher: AuthorHouse, 2018

Synopsis

Life was different during colonial times. People struggled to survive. After winning the American Revolutionary War, America looked forward to the future. The colonies had won a new freedom. The colonists were free to explore religious worship, without threat of government intervention. They experienced freedom to vote, to live in unity in the community and to protect their civil rights. The story tells of the lives of the main characters, their challenges to survive during one of the harshest eras of our country. The book reflects of the bloody battles fought during the war.

About this title

About the Author

Dr. Anne R. Murray has written for several years. She has explored different avenues of writing: freelance, poetry and creative. Her dedication to writing has produced ten books so far. Dr. Murray earned a doctorate in education and taught public high school until she earned a well-deserved retirement.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Trail of Betrayal

By Anne R. Murray

AuthorHouse

Copyright © 2018 Dr. Anne R. Murray, Ed.D.
All rights reserved.

ISBN: 978-1-5462-3269-8

CHAPTER 1

Later that week ...

The week went by quickly. On Thursday, July 4, Americans celebrated their independence from Great Britain. Bonfires, streamers, parades and people lining the streets were all in celebration. The American people were happy. They were American citizens and no longer under British control.

The week ended well. Charles was anxious to have the weekend off. He wanted to do some fishing at his favorite lake. That Friday evening, there was a knock on the door. Neither Charles nor Beth had expected anyone. When Charles opened it, he was met with a fairly tall slim gentleman. He introduced himself as Mr. Barrett Lassiter. He asked if he could come in for a moment.

"Certainly, sir, we were just finishing dinner," Charles replied.

"I'm so sorry to call late in the evening and interrupt your dinner. I will be brief," Mr. Lassiter said.

"That is all right. What do you need?" Charles asked.

"It's not what I need; it's what you need," Mr. Lassiter said. "Can I speak with you in private?"

Charles looked at his wife and children in the dining room and shook his head. He motioned for Mr. Lassiter to follow him to the study. Charles then closed the double doors behind him.

Mr. Lassiter waited a minute until he continued. "I'm the schoolmaster of the current school here in Baltimore. I got word from your children's teacher. Your children were tested at the end of the school year for various skills and abilities. We are trying to find where children are cognitively and what professions they might be likely to enter after school age," Mr. Lassiter said.

"All right, what does that have to do with me?" Charles asked.

"We tested both Timothy and Lawrence in May. I just got the test results. May I tell you what we found?" Mr. Lassiter asked.

"Certainly," Charles replied, curious to know.

Mr. Lassiter took out the papers from a file. "Timothy is an above-average student. He does well in all his studies and testing. Timothy scored very high in analytical skills, especially in history and social studies. He's very socially adaptable and has excellent interpersonal relationships with others," Mr. Lassiter said.

"We always knew Timothy was smart. My father was a very smart man. Timothy displays the same attributes as my father did at his age. My oldest brother was a general in the U.S. Army before he passed," Charles answered.

"Sorry about your brother, but Timothy is very smart. His I.Q. was around 138 – gifted," Mr. Lassiter said.

"That's my first-born! He's a natural born leader!" Charles stated. "Timothy's mother and I are talking about sending him to a military academy the following year. He has talked about becoming an officer in the army."

"That would be a perfect choice for him. He has the skills and aptitude for military leadership," Mr. Lassiter said.

"What about Lawrence? You haven't mentioned his test results yet," Charles said.

"Well, we did a thorough examination of his tests ...," Mr. Lassiter was starting to say.

Charles was afraid he was going to say that Lawrence wasn't as persistent in his skills as Timothy, but had to hear the results either way.

"His teacher was impressed with Lawrence's test results, as I was. He performed excellent on all his studies and outstanding on scholastic tests. He is extremely analytical, especially in math and science," Mr. Lassiter said.

"How did he do I.Q.-wise?" Charles asked. He wasn't sure he should have asked that question.

"Lawrence scored 162 – genius level," Mr. Lassiter stated.

"What? He always has his head stuck in a book somewhere. We can't get him to do work at home like Timothy as he is always reading or studying something," Charles said.

"That is because he is an advanced student, more so than other students his age," Mr. Lassiter said. "He may be bored with the materials you give him."

"What does that mean in terms of his schooling?" Charles asked.

"That is why I am here. I would like to know if you are interested in sending Lawrence to a school for advanced children. Surely a child with Lawrence's gifts and talents should go to a special school. The other children are holding him back of his full potential," Mr. Lassiter stated.

"What about Timothy? He and Lawrence have been inseparable growing up," Charles said.

"I understand, but Timothy is an extrovert and enjoys being around children his own age, whereas Lawrence is an introvert and likes to learn on his own," Mr. Lassiter stated. "He is Harvard material later on."

"I see where you are going with this, but won't Timothy think he is not as smart as his brother?" Charles asked.

"As I said before, Timothy is smart – very smart. He just has other gifts than Lawrence. If you accept the offer, Lawrence's tuition is paid up for a year," Mr. Lassiter advised.

"Really? Where is the school?" Charles asked.

"That is the complicated part. It is in Boston, Massachusetts," Mr. Lassiter said.

"Boston? Isn't that a long way off? Besides, there is fighting going on there due to the war," Charles stated.

"It is up to you. The tuition wouldn't pay for board or food, just for books and school supplies," Mr. Lassiter.

"I don't know. I need to discuss it with Lawrence's mother," Charles replied.

"Of course, but I need your answer very soon. There is one more child that is a potential candidate. He didn't score as high as Lawrence, but a good second running," Mr. Lassiter stated.

"I understand. Can I give you my answer later in the week?" Charles asked.

"I'm afraid I need an answer no more than a week. I need to make plans before the new school year begins," Mr. Lassiter advised.

"You will have an answer before the week is out next week. I assure you," Charles said.

Mr. Lassiter and Charles shook hands. After Mr. Lassiter left, Charles went back to the dining room. It was half-past 7:00 p.m. by then.

"I gave up on you returning so I cleaned away the dishes from the table already. Would you like something else to eat?" Beth asked.

"No, I was finished," Charles said.

Beth noticed Charles' expression on his face.

"What is wrong? You look sort of disappointed," Beth said. Charlie was sitting at the high chair. She was grasping food with her fingers. She was just starting to eat solid food. It was more enticing to play with it than to eat it. She grabbed the food with her small fingers and dropped the food on the floor. Stephen was sitting nearby and started to laugh as he saw the food drop. Charlie had food all over her hands and mouth.

"Oh, Charlie, look what you are doing!" exclaimed Beth. "Food is for eating, not for playing with."

Charles noticed the children entertained by the event. Charlie had made a small puddle in the floor with her creamed potatoes.

"Charles, can you take Stephen upstairs and get him ready for bed? I need to clean Charlie up before I come upstairs," Beth said.

"Of course, dear," Charles answered. He took Stephen upstairs and helped him change into his pajamas for bedtime. By then, Beth brought Charlie upstairs to change her into her nightgown.

As the younger children were put to bed, Timothy and Lawrence stayed downstairs until 9:00 p.m., their bedtime.

"Who was that man tonight?" Beth finally asked.

"He was the schoolmaster of the school Timothy and Lawrence attend," Charles replied.

"Oh, really! I know their teacher, but never met him before," Beth answered.

"He said he was following up on Timothy and Lawrence's scholastic testing last spring," Charles said.

"That was important to know. Why didn't you call on me to talk with him?" Beth asked.

"You were busy with the children and still eating dinner," Charles said. "I didn't want to disturb you."

"All right, what did he say?" Beth asked.

"He said Timothy did well in all his studies and testing," Charles answered.

"We know Timothy is smart. He always does his work to detail both at home and school," Beth said.

"He is smart. He scored 138 on his I.Q. test," Charles answered.

"Why that is incredibly smart! He can be anything he wants in life," Beth said.

"He can, but he wants to be an officer in the U.S. Army. He is very socially adaptable, the schoolmaster said," Charles replied.

"What about Lawrence? I'm unsure about him as I am with Timothy," Beth said.

"Well, Lawrence is another thing," Charles said.

"He didn't score as high as Timothy, did he?" Beth asked.

Charles looked at Beth and cleared his throat. "We were wrong about Lawrence. All these years we thought he was lazy or didn't like work, he was really working his brain very hard," Charles said.

"In what capacity?" Beth asked, both curious and anxious to know.

"Lawrence scored 162 on his I.Q. test," Charles answered.

"Lawrence? I can't believe it! He's that smart?" Beth asked.

"I'm afraid so – genius level," Charles replied.

"I had no idea. I know he likes to read a lot. Last year, I asked him to do his homework and he said he finished for the month," Beth said.

"The schoolmaster seems to think that the other children are holding him back. He suggested sending Lawrence to a school for advanced children. He feels that Lawrence could learn to his full potential that way," Charles said.

"What about Timothy?" Beth asked.

"I asked the same thing. Apparently, Timothy learns well around children his own age, whereas Lawrence learns better on his own," Charles said.

"Where is this school located?" Beth asked.

"Boston," Charles replied.

"Boston! I don't know, Charles. You are talking about sending an eight-year old boy somewhere that he knows no one else," Beth answered.

"No one in Boston I know except for my parents. The schoolmaster said they paid the first year's tuition, books and supplies," Charles said.

"I don't like it. Lawrence will be by himself. He is only a young boy. When do you have to give an answer?" Beth asked.

"By the end of next week," Charles replied. "I could write my parents; I need to go see them. It has been nearly three years."

"What good would that do?" Beth asked.

"They might be able to keep Lawrence for a year. The tuition doesn't cover board or food," Charles said.

"It sounds like you have made up your mind already. I still don't like the idea – Lawrence is so young and he will be alone there," Beth said.

"We were going to send Timothy to a military academy the following year when I can afford it," Charles answered.

"Timothy is older and more responsible. He adapts well and assumes maturity beyond his years," Beth replied.

"Don't put Lawrence down for that," Charles said.

"I'm not. Lawrence is different from Timothy though. He doesn't like structure or routine," Beth said.

"Why don't we sleep on it – maybe by the morning we will have the answer," Charles said.

Charles and Beth did sleep on it. However, Beth lay awake all night tossing and turning. Her pillow was saturated with her tears. Her young son was possibly leaving after this summer. If it were up to her, she wouldn't allow it. But that was just it; it wasn't totally up to her. She hoped that Charles' parents couldn't keep Lawrence. She wasn't ready to say goodbye to him yet. After all, he was still only a little boy.

CHAPTER 2

Later that weekend ...

In Alexandria, Virginia, Lisa Marie had lain low for the last several months. Ever since her trial last August, she had returned home to the estate. Her time was spent in private, hardly ever venturing out. She and her husband Sir Francis enjoyed the time with their new son Frankie. He would be six months old this month. Lisa Marie wanted to see her daughter. Kimberly was two and a half years old. Lisa Marie kept knowledge of her daughter from Sir Francis. She had planned to go visit her mother in the Oklahoma Territory. Lisa Marie had a governess to care for Frankie.

Sir Francis gave his new wife everything she wanted material-wise. Yet, Sir Francis was no fool, at least when it came to his money. He remembered something his solicitor Ted Sinclair told him before he was killed. It continued to bother Sir Francis. He decided he needed to know if Lisa Marie was loyal or not. He had heard rumors about Lisa Marie, but decided to ignore them. He married her anyway.

Earlier that week, Lisa Marie told her husband she would be leaving to visit her mother very soon. She wanted to take Frankie with her. Sir Francis did not try to stop her, but insisted that the governess go along too. Lisa Marie would have to either leave Frankie at home or take the risk of her governess finding out about Kimberly. There was no telling what would happen then. There was one thing certain. Lisa Marie loved her children and her mother.

Life was different then among all people. There were less social gatherings and events. There were less people walking openly on the streets. Families didn't communicate as much. Spies were everywhere as far as people knew. Lisa Marie had to be careful as her past held many secrets she dared not mention to anyone, especially to her husband.

Lisa Marie still had a desire for Charles. He held the key to unlocking some of those demons in her head. She didn't know when or if she would see Charles again, but she hoped it would be soon. He resembled what was good in a man – fairly good looks, gentleness, strength and a father-like disposition. But Charles was happily married with four children of his own. He was not interested in any other woman, at least not romantically.

Lisa Marie was contemplating on visiting Charles somehow in the near future. She would have to secretly see him. She didn't know the time or place. That would have to be determined once she got back from visiting her mother and small daughter. That Saturday morning, Lisa Marie received a courier message. She was being summoned by a British commander. Lisa Marie thought she was finished with spying, especially after her marriage. She didn't want anything to do with it; however, once a spy, always a spy. The message just read to meet on Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m. at the nearest seaport. There would be a driver standing by to take her to the destination.

Lisa Marie didn't have time for this, nor was she was interested. That weekend, she was packing for her trip. Lisa Marie intended to go see her mother and daughter. She would need to leave earlier than planned though. She decided to leave right away. Lisa Marie decided to go alone, without Frankie or his governess. She had no idea it would be a major mistake to defy the British or what would be waiting for her.

Sir Francis reluctantly let her go alone. He had rather her take the governess along. He didn't feel it safe for a woman to travel by herself. Lisa Marie won the argument and proceeded that Saturday afternoon out of Alexandria. She wanted to be as far away as possible. One thing she didn't trust – she didn't trust the British. Her dealings with them had been fierce. They were authoritative, especially when it came to foreign intelligence.

The stagecoach made it out of town quickly without any problem. The stagecoach had been on the road nearly two hours. As the stagecoach approached close to a neighboring city, there were two men blocking the road. The coach driver thought it might be the usual blockage to check for deserters. But this was different. They were well-dressed men on horses. They were not military men. As the stagecoach stopped, one of the men spoke. "You have a passenger on board," he said. The man spoke in an English accent.

"The lady of the estate. She is visiting her home place," the coach driver said.

"We will be taking her with us," the man said.

"On whose orders?" the coach driver asked.

"On my orders," the man said. As he said that, the coach driver looked around for his pistol. The Englishman grabbed his pistol and shot the coach driver. Lisa Marie was sitting in the stagecoach, not knowing what was going on. She had heard the gunshot. The other man opened the door to the stagecoach. "Come with me, Mrs. Jarden," he said. He also had an English accent.

"What is the meaning of this?" Lisa Marie asked. Fear actually started to grip her heart.

Neither of the two men responded. One of the men motioned to Lisa Marie to get out of the stagecoach. As she stepped down, there was an extra horse waiting on her. Lisa Marie was prompted to get on the horse, as one of the men held a gun on her. She obeyed and was soon off in the other direction, leaving an empty stagecoach and a dead coach driver.

(Continues...)

Excerpted from Trail of Betrayal by Anne R. Murray. Copyright © 2018 Dr. Anne R. Murray, Ed.D.. Excerpted by permission of AuthorHouse.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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Edition details

• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Publication date: 2018
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1546232699
• ISBN 13: 9781546232698
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 424