“Colonel Rourke has been nothing but loyal to the Union,” protested Lieutenant Bowman. “I cannot think of a better officer and one who has risked his life many times and—”
“Colonel Rourke is a seasoned officer. He has made an unforgivable foray in the south that is undeniably questionable,” ranted Dodge. “I cannot lead this high office with a hotbed of sensitive information while allowing one irresponsible son of a bitch under my command to jeopardize the Union.”
Lucas straightened. “I would expect nothing less, sir.”
Lieutenant Anthony Bowman would not be deterred and his bold defense surprised Lucas. “I can vouch for Colonel Rourke—”
Dodge’s face mottled with rage. “By God if I hear another word, I’ll have Colonel Rourke court-martialed. As far as I’m concerned, he’s not fit to serve in the United States Army let alone the Office of Civilian Spying. Lieutenants Andrew and Bowman, you are dismissed.”
Bowman glanced in Lucas’ direction and shrugged his shoulders. Lucas waited, listening to the door close after the two departing officers.
“At ease, Colonel Rourke. I wanted to speak to you alone and appreciate your silence.”
“It was understood, sir.”
Dodge, a lean, thoughtful man who never cracked a smile, discerned many things. Palm up, he gestured to Lucas to have a seat. “I needed a demonstration to throw those two off the scent. I’ve known you a good many years and never doubted your loyalties. But we’ve got a rotten apple in our midst, and I’m beside myself to ferret him out. I have dispatches from General Grant supporting your story and complimenting your heroic endeavors. He mentions the danger you are in. I agree. That’s why I’ve decided to post guards on you day and night under the guise of house arrest.”
“But General, sir, I will not be able to move—”
“Nonsense. I am confident you will be able to move about the city on your own recognizance. Now, tell me what you know about this Copperhead disaster that is about to be let loose. We need to round up these fiends as soon as possible.”
Lucas spent the next hour sharing all the information he knew. He wished Rachel were here with her photographic memory.Where was she?When Lucas finished, he studied his immaculately dressed fifty and then some superior officer. Dodge’s long face broke into longitudinal stripes by creases, haggard by pressures from the war, and blue eyes, sincere now, almost lost under a tangle of gray brows.
His calming voice cut through the silence. “As soon as I received the missive from General Grant, I wired our agents in New York, Baltimore, Chicago and notified those in Washington.” Dodge drummed his fingers on the desk. “Do you have any idea who could be our Judas?”
“My instincts tell me there is a connection between my kidnapping and what’s about to be hatched. Make no mistake, General. I will find the enemy. There is no other option.”
“In what ways can you suggest we find this rat?”
“I’m going to offer myself as bait. Have your men loosely guard me.”
“Your life is in danger. It would be a huge loss if you—”
“I’ll take that risk. I will not fail.”
“Am I to assume you have an idea of who it may be?”
“I have my suspicions. Andrews and Rogers.”
Dodge whistled through his teeth. “My thoughts exactly. No one else?”
Lucas shook his head. “Maybe Bowman, but I doubt it. He’s basically a greenhorn.”
“Sometimes the least suspicious are the most suspicious.”
Rachel had told him the same thing.
“How are things in the south?”
Lucas rolled his head to get the crick out of his neck. “The South’s on its knees, but still has plenty of fight.”
“I received word about the disastrous results of this crater business in Petersburg. Hundreds of our good men were slaughtered. Any information I can get to end this damned war…” His voice drifted off for a moment, his pride in his position evident yet frustrated by uncertain events. “Hell, I’m in the intelligence business, but I’m not a damned fortune teller.”
Lucas did not answer.
“Quite remarkably,” Dodge continued, “I’ve received a message from President Lincoln regaling you, verified by the Saint.”
“The Saint.” Lucas narrowed his eyes. Had Rachel met up with the Saint? That meant Rachel and the Saint were in Washington together. His blood boiled.
