“He’s in go-mode, Chloe. Don’t take it to heart,” Jesse said, walking off after their boss and director.
But Chloe hesitated, slow to join the procession, needing time to collect herself. Jeremiah did interrupt something. A moment she wanted and ached to retrieve. Justonemore kiss. That’s all she wanted. Because something about his lips on hers made her feel... loved. Wanted. Valued.
Jesse waved for her to come along. Chloe started for the barnyard, heeding Jeremiah’s warning.
This was no time to fall in love.
19
HAMILTON
He woke while the stars lingered on the sleepy horizon and rolled up his bed, the cold morning dew seeping into his bones. He’d barely slept, but when he did, he dreamed of the battle, wrestling with men, grappling with demons.
Captain Irwin roused the men. Hamilton reached for his rifle, tucked his pistol in his belt, and faced his dawn. Today he’d cause the death of another man. Or take a bullet himself.
Pray God he’d execute his duty with honor. Pray God his final sins were forgiven.
The scent of winter hung over him. Crisp, cold, damp. Tossing his bed beyond the trees, he picked his station and settled his rifle against the tree. Then he found Ralphie. “Do away with your bedroll, then check your weapon and choose your position.”
The boy moved with quickness. Hamilton determined not to send him home for a burial but for reward.
“When can we eat?” Ralphie said.
“I’ve hardtack in my haversack. It’s yours.” Hamilton dare not eat. His belly was too full of anxiety. “But remain at the ready.” He snagged the boy by the arm. “Look for the epaulets. Fire your shots. Then retreat.”
“Three shots. When I see the whites of their eyes.”
“Good man. And have a care, Ralphie. I do not want to carry your lifeless body home to your mama.”
Hamilton crouched, leaned against the tree trunk, and scannedthe horizon. He’d been steadier at King’s Mountain. But then he saw what seemingly good men could do to each other, and it rattled him. His own darkness disturbed him.
If the redcoats surrendered, he’d demand Loyalist and regular troops alike be given quarter. Even that louse Twimball. He’d buck General Morgan himself if need be.
He patted his side pocket. His letter. Where was his letter? Crawling to his haversack, he searched the bag, exhaling when he pulled the tightly folded note free. He’d tied it with a string and addressed it to Miss Esther Longfellow, Slathersby Hill.
“Ralphie,” he said in a rough whisper, tucking the letter into his pocket. “I’ve a letter.” He tapped his side. “Should anything happen—”
“Pardon me, Hamilton, but I’ll not carry your lifeless body home to your aunt Mary.”
“Well, then...” Hamilton gave the courageous boy a nod.
A dark presence emerged on the horizon. Hamilton tensed, taking aim. The patriots had surprised the British at King’s Mountain. The strategy was the same for Cowpens. This was no time to flirt with fear.
The sound of drumming broke through the trees, imploring Hamilton’s pulse to pound in rhythm. A dew of anticipation broke across his forehead as they advanced one uniform step at a time, and he realized the power of their might.
Man upon man marched toward them. The British regulars flanked by Light Dragoons and light infantry.
Captain Irwin crouched along the skirmishers. “First line at the ready.”
The British line spread along the horizon, haloed by the rising sun.
Steady... Let them draw within fifty yards. Hamilton slid up against the grain of the tree, sighting down the long rifle barrel. Fifty yards. Find an epaulet. His breath collected against his hand and flowed back to him.
“Now,” came the command from behind him.
Hamilton stepped around the tree, aiming and firing, the release of his rifle resounding in the crisp air. His bullet hit an officer in the shoulder. Crying out, the man toppled backward from his horse.
Hamilton retreated, then ducked behind his tree and tore at his ammunition box. He reloaded, ramming the ball and powder down the barrel, feeling as if eternity, not seconds, had passed. His hands shook. His vision blurred. Ready for his next volley, Hamilton watched as Ralphie ran past, took his shot, and returned to his station.
