If Lakewood was surprised by her bold comment, he didn’t show it.
Seeing he was going to remain unmoved, Faith continued. “There are other men who oppose your thinking, and thank God for them.”
She reached up and hit the carriage top as she’d seen Lakewood do earlier. The carriage came to a stop.
Faith held out her hands. “Now, if you’d please hand me my satchel, I will be going. I wouldn’t want to cause you further discomfort by continuing our association. Someone might see us and accuse you of supporting the Indians.”
He handed her the satchel, but his gaze never left hers. “Just remember, Miss Kenner, powerful men can make powerful things happen. You need to drop this matter and find something else to amuse you and your friends.”
Faith could see blatant hate in his expression. The hair on the back of her neck stood taut, and her hand trembled slightly as she clutched the satchel close. It was obvious Lakewood wanted to scare her, and Faith was certain he knew he’d done exactly that.
CHAPTER14
Captain Gratton,” the tall, dark-headed man announced, extending his hand.
Andrew recognized Gerome Berkshire from their previous dealings. “Mr. Berkshire.” They shook hands, and then Andrew showed him to the table where he generally did ship business. “How can I help you?”
“I have a load of goods to be picked up in Astoria.”
“I see. Well, that shouldn’t be too difficult.” Andrew pulled together the paperwork and handed it to Berkshire. “Fill out the information, give me the details of what you’re shipping, who I’m to meet in Astoria, and where I’ll find the cargo.”
“I’m hoping we can keep the contents of this shipment from being public. In fact, I’d like very much to keep my involvement unknown. There are those who would try to use it against me.”
“In what way?” Andrew asked, sitting back. He had never liked Berkshire and knew he couldn’t possibly be up to any good.
“I’d rather not say. In our previous dealings, you always treated me well. I also know from my old friend Albert Pritchard that you are a man who can keep quiet when the need arises.As I understand it, you used to deliver goods to him in a rather unconventional manner in various locations along the Willamette.”
“It wasn’t so unconventional, Mr. Berkshire. A lot of folks want their goods dropped off along the way, close to their farms. What exactly is it you’re shipping that requires such secrecy?”
“Same as Pritchard. Firearms and ammunition. I don’t want to arouse alarm or suspicion. I’m simply supplying farmers with the means to protect themselves.”
“From what?”
“From any threat that comes their way.” Gerome looked at him with a smug self-confidence that made Andrew want to punch him in the nose. “There are many rumors of Indian uprisings. The settlers near reservations are concerned that the government won’t protect them—that the Indians will attack and the army won’t be able to reach them in time.”
Andrew thought the entire matter ridiculous. Reservation Indians were in no position to start an attack or uprising of any kind.
“Where are you wanting these firearms delivered?” he asked.
“Wheatland.”
“Well, I’m not sure I can help you. I’ve mostly been running between Astoria and Portland. Heading south to Wheatland would require I go through the locks at Oregon City. That will be an added expense.”
“But you can take it all the way to Wheatland for a price, I presume.”
Andrew shrugged. “It may not be a price you’re willing to pay.”
Gerome pressed his fingers together and leaned his elbows on the table. “I think you’ll find that I’m every bit as generousas my friend, Captain. Now, are you interested in doing business, or shall I go elsewhere?”
“When do they need to be delivered to Wheatland?”
“By the end of March. No later.”
“Let me ask around and see if I can find some additional loads bound for Wheatland or towns along the way. I can hardly afford to take a few crates of guns and nothing else.”
“Good. Send me word at this address as soon as you know.” Berkshire pushed a card across the table. “And say nothing to anyone about this.”
Andrew picked up the ornate calling card. “I’ll be in touch.”
