A smile came to Gerome’s lips. “I’d be happy to. Do you want him to go the same way Pritchard did?”
Lakewood shook his head. “No, I want him to suffer. I want you to beat him nearly to death and then stop. We’ll let himrecover a bit—just enough to have hope of living—and then we’ll finish him.”
“Why such hatred toward Carpenter?”
“I hate them all. Every one of those Indian-lovers. Everyone who has interfered in our plans for an Indian-free Oregon.”
“Well, a whole lot more than just Carpenter have interfered in that.”
“Yes, but we’ll start with him and make him an example. Once we let it be known that such interference will not be tolerated, I’m sure our plans will be easily managed.”
“When do you want it done?”
Lakewood considered a moment. “When is his wife due to deliver?”
“April or May. I don’t exactly remember.”
Again, Lakewood mulled it over. “We don’t have to rush. Let’s set the attack closer to when the child is due. The complications it will create might lend themselves to our plans to kill him.” He smiled. “There’s nothing quite so cruel as giving a man false hope, eh?”
“And what of Mr. Smith?”
Lakewood frowned. “What of him? You know better than to think you can bring him up and be privy to his plans.”
“I don’t even know his real name,” Gerome said, shrugging. “How can my asking about his plans possibly cause you trouble?”
“You’re informing the government about our plans. At least the plans we want them to know about. You don’t need to know anything about Mr. Smith, lest you accidentally say something you shouldn’t.”
“Well, it’s not like I’ve never met him. He and I have talked many times,” Gerome boasted.
“Shut up.” Lakewood fixed him with a hard look. “As far as you are concerned, he doesn’t exist. If I thought for one minute you were sharing information about him with the army, I’d kill you myself.”
“I’d never do anything of the sort.” Gerome looked wounded. “I’ve been nothing but faithful, and yet you treat me like a traitor.”
Lakewood rolled his gaze heavenward. “Honestly, you are as difficult as one of my children. No one believes you to be a traitor.” If they did, he’d already be dead. “Now, I’ve given you your instructions, and I intend for you to carry them out.” Lakewood got to his feet. “Oh, and if the situation arises to put the fear of God into Faith Kenner, feel free to use your imagination and do that as well.”
“Faith? What has she done to rile you?”
“Again, it’s none of your concern, but don’t hurt her. I have plans for her.”
“I just don’t understand why. It makes no sense.”
“Are you going to follow my orders, or should I seek out someone else? You know what happened to Pritchard when I lost confidence in him. I’d hate for the same thing to happen to you.”
He saw fear wash over Gerome. It gave him a sense of strength he’d not felt in some time.
“I’m glad we understand each other.”
“I still can’t believe they kicked you out of school with graduation just weeks away,” Nancy said at breakfast the next day. Everyone at the table shook their heads in agreement. “And all because of your charity work. That hardly seems right.”
Faith tried to smile. “I must admit, I’m still in shock. I was so close to getting my certificate and seeing all of my hard work pay off.”
“Well, I’m glad your father is helping you.” Nancy passed a bowl of oatmeal to Faith. “If anyone can get this straightened out, he can.”
Faith hadn’t told Nancy the details of the dismissal. Had she done so, she was pretty sure Nancy would change her tune.
Mrs. Weaver shook her head. “This world is just falling to pieces. So much hatred. But don’t despair, Faith, dear. You will overcome. I just feel certain of this.”
“We must pray that God will let wiser thinking prevail,” Bedelia declared. “After all, you were working for His glory and in His name. He won’t leave you orphaned now.”
