Desperate (Harris Trilogy Book One) Read Online Free PDF Page B

me know.”
    With a nod of her head, she hurried out side. She feared there would be awkwardness between them, but Adam seemed nice. 
    Kate s poke to as few men as possible. She had to keep her gender a secret. She did not want to be sent back home. She was not going to marry Bob Lewis. She had to learn to be a good soldier so she could stay until she had another plan. “Another opportunity will come along for me. I have to be optimistic,” she whispered softly to herself.
    ****
    When night arrived, Kate returned to her tent for some much needed rest and sleep. She was tired from the long train ride and the two day wagon ride to Kanway Camp. Adam was already there. He was cleaning his musket. “I’m exhausted Adam, I think I’ll turn in.”
    “ I remember my first day, Jake. I was so homesick. It’ll get easier.”
    “I sure hope so,” Kate whispered. Still dressed, she lay down on the cot. If Adam thought her behavior odd, he didn’t say anything. It was going to be difficult to keep her gender a secret in the confines of the tent. He would probably become suspicious if she slept in her clothes every night, especially when the temperature would soon be rising.  
    T he next morning came too soon. She did not sleep very well for worrying. She kept thinking about her brother Jake being in a strange place just like she was now. All she could think about was how lonely he must have been when he first arrived.
    Kate did not get to worry very long. Reveille sounded at 5:00 a.m. to begin the day. She felt horrible. She needed more sleep. Hearing a flurry of activity outside her tent, she knew she had better get moving. Quickly slipping on her jacket and boots, she ran outside to the center of camp. She wished she had time to at least throw some water on her face to help revive her. 
    Mo rning roll call took too long. She had not eaten very much yesterday because of nerves and now she felt the hunger pains. By the time breakfast was served she was close to collapsing. All the men got in line and stood in front of a table as food was ladled onto their plates. She moved down the line with the other soldiers as sausage, eggs, and biscuits were added to her plate. Kate ate as quickly as the other men because she was famished. In fact, she was so hungry the simple fair tasted great.
    Kate stayed so busy she did not have time to think about anything but bec oming a good soldier. So intent on her training, she did not see the piercing blue eyes watching her. Hearing a voice behind her, she twirled around to find Captain Harris observing her progress. “How are you doing, Private Monroe?” 
    Instantly , the hair stood up on the back of her neck. She hoped he did not notice how nervous he made her and become suspicious. “Okay, Sir.” 
    “You look tired. Did you sleep any last night?”
    “Not much, S ir. I’m a little homesick.” Her voice quavered, and she tried to calm her racing heart. What would be the penalty for dressing as a man and joining the war? 
    “It takes time to adjust.” Kate watched him stroll about the camp observing his other men. It was difficult to tear her eyes away from his perfect physique. She was fanaticizing what it would be like to kiss his full lips. Reality set in and she realized she was acting like a school girl pining over a man she had no chance to be with. She was just a backwoods country girl. 
    Kate jumped when Lieutenant Emerson, the instructor, yelled loudly at her be cause her musket was dirty. “A soldier never lets his weapon get this filthy! You’ll understand when you’re on the battlefield and it will not discharge.” Lieutenant Emerson admonished her several times until she oiled her musket inside and out. After several attempts he seemed satisfied.
    Next she practiced loading her musket as quickly as she could. She fumbled through several times before she was able to please her instructor. Still she was a long way from loading it three times in one minute as was