The Bastard Son (Winds of Change Book 2)

The Bastard Son (Winds of Change Book 2) Read Online Free PDF

Book: The Bastard Son (Winds of Change Book 2) Read Online Free PDF
Author: Jerri Hines
for her to join him.
    Jane stood motionless and stared at the backdoor. The thought of running out that way occurred to her. She didn’t want to be handed off in this manner, as if she was one of the boxes they were unloading.
    “Jane.”
    Sumner’s voice resonated. She hesitated and the door opened. He stood in the doorway with his arm pressing back the door for her to exit.
    “Jane,” he repeated. “Can you come outside? It is safe. The men are gone. I want you to meet Warren.”
    She looked at Sumner questionably, but then complied. She hadn’t a choice. Walking out on the porch, she immediately felt Warren’s eyes upon her, looking at her as if he couldn’t believe she was alive.
    “It is good to see you, Jane. We had feared the worst,” Warren said, stepping towards her.
    She recoiled back and felt Sumner’s hand on her waist, guiding her forward. Suddenly, she felt nervous…the way Warren looked at her. Her gaze flickered back to Warren, then Sumner. Panic set in. She had to get away.
    Scurrying down the steps, she passed Warren and hurried toward the barn. She didn’t get far before a strong arm gripped hers, whirling her around.
    “What is the matter with you?” Sumner asked. “Warren can help you. I promised you I would settle you in a safe place.”
    Lowering her gaze, she said, “I can’t. I can’t go with him. Can you not understand it is best if I just ride out of here?”
    “Don’t make me throw you over my shoulder and drag you back into the house. Warren, help me here. Tell this stubborn woman if she leaves now, those men will without a doubt find her.”
    “I would not be so stupid as to ride on the open road. Do you not think I know these woods…the back paths?” She glared at him.
    “Why would you attempt to go without money, supplies or a place to go?”
    “For it’s my fate!” she declared hotly, her long suppressed ire expelled. “Now, release me.”
    Sumner refused. Instead, he pressed his friend, “Warren, tell her that you will take her back with you and send her somewhere safe. You must have family somewhere that she could go to.”
    Warren hesitated before answering. “Sumner, she would not be safe anywhere in the region, nor would any family that took her in. You don’t realize the fear the mere mention of the Williamson gang inflicts. They have stayed in the vicinity without worry of repercussions. Moreover, they have made it clear even to you that they want this girl.”
    “Are you a coward?” Sumner asked, stiffly.
    “A coward? For myself, never, but I have a family, a wife and two small children. Give me time. I will try to see what I can do, but, Sumner, you have a far longer reach than I. Surely, you must know of someone that could help.”
    Confused, Jane stared at the man that held her. Who could a mountain man possibly know that could help her? She shook her head adamantly. “I won’t put anyone in harm’s way. I will leave by a back trial to my home or what is left of it. There, I will follow along the creek until I come to Columbia.”
    Warren shook his head. “I’m afraid that might not be the wisest move. Your land has already been claimed by a Loyalist family, the Calhouns. Their home was burnt to the ground a couple of years ago by Patriot raiders. It is a sad fact that there are those on both sides that have used this war for their own advantage.”
    Her home was gone…someone had stolen the land. All that had been known to her was lost, the slim hope of returning to her home, rebuilding in some manner, was gone.
    Jane gasped for air. Her head spun, her stomach churned. She clutched Sumner’s arm and made no protest when he wrapped his arms about her. Turning her head into his shoulder, she wept.
    * * * *
    Sumner wasn’t happy. He walked back to the porch after he calmed Jane and placed her back in bed. He sat down on the front step beside Warren, rubbing his tired eyes. Complications. Damn it. He didn’t have time for this.
    “You are
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