For Love or Country: The MacGregor Legacy | Book 2 by Jennifer Hudson Taylor Read Free Book Online

Major Craig raised a finger at them. “Do any of you know where the Indians are hiding who did this to Captain Morgan and his men?”
    “No, sir. They hide in the swamps and never stay in one place,” Tyra said. “They are like nomads.”
    “Well, no matter.” Major Craig grasped his hands behind him and paced again. “If they are in the area, we shall find them. I intend to discover every hidden enemy against the king. And when I do, they will suffer the consequences.”
    Fear slithered up Tyra’s spine as she exchanged a worried glance with her mother. Would he imprison innocent women and children as well? The man couldn’t be trusted, and she wanted nothing more than to escape the discomfort of this place.
    “Sir, what should we tell Captain Morgan when we return home?” Tyra asked.
    “You shall tell him naught.” Major Craig turned dark eyes upon her and strode toward her. His mouth curled into a wicked grin as he regarded her with eyes as black as onyx. “I am sending a couple of my men back with you. They shall report my commands to him, as well as report back to me all they learn of this Captain Donahue Morgan. In the meantime, I shall write to his superior officer in South Carolina and dispatch a messenger to confirm his story.” He snapped his fingers and motioned two men forward. “No need to concern yourself further, Miss MacGregor. I am now in charge.”

Chapter 4
    4
    H ugh wished he had the energy and health so he could pace his worry away. Instead, he was forced to lie in bed and fret over how his commanding officer might receive Miss MacGregor and her mother. He prayed the man would not discover their loyalty to the Continental cause. The thought of something unpleasant happening to them soured his stomach.
    After several hours, wagon wheels rolled up to the front of the house. Anxious nerves tightened in Hugh’s gut as he tried to push himself up on his elbow. The door swung open, and Kirk rushed in. “Redcoats came with ’em! What does it mean?” His wide eyes searched Hugh’s for answers. “Is my mother and sister in trouble?”
    “Look through the window and tell me what you see,” Hugh pointed to the right.
    Kirk strode over and pulled back the drapes. “A redcoat is at the reins on the wagon, sitting by my sister. Mama is on the other side of her.” He bent lower as if trying to see through an obstacle. “An’ two are on horseback.”
    “Only three?” Hugh asked.
    “Yes, sir.” Kirk nodded his brown head. “Is it a good sign there are only a few of ’em?”
    “Indeed.” Hugh motioned to Kirk. “Come here, lad.” Hugh waited until Kirk leaned over. “I realize you are proud of your family’s loyalties, but for the moment, do not divulge your loyalty to the Continentals. It is up to us to keep your mother and sister safe. Understood?”
    “You will not turn us in, then?” Kirk asked, as the front door opened and muffled voices carried through the air.
    “On the contrary, I shall protect your family as best as I can.” Hugh hated the burning in the back of his throat. In truth, he had no idea if he could do anything at all, but he had to try. “Miss MacGregor saved my life. I owe her the same.”
    A knock sounded at the chamber door. He nodded to Kirk who went to open it. Miss MacGregor and her mother walked in and stood on the left, while the three soldiers gathered around the bed on the other side. They glanced at Hugh’s redcoat lying on a nearby chair. The royal crown and stripes on the shoulder were proudly displayed. His sheathed sword lay across it within easy reach. The eldest soldier cleared his throat and saluted Hugh. The other two followed his example.
    “Gentlemen, thank you for coming.” Hugh nodded toward them. “I assume our commanding officer issued new orders for me?”
    “Indeed, sir. My name is Private Benjamin Truitt,” said the elder soldier. Hugh judged him to be about five and twenty, as his brown eyes burned with an intense fire each