deadly as Wade’s revolver if she wasn’t careful.
Abram interrupted her thoughts. “Seems we can repay the favor right now, Hunter. We’ve got to get this Confederate kid back across the front line.”
“What?” Hunter glanced from Abram to Perry.
“Way I see it,” Abram continued, “it’s the least we can do. The kid crossed lines taking care of you, with you half dead. Even jumped me when he thought I was going to steal your crest last night.”
“Is that true, boy?” The look of puzzlement returned briefly to his face.
Perry lowered her eyes and answered, “Well, I figured you had enough problems without somebody stealing from you.” Frustration shook her small frame. Why was she allowing this man to affect her so? She was no child to be dumbfounded by a man’s gaze. Things far more important than the color of a soldier’s eyes were at stake.
“Come here, kid.” Hunter reached with his left hand and awkwardly removed the necklace from around his neck. “It took some guts for a half-pint like you to tackle a mountain like Abram.” He dropped the chain into Perry’s hand. “Take it. It’s yours. Not as payment, but as apromise. If ever you need a favor, use this to remind me of the great debt I owe you. No matter what happens, you’ll always know I owe you one.” Hunter leaned back and drifted into sleep, exhausted by his short conversation.
Abram smiled at her and nodded, giving his seal of approval to Hunter’s actions. He turned and began moving toward the door, calling back over his shoulder, “I’ll get lunch, you stay with him, boy.”
Moving over to a log that served as the only furnishing among the ruins, Perry couldn’t stop staring at the gold in her hand. The precious metal caught the sunlight, as bright and shining as the promise it stood for. She hung the chain around her neck, and the gold pressed hotly between her breasts, warming her soul with its presence. Somehow she felt protected by this small round disk.
Hunter slept until the shadows were long into evening. Abram managed to get him to eat a few bites, but Hunter kept requesting more and more water. Perry helped Abram change the bandage and noticed less bleeding than before. While working, she could feel Hunter’s eyes watching her, studying her, analyzing each of her movements. She wondered how long, at close range, she could maintain her disguise. She must keep her head low so the old hat would obstruct Hunter’s view of her face. Could he be remembering the woman who held him in the loft? Did he think his mind had played a trick on him?
After dark Captain Williams appeared. His uniform was crisp and new, in sharp contrast to the attire of the men he commanded. As he stepped within the walls he instantly began pacing like a caged animal. He was even more fidgety than he’d been the night before. He greeted Hunter and Abram, yet ignored Perry completely. Perry thought she saw a glimpse of disappointment in his face when he noticed Hunter’s improvement. Though he was nice-looking, Perry saw a coldness in his gaze, a look of evil, as though the devil walked beside him.
He addressed Hunter. “We must talk. You have to getto Philadelphia as soon as possible. Professor Lowe wants you back at headquarters. Can you move out tonight?”
“No, Captain Williams,” Abram interjected. “It’s too soon to move him. We’d be risking Hunter’s life.”
Captain Williams gave Abram a look of disdain. “There are doctors in Philadelphia.”
Abram glanced at Hunter for support.
Hunter touched Abram’s arm. “I have to get to Professor Lowe quickly, Abram. Wade, find me some clothes.” Captain Williams bristled at the order, but Hunter, ignoring him, continued. “Is there any chance of repairing the balloon? Could we fly?”
“No, not by tomorrow. But I’ve arranged a buckboard that can transport you,” Wade replied. “I’ll send the balloon as soon as we can get it loaded and shipped by train.” Then, to