Greene leaned against the frame of the open door. “We had to, sir. Major Pitman said to question all travelers, and when she resisted we—”
“You imbecile!” He marched across the floor, chest rounded. “How dare you lay a finger on that woman!”
The thunder of Stockton’s words brought Greene to his full height, no longer leaning for support. “Pitman made it clear we are to find whoever it was that gave away the location of our latest provisions shipment, and I am not about to take such a command with anything but the utmost—”
“You are not in Major Pitman’s company. You are in mine, and I did not issue any such demand.”
“You should have!”
Stockton slowed, his voice frighteningly quiet. “What did you say?” Shock and rage twined over him until it seemed his very coat smoked from the fire of hate that turned his skin red.
Hannah glanced to Joseph, and his hard look told her to stay both motionless and silent.
Greene stepped forward, heedless of the danger that lurked in Stockton’s narrowed gaze. “You should have, Major, but you are too blinded to see anything past that woman!”
“Speak of her again, and I will throw you out of this house.”
“She was here that night. I know it.” He neared, his volume full, neck veins bulging. “I saw her in the barn—I watched her ride away. Yet you will take her word over mine?”
An eerie calm settled over Stockton’s tense shoulders. “You are relieved of your post, Lieutenant.”
Greene balked. “You cannot—”
“Gather your belongings from camp and ready a mount. I am putting you on assignment in Sandwich.”
“Major—”
“Enough!” His roared response shook the walls. Stockton stalked forward until Greene was forced to back his way to the door. “If I ever hear that you have come within even ten miles of this place, I will have you hanged.” His gravelly voice grated the wood at Hannah’s feet. “Get out.”
Greene sneered, enmity pulling at his posture. “Major Pitman will hear you’ve become a slave to your mistress, and when he does—”
The kick to Greene’s stomach was swift and hard. He stumbled backward through the door and out of Hannah’s sight.
Stockton shot a rigid arm at Joseph. “Stay with her until I get back.”
In a single giant step he was out of the parlor, slamming the door shut behind him.
Standing straight, Joseph’s forearms rippled as his fists worked. “What were you doing on that road?”
The missive.
She stepped closer, speaking low and quick. “I made a copy of a message I saw hidden in Stockton’s cloak and tried to find you so you could deposit the information with your own.”
The muscles of his face tipped slightly, angling his features in rich concern. “What message?”
Thunderous yells volleyed back and forth outside as Stockton and Greene exchanged their hatred.
Hannah neared. “Four hundred troops are to arrive in Boston with supplies and cannon. But they plan to dock at Duxbury first to gather the munitions that you are helping to supply.”
Joseph’s scowl carved deep grooves between his eyes. “What else? Anything?”
Stockton’s voice grew louder as he neared the
parlor door. Hannah’s pulse raged, and her whisper hovered over silent. “Stockton and Pitman are to prepare their men to engage, but I didn’t see—”
Slamming the door open, Stockton barreled in. “The criminal!” Hurrying to the kitchen, he halted inches from Hannah, gaze trailing her face as if his look and gentle words alone could ease her suffering. “I take this upon myself.” He threw a look to Joseph. “Major Pitman must come to trust you as I do.” Pausing, he stepped back. “My dear, would you allow me to issue an invitation for Major Pitman and his wife to join us for dinner tomorrow evening? Higley will accompany me as well. But only if you are agreeable.”
Panic swept through her like a broom over a dusty floor. Dinner for two officers. And a woman who no doubt had enjoyed a life of ease? To answer in the negative seized her throat, but such was not a request for what could be. Rather, a declaration of what would be.