Jen, here's a real post.

Chapter 4 – Part 2

Pushing the mashed potatoes around on her plate, Sue wasn’t aware of her mother’s examination. Carla touched her daughter’s hand. “You look flushed, dear. Did you stay out too long this afternoon?”

“No, Mother, I’m fine. It was a lovely day.”

“Then, why aren’t you eating?” When Sue didn’t respond, Carla scowled. “You really must get over missing Lucy. Perhaps you need a new hobby.”

The words stung. There wasn’t a cure for the hole Lucy’s absence made. The thought of a hobby being a remedy seemed ludicrous, but Sue held her tongue. That was not what she wanted to talk to her mother about tonight. Alma’s words had haunted her all afternoon. ”You won’t be free unless you can me her where she’s at.” Did she need to be freed from her mother? There had been plenty of times she’d felt that. Her mother suffocated her with her expectations and opinions. But what did Alma mean about the last part?

“Mother, do you miss Daddy?”

Her mother lowered her glass of lemonade. “What a ridiculous thing to ask.”

“Do you?” Sue gently persisted.

“Of course I do. He’s my husband.”

“How do you keep from worrying about him?”

“Sue, why are on earth are we discussing such intimate issues over dinner? It’s not good for the digestion.”

“It’s just you and me. We can talk about it, Mother. I miss him, too.” Sue watched a tear form in her mother’s eye. She’d never seen her cry before and the sight made her want to pull the woman into her arms. Carla’s normally meticulous bun had loose tendrils dangling from it. Her pristine blouse was missing a button. Sue noticed even her mother’s perfect skin sported tiny wrinkles around her eyes. When had she begun to look so care worn? Had Sue been so wrapped up in herself that she’d missed her mother’s pain?

For a moment, Sue saw the woman before her soften. However, it was short lived as Carla sat up straight and set down her fork. “No more talk of missing your dad or your brothers at the dinner table. It’s simply too depressing.”

”Meet her where she’s at,” Sue could here Alma explain. ”But Lord, how can I know how to reach her, if she won’t talk to me?” she prayed.
“Sue, tomorrow a few of the ladies are getting together to make quilts for the soldiers. I’d like for you to join us. Will you?”

Surprised, Sue merely stared at Carla. It was a request and not an order. Her mother had never asked her if she wanted to do anything. She blinked rapidly, then answered, “Yes, I’d love to. What time?”

“In the morning around ten. And this came for you,” she pulled out an envelope from her pocket and passed it across the table.

Sue clutched the letter to her chest as soon as she saw it was from Lucy. “May I be excused?” She didn’t wait for an answer. Her mother’s protest of “no, finish your dinner” literally fell on deaf ears as Sue hurried from the room.

This is brillant.....so brillant....and i can't believe i am reading a civil war story... thanks Okie and Lorna for explaining everything.....I really needed that...

I believe someone said brilliant and I can only agree.

Thanks everyone. You know, it hadn't even occured to me that a Civil War story might not interest those in other countries. How culturally insensitive is that? I guess the time period has always fascinated me. So, I humbly thank all of you for reading this.

P.S.The cheat sheet is at the end of this post.

Chapter 4 – Part 3

Sue fell across her brass bed and opened the envelope. At the sight of Lucy’s familiar script, Sue didn’t know if she wanted to laugh or cry.

My dear friend,

I miss you! I miss you! I miss you! Everyday, I think of more things I’d like to share with you or things I know we’d both laugh about. Mr. Myles Leland the Third is slowly getting better. He received a horrendous leg wound and another in his shoulder. I believe he will be fine, but I doubt that he will ever walk without a limp. As for mending his character, that will take a lot more time. He’s quite impressed with himself, thinks he knows everything, he can be incredibly stubborn. Did I mention that those are his good traits?

Honestly, I have seen a few glimpses of a potential heart inside. If I discover it is truly there, I’ll let you know.

The Leland Estate is beautiful. Only a few flowers are coming up now in the garden, but later in the spring, I think it will be lovely. Perhaps you could visit.

Have you any news from you father or brothers? Is your mother simply driving you crazy? And what’s this about the Women’s Christian Commission? Please, write soon.

Always your friend,
Lucy

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Glass shattered against the marble mantle of the fireplace. Lucy looked from Myles to the broken glass and back to her employer. His flushed face and hardened expression were indicative of his anger, she knew that, but he’d never before been given to physical violence. She hung back at the door. “Where have you been?” he demanded.

“You were asleep.”

“That doesn’t answer my question!”

“I stepped out for a minute for some air. The flowers are coming up in the garden. Are you in pain?”

“You ….went ….to my ….garden,” he punctuated the words as if she’d committed some horrendous crime.

“I didn’t know it belonged to you,” Lucy stammered. “I…I…just needed a break.”
Myles shifted in the bed and winced. He was in pain, she could now see it, but it had never before infuriated him. Then, she caught a glimpse of a letter clasped in his right hand. She prayed he hadn’t intercepted the last one she’d written to Sue.

She took a tentative step towards him. “I can see you’re in pain …sir. It must have hurt to lob that glass across the room. I’ll just get you some laudenaum.” When he didn’t refuse, she poured the correct amount into another glass and handed it to him. His hand brushed hers and their eyes met. Lucy saw raw pain in his. What was in that letter which hurt him so? Compassion for the man she could barely tolerate filled her as he swallowed the amber liquid. “Did you get bad news?”

Myles’ eyes dropped to the letter in his hand. “You could say that.”

She didn’t want to ask more. Instead, she lowered herself into the chair and waited patiently for him to make the next move. Several minutes passed and with it the storm in his features. “A friend of mine was captured by Northern soldiers,” he finally said softly.

“He’s in a Yankee prison camp?”

“No, they killed him.”

“Why?”

“He was a spy for the South.”

“And he was a friend of yours?”

“From my childhood, and we attended college together. My mother has brothers that live in Atlanta and Henry and I spent a lot of time together.”

“Oh.” Lucy really did not know what to say. She didn’t feel it was right to press for more information.

“I hate this war,” Myles mumbled. “How does a country draw a line down its center? People you were friends with yesterday, are your enemies the next?”
“It isn’t fair. But you fought in the war. Why?”

“A house divided against itself cannot stand,” Myles quoted the New Testament verse sincerely. His eyes met Lucy’s, and he held her gaze. “I didn’t believe in slavery, but we both know that isn’t the big picture of what this war was about.”
Lucy nodded. “The South wants to be self-ruling.” Myles smiled, her answer obviously pleasing him. Suddenly, a thought occurred to her. “What did you do in the war before you were wounded?”

“I was in the Calvary. Massachusetts Fourth under your former employer Major Thomas, and I will be again as soon as I can walk across the room without your assistance.” A faint smile crossed his face and Lucy smiled in return.

“He’s a good man,” Lucy said as she stood and smoothed her white apron. “Now, sir, I’d best find a broom.”

Myles watched her leave. Her hips swayed as she walked making her skirt swirl gracefully around her ankles. Myles stopped himself cold. What was he doing thinking about Lucy’s hips? ”She’s my servant,” he reminded himself. ”She may have a stunning smile and have the ability to see right through you, but she’s still a stubborn, disrespectful, and headstrong black woman. Even if my father may have had his dalliances, I wouldn’t use any woman that way.” As she scooped to sweep the glass into the dust pan, he found himself mentally adding, ”Especially her.”

“Ow!” Lucy squeaked dropping the dust pan with a clatter. She covered a bleeding left hand with her right.

“Did you cut yourself?” Myles asked, unable to see the extent of the injury from the bed.

“No, I just like making that sound,” Lucy hissed.

“Come here. Let me see it.”

“I’ll just go to the kitchen and have cook bandage it for me,” Lucy said heading towards the door. “I’ll be back to clean up the mess in a minute.”


“Lucy Dobson, stop right there,” he ordered. “Now, come over here, and I’ll bandage it for you. I’m the idiot that broke the glass in the first place. Besides, you’re dripping blood on the rug.”

To her horror, she looked down and realized he was telling the truth. She hurried to the washstand and poured water over the wound. The swirl of red in the basin nearly choked her. Other people’s blood had never bothered her, but the sight of her own …

Myles saw her face pale. “Lucy, grab a towel and come sit down before you fall down.”

Hastily, she took the cotton towel off the rod and pressed it to the gash. Myles helplessly watched her sway. She reached for the back of the chair to steady herself, then dropped into it. “I think I’ll just stay here a minute.”

“Take a drink of water.”

Lucy rubbed her forehead and glanced at the nightstand. “We seem to be a glass short,” she laughed weakly. “I’m okay now.”

“Can you slide your chair over here or do you want me to call someone in?”

“Heavens no!” Lucy exclaimed. “I feel silly enough as it is. Swooning at the sight of my own blood.”

“Yes, and amazingly, you seem to be just fine at the sight of mine,” he teased. “If you don’t want anyone else to come in, then I suggest you move over here like I said so I can help you.”

It felt awkward, but she slid the chair closer and placed her injured hand into Myles open palms. He carefully peeled back the layers of the towel and dabbed at the fresh blood that spurted out. “It should probably be sutured, Lucy. It’s quite deep.”

“As in sewn up?” Lucy asked.

“That is generally what suture means.”

He held her hand firmly, but gently. His touch felt oddly comforting, and he made no move to release her. She had never had a white man touch her. Somewhere, in the back of her mind, she’s imagined his skin would feel different. Cooler maybe. But right now, with her cheeks burning, she felt anything but cool. She reached onto the night stand with her other hand, grabbed a fresh roll of bandages, and tossed it to him on the bed. “Just wrap it up. I’ll be fine.”

“But. . . “

“Please . . . sir.” He nodded and began the process. Lucy’s final word – “sir” – had again chained them to the present. She was a servant . He was her employer.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Cheat Sheet

North= Union= Yankees (Yanks)= Blue Coats

South = Confederates= Rebels= Grey Coats

i see romance in the air...

Wow. Gone for a day or so and I come back to a bunch to catch up on. Good grief, where to start???

Yea, Tara! Way to get rid of the scumbag.

Yea, D is finally in the picture. Maybe they can figure something out together to get Bobby and Jack out of the prison. Then again, with Bobby's skills, maybe they'll already be out of the prison waiting for a ride back North by the time Tara gets there....

I'm glad to see Sue actually getting along with her mother. That's sweet.

And do I see a budding romance between high & mighty Myles and saucily straightforward Lucy??? Oooo.... Daring in this period in time to say the least. He could lose everything for something like that....

okay, when do we get more??? We haven't seen our two favorite guys in a while....

i have to say i love this story

cath

Oreolover, thank you very muchly for posting for me!!!!! Great posts!!! Poor Lucy, I hope Myles will make her cut aaallllllllllllll better!!!!

Jen

Oreo, that was not insensitive at all, true, the civil war isn't something many readers can connect to but it's the author's obligation to tell the story and you're doing it superbly, I keep on remembering 'Gone With The Wind' (That was the civil war, right? or am I making a fool out of myself now?) and truthfully, I always enjoyed reading stories that take place in a different time...

I love seeing the respect Myles has for Lucy. Yes, he's treating her like his servant but deep inside he has respect for her as a woman and a human being and I just love seeing it.

Thanks Bell. I appreciate the encouragement.

Chapter 5 – Part 1

"I can anticipate no greater calamity for the country that the dissolution of the Union. It would be an accumulation of all the evils we complain of, an I am willing to sacrifice everything but honor for its preservation." ~Robert E. Lee

Under the cover of nightfall, D, now dressed in his Blue Coat, led Tara to their troops encampment. The white house had served them well as a connecting station. Tara was only one of many who provided information and Dimitrius Gans had proven himself to be a most capable liason. She always arrived at the camp at night and left before daybreak. She’d not met other soldiers except for the Col. Thomas, D, and few others.

The newly appointed colonel greeted them in his tent. He indicated a chair for her to take and D stood at ease at the door. The middle-aged Colonel Thomas took a seat behind his small desk. “It’s always a pleasure to have your company, Miss Williams, but I’m guessing this isn’t a social call.”

“No, sir, I’m afraid not. The other day, your unit was responsible for blowing up a ammuntions shipment, correct?”

“Yes, we lost two of our men,” he said softly, clearly shaken at the thought.
“They aren’t dead. I met them at Libby. One had an accent that I didn’t recognize and dimples and the other had dark hair and eyes.”

Col. Thomas couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “You’re sure it was them?”

“They said they were from your unit.”

“And how were they?”

“The dark haired one is coughing badly.”

“That would be Captain Jack Hudson and the one with the accent is 1st Lieutenant Bobby Manning. They are two of the best I've ever had the pleasure serving with.”

He steepled his fingers in thought, his brow deeply furrowed with concern, but Tara didn’t wait for him to speak. “I can see these two mean a lot to you. We need to get them out, sir. Capt. Hudson won’t survive in there.”

Crossing his arms over his chest, Col. Thomas leaned back in his chair. “Miss Williams, did they give you any other information? Through a book maybe?”

“I haven’t been back to collect the book I left,” Tara admitted. “Is there something else?”

“We’ve heard there is another ammunitions shipment coming to Richmond possibly by rail. They were to find out when it was before they blew up the first. I’m sure they have that information.” Tara bit her lip nervously and the colonel noticed. “And yes, I agree we have to get them out.”

“Do you have any ideas?”

“No, they will suspect you if another escape occurs like the last. I believe the Rebels would hang a spy even if the spy happened to be a woman.”

“I want to help. I’ll take the chance.”

Col. Thomas chuckled. “My daughter would like you, Miss Williams.”

“Thank you, sir.”

D took a chance and stepped forward. “I have an idea, sir.”

“Out with it lieutenant.”

“Bobby is an explosives expert. If we could get some dynamite to him, then I’m sure he and Jack could find the right time to use it.”

Col. Thomas shook his head. “Miss Williams would have to get the dynamite back to Richmond. Any ideas as to how we’d do that?”

Tara’s eyes lit up as the idea took shape in her mind. “I could sew the dynamite in my petticoats. All those layers ought to be good for something.”

“And you don’t think the guards would notice Bobby’s hand disappearing under your skirt?” the colonel asked with a laugh.

Tara blushed at the thought. “That would just be to get the dynamite safely to my home. Once there, I could sew them in the blanket seams like I do the pencils.”
“It could work,” the colonel admitted. “What do you think, Lt. Gans?”
“I think that it’s putting Miss Williams in a very dangerous position.” Tara scowled at her friend, but he ignored her. “But I also think it’s their only chance.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Cheat Sheet

North= Union= Yankees (Yanks)= Blue Coats

South = Confederates= Rebels= Grey Coats

oh Tara you are so capable.... go and rescue the men....got to love early girl power

I just got all caught up and I have to say that I am thoroughly enjoying this!


gracie

I can't begin to tell you how much I love this!!!!!!! But I'm cafuzzled again. Honestly I have a mental block against this whole time period. do I have this right? Everybody but Tara is on the North's side -- Yankees? But Tara is from the South only she sympthatizes with the North? That's why she's able to come and go as she pleases. Because she's a Confederate by birth? Is that right? Sorry for being so dense.

kav

Yah, you go Tara!!!!! Hope Jack and Bobby are okay!!! Maybe Sue will have to look after Jack while he recovers from his bad cough!!! A girl can hope!!!

Great post Oreolover!!!

Jen

Kav, you've got it right. There will be a more thorough explanation of how Tara came to be a Union spy shortly. Thanks everyone for reading.

Chapter 5 –Part 2

The parlor of Thomas’ home filled with ladies, young and old, bearing scraps of material for quilts by ten in the morning. Sue stood by her mother’s side and accepted the fabric offerings. Her mother welcomed each guest as if they were a blessing to the cause. All of the women took their seats with remarkable familiarity. Sue couldn’t help but wonder how long her mother had been doing this. She chastised herself for disappearing every time her mother entertained her quilting circle.

Sewing circles, however, were always hard for Sue. Even when the light was good, women working on quilts tended to look down at their work while they spoke. Additionally, Lucy, of course, was not invited. Without her assistance in explaining what she missed, Sue found herself feeling like an outsider looking in. Her mother’s open critique of her stitches didn’t help either. Today, however, things were different. She was there because her mother “asked” her. ”Dear God,” she prayed, “let me meet her where she’s at and not where I want her to be.”

As the quilting rack was set up and the fabric stretched across it, Sue took her place opposite her mother. Before beginning, Carla asked them all to join her in praying for the soldiers. “Our father,” her mother began, “we ask your blessing on our husbands, brothers, and friends. We ask you care for them since we cannot be there to do so. We miss them, but help us not grow weary for the cause for which they fight is more important than our personal misery. May each blanket we make, wrap them in love. Bring them home to us safely and soon. In the name of your Son, I ask these things. Amen.”

Sue blinked her tears away. Had her mother been committing the care of her brothers and father to the Lord every day? Why hadn’t they prayed about it together? Was her mother suffering in silence because she felt like it was her way of serving the war cause? Sue was still digesting the thoughts as she watched as Carla issued directions like a sergeant and the women carried out her orders without grumbling or complaining.

“Sue, didn’t I see you at the Women’s Christian Commission meeting the other day?” Victoria Barnet asked. Carla’s eyes darted to Sue and she raised her eyebrow in question. Quickly, Sue turned to Mrs. Barnet who had not noticed the silent exchange. “Are you planning on going into the field hospital’s as a volunteer?”

Sue’s mother smiled, but Sue could tell it was only for the benefit of those in attendance. Sue could tell that inside, her mother was furious. “Yes, Sue,” she asked with forced sweetness, “what are your plans?”

Opps- caught.......

Tell to speak the truth and go and met your mother, it's a two way street...

carla can't really argue the point with sue since she prayed God's blessing on the men and sue would be a blessing to them

cath

Chapter 5 – Part 3

No matter how many times Tara visited Libby Prison, it was the smells that got to her. She fought back the urge to loose her lunch as the guard opened the doors for her and the whiff ofbody waste and unbathed men hit her full force. She was sure she caught the scent of death as well. She said a quick prayer that it wasn’t one of the two men she came for.

“Afternoon Miss Williams,” the guard said cheerfully with a distinctive Southern accent. “I see you brought your boy with you. Needed some help with all your stuff, I guess. Any muffins in there for me?”

Tara forced herself to respond sweetly. “Of course I have a muffin for you. I have to take care of my own.” She pulled a muffin from the basket and passed it to the young man. Inside, she winced at the man calling Demetrius “her boy”. He was one of the finest men she’d ever met, and he’d seen her through more than one scrape. She glanced at D, laden with blankets and books, and saw his imperceptible shrug.

She and D had slipped home at day break. No one had questioned a southern woman accompanied by her black servant. By noon, she had removed the sticks of dynamite from her petticoat and sewn them, along with matches, in the blanket. They were noticeable if you looked close, she realized, so she’d told herself that she would just have to make sure the guards didn’t look close. Then, she’d painstakingly marked a book by underlining the letters with their plan. D assured her that Jack and Bobby would figure it out.

Since all the prisoners were kept on the second and third floors of the former warehouse, they climbed the stairs and entered the first section. Glancing around the room, she caught sight of the two men she most needed to speak with today. They were lucky. Being in the end section, would make their escape more possible. Still, she knew what they were planning to attempt would be nearly impossible.

“Look,” Bobby nudged Jack. “D’s here with Miss Williams.”
Jack coughed. “Get the book ready.”

Tara did not come directly to them. Instead, she made her rounds of the men, passing out muffins, exchanging books, and briefly talking to each of them. Finally, she stood in front of them. “Did you two want to exchange your book?”

Bobby flashed her a dimpled smile. “Sure thing, sheila. You got another for us?”

Tara blushed prettily. “Maybe you’d enjoy this one,” she suggested, handing him a copy of Paradise Lost. And I brought you a blanket, too.” She turned to D who passed the correct one to Bobby. A coughing fit seized the one she now knew as Jack. His pale countenance concerned her. She pulled off her glove and touched the back of her hand to his cheek. “Fever,” she said softly. “We’ll fix you right up.” She rummaged through her basket and pulled out a new elixir. Her grandmother has sworn by the combination of herbs. She placed it in his hands. “This should help, but I’m warning you, it tastes awful. Try to get some rest. I’ll see you tomorrow.” After giving each of them one of her precious muffins, she went on to the next set of prisoners.

“Did she just say she’d see us tomorrow?” Jack asked. Bobby nodded, not glancing up from the book. “But I thought the guys said she only comes once or twice a week. I wonder what’s going on?”

“This,” he whispered, showing Jack the book. “I believe she’s sending us a message. E-s-c-a-p-e-p-l-a-n-n-e-d. Escape planned.” Bobby scowled. “Do you think . . .”

Bobby cut off his words as Jack began to hack once again. Uncorking the bottle, he held it to his friend’s lips. Jack’s face scrunched at the bitter taste of the liquid. “That stuff is lethal,” he managed to say between coughing spasms. “I think she’s on their side, and she’s trying to kill me.”

Bobby laughed. “At least you still have your sense of humor.”

Both of them had been so consumed, that neither had seen one of the guards approach. He marched up, and kicked Jack in the side without warning. “You the ones who blew up the ammo?”

“What ammo?” Jack croaked, receiving a second kick for his comment. Bobby reached raised the book as if he planned to use it as a weapon on the Reb, but Jack held him nailed him in place with his eyes.

The Grey coat smiled maliciously at Jack. “You’re a smart boy. Dying - but smart. How’s it feel to have one foot in the grave, Yank?” Giving Jack a final kick in the chest, he laughed wickedly and moved on.

Jack struggled to catch his breath, and Bobby helped him sit up. “You okay, Sparky?” Jack looked at him in disbelief. “Okay, dumb question. Why don’t you try to get some sleep while I work on this book?”

sure hope they get out soon, even if jack survives the infection he's not going to survive getting kicked too often

guard wouldn't be called randy by any chace would he?

cath

Chapter 6 – Part 1

"Find out where your enemy is. Get at him as soon as you can, and strike him as hard as you can. And keep moving on!" ~ Ulysses S. Grant's philosophy of war

“Lucy!” Samuel called.

Lucy closed the door to her room in the servant’s shanty and smiled at seeing a familiar face. As she stepped off the tiny porch, Samuel caught up. She hadn’t noticed his limp before, but figured she’d probably been directing her eyes towards his well-built chest, charming smile, or merry eyes. The thought made her blush. She cleared her throat. “Good morning, Samuel.”

“Morning. I’m glad I caught ya’.”

“Oh?”

He fell into step beside her on the path to the big house. “One of my jobs is to supply logs for da servants’ quarters, and I haven’t needed to fill yer tender box since ya arrived. Is there a problem with yer stove?”

Lucy laughed. “No, it’s just that I get back so late, that I’m just too tired to build a fire and stay up to bank it.”

“So yer sleeping in a cold room?” Samuel asked, shocked.

“It’s not so bad.”

“Lucy! Ya had to be freezin’. It frosted last night,” he informed her. “Where do ya take yer supper?”

“That’s kind of problem, too.”

“Problem?” His warm eyes filled with genuine concern.

Lucy smiled. She’d missed having someone to talk to without worrying that she was about to do or say the wrong thing. “Cook only makes dinner for the house servants after the Lelands have been served. But for only thirty minutes after their dinner. By the time I finish helping Mr. Myles get settled for the night, supper is over.”

“So you’re not eating.”

Lucy laughed. “Sure I am. Breakfast and lunch.”

“No wonder your skinny as a willow.”

“It’s fine. I don’t think the soldiers fighting the war are getting half that much.”

“We’re not exactly on de front lines of battle,” he teased. “Listen, Grandma Liza makes dinner for those of us living in the servant’s shanty. I’ll have her save ya some.”

“Oh, no, I couldn’t ask her to do that.”

“Ya won’t be. I will.” The path divided and Lucy started down hers. Before she got half way, Samuel called to her again. “Hey! Lucy! Looks like a nice day for a walk in the garden.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Although Tara’s home in Church Hill, Virginia was less than thirty minutes from Libby Prison, it felt like forever as she held the book the two soldiers had returned in her lap. “Don’t you think it’s safe yet?” she pleaded with D, fidgeting in her seat.

“Relax. You’re almost home. It’s not worth the chance,” he replied calmly.

As soon as he pulled the carriage to a stop, Tara hopped down, not waiting for him to assist her.

“Go on in!” he called after her, chuckling. “I’ll see to the horses.”

Laying the book on her desk, Tara sat down and opened it slowly. Her prayers were answered when she found that it did indeed have dots under the letters. D was right. Jack and Bobby had managed to send her a message. She selected a spotted turkey feather from her collection of quill pens, ignoring the plain goose ones even though they were newer, and took out a sheet of paper. It was time to get to work.

By the time D came into the house, she had already decoded most of their message. “D, we’ll need to get this information to Col.Thomas immediately.”
“What does it say?”

“The second ammunitions supply was to come by wagon day after tomorrow into Painsville. They said their plans were to blow up the wagons. You’ll have to take him the message.”

“Now, you just wait a minute. I’m here to help you get those two out of prison. I’m not going anywhere.”

“I can take care of it on my own.”

“I don’t doubt that, but I’m still not leaving you.”
“But. . .”

“No buts, Tara, I’m staying. Your daddy will come back and shoot me if I let anything happen to you.”

“What about the ammunitions shipment?”

“I guess we’d better just make sure Jack and Bobby are out in time to finish their job.”

Tara tickled her nose absent mindedly with the feathered end of the quill and sneezed. “Excuse me. That wasn’t very lady like. Then again, I’m not much of a lady.”

They both laughed. “You’re a fine lady. Your daddy will be proud.”

The thought of her father brought a tear come to Tara’s eye. Since her mother died when she only five, her father had been her world. When her aunt had died leaving them the home in Richmond and a rather substantial sum of money, Tara was just finishing college in Pennsylvania. She’d grown up in Warsaw, Indiana. Her father, Reuben Williams, had his own paper “The Northern Indianian”. A strong believer in the abolition of slavery, he’d suggested that Tara go live in the house in Richmond and help runaway slaves on the Underground Railroad. “You’re smart and I know you can do this,” he’d told her. “No one will suspect a single woman of helping slaves. I’ll miss you, but this is bigger than just us.” She’d agreed and welcomed the adventure.

Demitrius and Donna Gans were two of the people she’d helped. When they’d reached Indiana, Donna had stayed on with Reuben, and D risked returning to Tara’s to help more slaves. When the Emancipation Proclamation was signed in 1863, D joined the nearest company at the time using now Lt. Col. Reuben Williams letter of recommendation to gain an immediate placement.

Early in the war, her father had been captured and spent five months in Libby Prison. It was during that time, that Tara developed her angel of mercy / spy activities. No one knew that the man in section C was her father and no one suspected the girl with the crazy hats took more home from her visits than she came for.

She had no idea where her father was at the moment. She’d last heard he’d be captured again in Tennessee at the raid on Holly Springs. But as Union officers were often traded for Confederate ones, she prayed he’d been exchanged and was again back with his regiment.

“Tara, you’re a million miles away,” D said, touching her shoulder.

“I apologize. I was just thinking about my daddy.”

“I’m sure you miss him.”

“And you miss Donna and the children.”

“The regiment's been like a second family to me.”

“You meant it when you told me that the captain and lieutenant were friends of yours, didn’t you?”

“Absolutely. Two of the best men I’ve ever known. The three of us have been through a lot. There was a fourth. Kind of an uppity soldier, but somehow he fit with us, too. Guess we had to have someone to be the brunt of the jokes.”

“Did he - - not make it?”

“No, he’s still alive. Got wounded and sent home. Said he’d be back, but I doubt it.”

“D, can we really pull this off? Getting those two out and then to the bridge in time to blow it up? Where will they get the additional dynamite? We don’t have any more?”

“If I know Bobby, he won’t need as much as you sewed into those hems. Let’s just hope he brings it all with him.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Notes: Reuben Williams is an Union Civil War Hero from Indian. He seemed like the perfect person to play Tara’s dad. You can read more about him at
http://civilwarindiana.com/biographies/williams_reuben.html
and see a small photo at
http://www.civilwarindiana.com/soldiers/01...es/012i0139.jpg.

The Emancipation Proclamation freed all of the slaves in 1863, but the war did not get over until 1865 (the year of this story). Many regiments were made up of former slaves who volunteered to fight.

The officer in my avatar is from the Union calvary. I thought he looked a little Jack-ish.

i'll be honest i don't know much about the war but i'm loving this story

cath

YAY...i looove civil war time period fiction.....i can picture the team in the period clothes and such ....very good so far....yay

Oreo, I've caught up again!! What a wonderful story!!!

Lucy and Myles starting to become almost friends, even though they are from different worlds!! Tara and D helping the cause!! Tara is just as spunky here as she is in our century!! Sue really looking at her mother and finding out how dedicated Carla is to the cause!! Jack and Bobby bantering, as usual!!!

Now, hopefully Bobby and Jack can get out of prison and blow up the ammo wagon!! Sue, is your mother going to allow you to go to a field hospital?? And, if so, will you meet Jack there?? Do you already know Jack??

I can see all of this coming together - I can't wait for more!!!

Joy

I love your avatar, Oreo! And I love how you combine real people into this story, I hope Jack and Bobby will make it!

This is amazing, and so detailed!!!! You write them so well!!! I don't like the sound of this fever Jack's got, I think they need to bust him out and get him to Sue. Quick!! Tara's character is so complex, and you write her particularly well!! Can't wait for more!! Why do the posts always happen when I'm not here??? Ah well, I'm not complaining!!

Jen

Thanks for your comments. It helps me want to write even more and faster. This is the last of today's.

Chapter 6- Part 2

When the guests had all departed, Sue knew that she had to face her mother. She prayed for the wisdom to speak the truth to her mother in love, but was still feeling unsure as to how to do that. “Mother, would you like to go out on the varanda for tea?”

“No, I need to spend some time alone,” she said quietly. Sue expected outrage, indignation, and confrontation. She was not prepared, however, for the defeated appearance on her mother’s face. “I think I’ll go lie down. I’m suddenly very tired.”

Carla disappeared up the stairs leaving Sue alone in the parlor. She restacked the sheet music at the piano. A song on the top of the stack caught her attention. “A Bird in a Guilded Cage” happened to be one her favorites because she Sue related to the trapped bird. It was also one of her mother’s favorites. She repeatedly told Sue how lucky the bird was to be in such a beautiful home. Sue studied the music. She always played the birds song as if her were pleading for release, but for the first time, she heard it in her mind as her mother did.

Sitting down at the piano, the notes she played filled the house. Instead of being a distraut, trapped bird, she played it as a happy one, content to be in a safe, golden home. Could her mother hear the difference? Did Sue seem ungrateful for her gilded cage? Could she understand it was time for her daughter to fly away?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Alice waddled into Carla Thomas’ room and set a tray of tea on the dresser. She eyed the woman staring out the window in the corner and saw her dab at the tears on her face. “I’m losing her, Alice,” she whispered.

Alice draped a small quilt over Mrs. Thomas’ legs. “No, ma’am, you’re not. She’s just spreading her wings. ”

“She doesn’t need me anymore.”

The gray haired, dark-skinned woman harumphed and placed her hands on her hips making Carla turn. While not truly a friend, Alice, along with her grand daughter, had been in their home since Sue was just a girl. She knew the woman to be kind and wise. “Then, I reckon you did your job as a mother. All the baby birds got to fly sometime. At least you taught her how to do it." She poured Carla a cup of tea and placed it in her hands. "Honey, she understands what you've given her. Just listen to her play.”

Alice is a very wise woman i hope carla is listening, not just to alice but to the music

cath

wow, this story is amazing! I love the way you've connected the characters, can't wait for more

It's lovely to see Sue reaching out to her mother!! And, yes, Alice is very wise - Carla needs to let Sue go and spread her wings!!!

Joy

Wow, this is so exciting- i love how you are weaving this...

Ack -- I keep trying to post and it doesn't save it! Watch there suddenly be a slew from me all in a row in an hour's time. I absolutely loved the part where Tara picks her quill -- just a little bit of our 21st century girl there. And that she worked on the underground railroad...fantastic.

kav

Hi Oreo. Just found your story. I'm not a big fan of AU stories--I guess I just like the original characters too much. That being said, I'm absolutely loving your story!! I can't believe how engrossed I've become in this. Fabulous, simply fabulous.
I'll be checking in as my hectic schedule gives me time. I can't wait to see how this story unravels. Keep up the good work.

This will be the only post today (Tues.) because I got called in for jury duty. Do you think they'd excuse me if I said I was in the middle of writing a fanfiction story?

Chapter 7

"Future years will never know the seething hell and the black infernal background, the countless minor scenes and interiors of the secession war; and it is best they should not. The real war will never get in the books." ~Walt Whitman


Myles had actually suggested that he and Lucy take a walk in the garden that afternoon since he’d awakened feeling much better than he had in weeks. Lucy didn’t want him to tax himself, but agreed that some fresh air would do him good. They’d compromised with a trip in the wheelchair. If he felt up to it, he could take a short walk once they were outside.

She had been pushing him down the path towards the blooming snow drops when she caught sight of Samuel by the gate. He smiled and waved and she waved back with her bandaged hand. That morning, she’d been glad that when Samuel noticed it, he didn’t ask her any questions about the injury. Myles gentle touch still warmed her.

“You and Samuel have met?” Myles asked.

“Yes, he saw me walking in the garden yesterday and introduced himself.”

Myles fought the jealousy that seeped into bones like a northern wind. He shivered involuntarily and Lucy readjusted the blanket on his shoulders. “Are you cold?”

“No, I’m fine. It’s a beautiful day. I think I’d like walk now.”

Lucy helped him stand and held onto his good arm while he steadied himself. After a few tentative steps, he began his slow but steady pace along the walk. “Not too far now,” Lucy warned. “Tell me as soon as you begin to get tired.”

Myles merely nodded. “Have you heard from your friend Sue recently?”

Lucy eyebrows shot up in surprise. Was Myles iliciting a conversation? “Yes, she misses me as much as I do her.”

“Which is a lot, isn’t it Lucy?”

Lucy shook her head. “To be honest, yes, I do. She’s considering joining the Women’s Christian Commission.”

“Working in field hospitals caring for the sick hardly seems like a place for a fine young woman like her.”

“What kind of woman should be working in a field hospital?” Lucy challenged.

Myles stopped in the path and met her face to face. A know-it-all grin crossed his face. “A married one.”

“Yes, certain women are off limits,” Lucy said without thinking. Myles immediately looked away, and Lucy added, “I think you’ve had enough walking today.” She eased him back into the wheelchair. “I brought your book. Would you like to sit out here and read for a while?”

“That would be pleasant,” Myles admitted. “Are you going to take a walk around the rest of the gardens?”

“If you don’t mind.”

When Myles looked up and saw that Samuel was watching for her, he wanted to declare that “yes, he did mind” but how could he ever claim her affections? Off-limits. She’d said it herself. He gave her a half-hearted smile. “Go ahead.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

With the carriage loaded with a large pot of chicken and dumplings, D and Tara pulled up at Libby Prison. D glanced around the yard and was glad that already you could barely make out the shadows surrounding the outbuildings. Given that April had just begun, darkness still came early in the evening. It would be their saving grace. He stopped the horse just outside the gates, and swung down from the carriage. Coming around to Tara’s side, he asked, “You ready for the show?”

“As I’ll ever be.” He lifted her down and hefted the cast iron kettle and a sack of tin cups off the floorboard.

“Lead the way – Miss Williams.”

He winked at her as she straightened her shoulders. She headed to the gates in full Southern belle mode and addressed the guard at the gate. “I thought you fellas might be wanting some hot vittles tonight,” she drawled. “When was the last time you had homemade chicken and dumplings.”

D lifted the lid and ladled out a cup to the guard without being prompted. “Miss Williams, you sure are an angel,” the guard gushed.

“Why thank you sergeant. Now, how about you open that door so I can give the others some?”

He scowled at her, but she batted her eyes and smiled sweetly. “You know we aren’t supposed to let anyone in after dark, but I reckon this one time won’t hurt.” He pushed the gate open and permitted her and D to enter.

Crossing the empty yard, D leaned close. “Remember, if something happens, you get out of here.”

Bobby and Jack perked up as soon as D and Tara entered. Without sunlight, the prison was dark and a guard approached with a lantern immediately. “Miss Williams, what are you doing here so late?”

“I brought chicken and dumplings. All of you guards looked like it’s been weeks since you had any decent food.”

D shifted under the wait of the kettle making the tin cups clank together.
“That’s mighty kind of you. Here, why don’t you bring it over here?” D obediently followed and Tara paused, pretending to catch her dress on the floor boards. Bending to free it, she slipped a set of hat pins to Bobby. D had told her he could use them to escape. so she’d obliged even though she couldn’t fathom how they would light the dynamite. “Thanks, luv,” he whispered. Tara straightened and hurried to catch up. The guard yelled at the prisoners to back off as the smell of the chicken made them press closer to the trio.

Guards swarmed D and her as they passed out the cups filled with the still warm food. Tara worked her magic with the men, laughing, telling stories, and offering them seconds. She hid her concern that they’d not heard any sign of the escape attempt. Suddenly, an explosion rattled the windows and the building shook. A bugle sounded.

“Prison break! Stay right here, Miss Williams. You’ll be safe.”

D pulled her into the corner as prisoners pushed around them for the door. Guards fought to hold them back. Many broke for the doors and the guards fired warning shots in the ceiling. “Back to your places!” a sergeant yelled.

The place finally settled and another guard, carrying a lantern, made his rounds. Tara and D held their breath when he reached Bobby and Jack’s place. They were gone.

D pulled Tara closer. “If they got to the carriage, they’ll make it. You’re doing great. Keep it up.”

Half an hour later, the guard who’d ushered them into the section originally, a lieutenant, returned. “Eight escaped, Miss Williams, and killed two guards in the process. I’m afraid that one of them stole your horse and carriage.” Tara gasped at the news. “I guess you’ll have to be our guest here tonight. I can take you down to the officer’s quarters.”

“Heavens no! My man and I can walk home.”

“Not with escaped prisoners on the loose, ma’am.”

“But you have soldiers out looking for them, correct?”

“Of course, ma’am.”

“Then, I’ll be safe with them around. As much as I like you all, I just can’t stay …here.”

He rubbed his long beard. He imagined that visiting a prison and actually staying in one were certainly two different things to a woman of Miss Williams upbringing. “How about this then? Can you ride?”

“Of course.”

“I …a… mean astride… not . . .a. sidesaddle,” he stammered.

“Yes, lieutenant,” she giggled. “I can ride.”

“We could loan you a couple of horses to get home on. They were Union horses, but I don’t rightly think that’s their fault. You can bring them back tomorrow. I wish I could spare an escort, but. . .”

“We’ll be fine. My man will see to that. You’ve been extremely kind. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, ma’am. Come on let’s get you on your way.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“The lantern’s gone,” D whispered as they rode up into the driveway of Tara’s house. Hanging a lantern on the fencepost at the end of the drive was their way of telling Jack and Bobby which house to go to. “Any sign of the carriage?”
“I sure hope not,” she answered softly.

Reaching the house, D swung off his horse. “Stay here. Let me check things out.”
Tara wished she had her Colt from the buggy. She had to admit to herself that she was so tired, she could barely stay in the saddle. “Be careful.”

While D was gone, she looked around. The moonlight gave an eerie glow to area. She could see that someone had used a piece of brush to wipe away any tracks and hoof prints around the barn.

The steady clopping of hooves, signaled another rider approaching. She could see the rifle aimed in her direction and froze in place. AS the rider neared, she could see it was one of the Grey Coats searching for the escaped prisoners.

“Evening Miss Williams,” he said politely. “What are you doing out here?”

“We just got back from the prison. My man is checking out the house to make sure its safe.”

“What about your barn?”

“He checked that already.”

“Want me to check, too? In case he missed something.”

“Oh, no, you’ve got more important things to do than worry about little ol’ me, but thank you for your kind offer.”

“Everything’s clear!” D called from the doorway.

“You be sure and give us a holler if you see anything, Miss Williams.”

“I’ll do that.”

D came down the steps and helped her dismount. “Are our guests inside?” she asked.

“Cellar. Jack’s coughing something fierce.”

Tara climbed down the ladder leading into the cellar. Capt. Hudson’s hacking alerted her well in advance of their presence. Missing the third to the last wrung on the ladder, her foot slipped and someone took hold of her waist. “Easy there, sheila,” Bobby said as he lifted her to the ground. “You sure took a chance to spring us, and we don’t even know your name.”

D stepped next to her. “Lt. Bobby Manning and Capt. Jack Hudson, this is Miss Tara Williams. Angel of mercy, daughter of Col. Reuben Williams, and spy for the North.”

“I prefer information specialist,” she said as she made her way to Jack, seated on the ground. She placed a hand on his chest as he coughed and felt the congested rumbling inside. Touching his brow, she drew her hand away as the heat radiated from it. “He can’t stay down here in this damp place,” she told D. “We have to get him up to one of the rooms.”

“But if they search the house . . .”

“Then, we’ll just have to make sure they don’t. Put him in my room. The neighbors are used to a light in there at night.”

Bobby and D lifted their friend under his arms and half-hauled him up the ladder. Tara leaned against the support beam while she waited. The last few nights suddenly caught up with her and she pressed her head against the cool wood and closed her eyes.

Going back down the ladder to get her, Bobby touched her shoulder. “You’re next, luv,” he said softly. “And as soon as we get Jack comfortable, you’re going to bed.”

She didn’t know why, but she didn’t argue. Maybe she was too tired to care. Maybe it was the lilt in his voice. And maybe, just maybe, she liked that he cared.

This is a FANTASTIC story. I'm excited to see how it all weaves together. Poor Jack! But good thing that Bobby, D and Tara will take care of him. Keep up the good work and looking forward to more!

This is absolutely fantastic Oreolover!!!! I am just in awe!!!! I hope Jack is alright!!! I love how you portray the characters and their relationships!!

Jen

Interesting story, keep up the good work.

As one born an breed below the Mason Dixon Line, I always enjoy stories that are "history" related.

There it is again -- a glimpse into our 21st century Tara. I love it.



and Myles yearning for Lucy...does she even realize it? Is she interested as well? Why is Samuel there to comlicate things?

kav

ditto rainsmom!!

mucho bueno again!

I love this so much- woo hoo......!!!!!!!!

Well, that went well!! And it doesn't look like anyone suspected a thing!!!

Now, if they can just break Jack's fever!!!

Joy

This is so amazing, please post again soon

Oreolover, I can see you down there!!! Please post soon!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jen

BTW, I am begging!!!!!!!!!

Jury duty is over. I didn't get seated in the jury which made me very happy. I thought it might be interesting but I was relieved when they didn't call my name after the interviews.

Chapter 8

"The dead covered more than five acres of ground about as thickly as they could be laid." ~ A Confederate survivor so described the Union dead at the Battle of Cold Harbor in 1864.

“Lord, I know you made Mr. Myles Leland the Third and you can probably see some redeeming qualities that I can’t,” Lucy muttered as she marched back to her quarters, “but even you have to agree he has to be the most insensitive, self-possessed, arrogant, pompous man on the planet. What was he thinking? How could he even suggest that I make this my permanent home?” The unusually cool night did nothing to soothe the heat of anger radiating through her veins. Still, she chilled in the night air and pulled her shawl more tightly about her shoulders. “Doesn’t that fool realize my home is with Sue? What would Grandma Alice do with out me?” She swiped at the tears trailing down her cheeks. “I won’t live here. I won’t stay. I’ll run away if I have to.”

As soon as Lucy stepped inside her quarters, warmth surrounded her. She jerked her head in the direction of the small, pot belly stove in the corner and the slits around the front of the door glowed from the fire contained within. On the top, sat a tin plate loaded with pork and beans and cornbread. “Samuel,” she whispered. His thoughtfulness touched her and she smiled. “Well, maybe I won’t run a way tonight. Thank you, Lord.” Even though she was almost too tired to eat, she used a towel to remove the hot plate from the stove and sunk down on the bed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The copper tea kettle on the stove whistled. Bobby wrapped the handle with a towel and carried it up the stairs to the room where Jack slept. Tara sat next to Jack’s bed mopping his fevered brow with a cool cloth.

“Here’s the hot water,” Bobby whispered.

“Can you pour some into those two cups?” She indicated a china cup on the nightstand with her head.

“Now, what?”

She passed him a tin from the pocket of her apron. “Put two teaspoons of this in one cup and stir it. It’s ground white willow bark. It’s great for fevers. Add a little honey because its pretty bitter.”

Bobby measured the powder and stirred it in the steaming water. “And what about the other?”

“See that blue glass bottle of leaves beside you? Put a half teaspoon of the leaves in the second cup.”

“What’s that for?”

“The cough. It’s lobelia. It needs to steep for about ten minutes”

“How do you know all this?”

Tara wrung out the cloth and replaced it on Jack’s forehead, before she answered. “I read it in books.”

“Amazing.” He handed her the first cup before sitting on the bed next to Jack and easing his arm beneath Jack’s shoulders. “Tara’s got some medicine for you.”

“Her stuff tastes awful,” Jack moaned.

Bobby took the cup from Tara with his other hand and held it Jack’s lips. “Come on, mate, don’t give the sheila a hard time. Where’s that Hudson charm you’re so famous for?” Jack sipped at the tea reluctantly.

“He needs to drink it all,” Tara whispered. “And the other cup, too.”

“You go on to bed. I’ll see that he does.”

“No, I should stay.”

He passed the empty cup back to Tara and their eyes met when their fingers brushed and she yanked her hand away. His cock-eyed grin made her heart flutter even more. “Tell you what. How about we take shifts? When does he need the medicine next?” Bobby asked.

“In a couple of hours.”

“Then, I’ll wake you then.”

“I’ll be in the guest room down the hall. I just won’t light a lantern.”

“Then be extra careful.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Two hours later, Bobby forced his eyes open and opened his pocket watch. Quickly, he repeated the process of making the teas for Jack. Placing a hand on his friends, forehead Bobby could tell the fever was down and he’d noticed his coughing was subdued. He glanced again at his pocket watch. It was nearly three in the morning. ”I know I promised to wake the little sheila, but she looked so tuckered I don’t have the heart,” he thought. D had told him what she’d been through the last few nights: traveling to speak with the colonel; staying up and marking the book with the escape plan; making muffins and breads; and tonight, caring for Jack. Although he knew that the sleeping conditions in Libby Prison with Jack the Hacker hadn’t been optimum, he felt like Tara needed the rest more.

With Jack resting comfortably, he leaned back in the rocker and propped his bare feet on the end of the bed. He pillowed his head with the wall. He felt as if his eyes had just closed when water splashed in his face. His eyes flew open and he reached for his sidearm which was no longer with him. Tara stood before him with an empty glass in her hand. “What in heavens name are you doing?”

“I told you to wake me up!”


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Levi, get Sue!”

Bounding to the bed, Levi covered his owners cheek with good morning dog kisses. “It’s too early, Levi,” she moaned. Levi persisted and pulled the coverlet off his mistress. Sue sat up and rubbed her eyes. “Okay, you win. What’s going on?”

Levi darted to the door way and Sue followed him with her eyes. A familiar figure filled the frame.

“John!” she screeched as she ran to her brother.

Wrapping his arms around her, he wrapped his arm around her and swung her in as wide a circle as the hallway would allow. Finally, he set her down and kissed her cheek. “Morning, Little Sis.”

“What are you doing back here? Let me take a look at you.”

His smile dropped when she pulled away to scan him for injuries. The first thing she noticed that her robust brother had lost at least thirty pounds. Then, he eyes fell to his left arm – or lack thereof.

Tears filled her eyes. “Oh, John, I’m so sorry.”

“Better gone than dead,” he quipped softly. He picked up her hand and held it to his heart. “If there’s one thing I’ve learned from you, Little Sis, it’s that the only one that can stop me from doing anything I want to do is my self. No tears for me, okay?” He squeezed her hand and let it go. “Now, let’s go find Mother.”

Here I am, all caught up again. And boy, did I have a ton to get caught up on....

This is fantastic! I love how you are mixing real people with the team in this saga. And I caught that Information Specialist remark from Tara, too.

Great job! Can't wait for more! "

That was an amazing post Oreolover!!!! Poor John, but I'm glad he's back home!!!

Mrs T's gonna have a fit when she sees him! I kinda feel sorry for her. Should I???

Jen

this is brilliant and i love the quotes you post at the top of each chapter

cath

Oh Oreo this si simply amazing....so intriguing and thus i am hooked....

more please

Myles wants Lucy to stay!! I wonder if Lucy will ever figure out that he is not being insensitive, he just wants her near him!!!

I see a spark between Bobby and Tara!! Bobby will have to learn that he needs to do what Tara tells him, or pay the price!!!

John is home!! He's right - losing an arm is much better than dying!!! Sue will get him through this!!!

Oreo, I just love this story!!!

Joy

I have to say that my knowledge of the Civil War is limited, but it definitely hasn't stopped me from thoroughly enjoying this story.

Great job.



p.s. I hope Sue and Jack meet soon...