Henry charged in, offering Kitty nothing more than a fleeting glance. “Aye, sir.”
“Where’s Ward?”
“I do not know, Sir.”
Stockton growled then gestured to the door of the tent, focusing on the papers on his desk. “Miss Campbell has committed an act of treason.” He sat in the chair, speaking as casual as if he were ordering a meal. “Our prisoner will be accompanying us to Boston. See her to the shack and guard her until we break camp in the morning.”
Henry bowed. “Right away, sir.”
The inkling of hope that had floated in Kitty’s chest dropped to her feet, taking with it the blood in her head. Henry took Kitty’s arm and his fingers gouged her elbow as he led her into the damp night air, away from the suffocating stench of stale tobacco. At least the rain had stopped, but the mud it left behind oozed around her shoes with every step.
Her throat tightened until the words almost refused to budge. “Henry, please you mustn’t—”
“Shhh.” He refused to meet her gaze as he opened the door and nudged her inside. “Don’t say a word.”
He hurried out and shut the door.
Kitty stared at the wet wooden slats, blinking as all feeling left her limbs. Could he so easily forget their friendship? Were her actions so terrible in his sight that he would do nothing to aid her?
“Fredericks!” Donaldson pointed to another soldier. “Guard this cell until I return. I have business to attend to.”
The soldier took his post outside the door, and stood at attention, musket in hand.
As she stared through the slats in the wood, the reality she’d refused to believe wound round her neck like the noose that awaited her and she clapped her hands to her mouth. She inhaled a quick, shaky breath. This could not be! The cool night air moved through her wet clothes and chilled her very soul. She heard nothing, saw nothing. Nothing but the faces of Eliza and Thomas. And Nathaniel. God forgive me! Tears flooded her eyes and coursed over her cheeks as she raised her gaze to heaven. Help them to forgive me, Lord.
Sobs threatened. Stumbling backward, she turned and pressed her face into the corner. Cupping her face, she fought against the anguished cries that rallied for release, allowing only stifled whimpers. She could not appear weak, could not appear to be the foolish woman they believed her to be.
Tears spent, body drained of strength, Kitty turned her back to the wood and slumped to the muddy ground, pulling her legs to her chest. The sounds of the camp had long since died and the soldiers had retired to their tents. All but the one that waited outside her door.
She leaned her head back as exhaustion wove its heavy threads through her weary muscles. As sleep toyed with her mind, Nathaniel’s face consumed her memory. His laugh when he teased her, the merriment in his eyes when he found her in the kitchen, his smile—
Footsteps neared and she flipped her head toward the sound. ‘Twas Donaldson. She could tell from his height and the way he kept his hand on the hilt of his sword. “’Tis time,” he whispered. “We must take her now.”
The guard at her door grunted a response.
They will take me now? Nay!
The door opened and Kitty jerked free from the remaining bands of sleep, hurling back to the dank night that surrounded her. Struggling to her feet, she gripped her stomach as the soldier entered. Closing the door, he stalked forward. Fear raged through her like a rabid animal.
She pressed harder against the wood. “Don’t touch me!”
He lunged and covered her mouth. “Quiet!”
Kitty writhed under his strong hands, struggling to get free. She tried to scream but his grasp was too tight.
“Be still, Kitty, please!”
All fight left her limbs in an instant and she dropped her arms to her sides. Blinking, she tried to clear the dream from her vision. It couldn’t be…
He removed his hand from her mouth and stroked her cheek, his husky tone warm with concern. “Are you hurt?”
She could hardly breathe. “I... I don’t believe it.” Her words quivered as much as her body.
“Believe.” Nathaniel studied her face and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “’Tis I.”
Kitty took in quick short bursts of air and her voice cracked as tears burned her eyes. “I thought... I thought...”
“I was a fool.” He tugged her to him, holding her hard against his chest. His deep whisper caressed her heart. “Forgive me.”