The Way of Love Page 14

  Faith could see blatant hate in his expression. The hair on the back of her neck stood taut, and her hand trembled slightly as she clutched the satchel close. It was obvious Lakewood wanted to scare her, and Faith was certain he knew he’d done exactly that.

  CHAPTER 14

  Captain Gratton,” the tall, dark-headed man announced, extending his hand.

  Andrew recognized Gerome Berkshire from their previous dealings. “Mr. Berkshire.” They shook hands, and then Andrew showed him to the table where he generally did ship business. “How can I help you?”

  “I have a load of goods to be picked up in Astoria.”

  “I see. Well, that shouldn’t be too difficult.” Andrew pulled together the paperwork and handed it to Berkshire. “Fill out the information, give me the details of what you’re shipping, who I’m to meet in Astoria, and where I’ll find the cargo.”

  “I’m hoping we can keep the contents of this shipment from being public. In fact, I’d like very much to keep my involvement unknown. There are those who would try to use it against me.”

  “In what way?” Andrew asked, sitting back. He had never liked Berkshire and knew he couldn’t possibly be up to any good.

  “I’d rather not say. In our previous dealings, you always treated me well. I also know from my old friend Albert Pritchard that you are a man who can keep quiet when the need arises. As I understand it, you used to deliver goods to him in a rather unconventional manner in various locations along the Willamette.”

  “It wasn’t so unconventional, Mr. Berkshire. A lot of folks want their goods dropped off along the way, close to their farms. What exactly is it you’re shipping that requires such secrecy?”

  “Same as Pritchard. Firearms and ammunition. I don’t want to arouse alarm or suspicion. I’m simply supplying farmers with the means to protect themselves.”

  “From what?”

  “From any threat that comes their way.” Gerome looked at him with a smug self-confidence that made Andrew want to punch him in the nose. “There are many rumors of Indian uprisings. The settlers near reservations are concerned that the government won’t protect them—that the Indians will attack and the army won’t be able to reach them in time.”

  Andrew thought the entire matter ridiculous. Reservation Indians were in no position to start an attack or uprising of any kind.

  “Where are you wanting these firearms delivered?” he asked.

  “Wheatland.”

  “Well, I’m not sure I can help you. I’ve mostly been running between Astoria and Portland. Heading south to Wheatland would require I go through the locks at Oregon City. That will be an added expense.”

  “But you can take it all the way to Wheatland for a price, I presume.”

  Andrew shrugged. “It may not be a price you’re willing to pay.”

  Gerome pressed his fingers together and leaned his elbows on the table. “I think you’ll find that I’m every bit as generous as my friend, Captain. Now, are you interested in doing business, or shall I go elsewhere?”

  “When do they need to be delivered to Wheatland?”

  “By the end of March. No later.”

  “Let me ask around and see if I can find some additional loads bound for Wheatland or towns along the way. I can hardly afford to take a few crates of guns and nothing else.”

  “Good. Send me word at this address as soon as you know.” Berkshire pushed a card across the table. “And say nothing to anyone about this.”

  Andrew picked up the ornate calling card. “I’ll be in touch.”

  Faith returned home feeling frustrated. The candy store wasn’t open but promised to be in two days, and the ivory thread she needed was nowhere to be found. Fearing she’d have to give up, Faith had finally found it in a small dressmaker’s shop that was just closing when she arrived. Thankfully, the woman managing the place was eager for a sale and allowed Faith the after-hours purchase. Feeling bad because of the candy store disappointment, Faith then stopped by another store as it was closing and bought half a pound of peanut brittle. She had no idea if Mrs. Weaver and Alma would like it.

  Nothing had gone right. At the meeting with her fellow students, she explained Lakewood’s threats. None of them wanted to cancel or even change the venue at first. Instead, Faith’s comments only served to drive the students forward in increased determination.

  “How dare that old man dictate to us what we can and cannot do regarding charity,” Malcolm had declared. “I won’t have it, even if we should come to blows.”

  Violet too had been livid. The others had agreed as well. Faith suggested that perhaps it might be wise to speak to a local pastor or two about holding the event at a church. She didn’t trust Lakewood and didn’t put it past him to make trouble. There was no sense in securing a venue at the college, only to be told at the last minute after all the flyers had been printed that they couldn’t hold their event on campus.

  When she returned home, it was almost seven, and a light rain had begun to fall, leaving her drenched to the bone. She slipped into the house, grateful that everyone seemed occupied elsewhere. Taking refuge in her room, Faith quickly stripped out of her clothes and pulled on a warm cotton nightgown. Taking up a towel, she sat by the fire someone had thoughtfully lit in her hearth.

  She pulled the pins from her hair and let the dark brown mass fall to her waist before drying it with the towel. She gazed into the flames and steadily massaged her hair.

  Lakewood was a problem, and she knew it was probably best that she get some advice on the matter. Nancy had indicated he was dangerous, and Faith knew the time had come that she further investigate the matter. All she had hoped to accomplish before graduation in April were some charitable acts of kindness. She hoped that by helping fulfill the reservations’ medical needs, she could also introduce her abilities to the local authorities and thus be allowed to work with the Indians. It assuaged her guilt to remind herself that one day she would take all that had been allowed her because of her white heritage and use it to better life for the Indians. But Lakewood clearly wanted to stop her from helping the reservations.

  She went to her dressing table to get her brush. As she maneuvered her hair back into a manageable plait, Faith contemplated how she might accomplish all she desired in spite of Lakewood. She’d had to deal with powerful men before. There was always a way, if one was smart about it.

  Faith finished braiding her hair, then pulled on her heavy wool dressing gown. A cup of tea sounded like just the thing to warm her. Perhaps there would be a few cookies as well. Her light supper was nothing more than a memory at this point. She took up the bag of candy and made her way to the kitchen.

  For the life of her, Faith couldn’t stop thinking about Lakewood and how quickly he’d turned on her. He was used to having everyone obey his directives. He wouldn’t be happy that she had defied him. In fact, she was almost certain he was even now plotting against her.

  “I wondered if you’d ever made it home,” Seth said as she came into the kitchen.

  “Just a little while ago. I thought a cup of tea would help me thaw.” Faith went to the teakettle and lifted it. “I see I wasn’t the only one who had that idea.” She nodded toward the mug he was stirring.

  “We just finished supper, but there’s plenty left if you’re hungry. Bedelia insisted we leave a plate warming for you.”

  “How considerate. I’m starved.” She grabbed a potholder and opened the warmer. “Mmm, fried chicken. It smells wonderful.” She placed the dish on the counter. “Are you working late?”

  “No, Nancy and I decided a quiet evening together would be nice. This tea is for her.”

  Faith considered this. “I wonder if I might come and speak to you both. I have an issue that must be dealt with, and I’m in need of advice.”

  “Of course. I’ll take this to her, and we’ll anticipate you in a few minutes.”

  Faith grabbed a fork and a glass of water, deciding to forgo the tea. She headed down the hall
to Nancy and Seth’s bedroom, hoping they’d be understanding. She found them both by the fire, with Seth just pulling up another chair.

  “Come sit and tell us what troubles you,” he said.

  “Well, it’s not like you haven’t warned me about Samuel Lakewood.”

  Seth frowned. “What has he done?”

  Faith sat and balanced the plate on her lap while she took a long, needed drink of water. “He wants us to stop our plans to raise money for the reservations. We have a fundraiser scheduled so that we can speak about the poor reservation conditions. With the money we raise, we hope to buy additional medical and cleaning supplies.” She put the glass to one side and picked up her fork. “I believe he will insist that the college ban us from using the lecture hall. He made clear his intentions this afternoon as I was on my way to meet my friends.”

  “Why were you with him?” Nancy asked.

  “He offered me a ride, and since we’d had a pleasant enough time together earlier this morning, I thought nothing of it. He immediately made it clear that he didn’t approve of what we were doing. He told me there were consequences for sticking my nose into matters that weren’t mine to worry about.”

  Seth heaved a sigh. “Look, you need to understand that Lakewood is just as corrupt as Gerome Berkshire. Berkshire at least pretends to be working for the government, which allows them to keep an eye on him, but I’m sure he’s told Lakewood what he’s doing. Lakewood is part of all this scheming to get the Indians to rise up and cause a war. Once they do that, the whites will have their excuse to take charge and demand the tribes be moved to a smaller reservation far away, where they can cause no harm. Lakewood and his friends will sell the reservation land to their cronies.”

  “Listen to Seth, Faith,” Nancy pleaded. “He knows what he’s talking about. These men are dangerous and will stop at nothing to have what they want. They once snuck into my house and stole a book with Albert’s confidential maps. I wouldn’t put it past them to do most anything to see their plan succeed. The government and the army are our only hope of keeping them under control.”

  “I won’t be bullied into walking away from a good cause.” Faith took a bite of chicken.

  “Lakewood isn’t going to walk away from a challenge either.”

  Faith shrugged. “There is more than just me involved in this. He can’t fight all of us.”

  “He can and he will,” Seth replied without hesitation. “He doesn’t care how many of you there are. He has powerful friends, and together they made this town. They can certainly stop a few students.”

  “I’m sure this storm caused a lot of damage to the reservations, even if no one is talking about it. Grand Ronde is sure to have suffered, since they’re not far from the coast. I want to help them.”

  “As do we, but Lakewood is ruthless. I don’t want you to get hurt,” Seth replied, looking grave.

  Faith sat back and put her plate on the small side table. “I think the time has come for you to explain everything to me. I know bits and pieces of what’s going on, but I think I need a clearer picture in order to better understand how to deal with this matter.”

  Nancy and Seth exchanged a look, and Nancy shrugged. “I think you should tell her everything. Faith can keep a secret.”

  “It’s imperative that you say nothing about this to anyone. Secrecy is still very much needed in order to get to the bottom of who is actually controlling this situation.” Seth crossed his legs as he stretched them toward the fire. “And there is still so much we don’t know.”

  “I promise I will say nothing.”

  Seth nodded and began to explain. “As you know, Nancy’s husband Albert was involved in secreting shipments of weapons and whiskey to the Indians. I was approached by the government to come to Portland and investigate. Of course, by the time I did, Albert was dead. He had fallen or was pushed into the Willamette. We now believe he was murdered before he reached the water, but we have no way of knowing who killed him. We suspect Berkshire or one of his rowdies but are still uncertain and have no proof whatsoever.”

  “Right. That much I already understood.”

  Seth continued. “We didn’t know if Nancy was involved, so when I realized she was my old childhood friend, I managed to get her lawyer to let me come onboard and help with her late husband’s estate.”

  “But you didn’t tell Nancy what you were really doing.”

  Nancy answered before Seth could. “No, he didn’t.”

  Seth smiled. “It didn’t take long before I confided in her.” He reached over and squeezed his wife’s hand. “However, we had Berkshire to contend with, and he wouldn’t leave Nancy alone. We’ve since learned that he wanted to convince her to marry him so that he might have access to her money. Berkshire plays at being well off, but in fact he has very little, and Nancy’s money would have allowed him to step into the society of his cronies like Lakewood without fear of being realized for what he really was.”

  “Do you honestly think Lakewood doesn’t know about Berkshire’s lack of money?” Faith asked. “I mean, it seems to me that Lakewood is the kind of man who knows the details of every man’s fortune—or lack thereof.”

  “I’m sure you’re right,” Seth agreed. “The thing is, Lakewood and his associates have been helping fund the weapons and whiskey and probably a lot of other things, but the government knows there are other men who are in charge of all this.”

  Faith nodded. “They suspect Uncle Adam and Aunt Mercy as being at the top of the plot.”

  Nancy shook her head. “Can you even imagine?”

  “They can’t be serious.” Faith looked at Seth. “How can they possibly believe that two people who have spent their lives among the Indians and working with them as advocates could be responsible for pushing for insurrection?”

  “I suppose the thought is that because the tribes have been treated unfairly, your aunt and uncle are encouraging them to rise up to demand fair treatment. And while they could be suggesting this for the betterment of the tribes, someone else may well have it in mind to cause them harm. The government believes that whoever is involved is also a part of the plot to see the reservation lands decreased and given over or sold to white settlers who have come to this state demanding farmland.”

  “If they took a good look at the bulk of those reservation lands, they wouldn’t be quite so eager.” Faith picked up her plate. “This is madness.”

  “Yes, but we cannot say anything about it to our family,” Nancy declared. Her expression was grave. “The only reason we’re telling you is so you won’t be harmed by Lakewood. Steer away from him and don’t allow your actions at school to enrage him.”

  “I won’t stop our plans. He won’t scare us off. We already discussed that this evening. We’re going to move the fundraiser to one of the churches and proceed. There’s very little he can do to any of us.”

  “Don’t say that.” Nancy looked to Seth. “Convince her.”

  Seth nodded. “Faith, these men have worked a long time at this. It’s not the first plot they’ve had, and it won’t be the last. Don’t put yourself in harm’s way. Maybe delay your gathering for a few months. Let things calm down, and see if the government can’t get to the bottom of their investigation first. Then you can do all you want to benefit the Indians.”

  “By then they may have died from lack of proper medical supplies. The government doesn’t provide them with what they need. You know that. Aunt Mercy and Uncle Adam have tried for years to get the government to do better. You know they would never harm the Indians or work against them.”

  “I do,” Nancy replied. “But I also know these men are dangerous. I believe, as Seth does, that they killed Albert. God alone knows who else they might have killed. I don’t want them to have any reason to put you on that list.”

  “Looks like you’ve got enough wood here to build a log cabin,” Andrew said as he came upon Seth chopping wood behind the boardinghouse.

  Seth took a break from chopping.
“We might as well. We aren’t lacking for firewood.”

  Andrew smiled. “We’ve got more than enough for the Morning Star too. This storm provided plenty of fuel to get us through, at least. I have stockpiles here, in Vancouver, Astoria, and all points in between.”

  Seth smiled and pulled a handkerchief from his pocket. “It’s been a lot of work, to be sure. I’m not sure how all this wood will ever be processed, but it’s employed quite an army of men.”

  “To be sure.”

  “So what brings you here? As if I didn’t already suspect.”

  “I wanted to check on Faith, but I wasn’t sure she’d be completely honest with me. I’m just as glad to question you. How’s she been feeling?”

  “Good. She told me she had to accept that the injury was worse than she’d originally thought. Thankfully, with all the cleanup needed for the town, they cancelled classes for two weeks. She used the time to rest and recover. I think it’s fair to say that she’s back on her feet and doing just fine.”

  Andrew smiled. “That’s good to hear. Very good. I figured, given her spirit, she’d be out on the streets, trying to help.”

  Seth stopped and fixed Andrew with a serious look. “Are you familiar at all with what she’s been doing with the other students regarding fundraising for the Indians?”

  “Not really. Why do you ask?”

  It looked as if Seth were about to say something, but then he shook his head. “It’s nothing. You mentioned her being out on the streets, trying to help, and it brought that to mind. Faith would be hauling supplies out to the reservations herself but for the women in the house. They were adamant that she take it easy. And with Nancy getting closer to her delivery, they want Faith to be here as much as possible.” Seth wiped his brow. “Say, would you like to stay for dinner? I know the plan is for a large Yankee pot roast.”

  “Sounds wonderful.” Andrew glanced at the back of the house and smiled. “Do you suppose Faith would mind?”