Free Morning Star by Marian Wells Page B

Missouri, particularly Boggs.”
    â€œYou mean the prophecy he gave out a couple of months ago, sayin’ that within a year Boggs would die? Mark, that was from the Lord. Did you expect Joseph would fail to give the warning? Of course he wanted Missouri to hear.” Tom shrugged. “They nabbed Joe, and I just tagged along, tryin’ to figure out what to do.”
    â€œAnd?” Mark prodded.
    â€œThey hauled him clear to Quincy before there was a chance to take a breath. That’s gettin’ mighty close to Missouri. We tried several places to get a writ and not a soul would issue one. Don’t think they’d a done it in Quincy but for the fact his old friend Stephen A. Douglas was in town hearing a case.”
    â€œDouglas is on the Supreme Court,” Mark said thoughtfully. “That should mean something.”
    â€œYou’re tooting right. Word barely leaked about Douglas stickin’ his neck out for Joe when a couple of Whig lawyers scooted for Quincy to offer their services. Douglas being Democrat and political himself done the trick. We’re about ready to have a caucus over there.”
    â€œFor once Joe’s politics is standing him in good stead,” Mark remarked dryly.
    â€œYes, but he needs all the help he can get. He told me to fetch you.”
    Mark sighed and glanced at Jenny. “I don’t like leaving Jen alone; also there’s a pile of paper work at the office.”
    â€œCan’t be as important as this.”
    â€œIt could be more important. There’s going to be a real storm if we don’t get Joseph’s financial affairs in order before the next meeting of the district court.”
    Tom’s horse pawed impatiently. “Head back for Quincy,” Mark said. “I’ll ride over, but if things are under control, I won’t stay.”
    â€œI’m to alert the men.”
    Mark winced. “The Danites. That’s the worst order Joe could have given.”
    â€œNot the Danites,” Tom stressed the words, “nor even the Legion. His bodyguard .” He wheeled away without waiting for a reply.
    Jenny couldn’t restrain her dismal words. “It’s like Missouri all over again.”
    Mark took a deep breath and said, “We can leave any time you give the word.”
    Jenny considered and shuddered, remembering that shadowy image. Only to herself did she dare admit the alternative was unthinkable. She said, “You’ll be away tonight.”
    â€œDo you want me to take you to Sally?”
    â€œIt’s so far, and you need to hurry. Is there a chance you’ll be back tonight?”
    She felt him studying her face. Slowly he said, “I’m of a mind to make certain I’ll be back.”
    â€œOh, Mark,” she whispered, “thank you.” She blinked tears out of her eyes as she smiled at him.
    She saw the concern. Always it was there, but sometimes it nearly forced the words she didn’t know how to say. “Jenny,” he began, then gave a feeble grin. “Lock the doors and read your Bible. That’ll keep the spooks away. I promise I’ll be back before midnight.”
    He helped her from the buggy and went to saddle up. She was still staring after him, wondering whether the light words carried a hidden message. What a strange way to tease!
    When Mark disappeared down the road, Jenny went into the house. She dropped the latch into place on both doors and pulled the curtains over the windows. Although the late spring afternoon was warm, she stirred up the coals in the stove and added wood, still thinking about Mark’s statement.
    Since the afternoon she had broken the mirror with her bare fists, Jenny had not made another attempt to use the charms and book. At times she trembled with a fearful urgency to be back into the craft. But the memory of those contorted images was stronger.
    When the water was boiling, Jenny brewed tea for herself and