Free The Heavens Shall Fall by Jerri Hines Page A

relationship. Perhaps the harsh reality was what she needed to hear. She needed to be reminded of her mission.
    When Hannah appeared in New York, her cousin had given a purpose to her life. Hannah had been a Patriot. Susanna watched in the background while Hannah laid her life on the line for the cause…a cause Walter had so staunchly believed in.
    Hannah —so brave…so courageous—had given her life for that belief. With the news of Hannah’s demise, Susanna resolved to continue Hannah’s work to undermine the British. It was how she met Rupert…through Hannah’s activities. She had forgotten her purpose. She had forgotten the price Walter and Hannah had paid.
    Susanna went totally still. “You are correct. I needed only to be reminded.”
    Even to her ears, her voice sounded distant…remote. She had once more become the old Susanna.
    “It is not an easy life, Susanna. Know, though, it will end. Then we can seek the life we deserve,” Rupert said after a long pause. “Until then, I see no issue if we find comfort in each other’s arms.”
    He moved closer to her. She stepped back. “I need time to think.”
    She stepped toward the door. He called to her, “Don’t leave like this, Susanna.”
    She turned. “There is no need to be concerned, Rupert. My resolve is still strong. I will do what I must to see to the British downfall. Your network is safe. You have made certain of that. There is a debt to be repaid. I intend to make sure it is.”
    “ Susanna, don’t do anything foolish.”
    “ I will keep to our agreement. I will be in touch when I have information.” She said nothing else, turned and left.
    * * * *
    Susanna stood in front of a large mansion, at one time, one of the grandest in New York. That was before the war…before the British invasion…before her grandfather’s death. The house now lay under British authority. It had been confiscated due to her grandfather’s illegal activities. Activities that Hannah had brought to light…information that Susanna had delivered to Rupert to ensure her grandfather’s ruin.
    She walked through the iron gates and up to the entrance. She hadn ’t long to wait. The door opened almost immediately. She didn’t recognize the butler. Few of her grandfather’s servants remained.
    Upon her entrance, she found most had not changed. It still held the embodiment of genteel formality, but she had not come to reminisce. She had been invited…summoned. She followed without a word behind the servant. She had been expected.
    Low voices in the drawing room caused her to pause. Even though she couldn’t make out what was being said, the voice was strong and firm. She had no doubt who spoke. Major John Andre.
    It was he who had invited her this afternoon. It was most improper, but she had the impression it was meant to be. She understood the significance of her accepting the summons.
    Rupert was once more correct in his assumption. Major Andre had become quite attentive. She had given him little encouragement, but it seemed only to f an the embers.
    She had learned only recently that Major Andre quartered in her former home. It had not shocked her. The house was magnificent.
    When she received the invitation to her former house this morning, Susanna held little doubt of Major Andre’s purpose. She prepared herself. She had no intention of easily succumbing to his advances. Contrary, she had every intention of taunting the man.
    A human heart could only suffer to a point until it hardened. She was caught in a trap of her own making. She no longer looked for an escape. There would be no escape…of that she was certain. She sought only the method to do the most damage to the British before her time was done.
    She had not ignored Rupert’s warning. She wasn’t afraid. Fear would mean she cared. She didn’t…not for her life. She cared only for the cause. It was all that she had left in this life.
    In front of her, the butler opened the door wide. “You may