CLOSE
“Can I help you men?” Cooper stood as though he hadn’t a care
in the world. Then he really didn’t. The slave hunters would ask
for them, he’d turn them over and he’d have nothing to worry
about.
The man who appeared to be the leader dismounted and shoved
his hand out to Cooper. “We’s looking for some escaped slaves.”
Cooper shook the man’s hand. “Can’t say I’ve seen any fleeing
slaves.” His voice was steady.
Jubilee’s heart skipped several beats.
Sam patted her hand. “Massah Cooper take care of this.”
God, she hoped so, but her heart told her a white master wasn’t
going to protect her and those she’d tried to take to freedom. The
world didn’t work that way.
“You’re sure you ain’t seen no escaped slaves running through
your property?” The man stared at Cooper.
He scared Jubilee. He had an evil look in his eyes. She’s been
closer to him than she’d wanted to be and he’d made her skin
crawl.
Cooper’s voice remained steady. “I haven’t seen any slaves on
my property that don’t belong here.”
The man stood for a moment. “I don’t believe you. They had to
have come this way.”
Cooper shrugged. “They could’ve gone up the river, and I
wouldn’t have seen them.”
“Were you out in the fields today?” The man touched the gun
holstered on his hip.
Jubilee dug her fingernails into Sam’s arm. “I can’t let your
master be hurt.” She reached for the door.
Sam grabbed her arm, but held it lightly. “Massah Cooper’s not
my master.” He smiled down at her. “I’m a freeman.”
She blinked. “But?”
“Later.” Sam put his finger to his lips. “I want to hear what
they’re saying.”
Cooper’s voice rose. “I don’t much care what you believe. This
is my land.”
Becka suddenly appeared beside Cooper. “Is there a problem?”
Her voice was a soft lilt.
Cooper laid his hand on her shoulder. “No problem. Go back to
the house, dear.”
Jubilee felt Sam’s arm tense under her hand. “I best go out
before there is trouble.”
“No.”
Becka’s voice sounded friendly, though Jubilee couldn’t see
her face. “Maybe our guests would like some lemonade. It is a hot,
dusty day.”
“They don’t need refreshment,” Cooper said.
“They look hot and tired. I’ll have Maura bring out something
to drink.” Becka patted Cooper’s arm. “Are you hungry? It is
dinnertime. I could have some food brought out.”
The man looked at her for a moment, then a smile formed on
his face. “That would be right nice, ma’am.” His hand drifted away
from his gun.
“Are you just riding through?” Becka’s voice sounded as
though she smiled.
“No, ma’am. We’re lookin’ fer some runaway slaves. They’re
dangerous. One of them shot one of my men.” The man frowned.
Becka’s hand went to her chest. “How dreadful.”