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Prologue
To men at war, the approach of dawn was a time filled with apprehension and anticipation. When heavy mists thinned over the country's middle states, one could be faced with breathtaking landscapes untouched by strife. Or one could discover an opposing army with bayonets affixed and cannons ready. Much needed rest, a long hard march or a bloody confrontation, there were no guarantees.
But for Reeve Garrett, the new day brought one certainty, death sure and swift, unless he could do something about it.
"Sergeant Garrett, I understand your position, but you must understand mine, as well. The man admitted to treasonous activity and was duly charged for his crime. The time for leniency is long past. If we don't make strong examples, we invite this sort of thing over and over again, and I, for one, don't want this war to go on forever."
"I do understand, Cap'n, but putting that man before a firing squad will not serve justice. He's no traitor. He doesn't even believe in this war. If he confessed, it was to protect someone else. Hasn't enough innocent blood been shed by both sides, sir?" Reeve paused, drawing a slow measured breath before stating his final argument. "Cap'n, the man is my brother."
For an instant, sympathy softened his superior's gaze, but only for an instant. Then, once again, he became a soldier and not a family man who under stood the pain of losing a loved one to the insanity surrounding them.
"I'm sorry, Sergeant, but I can't let that influence my decision. If I made an exception in your case—"
Reeve swallowed hard and squared up his rigid military stance. His voice was taut and emotionless."I wouldn't expect you to, sir."
The war-weary officer leaned back against the center pole of his temporary command post. "You've about a half hour, Sergeant, before the order is carried out. If you can get him to name names, I'll reconsider. I'm not interested in having another Southern martyr on my hands."
Reeve didn't react outwardly, but relief weakened his reply. "Thank you, sir. I won't be forgetting this."
"You're a good soldier, Garrett. I need good men who aren't pulled in two directions, if such a thing is possible when we're called upon to take arms against our friends and families." He sighed. "See what you can do, Reeve." "Yes, sir."
Copyright ) 1998 Nancy Gideon
