Freedom's Treasure

By Janet Quinn

Sam has the perfect life. He has his land, an extended family, and most importantly, his freedom. All that’s missing is a loving wife to call his own. Then the fiery and determined Jubilee wanders onto his property with an injured runaway salve in tow. Jubilee steals Sam’s heart, but she’s not ready to abandon her quest to located the son who was sold away from her.

Afraid of loosing her, Sam cannot let Jubilee travel alone through the South with ruthless slave hunters always on the prowl. Sam accompanies her on her search for her son while also helping other runaways travel north to freedom. As the love between Sam and Jubilee grows, so, too, does the danger posed to everyone he loves. Can he keep his family safe, shield Jubilee from further peril, while also winning her heart forever?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Janet Quinn
• Release date: Jul 9, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476362373

Janet Quinn

Janet F. Quinn, Ph.D., registered nurse, associate professor, and distinguished researcher of Therapeutic Touch, has been profiled in The New York Times, Time, and Utne Reader. She makes her home in Boulder, Colorado.

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Freedom’s Treasure

Historical Romance

By Janet Quinn

Copyright 2012 Janet Cornelow

Smashwords Edition

Cover art by Lex Valentine

All other reserved by author. The reproduction or other use of any part of this publication without the prior written consent of the rights holder is an infringement of the copyright law.

www.janet-quinn.com

To my biggest fan, my sister Kathy. To my sons, Tom, Michael, and Robby for all their confidence, support and love. To my daughter-in-laws Jessi and Loki for their support. To Debra, my critique partner, for all her help and encouragement.

Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher.

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author.

Chapter 1

Mississippi River, Arkansas

March, 1838

Sam stood and gazed across his land. He couldn't believe he owned thirty acres all his own. Him. A Negro raised as a slave.

The White River edged part of his property. Arnou's and Massah Cooper's land abutted his. Every morning he walked out to gaze at his land. He still couldn't believe he really owned it. Half was planted in rice; half in soybeans. With what he made on this year's crop, he could afford to buy more land. There was a piece to the south, but Arnou had his eye on that piece also. Sam knew he'd let Arnou have it. He and Ilde had three children--two sons and a daughter. They needed the land more than he did.

However, he really did want it. Also, he wanted a wife. He'd saved enough money to buy himself one. Massah Cooper kept the money safe for him, not that he had anything to spend it on. He had everything he needed. Except a family of his own.

He caught a movement out of his eye by the bank of the river. He stood very still, searching the area. He hoped it wasn't slave hunters coming through. Massah Cooper would protect him, but a chill ran up his spine anyway. Slave hunters were always bad news. They were evil men. He'd hate to find himself tied up and on an auction block before Massah Cooper even realized he was gone.

He saw it again. A movement.

He crept closer, making no noise as he moved. He heard a groan, then someone making a hushing noise. He edged out of the soybean field and walked rapidly toward the riverbank. Slave hunters wouldn't be groaning. A baby cried, and he jumped, clasping his hand to his heart. Who could be on his riverbank?

A head poked up, then dropped from sight. He caught a glimpse of a red-and-green scarf tied around a head of black hair. A dark chocolate face had shown below the scarf.

He lumbered over to the bank. The only people who would be hiding along the riverbank were escaped slaves. He couldn't have escaped slaves on his land. Someone might find out he was a freeman. That could bring trouble to Massah Cooper. Most people didn't hold to freed slaves in these parts.

He watched the scarf bounce along the bank. She was making a run for it. He changed his course to cut her off. The baby wailed louder, and someone hushed it.

Sam came over the bank and landed in front of the woman. Behind her was a couple, the woman clutching the crying baby. The man crept along, hunched over, holding his belly.

Who are you? demanded Sam.

The woman with the scarf looked like a caged animal, glancing from side to side as though trying to figure which way to run. The woman holding the baby wept.

Please, don't hurt us, the man said. His voice was so soft, Sam barely heard him.

Sam studied the lot of them. He didn't mean them any harm, but he wasn't sure they didn't mean him some. Not that he couldn't defend himself against two women and an injured man. I asked who you are.

The woman wearing the scarf stood straight and stared him in the eyes. We be movin' along. Didn't mean to trespass.

God, she had beautiful eyes. Dark brown with little flashes of fire around the edges. He stared at her. He didn't remember ever seeing a more beautiful woman in his life. Huh?

I said we be movin' along.

Along where? He continued to stare at her. He wanted to remember what she looked like. Obviously, she was a dream. He must have fallen asleep in the fields. No woman could be that beautiful.

Along. She continued to stare at him.

He didn't move. He knew they were escaped slaves. He knew they were trouble. Not only trouble for him, but for Massah Cooper, Miss Becka, Maura and Arnou. He couldn't bring trouble home to his family. There were the children to think about as well.

The man groaned again, louder than before, and crumpled to the ground. The woman with the baby screamed and bent over him.

Be quiet. The woman wearing the scarf turned to glare at the couple. And quiet the baby.

Sam shook his head and stared at the crumpled man. He wasn't getting up, and Sam couldn't leave him on the ground. If slave hunters were after the lot of them, it wouldn't be good for him if they found escaped slaves on his land. They'd blame him. They'd blame Massah Cooper. Oh, hell. He couldn't leave them here.

He strode over and lifted the man. He was a thin rail of a man, and to Sam, not much of a burden.

What are you doing? The woman wearing the scarf batted at his arm. She wasn't much more annoying than a mosquito.

He needs help. Sam trod up the bank and across his field.

You can't take him, the other woman cried after him.

He's going to die if I leave him here, and I won't have any dead escaped slaves found on my land. Sam strode across the field, not looking back. He knew the others would have to run to keep up with him, but he wanted to get the man to Miss Becka and Maura. The womenfolk would know what to do. Maura was really good at tending the sick.

We're not goin' this way.

Ya're now. He didn't slow. By the way, what's your name? He wanted to know who the beautiful woman was. He wanted a name to go with the face.

You don't need to know.

No, but I want to. If I'm going to help, then I think you should tell me.

He could hear the baby still whining and the running footsteps of the two women following him. The one carrying the baby sounded breathless. He should slow down, but the man had gone limp in his arms, and he didn't want to find he was carrying a dead man.

No one asked you for help.

I don't want any dead bodies found by my river.

Your river? Don't you mean your massah's river.

Sam swallowed twice before he found his voice. He knew better than to tell anyone the land belonged to him instead of Massah Cooper. She was so beautiful, he'd forgotten to be careful. Same thing. He didn't look back. The lie probably told in his eyes. He'd never been good at it. He left that to Massah Cooper and Arnou.

No, it ain't. She grabbed his arm. Slow down.

I want to get this man to the main house. He's hurt bad.

I know. Her hand trembled against his arm. His wife can't keep up carrying the baby.

You can see the house over this rise. Just walk toward it. I'll send Arnou back for you.

She tried to stop him, but she didn't weigh enough. Please. The slave hunters are after us. We can't go to your massah.

He'll know what to do. He won't let anyone hurt you.

Please.

Sam paused and looked at her. A look of determination shone in her eyes, but tears also welled in them. He smiled at her. Massah Cooper will know what to do. You can't stay out here. This man's going to die if he don't get help.

I know. Her shoulders sagged, then she straightened them. I won't let him put me in chains. I won't let him give me to the slave hunters. She had a steady look, but one that said she wouldn't be taken back to wherever she'd come from.

He won't. Sam shifted the man in his arms. Now what's your name?

Jubilee.

He stared at her for a moment. That's a beautiful name. As beautiful as she was. Now, just follow me and Massah Cooper will know what to do.

As he crossed from his property to Arnou's, he saw Arnou and Ilde, his wife, working in the fields. Hey, he hollered, I need help.

Arnou stood and stared toward Sam, his hand shading his eyes. He dropped his hoe and strode toward him, Ilde following behind. Who you got here? he asked as he reached Sam.

Found them by the river. Sam kept walking. The man's hurt.

You have to slow down. Jubilee's voice wavered and sounded breathless.

He knew the others couldn't keep up with him, his stride nearly twice that of others. Arnou will get you to the house.

It'll be fine. Arnou's voice floated from behind him. Coop will know what to do. Just come on up to the house.

We can't, said Jubilee.

You haven't a choice, said Ilde. Let me carry the baby for you.

The baby wailed again, then quieted. Ilde had a way with children.

We have to keep moving, said Jubilee.

The voices became quieter as Sam covered the fields. Massah Cooper should be in his fields somewhere with the two new slaves they'd bought last month. If he didn't cross paths with Massah Cooper, he'd send Jacob to find his father. Massah Cooper would know what to do about the runaways. Maura and Miss Becka would know what to do about the injured man.

He reached the big house without seeing anyone. He went up the back stairs and into the kitchen. The women weren't there. Maura, Miss Becka, he bellowed. The man might be slight, but he was getting a might heavy and Sam wanted to put him down somewhere.

Megan appeared from the hallway. Ma and Grandma are at Grandma's. Her blue eyes twinkled, then a frown creased her face when she saw the man Sam was holding. Is he hurt?

Badly.

Put him on the sofa. I'll go get Ma. Megan swished around him toward the door. She had grown so much since Sam had become part of the family. No longer a baby, she was becoming a young woman. Her tenth birthday would be soon and she reminded everyone how grown-up she was.

He's bleeding. Sam turned to follow her.

I can't leave the little ones alone. Megan stopped. They're playing upstairs.

Megan watched Miss Becka's and Ilde's children while the others worked. I'll go to Maura's house, then take him to my cabin, Sam said.

Grandma and Ma said none of you are to go to Grandma's cabin. Megan put her hands are her waist.

This man's gettin' heavy, and I don't want to get blood on Miss Becka's new sofa. Sam strode past her. You go back to the children.

They're not going to like you going to Grandma's cabin. Megan's voice drifted after him.

Probably they wouldn't, but he didn't have a choice. They'd forgive him when they saw the man. Besides, he would knock on the door and not enter. That way he wouldn't spoil whatever surprise they were working on.

He reached the cabin and shifted the man in his arms. The man moaned. Sam's heart thudded a bit slower. Thankfully, the man was still alive. Using his foot, he rapped on the door.

Maura opened the door. Git. She started to slam the door, then stopped. Oh, my. Becka, get bandages and tonic. She pulled the door open wide. Bring him in.

Sam shook his head. My cabin. He turned and walked down the step and across to his cabin.

He kicked open the door to his cabin, hearing the latch snap. He'd worry about fixing it later. Holding the man was about all he could worry about for the moment. He walked across the living-cooking area and into the extra bedroom. He laid the man down on top of the quilt Maura had made him. He knew the blood would spoil it, but he couldn't get the coverlet off.

The man groaned and opened his eyes. He stared at Sam, but didn't seem to see him.

What's your name? Sam asked.

The man's eyes drifted close.

Maura and Miss Becka appeared behind him. Maura ripped off the man's shirt. Who is he?

Don't rightly know. Sam stared at the bloody slash across his chest.

Boil some water, Sam. Maura dabbed at the oozing wound. This looks bad. The area was an angry red around the gash.

Sam rushed into the other room and looked for wood to light the stove. He didn't have any. In fact, he couldn't remember the last time he'd used the stove. He ate at the big house with the others.

Hurrying outside, he ran to Maura's cabin and grabbed wood. Back in his cabin, he lit the fire and pumped water into a kettle. Massah Cooper had helped him build a nice cabin. A cabin he'd be proud to bring a wife into, if he ever found one.

He stared at the water, waiting for it to boil. A scream sounded from the other room, and a chill ran up his back.

What happened to your door? Arnou's voice made him jump.

Couldn't git it open. Sam watched Arnou and Ilde bring the young woman, baby and Jubilee into his home. Sit. He waved to the chairs around the table. Should he offer them coffee? Did he have any coffee?

He looked back at the stove and the boiling water. Maura, the water's ready, he hollered. He could feel Jubilee staring at him and he wanted to squirm. How could such a little bit of a woman make a big man like him so nervous?

Bring some here along with some cool water, Maura called from the other room.

Sam poured hot water into a pitcher, then filled another with cool water. He carried them into the bedroom.

I want to see my husband, the young woman said.

In a bit. Ilde sat on Sam's sofa, cuddling the baby. Let Ma fix him up first.

Sam set the pitchers down on the small table next to the bed. He stood with his hands behind his back.

Maura threaded a needle. Pour some hot water into the basin, Sam.

Miss Becka smiled at him. She dipped a cloth into the water, then wiped the man's chest. Maura took up needle and thread and began to sew the gash. The man moaned, then seemed to lay very still.

Sam gagged and shivered. Need anything else?

We've got it, Sam. We'll holler if we need something.

Sam escaped into the front room and sagged into a chair by the table. He stared at his hands, forcing his stomach to be quiet. He didn't much cotton to watching Maura stitching someone up.

Did you see Coop? Arnou leaned against the broken doorframe.

No. Sam looked up. Didn't find Jacob neither.

He's probably in the fields with his pa. Arnou shoved himself away from the door. Best go find him. He looked at the two women and the baby. Runaways?

Sam nodded.

Then we got ourselves some trouble. Arnou disappeared down the stairs.

We didn't mean to bring trouble to your door. Jubilee's voice was soft.

Sam stared at her. He wanted her to smile at him. He was sure she had a beautiful smile.

He looked away. The slave hunters wouldn't be far behind. Obviously they'd already run into them. He should have made them move on, but he hadn't been able to leave an injured man to die. He knew what it meant to be a slave. He knew what it meant to fear for his life.

He shrugged. Where you headed?

North. She continued to stare at him.

He felt like she could see into his soul. North's a lot of territory.

Ohio.

Know people there.

She nodded. We need to keep moving.

Can't. He stared at the broken door. He should fix it. It would look suspicious to the slave hunters.

Maura came out of the bedroom, wiping her hands on her apron. That's the best we can do. We'll have to watch him.

Jubilee stood. We have to move on.

Maura looked her up and down. He's not goin' anywhere.

The young woman wept. They'll catch us. Her face had gone ashen.

Maura put her arm around the woman. Come and sit with your husband. Ilde will tend your child.

The woman looked up with large eyes. Then she rose and followed Maura into the other room. Miss Becka came out to join the others.

She sat at the table. Sam, we must act quickly before the slave hunters arrive.

Yes, Miss Becka. Her smile made him feel as though everything would work out. I didn't mean to bring trouble home.

She patted his arm. Sometimes it cannot be helped. She turned to Jubilee. I am Mrs. Genevieve Monroe. My friends call me Becka. And you are?

Jubilee, ma'am.

Please, call me Becka. She looked over to Ilde. Take the baby to your house. Do you still have the crib where you can lay him?

Ilde nodded. As soon as Arnou returns with Cooper have him come help me.

Jubilee rose to stop Ilde. You can't take the baby. We have to leave.

The man who is accompanying you can't travel. He won't be able to for a while. Becka stood and placed her hand on Jubilee's shoulder. So we must make plans. The slave hunters are looking for two women, a man and a baby. What they will find is a family with four children. She looked at Sam. We must move the wounded man to Reid's room. He and Lyle can share for the time being. The slave hunters wouldn't dare enter my home to search for a runaway.

I need to fix the door. Sam knew she was right. Sorrow swept over him. All of them had taken him in and made him part of their family, and he'd brought disaster home.

I'll go with you. Maura walked toward the bedroom. His wife can come with him.

Coop and Arnou will fix the door. Becka smiled. We must hurry. We don't know how far behind the slave hunters are.

Not very. Jubilee looked scared. We have to go on.

Nonsense. You'll kill the man. You need to stay and rest until he heals and you can plan what to do. Becka looked at Sam. Go and help Maura. I'll burn the bloody rags in the stove.

There's blood on my quilt. He remembered the day Maura had given it to him. It had been the first Christmas present he'd ever received. Now it was ruined. Ruined, as probably was their life. The thought of burning it brought him great sorrow. Losing a quilt shouldn't be such a great loss, but it seemed tremendous.

Take the quilt to the big house. Maura and I will see to it later. She patted his arm. We can make it good as new.

Sam doubted it, but he went to fetch the man and carry him to the big house.

Now, Jubilee, take off that scarf and throw it in the stove. I'm sure the slave hunters will recognize it. Becka went into the bedroom and brought out the bloody rags.

Sam brought the man out of the bedroom, his wife weeping uncontrollably behind him.

Hush, child. Maura hugged the young woman and led her toward the door. With rest, your man will be fine.

Jubilee, follow them to the big house. Maura will give you some food that you can return and prepare here. You'll pose as Sam's wife.

Massah Cooper strode into the room, followed by Arnou and Jacob. What's happened?

I brought trouble home. Sam stared at the floor.

I'm sure you didn't have a choice. Massah Cooper walked over and kissed his wife Miss Becka on the cheek.

Sam glanced at the two of them. Massah Cooper had bought him at a slave auction, then taken him into the family. As payment for saving Miss Becka's life, he'd received his freedom, and Massah Cooper had helped him buy the land he now owned.

Everything is taken care of, except the door Sam kicked in. Becka leaned against Cooper for a moment.

Jacob, go get my tools. Cooper patted Sam's shoulder. You'd best follow Maura. She seems a might bit impatient.

Yes, Massah Cooper. He lumbered down the stairs and toward the big house. He should have left them by the river, but how could he? If his family came to harm because of his actions, though, he'd never forgive himself.

* * * *

Instead of all of them having dinner in the big house, Sam sat with the two new slaves and Jubilee in his cabin. She fixed them their noonday meal. Massah Cooper had insisted everyone come in from the fields and no one could work during the afternoon. Everyone was to stay near the buildings.

The smell of the food made his stomach flip. Maybe the slave hunters wouldn't come. Maybe everything would be fine. Somehow, he doubted it. He had a terrible feeling of doom.

Jubilee sat next to him. You should eat. She picked at her own food.

This is fine. Tane, the older of the two slaves, dug into the stew Jubilee had made. Nearly as good as Miss Maura's.

Umm. Rye nodded. This place has the best food.

Sam looked around his cabin. This place had the best of everything. He didn't want to lose it. He missed not eating in the big house with the children chattering and laughing, even for one meal.

The first time he'd stepped foot in that kitchen eight years ago, he couldn't believe that the massah would invite him to sit at the same table. Now he wished he were sitting there.

He heard a commotion in the yard, so rose and went to the door. Several riders were dismounting. Jubilee appeared at his side. Go back to the table. Massah Cooper will tend to them.

He stood, listening. Massah Cooper came out of the big house.

Can I help you? Cooper extended his hand to one of the men.

We're looking for some escaped slaves, the man answered.

Sam's stomach knotted.

Chapter 2

Jubilee stood next to Sam as he looked out the small window of the cabin. Her heart raced and her palms sweated. The slave hunters had found them again, and this time they had nowhere to run.

Not that the last time had gone well. Jedidiah had tried to protect baby Abel and Kianna and had been wounded. Jubilee shot the man who had knifed Jedidiah. She hadn't killed him, but the wound had slowed the men down.

Unfortunately, Jedidiah's wound had slowed them down. Now they were trapped. She shuddered, thinking about what would happen to them when the slave hunters captured them. The slave hunters would take Abel from his mother. They'd beat Jedidiah to death, not that it looked like he was going to survive his wound. Finally, they'd sell Kianna deeper south and she would never to see her child again.

And herself?

Her master, if they could find where she belonged, would make an example of her. She shuddered. She knew her life would end. She'd never finish her search. She'd die with a broken heart.

She gripped Sam's arm, fearing her legs were going to fold under her as she listened to the voices that carried across the yard.

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