Lewis Thornton Powell - The Conspiracy to Kill Abraham Lincoln: Lincoln Assassination Series, #3

By Sidney St. James

Lewis Thornton Powell

The Conspiracy to Kill Abraham Lincoln

Lincoln Assassination Series

Book 3

"Fourscore and seven years ago our fathers brought forth, on this continent, a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal." – Abraham Lincoln

Reporters were denied access to Lewis Thornton Powell and David "Davy" Herold, conspirators in the Lincoln Assassination while held captive on the USS Montauk. Furthermore, the press was held at bay, but not Alexander Gardner, a favorite photographer of the government in Washington City at the time.

On April 27th, Gardner was busy taking photographs of those who had been arrested in the government's dragnet. Say a derogatory word against the government or Abe Lincoln, one could find themselves locked up in the slammer with three hundred others.

Each of the prisoners were brought on deck and photographed in a few different poses. Far more photographs were taken of Lewis Powell than anyone else. He was a camera hound and gave his time to the celebrated photographer.  Powell cooperated with Gardner's requests and posed sitting down, standing, with and without restraints, and modeling the overcoat and hat he wore the night of the Secretary of State Seward's attacks. The one used in most discussions was where he stood against the gun turret of the USS Saugus, staring right at the camera, relaxing in a calm manner.

Powell was shackled with a form of manacles known as "lily irons," riveted handcuffs with two separate iron bands on each of his wrists, preventing him the ability to bend his wrist or use either of his hands. Like most of the male prisoners on board, he drug around with him a heavy iron ball at the end of a six foot long chain manacled to one of his legs.

In LEWIS THORNTON POWELL – The Conspiracy to Kill Abraham Lincoln, a military tribunal, rather than a civilian court, was chosen as the prosecutorial venue. The government officials at the time thought the Commission might be more lenient in regards to the evidence allowing the court to get to the bottom of what they perceived as a vast conspiracy.

Conviction required a simple majority of the judges, while imposition of the death sentence required a two-thirds majority. The only appeal available to the prisoners was to go directly to the President of the United States.

From all indication, enough preliminary witnesses had placed Powell in the same room with Secretary of State Seward. Finding legal counsel was difficult, and after three days waiting, Powell was finally able to locate representation for the trial that began on May 12, 1865. William E. Doster took over representation for the defense of Lewis Powell. Doster was a graduate of Yale and Harvard and the former provost marshal for the District of Columbia.

William Doster for the Defense opened his case on June 21st, 1865, for Lewis Thornton Powell. The weight of the evidence against Powell was so overwhelming, the Defense, instead of trying to disprove his guilt, characterizes Powell's actions as those of a soldier who aimed at the Secretary of State instead of the lesser corps of the Union.

This court case in its entirety for Lewis Thornton Powell was brought to paper for the reader to determine from the evidence and the testimony of witnesses whether or not Lewis Thornton Powell should have been hung or be turned free.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BeeBop Publishing Group
• Release date: Oct 17, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393212492

Sidney St. James

Sidney St. James is an extraordinary author who has made his mark in the world of science fiction suspense. With a creative mind that knows no bounds, St. James weaves captivating tales that transport readers to thrilling and otherworldly realms. His unique ability to blend the elements of science fiction with heart-pounding suspense has garnered him a dedicated following of readers eager to embark on their next exhilarating adventure. Born with an insatiable curiosity and a love for all things speculative, St. James found his calling in the realm of science fiction. From a young age, he was drawn to the limitless possibilities and unexplored frontiers of the genre. Influenced by literary greats and inspired by the wonders of the cosmos, St. James embarked on a writing journey that would push the boundaries of imagination and captivate readers with their visionary tales. St. James' science fiction novels are a testament to their boundless creativity and meticulous attention to detail. With each page, readers are transported to intricate and fully realized worlds, where technological advancements, extraterrestrial encounters, and moral dilemmas abound. His skillful storytelling keeps readers on the edge of their seats, as they navigate through a maze of suspense, intrigue, and thought-provoking concepts. In addition to his literary accomplishments, St. James is an avid pickleball player. This dynamic sport, which combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, serves as a source of balance and inspiration for St. James. The strategic gameplay and the camaraderie of the pickleball community provide a welcome respite from the boundless realms of science fiction that occupies his mind. As St. James continues to push the boundaries of the science fiction suspense genre, his unique blend of imagination, suspense, and pickleball prowess sets him apart as a true force to be reckoned with. With each new novel, readers eagerly anticipate the next thrilling journey that St. James will take them on, whether it's unraveling the mysteries of distant galaxies or engaging in a high-stakes match on the pickleball court. Sidney St. James is a true visionary and an author whose stories and pickleball skills will leave readers and opponents alike in awe.

Book preview

Sic Semper Tyrannis

THE LINCOLN ASSASSINATION SERIES

BOOK 3

LEWIS

THORNTON

POWELL

The Conspiracy to Kill Abraham Lincoln

by

Sidney St. James

If the Negro knows enough to fight for his country, he knows enough to vote; if he knows enough to pay taxes for the support of the government, he knows enough to vote; if he knows as much when sober, as an Irishman knows when drunk, he knows enough to vote.  – Frederick Douglass

BeeBop Publishing Group

Georgetown, Texas

Published by the BeeBop Publishing Group

Georgetown, Texas

This novel takes into account information from actual events associated with the War Between the States, and in particular, the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln and the incidents directly following this tragic time in our American history. We recognize the knowledge of today’s family and friends of many of the people portrayed in this novel might be different from my own.  There is no intent in this novel to hurt the reputation or feelings of any of today’s family members or friends. BeeBop Publishing and the author both regret any unintentional harm resulting from the publishing and marketing of the Lincoln Assassination Series.

There are times truth and fact aren’t always black and white. Memoirs and creative nonfiction are people’s recollections about events in their lives, and we all know people can remember situations and conversations differently without purposely intending to deceive anyone.  The newspapers of the South portray events much differently than those of the North. The transcript of the Lincoln Assassination Trial is an example of this.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, come from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible in the public domain.

Numerous letters, newspaper articles, photographs, and conversations with family members support the narrative used in each chapter in the book.

All lyrics from gospel hymns are from before 1923 and are public domain and not copyright protected.

Photographs used throughout these writings and for the cover art are in the public domain because they were the work prepared by an officer or employee of the United States Government as part of that person’s official duties under the terms of Title 17, Chapter 1, Section 105 of the United States Code.

SECOND EDITION

Copyright © 2019 by Sidney St. James

All rights reserved. This novel may not 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 BeeBop Publishing and Sidney St. James, except where permitted by law.

BeeBop Publishing® is a registered trademark.

The colophon is a trademark of BeeBop Publishing.

The jacket format and design of this book are protected trade dresses and trademarks of BeeBop Publishing Group and Sidney St. James.

Manufactured in the United States of America

Published Simultaneously in Canada

DEDICATION

*****

Idedicate this third novel in this civil war series to my great-great-great-grandfather, Colonel Arnoldus Arnie V. Brumby, founder of the Georgia Military Academy and other soldiers of the confederacy who cheered and sustained Jefferson Davis in his darkest hour with their splendid gallantry, never withdrawing their confidence from him as defeat settled in the lost cause .

Foreword

During the first week of March 1861, Abraham Lincoln woke up and began to take more serious threats to his life.  He made his way on the last leg of his trip from Springfield, Illinois to Washington City. Instead of wearing his usual black suit and black top hat, which had already become his signature attire, he dressed in a Scottish kilt and stored his top hat in a trunk.

Lincoln was successful and made his way to the podium, where he presented his inaugural address in such a way its plainness and directness of oration made itself apparent to the lowest of educated listeners and readers. The message from Lincoln carried with it the fact the federal government of the United States of America was still in existence... it had a new Man, a Republican, at the head of its continuation!

It was March fourth, 1861. Lincoln began his address to the people of the country in his most positive of terms associated with the intentions of the Republican Party. He and the federal government do not propose to interfere with slavery in the United States.

Abraham Lincoln practiced long and hard on his address to be sure to say the words as precise as possible. He stood before thousands and quoted from one speech he had given on the campaign trail and referred to other statements he presented as evidence of his well-known position on this subject. 

Lincoln considered the return of a runaway slave a constitutional obligation, but while that was required to be obeyed, whether by the States or by the Federal authorities, was of little consequence... just as long as the duty was performed.

In his inauguration speech, Lincoln suggested all safeguards were about the liberty and rights of the free man to prevent his appropriation as a slave, and the safeguard of all rights of citizens in all the States was essential.

Lincoln stood, and without hesitation, as he continued his speech, he said the Union was older than the Constitution. He didn’t recognize the power of one party to the contract of the union to break it. Lincoln paused in his address and then continued without looking down at his notes and said, "No state, by its own mere motion or vote, can go out of the Confederacy, and all resolves and ordinances to that effect are void.

Lincoln considered the Union as unbroken! He had no alternative than to execute the laws in accordance with his oath of office. He stood tall and erect and promised to the large crowd attending the inauguration his intention to perform his duty perfectly unless the sovereign people forbid. He assured everyone that in performing this duty, unnecessary force would not occur.  No Federal officers were to exist where their presence would be obnoxious.

It was his intention to possess and occupy the posts and property belonging to the Government and collect the tax revenues.

Obviously, those in attendance and journalists busy writing his address down for a special edition for their newspapers, made a point Lincoln was emphatic.  He gave the assurance, again and again, he would fulfill the duties of his office and throw upon those who shall resist this assertion of the laws and rights of the Government, the odium of the consequences may follow any resistance.

President Lincoln was in favor of a National Convention, but favoring such made no comments or particular amendments to recommend to the Constitution.

In the inaugural address, the President promised the Federal government would not interfere with the States by their action in the effect of slavery because he had no objection since it was already the Constitutional law. Besides, his wife, Mary Todd, and her family owned five slaves who cleaned, cooked, drove carriages, and provided childcare in their home.

Lincoln earnestly and most seriously desired to avoid all difficulty and disturbance between the Federal government and the states, while the firmness with which he avows his determination to obey the simple letter of his duty, must command the respect of the entire country, while it carried conviction of his earnestness of purpose, and of his courage to enforce it.

-—Elmer A. Struss[1], Civil War Historian, and Renowned Speaker

Introduction

Lewis Thornton Powell is the Youngest of Eight Children – Because of his tender feelings and loves for animals, his sisters gave him his nickname, Doc.

Lewis Thornton Powell was the youngest child out of eight brothers and sisters. He spent his early childhood in Randolph County, Alabama. From there, he moved with his parents to Georgia, where he learned to fish and hunt.

Lewis had a soft spot in his heart for animals, sick or injured. Whereas he enjoyed fishing and hunting, if an animal became injured, he would capture it and take it home. There, he would nurse the animal back to health and release it back into the wild.

Lewis’ sisters wondered how he could go out and kill animals, but yet take them in and nurse them and then turn them loose when suffering. Because of his tender feelings and love for animals, his sisters gave him his nickname, Doc.

Much of Doc’s kindness to animals and others came from his upbringing by his father, who was a Baptist minister.  His dad was also a farmer and teacher in the local schools. Lewis studied the scriptures from the Bible daily and adhered to the golden rule. He believed in doing what was right and kind and steered away from wrongdoings.

On January tenth, 1861, word flew across the State of Florida; Abraham Lincoln won the election for President and was talking about freeing the slaves in the South. The delegates in Florida met in the state capital of Tallahassee and voted to secede from the United States. His home state was one of the six original Southern states to form the Confederacy.

In a few days, Lewis Powell, known throughout the book and the Lincoln Assassination trial as Paine, an alias he took while working undercover, visited with his father and lets him know all his friends were joining armies of the Confederacy with other men to protect their state. Lewis Powell’s father didn’t disagree with nor try to stop his son in his decision to go and fight for what he believed.  It was in God’s best interest not to prohibit his youngest son from doing what he thought was veracious.

After the inauguration of Abraham Lincoln, Powell, a quiet and introverted youth of only seventeen, departed and joined the Second Florida Infantry, also known as the Jasper Hamilton Blues of Hamilton County. His older brother Oliver enlisted a few months later, September fifth, 1861, and another brother, George, joined a year later.

Lewis fights bravely in several smaller skirmishes for two years... Williamsburg, Beaver Dam Creek, Frayser’s Farm, Seven Pines, and others.

His ability to nurse animals back to health helps him as he aids in mending many a soldier who suffered from gunshot wounds in battle. It made no difference if they wore blue or gray... no difference at all!

On July second, 1863, Lewis received a gunshot wound in his right wrist during the Battle of Gettysburg[i]. He laid on the ground and fell unconscious from his loss of blood. His freedom ended when the Union troops captured him and consigned him as a prisoner of war to the Gettysburg Hospital.

It wasn’t long while lying in a hospital bed Lewis received word his older brother Oliver died from gunshot wounds received in the Battle of Murfreesboro on January sixth, 1863. Following news of Oliver, he receives word his other brother, George, received severe injuries in the Siege of Petersburg, Florida. A deep cut from a bayonet to his leg left him lying in a hospital bed, clinging to life from massive amounts of blood loss.

During the time Lewis’s wounds were healing, he took a fancy to a volunteer nurse at the hospital, Maggie Branson. The Union troops became somewhat relaxed in their guarding of Powell when he transferred to a hospital in Baltimore two months later. Lewis was pleased to have such a good job of helping wounded soldiers. After all, caged behind bars like an animal in one of the Union’s prisoners of war camps was the least favorable.

While assisting as a nurse in the hospital, Lewis, along with the help of his newfound lady friend, Maggie Branson, made his escape only a week after arriving in Baltimore. Maggie was an ardent Southern sympathizer, as well, and Powell joined her at her parent’s place in Baltimore.

While continuing to hide at Maggie’s home, a visitor dropped by the boarding house for a night’s stay. It was no other than John Surratt. After a lengthy visit with John, he later fled from Baltimore and tried to make his way back south to the Second Florida Infantry. He stopped for food and rested in Warrenton, Virginia, at the Paine home.

While catching up on much-needed rest from his travels,  he met some of the men from Mosby’s Rangers of the Forty-Third Battalion of Virginia Cavalry. Having missed fighting in support of the South’s cause, Powell found a home again with this Cavalry.  He joined up with this regiment and signed the muster rolls the latter part of 1863 and then again in 1864.

After discussions with some men of the Secret Service, he agreed to infiltrate the North’s operations. On January thirteenth, 1865, Powell rode in of his own free will to a Union encampment at Fairfax Court House in Virginia. When asked who he was, he told them he was a civilian refugee from Virginia. The provost marshal accepted his story, had him temporarily put under scrutiny, and sent him to Alexandria, Virginia.

Powell took the oath of allegiance, his name, Lewis Paine, and left Alexandria and headed back to Baltimore to see his lady friend, Maggie Branson. His orders came from Montreal, Canada, to meet up with John Surratt in Baltimore. Surratt has difficulty locating Powell because he was not aware his friend traveled under the name Paine.

John Surratt, also known as Harrison, met with Lewis in private and gave him enough funds to pay his living expenses until he received a request to come to Washington City, in about three or four weeks.

Lewis Paine received a telegram from John Surratt requesting him to come to the capitol city on March second, 1865.

He arrived in Washington City and went to a boarding house owned by Mary Elizabeth Surratt, John Surratt’s mother. On his arrival, he signed the guest book, ‘Reverend Lewis Wood.’

Lewis finally met John Wilkes Booth. Booth reserved Presidential Boxes Seven and Eight, the Presidential Suite, for the March fifteenth performance at Ford’s Theater. Lewis Paine, Wilkes Booth, John Surratt, George Atzerodt, Sam Arnold, and Michael O’Laughlen enjoyed the play.

Afterward, the group of men took dinner in a private room in Gautier’s Restaurant[ii] located only a short distance from the theater on Pennsylvania Avenue between Twelfth and Thirteenth Streets.

Chapter

-1-

Wilkes Booth Falls in Love at First Sight – His flowing black hair was thick and black, much like that of a raven’s wing in the sunlight. His brows were strong and straight.

John Wilkes Booth sat on a red velvet couch in the corner of the lounge in the National Hotel located at the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and Sixth Street. He was there with friends Lewis Powell and John Surratt.  He stared in the direction of the most beautiful woman he ever set eyes on. He couldn’t remove his gaze upon her while she waves her hand fan, smiles, and laughs... every movement... every motion.

Surratt tried to talk to him, but he didn’t listen. Wilkes... Wilkes, can you hear me? Surratt smiled and lightly laughed. Wilkes, which one of those ladies are you looking at?

My God, Harrison, isn’t it obvious? The most beautiful girl! That one there... the one who’s standing over there! He continued to gaze on the dark-haired beauty with long curling locks. She cast furtive glances at him over her shoulder.

Booth had first seen her three days earlier, but she was there one minute and gone the next. Since then, this was the first time he has seen her again.

As John stands there, quite capable of smooth-talking any woman in the ballroom, would, on any other occasion, walked right over to the woman, and she would melt right into his arms. Okay, Wilkes, why are you standing here? Go say something. Why is it I’m so nervous? This is child’s play for me. Something inside me is holding me back. Perhaps it is the innocence and sensuality all wound up in the form of a female so perfect...so beautiful, it makes me think of sin and nothing else.

John Harrison Surratt[iii], accepting Booth’s use of his middle name when talking to him, stares in the direction of the ladies across the room. No way Wilkes...that’s Senator Hale’s daughter! We got orders, Wilkes. You can’t be seriously thinking of approaching her, are you?

Again, Wilkes was tempted to hastily cross the room and introduce himself. It was time. It’s been too long. There’s no doubt he was tempted, but he stopped letting parts of his anatomy lead the way every time a beautiful woman stepped into his vision. He remained content to admire her from afar.

He shakes his head, trying to gain his composure from the spell this woman unknowingly casts upon him. Why not, Harrison? I can’t get my eyes off of her. Her every movement reminds him of her sexual attractiveness.

Look again, Wilkes. That’s Lincoln’s secretary standing near her. He has a fancy for her, and we can’t get involved. Surratt is surprised Booth is even considering approaching the woman. Wilkes...look there at the table sitting in the other corner of the room. Choose any of those women. God knows you can have any woman you set your mind to.

I don’t want any woman Harrison... I want that one.

Booth walks over to where he can observe her more closely. Dark brown eyes, red bow-shaped mouth, and her skin...like silk. Her curves are perfect. It was as though she was fashioned specifically by God with a man in mind!

There is no doubt the woman and Booth are making a connection. She again, for the fourth time, angles her head in his direction to peer at him. Still, she waved her silk fan and fluttered her eyes with a smile in his direction. Her eyes widened, and they settled upon Booth’s presence.  He openly continued to admire her. She and he were just as circumspect in their visual intercourse.  Her breath quickened.  She was aware and conscious of his scrutiny. Her eyes began to drink in the sensuality of his physique.

Booth returned and sat down at the table with Doc and John Surratt. He tore out two pages from his red diary and began to write. He was scribbling fast and must slow down, so the words were readable. He raised his head to see if she still noticed him. Their eyes met head-on. An awareness by each of them smoldered like a brush fire between them.

She caught herself staring at the most beautiful specimen of God’s creation. Seconds ticked by slowly. She abruptly stopped her ogling and turned her head away, her face flushed violent velvet red.

Booth can’t stand up for fear of showing his affection that grew from his loins.

Atzerodt returned to the table. I overheard someone call her by name. Her name is Lucy Hale.

Thanks, Port Tobacco. Booth looked back down at his paper and began to write. His emotions were closer to the surface than he ever allows.

My dear Miss Hale was it not for the license, which a time-honored observance of this day allows, I had not written you this poor note.

You resemble in a most remarkable degree a lady, very dear to me, now dead, and your close resemblance to her surprised me the first time I saw you. This must be my apology for any apparent rudeness noticeable.

To see you have indeed afforded me a melancholy pleasure if you can conceive of such, and should we never meet nor I see you again...believe me, I shall always associate you in my memory, with her. She, like you, was full of beauty, and whose face, like your own I trust, was a faithful index of gentleness and amiability.

With a thousand kind wishes for your future, I am, to you,

A Stranger

Lew has been quiet, his eyes undressing every woman in the lounge. He knew at least one he didn’t want to consider talking to as he continued his desire to melt her off her feet.

Harrison, do me a favor. He folded up the note and wrote on the outside, ‘Lucy Hale.’ Take this note to the barkeeper and ask him to deliver it to Lucy, but to not tell from whom he received it ... okay?

Surratt didn’t respond, grabbed the note out of Booth’s hand, and carried it to the bartender. Booth watched every movement. The bartender took the note to Lucy. Oliver Holmes[iv] watched as she opened the letter and reads. In a matter of minutes, she began to smile and glanced around the room in every direction.

Booth suffers from no shortness of feminine company. It is something about the woman Booth can’t get out of his mind. Obviously, his approach to Lucy is undoubtedly quite different from his usual come on with other ladies.

As Lucy’s eyes fall on every man in the lounge, she is passing the table where John Surratt, Lewis Powell, and Wilkes Booth are sitting.  She continues with her varied scrutinizing of the people in the room and comes back to where Wilkes was seated. Booth takes his finger and pushes his hat back off his forehead. He continued to hold his finger up.  Lucy stops, and a smile crosses her face. Her older sister stands by her and says something. Then, in a moment, she looked over at Booth and his friends. Her eyes fell in contact with Lewis Powell, and she smiled, as well.

The Senator was talking with Oliver Holmes.  He was cautious and kept an eye on his two daughters. He saw the distant contact between Lucy and can’t help but notice her flirting with John Wilkes Booth, the famous actor, and every woman’s heartthrob. He knows that, but he was sure his daughter didn’t.

He walked over to Lucy. Dear, we must retire for the evening. I am meeting with the President in the morning, and we must get our rest.

Father, can’t I stay here with my friends?

No, Lucy, you can’t. Come, we must be on our way. Bring your sister.

As she walks away with her father, she pauses, turns her head back in Booth’s direction, and gives a slight nod, acknowledging her acceptance of his kind Valentine’s note. After those several breathless moments, heat trapped inside her from his penetrating stare, she summoned up the ability to wrench her stare away from Wilkes.

An image of him in the local newspapers pushed to the front of her mind. No doubt, this man warranted a second and third look. Nevertheless, in real life, my God, she thinks, the impressions in my mind pales in comparison with the man in real life.

Well, now you have gone and done it, Wilkes... you got her on the line... she took the bait.

You’re right, I believe I will not rush this one Harrison...this one I must be slow and attentive to my manners. She will most definitely be a catch.

Lewis watched as Lucy’s sister turned back, and as she walked away, nodded, and then dropped her handkerchief. Lewis didn’t hesitate. He was up out of his chair, rushed over and picked up the white handkerchief. He brought it up to his nose and breathed the pleasant fragrance, turned around, and saw his two friends smiling at him.

Well, Harrison, it looks like we got a whipped puppy. Lucy’s girlfriend has Lew there eating out of the palm of her hand.

She sure does Wilkes... she sure does. He laughed.

Booth needs to go to New York City early in the morning. He almost cancels his trip to have a chance meeting again with Lucy Hale.

Five days later, without his sidekicks smothering his style, he returns to the ballroom of the National Hotel[v].

Very little is recognizable above the notes of the waltz playing and the collective roar of hundreds of guests scooting across the shaved wooden planks of the dance floor. Small circles of women and men form at the back of the room. In a moment, Lucy senses a set of eyes peering at her. She turns and smooths the lace edge of her blue satin dress.

She has purposely left her dance card free, not a name one on it, with anticipation Wilkes Booth might be there. She glances around her, and she is surrounded by friends that surely will crimp her style and not allow the opportunity for Booth to feel comfortable to come and introduce himself.

She flutters her fan in a rushed motion and excuses herself from her friends. She pleads heat, thirst, and hunger, any of which is true. She hurries away with no destination in mind. She does know she needs her own space...her separation from the crowd allowed Wilkes to come and talk to her.

Lucy escaped the ballroom and stepped out into the lightly lit terrace. She knew what she was doing was foolhardy. Her father might surely reprimand her actions. Nevertheless, as luck would have it, he was not present tonight.

Lucy’s thoughts permeated her mind. Therefore, what could come from a chance encounter at this party by Wilkes Booth? I must act as though I am not looking for him to go and talk to me. There is no harm in wandering around the courtyard, right? No harm a’tall.

A rash of goosebumps ran up and down her arm. Were they from the cold night air that struck her skin or the chance encounter she anticipated from her admirer? Lucy felt an involuntary shiver as she walked across the courtyard, away from the French doors opening to the ballroom.

She approached a remarkably etched stone fountain where water trickled out from an angel’s decanter.  The evergreen trees lined the garden with a maze of mingling hedgerows. There are cottonwoods sparsely standing with buds beginning to force their way into full bloom.

Lucy does not stop, but felt vulnerable with the distance she placed between her and the ballroom. Still, she was not in fear. She walked a few paces until she reached the back corner of the garden and stopped underneath