The Thief and Me

By Cathy DesRosiers Peebles

"The Thief and Me" takes place during the end of the American Revolution when England had total occupation of New York City. Two people, Jake and Jenny, find themselves thrown together after being shipwrecked on a voyage to America. They must hide their identities and create a fake marriage to survive in the New World. This book is a sequel to "The Indian and Me" and follows the struggle Native Americans faced after the Revolution to find where they fit into the new nation. Ki and Julia Rainsford find themselves in the middle of this struggle, and Jake and Jenny's adventures will test Julia and Ki's marriage to the extreme.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Jan 26, 2024
• ISBN: 9798350939255

Cathy DesRosiers Peebles

Cathy DesRosiers Peebles was a history teacher for thirty years who loved the American Revolution. She believes that the American Indians have contributed so much to make this country what it is today. Classrooms and textbooks only tell a small portion of the whole story of how the country got to its current place, and Cathy is passionate about sharing the influences of the many cultures that existed prior to the pre-colonial waves of immigration.

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Fiction Writing: American Indians

The Thief and Me

© 2024 Cathy DesRosiers Peebles

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

ISBN 979-8-35093-924-8

eBook ISBN 979-8-35093-925-5

Dedicated to a spy known as 355, whose selfless information gathering ensured the outcome of the American Revolution and resulted in her own demise.

Real People in this book

Cornplanter (The big white Indian)

Hercules Mulligan

Elizabeth Mulligan

Robert Townsend

355

Mary Underhill

Alexander Hamilton

William Franklin

Lemuel Haynes

Contents

Out From London in the Middle of the Ocean, 1779

The Lies

Prepare to be Boarded!

Oh, What a Surprise

Caleb and James Chapman, 1751, Jamaica

It Keeps Coming

Coming to Terms

Lord Norman Chapman

Franklin Townset

Three weeks later

The Rainsford Farm

Colonial Life

A New Life

Citizens, Not Subjects (We make our own rules)

Get The Guns

The New York City Fur Trading Company

The Great Chain

Letters

William Franklin, son of Ben Franklin

It Is Time to Talk to the Oneida

Robby and Ahwao

Combat

Up to No Good

Disastrous Homecoming

Hail, the Conquering Hero Comes

Awakening

Ahwao and Robby

Caleb and Mia

Julia and Jenny

Beaver Pelts

The Thugs

Ki and Jake

Loneliness

No Luck

Cover

Trying Times

Fall from Grace

Jake and Kane

The Indians

Back in the City

New York City Under British Rule

Opium

Martin Johnston

Martin Johnston

Hiding and 355

Mia and Caleb

Approaching Evacuation Day

Lead up to Evacuation Day: November 25, 1783, at Noon

The Trip Back

Rainsford Farm

Cabin at the Rainsford Farm

More Wedding Preparations

The Community of Arta

1784 to 1785

2023, New York

Out From London in the Middle of the Ocean, 1779

Jenny, Lady Virginia Chapman, woke instinctively, knowing her nightmare was not over. She was wet, cold, thirsty, and famished. The stranger lying on top of her, breathing into her hair, with one leg over her hip and one arm stretched across her breasts, was sound asleep. I should move out from under him. Would that be the proper thing to do? But then I would get co ld. His body heat is keeping me warm, and I do not want to be cold again. Jake Rourke had insisted they embrace to keep from growing ice-cold. The sun was coming out, and finally, the ocean was no longer trying to strip them from the raft they clung to for dear life. The raft was a pallet made to keep flour and other things dry, fashioned of redwood, an excellent float. Jenny had thought she was done for when their ship went down in the Atlantic Ocean on the way to America from London. Thank God she had taught herself to swim in the creek behind her family’s house. She had been struggling to stay on the ocean’s surface when she spied Jake on this raft. He had called out to her, and she had tried to swim to the raft with her last bit of energy, but the waves had taken her under. Suddenly, Jake pulled her up to the raft by her hair.

Jake moved in his sleep and spoke nonsensical words, then began to snore again. Jenny tried to shift her body. The sleeping man held her that much tighter. This stranger had not revealed much about himself to her. All she knew was that he had been fleeing from the shots of guards as he leaped onto the ship. The sails had filled, and it had been too late to try and stop the ship from leaving the harbor. The captain had held a gun on him until Jake had offered up four times the price of a ticket from the knapsack on his back. He even said he would sleep with the crew and not eat much. Jenny had witnessed this scene while seeking out the captain on the upper deck to find out when meals were served. Jenny’s maid, Emma, had feared leaving the cabin and being swept off the ship. Emma had imagined this because she did not know how to swim. But the event Emma dreaded had happened, and she had drowned with many other ill-fated victims. Jenny’s tears began, growing into heaving sobs. Would she share the same fate? She clung to Jake’s hope; they were in the shipping lanes, and if luck prevailed, they would be rescued.

Jake jerked awake at Jenny’s sobbing. He grasped a knife on one hip and a pistol on the other, looking around wildly for the newest danger. When he realized it was Jenny crying, he groaned and shook his head to wake himself, trying to get the blood back into his stiff limbs by rubbing them.

Are you crying again? What will that get us, Lady Chapman? Jenny had crawled out from under him and sat up. Jake’s voice was scratchy from lack of water, but she could hear his sarcasm.

I cannot help it! All those people are dead! And my maid, Emma! I feel responsible for her! She would be alive if not for me wanting to pursue this crazy idea of going to America, Jenny said, trying to get the knots out of her curly auburn hair, which had now entirely fallen free of pins.

Why were you going, anyway? Jake asked.

To find my husband, Lord Norman Chapman, Jenny said haughtily, wanting to say no more about her private life with her husband.

Why did you have to FIND him? He spoke sarcastically again, and Jenny felt he was surpassing his station. He did not seem to care about social norms on this raft, so she chose her words carefully.

He said he would return in a year, and it has been two. Jake only shook his head, dismissing it, and looked over the water for any sign of assistance.

We need water badly, so if it rains again, we must collect it to survive. Do you think you could eat raw fish? Jake said, still looking over the ocean for something, anything.

Ugh! I am so hungry and thirsty; I might consider it. Oh dear, I am getting sunburned! Jenny eyed her red arms.

Jake examined Jenny; her fair skin was getting redder by the moment. Her hair was a sun-streaked mess, and the sleeve on one shoulder was torn, revealing her chemise. The bottom of the dress on one side was ripped above her knee. She is checking my reaction with sideways eyes, Jake noticed. They were a washed-out blue from lack of water. She has beautiful eyes rimmed with dark auburn eyelashes. She had been subtly surveying him as he paid the captain, but he had taken this in. He thought the ocean took a toll on our clothes when the damnable ship went down in one hell of a storm. Luckily, it is summer, and we are not freezing.

We have been on this raft for two days without spotting another ship. We should look out for ships by turns, even through the night, if we want to survive. Jake suggested and cautiously stood up on the raft to see better, balancing himself. He is tall, well over six feet, with long arms and legs and hands that could easily strangle a woman, Jenny thought with apprehension. He wore his brown hair down to his shoulders. A beard and sideburns circled his face. His features were symmetrical and pleasing, with large brown eyes. He was handsome in a rough way but lacked the bearing of a well-born Englishman.

That night, sharks came. Jake kicked them with his boot when they tried to bite the raft. Thank God he had kept his boots during the chaos! Then, one shark nearly overturned them. Jake stabbed the eye through the planks of the raft with his long blade, and the water turned dark with blood. Jake drew a large bag from his knapsack, heavy with gold coins. He held the end closed and used it as a club. As a shark bit the raft, he hit its nose and eye, then stabbed it with the knife. Reflexively, Jenny screamed at the vast jaws with pointed teeth. She clutched Jake, overlooking the etiquette of elite women.

We are doomed! Please, God, do not let us die this way. Jenny moaned to the heavens.

I will fight to the end, not give up peacefully. I would arm you with a club, but I have no more bags. Jenny found one of her pockets caught in the dress and held it out to Jake for coins. He showed her how to hold it so they could whack the snout if it got close enough. Thankfully, the makeshift weapons worked, and they were at rest again briefly. After forty-five minutes of sitting ready to defend themselves, the sharks got the message and left. Jenny got curious.

From where came all these coins? Jenny asked. Jake pondered what to say, scowling at Jenny. Did you steal them? That is why the soldiers were after you when you jumped onto the ship, not so? Jenny looked at him, waiting for an answer.

Yes, I stole it, which is why I had to run, Jake said curtly.

From whom did you steal? It cannot hurt for you to tell me. Here we are in the middle of nowhere, about to die, Jenny asked coyly. Jake took a deep breath. Why not?

I stole from my boss. He owned the brothel where I worked, Jake said decisively, hoping that was enough. Jenny thought about it for a moment.

You decided to run away to America. Why? She peered at him.

I could not stand what I was doing anymore. I had to break away from it. I heard America is a good place to make a new life and disappear. That is when I developed a plan to steal the money and rush onto that cursed ship. Jake did not want to tell her more.

What was your job there? Jenny lowered her gaze.

What do you think? The men must pay what they owe. I would beat them and take the money if they did not. I always wore a sword to ensure the safety of the women and clients. Sometimes, I would have to threaten people with it. Shocked, Jenny nodded dumbly. How far she had fallen from her family’s standard of appropriateness!

Jake sensed the righteous judgment coming from this woman and resented it. What about your story? Jenny felt she needed to resolve his anger.

I do not mean to judge you. You have been my savior on this God-forsaken raft. Jenny took a breath before outlining her life. A religious family took me in as an orphan and raised me. I taught school in Stratford upon Avon. Jenny said with patience.

Until? Jake asked with uplifted brows.

I met Lord Chapman. We married. I live in his manor house as Lady Chapman. Jenny halted, feeling embarrassed to flaunt her elevation, and hoped there would not be any more questions. She turned her back to him.

Pray to your God. We need all the help we can get. Jake changed the subject, looking across the ocean hopelessly.

You don’t pray? This brought a hearty laugh from Jake.

You don’t see much evangelism in a brothel, my home and place of employment. Jake was shaking his head at Jenny’s naive view of the world.

All your life? Jenny was nosey, she knew.

Yes, Lady Chapman! Mother was a whore! Jake focused on Jenny’s eyes under the full moon on a calm sea. She blushed, or so he thought, and looked away. This drew a laugh from Jake as he shook his head again at her naive virtue and curiosity.

Why do you speak so well? Your speech is not common, This irritating man doesn’t fit my expectations for a thief.

Jake took his time answering. I read a lot; Mother taught me, especially math, about counting money. We had to manage the toffs at the brothel, and they did not like us to sound lower class. They thought it would rub off on them somehow. Jake snorted. We had to make the place look respectable. I worked in one of the most well-known brothels in London. Your husband could tell you about it if you ever see him again. Jenny wanted to refute this, but now was not the time or place; she needed this man to survive.

Where is your mother? She asked, hoping he wouldn’t take offense.

She died, stabbed by a possessive lover. He was very wealthy. He paid the brothel an enormous amount for his mistake. Jake did not want to make eye contact, so he looked over the ocean.

But charges were filed? Jenny asked, aggrieved. This caused Jake to throw back his head with a roaring laugh.

You do not know how the world works, do you? No one cares when a whore dies. I got a share of his blood money, but that was all. Jake enjoyed watching Jenny squirm at his words. Why argue, she thought. I am thirsty, hungry, and tired. I do not care. We will die anyway. Jenny lay down on the raft and let the moisture from the slats soothe her sunburn, even as the salt dried out her fair skin. Her turned-up nose peeled and blistered. Jake leered, thinking, She has this innocent act down to a tee.

To think he judged her for being inexperienced angered Jenny. She said the most sarcastic thing she could think of. Well, they didn’t let you starve in that brothel. Jenny spat, evoking his chuckle. That was true, yet his frame was well-muscled with little fat.

In contrast, Lord Norman Chapman, though also tall, was not as fair of face or as muscular. He did have the erect posture of a true aristocrat. Jenny had fallen in love with Norman’s intelligence, poise, and confidence. He made her proud to be with him. She felt safe in his patrician sphere, where the evils of this world could not touch her. Even so, the town thought he was marrying beneath himself. Her parents had been overjoyed when she stepped up onto the highest rung of Britain’s society on the arm of Lord Chapman. Now, floating far below that pinnacle of society, she pictured herself dying on this raft—of impatience to see her husband.

Three hours later

She must have fallen asleep because Jake was shouting, Ship! Ship! Jake tried to stand up and balance while waving his shirt over his head and yelling, Over here, over here! Gleefully, Jenny jolted up, shouting, and flipped Jake off the raft.

Here we are, over here! Letting manners be damned, she filled her lungs and let loose an ear-piercing shriek. Her dry throat convulsed into coughing. In good visibility and gentle waves, the ship turned their way. Elated, they hugged for one awkward moment, watching the ship approach. Jenny squeezed Jake’s arm with the joy of finding hope. Gradually, Jake’s face turned serious as they made out more details about the ship.

Jenny, I do not recognize their colors. That ship is not British! We’d better watch ourselves and be careful what we say. I do not trust them. Jenny looked at herself. Her ragged dress covered only the upper part of her legs, leaving her bare below the knees. Without her petticoats, the dress molded to her body suggestively. She had ripped the petticoats off when she realized they were holding her down in the water, almost drowning her in the storm.

The ship grew nearer, coming into focus. It looked old and worn, flying a weird flag with a broken snake. Shabby men watched curiously over the side. The castaways swam to a rope ladder the sailors lowered into the ocean. Thanking God, Jenny grasped it. She found enough strength to pull herself up to the top, where men helped her climb over the rail. She noticed the forty men were half-dressed, with no shirts, only worn knee pants, no shoes, and beards. They had large knives around their waists on leather strings, and some had pistols. Many had strange tattoos on their toned arms and chests. Jenny noted their suggestive stares, eyes protruding, and mouths hanging open in curiosity. She desperately scanned for a woman—any woman—and saw none. She was the only woman aboard and would be the only woman. The captain kept hold of her hand and asked once more in a much louder voice, interrupting Jenny’s concentration on the half-naked crew, Miss, what is your name? Can you hear me? Are you all right? The captain was now looking strangely at Jenny as if she were a mute.

Seeing that Jake was still climbing the ladder, Jenny took a deep, quivering breath and said, Jenny Rourke. That is my husband coming up the ladder. I am Mrs. Jake Rourke.

The Lies

H ow long have you two been on that raft? the rugged captain asked, handing mugs of water to Jenny and Jake from a wooden bucket. Each drank their fill before they could talk.

"Three days! You came along in the nick of time, or we would have perished! Our ship, the RMS Angleterre, went down. Thank God we could get on the pallet, our raft. It has been a hellish three days." Jake choked out the words.

Any other survivors? My name is Sam Cotton, Captain of the Pursuit. We are from the American colonies heading to New Jersey.

"The Angleterre was a merchant ship carrying ordinary English citizens to America. We don’t know who survived. Waves moved our raft away from the damned ship so fast that I do not know what happened to the others. Thankfully, you came along. We could not have held on any longer." Jake hoped that this American ship captain would not consider them enemies. Jake felt Jenny standing close to him, looking around nervously.

You are headed to New Jersey? We were going to New York City. Jake said before he could stop himself...

You must cross the river to get there from New Jersey. Sam looked uncomfortable with these Brits headed to New York City, British Army headquarters, on his boat. Could they be spies? Not likely, but one could never be sure. Jake felt the chill and sudden silence of the crew as they responded to their captain’s unspoken thoughts watchfully.

We can offer you money, Jake asked encouragingly, then asked Jenny to hold his gun while he drew out four gold coins, eyeing the captain.

I guess you took care not to lose that? Captain Cotton said, trying to assess the bag.

Yes, I kept my money with me. I am not rich, but we can pay you for helping us. Jake made a show of putting his gun and long knife back in the pack. Captain Sam’s eyes had widened when the gun was revealed, he noted with satisfaction. He hoped the crew would not overpower him for the rest of it. Jenny anxiously took Jake’s elbow.

Ample payment! We must put you two up well. Sam motioned for the first mate to come over. Clear out your quarters and let these two have your room. The man was not happy, but he obeyed with a nod. Show Mr. and Mrs. Rourke the room. Jake turned sharply and looked at her quizzically. She pinched him, hard, on his forearm. It seemed a word on his lips remained unformed. He stared at Jenny in confusion, and she shook her head. The room was tiny, with a single bed. The man’s clothes were neatly folded in a bag in the corner.

I washed the sheets last night, so they are clean. I swept and mopped it. The man was gathering up his meager belongings.

I can’t tell you how grateful we are for anything you have to offer us. Jake reached into his sack and took out another small coin. The man was initially confused, but then a huge smile covered his face, and he put it in his pocket, saying,

Welcome to the Pursuit. We are a Patriot ship. As soon as the door shut, Jake faced off with Jenny, eyes wide and confused. She cut him off with her upraised hand and whispered her concerns.

Did you see those men? Why are they half-naked? Why is there no other woman anywhere? They frighten me! They all have knives, and some have pistols! Didn’t you tell me to be careful and watch what I say and do? This way, you can stay close and speak for us. We don’t have to share the bed; I will sleep on the floor. But look at me; I scarcely have any clothes on. They were all staring at me, and it was disturbing. Jenny wrung her hands.

He had seen that the men could not take their eyes off her. She has a point, he thought. "I will sleep on the floor. These sailors look like volunteers, not a uniformed navy. They probably wear only what they need to work in the summer. But we must be cautious; they see us as the enemy." Jake said, surprising Jenny with his offer.

No, the lie was my idea. You should not have to take the floor. Do you think we will be all right? I wonder where the sudden gallantry came from. Should I reconsider my opinion of him?

At least they are going in our direction. With the British watching the coastline, it will be interesting to see where they dock. It will not be in New York City. I hope we do not get blown out of the water, Jake offered. Watch your words, and do not flaunt your loyalty to the crown. We are now in the hands of the American Patriots.

Jenny nodded. Do you think it was wise of you to give them money? This move had alarmed Jenny.

Would you rather sleep with the crew on a hammock? Jake plainly did not think Jenny understood the situation they were in.

No! But now they must be curious about how much money you have. Jenny pointed out.

That is why I let my gun show, How had you not understood this?

Your wet gun. You had better clean it up. There are more of them than of us, teacher Jenny warned Jake in her stern voice.

I need the powder to dry. We will have to stay on guard. I must sleep with my knife and wear it where it can be seen. Explaining himself was a new experience for Jake.

A knock sounded. With wide eyes, they exchanged uncertain looks. Cap said you should join him in the dining room. I will show you where to go. Another half-naked sailor beckoned, and Jake and Jenny followed eagerly because ocean-caught cod and hardtack made the most delicious meal they had ever eaten.

Prepare to be Boarded!

A re you British citizens? Captain Sam Cotton asked Jake at dinner.

Not anymore. We are now Americans. I do not plan ever to return to England. Jake had to glance at Jenny to remind her to be cautious.

What’s in that haversack you always wear? The atmosphere tensed in silence. The two men looked each other up and down. Jenny determined it was time for her to speak. She wrapped the blanket from the room around herself.

The life savings we have worked for so diligently, plus what we could sell off when we left. Jenny held her breath, praying that this would satisfy his curiosity.

What work did the two of you do? Cotton asked with lifted eyebrows. Another awkward silence followed, which Jenny tried to cover in haste.

I was a governess, and Jake was a groom. Jenny’s hand squeezed Jake’s leg.

I thought that Lords of the Manor did not like their servants to be married to each other, the captain pried.

Botheration! thought Jenny; I forgot about this rule. For a moment, she was speechless. Jake took over.

We had a very benevolent Lord who allowed us to marry.

Really? What was his name? Now, Jake was stumped by the captain.

Lord Randolph, Jenny hurried to add.

If he was so kind, why did you leave? What did you own that you could sell? Captain Cotton pressed.

Lord help us, this is becoming difficult, Jenny thought anxiously. We should have gotten our story straight before leaving the room. The pauses were noticeable and suspicious. The master died, and his son took over. He was ruthless. Jenny lowered her head and sniffed once for drama, then looked up. He tried to rape me! And he wanted the jewelry my lady had given me. But we ran away and sold the pieces to pay for passage on our ill-fated ship. Jenny tried to look downcast while Jake patted her leg under the table in approval.

Well, I am sure you are exhausted after being on that raft for three days, so I will let you finish your dinner. You seemed to have liked it very well for such poor fare. Cotton smiled knowingly. He knew what they were up to.

My w – wife and I—I cannot get accustomed to the very idea of matrimony— are most grateful for everything you have done for us, for we would have perished. Jenny nodded her agreement and took Jake’s hand in hers to show the crew that he was her husband.

As a Christian, I could not leave you out there. Sam drew an approving smile from Jenny at this. We are here under a letter of marque from General Washington. We have been successful in taking smaller prizes.

I did not know the British had small ships, Jake asked curiously.

Our lakes, channels, and inlets limit the hull size, but the British ships must be large enough to cross the Atlantic. Washington recruited all Patriot ships to pursue them, so here we are. Now go sleep and recover. He was right; they could feel their eyelids getting heavy once their bellies were full. They had kept one eye open for three long days. Jake took the extra blanket from the bed and lay on the floor before Jenny could protest.

Your quick mind produced a fine story! May I say you have a worldly imagination for such a pious woman? I hope we do not meet with a British warship because if we do, we will surely die in this rattletrap of a ship. Jenny was too tired to defend herself, so she covered herself with the blanket and fell into dreamland, safe for the first time in days. Neither undressed in their exhaustion. Time enough to find nightclothes later.

BOOM! BOOM! Jenny and Jake startled up and swiveled their heads to the sounds. How did I get here? Jenny thought. Jake shook his head to wake up fully and assess the new danger. They heard shouts and running feet overhead.

What is going on? Jake did not even bother to put his boots on to exit. The crew focused on a ship flying the flag of Great Britain, bearing down on them. The small frigate with less than twenty guns had fired two warning shots. Cotton prepared the crew for their coming trial.

"They want most of you alive to impress into their service. The rest of us will be shot, and the boat