Due North to Freedom

  * * *

  Abigail sat bolt upright across from her mother, who sat slumped in her chair, shaking her head slowly. Abigail felt she had never seen her mother look so old and worn out. Her father stood by the mantle, his eyes staring blankly into the mirror above it.

  “Mother,” Abigail said firmly, “I know you don’t want to hear this, but I believe our only recourse is to leave Richmond…and leave quickly. Things are bad, but they will get worse soon, particularly for our family.”

  “How can you ask me to leave my home?” Mrs. O’Toole asked weakly, tilting her head slightly.

  Mr. O’Toole turned to face her. “Abigail is right…you know she is. This is not a safe place for us.”

  “But this evil will pass…I’m sure it will,” replied Mrs. O’Toole.

  “The evil may pass, Mary, but not before it has done our family great harm. I believe…” began Mr. O’Toole.

  Suddenly Matthew burst into the room. “Father! Mother! Something terrible has happened! Ryan never came back last night!”

  Mrs. O’Toole raised her head to meet her son’s eyes. “Whatever are you talking about? He’s been in his bed…you said yourself…”

  “It was a trick, Mother…just a trick,” Matthew moaned. “He left last night to help Mr. Smith and Joseph sneak through the Confederate lines…to get to the Yankees.”

  Mr. O’Toole took his son by the shoulders. “Tell me, Matthew, exactly when did they leave and what road did they take?”

  “The Williamsburg Road…he left after 8:00…they all went together in a sutler’s wagon. But Ryan was supposed to help them find their way and then come back home by midnight.”

  “The Williamsburg Road?” Mr. O’Toole turned to his wife and daughter. “I’m going after him. If he’s in trouble, I’ll find him.” Quickly, Mr. O’Toole grabbed his hat and bolted out the front door.

  “This is dreadful! My child!” cried Mrs. O’Toole. “We must seek help! I’ll go immediately and talk to Mr. McIntyre!”

  “Mother!” said Abigail in alarm. “Is that wise? Father says that Mr. McIntyre is no friend. He might even refuse to see you.”

  “But I must do something, Abigail! I cannot just sit here with my child in danger! The McIntyres have been friends of my family for ages. Mr. McIntyre is an influential man on the city council. His office is nearby. I know he will see me! I know he will help me!”