I'll Fight For You

Chapter 27

James was at stable grooming horses when he noticed a carriage leaving the plantation. Curious, he mounted one of the horses and rode toward the house. He found Christine in tears, Old fella staring at the direction of the carriage glumly.

"What's going on?" He asked dismounting the horse hurriedly.

"He took her..." Christine said mournfully.

"Took who.... who took who?" James asked.

"Mr. Hawkins. He took Annabel."

"That can't be right."

"He said Dr. Walker knows about the arrangement."

"He does not!" James replied firmly, mounting the horse again, "I have to warn Harry."

"What makes you so sure?" Christine asked.

"Because he's in love with Anna," he answered and rode away.

"He what?" Christine looked at Old fella

questionably. Old Fella shrugged and walked away.

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Harry was in a carriage chatting with Nick who had showed up early morning to take him out for some fun when he saw James galloping next to his window.

"James?" He said doubtfully and tapped the carriage.

The coachman stopped the carriage. Harry stepped out hurriedly. "Is everything alright?" He asked.

"Mr. Hawkins," James started, trying to catch his breath, "Mr. Hawkins took Annabel."

"What?!" Harry exclaimed.

"He told Christine that you knew about the arrangement."

"What arrangement?" Harry asked anxiously.

"I don't know, but I don't think his taking her to his plantation."

"Which way did he go?"

"North, about thirty minutes ago."

"Give me your horse," Harry said and took his jacket and hat off.

Nick stuck his head out of the carriage and asked, "what's happening?"

"Hawkins took Anna," Harry replied on the horse and took off. Nick looked at James holding the jacket and hat.

"Jump in," he said to him

                                                                                                                                  ****

Harry rode as fast as he could. In less than thirty minutes he approached Mr. Hawkins carriage.

"Stop the carriage," he shouted at the coachman.

"Harry are you insane?!" Mr. Hawkins shouted through the carriage window, "don't stop the carriage, Jonathan!" he ordered his coachman.

When the carriage did not stop, Harry rode fast, past the carriage and stopped in front of it. The horse pulling the carriage reared and squealed almost knocking off the coach man before stopping. Mr. Hawkins stepped out of the carriage angrily.