Mudsills & Mooncussers (#multimedia)

Chapter 7

ILLUSTRATION:  William Curry, owner of Curry's Mercantile and the first millionaire on Key West.

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Smuggled diamonds and personal secrets are added to the ongoing espionage in this chapter of MUDSILLS & MOONCUSSERS.

Happy Groundhog Day today, and happy reading.  :)

Iris

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In Curry's store, William Curry wrapped a purchase in brown paper and twine while Aaron Matthews waited to take it home. Finishing, Curry handed the package to Matthews, who began to walk away. Curry stopped him.

"Your change, sir. Don't be forgettin' your change."

It was a baldfaced lie. Aaron turned a questioning look on Curry, who nodded to a pair of customers browsing a few feet away. Understanding the reason for the deception, Aaron then followed Curry to a counter at the rear of the store.

Curry reached into a drawer and dropped a half-dozen glittering gemstones into the palm of Aaron's hand. He spoke for Aaron's ears alone: "Colored drayman, works for W.D. Cash, my competitor up the street, gave me these in payment of a debt."

Aaron pocketed the stones before anyone else could chance to look his way. "Why didn't he just give you money?" asked Aaron. "Why risk giving himself away like this, paying you with stones you would know were stolen?"

"I never accept Confederate currency, and that is all Noah Lewis ever has to offer. 'No, thank you very much,' I say, 'it's not good business, regardless of your personal politics.'"

Sounds of the front door opening and feminine giggling interrupted, as Lila Dauthier and her latest Yankee conquest, Colonel Morgan, entered the store. Lila saw Aaron and made a beeline toward him, Morgan in tow.

Aaron had to talk fast. "What did you say his name was?"

Lila was close enough to hear Curry's response. Aaron would not realize the significance of that proximity until much later.

"Noah Lewis," Curry said.

Aaron murmured to Curry, "I'll find him." Then he turned his attention to Lila. "Good day, Miss Dauthier."

"Mister Matthews. May I present Colonel Joseph Morgan?"

The two men exchanged a handshake and nod of acknowledgment as Lila chattered on. "Colonel Morgan will be commanding Fort Taylor in the coming weeks while Colonel Good is temporarily in South Carolina."

Aaron was moving toward the door with his parcel, leaving Lila and Morgan to their shopping. "Really. Then I'm sure you and I will meet again, Colonel."

Morgan eyed Aaron coldly and responded, "I'm almost certain of it."

Aaron exited the shop.

Lila turned to William Curry.

"I require a substantial—but attractive—parasol, Mister Curry," Lila proclaimed. "Despite everyone's assurances to the contrary, I'm convinced this lovely dry weather cannot last forever. And even if it does, I need to protect myself from this relentless tropical sun before I turn brown and leathery as an old shoe."

Morgan and Curry hurried to assure the lady that she could never in any circumstances be mistaken for an old shoe.

...