Muda

Bribe (2.)

[A.Ham]

If Washington wasn't here, I'd probably knock Jefferson's lights out. I've grown sick of hearing his incessant begging to at least provide some sort of aid to the French. I don't think the man understands what the word "neutral" means.

He doesn't understand the concept of time, either. Why is he knocking at almost 11 at night?

"To what, Jefferson, do I owe this displeasure?" I immediately said when I opened the door to the sight of his smug grin.

"Just a little present, Hamilton. You'll thank me." He stepped aside, revealing a woman in a simple white slip, her hands bound and a collar locked around her neck.

"Jefferson, what's this?"  I frowned, glancing at the chained woman. She kept her eyes to the ground, her only movement was her breathing. She didn't shift, she didn't seem afraid, only resigned.

"A peace offering, maybe a little incentive to stir on the compromises in the debate we had the other day," Thomas replied as if it were obvious.

"This is a human being, not a book. You can't just give them away-"

"Actually, I can. Property is property, and I think this one will be to your liking. She's well trained, but rather... mute. No use to me." I watched as he pushed her forward, causing her to fall to her knees at my feet. She barely made a sound.

"Does she have a name?"

"Call her what you wish. It doesn't matter. She can't correct you." Jefferson said, shrugging it off. "But, finally someone who won't argue with you! How perfect is that?"

"Jesus, Jefferson. You've got to be kidding me." I inwardly groan. He didn't just give me a slave, did he?

"Awe, Hamilton. I even put your name on her tag, she's already yours. Enjoy!" He handed me a pair of keys, I assume the cuffs and collar on the woman. "We'll talk tomorrow, maybe we'll see eye to eye?"

"Drop dead, Jefferson." I growl, "We'll see."

"Perfect. Good night, Hamilton." He steps back, finally leaving, only pausing to call over his shoulder, "oh, and she's in white for a reason. If you know what I mean, that is." Chuckling, he finally left.

I looked down at the woman, still as a statue, on my doorstep and sigh. "Come in. I'll show you to your room." She stood wordlessly, the jingle of the chains were the only indication she was even moving. I showed her to Philip's old room, his bed should be big enough for her. He hasn't been back in a year, he chose to move north with his mother. Stepping foot into the room brought back how much I miss him. Before I get too deep into it, I cough and gesture to the bed. "Sit down, let's get those damn things off of you."

She moved gracefully, huffing softly as she hopped up onto the bed. She was maybe 6 inches shorter than I am, rather petite. Very tanned in contrast to the slip she wore, with long dark hair that went halfway down her back. I took a knee in front of her, using the keys to unlock her wrists. I think she's a captive from a native tribe? Or child of enslaved natives?

"Do you understand this language?" I asked as she rubbed her wrists. She nodded. Most likely child, probably brought up learning English more than her language. "Okay, do you know how to write?" She shook her head. Dumb question, Alex. Of course she can't write. She's a slave. I don't even want a slave. This whole notion of slavery is disgusting. "Are you from Virginia?" No response. Hmm... "Did it take a long time for Jefferson to bring you here?" She nodded. The asshole had his slave basically shipped here. Great. "Do you know if you have family still there?" She shook her head no again. Damnit. I might be stuck with her until I figure out what to do with her. "Alright then."

I stood again, bringing my right hand under her chin to lift her head. She flinched at the touch but lifted her head as I moved her. Her eyes were dark brown, thick lashes flutter as she gazes up at me. I took a good look at her her, taking in her rounded face, blushed cheeks, soft looking lips, cute nose... She really was a fine woman. I turned her head to the side, drawing my left hand to push her hair away from her neck to inspect the collar. Just as Jefferson said, the leather held a brass plate, - Property of A.Hamilton - embossed in it. Damnit. I sighed again, releasing her chin. She returned her head to its original position, eyes looking down to her lap.

"I'll call you Muda. Are you okay with that?" She nodded slowly, lifting her head again slightly to look at me. "I'll keep you until I can figure out what to do with you." I said, "Get some rest. I leave early tomorrow." I turned to leave the room, but the brush of a hand on my arm told me to turn to her. "Yes?" She smiled up at me, one barely visible in the dimming light, but there in her eyes. "You're welcome, Muda. I'm sure you're glad to be away from that loudmouth asshole." She nodded, returning her hand to her lap. I smiled back at her and left her alone, closing the door behind me.

Damnit, Jefferson.

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09/19/17