Like the Dawn | An AMC's Turn: Washington's Spies Fanfiction

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Lieutenant Brewster paced up and down the barn, wearing a thin pathway into the dirt-covered ground. Etta never allowed her eyes to stray from the axe that hung down from the man's side, attached precariously to the belt tied around his waist. Drawing closer to her, Brewster went to untie it, and Etta inhaled sharply. She was going to die before the Major was even able to speak with General Washington.

She shut her eyes and waited for the sting of the blade, but it never came. Etta opened one eye at the sound of the creaking barn door opening. The Major came bursting through it, his voice amplified within the small structure. The moment his eyes landed on Etta, he stopped yelling. The Major took a glance at the Lieutenant, who simply shrugged and placed his weapon back at his side. Etta knew it wasn't prudent to speak now, but the words left her lips before she could stop them.

"You nearly had my head, Major. I apologize for complicating matters."

Benjamin Tallmadge was anything but thick. His time at Yale was proof that he learned quickly and had a strong mind for not only his studies, but general common sense. However, he felt utterly foolish as he walked through the barn doors and discovered that the illustrious Captain Locke was, in actuality, a young woman. Her brown curls nearly fell down to her waist and her piercing green eyes bore into him like daggers. When she spoke, she had the same biting tone as earlier without the huskiness masking it.

"What is your name?" The Major asked. Etta was surprised by his calmness. It was such a change from his earlier death threats. He gestured for the Lieutenant to close the barn doors and walked closer to where Etta was sitting against a bale of hay, still rope-bound. Etta observed that his hand rested on the butt of his pistol, which was secured to his side. She pushed the slight fear that rose in her chest down and fixed her gaze upon her captor.

"Henrietta Black, at your service," Etta drawled with fake civility. She even added a small curtsey for good measure.

The Major gave Etta a warning look, but she kept her steely gaze, not willing to succumb to a display of her inward emotions as no doubt the men before her expected.

"Explain why you are here, and why you impersonated Officer Locke."

Ben watched as the young woman's eyes darted between him and Caleb. She was afraid despite her obvious attempts at hiding it. He couldn't help but admire her cleverness in taking Officer Locke's identity. She had remained in character for quite some time without revealing herself, not even to Major John Andre. It was a tremendous feat.

"I am the daughter of a wealthy British Loyalist," Etta began, summoning up the courage to speak about the family she had not allowed herself to think about as it filled her with a sadness she could not describe. "I have never been fond of our King. I saw how people killed, pillaged, and wreaked havoc in his name. I could not sit back and do nothing, even though that is expected of a lady. I ran from home and enlisted in hopes that the information I would obtain as a soldier in His Majesty's Army could be of use to the Continental Army, specifically General Washington himself."

Etta paused and surveyed the two men before her, hoping they bought the half-truth. The Lieutenant remained fixated on sharpening his blade. The Major, however, nodded for her to continue. The intrigue showed evidently on his face, and Etta used it to propel her to her point.

"I spoke true, earlier, when I said it wasn't my intention to break into enemy lines. Major Andre did summon me to York City. Nevertheless, since Providence has brought me here, I seek an audience with General Washington," Etta finished, jutting her chin out slightly to feign command.

The Major shook his head in disbelief, letting out a frustrated sigh. "That will not be easy, Miss Black. General Washington does not take kindly to deserters like you."

Etta offered her captor a smug grin. "I may be a deserter, but I am determined and have information that will prove useful to the Cause. My dishonor might very well aid in our victory, Major."

Ben was surprised by the lady's boldness. It reminded him of his childhood friend, Anna Strong, who was never afraid to speak her mind, much to his chagrin. It got her in trouble more often than not. Despite the manner in which Miss Black arrived to him and Caleb, he felt that she was being honest in her recount. She might indeed prove useful. Ben mulled it over in his mind for a few moments before calling Caleb over to him.

"Caleb, keep careful eye on Miss Black. I will be back."

His best friend cussed under his breath. "Yew're not believing this shite, are yew? She played us, Tall Boy! She's got nothin' to give Washington."

"That's a possibility, but I will allow Washington to determine that after speaking with her. She might surprise us." Ben gave his friend a knowing look before exiting the barn and making his way across camp to the General's tent.

Etta watched as Major Tallmadge left the barn for the second time and couldn't help the slight grin that began to form on her lips. If the good General believed her story, she could gain his trust. She could avenge all that was stolen from her.