THIRTEEN #2
But Sullivan shocked them all when he stepped closer.
“Before we take our leave, there is one piece of business that remains. I’ve kept it to myself these past few weeks because I was uncertain.
Am uncertain,” he corrected. “However, as I highly doubt that our paths will ever cross again, I must tell you now.”
Levi dropped his arm from Abigail, concern pinching his face. “Speak freely, please.”
Sullivan shifted his gaze from Levi to Maggie. “The business is with Miss Ackerman.”
It was like a punch to the gut. How na?ve had she been to believe that Sullivan cared for her even in the slightest? He still believed that she was treasonous.
Abigail gasped and moved toward Maggie. “Thee has no business with her,” Levi growled in a protective rage.
Sullivan didn’t look away from Maggie. She felt her breath coming in little spurts as she prepared to hear him say that she must come with them to camp.
“Yes. I do actually,” Sullivan said to Levi, but stared at Maggie. “Miss Ackerman, you recall several weeks ago I asked for your familial details. I told you that the reason I was asking was because you’re believed to be a spy.”
Here it comes.
“That was partially false. Although Captain Lynch initially did suspect a matter of treason, after no substantial evidence, those suspicions have been discarded. The manner in question now is of a personal nature,” he paused, drawing a breath.
“Being from Virginia, I enlisted there. When the Battle of Gettysburg occurred, we helped men who had escaped over the Potomac River and took the injured back to our camp. I assisted as many as I could.
One such man had severe injuries, and I didn’t know how he could possibly survive.
I remember him because, despite a mangled leg and bashed head, he was conscious.
Not only that, but he talked. Shouted over and over, ‘Where’s my brother?
Where’s my brother?’ The only way I could even convince him to let us help him back was to swear I’d go back to look for his brother.
I didn’t think the man would survive longer than a day, but I still agreed because he was so frantic.
After things quieted down, I visited the medical tent to inquire after him.
His leg had been amputated but he was alive.
The first thing he said when he saw me was, ‘Did you find him?’ and I’ll never forget his face when I told him no.
Because, truth be told, he was most likely dead or taken prisoner.
When he’d collected himself, I asked him what he planned on doing. He told me that he wouldn’t return home without his brother. And that he couldn’t bear to tell his mother that his brother wasn’t coming back. That was the last time that I ever saw him.”
“Okay…? There were lots of brothers at Gettysburg, I’m sure,” Maggie tried to reason frantically.
“Not many with the last name of Ackerman, though, I wouldn’t guess,” Sullivan replied bluntly.
The breath Maggie had been holding shot out. Black spots lined the edges of her vision, and her ears began to ring. Willing herself not to faint, she clung to Abigail’s hand for support. She couldn’t speak. Levi came to her other side and supported her, taking her elbow.
“Does thee remember their first names?” Abigail cried.
Sullivan shook his head. “No. I’ve tried to, but all I can remember is their last name. When I first heard Miss Ackerman introduce herself, I couldn’t understand why it sounded so familiar. Then it hit me. I hesitated in saying anything, because it’s not much to go on.”
Maggie found her voice. “It’s been years since then. If it were one of my brothers, he would’ve come home.”
Sullivan spoke slowly. “War changes you. This man, ‘Ackerman’, wasn’t kidding when he said he wouldn’t go home without his brother. I was there. I saw the look in his eyes. If he could’ve walked, he would have gone right back to the battlefield and combed it to find him.”
“Does thee remember what he looked like?” Abigail inquired.
“No. I can’t tell you eye color or even hair color—the blood was thick when I first encountered him. And then, when I met him the final time, he had bandages wrapped around his head. All I can remember about his eyes is how he looked when I had nothing to give him.”
Maggie was aghast.
Sullivan continued, “This war will end one day… No matter who wins, there will be an end and records will become available. I’m sure I am not the only one who can help you find him. But I couldn’t leave without telling you. If it were my family, I’d check every possibility.”
For a moment, everyone just stood there. Maggie took in shaky breaths, calming herself and Abigail rubbed her back. There was nothing left to say. There was nothing she could do right now.
Levi was the one who broke the silence. “Thank thee, Corporal Sullivan. Truly. I speak for Miss Ackerman as well—once she has processed this, she will be thankful for thine admission.”
Sullivan put on his hat. “Alexander.” He stuck out his hand once more.
Levi shook it firmly. “Alexander.”
Sullivan gave a firm nod and locked eyes with Maggie one last time. “Goodbye.”
“Goodbye,” she whispered.
He hesitated. One foot forward, ready to leave, and the other still turned towards her. It seemed like he was struggling with wanting to say something else. They all stared at him, waiting. Finally, he exhaled slowly and said softly to her, “I hope you find happiness.”
There wasn’t time for a reply before he spun around, leaving the cove. His copper hair shone boldly even beneath his cap in the winter sunlight. Griffen’s stout legs followed just behind him.
And then they were gone.