For Love or Country: The MacGregor Legacy | Book 2 by Jennifer Hudson Taylor Page A

each day was a gift from God and no day was any more special than any other. Still, Tyra knew her young cousins were always curious about their Christmas celebrations.
    “Indeed, we did.” Tyra nodded, unsure if she should mention her father and brothers had visited them in front of the captain. Even though it was well into February, Tyra had no idea how far away they had traveled. What if the captain took it into his head to search for them and they were still nearby? She could not forgive herself for such a misjudgment.
    “Thee can tell me about it on the way to the outhouse.” Becky stood and glanced around the room. “Please, excuse us.”
    Tyra stood and followed her into the hallway, and she described their Christmas feast. Once they were outside, Tyra told Becky about the surprise visit of her father and brothers, and the tearful goodbye to Alec. The sound of Private Truitt and Kirk chopping wood on the other side of the house let her know it was safe to continue their discussion. Once they reached the outhouse, Tyra touched her cousin’s elbow.
    “Please, I need you to get a message to Mr. Saunders in town.” Tyra whispered. “Could you do this for me?”
    “Yes, what is it?” Becky asked.
    “Tell him I will try and make it to the next Whig meeting, but he should not be alarmed if I cannot. Let him know I am being watched carefully by Captain Morgan, and I cannot take unnecessary risks.”
    “Is that all?” Becky nodded in agreement.
    “There is more. Tell him I believe I found the tunnel door leading into the prison cells in the basement of the Burgwin House. ’Twill be difficult, but an escape may be possible using the tunnels.”
    ***
    Two days later, Hugh rode into town to report to Major Craig as ordered. Private Truitt was allowed to remain behind to keep an eye on the traitorous Americans, as the MacGregors were called in the letter he had received. The impolite reference to the MacGregors annoyed him more than he wanted to admit. It could only mean one thing. He had come to form an attachment to the MacGregors, specifically Tyra.
    A pair of wide green eyes framed in a smooth pale face with a tangled mass of fiery red hair came to mind. She occupied his thoughts as soon as he arose each morning and was the last thought before he closed his eyes each night, providing he could actually sleep. How would he be able to stay objective under the circumstances? Or worse, how would he be able to protect her from the British Army?
    Hugh was led through the Burgwin House and outside to the back. Major Craig stood wearing a black overcoat and pulled on a pair of black gloves. Another man stood beside him, a couple of inches shorter than Hugh. Soldiers were mounted on horses outside the stables.
    “Sir, Captain Donahue Morgan is here to see you.” The soldier who had led him out here saluted his superior.
    “Thank you, Private.” Major Craig waved him toward the stables. “Prepare to mount up. We shall be leaving shortly.” He shoved his other hand into his glove and stepped back as he nodded toward the man beside him. “Captain Morgan, I would like for you to meet Captain Gordon.”
    Hugh shook hands with the brown-headed fellow near his own age. Captain Gordon grinned, displaying a thin mustache catching Hugh’s attention. His sparkling brown eyes gave Hugh an aura of mistrust and suspicion. Two horses were brought forward.
    “Captain Morgan, you may join us for our evening ride,” Major Craig said. “We shall ride out those gates onto Third Street toward New Bern Road. We will be crossing the bridge over the swamp. Go collect your horse and meet us on Third. By the time my fifteen other men are mounted and ready, I am sure you will be waiting on us.”
    “Yes, sir.” Hugh turned on his heel and headed back through the house and out the front door. He found his horse tethered to the tree where he had left him. Mounting up, Hugh took the reins in his hands and guided his horse around the corner