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

to Third Street. As he approached, Major Craig and Captain Gordon led a parade of men onto the dirt street.
    “Captain Morgan!” Major Craig grinned and tipped his fingers to his bicorn hat. “What news have you for me? How are the MacGregors?”
    Hugh maneuvered his horse beside the major and sighed, wishing he knew what the man wanted to know. “Thank you for inviting me, sir. To answer your question, the MacGregor family is fine. Miss MacGregor removed my stitches a few days ago. I am healing quite nicely and will soon be ready to carry out my mission from General Lord Cornwallis to free the prisoners in Hillsborough.”
    “Yes, well, has Mrs. MacGregor or her daughter had any contact with Mr. MacGregor or the other lads?” Major Craig asked.
    “No, sir. Not so much as a letter,” Hugh said. “Nor have I seen any further evidence of the Tuscarora Indians.”
    “Is that a fact?” Major Craig asked, glancing at him sideways. “I really want to know what Miss MacGregor is capable of and if she could potentially be a problem. Only then will I consider the possibility of allowing you the opportunity to travel to Hillsborough to free your brother. You have your orders, Captain, and I have mine.”
    “But sir, I have no reason to suspect Miss MacGregor of anything that could be considered treason, other than the fact she happens to be the daughter of a Patriot.”
    “Captain, I understand she saved your life when she did not have to, but try not to allow it to cloud your judgment.” Major Craig’s tone lowered to a warning. “It could prove to be costly for you—possibly fatal. Do you understand?”
    “Yes, sir.” Hugh clenched his teeth to keep from protesting further. Who could have aroused Major Craig’s suspicions against Tyra? He thought back to the dinner the other night and recalled at how Miss Gordon and Mrs. Gordon seemed to enjoy patronizing her as the enemy until Major Craig set them straight. Hugh leaned forward and glanced at the man on the other side of the major.
    “Captain Gordon, are you any relation to Mrs. Isobel Gordon or Miss Kelly Gordon?” Hugh asked.
    “We are cousins.” Captain Gordon grinned at him. “They came here to the colonies about ten years ago, but my side of the family still lives in Staffordshire.”
    “I see.” Hugh nodded, taking in this new piece of information.
    “Captain Gordon arrived yesterday from General Lord Cornwallis,” Major Craig said. “He brought me an update. The general is on the other side of Hillsborough tracking General Greene. He plans to attack sometime soon.”
    “What are our orders?” Hugh asked, keeping his horse even with the major as they reached the bridge over the swamp. Captain Gordon dropped back to allow them enough room to cross two men abreast. Their horses clip-clopped across the wooden bridge, and his horse snorted. The murky smell of the swamp reached his senses, and he wrinkled his nose.
    “We are to wait in Wilmington for further orders. In the meantime, we will take our daily ride as we always do each evening. And when we return, we shall have a glass of port.”
    “But sir, if you take to riding out at the same time each day and go the same route, could it not be a temptation for the enemy to try and ambush you?” Hugh asked.

Chapter 8
    8
    A scream ripped through the air as Hugh arrived back at The MacGregor Quest. It sounded like Tyra near the stables. He rounded the corner where three horses were tied to a nearby post. A man wearing a redcoat stumbled and fell at the entrance.
    “The wench stole my bloody sword!” he yelled, scrambling back to his feet.
    “Did you expect me to lie still while you all attack me and have your way?” Tyra’s hysterical voice echoed. Swords clashed as Hugh slowed his horse to a stop. He dismounted and unsheathed his sword from his side. Tyra chased the men out of the stables, wielding a sword with as much talent as any trained man. She fought two men and kicked the other one from