Lords of an Empty Land by Randy Denmon Page B

thought of a captain calling on me. I think he likes you. He’ll forgive me for almost any transgression.... You look a little more worried than normal. What’s the matter?”
    Douglas stammered over his words. “It’s just the shooting of Constable Garrett the other day was rather traumatic, ugly. It just didn’t go like I wanted it to. The meeting with your uncle today reminded me of it. Now, I’m heading back into the backcountry, for no telling how long.” He passed a few quiet seconds before speaking. “Tell me about your uncle. How much credibility does he have with the local people?”
    â€œHe spent the Rebellion in New Orleans, aiding the Republican government. Never made much of himself prior to that. Had a small law practice in Shreveport, but it failed. He has no real family, never married.”
    â€œYou mean he fits the current definition of scalawag perfectly.”
    â€œSome might say that just because he’s returned home a man of authority. Maybe he just never profited from our past sins. I do know he’s very honest and intent on doing what’s right. He believes in a New South.”
    â€œHow’s your sister taking all this? I mean the judge staying with you three?”
    Hannah rolled her eyes. “Caroline will be fine. She’ll eventually come around to the fact the world has changed. She needs to find a man to help her get over the loss of her dear husband in the war.”
    Douglas looked at the bayou. “Are there alligators in there?”
    â€œNot around here. Mr. Jones shoots them.”
    With his feet, Douglas slipped off both of his boots, then stood and bent over and grabbed Hannah. “I’m burning up. These Louisiana nights are steamier than August afternoons in Ohio. Let’s go for a swim.”
    â€œNo!” Hannah said as Douglas cradled her in his arms. “These are my favorite pants.”
    â€œJust a short dip.” Douglas staggered to the bank, then threw Hannah into the water and jumped in behind her.
    â€œCaptain Owens!” Hannah said, wiping the water from her face. “You are a feisty gentleman. Maybe drinking doesn’t agree with you.” Hannah walked by Douglas, splashing him with several handfuls of water before climbing out of the bayou and walking back to the blanket.
    Douglas stumbled out of the bayou and over to his horse, where he grabbed a dry towel and clean cotton shirt from his saddlebag. He then flopped down beside Hannah, wiping her face with the towel.
    â€œI’m all wet,” Hannah said.
    â€œIt feels great.” Douglas put his hand behind Hannah’s head, pulling her close. He then bestowed a long kiss on her, lingering on her lips. “Here, put this on.”
    Hannah looked at Douglas for a few awkward seconds, her eyes big with bewilderment.
    â€œLet me help. I won’t look.” Douglas reached over and grabbed the bottom of Hannah’s shirt, feeling the bare flesh of her stomach. The soft, cool skin aroused him. Hannah leaned back, hesitating, her breath getting deep. He looked into her eyes. He wanted more. It had been years since he had experienced any real intimacy, and Hannah exploded his suppressed desires, displacing him from his indifferent military disposition and this wretched land so far from God.
    Douglas closed his eyes, and lifted the wet shirt over her head. He stole a quick peek and then kissed Hannah’s ear, before moving his lips down her neck.
    Hannah took a few more deep breaths, before retreating. “We can’t. I don’t know if this can ever be.”
    Douglas craned back, opening his eyes and inspecting her bare breasts and strong, youthful body. “Don’t you like me? It’s only natural.”
    Hannah exhaled. “Yes, I do. I’m just confused.”
    Douglas studied Hannah. Her face told him she longed for more, the same wants and desires as he and any woman of her age—the