Read Online A Game of Shadows by Irina Shapiro - Free Book Online Page A

nonetheless, especially when he was tired.  The bullet had penetrated his thigh right above the knee, thankfully sparing his kneecap, but preventing him from remaining in the army.  Sam could no longer march for hours, or run during an offensive — he was damaged goods.  Their mother hoped he might come home, but Sam wasn’t ready to give up the cause.  If he couldn’t fight the enemy overtly, he would do so covertly, with the help of his father.  Mr. Mallory was only too happy to have Sam join the Committee and put his considerable skills to good use. 
    Abbie slid off the horse right into the warm embrace of her brother.  “Oh, Abbie, I thought you’d never get here.  I was getting worried.”  Sam kissed Abbie on the forehead and held out a hand to Finn, who came up behind her.
    “Well, maybe you should draw a better map next time.  One bush looks much like the next when you are traveling through the wilds of Staten Island,” Abbie retorted, already turning her attention to the house.  “Who lives here?”
    “A friend.  Come inside and I’ll introduce you.  Supper is ready, as are your beds.  Your assignment begins tomorrow, so you need to rest.”  Sam put an arm around Abbie’s shoulder as he steered her toward the door.  “Finn, just leave the horses.  I’ll see to them in a moment.  Come inside and get some food.  You must be starved.” 
    “We are, actually.” Finn tied the horses to a stile and followed Sam and Abbie into the house.  He was touched by the relief on Sam’s face as they arrived.  He must have been more worried than he let on, and now that his sister was involved it would be more difficult for him to remain detached.   Finn hoped that whatever situation Sam found for them would not put Abbie in any immediate danger, but they were now in enemy territory and would have to be on their guard, always looking over their shoulder and hoping that they did nothing careless to give themselves away.
    **
    Finn wiped the last of the gravy with a heel of bread and popped it into his mouth.  He would have loved to ask for thirds, but there was nothing left of the savory stew that now lay warm and comforting in his belly.  Mr. Jenkins set a bowl of raspberries on the table, inviting Finn and Abbie to help themselves.  Abbie took a handful and ate them one by one, savoring the burst of flavor as each berry dissolved in her mouth, filling it with juice and seeds. 
    “Sam, Abbie is exhausted, so why don’t you explain our roles before she falls asleep.  Mr. Jenkins, thank you for the meal.  It was wonderful.”  Finn pushed aside his bowl, ready to get down to business.  He knew that he and Abbie would be exposed to the British in one capacity or another, but it was up to Sam to fill in the details.  He’d been working on a plan that hinged on their arrival.
    “All right,” Sam replied, pushing away his own bowl and pulling out a map which he unrolled on the table and pinned down at the corners with the empty bowls.  “British troops are stationed here, here and here.  However, many of the officers are lodging on the isle of Manhattan.  Cromwell’s boarding house is located right here, on the south side of the island.  It’s run by a Mrs. Cromwell, the widow of Major Cromwell, who served under Cornwallis.  Her reputation is above reproach as far as the British are concerned.  At any given time, there are at least fifteen officers lodged at the house.  Mr. Jenkins here, supplies Mrs. Cromwell with produce from his farm, as well as bacon and cheese.  He’s recommended his nephew, Finlay and his wife to come help out at the boarding house as one of Mrs. Cromwell’s current maids is doing a lot more than cleaning rooms.”  At this, Sam gave them all a meaningful look that made Abbie burst into giggles. 
    “Mrs. Cromwell thinks it might be best to have a married couple since the officers would not trouble a married woman.  I must admit that the logic of this