Read Online The Reckoning by Len Levinson - Free Book Online Page B

their lives. Any other questions?”
    â€œHow much do soldiers get paid?” a different boy asked.
    â€œNot much, but most men don't join for the money. They become soldiers because they want to serve their country.”
    A little girl with a pink bow in her blond hair offered, “My father told me that men become soldiers ‘cause they're no good fer nawthin’ else.”
    â€œTell your father,” the lieutenant replied, “that Ulysses S. Grant used to be a soldier, and now he'sPresident of the United States. Robert E. Lee was a soldier, and now he's built one of the finest universities in the South. Soldiering requires many skills, such as tactics, engineering, and supply, but most of all, I'd say that a soldier has to have common sense.”
    â€œEver kill an injun?” asked a skinny little boy with a big nose, a fiendish grin on his face.
    â€œA few.”
    â€œWhat'd it feel like?”
    Lieutenant Dawes was seldom at a loss for words, but how could he explain terror, triumph, blood, and guts? “I guess I was glad to kill him before he killed me. Next question?”
    It was silent, and Lieutenant Dawes realized that he'd been too abrupt. His troopers had to tolerate his imperious manner, but not the children of Shelby. He cast his eyes over them and remembered when he was a child, with a bright mischievous mind, and the innocence of a lamb.
    The silence was rescued by the voice of the schoolmarm, who interrupted with the unerring instinct of a sophisticated social animal. “Could you tell us about West Point, Lieutenant?”
    â€œI spent the best years of my life there, and I'll always carry it with me wherever I go. Most people don't know that the Point is one of the best engineering schools in the world, and any American can go there, free of charge. All it takes is the desire to serve your country, and hard work.”
    Vanessa listened to him describe a day in the life of a cadet, and she had to admit that he cut the splendid figure of a man. The more shethought of it, the more she questioned running off with a poor ex-monk so much younger than she. Duane had many wonderful qualities, but no money, no prospects, and no specialized skills, except for his talent with guns, which probably would get him killed before long.
    After the lecture, Vanessa escorted Lieutenant Dawes to the door. “Thank you for agreeing to speak to us, Lieutenant. It was a most enlightening lecture.”
    Their bodies were close, in the long corridor that led to the general store. She felt his rugged physicality, while the lone soldier was enchanted her narrow waist. Each knew that they'd never speak again, but he didn't dare make an untoward suggestion to a woman about to be married, and she couldn't simply flirt like a dance hall girl.
    They stepped onto the main street of Shelby. Straight ahead was a wagon, the big draft horses looking at them curiously. Schoolmarm and officer fumbled for words, their eyes met, and a silent communication passed between them. He knew that he had to speak, or forever hold his peace. What would my father say under the circumstances? he wondered. He'd say whatever was on his mind, and let the devil take the hindmost. Lieutenant Dawes cleared his throat, and his voice sounded strange and reedy to his ears. “I understand that you'll be getting married in a few days, Miss Fontaine.”
    â€œIt's the truth,” she replied, a frown coming over her face.
    There was silence. Somehow the hurdle must besurmounted, but neither knew how. Then Lieutenant Dawes muttered, “You don't sound very happy about it.”
    â€œTo be honest, sometimes I wonder if I'm doing the right thing.”
    He took a deep breath to steady himself. “If you're not sure, perhaps you shouldn't go through with it.”
    â€œIt's not good for a woman to be alone, if you know what I mean.”
    He tried to grin. “As long as there are men like me, women like you