Read MacKinnon’s Rangers 03.5 - Upon A Winter's Night for Free Online Page A

neither you nor a dozen like you could stop us. Mind how you hold that, aye? Are you tryin’ to cut off a finger?"

    They walked down the hallway toward another closed door where two more redcoats stood guard. One of them turned, opened the door, bowed. "They are here, sir."

    Iain entered to find Haviland sitting at Wentworth’s old writing table, powdered wig upon his head, his uniform immaculate. He did not stand, but peered at Iain and his brothers through narrowed eyes, disdain on his face. "You wished to see me, MacKinnon? What is it you want?"

    Iain had never been one for pleasantries and was glad to get to the heart of the matter. "The men have no’ been paid what they’re owed for this past summer’s campaigns."

    ’Twas strange to see another sitting in the position Wentworth had once held — and even stranger for Iain to find himself wishing that the man before him were Wentworth. He didn’t trust Haviland .

    "You speak of your Rangers?" Haviland’s voice held a note of contempt.

    "Aye. They’ve no’ been paid for their service."

    Haviland looked confused. "But why come to me?"

    Was the man a simpleton?

    "You’ve taken Wentworth’s command, aye?" Iain asked. " Payin ’ the Rangers fell to him according to our arrangement. Now that task falls to you."

    "I am aware of no such arrangement. Do you have proof of this?"

    Iain looked over at his brothers, saw the disbelief he felt mirrored on their faces. " ’Twas a gentleman’s agreement, each of us givin ’ and keepin ’ our word. Surely, there must be records, ledgers, an accountin ’ of what was paid—"

    "I’ve seen no ledgers, nor did I read anything in Brigadier General Wentworth’s records about paying your Rangers."

    Iain knew Haviland was lying.

    But why?

    Iain fought to keep his temper in check. "The officers who served under him can attest that I speak the truth."

    "Most of his officers were slain, as I’m sure you know." Haviland flicked a lacy wrist, glanced at his well-shaped nails. "Some are no doubt still in New York at Fort Edward. Others are on their way back to London."

    "The men who fought as Rangers — they are good men, men with wives and bairns , men who risked their lives for five long years, sufferin ’ deprivations you cannae imagine. And now, after the Rangers helped Britain win this victory, you prepare for your Christmas feastin ’ and deny them their due?"

    "The Rangers are known for hitting marks. If they are hungry, let them hunt," Haviland answered, his tone of voice disdainful. "You made it clear more than once that you and your men fought not for the Crown, but for your fellow colonists. I suggest you turn to them if you wish to be paid. If Governor Colden and his council appreciate your services, perhaps they can find the coin."

    Connor started forward. "You bloody — "

    " Uist ! " Iain silenced Connor, held out his arm to stop him. "This arrangement stood through five long years of war. Would you dishonor the reputation of the British Army by breakin ’ it now?"

    All pretext of politeness disappeared, Haviland’s loathing and resentment clear to see. "The British Army had no need for men such as you. Why Wentworth favored you, I know not, but I will not reward your insolence."

    Iain thought carefully about his next words. He could not fail the men, and yet he felt certain that Haviland would not hesitate to throw him and his brothers in the guardhouse if they spoke carelessly. "What if I bring you proof that Wentworth paid the Rangers?"

    "If proof exists, I shall be glad to see it, and I should gladly honor the Crown’s obligation."

    "Then I shall return tomorrow wi ’ proof to satisfy you." He motioned to his brothers. "Come."

    He walked down the hallway, his brothers close behind him. Without speaking, they took back their weapons from the lieutenant, who was struggling to set them down without dropping them or cutting himself. Then they stepped outside, cold air hitting Iain full