Flight of Fancy: Cora's Daughters (51 page)

“I can’t tell you Ms. Della what was on my mind, I don’t know – but in my heart, in my soul, nor in my mind, could I picture what was to come. I do remember that I must have prayed all the way – so, guess the Lord was on my mind. I think, I asked him, do I have to Lord? Do I really have to go and do these things that don’t seem right? Because they say, I’m a fancy and that is why I was brought into this world? Is that true Lord? Did you really make me… for
this
?” She swiped at tears that welled and rolled, not realizing how hurt she still felt by it all. She sniffed, unable to look at Della anymore. For a moment she couldn’t speak, her chest felt too full.

After a moment of thought, she started up again saying, “We were there. I was lead to the door – it opened, I was pulled inside and left to what would be for me. They’d been drinking, laughing and eyeing me with excitement, praising the mayor on his pick. They were ugly with their lust – look like a bunch of demons – demons that I knew, were going to eat -
me
– alive. They were like starving dogs with a trapped rabbit, each one ready to sink his fangs in to rip it – me apart.”

She paused again, wiped her eyes, trying to dry them so she could look Della in the eyes. “I didn’t feel like – the Lord made me to be some quiet rabbit, so those dogs could – tear me to bits.”

“They were saying the most disgusting things to each other about what they was gonna do to me - rubbing on their privates - taking
it
out so I could see it, playing with it – while saying how they were going to use it on me. I have never in my life, heard such talk. I know men are wicked, but that night – I knew they could be worse than that. I understood that night, why my mama would come from Master Gareth, bleeding even though her menses wasn’t on. Bleeding from her backside, in so much pain – she could do nothing but groan and rock.”

Della held her hand to her breasts, as if she could keep her heart from pounding and banging out from her chest, it felt as if it would break free at any moment.

Asiza went on, “They didn’t even give me a chance to get used to the idea - they surrounded me, started grabbing at my clothes, ripping them off, squeezing my bosom, pulling up my skirt.”

Asiza paused and smiled, almost laughed, “They didn’t know what I had. Didn’t know I brought it with me. All of a sudden, my mind – just cleared, my heart had been racing – suddenly it calmed and slowed and I was not confused. Coming to me, pure as a bright summer’s day, I knew – this was going to be
his
last - party.”

Della watched her speak so cool and calm it was if they were discussing a cake recipe.

“Soon as my skirt rose enough, I could reach my knife, and sista’ let me tell you – I went to cuttin’. Yes Lord I did. It almost seemed like I floated up above the room, and looked down and could see myself – see what I was doing. Cutting, slicing, sticking – yes…” Her mind went back, her speech slowing as her eyes went vacant while nodding her head, “…yes, killing them - one after the other. Their mouths were wide open and I suppose they were screaming, scared – but I couldn’t hear –
I
was dancing. Me and that knife, we was just moving, duckin’, dodging, weaving and carving. It felt so good, I didn’t wanna stop. I didn’t wanna stop. I didn’t – want – to – stop.” Tears dropped and rolled as she told it, “…But - my arm, felt like somebody grabbed it and held it against my side, whispering in my ear… Asiza – that is enough – that’s enough Asiza, that’s enough.”

Asiza smiled. The room was silent. It took Della a moment to get what felt like the stone lodged in her throat down, she struggled to swallow, and with a strained gulp, her throat was clear.

A moment later, “Then… I … ran. I ran so fast, I was trying to run that need off. When I ran, free in those woods, I laughed and laughed and laughed… because I knew… they was gonna send they dogs after me. I couldn’t wait for them to get there. I kill them dogs, like they was the rabbit. I don’t like dogs… I don’t like’em.” She went quiet again, looking away from Della and out the window. It seemed that a few moments passed before she spoke again.

“They sent Broc after me, because they were too scared to come after me themselves. Didn’t wanna waste no more of their dogs on me.”

“I wish they had sent more, ‘cause lemme tell you – I wanted to kill every
dog
in the south.” She stopped, thinking about it, and then smiling once more, “No, I didn’t get to. I guess the Lord felt I’d done enough. I believe HE, the Lord sent him, Broc that is - after me, he just went through them. I know it was the Lord because I was willing to die in those woods. I wanted to wait – to kill more of them.” She shook her head thinking back, “Broc is the reason I’m here now. Coming north, was what he wanted to do. What he made me do. I got sick, and we ended up at a farm where they hide away slaves. The pastor there, wouldn’t let Broc see to me, because he said it was a sin. While I lay sleeping, they married us – so Broc could take care of me.”

Asiza covered her face with both hands, her fingers felt cool and refreshing to her hot skin as it dawned on her, that her husband…
was
… a good man.
‘Lord, how could I have forgotten.’
She thought.

Finally, her eyes gazed thru her fingers at Della, “That’s why they’re here.” Her hands left her face and went back to her lap, “That’s why they were banging on that door. Now, tell me, I have to go. I will you know – and I’ll remember and hold everything you’ve done for me, to my heart. This place, it’s not just about me – I know that, I should go.”

Della stared and knew that Asiza was different. She couldn’t help but wonder how things would have been for them if all the women had been like her, fighting for their very lives before giving themselves over to be used for their indecency? Oh what a different world for them it might have been, of that she was sure.

But, before they could move forward, she had to know beyond any doubt, who Asiza Wolf was. Discarding her comment about leaving, “Asiza, I need to ask you this.”

Asiza nodded, ready to accept whatever may come to her.

“Do you think that all white people should be killed that way? Or, killed at all?”

“If I believed that, Broc would be dead. But he’s not, he’s my husband. I have killed only those who were evil in their belief that I am an animal… not human like them. I see things simply Della. Love me, I love you. Befriend me, I befriend you. Plot to kill me – and let’s get ready to die. It’s that simple.”

“My husband feels the same way. I know there is good and evil, in us all – no matter what color. I didn’t always think that, but I know that now.”

Della sat nodding her head, “Yes there is Asiza, yes there is.” Della stood because she could hear a commotion outside and knew their help had arrived – as she moved towards the door, Asiza called out one last time.

“Tell me… to go… and all of this will be over.”

Della turned back, “Asiza Wolf, you’re wrong – what you said. Today… this moment in time – this place I’ve made… is absolutely, for
you!
There is no way that I can know all you have gone through to be free, and not help you remain to be so. Oh yes,” She nodded, “More than ever – I want you to
stay
.” Della gulped, nodded her head with a certainty, and before she left the room, she went on to direct Asiza.

“As of this moment, you must promise me - that I am the last person, the one and only person – you are to ever tell that entire story to.” Thinking on her feet as always, Della gazed off for a moment and then back at Asiza, “I am your voice – and all I tell you to do, you do. You are free – and by God, you will remain so. Understand? No one else
ever.
”

Asiza nodded her head, “Thank you – whatever you say, Della, whatever you say.”

“Okay, this is your story… plain and simple. They got to tearing at you, you fainted from fright. When you woke, they were dead. Scared for your life… you ran. You didn’t see anyone, you don’t know what happened. If you should be forced to tell the story…
that
is your story.
End
of story. Do we understand each other?”

Asiza’s nod was even more vigorous, “Yes… I fainted – I woke and they were dead.”

Chapter Thirty-Two

By the time Asiza stood leaving her room – she felt cleansed, refreshed and lighter in her soul. Yes, Broc knew –
that
which she’d confessed to Della, and more. However, perhaps her knowing and understanding removed the areas of doubt Asiza sometimes had. It didn’t matter now, as she’d been instructed, it would be the last time she’d mention it.

Downstairs, just as Della had stated, reinforcements had arrived. Two men in suits were there to speak with them. Outside, a host of white males surrounded the boarding house. All armed with pistols and long knives. They were a rough looking bunch, probably more suited to being pirates and cutthroats.

Asiza came away from the windows after looking out at the men she could see from that vantage point. They appeared to be a happy bunch, joking and laughing, as if not a care in the world. Approaching the table in the office, she took a few deep breaths to ready herself, taking a seat to hear what was planned.

They started off with introductions - one of the two men was an elderly white male – grandfatherly in appearance, a tad bit portly with a round veiny nose - evidence of liking a bit of drink.  He bobbed his head of thick and wild greying hair, meeting with a long salt and pepper beard. He was introduced as Grendel Burdock, a man eager to get things started. Beside him, to her surprise - Joseph Avery O’Brien – husband to Hope. She’d gotten to know them over the holidays and certainly from the many nights she spent sleeping in what had become her and Broc’s favorite chalet. He looked her in the eyes and winked, giving her more assurance that they would be okay. True to her words, Della was her voice as she sat in a humble and docile pose, her face cast downward while she told them, her version of events.

“So ridiculous are their charges that they sent a bounty hunter for her, who could not believe that she was guilty of such crimes after spending time with her. As it turned out, he voluntarily protected her and made sure of her safe arrival here.” She said as if she’d witnessed the event herself.

Asiza guarded her expression well at various bits, such as at places where Broc was mentioned as a character witness in her behalf. She fought not to smile, watching how her friend, surely one of her best, sat next to her fighting for her freedom.

“The south – southern plantation owners are simply mad.” Mr. Burdock harrumphed and postured, “Anyone with half a brain can see how delicate she is – one so small as she – and they wish to convince us that she, alone – killed three men who surrounded her? Absolute poppy-cock! This bounty hunter, think he can be reached? Are you certain he would stand in her behalf?”

“Oh, I’m certain. We should be able to find him, of that I have no doubt – he has uh, how can I say, assisted in paying for Asiza’s accommodations here.” Della informed him.

Joseph kept silent on what he knew.

Mr. Burdock’s eyes went to Asiza a moment. Feeling his examination of her, she glanced up ever so slightly, giving a sad smile and then back down at her folded hands.

He gave an exhalation that spoke volumes, “I see.” His eyes went from Asiza to Della, “Just how much is his assistance to her?” He asked Della. At her hesitation he went on to explain, “This could impact his ability to stand for her you see.”

“To all intents and purposes, he started out with an instruction to bring her in, for coin – quite a bit in fact. However, as he is a man of honor – aware of her innocence, he could not do so. Speak with him first before you come to a decision as to whether he can be used or not.”

“Yes, very well – we shall begin building her case in anticipation of the next move made.” He then turned to Asiza. “I must fully prepare you for what is to come. It is quite possible - you will be arrested until you can be brought before a judge.”

“Arrested?” Asiza looked up, stunned.

“Yes… that is quite possible.” Joseph spoke up.

She then turned startled eyes to Della, “If it comes to that, even there, you will be protected – but – once you go before a judge, and he hears your side… he will see, that you should be free to carry on as you have.”

‘Run!’
That one word burst within Asiza’s mind – her heart was beating painfully hard in her chest, disturbing her breathing
. ‘Broc – Broc… come home… come home.’ 

She felt a warm soft hand touch hers. Her eyes turned to Della, “You being a woman, we will insist upon protection while you’re in there…”

Asiza couldn’t speak – was unable to meet Della’s eyes, fear of confinement – of a jail cell came crashing in on her. For once, the thought really did have her light-headed.

“Asiza…” Della called her name – seeing the panic in her eyes.

Buzzing, she moved her chair back and slowly stood, the room spun around her – and for the first time ever – while attempting a few steps she fainted.