Chapter 5

Jacob’s heart was pounding. He could feel a vein throbbing in his temple. He’d managed to stave off McCready’s attention this time, but he’d been lucky. He’d taken the man by surprise, embarrassed him in front of the other convicts. He knew he wouldn’t be so lucky next time. He had neither the strength to overpower McCready, nor any avenue of escape.

Jacob crawled into his bunk and lay on his back. He listened to the whip cracking over and over and over. After Peter had received his fifty lashes, Collins would receive his. They’d both be taken to the infirmary and when they’d recovered, Collins would be sent back to the cell and Peter would begin his time in the stocks. Either way, Jacob would have to take care of himself for at least another twenty-four hours.

Fortunately, the rest of the day passed without any further incident. It was the long night ahead that bothered him.