Rebekah pulled Ezra close as the tall man held up a piece of parchment for her to see.
“Madam, do you know who I am?”
“I can see by your costume you are a person of some consequence but what you have to do with me, I cannot say.”
“My name is Benjamin Fletcher, assistant chief Constable for the town of Saybrook. I have in my hand a warrant for your apprehension.”
Rebekah looked at the document. There was writing but she was not close enough to read the message. “I believe you are mistaken, sir. I have done nothing wrong.”
“You admit to being the midwife known as Rebecca Rand, come from Hyannis?”
“I do, sir. But I have no idea why there would be any reason for you to detain me. I have done nothing to warrant such action.”
“You may say as much, but I am required to take you into custody for questioning.” He looked down at Ezra. “Is this your boy?”
“This is Ezra, my son.”
The constable looked about at the people gathered near the trading post. “Is there anyone here who can look after him for you?”
“I know the new trade post manager and his wife,” Rebekah said.
“Give the boy to them. You need to follow me, madam.”
“But why? I do not understand.”
“It is not my job to explain anything to you, madam. Now come with me.” He pulled on Rebekah’s arm, separating her from young Ezra.” The boy began to cry.
“You have no cause to detain me,” Rebekah protested. “Let me go.” She pulled her arm free of the constable’s grasp. At the same moment, Ezra grabbed her leg and pulled her close, all the while screaming. “Let my mama go!”
People standing nearby turned and stared.”
“What is going on here?” a man asked.
Rebekah turned and saw Charles Ballard walking towards the Constable, his face clouded in anger.
“What are you doing, sir?” he asked.
“My duty, sir,” the Constable said. “I have been ordered to take this woman into custody.”
“On what charge, sir. What has she done?”
“It is not for me to say, sir.”
At that moment, Emma appeared around the corner of the Trading Post and quickly took in the situation.
“What is going on?” she demanded.
The constable did not answer. Instead he pulled at Rebekah’s arm, directing her towards the road.
“Stop!” Charles demanded. “What do you think you are doing? Unhand her immediately.”
The Constable stared at Charles. “This is none of your affair, sir. This is the business of the Magistrate and I am duty bound to take this woman in for questioning.”
“But what have I done?” Rebekah cried.
The constable did not answer.
“What has she done, Constable?” Emma asked. “I can assure you, Rebekah is a good woman and whatever you have been told, she is innocent of any charge.”
“That is not for me to decide, mistress. My orders are to apprehend her. Any questions you have you can take up with the Magistrate yourself.” He turned towards the road, pulling Rebekah behind him. Ezra still held tight to her leg. His face filled with fear.
“Mama!” He cried.
“At least let the boy go.” Emma demanded, moving closer.
Charles stepped between the Constable and Rebekah. “Where are you taking her?” he demanded.
“To the office of the Magistrate.”
“Then I shall come with you.”
“As you wish.”
Charles turned to Emma. “Stay here with the boy. I will go with Rebekah and find out what all the fuss is about. I am certain it is all one big misunderstanding.
Rebekah leaned down and hugged her son. “Ezra, I have to go with this man, but I will be back very soon. Emma will take care of you until I return.”
She turned to her friend. “I do not know what is going on, Emma, but please take care of Ezra for me. Hopefully this is all some great mistake.”
Emma put her arm around the boy’s shoulder and pulled him close. “Do not worry, Rebekah. I will keep an eye on the boy for you.”