The Heavens Shall Fall by Jerri Hines

loyalty. Despite our withdrawal from Philadelphia, we have remained in touch. Her family departed upon our withdrawal to New Jersey, but her father has now decided that it would be safer to return to their home, even given his Loyalist stance. I believe she is willing to do what is necessary to ensure success in this plot.”
    “ You believe a young woman could turn a man such as Arnold?”
    Andre tilted his head to the side with a devious smile. “I think Peggy can be most persuasive, given a good cause. Besides, I have done extensive inquiries into Arnold’s background. I believe he is ripe for the pickings. She would not go into this venture blind.”
    Marcus rubbed his hand over his chin and studied Andre. Andre was an astute man , a keen student of the game. Andre had always maintained he thought Hannah had done more harm than either of them realized during her time in New York.
    Hannah had free access within the city. She had been surrounded by British officers , who, in all probability, would readily relay information in front of her without a thought…because she was a woman. Now, was that what Andre had in mind for the Americans with Peggy Shippen?
    Marcus had met the woman while in Philadelphia : a pretty, young thing, whose father steadfastly supported the king. Marcus hadn’t given her much thought, for he had other things on his mind. He frowned, and then said, “You have my attention, Major, although I will admit confusion. No matter how beautiful Miss Shippen may be, I highly doubt Arnold would turn for a simple smile.”
    “ It will not be a simple smile, my friend.” Andre exuded confidence. “Peggy understands what needs to be done. We need to make contact in a favorable setting. My sources tell me Arnold is an extremely unhappy man at the moment.
    “ He believes he is being slighted by the American Congress. Unvalued, unsung, and under-paid. I have learned that he is using his position as military commander of Philadelphia to fund his expenses.”
    “ A prideful, arrogant man,” Marcus said out loud as if thinking to himself. “A man who would justify his actions by convincing himself he deserved it. That he had been deprived of what was rightly his…yes, a man such as that could be on the verge if he is indeed disgruntled. You would need a confidant to encourage him…I doubt it could be this Peggy, but perhaps she could introduce him to the confidant. I may even know of one who could be of help. A Stansbury.”
    Marcus paused. His mind had already begun to plan a course of action. He glanced over at Andre, who eased back in his chair, seemingly content with Marcus ’ reaction. This had been Andre’s intent—to draw him into the scheme. He needed Marcus’ connections to maintain a line of communication through the utmost secrecy. Moreover, he needed Marcus’ experience to pull off the impossible.
    Marcus returned Andre ’s smile. He felt his blood surge. Confidence resurged within him that the war could be won, heightened by a strong sense that this mission could succeed and cripple the Americans. No…not cripple, but destroy the soul of the American cause.

Chapter Four
     
    Marcus paused in the doorway and entered. Tonight, he attended a dinner party hosted by General Clinton. Clinton had earned his reputation of being a reluctant host, entertaining only because it was a requirement of his position. Marcus did not expect the event to be an elaborate affair, but he would enjoy the company.
    Lieutenant Colonel Archibald Campbell accompanied Marcus. Lieutenant Colonel Campbell had only recently been released in a prisoner exchange with the American Ethan Allen. Marcus had known Campbell before Campbell’s capture during the first confrontations in Boston more than two years ago.
    Marcus found Campbell to be exceedingly professional and competent. He had no issue s when Clinton had assigned him to work alongside the Lieutenant Colonel on the upcoming Southern Campaign.
    For the last few