The Devil’s Strongbox

The Devil's Strongbox Forbidden gold and treason, a deadly combination! A pact drafted before the guns of Fort Sumpter had cooled, if successful, would bring forth two individual confederations that stood to change the map of a young, struggling United States. Political domains that would challenge the manifest destiny of this young nation. A positive outcome hinged upon the triumph of Confederate Arms and required the plotters move in the shadows, as such ‘steps’ in the eyes of the Lincoln government was treason of the highest order. However, unforeseen treachery in the unsettled Arizona territory guaranteed the demise of this bargain. 1865 brought peace, a restored union that despite the bitterness that lingered, now looked westward to heal its wounds. One conspirator hoped all trace of the failed scheme would remain lost, for public knowledge meant not only the end of all he had achieved to date, but all he strove to accomplish for his people in the years ahead. A decade after Lee’s Surrender, Trace Santee and Mickey Free, on assignment for the U. S. Army in Sonora, Mexico retreat to a cave known only to the Apache. Scouting the cave,Trace stumbles upon the moldering corpse of a confederate soldier. Amongst his remains is a wallet that holds letters detailing a contract that promised official support to one party and much needed capital in the form of gold coins to the other. It’s not the hint of treason that excites Trace and Mickey. As one said: “This deal was cinched up with gold coins. Lots of coins, Id’ wager!” Gold coins! The siren song that Trace and Mickey can’t resist, sets in motion a series of seemingly unrelated events that, unknown to the fortune hunters, will bring to light this act of disloyalty. Trace and friends ride into the treacherous unknown of the Sierra Madre, guided by a map sworn to lead them to the wealth they so desperately want. A map tied to a legend of a secret jesuit mission, haunted by evil spirits that guard a deadly secret, Too late Trace and Mickey discover they are being followed by those who not only want the gold, but will do whatever is needed to ensure the treasonous secret wedded to the coins remains undiscovered. Finding the coins could be grueling. keeping them could be deadly!