Butterfly Palace (24 page)

“I’ve seen no evidence of his wisdom,” Uncle Everett said sourly. “Let’s move to a more pleasant topic of conversation, shall we?”

Stuart’s eyes went dark, and he nearly gritted his teeth. Her uncle didn’t see because Stuart turned away to pour a drink. Stuart’s expression was almost—murderous.

Belle pressed her hand to her stomach. “I’m feeling a bit indisposed tonight. May I be excused to go lie down? I’ll try to come back for dessert if I’m feeling better.”

Her aunt took her arm. “Of course, Belle! I’ll send Lily to you at once with some tea and toast. Should I call the doctor?”

“No, I’ll be fine. Thank you.” Belle practically ran from the room. She nearly collided with Lily in the hall.

“You’re white as a ghost,” Lily said. “What’s wrong?”

“It’s Stuart.” Belle gulped and closed her eyes. “It’s all true. I could just tell tonight as they discussed politics. There was such rage in his eyes when Uncle Everett criticized the governor. I didn’t
believe you, not totally. But it’s true.” She swallowed hard. “We have to stop him.”

“We will. Calm yourself, then go back to the dining room. Ask him to allow you to see the house so you can make a list of changes you’d like. It’s a perfectly normal request for a soon-to-be wife.”

Belle felt faint at the thought. “I could never marry him. Not now. Not even if he were to become president.” She clutched Lily’s arm. “What if we can’t find out the details? I don’t think Uncle Everett would believe me if I tried to tell him.”

“Your aunt might.”

“But he would still go to celebrate with his supporters. And he’ll be shot.” This panicked feeling must be hysteria. Belle tried to stuff it down, but it kept bubbling into her throat. The very thought of what faced them seemed too overwhelming.

Lily took her by the shoulders. “Courage, Miss Belle. We’ll manage. You’ll see. Drew has many resources.”

“Belle?”

They both turned at Aunt Camille’s voice. “Lily was just helping me to bed.” Belle winced at the way she stammered. Her aunt was sure to be suspicious. What maid practically shook her mistress?

“Help her to bed, Lily. And thank you for taking care of her.”

Belle let out her breath when her aunt returned to the dining room. “What if I go over when he’s not there? Then I could look around in peace.”

“How could you do that?” Lily sounded hopeful.

“I could pretend I didn’t remember he would be gone and stop by. Then I could tell his servant I wanted to look around. He wouldn’t refuse me.”

“It might work.” Lily’s blue eyes were lit with admiration. “Tomorrow?”

Belle nodded, though her throat tightened. “Tomorrow afternoon.”

The small cabin still smelled of carbolic and vinegar from the vigorous scrubbing Jane and Lily had given it. The night sounds came through the cracks around the windows in a comforting cacophony of katydids, crickets, and cicadas that nearly drowned out the sound of tree frogs.

Lily could hear the even tone of Jane’s breathing through the doorway into the bedroom. Every muscle ached, and she rolled over on the narrow cot to try to get comfortable. Being out here in such a remote location still lifted the hair on the back of her neck. Who might be lurking out there in the night? No streetlights, not even the moon, lifted the inky blackness.

The springs squeaked when she sat up and swung her feet to the floor. Maybe warm milk would help her sleep. She padded to the cookstove, an old one she’d worked on for three hours before it was clean enough for her standards, then opened the old icebox to retrieve the milk. The ice was nearly gone, and she would have to ask Mrs. O’Reilly for more.

She set the battered pan of milk on top of the stove, but a pinging noise behind her made her whirl. The sound came again, then she heard a male voice call her name. Her knees went weak when she recognized Drew’s deep tone.

She rushed to the door and threw it open. “What are you doing here? It has to be after eleven.”

“I’ve been watching Vesters. His lights went out about an hour ago so I came to check on you. All is quiet?”

She hugged herself, suddenly aware of her feet peeking out from the hem of her simple cotton nightgown. Backing into the cabin, she snatched the blanket from the bed and draped it around her. Her face was hot when she stepped back outside.

He grinned. “I can still see your toes.”

She tucked them away and lifted her chin. “It’s hardly proper you’re here. But I have to admit I’m glad to see you. It feels very deserted and unsafe back here. I’m sure I’ll get used to it though.”

He sobered and touched her arm. “You have your gun?”

“I do. It’s beside the bed. I fear sleep isn’t coming easily though. I’m so afraid there will be a sound I’ll miss.”

He tried the door. “The lock is solid?”

She nodded. “Nathan strengthened the door, and the lock is new. The back door is a bit rickety though.”

“Show me.”

She led him through the shack to the narrow back door. It opened even without unlocking it. “I must not have gotten it latched properly.”

“I’ll fix it tomorrow. Tonight I’ll sleep on the floor right here.”

“I can’t let you do that!”

He touched her arm, then his hand moved to her cheek. “I won’t leave you out here alone.”

“Like last time?” The words were out before she could stop them. She wanted to back away, but that would mean leaving his comforting touch.

His thumb moved back and forth across her skin. “I wish I could go back and change what I did, Lily. Can’t you forgive me?”

Her mouth was dry, and she couldn’t think with his warm hand on her face. “I forgive you.”

He was leaning closer, his intention clear. She closed her eyes, unable to avert her head. His breath whispered across her skin, light as goose down and so fragrant she would inhale him deep inside if she could. When his lips finally brushed across hers, something in her chest loosened as if she’d come home after a long trip. She clutched his shirt with both fists and pulled him closer in a most unladylike way.

He deepened the kiss and crushed her against his chest. She let her guard down, all the way down, and burrowed deep into the passion pouring from him in waves. The love welling in her heart overflowed into a kiss that held more passion than she’d ever dreamed. His hand went to the back of her head and pressed her tighter still. Then he let her go and stepped back, his breathing labored.

She stood staring at him in a tiny bit of light from the candle. She couldn’t deny how she felt anymore. She still loved him. What he did and said mattered to her and always would. Her farce of not caring fell off like a cocoon, and she felt alive, truly alive, for the first time in years. She’d follow Drew anywhere, suffer any kind of uncomfortable situation, just to be with him, to be able to go into his arms at the close of the day.

She felt quite wanton as she reached out and touched his roughened jaw. “Drew?” Had her passion put him off?

He caught her hand and held it away from his face. “Give me a moment to collect myself, Lily. I—I don’t want to compromise you in any way. Not ever again.”

Her touch had caused this. She wanted to kiss him again, to taste the power she had over him. It was exhilarating to know she could affect him so strongly. But she pulled her hand away and stepped back, away from the fire.

He shuddered, then took a deep breath. “I didn’t hurt you?”

She shook her head as shyness swept over her. She still loved him. The realization made her eyes burn. Loving him could lead to more hurt. She backed away. “I’d better go in.”

TWENTY-FIVE

T
he Vesters house was a pompous building looming over the passersby. The mansard-style roof hooded the attic windows in a frown. Drew scowled at it as he went up the brick walkway. He rang the doorbell with more assurance than he felt. Any moment he expected Vesters to figure out he was being investigated.

The butler ushered him to the parlor where Drew found Vesters perusing the newspaper. The man ignored Drew for a full minute before folding the paper and laying it on the table. Drew felt like a supplicant with his hat in his hands waiting to be invited to be seated.

He didn’t have to let Vesters intimidate him though, so he dropped into a seat by the door without waiting for an invitation. “You wanted to see me?”

Vesters frowned before masking his irritation. “Have you got your contacts in order? The first of the bigger orders of twenty-dollar bills is ready to roll off the presses.”

“Everything is prepared.” Drew leaned forward. “But I’m more interested in your plans for Marshall.”

The suspicion on Vesters’s face deepened. “It might be best if you forget what you saw. You seem too fond of Marshall.”

“We both hide our intentions very well. I’m your best ally. I want him out of the way too.” He smiled. “Have you checked your
bank account today? That fifty thousand should be there. That should prove something to you.”

Vesters leaned back. “We’ll see. I’ll make a call.”

He stepped into the hall, and Drew heard him ring through on the telephone to the bank. He glanced around the parlor while he waited. Belle planned to come by this afternoon, and he needed to make sure Vesters was gone. Maybe a trip to the bank would be in order.

Footsteps sounded on the oak floors, then Vesters stepped back into the room. “They haven’t seen it yet.”

“It should be there by this afternoon. In fact, let me take you to lunch, and we’ll stop by the bank to check on the deposit. I’m certain it will be there.”

Vesters lifted a brow, then moved to the table and poured himself a Scotch. “Are you trying to avoid the subject? I’d like more details of your vendetta with Marshall.” He tossed back the drink with a grimace.

Drew had rehearsed this in his head, but it would take his best acting to pull off the lie. “I believe he lured my father into that building and set fire to it while blocking any escape. I want him to suffer the way my father suffered.”

“I never would have guessed Marshall could be so cold-blooded. You’re sure?”

“I’m positive.” Ballard’s features flashed through Drew’s mind. Ballard’s time would come, once this problem was put to rest.

“This changes things.”

“So what can I do? I want to be part of this.”

“As I said, I’ll talk to my partner. I can’t promise anything though. We’ll see.”

“Can you tell me a bit more about what is being planned? I’d like to look for any problems and be prepared.”

“You’re putting the cart before the horse, my friend.” Vesters dropped back onto the sofa with his drink in his hand. “Let’s concentrate on the money, shall we?”

Looking at the man’s disinterested face, Drew knew he didn’t have a chance of prying out more information. Maybe Belle would have more luck. “Congratulations on your engagement, by the way. Belle is a lovely woman.”

“Thank you. I agree.”

“And it’s a smart move on your part. No one would suspect you had anything to do with the assassination when you’re engaged to Marshall’s niece. You’ll seem the logical choice as well.”

Vesters grinned. “I’m glad you approve, but we’re not going to talk about this anymore.” He pulled out his pocket watch. “I believe it’s about lunchtime. I’ll take you up on your offer, and we’ll check on that money after we eat.” He put his empty glass on the table.

Drew had to give the man credit. He was cagey and knew how to handle himself. Drew rose and reached for his hat. “And we can stop by the factory and arrange for me to take shipment of that new money coming off the presses.”

He had most of the evidence he needed to arrest Vesters for counterfeiting, but he couldn’t do a thing until Marshall was safe. And he still had no proof to arrest Ballard for a thing. Could he be wrong about the man? He was a counterfeiter, but maybe he’d had nothing to do with the fire. And it didn’t appear he was the man who had attacked Lily.

And what was he going to do about Lily? She’d admitted she still loved him, but now that he was away from the temptation of her kisses, he saw all the obstacles clearly again. She could be killed like Ian’s wife. And what about children? His entire family would be in harm’s way. How could he live with himself if he put them
in danger? He rubbed his chest. And he could drop dead at any moment himself.

Though walking away from his job was an option, it was something his soul cringed from. He’d found his calling. Justice ran in his blood. How did he reconcile the two loves of his life?