Circle Eight: Vaughn (17 page)

“No, it’s nothing. It wasn’t you.” She regretted that as soon as the words left her mouth.

His jaw tightened and he turned to Tobias. “Did you hit her, you bastard?”

Tobias looked guilty. “No, I ain’t hit her.”

Vaughn looked between them, his expression darkening. “You kissed her. Enough to give her a bloody lip.” His fists clenched. “I should teach you a lesson in how to treat a lady.”

“I didn’t mean nothin’. I already said I was sorry.” Tobias didn’t appear to be the least bit sorry.

“You shouldn’t have touched her.”

“I could say the same to you.”

“I didn’t kidnap her.”

“No, but you tricked her.”

“Enough!” Elizabeth used her best big sister voice, which boomed across the room. “Both of you will cease this moment. We have to get to the restaurant and the boys have to get to Mr. Troxler’s house to find the deed. We don’t have time for the two of you to compare the size of your cocks.”

Both men blanched at her plain speaking. Good. She needed them to stop acting like little boys.

“Are you finished?”

They nodded, although she estimated by their dirty looks to each other, they were only done for now. Later on there would likely be fists involved.

“Then let’s get going.” She turned to find Winifred watching them from the doorway, an amused expression on her face.

“You can definitely handle men, Ellie. I’m impressed.” She smiled. “I like you more every minute I know you.”

Elizabeth smiled back at the woman she now considered a friend. “I have four brothers and one brother-in-law, not to mention nephews.”

Winifred’s brows went up. “Impressive. Sounds like a job for a strong woman like you.”

“I do my best.”

“We should go.” Vaughn took her arm with one last glare aimed at Tobias.

Winifred crossed her arms, her amusement completely gone. This was a serious situation, with potentially deadly consequences. “Good luck.”

Elizabeth had a moment of fear but she pushed it aside. She could get through this. She would get through this.

“I’ve had a carriage delivered for you to use. It’s outside.” Winifred looked at Tobias. “I assume you are capable of driving one?”

“I can drive anythin’.” Tobias tugged at the suit. “I’d rather do it in my own clothes, though.”

Vaughn led Elizabeth to the door, pointedly ignoring Tobias’s complaints. Jeb and Will stood outside the door, their faces white in the darkness of the night.

“Remember everything I told you. The safe is in the library, behind the landscape painting. There will be at least three men in the house, so be as quiet as possible. They will be armed so be prepared for that. Take only the deed and the three hundred. Nothing more. You are not thieves.” Vaughn glanced at Tobias. “If Winifred doesn’t hear from you by nine, she will send word to the restaurant.”

It was a plan, the only one they had. Getting Troxler out of the house was only one part of it. Now the boys, who apparently had a history of being light-fingered before Pops adopted them, would be the ones to break in and take back what belonged to the Gibsons. There was no legal record of the deed being sold, so Vaughn told them he was certain the deed sat in his safe.

Tonight would be hard for all of them. They all played a part and together, they could take back what was stolen and escape from Troxler before he knew what hit him.

Vaughn escorted Elizabeth up the marble steps and into Madison’s. The crème de la crème of Houston society dined there, including Sam Houston himself. The restaurant was as fancy as any in Chicago or New York. The twenty-foot coffered ceilings were sported crystal chandeliers with intricate medallions crafted by the best of the best.

At eight in the evening, the restaurant was full. The hum of conversation echoed through the building. Noises included laughter, silverware clinking, champagne corks popping and waiters hustling around. The maître d’, an officious looking man, looked them all up and down. With a sniff, he deigned to speak with them.

Vaughn was used to the treatment. He had dealt with many men like this one, had eaten in swanky restaurants as often as he ate what he could get no matter if it came from a slop bucket or a dirty pot.

“Good evening. We are dining with Boyd Troxler.” Vaughn waited while the other man took in the information.

“Of course. Mr. Troxler is already seated.” The maître d’ looked at the scowling Tobias. “Who is this person?”

“This man is my bodyguard.” Elizabeth’s tone brooked no argument. “He will accompany me.”

The maître d’ peered at her with more respect, which was ridiculous but true. Society rules dictated that if someone had a bodyguard, they must be more important than those who didn’t.

“Of course. Of course.” He seemed to have a set script he used. “Please, come this way.” He walked forward with his shoes tapping on the marble floor.

Some of the diners stopped to stare and Vaughn tightened his grip on Elizabeth’s arm. She was stunning, this mysterious woman who’d told him she wanted to marry him. He could hardly wrap his mind or heart around the idea. Vaughn could hardly admit to himself that he loved her, and she didn’t tell him she loved him. He saw something in her eyes but hearing the words would make it more real.

He couldn’t think about that now. He had to think about Boyd and keeping him fooled long enough for Jeb and Will to retrieve the deed and the cash. It was a rough scheme but they had little time to devise anything more intricate.

Boyd rose as they approached the table. He was dressed in an expensive suit, with his hair slicked back and his mustache waxed. His gaze immediately locked on Elizabeth and Vaughn told himself it didn’t matter. The woman beside him belonged to Vaughn, not the manipulative bastard ogling her. No doubt Boyd had been formulating ways to separate Vaughn and Elizabeth.

Was not going to happen. Ever.

“Vaughn, you didn’t tell me how lovely your bride is.” Boyd’s shining smile usually blinded women. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Montgomery.” He bowed over her hand, pressing his lips to her gloved skin.

“Good evening, Mr. Troxler.” Elizabeth was calm and serene, every inch the lady.

“Please, call me Boyd. I’ve known your husband since he was a boy. Think of me as your new uncle.” Again the teeth shone.

“You’ll understand if I would rather not.” Elizabeth waited while Tobias pulled out her chair and then sat as though she’d been entering expensive restaurants all her life. “I have spent my life avoiding people who would take advantage of me because of who my father is.”

Whatever Winnie had done this afternoon had allowed Elizabeth to release the poise and sophistication she kept inside. Vaughn was proud of her.

“I understand. It must have been difficult.” Boyd nodded at Vaughn. “She’s a smart one, boy.” His gaze flickered to Tobias, who stood behind Elizabeth like a snarling dog. “And this is?”

“My bodyguard. He goes where I go.” Elizabeth sipped from a glass of port already poured for her.

“If Vaughn wasn’t already married to you, I would woo you myself. I’m impressed, and I don’t mind admitting it.” Boyd must have strong facial muscles given how much he smiled.

A waiter appeared and they ordered. Conversation paused until the waiter went on his way. Then Vaughn waited while Boyd sipped at his own drink. His predatory gaze never left Elizabeth.

“How did you meet?” Boyd jumped right into where he wanted to be. Vaughn expected that.

Elizabeth slid a sidelong glance at Vaughn. “We were standing on the docks in Galveston when the wind took my hat. He rescued it and I insisted on inviting him to the house for dinner.”

“You know I didn’t realize Sylvester Ogden had a daughter.” Troxler had had time to investigate the story. Vaughn had had time to create one.

“I lived with my mother until I was eighteen in a small town. My father was busy with his business and we left him to it.” Elizabeth kept her direct gaze on Boyd. She was damn tough.

“That would explain why no one has heard of you.” Boyd finally turned to Vaughn. “And you were the lucky one who found this flower amongst the weeds of the coastline.”

Elizabeth raised one brow at his backhanded compliment. “I had been working for my father for three years. I’m an accomplished bookkeeper and I’m not, as you put it, a flower amongst the weeds.”

Boyd laughed. “Oh, I like her, boy. I truly do. She has a sharp tongue, doesn’t she?”

Vaughn forced a tight smile. “She has always been direct.”

“Unusual for a woman.” Boyd focused on the food as the waiters brought the courses out.

Discussions revolved around the weather, the state of the Republic and other inane topics. Vaughn felt as though he was sitting on a cushion of pins. As he moved, another poked him, a small wound but it stung nonetheless. He knew Boyd was waiting to catch them in a lie, to find a way to call Vaughn a liar. They played a game without speaking a word. It had always been the way between them. Nothing had changed.

“You know I’ve lived in Houston for many years in the same house. I truly love the city and all it has to offer. I’ve only been to Galveston once but I didn’t meet your father.” Boyd wiped his mouth with his napkin and set it on the table.

“That’s unfortunate. He is an incredible man.” Elizabeth had eaten very little from her plate, picking at her food as fashionable women did. She didn’t look tired but he sensed she was.

“I hear truth in your voice. I also believe you and Vaughn love each other.” Boyd signaled for the waiter to bring coffee. After the brew steamed within the delicate cup, he sat back with his fingers steepled beneath his chin. “However, I don’t believe you are here to say good-bye to me.”

Vaughn’s body tightened. “I won’t be working for you again. Ever. It is good-bye.”

Boyd smiled again. “I think you’re here for a more nefarious purpose but I cannot figure out what.”

“Nefarious? You made me who I am. If you suspect me then it’s for good reason.” Vaughn refused to allow himself to bend to Boyd’s questioning.

“It’s the woman that puzzles me.” Boyd switched his attention to Elizabeth. “She appears to be who she says she is, yet she does not exist. There is no Ellie Ogden, so the question is, who is she?”

Elizabeth sipped at her own coffee. “This is quite good.” She dabbed her own napkin at her mouth. “Your presumptions are ludicrous and insulting.”

Boyd picked up his own cup and drank. “It is good coffee. Madison’s is known for it. Would you like dessert?”

The conversation was bizarre. One moment Boyd accused them of lying, the next he spoke of dessert and coffee. The man was far more dangerous than anyone knew.

“No, thank you.” Elizabeth held Boyd’s gaze. “I do not appreciate you accusing me of lying.”

“I do not appreciate being lied to. You are not Ellie Ogden. I believe you are someone else altogether. Did I mention that I’ve lived here for some time? When someone new comes into Houston, I make it my business to know them. Six years ago, a couple by the name of Armstrong was in town investigating the disappearance of children. He was an ex-Texas Ranger and she was a force of nature.” Boyd leaned forward and bared his teeth. “What I remember about her was the color of her eyes. A beautiful blue-green that was unique, something I’d never seen before. Until tonight.”

Elizabeth didn’t bat an eyelash. “That’s a lovely story.”

Vaughn wanted to kiss her and tell her he loved her and would always love her. She was so damn smart and strong.

“You have her eyes and if I’m not mistaken, are related to her. Perhaps a younger sister.”

“Ridiculous. I have no siblings.” She turned to look at Tobias and gestured for him to bend down. A quick whisper and he left the restaurant without a word.

“What happened to your bodyguard?”

“I’ve asked him to secure our carriage. We’re leaving.” She got to her feet and Vaughn jumped to his.

Boyd sat, disrespectful and acting the bastard he was. “I don’t think you’re leaving at all.”

“You’re wrong, Troxler. Thank you for dinner.” Vaughn took Elizabeth’s arm and turned to find two enormous men armed with pistols.

“As I said, you’re not leaving.”

Nick rode into Houston on pure stubbornness alone. He had no idea how Benjy kept up but damned if the boy wasn’t right beside him. Exhaustion wrapped him in its tentacles, squeezing him until he thought he might fall off the horse.

He had no idea where to find Elizabeth but he’d made it this far. There were too many tracks in a city this big to track a single horse, but he damn well tried. They rode past busy streets filled with more people than he’d ever seen in his life. As with most of the Grahams, Nick had never been to Houston or seen a city like it.

They had no idea how to find her except to ask questions so he did. The first few people he spoke to ignored him or spat at him. It didn’t deter Nick. He kept asking until he found one woman who appeared to want to be helpful. She stayed in the shadows of a building.

“Who ya looking for?”

“A tall woman with brown hair, riding a gelding with a nick in his shoe. She’s with four men. They probably got into town day in the last two days.”

Nick had no idea who the other four were but perhaps this woman did.

“I saw five folks ride through. One of ’em was Vaughn. I didn’t notice the others but there was a woman with him, back was straight as a ruler that one.” She puffed on a cigarette.

“Who is Vaughn?” Nick’s hopes jumped but he wouldn’t allow himself to get ahead of the information.

“A handsome fella that helps girls like me now and then. He’s friends with Winnie. She’s got a boarding house over on Hutchins, just east of here.” The woman held out her hand.

Nick dug some coin from his pocket, not that there was much, and gave it to her. “Thanks for the information.”

“You want anything else? I can do lots of things.” She leaned into the light and Nick’s heart broke for the young girl who obviously sold herself to survive.

“No, my brother and I will be on our way.” He tipped his hat and kneed his horse into motion. With any luck he would find Winnie’s.

“Are we close?” Benjy looked around, his gaze wiser than it should be for a fourteen-year-old boy.

“I hope so because I’m about done up.” The notion they were close to finding Ellie energized Nick. He dug deep and pulled himself up by his bootstraps.

Within a few minutes, they turned the corner and Nick spotted a place called “Winifred’s Rooms”. It must be the place. If it wasn’t, they would find a place to sleep because they couldn’t go any farther.

He dismounted and patted Benjy’s knee. “Stay put. I’ll be right back.”

The blue door told him whoever lived there liked to throw a splash of color in their life. The front porch was well swept and the paint in excellent condition. Someone took good care of their property.

He knocked and leaned against the doorjamb to wait. The door flew open and he tumbled into the house, knocking over a very soft, very female body.

“Oomph!” Her exclamation gusted past his ear.

He scrambled to his knees as quick as he could and stared down at the blonde woman beneath him. She was beautiful. A living doll with expressive blue eyes, high cheekbones and the curviest form he’d ever had the privilege of being pressed up against. She was also furious.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” She pushed at his knees. “Get off me before I punch you in the balls.”

Nick was too surprised to do anything but get to his feet and help her up. She talked like his sisters, even cussed at him and threatened to geld him. Who the hell was this woman?

“We don’t have any vacancies.” She pushed his hands away “So be on your way.”

“Are you Winnie?” He watched as she reacted to his question.

“Who’s asking?” She picked up the lantern on the side table and held it up. When she got a good look at him, she sucked in a breath. “Holy hell.”

Nick knew he’d found the right place. “Where is my sister?”

“You can’t keep us prisoner in a restaurant, Mr. Troxler.” Elizabeth was far more nervous than she let show. The men with guns were not a surprise, but they disconcerted her. She’d had to leave her pistol at Winifred’s house. The dress she wore did not have pockets and the reticule was too small to hold the big Colt.

“No, but I can escort you out of here and bring you somewhere quiet.” Boyd smiled. “Now you can tell me what you’re really doing and why you have concocted this story.”