To Have and To Hold (29 page)

“Thanks for the advice. I plan to do exactly that.” Marshall waited until all the men were seated. “Let's pray.” He bowed his head and offered a prayer of thanks for their breakfast. The custom of praying before meals had passed to him upon Boyd's death. None of the others had shown interest in assuming a leadership role when it came to prayer.

Audrey lifted the platter of eggs from the sideboard and handed it to Marshall. The fact that she hadn't seen him holding his side or taking extra care as he sat down gave her hope. She wanted to ask if he'd slept well, but such questioning would surely embarrass him—and her, if the men noted her display of concern and teased him.

Once the other men had filtered from the room and headed toward the front door, Audrey motioned Marshall into the kitchen. “How are you feeling this morning? I hope you slept well.”

He stepped to one side, permitting Irene a clear path from the dining room to the sink. “My side is still a little sore, but nothing I can't manage. And my head didn't give me any problem unless I rolled onto my back.”

“I better check the bandage to be certain it doesn't need to be changed. I don't want Dr. Wahler thinking I've been negligent in my duties. I don't want him to replace me with Irene or Aunt Thora.” Audrey pulled a tall stool to the window, where she'd have better light.

“No need to worry. I won't let that happen.” He settled on the stool.

Her stomach flipped when he looked up and gave her a wink. “It might be best if you remained at the house today and gave yourself additional time to heal.”

“Why?” He reached for the bandage, and she pushed his hand away. “Have the stitches come out?”

“No. It looks fine, but it might be best if you didn't rush back to work right away.”

He chuckled. “I promise I'll be careful, if that will make you feel better.” After a quick glance, he leaned forward and stole a kiss.

Heat rushed to her cheeks like a fire raging through underbrush. She tapped his chest with her finger. “That isn't acceptable behavior.”

“No? Then I'd better see that I perform in a more acceptable manner.”

In one easy movement, he swept her into his arms and covered her lips with a tender kiss that deepened with warmth and intensity until her knees began to buckle. Had he not held her tight against his chest, she would have dropped to the floor.

“Marshall.” His name escaped her lips in low murmur.

“Audrey! Marshall!” Irene stood in the doorway, mouth agape. “You better not let Aunt Thora see you.” Irene jutted her chin toward the bedroom door, and the two of them jumped apart as if Aunt Thora's shotgun had blasted through the room.

Weeks ago, they had moved Thora's bed near the windows to permit a view of the outdoors. From her new vantage point in the bedroom, she could also see a portion of the kitchen. Audrey and Marshall stood directly in her line of view.

Marshall grinned. “She must be asleep.”

“I'm not asleep, and if I didn't approve, you'd already have a round of buckshot warmin' your backside, Marshall Graham.”

“Aunt Thora! That's not very nice.” Audrey covered her mouth to contain a squelch of laughter.

“Nobody ever accused me of being nice, but I am truthful.”

Marshall peeked around the doorjamb. “Sounds like you're feeling better today, Miss Thora.”

“Good enough to see you're stealing Audrey's heart. You best be careful with it or you'll rue the day you ever set foot on Georgia soil.” She gave him a wink, but her voice lost some of its strength. “These girls have chores, and you're holdin' up their progress.”

“I'm leaving. You have my word.” Marshall motioned to Audrey to follow him. “She seems to be getting better, don't you think?” he asked as they stood by the front door.

“Some days are better than others, but Dr. Wahler doesn't hold out much hope for a recovery.” She grasped Marshall's hand. “Please promise that if you begin to feel weak or have any other problems you'll come back to the house and rest.”

He nodded his agreement and then left for the work site. Audrey gathered her cleaning supplies from the storage closet beneath the steps and hurried upstairs. She needed to pick up the soiled bedding and get it to Irene so she could begin the wash. Then she'd return to dust and sweep the rooms. They cleaned the rooms once a week. If the men wanted their rooms cleaned more often, they knew where to locate the supplies. So far, none of them had shown any interest in additional cleaning.

After Irene headed off to the washhouse, Audrey peeked in on Thora and was pleased to discover the old woman napping. Had she been awake, there would have been questions to answer, and she wanted to finish cleaning the rooms before undergoing Aunt Thora's quiz about her recent acceptance of Marshall's marriage proposal.

She completed the first two rooms before moving on to the third, all the while pondering last night's conversations and what had happened to Marshall. She shivered as she recalled Marshall staggering into the house. Why would anyone do such a thing to him? Even Mr. Morley couldn't discern a clear motive for what had happened.

Broom in hand, she stepped into Ted Uptegrove's room and set to work. Each time she cleaned the rooms, Audrey was thankful they'd removed her grandmother's velvety Wilton carpets. The dirt and grime of the construction workers would have ruined the beautiful carpets in short order. Now, with only a small braided rug beside each bed, sweeping the wooden floors didn't take long. Bending sideways, she shoved the broom beneath the bed.

When the bristles hit against something hard, she tried again. Annoyed that Mr. Uptegrove had broken rule number twelve and stored some of his belongings under his bed, she dropped to her knees to investigate. With her head resting on the floor, she could see an object pushed against the baseboard near the center of the bed. It would be difficult to reach, but she flattened onto her stomach and stretched out until she could wrap two fingers around the object and pull it closer.

Drawing the object from beneath the bed, she gasped. A hammer—with a broken handle. She pressed her lips together and examined suspicious markings that dotted the head of the hammer. Markings that appeared to be flecks of blood.

Chapter 27

Throughout the night and next morning, Audrey gave much thought to the hammer that she'd tucked beneath a stack of blankets stored in an oversized trunk at the foot of her bed. She'd planned to speak with Mr. Morley, but it seemed there was never a good opportunity. He was either gone from the house or in the company of other boarders. And telling Marshall wasn't an option. Mr. Morley had given strict orders that Marshall remove himself from the investigation. She didn't want to do anything that would cause Marshall to go against his superior. In truth, Mr. Morley had been adamant that she distance herself from the investigation, as well. But given the circumstances, she thought he would be thankful for her help. And Marshall would, too—if everything turned out well.

When Dr. Wahler had arrived to examine Marshall's head early that morning, she'd inquired about the twins. “They're hoping you'll have time for a visit today.”

Her mind raced with ideas. “Why don't I come by and get them after lunch? It's a beautiful day, and we can go for a walk.”

“I'm sure they would enjoy some time in the fresh air. I'll tell Sadie to expect you.”

Marshall had already told her to stay away from the beach, but she might be forced to disobey him this one time. And if the twins didn't tell, he'd never know.

Throughout the morning she'd formulated a plan. When they'd finished the lunch dishes, she peeked in on Aunt Thora and then returned to the kitchen. “Aunt Thora is sleeping. Would you like to come along with me and take the twins for a walk?”

Irene's brow puckered. “Do you think we should leave Thora alone?”

“She's been feeling some better these last few days, and she's sleeping now. I told her earlier that we might take the girls for a walk, and she said for us to go ahead. Besides, we won't be gone long. We'll go for a short stroll and then come back here, where they can play in the yard.”

“Or the henhouse,” Irene said with a grin. “Let me get my shawl and bonnet.”

The twins were waiting on the front step of their cabin and Sadie was sitting on the narrow porch with her mending basket. “We thought you were never going to come and get us,” Josie said as she jumped from the step. Brown curls bobbing, Julie followed and grabbed Audrey's hand, while Josie drew near to Irene.

Audrey greeted Sadie, and though she'd planned to visit with the woman for a few minutes, the girls were eager to depart. Sadie waved them on. “We can talk when you bring them home.” She pointed her darning needle in the girls' direction. “You two mind your manners and do what Miss Audrey and Miss Irene say.”

The twosome danced from foot to foot as they promised to behave. With Audrey and Julie in the lead, they took to the path. Audrey had been contemplating the route she wanted to take and knew where Marshall had been hiding when he'd been struck from behind. After finding the broken hammer, she wanted to investigate a bit further. Perhaps she'd see footprints or locate something else that would give her a little more evidence. She couldn't be positive that hammer had anything to do with the attack on Marshall, but it certainly was suspicious that Mr. Uptegrove had a broken hammer under his bed—and that it appeared to be spattered with blood.

“Let's turn down this way,” she said, taking the path that would lead to the beach. Marshall had told her to stay away from the beach, but with Irene and both of the girls along, nothing would happen to them. After all, who would assault two adult women and two little girls who could shriek loud enough to pierce an eardrum?

“We going to the beach and find shells, Miss Audrey?” Julie's eyes twinkled with excitement.

“Just for a little while. We can't leave Aunt Thora alone for too long.”

Josie hop-skipped to Audrey's other side. “But Marshall said we weren't s'pose to come to the beach anymore. Not unless he was with us.”

“I don't think he'll mind, since Irene is with us, too.” Audrey patted the girl's hair.

“Ohh.” When Josie skipped back to grab Irene's hand, Audrey sighed with relief, thankful the child hadn't pursued the matter.

“Is that what Marshall said?” Irene called.

“It's fine, Irene. There are two of us plus the girls. There won't be any problem.” She looked at Irene and was met by an icy stare. Irene wasn't going to prove as adventurous as Audrey had hoped. Well, that was fine. She'd place her in charge of the children while she scoured the area.

When they neared the beach a short time later, Irene took the girls to look for shells while Audrey walked toward an area a short distance away that would have offered Marshall perfect protection. After pushing aside the low-lying branches, she was certain she'd located the exact spot. She stooped down near a thick limb. Leaves and debris were strewn and scattered, a sign that someone had been in the area not long ago. “I'm sure this must be where he fell,” she murmured.

Training her eyes on the beach, she realized this would have been the ideal location for Marshall to watch whatever had transpired. It wasn't far and provided a good view. She could see every move Irene and the girls made as they walked on the beach, picking up shells and other treasures washed ashore by the tide. Turning away, she noted several broken branches behind Marshall's hiding place. Audrey crouched low, but as she attempted to move her foot and step into the area, she tripped on a hard object protruding from the underbrush. Her ankle twisted and she groaned.

Reaching down, she massaged the upper portion of the leather boot that covered her ankle. “I need to watch where I'm going,” she muttered. She lifted her foot to see what had caused her to slip. At first glance, it appeared to be nothing more than a piece of tree branch, but upon closer examination, she realized exactly what she'd found. Her heart pounded with such fierceness she thought her chest would explode. She turned the piece of wood in her clammy palm. This was the rest of the handle, the other part of the hammer she'd found under Ted Uptegrove's bed. Her mouth was as dry as cotton when she stood and shoved the piece of wood into her pocket.

She took care as she placed weight on her foot. If she hobbled to the beach, there would be too many questions to answer. After several steps, she swiped the leaves and rubble from her skirt. Careful to avoid limping, she straightened her shawl, waving to the girls as she approached.

“I hope you've found some wonderful treasures to take home. We can walk a little farther down the beach, but then we'd best go back to Bridal Fair.” When the girls objected, Audrey shook her head. “We can't leave Aunt Thora alone for any longer. We'll come back another day.” Either her offer to return at some future date or the remembrance of Sadie's admonition curtailed any further argument from the girls. While the girls chattered about their shells, Audrey drew near to Irene. “I need you to take the girls back to the house while I stop at the construction site. There's something I need to discuss with Mr. Morley. It shouldn't take long.”

“So you want me to take care of Thora's needs, mind the two girls, and cook the evening meal? Anything else I should do while you're off visiting with Mr. Morley?” Irene cocked her head at a defiant angle. Irene was usually a sweet girl, but there were times when her sweetness turned sour.

“I said I won't be long, and the most Aunt Thora will likely need is a drink of water. The girls can play in the yard. Tell them to stay in sight of the kitchen windows. They'll do as they're told. You can go into Biscayne next week and enjoy some time away from the island if you'd like.”

Irene's features softened. “In that case, I suppose I can handle everything for a while, but you'd best be back before time to serve supper. Otherwise, you'll hear complaints from the men, as well as from me.”

After kissing each of the girls on the cheek and promising to return home shortly, Audrey hurried toward the work area. Circling to the far side, she approached the cabin the men used as an office and tapped on the door. When there was no answer, she pushed open the door and stepped inside. A shaft of light reflected through a small window and slanted across the paper-strewn desk, but there was no sign of anyone. She retreated from the office and scanned the area for any sign of Mr. Morley or Marshall. Her presence here would be questioned, so she had hoped to avoid being seen, but Harry Fenton waved in her direction.

There was no reason to hide any longer. She waved in return and waited until he drew near. “Have you seen Mr. Morley or Marshall?”

“Nope. Not sure where they are.”

Another worker standing nearby hitched a thumb over his shoulder. “Mr. Morley was over talking to Mr. Baker about an hour ago, but I don't know where they went. Never did see Marshall since we left the breakfast table.”

After one final look, she thanked the men and headed toward Bridal Fair. Irene wouldn't be quick to forgive if Audrey didn't arrive back home as promised. Taking long strides, she entered a path on the far side of the construction area. Mossy veils hanging from the live oaks swayed in a gentle breeze as she wrapped her fingers around the hammer handle and withdrew it from her pocket. She clutched it tight in her hand. If only Mr. Morley had been at the work site. Lowering her head against the mounting breeze, she fixed her gaze on the dirt path.

Moments later, with a thump that took her breath away and sent the hammer handle flying, she came to an abrupt halt. Her breath caught as she looked into the face of Ted Uptegrove. “W-w-what are you doing here?” She hadn't seen him step into her path.

His eyes darted to the wooden handle on the ground and then back at her. A flash of recognition shone in his eyes before he rushed to grab the incriminating piece of evidence. He knew she'd discovered the rest of the hammer in his room. Fear pounded in her ears like a beating drum and set off an inner alarm. In spite of her aching ankle, fright sent her racing toward home. Leaves and twigs crunched beneath her feet as they pounded the dry earth. She had to get home before he caught her. Her chest heaved, and her lungs contracted as they cried out for air. She opened her mouth and gasped, afraid to look over her shoulder, afraid to listen for his footsteps, afraid to slow down.

When she neared the back door of Bridal Fair, she slowed her pace and peeked behind her. There was no sign of Ted Uptegrove, but that didn't mean he wasn't nearby. She swallowed several gulps of air before attempting to slow her breathing.

“Audrey! What's wrong? Has something happened?” Dr. Wahler's brow puckered as he came down the steps.

“I was just hurrying home to check on Aunt Thora,” she said. Right now she didn't want to talk to anybody except Marshall or Mr. Morley. Trying to explain to Dr. Wahler would be impossible.

“I just stopped by to check on Thora myself. Sadie said I should take the girls home with me so you wouldn't have to fuss with them any longer. Irene is giving them a cookie to sustain them on their way.” He glanced back toward the kitchen. “Thora seems to be doing a little better. She's resting easy, but as I said, don't get your hopes up. I've seen lots of patients rally for a brief time.”

“I understand. I do thank you for being so attentive to her. It means a great deal to me.”

She longed to go inside, but the doctor continued to chat until the girls scurried outdoors, holding a cookie in each hand.

“Only one before supper,” he said to them. “Thank you again for your help with the girls, Audrey, and don't hesitate to send for me if Thora takes a turn for the worse.”

She stood at the steps as the doctor and his daughters waved their good-byes, then turned toward the porch. At the sound of men's voices, she swiveled around, her heart racing. Clutching the porch rail, she prepared to run inside. If necessary, she'd locate Aunt Thora's shotgun, but moments later, she sighed with relief when she caught sight of Marshall and Mr. Morley.

Clasping a hand to her bodice, she stepped forward to meet Marshall. “I'm so glad to see the two of you. Come inside. You're not going to believe what I have to tell you.”

With their coffee cups in hand, the men sat at the table and listened as she told of her encounter with Ted Uptegrove. It wasn't until she'd completed the tale that she noticed the twitch in Marshall's jaw.

“Why didn't you wait until one of us came home? Why did you have to take matters into your own hands once again? I asked you not to go to the beach, yet you ignored me. And you took the twins and Irene along.” Marshall's nostrils flared as he pressed his lips together in a hard line.

“I did make an attempt to speak with Mr. Morley, but he was never alone. I was worried about your injury and didn't want you to become upset. I took the girls along because I didn't think anyone would be foolish enough to bother two women with children.”

When Marshall opened his mouth, Mr. Morley waved him to silence. “You can't be certain what these men would do if they feared being recognized, Audrey. And you and Irene would be no match for them. And those little girls . . .” His eyes glistened and he shook his head. “As a father, I can only imagine the pain it would cause Dr. Wahler if something should happen to them.”