To Have and To Hold (31 page)

Chapter 30

Marshall didn't move—not an inch. His legs ached from holding his position, but the rustling sounds not far from where he was hiding forced him to remain alert and still. He'd selected this spot with care. From this position he could remain on the ground, completely hidden from sight, yet still see the path with clarity, a genuine advantage should he need to move quickly. On at least two separate occasions he'd heard movement. Perhaps it was a small animal, but he didn't think so, for it would have moved along by now.

Victor and Captain Holloway, using a small skiff, had departed for the mainland some time ago. If all went according to plan, they would return with help from the authorities. If not, Marshall feared what might happen.

A figure stepped from the stand of trees that arched the path—a figure wearing a skirt. He sighed, annoyed yet not surprised to see Audrey in the distance. A squirrel darted in front of her and captured her attention as he stepped from his hiding place. She wheeled around, and he rushed forward, capturing her from behind. When she let out a scream, he covered her mouth.

“It's me—Marshall! Quit screaming or you'll alert everyone on the island.”

She turned and collapsed against his chest. “Marshall! I was so frightened.”

“Good. You ought to be. I thought I told you—”

“Yes. Yes. I know what you said, but you don't understand, and you have to hear me out.” Her breathing came hard and fast as he attempted to calm her. She leaned away from his chest and looked into his eyes. “Dr. Wahler is a part of what has been happening at the construction site. He's chasing me at this very moment. That's why I screamed.” She glanced over her shoulder. “I thought he'd caught up with me.”

“I know all about Wahler. Mr. Morley learned that the doctor accepted a sum of money to help sabotage the clubhouse.” Marshall shook his head. He couldn't see all the details of her face, but he knew she was scared. “Look, I—” He stopped.

The bushes rustled, and before either of them could utter another word, Dr. Wahler appeared in front of them holding a weapon that glistened in the moonlight. He pointed the gun at Marshall's midsection. “I do believe I've had more night air than I care for. Now it's time to see that neither of you causes any further problems.”

Marshall reached around Audrey's waist and tucked her behind him. “If you're smart, Doctor, I believe you'll give up this idea. The island is swarming with local authorities and members of the militia from Biscayne. By this time, I'm sure they've already taken all of your cohorts into custody.” When the doctor didn't appear convinced, Marshall continued. “I doubt you want to make matters worse for yourself. If you don't care about yourself, think about your daughters.”

The doctor's derisive laughter echoed in the stillness. “I am protected by a friend who is powerful and far-reaching. He won't let anything happen to me. As for my daughters, you need not concern yourself. I plan to be at their side within the next hour. We'll be gone from this dreadful island by morning, and our lives will be much richer.”

“If the friend you speak of is Johnson Radliff, you should know that he is already being dealt with and can provide you with no help at all.”

Audrey nudged Marshall. “Johnson Radliff? Is he one of the Jekyl Island investors?”

“He isn't any longer.”

Audrey gasped as she tried to peek around Marshall's shoulder. “I'm confused. Have the investors in Jekyl Island been involved in this attempt to ruin the clubhouse on Bridal Veil?”

He shoved her back. “No. I understand Radliff attempted to convince them that another resort would be the downfall of their investment in Jekyl Island, but they didn't agree. In fact, they were pleased with the construction here and even encouraged the new hotel that's being constructed in Biscayne. They decided competition would be good for everyone. The Jekyl investors are not enemies of Bridal Veil Island. Mr. Radliff was acting solely on his own. His part in this was based upon an old grudge he holds against Mr. Morley, while Dr. Wahler's part was purely financial. Isn't that correct, Doctor?”

Dr. Wahler continued to point his weapon at Marshall. “If you think all this talk is going to change anything, you're sorely mistaken. You underestimate me if you think I believe your story about the authorities coming over from Biscayne. I'm intelligent enough to know that you're simply trying to save yourselves. Unfortunately for you, it won't work.”

The words had barely passed his lips when Stuart Griggs appeared behind Dr. Wahler. The doctor waved the architect forward. “I'll make it worth your while to help me. Get that piece of rope lying over there in the bushes and tie up these two.” Dr. Wahler waved the gun in Marshall's direction.

“Unfortunately for you, Dr. Wahler, I'm loyal to Victor Morley.” As the doctor started to turn, Stuart knocked the weapon from his hand. Hitting the ground with a thud, the pistol discharged. Audrey screamed as Marshall pulled her to the ground, while Mr. Griggs grabbed Dr. Wahler around the neck and secured him in a chokehold.

Suddenly the woods were alive with the sound of pounding feet and shouting men. Uniformed militia appeared, with Mr. Morley following close on their heels. In no time, they'd taken Dr. Wahler into custody.

Marshall helped Audrey to her feet and steadied her. She was trembling, and while a part of him wanted to offer comfort, another was furious that she'd once again endangered her life. Would the woman never learn? Maybe taking her to Colorado wouldn't be a wise decision. Just thinking of all the trouble she might get into gave Marshall a headache.

“This is all a mistake. I'm not the one responsible for anything that's happened on this island. Where are Baker and Uptegrove?” Dr. Wahler shouted.

An officer stood on either side of the doctor, holding his arms. “No need to worry about those two. They were both arrested at the work site, carrying cans filled with kerosene. We got there in the nick of time, or that place would have gone up in blazes.” The officer nodded toward Mr. Morley. “We found Mr. Morley's pocket watch in Uptegrove's jacket. Apparently they planned to leave it at the site so that he'd be blamed for the arson.”

Dr. Wahler's eyes shone with panic as he looked over his shoulder at Audrey. “Tell them I have small children who need my attention. I can't go to jail.” When she didn't respond, he attempted to wrest his arm from the policeman. “Tell them, Audrey!”

The doctor's voice ricocheted in the stillness, and Marshall pulled Audrey close to him. “She can't help you, Dr. Wahler. You've made your choices, and now you and your daughters will suffer the consequences.”

“But it's not fair that they must suffer.” The doctor turned his attention to Mr. Morley. “You have children; surely you'll show some compassion. Tell them this is Johnson Radliff's doing, not mine.”

Mr. Morley shook his head. “I feel great compassion for your children, but your crime can't go unpunished. You were willing to harm others without any thought for their future or their families. It will be up to a judge and jury to decide your fate. Save your arguments for them.”

The doctor settled his frantic eyes on Audrey. “Please tell Sadie to take the children back to Atlanta. Would you help her send word to their mother's cousin in Charleston? Sadie can't write and will need help with the letter.”

Audrey bobbed her head. “Yes, of course. I'll help the girls in any way that I can.”

Mr. Morley gestured to Marshall. “I'll accompany the authorities back to Biscayne and return in the morning. I trust that you'll see Audrey safely home after you stop by Dr. Wahler's to speak with Sadie.”

“You can count on it,” Marshall said.

After breakfast the following morning, Marshall entered the kitchen and drew close to Audrey. “I wonder if I could speak with you outside for a few minutes before I head off for work.” Samson curled around Marshall's legs and purred.

“Our Samson has truly proved himself to be an excellent judge of character.” She swiped her hands down the front of her apron and glanced toward the other room. “Give me a moment to tell Irene.” A few minutes later she returned from the dining room. “I promised Irene that I wouldn't be gone for long.”

“I understand. This will take only a few minutes.” He walked her to the door and held it open. “Why don't we walk down to that live oak you love so much.”

She grinned. “You want to push me on the swing?”

“That might be a possibility, but first I want to discuss your inability to follow instructions.”

Her smile faded. “What do you mean?”

He grasped her hand and guided her toward the huge tree. “We were both very tired last night, so I didn't want to bring this up. But as I recall, I distinctly told you to remain in the house and not take matters into your own hands. Isn't that correct?”

“Yes, but you didn't tell me what I should do if you weren't in your room when I needed your help. And Mr. Morley was gone, as well. What else was I to do?” She looked at him as if that resolved the entire topic.

“Well, I certainly wouldn't have advised you to go risking your life in search of me.”

She assumed a frustrated expression. “I went to Dr. Wahler, seeking help, but he tried to convince me that you and Mr. Morley were involved in a scheme to collect insurance money. That the two of you were the ones attempting to set fire to the clubhouse.”

“And what did you say to that?”

Her eyes shimmered in the morning light. “I told him I knew you were an honorable man and innocent of any wrongdoing.”

Some of his anger melted away. “I'm glad to hear you came to my defense. Perhaps I should thank you properly.” He stopped in front of the swing and drew her into his arms, enjoying the warmth of her body next to his. Lowering his head, he slowly captured her lips in a sweet, prolonged kiss.

“I believe that's the very best thank-you gift I've ever received.” A smile lingered on her lips.

“I'm glad you enjoyed it, but there's one more thing we need to resolve.” He grasped her shoulders and looked deep into her eyes. “I promised your father that I would take care of you, and I intend to keep my word. But, if you ever pull something like this again, I'm going to turn you over my knee and give you the paddling of your life. And that's a promise!”

Her mouth formed the shape of an O as she stared back at him in surprise. Marshall would have laughed had the moment not been so serious. He reached up and smoothed back her errant curls.

“I can't lose you, Audrey. You've come to mean entirely too much to me. If you won't heed reason and follow instruction from those who know more than you, how can I take you to Colorado?”

She assumed a very proper stance and nodded. “I can be most obedient.”

Marshall laughed. “I have yet to see that, but I suppose you can endeavor to prove it to me.”

To his surprise, she moved in to stand very close. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she pulled his head closer. “I promise you I'll be a most obedient wife. I'll even seal it with a kiss.” She rose up on tiptoes, and Marshall touched his lips to hers. She kissed him most ardently and then pulled back with a grin.

“You learn quite quickly,” he said, feeling rather breathless from her touch.

She threw him a sly grin and started back toward the house. “I've always been a fast learner. I just hope you can keep up.”