When Love Calls (25 page)

 28 

Covering Hannah’s hand, Lincoln squeezed gently as they approached the library. It covered the entire second and third floors of the west wing, and even though he’d been there dozens of times, the library never failed to rob him of his breath.

She touched her lips with her hand, and tears filled her eyes. “I feel like I’ve stepped into a fairy tale.”

“That makes me the handsome prince, right?”

Still under the library’s spell, she didn’t answer.

Lincoln tried to imagine what she was thinking. While most libraries were dark, enclosed places, the Iowa law library was bright and open. From its tiled floor to its skylight, everything about the area begged a visitor to step inside. Five levels of books, guarded by white filigree iron railings, rose to the height of the hall, and the same type of scagliola columns gracing the senate stood sentry here too.

“Look at the stairs!” Hannah pulled him toward the nearest of two matching spiral staircases. She leaned close to him and whispered, “Do you think anyone’s ever tried riding down the banister?”

“Leave it to you to think of something dangerous in the library.” He chuckled. “You go ahead and look around while I get started.”

“No, I want to help. Show me what to do.”

As they gathered the law books he wanted to examine, he
explained the case. “The prosecution must prove three things. First, they have to prove the fire was not an accident of any kind. Second, they must prove Walt was the man responsible for the fire. And third, they must prove it was a willful act. So far, every case I’ve found that ended with a conviction was based on circumstantial evidence—like they have on Walt.”

“But they can’t prove it’s him.”

“That’s their greatest weakness so far, but we need a previous case on which to build our defense.” He handed her a large volume. “And we’re going to find it.”

A short time later, Lincoln sat beside her at one of the library tables with tomes piled high before them. Given her law school experience, he hadn’t been surprised she took to the research so easily, but he had been amazed at how absorbed she’d become in the cases she studied.

“There are a lot of arson cases.” He sighed. “So we need to focus on cases where the circumstantial evidence was ruled inadmissible or insufficient to use in building our defense.”

“Lincoln, do you think I should come forward?”

“It wouldn’t be enough to clear him. He might have been at your house the afternoon of that second fire, but there still would have been time to set it.” He squeezed her hand. “We’ll find something. Trust me.”

As they worked side by side, an odd sense of satisfaction washed over him. Would a life with Hannah include days like this—both focused on a case but in tune with each other?

For over an hour he heard only the occasional whispered voices of other patrons and the gentle swish of turning pages. Then Hannah placed her hand on his arm. “Lincoln, I think I found something.”

Lincoln read the area Hannah’s slender finger indicated. In the arson case of
Decatur v. Long
, the court stated that facts, rather than suspicions or speculations, must be substantial enough to support a verdict.

“This is perfect!” He kissed her cheek. “We’re going to do this, Hannah. Together.”

Hannah jotted the reference down on the tablet Lincoln had brought. “How many more do we need?”

“As many as we can get. It will all help when I prepare the brief.”

An hour later, he reached for the cover of Hannah’s book and closed it. “Let’s call it quits for the day.”

She frowned. “But it’s not even lunchtime.”

“I know, but there’s something I want to show you.” He stood and pulled out her chair. “Trust me. I think you’ll like it.”

“But—”

“The books will be here tomorrow too.” He pressed his hand to the small of her back and urged her toward the rotunda.

“Can I come back without you, or is this only open to attorneys?”

He grabbed his heart, feigning a fatal wound. “Without me? I thought we were partners.”

“Partners.” Her warm hazel eyes lit with teasing. “Not Siamese twins.”

He chuckled. “To answer your question, yes, you can come without me. This is a public library. It’s open to all.”

“Then I shall arrive early and not stop until I have to go to work.”

“Don’t forget you need to eat.” They weaved through the hallways, and he stopped in front of a door. “Or maybe I will have to come whisk you away for lunch.”

She tipped her face up toward his. “And if you’re lucky, I might even let you.”

When Lincoln opened the door in the third-story hall, Hannah expected to find an office or another room. Instead, he pointed to a steep, spiral staircase.

“Where are we going?” she asked.

“Up.”

Curiosity pulled her forward. She grasped the wooden banister and began her ascent. Lincoln followed behind. Her breathing became heavier the higher they climbed.

“We’re almost to the first stop. We can take a breather there.” Lincoln sounded a bit winded as well.

They stepped onto a brightly tiled floor, and Hannah scanned the area. When she looked up, she could again see the gilded woodwork, small windows, and painted clouds, but they were much clearer than before. “We’re just below the dome.” She leaned over the railing and saw the circular railings marking the rotunda of each floor all the way down to the first floor below. “And we’re up very high.”

“We’re below the interior dome, and we’re about a third of the way to the top.”

Excitement bubbled inside her. “Are we going all the way up?”

“Thought you’d like that.” He flashed her a roguish grin. “Stay here.”

Lincoln rounded the circle and stood opposite her, over sixty feet away on the other side of the dome. “Can you hear me?” he asked in a whisper.

She blinked. Why did it sound like he was next to her?

“Yes, I can hear you.”

“I have something important to tell you.” He leaned against a rose-colored scagliola column. “Hannah Gregory, I think I’m falling in love with you.”

Her heart drummed against her chest as his words took seed. Vulnerability, fresh and raw, fought with delight for control of her heart. This man—this wonderful man—loved her, but could she let go and love him in return?

The truth hit her hard. She already did.

Taking a deep breath, she whispered, “I think I’m falling in love with you too.”

Had Lincoln truly heard Hannah, or had he just imagined she’d responded to his words?

Warmth spread through him. He’d not planned on falling for someone like Hannah—vivacious, honest, devoted, and stubborn—but he certainly had. Did she have any idea what she’d done to him?

Because of the sound tricks played by the dome, it seemed as if she’d whispered the words into his ear. Maybe he’d simply wanted to hear them.

He looked across the expanse separating them. She smiled and dropped her gaze. His Hannah—shy? If only he could capture the demure expression on her face and save it for a time when she was riding down banisters or walking home in the dark.

Wasting no time, he hurried to reconnect with her. He extended his hand and waited until she clasped it before leading her to the next set of stairs.

“Careful.” He watched her climb, enjoying his view from behind more than he ought.

“Lincoln, this spiral staircase is so tight, I feel like I’m inside a conch shell. How many more steps are there?”

He chuckled. “About two hundred.”

“Honestly?” She stared at him. “For once I’m glad I’ll be sitting at a switchboard all evening.”

“That’s the spirit.”

They didn’t rest until they had climbed into the windowed cupola. He entered first and offered her his hand. It was a long way down if one of them slipped.

Hannah sucked in a breath of the stale, dusty air. “We’re above the gold dome!”

He chuckled. When he was about twelve, one of the groundskeepers had shown him the staircases that led up here. He still recalled the first time he’d stepped into the cupola and looked out over the city. He’d been gobsmacked.

She pressed her hands to the glass windows. “We’re on top of the world.”

“Well, at least Iowa.”

“You can see for miles.” She moved around the circular area. “There’s downtown, and I think that’s the state fairgrounds. How high are we?”

“One of the groundskeepers once told me this is about 260 feet up.”

“Lincoln, look! There’s a door so you can go outside. Can we go?”

“I don’t know about that, Hannah.”

“Why not? There’s a railing out there to keep us from falling.” She tried the door and it opened. “See? It’s not locked.”

“But Hannah, we don’t know if the railing is secure.”

Before he could stop her, she stepped onto the ledge.

 29 

Having no choice, Lincoln followed Hannah outside the cupola. The wind immediately whipped at his face. He barely caught his hat before it went swooping down to the ground like a plummeting kite. He tossed the hat inside the cupola and noticed Hannah, too, had her hat in hand. He took it from her and set it inside with his own.

When he turned back, his stomach somersaulted. Heights had never bothered him before, but then again, he’d never been outside the protection of the cupola. As many times as he’d snuck up here over the years, he’d never considered venturing beyond the protective windows. Of course, it had taken Hannah less than five minutes to breach that barrier.

“There’s your Reo. Look how small it is!” Hannah leaned over the railing and pointed.

“Whoa!” His chest squeezed at the sight of her so close to the edge. Placing his hands on her waist, he pulled her back. “Let’s not give me heart failure.”

She leaned against his chest. “I’m sorry. I’m simply overwhelmed. I’ve never seen anything like this.”

Her hair broke loose from its pins and flew about her head. He smoothed it down and sighed. It was even silkier than he’d imagined.

“Oh, Lincoln.” She pulled away and spun to face him, arms outstretched. “From up here, I can almost imagine what it’s like to fly.”

“Well, I hope the birds are warmer than we are.”

She folded her arms across her chest and rubbed them. “It is a bit chilly.”

When he suggested they go in, she pleaded for a few more minutes. She tipped her face to the sky, and the sun seemed to kiss her cheeks.

Lincoln rubbed her arms. Could anyone look more beautiful?

The clock on “Old Fed,” the Federal Courthouse, chimed one o’clock faintly, and she turned to him. “I guess you need to be getting back to the office.”

He took her hand. “After I take you to lunch.”

They slipped back inside, and she started to rearrange her hair. He stilled her hands. “Not yet. Please.”

She looked up at him. “Thank you for today. I feel like I’m on top of the world, or maybe I should say on top of
your
world.”

He curled a strand of her hair around his finger. “What do you mean by that?”

“This whole capitol is like a second home to you. You belong here.”

“And you don’t?” He laughed. “Iowa’s capitol belongs to all of her citizens, and now you’ve certainly claimed this little spot.”

She looked down, her lashes resting against her creamy cheeks. “Lincoln, I’m scared.”

He took hold of her hand and pressed a kiss to her fingers. “Of what?”

“You. Your world.” Lifting her gaze to his, she sucked in a breath. “How I feel about all this.”

“There’s nothing to be afraid of.”

“Isn’t there? It may not be tomorrow or even next week, but at some point you’re going to take me to some suave function, and I’ll commit a grave social error. I’ll speak what I’m thinking or I’ll do something no lady would, and you’ll see I’m right. That’s what I do. I can’t follow conventions. If there’s a rule, it’s like I have to break it.”

“And I love that about you.” He chuckled. “Listen, society needs
more young ladies who will say what they’re thinking. God gave you a mind, and you have every right to use it.”

She started to protest, and he placed his finger against her lips. “And I think you’ll do much better at suave social functions than you think. In fact, you’re going to get a chance to prove it on Friday if you say yes.”

Her lips turned downward. “Yes to what?”

“Pete’s wife is hosting a dinner party for the members of the firm, and they expressly requested you attend.”

“Me?”

He nodded. “And if you won’t do it for me, do it for Walt.”

“What could he possibly have to do with Mrs. Williams’s dinner party?”

Lincoln tried to keep his voice casual, but a nervous edge crept in. “Do you remember Cedric Knox? He’s stirred up some problems with Charles, the other senior partner. Pete seems to think once Charles meets you, he’ll realize why it’s so important to continue with Walt’s case.”

Her face paled. “He’s going to make you give up Walt’s case?”

“Charles might encourage me to, but I’d refuse.”

“Then what would happen?”

Lincoln shrugged. “It won’t come that far. Once Charles meets you, he’ll be as taken with you as I am.”

“I highly doubt that.” She rolled her eyes. “Remember, I reserve the right to say ‘I told you so’ after this dinner.”

“You’ll be stellar. Besides, have you forgotten what I told you in the dome?”

A blush crept into her cheeks, followed by a smile that brought out the caramel color in her hazel eyes.

“I meant every word.” He cupped her cheek. “You know what? I’ve never kissed anyone on top of the world.”

“I’m sure there are rules against that kind of thing up here.”

“You’re going to start following the rules now?”

“I’m trying to be a proper lady.” She licked her lips. “But alas, I fear I’m hopeless.”

Needing no further invitation, he dipped his head and kissed her thoroughly. Every sense came alive, and he pulled her closer, tangling his hand in her silky tresses.

If anyone was hopeless, it was him. Hopelessly in love with Hannah Gregory and on top of the world.

The letter Charlotte held would decide her future. If Fannie Farmer’s School of Cookery accepted her, her dreams would come true. If they didn’t, she’d have to reapply later or to a different school. But this was the one she most wanted to attend. If only Hannah were here to share the news.

“If you don’t open that thing, I’m going to rip it out of your hands and do it myself.” Tessa lunged for the envelope.

Charlotte yanked it out of her reach. “I’ll open it when I’m good and ready.”

“Are you ready now?”

“No, I’m not.” She held the letter to her chest.

“Now?”

“Not quite.”

Tessa tapped her foot against the hardwood floor. “How about now?”

Charlotte giggled. “Yes!” She ripped the seal and withdrew the letter inside.

“What does it say?”

“‘Dear Miss Gregory, we are pleased to accept you—’”

Tessa threw her arms around Charlotte’s neck and let out a whoop. “You did it! You got in! You’re going to own your own restaurant.”

“I’m a long way from that.” Charlotte grinned so wide it felt as if her face might split. “I can’t believe it.”

“Go on. Read the rest.”

“‘We are pleased to accept you into the spring class of 1909.’” Charlotte stopped. That was a year from now. What would she do for a year?

Tessa frowned. “Not this summer?”

Charlotte swallowed and continued, “‘As you know, we have many applicants and select only the best and brightest to participate in our school. We look forward to your attendance next spring.’”

“Oh well.” Tessa flopped down on one of the chairs in the parlor. “I guess I can put up with you for a little while longer.”

“At least George will be happy.” She folded the letter and placed it back in the envelope. “He didn’t want me to leave this summer.”

“Who cares what he thinks?”

Charlotte slipped the letter in her apron pocket. “I do, Tessa, but you’re too young to understand.”

“Really?” Tessa picked up a newspaper off the end table. “I think if a fellow really cares about you, he’ll want you to be happy doing what God made you to do.”

“It’s not that simple, Tessa.”

“It’s not that hard, either.”

What did Tessa know? She’d not looked into George’s green eyes when he said how much he liked being with her. She’d not held his hand on the way home, and she’d not lain awake at night dreaming about a future with a little house and a baby to hold.

No, Tessa was far too young to understand anything.

A glance toward the clock tower on top of the Polk County Courthouse told Lincoln he’d arrived early enough to check out his idea. His meeting with an opposing attorney wasn’t scheduled for forty-five minutes.

Lincoln approached the switchboard area. It had a Dutch door, so the top half of the door was open, but the bottom half barred entrance. He knocked on the doorjamb. Mrs. Beecher, a matronly woman with kind blue eyes the color of forget-me-nots, looked up at him. “Mr. Cole, what a pleasant surprise. What can I do for you?”

“Ma’am.” He placed his hands on the bottom half of the door. “I was wondering if you happen to need another switchboard operator around here.”

She quirked an eyebrow at him. “Are you applying?”

“No, ma’am.” He chuckled. “But I know of a young woman who I believe would be a good fit if you’re in need of another operator.”

“Funny you should ask.” She adjusted her headset. “My fellow operator quit three days ago, but the telephone company has yet to fill her vacancy. I fear they’re not in any hurry. They simply don’t understand I can’t manage this exchange by myself. When am I supposed to have a break or eat my lunch?”

His hopes nose-dived. “The telephone company chooses who works here?”

“Of course. It’s their exchange.” She glanced at the board and saw a light lit. “If you’ll excuse me for a minute.” After she connected the call, she faced him again. “It’s a handful to work alone. I do hope they’ll select a new girl soon, but it’s hard to find the right girl. She must be a quick study and able to work with judges, attorneys, and clerks, as well as the public. You professional men unnerve some of the timid girls, and sometimes the men can be quite demanding.”

“I apologize on behalf of my part of the populace.” He flashed the woman a genuine smile, then waited while she connected another call. Maybe, if he spoke to the telephone company, he could point them toward the value of placing Hannah in this position. But he’d need a valid reason to suggest her.

Mrs. Beecher glanced at him. “Is there anything else I can do for you?”

“One more thing. Would it help if the young lady had knowledge of the law?”

“Oh yes. Very much so.”

“Thank you for the information.” He touched the brim of his hat. “I hope they find you additional help soon.”

If he had his way, “soon” would be today. But how would Hannah feel if he interfered with her job?