by Bobbi Smith
Lucky stared at Michael as he backed from the room and slammed the door. The sound of the key in the lock had a finality to it, but Lucky charged to his feet anyway. He tried the door—which was securely locked from the other side.
Lucky began to search the room for something he could use to pick the lock. If Marsden thought he could lock him in here and forget about him, he was mistaken. The lock hadn’t been invented that could keep him out or, as the case may be, in.
It was late that same afternoon when the hired carriage stopped before the Marsden house. Inside, Sarah sat beside Christopher in silence. They were both tense, and she held his hand tightly in hers. When he glanced up at her nervously, she gave him a reassuring smile.
“We’re going to be fine.”
Christopher did not reply but turned his gaze on the house that loomed ahead. The memory of his mother’s death assailed him, and he trembled as he prepared himself to face his father again.
“Of course you’re going to be all right,” Matthew Harper cut in uninvited. “Your father misses you. Why else would he have gone to all this trouble to get you back? You should have never run off, you know.”
Sarah didn’t bother to respond to the heavy-set, balding man with obsidian eyes. She’d made it a point to ignore him since he’d appeared on the scene in St. Louis and made it known that he was James’ and Slidell’s boss. He’d taken charge of the rest of their trip home.
Home. Bitterness welled up within Sarah at the thought of it. Philadelphia was no longer their home. Only heartaches and sorrow existed here. The only home they had now was with Steve.
The driver came around and opened the carriage door.
“Looks like we’re here,” Harper announced with open pleasure, glad that the chase was at an end. He was going to be rich. He climbed out first, then reached in to help her.
“I can get down myself, thank you.” Sarah rebuffed his offer of help and climbed out on her own. Harper rankled at her superior attitude, but let it pass. He’d have his money soon and would never have to see the pair again. Christopher reluctantly hopped down and quickly grabbed Sarah’s hand. She could feel the tension in his grip and knew he was frightened.
“Aunt Sarah, will you promise me something?”
“Anything,” she answered firmly.
“Don’t leave me here.”
“I’ll do everything I can to stay with you.”
Christopher nodded and gave her a small smile, but the look in his brown eyes was troubled. Any good memories he’d ever had of the place were gone now, replaced by haunting visions of his mother lying dead at the foot of the staircase. He did not want to go back inside. He did not want to see his father again. He wished Steve were there with them. Angel, too.
“Let’s go,” Harper ordered, taking her by the arm as they started up the walk.
Sarah would have jerked free, but there was nothing to be gained in making a scene. They had been caught and returned. Her worst nightmare had come to pass. All that was left to do was to deal with Michael as best she could.
Sarah lifted her head in proud dignity as they mounted the steps. She would not let Michael know she was afraid. She would face him as boldly as Angel would—unflinching.
They were admitted to the house and directed to Michael’s study. The door was closed, but Harper opened it with familiarity and strode in, bringing them along with him.
“I told you I’d find them,” Harper announced with pride as he presented himself to Michael, one hand still firmly holding Sarah’s arm. He wasn’t about to let her go until he had his money in hand.
Sarah stared at Michael as he sat behind his desk. He appeared the cultured gentleman, and no one would have ever guessed that he was a murderer. The thought chilled her, but gave her nerve.
“So you did.” The surprise that had shown first in his handsome features changed, and his gaze hardened as he glanced at Sarah and the boy. He unlocked his desk drawer and took out a thick envelope. Getting slowly to his feet in a predatory move, he said, “And I told you I would pay you well if you did.” Michael moved around the desk and handed the cash-stuffed envelope to Harper. “I thank you for your help.”
“Any time, Mr. Marsden. Any time.”
With that, Harper was gone, and Sarah and Christopher faced Michael.
“Well, well, well,” he said with a triumphant smile. “It’s good to see that my son suffered no ill affects from his kidnapping.”
“Aunt Sarah didn’t kidnap—” Christopher started to argue.
“Shut up!” Michael snarled, and the boy, seeing the barely controlled rage in his steely eyes, fell silent. “Now, as I was saying. I’m glad Christopher’s all right.”
“I’m sure you are.” Sarah’s temper blazed through her sneer. “But you and I both know Christopher was far safer with me than he ever was or will be with you.”
Michael was startled by the change in her and more than a little angered. “I wouldn’t get too confident if I were you, my dear. Kidnapping is illegal; and though I haven’t gone to the law yet, I will if you give me any trouble.”
Sarah stiffened. She remembered what Mr. Hayden had said. She knew they had no case against Michael. Christopher was his child and without proof that Marsden had killed Elizabeth, the boy was doomed to remain with him.
Frantic, she glared at her smug brother-in-law. Michael had won.
“You killed Elizabeth,” she accused hotly.
“I did?” he mocked. “What proof do you have?”
Sarah fell stubbornly silent.
“You see? The law is on my side. According to the authorities, you’re the one who broke the law—not me. You kidnapped my son.”
“To save his life!”
Michael’s expression turned black, his tone threatening. “I’d be very careful if I were you, Sarah. It wouldn’t pain me in the least to see you in jail for what you’ve done. Of course, we can avoid all that unpleasantness if you’ll leave my house right now and never attempt to see Christopher again.”
“I’m staying. Christopher needs me.”
“I’m the only one Christopher needs! Get out before I change my mind and send for the authorities.” Michael grabbed Christopher by the arm and pulled him to his side.
Christopher fought down the terror that welled up inside of him. There was nothing his Aunt Sarah could do but leave. If he cried out to her and begged her to stay, it would only make matters worse. He stood beside his father, his face ashen, and faced his future alone.
“Christopher, I’ve got to go for now,” Sarah said calmly, her resolve to protect him growing more fierce. “But I’ll be back.”
“Aunt Sarah.” He tried to run to her to hug her, but Michael’s heavy hand restrained him.
“Good-bye, Sarah.” Michael gloated. Now all he needed was to see Angel again.
Sarah was desperate when she left Michael’s house. She started back to her childhood home in search of Aunt Blanche. She was frantic to help Christopher, but she wasn’t sure what else she could so. As Michael had said, and as Mr. Hayden had previously warned them, Christopher was his son. They had no claim on the child except one of love. Sarah reached her home and was reunited with her distraught aunt. Sarah had to get word to Angel, but she also sent a message to John Hayden right away.
Michael waited until Sarah had gone from the house before he turned on his son. He saw that Christopher feared him, and he was glad. “You’re right to be afraid of me. Running away from home wasn’t a smart thing to do.”
“This isn’t my home. Not any more. Not without my mother.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. I am your father, and this is your home.”
“You’re no father of mine! You killed my mother!” Christopher threw the accusation at him in defiance. The worst had already happened. He had nothing left to lose.
“Your mother’s death was an accident.” Michael’s jaw clinched in fury. He longed to strike him, but did not. There would be time for that later, once Christo
pher had turned ten and the money was in Michael’s control. For now, he would bide his time.
“Everybody knows you did it!”
“Ah, but no one can prove it, can they? Perhaps a few days locked in your room with nothing to eat will teach you respect for your father.”
“I’ll never respect you! Never!”
Without another word, Michael led the boy from the study up the stairs to his bedroom on the second floor. He locked him in and pocketed the key.
Michael was more than satisfied with the way everything had turned out: All that remained was to face Angel, and he was looking forward to the confrontation. He was glad that Lucky had told him she’d be coming for him, for he had a few things he wanted to propose to her when he saw her again. He imagined she would be most responsive to what he had to offer now that Christopher was where he belonged.
Eagerly anticipating Angel’s return, Michael went back to his study to wait. As he sat down at his desk once more, he began to think about what Sarah had said, and he realized he probably hadn’t heard the last of her. Scribbling a short message, he called for one of his servants.
“I wish John Hayden would send word that he got my note,” Sarah worried as she paced the parlor in the family home. “I can’t stand this waiting and not knowing.”
“What else can we do?” Aunt Blanche asked nervously from her seat on the sofa. She felt they were beaten.
“That’s the problem. I don’t know. Do I have to give up or—”
“We’ll never give up!” Angel’s voice surprised them both as she appeared in the parlor doorway with Blade at her side. “We’re going to keep fighting Michael forever if we have to!”
“Angel! You’re back!” Sarah flew to her sister and launched herself into her arms.
“Angel.” Aunt Blanche was there, too, hugging and kissing her.
“Everyone, I want you to meet Blade Masters... my fiancé.”
The women surveyed the tall, handsome man and smiled their approval. “Hello.”
“Blade, this is my Aunt Blanche and my sister Sarah.” Angel made the introductions as she took his arm.
“It’s wonderful to meet you, Aunt Blanche.” He turned his gaze to Sarah and smiled warmly. “So, you’re Sarah.... I think we’re going to be good friends.”
“I hope so,” she replied, liking him instantly.
Aunt Blanche beamed at him, impressed by his extraordinary good looks. “Where did you two meet? How?”
“Later. First, tell me about Christopher. Where is he?” Angel turned on Sarah.
“Michael has him.”
“Michael? I didn’t know. Blade and I came back because Michael’s men kidnapped Lucky, thinking he was Christopher.”
“Who’s Lucky?” Sarah and Aunt Blanche exchanged confused glances, and Angel quickly detailed all that had happened to her since she’d last seen Sarah boarding the train in St. Louis. “So you’ve already been to Michael’s house?”
Sarah picked up the narrative. “Harper, Michael’s hireling, took us straight there. But if I ever go back, Michael’ll have me arrested for kidnapping.”
“We’ll just see about that!” Angel stood up in agitation, ready to go after Michael.
“Wait a minute, Angel.” Blade tried to calm her. “Let’s think about this.”
“He can’t keep us away from Christopher.”
“We have to be careful. We have to make sure what we do will work.”
“He does have the law on his side,” Sarah pointed out reluctantly.
“Damn that man!” Angel’s hatred was alive with fury.
Blade chuckled at her words, but Aunt Blanche gasped at the obscenity. “Angel!”
“I hate him, Aunt Blanche. He’s torn this family apart, and I hope he burns for it.” Angel spoke fiercely. Turning to her sister, she asked, “Was Christopher all right when you left him?”
“He was scared, but fine.”
“Thank heaven.” Elizabeth’s son was well, but Angel’s concern for Lucky was mounting. “Michael didn’t say anything about another boy?”
“Not a word.”
Angel and Blade exchanged troubled looks. What might Marsden have done with a boy who wasn’t important to him? “He must have Lucky somewhere.”
“But where?”
“That’s what we have to find out. I have to see Michael.”
“I’m going with you,” Blade said firmly. “I have a few things of my own I’d like to say to this man.”
Angel saw the deadly fury in Blade’s eyes and sensed it would be better if she spoke with Michael alone. “No, Blade,” Angel said quickly, putting a hand on his arm. “Let me try on my own. If I talk to Michael myself, maybe I can get through to him.”
“The man’s a killer! I don’t want you facing him alone.”
“I’ll go with you,” Sarah spoke up.
“It’s too dangerous for the two of you,” Blade argued.
“No, it’s not,” Angel returned. “You and Aunt Blanche will know where we are. We’re going in broad daylight, and we’ll be together.”
“Besides,” Sarah added. “I sent word to John Hayden that we needed to talk to him, and someone has to stay here at the house in case he comes by.”
Blade still wasn’t convinced. “Angel, this man knows no mercy. He’ll hurt you if he gets the chance. He’s already killed your sister. We have to fight him on his own terms.”
“We’re not facing a man who fights fair, Blade. Michael’s as low as they come. He’s a snake. He’d never face you man-to-man, and if something did happen and Michael died, we’d still lose in the long run. No matter how wrong it is, he does have the law on his side.” Angel gazed up at him, grateful for his devotion. “Trust me,” she pleaded.
Blade didn’t like to have them go unprotected, but he gave in to Angel. “All right. But I’ll be waiting right here with your aunt. If you’re not back within the hour, I’m coming after you.”
Angel kissed him softly. “Thank you.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
When the butler announced to Michael and his guest that Angel and Sarah had arrived, Michael smiled in complete satisfaction. Things were going perfectly according to his plan.
“Thank you. I’ll be right out.” He turned to his guest. “They’ve arrived.”
“Would you like me to come with you?”
“No, that’s not necessary. I’ll bring them in here to meet you.”
Feeling completely in control and more confident than ever, Michael left the room to greet the two women. He wondered how long it would take to bend Angel to his will.
“Angel. Sarah. I’ve been expecting you,” Michael welcomed them as his gaze fell hungrily upon Angel. It was obvious she’d been out in the sun for her hair was now gold-kissed and her skin tanned to a warm blush. His eyes travelled over her, approving of the daygown she wore that emphasized the lush curves of her breasts and tiny waist. He imagined her unclothed, upstairs waiting for him in his bed. He was going to enjoy the coming weeks of slaking his desire for her. He’d grown weary of pretending Mary Anne was Angel when he bedded her. Now he had the means to force Angel to agree to his terms, and he could hardly wait. That night, he would sink deep within her body. He hardened at the thought.
“I’m sure you have,” Angel retorted, her flesh crawling under his avaricious regard. “Where are Christopher and Lucky? I want to see them.”
“The boys are fine, but before we discuss them, there’s someone I want you and Sarah to meet.”
Angel and Sarah exchanged skeptical looks.
“This is hardly the time for pleasantries, Michael,” Sarah stated firmly. “You know why we’re here.”
“Indeed, I do, and that’s precisely why I think you should meet my guest. This will only take a moment,” Michael motioned them toward the study. “Ladies?”
They followed him into the room and tensed when they saw the constable who rose at their entrance.
“Officer Davenport, I’d like you to
meet my wife’s sisters, Angel and Sarah Windsor.” They exchanged cautious greetings, and at Michael’s direction they sat as he stood behind his desk. “I asked Officer Davenport here this afternoon because I had a feeling I’d be hearing from you again.” He looked pointedly at Sarah.
“I see,” Angel managed tersely.
“Mr. Marsden has been telling me that you have some concerns about his son’s welfare. However I can assure you the boy is in good health and appears quite happy.”
“That’s a matter of opinion,” Angel spoke up disdainfully. “I’d like to see Christopher myself. It’s important that I talk to him, and I also demand that you bring Lucky to me.”
“Lucky’s fine. There’s no need to concern yourself there. As far as seeing Christopher goes, I’m afraid I can’t let you see him. He’s resting, and I don’t want to disturb him.”
“What have you done with him, Michael!” Sarah broke in. “Where is he? I want to see him right now!”
“Miss Windsor, while you are the boy’s aunt, Mr. Marsden is his father and well within his rights not to allow you to visit him,” the constable stated firmly.
“Officer Davenport, do you know—”
“Mr. Marsden has told me of your accusations, and I must inform you that if you decide to press this issue, he’ll be entirely within his rights to bar you from the premises. He could have you arrested for trespassing if he so chose.”
Angel and Sarah paled at his statement.
“I want to see Christopher, and I want to see him now,” Angel repeated, her emerald gaze defiant.
“Perhaps if Angel and I could have a moment of privacy, we could come to an understanding,” Michael suggested. He gave the officer and Sarah a telling look. Sarah glanced at her sister, wondering if it were safe to leave her alone.
“It’s all right, Sarah,” Angel replied. What was Michael up to?
“I’ll wait right outside,” Sarah declared staunchly. Her expression was filled with loathing as she glared at Michael.
“You do that,” Michael remarked with casual indifference, and he waited to speak until they’d left the room and closed the door behind them.