Madison's Gift

by Marie Higgins

  “I don’t know, Cameron.” She shook her head as her eyes met his. “The past few visions I’ve had about her, she appears to be saddened...even frightened of something.”

  Chuckling with despondency, he returned his attention to the road ahead. “I’m sure she’s frightened. She’s worried that I’ll find her and force her to come home. I realize she’s not a little girl any longer, but...I want her husband to be someone more her age and someone who will love her and respect her. If things had just gone differently...”

  She placed her hand on his arm. “I really believe she knows that now. But I honestly think there’s something that scares her.”

  It was hard to trust her on this subject right now. “Tell me, Madison.” He continued to watch the road as they entered the busy part of town. “How many times have you been wrong with your feelings?”

  “Wrong?”

  “Yes. I’m curious to know how many times you have deeply felt something, but once it had been investigated, you have realized you’ve been wrong.”

  Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw her body stiffen as she removed her touch from his arm. Her shoulders straightened and she lifted her chin. He must have struck a bad chord with that question.

  “I won’t deny that I’ve been wrong on a few occasions, but we’ll never know the truth about Rosie unless we keep searching for answers.”

  She was correct. He couldn’t give in just yet. And at least she wasn’t putting the search on hold to start looking for Lord Hanover’s child. “Then we shall proceed.”

  “Cameron?” she asked in a small voice.

  He peeked at her. “Yes?”

  “Are you losing faith in me?”

  He held his breath, afraid of answering. He wasn’t really losing faith, however, he wondered if her visions were helping at all.

  Cameron pulled the horse and buggy off the road and brought the animal to a stop. He then turned and faced Madison as he took hold of her hands. “Forgive me if that is what you believe. The truth is I’m losing faith in myself. Being her guardian, I’m feeling like a failure because I’ve allowed her to run away.” He sighed. “I’ve been an investigator for all of these years, and yet I feel as if I’ve lost all of my training. I can’t think straight when it comes to that sister, mainly because I want to throttle her for doing this to our family. Couldn’t she remember what it was like to have people judging us because of our father’s mistakes? Why would she want to create a scandal, yet again?” He grumbled. “Because of the girl, I’m now the one who feels I’m losing my mind since I cannot focus on my cases.”

  “Oh, no, Cameron. You are a brilliant investigator.”

  He arched a critical eyebrow. “Really? When have I shown it since we’ve met?”

  Pink darkened her cheeks and she shyly dropped her gaze. “Well, I haven’t really seen anything, however,” her gaze bounced back to meet his, “Alice talks about you all the time, and she has related stories. Not only that,” she smiled wide, “you had the good sense to come to me and believe in my visions.”

  “Indeed. I did have the good sense to do that.” He winked and then leaned in closer. “And, I have the good sense to bring you along with me today.”

  She gave him a sharp nod. “Exactly.”

  Keeping her hand in his, he lifted it to his mouth and brushed a kiss across her fingers. “Today has been filled with the most confusing emotions I’ve ever had, but I wouldn’t want to share it with anyone else.”

  Her blue eyes sparkled. “I...I feel the same.”

  His heart leapt and he wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer. “Madison, I don’t know what it is, but I cannot stop gazing into your intoxicating eyes. I want to be near you, always. You have entrapped me, but for some odd reason, I don’t care. In fact, I quite enjoy the foreign feeling surrounding my heart.”

  Cameron didn’t know why these words were flying from his mouth, but at the moment, he didn’t mind the mushy emotions. He only wanted one thing, and by the way her gaze dipped down to his mouth, he knew her thoughts were aligned with his.

  She didn’t reply to his sentiments verbally. Instead, she leaned closer, closing her eyes. Taking her fully in his arms, he swept his mouth over hers, tenderly at first, before covering it fully. A soft moan escaped her throat, which elicited a sound from his chest.

  Why this woman’s mouth fit better with his than any other woman had, he didn’t know. He didn’t want to scrutinize the moment, either. All that was important right now was kissing this woman and enjoying every minute.

  Madison answered his passionate kisses quite well, as if her mouth was made for his lips only. Cameron’s quickening heart swelled with emotion. No other woman had made him feel this way. No other woman had created such havoc in his mind, and in his heart. And heaven help him, no other woman had fit so well in his arms and up against his body, either.

  Did this mean what he thought it meant? After all these years, had he finally found the woman who he could love forever? He didn’t dare accept it for fear he’d fall hard for this mesmerizing woman and she would break his heart.

  In the distance, the rumbling of a carriage wheels on the dirt road pulled him out of his thoughts. What was he doing taking such liberties out in the open? Quickly, he pulled away and shifted in his seat, grasping the reins. Madison also faced forward and scooted over as she smoothed the palms of her hands down her dress.

  Up ahead, a carriage rounded the corner, coming the opposite way. Straightening his shoulders, Cameron proceeded to urge his horse out onto the road once again. When the other vehicle passed, he breathed a little easier.

  He glanced at her. She gave him a quick peek over her shoulder. Her cheeks were reddened with embarrassment, but a smile brightened her face.

  “I fear, we should really try to control our yearnings,” she said. “At least until we are assured privacy.”

  He laughed. “I couldn’t agree more.” He swiped his fingers through his hair. “I should probably put my wig on since we’re almost to town.”

  “Yes, and don’t forget your spectacles.”

  Once he had returned to his disguise, he urged the horse forward. Silence grew between them again as they entered the town. His mind wouldn’t stop creating excuses as to why he shouldn’t fall in love with Madison. Although she was perfect in his arms, the truth was, her career would take her away from him. Being an investigator, he understood working into the late hours and not returning home until early morning. Madison’s life was probably similar. Could he have that kind of life with a woman?

  Cameron grumbled under his breath. Why couldn’t he remove these doubts from his mind? Whenever Madison was in his arms, he lived for the moment and was happy. Yet, the minute they were apart, he couldn’t stop the negativity from entering his head. Was it the investigator in him, always looking for those unseen clues that would eventually lead to disaster?

  He slowed the horse as the street became more crowded. People glanced at them, but so far, they didn’t appear as if they recognized him. If only he could show his true self, and that he was escorting a beautiful woman around. After all, it had been quite awhile since he’d been with a woman.

  A pang of remorse passed through him again. Was Madison meant to be in his life at all? With her career as a seer, he wondered if she could ever find a normal life. Would she choose her need to constantly help people over marriage and motherhood?

  Finally, they reached the station. Anxiety flittered inside his chest. He prayed Madison would see something when she entered Mr. Bailey’s cell. Solving his murder would erase the doubt Captain Orwood had about him, and perhaps the captain would see Cameron in a better light.

  He stopped the buggy before jumping down and assisting Madison out of the vehicle. As her soft body brushed against his, he gritted his teeth, fighting the addicting attraction that had been happening ever since they first met. He really shouldn’t allow her to crawl into his heart, but he feared it was too late.

&n
bsp; “Remember,” she whispered, “to walk with a hunched back and wobbly legs. These men need to know you are Uncle Henry.”

  He led the way up the wide steps to the door. Remembering his gentlemanly manners, he opened the door for her and walked in behind her. The station was busy this afternoon. Many people stood in groups as officers assisted them. Cameron didn’t see Captain Orwood, and he took this as an encouraging sign.

  “Will you be able to get the cell key?” she asked with a soft voice.

  “Yes, but I’ll need you to help me distract those two men by the desk.” He nodded in the direction.

  “No fear. I shall keep their mind off the desk.”

  Waiting by the wall, he watched as Madison sashayed toward Officers Peters and Bullock. At first, the two younger men eyed her with open interest...until she got closer. Then they must have recognized her, because their expressions shifted to disdain.

  Once Madison had moved away from the desk, she stumbled and placed her hand on the wall. The officers jumped to assist her. Cameron couldn’t tell what she was saying, but he didn’t have time to watch and find out.

  He hurried in back of the desk and grabbed the cell keys from off the hook. Quickly, he scanned the perimeter, and thankfully, couldn’t see anyone watching him. Before he was spotted, he sidestepped around the desk, back to the wall he’d been standing by only moments before.

  It took another minute before Madison walked toward him, wearing a wide smile. He glanced behind her to see the other two officers rolling their eyes and moving toward the crowd in the middle of the room.

  “That wasn’t hard at all.” She winked at him.

  “What happened?”

  “I just pretended to swoon, and when they came to help, I pretended to be having a vision.” She shrugged. “They didn’t believe me, of course.”

  He chuckled. “You are amazing.” He skimmed over the officers in the room. “Madison, slowly walk toward that back hall. Nobody is watching. I’ll follow at a slow pace to make certain we’re not spotted.”

  Together, they moved down the back hall until they rounded the corner. Cameron sighed with relief. Without asking her permission first, he grasped Madison’s hand before carefully guiding her down the stairs. The narrow staircase wasn’t lit well, and she snugged against his arm for safety.

  “I have never liked places this dark and small,” she said.

  “Neither have I, but when one works at the station, one gets used to it.”

  The staircase spiraled down until it reached the cellar floor. Several lamps hung on the walls, brightening their way down the corridor much better now.

  “Cameron? Are there any prisoners here now?”

  “No.”

  “What about when Mr. Bailey was killed?”

  “No, unfortunately. I’m sure we would have caught our killer if we’d had someone witness Mr. Bailey’s cell being broken into.”

  “Why can’t things be simple?”

  He chuckled, and his voice echoed in the hall. “Exactly. My job would be much easier.”

  Cameron stopped in front of the cell and slid the key into the iron reinforced wooden door. The echo from the grinding noise as he turned the key, bounced off the walls. As he opened the door, the rusty squeak pierced through the air.

  “Cameron? I...I’m not too sure I can do this.” Her voice quivered.

  “Why?”

  “Because I am not fond of dark, enclosed spaces. Sometimes, I become panicked and I lose my breath.”

  He faced her and cupped her chin. “Madison, I’ll be right here beside you. There is nothing to fear.”

  She stared at him without saying anything for a couple of minutes. Finally, she nodded and stepped into the cell. He unhooked the lamp from off the wall and entered behind her. She moved around the cell slowly, looking at everything. Gradually, her breathing became faster, and her face lost color.

  He quickly slid beside her, slipping a protective arm around her waist. He pressed his head against hers. “I’m right here,” he whispered in her ear.

  Soon, her breathing slowed, as did the shakes from her body. He moved with her from object to object as she ran her delicate fingers separately over each item. Cameron didn’t know how much concentrating she was doing, but if roles were reversed, there would be no way he could think of anything except the sweet-smelling woman beside him. Being this close was torturous, and yet, so enjoyable. Never before had he enjoyed playing the protector as he did with Madison.

  She took small steps as she moved about the room, and thankfully, she didn’t try to push him away. When her hand stopped on a certain spot on the wall, she froze.

  He held his breath. Was she having a vision? He studied her face closely. A faraway blank look had invaded her eyes. She’d been like this when they were at Mr. Bailey’s house.

  Cameron’s hopes lifted, and he prayed she could see something that would help the investigation.

  MADISON’S HEART RACED as she watched the scene play out in her vision. It was as if she sat in the theatre seats viewing the actors. But these things were happening to Rosie at this very minute.

  Cameron’s younger sister wore the same dress as in the other visions. The girl’s hair had fallen out of the styled coil it had been in earlier. Her eyes were watery, and her cheeks were wet. A frightened face stared at the man coming toward her slowly, leaning on his walking stick. Madison couldn’t see the man’s face that stalked Rosie, only his back. Chestnut hair brushed against the collar of the man’s black overcoat. His frame was slender, and he stood only a few inches taller than Rosie.

  “Didn’t I instruct you to stay in your room?” the man snapped.

  Rosie nodded as she continued to retreat. “You did, but...I just had to see—”

  “You disobeyed me,” he barked. “Don’t you know by now that I cannot abide a disobedient woman?”

  More color faded from Rosie’s face. “I assure you, I didn’t do it to make you upset. I just thought—”

  “Then don’t think. I’m not impressed with intelligent women.”

  Rosie bumped against the wall, stopping her from going anywhere. The man stood very close in front of her. She pressed a shaky hand against the man’s chest.

  “Please, I promise not to leave the room again.” A tear fell down her cheek.

  “I don’t know.” He shook his head. “You haven’t been very mindful of my feelings as of late, and I feel you haven’t learned your lesson.”

  The man raised his right hand. Rosie cringed. Seconds later, the man slapped her and she screamed.

  “Cameron,” Madison gasped as she fell into his arms. She clutched his waistcoat and stared up into his eyes. “He hit her!”

  Cameron lifted her in his strong arms and carried her out of the wretched cell, out into the hall. Finally, she could breathe easier, but her body remained weak. Thankfully, he still allowed her to rest against his rugged frame.

  “Who hit her?”

  “I...I couldn’t see his face, but he hit Rosie.”

  “Rosie?” Cameron’s voice rose, making the walls echo. “You had a vision about my sister?”

  She nodded in silence as she fought to regulate her breathing. At least her head cleared from the dizzy fog that had consumed her while inside that cell.

  “Weren’t you supposed to see who killed Mr. Bailey?”

  “Yes.” She took a deep breath. “I think the person who killed Mr. Bailey is the one who struck Rosie.” She pressed her face against his chest and inhaled his masculine spice scent. “Oh, Cameron, we need to find her. She is so frightened.”

  “Could you see where she was?” he asked in a tight voice as his hand stroked her hair.

  “She was in the same bedroom where I have seen her before.”

  “But you couldn’t see the man?”

  “No. Only the back of him.”

  “Describe him.”

  “Slender build, a few inches taller than Rosie, and his chestnut hair was long enough to touch hi
s collar.” She took a deep breath. “He wore a black overcoat.”

  “Oh, my sweet, Madison. You must try harder. Think of what you saw. There must be more that will help us identify him.”

  Closing her eyes, she moved her mind back to her vision and tried to look him over again, slower this time. “His chestnut hair had tints of blonde. He walked with a cane that had a thick, steel handle.” In her mind she spotted something on his finger as he lifted his hand to strike Rosie. A ring! It was a family heirloom ring, she was certain. The family’s crest was engraved on the gem.

  She gasped and lifted her head, looking into his eyes. “He has a silver ring with a large red gem in the middle.”

  His brows drew together. “A silver ring with a red gem? Are you certain?”

  “Yes. Why?”

  “Mr. Bailey was wearing one when I arrested him.”

  “Did he still have it on when you found him dead?”

  “I’m not sure.” His frown deepened. “But Captain Orwood would know since he was there when the room was searched.”

  “You need to ask him. If Mr. Bailey wasn’t wearing a ring when he was searched, then we have found our killer.”

  A small grin broke out on Cameron’s face as he stroked her cheek. “My dear, Madison. Have you forgotten? I cannot talk to the captain. He will arrest me.”

  “But you can provide him with a questionable doubt. You must make him believe it wasn’t you.”

  He held her gaze as time ticked by slowly. Instead of wearing a worried expression as he’d been doing a moment ago, he smiled at her in an odd way with a look that was almost pleasant. Tenderly, he caressed her cheek before his thumb trailed to her lips. Before too long, his attention dropped to that spot, as well.

  Suddenly, her throat turned dry, and she had the urge to lick her lips. He wanted to kiss her, she just knew it. As much as she wanted that very thing, was this the time to do that? For some reason, she didn’t think so.

  She swallowed hard. “Cameron? What’s wrong?”

  “Forgive me, but...I love how your eyes sparkle when you’re thinking about catching the killer.”

  She chuckled. “I imagine it’s similar to the way your eyes dance when you’re discussing your work.”