“I know what I heard. It wasn’t a matter of impressing anyone.”
“I believe you,” Luke said, reaching out for Alex’s arm. “Now, I want you to believe me when I say you have nothing to worry about in regard to Miss Winthrop.” He pulled her toward him and began to walk along the rim path. “I’m not the least bit interested in what she has to offer, but I am interested in you. Have you been thinking about us?”
“A little,” she answered honestly. “Frankly, the events of the past few days have rather overwhelmed me. I can scarcely think of anything but the fact my mother is protecting someone with her silence.”
Luke stopped and looked at her long and hard. “Keep praying about it, Alex. The truth is bound to come out.”
“I know. I just hope I can bear it when it does.”
He smiled. “God won’t ever give you more than you can bear. Just remember that. You once told me the same. Now I’m going to join Miss Winthrop, but my main desire is to keep track of Joel Harper. I don’t want you in any danger, but perhaps you could keep focused on Jastrow and where he is at all times.”
“That should be simple enough.” “Good. I’m confident we can figure this out together,” Luke said, then surprised her by leaning over to kiss her forehead. “This will have to do for now.”
Alex felt a ripple of excitement course through her as his lips touched her skin. She longed for a real kiss but knew such a public display would be uncalled for. Especially at such a time as this.
Alex watched Luke stalk off across the lawn, wishing he would remain at her side. She understood his plan, but nevertheless, his absence was sorely felt.
“Alex!”
It was Michaela, and the look on her face told Alex something was wrong. “What is it?”
“Your mother is gone. She’s not at the cabin and neither is her guard.”
“What? How can that be?” “I went there to take them some supper, but they’re gone. I asked the first ranger I caught sight of, but he didn’t have any idea what had happened either.”
Alex went cold inside. Surely they wouldn’t have taken her mother to Williams without telling her first. Convinced that something more sinister was afoot, Alex insisted, “We must search for her.”
Michaela nodded. “I’ll let the others know.”
Alex was frantic to reach Luke, but the speeches had already begun and Bradley Jastrow was expressing his regret over the death of President Harding. Alex moved toward where Luke stood with Valerie Winthrop when she found herself halted by Joel Harper.
“Miss Keegan, I’d hoped I might run into you. You see, there’s a matter I think we should discuss.”
“I haven’t the time or desire, Mr. Harper.” She tried to jerk away from his ironclad grip, but he held her fast.
“It would be most beneficial if you were to speak with me,” he said in a whisper. “Beneficial to you and to your mother.”
Alex felt her eyes widen, fear raced through her body like a wildfire. “Where is she? Where have you taken her? If you’ve hurt her . . .”
“Hush,” he said, motioning toward Hopi House across the street from the gathering.
Alex allowed him to lead her to a more secluded spot but made sure they were still in sight of the crowd. In spite of their isolation, Joel leaned in close. “Now, my dear, what did you say to the sheriff about me?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Alex replied nervously.
“You said something to him because he’s hinted at it. He’s told me he wants to speak to me about threats I made. You’re the only one who knows about any such threats.”
“I seriously doubt that,” Alex said, trying hard to stand her ground. “Your Miss Winthrop knows plenty, I’m sure. Not only that, but there are also those lackeys you hire to do your dirty work.”
“Nevertheless, they’ve not spoken to the sheriff and investigator hired by the senator. You have.”
“I have nothing to tell you, Mr. Harper. I simply want to know what you’ve done with my mother.”
Harper laughed softly. “I’m sure you do.”
Luke could barely concentrate on the speeches, for he’d seen Harper approach Alex and then drag her off to Hopi House. He’d almost gone after them when Harper stopped abruptly, still within Luke’s range of vision, and began talking intently to Alex. So long as he could see her, Luke decided against going after them.
The speeches concluded and people were encouraged to linger and talk if they desired. Jastrow was immediately surrounded by a throng of supporters, as was Winston Winthrop.
“It was hard on Daddy to hear of the president’s death,” Valerie said. “He loves a good competition, but he always wants a fair fight.”
“And this one isn’t a fair fight, is it?”
She paled and began to stammer. “I . . . don’t . . . well, that is . . . I can’t . . .”
Luke took hold of her elbow and led her away from the others. “I just want to ask you one thing, and I need an honest answer.”
Her eyes widened in fear and Luke felt sorry for her. He knew he sounded gruff, but their time was running out. “Is Joel Harper capable of murder?”
“You shouldn’t speak of such things,” Valerie said, lowering her gaze. “You mustn’t.”
“I’ll do whatever I can to protect you, but you have to tell me the truth.”
She returned her gaze to his face. “It’s too late to protect me.”
Luke shook his head. He had to find a way to reach her. He felt the urgency of it even as he glanced over his shoulder to find Harper still with Alex. “What about your father, then? What about protection for him? You told me you wanted to hire me as a bodyguard for him. Are you still extending that offer?”
Valerie began to sob softly. “I don’t want him hurt. He’s a good man. He knows nothing of Joel’s scheming.”
“Then tell me about it so we can put a stop to it.”
She looked at him, her face blotchy and tear streaked. She seemed to be sizing up the situation, reasoning within her mind what was to be done.
“If I tell you everything and he finds out . . . he’ll kill us both.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Joel thought to further grieve Alex Keegan when he spotted Luke and Valerie in a close-knit conversation. Rage welled up within him. She’d been after Toland since they’d arrived at the canyon.
“It would seem your friend doesn’t know when to leave well enough alone,” he muttered.
Alex moved away from him and turned to look back at the crowd. “They’re talking.”
Joel laughed bitterly. “For now. But knowing Valerie as I do, they’ll soon be involved in much more.”
“Well, knowing Luke as I do, she won’t get that far with him.”
He turned to Alex and shook his head. “For one so beautiful, you’re quite naïve. Money, power, and charm can get whatever it desires.”
“It didn’t buy you what you wanted,” Alex replied brazenly. “It didn’t buy me.”
“Ah, but you’ll come around in time. I’m not used to having to battle women of virtue, you see. I find those steeped in their religious nonsense to generally be avoided, but with you, I couldn’t help myself. Now you’re a challenge.”
“A challenge you cannot hope to win,” Alex answered. “You disgust me. Your money and power are false gods that give you deceptive confidence in what can be had. Not everyone can be bought at a price.”
Just then Joel saw Luke put his arm around Valerie and actually pull her into an embrace. “Of all the nerve. So your cowboy won’t succumb to her charms, eh? Just have a look.”
Joel watched Alex as she scanned the crowd to again take note of Luke and Valerie. There was none of the jealousy or anger he anticipated, however. Her countenance remained calm, almost tranquil. But just as quickly, she turned back to him and frowned. “Luke can take care of himself, just as I’m sure Miss Winthrop can. I want to know where you’ve taken my mother. If you don’t tell me, I’m go
ing to the authorities.”
“You won’t go to the authorities,” Joel said snidely. “You won’t go to them because I have proof of what really happened the night of your father’s murder. Your mother killed him just as sure as we’re standing here. I heard them argue, you see. A little matter of an illegitimate child born to your father and one of his many women.”
He watched the color drain from Alex’s face. Good, he thought. Let her be shocked and dismayed. Let her believe the worst—that I have the power to put her mother away forever. Let her see me as her salvation—then she’ll be mine.
“I don’t believe you.” Her voice was considerably less brazen than it had been only moments ago.
Joel smiled. “I don’t suppose it really matters. The truth is the truth. The woman and her child were the final straw for your mother. She came here for a divorce because she could no longer deal with the matter. She argued with your father and told him to marry the woman if he chose, but to give her a divorce and let her be free. I believe she wanted to go away with you—to live elsewhere, just the two of you. At least I heard something to that matter.”
“My mother didn’t kill my father.” “Poor thing. The truth is really just too much to bear, isn’t it?”
“I won’t stand here and listen to your lies for another moment.” Surprising him, Alex set off across the lawn.
This action, in turn, brought Joel’s attention back to Luke and Valerie. They were still together, she still in his supportive embrace. Enraged at the public humiliation she continued to bring upon him, Joel marched across the grounds to take his fiancée back in hand.
They watched him approach, and Valerie appeared to have the good sense to pull away from Luke’s hold. Joel seethed. He would teach her a lesson once and for all.
“What is the meaning of this?” Joel hissed in a low, menacing voice.
“Mr. Toland and I were merely talking. I got rather emotional and he comforted me,” she offered.
“I need to speak with you alone,” Joel said, reaching out to take hold of Valerie’s arm. “Now.”
Luke surprisingly said nothing. Joel had been prepared to do battle with the man, but he remained silent as he pulled Valerie away.
“Didn’t I warn you? Didn’t I tell you that I wouldn’t tolerate your flirtations? I would think, given what happened between us in your room, you wouldn’t risk annoying me further.”
“He was merely comforting me,” Valerie protested. “There was nothing flirtatious about it. Good grief, Joel, look around you. People are weeping and miserable over the news of the president. They may not have liked the man, but the shock and sadness of it is overwhelming. Have you no feelings whatsoever?”
“The feelings I have or don’t have are really of no concern to you. What does matter is that we have a job to do and I intend for you to uphold your part. Otherwise, some very unpleasant things are bound to happen.”
“You don’t scare me anymore. You’ve already done your worst,” she said hatefully.
“You’d like to believe that, I’m sure. But, as I’ve told you, there are far worse things to come if you fail to cooperate.”
She shook her head, as if uncertain. He could sense her apprehension and smiled. Sometimes the less said the better. The imagination was a powerful weapon. Given a chance to think about it, she would imagine far worse arrangements than he could dream up. Well, maybe not worse, but just as bad.
Luke watched the couple, wondering momentarily what had happened to Alex. She seemed to be nowhere in sight. The thought worried him, but so long as he had Harper in his sights, surely Alex would be safe.
He tried to appear interested in the conversation of those around him, while watching Joel Harper. He talked in rapid-fire to Miss Winthrop. She shook her head ever so slightly; he said something else, and this time she fervently shook her head. Whatever he was saying, Luke felt certain it had to do with Harper’s plans to eliminate his competition.
Finally he saw Valerie acquiesce. She nodded and dried her eyes on a handkerchief given her by Harper. With this done, she moved away to join her father. The senator smiled broadly and welcomed her with a hearty embrace. There was no doubt in Luke’s mind that the man loved her a great deal.
Continuing to watch, Luke saw Valerie lean toward her father’s ear. She appeared to be whispering something that met with his approval because the senator nodded enthusiastically and allowed her to take hold of his arm.
Senator Winthrop and his daughter mingled through the crowd of well-wishers and stun-faced supporters. They didn’t stop until they reached Bradley Jastrow. For several moments they talked, just the three of them, and then the senator took his leave and it was just Valerie and Jastrow. Several times, other supporters came up to them, but Jastrow dismissed them. At one point, he led Valerie to the rim walk and pointed something out across the canyon.
Every nerve in Luke’s body grew taut. It would be a simple matter to push the man over the edge. Perhaps Harper had threatened Valerie into doing just that. Scanning the crowd for Harper, Luke discovered he was nowhere to be found. Neither was Alex. His heart began to pound an anxious rhythm. Help me, Lord, he prayed. Help me do what must be done.
Luke moved away from the crowd to both search for Harper and try to keep track of Valerie and Jastrow as they moved down the rim walk.
“Mr. Toland, I would have a word with you.”
Luke looked up to find Valerie’s father making his way across the lawn. “I don’t really have time right now, sir.”
“Nonsense. This is important.” The senator planted himself between Luke and the walkway. “I want to discuss the canyon with you. Valerie said you were quite knowledgeable.”
Luke had no desire to discuss such things with the man. Not when the lives of so many might well be on the line. Luke narrowed his eyes. “Did Valerie also tell you that your campaign aide is systematically killing off your competition?”
Winthrop looked completely shocked at the suggestion. “My good man, how dare you slander one of my staff?”
“I dare to because it’s true, and right now you’re detaining me from preventing him from killing again.”
“I don’t believe you.” “I don’t much care. The fact of the matter is, your daughter filled me in on a great deal.”
“I believe she’s just suffering from the heat and the news of the president. I’m sure she didn’t mean anything by it.”
“She’s suffering all right,” Luke said, resolving to give the man whatever truth he needed in order to get the job done. “She’s suffering because Joel is threatening her with your downfall and even death if she doesn’t remain silent and cooperate with his schemes.”
Winthrop looked stunned, his face contorting and changing colors until it remained a mottled purple. “You lie!”
“I actually wish I were,” Luke said sadly. “Valerie needs you to prevent any more of this from happening. Apparently Harper has killed before and plans to kill again. She believes he even masterminded a plot that resulted in President Harding’s death.”
Winthrop began slowly shaking his head from side to side. “This can’t be.”
“What proof can I offer you? I only have your daughter’s word and the word of another who overheard Harper plotting.”
“It’s just unheard of. Why would Joel resort to such things? I’m a popular candidate. I have a strong backing of supporters.” He hooked his thumbs into his vest pocket and tried to appear under control, but Luke could sense he was anything but. “I believe you’re making this up.”
“Listen to yourself, Senator. This is your daughter we’re talking about. Would she lie about such a thing? What would she have to gain from that?”
Winthrop considered the question for a moment. “She doesn’t wish to marry Joel Harper. She would probably do anything within her power to keep that from happening.”
“Then she’s lied about the death of a dear friend named Andrew, as well.”
“The banker’s son
? The boy drowned.” “Yes, I know. Valerie told me that Joel admitted to arranging the entire thing. Now we sit here with Keegan and the president dead, while Bradley Jastrow walks the south rim path with your daughter.”
Winthrop’s expression took on one of complete defeat. “You must save her.”
“I’ll do what I can,” Luke replied. “You go to the authorities and tell them where we’ve gone. I’ve no idea what Harper has in mind, but my guess is he plans to eliminate Jastrow—and even Valerie if she’s too much trouble.”
Alex had no idea where Luke had gotten off to, but seeing Valerie move down the rim path with Bradley Jastrow on her arm, Alex knew she had to follow. She pushed aside Mr. Harper’s threats to her mother and herself, pushed aside her fears of what she might actually bear witness to. She had to keep Joel Harper from reaping more harm. If that meant she put herself in an uncomfortable position, then so be it.
Following at a discreet distance and using the hotel to hide her movements, Alex observed Valerie and Jastrow as they talked and walked at the canyon’s edge. They appeared to be moving in the direction of the Lookout. Alex wondered if they would go there or perhaps move on past to the more secluded studio cabin to the west. There were trees and a good deal of cover for someone who might wish to be left alone.
As they moved past the Lookout, Alex knew she could no longer stay under cover. She hurried away from the hotel and toward the patch of trees to the south. If she could make it there unnoticed, she could hide and move through the shadows until she reached a place where she could watch the path or even the studio.
Gasping for breath as she pushed herself to run faster, Alex nearly collapsed as she reached the first tree. The heady scent of pine and juniper filled the air. She leaned against the trunk of one tree, hoping to catch her breath before pursuing the couple. She had no idea how she might stop the turn of events, but she had to try. Visions of her father going over the edge haunted her imagination. It was such an awful way to die—to know for those last few moments that you couldn’t stop the motion of events that would take your life. To endure seconds that would seemingly last an eternity.
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