She folded her arms and arched an eyebrow. “I didn’t break into their house. The door was unlocked. But you shouldn’t be giving me a lecture, when apparently you broke into the same house a few minutes before I did.”
He cocked his head. “It’s like you said, the door was unlocked.”
“Regardless, I don’t believe you have any right to scold me for something you did first.”
“Listen little missy...” He stepped closer, stopping mere inches in front of her. She tilted her head back to look into his eyes. “I’m a deputy in this town, and you’re not. Now, turn around and hurry home before I throw you over my shoulder and take you home myself.”
A loud gasp sprang from her mouth. “How dare you! Let me remind you, that you don’t have any say in what I do. You made that perfectly clear when you walked out of my life a week ago.”
Seeing the pain of rejection on her face caused his heart to twist. The strong urge to hold her against him and whisper words of love was tempting, but he couldn’t become a weakling like he’d been a week ago.
“And let me remind you—again—that I’m the sheriff’s deputy, which gives me the right to tell you what you should do.”
She muttered something under her breath and stomped her foot. “Dagnabbit, Adam, you’re not going to win this argument, so you might as well stop right now. We are both here to find evidence, so I say we stop squawking like irritated hens and start looking for something that you can use to throw them in jail.”
Inwardly, he growled. He hated that she was right. They wasted time with their bickering. He didn’t know when the Irishmen would return, but he and Emily should definitely not be here when it happened.
As she stared at him during the silent few seconds, she wrinkled her nose in disgust.
“What’s that horrible smell?” She waved her hand in front of her face.
“Rotten food, so I suggest we go back into the other room. There’s nothing in here, anyway. I’ve already looked.”
He held the door open for her to go first, and his gaze dropped to her backside. Those men’s trousers hugged the curve of her buttocks and slender legs perfectly. She should have least found a size larger. If anyone looked at her—even in the dark—they’d know she was a woman.
“Don’t forget the lantern,” she said.
He grumbled under his breath. He’d forgotten.
Adam snatched the light off the table and took it into the other room, setting it on the coffee table. Emily picked up papers and read them before tossing them back on the floor. His heart melted, knowing she wanted to help him, but she really shouldn’t. This was a dangerous game they played with the Irishmen. Adam just wished he knew why.
She knelt by the couch, sifting through the papers on the floor. He stopped behind her, peeking over her shoulder. After a few seconds, she threw the pages back on the floor and jumped up, bumping into him. The sudden movement tilted him backward, but he regained his balance. However, the motion had her windmilling her arms to try to keep from falling. She knocked over the Bible that had been sitting on the armrest of the couch, and papers fell out. He snaked his arms around her waist, holding her upright with her back pressed against his chest.
“Don’t worry, I’ve got you,” he whispered in her ear.
For a brief moment, she stayed in his arms as her hands covered his still circled around her waist. He inhaled deeply, enjoying her fragrance of strawberries in her hair. It took all of his willpower not to drop his face to the curve of her neck and kiss her bare throat. The man’s shirt wasn’t fully buttoned down the front of her chest, and the top button had been skipped, allowing him to see more of her delicate neck.
Neither of them moved. His heart picked up rhythm, and soon, her chest rose and fell quickly, as well. Each time he exhaled, his face dropped closer to her neck as if he couldn’t hold it up. He fought the urges, but apparently, he wasn’t strong enough. Kissing her became so very tempting.
Finally, his lips were a mere breath away from stroking her neck. Just a little closer and he’d be able to feel her soft skin against his mouth, and once that happened, he’d not be able to stop himself at all.
Suddenly, she hitched a breath and her body stiffened.
“Adam, look!” She pointed toward the papers that had fallen out of the Bible.
He shook himself from out of the spell she’d somehow put him under and studied the papers. The light from the lamp hit the page just perfectly for him to see a list of names. Mr. Faraday, Mr. Tuttle, and even The Hackney Carriage Company were on the list, amongst others.
Adam released Emily and picked up the pages, holding them closer to the light. Some of the names he didn’t recognize, but then names jumped off the pages, making his chest tighten with anguish.
Scribbled in another column were words next to the names.
Mary Hamilton – finished
The Hackney Carriage Company – finished
Mr. Tuttle – almost done
Mr. Faraday – almost done
Mr. & Mrs. Chandler – next
Behind Adam came Emily’s quick gasp. He glanced at her from over his shoulder. She’d been reading the paper, too, and her face was pale.
“Adam,” she said in a low voice, “this is our proof.”
“Yes, it is.” His jaw ached for holding it so tight. “I just wish I knew the reason behind all of this.”
“Who are Mr. and Mrs. Chandler?”
“Mary’s parents.”
“Oh, Adam.” She grabbed his arm until he held her gaze. “I know why.”
Confusion filled him, and he shook his head. “How could you know why?”
She opened her mouth to speak, but quickly shut it. She motioned her head toward the door.
“Let’s get out of here first. I don’t want them to catch us when they return.”
“Good plan.” As he stuffed the pages inside his vest, he moved the lamp back to where he’d found it.
They hurried out of the cabin. He scanned the perimeter but didn’t see any sign of the three men. Adam led the way, taking the same path he’d used earlier. Although the crescent moon didn’t give them much light, there were no large holes or deep slopes ahead of them to slow their progress. However, he took her hand to make sure she stayed behind him.
After they were far enough away from the cabin, he stopped. Both of them were breathing heavily because of their hurried retreat. He studied her lovely face, flushed from running. He’d missed her greatly. His heart twisted with loneliness, but he couldn’t let that bother him. Not now.
“Tell me what you know,” he said as his breathing gradually returned to normal.
“Cousin Brian told me that Ireland’s tenants are at war with their British landlords.”
As he listened to her story about the cruelty in which the landlords inflicted upon their tenants in Ireland, anger leapt within him, making him more frustrated than before. When she finished, his hands were bunched into fists at his side.
She sighed and shook her head. “That’s why the Irish are not friendly with those who had come from England.”
He removed his hat and shoved his fingers through his hair. “But that’s no reason to come to another continent and punish the people who want to live peacefully here.” He took a deep breath, trying to control his tirade. “This is Savannah, not Ireland. The people here are not landlords. They are hard workers just like the rest of us. These killings are senseless. These Irishmen are nothing but murderers!”
“I know, Adam.” She moved closer to him and rested her hand on his chest. “And they need to go to jail.”
“No. They need to be hanged.”
“They do. Justice will prevail once the judge passes sentence and they are punished.”
His mind flashed with memories of the fire...memories of everything dear he’d lost in that fire. His chest tightened so much he could scarcely breathe. “Justice, you say? I don’t believe in justice. Where was justice when my wife and boy were burning in
their very own home that I was supposed to keep safe? Where was justice when the hackney taking Jacob and Hannah home was tampered with and resulted in ending my brother’s life? Where’s justice that the ones responsible are still roaming through town, torturing their British neighbors and getting away with it?” He shook his head as he glared. “No, these men deserve to die for everything they’ve done, and I’ll see to it that they meet their Maker as soon as possible. I won’t let anything stand in my way!”
Her eyes grew wide. “Adam, you can’t kill them. Let the law sentence them to hang.”
“No, you don’t understand. There is no law. But starting tonight, I will be the law and their hanging judge. I’ll make sure these men die for their crimes.”
FIFTEEN
Emily had never been more frightened in her life, and that included when she nearly drowned a few weeks ago, and when the train was almost robbed. The anger etched on Adam’s face scared her, but it was more than that. He somehow thought he needed to be the one responsible for ending someone’s life. Did she think the Irishmen should die? Of course, but it wasn’t her choice—or Adam’s—to make. God was the judge and these men would surely be reckoned with after death. However, Adam shouldn’t take on the personal responsibility of being their hangman.
Reasoning with him was like repeatedly slamming into a large, oak tree—she wasn’t getting anywhere. She must try to think of a different tactic of convincing him this was wrong.
With a stern expression, Adam turned and continued marching toward town. Because of his long legs, she had to double her strides to keep up with him. She tried to think of something intelligent to say, but her mind was blank.
“Adam, please slow down. I can’t keep up.”
He wasn’t listening. She wanted to scream at him, but she doubted that would work. Suddenly, and idea popped into her mind. She’d be playacting—and lying—but it was the only way.
She forced herself to stumble and fall to the ground. Crying out, she grasped her foot and rolled on her side, hoping he’d see that she needed help.
Adam stopped and spun around. “What’s wrong?”
“I...hurt my ankle. I don’t know what I tripped on, but I’m in a lot of pain.” She put on the performance of her life. This was the only way to convince him.
Standing stiffly, he stared at her. Shadows danced around him, and she couldn’t quite see his eyes, but his hardened expression didn’t give her any hope. Finally, after a few awkward moments, he sighed and strode toward her. He knelt in front of her and took her foot in his large hands. As he gently touched her ankle, she made sure to cry out in pain at the right times.
“I don’t think it’s broken, and it doesn’t feel swollen, either.” He stood and grasped her hands. “Let’s see if you can put some weight on it.”
She allowed him to pull her up, but as she stepped on her foot, she cried out again. He blew out an aggravated breath of air before lifting her in his arms. Trying not to grin in victory, she wrapped her arms around her neck. She shouldn’t feel victorious because there was still so much to do to get him to change his mind.
Thankfully, Adam’s gait wasn’t as hurried as before. His hooded eyes held her captive for the longest time, and she wanted so much for him to just glance at her once, but he didn’t. There was still so much bitterness inside of him that had changed him into some kind of demon. But yet, she couldn’t blame him. If someone had maliciously murdered her family, she’d hold hatred in her heart, too. She would even go as far as to hope that person would receive their comeuppance hastily. However, an eye for an eye was not the answer.
Sighing, she rested her head on his stiff shoulder. Soon, his body relaxed, and a smile tugged on her mouth. Maybe she’d be able to talk to him now...and he’d listen.
Slowly, she slid a hand from his neck down to his chest. His strong heartbeat pulsed against her palm. As improper as it was, she loved being this close, and heaven help her, she loved touching his muscles.
She moved her head up and peered into his face again. This time, his gaze met hers.
“Am I too heavy for you?” she asked softly.
His lips quirked in a grin briefly, before switching back into a scowl and looking away. “Not at all.”
“I’m...sorry.”
His footsteps slowed, and he peered into her eyes, once more. “For what?”
“For going against your wish to not see me again. When my cousin told me about the problems in Ireland and I guessed what was happening over here, I knew I had to find you.”
His forehead crinkled. “Why?”
“I worried that you didn’t know about Ireland and England. I knew I had to tell you, and...well, I reckon you’d need my help finding evidence that could put them in jail.”
His shoulders relaxed a little more. “I’m glad you told me, but next time, do it during the day...and wear a dress.”
He slid his palm over her buttocks slowly. She held a breath as excitement rushed through her.
“Wearing tight trousers that show your every curve is quite scandalous,” he continued as a smile gradually reached his face. “Along with sneaking around at night by yourself.”
She shrugged. “Forgive me, but this was all I could find. They were the stable boy’s.”
“As I suspected.” He nodded. “But will you do something for me?”
“What?”
“From here on out, stop trying to help me. This game the Irish are playing with us is very dangerous. I don’t want you dead. I don’t want Hannah or the children hurt. If you get involved, these men will certainly come after you.”
The tenderness in his voice, wrenched her heart. His eyes were still shadowed, but she was sure if she could see, they’d melt her. She caressed his cheek, lovingly. “I like how you want to protect me.”
“But I can’t watch your back all the time, which is why you need to stay with Hannah. Please say you’ll do this for me.” He came to a halt. “My heart wouldn’t be able to take it if you...if you...if something terrible happened to you.”
The crack in his voice had her heart jumping to her throat. Could he still have feelings for her like she did for him? “I just want to help you.”
“Then do as I say,” he said softly.
“I will.”
He leaned forward as if he was going to kiss her mouth, but he kissed her forehead, instead.
“Thank you, my sweet Emily.”
He continued walking but then he suddenly stopped. She glanced around to see what could have made him stop. He peered into her face with a narrowed gaze.
“Tell me something,” he said.
“What?”
“Why was Father Brian explaining to you about what was happening in Ireland?”
“He dropped by to tell me he was returning to Ireland for a little while. When I asked him what purpose he had there, he told me about the war between the Irish tenants and the British landlords.” She shrugged. “He has friends in Ireland, and he said he’d be able to help their cause...whatever that means.”
Adam was silent for a few minutes before he shook his head.
“Emily, I want to tell you something, but you have to promise not to get upset.”
Worry seeped inside her. Already she knew she wasn’t going to like what he had to say. “What is that?”
“I have reason to believe that Father Brian is helping the Irishmen here in Savannah.”
She held her breath, letting his words seep into her head. He couldn’t possibly be serious. Cousin Brian, assisting the Irish in destroying people’s lives? It made no sense. Brian had never been like that. He was fair-minded, loving, and cared about everyone. However, that was the cousin she’d remembered before he’d left for Ireland that first time. Could the continent have changed him?
“I...I...” She shook her head. “I want to deny it. I want to convince you how wrong you are, but...”
“But?” he asked skeptically.
“But I haven’t talked to him for s
everal years. He could have changed, even though I pray he hasn’t.”
“I don’t want to point an accusing finger, but I have suspected him of doing just that.”
“Why? What has he done to lose your trust?”
“I’ve just seen him with those Irishmen several times, and then the few times I’ve spied on the three men, they are either heading toward the church, or leaving the church. And I doubt it’s because they are confessing their sins.”
Unshed tears stung her eyes and she nodded. “And now we’ll never know. Brian is leaving for Ireland soon.”
“Did he mention when he’s leaving?”
She paused, thinking back over her conversation with Brian earlier today. “No, I don’t believe he mentioned a day.”
“Then I’ll keep an eye on him. In the meantime,” Adam quickened his pace toward town, shifting his stare on the road before him, “I need to catch the Irishmen in action. I have a feeling they are going to strike at Mary’s parents soon. If I can stop that from happening, I might have a chance at saving the other British people in town.”
“Aren’t you going to have the sheriff help you? I don’t think you should do it alone.”
“Rest assured, I can handle it alone,” he said sharply.
“Oh, I reckon you can, but I know firsthand how shifty those Irishmen are. They probably won’t act alone on this. And although I have faith that you’ll capture them, I don’t want you to get hurt.” She touched her hand to his cheek again until his gaze met hers. “I don’t know how I’ll be able to handle it if they...hurt you.” She took a deep breath and released it slowly. “And you need to remember Megan and Flynn. How do you think they’d feel if they had to bury their father’s brother—the only other man in their lives right now?”
Adam’s steps faltered, but he kept moving forward. Thankfully, not as fast. His expression wasn’t as hard, and she prayed he was thinking during the silence. Had she said the right thing? Would he rethink trying to take his revenge on the Irishmen?
Surrender Your Heart Page 13