“Linnie told me about the investigation at the mayor’s office.” Kara took Alec’s hand in hers. “What a coincidence that it happened today.”
Alec looked at Hawke and smiled. “No. When we contacted the Pinkertons, they informed us of the governor’s suspicions. We let them know of Linnie’s investigations. There was enough evidence from different sources for them to make their move.”
There was a knock on the door, and a waiter entered with several trays on a cart. Martha nudged Freddie, who rushed over to see all the pastries and treats. “Can I have these, Momma? I’m really hungry.” His hand paused over the tray. At her nod, he snatched one and stuffed it in his mouth. Martha held her handkerchief to her mouth, stifling sobs. How long had it been since he’d been fed? Alec knew Freddie would have to answer that question—and many more—but not today. He walked over to Martha and knelt by her chair, taking her hand.
“I promise, on my life, nothing like this will ever happen to your family again.” He looked over at Linnie, sitting quietly next to her mother, and saw the question in her eyes. Reaching over, he held his hand out, palm up, waiting patiently for her. As she placed her hand in his, he stood, drawing her up with him. “Excuse us, please.” Moving past Martha, he escorted Linnie out into the hallway. Looking into her eyes, finally calm after so much turmoil, he felt himself falling further under her spell. “Your eyes are as green as the highlands in the spring.” She leaned against the wall; a knowing smile lit her face. A face he knew he wanted to see every day he drew breath. Bracing a hand on the wall next to her, Alec leaned in, anticipating the taste of her lips, when the sound of someone clearing his throat pulled him up. A soft sigh from Linnie told him she was as disappointed as he at the interruption.
Dropping his arm, Alec turned, ready to tear into whoever was standing there.
“S-s-sorry sir,” the young man stuttered, turning white as a sheet. “I-I have a message for Lord MacCairn.” He held the paper out with a shaking hand.
“Stop glowering at him, Alec.” Linnie cuffed him lightly on the arm. “Poor man is about to faint.” Alec tugged on his jacket, reached in, pulled out some coins, and gave them to the messenger as he took the note.
Looking back at Linnie, he was about to suggest they retire to his room, when the suite door opened and Kara stepped out.
“Sorry to interrupt.” Her eyes told Alec she wasn’t the least bit repentant, probably paying him back for the times he’d barged in on her and Hawke. “Linnie, your mother was hoping to take Freddie home before it gets to be too much later.”
Linnie looked up at Alec apologetically. “We should be going. I hope that isn’t bad news,” she added, nodding toward the message.
“I’ll escort you and your family home—no argument,” he said as she started to protest. “We still have a great deal to talk about.” He stuffed the message in his pocket as he walked back into the suite with the women.
Chapter 21
Freddie was hustled upstairs by Martha for a bath and bed. Linnie and Alec went to the parlor, where he poured them both a glass of whiskey. Linnie coughed as the liquor coursed down her throat.
“It’s strong, but it’s what you need to get your blood flowing.” Alec sat next to her and downed his drink in one gulp. “Lord knows I think my heart stopped more than once today. When I saw Vonn rush at you …” He stood, poured another drink, and paced the room, unable to settle.
Linnie rose and walked over to him, placing her hands on his forearms. She could feel the tremble of caged emotions. Looking into his eyes, she placed her hand on his cheek. “Freddie and I can never repay what you did today. I know you didn’t mean to kill Vonn, but …” Her words trailed off as the nightmare of her brother in that monster’s grasp replayed in her head.
Setting down his drink, he gathered her in his arms, kissing her on the top of her head. “I was so afraid I wouldn’t get there in time, but I wasn’t going to lose you—either of you.” He placed his hands on her cheeks, tilted her head up, and gently placed his forehead against hers. “I couldn’t lose you, not when I knew losing you would be losing my heart. I’m in love with you. I’ve known it for a while, but I didn’t want to scare you off.” He laughed as he kissed her swiftly and led her back to the sofa. She was glad he did; she was sure her knees were going to give out.
Martha came into the parlor, Alec stood, and she took him in a warm embrace. “There aren’t words to express my gratitude. You saved my family and returned them safely to me.” She stepped back, tears gleaming in her eyes. “You will always have a place in my heart and a welcoming place at our table.” She hugged him again, then went over to hug Linnie. “Promise me you won’t do something like this again. I know you want to make your mark as a journalist, just please, not with stories that put your life in danger.”
“I second that,” Alec added.
Linnie laughed. “I do love what I do, but I certainly don’t ever want to become the story again. I know I am going to be explaining a lot to Mr. Weathersby when I go back to the office, but,” she smiled, “the Call will have an exclusive no other paper can touch, and my name will be on the byline.” She looked at Alec. “Do you think we can contact the investigators and get my notes back? I want to start right away. Oh … and we need to go back to the warehouse so I can get some photographs.”
“Not six hours ago, you were afraid for your and Freddie’s lives, and now you want to write the story?”
She cocked her head, bemusement on her face. “I am a reporter; why wouldn’t I?”
He took her in his arms. “No reason.” He laughed, kissing her on the top of her head. “No reason at all. I do know one thing. You are beyond any notion or understanding I’ve ever had about women, and the thought of being the one to learn all the wonderful facets of Adeline Ellsworth fills me with excitement and expectation.” His arms tightened around her. “Life with you will never be ordinary.”
“Well you’ll have to wait until tomorrow to write your masterpiece,” Martha interrupted. “Linnie, you are about to drop where you stand, and Alec, I’m sure you’d also like to get some rest—I know I would.”
“My apologies, Martha. I’ve been a cad keeping you both from resting. Linnie, I will come by first thing to check on you and escort you to work. Then,” he took her hands, “tomorrow evening, we shall talk over dinner.” Nodding to Martha, he turned and left.
After closing the door, Linnie wandered back into the kitchen to grab a cup of tea before heading to bed. Martha was sitting at the table, two cups laid out with a pot of tea steeping between them.
“Come. Sit by me,” she said. “We need to talk, just the two of us, now that life has settled back down.” Smiling, she added, “Well, as settled as this family seems to get.”
“Mother,” Linnie sat, reaching out for her mother’s hands, “I am so very sorry about Freddie, the story, Vonn … everything.” Her heart ripped at the worry and pain still lingering in eyes she had loved all her life. Pain she was responsible for. “I knew he was a bad man. An evil man. But never did I think he would come after Freddie.” Hot tears ran down her cheeks, the realization of how close she had come to losing her brother a punch to the gut. “I know what I did; endangering you and Freddie is inexcusable, and finding the truth about Tommy won’t bring him back. All I can do is promise to never investigate a story like that again.”
“Never say never, sweetheart.” Her mother poured tea into the cups, adding a splash of milk and sugar to both. The spoon circled the cup, a quiet clink as it tapped the side She looked down at the delicate china and then back at Linnie. “I understand now. I didn’t before. I thought the photography and working for the paper were just something for you to fill your days after your father and Robert died. But it isn’t. You have a drive and a curiosity to ask the questions and dig for the answers. I’ve seen you grow as a person. You understand yourself better now at this point in your life than at any other time … even when you and Robert married. I don’t want you to not investigate sto
ries because you think I wouldn’t approve. I would never ask that of you.” Raising the cup to her lips, she took a sip of the warm brew. She held the cup in her palms, drawing warmth. “I will ask if you find a story you must follow and there is even the slightest possibility of danger, that you let others know what you are doing …”
Linnie wanted to explain why she hadn’t told anyone, but realized what she had thought were legitimate reasons at the time really weren’t. She should have told Scotty. He was her mentor and infinitely more experienced in that type of reporting. And if she were being honest with herself, she should have told Alec the night they were kidnapped. She’d done neither of them any favors waiting as long as she had.
Her mother patted her on the hand, drawing her attention back to the conversation.
“While I’m glad we cleared the air about that,” she smiled, “it wasn’t the subject I wanted to speak to you about.”
Sipping her tea, she looked at her mother. A twinkle in her eyes and slight blush on her cheeks warned Linnie.
“I would like to know how serious your relationship with Lord MacCairn has gotten. I know what he has told me,” she continued, shocking Linnie. Her mother had talked to Alec about their relationship? She was fifteen again, sitting at this same table while her mother and father quizzed her about Robert. Apparently, she thought, you’re never so mature your parent can’t reduce you to your childhood self.
“How serious can it be?” She poured more tea. “He will be leaving soon to return to Scotland. It seems a moot question.” Her heart ached as the reality of her words struck home. They would be leaving, and that would be the end.
“I did not get that impression from Lord MacCairn.” Martha’s words were soft. “I would not be surprised if he extends his stay.”
Linnie’s heart leaped. “What makes you say that? He’s said nothing to me.”
“Are you in love with him?”
“I am, but it’s never going to work. We are from different worlds and want different things.”
“Have you asked him what he wants?”
The question took her by surprise. They hadn’t had the chance to talk about anything beyond the crisis at hand. She thought knew a lot about him. They had made love and learned each other’s bodies, and she thought she understood his heart. But what did he want? She was taken aback. How much of a reporter was she? It was a basic question she’d failed to ask.
Sipping her tea, she looked at her mother. “You amaze me. I’m not sure you shouldn’t be the reporter in the family.”
Martha laughed. “Sometimes it takes someone on the outside. You must also ask yourself what you want from this relationship.”
“A valid point.” She walked over to the sink and set her cup down. “Now, I think I’ll crawl into bed and hope the morning doesn’t come too soon.” Kissing her mother on the cheek, she headed upstairs. Questions to be asked at dinner the following day piled up like autumn leaves dropping from a tree.
• • •
Linnie came down the stairs after the first restful night’s sleep she’d had in days to find Alec sitting at the kitchen table with Martha and Freddie. Her brother was tucking into a tall stack of pancakes, while Alec and Martha seemed deep in conversation.
“Good morning.” The blush that colored her mother’s cheeks had her wondering if her mother had asked Alec the same question she’d asked of her last night.
“Here, sit.” Alec rose and held a chair out for her.
“M-yeah, sis.” Freddie stuffed more pancake in his mouth. “The p’ncakes are sooo good.”
She laughed as she sat. Linnie looked around the cozy kitchen. All the darkness and fear of the past few days faded in the warmth and color of being with those she loved. A plate piled high appeared on the table in front of her. Looking up, she smiled gazing into those beautiful blue eyes, knowing his love had been what kept her afloat in the sea of uncertainty they had all navigated.
“Eat up.” Alec smiled. “You’re going to be late.” His smile danced through her like sunlight bouncing on the ocean.
“I hope you don’t think I can eat all of these,” she said. “I expect you to share these with me, or I’ll never finish.”
“I’ll eat what you can’t finish,” Freddie piped up, his plate now clear of food. “I’m still hungry.”
Linnie took a sip of coffee, marveling at Freddie’s resilience. She watched him talk animatedly with Alec. It was like he hadn’t been through any trauma at all. She knew the investigators would have to talk to him and all the fear he experienced would come to the surface, but right now, she was happy to see him being the bouncy little boy she loved.
“Are you sure you have to go to work today?” Martha asked her, reaching over and pouring more coffee into Linnie’s cup. “I’m sure Mr. Weathersby would understand, considering …”
“He might.” Linnie rose, helping her mother clear the table. “But I need to go in. I want to talk to Scotty and Mr. Weathersby and see if they were planning any story about Freddie.” She looked over, worried, but her brother was engrossed with a dime novel and not listening. “If they are going to expose the kidnapping and Vonn’s death,” her voice was shaky, “then I want to be the one to write the story.” She saw the distress in her mother’s eyes. She knew Martha hadn’t thought beyond getting her son home. But she had. She knew it was an integral part of what was happening at City Hall, and if she didn’t get ahead of it, someone else, someone who didn’t know them and who might not take into account the emotional damage a story like that could cause, would write the story.
“I think that is a very wise move,” Alec said, holding open her coat. “No one knows the whole story better than you.” He smiled, squeezing her arms in reassurance. “Martha, your daughter is amazing, and she is about to show San Francisco what an extraordinary woman and reporter she is.”
Linnie didn’t think she could love this man any more than she did right then. She pinned her hat to her hair, picked up her bag and camera case as her mother came around the table and gathered her in her arms.
“I know you are right, and I trust you. I love you.”
• • •
Linnie had been right. Her editor and Scotty both were thrilled at her offer to write her story. She agreed to have it for the next edition, and Mr. Weathersby guaranteed it would be front page above the fold, next to Scotty’s story about the raid at City Hall.
. Leaning back in her chair, she let her mind wander. After telling her he would be back to take her to dinner and then home, Alec had left He’s been there from the beginning, she thought. From the night on the boat. She’d wanted him then, but had been too stubborn to admit it. Through everything, he had helped her, no matter how she’d protested, and she realized she’d protested not because he’d been helping, but she’d been afraid to get too close. I fought and fought, and still I fell in love with him. And he loves me back. But where would it lead? Neither had spoken of the future. There hadn’t been time.
“Where are your thoughts?” She opened her eyes, startled. She’d been so deep in her mind, she hadn’t heard him approach. Looking at her watch pinned to her waist, she was dumbfounded at how fast the day had passed. She struggled to gather her scattered thoughts.
“Nowhere.” She cleared her throat and began straightening her desk, trying to calm her nerves. “I’m almost done. I sent the story to Mr. Weathersby, and I’m waiting to see what corrections he might need from me.” She felt awkward, off balance, but he’d done nothing. No teasing looks, no inappropriate comments. He seemed subdued almost. She saw him fiddle with something in his pocket, and it reminded her of last night.
“What was the note delivered to you while we were in the hallway?” She blushed, remembering how she had wanted him to kiss her.
“’Twas nothing. A note from the investigators. I met with them after I dropped you off.” His eyes glowed, and she knew he was remembering the moment as well. Heat crashed like the ocean against a cliff.
/> “Boss sent me to let you know the copy is good.”
Her head whipped around to see one of the editorial assistants looking between her and Alec. “Thank you. I’ll see you in the morning.” She smiled as the assistant beat a hasty retreat.
“Perfect.” Alec’s voice was a purr along her skin. “We can leave for our dinner appointment.”
Desire burned hot in her core, and the thought of him touching her, loving her, shut down any thoughts of food. “I’m not dressed for dinner,” she said, hoping he’d get the hint.
His eyes roamed over her, stoking the flames higher. He smiled. “Your outfit is fine. Come, we don’t want to be late.”
Linnie felt a small twang of disappointment, but there was time.
She smiled as the carriage pulled up to the hotel. Maybe he wasn’t thinking about food either. Alec stepped down and held out his hand. His eyes were dark. The breath rushed from her lungs. Tucking her arm in his, he led her up the grand staircase to a private drawing room lushly appointed with a lavish table in the center, set for two. Soft candlelight blurred the edges of the room and glinted off the silver salvers. The delicate scent of flowers tickled her senses. The room was set for seduction, and she was a willing participant. She felt his hands slide up her arms and reach around, grasping the opening of her coat as he slid it off and draped it over a chair by the door. Turning, she slid her arms around his waist and rose up to kiss him.
He wrapped his hand in her hair, pressing her even closer as he joined his mouth to hers. Finally, she thought, no interruptions, nothing to stop them. Except the questions tumbling in her mind. Stepping back from his embrace, she could see his confusion.
“I … I think we need to talk,” she said. The passion burning in his eyes sparked a response from her entire body. She wanted to rush back into his arms and love him until there were no other thoughts than the pleasure they could enjoy.
Stop. You have to stop … if only for a little bit, to ask what he wants. Mother is right. I can’t keep doing this just to have my heart broken when he leaves.
The Heart You Need Page 14