Whispered Kisses

by Taylor, Janelle

  Jace had a hard time controlling his rage. He wanted to attack the man and beat him senseless, but he couldn’t because he needed more facts while Reid was boasting. “Why did Webster leave me the money you won’t let me collect?”

  “Chad and I couldn’t figure out that one. Chad suspected the old man discovered a clue about his actions. I guess it was a way to pay you back for losing your father and your inheritance. He must have left Fiona in to ward off suspicion and as a threat to Leigh. Something else, and it might ease your mind: Chad liked your father. He hated killing him, but it was the best way to hurt you and to profit.”

  “Are you telling me Fiona agreed to have Chad killed?”

  “I pulled the trigger, but Fiona agreed. Chad didn’t love his mother. He threatened to kill her several times. She married William to get his money, and we have. We’re not letting anyone foil us.”

  Reid aimed the gun at Jace’s heart, but Jace taunted, “Don’t you want to know how I discovered the truth about you and Fiona? I doubt you’ll pull that trigger after you realize I have proof, proof that can get you two in big trouble. If you shoot me, the law gets it. Imagine your beautiful Fiona in prison or with a rope around her neck.”

  “What proof?” Reid demanded. “It’s a trick. I was too careful.”

  “Not that last day in Mombasa, old boy. Your rash cable to Fiona in Bombay is mighty incriminating,” Jace hinted, withdrawing a blank paper from his front pocket and waving it in the air. “It fell into my hands. How much will you pay for this evidence, old boy?”

  “Hand it over!” Reid shouted. “Or I’ll take it after you’re dead.”

  “You could, if this was the cable copy. I’m not a fool, Reid. I have it hidden. Once I’m dead, my things will be searched and the real telegram will be discovered. I wonder what the authorities will think about it. Webster dead. Leigh dead. Chad dead. Fiona and you getting married. Then that cable shows up and inspires questions. I also have a confession from Jim Hanes that includes you, old boy. If I don’t get money and get killed, so will you and your lover.”

  “What do you want, Jace? Name your price.”

  Jace scratched his head as he murmured, “About half is—” He brought up his knee into Reid’s groin as hard as he could. As the man reflexively jerked forward, Jace landed a stunning blow across his jaw. When Reid was floored and the gun was sent clattering from his grasp, Jace pounced upon him and socked him several times.

  The authorities and Leigh rushed forward.

  Leigh grabbed her husband’s arm. “Enough, Jace! It’s over. Your plan worked. The authorities heard everything.”

  Jace glanced up at his frantic wife, his image reflected in her blue eyes. The animal instinct within him was mastered. He ceased beating the man who had tried to destroy him and everyone he loved. He inhaled, stood, and pulled Leigh into his arms. “You’re right, love; it’s finally over. We can go home now.”

  “We heard every word, Jace,” Charles Nelson said. “You’re under arrest, Mr. Adams. I’ll have my men pick up your accomplice tonight. You’re both facing a lot of very damaging charges.”

  Reid jumped to his feet. He gaped at the embracing couple. “You tricked me. You faked her death!”

  “Of course. You couldn’t expect me to let one of you kill the woman I love, the woman I married.”

  Reid was stunned. Reality flooded him, and terror filled him. “I was lying just to provoke you,” he claimed in desperation. “Chad did all those things. He killed himself. I thought you were trying to blackmail me and Fi—Mrs. Webster. I was only trying to get information from you. We’re innocent.”

  “It’s useless, Mr. Adams,” Nelson told him. “We have plenty of evidence. We have your cable from Mombasa. We have a statement from Jim Hanes, one from Joanna Harris Marlowe, and one from Cynthia Campbell. It’s over. Come along quietly.”

  Leigh watched as the sullen Reid was taken away. His hirelings outside had been captured. Men were sent to arrest Fiona Webster. So many people had died for greed and money. So many people had been hurt. Each of them had wanted her inheritance, when only Jace Elliott meant anything to her. She wished her grandfather hadn’t made her his sole heir. Yet she realized she would never have met her love, her husband, if that weren’t true.

  Too, she comprehended, Jace and his father were cleared of those crimes. Joanna was free of the past. Her grandfather hadn’t been involved. Brandon Elliott and her grandparents could now rest in peace. She and Jace could return home and build a bright future. At least some good things had come from so much evil and suffering.

  On Monday, Jace and Leigh went to see Cynthia Campbell and realized she’d finally lost all touch with reality and sanity. The pitiful woman would have to be taken to an institution for care and treatment, but the doctor they summoned said her recovery was doubtful. If she traveled the long road back, she would spend her life in sorrow.

  The remainder of that day was spent with Jace’s stepsister.

  On Thesday morning, Joanna Marlowe sailed for Scotland to visit her mother. With her, she took a document that revealed a large deposit Leigh Webster Elliott had made in a London bank for Catharine Elliott’s support, enough for Brandon’s widow to live comfortably for the rest of her life. From Scotland in two weeks, Joanna was sailing home to her family. Jace and Leigh promised to visit them and Jenna late next summer, after the coffee crop was in and sold.

  During the day, Jace rode Leigh by his old home, and they visited the graves of their loved ones. He related his family history to his wife, who was delighted to learn all about Jace.

  They went to Webster International and searched Chad’s office to make certain no family possessions or incriminating evidence was left behind. Leigh bid the workers good-bye. She urged them not to worry, that everything would be settled soon. She questioned Jace to make sure he did not want to retain his father’s company. Both decided they did not want to be in the textile business or to live in London.

  At four, they had afternoon tea with Lord Salisbury. They thanked him for his past and recent help. All three were glad to have Brandon and Jace exonerated, and the case closed. For a while, they talked of Brandon Elliott and William Webster, then parted at six, with Lord Salisbury promising again to introduce Leigh and Jace to Queen Victoria on their next visit during the early, summer of ‘97.

  Over dinner in their hotel suite, Jace talked about Chad for the last time. “He really loved you, Leigh. In time, if you had loved him, I think you could have changed him back to the way he was before he was destroyed in South Africa. At least I’d like to believe that was possible. There are plenty of good times to remember. I’d like to forget the bad.”

  “He must have been different long ago, Jace, or you wouldn’t have loved him so. I’m sorry about the pain both of you endured. Deep inside, I think he always knew you didn’t betray him. I doubt he could have ever admitted it, not after the terrible things he did during his madness. Whatever happened to Chadwick Hamilton during his capture and torture by the Matabele warriors altered him inextricably. He couldn’t accept the fact you couldn’t rescue him from anything. To get back his manhood, he had to blame someone for his troubles; he had to use a powerful emotion to push him onward. It’s sad that he chose hatred and vengeance.”

  “At least he’s at peace now. I want that for him, Leigh. He was an important part of my life. When I thought he was dead years ago, it really hurt. When I discovered him alive, I was overjoyed, until he made us bitter enemies. The loss of our friendship created a vast emptiness in me. But you’ve filled it, and I’m at peace now, too.”

  On Wednesday, Leigh and Jace met with the Webster lawyers to unravel the shocking affair of her faked death. She ordered a sale of all her holdings in England except the ancestral estate, which she could not bring herself to part with yet. She told the lawyers she would visit there next year and make her final decision. Leigh couldn’t help but think that perhaps one of their children might reside in England one day in that b
eautiful country setting.

  Arrangements also were made for any further support of Jace’s stepmother that ill health or such might necessitate. Money was allotted for a nice house for Catharine, who had been forced by Chad’s crimes into the home of relatives far away. It would be the widow’s decision to purchase a dwelling there or in London where she had once lived. With Brandon and Jace cleared, there was no reason she couldn’t return.

  Jace was happy to see his wife so concerned over his father’s widow, and so generous in heart.

  Afterward, the couple went to the Webster home, where Fiona Hamilton Webster had been arrested Sunday night, dragged away screaming and protesting and finally sobbing at her defeat. Leigh went through her grandparents’ belongings. Servants helped her pack the possessions she wanted to take home to Africa. Other items were given to the men and women who had served her family for years. The London home and Chad’s townhouse were to be sold, along with the business.

  Charles Nelson called to reveal that Reid and Fiona were incarcerated and awaiting trial, with no hope of escaping convictions. Charles revealed that he expected Reid to be sentenced to death for those murder charges, and for Fiona to get life in prison for her conspiracies. He coaxed Leigh and Jace to remain to testify, although it wasn’t necessary for convictions, and their testimonies were on file. The couple said no, satisfied that justice would be meted out by the court.

  On August sixth, Leigh and Jace Elliott sailed for Africa, to arrive on the twenty-eighth.

  A letter from Jenna, which had been mailed in mid-May, was awaiting Leigh in Mombasa. It related how Jenna had nursed Carl Hastings back to life following a grave illness. From her aunt’s words, the episode had changed her new uncle. Jenna wrote of how happy they were. She also revealed that Tyler Clark had been fired and was gone from the ranch.

  Leigh was glad. She planned to write a long letter to Jenna soon and she looked forward to visiting her aunt and Joanna next summer.

  Other delightful news awaited Jace and Leigh. Johi and Ka’arta had married during their absence. Abena was beaming ear to ear.

  Kambu, the overseer, reported to Jace that the crop was heavy and healthy, and should come in during March of next year.

  As soon as greetings and news were exchanged and baggage was put inside the house, everyone left the couple alone.

  Leigh strolled around the house, smiling as she touched things here and there. She was at home. She was with her love. Nothing could endanger or part them again. Looking forward to a sensual night with Jace, she took a long bath, and donned a yellow-and-red sarong.

  She had missed two spells of “Mother’s Misery,” in early July and in August. She suspected she was with child, and it caused her to glow with delight and anticipation. She revealed her suspicion to Jace. “If I’m right, the baby should come in March. I know that’s going to be a hectic month for you. I’m sorry I can’t schedule it for a more leisurely time, Mr. Elliott, but you have only yourself to blame for seducing me the moment we were reunited.”

  Husky laughter filled the room. “You’ve given me everything a man could desire, Leigh. Abena will be happy to help tend a little Bwana Jace or Bibi Laura Leigh, if she isn’t looking out after her own grandchildren. What a spring it will be—a big crop and a new baby. I’m a lucky man. We’ve endured a lot of wild perils. From now on, it’s just sweet passions, my tawny lioness.”

  Leigh gazed at the gold band with its large diamond on her finger. “It’s so beautiful, Jace, and so big. When and where did you get it?”

  “I found it in South Africa when Chad and I were mining there. I knew it was special, so I saved it for the right occasion. Mr. Carnes did an excellent job of cutting and mounting the stone. It’s the only diamond I had left. After my crop loss, I feared I would have to sell it. I’m glad I didn’t, because it looks perfect on this lovely hand,” he said, lifting it to kiss its back, then her palm.

  Leigh had never seen Jace look happier or more relaxed than he did at this moment. No shadows from a dark and painful past lingered in his lucid green gaze. No deceits controlled his tender smile. No trouble stalked his life and mind. No intrusive mysteries surrounded him. No doubts or anguish tormented him. He was free to love fully and to think of their life together. As she removed the provocative garment, she teased, “I won’t be able to wear these much longer, so I better use them to entice you as long as I can.”

  Jace pulled her naked body into his arms. His fingers trailed over her flesh. His mouth nuzzled her ear. His nose inhaled her sweet fragrance. He was at peace, filled with pride and contentment. His predatory lips tracked across her face and captured her mouth. Intense joy surged through him.

  They shared countless kisses, their lips and tongues tantalizing each other. They exchanged caresses, their hands stimulating and pleasuring each other’s eager bodies. They hadn’t made love since the steamer docked, and they were ravenous for each other. They wanted to savor this privacy, this unique moment; but fierce cravings demanded to be fed.

  They hastily removed Jace’s boots and garments and fell across the bed, clinging to each other and laughing. The two explored love’s land with as much leisure as their yearnings allowed. They preyed on each other’s weaknesses; they captured each other’s strengths. They hunted for blissful satisfaction as they journeyed toward ecstasy. They came together to share love, desire, a special oneness. Their safari to a bright future was underway; their first hunt was a heart stirring success; and their most prized trophy was love everlasting.

  Jace looked into his wife’s eyes. “I love you more than life itself, Laura Leigh Elliott. Just as I will love the child you carry,” he added, stroking her stomach.

  Leigh smiled into his jungle-green eyes. She caressed his sun-bronzed face, playfully mussed his brown hair. “You’re an excellent safari guide, my virile rogue. You gave me pleasure and excitement. You led me through dangerous territory, and brought me home safe. You helped me hunt down and obtain the best prize of all: you.”

  “Only so I could capture you for myself,” Jace teased. “That night on the waterfront, I warned you not to tempt a determined man like me. You were stubborn and impulsive, and did it anyway. You left me no choice but to lure you into my trap. I told you I would win our wager, any way necessary.”

  Leigh rolled atop him. She shook her tawny hair in his laughing face. “We’ re both winners, Jace. We have each other.”

  Jace grinned. “That we do, my beautiful wife; that we do.” He pulled her head downward and sealed their lips, forever.

  Author’s Note

  I want to thank the staff of the American Museum of Natural History in New York City for their assistance and research materials on the Ake-ley Hall exhibit and for suggesting the purchase of a video about it called Brightest Africa. Carl Akeley made five trips to Africa to study, hunt, and collect specimens; his displays capture the animals and habitats down to the smallest detail.

  The Discovery cable TV channel was a tremendous help and inspiration with its African features and safari programs each week. National Geographic magazine was also helpful with numerous stories and pictures.

  I am most appreciative, to the staff of the Augusta/Richmond County Library for assistance with research materials and for suggesting numerous books of great value. In one, I was lucky to find a list of laws and regulations by the IBEA Company for safaris in 1896. In another, I was inspired by William Holden’s Journey Through Kenya, a wonderful book of large pictures in vivid color and with detailed text.

  For a Janelle Taylor Newsletter and bookmark, please send a self-addressed, stamped envelope (long size is best) to Janelle Taylor; P.O. Box 11646; Martinez, GA., 30917-1646. Please print clearly.

  Until next time, GOOD READING …

  Janelle Taylor

  ZEBRA BOOKS

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  eISBN: 978-1-4201-2768-3

  Copyright © 1990 by Janelle
Taylor

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  Seventh printing: March 1996

  Printed in the United States of America