An Agent for Claudia

by Marie Higgins

  A loud knock at the front door brought her out of her strange thoughts. She held her breath, listening for Blake’s voice, hoping he had returned. But moments later when she finally heard voices, they were not Blake’s. In fact, whoever was at the door sounded quite upset.

  She pushed away from the table and hurried down the hallway toward the people her servant was arguing with. Her grandmother and cousin were not far behind.

  When she recognized Sheriff Burton and two of his deputies. She smiled even though their expressions were not very pleasant. “Good afternoon, Sheriff.”

  The burly middle-aged man with a double chin, pushed past her servant, keeping his glower on Claudia. “Miss Cummings, you’re under arrest.”

  Gasping, her body froze. “Arrest? Whatever for?”

  “You’re a jewelry thief, Miss Cummings, and we won’t allow that sort of thing in our town.”

  She stared at the sheriff for a few moments, feeling like everything around her was happening in slow motion. One of the deputies moved behind her and tried to slap steel cuffs on her wrists. Finally, she pulled out the momentary fog filling her head, and whipped around, not allowing the man to cuff her.

  “Are you insane?” she glared at the deputy before switching her gaze to the sheriff. “What proof do you have that I’m a jewel thief? And for that matter, why would I want to steal jewels? I have enough of my own that I’m quite happy with. I’m not in need of money, so why would you possibly think I’m the thief?”

  Tilting back his hat, the sheriff scratched his gradually balding head. “Miss Cummings, don’t make this difficult—”

  “Of course, I’m going to make this difficult,” she snapped. “You obviously have the wrong person, or you have false evidence, because I am innocent. Everyone around here knows I’m an heiress in my own right, so why should I want to steal anything?”

  “Miss Cummings,” the sheriff folded his arms across his chest, “several of our wealthy families in Charleston have been robbed, and after questioning some of the witnesses, they all said they saw you going near their rooms that held these pieces of jewelry.”

  “What?” Claudia could not believe her ears. This must be a nightmare, because it couldn’t be real. She must have fallen asleep at the table, and this was what she was dreaming. “And when did these thefts take place? Because I can assure you, I have been at my plantation this whole month. I took a trip with my grandmother and... cousin,” she said in distaste, motioning to Phillip, “to Mobile, Alabama, but that was last month. I have not traveled since my return home.”

  The sheriff’s dark gaze stayed on her as his cheeks grew redder. He wasn’t the only one getting more upset as the minutes ticked by. She was ready to spout fire if this wasn’t resolved immediately.

  “And then I received a tip this morning,” the sheriff continued as if she hadn’t even spoken, “that you were keeping the jewels on your property. I have three of my men searching the grounds as we speak.”

  Her heart sank as fear pulsed through her, moving faster than the anger had a second ago. He would find the jewels at her father’s log cabin! Then how could she stop the man of the law from arresting her?

  She swallowed down the lump of trepidation that had somehow lodged in her throat. As much as she wanted to argue her innocence, the sheriff wasn’t listening. Yet, her servants could attest that she’d been at her plantation for a whole month. Even her grandmother could tell the sheriff. However, once he found the jewels, he wouldn’t listen to anything her servant or grandmother had to say.

  When the deputy with the cuffs stepped toward her again, she moved away from him. “Until you have actual tangible proof that I was the thief, you’d better not even think about touching me with those cuffs!”

  “Gentlemen,” Grandmother said in a calm voice, “would you like to come into the sitting room and have a cup of tea while we wait?”

  “Wait for what?” the sheriff asked.

  “Well, you did say your men were searching our grounds, so until you have actually found the jewels, there is no reason for you to arrest my granddaughter, is there?”

  Tears pricked Claudia’s eyes and she wanted to hug her grandmother for believing in her... and at the same time, she knew that when the sheriff’s men stumbled upon the jewels, they’d arrest her in a heartbeat.

  “Tea?” the sheriff asked in an insulting tone. “Mrs. Willis, you cannot be serious. We are here to make an arrest, not to sit around and sip tea like a bunch of... women.”

  The glare Claudia’s grandmother threw at the sheriff could injure someone she was sure. Claudia quickly moved to stand by the older woman before she whopped the sheriff over the head with her cane.

  “Grandmama, it’s obvious these men do not have manners. But let us adjourn to the sitting room and await the verdict.”

  Just as she and her grandmother turned toward the sitting room, fast footsteps rushed up the wooden steps of the front porch. Fear squeezed her throat and made it hard to breathe. They’ve found the jewels!

  But the man rushing through the front door wasn’t one of the sheriff’s men. Blake! His worried gaze jumped from one person to the other standing in the hallway, until resting on her. A small sob tore loose from her and she found herself running toward him. He opened his arms and gathered her close. The warmth from his body calmed her.

  “What is going on here?” he asked in a commanding voice.

  Sheriff Burton sauntered toward Blake. Each man eyed the other cautiously. The sheriff stopped in front of them and rocked back on his booted heels.

  “I’ve come to arrest me a thief.”

  Blake’s eyebrows lifted and he quickly looked toward Phillip. “Then why haven’t you put him in cuffs yet?”

  The shocked gasp from Phillip made Claudia bite her lip to keep from laughing.

  “Me?” Phillip huffed. “I’m not the thief, that’s why.”

  The sheriff shook his head. “Miss Cummings is the thief.”

  She fisted her hands. “I am not a thief. How many times do I have to tell you that I am innocent?”

  “I don’t know,” Phillip said, rubbing his scruff chin as he walked closer. “I recall as a child, you always liked to take things that were not yours.”

  “Once again, Phillip,” she said between clenched teeth, “I believe that was you, not me.”

  Moments later, a man entered the house and walked straight to the sheriff. The two men moved aside and spoke in hushed tones.

  Claudia’s stomach churned. They’d found her father’s cabin. She just knew it. She glanced at Blake, who appeared calmer than he should be. Why couldn’t she feel that way? But his hazel eyes held a hint of reassurance in them, which lightened her heart. Even the way he gently caressed her back, eased her slightly.

  The sheriff’s audible sigh had her focusing on him. She clutched Blake’s vest as the man wearing the silver star badge came toward them.

  “Well, Miss Cummings, this must be your lucky day. We didn’t find any trace of the jewels.”

  Stunned, all she could do was stare. Had they not found her father’s log cabin? True, it was embedded in a thicket of trees, but it was still easy enough to locate.

  “Of course you can’t, Sheriff Burton,” Blake said, tightening his arms around her. “And the reason you can’t is because she is not the thief.”

  The sheriff narrowed his gaze on Blake. “And who are you? What business do you have here?”

  Finally, Claudia snapped out of her brief mental shutdown. “Sheriff Burton, this is Blake Bentley from Texas. He’s my... fiancé.”

  Choking on his quick intake, the middle-aged man’s eyes widened. “You’re engaged?”

  “Indeed, I am.”

  “But I thought...” The man’s gaze flew to Phillip – who was trying his hardest to look innocent, but Claudia could see right through his act.

  Inwardly, she boiled. She knew what was going on. Phillip was behind this. He was behind all of the rumors about her, and he surely
was behind telling the sheriff about the jewels. Had Phillip set the jewels in her father’s cabin for the sole purpose of trying to frame her? She wanted nothing more than to wrap her hands around her devious cousin’s neck and squeeze.

  “Whatever you heard,” she said quickly, “was obviously from someone who didn’t know what the blazes they were talking about.”

  When the sheriff looked at her again, it was through narrowed eyes. “I’ll keep watch on you, Miss Cummings. You’re not going to trick me next time.”

  “Sheriff, there won’t be a next time, I assure you.”

  It wasn’t until the sheriff and his men left, that Claudia could breathe easier. It was on the tip of her tongue to order Phillip out of her house and never come back, but then she remembered that keeping him here would be the only way they could catch him stealing.

  Grandmother groaned and rubbed her forehead. “I’ve had a trying afternoon. Perhaps I should lie down for a bit.”

  “Do you wish me to walk you to your room?” Claudia asked.

  The older woman held up a wrinkled hand. “That won’t be necessary.” She moved to the stairs and began her climb.

  Claudia glanced at Phillip, hoping he would excuse himself and leave, too, but he stood in place, staring at her. She grumbled in annoyance and turned in Blake’s arms. It surprised her that he hadn’t released her. Then again, she was more comforted this way.

  “Blake? Would you mind if we went for a stroll? I need some fresh air to clear my head.”

  “Of course, my love.” He kissed her forehead.

  When she turned toward the door, Blake still kept one arm around her waist. Once again, the sense of longing to be cared for in such a way returned and made her giddy inside. Why, oh why, couldn’t she stop her heart from pitter-pattering whenever Blake was around? She couldn’t possibly have come to care for him in that way. Especially, when he’d already told her that she was just a promotion to him. Nothing more, nothing less.

  If she was going to give her heart to another man, he would have to love her the same in return. She couldn’t have it any other way.

  TWELVE

  Blake dropped his arm from around her waist when they reached the walkway toward the rose garden. After a few moments of missing her closeness, he took her hand and draped it over his arm, which brought her next to him, once more. Strange to think how normal this seemed... and how comfortable he was when they were together.

  “So,” she exhaled deeply, “what an exciting afternoon, don’t you agree?”

  He looked into her lovely blue eyes and smiled. “I’m assuming you’re referring to the sheriff’s visit.”

  She nodded. “I’ve never been so frightened – and frustrated at the same time. I thought for sure he was going to take me to jail. But, for the life of me, I can’t figure out how his men just happened to overlook the log cabin.”

  He gently patted her fingers on his arm. “They didn’t overlook it. They just didn’t find anything.”

  Her steps came to a halt as she stared into his eyes. “Pardon me?”

  He grinned wider. “They didn’t find one shred of evidence inside the cabin.”

  “But Blake, we were there not more than two hours ago. How could it have all disappeared—” Suddenly, skepticism appeared in her narrowed eyes. “Unless, that was your urgent errand?”

  Chuckling, he caressed her cheek. “You are a very intelligent woman. That’s one of the things I like about you.”

  “Oh, Blake,” she sighed and leaned against him, laying her head on his shoulder. “You are the one who is intelligent. If you hadn’t thought to hide them...”

  When her voice broke, something inside his chest wrenched, and all he could think about was taking her in his arms and soothing her fears, once again. He rather enjoyed being this way, especially because she didn’t fight it.

  As he wrapped his arms around her shoulders, she snuggled against his chest, pressing her cheek over his heart. Could she hear the ragged rhythm or his uneven breaths? Was she aware of the effect she had on him?

  “During our meal,” he told her as he stroked her soft hair, “I was trying to piece together Phillip’s conversation. I couldn’t understand why he wanted to discuss Alabama when it really had nothing to do with the way the conversation was headed. And, knowing his devious mind, I realized he might be trying to trap you in some way.”

  She lifted her head and peered into his eyes, so he continued. “I knew if you were arrested, the plantation would fall into his hands. That’s when my gut told me to hide the jewels.”

  She gave him a lazy smile. “Tell your gut how happy I am that you felt that way.”

  He pushed a lock of hair away from her forehead. “Phillip is going to know we’re onto him when he discovers that the jewels are no longer in the cabin.”

  Her smile disappeared. “Then what will we do to get him arrested? How can we catch him in the act?”

  He sighed and loosened his hold on her. “That, my sweet Claudia, is something I haven’t figured out yet.”

  “Perhaps this is something we should discuss in great detail later tonight.”

  A breath caught in his throat. “Later tonight?”

  “Yes. After everyone has gone to bed.”

  His heartbeat accelerated even faster. She couldn’t possibly mean what he thought she meant – even though he hoped that she wanted another kiss, just as he did. “You’ve gotten my attention, my love. Where do you suggest we meet for our midnight rendezvous?”

  “Your room.”

  Excitement raced through him. “Why my room?”

  “Because it’s farther away from Phillip.”

  He nodded. “Indeed, the farther away, the better. The more private our meeting is, the more we’ll be able to accomplish.”

  Silence stretched between them until all he could hear were his quick breaths blending with hers. He’d been holding her stare, but then she dropped her gaze to his mouth. Suddenly, a knot formed in his throat.

  The blue of her eyes became darker, and her face relaxed. The urge to kiss her – passionately – was strong, but he resisted. The next time he kissed her like that, he wanted them to be alone. Right now, the servants would be able to see them, as well as her family.

  She blinked and slowly pulled away. Disappointment filled him. He prayed she’d be more receptive tonight.

  As they resumed their stroll, he had a difficult time calming his heartbeat. Anticipation for tonight would be overbearing, to say the least. What could he do to pass the time until then?

  “Did I tell you,” he began, but then had to clear his throat when it was hoarse, “that my friend Chaplain Brooks has agreed to conduct the wedding?”

  She laughed lightly. “Yes, you told me. Do you not remember being in my room last night?”

  His heartbeat tripped. Her voice was low and seductive. Or was that just his imagination? “I remember now. How could I have forgotten?”

  She tapped his arm. “I don’t know, but you’re acting strangely right now.”

  “Strangely?” He arched an eyebrow.

  “Yes. Are you perhaps nervous about something?”

  “Nothing that I can think of.” He chuckled over the awkward moment. Why was he acting this way? He’d never been this way around women.

  She laughed harder. “I never thought I’d see the day when Blake Bentley was tongue-tied and forgetful around a woman.”

  Although the idea of him being tongue-tied was most comical, he wasn’t used to being in a situation like this. It seemed Claudia was the only one who made words leave his head. And now that she’d pointed it out, he definitely didn’t know what to say. So... he’d do the next best thing.

  They had just passed a tall hedge, and he quickly stepped behind it and tugged her into his arms. She gasped with surprise, but the moment her bosom pressed against his and her hands grasped his shoulders, she released a heady sigh. Brilliant blue eyes stared up at him almost in anticipation.

  “My dear
Claudia,” he said in a deep voice, “it’s because of you that I find myself at a loss for words. And as for being tongue-tied... I suppose I can find other uses for my tongue as long as you oblige.”

  He bent his head and covered her mouth with his. She inhaled sharply, but it didn’t take long before he heard a soft moan ease from her throat. As he circled his arms around her, she hooked her arms around his neck, fitting herself more snuggly against him as she participated in the kiss.

  Her actions pleased him, especially since he thought she hated him because of what he’d said to her last night. But with the way she responded so eagerly to the kiss, his heart swelled with happiness.

  Blake moved his hands up and down her back, loving the fact that she wasn’t the least bit shy in stroking his arms, neck, and even threading her fingers through his hair. An odd sensation overcame him, confusing him. He’d never felt all quivery inside while passionately kissing a woman. The strangeness of it all made him want to break the kiss, thinking her lips were giving him some kind of sedation, but his racing heartbeat let him know this was a feeling he enjoyed immensely.

  The slamming of the front door of the house snapped both Blake and Claudia out of their passion-induced kiss and they jumped apart. The tall hedges blocked the view of the front porch, so he carefully peeked around it. Claudia stood next to him, trying to get a look as she held tightly onto his arm.

  With a face as red as his hair, Phillip’s upper lip was curled in anger as he marched down the porch and toward the stable, grumbling loudly on his way. Thankfully, the man didn’t notice Blake hiding behind the hedge.

  “What’s he doing?” Claudia whispered.

  “He’s hurrying toward the stable,” Blake told her. “Something crawled up his drawers and he’s more enraged than an irritated hornet.”

  Claudia leaned around the hedges, getting a better look. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen him so upset.”