HARVESTHOUSEPUBLISHERSEUGENE,OREGON

Scriptures are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.Copyright©1973,1978,1984,2011,byBiblica,Inc.™UsedbypermissionofZondervan. All rights reservedworldwide. www.zondervan.com and theKingJamesVersionoftheBible.

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Published in associationwith theBooks&SuchLiteraryAgency, 52MissionCircle, Suite 122, PMB 170, Santa Rosa, CA 95409-5370,www.booksandsuch.biz.

Thisisaworkoffiction.Names,characters,places,andincidentsareproductsof the author’s imaginationor areused fictitiously.Any resemblance to actualpersons,livingordead,ortoeventsorlocales,isentirelycoincidental.

FLORA’SWISHCopyright©2013byKathleenY’BarboPublishedbyHarvestHousePublishersEugene,Oregon97402www.harvesthousepublishers.com

LibraryofCongressCataloging-in-PublicationDataY’Barbo,Kathleen.

Flora’swish/KathleenY’Barbo.p.cm.–(ThesecretlivesofWillTucker;bk.1)ISBN978-0-7369-5210-1

(pbk.)ISBN978-0-7369-5212-5(eBook)I.Title.PS3625.B37F572013813’.6–dc23

2012027222Allrightsreserved.Nopartofthispublicationmaybereproduced,storedinaretrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic,mechanical, digital, photocopy, recording, or any other—except for briefquotationsinprintedreviews,withoutthepriorpermissionofthepublisher.

ToMyBonusKidsClintandKatieTurnerEmilyandJoshMillerAlexandLizTurner

AustinTurnerBaileyTurnerKyleTurnerLoganTurner

Iloveyoulikemyown…

Overallthesevirtuesputonlove,whichbindsthemalltogetherinperfectunity.COLOSSIANS3:14

“IwasinthemiddlebeforeIknewthatIhadbegun.”~JaneAusten,

PrideandPrejudice

“Tobelieveeverymantobehonesttillheisfoundouttobeathief,isamottomostself-respectingmencling to;butwedetectiveson thecontrarywouldnotgainsalttoourbread,muchlessthebreaditself,ifweadoptedsuchabelief.Wehavetobelieveeverymanaroguetill,afterturningallsortsofevidenceinsideout,wecanonlydiscoverheisanhonestman.AndeventhenIammuchafraidwearenotquitesureofhim.”

~AndrewForrester,TheFemaleDetective(May1864)

Contents

ChapterOneChapterTwoChapterThreeChapterFourChapterFiveChapterSixChapterSevenChapterEightChapterNineChapterTenChapterElevenChapterTwelveChapterThirteenChapterFourteenChapterFifteenChapterSixteenChapterSeventeenChapterEighteenChapterNineteenChapterTwentyChapterTwenty-OneChapterTwenty-TwoChapterTwenty-ThreeChapterTwenty-FourChapterTwenty-FiveChapterTwenty-SixChapterTwenty-SevenChapterTwenty-EightChapterTwenty-NineChapterThirtyChapterThirty-One

ChapterThirty-TwoChapterThirty-ThreeChapterThirty-FourChapterThirty-Five

AcknowledgmentsDiscussionQuestionsAbouttheAuthor

T

One

May1887TheCrescentHotelEurekaSprings,Arkansas

he last thingFloraBrimmneededwas to lose another fiancé.While therewasnoevidencetoproveWillTuckerhadmetthesameunfortunatefateas

the other four—an early and untimely demise—therewas also no prospectivegroominresidenceattheCrescentHotelthisevening.

Florasteppedoff theelevatorandwalkedtowardtheballroomtomakeherentrance late and alone. She paused to take in the grand sweep of glitteringchandeliers and the wide expanse of floor-to-ceiling windows reflecting theelectric lightbackinto theroom.Oversizedpottedpalmsclimbingalmosthighenoughtotouchtheceilinghidthefourcornersofthegrandroom.

Though the ballroom was crowded with guests, Flora glanced around inhopesoffindingthemanshehopedtowed.Thesearchwasfutile,ofcourse,astonight’s celebration of the Crescent’s first anniversary was a masked ball.Thosewhodared ignore the requirementweregivenagenericmask,white forthe ladies and black for the gentlemen.And yet she hoped that somehow shemightrecognizehim.

Or,perhaps,hewouldrecognizeher.Flora waved off a liveried man with a tray of white masks. At her

grandmother’sinsistence,adisguiseofpalebluesilkdottedwithseedpearlshadbeen created tomatchhergown.She tied themask inplace and then touchedGrandmama’sdiamondchokerwith itshalfdollar–sizedaquamarine set into abutterfly shape. The heirloom weighed heavily against her throat, but it waslovelyandshewouldendureitfortheevening.Tinyearringswithperfectlysetpearls dangling among sparkles of diamonds, aquamarines, and sapphirescompletedtheensembleandcausedhertosmile.TheearringshadbeenMama’s

favorite.Onanyotheroccasion,Florawouldhavehappilyjoinedthedancersonthe

floor and been the belle of the ball until the orchestra played its last tune.Tonight,however,herworryoverweddingplanspossiblygoneawrycausedherto wish she could spend the evening anywhere but smiling for strangers or,worse, for thosewhoknewherwell enough to offer condolencesonhermostrecentloss.

PerhapsMr.Tuckerwastryingtofindheratthisverymoment.Perhapshe’dleftanotewiththedeskclerkinthehoursinceshelastchecked.Yes,ofcourse.She’dmeanttostopandaskagainaboutmessages.Yes,shewoulddothatnow.

Justthentheelevatordoorsopened,andacrowdofunmaskedfamiliarfacesfromNatchez spilled out.The conversation she knew shewould have to haveshouldanyofherfather’sfriendsrecognizehermadeherscurryinside.Asshecrossedthethreshold,theorchestrastruckupawaltz.Floranotedthetimeasshetoyed with the silver watch she’d received as an engagement gift from Mr.Tucker. Even arriving as late as she had, the evening threatened to stretch oninterminably.

From across the room, she met her grandmother’s approving gaze.WhileMillicent Meriwether Brimm might feign dislike of such large events, FloraknewquitewellthatGrandmamawasinherelement.Thegatheringofimportantdignitariesaroundherprovedthatwhileshewasnoyoungbeauty,shecouldstillholdherownsocially.Theliftofoneiron-graybrowtoldFlorashe’dbehearingalectureontardinesstomorrow.

Turning from Grandmama, her attention was once again drawn to thewindows. Thus far her favorite spot among all the lovely offerings at theCrescentHotelhadbeentherooftopbelvedere.Theviewofthecountrysidehadbeen like nothing she’d seen since her trip up the steps of the Sacré-Coeur atMontmartretotakeintheviewofParisbelow.

And thoughEurekaSpringswasnothing like theCityofLight thathad socaptivated her on her grand tour before Mama took ill, there was somethingabout thehillsandvalleys that settledadeeppeace inherheart.Orperhaps itwasthegreatheightfromwhichsheviewedthem.

Indeed,thatwaslikelythecase.Hadshebeenbornaboy,Floracouldeasilyimagine herself climbing theAlps or ascending some farawaymountaintop toplantaflagofdiscovery.Thethoughtofitcausedthebeginningsofasmile,asdidtherecollectionofhowmanytimesshe’dbeencalleddownfromtheroofoftheir Natchez home to receive a scolding on the impropriety of a female

attemptingsuchaclimb.OfherpromisetoViolet tocontinuethedizzyingfunthesistersoncehadtogether.

The smile fled when she realized that being born a boy would also havealleviatedtheproblemoffindingagroomwhocouldstayaliveuntilanheirwasborn.

“Flora!”someoneshoutedoverthemusic.“Isthatyou,FloraBrimm?”Spyingthemotherofhersecondfiancéheadingherway,Floracastaboutfor

ameans of escape.The last thing sheneededwas a reminder of the loss theyshared.

Worse, she would likely be drawn into a discussion about the other“unfortunate incidents”—code words, of course, for the fact that even afterSimonHoneycutt’sdeath,Floracontinued to lose fiancésat ahigher rate thanthelocalchickensshedfeathers.

Well,nottonight.Notwhenhernerveswerealreadystretchedsotight.AndnotwhenWillcouldpossiblyoverheartheconversationorMrs.HoneycuttcouldtellhimexactlywhatshethoughtofFlora.

Floraliftedherfantoherfaceandsliditopen.Pretendingtowaveawaytheheatoftheroom,sheusedthedistractiontoseekaplacetohideuntilshecouldmakeherexit.

A trio of well-placed palm trees set into a corner of the room just mightprovide a spotwhere she could find sanctuary, especially given the fact therewasawindowbehindthem.IgnoringGrandmama’spointedstare,Floradodgedout of the way to hide behind an overlarge politician and his argumentativecompanions. A pair of matrons strolling toward the refreshments provided asecondmeans of preventing Grandmama and that awful Natchez gossip fromspyingher.

With freedom almost within reach, Flora darted behind a waiter and verynearlyupsethistray.Afterofferingahurriedapology,shemanagedtoreachthesafetyofthetrees.

The shadows were deep behind the palms, and the air held the earthycombinationoffreshsoilandpatchouli.Thewindowhadnotbeenthrownopenasshe’dhoped,buttherewasplentyofroomtorelaxandwaitforthetimewhenshemightmakeherexitthesamewayshearrived.

Peeringaround the foliage, shewatchedheralmost-mother-in-lawpause tolookaround.Amomentlater,thematronheadedtowardGrandmama.

Flora ducked back into the shadowy depths and tucked the fan back intoplace,and thensheheaved thebestversionofasighshecouldmanage,given

the restriction of her corset. “What a waste of an evening,” she said as sheslumpedagainstthewallandclosedhereyes.

“Agreed,” a deep voice responded. “Though I find the situation muchimprovedoverjustamomentago.”

Florasnappedopenhereyes toseesomeonestandingnearby.Hewore thehotel-issuedblackmask,buttherewasnodisguisingtheimpertinentlookinthedark-hairedman’sgray-greeneyes.Helookedawayjustlongenoughtostashapeculiar-lookingcopperobjectinhisjacketpocket.

Theurgetotellhimexactlyhowshefeltabouthischeekybehaviorwarredwith thepracticalityof remaining silent.Neither appealed, soFloradecided tosayacurt,“Ifyou’llexcuseme,”andthenmakeanescape.

“Thewindowwouldbeabetter choice.That is, ifyou’re looking toavoidthat woman.” The stranger peered through the foliage and then returned hisattention toFlora. “Unless Imissmyguess, that’sMrs.MilburnHoneycutt oftheNatchezHoneycutts.Butapparentlyyouknewthat.”

She did. Just how he knew it gave Flora pause towonder, but only for amoment. She straightened her spine and edged back into the shadows. “WhatmakesyouthinkIwanttoavoidanyone?”

Hisbrowwrinkled.“You’rehidingbehindacollectionofpottedpalmtrees.AndthoughIwouldneverclaimtounderstandwhatgoesoninawoman’smind,Idohavesomeexperienceinknowingwhenapersonwantstohide.”Theman’sgazesweptthelengthofher.“Andyouwanttohide.”

Flora ignored him. Or rather she gave her best impression of it, for theretrulywasnoignoringamanwithhispresence,especiallyinsuchclosequarters.

“Thequestioniswhy,”hecontinuedinasmooth-as-silkvoice.“Maybe I’m disappointed because I wanted to play chess, and all these

peopleseemtowanttodoisdance.”“An attempt at humor,” he said slowly. “Which is just another way of

creatingadiversion.Furtherproofthatyouhavesomethingtohide.Butwhat?”“It’snobusinessofyours,sir,Iassureyou,”shesaidasshelookedbeyond

himtothewindow.“Whenyouarrivedatmyhidingplace,itbecamemybusiness.”“Oh, really?” Flora returned her attention to the stranger. “That begs the

questionofwhyaninvitedguestmightneedahidingplace.Andforthatmatter,I’dliketoknowwhatyoutriedtoputawayinyourjacketpocket.”

Amuscle inhis jawtwitched.NothinginhisexpressionorhisstancegaveFloracausetobelievehemightrespond.

Shedecidedtomakelightofhissterndemeanor.“No,ofcourseyouwouldrefusetoanswer.SoI’mlefttoguess.”Shepausedtobrushapalmfrondoutofherwayassheinchedclosertothewindow.“I’dsayyou’reeitherwaitingforacertainfavoredfemaleoryou’resomesortofspy.Whichisit?”

Somethinginwhatshe’dsaidmusthavestruckanerve,forhelookedaway.“Thatismuchtooheavyforyoutolift,”washisoddresponse.“Thewindow,”headded.“Youappeartobetryingtodecidewhethertoopenit.”

“Nottheanswertomyquestion…Oh,nevermind.Itrulydonotcarewhyyou’rehidingbehindthepottedpalms.Now,ifyou’llexcuseme.”Shepressedpast him to open the window, but though she was no weakling, it remainedsealedtight.

On theother sideof thepalms, thewaltzended.While theguestsclapped,Floragavethewindowonemoretug.Nothing.

Letting out a long breath, she turned around to face the man who stoodbetweenherandthewaybackintotheballroom.“Youlookstrongenough,sir.MightItroubleyoutoseeifyoucandobetter?”

Asmileroseslowly,andthencameanod.“IsupposeIcoulddothat.Ithelpsif you unlock it first.” He reached to easily accomplish the task, and then heturned to regard her again. “You do understand we’re several floors up.Suggestingthisexitwasmyattemptathumor.”

“Thankyou.”Shegavehimherbestsmile.“Andyes,I’mwellawareoftheheight,thoughImuchprefertheviewfromthebelvedereontheroofaboveus.Haveyouseenit?”

“No,I’venothadthepleasure.”“Youshouldreallyfindthetimetogoupandtakealook.It’sbreathtaking.”

Flora leaned out the window and heard his gasp behind her. “Unless you’reafraidofheights.”Shecastaquickglanceoverhershoulderandfoundhimonceagainwatchingherintently.

“Madam, inmy line ofwork I’ve found little that givesme concern.”Hegaveheranothersweepingglance.“You,however,justmaybetheexception.”

“And what line of work is that?” She arched a brow to emphasize thequestion.Whenheremainedsilent,sheshruggedandthenreturnedherattentiontotheglorioussceneontheothersideofthewindow.

The stars glittered as bright as the chandeliers behind her, and the moonwashedthegroundsbelowinapalesilverlight.BeneaththewindowFloraspiedawide ledge that could easily accommodate twopeoplewalking sideby side.Theledgewoundaroundthesideofthebuildingtomeetupwithabalconyanda

second set of doors that would allow her to return to the ballroom on theopposite side from where she’d spottedMrs. Honeycutt. From there it was aquickjaunttotheelevators.

Shetookadeepbreathofpine-scentedairandletitoutslowlyasshebracedherselfon thewindow frame.Withcare, shepivoted toplaceboth feeton theledge. Slowly she eased into a standing position. As she pressed against thebuilding,abriskwindliftedtheedgeofherskirtandthenswirleduptoteaseatthebackofherneck.

Suddenlythefourthfloorseemedmuchhigherthanithadmomentsago.Arailmighthavehelped,asithadinParis,butalastherewasnone.

ForamomentFloraclutched thewindowframe.Then,withhereyesfixedonthepathbeforeher,shetookastep.

Thecrazywomanwasactuallygoingtodoit!ThiswascertainlynothowLucasMcMinnhadexpectedtheeveningtogo.

Andnow,thankstothewomanwhoseeyesmatchedthejewelatherthroat,hewould have to abandon his surveillance in the Pinkerton investigation thatbroughthimtotheCrescentHotelinfavorofsavingadisguiseddebutantefromherself.

He tossed his irritation aside and followed the vision in blue out onto theledge, making sure the miniature listening device he’d only just sent off thepatentforwassafelytuckedinhispocket.

The woman had taken two more steps before the paralyzing fear he’dexpectedofherkickedin.“Waitrightthere.I’mcomingafteryou.”

“No,truly,I’mfine,”shesaidwithoutturningaround.“Ipracticallygrewupfollowingmysisteraroundplaces…well,nearlylikethis.”

“What are you, some kind of circus performer?” He stepped out onto theledgejustasshemovedoutofhisreach.

“Hardly,” she saidwith a soft chuckle. “Thoughmy sister and I certainlydreamedofsuchathingaschildren.”

Beforefollowingthesubject,Lucaspausedtoassessthesituation.Outheretheairwas fresherand thebreezeunexpectedlystiff.Stayingclose to thewallwould not only be prudent, but it also would keep him from any unexpectedwindgusts.Apparentlysheheldnosuchscruples,forshehadinchedclosetotheedgeandnowstoodwithherbacktothedangerandherattentionfocusedonthegoings-oninside.

Lightpouredoutof thewindows, flanking theballroom to slideacross thewoman’s high cheekbones andmass of coppery curls before spilling over theedgeof the ledgeandonto the lawn four floorsbelow.Werehenot in sucharidiculouspredicament,Lucasmighthavestoppedtoadmireherbeauty.

Instead, hewas forced to keep hismind on how hemight bring her backindoorswithoutcausingharmtoeitherofthem.Hehadafinefilamentropeinhishiddenpocketandthespikeshe’dwornlasttimehehadtoclimb,butneitherwaslikelytosavebothofthem.

Atleastnotatthesametime.Of course, he still had the oneweapon that had seen him throughmany a

toughspot.He’dbeenamanofprayereversincehewasdunkedinthecreekbythe circuit-riding parson some ten years back. Tonight, however, LucaspetitionedtheLordasheneverhadbefore.

Wings would help, Lord, but until I’ve perfected a pair that works wellenough,I’dsettleforagoodbitofpatienceandanicepatchofsolidground.Atthatmoment,hestumbledonacrackintheledgeandhadtograbforthewall.

“Ifit’sallthesametoYou,Lord,Iwouldprefertoreachthatgroundundermyown steam,” hemuttered as he fought to catch his balance alongwith hisbreath.“Andusingtheelevator.”

“What’sthat?”Thewomanglancedhisway.“Whyareyoufollowingme?”“I’venothingbettertodo.”Hegesturedtothefarsideofthebuilding,now

somethirtyyardsaway.“Howaboutwebothheadthatway?”Butherattentionhadalreadygoneback to theballroom.Her fingers toyed

withthebaubleatherthroat,andsheappearedtobeconcentratingonsomethingotherthanherownsafety.

Lucas cautiously moved a few steps closer. “Is something going on inthere?”

HespiedMrs.Honeycuttspeakingwithanolderwoman.Theirconversation,while animated, did not appear to be worthy of deep interest, and yet hiscompanionseemedunabletolookaway.

“Someoneyouknow?”heaskedgently.“OtherthanMrs.Honeycutt?”Shenodded.Apparentlythedaredevilwasawomanoffewwords,forsheofferednothing

in theway of explanation. “All right,” he said. “We really ought to get backinside.”

Nothing.AgainLucasfoughtthechoicewordsbitingathistongue.Theironyoftwo

adults in ridiculous masks standing on a ledge four floors up hit him. WhatPinkertonagentworthhisbadgewouldgetintoapredicamentlikethisonwhatwassupposedtobeasimplereconnaissancemission?

Heglanceduptogaugethedistanceandthenreachedintothespecialpocketin his jacket.Moving the hearing device aside, his fingers retrieved an ebonypipe.

“Pleasedon’tsmokethatnearme.”Hisattentionwasjerkedbackinherdirectionasheunscrewedthebowlfrom

thepipe.Againhefoundherwatchingthepairofwomeninsteadofhim.“Asyouwish,”hesaidasthespeciallymadebulletcontainingfilamentline

droppedintohispalm.He returned the pipe to its place and pulled his climbing spikes out of a

tobaccopouchheretrievedfromanotherpocket.Thenhetookhisrevolverfromhischestholsterandremovedthebulletsfromthechamber,replacingthemwiththeoneholdingthefilamentline.Thenthegunwentbackintoitshidingplacebeneathhisjacketwithineasyreachforthemomenthemightneedit.

Lucascarefullyknelttofitthespikesintoplacealongthesolesofhisboots.Rising,hesaidaquickprayerandthenclosedthedistancebetweenthem.

Shejoltedathissuddenmoveandsaidwithsurprise,“Doyoumind,sir?I’mratherbusyhere.”

“Busydoingwhat?”Hecouldonlysurmise thatshewasstill staringat thepartygoers.“Ifyou’resointerestedinwhat’sgoingoninside,whydon’tyouletmeescortyouthere?Thenwecanbothgetbacktowhatwecametodo.”

“That depends,” she said as she adjusted her mask. “If you were doingsomething illegal behind those palms, I’d rather not be associated with yourreturntotheballroom.”

“Iassureyouthere’snothingtofear.”Hergazemoveddownfromhiseyesuntil it restedonhisfeet.“Thereis if

youinsistonwearingthosewhilewedance.”

L

Two

ucascouldn’thelpbutgrin.“Sowe’redancing,arewe?”“We are. In the absence of an opportunity to play chess, that is.”She

continuedtostareathisfeet.“Arethosespikes?Whatwereyouplanningtodo,climbthewall?”

“Nevermind.”Hemadeshortworkofremovingthemandreturningthemtothetobaccopouch.“There.Backtonormal.”

Thewindswirledaroundthem,butthewomanseemedoblivious.“Areyousomesortofinventor?”

Anothergustofwindbuffetedhim.“Couldwetalkaboutthisinside?”Sheturnedherbackonhimandwalkedawayasifsheweretakingastroll

downagardenpath.Ifsheandheresisterweren’tcircusperformers,thereasonwas not for lack of talent. Or looks. Though her clothing spoke of wealth, itdidn’ttakemuchtoimagineherdressedforparticipationinhigh-flyinganticsatMr.Barnum’scircus.

That thoughtalmostundidhim,asdid thebreeze that skitteredpast.Lucasleanedagainstthestonewalltocatchhisbreath.

“Do you need my assistance?” the object of his thoughts tossed over hershoulder.

“No,just…”Heshookhishead.“It’snotimportant.”Erasing the image of a red-haired aerialist from hismind, Lucas followed

close behind, one hand resting on the hotel’s facade for balance. Finally theyreachedthebroadexpanseofbalconyonthefarendofthebuilding.

“Avertyoureyes,please.”Whenhe complied, she climbedover the railing andonto the balcony.He

discoveredthiswhenshetoldhimhecouldfollowher.Lucascaughtuptoherjustasshereachedtheentrancetotheballroom.

Tohissurprise,BlueEyeslinkedarmswithhim.“Now,ifyouwoulddomethehonorofwaltzingmeacrossthedancefloor,sir.”

He looked down at her and shook his head. “Don’t youmean around thedancefloor?”

“Oh, no.Across the dance floor, and promisemeyouwon’t stop untilwereachtheelevators.”

Understandingdawned.“SoI’myourcover?”“Spokenlikealawman,”shesaidassheledhiminside.“Oracriminal.I’m

stillnotcertainwhich.”“Doesitmatter?”“Nottonight.”Her smile was easy to reciprocate, and before Lucas knew what was

happening, the woman had him parading her across the room in time to themusic. She was light on her feet, which made the experience uncomfortablypleasant.

Such was his concentration on trying not to enjoy himself that he almostmissedthefact theyhaddancedthemselvespast theCrescentHotelemployeesstationedatthedoorsandalmosttotheelevator.Lucasgaveheronelasttwirl,andthenshereachedtopressthedownbutton.

Themusicstillswirledaroundthem,andLucasfoundhimselfreluctanttolethergo.“Itwouldbeapitytowastethemusicwhilewe’rewaitingforthedoorstoopen.”

“Whynot?You’reawonderfuldancer.”“Thankyou.”Finallyagoodreasonforallthosedancinglessonshisproper

NewOrleansgrandmotherhadmadehimtake.They fell into step beneath the grand chandelier that dominated the

passageway.Whentheelevatorchimed,Lucasswungheraroundone last timeandthendrewherclose.“Ibelievethat’syourridehome.”

“Yes,”shesaidslowlyasshepeeredupathim.“Itis.”WasthatreluctanceLucasheardinhervoice?“We could always dance another round.Or perhaps youwould like to go

backintotheballroomandhidebehindthepottedpalmsagain.Whomeveryouwerelookingforislikelywonderingwhereyou’vegone.”

Sheseemed thoughtful.“No. I’vedecided theman I’m looking for isn’t intheballroom.”Apause. “I shouldknowmyown fiancéevenwith amaskon,don’tyouthink?”

Nowthatwasanoddquestion.“Iguessso.”Sheshrugged.“Whataboutyou?Idon’tsupposeyoufoundthepersonyou

weresearchingforeither.”

“Whywouldyouthinkthat?”Sheshookherhead.“You’rewithme,andI’mcertainlynotwhomyouwere

hunting.”Lucasignoredtheloadedstatement.“Isupposenot.AnddespitethefactI’ve

struck out tonight, I’m pretty good at finding folks.Maybe you could tellmewhomyou’relookingfor.Imighthaveseenhim.”

Thedoorsbegantoshut,andshereachedovertocausethemtoopenagain.“Idoubtyouwouldknowhim,”shesaidasshesteppedinsidetheelevatorcar.“He’swiththerailroad.”

“Tryme.”“HisnameisMr.WillTucker.”The elevator doors closed, and only then did Lucas realize he didn’t even

knowthewoman’sname.Buthewould.Soon.

Thenextday,Floragaveupanypretenseofpracticingthewatercolorlessonshe’d learned thatmorningandchewedon theendof thebrushasshe tried toconvinceherselfthatWillTuckerwasstillalive.AcheckofherwatchshowedthatMr.Tuckerwasexactlyseventeenhoursshyofbeingtwoweekslateforhispromisedarrival.Andhewasahalfdaylatefortheirdebutatlastnight’sdance.

Withneitheratelegramnoranotetoofferanyreasonforhistardiness,theevidencedidnotfavorapositiveoutcome.AndwithGrandmamalikelytopackupatanymoment,thesituationhadbecomedireindeed.

ThelastthingFloraneededwastoreturntoNatchezwithoutasolutiontotheproblemGrandfatherBrimmhanded themallwith hiswill. Perhaps she couldfindthefellowwhohadentertainedherontheledgeandthendancedheracrossthe ballroom. He’d seemed like the sort who might know how to hunt forsomeone.

Atleast,he’dgivenherthatimpressionlastnight.Howshewould find the fellowwasamystery in itself,but thoughhewas

masked, she did have clues in his impressive height, his dark hair, and theuniqueshadeofhisgray-greeneyes.

Amovementcaughtherattention,andFloraturnedtowardit.Themanwhohad openly watched her from across the dining room this morning and thenregarded her impassively from the south portico at midday now stood in theshadowoftheverygazeboshe’dbeentryingtocaptureoncanvas.

And while she’d endured no small measure of stares, the way this manwatchedherwasdifferent.Hislookwaspredatory.

With amere lift of her hand, the lady’smaid attending herwould removeherselffromherspotbeneaththeporticoandcomeimmediately.Agesturelesssubtlewouldalertthewomantofetchhotelsecurity.

Knowingthis,Floradecidedtomakeagameofit.IfthismanwasareporterorsomehiredgunFatherhadsent,she’dhavegreatsportincallinghisbluff.

Movingslightlysoshecouldbetterobservehimfrombeneaththefeatherededge of her hat, Flora sized himup as if hewere just another object to paint.Broadattheshouldersandnarrowatthewaist,heworethegarmentsofamanofleisurewiththecatlikegraceofsomeonereadytospring.Thesilverchainofhispocketwatchglistenedintheafternoonsunasheleaneddeeperintothedappledshadowsofthegazebo.

Shedabbedherpaintbrushinto the jarofwateronthe tablebesideherandthensmearedadabofbrownpaintatopthegreenoftheCrescent’ssouth-facinggardens.Ifshesquinted,Floracouldalmostconvinceherselftheblobresembledabowlerhat.Continuingherattempt,sherinsedthebrush.Whenshelookedupagain,themanwasgone.

Good.Perhapshe’dlostinterest.Thatcertainlyruledoutthepossibilityofahiredgun.

Unfortunately,she’dalsolostinterestinherpainting.Notthatshe’dheldanyrealhopeofpickinguptheskillMamahadmastered.Infact,shewascompletelyuselessatthetask.

Floradabbedthefinehairsofthepaintbrushinwateruntilthemud-coloredpaintwasgoneandthensetthebrushaside.Withanodtothemaid,shetossedallattemptsatcontinuingasidealongwiththebrush.

“Wouldyoumindterriblyhavingaportercomeandtakethisaway?”Tohercredit, the maid kept her expression neutral, though Flora couldn’t help butnotice thathergaze lingeredabiton thebrownblobat theedgeof thepoorlypaintedgarden.“Iwouldlikemywritingmaterials,please.”Shegesturedtowardthegazebo.“Thatspotovertherelookslikeaniceplace.”

Asthemaidhurriedaway,FloratriednottothinkofanythingbutthelovelyflowersandtheviewoftheOzarksthattumbleddownthehillattheedgeofthegardens.TheLord’s provision had stood her in good stead until now, andHewascertainlynotinthebusinessofignoringthepleasofHischildren.

Thenorthwind,heavilyscentedwithpineandportendingaspringshower,teasedatthetendrilsofhairthatrefusedtoremaincoiledbeneathherhat.Flora

paused to admire the hotel, a delightful wedding cake–like structure withbalconiesstackedfivestorieshigh.WereshenotpressedtorecallherreasonforattendingGrandmama’s takingof thewaters thisyear,Floramighthave foundenjoymentintheleisurelypaceofthequaintbutmorethancomfortableresort.

Though the gazebo was of a much simpler design than the more opulentCrescentHotel’smainbuilding,Florapreferred thesecludedspotasaplace tobealonewithherthoughts.Or,inthiscase,withherletters.

Likely Father would want news of Grandmama’s imminent return. Healwaystendedtoplanhistripsaroundhismother’spresenceatBrimmfield.ForwhenGrandmamawasin,Fatherwasmostalwaysout.Thentherewasthelettershemust write to her grandmother. The one that would explain why she hadtakenthedrasticstepofmarryingWillTucker.

ShewouldholdoffwritingthisoneuntilMr.Tuckeractuallyarrivedatthehotel.Andsurelythatwouldbesoon.AndthoughFlorahadalreadywrittentoher thismorning,her sisterwouldcertainlyappreciateyet another letter in thepostbox detailing what she would consider Flora’s great adventures. Amomentarypangof regret stungas she thoughtof the injuries thatkeptVioletBrimmmostlybedridden.

“Befearlessforme,”hersisterhadsaidonce.“Bringtheworldbacktome.Butmostofall,befearless.Climbtonewheights.”

And so Flora had, but neverwithout thinking ofViolet. She also couldn’thelpthinkingofCousinWinnyandhistaunts…

Herthoughtsweredisruptedwhensheheardfootstepsbehindher.Itwastoosoon for themaid tohave returned.Floraglancedoverher shoulder tosee themaninthebrownbowlerapproaching.“There’smydancingpartner.Everfindsomeone to play chess with?”When she ignored him, he continued, “You’regoing to pretend you don’t recognize me?Well, I believe I know you. FatalFlora,Ipresume?”

Colddreadstoppedanychanceofresponse.To acknowledge the awful name that had apparently followed her from

Natchezwould be to admit her irritation aswell as her identity. FloraBrimmintended to do neither. Instead, her polite smile faltered only slightly as theirgazesmetandherheartskitteredtoaquickstop.

Unmistakablegray-greeneyesregardedherwithwhatsheguessedwascoolcontempt.Wasitinrecollectionoftheirlastmeeting?

Adarkbrowrose,asdidonecornerofhismouth.Nowamusementseemedtocolorhishandsomefeatures.

“YouareFloraBrimmoftheNatchezBrimms,areyounot?”“Of course she is. Who, may I ask, is inquiring?” The matriarch of the

Brimmclansweptacrossthegardenpathasifsheownedtheplace.Twomaidsandauniformedemployeeofthehotelfollowedatarespectabledistancebehind.The trio stopped at her grandmother’s gesture to halt, and the nearest maidofferedtheelegantladyhereartrumpet.

After regallyglancingover the interloper,Grandmama turnedherattentiontoFloraasshepressed thehearingdevice toherear.“Doexplainwhatyou’redoing out in the afternoon sun, dear.” Her gaze lifted heavenward for only asecond. “And with rain showers coming. Next thing you know, you’ll bewaltzingundertheraindropslikesomecommon—”

“Truly, Grandmama, you’re exaggerating.” Flora paused, unable to resistanothercomment.“Andwhat’swrongwithdancingundertheraindrops?”

“It’snotdone.AtleastnotbyaBrimm,ofcourse.”Grandmamalookedasifshehadgiven the ultimate answer to all responses.Of course, in her circle, itwastheultimateresponse.

Somethingsjustweren’tdone.AtleastnotbyBrimms.Floramade a note to dance in the rain at her earliest opportunity. Not to

showGrandmama, but to take one itemoff the list of things that justweren’tdonebyBrimms.

“Asforyou,youngman.”Grandmamafocusedagainon thestranger.“Weoffer no alms to the poor, but if you’ll leave your namewith Isabella…”Shemotioned for the nearestmaid tomove forward. “I’ll be happy to have a boxmealsentdown.”

IfthemanfoundMillicentBrimmtheleastbitoff-putting,hedidnotshowit. Rather, he tipped his hat andwalked awaywithout somuch as a word ofexplanationoranexpressionofthanks.Hedid,however,giveFloraalookthatpromisedtheywouldmeetagain.

Theprospectdidnotentirelydisappoint.“Grandmama,” Flora chided softly as she turned her back on the stranger.

“He could very well be one of the guests here. He’s certainly dressed wellenough.”

“Darling,breedingtells,andthatwasnogentleman.”Hergrandmotherliftedaniron-graybrow.“Youdon’tknowthisman,doyou?”

“No,ofcoursenot.”HergrandmotherlinkedarmswithFlora.“Andyetheknewyourname.”She

pausedjustlongenoughtomakeherpoint.“Curious.”

Ofcourseheknewhername.Shewas the legendaryFatalFlora, thebridewhohadlostfourfiancéstotheiruntimelygraves.AllofNatchezknewthat,sowhy not total strangers as well? He also knew she had an ability to navigateheights, decent skill on the ballroom floor, and an interest in finding WillTucker.

Floraswalloweddownaresponseandallowedhergrandmothertoleadherup thepath toward thehotel.Thegirl she’d sent forherwritingmaterialsmetthematthedoortothelobby.

“I’msosorry,MissFlora.Therewasaproblemwiththeelevator,soIwasforcedtotakethestairs,andthen—”

“Putthoseaway,”Grandmamasaidtothepoor,out-of-breathmaid.“Shehasnoneedofthemnow.We’llbetakingteahereontheveranda.”Sheturnedtothefellowinhotelliveryandsaid,“Dohurry.Therestofyoumayleave.”

As theservants scurriedaway,Floraglancedbackoverher shoulderat theexpanseofgreenand theLeatherwoodValleybeyond.Theman in thebowlerhatwasnowhereinsight.

Itdidnotescapehernotice,though,thatsomewhereouttherewasastrangemanwhoknewherasFatalFlora.AmanwhocouldruineverythingwithMr.Tucker.

Thatis,ifMr.Tuckereversawfittoarriveforhiswedding.

Lucashadbeensummarilydismissedbyawomanthreetimeshisage—andofferedalmsforthepooraswell.Nothisbestafternoon.

He took his wounded pride off into the shadows on the far side of theproperty andwatched as the ladies and their entouragemade theirwayup thestepstotheveranda.ThesparkinFloraBrimm’seyeshaddimmedimmediatelyupon the arrival of the woman his research indicated was Millicent AugustaMeriwetherBrimmoftheNatchezBrimmsandtheAtlantaMeriwethers.

TheideathatMrs.BrimmmightbeinontheschemeTuckerhadgoingwasimpossible.Itwasrumoredshehadcausedmorethanonefellowtobeplacedinpolitical office in Mississippi, not counting her own husband, who had beenelevated froma lawcareer to a state senatorbefore thewar.Noonewith thatsortofpowerdidbusinesswithcriminals.

Notpersonally,anyway.LucasknewthisnotonlyfromhisyearsasaPinkertonagent,butalsofrom

hisownexperienceasthegrandsonofamanwhowasusedtogettinghisown

way.Heleanedbackagainstatreetrunkandreachedforhishandkerchief.ThedaywaswarmforMayandgettingwarmer.

WatchingMissBrimmdidn’thelp.Somethingabout thewomanmadehimhotunderthecollar.Especiallywhenherecollectedhowshefeltinhisarmsastheydanced,andthewaythemoonlightwashedoverherfeaturesontheledge.

He reached for his watch to confirm the time, and then he nodded to thesecuritymanhe’dhiredtokeeptabsonMissBrimm.Atpresentthefellowworethe livery of the Crescent Hotel. Just yesterday he’d been wearing a EurekaSpringsdeputy’suniformandbadge.

Lucasdecidedhisnextmovewastoheadtowardtownandhismeetingwiththe local sheriff. After the pleasantries were exchanged, he got down to thebusinessathand.

“I appreciate the loan of your best man, sir, but after today I’ll not beneedinghim.”

“Isthatso?”Thesheriff,amanofsufficientsizeandtriggerspeedtoincitefear in thosewho came across hiswrath, shook his head. “I like to cooperatewiththePinkswhentheyask.Seemsabitoddtheysentyouallthewaydownherewithoutlettingmeknowfirst,though.”

Lucaspausedonlyamoment.“Youhaveaconmanhere,Sheriff,andifI’mright,he’susingawomanwithmoneytogethimclosetothewealthyguestsattheCrescent.Nooffense,butwecan’tbecertainwhoelsehe’susing.”

“Includingme,”thelawmansaidwithachuckle.Awarmbreezeblewinfromthelonewindow,bringingwithitthescentof

the local liverystable.Notanaltogetherpleasantaroma,especially in the tightconfinesoftheoffice.

“AreyousatisfiedI’mnotplayingnicewith thecrooks?” thesheriffaskedwithasmallsmile.

“Iam.”Lucas’s assurance had come in the form of a coded telegram from Kyle

Russell,theonemaninsidetheagencyhecouldtrust.ButwiththeassurancehadcomeawarningtowrapupthematterquicklyandquietlyandhightailitoutofEurekaSpringsbeforeanyonegotwindofthefacthewasthere.Noexplanationastowhy.

The older man shifted positions and gestured for Lucas to take the chairacrossfromhim.“WhatcanIdoforyou,AgentMcMinn?”

Lucasdecided toget straight to thepoint.“Ineedyou toarrestaMr.WillTucker.”

“Onwhatgrounds?”“IthoughtIwouldleavethattoyou,”Lucassaidcarefully.“Aslongashe’s

lockedupbeforesundown,Ireallydon’tcare.”Afullminutewentbywithnothingbutsomeseriousstaringtoshowforit.

Finally,thesheriffleanedbackinhischair.“I’mnotinthehabitofarrestingamanwithoutcause,McMinn,evenwhen it’s thePinkertonsdoing theasking.”Hepaused.“Orisitjustyoudoin’theasking?”

Lucasdidn’tflinch.“Idon’trecallasking.”Moresilencestretchedbetweenthemasthefellowappearedtoconsiderhis

options.“I’llseewhatIcando.ButwithoutanygroundsIwon’tbeabletoholdhimmuchlongerthanitwouldtakeforyoutocomegethim.”

“That’s all I need, sir. Just long enough to comeget him. I’ll take it fromthere.”

“AslongasIknowI’mnotturninghimovertosomekindofvigilante,I’llseethatyougethim.”

Lucas’seyesnarrowed.“I’mnotsurewhatyou’resaying,Sheriff.AreyouworriedI’mgoingtoharmaprisoner?”

“Strangerthingshavehappened.”Heshrugged.“Juststatingmyfeelingsonthematter.”

“Dulynoted.”Lucasroseandtheoldermandidthesame.Ahandshakelater,Lucaspointedhisbootsbackupthehilltothehotel.AnofficialcasefilemightnotbeopenonWillTuckeryet,buttherewouldbejustassoonasFloraBrimmcooperated.

And ifshedidn’tcooperate, thenextarrestwarranthesworeoutwouldbeforher.Lucaspausedtothinkonthatandthenturnedaround.Itwouldn’thurttogetthepaperworkstartedonthatwarrant,justincase.AndunlikewithTucker,hewouldhaveFloraBrimmonreceiptofstolenproperty,ifnothingelse.

His grin broadened. That was a charge that would stick, for he couldpersonally testify to her guilt as an eyewitness, and it wouldn’t takemuch toconfiscatethepropertyinherpossession,either.

S

Three

it, Flora.” Grandmama gestured to the chair nearest where she’d settled.“Anddonotdawdle.”Withanod,Florajoinedhergrandmother,thoughher

thoughts continued to be divided between the strange man and the plan shehopedwouldincludeGrandmama.

They were in a quiet alcove with a lovely view of the Crescent Hotel’sgrounds. Though other chairs were scattered down both sides of the longveranda,onlyagraytabbydaredcomeanywherenearMillicentBrimmwithoutpermission.Andeventhecatkeptarespectabledistanceasshestretchedlazilyintheshadeandpeeredthroughhalf-openeyesatthewaiterwhobroughttheteatray.

“Lovely, isn’t it?” Grandmama mused as she added sugar to her tea. “Itremindsmeabitofhome.”

“Mmm,”FlorasaidthoughshecouldseelittletocomparewithBrimmfieldanditsindigofieldsthatrolleddowntowardtheMississippiRiver.

“Violetshouldbehere.”Flora gave her grandmother a sideways look. “We’ve been over this. She

refuses.”Grandmama reached to pat Flora’s hand. “She refuses thus far. Onemust

giveprayertimetowork.Youknowthis,dear.”“Yes,but Ialsoknowmysister. Ifwecan’tgether tomoveback into the

mainhouse,howwillwegetherbackoutintheworld?”Shelookedaway.“It’sjustbeentoolong.”

“A pity Brimmfield is in jeopardy of leaving the family.” Grandmama’swordswereasurprisingchangeoftopicaswellasanone-too-subtlejab.

“Is it Brimmfield you would miss or the fact that it would go to CousinWinny?” Floramet her grandmother’s level stare even as her thoughts raced.“Afterall,heisfamily.”

TheteacuprattledagainstthesaucerasGrandmamasetitdownwithaforce

thatwasechoedinherexpression.“WinthropBrimmismerelyabloodrelative,Flora.Firstcousinandfamilyaredistinctlydifferent.”

“Andyetfamilyallthesame,”shedared.Grandmama’sexpressionsharpened.“Likehis fatherbeforehim,Winthrop

has been known to associate with persons of unsavory character. Unlike hisfather,hehasnotyetmarriedoneofthem.”

Sipping her tea, Flora let the comment pass without response. Biggerargumentswereyettobefought.OrperhapsGrandmamawouldfallintoleaguewithherwithoutdifficulty.

Itwasagoodplan.“Yes,IwouldmissBrimmfield.Andfortherecord,nochildofClothildeis

family of mine,” Grandmama continued as she leaned back in her chair andregardedFlorawithanI-dare-you-to-arguelook.

Whether itwasClothildeBrimm’squestionablyduskyhairandskinorherdisdainfor therestrictionsofpoliteSouthernsociety,Grandmamapiledreasonupon reason to dislike her daughter-in-law.For those same reasons, Flora hadlovedherauntdearly.

But she loved her grandmother more, and thus she let the comment passunanswered rather than allowGrandmama to continue to harp on a feud thatshouldhavebeenlongagoresolved.TalkingaboutherplantomarrywouldhavetowaituntilMillicentBrimmwasinabettermood,aswouldremindingherthatfeudingwithadeadwomanrarelyleftapersonfeelingtheyhadwonanythingofvalue.

“Tellmeabouttonight’sdinnerplans.WillwebediningwiththeCulbersonsagain?”

“Youcannotchangethesubjectsoeasily,FloraBelleBrimm.”“IcanandIhave,”shesaidgentlybutfirmly.“Thoughifyouwouldprefer

nottodiscusstheCulbersons,perhapsyoumightregalemewithanotherofyourlovelystoriesofyourtravels.YouknowIwishtofollowinyourfootsteps.”

Andsoonwasbestleftunspoken.Grandmama’s lips remainedclosed tight,her irritationetched into the lines

ofher forehead.Florawatchedher grip the armsof her chair and then slowlylean forward as if to stand. Instantly, oneof thehotel porters hurried to assisther.

“Leaveme be,” she said as she shook off his assistance.When the youngman had gone back to his post,Grandmama turned towardFlora. “Somethingelseisonyourmind.”

“There is,actually.”Sheworriedwith thewordsshe longed tosayand thetrimonhersleeveinequalmeasure.

“Thenyou’dbestjustgetitoverwithandtellme.Youneverweremuchonkeepingsecrets.Atleastnotfromme.”

Florasmiled.“Youwerealwayswillingtolisten.”“Istillam.”“Allright.”Sheletoutalongbreathandseizedhercourage.“Ihaveaplan

thatwillsaveBrimmfield.”Oneiron-grayeyebrowrose.“Goon.”“It’sabitfar-fetched,butI’vedecidedtomarry.”There.Shesaidit.“Ofcourseyou’llmarry,”Grandmamasaidwithapolitechuckle.“I’msure

some brave fellowwillmanage tomake it all theway to the altar.We’ll justhavetogivetheLordabitmoretimetofindhim.”Sheleanedforwardagaintopressherpalmsagainstherknees.“Andtostrengthenhishealth.”

Though her grandmotherwas far too proper to reference the reasons, timewascertainlynot something theyhad inabundance.GrandfatherBrimm’swillstated that Flora was heir to Brimmfield—but only if she produced an heirbeforeWinnyturnedthirty.Hercousinhadrecentlycelebratedhistwenty-eighthbirthday.Given the ficklenatureof timing thebirthof a child,notmuch timeremainedforFloratofindahusbandwhocouldsurvivetothealtarandgiveherthechildsheneeded.

“Actually,Ihaveacandidate,”Florasaidwithwhatshehopedwouldbetheappropriateamountofenthusiasm.“He’swellqualifiedandwillingtoacceptthetermsasI’veoutlinedthem.”

“Acandidate?With terms?”Grandmama leanedback and shookher head.“Flora,yousoundasifyou’retalkingaboutapotentialemployee.”

“In a manner of speaking, I suppose I am.” Before Grandmama couldprotest, Flora hurried to continue. “You see, the fellow in question is mosttrustworthy.His character is above reproach, andhe’s indicatedhewill signacontractoutlininghisdutiesasmyhusband.”

Thistimehergrandmother’schucklewasaccompaniedbyasidewayslook.“Darling, Ibelievemostmenarewell acquaintedwith theexpectationof theirdutiesasahusbandwithoutthelikesofyououtliningitinacontract.”

“Do be serious,” Flora snapped. “I’m not talking about that sort ofmarriage.”

“Inorder tobeget therequiredheirwithin theallotted time,I’mafraidyoumusthavethatsortofmarriage,mydear.Iknowofnootherway.”

“Heisofhighesteem.Hewillseethatanheiris…”Shefeltherselfblushtoher roots. “Isbegat,” she finallymanaged. “Thecareand raisingof that child,however,willbeexclusivelymydomain.”

Grandmamaappearedtotakethatassertionwithunusualcalmness.Perhapsshe didn’t believe the statement.Or,more likely, shewas busy formulating aplantocounterit.

Finally,sheletoutalongbreath.“I’dbehard-pressedtobelieveyoucouldfindamanof suchhighesteemwhowouldbewilling tobebound to suchanagreement.Iwouldcertainlyhavenorespectforhim.”

“Well, theFriscoRailroad findshimworthyof respect.He’smadequite anameforhimselfasoneoftheirspecialrailroaddetectives.”

“Isthatso?”Hergrandmotherappearedtoconsiderthenewswithmorethanalittleinterest.“AndthisrailroadmaniswillingtotakeonalovelessmarriageforwhatIassumeisatidysum?Thatisn’tthesortoffellowIwouldcallabovereproach.”

ThiswasnotgoingasFlorahadhoped.“Youdon’tunderstand,Grandmama.He’sseeingtotheneedsofhisfamilyaswell.”

“Likely a wife and a half dozen children tucked somewhere back on therailroadlineinSpringfieldorSt.Louis,unlessImissmyguess.”Sheletoutalongbreath.“Truly,Flora,youmustrethinkthisplan.I’llnotapprovethissortofmisbehavior.”

“Forgiveme,but I’mnotaskingforyourapproval.Rather, Iaminformingyouof—”

“Flora,please.”Grandmama’sexpressionsoberedassheheldupahand toceasethediscussion.“Dear,Ibelievewe’vebeenfollowed.”Shegesturedtotherowofchairsonthefarendoftheveranda.“Thatmanontheend.I’veseenhimbefore.”

Flora followed the direction of her grandmother’s gaze and found WillTuckersmiling inherdirection.Withagrin thatevenfromthisdistancecouldcharmawoman’sheart,therewasnomistakingtherailroaddetective.

Worse, theman lookedas ifhehadn’tacare in theworldashe tippedhishat.

“You’veseenhimbefore?”Floramanaged.“Areyousure?”“Yes,I’mcertainofit.PerhapsonthetrainfromSt.Louis?Orwasitatthat

dreadfulreceptionforthegovernorlastweek?”Shenodded.“Yes,that’swhereitwas.Hewas skulkingabout as if hedidn’twant tobe seen. I couldn’t helpnoticehe’dtakenaninterestinyou,though.”

The taut string of nerves holding her in place threatened to snap as FlorawatchedMr.Tucker rise to stroll inside.As the doors closed, she gripped thearmsoftherocker,herthoughtsreeling.

“Areyoucertain?”Thatcameoutsoundingasthoughsomeoneelsehadsaidit.

“Dear,IamoldandImayhaveneedofmyhearingtrumpetonoccasion,butI’mneitherdottynorblind.Nordoyouneedtoaskthesamequestionmorethanonce. Yes, I am absolutely certain.” Grandmama’s eyes narrowed. “Only acarelessfoolwouldassumeIdon’ttakenoticewhenanyfellowhassethissitesonmyunmarriedandquitewealthygranddaughter.AndthatisthemanIsaw.”

“Lastweek?”“Nowwhoneedsthiseartrumpet?Yes,thatistheman.”Irritationandreliefrose inequalmeasureasFlorareturnedherattention to

Grandmama.“Wouldyouexcuseme?”“Flora Brimm, I’ll do no such thing.You and Iwere in themiddle of an

importantconversationthatweneedtotakeupstairsandcontinueinprivate.”“Andweshall.Justnotrightnow.”“WhateverdidtheyteachyouatthatYankeeboardingschool?”“To behave in a manner befitting my station in life and to do nothing to

disturb the peace of that station,” Flora said sweetly as she quoted fromDillinghamLadies Preparatory’s oath. “And to see to the needs ofmy familybeforemyown.WhichisexactlywhatIplantodo.”

Florastraightenedherbackandtookherleave.Latershewouldpaythepricewith a lecture or perhaps a ticket back toNatchez. By then, however, neitherFathernorGrandmamawouldhaveanysayinwhatshedid.

Thathonorwouldgo toherhusband,at least in theory.And in reality, shewouldleavethenameofFatalFloraBrimmbehind.

AstohergrandmotherseeingWillTuckerlastweek?Thatwaspreposterous.Had he been in Eureka Springs, there was no reason forMr. Tucker to hidehimselffromthewomanheplannedtomarry.

No,Grandmamamustcertainlybemistaken.TheCrescentHotel’sdoubledoorsonceagainopened,andapairofliveried

doormensteppedbacktoallowFloraentryintothemainrotunda.UpaheadshespiedMr.TuckersidesteppingthefireplaceofEurekamarblethatanchoredthecenteroftheroom.Suchwasthethronginthecorridorleadingtothestaircaseandelevatorsbeyondthatsheeasilycaughtuptothescoundrel.

Hewas tall and fair,with eyes of stormygray and impossibly long lashes

thatawomanmightenvy.Hishairstoodinstarkcontrasttohisdarkhatandsuit,and it hadbeencropped shorter than she rememberedupon their lastmeeting.Still,heborethatdreamyMr.Darcyqualitythatwomenwholikedthatsortofmanmightadore.

Had sheplannedonmarrying for love,WillTuckerwouldnot likelyhavemade the topmost tier of her wish list, but with four former fiancés in theirgravesanda rumor thatshemightsomehowbeaparty to theirdemises,Florahadlongsincegivenuponanysortofdemandsshemightplaceonahusband.

For that matter, she’d almost given up on a husband due to the lack ofpossible candidates until her fortuitous meeting with Mr. Tucker on thesteamboat betweenNewOrleans andNatchez. She’d just left an interminablevisit where she’d been forced to listen toWinny speak at length on what hewoulddowiththeprofitsgainedfromthesaleofBrimmfield.Ratherthanhideawayonapacketshiptoaremotelocation,she’dclimbedaboardtheLadyoftheRiverwithaheadacheandaprayer.

Mr.Tuckerandhistalentforconversationhadbeentheanswertoboth.Thatandhisinterestingabilitytoquoteliteratureandtorememberalmostanythinghereadwithperfectclarityandrecall.

ThentherewasthefactthatalmostimmediatelyafterpetitioningtheLordfortheperfecthusband,heappeared.

“A moment of your time, sir,” Flora said as she linked arms with herintendedandledhimawayfromthestaircasetowardtheofficeandfrontexit.

If he was surprised by her forward behavior, Mr. Tucker did not let on.Rather,hedippedhisheadingreeting.“Well,hellothere,Flora.”

Sheslidhima sideways look.“‘Hello there’ isnotwhat I’dhoped tohearfromyou,Mr.Tucker.Butthisisnottheplacetodiscussit.”

“Ihavebeenmeditatingontheverygreatpleasurewhichapairoffineeyesinthefaceofaprettywomancanbestow,”hesaid,quotingMr.DarcyfromthenovelPrideandPrejudiceashehadupontheirfirstmeeting.Thecad.

“It’s a bit late for that sort of behavior, Mr. Tucker. You’ll need to stopquoting others and begin by tellingme the cause of your delay.” She noddedtowardthefrontexitofthehotel.“Perhapsawalkisinorder.Willyoujoinme?”

Heofferedasmile.“Afteryou,MissBrimm.”Whentheyhadmadetheirwayaroundthesideofthebuildingawayfromthe

pryingeyesofotherguests,Florareleasedhergriponhisarm.Asweepofhispersonfromthetipofhiswell-shodtoestothetopofhishead,coveredinamostfashionable hat, told her Mr. Tucker’s trip to Eureka Springs had not been

uncomfortable.Norhaditbeenrecent,fortherewasn’tasinglespotofsootorawrinkleinhisclothingtoindicatehe’djusttraveledbyrail.

Several responsescame in response to thegrin that lifted thecornerofhismouth.“You’relate,”wastheoneshechose.

He dared to chuckle. “I’m right on time, darlin’.”He glanced around andthenswunghisattentionbacktoFlora.“You’llunderstandifIdon’telaborate.Officialbusinessandall.”

Butshedidn’tunderstand.Nordiditmatterwhatsortofbusinesskepthimfromarrivingtwoweeksagoaspromised.Or,worse,kepthimontheperipheryof her lifewithout any indication he’d been there, if that had indeed been thecase.

ShelookedpasthimtowardMagneticSpringsandthemountainsbeyond,alovelyscene to sootheher rumpled thoughts.Butgazingat thevistawoulddonothingtoremedythefact thathercarefully laidplanswerequicklyfallingbythewayside.Floracrossedherarmsoverherchestandwilledhertempertocool.

“Mr.Tucker,” she said firmly. “Youarenot ‘right on time.’Youare, in aword,late.Twoweekslate,andwithoutsomuchasanoteofdecentexplanationorapology.”Hemoved towardher,butFloraeasilysidesteppedhim.“Noyoudon’t,sir.I’llhavethatexplanationandtheapology.You’vecausedmenoendoftrouble.”

“HaveI?”Hislookofcontritionalmostworked.Almost,butnotquite.Thegleaminhiseyegavehimaway.HisexpressiontoldFlorathatMr.Tuckerwasactually enjoying her irritation. “And I thought I was the solution to all yourtroubles.”

Thatdidit.Flora Brimmwas no wide-eyed girl intent onmarriage to the first fellow

whooffered it.Rather, shewas agrownwomanwhohadmournedmore thanonemanmakingthesameofferasTucker.

Straighteningher shoulders, she letouta longbreathand fixedhimwithastare.“YouandIhadanarrangement.Pleaseunderstandthatthisarrangementisingravedangerofbeingdeclaredat anend.And lestyoumisunderstand, it isyouandnotIwhoisinbreachofitsterms.”

Instantlyhisarrogancedisappeared.Apparently,he’dcountedthecostofhischeekybehavioranddeemedthelosstoogreattochance.“Let’swalk.”

Beforeshecouldprotest,helinkedarmswithherandledherpastthegazeboand around the side of the building before pausing oncemore near the emptycroquet field.Here the scent of freshly cut grass drifted toward her on a light

breeze.“Surelyyou’renot thinkingofchangingyourmind,Flora? I’mherenow.”

Hepausedtoinchtowardher,andheplacedhishandonherarm.Thistimesheallowedthefamiliarity.“Iknowonceyourfeathersgetunruffled,you’ll—”

“Youaretrulyinsufferable.”Sheyankedherarmawayandbegantoretracetheir steps. “To thinkyouwere the solutionwaspuremadness,” she saidoverhershoulder.

Hefellintostepbesideher.AmomentlaterMr.Tuckersnaggedherwristtoceaseherprogress.

“Youcouldhavesentanote.Something.”Shesoundedlikeapetulantfool.Awomanscorned.Florabitherlipandlookedaway.Intruth,shefeltalittlelikeboth.

“Hey, now,” he said with no small measure of irritation in his tone. Helookedawaybriefly,andwhenheonceagainmetherstare,hisexpressionwasneutral.

“Please,Flora.Can’twediscussthiselsewhere?”Heledherawayfromthepath to themore private shadowsof a bench someyards away from themainbuilding.Hesatdownandgesturedforhertojoinhim.“Iamthesolution.Andfar as I’mconcerned, our arrangement’s still good.Whywould I haveboughtthis if I didn’t intend to go through with ourmarriage?” He reached into hispocketandpulledoutagoldweddingbandencrustedwithrubiesanddiamonds.“Doyoulikeit?”

Inorder tomaintaincontrolover theconversation,sheelectednot toallowany indication that she was impressed with his offering. She did, however,concede to joininghimon thebench.“It’s lovely.However, itprovesnothing,especiallywhenyou’retwoweekslatetotheweddingwithnotawordtomeinthemeantime.”

His face told her nothing of what he must be thinking.When he did notrespond,she lookedaway.“I foundyoueasilyenough,Mr.Tucker. I’msure Icanfindareplacementforyou.”

“WhatwiththoseFatalFlorarumorsandall?Fourdownatlastcountiswhattheysay.ButIsupposeit’spossibleyouwouldn’thaveareputationthisfarfromhome.”

Shegasped.Howcouldheknow this?Of course.Hewas adetective.Sheshouldhavetakenthatintoconsideration.Theonlythingtodoforitnowwastofeignindifference.Andperhapsaddabitofbravadotoherflaggingattitude.

“Excuseme,sir,”shesaidasshestood,“butareyouinsinuatingsomething?”

With the question, her backbone straightened and her ire rose. “For I wouldmuchpreferyoujustsayitnowwhileyouhavethechance.”

Mr.Tucker’spenitentlookwasinstantifnotcompletelybelievable.“Look,Flora.Iwasgoingtosavethisfor later,butmaybethiswill repairyourfrayednervesabit.”

“Mynervesarefine,”shesnapped.“Itisyourcalendarthatneedsrepair.”Heproducedafoldedpieceofpaperfromhiscoatpocketandoffered it to

heras ifhehadn’theardhercomment.“Ourmarriage license,”hesaidwithawink. “I even spoke with the parson before I checked in. He can marry ustomorrowmorning.”Heglancedoverhisshoulderandthenbackather.“See,Ihavebeenbusy.”

“But—”“Honey, I’m not going anywhere, but apparently the reverend is. It’s the

soonest hewould agree tomarry us.Go ahead and look at the license if youdon’tbelieveme.”

Florainspectedthedocumentanddecideditlookedeverybitaslegitimateasthemaritalpropertyagreementupstairs inhersuitcase.Convincinganattorneytodrawup thecontractunderavowofsilencehad takenwork,butshewouldnotbesharinganymoreoftheBrimmfortunewiththisstrangerthantheagreeduponamount.

A brisk north breeze lifted the edge of the document and almost pulled itfrom her hand as Flora met Will Tucker’s eyes. She had one more thing toclarifywithhim.“Mygrandmotherswearsshesawyouatapartyweattendedlastweek.”

Shewatchedcarefully forany response. Instead,his facewentblank.“Mr.Tucker?Didyouhearme?”

Slowlyagrinliftedthecornersofhislips.“IdidbutIfiguredyouhadtobeteasing.”

Floraschooledherownfeatures.“Soyouweren’tthere?”“Honestly, how can you think I would watch you covertly and not make

myselfknown?”Heshrugged.“Yourgrandmotherismistaken.”“Yes,Isupposeshemustbe,”Florasaidslowlyassheallowedhiswordsto

takehold.Shequicklyfoldedthelicenseandreturnedittohim.“Ishallneedameetingtimefortomorrowmorning.”

Hecockedhishatbackandseemedtothinkamoment.“Nineo’clock.I’mtodeliveryoutotheparsonage.”

Thewayhestatedthings,Florafeltasifsheweresomesortofpackagetobe

deposited on the porch. Truly, for an educated man, Mr. Tucker hid hisaccoladeswell.

“Verywell,then.Ishallmeetyouinthehotellobbyathalfpasteight.”Hereachedtodrawherfingerstohislips.Theoddthoughtoccurredthatthis

intimate act should not feel so off-putting, not when the man would be herhusbandbythistimetomorrow.

Themanwhowouldfatherthefavoredheir.“Flora,dear,ifIdidn’tknowbetter,Iwouldthinkyouweredismissingme.

Andonlyhoursbeforeourwedding.”Something in his demeanor, in the flippant way he addressedwhat was a

topicofgreatconcern,jabbedather.Sheglancedaroundtobecertaintheywerealone and then paused to offer a look she hoped would measure up toGrandmama’sdo-not-mistake-my-meaningexpression.

“Youdonotknowmebetter,Mr.Tucker, nor am Imuchacquaintedwithyou.Anyattemptstosuggestotherwise,andthatmarriagelicenseisworthless.”

Lucas leaned further into the shadowsbeneath thebackstairsandadjustedhis speciallyconstructedandsoon-to-be-patentedbowlerhat,beingcarefulnottoallowtheacoustictubethatenhancedhisabilitytolisteninonFloraBrimm’sconversationtoshow.ShethoughtshewasmarryingTuckerinthemorning.

Hewouldseeaboutthat.“So,yes,Iamdismissingyou,Mr.Tucker,”shesaidclearlyashergroom-to-

beclutchedthedocumenthe’dshownher.“Therearepreparationstobemade.”Attheman’sdenselook,shecontinued.“DoyouwishtodrawattentiontothefactyouandIareheretogether?”

“They’llknowsoonenough,won’tthey?”MissBrimmshookherhead.“Perhapsyou’veforgottenwhatI’vetoldyou

regardingmygrandmother.ShewouldneitherapproveofnorallowanysortofdalliancewithsomeoneIbarelyknow.Shesaidasmuchjustnow,soI’veworktodotogetaroundtheissue.”

Tucker’s chuckle and the familiar way he touched Miss Brimm’s sleevemadeLucasclenchhisfists.“Whatcanoneoldladydo?”

TheNatchezbelleeasilyslippedfromthecriminal’sgrasp.“That‘oldlady’spottedyoubeforeIdid,”shesaidsharply.

“Itoldyouitwasn’tmeshesawlastweek—”“I meant today,” she insisted with a shake of her head. “And trust me.

ShouldGrandmamagetwindofourplansbeyondthegeneralstatementImaderegardingourcontract,shewouldcallinanynumberoffavorstoguaranteewewouldneverget awaywithanything less thana longengagement followedbywhatwouldsurelybecomeanoverblowncircusofawedding.Isthatwhatyouwant?”

“Shewon’thearitfromme.”TuckerspokejustquicklyenoughtoletLucasknowthemanwasmorethanalittleworried.“Youhavemyword.”

Tucker said something else, but a trio of squealing children skipped pastLucas’shidingplace, followedby their loudlycomplainingmother.Amomentlater,thetrolleypulledintothedriveandclangedwithoutceasingforafullhalfminute.Bythetimetheextraneousnoiseceased,thepairappearedreadytopartways.

Miss Brimm glanced around, but her gaze swept past Lucas’s hiding spotwithoutpausing.“Let’sdothismyway.Ishallorderuptransportforusforeightthirty tomorrowmorning. Please alleviatemy fears and go to your roomuntilthen,sir.Orderyourmealssentup.I’llgladlypayforthemoncewe’vefinalizedourbargain.Juststayoutofsight.”

Hepausedtogiveheralookthatwashiddenbytheshadefromhishat.“I’llagreetoit,butonlybecauseyouaskedsonicely,mydear.Consideritaweddinggift.ThoughIstilldon’tseewhyyou’resoafraidofthatold…”Tuckershookhishead.“ForgetIsaidanything.I’llmeetyouinthelobbytomorrowmorningafteranight’s restandaneveningofbehavingmyselfandstayingoutofyourgrandmother’sway.How’sthat?”

Shegavehimasidewayslook.“Bystayinginyourroom?”Hehelduphishand.“Ipromise.”“ThenIthinkthat’sagoodplan.”Hewinked. “Asdo I.Can’tbe tired if I’mheadingoffonmyhoneymoon

tomorrow.”Thetrolleybellrangagain,hidingherresponse.Whatcouldnotbehidden,

however, was the expression on her lovely face. Though Will Tucker waslookingforwardtoahoneymoon,hisbridewasnot.

Orperhapssheaffectedsuchanangrystanceforsomeotherreason.Withhislistening tube temporarily unusable and no other way to gauge her emotions,Lucas was left to wonder. It didn’t take a Pinkerton man, even one whospecializedinadvancedscienceandmoderncrime-fightinggadgetry,totellMissBrimmwasnotcountingtheminutesuntiltheafter-weddingcelebration.

WhensheledTuckertowardthehotel’sfrontentrance,Lucaslostanyability

toeitherseeorhearthem.Heremovedthebowler,madetheadjustmentsthathidthe listening device, and then returned the hat to his head to follow his prey.Keepingtotheedgesofthepathwherethefoliagewasdense,heeasilytrailedthepairuntiltheyseparatedatthefrontentrance.

Their parting left him momentarily baffled. Had Miss Brimm been hisintended, Lucas knew for certain he would have offered at least an embrace.With lips that lovely and begging to be kissed, he would gladly haveaccommodatedher.

Unfortunately, dwelling on a kiss that would never happen caused him tomiss the direction in which Tucker headed. Flora Brimm, however, wasimpossibletomissasshesweptpastandhailedadoorman.Ratherthanaccesshis listening tube to overhear her request, Lucas kept still until the doormansprinted toward the entrance. Then, with Miss Brimm’s attention elsewhere,Lucasfollowedtheemployeeinside.

“Amomentofyourtime,”hesaidasheopenedhiscoatjustenoughtoallowthe fellow to see his badge, but not enough to allow a viewing by any of theotherhotelguests.

EspeciallynotMissBrimm,whohadslipped insideandwasnowhiding—or,rather,attemptingtohide—inadarkcornerneartheelevator.

Lucas nodded toward themanager’s office, hidden behind an etched glassenclosure.Releasinghis coat lapel, he pressed a finger to his lips in a bid fordiscretion. “I’ll need to knowwhat that young lady requested of you, and I’llalsoneedtospeakwiththemanager.”

“Shewishestogointotown.Thepostoffice,Ibelieve.”An odd request, considering that she could easily post a letter here at the

hotel.“Themanager,then.Ineedtospeaktohimrightnow.”“Yes,ofcourse,sir,”themansaidashehurriedtohistask.Amomentlater,

themanagerreturnedtousherLucasintohisprivatedomain.“Beforeyougo,”hesaidtothefellow,“thatsamewomanisskulkinginthe

shadowsnear the elevator.Wouldyou letmeknow theminute she leavesherhidingspot?”

Adiscreetglanceandhiseyeswidened.“Butthat’sMissBrimm,sir.”“Yes,itis.Donotletherknowyou’reobservingher.”“Ofcoursenot,sir.”“TowhatdoweoweavisitfromthePinks?”themanageraskedasheclosed

hisdoorandgesturedtowardachairinfrontofhisdesk.“Amatterofdiscretion,”Lucassaid.“I’mafraid Ihave to informyou that

two guests in this hotel are engaged in illegal activities. One has an arrestwarrantpending.Theotherwarrantshouldbeactiveasof thisafternoonat thelatest.”Hewouldconfirmthatwiththesheriffassoonashecouldmanageit.“Iam not at liberty to disclose these names as itmight cause the parties to fleeshouldattentionbedirectedtothem.However,I’mcertainyouwouldwishthemtobedispatchedquietlyfromyourestablishment.”

Themanager’sbrowsgathered.“IndeedIdo.Wedon’tcondoneanythingofthe sort at the Crescent. Consider the entire resources of our hotel at yourcommand.”

MissBrimmwas seeking a personal visit downtown. Lucas grinned as hepatted thehandcuffs inhispocket. Indeed, shewouldhaveone.Unfortunatelyforher,thewomanwhowasincollusionwithWillTuckerwouldbeheadingforajailcellandnotthepostoffice.

“Actually,” he said with a grin. “All I need right now is a buggy, theomnibus transport arrival schedule, and a little assistance from one of yourmen.”

F

Four

lorakepttoherhidingplacenearthehotelentranceuntilthegreen-eyedmanwiththebowlerhatdisappearedaroundthecorner.Thelastthingsheneeded

wastohaveanotherconversationwithhim.Heknewfartoomuch,andworse,hecontinuallyseemedtoappearfromnowhere.

PerhapssheshouldpostherlettertoFathertomorrowafterherappointmentwiththepastor.Theirappointment,shecorrected,thoughshetriedtoignorethestabtheremindergaveherconscience.

She patted her reticule, in part to reassure herself that the quickly pennedmissive,abriefnotescribbledonhotelstationarymomentsago,wasstillthere.Somehow, telling Father about her intentions to marry before the ceremonymade thepact seemall themoreofficial and the subterfuge less disrespectful.Thatherfatherwouldbelividwhenhereadthenewsofthealreadycompletednuptialswasagiven.Flora’sconcessiontorespectandproprietywouldbeinthetimingofhisreceiptofthisnews.

Knowing Grandmama had her ways of finding things out, Flora did notconsiderpostingtheletterhereatthehotel.BettertogointotownanddeliverittosomeonelesslikelytobeswayedbythematriarchoftheBrimmclan.

Leaning against the carved post, she watched the pendulum swing on theoversizedclockonthewallbehindthereceptiondeskandthoughtbackonwhatshe’d seen.Themanhad seemed insistent thathe speak to themanager.Thenhe’dgonebehindtheglassenclosureonlytoreappearafewminuteslaterwithatleasttwohotelemployeesintow.

Whatever the reason, the expression she had spied on the hotelmanager’sface before the door closed was unmistakable. He was not happy. Likelysomeone, possiblyoneof the escortsGrandmama insistedupon, had informedhimoftheman’spenchantforbotheringinnocentyoungwomen.

Indeed,thefellowcertainlyseemedinahurrytoleave.Perhapshewasbeingescorted off the property. Until she knew for certain, though, she realized he

couldpopupagainatanytime.Notawelcomethought.She thought for a moment of seeking solace in Mr. Tucker’s suite—the

numberofwhichhe’dofferedthoughshehadnotrequestedit—untilshecouldbecertainthestrangerwouldnotreturntofollowher.Unfortunately,Mr.Tuckerwould likelymisunderstandhermotivesforcontactinghimagainsosoonafterdismissinghim.

Anotherlookinbothdirectionsrevealednofamiliarfaces,soFlorasteppedfrom the shadows. She waited a moment for someone to notice, but no oneappearedinterestedinheractions.

She let out a breath and smiled. That she’d eluded security and hergrandmotheremboldenedher.Withherheadheldhigh,shemaneuveredherselfaroundaclusterofchairs,mostoccupiedbyoldergentswithnewspapersandtoomuchtimeontheirhands,tomarchovertothereceptiondesk.Whenthefellowmerelystaredatherratherthanjumpingtoassisther,Florarangthebell.

“Yes,MissBrimm,”theratherskittishdoormansaid.“Yourcarriageisbeingbroughtaroundnow.”

“Thankyou,”shesaidassheglancedovertowardthedoubledoorsandthenbackatthehotelemployee.“Ican’timaginewhat’stakingsolong.”

Thepoormancoloredbrightredasheclearedhisthroat,hiseyesskimmingthetopofherheadratherthanmeetinghergaze.“I…well…thatis,wehaveanew fellowwhowill be driving you and…ah, here he is.” Relief appeared towashoverhimashenoddedtowardtheentrancewhereyetanothermanstood.“Youhaveanicetripintotownnow,”hesaidashereachedforahandkerchieftomophisbrowandthenduckedbackbehindtheglassenclosure.

“What an oddman,” Flora said under her breath as shemoved cautiouslytowardthedoors.

Mindful that Grandmama, one of her minions, or, worse, the green-eyedman, could still pounce at anymoment, she quickly slipped outside and thenglancedaroundforthebuggy.OtherthantheFriscoRailroad’somnibus,whichrolled to a stop a few yards away, there appeared to be no private vehicleswaiting.

Sendinga sideways look to thedoorman,Flora shookherhead. “Where ismycarriage?”

“Othersideofthedepottransport,ma’am.Iwillbehappytoescortyou,”hesaidasheofferedhisarm.

“Thank you.” Flora stepped off the curb as a crowd of train passengersemerged from the omnibus.At once several dozenmen,women, and children

flooded the area. Thankfully, the doorman pressed his hand atop hers andskillfullysteeredheraroundthechaos.

Andintothewaitingarmsofthegreen-eyedmanwiththebowlerhat.“Goodday,darlin’,”hesaidwithagrinthatmighthavebeenappealinghad

he not been addressing her in such an uncouthmanner. “I thought you and Iwouldtakeabuggyride.Maybefindachessboardandplayagameortwo.Orwecouldjusthaveanicefriendlytalk.”

Beforeshecouldreact,thedoormanreleasedhisgriponherarm.“I’msorry,MissBrimm,”hehastenedtomutterbeforeslippinginto thecrowd.“ThebosssaidIwastocooperatewiththisfellowhere.”

Afewfeetaway,amotherscoldedacryingchildwhiletheomnibusdriverhauled luggage onto the curb. Flora made a dart in their direction, but thestrangergrabbedherarmandhauledherbackagainsthim.

“Unlikelastnight,Iamnowquitemindfulofyouridentity,MissBrimm.Ibelieve I tried to tell you asmuch earlier,” he said, his voice low, his breathwarmagainstherear.“Unless Imissmyguess,your friendMrs.Honeycutt isover there playing a cordial roundof croquetwith a general’swife and a fewothersociety types. Ialsoknowyourbanged-upreputationcan’tstandanotherdent in it, so why don’t youmake this easy on both of us and not draw herattentionoverhere?”

“Ihavenoideawhatyou’retalkingabout,sir,butIdemandthatyouunhandme.”Herheartracedassheworkedtoclearlyanddistinctlyenunciatethewordshergrandmotherhadtaughther.“TheBrimmfamilywillrefuseanyransom,soI’mquiteworthlesstokidnap.”

Thestatementwasatotalfabrication,ofcourse,forsurelyFatherwouldpayany price to see her returned…and to keep Cousin Winthrop from hisinheritance.

Orsoshehoped.“Therewillbenoransomrequested.It’snot thatkindofbuggyride.Asto

that woman,Mrs. Honeycutt? You know exactly what I’m talking about,” hesaidwithdeadlycalmashereleasedher.“PoorSimon.Iwonderhowhismamawillevergetoverlosingheronlysonjustdaysbeforehiswedding.MaybeyouandIoughttogoseehowshe’sdoing.”

Flora saw a woman who could possibly be her almost-mother-in-law inconversationwithtwootherwomenonthefarendofthehotelgardenswhileyetanotherladyappearedtobeplayingherturnatcroquet.Fromthisdistanceitwasimpossibletoknowforsure.

“Ofcourse,you’llhave toexplain toherwhyyouhavemewithyou.Youdon’tthinkshe’lltellanyoneyou’reintroublewiththelaw,doyou?”

“Thelaw?Youhavenoproofofthat.”Themanchuckled,sendingashiverdownherspine.“DoIneedit?Myguess

isMrs. Honeycutt will take a look at the badge I carry inmy pocket and beinclinedtobelieveme.”Hepaused.“Andrepeatit.I’msurethemanagerandhisdeskclerkwillbackherup.”

“That woman over there could be anyone,” Flora said as she sent up aferventprayershewascorrect.

“Oh?”He handed her an ordinary-looking pair ofwire-rimmed spectacles.“Takealookusingthese.”

“Honestly,Ifailtounderstandwhy—”“Justtakeapeekandthenyou’llunderstand.”Shefittedthespectaclesinplace,blinkingseveraltimestoadjusthervision.

Tohersurprise,Mrs.Honeycutt’simagecameintoview.Floracouldclearlyseenotonly theolderwomanbut alsoher companions, oneofwhomshe thoughtsherecognizedasafriendofGrandmama’sfromthegardenclub.Anotherwasdefinitelythewifeofthegeneralwhohadhostedthemfordinnerjustlastweek.

Allof this shesaw ingreatdetail.And fromadistance too faraway tobevisible.

“Howdothesespectaclesdothat?Theylookperfectlynormal,”shesaidasshe handed back the spectacles, her knees threatening to buckle. “Obviouslythey’resomesortofspeciallens.It’ssofar,andyetIcouldclearlysee.”

“It doesn’tmatter how theywork.Whatmatters iswhether you and I aregoingtohaveanicewalkovertheretovisitwithyourNatchezfriendornot.”

Hehadher.“Whatdoyouwant?”“Turnaroundslowly,andwhileyou’reat ityoumightwant to thinkabout

smiling.Thatladylooksalittleworried,andIdon’tthinkit’sbecauseherchildwon’tsettledown.Youwouldn’twanthertothinkI’mupsettingyou.”

Floraspiedawomanwatchingfromherplacenearthebackoftheomnibusasshebouncedasquallingbabyagainsther shoulder.Anodor, failing that,ascream,andshewouldlikelygoforhelp.

Aglancearound,andFloradecidedtherewereplentymorewhocouldcometoherassistance:menpilingsuitcasesonthecurb,womenpreeningintinypursemirrors inanattempt to smooth their road-ruinedcoiffures,andevenapairofcuriousyouthswhowerecurrentlypokingat the flankof the leadhorse in theteam.

Ifshemanageditjustright,shecouldescapewithoutMrs.Honeycuttbeingany thewiser. For surely theNatchezmatron did not possess a pair of oddlypowerfulspectacles.

“FloraBrimm,”themansaid,“youneedtoturnaroundslowlyandkeepyourhandswhereIcanseethem.”

“Don’tberidiculous,”shesaidasshemadeeyecontactwiththemother.“I’vebeencalledawholelotofthingsinthecommissionofmydutiesasa

Pinkertonagent,butridiculousisn’toneofthem.”“So now you’re not just the law, you’re a Pinkerton? If that’s true, why

didn’tyouadmittoitlastnight?”“LastnightIhadnoreasontobelieveIneededto.”Thelawmanputhandonhershoulderandslowlyturnedheraroundtoface

him.“Getinthebuggy.We’regoingtotakearide.”“NotuntilIseeabadge.”He regarded her with some measure of amusement. “You’ll see a badge

when I decide you’re not going to take off and run.” One dark brow rose.“Remember,FatalFlora,you’retheonewiththemosttolosehere.”

Drawing herself up to her full height, Flora looked him in the eyes. “Idemand you either release me or offer proof of your affiliation with thePinkertonDetectiveAgency,Mr…”

“McMinn,”hesaidashepeereddownatherfromunderthebrimofhishat.“LucasMcMinn. Under other conditions I’d say I was pleased to make youracquaintance.ThebestIcandorightnowistotellyouonelasttimetoclimbupintothecarriagebeforeIputyouuptheremyself.OrIcanputhandcuffsonyouand march you inside. The manager and a few of his employees have allconfirmedmyidentity,andI’msurethey’llbegladtotellyouthat.”Hepaused.“Sowill thesheriff for thatmatter.SodoIpickyouupandsituateyou in thebuggy?Mightcauseascene.”

“Youwouldn’t dare,” she said, even though the expression on the rogue’sfacetoldherhewould.

“Justlikeafineladylikeyouwouldn’tclimboutawindowtoactaslookoutforyourboyfriend?Oh,excuseme.Yourfiancé.Andyoudid.Lastnight.Withmetailingyou.”

“Truly,sir,Ihavenoideawhatyou’retalking—”“WillTuckeriswhatI’mtalkingabout.”Healmostspatthewords,suchwas

hisobviousdistasteforthetopic.“Anddon’tbotherdenyingyouknowtheman.You toldmeyourself lastnightyouwere looking forhim.Youcalledhimby

name.”Floragasped.“Lookingforhimandfindinghimaretwodifferentthings!”This timehis grinwas swift, though the sobering expression that followed

was swifter. “Don’t take me for one of those Natchez boys you can fool bybattingyourprettyblueskyeyesandactingcute,MissBrimm.”

“Whatdidyoujustsay?”Blueskyeyes?Shehadn’theardthatterminmanyyears. The phrase conjured up an Irish kitchen and an old friend of herAuntClothilde.

Orhadsheheardhimwrong?Thememoryslippedbackintoplaceandwasgone.

“Please,MissBrimm. Interruptingwill nothave thedesiredeffect. I knowyou found theman. Iwatchedyou twogetting reacquaintednot thirtyminutesago. And I heard every word you said about your wedding tomorrow.” Hepausedasiftoallowhertoabsorbtheinformation.“Now,howaboutwefinishthisconversationelsewhere?”

“Istilldemandabadgeandsomeanswers,”shemanagedasshegrippedtheedgeofthebuggytoremainupright.

AglancebehindhershowedFlorathatalltheoccupantsoftheomnibushaddisappearedinsidethehotel.OnlyMrs.Honeycuttandhercompanionsremainedinsight,butthankfullytheyhadnotmovedanycloser.

“Thisisn’taSundaysocial,MissBrimm.You’llhaveplentyoftimetogetyour answers just as soon as I get mine. Only thing is, I don’t plan to standaroundandletyourfiancésizemeupforacoffin,whichhejustmightbedoingfromanyoneofthosewindowsupthere.”Heletoutalongbreath.“Look,here’smyidentification.”

The man discreetly opened his coat to show her what appeared to be anauthenticPinkertonbadge.“Nowupyougo.Wecanfinishtalkingoncewegetclearofthishotel.”

Shecomplied,butonlytobuyafewmomentsoftime.Assoonashelefthertosteparoundandtakethereins,Floraplannedtojumpoutandrun.Whatshedidn’tplanonwasforthemantoslapapairofhandcuffsonherbeforeheslidintothedriver’sspot.

“I’llscream.”“Goahead.Thesheriffwon’tcareifIbringyouinquietlyorshoutingfrom

the rooftops, but my guess is you have an opinion on whether people arewatching.”

She did, and so she refrained from any response, especially as Mrs.

Honeycutthadlefttheotherwomenbehindinthegardenandwasnowstrollingtowardthehotel’sfrontentrance.

“Justgo,”Florasaidassheheldherbackstraightandtriednottogiveanyindication that shewas trussed up like a turkey at Thanksgiving. “But do notthinkIwillbe lockedina jailcell.Myfatherwillcertainlyhavesomethingtosayabout—”

The horse lurched forward, almost knocking her backward. “Easy there,girl,”Mr.McMinn said, thoughFlora couldn’t tellwhetherhewas addressingherorthespiritedsteed.

Shebracedherself as thecarriagemadea sharp turnonto the road leadingtoward the city below.While the Crescent Hotel perched high above EurekaSpringswithaviewonallsides,therewasnotmuchtointerruptthevistaexceptfortrees.Thus,inwhatseemedlikesecondstheyleftthebustlinghotelbehindinfavorofthebracingmountainairandthethickshadeofthesurroundingforest.

Though the city lay just down the road, theymight have beenmiles fromcivilization, a thought thatwas foremost inFlora’smindwhenher companionturnedontoatinytrailandstopped.

Silenced reigned, interrupted only by the furious staccato of her heartbeat.The coldmetal of thehandcuffs bit intoherwrists, but she refused to let himknow.

“Look,”hefinallysaid.“I’mnotenjoyingthis.”Oddly,histonegaveanimpressionoftruth.Florashiftedherattentiontothe

canopyofgreenandthedeepblueskybeyondwhileshecollectedherthoughts.Acrackleoverheaddrewherattentiontoafatsquirrelperchingonapinelimb,hisattentiondividedbetweenherandwhateverheheldinhischeeks.

“First,Iwanttobesureyouunderstandthepurposeofthiscarriageride.”Hepausedandseemedtobestudyingthetoesofhisboots.Abruptlyhereturnedhisattention toher.“I’veshownyoumybadge thatprovesI’maPinkertonagent,butIwanttobesureyou’reconvincedofit.”

“Whydoesitmatter?”He shifted positions and the carriage creaked. Though he was not an

overlargeman,hewasofsufficientsizetocausehertolookuptomeethiseyes.“Itjustmight,andthat’sallIwillsayrightnow.”

Florastudiedhimamoment,carefullyweighingwhatlittlesheknewofthedark-hairedfellow.Fromhispenchantforhidingtothedeferenceshownhimbythehotelstaff,shehaddeducedtherewassomethingoutof theordinaryabouthim.Thathewasalawmanhadbeenoneofherassumptionslastnight.Tohave

it confirmedwith the evidence of a badge gave Flora no reason to doubt hisclaim.

“Mr.McMinn,isit?”Whenhenodded,shecontinued.“Yes,Mr.McMinn,Idobelieveyou.AndIassumewe’vestoppedherebecauseyou’reamenabletoanarrangementotherthanjail,thoughIcannotimaginewhatchargesanyonewouldhaveagainstme.”

“The charges are easy enough to explain.” He reached for her arm with,Florahoped, thekey to thehandcuffs. Instead,heranan indexfingeroverherwatch.

For a moment his stern expression went soft. Then, in an instant, thelawman’s hard stare returned. “Flora Brimm, you are charged with acceptingstolenproperty,aidingandabettingaknowncriminal,andafewotherthingsImightchoosetoaddonceIgetyousituatedinthejailhouse.”

O

Five

fall thenerve!Stolenproperty? Ihavenoneedofstealinganything,Mr.McMinn.Theideaofitispreposterous.”Florashookherhead.“Andhow

dare you accuseme of colludingwith a person of that ilk? I am awoman ofcarefulassociations.”

His chuckle belied his formidable presence. “Careful associations? Is thatwhatyou’recallingyourengagementtoWillTucker?Acarefulassociation?”

Itwas. Though shewas loath to admit it to theman now, Flora had usedthoseexactwordsinherlettertoFather.

Againhetouchedherwatch.“Tellmewhereyougotthis.”“Itwasagift.”“From?”Onceagain,Floramethisgaze.Underothercircumstancesshemighthave

allowedherselftonotethewaythedappledsunlightplayedacrosstheanglesofhisface.Thewayhis lashes,ravendarkandthickasawoman’s,brushedhighcheekboneswhenheclosedhiseyes.

Now, however, she willed herself to form a more dispassionate opinion.Consideringthemanheldthekeytothehandcuffscirclingherwrists,theeffortwasnotdifficulttomanage.

“Frommyfiancé.”Sheletoutalongbreath.“Mr.Tucker.”Anod.And then another shift of positions as if hewere seeking to assure

himselftheyweretrulyalone.“Look,IwantTucker,notyou.Heis thetruecriminal.At least, that ismy

currentassessment. It couldchange.”BeforeFloracouldprotest,Mr.McMinnheld up his hands to stop her. “Did you ever wonder why the letterM wasengravedontheback?”

Indeedshehad,butMr.Tuckerhadexplaineditquitewell.“That’stheinitialofhismother’sgivenname.Thewatchwashers.”Floragavehima sidewayslook.“Howdidyouknowabouttheengraving?”

He said nothing for amoment, allowing her to draw her own conclusion.“Because I have an affidavit on file proving thewatch’s ownership.”Anotherpause.“Andassertingthatyourfiancéstoleit.”

She looked up sharply but said nothing. The handcuffs weighed heavilyagainst the skin of herwrists. If only she’d thought to bring her gloves alongwhensheleftthesuitethismorning.

“MissBrimm?Don’tyouhaveanopiniononwhatI’vetoldyou?”“Of course I do. I don’t give one whit for what your affidavit says. The

assertionispreposterous.”Shesaiditasmuchtoconvinceherselfastomakehercompanion see reason. “I know Mr. Tucker, and he wouldn’t…” Again sheshookherhead.“Hejustdoesn’tappearthesort.”

“Andappearancesareeverythingwithyour set, aren’t they?Which iswhyyou’rewillingtomarryhim.”Hiseyessweptthelengthofherandthenreturnedtomeethergaze.“Youknowvery littleabouthim.Justenoughtobecomehiswife but not enough to say for certain that he got that watch from his deadmama.AmIright?”

“Pleaseunderstandyou’vesaidnothingtochangemymindaboutmy…thatis,aboutMr.Tucker.However,youarecorrectinyourassertionthatbecauseitwasagift,Ihavenobillorreceiptforthewatch.Anduntilitstrueownercanbedetermined, I would like you to remove it frommywrist and place it in thesheriff’scustody.”

Hecertainlyhadn’texpectedthat.Thismuchshecouldtellfromthewayhecoveredwhathadtobesurprisewithanod.“Atleastyou’vebeenhonestaboutonething.”Hemadequickworkofreleasingtheclasponthewatchtoslide itoffherwrist.“I’llbesureandnotethatinthereport.”Afterdroppingitintohispocket,heswiveledtofaceher.“Nowthere’sjustonemorethingyouandIhavetodecide.”

Shetampeddownontheurgetorespondwithsarcasm.Instead,sheoptedforcharmschoolmanners, thebetter to sooth the irritatedbeast.At least thatwasherhope.

“Andwhatmightthatbe,Mr.McMinn?”“Will you helpme catch this criminal, or should I deliver you over to the

EurekaSpringssheriffandcontinuemyinvestigationunassisted?IshouldwarnyouthatIwillbesuccessfulineithercase.”

“Successfulincatchinghimorsuccessfulinfindinghimguilty?”Againsheoffered a demure look. “For the two are not mutually exclusive. And for therecord,thoughyou’veconvincedmeofyouridentityasaPinkertonagent,you

havenotyetconvincedmeofmyfiancé’s identityasacriminal.Arewequiteclearonthis?”

“Fair enough, Miss Brimm. How about this? You point me in Tucker’sdirection,andI’llseethathegetsafairtrial.”

“AndifIchoosenotto?JustsoIknowthefullarrayofoptionsavailable.”“Ifyouchoosenot to, I’ll turnyouover to the sheriff andbringTucker in

withoutyou.”“Notmuchofachoice,Isuppose.”Shegavethematteramoment’sthought.

“All right,Mr.McMinn.Butunderstand Iwill onlyhelpyou findMr.Tuckerbecause I believe his innocence will be easily proven.” She ignored hisexpression of disagreement to gesture toward her reticule. “Might I post thisletterbeforewereturntothehotel?”

Mr.McMinnpulledhiswatchfromhispocket toconsult thetime.“Idon’tsupposeitwillhurttoletyoudothat.”

“Thankyou.”Sheliftedherhands.“Now,aboutthesehandcuffs?”He shookhis head. “They’re staying rightwhere I put them. Iwon’t have

yourunningoffbeforeI’mreadytoturnyouloose.”“Don’tyouthinkpeoplewillwonderwhyIamridingaroundwithastranger

wearingthese?”Shetriednottosmileattheman’sobviousirritation.“Iwouldthink amanwho is conducting an investigationmight notwant to attract toomuchattention.Of course,” she added sweetly, “I’m just a novice, soperhapsI’mwrong…”

“All right,” he said sharply. “No need for sarcasm. I see your point.” Hepausedonlyamomentbeforesheddinghissuitjacketanddrapingitacrossherlap. “There,” he saidwith a grin. “All fixed. Just be careful not tomake anysuddenmoves.YouneverknowwhatIhaveinmypockets.”

Thinkingoftheoddspectaclesandthethingsshehadnoticedlastnight,shehadtowonder.

Still, her reputation would remain safely guarded and her letter would beposted.Asheset thebuggyinmotionagain,Floraresignedherself toapartialvictory.

AstheynearedthebustlingdowntownareaofEurekaSprings,shegavebriefconsideration to an escape. However, the thought of a possible arrest warrantfrightenedheralmostasmuchashergrandmother’sreactionshouldFloraarrivebackattheirsuitewearingaPinkertonagent’shandcuffs.

Instarkcontrasttothelushforestsofthesurroundingcountryside,thestreetsof Eureka Springs were narrow and winding. Ramshackle buildings edged in

amongsthotelsandbathhouses,allhuggingthemuddythoroughfareswithonlythemostruggedofwalkwaystoseparatethem.Hereandtheregapsinthewood,limestone, or brick structures gave way to rock formations that, in places,trickledwith thesamespringwater thatbatherspaiddearly tosoakaway theirailments.

Thesidewalks,suchastheywere,teemedwithpeoplewhoappearednottocarewhethertheyedgedoneanotheroutofthelimitedspaceandintothemuddystreet.OccasionallyFlora spied an oversized feathered hat or a flash of finelymade skirts thatmight indicate someone of her social set. Thus, she kept herheadlowandherhandcuffswellhiddenbeneathMr.McMinn’scoat.

WhenthebuggypausedneartheintersectionofSpringandShortStreets,itonlytookamomentforattentiontobedrawntheirway.“Truly,Mr.McMinn,”Florasaid.“Mightyoudispensewiththesehandcuffsandallowmetopostthelettermyself?Peoplewhoknowmecouldbewithinsight,andI—”

“You’re staying put,MissBrimm.Unless you’ve changed yourmind. I’msure the sheriff would be happy to let you roam a jail cell without thosehandcuffs.”

Ignoring him rather than offering a response seemed prudent. Still, shecouldn’thelpwishingshehadsomemeansofremovingtheridiculousrestraints.Withobviousreluctancesheextractedtheletterfromherreticuleandgaveittohim.

“You,boy!”The lawmangestured towardayouthwhomighthavebeenanewspaperhawkerorperhaps in thebusinessof shiningshoes.Heshowed theragamuffin three coins and nodded toward the post office across the street.“Whatdoyousay?Willyouseethatthepostmastersendsthisout?”

Theyoungmanadjustedhiscapandofferedagap-toothedgrin.“It’sadeal,mister!”

Mr. McMinn handed over the letter and the coins and watched until themessengerdisappearedinsidethebuilding.Asthebuggymovedawayfromthepostoffice,Floralookedbacktobecertaintheboyhadindeeddoneashe’dbeencharged.

“Worriedaboutsomething?”Mr.McMinnaskedasheguidedthehorsebackupthenarrowstreet.

“Justmakingsurethelettergetsposted.”Hegaveheraquicksidewayslook.“Youwouldn’twantyourfathertomiss

thenewsofyourwedding,wouldyou?”Shegasped.“Howdidyouknowwhatthelettersaid?”Shepausedtoreflect

on a better choice of words, and then she began again. “About that.While Iappreciate your need to follow throughonyour commitment towhatever caseyou’re working on, I would very much like you to allowmymarriage to goforward as scheduled. So if at all possible, could you conclude your businesswithMr.Tuckertoday?”

Mr.McMinnlaughedevenasheurgedthehorsearoundathrongofbuggiesand wagons. “Miss Brimm, you are possibly the most self-centered woman Ihaveeverhadthebadsensetojoinforceswith.”

Tocorrecthisassumptionandlet themanknowherconcernwasforhomeand family rather than herself would be counterproductive at this point. Andlikely he wouldn’t believe her anyway, especially if he had indeed secured awarrantforherarrest.

So Flora remained silent, her back straight and her expression such thatanyone who might recognize her would think she was merely out for anafternoondrivewithahandsomeacquaintance.Unfortunately,heracquaintancehad the irritating habit of tipping his hat andmaking conversationwith everypersonwhosloweddowntheirdrive.

By the time the carriage had traveled the length of downtown, Flora wasready to scream.When threepigs, twochildren,andagoat ranout in frontofthem,shedid.Loudlyandwithoutapology.

Thankfully,hewasabletomaneuveraroundtheobstacleswithoutcalamity,thoughshehadtowonderhowhemanagedit.Shemighthaveaskedexceptthatshe spied the unmistakable formof the railroad executivewhohadhostedherandGrandmamafordinnerjusttwonightsago.Andwithhimwashiswife,whohadquizzedFloraatlengthaboutherunmarriedstate.

Flora immediately slid to the floor,where she hid as best she could underMr.McMinn’sjacket.WhilethesoundsandsmellsofEurekaSpringswereonlyslightlymuffled,shehopedshemightbehiddenwellenoughtokeepthegossipsfromtalking.

“You’re awfully skittish,”hecommentedas thebuggybegan the climbuptowardtheCrescentHotel.

“Withgoodreason,”Florasnapped.“Oh, I see.”Hechuckled.“Iguessyou’renotkeenonbeingseenwith the

likesofme.”“Actually, I’m unsure as to which of two issues of concern would most

damagemyreputation.”Onedarkbrowlifted.“Oh,dotellmewhatthoseare,darlin’,”hesaidwith

anexaggerateddrawl.“Icaresomuchforallofyourissuesofconcern.”“Thank you,” she said, as sweetly and sarcastically as she could manage

despiteherpredicament. “Sinceyouasked, I’ll behappy to tell you.Notonlywould it bedisastrous tobe seen riding through themiddleofEurekaSpringswithhandcuffs—that’sawfulenough—butworse?”Sheshruggedasshefeignedabject horror. “What if someone actually thought I was enjoying a ride withyou?”Ashuddercompletedthestatement,thoughshewasn’tkeenonglancingovertoseehowhehadtakenherjab.

“At least I remained in my seat. I wonder if anyone spied the drunkenwomanwhocouldn’tremainuprightlongenoughforthelawtodiscreetlyreturnhertoherhotel?”

“Of all the nerve!” Flora fixed Mr. McMinn with a withering look.Unfortunately, he ignored her. Finally, she tired of staring and turned herattentiontotwistingaroundsoastobeinapositiontoclimbbackontotheseat.

Shetookinadeepbreathofpine-scentedairandletitoutslowly.Withherhands bound by the cuffs, her corset far too tight for exertion, and her pridedented,Florafoundtheprocessdifficultatbest.Eachtimeshemanagedtogetherelbowupon theseat, thebuggywouldhit somesortof rutandshewouldbouncebackdownonthefloor.Afterapoint,shesuspectedthelawmanwasnotcompletelyinnocentinthis,thoughhisexpressionbeliedthefact.

Shepeeredupathim.“Mr.McMinn,IdemandyoueitherhelpmeorreleasethehandcuffssothatImighthelpmyself.”

“You demand?” He paused to allow his eyes to sweep over her beforereturninghisattentiontotheroadahead.“FromwhereIsit,youdon’tappeartobeinapositiontodemandanything,MissBrimm.”

“AndyeteventuallyyouwillhavetoexplaintosomeonewhyyoureturnedtotheCrescentHotelwithFloraBrimmtrussedupandcoweringonthefloorofyourbuggy.ForifIamsuchawantedwoman,youwouldhaveseenmejailed.Instead,you’reforciblyreturningmetothehotelinhandcuffs.Inquiringmindsmightaskwhatnefariouspurposeyouhaveinmind.”Apauseforeffect.“Andme,adefenselesswoman?”

“Defenseless?” His tone combined with an inelegant snort told her hisopinionof the thought. “MissBrimm,were I to testify in court as tomanyofyour other attributes, lunacy among them, I would have much to say on thematter.Butdefenseless?Awomanwhotreatsawalkonafourth-floorledgelikeastrollinthepark?Hardly.”

“Fine.”Shemaneuveredaroundtoalleviateacrampjabbingathershoulder

andfixedhereyesonthecanopyofbrightgreenleavesoverhead.Lord,Youareincontrol,notthisoverbearingfool.WhileIknowI’msupposedtoloveallYourchildren,IjustcannotimagineYoumeanthimtoo.

“Whatareyoudoing?”“I’mpraying.”Heflickedthereinsandthehorsepickedupitspace.“Whileyou’reatit,say

aprayerforme.”“Don’tworry.I’vealreadymentionedyou.”Floraslidhimalook.“Twice.”“I see.”Henodded toward the road. “We’re almost back to the hotel. I’m

goingtostrikeadealwithyou.I’lltakeoffthosehandcuffsifyou’llpromisenottorun.”

“Brimmsdonot run,”shesaidas thewheelsbouncedoveranother rutandshebracedherselfagainsttheseat.“Exceptforoffice.”

“Right.”Hepulledbackonthereinsuntilthebuggycametoastop.Slowlyheswiveledtolookdownather.“AndPinkertonsdon’truneither.Theyshoot.”

“Then neither of us has anything to worry about, do we? Now get thesehandcuffsoff.”Athiscrossexpression,shesaid,“Please?”

Hehauledherupontotheseatas ifsheweighednothingandwaitedwhileshesettledintoplace.Whensheheldherhandsoutinhisdirection,hedrewthekeyfromhispocket.“Holdstillnow,”hesaidashegraspedherwrists.

Floradid,but thehorsedidnotasahawkswoopednearbyandcaused themare to jolt. The lawman fumbledwith the key and then lost it on the floor.Retrieving the keywhile holding tightly to the reins took some time, butMr.McMinnfinallyemergedvictorious.Thistime,hequicklystabbedthekeyintoplaceandreleasedthelockonthecuffencirclingherrighthand.

Asthecoldmetalfellaway,Floraflexedherwristandoffereduptheother.“What?”sheaskedwhenheshookhishead.

“No,IthinkI’llwaitonremovingthatone,”hesaidashedroppedthekeyintohisvestpocket.

“Wait?”Sheshookherarmandfelt thecuff’sweightagainstherskin.Theotherhalfofthecontraptiondangledfree,itscoldmetalslidingagainstherpalmuntilshegraspeditwithherfingers.“Stopjokingandremovethisatonce.I’vedonewhatyouasked.”

“No,notcompletely.”Hesettledbackinhisseatandsetthehorseinmotionagain.“I’llremovetheotherhandcuffwhenyouholdupyourendofthebargain.UntilIgetTucker,yougettowearthecuff.”

“Ofallthenerve!Iamcompletelytrustworthy,andIresentthefactthatyou

assumeotherwise.”“Trustworthy?”His irritatingchucklemadeherwant topinchhim.“Ifyou

recall,MissBrimm,Ifirstmadeyouracquaintancebehindacollectionofpottedplants.Iwasthereonofficialbusiness,butyou?Ibelievewecanagreeyouwerenotlookingforachessboard.”Hehelduphishandtopreventaresponse.“Thentherewasour little strollon the fourth-floor ledge.AndIcan’t sayas Iwouldcall awomanwhowaltzes across the dance floor and into an elevatorwith astranger—”

“Ididnotdancewithyouintotheelevator,sir,”shesaid,herpatiencenearlyatitsend.

“Fairenough.ButIhavethekeytothosecuffs,andyou’retheonewhostillneedstofinishyourpart in this investigation.FindTuckerandI’ll takeoff theotherone.”

ApparentlythiswasMr.McMinn’sfinalwordonthesubject,forheturnedhis attention to the road ahead and did not spare Flora another glance.A fewminuteslater,thecarriagerolledupthefinalhill,andthecedarsandpinespartedtoallowtheCrescentHoteltocomeintoview.

Florapulledhersleevedownoverthecuffonherwristandthenreachedforher reticule. The drawstring bag, if situated just right, would allow the otherhandcuff to slidedown insidewhereonly the chain connecting the twopieceswould be visible. At best, she would draw no attention. At worst, she mightappear as if shewore some sort of odd chained purse on her arm.EitherwaspreferabletowalkingthroughthelobbyoftheCrescentHotelwiththerestraintinfullview.

“Welcomeback,MissBrimm,Mr.McMinn.”Thisfromthesamedoormanwhohad ledher toherdoomless thanahalfhourago.Thoughhisexpressiondidnotshowanyemotion,heavertedhisgazewhensheturnedtowardhim.

“Why, thankyou,” she said as sweetly as she couldmanage, and then sheallowedthefellowtohelpherdownfromthecarriage.

Mr.McMinnwaited until the doorman came around to take the reins andthenwalkedover to joinFloraat thecurb. “All right,mydear,”he saidasheofferedherhisarm.“Shallwe?”

Flora shook her head. “If it’s all the same to you, I’d rather not offer theotherguestsanyindicationoffamiliaritybetweenthetwoofus,sir.Wehaveabusinessdealpendingandnothingelse.”

Hisdarkgazesweptthelengthofherinamannerthatmighthavecausedalesserwoman’sknees tobuckle. “I see,”he said slowly. “Sobasically it’s the

sameasyourengagement.Justabusinessdeal.”Floragasped.Howcouldheknowthis?Butbeforeshecouldrespondwith

anysortofwell-formedprotest,thePinkertonagenthadpressedhispalmagainstherbackandwasguidingherthroughtheopenfrontdoorsofthehotel.

“ShallIgiveyouMr.Tucker’sroomnumber?”sheaskedastheypassedthefrontdesk.

“You’regoingwithmeanyway,MissBrimm.Leadon.”Heusheredhertotheelevator,andthenheshadowedhereverystepuntiltheyreachedthesecondfloor.“Whichroomishis?”

Shetoldhimandthenasked,“ShouldIknockordoyoupreferIleaveyouheretodothatyourself?”

“Oh,no,”Mr.McMinnsaid.“IhavenoassurancethemanI’mlookingforisbehind that door. You’re coming with me. And yes, I believe I’ll have youknock. I’ll standoutof theway.Yougethim toopen thedoorand I’lldo therest.”

Sheheldoutherhand.“Whataboutthehandcuffs?”“I’lltakethemoffonceIhaveTucker.”Flora shookherhead.“Butwhat if I run?” sheasked inhermost sarcastic

tone.“Andnotforoffice?”washisquickresponse.“Youwon’t.NotwhenIhave

theonlykey. Ihavea feeling thatnomatterwhathappensafteryouknockonthatdoor,youwon’tgofaruntilIreclaimmycuffs.Let’sgetthisoverwith.”

Flora took a few steps toward the roomMr.Tucker had indicatedwas hisandthenstoppedtoturnandfacehercaptor.“YoudorealizeIamonlyhelpingyoubecauseIbelieveMr.Tuckerisinnocent.”

“Ofcourse.Ihavenodoubtyoubelievethat.Youalsowantthosecuffsoff.Now,canwepleasegetbacktobusiness?”

“Yes,butIwantyoutounderstandwhyI’mdoingthis—”“I understand just fine.”He nodded to herwrist. “It doesn’t hurt that you

knowyou’llbetrottedbackdownthehilltobehandedovertothesheriffifyoudon’tcooperate.”

Hehadherthere.Still,shemanagedtogivethemanalookshehopedwouldshowhimhowwronghewas.

“Comeon,”heurged.“Idon’tlikestandingouthere.We’restartingtolookobvious.”

She nodded and straightened her back, clutching the reticule so the chainwouldn’tclink.Whenshereachedtheproperdoor,Floraliftedherfreehandto

knocktwice.Andthentwiceagain.Nothing.She lookedoverat themanwhohadflattenedhimselfagainst thewall,his

righthandnowrestingon thebarrelofapistol tucked intoaholsterunderhisjacket.

“Knockagain.Itwouldn’thurttocallhimbyname,either.Criminalscanbeaskittishbunch.”

She rolled her eyes and then complied, callingMr. Tucker’s name as sheimplored him to open the door.Again therewas no response. Flora looked toMr.McMinnfortheirnextmove.

He reached over towrap his fingers around the doorknob and then slowlyturnedit.Asthedoorcrackedopen,Florapeeredinside.Henoddedasifurginghertoenter.

Sheshookherhead.“Alady,”shewhispered,“doesnotentertheroomof—”Mr. McMinn pressed his palm to her back and gave her a gentle push,

sendingFlora through theopendoor.Whenshe turnedaround toglareathim,sheinsteadwatchedhimpresspasther.

“He’sgone.”

G

Six

one?”Flora’sgazeswepttheroomasherheartandherhopesfell.Indeed,theplaceappearedasifnoonehadbeeninresidenceforsometime.“But

that’s not possible,” she said with difficulty. “He told me this was his roomnumber.I’mcertainofit.”

Mr.McMinnmadequickworkofsearchingeveryinchoftheroomandthenturned to faceher. “Maybeyou rememberedwrong.Orhe toldyouwrong. Ineithercase,there’snosignofhimhere.”

“No, I…”She shookher head.Howcould she rememberwrongwhen theroomhe’dclaimedwashissatonefloorbeneathherown?“Ijustcouldn’tbe…”

“Wrong?”Floranodded, thoughsheknewthat theerror towhichhe referredwasnot

the same as the one she was considering.While shemight havemisheard orincorrectlyrecalledtheroomnumber,shewasmostconcernedthatshehadonceagainchosenthewronggroom.

AnimageofWillTucker lyingonamortician’sslabrose,andshequicklyblinked it away. No, he couldn’t have succumbed to the Fatal Flora cursealready.She’djustseenhimnotmorethananhourago.

Florawalkedtothewindowtogetabreathofair.Aflashofpinkcaughtherattention,andsheopened thewindowtogetabetterview.Easilywithinreachshouldsheleanoutjustabitwasanobjectthatappearedtobestrangelysimilarto the bookmark she kept in the thirteenth chapter of First Corinthians in hertravelingBible.

“No you don’t,”McMinn said as he came up behind her to wrap an armaroundherwaist. “Noescapesout thewindow,MissBrimm. I don’t have thepatienceforittoday.”

“Unhandme.Iwasmerelyreachingforthis.”Shejabbedhimwithherelbowjustenoughtocausehimtoreleaseher.“Here,”shesaidwhenherfingerscaughtthefabric.

Itwasherbookmark.Buthowdiditgetontheledge?Mr.McMinnholsteredhisgunandgavetheribbonacursoryglancebefore

onceagainpressingpasther.“Comeon.”Flora ran her hand over the embroidered edge before tucking it into her

reticule alongside the still-attachedhandcuff. “Mr.McMinn,” she called tohisretreatingback.“Can’twerenegotiatethis?”

“This?”heaskedoverhisshoulder.“This.”Shenoddedtowardthehandcuffstillonherwrist.“Truly,whatisthe

purpose—”“ThepurposeistofindyourfriendMr.Tucker.Idon’tseeashowwe’lldo

thathere,socomewithmewhileI’mstillofamoodtoonlymakeyouweartheonecuff.”

“Wherearewegoing?”sheaskedasshehurriedtokeepup.“Downstairs.Andwhilewe’reheadingthatway,youneedtothinklongand

hardwhetheryourfiancéeverusedanyaliases,becauseIguaranteetherewon’tbeaWillTuckerregisteredasaguesthere.”

“Areyousureaboutthat?”sheaskedastheysteppedofftheelevatorintothelobby.“Istillthinkyou’rewrongabouthim.”

Shehadalsobegun tobelieve shewaswrongabouthisprematuredemise.Surelythiswasallanunfortunatecaseofmiscommunicationthatcouldeasilyberemedied.

Flora stepped up to the desk and rang the bell. Amoment later, the deskclerk appeared around the glass. “I am inquiring as to the room number of acertaingentleman.Mr.WillTucker,please.”

“WillTucker,”theclerkechoed.“Sure,Irememberhim.”“Sohedidcheckinunderhisactualname.Howaboutthat?”Floraturnedto

givehercaptoratriumphantlook.Heignoredher.“Are you sure?” Mr. McMinn asked. “Tucker’s a common name. This

fellow’saboutmyheight.Slenderbuild.Blondhair.Blueeyes.”“They’regreen,”Floracorrected.ThePinkertonagentignoredherashewaitedonthedeskclerk’sresponse.“Isn’t hard to remember someone when they just checked out,” the clerk

said. “But the lady’s right.His eyesweregreen.”HeofferedFlora a smile. “Iguessladiesusuallynoticethesethings,butItendto—”

“Hecheckedout?”Mr.McMinnglaredatFlora.“Youknewhewasgoingtorun for it.That’swhyyouwanted togo to thepostoffice.”He turned tostaredown the clerk as he produced his badge. “How long ago andwhere was he

headed?”All thecolordrainedoutof theman’sface.Floraknewthefeeling,forshe

feltthesame.Still,sheclungtothehopethattherewasaninnocentexplanationtoMr.Tucker’ssuddendisappearance.Likelyabreakinthecasethathadkepthimoccupieduptotoday.

Yes, thatwas it.The ideaofher intended racingoff to solve some sort oftroublewiththeFriscoRailroadbolsteredherconfidenceandcausedherkneestostilltheirshaking.

“Howlong?”Mr.McMinnrepeated,hisvoicelowandinsistent.“Probablytwentyminutesago,”theclerkstammered.“AndI’msorry,butas

tohisdestination,hedidn’tsay.Seemedinahurry,though.”McMinn letouta longbreathand leaned toward theclerk.“Ineedaplace

whereMissBrimmcanwaitforme.Someplaceprivateandsecure.”“I’msureIcanfind—”“Thatwon’tbenecessary.Iwillwaitforyouinmysuite,Mr.McMinn.And

Iinsistyoureturnquickly.”Shegesturedtothehiddenhandcuff.“Forobviousreasons.”

“Youwilldonothingofthesort.Forobviousreasons.”Theclerkadjustedhiscap.Ifhehadanyinklingoftheissuebetweenthem,

the man gave no indication. “What if I put Miss Brimm in the accountant’soffice?He’soutfortheday.”

“Has he locked up all themoney? I don’t trust her farther than I can tossher.”Hiswinkwasmoreirritatingthantheridiculousstatement.

Florasweptpast thetwomen,herheadheldhigh.“I’llhavethemanager’soffice.Heappearstobeoutaswell.”

“Yes,MissBrimm,heis,”theclerksaid.“Atleastforanhourortwo.ButIdon’tknow…”

Flora ran her finger over the spines of the books on the shelf behind themanager’s desk. Choosing a slim volume of Longfellow’s poems, she slowlyturnedtofacethemenstandinginthedoorwayasshesettledbehindthedeskaselegantlyas shecouldmanage.The lawmanmighthold theadvantage legally,but shewas aBrimm of theNatchezBrimms, and as such shewould remainunflustered,eveninthefaceofpossibleincarceration.

Notthatshecompletelybelievedhewouldturnherovertothesheriff.Andeven if he did, the stolenproperty chargewas absurd.Still, she offeredhimasweetsmilethatbeliedherthoughts.

“Idon’tthinkI’llbeintrudingonthemanager’shospitalitylong.WillI,Mr.

McMinn?”“You’llbehereuntilsuchatimeasIorthesheriffcomesforyou.”Hepatted

hisvestpocketandthenturnedhisattentiontotheclerk.“Whatisyourname?”“Henry,sir.”“Well,Henry,shouldsheattemptescape,feelfreetoshoother.”At Flora’s gasp, the poor clerk’s eyeswidened. “Sir, I don’t think I could

possibly—”“Itwasajoke,man.”Mr.McMinnshookhisheadashewalkedtowardFlora.Placinghishandson

eithersideof thedeskchair,herolledheroutof thewayandopened thedeskdrawertoproduceasheetofhotelstationary.Grabbingthepenfromthesilverdeskset,hewroteanameonthepaperandthenfoldedit inhalfandcarrieditbacktotheclerk.

“Doyouknowthisfellow?”Henryunfoldedthepageandthennodded.“Yes,sir,Ido.”“Heshouldbehereatthehotelsomewhere.Gofindhimandbringhimhere.

Hurry.”“Butwhowillseetothingsatthedeskinmy—”Atthelawman’sglare,he

hurriedaway,leavingFloraalonewiththeperturbedPinkertonagent.“Iunderstandwhyyou’rethinkingIhadsomethingtodowithMr.Tucker’s

departure,”shesaidwhentheweightofthelawman’sstarebecametooheavytoignore.She traced the edgeof theLongfellowbookwithher index finger andthoughtofthemysteryofthepinkbookmarkinherreticule.“ButIassureyouIamassurprisedasyouthathehassupposedlyleftthehotel.”

Adarkbrowrose.“Supposedly?”“Underthecircumstances,Ihavetowonderifthereismoretothestorythan

theclerk’soffhandrecollection.”“Itdidn’tsoundlikeanoffhandrecollectiontome.”Heshiftedpositionsto

crosshishandsoverhischest.Someonerangthebelloutatthefrontdesk,butheignoredit.“Whatdoyouthinkisgoingon?”

Shesimplyshruggedasshesilentlysortedthroughthepossiblereasons,allrelatedtowhateverinvestigativeworkcausedhistardyarrival.Perhapsthatalsoledtoanearlydeparture.Toadmitsheknewanyofthis,however,mightbreachaconfidenceandpossiblythreatenanongoingcase.

Againthebellrang.ThistimeMr.McMinnturnedaround,showingFlorahisback.Thethoughtoccurredthatshemightpossiblyslippasthimandescape.Buttowhere?

Sheletoutalongbreathandopenedthebookofpoems.Bettertoreadabouttheforestprimevalthantoinvoketheman’sireanyfurther.

TheclerkreturnedaloneandmutteredsomethingaboutthemaninquestionthatFloraonlypartlyheard.Perhapshewaslate,orwasitthathewouldbedueinsoon?Ineithercase, themenspoketoeachotherinlowtones,occasionallystealingglimpsesofFlorashepretendedtoignore.

As the door closed behind them, she set aside all pretense of attention toLongfellow and hisAcadians. Suddenly evadingGrandmama and herminionsdidnot seem like sograndan idea. Ifonlyoneof theBrimmspies clothed inservant’sgarbhadbeenwatchingcloser.

Perhaps Father’s offer of a bodyguard should have been accepted, hisinsistenceonbeingcarefulofherpersonalsafetyheeded.Florasighed.Nothingcouldbedonetochangethingsnow.

She moved quietly toward the exit, skirting the edge of the desk and thebookshelf to touch the doorknob.Toher surprise, the door flewopen and shestoodnose-to-nosewiththedeskclerk.

“You gaveme such a fright!” Flora said as she took a step backward andslammedintoachair.

“Youdidn’thelpmytickermucheither,MissBrimm.Mr.McMinnsaysI’mtowatchyouuntilhismanshowsup.”Henryshrugged.“Me,Idon’tseewhathe’s worried about, you being a woman and all. And I do have plenty to doalreadywithoutaddingguarddutytothemix.”

Flora offered her sweetest smile. “You’re a busyman. I can certainly seethat.”

“Well,Iamatthat.”Headjustedhiscapandstoodanotchtaller.Asecondlatersomeoneontheothersideoftheglasspartitionrangthebell.“Ineedtoseetoaguest.Youwon’trunoffandgetmeintrouble,willyou?”

“No, of course not,” she said, though shewished itwere possible. “I’ll befine.Youjustdowhateveritisyouneedtodo.”

Hegaveheranodandhurriedovertoattendtowhatappearedtobepressingbusinesswithsomeoneontheothersideoftheglass.AsHenryinclinedhisheadtowardthecustomer,Floramovedtothedoorwaytolookaround.

Theenclosurewasnothingmorethananarrowhallwithawallthatwashalfwoodandhalfwindowononeside.Theglasshadbeenfrostedsoastohidethelobbyfromtheoffices,orperhapstheoppositewastrue.Ineithercase,shecouldeasilywalkaroundwithoutbeingseenbythehotelguests.Onherrightstoodtheclerkandwhatshecouldonlypresumefromthisvantagepointwasanoverlarge

hotelsafe.Totheleftshespiedthedoorthatprovidedtheonlymeansofescape.“Needsomething,MissBrimm?”Henrycalledashesteppedintoview.“No,thankyou.Don’tworryaboutme.Justgoonaboutyourwork.”He looked at her for anothermoment and then turned back to the counter

whereastackofpapersnowdrewhisattention.Florawaitedonlylongenoughtoseethathehadbecomefullyengagedwithhistaskbeforeshemovedslowlytowardthedoor.

Beforeshecouldtouchthehandle,thedoorflewopen.“Oh,sosorry,miss,”ared-hairedfellowsaid.“Ididn’texpecttofindanyoneontheothersidethere.”HenoddedtoHenryashepressedpasther,and,forasecond,Floraconsideredreachingouttostopthedoorfromclosing.However,whenshesawoneofhergrandmother’smaidsstandingonlyafewfeetaway,shepanicked.

Explaining to Grandmama why she wore a handcuff would be troubleenough.Findingawaytoremoveit,moretroublestill.Especiallygiventheissueofanarrestwarrant.

Florasighed.Better to stayandwait rather thanseekaneasyexit.For shewas innocent of everything but planning a wedding without informing herfamily.Forthatshewouldpleadguilty.

Nowtoprayherfiancéarrivedatthechurchontime.“Seamus,telltheladywhatyoutoldme.”Henrypaused.“Seamusisthewire

operator.”“Oh.Isee.”“Well,therewasthisfellow.Anicemanbutinahurry,hewas.”Seamusthe

wire operator reached for the stack of papers and was sorting through them.“Yes,hereitis.Hetoldmetothrowthisawayifhewasn’tstandingrighttherewhenIfinishedsendingit.Iwasgoingto,butIfiguredI’dwaittoseeifmaybehecamebackforit.”

Florashookherhead.“I’msorry,butwhatdoesthishavetodowithme?”HenrytookthepaperfromSeamusandwalkedovertohandittoFlora.“It’s

areceiptforatelegram.Namesoundfamiliar?”She glanced down at the recipient. “Jack Wilson. No, I don’t know this

man.”Theclerkshookhishead.“Nothim.Imeantthesender.”Florareturnedherattentiontothepaper.Onthebottomofthepagewasthe

unmistakablenameofWillTucker.Thetelegram’stextwascrypticatbest:Fullsteamahead.

Hadsheinterceptedsomesortofimportantstatementpertinenttoarailroad

investigation? Or was this some other coded message? Either way, only Mr.Tuckerknewtheanswer.

Her heart racing, she looked pastHenry to Seamus. “Can you tellme thelocationwherethiswasreceived?”

“NatchezUnder-the-Hill.Themanisthetelegraphofficer,Ibelieve.”Sheclutchedthepaper.“IwonderifImightkeepthis.”“Keepit?”Helookedperplexed.“Idon’tknow,ma’am.I’msupposedtobe

savingitforMr.Tucker.”“Actually, Ibelieveyou saidhe instructedyou to throw it away shouldhe

failtoreturnforit.SoI’msurehewouldbemosthappyifIdeliveredittohimpersonally first thing tomorrow morning.” Flora paused. “He and I have apreviouslyarrangedappointment.”

Atleastsheintendedtobethere.AndifWillTuckerwasnot,at leastnowsheknewhowtogetamessagetohim.Eitherway,itwasanexcellentplan.

FullsteamaheadtoNatchez,indeed.ShouldthemissingMr.TuckerproveimpossibletolocateinEurekaSprings,

Mr.JackWilsonofNatchezUnder-the-Hillhadbestbepreparedtoexplainjustexactlywhathisconnectiontoherfiancéwasandhowshecouldlocatehim.

“Can’t see as how it would hurt,” Seamus said. “Though if Mr. Tuckercomesback toaskmewherehis receipt is, Iwillhave to tellhim Igave it toyou.”

“Yes, would you?” she said. “I welcome another visit with him, and IpromiseI’llkeepthereceiptrighthereinmyreticule.”Shegesturedtothepurseatherwristandquicklycovereditwiththereceiptlesteitherofthemennoticethehandcuffshewashiding.

“I’dbepleasedto,”hesaidasheofferedhisgoodbyestothedeskclerkandslippedoutthedoor.

FlorafeltHenrywatchingher.“MissBrimm,”hesaidslowly,“IoughttotellthatPinkertonmanaboutwhatSeamusgaveyou.Afterall,heislookingforthefellow,andheisthelaw.”

Withherbestboardingschoolmanners,sheregardedthemanwhojustmightgiveherwholeplanaway.“Ofcourse,Icanseehowthatwouldappeartobethebestwaytohandlethesituation,butIwonderifImightappealtoyourdiscretioninthematter.”

“Idon’tthinkIknowwhatyoumean.”A burst of laughter on the other side of the glass temporarily ended the

possibilityofdiscreetconversation.Shepressedher finger toher lipsand then

motionedtowardthemanager’soffice.“Iaskyourdiscretion,”shesaidwhenhesteppedinsidetheoffice,“because

thematterofMr.Tuckerandmyselfisabitproblematic.”Florapausedtodecidehowmuchmoretosay.“Yousee,Mr.McMinn—”

“That’sthePinkerton?”“Yes,” she said. “As I was saying, Mr. McMinn has learned of my

engagementtoMr.Tuckerandisquiteunhappyaboutit.”Alltrue,thoughFlorahopedshewouldnotbequestionedanyfurtheron thedetailsof thestatement.“Mr.McMinnhascertainerroneousbeliefsregardingmyfiancé’sactivities,butat themoment I cannot correct them.” She leaned forward conspiratorially. “IcanonlysayitisamatterofutmostimportancetotheFriscoRailroad.”

“TheFrisco?Iworkedfor themfor tenyearsbeforeIsettleddownhere intheSpringsandmarriedmywife.YoumeanTucker’sarailroadmantoo?”

Sheduckedherheadandthenpeeredupathim.“IfearIcannotanswerthatofficiallyduetothenatureofhisbusiness.I’msureyouunderstand.”

“Ofcourse.I’mguessinghe’soneofthoserailroaddetectives.Wegetthemheresometimes.Youknow,a little restand relaxationbeforeheadingbackontherailstokeepfolkssafe.”

“Ortoelope.”“Elope?Well,ofallthe…”Heshookhishead.“Whydidn’tyousayso?”“Actually,duetohisspecialdutiesfortherailroad,Mr.TuckerandIfeltit

importantto—”“Nevermind,” he hurried to say. “Forget I asked. Iwouldn’twant you to

betrayanyconfidences.JusttellmehowIcanhelpyouandyourintended.”Florasmiled.“Areyoucertain?”Henryadjustedhiscapandputonhisbroadestsmile.“Anythingforafellow

railroadman.”“Well,inthatcase…”

F

Seven

lora turned thekey, tookanother lookdown thehall tobe sure shehadn’tbeenfollowed,andthenslippedinsidehersuitetofindtheparlorblessedly

emptyofGrandmamaandherentourage.Thedoorontheothersideoftheroomwasshuttight,agoodsignthathergrandmotherwasawayorindisposed.

EitheroptionwasfineaslongasFlorakepthersolitudealittlelonger.ShekneweventuallyLucasMcMinnwouldcomeknockingatherdoor.Theweightonherwristbore the truthof that.Andwhenhearrived,hehadbestbring thekey that would rid her of the ridiculous restraints. Once he stomped andsputteredabit,whichasaman—andalawmanatthat—hewasentitledtodo.

Shesmiledatthethoughtofbestinghim.Surelyhewouldnotexpecttofindher released from the prison of themanager’s office.And yet she hadn’t run.Rather, she’d happily allowed the clerk to escort her to the elevator andpromisedtostayputinherroomsuntilMr.McMinnreturned.

Easing the strings of her reticule over the remaining handcuff and off herarm,FloraheldtheemptycuffandtriedtofigureouthowbesttohideituntilthePinkerton agent arrived. Shoving the thick metal ring up her sleeve proveddifficult,butunderthecircumstancesitappearedtobeheronlychoice.

Sheheldherarmdownathersidetobesuretheevidencedidnotshow.Thefinalresultleftmuchtobedesired,includingthefactshenowborealargeandsuspiciouslumpbeneathherleftwrist.

Atleastshe’ddoneapassablejobofdisguisinghercurrentsituation—orsoshehoped.FlorawenttothemirrorinherdressingroomtolookanddecidedthatonlyGrandmama,whonevermissedasingleerrantdetail,wouldnotice.

Now,tohidetheremainderoftheevidence.Shereachedintoherreticuletoretrievethereceiptandthenwalkedovertostoketheembersinthesittingroomfireplace.Amomentlater,Floradroppedthepaperintotheflamesandwatcheduntilitburnedcompletelytoashes.

NextshefoundthepinkribbonandthenwentlookingforherBible.Ithad

beenmovedfromherbedsidetabletothechairbeneaththeopenwindow.ThewindowabovetheroomsWillTuckerhadtakenforhimself.

Herfiancéhadbeenhere.Inherroom.Howdarehe?OutragemixedwithcuriositycoursedthroughherasshepickeduptheBible.

Florasatdownandthumbedthroughthepages,intendingtoputtheribbonbackinplace. In the spotwhere thebookmarkhadbeen, she founda foldedslipofpaper.

Pulling it from itshidingplace, sheunfolded it to see the letterheadof theFriscoRailroad emblazoned across the top.Beneath itwere bold letters:Untiltomorrow.W.T.

Tomorrow.Florasmiledasthetensionbetweenhershoulderbladesrelaxed.He had left a message before making his escape. Wherever Mr. Tucker hadgone, he intended to return for their marriage vows. That he’d gone to suchlengthstoletherknowwasacomfort,butFloracouldn’thelpwonderingwhyhehadchosenthiscourseofaction.

Somehow his shadowed life as a railroad detective no longer seemedglamorous or exciting. Instead, the man’s penchant for disappearing withoutwarningwasbecomingalittletroublesome.

But more than that, Flora heard a whisper of worry that until now she’dmanagedtosilence.WasthismanGod’sbestforher?WasheGod’schoice?

“Begpardon,ma’am,”asoftfemininevoicesaid.Flora fumbled with the Bible, dropping it on the rug at the maid’s feet.

“Goodness,howdidyougetinheresoquietly?”“I’m terrible sorry,MissBrimm.”Shepickedup theBible from thecarpet

andhandedittoFlora.“Yourgrandmothersentmeuptoaskifyouwouldliketotaketeawithherat thehomeofthegeneral’swife.She’sdowninthecarriageandinabitofahurry.Shesaidyoushouldn’t tarryifyouwouldliketocomealong.”

“PleasetellmygrandmotherImustdeclineduetoapreviouscommitment.”FloraheldtheBibleagainstherchest,herheartstillbeatingatamadpace.“AndthatIsendmybestwishestothegeneral’swife.”

“Yes,ma’am.”Themaidcurtseyedbutremainedinplace.Floralookeduptoseeherstaring,herexpressionoddlyconfused.“Isthere

anythingelse?”“No, Miss Brimm,” she said as she hurried off. “I’ll see that your

grandmotherisgiventhemessage.”

Onlywhen the girl was gone did Flora realize that the handcuff she’d socarefully hidden had come loose from her sleeve and was dangling free. Shehurriedtothedoor,butthemaidwasgone.

“Oh,well,”shesaidunderherbreath.“EitherGrandmamawillcomeupstairstosetthesituationtorightsorI’llbeleftaloneuntilMr.McMinnreturns.”

Neitheroptionappealed.Andyetshe’dgivenherwordtotheclerkthatshewouldremaininhersuite

untilreleasedbythelawmanfromherprison.SheslidthefoldedpagefromherBibleandsetthebookaside.

“Untiltomorrow,”shesaidsoftly.Once again, thinking of her wedding as an appointment set poorly with

Flora.KnowledgethatshemighthavetraveledafewstepsaheadoftheLordonherpathtowardmarriagegavehertoomuchtoconsider.

Shewanderedintothesittingroom.Shewouldburnthispieceofpapertoo,butknowingMr.TuckerhadsomehowmanagedtoplaceitinherBible…

Florashookherhead.Howhadhemanagedallofthat?Howcouldhehaveknownshewouldfindthepinkbookmarkonhisledge?ThatshewouldgototheBibleandfindthenote?

Her finger traced the edge of the marble fireplace as she tried withoutsuccesstofitthepiecestogether.Finally,shecrumpledthenoteandthrewitintothefire.

Orange flames reflected against the cold silver of the handcuff as shewatchedthesmallpieceofpaperturntoash.IfGrandmamahadbeentoldaboutthe handcuff, she’d likely arrive soon. If themaid chose to be discreet, FloraknewshewouldhaveabitmoretimetoawaitthePinkertonagent.

AndifWillTuckerwastheLord’schoiceforher,Hewouldseethatsheandthe railroaddetective successfully repeated theirvows. “Close thisdoor if I’mnot towalkthroughit,”shewhisperedevenasshesilentlyprayedthatnothingwouldstoptomorrowmorning’swedding.

Lucas stalked across the lobby toward the elevator, his temper risingwitheach step. He should have known the woman would talk her way out of themanager’soffice. Ifhedidn’t findher inher room,othersbesideMissBrimmwouldpaytheprice.

Startingwiththedeputyhe’dhiredtoshadowher.Ithadn’thelpedmuchthatthemanhadfallenill.Lucaswouldn’thavehadtoleavetheNatchezbelleunder

suchunprofessionalcareasthehoteldeskclerkotherwise.Then there was Tucker. With no sign of him at the depot and a pair of

deputieswatchingtheroadsinandoutoftown,therewaslittleelseLucascoulddo to find the man today. At this point, his best option was to shadowMissBrimmuntiltomorrowmorning’ssupposedwedding.IfTuckershowed,he’dbejailedon thespot. Ifhedidn’t, thenextmovewouldbe toshadowFatalFlorauntilsheledthelawtohim.

For as little as he knew about women, he could see that this one wasprotectingTucker.Whethertheaffectionwasmutualwouldsoonbeapparent.

Lucas stepped off the elevator and headed for the Brimm suite. Proprietydemandedhebringalongsomeoneelseasachaperone,butat thispointLucascared less for reputation than for getting the job of findingWillTucker done.Thiswasaninvestigationandnotasocialcall.Investigationsmeantallbetswereoffwhenitcametoreputations.

AnditwasjustaspossiblethatTuckerhaddoubledbackandwashidingintheBrimmroomsasitwasthathe’dhightaileditoutofEurekaSprings.

Lucasstopped in frontof thedooranddrew ina longbreath, letting itoutslowly in hopes of diverting some of the aggravation that was eating at him.Failingthat,heplacedonehandonhisrevolver,poundedtwice,andthencalled,“FloraBrimm,openthedoorthisminute.”

Thatdidthetrick,forinfarlessthanaminutethewomanhe’doncethoughtofasBlueEyesopenedthedoor.“Mustyoumakeascene,Mr.McMinn?Hurryandgetinherebeforeanyoneseesyou,”shesaidasshesteppedbacktoallowhimtoenter.

Heglancedaroundatthemarblefireplacewhereafireburnedbright.Totherightwas a corridor that led to a bedchamber. From this vantage point Lucasspied a canopy bed with curtains matching the ones on the parlor windows.Behindthosecurtainshecouldjustmakeoutapileofneatlystackedpillows.Acarpet embroideredwith roses crossed the distance from the bed to where hestood,marchingpasttoendatanotherdoordownthehallwaytotheleft.

Tuckercouldbebehind thatdoor.Orhecouldbewatching from theotherchamber.Asecondcursoryglancearoundtheparlorrevealednoplaceforhimtohideotherthanpossiblybehindthedrapes.Palmingtherevolver,hewalkedovertosnatchthemback.

Satisfied the criminal wasn’t hiding in the window hangings, he movedcarefullytowardtheopenbedchamberdoor.Theroomwasdecidedlyfeminine,aswere thebelongingsstrewnacross thebedand linedup incolorful jarsand

containersacrossthedressingtable.Aplumedhatsatatopatalldresser.Beneaththewindows,whichhadbeen

thrownopentoallowthefreshbreezetorufflethecurtains,wasachairthatheldaBible.Numerous slipsofpaper, aswell asapink ribbon, looked to serveasbookmarks.

Somethingabouttheribbonseemedfamiliar,sohepickeduptheBibleandfound the spot where it lay. As he ran his hand down the length of the pinkfabric,herecalledMissBrimmcapturingonejustlikethisoffofWillTucker’swindowledge.

In his line ofwork therewere no coincidences.AndTucker’s roombeingonefloorbelowwascertainlynotbychance.

“JusthowcloseareyouandMr.Tucker?”HereplacedthebookmarkandsettheBible back in place and then peered out at the ledge.While therewas nophysical evidence of a connection between the two rooms, Miss Brimm hadalreadyexhibitedherability to ignoreheights tostrollona ledge.Perhapsshehadtaughtthatsameskilltothescoundrel.

Orlearneditfromhim.“Thisismyprivatebedchamber,Mr.McMinn,”shesaid,hervoicehighand

strungtight.“Notonlyisitquiteimproperthatyou’reinhere,butyourpresenceisalsoaninvasionofprivacy.”

He affected an amused look, though the thought ofFloraBrimmandWillTuckerincollusionmadehimfeelanythingbutentertained.“You’renotgoingtoanswermyquestion?Thatinitselfisananswer,MissBrimm.”

“Not at all. I am merely demanding that we hold this conversationelsewhere.”

Lucasignoredhertosearchbehindthecurtainsandunderthebed.Nothingbutanerrant shoewashidden there.Straightening,henearlycollidedwithhishostess.

“Truly,sir,whatareyoudoing?”Henoddedtowardthebed.“Findinga lostshoe,apparently,”hesaidashe

wentpasthertomovequietlybackdownthehallandacrosstheparlor towardthesecondbedchamber.

Holdinghisrevolverattheready,Lucasturnedtheknob.Thedoorslidopenonnoiselesshingestorevealalimitedviewofaroomsimilartotheother.

Unliketheotherchamber,however,thecurtainshadbeenpulledtighttoshutoutthesun.Theresultwasaroomsetinshadows,butaspacethatdidnothideWill Tucker, he determined after throwing open the curtains and conducting

anotherthoroughsearch.Steppingbackintothehall,heshutthedoorandreturnedtotheparlor.“Allright,”MissBrimmsaid.“Ifyou’resatisfiedthatwe’realone,let’sget

thisoverwith.”Heswunghisattentiontoherasshewalkedtowardhim,herwristextended.

Oh, but shewas pretty.Aman less inclined to recall her associationwith theoutlawWillTuckermighthaveallowedthatbeautytoswayhim.

NotLucas.Heshruggedoffanythoughtofthewoman’sexteriorandconsideredinstead

the request shewasmaking. “Not just yet,” he said as he stepped past her towalktowardthewindows.“Youhaveamightyfineviewofthingsfromuphere,MissBrimm.”

Heturnedtofaceherandfoundherstaring,handsonherhipsandthelonehandcuff glitteringbeneath thewagon-sized crystal chandelier thatmarked thecenteroftheparlorceiling.Shelookedmadderthanawethen,notthathecouldblameher.

Still,heremindedhimself,thiswasTucker’swoman.Andwhetheritwasinnameonlyorsomekindofsetupconcoctedbythetwoofthem,shewasstilltiedtothemanLucashadvowedtohuntdown.

“He’snothere,butIhaveareasontobelieveTuckerhasn’tleft townyet.”He waited for her reaction and saw that her expression didn’t change. Eithershe’dknownitorshehadsuspicionedit.“Youdon’tlooksurprised.”

She shookher head as she crossedher armsover herwaist. “I could havetoldyouhewasn’there,sono,I’mnotsurprised.”

Lucasfoundthenearestseatandmadehimselfcomfortable.Aftergivingherjust enough time to start fussing again, he looked up at her, schooling hisfeaturessothatshecouldnotguesshisthoughts.

“Allright,MissBrimm,”hesaidinhisbestcountryboydrawl.“I’mgoingtoignoreyourobviouslydeceptiveresponse. Instead, Iamjustgoing toaskoncemore.Whereishe?”

Herfacewentredandherfistsclenched.Lucaswascompletelysureifshe’dbeenholdingsomething,shewouldhavealreadythrownitathim.Instead,hereyesnarrowedandherbreathheaved.

“Honestly,IwishIknew,butIdon’t.”Thoughhedidn’twanttobelieveher,Lucas’sgutinstincttoldhimshewas

tellingthetruth.“Anyideawhyhemighthavehightaileditoutofhere?”“AnythingIsaywouldjustbeaguess.”

“Thenguess.”Floralookedbeyondhimamomentasifshemightbechewingonanidea.

“All right,” she said as she swung her gaze tomeet his again. “In his line ofwork,heisoftencalledawayonshortnotice.Iassumethatiswhathashappenedhere.”

“Assume,”herepeated.“Butyoudon’tknowthisforsure?”She shook her head. “No, but if you really did hear any of our earlier

conversation,youwouldknowhepromisedtogotohisroomandstaythereuntiltomorrowmorning.”

“Andthatwasn’tsomekindofcodefor—”“Mr.McMinn, really!Do I look like some sort of spy? Itwasn’t code for

anything.”He’d met his fair share of spies, and though he’d never tell her this, she

would havemade a fine one. Noman in his rightmindwould believe that awoman with her looks and class would ever be anything more than sheprofessed.

“Fairenough.Andwhatlineofworkishein?”“It’snotformetosay,”shereplieddemurely.“Evenifitmeantyouwereimpedinganongoinginvestigation?”Shesighed.“Heworksfortherailroad.”Aplausibleresponse.Fromwhathehadgathered,Tuckertendedtopickhis

womenfromstopseasilyaccessiblebyrailroadorsteamboat.“Whatdoeshedofortherailroad?”

“Iwouldpreferhebetheonetotellyou.”Lucaswatchedastheexpressiononthewoman’sfacesoftened.Ifsheknew

anythingincriminatingaboutWillTucker,shegavelittleindicationofit.Heshiftedpositionsjustenoughtoallowagoodviewofboththedooranda

reflectionofthewindowsinthemirroroverthefireplace.Eitherwerepossiblepointsofentry—orexit.“Thenwhydon’tyoutellmehowTuckermanagedtoescape?”

“I am going to pretend you haven’t just insinuated that I am somehowcomplicitinMr.Tucker’sabsence.”Sheletoutabreath.“Rather,Iwillassumethat in your ignorance of me you have made a misstep. Would you care torephraseyourquestion?”

“No, I don’t think I do. And for the record, I don’t mind you knowing IbelieveyouhaveinformationaboutTuckeryouarewithholding.”

“Iamwithholdingnothingofanyvaluetoyourinvestigation,Mr.McMinn.”

“Iwouldprefertomakethatdetermination,MissBrimm.”Thecrimsononhercheeksmadehereyesallthebluer.Hetriednottothink

ofhowshefeltinhisarmsashedancedwithheracrosstheballroom.Sheshookherheadandthenmovedacrosstheroomtosettleherselfinthe

chairnearesthim.Fromwherehesat,hecouldalmosttouchher.Hecouldalsoseewhat appeared to be fear in her eyes. “Thenwewill just have to agree todisagree.Nowaboutthesehandcuffs.Doyoumind?”

Lucasleanedforwardandcaughtascentofsomethingsweet.Lilacs?Slowly his gaze met hers. Before he could respond, she pointed at him.

“Don’t say it. Yes, I know you mind. Yes, I know you haven’t found Mr.Tucker.However,Iamwillingtogiveyouaccesstohimtomorrowifyouwilljustallowmetwothings.”

Finallythetruth.“Andtheyare?”“First,ofcourse,isforyoutoremovetheseridiculoushandcuffs.”“Andtheother?”“Iwishtobemarried.”“Well, I should hope so.” A distinctly elderly and female voice from the

vicinityoftheparlordoorspokethewordssharply.Lucas stood so quickly his chair fell backward. When he got himself

untangledfromthefurniture,hefoundMillicentMeriwetherBrimmpeeringupathimwithwhatappearedtobeacombinationofamusementandcuriosity.

“Grandmama?I…Ithoughtyouwerewiththegeneral’swife.”“I changedmymind. I felt the beginningsof a sickheadache anddecided

halfway there to return home and sendmy apologies instead.”Without takingher eyes off ofLucas, thematriarch of theBrimmclan reached behind her toclose the door. “Flora, dear,” she said, turning now to her granddaughter.“Whereareyourmanners?YouryoungmanandIhavenotbeenintroduced.”

“Really,Grandmama.Thisisnotwhoyouthink—”“I’mLucasMcMinn,Mrs.Brimm.”Sometimesamanfindsopportunity,and

othertimesopportunityfindshim.Lucasgrinnedashemadehiswayacrosstheparlortotheopportunityofalifetime.“Pleasedtomeetyou,ma’am.”

She accepted his hand, though her gloved fingers barely grazed his palmlongenoughtocallitanysortofashakeatall.Lucashadmetafewfolkswithroyaltitles.Ifthisoldgaldidn’thaveany,itwasn’tbecauseshecouldn’tpulloffthelook.

“My pleasure indeed,” she said in a smooth-as-magnolias tone. “And itappearsmygranddaughterhasalreadytoldyouofme.”

“No,actuallyIhavenot.”LucascouldseesomeofFlora’sprettyfeaturesintheolderwoman,though

timehadsoftenedtheblueinhereyestothecoloroffadeddenim.Justenoughoftheoriginalhueremainedthreadedthroughthelady’sfashionablehairstyletoattesttowhereFloracamebyhercoppercurls.

Apparently she had also inherited her grandmother’s temper, forMillicentBrimmwasgivinghergranddaughterawait-until-I-get-you-alonelook.Hadhenotbeenwatchingclosely,Lucasmighthavemissedit,becausebythetimeMrs.Brimmreturnedherattentiontohim,she’dpastedasmilebackinplace.

“So,LucasMcMinn.Iunderstandthereistobeawedding.”

Y

Eight

es,ma’am,”hesaid,smiling.“Iunderstandweddingplansareafoot.WhatIwonderiswhetheryou’reinonthem.”

“Inonthem?”theolderwomanasked.“IfailtounderstandhowIcouldbe‘in on’ anything towhich I have neither been invited nor properly informed.”SheshotFloraalook.“Andabriefdeclarationisnotmyideaofbeingproperlyinformed.”

Flora rose to stand between her grandmother and the Pinkerton agent.Unfortunately, she failed to remember that she’d brought the handcuff out ofhiding inhopes thathewould remove it.NowGrandmamastaredat the silvercuff,herfacedecidedlypaleandhereyeswide.

“Mydear,pleasedoenlightenme.Whyareyouwearing…”Sheshookherheadandliftedaglovedhandtopoint towardhergranddaughter’swrist.“Thatthing,”shefinallymanaged.

“That,”FlorasaidasifitwereaTiffanybracelet,“belongstoMr.McMinn.It’saratherfunnystoryhowitallhappened.”

“Dotell,”Grandmamasaidasshemovedpastthemtotakeherfavoritespotonthesetteenearestthewindow.

Flora followed, her heart racing. “Actually, I need a moment with Mr.McMinninprivate,andthenwewillbehappytoexplain.”

Somehow,thoughGrandmamawasseatedandtheywerebothstanding,thefamilymatriarchmanaged to look downher nose at them. “I shall await yourreturn.Andintheinterim,Flora,wouldyoupleasesendoneofthemaidsbackin? I feel theneed for tea andperhaps anherbal compress.Theyareprobablyskulkingaboutinthehalltryingtolisteninonourconversationanyway.”

“Yes,ofcourse,”shesaidasshemotionedforMr.McMinntofollowher.True to her grandmother’s assumptions, both maids were waiting nearby.

After Flora informed them of Grandmama’s orders, she waited until theydisappearedintotheelevatorbeforereturningherattention—andherwrath—on

LucasMcMinn.“Honestly. I thought I had seen the worst of your….your…” Description

escapedher,soshesettledforclenchingherfistsandsendingaquickprayerforcalmupward.

“Mycharm?”heoffered.“Under no circumstances would that question ever be answered in the

affirmative,”shesnapped.“Butneversomuchastoday.Doyouhaveanyideathetroubleyou’vejustcaused?”

“Trouble?”Heshookhishead.“Me?”Florastalkedoffintheoppositedirectionoftheelevators,andwitheachstep

tried to think ofwhat to say.Of how to squeeze out of the tight space she’dwiggledinto.Thenitcametoher.

“All right, Mr. McMinn,” she said as she turned and closed the distancebetween them. “You and I are about to strike a bargain.” She reached out topressher indexfinger intohisshoulder.“Andwhenthatbargain isstruck,youwill remove thehandcuff frommywristandyouwill followmeback into thesuiteandnodwhenIindicateyoushoulddoso.Otherthanthat,youwillremainsilent.Isthatclear?”

Mr. McMinn’s laughter echoed down the hallway. “Nicely put, and I doadmireawomanwithspunk.”Hepausedasiftoattempttoceasehischuckling.“However,Icannotthinkofasinglereasontoagreetothisplanofyours.”

“Ican.”Onedarkbrowrose.“I’mlistening.”“Yousomehowlearnedofmyplansfortomorrowmorning—”“Yourweddingplans.Andyes,that’strue.”Thelawmanliftedadarkbrow.

“Don’taskhow.”Shewavedawayhis response.“Ino longercarehowyou’ve learnedabout

ourmarriage.WhatIdocareaboutisgettingoutofthismess.Andthatmeanssoothingthingsoverwithmygrandmother.”

“How?”“Sheknowsthegeneralitiesofmyweddingarrangementsbutnotthedetails.

Withmygrandmother,it’swisenottounderestimateherabilitytowreakhavocoveranyone’sbestlaidplans.IfsheknewwhereandwhenIamtobemarried,Ihavenodoubt thatat the least shewouldshowup towatch.Atworse…”Shepausedtoshudder.“Ineithercase,youandImustbecareful.”

“YouandI?”Heshookhishead.“Sincewhenareweateam?”“Since you clamped this thing onmywrist and refused to remove it!And

sinceyouintrudedintomyplanswithyourbadgeandgunandintentiontoarrestmyfiancé.”

Afterabriefpausetotampdownherirritationagain,Floracontinued.“Eachof us has somethingwe’re looking to achieve. I’m simply saying thatwithoutcooperation,neitherofuswillgetwhatwewant.”

Heleanedagainstthewallandcrossedhisarmsoverhischest.“Goon.”“Youwant tofindWillTucker.”Florapaused.“Didyoufindany leadson

wherehemighthavegone?”“No,”hesaidwithobviousreluctance.“Thenit’spossiblehemayhavecheckedoutoftheroomheregisteredunder

hisownnameandintooneunderanassumedname.Orhemighthavehadmorethanoneroomallalong.”

“It’spossible,”headmitted.“IfIdonotarriveattheappointedplaceontime,wewillneverknowifheis

still in Eureka Springs or not.” She held up the hand from which the cuffdangled. “And if I am wearing this when I step off the elevator tomorrowmorning,myfiancémaybealittlesuspicious,don’tyouthink?”

She could tellMr.McMinnhated to admit that she’dmadeher case.Still,shecouldn’t resistone last jab.“Though ifyou trulybelieveIamcomplicit inMr. Tucker’s alleged crimes, I demand you place this other cuff back onmywristandtakemedowntotheEurekaSpringsjailimmediately.”

Thatgothisattention.Hisbrowsrose,thoughhesaidnothing.“EitheryouandIformateamtoproveWillTucker’sinnocence—”“Orguilt,”heinterjected.Sheglaredathim.“EitherweformateamtofindMr.Tuckeroryouturnme

overtotheauthoritiestobejudgedfairly.Iamcertainlynotfindinganyfairnessinyourjudgmentofmeatthemoment,sir.”

Apparentlyhercommenthititsmark,forheappearedtobeconsideringherstatementwithsomecare.Finally,henodded.“Agreed.I’lltakeoffthecuff,butyouarestilllegallyinmypersonalcustody,doyouunderstand?”

“Whateverdoesthatmean?”“It means you acknowledge you have been informed of the fact you’re

wanted in connectionwith anopen investigation into the criminal activitiesofWillTucker.However, because you are agreeing to helpmewith this case ofyourownfreewill—”

Flora’schuckleofderisionearnedherafrownfromhim.Shereturneditwithherbestsmile.

“AsIwassaying,becauseyouhaveagreedtohelpmewiththiscase,youareconsideredtoberemandedintomycustodyuntilsuchtimeasIreturnyoutothesheriffinEurekaSpringsforjusticetobeservedinyourportionofthiscase.”Hepausedtoallowhisgazetosweepthelengthofher.“Ofcourse,ifyourhelpisvaluable enough and it is proven that you had no knowledge ofMr. Tucker’scriminalactivities—”

“Orthelackthereof.”The lawman shook his head. “Or the lack thereof,” he grudgingly added.

“Thenyouwillbereleasedfrommypersonalcustodyandthewarrantforyourarrestwillbedismissed.”

Flora grinned. “Because I’m confident of my fiancé and his innocence, Igladlyacceptyourtermsforpersonalcompanionship,Mr.McMinn.”

“Custody,”hesnapped.“Personalcustody.”“Yes,whatever.”Sheonceagain thrustherarminhisdirection.“Now, the

handcuff,please?”Hereachedintohispocketandretrievedthekey.Hiseyesmethersbriefly

before he cradled her hand in his. His palm was warm, his fingers wrappingaroundherwristashemadequickworkofreleasingher.

When thecuff slid away,Flora smiled. “Thankyou,” she said as sheonceagainmet his eyes. “I know you will understand that as a lawman, there arethingsthatcannotbepublicknowledge.Justknowthatwhenallthefactscomeout,IamconfidentWillTuckerwillbefoundinnocent.”

His expression softened unexpectedly. “I know you believe that, MissBrimm.”

“Butyou’renotwillingtoacceptitasapossibility?”Heduckedhishead.“No,I’mnot.”“Caretotellmewhyyou’resocertainofthis?”Mr. McMinn squared his shoulders as he tucked the handcuffs back into

place in his pocket. “Like you said, there are things that can’t be publicknowledge.IwouldputhowIknowthismanisguiltyinthatcategory.”

Florabitbacktheremainderofherresponseastheelevatordoorslidopen.Oneofthemaidssteppedoutbearingateatray.Theotherhurriedtocatchup,the herbal compresswrapped in a steaming towel cradled in her arms.Whiletheirfacesshowedinterest,theylookedawayastheyslippedintothesuite.

Afterthedoorhadclosedbehindthem,Florasaid,“Aboutmygrandmother—”

“Letmehandleher.Oldladiesloveme.”

Floralaughed.“Well,there’syourfirstmistake.Mygrandmotherhasyettorealizeshe’sanoldlady.ShestillthinksshewieldsallthepowerintheBrimmfamily.Andifyouaskmyfather,she’sright.”

Headjustedhislapelsandhadtheaudacitytowink.“Allthebetter.Now,areyou coming?Or do you plan towait out here in the hall while I turn on theMcMinncharm?”

“I wouldn’t think ofmissing theMcMinn charm, sir. I don’t believe I’veseenanyofityet.”Shereachedforthedoorknobonlytohavethedoorflyopen.Bothmaidswentscurrying.“AsIsaid,”Floracontinued,“Afteryou.”

Lucas crossed the room. “Now, where were we?” he said with his mostcharmingtone.

When the matriarch of the Brimm clan gave him a look as though shesmelledsomethingunpleasant,hebackedofftosettleinachairasafedistanceaway.Allthebettertoassessthesituation,hetoldhimself.

“You’rethefellowinneedofaboxlunch.”Hergazetraveledthelengthofhim. “Though on closer inspection you look nicely fed tome.And somewhatfamiliar,actually.”

“No,ma’am.I’mafraidthatwasjustamisunderstanding.Yousee,I’ma—”“So,”MillicentBrimminterruptedbeforetakingasipofteafromaflower-

coveredteacup.“Youarethecandidatewithterms.”Lucasfrowned.“Candidatewithterms?”Florawavedawaythequestion,thoughherexpressiontoldLucassheknew

exactly what her grandmother was talking about. “He’s in law enforcement,Grandmama.I’mmerelyhelpinghimwithacase.”

“Notyourcandidate?”“No,”wasFlora’sbriefresponse.Mrs.Brimmreturnedthecuptothetrayandrestedherhandinherlap.Fora

moment, the old woman appeared to be engaged in a staringmatch with hergranddaughter. Then she gave up and shrugged. “Suit yourself, but I knowthere’smoretothisthaneitherofyouareadmitting.”

“That’s true,ma’am. I believe I’m safe in tellingyoumore about the casewe’reworkingon.Yousee,yourgranddaughterishelpingmecatchathief.”

“Isshenow?”Mrs.Brimmgavehimalookthatwouldhaveterrifiedalesserman. “Andwhy is it that amanofyour stature andobviousphysical prowesswouldhaveneedofsomeonesuchasmygranddaughtertocompletehisduties?”

“I…”Hethoughtamoment.“Yousee…”No,hecouldn’tletherknowtoomuchorhewouldbegivinginformationoutthatwasbestnotshared.

“Exactly.Youdonot.”Sheturnedherattentiononhergranddaughter,givingLucas a chance to once again draw an unhurried breath. “Were you twoconspiringtofoolanoldlady?DidyounotrecallthatImyselfcaughtyouandthis man in conversation out on the grounds when you were pretending topaint?”

“Believewhatyouwish,Grandmama,”Florasaid,hertoneevendespitethecrimsonclimbingintohercheeks.

“Ishall.Nowasforyou.”ShereturnedherattentiontoLucas.“Whatdidyousayyournamewas?”

He leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees. The last time he’dbeen questioned under such terms, he’d been on the witness stand in aparticularlynastypoliticalcorruptiontrial.ThatdefenseattorneyhadnothingonMillicentBrimm.

“McMinn,ma’am.LucasMcMinn.”“PinkertonagentLucasMcMinn,”Floraadded.“Pinkerton agent LucasMcMinn,”Mrs. Brimm echoed. “How nice.We’ll

have a lawman in the family. We’ve had our share of lawyers but never alawman.”

“Grandmama,Ibelieveyouneedtouseyourhearingdevice.Youseemtobemissingthepoint.Wearenot—”

“Iammissingnothing,FloraBrimm.Iseewhat’sgoingonhere,evenifyoutwodon’tthinkIdo.Now,isthereoristherenotgoingtobeawedding?”

Floraopenedhermouth.Whetheritwastoanswerhergrandmotherorjustinsurprise,Lucascouldn’tsay.Apparently,neithercouldMissBrimm.

“Yes, ma’am,” he supplied. “A wedding is scheduled for tomorrowmorning.”As soon as thewordswere out, hewondered how she’d gotten theinformationoutofhim.

“Whattime?”Ratherthanrespond,heturnedtoMissBrimm,whowasregardinghimwith

anI-can’t-believe-you-said-thatglare.Ofcourse,he ignoredher.Orat leasthehopedhegaveherareasonableimpressionofbeingignored.

“Nine,”Florasaidunderherbreath.Mrs. Brimm offered a satisfied nod. “There now. A wedding at nine

tomorrow.Doesn’titfeelgoodtogetthetruthout?”Shereachedforherteacupandoncemoretookasip.

LucasbravedasidewayslookatFlora,whoappearedtohavegivenupanyeffort of polite conversation. Rather, shewas studying the trim on her sleevewithfartoomuchinteresttoactuallybeseeingbuttonsandlace.

Herose.“Well,nowthatwehavethathandled,maybeIoughttoleaveyoutwoladiesto—”

“Sit.”MillicentBrimm’s demand hadLucas back in his chair before he realized

he’dcomplied.“Yes,ma’am,”headdedbeforehecouldstophimself.“Flora,dear,”shesaidsharply,“areyoucertainofthismarriage?”She glanced over at Lucas and then back at her grandmother. “Yes, I’m

certain.”“And the agreement?” her grandmother asked. “Is it a sound one with

airtighttermsandnoroomforunfortunatesurprises?”Flora avoided her grandmother’s steady gaze as she nodded. From where

Lucas sat, he could see the difference in how the old lady looked at hergranddaughterandhowsheregardedtherestoftheworld.Hewouldstakegoodmoney on the fact that no matter what Flora Brimm thought, the BrimmmatriarchbelievedFloracoulddonowrong.

“Andyouusedagoodattorney?”WhenFlora told her theman’s name, the old lady’s iron-gray brows rose,

thoughthenamemeantnothingtoLucas.“Welldone.Usingthefamilyattorneywouldhavebeenanawfulrisk.I’mverygladyoupickedoneoftheyoungmenI’vechosentoassistwith theirpoliticalaspirations instead.”Shepaused.“Onewonders, however, if the gentleman in question was led to believe I am inagreementwiththisendeavor.”

Her granddaughter’s smile was faint and fleeting. “He might have beenunderthatassumption.”

Another nod. “Very well done indeed.” Mrs. Brimm paused to allow herregalgaze to sweepoverLucasbefore returningher attention toFlora. “Fetchit.”

“It?”FloralookedtoLucas.Heshrugged.“Thepapersourmutualfrienddrewup.I’llneedalookatthem.”“Butthey’relegalgibberish,Grandmama.Ican’tseewhyyouwould—”“Fetchthemnow,please.AstothefactyoucannotimagineIwouldwantto

seethem?Darling,didn’tyourgrandfatherevertellyouwhousedtowriteallhislegal briefs for him?”She turned her attention toLucas. “Until the late JudgeBrimmwaselectedtopoliticaloffice,thatis.Onceheattainedthatsortofstatus,

hehadnoneedoflawyeringanymore.I’msureyouunderstand.”“Well,sure.Amanhasbetterthingstodothanlawyeringwhenhe’selected

tooffice.”Hewasjabbering.Talkinglikeafool.Lucasclosedhis lipsanddidhisbest tostophimself fromsayinganythingelse thatwouldmakehimsoundanymorelikeanidiot.

Whyintheworlddidthiswomancausehimtofeellikeaboyheadedforthewoodshedeverytimeshelookedathim?

MissBrimmreturned,papersinhand,toofferhimanI-told-you-solook.Shehandedthedocumentovertohergrandmotherandreturnedtoherseat.

“Youunderstandyou’renotjustjoiningforceswiththiswoman,doyounot,PinkertonMcMinn?”

“IbelieveIwas theonewhoexplained the terms toher,”Lucassaidashemarveledatthewoman’sabilitytochangethesubjectsoswiftly.

“Didyounow?”Shestudiedhimintently.“Andyou’rewillingtocompletealltheterms?Allofthem?”

“Grandmama,please.Heisn’tthecandidate,soifyou’retryingtobefunny,you’renot.”

“Funny?”Mrs.BrimmgaveLucasaninquiringlook.“Wereyouamusedbymyquestion?”

He looked toFlora,whocheekswerenow flaming red.What in theworldwas wrong with her? They were still talking about the personal custodyagreementhe’dstruckwithher,weren’t they?TheonewhereWillTuckergotcaught.

Orwerethey?“Actually,I’mconfused,”hefinallysaid.SilencefellasMrs.Brimmbegantoread.LucasglancedoveratFlora,who

appeared nervous as she watched her grandmother. The clatter of hoofbeatsoutsidedrewLucas’sattention,andherosetowalktothewindow.

The railroad transport had rolled into place in front of the hotel again, itsoccupantsspillingouttowaitforthedrivertoremovetheirluggage.Hewatchedtheprocess,a smooth transition fromemptyingout the transport to readying itforthenexttrip,withdetachedinterestuntilhespiedamanconversingwiththedriver.Lucasleanedalittlefurtheroutthewindowtocatchabetterlookatthefellow.

WillTucker.If itwasn’thim,themanwashistwin.AndifLucashurried,hejustmight

catchhimbeforethetransportleft.

“MissBrimm, ring the frontdeskand tell theclerk Iwanthim tohold thedepottransportuntilIcangetdownthereandinspectthepassengerlist.”

Thankfully,sherose tocarryout the requestwithoutquestioninghimas towhy.

Lucas rushed from the room.“Carryonwithoutme, ladies,”hecalled justbeforethedoorshutbehindhim.

Hehadnodoubttheywould.

F

Nine

lora completed the call and then moved to the window to see what sentLucas runningoff in suchahurry.Other than theFrisco transport’sdriver

loadinguptoleave,thereappearedtobenothingexcitinghappening.WithnoindicationthatMr.Tuckermightbedownstairs,perhapsthelawman

had an adverse reaction to a recent meal. Or, more likely, he’d had it withGrandmama’s elegant but obvious abuse. In either case, hewas gone. Both ablessingandacurse.Formuchassheenjoyedwatchinghergrandmother’s irebeingdirectedelsewhere,sheknewmuchofitwasnotdeserved.

Turning her back on the events unfolding downstairs, Flora leaned againstthe window frame and crossed her arms around her waist. Grandmama’sattentionwasstillfocusedontheagreementwithnoindicationinherexpressionofherthoughtsonthequalityoftheterms.

Itwas agooddeal for bothher andMr.Tucker, and that’s allFlora caredabout.Shewasabletokeepeverythingshewanted,andshegaveawayfarlessthanshemighthaveshouldherhusband-to-behaverequestedit.

Shewasabouttosayjustthatwhenhergrandmothersetthecontractasidetoonceagainreachforherteacup.

“Well?”Floraasked.Makingashowofsippingslowly,hergrandmotherfinallyputthecupaside.

“Ifthismaritalagreementisacceptabletoyouandyourcandidate,whoamItosayotherwise?”

Asmilebegan.TherewasonlyonereasonMillicentBrimmwouldnotofferan opinion on somethingwith thismeasure of importance. “You approve.”Astatement,notaquestion.

Grandmamawasfartooregaltoshowanyemotioninexcess,soherchucklewasanicesurprise.“Ido,thoughImustwonderwhyyouryoungmanwouldbewillingtosignthis.”

Floramovedawayfromthewindowtoreturntoherchair.“Allthatmatters

isthatheandIgetonnicelyandheiswillingtosign.”“Isupposethat’senoughforsome.NowthisfellowMcMinn,thePinkerton

agent.”ShesettledbackagainstthesetteecushionsandfixedFlorawithastare.“Supposeyouexplainyourassociationwithhiminmoredetail.Areyoureallyhelpinghimwithacase?”

“Inamannerofspeaking.Mr.McMinnisunderthemistakenbeliefthatmyfiancé is the man he’s searching for. I’ve agreed to help him only so I candisprovehistheory.”

“Isee.”Grandmamapaused.“AstoMr.McMinn?Ididn’tfigurethatoneforamanwhocouldbethiseasilytaken.”Sheshookherhead.“No, that’sapoorchoiceofwords.IbelieveIshouldhavesaidbought.”

“Yes,”Florasaidquietly.“Idon’tmindadmittingI’mbuyingahusband.Isthatawful?”

Grandmamawaved away any thought of it with a sweep of her hand, thepreciousstonesinthejewelryencirclingherwristandfingerscatchingthesuntocauseglintsoflighttodancearoundtheparlor.“Don’tberidiculous.Ourpeoplehave been buying and selling spouses for generations.” She paused to leanslightlyforward.“Thoughwewouldneverbesocrassastoadmitit,nowwouldwe?”

Flora shared her grandmother’s smile. “I wonder what Father will thinkwhenIbringhomeagroom.”

“Hewill thinkwhateverwe tellhim,dear.”Grandmamashrugged.“He’saman.Yes,hecaresforyourwelfareand,whenitsuitshim,foryourhappiness.Tellhimbothareassuredinthismarriageandhe’llbefine.”

Of courseGrandmamawas right.Fatherwas far tooknowledgeableof theaffairs of business and ignorant of the affairs ofwomen to bother challenginganystatementshemightmakeonthetopic.

“Andtobecertainofit,I’llbesuretoarrivebackinNatchezbeforeyouandyourgroomtosmooththeway.I’llhavethemaidsbeginpackingtonightsowecan leaveon the first train tomorrow.”Grandmamapaused. “Ifyou’re certain,thatis.”

“Iam.”“Andyourfather?Haveyouwrittenhim?”“Yes, I posted a letter today.” At least she hoped the urchin had actually

completedhismission.Onlytimewouldtell,thoughnowthatGrandmamawasinontheplan,atleastpartially,shewouldwriteagainandpostitdownstairs.

“Sothismanyou’llwed,heistheonewatchingyouontheporch?”

“Heis.”“Notanaltogetherunpleasantman to lookat.Apityhe’sdisposable.”She

lifted her bejeweled hand to her chin and appeared once again to be deep inthought.“Imustsayofthetwo,IvastlypreferyourPinkertonagent,however.”

“MyPinkertonagent?”Florashookherhead.“He’snothingofthesort.”“What ishe, then?Andwhydidhe think itprudent todecorateyourwrist

withahandcuff?”“As towhat he is, I could give you a long list of thoughts I have on the

matter.Sufficeittosayheisbullheaded,arrogant,and…well,Iwon’tgoon.”“Andthehandcuff?”“Yes, that is an interesting story. Before he knew I would cooperate, he

thoughthemightsecuremyhelpbyplacingmeinhiscustody.”“Thatexplainswhyitwasputon.”ShegaveFloraalook.“Nowtellmewhy

itwasn’timmediatelyremoved.”“We had a little disagreement and then hewas called away.” She offered

Grandmamaaviewofherwrist.“Thecuffisgonenow.”She conveniently left off the remainder of the explanation where she

admittedthatwhilethecuffwasgone,apparentlytheircustodyarrangementwasnot.Grandmamadidnotneedtoknowthis.

“AndsoisyourPinkerton.Again.”Florasmiled.“Idon’tmindifhestaysgoneforawhile.”Shesettledbackin

thechairtoenjoyanunguardedmomentwithhergrandmother.Goldenthreadsofafternoonsunwoveayouthfulcolor intoherelaboratecoiffureandtracedapattern across her refined features.Abeauty in her day,MillicentBrimmwasstillquiteahandsomewoman.

BlueeyesthatoncehadmatchedherownandaprofilethatcouldbelongtoFlora decades fromnow attested to the family ties between them.But a bondstrongerthanappearanceheldhertoherimperiousgrandmother.

FlorareachedfortheagreementMr.Tuckerwouldsigntomorrow.“You’rewonderingwhyIwouldgotosuchlengths?”

“No,dear.Iwaswonderingwhyyourgrandfatherwenttosuchlengths.”Thewill. It always came back toGrandfather Brimm’swill. The stack of

parchment pages decorated in handwriting almost unreadable in itsmasculinescribble.Andyetitwasreadable.Andlegal.

“Henevermuchlikedhowyourfatherturnedout,youknow.”Grandmamawas looking beyond her, peering into amemory rather than anything actuallypresent in the room. “But you. Oh, my, he did adore you.” Now she was

watchingFloracarefully.“AndViolet.Shewashisfavorite.”Theairseemedtogooutoftheroomathergrandmother’spronouncement.

“It’snotyourfault,”Grandmamaadded.“Noneofit.Winnyeggedthebothofyouon.”

“Howdidyouknow?”ShepattedFlora’shand.“BecauseIknow.Andyourgrandfather?Hewasas

stubborn as your father. And Violet? Darling, I wager she was the one whotalkedyouintojoiningheronthatclimbatoptheoldbarn.”

Thereitwas.ThestatementabsolvingguiltthatFlorahadhopedtohearfromsomeone.AnyoneotherthanViolet,whoregularlyproclaimedherownguiltinthefallthatrenderedherhousebound.

OnlysheandVioletknewthetruth.KnewthatthoughVioletwasthebetterclimber,ithadbeenFlora’sinattentionandnearfallthathadpropelledhereldersister tocome toheraid.Achoice that changedViolet’s life forever.Andherown.ThatWinnysatonthegroundandshoutedencouragementwasmerelythefinalstraw.

As much as she felt as though Grandfather Brimm’s will had been thepunishment, itwas alsohis affirmation that she couldmake the situation rightagain.Thatshecouldlayherlifedownforthelifeofhersister.ForwhatmighthavebeenhadViolet’sbodynotbeenirreparablybroken.

All the more reason that she would not allow Brimm lands to leave thisbranchof the family tree.Hergrandmother’s imageswaminapoolofunshedtearsasFlorawilledawaytheemotionsthreateningtotumblewiththem.

“Comeandsitwithme,child.”Floracomplied,asmuchtoseekabsolutionastorecallwhatithadbeenlike

as a little girl to have a grandmotherwho couldmake all the problemsof theworldgoawaywithasinglelilac-scentedembrace.

“Somanyyears ago,”Grandmamamurmured as she gatheredFlora in herarms.“Soverymanyyears tobecarrying theburdenof itall.Yoursisterwillleavehernest.Ipromiseit.”

“Promiseitorrequireit?”Florasaidwithahalfgrin.“ThetruthofthematterisIammorethanreadytorequireit.”Sheshookher

head.“TheLordistakingHissweettimeinmovingthatmountain.”Theparlordoor flewopenandLucasMcMinnbarged in,both to theroom

andthememories.“Sosorryladies.IthoughtIhadasituationtohandle,butitturned out to be a false alarm.”He stalked toward them as the door slammedshut.

Floraacceptedtheuseofhergrandmother’shandkerchieftodabathereyes.Didthismannotdoanythingquietly?Orwithanysortofmanners?

HissharpgazelandedonFlora.“WhatdidImiss?”Grandmamawavedawayhisquestionwith a sweepofherhand. “Nothing

butthethingswomendiscusswhennomenarearound.”Helookedperplexed,butonlyforamoment.“Fine.I’lljustbegoing.Miss

Brimm,I’llremindyoutorecallthetermsofouragreementandthetimeI’llbemeetingyouinthemorning.”

“Certainly,” Flora said. “And if anything should change,where can I findyou?”

Heglancedaround,pickedupachair,andnodded toward thedoor.“Rightoutside,”hesaidashewalkedtowardtheexit.

“Youngman,”Grandmamacalled.“Irefusetoallowyoutositoutthereallnight.It’smostimproper.”

He set the chair down to open the door andonce again picked it up. “I’msorry,Mrs.Brimm,but this isgovernmentbusiness andnothingyoucanhaveanysayin.”

“IassureyouI’vehadplentyofsayingovernmentbusiness,”shesaidasthedoorclosedwiththelawmanontheotherside.“He’squiteinsistentongettinghisway,isn’the?”sheaskedFlora.

“Heisatthat.”Grandmamasmiled.“I likethat inaman.Nowifyou’llexcuseme,Imust

prepare for the evening.Wouldyoumind fetchingoneof thegirls tohelpmedress?I’mafraidwhenItoldthegeneral’swifeIwasunexpectedlyunavailablefortea,sheinsistedIcomearoundfordinner.”

“Butwe’retostayintonight,”Floraprotested.“Unlessyouwishtohavethatmanoutinthehallfollowingusandcausingascene.Andwhatofthepackingyouweregoingtohavethemdo?”

“No,dear.You’re tostayintonight.Idon’trecallMr.McMinnofferinganopinionastowhereImightgo.Iamkeepingmyappointmentasscheduled.ThepackingcanbedonewhenIreturn.Surelyyouwouldn’texpectotherwise?”

Floraletoutalongbreath.“No,ofcoursenot.”“Don’t pout, dear. It causes wrinkles.” Grandmama shrugged. “You’ll be

fineherewithyourPinkertonagent.ThoughIwouldsuggestyouorderhimupamealwhenyougetoneforyourself.Itwouldbethenicethingtodo.”

“DinnerwithMr.McMinnwithoutachaperone?”sheaskedassheaffectedadramaticpose.“Whateverwouldthegossipssay?”

“Tomorrow you’ll be married and no one will care what the gossips say.Nowthemaid.Pleasefetchher.”Grandmamastoodandbeganmovingtowardherroom.“Oh,andFlora?”

“Yes?”“Havingthemanyou’remarryingtomorrowuptoyourhotelroomtonightis

a risk you don’t need to take, so do not assume thatmy statement applies tohim.”

“YoutrustMr.McMinnbutnotmyfiancé?”“ThePinkertonagentdoesnotappeartobethetypewhowouldbewillingto

signawayhisrightsasahusband.I like that inamanaswell.”Shepausedtostare at amarble statue ofCupid, bow drawn, that stood among several otherdecorative items on the table. “A husband by contract is so much lesscomplicated.”

“Well, there’s nothing to worry about,” Flora whispered to hergrandmother’sclosedbedchamberdoor.“It’s likely Icouldn’t findMr.TuckertoinvitehimifItried.”

Thatadmissionshouldhaveworriedher.Instead,thewordsshehadprayedreturned to offer a balm of peacewrapping her heart. If tomorrow’smarriagewasnottobe—ifGodclosedthedoor—therewouldbeanothersolution.

Forthelifeofher,however,shecouldn’tfigureoutwhatthatmightbe.She picked up the statue, surprised by the weight of what appeared to be

suchadelicateworkofart.“Maybeyoucantellme,Cupid,”shewhisperedasshereturnedthepiecetoitsplaceonthetable.“IfonlyyoucouldshootanarrowinthedirectionofthemanGodhasforme.”

SherangforthemaidandsettledintoaquietcornerofthesuitewithPrideandPrejudiceandthehopethathergrandmotherandalltheactivitysurroundingher would soon be gone for the evening. Yet after the whirlwind that wasMillicentBrimmdeparted,Florafoundthequietextremelydisquieting.

Sherosetopacetheparlor,allowingthedetailsoftheafternoontoreturninsnatched thoughts and uncomfortable recollections. Seeking out her writingdesk,Florabeganandtossedasideahalfdozenversionsofthesameletter.

Eachbeganwith:DearViolet,tomorrowIamtobemarried.Nonecontinuedpastthesecondline,whereshestruggledtoexplainwhy.Instead,Floradecided tobeginat thebeginning.To tellher sister thehow

insteadofthewhy.DearViolet,tomorrowIamtobemarried.Theman’snameisWillTucker,

andhemademelaughoncewhenIdesperatelyneededto.

“Much better,” Flora said as she rested the pen against her cheek. “Nowwhat?”

She closed her eyes and thought of that afternoon. Of Clothilde Brimm’sfuneral and the steamboatArchness and theMississippi River with the dampNewOrleansairthatswirledoverthebrownwatertostirituplikefresh-madegumbo. Air so thick a soupspoon would likely cut it, and so warm it almostpainedFloratobreatheitin.

As the vessel began its upriver trek toNatchez,Flora remembered findingsolaceinherstateroom,whereheadachepowdersandicedcoffeeshadfailedtoeaseanachethatrestedpartlybetweenhertemplesbutmostlyinherheart.Sleepwasfitful,owingasmuchtopoorweatherastoherothercomplaints.

Worse, she’d traveled with a new maid, who spent most of the voyagedownriverwithherheadoverthesideplaguedwithseasickness.Thus,Florawaswellandtrulyfendingforherself.

Loneliness,thespecterthatplaguedhergirlhoodandhauntedherstill,nowchasedherdown thepassageway into thegrandsalon.Owing to the latehour,onlyafewpassengersstillsatattablesorrelaxedintheseatinggroupssituatedneareitherendoftheballroom-likespace.

Thoughthecalliopehadplayedjauntytunesallduringthemealearlier,theroomnowhummedwiththevoicesofthoseinconversation,punctuatedbytherhythmicsplashofthepaddlewheelandthepatterofrainagainstthewindows.Outsidetheriverranpastinawideandmuddytorrentofwaterandtreestumps—thismuch Flora knew from themany trips she’d taken on this route.Now,however, nothingbut blackest night showedbeyond the rain-spatteredglass, atributetothehiddenmoonandtheweatherthatmirroredherthoughts.

Flora selected an oversized stuffed chair of brilliant scarlet in a less busysectionofthesalonandfittedherselfintoitsvelvetembrace.Fromhervantagepointshecouldwatchthegoings-on,whatlittletherewere,withoutbeingeasilyseen. Itwasaviewpointshepreferred, forpeoplewatchinghadalwaysbeenafavoritesportbetweenherandbigsisterVioletontheseexcursions.

Ifthingshadbeendifferent,wouldtheynowbehuddledtogetherwonderingabout the young couple dancing, though the music had long stopped?Clandestineromance,Florawouldassert,thoughlikelyVioletwouldhavecalledthemnewlyweds.Or the three elderlymen up long past their bedtime to holdsome sort of seriously animated discussion that involved cigars and amber-colored beverages? Politicians or pensioners? Elderly travelers or clandestinespiesincostume?Theirstorieshadknownnobounds.

Nowitwashergriefthatfeltboundless.Florablinkedawaythethoughtandcastaboutforanotherpassenger,another

storytosurmise.Findingafair-hairedmanattheoppositeendofthesalon,sheallowedherselftowonderwhatmighthavecapturedhisattentionsointentlyoutthewindow.Shestudiedhislean,broad-shoulderedframeanddecidedhewasoftheathleticsort.Perhapsoneofthosefellowswhoenjoyedabracingwalkafterdinneroraday’shikeinthewoods.

No,shedecided,forhiswell-tailoredclothestoldherhecouldjustaseasilybe a man of leisure. Or perhaps an up-and-coming captain of some sort ofindustry.

He shifted his position to check his watch and then returned to his vigil.AboutnowVioletwouldbemakingguessesastohisreasonforwaiting.Whatcausedhimtowatchtheriver,thoughitwasobvioushecouldnotseeit.

A lost love. Or a missed appointment. Perhaps a broken heart. GenerallyViolet went on like this until Flora changed the guessing to something lessromantic. Something such as the color of his eyes or whether he would beleavingatNatchezorgoingonfarthernorthtoSt.Louis.

Flora shrugged off the silliness and opened the book she’d brought along.Violet had shared theirmother’s love of JaneAusten even before she left theschoolroom. Flora, for her part, was still working through the books on hersister’srecommendedlist.WhenEmmafailedtoentertain,she’dturnedtoPrideandPrejudice.And thoughElizabethBennet’s antics served to amuse, tonightFloraseemedtobereadingthesamefewpagesoverandoverwithoutrecallinganyofwhatwasthere.

Withbooksasinlife,itneverfailedthatwhiletheeldersisterdaydreamedofsweet drama, the younger craved detail and fact. Perhaps like her beloved JoMarchinLittleWomen,shewouldhavetakenupliteraryworkorfollowedinthefootstepsoftheintrepidMrs.GladdeninTheFemaleDetectivetosignonasaninvestigatorhadshenotbeenburdenedwiththerequirementtoproduceaBrimmheir.

IfonlytheLordwouldsolvethatproblemforher.Tonight.Flora closed her eyes, emboldened. I don’t need love, Lord. I’ve had that

morethanonceandwhathappened?Allfourofthemdied.Sochooseanymanformyhusbandandsendhimmyway,butpleasehurry.Ahusbandinnameonlyisfine.JustlethimlivelongenoughtofulfillthetermsofGrandfather’swill.

Oh, that soundedawful.As if shemightonlyuse thepoor fellowuntil theheirmadeanappearance.Lethimlivealonglife,sheamended,thoughitdoesn’t

havetobewithme.ShebreathedasighasshedecidedshewasgivingGodfartoomany instructions. Itwas a particular fault of hers, this ordering theLordaroundasifsheandnotHeknewwhatwasbest.

Allright,Father.Justpleasesendmetheperfecthusband.Anditwouldhelpgreatlyifhemightannouncehimselfthatwayjusttomakethingssimpler.

“Amen,”shewhispered.“Aprettyladylikeyoushouldneverbewithoutoneessentialthing.”Florajerkedherattentionfromthepagetofindamostlovelypairofstorm-

gray eyes staringdownat her.Upclosehis shouldersweremuchbroader, hissmile impossibly wonderful. And the concern on his face almost made herwonder if this fictionalMr.Darcy thatVioletwas soenamoredofmighthavetakenonfleshandnowstoodbeforeher.

The fair-haired man from the window gestured to the chair nearest hers.“MayI?”heasked.“OramIintrudingonyoursolitude?”

“The only things intruding on my solitude at the moment are a nastyheadacheand the inability torecallwhatIamreading.”Florafoldeddownthecoverof thebookandregardedthestrangerwithemboldenedcuriosity.“Now,what’sthisaboutessentialthings,Mr…”

“Tucker,”hesaidwithatiltofhisheadinherdirection.“WillTucker.Andthe essential thing, at least inmy estimation, is a smile.” He shook his head.“Alas,youhavenone.SoIthoughtIwouldofferyouoneofmine.”

Thenhesmiled.“Ihavebeenmeditatingontheverygreatpleasurewhichapair of fine eyes in the face of a pretty woman can bestow,” he added as hegestured to the book in her lap. “Thatwould be a direct quote fromyourMr.Darcythere,thoughImustsayitalsoappliestoyouverywell.Alovelyshadeofblue,thoseeyesofyours.”

Shegavehimasidewayslook,unabletotellwhetherhewasseriousorstillmakingajokesoastocausehertosmile.Whenhequirkedabrowasifwaitingforherreaction,themangotthesmilehesoobviouslysought.

“IamFlora,”shesaid,keepingherlastnameprivateforthemomentlestherecognize it. “You’ve read this?”Flora indicated thebookassheponderedhismotives.

Heshrugged.“I’veknownwomenwhowerefondofit.Myself,Ihaveotherpreferences.Whataboutyou?”

“Thesame,I’mafraid.Andyetyouquotetheherobeautifully.”Her challenge caused no reaction other than to broaden his smile. “A

blessing and a curse.Anything I read, I can recall.Noquote, conversation, or

date on a calendar escapesme.”He gave another self-deprecating shrug. “Mymotheroncetoldmetheskillwouldmakemetheperfecthusbandsomeday.”

Herheartthuddedagainstherchestasthewordsshe’donlyjustprayedwerereflectedbacktoher.“Whatdidyousay?”

“JustthatI’vebeentoldI’dbetheperfecthusband.”Thesoundofthunderjoltedher,andFlora’srecollectionofthatfirstmeeting

withWill Tucker slid back into the place where she kept her memories. Sheglancedattheletteronthetablebeforeherandcastitasideforafreshsheetofpaper.Nowsheknewwhatshewouldwrite.

Dear Violet, tomorrow I am to be married. I know in my heart he is theperfecthusband.AsyourMr.Darcywouldsay,“Icannotfixonthehour,orthespot,orthelook,orthewords,whichlaidthefoundation…IwasinthemiddlebeforeIknewthatIhadbegun.”

And now she was, Flora hoped, at the end. Tomorrow things would bedifferent.

Better.Resolved.

T

Ten

he rumble of thunder drewFlora’s attention away fromher task.Leavingthe letter unfinished, she set down the pen and moved toward the open

window. Halfway there, the electric lights failed, leaving her in completedarkness.

Shecouldhavelookedforacandleorrangforsomeonetobringupalight,but something compelled her to keep moving toward the window. Lightningzigzaggedacrossthenightskyasthewindliftedtheedgeofthecurtains,theairheavywiththepromiseofrain.

Flora held back the fabric and leaned against the window frame as onceagain lightning teased the distant mountaintops and lit up the hotel entrancebelow.TomorrowshewouldbeleavingEurekaSpringsbehind.Thethoughtofjustwhereshemightgohadnotoccurreduntilnow.Perhapsthebest thingforeveryone would be to return to Natchez, where she could hide behind thecomfortingwalls of home until the surprise of her hastymarriage died down.ShecouldclaimmanythingsinregardtoMr.Tucker,butloveatfirstsightwasnotoneofthem.

Perhapsabriefwaitbeforeattemptingtoproducetheheir thewillrequiredwas in order. Flora let out a long breath and leaned against the windowsill.Should awoman anticipating herwedding day feel such relief at the prospectthatthemarriagewouldnotincludeapregnancyforsometime?

Andyetababywasthereasonforthewedding.Reason folded back against reason to form a confusing circle of promises

and excuses that tightened around Flora’s heart. “It’s all so complicated,” shewhispered.

“There’snothingcomplicatedaboutarainstorm,MissBrimm.”Flora jumped and turned to face the direction from where the voice had

come.SeeingMr.McMinnwasimpossibleuntilanotherflashoflightninggavea brief glimpse of the lawman leaning against the door frame, his hat slightly

askewandhisarmscrossedoverhischest.“Yougavemeafright!”Achuckle.“Iguessthatmeansyoucan’tchangeyournametoFearlessFlora

aftertomorrow’sbigevent.”“Bigeventindeed.I’msureyou’llbegladtohaveallofthisresolved.”“Youthinkthat’sgoingtohappentomorrow?”“Ido,butfromthesoundofit,youdon’t.Whyisthat?”“Experience.Mygut’stellingmethingsarerarelyassimpleastheyappear.”

A thud and a few choice sounds let Flora knowhewasmaking an attempt tomovetowardher.

“Trouble?”sheaskedsweetly.“Withyou,MissBrimm,thereseemstobenothingbuttrouble.”“Areyouhavingaproblem?Icancomeandhelpyou.”“Thankyou.”Ashufflingsoundfollowedbythecreakofwoodenfurniture

toldherthePinkertonagenthadfoundasuitablerestingspot.“Butno,I’mjustfineoverhere.”

Shecouldn’tresistalittleteasing.“Areyousureyoudon’twanttojoinmeatthewindow?Theviewisbeautifulwhenthelightningisjustright.Youcanseeallthewaytotownandbeyond.”

“I’lltakeyourwordforit.”“Sowhatbringsyouinhere?Wereyouworriedaboutme?”“Ithoughttheweatherandthepoweroutagemighthavescaredyou.”“Thankyouforyourconcern,butstormsaresomethingIratherlike.It’sodd,

Iknow,butIfindthere’snothingmoresoothingthanastormynight.”“Idon’tunderstandthat,butyou’reentitledtoyouropinion.”Silence fellbetween themuntilonceagain lightningflashed.Shespiedher

companionsittinginachairnearherwritingdesk,hisframedwarfingthechairandhiselbowsrestingonhisknees.Helookedanythingbutfine.

“Youdon’tlikerainstorms?”“I’mnotparticularlyfondofthem,”hesaidslowly,“thoughthat’sprobably

because I’ve spent way too many of them looking for shelter under a horseblanketorinsideacavesomewhere.Ican’tsayasIcancomplainabouthavingtospendthisoneinthedarkindoors.”

“Well, I can.”Floramoved away from thewindow. “I’m starved and I’vejustrealizedit.Doyouthinkwecanorderupameal?”

“I’mnotsurethat’ssuchagoodidea.Evenifsomeonedowninthekitchencouldmanagetocookit,howarewegoingtoseetoeatit?”

“Soit’s‘we’now?”“I could eat something if it were offered to me, but I don’t know if I’m

willingtogotoallthattrouble.”“Iam.”Florafeltherwaytothesetteeandthenwaitedforthenextboltoflightning

to illuminate the parlor. When it happened, she ran half the distance to thewritingdeskbeforehershinhitsomethinghard.

“Ouch!”shesaidasshekneltdowntorubherleg.“Whathappened?”Mr.McMinnmusthaveintendedtojumpintoactionandrescueher.Instead,

heslammedintoher.Thecollisionsentbothofthemtumbling.Thenextflashoflightning found them both scrambling to stand. Unfortunately, his foot gotcaught on a table leg, andhewent down again alongwith the contents of thetable.

“Ouch!”heyelledassomethingthuddedagainstwhatFloraassumedwashishead.Orthefloor.Eitherwasjustashard.

Thenallwentsilent.“Mr.McMinn?Areyouharmed?”“No,”hesaidwithatonethattoldherotherwise.“I’mjustfine,butthislittle

Cupidstatuehasseenbetterdays.”“Whereareyouexactly?”“I’mnotsure.Idon’tthinkIgotveryfarbeforeIwastackled.”Acrunching

soundandthenagroan.“Ithinkthatisatable,”hesaid.“Orwas.”Shereachedoutinthedirectionofhisvoice.“Here,takemyhand,andlet’s

seeifyoucanstand.”Whenherfingershitskin,Florafroze.“Sorry,”shesaidsoftly.“NothalfassorryasI’mgoingtobebythetimethesebruisesshow.Notthat

the little guy’s arrow hit me where any proper folk would get a look.” Hepunctuatedtheclaimwithachuckle,givingFlorareasontobelievehewasjustfine.

Hemanaged tograbherhand,andastrong tugalmostsentFlora tumblingbacktotheground,butshestoodfirmwhilehehauledhimselftohisfeet.

Lightningilluminatedtheroomagain,thistimefromagreaterdistance,andbathed thescene inpalesilver.The tablenearestGrandmama’s favoritesittingspothadbeenupended,buttheonlycasualtyappearedtobethemarblestatueofCupidFlorahadrecentlylodgedacomplaintto.

Apparently LucasMcMinn had been pierced byCupid’s arrow. The irony

struckherashumorous,andFloracouldn’tquitemanagetocontainagiggle.“I’mgladsomeonethinksthisisfunny,”Mr.McMinnsaid.“Youfigurethe

bellpullworks?Weprobablyoughttogetoneortwoofthosemaidsinheretohelpsetthisplacetorightsagain.”

“In the dark? I don’t see how anything can be done until the electricity isrestored.” She paused. “Now, unless you’re desperately in need of medicalattentionafteryourunfortunateattackbyCupid,I’mgoingtomakemyexcusesandgodownstairstofindsomethingtoeat.”

“It’spitchdark.AndI’mfine,thankyouverymuch.”“Suityourself.”Shetookafewhaltingstepstowardthedoorandreachedout

totouchthewritingdesk.Yes,sheknewwhereshewasfromhere.Threeorfourlengthystridesandshewouldreachtheparlordoor.Fromthere,shecouldonlyhopetherewassomewaytofindthestairs.

Behindhercameascratchingsoundandthentheodorofsomethingodd.Apale yellow light danced to life as Flora turned around to see Mr. McMinnholdingaglowingmatchstick.

“I’mafraidIdon’thaveanyideawherethecandlesare,”shetoldhim.“Andifyou’renotcareful,you’llburnyourselfholdingthat.”

“UnlessI’vecalculatedwrong,thismatchshouldhavethreeorfourminutesburntime.Itwon’tgetusdownstairstothekitchen,butitwillshedsomelightonthematter.”

Heappearedtowaitforhertoreacttohissillypun.Whenshehumoredhimwithashakeofherhead,hegesturedforhertocometowardhim.

“Holdthisforme,wouldyou?”Shedidasheasked,keepingherattentionmostlyontheflameburningever

closertoherfingers.“Ifthisgetstooneartomyskin,I’mgoingtoblowitout.So whatever you’re digging for in your pocket, I certainly hope you find itquickly.”

“Hereitis.”Mr.McMinnproducedathinbrasstubewithacircleofglassonone end and a cap on the other. “When I tell you to, Iwant you to touch thematchtotheendofthis.”

“Whatisit?”sheaskedassheeyedthecontraptionwithanequalmeasureofcuriosityandskepticism.

“Ihaven’tgivenitanofficialname,butIguessyoucouldsayitwasapocketlantern.”

He removed the cap from the end and stuffed something inside. Afterfiddlingwith thebrass tubeabitmore,heheld itnear theyellowglowof the

now-dwindlingmatchlightandnodded.“Allright,MissBrimm.Justtouchthelitendofthematchtothisspotright

here.”Floraleanedforwardtopeeratthespothehadindicated.“Youmeanatthe

bottomofthetubewherethecapwas?”“Yes,” he said as he held the tube out at arm’s length. “Remember, just

barelytouchitwiththefire.”Shegavehimadoubtfullook.“It’snotgoingtoblowup,isit?”“Ihopenot,”hesaidwithachuckle.“I’mtheoneholdingit.”“Allright.”Floraedgedforwardandheldherbreathasshereachedtotouch

theflametotheendofthebrasstube.“Nowwhat?”Beforehecould respond, something inside the tube sparkedand thematch

went out. A sizzling soundwas quickly followed by a soft puffing noise. Aninstant later, something inside the tubebegan to glow—first a pale green, andthen a soft blue, and finally a brilliant white. The tube appeared to havesomethingburninginside.

Oncloserinspection,therewasnofireatall.Rather,whateverMr.McMinnhadplacedinsidethetubewassomehowlit,andthoughtheinteriorcontinuedtoglow,theexteriorremainedcooltothetouch.

“Actually,it’smorelikeatorch,”shesaid.“Ahandtorch,maybe?Howdoesitwork?”

Heshrugged.“Idon’tfigureitwouldmakeanysensetoyouifIdidtellyou.Andifitdidmakesense,I’dhavetowonderwhetheryouwouldtelloursecretsfortheformula.”HepausedtodirecthisattentionatFlora.“SoIthinkI’llkeepthattomyselfifit’sallthesametoyou.”

“Our?”“IcollaboratewithanoldfriendonmanyofthethingsIdesign.Sometimes

hecomesupwiththeideaandothertimesIdo.”Hemetherstare.“Butneitherofusliketotalkaboutit,understand?”

Momentarilydistractedby thebrillianceofhisgreen eyeswhenviewed intheglowoftheoddinvention,Floracouldonlynod.Thecircleoflight,smallasitwas,causedtheparlortofadeintodarkness.ThethoughtofbeingalonewithMr. McMinn—something that felt so innocent, even slightly irritating, justmomentsago—suddenlyseemedlikesomethingmuchmore.

Athoughtoccurred.“Ifyouhadamatchandthisinvention,whydidyouwaitaroundinthedark

untilnowtouseit?”

Heshrugged.“It’saprototype,andmyassociate,Mr.Russell,wasn’tsureifitworked.Given theweather and the fact this hotel has chosen electric lightsoverthemoredependablegaslightsmademethinkImighthaveuseofit.”

“You’reserious.”Florashookherhead.“Soyoujustcarrythingslikethis…this experiment…around on the chance that youmight get to test them?DoesMr.Russelldothesame?”

“Nocomment,MissBrimm.Andas to thisdevice, it’saprototype,notanexperiment.There’sadifference.”

“I’msureyouthinkthereis,butrightnowIwouldmuchrathercontinuethisfascinatingdiscussionoveraplateofcoldchickenorasandwich.Whatdoyousay?”Shenoddedtowardthelightedtube.“Canthatthinggetustothekitchenbeforeitblowsup?”

“The elements in this tube are not volatile,” Lucas said, “though themanholdingitjustmightbe.”Heshookhishead.“Ajoke.Broughtonbythearrowthatjabbedme.”

“Cupid’s arrow.”The infuriatingwoman grinned. “Imagine that.What aretheoddsofCupidfindingyou,ofallpeople,tojab?”

“Apparentlytheoddsareprettyhigh,becauseithappened.”TheNatchez belle snickered but said nothing further. The silence that fell

betweenthemwasneithercomfortablenorlasting.Outsidethelightningthathadbeen so frequent flashed across the western sky in a weak line that stretchedacrossthemountaintops.

Miss Brimm had apparently had enough. “Well, if you’ve recovered fromyourinjuries,Ithinkit’stimeforustoseeifwecanfindthediningroom.”

Sheopenedthedoortothedarkenedhallwayandsteppedasidetoallowhimto pass her. “After you,Mr.McMinn,” she said as she tucked a hand in hiselbowandfollowedhislead.

Thehallwasdark, itsdoorsall thankfullyshut tight.At thefarend,wherethemaids’quartersweresituated,Lucascouldseeanorangeglowbeneath thedoor. Likely that part of the hotel wasn’t privy to the modern electricalconvenienceslikethosereservedfortheiremployers.

Andyet tonight thesegirlswereprobablyunawareof the situationoutsidetheirdoors.

Thepocket lanterndid apassable jobgetting themdown the first flightofstairs,butastheymovedclosertothelobby,hedecideditwastimetoextinguish

the glow.No need for the device tomake its debut any sooner than planned,especiallyasthepatenthadn’tbeencompletedontheprojectyet.

Carefullyreplacingthecap,Lucasfittedthegadgetbackintohispocketandpattedhisjackettobesureeverythingwasinitsplace.“Allright,”hesaidasheblinkedseveral times toadjusthiseyes to theabsenceof light.“Whateveryoudo,don’tletgoofme.Understand?”

“Yes,”shewhispered,herbreathwarmagainsthisneck.“Iwouldn’tletgoifyoubeggedmerightnow,Mr.McMinn.”

Lucas’spulsequickenedasheinhaledthescentoflilacs.“Yes,well,Idon’tplanonbeggingforanything,MissBrimm,exceptmaybeasandwich.”

Thethoughtofthemealhe’dmissedwasalmostenoughtomakehimforgetthat thewoman’ssoft fingershadslid fromhiselbowandwerenowclutchinghishand.Almostbutnotquite,forshegavehishandasqueezeandonceagainleanedin.

“Readywhenyouare,”shewhispered.Lucascouldhearthemuffledconversationsofguestsand,abovethechatter,

thesoundofwhatcouldonlybedescribedasanimpromptuconcertbythesameorchestrathathadentertainedatthecostumeball.

“Is that awaltz?”MissBrimm asked. “It sounds as thoughwe’remissingquiteaparty.”

“Likely just guestswith nothing to do until the electricity is restored,” hesaid as he tried to look around the corner.He had amirror thatmight do thetrick,but the lowlightcombinedwith theneed to lookas ifhewereanormalhotelguestshouldhebespottedkepthimfrommakingtheattempt.Instead,hedecidedtorelyoninstinct.

“Ihopethatmeansthediningroomisstillopen.”“We’renotgoingintothediningroom.”“Ithoughtwewerecomingdownheretohaveameal.”Heshookhishead.“We’recomingdownheretogetamealandtakeitback

upstairs.I’mnottakinganychancesthatwemightbeseentogetherinthediningroom,andifyouwouldconsiderit,you’dagree.”

“ButI—”“Miss Brimm, for someone who has asked that I not interfere with her

weddingtomorrow,youcertainlydon’tseemtocarethatyourfiancémightseeyoubreakingbreadwithaPinkertonagentandhightailitoutofEurekaSpringsbeforethepreachercanpronouncethe‘Idos.’”

Heheardhersigh.“Icanseeyourpoint.”

“Well,hallelujahforsmallmiracles,”hemuttered.“There isnoneed tobe sarcastic.Let’sget thisoverwithbefore I faintof

starvation.”“Justonemorething,”hesaidashemadeafeebleattempttosoundasifhe

weretheoneincontrolofthesituation.“You’renottoforgetthatyouareinthepersonalcustodyofaPinkertonagent.Thatmeanswe’regoingtodowhateverittakes to not draw attention to ourselves. Also, it means you’re to follow myinstructionsatalltimesandtostaywithinmysight.”

Agiggle.“What?”“Well,”MissBrimmsaidslowly.“I’mafraidI’malreadyintrouble.”Heletoutalongbreath.“Andwhyisthat?”Anothergiggle.“Youcan’tseeme,sohowcanIstaywithinyoursight?”“Oh,comeon.”HegraspedtherailwithonehandandsqueezedFlora’swith

the other as he slowly made his way down the stairs to the landing midwaybetweenthefirstandsecondfloors.“Almostthere,”hesaidashepaused.“Areyouallright?”

“Fine,”wasabreathagainsthis skinasshenudgedhis shoulder.“But I’mtrulystarved.Canwemovealittlefaster?”

“Wecould,butI’dhavetothrowyouovermyshoulder.”Helaughedashergriponhishandtightened.

“Don’tyoudare.Ithoughttheideawastonotdrawattentiontoourselves.”“Oh,really?AndIthoughttheideawasforyoutofollowmyinstructionsat

alltimes.”“Touché,Mr.McMinn.Doleadon.”

T

Eleven

hekitchenwascloseduptightwithnoonearoundtoofferanythingtoeat,butthatdidn’tkeepLucasfromsteppinginside,takingMissBrimminwith

him.As soon as thedoor closedbehind them,he releasedhis griponher andtookastepback.

“Shouldwebedoingthis?”sheasked,thoughshehadprofessednoqualmsaboutfollowinghiminside.“Imean,youaresupposedtobeupholdingthelaw.”

“We’vealreadydonethis.Now,howaboutweseewhat’sforsupper?”“Dinner,” she correctedwith enoughof a grin in her voice to indicate she

wasteasing.“Out on the trail,” Lucas said with an exaggerated drawl as he began

searchingforacandleandmatches,“dinner’swhatwehadinthemiddleoftheday,ma’am.Supper,that’stheeveningmeal.IwouldthinkaSouthernladylikeyourselfwouldknowthat.”

She actually laughed. “You’d be surprised at how hard it was for me toremember toproperlydesignate the titlesofmealsonceIwentoff toboardingschool.Iwasinsuchtroubleforit.”Shepaused.“Speakingof trouble,whatifwe’recaughttakingfoodwithoutpaying?Idoubtthemanagerwouldappreciatetrespassersinthekitchen.”

“Thisisofficialbusiness,andnoonesaidanythingaboutnotpaying.I’llseethemanagerinthemorning.”

ThestatementappearedtobeenoughtosatisfyMissBrimm’sbriefventureinto a guilty conscience. “And I’ll be sure and add a little to the hotel bill tocoverwhateverwetake.”

“I found thematches. I’mguessing the candlesmust be…”Lucas reacheddeeperintotheclosethewasrummaginginandretrievedseveralcandles.“Allright,Ithinkjustonewilldo.”Hemadequickworkoflightingacandleandthenblewout thematchandtosseditaside.“Nowlet’sseewhat’sonthemenufortonight.”

Hemovedtowardthecenteroftheroom,whereabountyofbreadloavesandother bakery items appeared to be awaiting the breakfast crowd.MissBrimmremainedathissidejustwithinreachofthecandle’scircleoflight.

“See anything edible?” she asked. “I’m so hungry right now I’m truly notpicky.”

“Tonight I don’t think you could be picky and find something here.However,let’sseewhat’soverthere.”

Lucasaimedthecandle’sglowtowardastashofcoveredplates.Apparently,thediningroomhaddoneagoodbusiness thatevening,for therewasn’tmuchleftoverfromthedinnermenutocallitameal.

However, he managed to find the remains of a mouthwatering platter ofperfectlycookedprimeribinthewarmer.Tothisheaddedapartialloafofbreadfromthecounter.Alltold,theingredientswerejustenoughfortwodecent-sizedsandwiches.

Shecameupbesidehimtosnatchabiteofprimerib.“Delicious,”shesaidbeforetakinganother.“Whatareyoumaking?”

“Enoughofthat.Givemeroomtoworkhere.I’mmakingsandwiches.AndIamtakingyouatyourwordthatyou’retoohungrytocomplain.”

“Nocomplaints,Ipromise,”shesaidassheheldupherhand.“Good, nowwhy don’t you go look over there and seewhat else you can

find.Don’tgettoofarintotheshadows.There’snotellingwhat’sbackthere.”Abrowrose.“Asin?”“AsinIdon’tknow.Therecouldbepoisontokeeptheratsout.Juststickto

whereIcanseeyouanddon’tdigtoodeeplyintoanyofthecabinets,allright?”Shedidasheasked,wanderingover to the larderwhereshestoppedshort.

“Oh…my…goodness.”Herbreathlessexclamationdrewhisattention,butonlyforamomentbefore

hewent back to his task. She had probably just found some crackers or freshvegetablestogowiththeirmeal.

“Oh,thisissimplydivine.”“Whatisit?”Whenshedidn’timmediatelyrespond,heglanceduptoseeher

holdingwhatappearedtobeanentirechocolatecake.“Itdoeslookgood.Sliceacoupleofpiecesandleavetherest.”

“Surely you jest,” she said with what he hoped was an exaggeratedexpressionofhorror.“WhatifIcutthepiecesunevenlyandoneofusgetsmorethantheother?Or,worse,whatiftheyaretoosmallandwewishwehadmore?”Shegavehimasidewayslook.“Areyouwillingtotakethatrisk?”

Lucasshookhishead.“Iseeyourpoint.Nowput thatdownandgofindabasket big enough to hold the food. If we’re carrying the cake we will needsomethingmorethanjustourhandstogeteverythingbackupstairs.Andwhileyou’reatit,youmightwanttofigureouthowtobringthatwholecakewithus.Ifyoucan’t—”

“Oh,Ican,”sheinterrupted.She had no trouble fetching a basket thatwouldwork for the sandwiches,

plates,andnapkins.Therealproblemcamewhenshetriedtofigureouthowtoescapewithjustenoughchocolatecakesothatitwouldn’tbemissed.OratleastthatwasLucas’s assumption as hewatched her travel from cabinet to cabinetshakingherheadandmumbling.

MissBrimmhandedhim thecandleandbeganopeningcabinetdoorsuntilsheletoutacry.“I’vegotit!It’sperfect.Wecanputthecakeinhere.”Hereyeswidened.“Thewholething.”

He turned around to see herwalking towardhimholdingout anoversizedsilver serving dishwith a domed lid of the sort used for serving large cuts ofmeat or whole poultry. The thought of a person of her size lookinginconspicuouswhilecarryingacontraptionthatlargemadehimgrin.

Thentherewastheideathatawomandressedinsuchfinerymightactuallymakeanyonebelieveshehadagoodreasonforcarryingaplatterasifshewerekitchenhelp.Thatmadehimlaughoutloud.

“Whatdoyouthink?”sheaskedwithobviouspridedespitehishumor.“It’sagreatidea,isn’tit?”

Allhecouldmanagewasashakeofhisheadandanotherchuckle.“What’ssofunny?”shedemanded.“Theentirecakewillfitinsidehere,plus

aservingknife.”Lucas leaned against the door frame to admire thewoman’s ingenuity.He

couldn’tresistanotherquestion.“Whynotputtheknifeinthebasket?”Miss Brimm shook her head. “Think, Mr. McMinn. While we might not

attractmuchattentionwithabasketoffoodandaservingdish,don’tyouthinksomeone might be suspicious if they spied this?” She held a knife up so itglitteredinthecandlelight.

“Youhaveapoint,”hesaidcarefully.“Apoint.Oh,that’sfunny.Wasthatmeanttobeapun?”Her smile was radiant, and it almostmade him grin once again in return.

Almostbutnotquite.Fortheimageofawomaninhiscustodyholdingaknifethat could do substantial damage to his person reminded Lucas that hewas a

manonamission.PartofthatmissionwastobringWillTuckertojustice.IfthiswomanweretomarryTucker,andhestillhadhisdoubts,thatmeantshecouldstillbeconsideredjustasguiltyasherfiancé.

Shepointedtheoversizedknifeinhisdirection.“Look.NowIhaveapoint.Asharpone.”

Allright,enoughknifehumor.“Here,letmehavethat,”hesaidcalmly.Miss Brimm placed the handle of the knife in Lucas’s hand without any

furthercommentandwentbacktoherworkofsearchingthekitchen.“Whatareyoulookingfornow?”heaskedashesettheknifeonthecounter

besidehimandthenmadesurehestoodbetweenitandher.“I’mnot sure,but I’msure I’llknowwhen I find it.”Amoment later, she

onceagaincriedoutinahappyexclamation.“I’vegotit!”“It?”heasked,thoughhesuspectedwhatevershefoundwouldbesomething

shealonecouldexplainthereasonfor.“Atablecloth.Wecertainlycan’tsitontheground.”“The ground?” He paused to allow the sound of clankingmetal from her

searchtocease.“Justwheredoyouthinkwe’llbeeating,MissBrimm?”“Nevermindthat.Ihaveagreatidea,butI’dratheritbeasurprise.”“Inmylineofwork,surprisesarenotconsideredagoodthing.”Herestedhis

hipagainstthesideofthecabinet.“Sowhydon’twejustagreetodisagreeandsay we’ll take this meal back up to your hotel room, where I’ll have mysandwich in the hall and you’ll have yours safe and sound inside your parlorwiththedoorclosed?”

She paused only long enough to give him a look. “You do realize mygrandmothercouldhavereturnedbynow,don’tyou?Andshe’sgoingtowonderwherewe’vebeen.It’slikelyshemayhavecausedafussbecauseshereturnedand neither her granddaughter nor the Pinkerton agent who was supposedlyguardingherisintheroom.”

Lucasopenedhismouth to respond,but sheheldupherhand to continue.“Andfurthermore,whatdoyouthinkshe’llbelievehappenedwhensheseesthemessweleftbehind?ThetablewasoverturnedandpoorCupid.”Apause.“Howis that arrowwound of yours? I certainly hope you’re not getting designs onme.”

“Designsonyou?”hesputtered.“Beserious.”Her laughterdancedacross thespacebetween them.“Youknowwhat they

say.WhenCupid pulls back his bow, the lucky recipient of his arrow falls inlovewiththefirstpersonheorshesees.Andthat,youluckyman,wasme.”

Hadshenotbeensoobviouslytauntinghim,Lucasmighthavethoughtshewasflirting.“MissBrimm,”hesaidslowly,“IbelieveneitherinlucknorinanysillystoriesaboutCupid.Norshouldyou.”

“Oh,Idon’t.Notreally.Thoughitisfuntothinkofthatsortofthing.”Shepausedwhile leaningdown to look in a cabinet. “Mamaalways said theLordchosethefellowIwasgoingtomarry,andthatsomedayHewouldbetheonetotellmewhothatmanwas.”

“AndyoufigureHehasdonethat?”“Ido…atleastI’mfairlycertainofit.ImadeaparticularrequestoftheLord

andthenalmostinstantlyWillTuckerappeared.It’sasifitweremeanttobe.”“Meanttobe,”hesaidunderhisbreath.“Notlikely.”“If we borrow a pair of forks, I think we will have all we need for our

dinner,”shecalledoverhershoulder.“Oh,look.Heretheyare.”Shehelduptheutensils, the tablecloth draped over her arm. “Now to assemble the getawaybasket.”

Though he had his doubts, Lucas stood back and watched while shemaneuveredthechocolatecakeontotheplatter.“Theknife,please?”shesaidassheheldherhandouttowardhim.

He wedged the knife partly under the dessert and covered both with thesilverdome.Muchashehatedtoadmitit,shewasright.Theknifefitunderthecake,andthedomesettlednicelyatopthemboth.

Shegavehimatriumphantlook.“Perfect.Now,whichonedoyouwanttocarry?”

“Consideringthefactyouwouldlookridiculouscarryingaplatteralmostasbigasyouare,whydon’tItakethisandyoucanbringthebasket?”

Sheloopedherarmthroughthebasket’shandleandshifteditintothecrookof her elbow.Giving the contents a pat, she nodded in the opposite directionfromthedoorwheretheyhadentered.

“Comeon,let’sgetoutofherebeforesomeonecomesinandwonderswhywe’rehelpingourselves to sandwichesandcake,” she saidas shepressedpasthim.

“Where are you going?”He gestured to the kitchen door. “The exit’s thisway.Ithinkifyoustickclosetomeandwedon’tactlikewe’re—”

“Really,Mr.McMinn.Justoncewillyoutrustme?”Shehadtheaudacitytosetthebasketdownandunlockoneofthefloor-to-ceilingwindowsthatmarchedalongthesouthernsideofthekitchen.“Ifyou’lljustfollowme,IcanshowyouashortcuttotheplaceIhaveinmindforourpicnic.”

Beforehecouldprotest,shepickedupthebasket,blewoutthecandle,anddisappearedoutthewindow.

“Againwiththewindow?”hecalled.“I’venevermetawomanwhohadsuchapropensityforusingexitsother thanthedoor.AndI’vebeenaPinkertonforalmostaslongasI’ve…”

He stepped out into an alleyway that led between the hotel and anaccompanying outbuilding, likely the place where wood was stored for theatriumfireplace.Thoughtherewasenoughlightfromtheatriumheretoshedadecentglowontothepath,therewasnosignofFloraBrimm.

Thecold,hardtruthwasthathe’dbeenhad.Byaredheadinskirtscarryingborrowedsandwiches,noless.

“Pssst.”Lucas looked around, shifting the heavy platter as he made a full circle.

Nothing.“Pssst.”Thistimehelookedupandspiedherperchedonthefireescape,thebasketat

herside.“Whatintheworldareyoudoing?”“I’m getting us out of the kitchen without being noticed. Come on!” She

nodded toward theupper reachesof the fireescape.“Set thecakeon thestepsandclimbupoverthere.”

ThistimeitwasLucaswhodidashewastold,placingthecoveredplatteronthe step just above him and then climbing over the guardrail and chain at thebottomofthefireescape.Bythetimehestraightenedtoreachforthecake,hiscompanionwasalreadynearingthesecondfloor.

Thankfully the storm had passed, leaving only the twinkling lights of thenight skyand the shimmerof rainon theground.Thewindhaddieddown toalmostnothingand,withthetemperaturestillunseasonablywarmandthemoonbroadand roundover themountaintops, thenight ahead appeared tobe a fineone.

Helookeduptoseethatshehadbypassedthesecondfloorentranceintothehotelandwasmovingata rapidpace toward the third level.At thispoint, shecouldracehimtotheroofandwinbeforehe’dcatchher.

“Whatis itwithyouandheights,MissBrimm?”hecalledashepausedonthethirdfloorlandingtoadjusttheburdenoftheheavyplatter.Whilehewasatit, Lucas said a prayer that the knife he’d wedged under the chocolate cakewould not fall out and do serious harm to anyone who might have the poorfortunetobestandingbelow.

Ignoring his question, she keptmoving forward until she had reached thefourth floor. This being the floor her suite was on, Lucas figured she mightactuallystopthissillinessandceaseherclimbing.Whensheactuallydidasheexpected,heshookhishead.

“It’sabouttimeyoucametoyoursenses,”hesaidashecameupnexttoherandshiftedtheweightoftheplattertokeepfromlosinghisbalance.“LetmeseeifIcanunlockthisdoor.IhaveatoolIuseforoccasionslikethisinmypocket,butI’llhavetoputthecakedownfirst.It’salittledifficulttoseewellouthere,butIthinkIcan—”

“No.”Helookeddownatherandshookhishead.“No?”“No.I’mjustpausinghereamomenttochecksomething.Here,”shesaidas

shethrustthebaskettowardhim.“Wouldyoumindholdingthisforamoment?”“Holding thishow,exactly?”Lucasnodded toward thecoveredplatter that

requiredbothhandstokeepithorizontal.“Good point.” Her gaze swept the length of him and then slowly a smile

dawned.“Ofcourse.Thiswillworkjustfine.Holdstill.”Beforehecouldcomment, shebalanced thebasket atop thedomedplatter.

Turningherbackonhimandhispredicament,shesteppedovertherailandontotheledge.

“Oh,notagain,”hemutteredashetriedtofigureoutawaytodivesthimselfofhisburdensandgivechase.Butnomatterhowhardhe tried to remove thebasket, he only succeeded in coming nearer to dropping the platterwith eachattempt.

“MissBrimm,youcomebackherethisinstant!YouareinmycustodyandIdemandthatyoudoasIsay.Donotmakemecomeafteryou!”

Hetriedtokneelanddeposittheplatterandbasketontothestep.Theeffortfailedmiserably,thoughhewasabletocatchthebasketbeforeittumbleddownthreeflightsofstairs.Whenshedisappearedaround thecorner,Lucasgaveupaltogether and started trying to figure out how to get back down the stairswithoutharminganyone.ForifhesawMissBrimm,hejustmightbetemptedtothrowasandwichinherdirection.Amuchbetterchoicethananyoftheheavierorsharperobjectsinthearsenalhecurrentlyheld.

Heletoutalongbreathandtampeddownonhisillhumor.Throwingthingswasaboutaschildishashecouldget,andifanyonewasgoingtobechildish,itwasFloraBrimm,nothe.

No, if he ever caught up to the infuriatingwoman, he would see that the

handcuffswentbackonimmediately.After that,hewouldmakeshortworkofhaulingherintoEurekaSpringsandhandingherovertothesheriff.

ThenhewouldstakeoutthelobbywhereshewouldbemeetingWillTuckerandcatchhimwhilehewaswaiting.“Yes,thatwouldwork,”hemuttered.“AndIsurewouldn’tbedependentonthatwoman.”

M

Twelve

r.McMinn,whereareyougoing?”Floracalledtohisretreatingback.Hepausedtoslowlyturnaroundandfaceher.Whilethemoon’slight

wasnotatitsbrightesttonight,theilluminationwassufficienttoseethathewasdoingadoubtfuljobatbestofkeepingtheirfeastfromtumblingtothegroundbelow.

“Wherehaveyoubeen?”hedemandedwithnosmallmeasureof irritation.“DidyounotlistenwhenItoldyouthatyoumustremainwithinmysightatalltimes?”

“Yes,but—”“Anddidyouordidyounothearmetellyoutocomebackherewhenyou

headedoffoverthesideofthefireescapeanddownthewindowledge?”Shegrippedtherailofthefireescapeandclimbedbackover.“Idid,but—”“AnddidIordidInottellyouthatyouwereinmypersonalcustody?”“Yes, you did,” she snapped, “but if you would just listen!” She briefly

closedhereyesandsighed.“Look,I’mterriblysorry.TrulyIam.ButIneededtoseeifmyideawascorrect,anditwas.”

Movingtowardheronthestairs,hepausedjustcloseenoughtoallowhertoreach the basket’s handle.Mr.McMinn shifted the covered platter and leanedagainsttherail.

“Let me get this straight. You had an idea that required you to risk yoursafetyandmyire,andyouthoughtitagoodideatoactonit?”

“Yes.Anditconcerns…”FlorafeltacheckinherspiritthattoldheritwasbestnottomentionanythingaboutMr.Tuckerrightnow.Ifshedid,she’dhavetotellhimabouthertheorythattherailroaddetectivehadusedthefireescapetoclimbfromhisroomonthethirdfloortohersonthefourth.

“Goon,”heurged.“Never mind,” she said slowly. “It’s nothing of any importance to a

Pinkertonman.Justasituationwithanaccessory.”

His eyes narrowed, but thankfully he did not question her any further.Instead,henoddedtowardthefourth-floorentrance.“Let’sjustgooninsideandeat, all right?Andnomore side trips to thewindow ledgeon the front of thebuilding,theoryornotheory.”

Floragrinned.“Oh,noyoudon’t.Weagreedthatreturningtothesuitewasnotagoodideaforseveralreasons.”

“Idon’trecallagreeingtothat.”“AtleastreserveyourjudgmentuntilyouseethatIhavesuchabetterideain

mind.”Floraputonhermostpleadingexpression.Itworked,forbythetimehelookedaway,he’dalsobeguntogrin.

“Allright,sinceIdidn’thavetothrowsandwichesatyou—”“Throw sandwiches?” Flora shook her head. “What in the world are you

talkingabout?”“Don’task.Theotheroptionwastoturnyouovertothesheriff.Butbecause

youcamebackofyourownfreewill, IguessIcanhumoryouandat least letyou showmewhereyouwant tohave thispicnic.”He shookhishead. “But Iwarn you, Miss Brimm. I refuse to carry this platter much longer, and Iabsolutelywillnotwalkonanywindowledges.Understand?”

“Perfectly,”shesaidsweetly.“Nowfollowme.We’realmostthere.”Shecontinuedupthefireescapeuntilitendedatthefifthfloorroof.Herethe

staircasegavewaytothetopmostpointofthehotel,therooftopdeckand,atitscenter, the half-story climb to the belvedere.Much like a square gazebo, thebelvederewasopenonallfoursidesandyetlargeenoughforitsgabledrooftoprovideshadefromthesunandprotectionfromtherain.

Floraknewthisbecauseshe’dhappilyenduredbothuphereduringherstayat the Crescent. Tonight, however, was the first time she’d seen the view bymoonlight.

Leavingthebasketonthebenchthatranthelengthofthestructure’sinterior,FloramovedtotheedgetolookupatGod’sgloriousheavenlyhandiwork.Whatthe rain hadwashed clean now sparkled beneath the almost-fullmoon.Lightstwinkledinthecitybelow,mirroringthestarsabove.

Andthoughthesoundofrevelersintheatriumdrifteduptotheroof,Florafeltasthoughsheweremilesawayfromanyone.Thenaclangofmetalagainstmetalfollowedbyastringofmutteredcomplaintsbehindherremindedherthatshewasfarfromalone.

“Welcome to my favorite place at the Crescent, Mr. McMinn. Isn’t itlovely?”

“Lovely,yes,”hesaidsoftly.By the time he stepped into her peripheral view, Flora had returned her

attention to the scene unfolding before her.The remnant of the rainstormwasevident in the distant streak of lightning that played across themountaintops.TheslimflashofwhitewassofarawayandsopalethatFlorawaslefttowonderwhethershe’dseenitatall.

“There is still someweatherhappeningoverbeyond thevalley.Youmightwant to be careful about straying too close to the rail.You never knowwhenyou’llgetasurprisejolt.”

“Don’tbesilly.Thebadweatherismilesawayfromhere.”“Thatmaybe,butIhavelearnedthehardwaytorespectanelectricalstorm,

evenifitdoesn’tlookasthoughit’sanywherenear.”“Thehardway?”Sheturnedtofacehim.“Whatdoyoumean?”“Outontheprairiethingstravelfar.Amancanhearsoundsthatstartedouta

mileormoredowntheroad.”Hepausedtoadjusthishat,andFloratookthechancetostudyhim.Withhis

featureswashedinsilvermoonlight,helookedmuchyounger.Muchmorelikeamanwhomightbemorefunandlessfuss.

As ifhe’dreadher thoughts,Mr.McMinnsmiled.Then,slowly,heswunghisgazetomeethers.“Ioughtnottotellyoutherest.I’dhatetoscaresomeoneasfearlessasyou.”

She nudged his shoulderwith her own. “You started this story and you’llfinishit.Sotellme,whatdoesthathavetodowithlightning?”

Hedippedhishead. “Just that it strikesat themostunexpected times.Thegoodnews is I survivedwithnothingbut this scar to show for it.”Hepushedbackhiscollartoshowherafadedpinkscarthatsnakeddownbeneathhisshirt.“Now,howaboutwegoseeifI’manygoodatsandwichmaking?”

Though she longed for more of his story, Flora sensed she would getnowhere by asking.So shenodded and tried not to thinkof the scar andhowvery much it must have hurt him. Instead she watched him work quickly topreparethemakeshiftmeal.Hewasquitegoodatitactually,asshediscoveredaftersettlingthetableclothacrossthebenchandtakingherfirstbite.

“Iamimpressed.Youhavesurprisingculinaryskills.”Hejoinedher,placinganapkincarefullyacrosshislapbeforebitingintohis

own sandwich. “I’mmuch betterwith a campfire and a pot of beans, but thisisn’tbad.”

“I’mnotsureIcouldseeyouhunchedoveracampfireandstirringbeans.”

Hergazesweptthelengthofhim,fromthetopofhisbowlerhattothetipsofhiswell-shodfeet.“Youlookfartoocomfortableinformalattire.”

“This?”Mr.McMinnsethissandwichasidetopullathiscollar.“Fittinginiswhat I do,MissBrimm.”He chuckled. “Though it certainly didn’tworkwithyourgrandmother.Shepeggedmeasaphonyrightaway.”

Flora joined his laughter. “True, but my grandmother is definitely anexceptionalwoman.You’renotthefirsttobeputinyourplacebyher,norwillyou be the last. Sometimes when she says things…” She looked at him andsmiled ruefully. “I cringewhen I think of how she offered to send one of themaidstothekitchenforaboxedlunch.”

Mr.McMinngesturedtothepicnicspreadoutbetweenthem.“LookslikeIgotoneanyway.Oratleastaboxeddinner.”

“Lookwho’scallingtheeveningmealdinner.”Floraliftedabrowinmocksurprise.“Atthisrateyou’lltrulybeconsideredculturedinnotime.”

“Iassureyou,MissBrimm,there’snodangerinthat.Askmygrandfather.”“Perhaps someday I shall.” She continued to study him as he returned to

finishingoffhissandwich.HowGrandmamaknewthismanwasn’toftheirilkwas beyondFlora.Everything about him, fromhismannerisms to theway heblendedseamlessly intoamoresociallyfortunatecrowd,seemedtospeakofaprivilegedupbringingandculturedexistence.Untilheopenedhismouth,thatis.

ThesumofallthosepartsmadeFlorawonderwhichonewastheaffectationandwhichwastherealLucasMcMinn.Therewasonewaytofindout.

Hecaughtherstaring,butshedidnotlookaway.“Iwondersomething,”shesaidasshewatchedhisface.“Whoareyoureally?”

Her question must have been unexpected, for Flora thought she saw amoment’s surprise before his practiced neutral expression returned. “And Ithought youwere going to askme to pass the cake.”When she continued towatch him, Mr. McMinn looked away. “So, the prisoner is attempting tooverthrow theguardbyusing thepowerof surprise.”Hisattention returned toher.“Itwon’twork.I’mLucasB.McMinn,Pinkertonagent,andthat’sallyouneedtoknow.”

“I’vealreadylearnedsomethingnewaboutyou.”Theliftofonedarkbrowtoldhershewouldgetnofurtherresponseonthesubject.“Allright,ifyouinsist,I’lltellyouwhatI’velearned.YourmiddlenamebeginswithaB.”

“There you go,” he said with a smile as he swiped at the crumbs on hisjacket. “I’m just an open book, aren’t I?And you,MissBrimm, are quite thedetective.”

“Why, thank you,” she responded cheerily. “I learned from the best, youknow.”

“Did you now?” He shifted positions to toss the napkin into the emptybasket.“Andwhoisthisexpert?”

“Mrs. Gladden.” When his expression showed no recognition, Floracontinued.“FromTheFemaleDetectivenovels?”

Hisguffawoflaughterechoedinthebelvedere.“Soyoulearnedyourpowersofdeductionfromafictionalcharacterinadetectivenovel?That’saboutright,Isuppose.”

“Notjustanyfictionalcharacter.SomesayMrs.Gladdenwasarealpersonandthenovelsweretakenfromheractualcasefiles.Iwilladmitthattheoryisnotwithoutitsproblems.Especiallyasthebookswerewrittenafullfiftyyearsbefore the London police force admitted women. Nevertheless,Mrs. Gladdenoffersaninterestinginsightintothecrime-fightingworld.”

“Fair enough. As I said, you learned your powers of deductive reasoningfromadetectivenovel.”

“Novels,”shecorrectedasthewindkickeduptoteasethebackofherneck.“Istandcorrected,”hesaiddryly.“Novels.Butdetectiveworkisonething.

Whereintheworlddidyoulearntowalkaroundonwindowledgeslikeacat?”The question stung, but only because it brought forward an image of her

sister.OfVioletandheruncannyabilitytobalanceonthethinnestthreadofwireorthenarrowestplankofwood.Indeed,hereldersisterpossessedanabilitythat,inafamilyoflessersocialleanings,mighthaveearnedheravaluedplaceinMr.Ringling’scircus.

“Have I asked a question you don’t want to answer?” He paused, hisexpressionunreadable.“Doesn’tfeelsogood,doesit?”

“No,it’snotthatatall,”shesaidassheforcedherselftobelievethewordsshe’djustspoken.“Isupposeyoucouldsaythisskillofmineisafamilytrait.”Florapaused.“Handeddownfrommysister.Unfortunately,mytalentdevelopedabitlaterthanhers.”

Else I would never have lost footing that day and Violet would still be…Flora shook her head. No good would come from allowing yet anotherrecriminationtosurface.

“Well, thank goodness you didn’t say your grandmother, otherwise I’d bewonderingwhenthewomanwasgoingtowalkaroundtheedgeofthebuildingtojoinusforcake.”

“Oh, cake!” Flora forced enthusiasm even as she began the process of

tucking thememories ofViolet back intoplace. “Yes, it’s time for cake, isn’tit?”

“You’veonlyeatenhalfyoursandwich,”heprotested.Florawavedawayhiscomment.“Nonsense.It’salwaystimeforcake.”Mr.McMinnrosetoretrievethecoveredplatterandsetitonthetablecloth-

coveredbenchbetweenthem.“Allright,MissBrimm.Cakeisserved.”He pulled off the dome to reveal a dessert that hadn’t traveled aswell as

expected. While it had been a beautifully frosted masterpiece of chocolateconfectiondowninthekitchen,itwasnowaninterestingpileofcakelayersheldtogetherbyglobsofdarkicing.

“Whathappenedhere?ItlooksasthoughyouwentrollingdownthehillwiththiswhileIwasn’tlooking.”

“You’re close. I almost went rolling down the stairs while trying to keepfromdropping the platter and the basket of sandwiches you so kindly leftmewith while you went in pursuit of your grand idea.” He paused. “Not that Ibelieve you for a minute that you were on some lark about accessories. Nowomangoesclimbingoverastairrailandcrisscrossesthelengthofahotelto…”Thelawmanshookhishead.“WhatamIthinking?Thatissomethingyouwoulddowithoutquestion.”

“Icamebackalmostimmediately.”“You were gone long enough to allow me to believe you’d escaped my

custody.”Hiseyesnarrowed.“Andwithyourskillsasatightropeclimber,youknow you could have easily hopped around the entire fourth floor until youfoundanopenwindow.”Apause.“Soundssuspiciouslylikethenightwemet,doesn’tit?AndyouwerecertainlyonthelookoutforMr.Tuckerthen.”

“You’rebeingridiculous,”shesaid,thoughhetrulywasbeinganythingbut.“Imayhavesteppedoutofawindowthenightwemet,butIreturnedthroughanopendoor.”Shegavehimatriumphantlook.“AndinneithercasewasItryingtoescapeanyone’scustody.ItissimplynotsomethingIwoulddo.”

“Andyou know this because you’ve been in a lawman’s custodybefore?”Mr.McMinnstretchedouthislonglegsashestudiedher.“IsupposeIoughttohave checked your name for priors while I was down at the sheriff’s officeswearingoutthatwarrant.”

“You know what?” Flora said sweetly. “I’ve come to believe this wholematterofanarrestwarrantisacompletefabrication.”

“Haveyounow?”Heshrugged.“Suityourself.But thereare twowarrants,MissBrimm.Oneforyouandoneforthemanyouthinkyou’llbemarryingin

themorning.”“Yetyoudidn’tturnmeinwhenyouhadthechance.”Sheshrugged.“Asthe

granddaughter of a judge, I’mnot so sure how a jury ofmypeerswould likethat.Why,you’repracticallyholdingmehostagewithoutafairtrial.Shameonyou.”

Heroseabruptlyandcircledherwristwithhishand.“Comeon,”hesaidashepulledhertoherfeet.

“Wherearewegoing?”Florademanded.“Goodnews.”Hissmilewasdazzling,hisexpressiondangerous.Florafound

shecouldn’tlookaway.“Andwhatisthat?”shemanaged.“You’rebeingset free.”Hisgrinappeared tobecaused inpartbysarcasm

andtheremainderamusement.“Icanseeyou’resurprised.Don’tbe.I’llhappilyrelease you frommy captivity and into the hospitality of the Eureka Springsjail.”

Againwiththethreatofjail.“Or,”hecontinued,“wecaneatcake,andyoucanstopcomplaining.”“Funnyyoushouldsay that,”shesaidcalmly.“Iwas justabout tooffer to

cutasliceforeachofus.I’lldefertoyouonthat.”“Looksmore like a spoonwouldwork better, but I thinkwe canmanage.

Andgivenyour enthusiasm for the ideaof bringing thewhole cakewithus, Idon’tsupposeIhavetoaskifyouwouldlikeagenerousserving.”

Floraliftedonebrow,asufficientresponsetoaquestionobviouslyaskedinjest.

Heslicedandscoopedenoughofthemangledcaketofilleachoftheirplatesandthensettheknifeaside.Shedidnotmissthefactthatheplaceditwelloutofherreach.

“Still don’t trust me?” she asked as she picked up the nearest fork. “I’mdevastated.”

“I’msureyouare.”The first bite was divine, the second even better. “Oh,” Flora said as she

savoredtherichchocolate.“Evenmashedtoapulp,thisisgoodcake.”“Mashed to a pulp?” Mr. McMinn shook his head. “You’re one picky

woman.Icarriedthatcakeallthewayupherebecauseyousaidyouhadtohavethewhole—”

“Oh,please.Isaiditwasdelicious.”The cake was good. Not the melt-in-your-mouth variety that Cook made

backinNatchez,butdefinitelyapassablesecondchoice.“It smells like rain. Maybe we ought to go before the weather turns bad

again.”“Don’tbesilly,”Florasaid.“I’minnohurrytoleave.”“Becausethere’sstillplentyofcake?”heteased.“Becausemygrandmotherwill demand an explanationofwhere I’vebeen

andwhy the suitewas left in that condition.”Shemethisgaze. “And I’mnotreadytohavethatconversationwithher.”

“Ifshehasn’tcalledthelawtoreportusmissing,”headded.“Oh,shewon’tcalltheauthorities,atleastnotofficially.Shemaysendafew

discreetinquiriestoafewhigh-placedfriendswhowillmakediscreetinquiriesoftheirown.Anythingtokeepthesituationquiet,youunderstand.”

Mr.McMinn chuckled. “I see how thisworks. Poor folks likeme call thelaw.Richfolkslikeyouandyourgrandmothercalltheirfriends.”

“Exactly.”Florafrowned.“Well,sortof.Youdon’thavetobefriendswithaperson to…”Sheshookherhead.Therewasnoneed in trying toexplainhowthingsworkedinNatcheztosomeonewhohadnoideaof theridiculoussocialstructure and politics that went along with being a Brimm. “You know, I’mcurious about something. I don’t believeyou’ve come frombackgroundmuchdifferentthanmine.AmIright?”

Thewindshifteddirectionstoteaseattheedgesofthetablecloth.Amomentlaterthesoundofsoftlyfallingraincouldbeheard.“You’dbesurprised.Anditlooksasthoughwe’reinforanotherroundofweatherafterall.”

“Yousoundlikemyfather,”Florasaid.“HemighthavebeenbornaBrimmandexpected to takeup the family legacy,buthe isan indigo farmeratheart.Whenwe’rebothathome,Idon’tthinkadaypassesthathedoesn’tmakesomementionoftheweathertome.”Shepausedtotracetheedgeofherplatewiththefork.“Grandmamasayshisbehaviorismostpedestrian.Ialwaysthoughtitwassomethingfathersjustdid.”

“Predicttheweather?”“Well, yes, though now that you’ve said it, it does sound a little silly.”A

shrug.“ItwouldbeevensilliertosayImissit.”“Notatall.”Shetookanotherbiteofcaketokeepfromrespondingfurther.Finally,only

theremnantofheroversizedsliceofchocolateheavenremained.Icingclungtothecakecrumbles,requiringFloratolickherforkinordertogetallofitsgooeygoodness.

“Youknow,thissortofbehaviorwouldbeunconscionablebackinNatchez,”shesaidasshenoticedonelastsmatteringoffrostingonthebackofherforkandswipedatitwithherindexfinger.

“So I’m privy toMiss Brimmmisbehaving?” He chuckled. “What wouldyourgrandmothersay?”

Florasettheforkasideandrosetomovetowardtherail.Ifshesatthereanylonger,she’dindulgeinanotherpiece,somethinghercorsetwouldnotallow.

“My grandmother does not need to know about my indiscretion with thechocolatefrosting,”shecastoverhershoulder,“andshouldyoubesouncouthastotellher,Iwilldenyit.”

“Isthatso?You’vegivenintotheurgetoeatchocolatefrostingoffaforkinthepresenceofapersonwhoisnotamemberofyourimmediatefamily.Thatisabsolutelyscandalous.”

She leanedover the rail justenough toallow the lightmistof rainwetherfingers.“Itisscandalous,isn’tit?”

Aswas her desire to press pastLucasMcMinn to dance in the rain.Theywere, after all, completely alone with no one to witness her silly behavior.BehaviorthatwassimplynotdonebyaBrimm.

Andaftertomorrow,whenwouldshegetthechanceagain?OnceMr.TuckerclearedthingsupwiththePinkertonagent,shewouldbeamarriedwoman,andMr.McMinnwouldbeofftofollowwherethetraillednext.

And neither of them would need to mention her damp waltz beneath theMilkyWay. The longer she stood there, the less ridiculous the idea seemed.Evenifhedidtellonher,itwouldbeherwordagainsthisthatshe’dcommittedanysortofsillinesswhilediningontheroof.

Oh,whynot?

F

Thirteen

loraturnedtoseeLucasMcMinnwalkingherway.“Deepinthought?”heasked.

Rather than respond, she allowed herself another moment to watch thelawman’s purposeful strides before turning to walk by him. He caught herelbow.“Goingsomewhere?”

“Watchandsee,”shesaidassheslidoutofhisgrasp.“Orjoinme.”“Joinyou?Outthere?”Hetookafewstepstowardtheedgeofthebelvedere

andpausedtocrosshisarmsoverhischest.“It’sraining,MissBrimm.Haveyoulostyourmind?”

“No,” she said as her feet fairly flewdown the short flight of stairs to theemptyrooftopterrace.“Forjustamoment,IthinkI’vefoundit.I’llsoonreturntoplayingthedutifuldaughterandgranddaughterandputmymindbackwhereitbelongs,butfornowI’mtakingonethingawayfromthelistofactivitiesthatBrimmssimplydonotdo.”

“I’mnot evengoing to askwhat you’re talking about now,”he said as hemoved to the topof the stairsandwatchedherwaltzaround the rooftop.“Butknowthis.Ifyoudecidetotryanddisappearagain,I’mcomingafteryou.AndIwon’tcareaboutsmashedcakesorfallingknivesthistime.”

“Falling knives?” she said as she lifted her face skyward to allow the softraintokissherskin.

“Nevermind.And know also that if I see even a hint of lightning, you’recomingbackunderthisgazebothingbefore—”

“It’sabelvedere,”shecorrectedassheopenedhermouthandcaughtafewsprinklesonhertongue.

“Whateveryouwant tocall it,you’llbestandingunder itagainbeforeyoucanblinktwice.”

“‘Godhathnotgivenusthespiritoffear.’”“What’sthat?”hesaid.

“Justquotingmygrandmother.”Lucasinclinedhisheadtowardher.“‘Speaknotintheearsofafool:forhe

willdespisethewisdomofthywords.’”Heshrugged.“Justquotingmine.”“Dulynoted,”shesaid.“Areyoucomingoutheretojoinme?”“Thankyou,butno.I’vehadplentyofchancesoutonthetrailtogetsoaked

totheskinandspendtimeoutintherainwhenIdidn’twanttobeinit.Ican’timaginewhyasanepersonwithaplacewhereshecouldtakecoverwouldwantto—”

Lightningzigzaggedacrosstheeasternsky.“Allright,that’sit.Backinherenow.”

Floraopenedhermouth toargueand then thoughtbetterof it. Instead,shedutifullyreturnedtotheprotectionofthebelvedere.Whileshe’dbarelyfelttherainwhiletwirlingaroundinit,shenowrealizedhowmuchofithadsoakedintoherclothing.Shiverssnakeddownherspineassheshookoff thedropsofrainthathadcollectedinherhair.

“Cold?”heasked.“No, just a little damp.” She nodded toward the remains of their dinner.

“MightItroubleyouforthetablecloth?Ithinkitwillmakeapassabletowel.”Mr.McMinnputthedishesinthebasketandthenthebasketandplatteron

the ledge. Once the cloth was free, he picked it up and placed it around hershoulders. She offered a smile of thanks before turning her attention to themoon,nowobscuredbyacloudthatrolledslowlypast.

He moved closer to stand beside her at the rail. She felt she should saysomething.Dosomething.Afterall, theybarelykneweachother.Andyet sheremainedquitestill.Andquitecomfortableinhispresence.

“So,”shefinallysaid,“I’dliketoaskthatyouaddthis tothelistof thingsyouwon’ttellmygrandmother.”

“Anothersecrettokeep?”Helookeddownather,amusementevidentinhiseyes, even though themoonlight was nearly nonexistent. “You’remakingmewonder what other secrets you’ve been hiding from your grandmother, FloraBrimm.”

“IfItoldyou,theywouldnolongerbesecrets.Andwhatofyou?DareIaskwhatyou’vebeenkeepingfromme?”

“Thatwouldn’tbeagoodidea.”“No?”She turned to face him, though he kept his attention focused somewhere

beyond the roof. Whether he was staring down into the darkened valley or

watching the now cloudy horizon for another quick flash of lightning, Floracouldn’tsay.

Whatshecouldsaywasthattheatmospherehadtakenaturnfortheworseinsidethebelvedereaswellasoutside.Soshejoinedhiminlookingoutoverthevalley,keepinghercomments toherself, evenwhen the splatterof rainon theroofbecamethepingofhail.

“Maybewe shouldmake a run for it,” she finally said. “Theweather isn’timprovingoutthere.”

“All themore reason tostayput,MissBrimm.”Henodded to thehorizon.“Ifwetriedtogodownfourflightsofstairsinthis,we’dbefools.”

Flora nudged him with her shoulder. “In that case, we could be here awhile.”

“Looksthatway.”“Have you a chessboard?” She turned back toward the bench, and Mr.

McMinnfollowedastepbehind.“Cute.But,no.It’sashametherearenopottedpalmsupheretolookbehind.

Youjustmightfindone.”“Humor.That’sadiversionarytactic.Itmeansyouhavesomethingtohideor

youwantthetopicofconversationtochange.”Whenhedid not answer,Flora shookher head and allowed silence to fall

betweenthem.Ashortwhilelater,thecombinationofthepatterofrainandthedelicious meal she’d eaten lulled her into exhaustion. As her eyelids tuggedclosed,sheletoutalongbreath.

“Tired?”heasked.“Maybealittle.”Sheopenedhereyestomeethisgaze,emboldenedbythe

fact shewouldno longer seehimagain comemorning. “Youknow,youhavebeautifuleyesforalawman.Theyarealovelyshadeofgreen.Hasanyoneevertoldyouthat?”

“You’rethesecondpersontodoso.”“Notthefirst?”“That honor belonged to a certain Irish cook.” He shrugged. “But for the

record,you’remuchprettierandatleastfortyyearsyounger.”Shesmiled.“Ijustthoughtyoushouldknow.Seeingashowyou’reintenton

not standing out. Those eyes of yours…well, let’s just say they arecounterproductivetoyourintentions.”

“Interesting.Idon’tbelievethatfactevercameupduringmytraining.Ican’timaginewhy.”

Florasnuggleddeeperintothetablecloththatnowservedasafinesubstitutefor a blanket. “I’m glad I mentioned them. That will give you something toremembermebywhenwepartwaystomorrow.”

“Oh, believe me,” he said as he leaned back and let out a long breath,“you’vegivenmeplentytorememberyoubyalready.”Hepaused.“NotthatI’msayingwe’llpartwayscomemorning,thoughforyoursakeIhopewedo.”

Florabitbacktheresponseshelongedtogive.TheonewhereshetoldhimjustexactlywhatsortofmanWillTuckerwasandforwhomhewasworking.Buttogiveawayhisidentityasarailroaddetectivewasnotanoption.Notonlywould it possibly jeopardize any ongoing investigations her fiancé might beembroiled in, but it also would not speak highly of her ability to remaintrustworthy.

Andawomanwhocouldnotkeepsecretshadnobusinessbeingmarriedtoamanwhosebusinessdependedonthem.

“You’rethinkingawfulhardaboutsomething,MissBrimm.DareIaskwhatthatis?”

“IwasjustwishingIcouldtellyouthewholetruthaboutthings.AboutMr.Tucker,” she amended. “I assure you thatwhen all the facts are heard, you’llbelievemewhenItellyouheisn’tatallthemanyouthinkheis.”

AmuscleinMr.McMinn’sjawtensed.“AndIassureyouheisn’tthemanyouthinkheis.”

“Thisispersonal,isn’tit?”Herosetomovethebasketandplatterawayfromtheledge,astherainwas

splatteringboth,thoughFlorasuspectedhewasmerelylookingforsomethingtodotobuysometimebeforehehadtorespond.

Finallyhereturnedhisattentiontoher.“Thelawisthelaw,MissBrimm.”Shethoughtamomentbeforespeakinghermind.“Thatwatch,”shesaidas

shestudiedhishandsomefeatures.“Youthinkitbelongstosomeoneyouknow.That’swhyyoubelieveit’sstolen.”

“Amanwho’sbeeninmylineofworkaslongasIhavelearnstotrusthisgutonsomethings.”Hepausedtosettlebackonthebenchbesideher.“Now,forinstance, Ican lookat thenightskyandseehowhard it’s rainingand tellyouwith pretty good certainty that I believe the sun will come up shining in themorning and the rain will all be gone.” Another pause, this time to brush anerrantraindropfromhischeek.“OrIcouldlookatyouandthatfiancéofyourstogether and say that I believe neither of you have spent much time in thecompanyoftheother.”

The statement surprised her, both at his use of it as an example and at itsaccuracy.Hisexpressiondaredhertoargue.

“Whatdoesthathavetodowithwhatwe’retalkingabout?”“Plenty.”He swiveled to faceher as thunder rolledaround thebelvedere’s

interior.“I learnedthosethingsfromexperience.Ontheotherhand,yousaidIbelieve thewatchisstolen.That’swrong.Iknow it isstolenbecauseI’veseenthepolice report.Thatexactwatch,described rightdown to themonogramontheback,wasstoleninNewOrleansnineweeksago.”

“Youcouldbewrong—”“I’m not.” He fixed her with a look. “When did you say you met Mr.

Tucker.”“Ididn’t,”sherespondedascasuallyasshecould.Intruth,she’donlymade

therailroaddetective’sacquaintancesomesixweeksprior,afullthreeweekstoolate toprovideasufficientalibi forhiswhereaboutsandfor theprovenanceofthewatch.

“Thelookonyourfaceisanswerenough,MissBrimm.”Floraclutched the tablecloth inherclenchedfistsand tampeddownonher

irritation. What was it about this man that seemed to cause her perpetualfrustration?

She adopted her most imperious tone as she determined to address thisridiculoussubjectforthelasttime.“Isupposewewillseeinthemorning,whenmy fiancé clears up thiswholemesswithwhat I am certainwill be a simpleexplanation.”

Mr. McMinn’s snort of derision was, she supposed, an answer of sorts.Flora’s fingersclutched the tableclotheven tighterasshefocusedhergazeoutintothenightratherthanallowherselftolookathercompanion.

“Ithoughtamansworntoupholdthelawwasboundbyanunbiasedsearchforthetruth,”shesaidevenly.“Itseemstomeyouhavemorethanyourshareofbiasinthismatter,sir.”

Florawaitedforhisresponsebutheardnothingbutthepatterofrainontheroof and the occasional splat of drops as they found the few places whereshinglesweremissing.Shedecidedtotryagain.

“Ofcourse,Iunderstandifyou’reunwillingtoadmityou’vemadeamistake.A man of your experience likely doesn’t have much cause to retract hisstatements or, for that matter, to apologize to persons who have been falselyaccused.”

Thistimehenotonlyrefusedtorespond,buthealsocrossedhisarmsover

hischestandstaredoutintospaceratherthanadmithe’devenheardher.Well,twocouldplaythissillygame.

“Wakemeupwhen it stops raining,please.Or ifyou receiveanepiphanyandrequiremetolistenwhileyouadmitfault.”Floraofferedhersweetestsmile.“Makethatfaults.I’vecountedseveral.”

Ratherthanwait toseeifherjabhadhit its target,sheclosedhereyesandpulledthetableclothuptoherchin.Bystretchingherlegsout,Florafoundsomemeasureofcomfort,andrestingherheadonthebackofthebenchprovidedjustthepositionsheneededtohappilyclosehereyes.

“Remember,”shesaidasshe felther limbsgrowheavy.“Wakemeup theminuteitstopsraining.I’dmuchprefertoprepareformyweddingdownstairsinmyownroom.”

Instead,shesleptthroughtherainandthesunrise.Shediscoveredthiswhenthesunrosehighenoughoverthetreestoshinebrightlyonherface.Onlywhenshe slid thepocketwatchoutof the sleepingPinkertonagent’spocketdid shediscoverthatshe’dmissedhermeetingwithWillTuckerbyalmosthalfanhour.

Miss Brimm looked asmad as a wet hen. Groggy from sleep and achingfromhis choice to sit guard duty rather than get comfortable and perhaps fallasleep—whichhadhappenedanyway—Lucaswatchedherpacethefloorlikeamanwaitingforhisfirstborntoarrive.Thenhescrubbedhisfacewithhishandandrosetostretch.“Whathasyouallinalather?”

MissBrimmthrustapocketwatchinhisdirection.Hispocketwatch.“Youweresupposedtotellmewhenthestormwasover!”

Hemade a show of looking around and then returned his attention to hiscompanion.“MissBrimm,thestormisover.”

“Iknowit’sover.AndsoismyweddingunlessIcanfigureoutawaytogetoutofthismessyou’vecaused.”

“I’ve caused?”He shookhishead. “You’re theonewhowanted tohave apicnicontheroof.Isuggestedwegobackto—”

“Allright,nevermind,”shesaidasshewavedawayhisprotestwithasweepofherhand.“Iacceptresponsibilityfortalkingyouintocominguphere,butyousaidyouwouldwakemeupwhentherainstopped.”

“I said nothing of the sort.” Lucas shrugged. “As I remember it, I didn’tansweryouatall.”

Miss Brimm’s swift change of expression told him he was correct. Then,

slowly,shepointedhiswatchathim,andLucastookholdofit.“Stealinganotherwatch,MissBrimm?”heaskedashestuffedthetimepiece

backintohisvestpocket.“Never mind,” she said as she halted her pacing to reach up to feel the

damage the combination of sleep and rain had done to her hair. “Oh, I’m amess.”

Thoughherjust-awakenedlookwiththetangleofcurlscascadingdownherback, the tugofa soundsleepstillevident inhereyes,and thewrinkleddressmade her lookmore beautiful than ever,Lucas doubted shewould agree.Norwouldthatimperiousgrandmotherofhers.

“Ishouldhavebeeninthelobbyahalfhourago.”Shecontinuedtofretwithherhair.“Worse,Ineedtobeatthechurchrightnow.Thatis,ifhe’seventhere.WhatifhethinksI’mnotcoming?SurelyheknowsIwouldn’tmiss—”

“Here,”Lucas interrupted as he spied a pair of hairpinsdangling fromheronce-elegant hairstyle. “Let me see if I can help.” At her skeptical look, headded,“Ihadayoungersister,soIhavesomeexperienceinthearrangementofalady’shair.”

Lucasstuckbothhairpinsinhispocketaswellastheotherthreehefoundashe ranhis fingers throughher snarledcurls.Slowlyhecoiledone thick strandandthenreachedintohispocketforthehairpintoanchoritinplace.

“Ouch,”shesaidunderherbreath.“Sorry,” he said as he repeated the process, this time applying a bit less

pressuretothehairpinashesliditintoaspotequidistantfromtheother.Fourmore hairpins later, he’d completed hiswork.Nowwhat to do? She

stoodclose, far tooclose for comfort, andyet the last thinghewantedwas tomoveaway.

“Mr.McMinn?Issomethingwrong?”Yes.He’d satupmostof thenightwatchingher sleep.He’devenallowed

hertorestherheadonhisshouldersoastobemorecomfortable.Andworse,hedozedoffhimselfandmissedthechancetocatchTuckerasplanned.

“Mr.McMinn?”“Thatought tohold,”hesaidashelethishandsfall tohissides.“Itwon’t

foolanybodywithdecenteyesightintothinkingalady’smaiddidthework,butatleastyouwon’tlooklikeyouspentallnightonthehotelroofafterdancingintherain.”

MissBrimmwhirledaroundtomeethimface-to-face.“Ithoughtwehadanunderstandingaboutthat.”

He lifted one brow and waited until she decided to elaborate. In themeantime,heallowedhisgazetoslideacrosseyesasblueastheArkansassky.Acrosscheekbonesdustedbythickdarklashesthatshouldn’thavebelongedtoaredhead.Finallyhisattentionstalledonsoft,pinklips.

They were moving. Speaking to him. Was it lack of sleep that wouldn’tallowhimtohearordidhejustnotcarewhatshesaid?Couldhavebeeneither.

Orboth.“Mr.McMinn?”“What?”hesaidasheruseofhisnamehauledhimoutofhisthoughts.“Weagreedthatanythingwedidupherewouldnotbefodderfordiscussion

atalaterdate.”He heardwhat she said.Knewwhat shemeant.And yet from somewhere

deepinsidehim,themostridiculousthoughtsurfaced.Kissher.Lucas blinked twice. Then twice again. Still all he could thinkwas:Kiss.

Her.“Well,let’sgo,”shesaid.He stared down into eyes that seemed even bluer than just a minute ago.

“Go?”“To thechurch,” she saidas she turned to stalkaway. “If I’m tohaveany

hopeofgettingmarried, I’llneed toget therequickly.”She stopped short andturned to look in his direction. “We’ll have to leave a note with the kitchenmanagerlettinghimknowwe’veleftsomeofthehotel’sthingsuphere.Idon’twanttotakeupextratimereturningthem.Isthatawful?”

“No.” He adjusted his coat lapels and closed the distance between them.“Afteryou,MissBrimm.Let’sseeifwecansalvageawedding.”

Not that he held outmuch hope thatWill Tuckerwould bewaiting at thechurch,notwithdeputiesstationedbothattheentrancetotheCrescentHotelandatseveralstrategicspotsdowntown.Lasttime,hismistakehadcausedTuckertoescape.Thistime,thatwouldn’thappen.

BecauseifTuckerwasn’tcuffedtoadeputyorwaitingatthatchurch,Lucasintendedtokeephisfiancéincustodyuntilshecouldtellhimexactlywherethecriminalhadgone.Somehowthatprospectseemedawholelotmoreinterestingthismorningthanithadlastnight.

Onethingwasforcertain.Hewouldnevergetsoclosetoheragainthathe’dfindhimselfthinkingheoughttokissher.

Theredcurlshe’dsoughttorepairbouncedafewstepsaheadofhimasthey

begantheirdescent.Ashewatchedonepinfall,releasingacurlcascadingdownthe center of Flora Brimm’s straight and proper back, Lucas had to remindhimselfofthepromisehe’djustmade.

NokissingFloraBrimm.Ever.

F

Fourteen

lorarushedacrossthelawnandupthestepstowardtheatriumlobby,onlyslowingherpacetoamoresedatewalkonceshecamecloseenoughtobe

seenbyother guests.Consciousof herwrinkleddress andpatting at themessLucas McMinn had likely made of her hair, she nonetheless squared hershouldersandsteppedinside.

Thelobbywasalmostemptyasshepausedlongenoughtocatchherbreath.Otherthanapairofelderlygentlemenplayingcheckersbesidethefireplaceandamatronreadinganewspaperneartheentrance,onlythehotelstaffappearedtobeinattendance.

Shereachedforherhandkerchief todabatherforeheadlestanyoneappearandcatchherglistening.Ignoringthemanshadowingher,Floradidherbesttosearchtheexpansivespacewithoutappearingtobelookingforanyone.

“He’snothere,”Mr.McMinnsaidwhenshestoppedafewfeetawayfromthefrontdesk.

“Icansee that, thoughI’mnotcompletelyconvincedhe’snotwatchingusfromaplacewherehecannotbeseen.”

“Such as in the shadows over by the elevator?” He offered a rakish grin.“Yes,Isawyouthereyesterday.Ormaybehe’sfoundaspotbehindalargeplantsomewhere.Webothknowthatkindofhidingplaceworkswell.”

Thedooropenedandtwomenofmiddleagewalkedin.TheirconversationkeptthemfromtakinganynoticeofFloraandthePinkertonagent.Still,shekepthersilenceuntiltheyweresafelyoutoftherangeofhearing.

“You’renottheleastbithumorous,Mr.McMinn.”“Andyoulookasifyoujustcameinfromdancingintherain,MissBrimm.”Floratriednottogroan.“Whatanawfulthingtosay.”“No,actuallyIlikethissideofyou.And,fortherecord,therewasnothing

awfulaboutwatchingyoudance in therain.”Hemadeashowofcoveringhismouth as if he’d said somethingwrong. “Oh, I’m sorry.Weweren’t going to

talkaboutwhatwentonupontheroof,werewe?OneofthethingsBrimmsdonotdo.”

“You’retheworstsortofcad,Mr.McMinn,butatthismomentIdonotwishtodiscussit,you,oranythingyou’vejustmentioned.”Shegavehimalookthatmatchedhermood.“Ifyou’llgoandget that transport,I’llseewhatIcanfindoutfromthedeskclerkregardingmyfiancé.”

Heappearedtoconsiderherstatementamoment.“Allright,butdoyouseethose two men by the fireplace?” When she nodded, he continued. “If youattemptanysortofescape,theywillalertme.Understand?”

Whilethepairinquestionappearedtobeoblivioustoanythingotherthanthecheckerboard between them, Flora wasn’t completely sure whether hercompanionwastellingthetruthornot.

“You’rejoking,right?”Greeneyesmetherblueones,hisexpressionunreadable.“DoIlooklikeI’m

joking? Trust me, there’s no need for any sort of diversionary tactics, MissBrimm.Notrightnow.”

“Oh,goon.I’lljustmakeaninquiryofthedeskclerk.”Hereyesnarrowed.“AndIwon’tleavethebuilding.”

Helookedbeyondhertothecheckerplayersandthennodded.“Fine.Iwon’tbelong.”

“Good. Please hurry.” Shewaited until the door closed behind himbeforemakingherwaytothefrontdesk.“Henry,couldIhaveawordwithyou?”

“Ofcourse,MissBrimm.”Hegrinned.“Ifiguredyouwouldbealongsoon.Hesaidyouwould.”

“Excuseme?”“That fellow you were talking about yesterday.” He nodded. “You know.

TheoneyouandthatPinkertonfellowwerelookingfor.”“Mr.Tucker?”“That’stheone.Hewasjusthere.”She leaned closer to be certain she’d heard the ever-so-helpful desk clerk

correctly.“Whatdoyoumeanhewasjusthere?”“You just missed him, ma’am, not five minutes ago.” He punctuated the

statementwithawink.“HeseemedawfulinsistentIlookoutforyourarrival.”Sheignoredfamiliarity.“Whereishenow?Thatis,wheredidhego?”“Heslippedoutthosedoors.”Hegesturedtotherearexit.“Hesaidthosetwo

fellowsatthecheckerboardweredeputieshiredtokeephimfromanimportantappointment.”

Flora’sheartsank.Ofcourse.Mr.McMinnhadtoldthetruth.“Buthetoldmeyoumighttryandfollowhimifyoushowedup,andI’mto

seethatyoudon’t.”“Thankyou,”shesaidassheturnedtowardthebackofthehotel.Acovert

glanceatthetwomentoldhertheywerenowwatchingherintently.“MissBrimm?”Whensheignoredhimtopickupherpace,theclerkcaught

uptofallintostepbesideher.“MissBrimm,Mr.Tuckerleftsomethingforyou.”HelookedaroundandthenbackatFlora.“Iprobablyoughttogoonbacktothedesk before I give it to you. We wouldn’t want to draw any attention, youknow.”

“Why?Whatisit?”Heopenedhiscoat justenough toshowFloraaslipofwhitepaper tucked

intohispocket.“Isthatanoteofsomesort?”“Can’t say.”He shrugged. “I don’t ask questions of another railroadman,

MissBrimm.Thatwouldn’tberight.Sohowaboutyouandmewalkoverthere,andIgivethistoyouallcasual-like?”

Floracastone last lookat theexitdoorsand thennodded.“All right,” shesaidasshefollowedhimbacktothefrontdesk.

While he went around to return to his position, Flora waited. Out of thecorner of her eye, she spiedMr.McMinn speaking to the samedoormanwhohadhandedherover tobehandcuffed justyesterday.Thecheckerplayershadnowgonebacktoappearingengrossedintheirgame,thoughFloradoubtedtheytrulywere.

“MissBrimm!”Thehotelmanageremergedfromhisofficetoreachacrossthecounterandshakeherhand.“TowhatdoIowethehonorofyourpresencethismorning?”

Floraforcedasmile.“I…thatis,IwasjusttoldIhadamessageatthedesk.”“Yes,well,letmecheckthemailboxforyoursuite.”Theclerkpalmedtheslipofpaperfromhispocket,placeditonthecounter,

andthenpushedittowardher.Floraputherhandovertheenvelopeandtuckeditintohersleeve.

“I’m sorry but I don’t see anything—” The manager saw the clerk andstopped short. “Ah, you’ve returned, Henry. Did this lovely lady receive anymessages?”

“Messages?” He appeared to be thinking. “No, sir. I don’t think so. I’msorry.”

“Well,thereyouhaveit,”themanagersaidastheclockbehindhimchimedthe quarter hour.Nine fifteen. “Theremust have been somemistake. If you’llexcuse me, I have a pressing appointment. Give my regards to yourgrandmother,”hesaidashedonnedhiscoatandhurriedaway.

“Thankyou,”shesaidtotheclerkoncethemanagerwasgone.Againhewinked.“Anythingforafellowrailroadman.”TheflirtatiousgesturemadeFlorawanttocallthemanagerbackandreport

theman.Instead,shesmiledconspiratorially.“Youwon’ttellanyoneaboutthis,willyou?”

“Me?Ofcoursenot.”Hepressedbothpalmsoverhisheart.“WhoamI tostopthecourseoftruelove?”

Truelove.Ifonlythatwerethecase.“Again,Igiveyoumymostsincerethanks.”Florahurriedofftofindaspot

whereshecouldreadthenoteunobserved.Shefoundjusttheplacebyslippingbehindthekitchendoor.

Unlikelastnight, thekitchenwasbustlingwithactivitythismorning.Florapressed her back to the nearest wall to keep out of the way of the staff andreachedintohersleevetodrawoutthemessage.

Herfingersshookassheunfoldedthepage.Tohersurprise,itwasblank.Itcontainednothingbutapinkribbon,whichfelltothefloor.

As she bent to retrieve it, the kitchen door opened and Lucas McMinnsteppedinside.

“Interestingplacetowaitfortransport,MissBrimm.”“Ikeptmypromiseanddidnotleavethebuilding.”“Thisistrue.AndyetI’mwonderingwhyyou’reinthekitchen.Askingfor

therecipeforchocolatecake,perhaps?”Shestraightenedandkickedthepaperbehindher,thepinkribbonhiddenin

herfist.“Well,actuallyIhadthoughttousemytimewiselybycominginheretoinformthechefthatheshouldsendsomeoneuptotheroofforthethingsweleftthere.”

“Oh?”HisexpressiontoldFlorathathedidn’tbelieveawordofwhatshe’djustsaid.“Andwhatwasthechef’sresponse?”

“I…Ihaven’texactlylocatedhimyet.”“Isee.Andwereyougoingtotellhimyourselforhadyouplannedtoleave

himsomeformofwrittenmessage?”Hebentdowntoreacharoundher.WhenhestraightenedheheldWillTucker’sfoldedpaperinhishand.“Likethisone,perhaps?”

“Oh,yes.Thankyou.”Sheyanked thepage fromMr.McMinn’shandandthenreachedouttotugonthesleeveofthefirstblack-coatedwaiterwhohurriedpast.“You,sir,”Florasaid.“Iwroteanoteforthechef.Dogiveittohim,wouldyou?Itconcernssomeitemshewillfindontheroof.”

Thewaiter’seyesnarrowed.“I’msorrymiss,but—”“No, please.” Flora hoped her expression conveyed the urgency of the

situation.“Takeit.”“Allright,”hesaidbeforetuckingthepaperintohispocket.“Forthechef?”“Yes. The chef and no one else. Thank you,” she called to his retreating

back.FinallyshereturnedherattentiontothePinkertonagent.“Allhandled.Doyouhavethebuggyarranged?”

“It’swaitingoutside.”Hestudiedherintently.“Then let’sgo,”shesaidasshesweptpasthim.Whenshe realizedhehad

movednofarther thanthekitchendoor,she turnedaroundtoretracehersteps.“We’venotimetowaste,Mr.McMinn,”shesaidinherbesturgenttone.

One dark brow rose, as did the beginnings of a smile. Still he refused tomove. “If that’s the case, why did you decide to waste time by making thisdetourintothekitchen,MissBrimm?”

“I don’t knowwhat you’re talking about,” she insisted. “As I said, I onlysought to use my time wisely. Now, come on. I have a wedding to try andsalvage.Doyouwant tobeanymore responsible thanyoualreadyare formemissingit?”

“I refuse to debate that point, Miss Brimm. But because I’m certainsomething’sgoingonhere,I’lltakeyouintotown.”

Heclosedthedistancebetweenthemandthenhadtheaudacitytolinkarmswith her. As they reemerged into the atrium lobby, Flora spied the clerkwatching them. For a moment she wondered what he might think of theconvolutedsituation.

Thengoodsenseprevailed.“Wouldyouexcusemejustamoment?Ibelievethatclerkistryingtogetmyattention.”

“Thedeskclerk?”Mr.McMinnmettheman’sstare.“Didyoupromisehimsomethingtogethimtoletyougoyesterday?Hemaybeworriedyou’releavingbeforeyoupayup.”

“Ididnothingofthesort!”Sheletoutalongbreath.“He’sjustaverynicemanwhowassympathetictoawomanindistress.”

“Awomanindistress?”Hischuckleheldnohumor.“Hardly.”“Allthesame,Ireallyshouldseewhathewants.”

“Suityourself.Butjustsoyouknow,ithasnotescapedmynoticethatyou’rehidingapinkribboninyourrighthand.”

Sheopenedhermouthtorespondbutthenthoughtbetterofit.Therewasnousedenyingit.

“Ithadbetterbetherewhenyougetbackhere.”Flora feigneddisbelief. “You’re suggesting Iwouldoffer a total strangera

pinkribbon?Truly,Mr.McMinn,Ifailtoseehowthatmakesanysense.”“Welldone,MissBrimm.Butitcouldbeasignalofsomesort.Maybeaway

oflettingMr.Tuckerknowthecoastisclear.”Hepausedtofixtheclerkwithahardstare.“Ornotclear.”

Shemadeashowofwalkingoffinahuff,thoughherinsideswerequicklyturningtojelly.Ifthepinkribbonwereasignal,she’dyettodecipherameaning.Aglanceinthedirectionofthecheckerboardtoldherthemenwerenowgone.

Interesting.When she reached the desk, the clerk gave her a curious look. “Back so

soon?”heasked,thoughhisattentionappearedtobefocusedelsewhere.“IfMr.Tuckerreturns—”“Heassuredmehewouldnot.”“All right,” she said as her patience threatened to flee. “But if he should,

please let himknow I have received hismessage, though I’munsure as to itsmeaning.”

Henrylookedconfused.“Hesaidyouwouldunderstand.”“MissBrimm,”theagentcalled.Flora considered adding more to her message but decided against it.

Considering the man’s uncanny ability to listen in on conversations andgenerally anticipate far too much, she decided to leave the remainder of herthoughtsunsaid.

“Thank you,” she added as she stepped away from the desk to join Mr.McMinn.

“Didyougetyourmessagepassedon toTucker?”heaskedasheescortedheroutthedoor.

“Don’t be ridiculous,” she said as she allowedhim tohelpher up into thebuggy.Whenhehadclimbedinbesideher,Florafixedhimwithalook.“Anddonoteventhinkofusingyourhandcuffsagain,Mr.McMinn.I’vekeptmysideofthebargain,andIwillholdyoutoyours.Doyouunderstand?”

“Perfectly,”hesaidashesetthebuggyintomotion.They rode the short distance down the mountain to Eureka Springs in

silence.Hadshebeentravelingwithanyoneelse,Floramighthaveremarkedonthe lovelyshadeofgreenthe treeshad turned, likelyowingto lastnight’srainshower.Orshemighthavecommentedonthefreshnessofthemidmorningair,alsolikelywashedcleanbythestorm.

Instead,sheplottedhowshemightbestescapeherjailorshouldshespyWillTuckerwalkingalongthecitystreet.Or,betteryet,ifshefoundhimwaitingattheparson’safterall.

The buggy slowed at the edge of Spring Street, andMr.McMinn glancedoverinherdirection.“TheplanistostopatthechurchjusttoseeifTuckerhasshowedup.Ifhe’snotstandingoutfrontwaiting,youandIwillgoinandseethepreachertogether,andI’lldothetalking.”

“All right,”shesaidasshe lookedaway.“ThoughIwill remindyouagainthatyou’regoingtobeprovenwrongonceyouhearMr.Tucker’sstory.”

Ratherthanrespond,hesnappedthereinsandsentthebuggyjoltingforward.Hisdrivingwasdeplorable,thoughherirecamemorefromthewayhewhippedthe buggy around corners and swiftly and skillfully maneuvered aroundobstaclessuchaspeopleandslow-movingwagons.

Bythetimetheystoppedatthechurch,Florawasreadytoscream.Andyethehaddoneassheaskedandhurried.

Definitelyhurried.Hesecuredthehorseandsteppedaroundtohelpherdownfromthebuggy.

“NeedIremindyouthatyouarestill—”“Inyour personal custody.”She rolled her eyes. “Yes, youhave reminded

meofthatatleastahundredtimes.Believeme,I’macutelyawareofthatfact.”“Areyoualsoawareofthefactthatyourfiancéisnotwaitingforyouonthe

church steps?” He gestured to a sign that read OFFICE. “Let’s go see thepreacherandfindoutifyourmannevershoweduporjustgaveupwaiting.

“Well, thereyouare,” thepastor saidwhen they rang thebellat theofficedoor.“Iwonderedwhetheroneorbothofyouhadgottencoldfeet.”HelookedtoFlora’scompanion.“YoumustbeMr.Tucker.”

“No,”Mr.McMinnsaidasheopenedhis jacket torevealhisbadge.“IamPinkertonagentLucasMcMinn.ButIhaveacoupleofquestionsaboutthisMr.Tucker.”

Thepastorusheredtheminsideand,afterofferingrefreshments,admittedhehadn’tactuallymetWillTucker.

“That much I figured,” Mr. McMinn said. “But how did he set theappointmentandobtainthelicense?”

“Idon’thandlelicenses.Youwouldhavetoaskthefellowatthecourthouse.AndamanupattheCrescentHotelsetuptheappointment.”Hepaused.“Idon’trecall him saying any name other than Tucker.” The preacher turned hisattention toFlora. “I’m terribly sorryyou’renotgoing tohave awedding thismorning.”

“AsamI,”shesaidassherosetowalktotheofficedoor.Shewassorry.Butwhy?BecauseIsaidnotoyourplan.FloralookedaroundforthesourceofthewordsandfoundMr.McMinnand

thepastor in conversation,neitherpayingattention toher.Shemoved into thedoorway.Justbeyondwhereshestoodwasthechapel,asmallwoodenstructureofsimplebutelegantconstruction.Thecrossatthealtarbeckoned.

“Justhowdid thismanfrom theCrescentHotel set theappointment?”Mr.McMinnasked.

“Excuseme,”Flora interrupted, “but ifyoudon’tmind Ineedamoment.”Shegestured toward the chapel’s interior before returningher attention toMr.McMinn.“YouhavemywordI’llgonofartherthanthealtar.”

Heseemedsurprised.Thenhisfacesoftened.Slowly,henodded.Asthemenreturnedtotheirconversation,Florawandereddownthenarrow

aisle, past the rough-hewn benches that served as church pews, and up to thealtar,whereashaftofsunlightpiercedthedarknessandspilledwarmandgoldenacrosstheunevenfloorboards.

Shemovedthroughthesunshinetopauseatthepulpit.ABiblesittingtherewas open to Psalm 23. Flora smiled. This chapter had been her firstmemoryversesasachild,andshestillrecalledeveryword.

Onlynowshecorrectlystatedthelastline,whileasagirlshe’dinsistedtheproperversionwasShirleyGoodnessandMercy,twosisterswhoshadowedtheLord’s people and offered holy help in times of trouble. Flora smiled at therecollectionofhowshe’ddebatedGrandmamauntiltheolderwomanhadfinallygivenup.

Funny how a simple mispronunciation could cause such a difference inmeaning.HowmanytimeshadshelookedoverhershoulderasachildtoseeifShirley Goodness and her sister, Mercy, were following as the Lord hadpromised?Andhowmanytimeshadshefeltdisappointmentthattheyweren’t?

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me,” she whispered. “Indeed,Father,Iaminneedofboth.Andpleasedon’tsaynotomyplan.”

She moved toward the altar, leaving the Bible and its words of comfort

behind. There was no rail, no kneeling bench covered in tapestry, nocandlesticksofsilverandgoldsheddinglightontheplaceofholiness.

And yet the Lord was in this place. His presence was so close she couldalmostreachoutandtouchHim.

Findingtheroughlyconstructedaltarfirstwithherhandsandthenwithherheart,Florafelltoherkneesandbowedherhead.Wordsfailedher,andyetsheknewGodheard.

How long she remained there, she couldn’t say.When she finally tried tostand,herkneeshadlonggonenumb.

She rosewithdifficulty andmadeherwaybackdown theaisle to the exitandthemidmorningsunshine.Mr.McMinnwaswaiting.

Ofcoursehewas.NowthatWillTuckerwasofficiallynotmarryinghertoday,therewaslittle

to keep the Pinkerton agent from hauling her off to jail and themercy of theEurekaSpringssheriff.Againshethoughtofthepsalmshe’djustread.

ShirleyGoodnessandMercy,whereareyou?Withoutaword,heescortedhertothebuggyandhelpedherup.“Isuppose

you’retakingmetojailnow,”shesaidwhenhehadjoinedheronthebenchseat.“Yes,MissBrimm,that’swherewe’reheaded.Whetheryouremainthereis

yettobedetermined.”

L

Fifteen

ucasalmostfeltsorryforFloraBrimm.Almost,butnotquite.While her prayer time in the chapel seemed real enough, the fact

remained thatshewas intentonhitchingher fate to thatofacriminal.AndhewasjustasintentonseeingTuckerpayforthecrimeshe’dcommitted.

Thatwastherealreasonforhisvisittothejail.IfthesheriffhadswornoutawarrantforTucker,he’dbemorethanhappytocontinuehisarrangementwithMiss Brimm until the man was caught. If not, he’d have to decide whetherturningheroverforreceiptofstolenpropertywassufficient.

If she and Tuckerwere in communication, the arrest of thewoman couldbringhimoutofhiding.Oritcouldcausehimtodropanyinterestinherandrunforthehills—andforhisnextvictim.

Lucasletoutalongbreathashisminduntangledthethreadsofpossibility.TheideathatWillTuckerfeltallegiancetoanyfemaleenoughtoturnhimselfinwasdoubtful.Thatleftonlyonewaytocatchhim:StickclosetoFloraBrimmandkeepheroutofjail.

A sideways glance told him she appeared less than enthusiastic with hercurrentsituation.Notthathecouldblameher.WhateverreasonhadcausedhertowanttobuywhatTuckerwasselling,shecertainlywasn’tfindinganyreliefforitnow.

Maneuvering the buggy into a tight spot in front of the jail, Lucas set thebrakeandlookedoverathiscompanion.Tohercredit,thewomanwhohadsleptathissidelastnightboretheideathatshemightbeheadingforajailcellwithsurprisingdignity.

Miss Brimm caught him staring at her. “Canwe get this over with?” shedemanded.

Lucasweighedhisoptions.Ifhetookherinside,hewouldlikelyberequiredto leave her there. If hewent inwithout her, the oddswere shewould not bewaitingwhenhereturned.

Therewasonlyonesolution.“MissBrimm,I’mgoing tohave tohandcuffyouagain.”

“Honestly,”shesaidassheleanedawayfromhim.“WhatdoyouthinkI’mgoingtodo?Thesheriff’sofficeisjustafewstepsawayfromwhereI’msitting.HowcouldIpossiblyescape?”

“I’m considering leaving you herewhile I go in and have a talkwith thesheriff.Ifyougoinwithme,I’mgoingtohavetocontinuemysearchforTuckeralonewhileyouspendthenightatthejailhouse.”Heallowedhertothinkaboutthatamoment.“So,whatwillitbe?”

Without comment, she held out a wrist. Lucas slapped on the cuff andattachedtheotherendtothebuggy.“DonotmoveuntilIreturn.”

Whilethehandcuffwasobvioustoanyonewhomightcomecloseenoughtolook inside thebuggy, fromLucas’svantagepoint at thedoor to the jailhousenothing appeared to be out of the ordinary. Only the stricken look on MissBrimm’sfacegaveherawayasanythingbutawomanpassingtimeonasunnyMaymorning.

“Smile,”hecalledtoher.“Orsomeone’sboundtowonderwhat’swrongandinquire.”

Her responsewas swift.Though she addedabroadgrin toher expression,nothinginherdemeanortoldhimanythinghadchanged.

Thewomanlookedasthoughshewouldrathershoothimthantakehernextbreath.Lestshemighthaveaweaponhiddeninherskirts,hescootedinside.

“Hello there, Pinkertonman,” the deputy called as the door closed behindLucas.“Thesheriff’soutthebackseeingtosomebusinesswiththeundertaker.Heoughttobehereinaminuteortwo,butI’lllethimknowyou’rehere.”

“Iwould appreciate that,” Lucas said as he found a chair. A fewminuteslaterthesoundofheavyfootstepstoldhimhewasabouttohavecompany.

“Heardyou’dcomebytopaymeavisit,”thesheriffsaid.“WhatcanIdoforyou,McMinn?Mydeputiesdidn’tcatchyourfellow?”

“Unfortunately, no. Apparently he slipped out another way, but I doappreciateyour sending themandposting theothers.”Lucas rose to shake thesheriff’shand.“IthoughtI’dcomecheckonthatwarrantIsworeout.”

Thesherifffittedhimselfintothechairbehindhisdesk.“Hadalittleproblemwiththat.”

Refusingtotakethebaitorlethisdisappointmentshow,Lucaskepthisvoiceneutral.“Didyou?AnythingIcanhelpclearup?”

“Maybe.”Heleanedbackinthechairandputbothbootsonthedesktopand

regarded Lucas with a look that told him there was more than just a littlejurisdictional squabble here. “I needed some information about the chargespendingonTucker,soIthoughtIwouldshortcuttheprocessbysendingforthedetailsofyouropeninvestigation.Youknow,lawmantolawman.”

Lucashadasinkingfeeling.“Youtalkedtosomeoneattheagency?”“Idid,”hesaid,hisgazeneverwavering.“Theredoesn’tseemtobeanopen

investigation against our boy Tucker.” He paused. “At least that’s what thefellowinChicagotoldme.Maybehewasmistaken.”

Howtoanswer?WhileLucasrefusedtolie,thetruthwouldn’tgethimwhathewanted.Hedecidedtotakeaplotofgroundthatmetthetwointhemiddle.

“It’strue,Sheriff.AsfarastheChicagoofficeknows,thereisn’tanofficialinvestigation. They have their hands full up there, what with the Haymarketappealsandall.”Lucaspaused.“In fact, Iwouldwageraguessyouwere toldI’mworkingonmyowntime.”

Thelawmanbarelyblinked.“Iwas.”Not a surprise, given the man’s expression of doubt over the whole

investigation.Lucasdecided to comecleanand tell him thewhole story, or atleastthepartofitthatpertainedtoTucker’sarrestwarrant.

“Ihaveatelegraminmypocketfrommycontactattheagency.Unlessyoutalked toaPinkertonby thenameofKyleRussell,you’renotgoing toget thefull story.He’s theone I report toand themanwhohasbeenkeeping tabsonwhatI’mdoingdownhere.”

Thesheriff’sdemeanorsoftened,thoughonlyslightly.“Don’tbelievethat’sthemanIspoketo.Goon.”

Lucasletoutalongbreathashesentupaquickprayerforfavor.Andfortheability to convince thisman to helphimwithout resorting todeception.Therehadbeenenoughofthatalready.

“Thetruthis,Tuckerisn’tfarfrombeingcaught.IwascloseandI’llgethimyet.Resourcesbeingwhattheyarerightnowattheagency,IfeltitmydutytousetimeIhadcomingtometobringhimin.”

“There’sstillthematterofnoofficialinvestigationorarrestwarrant.”“True.Russell’sworkingonthefirstproblem,andyoucaneasilysolvethe

second.”The sheriff satup,puthisbootson the floor, and restedhis elbowsonhis

desk. “I’m a straight shooter, Pink, and Iwould appreciate the same courtesyfromyou.”

“Youcancountonit.”

“All right.”He paused as if sizing Lucas up. “What’s this Tucker done?”WhenLucasbegan the laundry list of charges againstWillTucker, the sheriffhelduphishand.“No,Ihaveallthatinthepapersyoufiled.Imean,what’shedonetoyoupersonally?”

Lucas sat back and searched for something to say to cover his surprise.“Whatmakesyouthinkit’spersonal?”

“Son, amandoesn’tgo to the troubleyou’vegone to ifhedoesn’thaveapersonal stake in it.Now,don’t getmewrong. I’mcommitted to puttingmenwhodeserveitbehindbars.Troubleis,Idon’tusuallytakeofffrommyregularjobtogooutanddoitonmyowntime.”Hecrossedhisarmsoverhischest.“SoI’llaskyouagain.WhathasWillTuckerdonetoyoupersonally?”

Weighing thecostofgivinguppainful andprivate informationagainst thecost of letting Tucker go free took only a moment. “All right,” Lucas saidslowly. “Tucker made some promises to someone dear to me. He stolesomethingprecious.”

“Jewelry?”Lucaslookedhimintheeye.“Thattoo.”“Isee.”A shuffle behind him told Lucas someone else had walked into the

conversation.He swiveled to see the deputywho hadmissedwork yesterday.“Lookslikesomebody’sfeelingbetter.”

Thedeputyduckedhishead.“Notfeelingtoogoodaboutlettingyoudown,sir,”hesaid.“I justwantedtocomeandtellyouthat.Andtoapologize.Iwasawfulsick.Atesomethingthatdidn’tagreewithme.Oneofthoseboxlunchesfromthekitchen.Thatoldladysentittome,andIfigureditwouldbegood,butitwasn’t.”

He looked the man over and decided he was telling the truth. Hadn’tMillicentBrimmwanted todo the samewithhim?Perhapshis stubbornpridehadsavedhimfromasimilarfate.

SlowlyLucasnodded.“Yeah,allright.IguessIcanoverlookit.”“Deputy, would you mind leaving me andMr. McMinn here alone for a

minute?Youcanclosethatdooronthewayout.”“Sure,Sheriff,”hesaid.“Andthankyouforunderstanding,Mr.McMinn.I

doappreciatethat,onelawmantoanother.”After the deputy had made his exit and the door was closed, the sheriff

returnedhisattentiontoLucas.“Allright.I’mgoingtosendyourmanRussellatelegram to see ifwe can clear up this issue of a case againstTucker.Once I

have confirmation of something I can use, I’ll see that the warrant goes intoeffect.”

“Thankyou,sir.Heought togiveyouwhateveryouneed toget thisarrestwarrantactive.”

“That’sallIask.ItwouldhelpifyoucouldtieherdirectlytoTucker.”“I’msureshe’sthelinkthere,butyouknowthat.”Henodded.“Ialsoknowherdaddy’slawyerswouldhaveheroutofjailand

heading home before she could blink twice and turn around. And in themeantime,she’dbeinstructednottosayaword.”

“Exactly.That’swhyIneedtokeepherwithmealittlelonger.”“Keepherwithyou?”Thesheriffgavehiman incredulous look.“Son,are

youharboringaprisoner?”“Technically,she’snotaprisoneruntilIturnherovertoyou.”Hepausedto

choosehiswordscarefully.“AndbeingaPinkerton,Icanmakeagoodcaseforkeepingher inpersonal custody rather thanallowing important evidence togoundiscovered due to legal proceedings that her familymight file.”He paused.“She’smuchmore valuable out there than she is in here, sir.But you say theword,andIwillbringherinandturnherovertoyou.”

“Wouldyounow?”Hepausedtolookoutthewindow.“WhetherIkeepheror let you take her with you, you’re still going to be looking for him, aren’tyou?”

“Iam.”“Thoughtyou’dsay that.”Heshrugged.“Goonandsee thatyoudon’tget

intoanytrouble.Ifyoudo,send’emtomeandI’llseewhatIcandotohelp.”Lucas stood and leaned over the desk to shake the sheriff’s hand. “Thank

you,sir.Youwon’tregretthis.”“Ithinkthere’senoughdoubtaboutallthisthatI’mgoingtobackyouonthe

warrant.Iwon’tissueituntilallthei’saredottedandt’sarecrossedwithyoursuperiors,butIhavealawman’snose,andIcantellyousomethingsmellsinallthis.”

“Itdoes.I’mgratefulforanyhelpyoucanoffer.”“Question is, doyouwantme to cancel thewarrant forMissBrimm?”He

onceagainseemedtobestudyingLucas.“Idon’tthinkshewouldbeabletorunfar ifshe’s inyourcustody.AndIsuredon’t thinkshe’dbehardtofindifwehadtogohuntingforher.”

“Youmightwant to hold off on that awhile. If you don’tmind, Iwouldratherkeepthingsastheyare.Awarrantgivesmeleveragenothingelsewill.”

“Iseeyourpoint,McMinn.Ifyouchangeyourmind, letmeknowandI’lltakecareofit.”

“Expect to hear from me.” Lucas once again reached over to shake thesheriff’shand.“AssoonasTucker iscaught,I’llwantMissBrimmtogofree.Unlessshe’ssomehowimplicated.”

“Butyoudoubtit.”“Ido.ButlongasI’vebeenaPinkerton,I’vestillnotlearnedhowtofigure

outawoman.Soinmybookanything’spossibleuntilallthefactsarein.”“That’s the truth.Youmightwant towatchyourbackwhileyou’reon the

huntforthisfellow.Ifhe’sgonetothiskindoftrouble,he’seithergoodatwhathedoesorhe’snotworkingalone.”

Lucas shook his head grimly. “Tucker tends to find the next victimwhilehe’sstillwarmingupthecurrentone.It’spossiblehehasanotherwomanunderhisinfluencealready.Ormaybehe’sjustthatgood.Iknowhe’sleftastringofbroken hearts in his path. What I haven’t seen yet is him putting anyone indanger,sootherthantheobvious,Idon’tthinkhe’llharmanyonephysically.”

Lucasthensaidhisgoodbyesandheadedforthedoor.Steppingoutintothesunshine,heblinkedtoallowhiseyestoadjusttothebrightlight.

This accomplished, he walked over to the buggy and climbed in beside ascowlingFloraBrimm.“It’sabouttime.Iswear,Mr.McMinn,ifIfrecklefrombeingouthereinthesunsolong,Iwillholdyoupersonallyresponsible.”

“Ifyoufreckle?”Helaughedashereachedforthebrake.“That’stheworstyoucancomplainabout?”

“Oh,nevermind.Soyouaren’tlockingmeupinjail?”“No,ma’am.I’mtakingyouhome.”“ToNatchez?”Sheheldontightlyasheturnedthebuggyaroundandheaded

backupSpringStreet.“Whateverfor?”“Tocatchacrook,MissBrimm.”Hesparedheronlyaquickglancebefore

returningtothetaskofnavigatingthesteep,narrowstreet.“Likeitornot,you’remybestbait.”

“Bestbait,”shemuttered.“That’snotexactlyacompliment. Isuppose thismeansourpersonalcustodyarrangementisstillineffect.”

“It is.”Hepausedtoallowafamilyoffourtocrosstheroadbeforesettingthebuggyinmotionagain.“Beatsbeinginjail,don’tyouthink?”

“That’snotsayingmuch.”

Mr.McMinn’schucklesetherteethonedge,buttheeventsofthemorningand the exhaustion tugging at her kept Flora from engaging in any furtherconversation.By the time theyreached thehotel,shewasnearlyfallingasleepsittingup.

Thedoormanhurriedovertohelpherdown,studiouslyavoidingeyecontact.“It’sallright,”shewhisperedtohim.“Iknowyouwerejustdoingyourjob.”

Reliefwashedovertheman’sface.“Thankyou,MissBrimm.”Shegavehimasmileandthenheadedtowardthefrontentranceofthehotel.

WhenLucascaughtupwithheratthedoor,shewalkedpasthimtostepinsidewithoutcomment.

Ifshehadtotravelanywhere,goinghomewasthebestchoice.Floradecidedthis as she crossed the atrium lobby.At least there she could find solacewithFather…unless,ofcourse,hegotwindofthefactthatsheandGrandmamawerereturning.Inthatcase,hewouldlikelyfindcausetotravelandsoon.

A letter.Yes, shewouldwrite and tell him she had important business todiscusswith him. Letter. Her heart sank as she thought of the previous lettershe’d written. The one where she’d summarily announced that she would bemarriedthenexttimehesawher.

Shewouldhavetodealwiththat,mostcertainly.Buthow?“Miss Brimm,” the clerk’s voice derailed Flora’s thoughts. “Miss Brimm,

youhaveamessage.”“Oh,thankyou.”Lucas stayedather sideasFlorawalkedover to receive thenote from the

grinningclerk.Beforeshecouldreadit,hesnatchedthepaperfromherhandandgavetheclerkalookthatsenthimskitteringforthebackoffice.

“Idon’ttrustthatman,”hemutteredasheopenedthenoteandlookeddownatFlora.“It’sfromyourgrandmother.”

“Probablya scolding fornot returning to the suite lastnight.”Flora foldedthepageandreturnedittotheenvelopeunread.AtMr.McMinn’samusedlook,sheexplained.“I’lljusthearitagainoncewe’rewithher.Noneedtoreadwhatshe’lllikelysay.”

Heescortedherupstairs,whereFlorafoundthedoortothesuitewideopenand three maids doing what appeared to be swift and thorough packing. Shewalkedpastthemtoknockonhergrandmother’sdoor.

“Mrs.Brimmhasalreadygone,”amaidsaid.“Alreadygone?”Herheart sank.Ofcourse.Grandmamahadhurriedhome

toNatcheztoprepareFatherforthenewsthatwastocome.

“You’resureofthis?”Lucasasked.“Yes.Basedonwhatmygrandmotherknew, shewoulddefinitelypackup

andreturn toNatchezonceshebelievedI’dgonethroughwith themarriagetoMr.Tucker.”

Mr. McMinn shook his head. “Think carefully now. Are you sure shewouldn’t have tried to stop you?Maybe gone to Tucker and had it out withhim?”Apause.“OrmaybeshereturnedtothesuitelastnightwhileTuckerwashere.Mighttheyhavehadwords?Couldthingshaveturned…”

Floragasped.“Areyou thinkingmygrandmothermighthavebeenharmedbymyfiancé?Thatisludicrous!”

“Isit?”Hestudiedherwithgoodreason,andyetitstillfeltuncomfortable.“Yes,itis.”“Theribbon,”Mr.McMinnsaid.“Isitthesameoneyoufoundontheledge

outsideTucker’swindow?”“Idon’tknow,butIcancheckmyBibletoseeifthebookmarkisstillthere.”“Yes,dothat.”Hefollowedherasfarasthedoorandthenleanedagainstthe

frameasshewalkedovertothetableandretrievedherBible.“I don’t see a ribbon in here, so I have to assume this is the one that’s

missing.”“Andthathegotitwhenhewasinthesuiteafterweleft.”Floranodded.“Allright.Iwantyoutolookaroundandseeifanythingismissing.”“Honestly, Icannot imagine thatmyfiancéwouldstealanything,”shesaid

as she thumbed through the New Testament looking for her place in FirstCorinthians.

Hechuckled.“Ifnothingismissing,Iwillapologize.Butifthere’sanythingevenoutofplace,Iwanttoknowaboutit.”

She nodded, though a sharp response was on the tip of her tongue. WillTucker had no need to steal fromher, just as he had no need to gift herwithstolenproperty.Notonlydidhehaveagoodjobasarailroaddetective,buthealso would receive far more than the price of a few of her baubles once hecompletedthemarriagecontractandwentthroughwiththewedding.

Tosuggestanythingelsewasludicrous.Finding the book she was looking for, Flora turned partly away from the

doorandflippedthepagesuntilshereachedthethirteenthchapter.Someonehadunderlined part of verse twelve:For nowwe see through a glass, darkly; butthenfacetoface…

Beneath the verse, that same person had placed an arrow pointing to themarginwherehehadwritten:Face-to-faceinNatchez.Iwillfindyouthereandmarryyou.Trustme.

“Trustme,”shewhispered.“Yes,IbelieveImust,Mr.Tucker.You’restillthesolutiontoeverything.”

“Findanythingmissingyet?”“Nothingyet,”Florarespondedwiththebeginningsofagrin.“All right,” he said. “Be thorough but don’t take all day. If your

grandmother’strunksandhermaidsaregoingtoNatchez,soarewe.Anddon’teventhinkofarguingthepointorstallingfortime.”

“No,ofcoursenot.”FloraslidthepinkribbonbackintoplaceandclosedtheBible.Shelookedathimandhergrinbecameafull-fledgedsmile.

“Areyoumakingajoke?”“No,ofcoursenot.”SheplacedtheBiblebeneathherreticule.Onedarkbrowroseashecrossedbotharmsoverhischest.“Soyou’renot

goingtogivemeanytroubleaboutleavingonshortnotice?”Florashrugged.“YousaidyourselfIwasinyourpersonalcustody.I’lltake

NatchezovertheEurekaSpringsjailanyday.”“NoattemptstocontactTuckertowarnhimyou’releaving?”“No,”shesaidsolemnly.“IfMr.Tuckerwantstocontactme,hewill.”Andhewill.“Allright.”Mr.McMinn’sexpressionindicatedhestillhaddoubts.“Ifigure

it’sjustbetterifyouandItravelwiththemaids.ItsavestheissueofreputationandgivesmesomeonetokeepaneyeonyouwhenIcan’t.”

“Ofcourse,”Florasaid.“ThoughyouhavemywordIwillnottrytoescape.”“IntransitoroncewegettoNatchez?”heaskedashisgazesweptoverher.Sheshruggedassheaffectedhermostinnocentlook.“Mr.McMinn,Iknow

you’re a lawman, but truly you should stop being so suspicious. I want Mr.Tuckerfoundasmuchasyoudo.”

The truth.What shedidn’tmentionwas thatunlikehim, shehadnodoubtMr.Tuckerwouldbefound.Andlikelymarriedtoherverysoon.

T

Sixteen

he three-fifty train fromEurekaSprings allowed passengers to check intothePullmansleepingcarand travelwithoutchanging trainsall theway to

St.Louis.ThishadproventobealifesaverforLucas.WithouthavingtoworrythatMissBrimmoroneofhermaidsmight try toescapeduringastop,Lucaswasfreetogetapreciousfewhoursofsleep.

Atleastthatwasthetheory.“Youunderstand,”hesaid,“thatthere’snowheretorunonthistrain?”Shestoodherground,andfor thathehadtogivehercredit.“George,”she

calledtothePullmanporter,“whenyougetachance,couldyouturndownmybunk?I’msotiredIcouldfallasleeprightnowandnotwakeupuntilwegettoSt.Louis.”

“Yes, ma’am,” the uniformed fellow said with a grin. “Just let me get acoupleoffolkssettledontheothersideofthiscar,andI’llbebacktotakegoodcareofyou.”

FloraBrimmlookedupatLucas,herblueeyeswideandherexpressionasinnocentasawomanthatbeautifulcouldmanage.“Now,whatwasityouweresayingaboutrunning?”

Animageofthosesameeyeslookingupathimwhileshedancedintherainjolted him, followed quickly by the remainder of how soft her hair felt in hishand.Howclosehecametokissingher.

“Nothing,”hemanaged.“Allright.I’llseeyouinSt.Louis.”MissBrimmquietlyslippedbehindthecurtainsofhersleepercompartment,

andhedidn’thearfromheragaintheremainderoftheday.Sometimeaftertheeveningmeal was served, he sent amaid in to check on her, but the womanreturnedwithnews thatMissBrimmwas attempting to sleep.A similar resultcamea fewhours laterwhenanothermaidwas sent in to checkonwhyMissBrimmdidnotwishtoeatthemealthatwasoffered.

WhenthetrainfinallyarrivedatthedepotinSt.Louis,Lucasbreathedasighofrelief.Then,ashealwaysdid,he tuckedawaythesmallsenseofvictoryofgetting this far safely and began planning for the next step of themission tocapturetheindividualhewaspursuing.

Thispartofthejourneywouldbethemosttrickyashehadlittlecontroloverthegoings-onaboardthesteamboat.HecouldhardlyconfineMissBrimmtoherquarters,thoughheintendedtohighlyencouragesheremainthere.

Now,however,hehadtogetherandthemaidsandtheluggagetransportedbetweenthetrainstationandthedockswithoutincident.Adauntingtask,tosaytheleast.

“MissBrimm,we’vearrived.You’llneedtoleavethetrainsoon.”Noresponse.Lucasmovedclosertohercompartment.“MissBrimm?”“Iheardyou,”shesaidwithoutmovingthecurtain.“And?”“AndIwillleavethetrain…soon.”“I’ll just go see to the luggage. Please don’t dawdle, though.We have a

schedule to keep, and though I know you’re Flora Brimm of the NatchezBrimms,Idoubtthecaptainofthesteamboatwillwaitforyourlatearrival.”

Hestoodnearthecurtainforanotherminuteandheardnothingbutsilence.Shakinghishead,hemadehiswaytowardtheexit.

He stepped off the train into theSt.Louis depotwith his usual amount ofcaution.Thoughhe’dneverbeenambushedinarailstation,therewasalwaysafirsttime.

Heglancedaroundfor thePullmanporterandfoundhe’dalreadycollectedalltheluggageandpileditneatlytogether.“Thankyou,George,”hesaidashegave themanagenerous tip.“And thankyouforhelpingmekeep tabson theladies.”

Theportergrinned.“Youdidallthework,sir.AllIdidwaswatchtobesurenoneof ’emtookamind to leave the trainbefore itcametoastophere inSt.Louis.”

“That’s true, I suppose.” Lucas spied themaids gathering near the pile oftrunksandbags.

After waiting as patiently as he could, he finallymotioned for one of thewomentocomeforward.“PleasechecktoseeifMissBrimmwillbejoiningusinSt.Louis.”

“Yes,sir.”

Afewminuteslater,shereturned.“MissBrimmwillbealongdirectly,sir.”“Andwhen, exactly, isdirectly?”Hepulledhiswatchoutofhispocket to

checkthetime.“Weneedtobedownatthedockrightnow.”Againhebeckonedtheporter.“MightItroubleyoutogetthebagsandthoseladiesintoatransportsowedon’tmissourboat?I’mafraidI’mgoingtohavetogoinandhauloutMissBrimmbyforce.”

“Goodness,no!”hesaid,thoughhisexpressionshowedheknewLucaswasteasing.“Don’tbeclaimingthat.I’dhavetoturnyouinifIsawyoumistreatingthatwonderfullady.”

“Wonderful lady, indeed.” Shaking his head, Lucas stalked back to thePullmanpalace sleepingcar. “MissBrimm,”hecalled. “Idemandyoupresentyourself immediately. I refuse to miss the boat just because a woman in mycustodycannotreadyherselfintimeto—”

“Allright,”heheardhersayfrombehindthecurtain.“I’mcoming.”The curtains parted and she emerged. Apparently, though she had slept a

great deal, she hadn’t slept well, for dark circles were under her eyes. As hereachedforthebagshehandedhim,Lucasnoticedheryawning.

“Unhappywithyouraccommodations?”heaskedashe slung thebagoverhisshoulder.

“No, they were fine.” Another yawn. “I just don’t sleep comfortably in astrangebed.Itfeltasthoughtherewerelumpsofcoalunderthemattress.”

“Likethestoryoftheprincessandthepea?”Heallowedhisgazetosweepoverher.“Youdon’tlookanyworseforwear.”

Infact,shelookedabsolutelystunning.Thedressshe’ddonnedwasjusttherightshadeofbluetobringoutthecolorinhereyes,andoneofthemaidshaddressedherhairinsomesortoffancystylethatmadeherlookliketheprincesshe’djustteasedherabout.

“Thankyou,”shesaid.“Ithink.”“Ready?”heaskedforlackofanythingelsetosay.“OrarethereotherbagsI

needtocarry?”“No,that’sall.I’mready.”Lucas followedheroutof thePullmansleeperandescortedher toa rather

finecarriagepulledbyamatchedpairofbaymares.“Wherearethemaidsandallourtrunks?”“Alreadyinroute,”hesaid.“Therewasnoneedforthemtowaitwhileyou

completedyourtoilettethismorning.”MissBrimmrolledhereyesasthecarriagepulledawayfromthedepot.“I’m

notasregalasallthat,youknow.It’sjustthatI’vehadthehabitoftravelingaparticularway.”

“Isthatso?”“Grandmama had a sleeper berth designed just forme that’s dark and has

extrapaddingon themattresssoIdon’t feel themotionof the trainasmuch.”Another yawn. “I’ll likely sleep my way down theMississippi, however. NotroubleonsteamboatsunlessIhavetoomuchteabeforebedtime.”

He should have felt bad about his teasing, but instead Lucas counted theinfirmityasaplus.Ifsheremainedinhercabin,therewaslittletroubleshecouldfindthere.

Once they reached Natchez there would be trouble enough. Lucas had ahunch he would find more than just Will Tucker to worry about once theydisembarkedinMissBrimm’shometown.

Exactlywhat,hehadn’tyetdecided.Still,hehadthedistinctfeelinghewaswalkingintoatrap.Beforehecouldthinkonitlong,thecarriagehadpulledtoastop.

The docks teemedwith life, a population overflowingwith everyone frombaggage handlers and dockworkers to well-dressed men and women in theirfinery.WomenlikeFloraBrimm.

“Allright,”hesaid.“Stayclose.”Lucashelpedherfromthecarriageandkeptatightholdonherelbowashe

maneuveredheraroundcrates,personsofallcolorsandages,andmore thanafewanimalstoreachthedockwherethesteamboatfloatedatanchor.

Shepaused to smile. “I don’t believe I’ve traveled aboard this one before.It’slovely.”

The cabin-level entrance to theAmericus was reached through a staircasesometwostoriesinheight.Oneithersideofthestaircasewasanornatecolumnsupportinganarchaboveproclaimingthevessel’sname.

Oblivious to the chaos on the dock behind her,MissBrimm swept up thestairswithonlyherhandbagandtheBibleshe’dbeencarryingsinceshelefttheCrescent Hotel. If he hadn’t been ashamed of himself for being suspicious,Lucasmighthavethoughtshewassmugglingevidenceofsomesort inside theGoodBook.

The staircase spilledout onto anoversized carpeted salon that appeared torun the length of this portion of the steamboat andmost of thewidth.Crystalchandeliersasbigaswagonwheelsdottedtheceilingandmarchedintworowsabovetablesalreadysetforwhatappearedtobeagrandsupper.

Ordinner,asMamaandMissBrimmwouldhavetermedit.At the far endof the roomwasa raisedplatformcontainingagrandpiano

andseveral stringed instruments.Apparently,mealsaboard theAmericus camewithentertainment.

Abalconyranthelengthoftheupperfloorand,heassumed,allowedthosewith inside cabins to look down on the goings-on in the main salon. He’dalready noticed the outside cabins had a promenade balcony that ringed thevessel. Given the choice between the two, the lawmanwould opt for neither.However, he hoped the rooms they had been assigned would offer fresh airratherthanthesoundsofanorchestratuningupforthenextmeal.

“It’s beautiful,” Miss Brimm said as she came to stand beside him. “If Ididn’tknowbetter,IwouldthinkwewereinalovelyhotelinParisorLondon.”

“Yournameanddestination,please?”astewardaskedashehurriedtowardthem.

“McMinn.We’reheadedtoNatchez.”Theuniformedfellowlookedaroundthemandthenreturnedhisattentionto

Lucas.“Justthetwoofyou,sir?”“Isupposeyoucouldsaythat.”Lucasshrugged.“Twoofusplusthreemaids

andtwiceasmanytrunks.”Ifthestewardthoughtthestatementunusualorrifewithsarcasm,hegaveno

indication.Ratherhemadeanoteinthepadhecarriedandtuckedthepaperinhisjacketpocketandgaveacurtbow.“Docomethisway,please,Mr.andMrs.McMinn.”

“Oh,I’mnotMrs.McMinn,”MissBrimmprotested.Thestewardlookeddownhisnoseather,andthenhereturnedhisattention

toLucas.Hegavethefellowadon’t-you-dare-protestlook.“Yes,well,thisway,”hesaidasheledthemuptothestateroomlevel.“Our

bestpassengersareonthisfloor.You’lldineinourdiningroomandcanrelaxinourwell-appointedlounge.I’msureyousawthoseonyourwayupthestairs.”HisattentionwenttoMissBrimm.“Thereisalsoaladies’cabinforyouruseandenjoyment should you wish an environment free of those of the malepersuasion.”

“Thankyou,”shesaidasshepointedlystaredatLucas.“I’msureIshalllikethatverymuch.”

Thestewardgesturedtoapairofdoorssidebyside.“Theseareyourrooms.”Outercabins,Lucasnoted.Atleasthewouldhaveaplacetofindsomefresh

airifneedbe.Andthenathoughtoccurred.“Theydon’tconnect,dothey?”

“Theydonot,sir,thoughifyouwishIcouldfindapairofroomsthatdo—”“No,”LucasandMissBrimmsaidtogether.Heretrievedthepadfromhispocket.“I’lljustchecktobesureyourluggage

hasbeenproperly stowedandyour staff shown to their accommodations.Willyoubeinneedofanythingelsebeforedinner?”

“No,thankyou,”Lucassaidasheplacedacoinintheman’spalm.When the steward had hurried away, Lucas escorted Flora Brimm to her

stateroom.Heopened thedoor to takeaquickglance inside.Unlike the lavishattentiontodecorationdowninthesalon,thisstateroomwasserviceable,almostplain.

One narrow bed lined up against a wall while a chair and dresser with apitcherandwashbasinsatacrossfromit.Apassengerwhoawakenedduringthenight need only to lean out of bed and reach for the pitcher, so tinywas thespace.

Light poured in through the windows on the door that led to the balconyringingtheupperlevelofthesteamboat.Whennightfell,anoillampthathungoverthelonechairwouldhavetosuffice.

“Notexactlyfit foraprincess,”hesaidwithagrin.“ShouldIcheckunderthemattressforapea?”

“Iknowyouthinkyou’refunny,”Florasaidasshesweptpasthimtoplaceher Bible and handbag on the dresser. “But I think your humor is maskingsomething.”Shegavehimapointedlook.“Thequestioniswhat?”

Ignoring the question, he stepped out into the hall. “I’ll give you a fewminutestogetsettled,andthenIwouldlikeyoutomeetmeoutonthebalcony.”

“Whyisthat?”“Untilthisvesselsails,MissBrimm,Iplantokeepyouwithinsight.”“I’vetoldyourepeatedlythatIwantMr.Tuckerfound.AndknowingwhatI

doabouthisinnocence,whywouldIriskhimlookingguilty?”“Fair enough, but if you’re being followed, I’m going to know probably

beforeyoudo.”“YouthinkMr.Tuckercouldbeaboard?”Heshookhishead.“It’sdoubtful,butIamnottakinganychances.”“Well,youhavemenextdoortoyou.Howconvenient.”“Ourcabinsareside-by-sidesoIcankeeptabsonyou.AsIsaid,nothing’s

goingtohappentoyouonthisvoyagewithoutmyknowledge.”Sheshrugged.“I’msotiredIcouldbeasleepwithinthehour,sohonestlyI

don’tsupposeitmatterswhereyouorIsleep.”

Oh, but it did. Lovely as she was, Lucas knew the woman could easilyinvadehisdreams ifhe allowed it.Andknowing they shareda thin stateroomwallmightmakethosedreamsmuchmoredifficulttodismiss.

“I’llbebackinfiveminutes.Don’tthinkofleavingwithoutme.Remember,thereisstillawarrantforyourarrestbackinEurekaSprings.Onceyou’reoutofmypersonalcustody,you’reafugitive,MissBrimm.Doyouunderstand?”

“Imakenopromises,”washercrypticresponse.“You’renotserious,areyou?”Shewavedawayhisquestionand turnedherbackonhim to reach forher

Bible.Deciding she was properly warned and decently occupied, Lucas stepped

overtoopenthedoortohisstateroom.Findingaroomthatwasamirrorimageoftheonehe’djust left,Lucassteppedpastthebedanddressertostandat thedoorleadingtothebalcony.

Hedrewinadeepbreathofthehumidairandthenletitoutslowlyinhopeshecouldreleasesomeofhisconcernstoo.Itdidn’twork.NothingbutcatchingWillTuckerwould.

Lucas thought of FloraBrimm.Of theBible she carried all theway fromEurekaSprings.He’dgivehiseyeteeth foraBibleaboutnow.Something thatcouldgivehimtheguidanceandassuranceheneededthatthewayhewasnowtravelingwastherightone.

That he hadn’t gone off on this investigation with revenge as the onlymotive.

Butthewell-worncopyoftheNewTestamentheusuallytraveledwithnowlayburiedsixfeetunderinacoffinmadeforatrueprincess.Andlikeitornot,WillTuckerwasthereasonforitall.

Lucas stepped back from the window with its view of St. Louis and thedocks and settled onto the chair to rest his head against the wall. Though heknewthewomanwhocouldleadhimtoTuckerwasjustontheothersideofthepartition,heneededtotakeafewminutestogetrightwiththeLordfirst.

Slidingoffthechair,hekneltinthemiddleofthetinystateroomandlaidoutall his complaints against Will Tucker, Flora Brimm, and the Lord Himself.Whenhewasfinished,Lucasremainedrightthere,keepinghissilenceuntilhedecidedGodwasn’treadytotalktohimjustyet.

Slowly he climbed to his feet and walked toward the door. He couldpracticallyreachFloraBrimm’scabinwhilestandinginhisown,soitonlytookamomenttoclosehisdoorandknockonhers.

When there was no immediate answer, Lucas tried again. “Miss Brimm,openthedoor,please,”hesaidnonetooquietly.

Ofcoursesheignoredhim.FirsttheLordandnowthisaggravatingwoman.Didn’tanyonewanttospeaktohim?

Lucas tried the knob,which yielded to his hand.He opened the door andstepped inside.While her Bible remained on the dresser, the woman and herhandbagwere nowhere to be found.Hewent out into the hall and turned hisattentiontothestewardattheendofit.

“HaveyouseenMissBrimm?”The fellow’s shrugwasnot the answerLucaswanted.Hegrittedhis teeth.

Hewould search every inch of this vessel if he had to, and if he did not findFlora Brimm, she and not Will Tucker would become the focus of theinvestigation.ForwhileTuckerhadfooledsomeoneLucas loved,MissBrimmwouldhavemanagedtofoolhim.

Andthatwasn’tapossibilityhewantedtoconsider.

F

Seventeen

ive minutes were long gone, and the Pinkerton agent had not yet comeknockingatherdoor.Thiswasfine,becauseFlorawasn’tquitereadytosee

LucasMcMinnagain.Notwhenbeingwithouthimmeant shedidnothave toendurehisendlessattemptstoremindherthatshewas,indeed,inhiscustody.

Personalcustody.Anditcertainlyisbeginningtofeelalittletoopersonal.Justwhatshefeltwasamattershetriednottoconsider.Fornomatterhow

endlesslythemanirritatedher,therewassomethinginthewayhelookedather.SomethingthatemboldenedhertodothingsaBrimmjustwouldnotdo.

Likestealingchocolatecakeforapicnicontheroofandlickingthefrostingoffthefork.Likedancingintherain.

“No,”Florawhispered.“I’mnotgoingtothinkaboutthat.”Hesaidhewouldgivehertimetogetsettled,andthenshewastomeethim

onthebalcony.Yes,thatwasthebetterplan,shedecided.Sheclosedthestateroomdoorbehindherandwalkedovertotherailtolook

down at the activity below.What appeared to be chaos,much like an ant bedstirredupbyastick,wasinfactanorganizedprocess.

Mencarriedtheremainderofthecargoontothedeckandthenreappearedtofetchmore.Otherscarriedlogssheassumedwouldfire theengines that turnedthepaddlewheel.Stillotherstraversedthenarrowplankingacrossmuddydockstoescorttravelersaboard.

Itwasallsofascinating,notbecauseshe’dnevertraveledbysteamboat,butbecauseshe’dnevertakennoticeofitbefore.Alwaysshe’dbeenescorted,eitherby her grandmother or some other familymember. The only other time she’dmanagedtotravelalone,she’descapedthemaid’sattentionandfoundherwayintothemainsalonwhereshe’dmetWillTucker.

Shewonderednowif thatfortuitousmeetingmighthavehappenedhadshenotdeterminedtogiveViolet’scopyofPrideandPrejudiceonemoretry.

“Howsilly,”Floramuttered.“Weweremeanttomeet,andthat’sthat.”

The declaration said, shemoved down the deck to find a chairwhere shecould awaitMr.McMinn. She settled just around the corner fromwhere theirroomswere.Notfaratall.Shewassureitwouldtakehimnotimeatalltofindherwheneverhewasready.

Flora found the tensioneasing fromher.While thebreeze couldhardlybecalledfreshduetothecombinationofthesmellscomingfromthedockandthescentwaftingupfromtheriverbelow,therewasnonethelesssomethingpleasantaboutbeingoutdoors.

Others must have felt the same way, for the promenade was filled withtravelerstakingtheeveningairwhetherseatedinclustersorwalkingthelengthof the deck.Minutes passed as she relaxed in the warm sun. She smiled andnoddedtoatrioofladiesastheystrolledpast,andthenshereturnedherattentiontothedocksbelow.

A familiar figurecaughtherattention.Was thatMr.McMinndownon thedockshavingwhat appeared to be a heated conversationwith someone?Florarosetoreturntotherail.

Narrowing her eyes, she leaned forward to get a better look. It was Mr.McMinn.WhatintheworldwashedoingdownonthedockswiththeAmericusreadytosailatanymoment?

Whiletherewaslittlechancehecouldhearherfromthisdistanceandevenlesschanceshewouldmaketheattemptofshoutingtohimwithsomanyfellowtravelers nearby, Flora knew shemight capture his attention should shemoveintoviewandfixhimwithastare.Justtobesure,shepunctuatedthatstarebyplacingherhandsonherhips,theuniversalgestureintheBrimmhouseholdforindicatingdispleasure.

AtleastitalwayshadbeenforMamaandGrandmama.Thelastofthecrewbeganremovingtheplanksinpreparationfordeparture,

whiledownbelowachorusofmalevoicesechoedupcommandstofireuptheboilers.StillthestubbornmanrefusedtolookinFlora’sdirection.

Atthisrate,hewouldmissthesteamboatforsure.Thethoughtcaughtholdasthefinalplankwaspulledontothedeck,leaving

theAmericusfreetodepart.WithLucasMcMinnnolongersleepingontheothersideofherstateroomwall,shewasfree.

Freefromtheridiculousarrangementofpersonalcustody.FromtheshadowofsupposedguiltoversomeunnamedcrimethathebelievedsheorMr.Tuckerorthebothofthemhadcommitted.

Free tomarryWillTucker right thereon thedocks inNatchezby the first

riverboatcaptainwhowouldagreetoit,shouldshesodesire.AndshouldWillactuallymeetherthere,ashehadpromised.Slowly,shesteppedawayfromtherailtoblendintothecrowdonthecabin

deck.Onceagainshefoundafreechairandsettled in toenjoytheviewofSt.Louisinlastraysoftheafternoonsun.

Indeedthefreshairandopenspaceworkedwonders,forasthegiantstacksbelchedtheirsmokeandthepaddlewheelbegantoturn,FlorafeltnothingbutexhilarationatherfortunateandunplannedescapefromLucasMcMinn.

Thecitysoondisappearedinthedistanceasthesteamboatpickedupspeed.Whenastewardarrivedondeck toannounce thatdinnerwouldbeserved inahalf hour, she reluctantly returned to her cabin, where she found a trunk hadbeendeliveredandhereveningclotheshadbeenpreparedinherabsence.

Thedress lefthangingon thehookbehind thedoorwasagreensilkgownwithbeadingthatshecoulddonwithoutassistance,thoughshesoondespairedofherhair andwished forhermaid’shelp.Even thePinkertonagenthaddoneabetterjoboftaminghercurlsthanshedidwithherpoorattempt.

Finally Flora gave up and returned her brush and mirror along with theremaininghairpinstothetrunk.Ifonlyhatswereinstylethisseason.

AcheckofherwristforthetimecausedFloratorecallthelossofherwatch.Awatch thatwould be returned onceMr.McMinn discovered howwrong hewas about Will Tucker, she reminded herself. She thought of earrings anddecidedMama’spearlswouldbejustright.

Asearchofthetrunkfailedtolocatethem,soFloraoptedforapairoftinyemeralds that dangled from her ears. A pair of bracelets and an emerald-encrusted locket on a gold chain brought the outfit together, though it hardlymadeupforherpoorlydressedlocks.

Considering the likelihood thatMr.McMinn hadmissed the sailing, Floradecidednot towait foraknock thatwouldnotcome. Instead, shegatheredupher eveningbag and tuckedone last curl into place beforewalking out of herstateroomanddown the corridor.Before she reached the entrance to themaindining room, she could hear the three-piece orchestra tuning their instrumentsoverthehumofthediners’conversations.

“Goodevening,MissBrimm,”thestewardsaidasshearrivedatthedoublecolumned arches leading into the area reserved for seating. “Please come thisway,andI’llshowyouwhereyou’retosittonight.”

She followed the uniformedman around amaze of well-appointed tables,noting that a majority of the ladies and gentlemen had already been seated.

“MissBrimm,mayIintroduceyoutoyourfellowguests,theLennarts?”Thethreewomenshe’dseenpromenadingonthedeckearlier lookedupto

greetherwithsmilesasthestewardpulledoutherchair.Uponcloserinspection,Flora decided the trio was comprised of a mother and two daughters, anarrangementthatmadeherthinkofthosetimeswhenshe’dtraveledwithMamaandViolet.

UnliketheBrimmladies,however,thesethreehadnotonlyagreeduponthesamefabricandcolorfortheirgowns,buttheyalsoworethesamestyle.Tonightthatcolorwasavividshadeofpurple,thestyledecidedlyfrillywithrufflesandpuffsandaheavydecorationofebonylacearoundthesleevesandneckline.Allthreeworematchingnecklacesofjetandblackpearls.

“Welcome,MissBrimm,”Mrs.Lennart said. “What a lovely gownyou’rewearing.Thegreeninthosebeadsgoesquitenicelywithyouremeraldsandthatredhairofyours.”

Auburn,shewantedtocorrect,forshe’dneverlikedanyreferencestoherselfasaredhead.“Thankyou,”shesaidinstead.“Andyouthreelooklovely.”

The daughters, who Flora figured to be near her own age, giggled likeschoolgirls.“Thankyou,”theirmothersaid.“DidIunderstandyou’reaBrimm?MightyouberelatedtotheNewOrleansBrimms?”

Flora nodded. “I am. Winthrop Brimm is my cousin. Our fathers werebrothers.”

“WinthropBrimm,”Mrs.Lennartsaidthoughtfullyasshelookedfirsttoherdaughter on the right and then to the daughter on the left. “Well, of course. Iknowhimwell.MyhusbandhasbusinessinterestsinNewOrleans,andunlessIam mistaking him for someone else, I do believe he has certain ventures incommonwithyourcousin.Isn’titasmallworld?”

“Itis,”Florasaidassheglancedatthetwoemptychairsatthetable.“Isyourhusbandtravelingwithyou?”

“Oh,no.He’shuntinginIndiathismonth.Infact,Ithoughtyourcousinwasinthehuntingparty.PerhapsImisunderstood.”

Flora laughed.“Oh, it’sverypossible.Forall Iknow,WinnycouldbeoutbuyingsilkinChina.Ihaven’theardfrommycousininages,I’msorrytosay.”

Theorchestrastruckupalivelytuneasthefoodwasmarchedinundersilverplatters that looked verymuch like the one she andMr.McMinn had used toborrowchocolatecakefromtheCrescentHotel’skitchen.

“Whataboutyou,MissBrimm?”theLennartgirlontheleftasked.“Areyouaccompaniedtonight?”

“Actually,I—”“FloraBrimm!”theLennartontherightexclaimed.Sheturnedherattentiontothegirl.“Yes,IamFloraBrimm.”“Oh,oh…oh,Ithoughtso.Idoknowyou.”Sheshookherhead.“No,that’s

nottrue.Actually,IknowofyouthroughWinthrop.”“I should have mentioned that your Winthrop had thought to call on my

daughter,” Mrs. Lennart interjected. “I hope you understand, but at the time,well…”She leanedcloser.“MyEudorahad,well,otherprospectswhowereabitmorefavoredbyherfather,ifyouknowwhatImean.”

“Thatisnottrue,”thegirlinquestionsaid.“IalwayspreferredWinthropandsodidFather.Youknow thathewas justbeingawfulafterheheard thenewsabout—”

“Eudora,hushthisinstant!”Mrs.Lennartsaidsharply.All threesetsofLennarteyesturnedtofocusonFlora.Theolderwoman’s

facehadbeguntoturnaninterestingshadeofscarlet.Theothertwo,however,appearedtosuffernosuchembarrassment.

“Thenewsaboutwhat?”Floraaskedgently.“Aboutyou,”theotherdaughtersaid.“Delphinia,dostoptalkingatonce,”Mrs.Lennartsnapped.“Can’tyousee

you’recausingthissweetgirldistress?Surelytherumorsaboutthosepoordeadmenarejustthat.”SheofferedFloraaplacatinglook.“Iamterriblysorry.”

Flora’sheart sank.Soher famehad spreadbeyond theNatchez folkdowntheMississippi toNewOrleans.Theridiculous thought thatWinthropcouldatthisverymomentbecarryingonaconversationwithsomeoneinBombaywhohadheardofFatalFloracametomind.

“Iassureyoutheentirethingblewoveragesago,”Eudorasaid.“That’s true,”Mrs. Lennart added. “I know it becausemyMartin had no

qualms about going all the way to India with theman.” She reached over toplace her palm over Flora’s. “So don’t you worry. I certainly don’t believeanyonegaveseriousthoughttotheideathatWinthropBrimmmighthavedoneharm to anyof your fiancés so that hemight be the one to inherit theBrimmfortune.”

“I…I’msorry.Idon’tthinkIheardyoucorrectly.”Florashookherheadashermindcaughtuptowhatherearshadheard.“PeoplebelieveWinthrop—”

“Might have a good reason for stopping your grooms from reaching thealtar,”Delphiniasaidboldly.

“Yes,well,Isupposedthat’sonewaytoputit,”Eudoraadded,frowningat

hersister.“ButIneverbelievedhewasamurderer,andIwasquiteinsistenttoFatherandanyoneelsewhomentioneditthatIfeltallofthosesixmen—”

“Therewereonlyfour!”Florainterjected.“Ah.Well, inanycase, Ialwaysdidbelievehim innocent,andneveronce

didthatbeliefwaver.”“So,Flora,dear,”Mrs.Lennartsaid.“MayIcallyouFlora?You’resolike

myowngirls.”“Yes, of course,” she said, her thoughts still rolling around this new

informationregardingWinthrop.“Flora,dear,”Mrs.Lennartcontinuedasshenoddedtotheemptyseatbeside

Flora,“I’venotaskedifyou’retravelingalone.”“Sheisnot.”LucasMcMinnsettledontotheseatbesideherlookingfartoo

smugandevenmorehandsome.Hehadexchangedhis traveling suit formoreformalattire,thegrowthofstubbleonhischinforafreshshave.

Had he been anyone other than the Pinkerton agent who had irritated herwithhisinsistenceonthingslikepersonalcustodyandWillTucker’sguilt,shemighthaveallowedherselftobesweptoffherfeetwiththemerelookofhim.AglanceattheLennartwomentoldFloratheycertainlyhad.

“Well,now,”Mrs.Lennartsaidwithfartoomuchenthusiasm.“Justwhoisthishandsomeman,MissBrimm?”

“Isheyournextfiancé?”Eudoraaddedassheunashamedlystudiedthemaninquestion.

“He isnot.”Afteradeepbreath inandaslowreleaseof thatbreath,Florawas ready to continue. “Ladies, may I introduce Mr. Lucas McMinn? Mr.McMinn,thisisMrs.Lennartandherdaughters.”

“Charmed.AndwhichofyouisMrs.Lennart?”Mrs.Lennartbeathergirlsinreachingacrossthetableinamostunladylike

waytoallowhimtokissherhand.“Oh,my,butyouarequitethegentleman,sir.MayIpresentEudoraandDelphinia,mylovelyandcurrentlyunattachedgirlsofmarriageableageandsufficientfortune?”

“Apleasure, ladies,”Mr.McMinnsaidashemadeagreatshowofkissingtheirhands,agesturethathadworkedsoverywellwiththeirmother.Achorusofgigglesfollowed.Flora,however,founditdifficultnottorollhereyesattheridiculousdisplay.

“Mr.McMinn, itappearsyouhavewonovermydaughters.Perhapsyou’lldousthehonorofpayingavisitshouldyoueverfindyourselfinNewOrleans.”

“Hadyounotintroducedyourselfastheirmother,madam,Imighthavebeen

hard pressed to know which of you was the parent and which were thedaughters.Icancertainlyseewheretheygettheirbeauty.”

He actually said that to Mrs. Lennart, and with a straight face. Florastruggled to keep her own expression neutral as she watched Mr. McMinncompletelycharmtheladiesinlessthanthreeminutesflat.

Hadthefoodnotarrivedatthetableatjustthatmoment,it’slikelythethreewomenwouldhavecontinuedtofawnover thePinkertonagent. Instead,whilethestewarddistractedtheLennartswiththeirdinnerselections,FloraseizedthemomenttospeaktoMr.McMinnprivately.

“Wherehaveyoubeen?”“I could ask the same question of you, Miss Brimm.” His smile never

wavered, though his tone bore an unmistakably hard edge. “I specificallyrequiredyou tostayclosebyuntilcalleduponandwhatdidyoudo?You leftwithoutwaitingformeto—”

“Iwasexactlywhereyoutoldmetobe,Mr.McMinn.”Sheleanedclosersoastokeepfrombeingoverheard.“YousaidIwastomeetyouonthebalconyinfiveminutes.WhenIarrivedonthebalconyyouwerenotthere.Ididinfactseeyoudownonthedockinaheatedconversationwithastranger,butIdidnoteverfind you in the very place you demanded I should be.” Flora gave him atriumphantlook.“So,Iwillaskagain.Wherehaveyoubeen?”

“Ladies,”Mr.McMinnsaid,“wouldyouexcuseusamoment?”“But your food’s only just arrived,” Mrs. Lennart said. “Are you already

leaving?”“No,”hesaidfirmly.“IjustneedtospeaktoMissBrimm.She’salittlehard

ofhearingandthemusic…well,it’snoteasyforhertohearme.”Hegesturedtotheorchestra.“I’msureyouunderstand.”

“Ofall thenerve!”Florasaidquietlybut fiercelyasheattachedhimself toherelbowandpracticallyliftedherfromthetable.

Shefollowedhimoutofthediningroomasmuchbecauseofhisgriponherarm as to keep from making a scene. When they reached the corridor, shestoppedshort.

“Allright,Mr.McMinn.Thatisquiteenough,”shesaidassheshruggedoutofhisgrasp.“What in theworldwereyou thinking telling thosewomenIwashardofhearing?”

Astewardpassedthem,hisfoodtrayoverflowing.Thoughheappearedfartoobusytolistenin,hiseyesweretrainedonthem.

“Outhere,”Mr.McMinnsaidasheturnedFloratowardtheexit.Heplaced

hispalmonherbackandledherthroughthedoorsandoutontothebalcony.Thenightwasdark,but themooncast justenoughlighton theMississippi

Rivertocausearippleofgoldenwatertodancealongbesidethesteamboat.Thesplashofthepaddlewheelandsoundoftheboilerandthemenwhofireditwasmuteduphere,combiningwith thesoundsof theorchestra in thedining roomandthenightsoundsonshoretomakeasymphonyworthenjoying.

Unfortunately, being in the presence of Lucas McMinn meant that Florawouldlikelyneitherenjoythisnorwishtorepeattheexperience.SoshedecidedtogettheconversationfinishedquicklyandreturntothediningroombeforetheLennartladiescamelookingforthem.

“Mr.McMinn,I’llaskyouagain.HowdareyoutellthosewomenIamhardofhearing?Andwhatintheworldhasgottenintoyou?WasthereapurposeforbringingmeouthereordidyoujustwanttoreinforcethefactthatIaminyourpersonal custody?” She paused but only long enough to take a breath.“Something,Imightadd,thatyouwerewillingtoforgetaboutwhenyouleftthesteamboatwhileIwaswaitingexactlywhereIagreedtobe.”

Themoonlightslanteddeepsilveracrosshisface,castinghisgreeneyesinshadow. And yet the amusement that touched the tips of his mouth wasunmistakable.

“Whatissofunny?”sheasked,herhandsonherhips.“Areyoufinished?”heaskedinthatirritatinglycalmdemeanorheappeared

toenjoy.“Youareamostfrustratingman,Mr.McMinn.Doyouordoyounotknow

that?”He crossed his arms over his chest. He was standing close, far too close,

thoughthewalkwaywouldallownoless.“Yesorno?”hedemanded.“Idon’tknow.I’veforgottenthequestion.Orquestions.Or…oh!”Thedeck

shudderedunderherfeet,andFlorastumbled.He reachedout tograbher just as the railingbehindher snapped.Hauling

her back from the edge, he pressed her tightly against his chest. Flora lookedoveratthegapingholewhereshemighthavetumbledintotheriveror,worse,downtothedeckbelow.

Andthenshebegantoshake.Beitfearortherealizationofhowcloseshecametodisaster.Orperhapsit

was all of the frustration she felt at trying to be a good daughter, sister,granddaughter, and bride-to-be.Ormaybe itwas just the fact that all of thesethingshadleftherclingingtothemanwhoseverypresenceinherlifethreatened

allthethingsshehelddear.“Hey,now,”hesoothed.“Everything’sfine.You’refine.”She looked up into those impossibly green eyes and felt his strong arms

aroundher.Andthenhertearsbegantofall.“Oh,no.Don’tyoudare,”hesaidsoftly,allpretenseof theman-in-charge

attitudenowgone.“Don’tcry.Nothereandnotnow.”“I…”Flora blinked but her tears still shimmered. “I’mnot crying.Not on

purpose.”Heheldheragainsthischest,andshenestledagainsthisheartbeat.“Flora,”

he said after a fewmoments, his deep voice rumbling against her ear. “Flora,lookatme.”

Shedid,movingslowlytostareupathimashereachedintohispocketwithhis free hand and dabbed at her tears with his handkerchief. “It’s clean, Ipromise,”hesaid.

Flora crushed thewhite linen square in her fist and once again rested herhead against his lapels. For a moment the rumble beneath her feet and thesymphony of noises melded together to soothe her. And then, slowly, LucasMcMinnbegantomove.

Todance.“Whatareyoudoing?”sheaskedasshefellintostepwithhim.“I’mdancingintherain,”hesaidwithawickedgrin.“It’snotraining—”“Funny,butmyshirtiswet,”hesaidashespunheraroundandhauledher

backagainsthischest.Thenhekissedher.

H

Eighteen

ekissedher.LucasheldFloraBrimmclose,asmuch tokeephimselfuprightas to

buytimebeforehehadtolookherintheeyes.Whatwashethinking?Personalcustodydidnotincludeactinglikealovestruckfool.

Atleasthetoldhimselfthatasheswallowedhardanddugupthecouragetoholdheratarm’slength.Heshouldsaysomething.Anything.Afterall,hewastheoneinchargehere.

Butherlipsweresosoft,andhereyesweresoblue.Andthetearsthatstilldampenedhisshirthadalsosoakedrightthroughhisabilitytothinkstraight.

Shelookedupathimwithaslowsweepofhergaze,finallycollidingwithhisstare.Lipshe’djustkissednowturnedupinwhatcouldalmostbecalledasmile.

“We should go back in there,” she said softly. “Peoplewill bewonderingwhereweare.”

“You’reprobablyright.”Hetookhishandkerchieffromherhandanddabbedat her cheeks and then stuffed it into his pocket. Spying a curl that had comeunpinned,hegraspedhershouldersandturnedheraround.“Letmerepairthissonoonethinksyou’vecomeundonebecauseofme.”

Sheglancedoverhershoulder,athickstrandoffieryhairstillcurledinhispalm.“AndyetIhave,itseems.”

Sohadhe,buthewouldneveradmit toit.“MissBrimm,”hesaidwithhismostauthoritativevoice,“youshouldturnaroundnowsoI’mnottemptedtodothatagain.”

With a nod she complied.When he’d repinned that curl and severalmorethat hermaid had poorly styled, he turned her back around to face him. “Allright,let’sgobackin.”

Anothernodandshedidasheasked.Withoutcommentorcomplaint.That’swhenLucasbegantoworry.

Hefollowedherinside.Justbeforetheyreachedthediningroom,hereachedtostopherprogress.“MissBrimm,”hesaidwhenhehadherattention.“Aboutthatkiss.”

She looked up at him, eyes wide, and her expression one of completeinnocence.“Whatkiss?”

Lucaspausedonlyamoment. “Yes, right,”hemanagedashewatchedherweaveherwaythroughthemazeoftablestoreturntoherseat.

If hewaited until his heart stopped racing andhis thoughts cleared,Lucaswascertainhewouldbe standing there like a fooluntilwellpast the time thesteamboatdockedinNatchez.AndofalltheinventionsheandKylehadcreatedovertheyears,therewasn’tasingleonehecouldcallupontofixwhathe’djustdone.

Soheshoulderedhisprideandstraightenedhisbackboneandmarchedbacktothetableasifhehadn’tjustkissedthemostbeautifulwomanintheroom.Bythe time he reached his seat next to Flora, he’d almost convinced himself hecouldactuallypullitoff.

“Well,thereheis,”Mrs.Lennartexclaimed.“Everythingallright?”“Justdandy,”hesaidashebravedasidewayslookathiscompanion.“Right,

MissBrimm?”“Dandy,” she said with what he knew was forced good humor. “Yes,

absolutely.”AstheLennartwomendugintotheirmeal,Lucastriedtodothesame.And

yeteverytimehespiedFloraoutofthecornerofhiseye,allhecouldthinkofwashowgoodshefelt inhisarms,howhelplesshefeltasher tearsdampenedhisshirt,andhowsoftherlipswerewhentheypressedagainsthis.

Itwasenoughtodriveasanemancrazy.AndyetLucassomehowmanagedtoplasteronaninterestedlookwhiletheLennartladiestalkedonandonaboutwho knew what. He’d just about managed to get his mind back to where itbelonged,andthenthedessertcoursearrived.

Thestewardpresented thesilver servingdishandplaced itat thecenteroftheirtable.Then,withaflourish,heremovedthedomedlidtorevealchocolatecake.

Florastartedtogiggle,aquietlittlesoundthatunlessLucashadbeenpayingattention,hemighthavemissed.Heslidherasidewaysglanceandcaughtherlookingathim.

That’swhenheburstintolaughter.“Oh,my,”Mrs.Lennartsaid.“Iwishyouwouldletthethreeofusinonthe

joke.”“Actually,it’snotreallyallthatfunny,Isuppose,”Florasaid.“Mr.McMinn

and Iwere recently inEurekaSprings.Andduringour stay there,wehad themostdeliciouschocolatecake,didn’twe?”

Lucasstabbedhisforkintothecakeonhisplateandnodded.Hemighthaveattemptedwords,butatthatpointtheylikelywouldhavemadenosense.

“You and Mr. McMinn were in Eureka Springs together?” Mrs. Lennartasked.

“At thesame time,”Florasaidcarefully,“butno,not together. Iwas therewithmygrandmother.Perhapsyouknowher?MillicentBrimm?”

“OfcourseIknowher.Lovelywoman,yourgrandmother.”“Yes,sheis,”Floracontinued.“Shesuffersabitfromachesthatthewaters

inEurekaSpringstendtosoothe.”“So,Mr.McMinn,howdoyouandMissBrimmknoweachother?”Eudora

Lennartasked,herattentionfullyfocusedonLucas.He couldn’t resist teasing her. “Wemetwhile searching for a chessboard.

Isn’tthatright,MissBrimm?”“Don’t pay any attention to him,” she said. “My fiancé is a mutual

acquaintanceofours.”“Andnowyou’retravelingtogether?”Mrs.Lennartasked.“No,”Florasaidquickly.“Actually,yes,”Lucasamended.“I’mescortingMissBrimmtoNatchezin

hergrandmother’sabsence.Mrs.Brimmhadtoleavethecityearly,soIagreedto see to the safe arrival of Miss Brimm and some of the Brimm householdstaff.”

“Sothisfiancé.Isheoneofthedeadonesoristhisanewman?”Thisfromthe other Lennart daughter. Delphine?Orwas it Delphinium?He hadn’t paidcloseenoughattentiontorecall.

Whatever her name, this woman’s expression told Lucas she was clearlypleasedshe’djabbedFlora.Notagoodreflectiononthewomanand,becausetheother sister and themother didn’t seem tomind the bad behavior, itwasn’t agoodreflectiononthemeither.

Hethoughtofseveralpossibleretortsbutdecidedtoremainsilent.NoneofthethingshewantedtosaytothisLennartdaughterwouldendearhimtoherortherestofherfamily.Lucassettledinsteadfortakingabiteofcake.

“Ladies, this cake is delicious,” he said in an attempt to steer theconversationawayfromthecurrenttopic.

“He ismy current fiancé,” Flora said. “I’m sorry, butwould you pass thewaterpitcher,Mrs.Lennart?”

“Yes,dear,”theolderwomansaid.“And,Delphinia,dohavesomemanners.Can’tyouseeitstilltroublesFloratospeakofherlostloves?”

Three sets of eyes peered at his companion, leavingLucas free to try andswallow the bite of chocolate cake that refused to go down.One by one, theLennartfemalesshiftedtheirattentiontohim.

Apparentlyitwashisturntocontributetotheconversation.Andyethehadabsolutelynothingworthwhiletosay.

“Goodcake,”hefinallymanaged,whichonceagainsetFloratogiggling.Whenhecouldkeepquietno longer,Lucas joinedher and soon theyboth

dissolvedintofull-fledgedlaughter.“Iwonderiftheyeverfoundthoseplates,”shesaid.“Plates?”Eudoraasked.Lucasinstantlysobered.“Didn’tyouleaveanotewiththechef?”“No, whywould you say that?” Flora asked as she reached for her water

glass.He rested his elbows on the table and fixed her with an intense look.

“Becausethat’swhatyoutoldme.Whatwasthatyougavethewaiter?”Again the Lennarts were staring. Again, Lucas felt the pressure to say

somethingtodiverttheirattention.Heignoredboth.“Oh.Well,about that.”Floraswunghergaze tomeethis for the first time

sincetheyreachedthetable.“Ididsendanotetothechef.That’strue.Thethingis…”Shetookadrinkofwaterandthenanother.Finallyshereturnedtheglasstothetable.“Thethingis,thepaperwasblank.”

“Blank?”Heshookhishead.“Whywouldyoupassoffablanknoteto thechef?Thatmakesabsolutelynosense.”

“No, it doesn’t, does it?Now about those elbows,” she said as she leanedtowardhim.“It’sbadmannerstoeatwithyourelbowsonthetable.Bestremovethem.”

“I’mnoteatingrightnow,MissBrimm,andyouaredodgingthequestion.”“No,whatIamdoingismerelysavingyoutheembarrassmentthatbadtable

mannerscanoffer.”Hewasnottobedeflected.“MissBrimm,answerthequestion.”“Allright.IcannottellyouwhyIleftablanknoteforthechef.”Sheturned

herattentiontotheotherladiesatthetable.“Haveyoueverdonesomethinglikethat?Somethingthatyoulookedbackonitafterthefactandjustwonderedwhat

intheworldyouwerethinking?”“Oh, yes,” Eudora said before jumping into a lengthy discourse about the

multipletimessheorhersisterhadcommittedsomefauxpasoranotherwhileinthepresenceofpeoplewhoseopinionsofherweregreatlyvalued.

Lucaslistenedinstunnedsilenceasherealizedhowquicklyhisinvestigationintohisprisoner’squestionablestatementwasutterlyandcompletelyderailedbythewomenatthetable.Finally,he’dhadenough.

“Ladies,” he said as he tapped his spoon against his glass. “May I offer achallenge?”With all eyes on him and three of the four ladies nodding—Floraabstaining—he continued. “Canwe turn the conversation back to the topic athandandkeepitthereformorethanfiveminutes?”

Eudoraofferedabroadsmileasshe leanedforward toalsoofferaviewofherdécolletage.Lucasquicklyavertedhisgaze.

“Anythingforyou,Mr.McMinn.Now,whatwasthetopicathand,exactly?IbelieveI’velosttrack.”

“Oh, that’s easy,” her sister said. “We were talking about Miss Brimm’sfiancés.RememberhowangryFatherwaswhenhediscoveredWinthropmightbeinvolvedintheirdeaths?”

Lucasjoltedtoattention.“What’sthis?”“You weren’t here when we discussed the matter earlier,” Delphinia said

sweetly. “You see, Eudora andWinthropBrimm, that’s Flora’s first cousin…well,theywereanitem.”

“Not exactly an item,” hermother chastised. “Winthrop had an interest inEudora thatwent beyond a friendship.” She turned her attention to Lucas. “Itmight have beenmore than it actuallywas, butwith the rumors and then thecircumstantialevidence,well,whatcouldafatherdobutputanendtoaromancethatmightreflectpoorlyonhisdaughter?”HerattentionskitteredtoFlora.“Idoapologize,mydear,butthetruthofitisyou’renottobeashamedofthingsthatarenot inyourcontrol.Andwhateverwassaidaboutyourcousin,well, that’sneitheryourfaultnoryouraffair.”

“Thankyou,Mrs.Lennart.It’sverykindofyoutosaythat.”Lucas shook his head. “I’m confused.” He turned his attention to Flora.

“Whataretheytalkingabout?”“WinthropBrimmismycousin,”shesaidassheliftedhergazetomeethis.

“Ourfatherswerebrothers.WhilemyfatherchosetostayinNatchez,Winny’sfather settled in New Orleans. Apparently, these ladies are acquainted withWinny.”

“FatherishuntingwithhiminIndiarightnow,”Eudoraexclaimed.“Isn’tthatnice?”hesaidtoherbeforereturninghisattentiontoFlora.“But

whatisthisaboutmurder?”“Oh,that’sthebestpartofthetale,”Delphiniasaid.“Apparentlyallfourof

MissBrimm’sfiancéshavefailedtoarriveatthealtarfortheweddingalive.Thereasoniscauseformuchspeculation.”

“Delphinia,”hersistersaid,“don’tbesoghoulish.Everyoneof thosefourmenmettheirdemiseduetonaturalcauses.Tosuggestotherwisewouldjustbewrong.”

“Thenwhysuggestitatall?”Lucaslookedtothethreewomen.“Isthereanyevidencetosupportthis?”

“TherewastalkthatWinthropstoodtoinheritshouldFlora…”Mrs.Lennartshookherhead.“No,Iwillnotrepeatgossip.”

The statement almostmade Lucas laugh out loud. “Miss Brimm,” he saidslowly,“youdon’tknowofanyreasonwhyyourcousinwouldwantanyofyourfiancésdead,doyou?”

“No,”shesaidquickly.Tooquickly.“If Flora doesn’t marry and have a child before her cousin turns thirty,

Winthrop is thesoleheir.Hisgrandfathersetup thewill thatway.Apparentlythere was some sort of disagreement betweenMr. Brimm and his eldest son,Flora’s father.He should have inherited.”Eudora shrugged as hermother andsistergapedinherdirection.“What?It’sthetruth.Winthroptoldme,andhetoldFather too.That’swhyFatherdecidedIshouldfindamoresuitablesuitor.Hefelt that a woman as beautiful as Flora Brimmwould easily find aman whocould live long enough tomarry her and sire a child.”Her gazewent back toFlora,andshesaid,blushingslightly,“Thoughyoutrulyhavelittletimeleft.”

Theother sisternodded.“Indeed, it can takeawhile to…well, there isanorder to things thatwould cause one to believe threemonths or possibly fourwouldbethemostyoucouldwaitto—”

“Enoughofthat,girls!”Mrs.Lennartexclaimed.“Notanotherword.”Lucas couldn’t helpwatchingFlora during the otherwoman’s diatribe.He

didn’thavetoaskifanyofitwastrue.Thelookonherfacewasanswerenough.NowonderFatalFlorawantedtohitchherwagontothefirststarthatlooked

to be sturdy enough to survive. She didn’t want to marry Will Tucker. Sheneededto.

Thereisnothingawfulaboutthetruthbeingknown,Floratoldherselfasifshemightactuallybecomeconvincedofit.WhatelsehadWinnysaid?HadhethoughttocharmEudoraLennartwithpromisesofafortunehehadyettogain?

“Flora,” Mrs. Lennart said, “I’m sorry this dreadful topic has beenresurrected. I intend to banish it immediately from the table, and I knowmydaughterswillheedmywarningaboutsayinganotherwordonthematter.”ShelookedfirsttoDelphiniaandthentoEudora.“Won’tyou?”

Bothwomennodded,thoughneithershowedmuchenthusiasmwiththeidea.“Thankyou, truly, but you’dbe surprisedhow little this topic bothersme.

Honestly, the idea that Winny might have something to do with… well, theunfortunateevents?That’sjustludicrous.Andbesides,I’mtheonedubbedFatalFlora.Ijustassumedthateveryoneblamedme.”

“Oh,dear,no,”Mrs.Lennartsaid.“You’readarlingforevenbroachingthetopic,butIassureyouthatamongthebetterfolkofoursetyouarenothingifnotatragicfigure.”

Great.“What Imean to say,”Mrs.Lennarthastened toadd, “is thatyouarewell

bred and impeccably raised, and there’s no fault tobe found inyou,mydear.ThisIhaveheardbothfromthegossipsandthosewhoareinapositiontoknowyou.”

“Thank you,” Flora said, though she found the comment uncomfortable.Whydidanyonemakeittheirbusinesstoknowthedetailsofanother’slife?

Todivertherthoughts,sheturnedtofacethePinkertonagent.“So,yousee,Mr.McMinn, there is nomysteryhere.Winny is not amurderer, and I amofgoodcharacter.”

“Dulynoted,”hesaidasheturnedhislipsintothebeginningsofasmile.Lipsshehadjustkissed.Florapushedawayherplateandplacedhernapkin

onthetable,theneedtoescapepropellinghertoherfeet.“Ifyou’llexcuseme,Ireallyshould…”

Mrs.Lennartshookherhead.“Shouldwhat,MissBrimm?”“Actually,”Lucassaidasherose.“WhatMissBrimmhasforgotten is that

whilesheandImetlookingforachessgame,we’venotyetmanagedtoplay.”Hegesturedtotheloungeareajustbeyondthediningtables.“UnlessImissmyguess,Ibelievewe’reabouttofinallygetourchance.”

He thenofferedFlorahishand.She took itwithoutargumentorcomment.Fromhisexpression,FloracouldtellLucasMcMinndidn’tknowwhethertobepleasedorworried.

“Ladies,ithasbeendistinctlyinteresting.”ThoughFlorarecognizedsarcasminhistone, thethreeNewOrleansladies

obviouslydidnot.HefawnedovereachinequalmeasureandmadesuretokissMrs.Lennart’shandjustashehadwhenhegreetedher.

“Anytime you’re inNewOrleans,wewould love to host a party for you,MissBrimm,”Mrs.Lennartsaid.

“AnddobringMr.McMinnwithyou,”Delphiniaadded.Eudoraleanedclose.“Perhapsyoucouldbringalongyourcousinaswell?I

domisshisattentions.”“Well,thatwouldbeuptoWinny,butIwillcertainlytellhimofyouroffer

—”“Oh, no, you mustn’t!” Eudora exclaimed. “He would think it awfully

forwardofme,especiallygivenourissuewithFather’slackofapproval.”“An issue that’s obviously been remedied if the two of them are away

hunting in India.” A thought occurred to Flora, both entertaining andmischievous.“Youknow,MissLennart,perhapsyoushouldwritetoyourfatherandaskhimtorethinkhismisgivingsaboutmycousin.HecouldeasilyconversewithWinnyonthespotandsolveanydifferenceshemighthave.”

“That’sbrilliant!”Sheclaspedherhandstogetherandturnedtohermother.“Don’tyouthinkthat’sbrilliant,Mama?”

“Itis,”Mrs.Lennartsaid.“WecouldperhapsplanapartyforFather’sreturn.Yes,thatsoundslovely.Weshall.”Astrickenlookcrossedherface.“ButwhatofWinthrop?Mightyoualsowritehimaswell?”

“I will,” Eudora said with enthusiasm as she rose. “I must write himimmediately.I’lltellhimofthepartywe’replanningandhowImethiscousinFloraandshe’sjustlovely.”

“Please don’t tell him you met me,” Flora said quickly. “That shouldprobablybeasurprise.”

“Yes, absolutely.” Eudora kissed her mother on the cheek. “Thank you,Flora.You’vebeenwonderful.AndMr.McMinn,ithasbeenapleasuretomeetyou.Now,ifyou’llexcuseme,Ihavesomeletterstowrite.”Shehurriedoff.

“Isn’tshetheluckyone,”Delphiniamuttered.“Now,dear,you’llhaveyourturn.”Mrs.LennartofferedFloraashruganda

weaksmile.“Wecan’thaveeverything,canwe?Dogiveyourgrandmothermybest.”

“Iwill,”FlorasaidasshemadehergoodbyesandthenallowedLucastoleadherawayfromthetable.

“Whatareyousmilingabout?”heaskedwhentheyhadmovedarespectabledistanceaway.

“JustthinkingofhowWinnywillreactwhenthatgirl’sfathergoestospeaktohimabouther.”

“Comewithme,”heinsistedasheplacedherhandinthecrookofhiselbow.Whenhepausedjustontheothersideofthediningroomandnoddedtowardanemptytablewithachesssetonit,Floralookedupathim.

“You’reserious?”Heshrugged.“MissBrimm,we’vebeenlookingtoplaychesssincetheday

wemet.Areyouseriouslysayingthatnowwehavethechance,you’regoingtoturnmedown?”

“Oh, Mr. McMinn, you have no idea what sort of trouble you would begetting into if you play chesswithme,” she said as she let go of his arm, satdown,andmovedawhitepawn.“IwastheDillinghamLadiesPreparatorychesschampionforthreeyearsrunning.”

“Isthatachallenge?”heaskedashetookaseatacrossfromherandmovedablackknight.

“Idon’tknow.”Shelookedoutthewindowatthemoonshiningdownontheriver and then back at her companion. “It’s a lovely night.Maybe I’d prefergoingforastrollonthecabindeckandenjoythemoonlightontheMississippi.”FlorareturnedherattentiontoMr.McMinnassheslidawhiteknightforward.“Youknow,thedeckwhereyouweresupposedtomeetmebeforewesailedthisafternoon.”

Hisbrowrose,asdidawickedgrin.“Thedeckwhereyoukissedme?”“WhereIkissedyou?”She loweredhervoice.“Itwasyouwhokissedme,

Mr.McMinn,anddon’tyouforgetit.”“Oh,Ipromise,MissBrimm,”hesaidsoftlyasheshiftedhisblackrookinto

placeandlookedupather.“Iwon’tforget.”

C

Nineteen

heck,”Florasaidtriumphantly.“Yourkingisindanger,Mr.McMinn.”Itwasn’treally,notfatally.AndthoughLucascouldseethreedifferent

waystocaptureherkingandwinthechessgame,hewasenjoyingthewoman’scompanyfartoomuchtoendthingssoquickly.

Andbeyondthat,theystillhadbusinesstoattendto.Hemovedhiskingoutofdangerandthensatbacktowatchherconsiderher

nextmove.Hedidthesame,thoughnotwithanythoughttothegame.Instead,hestudiedherwhilehehadtheopportunity.Shewastrulybeautiful,

though that was not what drew him to want to know more about her. Thiswomanofwealthandprivilegehadsomethingelseabouther—aninnerbeauty—whichhecouldn’tquitedefine.Andthentherewasthethoughtthathe’dmetherbefore.PerhapsinNewOrleansorduringhisdaysatHarvard.

Heknewthatwascompletelyimpossible,andyetthelongerhesatacrossthetablefromher,themorehefelttheoddsensation.

Shelookedupandcaughthimstaring.“What?DidImakeabadchoice?”He looked down and saw she’d captured his rook. “No, youmade a good

one, actually.” He countered with his queen and then continued his study ofFlora.

Insteadofmakinganothermoveonthechessboard,however,shepausedtomeethisgaze.“Iwonderifyou’vedecidedaboutmeyet.”

Lucas hadn’t expected her to say anything like that. His response took amomenttoformulate.“Whatdoyoumean?”wasthebesthecouldmanage.

“Whether I’mguiltyof the things I’vebeenaccusedof.”Shepaused.“I’mjustcuriousastowhetheryouactuallythinkIcouldhavecommittedthecrimeyou’veswornoutawarrantfor.OrareyouonlyusingmetogettoWillTucker?Ihavemyopinion,butIwonderaboutyours.”

She tilted her head slightly and a curl slid free to cascade downher back.Lucas’sfingersitchedtotouchit,butheforcedhisaddledbrainbacktothetopic

athand.“I’vealreadyadmittingusingyoutogettohim.That’sthesubstanceofour

dealandthereasonyou’restillwalkingaroundinsteadofsittinginajailcell.”“Isupposethat’strue.AndI’mhelpingyoubecauseI’mcertainofmyfiancé

andhischaracter.Butastomyguiltorinnocence?”“Youreallydon’tbelievehecouldcommitanycrimes,doyou?”“No,notreally,thoughIbelieveallofushavetheabilitytomakechoicesto

dothewrongthing.That’shumannature.However,inthiscaseIamabsolutelycertainthatWillTuckerwouldnothavedonewhatyouthink.IfIcouldtellyouthecompletereasonwhy,whichIcannotatthispoint,Ibelieveyouwouldthinkthesame.”

Thereshewentagainwiththesamedefenseofthemanforthismysteriousunknown reason that would be cleared up when Tucker was cross-examined.WhatstruckhimmostwasherinsistencethatthemanLucasknewasahardenedcriminalcouldn’tpossiblybeinvolvedinwrongdoing.

Didshe trulynotknowhispast?Hisgut toldhimshedidn’t,andyet ifhebelievedshewasbeingusedbyTucker, therewasawhole lotmoreaboutherhe’dhavetochangehismindabout.AndrightnowthinkingofFloraBrimmasanythingbutapotentialcriminalinhispersonalcustodywasdangerous.

His fingerwent to his lips as he recalled justwhat could happenwhen heallowedhimselftoseeherthatway.Justasquickly,helethishandfalltohislapandsenthisthoughtsbacktothetopicathand.

The fact remained, though.FloraBrimmwas a dangerouswomanwhethershewasguiltyorinnocent.

“You’re skeptical,” she said as she toyedwith a pawn. Her gaze lifted tomeethis.“Myguessisthat’sahazardofyouroccupation.”

“Itis.”Shemoved the pawn to take out his knight. “Then Iwon’t take offense. I

only ask that you remain fair and impartial, and that you giveMr. Tucker anopportunitytoexplain.”

LucaswantedtogiveheralecturerightthenandthereaboutthecharacterofherMr.Tucker.Aboutwhathe’dbeenknowntodoonceawomanadmittedhercompletetrustinhim.Whathecoulddotohernext.

Butifhegotstarted,he’dlikelysaysomethinghewouldregret.Somethingthatmightjeopardizetheinvestigation.So,intheinterestofseeingWillTuckerpayforthecrimeshe’dcommitted,Lucaschosetotakethehighroadandkeephisstrongeropinionstohimself.

“Mr.McMinn,youseemreluctanttorespond.”“I am, but I will admit I’m keeping an openmind.” The truth, though he

hatedtoadmiteventhatmuchofthedoubtsthathadbeguntodoghim.“Thoughtheevidenceisoverwhelming.Thepropertyyouhandedovertomewasstolen.”

“Fromsomeoneyoucareverymuchfor.”Herfacelookedsoinnocentwhenshesaidthosewords.Andyettheinsight

behind them terrifiedLucas. If she could see that in him,what else could shesee?

“Iprefertokeepthesubjectonsomeoneyoucarefor.”Hepaused.“TellmeaboutWillTucker.Whatisitabouthimthatmadeyouaccepthisproposal?”

Sheshiftedpositionstomoveherpawn.“IfItoldyou,youwouldn’tbelieveme.”

“Tryme.”“Ihadindicationshewastheone.That’sallI’mgoingtosay.Andit’syour

move.”“Mymove?”Floranoddedtowardthegame.“Oh,right,”hesaidasheslidhiskingover.“HowwelldidyouknowTucker

beforehebecameyourfiancé?”Hewatchedas several emotionscrossedher face.Finally shemethis eyes

withwhatappearedtobeembarrassmentorregret.Lucascouldn’ttellwhich.“Ididn’tknowhimatallbeforethatday.”Sheshrugged.“Iknowitsounds

completelyinsane,andmaybeitis.”“Ineverdidbelieveinloveatfirstsight,butifyouwanttoclaimithappened

toyou,gorightahead.”“I’mnotclaimingthatatall.”Shepausedtomoveherqueenwithinreachof

his king. “You heard what the Lennart ladies said about me. About mygrandfather’swill.Thosewomenwere complete strangers tome, andyet theyknewintimatedetailsaboutverypersonalissuesthatonlymyfamilyshouldbeprivyto.Youhavenoideahowoftenthishappens.”

“Youdoappeartobeapopulargal,MissBrimm.”“Therewas a time Imight have enjoyed that.Even cultivated it.”Another

pause,andthistimeshelookedaway.“IjustgottiredofbeingFatalFloraandofhavingtheweightofthefamilyinheritanceswinginginthebalancebetweenmeandWinny.Itseemedtheeasiestway.”Sheshookherhead.“Thebestway,”shecorrected.

“Do youwant the inheritance that bad?” he said. “Bad enough tomarry a

stranger?”HeallowedthatTuckermightbeastrangertoher,butonlyasanexperiment

tocheckherreaction.Tohissurprise,herexpressiondidnotchange.“Idon’twantitatall.ButmyfatherdoesandsodoesGrandmama.Andthen

there’sViolet’swelfaretoconsider.”“Yoursister?Whatdoesshehavetodowithallthis?”Floralookedaway.“Sheneedsahomeandfull-timecare.Icanprovidethat

ifIkeepBrimmfield.Idon’ttrustWinnytoprovideforherifIdon’t.”Aninvalidsisterandrelativesschemingtokeepwhatsomeoldcootwanted

them to fight for? And here was Flora apparently stuck in the middle. For amoment, his heart hurt for her. “So these people are depending on you tosomehowsavethefarmbymarryingatotalstranger?”

“Not exactly. Father has no idea beyond what I’ve written to him, andGrandmama…well,shewasonlyrecentlyinformed.”Shesatbackinherchair,allpretenseofplayingchessnowgone.“The ideawas towait longenough tobecomebetteracquaintedbeforeMr.TuckerandIactuallymarried.Toanswerthequestionyouwill likelyasknext,yes,wedid intendoneloping inEurekaSprings, though I had hoped to introduce him to Grandmama and to spend aweekortwowithhimbeforewewed.”

“Butitdidn’thappenlikethat.”“No. Unfortunately, Mr. Tucker was two weeks late, which meant that

Grandmama’sdeparturedatewasnearing.Nothinghappenedaccordingtoplan,thoughIdidtellherthedaybefore…well,beforewemighthavewedhadInotmissedtheappointment.”

Lucasignoredthebarb.“Nowonderyouwereinsuchapanicthenightwemet. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen awoman negotiate a fourth floorwindowledgeinaballgownasskillfullyasyoudid.”

Hersoftchucklewasawelcomesound.“IowethatskilltoViolet.Shewasthebraveone…untilheraccident.”

“TheaccidentthatmadeyoutheonlyBrimmdaughterwhocouldmarryandfulfillGrandpapa’sterms?”

“Yes.”Itwasamerewhisper.Knowing people like theBrimms,who couldwrite in theirwillswhatever

outlandish terms they wanted to manipulate children and grandchildren likepuppets from the grave, Lucas didn’t ask for clarification. ApparentlyGrandfather Brimm had set Flora and this Winthrop character up as cousinssparringforthesametrophy.

“So, Miss Brimm, if you’re willing to marry a stranger to please yourgrandfather’slawyers,whatisyourcousinWinthropwillingtodo?”

Herconfidentexpressionfaded.“Youdon’tactuallybelievethatanyofwhattheLennartsgossipedaboutispossible,doyou?

“Almost anything is possible.”He shrugged, just anudge andnothing thatwould indicate any sort of extreme interest in the topic. And yet at the sametime,hecontinuedtowatchherkeenly.

“Possible,yes,”shesaidasshemaintainedanevengaze.“Probable?No, Idon’t think it is probable that Winny had anything to do with my currentunmarriedstate.”

“Asinhedidn’tkillanyofyourfiancés?”“Exactly, though it sounds so harsh when you put it that way.” Her

expressionsoftened,andLucasthoughtitpossiblethathereyesmighthavebeenhiding a few unshed tears. “Contrary to what you likely believe about me, Iwasn’talwayssointentonmarryingforanythingbutlove.”

“Oh?”She’d definitely captured Lucas McMinn’s attention with that statement.

Florasteeledherselffortheremainderoftheadmissionsheplannedtomake.“Believeitornot,Iwasinlove.”“Withallfourofthem?”Histonedidnotofferthesarcasmsheexpected,nor

didheseemtodismissherstatementoffhand.“Well,notatthesametime,Mr.McMinn.”“Lucas.”Florashookherhead.“I’msorry?”He leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees. “Callme Lucas. I

thinkweknoweachotherwellenoughtoallowusthat.”“Allright.Lucas.”Shetriedoutthenametentatively,givingitlessemphasis

than it feltwhen she spoke theword. “As Iwas saying, yes I did loveSimonHoneycutt. I’d loved him since childhood.We had a pact.” Flora felt a smilerisingdespitethejabofpainatspeakingofSimon.“Whenwereachedtheageoftwenty-five, which seemed awfully old to us back then, if neither of us hadmarried we were to become engaged. And then by thirty, which was all butelderlybyanine-year-old’sstandards,wewouldmarryandhaveonechild.”

“Thirty?”Sheshrugged.“Weplannedtotravelthewordfirst.Andfiveyearsseemed

likeplentyoftimetoseeeverythingatleastonce.Hismotherthoughtthewholething amusing. Mine thought Simon was my perfect match. So, we werehumored.Encouraged,actually.”

Hersmiledippedslightlyatthecornersathowsimplethatallsounded.Howvery easy itmight havebeen todo asGrandfather askedhad thingsnot takensuch a terrible turn for the worst with Simon and the fever that took him soquickly.

“IfonlyIhadthewisdomofanine-year-oldagain,”shesaidsoftly.AmomentpassedasFloralookedbeyondthechandeliersandchampagnein

thedining room to see thebeautiful simplicityof themoon floatingabove thetreelinethroughthehighwindows.

“Whathappenedtotheotherthree?”Hisquestion,thoughgentlyasked,stilljarredher.

“BeingaPinkertonagent,Ithoughtyou’dknow.”“Iknowwhatthefilesays.”Hepausedtoshiftpositions.“I’dliketohearit

inyourwords.”“Alwaysinvestigating.”“Ahazardofthejob,”hesaidwithoutanysignofapology.“Allright.”Sheletoutalongbreath.“Myfirstfiancé,Graham,andIwere

far too young to be consideringmarriage, butmymother had just died and…well, I suppose people marry at seventeen and do just fine. I’m not sure wewouldhave.”

Whenhenodded, she continued. “Grahamaskedme tomarry himwhile IwasawayatDillinghamLadiesPreparatory.Wewrotethemostromanticlettersbackandforth.”Shepausedtosmile.“Hewasquitethewriter.”

“Whathappened?”“His fatherandminehadadisputeover thepriceof indigocrops.Though

we’dalreadyannouncedourintentiontomarry,Fatherforbademetoseehim.”Sheshrugged.“Wedecidedtorunawaytogether.”

Lucassmiled.“Soyouhaveahistoryofeloping.”“Well, I have a history of attempting to elope. This one didn’t work out,

obviously, though itwasn’t because the groomdidn’t show.Unfortunatelyweonly got as far asMemphis. Father hauledme home, though I was none toohappyaboutit.”

“AndGraham?”“Hewroteme twice promising to come and getme.” Flora paused. “And

thenhestoppedwriting.Afewweekslaterhewasfoundinanalleyinarather

seedy part ofNatchez.Apparently there had been a robbery, though his bodymusthavebeendumpedthere,forhecertainlydidnotfrequentthatsortofarea.At least not that I knew of.” She shook her head. “I didn’twant to know thedetails.I’msureyoucanfindthemeasilyenough.”

“Andfiancénumber three?”heasked.“Howdidhemeetyouand thenhisMaker?”

Sheslantedhimalook.“ImetAlanwhilevisitingmyauntinNewOrleans.HeandWinnywerefriends.Hedied…”

“Goon.”She knewwhat hewould think, but the truthwas the truth. “Hewas shot

whilehunting.”“Andwhowasthismanhuntingwith?”“Well,therewereafewboysfromTulane.Hewasattendingschoolthere.”“Anyone else?” He shifted positions in the chair. “Was your cousin

Winthrophuntingwiththem?Apparentlyhelikesthatsortofthing.”Even if shewere todeflect thequestion,Mr.McMinn likelyalreadyknew

theanswer.“Hewas,”shesaidwithalookthatdaredhimtomakeanyfurtheraccusations.“Andifitmakesanydifference,IwantedtobelieveWinnydidit.Iblamedhimatfirst,quietlyandprivately,andIthinkotherfamilymembersdidaswell.Butweallclosedranksandsawto it thatweprovidedaunifiedfrontuntilthescandalblewover.”

“Whatmadeyoudecideitwasn’thimwhopulledthetrigger?”Florasighed.“BecauseapparentlyAlanwaskilledbyhisowngun.Theman

whofoundhimsaidhethoughttheweaponhadeithermisfiredorhedroppedit.”“Neither are likely for an experiencedhunter.”Hepaused. “How longhad

thismanbeenhunting,Flora?”“Truly,Mr.McMinn…Lucas.Whyareyoudoingthis?”“BecauseIwanttoseeifprotectingpeopleyoucareaboutisahabitofyours

orjustaone-timeeventthatappliesonlytoWillTucker.”Shecrossedherarms,closedhereyes,andsighed.Ontheothersideofthe

room,theorchestrahadswitchedtoanupbeatwaltzthathadpeoplejumpingupto fill the dance floor. For a moment, she considered making an attempt toredirectLucas’sattention towarddancing.Oranythingother than thismacabretopic.

“Let me get this straight,” he said. “You lost one fiancé to a mugging.Definitelynotsomethingyoucouldhaveanypartin.”

“Correct.”

“Thenthere’sanunfortunateillnessthattookfiancénumbertwo.”Whenshenodded,hecontinued.“Andfiancénumberthreehadahunting-relateddeaththatleftsomeunansweredquestions.”

“Yes,thoughinbothGraham’sandAlan’sdeaths—”“Iknow,youbelieve themtobeaccidents.Dulynoted.”Hepaused.“Now

bymycount,wehaveonemore.Whathappenedtofiancénumberfour?”“Loganwas stuckby lightning.”She shookherhead. “Youcertainly can’t

blameWinnyforthat.”“NorwouldIunlessthecircumstanceswarrant.”Lucaspaused.“Wherewas

hewhenthishappened?”“Actually,hewaswithWinny.Theywereridinghorsesatthetime.Winny

was unharmed and able to go for help. Unfortunately, there was nothing thedoctorscoulddo.”Shepaused.“Havingbeenstruckyourself,yousurelyknowhowitiswithsuchaninjury.”

Hedid.Fortunately,hisinjurieshadn’ttakenhislife,thoughithadgivenhimahealthyconcernforthunderstorms.UnlessFloraBrimmwasnearby.

Lucas cleared his throat and returnedhis thoughts to the question at hand.“Sobythetimehelparrived,courtesyofCousinWinthrop,Loganwasdead?”

Sheliftedhergazetomeethis.“Itwasn’tlikethat—”“Youdon’tknowwhatitwaslike,Flora.Youweren’tthere,wereyou?”She

shookherheadashereacheddowntomovehisqueen.“Checkmate.Nowlet’stalk about our plan for findingyour next fiancé alive, shallwe?”He rose andofferedherhishand.“Walkwithme.”

Shefell intostepbesidehim,asmuchtoplacate themanwhowasmakingsuchawfulassumptionsaboutWinnyastopreventanyfurthercontactwiththeLennartladies,whowerewatchingfromtheirtable.

Just when she expected him to turn right to exit the room, Lucas led herforward to thedance floor. “Oh,no,” she said.“Ican’t.That is,weshouldn’t,shouldwe?”

“Flora,” he said as he leaned in so close she could smell the scent ofpeppermint on his breath. “We already have.Twice.But never an entire songwithoutanexittointerruptit.”

Herlaughtersufficedasananswerashewhirledherintothecrowd.Forallhisroughedges,thisPinkertonagentwasanexpertonthedancefloor.Histouchwaslightbutfirm,andtheymovedthroughthemazeofdancersasiftheyweretheonlyonesonthefloor.

It was exhilarating to be led, to think about nothing but holding on tight

whilethemusicflowedaroundthem.Whenthesongended,shepausedtoclap,thoughshetrulyhatedthatitwasover.

“All right,” she said as she made a move toward the exit. “Now we’vedancedanentiresong.Timetoexit.”

The first chords of the next song chased her, as didLucasMcMinn. “Notquite yet,” he said as hewrapped his arm around herwaist and slid her backtoward him. “I don’t know about you, but this one’s a particular favorite ofmine.”

Sheeasilyfell intostepas thebeautifulandelegantstrainsof“BeauSoir,”literally translated as “Beautiful Evening,” rose in a haunting melody. “Why,LucasMcMinn,”shesaidinherbestboardingschoolvoice,“IhadnoideayouwereafanofDebussy.”

Hedidnotimmediatelyreply,givinghercausetoclosehereyesandallowthemusictoonceagainsweepheraway.Thissong,thistributetotheendoftheday with its celebration of youth and happiness, had once been her favorite.Dancinginthisman’sarmstoathree-pieceorchestraonarumblingsteamboat’sdancefloorhadonceagainelevatedthetunetothatstatus.

Andthenhebegantosing.Softlyatfirst,sosoftthatFlorawasunsureshe’dheardhim,andthenrisingasthesongrose.HisFrenchwasimpeccable,histoneawonderful rich tenor thatembraced theFrench lyricsas ifhehad lived themhimself.

“Magnifique,”Florasaid.“JenesavaispasquevousparliezFrançais.”Heappearedsurprised,almostas ifhehadn’trealizedhehadbeensinging.

“Thankyou,”hesaidwithameasureofwhatappearedtobeembarrassment.“IspeakpassableFrench.Mymotherwas…”

“Waswhat?” she asked as she spied the three Lennarts eyeing themwithmorethanalittlecuriosity.

“Alovelywoman.”Heshookhisheadandbeganmovingtowardtheedgeofthe dance floor. “Never mind. I think it’s time to exit.” At the staircase, henudgedhertowardthedoorleadingtotheexteriorbalcony.

HerheartlurchedatthethoughtofonceagainstandingaloneinthedarkwithLucasMcMinn.Arough-around-the-edgeslawmanwhosanginflawlessFrenchand played a decent game of chess. Who knew what other secrets he waskeepingfromher?

F

Twenty

loraknewonethingforcertain.Thekissshepreferredtoignoreabsolutelycould not happen again. And in themoonlight, with no one to chaperone

them,itwasprobablynotagoodideatokeepcompanywithamanwhotemptedherso.

She was engaged to be married. The fact she did not exactly know therevisedwedding datemeant nothing.Above all, shemust keep her head clearand her heart unencumbered. For eventually she would learn to love WillTucker.Or,failingthat,atleastlearntohavealongandsuitablelifeashiswife.Thinkingofakissthatsetherheartthumpingandhertoescurlingwouldneverdo.

Andyet,astherecollectionofhowthemoonlighthadslantedacrossLucasMcMinn’shandsomefeaturesrose,allshecouldthinkofwashowverysofthislipshadfeltagainsthers.Howverystronghisarmshadbeenashesnatchedherbackfromwhatsurelywouldhavebeencertaindeathhadshefallenthroughthebrokenrailing.

Todislodgehererrantanddisobedient thoughts,Florashookherhead.ShealsofirmlylookedanywherebutdirectlyatLucas.

“Somethingwrong?”heaskedasheheldthedooropenforher.“No.”Shesawothercouplespromenadingdown thewalkwayandrelaxed.

Upahead,someonehadmendedthebrokenrailwithsomenailsandapieceofboard.Florastudiouslyavertedhereyesuntil theyhadpassed thesceneofhernearmisswithtrouble.

No, she amendedas shegrippedLucas’s arm for support as the steamboatshuddered.Troublehadcomeafterthebrokenrail.

“All right,” the object of her thoughts said when they reached an emptyseatingareaatthefarendofthebalcony.“WeareagreedthatyouandIarebothworkingonthesamesideinthismatterofWillTucker,correct?”

ShelookedupatthePinkertonagent,hisdarkhairtossedbythebreezeand

hisbowlerhatinhishand.IfonlythingsweredifferentandLucasMcMinnwasnotalawmanwithagrudge…Shesighed.Thingswerenotdifferent.

“Flora,”hesaidfirmly,“areyouinagreementthatyouandIareonthesamesideinthiscase?”

She released her grip on his arm and settled onto a chair. “If by that youmeanwebothwantMr.Tuckerfoundsohecanprovehisinnocence,thenyes.”

“Closeenough.”Lucaspausedtoallowanothercoupletostrollpastandthentook the seat nearest to Flora. “I need to be able to move freely in Natchezsociety.My contacts say he’s there.” He appeared to study her amoment. “Iknowyoudon’tbelievehe’sguiltyofanything—”

“No,Idon’t.”“Iwanttogivehimtheabilitytocomeclean,Flora,buthehastospeakto

theauthoritiesforthattohappen.”“Iunderstand,andI’mnotconcernedaboutanyconversationhemighthave

withtheauthorities.SohowcanIhelpinthis?”“Whenwe arrive inNatchez, youwill introduceme as your acquaintance

andhouseguest.Intruth,Iwillbeboth,soIamnotaskingyoutolie.”“You will be staying at Brimmfield?” Her eyes narrowed. “You do

understandthat’smygrandmother’shome.”“Ido,andIwill.TheotherchoiceisforyouandmetofindaplacewhereI

can securelykeepyou inpersonal custodyuntilmymission is complete and IhaveTucker.”Hepaused.“Anysuggestionsonwherethatmightbe?”

Florafelthershoulderssag indefeat.“No, Ican’t imagine that thegossipswouldmind telling that taleoverandovershouldyouandI…”Sheshookherhead.“Fine,you’llstaywithusatBrimmfield.Isthatall?”

“Ineedtomovearoundinsociety.Beaccepted.That’swhereyoucomein.”“Whatdoyoumean?”Hesmiled.“I’mgoingtobeintroducedasyournewbeau.Thatoughttoget

thejobdone.”“Absolutelynot.”Hissmilewentsouth.“Youhaveabetterplan?”“Ido.Youwillbe introducedasa family friend.Remember, I’m trying to

live down a scandal, not create another. And if I’m right andMr. Tucker isinnocent,Iplantomarryhimassoonaspossible.”Shepaused.“ItwilljustsetthegossipstalkingifImarryhimafterclaimingtoentertainyouasabeau.”

“Isupposethatmakessense.”“I warn you, however, that Grandmama may prove stubborn.” The wind

tossedacurlacrossherface,andFloratuckeditbehindherear.“Andwebothknowthat’sadistinctpossibility.”

Heroseandofferedherhishand.“She’sjustgoingtohavetobewonoversomehow.Thequestionishow?”

“Youclaimtohaveawaywithher.Maybeyoushouldcharmher,”shesaidasshestoodandfollowedhim.

“I don’t recall that working so well last time.” He opened the door andescortedFlorainside.“Idon’tsupposewecouldarrangeforhertotakeanoceanvoyageofsomekind.Justforamonthortwo?”

She laughed. “She’d never go for it. Grandmama claims she’s too old fortrips that takemore than a fewdays travel time. I’m surprised she decided toreturn to Eureka Springs this year. She’d been a little vague on whether shewould.”

“Thatwouldhavebeenmightyinconvenientforyou.”Sheshruggedasshepausedinfrontofherstateroomdoor.“Itturnedoutto

beinconvenientanyway,didn’tit?”“I supposeso.”Heseemed reluctant to saygoodnight, thoughFloraknew

standingthisclosetohimwasfartoodangeroustocontinue.“I’llbidyouagoodevening,Lucas,”shefinallysaid.“Unlessyouwant to

tellmemoreaboutyourfamily.Perhapswhat lifewas likebeforeworkingforthePinkertonsruinedyouforpolitesociety?”

His attention jerked to her face, where she hoped her features gave noindicationofwhethershewasserious.Thenhemusthavespiedthebeginningsofasmile.

“Well played, Flora. But no, I don’t think I want to talk about thingsunrelatedtothiscase.Ifyou’llnothavemeasyourbeau,thenIdon’tthinkmylifeisworthdiscussing.”

Thesmiledisappeared.“It’snothingpersonal,”shehurriedtosay.“ButIdidmeetMr.Tuckerfirst,andpromiseshavebeenexchanged.”

“Iwasteasing,Flora.”Hemovedovertoplacehishandonthedoorknobofhisroom.“Tomorrowmorningatbreakfastwe’lltalkmoreaboutwhattoexpectin Natchez.” He’d almost stepped all the way inside his stateroom when shecalledhimbackoutintothehall.

“Yes?”“Justonemorething.Pleasetellmewedon’thavetositwiththeLennarts.”Lucaslaughed.“Tablefortwoitis.I’llbesuretotellthesteward.”Long after Flora had undressed and donned her nightgown, she thought

aboutthatlaugh.Aboutthattablefortwowaitingforherinthemorning.AboutLucas’soffertoplayatbeingherbeau.Andaboutwhatsortofbackgroundhemight have had. Was he cultured from birth or did he merely affect abackgroundofeasewithluxurywhenthecasewarranted?

Nonewere unpleasant thoughts, but when she lingered on thememory ofthatkiss…

Flora reached up to place her palm against thewall that adjoined Lucas’sroomandwonderedifhe,too,wasthinkingabouttheirmomenttogetheronthebalconyduringdinner.

Probablynot,shedecidedassheallowedtheslapofthepaddlewheelagainstthe water to lull her toward the promise of a sound sleep. Men like Lucasthoughtofmuchmoreimportantthingsthanakissinthemoonlight.

Afterbacktrackinghissteps tofindthestewardandrequesta tablefor twoforbreakfast,Lucas fellasleepwithFloraBrimmonhismind.Hewokeupatleast twice,maybe three times,still thinkingof thefeelofher trembling inhisarmsafterhe’dkepther fromfalling.The thoughtofhersmileas theydancedacrossthefloor.Ofthekisstheyshared.

Finally,somewherebeforedawnhegaveuponsleepingtowanderoutontothebalconytowatchthesunrise.Asthepurpleofnightfadedtothepaleorangeofday,hewenttostandatthedoorleadingintoherroom.Thewindowhadbeenleftopen,thecurtainsteasedonlyslightlybythelightbreeze.

Insidehecouldalmosthearherdeepdrawsofbreath,thesoftexhale,andtherustle of blankets. He could have gone back into his cabin and retrieved hishearingdevicetocheckforsure,butsomethingaboutthatfeltwrong.Intrusive.

Sohe remained in place,wishing he’d either slept longer ormade enoughnoisetocauseFloratojoinhim.Itwouldlikelybeanotherhour,possiblytwo,beforesheawakened,andyetherehestoodlikeafoolwaitingforher.

Returning tohis cabinwouldonlymake the situationworse, sohewalkeddowntothesittingarea,retrievedachair,andreturnedtogetcomfortable.Withhisfeetproppedontherail,heleanedhisheadbackandclosedhiseyes.

Thenexttimeheopenedthem,Florastoodoverhim.AfewstepsbehindherwasoneoftheBrimmmaids.

“He snores something awful,Miss Flora,” themaid said. “I pity the poorman’swife.She’llhavehimsleepinginthebarnratherthanlistento—”

“Hush,Lucy.Ithinkhe’sawakenow.”

Lucas stumbled to his feet and did his best impression of amanwho hadbeen up and moving for hours. It failed miserably, however, when the maidgesturedtowardhimandthenhidhersmilebehindherhands.

“Youwantme to call the valet, sir?” she said. “’Cause someone needs totame your hair, and I’m not so sure it’s going to be something you can dowithouthelp.”

Lucas reachedupwith both hands to slick down themopof hair thatwasobviously showing the need for a comb. Generally his hat kept things undercontrol,butwhendampweathercaughthimunaware,thingsdidnotgowell.

HemetFlora’samusedglance.“Youdosnore,”shesaidasshegaveapoorexampleofhowtohidelaughter.“But,honestly,Idon’tmindyourhairinthatsort of…” She shrugged. “Disarray, I suppose, is the word. It’s refreshing toknowthatnoteverythingaboutyouisperfect.”

With that she stepped back into her cabin, leaving her maid to gape andLucastowonderifhe’dheardhercorrectly.Perfect?Well,nowthatwassomestatement.

“Comeandhelpmewithmyhair,Lucy,”Floracalled.“I’llhelpyouallright,”themaidsaidassheturnedherbackonLucas,“butI

tellyouthere’snohelpawomanofmyskillscangivetothatman.”“Oh,comenow,”Florasaidas thedoorshutbehind themaid.“I think it’s

rather attractive. His hair reminds me a little of that adorable King CharlesSpanielmyfatheronceowned.Rememberhim?Whatwashisname?”

“Icanstillhearyou,Flora.”“I know,” was her cheerful response. She came to the door just as he’d

picked up his chair to return it. “But I am famished, sowhatever you end updoingtogetreadyforbreakfast,beithatorvalet,Idowishyou’dhurry.”

Preciselyfiveminuteslater,Lucasknockedonherdoor.Lucyopeneditandthen scurried past without sparing him a glance. Flora stepped out amomentlater.Todaysheworeayellowdressspriggedwithtinyredflowersthatfitherjustright,herhairsecuredinacascadeofcurlsthatteasedherneckline.UnlikeLucas,shelookedwellrestedandreadytogo.

“Excellent, Mr. McMinn. You are right on time. Isn’t it a beautifulmorning?”

“It is,MissBrimm,” he said as he escorted her to the dining room. “Andotherthantheprospectofdiningalonewithme,isthattheonlyreasonyou’resohappythismorning?”

Shegavehimalook.“OncewearriveinNatchez,thiswholesillymesswill

beclearedup.That’sagoodreasontobehappy,don’tyouthink?”“Youseemprettysureofyourself.”Henoddedtothesteward,wholedthem

toatablefortwoaspromised.“I’m confident. But more than that, I’m almost home. And that means

something,doesn’tit?”Hesmiled.“Iwouldn’tknow.”Sheleanedbacktoallowthestewardtoplacethenapkininherlap.“What

doyoumean?”Thiswasn’t the topic he’d hoped to discuss first thing in themorning.He

picked up his menu and pretended to study it. That only worked until shereachedovertosnatchitfromhishands.

“Hey,”hesaidashemadea swipe for it andmissed.“HowamIgoing toknowwhattoorderifIdon’thaveamenu?”

“It’sadiversion,”shesaidassheneatly tuckedhismenuinsidehers.“PayattentionandperhapsIcanbepersuadedtogiveitback.”

“I’mlistening.”“Ihaveabrilliantidea,Lucas.IfyouwanttomeetNatchezsociety,thebest

waytodothatistothrowapartyinyourhonor.Whatdoyouthink?”Thelastthingamanworkingundercovertosolveacrimeneededwastobe

madethecenterofattention.Whatwasshethinking?“No.”Hersmilefell.“No?”LucasretrievedbothmenusandplacedFlora’sinfrontofherandthenwent

backtoreadinghis.Onceagain,however,theirritatingwomanstoleit.“Thiscanwork.Youjusthavetohearthewholeplan.”Lucasleanedbackinhischairtofocusonherlovelyface.“Allright,Flora.

Tellmeyourwholeplan.”“Grandmamahasnooptionbuttobenicetoyouinfrontofherfriends.After

all, awomanof her breedingwould never consider being thought of as a badhostess. And apparently you do come from quality, even if it is not Natchezpeople.”

Shesaidthatinanimitationofhergrandmotherthatwasdangerouslyclosetotheoriginal.Lucaschuckled.

“Andthoughyou’rethereasonfortheparty,youdon’thavetoworryaboutbeingthecenterofattention.IpromiseI’llbetheonethegossipstalkaboutthenextday.”

“Howareyougoingtomanagethat?”

“That’s thebestpartof theplan.”Shepaused to lookaround.“Mr.TuckerandIwillannounceourplanstomarry.”Sheshrugged.“Ormaybewe’llelopeandthenannounceourwedding?Itwillalldependonhowquicklytheirritationofyourlittleinvestigationisover.”

“Flora,”he saidgently,“if the ‘irritationofmy investigation’ isover,whywouldyoupossiblywanttogiveapartyforme?”Hehelduphishandtopreventfurther discussion. “Thepoint is to drawWillTucker out of hidingor, failingthat,tointroducemetopeoplewhomayhaveknowledgeaboutTuckerandhiswhereabouts.Beyond that, I donot care for any sort of social event either forme,aboutme,orwhereIaminvited.”

He finished his speech andwatched for a reaction. Slowly her enthusiasmturnedtosomethingelse.Wasitanger?Notlikely.

“No, Lucas,” she said patiently, “you’re the one who doesn’t understand.WhenIgethomeandtellmygrandmotherIamstillnotmarried,Idonotknowwhat her reactionwill be. Shemay be quite happy to hear it, or shemay beupset.Butifyou’rethereasadiversion…”

Floralookedathimasifheshouldpickupthethreadoftheconversationandcontinue.

“And?”“Andwhileshe’sfussingoveryouandthepartywe’regiving,shewillbefar

toobusytobothereitherofus.ThatleavesusfreetoclearWillTucker’snamesoIcanmarryhim.”

“OrtoseethatjusticeisservedandTuckeristhrowninjail.”Theideawentagainstallheknewtobegoodlawman’stechniques.Andyet

itwasjustcrazyenoughtowork.UnlessTuckerhadconnectionsfarsuperiortohis own, Lucas doubted the crook would know who he was. He certainlywouldn’t know of any personal connections between them. Pride had seen tothat.

“He’sgoingtodisappointyou,”Lucassaid.“Healwaysdoes.”“Youdon’tknowthat,”washerresponse,thoughhecouldn’thelpbutnotice

thatsheputfarlessenthusiasmintothatargumentthanshehadanythingshe’dsaidpreviously.

FloraBrimmhadherdoubts.Shehadcarefullyhidthemuntilnow.And so did he, but not aboutWill Tucker. He knew exactlywhat Tucker

woulddo.Allheneededtofigureoutwashow,when,andwhere.“Will youcooperatewith the ideaofbeing theguestofhonor?Maybewe

couldthrowanothercostumeparty.Thatwouldbefun.”

“Thatwouldcompletelydefeat thepurposeofhavingaparty,Flora.Thinkaboutit.Ifyourequirethegueststowearmasks,howwillyouknowwhichoneisTucker?”

“Iwouldknow.”“Well,I’mnotcommittingtothisharebrainedschemeofyoursjustyet.I’ll

havetogiveitsomethought.”She shrugged. “Suityourself, butdon’t think too long.Bothofus are in a

hurrytofindMr.Tucker.Idon’tseehowwaitingaroundandtryingtomakeadecisionisgoingtofurtherthatgoal.”

“Aslongasyou’reinmycustody,Imaketheplans.AndrightnowI’mstilldeciding.Allright?”

“Allright,”shemutteredassheturnedherattentiontohermenu.“Now, about the arrangements at your home. Keeping to proprietymeans

youwill be on your honor not to leave the premiseswithoutme. Should thatoccur,youwillbejailedforfleeing.Understand?”

“Truly, Lucas, why would I want to run away and risk that sort ofhumiliationinmyhometown?Isn’tlosingfourfiancésenough?Icannotimagineagoodreasontoleavewithoutyou,thoughIwillholdouttherecouldbeone.”

“Flora…”hesaid,histoneservingadoubledoseofwarning.“It’sthebestI’mwillingtooffer.Takeitorleaveit.I’llnotlieandgiveyou

anabsolutepromisewhenIhavenoideaofallthepossible—”“Fine,” he said, holding up his hands to indicate he was done listening.

“Haveityourway.JustunderstandI’llnotbepleasedifyoudefyme.”“And I’ll not be defying you if there is good reason to act in a particular

way.”Hecouldhavearguedthepointfurther,butheknewnogoodwouldcomeof

it.Thewomanwasbentonirritatinghimbeyondtoleration,thatmuchwasplaintosee.

“Whentheboatstopsnext,I’llaskthestewardtosendatelegraminformingmygrandmotherofthechangeofplansregardingmyweddingandthatyouarecomingasahouseguest.Thatwayyouwon’tbeasurprise.”

Anodservedashisresponseas thestewardreturnedtoattendtothem.Bythetimethemealwasover,LucashaddecidedthatFlora’splanwasn’thalfbad.Hewouldn’t tellher justyet, though.Notuntilhehadachance to speakwithKyleandgettheupdateonanysurveillanceinformationthathadcomein.

ForwhiletheyhadbeentakingatrainridetoSt.LouisandthenalazyfloatdownriveraboardtheAmericus,PinkertonagentKyleRussellhadhismendoing

advance preparation thatwould lay the groundwork for the arrestLucas knewwascoming.

Of course, that was pending the news that the Tucker investigation hadbecome an official case.With warrants for Flora and, Lucas hoped, forWillTuckeron thebooks, thereshouldbenoreasonwhytheagencywouldbalkatputtingamanonthecase.

A

Twenty-One

fterthesteamboatdockedinNatchez,Lucas’sfirstorderofbusinesswastoseek out the telegraph office to make contact with Kyle. Listing his

locationastheBrimmhomewasrisky,butLucasdecideditwasworthit.IfTuckerhadaconnectionatthetelegraphofficeinEurekaSprings,which

Lucas had surmised was a possibility, he might also have one in Natchez.However,therewereenoughtelegraphofficesinthecitytoseriouslylessentheoddsofwalkingintothewrongone.

Ortherightone.Hismissioncomplete,hewentbackaboardtheAmericustofetchFloraand

herentourage.TheBrimmfamily,obviously familiarwithhowFlora traveled,hadsentacarriageaswellasalargewagon.Inall, therewasenoughroomonthewagontofitthethreemaidsandtheluggage,leavingFloraandLucastoridealonetogetherupthehillandawayfromthedocks.

They sat in silence, the clatter of thewheels against the uneven pavementmaking for a bumpy trip. By the time the carriage passed through the ornategatesofBrimmfield,Lucasfeltasifhisinsidesweregoingtojoltout.

But once they were inside the Brimm property, the road was smooth andlevel.Aperkofprivilege,LucassurmisedashesettledbackagainsttheseatandawaitedhisfirstglimpseofFlora’shome.

Aswithmost houses that predated thewar, Brimmfieldwas large, lavish,and set up on a rise with a view of theMississippi River beyond the indigofields. A quick tour of the interior, gained as he made his way up the stairsbehindauniformedvalet,proved thehomeboreno signsof illuseduring thewaryears.

Thewallswerecoveredinwhatappearedtobesilk,andfamilyportraitsofmen,women,children,andeven theoccasional loyalhoundparadeddown thedistancebetweenthetwofloors.Acrystalchandelierhunghalfwaybetweenthetwolevels,castinglightonthePersiancarpetsandthecurvedebonystairrail.

“You’reprobablywonderingaboutthehouse,”Florasaidasshetrailedjustbehindhim.“WhywefaredsowellwhenothersinNatchezdidnot.”

“Iwasactually.”“That would bemy grandmother’s doing.” They reached the second floor

landing,andFlorafellintostepbesidehim.“Whileshehasgreatconcernfortheless fortunate, Millicent Meriwether Brimm does not abide interlopers in herhusband’sfamilyhome.Apparently,shetoldeverygroupofYankeesoldiersthesame thing when they arrived on her doorstep. She also paid a visit early toGeneralGrantwhenheandhismenwerelookingforahometoappropriatefortheirheadquarters.”

“Oh,Flora, areyou telling that storyagain?”Mrs.Brimmstepped into thehallway,hereagleeyestrainedonLucaswithwhatfeltlikedisapprovalbutwithhersmileshowingnothingbutwelcome.“IsimplyexplainedtothegeneralthatBrimmfieldwasnottobetouchedunderanycircumstances.Idonotallowdirtyboots tomarmy carpets anduncouthmen to crossmydoorstep in peacetime.WhyintheworldwouldIallowitduringawar?”

“Whatever the reason,” Flora said, “the soldiers bypassedBrimmfield andmadetheircampatRosalie,thenextplantationdowntheroad.”

“GeneralGrantpromisedtopackawayallthefurnitureandvaluables,andhedid.ButpoorFannyRumble.Shewasstillfindingcarpetsrolledupandstuckintheatticyearsaftertheaggressorswenthome.”Apause.“Youjustneverknowwhenstrangersareallowedtostay.”

Somethinginthatspeechwasdirectedathim.Lucaswasquiteawarethattheoldwoman’sgazesweptthelengthofhim.Hesurreptitiouslycheckedhisbootstobesurehehadn’tcommittedatravestyagainsttheBrimmcarpets.

“IwishIcouldsaythisisasurprise,”shesaidtohim,“butI’vehadadvancewarning of your arrival.” She shifted her attention to Flora. “Warning but notexplanation.Might I have a word when your guest is settled, dear?We’ve adinnerwiththeChamberlainsateight,sodoremembertohaveLucyputoneofyournicerdressesout.”

“Nottonight,please,Grandmama.I’veonlyjustreturned.”“Darling,you’rebeingdramatic.Youactas ifyoucarriedyourluggageon

yourback.TheEllicottswillbethere.”“Ijustdon’twanttogotonight.”Shepaused.“Ialreadymadeplans.”ThiswasnewstoLucas,thoughhehalfhopedFloramightbebluffingtoget

out of a social engagement she wasn’t keen to attend. In either case, shewouldn’tbeleavingwithoutcheckingwithhim.Muchashewouldhatetolose

hisbestbaittotheNatchezjail,hecouldn’thavehercolludingwithTuckeror,worse,runningofftomarrythecrookandthenseeingtohisescape.

Grandmama appeared ready to respond but unwilling to speak in front ofLucas.Forherpart,Floraseemednottocare.

“A little warning that you’re as yet unmarried would have been nice.Thankfully,yourfatherhasnotyetreturned.”

“Should I have sent something so personal in something so public as atelegram?”

Bothwomen lookedatLucas.Mrs.Brimmsighed.“AmIwrong inaskingthisofher,Mr.McMinn?”

“Honestly,ma’am,I’drathernotsay.”She offered her granddaughter a triumphant smile. “Well played, Mr.

McMinn.”Shereturnedhersteelygazetohim.“IsittruethatAugustusGirardisyourgrandfather?”

Hepausedonlyamoment.Obviouslysheknewtheanswer,sohisresponsewouldchangenothing.“Heis.”

“Afineman,andquitethedancer.Yourgrandmotherwasaluckywoman.”Well,now.Lucasletoutalongbreath.“I’lltakeyourwordforit,ma’am.”Hespiedthevaletstandinginfrontofanopendooratthefarendofthehall

and gave thanks for the means to exit the conversation before it became toopersonal.“Ifyouladieswillexcuseme,I’lljustgosettlein.”

Bothwomenspokeofhimthoughhewasn’teventhere.“Flora,dear,pleasetell me you didn’t marry that one. Much as I loved a good waltz in hisgrandfather’sarms,heisfromNewOrleans,forgoodness’sake.”

“Grandmama,trulyyou’reinsufferable.Tellmeeverythingyouknowabouthim.”

“I’lldonothingofthesort.Thatman’ssecretsarehisowntotell.Now,youandIhavesomeplanstomake.”

Lucas knew a good time tomake an exitwhen he saw one.He left themstandinginthehallandmovedasquicklyasacceptabletoduckinsidehisroom.Thebedchamberassigned tohimboreaman’s touch in thedarkpanelinganddeepgreencurtainsthatallbutblockedouttheafternoonsun.

Wavingawaythevalet,hewaiteduntilthedoorclosedbehindhimandthenwalkedovertothewindowtoopenthecurtains.Fieldsofindigodancedinthedistance,rollingdownthehilltothebrownribbonoftheMississippiRiver.

Anotherhomeofsimilarsize—Rosalie,hesurmised—couldbarelybeseenon the horizon. The road running between them apparently marked the place

wheretheBrimmpropertyended.Therehespiedasmallcottagethatappearedalmostoutofplaceinthemidstofthefields.

Wrappedinasimpleclapboardsidingpaintedastarkwhite,thelittlehomeappeared far too domestic to belong to hired help. And the purple wisteriaclimbingtheporchesfrontandbackmadethecottagelookmorelikeahideawayforanagingrelativethananysortofservicebuilding.

Hereachedintohispocketforhisextra-visionspectacles.Whilehecouldseealmost every leaf on the indigo plants, the closed white lace curtains of thecottage revealed nothing ofwhatmight be inside.Lucas set the glasses aside.Unlesshewantedtoreadthenamesofthevesselsplyingtheriverfromwherehestood,therewasnoneedtowearthem.

Aknockonthedoorannouncedthereturnofthevalet,whocarriedasilvertraywithatelegramonit.“Wherewouldyoulikethis,sir?”

Lucasgesturedtothewritingdeskfittedbeneaththeeastern-facingwindowsandwaiteduntilthemanhadlefttoretrieveit.ThetelegramwasfromKyle.WTseenexitingsteamboat.Stakingoutdocksforpossiblesighting.Makingprogressoncallingthisinvestigationofficial.Hopetoadvisesoon.KR

IfWillTucker showed up anywhere near theNatchez docks, hewould betakenintocustody.LettheBrimmladiesenjoytheirdinnerplans.Hehadmoreimportantthingstodotonight.

Lucas folded the telegram, slid it into his jacket pocket, and thenwent toopen his travel case.He’d packed a few items especially handy for nighttimesurveillance.

“Thisistheendoftheline,Tucker.”

H

Twenty-Two

ispocketsnowpackedwithallheneededforanight’souting,LucaswentinsearchofFlora.Hefoundheronabenchin thegarden,herpaintsand

easellaidoutnearby.TheMayafternoonhadgrownwarm, thebreezesowetwithhumidity that

the very air felt thick. Lucas jerked at the fresh collar he’d just donned andwished,notforthefirsttime,thatthisinvestigationdidn’trequirehimtodressasagentleman.

Itwashis least favoriteoccupation.Onehe’dmanaged toavoidexcept forvisitshomeandintimeslikethese.

Andyet for allhisdiscomfort, oneglanceather toldhimshewas right athome in this garden. In the not yet blistering heat. She looked as fresh as asummer blossom in an afternoon gown trimmed in cornflower blue that hewouldbetmatchedhereyes.Herflame-coloredcurlshadbeentuckedupunderalittlehatthatwasmoreribbonandfluffthansubstance,andfromwherehestoodhecouldseeshewasstudyingapaintbrushsheweighedinherpalm.

Hisbootscrunchedonthepath,butsheseemedoblivious.Thetemptationtostandand justobserveborehard,but therewasa case to solveanda criminalwhomustbecaught.MaybetheLordwouldgrantothertimestospendwithher—unlessshewasrightandhissearchhadledhimtothewrongman.Thenshewouldbemarriedandhewouldbe…gone.

Thatwasallhecouldpredict.LifeasaPinkertonmanmeantyouweremoregonethanhome,butitwasanoblecallingandhe’dtakenitonwillingly.

Perhapsnotthewholetruth,butitwasthetruthhetoldhimself.“YouwerepaintingthefirsttimeIspoketoyou,”hesaidashewalkedupto

thebeautifulwoman,whowasobviouslydeepinthought.Whenshe turned to facehim,Lucascould see the remnantof tearsonher

cheeks.“AtleastIactuallymadeanattemptatpaintingsomething,thoughIwilladmitmyeffortsarepooratbest.Rightnowit’sjustapretensesoIcanbeleft

aloneouthere.”Lucassatdownbesideher.“Didn’twork.”Awobblysmile.“No,Isupposenot.”He paused to choose his words carefully. “Your conversation with your

grandmotherdidnotgowell.”Astatement,notaquestion.SomethingFloraapparentlyfeltnocompunction

toanswer.“Well, then,” he said as he leaned forward to rest his palms on his knees.

“I’llbegoing.Ijustwantedtoremindyou—”“Not to leaveBrimmfield,”shesuppliedassheswunghergazeup tomeet

his.“Yes,Iknow.Personalcustodyandallthat.”“Right.”Hepaused amoment and then stood. “Well,my errandmay take

sometime,sopleasedon’tholddinnerforme.”“Lucas, wait.” She placed the paintbrush on the bench and rose. “This is

aboutWill,isn’tit?”“Ican’tsay.”Thatwasthemosttruthfulresponsehecouldmanage.Shereachedouttograsphissleeve.“Takemewithyou.”Lucas’s breath caught as he realized the hint of lilacs he smelled did not

come from thegarden.That if hewere to lean just a little closer, the scent ofthose lilacswouldbeeverybitas intoxicatingas the tasteofalcoholoncehadbeen.

Buthe’dgivenupspiritsat thesame timehe’dgivenupany right tohavefeelingsforasubjectinaPinkertoninvestigation.

“No,” hemanaged, asmuch to quell his racing thoughts as to indicate theNatchezbellewouldnotbeaccompanyinghimontonight’sadventure.“Ican’t,”headdedasanadditionalresponsetobothissues.

“Ofcourseyoucan.Iwouldbeofgreathelptoyou.Iknowthecitywell.”“NotthepartwhereI’mheaded.”Hepausedtoallowhisgazetowashover

herlovelyfeaturesonemoretime.“AtleastIhopenot.”Beforehecouldchangehismind,heplacedhishandoverhers.Adiversion

intheconversationwasinorderforbothofthem.“Benicetoyourgrandmother.I’msureshelovesyounomatterwhatyourdifferencesmightbe.”

Thebeginningsof a smile liftedher lips. “Whatmakesyou think I’vehaddifferenceswithmygrandmother?”

Heshrugged.“Idon’tknow.”Lucasliftedhishandtoallowhisknuckletobrushhercheek.“Maybethetearsyou’vebeensheddingoutherewhileyoutriedtopretendyouwerepainting.”

“IsitpossiblethoseweretearsofjoyatmytriumphantreturntoNatchez?”She shook her head. “I’m sorry. The deportment instructor atDillinghamwasadamantthatwelearnsarcasmisneverattractive.”

Lucas inclinedhis head towardher. “Your instructorwaswrong.You stilllooklovelydespitethesarcasm.Perhapsyou’renottryinghardenough.”

Shesmiled.“AndyetI’mnotfeelingsolovely.Iassumeyoureceivedyourstackofinvitationsafteryousettledin.”

“Idid.”Her soft chuckle held no humor. “Those are for parties being held inmy

honor.”Herwaveringgazelandedonhim.“Grandmamamusteredherfriendstobegintheroundofpartiescelebratingme.Thankgoodnessshewasn’tspecificinwhatwastobecelebrated,becauseitwouldbeawfullyuncomfortabletoattendaweddingreceptionwithoutagroom.That’sanexceptionallypoortimetonothaveadate,youknow.”

“Well,done,”Lucassaidashedefiedlogictoinchclosertoher.“Thatwasagoodattemptatsarcasm.You’relookinglovelierbytheminute,however,soI’mstill going to have to press my argument that your manners instructor waswrong.”

“Deportment,”shecorrected.“Butthankyou.”“Andfortherecord,Idon’thaveadateeither.”Sheliftedonebrow.“Mr.McMinn,areyouaskingmetoaccompanyyou?”Hewasn’t,buttheideawasasoundone.“Whynot?Ifyourgrandmother’s

friends don’t know what they’re celebrating, maybe we’ll come up withsomething.”

“Grandmama told me she hadn’t breathed a word about the marriage. OrratherthemarriageshethoughtI’dgonethroughwith.”Ashrug.“I’mhopingbythe time thedayof the firstpartycomesaround,everythingwillbe sortedoutandWillandIcanannounceournuptials.”

“Yes,well,foryoursake,Ihopeyou’reright.”Hersmilevanished.“Sowe’rebacktothat.”“Ifyoumeanmydoubtsaboutyourfiancé,thenyes,we’rebacktothat.”Asteamboat’shorn soundeddownat the river, itsboomingsoundmuffled

bythedistanceittraveledovertheindigofields.AndthoughtheMississippiwasclose enough to walk to in a quarter hour or less, the distance betweenBrimmfieldandtheplacehewasgoingwasmiles—andworlds—apart.

Lucasallowedtheriveranditslateafternoonactivitiestoholdhisattentionjust long enough to brave himself for another look at FloraBrimm.When he

returned his attention to her, he realized she was no longer standing nearby.Instead,she’dwanderedbacktothebench,whereshe’donceagaintakenupthepaintbrush.

“Allright,”hesaid.“Youknowtherules.”She waved away his comment with a sweep of her hand. After another

momentofstudyingthewould-beartist,Lucasturnedhisbackonherandbeganthewalktowardthemaingate.He’dbarelyroundedthebendtofollowthepathintoacopseofcottonwoodswhenheheardherfootstepsbehindhim.

“Flora,Itoldyouthatyoucannotgowithme,”hesaidasheturnedaroundtofaceher.“Andnothingyousaywillchangemymind.”

Likely her deportment instructor would claim that the way she hurriedtoward him was most undignified, and yet he’d never seen her look morebeautiful.

She threwherself intohisarms,andashewrappedherclose ina reluctantembrace,Lucasonceagainsmelledlilacs.“Don’thurthim,”shesaid,hercheekpressedagainsthischest.“Promisemethat.”

Surprised,heheldheroutatarm’slength.“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”“He’s not guilty until a judge says so. If you harmhim in pursuit of your

revenge,Iwill…”Alonetearsliddownhercheek,andwithitanychanceofhisgettingaway

from her without some measure of penance. Of all the things he’d becomeimmunetooverhisyearswiththePinkertons,whywasitthatawoman’stearstook him down quicker than a bolt of lightning or the bullet from a man’srevolver?

“Hey,now.I’vehadplentyofchancestoharmyourMr.Tucker.SofarI’veexercisedrestraint.Iwanthisguilttocomefromajudgeandjury.That’sgoingtobemyultimaterevenge.”

Anothertearsliddownthesamepath,andsodidLucas’sresolvetokeepthiswomanatarm’slength.Timetogo.Hecouldn’tmisshismeetingwithKyle.

Andyethecouldn’tresistjustonemoreattemptatgettingtheremainderofthetruthoutofher—iftherewasanytruthtothereasonshewassuchastaunchsupporterofWillTucker’sinnocence.

“Justtellmewhatyouknow,Flora.Iwanttoknowwhyyou’resoadamantthathe’sinnocent.”

AnothertearandLucasfelthiskneesgettingweak.Behindherthesunhaddipped nearly to the tree line, casting Flora’s face in shadow and lighting hercurlswithtouchesofspungold.

Despite all good sense, Lucas reached to touch a lovely curl. To wrap itaroundhisfinger.

Thesteamboat’shornonceagainblareddownat theriver,andthemomentwas broken. Lucas released her curl and took a step backward to offer hishandkerchief.

“It’sclean.Relatively,”hesaidwithawinkthatdrewagrinfromher.Aroundthemtheleavesofthecottonwoodsshimmeredasthebreezekicked

up.Lucaslookedupatthedarkeningskythroughacanopyofgreentospythefirststaroftheevening.

“Iusedtomakeawishonthefirststar,”shesaidwistfullyassheswipedhishandkerchiefacrosshercheekbone.“Ialwayswishedthesamething.”

“Andwhatwasthat?”“AllIwantedwasahappilyeverafter.”Shesighedsoftly.“I’mstillwishing

forthat.”

Heshookhishead.“What?”Floraaskedasshedabbedatherdampface.Greeneyescollidedwithhers, andFlora felt the impact all theway toher

toes. “Iwas just thinking that it’s hard to believe that someonewith all thesethingstheLordhasblessedherwithwouldstillwantmore.”

Hewasright,ofcourse.Mostly.“Iamblessedwithalifeofprivilegeandwealththatonlyafeweverknow,

Lucas,andIdorealizethat.I’mthankful,yes,very.Butthat’snotwhathappilyeveraftermeanstome.”

In an attempt to divert the conversation to a less dangerous topic, shegrabbedhiswristanddroppedhishandkerchiefintoit.“It’sclean.Mostly.”

“Thankyou.Andyes,thatwassarcasmagain.”Henoddedtowardthepathleadingback to thehouse.“Youshouldgo insidenow. It’sgettingdark,and Icouldn’thelpoverhearingthatyouhaveplanswithyourgrandmother.”

Animpertinentexpressioncrossedherface.Atleastthatwastheimpressionshehopedtoconvey.Thetruthwas,afterherconversationwithGrandmama,shewanted nothing to dowithNatchez society until she could return to itwith ahusbandonherarm.

Oracompleteexplanation.And right now she had neither.But if he had a plan for the evening, then

maybeshedidtoo.

“I wouldn’t dream of going out with Grandmama tonight. Not when I’vepromisedyouIwouldstayrighthereatBrimmfieldunlessyouaccompanyme.”

“PrearrangedexcursionsareallowedaslongasIapprovethem.”“Soyouwouldn’tmindifIwentintoNatchez?”Hegaveherasidewayslook.“TotheChamberlainswithyourgrandmother

ateight?TheEllicottswillbethere.”“Youlistenfartoocloselytomygrandmother.”“AndIdon’tthinkyoulistenenough.”Amuscleclenchedinhisjaw.Shepausedtosizeupheradversary.Ifhe’djustletheraccompanyhim,they

wouldhaveamuchgreaterchanceoffindingWill.Anideadawned.“Youknow,you’reright.Ireallyshouldlistenmore.”

Ofcourse,hehadnoideawhathergrandmotherhadbeenadvisingher.Hewouldhavebeensurprised,tosaytheleast.

“Isthismoresarcasm?”“No,thisismygrandmother’swisdom.Knowwhentopursueandwhento

retreat.Sonowthatyou’vebestedmeinthisargument,mightIsuggestyouuseoneofourbuggiestogointotown?Itwouldprovemuchfasterthanwalking.”Shepausedjustlongenoughtomakehimbelieveshewasspeakingoffthecuff.“Oryoucouldhaveoneofourmendriveyouinanddropyouwhereveryou’dlike.” A shrug, nonchalant and yet not too casual. “Then you would arriveunseen.”

Hecrossedhisarmsoverhischest.“You’reawfullyhelpfulallofasudden.”“Again,Grandmama’swisdom.”“Knowwhen topursueandwhen toretreat?Ordidshe tellyousomething

else?”Flora smiled congenially. “Yes andyes.Now, if you’re intent onwalking,

goodluck. Ifyou’dprefer theuseofoneof theBrimmvehicles, Icanarrangeit.”

“OryoucangogetreadyforyourpartyandI’llarrangethingsmyself.”He caught her by the elbow and set her in motion. She went willingly,

though she would never hint at the fact she could have resisted and left himstranded.Orthatshemighthavementionedthathewasgoingthewrongway.

Afterafewminutes,Lucasstoppedtolookaround.“We’renotgoingtowardthebarn,arewe?”

Florasmiled.“Fatherpreferstocallitthecarriagehouse,butno,we’renot.”“Andit’salmostdark.”She shrugged. “Apparement,” she said in her best French just to see if he

mightrespondinkind.Instead,heignoredher.Oh,my,butheishandsome,especiallywhenbefuddled.Heletoutalongbreathashereachedintohis jacketandretrievedanodd-

lookingbrasssphere.Aflickofhiswristandthetopofthesphereslidbacktorevealsomesortofglasscovering.“Thisway,Flora,”hesaidasheturnedandheadedinthecorrectdirection,leavinghertofollow.

Asthecarriagehousecameintoview,Floracaughtup.“Nicelydone.Whatsortofdeviceisthat?”

“A direction finder,” he said as he slid the covering back on the orb andreturnedittohispocket.“Ratherthanusingmagneticnorthasacompasswould,mydevicecandiscernsizebasedonheatandotherfactorsandallowtheusertodecidewhere…”Heshookhishead.“Nevermind.Itgotushere,andthat’swhatcounts.”

“Yes,itdoes.Whatotherinventionsdoyouhaveinyourcoatpocket?”“Other than the personal torch and spectacles, which you’ve seen? I have

climbingspikes, ahearingdevice,andabullet formy revolver thatcontainsafilamentlinefor…Well,nevermind.”

“You’re an interestingman, LucasMcMinn of theNewOrleansGirards.”Shepausedtomakeonelastplea.“Onlyasmartmanwouldthinkupthingslikethat.So,sinceyou’reamanofhigh intelligence, I’llaskyouagain to takemewithyouthisevening.IpromiseIwilldoexactlyasyousayandstayoutofyourway.”

“Youwill?”heaskedasheleanedcloser.“Promise?”“Ipromise,”shesaidwithasmile.“Definitelypromise.”“Flora?”Helightlygrazedhercheekwithhisknuckle.“No.”“Oh!”Sheswattedinhisdirection,butheeasilydeflectedherblow.“You’re

insufferable.Completelyandutterlyinsufferable!”He had the audacity to laugh. “Yes, I am. Now go inside or I will think

you’replanningtofollowme.”Then he had the nerve to stand right there and watch as she turned and

stormedoff.Ofcourse,sheplayedupherirritationtothehilt.Whathedidnotknowwasthatwhileshe’dearnedchampionshiphonorsinchessatDillinghamLadiesPreparatory, she had also beennamedThespianof theYear.Anhonorshewouldhavewonalloveragainhadherclassmatesseenherperformanceassheplayedanobedientbutdefeateddamsel.

N

Twenty-Three

atchezUnder-the-Hillwaspoorrelationtoitswealthierandsafercousinuponthebluff,afactthatcausedLucastokeeponehandonthereinsandthe

otheronhisrevolveruntilhe’dsafelyparkedtheborrowedrig.Ifhewaslucky,hewouldn’t have to buyMrs.Brimmanother horse andbuggy to replace thisone.

Keeping to the shadows, Lucas easily found the place where Kyle waswaiting.Situatednext to the telegraphoffice, the barwas seedy, even for thispartoftown,andfilledwall-to-wallwithfreshoff-the-steamboatriverrattypesandthewomenwhowerepaidtopretendaninterestinthem.

Thoughhisbest friendandcohortat theagencyworeclothingnodifferentthan the other toughs who frequented this sort of place, Lucas would haverecognizedhimanywhere.Suchwasthebondoffriendship,andtheirshadbeenforgedoveryearsandmiles.

“You’re making some folks at the agency awful skittish,” Kyle told himwhenLucassettleddownbesidehimatatablewithaclearviewofthedoor.

Lucas chuckled as heglanced around, half expectingFlora to behiding insomedarkcorner.“What’stheverdict?DidthebosssendyouheretotellmeI’mfired?”

“That was one of the options.” He paused to glance up at three potentialjailbirdsastheywalkedin.“Apromotionwastheother,”hesaidwhenthetriopassedbythemtofindplacesatthebar.

“I’mguessingyou’reheretotellmeeithercouldhappenatthispoint.”“You’re right, but I also have a little good news. Thanks to the warrant

swornoutinEurekaSprings,anofficialcasehasbeenopened.”Lucasswallowedthewhoopofjoythatlikelywouldhavegottenthemshot

orstabbed.“Thatisgoodnews,”hesaidinstead.“The boss wasn’t keen on it, but apparently someone above him in the

Chicagoofficevetoedhim.Thenewsisn’tallgood,though.TheothermessageI

wassenttodeliveristhatyouhavethreeweekstobringTuckerinandmakethechargesagainsthimstick.”

Threeweekswasn’tnearlyenoughtimeshouldTuckerslippasthimhereinNatcheztoescapeagain.AndyetLucasknewhewouldmanageitsomehow.Hehadn’tcomethisfartofail.

Still,Tuckerhadprovenhowelusivehecouldbe.“AndifIdon’t?”“Caseclosed.Andyou’reeitherontosomethingelseor…”“Fired?”Kyleshookhishead.“Iprefertothinkofitasreassigned.Iheartherailroads

arehiringmenwithdetectiveworkexperience.”“Dulynoted.”Lucas’sfriendleanedforward.“AnymorenewsonTucker?”“Ihadaquickmeetingwithatelegraphmanwhosworehe’dseenhim.Said

Tucker sent amessagehere toNatchez.”Hepaused. “He claimedhe couldn’trememberthenameoftherecipient.”

“Theyneverdo.”Lucas shiftedpositions to steal aglanceat thedoor.Whenhe returnedhis

attentiontoKyle,hesaid,“Hedidrecallthemessagewasthathe’dbeseeingtherecipientsoon.”

“Sothere’llbeaweddingafterall?”Everything about that idea sat poorly with Lucas. “Could be,” he said,

though he knew he would do everything in his power to keep that fromhappening. Despite Flora’s penchant for irritating him beyond his tolerance,Lucashaddevelopedafondnessforher.HewouldcertainlynotliketoseeherhurtbyTucker.

“Givemearundownofanynewfacts,”Kylesaid.“I’llneedadescriptionifyouhaveit,andanycontactsyouknowof.”

“Thefactsarethesame.Florastillbelievesheisinnocent,and—”“Flora,isit?”Lucasignoredthefriendlyjabassomethinghedeserved.Afterall,thetwoof

them had a long history of teasing each other that dated back to their schoolyears.“She’sincustodyandnothingmore,”heasserted.“AsIwassaying,sheclaims she can find him. She also tells me there’s a good reason why he’sinnocent,andifIwilljusthearhisstoryI’llunderstand.”

Lucasshookhishead,andKyledidthesame.“Typicalwomancoveringforherman?”

“No.There’snothingtypicalaboutthisone.”

“I’ll take your word for it.” Kyle glanced around and pulled an envelopefromhiscoatandpresseditacrossthetabletoLucas.“Fromthedepartment.Forexpenses.”

Lucasshookhishead.“Ican’ttakethis.Youkeepit.”“Butit’syours,Lucas.You’regettingpaidforthisnow.”“Actually,Iwillkeepit,butI’mgoingtouseittohireyou.”“Hireme?”Kyle’sbrowsgathered.“Whatfor?”“IneedtoknowwhatyoucandiguponWinthropBrimm.HelivesinNew

Orleans,buthe’safewyearsyoungerthanus.It’slikelyyou’veneverheardofhim.”

Kylethoughtaminute.“No,Idon’tthinkIknowhim,butmybrothermight.What’stheconnection?”

“He’sfirstcousintoFlora—”“Theprettyredheadyouhaveincustody?”“Howdidyouknowshe’saredhead?”Kylegrinnedasheslidtheenvelopediscreetlybackintohispocket.“Don’t

looknow,butthere’sawomanwhodoesn’tbelonginthisbartryingrealhardtolookasthoughshedoes.Andshe’saredhead.”

Lucas’stemperflared.“What’sshedoing?”Hisfriendcasuallyleanedslightlytotheleft,apparentlytogetabetterlook.

“Itappearsshe’sinconversationwithanolderfellow.Fromthelooksofhim,Ibelievehe’stheheadtelegraphoperatorfromnextdoor.”

“Interesting.”“Yes,sheis,”KylesaidbeforeswinginghisattentionbacktoLucas.“Give

meaquickrundownonWinthropBrimmbeforeyouhavetoleavetofetchyourprisoner.”

Lucasshookhisheadasirritationrose.ItwasbadenoughthathehadtodealwithFloratonight,butforhisbestfriendtoseehowlittlecontrolhehadoveraprisoner irkedhimevenmore.HegaveKyle thestory inasbriefa formashecouldmanage,givenhisFlora-inducedcurrentissuewithconcentration.

“Get what you can on old man Brimm’s will. The grandfather, that is.Apparently, he’s somehowmanaged to pit the two cousins against eachother,andthestakesarehighenoughthatWinthropmayhavekilledforthem.They’recertainlyhighenoughthatFlora—thatis,MissBrimm—iswillingtomarryWillTuckertocomeoutthewinnerinthematter.”

HebrieflyfilledKyleinonthetaleofFlora’sfourfiancésasbestashecouldrecallandtheneasedaglancetowardthedoor.Sureenough,shewasdressedin

an odd combination of workingman’s cloak and working-woman’s dress.Keeping to some version ofmodesty, however, Flora had filled in her risquédécolletage with, of all things, what looked like a doily off of somebody’stabletop.

“TellmethenamesofanyBrimmrelativesyoucanthinkof,”hisfriendsaid,drawingLucas’sattentionbackinhisdirection.

“Grandmother isMillicentMeriwether Brimm, and trust me when I warnyou to steer clearofher.”He leaned forward. “Runs the family, that one, anddoes exactly what she pleases. She even claims to have sent General GrantpackingwhenhecamecallingtoborrowBrimmfieldforhisheadquartersduringthewar. Though therewas nothing she could do to circumvent her husband’swill.I’mguessingthatirkshersomethingawful.”

“Well,thatsoundslikeamatterworthinvestigating.”Kyleretrievedapencilandpaper fromhis jacketand jotteddowna fewnotes.“Anycontacts inNewOrleans?”

Lucas told him about the Lennart ladies and their tale of the head of thehouseholdhuntingwiththesubjectinIndia.AllthewhilehewasitchingtoturnaroundandopenlywatchFloratobesureshewasn’tabouttogetherprettylittleneckintroubleagain.

Orrather inmore trouble thanshewasgoing tofindwithhimoncehegotheralone.

“ThisLennartfellow.Didyoucatchtheman’sname?”Lucas dragged his errant thoughts back to the conversation in the dining

roomof theAmericus.Whatwaswrongwithhim?Hewasusually sogoodatrecallingthedetails.Unfortunately,whathemostrecalledwasakissandaspinaroundthedancefloorwhilehesang“BeauSoir”tothewomaninhisarmsinhismother’snativeFrench.

“Lucas?Areyouallright?”Henodded.“Yeah,justthinking.Idon’tthinkitwasmentioned.”“Not a problem. I can find that out.”Hewrote a fewmore lines and then

lookedupatLucas.“Anythingelse?”“Justkeepyoureartothegroundandletmeknowifanyofyourcontactsget

eyesonourfellowTucker.I’dbemuchobligedforanyhelpinthatarea.”“Gladtodoit.”Hisbrowsrose.“Youmightwanttogosavethatgirlfrom

herself.Nowshe’sarguingwiththefellow.”Lucas glanced around to see that Flora was indeed attempting to use her

powers of persuasion on the man. Thankfully, he was more interested in

watching her than in listening to her. Or at least that’s how it appeared fromwhereLucassat.

Stillshewasdrawingalotofattention,somethingnooneinNatchezUnder-the-Hilldidonpurpose.Especiallynotafterdark.

HebitbackafewchoicewordshelongedtosayandshookhandswithKyle.“All right. I’m going to see if I can keep her alive a little longer. Are youheadingouttonight?”

“Yeah.Thesteamboat leaves inanhour. I figured I’dcheck inandmaybewashthesmellofthisplaceoffmebeforeIgetsomesleep.LuckyforyouIwasheadedtoNewOrleansanyway.YouknowhowmymothergetswhenImissherbirthday.”

“IwishIweregoingwithyou,”Lucassaidandfoundhemeantit.“OnceIget this case behindme, howaboutweget together andworkon someof theplansyou’vebeensendingme?I’vehadoccasiontouseseveralofourdevices,andthey’veworkedoutwell.”

“I’vebeenmeaning to tellyou. I’mrevising thecalculationson theweightload on thewireweused in those special bullets. I’m concerned it’s going tosnapifyougetanythingclosetotwohundredpoundsonit.”

Lucaschuckled.“ThenI’dbestwatchmyweight.”“Speaking of watching things.” He nodded toward the door. “She’s gone.

Goodluckcatchingher.”“Believe me, buddy, luck has nothing to do with it. I could use your

prayers.”“You always have those, friend.Always.”Kyle rose to clap Lucas on the

shoulder.“Keepintouch,andI’lldothesame.Andwatchyourback.”“I alwaysdo,”Lucas called as he slipped through the crowdand followed

Flora’spathoutontothestreet.Ittookonlyafewmomentstofindher.Redcurlsbobbedbeneathahatthat

wasfartoofancytofitinanywherebutuponthebluff.Twotoughshadfalleninbehindherandappeared tobearguingsilentlyaboutwhichonewouldget theprivilegeofgettingtoknowheralittlebetter.

Lucassnaggedthebiggerofthemenbytheneckandheldhisrevolvertohistemple. He said softly, “I’m going to count to three, and then you and yourbuddy,you’regoingtorun.”Hegesturedin theoppositedirection.“Thatway.Understand?”

He released the man on three and both disappeared into the crowd. NowFlorahadaleadonhim,thoughLucascouldstillseeherupahead.He’dlearned

earlyoninhiscareerasaPinkertonthathecouldeithermakefasttracksorhecouldmakesilentones.

WithFlora’sleadgainingeverymomenthedawdled,Lucasdecidedforfast.Pressingpastanyonewhogotinhisway,hemanagedtocatchherjustaboutthetimesheturnedthecornerandleftSpringStreetbehind.

Haulingheragainsthim,Lucasclampedahandoverhermouthashetuckedherintothenearestalley.Thoughshetriedtoscreamandclawedtobereleased,heheldontight.

“Enough,”Lucassnapped.“Theparty’sover,Flora.Youwillcomequietly,orIwillthrowyouovermyshoulderandtakeyoubacktotherigthatway.”Shestilledwhensherecognizedhisvoice,andheriskedremovinghishand,thoughhestillkeptonearmaroundher.Amomentlaterheturnedheraroundandstareddirectlyintoherwideblueeyes.Hecontinuedinalowtone.“RightthisminuteIdonotcarewhichoptionyouchoose.”

“Lucas?” She shook her head and the ridiculous hat flopped to one side.“Howdidyouknowitwasme?”

“You’rejoking,right?”Hereachedtostraightenherheadgear.“Myquestionis how did you know where I would be? I know you didn’t follow me. I’mcertainofit.”

“Well, you’re right. I did not. In fact, I had my own reason for being inNatcheztonight.”

“Natchezisupthereonthebluff.You’reinNatchezUnder-the-Hill,andnoself-respectingladywouldbehereonpurpose.”Hisgazescorchedthelengthofher.“Andtheycertainlywouldn’tbedressedlikethis.”Apause.“Wait,letmeguess. The Chamberlains were holding a costume party, and you andGrandmamacamedressedas…”Another slowglancebeforemeetinghereyesoncemore.“Honey,Ican’tfigureoutwhatyou’redressedas.I’mguessingtheEllicottsaredownherewithyouandyourgrandmother.WasthatoldmanyouwerekeepingcompanywithbackinthebarMr.Ellicott?”

“Sarcasm,”shesaidasshestraightenedherspineandturnedtowalkaway.“Oh,noyoudon’t.You’reinmycustodyandanescapedprisoneratthat.”“I’mrighthere,Lucas.HowcouldIbeconsideredescaped?Anddon’tyou

eventhinkofpullingoutthosehandcuffsagain,”shecalledoverhershoulderasshepickedupherpace.“We’reinNatcheznow,andIpromiseyouitwon’tgowellifwordgotoutthatyouwerebullyingme.”

“Bullying?Thatdoesit.”Heclosedthedistancebetweenthemtosnatchheroffherfeet.Onceagain

shescreamed,butthistimeshedirectedherireathisintentiontohaulherhome.“Iamnotreadytoleaveyet,soputmedown!”

“Andwhy’sthat?”Lucasturnedthecornerandalmostbangedherfeetintoastack of barrels outside some sort of seedy establishment. “Meeting with ourfriendMr.Tucker?Myguessistheoldguywhorunsthetelegraphofficeisyourcontact.” He turned another corner and then gave thanks that the horse andbuggywerestillparkedwhereheleftthem.“You’renotansweringme,Flora.”

“Lucas,ifyoudon’tputmedown,you’regoingtoregretit.”“Ialreadydo.”Spyingagroupoflessthanstellarcitizenseyeingthebuggy,

hepickeduphispace.“Now,foroncesincewemet,justdowhatIsay.Thesemenarenotgoingtothinkyou’renearlyasadorableasIdo.”

Shepressedherpalmagainsthischest.“Butyou’regoingthewrongway.Ineedto—”

“Stop talking,Flora,”he saidashe sawoneof themenbreaking from thepacktomovetowardthem.

“ButI—”“Stop.Talking.Now.I’mbusy.”Hesetheronherfeetandwrappedonearm

aroundher,hisotherpalmrestingontherevolverathiswaist.“Evening,gents,”hesaid,purposefullychoosingthemostimposingofthegrouptogreet.

“Isn’t she a pretty one?” one of the fellows called as Lucas strolled past.“Gotsomespunkinher,shedoes.”

HemovedFlora fromhissideand intohisarmsagain inoneswiftmotionandpracticallytossedherintothebuggy.Bythetimeheclimbedinandgrabbedthereins,themenwereuponthem.

Tohissurprise,Florakickedthebiggestintheeyeandsenthimhowlingtotheground.At their champion’squickdemise, the restof themskitteredawaylike thewharf rats theywere, leavingLucasfree to turn thebuggyaroundandheadbacktowardSpringStreetandthebluff.

“Whatwereyouthinking?”Hedemandedandthenheimmediatelyshookhishead.“No,youweren’tthinking.Youwereplayingspy.Doyouhaveanyideahowcloseyoucametosomethingterriblehappening?”

“Iamtheonewhobestedthatmob,LucasMcMinn,notyou.Don’tIgetanycreditforthat?”

“Credit?Foralmostgettingbothofuskilled?No.”She sat in stony silence, both hands gripping the buggy seat. Even in the

moonlighthecouldseethattheincidenthadaffectedher.Hecouldalsoseethestubbornness he’d come to know of her in the slant of her mouth and the

stiffnessofherposture.Speaking to this woman and actually having her listen had never worked

well.Andyethewouldplaytheeternaloptimistandtryagain.“Youknow,Flora,”hesaidasfirmlyashecouldmanagewithoutshouting,

“youandIhadanagreement.Youbrokeit.IhaveeveryrighttokeepondrivinguntilIgettothejail.”

“Youwon’t,”shesaidwithfartoomuchconfidence.“You’rewrong. I cannotworkan investigationand try tokeepyousafeat

thesametime.”Hepausedtoslidealookinherdirection.“If throwingyouinjailistheonlywayIhavetokeepyousafewhileIbringaguiltymantojustice,you’dbetterbelieveI’lldoit.”

Herridiculoushatfloppedintohereyes,andshereacheduptoshoveitbackintoposition.“Idon’tbelieveyou.”

Lucaspulledbackonthereinsandbroughtthebuggytoastop.Tohisleftthe Mississippi River ran muddy and wide down below the bluff, vesselsbobbing at anchor in the moonlight. Above, the sky was clear and bright. Amillionstarsexplodedwithtinypointsoflight,theedgesofthemoonringedbythemistthatalwaysprecededarainstorm.

Butonhisright,FloraBrimmsatstraightandstillinherridiculouscostume,her gaze trained onhim as if she expected him to say somethingbrilliant andconciliatory thatwouldmakeeverythingbetween them right again.Somethingthatwouldexcuseherdangerousandirresponsiblebehavior.

Allhecouldmanagethroughclenchedjawwas,“Youdon’tbelieveme?”“No,”shesaid,thoughLucasthoughthedetectedslightlylessstarchinher

spinethanbefore.He waited a moment. Counted to ten. He even searched the sky until he

foundtheNorthStar.Anydiversiontobringhistemperbelowtheboilingpointandhiswordstosomethingthathewouldnotregret.

“That is your problem, Flora,” he finally said as he swiveled to face her.“Youneverseemtobelieveme.”

Oh, but she was beautiful in the moonlight. Even wearing an outfit thatlookedasifshe’dstolenthingsatrandomfromaclotheslineandthendressedinthedarkwithhereyesclosed.

“That’snot true,” shestatedas shegavehima triumphant lookandpulledthetweedcloakcloseraroundher.

“GivemeoneinstancesinceyouandIjoineduponthisridiculousendeavorthat you’ve simply done as you were told without question or comment. Or,

worse,without ignoringmy orders altogether and doingwhatever you please.Canyoudothat?”

Her smilewas broad and immediate, the lookof satisfaction that followedcurioustoLucas.Whatcouldshepossiblybethinking, thiswomanwhovexedhimso?

“OfcourseIcan.”“Well,goon.Let’shearit.”Flora crossed her arms in front of her. “All right. Just yesterdaywhenwe

boardedtheAmericus.Youtoldmetomeetyouattheseatingareaonthedeck.”Shepausedandgavehimatriumphantlook.“AndIdid.”

“Anyotherexamples?”Hecockedhishead tooneside tomakeashowoflisteningintentlyfortheanswerheknewshecouldn’tgive.

Sheshookherhead.“You’reinsufferable.Truly.”“Me?Iamtheonetryingtokeepyoualive.Tryingtocatchamanbeforehe

breaksyourheartandleavesyouruinedlikehedidtoMary-Margaret,andI’minsufferable?”

Silencefellbetweenthemas,bydegrees,Lucasrealizedhowmuchhe’djustrevealed.Howmuchhewantedtotakebackandpretendhehadn’tsaid.

Floraleanedforwardtopressherindexfingeragainsthislapeland,despitethe borrowed costume, Lucas caught the scent of lilacs. Sweet lilacs. LikelydabbedonherneckfromoneofthoseexpensiveperfumebottleshehadseeninhersuitebackattheCrescentHotel.

“So,” she said slowly as she smiled sweetly up at him. “You think I’madorable?”

“No!”Heshookhisheadandtriedtoclearhisthoughts.Stilltherewerethelilacs.Andhersmile.“Yes.Oh,Idon’tknow.”

He’d already decided shewas insufferable.Unscrupulous, aswitnessed bythe deception she’d played on him tonight. And decidedly dangerous, aswitnessed by theway she had ofmaking him feel like a fool just by leaningcloser.

Bysmilingupathimwithlipsthatbeggedtobekissed.By allowing the index finger pressing into his lapel to slowly become the

palmthatrestedagainsthisfuriouslybeatingheart.Nightsoundsenvelopedthem.Theslapofanoaroddlyechoingfromdown

on the river, the call of a night bird, the chirp of night creatures. Everythingseemedamplifiedinherpresence.

Theire.

Theinterest.Andthenshesighed.“Lucas,”shewhispered.“What?” Though he intended to say the word sharply to indicate his

displeasurewithher, insteadhisquestion fell fromhis slackmouth ina singlebarelybreathedsyllable.

“Ithinkyou’readorabletoo.”

L

Twenty-Four

ucasturnedaroundandgrabbedthereins,leavingFloratohangontightashemaneuvered the buggy over the ruts in the road. The onlymeasure of

satisfactionshetookfromtheman’sdiscomfortwasthechangeoftopic.“Did I say something wrong?” she managed while trying to keep from

slidingoffofherseat.“Nothinganyworsethanthethingsyou’vebeensayingtonight.”Heshook

his head. “Adorable,” hemuttered. “Onemoremistake to add to the growinglist.”

Though she’d been too frightened to let on, Lucas was right. The entireevening had been amistake. From the lack of cooperation she receivedwhiletryingtotalksenseintothestubborntelegraphofficemanagertotherudenessofthebandofruffiansnearthebuggy,nothinghadturnedoutasshehadhoped.

Slidingaglanceathim,Flora’sheartsoftenedyetagain.Hehadtoldhertoomuchwith his slip of the nameMary-Margaret.Whowas she?A relative?Afriend?Asweetheart?

Thislastthoughtcausedtheoddesttwingeofjealousy.Shewouldn’task,ofcourse.Notafterseeingthediscomfortinhiseyeswhen

herealizedhehadsaidhername.Soshesatnexttohiminsilence,knowingshewouldeventuallyhavetoexplainherreasonsforbeinginthatawfultavernandwonderinghowshewouldmakesenseofitallwhenthetimecame.

AtleastFatherandGrandmamawouldneverknowofhertransgressions.SheplannedtodistanceherselffromLucasMcMinnassoonasshecouldmanageit.ForshouldeitherofthemgetwindofthefactshewentdowntoNatchezUnder-the-Hillinclothessheborrowedfromthecharitybin,shewouldneverheartheendofit.

Thatis,ifshearrivedhomeinonepiece.AttherateLucaswasdrivingthebuggy,thelikelihoodwasgrowingdimmerbythemoment.

“Youcanletmeouttowalktheremainderatanypoint,”shesaidsharplyas

heonceagaintookabendintheroadfartooquicklyforherliking.“You?Walk?Notlikely.”“WhydoyouthinkI’msomesortofhelplesswoman?IassureyouthatI’m

not.”Hissnortofderisiononlyservedtomakehersmile.“I’drathertakemychanceswithcoyotesandhighwaymenthantobethrown

fromthebuggyduetoyourexcessivespeed.”“Idoubtyou’llfindeitherinthispartofMississippi,thoughyoudidn’tmind

associatingwithvermintonight,nowdidyou?”“Nordidyou,apparently,oryouwouldn’thavebeeninNatchezUnder-the-

Hill.Idon’tsupposeyouwanttotellmewhyyouwerethere.”Alockofdarkhairfellintohiseyes,andhepusheditaway.“No,Idonot.”“AndIwouldfurtherguessitdidn’tcompletelyhavetodowithMr.Tucker,

didit?”Shewas digging in a sensitive spot. She could tell that from theway the

muscleinhisjawjerkedatthequestion.Asensiblewomanwouldhaveleftthetopicalone.

Butnotwhencuriosity tuggedatherandtherewerestillafewmiles togobeforethegatesofBrimmfieldwouldappear.

Sheleanedovertoseeifhesmelledofalcohol.Whenhedidnot,herheartsank.Withit,herire—orwasitjealousy?—rose.

Fromwhatshecoulddiscern,therewereonlythreethingsmenwentdowntothat part of town for. Two of them were business and drinking. Lucas hadalreadyeliminated the firstwithhis admission thatPinkertondutieswereonlypartofhisreason,andFlora’ssenseofsmellhadeliminatedthesecond.

“DoyoufrequenttheseplacesbecauseofMary-Margaretorinspiteofher?”Noresponse.Floracastacovertglanceatthelawmanandfoundhisexpressiongrim,his

knuckles white. She’d gone too far with her question. Amends were due forstompingalloverwhatwasobviouslyveryprivateterritory.

Andyetanapologyrefusedtoform.Thenshecaughthimstaringather.“Whateveryou’rethinkingyouwanttosay…donot.”Hebitoutthewords

andthenturnedawayfromheragain.Surelyhedidn’tmeanit.Hewasjustirritatedbecauseshehadn’tapologized

forherindiscreetremarks.“Youdon’thavetoexplainyourselftome,”shesaidgently.“You’reentitled

tospendyourfreetimehoweveryouwishwithoutbeingaccountableto—”“Flora.”Hisvoiceheldfartoomuchwarningforhertoignore,andyetnotenoughto

completelytakehimseriously.Instead,shedecidedanapologywastheonlywaytoremedythesituation.

“All right. I’m truly sorry that I brought the subjectupat all. It’s just thatwhenyoumentionedMary-Margaret,Iassumedyoumightbelookingforsomeconversationandmaybe—”

“Not…another…word.”Thistimeshefelthislookbeforesheturnedtoseeit.Sheopenedhermouth

to agree, or apologize further, or something—anything to placate theunreasonableman.

“No.”Sosheclampedhermouthclosedand turned toshuthimoutofhervision

even as she tried to keep his bad-tempered attitude out of her thoughts. Forthough she hadn’t succeeded in her mission to find Mr. Tucker’s telegraphoperatorfriend,shehadcomeextremelyclose.Themaninthetavernhadatleastadmitted he knew the Wilson fellow Will Tucker had addressed his codedtelegramto.

Returning to Natchez Under-the-Hill during daylight hours would bedifficult,butshewouldsomehowmanageit.Andwhenshedid,shewouldfindJackWilson.

A thoughtoccurred,andFloracaughtherbreath.What ifWillTuckerwastrying to reach her?What if he depended on her to be at a certain place at acertain time, and that dependence had been somehow conveyed through themessagehe’dleft.

She sighed. Therewas nothing for it now. If she’dmissed his attempts atcontact,shecouldonlypraythatWillTuckerwasstillinNatchezandwillingtowed.

Perhaps she could find a way to ask Lucas about this. Surely in all hisPinkertontrainingheencounteredtheneedtogetasecretmessagetosomeoneortomakecontactwithoutbeingfoundout.

“So,”shesaidslowly,“ifyouwerelookingforawoman,howwouldyou—”“Youjustcannotletitalone,canyou,Flora?”hesnapped.She let out a long breath. The man was absolutely impossible. He was,

however,theonlypersonwhomightbeabletoanswerherquestion.Thus,shedecidedtotryonemoretime.“But,Lucas,I’mjust tryingtoask

about—”“Stop.Asking.”Thatdidit.She’dhadenough.“Fine.I’lljusthandlethemattermyself,butrememberwhenyougetmadat

methatItriedtotalktoyouaboutit,onlyyourefusedtoletmeandthenIdiditand…”Shepausedtotakeabreathandfoundhe’dnotonlystoppedinterruptingher,buthehadalsostoppedthebuggy.

“Goon,”cameoutasmenacingastwoinnocentwordscould.Flora let out a long breath. “I’m just asking your advice.”She paused. “If

I’vemissedWillTucker’sattemptsatfindingme,howdoIfindhim?”“Youdon’tfindhim,Flora,”hesaidwithwhatappearedtobedifficulty.“I

amtheonewhowillfindtheman.Youhavenothingtodowithit.”“I have everything to dowith it.Withoutme, you can’t catch him. If you

could,youwouldhavebynow.”Even in themoonlight she could see the vein throbbing in his neck. “And

withyouIamsobusyplayingnannytoaspoiledchildthatI’mtoodistractedtodomyjob.”

“Don’tblamemeforyourdistraction.I’mtheonetryingtohelp.”“Then stop helping,” he demanded. “And just do what I tell you. Which

includes,asI’vetoldyou,notgoinganywherewithoutmypriorapprovalor—”“Oryou’llhavemethrowninjail.”Florashookherhead.“That’satiredold

songyou’replaying,Mr.McMinn. I think I’veheard itone toomany times. Idon’tbelieveitanymore.”

“Youdon’t?”Henoddedonlyonce,hisexpressiongrimandyetthoughtful.“Well,allright.”

Thelawmanslappedthereinsandurgedthebuggybackintomotion.Atthebend in the road he turned right instead of left, something that Flora instantlyquestioned.Ofcourse,themanrefusedtoanswer.

Oh,surelynot.Shetriedtobluffherwaytosoundingbrave.“Suityourself,butwhen you find out you’re lost, letme know and I’ll help you get back toBrimmfield.”

Again he remained silent. Flora sat back, her expression pensive. At leastshe’dmanagedtochangethetopicandredirecthisireifnotthecarriage.

Orshethoughtshehad.UntilthelightsofNatchezcameintoview.“Believemenow?”sheasked.“Just turnarounduphereandI’llshowyou

whereyoumadethemistake.”“No,Flora.You’retheonewhohasmadethemistake.”

Thoughhesaidnothingmore,Florawasnowcertainwherehewasheaded.Herpride,however,kepthermute.Evenashepulledthebuggytoahaltinfrontofthecityjail,sheremainedsilent.

Lucas walked around to reach for her, but she saved him the trouble andexited thebuggyherself.Shealsowalkedup to thesheriff’sofficeofherownaccordwithLucasfollowingclosebehind.

Adeputysherecognizedbutdidnotknowpersonallyrosewhenshesteppedintotheoffice.“Evening,MissBrimm,”hesaid.“Howcanwebeofservice?”

“Ineed to speak toSheriffLambertplease,”Flora saidas sheadjusted thedoilyprotectinghermodesty.

“No,”Lucassaid.“I’mtheoneinneedofspeakingtothesheriff.”ThedeputyshiftedhisattentionfromFloratoLucasandthenbacktoFlora.

“Thesheriffisn’there.Ibelievehe’satthecottonexchangeeventtonightwithyourdaddy,MissFlora.”

“Oh, of course,”Flora said, though shedoubtedher father had returned toNatchezsosoon.

“Areyouthemanincharge?”Lucasasked.“Iam.”Thedeputyrosefrombehindthedeskandwalkedaroundtoshake

handswithLucas.“AreyouMissBrimm’snewfella?Talkaroundhereis thatshe’dalreadyupandmarried,butthebosssaysno,thatshe’sjustgothercapsetforsomeoneandtheweddinghasn’thappenedyet.”

Flora gave Lucas an I-told-you-so look he ignored. “No, I’m a Pinkertonagentwho has personal custody ofMissBrimm.And tonight she violated thetermsofthatcustody.I’mpreparedtowriteupafullreportforthesheriff.”

Thedeputystoodopenmouthedforwhatfeltlikeafullminute.“He’stellingthetruth,”Florasupplied,“thoughheleftoutthepartwhereIwasjustdoingalittlediggingtohelphimsolvehiscase.”

Again the deputy shifted his stare from her to Lucas. “Let me get thisstraight.YouwantmetothrowFloraBrimminjail?”

Lucasdrewinalongbreathandletitoutslowly.“Yes.Ifyou’lljustconfirm,shehasawarrantonheroutofArkansassignedbytheEurekaSpringssheriff.”

A trickle of perspiration slid down theman’s forehead as he tugged at hiscollar.“Forwhat?”

“Receiptofstolenproperty.”Lucaspaused.“That’safelonyinArkansas.”“It’safelonyinMississippitoo,butIcan’timaginethisgalwouldwillingly

acceptstolenproperty.”HelookedoveratFlora.“Wouldyou,MissBrimm?”“No,”Florasaidinhermostangelicvoice.“Ofcoursenot.”Shepaused.“In

fact,theitemheclaimsIstoleisinhispossession.Technically,hetookitfromme.”

“Confiscated.”Lucasgestured tohispocket. “Myname isLucasMcMinn,andIhaveabadgeinmycoat.Wouldyouliketoseeit?”

“Iwould.”The deputywatched closely asLucas pulled out his badge andthrustittowardhim.Afteraminute,heturneditoverandthennodded.“Looksrealenough.WhatcanIdoforyou,Pink?”

“Youcanputthiswomaninjail,”hesaidevenly.“AsIsaid,shehasviolatedthetermsofourcustodyarrangement.Therefore,Iamrevokingherreleaseandcommittinghertojail,whereshewillbesafe.”

“Issheindanger?”“Onlyfromherself,”Lucassnappedashereplacedthebadgeinhispocket.“Andyouhaveherproperty?”thedeputyasked.“The property has been confiscated as part of the investigation. It will be

returnedtoherifandwhenitisdeterminedtobehers.”Heshookhishead.“Thewatchisinnodangerofbeinglost.”

“Idon’trecallgettingareceiptforthat,”Florasaid.Lucassilencedherwitha lookandreturnedhisattention to thedeputy.“If

you’ll just show me where to sign, I will leave the prisoner in your capablehands.”

“I don’t believe so, sir.” The deputy snuck a quick glance at Flora beforeaddressing Lucas again. “I can’t lock up Miss Brimm. Her grandpa, he wassomething around here. So’s her daddy. And her grandmother… well, she’dhavemyhideforsure.Evenol’GeneralGrantdidn’tmesswithMrs.Millie.”

Florasuppressedasmile.“Deputy,I’msureyou’llhearfromtheBrimmfamily,butthelawisthelaw,

andI’mturningcustodyofMissBrimmovertoyou.”“No,sir.Youarenot.”Adull redbegan toclimbupLucas’sneck,andforamomentheappeared

unabletorespond.Thenhebeganinadeadlytone.“Areyousayingthatbecauseyouknow thiswomanandher family,youare ignoring thewarrant issued forher arrest in Eureka Springs and are refusing to accept the prisoner I havebroughtintonight?”

“Yes,sir.That’sexactlywhatI’msaying.”Lucaslookedaboutreadytotakethefellowtotask.“Andthere’snothingI

candotogetthiswomanputinjail,whereshebelongs?”“Of course there is.You can take her back to Eureka Springs,where that

warrantofyoursisgood.”“Sir,youareawareofthefactthatMississippiandArkansasarebothpartof

theUnitedStatesofAmerica,andassuchrecognizeandcooperatewiththelawsofeachstate?”

“That’saprettyspeech,Pink,butthefactremainsthatI’mnotgoingtoholdMiss Brimm on an out-of-state warrant when she and her family have beenoutstandingmembersofthiscity’scitizenrysincewellbeforethewar.”

Lucas shook his head. “All right, I’m going to try this again. There is anactive Pinkerton case in which this woman’s warrant has been recognized asvalidandmaterial.Icangetyouwhateverinformationyou’dlikeonthatcasetohavethesheriffswearoutawarrant.How’sthat?”

“That would probably work, but first you’d have to get the Pinkertons toverifyandthengetthefinalansweronitfromthesheriffonceallthepaperworkhasbeenhandled.”

“I see.Sowhatyou’re saying is I’m stuckwithFloraBrimm—at least fornow.”

ThedeputygrinnedatFlora.She,ofcourse,returnedhissmile.“Yes,sir,”hesaidashelookedagainatLucas.“She’sallyours.”

“Wonderful,”hemutteredashegaveFloraalookthatwouldwithercotton.“Let’sgo.”

She followed a step behind and allowed him to help her into the buggy.Withoutaword,heclimbedupbesideherandpointedthehorsetowardhome.

They rode in silence, as much because Flora no longer cared to invokeLucas’sireastoallowheratimeofquietreflectionunderthestars.

“Lucas,”shefinallysaid.“Areyoutalkingtomeyet?”“No.”Shegiggled.“Youjustdid.”Apparently the man had lost any sense of humor he might have once

possessed.Floragiggledagainanywaybecauseitwastrulyfunny.Allofitwas.AttheentrancetoBrimmfield,shefullyexpectedhimtomakeherwalkthe

restoftheway,butinsteadhedroverightuptothefrontofthehousealmostatbreakneckpace.Whenthecarriagehalted,anefficienthouseboyhadherfeetonthegroundbeforeLucascouldclimbout.

Justaswell,forsheintendedtoseekthesolaceofherroomandalongvisitwiththeLordratherthanspendanyfurthertimewiththeangrylawman.Worse,shecouldn’tpossiblyseeFatherorGrandmamawearingthishorridensemble—thatis,ifFathertrulyhadreturned.

ThefrontdoorsopenedastheyalwaysdidbythetimeFlorareachedthefirstofthefourteenmarblestepsleadingtotheentrance, thankstoapairofBrimmfootmenwhobothbowedas shewalkedpast.Oneof themaidshurried inherdirectiontoretrieveherhatandcoat.

“Might I draw you a bath, ma’am?” she asked, nothing in her expressiongivingawaywhatmustbesurpriseatheroddchoiceofoutfit.

“Yes,please,andmakeitextrahot.AndaskLucytogiveyousomeofthoselovely lilac bath saltsFather brought back fromParis, please,” she said to theretreatingmaid’sback.“Ibelievesheput them in the trunkwithmyperfumesbeforeweleftEurekaSprings.”

“Holdoffondrawingthatbath,”Lucascalled.Flora spun around to see that he had not only followed her inside, but he

seemed intent on continuing their conversation. “You there,” he called to themaid.“Isthiswoman’sfatherathome?”

“He’sjustback,sir,”themaidanswered.“You’llfindhiminthelibrary.”Flora’s heart lurched. And to think she had decided the evening couldn’t

possiblygetanyworse.IfLucasspoketoherfatherinthismood,theendreallywouldcomeforherplans.

Of all the men in her life, only Lucas McMinn was less reasonable thanFather.Andeventhen,theracewasclose.AndifGrandmamagotwindofanyconversationthatmightproveinteresting,sparksreallywouldfly.

Shehadtodosomething.Quick.“Oh,no,”shesaidtothemaid.“Thismanmaybeaguest,butheisnotgoing

toseeFather.”ThensheturnedtoLucas.Thatsamelockofhairhadfallenintohiseyesbut,

fromthelookofhim,hewastooirritatedtocare.Thisdidnotbodewell.“Lucas,youarenotgoingtospeaktomyfather.Nottonight.Heis…”She

triedtothinkofareasonableargument.“He’sindisposed.Yes,that’sright.Youcan’tseehimnowbecauseheonlyjustreturnedfromMemphis.Ihaven’tevenseenhimyet.Don’tthinkofruiningourreunion.”

Slowlyhereacheduptoswipethelockofhairintoplace.Hisgazemethersbutonlybrieflybeforeheturnedtolookinthedirectionofthemaid.“Whereisthelibrary?”

“Topofthestairs,firstdoorontheright,”shesaid,eyesdowncast.“ShallIshowyou,sir?”

“No, thank you. I think I can find it.” He returned his attention to Flora.

“Andyou,MissBrimm,arecomingwithme.”

F

Twenty-Five

lorastaredthePinkertonagentdown.“Absolutelynot.Irefusetoallowit.”“That’swhereyou’rewrong,”hesaidasheadvancedonher.“Youdo

notgettodecide.”Sheskitteredoutofhisreach.“Lucas,haveyoulostyourmind?”“No,Flora.I’vefinallyfoundit.”With that statement,he strode towardher.Flora squealedwhenhemadea

reach forher elbow, justmissing it tomakecontactwith thewall.The familyphotosshuddered,butLucasseemednottofeelanypain.

“Comehere,Flora.I’minnomoodtochaseyou,butIwillifIhaveto.”“Really,I—”Hemadeanotherlungeforher,thistimecapturingherwrist.“Allright,”he

saidwithdeadlycalm.“Let’sgotalktoyourdaddy.Icouldn’tturnyouovertothedeputysheriff,butIcancertainlyturnyouovertoyourfather.Whateverittakestokeepyoufromruiningmyinvestigation.”

She took two steps forwardwith him and stalled. “Iwon’t.What are yougoingtodo,tellonmefornotlisteningtoyou?”

“I thought I’d letyoudo that.”Flora felt the impactofhisstare.“I’msureyou’llcomeupwithabetterversionanyway.”

“Versionofwhat?”“Thewhole story, beginning to end.”Green eyes narrowed. “Startingwith

thewarrantforyourarrestandyourinsistenceonignoring—”“Notsoloud,”shesaidinahushedvoice.“Someone’sgoingtohearyou.”“That’stheintention.”Heshookhishead.“Nowareyoucomingwithmeor

do I need to pick you up and carry you? Either way there is going to be aconversationwithyour father tonightso Idon’thave toworryaboutwhatyouwilldotoendangeryourselformyinvestigationtomorrow.”

Panic stole her breath. “Honestly, Lucas, I am not a child,” she finallymanaged.“AndIdonotappreciateyourreferencestomeassuch.”

“No, you’re not a child. Thingswouldmuch easier if youwere.You’re afull-grownwoman,andIrefusetoletanythinghappentoyou.”

“Mr. McMinn,” she said as her gaze darted around for some means ofescape.“Youalmostsoundasthoughyoucareforme.”

“I do,MissBrimm. I don’t knowwhat Iwould do if something—” If hisadmissionsurprisedFlora,itseemedtocauseanevenstrongerreactioninhim.“Allright,”hesaidwithatonethatwasbrusque,evenforhim.“Lastchancetowalkupstairswithmewithoutassistance.”

Whenshehesitated,hereachedforher.Beforeshecouldreact,thehorizontiltedandthestairscameintoviewashe

swept her intohis arms.Though the staircase comprised the full height of thefoyer,heascendedthestepsalmostasquicklyashe’ddriventhebuggy.

“Ibelieveyounow.Ido.Pleasejustputmedown.”“Toolate,”hesaidashereachedthetopofthestairsandpausedonlylong

enoughtoturntowardFather’slibrary.“Asleastputmeonmyfeet,”shepleaded.“Letmewalkinratherthanbeing

carried.Iknowyou’reangry,but thinkofhowitwill looktomyfather ifyouhaulmeintohisofficeandunceremoniouslydropmeathisfeet.”

Shecouldseetheindecisiononhisfaceandcelebratedasmallvictory.Outofthecornerofhereye,shespiedFather’svaletwatchingfromthedoortothebackstairs.Whentheirgazesmet,themandisappeared,likelyheadeddowntotheservant’skitchentoannouncethelatestFlora-inducedscandal.Hewouldtellherfatherwhathesawathisearliestopportunity.

ThehorizontiltedagainasLucassetheronherfeet.Shewobbledabituntilhesteadiedher.

“Thankyou,”shesaidassheadjustedherhat.“There’sjustonemorething.”Sheheldherthumbandindexfingerupinanapproximationofaninch.“Justalittletinything.Nothing,really.”

Hedidnotlookimpressed.Thus,sheofferedherbestsmileandcontinued.“Justletmechangeintosomethingmorepresentable.”

Whenhedidn’trespond,shetriedagain.“Iknowyou’reangry,Lucas,andIdon’tblameyou.IrealizeonoccasionIcanbealittledifficult—”

“Alittledifficult?YouaccusedmeofarrangingillicitmeetingswithwomeninNatchezUnder-the-HillwhenIwasmerelymeetingwithafellowPinkerton,andall thewhileyouwere there in that ridiculouscostumeriskingyour life tospeak to some man who would rather guess what you’re hiding under yourgrandmother’sdoily.”

“You’re right,” she said,wanting to choosewords that placate rather thanirritate.“Aboutallofit.Please,can’twejuststartover?”

Lucasmuttered somethingunderhisbreathashe tightenedhisgriponherelbow.“Forgetit,Flora.Let’sgo.”

“No,wait!”Sheduginherheelsashetriedtopullhertowardhim.“I’mjustthinkingofyou.”

Hislaughterheldnohumor.“Really?Allright.ItseemsatthismomentIamjustcrazyenoughtoaskyouhowintheworldyoufigureyou’rethinkingofme?Theonlypersonyoueverthinkofisyourself.Sothisoughttobegood.”

Theaccusationstung, thoughsheknewshedeservedit.PartofbeingFloraBrimmoftheNatchezBrimmsmeantcultivatingthepersonaofapamperedandcossetedpet.AndhadFathergothisway, that isexactlywhatshewouldhavebecome.

Andyetthetruthofthematterwasthatsherarelythoughtofwhatwasbestfor her anymore.Notwhen shewas so busy seeing to the needs of the othersGodhadplacedinherlife.

“If Father seesme dressed like thiswhile under your care, hewill not behappy.” She ignored his snort of derision. “And that unhappiness will likelyreflectonyou,notme. I’mhispreciousdaughter,butyou’re thestrangerwhoputmeintoadangeroussituation.”

Hebegan toprotestandshewavedawaythecommentwithaswipeofherhand.“Goon,”hemutteredinstead.

“If youwill just letme change into something thatwill not steal Father’sattentionfromthespeechyouwishtogivetohimaboutme,Ithinkbothofuswillbebetterreceived.”

Shepausedtowatchhisexpressiongofromaggravatedtothoughtful.Thenabruptlyheshookhishead,allthewhilekeepingafirmgriponherelbow.

“Iknowwomen,andtheydonotdressinahurry,especiallywhenamaniswaitingonthem.However,asmuchasIhatetoadmitit,someofwhatyou’vesaid makes sense. So,” he said on an exhale of breath, “I’m going to dosomethingIhopeIdonotlivetoregret.”

Floratampeddownonhersmile.“What’sthat?”“Iamgoingtogiveyoutenminutestofindsomethingtoputon.”Hepaused.

“Lucy?”ToFlora’ssurprise,hermaidcreptaroundthecornertoofferadowncastand

decidedlyshockedexpression.“Yes,sir?”“HowquicklycanyougetMissBrimmchangedintosomethingdecent?”

Wide-eyed, themaid clasped her hands in front of her as she appeared toconsider the question carefully. “Miss Brimm generally needs a half hour tocompletehertoiletteonceshe’sbathedandhadherhairsetupjustright.”

“Can you rid her of this ridiculous costume and dress her in somethingdecentinnomorethantenminutes?”

“Tenminutes,sir?”Sheshrugged.“Maybeamorningdressor…well,yes,IthinkIcandothat.”

Lucas turned his attention to Flora. “Do not make me regret this. Whichroomisyours?”

“My bedchamber?” She gestured toward the end of the hall. “That onenearestthewindows.Behindthecolumn.”

“Lucy,youwillremainwithheratalltimes.Understand?”“Truly,Mr.McMinn,”Florasaid,herhandsonherhips.“Thispoorwoman

doesn’tworkforyou.It’shardlyappropriateforyoutobegivingherorders.”“Suityourself,Flora.Let’sgoseeDaddy.”Hemade amove as if hemight once again sweep her into his arms, and

Floraknewshe’dpushedhimasfarasshecould.Thetimehadcomeforretreatandafewmomentstorevisitherplan.

“No,no.I’mgoing,”shesaidasshehurriedpastLucy.Themaidfollowedandshutthedoorbehindher.

“Tenminutes,”sheheardLucassay.“Andshouldyouattempttodoanythingfoolish,I’llbewaitingjustoutside.”

FlorasankdownonherbedandlookedatLucy.Hermaidwastryingnottosmileassheshookherhead.

“MissFlora,thatman,ishecrazyordoeshejustloveyouverymuch?’“Loveme?” She laughed as she pulled the doily out of her cleavage and

tosseditaside.“Don’tberidiculous.”“Oh,helovesyou,allright.It’salloverhim.”Lucywenttothearmoireand

pulledoutamorningdressofmintgreen.“Thisone?”“Yes, that’s fine,” Flora responded, though she knew she would not be

greeting Lucas or Father in that dress—or in any other one tonight. Notwithwhatshehadplanned.

Sheslippedoutofherborrowedclothesandkickedthemaside.“I’mcurious,Lucy,”shesaidasshebenttoallowLucytoslipthedressoverherhead.“WhydoyouthinkMr.McMinnisinlovewithme?”

Themaidgrinned. “Weall think that,miss.Mostlybecauseof thewayhelooksatyouwhenyou’renotwatching.Can’tyouseeit?”Shelaughed.“No,I

supposeyoucan’t,whatwithithappeningwhenyou’renotnoticing.”Florastraightenedandturnedaroundtoherimageinthemirror.“No,Idon’t

supposeIcan.Buttruly,heisinsufferable.Allhewantstodoiscomplain.”“Yes, miss,” the maid said demurely, though Flora knew she was only

agreeingtobepolite.She walked to the window and Lucy followed with the remainder of her

ensemble.Fromwhereshestood,Floracouldseethelittlecottageandthesinglelightthatalwaysburnedinthewindow.

Most nights the light gave her comfort. Tonight, however, the imageunsettledher.IfVioletwouldjustsetherprideasideand…

No,thatwasathoughtforanotherday.“Oh!” Lucy exclaimed as she handed a folded piece of paper to Flora. “I

almostforgotthatIwassentupheretogiveyouthis.ItcameforyouafterMr.McMinncarriedyou…thatis,afteryouandMr.McMinnarrivedinthesecondfloorhall.”

FloraturnedaroundtoopenthenoteasLucyattendedtothefastenersalongthe back of her dress.Must follow the job to NewOrleans.Marryme there?JacksonSquare.NoononFriday.

She quickly folded the page and held it against her heart. Two days?ConvincingFather of the need to visitNewOrleanswas a simplematter. ShetraveledbetweenthetwoBrimmhomesfrequently.

Making the trip without Lucas McMinn was another matter entirely,especiallysincethemanhadalreadyadmittedhewasfromthecity.Floragavethemattersomethought.Andthen themostbrilliantof ideasoccurred.Yes,ofcourse.

“There, miss,” Lucy said as she stood back to admire Flora. “You’re alldone,andaccordingtoyourmantelclockyou’veafullminutetospare.”

FloratoreherattentionfromthecottageandturnedtofaceLucy.“Ido,don’tI?”Shenoddedtowardthedoor.“TellMr.McMinnI’llbeoutdirectly,please.”

She gave Flora a doubtful look. “I…I believe I’m to stay with you,MissFlora.”

“UntilMr.McMinnpaysyoursalary,Lucy,you’llnotbetakingordersfromhim.Doyouunderstand?”

“Yes,ma’am,”shesaid,hereyesdowncast.“I’m sorry I snapped at you. I’m justweary, andmy patience is stretched

beyondbearingbythatmanoutthereinthehall.”“Themanwholovesyou,”Lucyremindedher.

“Well,ifhedoes,hecertainlyhasn’tmentionedit.”“No?”Lucyasked.“Nothingatall?”“Nothing.”Exceptthekissshehatedtoadmitshestillfoundherselfthinking

about.Andthefactthattonighthedeclaredhecaredforher.Thatwasasurprisebecausemostofthetimeheactedasthoughhewastired

ofdealingwithher.Well,hewouldnothave todealwithheranymore.Not ifshe could find herway out of this room and into the arms ofWillTucker onFridayatnooninJacksonSquare.

The thoughtofMr.Tucker’s armsaroundherwasquickly replacedby therecollectionofthesameembracebyMr.McMinn.WhywasitthatthePinkertonagentinsistedonpesteringherevenwhenhewasnotintheroom?

Again the light in the cottage caught her attention. “Of course,” shewhisperedasthefinalpieceoftheplan’spuzzleclickedintoplace.

L

Twenty-Six

ucasremovedhispocketwatchtocheckthetime.Exactlynineminutes.HeleanedagainstthecarvedcolumnadjacenttoFlora’sbedchamberdoorand

closedhiseyes.Howhaditallcometothis?FloraBrimmwasaPinkertonagent’sworstnightmare, the typeofwoman

whowouldniggle herway intohis thoughts at theoddestmoments,workherwayintohisheart,andallthewhileirritatehimbeyonddescription.

The fellowhe’d seen spyingon them fromwhatheassumedwas thebackstairsonceagainpokedhisheadoutofthedoor.Lookingaround,heobviouslydid not see Lucas partially hidden behind the column, for the man skulkedforwardwithinreachofhishand.

OnlywhenLucas grabbed him did theman’s eyes gowide. “Oh, sir, youstartledme,” he protested. “I only justwondered if youmight need assistancebeforeyouturnedinforthenight.”

“Is thatso?”Hegesturedto theoppositeendof thehall.“Thenyoutookawrongturn.Mybedchamberisthatway.”

“Yes, s-sir,” he stammered. “I suppose Iwasmisinformed onwhich roomyouwouldbeusing.”

Lucy opened Flora’s door and shut it quickly as she hurried past withoutacknowledging either of the men. Lucas released the valet and then watchedbothofthemdisappeardownthebackstairs.

“Allright,MissBrimm.Yourtimeisup.”Onceagainheremovedthewatchfrom his vest pocket to check the time. Elevenminutes. He paused and thenknocked.“Flora,you’vehadanextraminute.Pleasedonottrymypatienceanyfurther.”

When she did not answer, Lucas reached into his hat and connected hislisteningdevice.Pressingoneendofthetubeagainstthedoor,heheldtheothernearhisear.

Nothing.

Hetriedtheknob.Locked.Andthenathoughtoccurred.“Noshedidn’t!”hemutteredasheraceddownthebackstairstwoatatime.

Emerging into the servant’s hall, he looked around for the first uniformedemployeehecouldfind.

“You!”hecalledtoafootman.“Whereisthenearestbackdoor?”“Thisway,sir.”Themanquickly ledLucas through thekitchenandpasta

cluster of maids folding laundry. A moment later, he emerged into the thicknightair.

“Thanks,”hecalledashehurriedaround thecornerof thebuilding to findtheapproximateplacewhereFloramighthaveclimbedoutofthewindow.Andthereshewasabovehim,nimblymakingherwayaroundthebackofthesecondfloorofthethree-storyhome.

AcalltoherwouldhavealertedFloratohispresence.Withtoolstoclosethedistancebetweenthemwaitinginhispocket,LucasdecidedtotryanotherwaytoconfrontFloraBrimm.

Removing thebullet fromhis revolver,he inserted the special canister andmadesuretheweaponwasonceagainreadyforfiring.Judgingthedistancetothe ledgeabovehim,he smiled as the shothit itsmark just around the cornerfromwhereFlorawasheading.

Lucas returned the revolver to its holster and pulled the spikes from hispocketandattachedthemtohisboots.Givingthefilamentlineayank,hecurleditaroundhiswaistthreetimestoanchorhimselfandraisedhisfoottobegintheclimbupthesideofthestructure.

Though the going was slow due to the poor visibility from the cloudscoveringthemoon,LucasmanagedtoreachtheledgebeforeFloracamearoundthecorner.

“Oh!”sheshoutedasherforeheadslammedintohisshoulder.He caught herbefore either lost their footing and then, tobe sure shewas

safe,hereleasedtheclipandwrappedheragainsthimwiththewire.Aturnofthenotchandtheyweresecure.

“Whatareyoudoinguphere?”shedemanded.“Icametoseeawomanaboutameetingwithherfather.Ifyouwillbestill,I

willgetusbothdownsafely.”Insteadofnotmoving,Floratwistedaroundtoseehowtheywereconnected.

Lucastumbledsidewaysandtookherwithhim.Holdinghertightly,hefoughttoconnecthisbootswiththeledge.

“Whatareyoudoing?”shedemandedashernailsdugintohisbackandherheadrestedagainsthischest.

“TryingtokeepfromlandingonthegroundbeforeI’mready.”Unfortunately, theywere dangling just far enough away from the ledge to

preventhimfromusingthespikestogaincontrol.Allhecoulddowasreleasethelatchslowlyandbeginadescenttotheground.

Astiffbreezerockedthemagainstthehouse,slammingLucas’sbackagainsttheledge.Hebitbackthechoicewordsheoncewouldhavesaidandfocusedonkeepingcontrolofthesituation.

“Bestill,orwe’rebothgoingtoendupinyourgrandmother’sroses.”“Iambeingstill,but Iwillaskyouagain.Whatareyoudoing?Youwere

supposedtobewaitinginthehall.”Lucas laughed at the absurdity of the situation.At theway she could take

anykindoftroubleshe’dcreatedandturnitintosomethingshehadnopartof.“Iwaswaitinginthehallforyou,”hesaidashisfingersslidthenotchonthe

wiredownjustenoughtolowerthemafewinches.“Youweresupposedtocomeoutasyousaidyouwould.”

Hefelthergriponhisbackloosen,andheswiftlytightenedhisarm,holdingherclose.“Hangon,Flora.I’llhaveusoutofthismessinaminute.”

“Icouldhavekeptusoutofthismess,Lucas.Ifyouhadn’tstoodinmyway,Iwouldhavesimplywalkedovertothecupolaandclimbeddownthetrellis.It’snotadifficult…oh!”sheexclaimedasthewiregavewayalittle toomuchandthey plummeted several feet before he caught the notch and ceased theirmovement.

Floraheldonverytightlynow,andhertalkinghadfinallyceased.Lucaswassure he would be able to continue lowering them in a slow and measuredmanner.

Theirswiftdescenthadleftthemstillseveralfeetabovethegroundandwellwithinviewofanyonewhomightbeseatedinthediningroomorformalparlor.Thankfully, tall shrubs kept them all but invisible from anyonewhomight bestandingoutside.

Lucaseaseduponthenotchandnothinghappened.Thewireseemedtohavesnagged.

Tryingagain,hefoundtheworkingshadjammed.Aglanceupthelengthofthewire,atleastfromwhathecouldsee,showedhimtherewasnoreasonfromabovethatitwouldnotbeworking.

Reasonfromabove.

Theideacausedhimtoshakehishead.Asdidtheunmistakablefeelingofafatraindropasitploppedonthebackofhisneckandbeganaslowtrickledownhisspine.Alongwithallofthis,herecalledKyle’smentionoftheloadlimitonthewire.ThoughFlorawastiny,therecouldbenodoubttheircombinedweightexceededthetwo-hundred-poundmark.

Allhecoulddowaslaugh.“Mr.McMinn,Ifailtoseewhatcouldpossiblybesofunny.Wearedangling

awaysoffthegroundyet,andapparentlyyourcontraptionhasceasedtowork.IstheresomethinghumorousinthissituationIammissing?”

Anotherraindropfollowed,thisoneslantingjustenoughtohithimbeneaththerimofhishat.Meanwhile,Florahadherarmswrappedaroundhim,herblueeyestrainedonhisface,andherbeautiful,kissablemouthblessedlyclosedinatightline.

“Faceit,MissBrimm,”hesaidashegaveuponthewireandwrappedhisfreehandaroundher.“Thisisyourfault.”

“Mine?”Hereyesnarrowed.“Youaretheonewhowasstandinginmyway,andyouarecertainly theonewhocreated this ridiculouscontraption thatnowhasusbothdanglingandstuck.”Sheclosedhereyesbrieflyandsighed.Lookingbackupathimagain,shesaid,“Withallofthoseinventionsofyours,can’tyoucome up with something that will solve our problem? Perhaps you have amachinethatwillallowustoflydowntothegroundinthatpocketofyoursnexttotheextra-visionspectaclesandthehumantorchandwhoknowswhatelse?”

“Itisapersonaltorch,andthere’snoreasontouseit.Icanseeyoujustfine.”Apause.“AndmustIsay,youlookquitelovelyinthemoonlight.Muchbetternowthatyou’vegivenuponwearingdoilies.”

“Ofallthenerve.”Sheslantedalookupathimthroughthicklashes.Justassheappearedabouttoaddmoretohercomplaints,araindropsplatteredagainsthercheek.“Oh,no,Lucas.It’sraining.Dosomething!”

“AndwhatwouldyousuggestIdo,Flora?”“I suggest you explain yourself, youngman,” said a gruff voice from the

windowbelow.Lucas angled himself just far enough away from thewall to seewho had

spoken.Fromtheageandappearanceof theman inquestion, itdidnot takeaPinkertonagenttosurmisethatthisfellowwasFloraBrimm’sfather.

“JustthemanI’vebeenlookingfor,”Lucassaid.“Givemeaminute,sir,andI’llbringyourdaughterdown.AndthenyouandIhavesometalkingtodo.”

“Don’tlistentohim,Father.We’rejusthavingalittletroubleuphere.Could

youcallforaladderorsomeshearstocutthewire?”“Ishouldcallforthesheriff!AndIstillmay.”“Yes,pleasedo,”Lucassaid.“No,don’t.”Floraimplored.“Justgetusdown,andIpromiseIwillexplain

everything.”Mr. Brimm gave her a doubtful look. “I will keep that thought under

advisement, young lady. For now I’ll ring forHarrison.Do not even think ofgoinganywhereuntiloneofusreturns.”

“Wherewouldwego?”“Yes, a good point indeed. But do understand, Flora Brimm, that I have

ignored many of your antics over the years, including ones that might causeanother parent to declare you completely beyond repair.Until now I assumedyou would someday settle down into a more sedate manner of behavior.Unfortunately,Ihaveonceagainbeenprovenwrong.”

Lucascouldseehisnemesisgofromblusteringtocrushedwithherfather’swords.Somethinginhim,callitalawman’sinstinct,toldLucasthatMr.Brimmwastheonewhowaswrong.

“Father,trulyIdidnotexpectto—”“Watchout,Flora,”Lucassaidas thewindkickedupagainand tossed the

two of them against the building. This time Flora’s shoe went through thewindowjustaboveherfather’shead.

FromLucas’svantagepoint,hecouldseeMr.Brimm’scolorreddenbeneathhis substantial facial hair.With a shakeof his head, hemoved away from theremnantsoftheglassandwasgone.

FloralookedupatLucas,herexpressionanguished.“Wehavenowofficiallygonetoofar.Myfatherisnotaneasymantoirritate,butIhaveneverseenhimthatangry.”Shepaused.“We’vereallydoneit.”

Lucas looked down at thewoman in his arms. “We?”He shook his head.“We?AswithjustabouteverythingelsethathasgonewrongsincethedayImetyouattheCrescentHotel,Flora,thishasbeencompletelyyourdoing.”

“Iwasn’ttheonewhoinventedthisthing.”“No,thatwasme,”hesaidasheremovedatinydevicehiddeninhisjacket

lapel.Not only did the invention have a blade sharp enough to do substantialdamagedespiteitssize,italsocontainedaserviceablepairofwirecutters.

Lucasgazedintothecornflowerblueeyesofthemostmaddeningwomanonthe planet. Amoment later he said, “Put your head againstmy shoulder. I’mgoing tocutusdown,andI’lldomybest tobreakyour fallandkeepus from

landinginthebrokenglass.”“Lucas,don’t—”“Okay,herewego.”Asnapofthewireandherwordsbecameasquealthat

chased them the remainderof thedistance to theground.Lucas’s landingwassoftenedbythegardensoil,whilehebrokeFlora’sfall.

Sheshakilyliftedherheadtolookathim,hernearnessdistractinghimevenashegraspedfor thecuttingdevice thathadrolled justoutof reach.“Youareabsolutelycertifiable,Lucas.Wecouldhavebeenseriouslyinjured.”

“Are you hurt?” he asked as he quickly inventoried his own limbs anddeclaredhimselffit.

“No,Idon’tthinkso,”shebreathed.“Butallthesame,Icouldhavebeen.”Heleanedjustalittlemoretotherightandinchedtowardthedevice.“Hold

on,” he said as he moved their bundled selves toward it. Finally his fingerstouchedcoldmetal,andhepalmedthelittleinstrument.

“Didyougetit?”sheasked,afierycurlfallingoverherfaceasshelookeddownintohiseyes.

“Yes.Don’tmoveorImightcutsomethingIdon’tmeanto.”Thatstilledheruntilhecouldmakeshortworkofreleasingthecircleofwirethatboundthem.Jumpingtohisfeet,hehauledFloraupandintohisarms.“Whyisitthingsarealwayssocomplicatedwhenyou’rearound?”

“Me?You’retheonecomplicatingthings.”“We’llseeaboutthat.”Heleanedbackalittletolookather.“Ibelieveyou

and Iwereonourway to seeyour fatherbeforeyouattempted this ridiculousescape.”

A rustle of noise beyond the shrubs diverted his attention. A man whoappeared to be a gardener hurried in the wake of the man Flora had calledFather.InMr.Brimm’shandwasanoversizedpairofshears.LucaslethisarmsfallfromaroundFlora,thoughhestayedclosebesideher.

“Isthisthehusbandyouwrotemeabout,Flora?”Her father was tall, though not as tall as Lucas, and his posture spoke of

boardingschoolandyearsfollowinginthefootstepsofhisancestors.Heknewthetype.IfnotforKyleRussellandthePinkertons,hemighthavebeenthetype.

Mr.BrimmbrandishedthepruningshearsfartooneartoLucasforhisliking.“Sir,Iwillhaveanexplanationofwhatyouaredoingdanglingoutsidemyhomewhileinappropriatelyentwinedwithmydaughter.”

Wheretostart?“Goahead,Lucas.He’ll findouteventually.Youshouldprobably tellhim

now.”The pruning shears caught the gaslight inside and took on a decidedly

sinistergoldenglow.“Tellhimwhat?”“Indeed,daughter.Tellmewhat?”Florashookherhead,andanotherofhercurlssprungloose.“Weweregoing

totellyoueventually,Father.LucasandIareworkingonacaseandhopingtogivechasetoacriminalwithoutalertinghimtoourpresence.”

“That is themost ridiculous statement I’veheard inquite some time,”Mr.Brimm stated. “Almost as ridiculous as the letter you sent informingme youweretobemarried.Thankfully,yourgrandmothertellsmethathasn’thappenedyet.”

“No,sir,”shesaidsoftly,hereyesaverted.“Actually, sir,”Lucas said, looking theman in the eye. “I am aPinkerton

agent.Ifyou’llsetthoseshearsaside,Iwillreachintomypocketandshowyoumybadge.”

Mr.Brimmgavehimadoubtfullook.“Andwhatwouldthatprove?IfailtoseehowyouremploymentasaPinkertoncouldpossiblyexplainwhyyouwerehangingoutsidemyhomewithmydaughter,sir.Andintherain,noless.”

“Ithaseverythingtodowithit,Father.”ShepausedtogiveLucaswhatheassumed was supposed to be a meaningful look. “We only just received amessage from theman thatMr.McMinn is tracking. Because hemanaged todeliverthemessagetoBrimmfieldunseen,itislikelyhecouldstillbewatchingthehousenow.”

“Wedid?”Lucaswhispered,hislipsagainstFlora’sear.Floranodded.“Please,let’sjustgoinsideandwewillexplaineverything.”“You’reinluck.I’veneverbeenfondofstandingintherainunlessImust.

Mydear, insidewithyou.Andyou,sir,”Mr.BrimmsaidtoLucas,“shall findanotherplaceinwhichtocarryoutyourinvestigation.”

Linking armswith Flora, Lucas stopped her progress. “Sir, I know she isyourdaughter,butsheishelpingmewithaninvestigation.IwonderifImightspeaktoherprivatelyforjustamomentbeforewejoinyouinthehouse.”

“I’mafraidnot.”HeyankedFlora’sotherarmandsetherbackinmotion.Lucasthoughttoregisteraprotestandinsistonhislegalrighttointerrogatea

prisoner,butifMr.BrimmwasatallasstubbornasMissBrimm,itwoulddonogoodanyway.Resignedfornow,Lucasfollowedthepairinsideandacrosstheentrytoaroombeneaththestaircase.

Fromthelooksofthedark,wood-paneledspace,itwasbeingusedassome

sort of study.One of thewallswas covered in paintings of horses,while twoothersboreframedmapshunginorderlygrids.Thefourthwallwasdominatedbyalargeoilpaintingofadark-hairedcoupleseatedbeforearoaringfire.Inthewoman’sarmswasaninfantdressedinalongwhitegownandmatchingbonnet.Standing beside the man was a girl with long dark curls and big blue eyes.Balancingoutthepaintingwasapairofwolfhoundsrestingattheman’sfeet.

“Sit,Mr.McMinn.”Lucascomplied,butonlyoutofdeference to theman’spositionasFlora’s

father.Florafollowedastepbehind,takingaseatbesidehimwithoutbeingtold.When Mr. Brimm walked over to close the door behind them, Flora passedLucasanote.

He opened the torn page discreetly.Must follow the job to New Orleans.Marryme there?was scrawled at thebottomof thepage just above theplacewherethepaperwastorn.Intuitiontoldhimtherewasmoretothemessage,buttherewouldbetimetolookintothatlater.

Comingback to thefrontof theroom,Mr.Brimmsaid,“IbelieveIwouldfirstliketoseeyourbadge,youngman.”

Lucas silently handed it over. After studying it a moment, Mr. Brimmhandeditback.

“Itappearstobeinorder.Sowhat’sthisaboutdraggingmydaughterintoaPinkertoninvestigation?”

“Withallduerespect,sir,yourdaughterinvitedherselfintoit.Iamtrackinga criminal who may have chosen Miss Brimm as his next victim. Had MissBrimmnotbeeninsistentonwithholdingkeyinformation,Iwouldnothaveneedofkeepingherinpersonalcustody.”

Mr.Brimm’sbushybrowsshotskywardasheshiftedhisattentiontoFlora.“What’sthis,daughter?Mr.McMinnisnotreferringtothemanyouwrotemeabout,ishe?”

“Yes, but it’s all a misunderstanding, Father. The man Mr. McMinn islookingforisinnocent,andIwanttoseethatthefactsareheard.”

“Thengivehimthefacts,Flora.Allofthem.”Her face reddened. “I…well, I cannot. It would mean betraying the

confidenceofsomeonewhotrustsme.”“Thatisridiculous,”heblustered.“Sir,Idemandtoknowwhyyou’reusing

an innocent girl as part of your investigation. She obviously is not keen ongivingastraightanswer.”

“I’mnotusingher,sir.Sheisinmycustodyatthemomentbecausesheis,at

the least, a material witness in an ongoing investigation conducted by thePinkertonAgency.AnymorethanthatIcannottellyouatthismomentbecauseitisclassified.”

“That’sthesamereasonIcannottellyouwhyMr.Tuckerisinnocent,”Florainterjected.

“DidwecallafamilymeetingandforgettoinviteGrandmama?”All eyes turned toward the Brimm matriarch, who stood at the door and

allowedhergazetosweeptheroombeforelandingonLucas.“Mr.McMinn,itisalwaysinterestingwhenyouandmygranddaughterareincollusion.Towhatdoweowethehonor tonight,andis it trueyouwerefounddanglingupin theairwithFlora?”

“Hewasjustleaving,Grandmama,”shesaidassheswipedatthecurlsthathad fallen. “He’s going to New Orleans in the morning.” She paused only asecond.“AndI’mafraidImustaccompanyhim.”

“No, dear, that’s quite impossible.”Millicent Brimm swept into the roomandseatedherselfbehindher son’sdesk.“Youcannotpossibly leaveuntil thefollowingday.Tomorrowwearehostingareceptionforyou.”

“Areceptionforme?”Sheshookherhead.“WhenwasIgoingtobetold?”“OrI?”Flora’sfatherasked.Mrs.Brimmwavedaway theprotestswithasweepofherbejeweledhand.

“It’sallquiteimpromptu,butitshouldbealovelyafternoonevent.”“Afternoon?”FloraturnedtoLucas.“Wecanstillsailtomorrowevening.”“No,dear,”Mrs.Brimmsaid. “Tomorroweveningyouwill be attendinga

ballheldinyourhonor.Itwillbeabitofapushtohavethehousereadyfortwoevents,butI’msurethestaffwillmanage.”

“Grandmama,whyamIbeinghonoredatbothareceptionandaball?”Theolderwomanshrugged.“ImayhavementionedonthetrainfromEureka

Springsthatmygranddaughterdidnotaccompanymeonthereturntripbecauseshewasbetrothed.”

Floragroaned.“SoyourfriendsthinkIamengaged.”“I’mafraidso.Unfortunately,wewillneed toborrowaprospectivegroom

fortheoccasion.”AlleyesintheroomnowswungtowardLucas.“Oh,no,”hesaidamomentlater,graspingtheirmeaning.“Ican’t.I…”He

pausedto thinkabout thesituationinarationalandcalmmanner.“Honestly, Icannotthinkofaworseidea.”

“That’sfunny,”Florasaid,“becauseIthinkitsolveseverything.”

“Foryoumaybe,but…”Heshookhishead.“No.I’msorrybutno.Ididn’tcreate thisproblem,soI fail toseewhyIshouldsolve it.Notwhenthere’saninvestigationinprogress.”

Sheleanedovertowhisper,“ItkeepsmeoutoftroublefortwodaysandgetsuswherewecanmeetwithMr.Tucker.Idon’tseetheproblem,doyou?”

“What’sthatFlora?”herfatherasked.“I was just reminding Mr. McMinn of how well he danced aboard the

Americus.He’squitegood.”ThestatementsentFloraandhergrandmotheroffonaconversationaltangentaboutdancingthatfinallyhadMr.Brimmliftinghishands.

“Quiet!”hedemanded.“Ladies,IwishtospeaktoMr.McMinnalone.Flora,youwillgowithyourgrandmotherandwaitinthehall.Asyouwillbothlikelystand at the door with your ears pressed against it, I will demand your eartrumpet,Mother,andIwilldeclare thatshouldyoueavesdrop,Flora,myvaletwill alert me to it and you shall find yourself in more trouble than you arealready.Nowpleasego,bothofyou.”

“Son,you’renotactuallyaskingformytrumpet?”Heheld out his hand,waiteduntil hismother complied, and thenwatched

themwalk out the door.When theywere gone and the doorwas shut behindthem,heturnedhisattentiontoLucas.

“Allright.Whatexactlydidshedo?”“Idon’tknowwhatyoumean—”Her father leaned against the desk and crossed both hands over his chest.

“Whatismydaughterbeingchargedwith?”Ah. “Receipt of stolen property.”He paused. “But if itmeans anything, I

don’tbelievesheknewitwasstolen.”“Andyetyouclaimsheisinyourcustody.”Lucas shifted positions to rest his elbows on his knees. “Yes, sir. Until I

knewforsureshewasn’tincahootswiththisTuckerfellow,Ineededtokeepthesuspect—thatis,MissBrimm—close.”

“Andareyousurenow?”“Iam,butIstillneedher.”“Arewe still talking about the investigation?” he asked, one shaggy brow

lifted.“Weare,sir.”“Fairenough.Iwillallowmydaughter tosee this investigationthroughon

onecondition.”

Lucasbitbackaretortregardingtheolderman’sabilitytostopaPinkertoninvestigation or to hold back material witnesses. Instead, he inclined his eartowardMr.Brimmasheswipedataraindropthatdrippedoffhishat.

“Andwhatisthat,sir?”“That should you find that my daughter is somehow involved, you will

informmebeforeyoumake an arrest.”He stood. “I loveFlora,Mr.McMinn.Shehas takenonmore responsibility for this family thananyone realizes, andyet she still seems to find herself in predicaments that are well beyond whatanyoneexpects.”

“Yes,sir.I’veseenthat.”He regarded Lucas for a moment. “I’m curious. How did the two of you

reallyendupinsuchapredicament?”Lucastoldhim,beginningwiththepartwherehesuspectedshewouldclimb

out of thewindow, and endingwith the explanation of how he got up to thesecond floor. “Wedidn’t create the devicewith two persons inmind, andmycolleaguehadjustsuggestedaweightlimitoftwohundredpounds.Myguessisthat’swherethetroublewas.”

AlookofinterestflashedoverMr.Brimm’sfeatures.“Soyouinventedthiscontraptionthathelpsyouscalewalls?”

“Idid,sir.Creatingnewthingsisahobbyofmine.”“Haveyouinventedanythingelse?”LucastoldhimofsomeofthethingsheandKylehadperfected,aswellasa

fewideashehadbeenworkingon.“You’re an interesting man, Mr. McMinn, and well-matched for my

daughter. Iwonder if you’ve given any thought to an actual engagementwithher.”

He certainly hadn’t expected that. “I don’t think she would have me, sir.Yourdaughter hasher opinions, and I doubt sheholds averyhighoneofmerightnow.”

Mr.Brimmchuckled.“Becauseyoutellhernoandrefusetoallowhertogooffanddothingsthatareunsafeforher?Isaybravototheeffort,evenifIdonotcompletelyapproveoftheexecutionoftheplan.”

“Yes,sir.Isupposethat’stheproblemrightthere.”“ThenIsaycontinuewithwhatyou’redoing,andplease,formysake,doa

passable jobofpretending tobemyfuture son-in-law. Iwouldconsider thatapersonalfavor.Andperhapsyouwillfindyoulikethejob.”

“Yes,sir. Iwill.”Herose toshaketheolderman’shand.“Thoughwithall

duerespect,IdoubtI’muptothetaskforlongerthanafewdays.”“We shall see,won’twe?Oh, and son, the next time I find you dangling

fromthesecondfloorwithmydaughter,allbetsareoffonwhatIwilldowiththepruningshears.Understand?”

“Clearly,sir.”

C

Twenty-Seven

omewithme,Flora,”Grandmamainsisted.TruetoFather’sprediction,theyhad listened outside the door until the men finished their conversation.

Slipping into Mrs. Brimm’s private parlor, Flora couldn’t help but tease hergrandmother.

“So,” she said as she settled on her favorite spot, a floral divan with atasseledottomanforrestingherfeet.“Icouldn’thelpbutnoticethatyouheardtheconversationontheothersideofthedoorbetterthanIdid.”

“Don’t be silly.” Seated in a lemon-yellow chair nearest the window, hergrandmother changed the subject. “I noticed you coaxed Violet out into thesunshineearliertoday.Welldone.”

She had, though it had taken the promise that she would read Pride andPrejudicealoudtohertoachievethefeat.“IwishIcouldhavedonemore.Whydoessheinsistonlivingdownthereatthecottage?”

“Haveyouaskedher?”“Repeatedly.Sherefusestoleave.Ididofferupaquoteyoumightrecall.”

Athergrandmother’sliftedbrow,Floracontinued.“‘Godhathnotgivenusthespiritoffear;butofpower,andoflove,andofasoundmind.’”

“Well done,my dear.”With a soft sigh,Grandmama appeared to turn herattentiontothetrimonapillowatherside.

“Iwon’t stop trying.She is justasmuchamemberof this familyas Iam,andIhateitthatshewillnotbeattendingtheball.”

“Flora,dear,youmustbepatient.”Howcouldshebe,withBrimmfieldslippinga little further fromhergrasp

everyday?“Sheishappythere,isn’tshe?”“I believe she is,” Grandmama said. “Violet has all the comforts of

Brimmfieldwithout the invasionofprivacy that toooftenhappenshere in thishouse. For now, at least, the cottage suits her. I hope someday soon thatwillchange.Infact,Iplantohaveheraccompanymetotakethewatersnextyear.I

thinkitwouldbequitebeneficial.Now,maywespeakofsomethingelsebeforeyourfatherbargesinandinterruptsus?”

Violettakethewaters?Yes,Lord,please.“Ofcourse.”“I’veworkedhardtokeepourfamilynameunsullied.Donotleaveoutany

ofthedetailswhenyoutellmewhatyourplansarewithMr.McMinn.”“PlanswithLucas?”Floraletoutalongbreath.Foronce,thedemandsofthe

Brimmmatriarchdidnotfrightenher.“Ladies,areyouinthere?”OnegraybrowroseasFlora’sgrandmothercontinuedtowatchher.“Weare,

son.”Fatheropenedthedoor,hisexpressionfarfromgrim.“Thankyouforyour

discretioningivingmetimealonewithMr.McMinn.”HecrossedtheroomtohandGrandmamahereartrumpet.

“Itrustyouhadaworthwhileconversationinourabsence,”shesaidasshefittedthedevicetoherear.

“Yes, very.”Father turnedhis attention toFlora. “Youwill giveyourbestcooperationtothePinkertonagent,thoughyoumaycontinuetovexhimshouldhebroachpropriety.”

Floragrinned.“Ishall,thoughIdoubtthatwillbeaconcern.”Father and Grandmama exchanged a look. “Of course,” he said before

makinghisexcusesandhisescape.“Doyoulovehim?”“No, of course not, Grandmama. Why on earth would I love Lucas

McMinn?”Another smile, thisonemuchslower togrow intoabroadgrin.“Oh,dear,

it’smuchworse than I expected.You’re completely smitten andvexed all thesame.”

Irerose,asdidFlora.“Truly,Grandmama,Ithoughtyouwereonmyside.”“Iam,dear.IjustfinditinterestingthatwhenIsaidhim,youassumedIwas

speakingofMr.McMinn.”ShegaveFloraapointedlook.“You’dbestgetthatsortedinyourmindbeforeyoumarrythewrongman.”

The next evening in preparation for the ball in her honor, Flora hadLucylacehercorset tighter thanusual.Shedid thisonlybecauseshedidn’twant togivethosewhotendedtogossipareasontosuspectshehadanycausetomarryquickly other than for love. If only love really was the cause, she silently

lamented.Dutywouldhavetosuffice.Sheheld tight to thebedpostandheldherbreath inwhileLucycompleted

theworkofperfectinghertinywaist.Astheprocessofdressingcontinued,sheallowedherselftothinkoftheplansheandLucashadagreedupon.

This afternoon’s reception had gone verywell,mostly because he had notbeen required to attend after all and her grandmother had notmentioned theirconversationofthepreviousevening.ThoughGrandmama’sfriendsgrilledherwithoutceasingabouteverydetailofherengagement,Florawasabletohandlethequestionsandreturned toherbedchamberexhaustedbut readyfor thenextevent.

Lucy completed her dressing duties and stepped back to offer Flora themirror.Anodandthemaidwasgone,leavingFloraalone.Againshewenttothewindow,andthistimewhenshesawthelightinthecottagewindowacrossfromher, she smiled. “It’s Wednesday,” she whispered. “Two more days and ourproblemissolved.”

AknockdivertedFlora’sattention.Shewent toanswer thedoorandfoundLucasstandingthere.GonewasthePinkertonagentwithlittleregardforfashionorsociety.Inhisplacestoodawell-groomedandwell-dressedgentlemanwithasmilethatappearedtobeonlyforher.

“Breathtaking,” he said in a voice so soft that she wondered if she hadactuallybeenmeanttohear.

Heofferedhisarm,andtogether theywalkeddownto theballroom,wherethebandwasplayingasedateviolinconcertobyVivaldi.AtFlora’sarrival,theconductorgavethesignaltoceasethemusic.SomeonemusthavesentwordtoFatherandGrandmamathat theywereontheirwaydown,becausebothof theelderBrimmsawaitedFloraandLucasonthedais.

“Ladiesandgentlemen,pleasewelcomemydaughterFloraandthemanwhohas undertaken the daunting task of seeing to her well-being, Mr. LucasMcMinn.”

Interesting how Father managed to speak the truth while giving theimpressionthatLucasandIare,indeed,engaged.

Aroundofapplausefilledtheballroom.“WhileI’llnotaskMr.McMinntomakeaspeechat this juncture,Iwillaskhimifhewouldleadoff thedancingtonight.”

ThenextthingFlorarealized,Lucaswasleadingheraroundthedancefloorand the tune had switched to a waltz. Other dancers joined them, including

SimonHoneycutt’sparents.AstheolderpairdancedclosertoFloraandLucas,shebegantocringe.

“Whatisit?”Lucasasked.“Mrs.Honeycutt.Idon’tknowwhattosaytoher.It’sjustawfulwheneverI

seeher.”Abreathoflaughterwasinhisvoice.“Yes,I’veseenthelengthsyougoto

avoidher.”He moved her deftly around a slower-moving couple and picked up the

threadofconversationoncemore.“Whatdoyouwishyoucouldtellher?”“HowverysorryIamaboutSimon.”Shepaused.“HowdeeplyIcaredfor

him.AndhowmuchIstillmisshissmile.”HeslowedtheirpacetomatchtheHoneycuttsjustasthewaltzended.“Then

that’swhatyouneedtotellher.”ForthefirsttimesincemeetingLucas,Floradecidedtotakehisadvice.Once

theyhadparted, she reachedout toMrs.Honeycutt, and after a longhug, shetold her dear friend’s mother exactly how she felt. Though tears fell, Florawalked away from the conversation with a deep peace and gratitude that theLord had somehow used Lucas McMinn’s wise words to restore a once-lostrelationship.

“That was very nice of you,” Grandmama said amoment later, discreetlyhandingFloraascentedhandkerchief.“I’msureMiriamheardwhatshe’dhopedfromyou.”

AsFloradabbeddaintilyathereyes,shelookedoutoverthecrowdandsawLucasdeepinconversationwithherfather.“Whatshe’dhoped?”

“Yes,dear.Allshe’severwantedtohearfromyouishowverydearSimonwastoyou.Shejustneededtoknowhewasloved.”

Florasmiled.“Itoldherthat.”“Goodgirl.”Grandmamapattedherarm.“NowImustgoandmingle.”Seeing that the ballroom doors were open to the balcony overlooking the

gardens, Flora slipped outside to breathe in the night air. Strains of a vaguelyfamiliarsongdriftedtowardheronthebreezeandsettleddeepinherheart.Aswiththelasttimeshestoodbeneaththestars,Florafoundthenightskyfartoobeautifulforwords.

“Lovely,”Lucassaidashecametostandbesideher.Sherestedherpalmsontherailandletoutalongbreath.“Yes,thenightis

beautiful.”“No,Flora,”hesaidgently.“Imeantyou.”

“Thankyou.”Sheslidaglanceinhisdirectionwithasmile.“Youcleanupquitenicelyyourself.”

Adipofhishead served ashis thanks.How long they stood sideby side,Floracouldn’tsay.AllthewhileherconscienceniggledatheruntilfinallysheturnedtofaceLucas.

“Ineedtoapologizetoyou.”“Oh?”Heliftedadarkbrow.“Forwhat?”Shesmiled.“ThoughI’msureitwouldbefarmoresatisfyingifIofferedup

alaundrylistofoffencestowhichIwouldpleadanapology,sufficeittosaythatI realize I’ve been a pain.Worse, I have putmyself and your investigation indangeronmorethanoneoccasion.”

“Youhaveindeed.”Lucasshowedthebeginningsofhisownsmile.“AmItounderstandyouaremendingyourways?”

“Mendingissuchaharshterm.IthinkIpreferamending.”Lucaschuckled.“Andwhat’sthedifference,otherthanonevowel?”“Iamamending thewaysIalreadyhave.Notchanging,but rather refining

them.” She shrugged as she struggled to keep a straight face. “You see thedifference,ofcourse.”

“Isthatsomethingyoulearnedatthatfancyladiesschool?”Sheturnedbacktotherail.“IassureyouthatverylittleofwhatIlearnedat

DillinghamLadies Preparatory School has been of any use tome since Imetyou.”Shelaughed.“Ithinkmygentleeducationhasbeenmoreofahindrance,actually.”

A round of applause indicated the music had ended. Flora looked at himagain,andherbreathcaughtasshenoticedtheanglesofhisfacesilhouettedinthemoonlight.Thecutofhiscoatandtheturnedupcornersofhissmile.

Thoughtheentireimageformedanunimaginablyhandsomewhole,thetruebeautyofthismanwasinhistenacioussearchforjustice.WhoeverthisMary-Margaret person was, his quest was on her behalf. And right or wrong, theloyalty he felt to herwaswhat led him to seek answers in the person ofWillTucker.

Itwas a revelation.Flora felt as if shewere seeingLucasMcMinn for thefirsttime.

Once again the strains of a violin drifted toward her. “Beau Soir,” shewhispered.

“Byspecialrequest,”Lucassaidashereachedouttowardher.“MayIhavethisdance?”

Florasmiled.“Iwouldbedelighted.”Lucas swepther intohisarms,her feetbarely touching thegroundas they

danced.Thistimeitwasshewhobegantosing,andonlyafterthefirstversedidhejoinher.Theycircledaroundthebalconywiththestarsforacanopyuntilthesongended.

“Thankyouforthedance,”hesaidthoughhemadenomovetostepaway.“YourFrenchisflawless.”“Merci.”Shemethiseyesand thenmovedoutofhisarms to twirlas thenextsong

began.“Itmakesmewonderwhetheryoulearnedthelanguageathomeortookinstructionelsewhere.”

Heliftedabrowashestood inplace.Apparently,hewasfinisheddancingevenifshewasnot.“Flora,”hesaidsoftly,“pleaseleavethedetectiveworktome.”

Comingup tohimandofferinghermostpetulant face, theone thatalmostalways worked on her father, Flora decided to try another attempt at pryinginformationfromthesecretivelawman.“ButIknownothingaboutyou,Lucas.Afterallwe’vebeenthroughtogether,can’tyoutellmeanythingmorethanthemeagerdetailsyou’veshared?”

Lucasleanedcloser,hislipsalmostgrazingherear.“Flora?”hewhispered.“Yes?”“Theanswerisno.”She feigned irritation. “That’s not fair, Lucas. Just tellme onemore thing

aboutyou.”“Onething?”Heshrugged.“Forsomeunknownreason,Ilikedancingwith

you.”Withthisdeclaration,hedrewhercloseandonceagainsetherinmotiontothesoundoftheorchestra.Itwasawaltz,thoughaslowone,andconversationsoonbecameimpossiblebecauseshewascompletelymesmerizedbythefeelingofbeingheldinhisarms.

But when the music ended, she found her voice. “Who are you, LucasMcMinn?Really?”

Hischucklewassoft,hisexpressionsofter.Slowlyheslidhera look.“Allright,Flora.Isupposeyou’veearnedalittletrust.”Heangledcloser.“IwenttoNatchez Under-the-Hill last night to meet with my best friend Kyle. He’s aPinkerton agent too.We joined up together, and until hewas assigned to theDenverdivisionandItotheChicagooffice,wehadn’tbeenapartmuchsincewewere little boys growing up in New Orleans. And he’s not only a fellow

Pinkerton,buthe’salsomycollaboratoronmanyoftheinventionsyou’veseenmeuse.There.Nowyouknowalittlesomethingaboutme.”

Lucas gave her a satisfied look and once again was about to set her inmotion.Thistimesheduginherheelsandstalledhisdancing.

“That’sit?”Sheshookherhead.“Yourbestfriend,Kyle,isaninventorandaPinkertonagent?”

Heshrugged.“Yes,that’sit.However,youmaymeethiminNewOrleans.Maybeyoucangetmoreoutofhimthanyoucanoutofme,thoughIdoubtit.”

Shemovedawayfromhimtoleanagainsttherail.“You’renotworkingonthiscasealone?”

“Not anymore,” he said as he came to stand beside her. “Kyle hasinformation that saysyourMr.Tuckerbookedpassage toNewOrleans.Whenyoushowedmethenote,Iwasonlyhalfsurprised.”

“Whyhalf?”“Becauseyouonlyshowedmehalfthenote,Flora.”Shejerkedherattentionupathim.Howhadheknownthis?Hisgreeneyesnarrowed.“Whereareyoumeetinghim?”“WhoisMary-Margaret?”Hesteppedbackasifshe’dpushedhim.Andmaybeinawayshehad.“Onequestionhasnothingtodowiththeother,”hesaidthroughaclenched

jaw.“Nottrue.”Florareachedtoclosethedistancebetweenthemandthenplaced

herhandatophis.“IneedtoknowifIcantrustyou,Lucas.YousayI’veearnedalittletrust.Showmebyansweringmyquestion.”

Heletoutalongbreath.“ShewassomeoneIloved.”“Isee.”Disappointmentobviouslycoloredherwords,forLucasshookhishead.“Not

inthewayyouthink.Shewasfamily.”Family.Herheartsankevenasa tinypartofher felt reliefatknowingshe

wasnotstandingintheshadowofsomeused-to-belove.“Was?”“Yes,andasyoumayhaveguessed,sheis thereasonIbeganthisquest to

findTucker.”Hepaused.“SheisnotthereasonIcontinueit,however.”“Andwhatisthat?”“You, Flora. Even though you’re obviously in this forwhat youwill gain

fromyourgrandfather’swill,youdon’tdeservewhatTuckerwilldotoyou.”Shesqueezedhishand.“Howsentimental.”“There’snoroomforsentimentinaPinkerton’slife,”hesaidslowlyasifhis

thoughtswereelsewhere.“Liar.”“Whatdidyousay?”She grinned. “Oh, come now. You make your life sound so…” Flora

searchedforjusttherightword.“Dire.Yes,that’sit.Yousoundsodire.”“Dire?”He shook his head. “I don’t know about that.What I do know is

when a Pinkerton is on the job, there should be no distraction to interfere.Sentimentcanbedangerous.Itcangetmekilled.”

HethoughtoftheinformationKylehadforwardedtohimthisafternoononWinthropBrimmandhismountingdebts.AnyofthementowhomBrimmowedmoney might decide Flora posed too great a threat should she be allowed tomarry.

“Lucas?”Hesoftenedhisexpression.“Andrightnowitcouldgetyoukilledtoo.”“Oh,please.There is nothingdangerous in this investigation.At theworst

youwill capture amanwhohas been doing somebad things, thoughnone ofthemworthkillingsomeoneover.”Florapausedasanawful thoughtoccurred.“Oh, no. You don’t think he killed her, do you?YourMary-Margaret? She’sdead,isn’tshe.”

“Sheis.”“IsMr.Tuckersuspectedofhermurder?”Amuscleinhisjawclenched.“No,”hesaidslowly,“heisnot.”“There,yousee?”Sheshrugged.“I’mverysorryforyourloss,butonceyou

talktohimandheshowsyouhiscredentials,everythingwillbejustfine.”“Whatcredentials?”heasked,suddenlyalert.Flora pressed her lips shut. She’d said too much. What was it about the

moonlight and the nearness of Lucas McMinn that had her wanting to talkwithoutthinkingfirst?

“Flora,”he said, hisvoicedeepandvery serious. “If youknowsomethingthatispertinenttothisinvestigationandyoudon’ttellme,beittheparticularsofyourupcomingappointmentorthedetailsofTucker’scredentials,you’regoingtobeconsideredjustasguiltyasheis.”

“In this country aperson is considered innocent until provenguilty,LucasMcMinn,andyouknowthatisthetruth.Asforthoseotherthings?”Shepausedtoswipeatanerrantcurlloosenedbytheeveningbreeze.“You’rejustgoingtohavetotrustme.”

“Trustyou?”

She lookedup into his beautiful green eyes and smiled. “I know I’ve saidthisbefore,but itbearsrepeatingbecauseyoutendtoforget.YouandIareonthe same side.We both wantMr. Tucker caught. And since I simply cannotmarry amanwith any sort of cloud of suspicion hanging over him—or us—Ialso want all the facts out so the matter can be handled with the utmostexpediency.”

“Thentellmewhatyouknowandbedonewithit—”“Imade a promise, Lucas.And even though I’ve come to care deeply for

you, Ihavenotyet founda reason tobreak thatpromise.You’re justgoing tohavetowait.”

Therewas somethingnew inhis eyes ashishandclosedoverhers. “FloraBrimm,didyoujustadmitthatyoucareforme?”

Shehad.Heatclimbedintohercheeksasshesearchedforawaytoundothedamageshe’djustdone.Fornothinggoodcouldcomeofadmittinghergrowingfeelingsforthisman.

Nothingatall.“Well…ofcourse,Ido,”shesaidascasuallyasshecouldmanage.“Youand

Iareonthesamesideofthisendeavor.Whywouldn’tIwishthebestforyou?’“That’snotwhatyou said,Flora.”Hisvoicewas lowandgentle,hishand

suddenlywarmatophers.Strainsofaviolinsolodriftedpast.Grandmama’sfavorite.Shewouldhave

Fatherouton thedance floor forher lonedanceof theevening.And then shewould plead her usual headache and retire, leaving the “young ones” to theirmerriment.

LifecertainlywentonasusualatBrimmfield,evenwheneverythingelseinherlifeseemeddoomedtotumbleforthandchange.

“Flora?”Lucasurgedherattentiontoreturntohimbygentlyliftingherchin.“Yousaidyoucaredeeplyforme.Didyoumeanit?”

She gazed into his eyes and found she couldn’t look away. “You know,Lucas,Ididlearnonethingatschool.Aladyisneverthefirsttospeakofsuchthings.”

Thecornersofhislipsturnedupinawrysmile.“Isthatso?”“Itis,”shesaidassheleanedslightlyforward.“Mydeportmentteacherwas

adamant.”Hisarmwentaroundherwaist,hispalmpressingagainstherspine,drawing

herclose.“Adamant?Soundslikeanysortofviolationofthatrulemightcausearealproblem.”

“Problem,”sheechoedassheliftedupontohertoes.“Yes,absolutely.”“Yes,”hesaidsoftly,hislipsnearlytouchinghers.“Absolutely.”Andthenhekissedher.“Flora,” he whispered, his breath warm against her cheek. “I don’t know

howyou’vedoneit,butyouhavemeropedupandmoonstruck.”“Isthatagoodthing?”“Averygoodthing,thoughIdon’tthinkweoughttoadvertisethatfact.”“No?”shesaidsoftly.“No.”Hekissedheragain.Andthencametheapplause.Flora turnedaround tosee thatallofNatchezsociety, includingher father,

had come to stand by the open ballroom doors during their kiss. ApparentlyGrandmamahadalreadypleadedherheadacheand left,orshe likelywouldbeupfrontofferingheropinion.

“Bravo,”someonecalled.“Bravo,indeed,”anothershouted.Lucasimmediatelydidwhathedidbest.Hetookcharge.“Thankyou,ladiesandgentlemen.Now,ifyouwillexcuseus,Ibelievemy

intendedandIaregoingtoenjoyawalkinthemoonlight.”They descended the stairs that led down to the garden hand in hand and

walkedawaytothefadingsoundofmoreapplauseandtherisingnotesofabrisktune. At the edge of the garden, he paused and took her in his arms again.“Aboutwhathappenedbackthere…”

Shelookedup,hopingtoseelove,devotion,oratleasttheneedtokissheragain.Instead,hishandsomefeaturesgavenoindicationofhisfeelings,thoughhisembracetoldherotherwise.

“Weshouldgoback inside. Idon’twantyour fathercomingaftermewiththepruningshears.”

“Ithinkmyfather’sgoingtoallowusourwalk.It’swhatwouldbeexpectedofthefatherofthebride-to-be,andmyfatheralwaysdoeswhatisexpected.”

“Isee.”Hereluctantlyreleasedherbutthentookherhandagaininhiswarmclasp.“Thenthatmeanswehavesometimetodiscussthisinvestigationalittlemore.Ifyoudon’ttrustmenowthatI’veadmittedI’mfallingforyoufasterthanabuggydownanicyroad,Idon’tknowwhatwill.”

“True,thoughitmighthelpifyoukissedmeagain.”Heliftedadarkbrow.“Flora,youareincorrigible.”Flora’s grip on his hand tightened. “Comewithme, Lucas. I want you to

meetsomeone.”“You’retryingtodivertmyattention,”hesaid.“Trustmewiththerestofthe

informationTuckersentyou.”“Allright.Mr.TuckerhassetameetingplaceforFriday.”“Whattimeandwhere?”Sheshookherheadanddroppedhishand.“I’vetoldyouenoughfornow,”

shesaidasshemoveddownthegravelpaththatledthroughthegarden.“Oh,noyoudon’t.You’renotescapingthateasily.”Hecaughtuptoherand

wrappedonearmaroundherwaisttostopherprogress.“I’mnotescaping.Remember,I’mamendingmyways.”“Right.I’dalmostforgotten.Sowhereisityouthinkyou’regoing?”“We’rebothgoing.”Floranoddedtowardtheendofthepath,adestination

hiddenbythecottonwoodsandgardens.“You’lljusthavetotrustme.”He hauled her close, his palm pressing against her spine. “No tricks,” he

whispered.“Notricks.”The moonlight filtered through the leaves of the cottonwood tree and

splashedhisfeatureswithsilver.Hedippedhisheadtokissheragain,andafterhislipsatlastlefthersandshelookedupathim,shesawthattheerrantlockofhair she’d noticed yesterday had fallen onto his forehead again. When shereachedtoslipitbackintoplace,hewrappedherhandinhis.

“Flora,”hesaidsoftly,“developinganysortoffeelingsforyouistheworstthingIcoulddoasalawman.Youdounderstandthat.”

“Yes,”shewhispered.“Allright.Leadon.”

A

Twenty-Eight

gainsthisbetterjudgment,LucasfollowedFloradownthepaththatwoundthroughthegardenandaroundthecottonwoods.Notthathehadmuchleft

in thewayof judgment.He’dabandoned that aswell as anymeasureofgoodsensewhenhewentlookingforFloraandfoundheraloneunderthestars.

Somehow,admiringherhadturnedtoconversing,andconversinghadturnedtokissing.Andsomewhereinbetweenhe’dadmittedtofeelingmoonstruckandhog-tied.Lucasshookhishead.Howhadshemanagedit,thisblue-eyedbelle?Itmadenosense.

Yet all he could thinkofwas the feel of her in his arms, the touchof herhand inhis,and thesweetnessofherkiss.And lilacs.As longashe lived, thesweet scent of lilacs would forever be associated with Miss Flora Brimm ofNatchez,Mississippi.

FloraTucker,unlesshemanagedtokeepthatfromhappening.ThesoundofsomethingakintoaloudexplosionofgunfirecausedLucasto

turnaround.YankingFloraagainsthim,hescannedtheperimeter.Shoutsfromthemainhouseindicatedthedirectionfromwhichtheshooterhadfired.

Or,morelikely,thedirectionthegunhadbeenaimed.He reached into his pocket and took out a weapon he’d designed for

situationssuchasthisandthenpulledFlorabeneaththelow-hanginglimbsofanancientmagnoliatree.Heputthedeviceinherhand.

“Whatisit?Itlookslikeacomb.”Sheturnedherheadtothehouse,herfacestricken.“Lucas,whatdoyouthinkjusthappened?”

“I’llletyouknowwhenIcomebackforyou.UntilIdo,youstayrighthere.”Heputhishandunderherchinandbroughthereyesbacktohis.“Anddonottrymy patience by ignoring my order. There could be a gunman loose, do youunderstand?”When she nodded, he continued. “The comb in your hand is aknife.Ifyoupressthatlittlebuttonattheend,averysharpbladewillcomeout.Keepyourfingersfreeof thatareaatall times.”Hepaused.Hedidn’twant to

leavehertherealone.“Areyougoingtobeallright?”“Yes. And I promise to stay here. I don’t want to be the cause of your

distraction.”Hegaveheronelastlookandthenkissedherquicklybeforeheadingtoward

themainhouse,hispulsebeatingstaccatoasheran.AshepassedtheedgeoftheformalgardensandemergedintotheclearingbetweenthewoodsandtheBrimmhome,Lucaskepttotheshadows.

Afewpartygoerswerestillracingdownthebackstairstojointhosealreadygathered inclusterson the lawn.SpyingMr.Brimmcomfortingamatronwhoappearednearfainting,Lucasjoggedtowardhimwithhisrevolverattheready.

“Whathappened?”heaskedtheolderman.“Noidea.Oneminuteweweredancingandthenexttherewasanexplosion

thatsoundedasifitwasrightthereintheballroomwithus.Weallevacuatedasquicklyaswecould.”

“IthoughttheYankeeshadcomebackforus,”theolderwomansaidasMr.Brimmcontinuedtofanherwithhishandkerchief.

“Sir, I need to ask you to keep everyone out here and away from theballroomandanywindows.DonotunderanycircumstancescomeinsideuntilIreleaseyoutodoso.Doyouunderstand?”

“Ido,Mr.McMinn.Thankyoufortakingcareofthismatter.”“I’ll do my best.” Lucas made his way as quickly as he could manage

throughthecrowdandthentookthestepstwoatatimetoarriveonthebalcony.A quick glance at the perimeter told him if the shooterwas hidden, he couldstrikeagainatanymoment,suchwasthedepthofdarknessthere.

Pressing his back to the wall, he held his revolver at the ready. Inchingtowardtheedgeof thefirstwindow,hetookadeepbreath,offeredupaquickprayerforsafety,andthenleanedovertoglanceinsidetheemptyballroom.Herepeatedtheprocesseachtimehepassedanopenwindowuntilhearrivedatthelastone.

Therehepausedonlyamomentbeforeburstinginside.Apreliminarysweepoftheperimetertoldhimtheroomwasempty.

ThenasoundbehindhimcausedLucastowhirlaround,hisgundrawn.Mr.Brimm’svaletwasstandinginthedoorway.

“I’m sorry for the trouble, sir.” The valet raised his hands, one holding acleaningclothandtheotherasmallbrush.

“Didyouseewhere theshooterwent?”Lucasdemandedashe loweredhisweapon.

“Shooter?”Thevalet’seyeswentwideashedroppedhishandsbackdownbyhisside.“Oh,no!Wassomeoneshootingtoo?”

Lucas gave the perimeter another sweeping glance before returning hisattentiontothevalet.“Too?”

“Yes, well Mrs. Brimm’s favorite Italian mirror is irreplaceable. It’sthirteenth century, from the palazzo on Lake Como where she and ColonelBrimmspent theirhoneymoon.Thankgoodnessshehadalreadyretiredfor thenightsoshewassparedseeingitbroken.”Hepaused.“Buttothinkthatontopofsuchatragedysomeonewouldresorttogunfire?”

Theodd thought thatMillicentBrimmmight indeed consider breakingherfavoriteItalianmirroroccurredbuthequicklydiscardedit.Anotheridea,muchmoreplausible,cametomind.

“Showmethemirror.”“Ofcourse,sir.What’sleftofit,thatis.”Lucas followed the man, his weapon still at the ready. Through the open

doorshecouldhearthehushedsoundsofthepeopleoutside.Somewheredownbelowtheproperty,likelyaboardarivervessel,abellclanged.

“Thatone.”Thevaletgesturedtothefarendoftheroom,wheretheremainsofamirrorglitteredunderthechandeliers’light,itsornategoldframesuspendedthefulllengthbetweentheebonyfloorandthegiltceiling.Piecesofthemirrorcovered a fussy-looking table similar to the one in hismother’s formal parlorand stuck out in odd angles from the remains of the candles that had beenburningthere.

He moved closer, shards of glass crunching beneath his feet. The valetcarefullypickedhiswayaroundthedebris.

Lucasnoddedtothecleaningclothandbrushinthevalet’shands.“Didyouseethishappen?”

“I did, sir.” The valet ran his hands over the edge of the gold-leaf on theframe. “During the course of the ball, the candelabra on the table wasaccidentally pushed directly up against themirror. I saw that from a distanceaway,andIsuspectedthattheflamefromthecandles,whicharequitelargeandspeciallymadeforMrs.Brimmhereontheproperty,mightgenerateenoughheattocausetroublewiththeglass,whichissomewhatfragile.Itishundredsofyearsold.”

“Indeed.Goon.”“I immediately walked over to remedy the situation, but I wasn’t able to

movethecandelabraintime.”

Lucasnoddedthoughtfully.Amirrorthislarge—atleastfifteenfeetinlength—would have broken with great force and greater noise. The loud explosionwouldcertainlyhavesoundedlikegunfire.

But he needed to be sure. “Except for the loss of Mrs. Brimm’s favoritemirror,therehavebeennocasualtiesorinjuriesheretonight?”

“No,sir.”Afterone lastsweepingglancearound theroom,Lucasnoddedagain.“All

right.Carryon.I’llinformMr.Brimmthathismerrymakingcancontinue.”Heleftthevaletsweepingupthemess.Flora’sfathermethimonthelawn.

Fromthelookofthenumberofpeoplestillmillingabout,curiosityhadwonoutoverconcerntokeepthemwaitingforanysortofnews.

“Didyoucatchthemanwhodidthis?”Mr.Brimmdemanded.“Therewasnogunman,sir.Justacandelabrasettooclosetoamirror.”Mr.Brimm shook his head, his expression shifting from relief to concern.

“Oh, no! Not Mother’s favorite Italian mirror. She brought it back from herhoneymoonatLakeComo.It’squiteoldandveryprecioustoher.”

“Thegoodnewsistheframeisstillintact.”Mr. Brimm gave a weary nod and then ascended to the third step of the

balconystairstoaddresshisguests.HisvoicechasedLucasdownthepathandintothecottonwoods.

“Flora?”hecalledwhenhereachedthetreewherehe’dlefther.Noresponse.

HowWillTuckerhadfoundher,Floracouldonlyimagine.Thathe’driskeddetectiontoslipupbesideherwhileshehidbehindthetreewasproofhe’dgonetogreatlengthstoachieveameeting.Whathehadn’texpectedwastofindherarmedwithacomb—thatwasalsoaknife.

Knowing Lucas could return any minute, Flora had marched her prisonersome distance from themagnolia tree to back him up against the little whitecottageattheedgeoftheproperty.

“Iwantsomeanswersfromyou.Understand?”Henoddedbutsaidnothing.Agoodsignshehadhimproperlyfrightenedfor

hiswell-being.“Allright.Firstandforemost,Iwantyoutotellmewhoyouremployer is,

WillTucker,andIwantthetruth.”In an instant any fear or respectwas gone. In its placewas the charming,

rakishgrinofthemanshe’dmetonthesteamboatweeksago.“SweetFlora,”hesaidasheleanedagainstthecottageandaffectedacasual

pose.“I’ve toldyoumore thanoncethatIamadetective in theemployof theFriscoRailroad.What brings you cause to ask again?”He nodded toward theknife. “And to accost me in such an unfriendly way? If I were a lessunderstandingman,Iwouldtakeseriousoffence.”

“Then I suppose we’re both fortunate you’re an understandingman.” Shenoddedtohiscoat.“However, ifyouhaveabadgeinthere,nowwouldbethetimetoproduceit.”

“Mybadge?”Heshrugged.“Ican’tdothat,Flora.”“Becauseyou’renotadetective?”shesaidasherheartlurched.“Because when I am working undercover, it would be foolish to carry a

badge. You do understand, don’t you?” He leaned forward as if to touch hersleeve,andFloramovedtocounterhimbyswipingtheknifeinhisdirection.Hiseyeswidened.“You’rereallyupsetwithme,aren’tyou?”

Sheallowedhergazetoscorchthelengthofhim.“Youhavecausedmenoendoftrouble,Mr.Tucker.YouhavenoideawhatIhavedealtwithsinceyouleftEurekaSprings.Mygrandmotherhasquestions,andmyfather—”

“I’matopicofconversation?Wellnow,Ilikethesoundofthat,”Mr.Tuckerinterrupted.“Sotheoldladyapproves?”

“Mygrandmothertrustsmyjudgment.Shouldsheeverhearyoucallher‘theold lady,’however, shewouldnotonlydisapprove,but shewould likelyhaveyourheadonaplatter.”

HisattentionwenttoherhandandthenbackuptoFlora’sface.“Appearstoruninthefamily.”

“Thisisnotthetimeforjokes,Mr.Tucker.Iamveryclosetocallingoffourarrangement.”

Florapausedtoallowherselftobelieveshe’djustspokenherthoughtsaloud.For though she was mightily irked at the man’s casual attitude to theirimpending nuptials, she was even more bothered by the feelings she had forLucasMcMinn.

Could she truly marry another when her heart refused to allow room foranyoneotherthantheirritatingPinkertonagent?

“Allright,”hesaid,histoneplacating.“Ideservethat.”If he expected her to respond, to make some sort of allowance for his

behavior,hecouldwaitallnight.Itsimplywouldnothappen.“See,Flora,it’slikethis.”Mr.Tuckerleanedtowardher,andsheonceagain

pointedthecombathim.“You’re still in trouble, sir, so do not presume to come any closer until I

allowit.Doyouunderstand?”“Perfectly.As I said, IknowIdeserve this.”Hepaused togivehera look

thatshouldhavemeltedherheart.“Iwantedtobewithyou.Youcannotimaginehowdifficult itwas toattend tomydutieswhen Ihadnothingbutyouonmymind.”

“Whatduties,Mr.Tucker?You’venotyetprovenanythingregardingduty.HowamItoknowthatyou’retellingthetruth?”

“You just have to trustme.Yes, that’s right, Flora.Trustme.That’swhatwivesdo.Theytrusttheirhusbands.AndyouhavetoadmitI’vekeptintouch.YouhavenoideawhatdangerI’vecourtedjustbyshowingupheretonight.”Hepaused.“ButIwantedtoseeyou.Neededto,actually.”

Abellclangedoutontheriver,andheglancedoverinthatdirection.Flora,however,keptherattentionfocusedonherintended.

“That’smysignal.WillIseeyouinNewOrleansonFriday?”“IthinktherealquestionhereiswillIseeyou?”shesaidassheretractedthe

bladeandtuckedthecombintoherpocket.“Ofcourseyouwill.I’masgoodasmyword,andIgiveyoumyword.”“Andthelicense?”shedemanded.“Isupposeyouhavethatalready?”Hehadtheaudacitytowink.“Ofcoursenot.Butoneofmymenisseeingto

it.Atrustedassociate.”“Mr.Wilson?”Heflinchedatthename.“Don’tyouworry,Flora.Now,dareIapproachto

givemybride-to-beakissonthecheek,orshouldItakemyleaveandbegladIaminonepiece?”

Floracrossedherhandsoverherchestandgavehimaseverelook.“Ithinkfornowyou’dbestchoosethelatter.WecandiscusstheformeroncethestateofLouisianadeclaresourmarriagelegalandfinal.”

Wasitherimaginationordidhisconfidenceslipslightly?Ifso,themomentwasfleeting,andMr.Tuckergaveherawinkandasmile.“Haveityourway.”Another bell and he shrugged. “The last warning. I must say goodbye. UntilFriday,sweetFlora.”

He turned to go, and only as he was disappearing into the thicket did aquestionoccurtoher.“Mr.Tucker,”shecalledtohisretreatingback.

“Yes?”herespondedoverhisshoulder.Shewascarefultomovecloseenoughtoseehishandsomeface.“Doesthe

nameMary-MargaretMcMinnmeananythingtoyou?”Eveninthemoonlight,shecouldseethechangeinhisexpression.Shehad

guessedthelastname,buthisfacetoldhershe’dguessedcorrectly.Hismaskofcalmswiftlyreturned.“Why?”“I’maskingthequestions,Mr.Tucker.”His shoulders sagged. “All right. My associate Jack Wilson and I are

investigating her death.”He paused. “We believe itwasn’t an accident, giventhatherbrother is theonlywitness.Now,unlessyouhavemorequestions, I’llseeyouFriday.”

“No,”shesaidsoftly.“Nothingelse.”AsFlorawatchedhimslipaway into the thicket, she tried to sort the facts

fromwhatever fiction one of the twomen in her life had created.WasLucasMcMinnsearchingforWillTucker,orwastheoppositetrue?AndwhydidshefeelcompletelysafeinthePinkerton’sarmsandeverwaryinthepresenceoftherailroaddetective?Itwasalltooconfusing.

“Flora?”Lucas.Shesighed.Ofcourse.“I’moverhere,”shecalledasshewatchedhimslip

fromtheshadowsontothepath.True to form, he was scowling. “Once again, Flora, you did not do as I

asked.”Hemovedcloser.“Whathappened?”Her fingers trembled as she kept them away from the wrong edge of the

comb. Anything to divert her attention from her racing thoughts. “Whathappenedatthehouse?Wasthatgunfireweheard?”

“Candleswere too close to amirror and the heat shattered it.”Hepaused.“Now, please answer me.Why did you once again ignore my instructions toremaininplaceuntilI—”

“Hewashere,”sheinterrupted.“Whowashere?Tucker?”HelookedaroundandthenbackatFlora.“Which

waydidhego?”“Thatway.Toward the river.”Ashe turned tobolt in thatdirection,Flora

grabbedhiswrist. “Wait! Ineed toknowsomething first.WasMary-Margaretyoursister?”

L

Twenty-Nine

ucas ignored the question to race off in the direction Mr. Tucker haddisappeared. For the first time, he left no instructions for Flora. Why

bother?Theinfuriatingwomandidwhatshewantedanyway.AndtherewasnotellingwhatliesTuckerhadpassedontoher.

Asheran,hekepthiseyestrainedontheperimeterwiththeknowledgethatTucker could be anywhere. Even as he followed the criminal’s trail, hismindreturnedtoFlora.

Hetracedseveralpathstotheriverandusedhispersonaltorchtosearchthewater’s edge. Evenwith the help of the light, Lucas could only see a limiteddistanceacrosstheMississippi,allowingforamaninaboattohavefled,giventhe opportunity. Donning his extra-vision glasses and fitting in the hearingdevicefromhishat,Lucasstilldidn’tseeorhearanyone.

Hisfrustrationrose.Puttingawaythehearingdevice,hekepttheglassesinplaceandwentback

to the most likely place where Tucker could have made his escape. Anothercloseinspectionofthebankshowedatleasttwopossibleplaceswheresomeonecouldhaverecentlylaunchedaskiff,givingfurtherweighttohistheory.

WithTuckeronceagaineludingcapture,LucaswentbacktofindthatFlorahadactuallywaitedforhimrightwherehe’dlefther,thoughshewasnotalone.ThepersonattendingherworetheBrimmfamilyuniform,indicatingshewasaservant.

“Tell her Iwill be in to visitmomentarily,” he heardFlorawhisper to theolderwoman.Shenoddedinresponseandslippedbackinsidethecottage.

“Whatelsedidhetellyou?”Lucasdemandedoncethedoorhadclosed.“Hesaidyouweretheonlywitnessandmightbeimplicatedinherdeath.Or

responsible.Orsomething.Oh,Idon’tknow.Buthewasinvestigating.”Strugglingtoremaincalm,Lucasmeasuredhiswordscarefully.“Whodidhe

claimheworksfor?”

Shehandedhimbackthecombandshookherhead.Lucascouldn’thelpbutnotice how close she remained to him.And, of course, therewas the scent oflilacs.Alwaysthescentoflilacs.

“Therailroad.”“Whichone?”“TheFrisco.”Floraliftedhergaze,herlowerlipquivering.“Heaskedmeto

keepthatconfidential,butIdon’tknowwhattothink,Lucas.TrulyIdon’t.”Sheput her hand in the crook of his arm and leaned against him, her head on hisshoulder.

SoTuckerwasmasqueradingasarailroaddetective.Thatalonewouldbringanotherhostofchargestothealreadygrowinglistonhiswarrant.

“Whatdidhewant?”Hemade adecent attempt at soundinggruff, but thefeelofFloranext tohimundidany irritationcausedbyhermisbehavior.“Tellmeexactlywhathesaid.”

Shetookadeepbreathandletitoutslowly.“That’sall,really.ExceptthathewantedtobesureIwouldstillmeethiminNewOrleans.”

Lucas slid the comb back into his pocket and put his arm around her,hugginghertohim.Slowlyheliftedhisgazetomeethers.“Details,Flora?Trustme.”

She blinked. Twice. “Yes, I think I do. Friday at noon. Jackson Square.That’sallIknow.”

Studyingheramoment,heknewshewastellingthetruth.“Thankyou,”hesaidashewrappedhisotherarmaroundher.“Fortrustingme,”headded.

Shepressedherpalmsagainsthischesttoleanbackjustenoughthathereyesonce again met his. “Trust me,” she whispered. “And tell me about Mary-Margaret.”

Hefroze.She kept silent. A rare thing for awoman so bent on stating her opinion.

Lucaswouldhavegivenanythingforhertostarttalkingsohedidnothaveto.Tellmewhattosay,Lord,wasthebestprayerhecouldmanageashelooked

upatthestarsandthenbackatFlora.“Shewasmysister,andIfailedtoprotecther,”hesaidwhenhisvoicewouldallow.

“But you’re a Pinkerton,” she said, oblivious to the stab of fresh pain thestatementcaused.

“Yes.Icouldn’tsaveMary-Margaret,butIwon’tfailtoprotectyou,Flora.”Hepausedtowaitoutthelumpinhisthroat.“You’rejustgoingtohavetotrustme.”

Sherestedherheadagainsthischest.“Moretrusting?”Achuckledrumbledinhischest.“’Fraidso.”Againsheleaneduptoseekhisgaze.“Comewithmeandmeetmysister.”Her fingers reached for his as she slipped out of his embrace and led him

around thecornerof thewhitecottage.Afteraquickknockshestepped insidewithLucasapacebehind.Theservanthe’dseenFloraspeakingtobeforenowrosetogreetthem.

The contrast between the humble exterior of the cottage and its elegantinteriorwasstriking.Furnishingsthatwouldhaveappearedrightathomeupatthemainhousefilledthetinyspacewithacomfortableyetformalarrangement.Gaslightshungoverheadandcastasoftlightontheroom,whilethethicktangleof rosesclimbing theeasternsideof thebuildingwas the likelyculprit for theheadyscent in theair.Above itall,however,wasadeep feelingofpeace thatpermeatedthestructure.

He caught a few words and watched as Flora spoke, but his attentionremainedontheparlorwherehenowstood.Lucascouldn’thelpbutnoticesomebaskets in the almost child-size room, filled almost to overflowingwithwhatappearedtobelettersandpostcards.

“Didshehaveagoodafternoon?”“Yes,ma’am,”themaidsaid.“She’ssleepingnow,butIcanwakeherup.”“No,don’tdothat.Wecancomebackanothertime—”“Flora,don’tgo,”camethesoftvoiceofawomanintheotherroom.“Send

Daisyintohelpme,please.”Asthemaiddisappearedintotheotherroom,Lucasglancedovertotheopen

doorandwhatwasobviouslyabedchamberbeyond.Thesamepalewhiteofthewalls continued into that room. Over the fireplace he saw a painting of twolaughinggirls.Adark-hairedgirlofnotmorethansevenoreightstoodbeneaththe gnarled limbs of a giantmagnolia tree. Nearby a slightly younger femalechild sliced through the air in a swing, leadingwith her bare feet and trailingwithlonglocksofgloriousredhair.

“The Brimm sisters,” Flora said as she came over to him. “Grandmamathoughtitscandalousthatwewerepaintedwithbarefeet,butMamainsisted.”

“Andyourmotherwon.Shemust havebeen a formidablewoman.”LucasknewfromthedossieronthefamilythatthelateMrs.Brimmhadsuccumbedtoyellowfeverseveralyearsago.

“ApparentlyitisatraitamongBrimmwomen.”“Whathappened?”hesaidsoftly.“Andwhyissheouthere?”

“She’sherebecauseit’swhereshe’shappiest.”Florashrugged.“Iknowthatsoundscompletelycrazy,butsherestscomfortablyhere.”

“Itdoesn’tsoundcrazyatall.”“Her nurse thinks it’s the quiet and coziness of the little cottage.” Flora

paused.“I think itmaybebecauseGrandmamabuilt this foruseas thefamilychapel before Father fitted it out for Violet and her nurse. In either case, thepresence of the Lord seems quite real here, and I think Violet senses it.Unfortunately, it keeps her from rejoining the family up at the big house,somethingIfeeliscompletelywrong.”

“Iheardthat.”Lucasturnedtowardthevoiceandsawabeautifulwomanstaringopenlyat

him.ThoughhereyeswereamatchforFlora’s,hersmilewaspurelyherown.Ablanketswaddledher,andherarmswerethin,herfingerslyingstillinherlapasthemaidpushedherchairintotheparlor.

Hegreetedherwithasmileofhisown.“YoumustbeViolet.”Shedippedherhead.“MightyoubeMr.TuckerorMr.McMinn?”“LucasMcMinn.”“The Pinkerton.” She nodded toward Flora. “My sister speaks highly of

you.”“Doesshe?”HemetFlora’sgaze.“Thatisasurprise.”Floraplayfullynudgedhimbeforelookingaway.Hegesturedtothebaskets.“What’sthestorywiththelettersandpostcards.”Florasaidsoftly,“Thosearefromme.”“You?”Heglancedaroundtheroomagain.“Allofthem?”“Shewrites every daywhen she’s away,”Violet supplied. “It givesDaisy

somethingtoreadotherthanthebooksI’veheardfartoomanytimes.”FloraworriedhersleevebeforeliftinghergazetomeetLucas’s.“Anditlets

mefeelas thoughI’mdoingsomething tohelppass thehoursshespendsherewhenI’mnotathome.”SheturnedtofaceViolet.“Forsomereason,sherefusestomovebackintothehousewithus.Orrejointheworld.It’squitemaddening.”

“Ilikeithere.”“Iknowyoudo,”Florasaidgentlyasshemovedtokneelbesidehersister’s

chair.“Butthetruthis,I’mconcerned.”“I’mfine,Flora.”“It’s not you I’m concerned about.Grandmama isn’t getting any younger,

andFather’smostlyawaywhenshe’shere.”Shepausedtoshakeherheadathersister’s attempt to speak. “Please just consider it. Grandmama needs you, Vi.

More than you need your privacy. Contrary to what she believes, MillicentBrimmisnotgoingtoliveforever.Shewantsyoutotakethewaterswithher.”

Violetseemedtoconsiderthestatement.“Idon’tknow.Therearesomany—”

“People?Yes,thereare.Andsomeofthemmayseeyouinthischair.”Florarose and crossedher arms. “Sowhat?Then theywill seehowverybraveyouare.”Sheshookherhead.“Yousavedmylife.Donotletmystupidmistaketakeyours.”

Violet looked beyond Flora tomeet Lucas’s gaze. “Is she this bossywithyou?”

“Regularly.”“Thenshemustloveyoutoo.”“VioletBrimm,that’senoughoutofyou,”Florasaid.“Justpromisemeyou

willconsiderwhatI’veaskedofyou.”“Ipromisetoconsiderit.”TheymadetheirexitashortwhilelaterandleftVioletinthecapablehands

of themaid.Emotiongrippedhim, andLucas had to swallow the lump in histhroat as a thought occurred. “Whatwill happen to her if your cousin inheritsBrimmfield?”

She looked up sharply. “He won’t,” she snapped before moderating herexpressionandhertone.“Iwillnotallowit.”

“BecausehewillnotpermitViolettostayatBrimmfield?”“Becausehewillnotpermiteitherofustostay.OnceGrandmamaisgone,

BrimmfieldwillbeputupforsaleifWinnyinherits it.HehasalreadymadeitabundantlyclearthatheconsidersNatchezfarinferiortoNewOrleans.Keepingahomehereisnothisintention.”

Heletoutalongbreathasthespoiledandpamperedprincesschangedbeforehiseyestobecomeacaringsisterwillingtoputthewelfareofanotheraheadofanyideaofherownhappiness.HealsothoughtofthedebtsKylehaduncovered.Nothing other than ridding himself ofBrimmfieldwould likelymake sense toWinthropBrimm.

“But ifyoumarryTuckerandproduceachild,youwill inheritBrimmfieldandsecureyoursister’swelfare.”Herrefusaltomeethisquestioninglookwasalltheanswerheneeded.“Youcan’tdothis,Flora.SurelytheLordhasanotherwayplanned.”

“IfHedoes,Heisremainingawfullysilentonthematter.”Theystrolledtheremainderofthedistancebacktothehouseinsilence,the

moonlight following them down the path and then up the front steps. A fewstragglers remained in the ballroom, their merrymaking apparently no longeraffectedbytheearlierexcitement.AsLucaswalkedastepbehindFloraupthestairstopartwaysatthesecondfloorlanding,theorchestraplayedthemtotheirrooms.

He paused at his door to glance down to the opposite end of the hall andcaughtherdoingthesame.Lucasquicklyclosedthedistancebetweenthem.

“IfFatherweretocatchyouanywherenearmybedchamberdoor,hewouldtake thepruningshears toyou,”shesaid, thoughshemadenomove toescapehispresence.

“Iwouldexpectnothingless.”Hereachedtotouchafierycurlandwrappeditaroundhis finger.“However, Iamwilling toriskhiswrath to thankyouforintroducingmetoViolet.”

Sheremainedsilent,thoughhereyesneverlefthis.“Iwant you to know,”he said softly, “thatwhile I donot believeyou are

goingaboutthistherightway,ifWillTuckersomehowproveshisinnocence,Iwillwishthetwoofyouthebest.”

“Willyou?”shesaid,hergazesharp.“Oristhatjustwhatyouhadtosaytomakemefeelbetteraboutmarryingforsomethingotherthanlove?”

Lucas released her curl to touch her lips with his finger. Then he slowlyremovedhisfingertopresshislipsgentlyagainsthers.

“Goodnight,FloraBrimm,”hewhisperedagainstherear.“Andtheanswertobothofthosequestionsisyes.”

Hewalkeddown the longhall, feelingherwatchinghimevery stepof theway.And longafterhewas lyingdownand trying tosleep,hiseyes remainedopenandhisthoughtsremainedcenteredonFlora.Ifhe’dbeenthiswrongaboutherandhermotives,whatelsehadhemisjudgedabouther?

Whenheclimbedintothecarriagetofindshe’dbeathimtherethefollowingafternoon,Lucaswasstillwonderingabout thebeautifulMissBrimm.As theyleft the gates of Brimmfield behind, Flora leaned back against the seat andclosedhereyes.

“Tired?”heasked.“Yes,”washersoftresponse.“Ididn’tgetmuchsleep.”Tempted to concur, Lucas instead merely nodded. “Maybe you’ll stay in

your stateroom and rest.”Hewaited for her to open her eyes and look in his

direction.Thenhewinked.“Youareincorrigible.”“No,Flora,Iampractical.”Thecornerofher lips turnedup in thebeginningsofa smile.“Remember,

I’veamendedmyways.”His snort of disbelief caused hermaid to turn and peer back at them. “Is

somethingwrong,MissBrimm?”theelderlybusybodyasked.OfcourseFlora’sfatherwouldsendhisdaughterwiththeonememberofthe

householdstaffwhoappearedimmunetoLucas’scharms.Itwasexactlywhathewoulddoifhehadadaughter.

Thankgoodnessheneverplannedtofallintothatsortoftrouble.Once aboard the Leviathan, his prisoner and her guard in petticoats

disappeared intoFlora’sstateroom.When thedinnerhourarrived,LucasstoodinfrontofthedoortryingtodecidewhethertoknockuntilFlorafinallyopenedit.

“Igrewtiredofwaiting,”shesaidasshesweptpasthimdressedinadeepbluethatmatchedthenightsky,leavingLucastotrailbehindher.

OwingtothefactthissteamboatwasmuchsmallerthanthegrandAmericus,LucasfoundhimselfalonewithFloraatatablefortwo.Heglancedaround,halfexpectingtoseehermaidwatchingfrombehindacurtainorstaringbackfromsomedarkcorner.

“Whatareyoulookingfor?”Florademandedasshepushedaroundthesamebiteoffoodshehadbeentoyingwithforthepastfiveminutes.

Lucasnoddedtowardheralmost-fullplate.“Icouldaskyouthesamething.”Givingupanypretenseofcontinuingwithherdinner,Florasettheforkaside

and sighed. “I discovered thatmymother’s favorite earrings aremissing. I’velookedforthemeverywhere,andthey’regone.”

“Isee,”hesaidasevenlyashecouldmanage.“Anyideawhathappenedtothem?”

“Don’t toywithme, Lucas.” She tossed her napkin on the table. “I don’twantyoutoberight.Ihopeyouknowthat.”

“Ifit’sanyconsolation,I’mnottakinganypleasureinthis.”“Itis,Isuppose.Ijustthoughtthatmaybe…”Anothersigh.“Oh,I’vebeen

completelysinglemindedandobtuse,haven’tI?”“Singlemindedandobtuse?”Hesuppressedagrin.“You’regoingtohaveto

helpmewiththat.”

“All I could seewas how to best fix the problemofGrandfatherBrimm’swill. And because of that, I’ve been blind to anything else, including thepossibilityImightbewrongaboutMr.Tucker.”

Wellnow.HebitbacktheItoldyousohewantedtosay.“Iwouldhavetoagree,”washisresponseinstead.

TheirgazesmetandLucasfeltthecollisiondowntohistoes.“I want my mother’s earrings back. If it means I must beg some sort of

arrangement with Cousin Winny to keep Violet safe rather than marry WillTucker,Idon’tcare.”

Thevehemencewithwhichshespokesurprisedhim.Theexpressiononherfacegavehimcausetoworry.

“Flora,Iunderstand,butyouneedtoleavethedetectiveworktome.Doyouunderstand?I’llneedadetaileddescriptionofthemformyreport.”

“Ofcourse,”shesaidasshegavehimhersweetestsmileandrose.“Ifyou’llexcuseme,IthinkI’mreadytogobacktomystateroom.”

Lucas followed suit, even though itmeant leavinghalf aplateofdeliciousfoodonthetable.Hefollowedherbouncingcurlsuntilshewoveherwayoutofthediningroom.Thenhecaughtuptofallinstepbesideher.

“You’renot thinkingof trying toget thoseearringsbackonyourown,areyou?”

Shecontinuedwalking insilenceuntil she reachedher room.Lucasplacedhishandovertheknobandhimselfbetweenherandthedoor.

“Flora.” While he hoped his voice conveyed the appropriate amount ofwarning,herexpressiontoldhimitdidnot.“FloraBrimm,donoteventhinkofdoinganythingwithoutmyknowledge.Areweclearonthis?”

She lookedup intohis eyes, andLucas sworehe sawa twinkle there. “Ofcourse,Lucas.Perfectlyclear.Andremember,”shesaidassheplacedherhandoverhis.“I’veamendedmyways.”

“Whyam Imoreconcernednow thanever?”heaskedashebentdown todrawherintoanembrace.“Foronce,pleaselistentome.”

“Oh,stop talkingandkissme,Lucas,before I’mforciblyhauledback intomystateroombythenannyFathersenttoprotectwhatremainsofFatalFlora’sreputation.”

Sohedid.

T

Thirty

he following morning, Lucas awoke to a knock on the door. How he’dmanagedtooversleepandmissthevessel’slanding,hecouldonlyattribute

toonceagainlosingfartoomuchsleepthinkingaboutFloraBrimm.Thankfully,hisyearsasaPinkertonhadtaughthimhowtostepoutofhisbedrollandintohisclothesinrecordtime.

Stilladjustinghiscollar,hemetFloraandhermaidonthedock.Acarriagehad already been delivered for their use, and someone in livery—presumablyfromWinthropBrimm’shouseholdstaff—wasloadingtheirbags.

“Goodmorning,ladies,”hesaidasifhehadn’tsprinteduntiljustbeforehereachedsightofthem.

Lucas noticed Kyle Russell leaning against a shed a short distance away.Whentheireyesmet,Kylenodded.

Flora touched his sleeve, drawing his attention away from his fellowPinkerton.“Whenyouweren’tatbreakfast,Ithoughtyou’ddecidedtoleavemetomyowndevices.”

“And I stillmight. If you’ll excuseme just amoment, I need to speak tosomeone.”

“Butwhatifwe’rereadytogoandyou’renotback?”shecalled.“Thenitwouldbeinyourbestinteresttowait,”hesaidoverhisshoulderas

heclosedthedistancetogreethisbestfriend.Afterthepleasantrieswereexchanged,hegotdowntobusiness.“Whathave

yougotformeonBrimm?”“AsfarasIcan tell, theguy’sclean.He’sstrappedforcash,buthe’sbeen

throwingaroundsomesortofbiginheritancehe’sduetocomeinto.”“Brimmfield?”“It’spossible.Theoldman’swillissealed,soIwouldhavetohaveaccessto

familytogetalookattheterms.”KyleglancedpastLucas.“OrIcouldjustaskyourfriendFlora.”

“Right.”Lucas turned tosee thewomaninquestionwalking theirwayandsuppressedagroan.“Anythingelsebeforeshejoinsus?”

“JustthatthewordyouhadonhisIndiahuntingtripwasn’texactlycorrect.Hebackedout at the lastminute.My source couldn’t saywhy,only that he’dpracticallydroppedthenewsasthemenweregettingontheboat.”

“Moneytroubles.”Astatement,notaquestion.“Could be, but if that’s true, he’s likely not the only one. I did some

checking, and theonlyoneof thosemenwhoconcernsme isMartinLennart.Hiswife and daughters are expensive, and I’m not so sure his companies arecompletelyabletohandlethatkindoffinancialdrain.”

“Could Lennart be leaning on Cousin Winny to pay a debt? That wouldexplainhisreluctancetospendamonthwiththemanandhishuntingrifle.”

“It’spossible.”Hepaused.“McMinn,thatisonefine-lookingwoman.AndifIweren’tsuchagoodjudgeofcharacter,IwouldthinksheonlythoughtofyouasthePinkertonouttojailherfiancé.”

Lucasturnedtofacehim.“Whatdoesthatmean?”“Just that itdoesn’t takea fool tosee thatFloraBrimm’scrazyaboutyou,

pal.IfIwereyou,I’dwatchmyselfaroundher.”“Doesn’tdoanygood.She’salreadycrawledupundermyskin.Thesooner

this case is over, the sooner I will forget about her and have a good night’ssleep.”

“Idoubtthat,”KylesaidasheonceagainfixedhisattentiontoaspotbehindLucas.“Well,hellothere,MissBrimm,”hesaidwiththesmilehereservedforonlytheprettiestofprettywomen.“KyleRussell,inventor,Pinkertonagent,andunfortunate acquaintance of your Mr. McMinn since well before his mamaallowedhimoutwithouthisnursemaid.”

Kyle thrust his handout towardFlora. Instant jealousy flamedwhenFloranotonlysmiledbutalsoallowedhisoldfriendtokissherhand.

“Yes,ofcourse,”shesaidasthesmilebroadened.“Mr.McMinnhasspokenofyou,Mr.Russell.ThoughImustsayhedidnottellmehowveryhandsomeyouare.”

It was all Lucas could do not to gape at the woman. Was she actuallyflirting?Andwithhisbestfriend?

“Likewise,ma’am.IwonderifImightwalkyoutoyourcarriage.ThislateMaysunshinecanwreakhavoconalovelylady’sskinifshe’soutinittoolong.Atleast,that’swhatmyNewOrleansmamaalwayssaid.”

ThatwaswhathisNewOrleansmotheralwayssaid,notKyle’s.Whatinthe

worldwashissoon-to-be-formerbestfriendupto?“Thankyou.It’ssokindofyoutoconsidermywelfare.”Thelattershesaid

toKylewhilelookingdirectlyatLucas.“Atruegentlemanisararething.”“So is amanwho tells the truth,”Lucasechoedashe fell into stepbeside

them.LookingpasthertofixhisattentiononKyle,hegavethemanalookthatwouldhavewitheredcotton.Ofcourse,Kyleignoredit.

Reaching thecarriage,FloraallowedKyle tohelpherup. “Mightyou joinus?We’reheadedintotown.”

“Thank you,MissBrimm.Actually, thatwould bemost kind of you.”HeshotLucasaglancethatappearedtoaskforhimtoplayalong.

Lucasgave an almost imperceptiblenod, thoughhe alsoofferedupahardlook that toldKyleexactlywhathe thoughtof the too-familiarbanterbetweenhimandFloraBrimm.Beforehecouldclimbin to take thespotnext toFlora,Lucaselbowedhiswayinfrontofhim.

“Don’t even thinkabout it,”hewhisperedashemadehimself comfortablebesideFlora.Onlythendidherealizethat,fromtheseatoppositeher,Kylenotonly held Flora’s attention, but he also sat in the one spot where it wasimpossibleforhertolookaway.

They rode intoNewOrleanswithFlora andKylemaking small talkwhileLucassatquietlyandglowered.

“Isn’t that something?”Kyle said, laying his charm on thick as he leanedacrossthespacebetweentheminthecarriage.“HereIwasjustsayinghellotoanoldfriend,andnowyouandIarepractically—”

“Andwe’rehere,”Lucasannounced.“Sorrywecan’tstayandchat longer,butI’msureyouhavethingstodothataremuchmoreimportantthatthat.”

“No,”Kylesaidthoughtfully.“Idon’tbelieveIdo.”“Well, isn’t that lovely?”Florabeatbothofthemtothepunchbyallowing

oneoftheliveriedBrimmhousementohelpherfromthecarriage.Astheservantsunloadedthecarriage,LucastookKyleaside.“Ifyoucould

stoptheflirtingforoneminute,I’dliketofinishourconversation.”ToLucas’s supreme irritation,his friend laughed.“Flirting?”Heshookhis

head.“Thatwasnothingofthesort.Hasthatwomangotyousohead-over-heelsthatyou’veforgotteneverythingyoulearnedintraining?”

Lucas inclined his head, all the while watching Flora as she was deep inconversationwithhermaid.“Soyouweregettingcozywithhertoseewhatyoucouldfindoutabouthercousin?”

“No.ToseewhatIcouldfindoutaboutthetwoofyou.”

“And?”HeslappedLucason the shoulder. “Andyouprobablyought to justmarry

her.Pendingfinalanalysis,there’slikelynobasistotherumorsofherfiancés’earlydemises,soI’mreasonablycertainyou’resafe.ThereistheissueofFloraBrimmbeingpartytoaPinkertoninvestigation,but,ofcourse,I’msurethatwithyoubeingaprofessionalandall,thatwon’tbeaproblem.”

“Mr.Russell,”Floracalled,interruptinganypossibleresponse.“Won’tyoujoinLucasandmefortea?Iwouldsolovetocontinueourconversation.”

“Whatshe’ssaying,”Lucasadded,loudenoughforFloratohear,“isthatshewantstopryanypossibledetailsofmychildhoodandtheTuckerinvestigationout of you.” He shrugged. “Of course, I’m sure that with you being aprofessionalandall,thatwon’tbeaproblem.”

KyleslippedpastLucas to takeFlora’shandandonceagainpress it tohislips.“IregretImustdeclineyourgenerousofferafterall,MissBrimm,thoughIwill bemost glad to see you again tonight at theGovernor’s Ball. I do hopeyou’llsaveroomonyourdancecardforaPinkertonagent.”

ShemetLucas’seyes.“Yes,”shesaid,smiling,“I’vesavedplentyofroomonmy dance card for a Pinkerton agent.” Abruptly, her attention returned toKyle.“However,asyouandIarebarelyacquainted,IfearthePinkertonlawmanwhohasclaimedmydancesisMr.McMinn.I’msureyouunderstand.”

Henoddedandreleasedherhand.“Idoindeed.”KylesteppedawaytowardLucas.“Well,”hesaidquietlywithagrinthatmadeLucaswanttopunchhim.“I’dsayI’vefoundoutexactlywhatIneededtohere.”

“Andthatis?”Lucasgrowled.“Idon’tknowhowyou’veletithappen,oldfriend,butyou’vefallenhardfor

that pretty gal. The bad news is, if I had to guess, I’d say she feels the sameway.”

LucaswatchedFloraandhermaidwalkupthestairstothefrontdooroftheThirdStreethouse.“Justbesurehercousinisn’tinonthings,willyou?”

“Afewintroductionsfromyoutonight,andIoughttohavewhatIneed.”Hepaused. “The question is, dowe involveMissBrimmor keep her unaware ofwhatwe’reworkingon?”

“She knows enough,” Lucas said. “I think we’ll find better access to thepeopleyouneedtospeakwithifshe’stheonemakingtheintroductions.”

Anod.“I’llcomeupwitha listandhave it sentoverbeforeso the twoofyoucanreviewit.”Kylepaused.“Now,unlessyoureallydowantmetojoinyoufortea,I’dbettermakemyselfscarce.”

“Scarceisagoodidearightnow,becauseifyoustickaroundmuchlonger,I’dhavetoaskyouwhatintheworldyou’rethinkingtotellmeIshouldmarryawomanwhoisinmycustody.”

Kyle nodded toward the house. “Looks like it might be the other wayaround.”

LucasturnedtoseeFlorawatchinghimfromthedoor.“I’lllookforthatlistto be delivered in a few hours. Anything elsewe need to talk about before Irejoinmyfiancée?”

Hisfriendsmiledatthat,butthenhisexpressionbecameserious.“Afraidso.IknowI’mgivingyouahardtimeaboutthisbeautifulSouthernbelle,butcanIjustbestraightwithyouforaminute?”AtLucas’snod,Kylecontinued.“InallthetimeI’veknownyou,I’veneverseenyouasinvolvedinacaseasyouareinthis one. Perhaps because Tucker was involved with your sister, or maybebecauseofyourfeelingsforFloraBrimm.Whateveritis,Ijustneedtowarnyouthatifyou’renotcareful,you’regoingtoloseyouredge.”Hepaused.“Andwebothknowwhathappensthen.”

Hedid.He’dseenithappen…justnottohim.“OnceTucker’s injail,I’llhavemoretimetothinkaboutFlora.”Lucaslet

outalongbreath.“Andyes,you’veguessedrightaboutmyfeelingsforher.Andpossiblyhersforme.Butwebothknowwe’llgetoverit.Shehasherfamilytoseeto,andIhavethelawtouphold.”

As he said it, Lucas knew those were thin excuses. And yet he couldn’timagineaskingforFlora’shandinmarriage.Notthatshewouldeveraccept.Shewasaladyusedtofinethings,andhewasaPinkertonagentusedtosleepinginadifferenttowneveryfewweeksandputtinghisjobaboveeverythingelse.

Whichiswhyhewouldneverask.

Afewhours later,Florastoodat thewindowandwatchedLucasdisappeararound thecorner,hisgait indicating thatwhatevermissionhewasconductingnow was important. Well, so was hers: to send a telegram to the man whomanagedthetelegraphofficeinNatchezUnder-the-Hillrequestingheinvitehisfriend Mr. Tucker to tonight’s party. The details would have to be brief butsufficienttodrawthemantothecorrectlocationattheappointedtime.

She’dalmostmadeherescapethroughthefrontdoorwhenWinnyarrivedatthehouse.“Leavingsosoon,Flora?”hesaid,thoughhistonetoldherhecaredlittlefortheanswer.

“I just thought I’d takecareofasmallmatter.”Shesteppedaside toallowhimentry.“Iwon’tbelong.”

Withashrugofhisshoulders,Winthropheadedupstairswithoutcomment.Hissnubmighthavebotheredherhadshenotbeeninahurry.

Inquiring of the best place to send a telegram had taken some doing, butbefore long Flora returned toThird Street, hermission accomplished.Now towait and seewhether that awful telegraph operator inNatchezUnder-the-Hillwould pass along the invitation she’d sent to his palWill Tucker. If anyoneknewhowtofindhim, itwas thatman.Or,at least,heshouldifMr.Tucker’sassertionsweretrueandthetwomenwereworkingtogetheronaninvestigation.

Slippingbackinside theBrimmhouse,Florafelta thrillofexcitementatajobaccomplishedwithoutdetection.WasthiswhatitfeltliketobeaPinkerton?

“Backsosoon?”Winny lookedup fromhisafternoonglassofbourbon.“Idon’tseeshoppingbags,soI’mlefttobelieveyouslippedouttomeetsomeone.Notslippingaroundbehindyourfiancéareyou?”

Of all the insolent questions! “I suppose it wouldmake you happy if ourweddingwascalledoff,”shesaidsnappishly.

His expression did not change, though he did sit up a bit straighter in hisfather’sfavoritearmchair.“Whatareyouinsinuating,Flora?”

Shegatheredherarmsaroundherwaist and fixedhercousinwithanevenstare.“OnlythatyouwouldhavemuchtogainshouldIbeunabletoproduceaBrimmheir.”

Winny took a slow sip of the brown liquid before setting the glass aside.“Flora Brimm, do you really think I’d be so vulgar as to impede yourhappiness?”

“Vulgar?”Sheshookherhead.“Notyou.Unlessyouhadagoodreason.”Heleanedforward,elbowsrestingonhisknees.Finally,hesighed.“Weboth

know I have plenty of reasons.” A shrug, and he once again reached for theliquor. “Tell me the truth. Are you marrying for love or so that I don’t sellBrimmfieldoutfromunderyouraddlepatedrelativesandyourcrippledsister?”AtFlora’sgasp,hecontinued.“Isshestillafraidtoleavethatcottage?Itwouldbeapityifsomethinghappenedandshewasforcedtorejointheworld,wouldn’tit?”

Rage blinded her as Flora launched herself towardWinny. She lifted herhandwiththeintenttoslaphim.

“Goahead.Ideserveit.”Whathadshebecome?Loweringherarm,Florabegantoshake,eitherfrom

angerorintheknowledgethatinthatmomentshe’dwishedharm—seriousharm—onWinthropBrimm.Andthatmadehernobetterthanhe.

“ThesimplethingwouldbetoblameGrandfatherBrimm,”hercousinsaid,“butthetruthofitisthatwe’rebothatfault.”

Shefounditimpossibletorespond.“I’ve collecteddebts almost asquickly asyou’ve collected former fiancés.

Ironically,minewereacquired in thenameof love, though Idoubtyouwouldbelieveme.”He lifted his glass. “To theBrimm frauds.Anything formoney,eh?”

TheBrimmfrauds.Ifonlyshecouldarguethepoint.“Apparently,I’vestruckanerve.”Afteranotherswigofbourbon,hepointed

theemptyglassather.“Thetroubleisyoudon’twantBrimmfieldanymorethanIdo.It’sjustameanstoanend.”

“It’smyhome,”shefinallymanaged.“It’s your sister’s home. If youwin this contest, she’ll never be forced to

returntotheworld.”Thetumblerfellfromhishandandshattered.“AtleastwithBrimmfieldgone,shemightactuallyhavetobeginlivingagain.”

Hepausedtogiveheralook.Shereturneditwithavengeance.“You know it’s true, Flora. You’re not responsible for her fall, and don’t

forgetIwastheretoo.Isawitall.Butyouwillberesponsibleifyoucontinuetoallowhertohideawayfromtheworld.”

“Youdon’tcareaboutViolet.Youlaughedandsaidwecouldn’tdoit.”Ashrug.“Iwaswrong.ButIdocare.”“HowmuchmoneywillittaketobuyBrimmfieldbackfromyou?”Hissmileratchetedupanotch.“Ah,nowlookwho’sconcedingdefeat.”“Howmuch?” she demanded even as she heard the door openbehind her.

“NameasumandI’llraiseit.”“How,Flora?”Winnysaid.“BymarryingtheIrishwhelp?Doyouhaveany

ideawhoMcMinnis?Hismother’sgoodenoughstock,oldNewOrleansmoney,buthisfather—”

“What’sgoingonhere?”Lucasdemanded.“Tellherwhoyouare,McMinn.”Winnyrose.“Thenseeifshestillwantsto

marryyou.”RatherthangiveLucastheexplanationhisexpressionrequiredorWinnythe

clarificationthatLucaswasherfiancéinnameonly,Florastraightenedherspineand walked away. Somehow through shimmering tears she found her room,lockedherdoor,andburiedherfaceinherpillows.Whensheroseawhilelater

topreparefortheeveningahead,shehadreplacedthetearswithacalmresolve.Winthrop Brimm would not touch Brimmfield, nor would her sister’s

carefullycontainedworldbeshattered.OfthisFlorawouldmakesure.AndastowhoLucasMcMinnwas—atthemomentitdidn’tmatter.Hewasherfiancé,atleast in name, and together they would put an end to whatever larcenyWillTuckerintendedwiththenextpoorwomanwhofellforhischarms.

For tonight, this would be enough. Tomorrow she would demand to beallowed to return to Brimmfield. She would just have to figure another planwhiletherewasstilltime.

Nothowshe’dhopedFatalFlorawouldreturntoNatchez.Shrugging off the thought, she donned aWorth gown of deepest sapphire

trimmed in black lace that nipped herwaist and accented her eyes.Tiny dropearrings with perfectly set pearls dangling among sparkles of diamonds,aquamarines,andsapphirescompletedtheensembleandcausedFloratosmile.The earrings, borrowed fromGrandmama,were an exact copyof thepair thatWillTuckerappearedtohavestolen.

She told herself it didn’t matter what Lucas McMinn thought of herensemble.And yetwhen she spied the reflection of herself in themirror, shehopedtoofferastrikingensemblethatwouldsetLucasMcMinn’sheartracing.Fromtheexpressiononthelawman’sfaceasshemadeherwaydownthestairs,itappearedshehadsucceeded.

She tore her attention from Lucas to meet Winny’s stare. Nothing in hisexpressiongaveawayhisthoughts,thoughneithermanappearedhappytobeinthecompanyoftheother.

FloraignoredhercousintoaddressLucas.“Shallwe?”Hetookherarm,andthen,asWinnydisappearedoutthedoor,leanedclose.

“Areyouallright?”Shelookedupintohisbeautifulgreeneyes.“Yes.ThoughImightbeinneed

ofhiringaPinkertonagentverysoon.”“Oh?”HeregardedWinny’sretreatingbackwithasuspiciouslook.“Hashe

madethreats?”Hercousinhadalreadytakenhisplaceinthecarriage.Flora,however,was

in nomood to join him just yet. “He’s far too certain of victory to resort tosomethingsovulgar.”

“Vulgar?” Lucas muttered under his breath. “I’ll see that doesn’t happen,Flora.Youhavemyword.”

“How?Bymarryingme and providing the Brimm heir?” Before he could

respond,shehurriedtocontinue.“Pleaseforgivemeforsayingthat.Ishouldn’thave. I just don’t know what to do. I made him an offer of money for hisinheritance.PrayGrandmamaiswillingtogoalongwiththeidea.”

“Isthatlegal?”heaskedashemovedhertowardthedoor.“Accordingtothewill,Imean?”

“Anything’slegalifyouwordthedocumentsproperly.”Sheliftedonebrow.“I’mstartingtosoundlikemygrandmother,aren’tI?”

Lucas grinned. “I’m afraid so, though that’s not necessarily a negative,dependingonwhoisonthereceivingend.”Hepaused.“Youmaynothaveasmuchtroublegettingyourcousintoagreeasyoumaythink.”

Sheallowedhimtoassistherwithherwrapandthenswiveledtofacehim.“Oh?”

Lucasseemedtobeconsideringhiswords.“It’spossibleoneofthemenhe’sindebted tomightbehavingfinancial troublehimself.He’smadesome threatsoverwhatmighthappenshouldWinthropnotrepayhim.Seriousthreats.”

Floragasped.“Oh,no.IsWinnyindanger?”“He could be.” Again he seemed to be thinking before he spoke. “It’s

possiblethosethreatsmightextendbeyondhim.Toyou.”“Me?”Sheshookherhead.“Whyme?”Thistimehemethereyeswithanintentlook.“Ifyouinherit,hewon’t.That

wouldmakerepaymentofanyloans,overdueorotherwise,difficult.”“So you think thismanmightwant to see that I don’t…”Her heart sank.

“Oh,Lucas,doyouthinkhemightberesponsibleforanyofthedeathsof…”Shecouldn’tcontinue.Thankfully,shedidn’thaveto,forhetookherhand

andsqueezedit.“We’regoingtocheckonthat.AssoonasIgetyouinside,I’llhaveaquickmeetingwithKyletocatchhimuponallofthis.Doyouthinkyoucanbehaveyourselflongenoughtoletmedothat?”

Floramanagedagrindespitethecircumstances.“Doyoudoubtme?”“I think the question is, do you doubt me?” Lucas said, his expression

softened, perhaps by the question or maybe it was merely a trick of thedeepeningshadows.

“Trustyou?Yes,IbelieveIdo,thoughifIonlyknewmoreaboutyou,Mr.McMinn. Just a littlemore information to lessen themystery ofwho you arewoulddothetrick,Ibelieve.”

“LikewhyyourcousincallsmetheIrishwhelp?”“Hurryalong,willyou?”Winnycalled.Though Lucas had offered the opportunity to delve into his past, his

expressiontoldherofthecostinvolved.Kissinghimquicklyonhischeek,sheturned tomakeherwaydown the front steps to thecarriage, leavingLucas tofollow.

HadFlora not been preoccupiedwith her plans for the evening, shemighthave cared thatWinny glowered at her the entire way to Prytania Street. Ofcourse,Lucas returned theexpression inkind,making itobvious tohercousinthatshouldheintendanargument,hewouldfindonewithaPinkertonagent.

For a few hours she would set aside the concerns of Brimmfield and theworry of whether Winny would cooperate in favor of a different mission.TonightsheintendedongivingWillTuckerapieceofhermindand,shehoped,onsettingthemanoffonadifferentpath.

Perhapsonethatdidnotinvolveofferinghopeandfraudinameasureequaltohissubstantialcharms.

When the carriage took its place in the line of arriving vehicles, FlorafocusedherthoughtsandmemorizedthebriefspeechsheintendedtoofferMr.Tucker.SheevenconsideredwhethersheshouldtellLucasofherintentions,butshediscardedthatideawhenhergazemethis.

With himwatching, shewould never be able to recall a word. ShemightmissMr.Tuckeraltogether.

So instead, Flora linked arms with him and turned toward the entrance.“Let’sgetthisoverwith,”shesaidsoftly.

Hestalled.“We’llbeinpresently,”hesaidtoWinny,whoignoredthembothtodisappearinside.

“Really,Lucas.Weareexpected.”Hissilenceirkedher,asdidthesoundoftheorchestraasitspilledoutinto

thewaningsunlightoftheLouisianaevening.“Wehaveaplan,Flora,”hefinallysaid,“andthatplaninvolvesthetwoof

us—”“Masqueradingasanengagedcouple.”Shepausedbutonlyforasecond,her

gazeflittingtotheas-yet-emptysecondfloorbalcony,whereshe’darrangedherassignationwithTucker.“Yes,Iknow.Let’sgetonwithit.”

“You’re claiming to bemy fiancée.Aren’t you the least bit curious aboutwhatthosepeopleinthereknowaboutme?”

Oh, but the man was far too handsome for his own good. Had herresponsibilitiesnotbeenelsewhere,shemighthaveallowedthattodistracther.To lethimleadher into theballroomonhisarmfeelingas ifshe’dsnared thebestcatchintheroom,evenifitwasallmake-believe.

No,shewantedtosay.Idon’tcarebecauseitisallaruse.Andyetshedidcare.Deeply.Thoughherfeelingsforhimwereasdoomed

asthefiancéswhocamebeforehim.Andyethercuriositybestedanyotherresponse.“Allright,Lucas.Tellmewhoyouare.”

L

Thirty-One

ucasreachedforher,hishandseasilyspanningherwaistasheliftedhertotheground.Shemighthaveprotestedhadshe thewherewithal toworkup

decentirritationinsuchcloseproximity.Thelasttimehe’dheldherlikethis,akissresulted.

Awonderful,confusing,memorablekiss.Despiteherbestefforts,Floraleanedslightlytowardhim.Hemoved,almost

imperceptiblyinherdirection.Theirgazesmet.Hislipspartedslightly.And then he turned away. “You’re wasting time,” he tossed over his

shoulder.“Wecanwalkfromhere.”Oh!Floracaughtupandfellintostepbesidehim,astephelikelyslowedto

matchhers.Twoblocksdown,hepaused in frontof adistinctiveGothic-stylehome, theonlyoneof that styleonPrytaniaStreet.Sheknew itwell from thetimesshe’dgonevisitingwithheraunt.

On occasion Flora and the daughter of the house had gone to the kitchenwhere theywere treated towhateversumptuousIrishfarewasbubblingon thestove. Decadent indeed, though a grander sort of young lady would havepreferredtheteacakesanddelicaciesservedintheformalparlor.

Whatwasthatgirl’sname?Timehadstolenanyrecollection,unfortunately,thoughnowthatFlorathoughtonit,sherememberedhereyes.Theyweresuchaunique shadeof green.The Irish ladieswith their liltingvoices…yes, that shealsoremembered.Theladiescalledthemlassiesandsaid…andsaidthatthegirl,Marion?Marie?No,itwaslonggone.Butthekitchenladieslovedtoteaseherandtheelderbrother,whooftenskulkedontheperimeterbutrarelyapproached,thattheycarriedabitofIrelandintheirgreeneyes.RegardingFlora,theysaidshe must truly carry the sky for the shade of blue she’d inherited. A much-reducedlegacyinFlora’syoungopinion.

“Thatkitchenhadthemostwonderfulsmells.”Heturnedandtheirgazesmet.“Stewsbubblingonthestoveand—”

“And always something sweet under glass waiting to be dealt out toextremelyboredyoungvisitorscuriousabout lifeoutside their rather shelteredworld.”

“Orayounggentlemanofthehousewhohadafootinbothworlds.”Lucasblinked,hisexpressionsoft.“Thegirlwiththeskyinhereyes.Thatwasyou?”

Shesearchedhisfaceevenassheonceagainbeggedhermemoriestotumbleforward.“TheveryseriouselderbrotherwithIrelandinhiseyes?”

“Notsoserious,”hesaidashecoveredherhandwithhis.“Shy,mostly.ButIwas often accused of being the onewhowatchedwhile everyone elsewentabout their business.”Lucas shrugged. “A talent that has servedmewell as aPinkerton,soIguessitwasmeanttobe.”

Florashookherhead.“Buthow?Thatis,whydoyousayyouwereinbothworldswhenyouspeakperfectFrenchandhavealastnamethatisobviously…Irish?”Shepausedtogripthefencerailasthingsbegantomakesense.“Oneofyourparentswas a…that is youwerebornout of a relationshipbetween…oh,I’mmakingamessofthis.”

Lucas’ssoftchucklealmostmadeupfortheheatrisinginhercheeks.“Yes,Flora,I’mhalf-Frenchandhalf-Irish.TheIrishwhelp.”

“Oh,Lucas,Ididn’tmeantoimply—”“Iknow.Nowhushandletmefinish.”Hepressedafingersoftlytoherlips

to emphasize the point. “As you’ve guessed, my grandparents were less thanthrilledwhenmymotherchosethecousinofourIrishcookoverthewell-borngentswhohadbeencomingtocall.”

Hepausedasifremembering.“Fatherwasaprizefighter.Agoodone,fromwhatIunderstand,andamountainofaman.Hewaskilledbyabunchofthugswho took exception to the fact he wouldn’t throw a fight. My mother wasexpectingMary-Margaretwhenshegotthenews.Somesaythatoncemysisterwasborn,nothingelseheldherhere.Shedidn’tlastaweek.”

“Oh,Lucas,I’msosorry.Firstyourfatherandthenyourmother.Thatmusthavebeenterrible.”Andnowyoursisterremainedunsaid.Theeffectofthatlosswassomethingshehadseenforherself.

“A Pinkertonman put those criminals behind bars for life.”He paused toallowadeepbreath.“Iwasn’tbutsevenoreight,butIknewIwouldbeoneofthose Pinkertons someday. As soon as I could I made that happen, thoughGrandfather Gus was almost as displeased as when he was introduced to myfather.”Anotherpause.“Hisexactwords.”

“Whatever for?” Flora demanded. “Being a Pinkerton is an honorable

profession.”“Notwhen you’ve been sent off toHarvard and groomed to take over the

familycottonbusiness.”“Isupposednot,”Floraadmitted.“Definitelynot,thoughIwagerGrandfatherismoreperplexedthatIworkat

all.He settledmymother’s inheritance onme years ago in the hopes ImightgiveupthePinkertons.”

So Lucas McMinn wasn’t the man Grandmama had assumed at all. Nor,however,washewhatshehadassumedeither.

“Thus far, thePinkertons have suitedmewell. I’ve found no need formymother’smoney,thoughIhopetoputittogoodusesomeday.”

“Isee.”Florashiftedpositionstolinkherarminhisandleanagainsthimassheallowedhergazetodanceacrossthefancifulfacadeofthehome.Shuttersofdeepmossygreenstoodoutagainstthepaleexterior,eachofthethreewindowspointedatthecenter.Asachild,shehadalwaysthoughtthosewindowslookedlikechurchwindows.Evennow,thoughtheywereshadowedindarkness, theystilldid.

“Whathappenedtoyoursister?”sheaskedgently.Lucasstiffenedbesideher,thoughhishandmovedtocoverhersonhisarm.

“Shemetamanwhostoleherheart.Grandfatherinsistedonachurchwedding,likely because his own daughter had refused one.Hewas stubborn like that.”Lucaspaused.“Stillis.Anyway,whenTuckerdidn’tshow…”

“Shewashumiliated,”Florasupplied.“Worse.Sheranoutofthechurchanddirectlyintothepathofastreetcar.”“Oh,Lucas.I’msosorry.Whatatragicaccident.”Heleanedaway,andinstantlyshefelthisabsence.“Wasit?”Heshrugged.

“IsawitwithmyowneyeswhenIwatchedherrunoutofthechurch,andyetknowing the temperament of the women in my family…” He let out a longbreath.“GrandfatherGusandIareallthat’sleft.”

Something inside her shifted. Flora moved to wrap her arms around him.“Lucas,”shewhisperedagainsthisneck,“isyourgrandfatherstillalive?Iwouldlikeverymuchtomeethim.”

Asmiledawned.“Youwouldlikehim,Ibelieve.AndIknowhewouldlikeyou.”

“Then let’s go inside.” Flora reached to open the gate, but he halted herprogress.

“Not tonight,” he said firmly. “We have an appointment elsewhere. And

besides,we’dlikelyfindhimalreadyinbed.”The darkness of the windows and the stillness that surrounded the home

backeduphisclaim.“Tomorrowmorningthen?”He seemed to consider the question amoment before offering a curt nod.

“Wemayhave things todobeforeyourmeetingwithTucker atnoon,but I’llconsider it,” he said as he turned her around and pointed her in the directionthey’djustcome.“Now,ifyourcuriosityissatisfied,weshouldgetbacktotherealreasonwecametoNewOrleans.”

“Temporarilysatisfied,”sheamendedasshetookLucas’sarmandallowedhimtoescortherbacktotheparty.

“Flora,”hesaidastheysteppedintothecircleofastreetlight’sglow,“aren’tthosetheearringsyouclaimedTuckerstole?”

Sohe’d noticed. “It just so happens thatGrandmamahas amatching pair.Don’tyouthinktheylooklovelywiththisdress?Nowcomeon,let’sgoin.”

Lucasstalled.“Flora…”“Allright.IsentaninvitationtoMr.Tucker.Anddon’tgivemethatlook.I

don’tknowwhereheis,butIpaidavisittoaplacewhereImightfindsomeonewho does.” She slid Lucas a sideways look. “All I did was send a simpletelegram to that man who ran the office in Natchez Under-the-Hill. Nothingmore.”

Hegroaned.“Itoldyoutoletmedotheinvestigativework,Flora.Youhaveameetingwithhimtomorrowatnoon.Can’twejuststicktothatplan?”

Sheshookherheadandreleasedhergriponhisarm.“Pleasedoremedythatexpressionofyours,Lucas.Ifwe’retobeplayingahappycoupleonthevergeofmarriage, don’t you think we should look like it? Now, showme those eyestouchedwiththehillsofIreland,please.”

With that she swept through the doors and into the thick of the crowd,leaving Lucas to either follow or watch as she worked her way through thegreetings.ShespiedKyleRussellengaged inconversationwith twoothermenover in the corner. OnlyMr. Russell looked up when she walked in, and hequicklywentbacktohisconversationasLucasjoinedthem.Afteraperfunctoryroundofgreetings,sheexcusedherselftoslipouttotheupstairsbalcony.

Theshadowshadrenderedthesecludedspotalmostcompletelyindarkness.Onlyasliverofthemooncastanysortoflight,andthatwaspoorandsilvery.Floraleanedovertheedgetopeerdownatthestreet.Amomentlater,shefeltatugonhersleeve.

She turned to see that her invited guest had joined her.His hair had been

croppedshort,andonhisfacewasthebeginningofabeard.HergazesoughtoutLucasthroughthewindow.HewasnowdeepinconversationwithKylealone,hisbacktoher.

WillTucker’sattentionwenttoherears,andforjustamomentFlorathoughtshe saw his good humor disappear. “Interesting that you would have anengagement party tonightwith oneman and awedding planned for tomorrowwithanother.Caretoexplain,Flora?”

“Notreally,Mr.Tucker.”Shemadeatplayingcoy.“However,ifyouinsist,IwilladmitImuchpreferamanwhocanproduceabadgetoonewhoonlyclaimstoownone.”

“Flora,Itoldyou…”Heshookhisheadandwentsilentashiseyesseemedtobescanningthehorizon.

As the orchestra finished their tune, the night sounds of New Orleansreplaced thecombinationofvoiceandchambermusic in theballroom.Theairwasthickwiththeportentofrain,quiteheavyandstill.Eventhewisteriavinethatwoundaroundtheporchrailsappearedtobedroopingfromtheweightofit.

Slowlyhereturnedhisattentiontoher.Againshecaughthimlookingatherears.

“Doyoulikethem?”sheaskedsweetly.“Verynice.”Hemethereyes,thistimewithameasureofwhatshealmost

believedmightbeinsolence.Flora took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Fromwhere she stood, she

couldseethecrowdthroughtheclosedFrenchdoors.Unfortunately,Mr.Tuckerhadchosenanunlitcornerofthebalcony,soitwasquiteunlikelyanyonecouldseethem.

She thought of Lucas and his sister. Of Irish eyes and then ofViolet andBrimmfield.Whenhadsimplesolutionsbecomesocomplicated?

Her attention returned to the man beside her. A wrong word could causemoretroublethanshewanted,ofthisshewascertain.Andyethehadliedtoher.Hehadstolentheonepossessionshevaluedmost.Andworse,hehadgivenherahopethatshemighthavegainedasafefutureforVioletthroughhermarriagetohim.

Forthatalonehedeservedtogotojail.Now,ifLucaswouldonlyhurryandmissher.Hurryandfindher.Findthem.He moved a step closer and leaned against the balcony rail, his elbow

touchinghers.Asidewaysglancetoldherhisattentionwasonthecrowdinside.“WhyamIhere,Flora?Arewetobemarriedtomorrowornot?”

“Mymother’searrings,”shesaidwiththesamesteelholdingupherspine.“Iwantthemback,WillTucker.”Apause.“Orwhateveryournameis.Andno,Idon’tthinkmarriagewillsuitusnow.NotwithwhatI’vecometoknowaboutyou.”

Tohersurprise,heshowednosignofemotion.Rather,heswungaroundtoplaceherbetweenhimand the rail.Now theeyes that she’d feltwere sokindseemedharder,histouchthathadbeensoftshenowbegantofear.

“MynameisWillTucker.IamadetectivefortheFriscoRailroad.I’vetoldyouallofthat.Asfortherest,Ihavenoideawhatyou’retalkingabout.”

“Yes, you do,” she said softly. “I knowwhat happened toMary-MargaretMcMinn.”

Hiseyesnarrowed.Helookedaway,revealingaveinthrobbingathistemplethatshecouldseeeveninthepalemoonlight.

Andtheninaninstanthisexpressionreturnedtoneutral.“DetectiveWilsonandIarestillinvestigatingherdeath,”hesaidlightly.

“DetectiveWilson?Areyouclaimingthatmanatthetelegraphofficeis—”“Alawman?Yes.Andifyou’veheardthatwoman’sdeathwasanaccident,

you’remistaken.Herbrotherwastheonlywitnessbesidesthedriver,andthosemenaren’tpaidenoughtotellthetruthifalieismoreprofitable.Anyway,oncewe finish our investigation, we can certainly take up another regarding yourjewelry.Nowwhatwasitagain?Awatch?”

“No,Mr.Tucker.Astolenwatch iswhatyougaveme.Stolenearringsarewhatyou’reintentonpassingforwardtothenextvictim.Onlytherewillbenonextvictim.”

“Flora,trulyIdon’t—”“Enough!”Withangerblindinghertocaution,Florareachedouttojabhim

withherindexfinger.“I’mtiredofhearingliesfromyou,Mr.Tucker.Somedaythetruthwillcatchuptoyou,buthereiswhatIknowforcertain.YougavemeMary-Margaret’s watch. Please tell whomever you’re planning on giving mymother’s earrings to that shewill be prosecuted for receipt of stolen property.And,bytheway,theyareanexactcopyoftheonesI’mwearing,soobtainingamatch for evidence will be quite simple. But you already noticed that, didn’tyou?”

“Flora,”hesaidasheremainedstock-still.“You’remakingsomedangerousaccusations.”

“No,Mr.Tucker, I ammerely stating facts.”She restedbothhandson therail andprepared toholdon tight should themanattempt topushher.Protect

me,Lord,wastheprayershebreathedasshestaredupintothefaceofthemanshehadalmostmarried.

“Youdon’twanttocooperatewithLucasMcMinn.”“Well,that’swhereyou’reright.Irarelywanttocooperatewithhim.Infact,

hewouldbe extremelyupset if heknew Iwasout herewithyou.However, Iwantmymother’s earrings back. Just give them tome andwe can bothwalkaway.”

“Idon’tmakeahabitofwalkingaroundwithwomen’sjewelry,Flora.”“Then find them and return them. Concoct a story. Drop them on my

doorstep.Sendtheminthemail.Idon’tcarewhatyoudo,butreturnthem.”Mr.Tucker’schuckleheldnohumor.Andthenhewasgone,vaultingover

the railing to land on his feet in the courtyard below. Flora’s shaking kneesrefusedtomove,herquiveringlipsunabletocalloutforsomeonetogivechase.

And then she recalled just who she was. She was Flora Brimm of theNatchezBrimms.AndshewasthesecondbestclimberinallofNatchez.

Testingtherail,shelookedaroundtobecertainnoonewaswatching.LucasandMr.Russellwerestilldeep inconversation,givingFlora reason tobelieveshe’dneverhavetimetoalertthemandstillcatchTucker.

Herdecisionmade,sheliftedherskirtstoeaseovertherailandthenmovedcarefullytothenarrowstripofwindowsill.FromhervantagepointshecouldseethatMr.Tuckerhadrunintoasnaginmakinghisescape.Thecourtyardwherehe’dlandedhadalockedgate.Atpresent,hewasattemptingaclimbthatlookedmostunlikely.

Lookingbeyondthegates,shespiedseveralcarriageswithdriverswaiting.Unfortunately, the darkness thatmade the balcony an excellentmeeting placealso hid her from view. To call out would be to risk the criminal escapinganotherway.

Onlyshecouldstophim.Whatshewoulddowhenshecaughtuptohimwasthe least of her concerns.All she knewwas that hemust be caught before hetookadvantageofsomeoneelse.Perhapsacitizen’sarrestwouldbeinorder.

Orshecouldjustclubhimovertheheadandwaitforhelp.Shesighed.Notlikely,giventhefactshecouldn’tevenworkherselfupsufficiently toslaphercousin.Andhewasthreateningherhomeandfamily.

The creep down in the courtyard hadmerely stolen baubles.Hermother’sbaubles,tobesure,butinanimateobjectsallthesame.

ForGodhathnotgivenusthespiritoffear;butofpower,andoflove,andofasoundmind.

Hercouragebolstered,sheedgedovertograspthewornwoodenshutter,allthewhileprayingtheblackironstrapssecuringitwouldhold.Inchbyinch,shecrossed thespacebetween thewindowsuntil she reached thenextone.Again,sheprayedtheshutterwouldholduntilshecouldmakeherwaypast.

Unfortunately,itdidnot.Air swirled around her as she tumbled backward, the worn green shutter

bestingherinitsswiftdescent.Somethingzingedpastherandthenreturnedtocinch her waist, stealing the air from her lungs. A second later, the groundcomingevernearer,breathfailedherandallwentblack.

L

Thirty-Two

ucashauledFloraagainsthimandthencutloosethefilamentlinethathadcaughther.Aslightasshewas,herdeadweighthadmadeitchallengingto

raiseherbackuptothebalcony.Ashewaspullingonthelineandbringingthewomanhelovedtotheshelterofhisarms,Lucascouldn’thelpthinkingthatifhe andKyle never created another invention, hewas perfectly happywith theknowledgethisonegadgethadsavedFlora’slife.

Unfortunately, thefilament linehadsqueezedtightaroundhermiddle.Hadshenotbeenwearinga corsetofhardymaterial,Floramighthavehadbrokenribs—orworse.

Instead,shewouldbesorebutotherwiseverymuchunharmed.“What the…” Kyle came up behind him, carefully closing the door. “I

thoughtIsawyououthere,butI…WhathappenedtoMissBrimm?”Amovementdown in thecourtyardcaughtLucas’sattention.“She’s fine,”

hewhispered. “She almost fell climbing down thewall, but our filament linesavedher.Thebreathhasbeenknockedoutofher,butsheoughttocometoinaminute.”Hemadeanothersweepingglanceof thecourtyard.Yes, there itwasagain.“StaywithherwhileIchecksomethingout.”

Kyle nodded and gathered Flora into his arms. Lucas yanked on the rail.Sturdy enough. Another look back tomeet Kyle’s gaze. “Yeah, I know. Youloveher,soI’dbetterkeephersafe.”Hepattedtherevolverstrappedtohisside.“Goon.Ifshewakesup,I’llkeepherouthereuntilyoureturn.Eitherway,we’llgethertosafetytogether.”

Anodand thenheclimbedoutand followedwhat surelyhadbeenFlora’spathacrossthefrontofthebuilding.Carefullysidesteppingtheplacewherethewoodenshutterhungprecariously,hesawadrainpipeandlungedforit.

Capturing themetalwithboth fists,Lucasglancedback tobecertainKylestillmaintainedhisvigilwithFlora.Atanodfromhisoldfriend,Lucasputhismindtothetaskathand.

Withtheorchestraplayinganup-temposong,thesoundofhisbootshittingthe brick courtyard was, he hoped, sufficiently muffled. He could still seeTucker’s fair hair as he gave up on trying the gate and moved across thecourtyardtowardtheservants’quarters.

Lucashadgrownup traversingmostof thebackgardensandalleys in thispartofNewOrleans,soitwasasimplemattertoduckundertherainspoutandaround the corner to follow the sideyarduntil itmet thebackwall of theoldsummerkitchen.

AcrunchoffootstepsongraveltoldhimTuckerwasnearby.Lucaspalmedhisweaponandmovedforward,hisownstepsquietasacatfromalltheyearsofplayinghidinggamesinplacesjustlikethisone.

Hereachedtheedgeofthebuildingandpausedtotakeadeepbreath.Whenthestepscamenear,hesaidaquickprayerandthenrushedfromhishidingplacetotackleWillTucker.Thecrookneversawhimcoming,thoughhedidputupagoodfight.

Two swingswith his free hand, andLucas hadTucker on the ground.Hestood over the downed criminal with his weapon poised. Everything in himbeggedthemantobreakandrun.Anyexcusetoshoothim.

InsteadTuckerswipedat thebloodonhischeek.“IguessIdeservedthat,”hesaidslowly.“Yougonnashootme?”

“Nothingwouldpleasememore.Unfortunately,ifIdidthatwouldmakemenobetterthanyou.Getupandlet’sgo.”

Tucker did as he was told. When he was upright, Lucas snapped onhandcuffsandledhimouttothefrontgate.SummoningtheBrimms’driver,hesent the fellow off in search of a police officer. He glanced behind him andlookedupatthebalconytoseethatFlorawasstillinKyle’sarms.Thefactthatshewasnotyet standing troubledhim, thoughhe forcedhis attentionbackonTucker. A thorough pat down revealed a Navy pistol that Lucas quicklypocketed.

“Gotanythingelseyouneedtoadmitto?”“Nope.”LucasranhishandoverTucker’sjacketandfeltasuspiciouslump.“What’s

this?”heaskedashereachedintothejacketandfoundasmallboxhiddeninapocket.HehopeditcontainedFlora’smother’searrings.

Pullingouthiskey,heunlockedoneof thehandcuffs.“Youlettingmego,Lucas?There’sagoodsport.”

AmomentlaterLucasclampedtheotherhandcufftothegateandthengave

itatugtobesureitheld.“Theonlyplaceyou’regoingistojail,sport.”

Floraawoketothesoundofhername,thesoftwhisperofavoicedistinctlyfamiliar.Thewhisperbecamemore insistent—ademand, really—that requiredhertodosomething.

What? There was jostling about and something else. Someone called out.Belles pralines. A street vendor. Yes, she recognized the chant. And anorchestra.

Again she heard her name. This time Flora opened her eyes to see LucasMcMinn’sfacejustaboveherown.

“You’reawake.I’mgoingtosityouup.Easynow.You’vetakenablowtothebackofyourhead,soyoumightfeelalittlewoozy.”

Theworldtilted,andshewatchedLucasonceagainappear.Foramoment,hisimageswambeforeher,andthenhecameintofocus.

“I’m sorry, Flora, but we’re not staying to enjoy our party. But the goodnewsisI’mtakingyouhometoBrimmfield.”

“Theparty.”Sheclosedhereyesandsighed.“WillTuckerwasattheparty,”shesaid,andhereyesflewopen.“HewasthereandthenIchasedhimand…”

Lucastightenedhisholdonher.“Andthenyoufell.”“Yes,Idid.”Sherubbedahandovertheachebeneathherribs.“Well, theshortversionisIcaughthim.Andyou.Rememberthatfilament

wirethathadusbothdanglingoffyourhome?”She looked up into his eyes. Ireland green. The phrase made her smile.

“Untilyoucutitjustbeforemyfatherthreatenedusingpruningshears?”“That’s theone.KyleandIhadbeenplayingwith thisdevicebut ithadn’t

beentested.Weaddedanicelittleairfoiltoathinrope.Itcausesanunbalancedairflowthatcreatesanellipticalpath.Inthiscase,thepathwrappedaroundyou.Iheldtightandsodidtheline.”

“Ihavenoideawhatyoujustsaid.”Lucas sighed. “Basically aman can throw it out and it comes right back,

similartoaboomerang.Anyway,itworks.”“Oh, good.” Shemoved and thenwinced. “I thinkwe should stand, don’t

you?”“Ifyouthinkyou’reready.”Hisattentionwenttoherside.“Likelyyou’llbe

sore there,butnothing’sbroken.Apparently, theymakewomen’sformalattiremuchstrongerthanmen’s.Youhitthesideofthehouseprettyhard.”

“Apparently.” She sucked in a breath asLucas helped her to her feet. Foroncethestupidcorsethadactuallyproventobebeneficial.Shelookedupathim.“SoMr.Tuckerhasbeenarrested?”

“Kyle’sseeingtothepaperworkrightnow.ButwithawarrantoutofEurekaSprings and an active Pinkerton investigation ongoing against him, I’d say hewon’tbeseeingdaylightforquitesometime.”

“WhataboutthemaninNatchez?Thetelegraphoperator.”“I’llfollowuponhimonceIgetyousituatedatBrimmfield.”Ashadowof

concern crossedhis features. “Speakingofwhich, I need to take youhome toBrimmfield.Tonight.”

“Tonight?”Sheshookherhead.“Why?YoucaughtMr.Tucker, sowhat’sthehurry?”

“I’dratherexplainelsewhere,butsuffice it tosayIhavemore informationon the debtor Imentioned earlier.”He gave her a sweeping glance. “Can youwalkordoyouneedmoretime?”

“Yes,but—”“Trustme,Flora.I’lltellyoueverythingassoonasIcan.”“Promise?”Athiscrosslook,Floratestedherabilitytotakeonestepandthenanother.

Thoughherheadswamandherkneesshook,herfeetseemedtoperformuponcommand.

“Allright, then.”Heheldheratarm’slengthandthenbrushedhisknuckleacrosshercheek,hisexpressionsoftening.“We’rewalkingoutofherelookinglikeahappycouple,understand?”Whenshenodded,hecontinued.“First,youwillmakeyourexcusestoCousinWinthrop.Idon’tcarewhatyoutellhim,justdon’ttellhimyou’releavingNewOrleans.”

“ButitwillbetheheightofrudenessifIjustabandonhiminthemiddleofthenight—”

“Flora,”hesaidpatiently,“youtwodidn’tlookasthoughyouwereworriedaboutrudenessearlier,butifyouinsist,youcanwritehimandexplain.”

“You’reright.Let’sgo.”Before the doors opened, Flora had her smile pasted back in place.With

Lucasguidingher,hispalmwarmagainstherback,shemanagedtonavigatethesubstantiallengthoftheroomtofindWinnydeepinconversationwithEudoraLennart.

“Dora,youremembermycousin,don’tyou?”heaskedtheyoungwoman.“Yes, of course.Wewereon theAmericus together.Wehad such agrand

time,didn’twe,Flora?”Conversationwith the Lennart ladieswas not what she recalledwhen she

thoughtofthatvoyage.Still,shemanagedapolitesmile.“Yes,wedid.”Flora turnedherattention toWinnyandsawnohintof the

coldmanshe’dencounteredathishome.Eitherthatwasanact,orthiswoman’sattentionhadoverriddenanyremainingillwill.“LucasandIaregoing.”

“Areyouill?”“I’m afraid she’s a bit overcome by all the excitement,” Lucas said. “Her

anticipationofourmarriagecausesthisonoccasion.”Flora jabbedthecaddiscreetly.Still,whenWinnylookedherway,shedid

herbesttolookasifsheagreed.“Usemycarriage.I’llnothaveneedofitforquitesometime.Thatis,unless

Doraistiredofmeandwishesformetoaccompanyyou.”“Don’t be silly.”Eudora looked around him to smile at Flora. “Take your

time.”A short while later, Flora and Lucas arrived back at the house on Third

Street,whereshehurriedlythrewafewbelongingsintoabag,andthensheandamaidcreptbackout to joinhim in thecarriage.Hesilentlynodded toward thecarriage driver and footman, still refusing to elaborate on the reason for theirhastydeparture.

Kyle found thembefore the carriage had completely come to a halt at thedocks.“I’vegotsomenews.Ithinkourman’sontheBertolino.”

Thetwomenexchangedglances.“Hejustmadeiton.Thegangplankwasupandtheboathadalreadybegun

to pull away. If I hadn’t seen him make the jump myself, I wouldn’t havebelievedhecoulddoit.”

“You’resureitwashim?”“Ibelieveitwas,butno,Ididn’tseehimcloseup.”Heshrugged.“Hegave

thenameofWinthropBrimmtothefellowwhosoldhimtheticket.”“Isee.”“Whatareyoutwotalkingabout?”Florademanded.He thrust some tickets in their direction. “We need to get moving. The

Venerablesailsintenminutes.Ifwe’reontime,we’llgetthererightbehindhim.Ifwe’relucky,we’llbeathimthere.”LucasturnedtoFlora.“Oncewe’resettledonboard,IpromiseIwillfillyouin,allright?”

“Allright,”shesaidslowly.LucassentthedriveronhiswayandescortedFloraandthemaidthroughthe

mazeofcontainersandpersonsliningtheNewOrleansdocks.Astheysteppedontothedeck,theVenerable’sbellbegantoannounceitsimminentdeparture.

“WereyouabletoalerttheauthoritiesinNatchez?ANewOrleanswarrantoughttogettheirattention,”LucasaskedKyleastheyclimbedthestairs.

“Iwasveryclearthatwewereinpursuitofasuspectwithawarrant,andthatthe suspectwouldarrivevia the steamboatBertolinomidday tomorrow.Tobesafe,IletthemknowweweretravelingwithMissBrimm.”

“Good.Theniftheyfindhimwhenhestepsofftheboat,allweneedtodoisshowupandfilethepaperwork.”

“Ideally,yes,”wasKyle’sresponseastheyreachedthelonghallleadingtothestaterooms.“And ifhedoesn’tgetoff theboat,we trackhimtoMemphis,becausethat’sthenextstopforthatvessel.”

Themaidwentoff to findherquarters among rooms for the staff, and theotherthreewalkedinsilenceuntilthedoortoFlora’sstateroomcameintoview.“ThisiswhereIbidyoutwogoodnight,”Kylesaid.“I’llberightacrossthehall,sofetchmeifyouneedme.Otherwise,I’llrelieveyouinafewhours.”

Lucas nodded and opened the door for Flora. Glancing around the tinystateroom,hegesturedtowardthechairinthecorner.“Needthat?”

“No,goahead,”shetoldhim,andshethenwatchedashecarriedthechairoutintothehallandresteditagainstthedoorframe.

Shelookedaroundtobesuretheywerealone.“Allright.Whoishe,Lucas?DoIknowthismanyouarechasing?”

Hepausedtowatchheramoment.“It’sMartinLennart.”Floragasped.“But…”“Yes,thatLennart.”“Butwhy?”“Your death ensures that Winthrop inherits. And Winthrop’s inheritance

ensuresthatLennartwillhavethemoneyheneedstoavoidlosingeverything.”Lucaspausedtolookaroundandthenreturnedhisattentiontoher.“Oritwouldhave.Unfortunatelyforhim,hechoseaPinkertoninformanttojoinhimintheplan to kill you. Don’t worry, Flora. We’ll catch him. He’ll not have theopportunitytoharmyou.”

“Those poor girls.” She ran her hand along the edge of the door. “Is myfamilyindanger?”

“From what Kyle has uncovered, the only one in danger was you.” Hepaused and once again seemed to be considering his words. “Obviously, he’snowawarethatwe’reontohimifhe’stakingsuchlengthstoleavetownunder

coverofdarknessandusinganassumedname.Ifhe’sheadedtoNatchez,we’llcatchhimbeforeanyoneisharmed.Ifhe’sgoingontoMemphisorelsewhere,which is my guess, then we’ll still catch him.” He put his hands on hershoulders.“Don’tworry,Flora.I’llkeepyousafe.”

“Thank you,” she said as she reached up to give him a quick kiss on thecheek.“I’msorryforallthetroubleI’vegivenyou.Truly.IwishI’dtoldyouallaboutMr.Tuckerfromthebeginning.”

Heheldheragainsthimforamomentandthenreleasedher.Hissmilelithisface. “It’s what I do. Besides, I prefer my apologies in writing so you can’tchange yourmind later.”He paused. “When you amend yourways.Now getsomerest.”

“You are incorrigible,” she said as she watched him settle into the chair.Thensheclosedthedoor.

This time there was no thought of cheerful banter or good-naturedmisbehavior. Flora remained in her stateroom all night, even when the achebeneathherribsandtheheadachepoundingathertemplesrousedherfromhersleep.Finallythesunrose,andsodidshe.

Dressing hurriedly, Flora reached for the Bible she’d tucked into her bag.Insteadofthewordsshereadthere,aquotefromPrideandPrejudicerosehighinhermind.

IwasinthemiddlebeforeIknewthatIhadbegun.And that, Flora knew, was the real problem in all of this. Before she’d

listenedtoGod—beforeshe’dwaitedonHisplan—shehadgoneaheadwithherown. She had truly been in the middle of this plan that had seemed so wellthoughtoutandplausiblebeforesherealizedthetroublehadbegun.

Beforeshe’dknownhowfarofftheLord’schosenpathshe’dgonetosecureBrimmfieldandasafelifeforhersister.

Aknockatthedoorjarredherthoughts.“Yes?”shecalled.“It’sLucas.Ibroughtyousomethingtoeat.”Sheopenedthedoorandtookthetraybutknewshewouldn’teatabiteonit.

“Didyouhaveanything?”sheaskedwhenhereturnedtohischair.“I’mfine.”“ThensoamI.”“Oh,forgoodness’sake,Flora.Eat.I’llhavesomethingwhenKylerelieves

mywatchinahalfhour.”Tirednessetchedthecornersofhiseyes.“Ipromise.”Whensheopenedherdoortocheckonhimsometimelater,Kylehadtaken

Lucas’splace.“Areyoufinishedwiththat?”heasked,indicatingheruntouched

tray.Shenoddedandhandedit tohim.“Thankyou,”shesaidasshelingeredin

thedoorway,“fortakingcareofus.”Heshrugged.“It’swhatIdo.”An echo of Lucas’s words. She smiled. “No, I mean for worrying about

Lucasenoughtotestmyfeelingsforhim.”Shepausedtowatchhisexpression.“Iknowthat’swhatyouweredoinginthecarriage.”

Hechuckled.“Lucasdidn’t.Thatalmostgotmepunched.”“Ihopeyoufoundwhatyouwerelookingfor.”“I believe I did.”Kyle paused only amoment before he added, “He loves

you,youknow.I’dadviseyounottoabusethat.”“You havemyword,Mr.Russell,” she said as she let his statement settle

againstherheart.“Underthecircumstances,IfigureyououghttocallmeKyle.”ThedooracrossthehallflewopenandLucascamestumblingout,hisshirt

halfbuttonedand the tailshangingoutoverhis trousers,withno shoesonhisfeet. “Is something wrong? I thought I heard Flora,” he demanded, his hairstickingoutatoddangles.

“Nothing’swrong.Iwasjustreturningmybreakfasttray.”“Getsomerest,buddy,”Kyleadded.“We’vegotanother fewhoursbefore

wedockinNatchez,andwebothneedtobereadyforwhateverhappens.”Inaboldmove,FlorawalkedacrossthehalltosmoothbackLucas’shairand

kisshimsoundly.Withoutaword,sheturnedbacktowardherstateroom.“I’msupposedtogetsomerestafterthat?”sheheardLucasaskKyleasshe

closedthedoor.An eternity later, the Venerable landed at Natchez. From her stateroom

window,Floracouldseethecollectionoflawenforcementofficersawaitingthevessel.Or,rather,awaitingthesteamboatcarryingMartinLennart.Apparently,theirboathadbested theother in travel time,fornoneof themenwithbadgesappearedtobeholdinganyoneprisoner.

Flora tookone last look in themirrorand frownedat thesmudgesbeneathhereyes.Therewasnoremedyforitexceptsleep,andshewouldbeabletodothattonightbackatBrimmfield…butonlyifthemanwhomeantherharmwasincustody.

ThemomentLucasknocked,sheopenedthedoorandsteppedintothehall.Whetherhe’dsleptorjustcompletedhisgrooming,herPinkertonagentlookedeverybitthecalmandcollectedlawman.

“I’m escorting you to your carriage, and Kyle is already doing a littlereconnaissance.FromwhatIcantell,theBertolinoarrivedjustaheadofusandisalreadydischargingitspassengers.Myguessisourmanwon’twalkontothedocksofhisownsteamwithallthelawinfullview,soKyle’sgoingtoseeifhecangetonboardtheotherboatandhavealook.”

“Whatifhedoesn’tfindhim?”“We’llworryabout that if ithappens,”hesaidashe linkedarmswithher.

“ButIdoubtseriouslythatwillhappen.There’snoplaceforhimtogoandnoplacetohide.”

“Ifyousayso,”Florasaidassheallowedhimtoescortherdownthestairsandontothelowerdeck.

“I say so,” Lucas said, squeezing her arm. “Oncewe get out in the open,you’regoingtohavetostickveryclosetome.Ready?”

Shenoddedassheofferedwhatshehopedwasacalmexpression.Onceshereacheddryland,Florareleasedthebreathshehadn’trealizedshewasholding.Allaroundherwereconvenientplacestohide.“Calmdown,”shewhisperedtoherself,“andtrustGod.”

“MissBrimm?”She looked up to see the deputywho had refused to accept her at the jail

somenightsagonowstandinginherpath.“Goodafternoon,Deputy.”Aflushclimbedintohischeeksashesteppedbetweenherandtheexit.“I’m

sorry,MissBrimm,butyouhavetogowithme.”“Gowithyou?Where?”“Tojail,”hesaid,refusingtomakeeyecontact.“Youhaveanactivewarrant

for your arrest on the charge of receipt of stolen property. According toPinkertonRusselloftheDenverbureau,we’retoholdyouoverfortrialoruntiltheEurekaSpringsfolkscometofetchyou.”

“Don’tberidiculous,”Lucassaid.“You’resupposedtobearrestingMartinLennart,notMissBrimm.”

“Theybothhavewarrants, sowe’re tobringbothof them in.”ThedeputysquaredhisshouldersandlookedasifhewerepreparingtodobattlewithLucas.“Iunderstandyourirritation,sir,butthelaw’sthelaw.Ioughttohavelistenedtoyouthefirsttimeyoubroughthertothejail,butIdidn’t.I’msworntoupholdthelawsofthisstate,andoneof’emisseeingthatthosewithactivewarrantsarebroughtin.”

“Active?”Hegroaned.“I thought thathadbeen takencareof.She’s inmycustody.”

“Notanymore.”ThedeputyreachedforFlora’swristtoclampahandcuffonit,butshejerkedherwristaway.

“I demand to speak tomy attorney.Hewill see that everything is clearedup.”

“I’msorry,MissBrimm,”hesaidashereachedforheragain.This timesomething insideher snapped.Shewouldnot see the insideofa

jailcell.Notwiththemanshelovedinharm’sway.Sheran.Eluding the slightly overweight deputy proved surprisingly easy as Flora

duckedbehindsomestackedbarrelsandquicklymadeherwayintothecrowdedwaterfront.Withlawmeneverywhere,sheknewshecouldnotstepintotheopen,soshepausedtocatchherbreathandcontemplateaplan.

Amomentlateralargehandwrappedaroundherarm.“Letmego!”“You’ll have to take this up with the sheriff, ma’am. I’m just following

orders.”Withthat,thedeputyledFloraaway.“Lucas!” she called as she stumbled forward and leaned heavily on the

deputy’sarm.“Dosomething!”Buthewasnowheretobefound.

L

Thirty-Three

ucastookthreestepsinthedirectionthedeputyandFlorahadgoneandthenstoppedshort.Asmuchashehatedallowingthis,atleastshewouldbesafe

injailuntilhecouldcomeforher.Thefactthatshemightnotforgivehimwasariskhewouldhavetotake.

Kylejoggeduptointerrupthisthoughts.“Where’sMissBrimm?”“Thankstoyou,she’sinjail,”hesnapped.“Whatdidyousaytothesheriff?”“Only thatwewere pursuing a suspectwith activewarrants and requested

arrestuponsight.”Hepaused.“Wait,areyoutellingmeshestillhadawarrant?Ithoughtyou tookcareof that.”Kylehit his foreheadwithhispalm. “I shouldhavebeenmorespecificandtoldthemitwasLennartwewanted,nother.”

“You can explain that toFlorawhen she’s released.Right nowwehave amantocapture.”

Theybrieflydiscussedstrategyandthenparted,Kylegoingaboardeachofthe vesselswith oneparty of deputies andLucas combing thewaterfrontwithanother.A thirdgroupwenton toBrimmfield to searchand then standguard.LucaspersonallyalertedtheauthoritiesinMemphis.

By daybreak Lennart still had not been found. The likelihood he hadremained inNatchez,however,dimmedwith eachmoment thatpassed. ItwastimetogoandfetchFlorafromherprisoncell.

“Keepatit,”LucastoldKyleasheturnedawayfromthedocksandheadedtowardthejail.

“Don’tyouwantmetocomewithyoutospringMissBrimm?Ifigureyoumightneedbackuponceshe’ssetloose.”

“Veryfunny,”hesaid,thoughLucasknewitwasn’tfarfromthetruth.Florawould be furious. And though Kyle’s wording of the message hadn’t helpedmatters,thereasonshe’dbeenarrestedrestedonLucas.

Hewastheonewhohadswornoutthewarrant.“Get some sleep,”he toldhis friend. “Lennartwill showeventually, likely

somewhere upriver, andwhen he does I’ll need you rested so you can go gethim.”

BythetimeLucasreachedthejail,thesunwasbeginningtoriseinearnest.AftertakingasidetriparoundthecornertorentahorseandbuggyforthetriptoBrimmfield, he returned to find an unfamiliar fellow asking questions of thedeputy. It only took amoment forLucas to realize themanwas asking aboutFlora.Thankfully,thedeputydidn’tappearinterestedinanswering.

“Who are you?” Lucas said as he stepped between the two. “And whatbusinessisitofyourstobeaskingaroundaboutmyfiancée,especiallyhere?”

Theman’spalebrowsrose.“Soyou’rethemysteryfiancé.WehadatipthattherewastobeaweddingatBrimmfield,butduetoanunfortunatemistakeinaddressinginvitations,minedidnotarrive.”

“Isee.”Heleanedclosertothemanandputontheexpressionhegenerallysavedforthemorehardenedcriminalshedealtwith.“Iwillrepeatthequestion.Whoareyou?”

“Carlton,” he said as he stuck out his hand in an attempt to shake. “AsaCarltonofthelocalpaper.”

Lucasignoredthegesturetonarrowhiseyes.“Reporter,”hesaidwithallthederisionappropriatetothismanandhisilk.

Carltonwithdrewhishandand reached intohispocket toproduceapencilandpadofpaper.“MysourcessayFatalFlorawasarresteduponherreturnfromNew Orleans yesterday afternoon. Any chance you two were returning fromyour honeymoon?Andwhat’s your name by theway?Oh,whatwhere thosechargesagainstMissBrimm?”Heshookhishead.“Ifshe’smarriedtoyou,thenshewouldn’tbeMissBrimmanymore,wouldshe?Butifshe’smarried,shealsowouldn’tbeFatalFloraanymore,wouldshe?”

Thebarrageofquestionsdiedaquietdeathwhenthereporterfinallyraisedhis eyes tomeet Lucas’s glare.At that point, he fumbled the pencil and thenscrambledtoretrieveit.

“Well, Mr. Carlton,” he finally said. “Your sources were only partiallycorrect. There is a major investigation underway regarding a suspect in asubstantialthreattocertainpartiesinthiscity.WhatyoursourceslikelysawwasMiss Brimm being taken to a place of safety so as to be removed from theimminent danger.” He nodded toward the deputy. “Can you think of a saferplacethanrightunderthenoseoftheNatchezlaw?”

Thereporterlaughed.“Isupposeyou’recorrect.However,I’mtoldshewascarriedawayinhandcuffsandwasquiteuncooperative.”

“Haveyounotconsidered that isexactlywhat lawenforcementwished thesuspecttosee?”

Carltonwaspracticallygiddywithexcitementat this idea. “ThendoallowmetointerviewMissBrimm.Or,rather,Mrs…whatwasyourname,sir?”

“Ididn’tsay.”He peered up at Lucas. “Yes, well, you’ll have to say if you want to be

namedinthewrite-up.”“Therewillbenowrite-up.Securityreasons.I’msureyouunderstand.”“No,actuallyIdon’t.”Lucasswiveledto turnhisattentionto thedeputy.“Deputy,wouldyoutell

thismanwhathappenstosomeonewhointerferesinanactiveinvestigation?”Theyoungmangrinned.“Thatwouldbeachargeofaidingandabettinga

criminal,forone.Thenthere’sthe—”“Noneedtocontinue,”Carltonsaidquickly.“Justgivememyscoopabout

thewedding,andI’llleaveyoutoyourinvestigationwithoutasinglementionofany part of it.”He gaveLucas a pleading look. “I needmy job, sir. If you’remarrying Flora Brimm, just give me some sort of scoop about the when andwhereofit.Something,please?”

Lucas thought only for amoment. “All right. If you agree to say nothingabout any of this, I will do what I can to see that you alone will have anexclusiveinterviewwithmybrideandme.And,moreimportantly,youandyourpaperwillnever,everrefertomyfiancéeasFatalFloraagain,oryouwillriskmywrathandlegalaction.Willthatdo?”

Henoddedfartooquickly.“Itwillindeed.”“Andifyoubreatheawordofanyofthis,Carlton,”thedeputysaid,“you’ll

bebackhereandonthewrongsideofacelldoorbeforeyoucanblinktwice.Doyouunderstand?”

The reporter scribbled something on the paper and handed it to Lucas.“Here’show to reachme.NowIwillbidyouagoodday.”With that,hewasgone.

“Seemslikethere’salwaysareporteroralawyersniffingaroundhere.”Thedeputygesturedtohisdesk.“Speakingoflawyers,MissBrimm’smanwashereyesterdayandisinfactdownatthejudge’shouserightnowgettingasignatureonthereleasepapers.Thejudgeisgoingtocallwhenhe—”

Thetelephonerangjustthen,andthedeputynoddedtowardit.“Likelyhimnow.”Hepickedthereceiverupandlistenedamoment.“Yes,sir.MightIsavehimthetroublebyreleasinghertoMr.McMinn?He’sstandingrighthere.”The

deputylookedatLucas.“YouwillingtotakeMissBrimmhome?”“Iam.”Thedeputy relayed the information to the judgeandhungup. “All settled.

I’lljustgogettheprisoner.”Heglancedbackoverhisshoulder.“Yousureyouwanther?Herlawyersaidhe’dcomefetchherhome.Mightbesafer.”

“No,”Lucassaidonanexhaleofbreath.“Istartedthis.Imightaswellfinishit.”

Tohis surprise,Flora steppedout togreethim lookingonly slightlyworseforwear.Someonehadstyledherhair,andshe’dchangedherclothestowearafrillydressthatmatchedhereyes.Eyesthat,uponcloseinspection,sparedhimlittlesympathyashebeganhishastilypreparedspeech.

“Flora, I had no ideaKyleworded the telegram thatway. Then I decidedyou’dbesaferherethananywhereelse,soI—”

“Lucas,canwejustleavenowbeforethatawfulreporterfindsme?”“Ihandledhim.”Shegavehimadoubtfullook.“How?Didyouhavehimthrowninjailtoo?”“No.Ipromisedhimtheexclusivestoryofourwedding.”Floragroaned.“You’renotfunny.”“Iwasn’t trying tobe.”Heescortedherout into themorningsunshine.By

habit,hesearchedthewindowsofthebuildingsaroundthemforthesuspect,andthenhescannedthehorizon.Oncehewassureallwaswell,LucasreleasedhisgriponFlora’sarm.“Yourcarriage,MissBrimm,”hesaidwithanodtowardthebuggy.

Hishands spannedher tinywaist ashe liftedheruponto the seat.Hadheallowedhimself,Lucasmighthavetakenalonglookintothoseimpossiblyblueeyes.Evennowhecouldn’tbelievetheprettygirlwiththesky-coloredeyeswashisFlora.

HisFlora.Lucasletoutalongbreath.No,hecouldn’t thinkofherasanythingofthe

sort.A few kisses and a declaration of some feelings of attraction did not a

relationship make. Not exactly a statement worthy of Shakespeare, but itcertainlyfitthebill.

Now,ifshelovedhim…well,thatwouldbesomethingaltogetherdifferent.But she was too busy solving the problems of the world—or at least the

problemsofherworld—toconsidermarriagetoamanwhowouldwellandtrulyloveher.

Marriage.Wherehadthatcomefrom?OtherthantheobviousfacteveryoneoutsideofthepeoplewhotrulyknewthembelievedhewasabouttomakeFloraBrimmhiswife.

He lookeddownand sawhisknuckleshad turnedwhite fromgripping thereinssohard.

“Youlookawful,Lucas.Didn’tyougetanysleep?”“No,”hesaidashegavethereinsagentleslapandsetthebuggyinmotion.

“Wewerehopingwe’dgetLennart.Noonewantedtogohome.”Herexpressionsoftened.“Iappreciatethat.”“Partoftheservice,ma’am,”herespondedwithanexaggerateddrawlthathe

hopedwouldcontinueherlightmood.“Howdidyouspendthenightinajailcellandenduplookingsopretty?”

“AccordingtoGrandmama,a ladynevergoesout inpublicunprepared.SoshemadesureIwasprepared.”Florapaused.“OrratherthehalfdozenmembersoftheBrimmstaffwhoweresentoverforthepurposemadesureofit.”

They fell into an uncomfortable silence, though thatwas preferable to anydistractionsaconversationmightbring.

Floraleanedbackagainstthebuggyseatandclosedhereyes.“Tired?”heaskedashereturnedhisattentiontotheroad.WithLennartstill

ontherun,hecouldbeanywhere.Onegoodshotand…no,hewouldnotletthathappen.

“Yes,actually.I’mcompletelytiredofmen.”“Ofmen?”Heliftedabrowashisgazecontinuedtoscantheperimeter.“All

menorjustafewinparticular?”“I suppose I could blame a few in particular. Such asmy grandfather for

puttingmeinthismess,ormycousinWinnyforbeingsuchapoorhandlerofhismoney.Then there areLennart andTucker, twomen I don’t everwant to seeagain.Addinthereporter,theentirejailstaff,and…”Sheletoutalongbreathbeforeswipingatanerrantstrandofhairthathadcomeloosefromherelegantupdo.“OrmaybeIcouldresttheresponsibilityonyou.”

“Me?”Hesparedheraquickbutdirectlook.“Whyme?I’mtheonetryingtokeepyousafe.”

“No,you’retheonedoingyourjob,whichjusthappensatthemomenttobekeepingmesafe.”

Oh,thatdidit.“Thatisenough,FloraBrimm.”Hegavetheareaathoroughscanandthenveeredoffinasharprightontoa

dirtroadthatbisectedastandofcottonwoods.Whenhewasfairlycertainofthe

safetyoftheirlocation,hepulledthecarriagetoaquickstopandthenswiveledintheseat.

“Whyareyoulookingatmelikethat?”“I’mtryingtodecidewhethertokissyouortakeyoubacktojailandswear

outanotherwarrant.”“Youwouldn’tdare.”Shelookedreadytobolt.“Wouldyou?”“What is it about you, Flora? You’re the most irritating, agitating,

beautiful…”Hereachedtohaulheragainsthim.“Doyoureallybelieveyou’rejustajobtome?Afterallwe’veadmittedinregardtoourfeelings?”

Shelookeddeeplyintohiseyes,andsomethingshesawtheremadeherheartmelt.“Oh,Lucas.LetmeshowyouwhatIbelieve.”Beforehecouldrespondshewrappedherarmsaroundhisneckandpressedherlipstohis.

Ashotrangout.Cursinghimselfforafool,Lucaspushedherontothefloorofthecarriageandcoveredherwithhisbody.

“Donotmove!”“Lennart,”shewhispered.“Probably.”He leanedupononeelbow,hisweaponat the ready.Another

shot rangout, thisonericochetingoff thebackof thecarriageandcausing thehorsestospook.

Thecarriagelurchedforwardastheterrifiedanimalsranforcover.SomehowLucasmanagedtocapturethereinsandhalttheirprogress.Whenthenextshotzingedpast,heliftedhisgunandfiredtwice.

Someoneinthecopseoftreescriedout.Floracoweredonthecarriagefloor,all too aware of their nearmisswith death. Evenmore aware that her selfishtiradehadlandedtheminthismess.

Silencereigned.Overheadahawkcircledandthencalledout.“Giveitup,Lennart,”Lucasshouted.“You’realreadygoodascaught.”Nothing.“Ishedead?”Florawhispered.“Mightbe.Orhecouldjustbereloading.”“Butyouhithim.Iheardit.”Anod,andLucasreturnedhisattentiontothedirectionwherehe’dlastshot.

“I’llbelievehe’sdeadwhen—”Lucasfellbackward,bloodstaininghisshirt.Anotherbulletzingedby,this

onericochetingoffatreesomewherenearby.Florareachedtograbthereins.“Lucas!”shecried,buthedidn’tanswer.For

God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a

soundmind.“ThankYou,Lord.”Brimmfieldwas too far awayyet, soFlora turned the

carriagearoundandurgedthehorsesbacktowardtownasfastastheycouldgo.“Lucas,don’tyoudarediebeforeIgetyoutothedoctor.Doyouhearme?”

Butthecolorwasalreadyfadingfromhisface,andthoselongblacklashesrefused to move from the spot where they dusted his pale cheekbones. Shereachedovertoplaceherhandatophis,butonlyforamoment.

Savehim,Lord,please.IwasinthemiddlebeforeIknewthatIhadbegun.Sheslappedthereinsandthecarriagelurchedforward.OncetheywerebackinthemidstofthetrafficthatmadeupNatchez’smain

street,herprayersbecamemorefervent,moreimmediate.Lethimlive.Ilovehim,Lord.Pleaselethimlive.Finally,thedoctor’sofficewasjustupahead.“ThankYou,”shesaidasshe

drewthecarriagetoahalt.ShejumpedfromthewagonandpracticallydraggedtheprotestingdoctoroutofanexaminationandintothestreettotendtoLucas.

Returningtothebuggy,shepressedpastthefewbystanderswhohadalreadybeguntogather.“Letthedoctorthrough,”shedemandedasshekeptatightgripontheman’scoat.

Lucas’sshirtwassoakednow,bloodstaininghischestbrightcrimson.Ifhebreathed,shecouldn’tseeit.Andthenhegasped.

“You’realive,”shesaidasshepressedherpalmstohisface.“I’vebroughthelp.”Hiseyesflutteredopenbuthisattentiondidnotimmediatelyfixonher.

“Youthere,”thedoctorsaidtoapairofmenstandingcloseby.“Helpmegetthismaninside.”

Theycomplied,makingshortworkofmovingLucasfromthecarriagetotheoperatingtable.

“Flora?”shethoughtsheheardhimsayasthedoctorusedapairofscissorstocutawayhisshirt.

“Yes,darling,”sheansweredassheswipedattearsnowfreelyfalling.“It’sme.”

“Excuse me, Miss Flora,” the doctor said. “Or, forgive me. Are you hiswife?”

“No,butIamhisfiancée.”“Closeenough.What I’mabout todo isgoing tohurtsomethingfierce,so

I’dadvisethatyouholdhishand.”What the man did Flora couldn’t say, for she turned her head. Lucas’s

screams,however,toldherthatthedoctorhadn’tliedinhiswarning.

“Thenextthreehourswillbecritical,”hesaidwhenhewasfinished.“Andshouldhesurvivethose,thenextfewweeksitwillbeessentialthatheremainasinactiveaspossible.”

Shepulled thewatch fromhisvestpocket andwiped thebloody splotchesoff with his handkerchief. The time was straight up ten o’clock. Three hourswouldbeoneintheafternoon.EasyforGodbutanimpossiblylongtimetowait.

Savehim,Lord,thismanofmine.

I

Thirty-Four

hope you’re listening to me, Lucas McMinn,” Flora said as lightly as shecould.And then came the crash of emotion, the strength ofwhich sent her

crumbling. “I absolutely cannot lose another man I love. Do you understandme?”

Greeneyesflutteredopentocapturehergazeandholdit.“Youloveme?”hebreathed.“Iwas…”Hepausedtogaspforbreath.“Wasgoingtotellyou…first.WhenIstoppedthewagon.Only…”

“And you shall,” she said as she once again swiped away her tears. Shetraced the scarwhere lightninghad touchedhim then returnedher attention tohiseyes.“Properlyandwhilestandingupright.ImustwarnyouIintendtoholdyoutoit.”

“Youcancounton…”Hegaspedandhiseyesflutteredshut.“Onthat,”hesaidwithwhatFlorafearedwashislastbreath.

“Dosomething,”shedemandedofthedoctor.Before themancould answer,Lucasbeganbreathingnormally, thoughhis

eyesremainedshuttight.Theystayedclosedthroughthehazeofactivitiesthatfollowed. SomehowFather appeared at her side to take her home, though sherefusedtoleaveuntilthethreehourshadpassed.WhentheclockstruckoneandLucas’s breath was still shallow but even, Flora finally relaxed. Thank You,Lord.

OnceatBrimmfield,Fatherhadabed installed in theparlorsoas toavoidthequestionofwhetherFlora’sreputationwouldsomehowbecompromisedbyherinsistenceatremainingatLucas’ssideinhisbedchamber.

ShepulledFather’sfavoritechairclosersothatshecouldleanbackagainstthe cushions and allow herself a quick few minutes of rest. When her eyesopenedagain,somehourslater,thelampshadbeenlitandLucaswaswatchingher.

Floraalmostfelloutofherchairasshewenttohim.“Oh,Lucas,”shesaid.

“I thoughtI’d lostyouandthenthedoctorsaidyoumust live throughthefirstthree hours and you did, and then he said…well, I’m just very glad you’realive.”

“Apparentlyso,”hemanagedashestruggledtositup.“Becareful.You’vebeenshot—”Lucasgaveupandthenreacheduptowrapastrandofherhairaroundhis

finger. “While youwere sleeping the doctor came. It looks as if I’mgoing tolive.”

“Well,ofcourseyouare.”Shegrinned.“Ihadnodoubt.”“Lennart.Ishedeadoralive?”Her smile faded. “Lennart was found. Dead. Apparently he was already

mortallywoundedwhenhemanagedtofireoffthatlastshot.”Hedrewinadeepbreathandletitoutslowly.Thenhenodded.“I’dhoped

hemight live tostandtrial.Hiswifeanddaughterswillbe…”Hiseyesclosedandthenslowlyflutteredopenagain.“Ididn’twantittoendlikethis.”

“Iknow.”Apause.“Yousavedmylife,Lucas.Thankyou.”“Justpartof the service,ma’am.”He reached for the tablebesidehimand

thentouchedhischest.“Myfather’swatch,”hesaid.“It’smissing.”Shepulleditoutofherpocketandplaceditinhishand.“It’srighthere.”Hebegantocough,andpaincontortedhisexpression.Florasoothedhimas

bestshecoulduntilhebreathedeasyagain.“Inmyjacketpocket,”hesaid,onceagain looking around. “A box. From Tucker. Did it contain your missingearrings?”

She recalled the empty box the valet had brought her upon launderingLucas’sstainedclothing.“No,itwasempty.”Athisdistressedlook,shehurriedtocontinue,“Restnow,Lucas.Therewillbeplentyoftimetotalklater.”

“Not yet,” he said. “There’s still onemore thing.”He paused to draw hernear.“FloraBrimm,”hesaidsoftly,“IknowI’mnotexactlyuprightyet,andIcouldn’ttellyouwhatthatdoctor’sputinthevilemedicationyourbutlerkeepsinsistingIdrink,butIcan’twaitanylonger.Iloveyou.”

Shesmiled.“Iloveyoutoo.”Lucas beckoned her to come even closer and thenmanaged a soft kiss. “I

want tomarry you someday.”He gestured to the bandages. “I had a differentoutfitinmind,soyoumighthavetowaitawhile.”

“I’llwaitforyou,Lucas.”“Promise?”“Yes, I promise.”Tears shimmered inher eyes as aprayerof thankswent

heavenward.Evenifthemedicationkepthimfromremembering,atleasthehadspokenfromhisheart.“Nowpromisemeyou’llgetsomeproperrest.It’salmostmidnight.”

“Iwillifyouwill.”Florasoftlykissedhischeekandthensteppedoutoftheparlor.Inthepale

lamplightofthehall,shefoundVioletwaitingforherinherwheelchair.Daisystoodintheshadowsnearthedoor,herfacebeaming.

“How is he?” her sister asked, as if her presence therewas not out of theordinary.

“Heisimproving.”“Good.”Violetsmiled.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”Floraasked,and thenshewished immediately

shecouldtakebackthewords.“Nevermind.”Shekneltathersister’sside.“I’msogladyouare.”

“This is my home, and it’s time I returned to it.” Violet reached to wipeawayFlora’stears.“Wehavemuchtotalkabout,don’twe?”

“Yes.”“All right, then. I have it on good authority that chocolate cake is in the

kitchen.”“Chocolatecake?”Florabegantogiggle.“Oh,Violet,wedohavemuchto

talkabout!”

“Son,doyouunderstandwhatI’mtellingyou?”Lucasblinkedhard, asmuch to adjusthis eyes as togivehimaminute to

compose himself. The doctor stared back at him, his face kind and his eyeswearingtheconcernedlookamangetswhenhe’sdeliveredbadnews.

AndthefactthatLucaswouldlikelyneverusehisrightarmagaindefinitelyqualifiedasnewsoftheworstkind.Whatwouldamanwhomadehislivingwithasidearmdowhenhestoppedbeingabletoshoot?Andhowwouldhediagramhisinventionswhenhecouldn’tevensignhisname?

“Yeah,Doc,Igotit.I’mwashedupasaPinkandnotmuchusetoanyonewhoneedsanable-bodiedman.Iwouldn’tmakemuchofahusbandrightnoweither.”

Thedoctoradjustedhisspectacles.“Nowlookhere.I’veseenworsethanthisandfellowsmanagedjustfine.Thebulletzaggedaroundabit,sowecan’tknowwhatotherdamagehasbeendonejustyet.That’lltakesometimeand—”

“Allduerespect,Doc,”Lucassaidashesettledbackagainstthepillowsandprayed for thepainmedication to takehold,“butwhatyou’veseenandwhereI’mlyingrightnowaretwodifferentmattersaltogether.”

Thedoctorreachedforhisbag.“Isupposeyou’reright.”“Can you promise I’ll make a full recovery? That I’ll be the man I was

beforeLennartshotme?”Theoldermanroseandsethishatatophishead.“There’snothingelseIcan

do here, but the Lord…He’s only just started to work. Let Him do His job,won’tyou?”

“So what you’re saying is that even if Miss Brim would take me as ahusband,it’slikelyshe’dgetacrippleinthebargain.”Heletoutalongbreathandpaidforitwithasearingpaininhischest.“Thanks,Doc.”

“Son,I’msorry.Butyou’realive.Giveitsometime.”Gritting his teeth, Lucas turned away to bite back a response he knew he

wouldregret.OnlywhenthedoorclosedonthedoctorandhisbadnewsdidheallowhimselftoformthecomplainthewishedtolodgeagainstGod.Thetroublewiththat,however,wasthefactthatheknewthedoctorwasright.Thingscouldhavebeenworse.

ThenextmorningFloraslippedintoseeLucasafterthedoctorleft,hopingtobethefirsttobreakthenewsofhersister’svictoryoverthefearthathadkeptherhiddenaway. Instead,shestalledat theexpressiononhis face thatgreetedher.

Tiltinghisheadtowardhisrightarm,nowbandagedandimmobile,heletoutalongbreath.“I’venouseofthisarm.”

Aby-productoftheshooting,thedoctorhadtoldheronhiswayout.Whilethere was no limit to what the human body might do to repair itself, thelikelihoodthathemightregainuseofthatarmwasslimatbest.

“Goodmorning,Lucas,”shesaidbrightly.“Ihavesuchgreatnews—”“Didyouhearme,Flora?Myarm.It’s…”“Iheard,”shewhispered.“This makes me useless as a Pinkerton agent.” His Irish eyes met hers.

“Whatgoodisanagentwhocannotshoothisweaponorevensignhisname?”“You’llmanage.Orlearn.Or,whoknows?Thingsmayimprove,andthere’s

alwaysyourinventionstokeepyoubusy.Surelyyou’llfindsomething—”“No,Flora.There’snothing.”

“Nothing?”Sheshookherhead.“ButIthought…”“Leave me.” He paused to pull in a shuddering breath. Be it physical or

emotional,painobviouslywrackedhim.“Justpleasego.”“ButIbroughtabook,andIthoughtthatperhapswemight—”Helookedaway.“Nottoday.”She did as he asked and left, too proud to show her tears and too hurt to

remainandfight.Whenhernextseveralattemptsatconversationweremetwiththe same reluctance to speak, she finally gave up. Whatever battle LucasMcMinnwasnowfighting,hechosetofightitalone.

Likeitornot,theywerenolongerateam.Worse, the niggling fear that his feelings for her were only a passing

medicated moment kept Flora worried. Four days after the shooting, heannouncedhewouldnolongerkeeptothemakeshiftsickroomandbegantotakehismealsinthediningroomwithFlora,Father,andGrandmama.

Conversation at mealtimes was lively, mostly owing to the fact thatGrandmama loved to reminisce about the old days before andduring thewar.AndthoughFloraandFatherhadheard thestoriesamultitudeof times,Lucasprovedtobeaninterestedaudience.Refusinghelp,hefumbledhiswaythroughlearningtofeedhimselfwithhislefthandashestudiouslymaintainedonlythemostdistantdemeanorstowardFlora.

Throughitall,nothingfurtherwassaidaboutthefeelingstheyexpressedonthedayoftheshooting.Nordidheholdmuchinterestinkeepingcompanywithher at all. She began to believe she’d dreamed the whole thing. Or that hisprofessionoflovehadindeedbeenthemedicationspeaking.

About this time Father insisted Lucas take over the first floor library. Amuchmorefittingspaceforaman,he’ddeclaredasheleftonyetanotherofhistripstobuyseedormakepurchasesforthefarm.Cleverly,hehadalsorequestedLucaslookoverhisbuisnessrecordsinhisabsence.

Indeed,Fatherhadnevertakentothebusinesssideofthings.Yeteventhen,he’dnevershruggedfromhisduties.ThoughFlorasuspectedulteriormotivesinher Father’s request, Lucas obviously did not. The man who swore he couldnever return to the Pinkertons now took to his new responsibilitieswith greatgusto.

SuchwashisfervorwiththeprojectFatherhadlefthimthatLucastooktohavinghismealsinthelibrary.Anyattemptforcompanywasrebuffed.

Inshort,Florahadbecomeastranger.Or,rather,themaninFather’slibraryhadbecomeone.Shecertainlydidnotexpectthiswhenheaskedhertowait.

Aweekaftertheshooting,shewanderedintothelibrarytofindhimporingover something that looked suspiciously like blueprints. Though he had lostsomeweight,themaidshadseentotailoringhisshirtssotheystillfithimquitewell.Fromthewidthofhisshoulderstothearmhe’dtakentowearingboundinasling,hewasstillquiteahandsomeandformidableman.

Asalways,herheartthumpedatthesightofhim.“Lucas?”shesaidsoftly.Hedidnotlookupwhenshesteppedinside,nordidheappearinterestedin

conversation.Whensheclearedherthroat,hefinallysparedheraglance.“IwonderedifImightgetyouanything.”Shecranedhernecktoseewhathe

wasworkingon.ThiscertainlyhadnothingtodowithFather’sbooks.Rather,itappearedtobesomesortofladies’hat,itsplumeoffeathersquitefashionable,thoughthemazeofwiresandthingsbeneaththebrimappearedbaffling.

“Thankyou,no,”hesaidashemovedthepapersoutofherview.“Willtherebeanythingelse?”

Shesankintothechairacrossfromhim.“Yes,actually.Iwaswondering…that is, you appear to be healing quite nicely. I wondered if you might wantto…”Shelookedaway.“Takeawalkinthegarden,”shefinallymanaged.

Silence.When she returned her attention to him, he had already gone back to his

drawings.Shecouldseetheconcentrationonhisfaceasheattemptedtodrawastraightlinewithhislefthand,mostlyfailingmiserably.

“Lucas,didyouhearme?”“Yes,Flora,Idid.”Helookedupsharply.“I’mbusy.Doyoumind?”“DoImind?”Hertemperspiked.“Yes,Lucas,Imindgreatly!”Sheroseto

grab thepapersand toss thembehindher.“Oh, this is justwonderful. I regainmy sisteronly to lose theman I…”She shookherhead. “No,mydeportmentteacherwasright.Aladyisneverthefirsttosay…”Florastoppedherself,angerblindingher.“Youdon’trememberathingyoutoldmewhenyoufirstawakenedintheparlor,doyou?”

His expression went blank. Either he had no recall of the promise or hewishedtoforgetit.

“Right.”Flora letoutadeepbreath inhopesa smallmeasureofherangeranddespairmightescapewith it.Theattempt failedmiserably.“Ipromised towait,butnotforever.”

Againshesearchedhisface.Nothing.“Isee.”Sheshrugged,hopingitwouldhidethedeepwoundforming.“Well,

then.Ifyouhavenofurtherneedofme,I’llnottakeupanymoreofyourtime.

Shouldyourealizeyoumissmycompany, that’s just toobad. Iwon’tbebackuntilIgetanengravedinvitationtovisit.”

Anod.“Didyouhearme?”sheaskedassherose.Noresponse.Humiliationforcedher fromthe room, thoughpridepropelledherwithher

spinestraightandhereyesfocusedonthedoor.Onlywhenshehadgiventhatdooragoodslamdidsheallowherfeelings to takehold.Racingup thestairs,heedless of anyone’s thoughts of impropriety, she found her room before hertearsblindedher.

Everything in Lucas demanded he follow Flora up the stairs and set herstraight.Neverhadhelovedawomansomuchashelovedher.Itkilledhimtopretendhehadnofeelingsleftforher.

Everytimeheleftamealwherehe’dhurtherbyignoringherorbypassedanopportunitytospendtimewithher,Lucastoldhimselfitwasforherowngood.Sheneededamanwhocouldbeahusbandtoher.

Amanwhowasawholeman,ablebodiedandworthsomething.A man who didn’t awaken during the night in a cold sweat, reliving the

momentacowardhidinginthebushesfiredbulletsthattookhimdown.

Nine days after the shooting, Kyle Russell came to visit. The butlerannouncedhim,andFlorawentdowntoofferhergreetings.Forallheranguishoverthechangeinhisfriend,sheheldnoillwillagainstKyle.

Withhiminthefoyerwasanelderlymanwhosegaitwassurprisinglyspry.“Docome in,”Flora said as shegreeted thepair. “Lucas is inFather’s office,thoughIsuppose itshouldbecalledhisofficeasFatherhashappilyceded thespace to him.” She kept her tone intentionally light, her expression happy.ShouldKylelearnofthechangeintheirrelationship,itwouldcomefromLucas,nother.

“That’sgoodtoknow,”Kylesaid.Shegesturedtowardthecloseddoor.“Yes,well,Ihavenoideawhathedoes

allday,butitappearshe’screatingallsortsofdesigns.”“Asrequested,”Kylesaid.“Youseewe’vehadnewsonsomeofourpatents

and,well,wherearemymanners?”

ShelookedtothemanatKyle’sside.“Isthisyourfather?”“No,heis—”“AugustusGirard,”Grandmamasuppliedasshedescendedthestaircase.“MydearMissMerriwether.”Theoldman’sfacebeamed.“Ineverdidget

usedtocallingyouMrs.Brimm.”Grandmama’s smile was brief but genuine. “You’re awfully cheeky for a

manwhodaredtobreakmyheart.”Sheallowedachasteembrace,andthenshesaid something in French before she stepped away. The old gentleman’sresponsewasbrief,soft.Hisexpressiontender.

“Flora,dear,dostopgapingandsayhellotomyfriendMonsieurGirard.HeandIhadoccasiontomakeeachother’sacquaintanceonmanyoccasionsbeforethewar.Hasitbeensolong?”

“Timeisirrelevantwhereyou’reconcerned,”hesaidtoGrandmamabeforeturningtoFlora.“Mydear,”hesaidsoftly.“Doforgiveanoldmanhissurprise.When I first saw you I thought…” He glanced over at Grandmama. “Well,sufficeittosayyoudocausetheyearstofallaway.”

“Thankyou,”shesaidassheacceptedhishandshake.“Shallwego in, then?”Grandmamasaid, indicating thecloseddoorof the

library.“Afteryou,Millie,”MonsieurGirardsaid.Millie?No one calledGrandmama by that name—at least not to her face.

EvenGrandfatherBrimmwouldn’tdare.Andyetoffshewent,blithelyfollowedbythestrangerandMr.Russellinto

LucasMcMinn’s inner sanctum. Flora fell in line until Grandmama turned tostopher.

“No,dear,”shesaidbeforeclosingthedoorinherface.She’dalmostreachedthestairswhenthedoorflewopenagain.Therestood

Lucas,ragecausinghisentireframetoquiver.“Areyouresponsibleforthis?”“This?”Florashookherhead.“Whatonearthdoyoumean?”“Lucas,”sheheardtheoldmansay.“Thegirldidnotcontactme.”His expression softened, but only slightly.Anothermoment and he turned

hisbacktoclosethedoorsagain.“Men,”Violetsaidfromthedoortotheparlor.“Theyareaconfusinggroup.

Comeon,let’sgoforawalk.”Shelookeddownatherwheelchair.“Orrather,aroll.”

“OnlyifyoupromisenottomakemereadPrideandPrejudice.”Shesteppedback toallowViolet topass through thecorridoraheadofher

and then roll out onto the sidewalk on the specially designed rampLucas hadhastily designed for her—the lone good deed the despicable man hadaccomplishedsincehisinjury.

“Andbeforeyoustart lecturingon thebenefitsof thisgreatnovel,Violet,”Flora continued as she pressed away thoughts of LucasMcMinn, “you knowI’vetriedtoreadit.”

“JustasI’vetriedtoreadyourladydetectivebooks.Honestly,Flora,Idonotseetheattractiontolawenforcementstories.”

From her vantage point on the sidewalk, she spied Lucas deep inconversationwiththeelderlymanthroughthelibrarywindows.Hesparedherabriefglancebeforeturninghisbackonher.Amomentlater,Grandmamarosetoclosethecurtains.

“You know, Violet,” Flora said as she followed her sister down the pathtoward the cottonwoods and the river beyond, “I’m beginning to agree withyou.”

“Good,becausetodayIbroughtLittleWomentoread.Canwebothagreeonthatone?”

“Oh,yes.Leadon.Ihaveallafternoon.”Violetcaughttheattentionoftheever-presentDaisy,whohadn’tquitegotten

used to her charge’s newfound independence. “Might you have a late lunchbrought out? Say in an hour?And tea later.”When the olderwoman had leftthem, Violet returned her attention to Flora. “All right, tell me about Mr.McMinn.”

“There’snothingtotell.Heseemstoberecoveringnicely.”Violetfixedherwithalook.“Butyouarenot.”“Whatdoyoumean?”“Imean that sinceour recuperatingPinkertonagent awakenedafter saving

your life, both of you are quite changed.” She shrugged. “He is closetedwithFather’sbooksand theodddrawingsheattemptswithhis lefthand.”Apause.“Actually, I saw him practicing his signature yesterday. He’s getting quitegood.”

FloranoddedashersisterbabbledonaboutLucasMcMinn’smanyvirtues.Finallythetalkingceased.

“Butyou.Well, let’s justsayIknowawomanwho isgrievingwhenIseeone.Doyouthinkyou’velosthim?”

Florasighed.“Idon’tknowifIeverhadhim.”Thetruth.Somuchforthehappilyeveraftershe’dwishedfor.

“May I change the subject?”AtFlora’s nod,Violet continued. “Your nearmissatmarriagewiththisMr.Tucker…wasitbecauseofme?”

Floralookedaway.“ItwasbecauseofBrimmfield.”Apartialtruth.“And because I refused to leave it.” Violet wheeled around to intrude on

Flora’s view. “Nothing holds you here, sweet sister of mine. Not even me.You’vewrittenofadventures.Perhapsit’stimeyougoandhavesome.”

“ButBrimmfield—”“Will prosper long after its inhabitants are gone.” She reached to touch

Flora’ssleeve.“Includingyouandme.”“Butthewill.”HereyessearchedViolet’sface.“ImustkeepBrimmfieldin

thefamily.”“It’sjustabigexpensiveplotofland.”Shepausedtoglancearound.“None

ofuswillleaveheredestitute.Grandfatherwasnotthatcruel.”“Isuppose.”“AndCousinWinny’snotsuchabadman,ishe?”Florashookherhead.Silentlyshelookedbackat thehouseandthoughtof

theafternoonthatchangedthemall.“Stop.You’rewoolgathering.We’renolongerchildrensusceptibletowhims

anddares.”“No,”shesaidsoftly, thoughFloracouldn’t tellwhetheritwasastatement

oraquestion.“Thengoandhaveadventures. Idareyou,” she saidwitha twinkle inher

eye.Floracouldn’thelpbutlaugh.“Allright,butshallwereadabouttheMarch

sisters and their adventures today? I have plenty of time to see the worldtomorrow.Ornextweek.”Oroncemybrokenhearthashealed.

“Ofcourse.”And so they read, each taking turns and pausing only for lunch and tea.

Finally,when the sundippedbelow thecottonwoods,Daisycameand insistedontakingherchargeindoorslestshechillintheeveningair.

Exhaustedfromtheirextendedvisittothegardens,Violetretiredtoherroomupontheir return to thehouse.Florawandered into thefoyer,surprised tofindthedoortothelibraryopen.

Shewanderedinside,shockedtofindthatthepersonseatedbehindthedeskwasWinthrop Brimm. “Come to take over so soon?” Regretting her stingingblow,Florashookherhead.“Forgiveme.Thatwasuncalledfor.”

Winny rose to take a few tentative steps in her direction. “No, what was

uncalled for was Grandfather’s need to put us both in such an untenableposition.”

Floranodded,unable todisagree.“Well, I cede thevictory toyou,Winny.I’ve been convinced just this afternoon that there are adventures outside ofBrimmfieldtobehad,andIintendtofindthem.”

“Goodforyou.”Hisfacewentpensive.“Flora,Ioweyouanapology.”“No,honestly,youdonot.”“Letmedothis.I’vemadepoordecisionsinmylife.Manyofthem.Some

haveonlyharmedme,butothershaveharmedpeopleforwhomIcaredeeply.”Hepausedto touchtheedgeof thedesk.“Violetshallhear thisofmeaswell,but I beg your forgiveness for the childish taunts that caused her to fall.”Hisunsteadygazeswungtomeethers.“ThoughIdonotdeserveit,mightIhavethatforgiveness?”

Shesmiled.“Ofcourse,”shesaidandmeantit.Relief washed over his features. “This is not in my nature, though I’m

becoming quite adept at it. There’s another thing. The shooting.” Again hepaused,thistimetoworryhissleeve.“Moreill-advisedchoices.Iwishtopleadlove, but that sounds foolish.” He shrugged. “I wanted to impress someone Icaredfordeeply,but,well,thefundsIneededweretiedupinbusinessventureselsewhere.Whenherfatherofferedagenerouscashsettlementforaportionofhisbusiness,howcouldIdecline?Tobecomeapartner in thefamilyfirmandhavethemeanstocourtthedaughteraswell?”

“DoraLennart,”shesaidsoftly.“Iunderstand,Winny.There’snoneedtogoon—”

“But there is. Ihadno ideaherfather’sbusinesseswere in jeopardy. Iwasblinded by love and did not domy due diligence. Onlywhen I began to askquestionsdidthingsget…ugly.”

“Yes,Iwouldimagineso.”“I never realizedMartin Lennart would go to such extremes to see that I

inheritedallofthis.”Heshookhishead.“Thatapersoncouldbesofocusedonmoneyastorisklosingeverything,includinghislife,wasasoberingrealization.Iwillnotbethatsortofman.ShouldyouwanttoremainatBrimmfield,Flora,itisyourhomeandshallremainso.Igiveyoumyword.”

“Butyourdebts.”Shepressedherfingerstohermouth.“I’msorry,butMr.McMinntoldme.”

Heshrugged.“I’llmanage.DoraandIarecommittedtocomingthroughthistogether,andIamconcentratingonthat.Hermotherandsisterwillneedaman

toguidethemthroughthisperiodofbereavement.IbelieveIamthatman.”“I’mveryglad.”Hemovedtowardher,armsoutstretched.“AsamI,”hesaidasheembraced

her.“ButnowImustbidyougoodbye.”“Isee.”Shesteppedback.“You’releavingsosoon?”“IjustcameatGrandmama’srequest.NowbacktothecityandDora.”FlorabidWinnygoodbyeandthendriftedupstairstofreshenupfordinner.

Whenshearrivedinthediningroomexpectingtofindthechairsfilledwiththeguestsshe’dgreetedthismorning,FlorafoundonlyGrandmamawaiting.

“Violet’sdininginherroomtonight,”hergrandmothersaid.“Apparentlytheafternoon tired her. I suspect, however, that her nurse is merely scheming tohavesometimewithourgirltoallowherselftobelievethetransformation.Sheistransformed,isn’tshe?It’sjustglorious.”

“It is. So, where are the men?” she asked as she took a seat on hergrandmother’sright.

“Allgone,I’mafraid,”shesaidassherangforthefootmen.“Gone?”sheechoed.“EvenLucas?”“Yes,yourMr.McMinnleftaswell.”ShegaveFloraapointedlook.“Itwas

time.”“Yes,Isupposeitwas,”shesaidthoughherheartwasnotinthestatement.

“Ithoughthemighthavesaidgoodbye,considering…”“Considering?”Grandmamashrugged.“Youknowhowmenare.Alwaysin

a hurry to handle their business. It seems to be a singular focus of some ofthem.”

Flora nodded mutely as the table quickly filled with the first course of adinnershehadnodesiretoeat.Hadn’tshemadethesameaccusationofLucasjustbeforetheshooting?

Perhaps if they hadn’t argued—and then kissed—Lucas McMinn wouldneverhavesuffered thebulletwoundthat tooknotonly theuseofhisarmbutalsohisloveforher.Ifthelatterwaseverthere.

“You’rewoolgathering.”Floramusteredasmile.“YousoundlikeViolet.”“Good.” Grandmama reached over to touch her sleeve. “I’ve spokenwith

her.Ithinkanadventureisexactlywhatyouneed.Justtellmewhereyou’dliketogoandI’llarrangeit.”

Where would she like to go? Somewhere with dizzying heights and noPinkertons.Sacré-Coeur inParis came tomind, though shedoubted she could

convinceViolet to travel that far so soon. Perhaps next year. No, somewherecloser.

As the thought occurred, so did the beginnings of a true grin. “Actually,Grandmama,Idohaveaplaceinmind.”

“Isthatso?”“Yes.MaywegobacktotheCrescentHotel?You,me,andViolet.Justthe

threeofus.”“The Crescent?” She lifted an iron-colored brow. “Yes, well, that sounds

lovely, dear but…” Something stopped her, and suddenly her expressionchanged.“Ofcoursewecan.I’llarrangeitimmediately.”

“Grandmama,IsawWinnyearlier.Hesaidhecameatyourrequest.”“Yes,”shesaid,herexpressionunreadable.“Itwastimeforthattoo.”“Timeforwhat?”“Enoughquestions,child.Let’sgobacktoplanningourvisitfortheCrescent

andleavethetopicofyourcousinforanotherday,shallwe?”

B

Thirty-Five

ecausearrangementsonthescaleGrandmamarequiredtooktime,threefullweekspassedbeforetheBrimmwomenarrivedonthefamiliarstepsofthe

CrescentHotel.Theywere given the same suite as before, this time fitted outwithathirdbedforViolet.Toherchagrin,Daisywasbundledofftothemaids’quarters, where she could only dote on her charge from a distance unlesssummoned.

“The elevator was such a wonderful convenience,” Violet said when theyentered the suite. “Perhaps someday we’ll have one at Brimmfield,Grandmama.”

Mrs.Brimmmerelyinclinedherheadanddidnotoffercomment.However,she did exclaimwhen she saw awrapped package on her bed. “Oh,my. It ishere.”

“What is here?” Flora followed her grandmother into the bedchamber towatchherpullingalovelyfeatheredhatouttoadmire.

“Goodness, Idon’t thinkI’veseenyousoexcitedoverapurchasebefore,”shesaidashergrandmotheradjustedthehatinthemirror.

“Oh, how very wonderful,” she repeated. “I just cannot believe he wouldsendsuchawonderfulgift.”

“He?” Flora looked askance. “Do youmean that fellowMonsieurGirard?Grandmama,doyouhaveasuitor?

“Don’tbe ridiculous. Icouldhaveall thesuitors Idesire. I justdon’twantany right now.” She gestured to the card attached to the wrappings. “See foryourself.”

Florapickedupthetagandreadit.TotheBelleofBrimmfieldforshelteringa wounded Pinkerton. Lucas B.McMinn. She couldn’t help but notice it hadbeenwrittenbyhandandhopedthatitwasLucas’shandthathaddonethework.Thismusthavebeenthehathewasworkingon.

Grandmama had it on her head and was fiddling with something. “Flora,

whatamarvelousinvention.He’scleverlyhiddenadeviceinsidesoIcanhearwithoutusingmytrumpet.”

Beforeshecouldrespond,sheheardVioletcalltoher.“Oh,Flora,docomeandsee!”Shehurriedtothechambershesharedwithhersistertoseethatshe,too,had

receivedapackage.Wrappedinsimilarpaper,thisboxwasmuchbiggerthanahatbox.“Hashesentyouagardenrakeorperhapsapairofstilts?”

Floraregrettedthatcommentassoonasthewordslefthermouth.Asyetshecould not tell howmuch ofViolet’s bravery in publicwas truly felt and howmuchwaspurebravado.

“Even better,” her sister said, not offended at all as she pulled out whatappearedtobeanoddlyshapedpieceoflumberfromthebox.Shesetitasideasshe removed a second one exactly like it. The third item inside was veryobviouslyalady’swalkingstick.“Comeandsee,Grandmama.”

The nerve. Lucas knew Violet would never walk. Why did he sendsomethingsocruel?Andwhyhadn’thesentheranything?Florasteppedovertowardherbedanddiscreetlycheckedtoseeifhergifthadpossiblyfallenovertheside.

She saw nothing beyond the ever-growing stack of invitations thatoverflowed on her bedside table. While the topmost envelope was new, thecalligraphy marked it as yet another event Grandmama would force her toattend.Shesweptitasideandcontinuedhersearch.

Floraeaseddownontothebedtoreachunderthepillows.Perhapsithadslidoutofsight

Nothing.Just tobecertainshe threwback theblanketsandsweptherhandbetween

thesheets.“Flora,whatareyoudoing?”Violetdemanded.Ofcourseshecouldn’tadmittoherreason,soFloraleanedbackagainstthe

pillowsandfeignedexhaustion.ImmediatelyViolet set about reading the note, apparently a detailed set of

instructionsthatGrandmamasnatchedawayuponherarrivalintheroom.“Howwonderful.”

“Wonderful,”Floraechoedasshenoticedthetagandpickeditup.No longer a shrinking Violet.May you bloomwherever you choose to be

plantedanddanceifyouwish.LucasB.McMinn“Whatintheworldpossessedhimtowritesomethinglike—”

Flora’s breath caught. Violet. She was…standing. Leaning heavily on thewalkingstick,tobesure,butallthesamestanding.

The tag fell from her fingers as she tried tomake sense ofwhat she veryplainlysaw.“Buthow?”

Violetliftedherskirttoshowthewoodencontraptionsbuckledtoherlegs.“Oh,honey.”Florarosetoapproachhersisterwithcare.“It’samiracle.”ThesoundofsnifflingcausedFloratoturnaround.Thereshespiedhervery

dignifiedgrandmother, featheredhat still inplace,with tears falling.Notoncecouldsheeverrecallhergrandmotherweeping.Ever.

“Darling,”Grandmamasaid. “I’mspeechless. Just…”Shemovedcloser toViolet but seemed afraid to touch her. “Just speechless,” she said as Violetleanedintoherarms.Florajoinedthemand,foramoment,allwaswellandrightintheworld.

AndthenVioletbegantowobble.“Easy there,” Flora said as she helped her sister sit on the bed. “It’s been

yearssinceyoustood.You’regoingtohavetobuildyourstrength.”“Butyou’reintherightplaceforit,”Grandmamadeclared.“I’lljustphone

my physician here, and we’ll get you settled into a program that will do thetrick.”

“Aprogram?”Violetlookeddoubtful.“Ofcourse.Taking thewaters,perhaps somesortofexercise to strengthen

yourmuscles.”Shepaused.“Ifyou’llagreetoit,thatis.”Violet seemed to thinkamoment. “Yes. Ibelieve Iwould like togive it a

try.”“Excellent.” Grandmamawent off humming, and amoment later she was

urgingthehoteloperatortoringthedoctor.“WhathaveIdone?”Violetaskedassheranherhandacrossherskirt,likely

feelingthewoodencontraptions.“You’vetakenyourfirststep.Well,almost.”Violetbegantogiggle,andFlorajoinedher.“Helpmestandagain,”shesaid

asshelookeddownatherlegs,nowrestingstraightoutinfrontofher.“Nowwhat?”Floraaskedwhenthefeatwasaccomplished.“Readtheinstructions,”shesaidasshegesturedwithherwalkingstick.Flora reached for the foldedpaperandbegan to read.Ashereyesscanned

the page, she foundherself thinkingmore of the fact that thewords had beenwrittenbyLucas rather than actually comprehendingwhat thepaper said.ShefinallyshookoffthethoughtoftheabsentPinkertonagentanddecidedtoread

thethingaloud.That did the trick. Soon she had Violet standing comfortably for brief

periods without leaning on the walking stick. Between taking the waters,attending to a strict schedule of exercises as prescribed by Dr. Jones, andpracticing, after a few days Violet took her first tiny baby steps withoutassistance.

Andthenjustthismorning,shehadmanagedtocrossthelengthoftheparlorwithonlythewalkingstickforhelp.

Thefeathadtakenjustshortoftwoweeks.Oh, but what a glorious two weeks it had been. Most of the time Flora

managed to stop thinkingabout themanwho’dvirtuallydisappeared fromherlife,onlytomakesuchadifferenceinhersister’s.Theconundrumconfoundedher,andyetgiventhechoice,shefarpreferredtoseeVioletsohappy.

And yet it had been five weeks since the afternoon Lucas McMinndisappearedwithoutsomuchasagoodbye.ThesameLucasMcMinnwhohaddeclaredhislove,albeitundermedication.

Butwasn’t thata truthserumof sorts?Floramadeanote toaskDr. JoneswhennextVioletsawhim.Andperhapsshewouldalsoaskforaremedyforherbrokenheart.

Notthatsheexpectedittoeverheal.“Look,Flora,”Grandmamasaid thensteppedbacktorevealVioletandthe

newgownthedressmakerhadjustdelivered.“Isn’tshelovely?”Hersisterbeamed.“Ican’trememberthelasttimeIworeapartydress.”“Lovely,”Florasaid,“andIhopeyouwillsoonhaveachancetowearit.”“Haven’tyouheard?”Grandmamasaid.“Sheshall.Andverysoon.”Mrs.BrimmturnedtoFlora.“It’sanEveningintheOzarksmasqueradeball

hereattheCrescent.Didn’tyouseetheinvitation?”Shehadn’t.Likelyitlayinthepileofunreadmailthathadbeenstackinguponherwritingdesksinceherarrival.

Invitations were cast aside in favor of her daily search for any sort ofcorrespondence from Lucas. Grandmama dictated her calendar and Violet’sanyway.Whybotherreadingthemail?

Violet looked away. “I’ve not yet decided…But yes, there is a ball.Andperhaps…”

“Youshallattend,”Grandmamasaid.“Youjustmust.”Shewavedawayanypossible protest. “Lest you think youmight cause a spectacle, don’t give it athought.Thedoctorhasgivenhispermission,andIhaveabrilliantideaforhow

wecangetyouinandoutoftheeventwithoutcausinganynotice.”“Truly,Grandmama,Ijustdon’tknow…”ShepattedViolet’sshoulder.“Shallweplanonyourattendanceandthen,if

yousochose,declinelater?Theballisaweekaway.Imaginewhatyoucandobetweennowand then.Youare,afterall,aBrimm,dear.AndweBrimmsarecapableofdoingexactlywhatweputourmindsto.”

Violetlookedtoher.“Whatdoyouthink,Flora?”“Ithinkit’sagrandidea.Now,shallwegetbacktopracticing?”

Though Violet was the one who claimed concern over attending themasqueradeball,itwasFlorawhosenervesgotthebetterofherasshesteppedoff theelevator.Grandmamaandher sister followed,withViolet lookingonlyslightlylessworriedthanshe.

“Allright,dears,”Grandmamasaid.“WeareBrimms.Followme.”ToFlora’ssurprise,hergrandmotherbypassed thegrandentrance to takea

fewstepsdownthesidehall.ThereshehadawheelchairwaitingforViolet.“Trustme,”shesaidasshepressedpast,leavingFloratopushVioletinher

wake.Afterafewturns,Grandmamastoppedinwhatwasobviouslyaservant’spassageway.Thereasilver-hairedgentlemanwaswaiting:Violet’sdoctorandayoungmanheintroducedashisassistant.

He offered Violet his arm, and she took it. “All right,” he said as Florapushedthechairoutoftheway.“Rememberhowwe’vepracticed.Sixteenstepsforward and then three to the right.” When Violet nodded, he addressed theassistant.“I’llhaveyouonmyoppositeside.AndFlora,willyoubringuptherearandseethatyoursisterremainssteadyonherfeet?Ofcourse,Mrs.Brimm,youenterfirstandcapturealltheattention.”

Floragrinned.Thecad.“Wheneveryou’reready,”hesaidtoViolet.Shegrinnedandfixedhermaskinplace.“Now,Ibelieve.”Thedooropenedand, toFlora’ssurprise, theroomwasbathed indarkness

except for the tiny bulbs that twinkled on the ballroom ceiling and thecandelabrasthatshonelightoneachofthetables.

The effect was lovely, turning the ballroom into a nighttime paradise—anevening in the Ozarks. It also served to hide the fact that Violet Brimmwasbeingpropelledacrosstheshortdistancetotheirtablewithherfeetafewinchesoff the ground. With Grandmama leading the way and taking the spotlight,

depositingVioletcomfortablyatthetablewassimplyandefficientlydonewithnoneoftheguestsanythewiser.

And with the table set into the corner in an alcovemostly hidden by tallpotted palms, the effect was to highlight those seated there without allowingmorethanoneortwopersonstocomenear.

“Oh,Flora,”Violetsaid.“Thisislovely.”Anditwas.Truly.She leaned back in her chair and watched as the doctor captured

Grandmama’s hand and led her onto the dance floor. As the music began inearnest,theelectriclightsflashedon,illuminatingtheroom.

“MayIjoinyou?”theinternasked,thoughtheeffortofspeakingappearedtocosthimreddenedcheeks.

“Yes,ofcourse,”Violetsaid.“Do,please.”Amoment later thepairwere indeepconversation aboutwhoknewwhat,

leavingFlora togazeout thewindowsandtrynot to thinkof the last timeshedancedbeneaththesechandeliers.OfherclimboutonthatledgeandtheexitsheandLucasMcMinnmadebydancingacrosstheballroom.

Hewasawonderfuldancer.FlorasighedasGrandmamawaltzedpast,thistimeonthearmofyetanother

gray-haired gentleman. A moment later the pair disappeared into the crowd,leavinghertowonder.

“Flora,dostopyourwoolgathering.”ShelookedoveratViolet,whonoddedtowardtheintern.“MayIfetchyousomethingtodrink?”heaskedsolicitously.Athernod,thefellowmadehastetowardtherefreshments.“Well,now,”FlorasaidassheleanedtowardViolet.“Aren’tyouthebelleof

theball?”“Don’tbesilly.He’sjustadearfellowwhohappenstoworkforDr.Jones.”“Oh?”shesaid,thoughsheknewwhatshesawonViolet’sface.Itwasthe

sameexpressionshe’doncelookedatLucaswith.Despiteallpredictionstothecontrary,VioletBrimmwas falling in love.And from the lookon the intern’sfaceasheearnestlybalancedtwoglassesofpunch,thatlovewasreciprocated.

“Howlonghaveyouknownhim,Violet?”Her shrugwas anything but casual. “Since the first timeGrandmama took

metoseeDr.Jones.Rudolphisadearman,andhe’sbeenmosthelpfulinmyrecovery.”

“Rudolph?”Shestifledasmile.“Isee.”

“AmIlate?”CousinWinnyslidontothechairbesideherwithDoraLennartintow.

“Winny?Whatareyoudoinghere?”Sheglancedpasthimtohiscompanion.“Hello,MissLennart.”

“Arewelate?”herepeated.“Lateforwhat?”Winny shrugged. “Grandmama said she wanted us gathered precisely at

eight.” He removed his watch and checked the time. “And it’s ten after.” HelookedatDora.“We’relate.”

“I’mterriblysorry,darling,”shesaid.“I—”AnyfurtherconversationceasedasGrandmamaarrivedatthetable.

“Excellent,you’reallhere.Dora,dear,wouldn’tyouliketomingle?”“Mingle,Mrs.Brimm?WhywouldIwanttodothat?”Grandmama fixed her with a look. “Because it would be the appropriate

thing to do at this moment.” She paused and then, when it appeared MissLennartstilldidnotunderstand,sheleanedtowardher.“Leave,dear.Winnywillfetchyouwhenwe’refinished.”

At Winny’s wave, she slipped away from the table to move toward therefreshments.

Grandmamanodded to thedoctor,whogestured tohis intern.Together thepairmoved into position.Now the tablewas completely blocked off from therestoftheroom.

“Imadethedecisiontomeethereinthispublicplacetoavoidanyunpleasantscenes.”Hergazesweptthethreecousinsseatedbeforeher.“Soshouldanyofyou wish to cause trouble or complain, you will need to do so elsewhere,please.”

“Grandmama,”Florasaid,“issomethingwrong?”“No, dear,” she said, her smile radiant. “Something is very right, though I

willrequireyoualltoremovethoseridiculousmasks.Isimplycannotholdthisconversationwhileyouare thuslycostumed.”Shepausedwhile theycompliedandthencontinued.“Thoughweareallfartoowell-bredtobringitup,eachofushasbeenaffectedbymylatehusband’swill.You,”shesaidtoWinny,“havespentwhatyoudon’thaveinhopesofgettingBrimmfield.You,”sheindicatedViolet, “have used Brimmfield as a place to hide.” Grandmama met Flora’sgaze. “And you have allowed it to be an excuse not to live the life youwereintendedtolive.”

BecauseneitherWinnynorViolethadvoicedaresponse,Floradidn’tdare

bethefirst.Andyetwordsofcomplaintwereonthetipofhertongue,readytobeunleashed.HowdareGrandmama think that sheknewwhat sortof life shewassupposedtobeliving?

“Winthrop,yourdebtshavebeenpaidand theLennart familyhasbeen therecipientofagenerousinsurancepolicytheybelieveMartinLennartpurchased.Youwillnotdisabusethemofthisbelief.Doyouunderstand?”Henoddedbutdidnotspeak.

“Violet,anallowancehasbeensettledonyouthatwillallowyouandyourbelovednurseorwhomeveryou choose to travel in safety and comfort.Or, ifyouchoose,tosettlesomewhereandliveacomfortablelife.”

Her sister reached over to grasp Flora’s hand, smiling. Flora returned thesmile.

“And Flora.” Grandmama sighed. “Dear Flora. Oh, this was a difficultdecision.”

Flora’sheartsank.“IstillhavetimetoinheritBrimmfield—”“No,dear.I’vesoldit.”“Sold…Brimmfield?”Florashookherhead.“Buthow?Thewill—”“Hadaloophole.Ittooksomedoing,butafterreadingthatbrilliantpieceof

workhedidforyouintheformofthemarriagecontract,Ihadourmutuallegalfriendlookitoveragain.Indeed,thejudgeintendedforoneofyoutwotoinheritupon my unfortunate demise. However, there was no mention of me beingunabletosell thepropertyaslongasIownit.”Hersmilebrightened.“Andbeassured,Idoownit.”

“Actually,”afamiliarvoicesaid,“Iownit.Asofyesterdayafternoon, thatis.”

ThedoctorandhisassistantmovedasidetoallowLucasMcMinnintotheirmidst.

“YouownBrimmfield?”Flora could barely breathe as she tried to get thequestionout.

“Hehasgenerouslyleasedthepropertybacktoyourfatherforasmallsum,”Grandmama said. “And I understand plans are underway forMr.McMinn tobuildahomeforhimselfontheeasternmostsideoftheproperty.”

“About that,”hesaidasheextendedhisrighthandtoFlora.“I thoughtwemightdiscussthematterinprivate.”

“I don’t think so.” She crossed her arms and tried not to let theoverwhelminghurtthathadbeeninsideformorethanamonthspilloutinamostunseemlyway.“Youleftmewithoutsomuchasagoodbye,Mr.McMinn,and

nowyouwanttowaltzbackintomylife,buymyhomeoutfromunderme,andthen askme todiscuss it?” She rose, disgusted. “The time for discussionwasbeforeyouwalkedout.Oratanypointalongthewaywhereyourealizedhowstupidlyyoubehaved.”

Shestormedpasthim,tryingtoignorethefactthatshe’dneverseenthemanlookbetter.Fromthewell-cutsuittotheblackmaskcoveringallbutthoseIrisheyes,thenearnessofhimmadeherkneesweak.

“Stop,Flora.Icanexplain—”Givinghisrequestnoheed,shewalkedtowardthedoor.Unfortunately,she

founditboltedshut.Alookaroundtheroomshowedhertheeasiestformofexit.WithoutsparingLucasaglance,sheheadedstraightforthepottedplants.“FloraBrimm,”he said loudenough forhalf the room tohearhim,“come

backhere!”She squeezed behind the palms,went to thewindow and unlocked it, and

thenraisedthesash.Unlikeherlastventureoutthiswindow,theairwaswarmandthebreezewasbarelynoticeable.Shesteppedontotheledgeandbreathedindeeply.

Shehadnohome.Themansheoncelovedhadstolenitaway.Thesoundofapproachingbootstoldherhehadfollowedher.“Iwantyourwishtocometrue,Flora.Yourhappilyeverafter.”Shefrozeandthenturnedtofacehimashejoinedherontheledge.“DidI

wishthat?”Hesmiledandliftedherchin tocauseher to lookintohiseyes.“Youmay

notremember,butIdo.”“Gobackinside,Lucas.”“Pleasejustlisten.Itriedtocontactyou—”“Thenwhydidn’tIgetsomuchasaletter?”Sheheldupherhandbeforehe

couldrespond.“Pleaseleavemealone.Idon’twanttohearyourexcuses.”He let go of her chin and bent toward her.Quickly, she turned again and

madeherwaypast thewindows to the farendof thehotel,where theverandaprovedlesstreacherous.

ForLucas,notforher.Glancing around, she knew shemust choose between going back into the

ballroomor…she lookedupas lightningcrossed the sky.Yes, the fire escape.Hewouldneverfollowherupthere.Notwithhisaversiontostorms.

Buthedid,allthewaytothebelvederewheretheyhadenjoyedamemorableeveningwhatseemedlikeaneternityago.

“Youleftme,”shesaidwhenhemovedwithcatlikegracetowardher.“Ihad to. If I’dwaited tosaygoodbye, Ineverwouldhave left.”Hiseyes

searched her face. “A man has to heal alone, to learn to be a man again. Icouldn’tkeeplettingyoutakecareofme.”Againhestretchedouthisrighthandtoher.“Istillcan’tshootthewayIoncecould,butthat’snomatter.I’veleftthePinkertons.IwanttomakeahomewithyouatBrimmfield.”

Nowshewasreallymad.Ofallthenerve!“Ifyouwantedtomakeahomewithme,whydidn’tyoucaretoaskhowIfeltaboutthematter?”

Tearsthreatened,butsherefusedtoallowthemtofall.Hemighthavebrokenherheart,buthecertainlywasnotgoingtoseehercry.

With a glance in his direction, she could see he didn’t appear willing torespond.Orperhapshedidn’tknowwhattosay.

Ineithercase,hissilencestretchedhernervesbeyondthepointofcontrol.“LucasMcMinn,” she said through gritted teeth, “I am absolutely furious

withyou.Can’tyouseethat?Ideclaredmyloveforamanwhothenslippedoutofmyhomeandlifewithoutsomuchasadecentfarewell,andnowhe’sbackandwhatamIsupposedtothink?DidyouexpectthatbuyingBrimmfieldwouldmakeeverythingallright?Thatcomingtosavemefrommyterriblefatewouldmakeme forget the fact thatyouwalkedout?”She fixedhimwitha look thattoldhimexactlyhowshefelt.“Well,itdidnot!”

Lucas winced as if she’d slapped him. He threw his mask aside as themoonlightwashedhishandsomefeaturesinsoftsilvershadows.“Ididcare.Ido.Icaredsomuch,but…well,Icouldn’tofferyouhalfaman.IadmitIdidn’tgoaboutitthewayIshouldhave…”

“You’rerightaboutthat!”“Iknow,”hesaidsoftly.“That’swhyIsenttheinvitations.Butthen,when

youdidn’tanswer…”Hescrubbedhisfacewithhishandsandshookhishead.“Flora,can’twetalkaboutthisinside?”

Hereyesnarrowed.“Whatinvitations?”“Surelyyoucannotclaimyoudidn’treceivetheinvitationsIsent.Therehad

tobeatleastahalfdozenofthem.Probablymore.StartingwiththedayIsentthegiftstoyourgrandmotherandsister—”

“Idon’tknowwhatyou’retalkingabout.”Hereachedforherhandbutsheeasilysteppedaway.“YousaidifIwanted

you toseeyouagain, Iwouldhave tosendyouanengraved invitation.”Theirgazesmet.“Well,Idid.”

Shethoughtofthestackofinvitationsinherbedchamber,itemsshehadcast

asidewhilelookingforalettershehopedLucasmightsend.Hadshereallytoldhimthat?

“I could send someone to fetch them,” he offered. “I’m sure they weredelivered.However,I’mnotsureyoureadthem.”

Flora attempted toblink awayher tears again.She failedmiserably. “No,”sheadmitted.“Ididn’treadanyoftheinvitationsIreceived.Ihadnoidea…Imean,therewasnothingtoindicate…”

“Thattheywerefromme?”Hegrinned.“Thatwastheidea.Iwastryingtobeclever.TryingtotellyouhowmuchIwantedyourforgiveness.AndhowverymuchImissedyou.”Hereachedforherhandagain,andthis timesheallowedhimtoliftherfingerstohislips.“Willyouforgiveme?I’vebeentheworstkindoffool,butyouhavemywordI’llnevermakethatmistakeagain.”

The anger she’d held inside shifted, and with it went the hurt anddisappointment. In its placewas thewarmth of her Pinkerton’s smile and theknowledgethathehadwantedherafterall.

Orhadhe?Thequestionslicedthroughher.Wherewastheproof?Ofcourse.Itwasinhersuite.Flora pulled her hand fromhis, picked up her skirts, and hurried from the

belvederetowardthefireescape.Beforeshecouldforgivehim,shehadtoknowifhespokethetruth.Shehadalreadybelievedfalsepromises.Nowwasnotthetimetofallformore.

“Flora,wait!Whereareyougoing?”“I’vealreadyhadonemanlietome,”shecalledassheturnedtofixhimwith

alookshehopedwouldcausehimtostophispursuit.“IhavetoknowI’mnotfallingforanother.”

LucasgaveFloraamoment’sheadstartbeforefollowingafterher.Hisarmachedbuthishearthurtworse.NotthespotwhereLennarthadcomewithinaninchofnickingit,butdeepinsideinthatplacehe’dfinallyopeneduptoallowFloraBrimmin.

It didn’t take a Pinkerton—or, rather, a former Pinkerton—to figure outwherehisbride-to-bewasheaded.LucasknewwhichroomstheBrimmwomenwere staying in; he’d found that out almost as soonas theyhad arrived at theCrescent.HecouldthankFlora’sfatherforthat.

That and a whole lot more. The man didn’t have to welcome him as aprospectiveson-in-lawandyethehad.GivingBrimmfieldback to theheadof

the Brimm family had been an easy decision; the price of one dollar for alifetimelease,eveneasier.

He arrived at the door to their suite and lifted his good arm to knock, butthankfullyFlorahadsavedhimthetroublebyleavingthedoorajar.Hepausedonly long enough to get his bearings, and then he followed the soft sound ofpapertearing.

“Lucas,”shesaidwhenshesawhiminherbedchamberdoorway.“Youdid.Yousent…”Shegesturedat the invitationsnowspreadingacrossherbed likeoversized confetti. With each envelope she tore open, another decorated thesilkencoverlet.

Leaningagainsttheframe,hepausedtowatchherreadingthewordshehadwritten.Theengraved invitation tovisithim inNewOrleans.Toallowhim toreturn to visit her at Brimmfield. To meet in a neutral location such as,ironically, here at theCrescent or aboard some as-yet-to-be named steamboat.Toforgivehim.

Eachhadbeenpennedwithhismindclearandlucid,hisheartbreaking.Finallyshespied theonehehadsent inanticipationof today. Itspaleblue

colorsetitapartfromtheothers.Itwastheinvitationtotheweddinghehopedtopulloff inthenearfuture.

For that he could thankMillicentMeriwether Brimm, for she andViolet hadundertaken a project of the greatest secrecy and importance. And God forconvincingLucashestillhadachancewithFlora.

Ifhecouldonlyconvinceher toreturnwithhimtoBrimmfield,shewouldfindthataweddinghadbeenplannedinherabsence,completewithguestsandanorchestra thatwouldplay their songupon their exit from thewhite cottagethatwashastilybeingreturnedtoitsformerpurposeasachapel.

TheirreceptionwouldbeamuchgranderaffairintheBrimmfieldballroom,theplacenowsetoffwithatrioofmirrorshe’dhadsentinfromabuyerinItaly.Mrs.Brimmhadbeenspeechlesswhensherealizedtheywereanidenticalcopytotheonethathadbeenlosttothecandleincident.

MillicentBrimmwithnothingtosay?Thathadbeenpaymentenough,buttoknowhehadalsogainedtheolderwoman’sloveandrespectwaspriceless.Nowtoseeifhecouldswayhergranddaughtertogivehimthesame.

Floramethisgaze,hereyesswimmingwithtears.“Yousentallofthese.”He crossed the room to tilt up her chin. “I love you, Flora. That’s not

medicationtalkingorthesillyinfatuationofamanwhogothimselflovestruck.Iwanttobuildalifewithyouifyou’llhaveme.AndI’vealreadyhadthepapers

drawnuptoreturnBrimmfieldtoyou.It’syourstodowithwhatyouwant.”“Oh,Lucas.It’snotBrimmfieldIwant.It’syou.Us.It’s…”“Happilyeverafter?”Hereachedforhishandkerchieftodabathertears,and

thenhepressedhis indexfingergently toher lips.“Iwant todo this rightandproper.”

Sheglancedaround,merrimentinherlovelyeyes.“Whereareyourgadgets,Lucas?Don’tyouhavesomeinventiontodothisrightandproper?”

“There will always be gadgets, sweetheart. That’s part of living with aninventor.ButI’mgettingaheadofmyself.”Heletoutalongbreathandmovedtogetdownononeknee.Fromhispockethepulledoutasmallblackvelvetbox.“This is theonlygadget Ihave toofferyou.Thatandmyself.Willyoumarryme, Flora Brimm?” he asked as he opened the box to show her a lovelyaquamarineanddiamondring.“Forthegirlwiththeblueskyeyes.”

“Lucas,” she breathed. “This is better than the extra-vision spectacles, theportableclimbingspikes,andallthoseothercrazyinventionsputtogether.”

“Thatwasn’tananswer,”hewhisperedashepressedhislipstohertempleandinhaledthesweetscentoflilacs.“Tellmeyou’llmarryme.It’sallarranged.YourgrandmotherandViolethaveseentoit,thoughI’msurethey’veleftsomeofthedetailsforyoutodecide.”

Her giggle sent his heart soaring. “Why do I suspect you’re telling thetruth?”

Hiskneecomplained,andhisarmthrobbed,buthewasdeterminedtokeephisposeuntilthefrustratingwomansaidyes.“WhydoIsuspectyou’restalling?What’sitgoingtobe,Flora.Willyouletmemakeyourwishcometrue?”

“The girlwho loves the boywith the Irish eyes,” she breathed against hischestassheallowedLucastosliptheringonherfinger,“saysyes.”

Later therewould be time for telegrams andwedding announcements. Forplans to return the Brimm entourage to Brimmfield for the wedding. Fordiscussing the home hewas building for her on the Brimmfield property thatwouldhaveaninventor’slaboratoryforhimandanurseryhehopedtheywouldsomeday fill with children who were born out of love and not duty to somerelative’swill.

And,ofcourse,hewouldalert thatNatchez reporter soasnot tobreak thepromise he’d offered regarding the scoop of theBrimm-McMinn nuptials.Heevenhadtheheadlinealreadyplanned:FLORA’SWISHCOMESTRUE.

ButfornowallLucascouldthinkofwasholdingFlorainhisarms.Ofthehappilyeverafterhewouldmakecertainthiswonderfulwomanwouldhave.

TheNatchezWeeklyDemocratAugust11,1887

FLORA’SWISHCOMESTRUE

MissFloraBrimmof theNatchezBrimmswasunited inmarriagewithMr.LucasB.McMinn,inventorandformerdetectivewiththePinkertonAgency.AfterahoneymoontriptoParis,thecouplewillmaketheirhomeatBrimmfieldPlantationinNatchez.

Andburiedonthelastpage:

CRIMINALESCAPESFROMCHAINGANG

InmateWilliamTucker escapedpolice custodywhile being transportedtotheAngolaPenitentiarytoserveafive-yeartermforlarcenyandtheftofproperty.ThesearchforTuckerisongoing.

T

Acknowledgments

hankyouforallowingmetotakeyouonatripthroughoneofmyfavoriteparts of the world: the Southern United States. From New Orleans to

Natchez, fromMemphis toMobile and beyond, there is just something aboutreturning to the land of magnolias and the Mississippi River that slows thisSoutherngirl’sfranticpacetoamoredignifiedstroll.

I credit this mind-set to the long line of Southern belles from which Idescend.Frommygreat-grandmotherViolaMcMinntomygrandmothersDorrisSimpsonandKatieAycock,IlearnedearlyonwhatitmeanttobealadyoftheSouthernpersuasion.Thetraditioncontinuesinmymother,BonnieSueMiller,whofaithfully tookmeto theGatesLibrary tofeedmyvoraciousneedfor thewrittenwordandwhowouldneverwearwhiteafterLaborDay.Fromthegritofthese women comes the character of Millicent Meriwether Brimm. From thestrength, intelligence, unaffected beauty, and good common sense ofmy ownSouthernBelle inTraining,HannahY’Barbo,comestheessenceofMillicent’sgranddaughterFloraBrimm.Thankyou,ladies,fortheinspirationonandoffthepage.

This book is also dedicated tomybrother, FarrisMiller,who endured lifewiththreesistersandyetalwaysmanagedtobetheSoutherngentlemanDaddytaught him to be, despite all the grief we gave him. LucasMcMinn gets thatfromyou.

Inthewritingofthisnovel,Itookspecialcaretovisitmostofthelocationswherethestorywasset,includingtheCrescentHotelinEurekaSprings.Whilethe greatest attention was taken in remaining accurate to the history of thislovely and grand establishment, I did take certain poetic license in severalscenes.Foremost is the locationof theballroom,which invarious reportswaseitheronthetopmostfloororonthebottomfloor.Diagramsofthehotelshowittobeonthegroundfloor,butcurrentlythereisaspaceonthefourthfloorwhereit might have been. Owing to changes to the original blueprints as well as

renovationsovertheyears,Ihavechosentoplacetheballroominthistaleonthefourthfloor.Thiswasaconsciouschoice thatbettershowcasedFloraBrimm’speculiartalentfornimblytraversingnarrowwalkwayssetatgreatheights.Anyerrororriskofmistakeinthismatterisminealone.

Also, while there are now several lovely suites at the Crescent Hotel, an1886 blueprint does not show this type of room. However, I imagined thatFlora’simperiousgrandmotherwouldsettlefornothinglessthanagrandsetofroomsonanupperfloorwithallthecomfortsandtrimmings.Thus,thisiswhatIgaveher.What can an author dobut listenwhenher character demands thesethings?

Thoughthepopularmythofawriter’slifemightleadreaderstobelievethata book iswritten in solitaryhourswithonly the author in attendance, nothingcouldbefurtherfromthetruth.Ittrulydoestakeateamtoproduceanovel,andIamblessedtoworkwithsomeofthebestindividualsintheindustry.AhugethankstoKimMooreandthegangatHarvestHouseformakingmefeelsoverywelcome,and toWendyLawton,agentand friend, forherguidancedown thispublishingpath.

Finally…and always…to my husband, Robert Turner, my Ephesians 3:20man, for playing copy editor, chauffeur, eye candy, trip planner, bodyguard,roadie, photographer extraordinaire, and purveyor of Reese’s cups in equalmeasure.LikeFlora, Iwished for happily ever after. Inyou,God allowedmywishtocometrue.

DiscussionQuestions

1.Flora’swishistolivehappilyeverafter.Atthebeginningofthebook,shesetsaplaninmotionshebelieveswillmakethiswishcometrue,butsheforgetstoconsultGodonthematter.Whatistheresult?HaveyoueversteppedouttowardagoalwithoutfirsttakingstockofthepaththeLordwantsyoutowalktogetthere?Ifso,whathappened?Ifnot,whynot?Whatwasthatresult?

2.LucasMcMinnwantsrevengesobadlyhe’swillingtogooutsidetheboundsofhisjobasaPinkertonagenttofindWillTuckerandbringhimtojustice.Lucasexcusesthischoiceevenashisconscienceiseventuallytroubledbyit.Whatdidyoudothelasttimeyougotoneofthosejabsthatcauseyoutowonderifyou’redoingtherightthing?

3.WillTuckerofferedFlorawhatshethoughtsheneeded—awaytokeepwhatshehadandtakecareofthosesheloved.ButWill’sofferofmarriagewasnotwhatitseemed.Haveyoubeenconfrontedwithwhatyouthoughtwastheanswertoaprayeronlytofinditwasn’tGod’sbestchoiceforyou?Howdidthisbecomeapparent?Whatdidyoudo?

4.ThoughFloralosthermother,shehasagrandmotherwhodearlylovesherandtakesontherole.MillicentMeriwetherBrimmisaformidablewomanwhogivespraiseandcorrectioninequalmeasurebutalwaystempersbothwithdeeplove.Isthereapersoninyourlife,pastorpresent,whoservesinthisrole?Whatwouldyousaytohimorherifyouweretowriteanotedetailingwhatthatmeanttoyou?

5.FlorakeepsapinkribboninherBibletomarkherfavoritechapterinFirstCorinthians.Whatisyourfavoriteverse,anddoyouhavesomethingspecialinyourBibletomarkthatplace?Whatdoesthatmeantoyou?Whatabouttheverse?

6.GrandfatherBrimmwroteaspecialrequirementintohiswilltocontrolthepeopleinhislifelongafterhewasgone.Areyouguiltyoftryingtomanipulatethoseyoulovetodoasyouwish?Ifyou’renotguiltyofthis,istheresomeoneinyourlifewhois?HaveyouturnedthisovertoGodtoseekaremedyforit?

7.Flora’ssister,Violet,isunabletolivethelifeherfamilyhadhoped.Floradeterminesshewillnotmissoutonaminuteofwhat’sgoingonandgoestoextraordinarylengthstomakethathappen.Haveyougoneoutofyourwaytodosomethingspecialforsomeonewhocannotofferthanksinreturn?Ifnot,istheresomeoneGodhasputinyourlifeforthispurpose?Thinkaboutwhatyoucandoandthendoit.

8.LucasMcMinnbecameaPinkertonagentbecauseofsomethingGodallowedintohislifethat,atthetime,wastheworstthinghecouldimaginehappening.ButtheLordredeemedthatawfulthingandcausedLucastousewhatcameoutofthatforgood.Doyouhaveasimilarstory?AreyouinthatplacenowwhereyouneedtobelieveGodwilltakeyoufromthisvalleyandcausewhatyou’velearnedtoplaceyouonthemountaintops?

9.Lucashasafondnessforinventions.Duringthecourseofthestoryheusesahatwithalisteningdevice,apairofextra-visionglasses,adeviceshotfromagunthatallowshimtoclimbupthesideofabuilding,andaprecursortoamodernflashlight,amongotherthings.Ifyouhadthepowertoinventoneamazingthing,whatwoulditbeandwhatwouldyouuseitfor?

10.Throughoutthecourseofthebook,FlorahasadifficulttimelisteningtoLucasandfollowinghisinstructions.Inalmosteverycase,somethinghappenstocausehertowishshehadpaidheedtohiswarningsordoneasheasked.Doesthisresembleyouinanyway?Whodoyouwishyouhadlistenedtoandwhy?Whathappened?

11.Floramentionsherpreferencefordetectivenovelsoverhersister’spreferredJaneAustenbooks.Whatisyourpreferenceinleisure-timereadingmaterialandwhy?Isthereabookorauthorsomeoneinyourworldabsolutelyadoresthatyouneedtogiveasecondtry?

12.Lucashadahealthyrespect—borderingonfear—oflightning.Doyouhavesomethinglikethatinyourlife?Ifso,whatisitandwhydoyoufeelthatway?IsitsomethingyoucangivetoGodandhaveHimheal?

13.ThebookstopswithFloraandLucaslivinghappilyeverafter.However,Ihaveleftotherstorylinesunanswered.WhatdoyouthinkhappenedwithWinthropandEudora?WeretheyabletogetpastMr.Lennart’scriminalbehaviortofindlove?AndwhataboutWillTucker?Doyouthinkhe’susedthisescapeasameanstostraightenouthislife?Whatdoyouhopehashappened?

14.BothLucasandFlorahavesufferedthelossoflovedones.Theselosseshavemadethemthepeopletheyare.Whathashappenedinyourlifetomakeyouwhoyouare?Howhasthatchangedyou?

15.LucasandFloradonotstartoutongoodterms,andyetbytheendofthebooktheyhavefoundanunexpectedlovewitheachother.DoyouhavealovestorylikeLucasandFlora?Ifso,whatcausedyoutofallinlove?WhataboutyourlovestorywithChrist?WhatcausedyoutogiveyourhearttoJesus?Ifyouhaven’t,whatdoyouneedtoknowtomakethatdecision?IwouldlovetochatwithyouandansweranyquestionsregardingthebestchoiceIevermade.Pleasecontactmethroughmywebsiteatwww.kathleenybarbo.comorgothereandreadthepagetitledTheGreatestStory.Ipromiseyouwon’tregretit.

AbouttheAuthor

BestsellingauthorKathleenY’BarboisaRITAandCarolAwardnomineeofmorethanfortynovelswithmorethanonemillioncopiesofherbooksinprintinthe United States and abroad. A certified family law paralegal and formerliterarypublicist,shewasrecentlynominatedforaCareerAchievementAwardbyRomanticTimesmagazine.Atenth-generationTexan,KathleenY’Barbohasfour grown children, seven bonus children, and her very own hero in combatboots.

FindoutmoreaboutKathleenatwww.kathleenybarbo.com.