Wilder Than the Rest: MacLarens of Fire Mountain

by Shirleen Davies

  “Let me take a look.” Chaz glanced over the names. “Besides the Traxtons and Georgiana, I do recognize William Hardy. He’s active in state politics, a friend of Mayor Pound’s, and from what I’ve heard, quite vocal in his opposition to current policies. I don’t recognize the others.” He handed the list back to Lee.

  Lee paced behind the desk, taking a seat in the high-backed chair. “We need to find out more about the people listed and identify the man Jock mentions.” He looked at the others. “It may be coincidence that the mention of a wealthy, well-connected man keeps coming to our attention, however, I doubt it. Someone must know who he is and what he plans.”

  “Do we bring Jock in?” Mollie asked.

  “No. We can’t afford to bring in anybody not working through Noah.” Lee’s eyes narrowed. “That doesn’t stop us from using him as a source.”

  “And the mayor?” Pierce asked.

  “There’s no need to bring him in either, and there’s no reason to suspect he’s involved in anything illegal. He has the same suspicions as Jock. There is something happening, we just need to figure out what it is and determine if it poses a threat.” Lee looked at Pierce. “I want you to pay a visit to Georgiana. Say whatever is needed to make her nervous. Push her enough to lead us to the others. I’ll be prepared to follow her after you’ve left her home.”

  Pierce nodded, his gaze focusing on Mollie, and wondering what she was thinking. The original invitation to visit the widow had been postponed at her request. Georgiana had sent a second invitation, which still awaited his response. He’d send her a message the next morning.

  “Chaz, you focus on William Hardy. Learn what you can about him and keep watch on the man. Perhaps he’ll lead you to something that may be relevant.”

  Chaz nodded.

  “And the Traxtons?” Eva asked.

  “You and Mollie follow the Traxtons.” Lee didn’t want Eva or Mollie anywhere near Thomas Traxton or his wife. Unfortunately, there was no one else and time was short. He knew the women would do whatever was needed to get some answers.

  “Of course.”

  Lee nodded at her and started toward the door to the entrance hall, indicating it was time he and Eva left. “We’ll be in touch.”

  “I’ll go with you,” Chaz said and followed them out, leaving Mollie and Pierce alone.

  Mollie watched Pierce stand. The bleeding from his arm had stopped, even though his face still held a greenish tint.

  “Are you all right?”

  “Yeah. Just need to get upstairs to bed.” Pierce’s eyes focused on hers. “Care to join me?” His voice was steady and serious.

  Mollie should have been surprised by the comment—she wasn’t. She wanted to accept, share another magical night with him before the assignment ended and she left for good.

  “You’re hurt. It wouldn’t be a good idea.”

  He walked up to her and extended a hand. “Sleep with me tonight, Mollie. We won’t do anything you don’t want to.”

  She glanced at his hand, hesitating for an instant before threading her fingers through his.

  ******

  Pierce watched her walk past him toward the large bed. He thought she’d hesitate, change her mind when they passed the door to her room. Instead, she gripped his hand tighter and smiled up at him. His heart clinched in response and Pierce realized he had to find some way of convincing her to accept his proposal. He also realized he felt no pressure to marry her. No, he wanted to make her his wife and build a life with her. The thought pleased and terrified him.

  Mollie sat on the edge of the bed, surprised at how much she wanted to be here, with Pierce, in his room. He was all she’d thought of since the morning he’d made the ultimatum that they marry. It would be so easy to say yes, become his wife, and build a life in Fire Mountain. She loved him, there wasn’t any doubt in her mind. The problem was he didn’t love her.

  Pierce paced to the other side of the bed, not letting his wound hinder him at all as he removed his boots, then his belt, pants, and shirt. He turned to see Mollie’s intense gaze wash over his body and could feel himself tighten at her open perusal. He pulled back the covers and climbed underneath before patting the mattress next to him.

  “You don’t have to stay if you’re uncomfortable.” Pierce wanted to give her a way out. He didn’t want to pressure Mollie. At the same time, he desperately wanted to be with her.

  “I’m not uncomfortable,” she whispered, and began to undo the buttons on her dress. She slid it off her shoulders, letting it pool at her feet, then climbed under the blankets to join Pierce. She stayed on her side of the mattress, suddenly unsure of what to do.

  “Come here,” he murmured and reach his uninjured arm out to her.

  Mollie slid into his embrace, settled her head on his shoulder, and rested a hand on his broad, solid chest. The sense of how right this felt overwhelmed her and she began to doubt her previous decision.

  Pierce lowered his head to breathe in the sweet smell of her hair, then rested his chin on her head and pulled her more tightly to him. He’d never been like his brother Connor, believing he wouldn’t settle down or have a family. Pierce had always felt there was someone out there for him, a woman he wouldn’t be able to leave behind, someone to spend his life with. He just hadn’t expected it to be this woman.

  Pierce closed his eyes then opened them, trying to stem the wave of exhaustion that flowed through his body. He could feel Mollie’s warm hand as it lay across his chest, her soft breath drifting over him, and the rapid beat of her heart. If she wanted something more, it was up to her to let him know. He wasn’t going to push, no matter how much he ached to have her.

  He heard her breathing slow and her body relax into his as he drifted off.

  ******

  Mollie awakened to the sound of measured breathing. Her eyes opened and a smile played at the edges of her mouth when she remembered where she was and with whom. Her body felt warm and she nestled closer to the source of the heat.

  She looked up to see Pierce’s eyes closed, his face peaceful in sleep. Her eyes moved back down to his chest, feeling the coarse hairs under her hand and marveling at the solid bands of muscle. She let her hand travel down to his hard stomach, then lower.

  Pierce’s eyes shot open at the same time his hand moved quickly to grasp her wrist.

  “Be sure of what you want, Mollie. I don’t have much willpower when it comes to you,” he breathed in her ear, then placed a kiss on her forehead.

  She lifted her eyes to meet his. “I know what I want, Pierce. You.”

  ******

  Chaz sat alone, sipping coffee from a small china cup and waiting for his prey, William Hardy, to complete his breakfast meeting with a client. It had been two hours of sitting and waiting—a man could only handle so many cups of watered-down coffee. He watched as Hardy paid for the meal, shook his client’s hand, and walked outside.

  The agent had been following him since first light. Hardy kept a busy schedule even though it was apparent he had no real job. His wealth came from his family, money accumulated from the time the first Hardy set foot in the Americas in the early seventeen hundreds. So far, he had yet to do anything that caught Chaz’s interest.

  He stayed behind Hardy, far enough back not to be noticed, even though the man had an annoying habit of looking behind him every few minutes, as if he expected to be followed. Three blocks from the restaurant, Hardy jumped onto one of the many horsecars and Chaz had to run to catch up, barely making it aboard before the crowded horse-drawn car started up one of the steep streets.

  Hardy stood near the outside as if ready to jump off at any moment. Several blocks later, he did just that and took off at a brisk pace into what had become known as Chinatown. Chaz kept watch on the man as he too jumped from the horsecar and disappeared into the densely populated section of the city.

  It was late morning by the time Hardy stopped in front of a small store, situated on a busy corner. He looked into the decora
ted window, turning his head one way then the other before stepping into the store and closing the door.

  Chaz took his time walking up to the shop. He glanced inside through the large glass window and watched as Hardy spoke to a stooped, elderly Chinese gentleman. A moment later, a younger Chinese man joined them from a back room and nodded for Hardy to follow him.

  When Hardy didn’t return, Chaz dashed around the corner and into an alley half a block away. He found a back entrance, tried the knob, and finding it locked, checked one of the two windows that faced the alley. Neither budged.

  He had no choice. Chaz hurried back around to the front, intending to enter the shop, when he spotted Georgiana Grayson walking toward him. He stopped and moved back around the corner out of sight.

  ******

  Pierce woke early, feeling better than he had in weeks, other than the pain from the wound to his left arm. Mollie was curled around him, his good arm holding her close. He watched her sleep, mesmerized by her soft breaths which fanned his chest. If it were up to him, he’d stay like this all day and into the night with her lying next to him.

  He slid his arm from under her and maneuvered himself off the bed. His breakfast appointment with Georgiana Grayson was still three hours away, plenty of time to take care of his other business.

  An hour later, Mollie woke to find herself alone in Pierce’s bed. She sat up, rubbing her eyes, and looked around. No sign of him. Then she remembered his breakfast engagement with Georgiana. Her stomach clenched briefly before she gained control of her wayward emotions and slipped from the bed.

  She and Eva were to meet in an hour to confirm their plan for following the Traxtons. It was a job Mollie was anxious to take on, especially while working with Eva. She admired the experienced agent, the way she handled herself, and the respect given to her by other agents. The men saw her as important to the team and sought her input. Mollie knew it could take years to gain that kind of reputation. As Noah said, there were just three women in the agency, and Eva was the best.

  She dressed and walked downstairs as Penelope opened the door to admit Eva.

  “Good morning, Eva. Have you had breakfast?”

  “No, and I’m famished.”

  “Penelope, we’ll take our meal in the conservatory.”

  Once served, the two women went right to work. Eva had already learned that Thomas would be at his office until late morning. She had no idea of Virginia Traxton’s plans. It was decided that they would both follow Thomas, believing it would be easier to explain themselves if they were seen together rather than one woman alone.

  An hour later, they sat in a small restaurant across from Traxton’s office. The location afforded them a good view of both the front and side entrances to the building, which housed offices for various businesses.

  They were on their second cup of tea when Eva touched Mollie’s arm and nodded toward Thomas’s office. He was just leaving, walking away from the downtown area at a brisk pace. The two women hurried to catch up, pausing once or twice to look into a nearby shop when he would stop to speak with someone. It didn’t take long for them to realize he was headed into the heart of Chinatown.

  ******

  Pierce arrived at Georgiana’s beautiful home overlooking the harbor, stepped from the carriage, and stopped to take in the magnificent view. It was a clear, sunny day, and he could see what appeared to be hundreds of ships in the bay. He glanced down the drive to the street in time to see another carriage pull to a stop. Lee Hatcher.

  He turned when the front door opened. A tall, slender gentlemen greeted him, took his hat, and asked that Pierce follow him into the dining room where Georgiana waited.

  “Pierce, it’s good to see you. Apologies for canceling our last appointment, but it couldn’t be helped.” She stayed seated, lifting her hand so he could take it and brush a kiss across the back.

  Pierce pivoted at the sound of the door closing then turned back to his hostess.

  “Not an issue, Georgiana. I know you keep a busy schedule. I’m thankful you had time this morning.” He took a seat next to her, noticing that she wore a lightweight dressing gown, which covered a sheer chemise underneath. It was something a woman would wear for breakfast with her husband, not for a married man who’d come at her invitation.

  “Please, have some breakfast. I know this is a later hour than you’re used to, so you must be famished.” She sipped tea while picking at the eggs on her plate and watching her guest take a couple of bites then set his fork down. “It doesn’t suit you?” she asked.

  “The breakfast is fine, but the reason I came has nothing to do with food.” He relaxed in his chair, ready for his work to begin.

  Georgiana shifted in her chair, allowing her dressing gown to part a few inches, exposing her creamy skin. “And what would you like, Pierce, if not food?” Her voice had turned low and sultry as she reached out a hand to stroke the top of his.

  “Perhaps friendship.” He leaned forward and wrapped his free hand around hers.

  “I think we can work something out.” Her voice was husky, anticipation clear on her face.

  “And information,” Pierce continued, never taking his eyes off hers.

  “Information?”

  “Yes, such as your association with Thomas Traxton and William Hardy.”

  The expression on Georgiana’s face turned from desire to stunned surprise as she snatched her hand from his and sat back in her chair.

  “I have no idea what you’re talking about. Thomas and William are friends, that’s all.”

  “Oh, come now, Georgiana. Although you and I have just met, it’s no secret that the three of you share a strong dislike for the policies of the current president.”

  “As do many people.”

  “Does their dislike extend to secret meetings the way yours does?”

  Georgiana stood and walked toward the door. “I don’t know what you’ve heard or what you’re accusing me of, but I think it’s time you leave, Mr. MacLaren.”

  “Of course.” Pierce stood and bowed slightly. “Let me know if you change your mind.”

  Georgiana stared at the closed door. No one knew of the twice a week meetings in Chinatown she attended with a group of people dedicated to changing the current policies. They were small in number, and perhaps a little more vocal and active than others who were unhappy with the president and more organized in their efforts to make change occur. However, they did have one advantage that other groups of dissenters might not—a man on the inside.

  Georgiana dashed to her room, changed, and called for her carriage. She needed to let the others know of her strange meeting with Pierce MacLaren.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Lee watched as Pierce’s carriage left the Grayson property. He hadn’t been in the house long, indicating to Lee that the meeting to fluster Georgiana and push her to action may not have gone as well as he’d hoped. He continued to watch, hoping the woman would make a move. He didn’t have to wait long.

  Georgiana came sweeping out the front door and stepped into her waiting carriage. Lee followed as her driver turned toward the downtown district, making good time on the uncrowded residential roads. Travel became slower as they approached Chinatown and the dense late morning traffic. Her carriage stopped. She stepped down, looked around, and then began walking down a narrow, crowded street.

  Lee followed at a discreet distance, assuming Pierce had done his job, flustering the woman enough to lead him to the answers they sought.

  ******

  Chaz checked once more around the corner of the alley where he hid to see if Georgiana Grayson was still in sight. She had stopped at the front of the same shop William Hardy had entered. She looked around. Satisfied she hadn’t been followed, Georgiana walked into the shop.

  Within moments, Lee followed, and seeing Chaz, joined him around the corner.

  “Is Hardy already inside?”

  “He is,” Chaz replied and scanned the front of the street once more. Tha
t’s when he spotted Thomas Traxton a block away. “Stay back.” He moved an arm across Lee’s chest, emphasizing his words. “Traxton is walking toward us.”

  They waited until the man had entered the same shop as Georgiana and Hardy then searched the street for Eva and Mollie. The women joined Lee and Chaz moments later.

  Mollie looked around. “Where’s Pierce?”

  “Right here,” an out of breath Pierce said as he came to a stop next to them. “I had my driver follow Lee’s carriage. Thought I’d lost him a few blocks back, then I spotted the ladies.” He nodded at Eva and Mollie.

  Noticing that their group of five was beginning to garner attention, Lee pointed to an area of the alley further from the street where they’d draw less notice. “Grayson, Hardy, and Traxton are inside. Someone needs to find out what they’re doing.”

  “I’m the most logical,” Chaz offered. “Pierce can’t, as Georgiana would recognize him, and the ladies appearing would seem more out of place than a lone man. Besides, none of those inside know anything about me and it’s doubtful I’d be recognized. If needed, I’ll make it appear that I stumbled onto their gathering and see what happens.”

  Lee agreed and watched as Chaz walked toward the front of the shop.

  “What now?” Mollie asked. She wasn’t comfortable with Chaz going in alone, even though there was no indication that the meeting could turn violent. She still doubted that all of their work would uncover anything besides a group of intense, vocal citizens planning how best to move someone else into the White House after the next election.

  “I’m staying here,” Lee said. “I’d like the three of you to go back to the house and wait. We’re already drawing more attention than I’d like. Besides, it’s unlikely more than two people will be needed to handle anything Chaz learns.”

  All three hesitated before doing as Lee instructed.

  ******

  Chaz entered the store and began to look around, picking up one item then another, in an attempt to appear as any other customer. A man, who Chaz assumed to the owner, scurried up, asking if he could help.