Games (Timeless Series)

by Loyd, Sandy

  Confused, Marcus turned to Giselle. “What was that all about?”

  Her brow furrowed. “What do you mean, Papa? I was saying good-bye to Simon.”

  “I see. But it looks as if Simon thinks you’re going to marry Bradford, and we both know that may never happen.”

  She waved her hand in dismissal. “I tired of his badgering, so I convinced him I was in love with the man. Now, he is content to let me marry him.”

  “Why’d you do that when it’s not true?”

  “Papa, you are the one who gave him the idea. He believed it, and I was not about to let him get away with telling me what to do. The only recourse left was to convince him I loved Bradford. Once I did, he backed right down.” She rose from the table. “I have a bit of a busy day too. I’ll see you both for lunch.” She then walked sedately out of the room.

  Marcus watched her go and glanced at his wife. “What do you suppose happened to those two?”

  Sophie smiled. “I think they may have caught on to us.”

  Marcus stared mutely at the door. The only sound was the ticking clock over the mantel. Eventually a log shifted and the flames roared to life in the fireplace. Suddenly Marcus broke out into a fit of laughter. “They’re quite a pair, aren’t they, Sophie?”

  “Yes, my dear. They are.” She hesitated before adding, “I think it is time we stay out of it and let them work it out.”

  Marcus sighed. “You’re right. Still, I can’t help thinking they’re both too damn stubborn to realize what’s right in front of their noses.”

  “Maybe. But given a little more time, one or both will push the other into it, if it has not already happened.”

  “You think something may have taken place already?” he asked with speculation in his voice.

  “I am not sure. There is something different about Giselle. A very subtle change. If I did not know better, I would say she’s in love.”

  “Well, if that’s the case, we have nothing to worry about. Simon’s already there.”

  “Oh?”

  “I’ve never known anyone with as much self-control as that young man has. It’s why he’s such a good agent. Last night he was livid, and Giselle was the cause. It seems as if he’s swallowed her lure whole. He just can’t admit it.” He broke off and chuckled. “The next few days should prove interesting.”

  ~~

  Simon grabbed the reins, ready to leave, when his attention flew to a horse with rider heading toward him.

  Caroline Hillier dismounted and headed his way with a provocative swing to her hips, her smile just a bit too brittle for his liking.

  “Caroline?” he said, tendering one of his offhanded, charming smiles. “What a pleasure to see you.”

  “Yes, well I would have thought you’d see me sooner.” She halted in front of him, her lips forming into a pouty smile as her hand slid up his chest. “I expected you last night.”

  Simon’s smile took on a hard edge and his voice held warning. “I told you, I had business to take care of first.”

  “I’m getting impatient, Simon.” Her hand moved beneath his heavy coat and she took a step closer. “Anticipation isn’t working. I need a warm body.”

  He gripped her wrist, stopping her hand from going farther. “That’s too bad, sweetheart, because right now, I can’t do anything about it.” He paused to catch her attention with his firm gaze and added a chilly, “If your attention wanders, it’ll just have to be my loss, now won’t it?”

  She pulled free. Then both hands stole around his neck and she tugged his head lower. Flinging herself at him, she locked lips with his.

  Simon quickly grabbed both wrists, yanking them off his neck and holding her at arm’s distance. “Ah, ah, ah,” he cautioned, his razor-sharp voice cutting through the cold morning air. “Remember my rules. I like to be the one in control and that isn’t likely to change. Now, why don’t you get up on your horse, go home like a good girl, and wait for me to come to you.”

  “I had to try.” Her throaty laugh, sounding like a purring cat, irritated him. He didn’t have time for her antics or her innuendos. “Besides, I’m not a good girl and we both know it.”

  “Go home, Caroline.” He worked to keep the annoyance he felt out of his voice.

  “Not just yet. I need to talk to Gus. Is he about? He’s really why I made the ride this morning.”

  Simon turned toward the stables and caught Giselle staring at the two of them with a hurt expression moving over her face. From her vantage point, she’d probably seen and heard everything. Tamping down the need to run over to her and explain the situation, he felt trapped.

  Turning back to Caroline and holding on to his patience with a thread, he said, “He’s usually in the rear of the stables at this time of day. Through the door over there.”

  She flashed another of her sly smiles and said, warning laced in her sultry voice, “Don’t keep me waiting too long, darling. I get crazy when I’m desperate.”

  “I’m sure you do, sweetheart. But that’s not my problem.” When she turned and stalked off, he waited until she was out of sight. Then he rushed to where he last spied Giselle.

  “Did you see Giselle?” he asked Jake, who’d come out to take care of Caroline’s horse.

  “She’s back by Fortuna’s stall. Third one on the right.”

  Simon grunted his thanks and hurried inside.

  Giselle was brushing the animal with strong, furious strokes and didn’t notice his approach.

  He stopped. “Giselle?”

  “Go away, Simon. I know you have a train to catch, so just go.”

  The anguish in her voice tugged at him.

  “You don’t understand,” Simon pleaded. “It doesn’t mean what you think it means.”

  “I understand enough. It is a game, and I have lost more than you can know. So, please go.”

  Her gaze met his.

  Seeing her tearstained face, Simon started toward her. “Giselle, please!”

  ~~

  The gentleness in his voice caused more tears to rush to the surface. Not wanting him to see them, she turned away and worked to keep from falling apart. Shaking her head, she whispered, “Please. Do not make it harder. Face it, Simon. You do not want what I have to offer. And I refuse to take less than what I want.”

  Simon seemed to be at a loss. Finally abiding by her wishes, he turned. “This isn’t over. We need to talk,” he said over his shoulder on his way out.

  “Yes, it is,” she whispered, wiping her eyes and watching him walk away.

  “Such a touching scene,” came a harsh feminine voice from the other direction. “Simon’s enamored with an innocent child! No wonder he hasn’t been by.”

  Giselle turned to see the same woman Simon kissing earlier glaring at her.

  “Who are you and what do you want?” she asked, narrowing her eyes.

  “Let me give you a little bit of advice, sugar,” she warned, her tone vicious. “I’d stay away from Simon Harrington if I were you. He’ll tire of you quickly enough, but he’s already taken.”

  Not liking the woman who stood before her spewing her words like venom, Giselle straightened and gritted her teeth. “Are we talking about the same Simon Harrington?” She pierced the woman with a direct, innocent gaze. “If we are, let me give you a bit of advice, sugar. Simon is not taken by anyone. He takes. In fact, he was with me the last four nights, which means he did not get around to taking you. His case is coming to a close and he will soon be long gone. I certainly doubt he will stick around to take you while I am here.”

  Her attention returned to grooming Fortuna. Inside, Giselle fumed. How dare he do this to her? The idea of that creature claiming to have a hold on Simon made her laugh. The woman’s stunned look gave her something else to laugh at. But the rest of her was crying. She did not see how things could get worse until she looked over to see Jake standing in front of the stall.

  He gave the woman a nod and said politely, “Gus is back in his office now if you still
wanted to see him, ma’am.”

  “It’s not important.” She flashed a nasty look. “I had some questions about a buyer who’s interested in my farm. I haven’t got time now. I’ll have to speak with him later. Tell him Caroline Hillier was here.” She haughtily turned and strutted out of the stables.

  Jake offered Giselle an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry if she bothered you. I tried to get here as fast as I could when I saw her heading this way.”

  Mon Dieu, he probably heard everything. She eyed him warily.

  Jake laughed. “Your secret’s safe with me.”

  She presented a weak smile. “Who is she?”

  “Caroline Hillier. Owns a stud farm between here and Louisville. I’ve heard she’s not a very nice woman, and now I believe it.”

  “I think she is pathetic. Thanks for your help, Jake. I appreciate it.”

  “No problem. Glad I could help.” He sighed and said under his breath before walking away, “Things are sure starting to make sense, though.”

  Chapter 21

  Thanks to Caroline’s annoying visit, Simon barely made his train. Once seated, he balled a fist, stilling the urge to hit something. How he wanted to throttle the vicious viper after seeing Giselle’s reaction.

  As the train sped on, his unseeing gaze stared out the window while more unsettling thoughts swirled inside his head. The pain he glimpsed in Giselle’s lovely face, now etched forever into his memory, disturbed him the most. He’d hurt her deeply, and he didn’t know how to correct his mistake. Yet he had to try. How had it come to this? A week ago she was but a nagging thought, someone he should have stayed away from, because the attraction had always been there. Somehow she’d wormed her way into his gut, into his heart, into his soul, and he knew he’d never dig her out. What’s more, he didn’t want her out. He wanted her by his side.

  Now, there was a rub, he thought, massaging his temple as Marcus Franklin’s laughing words rose to the surface. Love happens when you least expect it. He certainly never expected love to hit like this. He suspected it last night and denied it, unwilling to accept it. Seeing Giselle’s tears and knowing he was the cause pushed the point home. Her happiness meant a great deal to him. He wanted her to gaze at him like she had last night, and by damn, before he was done with his case, he’d achieve his goal. Of course, both their lives would change drastically. No matter. He simply couldn’t fathom a life without her.

  The train whistle penetrated the air. Simon pushed his thoughts to the back of his mind and disembarked. The icy rain hit his face, piercing like pins and needles as he quickly found his way to the Galt House and his meeting with Parker Davis and Colin Thorpe.

  Parker and Colin were already seated when Simon walked into the dining room and eased out of his wet overcoat. He spied the tempting sweets the two were eating as he sat in an empty chair. He grinned. Simon loved cinnamon buns, and since he was still chilled, a cup of hot coffee was the perfect foil against the cold.

  A servant hurried over to take his order. When the girl was out of earshot, Simon met Parker’s gaze. “I take it you two have been discussing the case?”

  Both men nodded, and Parker said, “I was filling Colin in on some of the facts you sent me about the Hillier woman and how both Black and Mathers worked for her.”

  “Good.” Simon nodded. “They’re all involved.”

  “I agree, especially after discovering that Clint Mathers was found dead.”

  “When?” he asked, his attention riveted to Parker.

  “A couple of days ago. He was badly beaten. From what I’ve uncovered in the last twenty-four hours, he wasn’t a nice man and had very few friends. It’s odd, though, that he received the beating because by all accounts, he was usually the one on the giving end.”

  Simon’s expression turned speculative. “Hmmm! I wonder if it was a fight among thieves or something more.”

  “I don’t know, but he was thick with Black before his death,” Parker added. “It seems you were right. They both worked on the farms in Virginia and Maryland at the same time the other horses’ deaths took place. Then they disappeared. No one thought anything about it, because men come and go all the time. After you wired me the information with their names, I wired the owners and your suspicions were confirmed.

  “Black’s involved. I’m checking out one of his friends who supposedly works for the railroad on the new tracks. Once I talk to him, I’ll head back to Twin Oaks and have another talk with Black. My guess is Hillier’s paying Black to create some kind of mischief at your place, Colin. Gus says he’s a model worker, but Frank Miller, Caroline Hillier’s foreman, thinks differently.”

  Colin’s concerned gaze met Simon’s. “Do you think there will be problems? I was planning on staying here of a couple more days, but I can leave today if I have to.”

  “No, I’ve alerted Gus and Jake. Also, Jamison’s keeping his eyes open. If Black says boo, we’ll know it.” Turning to Parker, he said, “Anything else?”

  He was about to speak when the serving girl interrupted and placed Simon’s order in front of him. When she left, Parker said, “Nothing else panned out up north. No one seems upset by a new track. Caroline Hillier is the common tie. We have enough to bring her in for questioning, but the nasty weather might hamper our efforts today. She’s not going anywhere, so let’s give it an extra day and shoot for Friday. Hopefully after questioning her, we’ll learn the why.”

  “Doesn’t surprise me Caroline’s involved,” Colin said.

  “I can’t help thinking I’m missing something, though.” Simon shook his head, unconvinced they could resolve the case so easily. “I’m doing further digging—try to meet with my informant in hopes of learning more. The criminal element sticks closely together. I can’t spend too much time, though. I want to start back before the rain worsens.” Simon glanced at Parker. “What are your plans?”

  “I’m leaving right after this meeting for Bentley’s farm. Weather permitting, I’ll meet you at Hillier’s place day after tomorrow.”

  Harold Bentley walked up to the table. “Gentlemen.” He smiled and held out his hand.

  All three men looked up at the same time before standing and taking turns shaking hands.

  “How goes the investigation?” Bentley turned to Parker. “I trust you’re finding everything acceptable to accommodate you?”

  Parker nodded. “Everything’s fine. I appreciate your hospitality. As for our case, we’re gaining momentum and hope to have it resolved soon. Would you care to join us?”

  “Thanks, but I’m meeting my fiancée, Emma Tyler, for lunch. I saw you from the door and wanted to pay my respects. I’m staying at the hotel for a couple more days, but my plans can change if need be.”

  “No need.” Parker shook his head. “I know my way around your farm, Harold. Everyone there has been very helpful.”

  “Good, good,” he said. “Well, I just spotted Emma. Let me know if you need anything further from me.”

  Three pairs of eyes watched him leave, then the men returned to making plans.

  After setting a time to meet at Hillier Meadows, Simon said, “Too bad about the weather. I’d prefer to deal with Caroline now rather than later.” He glanced at Colin. “Have there been any more incidents with the new track?”

  “No. Things have been quiet. Work’s back on schedule. The men have relaxed somewhat.”

  “Don’t let them get too relaxed. This isn’t over yet. I won’t be happy until the last frayed end is snipped.”

  “That’s why I like working with you, Harrington.” Parker chortled, clapping Simon on the back. “Once that bulldog bite of yours takes hold, you don’t let go until you’ve shaken everything out.”

  Throwing his napkin down, Simon rose from the table. “Something tells me this one’s going to be harder to shake than all the others.” He nodded. “Gentlemen, I’ve got things to do, so I’ll see you later.” He threw money on the table. Then, after placing his hat on his head and shrugging into his damp c
oat, he turned and walked out of the dining room.

  ~~

  With a heavy heart, Giselle worked tirelessly. The drizzly rain and howling wind, growing in intensity by the minute, fit her mood.

  Earlier, Gus had determined their pleasant weather had ended. All hands, including hers, stayed busy rounding up the herd and leading them into the main corrals near the stable.

  Toward the end of the morning the bitter cold, made worse by the biting wind and piercing frozen rain, hindered their efforts.

  Giselle struggled with a horse as Gus came into view. Bedraggled and wet, she barely had the strength to deal with the animal.

  He grabbed the reins from her hold. “Go on inside and take a break. It’s almost time for lunch. We can handle the rest.”

  Relieved, she nodded. “I will come back out after lunch,” she offered before hurrying inside, totally ready for the warmth of the fire. Frozen to the bone, she thought she would never be warm again. She quickly changed into a warmer habit with warmer underclothes, making sure to stick her gun, bullets, and file in her pocket. She laughed. It was becoming more obvious she would have no need of such things. Still, she held on to them thinking it better to be safe than sorry.

  She met her parents and Minnie and Maizie in the dining room for lunch.

  As Giselle pulled out a chair, Minnie said, “Oh, dear, it does look as if the nice weather is gone for the year. I hope you’re not planning on working with this storm raging?”

  “I can help in the barn and stables.” Giselle placed a napkin on her lap. “I doubt I am much use outside, though.”

  Sophie clucked. “You should let the men do it all, ma petite. It is much too miserable for anyone to be out.”

  “Oh, Mama. I need to earn my keep. I will wear my rain slicker and just make sure I am bundled up well.”

  “Do they need help?” Marcus chimed in. “I’d be happy to assist.”

  Giselle shook her head. “Gus has it all under control. Things are a little crazy because the horses do not like storms. It probably will not take more than an hour or so before everything is done.” She sighed and then added wistfully, “Now that the weather is turning cold, I guess we have to be content with being inside.”