Legacy Reclaimed
Page 27
Dylan made no move to close the distance between them. In his gaze, she saw the love she’d come to recognize. And something else. Fear.
Because he’d done this. He’d gotten Frank arrested. The only link she had left to her father was being read his rights. Because of Dylan.
Except… Dylan hadn’t done anything wrong. He’d only exposed her uncle. Frank was the one who’d… who’d…
Had he killed her mother?
Tried to kill her?
She saw the truth of it, all of it, in Dylan’s expression.
His arms lowered, slowly, and he stepped back. “I’m sorry.”
Sorry for keeping her safe. For showing her what she’d never wanted to see.
For trying, even in this, to protect her.
This man who’d put himself in danger again. For her.
She crossed the grass and fell into Dylan’s arms and wept for all she’d lost.
Chapter Forty-Two
Chelsea stepped from the shady path to the clearing that overlooked Lake Ayasha. The early August day promised to be hot and sticky, but the cool morning breeze was refreshing after the hike up from her house.
Dylan joined her and gazed at the vista.
It was beautiful. The town of Coventry was just coming to life this morning. Fishermen in little motorboats buzzed across the glassy water. Behind them, trees danced in the wind.
This was the first time they’d hiked the mountain since the day they’d met Dougie, the first time she’d ever brought Dylan up the secret path from her house. Between her broken foot and Dylan’s multiple injuries, they hadn’t done much in the previous six weeks but rest and recover.
And work. Dylan had been busy establishing his business in Coventry and relocating to a small rental house in town. Because, though they were still only dating and they’d made no promises, she knew it was only a matter of time before she pledged her life to this man. He was right that she needed to let herself mourn, and she was doing that. But in those moments when the tears subsided, when the grief dissipated, what was left was a powerful gratitude to the Lord who’d rescued her and a powerful love for the man He’d placed in her life.
She’d spent the bulk of her time since Uncle Frank’s arrest trying to find a way to turn the business around. She’d learned that business had been bad because Frank had been sabotaging it. Damaging equipment, spreading rumors, not just among the employees but to wholesalers and retailers about the poor health of the company. It would take time for Chelsea and her team to restore the company’s former profit margin, but she had faith that they’d do it. The employees were dedicated to HCI, and she was dedicated to them. Their customer base remained loyal and supportive. HCI would emerge strong.
Not stronger than ever, though. Because Chelsea’s parents were gone for good, and they’d been the spirit of the company. She owed it to them to keep their legacy—no, their business—alive. She’d succeeded in keeping their legacy alive when she’d survived the murder attempts.
Laura and Frank were both being held without bail until their separate trials. Once Frank had been arrested, both of their stories had come out. There was enough evidence to convict both for Mum’s murder and Chelsea’s attempted murder. Their betrayal cut a deep wound. Chelsea struggled to process it still. She’d purchased Laura’s stocks, and the money should allow the woman to pay for her daughter’s health care for some time. When the money ran out?
Chelsea admitted that, when Laura’s money ran out, she would pay the daughter’s expenses. It wasn’t her fault her mother had betrayed her.
The evidence missing from the box in Mum’s office had turned up in a FedEx package delivered to Chelsea’s Paris apartment the day she’d left for New Hampshire, along with a long letter from Mum explaining what she’d learned—which wasn’t much—and what she’d believed. Among other things, Mum had discovered a connection between Frank and Zeke Granger and had found travel documents showing Zeke had been in New York when Peter Hamilton was murdered. It was flimsy evidence at best, certainly not enough to prove conspiracy to commit murder. She’d also come to believe that, when she eventually demoted Frank, he might be capable of murder again. Nothing in the box indicated she’d had any idea Laura had betrayed her.
Mum’s last days had been filled with suspicion and terror. And her last moments—rushing to rescue her friend yet again—had led to her death.
Fresh tears filled Chelsea’s eyes. Frank and Laura had stolen her parents, the foundation of her life, because of petty jealousy and a sense of entitlement. In her better moments, she prayed for their salvation. But most of her prayers were focused on justice.
The scene at the house hadn’t been necessary to prove his crimes, but Dylan had explained that he’d wanted to confront Frank himself, just to be sure. He hadn’t wanted to put Chelsea through the trauma of believing her uncle had betrayed her if he was wrong. That day at the hotel, Dylan had consulted with the investigators at Neely, who’d also begun to suspect their client. Then, he’d called Cote and asked that the detective be nearby, just in case. He’d never expected Cote to bring practically the entire department—and listening devices to pick up the whole conversation. But Dylan’s call had prompted some digging on Cote’s part so that, by the time of their meeting that Saturday afternoon, he’d found enough evidence to be convinced that Frank was guilty. He’d let Frank’s own words condemn him before stepping in for the arrest.
Dougie might never ever get back to work on the mountain after being shot, but Sam, his former teacher and friend, was helping him get his confidence back. Poor Dougie. He’d done the right thing and almost died for it. Not for the first time, Chelsea lifted a prayer for her old friend.
Dylan slipped his arm around her and pulled her close. “This scene is much prettier if I don’t think about how you almost died here.”
“I know,” she said. “I might not ever see it the same way again.” She allowed herself to relive those terrifying moments on the cliff, fighting for her life. “Except it doesn’t represent death or fear. It represents God’s faithfulness. He protected me that day. He brought us through.” She turned and tipped her gaze up to Dylan. “He led me to you.”
Dylan’s lips curled in a smile, and he placed his hands on her hips. “And me to you.”
Oh, this man. Her beautiful redheaded warrior. She slid her hands up his chest and around his neck. “Dylan, I lo—”
He cut off her words with a kiss. Slow at first, a peck. And then longer. His lips against hers were somehow both soft and eager, gentle and powerful.
The feel of his body against hers sent every nerve aflame, and she pressed against him, wanting more.
When she felt she might burst, he ended the kiss, pulled her against his chest, and held her close.
“You never let me get the words out,” she said.
“Maybe I just want to kiss you.” His hands caressed her back, her hair.
“Maybe I love you for that.”
He stilled.
She’d tricked him.
She pushed away from him and gazed up to meet his eyes. “I do. Love you, that is.”
“There’s no rush, Chelsea. Take the time to grieve before you make any promises.” His bright green eyes held hers. “I’m not going anywhere.”
“Nor am I. I know my own mind. My own heart.”
A slow smile spread across his face. Suddenly, he lifted her, spun her in a circle.
Her feet flailed, her head spun, and a girlish giggle erupted. “Put me down.”
He did, laughing. “How can I not celebrate when the most beautiful, most amazing woman in the world declares her love for me?”
“How indeed?” She tried for a stern look but knew she’d failed at the glimmer of amusement dancing in his eyes.
But the amusement faded. He took her face in his palms, pressed a kiss to her lips, and rested his forehead against hers. “I don’t know how I got so lucky.”
“I don’t believe in luck, my love. I believe
in God, and I believe in you.”
If you enjoyed Chelsea and Dylan’s story, would you be so kind as to leave me a review? You can review Legacy Reclaimed on Goodreads, Bookbub, and your favorite retailer.
Join my newsletter list to download a free copy of Convenient Lies and learn about new releases. You won’t want to miss it.
Turn the page for more about Legacy Redeemed.
About Legacy Redeemed
Vanessa will fight to rescue her sister. Caleb will fight to protect Vanessa. But Abbas has evil plans for them both.
* * *
Former human trafficking victim Vanessa Baker wants nothing more than to raise her daughter in safety. But when she receives a message from a sister she hasn’t seen since she was a baby—a message begging for help escaping her captor—Vanessa can't ignore it. And then she discovers her sister’s captor is a man who once owned and abused her. Vanessa will stop at nothing to see her sister freed—and Sheikh Abbas dead.
* * *
When Vanessa stepped into Caleb Peterson's life, he knew she was the one God intended him to marry. Never mind that she can’t stand him, never mind her accusing eyes and her angry disposition, Caleb has tried for years to prove himself trustworthy—efforts Vanessa has only spurned and rejected. When he discovers her plan to take on an evil man from her past, Caleb will help her, whether she wants his help or not.
* * *
But Vanessa has once again put herself squarely in Sheikh Abbas’s sights. And it looks like the sheikh won’t let anyone—not the irritating sister or the pushy boyfriend—get in the way of his plans.
* * *
Don't miss the final book in the Nutfield Saga. Buy Legacy Redeemed today.
Convenient Lies
Twisted Lies
Generous Lies
Innocent Lies
Beauty in Flight
Beauty in Hiding
Beauty in Battle
Legacy Rejected
Legacy Restored
Legacy Reclaimed
Legacy Redeemed, Coming Summer 2020
Chasing Amanda
Finding Amanda
A Package Deal
About the Author
Aside from her family and her Savior, Robin Patchen has two loves—writing and traveling. If she could combine them, she’d spend a lot of time sitting in front of her laptop at sidewalk cafes and ski lodges and beachside burger joints. She’d visit every place in the entire world—twice, if possible—and craft stories and tell people about her Savior. Alas, time is too short and money is too scarce for Robin to traipse all over the globe, even if her husband and kids wanted to go with her. So she stays in Oklahoma, shares the Good News when she can, and writes to illustrate the unending grace of God through the power and magic of story.
Copyright © 2020 by Robin Patchen
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
* * *
Cover by Carpe Librum Book Design.