She really, really loved the way he appreciated little things.
Rather than wave or call to him she decided to simply enjoy the view. He went over to a water faucet with a bucket under it, filled it and rinsed the salt off himself then accepted a towel from a beach boy. She couldn't help but think about how they'd towel-dried each other's bodies last night. She sighed. There was no help for her.
She was totally, irrevocably in love with Noah Nash.
Suddenly he stopped toweling his legs, turned toward her and grinned. As though he had heard her thoughts. She waited on the porch until he donned a cover-up, also provided by the boy, then walked toward him. His grin broadened the closer they got to each other.
She loved that grin.
He gave her a quick hug and kiss then tucked her arm under his as they started strolling. "If I'd known you were getting up so soon I would have waited."
"I had visitors."
He raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Did any of them bring you your coffee?"
She laughed. "No, but one of them did come bearing a gift." She handed him the invitation.
He smiled. "Told ya so. Now we just have to hope you were right about the seating arrangements." Without further discussion he guided her to an umbrella-covered table at the Quartz Café Poolside.
He waited until a waiter had taken their breakfast orders before getting back to her comment. "You said visitors, plural."
Maggie quickly related her talk with Moira. "I couldn't help but remember the piece you copied from the book on the hotel's history. It said she was 'despondent' over her illegitimate pregnancy. There's no question she's sad and frightened about the future but I didn't get the feeling she would take her own life, let alone her baby's."
Noah nodded his agreement. "And I remember you saying she wore a crucifix. An Irish Catholic committing suicide really goes completely against the grain. Her being pregnant out of wedlock is bad but I'm pretty sure killing the baby gets her a ticket straight to hell. Plus, we can't forget about the doctor's report that was ignored. Bruises around her neck definitely suggest foul play." He combed his fingers through his hair. "If the baby's father is out of the picture and she's accepted the fate of a single mother, why would someone kill her?"
Maggie noticed the waiter's curious look as he served their coffee and pressed her finger to her lips to remind Noah to lower his voice. She leaned forward and spoke quietly. "Maybe it has nothing to do with her pregnancy. Maybe she witnesses something or overhears a plot to do something illegal. If I remember correctly, a few gangsters spent time here."
"I like your thinking so far. Go on."
"A lot of important people will be in the ballroom tonight. With the father of the groom being a politician in prohibition times, the odds of a shady deal going on in a back room seem pretty high."
He winked at her. "You're thinking of the wedding scene in The Godfather."
She chuckled. "Not intentionally but it fits. Especially adding in that the bride's father is wealthy and they're from Chicago, home to some pretty famous gangsters. The problem is how can the two of us eavesdrop on the engaged couple and their parents and look for secret meetings behind the scenes? It's not like either one of us is a trained detective."
He started to contradict her but she had more to tell. "I had a weird dream right before I woke up. It could mean something." The slight raise of one of his eyebrows was enough for her to relate every detail she could remember.
Noah hung on every word she said. Though he recognized the importance of her dream information, he would have been just as enthralled if she was reading from a phone book page. He couldn't explain it. He didn't even want to try. She had described his caresses as bewitching. But the truth was, he was the one completely bewitched by the magical creature in front of him.
He'd had a major crush on her when they were just kids. As adults, she had instantly become the partner he'd never even known he wanted. She matched his imagination, supported his work, and complemented him in bed. Discovering she naturally possessed the enhanced mental abilities he found so fascinating was like the whipped cream design on top of a perfectly brewed cappuccino. He could never go back to a life without her in it. He wanted to tell her that, but the surreal situation they were caught in demanded that their personal desires be shoved aside.
Besides, she hadn't uttered a single word suggesting she wanted a long-term relationship with him. Or had she?
...maybe in a month or so. She had said those words last night. Although she was kidding about gentle sex at the time, it let him know she was giving thought of some kind to a time beyond the present. It wasn't the long-term, settling-down sort of commitment he was hoping for but it was better than nothing.
"Honestly, I've been going over this from so many directions, I'm no longer sure about anything. What do you think we should do next?" she asked, yanking him out of his personal thoughts.
Noah made a face then sat forward, taking both her hands in his. "Okay. Close your eyes." Maggie obeyed without hesitation. "Take a deep breath and imagine that all the thoughts and suppositions bouncing around your head are on a big whiteboard. Now, as you exhale, imagine pushing all the people we've been discussing off to the side and erase everything else on the board." He gave her a moment to follow his instructions. "Next, without forcing anything, ask your spirit guide who we should watch most closely to complete our mission."
She saw the fox's flashing eyes, thought of the clues he'd given in her dream then followed Noah's directions. One name popped onto her blank screen. She opened her eyes and said, "Moira."
He looked at her curiously. "The maid? She's clearly the one we have to save, but I planted the suggestion that you ask about who we should watch for the solution. I expected you to name someone who would be at tonight's party. The maid shouldn't be anywhere near there."
"Hey, I just did what you told me. I never claimed to have any special gift."
He stroked her cheek. "You are the gift, Maggie. And whether or not you believe your intuition is a gift, I trust it. So if you say we need to watch the maid, that's who we focus on. And the only way to do that is to walk in her shoes."
"Are you saying I need to be a maid for a day?"
He laughed aloud then leaned close enough to whisper. "I'm saying we should spy on her. Surreptitiously follow her around. See what she sees, hear what she hears." He loved the way her eyes brightened when her interest was piqued. "Unless you have a better idea of how to spend the day?" Her flushed cheeks told him exactly what she would want to be doing... if they didn't have a mystery to solve. Before he could tease her about it, the waiter arrived with their breakfasts, so he just gave her a knowing wink.
A half hour later they were officially in stealth mode. Following Moira turned out to be a simple matter because the bungalows seemed to be her assigned area and they could simply sit outside or stroll back and forth and watch the girl go in and out of each building. Even at the end of her shift they were able to follow her into the working areas of the hotel because of the pass Mr. Eckhart had provided for Noah.
Nothing of interest happened until the end of her shift. As employees were signing in and out, another maid slipped Moira a piece of paper and whatever was written on it completely changed Moira's demeanor from sad to glowing. She was in such a great hurry to leave, she accidentally walked right into Maggie in the staff hallway.
"Oh goodness," the maid gushed with a quick head bob. "Apologies."
"It was our fault," Maggie said quickly and looked up at Noah. "Darling, this is the very helpful maid I told you about. Moira, this is Mr. Nash."
"'tis a pleasure ta be sure. I was told of yer generosity, sir. Thank ye kindly. And congratulations to ye." She made a partial curtsy and hustled past them.
Noah noted the girl's flushed cheeks but she seemed to be more excited than embarrassed. "Something important was in that note."
"Agreed," Maggie said. "Let's see where she's rushing off to."
As th
ey followed Moira at a discreet distance through a maze of hallways, Noah asked, "What was she congratulating me for? Did she hear about my big movie deal?"
Maggie chuckled. "No. She thinks you're going to be a daddy."
He stopped in his tracks and gaped at her.
She tugged on his hand to keep him moving. "It was all I could think of to get her talking."
Maggie abruptly blocked him from taking another step and put her finger to her lips. Only then did he realize Moira had turned a corner and her footsteps could no longer be heard. The sound he now heard made him think of... two people kissing.
"I'm so sorry," a man's voice gushed in between kisses and soft moans. "I was a fool. A complete idiot. Please say you forgive me. I'll die if you don't."
"'tis no matter now," Moira replied in a tone filled with unconditional love.
"Oh!" the man exclaimed after another few seconds of making-up sounds. "What was that?"
She giggled. "'twas just yer babe sayin' hello."
He sighed aloud then there was more kissing before he spoke again. "I can't wait to see him."
"It might not be a boy ye know."
He snorted. "If it's not, we'll just have to try again."
The next sounds Noah heard assured him they were sufficiently distracted and he took the opportunity to peek around the corner and get a look at the guy. He couldn't see all of his face yet there was something familiar about him.
"I can walk you to your barracks," the man said after a moment. "But I must come right back. There's something I need to take care of before it's too late. Tomorrow we can start making our plans. By next week, I'm going to make everything up to you, including making sure our baby is born with the last name of Hampshire."
Chapter 22
"Oh... my... gawd," Maggie gushed as soon as she was certain the couple had left through the exit door near their rendezvous. "Should we try to follow them?"
Noah shook his head. "They're headed to the workers' barracks. Too many witnesses for anything to happen while she's there. Plus, we'd have no good excuse for being in that area."
"Right. Boy, I thought my head was spinning with possibilities before! Any chance he was not the Hampshire announcing his engagement tonight?"
Noah grimaced. "I guess it could be a coincidence or another family member but I think the article mentioned Broderick was an only child and this guy bore a resemblance to the photo in the newspaper. Obviously, the message you got about following Moira was right on. The interesting part to me is that he sounded truly sorry about screwing things up with Moira. I'm thinking he's really in love and wants to make an honest woman of her. Either that or he's a world-class actor. What feeling did you get?"
She wrinkled her nose. "I don't think he was acting. From what I heard, that guy was ready to do whatever he had to for Moira and their baby. He hurt her by running away but I don't think he'd ever hurt her physically."
"Well, there's still a chance her death has nothing to do with their relationship but if I heard correctly, he may be planning on spilling the beans to the family when he gets back here. The announcement sounded like that match had more to it than two young people falling in love. No matter how much or how little he actually tells them, if he says he's backing out, somebody could be pissed off enough to do something drastic."
"Too bad we can't just transport ourselves to wherever that conversation is going to be held. Oh dear. Tonight's party might be canceled," Maggie said, frowning. "I'm not sure what we could try next."
He squeezed her hand. "Have faith. We have an ambitious politician, a wealthy family and a guest list of prominent people, many of whom would have come a long way just for this event. They may have to switch gears but there should still be a party."
"Then we'd better get moving," she said, giving him a push back the way they'd come. "We need to put on our party clothes and get there early. We definitely won't want to miss any important preannouncement announcements."
* * *
As soon as they reached the hotel lobby they knew the affair had not been canceled. Elegantly attired and bejeweled women and tuxedoed men were conversing in small groups. Outside, a line of carriages were depositing more, resplendently dressed guests who must have just arrived on the Davenport King.
Maggie was glad they had opted for the finest ensembles their wardrobe had to offer. Noah looked absolutely dashing in his long tails and white silk cummerbund and tie. Maggie had chosen a full-length, sleeveless, satin, black sheath with an overlay of extremely sheer silvery gauze. She felt like a fairy—albeit a very wealthy one. She was pretty sure the gemstones in the white-gold choker necklace and matching teardrop earrings were real diamonds.
A number of people glanced their way, obviously making guesses as to who they were. Not having any idea who they should or shouldn't be seen talking to, they made their way toward the ballroom where a line of guests had formed. The final confirmation was on a large sign set on an easel that read Gaviston–Hampshire Engagement Party. In much smaller print busy-bodies were notified this was an invitation-only affair.
"Curiouser and curiouser," Noah whispered. "Makes me wonder if sweet Broderick chickened out after all."
She frowned. "That doesn't feel right. Something else must be going on."
When they reached the front of the line, Noah handed their invitation to the man at the door and they were directed toward a table behind him.
"Ah, the moment of truth," Noah murmured in her ear. "Now we see just how good you were at promoting me." Because the tent cards were arranged alphabetically, it was easy enough to find one for Noah Nash and another for Mrs. Noah Nash. Inside each was the table number four and Maggie winked at Noah.
Once the question of seating was settled, she was able to appreciate the fabulous, old-world-style décor of the ballroom. If she didn't know better, she might have thought they had just time-traveled again. Renaissance-aged murals covered the walls and everything seemed to be gilded. Ornately sculptured, marble columns were spaced along the outside walls and divided the room into three areas. To one side was a dance floor and platform with an orchestra that was playing quietly enough to allow conversation. The reception area they were in had a long bar set up—obviously no one expected this party to be raided. A squadron of white-jacketed young men was offering hors d'oeuvres from gold platters. Golden stanchions topped with marble lion heads and brown velvet ropes prevented guests from entering the dining area but Maggie could see the gold lamé tablecloths and white orchid centerpieces.
Hundreds of little mirrors cut in the shape of stars hung down from the glass-domed ceiling, imitating the real starry night sky above. Maggie caught sight of the waning moon and felt a strong shiver. It seemed to be telling her that their time was slipping away.
"We have to figure this out tonight," she abruptly told Noah. "We're not going to have another chance."
"That sounds ominous. A feeling?"
"Yeah. A really strong one." No sooner had Maggie finished her sentence than Connor approached them with one of the gold platters.
"May I offer you a canapé?" he asked in a clear voice then quickly murmured, "I don't know if you tried to find me today but I couldn't have gotten away. I'll be on the nature trail at nine tomorrow morning." He moved on before they had a chance to take one of his canapés.
As more guests entered it was impossible not to be pulled into conversations. They had their back story polished, but they soon discovered most of these people were more interested in boasting about who they were and how they knew the hosts than learning anything about Mr. and Mrs. Nash.
If Mr. and Mrs. Davenport had been invited as guests, they had chosen not to attend. They stayed alert for any sign of gangsters—as if they would recognize one on sight—or any conversations that appeared to be unusually secretive. Absolutely nothing seemed out of the ordinary for the occasion.
Connor only managed one more, brief pass by them but it was enough for Noah to let him know they would be wal
king the nature trail in the morning.
Neither the engaged couple nor their parents made an appearance during the cocktail hour, but the four parents arrived in time to greet guests as they entered the dining room.
The receiving line moved too quickly for Maggie and Noah to do more than introduce themselves. The Gavistons appeared to be in their late fifties and had an air of royalty about them. They smiled politely but did not seem impressed by anyone they were meeting. The Hampshires, however, were hand-shakers. They looked younger than the other couple and seemed happy about their son's choice of bride.
On the way to their table, Noah said, "Not too hard to tell which man is the politician and which one has money. Makes me wonder what Gaviston will get out of this match."
"Maybe he's just giving his daughter what she wants," Maggie offered.
"Or maybe he thinks he's buying himself a future president."
As they had hoped, they were assigned to a large round table right in front of the head table. They quickly took seats that gave them a chance to observe all six of the key players without being conspicuous.
Amelia and Broderick were not brought in until everyone was seated and their entrance was accompanied by a romantic violin and piano duet.
Amelia was a rather tall, very thin woman with brown hair, pale skin and unusually large, somewhat bulging eyes. Her facial expression seemed to be one of personal discomfort, or distaste, but it changed to obvious adoration when she looked at her fiancé. She definitely did not look like a woman who had just been dumped.
Broderick was definitely the young man they had seen kissing Moira a short while ago. Either he looked very young for his age or Amelia was quite a bit older. Plus, he was very good-looking, with dark hair parted in the middle, a thin moustache and a sexy smile that probably had a number of females besides Moira willing to go beyond what was considered proper.
As Maggie watched the couple take their seats at the head table, she thought the smile Broderick gave Amelia looked strained. Instead of giving his fiancée a loving kiss on her lips he gave her a brotherly peck on her temple then cast a quick yet meaningful look at the woman on the other side of him—his mother.
Some Time Away (Lovers in Time Series, Book 3): Time Travel Romance Page 21
