Not one to give in to violence after being able to control his temper all these years, Adam had to squelch the urge not to punch Gabe for the way he ogled Olivia from head to toe.
To keep his anger at bay, he stared at the cabinets beside the desk and Gabe’s ugly portrait hanging on the wall, and the framed banking license document on the opposite wall.
“Please take a seat,” Gabe urged Olivia, stretching across the table to pull a chair out for her, but ignored Adam.
“Thank you,” Olivia said and settled down on the chair.
Irritated at the way the banker was looking at Olivia, Adam wasted no time in saying, “Gabe, we know you had something to do with the raids in the area. Admit it and get a lesser sentence in court.”
Taken aback by the marshal’s blunt words, Gabe’s jaw dropped. “What thrash are you spewing, and in front of this lovely lady whose name I’m yet to know?”
Adam strode forward, anger flashing in his eyes. “You need not know her name. All you need to know is that your wickedness cost her both her parents and the Indian family who took her in when her parents died.”
Gabe leaned back against the chair. “Utter hogwash! I don’t know what you are talking about.” His eyes moved to Olivia and a winsome smile touched his lips. “What can I get for you, my dear? Perhaps a cup of coffee.” He pointed at the small table beside the cabinet holding a jug, some teacups, a decanter of brandy, and two glasses.
Adam registered that Olivia was staring at Gabe with something akin to confusion in her eyes.
He drew closer to her. “What is it, Olivia?
Olivia turned to him as if struggling to let go of her thoughts. “His voice sounds very familiar. I’m trying to place it.”
Adam saw nervousness in Gabe’s eyes as he shifted the papers on the desk, trying to avoid his gaze.
Pasting Adam considered fake on his lips, the older man said, “I don’t think we’ve ever met. You’d be quite unforgettable.”
“Oh, stop it, Gabe. This is not the time for fancy words.”
The banker burst into laughter. “You’re so pathetic, Marshal.”
Olivia’s eyes suddenly widened and she jerked up from the chair. She pointed an accusing finger at the man.
“You! You were the one who tried to convince my parents to sell their land. I remember that laugh because it grated on my nerves and sent shivers through my body. You laughed after you told my parents that they would regret their decision of not selling their land to you. I also vaguely remember seeing you walking away from the house.”
Adam grinned. “And the evidence keeps on gathering.”
With fury etched on his face, Gabe rose from his chair. “Get out of here, both of you, and never come back, or I’ll file charges against you for defamation of character.”
With teary eyes, Olivia said, “My parents never hurt anyone in their lives. Why would you have them killed simply because you wanted to take their land?”
“Get out! I don’t know who your parents are,” Gabe barked. “Security!”
“My parents were preachers who lived in a gray stone building at the outskirts of the town close to a creek surrounded by a grove of creeks. Mr. and Mrs. Foster who wanted to build a church on their land.”
Recognition rose in Gabe’s eyes before he lowered them. Adam’s gut clenched. The despicable man was truly responsible for having Olivia’s parents murdered.
Fighting the urge to grab the man, Adam said, “You’ll pay for all the atrocities you’ve done, Gabe. Soon.”
Adam placed a hand on Olivia’s arm, hating how pale she looked. Adam turned her around just as the door opened and Micah Peterson entered the room with two security guards.
Upon sighting them, the gang leader dashed out of the room and the security men moved toward Adam and Olivia.
“Never allow these two up here again. I’ll have you sacked if I see them anywhere near this bank again.”
Adam turned to grin at Gabe with ominous intent. “I’ll be back to arrest you, Gabe. Enjoy your freedom for now.”
Gabe let out chilling laughter. Olivia shivered beside Adam.
“We shall see.”
