She shut her eyes and hoped that she was hearing things again, just like that Sunday she thought she had seen him at church. She kept her eyes shut and slowly turned, counting to three before she opened her eyes.
Diedrick Voss was standing in front of her with a wild look in his eyes. “You thought you got away from me, didn’t you?”
Rosaline breath caught in her chest. Like a trapped deer, she didn’t know which way to run or what to say. “What are you doing?” She eventually managed to ask after a moment or two.
“I’m here to ensure that you return to where you belong.”
“I told you in the letter that I’m married now. I can’t just leave my family. I have a husband, a son, and a home to look after.”
Diedrick scoffed and rolled his eyes. “Oh please, you aren’t talking about your marriage of convenience. Oh yes,” He looked down at her. “I know all about your little arrangement. You are no better than the hired help. They will replace you the second you leave.”
Rosaline rallied as her love for her new family filled her heart. “That’s not true, they love and accept me for who I am, even Thomas...”
He tilted his head in a challenge and scoffed at her. “Even Thomas what? Do you think he loves you? Who would love a dirty little servant girl? He kissed you because he is a man. He would have kissed any girl that followed him into the dark.”
Her mouth hung agape. “How did you...? You’ve been spying on me?”
“Oh please, I know everything. I always do.” He took a step towards her. “You will come back home with me or I’ll expose you for the thieving wench you are, and the Stratton ranch will fall to pieces.” His eyes were dark as threatened her.
Regaining her courage she stood up to him. “Even if Thomas does not feel the same about me, I will not leave. You do not own me or my talents, Diedrick Voss.” Her chin tilted up in pride as she continued. “I will stay with my family. I never stole a single cent from you. I left behind everything that I did not pay for out of my own earnings. Thomas and Arthur are honest men, they don’t owe you anything either.”
He towered over her as he took another step forward. “You don’t know who you are dealing with child. The Strattons are indebted to me. Elroy Higgs is my associate.”
All of the color drained from Rosaline’s face.
“I sent him to ensure that you will return home with me. Be at the station tomorrow morning at six. Come alone with all your belongings. If you tell anyone, the Stratton ranch will go under.”
“I won’t, you’re lying,” she whispered.
“You little!” he rushed forward and grabbed her wrist, pushing her back into the shelf of cans, causing several to fall to the floor.
The queueing customers stopped talking and turned to look at the pair.
Diedrick had her arm bent over, his fingers digging into her wrist. He quickly released her and stepped back when the shop assistant came forward.
“Are you alright Mrs. Stratton?” he asked before shooting a questioning look at Diedrick.
Mr. Voss straightened his coat and sniffed. “The lady felt faint. You should bring her a glass of water.”
“Of course.” The assistant hurried off.
Diedrick glanced and the staring customers. “Be there tomorrow, or else,” he hissed under his breath so that only Rosaline could hear before walking out of the shop with his hooked nose in the air.
Rosaline stood and began to straighten her dress. Without thinking she picked up her skirts and ran from the shop.
The shop assistant attempted to run after her. “Mrs. Stratton, you forgot your basket!”
Rosaline ran as the tears streamed down her face. She didn’t care who saw her crying. She needed to get to Thomas.
***
Thomas was standing with his back to the study door as Rosaline burst into the study.
“What’s the matter?” he asked in a panic when he saw how distraught she looked.
Her face was streaked with tears and her hair had come loose from running all the way back to the ranch. She was out of breath and struggling to form a sentence.
Thomas gripped her by the shoulders and gently shook her to stop her from crying. “You have to speak to me, Rosaline. I don’t know how to help you. Are you hurt?”
