“What boardinghouse? I was trapped in my warehouse office. The beam collapsed during the earthquake. I almost died.”
Grous backstepped and flew up the stairs.
Ed raced after him, yelling, “Get out of my house now, or I swear I’ll give you a beating you won’t forget. I blame you for her leaving. I don’t know how you did it, but I know it was you.”
Ed’s legs throbbed, but he managed to reach the top of the stairs before Grous flung open the first door and looked in.
Ed raced, but he wasn’t fast enough, because he flung open the second door, the one to Cora’s room. But instead of yelling or running in, he moved to the next room. Ed glanced into where he’d left Cora on her bed as he walked past, but there were no dishes or soup or Cora.
Ed fought to keep his attention on Grous and not look back. “I told you she’s not here. Search the whole house if you want, but don’t ever step foot in here again. I swear I’ll end you. I don’t know how, but I will.”
Grous poked Ed in the chest with his stubby finger. “It’s me who’ll end you. I’ve got documents at my office. By the end of tomorrow, I’ll make sure every investor, business owner, and person in this town sees them. Now that I took your woman away, I’ll take your business and your wealth. And then I’ll find the woman who left you and take her as my own.”
Ed swung a right hook, connecting his fist with Grous’s menacing face.
The man stumbled back, cupping his nose. Blood trickled between his fingers, and he howled. “You’ll pay for this.”
Grous shot by Ed, knocking him out of his way, and stomped down the stairs and out the front door.
Ghost secured the door then raced upstairs. “Where’s Miss McKinnie?”
“Don’t know.” Ed’s anxiety stirred to full panic.
“She’s in my room. We didn’t think he’d search the servants’ quarters,” Grace said from the hallway.
Ed flew from the room, but he didn’t have to go far. Cora hobbled up the last few steps and into his arms. His heartbeat slowed, and he vowed never to let her out of his sight again.
Ed helpedher back to bed. She wanted to argue, but breathing hurt even more when she moved. “You shouldn’t have hit him.”
“I know, but I think it made sense. I think if I hadn’t, he would’ve been suspicious.” Ed fluffed the pillows and helped her lean back. “I know I claim to always use my brains over brute force, but some men only understand violence.”
She tried not to wince, but the pain took hold. Once she managed to take in a few full breaths again, she could speak. “I said you shouldn’t have, but I’m glad you did. Is there anything we can do to stop him?”
He let out a long breath and settled into the chair by her side. “No, but I believe his plan will be delayed by the earthquake. No one wants to take a meeting in the aftermath of such an event.” Ed went to the door. “Grace, can you bring water and a rag here please?”
“Yes, sir. Ghost wants to know if he can see you, sir. Says it’s important.”
“Send him in. I’m not leaving Cora.” Ed remained planted in his chair but turned to face Ghost when he entered holding a large envelope.
Cora wanted to tell Ed he could leave, but she knew he never would.
“We got him.”
“Who? What?” Cora asked, hope flooding in at the sight of the envelope and Ghost’s words.
“This came compliments of Captain Wilkins and the other men, women, and children you helped from the streets. He says that Grous treats his workers like he treats his women, rough and abusive.” Ghost handed the package to Ed, who opened it and pulled out the documents.
Her heart soared. “Those are the ones he showed me about your business.” She gasped. “And that’s my letter to Josephine.” She took it and pressed it to her heart. Someday, she’d see her sisters again.
Ed shuffled through the papers until he paused at a newspaper from New York City dated several years ago.
“The men told Captain Wilkins that Grous isn’t his real name. He’s Mr. James Smith, a man wanted for choking his wife to death. He fled and came here under a new name.”
Cora grieved for the woman and all the others he’d mistreated, but elation filled her at the realization that they had all they needed to send him to jail or the noose.
“We’ve got him.” Cora bolted up but then fell back holding her side, a muscle spasm climbing up her ribs.
Ed shoved the papers together and passed them to Ghost. “Put these someplace safe. I’ll go turn him over once the doctor has checked on Cora and I know she’s going to be fine.”
