The single word was a statement, not a question. It also held unmistakable venom.
Ella sniffed with a small nod.
Cody watched in amazement as Travis’s face turned red with rage. “If I was still in Boston, I’d…”
Cassie shot him a warning glance.
Ella huddled over, bent in on herself.
Travis dropped to his knees beside the bed. Cody stood back, feeling like an intruder, knowing he could do nothing to help. He had no history with this woman. Travis did, and Cassie had already made friends with her. They would be able to do something. He fidgeted, hating the helpless feeling as he watched a silent river of tears slide down Ella’s cheeks.
Travis spoke quietly. “It’s all right, Ella. We’ll keep you safe. You’re free from that monster.”
She sucked in a breath. “Am I? What if he finds me? He won’t rest until he possesses me, Travis. He’s obsessed with my money and…and with me. My parents will try to find me too. They won’t take kindly to the rumors that are sure to develop with my sudden absence.”
Travis gently took her hands while Cassie rubbed her back. “We’ll think of something,” he said. “I promise.”
Ella relaxed. Her tears soon dried up. A wobbly smile touched her pink lips. “You always were a good friend.”
Travis whispered something to her, too low for Cody to hear. He shifted from foot to foot.
Cassie glanced his way. She stood and came to him. “Why don’t you get your errands done? Travis and I will take care of Ella.”
Cody looked at the young woman. Ella would probably feel more comfortable with him out of the house. He’d already scared her twice. He didn’t want to do so a third time. “Good idea.”
The next morning, Ella smoothed the front of her green dress, then braided her long hair. After a full night’s sleep, she felt more like herself.
Heavenly aromas of savory bacon and warmed sweet fruit wafted from the kitchen. Ella made her way downstairs. Travis and Cassie worked side by side. When Ella entered the room, Cassie beamed. “Just in time! We’re about to have breakfast. Please, sit.”
Travis held a platter of food in each hand as he walked to the table. “I hope you’re hungry. We’ve got a real feast this morning.”
On cue, Ella’s stomach rumbled. She pressed a hand against it with a shy smile. “I am.”
“Great.” Travis placed the platters on the table, then held a chair for her. He did the same for his wife, then took his own seat and held out a hand to each of them. “Let’s pray.”
He blessed the food, his prayer simple but heartfelt. When he finished, they passed the platters around the table. Travis hadn’t exaggerated when he called the fare a feast. There were eggs, bacon, fluffy biscuits with gravy, and stewed fruit. Coffee rounded out the meal. Everything tasted divine.
Once she felt pleasantly full, Ella leaned back with a second mug of hot coffee. She took slow sips of the strong liquid, lightened with cream. It felt like a tiny slice of heaven.
Travis rested his elbows on the table, a mug of his own in hand. Ella looked between him and Cassie. “How did you two meet?”
They both laughed. Travis winked at Cassie, his grin wide. “You tell her.”
Cassie’s blue eyes swam with amusement. “I was walking to the café, minding my own business, when a man decided to steal my reticule. There was a substantial amount of money inside, enough that I didn’t stop to think. I ran after him, shouting he give it back. He was surprised. I don’t think he expected a woman to chase after him.” She turned a sassy look on her husband. “Of course, I would have caught him if not for a handsome, charming Irishman who stepped in my way.”
“Stepped in your way?” Travis repeated, barking out a laugh. He gave Ella an amused grin. “By ‘stepped in her way,’ she means I got off the train.”
Cassie smacked her hands together. “He got off, and I ran straight into him. Knocked us both over.”
With a chuckle, Travis took up the story. “We stared at each other for a few moments. I couldn’t breathe. Didn’t know if it was being flung to the ground or instant attraction to the lovely woman who’d thrown herself in my arms.”
Riveted, Ella leaned forward. “What happened next?”
Cassie laughed. “I yelled that the man was getting away. Travis jumped up and raced after the thief.” Her eyes glowed with pride. “He caught him too. Arrested him on the spot.”
“It turns out I’m a knight in shining armor.” Travis grinned. Cassie lightly punched his arm.
Ella smiled. “What a meeting.”
