LeBeau tugged down his sleeve where Nick had touched him, splitting his glare between him and her.
“I don’t care what you believe.” She jutted out her chin, her cheek still throbbing from the previous blows. “I’ll let you and Reynolds work it out amongst yourselves when he returns. I’d just as soon go to my room and forget the whole night.”
Nick bent close, bracing himself on the chair arms until the pampered flesh of his face was only a few inches from hers.
What did he see in her eyes? She pressed her lips shut and steeled herself against the onslaught of his prying stare.
“Maybe I’ll still marry you.” He chuckled mirthlessly and stood.
“You’d still consider marrying her?” Lebeau almost tripped over himself.
She half choked. “I’m not volunteering.”
“We’ll see about that.” Nick reached behind her and grabbed his frock coat which hung from the chair back. He might as well have had fox ears and a tail. “Meanwhile, Robert, we need to look for that yellow-bellied, Yankee-loving scoundrel. Question whatever slaves you see fit, starting with that Lucy girl. I’ll send a couple men on the road to his home county, and a couple more to pay a visit to Miss Frieda Schramm.”
The last word raked up her spine like a claw. Surely, Devon wouldn’t linger there any longer than to give a brief warning? She clasped her hands in her lap and glanced downward, feeling like prey in grass, uncertain of whether to say something to try to divert them or remain silent.
The fox leaned in until his breath heated her ear. A whiff of brandy stung her nose even as her heart curdled. “I think you care about him even though he’s been two-timing you with Miss Schramm. But I also think you’re a liar. As a matter of fact, I believe I’ll call on Miss Schramm myself.”
Right now? That wouldn’t give Devon enough time. Herstomach clenched. “Think what you please. I’m done with the both of you. My uncle can fire Reynolds when he returns as far as I’m concerned.”
LeBeau tugged on his waistcoat. “We’re not going to get anything else from her. I’ll have Owens start on Lucy.”
Morning Fawn stiffened. Lucy wouldn’t talk, and neither would she. No matter what.
“Excellent idea.” Nick shoved his arms into his coat sleeves. “I’ll ride to Alleyton, and I’ll assign more men to help with the search. Send word immediately if you find out anything. I bet the scoundrel headed for his second honey pot.”
LeBeau chuckled. “Good bet. The man finds an excuse to travel to Alleyton every chance he gets.”
“Does he, now?” Nick’s step halted. He pivoted, his brow furrowed.
“What do you expect with how googled-eyed he is over Frieda Schramm?” She stood.
Nick tugged his gloves from his pocket and exhaled. “I say we lock her in her room until we can thoroughly investigate.”
LeBeau latched onto her elbow with his talon-like fingers. “Good plan.”
Nick headed for the door. Hand on the knob, he paused. “You followed Reynolds and Miss Schramm to the woods behind the depot?”
Her throat constricted to a wheeze of air. “I reckon he couldn’t carry on with her right under her father’s nose.”
“Hmmm.” He opened the door, absent-mindedly slapping his gloves against his thigh.
“What are you thinking?” LeBeau pulled her along into the hall.
“I don’t know yet. It’s a jumble of possibilities.” Nick drove his hand over his hair. A tic worked itself in his cheek.
The lackey who’d been out front on the porch now loungedon a bench by the coatrack. He stood as they approached and donned his hat.
Owens opened the parlor door. “Ready for me, sir?”
“Yes.” LeBeau released his hold. “I’ll take care of Lucy. Go fetch George and a couple others.”
Morning Fawn eyed the back door. The pathway was clear. Nick’s horse was out front at the hitching post. If she got her hands on it and rode off in the opposite direction of Alleyton, they’d follow, probably assume she was headed to warn Devon…and end any shred of a chance she had of looking innocent. It’d buy Devon time. But it’d also turn their hot coal of suspicion into a prairie fire. A gamble, but she’d rather risk the option that’d put more distance between Devon and his enemies. Even if it landed her in jail.
“Butler,” Nick called to his man. “You stay for the questioning, then ride for Alleyton double quick. I’m going to round up some men at the warehouse?—”
Morning Fawn gathered her skirts and bolted for the back door.
