“Good.” Enthusiasm brightened her tone. “When are we going?”
We?
He paused, taking in her earnest expression. She wanted so much to be a part of the arrest. Given her role thus far, she had every right to be. Reason urged him to forbid her to accompany them. The plan seemed straightforward, but the potential for danger was high, and despite her determination to uncover answers and to right wrongs, she was petite. Delicate. If the situation were to become perilous, would she be able to protect herself?
But she had been the one to uncover this entire plan—the one to bring Lucas in. She had as much to risk as anyone.
As if sensing his skepticism, she entreated, “I’m not reckless, Lucas, nor am I ignorant. I fully understand the potential danger, but I am a part of this. Can you see that? I have my future to think about. Laura’s future. Please do not omit me. Perhaps it’s not conventional, but I—”
“Olivia.”
The use of her Christian name silenced her racing words. She snapped her mouth shut and pressed her lips together.
He placed his hands gently on her shoulders and inched closer. “Over the past few weeks I’ve watched you. Learned from you. I see your determination, and I’d not dampen that for anything. But as someone who cares deeply for you, I must protest. It could be precarious, and if anything were to happen, I’d never forgive myself for not doing more to protect you.”
She seemed stunned.
Could she really be that surprised?
“But I—I—”
He took her hand in his. “I’ve never encountered anyone quite like you. I understand and adore your passion and ambition and would not change it for the world, but that does not change the fact that this is dangerous. I want to protect you.”
“If you understand it, as you say, then you understand why I must be there,” she retorted, her tone unyielding.
The words hung between them.
He studied her—really studied her.
What other woman would be willing to risk her safety for something she believed in? What other woman did he know who cared about principle and truth to the degree he did and was willing to put her dedication into action?
It was that very enthusiasm that made herher—that set her apart from other women. To squelch it or to deny Olivia would be to silence her uniqueness.
“Russell has abused my family. My father’s memory,” she argued, her tone sharp and steady. “Yes, I want him found out and I want justice rendered. But I need to be there for myself. I owe it to my father. You would not stand by and let someone else handle this. Why should I? This business is all I have of my father, Lucas. I have to see this through.”
He felt her ardent words as keenly as if they’d been his own.
He wanted to soothe her. Encourage her. Join her on a journey they both could find peace and purpose in. But she was right—she needed to see this through for herself.
And he’d not stand in her way.
“My dear Olivia.” He brushed a lock of hair away from her face and let his finger linger on her cheek. “You are stubborn.”
She gave a little laugh and impatiently swiped at the moisture pooling in her eyes.
“I’ll not stop you, nor will I forbid you to come. I don’t think you’d listen to me anyway. But you must let me make one request. Don’t you dare do anything too dangerous. I don’t think I could bear it if I lost you.”
Chapter43
Arthur Cunningham looked nothing like Olivia expected him to. He was small and gaunt, and deep lines creased the skin around his eyes and mouth. His thick white hair hung disheveled from beneath his wide-brimmed hat, and he walked with a limp, as if in pain.
How on earth was this man supposed to apprehend a criminal, especially if he tried to escape?
Judging by the hard glare he fixed on her, she didn’t meet his expectations either.
Mr.Cunningham jerked his thumb in her direction and turned to Lucas. “Who’s this?”
Lucas, with exaggerated manners, pivoted toward her. “MissBrannon, may I present Mr.Cunningham, the magistrate of this area. And, Mr.Cunningham, may I present MissBrannon of Brannon Antiquities and Company.”
