Thankfully, Stuart distracted her immediately. “I spoke with the stationmaster earlier today but learned nothing new. Nate and I are going to pay a visit to Jeremy. Nate seems to think he might be more forthcoming with the two of us.”
Norah looked up at him, surprised he’d already done so much. “I think that’s a wonderful idea. When will you go?”
“Tomorrow. And don’t worry, I’ll let you know the outcome of the visit as soon as I can.” He gave her a smile that warmed her from her toes to her face.
Perhaps tomorrow she would finally know more. All she wanted was for Jeremy to come home again. For her family to be made whole.
And Norah tried desperately to remember that as she fought to keep from losing herself in Stuart’s smile.
Chapter Eight
“YOU WERE HERE JUSTthe other day.” The prison guard’s tone was bored, but Stuart knew he wouldn’t point out such a fact without it having a purpose.
“Yes, with Mr. Parker’s sister. This is another friend of his.” Stuart gestured at Nate. “He hasn’t visited yet.”
The guard eyed them both before resting his gaze back on Stuart. “Visiting’s allowed once every three months. He can come in, but not you.”
“Yet you’ll allow people who want a tour and a way to ease their souls about their own station in life to come in as often as they like.” Stuart held the man’s gaze. “Provided they pay, of course.”
For a moment, Stuart thought the guard wouldn’t budge from his position. “All right. You pay again, you can visit. But I don’t want to see you back here for another three months.”
Stuart fished some coins from his pocket and handed them over. Nate did the same. The guard looked at the money, nodded, and after placing the coins in his pocket, led Stuart and Nate to the same empty, dim room and locked them in.
Nate stared hard at the door once the guard left, clearly uneasy.
“It won’t take long,” Stuart said.
Nate nodded once, but his fists remained clenched at his sides until the guard returned with Jeremy.
Jeremy appeared much the same as before—healthy enough, but with a hollow sort of look in his eyes. Even when he saw Stuart and Nate, the genuine smile he gave didn’t entirely erase the resignation he clearly carried with him.
There were two chairs on the opposite side of the table this time, and—directed by the guard—both Nate and Stuart sat. Stuart waited until the guard took up residence in his corner before speaking.
“I told Nate about the visit Norah and I paid, and he wished to see you also.” He kept his eyes on Jeremy as he spoke, searching for some clue that would prove or disprove his tale of innocence.
“It’s good to see you both,” Jeremy said. “How is my sister?”
