“What kind of deal?” She didn’t believe a word he said, but she was determined to hear him out.
Arthur sat before continuing. “I told Micah that I’d never stopped loving you and that I knew you loved me as well, but the pain of thinking I’d betrayed you made you afraid of that love and of me.”
“I’m not afraid of you, Arthur.” She could hardly bear to sit next to him and his condescending smile. If it weren’t for the fact that he was the only one who could give her answers about Micah, she would never have let him in the house.
“I’m glad to hear that. I told him we were meant for each other and that I felt confident that if he would step out of the picture, you would no longer be confused about your feelings for me.”
“Arthur, I haven’t been confused about my feelings for you in a long while. Now tell me where Micah is.” Her patience was quickly coming to an end.
He held out his hands, palms up. “I’m afraid I can’t do that. You see, I don’t know. I asked him to go away, and he did.” He let his hands rest on his lap and shrugged.
“Just like that?” She raised a brow in disbelief. “Do you really think me such a simpleton as to believe that?”
“Well, there was a bit more to the situation.” He smiled and shrugged. “I know you might think it underhanded.” He paused as if waiting for her to assure him otherwise. When Kenzie said nothing, he continued. “You see, I offered to build him a hospital. His very own—named after him. It would be the best that money could buy, with every piece of equipment possible. You know Dr. Fisher’s devotion to healing.”
Kenzie frowned. “I do.” She fixed her gaze on the hearth. Micah loved medicine more than life itself.
“Well, when I told him I would do this for him—free and clear—if he would just walk away—give you up—I suppose it was more than he could resist.” Arthur had the audacity to grin. “Everyone has their price.”
For a split second, Kenzie thought it might be true. But somewhere deep inside, she could hear Micah’s hopeful voice.“I love you, and you know that youlove me.”It cleared away all doubt.
“And ... Micah agreed to have you build him a hospital?” Kenzie questioned, stalling for time. It dawned on her that she might get more answers if she pretended she believed him. She sighed and let her shoulders slump. “I suppose you’re right and a hospital was his price. I’m sure it would have been almost impossible to resist such an offer. Micah is completely devoted to medicine.”
Arthur nodded, doing his best to look penitent. “I know you must think it terribly unfair of me, but I had to do whatever I could. I love you and can’t live without you. I knew his love for you wasn’t as strong as mine. I knew that if I offered the proper enticement, he would give you up and prove me right.” He leaned closer. “I did this for your own good. I knew his love wasn’t true—not like my own. If a man can be bought off, he can’t be truly in love.”
“No, I don’t suppose so.” Kenzie shook her head. “Still, I never expected you to take such a devious turn.”
“But, my dear, it wasn’t devious. It was done out of sheer desperation and the love I hold for you. You must see now how ardently I adore you. I want you to be my wife. Please, Kenzie, say you will.”
“I don’t know.” She touched her hand to her forehead. “I need time to think. This is all so shocking, and I have a terrible headache. I must go lie down.” She got to her feet, and Arthur did likewise.
He pulled her into his arms before Kenzie could say or do anything. “Kenzie, I love you. Search your heart—you know it’s true. Remember all of our good times—the hope we had for the future. We belong together. I know you love me.”
She remembered a time when someone had gotten sick at the library while Arthur was there to see her. He hadn’t been able to stomach the scene. She put her hand to her mouth and closed her eyes. “I think I’m going to be ill. The shock—you understand.”
He abruptly let her go, as she’d hoped. “Yes, of course.” He quickly stepped away and pulled a handkerchief from his pocket, holding it to his mouth. “Rest and then come to me or send word. We can leave as early as tonight.”
She opened her eyes. “If you don’t mind ... show yourself out. I wouldn’t want you to see me ... sick.”
He moved in a hurry toward the hall. “I’m sorry to have distressed you. Please feel better and send word when you’ve, ah, recovered.”
Kenzie nodded, but held her pose until she heard the front door open and shut. She went to the window and saw Arthur all but running down the front steps. She knew he had Micah under his power. No doubt that meant Micah was imprisoned somewhere. But where?
“Oh, Micah, I’m so sorry to have put your life in danger.” She turned from the window and shook her head. “But I promise I will find you. I will make this right.”
CHAPTER
20
Hiram Morgan intends to own most everything you see,” Joseph Gifford told Caleb as they walked around town.
Caleb studied the small community. “Did he explain his plan to the townspeople when he arrived?”
“Not at first. When he showed up, asking to speak to the mayor and city council, he only talked like he wanted a small section of land along the river. Eventually, that small section expanded to taking over everything.”
“And how did the people react?”
Joseph Gifford shrugged. “Most of them didn’t care, as long as there was plenty of money being offered. Some were more concerned about continuing to make a living. Morgan made promises, however. He told them they’d keep their jobs.”
