21
The clock had chimed four by the time Kenzie was finally able to sit down with Camri and Judith. She’d been formulating a plan in her head since talking with Arthur. She knew Micah was in danger, and it was up to her to see him rescued. After all, she was the reason he was in trouble.
“You invited Arthur here?” Camri shook her head.
“I’m convinced he’s done something with Micah. He must have him locked up somewhere.” Kenzie tried not to let her thoughts go to anything worse than imprisonment. “You know Micah too well to believe he’d leave of his own volition. He wouldn’t hurt his mother and father this way.”
“He wouldn’t leave you for ten hospitals,” Judith replied.
“I agree,” Camri said. “Micah isn’t that kind of man.”
“No, he’s not.” Kenzie smiled. “I knew Arthur was lying when he said it.” She sobered. “I don’t know if he’s hurt Micah, but I have to find out. I’ve come up with an idea.”
Judith leaned forward. “How can we help?”
A knock interrupted them before Kenzie could reply. The trio exchanged a look of concern.
“You don’t suppose Arthur has returned?” Camri asked, getting to her feet.
“I hope not.” Kenzie stood too.
Camri left them for a moment and then returned alone. “It’s a telegram.” She held it out so they could see the envelope. “It’s from Caleb.”
Relief washed over Kenzie. “I’m glad.” She sat back down while Camri read the message aloud.
“‘Morgan is lying. Catching train. Do nothing until my return. Caleb.’” She glanced up. “Well, that suggests he’s found out something.”
“I’ve no doubt Arthur is up to no good.” Kenzie shook her head. “When he was here earlier, it was as if scales had fallen from my eyes. I don’t know what I saw in him before. I think his declarations of love have always been a lie. I wish I had realized that when I first met him. I’m such a fool.”
“There’s nothing to be gained by that kind of thinking,” Judith declared. “We must look to the future.”
Camri lowered the telegram. “She’s right. Micah may be in a dire situation.”
“I’m certain he is. Arthur wouldn’t have come to me so confidently if Micah weren’t under his control. That’s why I’m going to move ahead with my plan. I’m going to see Arthur at his hotel.”
“But Caleb said not to do anything until he returns,” Judith protested. Kenzie got to her feet again, and Judith jumped up as well. She put her hand on Kenzie’s arm. “He wouldn’t want you to get hurt.”
“I know, but I don’t want Micah to get hurt, and that’s more important.”
“But how can going to speak with Arthur again help you?” Camri asked. “It’s not like he’ll confess that he has Micah.”
“No, but that’s where my plan comes into play.” Kenzie met Camri’s concerned expression and then Judith’s. “I will agree to marry him.”
“What? No, Kenzie, you can’t do that. You love Micah.” Judith’s eyes filled with tears.
“I’m not really going to marry him,” Kenzie said, giving Judith’s hand a squeeze, “but I’ll make him believe it. However, I’m also going to make it a requirement that I get to see Micah one last time so I can tell him to his face how awful I think he is for taking Arthur up on his offer.”
Both women looked at her as if she’d lost her mind.
Kenzie drew a deep breath. “Look, I know Arthur. He won’t produce Micah for me unless it suits his purpose to do so. Arthur will be thrilled to have me reject Micah in his presence. It will feed his sense of accomplishment. I’ll convince Arthur that I want to make Micah regret his choices and that without that satisfaction, I won’t marry him.”
Camri still looked skeptical. “Do you think he’ll agree?”
Kenzie nodded. “I know he will. Arthur loves to see his enemy laid low. This will be the icing on the cake for him, so to speak. Once I see that Micah is safe, then I can turn the tables on Arthur. We can probably have him arrested for whatever he’s done to Micah, but we’ll need Micah’s testimony to prove that.”
“You can’t go alone,” Judith said. “There’s nothing to stop that man from ... well, he might try to force you to his room.”
“We’ll go with you,” Camri said, surprising Kenzie. “If we’re with you, he won’t do anything untoward.” She glanced at the clock on the mantel. “Patrick mustn’t know. He wouldn’t understand. Thankfully, he won’t be home until after six. If we hurry, we can get to the hotel and back before then.”
