Her smile broadened. “‘There’s a friend who sticks closer than a brother.’”
The reference to Proverbs made him shake his head. “As admirable as that sounds, I hope I do not need to lay down my life in order to ensure your safety. After all, this is not a romance novel.”
Monroe grunted. “It sure sounds like you’re trying to make it one.”
“Not in the least. I am only here to do my job.”
Jealous skepticism flashed across his face.
Great. Just what he needed—another reason for Marcus Monroe to make his job more difficult.
“My life is neither a romance novel nor a Billy Poe novel.” Lydia shook her head, and worry lines creased around her eyes. “Except perhaps it is. Iwasalmost abducted and murdered in a way befitting my crime.”
Instead of dissolving into a fit of uncontrollable sobbing and meekness, her lips thinned, her hands flexed, and she reclaimed her angry pacing. If Billy Poe happened to appear before her, the man would likely end up as the recipient of a floorer. The reaction shouldn’t have surprised Abraham. Most of the women in his life—Clara included—generally faced problems head-on, even if tears eventually became involved.
Lydia continued ranting. “Between Cincinnati out to kill me and Billy Poe out to woo me, I might very well be in the midst of both a romance and a mystery.” She pivoted and marched back in Abraham’s direction. “Do you know that he’s been watching me closely?” She stopped at the window and searched the streets before shaking her head and continuing on her warpath. “He knows what I’m reading. He’s seen Theresa and me caring for Tipsy. He even talked about how delicious my pork roast looked and smelled. I’d say he was in the house, but it’s only been my family, the Planes, and Mrs. Hawking here.”
Those were unsettling details indeed, but those activities could be seen from the ground-floor windows. Not that it made the situation any better.
“Even worse, he intends to prove his love through a gift only he can give.”
Nowthatwas disturbing news. “May I see the note?”
She gestured to Lawson, who retrieved it from his pocket.
Abraham unfolded the parchment to reveal the familiar writing. Though filled with words of admiration, it was barbed with phrases like “ordinary heroes give chocolate and flowers; I give you justice.” His hints at a special gift waiting just for her meant there would be no going home once Abraham left here. He and Lawson would be chasing down the remaining potential victims to inform them of the heightened risk to their safety. Poe planned to murder again soon, and all in the name of love.
Abraham refolded the letter and slipped it into his coat’s inner pocket.
Lydia’s tirade resumed. “What kind of man believes love equates to flowers and dead bodies?”
“You do have similar views of justice.” Lawson shrugged. “And you did kill those men in your books. Isn’t the greatest form of flattery imitation?”
Lydia stumbled to a stop, her face pale. If Lawson was trying to determine if she were part of a conspiracy, her responses were evidence enough that she was not.
“Perhaps Billy Poe should read your romance novels. Then he could start re-creating the right scenarios of love.” Miss Plane’s teasing tone was decidedly out of place. Upon seeing Lydia’s horrified expression, Miss Plane’s shoulders sagged. “I’m sorry. I was only trying to help lighten the mood. What do you call it in your stories? Comedy relief?”
Lydia shook her head. “Comedy relief only works when it’s well-timed. Your attempt was not.”
Monroe touched Lydia’s shoulder. “She’s not wrong to lighten the mood. You need to calm yourself and leave Billy Poe to us.”
She jerked out of his grip and stumbled backward into Abraham.
He caught her against his chest. Her citrus-scented curls bunched around his nose, and the warmth of her back against him branded him in a way it shouldn’t have. She was just a woman.
Yet even as he thought it, thatjust a womancame back to slap him. Lydia Pelton was far from common, and holding her was as dangerous to his sensibilities as holding an adder.
He righted her and stepped away to create space.
Lydia stepped with him, keeping them unsettlingly close.
Monroe glowered at Abraham like he’d identified his newest adversary.
“Go home, Marcus,” Lydia said. “I appreciate your coming, but I don’t need your coddling. I’ll deliver the next Billy Poe novel on time, but I ask that you leave me alone until then.”
“I’m not here about your novel. I’m here foryou. I’ve made clear my regard for you. Please don’t push me away because you’re scared.”
“I’m not scared. I just need to sort this out in the same way I do everything.”
