She went quiet for a few moments and then cleared her throat. “I was bored to tears, and at one point during that afternoon, I excused myself to stretch my legs. I was actually surprised they allowed me to walk out on the wrap-around porch.” She gave a lengthy pause, and then she gasped, and her eyes flew open. Her gaze locked with his. “Denton, Ididoverhear two of Albert’s servants. I think they worked in the stables.”
Excitement rushed through Denton, and he moved his hands down to hers, clasping them lightly. “Tell me what you heard.”
“The stable boys were discussing Clive Greenwood’s financial status. At the time, I thought it was ridiculous for the servants to gossip about a man who didn’t live there, but the servants were saying that Clive was a gambler and that Albert had threatened to cut him off.”
Relief swept through Denton, and he squeezed her hands, reassuringly. “This is wonderful, Courtney. Is that all you heard?”
“After I heard them talking, I walked further toward the edge of the porch to see who was gossiping, and they saw me and quickly left.”
“You’re doing great.” He winked. “Now, think back to the other conversations you had with Albert. Did he say anything about his children?”
She licked her lips. “The day I met them all, I learned that Wallace owned stocks in several hotels, and he was very successful. Patricia, Albert’s oldest daughter, had married a wealthy man, so she was taken care of. Clive didn’t talk about what he did for a living, though.” She frowned during her pause. “But Terrance has a share in the railroad, and Louise...” She paused again, and her forehead crinkled. “I don’t recall what she does. She stays at Albert’s estate quite a bit, but she also lives in a townhouse.”
Denton nodded. “If I recall, Terrance mentioned how spoiled his sister was, and how he wished that she would find a husband. I’m assuming she lives off her father’s money.”
Courtney arched an eyebrow. “That’s motive for wanting to kill Albert, right?”
“Yes, and no. I’d think Louise would want her father alive in order to keep giving her money. If she were upset about her father wanting to give all of his money to his soon-to-be wife, I’d think that Louise would want you dead, instead.”
Courtney’s face paled slightly. “Then, I can be thankful that Louise didn’t think of doing that.”
Denton rubbed the pads of his thumbs across her knuckles in a soft caress. “I’m relieved, as well. However, I’m not going to cross her off my suspects’ list. She still has motivation, although it’s not as strong as Clive’s.” He shifted from one foot to the other. “But that just means I need to head back to Helena and do some digging.”
Disappointment registered on her expression, and his heart melted. She did care about him. The quick beat of his heart reminded him – again – that he should not be having these feelings for her.
“Do you want me to come with you?”
He gave her a tender smile and reached up and cupped the side of her face again. “I’d love to bring you with me, but with the sheriff looking for you in Helena, I don’t know where to keep you that would be safe.”
Her frown deepened. “I can’t go anywhere now.” Her voice choked. “Since the newspaper decided to show a sketch of my face, people will recognize me.”
Denton’s mind clouded with thoughts. He really didn’t want to leave her with Clark and Pearl. Yet, taking her to Helena was out of the question. Unless... He cocked his head and narrowed his gaze on her. “I wonder what you would look like as a brunette?”
Her eyes widened, and a smile touched her tempting lips. “Yes! I could disguise myself.”
Her skin was so soft, and he wanted to continue caressing her face, but the feelings it invoked inside his chest made him pull back. “I’ll have to get us rooms at the hotel, but as long as you stay there while I’m doing some research, I think you’ll be fine.”
She nodded. “Yes. I’m sure I’ll be able to help you with the case in some way, too.”
“That’s my plan.” The enthusiasm inside him was bursting with anticipation.
“Oh, Denton.” Sighing, she closed the space between them and pressed her cheek against his chest. “You’ll never know how grateful I am that you are on my side.”
Struggling for some composure over the intimate moment, he breathed slowly and deeply. Although he didn’t want to, his arms wrapped around her loosely as if they had a mind of their own. He closed his eyes and breathed in her flowery scent.
“Courtney,” he said in a voice that was too deep. “I think we need to keep our... um, relationship more casual.”
She tilted back her head and looked up at him. Sad eyes met his gaze, and his heart wrenched.
“I thought...” She licked her lips. “I mean when you almost kissed me earlier...”
“Yes, I know,” he quickly explained. “I had let my guard down, and I shouldn’t have.” He shrugged. “I had become lost in your mesmerizing eyes, and well, the temptation was great.”
Her expression relaxed, and her eyes darkened. Either that, or it was the sun dipping further behind the mountain. Yet, once again, the mood was set. Curse those moods! He was a weak – and very lonely – man.
“Forgive me,” she whispered. “I don’t mean to be a temptation.”
Just talking about enticement made it worse. He was sinking, and he couldn’t swim... or maybe, he just didn’t want to swim. The fast rhythm of his heartbeat was taking control over his mind, and all he wanted to do was kiss her passionately.
