Ashton nodded. “That was me.” He blew out a gush of air and frowned. “What did you steal from him?”
“Evidence that had him arrested for the opium scandal.”
His eyes widened. “From what you took?”
“I found a journal that had the information we were looking for. I gave it to my brother, who then turned it over to the Metropolitan Police. That is the reason I left you right after you caught my fall because I needed to deliver the journal to my brother. He waited outside for me.”
He gasped. “You’re not jesting about your whole family being detectives?”
She nodded weakly. “I’m telling the truth. That is the reason I was hesitant to introduce you to my family. I have never introduced them to men I have cared for.”
Ashton’s face softened. “And how many men have you cared for? I’m sure you’ve had your share of admirers.”
“Actually, you are the first man I have wanted to introduce to my family.” Perhaps she shouldn’t have confessed that, but since she was dying, she thought to lay everything on the line.
Once again, silence fell between them. The only noise was the popping of the wood in the fireplace. Soon, he removed his stare and looked toward the fire. Her heart dropped. Apparently, he didn’t return her feelings. Then why had he acted as if he found pleasure in her arms as she had his?
After a few awkward minutes, he cleared his throat and looked her way. “So, the detectives you work with think I’m the railway robber?”
“Yes. Also, after asking around, it was mentioned a few times that someone meeting your description was on the railway during every robbery.”
“Impossible. I wasn’t there. Don’t you think I’d know that?”
“Do you have an alibi for those times?”
He arched an eyebrow. “Do I need one?”
“Maybe not now, but—”
“Nicole, I’m not the thief,” he snapped. “Why can’t you believe me?”
“I’m not the only one you need to convince,” she whispered brokenly. “And the way the others are looking at it, you are the main suspect.” It was an effort, but she lifted her good hand to touch his arm. “Ashton, I’m only trying to help and prepare you for—”
“If you were trying to help me, then you would talk to them and convince them of my innocence.” He scowled.
Her heart broke, mainly to think her last words here on this earth would be of anger and pain. More than anything, she wanted him to know how she truly felt about him. Before her body finally succumbed to death’s door, she must tell him. “Ashton...”
Sounds from the hallway boomed through the empty house, making Ashton swing around. “The servants are back.”
He moved to stand but she tried to stop him with her hand. Unfortunately, she was very weak and couldn’t. Her arm plopped to the ground beside her. “Ashton, don’t go. There is something...I need...to tell you.”
“You can tell me later. We need to find a doctor for you,” he said, standing.
“Please, Ashton. Stay...with me.”
“I’ll be right back, I assure you.”
As he headed out the door, she closed her eyes, tears falling freely now. “I love you,” she muttered just before the pain in her arm slowly disappeared and her world turned dark.
Chapter Fourteen
Sounds carried through Nicole’s head as if she were dreaming; several different voices she didn’t recognize. Only one stood out, warming her heart. Ashton spoke to her. Strange that she could hear him after she was dead, but he was telling her to hold on—not to give up. He coaxed her in a gentle voice, and she thought she felt his hand touch her cheek and stroke her arm. But how could she feel that if she were already dead? Ghosts couldn’t feel things, could they? Then again, how would she know since she’d never been a ghost before?
Other things passed through her mind. Words she recalled her father telling her from yesteryear, and even her brother’s voice. They loved her. They supported her. And they would always protect her. Unfortunately, they couldn’t protect her this time, and the one man she truly wanted to protect her didn’t trust her any longer.
“Oh, Ashton.” She heard herself say his name but didn’t remember her lips moving. Nothing made sense in the dreamlike world where she floated on a cloud, not really seeing anything, only hearing bits and pieces. Thankfully, though, the pain in her arm was gone. She’d always believed that after she died, she’d be made whole again when she lived in Heaven.
Gradually, the fuzziness in her head disappeared. Her shoulder began to throb with pain, and even the sounds around her became clearer. Two women were talking; one was giving instructions to someone. Apparently, Nicole hadn’t died after all, unless she did and came back to life.
