Page 83 of Air Affair

She clenched her fists and faced him down. “Papa, I am not a racehorse you can buy and sell. You threw me out, and I am never coming back, no matter what you do.”

“No amount of money will convince me not to marry Rory,” Hank said, swinging his leg down with difficulty and using his crutches to stand. Even hunched on crutches, he loomed over her father. “For the last time, I don’t want your money, Major.”

“Nonsense,” her father said. “Every man has his price.”

“Papa, stop. Enough. Do you remember when you married Eleanor, and the Vanderbilts threatened to end their contract with your company? Did it stop you?”

“Of course not. I fail to see your point,” he fumed.

“My point is that I love Hank, and nothing you say or do will change my mind about marrying him, nor will it change his,” she said, looking at Hank. “We love each other like you and Eleanor did, and we’re willing to face the consequences. The sooner you accept that, the better.”

The doctor rushed in and implored, “Ladies and gentlemen, this is a hospital. I’ll thank you to keep your voices down, or I’m going to call the police.”

“No need to call us. We’re right here,” said Inspector Green, striding into the room. “Major Belmont, if you don’t leave right away, I’m going to place you under arrest. You’re still under suspicion for the sabotage of Mr. Hawley’s plane, and even you aren’t above the law.”

“Wait! No! Papa didn’t do it,” she said.

“Can you prove that, Miss Belmont?”

“Well, no, but⁠—”

“Your father had motive and opportunity, being a Major with significant access to both the pilots and the airplanes. However, his secretary and his wife have vouched for his whereabouts over the last week. Whether they can be trusted to be truthful is an open question. Until concrete evidence of guilt or innocence emerges, he will continue to be a person of interest. Mr. Belmont, I suggest you consider your next actions very carefully.”

Her father stepped right up to the inspector and stared him down with a steely gaze. The inspector didn’t budge.

“Leave, Major,” said Inspector Green. “I have my handcuffs ready if you refuse to cooperate.”

Rory watched as her father sized up the inspector and then looked at the two officers flanking the door. He was outmatched, and he knew it. “I will cooperate, as I seem to have no choice, but I promise you will pay for your insolence.”

“Threatening me is unwise, Major. It just makes things look worse for you.”

Rory watched, speechless, as her father was escorted out of the hospital by the police.

Hank sat down hard on the bed, looking exhausted from even that short moment of standing. She rushed to him. “Are you all right? Did you hurt yourself standing up like that?”

“I’m all right. Just a little unsteady on my feet is all, princess. I’m more worried about you.”

She sat next to him and took his hand. “I’ll be fine.” Or as fine as one could be with a father under suspicion for attempted murder of one’s fiancé.

The doctor cleared his throat. “Uh, well, a nurse will bring you some cream and extra bandages, and then you will be free to go. There’s a note here saying the Army covered the cost of your stay, since the accident happened while you were in active service. So, there’s no need to worry about payment. But you are under the strictest of orders to rest, Lieutenant Hawley. Are we clear?”

“Yes doctor.”

“Very well. I’ll leave you be. Best wishes for a speedy recovery, Lieutenant Hawley.”

A nurse came in a few minutes later to finish his discharge, and they were free to go. They headed back to his house together at last. After all that had transpired, she wanted nothing more than a nice long afternoon alone with the man she loved.

“Lunch smells delicious, princess—worlds better than that swill they served at the hospital.”

They sat down together in his breakfast nook, and she couldn’t hold back a grin of pride.

“I’m impressed,” he said after his first few bites. “Who knew the princess of New York knew how to cook?”

“I’m not completely useless, Hank. You may have noticed I have an independent streak. I like to do things for myself. Just because I didn’t have to didn’t mean I didn’t want to learn. I’ll have you know I can also change a flat tire on a car, keep household accounts, and mend clothing.”

Hank grinned. “You never cease to surprise me, Rory,” he said, taking her hand and kissing it. “I’m a very lucky man.”

His velvety voice sent heat straight to her core, and she leaned close, brushing her lips against his. “Yes, you are.”