Since Laurie started working at the Monarch, she looked forward to the end of the day when she could relax and play with Mathew and Maryanne, eat dinner, and give her family the latest news and gossip from the mine. Not today. As she drove home, the more she thought, the more she dreaded her upcoming confrontation with her brother. Lately it seemed all he ever talked about was returning to the Monarch. How would he react when informed he couldn’t come back? Would he be shocked? Angry? Would he deny everything? What if he confessed what he’d done and begged for a second chance? But he doesn’t deserve one, she thought bitterly. All her life she’d looked up to her older brother, despite his teasing and meanness. Now she saw him for the man he really was: devious, dishonest, without an honorable bone in his body. He could never be trusted and could never come back. And why would he want to? Father had been easy to fool, but she’d wager either Darcy or Tom, both sharp-witted and shrewd, would soon catch Hugh in the act if he tried to steal again. As of yesterday, she was seeing her brother in a different light. Who knew what he’d try? One thing for sure. He had to be told now, the sooner the better, and no second chance.
Laurie arrived home to find Ada in a high state of repressed excitement. Kenvern would arrive at seven o’clock. She was ready for him, having obtained a copy of McGuffey Reader, the one for fourth grade, as Laurie had recommended. “Do I look all right?” Ada’s hair swung prettily away from her shoulders as she twirled around in her best blue muslin dress. Her eyes sparkled. A rosy glow flushed her cheeks.
Ada had always called herself the plain sister. She could never be considered beautiful, but to Laurie’s delight, today she was. “You look absolutely gorgeous. Have you told Mother?”
“Yes, and she said she was going to retire to her room directly after dinner.” Ada sighed. “She’s not happy.”
“We’ll worry about that later. I must go upstairs and talk to Hugh.” He was all Laurie could think of right now, and the more she thought, the angrier she got over what he’d done. Father, the whole family, had trusted him so completely they’d ignored all the signs: his fancy suite of rooms at the Egyptian Hotel; sporty new clothes; the way he’d gone around acting like a rich mine owner when in reality he worked for his father at a mine that was about to go broke. She’d wondered how he was able to afford all the luxuries, and now she knew.
She found Hugh out of bed, dressed and sitting in his room reading. He smiled and got up when she knocked and came in. “Ah, there you are,” he said. “Another hard day at the mine? You look tired. Come in and have a seat. I’m thinking of coming down to dinner tonight.” He gingerly placed a hand on his left rib cage, the one that had suffered the most damage. “Definitely better. Tomorrow I might even go for a beer at the Gold Spike. I’ll be back at the mine before you know it.”
Hugh could be charming when he wanted to be, like now, and that made her mission all the more difficult. She had an urge to flee but quickly suppressed it. She’d be a coward if she backed out now. She sank to a chair, returned no answering smile, and solemnly announced, “I’ve got to talk to you. It’s a matter of great importance.”
“Really? Oh, my.” Hugh got that familiar teasing little smirk on his face, the one that implied nothing she said could be taken seriously.
She had planned on softening the blow by giving him a way out. Maybe she was wrong. Maybe he had an explanation. But not now. For the first time, she found his superior attitude beyond annoying. It had become intolerable. He’d always talked down to her and Ada, treated them like his two sweet but empty-headed younger sisters. She never thought to protest. Weren’t women supposed to be empty-headed? She used to think so, but not anymore, and found herself drained of all sympathy. “I’ve bad news for you, Hugh. You won’t be coming back to the Monarch Mine.”
He must have been surprised, even though he retained his expression of complete unconcern. “And why is that?”
“Because you were stealing the company blind.” She could have gone on, but she’d said what needed to be said, and sat back to wait for his reaction.
Other than a stone-cold stare he had no reaction, at least not one she could see. After a long, chilling pause, he softly inquired, “And what makes you think I’m a thief?”
Ready for his question, she proceeded to give him as complete an answer as she could. The altered accounting ledgers. The conflicting report concerning the daily amount of ore produced. Hugh’s high-living style when their father was complaining they were nearly broke. Her anger grew in the telling until she couldn’t hold it back. Rising from her chair, she stabbed a finger at him. “You complained about the high-graders stealing our ore. Now it turns out you were the worst high-grader of them all, stealing I-don’t-know-how-much from the Monarch, and that’s not all. You lied to me when you said Father was gambling all the family’s money away when all the time, it was you. How dare you! That man cared for you, loved you, and look how you repaid him.”
He sat quietly through her increasingly angry discourse, his expression unchanged. When she finished, he shrugged indifferently and inquired, “Anything else?”
“Yes, something else. Why did you tell me Father was carrying on with that woman who owns the hotel when he did no such thing? I think you did it out of meanness and spite, just to make me feel bad.”
A half smile crossed his face. “Ah, so you’ve been talking to your dear friend, Darcy McKenna. Did he tell you he’s also one of Mrs. Wagner’s frequent visitors? Her favorite lover, from what I understand. Does that not break your heart?”
She almost gasped but caught herself. Hugh’s shrewd eyes never missed a thing. Careful though she’d been, she should have known he’d spot her attraction to Darcy. But she couldn’t let him distract her. She’d gone too far to stop now. She took a deep, calming breath and lowered her voice. “To make this easier for all of us, I want you to return to your suite at the Egyptian. You’re well enough now, so that shouldn’t be a problem.”
Hugh’s eyes narrowed. “This is my home. You can’t kick me out.”
She had no intention of backing down. How sad she’d lost all her sympathy for the brother she’d once idolized. “Mother and Ada have got to know the truth. If they don’t mind, then come for a visit any time you want. I won’t keep you away from your family, especially Mathew and Maryanne, who don’t see enough of you anyway. You’re lucky, Hugh. If you leave and don’t cause any more trouble, we’ll do nothing more, and you’ll get away with your thievery. Of course, you must agree never to set foot at the Monarch Mine again, or anywhere close.”
His eyes blazed with sudden anger, but after a moment he answered pleasantly, “The Monarch is the least of my concerns. As soon as I’m able, and that will be soon, I have other plans.”
“Like what?”
He tipped his head and regarded the ceiling, as if pondering whether or not to tell her. “If you must know, for quite some time I’ve been organizing an expedition. I was, shall we say, out of funds when Father died, but I’ve recently come across a new source of financing.” A smile touched his lips. “Let’s just say I have obtained enough money for the expedition and am ready to go.”
“Go where?” She couldn’t imagine what he had in mind.
“I’m going to find the Lost Lake. Whoever finds it will be rich beyond their wildest dreams, and that, my dear, will be me.”
“Are you serious?” She could hardly believe what she was hearing. “There is no Lost Lake. From what I’ve heard, those rumors have been going around for ages, and there’s nothing to them.”
He regarded her smugly. “You don’t know what I know. Granted, the lake is nearly inaccessible, but others have found it, and so will I.”
This was insane, but she didn’t care to argue. If he chose to go on a wild goose chase, it was no business of hers. She stood, ready to leave. “I don’t care what you do as long as you stay away from the Monarch.” She waited for his answer, but he remained silent, giving her a long, contemptuous stare. “Agreed?”
He took his time, deliberately making her stand and wait an uncomfortable length of time for his answer. “I won’t be coming down for dinner tonight after all. You may tell Mei Ling she can serve me in my room.”
He spoke in a tone cold and clear as ice water. Clearly, he was toying with her, hoping she’d humbly stand there begging for his reply. In the past, she probably would have, but not anymore.
“Tell her yourself.” She left without another word, not bothering to close the door behind her.
* * * *
Mother had retired to her room by the time Kenvern Trenowden arrived. Cap in hand, so shy he could hardly speak, he looked as if he might bolt and run at any moment. Both Laurie and Ada went out of their way to put him at ease, and within minutes he began to relax and enjoy himself. As they sat at the kitchen table, Laurie watched with pleasure as her shy, reserved sister blossomed into a talkative, animated young woman who tossed her head flirtatiously and laughed with abandon. And who could blame her? Kenvern might be uneducated and simple-spoken, but with his roguish smile, booming laughter, and masculine good looks, he filled the room with his presence, if not the whole house.
At first, Laurie took an active part in the lesson. She and Ada took turns as they went through the pages of the primer. Soon, however, she noticed that whenever she spoke, Kenvern had difficulty switching his gaze from Ada to her. And Ada could hardly keep her eyes off Kenvern. If nothing else, Laurie could take a hint. When she stood and announced she was tired and going to bed, she knew she hadn’t been mistaken. As she left the kitchen, she could have sworn Ada and Kenvern didn’t even notice she was gone.
That night, she couldn’t sleep for thinking about Hugh. What nonsense about Lost Lake. What did he mean when he talked about “a new source of financing”? He couldn’t be serious and was just trying to throw her off. She kept seeing the expression on his face when she told him his theft had been discovered. It wasn’t just an angry look, it was a look full of cold fury, of evil intent, a look so threatening the thought of it sent chills up her spine. Darcy was right. She should have let him handle her brother. She’d been foolishly overconfident to think a few words from her would cause the arrogant Hugh Sinclair to meekly give in and agree to stay away from the Monarch. As yet, she hadn’t told Mother and Ada. They’d be crushed when they found out, especially Mother, who considered her only son to be the anointed one, the golden hope of the family. Sooner or later they’d have to know the truth, just not tonight. She’d gone through enough for one evening.
So, she was back where she started from. Tomorrow she’d have to tell Darcy she’d failed, and would he please take care of the problem. Which, God help her, she should have done in the first place.
* * * *
The next day, Laurie went to work as usual. She waited until she found Darcy alone in the office before she brought up the subject. “I spoke to Hugh last night.”
“And?”
Judging from his clipped answer, he wasn’t going to make this easy for her. “And you were right. I don’t know if I got through to him or not. He…he…didn’t seem to want to cooperate.” She hated how she was bumbling. “I did my best. Told him he could never set foot in the Monarch Mine again, but I don’t think…” She didn’t like the way Darcy was looking at her, so cool, so perceptive, as if he already knew what she was going to say. “All right, I failed. He didn’t take it well. You were right, and I was wrong.”
“Looks that way.”
At least he wasn’t gloating. “I guess you’re the one who should have talked to him in the first place.”
“Looks that way.”
“I can’t believe he means it, but there’s something else he plans to do.”
“And what is that?”
“He said he’s going to lead an expedition to Lost Lake. You know, the lake that’s supposed to have all that gold?”
Darcy started laughing. “Are you serious? That story has been around for years.”
“He says he found someone to finance the expedition, so I’m sure he means it.”
“Then he’s more of a fool than I thought. Where can I find him?”
“He’s feeling better. Said he was ready for a beer at the Gold Spike. You might find him there tonight. That would be better than home. As yet, Mother and Ada have no idea what’s going on.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll take care of it.”
Relief flooded through her. She wished she could tell him how worried she’d been, how very grateful she was, but his distant attitude caused her to respond in kind. “Thank you. I appreciate that.”
“So, he might be at the Gold Spike tonight?”
“That’s what he told me, but he didn’t say what time.” She’d said enough but couldn’t help adding, “Along with everything else, Hugh told me you were the one carrying on with that woman who owns the Gold Spike.”
The strong line of his jaw tightened, ever so slightly. “You mean Mrs. Wagner?”
“Yes, Mrs. Wagner.” How dumb could she get? Why had she mentioned the woman? She could kick herself. Darcy might think she was jealous, which she certainly was not. “Not that it matters.”
“It doesn’t matter at all.”
The chill in his voice came through loud and clear. Nothing more to say. “All right then, I’ll get back to my time sheets.” She turned away, vowing from now on, she’d regard Darcy as her business partner and nothing more. Obviously, that was what he wanted, and she’d be happy to oblige.
* * * *
That night, Darcy ate dinner as usual in the hotel dining room. Afterward, he visited the saloon, a part of the hotel he usually avoided. A tinny version of “Arkansas Traveler” blasted from the piano. Even at this early hour, boisterous crowds of men gathered around the gaming tables. Laurie had said her brother might be here. Sure enough, Hugh sat at the long mahogany bar, taking a swig from a bottle of beer. Darcy slid onto the stool beside him. Hugh looked over, saw who it was and slammed down his bottle. “If it isn’t McKenna. Just the man I wanted to see.”
One sniff told Darcy this wasn’t the man’s first beer. His breath reeked of alcohol. “Let’s step outside,” he said softly. “I want to talk to you.”
Hugh snorted. “Why would I want to do that?”
“Because I asked.” He rarely resorted to any use of force. Usually a look was enough, especially for someone like this little weasel. “I’ll ask one more time. Shall we step outside?” He directed a bullet gaze into Hugh’s eyes and held it steady.
Hugh glared back but his gaze quickly faltered, just as Darcy expected. He shifted his eyes away. “Sure. All right. I’ve got the time,” he mumbled.
They went outside and around to the side of the hotel where they could be alone. As they went, Darcy watched Hugh closely. If he was too drunk, no use talking to him. He wasn’t staggering, though, and looked sober enough to comprehend good advice. “You already know what I’m going to say. You heard it from your sister.”
Hugh’s face clouded with anger. “No woman is going to tell me what to do.”
“You should have listened. Stay away from the Monarch. Thieves aren’t welcome. Out of consideration for your family, no one’s going to have you arrested, but don’t push your luck, and do not ever again”—Darcy’s cold voice grew colder still—“show your face at the mine. Are we clear?”
Hugh’s lips quivered with outrage. “By all rights, the Monarch is mine now. I inherited it from my father, and you can’t keep me away.”
“That’s where you’re wrong. I own fifty-one percent of the Monarch. That means what I say goes, but I’m not going to argue. Just stay away, and if I hear you’ve threatened Laurie in any way, you’ll hear from me.”
Hugh smirked and replied, “Sweet on her, aren’t you? But it won’t do you any good. She can hardly wait to get back to the love of her life in Philadelphia.”
If ever Darcy had an urge to smash his fist in someone’s face, it was now. But of course, he wouldn’t. This pitiful excuse for a man wasn’t worth it. “Are we clear?”
“You high-and-mighty mine owners think you own the world,” Hugh answered in a contemptuous tone. “I don’t need you to tell me what to do. Mark my words, I’ll soon be richer than all of you.”
Darcy had to chuckle. “You’re going to find Lost Lake? I can only hope you’re not serious. It’s a myth, Hugh. There’s no lost prospector who found a lake covered with a layer of gold dust, no Indians with solid gold fish hooks, no huge gold nuggets lying on the ground.”
“Believe what you like, but this time I’ll have the last laugh.”
Darcy had done his best, but he’d learned long ago some men wouldn’t listen to reason, and Hugh was one of them, especially now when he was half drunk and belligerent. “You heard what I said, Hugh. Get back to your beer.” He turned and walked away.
Headed for his room, he met Lucille on the staircase. He said hello, and was about to pass by, when she waylaid him with a gentle hand on his arm. “Darcy, what’s the matter?” she asked, all motherly concern.
“Nothing. Just tired.”
Sometimes she had a shrewd way of looking at him when she didn’t believe him, like now. “Come to my room, and we’ll have tea,” she said.
“Well…”
“Just tea.”
Soon he was sitting in the room he’d avoided these past few weeks, a room he always thought of with pleasure for more reasons than one. How could he not find comfort in the faint scent of her lavender sachet, the soft ticktock of her ormolu clock on the mantel, the rich gleam of her fine silver tea service, the teacups so fragile he might break one just by looking at it. He took a sip of the tea she’d just made. “I’ve always liked this room. I feel at peace here.”
“Thank you.” She cocked her head. “Now tell me what’s wrong.”
Knowing he could trust her completely, he told her about Hugh, how he’d stolen God only knew how much from the Monarch Mine, and now might cause trouble.
She listened carefully, as she always did. When he finished, she remarked, “That’s terrible. What an awful man, but I’m sure you can handle him.”
“Not only that.” Darcy added, “He’s planning on finding the Lost Lake. Says he’ll soon be richer than all of us.”
“That old story? How ridiculous.” She gave him her familiar piercing gaze. “Now what else is wrong?”
“Nothing.”
“Oh, yes, there is. It’s that Sinclair girl, isn’t it?”
“She’s already taken. I told you that.”
“Oh, really?” Lucille looked faintly amused. “Then what were you two doing in your room that night? Playing tic-tac-toe?”
“How did you know?”
“Good heavens, I own the hotel, Darcy. Nothing escapes me. And don’t think you’ve hurt my feelings. Nothing would give me more pleasure than to see you married and settled down. As for your Miss Sinclair—”
“She’s not my Miss Sinclair. I’m an honorable man, Lucille. I’m not taking another man’s woman, and that’s final.”
She sighed patiently. “Sometimes honor can be overdone. She’s not married to him, is she?” He shook his head. “Then she’s fair game, far as I’m concerned. You’re not yourself, Darcy. No one would notice but me, but ever since you met her, you’ve had an unsettled look about you, like something struck you, and you’re not sure what. Obviously, you care for her, and I’d wager the young lady cares for you, although she might not want to admit it, maybe not even to herself.”
He took another sip of tea before he answered. “I’ll think about it.”
“You do that, and here’s my final word on the subject. The next time you get the chance, and I’m sure you will, forget about honor and seize the opportunity. You may be surprised.”