London, England
July 30, 1896
Leigh was in London once more; this time, it was under different circumstances. She was the wife of Jace Elliott, and they had come to settle the past. She and Jace had traveled under the names of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Johnston. Upon docking, they remained aboard the steamer until dark, in case Lord Chadwick Hamilton was having the waterfront watched for Jace’s approach. They were picked up in a covered carriage belonging to Prime Minister Cecil Salisbury and taken to his home. There they found Joanna Harris Marlowe, who had arrived two days ago.
The auburn-haired woman of twenty-three hugged her stepbrother and cried. Joanna begged Jace’s understanding and forgiveness. When she was calmed, Jace asked for the truth.
Joanna’s hazel eyes were red and dewy as she complied. “I never wanted you or anyone harmed, Jace; you must believe me. By the time I learned what was happening, it was too late; I was too deeply involved to expose Chad. After Father’s death, I heard Chad say you could never return to England. He said he didn’t want to kill you, that he wanted you to live and suffer, so I believed you were safe. When I received your telegram about his attempts on your life, I couldn’t hold silent any longer. Whatever happens to me, this horrid nightmare must end. I would have told you sooner,” she vowed, “but I wanted to protect Frank and little Jace, and myself. I have a wonderful husband and son. I told Frank everything, and he agreed I should come.”
Leigh and Lord Salisbury remained silent and alert, but Jace asked several questions; “How did you meet Frank Marlowe? How did you run away? Why?”
Joanna sipped water to wet her throat and dry lips. “Let me tell you what happened here first. My journey started long ago, when our parents married. I’ve known Chad since I was six years old. I liked him and trusted him, Jace, just like you did and Father did. I was daft about him from the time I became a young woman. You know how he attracted and charmed all the girls. Chad had a powerful magic, an evil magic, about him that lured people to him; then, he consumed them like a voracious devil. All except you, Jace; you saw him for what he was and pulled free of him. I wasn’t that strong or that lucky.”
Her hazel eyes were haunted by memories. “If you’ll recall, I was not in London when you visited in ‘92. I was with Mother’s kin in Scotland. I didn’t know about the trouble between you two.” She pushed straying locks of chestnut from her pale face. “I was to marry Benjamin Carver in the spring of ‘94. He called off the betrothal and married another woman. I didn’t truly love him, but I was hurt and humiliated. Chad rushed to see me. He poured on that magical and irresistible charm. Before I knew it, I was enslaved to him in heart, mind, and body. He promised to marry me that Christmas, and he convinced me to move into his home. Father and Mother were ashamed and furious, but I was too in love to listen.”
No one interrupted the painful confession, and no one spoke a distracting word when Joanna halted to sip more water.
“When you came home in June, Chad ordered me not to see you. I didn’t want any trouble or to lose him, so I obeyed. When you came to his townhouse, you two got into that terrible fight. Someone summoned the authorities, and you were arrested. Chad refused to let me see you and explain about our love and marriage.” She rubbed the scar on her cheek. “He told me he had struck me in the heat of your quarrel because I begged to speak with you alone. He told me what happened in South Africa. He was so loving and convincing. That’s why I didn’t come to the jail or see you after you were released. While you were imprisoned, he asked me to steal Father’s knife. You know, the one you brought to him from South Africa with his name carved on it. I also stole a lantern from the company, marked Elliott’s of London. Chad said they were for a harmless trick, and I believed him. Then Mr. Stokely was killed and his company burned, the very day of your release and departure. Those two witnesses lied about Father being there before the fire. His knife and lantern were found in the alley. Chad had asked me to invite Father to the townhouse to discuss how to make peace with my family so Chad and I could marry. Father was with me during the fire, Jace; he couldn’t have been involved.”
Jace concealed his rage and shock. “Why didn’t you tell the authorities?” he asked, “Or tell me?”
“I was afraid and confused,” Joanna admitted. “I didn’t want to believe Chad was involved. I hoped Father would be proven innocent. I reminded Chad that Father was with me that awful night, at his request. I also reminded him about the knife and lantern I had taken for him. Chad told me they had been stolen from his office, possibly to incriminate him. He said people would think we were lying to save Father, and we might become suspects if we went forward. Chad promised to find the best way to handle everything; he swore to help clear him. It sounded logical, and I was so enthralled by him. When Father killed himself to avoid arrest, Chad said it was because he feared he couldn’t prove he was innocent.”
Joanna dabbed at tears. “When Webster International took control of Father’s firm and most of his estate, Chad mentioned that both his business rivals were gone. The way he acted made me suspicious. Mother was left with very little, and Chad refused to help her or to discuss our marriage. He became cold and hateful. He started making hazy comments about how Father’s death and the loss of your inheritance would hurt you. He boasted how my seduction had hurt you. He talked about Webster’s having a monopoly, as if he was due the credit for such prosperity. They all tormented me. I had to discover the truth.”
Joanna lowered her lashes. “I watched Chad closely. One night I followed him to a meeting with the two witnesses. He didn’t pay them, Jace; he murdered them. Reid Adams was there, too. I realized what Chad had done, how he had used me, how he had destroyed our family as revenge on you. I realized he had lied about you. I even feared he had killed Father. I knew he would kill me to silence me. I hurried to his place, packed a few things, and sailed on a ship leaving for America at dawn. I left Chad a note saying I was with my grieving mother so he wouldn’t search for me in time to halt my escape. I docked in Charleston, took a train to Atlanta, then several to Denver, using different names each time. I hoped the many changes of cities and names would prevent Chad from finding me and killing me. I thought he’d never look in that area of America. I was so distraught that I didn’t think anyone would believe I wasn’t involved.”
Jace grasped her trembling hands and murmured, “You could have come to me. You could have trusted me. I would have helped you.”
“You had sailed for Africa. I was afraid Chad would come after both of us. I knew you and Mother would be safe as long as I stayed away and remained silent. I didn’t want to go to prison or be hanged, Jace. I couldn’t face any more humiliation or endure more anguish. On the train, I met Frank Marlowe. He is such a good and kind man. He knew I was suffering. He spent time with me. He made me smile and laugh again. He had a ranch near Denver. He said all he needed was a wife, and he asked me to marry him. I was fond of him, and it seemed the perfect escape. But I came to love him, really love him. It wasn’t infatuation as with Ben and Chad. When our son was born, we named him Jace. Everything was wonderful. I was happy, and starting to forget. Then your cable arrived. I knew if you had located me, Chad could, too. I couldn’t run away from Frank and the baby. I revealed the whole truth to him. He understood and believed me. He said I should help you convict Chad for his crimes.”
“How did you get those few letters to me?”
“Frank’s brother is a sailor. Frank thought I had run away from a bad home. He thought my scar was inflicted by a cruel father. He asked James to mail letters to my brother from ports he visited. I couldn’t tell you the truth, but I had to let you know I was alive and well.” Joanna looked at Jace. “I’ll testify against Chad and Reid.”
Jace hugged his stepsister. “Thank you for coming and telling the truth, Joanna. I know how difficult and painful it was.” He stroked her damp cheek and curly hair. He noted the dark circles beneath her hazel eyes and he saw how pale and tense she was. “You look tired. Why don’t you go to bed? We’ll figure out what to do.”
Joanna looked at Leigh and said, “It’s so nice to meet you. I wish it wasn’t under such grim circumstances. I’m glad you and Jace found each other and married. Please don’t think too wickedly of me.”
Leigh smiled and said, “I don’t, Joanna. I know how charming and devious Chad can be. He fooled me for a long time. He would have killed me if it hadn’t been for Jace. He’ll pay soon. After this matter is settled, we can get better acquainted. We’ll be good friends.”
After Joanna left the room, Lord Salisbury revealed, “With these facts, it will be a simple matter to clear you and Brandon, but Lord Hamilton cannot be arrested and punished. He killed himself last week. He placed a pistol to his head and ended his madness. I thought it best not to upset Mrs. Marlowe with that news. After receiving your cable, I contacted Charles Nelson, my man at Scotland Yard. I asked him to begin a routine investigation. I surmise that Lord Hamilton became worried and suspicious when questioned so thoroughly about Miss Webster’s sudden death so close to that time of a large inheritance. From Charles’s report, Lord Hamilton behaved quite strangely.”
“No, sir,” Jace refuted, “I don’t think he committed suicide. I believe Reid Adams killed him.” Jace withdrew the cable from Reid to Fiona from Mombasa. He explained his suspicions to the startled prime minister and showed him the sworn statement of Jim Hanes and the confessions of the two Arab kidnappers. He related the talks that he and Johi had overheard, and the perilous incidents involving Leigh during the safari. “As you can see, sir, it’s a complicated situation.”
Lord Salisbury shook his head and ruffled his whiskered jawline. “Madness is never simple, Jace. It is apparent that the two cases overlap. It has always amazed me what some people will do for money and power. Greed and obsessions have destroyed many people. A life in politics has shown me countless dark hearts and minds. Charles Nelson will be given this information and evidence tomorrow,” the heavy-lidded man added. “He will take down Mrs. Marlowe’s statement. You and your father will be exonerated of all charges.”
Jace sighed in relief, so did Leigh. Jace said, “I’d like to see Louisa Jennings and Cynthia Campbell tomorrow. I want their confessions and punishment, too.”
“Scotland Yard has been unable to question them, as you suggested. Lady Louisa has been very ill since her return from Africa. She is at Marquise Campbell’s estate. Charles did learn that both women are facing financial ruin. That might explain their actions. As soon as Lady Louisa recovers, she’ll be questioned and charged.”
“As for Reid Adams and Fiona Webster,” Jace added, “I have a plan to entrap them, with help from your Scotland Yard friend.”
Saturday morning, Jace, Leigh, and Charles Nelson of Scotland Yard arrived at the marquise’s estate. Cynthia refused to receive them, but Charles insisted. When Cynthia joined them in the parlor, she looked terrible. Her brown hair was dull and uncombed, her complexion colorless, her lips almost white. Her clothes were wrinkled and stained and her sunken eyes exposed fatigue and anguish. Her mood was a mixture of somberness and hostility.
With the drapes drawn, the house was dark and gloomy. Within moments, they learned why.
“I will tell you nothing about Louisa. She died Wednesday,” Cynthia revealed, “died from an awful disease she caught in Africa. I warned her to stop drinking unboiled water. I warned her to take her quinine tablets. Why didn’t she listen?” the brunette wailed in anguish. Her brown eyes chilled instantly. “Get out of my home. You did this to her!” she shouted at Jace, then glared at Leigh. Her gaze widened and she paled. “You’re dead! Why have you returned to haunt me?”
“It was a trick, Cynthia,” Leigh revealed, “a trick to save my life. We all know Louisa and Chad were trying to kill me.”
“Don’t speak evil of my friend,” Cynthia cried. “You should be dead. Louisa should be alive and married to that handsome devil. It’s all Chad’s fault. If he hadn’t wanted you, we wouldn’t have gone to that death trap. I hate you. I won’t tell you anything.”
Recognizing the woman was on the edge of insanity, Leigh motioned the two men to silence. In a soft voice, she urged, “You must tell us the truth, Cynthia. It can’t hurt Louisa and Chad now. We know your people attacked me on the waterfront. We know Louisa paid men to abduct me in Mombasa. We have witnesses and evidence against both of you. If you don’t tell the truth, you’ll be arrested and sent to prison. You’ll lose everything and be humiliated. Is that what you want?”
“I’ve already lost everything,” the woman scoffed.
Leigh continued in her soothing and persuasive tone. “I can help you, Cynthia. I can give you money to pay your debts, and money to go somewhere—like Australia or Scotland—to begin a new life. You won’t have to be humiliated. You don’t have to be penniless. Why protect a dead woman and destroy yourself? Louisa was your friend. She loved you. She’ll understand you must save yourself. We can’t harm Louisa. We only want to know the truth. Please, let me help you.”
Cynthia looked around the darkened room with wild eyes. The creditors were coming Monday to take everything, to evict her, to shame her. She would have nothing and no one. With money, she could leave London, leave England. Louisa was gone. The plot was dead. She glanced at Leigh and asked, “Will you give me lots of money?”
“Yes, all you want. I have plenty. The money means nothing to me, only the truth. Will you let me save you?”
“What about him?” the brunette hinted, pointing to the man from Scotland Yard. “Won’t he arrest me?”
“No, Marquise,” Charles said. “We simply want to solve this case.” With those promises, the grief-crazed woman relented. She revealed how Louisa had poisoned William Webster so Chad could inherit and marry her. When Leigh inherited everything, Louisa went after the blonde for the same reason. She related how Louisa had pulled off the London and Mombasa attacks, and how she had removed the cartridges from Leigh’s gun before the rhino hunt. “We were best friends. I loved her. I helped her because we needed the money. Louisa hated you for messing up her plans. She would have killed you if you hadn’t died from that snakebite. But you didn’t die. My sweet Louisa did. And that bastard who lied to her, I’m glad he’s dead too.”
“Did you or Louisa punish Chad?” Leigh probed in a careful tone.
Defeated, the woman mumbled, “No. Louisa fell ill on the ship. Chad refused to help her. The doctor couldn’t help her. I brought her home with me. My doctor said it was blackwater fever. Louisa suffered terribly. I tended her day and night. Chad wouldn’t even visit her. He’s cruel and selfish. He’s been mad ever since he thought you died.”
Charles Nelson wrote out the woman’s statement. Cynthia didn’t even read it before signing it. “When do I get my money?” she demanded.
“Monday, when the bank opens. We’ll come and take you there.”
On Sunday night, August first, Leigh and men from Scotland Yard were concealed behind machinery and stacked crates inside the main Webster company, and other men were concealed outside to thwart any hirelings Reid Adams brought with him. Jace was standing in the middle of the floor, awaiting the final confrontation. One lantern was aglow nearby, casting about eerie shadows in the enormous room.
Leigh was frightened for Jace. She knew that men with drawn weapons were guarding her clever husband. Yet, something could go wrong. Reid Adams was an evil and unpredictable man, also a cunning one. Her pulse raced, and her heart pounded.
Reid arrived, alone. He stalked toward the light and Jace Elliott. His features looked sharper than usual in the near darkness. Malevolent shadows danced on his face and body. A cold sneer curled his tight lips upward. “I see you survived Chad’s trap. What are you doing here? Why did you send for me? What do you want?”
“My half of the inheritance, old chap. I know about the will. Leigh told me before … her little accident,” Jace hinted. “Too bad she got herself killed. I wanted to marry her and take everything, just like Chad planned. You helped him, Reid, so you’re just as guilty. If you don’t get me my half and help me escape London safely, I’ll risk going to the authorities to take you and Fiona down with me. That’s right, old boy,” Jace taunted when the man reacted to his threat. “I know all about you and Chad’s mother, and all about your little plot. Is that why you killed Chad? Did he add up the facts and confront you?”
Reid pulled a pistol.from beneath his coat and pointed it at Jace. “That’s right, but you won’t tell anybody anything. I have men watching all the doors so you can’t escape me. Nobody is spoiling things for me and Fiona. We waited too long to have each other and the money. Nobody, not even Chad, knew the truth about me and my beautiful Fiona. We were careful over the years to conceal our love, so nobody would suspect we had anything to do with those deaths.”
“In the beginning, Chad was the one who wanted Leigh dead,” Jace said to elicit evidence.
“You’re right, Jace, but he got weak on me. The plot was devised cleverly and perfectly: Leigh was to die; you were to be framed; Fiona was to inherit; and Chad was to run the empire. But Chad didn’t know we had additional plans. Fiona and I were going to marry, then travel wherever our spirits took us. It was five long years of terrible sacrifice, of annoying pretenses, of sneaking around, of having to dally with other women like that Campbell whore. I was miserable after Fiona left for India, but I had to prevent her from falling under suspicion in case anything went wrong with the plot.”
“She’s home now,” Jace pointed out, “so you should be very happy. But how could you let the woman you love marry another man?”
“I hated for my sweet Fiona to wed William Webster and to sleep with that old man, but it was necessary for our future. I would do anything for my love, and she had wanted the Webster empire that her son dangled under her pretty nose. None of us expected the old man to leave everything to his granddaughter, or to die so soon. Then he thwarted us from the grave with his strange will. Chad should have stuck to the original plan, and everything would have been fine. Chad would still be alive, and very rich. I liked Chad. But when it came to a choice between having it all with Fiona or letting Chad have it all with Leigh, even a friend has to be sacrificed.”
“You’re right.” Jace said. “How did you do away with him?”
“It was simple. He was acting crazy after losing Leigh. When the law started nosing around, he got worse. I got him drunk, put a pistol in his hand, and helped him pull the trigger. Have you ever read Tennyson’s ‘Lancelot and Elaine,’ old boy? ‘Sweet is true love though given in vain, in vain; and sweet is death who puts an end to pain.’ That’s all I did, put Chad out of his bittersweet agony. He was going to kill that blond witch until she enchanted him. I couldn’t let her live. I couldn’t let her and Chad take away my dream with Fiona.”
“So, you were the one behind Leigh’s so-called accidents. You were very clever, Reid. I finally caught on, but too late.”
Reid laughed, a cold and menacing sound. “Yes, I tampered with Louisa’s gun. You and Leigh were always in front of her. I hoped that redhead would shoot her, or get rid of the man who kept rescuing her. I needed a scapegoat. Louisa or you were perfect for that role. Chad shocked me when he fell in love with that girl and changed our plan, even dropped his revenge on you; that told me how enchanted he was. With Leigh leaning his way or with Chad believing she was, I couldn’t provoke him into mistrusting and killing her. She really had him under a tight spell. I figured if you two began fighting over Leigh, you’d be distracted from my threat. Or from Louisa’s. Since I couldn’t get Chad to doubt Leigh and to carry out the original scheme, Leigh’s death was up to me.”
“But Louisa was after her, too. And Chad was also part of the crime.”
Reid didn’t seem to care what Jace learned now. “Yes, but he kept wavering. When Chad was drugging her canteen, that last time, I added an extra dose. I hoped she would fall or shoot herself or be unable to flee a wild animal. Somehow she always eluded my traps. She was one lucky bitch, until that snake solved everything for me. But the cleverest of all was the quicksand.”
Reid bragged on how he had accomplished that “accident.” “As soon as Leigh said she was heading for the pool after teatime, I excused myself to cut brush to pile in the right trail which would force her to take the wrong fork when I scared her later. I sneaked into her tent by that secret flap you two used for your lusty meetings and stole her derringer. While Chad and Louisa were playing around inside their tent, I left Cynthia in ours and sneaked into the jungle again. I scared Leigh right into my trap. Once she was in the quicksand, I tossed her gun into the pile of her possessions, cleared the trail, and hurried back to camp. I picked a fight with Cynthia so no one would realize I’d been gone. You see, old chap, I know a thing or two about tracks and trails, too. If you’re as good in the wilds as you and others believe and you hadn’t been so distracted, you could have been on to me that day.”
Jace was furious with himself. Reid was correct. He hadn’t checked the area because Leigh had convinced him of her error and he had been distracted by their dispute. Reid had lured her into death’s jaws, heard her scream for help but sneaked back to camp. While the man’s wits were dulled by over-confidence and his tongue was loosened by pride, Jace asked, “Did you know Louisa poisoned William Webster? She told me before she died.”
Reid looked surprised. “She was so eager to get Chad and his money that I should have guessed. I’m certain Louisa was behind the London and Mombasa attacks on Leigh, but I didn’t tell Chad. I didn’t tell him that Louisa’s family was facing financial ruin. I needed that redheaded whore on the safari to take the blame when Chad wondered who was behind Leigh’s accidents and then her death. I was very careful not to drop any clues to Chad, particularly after he fell for his ward and switched plans on me. I hated Louisa and Cynthia, and I didn’t want those wanton bitches around me. But there was a possibility that Louisa would get rid of Leigh for us. She might have, if Chad hadn’t duped her and halted her deadly schemes. Louisa was a prime suspect because of her reckless actions. I figured, if Leigh’s death looked odd to anyone, she could be framed easily.”
Reid sent forth evil laughter before revealing, “Every time she let up on Leigh during the safari, I provoked her again, or tricked Cynthia into doing so. I tried with Chad, but he loved her and wanted her as much as I do Fiona. I’m glad that bitch killed the old man. It ate me up to let Fiona sleep with that old bastard. After Chad pushed Sarah Webster down the steps, he convinced Fiona to marry William to get his money. Of course, that wasn’t Chad’s plan, either. He loved the old man, and he wanted them to be a family. He liked being William’s son, but he was damned mad over that crazy will. Fiona and I agreed to wait five years before killing him, but he only lasted four. Now that Fiona’s home from India, soon I can publicly woo her and marry her. Too bad her son got suspicious of us, but we couldn’t let him spoil things. As soon as it’s proper to marry and slip away, we’ll be gone and happy.”
“You mean as soon as the mourning periods are over? Why didn’t you ask me to take Leigh Webster off your hands? I would have been delighted to hold her captive forever at my jungle plantation. I would have settled for her instead of half the money, especially since Chad wanted her so badly.”
“Webster’s the one who endangered his granddaughter by leaving it all to her. Fiona and I would have settled for half. After serving him for years, she deserved payment. She deserves every shilling.”
“Before you pull that trigger,” Jace coaxed, “mind telling me if Chad and Webster framed me and my father. Call it a dying man’s last request. You owe me that, since my jungle killed her for you.”
“William Webster a killer and arsonist?” Reid scoffed. “He wasn’t involved. The old man didn’t know anything about it. Chad burned out Stokely and killed him. He scattered around that evidence against Brandon, and made certain your father didn’t have an alibi. Your ignorant stepsister did that little task. Chad had her duped. If she hadn’t escaped, she’d be dead, too, just like those witnesses Chad and I got rid of. I’ll tell you something else, old chap: before Chad killed your father, he forced him to write that suicide note implicating you. He told Brandon he was holding Catharine and Joanna captive and would kill them if he didn’t. I guess your father figured you could get away or clear yourself, so he did as ordered. Chad planted that other evidence to make it look like a political murder.”
“So, it was all for revenge aimed at me. Why did he warn me to flee years ago? I could have been captured and hanged.”
“Chad didn’t want you arrested and killed. He wanted you alive to suffer like he had. He was having you watched. He knew you didn’t have an alibi. He forced your father to make that suicide note sound crazy on purpose. He wanted it to look like you knew about his crimes and you were connected to those Irish rebels. Chad knew that evidence would force you to stay out of England and keep you from interfering. Once you’d suffered enough, he was going to have ‘your plantation burned, lure you here, then let you be arrested and executed. He got revenge on you and got a business monopoly with the same scheme. Of course, he passed plenty of business to me for helping him, but I only did it both times so my sweet Fiona could profit.”
Jace had a hard time controlling his rage. He wanted to attack the man and beat him senseless, but he couldn’t because he needed more facts while Reid was boasting. “Why did Webster leave me the money you won’t let me collect?”
“Chad and I couldn’t figure out that one. Chad suspected the old man discovered a clue about his actions. I guess it was a way to pay you back for losing your father and your inheritance. He must have left Fiona in to ward off suspicion and as a threat to Leigh. Something else, and it might ease your mind: Chad liked your father. He hated killing him, but it was the best way to hurt you and to profit.”
“Are you telling me Fiona agreed to have Chad killed?”
“I pulled the trigger, but Fiona agreed. Chad didn’t love his mother. He threatened to kill her several times. She married William to get his money, and we have. We’re not letting anyone foil us.”
Reid aimed the gun at Jace’s heart, but Jace taunted, “Don’t you want to know how I discovered the truth about you and Fiona? I doubt you’ll pull that trigger after you realize I have proof, proof that can get you two in big trouble. If you shoot me, the law gets it. Imagine your beautiful Fiona in prison or with a rope around her neck.”
“What proof?” Reid demanded. “It’s a trick. I was too careful.”
“Not that last day in Mombasa, old boy. Your rash cable to Fiona in Bombay is mighty incriminating,” Jace hinted, withdrawing a blank paper from his front pocket and waving it in the air. “It fell into my hands. How much will you pay for this evidence, old boy?”
“Hand it over!” Reid shouted. “Or I’ll take it after you’re dead.”
“You could, if this was the cable copy. I’m not a fool, Reid. I have it hidden. Once I’m dead, my things will be searched and the real telegram will be discovered. I wonder what the authorities will think about it. Webster dead. Leigh dead. Chad dead. Fiona and you getting married. Then that cable shows up and inspires questions. I also have a confession from Jim Hanes that includes you, old boy. If I don’t get money and get killed, so will you and your lover.”
“What do you want, Jace? Name your price.”
Jace scratched his head as he murmured, “About half is—” He brought up his knee into Reid’s groin as hard as he could. As the man reflexively jerked forward, Jace landed a stunning blow across his jaw. When Reid was floored and the gun was sent clattering from his grasp, Jace pounced upon him and socked him several times.
The authorities and Leigh rushed forward.
Leigh grabbed her husband’s arm. “Enough, Jace! It’s over. Your plan worked. The authorities heard everything.”
Jace glanced up at his frantic wife, his image reflected in her blue eyes. The animal instinct within him was mastered. He ceased beating the man who had tried to destroy him and everyone he loved. He inhaled, stood, and pulled Leigh into his arms. “You’re right, love; it’s finally over. We can go home now.”
“We heard every word, Jace,” Charles Nelson said. “You’re under arrest, Mr. Adams. I’ll have my men pick up your accomplice tonight. You’re both facing a lot of very damaging charges.”
Reid jumped to his feet. He gaped at the embracing couple. “You tricked me. You faked her death!”
“Of course. You couldn’t expect me to let one of you kill the woman I love, the woman I married.”
Reid was stunned. Reality flooded him, and terror filled him. “I was lying just to provoke you,” he claimed in desperation. “Chad did all those things. He killed himself. I thought you were trying to blackmail me and Fi—Mrs. Webster. I was only trying to get information from you. We’re innocent.”
“It’s useless, Mr. Adams,” Nelson told him. “We have plenty of evidence. We have your cable from Mombasa. We have a statement from Jim Hanes, one from Joanna Harris Marlowe, and one from Cynthia Campbell. It’s over. Come along quietly.”
Leigh watched as the sullen Reid was taken away. His hirelings outside had been captured. Men were sent to arrest Fiona Webster. So many people had died for greed and money. So many people had been hurt. Each of them had wanted her inheritance, when only Jace Elliott meant anything to her. She wished her grandfather hadn’t made her his sole heir. Yet she realized she would never have met her love, her husband, if that weren’t true.
Too, she comprehended, Jace and his father were cleared of those crimes. Joanna was free of the past. Her grandfather hadn’t been involved. Brandon Elliott and her grandparents could now rest in peace. She and Jace could return home and build a bright future. At least some good things had come from so much evil and suffering.
On Monday, Jace and Leigh went to see Cynthia Campbell and realized she’d finally lost all touch with reality and sanity. The pitiful woman would have to be taken to an institution for care and treatment, but the doctor they summoned said her recovery was doubtful. If she traveled the long road back, she would spend her life in sorrow.
The remainder of that day was spent with Jace’s stepsister.
On Thesday morning, Joanna Marlowe sailed for Scotland to visit her mother. With her, she took a document that revealed a large deposit Leigh Webster Elliott had made in a London bank for Catharine Elliott’s support, enough for Brandon’s widow to live comfortably for the rest of her life. From Scotland in two weeks, Joanna was sailing home to her family. Jace and Leigh promised to visit them and Jenna late next summer, after the coffee crop was in and sold.
During the day, Jace rode Leigh by his old home, and they visited the graves of their loved ones. He related his family history to his wife, who was delighted to learn all about Jace.
They went to Webster International and searched Chad’s office to make certain no family possessions or incriminating evidence was left behind. Leigh bid the workers good-bye. She urged them not to worry, that everything would be settled soon. She questioned Jace to make sure he did not want to retain his father’s company. Both decided they did not want to be in the textile business or to live in London.
At four, they had afternoon tea with Lord Salisbury. They thanked him for his past and recent help. All three were glad to have Brandon and Jace exonerated, and the case closed. For a while, they talked of Brandon Elliott and William Webster, then parted at six, with Lord Salisbury promising again to introduce Leigh and Jace to Queen Victoria on their next visit during the early, summer of ‘97.
Over dinner in their hotel suite, Jace talked about Chad for the last time. “He really loved you, Leigh. In time, if you had loved him, I think you could have changed him back to the way he was before he was destroyed in South Africa. At least I’d like to believe that was possible. There are plenty of good times to remember. I’d like to forget the bad.”
“He must have been different long ago, Jace, or you wouldn’t have loved him so. I’m sorry about the pain both of you endured. Deep inside, I think he always knew you didn’t betray him. I doubt he could have ever admitted it, not after the terrible things he did during his madness. Whatever happened to Chadwick Hamilton during his capture and torture by the Matabele warriors altered him inextricably. He couldn’t accept the fact you couldn’t rescue him from anything. To get back his manhood, he had to blame someone for his troubles; he had to use a powerful emotion to push him onward. It’s sad that he chose hatred and vengeance.”
“At least he’s at peace now. I want that for him, Leigh. He was an important part of my life. When I thought he was dead years ago, it really hurt. When I discovered him alive, I was overjoyed, until he made us bitter enemies. The loss of our friendship created a vast emptiness in me. But you’ve filled it, and I’m at peace now, too.”
On Wednesday, Leigh and Jace met with the Webster lawyers to unravel the shocking affair of her faked death. She ordered a sale of all her holdings in England except the ancestral estate, which she could not bring herself to part with yet. She told the lawyers she would visit there next year and make her final decision. Leigh couldn’t help but think that perhaps one of their children might reside in England one day in that beautiful country setting.
Arrangements also were made for any further support of Jace’s stepmother that ill health or such might necessitate. Money was allotted for a nice house for Catharine, who had been forced by Chad’s crimes into the home of relatives far away. It would be the widow’s decision to purchase a dwelling there or in London where she had once lived. With Brandon and Jace cleared, there was no reason she couldn’t return.
Jace was happy to see his wife so concerned over his father’s widow, and so generous in heart.
Afterward, the couple went to the Webster home, where Fiona Hamilton Webster had been arrested Sunday night, dragged away screaming and protesting and finally sobbing at her defeat. Leigh went through her grandparents’ belongings. Servants helped her pack the possessions she wanted to take home to Africa. Other items were given to the men and women who had served her family for years. The London home and Chad’s townhouse were to be sold, along with the business.
Charles Nelson called to reveal that Reid and Fiona were incarcerated and awaiting trial, with no hope of escaping convictions. Charles revealed that he expected Reid to be sentenced to death for those murder charges, and for Fiona to get life in prison for her conspiracies. He coaxed Leigh and Jace to remain to testify, although it wasn’t necessary for convictions, and their testimonies were on file. The couple said no, satisfied that justice would be meted out by the court.
On August sixth, Leigh and Jace Elliott sailed for Africa, to arrive on the twenty-eighth.
A letter from Jenna, which had been mailed in mid-May, was awaiting Leigh in Mombasa. It related how Jenna had nursed Carl Hastings back to life following a grave illness. From her aunt’s words, the episode had changed her new uncle. Jenna wrote of how happy they were. She also revealed that Tyler Clark had been fired and was gone from the ranch.
Leigh was glad. She planned to write a long letter to Jenna soon and she looked forward to visiting her aunt and Joanna next summer.
Other delightful news awaited Jace and Leigh. Johi and Ka’arta had married during their absence. Abena was beaming ear to ear.
Kambu, the overseer, reported to Jace that the crop was heavy and healthy, and should come in during March of next year.
As soon as greetings and news were exchanged and baggage was put inside the house, everyone left the couple alone.
Leigh strolled around the house, smiling as she touched things here and there. She was at home. She was with her love. Nothing could endanger or part them again. Looking forward to a sensual night with Jace, she took a long bath, and donned a yellow-and-red sarong.
She had missed two spells of “Mother’s Misery,” in early July and in August. She suspected she was with child, and it caused her to glow with delight and anticipation. She revealed her suspicion to Jace. “If I’m right, the baby should come in March. I know that’s going to be a hectic month for you. I’m sorry I can’t schedule it for a more leisurely time, Mr. Elliott, but you have only yourself to blame for seducing me the moment we were reunited.”
Husky laughter filled the room. “You’ve given me everything a man could desire, Leigh. Abena will be happy to help tend a little Bwana Jace or Bibi Laura Leigh, if she isn’t looking out after her own grandchildren. What a spring it will be—a big crop and a new baby. I’m a lucky man. We’ve endured a lot of wild perils. From now on, it’s just sweet passions, my tawny lioness.”
Leigh gazed at the gold band with its large diamond on her finger. “It’s so beautiful, Jace, and so big. When and where did you get it?”
“I found it in South Africa when Chad and I were mining there. I knew it was special, so I saved it for the right occasion. Mr. Carnes did an excellent job of cutting and mounting the stone. It’s the only diamond I had left. After my crop loss, I feared I would have to sell it. I’m glad I didn’t, because it looks perfect on this lovely hand,” he said, lifting it to kiss its back, then her palm.
Leigh had never seen Jace look happier or more relaxed than he did at this moment. No shadows from a dark and painful past lingered in his lucid green gaze. No deceits controlled his tender smile. No trouble stalked his life and mind. No intrusive mysteries surrounded him. No doubts or anguish tormented him. He was free to love fully and to think of their life together. As she removed the provocative garment, she teased, “I won’t be able to wear these much longer, so I better use them to entice you as long as I can.”
Jace pulled her naked body into his arms. His fingers trailed over her flesh. His mouth nuzzled her ear. His nose inhaled her sweet fragrance. He was at peace, filled with pride and contentment. His predatory lips tracked across her face and captured her mouth. Intense joy surged through him.
They shared countless kisses, their lips and tongues tantalizing each other. They exchanged caresses, their hands stimulating and pleasuring each other’s eager bodies. They hadn’t made love since the steamer docked, and they were ravenous for each other. They wanted to savor this privacy, this unique moment; but fierce cravings demanded to be fed.
They hastily removed Jace’s boots and garments and fell across the bed, clinging to each other and laughing. The two explored love’s land with as much leisure as their yearnings allowed. They preyed on each other’s weaknesses; they captured each other’s strengths. They hunted for blissful satisfaction as they journeyed toward ecstasy. They came together to share love, desire, a special oneness. Their safari to a bright future was underway; their first hunt was a heart stirring success; and their most prized trophy was love everlasting.
Jace looked into his wife’s eyes. “I love you more than life itself, Laura Leigh Elliott. Just as I will love the child you carry,” he added, stroking her stomach.
Leigh smiled into his jungle-green eyes. She caressed his sun-bronzed face, playfully mussed his brown hair. “You’re an excellent safari guide, my virile rogue. You gave me pleasure and excitement. You led me through dangerous territory, and brought me home safe. You helped me hunt down and obtain the best prize of all: you.”
“Only so I could capture you for myself,” Jace teased. “That night on the waterfront, I warned you not to tempt a determined man like me. You were stubborn and impulsive, and did it anyway. You left me no choice but to lure you into my trap. I told you I would win our wager, any way necessary.”
Leigh rolled atop him. She shook her tawny hair in his laughing face. “We’ re both winners, Jace. We have each other.”
Jace grinned. “That we do, my beautiful wife; that we do.” He pulled her head downward and sealed their lips, forever.