The first is from Richard Shaffer, her father's friend. ‘Identity blown. Stop. Hubbard knows. Stop. Advise new name. Stop.’ London’s hand starts to tremble. She slides the note inside her black book and steps forward.
Don't panic, she tells herself. See the ticker tape, sell the shares, and get home. Remain calm. Everything is fine. When it's finally her turn, she quickly looks at the numbers seeking only what she needs to know and moves away, ignoring the odd looks the men are giving her.
“Wait here,” she orders the driver and hurries across the street to the post office to send a telegram to Shaffer. “Sell all shares of Sheridan. Stop. R. L. Pearce stays. Stop.”
What can the Hubbard's possibly do? I didn't do anything illegal London thinks to herself as she steps back outside the shop. The moment the driver spots her, he pulls the carriage around and starts making his way to her.
“Lady Sheridan, you’re a hard woman to find,” a deep voice says beside her.
London jumps and turns to look at the stranger beside her. “Do I know you?” she asks. Her heart picks up speed, and he grins, “No ma'am. I’m afraid not, though we do have a mutual friend.”
A driver pulls up, and relief flickers until she tries to step away from him. He grabs her arm gently, “I need a moment of your time,” he demands and pulls her toward the carriage.
London shoves her bag at the man, surprising him, and kicks his shin, causing him to shout and release her.
“Don't touch me,” she hisses, and leaps back out of arms reach, deciding where to strike next when the carriage door flies open.
“Garcia! I told you not to scare her!” Matthew steps down, and London gasps running towards him.
“Matthew? What is going on?” she asks as she takes his hand. Matthew hugs her gently.
“Everything is alright, this gentleman is with me. Allow me to give you a ride back to the house?” he asks.
London nods and steps up into the carriage, Matthew follows sitting next to her. She glares at Jonathan when he climbs in with her bag and sits across from her.
Jonathan offers her bag and stifles a laugh when London snatches it from him with a glare.
“Forgive me, Lady Sheridan, but I was afraid you were going to bolt,” he says with a wry grin. “I am U. S. Marshall Jonathan Garcia. You can call me Jonathan.”
“I don’t think so, Marshall. I hope you've learned to not grab a woman so freely,” she turns to Matthews. “Can someone please tell me what's going on? Is Declan okay?” she gasps, and her face goes pale.
“No, no, he's fine, but it would be better if we all talk together,” Matthew announces. “I was surprised to see you in town. Why are you alone?”
“Declan is busy. I was going to surprise him,” she explains and glances away, avoiding Jonathan’s eyes. “You’re scaring me, Matthew,” she whispers. “Won’t you tell me what’s going on?” He grips her hand and pats it gently.
“Soon, I promise. How are you healing?” he asks, and Jonathan’s eyes narrow on her. Matthew turns her hand over, revealing her scarred palm and wrist.
“How did that happen,” Jonathan demands.
“Hubbard paid Ryan to burn the shop down, and this young woman saved my life at a cost,” he pats her hand, and Jonathan’s smiles at her obvious embarrassment.
“Matthew! That’s private,” she whispers and tugs her hand away.
“How's your leg?” he ignores her statement, and she huffs out a frustrated breath.
“It’s almost healed. I will have minimal scarring,” she answers.
“You’ll be relieved to know Lady Sheridan that the person who set the fire has been arrested. He won’t be burning anyone else,” Jonathan announces.
“Thank you. I will rest easier,” she stops talking when the two men look at each other.
“We have a great deal to talk about, London,” Matthew says as they arrive home. The carriage pulls to a stop, and Jonathan jumps out to assist Matthew first.
He turns back to help London down and decides to avoid her wounded hand, opting to grab her around the waist and lifting her to the ground.
“You certainly have no qualms touching a stranger,” London snaps.
“I didn’t want to hurt your hand,” he replies with a grin.
Matthew grins when he hears Declan growl, “It's your own pain you should be worrying about.”
London whirls around with relief evident on her face. When Declan holds out a hand to her, she doesn't hesitate to run to him. He pulls her into his side, smiling down at her, he presses a kiss to her forehead. “I missed you this morning,” he smiles, and it lights her face.
“Of course you did, I'm unforgettable,” she laughs at his look of feigned outrage.
“Stop pawing your bride,” Matthew demands, and London blushes.
“I'll just make sure tea is brought to the Library.” She hurries inside, leaving the men to follow.
“Bride?” Jonathan glares at Matthew. “You forgot to mention that part, Sheridan.”
“Did I?” Matthew grins and stomps past the men into the house. “This old man could use some tea.”
“U.S. Marshall, Jonathan Garcia,” he flips out his badge, and Declan glares at him.
“Welcome to my home, Mr. Garcia. I don’t like anyone touching my wife.”
“That's understandable,” he quips. “Believe me, she let me know too. I have the bruise to prove it.
“Glad to hear it. My Grandfather is a trouble-maker, I'd watch out for him if I were you.” Declan offers a hand, and they shake.
“Noted.”
Chapter 29
London goes to
