It turns his stomach to think of the plans he had prepared for her. They only become more sinister when the deputy returns from searching his room. He is pale when he speaks to Jacob in a soft tone in the back room. The bag is dumped on top of his desk revealing his toys. Rope, drugs, knives, and more.
“I think they know,” Langdon laughs rocking with his arms around his knees. “Aiylin is special. It had to be different,” he sneers at Sebastian, and for the first time, he thinks that he sees the man’s true nature.
“Be quiet,” Sebastian starts to walk away, but Langdon calls him back.
“You’re wondering why, aren’t you? Why I chose her?” Langdon stands up and walks to the bars stretching before he answers.
Jacob and the deputies listen from the doorway of the next room. “It was her light.” His eyes glitter when he thinks of her. “The light inside her burns so bright, everyone can see it. I wanted that light to glow for me and me alone,” he laughs when Sebastian rushes out the front door.
The fresh air washes away the stench of evil that is heavy around him. He closes his eyes and whispers a prayer of thanks that this creature did not touch his mother and daughter. When he opens his eyes, he relives the moment when Aiylin looked at them and stopped fighting. She did it to protect them. He didn't need a letter to explain her fear. After meeting this sick man, he understands. It’s a punch to the gut, and he runs a hand over his face.
“A woman who will fight to protect you and yours is the greatest gift,” Jacob says when he steps outside to speak to Sebastian.
“I agree, but she’s running scared, Jacob,” Sebastian replies.
“Do you blame her? He’s a sick man. I waited five years to tell the woman I love that I need her, don’t make the same mistake,” Jacobs insists.
“I’ll try. How long until the Marshall gets here?” Sebastian asks.
“Anytime now. They will leave in the morning, and we can get back to our lives. I have a wedding to plan,” Jacob grins.
“Congratulations,” Sebastian shakes his hand. “Let me know if you need anything else.”
Jacob watches him go and shakes his head. Poor guy is head over heels for her. “Maybe a little help from a friend is required.” Jacob whistles as he walks over to the general store to send a telegram.
Chapter 26
Charles is working on a Christmas gift for his daughter, Aiylin, when the mail is brought in and placed on his desk. “Thank you,” he murmurs and straightens looking at the time. ‘Where did the day go?’ He wonders as he walks over to go through the mail before heading home.
An envelope with his name on it has a telegram falling into his lap. He reads it and sits heavily. At last, he understands. Aiylin was tight-lipped about the details only to say that Langdon was arrested.
The Sheriff described a different story in the telegram.
“No daughter of mine is going to run from her future,” he grumbles and storms from the room.
Aiylin counts the days. It’s been two days since she left them. Tomorrow Mena and Patrick return, and she is determined to make sure they are welcomed home.
“I’m here to see Mrs. Weisz,” she informs the doorman.
He shows her into a small sitting room, and Aiylin removes her gloves slowly and looks around. It’s lovely, and she is drawn to the tin-types on the bookcase.
“Why are you here, Miss Miller?” a voice says behind her.
Aiylin turns, expecting to dislike the woman, but the resemblance to Elizabeth has her smiling. “Forgive me, but you and Elizabeth could be twins!”
She smiles in spite of herself. “True enough, we’ve been accused of it many times.” Sitting down, she arranges her dress and waits for Aiylin to speak again.
“I’m here to speak to you about Mena and Patrick,” Aiylin says softly.
“Then you’ve wasted your time. Langdon explained to me what kind of woman you are, Miss Miller. Leading him on and abandoning him to go after my rich nephew.” She glares at her, hardening her heart against the pain rippling through her.
“Langdon Barnett is a monster, Mrs. Weisz. He was arrested after threatening your sister, her grandchild and your nephew.”
“What!” Mrs. Weisz gasps.
“I’m still not sure how he knew where to find me.” Aiylin sits and clasps her trembling hands together. “Thankfully Sebastian stopped him when he attacked me,” she sniffs and rubs her neck.
Tears threaten, and the older woman jumps to her feet, rushing to sit next to Aiylin. “Please tell me they are well?” she pleads.
“Yes, don’t fret. I’m sorry to say that he was after me. They are fine.”
“All of this is my fault,” Mrs. Weisz starts to weep. She spills the details of Langdon and her visit to his tailor shop. “I had no idea he would try to hurt you. Forgive me,” she pleads.
“Of course. Langdon is a very sick man.” Aiylin offers her a handkerchief from her bag. “He took advantage of your loneliness.”
She laughs and nods, “Call me, Darla.”
“Thank you, Darla. Elizabeth told me that loneliness and grief are a horrible burden to carry. What I’m learning is that it takes a strong woman to bare both. Why would you choose to do that? Patrick loves you, and Mena loves him. If you force him to choose between you, it will only cause more pain.”
“What do you know of pain? You are but a child,” she stands and paces.
Aiylin stands and steps in front of her. “I’m broken, Louisa. I’ve walked away from the only man I’ve ever
