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  As she served him, Dan concluded she didn’t know anything about him, which was logical since Phillip had been told he was long dead. Fortunately, she couldn’t cull anything from their appearances, as Phillip had favored their father and he favored their mother. His parents… But that was his tormented past. Right now, he had to deal with a painful present. He had to use every skill he possessed to weave a web of his own around this lethal beauty. She would never get away with murdering his brother.

  Rachel observed Dan as he drank his coffee and seemed to slip into the past. She noted the conflicting array of emotions that flickered in his stormy blue eyes. She perceived an aura of mystery, a hint of tragedy, and troubling secrets in his personal life. It was easy to recognize those feelings which matched hers. She was baffled by how such a strong male could feel, and suffer, so deeply. It drew her to him, despite her previous warning to stay wary of this potent stranger, this possible enemy. Perhaps she was too tired and distressed to think clearly.

  She reflected on Phillip’s dying words: “He’ll come soon and help me.” Dan could be an old and trusted friend. If not, he might offer clues to the perilous mystery. In hopes of making light of the strained moment and contradictory emotions tugging at her, Rachel remarked in a skeptical tone, “I don’t recall any correspondence to or from you, Captain Slade. If you and Phillip were so close and he was looking forward to your visit and to renewing your old friendship, why didn’t he mention you to me?”

  “Call me Dan, please. We’ll be traveling together soon, and I hope we will also become good friends. As for Phillip’s… secrecy, if that’s what it was, I can’t explain it. Knowing him, he probably wanted us to meet before he related past tales of our….” He paused intentionally, chuckled, then finished, “Our devilish misadventures. We grew up together, so we have a long and colorful past.”

  Rachel wished she could relax her stiff guard and strained nerves. Her emotions advised her not to suspect this charming man of evil and treachery. Since Phillip was in the arms business, it was natural to have more than one deal in the works. Daniel Slade’s arrival and contract must be coincidental. Yet her survival instincts warned her to stay alert and wary in case she was misjudging him and being duped. It wouldn’t be the first time a man had fooled her.

  “Something I said annoy you, Mrs. McCandless?” he asked when she frowned, then looked angry.

  Rachel calmed herself again and smiled. “No, my mind just drifted for a moment. To an unpleasant topic, I fear. Pardon my lapse in manners. It’s been a diffi—” She halted and flushed. Don’t relax, Rachel. “It’s always strange if Phillip’s away and business problems arise. I’m nervous about making a wrong and costly mistake.”

  Dan saw how her eyes and smile could cause a man to forget all else if he weren’t careful. But there was an aura of wariness around her that kept him on guard. “I can’t imagine a smart woman like you ever making a mistake. If you weren’t married to an old and dear friend, I’d be tempted to…” He let his words trail off suggestively, then put on an expression of near embarrassment. “I’m sorry, Rachel,…” He switched to use of her first name in a husky tone meant to ensnare her interest. Women had told him he was handsome and charming. He had never used his appeal as weapons before today, but he must do and use any ploy necessary to entrap his brother’s killer. Rachel Fleming had an abundance of similar traits and she had used them in sinister ways. “Pardon my lapse in manners, too. It’s not that I’ve been at sea too long or don’t have self-control where friends’ possessions are concerned, but you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve met and I…behaved badly for a moment. It won’t happen again, so please don’t be nervous around me.”

  As he smiled, Rachel saw bright white teeth amid a darkly tanned face with handsome features. His wide smile seemed to make his face glow and his dark-blue eyes sparkle with boyish mischief. There was a power, a magic, an energy that permeated the air around him. His movements were fluid and effortless. He had manners, excellent breeding, and education. He was masculine and self-assured, but not arrogant—not that she had detected so far, at least.

  She had buried her third husband this morning, so how could a stranger have such a stirring effect on her this soon? Because Phillip’s death seemed unreal, her mind answered, and because this sea captain stole nearly all her sense of reality. Be wary of him, Rachel. “You’re forgiven, Captain Slade, and thank you for the compliment. I can tell you’re a southern gentleman, so I’m not worried about spending time with you.” After he encouraged her to call him Dan again, she asked, “When did you arrive? And where are you staying?”

  It took Dan a few moments to respond, as he was lost in the swirling depths of her eyes. They seemed to possess the power to penetrate his very flesh. If only she were genuine… But she wasn’t. It riled him to realize how looking into that exquisite face made him feel warm and tingly. If he didn’t know better, he couldn’t imagine this vital creature as a cold-blooded murderess.

  Dan lazed against the back of the sofa and lied. “I just docked and came straight here.” He motioned to the carpetbag. “I brought along my things because Phillip invited me to stay with him. Since he’s gone, I’ll return to my cabin on the ship and wait there until we leave.”

  Rachel needed privacy to search for clues and that hidden money. Since he had docked tonight and was a stranger, hopefully he wouldn’t hear the malicious rumors this weekend and form a false opinion of her. “I’m sure Phillip would expect me to extend our hospitality to his old friend, but I don’t think it’s proper for you to stay here with him gone. Gossip can be a vicious and destructive thing. We can meet after breakfast on Monday at the Central depot on Broad Street, about eight-thirty. Buy a ticket to Augusta. After we finish there, we can continue on to Athens.”

  “That’s perfect. Thank you, Rachel, for your help. I’ll leave my first mate in charge of my ship and crew. I’ll see you at the train station. I don’t think we should mention our trip together to anyone,” Dan suggested as he stood to leave. “As you said, we don’t want to inspire naughty gossip. Phillip would never forgive even a good friend for sullying his wife’s name. We’ll talk again on the train.”

  Rachel liked that precaution. She smiled. “Thank you, Dan. I appreciate your kindness and understanding. I’ll see you to the door.”

  Dan lifted his bag and followed her. He felt her eyes on him as he mounted a rented horse and rode into the encompassing darkness. He turned to see her close the door, then he halted. He would never fall prey to her powerful charms, but it was easy to understand how she had woven her webs and lured her victims into them before they realized what was happening.

  Don’t worry, Phillip; she won’t get away with killing you, Dan vowed silently. Damn you, Black Fate, for not getting me here in time to save my brother’s life! I needed to see you, big brother; it was too long. Now you and Father are both gone before the past could be settled. He died hating me and mistrusting me, but you, Phillip, desperately sent for me in your hour of need. I failed you again, and I’m sorry.

  He dismounted, deep in thought. I never wanted to be involved with lies and tricks again; they’re too damn expensive. But I’ll carry off my ruse, even if I have to lure that little enchantress into marriage myself to expose her. No matter how long it takes, I’ll complete this task before I return to the sea. I swear that on your grave, Phillip, and you know I always keep my word.

  Dan glanced toward the area of large live oaks where his brother lay without a coffin and denied a headstone and burial service. The patches of visible soil were a dull grayish brown. Spanish moss hung from the massive trees and appeared a ghostly gray in the light of a full moon. Shadows danced on the ground as a breeze stirred the “old man’s beards” and silent spring leaves. The croaking of frogs reminded him there was a river, the Ogeechee, not far away where murky water flowed between banks where tree roots were exposed and swampy vegetation and mossladen cypress grew. He heard crickets singing and caught the lonely ca
lls of an unknown bird in search of something in the night.

  The heavy-hearted man looked toward the direction of the river, westward from the house. That was how he had sneaked up on the secret burial this morning. He had rented a horse from a town livery, ridden to his brother’s property, then dismounted before reaching the house. He had secured the animal’s reins to a bush, then walked near the river as he moved closer to the lovely setting. He had wanted to slip up to the house without notice, to surprise Phillip, to be able to see the first expression on his brother’s face at close range. Instead, he had spotted a husky black man, a plain older white woman, and a breathtaking young creature hauling a sheet-wrapped body toward an area of dense trees, then lowering it into the earth beside a freshly dug mound of sandy dirt. He had frozen in midstep, concealed himself, and spied on them.

  He hadn’t noticed anyone but those three around, and his heart had begun to pound. He had slipped from large tree to large tree without being discovered. But he had heard them, heard enough to pain his heart and infuriate his mind and demand vengeance.

  When he docked in Charleston a few days earlier, he learned his father was dead, and his brother had moved to Savannah and was in deep trouble. “I may be killed if I don’t do what they want,” he had written to Dan.

  They? Why didn’t you put more facts in your hazy letter, Phillip? If I don’t keep your death a secret for now, I’ll never learn the truth. I have to know why and how you died. Hear me, big brother, I’ll do it or die trying.

  A chill crept over Dan’s flesh at that intimidating thought. He stared at the lovely house and shook his head. No, my little beauty, you won’t murder me, too. I’ll be camped nearby and watching every move you make until we leave. Take one false step tonight or tomorrow, and I’ll get you for sure.

  Chapter 2

  “That’s all for tonight, Lula Mae,” Rachel said. “Thank you for everything you’ve done today. Get to bed and rest. I’m sure you’re as exhausted as I am.”

  “I knows you be bad off, Miss Rachel, but you forget your troubles and sleeps tight now. I left you a biscuit with fried ham in the server. You didn’t eat enough for a biddy. If you needs anything, you holler for me.”

  “I will, but don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.” “What did that stranger wants with Mr. Phillip?” Rachel refused to draw the loyal woman into her troubles. “Just business. I handled it and sent him away. It’s all right.”

  The older woman looked as if she wanted to press for more information, but she merely bid her mistress good night and left the room.

  Rachel followed her to the back door. She watched the housekeeper move across the raised walkway to another matching structure that held the kitchen in the front and Lula Mae’s quarters to the rear. On either side was a set of steps. To the left, a cobblestone path headed to the privy; at one point, it took a turn to the smokehouse, and at another veered off around the smaller building to the back gate. To the right, another walkway led to the well beneath a conical roof and separated to continue to a garden gate in one direction and to the wash shed in the other. Beyond the wooden fence to the rear of the home were a carriage house, stable, and corral. All structures were painted in slate blue with rust-red trim to form a picturesque sight.

  Rachel closed the door and leaned against it. The Georgian house was lovely and comfortable. The hall where she stood traveled the width of the house, but a striking archway separated the span into two entry areas. All the interior doors, windows, moldings, panels, and fireplaces were painted a slate blue. The plaster walls were tinted off-white, and the floors were shiny brown wood with small rugs in strategic spots. The entire decor of the house was meant to evoke feelings of happiness, security, and beauty. But Rachel felt none of those things tonight.

  She doused the lamps, returned to the back entry, and climbed the steps. As she went down the hallway toward the front of the house, she didn’t even glance at the other rooms before she entered the bedroom she had shared with Phillip. She shut the door, needing to seal herself in a private and protective setting. So far from town and on a large plantation, she had never worried about peeping eyes and unwelcome intrusions during the night, so she didn’t draw the drapes. She removed her garments and slipped on a nightgown.

  As she brushed her long tresses, she looked into the mirror above her dressing table. The gown had been a gift from Phillip on her twenty-first birthday last February. She had laughed and told him the bloodred provocatively cut garment in Chinese silk was shameful and risqué, but it was the most comfortable one she owned. It clung to her body as if made to her measurements, and the material felt sensuous—almost delightfully wicked—against her olive-toned flesh. Phillip had loved it, and had paid a hefty price to get it. Maybe that was why she wanted to wear it tonight, to make her think of happier times and tender moments. She didn’t want to remember him in the same light in which she recalled Craig Newman, but his betrayal caused those feelings to assail her nonetheless. Phillip had made her feel loved, trusted, and safe; so why had he deceived her in the end?

  The bedroom suddenly felt stuffy, almost suffocating; she needed fresh air. Rachel entered the hallway and walked onto the wide porch which ran the full length of the house and matched the one below it. She leaned against a sturdy corner post.

  Rachel stared at the full moon and wished it were bright and warm sunlight shining on her chilled body. The evening was not cold, or even very cool, but strange goosebumps covered her bare arms and raced along her body. She had the eerie sensation of being watched, but sighted no one in the shadows beyond the fence-enclosed yard. She told herself she was being foolish, that it was the events of today that had her on edge. Still, unable to shake the uncomfortable feeling, she returned to her room.

  Phillip’s belongings were everywhere to remind her of his past existence. Soon she must pack up or give them away, perhaps to Burke Wells and the other two workers. They only had four employees, as they didn’t farm the land themselves; they used the sharecropper system.

  Rachel had loved this plantation and house, and it had been a good home for her and Philip. But it didn’t feel the same after today; it was… distant and cold. She felt a stranger in her bedroom, an unwelcome guest. When matters were settled, she must sell Moss Haven and leave. She had no one in Savannah to entice her to remain, as Lula Mae could go with her. She could never return home to White Cloud—the Fleming cotton plantation between Savannah and Augusta. But, she worried, where could she move to and what would she do when this was over? She didn’t have answers yet.

  Get to bed, she instructed herself silently. You have a lot to do before you leave town. And you aren’t guilty, so don’t be forced to live like you are.

  Dan stood in the shadows beyond the house, still staring at the upper porch. He couldn’t believe what he had seen—the scantily attired creature in that fiery red, seductive nightgown. He knew he hadn’t been seen, but the apprehensive woman had been nervous about something; perhaps she had sensed his powerful gaze as he gawked at her. Yes, gawked, he admitted with displeasure. Stars above, she was ravishing in that seductive outfit with near-black hair tumbling around her shoulders! The moonlight had played over her olive skin like a lover’s caress. At around five four and probably one hundred ten pounds or so, she was quite slender, but possessed a shapely body that made a man’s hands itch to stroke it. Her lips—the full lower one and the heart-shaped upper one—enticed a man to cover them with kisses, and her silky hair urged masculine fingers to bury themselves within its luster. He understood how the other three men had fallen victim to this enchantress.

  He had lingered near the house to see if anyone came to call tonight. Did she have a partner in this foul deed as “they” in Phillip’s letter had suggested? The only surprise he had received was sighting Rachel McCandless on that porch like a sultry goddess bathed in moonlight. He wiped perspiration from above his lip, smooth after a shave earlier. He licked his dry lips, then took several deep breaths to calm himself
. His reaction to her was perilous; he could not for a single minute forget who and what she was! If so, he was as big a fool as her past victims. Sorry, Phillip.

  An hour later, Rachel left the bed where she had tossed and turned. Her roaming mind would not let her sleep. If something vital was hidden in the house, she wanted to know now. She lit an oil lamp, as a candle would not provide enough light for her task. With Lula Mae sleeping in her quarters and the workers’ houses at a far distance, she felt she wouldn’t be discovered. She decided to start her exploration downstairs.

  She took Phillip’s keys from the dresser bowl where he kept them and left the room to enter the combination private sitting room and office to the right of the back hallway. She set down the lamp and unlocked her husband’s desk. She searched each drawer and compartment, finding nothing out of the ordinary. After she relocked the desk, she focused on the cozy room, probing the short sofa and two chairs, but her fingers detecting nothing hidden inside them. She looked behind the pictures, but found no concealed holes.

  Rachel crossed the hall to check the serving area, a small room adjoining the dining room where dishes, glasses, and utensils were washed and kept. To prevent a fire hazard, the kitchen was in a separate structure. She knew Phillip would not hide something valuable in Lula Mae’s domain, so there was no need to check there. Cabinets were above and below the Lshaped counter and the square table in the middle of the floor with its two chairs. Rachel looked inside each one, but as expected, discovered no clues.

  She entered the dining room. It was spacious and uncluttered, with a long table, eight chairs, a serving buffet that stood on one carved leg and was mounted to the wall, a linen chest for tablecloths and napkins, a hutch for china and silver, and a few decorative vases and pictures. She looked under and inside each piece and behind all the pictures and the mantel mirror. She examined the edge of the fireplace to conclude the bolection molding had not been tampered with. She examined the plaster walls, wood dado, and chair rail. As far as she could tell, no area looked disturbed since her and Phillip’s arrival last August.