An Agent for Scarlett Read online

  “Miss St. John?”

  She jumped nearly out of her skin and attempted to spin around and face the man with the familiar, deep voice. In her haste and still feeling startled, she stumbled toward the tree instead. Neil Maitland’s arms wrapped around her in an attempt to keep her from injuring herself against the bark of the tree. She grasped his shoulders. His face was so near, and her heartbeat picked up the rhythm again.

  Under her breath, she scolded her reaction to their closeness. Why even bother to have feelings for him if he was never going to court her?

  His smoldering dark brown eyes made her lose her breath for a moment, especially when his expression relaxed, and he smiled. Be still, my heart!

  “Neil... um, Mr. Maitland.” She tried to make her legs work, but they were having a difficult time standing. Of course, with Neil’s arms still around her waist, her traitorous body obviously didn’t want to leave.

  “You don’t have to call me Mr. Maitland. I like the way you say my name.”

  A dry lump of emotion caught in her throat as humiliation flooded her face, turning it hot. Curse his hide for saying that. She reluctantly stepped out of his arms. “What are you doing here?”

  “I was on my way to talk to the sheriff to see if I could...” His gaze swept over her attire. “Scarlett? Why are you dressed like a servant?”

  She laughed uncomfortably. “I, umm... Well, you see, I didn’t want to be noticed. I’m actually doing a little investigating, and I wanted to stay hidden.”

  He cocked his head. “Not with your hair like that.”

  Her face heated considerably, and she picked up the servant’s cap off the ground and plopped it on her head. “There. Is that better?”

  “I suppose.” He shrugged.

  “So, why were you going to see the sheriff?”

  “Oh, yes.” He cleared his throat. “As I was saying, I wanted to offer the sheriff my help investigating your grandfather’s stolen artifact.”

  “You heard about the robbery?”

  He nodded. “I just came from visiting your grandfather. I took him the Charles Dickens’ book. He told me what had happened.”

  Inwardly, she groaned. She’d forgotten he was coming to the house. Oh, why hadn’t she stayed so they could have visited? “Oh, yes. The book. I’m sorry I wasn’t there.”

  “When your grandfather told me what happened, I knew I needed to offer my assistance to the sheriff.” Neil glanced toward the jail before leaning closer. “I’ve never really trusted that man.”

  She gasped as stunned surprise filled her. Finally, they had something in common. “I cannot trust him, either.” She stepped closer, clasping his arm. “Make certain you watch him closely when you’re helping him, and make sure he actually does his job.” She snorted a disgusting laugh. “You know how lazy that man can be.”

  “Indeed, I do.” Neil nodded. “That is my plan.”

  She sighed with relief and moved back. “Then I’ll rest assured my grandfather is having the best people help him.”

  Grinning, he took her hand and lifted to his mouth, brushing a kiss across her knuckles. Once again, her breath caught in her throat and her heartbeat accelerated. Why had he done this gesture to her now? After all, she was in servant’s clothes and didn’t look like the lady she was. Dare she hope his heart was softening toward her and he’d soon ask her grandfather to court her?

  He stepped back. “I shall let you know what I’ve found.”

  “I appreciate your help, Mr. Mait—”

  “Call me Neil.”

  Warmth filled her. “Neil,” she sighed without meaning to.

  As Neil walked away, she thought she heard him chuckling. Once again, her face burned with embarrassment. Why did that always happen around him? He had better start courting her now. After all, not only did he put his arms around her, but he kissed her knuckles. That must mean something. And to think he still acted so charming with her even while she looked like she’d just finished scrubbing the dirt with her bare hands.

  Smiling with satisfaction, she turned to leave and stopped suddenly. Leaning against the shop’s outer wall not far from where she had been hiding, was Agent Hancock – grinning like a fool who had secrets. Her face bloomed with heat again, twice as hot as before with Neil.

  She hitched a surprised breath. Obviously, her hiding spot hadn’t been private at all. “What are you doing here Agent Hancock?”

  “I’m doing my job. What are you doing? From what I’ve seen so far, you’ve been spying on the sheriff, and...” his gaze moved to the jail just as Neil entered the building, “being intimate with Mr. Maitland.”

  A small part of her died inside. Why did he have to see that and mention it? He was certainly no gentleman. “Well, you see...” She huffed, planting her hands on her hips and staring at him accusingly. “You were not spying on the sheriff as you’d promised. That is why I disguised myself and followed him. Someone has to keep a close watch on that man, so it might as well be me.”

  He casually pulled away from the wall and sauntered toward her. “You don’t think I was watching the sheriff?” He tapped his index finger against his chin. “Let’s see...” He took a deep breath. “When the sheriff and I left your grandfather’s house, we chatted out by the fence, comparing notes for thirty minutes. Once finished, we went our separate ways. However, I circled back and followed him. He went to Franny’s Restaurant first and stayed there for twenty-five minutes. He visited with six people while he was there but didn’t ask about your grandfather’s stolen piece. When he left, he moved throughout the center of town, very slowly, and without saying one word about the theft.” He exhaled. “And, during all this time, I watched you spy on him. Do you want me to tell you all the places you tried to hide?” He chuckled. “I nearly laughed out loud when you bumped into the mayor’s wife and nearly knocked her over. That would have definitely caused a scene.”

  Anger rose within her so fast, she’d forgotten about how embarrassed she’d been. Folding her arms over her chest, she narrowed her gaze on him. “And why were you watching me?”

  He shrugged. “You were more entertaining than the sheriff. I knew he wasn’t going to ask around about your grandfather’s stolen artifact, and I’d thought about going home, but watching you was worth staying around for.”

  Scarlett wanted to slap his face, but she didn’t dare. He hadn’t really done anything that required her to get violent with him, except humiliate her. “Well, Agent Hancock, you can wipe off that irritating grin and get back to your job.” She pointed toward the jail. “Because that jackanapes is still sitting behind his desk doing nothing, which means it’s up to you to find that stolen artifact.”

  He hadn’t followed her orders at all, because he was still grinning... and slowly moving closer to her. She retreated, stepping backward until she ran into the brick wall. He finally came to a stop a few inches away.

  “Miss Scarlett, will you please have faith in me to do my job? I assure you, I know what I’m doing.”

  She swallowed hard, smelling his masculine scent again. He was not going to make her weak in the knees this time. She would give that privilege to Neil, and only him.

  “Fine. I’ll return back to the house if you need me,” she said in a tight voice.

  He arched an eyebrow. “The weather is turning colder, so it’s a good idea to get home quickly. I don’t think I’ll need you anymore today.” His gaze dropped to her mouth and he stroked his thumb across her chin. “But if I do, I’ll come to find you.”

  She thought she was going to pass out, and it wasn’t until he turned to leave did she realize she’d been holding her breath. Her heartbeat thundered in her chest, and confusion filled her. Dryness had settled in her throat, and she had a difficult time swallowing.

  What has he done to me?

  TRAVIS WAS FIT TO BE tied. That sheriff was up to no good. Travis would bet his next paycheck on it.

  After watching the sheriff turn down an offer from Scarlett’s b
eau, the banker, to help him find the thief, Travis wondered what plans were floating around in the sheriff’s puny little brain. Why wouldn’t Simpson want outside help? Unless the man-of-the-law wanted to solve the case and get all the glory.

  As a Pinkerton agent, Travis was required to work with the sheriff, however, in this case, he might have to forget that requirement. His gut told him something wasn’t right, and he believed this time he would follow his instincts.

  Just as his instincts told him to keep a close eye on Scarlett.

  He grinned and shifted in the saddle as he rode back toward Mrs. Pettingill’s boarding house across town. Scarlett was still a little spitfire, and he really should tell her to stop trying to do his job, but he realized this afternoon that she made him smile – more than he’d done in a very long time. He found himself chuckling more, too. Yet, when he had pinned her up against the wall of the building and noticed the catch in her breath and the way her breathing had accelerated, his thoughts had turned in a different direction. He’d become lost gazing into her eyes, watching the way the amber color turned lighter and darker.

  Shaking his head, he sighed. He really shouldn’t have caressed her chin, either. Her skin was so soft. He hadn’t wanted to move, however, he detected a slight tremble in her body. Lovely Scarlett hadn’t been afraid... entirely opposite, in fact. Yet, his own out-of-control heartbeat during that time had confused him greatly which made him back up quickly.

  He nodded to a few men as they passed each other on the road. It had been a while since he’d been in Loveland, Colorado. The late winter evening’s air had turned chilly, and he’d wished he had worn his coat. Sadly enough, this winter hadn’t been very cold at all, and the snowstorms were few.

  Travis blew out a frustrating sigh. Following Sheriff Simpson had been a waste of time. He’d devote his full day tomorrow on asking questions to the people on Scarlett’s list. If the sheriff was up to no good, Travis would just have to figure it out later. The longer the ancient artifact was missing, the longer it would take to find it.

  He neared Mrs. Pettingill’s boarding house and slowed his horse. He guided his steed around toward the barn in the back before dismounting. It didn’t take him long to remove the saddle and brush down the animal. As he walked back toward the house, the wind had picked up, blowing through the trees. But there was a different sound out there – almost like footsteps crunching on fallen tree limbs or bushes.

  Hairs stood up on the back of his neck from the eerie feeling of being watched. There could only be one person spying on him at this time in the evening. The thief must have heard a Pinkerton agent was on the case – and if this thief had heard the rumors, he’d know that Agent Hancock always captured the criminal.

  Slowly, Travis moved his hand toward his pistol. One of the many skills that made him a great agent was being a quick draw. Not only could he draw quickly, but he always shot his target straight on. He never liked killing. Instead, he injured the criminals so they could attend their own hanging trial.

  He slowed his steps, waiting and listening for the person to pounce on him, or at least try. The criminal wouldn’t see what was coming at him until it was too late.

  Once he was out of the full moon’s light and into the shadows, the footsteps behind him quickened. This was it. He must be focused and prepared for anything.

  The moment he heard fast breaths, Travis whipped around, yanking his gun out of the holster, and pointing it at his attacker. But standing in the back of him wasn’t the thief he’d expected. Instead, a woman with wavy hair to her shoulders and a baby blue cloak wrapped around her neck and shoulders was the person who jumped back and screamed.

  He groaned. Scarlett’s scream would alert the whole street. He was sure of it... and this was not a good place for an unmarried woman to be caught with a man.

  FOUR

  Scarlett’s blood left her head. She literally felt it as she stared down the barrel of Travis’ pistol. Fear escalated and she swayed, knowing she would pass out any moment now.

  Travis cussed as he holstered his gun and reached out to grab her as she tilted toward him. She fought to keep alert and conscious. Blinking her eyes rapidly, she looked at his shadowed face.

  “Tarnation, Scarlett. What are you doing here?” he said in a low, but angry voice.

  “I... needed to talk... to you,” she slurred her speech.

  “Dagnabit, Scarlett. Don’t you go passing out on me.”

  He lifted her in his arms and carried her inside the barn. She clung to his shoulders as she continued to stay awake. But her head swam, and the blood still hadn’t returned to her face. Her life had passed before her when she saw his gun, and sadly, she hadn’t enjoyed what memories had passed through her mind.

  Travis moved to a bucket of water sitting on the ground by a bale of hay. Still in his arms, he sat on the hay and dunked his hand inside the bucket. When he pulled it out, it flipped the water on her mere seconds before placing his cold hand on her cheek.

  “Breathe deeply,” he told her, “and don’t take your eyes off me.”

  She did as he instructed as he dunked his hand twice more and touched her cheek. Finally, her face began to warm with alertness, and the dizziness was gone. She grabbed his arm, stopping him from getting his hand wet again. “I’m all right now.”

  He released a sigh and rested his hand on her knee. When she realized she was still sitting on his lap, she squirmed to move, but he tightened his arms of steel around her.

  “Travis, release me at once.”

  He glared at her. “Not until you tell me what you’re doing here.” He shook his head. “Don’t you know that sneaking up on a Pinkerton agent is extremely dangerous?”

  “I do now.”

  He blew out a gush of air and relaxed his arms. “I’m surprised nobody has come out to see who screamed.”

  “Me, too.” Embarrassment swept over her, and yet she convinced herself that screaming was necessary. After all, a man had pulled a gun on her.

  “Are you all right?” He cupped the side of her face. “At least you’re not as white as a ghost.”

  She pushed his hand away. “And when was the last time you saw a ghost?”

  A grin pulled on his handsome face. “A few minutes ago.”

  “Like I said, I’m fine now.” This time when she tried to stand, he let her. She walked closer to the lantern hanging on a wooden beam.

  “Are you going to tell me what you’re doing here and why you risked your reputation to come to the boarding house where I’m staying without a chaperone?”

  Her mind finally started working properly again, and she remembered why she’d come. “Oh, yes.” She spun around to look at him again. “I discovered something, and I couldn’t wait to tell you.”

  Groaning, he rubbed his forehead. “Scarlett, didn’t you just hear what I said?”

  “Of course, I heard. I’m not deaf.”

  He stood and moved toward her. She didn’t exactly like the irritation written on his expression, so she crossed her arms, ready to face him with her own level of stubbornness.

  “Scarlett, I appreciate you wanting to tell me what you found, but it really could have waited until morning. Now I have to get you back home without anyone seeing us together. After all, the sun has gone down, and two unmarried people alone in the dark is not a good thing.”

  She lifted her chin, hating the dejected feeling pouring through her veins. He’d made her feel this way once before, so why had she allowed him to repeat the past?

  “Travis, I’ll have you know that I can get back home by myself. I don’t need your help. And,” she stepped closer to him, “I’m a grown woman, so stop treating me like a child.”

  “Yes, you’re definitely a grown woman.”

  His gaze moved over her again. Shivers ran over her, but it wasn’t from disgust. Instead, the odd sensation warmed her body. Self-consciously, she ran her hand over the front of her cloak, only to find it open and showing the square-neck
bodice of her gown. Once she had returned home earlier, she quickly changed into something that made her feel more womanly. Yet, now as her throat was exposed, she couldn’t help but feel like the woman she’d always wanted to be around him. The cool air touched her skin, but she wasn’t cold in the least. Not when his hot gaze made her burn inside.

  She tried shaking off the way her body trembled. “Forgive me for thinking you’d be interested in knowing what I discovered in my grandfather’s trophy room – something that doesn’t belong.” She shrugged and turned away from him, fastening up her cloak to prepare to leave the barn.

  When his hand clasped her arm and swung her back around to face him, it was all she could do not to grin. Just as she’d figured, he was interested.

  “Scarlett? What did you find?”

  She cocked her head, meeting his impatient gaze. Dare she toy with him as he’d been toying with her, especially earlier when he’d seen her and Neil together? She licked her suddenly dry lips. “I don’t know if I should tell you now.”

  He rolled his eyes, grabbing her shoulders to hold her in place. “Scarlett, you’ve come all this way and risked your reputation, so you might as well tell me what you found.”

  She loved the power she had over him at this moment, but she really shouldn’t tease. After all, she hated it when men did that with her. “Fine, I’ll tell you.” She pulled away from his tender touch. “I discovered a woman’s white, laced handkerchief on the floor between two of grandfather’s cases.”

  One side of his perfect mouth lifted higher than the other. “And it wasn’t yours?”

  “Oh, please.” She flipped her hand through the air. “I don’t carry handkerchiefs. Instead, I let the men offer theirs to me whenever I need it.”

  His chest shook with a silent laugh. “Of course, you do.” He folded his arms. “By chance, did it have monogrammed initials sewn into the edge of the cloth?”