A Mail-Order Wish (Miners to Millionaires Book 2) Read online

  She dropped her hand and stepped away from him, her eyes denying his words. “You’ll kill him?”

  “I will if he attacks me.” And Ronan knew Lawrence would certainly attack him. The man wouldn’t let Ronan get away without a fight. He’d have nothing to lose. And that’s what Ronan really wanted. He wanted the man to go crazed, to realize what Ronan had done to him—and then come after him. It was the only way Ronan could legally kill him without repercussions. If Lawrence attacked him, it was self-defense. And Ronan would relish defending himself.

  “You can’t.” Tears filled Olivia’s eyes as she stepped further away. “If you do that, you’ll be no better than him.”

  “I’m not better than him. It’s important that you realize that now.” He didn’t reach for her. The part of him that wanted to hold her in his arms, to comfort her even though he was the one causing her pain, couldn’t win. “Once this is done tomorrow, it’ll all be over. We have our whole lives ahead of us.”

  She wrapped her arms around her body as if trying to protect herself. “It will never be the same if you do this. If you do this, it will end us.”

  Rage flared within him. “I can’t walk away from this. I can’t. This is me. I’ve worked for too long, done too much, to stop now.”

  She slowly straightened. “If you do this… if you kill him… there won’t be an us. I will leave you, Ronan.”

  He took two steps toward her, stalking her, daring her to retreat, but she didn’t. She held still and then slowly raised her eyes to meet his.

  “You’ll leave me”—he snapped his fingers—“just like that?”

  “Yes.”

  “I can’t change now. Not even for you, Olivia.”

  “Then I supposed you’ve made your choice.”

  Holding her head high, Olivia marched back to the carriage, and he stormed after her. She didn’t speak to him at all on the way back to the hotel, and once they arrived, she locked herself in the bedroom.

  He glared at the door. If she didn’t want to speak to him, that was fine. He sent a note to his parents, explaining that he and Olivia wouldn’t be able to make it for another day or two until his business was settled, but he then promised they’d stay for several days.

  With a good night’s rest, Olivia would see the error in her ways. She couldn’t change him, and she best know that now. Everything would be fine tomorrow afternoon. Things would be settled with Lawrence, and she’d see nothing had changed between them. He would still be the same man who married her.

  Chapter 14

  After a sleepless night, Olivia heard the click of their hotel room door as Ronan left for his appointment that morning. He hadn’t spoken to her since their argument the day before. He hadn’t tried to justify his actions or change her mind.

  He was determined to kill Lawrence for all he’d done, and while Olivia could understand the desire, she couldn’t condone his actions.

  And in the end, he’d made his choice.

  Repacking her bag, she made her way down to the lobby and asked for a carriage to take her to the train station. She’d debated all night about where she should go now that she was leaving her husband. And Ronan, she chose to believe, was still her husband.

  She wouldn’t return to her family. She never wanted them to know about her shame. The only place she could think of to start over was back in Promise Creek. She’d have memories of Ronan, and he’d find her there if he ever wanted to. Not that he would, she thought to herself. He’d only needed her for his revenge, which was well on its way of being fulfilled, and he would no longer have need of a wife.

  She bit her lip as the carriage stopped at the station. She could cry later. Right now, she needed to be on her way.

  She had support in Promise Creek, and while she might not be allowed back into the house, she knew she could make something work there. Somehow, she’d survive this. Survive Ronan.

  Purchasing her ticket, she boarded the train and refused to look out the window as they pulled away from the station.

  Oh, how different this journey to Promise Creek was from the last time she’d taken it. She’d been so hopeful, so full of plans for her life with Ivan. And none of them had worked out.

  Now she was married and leaving her husband.

  She clutched the rose pendant around her neck. She just wished she’d been enough for him. She would remember her time with him long into the future. If only she’d had more of it.

  With nothing else to be done, the first shuddering of a sob left her. And there, on a train bound for Promise Creek, she cried silently as all her dreams for the future were left behind in Georgia.

  Ronan’s lawyer nodded over the paperwork. “The transaction is complete.” He stood and shook hands with Lawrence, then with Lawrence’s lawyer. “Congratulations, Mr. Adams.”

  Ronan watched his old friend preen under the praise, and his pulse picked up. It was done. Lawrence was ruined, and in a few minutes, he’d know by just how much.

  The lawyers shook hands before letting their clients know they could be contacted if anything else was needed. Now, only Lawrence and Ronan remained in Lawrence’s private office.

  “Would you like a drink?” Lawrence offered, already on his feet and heading toward the decanter set off to the side. “Seems appropriate.”

  “Yes, thank you.”

  Ronan eyed the lavish office in the plantation house. Lawrence had lived well, stretching himself past the point of financial return, not even the land was being worked. And it was all about to end.

  When Lawrence handed Ronan the glass, smooth scotch slid down his throat. Expensive scotch.

  Eyeing the reflection from his glass, he relished the moment.

  Lawrence returned to his seat and a short chuckle sounded before he took a swallow from his own glass, sighed, then said, “I do appreciate you coming all this way. It was impossible for me to travel at such a time.” What Lawrence failed to mention, was that he didn’t have the funds necessary for the journey.

  “It was no problem. In a way, it was a coming home experience for me.” For the first time, Ronan let a little of his southern accent slip into his words.

  “You’re from Georgia, then?” Lawrence quirked a brow, but he sounded far from interested in Ronan’s answer.

  “Yes. Here, actually, from Peachtree.”

  The glass paused halfway to Lawrence’s mouth. “You are?”

  Ronan rotated the crystal glass in his hands. “What a coincidence, right?”

  The air hung heavy between them, and Lawrence sat his glass down on a side table his eyes narrowing as he studied Ronan.

  “It’s amazing how small the world is,” Ronan continued, as if Lawrence was still in a celebratory mood. “In fact, amazingly enough, I’d thought my parents had died years ago, but they’re still alive.”

  “In Peachtree?”

  “Yes. And back in our family home once again. It was taken from them for a time after the war.”

  Lawrence rose slowly from his chair. “Who are you?”

  A thrill zinged through Ronan as he placed his glass on another nearby table and stood to face his betrayer. “Do you really not know, Lawrie?”

  The man’s face paled at his childhood name. “How did you hear of that name?”

  “Oh, I know so much more than that. I know everything.”

  Lawrence retreated when Ronan took a step forward. “I’ll ask you one more time, who are you?”

  Ronan ignored the demand and took another step forward. “The family you burned in that house all those years ago weren’t the only people you killed, were they, Lawrie?”

  Lawrence stumbled. “James?” he asked hoarsely, finally recognizing the man in front of him. “You died!”

  Ronan laughed harshly. “It was convenient everyone thought so. At least, I believed so, until I realized my family was still alive and thought I’d been shot all those years ago for a crime I never committed.”

  “But...how?” Lawrence edged around the
room, backing away from Ronan’s slow pursuit.

  It was easy to see Ronan’s enemy steadily moving toward his desk. Toward a weapon. “How am I alive?” He mulled it over. “Someone knew I hadn’t committed the crime and took pity on me.” He paused his steps.

  Lawrence stood directly behind his desk. “And the claim?”

  “It’s empty.”

  “How did you convince my man to purchase it? Did you buy him?”

  “I didn’t need to. You really should’ve taken the time to inspect it yourself.” Ronan’s head cocked to the side as he watched Lawrence fiddle with a drawer. “Then again, you wouldn’t be able to afford such an expense, would you?” Ronan pulled his pistol out of his jacket and pointed it at Lawrence. “I wouldn’t do that.” He nodded at the desk. “If you grab your weapon, I’ll be forced to shoot.”

  Lawrence sneered, easing his hand away. “And this is your plan, James? To kill me? You’ll never get out of here alive. My servants will hunt you down and testify that you murdered me in my own home. You’ll never get away.”

  Ronan shrugged. “Maybe. But after years on the run, does it really matter?”

  “No. It doesn’t.” Lawrence rounded the desk, moving swiftly towards Ronan, and pressed his chest against the gun’s barrel, taunting Ronan to kill him. “You always were a coward. And everyone here at home knows it. I’m surprised your parents could live with the shame of having you as their son!”

  The hatred rolling off Lawrence staggered Ronan. He roughly pushed Lawrence up against the nearest wall. “Why did you set me up all those years ago? Why lie and say I was the one who killed them?”

  “Why wouldn’t I? It’s not like I’d turn myself in for doing it.” His lips quirked in a sick, twisted smile. “They screamed so much that night. I never forgot it.”

  Ronan rammed him against the wall, only jarring a laugh from the man who’d stolen his life.

  “I resented you, James. You were always thought so highly of by the other officers. Everyone favored you. They never noticed me when you were around. It was all about you and how heroic you were, it was that way even when we were boys. I couldn’t stomach it a second longer. So, when I saw someone had witnessed my deeds that night, I made sure I implicated you and silenced the witness. I got away with it, and took care of you at the same time.” His face turned serious. “At least I thought I had. I won’t make the same mistake twice.”

  Lawrence’s fist jerked upright into Ronan’s stomach. Ronan grunted, and blocked another strike to his abdomen.

  Growling, Lawrence pushed Ronan, whose legs connected with a table and knocked them both to the floor. As Ronan’s gun flew out of his hands, he connected his fist with Lawrence’s jaw. Ronan embraced the sting as his knuckles split, relishing the little bit of pain.

  Lawrence landed another kick to Ronan’s side as he scrambled over him to reach for the weapon, but that wasn’t enough to stop him. Gripping Lawrence, Ronan rolled the two of them over and over, knocking vases and books off tables as they both struggled for dominance. Neither gave an inch.

  Spying his opening, Ronan pummeled Lawrence, and saw red with every strike. This man had ruined Ronan’s life, had hurt both him and his family.

  With one arm, Lawrence shielded his body against Ronan’s attacks, using his free hand to search through the debris for a weapon.

  A sharp-edged letter opener entered Ronan’s bicep. Stabbing once, twice, before Lawrence rolled away.

  Lawrence gained his footing first as Ronan reached for the gun. His fingers latched on to the weapon a second before he flipped to his back, raising the nozzle. He pointed the gun at Lawrence, stopping him a moment before he could deliver a final fatal strike with the letter opener.

  Before either could say another word, the door flew open. “Freeze! Both of you!”

  Soldiers rushed the room and tackled Lawrence to the ground. Still on the floor, Ronan tossed his weapon away, holding his hands in the air to show he had no weapon.

  His breath came in heavy drags, and he stayed on the floor another moment, his eyes closed.

  It’s over.

  He rose slowly, watching as soldiers restrained Lawrence’s hands.

  Ronan’s lawyer approached. “Are you all right, sir?”

  Ronan rolled his neck. He’d have aches and pains, and his arm needed tending from the stab wounds, but there was nothing he wouldn’t recover from. “I’m fine.” He looked at his man. “I thought the minute he confessed you were going to have the soldiers enter to arrest him?”

  “The door was stuck, sir.” The man’s face was completely serious, but Ronan knew it was a lie. They’d allowed Ronan his retribution.

  Ronan shook the man’s hand. “Thank you.”

  “It’s my pleasure. With Lawrence’s testimony, we’ll be able to clear you of all wrongdoing in the Thompson family’s murders. I’ll file the necessary papers today.”

  “Thank you.” The words cracked at the end, but his lawyer didn’t say anything.

  Ronan was free. The sentence would be dropped, and all would know that he hadn’t killed those people.

  He watched as Lawrence was taken into custody and escorted out of the house. He would die for what he’d done, and Ronan couldn’t find even a morsel of sympathy for his childhood best friend.

  Chapter 15

  Settled back in her old room at the house, Olivia watched the world pass by outside her window. The others hadn’t demanded an explanation when she’d asked if she could move back into the house. They gave her what she’d needed, understanding in their eyes.

  A fresh tear tracked down her cheek.

  She didn’t deserve such kindness from them. She didn’t deserve their understanding. But she was humbled by it. Grateful for it.

  Not even her own family would’ve given her this much support.

  She’d made the right choice in returning.

  A knock sounded on her door, and she wiped away a tear from her cheek. Readjusting her shawl, she called out, “Yes?”

  Sadie cracked the door open. “May I come in?”

  Olivia turned toward her. “Of course. Please.” She gestured for the soft-spoken woman to sit, eyeing her subtly curved belly. “How are you feeling?”

  Sadie’s lips curved as she sat in the offered seat. “I’m here to ask you that same question.”

  “Then we can ask it to each other.” Olivia sat on the bed, facing her friend, and once again tried to be discreet when she glanced at the other woman’s belly.

  Sadie saw the direction of Olivia’s eyes and sighed, then placed a hand over her stomach. “A little less sick. I think it’s passing.”

  “When will the baby be born?”

  “January, I think.”

  “You’re beginning to show.” Sadie nodded. “Do the others know?”

  “Just Clara.”

  Olivia chuckled softly. “She’s still the mother hen. Even now.” Even though Clara had moved out, she was still very much present in their lives.

  Sadie nodded. “Tell me about you. How are you?”

  That was the question on everyone’s mind, Olivia was sure. She wished she could answer it, even if for only her own benefit. “I’m not sure. I don’t know what to feel, or even what to do.”

  “I don’t mean to pry.” Sadie shifted in her seat. “But I hope you know you can speak with me. You know I was married before.”

  “When did he pass?”

  Sadie stiffened in her chair, but she still answered after only a slight pause. “He died shortly before I contacted Ivan. I came here almost immediately.”

  How hard that must’ve been for her. Olivia could only imagine. If Ronan died—

  She brushed that thought away the moment it came. Ronan wasn’t going to die. At least, she hoped his desire for revenge didn’t kill him. Besides, they might be married, but as far as she was concerned, their lives together were over. Olivia forced her attention back to the woman sitting across from her. “I’m sorry, that must have been dif
ficult for you.”

  Sadie curled her hands in her lap. “He was a bad man. He hurt me.”

  Olivia’s eyes flew to the frail woman. She didn’t know what to say.

  “I didn’t tell you that to gain your sympathy, I’m telling you this because I want you to know that you can tell me anything, and that I won’t judge you for what happened. I’m here to listen to you. It will never go further than me.”

  At Sadie’s words, it was as if a weight lifted off Olivia’s shoulders. She’d had no one to talk to, no one she could confide in. Clara had tried to speak with her, but Olivia was too ashamed to open up about what had happened. Not when Clara was so happy with Sawyer. Not when everything was perfect for her.

  Olivia’s eyes watered. “Thank you. I didn’t feel like anyone would understand.”

  “Tell me.”

  As if the gates had been opened, Olivia told Sadie everything that had happened—from the moment she’d found Ronan’s buckle, until she got back home earlier that evening. She left some of the more intimate details out, and other information she felt would betray Ronan’s trust, but she gave enough that Sadie understood the situation and what had happened. She’d remained quiet the entire time, allowing Olivia to purge all she held within in.

  At the end, Olivia blew out a huge breath. It was the first time she’d been able to breath without an imaginary bind around her chest since she’d left Ronan. “Do you see why I had to leave?”

  Sad eyes met hers. “Yes. It’s the only thing you could’ve done. If what he says is true, you are married. But knowing you, it wouldn’t be right to stay with a man who planned to murder another. Although he had solid reasons why he wanted to, killing is never right. I’m so sorry.”

  The ache inside Olivia’s heart grew. She’d known she’d done the right thing by leaving Ronan. But hearing Sadie’s words only made things feel more final. She felt like she’d lost him all over again. But this time, for good. They could never have a future together after he killed Lawrence Adams, no matter what happened in the past. Her lower lip trembled. “Thank you for listening to me.”