Page 76 of Air Affair

Hank was less certain. Major Belmont was a powerful man, and he might think he could get away with something like that. After all, he practically owned New York City. Even if he was accused, Hank was certain the charges would never stick.

Major Belmont wasn’t his only enemy, though. Senator Windham had also made threats, and he was underhanded enough to have arranged spying on Rory in an attempt to force her hand. He also seemed like the sort that might consider himself above the law, and he had more to lose if Rory married Hank.

“When the police find out you’ve woken up, I’m sure they’ll want to interview you. Both of you,” he said, turning to Rory. “After all, your romance is the primary motive for someone to want to harm Hank.”

Rory’s grip on him grew painfully tight. “If someone tried to hurt Hank on my account, they’d better watch out. I’ll… I’ll… I don’t know what I’ll do, but I swear I will see justice served.” She turned to O’Donnell. “Take me home, Bill. I need to change clothes, and there’s someone I need to see. I’ll be back this afternoon, Hank. I promise.”

Deeply uneasy, Hank said, “Please don’t do anything foolish, Rory. If someone’s trying to kill me, then you’re in danger too. Promise me you won’t take any unnecessary risks.”

Rory’s lips thinned to a tight line. “I promise I’ll be back this afternoon, Hank. Be good.”

With that, she dragged O’Donnell out the door.

Hank gritted his teeth. That was not the promise he asked for. But Rory had never been one to play it safe. He loved that about her…except when there was a murderer on the loose. This was going to be one long and anxious day, and there wasn’t a thing he could do about it.

29

Rory hadn’t seen Aunt Alva since her birthday party, but it was time to humble herself and make peace with at least part of her family. When she rang at Aunt Alva’s front door, the footman led her to the drawing room, which she took as a good sign. At least she wasn’t being denied entry.

Aunt Alva wore her most imperious and stern look as she came in and sat across from Rory.

“I’ve heard some shocking things about you, young lady, and I expect an explanation of where you’ve disappeared to. I don’t hold with what August did, but I’m deeply disappointed in you.”

“I’m sorry for disappearing, Aunt Alva.” She had to start with an apology, she knew, or Aunt Alva wouldn’t listen to anything else. “I’m engaged to a man Papa doesn’t approve of. He caught us together and threw me out.”

“You should have come to me. I don’t approve of some of the things I’ve heard, but I believe strongly a young woman ought to be free to choose her spouse and ought not to be forced into marriage. I could have helped you.”

Aunt Alva’s disapproval was a terrible weight around her shoulders. She loved her aunt with all her heart. Somehow, she had to make her understand. “I know, Aunt Alva. I thought about it, and I nearly came here. But I decided it was time for me to try my wings and see if I could survive on my own. I’ve learned I can. I have a job and a place to live, and I’m doing just fine.”

“You aren’t staying with your paramour?” One accusing eyebrow rose as she said the words.

“No, I’m not. And he’s my fiancé. We’re to be married as soon as he’s out of the hospital.”

“Hospital?”

Rory told her aunt the story of Hank’s accident and the police finding evidence of sabotage, as well as their suspicions of her father. “I need your help, Aunt Alva. I want to go see my father and confront him about this, but I don’t feel safe going alone. I was hoping you would come with me. I don’t believe he did it, but I need to hear him say it.”

“I’ve known your father longer than you have, and he is a ruthless businessman. But I cannot believe he would stoop so low. I’ll come with you if you wish because I would like to see you two reconciled. I couldn’t begin to guess who is behind this sabotage, but I’m certain it isn’t him.”

“Thank you, Aunt Alva. That’s all I ask.” Relief flooded her. With Aunt Alva by her side, she would be safe. She needn’t fear her father trying to force her marriage to Edward again.

Half an hour later, she and Aunt Alva were escorted into her father’s study. He looked to Rory like he was ready to breathe fire when he saw her, but one look from Aunt Alva quelled him. “I’m a busy man, Aurora. The police have already wasted half of my morning with nonsense. I won’t have you wasting the other half. If you’ve come to beg me to relent, you’ve wasted your time.”

“I’ve come to tell you I’m doing just fine without your money, and I have no intention of asking anything of you ever again. I also wanted to let you know I’ll be marrying Hank as soon as he’s out of the hospital. I take it the police told you why he’s there?” She gave her father a sharp look over his enormous desk, holding his gaze and not looking away. She needed to see every tiny reaction right now.

Please let him be innocent.

“Yes, yes. Someone sabotaged his airplane. And they think I have something to do with it because I lost my temper when I learned the true identity of Albert Jones. Ridiculous.”

She caught his eye again and held it. “Is it, Papa?”

The silence stretched out as they stared each other down.

“Aurora, I loathe the man for the liberties he’s taken with you, but I’m not a murderer. I swear to you I had nothing to do with this. And I’m deeply distressed you would think such a thing.”

She continued to hold his gaze. “I want to believe you, Papa.”

“When a man is my enemy, I confront him. I don’t hide in the dark and secretly try to do him harm. Sabotage is cowardly. Have you ever known me to be a coward?”