Train From Marietta by Dorothy Garlock Page B

derail in Texas a few years ago. I had a few clues that I could give him to work on. Kate had been sending me wires along the way, and when they stopped, I had some idea where she might have been kidnapped. Amazingly it was right in Lyle’s backyard. He said he’d do what he could. All we can do is wait and hope.”
    William swiveled in his chair again to look out the window. “Do you think that was the wise thing to do?” he asked sharply. “Have you thought this through carefully? You could get her killed, you know.”
    “I had to do something. She’s very dear to me.”
    William was silent, trying to get a grip on his racing heart and thoughts. This changed things. He hadn’t thought that Tyler would straighten his back and actually contact the authorities. He thought he’d hand over the money and that would be that. By God, he’d have to be extra careful from now on.
    “I’m just as sorry about this as I can be, John. You know I’ll do anything I can to help you get her back,” he said as sincerely as he could. “Don’t worry about things here. You can depend on me. I can take care of things here in the office, if you would want to go out there.”
    “No, William. I appreciate the offer, but I’ve got to wait here for the next ransom note. Besides, I doubt that there’s much that I could do in Texas besides get in the way.” With that, John managed a weak smile. He went to the door and paused. “I think that I’m going to go home. Lila will be anxious to know if I’ve heard anything. William, I want you to know how much I appreciate you. I knew I could depend on you.”
    John left and softly closed the door.
    William sat back in his chair and made a steeple with his fingers in front of his face. He was alarmed by the news that Tyler had gone to the Texas Rangers. He despised complications in the business world, and this was no different. Still, if this were a complication that he himself could deal with, that would have been okay. But this would be in Edwin’s hands, and that might be cause for worry. He realized that he needed to get word to his nephew.
    After making sure John had left the building, William put on his hat and overcoat and walked out the door. A heavy rain continued to fall. Now the weather matched his mood. He stood on the sidewalk and scanned both sides of the street for any sight of Tyler; it wouldn’t do for him to run into him now. Seeing no sign of the man, he turned on his heel and walked toward the telegraph office.
    He walked with his head down, paying little attention to anyone he passed. Few others were out in the stormy weather; most people were content to stay in, where it was warm and dry. William ignored the wet, his mind busy composing the telegram. Finally, as he entered the telegraph office, he decided.
    REMEMBER THE OVERTURNED SHIPMENT? STOP. SAME HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. STOP.
    After he had sent the message and stepped back out into the deluge, William Jacobs felt pleased with himself. He had sent a message that only Edwin would understand.
    As William continued to walk up the street, he paused to look in a jewelry store window, glancing at the display of rings, necklaces, and bracelets. Unsatisfied with the selection, he moved on. Jewelry from just any store would not be good enough for his lady love. It would have to come from Tiffany’s.
    With every step, he became more confident that he would succeed. It had been a risky move to kidnap Kather-ine Tyler, but as a successful businessman in his own right, he knew that there was no reward without risk. He was going to buy out John Tyler with John’s own money. He would control the business and take his place among the social elite.
    The most important decision had already been made. It was how to deal with Edwin after he’d received the ransom money. William already had plans in the making to get rid of him. He had given strict orders to the man who had found Hayden, and was assured that Hayden would know what to