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At least she had her charity and her column—or a column. She’d dictated the thing to him the prior night and they’d mailed it to Philadelphia before they boarded. A solid piece. And he’d given her plenty of material for the next few as well, provided she didn’t disappoint her readers anymore.
“Thank god.” Her father’s voice met them before they even stepped through the threshold of the Centerville house. He raced in, his silver-brown hair flopping on his face. He gripped her into a tight embrace before standing back, inspecting. “Are you all right? You aren’t hurt, are you?”
“Well...” She shifted on her feet. She was the worst liar, especially where her father was concerned. He could always see through her, particularly when she was trying to protect him. After all, he’d been the one to come out to Bedford, unprompted, to collect her and take her back to Indianapolis. She’d been planning on giving it a few more months just to be sure everything appeared real, but somehow, her father knew how miserable she was and swooped in. Glared a whole bunch at Elias too.
“She was injured in Pittsburgh, sir, and it was aggravated during the train accident at Hunterdon,” David answered, his eyes on her father, his back straight, not even a flinch, despite a near growl coming from her father’s lips.
Good lord, so much overprotectiveness.
Amalia stepped between the two. “I’ve healed. My hand should be as good as new in a few days.” Her words didn’t change the murderous glint in her father’s eyes.
“I thought you Pinkertons are supposed to be the best.” Her father brushed around her, and wagged a finger in David’s face.
“We are, father.” A weary Thad entered from the adjoining parlor, followed by Will. He leaned against the gold and cream wallpaper. “They did an excellent job. Imagine what would’ve happened if they hadn’t been there. She’s safe in Delaware. And on time for the bris.”
“I wouldn’t have missed it for anything.” Amalia fluffed her hair as if a bounce of her curls could distract everyone into forgetting about the entire matter. She moved towards her brother out of habit, even as a voice in the back of her head screamed to stay with David, to cuddle against his body. “I have a new dress, after all. I’m excited to finally look lovely again.”
“You always look lovely.” Her father and David said the lie at the exact same time.
Another growl from her father.
“She does.” Thad’s voice was loud, even for him. “Though the hour is growing late and if you want a full bath, Amalia, you should probably start now.”
A little obvious, but at least her brother thought on his feet, and was on her side.
“Excellent idea.” And he had a point. She could use a good soak. She stank from all the travel. On the stairs, she had to grip the banister. Who knew she’d be so sore and stiff?
“Meanwhile, the rest of us should meet,” Will said.
Amalia paused, a foot hovering above the third step. She turned to face the men again, her blood pounding in her ears. “Are you going to discuss the threats? Because if you do, I think I should stay.”
How dare they? After all she’d been through. Would she ever be out of bunting in her family’s eyes? And Will? Was she just a charge for him too?
“Amalia.” There was a warning note in her father’s voice.
“I’m not a child, father.” She marched back down the stairs. “Tell me whatever news you all have.” She glanced to David, willing him to support her.
He swallowed. “Amalia has full knowledge of the investigation, or at least knows as much as I do, and can offer insight so I don’t see any reason not to keep her apprised.”
Lukewarm, but better than nothing. She scowled.
David must have noticed because he cleared his throat and continued after glancing at her. “And she adjusts quickly—very quickly, so really, in many ways, she’s an asset. She’ll be much safer if she is informed of any and all plans.”
Her heart tingled. Better, much better. And his voice never wavered. Oh, she’d find a way to sneak into his bedroom and show him how much she appreciated that little boost in front of her father. Maybe on her knees again. She might have licked her lips.
“Well, the Chicago office has joined the investigation to add more resources.” Thad gave her a dubious stare before crossing in front to address the group, though really more their father. “I’m having Meg be our communication liaison with them and the folks in Pittsburgh. They have a suspect and are questioning him. And the agents who were in Indianapolis yielded some interesting discoveries related to the case.”
Her brother inclined his head towards David and something flickered between the two of them. They both nodded again.
“Perfect.” David cleared his throat, including Will in his now three-way glance. “We can review all the information and make any security changes necessary, alert everyone to any descriptions of potential suspects. Right now, act as if anyone who isn’t family could be a potential threat. No one is to be trusted and she’s always to be guarded.”
Reasonable, though being guarded at all times...it better be by David. At least if she had any say. She cleared her throat. “Well, you need more resources for that. Especially when I return to the Philadelphia house.”
All the men turned to her.
“You plan to go there?” her father asked.
Yes, no, maybe? If David was going to be in that city...though she couldn’t exactly say that to her father, could she? Amalia shrugged and willed her voice nonchalant. “I do own it. And Isaac, and Rachel, and Lydia are all getting on in years and aren’t they
