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“It doesn’t look good,” Ray whispered.
“What do you mean?” Panic tightened Steffan’s chest.
Hattie’s heart thudded quickly against him.
“Franz is an old friend of Treven’s. Franz told William Rindlesbacher what he’d done, stealing all of Hattie’s money and things and setting up this elaborate adventure to get her here alone. He wanted to get more money out of her, but he was afraid she’d kill him like she’d killed Jane. Franz begged William to meet him at the cabin to help him. He said it was dark when Hattie and Franz came in. They were struggling and yelling at each other. Hattie came up with the knife, stabbed Franz, and then Rindlesbacher knocked her out before she could turn on him.” His voice was stating the facts, but Steffan could tell he didn’t believe William.
“That’s not true,” Hattie said. “Franz cut the recording device out of my shirt and I did struggle with him, but then somebody came from the side and knocked me out. I never touched the knife.”
“But that’s all you remember?” Ray pushed out a frustrated breath. “It was pitch black. Hattie, could you have fallen on Franz and the knife killed him then?”
“That’s highly unlikely,” Steffan said. “William is dirty, and we all know it. You’re in charge here. We have to prove the truth.”
Ray nodded, serious as death—or a prison sentence. “Steffan, if Jensen has to arrest her, you have to stay calm and trust that we’ll unveil the truth. That Jensen and I will make it right.”
“He can’t arrest her,” Steffan said too loudly.
“Please no,” Hattie said. Her voice tugged at his heart.
Jensen walked out of the cabin, William close on his heels. His gaze met Steffan’s, and the world upended. Jensen’s dark eyes were full of despair.
Steffan knew.
Jensen was going to arrest her.
William was a well-known, respected, and wealthy man in their country. Hattie wasn’t a citizen and had no one but Steffan to back her up. It was her word against William’s, and unless that knife had William’s fingerprints all over it, or the recording device was found and proved her story, she was going to prison.
“Trust us,” Ray muttered fiercely, obviously coming to the same conclusion from that look on Jensen’s face.
He’d always trusted his brother and Jensen. Always. But …
“The recording device is gone,” Jensen said heavily.
Where had the recording device gone? Slipped between the planks in the floor, hidden in William’s pocket, swallowed?
Jensen walked toward them. William stayed in the cabin doorway.
“Did you check William for the recording device?” Steffan asked.
“I did.” Jensen shook his head and met Steffan’s gaze. “I’m sorry, but he doesn’t have it.” He took in a breath. “Hattie Ballard. I’m going to need to take you in and keep you in a holding cell until we sort this mess out.”
“No!” Steffan wasn’t sure if it was him or Hattie that cried out the word.
“Steffan.” Jensen’s voice was level, but the look in his eyes terrified Steffan. “Release Miss Ballard and step back.”
“No,” Steffan growled at his friend, sheltering Hattie with his arms.
“Steffan.” Ray’s voice was a whip crack. “Release her.”
“No!” he yelled. He gazed down at her. “I won’t let them take you.”
“You are the most gentlemanly prince in this world,” she whispered for only him to hear, then she arched up and kissed him.
The kiss took him off guard with all the anger, fear, and emotion swirling through him, but he quickly responded and tried to convey to her that he’d fight anyone, including his brother and close friend, who had eons more experience at fighting than he did, and he’d win … for her.
Hattie pulled back. “You said I’d never pay you back for the tips and I’ll never make a dent repaying you for all you’ve done for me, but it’s time for me to take care of you now.”
“No.”
