A Noble Groom (Michigan Brides #2)(95)

A strange horse stood in the center of the mow.

Slowly she approached the horse and ran her hand over its hindquarters and flank to the saddle. “Where’d you come from?” she whispered, searching the shiny leather for any identification.

Old Red gave a high whinny and kicked the wall as if to remind her why she’d come into the barn in the first place.

As she took a step toward Old Red’s stall, a hand slid over her mouth and the cold end of a pistol pressed into the back of her head.

“I’ve been waiting for you, Mrs. Werner,” said a voice in stilted German.

Annalisa froze.

The gun barrel dug through her scarf and hair into her scalp. “And I’m getting tired of waiting.” The hand over her mouth was soft and plump and damp with sweat.

The tailored sleeve, the bulky flesh, the poor German—all of it belonged to none other than E. B. Ward.

Annalisa quickly scanned the barn for something, anything she could use to defend herself.

“I’m done playing games with you, Mrs. Werner.” He pulled her backward so that she was left with little choice but to stumble against his bulging body.

She wanted to scream, but even if he removed his hand from her mouth, who would hear her except perhaps Gretchen, who was outside with the dog? And the last thing she wanted was for Gretchen to come running into the barn and witness whatever Ward intended to do to her.



“You need to sign over the deed to this land to me today.” His breath was stale and hot against her neck. “I’m not giving you a choice this time.”

When had he ever given her a choice?

“And no, Carl won’t be coming to rescue you this time. I received news he was leaving town on the Clayton Belle this afternoon.”

Disappointment pushed against her chest. So Carl really was going away. He wouldn’t be showing up in the doorway and asking for a slice of the apple pie she’d baked that morning.

She’d told herself she wasn’t baking it for him. But deep inside, she had to admit, she’d held on to a thin hope that maybe—just maybe—he wouldn’t be able to leave her, that he cared enough about her to want to stay regardless of all that had happened.

And yet what reason had she given him to come back? Hadn’t she made it clear she didn’t want him to be a part of her life anymore?

Ward said something else to her in English that she didn’t understand, then jerked her arm behind her back as he’d done the last time.

Pain ripped through her shoulder. She cried out, but his hand muffled the sound.

Was he going to kill her? Just as he’d done to Hans?

He could get away with murder and no one would know.

Sophie started to fuss again, louder this time.

“Keep the baby quiet.” He yanked her arm, and another burst of pain shot through her shoulder. “Or I’ll have to quiet her for you.”

The fear inside seeped into her limbs, causing her to tremble. She put her finger to Sophie’s mouth, praying the baby would suckle it.



“Now I’m going to take my hand away from your mouth. But if you scream, I’ll find a way to silence you too.” He loosened his grip. “Do you understand?”

She nodded, trying to keep her knees from buckling underneath her.

He let go of her mouth and then shoved a wrinkled piece of paper in front of her face. “This is a copy of the deed, and at the bottom it says that you’re selling me your land for fifty dollars.”

“Fifty dollars? It’s worth far more than that. I have to pay Herr Buel ten dollars an acre.”

He tightened his hold on the arm behind her back. “Fifty is all I’m willing to pay.”

Her shoulder and arm burned, making her want to cry out. But she clenched her teeth and sucked in a hissing breath. Was the land really worth all the pain? If she refused Ward’s offer, she dreaded to think what he might do to her. And even if she stood her ground and survived his retribution, she would only continue to put herself and her children in danger. He’d be back again and again, until he finally got his way.

“You’re lucky I’m offering you anything at all for this worthless piece of land.”

She didn’t respond. They both knew he wouldn’t be forcing her to sign over the deed if the land were worthless. In fact, she figured he stood to make a hefty profit by building his sawmill in such a strategic location, or he would have given up getting her land long ago.

Outside, Snowdrop had started barking again. The black clouds she’d seen earlier had moved quickly, making the shadows in the barn darker. The air had grown hotter as well, and a thick smoke began penetrating the interior of the barn.

She nodded toward the door. “I think we need to get ourselves to safety before the fire gets here.”



“We’re not going anywhere until you sign this paper.”

Sophie gnawed hungrily at Annalisa’s finger, but then gave a frustrated cry.

Annalisa bounced the fussing baby, shushing her, but all the while her mind was screaming. She had to get the girls to safety.

Suddenly Snowdrop raced through the open door of the barn. At the sight of Ward, the dog crouched low and growled, revealing his sharp teeth.

“Mama?” Gretchen called from outside the barn.

“Don’t come in here!” Annalisa shouted. As soon as the words were out, she realized the panic in her voice would likely draw the girl, so she tried to make her tone calmer. “You stay there, liebchen. I’ll be right out.”