The Pursuit

  “The sword?”

  “Yes.”

  “I keep it in my coat.”

  “And would you have actually used it?”

  “I’ve never killed a man if that’s what you’re asking me, but, yes, I would have protected myself.”

  Not until that moment did Edward notice the way she trembled and the small quiver in her voice. Compassion filled him, and he looked across at Denley.

  “Are you all right?”

  “Yes, Mr Steele,” he answered quietly. “Thank you.”

  “Niki?” Edward asked, turning back to her.

  “I’ll be fine,” she answered without looking at him. In truth she wasn’t sure. She had pulled her sword out before but never used it. Her eyes closed to try and dispel the image of the drops of blood on that man’s neck, but she could still see it.

  Edward looked across at Denley, whose eyes were riveted on Niki. He looked shaken and weary, and Edward tried to shake off the shock that had come over him.

  “Lie back down, Denley,” he ordered. “Rest as much as you can.”

  Denley did lie down, but his eyes were still on his employer.

  Edward then took one of Denley’s blankets, and without permission, put it over Niki. She only looked at him.

  “Lay your head back and try to rest.”

  She still stared at him.

  “I may not be good with a sword or marauders, but I know what to do when someone is upset. Here.” He held out a cup of water. “Take a drink.”

  Niki did as she was told, the feelings of unreality still stealing over her. She couldn’t remember the last time someone had taken care of her, not in this way. Denley was ever faithful, seeing to each need, but he was not the idea man. He didn’t tell her what to do or demand that she take care of herself. Edward Steele had no such inhibitions. Right now he was the one giving the orders, and he obviously expected to be obeyed.

  “Close your eyes,” Edward commanded, taking the cup from her grasp.

  “Every time I do that, I see that man’s bleeding neck.”

  Edward took a breath. It had been awful.

  “He would have robbed you,” he said at last. “And he might have killed you. You did what you had to do. I, for one, am very thankful that I didn’t lose my wallet. Thank you for what you did.”

  Niki nodded, suddenly very ready to close her eyes. Where the tears had come from she didn’t know, but they were rushing in, and that was something she couldn’t let anyone see.

  Though not actually sleeping, Niki lay still for a long time. She pushed the robbers from her mind time and again and then realized someone was reading a book near her. She heard the pages turning. She peeked over at Edward and found him bending over his Bible.

  “Does something in there comfort you?”

  “Yes,” he answered softly.

  “What is it?”

  “I’m reading in Genesis—the first few chapters about creation.”

  “And this brings comfort to you?”

  Edward looked over at her. “After an incident like that, I need to be reminded of the orderly God who loves me and who would never let me out of His sight.”

  Niki sat up a little. “And you get that in Genesis?”

  “Yes. You see, God’s design and plan are perfect. He doesn’t let things happen without a reason. I may never know why we were stopped today, but God had a plan, and I can rest in that.”

  Niki had to think on this one. Edward stayed silent. Aware that Denley was asleep again, she realized they were basically alone.

  “But there are verses that speak of comfort?” Niki asked, leaning toward him a little.

  “Yes, many of them, especially in Psalms. Would you like me to find some?”

  “You don’t have to.” Niki caught herself and pulled back, emotionally and physically.

  Edward ignored her and turned to that book. He began in chapter 119, reading several verses.

  “‘This is my comfort in my affliction; for thy word hath quickened me.’ That was verse 50. Then verse 76 says, ‘Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.’ A verse from chapter 86 doesn’t use the word comfort, but the message is still there. ‘For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive, and plenteous in mercy unto all those who call upon thee.’ Another one like that is in chapter 91, verse 2, ‘I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God; in him will I trust.’”

  “How do you know of those verses?”

  “I have them marked in my Bible.”

  “So you’ve studied it quite a bit.”

  “Off and on for many years,” he answered honestly.

  “What’s been most significant to you?”

  Edward cocked his head to think.

  “It’s probably the fact that salvation is only the beginning. Once we trust Christ for our eternal destination, we still have a life to live on this earth. I spent too many years living for myself and not really seeking what God would have of me.”

  “So eternal life might have been lost to you?” Niki asked.

  “No, my salvation, the trust I put in Christ to save me, was real, but I was ignorant and blinded by my own desires about living for Him. I would not have been lost, but neither would I have been able to stand before God and say that I’d chosen to devote my life in order to live as His child. By that I mean making Him my God in every sense.”

  Niki looked as confused as she felt. Edward read it on her face and searched for a way to explain.

  “Let me put it in earthly terms. Maybe you had done something wrong, a crime of some type, and you were going to be put to death. But then the king comes forward and pardons you. He saves you.

  “Clearly you would owe him, but you could choose not to live a life of obeisance to him; you could choose to live your life your way. You might think of him as your savior, even your friend, but not your king, because a king has rule and authority.

  “I can think of God as my savior and even my friend, but I must never forget that He is God, and after He saves me, I must put myself in subjection to Him and His will.”

  “How long did it take you to learn all of this?”

  Edward smiled a little. “Quite a while, but He’s a most patient God, ready to forgive me of my foolish pursuits.”

  “So you believe forgiveness continues?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “You believe you can be forgiven even after salvation?”

  “Absolutely. All sin can be repented of and forgiven.”

  Niki opened her mouth with another question, but the coach rocked, and Edward swiftly reached to steady Denley. He had looked to be on the verge of rolling off the seat. Edward laid a hand on his brow.

  “He’s warm.”

  Niki’s fist went to the roof. The coach came to a stop, and she got out.

  “How much further to Coimbra?”

  The coachman began to give the answer in miles. Niki cut him off.

  “How much time?”

  “Less than two hours.”

  Niki nodded.

  “We’ll stop here for a few minutes and then be off. I need that box,” she ordered, and pointed to a small hamper atop the coach.

  One of the men retrieved the hamper with their food and put it inside. While the coach was stopped, Niki prepared the meal, but just as soon as she had given some to Edward and Denley and taken some for herself, she signaled the driver to leave again.

  “The coachman said less than two hours, Denley,” she told him.

  That man nodded, a piece of bread that he hoped to swallow in his mouth. He didn’t know that time could move so slowly. It felt as if they’d been in the coach for days. He ate everything that was handed to him and drank more water, but it did nothing to revive him. The moment he lay back down, he slept again, hoping that when he woke the jostling would all be over.

  Coimbra, Portugal

  “Did you locate a doctor?” Edward asked when Niki entered
the room, this one much smaller than the last.

  “Yes, he’s on his way.”

  Niki went to the bed, much as she had in Lisbon, to check on Denley. He was sleeping hard and very warm to the touch.

  Regret filled her. She was certain that if they could have stayed in Lisbon, he would have gotten back on his feet and they could have taken a ship to Portsmouth, England. Moving by way of coach had probably been the worst thing they could have done.

  “Are you going to let the police know about the robbery attempt?” Edward was suddenly standing across the bed from Niki, looking for an answer.

  “I can’t exactly do that,” she said, meeting his look squarely.

  “Why is that?”

  “They’ll naturally wish to know why we weren’t robbed, and I’d rather not go into it.”

  Edward nodded, but he wished there was some way to report it.

  “Why is it important to you?”

  “We didn’t do anything with the pistol that was left on the ground. The men are free to stop the next coach. I’d hate to see someone else go through that.”

  Niki nodded. She’d had some of the same thoughts, but no solution on how to go about bringing the men to justice presented itself. At this point she didn’t feel she had a choice.

  “I would be sorry for anyone put in such a position, but right now I have to think of Denley’s and my safety. All else comes second.”

  Not for the first time Edward found himself asking, What is it that drives you, Niki Bettencourt? At what price have you chosen this life? He had never known anyone like her. The desperation she felt was almost tangible.

  An uncomfortable silence fell between them, lasting until the doctor arrived. His command of English was poor, but the innkeeper’s young son stood by and did his best to translate. Niki found out what she’d known all along: Denley needed rest and fluids.

  Paying the doctor, she took up a seat by the bed, seeming to forget that Edward was present.

  “I’m going to head out and look for a room.”

  Niki’s head sprang up.

  “There’s nothing here?”

  “No. Did you not hear him tell you this is the last room?”

  Niki shook her head no, guilt swamping her for having given so little thought to this man who had helped them.

  “Will you be leaving from here?” Niki suddenly asked, assuming he’d had enough of the whole situation.

  “Whenever you go.”

  “I won’t be out much,” Niki told him when he started toward the door. “I’ll have my meals here and keep Denley as quiet as possible. When he can rouse a bit, we’ll try to make Porto and find a ship.”

  “I believe that’s the most information you’ve given me. Why the sudden trust? I could be hunting you myself.”

  “You’re not,” Niki said, her head dipping as she broke eye contact.

  Edward studied her bent head for a moment, the perfectly cut dark, straight hair. He thought it must be very nice when it was long.

  “I shall probably be across the street. Send word if you need me.”

  Niki watched him leave. He did not look back. She sat for a long time and worked to figure him out. It would have been easier if Denley had been awake and had needs that could distract her, but he was very still, leaving Niki alone with only her thoughts for company.

  Edward gave Niki and Denley the rest of the day on their own. He wasn’t trying to distance himself, but she was tense with him, and the room was a little too small for comfort. Indeed there had been only one chair. They could have requested a second, but there was barely room.

  Edward dined alone that evening and retired late. For that reason he slept later than he planned. After a quick shave and a bath, he made his way down to the common room but stopped short of sitting down at one of the long tables.

  Standing just outside the building, a man, his clothing and looks very English, was watching the inn where Denley and Niki had their room. Edward studied him, thinking that traveling with Niki was making him paranoid, but the man never moved or altered his gaze.

  Edward went ahead and sat down. He was offered strong coffee and breakfast, which he accepted. Doing nothing to hurry his meal, he took note of the fact that the man never moved from his place.

  “It there a back door?” Edward asked the woman who came to refill his cup.

  She didn’t understand at first but eventually smiled knowingly and showed Edward the way.

  Walking ever so nonchalantly, Edward skirted the buildings around him until he’d landed himself at the rear of Niki’s inn. He wasn’t certain he would find a rear door to the lobby, and he was right—there was none. However, on the far side, away from his lodging, he found a portal. Opening it, he realized it led to the kitchen area.

  Making his way quietly through those rooms, he found the back stairs as swiftly as possible and hunted down Niki’s door. No one had questioned him. He knocked and waited.

  “You’re still here,” Niki said the moment she saw him in the hall.

  Edward stepped inside, shut the door, and leaned on it.

  “This building is being watched.”

  “Are you certain?”

  “Fairly so, yes. A British-looking chap is stationed outside my inn.”

  “And you sauntered across the street to tell me.” Niki’s voice was dry with chagrin.

  “Not at all!” Edward looked excited. “I exited out the back of my building and found my way to the rear of this inn. I’d wager he never saw me.”

  “You’re enjoying this!” she accused him, her mouth open in surprise.

  “No,” Edward denied and then hesitated. “Maybe a little.”

  Niki turned away, knowing she would laugh otherwise. His eyes had a way of speaking volumes, and she often wanted to laugh at the child she saw there.

  “How is Denley?” Edward remembered to ask.

  “Resting easy. His fever is down.”

  “What will you do about the man across the street?”

  Niki went to the window to spot him. Standing in the shadows, she stood for a moment in thought.

  “If he’s there all day, we’ll assume you’re right. We’ll leave before morning and probably not be spotted.”

  “Until we get to the next inn.”

  “What do you mean?” Niki finally turned back to him.

  “I mean, you can’t keep on as you are. We have to find you a new set of clothes.”

  “What will that accomplish?”

  Edward looked patient.

  “You act and dress like royalty, making you far too noticeable. You’re remembered everywhere you go. We’ll find you something more suitable to the look of a servant. Something like Denley wears.”

  “What good will that do?”

  “Well, it’s not at all unusual for a man of my station to travel with several servants.”

  Niki’s mouth gaped open. “And you would do that—pose with us?”

  Edward nodded calmly. “Until Denley is on his feet, yes.”

  Watching him, Niki felt breathless with fear and excitement. She wanted to trust, but there had been no room for such luxury for a very long time. Yesterday she had felt so sure; now the doubts were flooding in.

  “I’ll head out,” Edward said, not having caught her tortured thoughts. “I’ll find some clothes and come back.”

  “How will they fit?” Niki asked the inane thought, the only one to come to mind.

  “They might not, but we’ll keep at it until we find something. If we’re not leaving here until daybreak tomorrow, we have all day.”

  This said, he turned for the door. Niki’s voice stopped him.

  “Edward.”

  He looked back.

  “Thank you.”

  Edward smiled the warm smile that came so easily to him, briefly held her eyes, and went on his way.

  On legs that would barely support her, Niki went back to the side of Denley’s bed and the room’s only chair. She was nearly sick with fat
igue and worry, and very real tears came to her eyes.

  Please God, her heart whispered, I’ve never understood the part about making You more than just my Savior, but I don’t have anywhere else to turn. Please help me. Please help me to get home, and I’ll learn. I’ll do anything I can to make You my God.

  Wishing desperately for the luxury of a good cry, Niki knew it would be a waste. Instead she checked on Denley one more time before laying her head near the end of the bed. It wasn’t comfortable, but her body was too weary to notice. Wondering where Edward would find suitable clothing in this unfamiliar Portuguese town, she fell asleep.

  “Let me see that shirt,” Edward requested, charming as ever, as several shop employees rushed to serve him and be understood. Taking his time, Edward examined the cut and then asked for a smaller size.

  Nearly an hour passed before he exited the store, a young man carrying his bags. He returned to his own room, compacted the things he bought into one bag, making everything as small as possible, checked on the man who was still out front, and used the back exit.

  Once he was safely at the back of the inn across the street but before he entered, he stopped to think. She had accused him of enjoying this escapade, and to an extent he was, but just now the gravity of the situation hit him.

  Denley was ill. Niki was running, quite possibly for her life. Edward had made something of a game out of finding her clothing, but there were still so many unanswered questions. If she was in trouble with the law, he would never be able to explain his innocence.

  Please, Lord, let me be wise, he prayed as he made his way inside. I don’t want to leave them alone. I want to help and be a light. Help me to find out a little more. Help me to aid them without jeopardizing myself.

  Even to Edward’s own ears the request seemed outrageous, but in his mind it was too late now. He had said he would help, and he would stand by his word. So far he’d not been asked to deny his principles. He prayed it wouldn’t come to that, for in that moment, he would leave Niki and Denley, helpless or not.

  Chapter Six

  “Here you go.” Once in the room, Edward handed Niki the bag. “Go over there and try these on,” he commanded.