ARRIVING BACK AT the Wade house, Jamie dismounted almost before the horse stopped moving and ran inside. “Sophie!” He rushed through the house, ending his search at the library. His breath caught in his throat as his eyes scanned the room and found her up on a ladder, reaching for a book. “Sophie Jane, what are you doing?”

Sophie let out a quiet screech, grabbed for a rung on the ladder, and only just caught her foot from slipping as the book she was holding fell to the floor.

Jamie climbed up behind her and drew her back against his chest. “What the hell are you doing?”

“I needed to return this book and Daniel’s busy.”

“Sophie, you should not be climbing ladders, especially without someone to spot you.”

“Oh, please. I was fine. If you hadn’t come in here and scared the dickens out of me, you would have never known.” Sophie pushed back against him. He didn’t budge. “Jamie, move, baby. I can climb down without you.” Rather than acquiescing, Jamie kept a firm hold around her waist and stepped down with her. Sophie giggled. “Overprotective, much?”

Turning Sophie to face him, Jamie kissed her. She slid her hands up his chest and sighed when he broke the kiss. “I love kissing you.”

“Me, too.”

“What are you doing here, by the way? I thought you were going to be at the arena all day.” Sophie smiled and added quickly, “Not that I’m not thrilled to see you.”

Running his hands through his hair, he let out a groan.

Sophie placed her palm on his chest. “What’s wrong?”

Taking her hand, Jamie led her to a chair, settled her down, and then sat on the hearth facing her.

“What’s going on?” Sophie asked.

Jamie filled her in on his conversation with the prisoner, and Sophie slumped back in the chair in shock. “What does he want to talk to me about?”

“He won’t tell me. Only you.”

“Okay, so take me to the jail.”

“Ten-Cow, this is serious, and could even be dangerous.”

Sophie snorted. “The man’s in jail. Danger doesn’t apply.”

“Jamie? Sophie? What’s going on?”

The couple turned as Andrew rushed into the room.

“Hi, Andrew.” Sophie smiled. “We’re on our way to the jail. Did you want to join us?”

Andrew’s eyebrows went up in surprise.

“Sophie is not really treating this lightly, Andrew. Are you, sweetheart?” Jamie gave Sophie a warning glance.

“No, you’re right, I’m not,” she said.

Jamie led Sophie out to the Wade’s barn and made her stand where he could see her while he and Andrew hitched up a small buggy.

“All right, sweetheart. We’re ready.”

Sophie smiled as Jamie helped her into the buggy. He had to stop himself from lifting her out again and locking her up. He climbed up beside her as Andrew mounted his horse and then the three took off toward town.

Sophie squeezed Jamie’s thigh. “Jamie, I’m going to be fine.”

His grunt was the only response.

Arriving at the jail, Jamie lifted Sophie down and followed her into the building, Andrew following close behind. Joe reluctantly let Jamie and Sophie into the room housing Carl and then closed them in.

Carl stood and made his way to the front of the cell. “I thought I was clear. I’ll only speak with your wife... alone.”

Jamie laughed without humor. “Not going to happen.”

Carl turned and walked back to his cot. “That’s too bad.”

Sophie faced her husband. “Babe, the man is locked up. Just let me talk to him.”

“No.”

“Jamie,” she growled. “He has answers to several questions, it would seem, and I’d like to know what he knows. You can stand right outside the door and watch through the window.”

Jamie took a deep breath. “I don’t like this, Sophie.”

“Noooo!” Her mocking earned her a frown from her husband. “He can’t hurt me. Give me five minutes.” Sophie gently pushed Jamie toward the door, and he hovered just outside. Sophie made her way back to Carl and stood close to the bars.

“Sophie,” Jamie warned.

* * *

Stepping back slightly, she sent a smirk in his direction and then turned back to the prisoner. “So, Carl. Tell me what this is all about.”

Carl stood. “You’re in danger.”

“I heard you, but what does that mean?”

“You’re the key to a much bigger plan, Sophie. You’re not the only person who has traveled here,” he whispered.

Sophie gasped. “Traveled?”

“Yes. You’re the key to a larger plot and they do not want you to succeed.”

Sophie narrowed her eyes. “Who?”

“You must be careful, Sophie. He has brought men back with him who have resources.”

“Back?”

“In time.”

Sophie grasped the bars and leaned forward. “How is that possible?”

“That’s complicated and entirely beside the point.”

“But I don’t understand why I’m here or who this man is. How did I get here?”

“His name is Victor Cary, and he’s—”

Without warning, the glass in the window above Carl shattered and she heard Jamie swear. Turning at his voice, she found herself on the floor, and Jamie covering her as all hell broke loose around her. “What happened?”

“Sweetheart, are you okay?” Jamie began to run his hands over her face and body.

Looking down, Sophie let out a screech at the sight of blood and brain matter covering the bodice of her dress and glanced back up at Jamie, frantically wiping her face with his handkerchief. “What happened?”

“Are you okay?” Jamie cupped her face.

Sophie nodded slowly and leaned around him to look at the cells but Jamie blocked her view. “What happened? Why can’t I see?”

“Sophie, Carl has been shot.”

“Shot? How?” Sophie tried to sit up. “Why didn’t we hear it?”

“Sophie, stop,” Jamie growled. “I need to make sure you’re okay.”

Sophie stilled his hands and grasped his lapels. “Jamie, I’m fine. Can I please get up? You’re crushing me.”

Jamie stood quickly and then lifted Sophie from the floor, ushering her out of the room and settling her in one of the chairs in the main office. Sophie was surprised when Andrew rushed through the door, out of breath, with a look of relief on his face. “Sophie, are you well?”

“Yes, I’m fine. Where did you come from?”

“What did you find out?” Jamie stepped in front of Sophie.

“Nothing. Whoever did it is long gone.”

Jamie swore, and Sophie stood and pushed him aside. “What is going on? One of you needs to tell me.”

“We’ll talk at home, Ten-Cow.”

“Joe and I can handle everything here, Jamie,” Andrew said. “Take Sophie home.”

Jamie assisted Sophie into the buggy, drove back to the house, and then ushered her silently up to her bedroom.

“Jamie?” Grabbing his hand, she led him to the trunk at the end of the bed and pushed him down. Cupping his cheek, she leaned down and kissed him. “I’m fine, sweetheart. No injuries, no failing heart, nothing. So tell me what is going on.”

“I think the person who shot Carl might be a sharp shooter,” Jamie said. “From our time.”

“Seriously?”

“Yes. Carl said someone is after you. The reason the shot was so accurate is because it came from a high-powered rifle—I think.”

“Did you tell Andrew?”

Jamie shook his head. “No.”

“Why didn’t we hear the shot?”

“I can only guess the rifle would have a silencer attached.”

Sophie sat next to him and leaned her head against his shoulder. “This is like something out of a movie. Time hopping, sharp shooters, intrigue.”

Wrapping an arm around Sophie’s waist, Jamie pulled her closer to him. “What did Carl tell you?”

“He said someone was after me, that I’m the key to a larger plot, and that a man named Victor Cary has brought men back to kill me. At least, that’s what I think he was trying to tell me. He didn’t finish his sentence.”

Jamie swore as he stood and began to pace the room. Sophie stared at him and then down at her bloody dress. She began to shake as reality set in, and she dropped her face into her hands only to be met with filth. Dried blood and caked-on dirt covered her fingers, so unusual on her perfectly manicured hands.

“Gross!” She dug her palms into the folds of her dress and wiped as hard as she could. “Jamie, help me get the blood off.”

Sophie rose to her feet and ripped at her clothing. Jamie grabbed her hands. “Shh, Sophie, it’s okay. Let me help.”

Sophie nodded and tried to stand still as Jamie made quick work of her buttons. She couldn’t stop shaking. Placing her hand over her mouth, she took several deep breaths and squeezed her eyes shut. “You know, I see blood all day long, but the fact this man’s brain is mixed in is beyond disgusting!”

“I’m sorry, honey.” Jamie loosened her corset and pushed it over her hips then led her to the bowl on the bureau and dampened a towel.

Sophie slid her hands into the bowl of water and did her best to remove the blood and dirt as Jamie gently wiped her face.

“Do you think the person was aiming for me?”

“The one who shot Carl?” Jamie asked.

Sophie nodded.

“I don’t think so.”

She shuddered. “You don’t think so, because if he was aiming for me, I’d be dead, right?”

“Sophie.”

“What did I do that would make someone want to kill me?”

“I don’t think it’s personal, sweetheart.” Jamie tipped her chin up. “I’m going to figure this out. I promise. You just need to be careful now.”

Sophie sat on the bed. “How am I supposed to be careful with a fucking gun pointed at my head from a hundred miles away?”

Jamie stroked her cheek. “Melodrama aside, I think it would be a good idea for you to stay inside for a while.”

“The house?” She crossed her arms.

“I don’t want you out in the open. It’s too dangerous.”

“I have work, Jamie. The hospital, Samson, among other things.”

“Until we know exactly what’s going on, you’ll have to find other things to occupy your time. Act the quintessential Victorian lady.”

Sophie snorted. “When did you become such a chauvinist?”

Jamie shrugged. “I want you safe, Sophie. If you feel that makes me a chauvinist, then so be it.”

“We need help,” she whispered.

“I know.” Jamie let out a deep sigh.

Sophie looked up at him. “You’re going to have to tell someone in order to get it.”

“I know.”

“Which means you’re going to have to trust someone with our lives.”

“I know.”

“Christine knows,” Sophie said.

“Yeah?”

Sophie nodded, filling him in on her story.

“That’s amazing,” he said. “But I’m not sure Christine can help.”

She wrapped her arms around his waist. “Andrew.”

“Yes, Andrew,” Jamie said with a humorless smile.

“When?”

“No time like the present, I suppose.” Jamie cupped her cheek. “Will you be okay if I leave you?”

She shook her head. “No.”

His eyebrows puckered. “You won’t be okay?”

“Jamie, I want to be there when you tell him. It might help if Christine is there, too.”

“I hate the thought of waiting,” he admitted.

“They’ll both be here for dinner. I’m sure we can find some time alone.”

Jamie dragged his hands down his face. “You have an answer for everything, apparently.”

Sophie kissed his chin. “I think the fact that you are worried about me might be clouding your judgment a bit.”

Jamie smiled. “You might be right.”

“Why don’t I make things clearer for you?” Sophie started to unbutton his shirt. “Because I happen to need a distraction, and I’m thinking you’re the perfect person to provide it.”

“Oh, really?”

“Yes. Are you up to the challenge?” Sophie slipped her hands under the waistband of his trousers and chuckled. “It would appear that you are.”

Jamie laughed as he pushed her to the bed and then spent the rest of the afternoon distracting her.

An hour before dinner, they heard a sharp rap on the door.

“Yes?” Sophie called through it.

“Sophie, are you all right?” Christine asked.

Sophie opened the door slightly and smiled. “Yes, I’m fine. Did you talk to Andrew?”

Christine nodded. “Yes, he came to the hospital to find me. Are you certain you’re not hurt? You have something in your hair.”

Sophie reached up, felt the roughness of dried blood, and shivered in disgust. “Yuck.”

“Shall I organize a bath?”

“That would be much appreciated. How long until dinner?”

“One hour.”

“Jamie wants to tell Andrew everything after dinner,” Sophie whispered. “We need some help to figure out what’s going on.”

Christine gasped. “My word. I didn’t realize it was that serious.”

“I know. We’ll fill you in after dinner, okay?”

“Of course.” Christine smiled. “You can trust Andrew, as you can trust me.”

“Why do you think we’re telling him?”

“I’ll send Betty in with your bath.”

Sophie nodded and closed her door. Jamie sat in the chair and started to pull on his boots. Sophie crossed her arms. “Where are you going?”

“I need to check on a few of the horses.” He rose to his feet. “Can I leave you to your bath?”

“Sure,” she said. “Don’t miss dinner.”

Jamie chuckled. “I’ll be back in plenty of time.”

“Oh, wait. I need to check on Samson.”

“You’re not leaving the house, remember? I’ll check on him for you, and will even give him sugar and remind him that you love him.”

“You better,” she warned as Jamie opened the door. “I love you.”

“I love you more, Ten-Cow,” Jamie whispered and then he was gone.

Sophie wrapped a robe around her body and waited for Betty, who arrived just a few minutes later. Once she felt clean, she dressed quickly and made her way downstairs, surprised to find Jamie had beaten her to the parlor.

“How did you do that?” she asked as he met her at the doorway.

Jamie chuckled as he leaned down and kissed her cheek. “Everything was in order, so I visited with Samson and then had a quick swim.”

“How is he?”

“He’s good. He thanks you for the sugar.”

Sophie giggled as she leaned her head against his shoulder and. “Mmm, you smell good.”

“How was your bath?”

“Lonely,” she whispered.

“Naughty.”

“How are you, Sophie?” Andrew rushed forward and raised her hand to his lips.

“Hold that thought,” Jamie whispered.

“I’m fine, Andrew.” Sophie smiled. “I promise.”

Andrew stared at her briefly and then lifted his head to Jamie. “I understand we need to have a conversation?”

Jamie nodded. “We’re hoping we can steal some time after dinner.”

“I think that’ll be fine.”

The butler announced dinner, and as her plate was set in front of her, Sophie thought she’d never survive the evening. With stomach churning and heart racing, she couldn’t eat, so she stared at her plate and occasionally moved her fork around.

“Relax, sweetheart,” Jamie whispered as he reached under the table and squeezed her thigh. Sophie nodded but continued to push the food around on her plate.

“Sophie?”

“Hm?”

“You’re distracted, dear. Is anything amiss?” Nona asked.

Sophie shook her head. “Sorry, Nona. I’m fine. It’s just been a long day.”

“Perhaps you should turn in early. We’ll go for a walk tomorrow morning, bright and early.”

“I think Sophie should stay in tomorrow. She hasn’t been feeling well, and I’d like her to rest,” Jamie said.

“I’m sorry to hear that,” Nona said.

“Is there anything I can do?” Michael asked.

“No, it’s just a headache,” Sophie said quickly. “I’m sure a day or two of rest will suffice.”

“Well, if you don’t feel better in the next few days, let me know.”

“I will, Michael. Thank you.” Sophie glanced at Jamie and then back at her plate.

“Shall we move to the parlor?” Nona asked.

“Actually, I need to speak with Jamie.” Andrew stood. “Do you mind if we take a few minutes?”

“Not at all.”

“I’d like Sophie and Christine to join us as well, but it won’t take long,” Jamie said.

“We’ll meet you in the parlor shortly,” Christine said, and the foursome stood and made their way into the library.

“So, what’s this all about?” Andrew asked as Christine closed the door for privacy.

Sophie slipped her hand into Jamie’s for silent support and smiled encouragement.

“Someone is targeting Sophie and they want her dead.”

Christine gasped. “Whatever for?”

Andrew crossed his arms and waited.

“Andrew, I am about to tell you something that can never leave this room,” Jamie said.

“All right.”

Jamie looked at Sophie and then back at Andrew. “Sophie and I are not from this time.”

“What do you mean?”

“We are from the future.”

Andrew let out a disbelieving grunt and Christine stepped in front of him. “It’s true, Drew.”

“Explain, please.”

“I don’t think we can explain. Exactly. We’re just as confused.”

Jamie filled Andrew in on everything they did know, ending with Carl’s warning and the name of the man after Sophie. Andrew sat on the hearth and rested his forearms on his knees, waiting several minutes before speaking. “I don’t know why, but I believe you.”

“You’ve both accepted this quickly.” Sophie said. “I don’t know that I would have if I were in your shoes.”

“After knowing me, you wouldn’t believe me if I told you something like this?” Christine asked, surprise in her voice.

“I guess I didn’t look at it that way.”

“Sophie, we know that neither of you are mad, and having spent so much time with you these past few months, there are things that didn’t make sense, other than this,” Andrew said.

“Really? Like what?”

“The fact you know so much about the war,” Andrew added and then looked at Sophie. “Before things happen.”

Sophie shivered. “Have I really been that loose lipped?”

Christine wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “With me, you have, and on occasion I know that Andrew has overheard.” She sent a look of admonishment in his direction for his eavesdropping and frowned when he shrugged in response.

“I need to watch that.” Sophie sighed. “You need to help me watch what I say.”

“I will,” Christine promised.

“What if this man, Victor Cary, is part of the Confederacy?” Andrew ran his hands through his hair.

Jamie let out a low whistle. “He could be posing as the enemy and providing crucial information to the other side.”

“I didn’t even think of that.” Sophie rubbed her temples. “And I don’t really want to think of it now.”

“We should contact Clayton.”

“Who is this Clayton person?” Jamie asked.

“Richard’s brother,” Christine provided.

Jamie shook his head. “Absolutely not!”

“I agree,” Sophie said quickly. “Especially a relation of Richard’s.”

Andrew stood. “He should know this information. He and Christopher run the war offices and would be highly interested. Clayton can also help us.”

Jamie paced the room, and Sophie gripped the back of one of the chairs in an effort to stop herself from mirroring his motions. The ramifications of bringing another person into their secret circle could be huge, and the fact that Clayton was related to Richard made it even more difficult to believe it would be a good idea.

“Jamie, it’s the only way. I trust Clayton,” Andrew said.

Jamie stalled once as if to say something and then ran his hands through his hair. It was a tense several minutes as the only sound in the library was the sound of Jamie’s heavy footsteps on the hardwood floors. “Can we let Clayton know about the threat without letting him know about us?”

Andrew shrugged. “Possibly.”

“What if we can’t?” Sophie asked.

“If you have to tell Clayton, Sophie, you can trust him,” Christine said.

“Because his brother is evidence of that?”

Christine smiled sadly. “No, because Clayton is, and always has been, the pillar of honor.”

Jamie wrapped his arm around Sophie’s waist and pulled her close. “Well, if you think it’s the only way, Andrew, then send the wire.”

“Are you sure?” Sophie glanced up at him.

Jamie kissed her temple. “It might be the only way.”

Andrew nodded. “I’ll send it first thing in the morning.”

“I’m really tired.” Sophie yawned. “Does anyone care if I turn in?”

“Could you give us a minute, please?” Jamie waited for Andrew and Christine to leave the room and then turned Sophie to face him and stroked her cheek. “Are you okay?”

Sophie’s eyes filled with tears but nodded her head. “I’m just really tired and a little overwhelmed.”

Jamie caught a tear with this thumb. “Baby, everything’s going to be okay, I promise.”

“What if it’s not? What if you get killed, or I get killed?”

His hand shook. “That’s not going to happen.”

“Promise?”

Jamie kissed her and then leaned his forehead against hers. “I promise. Nothing is going to happen to either one of us.”

Sophie allowed herself to take comfort in his arms, albeit briefly, and then pulled away and forced herself to climb the stairs with Christine.