Emily didn’t move, didn’t breathe. All the blood had drained from her face, and she stood as motionless as a statue. He knew exactly what she was thinking, but he didn't want to make assumptions without questioning the boy.

“What did the man look like, Royce?” Stephen asked, helping the boy into bed.

“He was green with tall horns.” The boy yawned. “He had a red tail, too.”

Emily visibly relaxed. “It was only a dream, sweeting.” She tucked him in and pressed a kiss to his temple, removing the drawers from his head. Smoothing his hair, she kissed him a second time. “Goodnight.”

He mumbled a sleepy response, pulling the covers up to his chin. Stephen held the lamp up, waiting for Emily to follow him from the room. When they reached the privacy of the hallway, Emily turned. “Do you really believe there was someone here tonight?”

Stephen shrugged. “It sounds like a young boy’s overactive imagination.” But, like her, he couldn't say for certain.

“And what if he wasn’t imagining things? Someone tried to kill you.”

He hadn’t forgotten about that at all. Though he didn’t know why, he suspected it had something to do with Carstairs and Hollingford.

“The man who attacked you at Falkirk,” he began, “what did he want?” He sensed that there was another connection, something he hadn’t foreseen.

“He wanted investment papers that belonged to Daniel.”

The stolen shipment. No doubt the assailant had something to do with the theft. And if he wanted the papers, likely he was trying to cover up his own involvement.

“Did you give him anything?”

“I had nothing to give.” Emily rubbed her arms, as if to ward off a chill. “But I think he went to my father’s house. Daniel had some of his belongings there, before he—” Her voice broke off, and she lowered her gaze to the carpet.

He understood exactly what she was thinking. Her brother might well have become a victim because of the shipping investment. But why? He thought a moment and decided there was only one place to get the answers. “We need to go back to Falkirk. I think your brother was hiding information. It may have cost him his life.”

She looked so glum at the knowledge, he wondered if perhaps he shouldn’t have said anything. It had been a difficult night for both of them. And tonight, he intended to keep a close watch over her. There had been too many dangerous encounters.

He escorted her down the hall and opened the door to her room. Before he could enter, she blocked the entrance. “Where do you think you’re going?”

“I am staying here tonight.” He wasn't about to leave her alone if there was any hint of danger.