He raised an eyebrow in reaction. "You did? Why would you-"
She wouldn't let him finish. "I love Mama Rose, and I wanted to know everything I could about her family. It was something I could share with her. We met at church," she added. "Then I joined the choir and traveled from place to place."
"You have a beautiful voice. Did you ever think about teaching music?"
"No, but I did think about a career on the stage. Then I came to my senses. I sing in church, and I occasionally sing to babies," she said with a smile.
"Now it's your turn to answer a question. Tell me, why haven't you gone out to see the world?"
"I can see the world every time I turn my head and look at a map, and I can go from port to port by simply opening one of my books and reading."
"It isn't at all the same. You've become too complacent, Adam. Think of all the adventures you could have. What happened to your dream? You've forgotten about it, haven't you? Your mother didn't forget, and that's why she gave you the map. She showed me all the presents she was bringing to her sons and her daughter, and every one of them had special significance. Mary Rose continues the family tradition by wearing her mother's brooch, and Douglas carries his gold watch with him. Travis told me he takes his books everywhere he goes. Why, just last night he was rereading The Republic. I haven't seen Cole's compass yet," she added.
Before she could continue, Adam interjected, "He hasn't seen it yet either."
She looked perplexed. "I don't understand. Why hasn't he seen it? Didn't Mama Rose give it to him?"
"Both the compass and the gold carrying case were either stolen or borrowed from Mama Rose."
"Which was it, for heaven's sake? Stolen or borrowed?"
"It depends on who you ask. Cole insists it was stolen, but the rest of us think it was borrowed. I'll admit that when Mama Rose first told us what happened, we all thought it was stolen, but since then most of us have changed our minds."
"Tell me what happened," she insisted. She sat down, folded her hands together, and waited for him to begin.
"Mama Rose was waiting for a train at one of the stations on her way here. She showed the compass and the gold case to a man who was traveling with her. He was also headed for Montana," he continued. "According to Mama Rose, the two of them became friends and confided in one another."
"Your mother's a good judge of character."
"Yes, she is," he agreed. "She told us that he looked out for her on the journey and was very kind to her."
"He gained her confidence, and after a while, she began to trust him," she said with a nod that suggested she understood what had happened.
"Yes, she trusted him."
Her voice was edged with sadness when she said, "I bet I know what happened then. He betrayed her, didn't he?"
Adam found her reaction to the story intriguing. He had expected her to be a little curious, but she seemed upset about it.
"Cole thinks he did betray her," he said. "Is that what happened to you, Genevieve? Did you trust someone who betrayed you?"
The question startled her. She quickly shook her head in denial. "We're talking about your mother, not me."
"Are we?"
"Yes," she insisted. "I do find the story disturbing," she admitted. "Has anyone notified the authorities about the theft? They might be able to get the compass back."
"So you think he stole the compass?"
"Yes, I do. The gold case is very valuable. I'm telling you, Adam, you just can't trust anyone these days."
He was trying not to smile. She had formed her conclusion without knowing half the facts. She and Cole had a lot in common. Like his brother, Genevieve was willing to think the worst.
"You sound as cynical as Cole."
"I am cynical," she said. "I'll bet the authorities also think the compass was stolen. What did they have to say?"
"It's complicated."
"Why?"
"The man who has the compass is the authority."
Her hand flew to her throat. "What's this?" she demanded.
"A U.S. marshal has the compass. His name is Daniel Ryan."
She was astounded. "The thief's a marshal? How shameful. Your dear mother must be devastated."
"No, she isn't devastated at all. She's convinced herself that he never meant to keep the compass. There was a crowd trying to get on the train, and she and Ryan were separated. He just happened to be holding the compass and the gold case at the time. She believes he'll bring Cole's gift here as soon as he finishes his more pressing business. Cole thinks Mama Rose is being very naive. From the description we have of Ryan, it does seem peculiar to all of us that he could be pushed around in a crowd. He's a big man with muscle."
"Is he as big as you are?"
Adam shrugged. "If the description's accurate, then yes, he is."
She mulled the story over in her mind for a moment and then condemned Ryan. "He stole it all right."
"Then you also believe Mama Rose is being naive?"
Genevieve stood up and began to pace around the room. "She has to have faith in Daniel Ryan, and you should let her."
"Why?" he asked.
"Because otherwise she would have to accept that she had been duped, and that's very difficult for anyone to admit. She would feel foolish and stupid, and blame herself. Yes, she would. She wouldn't be able to sleep worrying about it."
She turned at the window to look at him and knew by his expression that her outburst had been a bit extreme. She took a deep breath and tried to explain herself, "You must think it strange that I would become so passionate on your mother's behalf. It's just that she's such a good-hearted woman and it wounds me to think that anyone would take advantage of her. I wouldn't advise going after Daniel Ryan though, because it will only make matters worse."
"Why would it make matters worse?"
"Because in the end, it would be his word against hers."
"And you think that because he's a marshal, the law would be on his side?"
"Yes, of course," she replied. "It's naive to think otherwise. Ryan holds a position of power and influence over others, and if Mama Rose doesn't use her wits to figure a way to outsmart him, then all will be lost."
Adam stood up and came around the desk. "Tell me something. Did you use your wits to outsmart…"
He stopped in the middle of his question when Genevieve headed for the door.
"Don't run away. I'll stop prying into your personal life. I promise."
Her hand was on the doorknob, and he could tell from her frown that she didn't believe him.
"Your affairs are none of my business," he insisted. "I just thought I might be able to help."
"I don't need your help."
He leaned against the desk, folded his arms across his chest, and nodded. "Obviously not."
She took a step toward him. "It was very kind of you to offer. Please don't think I'm not grateful."
"I don't."
She visibly relaxed and moved closer.
"You smell like lilacs. I like it," he said.
She smiled. "Thank you," she said. "And thank you also for offering to help. It was very kind of you, but since I don't happen to have a problem, I don't need your assistance."
She wasn't a good liar. She couldn't quite look him in the eyes when she insisted she wasn't in trouble. He wouldn't challenge her though. He knew she'd head for the door again if he didn't agree with her.
"No," he said. "You don't have a problem, and you don't need help."
"That's right."