Hands loaded with packages, and over thirty minutes later than she had told the gunslinger to meet her, Randee breathlessly entered the hotel but sighted no one. Mouthing a silent prayer, she glanced into the adjoining dining area, but it was empty. Annoyed with herself for being late, no matter how unavoidably, she breathed deeply to slow her rapid respiration and to calm her agitation. Her face was flushed and damp from her exertion, and her arms were cramped. What she needed was a long, soothing bath; a tall, refreshing drink; and a good, loud scream! He had seemed so perfect for the job, one she was. beyond ready to get under way. Even though she had suspected he might not come, she was disappointed. Maybe he had been here at two thirty, she mused optimistically, but had gotten tired of waiting. She approached the clerk at the desk and asked, “Has anyone been here looking for me? I’m late for an appointment.”
The clerk was shaking his head as a mellow voice behind her jested, “Are you ever on time for anything, Miss Hollis?”
Randee turned and smiled, more swiftly and eagerly that she wished she had. Her slowing ‘ respiration speeded up again, and her cooling body warmed anew. Despite her distraction, she heard the clerk excuse himself to tend to chores in the back room.
With his buttocks propped lazily on the front windowsill, the man was nearly hidden by the open door. She watched him nonchalantly push the door aside with a freshly polished boot. Overlapping his arms on his chest, he stretched out his long legs and crossed them at the ankles. His ebony hair was recently combed, but he hadn’t shaved. She had a wild impulse to walk forward seductively, lean intimately against his hard body, and caress that shadowy face before placing thousands of kisses over it. Still attired in the black shirt and pants which made him seem so irresistible and mysterious, he was like a wicked treat luring her into temptation, and perhaps he was. His powerful presence seemed to fill the room and her senses, and she wondered why she hadn’t perceived it immediately. Their gazes touched tentatively, then locked tightly. She was besieged by fiery passions which burned wildly and freely within her. She had never experienced emotions and thoughts like these, and she was unsettled by her strong physical attraction to this dark stranger. She asked herself if it was possible to be so moved by a man the first time one saw him, and every time one saw him. Of course, it is, her mind shouted, you can feel his effect all over! In fact, her attraction to him heightened each time they met. But was it proper, and safe, to react to this extent? Would her hunger continue to mount? She couldn’t answer.
Clearly he was fascinated by her too; she read enormous interest in his consuming gaze. Perhaps that was ’ why he had shown up for this appointment, to see her again. That insight thrilled and alarmed her. It was hazardous to be so enchanted by a man, particularly in view of their impending relationship! For weeks they would be alone, solely dependent on each other for survival. But what if he didn’t want to work for her? She realized that only a minute or so had elapsed, even though it seemed more like an hour that she’d been staring at him. She gathered her wits and replied, “Frankly, I didn’t think you’d show up after our meeting in Brody’s office, but that isn’t why I’m so late.”
His eagle-eyed gaze noted her appearance and state as he observed her intently. From her behavior and expression, she was delighted and surprised to see him again. He was glad he had her offguard, as he could learn more when a person was flustered. “I would ’ imagine that a pretty woman like you stays busy all the time,” he murmured. “But I’m happy you didn’t keep me waiting much longer.”
She glanced towards the door through which the gaunt hotel man had vanished, and wondered if there was a special reason for such odd behavior. “Why did the clerk mislead me?” Randee queried.
The gunslinger was impressed by her keen wits and self-control. “He didn’t know I was waiting for you, and I made him rather nervous.”
The man stood and came forward purposefully, his movements well-coordinated. He halted before her and smiled in amusement, his blue eyes coming to life and sending excitement flowing through her.
Randee comprehended how this man could be just as intimidating as he was compelling. She tried not to laugh, because the clerk’s timidity wasn’t funny, but the gunslinger’s expression and tone were. She knew she must play this scene with great care, because he had to take her seriously if there was a chance of hiring him. Too, if they were going to be on the trail together, she had to set the proper pattern for their business arrangement. She couldn’t allow herself to be swept away by these wild and crazy emotions, especially by a man who lived with death on his shoulder each day and had done … no telling what things during his lifetime. Yet, there was something about him which told Randee she could trust this man and depend on him. She ordered herself to remain calm and poised and to make a good impression. After all, their first two meetings had been unusual ones. “This has been a rather hectic day. My schedule has been off balance since rising. I apologize for making you wait, but I’m glad you didn’t leave.” He grinned as if he knew she was nervous but was artfully masking it. “Actually I’m hoping you’re qualified for this job and willing to accept my offer, because my patience has run out,” she added, but it didn’t strip the playful smile from his face.
He mirthfully confided, “The sheriff thought I should leave town, but your offer and demands intrigue me enough to risk irritating him. You could say I’m a very curious man who enjoys a good challenge, and this certainly has enormous possibilities. I’d like to hear all about them, if you have time.” He tucked one thumb into his waistband and the other inside his front pocket, allowing his fingers to fan out over his pants. He leaned against the desk and said, “I’m anxious to see if you can persuade me to partner up with a woman, a very young woman.”
When he talked, his lips moved in such a way as to draw her attention to them and to cause her to long to kiss him. She liked the way he held his shoulders and angled his jawline, undeniable marks of self-assurance and prowess. It pleased her to see that his hands were clean and his nails were neatly clipped. There was no shiny grease on his face and midnight hair, nor were there grimy marks to say his clothes had gone too long without washing. This, she concluded, was no ordinary man, no common gunslinger, no ill-favored drifter.
Randee promptly noticed many things about him that seemed habitual and natural rather than something done to impress or to fool another person, such as his cleanliness and composure, such as openly admitting to being a certain kind of person who was satisfied with himself and his fate, such as appearing both well-bred and well-trained. So far, he seemed straightforward and candid, and she liked those traits. She had hundreds of questions about him floating inside her head, but doubted he would answer them. Gunslingers were usually loners, and loners usually kept most things to themselves.
Right now, she needed to freshen up, get rid of her cumbersome bundles, and get down to business while she had his curiosity piqued. “If you’ll excuse me for only a moment longer, I would like to place these packages in my room before we begin our discussion. My arms are quivering from strain. Do you mind?”
“You’re staying here?” he inquired, his surprise honest. “Why?”
“Actually, I’m living here at the present,” she responded. “I promise I’ll return in five minutes or less and explain everything to you.”
The man did not offer to help Randee with her packages because he didn’t want to be seen going to her room. “I’ll wait in the dining area. It’s quiet and private in there. Don’t be too long, because curiosity is eating me alive,” he teased before leaving her side.
Randee watched him retrieve his hat, enter the dining room, and head for a corner table, which was out of sight from the hotel lobby. She went to her room and piled her packages on the bed, to be sorted later. Removing her bonnet, she quickly washed her face. Randee was glad her complexion was clear and smooth, and she smiled happily in the mirror. Her father had once told her, “There’s nothing bad in knowing you’re pretty and loving it. Just don’t use good looks to tease men, or they’ll get too bold and mean on you.”
Hastily she brushed her long hair, artfully fluffing and arranging the fringe across her forehead. She knew that her tawny hair was nearly straight, but it was full and healthy and flattering. She glanced at her soiled dress, but decided not to change and thus make it appear obvious that she wanted to capture the man’s attention. She did splash on a nice fragrance, as it was a very warm day and she hadn’t bathed since the night before. Ready, she locked her door and left.
Randee approached the table in the secluded corner of the hotel restaurant. The man stood politely, but intentionally did not come around the table to pull out her chair. As she settled herself gracefully, she glanced at what he’d ordered, then at him.
He smiled and said, “I took the liberty of ordering us some coffee and pie. You look like a cream and sugar person,” he remarked as he passed the creamer and sugar bowl to her.
Randee returned his pleasant smile and said, “Just sugar, please. You’ll like the pie. Mrs. Scott is an excellent cook.”
“All she had was dried apples, and I hate apples. But I don’t want to hurt her feelings, so I’ll manage,” he disclosed with a grin before taking a bite. He frowned as he chewed and swallowed the pie.
Randee laughed softly. “Does that mean I’m not to pack any apples for you when we leave on our trip?” she inquired suggestively.
“I’m a trail man, Miss Hollis, so I’ll see to picking and packing the supplies. You’ll only pay for them and share the cooking.” He placed his fork on the small plate and looked at her. “Naturally that depends on whether or not we hit the trail together. You’ve got some powerful convincing to do. Tell him something; why is your name Hollis if you lived on the Carson Ranch? Are you a widow or an orphan?” As he spoke, he eyed her tumbling blond hair and lively green eyes. She had features which made a man’s fingers want to roam them, and he was looking forward to carrying out that fantasy. He noted that she hadn’t changed clothes and wondered if it was because she was too rushed or if she was afraid he might think she was preening for him.
Randee was intrigued by his choice of positions for her. “Neither, Mr. … I don’t know your name,” she commented with a laugh. “I suppose it would be a good idea if we got acquainted first.”
“Durango,” he replied and watched her closely.
Randee realized he was waiting to see if she recognized his name, which meant she should. She gave it rapid thought and guessed why. “Mr. Durango, or the Durango Kid?” she suggested casually.
“Does it matter?” he asked, leaning back in his chair and flattening his palms on the table.
Randee boldly looked him over and said, “Considering the job I have in mind, I hope it’s the Durango Kid. Does that matter to you?”
The man leaned forward, laughed, and reached for his coffee. “You’re quick and smart, Miss Hollis. I like that; it can save your life, and maybe mine if we team up.”
“I’m glad you approve, Mr… . Durango. I’ll confess that I’m concerned about you lacking confidence in me. If we partner up, we need to trust and respect each other. This job is difficult and dangerous. Our survival depends on our skills and on how we work together. To answer your question, I was living on the Carson Ranch when the Epson Gang attacked it. Lee Carson was my uncle, my mother’s brother. He was killed that day. More accurately, he and everyone else were brutally slaughtered. I survived because my uncle locked me in the attic when the attack began. I remained hidden until the next morning, then walked into town to get help with the burials. It takes a lot of time and strong stomachs to bury so many people. I …”
“You don’t have to finish, Miss Hollis, I heard all about it when I got into town last night and before I saw you this morning.”
Randee fused her misty green eyes to his impenetrable blue ones. “When we bumped each other, you said you had just arrived, had ridden hard and long, and were too tired to think clearly or to walk straight. Which is it, Durango?” she queried his contradiction.
“Like I said, you’re quick and alert, Miss Hollis. After our little accident, I didn’t see any reason to explain myself to a pretty stranger during a fleeting moment, but I did need an acceptable apology for my bad conduct. Just now, I was trying to stop you from having to cover bloody ground. To be honest, I got in real late last night and rented a room to catch up on my sleep. This morning I took care of some personal chores before I crashed into you. I haven’t talked to anyone about the Carson attack, but this doesn’t seem the time for you to go into it with me or anyone else. If I take this job, you can tell me everything later, when it isn’t so painfully fresh in your mind.”
Randee sipped her coffee as she listened to him. He did not appear worried or defensive, or deceitful. She appreciated his concern and kindness and she thanked him before continuing, “It didn’t seem safe to remain at the ranch alone, so I’ve been living here for several weeks. You can decide if being nineteen makes me a very young woman. I was raised in Kansas on a cattle ranch, but I left home the end of February. I made it here all alone, Durango, through snow and Indian Territory and the worst of conditions. So, yes, I can handle rough going and rough trails. My father—rest his soul—taught me to be an excellent shot and rider, and a skilled tracker. I have lots of energy and determination, and I’m no quitter or coward. With or without you, I’m going after the Epson Gang and kill them.”
“What about bringing them to justice?” he asked, his tone lacking any mockery or enlightening clues.
Randee’s eyes flamed with hostility. “Vicious beasts like those can’t be brought to justice. It’s kill them or let them run loose. I’d rather see them dead—even by my own hand— than let them continue this reign of terror. If you’re wondering why I didn’t help battle them during the raid, I knew it was useless. We were vastly outnumbered and taken by surprise. Uncle Lee’s cowhands were no match for skilled gunmen, and they weren’t prepared to do lethal battle at dawn. I still can’t believe how fast it all happened. There was no time to defend ourselves. The slaughter was over in less than fifteen minutes. It was like they knew when and where and how to strike. I stayed hidden because I wanted to remain alive to hunt them down and punish them.”
He listened attentively, then said, “Hating and talking are easier than gunning down a man, Miss Hollis. Do you honestly believe you can kill a man, face to face, or shoot him in the back?”
Randee had deliberated this point many times before, so she did not have to think twice before replying, “Yes. Don’t worry; I won’t back down or freeze up when we come face to face with them.”
The man studied her for a long moment, and believed her. He grasped her courage and cunning, and realized she wasn’t a glory-seeking fool or a brazen female out to shove her way into a man’s world. “Do you really think you can defeat that gang, even with my help? Do you honestly believe you can succeed where no man or other force has managed to do so?” Randee nodded, and the man exhaled loudly. “Do you honestly know what’s waiting out there for you? They’re worse than renegade Indians. They have no souls, no hearts, nothing to hold them back. They’ll kill anybody and do anything they please, and enjoy it.”
“If you’re trying to terrify or discourage me, it won’t work. I’m going after them, Durango. I hope you’ll come along; I need you. If we follow a good plan and are careful, I know we can destroy them. We just have to figure out how they plan their strikes and carry them out, and foil them. I’m aware of the perils and their savagery, but somebody has to challenge them. I can’t let them go free after what they did at my uncle’s ranch. God forgive me, but I want to hack them to pieces and send them to hell,” she disclosed, balling her fists and clenching her teeth. She met the man’s gaze and offered, “I’ll pay you ten thousand dollars if you become my partner and we succeed.”
He tried to keep his astonishment from showing, but was only half successful. She was serious, but was she a little too desperate? He wondered if there was more to this woman and her mission than she was revealing. He suddenly and disturbingly realized that this blonde had him as off balance as he had her! Yet right now, she looked in perfect control of herself and the situation. No doubt she was as self-sufficient and skilled as she claimed. “How do you know I’m not a member of the Epson Gang, here to find you and kill you? That notice in the paper was reckless. You’ve exposed yourself.”
“I know you aren’t one of them,” she answered confidently. “If you were, you’d have killed me, robbed me, and moved on by now. And you’re too smart to show yourself so openly. You’re still sitting here right now because you know I’m serious and you want this job; otherwise, you’d be across the street eating delicious peach cobbler at that new. restaurant, instead of gallantly suffering through apple pie. I’ll be straight with you, Durango. You’re not the first man who’s sought this job, but you’re the first one I’ve considered hiring. I don’t have to tell you how good you are at what you do, and you know I’m not flattering you by saying you’re one of the best— maybe even the best gunman alive. I need a special man, Durango, and we both know you fit that description. I also think you appreciate honesty, and you don’t consider my explanation and behavior as being forward and false. Besides, there are some clues about this gang and their so-called random raids which only I know. If you become my “ partner, Durango, I’ll share them with you.”
The man leaned forward, propped his elbows on the table, and rested his chin on extended thumbs. His forefingers absently rubbed his upper lip as he stared at her for a while. She didn’t look away, and he could tell she meant what she said. This matter had taken a different turn since his arrival: more than likely she possessed valuable evidence, and she was in peril here. That sheriff couldn’t protect her or this town if the Epson Gang rode in, for her or for any reason! She was lively and could be lots of fun on the trail, if she didn’t slow him down or endanger them. He must not discourage her plans, even though he came here to keep her from perilously intruding on his case. If she had information, he needed it. He had no choice; he had to go along with her until she opened up to him. “What kind of clues, Dee?”
Randee’s expression altered noticeably. “Don’t call me that.”
“Is it Sheriff Wade’s private name?” he asked.
“No, it’s my mother’s name. I’ve asked Brody not to call me Dee, but he forgets. Don’t you start that habit or I’ll get very angry,” she warned. Nearly every time Brody said “Dee,” she thought of how her mother was bewitched and duped by that villainous snake Payton Slade. One day, she would have to solve that nasty problem too. Heavens, how she hated to think of her stepfather getting his greedy hands on Lee Carson’s beautiful ranch, like he had done with her father’s. Payton had wooed her mother, swept the Widow Hollis off her feet, and taken over everything Randall Hollis had loved and owned. All except for his daughter, and that wasn’t from a lack of trying! How blind and foolish her mother was, but maybe all women in love were the same way. As long as possible, she must pretend to be the heir and owner of the ranch so no one would go looking for her Uncle Lee’s next of kin. The last thing she needed was Payton Slade in her hair again!
The man watched Randee silently. If she had a mother in Kansas, why had she come here, and alone? What were her anger, fear, and agitation about? he wondered. Like everyone, she had a weak spot, and hers was in Kansas. It was smart and vital to know a person’s strengths and weaknesses, and he needed to learn more about this woman’s traits and secrets. He should get another U.S. Agent, Willard Mason, to check it out for him. Maybe he could use that information to control her. “Miss Hollis?” he broke into her thoughts.
Her attention returned to him. “You can call me Randee. I was named after my parents, Randall and Dee Hollis. I hate it when people get stuck with nicknames, and it’s confusing to go by your mother’s name. It’s spelled R-a-n-d-e-e, not R-a-n-d-y. I like my name, even if most people think it’s a man’s.”
“It’s a perfect name; you look like a Randee,” he commented, then suggested, “Let’s get on with our business before our privacy is lost. Tell me what you know about the gang and how you plan to locate and capture them. Or how you plan for us to do them in.”
Randee realized she had made herself vulnerable to this perceptive man, and she realized how wisely and cunningly he had dropped the touchy subject. It was going to be quite a challenge to work with him without being consumed. Right now she needed to get back on an even keel. “First, tell me about yourself, beginning with your real name. If I’m going to trust you, then you have to trust me.”
The man toyed with the last two bites of his apple pie as he considered her demand and insight. This room was quiet and peaceful, and she was captivating company. He warned himself that everything was almost too disarming and pleasant. He was getting too relaxed and comfortable, too open, too drawn to this clever vixen who had perilous schemes on her mind. After a good night’s sleep, a hot bath, and delicious food, he felt mellow and soft—like expensive aged cheese. Maybe it was because this was the first time in countless months that he’d felt this way.
Fragrant smells of preparations for the evening meal wafted in from the adjoining kitchen. He wished someone would bring them hot coffee and give him time to think, but the restaurant was actually closed at this hour. Yet, no one would tell the Durango Kid he couldn’t sit here and talk. Talk— he was not one for small talk with strangers, especially beautiful female strangers, so this relatively easy encounter surprised him. He warmed to the natural way she returned his pleasant smile and he liked her straightforward manner. Her parents had raised her well. She was confident without being cocky and vain. She was intelligent, brave, and crafty—a worthy companion or opponent for anyone. In all of his thirty-one years, few women had caught his attention so quickly and easily. Still, she was a young woman, and a perilous trail was no place for her. Hopefully he could win her confidence quickly, obtain any facts she had, and leave her somewhere safe while he went after the Epson Gang. For certain, Wadesville was no longer safe for her. She claimed she had been locked in the attic during the attack, but maybe that wasn’t true; she knew something crucial. She must, because his gut instinct told him so, and he was rarely mistaken. She wanted revenge, not justice; the same was true of him. He had been after the Epson Gang for thirteen months, ever since they killed his parents and devastated his home, but they had always managed to elude him. If this beautiful golden-haired beauty knew anything that could help him complete his task, he had to get it out of her, any way. necessary.
If he had to romance her, then so be it. Some people called him ruthless and cold-blooded, and perhaps he was when it. came to dealing with vermin like the Epson band. A firm believer in justice, he had seen the destructive evil of this gang, and he was determined to halt them. Selected, appointed, and authorized by the President, he was accountable only to this country’s leader. Furthermore, that gang had stolen three things very precious from him”: his parent’s lives; a chance to explain his wild life to his heartbroken parents; time to earn their respect, forgiveness, and understanding for what he was doing for this state and country. He had made so many sacrifices to rid Texas and America of countless villains, but because of his mandatory secret life his parents had died believing he had turned out bad. To have confided in his parents might have endangered their lives, and the lives of others in his many cases. He had taken a Presidential oath to silence and loyalty and justice, and he had kept it. Yet, he had always believed the moment would come when his parents would learn the truth about him and be very proud of him; now, that could never be. Knowing the risks and demands, he had accepted this job, but would he do so again? Presently, he couldn’t answer that painful question.
He finally responded, “I’m from this area of Texas, but I’ve been away a long time. My parents are dead, and I have no other family. I’m thirty-one, and I come and go as I please. Considering my reputation, I have good reason to be wary of strangers, even pretty ones. I promise you, the Durango Kid isn’t wanted by the law.”
Randee believed his claims, but felt he was distorting them in his favor. During his pensive silence, she had read signs of anger, disappointment, bitterness, and soul-deep loneliness in his gaze and expression. Reflected in his blue eyes and revealed in his somber mood, she had grasped an anguish he had endured and a burden he bore. “As far as I know, you’ve been very careful and smart. Even if you’re wanted by the law— unless it’s for cold-blooded murder—I’m not interested in any charges against you. Your name?” she prompted.
The man mildly threatened, “If you mention this name to anyone, I’ll cut out your tongue, and that’s a promise. Marsh Logan.”
Randee’s alert gaze traveled over the handsome man’s face, paying close attention to his eyes, nose, and mouth—places where lies were revealed first. His pupils did not enlarge, his respiration did not alter, and his lips didn’t get dry. Satisfied, she smiled and said, “I like it, much better than the Durango Kid. It’s a strong name, one you should be proud to carry. Why don’t you, Marsh?”
He wondered if she knew he had given her his real name, a risk worth taking to win her trust and assistance. Off and on between cases since last April, he had pursued the murderous band. A month ago, he had been forced to threaten to quit his government job if President Grant refused to let him take on this personal mission. He had won the assignment for a maximum of three months, and one of those months was already gone. He had been checking out each raid site for leads when word came of Randee Hollis’ curious advertisement. He had come here simply to prevent “him” from interfering with the case. “We aren’t here to discuss me, Randee, just your job offer and plans.”
“Can I call you ‘Marsh’?” she asked politely. “It’s much nicer and less intimidating than Durango.”
Not surprisingly, he replied, “I’d rather you didn’t until we leave town. Someone might hear you. Not many families are happy or willing to acknowledge a notorious gunslinger as kin; mine was no different. I’d prefer to keep their good name clean and not have the Logan memory stained by my dark reputation. Now, tell me more,” he encouraged.
Randee told Marsh what she thought was the gang’s motive, but she withheld her knowledge of the gang’s identity. She knew he would leave her behind if he didn’t need her, considering there were several other fat rewards out on the gang, rewards he might not want to share with a partner. If he viewed her help as unnecessary, he would strike out on his own, and doubtlessly assume she would still pay him for his success! She did tell him, “It’s terror strategy to scare everyone out of a certain area; that’s the only way you can explain some of the attacks. If we unmask their leader and his plot, the killing and plundering will halt. We’ll need to make a map of this area and chart their path. I’m willing to bet we’ll see a pattern. When we do, we can beat them to their next target and set a trap for them. We can outwit them, Marsh, I’m positive of it.”
“It sounds logical, Randee, but it won’t be that simple. Between jobs, I’ve been pursuing them for thirteen months. Since they’re still on the loose, that tells you something. They appear, strike, then vanish. That calls for clever planning and timing. By the time I reach. their last target, no clues or tracks are left—if there ever were any.”
“There aren’t,” she remarked immediately. She hastily covered her slip by saying, “After the raid at my uncle’s ranch, I looked everywhere— no tracks in any direction. That means they’re smart enough to conceal their trail; it also means they aren’t worried. about taking the time to do so. What does that tell you, Marsh?”
“That they know everybody’s schedule in the area. It means, woman, that they spy on their targets, or they have a member who’s familiar with the territory and its people. Of course, there are never any witnesses to question. I started this pursuit for the money and the challenge; but after seeing what they leave behind, I want to destroy them. I’m used to fair fights or ones pushed on me, but the Epson Gang cuts down anybody: children, women, old men, whole families. I’ve always been one step behind them, but no more. With your help and support, I can concentrate totally on catching up or getting ahead. What else you got in mind?”
“They wear dark hoods to protect their identities. I saw that much before I was shoved into the attic. I’m sure they don’t stay hidden all the time, so maybe we can discover where they’re from or where they hang around. I’m sure I’ll recognize some of their voices, their clothes, their mounts, and other things about them. We can visit towns and pick them off a few at a time. We can trim down their number, Marsh, I know we can. Besides, they need a hide-out or at least a meeting point. If we can track them after one of their attacks and find it, we can destroy them.” She asked unexpectedly, “Do you know how to use dynamite and can you get your hands on some? From what Uncle Lee told me, it’s only been around a few years, but it surely would better our chances with the Epson Gang. He used it one time to clear some rocks to get to an underground stream.”
“I can use it, and I know several places we can get some. There’s one catch; to keep our plans quiet, we’ll have to steal it.”
Randee didn’t wait before saying, “Fine, whatever’s necessary.”
He requested, “Let me think a minute and get some points straight in my head.” To avoid being distracted by Randee’s blond good looks, Marsh lowered his head and focused his blue eyes on the table. He was aware that their departure had to be carefully planned and timed. And this meeting had to end very soon to prevent people, especially that love-besotted sheriff, from linking them together. Secrecy was vital.
Randee observed the man who sat in deep silence before her. His gaze was angled toward the table, but it moved about rapidly as unknown thoughts raced through his sharp mind. She was anxious for him to share those cunning ideas and plans, and she waited eagerly for him to do so. Marsh Logan, she mused dreamily. It was a strong, masculine name. It suited him perfectly, just as he suited her perfectly. Here was a man attuned to his prowess and surroundings, a man who had paid dearly for his hazardous and exciting lifestyle. He was a man compelled to take on difficult challenges, provoked to court danger and death, driven to prove he was the best at what he did. Or driven to prove something else …
When Marsh lifted his head and gaze, he found Randee watching him intently. As their eyes met and lingered, he realized how much he enjoyed looking at her and being near her. Here was a woman with more than good looks, with far more than sensual appeal, with far more than superficial charm. Undoubtedly she possessed the wits and talents to go on the trail and capture outlaws, but the Epson Gang was different. That gang was large and cruel and deadly. He would use Randee’s help only as long as it was safe for her. Then, when the going got rough, he would leave herbehind and finish alone.
“We have to hurry, Randee. It’s nearly four thirty. I don’t want the supper crowd to find us here alone. Besides, we don’t need Brody Wade becoming angry and getting into our hair. We have to keep our plans and partnership a secret from everyone, including your good friend the sheriff. We can’t afford any accidental slips or interference. You’ll need to get to the bank before it closes at five and …”
Randee interrupted, “The deal is to pay you three hundred dollars a month for our supplies and expenses, no matter how long it takes. The ten-thousanddollar payment is already deposited at the bank, but it can’t be collected until this matter is settled and I sign the paper to release it. That’s the only way I can protect myself from being duped or harmed. Agreed?”
“What about me? Who has the authority to release my money if you’re killed during our travels? Once those men are dead and my job’s done, what’s to keep you from cheating me, Miss Hollis?”
Randee saw the sparkle in his eyes and heard the playful note in his voice, so she realized he was teasing. “I promise we’ll figure out some way to protect your investment.”
“I have a wicked reputation, Miss Hollis. If I lose my earnings for any reason, I’ll have to take payment out of your pretty hide.”
Randee laughed. “What recourse do I have if you do a lousy job?”
Marsh didn’t realize his eyes were glowing as he replied, “Same as mine; take it out on me any way you please.”
Randee caught his provocative meaning and saw the look of desire in those enticing blue eyes. His pattern of breathing told her that he was aroused by her and his own suggestive statement. The tension between them stimulated her, and she wondered if her eyes were as telltale as his were. His large strong hands were lying more than halfway across the table. She wondered if they could be as gentle as they were strong, if they could drive a woman mindless with pleasure. She wanted to slip her hands into his and savor his touch.
Marsh was taken with Randee too. He pondered how it would feel to have her in his arms, that sunny head lying against his chest or those green eyes fusing with his, his fingers drifting up and down her arms or back, their passions steadily heightening … . He could imagine lying in the grass with her, near a pond or river, gazing up into a peaceful blue sky or a starfilled night, listening to the sounds of nature and inhaling its scents, laughing, talking, making love . …
He shook his head and smiled guiltily, knowing she read the signs of his mounting desire. She didn’t smile or frown as she tried not to give herself away. “Back to business,” he teased. “Your offer’s fine except for one point; I’ll need extra money up front to buy you a horse and saddle. Since the Epson Gang always steals the stock and burns the barns, I presume you don’t have either one. I’ll get them for you in another town to preserve that secrecy I mentioned. After you make your withdrawal, we’ll walk past each other on the sidewalk and you can slip the money into my hand. I’ll leave today, then you head out by stage on Thursday. Make sure you get enough money to cover a ticket to Dodge City. I’ll be waiting for you at one of the relay stations along the way. If we run into trouble passing along the money, I’ll come to your room at midnight.”
Randee inquired, “Why the sneaky behavior and separate schedules? Why Dodge City?”
“Because the stage only runs north on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Even if it wasn’t too late today, it’d look suspicious for both of us to leave on the same day. It’s probably common knowledge that you’re a witness and you’ve been trying to hire a man, or men, to ride down the Epson Gang. If we’re put together as a threat, it’ll endanger both of us and our mission. It has to appear as if you’ve given up and left town for a while. People have to think you’re on your way by stage “ to Dodge City to catch the train to visit kin somewhere. We also need everyone to believe I think you’re crazy, and I left. Just so Sheriff Wade doesn’t get worried or suspicious, tell him you’ll come back to him in about a month. Convince him of this tale, Randee, or he’ll trail us and intrude.” He added, “It might help our cause if we have a few nasty words in public after you pass the money to me. Another thing, store all your clothes except for what you need and can use on the trail. I’ll get out of Wadesville by dusk. Tomorrow, I’ll find you a good horse and saddle Then. Thursday I’ll pick you up somewhere.”
When Randee didn’t reply, Marsh finally asked, “Are you afraid I’m trying to weasel you out of four hundred dollars? Afraid I won’t meet you along the road? Or have you changed your mind about going?”
“That wasn’t what I was thinking about. I was deciding what story to make up to keep Brody off our trail. I’m seeing him for supper, so I’ll get it over with tonight. I’ll take care of. everything else tomorrow. But I’ll give you five hundred dollars because I want a good horse and a comfortable saddle.. If you’ve spent as much time on your horse as I’ve spent on mine, you know what I mean, Mr. Logan.”
Marsh chuckled and nodded. “I’ll go out the back way so we won’t be seen together. After you leave the bank, I’ll bump into you, so have the money folded tightly in your hand. From now on, any conversation between us needs to be hostile, understand?”
“Perfectly, Mr. Logan. As for you, stay out of gunfights and any trouble with the law. I’ll see you at one of the depots. Thanks for joining me, Marsh; I’m glad you let me change your mind.”
“Did you ever truly doubt you wouldn’t win me over?” he jested.
“Honestly?” she queried. He nodded. She grinned and admitted, “Yes, very big doubts. See you around, Durango.” She stood, smiled, and left. To give her partner time to get into position, Randee slowly crossed the dirt street and headed toward the bank along the plankway.
Marsh quickly departed by the back door, slipped past several buildings, and entered the rear of a saddlery shop. He casually looked around as he watched the bank through the windows. Randee walked slower than he did, so she came into sight shortly. Minutes after she entered the building across the street, three men rode up and dismounted. It was almost five o’clock, closing time for the bank. Marsh watched the way those men checked out their surroundings, and he knew what was about to take place, with Randee inside … .