Randee yawned and stretched, then smiled happily as she recalled the previous evening’s dreamy episode. She felt wonderful this morning and wished her lover was still at her side. Holding the thin blanket against her bare chest, she propped herself up on her elbow and looked around for Marsh. She spied him riding in the opposite direction, a lengthy ways from camp. She concluded that he was giving her privacy this morning, to bathe and dress, and she was touched by his consideration.
Randee glanced down at her bare body. Strange, but she did not feel disconcerted or embarrassed. She closed her eyes and envisioned their passionate bout upon her bedroll. Last night had been rapturous in his arms. He had been so gentle, so skilled, so utterly satisfying. How blissful it would have been to awaken in his embrace, to make love to him again this morning, to be a part of him forever. Maybe, she mused with a grin, Marsh was the one who was feeling shy and disquieted. After all, she had boldly seduced him, and he might not know what to expect from her today after her brazen conduct last night.
She looked at his dusty retreat and wondered how long he would stay out of camp. If he had remained here with her, they could have talked and shared their special … Twinges of alarm nibbled at her. Maybe he was too uneasy about their intimacy, too anxious about how she would view it and how she would behave from this point onward. If a man didn’t know what to do and say during an awkward situation, he usually tried to avoid it, like Marsh was doing this very moment. If he felt the same way she did, he would be lying next to her; they would be talking merrily and making love, savoring the bond which they had created last night, whether he admitted to one or not.
Randee gathered her possessions and went to the river to bathe and dress. The water was chilly, but she didn’t mind. She needed the nippy temperature to refresh her, to awaken her wits, to stimulate her sluggish body. Later, as she brushed her hair, she worried about the reason for Marsh’s absence. Maybe that blue-eyed rogue was afraid she would go back on her word not to make demands on him. Maybe he didn’t know what he wanted from her at this time, or even realize that he did want something from her! From what she had heard and read, men were skittish and defensive creatures, so she must not make him more nervous than he already was. As best she could, she should act just like she had before last night’s event… .
Which was exactly what Marsh Logan did when he returned to camp thirty minutes later, to a nice breakfast prepared by Randee. Without eyeing her too revealingly, he flashed her a genial smile and said, “Thanks, boss lady. We should eat and get on the trail pronto.”
Randee noticed that he didn’t mention last night or his dawn ride. Nor did he act any differently to her than before her surrender to him, as if nothing uncommon had taken place between them. She took his lead and behaved in a like manner. She passed him a cup of coffee and a plate of food as she jested, “I cooked, so you have to clean up. It’s a lovely morning, isn’t it? Not as humid today.”
Marsh took a deep breath of fresh air and smiled, aware she was letting him off the hook, at least for a while. “Yep, it’s a nice day for traveling.” After a few bites, he said, “Your cooking has improved, Miss Hollis. This is very good.”
She laughed, then replied, “One can hardly mess up biscuits, salt pork, and gravy.”
Marsh chuckled and refuted, “Yes, one can; I’ve seen it done many times. Doughy biscuits, watery coffee, burned bacon, and gluey gravy …” He wrinkled his nose and forehead before adding, “Blah.”
“I guess you’re right,” she conceded. “Of course, I owe my new skills to a very, patient and talented teacher. Thanks for the lessons.”
Remembering what she had said last night about training her to be his “partner in all ways,” Marsh felt his body grow warm and tense. He wanted to ask her if she was all right this morning, but dared not open the delicate subject. He hoped he hadn’t hurt her last night; she hadn’t acted as if he had at the time. She had been so passionate with him, so giving, so responsive, so eager and greedy. His breath caught in his throat just recalling that delightful episode.
Marsh eyed her furtively when he thought she wasn’t paying attention. She looked fine; no, she looked radiant, beautiful, tempting. Mercy, how he craved to seize her and make wild love to her again! She was being so kind today, so true to her word, so undemanding. Lordy, but he hoped it wasn’t a clever feminine trick to disarm him. He hoped she would continue to give him time and patience to sort out his feelings, because he was more unsettled now than he had been last night or before his tension-releasing ride. Although she had promised not to be a “clinging vine,” he had feared to find one awaiting him at breakfast.. Now that he’d spent a short time with her, truthfully, he could deal with a weepy woman better than this composed and cordial one!
Randee was cognizant of Marsh’s keen study and obvious confusion— perceptions which she gathered from his voice, movements, respiration, and expressions. She was increasing his apprehension by behaving calmly and friendly, by acting as if last night didn’t exist! She decided to continue along this same path, as he didn’t really want to get into anything personal today. Perhaps his manly ego just couldn’t understand how she could ignore him after a night of ecstasy in his arms! No doubt he was wondering the usual things: did he harm her? Did he give her pleasure? Was she embarrassed to face him? Did she want him again? Would she start chasing him and driving him loco? At least that was what she assumed were the usual things.
She started to drop a few hints to relax him, but changed her mind. Let him stew a while, she decided. It’ll be good for such a confident man to be uncertain for a change, to wonder and worry about obtaining a victory. Let him learn how to communicate if he wants answers. He has to open that door between us before I can step inside. If he doesn’t want me to, then don’t humiliate either of us by …
Marsh nudged Randee’s shoulder and asked, “You awake?”
The blonde hadn’t realized how long she’d been entrapped by deep thought. Marsh had cleared the remains of their early meal and put out the campfire. He was packing up their supplies and trying not to stare at her. Randee stretched and smiled. “Need any help, partner?”
“All done here. You ready to ride?” he asked.
Randee nodded, then went to saddle Rojo. She climbed upon the chestnut’s back and kneed the mare into a lively gallop. Marsh swiftly caught up with her and rode just ahead of her—on purpose, she decided, to place him, instead of her, in the line of vision.
Marsh wondered what thoughts and feelings had had her so ensnared back in camp, and which ones were racing through her this very moment. Maybe she wanted, or needed, to pretend last night never happened. Maybe it had been an impulsive act, or one to satisfy her feminine curiosity. Or worse, an unpleasant and painful experience. Maybe she was relieved that he was also ignoring it and she was showing her gratitude by being so nice. Damn, he silently cursed, not knowing is torment.
They traveled over terrain which was a blend of rolling hills and flat grassland, Mainly northward, dark mesas loomed in the distance, poised for all time beneath a very pale blue sky today. Every so often they encountered dry spots with sandy beds and countless prickly cacti. On some high hills it seemed as if one could see into forever, and one grasped the immense size of this territory. In many areas, there were numerous trees and bushes; in others, fertile valleys were covered with lush grasses and multicolored wildflowers. There was plenty of water around, making this section excellent ranch land.
At their first rest stop, Marsh strolled around away from where she was limbering up her taut body, muscles that were tense but not because of their steady journey. It amused her to watch him trying to act natural while trying to avoid her, and perhaps also avoid some kind of confrontation which he didn’t know how to deal with just yet. If only she knew more about men and how their minds worked, she could figure out a way to settle down this anxious rogue!
She leaned against a tree and closed her eyes. She wondered why life and love had to be so difficult at times Her original reason for being with Marsh was receding like a water line during a drought. All she wanted now was to be with him; yet, she had to pretend it was only revenge that was driving her onward, or he might send her home for a lack of concentration and dedication! If he was nervous now, he would be worse if he discovered he had become the center of her life!
Randee opened her eyes to find Marsh staring at her oddly, worriedly. She sent him an amiable smile as she joined him at the horses. She hastily massaged his wrinkled forehead and teased, “Quit frowning, partner, I’m not collapsing from fatigue yet. I was only daydreaming about building my ranch after our mission is over I think I’ll have more stables this time; I like raising horses better than cattle.”
He handed her the chestnut’s reins. “That’s, a great idea ‘cause you’re very good with them. Rojo obeys you without a second thought.”
She mounted the mare and looked over at Marsh, who was sitting astride his sleek stallion. “Too bad my hired help doesn’t do the same,” she playfull taunted, then raced off laughing gaily.
Marsh observed her from the rear, noticing how well she sat her saddle and how ravishing she looked today in a dark blue riding skirt and white shirt. Her tawny locks fanned out behind her and whipped about in the wind she was creating with her pace. He had the urge to race up beside her, yank her from her saddle, and crush her in his arms as his mouth devoured hers. His forehead still tingled where she had touched him, and her silvery laughter still sounded in his ears. What a sneaky little vixen she was, tempting him again today while trying not to frighten him off! If he wasn’t wrong, she wanted him, and wanted him badly. Yet, she was being careful not to intimidate him, and he deeply appreciated that kindness. It must be hard on her, not knowing what were the right things to do and say. But he couldn’t tell her, because he didn’t know either!
They had halted near a cluster of trees for the midday meal and rest when they heard noises from movement of some type. Both looked toward the dark spots on the horizon. “Is it a herd of animals or a band of Indians?” she asked as Marsh lifted his field glasses.
He gazed through the optical device and replied, “Neither.”
Randee’s only thought was about losing Marsh during a battle. Her heart lurched heavily as she murmured, “The Epson Gang?”
Marsh lowered the glasses and looked over at her pale face. She was breathing erratically and trembling. “Settle down, Randee; it’s only a group of wagons heading westward, probably for California. They can’t see us over here, and we don’t need to make contact.”
She realized how he was observing her and how she must appear—like a petrified female, a weakling, and a coward. She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply to steady her respiration and heart rate. Finally she looked at him and said, “I’m sorry, Marsh. For a moment, all I could think about was losing the people I love. There’s so much they don’t know, so much I haven’t told them. For an instant, I didn’t think there would be time to do so. When we get to Brownwood, I need to write my mother. She’s expecting a baby in August and she’s probably worried sick about me. I’ve been selfish not to let her know where I am, that I’m safe and well. I won’t panic again; I promise.”
Marsh sensed that Randee was referring more to him than to her mother or anyone else. He almost challenged her words, wanting and needing to hear her speak the truth. Truth, his mind echoed; the truth was that they were safe this time, but what about the next one? What if it had been the Epson Gang and they had been sighted?
Randee shook his arm lightly and vowed, “Honestly, Marsh, I won’t panic again. Surely I’m allowed one slip.”
Knowing he was the reason for her error, hecouldn’t fault her about it. Besides, if peril had been nearby, they probably would have gone unnoticed or escaped. No damage had been done, so she didn’t need to suffer unduly. “I didn’t see a slip in your courage and skills, Randee, only in your attention. If we had been attacked you would have done just fine because your instinct for survival would have taken control of you. You were only distracted by personal problems for an instant, but that’s exactly why you shouldn’t allow your emotions to ensnare you on a dangerous trail. I’m not angry or disappointed. In fact, it was probably an excellent lesson in alertness, for both of us.”
Randee grasped the unspoken warning in his message: if they had been absorbed in each other, they could have fallen prey to their worst enemies. This matter was a deadly serious one, something she had allowed herself to forget. She had to stay on guard, or she could get them killed. More so, she had to stop distracting Marsh Logan with her brazen flirtations. This man had dual sides, and both parts depended upon his wits to survive. Her amorous behavior was dulling those wits, so she had to quell it. “You’re right, Durango. I let my guard down and that was stupid. I won’t allow my private affairs to interfere with our mission again.”
“We’re both guilty, Randee. My mind was elsewhere too. From now on, partner, it’s strictly …” Marsh halted and stared past her. After placing his finger to his lips to indicate silence, he pointed beyond her to where a herd of pronghorns was grazing peacefully.
Randee watched them for a while, stealing some of their tranquility. She had wanted to tell Marsh about her past today, but it wasn’t the right time, not with them battling their strong attraction to each other. She didn’t want to influence his thoughts and feelings by revealing what a hard time she had endured, so she would wait.
Marsh was glad he hadn’t finished his discouraging statement, because he doubted that things could remain strictly business between them. No matter how hard she was trying to conceal it, he knew that Randee was distressed by his apparent rejection. Clearly she was trying to abide by his rules and desires, and she was baffled by his conflicting signals to her. He stood and flexed, telling Randee it was time to leave.
The landscape remained much the same: lush rolling hills, valuable grazing land, brilliant wildflowers, plenty of water, and lots of trees and bushes. The trees, mostly oaks and mesquites, had a northward bend because of this area’s weather. With short trunks and bushy limbs, many trees looked like giant green balls hanging close to the ground. It was so verdant and lovely, along, this route to Brownwood.
At dusk, they tended their horses and camped near the head of what would one day be called Pecan Bayou. With little conversation between them, they prepared their meal, ate it, then cleaned up together. To avoid being noticed by anyone in the area, Marsh doused the fire and denied himself a shave. The water nearby was shallow, dirty, and snaky, so Marsh asked her to wait until the next night to take a bath. Having studied their surroundings, Randee promptly agreed. Uncertain of this area’s inhabitants, Marsh also insisted on no campfire and on their sleeping close in case of danger. Again, Randee concurred. It required some effort, but both eventually slept fitfully. The following morning, their pattern was much the same: cook, eat, clean up, and leave.
During their first stop, she thought Marsh was napping. It amazed her how fast he could drop off to sleep, to awaken instantly if something caught his always alert ear. She wondered what embittering experiences and disappointments that man had faced during his lifetime, what incidents had made him such a loner. Sometimes she sensed a soul-deep loneliness about him; yet, he always seemed in control of himself and his emotions. His roguish smile or playful grin belied what he had endured since leaving home. Again, she wondered what had driven him away. He must have loved his parents deeply to agonize over their deaths, to risk his life to destroy their killers.
Marsh “Durango Kid” Logan was such a contradiction to her. He was-a legendary gunslinger; yet, he was the most caring and gentle man she had known. He seemed arrogant at times but it was nothing more than extreme self-confidence. Often, he seemed totally elusive and unobtainable, yet he had yielded to her once and she knew he wanted to do so again. He was serious, but he had a wonderful sense of humor. He was strong, but he was also vulnerable. He was fearless, yet he was afraid of committing to her, to anything except a deadly challenge. He was self-reliant yet he seemed to need her, need her in many ways. Randee saw those facts and insights reflected in his blue eyes and heard them-in his tone when he didn’t realize his guard was too low. It was hard for Marsh to trust, hard for him to share himself, hard for him to depend on anyone but himself, hard for him to show a weakness of any kind. Yet, she loved him and wanted him.
During their midday meal break, she wondered which was more distracting: being ill-fated lovers or fighting their mutual attraction. It was their late afternoon rest stop that ensnared them. …
The day was exceptionally hot and muggy. Randee felt as if her garments were glued to her moist flesh. Her hair was damp and her bangs were stuck to her flushed face. She struggled to remove her riding gloves, but they were resistive because her hands were hot and sweaty. She tossed her hat aside and knelt by the water’s edge to splash her face with tepid liquid. She unfastened the top few buttons of her shirt and removed her bandanna. Soaking it in the shallow stream, she rubbed the cooling cloth over her neck and upper chest. She was miserable, but mostly it was because of this emotional stand-off.
She glanced over at Marsh, who was lying on his back under a shade tree. Heavens, how she wanted to go and pounce on him! The Epson Gang and their cruelties seemed unreal today. All she was aware of was Marsh Logan and her love and desire for him. Randee actually felt as if she couldn’t breathe, as if she would perish if she couldn’t have him or at least put an end to this stress. She trembled and wanted to cry, and she hated feeling so weak and helpless.
She called out to the reclining man, “Stay where you are, Marsh, because I’m going for a swim. I can’t stand this heat and sweat any longer.”
Marsh was on his feet and at her side in an instant. “Wait a minute, woman! I haven’t checked out this area. What if somebody’s nearby? Can’t you wait until we camp for the night?”
She locked her gaze to his and made her decision to end this torment. She replied, “No, I can’t. I’m so tense I could scream. Be kind and stand guard for me,” she entreated.
He suggested, “Why don’t I teach you to shoot left-handed? That should take your mind off … the heat.”
Randee looked him in the eye and revealed, “If you stand anywhere near me, Marsh Logan, my tension and heat will be worse! You best get away from me before I do something we’ll both regret,” she warned. When he looked as if he were afraid to open his mouth, she forged on bravely, “I can’t stand this strain any longer. We can’t go on pretending nothing happened between us back there, even if nothing happens between us again. As long as we ignore the problem, we’ll be tense and guarded. I just want us to be ourselves, to be relaxed with each other again. Surely this is the worst way to handle a touchy matter. I know it’s hard for you to trust another person, to lean on somebody, to share any part of yourself. It doesn’t mean you have a weakness, just because you occasionally need someone else. Can’t we just enjoy each other while we’re together?”
Marsh’s sky-blue gaze fused with her earthy-green one. He admitted hoarsely, “I have to agree with you, Randee. If we don’t stop avoiding the truth and ignoring each other, this is only going to get harder for us. The trouble is, I don’t know what to say and do in a situation like this, because I have no experience with one. It makes me nervous knowing how you feel, but it makes me just as nervous not knowing. I’m afraid of hurting you, because I’m afraid you’ll expect too much from me if we get close, and I don’t like being scared of anything. I just feel so damn guilty about taking advantage of …”
Randee’s fingers pressed against his lips and prevented the rest of his sentence from coming forth. She reasoned desperately, “Don’t you realize that I’m the one taking advantage of you, Marsh? I’m the one who started this both times because I want you, and I’ll take you on any terms. I’m not being reckless or impulsive. That was the most wonderful experience I’ve had. Knowing what I do, how can I back away now? We’re adults; we’re free to act on our desires. There’s no reason why we can’t sleep together if that’s what we both want. Please believe me and relax. Don’t you see, this restraint is more demanding and dangerous than simply enjoying each other?”
Marsh locked his gaze to hers and deliberated her enticing words. She was very smart and honest for such a young woman, and he wanted to be convinced that he wasn’t misusing her. “You’re right, Randee, this strain has to end; it’s driving me wild,” he confessed. “But are you sure you’ve thought this situation over carefully? Are you positive you understand I’m offering you nothing in return?”
Randee clasped his whiskered jaw between her hands and looked up into his worried eyes. “I’ve had almost two days to ponder this matter, and this is what I want. I accept your feelings, Marsh, and I won’t put any strain on you to change them.”
As if a secret signal had passed between them, they melted into each other’s arms, and their lips meshed feverishly. They kissed, embraced, caressed, and excited each other. Having fought these desires since Friday night, they were consumed by fiery passion, by a burning need for each other. Despite the damp clinginess of their garments, they were rid of them quickly and were sinking into the lush grass near the water’s edge. Their mouths and hands worked eagerly and ardently, as if no force could halt their union.
Little stimulation was required to bring them to boiling level, as they had been simmering for each other. Quickly, the flames beneath them increased, and they bubbled with entrapped energy. Hotter and hotter their bodies burned, and steamier their spirits became. Soon, Marsh was within her, and she rejoiced at their reunion. Rapidly they scaled passion’s peak and wavered on its blissful precipice, eager to tumble over its edge, yet reluctant to end this wonderful madness. The top to their kettle of passion blew off and sent their steam of desire racing skyward in happy release. Ever so gradually their wits returned and their bodies cooled.
Marsh gazed down into Randee’s lovely face and smiled, “Do you realize that you’re the only person to ever steal my wits and control?”
Randee laughed and teased, “Why not, Durango, I paid for their use. You’re costing me ten thousand dollars, so you’ll have to earn your money one way or another. Is this such a bad requirement?”
“Since you are the boss lady, I have to do as you say.”
“Good,” she murmured, kissing him provocatively. “No more restraint, Marsh, let’s just be ourselves. Give me whatever part of yourself that you can share; I’ll expect nothing more.”
As he nibbled on her ear, he teased, “That’s mighty generous of you, ma’am, because I’m a greedy cuss.”
“And I’m a greedy vixen,” she replied with a laugh.
“Since it’s getting late, we’d better camp here for the night. You start supper while I take a look around,” he suggested happily.
Randee watched him get up, rinse off in the nearby stream, and dress. She admired his lean, hard frame. He was so utterly enchanting, she couldn’t be blamed for her weakness for him. She liked the new glow in his eyes and the sunny smile on his lips. His expression was one of possessiveness, and that delighted her.
Marsh glanced at her and said, “Up and dress, woman. I’m not about to leave you lying around like that to tempt any passerby to steal what’s mine. In case you don’t know it, I’m a selfish critter.”
Randee grinned at him and obeyed, bathing and dressing quickly. As he mounted and left, she sighed dreamily. She liked this brave change in Marsh, one she shouldn’t point out to him.
While Marsh scouted the area, Randee prepared their meal. They ate upon his return, gazing at each other across the campfire and smiling frequently. For the present, both were totally content. They made love again and slept peacefully on bedrolls, side by side.
The following morning, Randee awakened to find Marsh resting on his side, propped up on one elbow, and watching her with a grin on his face. She smiled and asked merrily, “What are you looking at?”
He bent over and kissed her nose before replying, “You, woman. You constantly intrigue me. I’ve never met any female with more passion and fire than you have.”
“I hope that’s a compliment, Mr. Logan, because you taught me all I know, so far.”
“I best remain your only teacher, woman, or …”
“Or what, partner?” she asked, suppressing her laughter.
“I’ll tan your hide,” he informed her with a chuckle.
“Then, make sure you hold class often, so I won’t have to go looking for lessons and pleasures elsewhere.”
“Is this often enough?” he inquired huskily as he rolled her onto her back and moved atop her, sealing their lips. …
Following a late start that day because of a lusty bout of lovemaking, they rode at a swifter pace, with few stops, in order to make camp that night at a lake not far from Brownwood.
As they ate supper, Marsh told her, “I didn’t want to get into town after dark, so we’ll ride in tomorrow and check things over.”
“Don’t forget, you promised we could have our washing done and sleep in a real bed.”
“So I did,” he replied, and caressed her cheek. “To prevent gossip and trouble, we’ll need to take separate rooms at the hotel.”
“Separate rooms?” she echoed in disappointment.
“Don’t fret, my hot-blooded vixen, I’ll sneak into your room after dark. Frankly, I’m getting used to sleeping with you and I like it.”
“So do I,” she readily admitted, delighted that he could.
“But tonight, we’d best stick to our own bedrolls. We’re close to town and somebody could drop by.”
They had made love twice yesterday and once this morning, so it wouldn’t be so difficult to refrain tonight. “Does that mean no swim and bath?” she asked.
“Let’s not take any chances tonight. I wouldn’t want to call attention to us by having to kill some lusty intruder who couldn’t resist you. I’ll get you one at the hotel tomorrow.”
“I suppose we should turn in. We have a busy day ahead.”
Marsh embraced her and kissed her, then tucked her in for the night. “Sleep well, Randee, I’ll be nearby.”
How she longed to say, “I love you,” but it was unwise. “Good night, Marsh,” she murmured, her tone and gaze filled with the emotion that she didn’t give voice to.
At dawn on Tuesday, there was another brutal raid on a ranch just below Fort Richardson, the first one since the attack on Friday above Fort Worth.
They reached Brownwood before noon and headed for the hotel. Marsh said, “I’ll get you registered and carry our things to our rooms. Then I’ll take the horses to the stable.”
“What’s our story, if anyone asks?” she inquired cautiously.
“I’ll register as Marsh Logan and you’ll be my cousin Randee Logan. We’re heading for Austin to make a cattle deal. Hopefully we won’t attract too much attention.”
“Maybe you’ll go unnoticed because Durango doesn’t normally travel with a companion, particularly a woman.”
Marsh looked as if he was about to say something, but changed his mind. “Is there a problem?” she asked.
Marsh hated lying to her, especially now, but he couldn’t reveal himself to her. “If I get into any trouble here, get out of town fast and meet me back at the lake.”
“You will be careful, won’t you?”
“I promise to behave myself,” he teased to relax her.
The town was quiet on a Tuesday morning. Yet, those who were around noticed the arrival of the beautiful woman and the gunslinger. Marsh’s profession was readily noted from the way in which he wore his guns and carried himself. They halted before the hotel and dismounted, then collected their belongings and entered the clean structure.
After signing up for two rooms, Marsh carried their possessions upstairs and left them there. He had paid for Randee to have a bath and food brought to her room, and for a local laundress to come over to pick up their dirty clothes for washing and ironing.’
He tied his garments in a bundle and left them with Randee. “I’ll see to the horses. Then I’ll get a bath and a shave, maybe get this hair trimmed if I like the looks of their barber. It makes me nervous for anyone but me to get near this neck with a sharp blade. I’ll join you for supper at six. Get some rest and do whatever chores you women usually do while men are out.”
“Yes, sir, Cousin Marsh. You want me to meet you downstairs?”
“At six sharp, woman, and don’t be late this time,” he jested.
After the laundress departed with a promise to return their clothes the next morning, Randee eagerly devoured the delicious meal which she was served. Later, a large tub was brought to her room and filled with warm water. Randee locked her door, stripped, and stepped into the inviting tub. She used the fragrant soap, which her uncle had purchased for her, and scrubbed with delight. When her hair and body were clean, she dried them and wrapped a bath sheet around herself while she worked with her hair, plaiting it for waves and fullness. Anticipating a lively night in Marsh’s arms, Randee stretched out on her bed and took a nap.
After leaving their horses at the livery stable, Marsh had his shave, haircut, and bath. Then, he dressed in clean clothes: a powder-blue shirt and dark pants. The ebony-haired man picked up a telegram, then returned to his room to read it. He was not surprised to learn that a large company was indeed purchasing many of the ranches which had been terrorized by the Epson Gang. Located in Fort Worth, the Mid-Texas Land Company was run by a lawyer named George Light, but the “owners” and their plans were confidential. Marsh’s contact— Willard Mason— said he would keep working on their identities, but was unsure of how to obtain them from the tight-lipped lawyer.
Marsh wrote a letter to his contact in Fort Worth, as he didn’t want such news put into a telegram, which could be intercepted more easily than a sealed letter. He requested that a U.S. Marshal Foley Timms be checked out, and also asked that any available information on Quantrill’s Raiders be gathered and held for him. He said he would arrive in Fort Worth in seven to ten days. He also requested that a map be drawn up showing the locations of the land company’s purchases.
Marsh walked to the stage office and paid for the letter to be delivered to Fort Worth. When he heard talk about the destruction of the Red River Station, he decided this was a good time to share that news with Randee, leading her to believe he had just learned about it. He no longer felt … threatened by Brody Wade’s hold over her, and revealing this information now could prevent trouble between them later. He hoped Randee would keep her word about no pressure on him until he could work out some details in his life, if he survived this mission.
Marsh sat at the table, drinking coffee and wondering what was keeping Randee. Surely he had given her plenty of time for her chores. He had told her to meet him at six sharp, and it was nearing six thirty. Crazy thoughts raced through his worried mind. Had she decided to end their partnership and drop him? Was she still upstairs? Was she afraid to be seen with the “Durango Kid”? Had this whole situation been a clever trap set for him by those devious State Police, who didn’t want anybody exposing them? No, there was no way anyone could know his real identity. Yet, Randee Hollis was a highly skilled expert for a Kansas farm girl, and that daring notice in the newspaper …
“Don’t beat me, Cousin Marsh, but I fell asleep. That bed was so comfortable, I couldn’t resist trying it out,” Randee quickly explained her tardy arrival. “I’m sorry.”
Marsh looked at the exquisite creature before him. She was the perfect image of innocence and beauty. She was wearing the dress she’d had on when he’d retrieved her from the stage. It was a little rumpled, but she looked breathtaking. Randee leaned forward to whisper, “If you don’t stop staring at me like that, Mr. Logan, someone will suspect a shameful secret about us. They’ll probably tar and feather two cousins who bed down together.”
Marsh chuckled, rose, and seated her politely. He bent over to whisper in return, “Then, don’t look good enough to eat when a man’s starving. I was getting worried about you.”
As he reclaimed his seat next to hers, she smiled and teased softly, “Good, ‘cause that means you missed me. Tell me all the news.”
“Later, when we have privacy.” When she smiled eagerly, he playfully warned, “Behave yourself, woman, because we’re attracting too many stares. Or I should say, you are.”
“Let’s not be ornery because we didn’t get a nap, too,” she teased.
“That isn’t the reason for this nasty mood. I warned you long ago, men do crazy things when they get jealous.”
As she shook her napkin and placed it in her lap, she replied softly, “Then, don’t get jealous. After all, you have no reason to.”
“Are you sure about that? It seems there’s a respectable sheriff waiting for your return with hopes of marrying you.”
Randee glanced at him oddly and her smile faded. “Are you trying to ruin my supper even before it’s served? Forget about Brody.”
“Sorry, Randee, that was naughty of me. I’ll explain later.”
Randee leaned toward him and said almost inaudibly, “Listen to me, Marsh Logan; you don’t have anything to worry about where other men are concerned. I’m yours for the taking, any time and any place, and for as long as you want me. Is that clear?”
Marsh smiled and said, “As clear as new glass, Cousin Randee.”
Their food was ordered and brought to their table by a middle-aged woman in a drab cotton dress. Eating silenced them for a while, and both savored the tasty fare, including a berry pie.
After their highly pleasing meal, ‘Marsh suggested they take a leisurely walk to appear like normal guests. Randee accepted his arm, and they strolled down one side of the street and up the other. She felt the taut alertness in the man beside her, although he appeared perfectly relaxed to everyone they encountered. She noticed how the men eyed his strapped-down holsters and seemed to cringe in fear, and how the women eyed his handsome face and flushed with undisguised desire. The neat, clean-shaven rogue tipped his hat, smiled, and spoke to everyone they met during their walk.
When no one was around, she asked, “What are you up to?”
Marsh glanced at her and asked innocently, “What do you mean?”
“Don’t pretend with me, Marsh Logan; I know you too well.”
He chuckled heartily and said, “Checking over the layout for my business tonight. You remember, pick up a little dynamite?”
“What time and where do we strike?” she asked.
“Not we, me,” he corrected her. “I can get in and out quicker and safer alone. I’ll come to your room after it’s done.”
Randee knew it was useless to argue his valid point, so she nodded acceptance of it. It was nearly dark by the time they reached the hotel and went to their separate rooms.
It seemed like hours passed as the nervous blonde awaited her lover’s arrival. She wished she had asked him what time he was going to pull off his theft, so she wouldn’t worry unnecessarily. The moon was just leaving its full stage, so it was still bright outside. As she anxiously paced her room, Randee hoped he was dressed in his black outfit so he couldn’t be sighted easily during his … crime. She wondered what she would do if anything happened to Marsh, as she had been the one to suggest using dynamite to compensate for their being outnumbered.
She brushed her long hair again and fluffed it around her shoulders. She was wearing her last clean gown, but she wished it were prettier. Perhaps she could buy a lovely one before leaving town tomorrow. “Don’t be silly, girl,” she said to herself, “that would surely give you two away.”
Randee scolded herself for fretting constantly, as Marsh Logan was the Durango Kid, a man with matchless skills and prowess, a man who couldn’t get caught during a simple robbery in a small town! She dabbed on more of the enticing cologne from her bag, and sprinkled some on the bed covers and pillows. Noting the late hour, she wisely doused the lanterns and forced herself to sit down, as her pacing might be heard below. Soon, she heard several gunshots and stiffened. She trembled and her breathing grew erratic. Quickly, she cautioned herself to calm down, or Marsh would arrive to see her panicky again.
An hour went by, and no Marsh. Randee peered outside, but could see nothing because her room was on the side of the hotel and a view of the front street was impossible. She dared not pace and make the floor squeak, but her nerves were shattered by fear. She prayed for Marsh’s survival. Maybe he had been forced to make a run for it. He had told her to meet him at the lake if trouble arose.
What if she couldn’t? What if they came and arrested her because she had entered town with him? She would never betray him to the law, even if they beat her or threatened to hang her! Would Marsh try to rescue her? What if they were both captured? They had promised not to endanger each other, but would either of them keep that hasty vow?
More time passed, and Randee knew that Marsh should have returned by now. It was almost two o’clock in the morning. She couldn’t get those gunshots out of her mind. What if he was injured badly or … ?
“I love you, Marsh Logan. Don’t you go and die on me.” She sat on the tiny sofa with her arms wrapped around her updrawn knees and with her chin propped on them. She closed her eyes and prayed, Please, Marsh, come back to me safe and sound.