As she dismounted before the Wadesville jail, Randee Hollis felt as if her body was stretched tauter than a sheafing cord. It was normal to feel anxious, guilty, and uncertain— but annoyed and repulsed? Reviewing the matter of Brody Wade, she knew why.
The closer she had ridden to this office alone, the more she had been assailed by enlightenment, apprehension, and anger. Yes, anger—anger at herself and at Brody Wade. She had changed her mind about the persistent lawman. Perhaps it had been time and distance that had opened her eyes to the truth. It now sounded ridiculous to think she had ever been tempted to marry him, but she understood why she had made such a mistake. She had been under a terrible strain before and after running away from home, and following the tragic deaths of her kin. At first, Brody had seemed a wonderful part of a new life, a clean and happy one. She had been flattered and touched by his attentions and hot pursuit. At times, she had been scared, alone, and vulnerable. She had needed someone to lean on, and the handsome sheriff had seemed to fill her needs. She had assumed she liked him, could even love and marry him, but she had fooled herself.
To be honest—Brody Wade was too nice, too sweet, too much in love with her, too cloying, and too manipulative. If she gave herself to him, he would suffocate her, absorb her, want too much from her. He had made her feel vulnerable and helpless, tried to trick her into yielding to him. Brody Wade was more cunning and demanding that she had realized. Thanks to Marsh, Brody had lost his appeal: physical and emotional. Suddenly she didn’t want him around her at all.
Randee knew she needed to pull off this duplicity, and prayed she could succeed. Yet, she was wary, tense, even a little afraid. She hadn’t told Marsh about such ridiculous feelings because she could not explain them even to herself. Maybe she was simply unsettled about having to be falsely romantic with another man since she had already given her heart and body to Marsh Logan. Maybe she was merely worried that, after she led him on, Brody Wade would intrude on her love affair and dangerous mission. Maybe she was afraid she would do everything wrong today. Or, maybe she was only panicked at the thought of Brody knowing and telling her things about “Storm Hayden,” which she didn’t want to hear… .
Randee was glad she was seeing Brody alone, yet she also wished Marsh was at her side. She wondered what, if anything, her ebony-haired lover would discover at the Carson Ranch today while she was facing this incredibly difficult task. She hated being separated from her partner, and she looked forward to rejoining him before dawn.
Randee stealthily approached the door to the sheriff’s office. She heard a voice which she recognized, and halted. Heavens, how she dreaded facing this man today, or any day! It wasn’t conscience or morals that troubled her about seeing and fooling Brody, it was something else. I don’t want him touching me or wooing me or anythinging me! It was strange, even dismaying, to comprehend and accept the fact that she actually did not like Sheriff Brody Wade, much as she had tried to do so and had convinced herself she did. She realized it was the Carson’s and townsfolk’s respect and affection that had influenced—no, misguided and controlled— her feelings, along with her distraught state. Now that she thought about it honestly, the rugged lawman made her wary! Maybe Brody was one of the things she had been trying to flee with this mission!
Randee peeked around the door jamb into the sheriffs office. She eyed Brody Wade’s broad shoulders as he leaned against the cell, talking with a prisoner. She flattened her back against the outside wall and tried to steady her erratic respiration. She had fooled Brody once before; surely she could do so again.
Marsh Logan flooded her thoughts. Since he wasn’t the Durango Kid, what little she had “known” about him wasn’t true. Who was Marsh Logan, alias Storm Hayden? If each bit of information was measured by teaspoon, she wouldn’t have enough to fill a coffee cup! He must have had plenty of experience and practice to become as skilled, as swift, as accurate, as deadly, as fearless as the real Durango Kid. Undeniably, Marsh Logan was better than most gunslingers. He did not hesitate about taking on one, three, five, or more opponents!
Just as she thought Marsh was opening up to her and she was learning more about him, he retreated or added more mystery, or destroyed her old thoughts and impressions. Yet, she loved him. Perhaps the strain on her nerves was caused by not having him close since their passionate Sunday together, and the discovery of his deceit. For now, she had to forget about her stormy love and concentrate on duping another man. Randee swallowed hard and composed herself before she stepped into the jail and announced, “Brody, I’m back safely.”
The brown-haired man whirled—dropping the cell keys—and stared at the nervous blonde in her dusty dress. Sheer astonishment filled his eyes and face. Then, a wide grin captured his mouth. “Dee!” he practically shouted in excitement. Forgetting about the man behind him, whom he had just released, he rushed forward and embraced her. “Heavens above, you had me scared stiff. I’ve been checking every day to see if the Army had rescued you. I’ve been crazy with fear and worry.” Glancing past her and out the door, he noticed no military escort, and was puzzled. “Lord, woman, how did you. get away from those savages?” As he spewed forth questions, his chocolate, eyes were scrutinizing her for injuries and changes. “Tell me everything; don’t leave out a single day or word,” he persisted hastily.
As she witnessed his love and concern, Randee’s courage and confidence threatened to vanish. Misgivings chewed on her, but she cast aside such disturbing and intrusive feelings. She mentally and emotionally committed herself to carrying out Marsh’s plan. She captured his face between her hands and urged, “Relax, Brody, I’m fine now. Why don’t you finish with your … charge and we can talk privately?” she wisely suggested, nodding toward the man who was awaiting his freedom, an action which would allow her time to get over this initial moment of difficulty.
Brody smiled cheerfully before turning to the pale man and saying sternly, “Get out of here, Buster, and don’t let me hear of you causing trouble again. Next time, I won’t be so lenient with you.”
The freed man nodded sheepishly and hurried out the door, which Brody closed and locked behind him. The sheriff returned to Randee and pulled her into his arms. As he spread eager kisses over her face and hair, he murmured passionately, “Dee, Dee, you’ve come back like you promised. I knew you would.” He leaned his head backward to look down into her lovely face as he inquired worriedly, “Where have you been? What happened to you out there?”
To avoid meeting his keen gaze as she deceived him, she rested her head against his hard chest and encircled his waist with her arms. She had no choice. “It’s been a long and hard journey, Brody, but I have you to thank for my rescue, not the Army.”
“What do you mean?” he asked confusedly, tightening his possessive embrace on her. His body trembled noticeably at her bold contact and amorous behavior. Fooled, he made no move to release her.
Randee felt her stimulating effect, on him and she wanted to run from him and this distasteful chore. She couldn’t; she mustn’t. Careful not to mention any of Marsh’s names, she declared, “You hired that gunman to come looking for me, even offered him your entire savings. That was a very kind and unselfish thing to do, Brody. I can’t tell you what it means to me. The Indians who abducted me kept moving around a lot and concealing our trail, but they never harmed me. All I had to do was work for them—cooking and washing and such. That gunslinger you hired tracked me down and stole me from their camp one night. He demanded five thousand dollars to bring me home. He said that was how much it had cost him to come after me, rather than accepting a job for some rancher in southern Texas. Of course I agreed to reward him with some of the money I have in the bank from the Carsons.”
Randee knew Brody was about to interrupt, but she rushed onward with her false tale, “He’s to return Sunday for his payment, so I’ll need to get to the bank to make a withdrawal before it closes today for the weekend. I’m so happy you hired him and he located me. At first I was terrified with those Indians; but later, I realized they only wanted slaves, not whites to torture. I was biding my time until I could find a way to escape. Then, your fearless gunman showed up one night. He’s a smart and daring man, Brody. He eluded those Indians as if it was the easiest thing to do in life.”
Brody did jump in here. “I’m surprised he came after you, Dee. He refused my offer when he was in town, even though I begged and reasoned and bargained and threatened. I took the liberty of telling him you would sweeten my offer. I hope you don’t mind.”
“Certainly not,” she responded softly, cuddling up to him as a distraction. “He said the search for me sounded more exciting and lucrative than his job offer in Austin, or some place down that way.”
The lawman said hesitantly, “I hope you understand why I couldn’t come searching for you. I don’t have any authority in Indian Territory and I don’t know my way around there. I could have made things worse for both of us. I figured the Army knew what was best and was trained to handle situations like that. I’ve missed you terribly.”
Randee claimed boldly, “I’m glad you didn’t rush off to save me. They would have killed you, Brody. White men they hate, but white women they tolerate. You did the right thing, and I’m glad he decided to accept your offer after leaving town. He can be a most unpredictable and exasperating man. And real bossy too. But I finally got used to him. Or rather, I learned how to get along with him.”
As the sheriff leaned away to separate their bodies so he could kiss her, the silver necklace which Marsh had given her became tangled on one of his shirt buttons. As he freed it, he asked, “Where did you get this? It’s new, isn’t it?” Knowing Spanish, he mentally translated the message, and jealousy flooded him as he wondered if Storm Hayden had given her the necklace.
To conceal her startled expression, Randee glanced down at the cherished item. Quickly coming up with what she considered a plausible story, she replied in a casual tone, “While we were in Fort Worth, a saloon girl named Flossie gave it to me. I slept in her room at Sloan’s Pleasure Palace one night because the hotels were full. Flossie liked me because I helped her fend off a mean customer with flaming red hair, so she gave me this necklace. It says ‘Friends Forever.’ I think one of her many admirers probably gave it to her. She must not have liked him very much, or she wouldn’t have parted with it.” As she lightly fingered the silver circle before dropping it inside her denim dress, Randee added, “It’s lovely and it seemed to mean a great deal to her for me to accept it, so I did.” She felt Brody force himself to relax, and she tried to do the same.
Brody believed her because her voice and look were so convincing, so innocent, so radiant—or he read what he wanted to see. His lips covered hers and he was thrilled when she responded eagerly to his action. He kissed her hungrily as his hands roved her back and played in her silky hair, which was bound with the blue ribbon he had given to her on May eighteenth. His mouth nuzzled her neck and ear, and she laughed softly and nestled into his arms.
“I love you, Dee. Will you become my wife now?” he asked.
Randee met his gaze, and prayed hers didn’t reveal her trickery. She didn’t know how she had endured his touch, but she had. It was time to enlighten Brody about her future plans, and persuade him to accept them. “I can’t just yet, Brody. I’ve agreed to partner up with that gunslinger to help hunt down clues on the Epson Gang. We— “
Brody was stunned. He interrupted angrily. “You can’t leave with him! He’s only after you and your money! It’s too dangerous!”
Randee smiled and teased, “Don’t be jealous of a man like that, Brody, and don’t be so angry and harsh with me. He isn’t the kind of man I could love or marry; you are. Don’t you understand? I can’t remain here endangering you and this town. Until that gang’s locked up or slain, none of us are safe. I have to do this for all of us, especially for you and me. I was captured because of that gang, because I was cowardly running away from them. And because of them, I can’t come home or marry you. They’re controlling and ruining my life, Brody. I have to help thwart them so I can settle down with you.”
Brody hoped he was hearing and understanding her correctly; yet, he was concerned over her imminent intentions. “What are you saying?” he questioned anxiously. He eyed her closely, intently.
She laughingly responded, “I’m saying I’ll marry you just as soon as it’s safe to do so. That’s why I came back to visit rather than sending you a letter or a telegram. I wanted you to hear this answer from my own lips: I accept your proposal, but our wedding has to wait a while longer.” She saw his smile fade gradually and knew she had to do some fast and clever talking. “After what I’ve been through recently, I’m not afraid of them. Besides, according to rumors and newspaper stories, lots of them have been killed in the last few weeks. They’re getting careless and weaker, and leaving clues behind. Once those clues are collected and passed along to the law, they can be halted. Then, we’ll be safe and we can marry and settle down here.”
“What kind of clues have you discovered?” he asked eagerly. “I’ll help you track them down so we can finish this matter quickly.”
Randee shook her blond head and told him, “You can’t go along, Brody; they might recognize you as a lawman. That would put us all in peril. We have to be very cautious and sneaky. Don’t worry about me,” she coaxed as she teased her fingertips over his cheek. “I’m a good shot and a skilled rider, and so is my partner. As for those clues, I promised I wouldn’t reveal them to anyone except the State Police in Austin. That’s where we’re heading when he comes after me Sunday. Hopefully before this month’s out, we’ll have that gang leader and his bunch behind bars or buried so they can’t harm anyone else. All I can say is that some people have seen him and a few of his men, and given us descriptions. With what she told me, the State Police will be able to make up some posters real soon and circulate them.”
Brody trailed his fingers over her shapely lips and smiled. “Posters should help all lawmen lend a hand with their captures. I’ll make sure the State Police send me plenty of them to post around here. But why do you have to tag along with this notorious gunman? He can’t be trusted, Dee. And this isn’t a job for a woman.”
Randee clicked her tongue disapprovingly. “Now, Brody, don’t go telling me that men are better at riding, shooting, and tracking than women are. My father taught me how to do all of those things and do them better than most men, and that isn’t idle boasting. I promise I won’t take any unnecessary risks, but I have to do this. Don’t you realize how involved I am by surviving one of their raids? I won’t be safe until they’re defeated. And until I’m safe, we can’t begin our life together,” she disclosed cleverly. “I’m tired of running and hiding from danger. I was right in the beginning with my plan, but I let you and that gunman dissuade me from trying it. Now that he’s seen I can take care of myself on the trail and he’s willing to let me hire him, I have to proceed with my original idea. I honestly think they’re up to something clever like a land grab. If we can prove it, their real leader and motive will be exposed. That lame boss isn’t the gang’s leader. Someone very cunning and powerful and wealthy is.”
“Where did you come up with such ideas?” he inquired curiously.
Attempting to prove how smart and brave she was so he would back off, she revealed, “It’s obvious to me because they only raid in a certain area. I don’t see why the law hasn’t grasped that reality and investigated it. I suppose you heard about those careless raiders who were gunned down by soldiers from Fort Richardson. It seems those beasts and their leader like to visit saloons when they’re not ravishing innocent women during raids. She’ll be the death of him,” she asserted coldly, unaware of the revealing slips in her own words… .
“I still don’t want you chasing after that gang. What happens if you do locate them? You couldn’t kill anybody. Turn your evidence over to the authorities and let them handle it from here on. That bunch isn’t stupid, Dee. They’ve been raiding for over a year and haven’t been caught. What makes you think you two can defeat them?”
“They’re not stupid, Brody, but they aren’t smart either. Whoever their real leader is, he’s the one making the plans and giving the orders. Once he’s unmasked, those raiders will get out of Texas as fast as their horses will carry them. Men like those are cowards inside. Another thing, with small groups of them being ambushed here and there, if we’re lucky, they’ll believe their boss is finished with them and is having them wiped out a few at a time. Just think of the damage to that gang if they start distrusting their real boss.”
“But how can you tell who’s involved? What if you two slay innocent drifters or do something illegal?” Brody reasoned desperately.
“That’s where instincts come in, Brody. Criminals are given away by their behavior. We simply watch for strangers in town.”
Brody shook his head and refuted, “Nothing’s that simple, Dee.”
She gazed into Brody’s worried expression and asked, “Have I gotten, any mail or visitors while I’ve been away?”
“Yes, but we aren’t through discussing this matter.”
“Mail or visitors?” she asked, ignoring his last words.
“Mail, two letters. Hear me out, Dee, about— “
“Where are they?” she pressed, cutting him off sweetly.
Brody frowned at her persistence. “A letter came from Kansas for the Carsons, so I guess it’s yours now. The other letter is from a land company in Fort Worth. I guess it’s about you selling the ranch. I put out the word you were seeking a buyer. I’ll get them.”
Brody reluctantly released her to locate the letters in his desk. He handed them to her and said, “You can read them later. Right now— “
“Brody Wade, you’re impossible,” she softly scolded, then kissed his mouth lightly and tantalizingly. “These could be important. Let me go over them quickly. I. promise you can say anything and everything you want, but I’m not changing my mind. You’re wasting your breath and our short time together by arguing with me. If you love me and want me back swiftly, you’ll cooperate with me.”
“Cooperate!” he scoffed. “Cooperate by letting you take off on a reckless scheme with a black-hearted rogue like that!”
She corrected, “He isn’t so bad. He’s good with a gun and he isn’t scared of anything. Don’t you see, he keeps me from getting into trouble out there? I can assure you that all he wants from me is money. If that weren’t true, he would have tried something with me by now. I’m only using him to get my life back to normal so we can marry. Is that so terrible? What can I say to convince you he can’t come between us while we’re working together?”
“I love you, Dee, and I can’t bear the thought of losing you again. Stay here and forget this nonsense. Or let me go along and help.”
Randee shook her tawny head and narrowed her green eyes to appear serious and steadfast. “I can’t do either one, Brody. I have a deal with him, and I gave my word. I have responsibilities to myself, to you, to this town, to my murdered kin. Haven’t you heard a word I’ve said? I love you and I’ll be back to marry you soon, but only when it’s safe and justice has been done. Isn’t that enough for you? If it’s not, then I’m sorry, because I’m going to do what I have to do. You can’t stop me or interfere, or I’ll leave and never come back.”
Brody exhaled loudly and scowled. “You beautiful vixen, you’ll be the death of me with your courage and stubbornness. I can see it’s useless to quarrel, but I’m not through reasoning with you. Read your letters while I fetch us some coffee. I need to settle down and gather my wits.”
Randee ripped open both envelopes and read the letters, slowly and carefully. She stuffed the one from her mother to the Carsons into her pocket, but she pensively tapped the one from the Mid-Texas Land Company against her lips.
Brody handed her a cup of steaming coffee and asked, “Well?”
Randee fused her gaze to his and questioned, “Have you ever heard of this company before? Mid-Texas Land Company of Fort Worth,” she supplied when he looked puzzled.
“I don’t think so,” Brody told her, then sipped his coffee. “Why?”
“On our way back here, we made several stops along the trail at old raid sites. Lots of them had been purchased by this same company. Don’t you think that’s odd? Perhaps suspicious?” she hinted.
Brody’s dark brow lifted and he thought a minute before shrugging. “Odd for a land company to buy land? I don’t see your point.”
Randee slapped the letter against her palm several times as she informed him, “If there’s a sinister motive behind these raids, what if this company’s involved? It’s happened before, lots of places. Why would this area be so valuable to someone?” she asked, walking to a map on his wall and circling the target area with her fingertip. “Why would a company want this territory so badly? What’s there to crave?”
The sheriffs brown eyes studied the area before he speculated aloud, “Nothing unusual or exceptionally valuable. Several huge cattle drives pass through this area on their way to market. You also have stage routes and freight lines taking these roads. Someone could fence off the land routes and charge a toll to cross them, but that’s a little far-fetched. Even purchasing the land cheaply to be sold later for a hefty profit is improbable. I don’t deny it’s superior graze land, but to go to such bloody and risky lengths to obtain it … . No, Dee, I doubt there’s a sinister scheme involved. Just mean, greedy, lazy villains who want what others have. Who owns the company?”
“We don’t know. Its lawyer won’t say. Have you heard of George Light?” she inquired, her tone and gaze skeptical of the man.
Brody chuckled. “Of course, I have. Few people haven’t. He’s widely known and highly respected in Texas and the South. He’s handled lots of business for the governor and other important men. I got to meet him once when I was in Fort Worth delivering a prisoner to the jail there Seemed very nice and pleasant, very powerful. From what I’ve heard, when he used to be a trial lawyer, he never lost a case.”
Randee scoffed, “Such an upstanding citizen. I wonder why he’s connected to this land company. If I sold them my ranch, the owner would have to sign the sale papers. Perhaps his name would give us a clue. I’ll write to Mr. Light and say I’m accepting the company’s generous offer.”
“Generous?” Brody echoed, baffled by her tone and expression.
“Most of the offers have been small, practically steals. This one is more than fair. Another odd thing, Brody, the Carson ranch house is the only home that’s been spared by those bastards. I wonder why . .. . Do you think this boss wants the house for some reason?”
“It is beautiful, but so were lots of those that were destroyed. Maybe they were in a hurry that day, or one of them didn’t carry out his duty. I wouldn’t want to live there, not where people, especially family, were brutally murdered. I think you’re wise to sell it. But I think your imagination is playing games with you about this land grab plot. Who could have enough power, wealth, and men to carry out such an enormous scheme? Or be that cold-blooded?”
She looked him in the eye and vowed, “I don’t know, but I aim to find out before this task is done.”
“I can’t let you go, Dee. I can’t let you get yourself killed. Don’t you understand what kind of men you’re dealing with? War made a lot of them this way.”
“The war’s been over for six years, Brody.”
“Plenty of men haven’t gotten over it and some never will. Many lost everything they had and they haven’t been able to start fresh. During the war, men did and saw horrible things. I’ve seen men have gut-ripping nightmares about what happened to them and others, about things they were forced to do to survive. Once you’ve killed, it gets easier every time you do it again. War makes men hard and bitter. Losses make them greedy and death doesn’t affect them anymore. The gang you’re after is like that: cold, cruel, and heartless. I can’t even think about what they could do to you. I love you, Dee. Stay here and forget this nonsense.”
Randee eased her arms up his chest and laced her fingers behind his neck. Pressing her sensuous body close to him and using her most seductive look, she murmured, “If you want me, Brody, you have to let me do this. Please don’t try to stop me or interfere When this is settled, I’ll come home and marry you.”
“You’re right, I’m wasting my breath and time trying to change your mind. If that gunslinger gets you …” He halted and his eyes brightened. “There’s something I have to tell you about him, Dee. He isn’t who you think he is.”
To thwart his impending argument, she disclosed, “I know he isn’t the Durango Kid. His name is Storm Hayden. I don’t care who he is, because he’s as good as the Kid, and better than most gunmen. If you’re worried because of those reward posters that claim he’s an outlaw, a murderer and a thief, there’s no need to fret. Those charges have been dropped in Nebraska. He wasn’t guilty. As soon as all of those posters are out of circulation and the real killer’s apprehended, no one will be chasing him. And he won’t have to use the Kid’s identity to prevent trouble. That’s why he tricked us when he came to town.”
Brody looked surprised, and disappointed. “He told you about that trouble he had in Nebraska? And you believed him?”
“You must have too, or you wouldn’t have hired him to come after me,” she teased, making a clever point which he couldn’t argue.
He stated gruffly, “I had no choice. I was desperate to save you. Still, I don’t trust him and I don’t like you traveling with him.”
“Calm down, Brody. He’s been a perfect gentleman. We have a deal which he doesn’t want to damage, so he’ll be careful. I can assure you, I’m safer with Storm than I would be staying here.”
“Where is Storm Hayden now?” Brody inquired.
She answered casually, “Visiting a friend south of here. He’s to return Sunday for his money and his partner. You can talk to him and see for yourself that I’ll be just’ fine.”
“I’ll do just that, even if it annoys both of you. Will you tell him we’re in love and planning to marry, so he won’t go after you?”
“He’s already guessed our feelings and plans. That is why you sent him after me and it is why I’m here now. He understands.”
“If I swear I won’t tell a soul about what you’re doing, will you promise to visit me and write me as often as you can? Please don’t make me worry about your survival.”
“I’ll contact you whenever possible, but don’t get nervous and come after me. You could endanger all of us. I’ll answer these letters tomorrow, and you can mail them for me on the Tuesday stage.”
Brody started to tell her that a new mail route had been established since her departure— with a pickup in the morning—but he didn’t. His mind was on a crucial task to be handled that afternoon.
“Tell me about the raid yesterday morning,” she coaxed.
Brody reluctantly complied, then said, “Those aren’t the words which should be filling these lovely ears. Wedding vows are.”
“Did that Marshal Foley Timms visit here before or after the raid?” she questioned, ignoring his last statement.
“Marshal Timms?” he echoed, looking baffled. “Why?”
“I was just wondering. It seems he’s usually around at such times. I’m trying to decide if that’s odd.”
“You mean ‘odd’ as in suspicious?” he queried.
“Yes. Was he around either time?” she pressed.
“Not that I know about,” Brody responded.
“If he does show up today or anytime soon, let me know.”
“You’re getting yourself in deeper and deeper with these crazy, suspicions. Foley Timms isn’t a man to cross. He used to be a Texas Ranger, and they can be tough and mean when need be. If you’re asking questions or making insinuations about him, I’d be careful. He was hired by the governor himself. He has quite a large reputation for bringing in the worst vermin alive. It’s my guess he’s after that gang too. Surely you’ve heard that Rangers fear no man or mob. You met him before you left town. Did he seem like a villain that night?”
She jested merrily, “If you’ll recall, my mind was elsewhere, so I didn’t notice much about him. If he’s so famous, why haven’t more people heard about him and his daring exploits?”
“I thought everyone knew his legend. You sure they don’t?”
Randee shrugged. “They didn’t seem to when questioned. At least I know he’s a real lawman now, so I can strike him off my list of suspects. He just seemed like the perfect scout for that gang.”
Brody laughed aloud. “Ex-Texas Ranger and U.S. Marshal Foley Timms, a gang member?” he jested, then chuckled again.
“It does sound impossible, doesn’t it?” She pretended to concur. “It’s getting late. Right now, I need to get to the bank before it closes. Storm will be angry if I don’t have his money. You want to walk me over and guard me?” she invited cheerfully.
“I’ll take the time, but we’ll have to hurry. I was about to leave on duty when you arrived. I’m to pick up a rustler at the Klemens place. I should be back by dawn. How about you come with me? We can talk and have more time together,” he coaxed.
“I’m too tired, Brody, but I’ll spend all day with you tomorrow. Before dusk, I need to get some clothes and a hotel room. I’ll write those letters and rest while you’re away. You understand, don’t you?”
“I’m sure you’re exhausted, Dee. You rest and get your chores done while I’m gone. Tomorrow I plan to convince you to remain here and marry me,” he warned with a playful smile.
“I’m certain you’ll try,” she laughingly retorted.
At seven o’clock, Randee was sitting in her hotel room, relieved by Brody’s absence. She had purchased some jeans, shirts, and vests at the mercantile store. She had the five thousand dollars packed in the canvas bag she had bought, which also contained her new trail garments. Her purchases and bank withdrawal had been actions to throw Brody off guard. She had eaten a tasty meal downstairs, then retired to her room to write her letters and to wait for Marsh’s return late that night.
Randee knew that she and Marsh would be heading back to Fort Worth during the night to visit the land company, but she couldn’t tell Brody and she knew her letter to them would mislead him. She had sworn him to secrecy about her actions and questions, and believed her deluded fiancé would honor his word to avoid losing her. One thing she was positive about, Brody Wade wanted her fiercely.
In her Mid-Texas Land Company letter, she asked, “What are your plans for my ranch if I agree to sell it? Since it is my home and I will be living in Wadesville as the wife of Sheriff Brody Wade, I could not bear to see it ruined …. I must ask you to increase your offer because the house is still intact. My ranch is valuable and beautiful and I hate to part with it. I will do so only because of the grief and tragedy which I endured there. I want to sell as quickly as possible, but I will not give the place away …. Unless this date is unacceptable, I will be in Fort Worth on June thirtieth to discuss the matter with you …. I am interested in purchasing a smaller ranch near Wadesville if you have one available, perhaps partly in exchange for the Carson place. Please hold this news in strictest confidence as it is to be a surprise wedding gift for my husband-to-be, Sheriff Wade.” Randee sealed the letter. If anyone read it, it should be cleverly misleading.
To her mother, she wrote a letter from “Sarah Elizabeth Carson.” She didn’t want her mother to continue to worry about her, and this was the only way she could get word to Dee Slade without alerting Payton to her whereabouts. “Everything is fine here and everyone is busy with the cattle and crops …. I do hope and pray your health is fine. Please send word about the baby’s birth and how you’re both doing … . I received a letter from Randee last week from New York.” She created a lovely and colorful story to fool Payton and to lessen Dee’s worries. She wrote that “Randee has a job at a publishing company. Isn’t that fun and exciting? She’s being courted by a lawyer and sounds very happy. Don’t worry about her, Dee, because Randee is mature and brave and she’s safe .… . Randee hinted that she might be coming home for Christmas, probably with her new husband …. Randee told me about running away, but children are like that sometimes. Ranching isn’t much of a life for a single girl of nineteen who loves adventure … . She wanted to give you two lovers more privacy. I’ll let you know if I hear from her again. She didn’t include an address, so I don’t know where to contact her … . “
Randee sealed the second letter and laid it atop the first one. She wrote Brody a note, telling him Storm Hayden had returned early and wanted to leave immediately for Austin. She apologized for departing before his return, but it was necessary. She claimed she loved him and would contact him soon. She ended the note with “Maybe it’s best this way, Brody. I can’t let you stop me. Please understand and be patient. I’ll return soon and marry you. Remember your promises not to follow me and to keep my confidence. I love you, Randee.”
When she had purchased the writing paper earlier, the clerk had told her about the new mail route and schedule. She went downstairs and handed the three envelopes to him. She paid him to mail the two letters the next day, and to give the sealed note to Sheriff Wade upon his return to town in the morning.
In her room again, she gathered her belongings and went to the water closet down the hall to bathe.
Hours away, Brody Wade was meeting with several of his men. If he wanted his dream to come true, he had to stop Storm Hayden’s intrusion. Soon, he would be rich and powerful beyond belief. Once his primary goal was attained, he would sell off the excess land.
He had ordered the Carson home spared because he knew Randee would be hiding somewhere inside. Even if she had been, sighted, none of his gang would have harmed the woman he loved, loved as much as his dream. He knew Randee wouldn’t be suspicious of his departure today, because he had invited her along, knowing she would not accept. He had gathered numerous clues, disturbing clues, from Randee’s words, words which had told him where his problem areas were located, words which had revealed just how smart his beloved vixen was. He had to correct his errors and oversights immediately. He had to order that bigmouthed prostitute slain. He needed to warn Carl Bush and Foley Timms to be more careful.
Now that he had a poster on Storm Hayden, he could hire a bounty hunter to hunt down that notorious outlaw without suspicion falling on his head. He would tell his gang to be on the lookout for Randee and the galling gunman, with orders to slay Storm and orders to keep Randee safe from all harm. After which, he would find a way to “rescue” her and entrap her. He wanted no more clues, mistakes, or tracks left behind. To cover himself, he needed to order raids in other areas to throw Hayden and his love off the right trail, as well as any other foolhardy champions of justice like them. Now that he had Randee under his spell and would soon have his ultimate victory, he had nothing to worry about, nothing except staying on schedule. More time, that was what he needed, just a little more time and Randee Hollis beneath him on a marital bed.
Brody smiled wickedly as he realized he had nothing to fear. No one would ever guess that a small-town sheriff had enough wealth, power, cunning, and intelligence to pull off such a daring scheme.
He nodded to the men who approached the campfire. “Good to see you, Carl. Foley,” he acknowledged and smiled. “Jack, I have a new job for you,” he told the steely hearted bounty hunter.
Jackson Fuller grinned, but his eyes remained cold and clear. As his fingertips lovingly grazed his gun butts, he said, “About time, boss. My fingers are itching for action. What you got for me?”
“I need you to kill a man named’ Storm Hayden. As for you, Carl, you need to visit Pete’s place in Fort Worth and neatly slice a pretty whore’s throat. Let’s have a drink and get our business done. I have a woman waiting in Wadesville to become my wife.”
Hours passed as Randee dozed and waited. She was packed and dressed, ready to leave the moment Marsh arrived. When he did, he shook her lightly and aroused her.
“How did. it go?” he asked as she stretched and yawned.
“Like we expected, he fell right into your clever trap.” She told him about the two letters and her answers, and he smiled approval. However, she didn’t tell him about her questions and revelations because, after mentally reviewing her visit with Brody, she knew he would be angry. Since he had plenty of secrets from her, there was nothing wrong with her havinga few from him! Brody wanted her badly, so he would keep his mouth shut. How else could she get answers if she didn’t poke around? Besides, she was a little puzzled and annoyed about Marsh’s continual dishonesty: He had claimed Foley Timms probably wasn’t a real lawman, when the man was a legend in Texas! If he would delude her on one point, perhaps he had done so with others. Why, she didn’t know. Marsh did seem genuinely amused by Brody’s reaction to’ her claims about Storm Hayden. Yet, he didn’t ask about what happened between them personally, and she wondered why.
“What did you learn today?” she asked.
“Nothing new. I searched the Carson Ranch, but it eludes me why they spared it. I also checked out that other raid site. No clues there either. As we agreed, I didn’t ask any suspicious questions. ‘Course that was easy, because I didn’t see anyone at either place.”
“At least we have one victory; the land company did contact me about selling out. That gives us the perfect excuse to visit them and do some snooping. And, I did learn that my mother is doing fine and Payton isn’t out searching for me.”
“We have another victory, woman: If Brody hears about our travels, he won’t get suspicious and come running after you. You did convince him of your undying love, didn’t you?”
“That was my order, boss man, and I carried it out successfully.”
“I know it must have been difficult, Randee, and I’m grateful.”
She looked at him oddly. He appeared totally serious. “Actually, it wasn’t as hard as I imagined it would be, nor the first time I’d duped him on your request. Under the right circumstances, a person can be quite an efficient liar. You’d better watch out, Logan, or I might get too good at this acting and fool you one day.”
He caressed her cheek as he asked roguishly, “Why would you ever want to do that?”
“For the life of me, Durango—I mean, Storm—I mean, Marsh—I can’t figure out why I shouldn’t be totally honest with a man like you who never keeps secrets from his trustworthy partner.”
“Why don’t you forget I’m anyone except Marsh Logan?” he suggested, pulling her into his arms and kissing her.
When their lips parted, she replied, “That would be easy if I knew the real Marsh’ Logan. Frankly, I’m not sure he exists anymore. You’re a lot of different men rolled into one body, and I doubt Marsh can ever be totally and successfully removed from the others.”
Marsh fell back wearily on the bed. “I guess you’re right.”
Randee watched him for a moment, then laughed softly. “I wasn’t insulting you or scolding you, Logan. There’s nothing wrong with being a complex male, nor with being a private person. I was only saying I don’t know much about you. Nothing about Durango is true about you, and I know little about Storm Hayden, even less about Marsh Logan. I suppose it makes me a little nervous to be so deeply involved with a stranger, even if he is a handsome and irresistible rogue. Perhaps you’ll enlighten me after this mission is over.”
Marsh sat up and yanked her against his hard chest. “I’ll make you a promise, woman: When this task is over, I’ll tell you everything and anything you want to know about me. Just trust me and be patient.”
She laughed against his lips as she murmured, “Both will be difficult, partner, but I wouldn’t refuse a promise like that one.”
Marsh stood, and pulled Randee to her feet. He cuddled her in his arms and. revealed huskily, “Let me get you out of here before the sun rises and Brody comes a callin’ again. If Brody looked me in the eye, I doubt I could fool him about having no special feelings for you.”
“I doubt that, partner, because Brody sees what he wants to see. If not, he wouldn’t have fallen for my terrible ruse today. I cringed every time he touched me. So far, this has been the hardest part of our job,” she confessed, snuggling closer to his entreating body.
“Does that mean he’s lost his hold over you?” he asked hoarsely.
“Brody Wade means nothing special to me, Marsh. I thought you knew that by now. As you said once before, I only have enough time and energy for one lover, and I’m pleased with the one I have.”
“Good, ‘cause I’m more than pleased with the one I have.”
He lifted her chin and fused their lips, his tongue skillfully darting into her mouth and intoxicating her with his flavor. As his mouth roved her face and his hands stroked her back, he murmured, “We’d better get out of here before we start something we don’t have time to finish. Brody has his watchdog sleeping downstairs to guard you.”
Randee revealed in an emotion-filled voice, “Brody’s out of town, Marsh. He left this afternoon after our talk. He had to pick up a prisoner and he won’t be back until morning.”
Marsh glanced toward the window and assessed the time. He muttered, “I don’t like hurrying when I’m in bed with you, woman. We should have been on the trail an hour ago.”
She traced his strong jawline and caressed his cheek. “I ‘ suppose you’re right. It’s just been so long since Sunday night.”
His loins burned and ached. He chuckled and teased, “It was early Monday, but that’s still too long to go without having you.”
Marsh undressed them and placed her on the bed. As his mouth and hands sought her lips and body, he murmured, “Yep, much too long.”
Their bodies flamed with desire, and passions raced wildly and freely as the bed squeaked sensuously beneath them ….
Brody stood and stretched his fatigued body. Everything was set. It was time to get back into town. He was anxious to see Randee in a few hours, and to try once more to persuade her to give up her foolish scheme, which he doubted he could do. Fortunately for him, it wouldn’t last much longer, not after Jackson Fuller killed Storm Hayden and allowed himself to be talked. into bringing Randee back to Wadesville “to prove she wasn’t that outlaw’s partner.” Without Hayden to help her, Randee would relent and marry him.
Come Sunday morning, Jackson would be ready to trail them and get rid of his nuisance. Then, to throw off the law, raids would take place east of Fort Worth, outside of that “target” area which Randee had revealed. Frankly, he was amazed, even pleased, with his love’s Intelligence and courage. Randee Hollis definitely was the right woman for him. Soon, he would own enough land in vital areas to carry out his dream. Afterwards, as for what his clever wife might think or suspect, he would deal with that later ….