She kept pushing, “I’ve heard tell, dispatch from Lee’s Army will be in St. Louis by week’s end. Oh Ty, you know the only good Yankee is a dead Yankee. That’s what daddy always says,” she finished as she took a step back to fret with arranging her shawl.
Ty’s black scowl bore into her. “Go home Claudine, go back home with your precious daddy. Leave me…” he paused a moment, “Leave my wife alone.” The command in his voice said it all. If she was spying for the Yankees, he’d make damn sure the vampires knew that he was aware they were being watched.
Her eyes shot shards of glass and loathing at him then. “You ungrateful bastard!” she railed as she caught his meaning. “I thought you enjoyed our little visits under the oaks at the Bar M. Don’t tell me the little slip of a weak-brained northerner is giving you what you need. What she wouldn’t let you mount her unless you married her?”
Ty’s look of disdain had her receding breath coming in gasps.
“It’s true isn’t it? You are sleeping with her, aren’t you?” She challenged him to deny it.
“She’s a lady. I wouldn’t sleep with a lady without the benefit of marriage.” His lie weighted heavy with each word he spoke.
Her open-mouthed gasp was all he got in response. “You bastard!” Reaching out to slap his face, he caught her hand in his steely grip. Stirring her in the direction of the buggies, Ty shoved her.
“That’s enough Claudine, now go home. Don’t come looking for me again. Do you understand me?” Giving her arm one last squeeze, he released her quickly. “One more bit of advice. I’d watch who I share other people’s business with, especially likenesses on wanted posters.”
The crack of her hand against his face had his head snapping sideways. With fire flashing in her eyes, she stared hard at Ty. “Oh I understand. I understand all right. You’d better understand this. You’ve just sealed yours’ as well as your little bitch’s fate.” Backing away from him, she wagged a finger for emphasis. “Mark my words, darling, you’ll be sorry for this – you’ll be sorry, you and your little widow whore.”
Holding the buggy crop high, she looked as though she contemplated using it on him. Instead, she slapped the whip against the horse’s flank, sending it prancing sideways as the buggy lurched into the lane. A trail of dust followed her leaving.
***
She had to get away! She slipped out the back of the barn to the old workbench. Needing the distance, she struggled with the wolf inside. Her temper was almost out of control. She couldn’t allow the wolf to come out now! The humiliation of coming face to face with Ty’s lover was more than she could bear. Texas loomed even larger than before in front of her eyes.
Briann found Sonja sitting in the dim light of the lanterns a few minutes later. The stricken look she gave Briann, made her want to shake Ty Loflin until his eyes rattled. When she made contact with Sonja’s arm, Briann sensed her sister’s entire dilemma.
“Sonja, why are you sitting out here when I know there are at least a dozen or so cowboys in there dying to dance with you?” Briann could see from her sister’s bowed head. The stubborn set of her jaw meant she was about to cry.
Briann gathered her in her arms as the first tears started to fall. “Now, now, come on, Sonja. You can’t pay attention to people like Claudine or any of the other narrow-minded, pea-brained folks we’ll meet in Texas.”
Saying nothing, she sniffed into her sister’s sleeve as she clucked at the fabric of her shawl. Reaching into her skirt pocket, she produced a handkerchief. “Here, now dry your eyes and we’ll go back in.”
Sonja nodded shakily, trying to do as Briann instructed. “I’m sorry,” she sniffed as she wiped her nose. “I know I shouldn’t let her get to me but oh God!” She shook her head as she remembered. “The woman was flaunting her relationship with Ty in front of me. She threw herself at him. If I had to stand there one more minute to witness any more of the woman’s charade, I would have cheerfully clawed her eyes out.”
“Sonja, she means nothing to Ty.” Briann hugged her shoulder in support.
Sonja shook her head. “No, Briann. I think I made a mistake accepting Ty’s offer to travel to Texas with him. I actually thought I could fit in somehow in Ty’s life. I should have known better than to believe Ty and I could ever have anything together. I trusted what he told me, or maybe I wanted to believe,” Sonja said bleakly, knuckling back a tear.
Briann took her by both shoulders, shaking her gently. “Come on now, we all see the way he looks at you. Ty loves you.
“No, Bri, you’re wrong. He’s biding his time until we get to Texas. I don’t belong. I never will.” She sighed as if resolving herself to her fate. Her shoulders sagged in defeat as she turned to Briann again. “Would you take me back to the hotel, please? I don’t feel much like dancing anymore.”
“I’ll take her, Briann.” The voice behind them was deep and frayed with temper.
Briann nodded, settling a gentle kiss on her hand. She cut a hard look at Ty on her way back.
Ty stood much as he had upon arriving and overhearing the conversation between them. The damage was done. For the life of him, he couldn’t fathom how to go about making amends. Damn Claudine! Damn her soul to hell. “Sonja, I know it looks bad right now, but it’s not the way it sounds. If you’ll give me a chance to explain. I’m sorry for everything that’s happened.” He paused in hopes she would retaliate at the very least. He remembered a spitfire who could hurl tomahawks at a man’s head with precision. Nothing similar to the demon sat before him. Her defeated demeanor frightened him even more.
“Please take me to the hotel.” Her back remained ridged, her chin high. The cold distant look in her eyes laced with a shimmer of unshed tears caught the moonlight.
Ty stepped up to the bench, extending his hand. Forcing the sudden chill from his bones, he waited, as she got up unassisted. Stepping ahead of him to the buggy, she continued her silence. Damning the situation to hell, Ty swore at how things had managed to go so wrong. He’d planned the dance as a means of convincing her they could have some normalcy in their life together. Things had been going so well, before Claudine interfered.
God damn it! Of all the people to run into, it had to be the bitch, Claudine. A cold ache centered over his heart. He placed his hand over it to rub it away.
Silently they made their way toward the buggy. Walking in front of him, she appeared every bit the royal she wolf. The moon caught in her silken hair. Her hips swayed slightly as she moved. The long slim line of her back beckoned to his senses. He wanted desperately to reach out, to touch her, grab her up in his arms and kiss her until she relinquished the grip she had on his heart.
Instead, he moved on leaden feet until they reached the conveyance. She got in without assistance. Desperately searching for something, wanting to reach out meant she’d rebuke his attempts. Pride warred with need. “Sonja, please, I can explain if you’ll give me a chance.”
Silence filled the air around them.
It was hard to breathe. She was slipping away!
“Please take me back.” The one statement carried a decided chill.
Trying for disbelief, Ty huffed out a laugh before asking. “You don’t believe the things she said, do you?” Though his tone was incredulous, his words held a panicked urgency.
“I can’t believe I fell for your smooth seduction, Lieutenant. It’s a good thing I found out when I did, there’s still time to rectify the situation.” She stared hard into the darkness. “I don’t blame you. After all, you’re a man, a southern man.”
“What the hell does that have to do with anything?”
“You’ve told me before of your responsibilities, your land, and your power. You rule in a land where everything is yours for the taking.” She blinked back the tears. “I’ll make plans of my own.”
Ty cursed under his breath. The hand he scrubbed down his face ended in a fist on his thigh. How had things gone so wrong? “I never meant I cut women out of a herd like cattle. You�
�re special to me, Sonja. I thought you knew that.”
“Take me back.” Cold as a block of ice, the words cut the air like a knife.
Well, by the gods, he’d oblige the lady. A good slap on the reigns had the two bays’ jerking the buggy into motion.
At the Hotel’s door, Ty slowed, before setting the brake. Turning toward her, he tried one more time. “I never meant to hurt you Nymph. Claudine means nothing to me. She hasn’t for a long time. I thought you understood how precious you are to me. She’s the past, you’re my future.” With no response from Sonja, Ty tried again. “It’s true - I had a relationship with her once, but, that’s all in the past.”
Sonja slid from the seat to the ground, her back straight, her eyes fixed straight ahead. The only visible sign his words affected her came in the fingers she gripped tightly in her skirt folds. Everything was so quiet. As he watched her disappear into the hotel, he realized she was worth more than he’d ever owned. The smell of the river, the warm ripeness of it brought him back. Ty’s click to the horses signaled his departure.
***
In the dark shadows of a neighboring building, Claudine smiled. The satisfaction of witnessing the argument she’d managed to start between the werewolves brought a celebratory rush washing over her like rain. “The woman leaves the buggy and enters the hotel. She looks resolved but wounded. Poor, poor dear!” With pursed lips, she examines the expression of the driver with her spyglass. “Oh, I believe Ty is upset. That curse was heartfelt, don’t you agree, my pet?”
Robert leaned forward, taking the spyglass from her hand. A smile creased his mouth as he watched the driver slap the horses with his whip, sending them hurdling down the drive, narrowly missing an approaching buggy. “Yes, darling, I believe you’re right. Our lieutenant is upset with the whole situation.” A low chuckle rumbled in his throat as he eased back into the velvet cushions, drawing Claudine down next to him. He sank his teeth into his companion’s neck as the darkness enveloped them.
Chapter 5 - Clandestine Meetings
“I don’t care what he said. Ty’s been acting funny ever since the night of the dance. It’s as if he’s hiding something, Briann!”
“Sonja, don’t go imagining things. Ty has a perfectly good explanation for being out late these past nights. He’s playing cards with the men. He may even be listening in on others’ conversations – learning valuable information. Don’t you see? He’s able to go places, to meet people in situations we can’t. Why don’t you get some rest? You look tired. I’ll ask Jeb what’s going on…”
“No! Don’t say anything to Jeb, please. I know you’re probably right. He’s trying to relax. She shook her head and her blonde curls swayed. “I’m being silly.” The casual laugh came out stilted. “I doubted his explanation of Claudine Moore’s part in his life back in Texas. Bri, I all but called him a liar.” Dropping her hands to her lap, she twisted the lace handkerchief into a knot. From lowered lashes, she flicked a quick glance at her sister.
The disapproving look Briann sent her was telling. “After all the things he’s done for you, for all of us, after all the danger he’s faced. Do you really think, he’d trifle with a floosy like her?” Shaking her head, Briann tried again. “I’m surprised at the doubt I see in your eyes.”
Sonja jumped up from the sofa, pacing the worn carpet. “I know what you’re thinking. I don’t mean to have doubts, it’s just…”
“Just what?” Briann rose and went to her sister. Brushing a gold curl from her face, she peered deeply into Sonja’s eyes. “Sister, the man is head over heels in love with you. Don’t you see that?”
Her head drooped in consternation. “I do see that, I do! It’s just…”
“Just what? Tell me.” Exasperated, Briann stared hard at Sonja.
“Well, the late nights are almost every night. The woman, Claudine – they had a history together…in Texas. What if…?”
“That’s enough!” Briann cut the air with her hand. “You can’t accuse him of seeing someone else based on one encounter. She looked loose to me, Sonja. I’d say there was more intent from her than from Ty. Besides, he doesn’t have any other tell-tale signs when he comes back, does he?”
Sonja wrung her hands again. “No.” She shook her head. “Actually, he returns smelling of river water and sweat.” Her eyes grew big as she clutched Brian’s hands. “Oh, Bri, what if he’s up to something dangerous?” Her gold curls shook as she pondered the possibility. “What if he’s trying to do this river crossing on his own? Without me?”
“There, there, Sonja, you know better than that. Ty’s wolf, your mate, is stronger with you than without. I’m sure he’s simply gathering information. You know what these saloons, not to mention the poker rooms, are full of - information?” Wrapping an arm around Sonja, Briann tried again. “Get some warm milk from the kitchen and try to get some sleep. I’ll be right next door, in case you need me, okay? Don’t worry so about what Ty’s up to. I’m sure, he’ll be fine.” With another sisterly hug, Briann headed for the door. “Get some rest, Sonja, please?” With a motherly tone to the request, she closed the door behind her.
Nodding obediently, Sonja waited until her sister had left. Going to her armoire, she pulled out the old pants and shirt she’d kept from Robert’s clothing after his death. They’d been invaluable when she wanted to walk the streets of Spotsylvania unnoticed. They’d work well for this little mission.
The night wasn’t scary to her. She’d long since stopped worrying about the creatures stalking her. At first she considered she’d become hardened or perhaps jaded to the danger. Instead, the sounds of danger fueled the fire building in her, smoldering hot. She would take down the bloody bastards before they took control of her or those she loved. Lifting her head to the night sky, she gazed up at the moon slipping from behind whisper-thin clouds. The big, milky white ball eliminated the ground below, casting shadows. She didn’t need the sensation of someone watching her to know they were out there, lurking in the dimness of the dark. Someone struck a sulfur match. Sonja glanced down from the balcony at the man standing inside the darkened alley below. His features, shrouded in black, cut a hard silhouette. Stringy hair, gaudy, ill fitted suit, awkward stance all spoke of trouble. His footfalls were distinct. He carried a limp. Within a few seconds, another figure approached the man. A flash of light from a nearby street lamp fell on the face of the last man. Sonja sucked in a breath. The man was Ty. She stepped back, leaning against the support of the hotel facade. He was the last person she expected to see on the dark streets of St. Louis in the middle of the night. He was supposed to be playing cards! What was he up to? Her mind raced with the possibilities. She wheeled, not really seeing anything clearly. Shoving off the wall, she headed to the alley behind the hotel. She was going to find out what he was up as well as why he’d lied to her. The discomfort in her chest, the one squeezing her heart, she’d think about later. Damn him!
***
“You got the money?” The owner of the gravelly voice cut his eyes left to right.
His cheap, ill-fitting suit hung loosely on his boney shoulders. His breath reeked of whiskey over sour sweat. If Ty wasn’t mistaken, he’d lost most of his teeth to rot. His fleeting grin was empty of enamel, reminding Ty of a darkened pit.
“Yeah, I got the money. You got the goods?”
The grizzled fellow nodded his head, sending the greasy mop of hair bobbing. “Don’t care to display my wares right here on the street. Got ‘em back here a ways. Follow me.” He crooked his boney finger, motioning for Ty to follow. Stumbling as he centered a crate with his gimp leg, the ‘Under the Hill’ contact bent over, cursing low in a tongue Ty didn’t recognize. Clutching his injured limb, he straightened before resuming his tour of the dank ally. Soon, they came to a dead end. Leaning forward, gimp shoved at a wooden door, well concealed behind stacks of crates and trash. Pausing briefly, gimp turned a bulging eye on Ty. “You don’t look like my usual kind of customer,” he offered over his shoulder a
s he bent to pass through, motioning them to follow.
Ty squeezed in behind Grizzle, bending to clear the opening. Slowing to match his companion pace, he used his wolf’s vision to check out the passage. “No, I don’t suppose I do.”
“Well no matter that, long as you pay.” His one or two brown, straggly teeth shown briefly as he grinned back at Ty. “Been savin’ this for somebody like yourself, I have.”
His giggle sounded off like the man might be shy a brick or two in his load. Glad he’d left Smitty and Connors stationed nearby, Ty checked the dark crevices for any sign he would need backup. The path grew narrow and darker still, much too close for an attack. No torches for light on either side, there was nothing to light their progress. “Are we getting close?” The hair on Ty’s nape stood briefly. The passage grew wider and finally, he could see a flicker of a torch light. Still unsure of whether he could trust the fellow or not, Ty continued to watch for anything amiss.
“Not far now,” the thief offered in a singsong voice. His eyes darted ahead and behind them as they slid into the underbelly of the city. The tunnel contained dark stretches where the walls grew damp and slimy. He’d be glad when they finally reached the ammunition stash.
Grateful for his wolfen eyesight, he scanned the tunnel. No sign of a trap so far. The tunnel was earthen with rough, timbers bracing the construction in equal intervals. Cool and dank, Ty detected a murky, musty smell like ripe water hanging in the air. Perhaps the tunnel ran to the river. The idea made sense, as smuggling was a perfect way for the refugees from the Union control to make a living. Rats scurried for safety as the two moved through.
With the sense they descended deeper into the earth, the thief turned a corner, slowing his pace. “Wait here.”
Ty obeyed, listening as the fellow moved forward several yards before striking a match.
The lantern’s glow illuminated the walls, reflecting in either direction. Small indentions in the wall held explosives. He was right in his summation of the earthen walls. However, the width of the tunnel was wide enough for a large wagon to fit. The wagon could have been loaded to the hilt as well. Up ahead in a dim light was a room set up for storage. Crates stacked with all manner of dry goods and metal tools along with wooden boxes marked U.S.A. littered the wall stacked four or five high. The black market was alive and well in St. Louis’s underground system.
Wolfen Secrets (The Western Werewolf Legend #3) Page 9