Chase The Wind

by Janelle Taylor

  Within minutes, latecomers compelled her to slide nearer to Navarro so they could occupy the remainder of the bench. At certain points, the stranger next to her leaned her way to see around the heads blocking his view, pressing Beth ever closer and closer to her companion. Soon, she was almost cuddled against him. Their thighs and hips were meshed together and her arm rested atop his. She certainly didn’t need her shawl to keep warm. She glanced upward at him and sent him an expression of apology and helplessness.

  Navarro smiled to let her know everything was fine, when in fact, she was too enticing to his senses. Her soft floral fragrance teased at his nose. Wavy locks tumbled around her shoulders like a black cape. Their dark color made her flawless skin look paler than it probably was, but not as light as the lace at her long neck and slender wrists. She sat with her back and shoulders straight, like a refined lady. She gazed straight ahead, but he guessed from clues her thoughts weren’t on their entertainment: her full mouth had a slight part, her chest rose and fell with shallow breathing, and she was working her ring in that nervous habit.

  Beth became more and more aware of her enchanting “sweetheart” than the play in progress, despite a struggle not to do so. In a few days, she would marry him. She would have to be loving with him to fool others. Could she, Beth fretted, pull off such a demanding role? When the last act ended, she stood to relax her taut body and fingered the muscles at her waist. “Sitting like that for so long is tough on the back,” she murmured as explanation for her hasty move. “Why don’t we stop by Grandy’s for some coffee and pie? Hopefully they won’t be too crowded to seat us.”

  “Suits me. Your ride is rested and waiting.”

  As they headed toward the buggy, two men started a quarrel and scuffle that soon turned into a vicious fistfight. The commotion and curses drew a crowd that blocked the path to their buggy, imprisoning them at the center of a manmade ring around the battle. One slug across an opponent’s mouth sent blood and spittle flying onto Beth’s dress and right hand, after which the injured man toppled into her with such force and weight that she would have been sent crashing into those behind her if not for Navarro’s quick reaction.

  “My goodness!” she panted, lifting her arm to stare at the mess. With haste and a frown, she pulled a perfumed handkerchief from a drawstring bag and wiped off her hand and sleeve. While doing so, she muttered, “Uncivilized brutes, arguing over whether or not the play had a ‘fair ending.’ Everyone knows Shakespeare mainly writes tragedies, even when there’s romance and comedy included. My dress is ruined. This blood will never come out of white lace and cotton. Whyever did I choose a town to settle in where the law can’t control such wicked behavior? I shall never grasp why grown men must fight or kill each other over silly things.”

  As she stuffed the soiled cloth into her bag, folks she knew commiserated with her and tried to calm her. The fight ended with one man left on the ground, moaning over his pains and loss. Beth congratulated herself on the success of her little ruse; she’d acted as well, she thought, as those talented people on stage earlier. “Take me away from here, Navarro, before I’m overcome with vapors.”

  In the buggy during the short ride, Beth didn’t explain that she’d taken advantage of the situation to supply them with another reason for leaving Tucson soon. She decided her partner might think she was bragging.

  But Navarro didn’t realize it was a pretense. Spirits help me, woman, because a greenhorn like you will never make it on the trail. What in blazes were you thinking, Dan, when you gave me this pretty tenderfoot as a partner?

  At the restaurant, Navarro ate his pie and drank his coffee without lingering over either. He was trying to come up with a kind and unoffensive way to drop Beth. When the tables around them became unoccupied, he slipped into the chair nearest her and asked, “Are you sure you want to accept this new assignment?”

  Beth lowered her cup and gazed at him. “Yes. Why?”

  “You seem like a woman who’d feel safer and be more comfortable in a town. It won’t be easy out there; there may be shooting, fighting, and certainly hard riding and crazy weather. There’ll be days when we can’t catch a bath or a breath, hardly time to eat. Once we’re trailing them, we can’t risk a fire even on a chilly night or have hot food. To keep a close eye on our targets, we’ll have to hide in bushes or behind rocks during storms, with only slickers for cover and warmth. Those are sorry conditions for a lady to endure. Why not ask Dan to give you an easier case in another town? I can find a better way to handle this one alone.”

  She was stunned by the unexpected remarks and suggestion but concealed that reaction. “You don’t want me as your partner, is that it?”

  He ruffled his hair and took a deep breath. “As I said, trail work is dangerous, fast, rough going, sometimes even worse than I described.”

  And you don’t think I’m cut out for it, you underhanded sneak. You’re cleverly trying to persuade me to resign because we both know Dan would never concur with your low opinion of me or yank me from this mission. Stay calm, woman, don’t behave like a petulant virago.

  Navarro assumed from her composure she was favorably considering his suggestion, but he soon learned how mistaken he was.

  Beth pushed her half-empty cup and unfinished dessert to the center of the table. Her fingers straightened the wrinkles the actions made in the checked tablecloth, then settled in her lap. She rotated her wedding band as she fused a self-assured gaze to his coaxing one. “I know what trail conditions and demands are like from plenty of experience with them. I don’t whine, complain, or slow my partner. I do my share of everything involved.”

  “I’m sure you’d give it your best efforts, but you’re a little…dainty, delicate, for what’s ahead. Trust me, Beth, it’s too much hardship and peril for a lady. Besides, I don’t need help this time, not on this case.”

  The provoked woman used casual glances to check their surroundings for continued privacy. For customers and hired help who could see but not overhear them, the Special Agent kept her expression pleasant and body relaxed, as if they were having a genial—if not romantic—chat. She leaned toward him, feigned a smile, and asked just above a whisper, “How do you know what I can endure? You’ve never seen me in action on the trail. What you’ve observed here, if that’s what’s formed your low opinion of me, has been part of my current and future roles. I’m following orders to appear the dainty and delicate lady so no one will suspect my real identity. I’m supposed to act like a vulnerable female who’s swept off her feet by an old friend and carried off to safety and security in a romantic rescue. Or did I misunderstand our superior’s orders?”

  You can’t lead me down a false trail to hide your fragile senses. You may have Dan blinded, but not me, tenderfoot. I’ll prove it to both of you. “All right, Beth, if it’s a chance you want, you’ll get one, against my better judgment. But I’m warning you, the minute you don’t pass the test, you’re off the case, and I don’t care what the orders are. I can’t let anything or anybody endanger this assignment for…me.”

  There it is again; I would bet my saddle you have a second motive for wanting to do this case alone, and I aim to find out what it is. “Agreed, if those same rules also apply to you. I’m finished. Let’s go. It’s late.”

  Settle her ruffled feathers or she’ll never carry off her role for the rest of the week. “They will, but it isn’t necessary where I’m concerned.”

  “Nor where I’m concerned, and that’s no brag. I’ll wager my entire salary during this assignment if I fail you or it in any way. How about it? Are you confident enough to do the same?”

  He took another deep breath, mussed his hair in the back, and said, “Look, Beth, I’m sorry if I burned your feelings or tracked you wrong. You’re doing fine here in town.”

  “But you don’t believe I can do fine out there, right?”

  He shrugged. “I guess you could say that.”

  “At least you’re honest,” to a degree. “That counts
for something.”

  What if she and Dan were right about her skills, as Dan had never been wrong before and wouldn’t risk a mission’s defeat? Navarro mused. “I suppose I haven’t gotten used to the idea of working with a woman. Fact is, I don’t have many doings with ladies because my kind of missions don’t call for it. And I’m not sure I’m playing this romance stuff right. You’ll have to be patient and helpful. Okay?”

  “Okay.” Beth wondered if he was a defensive male running scared on unfamiliar ground and searching for an excuse to get rid of a temptation. Or did he truly doubt her talents? It could be hazardous for them and the mission if he lacked faith in her. If that was the problem, she had to dispel his worries without delay, but not here in Tucson.

  The ensuing silence grew heavy and he sought the first thing that came to mind to end it. “Sorry about your dress getting ruined.”

  “It doesn’t matter. All I have to do is shorten the sleeves and change the trim. I was only trying to look…” She grinned. “Ladylike and dainty.”

  “But you are a real lady.”

  “You’re going to be surprised at how unladylike I can get at times.” She stood before he could respond or rise to assist with her chair, and headed for the door. She smiled and spoke to people before climbing aboard the buggy and settling herself without his help. She didn’t look at him when he joined her and guided the horse down the street.

  Beth glanced around during the silent ride home. Tucson, she was reminded, was filled with progress “and really had little violence. The telegraph, railroad, gas streetlights, and other modern amenities had reached it. There were five thousand residents in it or nearby and businesses flourished. Ranches, mines, missions, and smaller settlements were in the vicinity. Her time there hadn’t been difficult or dangerous, but she was more than ready to move on—with Navarro Breed if he allowed it. Despite his annoyance at times, the thought of sharing adventures with him sent waves of excitement through her. Yet, that bold contradiction in him was bothersome: he was an easy talker in public; in private, he was quiet and restless, downright edgy. It was as if he were two men in one body: Navarro the skilled agent and Navarro the loner. For three days she had enjoyed his company, most of the time. When he touched her, smiled at her, spoke to her, she experienced a slow burning heat of desire, and sparks like tiny lightning bolts attacked her core. He was tender, sweet, and flirtatious in public, but in private, he was cool and reserved. Perhaps, she reasoned, he was attempting to make it clear that his interest in her was solely professional.

  Considering the way she reacted to him and their ruse, she had best stay on alert or she’d find herself thinking and behaving irrationally. She couldn’t let that happen, for the sake of their mission and loyalty to Steven’s memory. She must be cautious now that he seemed to be trying to get rid of her. She had never been kicked off an assignment before, nor made a mess of one. This would not become the first time! Her pride and agent status were at stake—as well as the importance of this particular mission, one of the most challenging cases to be offered to her.

  “You haven’t said a word the whole way home, Beth.” “I didn’t see anyone watching us, so I presumed we were off duty.”

  “Does that mean we talk only at professional times?” “I thought you preferred it that way. Did I read you wrong?”

  “If I gave that impression, blame it on me being a loner. When I’m working, it’s easy to play my assigned role. When I’m not, I’m myself.”

  Feel him out, Beth. “Who is the real Navarro Breed?” “I’m not sure I know the answer to that question. I’ll tell you as much about me as I can later. Until then, put up with my crazy ways and moods.”

  “You aren’t too hard to endure,” she said with a grin. “In fact, I was looking forward to working with a man of your caliber. Dan told me many glorious tales about your exploits, so I was hoping to learn plenty from you.”

  “You can’t believe all you hear.”

  “Maybe not, but it will be a privilege to work with a living legend.”

  “I hope you won’t be disappointed to learn I’m just a man. ‘Night.”

  Just a man? I’ve met enough to know that isn’t true. They alighted from the buggy in front of her home. “Don’t forget we’re eating with the Carters tomorrow night at six. She wouldn’t take no for an answer. I rent from them; they own this entire row of houses.” She nodded toward the other five. “They befriended me when I first came here. I hope you don’t mind my accepting their invitation. It wasn’t our plan.”

  “I’ve seen her watching us and smiling like she just got some big present, so I’d say it fits our needs perfectly.”

  “I thought you would. Pick me up here at five-thirty. Good night.”

  “‘Night, Beth.”

  Navarro sat opposite Beth at their host’s dinner table, with the Carters occupying each end. He put tenderroasted beef and vegetables his hostess had canned last summer on his plate. He added a catshead biscuit when that platter was held out to him by the grinning older woman. “Thanks, ma’am. It was kind of you to invite us to supper. These smells make my mouth water and stomach growl.”

  “I like to see a man with a good hunger, son, so eat heartily.” As she filled her own plate, Kate said, “I bet you and Beth have been enjoying your reunion. I haven’t seen her smile this much since she came here; and that twinkle in those pretty green eyes is new.”

  “Kate, behave yourself. Don’t make the youngsters fidgety.”

  “It’s all right, Mr. Carter. I suppose it’s obvious how happy we are to see each other.” She fused a glowing gaze to Navarro’s and smiled. “We’ve been friends for so many years and we’ve been separated too long.”

  Kate set down a bowl. “I always say, folks need good friends.”

  Navarro, Beth, and Henry noticed the emphasis Kate placed on her last two words. The young couple exchanged tender looks.

  The older man sent his mischievous wife a shake of his head. “Sorry, you two, but Kate just won’t mind me at times. I spent forty years tryin’ to teach her how, but she’s a strong-willed woman.”

  “Like Beth,” Navarro added, then chuckled playfully. “She gave me and Stephen a rough time when we didn’t behave right.”

  “If you men didn’t always try to boss us around like children, we wouldn’t be like that. Isn’t that right, dear?”

  “True, Mrs. Carter,” Beth concurred with a gay laugh. “Most men think they know more than women, but we’re the ones who kept them out of a lot of trouble with our so-called nagging.”

  As the four ate, they talked about the alleged past the young couple had shared. Navarro was asked all about the ranch he was considering for purchase, and he made up a convincing tale to relate.

  When he finished, Kate murmured, “It’s a shame you don’t have a good wife to help you there. There’s a lot to making a home that only a woman’s knows. Maybe you can find one here before you leave.”

  “Not much time for that kind of shopping, ma’am; I leave Monday.”

  “Maybe you’re casting your eye in the wrong direction. Sometimes the best choice is practically under your nose.”

  “Shush, Kate. Stop being so nosy and in’erferin’.”

  Beth let her partner handle that overt attempt at matchmaking.

  The dark-haired man grinned and his hazel eyes brightened as he gave Beth a quick glance. “Maybe it is, ma’am.”

  Henry tried to change the subject by going back to ranch talk. “You said you’re planning to run cattle and horses?”

  “I think so, sir, but I haven’t decided for sure. I’ve learned plenty about both while working other people’s ranches and hiring on for drives to railheads. It certainly isn’t something you go into without experience.”

  “Beth’s a smart woman, and not a lazy bone in her body. I bet she could learn ranching in no time and be a big help. Besides, you’ll need a trusty woman to cook and clean and tend you until you find yourself a wife.”

 
“Kate, am I gonna have to send you away from the table like a bad child?” Henry admonished. “Ain’t good manners to poke your nose into other folks’ business.”

  Navarro glanced at Beth and smiled. Both stayed silent, but each wondered what the other was thinking.

  For a while, they enjoyed their meal as the conversation turned to Tucson’s progress and happenings.

  “Least it’s safer here now for a woman alone than years ago. ‘Course, Beth has many friends who watch out for her. Men take a real shine to a beauty like her. She’s probably the most chased female in town. I doubt she’ll be allowed to stay unattached long.. Some lucky man will snap her up.”

  “I agree with you, ma’am. Beth’s a special woman, always has been. If Stephen hadn’t corraled her so fast, maybe I would have.”

  “It ain’t too late, son. Best lasso her while she’s in another corral before that gate’s opened and she runs loose.”

  “Kate Carter! Git the apple pie while I fetch coffee or that flappin’ mouth’s gonna git you in trouble.” Henry was losing patience quickly. “Leave the young people alone.”

  While the couple had their backs to them, Beth looked

  at her partner, shrugged, and mouthed, “Sorry.”

  Navarro’s grin was meant to relax her, but he noticed she seemed to stare at it too long, then gaze into his eyes when nobody to dupe was looking. As she lowered it to the table, he wondered if he was right in thinking he was getting to her in a way he hadn’t expected. Plenty of women had found him appealing and had tried to catch his eye, but he hadn’t considered that complication on a job. Nope, it wouldn’t do for her to become interested in him romantically, nor for him to allow anything unrelated to the mission to come between them. Yet, he could be mistaken; it might only be a pretense with her, following orders to fake a romance. He hoped so.