Chase The Wind

by Janelle Taylor

  As Beth nibbled on the piece of pie set before her, she pondered the unbidden feelings assailing her. Oh, Steven, what’s wrong with me? I’m sorry, but Navarro makes me feel…so strange inside. I know it’s only a ruse, but I wish…Heavens above, he shouldn’t be so tempting! I have to remember this is only a job. And Dan, you sneak, if you put us together for more than work reasons, I’ll get you good, and so will he. But don’t be stupid; Navarro Breed isn’t going to be interested in another agent, a widow. He’s a loner. He’s—

  “Isn’t that right, Beth dear?” Kate asked in a louder voice.

  Her gaze jerked upward and widened; her cheeks rosed. Whatever was the matter with her? She never blushed or vanished into a dreamy mist! “I’m sorry. I didn’t hear you. I was…”

  “Daydreaming?” Kate smiled as bright as the sun. “That’s all right, dear. I understand. Your life’s changed in a big way this week.”

  “Yes, it has. Navarro caught me by surprise.” Get hold of yourself! It should have been, Navarro’s arrival caught me by surprise.

  “Me, too, Beth. You’re the last person I expected to find. It’s getting late and you have work tomorrow. I should get you home.” Rising, Navarro thanked the older couple for the fine meal and company.

  “You’re welcome in our home any time, son. I hope you can stay around longer than Monday because Beth’s having a good time with you here. She’ll miss you something terrible after you’ve gone. Won’t be the same without him, right, dear?”

  Beth avoided a reply by asking, “Are you two going to the baile at Mr. Harrison’s tomorrow night? He invited me and Navarro.”

  “We’ll be there after we close the store and get cleaned up. I want to see you two kick up your heels and make merry. Best watch her good, son, or all the other men will be claiming her for every dance and you won’t get a chance.”

  “I’ll be alert, ma’am. See you tomorrow night, and thanks again.”

  As the couple strolled from the house, Henry scolded, “You shouldna acted that way, Kate. You don’t know him good enough.”

  “But I know Beth and she needs my help capturing that young man.”

  “What if they don’t want to catch each other?”

  “Silly man, did you see how they looked at each other? And they been together every night.”

  “They’re just old friends, you nosy creature.”

  “‘Just friends’ don’t have twinkles in their eyes bright enough to light up the town and hunger on their faces,” Kate refuted. “Are you too old to remember what it was like when them hot feelings nearly burned you up?”

  Henry caressed her wrinkled cheek. “No, woman, I ain’t forgot. It just takes me longer these days to act on them. Let’s get us to bed and I’ll prove it to you.”

  ”I’m sorry, Navarro, if the evening made you uneasy. I expected Kate to try to push us together, but not that hard. She wasn’t subtle at all, was she?”

  “She’s a nice woman, a good friend to you. She’s playing right into our hands. We’ll let her and others think she did the matchmaking for us. Why don’t you visit her tomorrow and let her work on you again?” Whether or not Beth went with him to Texas, it was time for her to leave Tucson for her next assignment, so the ruse needed to be carried out as planned.

  “I’ll go see her at noon after lunch. I hate using her, but I guess I must.”

  “It isn’t a bad trick. With her help, we’ll all be getting what we want and need. For most, that’s peace and safety.”

  “You’re right, boss, so I’ll follow your orders. Good night.”

  “’Night, Beth.”

  As Navarro returned to town, his mind was troubled. He was nervous about the way she looked at him in private, when they were off duty. Her interest seemed more than professional. She also seemed too fragile and squeamish for what lay ahead. He was tempted to sneak a visit to his superior to convince Dan to halt her participation. But at this early stage, that would be embarrassing to his friend and to Beth.

  He didn’t like the idea of her being attracted to him, especially since she was so appealing. Too damn appealing, his mind added. It was only natural to find a charming beauty desirable and tempting, but he didn’t want those urges to go any further than thoughts. The only woman he wanted for more than sexual gratification was already claimed by another man. He couldn’t allow anything physical to happen between him and Beth because it would complicate their relationship and create distractions for both. Needing release from tension, he headed to a saloon for a drink and card game, a decision that proved to be anything but relaxing.

  Chapter Four

  During the third game, two men at the table he chose mentioned the lovely subject he was trying to forget for a while. Without making it obvious, he called himself to full alert.

  One remarked as he eyed his cards, “I’ve seen you ‘n’ Mrs. Lawrence spendin’ time together. You knowed her long?”

  As Navarro played his hand, he replied, “Her husband and I were best friends back home. I’ve known Beth for years.”

  “She’s a real lady. Don’t git many of them out here.”

  Navarro looked over at him. “You know Beth?”

  “Just to speak to in passin’. I wish she’d give me a chance for more, but she keeps to herself about men. Guess it’s ‘cause of that husband she lost. Ain’t got over him, appears to me. Still wearin’ his ring. If you ask me, she’s too pretty ‘n’ fine to stay a widder.”

  The second man nodded. “She won’t give me no time or eye neither. ‘Course she’s always nice about it. You’re the first man we’ve seen her with. You’re damn lucky.”

  They stayed quiet as they completed that hand. As the next one was being dealt, the second man asked, “You staying long?”

  Navarro picked up his cards, studied and arranged them, then replied, “Leaving Monday. Got a ranch waiting for me in Texas.”

  A few minutes later, the first one asked, “Got a sweetheart or wife waitin’, too?”

  “Nope, just settling down for the first time. Been a trail-duster until now. Worked all over out here.” Navarro saw the two men exchange glances and shrugs that told him that wasn’t the answer they wanted. He fanned out his cards on the table to show a winning hand.

  “Yep, one damn lucky devil.”

  Navarro comprehended he meant more than with the three out of four winning hands. He finished his whiskey, stood, and said, “Thanks for the games and good company, boys. It’s late. See you another time maybe.”

  As he walked away, Navarro caught a few words behind him: “Damn, you know he’s gonna git her. I seen the way they look at each other, all moon-eyed. I’m bettin’ he won’t leave by hizself. I’m bettin’…” He couldn’t hear any more with the distance between them.

  He headed for the hotel. The clerk smiled and asked if he’d had a good time with Mrs. Lawrence. “Does everybody in town know her and try to protect her from harm?” he quipped with a grin.

  “Just about all the regulars. Ain’t nobody who don’t like her. I’m glad to see her getting out and having fun. No woman like that should be alone.”

  “You’re right. See you in the morning.”

  “Good night, Mr. Breed. Let me know if you need anything.”

  Navarro thanked him and ascended the stairs, wondering if everyone in town was aware of their alleged relationship and outings. Of course, the land office was in full view of the hotel for the clerk to take note of their comings and goings, so he could be exaggerating. He hadn’t thought the news about them would travel around so fast. That should have made him happy, but it didn’t; it told him once more how unforgettable she was. That was bad, risky, a possible hazard to Jessie and Lane’s safety.

  As he removed his boots and clothes, Navarro attempted to visualize Beth riding a fast and hard and perilous trail at his side. He tried to picture her eating and breathing road dust, drenched and unafraid in a violent storm, dodging bullets and returning gunfire, going without food and water if n
eed be, enduring the desert sun, and living in a rough campsite. He sought to call forth images of her shadowing her men’s killers, helping to fight and arrest them, and witnessing one’s hanging. He failed to imagine her in those situations, most of which would soon be realities. He couldn’t envision her sitting under an invisible new moon without a fire for warmth or light for safety; she wouldn’t get a wink of sleep and her fatigue would delay his progress and prevent his success. He couldn’t bring forth a picture of her staying dirty and sweaty, for days and nights on end. Jessie could and had done all of those things, but Beth…

  Beth was a soft and fancy city woman who could get them both shot or slow him down or devastate his case. Those opinions, he reasoned, weren’t formed because he didn’t like or respect his partner. In fact, he hadn’t been this drawn to or fascinated by a woman since Jessica Lane! He couldn’t grasp why, because the two females were so different in looks and character and skills, as different as an eastern dude to a western pioneer. Despite Beth’s beauty and charms, it was unlike him to get snared by a genteel lady’s allure. ‘Course, he hadn’t fallen prey to her and wouldn’t! Jessie and Lane had left no room in his heart for another woman, and nobody was going to stampede them out to take over their private property!

  There was another questionable mark against his companion: Beth craved revenge and felt to blame for Steven’s and John’s deaths. Her misplaced guilt and any search for her family’s murderer among Cordell’s gang could be harmful to the mission. It was best, he decided, to part with her as soon as possible; when she proved she couldn’t stand tall with him, Beth and Dan would have to agree she wasn’t needed and was a risk.

  “Hello, Mrs. Carter, Mr. Carter. I wanted to thank you again for last night. Navarro and I had a wonderful time and the meal was delicious.”

  Kate halted her task. “Henry, watch the counter while me and Beth talk in the back room. Come with me, dear, so we can chat.”

  “Wife, behave yourself today!”

  “I will, Henry, I will.”

  Beth followed the silver-haired woman into the adjoining room where extra stock was stored. She moved aside for the door to be closed. “I don’t have much time before I must return to work.”

  “This won’t take much, dear. I wanted to point out to you that Navarro is a fine man, and they don’t come along often. I urge you, Beth, don’t let him leave town without you.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Grab him and marry him, dear. Go with him to Texas.”

  “But he’s leaving in a few days…I’m so confused.”

  Kate put an arm around the young woman’s waist. “What do you mean? He’s perfect for you, and you for him. He’ll have a ranch and more to offer a wife. No better choice is going to come along.”

  “We’ve been friends for ages but I never thought of him like this before. At least, I didn’t think so until…”

  “Until what, dear?”

  “I saw him again. He makes me feel…so warm and jittery inside.”

  “That’s called love, Beth.”

  “Love? You think I love him?”

  “I surely do, and that he loves you. I bet he’s just scared to tell you, afraid you’ll take offense or don’t feel the same way. Time’s shorter than a cactus hair, so you have to let him know your feelings. Don’t let him ride away wthout you, or he might take up with some woman who ain’t right for him.”

  “I can’t just blurt out something like that or behave in an unladylike fashion.”

  “You can act like it slipped out. A man loves it when he makes a woman lose control because she likes him so much she can’t think clear.”

  “But Navarro is smart, too smart to be fooled by feminine wiles.”

  “Men ain’t smart when it comes to love. They’re as blind as old Thaddeus down the street. And as stubborn as a mule when it comes to admitting their feelings. It’s up to you to open his eyes and give him courage.”

  “What will people think about me for behaving so recklessly?”

  “Don’t matter what folks think or say ‘cause you won’t be living here. But who can go ablaming you two for finding each other again? Since he’s gotta leave soon, it’ll make good sense to everybody for you to go with him.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Of course, so stop worrying your pretty head. Act fast, dear, or lose him again. You don’t want no other woman taking your man while you’re too scared to grab him. Sometimes we womenfolk have to take risks and take charge of things.”

  Beth pretended to ponder that advice for a few minutes. “I guess you’re right; it’s be brave and forward or lose this second chance at love.”

  “That’s it, dear; you go after what you want.”

  “I’ll try, Mrs. Carter.”

  “Don’t just try—do it, and starting tonight.”

  “I will.” But not for the reason you think and only for as long as our mission lasts, Beth thought as a curious sensation nagged at her.

  * * *

  Melvin Harrison welcomed the couple to his home where he was giving a baile, a special kind of Mexican entertainment. He smiled and said, “You look lovely, Beth. And I’m glad you could come, Navarro. Beth has talked about you many times this week. It’s good to be reunited with old friends.”

  “I appreciate the invitation and what good care you folks have taken of her. She speaks highly of her friends and job here.”

  “Elizabeth Lawrence is easy to like and watch over. She’s a good worker, perhaps the best I’ve had since opening my land office. I’d hate to lose her, but I expect I will one day when a lucky gent snaps her up and carries her off.”

  “I’m sure that will happen. A woman like Beth is valuable.”

  “And unforgettable,” Melvin added with a chuckle and wink.

  “That, too,” Navarro concurred as he also chuckled, but he hated being reminded of that risky trait. “I want to thank you for giving me the names and locations of those other two ranches. I’ll look ‘em over soon. Either or both may be better than the one I’m heading out to see.”

  “If none of them suit you, Navarro, get in touch with me by telegram and I’ll see what else I can find through my friends in other towns.” Melvin grinned as he said, “When a man gets ready to put down roots, he wants the best he can find and afford in all matters.”

  “You’re right. I appreciate the generous help and kind advice.”

  “Beth’s the one who deserves your gratitude; she asked me to see what else was available around San Antonio for you to inspect. It’s wise to have a choice; that gives you bargaining power to get a good price.”

  “Then I’m obliged to both of you.”

  “No bother at all. It’s a pleasure to be of assistance to friends. You know what these things are like, so enjoy yourselves. Here you go,” Melvin said before he left to join other friends, handing them prepared party eggs.

  Both Beth and Navarro knew the baile customs: the casual mingling, the breaking of carefully drained eggs over the guests’ heads upon arrival. First, Beth tapped hers atop Navarro’s head, cracking and spilling forth small pieces of gold paper. She watched the slivers make a startling contrast with his sable hair, dark skin, and black garments. The fit and color of his outfit made him look confident, sensual, and tantalizing. When he walked, she was reminded of a black panther she’d seen at a zoological display: agile, lithe, mysterious, predatory, and often dangerous. Around his throat, he’d secured a red bandana in a shade that matched the swirling designs sewn on the front and back yokes of his shirt. He didn’t seem to be trying to blend into the crowd on this particular evening, as if he ever could. There was an aura, a commanding presence, about him that caused him to stand out among other men. Steven had emanated one, too, but not as potent as her new partner’s. Steven’s had become evident with time and continued proximity, but Navarro’s was evident at first meeting and strengthened each day. She was almost vexed with him for being so appealing—so disarming—tonight, for
daring to outshine her lost husband in any manner.

  Navarro pressed his forefinger through the eggshell, split it, and dumped the contents over her midnight hair. Some pieces fell to her green-clad shoulders and to the wooden floor. The color of her dress—one she appeared to favor—caused her leafy eyes to remind him of spring grass with dew on it, unlike Jessie’s sky-blue ones. Except for both women having fair skin, the females had no similarities in appearance; and for that, he was grateful. When a slip of paper blew from Beth’s hair and landed on a long lash, Navarro brushed it away before she could lift a hand to do so.

  She smiled and said, “Thank you, kind sir, for taking care of me.”

  “That was smart to get ranch sites from Harrison. Guards our cover.”

  “Thank you again. It seemed a good precaution.”

  He nodded his head and pulled his gaze from hers. He wished she would stop looking at him like that and giving off a seductive air that made him want to inhale it with every pore of his body. When she turned on her charms and wiles, she was impossible to ignore, which he couldn’t do while playing his role. “Shall we eat or dance or visit with others first?”

  “Dance. I’m too nervous to eat or chat,” she whispered.

  Before the people outside could dismount their buggy and reach the entry, he asked, “Why?”

  “Because you’re proposing to me tomorrow, and everyone’s watching us with hawk eyes tonight.” More accurately, eyeing you.

  He knew that wasn’t the reason. “I haven’t forgotten. Seems as if your friends want us together. Good.”

  “Is it? Maybe they’re just trying to get rid of a nuisance.”

  He chuckled and shook his head. “Let’s give it a try.” He held out his hand, which she accepted, and guided her to the dance area. Jessie had taught him how to dance; he rarely put the lessons to use since dancing only reminded him of her.

  Beth was relieved they didn’t have to stand too close and make too much contact. She hoped he didn’t notice her tremblings or, if he did, he blamed them on her alleged tension. Though the windows and doors were open, the room seemed warm to her, and she knew it wasn’t the weather’s fault. She tried to focus on moving her feet correctly and on listening to the music—a blend of pipes, pans, flutes, harp, fiddle, and guitar. She was amazed to discover Navarro was an excellent dancer. It seemed as if he could fit in anywhere and with anyone, like a talented chameleon. He constantly exposed new traits and facets, and continued to mystify and arouse her. Was there nothing, she mused, he didn’t know or couldn’t do?