Chase The Wind

by Janelle Taylor

  “Perhaps that’s why he sent the cattle, as a peace offering,” Beth hinted, but didn’t believe that was true. Neither did Jessica from her expression.

  Beth said her good nights early so she could pack for their departure before going to bed. She left Navarro in the house with the men so he could gather any clues Charles might drop in a final conversation. There hadn’t been an occasion to relate her findings to Navarro, but she would when he came home. Home and husband. Her anguished mind echoed those lovely and wishful words as she loaded her saddlebags.

  Before returning to the cabin, Navarro told the ranch hands goodbye, as many would be on the range when they left in the morning. He went to see if Beth needed any help. His packing was done and his weapons ready.

  “Can we talk?” she asked in a low voice.

  Navarro pulled her into his arms, placed his cheek against hers, and whispered, “Let’s not chance it. We’ll go over our plans tomorrow when it’s safe. With a new moon tonight, darkness would conceal any spies outside. I was hoping to use it to sneak a look in one of those wagons, but Charles has them too well guarded for taking risks. He even uses an attack dog. Let’s turn in. We have a long, hot, dusty journey ahead. From here on, we become part of the land: no fires, baths, noise, or…” He leaned back to gaze into her upturned face. “That’s the only precaution I’ll miss.”

  Beth smiled. “Me, too. I’ve packed all except last-minute things. Good night, husband dear.” She caressed his strong jawline as she took a deep breath. “You’re about to retire from that confining role.”

  “Yep,” he murmured, a part he’d gotten used to and enjoyed.

  They separated to undress and get to bed. They hadn’t been there long when they turned toward each other at the same time and whispered the other’s name. They shared muffled laughter.

  “You thinking about and wanting what I am?”

  “If I’m reading you right, yes. You said no playing on the trail, so it’s our last chance. It would be a pleasant farewell to our marital roles.”

  “Yep, proper goodbyes are important; makes separation easier.”

  Is that what you were doing in the kitchen with Jessica? Were you two only sharing a bittersweet andfinalfarewell because you never had the chance to do so in the past? I hope so. Please, God, make that true.

  They removed their garments and nestled together, bare flesh making stirring contact. At first, they shared slow and short kisses and gentle caresses. As passions mounted, those actions increased in speed and depth and urgency. Their mouths meshed, their tongues played, and their hands wandered and pleasured. Soon, they crossed the border into blissful surroundings, savored their visit, and headed for serene terrain. There, they went to sleep in each other’s arms, naked and sated.

  Beth removed the linens from the bed, tied them in a bundle, and left them lying atop it. She straightened the cabin, packed the rest of her belongings, and went to join the others.

  “I was hoping I’d get to say goodbye to you, Mrs. Breed.”

  Beth shook Charles’s extended hand, smiled, and said, “It was a pleasure to meet you. Maybe we’ll all visit again at the same time. I wish you a safe and successful journey.”

  “I hope yours will be as profitable as mine.” To Navarro, Charles said, “You locate this little woman a very special ranch; she deserves the best.”

  “I’m sure we’ll find just what we’re looking for.”

  Charles and Matt hugged affectionately and said their last goodbye.

  The two couples, Lance, and a few ranch hands watched the wagons pass through a wide gate and head southward across the pasture.

  “I hate to rush, but we best get on the trail, too, while it’s still cool. It’s been a good visit, Matt, Jessie. I’m glad we stopped by.”

  “So are we,” Matt replied as the men shook hands.

  Navarro told his other friends farewell. Two gave them wedding gifts: Big John handed him a large wooden sign for the new ranch with their names burned into the surface; Biscuit Hank and his wife presented Beth with a packet of their best recipes and some trail snacks; and Jessica gave them several embroidered pieces for their new furniture.

  Beth embraced and thanked first Matt then Jessica. She lifted Lance and gave the little boy a hug and kiss. Lance responded by repeating the action with her and begging her to visit again. She had risen early to see Alice and Lane before they left for school, as had Navarro. She surmised how difficult it must be for her love to say a last goodbye to his son.

  Navarro suspended the cloth sack loaded down with gifts around his saddlehorn. He knew he’d have to conceal it somewhere in the rocks at the border to prevent it from being extra weight and noise. He also knew he’d sneak back later to recover it. He approached his past love, smiled, and embraced her as the friend he now was. “Goodbye, Jessie; I wish wonderful things for you, Matt, and the children. Before you two know it, this place will be like it was before trouble came.” He pressed a parting item into her hand while Matt and Beth chatted with Lance, and mouthed, “For Alice.” Aloud, he said to her, “Thanks for the food; we’ll enjoy it for the next few days.”

  More well-wishes were exchanged before Navarro and Beth mounted their horses and rode eastward toward the sun. The ranch hands returned to their tasks, and Lance hurried off to play in the front yard. Matt put his arm around Jessica and cuddled her close to him.

  Jessica held out her opened hand for Matt to view what Navarro had placed there: her old and worn picture. “It’s over for him, my love, as it should be, thanks to Beth. He’s happy and free; he won’t be back again.”

  “For all of our sakes, love, I’m glad he found her.”

  “So am I, Matt. Now, let’s see about solving our problem.”

  Matt withdrew the packet of money and said, “That’s over, too, thanks to my brother. With this, we can rebuild our herd and pay off the bank.”

  Navarro glanced back once for a last look at Matt and Jessie and their homesite. He was glad he had seen Lane before the boy left earlier. His son had thanked him again for the amulet, then hugged him and said he’d never forget him. That had warmed and comforted him, made his loss endurable.

  As soon as they were out of sight, Navarro slowed the pace so they could ride close and talk. “We’ll head this way another few miles in case anybody trails us, then turn south. Travel eastward of them; use the landscape to conceal our presence. After we reach the Rio Grande, we’ll ride upstream to drop in behind them; then let their tracks mask ours.”

  “It’s good you know this area so well and know such clever tricks.”

  “Yep. We’ll stop later to change clothes; didn’t want anybody seeing us in our disguises. I’m glad you have something tan to wear and you’re riding a palomino; the desert swallows up those colors. Just in case you didn’t, I bought you some buckskins and moccasins in Benson; hope they’re the right size. They’re cooler during the day, warmer at night, and protective against cactus and prickly bushes and trees. Comfortable, too.”

  “That was thoughtful and smart. What amount do I owe you for them?”

  “Nothing; they’re gifts to my partner.” As he looked at her and smiled, he cautioned, “Be sure to keep that flaming head covered; it would stand out against a blue sky like a beautiful sunset. After we close the distance between us and them, I’ll coat Night Cloud with dust so he isn’t noticeable. Now, tell me what you learned.”

  After Beth gave most of her lengthy report, Navarro murmured, “You took some risks, but they paid off. From the way Charles was eyeing you, we want to make certain he never gets his dirty hands on you. He was so dazed by you he didn’t watch his tongue.”

  Surely you aren’t jealous… “We know he isn’t heading to meet with President Diaz in Chihuahua, so he thought he was duping me.”

  “What he said about those bandidos, rebels, and renegades is mostly true. I guess he figured if you’d heard any of that stuff you’d believe him.”

  “I was suspicious of ever
y word that left his lying lips. He has so many men and that blasted dog, Bruto. What do callarse and sentarse mean? That’s what his master shouted at him.”

  “Spanish for ‘Be quiet’ and ‘Sit down.’ If I’m going to get near their camp to spy, I’ll have to get rid of Bruto first. That won’t be easy, but I will.”

  “It’s a good thing you know Spanish. We also need to be on alert for two men called Blue and Evan. Charles claimed they could ‘smell or hear an enemy coming from a mile away.’ The one he spent time with at the ranch is named Jim Tiller. Matt says that’s his best friend. He supposedly didn’t join us any time because he’s a loner. Charles bragged to me about all of his men being skilled gunslingers.”

  “We shouldn’t have to challenge his gang, just follow and spy. When they make contact, I’ll send word and we’ll get help to capture them. Main thing we’re supposed to learn is if he’s in on this alone or has partners.”

  “I’m sure Matt isn’t involved, no matter what we heard and saw that seemed to incriminate him. Besides using Matt for cover, I think Charles had a little spite in mind when he sent those cattle. I told you what Jessica said and how Charles acted with me yesterday.”

  “Could be. Lots of brothers part ways and have trouble.” I hope that never happens with Lane and Lance.

  As he glanced the other way, Beth assumed it was to conceal the expression on his face which must have to do with his son and Lane’s half brother. “Last thing: I saw a Gatling gun in one of the wagons when Lane and I had our near run-in with Bruto and his master. While that villain was standing on the tailgate and fussing at us, I saw it between his legs. If that weapon falls into the renegades’ hands, many soldiers can be cut down with one sweep, maybe even ranchers or farmers or townfolk. There could be a second one in that other covered wagon, perhaps more. If he’s loaded with repeating rifles like the one he gave Matt and has plenty of ammunition, put those two forces together and it’s going to be a long and bloody war if we don’t stop him.”

  “We can’t arrest him for transporting guns and ammo across the border. We have to catch him breaking the law redhanded before we can move in on him. All we have so far are suspicions and our eavesdroppings. Accusations this serious about a man as rich and respected as Charles Cordell will demand indisputable evidence. Else, he could find a cunning way out of the charges. We need more than the words of an Apache half-breed bastard and his beautiful ‘wife.’ Don’t worry, we’ll stop him.”

  “What if Charles makes contact and turns over his load in Mexico? We can’t challenge him, twenty-six gunmen, and a band of renegades. We’re skilled and determined, partner, but those are heavy odds against us. Our evidence would be gone; we’d have only our word about what we witnessed. What if he’s heading for that Apache stronghold Dan mentioned to you, the one in the Sierra Madres where the Indians were captured last month?”

  “I doubt it because Goyathlay and his braves are raiding in southern Arizona. Zack told me that bad news when we talked in El Paso. I must have forgotten to mention it.to you.”

  Beth noticed he used Geronimo’s Indian name. “That was twelve days ago. Couldn’t they be there by the time Charles reaches it?”

  “Yep. But if Charles was delivering goods there, he would have started his journey from Arizona or New Mexico. That would have been closer and easier and faster, and he could still do it on the sly. Nope, I think he’s going to cross over the border into Arizona as if he’s coming from Mexico. This should be far enough away; let’s stop and change and head south.”

  They reined in, dismounted, and donned buckskins and moccasins. They folded and put away their departure clothes.

  Beth eyed the garments she was now wearing and high-top footwear as she rounded the palomino. “I like them. Good protection from sun and vegetation. Sunshine and I should blend right into the desert. Thanks, boss.”

  Navarro caught her left arm in a gentle grasp and shifted her about to examine his choices. He sank to a knee, lifted one foot at a time, and checked the Indian boots. As he rose, his hazel gaze journeyed up her body with leisure and satisfaction. “Perfect fit. Looks good on you, woman.”

  “Feels good, too. How did you guess my sizes?”

  “I didn’t. I borrowed your shirt, riding pants, and slippers to use.”

  “You’re sneaky and clever, partner.”

  He grinned and murmured, “When I have to be.”

  “You’re also wonderful and considerate, Navarro Breed.”

  “I can be if I work at it hard enough, can’t I?” He chuckled.

  Beth’s green gaze roamed his muscular physique. She decided his outfit had been specially made for him, as it almost molded to his frame. “You are even when you don’t work at it,” she quipped in return.

  “Watch it or my hat’ll soon be popping off a swollen head.”

  “Then, I’ll hush because I don’t want any changes in this handsome face and captivating mane.”

  As she trailed fingers over his jawline, then fluffed the sable hair at his left ear, Navarro was tempted to carry her off into the nearby bushes and make love to her for hours. He couldn’t; they had work to do. “Any chance you’ll go to a town where you’ll be safe and comfortable and let me finish this part of the assignment alone?” He saw her expression alter after his first three words. Maybe she had expected him to say something else…

  “No. I’m not your cover now; I’m your partner, your backup, an agent on duty. If you try to shake me, I’ll follow or do my own trailing.”

  “I figured as much,” he said with a grin and chuckle as he tugged on her thick braid in a playful manner. “Tuck this in and let’s ride.”

  After they mounted, he waited for Beth to conceal her hair. She pulled a tan hat close to her eyes to shade them from the sun’s glare. With the differences in their heights, the hat’s position caused her mouth to be most noticeable. He wanted to kiss those full pink lips and—

  Beth lifted her head and looked at him to say, “Navarro, be careful when we catch up with them. I don’t like the looks of Charles’s hirelings.”

  “That’s why you’re not getting near them, woman. At the first sniff of trouble, you’re riding for safety, like it or not. Understand?”

  “But—”

  “Don’t start refusing orders now, Agent Wind; I’m in charge.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “If I say to get moving, woman, I’d better see your backside fast.”

  “What about you?”

  “I’ll be right behind you, just don’t halt or look back or we’ll both be in deep trouble. I can get myself out of any tight spot, but not while I’m trying to protect you. Don’t endanger us with defiance.”

  “I won’t disobey direct orders; I promise. But don’t send me riding just to be rid of me or to protect me and put yourself in peril.”

  “I know your skills, so I’ll use them to the last minute. Agreed?”

  Beth realized he, the one in charge, didn’t order her to stay behind and that pleased her. “Agreed.”

  “How’s the arm?”

  “My wound’s healed. If not for a tiny mark, you’d never know I got shot. I hope you won’t have to tell Dan or put it in your report.”

  “No need, partner, and I won’t let you get harmed again. Let’s go after that sidewinder.”

  “I’m ready.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  Beth familiarized herself with the surroundings as they traveled across a rolling terrain of grassland that was splashed with scrubs, ball-like trees, a variety of vegetation, and hills of many heights and sizes. Mountains and peaks loomed at a distance on all sides, appearing purplish or brown in the morning light. She noticed how multiarmed chollas branched like jade candelabras with hot-pink flames. She glanced at ocotillas that sent spiny limbs reaching in all directions from their bodies. She inhaled the mingled fragrances of mesquite and tamarisk with their enticing blossoms that attracted countless bees and other insects. She saw buffalo gords slitherin
g over green foliage. Yuccas grew in abundance and often studded hillsides, as the saguaro did near Tucson, their ivory offerings rising upward toward a serene blue heaven. Outcroppings of prickly pear and other cacti with well-guarded blooms were scattered about. Wildflowers in white, red, orange, blue, lavender, and yellow added a profusion of beauty to the picturesque setting.

  The ride was easy and steady, even when they were required to skirt an occasional ravine or gully. They encountered few barren, sandy spots in the verdant region. Antelope, rabbit, hawk, and other animals and birds foraged for food and reveled in freedom. Navarro pointed out a mountain whose formation was shaped like a cathedral or a medieval castle, then one that resembled an elephant. Time and miles passed as they traversed the Cordell Ranch near the Santiago Mountains.

  Navarro made certain they stayed out of sight of any observer. He kept fieldglasses suspended around his neck and used them frequently to keep a close watch on their target. When the wagons were halted to rest and water the teams and men, he told Beth he was leaving to tend a problem. “Just stay here, be still, be silent, and wait for me. Don’t use those fieldglasses unless you do it through bushes, or a reflection might give away your location. Get some rest and shade. I’ve done this kind of trick before, so don’t worry. And don’t dare leave this spot until I say so.”

  “Yes, sir, I hear you.”

  “I’m serious, Beth Breed, not a peep or a step. I’ll return before you’re ready to mount again.” He took some things from his saddlebag, discarded his pistols, and placed a knife at his waist.

  As he tied a bandana in a fusion of green and brown around his head in a scarf fashion, she asked, “What are you doing?”