Chase The Wind

by Janelle Taylor

  “I think Sunshine would love a soothing splash, too. If the stream’s deep enough, I’ll give her a rub in it.”

  Beth guided her palomino to the water where rocks and trees shielded them from sight, but not by intention.

  Back at camp, Navarro was too engrossed in fantasies of Beth to realize peril was about to strike…

  Chapter Nineteen

  Beth finished currying Sunshine and tethered the palomino nearby to graze until she could take a bath. Her soap was missing; she assumed she must have dropped it earlier and began to retrace her steps to find it. She didn’t get far before she saw one of Charles Cordell’s hirelings spying on their camp where her lover sat in deep thought with his back to the villain. It appeared a preoccupied Navarro was oblivious to the peril.

  With haste, Beth concealed herself and scanned the surroundings for other foes; she saw and heard no one, and was relieved. She reasoned on the hazard and a course of action; the villain could either ambush and kill Navarro or leave to bring more threats to challenge them. The sandyhaired man hadn’t drawn his pistol but she surmised he could in a flash. It was up to her to disarm the enemy, as any attempt to warn Navarro would alert and panic the gunman.

  The agent’s recent instructions flooded her mind: “Don’t step on rocks, twigs, or leaves; and don’t drag your feet. If you’re not wearing moccasins, take off your boots or shoes and go barefoot. Even if you step on a cactus or jagged stone, ignore the pain and never yell. Keep the sun or moon in your face so you won’t cast a shadow. Keep the wind blowing into it so he doesn’t catch your scent. Hide anything that might grab attention, like that flaming hair and pale skin; you can smear dirt or mud on your face and hands, and cover your head with a cloth. Control your breathing and keep it dead silent. Remove anything that makes noise, even a squeaky holster or belt. Don’t let your thighs rub together or let your arms graze your ribs; that makes more noise than you realize. Try to take him from behind. Movement is harder to mask coming at him from the front or side. Take quick glances at the ground to plan your next step. Advance slow and easy; if you rush, you’ll be sighted or you’ll make a mistake. Choose a silent weapon you’re skilled at using. Keep yourself loose; if you hold tight, you can’t move fast or react quick enough to trouble. Always be aware of the closest available cover in case it’s needed for hiding or protection. Be ready to act in the blink of an eye; sometimes, that’s all you have between life and death. If you’re softhearted and strike too light and gentle, you won’t take him down or you’ll only wound him; he’ll come to and kill you. Don’t get many opportunities for second chances. If you’re cutting down odds, make the attack appear a self made accident or blame it on somebody who’ll take suspicion off you.”

  Beth eyed the problem once more as she reviewed Navarro’s tips. She wasn’t wearing anything that would create noise. A breeze blew into her face, and what light was left from a setting sun danced on hot cheeks. Since the fiend was between her and camp, there was no difficulty in gaining a rear approach. Her pistol, derringer, and knife were on the stream’s bank where she’d removed them for a bath. Only the blade was safe to use as a silent weapon, but there wasn’t time to retrieve it. She selected a rock that was the right size and weight to avoid a strain on her shaky hand. Her gaze examined surroundings for possible cover if needed. Hardest to obtain was quiet breathing as her heart pounded and pulse raced. She wanted to flex her body to release its tautness but that would be unwise.

  Beth began a slow, wary approach. The only time she took her eyes off her target was long enough to glance at the ground for objects to avoid. She crept closer and closer to the culprit. She realized from the way he shifted, he was about to check his security. She slipped behind bushes and peered through foliage without disturbing leaves as he first looked to his right rear and then to his left.

  As he did so, the remainder of Navarro’s instructions came to mind: “If it’s quiet, you have to be extra careful because any sound is picked up by your target. Even if there’s noise, don’t be fooled into thinking it’ll cover any you make because a skilled man shuts out the normal like he shuts his eyes, but his ears are still open and he hears what’s unusual. Don’t know what kind of rules you and Steven had, but me and my partners, when I use one, have a main rule that can’t be broken: if the partner goes down and you can’t get to him safely, he’s left behind to use his wits to escape or to face his fate. No rescue, no matter who’s involved, is allowed to endanger your life or the mission. It’s loco to let futile heroics get you killed. Never confuse courage with rash daring. Never let guilt or pride sway your judgment or cloud your wits.”

  Beth recalled she’d promised to obey those orders. But, she mused, could she desert her lover if he got wounded or pinned down? Could she gallop off and leave him to endure Charles’s evil? She didn’t have to worry about guilt or pride or conceit swaying her, but love might if she wasn’t careful. She observed the cur nearby as he completed his search for peril. Satisfied he was safe, as there was only one horse in camp to match the one man in sight, he resumed spying.

  Beth was relieved he wasn’t in a rush to attack her unsuspecting lover, or to go for help or to fire a warning shot in the air before they could escape. She was glad Sunshine’s saddle was obscured by rocks and that the palomino remained quiet at the stream. She prayed those observations stayed the same so she could reach and disable the villain. She proceeded to stalk him with caution. Within a few feet of her prey, his hand started to inch toward his pistol. Beth ordered herself not to panic, but did increase her pace.

  The trembling redhead lifted the rock and struck the miscreant’s temple with enough impact to cease his threat temporarily. After the villian was questioned, Navarro could get rid of the blackguard. She could slay in self-defense, but ambushing in the back left a bad taste in her mouth and was a last resort.

  The strange sounds caught Navarro’s attention. Within seconds, the ex-gunslinger was on his feet and facing that direction with pistols at the ready. He saw Beth standing behind a low boulder with only her head and the top of her shoulders in view. He noticed she was staring at the ground and standing motionless. Her expression and behavior told him to join her in a hurry.

  Navarro took in the facts within moments. His hazel gaze journeyed up the redhead’s taut body and focused on her face. He knew the flush there was a result of more than desert sun and heat. Her green eyes were nailed to the downed man with bloody temple. The crimson-splotched rock was held in a tight grip at her right thigh. Her breathing was quiet and rhythmic. For a few minutes, he ignored his lover to scan the area.

  Beth looked up at him. “He’s the only one I saw or heard when I went searching for my lost soap. I couldn’t warn you without giving away my presence. Perhaps you should teach me a bird or animal sound to use as a signal to get your attention the next time there’s trouble.”

  There won’t be a next time; shouldn’t have been one today. “You saved my life, Beth; thanks.”

  “You’d do the same for me. What now? His cohorts are bound to come looking for him when he doesn’t return soon. How do we make this appear an accident? Or whom do we frame for it before we take off? I assume we can’t stay here and certainly we can’t leave him alive.”

  To see how much she’d learned from him or past experiences, he asked in a pleasant tone, “Got any clever ideas?”

  Beth pondered the situation, then suggested, “What if he tripped and fell, or something spooked his horse and he was thrown, struck his head on a rock in the stream, landed facedown, and drowned?”

  Impressed with her wits, Navarro smiled. “Perfect.”

  “He isn’t dead. At first, I thought you might want to question him; then, I realized he wouldn’t regain consciousness before we have to get out of here. Will you—Never mind, I’ll handle it. I shouldn’t have left him alive.”

  “You chose your weapon and action right. To make it look convincing, let the water finish him off when I place him facedown. You s
addle our horses and pack our gear while I handle this sneak. Use the stream to ride northwest. We’ll camp over that ridge.”

  Beth’s gaze followed the direction in which his finger pointed.

  “I’ll cover our tracks and catch up. Should be just enough light left for us to do our tasks. Give me that rock to use at the stream so I won’t have to make another one.” He eased it from her grasp. “See you in a while.”

  Beth settled herself on the bedroll to relax. She looked at Navarro as he sipped water from his canteen. “Do you think Charles suspects he’s being tailed and he ordered scouts to look around?”

  “Our spy probably wanted a breather, so he took a ride in the wrong direction and stumbled on to us by accident. Actually, stumbled on to me. Good thing you were out of camp and you lost that soap and caught him snooping. Guess you’re disappointed in your legendary lawman?”

  “If you were perfect, Navarro, you wouldn’t be human. And if you never require backup or assistance, I’m unnecessary baggage and may as well go home. I really needed something to boost my confidence and justify my presence, prove I’m a valuable part of this mission. I also needed it to practice and test my new training, and your lessons worked. In a way, saving my new partner’s life makes up for being unable to save my old one’s. Please don’t be embarrassed or irritated with yourself, or begrudge me a small amount of glory and reassurance. Isn’t it worth a smidgen of hurt pride to let me feel worthwhile?”

  “You’re right. But in the other saddlebag, I wouldn’t be human if I weren’t concerned and riled over making a stupid and dangerous mistake. You did good, woman; better than good. I’m proud of you, Beth Breed. Never doubt you’re valuable or needed by me and this mission.”

  He watched her glow with joy and relief. “Don’t worry about stepping on my pride; even if you do, you aren’t heavy. Besides, I’d rather be a live fool than a dead hero. Just so I’m not one too often and tarnish my golden image too much in your pretty eyes,” he added as if jesting and chuckled to insinuate he was. “Let’s bed down. We’re safe now. I promise I won’t shed my guard skin again.”

  “I know. Rest assured, Agent Breed, I trust you and have no fear for my safety. Your image couldn’t be shinier, and making a tiny error once in a while prevents perfection from making me feel intimidated and insecure.”

  Sunday evening, the couple camped in a secluded canyon that would be difficult for others to find but only a few miles from the wagon train. After unloading their possessions, Navarro filled their canteens and watered the horses at Rio Torreno. Before eating a cold and dry meal, he backtracked and brushed away any signs of them. From a high peak, he observed the gunrunners until ominous clouds drifted overhead and revealed a storm was impending. He witnessed the villains’ hurried preparations for bad weather, and halted his task to do the same.

  “If I were you, Beth, I wouldn’t use my bedroll. Once they get soaked, it takes a mighty long time to dry. If it sours, it smells and itches until it gets a good washing. I’ll wrap the weapons and food in our slickers and tie ‘em snug. We can’t wear ‘em tonight. If the wind whips up and pops ‘em, they’ll make noise that’ll carry too far. Same reason we can’t make a cover with ‘em. Can’t chop brush to make a ramada, either. We’re gonna get drenched and chilled, so be prepared to snuggle for warmth. No fire again.”

  Navarro glanced at his partner who appeared to be taking the bad news in stride. “You may want to tend any business before that rain comes. When she does, she’ll be fast and hard and biting.”

  Beth smiled and said, “Thanks. I’ll return in a minute.”

  Navarro scowled when he almost started whistling. Shu, that woman had a way of making him feel good from head to foot! Not once did she take offense to his suggestions, requests, reprimands, or orders. Not once had she complained about hardships or white-hot heat or slowed their pace or been frightened of dangers. Not once had she shirked her duty or been a nuisance or burden or been reckless. And, not once had she tried to entice him or tempt him into seducing her. On the trail, she was a professional, a total delight, a rare…treasure.

  He grinned as he recalled teasing her about that word for a special woman; her response that day couldn’t have been truer. She was a rare and exquisite prize, one he wanted to earn and keep forever.

  “What’s so amusing?” Beth asked in a cheerful tone.

  “That was a happy smile, not a humorous one. I was just thinking about what a perfect partner you’ve been and what a good team we’ve made.”

  “Shocked and relieved, eh? I tried to tell you in Tucson I wasn’t as troublesome and unskilled as you imagined and feared. I admit this is the toughest trail I’ve ridden to date, but it’s been educational. Even been fun at times. Make that, lots of times.”

  His gaze softened and smile widened. “Much as I dislike being in error about anything or anybody, I’m glad I was wrong about you; that should teach me not to make snap judgments before I pocket all the facts. I hate to imagine what kind of mess me and this mission would be in if it was another woman standing here instead of you.”

  Beth was pleasured by his sincere compliments, and warmed by his caressing gaze and husky tone. “Thanks for giving me the opportunities to prove and improve myself. Your respect and friendship mean a great deal to me, Navarro.”

  “Yours mean a lot to me, Beth, more than you realize. I haven’t gotten this close to many people, partner, and it feels good with you. I doubt you know how much I care about you and our friendship.”

  Beth threw caution to the wind for a minute to hug and kiss him.

  As their lips parted and he embraced her another time, he drew a deep and ragged breath. “This is your only flaw, Beth.”

  She leaned back and gazed into his face. “What is?”

  “Being too tempting at the wrong time and place. On second thought, that’s my weakness instead of yours. Best I recall, you haven’t tried to distract me a single time with your many charms. I can’t fault you for being irresistible, only myself for not having stronger willpower. It wouldn’t take much to persuade me to shuck these clothes and—” He went silent and stiffened as a noise caught his attention. He glanced toward bushes and gave a soft chuckle. “Just an armadillo foraging.” His gaze roved her face as he asked in a roguish manner, “Where was I?”

  “You were about to order me to control a hazardous situation.”

  “Read my mind, eh?” He glanced upward and observed, “It’s raining. Thank goodness, because I need cooling off, pronto.”

  “Likewise.” As he prepared for bad weather, her mind shouted, Mercy, what I’d give to hear you say you love me! At least your opinion of me improves every day. And your desire and affection seem to be increasing. But I must remember not to press you too hard and rapidly. I don’t want you to panic, whirl, and gallop in the other direction. I need you to keep riding toward me, away from Jessica.

  “We’d best get settled before the downpour starts.”

  They sat on a blanket he’d placed near rocks. The palomino was tethered near the black stallion who kept her calm and still as they grazed and ignored the brewing storm. Within minutes, they were all soaked, as huge and swift drops pelted them. They nestled together with only hats and buckskins for protection against the often stinging rain.

  If not for the warmth of Navarro’s body, Beth knew she would be shivering. Her face lay on his chest and she listened to the steady beating of his heart, and yearned to own it. He rested his chin atop her head and held her in a tender embrace she savored. Water dripped off his face and tickled her nose. An otter swimming in a pond was drier than they were, but she didn’t care. Being with him was sheer heaven.

  Navarro felt serene and elated with Beth willingly in his arms. He wanted to be more than a partner and friend to her, more than comfort for a lost husband. He wanted to fill more than temporary needs; he yearned to fill every one she had. He wanted the place in her heart and life that Steven Wind had possessed.

  The ex-d
esperado feared that a man who had been born and reared and lived as he had would not be a choice she’d make for a second husband. Beth probably wanted an easygoing, even-tempered, untainted, pure-blooded man—as Jessie had selected in Mathew Cordell. He was convinced Beth desired and liked him, but could she love him, love him enough to marry him? He wasn’t ready to seek that truth, in case the answer was no and asking it frightened her away from him. He had promised not to make demands of her if the “miracle” of love occurred, if she was serious about preventing it. He must glean that fact before he broke his vow and acted with unwise haste.

  The storm’s fury increased. Bushes were yanked to and fro. Grass was whipped about by forceful gusts. Water raced down rocks. In some places, it formed rivulets and moved like tiny streams. Thunder pealed and boomed overhead and lightning zigzagged across the darkened sky.

  As Beth cuddled closer and tightened her arms around his waist, he asked, “Storms make you nervous, love?”

  “No. In fact, I enjoy them. But not particularly outside,” she added.

  “Sorry I couldn’t get us to cover. If I hadn’t spent time this morning and during breaks teaching you those Indian trail signs, we could have—”

  Beth raised her head and lifted her fingers to his lips. “Don’t worry about me; I’m fine. We’re getting closer to where the Indians hide out, so it’s important I know those signs, especially since you’ll be away soon.”

  Navarro’s hand grasped hers. He kissed and nibbled on her fingers. He watched rain drip from her hair and lashes. He saw drops roll down her face, and his mouth also demanded to be that close to her. He kissed her eyes, her nose, and cheeks. His mouth captured hers and let their tongues dance to a heady beat. He longed to make her his in more than a physical way.

  Navarro shielded her face with his as he gazed into her eyes. “Do you know how deep you get to me, Beth Breed? How much I want you?”