Chase The Wind

by Janelle Taylor

  “I know how much I want you here and now.”

  “None of our targets will leave camp in this weather, so if you’re willing—” He went silent as she wiggled from his arms and stood. His heart thudded in dread of her recoiling from his weakness. Before he could apologize for losing his head while on duty and for trying to coax her to surrender, she extended a hand to him. He stared at it a moment, took it, and came to his feet in confusion. Until she began to lift his shirt to remove it…

  “You sure about this?” he asked in mounting suspense and delight.

  “If you are,” she replied, her answer almost muffled by thunder.

  “I am.” With all my heart.

  Escaped strands of hair were glued to their faces and necks. She struggled to remove the saturated garments as he did the same with his. Naked, they embraced and kissed in a near wild frenzy for each other. Her fingers roved his slick back and broad shoulders as his captured her taut buttocks and pressed her closer to him. He guided her to the soaked blanket and lay atop her as their kisses and caresses grew bolder.

  Not even cool air could squeeze between them or chill their fiery desires. Her hands played in ebony hair while his buried themselves in flaming tresses. Their thirst for each other enormous, their lips met over and over in fervent rapture. His mouth trailed down her throat and captured a straining rosy brown bud. As he tantalized her, Beth sighed in contentment and growing desire.

  Beth’s unbridled response heightened Navarro’s passion. Her ardor inspired him to hold nothing back. Love’s flames engulfed him in a blazing glow. His lips and hands brought her to uncontrollable tremors of desire. She uttered moans of feverish encouragement as she became breathless and rigid with need for him.

  Intoxicating sensations washed over them as did the pouring rain. The storm with its thunder, lightning, and endless drops went unnoticed because the storm of their passion was more powerful and real. Neither was bothered by inhibitions or modesty. Neither thought of anyone else.

  Navarro kissed her deeply as he entered her. The mingled sounds of rain and thunder seemed to urge them onward to a faster pace. The heavens rumbled. Dazzling lights clawed across the sky. There was no time left to explore, to seek, to tease before their flash flood swept them away in powerful currents.

  She arched to meet every thrust. She wanted the tormentingly sweet stimulation to continue, but she wanted delicious release more. When she murmured, “Now, my love, take me,” her senses whirled in delight, as did his.

  Navarro whispered in a ragged voice, “I will, -tsíné, I will.” The lawman’s heart drummed with joy when she writhed in overpowering release. He cast his control aside and joined her.

  They continued to kiss and caress as their bodies calmed. With the flames of their desires extinguished, they were aware of the chilly rain beating against their naked flesh. Every so often, nature lit up the area and they could see each other for a moment. Then, near blackness returned as clouds concealed a moon that hadn’t quite reached its half-luminous state.

  “You’re wonderful, Navarro. You continue to amaze and please me.”

  He was overjoyed to hear he gave her such pleasure. “How about if you hire me as your private pleasurer?”

  “Think I can afford your expensive price?”

  “I’ll make sure you can.”

  “Then, you’re hired until our mission’s over.” Then, I want more.

  Navarro misunderstood her meaning and took her words as a gentle and kind reminder they would part after the assignment. “I accept.”

  Why couldn’tyou say you want that job for life? “While it’s still raining hard enough to rinse us off, I think we should use nature’s bathwater and get dressed. I have goosebumps atop goosebumps.”

  They let the rain shower them and they struggled into their clothes.

  “Next time, my new hireling, let’s do this inside or when it isn’t storming. Buckskins don’t like coming off or going on when they’re soaked.”

  They resumed their earlier positions and endured the weather without complaint, as it had enticed their wanton behavior. Beth went to sleep in the warm confines of his arms; but Navarro only dozed as he planned how to keep her safe and in his life. Even if he failed to win her during this case, he resolved, he wouldn’t give up. Ever.

  Beth stirred as Navarro eased from their position at dawn to study their enemies. “Go back to sleep; it’s still early and you need more rest.”

  Drowsy, she sank to the wet blanket in his warm spot and obeyed.

  Navarro watched her for a few minutes, his heart bubbling with hope. Take a risk with me, Beth, and we can be happy together. Don’t let Steven’s ghost stand between us. Don’t be afraid to trust me and accept me. Allow what you feel for me to grow into something beautiful and special. I won’t reject you or betray you or hurt you. I won’t ask or expect you to change into someone else. I want and need you as you are for my wife.

  His hand reached out to awaken her to say those things. He drew it back and balled it into a fist. Not yet, hombre; it’s too soon to press her. Give her time and patience. Show her how you feel before you blurt it out and she thinks it’s cunning talk to keep her onyour bedroll. Let her seeyou want her, not Jessie or another woman. You’ve roped her with friendship and good loving; now, pull her to you slow and easy.

  Sees-Through-Clouds’ words filled his head: “You not walk alone forever, Tl’ee’ K’us. Woman with hair burning as flaming rocks will walk at your side. Much stands between you this moon; it blow away when you chase the wind.” The old Apache saying filled it next: “Wherever the Spirit Wind blows, a brave and cunning warrior must chase it and capture it. If he does so, he will have the powers of nature in his grasp, the powers to be and to have all he desires.”

  Navarro smiled. Everything Daniel Withers had said about her was true. Dan did know him better than he knew himself. Because of meeting Beth, he’d stopped riding backward toward a futile past and could see what was around and ahead of him. I owe you a big debt, old friend. She’s the woman in the shaman’s vision; she’s my destiny. All I have to do is convince her of that fact and remove any obstacles. I’ll capture you, my sweet Spirit Wind; I will.

  Following the wagons’ departure, Beth donned clean bloomers and a tan shirt, vest, and riding skirt in order to continue blending in with the landscape. She went to the river to wash her underdrawers and the buckskins she’d worn for days. She secured the garments to her cantle and left her thick hair unbound to dry en route. As soon as their possessions were loaded, she followed Navarro’s lead northwestward.

  It didn’t require long for the hot desert sun and wind from their movement to absorb the moisture in her locks and garments. Since they traveled with obscuring hills and mountains between them and Charles’s group, Navarro said it was fine not to conceal her red hair this morning. When they halted for a rest and water break, she brushed those free-flowing coppery tresses and braided them into one long and thick plait. She knew her companion kept glancing her way with an odd expression on his face and a matching gleam in his eyes. Since he said nothing and she couldn’t read the unfamiliar mood, it made her a little nervous.

  Upon rising, he had given her a brief kiss on the cheek, a cheerful “Good morning, amiga,” and a roguish grin. As they ate a breakfast of dried meat and nearing stale bread, he tested her on Indian trail signs. He praised her highly for passing it with ease. She wondered if his mellow mood and tranquil expression simply indicated he was content with her as a worthy partner and an exciting lover.

  At least, she mused, he didn’t deceive and ensnare her with false words of love and pretense of a future together. She was convinced he cared about her, but Jessica and Lane still owned his heart and first loyalty. During their sojourn, he might let her borrow them for a while but he’d return them to his first love after the mission.

  It always came back to Jessica Lane Cordell. Perhaps similarities between his past love and present partner explained why Navarro was a
ttracted to Beth Breed; perhaps those were the reasons she appealed to him. Her troubled mind listed those matches; they had met during missions and fought a villain together; he was reluctant to take both jobs, but had reasons to relent; they had shared romance and adventures on the trail and at the ranch; both women were redheads, though Jessica’s hair leaned more these days to dark chestnut; both saved his life; both had become his partner, friend, confidante, and lover; both had helped him deal with personal troubles and tangled emotions; and both had loved and wanted a future with him.

  Beth couldn’t decide if Navarro comprehended those facts. If so, the truth could make him even more wary of her and their relationship. If not, she shouldn’t mention those similarities and worry him. If she wooed him slowly and easily, maybe she could win him. But she mustn’t push too hard and fast and panic him into fleeing. She should drift closer to him to see how he responded and reacted. Then—

  No, Beth, you can’t! Navarro deserves more than you can give him. He deserves a home and family, a child—a son—to replace Lane. You can’t give him that gift. If you truly and unselfishly love him, you must let him find a woman who can replace his loss. Enjoy him until the end of the mission, then let him go. Maybe the romance with you will teach him he can make afresh start with another woman. Don’t let him learn you love him or give him false hopes of a life with you. Make it appear the only bond between you and him is friendship and physical attraction. Never give him a reason to thinkyou’re leading him on and, afterward, you’ve rejected him. Never let him imagine for a moment you can replace his two losses.

  It isn’t possible. You know he’ll want a son one day. It isn’t fair to let him believe you could give him one. Even if he came to love you and said it didn’t matter, some day he’d realize he was wrong and that situation could evoke resentment. You can’t deny him the joy and pride of having and rearing his own child, someone to carry on his name. Don’t do that to him, Beth; he’s earned the right to a full life.

  * * *

  That afternoon, the caravan and trailing agents crossed the Juarez-Chihuahua road at different times and spots. Both parties were careful to avoid travelers on horseback, in stages, and with two-wheeled carts. So far, neither soldiers nor bandits nor renegades had troubled either group.

  Between that road and Rio Carmen, the men who had left days ago to rendezvous with Diaz’s troop reunited with their boss and cohorts. They had returned on horseback as the transport wagons had been left behind as hampering speed or as part of the delivery. Navarro and Beth used his fieldglasses to watch numerous canvas bags of payment and fresh supplies being hauled into a schooner. The mules that had carried those burdens were tied behind tailgates in case they were needed later.

  “Those gold coins make them a tempting target, partner. What do we do if somebody attacks to steal them? Our mission will be wrecked.”

  “You can bet your boots the exchange was done in secret and those men made sure they weren’t followed. But they’re on alert for trouble, so we have to be extra careful. Let’s ride ahead and make camp earlier. I want to find you the perfect hideout before I leave you behind. I also need to catch a nap before I head for Dublan to send Dan and Zack messages.”

  Beth looked at him from their prone positions-on the elevated ground. “You aren’t going to ask if I’ll be all right alone?”

  He locked his gaze with hers and grinned. “Nope, because I know you will. You’ve learned enough to do what’s best and safe. I trust you to stay put after dark and to hang back tomorrow. Follow the route I showed you and make camp; I should join you before dark.”

  “What if you run into trouble in Dublan? Or you’re delayed?”

  “I’ll be in and out before any of Cordell’s hirelings can reach there by getting a good jump on them now.”

  “I meant, what about other kinds of trouble?”

  “I’ll avoid any, so don’t worry.”

  “You know I will until I see this handsome face again,” she jested.

  “And I will, too, until I see this beautiful one of yours. Promise you won’t…”

  “I won’t what?” When he shifted in uneasiness, she smiled and hinted, “Get too close to Charlie boy and tempt him to snatch me away from my protective and possessive partner?”

  “Don’t force me to break my own partnership rule by having to gallop into his camp to rescue you.”

  “I’ll obey your orders just so you won’t have to risk your neck for me.”

  “I’m serious, Beth.”

  “I promise I won’t budge from where you hide me. If trouble comes snooping around again, I’ll use all you’ve taught me to escape. But if I’m captured, don’t you dare risk your life or our mission by doing something reckless. Trust me to find a way to talk myself into release or I’ll escape the first chance I get. Swear it, Agent Breed.”

  “No, because I’d be lying to you.”

  “If you don’t swear it and mean it, neither will I.”

  “That’s different.”

  “How so, when you say I’m almost as well trained as you are? The rules apply to both of us or to neither of us.”

  He studied the stubborn set of her chin and mouth and the resolve in her gaze, then scowled. “All right, it’s a deal.”

  You’re duping me. I can detect it in your voice and eyes and that hair-mussing habit of yours. “You swear on your life and honor? Cross your heart?”

  He frowned and exhaled loudly. “You win this time. But you’ll have only three days to escape any trap before I come after you. Comprende?”

  “St, amigo, I understand. You can look for me after three suns, too.”

  He didn’t want to point out he wouldn’t be alive that long if he was captured but that she would. Thoughts of what Charles could do to her scared him, and he didn’t taste fear often. He had given the impending separation intense deliberation and reasoned she was safer in camp alone than going with him where she would attract too much attention and interest from any low-bellies hanging or hiding out there. Much as he hated to leave her alone, he had no other choice; the mission and his duty insisted on it; peace demanded it. Besides, Agent Wind would not let him shirk his responsibilities and disobey orders for personal reasons.

  Navarro observed their target a few more minutes, then said, “Let’s mount up and ride, woman.”

  As Beth followed his almost gruff command, she was relieved he didn’t make her swear on a lie, because it would be one. She had no doubt Navarro wouldn’t survive Charles’s evil for more than a day or a night. She had to obey his orders to avoid putting him at risk with worrying or fighting.

  They rode for two hours through valleys between summits that loomed in all directions and concealed their presence. Some pinnacles had razorback ridges which reminded her of pictures she had seen of prehistoric animals. They skirted furry-looking cholla, prickly pear clusters, multi-branched ocotilla, other cacti, and a variety of scrub brush. Intermingled at times were vivid yellow and hot pink wildflowers.

  As they neared a sierra chain with craggy spires and steep cliffs amidst tall mountains, the landscape became greener and lusher, indicating, Beth assumed, either a recent rain or nearby water in this area. Short trees were ample, and sections of the region were adorned with orangish-gold poppies. Beth was amazed by how fast the terrain could alter its face and features at certain locations. The desert was harsh and demanding but it gave beauty to those who noticed it.

  Navarro pointed upward to a verdant slope. “That’s where I’m hiding you as soon as the horses are watered.”

  “Where?” she questioned.

  He pointed again. “Where the vegetation is greenest and thickest.”

  “With trees and bushes growing along water lines?”

  “Yep. Learn that life-saving clue from Steven?” She nodded. “Usually there’s a stream or seep near such spots, especially after a rain.”

  “With the ground so dry, how can you tell it also rained here?”

  “See tho
se ocotillas and amapolas?” She nodded again. “Only time they have leaves or flower that much is after a rain.”

  “You know about everything,” she complimented him.

  “Thanks, but I’m not perfect. Remember?”

  She smiled and shook her head. “Forget a rare mistake, partner.”

  “Can’t, ‘cause it’s rare ones that get me into trouble.”

  I hope you aren’t implying you’re afraid I’ll be a problem when parting time arrives. “If you’re going to have time for a nap and rest, lead on.”

  Guess that means hush up, hombre.

  The horses were tended and they trekked up the gradual incline. At the top, he guided her around boulders, piles of fallen rock, and towering formations until he found a small clearing he liked, and dismounted.

  Beth glanced at nature’s magnificent display surrounding them. Some brought to mind enormous tree trunks with exposed roots and rough bark. Others favored gigantic candles with melted wax that formed rippling patterns on their sides and at their bases. Weeds, grass, wildflowers, and cacti seemingly sprouted from spaces between rocks or crevices in them. She climbed a boulder and peered through a narrow opening. From that lofty height, she could see for miles across a splendid setting. She looked at Navarro as he approached her. “It’s so beautiful here.”

  “Come down before you fall. No climbing while I’m gone. Can’t risk a broken leg or arm or busted skull.”

  She laughed and teased, “Have you forgotten I was a tomboy and could best my brother Robert and his friends at such games as this?”

  “You never took a spill from a horse or fence? From a rock or tree?”

  “Exposed,” she quipped. “I get your point, boss. I’m coming down.”

  “Let me help so you won’t slip.”

  Beth stared at the hands uplifted to her. Contact with those arms, fingers, and body would be arousing. If their gazes meshed en route, it would be a perilous temptation. If he kissed her, she would melt like ice in the desert heat. “I can make it, but thanks, partner.”