Chase The Wind

by Janelle Taylor

  If he’s testingyour feelings and intentions, test his in return. “Most children are a delight, but I couldn’t be a mother. I can’t change myself or my life. But I enjoy borrowing other people’s for a while.”

  “You aren’t planning to ever have any?”

  “No, but you sound as if you would love to have some.”

  “You’re right. Some day I want at least one daughter to spoil and one son to work beside me after I retire and buy my ranch.”

  “So, you are planning to become a rancher like Matt. I didn’t think that claim was just part of your ruse. I can envision you working your land with a wife and little Breeds beside you. Makes a pretty image, doesn’t it?”

  “Yep, very pretty. You’re not even tempted a tiny bit?”

  “I can’t have that kind of existence. A true-blooded agent and trail woman wouldn’t make a docile wife. Think I’d be happy nailed to one spot?”

  “How do you know what you like unless you try it?”

  “I don’t have to die to know I don’t like death.”

  He stared at her. “That’s an odd comparison: marriage to death.”

  “Not with my bad luck.”

  “It could change if you met the right man. Maybe you will on your next assignment.” Because your next case is going to be with me, partner, if I have to make Dan search high and low for one that needs a team like us.

  Beth laughed. “I can promise you I won’t find a husband during a case. This temporary relationship between us happened because of temptations arising from our romantic ruse and because we both needed somebody for a while. I have thoroughly enjoyed our…situation and you, but I ordinarily don’t get involved with men during my assignments.”

  “Maybe it happened this time because we like each other so much and get along so well.”

  “True, we have become good friends and satisfying lovers. I like and enjoy being your friend and partner, Navarro. I hope we’ll always be close and I’d be more than willing to partner up with you again. I like the added benefits of you being my boss.”

  To Navarro, it sounded as if she was telling him that was all she wanted from him, now and in the future; she was letting him know not to say anything serious or disquieting. She was telling him no with words and hints, and he wondered why. He had gathered and hoped she was coming to love and want him as much as she obviously desired him. He asked himself if he was mistaken, if he had misread her clues, or missed vital ones. Was he riding headlong and blind toward another loss?

  Despite good intentions to retreat from him, Beth was disappointed he didn’t argue her points or try to persuade her to change her mind. If he had his sight aimed on her, it didn’t show. Frankly, she was stunned by his revelations about love, marriage, and children. It seemed to contradict what he’d told her at the ranch. She couldn’t deduce his motive for that change of heart and future plans, and certainly not his reason for telling her.

  On Wednesday, they crossed the Rio Janos, neared the northern tip of the Sierra Madre western chain, and camped on the Rio Casa Grande. Both realized there was only one more night to spend before leaving Mexico, then three days or less to Morenci and the completion of the case.

  After they ate leftovers from Dublan, Navarro handed Beth his locket. “I want you to have this as a friendship and farewell gift, something to remind you of me and our work together. I could forget to give it to you later if things get crazy in Arizona. I might even get you a picture of me to use until you replace it with your husband’s or child’s—that is, if you change your mind about marrying and having them. If not, you can put your parents picture in it; that shouldn’t be suspicious if you forget to remove the necklace during a mission. I bought it in Phoenix years ago.”

  “You shouldn’t part with it.”

  “You’ve earned a reward, partner.”

  Beth opened the pendant and looked inside; it was empty.

  When she lifted a quizzical gaze to his, he grasped her awareness of what had been there until not long ago. “I returned it to Jessie before I left the ranch. It’s over between us, been over a long time, but I didn’t realize it until I saw her again. I still love her, Beth, but I’m not in love with her.” In case that’s what has you worried and hanging back.

  “That’s good, Navarro. Now, you’re free to get on with your life as she did with hers. You can find yourself a mate, marry, and have another son.”

  “What do you mean by ‘another son’?”

  Beth cursed that slip. If you loved me and trusted me, you would have confessed that secret by now so I could understand you and the past situation better. “Lane Cordell is your son, isn’t he?”

  Navarro didn’t hesitate before responding, “How did you know? Who told you? Dan? Jessie? Or accidental eavesdropping?”

  “I only had suspicions until just now when you confirmed them.”

  “How did I give away that secret? Something I did or said?”

  “A logical conclusion to a curious riddle. Being pregnant explains why Jessica didn’t wait longer for your return and why she wed Matt so fast after your departure. She’s a strong and brave woman so she wouldn’t have betrayed you for spite or broken her promise without a good reason. A son also explains why it was so hard for you to get over her and why you avoided them for years. I assumed there was more to the past than what you told me because something didn’t add up. For starters, you didn’t return to the ranch after prison either to see the Cordells and hands or to seek a job; your requirement of a wife and ruse in order to visit old friends was odd; and you seemed worried about more than danger to them from Charles. I didn’t fit Lane into the puzzle until our third day there. Lane and I talked many times and he told me his birthday was March thirteenth. That meant Jessica conceived him while you were at the ranch fighting Fletcher and before she married Matt. Since you two were in love in June…”

  She knew there was no need to clarify. “Another puzzle piece: Lane resembles you more than either Jessica or Matt. That isn’t noticeable unless you two are together, so don’t worry about exposure. I can only imagine the anguish you’ve endured over their losses. He’s a fine boy, Navarro, even has some of your traits; you’re lucky to have him. I’m sure you love him and you’re proud of him.”

  “I am. But he was born and raised as Matt’s child, so he’ll always be Matt’s son. I owe Jessie and Matt that much for sparing him the shame and torment of being viewed as a half-breed bastard like his father. I owe Lane, too; I wasn’t there for him because of my sorry past and mistakes. I didn’t know he existed until after my prison release and that talk with Matt five years ago. I’m damned lucky Matt loved Jessie so much and was there to clean up the mess I left behind. I swore to him I’d never intrude on their lives, and I wouldn’t have if this blasted case hadn’t come up. I’m convinced they’re in love, a happy family. That’s why I needed you and our ruse, as an innocent reason to go there for a visit.”

  Dan is the one who believed you needed a wife with you to prevent temptation and trouble because he knows the truth…“I’m sure the past was hard on all of you. Maybe Jessica and Matt are at peace now; I hope so. They’re good people, Navarro; they’ll rear Lane right. You can’t ever replace a special boy like him, but you can have another son or lots of sons and daughters. You can have children who’ll bear your name next time and you can raise them on your ranch, watch them grow, be a crucial part of their upbringing.”

  “First, I have to find myself a perfect wife. By perfect, I mean one who can accept what I am and was, and put up with a hardcase like me.”

  “You’re a prize, Navarro, so keep looking and I’m sure one will come along someday. Any woman would be lucky to grab hold of you.” Argue with me. Say you’ve already found the one you’ve waited for and it’s me. He didn’t. “Now that you’re over Jessica, that task should be easy.” Beth held out the locket to him and said, “Shouldn’t you save this as a wedding present for your wife? It’s valuable and precious to you. She could p
ut her love’s picture in it and wear it close to her heart as you did for years.”

  I’m a “prize,” but not one you want to collect? His hands captured her open one and closed her fingers over the shiny oval. “I want you to have it for what you mean to me and all you’ve done for me. Put your first child’s picture in it, because I’m sure you’ll change your mind one day.”

  “No, partner, never.”

  “You’re that sure about having no children? Ever?”

  “Positive.” But I wish I weren’t. If I had the slightest doubt, I’d begyou to give me a chance to prove I’m perfect for you. But I’m not perfect and my flaw will remain an obstacle between us. Now I understand why it’s so important to Jessica for us to have a child. How I wish you could say; it doesn’t matter, Beth, I want you anyway, but you can’t and won’t. She yawned and stretched. “Been a long day. Good night.”

  “See you tomorrow, partner.”

  Navarro lay on his bedroll. His troubled mind contemplated the woman nearby, their relationship, and her feelings about many things. He knew she loved her job; yet, she couldn’t remain an agent and on the road forever. Why was she so set against having a husband and children? Did Steven still haunt her? Was she afraid to reach out to another man, to him, to risk another loss? Or was it him she didn’t want permanently? She could think badly of him for doing Jessie wrong, even though he’d been trapped in a bind and couldn’t help what happened long ago. In view of his and her past experiences, Beth could be afraid to trust him, afraid he’d do the same or worse to her. She could lack all respect for him in that personal area. Maybe she just didn’t want a half-breed, ex-criminal, bastard, ex-prisoner for a husband and the father of her children. Beth could believe he was still emotionally yoked to Jessie and Lane, and she’d only be second choice. She could be under the mistaken impression he was after her because he wanted a wife and children. Maybe she was reluctant and scared to get strapped down while he remained an agent on the road, which he wouldn’t. She could even think it was his way of convincing Jessie he was out of her life so his lost love could truly be free and happy.

  Navarro pondered ways to change Beth’s mind about a future and family together, things he craved with all his heart. If she was being honest with herself and him about not wanting children, could he pursue and accept her under those terms? Could he change her mind later? If not, would having her and a ranch be enough to fulfill him? If there was a good reason behind her reluctance, maybe so.

  During the journey the next day, two culprits left the wagons and rode ahead as fast as the terrain allowed. Navarro suspected that they were going to check out the next stopping area for soldiers or to get news from somebody who was prearranged to meet them there.

  They traveled onward until late afternoon when they reached the north branch of Rio Bavispe; they halted at that river. Navarro told Beth they were fifteen miles below the border, straight south of Arizona’s Chiricahua Mountains. As the agents observed from a concealed position, Charles and his hirelings appeared to be setting up camp.

  “What’s he up to now?”

  “I’m not sure, Beth. Maybe he’s taking a short break before heading on into Arizona. Maybe he’s ahead of the rendezvous schedule, so he’s letting the men and horses rest a spell. Maybe he wants to make sure it’s safe to cross the border. Whatever his motive, he isn’t pulling out tomorrow or he wouldn’t be putting up that small tent or building those ramadas for shade.”

  “This gives you more time to meet with Zack and make our plans,” Beth observed.

  “I’ll head on to Fronteras as soon as I have you hidden and Night Cloud is rested. Zack should be there by now. Hope he’s got good news for us.”

  “You’re sending Dan a message?”

  “Yes. This beard and mustache should protect me if any of Charles’s men ride off, too. I’ll change out of these buckskins into regular clothes to keep from drawing attention to me. You be careful while I’m gone.”

  Beth sat in the quiet and lonely camp in a concealed canyon; she was fast becoming tense and frustrated. If Charles was up to no good at this very minute, Navarro wasn’t there to discover it. She was a trained agent, so why must she sit in hiding like a frightened or helpless woman? On any other case, she would be in the thick of danger and busy investigating foes.

  Her decision made, Beth took precautions and sneaked toward Charles’s camp. His tent was far enough away from the wagons and men’s campfires for privacy but not enough to place him in danger of a surprise attack. Using dense scrubs as cover and with a stealthy pace, she crept toward her target. Only moments before making a terrible mistake, she noticed a thin cord running low to the ground and tied from bush to bush, with suspended bells obscured in their foliage. If she’d tripped over it, the noise would have exposed her presence. With added alert, she watched for more ambushes and avoided those clever snares.

  As she reached Charles’s tent, so did his best friend, with steaming coffee and a hot meal. She heard Jim Tiller say he’d return soon with some for Charles. She didn’t have to wait long before the man kept his word.

  “This looks tasty, Jim; that cook you hired is talented on the trail.”

  “Thanks. I told him I’d chop off his hands if he didn’t feed you right.”

  Beth listened to them share laughter and trivial conversation. Then, the talk became interesting and informative.

  “How about a dash of whiskey in our coffee?” Charles offered and Jim accepted. “Not much longer, old friend, and we’ll be eating the best food available in the finest restaurants and sipping whiskey in the best saloons with beauties hanging on our arms.”

  “That redhead gonna be one of ‘em?”

  “Soon as I get around to collecting her.”

  “You want me to kill that husband of hers for you?”

  “Maybe, or maybe I’ll do it myself. I didn’t take to him.”

  “Because he kept putting his hands on her ever’ chance he got?”

  “That, and he’s a sly one, dangerous. I want to be sure he’s dead and buried before I convince her to marry me.”

  “Think she will?”

  “One way or another. If she’s smart, Jim, she won’t turn down a rich man. So, what time you leaving in the morning for your meeting with Eagle Eye?”

  “I’m pulling out at first light to get in fast travel while it’s cool. This damn desert saps a man and his horse. Gimme another splash of that whiskey. I should make Grey Peak in three, maybe three and a half, days. After I set up the time and place with that Injun for the exchange, I’ll see Ben on the way back to join you. Should be gone a week.”

  “You know where to locate that peak?”

  “Ben sent a good map; not far beyond Morenci. Won’t be hard to find.”

  “You shouldn’t run into Geronimo and his band. Tully said he’s raiding below Tucson. I’m sending a few boys to Fronteras tomorrow to see what news they can gather. They’ll telegraph Ben to get a message to Eagle Eye you’re on the way. You be more than careful, old friend.”

  “Always am, Charlie. You, too. Hate leaving you here without me.”

  “I’ll be fine. I’ll have some boys scout the border, too. We don’t want to stumble into any patrols. We want our luck to hold out longer.”

  “This area seems safe, but it’s wise to use guards while I’m gone. Though I set out those traps, it wouldn’t hurt to be double careful.”

  “I told Tully to handle it after supper.”

  When Beth heard those words, she decided it was time to get moving before the sentinels went on duty. Careful of the warning devices, she made it back to her camp safely.

  There, she paced and pondered her next course of action. She reasoned she should follow Jim Tiller to gather more clues. It was possible she might learn who and where Ben was, the date and place of the exchange to prepare a better trap, and the hideout of Eagle Eye. It was clear she, Navarro, and Zack could not challenge the separate or combined bands of Charles Cordell
and the Apache leader.

  Time was crucial, and she assumed her partner would be away for too much of it. He could be delayed by business or trouble, especially with Charles’s hirelings heading for the same town. If Navarro was injured or—God forbid—slain, she would be of no help to the case while stranded in camp or even while trailing the villains’ wagons. At least being in Arizona and after gathering facts, she could wire Dan and they could still carry out the trap. If she did nothing and something happened to Navarro, Charles would succeed with his evil crime and would go unpunished because no one would know when and where to lay and spring the trap.

  Bethany knew she wasn’t being reckless or cocky by not staying put as ordered by her partner; she would only be doing her job, her duty, carrying out her assignment. Yes, she would shadow Jim to Grey Peak. To ensure a safe start, she should get a jump on him and the border scouts by leaving before dawn. She readied supplies and a disguise. She wrote Navarro a message about what she’d discovered, where she was heading and why, and a warning about the snares Charles had placed around the camp. She told him she would trail Jim up and back and spy in between. She reminded him she had proven herself, promised to be extra careful, and urged him not to worry.

  The redhead removed the locket and placed it with his belongings, having asked him in the note to keep it until her return in a week. Thanks to his lessons, she would be able to mark her trail with Indian signs, in the event he insisted on following her and leaving Zack behind to watch Charles.

  Beth tried to get a restful night’s sleep but suspense and anticipation often intruded. Before dawn she was dressed, additional precautions taken, supplies packed and loaded, and canteens filled. She mounted Sunshine and skirted Charles’s camp with the intention of lying in wait for Jim.

  Chapter twenty-one

  Upon entering town two hours after dawn, Navarro stabled Night Cloud to be curried, watered, and fed. Except for rest and nap stops, he had ridden all night. He passed a main-street saloon and nodded to the black man whittling nearby. He headed for a small hotel and registered under a false name. Soon after he was in the room, Zachariah Abernathy sneaked inside to join him.