Callahan's Gold (Southwest Desert Series Book 3)

by Mary Tate Engels

  "Rex, I can't believe that!"

  "Well, you never know. I'm just saying both Dodge and Ramona will benefit from Sharkey's death. Whereas you and I . . ." He shrugged. "You had nothing to gain but the gold. And because of my previous investment, neither do I."

  "Oh, I don't know, Rex. Your reasoning is weak. You're forgetting these people cared too much about Sharkey to harm him."

  "What about Yazzie? He cares about nobody. But himself."

  "But what's his motive?"

  "He knows about the gold and wants to keep it all private."

  "But why? He isn't materialistic at all."

  "Who knows? Maybe he's never had a chance to be materialistic. He's a strange man, a loner. Who knows what's going on inside his head?"

  "Why should I think everyone but you could do this, Rex?"

  He shrugged. "Trust me, Tory—"

  They were interrupted by a loud shout and again the words, "Here it is! I found the skull!"

  They rushed toward the sound and found Dodge kneeling beside a cow's bleached white skull. He dug beneath it and pulled out a small metal box, like the ones used as bank lockboxes.

  Tory observed the group's reactions to the discovery. Rex and Ramona hovered closely, whereas Yazzie held back and feigned indifference. She couldn't believe he was that uncaring, though. Dodge opened the box and drew out a thick plastic bag, the kind used for freezing food. And inside the freezer bag was the other half of the yellowed map!

  Dodge looked up and grinned triumphantly. "Well, folks, here it is. The final directions to Pyramid and the gold!"

  "Thank God," Ramona murmured, squeezing her hands together. Her face was aglow with happiness and pride. "It's real. I knew Sharkey wouldn't lie to us."

  "Let's get on with it!" Rex exclaimed, rubbing his hands together anxiously. "Old Sharkey knew what he was talking about, after all!"

  Yazzie wheeled around and hobbled back to camp. But he spoke loudly enough for them to hear. "It's too late to break camp and travel today. We'll rest this afternoon and spend one more night here. Head out tomorrow morning when we're fresh."

  Tory gazed woefully after him. "One more night here? Oh, my God."

  CHAPTER TEN

  "Why are you letting him tell us what to do? We could go on without him," Tory said indignantly to Dodge as she fell into step with him. They were on their way to fish in a small lake a mile or so away. "We're just wasting time. We should be halfway there by now!"

  "Tory," he drawled with an admonishing look, "are you prepared to climb farther up this mountain on foot? With everything you need piled on your back?"

  "Well, no."

  "Then, take it easy. We need Yazzie. But most especially, we need his mules at this point."

  "It infuriates me that he's just using another stalling tactic, and you know it."

  "Yep."

  "Yazzie wants to keep us away from this place. Maybe Rex is right, after all."

  He looked at her askance. "What do you mean?"

  "Rex thinks Yazzie knows where Sharkey's gold is, and he's trying to keep us from finding it."

  "That's possible," Dodge said thoughtfully, shifting the fishing rods from one broad shoulder to the other. "But why was he willing to go along with us and help find it?"

  "I don't know. Maybe the map," she replied, grinning self-consciously. "Being a detective isn't exactly my forte, but I'm sure trying."

  "The answer is simple, Sherlock Fancy Pants," Dodge said. "Yazzie's like the rest of us. He doesn't know where the gold is, but he sure wants a piece of the rock."

  "I disagree that Yazzie is like the rest of us," Tory countered as she dropped back and stumbled along behind Dodge on the stony path.

  "Hmm, you're right. He isn't exactly like us. Watch your step now." Dodge glanced back to make sure she was on her feet. "But we all want a piece of the rock, especially if it's a gold one. Some of us, though, want it sooner than the others." He gave her an accusing smile. "Do I detect a rush of eagerness in the newest sun seeker?"

  "Well, maybe." Her blue eyes grew intense and sharp. "It's just that we're so close now, Dodge. I can feel it! And I want to get there soon!" She knotted one fist and punched the air with enthusiasm.

  "It is kinda' exciting, isn't it?"

  "Then how can you calmly take an extra afternoon and go fishing?"

  He shrugged. "Not much choice way up here. No television or old movies to watch. Anyway, wouldn't you like something else for supper besides dried beef?"

  "Yes!" she exclaimed, laughing. "I don't see how Cochise's band survived for nine years on this stuff."

  "Oh, the Indians hunted for fresh meat. They had javalina or wild pigs and deer. Even an occasional mountain lion. Some say there are still black bears left up here. How does a thick, juicy bear steak sound?"

  "Thanks, but no thanks," she murmured sourly. "We'll just go fishing." She continued behind him in studied silence.

  Dodge's strides were long and even, the gait of a man who enjoyed the wilds and seemed to belong. Really belong.

  Tory, on the other hand, viewed each bush and tree as an alien being, unusual plants growing in a wilderness amidst dangerous rock cliffs, strange ghost towns, and wild animals. The terrain was rugged, fit only for the heartiest of souls like Sharkey or Yazzie or Dodge. Even Ramona was tougher than most women. But not Tory. She was a city person, only here temporarily.

  When she left, what would happen to her relationship with Dodge? Would they part and never see each other again? It seemed inevitable.

  Dodge was so natural and at ease out here, and he exuded an indomitable spirit, not unlike the early miners or explorers who traversed this rugged, uncivilized land.

  Although Tory enjoyed the untamed beauty around her and the absolute tranquility of the wind in the trees, she knew she couldn't last here for long. She belonged in the city where she could wear her silks and styles. She would only stay until they found gold. Then she would have to go back home, to her business.

  The thought of leaving Dodge tore at her heart, and she wondered if she could endure it. Even more importantly, she wondered how he felt about it. Would he consider going to her in L.A.? No, she couldn't see that happening. They were doomed to part, and the knowledge saddened her.

  Soon they arrived at the banks of a small turquoise-colored lake, hidden deep in the Dragoon Mountains. Large water oaks and giant buff- colored boulders surrounded the water, making it a bastion from the civilized world. Visions of Apaches and other peoples from past eons inhabited Tory's imagination, and she could see them bathing and washing clothes and swimming in the cool waters. Laughing, loving, living in untamed freedom.

  "It's beautiful," she murmured in a low tone as her gaze swept over the remote site. "Are you sure this pond has fish, Dodge?"

  "Absolutely. Blue gill, bass, and catfish."

  "How did fish get way up here?"

  "Farmers down in the valley stocked it years ago to keep it clean for the wildlife. They didn't want it lying foul, breeding mosquitoes and other problems. Occasional fishermen hike up this far and keep the fish population under control."

  "Whether or not we catch any fish, I won't mind spending a few hours in such a lovely place." She followed Dodge to a little rocky niche between two huge boulders. They settled down and shared some water from the canteen, and Dodge threaded their fishing lines. Tory dropped her line in the water and settled in, absently watching her red and white float bob on the crystalline water. "What will you do when this is all over, Dodge?"

  "You mean this trek for gold? Well, if I'm not a millionaire, I'll go back to work."

  "Where? Cochise College? The University of Arizona?"

  "No. I've applied at the University of Nevada in Reno. I think I'd like to work out there for a change."

  "What if we struck gold? Lots of it? And you became very wealthy?"

  "What would I do if I struck it rich?" He reclined lazily and studied the puffy white clouds floating in a sphere of blue. "First thin
g I'd do is pay off some debts. Then, buy a yacht and sail around the world. There are a million places I'd like to see, a thousand things I still want to do. And you? What if you strike it rich, Tory?"

  "I'd pay my bills, too." She gave an embarrassed laugh. "I have a ton of debts. There might not be anything left after that."

  "Hospital bills from your mother's illness?"

  "Yes. And I let things fall behind at the shop during her illness and after . . ." She paused, sadly remembering how deeply the loss of her mother had affected her. And how she'd let everything go for months. "Mismanagement, as much as anything. I just couldn't seem to get it all together. Thank God for Megan."

  "Megan? Who's she?"

  "She's been my manager and right-hand person for several years now. Steady, honest, and a great friend. She stood by me during the roughest of times and is handling the shop right now."

  "Sounds like you're lucky to have her."

  "I am. And when I get back, I intend to give Megan a special bonus if I have the money. She certainly deserves it."

  "I'd say she's lucky to have you as a boss, too."

  "Maybe."

  "So after you pay off your bills and give Megan her well-deserved bonus, then what? What will you buy? What will you do with the money?"

  "You're mighty confident there'll be an abundance of money to pass around."

  "Just 'what if?'"

  Tory gazed at Dodge with a sparkle in her eyes. "Do you know what I've always wanted?"

  He shook his head.

  "A house."

  "A what?" He leaned up on one elbow.

  "After Sharkey left, we never had a house of our own. We moved from one rental to another, mostly apartments. Never had anything to call our own. Even now, I still rent an apartment. It's nice, but not mine. And I want a home, a place to sink some roots. A little house with shutters and a picket fence." She laughed. "Oh, God, that's crazy! But it's what I want."

  His voice was low and gentle. "It isn't crazy if it's what you really want."

  She turned her face toward his. "But it's the furthest thing from what you want, Dodge. You want freedom. I need security. We're ... so different."

  "Does that matter to you, Tory?"

  "Sometimes. I wish . . ."

  "What?"

  "Oh, nothing. It's just that you're a perennial sun seeker. And I'm looking for a chance to place some roots."

  Dodge pursed his lips. "Is that what you think, Tory?"

  "Yes." She nodded soberly.

  "Sharkey was the only perennial sun seeker I ever knew. The rest of us were just part-timers. We shared the desire with him." He glanced over at her. "But so do you, Tory, or you wouldn't be here."

  "Like father, like daughter, huh?" She smiled reluctantly and leaned back on the rock. "It's been quite an experience. I'm glad I came. I'm glad I met you, Dodge," she whispered softly. "Even if there is no gold and we never get rich."

  He leaned forward and kissed her moist, inviting lips. "Is this the same fancy pants lady who castigated me for not hurrying off to find the city of gold less than an hour ago?" He kissed her again, lingering on the sides of her mouth, tasting the tangy-sweet flavor of her skin.

  "Hmm," she said between kisses. "But I'm beginning to think you had the right idea, after all. Fishing at the old water hole ..."

  His lips smothered hers, blocking out all sound, save a tiny purring, as they dominated and molded to her heart-shaped lips. He laid aside his fishing rod so he could hold her with both hands. He couldn't stop touching her, couldn't resist the tempting thrust of one rounded breast. "Fishing can wait," he muttered raggedly as one palm flattened against that gentle mound. Encircled and gently massaged.

  "We can't . . . Oh yes, Dodge. I've wanted to be alone with you a million times during this whole trip. But it's been impossible." She breathed quickly as his thumb caressed the budding nipple beneath her blouse.

  "Not half as badly as I've wanted you. I lie awake every night for hours thinking of you alone in that sleeping bag only a few feet away." He caressed her other breast, gently squeezing the tip to firmly pronounced perfection.

  "I wanted you to keep me warm every night." Her hand eagerly reached out to the sturdy wall of his chest. She tingled all over from the mere feel of his hard-muscled body beneath her fingertips. He was a bulwark, an indomitable man who could overpower her with one look, one touch. And she was malleable in his hands.

  Warm air swirled around them and fell hot on her face as his lips forced hers open for the intrusion of his tongue. A sweet heat radiated through her as he plunged rhythmically into the dark, honeyed depths behind her teeth.

  She received his deeply thrusting tongue, then teasingly parried hers against his. At this point, it was a game they played, an adult game of sensual promises that they both could win. But neither knew if it would last beyond the moment. Although unspoken, they realized they were gamblers, playing a game of chance. But they willingly took the risk.

  Tory's blue eyes closed in ecstasy, for she had no desire to end the pleasure of Dodge's exquisite lovemaking. She raised her head to the muscular pillow of his arm, reclining against his strength.

  Dodge tucked her closer to his lean, trim body, shielding her from the intense sun. He was like an invincible fortress, a masculine stronghold, and Tory relished the glory of being in his arms again.

  She dropped her own fishing rod and entwined her fingers in his hair, pulling his head closer to hers, letting him know the desperation of her desire. "Oh, Dodge, love me."

  "I couldn't stand another minute without you," he told her passionately and kissed her soundly again. Her passion matched his as they scooted into a crevasse between boulders, just big enough for the two of them. She could feel the magnificence of his arousal through their clothes and knew the days and nights alone had created the same yearning in him that she felt.

  "Unbutton your shirt," she said urgently. "I need to feel your skin next to mine."

  She opened her blouse and pressed her bare breasts to the heated wall of his chest. The mingling of their fire, of warm flesh to warm flesh, set the smoldering coals within them aflame. Fervently, he kissed her face and lips and neck. Then, lowering his head to her breasts, he caressed them with eager forays, careful to lave each nipple with his moist tongue.

  She arched to meet him, moaning softly with the renewed pleasure as he buried kisses in her soft breasts and along the heated valley between them.

  With a ragged sigh, he shifted, and they discard their clothes. Tory watched him in frank admiration and welcomed him to her arms. He was gorgeous and she could hardly wait for him.

  Together they sought the balm of complete fulfillment. His large body flattened hers as he lowered over her, molding his maleness to her soft femininity. With a muffled gasp, she opened to receive him.

  Tory couldn't subdue the hidden passions that filled her with joy, spilling over with love. Dodge brought forth feelings she'd never before experienced. Even as his body physically overwhelmed hers, she knew that what she felt for this man was love. Love, sharp and driving. Love, shadowy and strong. And she prayed theirs would be a love, long lasting and shared.

  Whispered words of love kept her going and let her down easy. Lamenting breezes cooled their moist bodies and sighed through the pines.

  Dodge watched the expression on her face change from intensity to contentment. He smiled with contentment and pleasure.

  His feelings for this woman clinging to him were deeper and more passionate than mere desire. He wanted to possess her, not just sexually but completely. He wanted to hold her and caress her daily. He wanted to reassure her, to be with her. But even as they lay there, yielding to each other, he knew it wasn't to be. Not the forever part.

  He bent and tenderly kissed her earlobe. "Tory, my sweet Tory, I want you with me always. How can I ever let you go?"

  She smiled and snuggled contentedly against him. His kisses continued until the high mountain breezes had cooled their passion-rak
ed nude bodies.

  "Tory, I'm getting a sunburn on my buns. I think it's time."

  "Time? There's no time schedule out here. We're in the wild."

  "We're in the nude and we need to go fishing. The others are depending on us to catch supper."

  "What are we going to do about tonight, Dodge?"

  "What about it?"

  "I want to sleep with you."

  "Then we'll make it happen." He laughed, a deep, rumbling laugh from his chest that reverberated through her. Then he moved his heated body away from hers. "Let's get dressed."

  "But first, let's bath in this lake!" She jumped in before he could respond. So there was nothing else to do but jump in with her.

  When the others learned of the clean lake, they all took turns bathing in the cool waters. There was no chance to be alone together that night, and Tory and Dodge climbed into separate sleeping bags, exchanging glances of sad defeat. The next day, there was no time for fishing.

  They rode the mules for hours, Yazzie plodding ahead, stopping frequently to study the yellowed map Sharkey left for them. He definitely lacked enthusiasm, almost as if he were now reluctant to make this last leg of the journey. The terrain was steep and rugged and slow going. They rode in silence, each member of the party lost in his or her own thoughts. To find the gold was foremost in everyone's mind, however.

  Finally, Yazzie halted the line of mules and shifted around in the saddle. Pointing to a valley between two mountains, he announced, "There's the lost city—Pyramid."

  The electricity that ran through the group was almost tangible as they rushed forward to see. Tory wasn't sure what to expect. Certainly she knew there wouldn't be gold-glittered houses, as the early Spaniards claimed, or streets paved with gold, as the old miners bragged. But she expected —perhaps wanted—the place to be distinctive.

  But Pyramid was not distinctive.

  It was practically invisible. Which was one reason it had remained lost all these years. Tory had to strain hard to discern anything substantial past the sea of weeds, thick bushes, and small trees that nearly obliterated the crumbling adobe walls of the old buildings.