by Tina Leonard
Cissy nodded. “I can understand what you mean.”
“And yet, I know Ranger wouldn’t be the right man for me. In the long run, we wouldn’t be happy together.”
“So what are you going to do?”
Hannah picked up a brush and began working the tangles out of her hair. “I’m going to deal cards. That’s what I came to do.”
“And what about Ranger?”
Hannah put the brush down and leaned up against the wall, closing her eyes to enjoy the ever-so-slight rock of the boat. “Ranger can jump overboard for all I care.”
“SO DO YOU THINK she slept with him?” Archer asked.
Ranger cursed. “I’m not going to think about that. In my mind, that’s a branch of Hannah’s extended tree that’s going to get cut off.”
“You realize you’re basically in the position of being the twig,” Archer pointed out. “How are you going to weather that? Did you see the size of him?”
“I’ve hung on bounty bulls. I’ve lived through Mason. I’ve endured Mimi’s antics. Tell me one little girl’s heart can’t be stormed.”
“I don’t know, bro. Gentle Ben may give you some angina over Hannah.”
Ranger frowned. “Did he talk about her?”
“Hell, yeah! I mean, do birds crap on windshields? He wanted to come after you, man. The only way I stopped him was telling him that she was in safe hands. I mean, he’s like a wild man where Hannah’s concerned. Apparently, she’s the only thing that gets his blood up. Real protective is our Jellyfish.”
Ranger scratched his head. “I can’t say that she was exactly safe with me, man.”
Archer’s head jerked around like it was in a hurricane. “Shh! Dude! Don’t even say that. Walls have ears and all that, and you, my twin, might get to walk the plank if the man even thinks you were mean to his baby.”
“She is not his baby,” Ranger said, as a spasm in his jaw clenched his teeth.
“He thinks she is. Hey,” Archer said, staring at him closely, “you didn’t make her cry, did you? I mean, what if she tells him? He’s got thighs the size of your butt. Oh, man, I’m going to hate to see you get on the wrong side of him.”
“Thanks for the support,” Ranger said grimly.
“Listen, you’re talking about a young man who grew up in a commune and looks like a pirate. The rules are different. Hell, we’re not even on land!” Archer stared out the small window. “How far out to sea do we have to be before the laws of the land don’t apply?”
“What are you talking about?” Ranger went to get a clean shirt from his duffel. “If he’s got a beef, he can bring it to me. Otherwise, whatever happened between me and Hannah stays that way.”
“You’re in love with her, aren’t you?”
Ranger hesitated. “I’m taking the fifth, for the moment.”
“I gotta warn you, bro, you knew that she had issues. Those issues aren’t going to go away just because you got her lost. If you didn’t get the job done then, maybe it doesn’t get done.”
“Maybe Rome wasn’t built in a day,” Ranger snapped. “I’m sneaking up on her. And she’s not the only one with issues.”
Archer digested that. “True. Listen, Ranger. This little trip has taught me something about myself.” He looked at his twin. “I’m not going any further with you.”
“What are you going to do?”
“I think I’m going to Alaska.”
Ranger didn’t want to hear it. He knew what was coming. “Don’t, man. He doesn’t want to be found. At this point, I don’t want him found. I don’t need to see him.”
“But I do, you know? I want to know what the deal is. Hell, life is short. Do you know I called home and Mason says the sheriff is real sick. He’s like, bad. Like going down in a hurry.”
“The sheriff?” Ranger’s heart sank. “What happened?”
“Apparently Mimi was keeping a little secret under her hat. He’s been sick for a while. Mason thinks that’s why she got married.”
“I don’t get it.”
Archer shrugged. “Her father’s ill. She wanted him to see her happy. Guess that’s why she got married on the fly. And now, if she can present the sheriff with a grandchild, don’t think wild bulls won’t keep Mimi from her destination.”
“Hot damn.”
“So, I’ve been thinking, bro. My e-mail relationship was about reaching out to someone with a kindred spirit. Anyone. But I don’t want a woman yet. I’m not like you.”
“I didn’t want a woman, either, about a week ago,” Ranger said grumpily. “In fact, I’m pretty damn sure I was a happy man.”
“I know. And look at you now. You’re a mess. And Jellyfish is gonna turn you into a pretzel if Hannah tells him you were less than a gentleman. See, I want to deal with my issues before some wily chiquita digs into my heart.”
“Yeah, well.” Ranger dug out a clean pair of jeans and threw them on the bed. “I have no desire to accompany you to Alaska. But I should. Actually, that’s probably the best thing I could do.”
“There’s always the military, too. You don’t have to hang around here getting your heart broken.”
“Yeah. I see what you mean.” There was a lot of truth that he hadn’t wanted to see sinking into his thick skull. “You know, after I broke that crazy filly the sheriff unloaded on us, she was never the same.”
“You asked for that horse, bro. In fact, you begged for her. Said only you could tame her.”
Ranger nodded. “I remember only too well.” But once broken, the filly had turned sad and passive. All that wildness wasn’t just tamed; it was gone. It was as if she’d had to ignore the world to survive without her spirit. He’d always regretted it, and finally, he’d let the horse out to pasture for good, where she could get lost among the trees, a silver shadow he glimpsed every once in a while.
A knock on the door gave both of them pause. “Yeah?” Ranger called.
“Brother Ranger, it’s Jellyfish. Got a second?”
“Brother Ranger?” Ranger said to Archer. “That sounded deceptively friendly.”
Archer looked at his twin. “Try Big Brother Ranger. Whew! A second’s all he’s going to need with you. A second is all he’d need to take both of us out.”
Ranger sighed. “He seemed peaceful enough.”
“Right. I’ll cover you. But this is absolutely the last time I’m digging you out, man. It’s getting too dangerous!”
Chapter Twelve
“Thanks, but I can handle it.” Ranger opened the door and waved Archer out. “My brother was just leaving.”
Archer and Jellyfish nodded at each other as Archer exited. Then Jellyfish looked at Ranger.
“Your offer for my lost time was generous. Was it a bribe?” Jellyfish asked.
Straight to the point. “If you’re asking if I got lost on purpose with Hannah, yes, I did.”
Jellyfish nodded. “You realize that if she’ll ever agree to marry me, I’m going to be there for her.”
Ranger nodded.
“She’ll always be a part of my life.”
“I figured as much.” Not that he was happy about it, but there it was.
“What do you have to offer her?”
“I’m not sure yet. I’m trying to figure that out.”
“Fair enough. But she’s a sweet, smart, attractive woman. It would be best if you figured out why you deserve her. Very soon.”
Ranger was starting to get steamed. Hannah had portrayed the relationship as one that had ended. Why was he getting the third degree? “Is there a problem I’m unaware of? Am I stepping on your toes?”
Jellyfish shook his head. “Just watching out for a special friend.”
“Friend?”
“We grew up together in a commune. We understand each other. I know what her demons are, and I know what her angels are. And frankly, I don’t need your money.”
“I meant no insult by it.”
“Just be sure you’re serious about Hannah,” Jellyfish told
him. “You’re welcome to come along, in fact, I invite you to do so. But no more getting lost. Hannah didn’t look too happy when I asked her about you. That makes me very cautious, Brother Ranger.”
He left the room, and Ranger sighed. “Great. This one’s worse than Helga.”
RANGER WANDERED into the gaming room that evening, his mind made up. Cissy looked glamorous in her hostessing outfit. Several diners obviously appreciated the scenery, and Cissy glowed with excitement. He wasn’t worried about her safety, though; there was no doubt Jellyfish would take good care of the women on his boat.
Hannah was dealing cards, laughing with the players, mostly men, who could afford to lose chunks of change. Ranger admired her swift, small hands. He’d never seen her dressed as she was; she looked like a cross between an elegant woman and a sexy fairy. Whatever, she had the complete attention of her audience.
And, Ranger had to admit, she looked quite at home. He leaned up against a wall and contented himself with watching.
When it was time for a break, she came right over to him. “Thought you were going to gamble. Wasn’t that why you decided to join me here?”
He nodded, playing along. “But I guess I’m not up for gambling tonight.”
The smile left her eyes. “I think we should talk.”
“Me, too.”
She moved down a hall and took him into a chamber he swiftly realized was her bedroom. There were small decorations everywhere; beads hung from lamp-shades and the bedspread, while fringe hung from delicate curtains. It was eclectic and fun, and Ranger realized this was her room. Jellyfish kept this room just for Hannah.
“Now that we’ve left shore, things may change,” she told him. “I’m going to be very busy. I’m afraid you’ll get bored.”
He recognized a blow-off when he heard one. She wouldn’t meet his eyes, and her posture was stiff. He’d like to blame her withdrawal on Jellyfish, but he knew it had started after Ranger had made love to her, when she’d found that he’d kept her ring. He’d seen her panic. She looked unhappy now, and he couldn’t bear that.
“It’s all right,” he said huskily, knowing that he had learned a lot from that silvery filly of his youth. “Archer and I talked. I’ve got some family duties I need to take care of.”
She looked up at him.
“Mimi’s father is ill, and she’s out of town. She’s getting home as quick as she can, but Mason’s holding down an already-short fort. I need to get back. After that, I may meet up with Archer. He’s going to take care of some other family stuff. I haven’t totally given up on the military, but right now my services are needed back home.”
“I see.” Turning away, she kept her emotions hidden from him. “Well, I wish you the best of luck, Ranger.”
“You, too.” He put his hat on. “Well, I’ll be getting off at the next stop. I need to take Hawk’s truck back to his house, anyway. I’m going to let Archer drive mine on his jaunt.”
She nodded. “Ranger, I haven’t thanked you for bringing me here. It means a lot to me.”
“I know. No thanks necessary. You saved my life. I’m glad I could do something for you.”
“I did not save your life, Ranger. You would have gotten well on your own.”
“Maybe.” He nodded to her, hiding behind good manners. “If you ever need anything, call.”
“I will.”
He didn’t figure she would, but he smiled and ruffled her hair as he passed her to go through the door.
Casual.
HANNAH WATCHED Ranger leave, her emotions torn. She was sad, but she was also relieved. A man like him did not belong in her life; she could never make him happy. As he’d said, he was needed at home. Staying in one place would make her crazy. Shocked that she’d fallen for the handsome cowboy, she’d decided to make an early return to the riverboat where she usually worked six months of every year. Ranger bringing her to Mississippi had been a surprise bonus, but in the end, it hadn’t made matters anything but clearer.
They were not meant for each other.
Stepping out of the hall, she returned to the gaming room. With a quick eye she scanned the boat. Cissy was handling customers beautifully, almost as if there was nothing on the planet she’d rather be doing. Jellyfish was chatting with regulars. Ranger was out of sight.
She sighed. He was a home-man. He was steady. He was strong and courageous and a little bit wild. Real stubborn. Demanding. Opinionated. Focused on her, if she wanted that.
She didn’t want to be in love. She wanted casual, something that didn’t hurt. She’d known back in Lonely Hearts Station that she’d fallen for this cowboy. It was clear then that her body had noticed him. It was clear now that her heart was hooked on him.
He would never be casual.
She missed him.
IN THE SMALL hallway a door opened, and a woman watched as Hannah went into the gaming room. Smiling to herself after hearing every word spoken by Ranger and Hannah, the woman closed the door again. Going to her briefcase, she pulled out a sheaf of papers and looked at them as if they were her best friends.
“Well, then. This will be easier than I thought it would be,” she murmured to herself. “As soon as Mr. Jefferson leaves, we’ll just have ourselves a big ol’ breach of contract party,” Marvella said. “Won’t everybody who’s invited be so surprised?”
And then she laughed as she settled down in the plush cabin to wait.
WHEN RANGER left the boat that evening, he had the strangest sense of foreboding. Since he wasn’t normally a great one for prescient feelings, he decided he was suffering from post-Hannah syndrome.
She stood on the deck, waving goodbye to him, as did Jellyfish and Cissy. Archer got into Ranger’s truck, and Ranger got into Hawk’s truck, and they went their separate ways.
He didn’t feel good about leaving Hannah, but it was the only thing he could do.
“WELL, NOW,” Marvella said, coming up behind the bon voyage party. “Look what we have here. A real nice group of girls. And one big strong boy.” She winked at Jellyfish. “Make that almost-man.”
Cissy gasped, and Hannah watched her friend turn white and sag against Jellyfish. “What do you want?” Hannah demanded.
“I want my contract conditions honored,” Marvella said smoothly.
“Who is this, Hannah?” Jellyfish asked.
“My name is Marvella. And this is my tracker who so easily helped me find you,” she said, pointing to the Native American cowboy coming down the pier.
“Hawk!” Cissy and Hannah cried out.
“How could you?” Cissy asked. “How could you pretend to be my friend and then rat me out?”
Hawk didn’t say anything. He looked at them, and then at Marvella, as if he weren’t certain what was happening.
“When did she hire you?” Hannah asked. “Before or after you so magically healed Ranger?”
“That magic was from you,” Hawk replied. “I was hired to track Cissy Kisserton. That’s why I had you drop me off.”
“So you could alert Marvella.” Hannah shook with anger. “Why did you do this?”
“I track for anyone who needs help. Kidnap victims, missing family members. Runaway debts. I do not judge who is right or wrong.”
“You didn’t have to track us,” Hannah pointed out. “We were sitting ducks for you.” She stared at Marvella. “So you found us. Big deal. Cissy’s not going with you.”
“Oh, I think she’ll change her mind if the police have to get involved. Won’t you, Cissy, dear?” Marvella purred. “Think about those youngsters of yours going without food. Think about your poor grandmother—”
“Stop!” Cissy shouted. Jellyfish put his arms around her to comfort her as she began to cry.
Marvella laughed.
Hannah stepped forward. “She owes you nothing. People lose employees all the time. You weren’t a fit employer.”
“Ah, well, that could be debated. However, she does owe me something.” Marvella held up papers. “She owes
me another year of service in exchange for her room, board and special payments to her family.”
Hannah hesitated, stunned for a moment. Then she swung to face Cissy. “You didn’t sign papers, did you?”
Cissy nodded miserably. “Yes.”
Hannah looked at Jellyfish. He shrugged imperceptibly, telling her that it appeared that there was little they could do. Except, Hannah thought, push Marvella into the river. Maybe she’d melt like the wicked witch in the Wizard of Oz.
No. Marvella would float. She was so salty with evil that she would probably bob and laugh while Hannah went to jail for battery. “You’re a terrible person,” she told Marvella.
“And you’re sleeping with a cowboy for free.” Marvella shrugged. “I don’t do business that way, and guess what? I get to eat at night.”
Hannah took a deep breath. “Take me instead,” she told Marvella. “I’ll work off her year.”
“You?” Marvella laughed. “You, my dear, could never bring in the customers that Cissy does. Did you see the dining room back there? Men were hanging around because of her. They order extra drinks just to be around her. Tabs go up. Everything goes up, I might add. She’s my golden girl.” Her eyes roamed Hannah. “You’re cute, but you’re middle-aged. It’s sort of…not the same.”
“I’ll buy out her contract,” Jellyfish said. “Name your price.”
Hannah flashed him a grateful glance.
“I thought you might offer, and I had a figure ready. But then I realized that money isn’t everything,” Marvella said. “Well, of course it is, but it’s so much better when revenge comes with it.” She snapped her fingers. “I’ll cut her year in half if you come with her, Hannah.”
“I don’t get it,” Hannah said.
“Oh, I think it’ll be fun to watch Delilah suffer seeing you working for me.” Marvella grinned. “I hope you give a decent haircut. And that your license is up to date.”
Hannah blinked. Cissy was shivering. She looked sad and unhappy.
“I’m sorry, Hannah,” Cissy said. “I should have told you I signed papers. I just didn’t think Marvella would find me. I was hoping she couldn’t get to me on the riverboat.” She glared at Hawk, who looked embarrassed.