Golden Torment

by Janelle Taylor

  They made love for hours, storing emotions and memories to see them through the days ahead when they would be separated by his work. There was a craving within them which demanded to be sated. He would take her tenderly and leisurely, then suddenly with a savage intensity which almost frightened her. Eventually, they lay exhausted and contented within each other’s arms.

  Mid-afternoon, Kathy abruptly sat up and shrieked, “What time is it? I’ve got to get dressed and leave. Don’t you see, Landis? If we had a real marriage and our own cabin, we wouldn’t have to worry about anyone or anything.”

  “Please, Kathy, don’t make this any harder for us. It can’t be arranged right now.”

  “Why not? We love each other. It could always be like this,” she coaxed, unable to comprehend his reluctance.

  “Trust me just a while longer. You’ll understand everything later; I promise. Not now, love. I’m sorry, but it has to be this way.”

  “You mean I should just accept what you say simply because you say it?” Kathy lashed out.

  “I’ve already told you, Kat; we can’t share a life right now, not for any reason,” he declared.

  She stared at him in stunned disbelief. “Even after what we just shared here together?”

  “Listen to me, Kat!” he angrily stormed at her, distressed. “We can’t be here together, but if it makes you trust me more, I could take you to a safe place until I can get things straightened out. I wouldn’t abandon you like Jake did,” he vowed tersely.

  “You mean take me somewhere and dump me. No thank you! You won’t have any problems to straighten out. How could I be so blind and stupid!” She jumped up and began to yank on her discarded clothing. “Stay out of my life and sight! I won’t be taken in again!”

  “Wait a minute, Kathy! I didn’t mean it like that.”

  “You didn’t mean anything! That’s the problem with you, Landis; you’re a liar and a user. Damn you! I hate you! Don’t come near me again! I won’t fall for any more tricks. Rest assured, Landis; you won’t have to worry about me. If you come near me, I’ll kill you!” she screamed at him, driven beyond control by his seeming betrayal.

  “I won’t let you leave like this, Kat. You’re wrong about many things.” He reached for her, but she avoided his grasp.

  “The only thing wrong here is you, anything and everything to do with you!” she stressed. By then, she was dressed and hastily brushing her hair. He reached for her again, but she twisted away. She pulled the small derringer from her dress pocket and levelled it on him. Her eyes were like chips of blue ice as she stated, “I said to leave me alone. The next time you press me, I’ll use it!” She held the gun so tightly that he didn’t see the safety catch was on.

  He locked his wide gaze on the deadly weapon. From the way she held it, she knew how to use it. From her expression, she definitely would if he pushed her too far! There was no need to press.

  Ashamed of her wantonness and infuriated by his obvious pretense, she smugly announced, “Perhaps well see each other soon. Jack and I will be heading inland. You’re no help to me; I’ll just have to seek the information I need from some other source. Give Thomas my best when you see him. See if he wants a report of my trip, too.”

  Landis watched her. Kathy never realized that she was giving Landis the impression he expected: that she was an American spy—and that she suspected his true identity…

  “Goodbye, Landis Jurrell,” she stressed his name sarcastically.

  Entrapped by their game, he warned, “If I were you, Mrs. Jurrell, I would watch my tongue and steps carefully. You’re not leaving Skagway with another man. Like it or not, you’re mine,” he thundered, tempted to reveal just how legally she was bound to him.

  Feeling a heady sense of power since he was so clearly piqued, she taunted him, “We each have our assignments, so let’s be helpful by avoiding each other.” She saucily coaxed, “You handle your…business, and I’ll take care of mine.” She had to escape this scene. She began to back out as a skilled professional at this sort of thing, his numerous slips falling to register in her distraught brain. She gingerly unlocked the cabin door without taking her eyes from him, expecting him to pounce on her and halt her retreat. He was such a disarming bully!

  Landis glared at his defiant wife, thinking, if your business conflicts with mine, love, I’ll see to it that you fail miserably…“If I come across your father, should I give him a message?”

  Assuming he was only pointing out her need for him, she shook her head and inexplicably lied, “Don’t bother; my father’s dead.” If he thought for one moment she would let him see how deeply she was hurting, he was sadly mistaken! She would continue this nonsensical game to the bitter end! She could be just as poised and cold as he was!

  Watching her retreat from a crack in the doorway, Landis’s eyes mirrored his anguish and confusion. Jake wasn’t dead; but if she wasn’t a Hammond, then she wasn’t Kat Marlowe. He had overlooked that angle. “No one betrays Clinton Marlowe. My golden Kat, you’ve a great deal to learn about treachery and passion…”

  Seven

  Something nagged at Kathy’s mind: Landis had appeared to believe her wild rantings. Landis had offered only his name as protection, nothing more. Reflecting on her rash words and actions, she shouldn’t have been surprised by his responses. She had been childish and demanding. As with her, he needed time to adjust to this drastic change. Even with a mock marriage, she was his wife. Before she drove him away, she must search her own heart and mind. For her own emotional survival, she needed to take another long and hard look at the mysterious and smug Landis Jurrell…

  Positively, she wasn’t going to pull any information or a commitment from that guarded creature. She wondered what his connection was to Sergeant Thomas. What did Bill know that she should? Perhaps Jake’s disappearance wasn’t intentional or an accident…She must find the truth!

  Kathy did a great deal of thinking and planning, as did Landis. By supper, the undercurrents between them were obvious. Evidently it was a marital tiff, so the lumbermen amusedly ignored their battle of wills, joking with Kathy and Landis as usual. Most assumed the newly weds didn’t have enough privacy or were suffering from too many lengthy separations.

  Kathy served their meal with speed and skill: things learned during these past weeks. She felt comfortable and safe here in Moore’s camp with her friends and her private cabin. But after her visit to Log Cabin and her new confrontation with Landis, she was more determined to get on with her search, impatient for the truth and a resolution to her emotional turmoil.

  Landis was in an unpredictable mood—if he was ever predictable. It was apparent he was trying to act calm and collected, but tiny traces of annoyance reached her. During the meal, he caught her eye and grinned, then asked, “How about some coffee, love?”

  Several men at his table glanced at him, then resumed their conversations. Moore relaxed, deciding his foul mood had nothing to do with Kathy. Perhaps Kathy was miffed with Landis for refusing to take her into the interior, or perhaps dismayed her husband was leaving again soon. Landis had rocked between moody and mellow ever since that first day of her arrival. Something was eating at his friend, something besides worry over his wife’s safety. Kathy was a good kid, a hard worker; Moore and his men liked having her around.

  Kathy walked over and filled Landis’s cup. She even leaned over and handed him the sugar. “Anything else, dear?” she sweetly asked.

  “I’m going to miss this good food and service when I leave.”

  “You wouldn’t if you take me with you,” she coyly murmured, hoping to inspire playful nagging from his friends.

  Mike and Danny chuckled. Landis glanced at them, then turned to send Kathy a loving reproof, but she was gone. He silently fumed as he sipped the hot liquid and mentally disciplined Kathryn.

  “You sure are in a sour mood tonight, Landis,” Mike concluded, observing the stormy-eyed man sitting across the narrow table.

  “I got things
on my mind,” Landis gritted out.

  “Such as leaving the little woman behind so soon?” Mike teased.

  “Partly. Anyone seen Slavin around since I nearly killed him?” Landis sullenly asked his friend.

  “Nope, but I heard he headed up Dawson way. Could be to find Doc Farley. You did some heavy damage. We’re keeping a close eye on Kathy for you,” Mike assured the apprehensive Landis.

  “Anyone else harass her?” Landis asked gingerly.

  “Not that I’ve seen or heard. She stays close to Moore’s area or her cabin. Who would dare go near the wife of Landis Jurrell?”

  “Not to mention tangling with twenty big brothers,” he jested.

  “More than that, there’s also Drayton and Jack.”

  “I’m lucky to have such good friends,” Landis stated genially.

  “You’re right,” he casually concurred, chuckling merrily.

  “With winter settling in, those tenderfeet and sourdoughs will be bored and rowdy. I’d appreciate it if you’d keep a closer eye on her.”

  Mike suppressed his amused chuckles. “Why don’t you hang your snowshoes here this winter?”

  “I’ve committed myself to several jobs. When those blizzards fly in, there’s no telling how rarely I’ll get down this far. She’s safer here than alone in my cabin. Course she’s a wee bit upset about my leaving her alone so much. She’d be delighted if she knew the Yukon in winter,” he mirthfully and guilefully chatted to halt any curiosity.

  “Can’t blame her, Landis. You ain’t had much time together.”

  “Shell get sick of me later. I’ve promised her the whole summer.” Mike, Danny, and Landis shared their laughter.

  To change the subject, Mike inquired, “How’s that charting going for the railroad? Those fellows from England making any progress?”

  Landis went over his last talk with Hawkins the engineer. “The mapping’s finished; the decision’s theirs. Mighty expensive plans. It’ll take around two years to complete over the route Heney planned. The locals won’t like this news. From the troubles inland, they don’t take kindly to having their land overrun with prospectors and trappers.”

  “It’ll open up the interior. I’d sure like to see some help with transporting that lumber,” Danny hastily remarked. “You think there’ll be real trouble when the railroad starts construction?”

  “Without a doubt,” Landis ventured. “Those Eskimos and Indians don’t need more outsiders trampling over their lands and taking their resources. You can’t blame ’em. Progress always leads hostilities and troubles in her path, greedy men willing to do anything to prosper.”

  “I’m sure ole Soapyll love to have all those workmen visit his saloons,” Mike knowingly asserted, grinning guiltily.

  Randolph “Soapy” Smith—there wasn’t a man in the Yukon who didn’t know about him and his devious exploits. Soapy was a feared and powerful villain. Suspecting his gambling tables were illegally run, men still flooded to them to be cleaned out of their earnings. If the trappers would mark their furs as the Mounties suggested, without a doubt, they could be traced to Soapy and his henchmen. Those who had crossed Smith had scars to prove their run-ins with his legendary iron knuckles—if they lived to display them. He was ruthless, cunning, and untouchable. Although the Mounties wanted him behind bars, Soapy stayed one step ahead of them, always covering his tracks. If Soapy didn’t supply three urgent needs in this wilderness of countless men—women, whiskey, and gambling—someone would kill him. As a heartless pimp, he peddled women’s flesh as easily as he breathed. Once entrapped in Soapy’s lair, there was no safety or escape.

  “They’ll enjoy Soapy’s offerings only if the Mounties don’t catch him in one of his phony deals first,” Landis ventured smugly. “That last crew I guided inland dropped some heavy facts. The Mounties are still having jurisdiction problems with the American Government. About eighty percent of the people in there are from the States. I doubt the locals and Mounties hold to them claiming land as well as gold and furs. If we’re lucky, the Mounties will prevent another confrontation with America like that battle of fishing rights.” The men nodded agreement.

  “How does Smith get away with so much?” Mike quizzed. “You’d think the Mounties would close him up. I’m surprised he didn’t get killed for those soap tricks he pulled. Can you believe a man would actually sell soap wrapped in a one-dollar-bill for five dollars? I’ll never understand how he earned his name with that trick without getting himself killed. Amazes me how many fools come along every day. Those gals in his saloons are terrified of him. I heard he never lets one leave once she goes to work for him. I know for sure them gambling wheels are rigged. I nearly lost my shirt one night!” he explained, recalling that episode.

  “Knowing and proving it are two different things, Mike. But the Mounties will nail him one day,” Landis vowed confidently.

  “Did they ever learn who killed those two Mounties? Two in the last three weeks, wasn’t it?” Danny questioned.

  Landis stiffened, then coldly replied, “Not yet, but Soapy’s hand was probably in there somewhere. From what Bill told me, someone lured them into traps. They’ll catch he…him. Did you and Kat have any trouble on your trip to Log Cabin? One of those Mounties was killed near there, the same day,” Landis casually stated, furtively watching Mike’s reaction.

  Mike didn’t want to reveal Kathy’s problems there, so he said, “Nope,” but failed to deceive the alert Landis.

  “Was that the only time you took her there?” he fished again.

  “Yep. Why?” Mike asked, sensing some point to these queries.

  “That other Mounty was killed a few weeks earlier, near the same location. I don’t think it’s wise for Kat to be in that area again. Have you seen any strangers hanging around here?” he made one last try.

  “None. But you don’t have to worry; she was safe with me.”

  Mike looked up and politely suggested, “We best clear out and let the ladies clean up. It’s getting late.”

  The men stood up and took their plates and cups to Harriet, all except Landis. As Kathy passed his table, he handed them to her and grinned. “Good food and service again tonight, Mrs. Jurrell.”

  Baffled by his mellow mood, her gaze was wary, as was her tone when she came back with, “I’m glad you noticed, Mr. Jurrell.”

  “Oh, I notice a lot of things, Kat, maybe too much,” he announced mysteriously, then swaggered out.

  Kathy burned her gaze into his retreating back. Jack tugged on her arm and asked, “Any problem with him, Kathy?”

  She turned and smiled at Jack. “No. But what are you doing here? I thought you left with Dray.”

  “I did, but I only went as far as the White Pass. We met up with Hard-Nose Pete and he took my place. I still have some supplies to pick up and deliver to Stewart. I’ll be leaving day after tomorrow.”

  “You will be back soon?” she asked apprehensively.

  “You bet. Make sure you pack warm clothes, girl.”

  “For what?” she asked, bewildered.

  “For our search, little sister,” he reminded her.

  “I don’t know what I would do if you weren’t here, Jack. But I’m not sure if I should go along. I was hoping you would ask around.”

  “You look worried, Kathy. Is something bothering you? Did Landis say you couldn’t go with me?”

  The work completed, Kathy told Harriet she was going for a walk with Jack. As they strolled along in the chilly night air, Kathy related her visit and impressions about Log Cabin. Jack looked mildly surprised, but not skeptical. “I only know what I’ve heard and seen about the Mounties, Kathy. But it sounds awfully odd to me. If they do know something and they’re not talking, there must be a reason. The sooner we trail your father, the better.”

  “If they lied, why? And I feel for certain Thomas did lie to me.”

  “But what could your father possibly have to do with the Canadian Government?” he reasoned aloud.

  “I
don’t know. Do you think it’s possible he crossed swords with them and they’ve done something to him?” she fearfully asked.

  “If he broke the law, seems like they would tell you. If he met with an accident, why should that be a secret? Mighty strange…”

  “Tell me about it! It’s driving me mad with weird speculations. Why keep his fate a secret? Since there’s no American law here, I’ll have to solve this riddle myself.”

  “With my help,” Jack merrily announced.

  They sat down on two large rocks near the water’s edge, the breeze playing havoc with Kathy’s long tresses. She reached up to hold the curls from her face. “It’s chilly tonight,” she absently remarked.

  “Chilly? This is mild compared to winter. No less than mid-fifties tonight. In a month, it’ll drop near zero.”

  They began to reminisce on their days in San Francisco, unaware that Landis was observing them. When Kathy shuddered from the brisk night air, Jack picked up his light woolen shirt and tossed it around her shoulders, then sat down beside her. As Kathy began to respond to Jack’s questions about her mother, their conversation was softly muted, suggesting loving feelings and words.

  Landis watched from the shadows until he could contain his fury no longer. He casually strolled over to join them. In view of their quarrel earlier today, Kathy couldn’t believe his boldness. He propped his booted foot on the rock deserted by Jack and gazed out over the moon-speckled water in the Lynn Canal.

  “Lovely night, isn’t it?” he nonchalantly murmured.

  “It’s cold,” Kathy corrected him, then stood up. “It’s late. I’ll talk with you tomorrow, Jack. Goodnight.”

  “I’ll walk you to your cabin, Kat,” Landis suggested just to annoy her, taking her arm and leading her away. “G’night, Jack.”