Golden Torment

by Janelle Taylor

  “He’s been in Skagway for days. He offered to help me.”

  “I guarantee Smith won’t help you anywhere, butinto the beds of his saloon. Once he gets his slimy hands on you…”

  She reached up to slap him, but he seized her wrist in a painless grip. “You filthy-minded bore! I’m not going to Dawson. He was bringing me here. How dare you suggest such a thing! I’m not a tramp!”

  “I never thought you were,” he snapped back.

  “Well that’s how it sounded! Now release me this instant.”

  “You want to find your father this badly, Kat?” he asked, his tone and mood suddenly mellow. Perhaps even contrite?

  “That’s why I’m in this godforsaken land. I hate it here. There’s too much suffering and sacrifice. I want to get on with my life. I need to find him,” she stated in a voice laced with frustration and sadness.

  “If it’s that important to you, then get your things; you’re coming with me,” he impulsively stated.

  “Coming with you? Where?” she asked in astonishment.

  “I don’t know. Wherever Jake Hammond is. We’ll look until we either find him or we’re certain he isn’t here.”

  “But you said you wouldn’t take me inland,” she argued.

  “You can’t expect me to leave my wife in the clutches of that vulture. If you’re this set on going inland, then I’ll take you. If I don’t beat some sense into you first,” he fiercely declared.

  “Why this sudden change of mind? You afraid I might find him before you and Thomas? Why did you ask me to come if you’re going to treat me like this? You don’t have to attack me for one mistake.”

  “What are you talking about? You’ve got one wild imagination, Kat. I haven’t discovered anything. Maybe I did treat you badly, but that’s no reason to get tangled up with Smith. Are you trying to spite me or make me jealous? What if I hadn’t been around today?”

  “You arrogant fool! I’m not trying to make you jealous or spite you. I have more important things on my mind!”

  “Listen to me, Kat; Smith is dangerous. If you don’t believe me, ask anyone in this entire territory. One of Bill’s men can take you back to Skagway. If you don’t want to come along with me, then wait for Jack. When I saw him yesterday, he was packing to head down.”

  “You’re not making any sense, Landis,” she stated in exasperation. “If you don’t have any news, why did you send that letter? You practically demanded I come here today. Now you claim you have no news of my father. And you didn’t have to remind me I was only borrowing your name. If it upsets you this much, then take it back. I know you said to come with Mike, but he was gone. I tried to ignore Smith’s offer, but Moore convinced me it was all right.”

  His ploy to unmask her worked, but not as he expected. Something was amiss. “You’re the one speaking in riddles, Kat. I haven’t the vaguest idea what you’re talking about, or doing here. Would you start from the beginning and explain this to me?”

  Kathy was utterly bewildered, but she complied. Landis gave that information some keen study. It wasn’t possible. “I didn’t sent any letter, Kat. I swear it,” he vowed, observing her warily. Who could possibly know such details about their marriage besides the two of them?

  “You must have,” she insisted, her thoughts matching his.

  “I just got here this morning, and I was heading for Skagway tomorrow—to try and talk you out of going inland with Jack when he arrived,” he added. After Kathy repeated the note word for word, Landis pointed out the same two errors Harriet had astutely noticed.

  Kathy paled, reaching for the sturdy tree to steady herself. For the time being, she believed him. “But if you didn’t, then who did? Why? Only a few people know our marriage is a sham.”

  Kathy and Landis stared at each other. Kathy actually looked distressed and alarmed. “Evidently someone knows too much about us, Kat. The question is, why lure you here?” Landis spoke first.

  “But I haven’t talked with anyone except Harriet and Jack. You’re the only other person who knows the truth,” she vowed fearfully.

  “I’m certain Dray suspects it. After all, he doesn’t know we’ve…spent time together. If Moore had doubts at first, he’s convinced now we’re madly in love and happily wed. That makes only five people, Kat, five without motives for this deception. What could it possibly accomplish?”

  “Nothing, except earning your fury and verbal abuse!” she declared, recalling his earlier harshness. “How was I to know the letter wasn’t from you? Jack wouldn’t have sent it and signed your name.” Suddenly she brightened with a wild conclusion. “You don’t think Moore or Dray would pull this to get us together, do you? Moore did persuade me to come. And Dray’s resolved to see us happy.”

  “I’m willing to bet Smith was towering over Moore when he agreed. It galls me for men to be so scared of Smith. Moore was crazy to let you leave camp. Ill have a word or two for him. As for Dray, he minds his own business. No, Kat, I’m sure they didn’t set it up.”

  Kathy’s apprehension and puzzlement were convincing to Landis. “What did you and Smith talk about? Surely you didn’t drop such hints to him?” he speculated worriedly, witnessing her astonishment.

  “Don’t be absurd.” Kathy willingly related her conversations with Smith, including Smith’s comments about her husband. When Landis grinned, she asked, “What happened between you two?”

  Landis shrugged noncommitally and said, “I’m about the only man around here who stands up to him. He’s afraid I might give others the gumption to resist him. As to his girls, that kind of female doesn’t appeal to me,” he stated smugly, pleased by the tone of her voice when she had mentioned that lie. “Besides, one infuriating vixen is enough to handle, especially when she’s the most beautiful one around.”

  Kathy flushed at his stirring words and expression. “I’m infuriating?” she teased.

  “Infuriating, frustrating, willful, and ravishing,” he declared.

  “So are you, Mr. Jurrell. You’re the most arrogant, insufferable, exasperating man I’ve met. You keep me in a constant state of confusion and tension. I never know what mood will greet me next,” she informed the chuckling Landis.

  “At least we don’t bore each other,” he ventured playfully.

  “How can we? We’re hardly around each other,” she chided.

  Landis smiled mischievously and hinted, “Is that why you pulled this little ruse, to join me? Don’t tell me you’re missing me?”

  Kathy’s smile faded. “Surely you don’t think I planned this?”

  “I was teasing. Let’s see if Bill can help solve this puzzle,” he said, watching her. They walked to the structure and entered. Landis poured Kathy some coffee and invited her to sit.

  As Smith was heading for the door, Landis remarked, “I hear you offered my wife a job in Dawson, Soapy. Forget it; she has enough to occupy her time and energy.” Landis looked at Kathy and smiled. Kathy inhaled sharply and appeared ready to protest his personal implication. Instead, she forced a smile and allowed her baffling husband to control this situation. Yet, she pondered his motive.

  “You forget I have a theater there. I hoped to persuade Mrs. Jurrell to bring some culture to this uncivilized land. She sings and plays the piano. It would be most lucrative for both of us. Too, it’s the best location to carry out her search,” Smith alleged craftily.

  “Whatever the reason, Soapy, Kat doesn’t belong near a place like that. She tells me you escorted her because of some phony letter from me. You wouldn’t know anything about that message, would you?” he asked, his voice and expression mocking. Landis absorbed Soapy’s knowledge of his wife. He looked at Kathy, then at Smith. “Somebody’s playing a trick on us. I didn’t send Kat a letter.”

  Bill quickly stated, “If someone sent you a note, someone’s trying to lure you out of Skagway. Do you have any enemies here, or someone who might want to meet you secretly?” he hinted, unsure of what help Landis wanted.

  “No one
knows me outside Skagway. I don’t think anyone would have reason to harm me,” she softly protested, disconcerted.

  “What about your father or that Slavin fellow from the ship?” Landis conjectured without warning to make certain her reaction was spontaneous and credible, as he watched Smith for any clue to a possible association with that foe. “He’s still around and bent on spite.”

  Kathy gasped and stared at him. Why would he mention Marc? “But he hasn’t been seen since your fight,” she exclaimed.

  “If he’s after revenge, Kat, he could be luring you inland. We know the message didn’t come from me. You’ll stay here tonight, then Sergeant Thomas can have one of his men take you home in the morning. I think I’ll check out this mystery before I join you.”

  Kathy looked up at him, holding her silence. Smith excused himself. Kathy patiently waited for her husband to explain; he didn’t. His mention of Marc disquieted her; there was no way Marc could know the things written in that note. Also impossible was his hint at her father. This episode was getting stranger by the minute…

  Thomas asked for a description of the man who had delivered the note. Landis and Bill exchanged looks when Kathy accurately described one of Smith’s henchmen. Bill said he would check around to see what he could learn, but didn’t enlighten Kathy to the man’s identity. Distracted, Kathy ignored their reactions.

  Smith stepped to the door to remind Kathy of her belongings. He glared at Landis, his mood tinged with fury at Landis for suspecting his scheme. That was another strike against Jurrell! Once more, he bid Kathy farewell and smiled.

  “I’ll fetch your things, Kat. You stay out of the chill,” Landis ordered. Kat was safer if Smith felt theirs was not a love match.

  The look which passed between the two men warned Kathy of their hatred for each other. She remained inside while Landis went for her pack. After Smith and his men rode off, Kathy sighed in relief and thanked both men for their assistance. “I shouldn’t have come with him,” she confessed, to diminish Landis’s irritation with her.

  “You handled yourself exceptionally well, Mrs. Jurrell,” Bill complimented her. “It’s not wise to make an enemy.”

  “An enemy? Of Smith? How?” she inquired.

  “You shouldn’t be so trusting, Mrs. Jurrell. In this territory, there are plenty of men who would take advantage of you. Anyone who defies Smith’s wishes becomes his enemy,” Bill warned.

  “Perhaps I was impulsive,” she confessed, not daring to focus an accusing look at Landis. “But I was tricked.”

  “Landis and I have spoken at some length about your problem. It seems I gave you the wrong impression when you came to visit me. I don’t know if Jake Hammond is around here; but if he is, I can assure you we’ll also attempt to locate him,” Bill informed her—but didn’t tell her why he was so anxious to locate the elusive Jake.

  Kathy blushed and sent Landis a scolding look. Bill chuckled. “Landis told me you didn’t believe me, but I don’t blame you. I had lots on my mind that morning and you were quite a shock to me. Landis said you were exceptionally beautiful and utterly charming, but I didn’t believe him until I saw you myself. It’s easy to see why he hog-tied you.”

  Kathy flushed once more, wanting to ask what else Landis had said about her. “I’m sorry if I misjudged you, sir. You must admit you did act very odd.”

  “I’ve had two Mounties killed lately while investigating some mysterious happenings. Suddenly a beautiful stranger walks in looking for some mysterious man. You must also admit I had reason to be wary.”

  Kathy’s tension slowly fled. She smiled at the now genial Bill. Evidently she had been wrong about him. Landis sat down. The cozy setting and Landis’s mellow mood unsettled her. What now? she mused.

  Both men laughed. “I’ll have one of my men see you home in the morning. If youll excuse me, I have something to check on.”

  “Thank you, sir. I really do appreciate your kindness and help.” Kathy watched Bill amble out of his office, leaving them alone. She looked over at Landis. He was sprawled in his chair, watching her intently. She couldn’t comprehend why he hadn’t told Bill she wasn’t returning to Skagway. Perhaps they would discuss their plans later. “Why did you mention Marc? Is he still here?” she asked.

  “I’m sorry about that, Kat. But he hasn’t left yet. I came across him near Whitehorse,” he told her, a slight tic twitching in his jawline. There was a brittleness to his eyes which alarmed her.

  “Did you two fight again?” she anxiously pressed.

  “Forget about him. I don’t think he’ll cause us any more trouble,” he evaded her query, his teeth clenched in reflection.

  “You don’t have to worry about me anymore, Landis. I can take care of myself,” she declared, knowing something violent had taken place between them. “I carry my gun, and I do possess a powerful name,” she cheerfully reminded him.

  Landis’s skeptical look challenged her statements. “I seem to recall those facts, Mrs. Jurrell,” he taunted devilishly.

  She grinned, but kept silent. “I’ll take you home in the morning. I was serious, Kat; I don’t want you leaving Moore’s camp again.”

  “But what about my going inland with you,” she reminded him.

  “I didn’t mean it, Kat. I was just trying to get you away from Smith. You frightened me when I thought you were that desperate.”

  “But…” she started to protest.

  “No buts, woman. I can move around faster and safer with you safe at home,” he stated with chilling finality.

  “One of Sergeant Thomas’s men can see me back to Skagway. I wouldn’t want to disturb your busy schedule,” she shot back.

  “Whatever you say,” he coolly agreed, then ceased their conversation as Bill returned.

  “I’ll have some supper sent in, then you can use my cabin tonight,” Bill stated matter-of-factly.

  “I really couldn’t put you out like that, sir.”

  “It’s the only place with privacy, Mrs. Jurrell. The other men bunk in a larger cabin together when they’re here. I can sleep with them or in my office for one night.”

  “That’s very kind of you, sir.” Kathy couldn’t help but wonder where Landis would sleep tonight, considering they were married.

  Supper was eaten in pleasant leisure. Most of the talking was between Kathy and Bill. He related colorful tales of his Mounties and the Yukon Territory. Kathy strained to ignore Landis, but he watched her like a hawk. When the meal was over, Bill questioned Kathy about her father once more to make certain he had all the pertinent facts.

  Kathy was aware of how closely Landis was hanging on her every word. Yet, he never asked a single question. Kathy offered to clear the table and wash the dishes, but Bill refused. He asked Landis to show Kathy to his cabin. Kathy was hesitant, but was forced to accept to avoid a silly scene. Her body was quivering with suspense.

  Kathy recalled their last encounter. He was always harping on no commitments, but he had declared love for her. Why were his secrecy and freedom so imperative? One moment he vowed “in name only”; the next, how much he wanted to keep her. They had made passionate love, then quarreled bitterly. He had tricked her before with a note; had he done it again, to gain a short privacy?

  Landis opened the cabin door and placed her pack inside. He turned to leave. “If you need anything, let me know.”

  “I’m fine, thank you. Goodnight, Landis.”

  As he was closing the door, he halted and looked back at her. “Kat…” he began, then stopped.

  “Yes?” she asked expectantly.

  He sighed heavily, then shook his head. “Never mind.” He closed the door and took a long walk in the headclearing night air.

  Kathy bolted the door and leaned against it. She would never understand that mercurial creature. Damn him for always being there to help her! Damn him for allowing her to fall in love with him! Damn him for attracting and repelling her like some powerful, cruel magnet! Why did she have such trouble recalling wha
t a rogue he was at times like this when he was compelling and beguiling? Would this destructive love and desire for him always be present?

  It wasn’t yet nine o’clock, but there was nothing to do except go to bed. Not expecting to have need of a nightgown on the trail, she hadn’t packed one. There was a cheery blaze burning in Bill’s fireplace. She wandered around the masculine and homey cabin, then began to undress. Bill’s quarters were warm and secure; so she decided to sleep in her chemise and bloomers. She pulled down the covers to find clean sheets. Suddenly she realized Bill must have ordered one of his men to tidy up, to change the linens, and to build a fire while they were having supper. Preparing a bridal chamber, she scoffed sadly.

  Bill Thomas…have I pegged you wrong? Or is this another way to disarm me? And you, Landis Jurrell, why are you suddenly so displeased with me? How will it look if you sleep elsewhere?

  Kathy suddenly bolted upright in the bed. When Landis had alluded to men changing their names, he had looked and sounded strange. Was he hiding out? If so, why make friends with Mounties? She flashed over their two nonsensical arguments.

  She had said her father was dead. He couldn’t have believed her outburst; for he was searching for Jake, wasn’t he? If Landis was in trouble, naturally he would be suspicious of her after all she’d said. That would explain his reluctance to get involved with any woman, particularly marry one. Naturally he couldn’t marry a woman using a phony name or risk telling her the truth about him. Marry her with a phony name? But that would mean their marriage wasn’t valid. No, he wouldn’t risk more trouble by illegally marrying her.

  He obviously didn’t want anyone getting too close to him. Could it be possible his feelings for her were real, that he only wanted to protect her from trouble? She recalled how her constant questions had provoked him. He had asked her to trust him, to wait for him to work out something. What? A pardon? Proof of his innocence in some crime? Proof they were no longer searching for him?

  Landis had displayed a violent streak during his fight with Marc. It was possible his temper had gotten him into trouble. He wasn’t a man to accept punishment, especially if he felt his crime justified. Surely she was clutching at straws; maybe she only wanted to find some reason for his past actions and moods. What would she do if she did learn he was a criminal on the run? What would she do if that was the only reason he couldn’t make a commitment to her? Had he endangered himself just to protect her?