Kathy snuggled into his arms and was promptly asleep. Landis propped up on his elbow and gazed down at her. Was his good fortune real? Could this woman trust him and accept him without question? Could he do the same with her? Please don’t be deceiving me, Kat, he thought. I wouldn’t want to hurt you…He lay down and closed his eyes, sleep nearly impossible. Perhaps he had overreacted to her defensive outburst. How could this child-woman be a sinister threat?
Maybe she was right; maybe this was happening too quickly. She was getting to him. Trouble was, he couldn’t relax or relent until that letter to America about Jake Hammond came in…
Kathy yawned and stretched as lovely memories of the night before filled her first waking thoughts, rolling to her side to greet her husband, her fiery lover. But his side of the bed was cold and empty. Kathy sat up and looked around, warm air touching her nude body. Landis wasn’t in the cabin, but a bright fire was going. There was a note on his pillow; she seized it and read it. She smiled as she viewed the handwriting, which didn’t match the puzzling note’s in Skagway. She suddenly questioned why she hadn’t realized that point before, as this was her second note from him. Perhaps her excitement had prevented it.
Kat,
Thought it best to let you sleep late. Come to Bill’s office when you’re awake, then I’ll take you back to Skagway.
Kathy was slightly miffed by the absence of affection in his note. How she wished she could have awakened to him beside her, then made passionate love before their impending separation. She supposed she should be grateful for what little time they could share. But how long could they continue this way, resigned to stealing a few hours together? She missed him already and they were still together in a way. Hearing men’s voices, she peeked outside to hopefully catch a first glance of Landis. She was surprised to see it was mid-morning. She had slept awfully late, delaying their return to Skagway. He could be so considerate when he wanted to be and she resented another separation.
Eager to see him, she bathed off with the water and towel so thoughtfully laid out for her. She hugged herself and laughed softly, dreaming of the long hike to Skagway with her love. She hastily dressed, sorry she didn’t appear more feminine for Landis. He loved her as she loved him. How foolish she had been! At last, things were right between them. Now, to seek her love…
But the morning hadn’t gone as smoothly and happily for Landis. An early riser, he had slipped out at dawn and headed for the cook-house, stretching out before the fire and sipping the coffee he had just made. When three other Mounties entered, Landis made some discoveries which stunned him.
Late last night, Trace Blitch had returned to Log Cabin from headquarters to the East. Since Landis had turned in for the night with his wife, he wasn’t disturbed. No one teased him this morning, but their sly grins spoke loudly. Being a self-contained loner, this situation with Kat caused him to feel vulnerable, too human. Obsessive love was a weakness, and Landis Jurrell bitterly resisted that image.
Trace Blitch entered the room, sending Landis a roguish grin. When the sturdy Mounty handed him a letter from America, he chuckled and teased, “I knew you were eager for this letter from Washington, but seems I couldn’t find you last night. When do I get to meet the angel who shackled Mr. Wanderlust himself?”
Landis flashed him a reproving grin, then reached for the letter. He was briefly tempted to cast it into the fire without reading it. Instead, he stood up and pulled on his parka to avoid the early morning chill. He walked out and headed for the edge of the woods. He leaned against a towering spruce tree and ripped open the envelope from George Preston, a friend who had previously worked with him on several international problems, who was presently assigned in Washington.
Almost reluctant to learn the contents, Landis began slowly, smiling at George’s flair for wit. To make certain he wasn’t missing a single fact, Landis read the letter two more times, each time with rising vexation. Things didn’t add up to his liking.
Recalling how Kathy had easily drawn him into her golden trap once more, rage gnawed at his gut. He balled his fist and slammed it into the immovable tree, bruising his knuckles. He cursed his fury and stupidity, rubbing the bleeding hand. What to do with this information? For sure, let her know she didn’t have him fooled one bit, at least pretend she hadn’t!
Landis stalked to the office and stormed inside, slamming the door behind him. Bill glanced up from his desk, the genial grin quickly replaced by a baffled scowl. “What’s up, Clint?”
Landis halted abruptly and pensively stared at his fellow officer, one whose rank matched his, for the time being. He was on loan to Bill in Bill’s territory, but he didn’t like working in the dark. Bill had been tight-lipped since Landis’s marriage. Professional rivalry? Fear of an accidental leak? Landis didn’t volunteer any information. That little witch would pay dearly if the letter was true. Betrayal and anguish gnawed at him. Again, he feared she wasn’t Kathryn Hammond. “Nothing,” he growled moodily, nursing his injured hand and his wrath.
Bill looked at the wound. “What happened to your hand?”
“Dropped a log on it,” he lied. He went to a side table and began to wash away the blood. He pulled a cloth from a medicine box and went to stand before Bill’s desk. Before he could pull any speculations from Bill about Jake, the door opened and Kathy came in, smiling at both men.
Bill returned the genial smile, but Landis sent her a black frown. She came forward, instantly noting his injury. “What happened, Landis? Let me help,” she offered, reaching to take the cloth to bind the wound. His reaction surprised both Kathy and Bill.
Landis pulled away, muttering, “I’ve had plenty of practice, Mrs. Jurrell. We need to talk,” he coolly informed her.
Kathy fused a lovely scarlet and kept silent. What had gotten into him? Why was he so sullen and terse this bright morning?
Without delay, Landis took her arm and led her to Bill’s cabin. “Are you angry with me for some reason, Landis?”
“Should I be, Kat?” he sarcastically replied.
Bewilderment washed over her face and settled in her eyes of sapphire. She mutely watched him wind the cloth around his hand and tie it with his teeth. He looked up, his gaze impenetrable and cold. “Why did you really come here, Kat?” he demanded icily.
“You know why, because of that mysterious letter. Exactly what are you asking me?” she inquired, sensing that wasn’t his point.
“Don’t you agree it’s rather curious for a young woman to come to a dangerous place like this looking for a father who was killed in Texas years ago,” he enlightened her. “Seems to me a woman who knows so many high officials in the American government could find some assistance and protection from them. Why do you need a simple Canadian’s help? Tell me, are you truly Kathryn Leigh Hammond?”
Kathy’s face drained of color at his nasty tone and the implication behind his words. Landis grinned maliciously as if he had unmasked some vile criminal.
“What? How do you know such things?” she asked, struggling to get the question out, her heart racing wildly.
“I have ways, helpful friends in high places, too.”
“You’ve been checking on me?” she inquired in disbelief. “Why?”
“Why, indeed?” he sneered. “Seems you forgot to tell me quite a few things about yourself, my tawny-haired bride.”
“You know far more about me than I know about you,” she scoffed, then added, “much more.” She stared at him. “How dare you invade my privacy in such a despicable manner. All you had to do was ask me, ask me anything. You had no right to. investigate me.”
“Didn’t I? After all, you are my wife. Since you seemed so intent on worming your way into my life and confidence, I wanted to know if you were worth keeping. Now, I want to know why. Would you care to enlighten me?” he snarled.
“Well you’re vastly mistaken! I had no intention of ever seeing or speaking to you again until last…yesterday. This marriage means nothing to you. You’ve been p
laying games with me ever since my arrival. Think what you will; I couldn’t care less,” she shot at him, the dire scene tormenting her and destroying her recent happiness. He was serious! How could he do and ask such things if he loved her?
“Well, it wasn’t a total loss; we did share a pleasant honeymoon,” he cracked, enjoying the look of humiliation and anger on her face. “If you know what’s good for you, wife, you’ll hightail it to Skagway. This time, stay there until I give you permission to leave,” he commanded, making a grave error.
“You don’t own me; you can’t order me around!” she shouted.
“I do, and I can,” he vowed. He held his breath as he ruthlessly attempted to seek one plaguing truth, “Our marriage is ironclad, Kat; I’ll never release you. As long as you live, you’re mine.”
Kathy paled and trembled, gaping at him. “You’re mad!”
“No, Kat Jurrell; I’m deadly serious,” he stated.
When she vowed to end their charade, he chuckled mockingly, not the least concerned or convinced.
“See you around,” he sneered, heading for the door to leave.
“I hope not!” she avowed at his retreating back.
Landis chuckled wickedly, then came back to hand her the letter he had withdrawn from his shirt pocket. “Might be fascinating reading,” he hinted. He seized her and almost savagely ravished her mouth, then left. He picked up his gear on the front porch and disappeared into the woods, heading for Whitehorse.
Kathy read the letter in amazement, as she rubbed her tingling lips. Last night had been a cruel charade. No doubt he had sent that letter to lure her here for revenge. What was her crime against him? Why doubt her? Did he think her to be some…some what? As Landis did, she had to read the letter a few times:
Salutations my friend Landis,
Re: September 9 letter, I have investigated the matter as thoroughly as possible considering the length of time since Jake Hammond’s departure from Washington in ’81.
Jake Hammond was owner of a highly profitable shipping firm near here. From what I could learn, he had connections with many American government officials (mostly in the offices of Sec. of State, Interior, Attorney-General, Sec. of War, and Navy). He was known to socialize with several Presidents.
Seems he left Washington on business in ’81 and never returned. There were some hints of a marital dispute, but couldn’t locate anyone who knew the truth of it. He was reported killed in Texas about five years ago.
As to the daughter you mentioned, she’s traveling with her mother at present. Don’t know where or why. I did learn Lamont in the War Dept. is keeping an eye and ear on both women. She’s eighteen and said to be most beautiful. Both women continued their friendships with previously mentioned families. Mighty important connections if you asked me. The mother hasn’t remarried to date. I did learn the daughter was seen often with Garrick Dillon.
Dillon was quite a character in these parts. He worked for the Attorney-General’s office until he was caught stealing information and selling it to other countries. Poor fellow was shot for spying. As you know, Americans don’t deal nicely with traitors.
Appears Miss Hammond was in great social demand. She was often seen in the company of young men working in “sensitive” government positions, if you catch my drift. Might be coincidental.
Sorry I can’t send more facts. Will continue quest. Hope you find these helpful.
Your friend, George Preston
Kathy began to laugh and cry at the same time as she deliberated the implications in that letter. She had vowed last night he could trust her; but if he was in trouble, it wouldn’t appear that way. “You bloody fool! It’s all lies,” she whispered softly. “I despised Garrick Dillon. I only saw him on occasion when my mother insisted he be the one to escort me to a dinner or the theater. As to friends in ‘sensitive’ areas, they were friends of my parents; I didn’t select them. Contrary to your insinuations, my love, I did ask everyone I knew to help me find my father. His death was just a legal device to settle his estate. Papa’s partner suggested it. Papa hadn’t been seen or heard from ’81. It seemed logical to assume he was dead, but I never accepted it. The only way we could touch his holdings and settle matters was to have him declared dead. Garrick arranged it with the help of the Attorney-General’s office. It was only a ruse, like our marriage.”
Landis clearly didn’t trust her; his mind was set on seeing her as some threat to him. This letter only gave him an excuse to return to his carefree ways. What would happen when he learned the truth? He never explained himself; why should she? If she was supposed to trust him, then he should trust her. Last night’s dream of a real marriage was now a frightening nightmare. Somehow she had to find her father and settle both painful battles.
Bill and Kathy ate breakfast before she left. Later, one of his men escorted Kathy back to Skagway, as Mike had gone on to Whitehorse yesterday. When she entered Moore’s camp with the splendidly dressed Mounty, Harriet and Griff went to meet her.
“Kathy! I’ve been worried sick about you. What happened?”
“The note was a trick; it wasn’t from Landis. I spent the night at Log Cabin and Sergeant Thomas sent me home,” she briefly explained her adventure, excluding the agonizing details. After thanking the observant Trace Blitch, she instantly asked if Jack had arrived during her absence as Landis had informed her. Trace lingered in hearing range.
Harriet told her Jack had arrived yesterday, then quickly left by the Chilkat Pass to intercept them. “He was frantic when he discovered you’d left with Smith. He knew the letter wasn’t from him.”
“Will nothing go right for me here?” she wailed, stomping her foot in annoyance. “I’ve got to find him, Harriet.”
“Don’t fret. According to Jack, Landis should arrive today.”
“I saw Landis at Log Cabin. He isn’t coming here. I meant Jack; time’s running out.” Determination filled Kathy’s voice and eyes. She would find her father and prove Landis’s suspicions false and absurd! “I must find Jack; he’s taking me inland.”
“You can’t leave here, Kathy; it’s too dangerous.”
“I have no choice; Landis is too busy to help me.”
Griff inserted, “Moore’s got two Eskimos taking supplies to Whitehorse tomorrow. He might let you go with them.”
“I’ll convince him; you’ll see,” she vowed confidently, smiling at the laughing Griff and sourfaced Harriet. As if the decision was a foregone conclusion, she rushed to her cabin to pack for her latest journey.
As she packed, Harriet informed Kathy of some daring plans of her own. She had sent for the horses she had left behind in Seattle. She was building another cabin, a larger one. She fully intended to transport goods over that pass and establish a hotel here. Kathy felt Harriet could accomplish anything she set her mind to doing.
“If you plan to head inland, why are you fighting my decision?”
“I’m used to hardships and labor; you aren’t, Kathy dear.”
“I’m learning fast, Harriet, or hadn’t you noticed?”
Their gazes fused in understanding. They burst into merry laughter, wisely waiting until later for a deeper talk.
Nine
Kathy could hardly believe how easy it had been to persuade Moore to let her go to Whitehorse with the two hired Eskimos. Perhaps he relented because of her desperate lie, claiming she was meeting Jack and Landis. Her daring ploy had worked, for she was on the steep trail which inched its way to that wild interior. Moore had almost reneged when it had begun to snow. Fortunately they had left Skagway before the flurry grew into winter’s first full-fledged storm.
Not that it hadn’t snowed sparse amounts before this day, but it had always been light and had melted quickly. Today, however the winds were exceptionally chilly and the flakes were falling more rapidly and heavily than before. The two Eskimos seemed unconcerned, so Kathy decided this was a natural occurrence.
This journey had begun with a sense of familiarity for
her. They had trudged up the canyon over trails beaten down by overloaded pack horses and countless feet of prospectors. Kathy tensed each time they passed near precipitous cliffs, then sighed in relief when the danger was past. The Eskimos would nudge each other and chuckle at her white face, offering only words of encouragement, but no help, as gentle Mike had done.
It was apparent to Kathy they didn’t care to have a sluggish, frightened female along. She knew she was slowing down their pace, but she did the best she could. She was quick to follow orders and resolved never to complain. Even when she was so weary and breathless she feared she couldn’t move another step, she forced herself to do so.
Kathy was delighted the two men didn’t even hesitate for a moment as they passed near Log Cabin. By the time they had reached White Pass—the boundary line between Canada and Alaska—they had ascended over two thousand feet. Following those rugged and treacherous miles, the countryside suddenly gave way to smaller foothills and inspiring scenery. The descent was swifter and required less energy and skill to master. By the end of that arduous day, no relief was in sight.
The two men didn’t halt in any tiny settlements. The walking trek steadily progressed, Kathy allowed her mind to empty of all except her efforts and the impressive countryside. She had never seen any place so rugged and formidable. Despite the sights and sounds, the endless trek became a grating monotony. Several times they spooked animals. Once, she feared a large caribou would actually charge them. He snorted loudly and pawed the ground a few times in warning, then arrogantly trotted off at a slow pace. They saw a few foxes and other furry creatures which hurried off too quickly to be recognized.
They braved on to the edge of Lake Bennett and the end of the White Pass trail. The men calmly set to making camp for the night. After consuming a meal of cold biscuits with dried meat and steaming coffee, the men rigged a brush shelter to shield Kathy from the still falling snow. Kathy was grateful for this unexpected show of kindness.
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