Still, he couldn’t help but wonder what he would do and say if the moment for choosing between her and his duty was forced on him. He was too accustomed to having his way, to having his total freedom. If she decided to leave this territory, would he stop her? Could he? Did he have the right to make such a decision? You’re wrong about me, Kat, he said to himself. My heart’s not as frozen as this glacial territory. Would my life ever be the same if I lost you?
She had said she wouldn’t entrap him or charm him; yet, that was exactly what she was doing. He was trapped between her and his duty. Besides, he couldn’t forget Rodgers’s last message before his death, warning of a deadly dream with eyes like sea-water and hair of golden silk. What made matters worse for him was Telford’s last message that he was going to meet a “golden dream” for information. Both mounties had vanished, to later turn up dead, after two similar clues. It sure would make matters simpler if both men hadn’t been killed after Kathy’s mysterious arrival, while she was in the same area. Why had she asked-if Landis Jurrell was his real name? Why had she mockingly called him sergeant? Then, there were those two strange letters.
Landis scoffed at his suspicions. How could this gentle creature be involved in something like international intrigue? What was the matter with him? Where were those keen wits and instincts which he so often depended on for solving such problems? He knew; Kathryn Hammond Marlowe was playing havoc with his concentration! Jake Hammond was the answer to his dilemma; once found, the truth about her would be clear. That is, if Jake was actually her father…
As if he could mentally force the information from her head, he turned to drill his eyes into her. He stopped. Panic seized him. She wasn’t behind him, nor in sight! Landis dropped his pack and raced back around the last curve in the trail, breathing heavily in his alarm. Then, he saw her. She had dropped to her knees about two hundred yards back. So deep in his mental study, he wouldn’t have heard her call out to him. If he hadn’t come to awareness, she could have been left far behind. Fury aimed at both of them surged through his body.
He hurried back to her and stormed as coldly as the weather, “What are you doing? I was almost a mile ahead of you before I realized you weren’t behind me! We’ll freeze when that blizzard sets in!”
She looked up into his frigid expression, her face pale and cold. “We’ve been walking for hours, Landis. I had to rest a few minutes. I was going to catch up. I’m not used to this climate and to walking forever! I’m tired, and I’m hungry and thirsty. My hands and legs are numb. I can’t go any further. I can’t,” she whispered raggedly, lowering her head in exhaustion, too weary to feel ashamed of her weakness.
He dropped to one knee and seized her shoulders, shaking her. “Listen to me, woman; if you want to die, then sit here on your tail while you freeze. I’m going home where it’s warm and cozy, where there’s hot food, a bath and a bed. I’m tired, and cold, and hungry, too. So stop your whining and get to walking.”
“I’m not made of endless energy and strength like you are, Mr. Jurrell. I’m human, in case you haven’t noticed! I can’t move!” she protested weakly.
“You’ll stand up and start walking this minute or I’ll drag you the rest of the way,” he ominously threatened. “We’ll be there in a couple of hours if we get going. We’ve only got two hours of light left. In case you haven’t noticed,” he snarled, “that blizzard is stalking us like a grizzly! Look behind you!” he ordered.
Landis knew he had to force Kathy to move out. If she was so tired that she was refusing to take another step, he would have to make certain she did! Anger and pride normally gave a person extra energy; he had to work on those emotions.
“Do you recall how many times I warned you about coming inland? But you had to do it! If you can’t cut it here, why did you stupidly come in? Only a fool would lie down and die out here! I’ve seen men so eager to live they crawled on their bellies the last few miles to help! You really talked big back there. But when the going gets tough, you lay down and cry like a baby. Do you want me to die, Kat?” he tried another approach, the first one seeming to fail.
“Don’t be ridiculous,” she muttered feebly, eyes tearful.
“I can’t leave you here alone. If you don’t get off your lovely ass, then I’ll have to remain here with you. When that blizzard strikes, we’ll both be dead. Frankly I’m not in a dying mood tonight. Either get up or I’m going to tie a rope around you and drag you with me.”
Kathy began to weep. Landis quickly brushed at her tears, shouting, “Stop that or your eyes will freeze shut! Take my hand,” he offered, standing up and extending it to her. “Let’s go home, Kat.”
She looked at it, then closed her eyes briefly as she summoned the will and strength to take it. He was right; they had to get home before nightfall or the storm hit, whichever was first. From the way it was snowing, it would be a close race. Home, what a lovely word.
She placed her hand in his and murmured doubtfully, “All right. I’m coming. I’m sorry, Landis.”
He pulled her to her feet, then removed her pack. “You can’t carry both, Landis,” she faintly argued.
“I’ve carried twice as much weight ten times further than my cabin, and quicker,” he stated smugly. “You want a lift, too?”
Kathy risked a glance to their rear. The landscape was obliterated by what appeared an ethereal wall of white. Limbs encased in white, only dark trunks of trees could be seen, their upper branches blending into the white backdrop. The snow was swirling wildly and dancing freely on the brisk winds. She had to stare hard to detect faint outlines. Even the staunch evergreens appeared a muted gray. As she gaped at this ominous visitor, she fearfully realized the obscure white wall was moving closer and closer to them.
He tossed her pack over his left shoulder, then slipped his right arm around her waist. “Hold on to me for a while,” he suggested.
“I know I’m a pain, and I’m sorry. I didn’t realize it was like this in here,” she confessed softly. “I’m glad you found me.”
“Now you know. When you get back to Skagway, how about staying there? I’ll look for your father,” he stated.
They began to retrace the steps of Landis’s frantic race back to her. Kathy leaned against his hard body for support, his arm remaining around her waist. What had he been thinking to bring her along? he thought. He should have taken her back to Stewart. Hours ago, she would have been warmed and fed. It was too late for regrets now. He secretly glanced down at her. She was staring ahead, a look of sheer determination on her face as she took agonizing step after step. His heart soared with love and pride.
She looked up at him to ask him a question which had been plaguing her mind all day to find him watching her intently. He hastily focused his gaze ahead of them. Were those lines of intense worry etching his handsome face? He was truly concerned about their survival? It felt so good to be snuggled in his arms. As they reached his discarded pack, she smiled at him and stated optimistically, “I can make it now. What about the two men back there?”
“Their bodies are frozen by now, so they’ll be all right. When we get home, I’ll send a message to Log Cabin. You didn’t see any of the attackers?”
“No, I was too far away and hidden. I’m sorry. Do you think the Mounties will find out who did it?”
“Haven’t you ever heard their slogan? They always get their man—or woman,” he teased to lighten her mood.
As if shocked by that news, she inquired, “You mean you have female criminals? What could a woman do wrong here?”
“Don’t they everywhere?” he jested, placing the pack on his shoulders. “There are crimes, then there are crimes.”
She thought about that statement. “I suppose so,” she concurred.
“Ready?” he hinted, winking at her.
“No, but let’s go anyway,” she teased in return.
The last leg of their journey was a nightmare for Kathy. It was a painful blur of forcing herself on and enduring the aches o
f her rebellious body. Landis moved as if by instinct, seeming to follow an inner compass in this area visibly altered by nature. Several times Landis had to take her hand and tug her forward when she began to unknowingly linger behind. She finally reached the point when she was even too fatigued to plead or to cry.
Within a mile of his cabin, she collapsed to her knees. He bent over her and encouraged, “We’re almost there, Kat.”
“You go on without me. I can’t go any further, Landis. I…”
Before the last words could come forth, she went limp. He grabbed her to prevent her from falling face forward into the snow. He shook her and called her name; she was out cold. When he realized he couldn’t arouse her, he was left with only one choice.
He lay her on the ground and walked off a short distance. He removed both packs and hid them beneath some overhanging branches, dislodging their coats of white. It was almost dark and he could barely see; yet, he knew this area well. He went back to Kathy and picked her up in his arms. He headed for his cabin, the white blanket at his feet so deep now that it threatened to trip him. He wished he had his snowshoes, but he hadn’t packed them this trip. He would retrieve the packs in the morning. Right now, he had to get her inside and warm.
After a while, his own energy was draining. This kind of walking was difficult alone, but carrying-someone else…He shifted her light weight and gently tossed her over his shoulder, making his task easier on him. Finally, the cabin loomed just ahead.
He inhaled in irritation; the cabin was dark. That meant Ben wouldn’t have a cozy fire and hot meal ready. He reached the door and unlocked it, stumbling inside in the darkness. He headed for his bed and placed Kathy there. He pulled off her boots, testing her icy toes. He drew off her furry gloves and kissed the palm of each cold hand. He struggled to remove her parka, pants, and flannel shirt without awakening her. She needed rest and sleep more than food.
When she was undressed, he placed her under the covers. He grinned as she snuggled into a tight ball to get warm, not once opening her eyes. He pulled the covers over her and tucked her in. He closed the cabin door, after kicking out the snow which had tumbled inside. Then Landis went to build a fire to melt away nature’s icy fingers. Once he had a nice blaze nipping at the wood, he looked for a note from Ben. He always let Landis know where he was and how long he would be gone.
Landis scanned the words on the page and smiled broadly, eying the bundle in his bed. Ben had left early this morning, to be gone for two weeks. Landis cautioned himself not to whistle merrily as he prepared some coffee, then hot biscuits. What better way to ferret out the truth from Kathy than to have her in his control?
“One day I’ll repay you for this timely favor, my friend,” he murmured, then laughed softly.
Eleven
Kathy snuggled into the softness of the bed, sighing and stretching languidly. She felt deliciously warmed and relaxed. After yesterday’s torturous journey…yesterday? Flashes of her hazardous ordeal swept through her gradually awakening mind: the glacial weather, the endless cold and physical demands, the misery, the doubt of survival, and Landis’s continuous pressure and harsh words. She recalled her collapse in the freezing snow near dark. Was she dead?
She trembled and her eyes fluttered, fearing to test this dire thought. “Cold, love?” a vibrantly rich voice inquired.
Her sapphire eyes flew open and she looked into ones as dark as midnight itself. Her gaze scanned his handsome, bold features. His ebony hair was slightly mussed, as if he had just returned from the windy outdoors. Her eyes eased down his chest, noting the furry mat which was peeking from beneath a heavy shirt and fur-lined jerkin in deep brown. His large hands rested on hips encased in black pants.
Landis enjoyed her scrutiny, one which caused a tightening in his loins. He smiled, eyes and mouth softening. He ran fingers through his hair, watching her. “Hungry?” he asked, sitting down.
“I’m not dead?” she exclaimed.
“You did sorely tempt fate, but I don’t give up my property so easily,” he laughed.
Kathy sat up, the covers falling to her lap. She moved her shaky hands up and down her arms to test for feeling. She glanced at her unfamiliar surroundings. “Where are we?” she inquired.
“My cabin. Breakfast is about ready if you care to join me.”
“How did we get here? I remember passing out on the trail.”
“I carried you. I might add, someone as light as you is heavy under those conditions,” he laughingly informed her, tugging on a straying curl.
“Why?” she asked. “You said if I couldn’t make it you’d leave me behind,” she refreshed his previous threat.
He threw back his head and laughed heartily. “That was just to give you spunk. You know I wouldn’t leave you out there,” he tenderly scolded her. “You best put some clothes on before I forget about food. You must be starved; you missed supper. You were so exhausted I couldn’t awaken you.”
She looked down to see she was undressed, then gasped and pulled the covers to her neck. “Is your friend here? What did he say about my unexpected arrival?”
“Ben’s gone for two weeks,” he stated, caressing her flushed cheek.
“You mean we’re alone here?” she squeaked, suddenly unsure of herself and this heady situation, observing his sensual grin.
“Yep. You get dressed and I’ll finish breakfast,” he suggested, not making a romantic advance, to her surprise and disappointment. After all, she was in his bed and alone in his cabin. He was awfully spirited—yet restrained—this morning.
“Are you still mad with me about yesterday?” she asked.
“Only for venturing in here. Maybe now you’ll believe me when I tell you this isn’t a safe place for you. I should get you to Skagway as soon as possible,” he added, which baffled and disappointed her. “I believe you’ve had a menacing taste of my territory.”
“You’re mighty eager to get rid of me all of a sudden, Mr. Jurrell. What happened to your invitation to stay with you?” she scoffed.
“I assumed you’d be demanding to leave after my overbearing treatment yesterday. To survive, I had to keep pushing you, even threatening you. I think you can see that now. As to staying here, you’ll have to remain at least two weeks, or find someone else to take you back. Think you can endure my offensive company that long?” he hinted with a sly grin.
“The loner gets lonely? You want me to stay until Ben returns?”
He chuckled, his eyes dancing with mischief. “I can think of better reasons to enjoy your company for two weeks. If I simply wished a female’s company, there are plenty in less than a day’s reach.”
She tensed in annoyance, her smile vanishing. She pertly stated, “No doubt they quarrel over who’s going to entertain you when you reach Dawson.”
“No doubt,” he playfully fenced. “But that sounds more like words coming from Soapy’s mouth than this lovely one,” he charged, running his finger over her lips. “I’m not a priest, Kat, but I don’t hanker to spend time with cheap women. I’m a man, but I do have a fetching wife.”
She travelled his arresting features and virile physique. She grinned and remarked brazenly, “Yes, Mr. Jurrell, you are a man, very much so. Do you go to Dawson often?” she probed helplessly, looking down at her hands.
He smiled and playfully accused, “Why, you jealous?”
“Why should I be? After all, you are my husband. But I was referring to going there for other reasons,” she lied noticably. “If you’re going to search for my father, that seems the best place to start.”
“I’ll take you there in a few days, if you wish. Of course, you’ll probably want to stay once you see it. It’s the only civilization around.”
She laughed saucily and asked, “You want to keep me to yourself for a while? Afraid I might trade you for another protector?”
“If there’s one thing this territory has, it’s plenty of available men. But I think you’ll be better off with me. I do have a prior claim.�
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“For fear of enlarging that swollen head of yours, I won’t agree. You have a nice home here,” she noted, vividly changing the subject.
“I like it, and it does the job. Coffee?” he suggested, heading for the stove in the adjoining room.
“Marvelous,” she replied, getting out of bed. “Where are my clothes?”
“I was tempted to hide them. But being the gentleman I am, I dried them by the fire instead. Over here,” he pointed to where her clothes were warming by the open fire.
She retrieved them. Landis eased up behind her, allowing his strong arms to encircle her waist. “They might not be warm enough to put on yet.”
She felt them. “It appears they are. Thanks.”
Still, she didn’t make any attempt to free herself and dress. Instead, she leaned back against his hard body, placing her hands over his. “You saved my life, Landis. How will I ever repay you?”
“Give me a moment; I’ll think of something.”
“I’m sure you will.” Her body quivered as much as her voice.
“I’m not a strong man when it comes to rejecting golden dreams.”
She turned in his embrace and looked up into his enticing expression. “Then why do you?” she boldly challenged.
Their eyes met and fused silently. His hands unlocked and wandered up into her silky tresses, then roamed over her shoulders and down her arms. He abruptly pulled her arms loose, then backed away a few steps. Bewilderment flooded her eyes. “Maybe this golden dream is too costly. I’ll finish breakfast,” he stated again, his frame taut and his mood odd.
“Self-preservation again, Mr. Jurrell?” she humorously teased. “Aren’t you forgetting some dreams are free for the taking?”
“Nothing comes free, Kat,” he parried. “Everything, including love and passion, has its price and responsibilities.”
“You could be wrong, you know. Maybe the price isn’t so terrible after all. Besides, you’ve already made a hefty down payment.”
Golden Torment Page 24