“Bill’s been dong some checking on him. Seems Hammond has some connections to people in questionable areas. It’s settled he came here a few years ago, but we don’t know if he’s still around. Some of those expeditions were phony, ways to contact Hammond. Bill thinks you should keep a sharp eye on his daughter,” he said reluctantly.
“What do you mean?” Landis demanded, his tone wintry.
“I know you married her, Clint, but blinding emotions are deadly. Bill hopes her quest isn’t a cover to sneak out some reports,” he said gingerly, pondering how deeply his friend was involved with her.
“If she was in on this scheme, why wouldn’t she use his code name? It sounds foolish to let us know he’s here,” Landis reasoned.
“Maybe she doesn’t know what’s going on. Or, maybe she does. It’s a perfect cover, Landis: daughter seeks missing father, then delivers papers home. Course, there’s another possibility,” he intimated carefully.
“Like what?” Landis snarled under his breath. “She isn’t Miss Hammond; she’s my wife,” he foldly added. “She doesn’t know who or what I am.”
“There is a Kathryn Hammond, but is she the real one? Could be she’s his accomplice. She has to locate him. A beautiful woman alone looking for her father…droves of men would be eager to help. Would make her job safer and swifter if she locked up with one, especially a powerful one in your position. You sure she isn’t aware of your identity?”
“Does Bill think she’s a phony?” Landis inquired sullenly.
“He’s more inclined to see her as a pawn. I didn’t spend much time with her, but she surely has the qualifications to be successful in whatever she wants to do. She caught you, didn’t she?” Trace teased.
A black scowl flickered over Landis’s face as he observed Trace’s appreciative smile. “Who made the connection between Wilds and Hammond? Sounds crazy to jeopardize her mission by carelessly dropping his name, if she is on one,” he harshly reasoned.
“Tent walls aren’t impenetrable. McLorey was passing by, nosing around their camp, when he overheard the tail of a talk. One of the other men asked Wilds if he was going to look up Hammond while they were here. Wilds silenced him instantly and warned him never to mention that name around these parts again. Tim thought that strange and reported it to Bill. Bill started giving your wife’s story another look. He’s got one of our agents in Washington nosing around. Appears this Hammond was in tight with the War Department and the Interior Department. Fact is, he wasn’t killed in Texas. We need some help on this case, my friend. Why don’t you head back to Skagway and see what you can learn from the little woman. Doesn’t sound like an unpleasant task to me. In fact, in your best interest.”
Landis’s frown vanquished his grin. “That won’t be necessary. She’s here with me.”
Trace looked astonished. He stared at the cabin, then at Landis. “You mean she’s here with you and Ben?”
“Just with me. Ben’s upriver.”
“I see,” he muttered knowingly. “Business or pleasure?”
“Looks like both, doesn’t it?” he coldly announced. “I think I’ll mosey over to Wilds’s camp tomorrow. I’d like to locate this Hammond myself. As you said, I have a personal interest in solving this case.”
Trace brazenly advised, “It isn’t wise to get personally involved in a case, Clint. Maybe I should handle this matter. Her story might check out after all.” Trace wanted to ask why he married her, but didn’t.
“Either way, I’ll handle her,” Landis vowed, his gut churning viciously at the idea of deceiving her in such a repulsive manner. Here he was trying to solve their differences, but more were blooming. “Do me a favor, Trace; whatever you discover, let me know before you report it to Bill. If Kat’s in over her head, I’ll need to work it out.”
Neither man noticed as the door was eased open a crack, Kathy’s curiosity overpowering. She couldn’t see either man where they were standing, but she could make out their next words and recognized the voice of the Mounty who had escorted her from Log Cabin to Skagway.
“Bill got anyone investigating those rigged wheels at Soapy’s?” Landis altered the topic, jesting, “You Mounties ought to stop him.”
“He called in a man from McKenzie, one they won’t recognize. He’s dressed like a sourdough, using the story of looking for another claim around here. Hopefully we’ll have some hard evidence soon.”
“Did Bill learn anything about those two killings I reported the other day? I saw McLorey when I went to Dawson Tuesday. He said he’d give Bill the message. Kat claims she didn’t see who did it.”
“I didn’t hear anything before I left headquarters, but I’ll check for you. Did you talk with Carmack yesterday when you went over to Bonanza Creek? I really need any information you can glean for me.”
“Didn’t see him. Looks like they’re getting settled in for the winter. Gonna be trouble there before long; some of those tenderfeet aren’t ready for fall, much less winter,” he scornfully sneered.
“Did you check out the Indians’ dispute with Ladue’s trappers?”
“I passed by two days ago. Ladue pulled his men out. Things are quiet for now. You Mounties expect me to do all your work for you?”
“Hawkins ready to go ahead with the railroad?”
“They plan to start clearing the route after the spring thaw; then work all year round. Can’t say as I envy his crew.”
“Won’t be any trouble with the Chilkats, but there’ll be plenty with those Tagish. Bill’s planning to have a man assigned to peacekeeping along the way. We really appreciate your help.”
“That sounds smart to me. If you see London, don’t tell him Kat’s here with me. I’d like to keep her around a while longer. My bones are cold. How about some coffee?” Landis offered.
“Thought you’d never ask,” Trace teased, then chuckled.
“Tell Kat you’re here to question her about the killings,” Landis suggested. “I don’t want her upset.”
“Is there something between you two?” he fenced, laughing.
“Shell only be here for another week,” he rashly blurted out.
“Seems to me like a cozy way to spend the winter.”
“Got too much to do. She’s going home next week.”
“If you aren’t careful, someone might take her off your hands.”
“They can try, but it won’t work. She’s utterly smitten by me.”
“What about when she leaves next week?”
“Come on. Let’s get that coffee.”
“We do need your help. You can get in and out of places we Mounties can’t,” he jested, grinning at his friend.
Kathy left the door and hurried into his bedroom. She sat down on his bed, her head spinning with the insinuations in their words. Then again, perhaps Landis didn’t like being teased about her. That enormous pride of his was always getting between them. Too, he had lied to her. No, not exactly lied, just misled her. He hadn’t been trapping. Was he simply trying to keep her presence here a secret, or was there more to it? She couldn’t question him or demand an explanation if she didn’t wish to be sent packing. But why keep her presence a secret; they were married! She was suddenly very curious about that secret compartment behind the picture, the one she hadn’t dared to investigate even during his absences. Question was, why was he making secret ventures and then recording them? If it was simply a personal journal, why so covert? Landis was an exceptionally good friend to the Mounties, keeping them well-informed on happenings in this area. But why had he told Trace to lie to her? Was he worried about her safety?
The bedroom door opened and Landis came inside. Kathy glanced up at him, her expression devoid of the turmoil inside. “If you’re awake, love,” he began cheerfully, “Trace Blitch is here to ask you some questions about the shootings. Would you join us for coffee?”
His manner was foolishly formal. Kathy sent him a scolding look. She came forward and entered the other room behind Landis. “I would be deli
ghted to entertain our first guest,” she sweetly murmured, as Landis took three mugs and poured steaming coffee into them.
“How about we sit over here near the fire; I’m chilled through and through,” he said.
Trace took a seat at the table as Landis passed around the coffee. Playing along with Landis’s ruse, Kathy stated, “My husband says you wish to question me about the shootings. How did you learn about our attack? We haven’t seen anyone to report them.”
Landis quickly invented, “Trace said two miners found the bodies and took them to Stewart. When he investigated, he learned you had been with them. He came to ask me to assist his search for you. I filled him in outside.”
Landis inwardly flinched at the skeptical look which glinted in her sapphire eyes. “How very convenient for you, Mr. Blitch. Now you won’t have to freeze while searching for me. It’s a good thing you stopped here first. No doubt my husband and friends would be alarmed to hear I was missing under such perilous circumstances.”
Landis watched her intently. Her tone was deceptively polite and calm, but the underlying traces of sarcasm and coldness couldn’t be ignored. No doubt just miffed at being ordered to stay in his room for so long. Or could it be distress over this particular conversation?
As they sipped the coffee, Kathy told Trace what happened on the trail. “I have my husband to thank for saving my life,” she finished crisply. “We left word in Stewart for Jack to meet me in Dawson. If you see him, would you please tell him where I am? I wouldn’t want him to worry.”
“Most certainly, Miss…Mrs. Jurrell. I must admit you’re safer here than in Dawson. Is there anything else you want to tell me?”
Kathy eyed him strangely. “Should there be?”
“Sometimes witnesses think of another clue later. If you do, send word to Log Cabin. We’d like to catch these culprits.”
“Rest assured I will do anything to help you capture those killers, Mr. Blitch. But there’s nothing else to tell. As I said, I heard the shots, but didn’t see anything.”
“What about along the way?” he probed. “Did you notice anyone watching you? Did anyone seem overly curious about your destination?”
She gave it some thought, then told him about the friends the two Eskimos conversed with at Lake Bennett and the incident with the lecherous prospector at Stewart. “Other than those two times, I don’t recall anyone paying us much attention. Why?”
Trace chuckled and commented, “I’m positive you received a great deal more atention, Mrs. Jurrell. Beautiful women are rare in these parts. I was thinking about that mysterious letter you received.”
She flushed lightly, then replied, “Thank you, sir. If anyone did look my way, I was too tired and scared to notice. If I had, my husband would be furious; he’s very possessive.”
“It’s possible someone was following you to steal those supplies. It happens here too much. Or the letter culprit could be involved.”
“Then why didn’t they look for me and kill me?”
“They didn’t need to waste the time. Leaving you stranded in the wilds should have done the trick. Some men, even desperate ones, find it difficult to murder a woman outright. Whoever did it didn’t count on Landis coming along to rescue you. You’re lucky.”
“Yes, I am,” she concurred, failing to look at Landis.
The ensuing silence was severed when Landis invited Trace to eat supper with them and spend the night. “You Mounties sleep out in the cold too often. You can put your bedroll near the fire tonight.”
“That’s mighty kind of you. I hope you don’t mind, Mrs. Jurrell.”
“Certainly not. I’ll prepare supper. I’ll need your help, dear; I’m not acquainted with the meat you’re cooking.”
Landis looked over at her and smiled. “I’ll be delighted to teach you, Mrs. Jurrell,” he murmured.
Trace observed them. After the meal, Kathy washed dishes while Landis dried them and put them away. “Cards?” he suggested to Trace.
“Don’t mind if we do,” he agreed, relaxed and intrigued.
They sat at the table, playing poker. Kathy watched for a time, then they entreated her to play. She declined, saying she knew nothing of such games. When they eagerly offered to teach her, she smiled and refused.
“If you gentlemen don’t mind, I think I’ll retire and read a while. I’m sure you gentlemen would like to chat alone. Goodnight, Mr. Blitch. Landis.” She selected a book of poetry from his shelf and entered their room, feeling uneasy with a guest in the cabin.
Landis hurried inside on the excuse of lighting the lantern. He grinned ruefully and shrugged his shoulders. She stared, then thanked him. She noted his quizzical expression, but turned her back to him. “Good night, Kat.”
The door closed for privacy, the air was soon chilly. She couldn’t very well open it, so she shivered. She tossed the book aside and snuggled under the covers, yearning for Landis’s body heat. No matter which way she turned, she couldn’t get comfortable or warm. She tossed for hours, her fury rising against Landis and Trace.
The men played cards until midnight, then turned in. Trace reclined in his warm location, while Landis discovered Kat supposedly asleep. He kept thinking about the woman beside him, unable to sleep. She had been in a crazy mood tonight. But if she knew the truth, she wouldn’t be in his bed.
At last, all three were sleeping fitfully. Trace was the first to awaken, grinning as he eyed the closed door. A worried scowl replaced his smile. Now he understood why Bill Thomas had been trying to withhold the truth from Landis until they could prove it; Landis actually loved her. Having witnessed Landis’s temper, Trace dreaded the time Landis would have to betray Kathy.
To Trace’s surprise, both were exceptionally cheerful and talkative. When breakfast was over, he almost hated to leave the pleasant atmosphere and warm cabin. Landis yanked on his parka and walked a short distance with him. They talked for a while, then parted company. Trace headed for Dawson, and Landis returned to his cabin.
As she made his bed, Landis came up behind her and seized her around the waist. “How’d you fare last night, love?”
Thinking it best to keep on a light note, she smiled and confessed, “I nearly froze. You were right about body heat. What about you?”
“The same, if not worse,” he confessed.
“You best get used to it again, Jurrell; I’ll be leaving soon,” she reminded him, intentionally trying to pique him.
“You could stay longer,” he unexpectedly coaxed.
“And have you accusing me of taking advantage of you in a weak moment?” she teased, her laughter unnaturally high.
“You got a better offer?” he asked, slightly perturbed.
“I’m not for sale. Besides, you have work to do. Will you take me trapping with you today?” she abruptly asked.
“Trapping?” he echoed, his voice hollow.
“Why not? I’d like to see how it’s done. It’d be nice to see the scenery with such an experienced guide. You’re not trying to keep me a prisoner here, are you?” she jested, turning to face him.
“It might not be wise for anyone to learn you’re here,” he commented, his blank expression shielding his emotions.
“Afraid I might tarnish that carefree image of yours, Jurrell?”
“I was thinking of your safety while I’m out,” he chided.
“You did marry me. Why keep your wife’s presence a secret? Living together is common, isn’t it?” she asked the startled man.
“I’m worried about you, Kat,” he replied honestly.
“You underestimate your prowess, love. Think youll miss me?”
“More than I care to admit. Why not stay a while longer?” he encouraged once more, wanting her at his side.
“I don’t think your friend would like that set-up. It would be a little strained with you gone. I’ll see you when you come to Skagway on business. Did I tell you Harriet is building her own cabin? That means I’ll be all alone,” she informed him.
His ebony eyes glittered. “You drive a hard bargain, woman.”
“Do I?” she purred seductively, caressing his chest.
He caught her hands and warned, “If you keep that up, I’ll be late.” He instantly caught his error and tensed.
“Late? Do the animals have clocks?” she mocked.
“If you don’t check the traps early, scavengers attack the catch. Torn pelts don’t bring much money. I best clear out while I can.”
Kathy determined to delay his trip. She smiled wantonly and murmured, “I missed you last night. Do you have to go so early? I thought we could…”
She grinned and fondled his chest. “Could what?” he inquired, a lazy smile making creases near his mouth and eyes.
She began to unbutton his shirt, placing kisses down his bare chest. When the shirt was undone, she snuggled against him, running her hands up his well-developed back. She eased up to kiss him, her lips eagerly tasting his. Her torrid mouth nibbled at his neck, causing him to shudder. Having prepared for this test of her appeal, she was out of her shirt and pressing her naked chest to his before he knew what was happening. The contact was staggering to his self-control.
She encircled his neck with her hands and pulled it down to fuse his lips with hers. She greedily devoured his mouth as she tempted him beyond reason. Her breasts burned into his chest, sending fires raging through his entire body. One hand slid down his chest, passed his drumming heart, over his taut stomach, to brazenly caress the bulge in his pants. The back of her hand moved up and down the evidence of her effect upon him, precariously swaying his resolve to leave.
When he hoarsely murmured against her lips, “Kat, I must go. Later, love,” she shamelessly unfastened his britches and boldly grasped his throbbing manhood, her touch gentle and intoxicating.
Her provocative hand massaged the swollen flesh as she continued to ravish his mouth. “I need you, Landis. Please don’t go,” she pleaded.
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