Golden Torment

by Janelle Taylor

  “You sure?” Jack pressed worriedly, scowling at Landis.

  “Yes. Landis came this far on a freezing night, so I should listen. I did sneak off with you. After all, he is my husband,” she stated laughingly to dispel Jack’s concern. Jack frowned and left, but didn’t go far, just in case Kathy needed help with that tempestuous husband.

  When she closed the door and walked over to him, she said, “You had no right to embarrass me like that. What’s wrong with you?”

  “Where is it, Kat? Just hand it over and I’ll be on my way,” he demanded.

  “Hand over what?” she echoed, staring up at him.

  “You know what I’m talking about. I’m not taking any more crap from you. Just turn it over, and we’ll call it even.”

  Kathy retreated a few steps in alarm. Landis followed to stand towering over her. “I haven’t the vaguest idea what you’re talking about!” she refuted, fear surging through her at the sight of his fury which he inexplicably unleashed on her.

  “Don’t play the innocent with me! Where is the packet you stole from my cabin? Do you still have it? Or did you give it to someone?” he fiercely demanded as she sank weakly into a chair.

  “Packet?” she repeated in rising bewilderment. “You’re accusing me of stealing something from you?” she exclaimed in outrage.

  “You fled while I was gone and the packet vanished the same day. I’ll do whatever necessary to get it,” he coldly threatened, fists clenched at his sides. The look on his face astounded her: rage, resentment, and danger.

  “I don’t have any packet!” she argued. “Jack came by, so I left with him. You should be glad he saved you the time and trouble. I’m your wife; how dare you accuse me of being a common thief!”

  “There’s nothing common about you, Kat. You’re a real pro. You really had me fooled. I was beginning to believe all that malarky about your troubles. You ensnare my interest and help; then, you marry me to entrap me,” he sneered, his gaze contemptuously sweeping over her. “All the time you’re making love to me, you’re plotting to use me, to steal from me. You really had it all worked out, didn’t you? This job required a lot from you, Kat. How you gonna ensnare your next victim, seeing as I’ll never free you?” he went for the throat like some crazed wolf, tormented by her seeming betrayal. “You’re as much my property as my horse and gun.”

  Kathy jumped up, knocking over her chair. She delivered a stunning slap to his taunting face. He seized her wrist and laughed in her face. “The truth bothers you, love?” he said cruelly.

  “You wouldn’t know the truth if it knocked you down and jumped on your chest! You’re a beast, Jurrell!”

  He put pressure on her wrist until she squealed with pain. She glared at him and gritted out, “Let me go, Landis, or I’ll forget we’re married!”

  “Hand it over, then I’ll gladly leave and forget everything,” he snarled at Kathy. “Who hired you to spy on me and betray me?”

  “I can’t,” she said hoarsely.

  “That packet is critical. I’m not leaving here without it.”

  “I didn’t steal anything,” she cried, tears flowing down her pale cheeks. “I swear it, Landis! It wasn’t me!”

  As they faced each other with rage, he accused, “You were spying on me all the time. Why?”

  “I was not! If anyone deceived anyone, it was you! You practically demanded I leave. You were carrying on with that Michelle creature the whole time! What about our marriage and our bargain?”

  His gaze widened. “Michelle? Is that what this is all about, revenge? Jealousy?” he ranted. Still, he couldn’t say the truth: that Michelle was only his contact.

  “You arrogant snake!” she shrieked, her anger at a dangerous level.

  “At least she has loyalty. That’s more than I can say for my own wife,” he sneered uncontrollably.

  Kathy fought to keep the welled tears from spilling forth. Never had she felt so tormented in her life. This was the man she had loved beyond her own life and will? She had married him and tried to make it work but now he was destroying everything. “You’re so wrong about everything, Landis. If only you knew the truth. You’re a bloody fool. Whatever existed, it’s over.”

  Landis imprisoned her chin. “It isn’t over until I have those reports. You’re mine, Kat; I’ll never free you. No divorce, no annulment, no escape. Whatever you are, you’re Kathryn Jurrell.”

  All she had wanted was to find her father. Now, she was listening to her own husband, her love, calling her a liar and worse. She felt betrayed by both men, her life empty. She yanked free while his grip was loose. She walked away from him, leaning her forehead against the cabin door. It was over, everything: her quest, her marriage, her love, and her happiness.

  Landis had a sinking feeling he had over-reacted, but couldn’t relent or view matters rationally. He hadn’t wanted her to leave, but knew she couldn’t stay. Then Jack turned up babbling about Michelle. To make matters worse, Kathy had stolen his reports! Since they were in code, did she even comprehend the dynamite she was holding? She certainly had perilous ways of enticing him to come after her!

  “Then you don’t mind if I search your cabin,” he challenged.

  “I do mind. There’s nothing here that belongs to you. Get out of my life and home. I hate you,” she vowed in anguish.

  “That’s not what you told me at my cabin,” he debated, leaning against the door, grinning roguishly at her. What if she was innocent or being forced to help somebody?

  “I didn’t know you then. I wanted to love you and share your life. I wanted to help you if you were in trouble or danger. Did you think I was asleep all those nights you left our bed after making love to me? Yes, I know about your hiding place. I peeked twice, both times the hole was empty. I’ve never read any of those pages I saw you writing on late at night. I have no idea who or what you are. I haven’t even thought about it since Jack arrived and we left. If anything was there, Trace brought it that morning. Believe what you will, but I didn’t take it.” Agonizing tears dropped to her gown.

  “Then prove it,” he tenderly challenged.

  “No. Is that why you were so eager to be rid of me, for Michelle? You were afraid she might find out you were duping me, too? Well, you can stop spying on me for your friend Bill; I don’t know where Jake Hammond is. Jack and I looked everywhere; we couldn’t find anyone who knew him, or anyone you’d questioned. Put that in your next report, Jurrell. This time, guard it with your life.”

  “Whatever you heard, Kat; I’m not in love with Michelle. That file is critical to my business. I must have it back. Maybe I came down too hard on you. I’m sorry,” he relented.

  “Sorry?” she scoffed with a bitter laugh. “You have no conscience, Jurrell. It won’t work. I’ve been given several glimpses at the real you. I despise who and what you are.”

  “If you didn’t take it, then help me figure out who did?” he entreated, waiting to hear the reply to that desperate suggestion.

  “How would I know? A man like you must have plenty of enemies. Why don’t you ask Ben? He was there when I left.”

  “Ben was out trapping. He didn’t see anyone.”

  “I didn’t either. How could I? You kept me locked away like some wicked secret. Why don’t you consider who would profit by the information in that packet? That should give you a clue.”

  Kathy inhaled raggedly, needing to end this draining talk. When she said he could search the entire cabin, he declined. “You’re cunning, Landis. I’m sure you’ll find the culprit. Just don’t come asking my forgiveness when you discover the truth. Whether you release me or not, you’ll never have more than a marriage in name only; I swear it.”

  “Would it make any difference if I told you that file can get me killed? Some secrets are deadly, Kat.” He waited tensely. Silence. “Kat?” he hinted, tugging at her arm. “I’m a dead man if that file falls into the wrong hands. You’ll be a widow. Is your freedom that costly?”

  ‘That alone shou
ld tell you I wouldn’t take it. You’re my husband, and I loved you. I’m not going to defend myself to you. Our bargain was met, Landis; I kept my end. I guess you did, too, in your own way.”

  Landis knew he could talk and reason for days and not change her mind. If she didn’t take it, he had work to do. Funny, he was beginning to believe her! “It isn’t over, Kat. It won’t be until that file is in my hands. Good-night, my golden torment.”

  “No, Landis, goodbye. I’ll be leaving on the first ship to arrive.”

  “I’ll make certain you can’t leave until that file is recovered.”

  “You can’t stop me,” she smugly vowed.

  “Theft is a serious crime. I won’t have to; the Mounties will,” he lazily announced, then strolled out.

  “What do you mean?” she demanded as he retreated. Silence.

  Dressed in a nightgown, she couldn’t pursue him. She locked the door, then raced to the window and unbolted the shutter. He was heading for Dray’s, his fluid strides shouting his confidence. Could they arrest her for a crime she didn’t commit? Could they hold her here against her will? The Mounties wielded great power and influence here. Would anyone come to her aid against them? Dread washed over her; he had her trapped like one of his helpless animals. In light of Landis’s prowess and friendship, Bill would surely grant him any favor he asked, even imprisoning his own wife…

  Sixteen

  At breakfast, Kathy was subdued. The friendly lumberjacks didn’t comment on her lack of spontaneity, nor the cloudy glaze over her blue eyes. They assumed her somber state was due to lagging fatigue from her recent journey, to missing her husband, and to her vain search for her father.

  As they cleared the tables and washed the dishes, Harriet remarked, “You look tired. Didn’t you sleep well?” Kathy forced a smile, but its strain didn’t fool Harriet. “Problems you didn’t mention?” she deduced.

  “Landis was here last night. He left before dawn,” she sketchily offered.

  “Did you two quarrel?” she inquired, concern etching her face. “You don’t have to talk if you prefer. He came several times looking for you, almost acting as if you might be gone. Is he upset about Jack’s help?”

  “You know what happened after I went inland with Umiakia and Aishihik. I would have died if Landis hadn’t come along. He took me to his cabin. I lived with him and Ben Weathers until Jack came for me. He’s furious because of something that happened,” she explained, not wanting to go into painful detail, but needing to talk with someone who would understand.

  “Ben Weathers?” Harriet asked, letting the story unfold gradually.

  Kathy smiled fondly as she spoke of Ben, telling of their times together. Harriet speculated, “Did something specific happen to anger him?”

  “Yes,” Kathy began. Her voice trembling, she related the tale.

  Harriet gasped in shock, “Surely he can’t think you took them!”

  “He does, Harriet. I’ve got to learn who took them and get them back.”

  “Why? You aren’t responsible,” Harriet debated.

  “He thinks I am. Until those files are back in his possession, he’s going to arrange with the Mounties to keep me here under arrest.”

  “You can’t mean it!” she gasped incredulously.

  “He was serious, Harriet. He’ll do anything for those files. He’s refusing to release me from our marriage. What else can I do?”

  “You’re an American citizen. They can’t falsely detain you. He was only bluffing. They wouldn’t arrest Landis Jurrell’s wife.”

  “Hell find a way to incriminate me. I’ve got to find those files.”

  “But how?”

  Kathy paced a few minutes. “If I just knew what they said, I could reason out who had a motive for stealing them. The canal will be thawed by April. That gives me under two months to find them.”

  “You’re leaving?” Harriet’s face exhibited her surprise.

  “Yes. I’m going back to Washington on the first ship. I don’t belong here. Besides, Jake can’t be located and I’ve lost Landis.”

  Harriet felt the reason for her departure had more to do with Landis than anything else, but she didn’t say that.

  “I need to see Jack. We’ll speak later,” Kathy ended the talk.

  Harriet embraced her and encouraged, “Don’t worry, Kathy. Your husband won’t harm you; he’s just overly upset.”

  Kathy bit her tongue to keep from shouting, he already has. But her eyes told the story for her. She slowly walked to Moore’s, feeling like an innocent victim making her way to the hangman. She hesitated at the door before knocking. What could she say? Surely Jack had been stunned and disillusioned by Landis’s behavior. Did she owe Jack an explanation and apology? Jack had loved her mother, just as futilely and blindly as she loved Landis. Surely Jack comprehended her anguish and rash mistakes. Jack appeared the only person she could trust, who would unselfishly help her.

  Knowing Moore was gone, she knocked. Jack answered it, appearing astonished. He asked her inside, out of the cold. She shook her head, then asked him over to her cabin. Jack yanked on his parka and followed her. Kathy didn’t care who witnessed this outrageous conduct or what gossip would be inspired by it. She invited Jack inside, then poured two cups of coffee. She motioned for him to join her at the table, then sat down wearily.

  “Jack…” she began, then halted, not knowing where to start or what to say in her defense. Did she even have one? “I wish Mother were here; I need her and some advice,” she cried in pain.

  Jack caught her icy hands and stated hoarsely, “She’s lost to us forever, Kathy. Dory would want me to take care of you. You don’t have to say anything, Kathy. Landis should be horsewhipped for acting so badly.”

  The pressure too great to bear, she broke down and told Jack everything between sobs. The pieces of her life’s puzzle fell into place, breaking Jack’s heart. “Kathy, he’s trouble. He’s stubborn. When he wants something, he’ll get it one way or another. I’m sorry he wanted you and hurt you.”

  “I want to…apologize for the scene you witnessed last night. I won’t be seeing him anymore, if I can avoid it. I have no excuse for my behavior. I hope you don’t think…so badly of me.”

  “You’re in love with him. You trusted him. I understand. But Landis doesn’t have any excuse for taking advantage of your innocence and love.”

  “I know I was a fool. But that doesn’t change how I feel.”

  “You’re still in love with him?” he gingerly asked.

  “It hurts to be used like that. I really believe he…”

  When she didn’t finish, Jack did, “Loved you? I’m afraid Landis is a taker, Kathy. He found a way to get you. He lied to you.”

  “I know, Jack,” she concurred, sounding very tired and despondent. “I need your help again,” she informed him.

  “Sure. Anything,” he instantly agreed, puzzled anew.

  “Can you venture any guess what might be in those files? Or who might want them so badly?” she queried unexpectedly, suddenly very calm.

  He stared at her. “I don’t understand what you’re asking.”

  “The only way to clear my name and regain my freedom is to make sure they’re found and returned,” she solemnly concluded.

  “I don’t believe what I’m hearing, Kathryn Hammond! You want to help him, after what he did to you?” he debated.

  “Don’t you see, Jack; that’s the only way to terminate all ties? As long as I’m the only suspect, he has a hold over me.”

  Kathy related Landis’s scheme to keep her in Skagway. “Can he pull it off?” she asked gravely, then exposed her plans to leave.

  “I can’t stay here. Can he do that?” she demanded persistently.

  “Don’t be fooled again, Kathy. The Mounties wouldn’t treat you like that,” he stated, but Kathy saw the look of alarm in his eyes.

  “I’ve had my share of deceit, Jack. Please, don’t you start with me, too. They can; and they will, won’t
they?”

  Jack exhaled angrily. “Yes, Kathy. Landis can probably persuade them to help him. ’Course, that might just be his way of keeping you here until you both calm down and work out these problems between you.”

  “That’s impossible now. Will you help me?” she asked again.

  A curious light flooded Jack’s eyes, one which hinted there was another suspect. “You know who and why?” she pounced on Jack’s careless clue.

  “Don’t be a fool. You can’t get tangled up with him. I could be wrong.”

  “Who?” Kathy forcefully demanded.

  “Smith,” Jack informed her. “Nobody has more to lose than Soapy Smith. Landis has been keeping an eye on him for Sergeant Thomas. He might have discovered some strong evidence and recorded it.”

  “Would Smith kill him?” she asked, recalling Landis’s implication.

  “Probably. First he would want to learn how much Landis knew about him and his operations. With two Mounties just killed, another murder would inspire a heavy investigation. Smith is wily.”

  “But if Smith has the file, he knows what Landis was doing.”

  “Why risk another murder charge when he’s holding the evidence in his hands?” Jack logically reasoned. “I’d bet my boots Smith has that file, or he knows where it is.” Jack added, “There’s some mighty suspicious dealings going on with some of those fur-trading companies in there. They would also be anxious to get their hands on an incriminating file.”

  Kathy decided, “The place to start is with Smith. Landis once told me Smith’s hands were somewhere in all crimes here. Smith offered me a job, so I already have a logical reason to go there.”

  “You can’t be serious! He knows you’re married to Landis! He despises him. Youll get yourself killed fooling with Soapy!”

  Jack was an adventurer. He lived for thrills and dangers, but had a blind spot where Kathy was concerned. “I know how to take care of myself. You saw me do it on the trail. I won’t take any risks. I think it’s a smart idea. You’ll be around to watch after me.”